AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- David Hebert, JD, Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), issued the following statement today following a meeting with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and members of the Coronavirus Task Force to discuss strategies for strengthening our nation's response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: "We thank the Administration for its efforts to coordinate with AANP and other national nursing organizations, as we combat this crisis together. It was critical for us to convey the priorities of the nation's 290,000 nurse practitioners [NPs] serving on the frontlines of our national response to the pandemic. First and foremost, NPs and all health care providers urgently need personal protection equipment, such as masks and gowns to ensure their safety and that of all health care providers treating patients with COVID-19. Supplies are also necessary to implement testing as well as respirators for treating patients. We asked the Administration to support this priority to the fullest extent of its authority. Second, we respectfully requested that the Administration work expeditiously to lift all federal barriers that today prevent NPs from practicing to the top of their profession. Further, we call on the nation's governors to immediately suspend all legislative and regulatory barriers that prevent NPs from providing patients with full and direct access to all the health care services NPs are clinically educated and prepared to provide. We must give NPs the tools and authority now to protect the health and safety of patients. We request a continued dialogue with the Administration as we navigate this challenging landscape." The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 290,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care. For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org . For COVID-19 information from AANP, visit http://bit.ly/2QsuRGr . SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners Related Links http://www.aanp.org Details added (first version posted on 17:26) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18 By Ilhama Isabalayeva - Trend: If necessary, a team of volunteers is ready to assist in the implementation of measures to combat coronavirus in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Public Association of Volunteers Imameddin Guliyev told Trend on March 18. Guliyev stressed that it is the duty of every citizen of the country including volunteers to be ready for this kind of responsible work in such a period, which is difficult for everyone. In general, in the current situation due to coronavirus, everyone regardless of age must show solidarity and follow the preventive measures which are taken by Azerbaijan, the chairman added. Guliyev stressed that presently, Azerbaijan is successfully implementing preventive measures against infection. The chairman said that volunteers may contribute to the implementation of measures to combat coronavirus and support awareness campaign. In this issue, the volunteers can mainly contribute to raising public awareness, the chairman said. They may convey the messages on the importance of observing sanitary rules related to coronavirus through information which also can be shared via social networks, he noted. Earlier, vice speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament Adil Aliyev suggested involving volunteers in the activities to combat coronavirus. Aliyev said that given the fact that the president declared 2020 the "Year of Volunteers", it would be advisable to create a specialized volunteer team due to a difficult situation for the country. These volunteers may also bring food and medicine to the elderly, Aliyev added. PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 11:05:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 878 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NIAGARA FALLS, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. (TSXV:EHT) ("EHT") is pleased to announce an update on its Food for the North initiative with Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario.EHT, working with the research team at Canadore College, has completed the first 30 days of the growing from seed of various micro-greens and vegetables in our Grow Unit located in North Bay. The results of the grow from seed has been very impressive (please see attached link). These results demonstrate how our Grow Unit's ability to control the environment allows plants to grow at optimum rates. They also show that First Nation communities and other smaller communities in the North can grow fresh micro-greens and vegetables for their people who reside there.EHT is working with the Federal and various Provincial Governments at the moment on a pilot program for up to 10 Grow Units to be located in remote towns and reserves. Each Unit will be approximately 5000 square feet and will sell for approximately $1.2M depending on location; EHT expects to make a 30% margin on each Unit. As contracts are placed, EHT will update the market.John Gamble, CEO of EHT, commented that "We are very proud of our products and having independent research confirming our results backs up all the work we have done over the last several months." Please see attached link: Click Here Now!About EnerDynamic Hybrid TechnologiesEHT delivers proprietary, turn-key energy solutions which are intelligent, bankable and sustainable. EHT's expertise includes the development of its ENERTEC module structures with full integration of smart energy solutions. Using a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger than traditional wood or steel structural insulated panels, EHT provides exceptional thermal energy efficiency in modular homes, cold storage facilities, residential/commercial out buildings and emergency/temporary shelters. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. In addition to traditional support to established electrical networks, ENERTEC buildings excel where no electrical grid exists.About ENERTECThe EHT advanced ENERTEC Modular Wall and Roof System uses a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger and more energy efficient than traditional wood or steel structures providing the highest ratings for energy efficiency. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. After installation, each structure can be furnished and finished to meet the customer's requirements including siding, tile, kitchens and bathrooms or segregated commercial rooms. The finished wall product can be shipped on pallets and delivered via rail, truck or water in standard formats.At the core of the ENERTEC product line is the ENERTEC Embedded Solar Roof Module. Solar cells can be embedded in a proprietary fire proof skin resulting in substantial cost savings by eliminating heavy glass panels and aluminum racking required for traditional solar panels. Two barriers to greater adoption of solar energy are weight limitations of the roof on which solar panels could be deployed and onerous shipping and labour costs. A lighter product at a better price point will open a larger market for solar due to the faster return of capital investment especially for rural and remote users looking to go off-grid. Furthermore, the entire EHT embedded solar roof becomes a massive solar panel capable of producing significantly more energy than the home requires, allowing the structure to then become an important source of power for the local micro grid or large battery storage systems.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.The statements herein that are not historical facts are forwardlooking statements. Forward-looking information relating to sales of the products (the "Opportunities") involves risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, for the Opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although EHT believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information on the Opportunities outlined in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. EHT disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:John GambleDirector(289) 488-1699jgamble@ ehthybrid.com info@ ehthybrid.com Website: www.ehthybrid.com SOURCE: EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:31:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Staff members wearing protective suits wait for passengers at an airport in Polokwane, South Africa, March 14, 2020. (Photo by Molefi Moleli/Xinhua) Around 640 COVID-19 cases have been reported in 34 African countries so far, Africa CDC said,adding a total of 16 deaths were reported in Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco and Sudan. Africa CDC is focusing on a three-pillar strategy to combat COVID-19 on the continent. ADDIS ABABA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Around 640 COVID-19 cases have been reported in 34 African countries so far, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed on Thursday. Speaking to journalists, John Nkengasong, Africa CDC Director, said, "In Africa we now have around 640 COVID-19 confirmed cases coming from 34 countries." "The death count in Africa is currently 16 from five countries. Those 16 deaths are distributed among Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco and Sudan," said the Africa CDC Director. Nkengasong said the number of African countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 has dramatically increased in less than a week, a testament to the dangerous nature of the pandemic. "Over the weekend the continent tipped over and as we now know over 34 countries have reported coronavirus infection," he said. Nkengasong further said Africa CDC is focusing on a three-pillar strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the continent. The photo shows a Senegalese Red Cross volunteer at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar in Dakar, Senegal, on March 16, 2020. (Photo by Eddy Peters/Xinhua) "Our first strategy is aimed at prevention, the second pillar of strategy is preventing death and the third pillar is preventing social harm," he said. Nkengasong also said Africa CDC is facilitating mass testing across the continent as part of a comprehensive plan to fight the spread of the virus. "By next Monday we would have rolled out 60,000 tests to African countries." "Our continental strategy is aimed at three key things: cooperation, collaboration and communication across member states," said Nkengasong. The African Union, through it's Africa CDC, has already activated its Emergency Operations Center and its Incident Management System (IMS) for the COVID-19 outbreak on January 27. The Africa CDC had also developed its third Incident Action Plan that covers the period from March 16 to April 15. Chennai, 19 March : Tamil star Dhanush stars with not one but three heroines in his upcoming film "Karnan". Malayalam actress Rajisha Vijayan, "96" fame Gouri G. Kishan and "Maya" actress Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli have been signed up for the film, directed by Mari Selvaraj. Pictures from the film's set show Rajisha looking unrecognisable donning the look of a rural woman. The actress has had a dream run in Malayalam films last year with releases such as "June", "Finals" and "Stand Up", and "Karnan" marks her Tamil film debut. Gouri took to social media to talk about the film, which was known as D41 before it got an official title. "I am deeply humbled to announce that I am on-board D41 with the phenomenal Mari Selvaraj sir," wrote Gouri. She is also a part of actor Vijay's new film "Master", where she is said to be playing a student. Lakshmi, who has starred in films such as "Richie" and "Sivaranjiyum Innum Sila Pengalum", tweeted, on the auspicios occasion of Tamil New Year: "I am very happy to announce that I have joined the sets of #D41 #Karnan directed by the brilliant @mari_selvaraj sir. Very happy and excited to work with this amazing cast and crew." Last month, "Karnan" was embroiled in controversy when rumours flew that the film is based on the 1995 Kodiyankulam Maniyachi communal clash. The makers reportedly received threats to stop shooting that was underway in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. Members of the political party Mukkulathor Pulipadai demanded that the shoot be cancelled. The party's leader, actor-turned-politician Karunas, even went on to say that the film is critical of a particular community, and its portrayal of history might create unrest in the region. Party members also urged the police to arrest the director. Dhanush's other much-awaited film right now is Karthik Subbaraj's "Jagame Thandhiram". The film is likely to release on May 1. The first look poster of the film resembles the 15th-century mural painting "The Last Supper" by Italian master Leonardo da Vinci. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed China Lilang Limited (HKG:1234), which is in the luxury business, and is based in China, received a lot of attention from a substantial price movement on the SEHK over the last few months, increasing to HK$6.94 at one point, and dropping to the lows of HK$4.50. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether China Lilang's current trading price of HK$4.62 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at China Lilangs outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. Check out our latest analysis for China Lilang What's the opportunity in China Lilang? According to my price multiple model, which makes a comparison between the company's price-to-earnings ratio and the industry average, the stock price seems to be justfied. Ive used the price-to-earnings ratio in this instance because theres not enough visibility to forecast its cash flows. The stocks ratio of 6.28x is currently trading slightly below its industry peers ratio of 7.03x, which means if you buy China Lilang today, youd be paying a decent price for it. And if you believe China Lilang should be trading in this range, then there isnt much room for the share price to grow beyond the levels of other industry peers over the long-term. Furthermore, China Lilangs share price also seems relatively stable compared to the rest of the market, as indicated by its low beta. This may mean it is less likely for the stock to fall lower from natural market volatility, which suggests less opportunities to buy moving forward. Can we expect growth from China Lilang? SEHK:1234 Past and Future Earnings, March 19th 2020 Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 32% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for China Lilang. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation. Story continues What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? 1234s optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading around industry price multiples. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the track record of its management team. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at 1234? Will you have enough confidence to invest in the company should the price drop below the industry PE ratio? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on 1234, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around industry price multiples. However, the optimistic forecast is encouraging for 1234, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters the fundamentals before you make a decision on China Lilang. You can find everything you need to know about China Lilang in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in China Lilang, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar decided towards the end of last week that he wanted to speak to the nation, believing it was important to address an increasingly unnerved Irish public on their national holiday - "a St Patrick's Day like no other. A day that none of us will ever forget," as he described it. RTE confirmed last night the speech had 1,592,300 viewers, many of them drawn in by the sudden announcement just before 8pm that Mr Varadkar would address the country under a rarely invoked section of the Broadcasting Act that renders the national broadcaster powerless to stop the government from speaking to its people directly. Mr Varadkar had already delivered a 'where were you when...' moment last Thursday outside the US president's guest house in Washington DC, announcing drastic measures to slow the spread of the virus, as dawn broke over the US capital. The announcement of school and creche closures triggered panic at home and forced the Taoiseach to issue a further message later in the day urging the public not to empty supermarket shelves. The optics of all this being said by the country's caretaker leader thousands of miles across the Atlantic were not great. But on Tuesday, Mr Varadkar reset the narrative and delivered a speech that may well come to define his political career except, as he said himself, "this is the calm before the storm". The Taoiseach wrote the original draft of the speech in recent days, fine-tuning it with his speech-writer Patrick Geoghegan, the Trinity history professor whose imprint on Mr Varadkar's speeches is evident whenever there are references to the past. Mr Geoghegan is on paternity leave, but was still able to have input along with the rest of Mr Varadkar's team, including chief of staff Brian Murphy, programme manager John Carroll and press secretary Nick Miller, his deputy Sarah Meade, who cut the speech to the required length for TV, as well as advisors Angela Flanagan and Clare Mungovan. Contrary to speculation, John Concannon, the former head of the now defunct 'spin unit', who has been seconded to help with crisis communications in the coming months, was not involved, sources confirmed. RTE was approached at the weekend about the possibility of such an address but it was all kept secret until just over an hour before broadcast for fear it might lead to the same panic as last week. When news of its imminent broadcast did emerge, Government sources were quick to brief that there would be little new being said. The provision under which it took place, Section 122 (4) of the Broadcasting Act, could not be clearer: "The minister may direct a corporation to allocate broadcasting time for announcements for and on behalf of any minister of the government, in the event of a major emergency... and the corporation shall comply with the direction." It meant RTE had no choice but to immediately comply and organise an outside broadcast from Government Buildings and make changes to planned programming - all on a bank holiday with many staff working from home. Read More The last time we referred to an event as 'The Emergency' was World War II, so it was no coincidence perhaps that the Taoiseach's speech was peppered with nods to that period. In praising healthcare staff - "not all superheroes wear capes, some wear scrubs and gowns" - Mr Varadkar drew on inspiration not just from that popular internet meme but also Winston Churchill when he said: "Never will so many ask so much of so few." It was a paraphrasing of the wartime prime minister's famous declaration that "never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few". In seeking to discourage people from relying on unreliable sources for information, he said: "Fear is a virus in itself." It echoed the words of wartime US president Franklin D Roosevelt who said at his inauguration in 1933: "The only thing we have to fear is... fear itself." Unlike previous Section 122 addresses by his predecessors, the Taoiseach was not sitting at a table peering down the camera. Instead he emerged from his office, walked down the corridor, and stood in front of a podium to deliver his solemn address. It was somewhat reminiscent of how Barack Obama walked down a White House hallway one evening in May 2011 to deliver the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed by US forces in Pakistan. Mr Obama's former speech-writer, Cody Keenan, was among those to lavish praise on Mr Varadkar. "Tough, strong speech to give on Ireland's national holiday. Reassuring, empathetic, directly addresses young people, the world, and fear itself. Brings everyone into the front lines. Well done. Will be remembered," he tweeted. We are gratified that the hundreds of thousands of class members will be compensated for their losses, and we hope these payments help the many farmers who are hurting economically." The first payments to class members in the landmark Syngenta corn class action lawsuit (MDL No. 2591) will be mailed beginning later this month, settlement class counsel announced today. These payments stem from the $1.51 billion settlement related to Syngentas marketing and commercialization of Agrisure Viptera and Agrisure Duracade corn seeds, which is believed to be the largest agricultural settlement in U.S. history. For a majority of farmers, the total payments under the settlement will exceed $5,000. Settlement class counsel asked the MDL Court in Kansas for permission to make partial, interim payments on approved claims to help farmers struggling with the current economic situations and because a relatively small number of claims are still being processed, which precludes final payments. On February 28, the Hon. John W. Lungstrum, the MDL Judge, entered an order authorizing these interim payments to eligible corn growers, grain handling facilities and ethanol production plants. Beginning on or around March 20, interim payment checks will be mailed to eligible class members: Producers and landlords will receive approximately 65 percent of their estimated total settlement amount; and Grain handling facilities and ethanol production facilities will receive approximately 50 percent of their estimated total settlement amount. The remainder of each class members total settlement amount is expected to be paid in the fall of 2020, when all claims have been processed. To receive payment, class members must have submitted all required payment documents, including W-9 forms. No payments will be made unless and until a W-9 form is received. These may be submitted at http://www.cornseedsettlement.com. The Settlement Class Counsel are Patrick Stueve of Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP; Dan Gustafson of Gustafson Gluek PLLC; and Chris Seeger of Seeger Weiss LLP. They issued the following statement: This brings meaningful relief to a long and hard-fought battle. We are gratified that the hundreds of thousands of class members will be compensated for their losses, and we hope these payments help the many farmers who are hurting economically. It has been an honor to advocate for farmers and others in this important litigation. For more information, contact: Katie Hollar Barnard 913.225.7707 khb@firesignmarketing.com Gold price on March 19 slipped marginally by Rs 41 to Rs 40,496 per 10 gram in Mumbai bullion market on stronger dollar and investor preference for cash. The rate of 10 gram 22-carat gold in Mumbai was Rs 37,094 plus 3 percent GST, while 24-carat 10 gram was Rs 40,496 plus GST. The 18-carat gold quoted at Rs 30,372 plus GST in the retail market. "Gold prices tried to breach the $1500 zone in the previous session although could not sustain and again were trapped by the bears. Investors dumped precious metals in favour of cash after additional stimulus measures by the US failed to calm markets hit by mounting fears over the economic downside from the coronavirus outbreak," said Navneet Damani, Vice President, Motilal Oswal. The broader trend on Comex could be $1,450-1,515 and on domestic front prices could hover in the range of Rs 39,300-41,000, said Damani. The gold/silver ratio currently stands at 114.98 to 1, which means the amount of silver required to buy one ounce of gold. Silver prices declined Rs 295 to Rs 35,220 per kg from its closing on March 18. In the futures market, gold rate touched an intraday high of Rs 40,099 and an intraday low of Rs 39,052 on MCX. For the April series, the yellow metal touched a low of Rs 37,530 and a high of Rs 44,961. Gold futures for delivery in April eased Rs 223, or 0.56 percent on the MCX trading at Rs 39,500 per 10 gram in evening trade in a business turnover of 6,620 lots. Gold contracts for June delivery slipped Rs 283, or 0.71 percent, at Rs 39,620 per 10 gram in a business turnover of 12,874 lots. The value of the April contract traded so far is Rs 3,942.96 crore and June contract saw the value of Rs 625.08 crore. Similarly, Gold Mini contract for April was down Rs 139, or 0.35 percent at Rs 39,625 in a business turnover of 5,254 lots. Axis Securities advised its clients buy April Gold at Rs 39,700 with stoploss at Rs 39,550 and a target of Rs 40,550. MCX Gold has intraday resistance at Rs 40,130-40,370 whereas support is placed at Rs 39,310-39,040 levels, according to Motilal Oswal. The brokerage firm said spot gold has support at $1,455-1440 whereas resistance is at $1,508-1,525. At 13:52 pm (GMT), spot gold was down $11.43 at $1,474.76 an ounce in London trading. [March 19, 2020] ValuTel Communications Announces Work-From-Home Contingency Plans For New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ValuTel today, in response to the Governor's declared state public health emergency, announced Work-From-Home contingency plans for New Mexico employers. Designed to help employers quickly deploy temporary work-from-home solutions for their employees, ValuTel telecommunication services will be installed temporarily over the existing phone system without interrupting or switching from the current phone service provider. Details, pricing and signup information about ValuTel's work-from-home plans can be found at valutel.net/work-from-home or by calling (505) 504-7506. Services require no additional equipment purchases and can operate on all internet enabled networks including cellular networks. The plans do not require a term-length contract and will remain in place as long as needed. The plans are offered at a heavily discounted rate to employers looking to impement a temporary work-from-home solution "In efforts to do everything we can to keep New Mexico businesses operating efficiently, ValuTel is announcing special work-from-home plans to help employers keep their businesses running during this difficult, uncertain time," stated Jason Wolf, Director of Business Development. Wolf goes on to say, "Our temporary work-from-home plans are installed over your existing service to provide work-from-home options for your employees. When they come back to work, our services can be discontinued, and the business phone system goes back to operating the way it was." ValuTel's Work-From-Home plan announcement comes the day after the company signed the FCC's Keep America Connected Pledge, a commitment made by national telecommunication companies to keep American's connected during the Covid-19 pandemic. ValuTel is a locally owned telecommunications company, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, proudly serving statewide businesses, companies and government organizations for over 30 years. Certified by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission as a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), ValuTel is New Mexico's premier, next-generation network carrier, providing business telecommunication services and personable customer service to over 600 local businesses, state-wide companies, and New Mexico government organizations. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valutel-communications-announces-work-from-home-contingency-plans-for-new-mexico-301027008.html SOURCE ValuTel [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Northrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- The report "Food Colors Market by Type (Natural, Synthetic, Nature-Identical), Application (Beverages, Processed Food, Bakery & Confectionery Products, Oils & Fats, Dairy Products, Meat, Poultry, Seafood), Form, Solubility, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", The food colors market is estimated to be USD 3.88 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 5.12 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. The demand for natural food colors is increasing significantly across all regions. The various health benefits associated with their consumption are major factors driving their growth. The demand for food with a natural and clean label is increasing across the world, owing to increasing health awareness, increasing spending power of consumers, and increasing instances of food adulteration. Market Drivers Increasing demand for natural colors The demand for natural food colors over synthetic food colors is increasing due to growing consumer awareness for clean label products, health hazards associated with synthetic colors, and the health benefits achieved by using natural food colors. Synthetic colors can cause allergic disorders among consumers. The use of chemicals with heavy metals such as lead or arsenic to manufacture synthetic food colors can cause life-threatening diseases. Natural food colors are gaining market attention due to their natural origin appealing to consumers who view them as a "safe to use" product. Natural colors reduce the risk of allergies and intolerance among consumers. Such factors are increasing demand for natural colors in food & beverage applications. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=36725323 Increasing consumer awareness for clean-label products The demand for food with a natural and clean label is increasing across the world, owing to increasing health awareness, increasing spending power of consumers, and increasing food adulteration instances. Food safety concerns caused by the chemical contamination of food and ill-effects of synthetic additives have resulted in an increasing number of consumers demanding clean label products. This rising demand has led to the launch of several new products bearing claims such as "natural." As a result, food manufacturers are investing in clean labels, thereby leading to the introduction of new products or revision of existing product portfolios by incorporating clean label food colors. Restraints Health hazards of synthetic colorants In 2007, a UK government-funded study concluded that the consumption of artificial colors results in hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that synthetic colors (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) show signs of causing cancer in lab animals. Artificial colors such as yellow 5, yellow 6, and red 40 have been found to contain carcinogens. Caffeine is widely used as a colorant in soft drinks, which may cause heart palpitations and heart defects. Such adverse effects caused by synthetic food colors on the health of consumers are posing as a restraint for the growth of the food colors market. Stringent regulations pertaining to use of colors in food applications Stringent regulations imposed by the federal bodies of various countries have restrained the usage of synthetic colorants in food & beverage products. In the US, the FDA is the key regulating body for food additives. It regulates the inclusion of synthetic colors in food & beverages. Such regulations have restricted the use and demand for food colors. For instance, in 2008, a ruling was passed to ban food coloring in the UK. The six colors banned are E110, E104, E122, E129, E103, and E124. This has tremendously affected the consumption of food coloring in the food industry in the UK and its neighboring countries. Opportunities Innovative color extractions through new raw material sources With the growing health consciousness among consumers, the demand for synthetic food coloring is declining. As a result of the adverse effects that these colors cause to human health, food manufacturers are constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to extract colors from alternative natural sources. Untapped raw material sources such as cabbage and algae beta-carotene that are compliant with the regulatory mandates offer opportunities for the growth of the food colors market. Intercropping of existing crops with coloring crops offers high growth opportunities for market by offering new sources of food colors. Increasing ventures in Asia Pacific and South America Food color manufacturers have tremendous opportunities for growth in the Asia Pacific and South American regions. Localizing operations can help in reducing costs and improving access to local distribution networks, thereby optimizing profit margins. Resources and labor are readily available at a cheaper rate in these regions. The governments in China and India are providing incentives for multinationals to set up Greenfield ventures. The Indian government has declared major tax breaks to attract multinational investors. China provides special tax incentives over the usual tax holidays to encourage foreign investors. India, China, and Brazil are focusing more on the biotechnological development and its application in the manufacturing of natural coloring ingredients. Food & beverage manufacturers are witnessing tremendous demand from these countries due to the increased spending power of consumers on healthy food and changed eating habits & preferences. All these factors are offering opportunities for food colors in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific and South America. Europe accounted for the largest share of the food colors market in 2018. This market is driven by increased awareness about safe food color products among consumers, and inclination toward the health benefits provided by natural food colors. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market between 2018 and 2023. Emerging economies such as China and India play an important role in supplying food colors, either as raw materials or in processed forms, to the European market. Make an Inquiry: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=36725323 The major restraining factor for the food colors market is the health problem caused by consuming some synthetic colors. Another factor could be the stability of natural colors, which changes with changes in atmospheric or processing conditions such as pH, temperature, and light. Some natural colors start decolorizing after some time of processing. Some natural colors can impart off-tones to the final product during processing. Companies such as ADM (US), Sensient Technologies (US), Chr. Hansen (Denmark), DowDuPont (US), and DSM (Netherlands) have acquired leading market positions through their broad product portfolio, along with a focus on diverse end-user segments. They are also focused on innovations and are geographically diversified. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. St. Christophers Hospital, in Philadelphia, March 16, 2020. The coronavirus has been spreading across the globe since January, and now has been identified in the Philadelphia region. Read more Damaris Reyes didnt believe it when her sister told her shed seen on Facebook that a doctor tested positive for the new coronavirus at St. Christophers Hospital for Children, where both sisters have been taking their children for primary care and the occasional sick visit since birth. You cant believe everything you see on Facebook, she said. Besides, St. Christopher's would have let us know. But on Sunday, the 34-year-old mother of three saw the same news on television: St. Christophers closed its intensive care unit to new patients and shut down its level 1 trauma center two days earlier after a doctor tested positive for the new coronavirus. Tower Health and Drexel, which jointly own the hospital, notified patient families and staffers who had come into direct contact with the doctor. The rest of the community, including Reyes family, found out about the incident days later, when it was reported on the news. Its just a scary feeling not knowing, being worried, she said. It would make it less worrying to at least know someone is reaching out to show some type of concern. Just let us now you guys are trying. In the early weeks of the pandemics spread in the Philadelphia area, health systems have taken a need-to-know approach to alerting patients about an exposure contacting only families and staffers who came in direct contact with the individual who tested positive. Thats the approach Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia took when a cardiologist at its King of Prussia office tested positive in March. And on Wednesday Penn Medicine said several health-care workers across its system had tested positive but refused to say which facilities were affected. CHOP, St. Christophers, and Penn all declined to explain the reasoning for their method. Notifying only those directly affected protects the privacy of health-care workers who have, overnight, become patients, and could be intended to keep families that are likely not at risk from panicking. But at a time when anxiety is already high, learning about a coronavirus exposure at a hospital the very places trusted to help people get healthy is unnerving, especially when the information doesnt come from hospital administration. READ MORE: CHOP cardiologist positive for coronavirus saw about 24 patients in week before hospitalization As the virus spreads and hits more health-care workers, health systems will need to consider how to respond to a growing number of families like the Reyes family, who have been left feeling in the dark. To the extent that you can play both roles, as a person and also a provider, empathy can go a long way in establishing trust and credibility in health communications," said Amy Henderson Riley, a health communication specialist in Philadelphia. Health communicators typically take guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to disseminate information in a crisis, and empathy is top of the list of best practices, she said. According to those guidelines, which are published in a crisis communication manual, health systems should also make sure people can easily understand the source of the information, such as by adding their logo. Crisis communications should be written in the language spoken in the patient community and use photos that look like the hospitals patients. There is a responsibility that an institution of any kind, whether they are a health system, law practice, retail shop if anyone learns about that exposure, theres an ethical responsibility to tell anyone who might have been exposed so they can take action as they so wish," Henderson Riley said. But how wide a net hospitals should cast when notifying patients about coronavirus exposures is unclear, she said. Should a health system tell only people who had direct contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, or itsr entire patient base, or something in between? READ MORE: UPenn, CHOP stand ready to help as new owners take over Phillys St. Chris childrens hospital Anne Falls, whose daughter sees doctors in the King of Prussia building where the CHOP cardiologist tested positive, wishes hospitals would err on the side of greater transparency. Falls said her daughter, who is 17, had a physical therapy appointment in the week before the cardiologist tested positive on the same floor as the cardiology office. CHOP notified about two dozen patient families and 17 employees about potential exposure and urged them to stay in place, but Falls was not among them. She said she worries her daughter, who has asthma and a heart condition, could have been exposed to the virus if they shared an elevator with the doctor or one of his patients, or if another patient in the physical therapy office had a cardiology appointment earlier in the day. We havent gotten a notice or anything, Falls said. No one has contacted us, even to say, Hey, we saw you were in the same building, but we dont think theres any issue. CHOP did not respond to a request for comment. After the doctor was hospitalized with the new coronavirus, CHOP closed the cardiology office and an adjacent allergy clinic to disinfect; the offices reopened several days later. Asked about its approach to notifying families, a spokesperson for Tower Health, which operates St. Christophers, said the hospital had since posted on its website a letter to families in English and Spanish, describing the incident and the steps the hospital has taken to ensure patients and staff are safe. But that letter hadnt yet appeared online on Sunday, when Reyes was grasping for information. St. Christophers has played a positive role in Reyes life since she saw doctors there as a child, and for her children, ages 5, 9, and 15, the hospital is all theyve ever known. Yet the incident and in particular St. Christophers lack of quick communication has left her questioning whether shell take her kids back. Push comes to shove, she said, if one of them gets sick in the next few weeks, Ill probably transfer them to another clinic. BERLIN The German government Thursday banned two clubs linked to an anti-Semitic movement that refuses to recognize the modern German state, with the Interior Ministry ordering raids on the homes of the groups leaders in 10 states as part of a crackdown on Germanys far right. We relentlessly continue the fight against right-wing extremism even in times of crisis, Horst Seehofer, Germanys interior minister, said in a statement. We are dealing with an association that distributes racist and anti-Semitic writings and thus systematically poisons our liberal society, Seehofer added. After years of focusing on threats from Islamist extremists, German authorities have started to train their resources on combating homegrown far-right extremists. There have been three major attacks in the past nine months, including the killing of a politician, a failed attack on a synagogue and the killing in February of nine Germans with immigrant backgrounds, all carried out by far-right extremists. Far-right terror is the biggest threat to our democracy right now, Christine Lambrecht, the countrys justice minister, said after the February attacks. On Thursday, she said the decision to ban the clubs brought the fight against far-right extremism and racism to the highest political level. The banned clubs are part of whats called the German autonomous movement, which is different from other far-right groups that focus on refugees, foreigners or Germans with immigrant background. Its members call themselves Reich citizens or Reichsburger, as they are known in German. The group is scattered across the country but exists mostly in the south and east. Members primarily focus their hate on the modern German state and people, such as politicians, judges and bureaucrats, who they see as representing the state. But they also target people seen as not belonging to the country. The Reichsburger have long been on authorities radar, but were treated as more harmless than other far-right extremists. At times ridiculed for their eccentricities, such as printing their own passports and ID cards, insisting on place names more than a century out of date and some showing fealty to the last German emperor, some members of the group are armed and willing to use violence. Christopher F. Schuetze is a New York Times writer. UK citizens are being left stranded all across Europe after airlines cancelled their flights without offering them any alternative means of getting home. Anxious holidaymakers have been getting in touch with The Independent to report that they are stuck abroad in countries that are shutting their borders, and are receiving no information from either the Foreign Office or their airlines. Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet have all been cancelling passengers flights back to the UK the emails offer a refund or say customers can rebook on a limited number of alternative services through the website. In most cases, there are no flights available for a month to six weeks. Heidi Edmundson, an emergency medicine consultant who is keen to return home so she can join frontline staff in treating coronavirus patients, is currently stuck in Morocco, having travelled from airport to airport to try to get on a flight back to the UK. She told The Independent that Ryanair cancelled their flight back, scheduled for 21 March, but offered no alternative. On Tuesday evening I received a text from Ryanair telling me to check my emails, she said. It was a standard we have cancelled your flight email. They offered us the option of getting a refund or booking onto another flight when one became available. No other flights were available. We have not been able to get hold of Ryanair since. Ms Edmundson and her group had similarly little luck with the British embassy in Morocco. Having repeatedly tried to contact them, she finally got through, only to be told the decision by Morocco to close its borders had taken them by surprise. They suggested we sign up for updates, which we did. We never got any, she added. They said it might take 24-48 hours but rescue flights would need to be arranged. This would either be from the airline or the government. We have not been able to contact the embassy since. The group read on social media that turning up at the airport and speaking to airline representatives was the surest way to get a flight back. On Wednesday, they travelled to Essaouira airport, only to find it was closed. On the window was a contact number for Ryanair the same one we had been phoning and no one was answering, said Ms Edmundson. The group managed to book onto an easyJet flight to Marrakech, which was subsequently cancelled, and then booked seats on another easyJet flight scheduled to depart from Agadir today. Agadir airport is absolute mayhem, said Ms Edmundson. Theres no one here from the airlines or embassy to give any advice or assistance. Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Show all 20 1 /20 Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Top: Nabi Younes market, Mosul Bottom: Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Grand Mosque, Mecca Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Nabi Younes market, Mosul Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Basra Grand Mosque, Iraq Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Taj Mahal hotel, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Dubai Mall, UAE Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Gateway of India, Mumbai Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Victoria Memorial, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sidon, Lebanon Reuters Weve also been told by people in the queue that flights had been cancelled the previous day. There are loads of stranded Brits and no information. Another passenger reported receiving the same treatment from Ryanair. Ryanair have abandoned us in Gran Canaria with no help to get home. Cancelled our flights and washed their hands of us! Jennifer Jones told The Independent. Weve spent over 700 for a flight home tomorrow, earlier than our scheduled one and have to fly in to Birmingham instead of Manchester. But to be honest we dont think well get on it when/if we get to the desk I worry well be told its overbooked and we cant fly. Ryanair has said it will continue to stay in close contact with the Foreign Ministries of all EU Governments on the repatriation of EU citizens, and where possible we may operate rescue flights to support this repatriation, although it declined to give any information about these rescue flights. US Surgeon General urges influencers to warn young people about coronavirus Jet2 passengers have experienced similar problems. Ann Beattie has been in the Algarve in Portugal since the end of November, and was due to fly home to the UK on 26 March. However, Jet2 cancelled her flight. An email seen by The Independent reads: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, weve suspended all flights between 22 March-30 April 2020. Your flight back to the UK has therefore been cancelled and you will receive a refund in due course. If you are currently overseas and looking to return home, we have a limited number of flights on some routes departing between now and Saturday 21 March 2020. Please check Jet2.com for more information. Ms Beattie said she had immediately gone through to the website to book a new flight; however, nothing was available until the end of April. Recommended Ryanair could ground its entire fleet due to coronavirus She has only booked travel insurance and accommodation up until 26 March and is unsure what to do if she is still stuck in Portugal. I understand that this situation is unprecedented globally and we all must forge together, but to leave people stranded abroad to fend for themselves I think is an appalling way for any company to act, she said. Having managed to book an alternative easyJet flight from Faro on 26 March, Ms Beattie is now worried it will be cancelled too after the same scheduled service was grounded this week. A Jet2 spokesperson said: We are continuing to operate our scheduled programme, with aircraft flying empty from the UK so that we can fill them and bring customers home. In addition to that programme of scheduled flights and despite the ongoing disruption, we have been putting on extra flights, to bring even more customers home. This is an enormously fast-moving and complex situation, and in light of travel bans and restrictions that have been put in place across our destinations, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel some services back to the UK. We are contacting affected customers to advise them of their options. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to any customers affected by this disruption. The health and safety of our customers is of course our number one priority, and we are continuing to do everything we can to look after customers during this unprecedented situation. Emma Powell flew out to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands on 9 March with six friends. They were due to return to the UK on 17 March but their easyJet flight was cancelled after Spain declared a State of Emergency and went into full lock-down, with residents only allowed to leave their homes to buy food. However, Ms Powell told The Independent she had received no correspondence from the airline. We just feel forgotten about, she said. You phone the British Consulate and you cant get through, you phone easyJet and you cant get through. Its just mental. Having managed to book onto a Ryanair flight instead, this too has been cancelled. Ms Powell said that emergency flights are periodically released online, but get booked up within seconds. Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Show all 11 1 /11 Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Ben Gurion International airport, Israel Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Daxing International Airport, Beijing AFP via Getty Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan EPA Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam AFP via Getty Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Haneda Airport, Tokyo Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Changsha Huanghua International Airport, China Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Shanghai Pudong Airport in Shanghai, China EPA Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Daxing International Airport, Beijing AFP via Getty Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Haneda Airport, Tokyo Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Shanghai Pudong Airport in Shanghai, China EPA Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam AFP via Getty I think lots of people must be in our position, she said. An easyJet spokesperson said: We would like to reassure customers that where we have had to cancel flights, we are committed to getting customers home as quickly as possible and will be operating rescue flights. We are working hard to provide a programme of repatriation flights which will be published on our latest travel information as soon as they are confirmed. These can be found here: https://www.easyjet.com/en/policy/coronavirus-rescue-flights. We are emailing and sending SMS messages to customers directly where they provided their contact details at the time of booking to keep them informed on what is happening. Unfortunately some travel agents do not pass customer contact details onto us and as such we dont have the details for these customers in order to email or SMS them directly so we advise all customers monitor the website. A Foreign Office spokesperson told The Independent that it recognises that any British people currently overseas may be nervous about the impact of coronavirus on their travel and their health. We are in close contact with travel providers and our international partners to provide support to those British people affected by ongoing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CHICAGO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Now more than ever, hand-washing is important. As we work to battle the further spread of what is now a global pandemic, hand hygiene is our number weapon. The Centers for Disease Control recommends people wash their hands for 20 seconds to thoroughly rid your hands of germs. That's a long time for you to scrub on your skins and keep them in water. Soap and water are known to strip your hands of natural oils that protect your skin. While hand hygiene is the most important thing we can do right now, it is no secret that frequent washing can dry skin out. This can leave your skin cracked, bleeding and downright unpleasant in general. So how do we take care of our skin as we continue to wash our hands vigorously? What steps can we take to make sure we don't end up with dry or cracked skin? Rush dermatologist Kevin Cavanaugh, MD recommends these five tips for protecting your skin as your hand hygiene ramps up: Tip 1: Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! "It is important that you make sure to moisturize after each hand-washing or use of hand sanitizer," Cavanaugh told us. Think of this as one more step in your hand-washing routine. You've sang happy birthday at least two times, you've fully dried your hands after and "BAM!" its time to for you to pull out your travel sized hand cream and give your hands some extra love. Tip 2: Say no to lotions and yes to hand creams Lotions? Hand creams? Is there really a difference? It turns out there is! While lotions may smell like spring flowers, they don't do a great job at repairing your dried-out skin. Cavanaugh recommends hand creams and better yet ointments like Vaseline. "Lotions are water based and evaporate more quickly, this means they do not repair the barrier function of the skin," he explained. Good ointments to use include Vaseline (petrolatum) or CeraVe Healing Ointment. Our preferred creams include CeraVe or Cetaphil. Tip 3: Be prepared. Even when you're on the go! While social distancing is in effect as we combat this outbreak, you still may find yourself out of the house. If you're out of this house, there is a good chance you are going to want to wash or sanitize your hands while in a public space. Good skin care shouldn't end when you walk out the front door, that's why getting a pocket size hand cream or ointment is a good idea. Cavanaugh recommends Norwegian Hand Cream from Neutrogena, saying it is a wonderful non-greasy option. Tip 4: Make sure to treat the cracks in your skin While cracks in you skin may not break your mothers back, they are terribly annoying and can be quite painful. Cracks can also cause bleeding, which no one wants. So what is the best way of treating cracked skin? "Applying a liquid bandage such as New-Skin, to these areas up to twice daily. This will seal the cracks and prevent worsening," Cavanaugh suggests. Liquid bandages are perfect for areas like the hand where a regular bandage may not be applicable. We are constantly using are hands and there is no need to worry about a bandage falling off or not being useful when you can apply a liquid bandage. Tip 5: Do some deep skin rejuvenation Using hand creams and ointments after washing your hands are a great way to keep the surface of your skin smooth and healthy. But what about below the surface? Cavanaugh told us the best way to keep you deeper skin healthy is to apply a liberal amount of ointment and let it sit and sink in. But how do you let it sink in without it getting wiped off or rubbed in? The answer is easier than one might think. Cavanaugh suggests buying a pair of cotton gloves, applying the ointment to your hands and then wearing the gloves as you let it sink in. The gloves must be cotton as Cavanaugh reminded us that rubber or latex gloves would not work. The best time to do this is right before bed, apply your ointment, don your gloves and drift off for a good night's rest. If you aren't comfortable sleeping in gloves, well, looks like you can have yourself a "spa" day at home full of hand rejuvenation at during this time of social distancing. Dry and uncomfortable skin shouldn't be an excuse for not washing your hands. This is especially true, while COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S. Hand-washing is your No. 1 defense against novel coronavirus. Instead of taking that away, you should boost that defense up by following these simple techniques for keeping healthy skin. It may seem like a few extra steps to your daily routine, but in the end taking care of your skin will be worth it in the long run. There may be doubters you say it can't be done but it's a proven fact: you can have healthy skin and be a frequent hand-washer! This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com. Media Contacts: Nancy Difiore Associate Director, Media Relations [email protected] Phone: 312-942-5159 SOURCE Rush University Medical Center Related Links http://www.rush.edu DENVER, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) (NYSE: SDOG), the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (NYSE: IDOG) and the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (NYSE: EDOG) (the "Funds") declared their first quarter 2020 distributions on March 18, 2020 in the amounts of $0.4614 for SDOG, $0.23843 for IDOG and $0.09831 for EDOG. The dividends are payable on March 26, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 20. 2020. SDOG/IDOG/EDOG Distributions: Ex-Date: Thursday, March 19, 2020 Record Date: Friday, March 20, 2020 Payable Date: Thursday, March 26, 2020 Additional Fund information can be found at www.alpsfunds.com/products/etf/SDOG. Important Disclosures An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus which contains this and other information, call 877.398.8461 or visit www.alpsfunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. There are risks involved with investing in ETFs including the loss of money. Additional information regarding the risks of this investment is available in the prospectus. ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF Shares, ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF Shares, and ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF Shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Funds on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Funds, typically in blocks of 50,000 shares. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. is the Distributor of the Funds. ALPS Advisors, Inc. and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. are affiliated. About SS&C | ALPS Advisors Through its subsidiary companies, ALPS Holdings, Inc., which was acquired by SS&C Technologies, Inc. in April 2018, is a leading provider of innovative investment products and customized servicing solutions to the financial services industry. Founded in 1985, Denver-based ALPS Advisors, Inc., delivers its asset management and ALPS Fund Services, Inc., asset servicing solutions through offices in Boston, New York, Seattle, and Toronto wholly-owned subsidiaries of SS&C Technologies, Inc. For more information about SS&C | ALPS and its services, visit www.ssctech.com. Information about ALPS Advisor products is available at www.alpsfunds.com. About SS&C Technologies SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, and has offices around the world. Some 18,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world's largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology. For more information, visit www.ssctech.com. SOURCE ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF Related Links http://www.alpsfunds.com LANSING, MI -- The Michigan National Guard has been called up to assist the state in its effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked state National Guard to assist the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with assembling and loading critical personal protective gear, such as gloves, gowns, and face shields. MDHHS will then deliver the coronavirus-fighting supplies to health agencies across Michigan, said a statement issued by the Michigan Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division Wednesday evening. The Michigan National Guard has been involved with the COVID-19 response from a planning and coordination standpoint since the (State of Michigan Emergency Operations Center) was stood up, Whitmer said. "The men and women of the Michigan National Guard are part of the fabric of our communities and I am confident they are ready to support state and local agencies as this response continues. The Michigan Army National Guard is a reservist unit that is part of the Michigan National Guard and dedicated to state concerns. Michigan reported its first conavirus death Wednesday, March 18. Hours later, Whitmer said the number of confirmed cases in Michigan had surpassed 100. We had someone die today because of COVID-19, Whitmer said. There are other people that have been diagnosed, that are fighting for their lives. Whitmer expressed concerns over a lack of tests and resources to gauge the true impact of the virus so far. We dont have enough tests, Whitmer said. "We dont have enough resources to process the tests ... We have set up our own state lab, which I am so grateful we did that. " ... We are concerned about the system being overtaxed and were also concerned about not having enough tests to do all of the tests that we believe are necessary." As of Tuesday, March 17, the Centers for Disease Control had recorded 7,038 cases and 97 deaths nationwide. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Michigans first coronavirus fatality involved a man in his 50s who died at Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County Wednesday morning. Our medical team went to extraordinary efforts to care for this patient and we are deeply saddened by his passing and empathize with his family, Beaumont Health Chief Nursing Officer Susan Grant said in a release. Our physicians, nurses and medical staff are all working together to care for COVID-19 patients. During a time like this, we are united to battle this virus." Beaumont Health reported that the man had other underlying medical conditions. Of 15 new cases announced Wednesday, all arose in Metro Detroits Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Case data is released by MDHHS daily at 2 p.m. and includes any known cases through midnight of the day prior. Wayne and Oakland counties have the most cases in Michigan so far, with 23 each. Men account for 55% of the cases and women 36% in cases where the sex was revealed. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Michigans first coronavirus death reported Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Lawmakers say lack of paid sick time puts Michigan behind during coronavirus pandemic Michigan Treasury extends tax deadline for businesses struggling during coronavirus pandemic The White House has defended Trump's use of the term 'Chinese virus' to describe coronavirus - pointing out that many other diseases are named after places. 'Spanish Flu. West Nile Virus. Zika. Ebola. All named for places,' the White House said in a tweet from its official account. 'Before the medias fake outrage, even CNN called it Chinese Coronavirus. Those trying to divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis,' the tweet added. It comes after Trump began using the term despite it causing fury in Beijing, which has tried to distance itself from the virus - even going so far as to claim that American soldiers brought the illness to Wuhan. In fact, scientists believe the virus began in a meat market selling wild animals in the city, and may have come from an infected bat or pangolin. The White House threw its weight behind Trump's use of the term 'Chinese virus' to describe coronavirus - pointing out that many diseases are named for the places they came from Trump began using the term after Beijing's foreign ministry suggested that US troops could have carried the disease to Wuhan. In fact, scientists believe it originated in a meat market in the city selling wild animals Officially, the virus is known as SARS-CoV2, which stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The disease caused by the virus is know as COVID19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The World Health Organisation said it wanted to avoid putting a place name into the disease when naming it, but did not fully explain why. Trump has previously denfended his use of the term Chinese virus, stating that it's 'not racist at all' to use the phrase. China expelled journalists from three major American news outlet in the wake of Trump's words. Trump, who started his Wednesday briefing by saying he had 'important developments in our war against the Chinese virus,' told reporters at the White House he used the description because the virus originated in Wuhan province of China. 'It's not racist at all. It comes from China, that's why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate,' he said during a press briefing. And he argued he wasn't being racist to any Asian Americans with the term. 'I have a great love for all the people from our country, but as you know, China tried to say at one point that - maybe they've stopped now - that it was caused by American soldiers. That can't happen. It's not going to happen. Not as long as I'm president. It comes from China,' he said. Some Chinese officials have pushed a conspiracy theory that the American military brought the coronavirus to their shores. Medical experts believe it originated in a meat market in Wuhan where exotic animals were butchered. Weijia Jiang, a correspondent for CBS News, claims that a White House official referred to coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' right to her face on Tuesday morning And while President Trump argued the coronavirus came from China, he said he doesn't believe Beijing inflicted it on America but added Chinese officials could have issued an earlier warning. 'No, I dont believe they are inflicting I think they could have given us a lot earlier notice,' he said. He also did not condemn a White House official who called the disease the 'Kung flu' and said he wasn't worried about Asian Americans being put at risk in the wake of such rhetoric. 'Not all,' Trump said and then returned to his argument the virus came from China. 'I think they probably grew that 100 per cent. It comes from China.' Weijia Jiang, a reporter for CBS News, claimed on Tuesday a White House official referred to coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' right to her face. Jiang was born in China and raised in West Virginia. Such comments have been condemned as racist. Earlier Wednesday, President Trump tripled down on using the term in a series of tweets. President Trump tripled down on calling the coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' in a series of Wednesday morning tweets 'I will be having a news conference today to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus!,' the president wrote. 'I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the borders from China - against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!,' he added. The president appeared to be pushing back at reports his response to the pandemic has taken on a more serious tone in recent days. Trump has been criticized for minimizing the disease in its early days but told reporters on Tuesday he's 'always' taken it seriously. 'I've always known this is a real - this is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic,' he said during a press briefing on the virus. President Trump's use of the phrase 'China virus' comes as tensions have escalated between Washington and Beijing in the wake of the trade war started by the president and the battle surrounding the origins of the coronavirus. And China has taken retaliatory measures against the United States. Officials there announced on Tuesday Beijing would expel American journalists working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. 'I'm not happy to see it. I have my own disputes with all three of those media groups. I think you know that very well. I don't like seeing it at all, I'm not happy about that at all,' Trump said Wednesday of the expelled journalists. The United State also has expelled Chinese journalists. Last month, the Trump administration posed limits on the number of Chinese citizens who can work in the U.S. for five state-run Chinese news outlets that are seen as propaganda machines. The limits by the White House - capping the number of Chinese journalists at 100 - will force about 60 Chinese reporters from the United States. But Trump's use of the 'China virus' moniker has increased tensions. After President Trump tweeted on Monday about the 'China virus,' Beijing, the next day, demanded 'the U.S. side correct the mistake immediately and halt its groundless accusations'. Trump defended his use of the term, saying Tuesday that he doesn't think it's inappropriate to call the coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' because that's where the disease originated. The president said he only started referring to the virus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, in that way after Beijing blamed the U.S. military for bringing the disease to its shores. 'Well China was putting out information, which was false, that our military gave this to them. That was false,' Trump said during a briefing in the White House press room. 'And rather than having an argument, I said I have to call it where it came from. It did come from China.' 'So I think it's a very accurate term,' he continued. 'But, no, I didn't appreciate the fact that China was saying that our military gave it to them. Our military did not give it to anybody.' When a reporter said the term 'Chinese Virus' has a stigma around it that is seen as racist, Trump pushed back. 'No, I don't think so. No,' he said, flipping the switch: 'I think saying that our military gave it to them creates a stigma.' Medical workers in protective suits attend to novel coronavirus patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a designated hospital in Wuhan, China Donald Trump said Tuesday that he thinks calling coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' is appropriate because the disease originated in Wuhan, China Trump said that 'rather than having an argument,' about where it originated, he would 'have to call it where it came from. It did come from China. So I think it's a very accurate term' Chinese officials are floating the conspiracy that those in the U.S. Army brought coronavirus to China during the Military World Games in Wuhan in October 2019 When asked about the stigma around calling it the 'Chinese virus,' Trump said the real 'stigma is 'saying that our military gave it to them' Chinese officials have floated a conspiracy that the U.S. Army brought coronavirus there when they participated in the Military World Games in Wuhan, China in October 2019. Trump did not say whether he would continue using the phrase when asked, but just minutes later in a meeting with tourism executives, the president again called it the 'Chinese virus.' He said he was talking to the industry leaders about 'what has happened since the Chinese Virus came about.' The tweet-for-tat came the day after Trump's Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, called China to accuse it of spreading conspiracy theories that the virus was the creation of the U.S. military. Contrasting conspiracy theories, that it was created by China as a tool for biological warfare, have been aired in pro-Trump circles in the U.S. And Pompeo himself has called it the Wuhan virus in a series of media appearances, as have fervently pro-Trump Republicans including Tom Cotton, the Arkansas senator, and Paul Gosar, an Arizona congressman who then had to go into self-quarantine over fears he was infected with it. First hit: Beijing has accused 'certain American politicians' of promoting stigmatization by connecting the novel coronavirus with China after President Trump published the post on Twitter Double down: He posted the next morning that 'some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus,' while others are not experiencing as bad a fallout from the outbreak 'The United States should mind its own business first, and then make constructive contributions to the international counter-epidemic collaboration and the maintenance of the global public health safety,' said Geng Shuang (pictured), a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry Geng Shuang, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused 'certain American politicians' of promoting stigmatization by connecting the novel coronavirus with China. He did not name President Trump specifically, but was referring to one of President Trump's tweet, reported Chinese state news agency Xinhua. 'We express strong indignation and resolute opposition to this,' Geng said at a daily news briefing. The spokesperson stressed that the coronavirus outbreak had occurred in multiple places around the world and the urgent task was for the international community to join forces to curb the pandemic. 'The United States should mind its own business first, and then make constructive contributions to the international counter-epidemic collaboration and the maintenance of the global public health safety,' Geng continued. Diplomatic feud over crisis: The U.S. and China are clashing over how to describe covid-19, the novel coronavirus first seen in Wuhan, China Coronavirus fears have gripped the United States with multiple cities going into lock down. Young people wear protective masks while walking through Times Square in NYC on March 5 Anti-US sentiment is also growing in China as people on the country's Twitter-like Weibo has shown an outpouring of anger towards President Trump. One person said: 'Trump is the virus of the world'. Another typical comment accused: 'American virus!' On Monday Pompeo, in a phone call he initiated with top Chinese official Yang Jiechi, voiced anger that Beijing has used official channels 'to shift blame for COVID-19 to the United States,' the State Department said. Pompeo 'stressed that this is not the time to spread disinformation and outlandish rumors, but rather a time for all nations to come together to fight this common threat,' the department added. The State Department on Friday summoned the Chinese ambassador, Cui Tiankai, to denounce Beijing's promotion of a conspiracy theory that had gained wide attention on social media. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (right) and Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi (left) shake hands following a press conference in Washington in November 2018 Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, in tweets last week in both Mandarin and English, suggested that 'patient zero' in the global pandemic may have come from the United States -- not the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan. 'It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation,' tweeted Zhao, who is known for his provocative statements on social media. Scientists suspect that the virus first came to humans at a meat market in Wuhan that butchered exotic animals. Pompeo himself has sought to link China to the global pandemic, repeatedly referring to SARS-CoV-2 as the 'Wuhan virus' despite advice from health professionals that such geographic labels can be stigmatizing. Yang issued a 'stern warning to the United States that any scheme to smear China will be doomed to fail,' the official Xinhua news agency said in its summary of the call with Pompeo. While COVID-19 -- the disease caused by the virus - has largely come under control in China, it has killed more than 7,000 people around the world and severely disrupted daily life in Western countries. The news comes as China tries to deflect blame for the contagion and reframe itself as a country that took decisive steps to buy the world time by placing huge swathes of its population under quarantine. China built a 1,000-bed coronavirus hospital in 10 days in Wuhan to curb the epidemic. The picture shows Huoshenshan Hospital nearly complete on the outskirts of Wuhan on February 3 Total coronavirus cases across the world recently crossed 200000, including 169 in India and over 2500 in the UK. The situation is far from being under control. Traveling from one place to another has become tougher than ever and actress Radhika Apte recollected and documented her recent travel to London. In a long post on Instagram, Radhika Apte shares her experience of reaching back to her home in London amidst all the hoopla around border restrictions and immigration checks because of ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Radhika Apte, who is married to London-based musician Benedict Taylor took to Twitter and shared, For all the many msgs I received from friends and colleagues with concern and curiosity. Im back in London safely. There was no issue at immigration. It was rather empty and had a wonderful chat with them! The Heathrow express was literally empty and barely anyone at Paddington either. Thats all for now! Thank you for all msgs xx. She added, BA flight was full! (though two days ago when I went to India from London it was empty.) More ps. The immigration officers had no information to share regarding UK closing borders yet. Sonam Kapoor had shared a similar experience. She along with husband Anand Ahuja returned to India from London on Tuesday amid the Coronavirus scare and lauded the efforts taken by the Indian officials to combat the spread of the virus. The 34-year-old actor documented her experience of flying back to India from London on Instagram stories. The 'Neerja' actor started the video by thanking everybody at the airport, and the ones on the flight for a 'smooth and responsibly done' journey. Reuters She further addressed how she and her husband were surprised to see not much of a screening happening back in London. She further detailed how after landing in India, before immigration, they were asked to fill a form that took a past 25-day travel history. She, Anand and her sport-boy, who is like a 'family' to her, were checked for their temperatures, which were 'fine'. She lauded the incredible ways in which the authorities and the governing bodies are handling the situation. "Everybody is doing their best ..we are together..I'm back in India with my husband and have no symptoms of the virus because we have been not in any countries that have a rampant spread of the virus." "But we are self-quarantining as we live with our parents and our grandmother," she added. She concluded the video by requesting everyone to be responsible, vigilant and adhere to the measures taken by the authorities. Twelve Ukrainian citizens infected with Covid-19 coronavirus are treated abroad, 862 Ukrainians have been isolated, including 830 in the hotels in Egypt. "Twelve Ukrainian citizens receive treatment abroad: five people in Germany, two in Italy and two in Poland, one person in Moldova, one in the UAE and one in the Dominican Republic," Foreign Ministry of Ukraine announced such data as of 23:00 on March 18 on Twitter. According to the minister, five citizens of Ukraine recovered after coronavirus treatment: four in Japan, one in Italy. A total of 862 citizens of Ukraine have been isolated, in particular, 830 people - in Egypt (in two hotels), 16 people in Brazil, seven people in Germany, two people in Moldova, three people in the Dominican Republic, three people in the UAE, one person in Romania. One Ukrainian citizen died from coronavirus in Italy on March 13. A total of 15,566 Ukrainian citizens have been already evacuated home from abroad. ol WASHINGTON The U.S. and Mexico are discussing closing their shared border, the busiest in the world, to "non-essential" travel, possibly as soon as Friday, in an effort to thwart the coronavirus. The White House is "talking to the Mexican government, so it doesnt become a one-way street, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat, told Hearst Newspapers. They are talking to the Mexicans and hopefully this will be done in a way that the U.S. and Mexico can agree on what restrictions. Cuellar, who said he has been in close contact with Customs and Border Patrol leadership about the potential closure, said if anything happens we should hear about it by Friday. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Meanwhile, U.S. Reps. Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat, and Will Hurd, a San Antonio Republican, issued a statement "urging the El Paso-Juarez region to prepare contingency plans in anticipation" of travel restrictions. President Donald Trump has already shut off non-essential travel or urged against it to and from much of the world. The State Department on Thursday warned Americans against traveling abroad. The restrictions on the Mexican border are expected to closely resemble those the Trump administration imposed earlier this week on travel between the U.S. and Canada, which kept trade active. Trump has said he is considering the same with Mexico, which as of earlier this week had 93 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The White House has already shut the southern border to asylum seekers and migrants. For subscribers: Gov. Abbott shuts Texas schools, restricts bars and restaurants Cuellar said it remains unclear what will be deemed essential travel. People legally cross the border hundreds of millions of times every year for work, school and to buy food and medicine. He urged a broad view that would allow them to continue to do so. And Cuellar said it must be done in a way that doesnt slow trade. We cannot close it, Cuellar said. Every day there is more than $1.7 billion in trade between the U.S. and Mexico There is so much food consumed by the American public that comes from Mexico. Escobar and Hurds statement stressed the same. In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. and Mexican authorities need to cooperate closely to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to do so in a transparent, responsible way, it said. Cooperation should include steps to keep supply chains open and safe, facilitate essential travel between both countries, and administer aid to refugees and other migrants, such as those individuals held in detention facilities in the United States and awaiting court dates in Mexico. Trump has threatened before to shut down down the border with Mexico, backing off such a threat last year by saying he was giving the nation a one-year warning to halt all illegal immigration to the U.S. Were hoping the president will treat this as a public health emergency, said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat. We dont believe they should use this in a shameless way to try to accomplish some kind of nativist agenda. Former Rebels associate Mark Judge has been charged over an alleged Oxford Street affray last year. Mark Judge Credit:Ben Rushton A one-time debt collector and former associate of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang who survived a brutal stabbing attack outside his Eastern Suburbs home in 2011, Mr Judge now runs a jewellery shop. Police allege that on March 14, 2019, he was involved in an argument with a 44-year-old man, who they say is an associate of both the Rebels and Lone Wolves outlaw motorcycle gangs, inside Westfield Bondi Junction. The men then entered the carpark, where Mr Judge allegedly "punched the older man to the head several times, kicked him in the face and punched him in the throat before leaving the area." This is a tough, sad time for the state, the city, the world, Portland businessman Barry Menashe says of the coronavirus pandemic. So hes going to do something about it. Menashe, 66, owner of Menashe Properties, and his grown children, Jordan and Lauren, plan to hit the streets on foot Thursday to hand out 1,500 $75 New Seasons gift cards at random. Among the locations theyre planning to head to: Gresham, Southeast Portland, the Portland State University campus, downtown Portland near Nordstrom, and Raleigh Hills. Different places where we have buildings, Menashe said. Theres no qualifying, no conversations, Menashe said. Just, here. Menashe said he had considered choosing a single location for the giveaway. But I didnt want a congregation of people because thats not what the city wants, he said. Asked about possible transmission of the virus via the giveaway, Menashe said he and his children would avoid physical contact as they handed out the gift cards. This isnt the first time Menashe has done a big giveaway. In 2011, he handed out 340 pairs of socks, 240 pairs of gloves, 216 knit hats and 100 wool blankets to anyone who wanted them. Menashe said he doesnt personally know anyone whos tested positive for coronavirus. Its just that he feels sick about what hes reading and hearing. Its a no brainer, he said. We feel good about it and some people will greatly appreciate it, we believe. I think people need to step up and help where they can. We have the resources. If the giveaway goes well Thursday, Menashe said, he may repeat it Friday. awang@oregonian.com; Twitter: @ORAmyW Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday that his administration is working very hard with Syria for the release of Austin Tice, a Houston journalist who went missing there in 2012. Recovering Americans held captive continues to be a top priority, Trump said at a White House news conference focused on his administrations response to the coronavirus. We have one young gentleman, Austin Tice, and were working very hard with Syria to get him out. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Trump said that weve written a letter just recently urging his release. It would be very much appreciated if they would let Austin Tice out immediately, he said. We hope the Syrian government will do that. We are counting on them to do that. Marc Tice, Austin Tices father, tweeted that Trumps efforts for our son are unmatched and his support and commitment mean the world to us. The 38-year-old Houston-based journalist went missing in 2012 while covering the civil war in Syria as a freelance reporter for the Washington Post, McClatchy News and other publications. For subscribers: Family of missing Houston journalist optimistic about changes in hostage policy Hes been there for a long time. Was captured a long time ago, Trump said. Were doing the best we can, so Syria please work with us. Weve done a lot for Syria. Weve got to see if theyre going to do this. ben.wermund@chron.com Amid rising cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in India, the country on Wednesday evening recorded its fourth death. The death has been reported in Punjab and is the first fatality in the state due to COVID-19. The man has been identified as Baldev Singh a resident of Banga in Pathalawa village near Nava town. He had returned from Germany last week and died on Wednesday. His blood samples were sent for test and the reports came back positive. Following this, the entire village has been sealed. India on Thursday recorded 166 positive Covid-19 cases. Four persons have succumbed to the virus so far -- one each in Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka and Punjab. In a step to curb the rising cases of Coronavirus in the country, India on Thursday banned the entry of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22. A statement released by the Centre read, "No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22, 2020, for one week." The government also said, "State Governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives/govt. servants/medical professionals are advised to remain at home. Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out." It added that railways and civil aviation "shall suspend all concessional travel except for students, patients and divyang category.". The government has also asked states to enforce work for home for private-sector employees except those working in emergency or essential services. "To reduce crowding all Group B and C Central govt. employees will be asked to A attend offices on the alternate week and staggered timings for all employees," the statement added. MANHATTAN -- The coronavirus will likely peak in the next five to six weeks in New York State, resulting in 110,000 hospitalizations and anywhere between 25,000 to 37,000 people in need of ICU beds, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday morning citing the states latest projections. That vastly overwhelms our healthcare capacity and thats what this has been all about from day one, trying to reduce the rate of the spread to meet your capacity of your health care system, Cuomo said on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Cuomo said the state currently has between 5,000 to 6,000 ventilators but will need 30,000 ventilators total to handle the number of coronavirus patients. Cuomo cautioned that the state cannot get those ventilators on its own and would need the federal government to step in order manufacturers to produce them. By Thursday morning the number of confirmed cases in New York State hit 2,382 -- the largest number in cases in the country. On Wednesday evening Mayor Bill de Blasio said the number of confirmed cases in New York City stood at 1,871 including 75 confirmed cases on Staten Island. Overnight the state conducted 8,000 coronavirus tests, Cuomo said, which he predicted in turn, would drive up the number of confirmed cases exponentially. It doesn't mean that it is indicative of how many people have the virus, it is how many people you are testing, Cuomo said on a separate live TV interview Thursday morning on CNN. When you do 8,000 [tests], you're going to see a major increase. Cuomos remarks come as he and the mayor have been in discussions about implementing a shelter-in-place order in New York City similar to one San Francisco and five other Bay Area counties enacted earlier this week. But the governor has made it clear in recent days that only the state has the final say in issuing such an order. Cuomo has also been vocal in his opposition to putting New Yorkers under quarantine. On Wednesday, the mayor said he was almost to that point of recommending to the governor to issue a shelter-in-place order. However, on Thursday morning, Cuomo vowed to not issue Martial Law in New York State and did not want to send New Yorkers into panic mode. Youll panic 9 million people who will be fleeing New York City in 24 hours if we dont clearly communicate what we mean, Cuomo said. People stay home, reduce density, close businesses, but youre not imprisoned, youre not quarantined, youre not a prisoner, were not going to put a roadblock around New York City so you have to pack up and get out today. This is going to go on for months, communicate what you mean without using terms that nobody understands and only incites panic, he said of using the term shelter-in-place. In a Thursday Morning Joe interview on MSNBC, Cuomo said testing had grown exponentially in the state. In this situation, the more you test the more positives youre going to find, he said. It is in no way reflective of the spread of the virus. I think the spread of the virus is well in advance of any of these numbers. Cuomo said the state, like many others, is lacking in the number of ventilators it has, as well as the health care systems number of gloves and other protective equipment. In this war, ventilators are what the missiles were in World War II. We have to make those missiles, he said. We have to make those ventilators -- get them made -- and thats what the president is talking about. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. RELATED COVERAGE: Coughs, sneezes, surfaces: Heres how coronavirus is and isnt spread How the coronavirus hit Staten Island: A timeline of the pandemic in our borough Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals NYPD Commissioner: Cooperation, not closures, expected for ban on dining at restaurants and bars GOLDEN, CO / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (OTC PINK:VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma reports on its therapy for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Recent umbilical cord stem cell therapies in China to fight the Coronavirus are producing encouraging safety and efficacy results. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3053080/coronavirus-critically-ill-chinese-patient-saved-stem-cell http://www.aginganddisease.org/article/0000/2152-5250/ad-0-0-216.shtml Dr. Jim Musick, Ph.D., CEO said, "As the world struggles to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to consider stem cell therapy to reduce death rates. This is supported by clinical studies and clinical trials are underway to substantiate safety and efficacy. Vitro Biopharma is ideally suited to provide high quality stem cells to US patients, produced under strict quality control in a cGMP, ISO9001 & ISO13485 Certified environment. Our umbilical cord AlloRx Stem Cells and stem cell growth media MSC-Gro have been used in the treatment of hundreds of patients without adverse events and show efficacy in treatment of COPD, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Out of years of research, we developed our patent-pending and proprietary line of umbilical cord derived stem cells AlloRx Stem Cells now being used in offshore regenerative medicine clinical trials. Our stem cells are used in regenerative medicine clinical trials with our partner in the Cayman Islands www.DVCStem.com. We have a recently approved clinical trial using our AlloRx Stem Cells to treat musculoskeletal conditions at The Medical Pavilion of the Bahamas www.tmp-bahamas.com in Nassau. Vitro Biopharma has a patent-pending, proprietary and scalable manufacturing platform to provide stem cell therapies to critically ill Coronavirus patients. Our stem cells have been shown to be safe in Phase I protocols as we also gain evidence of efficacy. We are in contact with federal, state and local governments to inform them of our AlloRx Stem Cell therapy option for Coronavirus infections.. The pandemic deserves consideration of all therapeutic options and there is evidence that stem cell therapy reduces the death rate from Coronavirus COVID-19 infections. We believe that critically ill patients should have the right to try stem cell therapy in the United States." Story continues CONTACT: Dr. James Musick Chief Executive Officer Vitro Biopharma (303) 550-2778 E-mail: jim@vitrobiopharma.com Forward-Looking Statements Statements herein regarding financial performance have not yet been reported to the SEC nor reviewed by the Company's auditors. Certain statements contained herein and subsequent statements made by and on behalf of the Company, whether oral or written may contain "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements are identified by words such as "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "expects" and "hopes" and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's plan of business operations, product research and development activities, potential contractual arrangements, receipt of working capital, anticipated revenues and related expenditures. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, acceptability of the Company's products in the market place, general economic conditions, receipt of additional working capital, the overall state of the biotechnology industry and other factors set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulations, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE: Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581365/Stem-Cell-Therapy-for-the-Coronavirus-COVID-19-Pandemic Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh on Thursday praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for working on the development agenda, changing caste-based politics and forcing political parties to contest polls for the welfare of people. The comments came after Harivansh was successfully re-elected to the Upper House of Parliament. Speaking to ANI after his re-election, Harivansh said, "I thank Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar for choosing my name for Rajya Sabha. I have no words to express my gratitude to him. I always feel proud to work under his leadership and his guidance. He is one of the politicians in the country who is working sincerely on the agenda of development." "Nitish Kumar has changed the entire caste-based politics in Bihar and forced other political parties of the state to contest elections for the welfare of people," Harivansh further said. Harivansh was among five candidates from Bihar who were elected unopposed from Bihar to the upper house. Three of the elected members are from the NDA and two are from the RJD. All five candidates who filed Nominations for five Rajya Sabha Seats from Bihar have been elected. Harivansh (Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha), Ramnath Thakur from JDU, Vivek Thakur From BJP and RJD's Premchand Gupta and Amrendra Dhari Singh have been elected to the Upper House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This is an update of a story originally posted at 2:19 p.m. Thursday SPRINGFIELD - State Police are closing all southbound lanes of Interstate 91 at Exit 4 in Springfield until an overturned truck can be removed. Police just after 3 p.m. were urging southbound traffic to avoid Springfield entirely. State police recommend taking Route 5 south in West Springfield to Route 57 in Agawam to Route 75 and then back to I-91 in East Windsor, Connecticut. Traffic is already heavily backed up on I-91 south and on Rt. 5 as a result of a truck overturning on the ramp connecting the South End Bridge to I-91 South. #MAtraffic update: Lengthy recovery expected. Heavy delays already. Seek alternate route to avoid I-91 SB if possible. https://t.co/bMp5iaGCcg Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) March 19, 2020 The Massachusetts State Police say that no one was injured in the crash, but that the cleanup of the scene will lead to significant delays. State police are advising that the removal of the truck will be a lengthy process. Traffic is already heavily backed up on Route 5 into Agawam and West Springfield. They recommend people find alternative routes to I-91 South in Springfield. Photos from the scene show the truck off the road, and lying on its side on an embankment above I-91. A Mass DOT traffic camera shot showing the overturned truck on the on-ramp to I-91 south [March 19, 2020] Talkspace Announces 1,000 months of Free Therapy For Frontline Medical Workers Nationwide Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Talkspace, the global leader in digital behavioral health, today announced that it will donate 1,000 months of free online therapy to medical workers all over the U.S. who are helping respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Effective today, March 19th, frontline medical workers nationwide can access a free month of online therapy via Talkspace's Unlimited Messaging Plus plan, which includes unlimited text, video and audio messaging with a licensed therapist. Medical professionals are facing unprecedented stress now more than ever as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continues to soar. Even with precautionary measures to free up intensive care units in preparation for an influx of COVID-19 patients, public health experts warn that the demand for intensive care beds could far exceed the number U.S. hospitals will be able to provide. While the impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the vulnerabilities of our health care system, placing American lives at risk, issues related to high costs and capacity have long posed a threat to the system's ability to provide care at scale. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, nearly half of the physicians in the United States exhibited signs of burnout. As the coronavirus Pandemic continues, burnout and stress will undoubtedly increase, and could have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of medical workers. To help nurses, doctors and social workers cope with the anxiety and pressure associated with COVID-19, Talkspace is providing 1,000 free months of messaging therapy for medical and healthcare workers. To sign up, healthcare workers can register via the app (Google Play or App Store) or website by providing their NPI and state of residence for verification. Once verified, they will gain access to Talkspace's Unlimited Messaging Plus plan. "The mental health of our doctors, nurses, social workers and other health personnel is paramount now more than ever," says Talkspace CEO and co-founder Oren Frank. "They are on the frontlines of a rapidly growing pandemic, putting their own health and safety at risk to save others affected by the outbreak. At Talkspace, we feel it's our responsibility to ensure they can access the care they need, in order to provide the care America needs from them right now." In addition to the 1,000 free months of therapy, Talkspace has called on its network of thousands of therapy providers to donate their time for additional free services to medical personnel. For every` donation by a therapist, Talkspace will provide a 100 percent donation match. Additionally, Talkspace invites companies and organizations to donate additional therapy months that Talkspace will also match 100 percent. After seeing a 25 percent increase in demand since mid-February, which has been accelerating, Talkspace has opened free tools to provide support and guidance including therapist-led Facebook support groups and a COVID-19 channel on its Instagram account where people can ask questions related to coronavirus using the "Questions" feature on Instagram Stories. A 16-day coronavirus program has also been incorporated to each Talkspace subscription. Talkspace has served over 1.5 million people to date. This offering comes at the heels of expanding in-home access with its Amazon Alexa skill integration, offering even more ways to access mental health care. To date, the company has raised a total of $110 million, with its latest Series D round announced in 2019. About Talkspace Talkspace is a digital behavioral technology healthcare company. Its signature psychotherapy product connects individual users with a network of thousands of licensed therapists through an easy-to-use and HIPAA-compliant web and mobile platform. With Talkspace, users can send their dedicated therapists unlimited text, video, picture, audio messages and live video chat from anywhere, at any time. Therapists engage with clients daily, 5 days a week. Talkspace also provides psychiatry services, including prescription fulfillment, adolescent therapy and couples counseling. Founded by Roni Frank and Oren Frank in 2012, with the mission to make therapy available to all, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental health, Talkspace has already been used by over 1.5 million people. For more information about Talkspace, please visit https://www.talkspace.com To learn more about online therapy, please visit https://www.talkspace.com/online-therapy View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005709/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The agency, which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, did not immediately respond to questions about how many of the approximately 37,000 detainees it has in custody will remain there. Nearly 20,000 in ICE custody have some sort of criminal history, but it remained unclear how many of those people have serious criminal violations in their past. Hyderabad, March 19 : The Telangana government on Thursday decided to identify all those who came from abroad after March 1 and place them under home quarantine to contain the spread of Covid-19. As part of the additional precautionary measures, the state government also asked places of worship of all faiths to stop gathering of devotees. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao announced new measures as eight Indonesians who were on a visit to the state tested positive. A group of 10 Indonesians had travelled from Delhi to Ramagundam by train and from there reached Karimnagar by road to attend a religious programme. KCR said out of 14 Covid-19 positive cases reported so far in the state, only five had landed at Hyderabad Airport while others landed in other places in the country and entered the state by train or bus. He said all those who came from abroad after March 1 should voluntarily report to local authorities in the districts to undergo home quarantine. He announced that officials in every village and town will gather information about those who returned from other countries. All of them will be home quarantined under the supervision of the local authorities and if they showed suspected symptoms of Coronavirus they will be shifted to hospitals. The Chief Minister said all those reaching Hyderabad Airport will be screened and quarantined, irrespective of the country they are coming from. He said 18 check posts were being opened on the borders with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to identify the people coming from abroad. KCR appealed to heads of temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship not to allow gathering of devotees. He thanked Muslim clerics for offering all assistance in this regard and for scaling down the celebrations of 'Shab-e-Meraj' on March 22. The Chief minister announced that there will be no public celebration of Telugu New Year 'Ugadi'. He said the government will arrange live telecast of 'panchangnam' or reading of the almanac for the next year by priests. He also announced cancellation of Ramnavmi celebrations. KCR said all educational institutions, cinema halls, parks, clubs, pubs, bars, museums, and gyms will be closed till March 31. Stating that the state needs tough measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Chief Minister also announced sealing of function halls to prevent weddings after March 31. For weddings scheduled before March 31, the number of guests should be restricted. KCR said shops, super markets and shopping malls would not be shut to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities. He, however, asked the shops and malls to prevent public gathering. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Schools in Scotland and Wales are set to shut by the end of the week over coronavirus. The Welsh government has announced plans to close its schools from Friday amid the outbreak. Schools in Scotland will also shut their doors to pupils later this week, Nicola Sturgeon has said. It comes as Boris Johnson is facing increasing calls to close the schools in England. The prime minister has said further decisions on closures were "to be taken imminently". Welsh minister for education Kirsty Williams said plans were being made for schools in Wales to be repurposed to help people "involved in the immediate response to the outbreak. She said: "I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020. "I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision-making. This will always be the case. Shortly after the announcement from the Welsh government, Ms Sturgeon said Scottish schools have now lost too many staff to continue as normal and will close by the end of the week. Northern Ireland's education minister said he could not give a date for when schools will be closed. Peter Weir said that when schools close over coronavirus, it will not be short term, but potentially until the end of August. Jerseys education minister has also made the decision to close the majority of schools and colleges to students from Monday. It comes after education unions warned that keeping schools open is becoming "increasingly untenable" as staff are self-isolating. Recommended Plans made to look after children of key workers if schools close On the Welsh government's decision to close schools, Laura Doel, director of school leaders union NAHT Cymru, said: School leaders and teachers will want to be part of the national response. Schools play a pivotal role as part of the social fabric of our communities and we will work with Welsh government to make sure the support systems are in place to ensure key workers can remain in work. Eithne Hughes, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, added: This is the right decision at the right time given the seriousness of the situation and the pressure on schools as staff increasingly self-isolate. She added: We await a decision on this summers GCSEs and A-levels and continue to press for an announcement as a matter of urgency. On Monday, Israel's Foreign Ministry put out a social media message reminding the world that its employees are continuing to do their jobs. A picture accompanied the post, showing three young Israeli women, obviously attractive despite the masks they're wearing, standing before an Israeli flag and making hearts with their hands. At the same time, the ministry tweeted the picture out in Arabic, with a more heartfelt wish for the continued health of those who believe in Allah. The response was both amazing and unexpected. This is the picture that the Ministry tweeted out, with its English language text: Greetings from our headquarters in Jerusalem! This is what our routine looks like under #coronavirus . Stay safe & remember to follow your local health guidelines. We invite you to follow further updates & stories here: https://t.co/Q6dh4yrq11 https://t.co/rslBkgeh6d pic.twitter.com/95EwwZQak7 Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) March 16, 2020 For Arab-language speakers, the Ministry didn't rely on the anodyne message that Israel's government is still hard at work despite the Chinese Virus. Instead, in Arabic, the Ministry said: This is a message to you from Israel: We pray to Allah to protect the inhabitants of Arab countries. The coronavirus that is spreading intensely in the world these days knows no borders, religions, and nationalities. We are all human beings; we are all brothers. According to the Algemeiner, the post has garnered an extremely positive response from the Arab and Muslim world: The post was viewed by approximately four million people in Arab countries, and received responses such as, "May Allah protect you and bless you." One user from Iran called it a "beautiful message of solidarity and peace." An Iraqi user posted, "Our hearts are with Israel and the world at large, in all its diversity, religions, and beliefs, to defeat this virus together." A woman from Morocco wrote, "May Allah preserve everyone. Humanitarianism first and foremost. Perfect health to all the sick." A Saudi Arabian user said, "Beautiful behavior, good neighborliness, love and the spread of peace are the way to heaven." Other messages included, "A thousand congratulations to our cousins, and thanks" and "Long live Arab-Israeli brotherhood, we long for health and peace for all." The Foreign Ministry also posted a poll asking if Arab users would use an Israeli-developed vaccine, with the majority answering "yes." There were, of course, the usual hate-filled messages, but those are "dog bites man" stuff. It's the good things that resonate. Two things may be affecting Muslims and Arabs as they look at Israel right now. First, while Iran spread the new plague, Israel has been working frantically to come up with vaccinations and treatments. Second, Israel is the only government in the Middle East working to help the Palestinians: While Israel is working overtime with Palestinians to curb and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Arab states appear to be doing what they do best when it comes to helping their Palestinian brothers: nothing at all. In the past few days, Israeli authorities delivered 200 coronavirus testing kits to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. In addition, Israeli and Palestinian professional teams have been working together to prevent the spread of the virus. The Israeli authorities have also delivered another 200 coronavirus testing kits to the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, despite the thousands of rockets and incendiary and bomb-carrying balloons that the ruling government, Hamas, has launched from there towards Israel. In addition, Israeli authorities have coordinated the transfer of 20 tons of disinfectant material from Israeli factories to the Palestinian health sector. The material included chlorine and hydrogen peroxide, used for disinfection, preservation of hygiene and sanitation. These disinfectant materials are used for cleaning surfaces in open areas and help in cleaning closed areas, including mosques and churches. It is worth noting that Egypt, which has a shared border with the Gaza Strip, did not send any test kits or disinfectant materials to the Palestinians living there. Palestinians in Lebanon, meanwhile, are worried that the Lebanese authorities may use the coronavirus as an excuse to intensify restrictions even further on their refugee camps. One day, perhaps, Muslims and Arabs will realize that their best friends in the Middle East aren't their co-religionists but are, in fact, the Israelis they hate with genocidal fury. Maybe the radical changes the Chinese Virus is already making in the world will be the catalyst the Muslims and Arabs need. The test for coronavirus gives results in 24 to 48 hours, which can seem like a very long time to someone waiting to hear if they have a potentially lethal illness. But it takes a lot longer if the lab running the testing is backed up and running behind, which is what happened to Dr. Bassem Khalil, who was told to wait about five days to hear back after he was tested on Monday. The reason they told me five days is probably because theyre overwhelmed with more testing, said Khalil, an internist at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. He started experiencing symptoms that matched the warning signs of COVID-19 last Saturday and as of Thursday was still waiting at home to find out if he was infected by the coronavirus. Khalil, who lives alone, says that the quarantine is no biggie; the illness is what is really bad when it all boils down. Dr. Bassem Khalil, Internist and attending at Georgetown Hospital. His last day working at the hospital was a week earlier, and to his knowledge he wasnt treating anyone with the virus, but its a new virus. No one knows exactly how many people have it. The testing is not optimal yet, so were all kind of exposed, he said. In Washington, D.C., there are around 40 confirmed cases, and we have less than 10 hospitals in the area in D.C., so I know there are a couple at Georgetown, I know that for a fact, said Khalil. In nearby Virginia, cases have jumped to 94, with 56 in Northern Virginia alone. On Sunday, Khalil started feeling mild chest pain and had a cough and a low-grade fever. On Monday, he felt ill enough to visit an urgent care facility. Because of his list of symptoms and a heightened chance of exposure to the virus at the hospital, there was no question of whether he should be tested. It would be hard for me to pinpoint exactly how I got where I got it from or how, but working in a hospital seeing patients, it would be easier to get it, Im sure, said Khalil. The clinic told him not to report to work until the results came back. But getting a test still isnt that easy today. Dr. Khalil explains that in the news you hear that there is more testing, but in reality what we are seeing is that unless you meet the criteria, you are not going to be tested. He explained that showing symptoms still isnt enough to get just anybody a test. Hes also noted that he learned recently that for now the testing that is out there has some false negatives. Story continues If you have a patient that tested negative but also has symptoms, how do you know that they really have it or not? I dont know at this point. Even though he is still coughing, Khalil is feeling better and believes he is out of danger. As a healthy 37-year-old man who exercises regularly, he falls in the category of individuals who should not exhibit extreme symptoms, but he admitted that being sick, whether with COVID-19 or something else, was not pleasant, to say the least. At the height of his illness, Khalil woke up on Tuesday morning at 1:30 a.m. with semi-severe abdominal pain on the right side. And I was just like, I have no idea what this could be, because I mean as far as we know it affects the lungs. I was reading a little bit, and yes, its going to affect liver function, but you wouldnt think it would cause pain and discomfort like that. While this isnt a common symptom of the coronavirus, Khalil understood that any disease can present differently in different patients. Confused at this abdominal pain, he texted his colleagues asking if any of their patients had similar symptoms. The ones who had patients said no, but they noticed that some of them had an elevation in the liver functions and some had some GI symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. For this doctor, waiting for results and resting is all he can do at this point. He has a lot of faith in his colleagues at Georgetown Hospital and says that were lucky because so far it hasnt gone to the point where anybody is overwhelmed with lots of cases. Just like everyone else, Khalil is waiting to see what the effects of social distancing and isolation will be in the unraveling of this virus in the United States. When asked if hes worried about the future and the reality of more cases coming in, he explains that theres a lot of things happening now to hopefully prevent this influx if it happens. And I mean hopefully, it prevents the influx from happening. But if it happens, then we have enough supplies, enough rooms, enough beds to accommodate as many as possible to avoid being in a situation like other countries. When asked how it will feel to be on the frontlines of fighting this disease when he is able to return to work, Khalil demurs. He doesnt see himself on the frontlines. Were all in it together. I mean were dealing with this as health care providers from one side, but youre dealing with it from another side [as the media]. And were all working on this together. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: [March 19, 2020] Pennsylvania American Water Suspends Non-Payment Service Shutoffs Pennsylvania American Water has suspended the practice of shutting off water service due to non-payment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Service has also been restored to all customers whose service was previously discontinued due to nonpayment. This practice will remain in effect as long as the current public health crisis continues. Any customer whose service has not yet been restored should immediately contact customer service at 1-800-565-7292 so that the company can resolve the issue as quickly as possible. These decisions were made to ensure clean, safe, reliable water service for all customers during this public health crisis, and to assist those customers who may experience financial hardships during this crisis. "Our priority is and has always been the well-being and safety of our customers," said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. "During this public health crisis, we must ensure everyone, especially our most vulnerable citizens, has access to clean, safe and reliable water service. We also are providing relief for those customers who may experience financial hardships as a result of this public health emergency." Pennsylvania American Water is also taking steps to comply with all Centers for Disease Control guidelines on COVID-19 mitigation. Accordingly, the company has suspended in-person payment transactions at all local offices. Customers will still be able to pay their bills online at myaccount.amwater.com or call the customer service line at 1-800-565-7292. They can also pay their bills at any third-party payment center that may be in their area. Customers can continue to make use of payment drop boxes if their local office has one. In addition to protecting its customers, Pennsylvania American Water is prioritizing the health of its employees. The company has banned all work-related air travel. It has also mandated employees work from home other than certain essential personnel such as those needed to ensure water and wastewater tretment. In addition, the company will not participate in sponsored events and public gatherings consistent with CDC guidance. These restrictions will not affect Pennsylvania American Water's financial commitment to the many nonprofits and causes it supports each year. "These decisions were made in accordance with our commitment to our customers and employees and the recommendations of public health officials," President Doran said. "We hope these measures will bring some relief to those who may be affected by this crisis and contribute to the curtailment of the pandemic's advance. Our thoughts are with our customers, employees and all those across the globe during this extraordinary time." COVID-19 and Water Quality: Pennsylvania American Water's treatment processes are effective in removing harmful pathogens as required by law, including those of the Coronavirus family. Our water meets all federal and state drinking water standards and is safe to use. For additional information about the coronavirus and drinking water and wastewater, please visit: Environmental Protection Agency - Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual World Health Organization - Water treatment practices effective against COVID-19, WHO says For additional information about the coronavirus, please visit: Center for Disease Control and Prevention World Health Organization About Pennsylvania American Water Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005500/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The opening day's results exceeded expectations. Today we were able to successfully collect specimens from about 60 Arlington County residents, she said, noting 22 appointments already have been made for then next day. In addition to county residents, the others eligible to have their throats swabbed for COVID-19 at the site are patients of Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington County employees and Arlington Public Schools employees, the hospital said. Dickerson, who hails from North Carolina, told reporters that she, like others, watched TV and saw the outbreak unfold around the world worried for her safety, her family's and that of her nurses. She oversees about 1,100 nurses in the 394-bed hospital. If you test positive People who test positive, she said, should isolate themselves in a room, drink fluids, watch their fever and take care of themselves. But they should avoid seeking emergency medical treatment unless it is warranted for example, for shortness of breath. (For more, see the CDC's guidance on what to do if you are sick.) Speaking as a nurse, she said, she was just really proud of her team for being able to provide a service to the community. And she thanked Arlington County, its police force and hospital personnel, saying efficiencies were learned on day one and adaptations are being and will continue to be made. People who took the test were not identified. Dickerson even declined to say whether her hospital had treated COVID-19 patients. The press was restricted to the perimeter of the drive-through site. Arlington County leads the state in cases As of Thursday, Arlington County had surpassed all other counties in the state for COVID-19 cases, with 17. Virginia's most populous county, Fairfax County, home to 1.14 million people, had the second largest number of cases, with 16. Arlington County is the state's 10th largest county, with about 232,000 residents. Located across the Potomac River from the District of Columbia, the county is home to the Pentagon, attacked on 9/11. And there was chitchat about those attacks among the media Wednesday as they braced for what may come next in the pandemic. According to the Virginia Department of Health, 1,923 people in the state had been tested as of Thursday and coronavirus was confirmed in 94 cases. Two people in Virginia have died as a result of contracting the respiratory pathogen, and there have been 19 hospitalizations, the agency said. Concern and irritation Taking in the scene at Arlington's drive-through site was Bill Barron, 61, a subcontractor for the county working nearby and supervising a crew of fiber-optic cable installers. He lives in Manassas, Virginia. Asked how he regarded the drive-through facility, he replied: Interesting, to say the least. He said he'd be tested only if he felt sick, but does not. So far the pandemic has caused his girlfriend to lose her job bartending at an American Legion Post. And he worries a bit that if contracts dry up, he could be out of work one day. Talking about the global outbreak, he remarked: I'm like everybody else, I'm concernedbut I'm more irritated at the hoarders at the stores." Two members of US Congress caught coronavirus The 58-year-old congressman said he developed a fever and headache on Saturday evening and was notified "a short while ago" that he tested positive. Two members of the US House of Representatives, Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Ben McAdams of Utah, said on Wednesday they had tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first members of Congress known to have contracted the respiratory illness. "I HAVE DEVELOPED MILD COLD-LIKE SYPMTOMS" Diaz-Balart, a Republican, said in a statement he had been self-quarantining in Washington since voting on Friday on the floor of the House of Representatives. He said he had not returned home to South Florida because his wifes pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk. McAdams said in a statement from West Jordan, Utah, that he had developed mild cold-like symptoms on Saturday evening after returning from Washington and isolated himself at home on Sunday. He and Diaz-Balart participated in House voting on a coronavirus response bill that went until late on Friday. McAdams symptoms got worse and he took a test at a clinic on Tuesday on his doctors instruction. He learned on Wednesday that he had tested positive, the 45-year-old Democrat said. The House is currently in recess and due to return next week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the positive tests would affect House operations. The Anambra state government has banned all public gatherings as well as ordered all tertiary institutions to proceed on compulsory vacation as measures to prevent the outbreak of Coronavirus intensifies. This directive is contained in a statement released by the state governor, Willie Obiano. With this directive, Anambra joins Lagos, Ogun, Benue and Northwestern States in banning public gathering. Also Read: Covid-19: Screen All VIPs Coming Into Lagos, Sanwo Tells Airport Workers According to the statement, public gatherings in the State are banned beginning from Monday March 23rd while Universities are to proceed on vacation beginning from March 20th. The number of new coronavirus cases statewide saw its single largest jump Thursday, as Harris County marked its first death and Texas declared a public health disaster for the first time in more than 100 years. A man, in his 80s, died Wednesday night at a Harris County hospital. The nursing home residents case had been confirmed earlier that day, according to Dr. Umair Shah, the countys public health director. The man is the fifth Texan to die with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Another man was reported dead Thursday in Dallas County, with previous fatalities in Matagorda, Collin and Tarrant counties. Shah said he is worried about a spread similar to the one at a Seattle-area nursing home, where 29 deaths were linked to an outbreak. Authorities are investigating who else may have had contact with the Houston man. Officials have not released the name of the nursing home where he lived. Theres a very real concern that when you start to see infections happening in certain areas, especially localized outbreaks, that could be the start of new cases, Shah said. In our frail population, our elderly population its absolutely critical we really understand whats happening in any of those facilities. Thursday saw another record-breaking increase in confirmed cases statewide, jumping from 200 to at least 306. The tally now includes 70 cases in the Greater Houston region. Officials have made clear those numbers will continue to rise as testing captures previously unconfirmed cases. That testing rollout, however, has been slow in Greater Houston. A line of cars stretched 3 miles for the first day of drive-thru testing in Houston Thursday. Residents with symptoms could get free COVID-19 tests after a screening process at the United Memorial Medical Center in Acres Homes. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, said the testing was provided by the recently passed Family First Act. One person who drove up to be tested had symptoms so severe they were taken by stretcher toward the adjacent medical center. Legacy Community Health was also offering tests at four satellite clinics, a private option that helped cover the demand as public testing centers have been delayed by equipment shortages. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who acknowledge frustration with the delays, announced the first government-backed site operated by the city and the Federal Emergency Management Agency would open Friday at Houston ISDs Butler Stadium. He emphasized, though, that it would cater to first responders and medical providers, not the public. Eventually, he said, they will scale up to provide tests to people with symptoms, but he asked residents to remain patient and avoid heading to the stadium Friday. Those with symptoms will be able to enter a screening process at houstonemergency.org, city officials said. They will fill out a questionnaire and then speak with a nurse. If approved, they will get an authorization code to proceed to a testing site. It wasnt clear if that questionnaire would launch Friday. The mayor said he is hoping to open the second site, at HISDs Delmar Stadium, in the next week, as more protective gear and nasal swabs become available. Two additional sites are expected in Katy and Baytown. Meanwhile, County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she may consider a shelter-in-place order, as cities like San Francisco have, to slow the spread of the virus. We have got to be flexible. We have got to be smart. We cant be catching up, Hidalgo said. If we do the exact same thing theyve done in other places, where theyve already overwhelmed the health care system, we know where were headed. Turner was more cautious, though he did say he has had many options presented to him. The mayor said he was pleased with the publics discipline in following existing orders, including a ban on bars and dine-in eating, which the two officials announced Monday and has been the most aggressive action taken thus far. Were trying to do everything we can to not go to the far extremes, Turner said. You dont want to put something in place, and then people are rushing to the grocery stores because theyre saying the city now is about to be shut down. Thats what was circling on social media. Congressional leaders in both parties backed Turners reluctance. During a call with members of Congress and state legislators, Turner was asked if the city would resort to such a step. He said he didnt think that was the right course of action and immediately got backing from both Republicans and Democrats on the line, according to several sources who participated in the call. In a statewide escalation, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the closure of schools, bars and dine-in restaurants through April 3. He also issued directives limiting social gatherings to 10 people and ending most visitation at nursing homes or assisted living facilities. John Hellerstedt, the commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, declared a public health disaster and called COVID-19 the greatest public health challenge in living memory. Turner applauded those measures, which he said creates unity after many local governments had already taken the actions. That uniformity will benefit all of us, whether youre in rural Texas or urban Houston, Turner said. The virus reach in Greater Houston and Texas will come into fuller view over the next week, as testing capacity continues to increase. Shah said county health department researchers have run models about the true number of cases, though he declined to estimate how many may exist in Harris County. I will tell you that as this is moving forward in our community, there are two options we have, he said. One is what were seeing in other parts of the world, where its a vast surge up. Another is we see weve done something to flatten or delay that curve. Houston ISD announced that it will launch a new portal to provide educational materials at home, effective March 31. District employees will spend the next week working on the portal, called HISD at H.O.M.E., and identifying families in need of various forms of support, including technology access and food. HISD staff will be expected to continue working remotely throughout the closure, which will last through at least April 10. What Im asking not only trustees, but our staff members and parents, is to be patient with us as we work through pushing out online learning, Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. University of Houston officials announced they will offer classes online only for the rest of the semester and will postpone graduation ceremonies until at least late summer. zach.despart@chron.com Much attention has been paid to the Trump administrations shortsighted elimination of the White House Pandemic Response Team. The frustration with this decision is obvious: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should have public health experts working with the federal government to tell us that social distancing is the best thing we can do to prevent infections and slow the strain on our health care system. But we also need behavioral scientists who can help advise on exactly how to get people to actually follow such instructions. The Obama administration created a White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team, or SBST, tasked to use behavioral science insights to better serve the American people precisely for this reason. Unfortunately for the U.S., the Trump administration got rid of that too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its brief existence, the SBST tackled a broad range of issues, from fighting food insecurity to helping people save for retirement, through an evidence-based policy approach that drew inspiration from decision-making research. For example, they encouraged households to make their homes more energy-efficient by highlighting the immediate, concrete benefits of saving money on their power bills, rather than trying to appeal to the abstract, distant goal of slowing climate change. Crucially, SBST programs rarely tried to tell people what to do by throwing a bunch of facts and statistics at thema current coronavirus-fighting approach that has only worked with a subset of the population. Instead, the SBST found ways to encourage better decision-making by capitalizing on the mental shortcuts we take and the biases that we have. Advertisement Advertisement Though the SBST is no more, findings from decision-making research can still help us understand why people are not taking the threat of coronavirus seriously and how they could be convinced to follow social distancing recommendations. While epidemiologists are trying to model COVID-19s true fatality rateis it 3.4 percent? 1 percent?decision scientists already know that people are generally pretty bad at objectively assessing probabilities. Famous behavioral economists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky argued that people discard events of extremely low probability, simplifying minuscule percentages to basically zero. In other words, regardless of COVID-19s true case fatality rate, our human brains are tempted to shortcut it to super unlikely, so probably not me. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, even a 1 percent fatality rate means a devastating number of lives lost around the world. Effectively communicating the lethality of COVID-19 is paramount to convincing people to take the threat seriously. One strategy is to leverage the identifiable victim effect, in which people are more moved to help known individuals than unknown others (youve experienced this yourself if the coronavirus didnt feel real until Tom Hanks tested positive). If folks downplay the seriousness of COVID-19s fatality rate, we can ask them to scroll through the profile photos of a hundred of their friends on social media and imagine that one of them died after being exposed to the coronavirus. Facebook is especially good for facilitating this, as photos are more effective than just names for getting people to care (note that I do not recommend this exercise if you are already plenty concerned about COVID-19). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from Chinas hard-hit Hubei province show that COVID-19s case fatality rates vary widely with age, resulting in different messaging challenges for younger and older populations. People in their 20s appear to face just a 0.09 percent fatality rate, an even-more-near-zero number that, combined with that age groups propensity for risk-taking and socializing, makes it hard to convince young adults to follow social distancing guidelines to save themselves. Instead, argues Oxford neuroethicist and Yale psychology professor Molly Crockett, it may be more persuasive to highlight how our actions can avoid causing harm to others. In a pair of studies, she found that participants (average age around 23 years) were more motivated to reduce the pain experienced by an anonymous stranger than to reduce their own pain. Here, the White Houses messaging in Mondays press conference is in line with Crocketts recommendation: Coronavirus task force coordinator Deborah Birx spoke of focusing on protecting older Americans and then specifically called for millennials to do their part to stop the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast to millennials relatively low risk of dying from COVID-19, older Americans face much higher case fatality rates. Yet there are also anecdotes of folks over 60 who are still climbing aboard cruise ships and refusing to stop close-quarters socializing. Kendra Seaman, a behavioral and brain science professor who runs the Aging Well Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas (and, full disclosure, a friend), believes that this is due to aging-related shifts in what people value. Older adults value close social relationships as a way of maintaining positive emotion, she says. Thus, it may be especially hard to convince older adults to give up social aspects of their lives that connect them to others. Advertisement Advertisement Seamans research further shows that older adults, compared with younger adults, are more impatient when it comes to social and health rewards. Older adults would rather spend a small amount of time with a loved one or experience a minor improvement in health as soon as possible, rather than wait several weeks for greater amounts of time or even more improved health. In the case of social distancing to avoid the coronavirus, health and social goals are in direct conflict with each otherand if an individual does not believe in the health risk posed by the coronavirus, then the social goal easily wins out. So how do we get older adults to take this seriously? We could continuously remind them that they are at high risk of dying from COVID-19, but thats likely to have negative side effects like increasing anxiety and fear. Instead, Seaman recommends focusing on explaining that there are ways to maintain social connections in the time of social distancing, which will help make the point that social goals do not have to be sacrificed to maintain health goals. As one of my colleagues suggested, we can reframe social distancing as distance socializing to emphasize our intentions to continue socializing from afar. The SBST was founded with the belief that behavioral science insights could improve Americans lives through evidence-based policy. Right now, those insights could save American lives, but theres no longer a direct way to pass such information to the White House. Heres hoping that our next administration will see the value of seeking counsel from scientists and reinstate them in advisory positions. The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website. Channel Seven is taking no chances when it comes to keeping Sunrise running smoothly amid the coronavirus pandemic. Producers are going to extreme measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at 'Brekky Central' in Sydney's Martin Place, as viewers in self-isolation across Australia tune in each morning for updates. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that all staff are required to sanitise their hands before coming into physical contact with any of the presenters on set. The battle for Brekky Central: Channel Seven is taking no chances when it comes to keeping Sunrise running smoothly amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: Natalie Barr on Thursday On Thursday, makeup artists were seen washing their hands with Avagard Antiseptic Hand Rub before giving Natalie Barr a quick top-up. It was only after thoroughly sanitising their hands that they proceeded to refresh her makeup and brush her hair. There were two large bottles of the antiseptic rub placed around the Sunrise desk and directly next to the talent, just out of view of the cameras. Hard at work: Producers are going to extreme measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at 'Brekky Central' in Martin Place. Pictured: Natalie and David Koch with a crew member Hygiene: On Thursday, makeup artists were seen washing their hands with Avagard Antiseptic Hand Rub before giving Natalie Barr a quick top-up A security guard wearing a face mask was also standing outside the main entrance. The Sunrise team did not appear to be practicing social distancing on set, with many crew members coming into close proximity with each other. Presenters Natalie Barr, David Koch, Mark Beretta and Monique Wright also sat inches apart on the sofa, just as they did before the pandemic. Sam Armytage is currently taking several weeks off work as a precautionary measure while she recovers from a chest infection. Safety first: It was only after thoroughly sanitising their hands that staff proceeded to refresh Natalie's makeup and brush her hair Cautious: A security guard wearing a face mask was also standing outside the main entrance Channel Nine's Today Extra appears to be taking further precautions. On Thursday, David Campbell and Belinda Russell observed social distancing as they hosted the show together, sitting further apart than usual. It comes after the pair were forced to self-isolate last week amid a coronavirus scare at Nine's Willoughby studios. They have both since tested negative. Social distancing: Over on Channel Nine, Today Extra's David Campbell and Belinda Russell observed social distancing Previously: They had sat noticeably closer together during Monday's broadcast (pictured) They had interviewed Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson on March 9, three days before she tested positive for coronavirus on March 12. Globally, more than 204,000 people have been infected with COVID-19, and cases in Australia have skyrocketed from 73 to 568 in less than two weeks. More than 1,000 Australians will likely be struck down with the virus by the weekend. 5) I will not, under any circumstances, suggest it was hypocritical for President Trump to say on March 15 that the very contagious virus is something that we have tremendous control over and then, the next day, say, If youre talking about the virus, no, thats not under control for any place in the world. 18.03.2020 LISTEN Some past residents of Commonwealth Hall at the University of Ghana have demanded that the Appeals Committee of the NPP overturns the disqualification of Bernard Oduro Takyi. The group, describing Mr Oduros disqualification as "mafia, barbaric, cruel, barbarous and uncivilised" claim the vetting committee in the Bono Region gave no reason for disqualifying him. The Vandals said in a statement that the disgruntled aspirant in the Sunyani West Constituency met all criteria set by the NPP to run for as parliamentary candidate on the partys ticket. The aspirant, according to the Vandals he has served the party in various capacities including a being a Polling Agent for the NPP for 2008, 2012 and 2016 Elections, a Polling Station Chairman from 2012-2017, a Zonal Executive from 2012 till date (Kwatire-Adantia Zone). He was also the Lead Petitioner and Plaintiff for the NPP Assemblymember caucus court case in 2015. Bernard Oduro Takyi popularly known as Bernardo has over the year serve the NPP in his fullest capacity, the Vandals claim. The unhappy Vandals are demanding an urgent justice be given to one of their own so he can contest in the upcoming primaries and for the Committee to allow free and fairgrounds for the Primaries at Sunyani West and across the country. The Vandals say they would among others proceed to demonstrate at Sunyani West Constituency against the NPP candidate that will be presented, should their demand be ignored. We will also close all our doors for all NPP activities within and outside Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana, they wrote. The NPP primaries, is meanwhile, scheduled to come off in April. Another case of coronavirus positive case - an employee at HCL Technologies - emerged in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 19. One employee from our Noida office has tested positive for coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel. Our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols, HCL Technologies said in a statement. Tracking Coronavirus Outbreak: Live Updates A person in his early thirties was found positive for coronavirus disease Covid-19 in Noida on Wednesday, the fourth case in the district. The identified person had travelled to Indonesia along with his wife. On Tuesday, two persons were found positive for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in sector 100 and 78 of Noida after which all the residents living in the same premises were asked to quarantine themselves. Both the societies have restricted entry of outsiders. Meanwhile, two more people have tested positive in Lucknow, said Sudhir Singh, Covid-19 isolation ward in-charge at King George Medical University, as reported by news agency ANI. A doctor at Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknows leading hospital, who was part of the team attending to suspected and positive coronavirus patients, had tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. After Thursdays development, Lucknow now has five positive cases; there are eight Covid-19 positive cases in Agra, two in Ghaziabad and four in Noida. Uttar Pradesh has, as a precaution, ordered schools, gyms, swimming pools, cinema halls, multiplexes and anganwadi centres to remain closed. UP health minister Jai Pratap Singh has warned of strict action, including jail, for those who do not cooperate in the states efforts to control the coronavirus outbreak and spread misinformation or rumours to create panic in the society. We will take action against any suspect if he/she refuses to get tested or runs away from authorities. Action will also be taken against any person who tries to hide such patients, misleads or obstructs the health team from conducting its duty. If required, offenders will also be sent to jail as per the law, the health minister said. Singh said the concerned authorities had been given power under section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act to take all necessary actions in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Researchers claim that infants from rural families tend to display negative emotions such as anger and frustration more frequently than their urban counterparts, a finding that calls for better distribution of mental healthcare services in a country. According to the study, published in the Journal of Community Psychology, babies born in big cities are typically less fussy, and not as bothered by limits set by their caregivers compared to those growing up in cities. The researchers, including psychologist Maria Gartstein from the Washington State University (WSU), examined the differences in infant temperament, parent-child interactions, and parenting stress between families of similar socioeconomic and racial composition in the Inland Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area in the US. They found that urban moms tend to be better at picking up on when their babies wanted or needed something, or were ready to be done with play, and responding accordingly. The scientists believe, this may have led to their infants generally being calmer and less easily upset. Rural moms, they said, reported more frequent expressions of negative emotions from their infants, particularly when they were distressed due to limitations. "I was shocked, quite frankly, at how little there was in the literature on the effects of raising an infant in a rural vs. urban environment," Gartstein said. "The fact that rural mothers in our study reported more frequent expressions of anger and frustration from their infants may be consequential as higher levels of frustration in infancy can increase risk for later attentional, emotional, social and behavioural problems," she said. In subsequent studies, the psychologists said they plan to pinpoint exactly what factors causes the differences in temperament between the two groups. "For example, access to mental and behavioural health services and child rearing resources tend to be limited in more rurally situated communities," Gartstein said. "Figuring out what role, if any, these and other locational variables play in an infant's social emotional development will be the next step in our research," she added. In the current study, the researchers analysed and compared data from two previously conducted studies of mother-child interactions and infant temperament. The first one consisted of 68 participants and their infants in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the second involved 120 rural mothers and their infants from Whitman and Latah counties in the Inland Northwest of the US. In both the studies, mothers used a questionnaire to record the frequency of 191 different behaviours their child displayed at six and 12 months after birth. The researchers then analysed babies along 14 different dimensions that ranged from cuddliness to vocal reactivity. They also assessed parent-child interactions, where mothers were instructed to engage their infants in play in a typical fashion. Gartstein said one of the more surprising findings from the study was that contrary to predictions, the scientists did not find a statistically significant difference in the levels of parenting stress between urban and rural caregivers. "This may be a result of different, but functionally equivalent, risk factors," Gartstein said. "Whereas living in a big city generally brings more exposure or proximity to violent crime, isolation can also cause a great deal of stress for rural parents. This research opens up a lot of very interesting future avenues of investigation," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Colorado has already moved over to 100% mail or drop-off voting. (Ivan Couronne / AFP/Getty Images) As states scramble to postpone presidential primaries, election workers abandon their posts and voters worry about the risk of contagion in crowded polling places, the question of how the nation is going to pull off a general election in November has generated increasing anxiety. Some states are much better prepared than others. In a significant swath of the nation, however, most voters still lack the one viable option for casting ballots that doesnt put their health at risk in a time of pandemic: voting by mail. Now the decades-long push by advocates and many lawmakers to make that alternative universally available has gained new momentum amid a public health crisis. Backers are racing to overcome longstanding political barriers so that states that have resisted can start confronting the huge logistical challenges involved in a quick shift away from in-person voting. Ohio, Louisiana, Georgia and other states are showing that without vote-by-mail, states might not be able to hold elections at all, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in an email, referring to states that have postponed scheduled primaries. He and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are rallying colleagues behind their bill that would require all states to allow citizens to vote absentee. I understand that standing up a new election system will be a heavy lift, but in the face of this pandemic, vote by mail is the best choice we have to keep our democracy running, Wyden said. Casting ballots by mail or at drop-off locations on and before election day is a familiar habit in the West. California has allowed any adult citizen who cares to vote absentee to do so for years. Washington, Oregon and Colorado have already moved over to 100% mail or drop-off voting, with California headed in that direction. Deeply Republican states like Utah also allow anyone to vote absentee. Yet in 16 states concentrated mostly in the Northeast and the South, voters are expected to show up on election day unless they can claim one of a set of excuses for an absentee ballot. Story continues Some states have been reluctant to meddle with a tradition of civic engagement on election day. More recently, states governed by Republicans have resisted a change after President Trump repeatedly and falsely suggested that reforms that bring down barriers to ballot access had led to widespread voter fraud by Democrats. The rapidly spreading pandemic has some rethinking their rules. Connecticut, for example, has temporarily changed its restrictions to make concerns about the virus a valid excuse for anyone who wants to vote absentee. But in some states, election officials are powerless to act without changes in state law or a mandate from Congress, which has the power to set rules for federal elections. We need emergency action now, said Richard L. Hasen, an election law scholar at UC Irvine who advocates a temporary federal requirement that every voter in America have access to a mail-in ballot for the 2020 election. We cannot postpone the election because there are places under lockdown. We need to have a Plan B ready. Election experts stress that putting off the general election until things settle down is not an option. The Constitution does not allow a president to serve beyond four years without reelection. But some officials still see a conspiracy. No elected official or journalist should use a potential health concern to advance his or her own political agenda, Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill said last week after a local columnist charged the states absentee voting restrictions invite an election-day meltdown. The state Legislature there has repeatedly rejected proposals for universal vote by mail. A proposal passed by lawmakers in New Hampshire was vetoed in September by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who warned it would erode the states standing as a role model of civic engagement. Even if people agree this is an emergency and we may need to do this, its hard to just wash out of your mind thoughts you have had your entire life, Charles Stewart III, a political science professor at MIT who focuses on voting, said of skeptical elections officials. A voter survey he conducted recently found Democrats were far more heavily in favor of universal mail voting than were Republicans. The irony, he said, is that it was GOP public officials who played a key role a couple of decades ago in seeding the movement toward voting by mail. These days, however, the pressure on election officials is coming mostly from Democrats, who are watching in dismay as their primary election has been disrupted in nearly half a dozen states. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez on Tuesday implored states that have not yet held their primaries to embrace voting by mail instead of postponing their elections to a later date. By the fall, the coronavirus crisis could have passed or it could just be getting a second wind. In 1918, the deadly influenza pandemic that hit in the final year of World War I first appeared in the winter, subsided in the summer, then roared back in the fall, disrupting that years presidential campaign. The consequences of giving voters no alternative in November but to show up at polls could be dramatic in states that continue to resist. Most poll workers are over age 60, putting them at high risk if COVID-19 is still spreading. Many may just decide not to show up, as was the case in some of the primaries held this week. The need to sanitize machines after every voter, possibly take the temperature of voters as they enter polling places and enforce social distancing which could lead to historically long delays in both voting and tallying votes. That, in turn, could shake voter confidence in the integrity of the election. Are we going to say to people they cant vote because they have a 100-degree temperature? said Paul Gronke, director of the Early Voting Information Center at Reed College in Portland, Ore. I think about all the complexities involved in trying to make polling places safe for people to cast ballots, and I get very nervous. Until this election cycle, Gronke had been reluctant to champion a federal mandate giving all voters access to absentee ballots, worrying it would be too heavy-handed. The outbreak has changed his thinking. We are in an emergency, he said. The prospects for the Wyden bill are uncertain. There are not yet any GOP co-sponsors for the proposal, which the senator has pushed in some fashion since 2006. But even if the Senate balks, election experts are hopeful more states will aim to expand mail-in voting for November on their own. Time is fast running out. The logistical issues involved with shifting millions of voters over to mail-in ballots are monumental. Even many states that already encourage all residents to mail or drop off their ballots will probably struggle with the deluge, said Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. There is a huge amount that needs to be done to prepare for this, Weiser said. She pointed to everything from the lack of vendors equipped to print so many ballots, to a potential shortage of the specific paper needed, to all the new equipment states would need to count and sort the votes. There are other components for states to wrestle with: safeguards to ensure ballots are properly collected, finding and training large numbers of workers for what could prove a complicated undertaking, and putting in place backstops to avoid system malfunctions and clerical errors that can turn election day into a mess. Even if the Wyden bill stalls again, lawmakers still may put money in the stimulus legislation moving through Congress to help states confront these logistical hurdles. Especially when the alternative could be a lot of Americans excluded from the ballot box come November. We dont have flexibility on when this election is, said Weiser. There will be a very large number of people who will not be able to vote in person. It wont be safe for them to do so. They need to have this option. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told his parliamentary party that school closures may continue until May, raising the prospect that Leaving and Junior Certificate exams could now be cancelled Mr Varadkar also warned that the numbers of positive cases of Covid-19 will "continue to rise" in the days ahead. However, the Fine Gael leader did not get a mandate from TDs, senators and MEPs to negotiate a programme for government with Fianna Fail, as had been expected. Party sources said the government formation talks process would "continue on the same path". This is expected to see the negotiations between the civil war rival parties stalled or even paused. In a statement, Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon confirmed that Mr Varadkar warned that school closures and restrictions could remain in place for another two months. But with the school exams in early June, this would almost certainly mean that pupils could not sit their tests if they have not returned to school until sometime in May. The stark message to his party is expected to trigger debate about how education can be dealt with in community settings and about what will happen with exams. Mr Heydon said Mr Varadkar spoke to members via telephone conference this evening, saying the numbers of positive cases for Covid-19 will continue to rise over coming days. He added: The Fine Gael President said there will be big increases in positive cases over coming days with increased testing taking place across the country. He said all of Government was pulling together on fighting the virus. He said the benefits of social distancing may not be seen for five to 10 days. The restrictions on schools opening could be extended into April or May. Parliamentary party colleagues agreed to continue talks with other political parties regarding a future Government and negotiators will report to party colleagues with developments. The two-hour phone meeting also heard Fine Gael will lead the rebuilding of the Irish economy again as the country enters an extremely hard time. The teleconference comes after Fine Gael and Fianna Fail held only one day of talks this week. Earlier, a Fine Gael reference group also discussed today the issue of the two parties working together. One senior party source said the process was a slow burner and that nothing immediately would be agreed. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail sources have also told the Irish Examiner that the emergency in fighting the coronavirus must be tackled and addressed before any new government comes in and new ministers take up roles. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The share price of Sterlite Technologies was trading one percent lower in the morning trade on March 19, with the digital technology companys board planning to consider a share buyback. The board will meet on March 24 to consider a proposal for buyback of fully paid-up equity shares, the company said in a filing to the exchanges. Sterlite Technologies had bagged orders worth Rs 1,500 crore ranging from continued business development in optical connectivity solutions and network services to emerging areas such as software virtualisation, the filing said. The company had won multi-year multi-million dollar contracts from major European telecom players. It has also got projects in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia for solutions related to standard billing, digital engagement and AI-based monetisation. The company, however, did not reveal the contract details. The stock, which has cracked more than 58 percent in the last six months, was quoting at Rs 66.05, down Rs 0.85, or 1.27 percent. As an increasing number of Canadians wait out the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic from the safety of their homes, it seems they have been hoarding more than food and toilet paper many have been stockpiling cannabis. The Ontario Cannabis Store reports that it has been experiencing a significant spike in sales of dried flowers, via its online portal, since the weekend, as many people shift to e-commerce to limit human contact. Several brick-and-mortar retail stores have also been sharing in the bounty, both at physical stores and online. The last few days have seen a marked increase in volume in sales on OCS.ca and a high demand for our same day/next day delivery option where it is available, stated Daffyd Roderick, the director of communications for the government-run cannabis retailer. Some authorized retail stores are also reporting an increase in customer volume. Saturday saw almost 3,000 orders of pot, an 80 per cent increase over an average Saturday, the OCS is reporting. More 4,000 orders were logged online via OCS.ca on Sunday, a 100 per cent increase from the previous week. More than 6,000 online orders were placed Monday. Roderick said supply has not been an issue the OCS, which also sells to retail stores, has sufficient inventory to meet demand. Still, the OCS and private cannabis retailers have been contending with a logistical hurdle after Canada Post suspended face-to-face deliveries, as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our same day/next day delivery options are still available, but with limited capacity, the OCS noted in a statement. Our courier continues to check ID, however no longer requires an electronic signature (in order) to maximize social distance. Darren Bondar, president and CEO of Inner Spirit Holdings, which operates 46 Spiritleaf stores across the country, said the brand experienced a 20 per cent bump in sales this past weekend. He said on Monday the average amount spent by customers during one transaction almost doubled, averaging about $50 per transaction. On Monday we saw a 58 per cent increase compared to the Monday a week before, he said. Buyers are also taking advantage of the OCS and some producers cutting prices across a lot of products. There is a perfect storm of a lot of people not going to work and prices being lower than they were before, Mitchell Osak, cannabis advisory lead and partner at consulting firm MNP. This may just be a blip in consumer behaviour a unique time when people feel the need to stock up, says Osak. He notes there will be less disposable income if the country veers towards a deeper economic slowdown. Its too early to tell because weve only had this crisis now for less than a week, Osak said. The downside is, a lot of stores are closing and that means some retail access being taken out of the market, online options notwithstanding. Hunny Pot Cannabis Co., which operates retail stores in Toronto and Burlington, has been experiencing sales trends not seen since the first weeks of opening. Were seeing significant increases, said Hunny Pots Cameron Brown. We did see increases week-over-week for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He said consumers are purchasing more items than they normally would per storevisit with multi-item purchases since Thursday coming at a rate not seen since the first weeks of the stores opening in April 2019. Brown said sales at the physical stores may taper off as Hunny Pot implements COVID-19 health precautions like limiting the number of people flowing through the stores and suspending cash payments. Our sales will be down on a week-over-week basis going forward, he said but while some cannabis retail operations have decided to close, Hunny Pot will stay open for now. Its safe to say that Canadians have been stocking up on cannabis products, said Jordan Sinclair, Canopy Growth Corp.s vice-president of media and communication. Were seeing an increase in sales across every channel, Sinclair said of the nationwide picture. We have a medical channel where sales are up as well. People are getting prepared to be at home for extended periods of time, Sinclair said. The same way that wine or beer might fit into peoples self-isolation routine, cannabis certainly does too. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As coronavirus (COVID-19) has now spread to every state in the country and New York City has more than 1,800 confirmed cases, Staten Island hospitals are working to meet the capacity potentially needed to treat those inflicted with the virus. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly said that New York States current capacity of 53,000 hospital beds and 3,100 intensive-care beds which are fitted with vitally-important ventilators will not be enough to satisfy the demand of hospitalizations that will be caused by the virus. You will be short thousands of ICU beds, thousands of ventilators, Cuomo previously said. Staffs at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) and Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) are aiming to maximize their capacity well ahead of the potential surge in hospitalizations. We are planning for the worst-case scenario, said Alex Lutz, a RUMC spokesman. City Hall said 75 coronavirus cases have been confirmed on Staten Island, the Advance/SILive.com reported. As of this morning, RUMC is caring for five confirmed coronavirus patients, but as testing ramps up in New York with drive-thru testing opening on Thursday and confirmed cases continue to rise, higher hospitalization numbers are extremely likely. Comprehensive plans are in place to double RUMCs hospital bed capacity of about 470, Lutz said, which includes utilizing medical tents secured with the help of multiple elected officials, including Borough President Jim Oddo and Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn). The first of two medical tents provided to RUMC has been set-up outside the hospitals emergency department and has heat, air conditioning, electricity, medical supplies and stretchers, according to Lutz. The placement of the tent allows ambulances to drive right to the structure if needed. Lutz said the current plan is to use the tent for triage and isolation of patients. The second tent will probably be set up at a location off of the hospital campus, but that determination has not been officially made, though the hospital is in contact with city agencies to assess how it could be best utilized, according to Lutz. Inside the hospital, every inch of space is being explored to boost the amount of beds in the facility, Lutz said. We are looking at our capacity within the structure of the hospital itself and not leaving any stone unturned. Despite the eventual increase of beds, Lutz said the hospital has aligned with procedures put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies to maintain proper isolation procedures. We are ready for this," Lutz said. "We are prepared for this. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Both Staten Island University Hospital campuses have a plan to deploy medical tents if the situation requires them to do so, spokesman Christian Preston said. If needed, the tent has full utilities (electricity, hot and cold running water, and heat and air conditioning) and would be used to triage patients, assess their condition and, in most cases, discharge home for self-quarantine, he said. Patients with more severe cases would be admitted to the hospital for treatment. The Advance/SILive.com previously reported that Northwell hospitals have plans in place to handle a surge in patient volume in the borough and the entirety of New York, including transferring patients to Northwell facilities that are less affected by patient influx. Also, SIUH recently canceled all elective surgeries, which was a measure Dr. Theodore Maniatis, who is responsible for all medical affairs, quality management, patient safety issues and standards of care at the SIUH system, said would further free up beds at SIUH campuses. The most recent information available indicates that SIUH is currently treating 13 patients with COVID-19 at both sites, and the hospitals are running at 66% capacity, according to Preston calling the amount of current available space encouraging." Michael Dowling, the CEO of Northwell Health, and Ken Raske, president of the Greater New York Hospital Association, said: The entire New York City-area hospital community met today to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. Working together, we will take every necessary measure to ensure that we have enough beds, supplies, and staff to meet this enormous challenge in the weeks and months to come." We thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership, and our extraordinary health care workers for their skill, commitment and sacrifice. Their safety is our highest priority. We will report our findings shortly, Dowling and Raske said in the joint statement. To supplement the amount of overall available beds in area hospitals, the naval hospital USNS Comfort will dock in New York Harbor, the Advance/SILive.com reported, adding about 1,000 beds to New York City hospitals. Rose joined with fellow New York Congressmembers Jose E. Serrano (D-the Bronx), Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island), and Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn/Queens/Manhattan) in a letter Tuesday calling on the president to deploy the vessel. Cuomo also said he has been in discussion with the federal government on siting mobile hospitals that have capacities of 200-250 people. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper told Fox News on Tuesday that the federal government will be engaging the Army Corps of Engineers, which Cuomo has also requested to help construct emergency hospitals. 53 The coronavirus life in New York City: The new normal VISITING RESTRICTED AT HOSPITALS Both Staten Island hospital systems have restricted visitation due to the spread of the coronavirus. As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, SIUH has restricted visitation, a hospital spokesman told the Advance/SILive.com. The hospitals website shows that only one adult visitor is allowed at a time in all medical-surgical units, all intensive-care units and emergency departments. Additionally, only one adult visitor is allowed in maternal child units. No visitors are allowed in post anesthesia care and pulmonary intensive care units, the website says. For confirmed COVID-19 positive patients, no visitation will be permitted in the ED or inpatient units, the guidelines say. Visitors with significant underlying medical conditions will be discouraged from visiting, and those who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 will not be permitted to visit unless medically cleared. RUMC has also restricted visitors, except in limited circumstances, Lutz said. One parent or support person is allowed in the pediatric section of the hospital; one parent or support person is permitted in the maternity section; and two parents or support people are able to visit the newborn intensive care unit, according to Lutz. Any visitor showing signs of illness will be asked to leave immediately, he said. Echoing sentiments expressed by officials, Lutz said those with mild or no symptoms should stay home; however, if individuals have severe or worsening symptoms, they are directed to call ahead of a visit to the hospital so they can be properly guided before arrival. Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. RELATED COVERAGE: Coughs, sneezes, surfaces: Heres how coronavirus is and isnt spread How the coronavirus hit Staten Island: A timeline of the pandemic in our borough Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals NYPD Commissioner: Cooperation, not closures, expected for ban on dining at restaurants and bars Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- The global intraosseous devices market is expanding due to the increasing number of emergency cases and ailments, such as cardiac arrest and trauma. The global market is expanding at a relatively higher growth rate due to increase in geriatric population, rising prevalence of various diseases and expansion in research, rising number of medical emergency situations, and developmental activities and approaches in healthcare sector in both developed and developing countries. The global intraosseous devices market was valued at more than US$ 361.0 Mn in 2017. It is projected to reach a value of US$ 586.9 Mn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of more than 5.5% from 2019 to 2026. Intraosseous devices can be used to deliver medications and fluids in an emergency, when there's unavailability of venous access or it can't be quickly established. Initially, intraosseous devices were utilized for pediatric emergencies requiring urgent vascular access. In 2005, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) reconsidered their guidelines to incorporate advocating intraosseous infusion access in adults with cardiac arrest when there's no availability of IV access. During military engagements of the U.K. and the U.S. armies in Afghanistan and Iraq and the Israeli army in the Second Lebanon War, intraosseous access appeared as a viable alternative to IV. The global intraosseous device market has been segmented based on type, end-user, and region. In terms of type, the global market has been divided into manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Semi-automatic is projected to hold a prominent share of the market, while the automatic segment is expected to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period. Semi-automatic intraosseous devices provide comparatively fast and easy vascular access, as compared to manual intraosseous devices. Compared to manual and semi-automatic devices; automatic intraosseous devices are recently developed, therefore penetration of this device is comparatively low. Request Exclusive Free Sample PDF Of This Report At https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/25447 Segment by Key players: - PerSys Medical - Cook - Pyng Medical - Teleflex Incorporated - Aero Healthcare AU Pty Ltd. - Becton - Dickinson and Company Segment by Device Type: - Manual - Semi-automated - Automated Segment by Application: - Hospital - Emergency Medicine - Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Specialty Clinics - Trauma Centers Segment by Regions: - North America - Europe - Asia Pacific - Latin America - Middle East & Africa Avail Discount On This Report https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/25447 Table of Content: 1. Executive Summary 2. Assumptions and Acronyms Used 3. Research Methodology 4. Intraosseous Devices Market Overview 4.1. Introduction 4.1.1. Market Taxonomy 4.1.2. Market Definition 4.2. Macro-Economic Factors 4.2.1. Industry Outlook 4.3. Intraosseous Devices Market Dynamics 4.3.1. Market Drivers 4.3.2. Market Restraints 4.3.3. Opportunity 4.3.4. Market Trends 4.4. Intraosseous Devices Market - Supply Chain 4.5. Global Intraosseous Devices Market Forecast 4.5.1. Intraosseous Devices Market Size (US$ Mn) and Y-o-Y Growth 4.5.2. Intraosseous Devices Market Size (000' Units) and Y-o-Y Growth 4.5.3. Intraosseous Devices Market Absolute $ Opportunity 5. Global Intraosseous Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Type 5.1. Market Trends 5.2. Introduction 5.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Type 5.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Type 5.3. Intraosseous Devices Market Size and Volume Forecast by Type 5.3.1. Fabricated Frame 5.3.2. Tube and Coupler 5.3.3. Mobile 5.3.4. Pole 5.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Type 5.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Type 6. Global Intraosseous Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Application 6.1. Market Trends 6.2. Introduction 6.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Application 6.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Application 6.3. Intraosseous Devices Market Size and Volume Forecast by Application 6.3.1. Personal Decoration 6.3.2. Commercial Decoration 6.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Application 6.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Application 7. Global Intraosseous Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Sales Channel 7.1. Market Trends 7.2. Introduction 7.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Sales Channel 7.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Sales Channel 7.3. Intraosseous Devices Market Size and Volume Forecast by Sales Channel 7.3.1. Manufacturer/Distributor/Service Provider 7.3.2. Aftermarket 7.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Sales Channel 7.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Sales Channel 8. Global Intraosseous Devices Market Analysis and Forecast by Region 8.1. Market Trends 8.2. Introduction 8.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Region 8.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Region 8.3. Intraosseous Devices Market Size and Volume Forecast by Region 8.3.1. North America 8.3.2. Latin America 8.3.3. Europe 8.3.4. Asia Pacific 8.3.5. Middle East and Africa (MEA) 8.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Region 8.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Region 8.6. Global Intraosseous Devices Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2029 Continued Enquiry before Buying full report at - https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/25447 About UpMarketResearch Up Market Research (https://www.upmarketresearch.com) is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves. Contact Info UpMarketResearch Name Alex Mathews Email Alex@UpMarketResearch.com Organization UpMarketResearch Address 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global biodegradable cutlery market size is expected to reach USD 50.7 million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. Implementation of stringent regulations pertaining to non-biodegradable plastic across the globe is a primary factor likely to drive the market over the forecast period. Most of the countries around the world are banning plastic usage in any form as it has become one of the prominent global issues. According to a press release by the European Commission in December 2018, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have framed polices and rules to reduce marine litter through ban on single use plastics. In addition, in 2015, the European Commission has proposed a Plastic Bags Directive to regulate and restrict the usage of plastic bags. According to this directive, the 28 EU countries must adopt any of the two proposals either to ensure that the usage of plastic bags cut down from 90 units to 40 units per year per person from 2019 to 2025 or introduce taxes, fines, or bans in order to ban the sales of single use plastics in all points. From 2019, consumers will always have to pay for their usage. These regulations will increase the awareness as well as demand for biodegradable cutleries over the forecast period. North America is the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 6.2% from 2019 to 2025. Over the past few years, North America has witnessed reduction in the usage of plastics by major food chains. For instance, Starbucks Corporation, one of the largest coffeehouse chains, targets to phase out the consumption of plastic straw by 2020, in respect of elongated sipping on drinks spout on a lid. These initiatives will ensure significant growth in the demand for biodegradable cutlery over the forecast period. To request a sample copy or view summary of this report, click the link below: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biodegradable-cutlery-market Further key findings from the study suggest: By product, the paper segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2019 to 2025. Wood is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period Europe dominated the global biodegradable cutlery market in 2018 and accounted for 36.3% share of the total revenue The industry is competitive in nature owing to increasing R&D, product innovation, and emergence of new entrants with the latest technology Key players include Huhtamaki Oyj, Biotrem, BIOPAK, BETTER EARTH LLC, Vegware, Pactiv LLC, Eco Guardian, Genpak, LLC, Bionatic GmbH & Co. KG, and GreenGood USA. Grand View Research has segmented the global biodegradable cutlery market on the basis of raw material and region: Biodegradable Cutlery Raw Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) Wood Husk Paper Plastic Others Biodegradable Cutlery Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) North America Europe Asia Pacific Central & South America Middle East & Africa About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. The Chief Scribe of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Asiedu Nketia, has said the number of Coronavirus cases recorded in Ghana exceeds seven [7]. He claimed the Ghana Health Service is hiding the truth from Ghanaians due to governments poor measures to fight the spread of the virus. For me, I dont believe the numbers they have put out, cases recoded here is more than seven. The government must be open and transparent to the people, he said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie. The Ghana Health Service confirmed another case of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total number of recorded cases to seven. According to the Service's website, the latest was recorded in the Greater Accra Region. "The case-patient is a 35-year-old male, a Ghanaian citizen, who returned to Accra from France within the past 14 days," the statement said. The statement said the latest case is also an imported one and is "being managed in isolation and "in stable condition." This announcement comes two days after the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service confirmed four more cases of the deadly coronavirus in the country and the other two earlier. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Omicron variant of COVID-19 identified in Antrim, Charlevoix counties The omicron variant of COVID-19 has been identified in one Antrim County resident and one Charlevoix County resident. Note: This story has been updated on 3/20/20 and will continue to update. In the midst of an increasingly challenging environment for small businesses, keeping your team connected is the first step to staying productive. While the number of tools out there might seem overwhelming, the good news is, it doesn't have to be complicated. I've put together this guide to help you choose the collaboration, communication, and productivity tools your remote team can use right now. Here are the top tools you need to know about: 1. Slack Slack is a team chat tool that has already long been the lifeblood of many remote organizations. The free version gives you access to up to 10,000 messages in your history and allows one-on-one voice and video calls as well. The paid version gives you group voice and video calls, and full message history. It also allows you to share chat channels with outside guests. Pricing: $6.67 per month, per user. 2. Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams is similar to Slack, except its free version allows unlimited message history and more integrations (250) with third-party apps. The paid version, which is included in Office 365 Business subscriptions, allows up to 1TB of storage for attachments, and voice and video meetings for up to 250 people. The Premium ($12.50) plan includes the desktop versions of Office software. Pricing: $5.00 or $12.50 per month, per user. 3. Google Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet Like Slack and Microsoft Teams, Google has its own team collaboration tool. Despite the somewhat clunky name, if you're a G Suite user, you already have access to both Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet. That means there's no free version, but paid plans allow up to 8,000 people per chat channel, and meetings with up to 150 participants. Higher priced plans include more meeting participants and larger Google Drive storage. Pricing: $6 per month, per user. 4. Zoom Right now, Zoom is where most of us who are social distancing spend the majority of our face-to-face time. The popular videoconferencing tool allows businesses to conduct one-on-one or group meetings, or host webinars. You can sign up for free, and host meetings with up to 100 participants. Paid plans include longer meetings and cloud recording. Pricing: Begins at $14.95 per month, per user. 5. Cisco Webex Webex allows you to host meetings for up to 100 participants on its paid plans, similar to Zoom, except with Webex, there's no time limit for group meetings. The paid plans include transcriptions and audio recordings, as well as a customizable personal meeting link. That can be great for using the same link for regular team meetings. Pricing: $13.50 per month, per host; also a $17.95 per month, per host, plan gives you the ability to assign different hosts, and provides 24/7 support.? 6. GoToMeeting GoToMeeting is another videoconferencing and webinar tool that allows teams to connect with one another or their customers. While it doesn't offer a free version, its parent company, LogMeIn, is making all of its services available for three months at no additional cost above your current subscription. With paid plans, your participants can join for free. Pricing: Starts at $12 per month, per organizer; a $16 per month Business plan gives you unlimited cloud recording, transcription, and keyboard sharing, which can be especially helpful if you plan to meet with customers. 7. Basecamp Basecamp is one of the most popular project management and collaboration tools. It includes an unlimited number of users and projects, while also giving you up to 500GB of centralized storage. Basecamp also includes chat and message board features to help teams stay in contact, eliminating the need for outside tools like Slack. Basecamp allows you to try all of the features for free for 30 days. Pricing: $99 per month. 7. Asana Asana is another project management tool that is great for teams. The free version allows you to create tasks and view them as a list, a Kanban-style board, or a calendar. You can also designate assignees and add due dates, while collaborating with up to 15 team members. Paid plans include custom fields, rules, a timeline feature, and better admin controls. Pricing: Starts at $10.99 per month, per user. 8. Trello Trello is a tool that makes it easy for teams to manage projects and assign tasks. In fact, I use Trello every day, and it's one of the easiest ways to monitor the progress of projects through a series of states of pipelines. The free version includes unlimited boards (projects). The Business Class plan gives you customization options, storage options, and priority support. It also allows unlimited add-ons known as "power-ups" that add additional functionality and integrations. Pricing: Business Class plan is $9.99. 9. Zendesk Chat Zendesk might be one of the most popular support help desk software tools, but right now, it's Chat tool is a great way to stay connected with your customers. The widget lets you connect with customers while they're on your website to provide support or make a sale. The free version allows one concurrent chat, while the Team plan allows unlimited chats and advanced customization features. Pricing: $14 per month, per agent. 10. Facebook Messenger If you're already connecting with your customers on Facebook, Messenger is a great tool for engaging with them in real time. In fact, beyond answering questions or providing support, Messenger also allows people to purchase directly from chat conversations. Facebook also has a lot of tools to help you get the most of your Facebook Business Page to connect with your customers. Pricing: Free with Facebook account. 11. WhatsApp Owned by Facebook, WhatsApp also allows you to easily connect with your customers, and allow them to purchase your products and services. In fact, while it serves primarily as a messaging app, the features for business are a great way to connect with customers you can't interact with in person right now. You can create a profile, chat with customers, organize and label conversations, and upload your product catalog. It also happens to be a good tool for connecting with your team as they start working from home. Pricing: Free. 12. Skype Skype has been around as a communication tool for quite a while. Owned by Microsoft, it's a great tool for both voice or video calls, and you can use it for conference calls or video meetings. It's free to use; you just pay if you want a dedicated phone number or to make calls to mobile phones or landlines. Technically, Skype's business offering is now a part of Microsoft Teams (mentioned above), but the free personal version is still useful for smaller teams. Pricing: Free, with some cost for calls to non-Skype numbers. 13. RingCentral RingCentral is a VoIP service that uses the internet to make phone calls instead of a landline with unlimited phone calls in the U.S., and includes either a local or toll-free number. All of the plans also include business SMS messaging, call management, and mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to make and receive calls without special equipment. Pricing: Starts at $19.99 per month; a $24.99 per month plan includes unlimited audio meetings, videoconferencing for up to 4, and internet fax. 14. Google Voice Another option for phone and messaging is Google Voice, which is free for personal use. Simply download the Voice App on Android or iOS and you can make and receive calls on your device using a dedicated Google Voice number. For businesses, plans include better integration with calendar and Hangouts Meet, as well as more advanced control over users and features. Maybe the best feature is one that used to be unique to Google Voice--that's the fact that it will email you a transcription of your voice mail, which is great for those of us who don't love talking on the phone. Pricing: Starts at $10 per month, per user. 15. Dialpad Dialpad offers a suite of business communication tools including a VoIP phone system, videoconferencing, a call center, and sales tools. The phone system includes unlimited calling and SMS messaging in the U.S. It also gives you controls like transferring and hold, while providing you with voice mail transcription. The videoconferencing service is free for account users, and includes up to 5 hours per meeting with up to 50 participants. For what it's worth, Dialpad is also offering a free Talk Pro and Conference Business account for two months while your team is disrupted. French police are threatening to abandon their key role enforcing their country's Coronavirus lockdown as complaints against their increasingly aggressive behaviour mount. They are currently in the frontline of the 'War' against Covid-19, handing out 128 fines to anyone caught on the street without official documentation. But a series of shocking videos posted online show officers breaking all basic health guidelines by grouping together and manhandling potential disease carriers as they issued half-a-million pounds worth of fines on Wednesday. Interpellation Dune femme par les forces de lordre car elle avait pas lattestation et elle refuse l amande !!#confinementjour2 #Confinementotal #COVID19 #Paris pic.twitter.com/QKEjnqcInf Amar Taoualit (@TaoualitAmar) March 18, 2020 French police are being accused of using excessive force in their new role, handing out 128 fines to anyone caught on the street without official documentation amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: French police taking down a woman without proper documentation in France Pictured: French police taking down a woman without proper documentation in France There was no social distancing among officers, very few wore masks, and all mixed freely as some used physical violence against members of the public. Benoit Barret, national secretary of the Alliance police union, on Thursday said: 'Alliance's position is clear if colleagues are not safe, they will exercise their right of withdrawal. 'Behind each policeman, there is a father, a mother, a brother you have the right to be a policeman and not become a spreader. Pictured: French police taking down a woman without proper documentation in France Pictured: French police taking down a woman without proper documentation in France Police officers ask a man for his documentation on the beach of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice as a lockdown is imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in France today 'If tomorrow the police are sick, there will be no more people of the streets, and in this case, who can maintain peace in this democracy?' There are currently some 100,000 police and gendarmes enforcing a lockdown that came into force at midday on Tuesday. The prospect of a mass police walk-out will be a disaster for a country already facing economic and social chaos. Police officers, as public service workers, retain the right to withdraw their labour under French law. They do not often go on strike, but they are entitled to. If a significant number of French police withdrew their service, a bigger burden would be placed on the military to maintain law and order. The Gendarmes, however, are a military unit and are unable to go on strike. A police officer inspects a woman's documentation on the beach of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice as a lockdown is imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in France today Some police officers have been accused of showing discrimination towards ethnic minority communities who do not have the right paperwork in major cities such as Paris. Around a dozen officers from the CRS (Republican Security Companies) were severely criticised on Wednesday for knocking a 17-year-old girl to the ground in front of her mother. 'No break from racism, even during the Coronavirus crisis,' said civil liberties and human rights campaigner Yasser Louati. 'Watch in disgust a black woman being thrown to the ground, handcuffed by French police for not having her document to leave her house,' said Mr Louati, adding: 'Meanwhile white Parisians can run around the city, unchecked by this same police.' Amar Taoualit, the video journalist who filmed the scene in a north Paris market, said: 'Arrest of a woman by the police because she had no certificate and she refuses the fine !!' Police officers request documentation from a man standing on the beach of the `Promenade des Anglais in Nice today French police can be seen squaring up to a man before actions which have been condemned as having used excessive force Lunite nationale se porte bien. https://t.co/Cix3qga338 Taha Bouhafs (@T_Bouhafs) March 19, 2020 A French police officer can be seen booting a member of the public during coronavirus lockdown in the country Taha Bouhafs, another French reporter, wrote 'National unity is doing well' as he posted a video of a police officer kicking a man who was showing them his Coronavirus document. Britons leaving Paris are among those who have found themselves surrounded by police threatening to fine them for venturing out. British commuter Toby Rose, the director of the Palm Dog Awards linked to Cannes Film Festival said he would now stop his regular London and Paris trips. 'There are police all over Paris enforcing these fines,' said Mr Rose, as he waited for his train at the Paris station. 'The new measures are becoming tougher all the time, and information is not clear at all. Travel between the two countries is rapidly becoming impossible.' As Mr Rose spoke, large patrols of police surrounded him, including armed officers from the CRS. A French Interior Ministry spokesman confirmed that police have the right to strike, and that individual officers could sign off duty for personal reasons including ill health. Hospitals in France are struggling to cope after admitting 3626 Coronavirus sufferers including 931 who are in intensive care. Among the most serious cases, half are aged 'less than 60 years', said Jerome Salomon, France's Director General of Health, who also announced a total of 264 deaths from the disease. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coronavirus panic sparks violence in France as shoppers brawl over keeping a safe distance in supermarket queue while others panic-buy BAGUETTES This is the moment two shoppers brawl in a large queue outside a supermarket in France over keeping a safe distance during the COVID-19 lockdown. The incident was filmed outside a supermarket in the commune of Viry-Chatillon in the southern suburbs of the French capital Paris on 17 March and the footage has been viewed over 660,000 times on Twitter. In the video, two men are seen brawling in the queue before others jump in and separate the pair. One man can be seen charging into the other after a row broke out over maintaining safe distance amid the coronavirus pandemic in Paris yesterday One of the fighters, in the blue hat, can be seen in the middle of the scrap at a Paris supermarket yesterday To the right, the two men can be seen brawling at the supermarket in Paris' southern suburbs yesterday Other shoppers can be seen huddled around the brawling men at the supermarket in Paris yesterday The cameraperson says: 'Seriously man, that's just crazy.' According to local media, the fight started during a row about keeping a safe distance in public places during the COVID-19 lockdown in France. An eyewitness said that the men had been in the queue for 'probably an hour' as it was moving very slowly. The witness explained: 'Around the queue, people kept saying that distances had to be kept.' According to local media, one of the brawlers had to be pushed away by two security guards employed by the supermarket to cope with the large queues. Meanwhile, the Evry public prosecutor's office has confirmed that police attended the scene and that no one filed a complaint. A spokesperson for the office said: 'No victims came forward, there were no apparent injuries and there was no complaint.' Reports said that there have been long queues at supermarkets since French president Emmanuel Macron announced a lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which began on 17th March. As anxious consumers around the world stockpile toilet paper and pasta, the French are thronging bakeries for baguettes, fearing a shortage of their daily bread as they wait out the coronavirus epidemic in confinement. The country of 67 million people consumes nine billion of the long loaves every year, has an annual competition for the best baguette in Paris, and a special word for the pointy end they chew off on their way home from the baker after work: the crouton. Bakers are among the few essential-service businesses allowed to stay open in France under strict anti-virus confinement measures that took effect on Tuesday. A baker wearing a mask and protective gloves scans the temperature of a customer wearing a protective mask using a digital front thermometer at the entrance to his bakery the day after the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron of the confinement of the French from Wednesday at noon to stem the spread of the coronavirus An employee, wearing a protective face mask, displays some baguettes at the bakery 'Ma Boulangerie' in Vertou near Nantes as France faces an aggressive progression of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), yesterday And they are thriving, with long lines in the cities and countryside alike. 'Our numbers have doubled since Monday,' Addenour Koriche, sales manager of a bakery attached to a large supermarket north of Paris, told AFP on Wednesday. 'We are now on 800 baguettes per day. Yesterday, for example, we had no baguettes left to sell by 3:00 pm.' The store closes five hours later. The bakery sported newly-applied black lines on the floor, improvised with lengths of tape, to help customers respect the suggested one-metre (3.3-foot) safety distance to limit spreading the virus that has sickened more than 7,700 people and killed 175 in France. A brand-new perspex screen shielded the vendor - wearing latex gloves but no face mask, and atypically using tongs to handle the bread - from a steady stream of customers. French baker Sylvain Cabane, wearing a protective face mask, takes out of the oven a tray of baguettes at the bakery 'Ma Boulangerie' in Vertou, near Nantes, as France faces an aggressive progression of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), yesterday 'We have people who normally take a half a baguette or one baguette per day, who are now taking four or five to freeze them in case even stricter confinement measures are announced,' said Koriche. On Tuesday, France's labour ministry approved a special waiver allowing bakeries to be open seven days a week instead of the legal limit of six days. 'The waiver will allow the French to buy bread without stress every day,' noted Matthieu Labbe of the Federation of Bakeries. 'We've seen people come in who want to buy 50 baguettes at a time. There's something like a psychosis in some people.' Labbe said there need be no concern over supply, even as some bakers have taken to placing a limit on sales per client. 'We have flour, yeast and salt. There is no problem to produce bread.' There are 33,000 bakeries in France, one to about 2,000 people on average, but most neighbourhoods boast several - sometimes even in the same street. US-born historian Steven Kaplan, himself a trained baker, said French bread consumption has decreased dramatically - from about 600 grammes per person per day in 1900 to about 80 grammes today. But despite bread no longer being viewed as a bare essential, it is engrained in French culture, even its politics - a source of pride and cultural exceptionalism. 'The welfare state is first sketched out in France as a state that assures people its bread,' said Kaplan, who lives in Paris. 'Bakeries have always been a quasi public service,' he added, noting that during the privations of World War One and Two, bread once again took its place as the main source of nutrition. 'Even in the worst kind of crisis the baker has to be open, like the fire station, like the pharmacy, like the hospital,' said Kaplan. On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron sought to impress upon the French that they were engaged in a 'war' against the coronavirus, using the word several times in a televised address to the nation. 'In a war context we are confined, we have an enemy - the enemy is invisible but its still the enemy - we have to fight it and in this context when people are worried about obtaining food... the return to bread is in some sense a quasi-instinctive or almost atavistic return to something familiar,' said Kaplan. Dominique Anract, president of the national confederation of bakeries and pastry shops, said the industry employed 180,000 people in France. 'Bread is food, but it is also a social link between people. Some people have the habit of coming to the bakery every day for a chat.' For the French, 'bread is a reassuring staple food even though with globalisation habits have changed,' he said. Gov. Phil Murphy expressed his grief Thursday for the New Jersey family that suffered three deaths from the coronavirus as the number of people testing positive in the state continues to climb. God rest their souls, Murphy said during his daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton, while announcing the total known New Jersey cases has surged to at least 742. Our hearts go out to the Fusco family. As we mourn with them, I urge all New Jerseyans to take this seriously. Please wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay home. We will get through this together. https://t.co/o8DYS2AEPS Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 19, 2020 At least nine people in the state have died from the virus as of Thursday afternoon. Grace Fusco, 73, of Freehold, died Wednesday night at CentraState Medical Center following the deaths of two of her children Carmine Fusco on Wednesday morning in a Pennsylvania hospital and Rita Fusco-Jackson last week at CentraState. Several other Fusco family members remain hospitalized with COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. Nineteen other members of the family, including spouses and children, have also been tested, according to Elizabeth Fusco, a sibling who is not hospitalized said Tuesday. The three family deaths are connected to the death of John Brennan, a horse trainer who lived in Little Ferry, state health officials have said. Brennan was the first New Jersey resident to die after testing positive for COVID-19. Rita Fusco-Jackson, 55, of Freehold, died on Friday, March 13, 2020, and then later tested positive for coronavirus. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: NJ Advance Media staff writer Spencer Kent contributed to this report. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has taken to his Twitter page to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation over happenings in the country. The former lawmaker from Kaduna, in a post on his Twitter handle, urged President Buhari to break his continued silence by addressing the nation on the Coronavirus pandemic affecting the nation. Also Read: Coronavirus: Struggling Nigerians Cant Afford To Stay Indoors Shehu Sani Sani also urged the President to visit the site of the devastating Abule Ado explosion in Lagos. He also urged the President to visit Kerawa Village in Kaduna State were 50 people were reportedly massacred by bandits some days ago. See his tweet below: A group of Sikh volunteers have started a free home delivery service and will soon deliver 1,000 home-cooked meals to Australians in coronavirus self-isolation. Sikh Volunteers Australia announced it would be delivering free food to COVID-19 affected people in Melbourne's south-east for the next two weeks. The group's Vice President, Manpreet Singh, told Daily Mail Australia volunteers sprung into action when the pandemic crisis deepened in Australia in the past few weeks. A volunteer group of Sikhs (pictured) have established a coronavirus food delivery service that will provide self-isolated people in Melbourne's south-east with free meals Sikh Volunteers Australia group have made 1000 home-cooked meals which they will deliver for free to people in self-isolation and most in need 'We run free food for the homeless and needy in this area twice a week,' he said. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'Once we heard people were having a problem with food when they go shopping, they cant find food in the shopping centre, then we added one more day. 'We had nearly 50 people on the first day, so then we realised people really need the food.' The service will be provided everyday for the next two weeks. 'Yesterday we delivered 310 meals, we received more than 200 calls yesterday. Today the quantity has been increased and we delivered 460 meals,' he said. '99 percent of the people using the service are Australian, the only Indians are those coming from overseas who are isolating for 14 days.' He said they have seen first hand it was mostly the elderly who needed their service. '(Its mostly) vulnerable people who are worried about the virus or people having trouble getting food at the supermarket, and disabled, homeless and single parents who are looking after their kids and cant go out,' Mr Singh said. 'We also helped during disasters like the bushfires in the Gippsland area.' One of the charity's founders, Jaswinder Singh, said they also extended their services during the bushfire crisis. The group regularly makes meals for the homeless and also stepped up during the bushfire crisis They said when they saw the situation around self-isolation and the most at risk they knew they had to act and will now provide food every day for the next two weeks 'We provide free food normally for suburbs in the area twice a week. Last time we extended our regular service for the bushfires and we're doing it again now for the virus,' Mr Singh explained. He said that the Facebook notice for the service had amassed over 200 orders since it was posted yesterday. 'Some of those ordering are sick or disabled and we have had a few messages from people who are stressed and have quarantined themselves,' Mr Signh said. Mr Singh noted the service provided vegetarian food and that customers could 'decide whatever they need from the menu on our Facebook page.' The Facebook advertisement said that deliveries would be made between 6pm and 8pm and that orders must be placed by 12pm. The non-profit organisation was founded in 2017 and has a team of 103 members who work regular jobs alongside their volunteering The Sikh volunteers are already renowned in the community for their selfless actions co-operating with a local business owner during the bushfire crisis in Victoria. Mr Singh said the volunteer group worked alongside a Sikh couple who owned an Indian restaurant, Kanwaljit Singh and his wife Kamaljit Kaur, to provide free meals to impacted people. 'We went down to Bairnsdale the first day and as we didn't have established site they give us their restaurant backyard,' he explained. The Sikh volunteer group then handed out thousands of curry and rice dishes to Victorians who were living in temporary shelters. Grateful community members shared their praise for the services provided by the group. One person wrote: 'They are such amazing people these Sikh volunteers! Thank-you for all you do for others.' 'Great kindness in troubled times from wonderful people. Thank you,' said another. The non-profit organisation was founded in 2017 and has a team of 103 members who work regular jobs alongside their volunteering. There has been controversy recently about what to call the virus that has unleashed a worldwide pandemic. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prefers novel coronavirus. Others have referred to it as the Wuhan virus, after its place of origin, as is common in naming diseases. The Epoch Times suggests a more accurate name is the CCP virus, and calls upon others to join us in adopting this name. The name holds the CCP accountable for its wanton disregard of human life and consequent spawning of a pandemic that has put untold numbers in countries around the world at risk, while creating widespread fear and devastating the economies of nations trying to cope with this disease. After all, CCP officials knew in early December that the virus had appeared in Wuhan, but they sat on the information for six weeks. They arrested those who tried to warn of the danger, accusing them of spreading rumors, and employed the regimes rigorous censorship to prevent media coverage and to delete any mentions of it from social media. What might have been contained was allowed silently to spread, showing up in all of China. Individuals who might have protected themselves became victims, in numbers far greater than the CCP has admitted. By late January, there were reports that all of the crematoria in Wuhan were operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deal with the crush of dead bodies. Meanwhile, the measures taken to quarantine and treat the population of Wuhan were grotesquely inhumane. Apartment buildings were welded shut. Temporary hospitals were created that actually served as jails for those believed to be sick with the virus. Locked into these places with no medical treatment and little food, the unfortunates were trapped there until death. In lying about the danger facing China, the CCP was acting according to its usual script. The CCPs dominant narrative is that the Party is great, glorious, and correct. The presence of the deadly CCP virus in Wuhan, or, in 2003, of the SARS virus, doesnt fit the script. As with SARS, the first response was denial. But in dealing with this virus, denial is not acceptable. The world needs to know its origin, and the CCP has refused to cooperate. Outside experts have not been allowed into Wuhan. And there is understandable concern about the activities of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinas only P4 lab, one meant for working with easily transmitted pathogens that can cause fatal illness. As the official narratives offered for the source of the virus have been disproven, questions have been raised about whether the CCP virus leaked from the institute. In any case, as questions about the origin of the virus have gone unanswered, the CCP has begun throwing out wild charges that the United States is responsible. This will be met around the world with perplexity, if not ridicule. President Donald Trump has pushed back by referring to the Chinese virus. But the CCP likely intends these charges of U.S. responsibility for its domestic audience. The CCP has victimized the Chinese people in its first denial of the virus and now seeks to victimize them again by shifting responsibility for its actions to others. And this points out why the name CCP virus is needed, to distinguish the victims from the victimizer. The people of Wuhan and of China are the victims of the CCPs arrogance and incompetence, expressed in this viral pandemic. The name CCP virus also sounds a warning: Those nations and individuals close to the CCP are the ones suffering the worst effects from this virus, as is seen in the raging infections in the CCPs close ally Iran and in Italy, the only G-7 nation to sign onto the Belt and Road Initiative. Taiwan and Hong Kong, which are highly skeptical of the CCP, have had relatively few infections. Finally, the CCP virus reminds the people of the world that the source of the virus is itself evil. This is a communist virus, and with the name CCP virus, The Epoch Times reminds the world of the cure: ending the CCP. From The Epoch Times There are some advantages to being small, as independent childrens publishers have discovered this week with the abrupt transition to life during the new coronavirus pandemic. However, with significant challenges still to come, indies are bracing themselves for months of disruption to author tours, on-sale dates, warehousing, and festivals. In early February we realized that this might be a real threat to the health and well-being of our staff, so we started planning accordingly, said Mary Ann Sabia, executive v-p and publisher at Charlesbridge Publishing. As a result, the transition to working remotely has gone smoothly for the Watertown, Mass.-based publisher. At other houses, staff are occasionally going into offices, but otherwise working remotely. Cinco Puntos Press president John Byrd closed the El Paso-based press for three days for cleaning and disinfecting. That way the staff can come in for essential matters. There are some things we havent been able to do remotely, Byrd said, so tomorrow we are going to start working staggered shifts at the office to minimize contact. In Atlanta, Peachtree Publishing Companys editorial staff is working from home, but accounting, sales, and warehouse staff are still reporting to work. Those who can, come and do what is needed on their own schedules and then leave to finish up at home, said president and publisher Margaret M. Quinlin. Warehouse staff is working regular hours, disinfecting, keeping recommended social distancing, and wearing gloves to log in returns. "We are being as creative as we can using new tools and approaches, but we really do feel the impact." Audrey Macks Mitnick, Sleeping Bear Press Perhaps the most affected childrens publishing employee is Sleeping Bear Press sales manager Audrey Macks Mitnick, who is currently in Italy and working remotely while under a shelter-in-place order. Back at the press, CEO Ben Mondloch was one of many who described the negative impact of major book festival and conference cancellations. Its devastating for small publishers like Sleeping Bear, Sleeping Bear CEO Ben Mondloch wrote in an e-mail to PW. We rely on these events to grow our network and build awareness for our books. We are being as creative as we can using new tools and approaches, but we really do feel the impact of cancellations. The cancellation of library conferences has been a particularly powerful blow to Shadow Mountain Publishing. TLA was canceled and we wont participate in BookExpo and ALA as planned, said Ilise Levine, director of sales and marketing. We dont know the impact as yet, but we wont be able to distribute ARCs and do all the handselling we do with hundreds of customers at each show. To help offset potential losses, presses are increasing the amount of digital content available to readers, and reaching out directly to educators, librarians, and parents through social media. Holiday House contacted customers early in the week with lesson plans, guides, flashcards, and activity sheets. The company also launched a new resources page on its website with e-books, and space for forthcoming videos from authors. Holiday House has been reaching out to booksellers, teachers, and librarians since the beginning of the week, said Terry Borzumato-Greenberg, v-p of marketing and publicity. Weve sent links to our online downloadable materials portion of HolidayHouse.com, which includes close to 300 lesson plans, guides, flashcards, and activity sheets that can be used to facilitate classroom learning-at-home, whether by teachers, or parents who are eager to keep their children motivated and excited about reading and learning during this period. Our hope is that we can offer a concise place for our readers to find an array of resources to help them navigate through some challenging times now and in the weeks and months ahead. At Little Bee Books, publicity director Paul Crichton said the press is focusing on supporting authors. We have heard from many of our authors asking if they can read their books online, Crichton said. Its great to see how our community is coming together and finding creative ways to educate and entertain children in these difficult times. Regionally focused Sasquatch Books is using social media to boost efforts by independent bookstores in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, and encouraging readers to buy online from them. The press is also shifting to online marketing and beginning to organize childrens author events on Facebook and Instagram, according to Whitney Berger, associate manager for marketing and publicity. Sales numbers over the last week have varied, with some publishers seeing an uptick and others seeing a slight dip. None has yet seen the effect of Amazons announcement earlier this week that the e-tailer will be deprioritizing book sales, but Mondloch at Sleeping Bear said the news had come as a surprise. This one caught us off guard. With millions sequestered at home, we were optimistic that wed see a major uptick with our Amazon business. Its a double hit, when youre expecting to see upside but suddenly new orders are placed on hold, he said. Its disappointing because the demand is there, but understandable. Peachtrees Quinlin said she was encouraged to see reports of a sizable uptick in sales on the newly-launched indie bookstore site Bookshop. I would love to see this come fully online and become a reliable option for ordering books, she said. Among the next challenges facing publishers is whether to shift on-sale dates for forthcoming releases. At Charlesbridge, Sabia moved some publication dates up. We decided to start shipping our April and May releases now since they are already in our distributors warehouses, Sabia said. We are now reviewing our summer and fall 2020 lists with the idea of possibly delaying some releases. Its very difficult trying to make decisions when we dont know what life will be like next week or next month. It sounds like the experts agree that things will get worse before they start getting better. Still Sabia is trying to remain positive, as are her fellow publishers. One of her authors e-mailed from Hong Kong to send encouragement from the other side of the pandemic, telling Sabia that life will return to normal. I needed to hear that this morning, she said. In Utah, where Shadow Mountain is based, a 5.7 earthquake hit the region on Wednesday. Within minutes our teams were communicating and asking if any staff member had needs that they could help with, Levine said. These life challenges can be quite clarifying, she said. Ive never been more sure about the important role of book publishers and our bookselling partners to help people make sense of complex issues and find the inspiration to carry on for themselves and to help others. The UK has a shortage of coronavirus tests, one of the country's most senior doctors admitted today. Dr Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, warned there are not enough testing kits to go around in Britain. It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday promised he would ramp up the number of people who are getting swabbed for the virus to 25,000 a day. For the past five days the UK has tested, on average, 3,700 people each day a total the Government's chief scientific adviser has accepted is 'clearly not enough'. Meanwhile, the US state of Tennessee which has a population 10 times smaller than the UK yesterday took delivery of 500,000 kits. British officials have refused to reveal how many tests are on hand for NHS patients but a supply the size of Tennessee's could last for months at the current rate of testing. NHS staff across the country are crying out to be tested so they can be sure they're safe to work around patients and an online petition calling for this to happen has been signed by almost a million people. Speaking to Sky News, Dr Marshall said: 'At the moment there is a shortage of available testing kits for the conventional test that's currently being used. Hopefully that will improve over the next few weeks.' Dr Marshall and the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) are calling for NHS staff to be tested as routine to make sure they don't have to take time off work unless they're definitely ill. Dr Martin Marshall, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, said there is a 'shortage of available testing kits' in the UKD Health service staff numbers dropping is a major fear for officials dealing with the epidemic. It would make the impact of the coronavirus considerably worse because hospitals would be totally overwhelmed and unable to care for patients. For this reason schools are being kept open for the children of NHS staff and recently retired employees are being allowed to return to work. Dr Marshall added: 'Routine testing of health professional staff isn't available... 'This should be a priority because there are a lot of my colleagues who are at home unable to work or perhaps only able to work on the telephone when they really want to be out there supporting their teams. 'They're doing that because they simply don't know whether they've got the virus.' Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's chief scientific adviser, has admitted that the current rate of coronavirus testing in the UK 'clearly is not going to be enough going forward' Two men wearing suits were pictured carrying a box from ThermoFisher which makes coronavirus tests that give results in four hours outside Downing Street this week UK ROW OVER CORONAVIRUS TESTING WHAT IS THE UK DOING NOW? Around 5,000 tests are being carried out a day. Those are mostly patients who are already in hospital. Some 100 GP surgeries have agrees to carry out tests on patients, as part of surveillance to asses the prevalence. However, those who feel they have symptoms are being told to self-isolate without being routinely tested. WHAT IS THE UK GOING TO DO? Boris Johnson has vowed to increase tests to 25,000 a day, although it could take four weeks to reach that level. He also said that health workers will be prioritised. Many have complained that they are being forced to stop work as they are unsure whether or not they have the disease. The testing will be carried out in hospitals, but ministers have appealed for firms to help develop a swab test that can be used in the community. WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY? The message from the World Health Organisation is 'test test test', to avoid trying to fight an outbreak 'blindfolded'. South Korea says it has got on top of an outbreak with stringent testing. Advertisement The Government is also facing growing pressure to test more members of the public to try and get a grip on the true scale of the crisis. Currently, only severely ill patients and people who are already in hospital are being routinely tested but even Downing Street's own chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, has admitted that this is insufficient. Speaking to MPs yesterday, Sir Patrick said of the current limit of 4,000 tests per day: 'That clearly is not going to be enough going forward. 'We really do need to get our testing in the right place to ensure we can monitor this effectively... There is a very big effort going on to try to ramp that up.' At Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Johnson insisted that the UK was already carrying out more tests that other 'comparable' countries. 'This country is actually far ahead of many other comparable countries. We are increasing our tests from 5,000 to 10,000 a day,' he said. He added later: 'We are moving up to 25,000 a day.' Professor Hugh Pennington, an infection expert at the University of Aberdeen, told The Times: 'Ramping up tenfold should be possible by the end of the week.' He said using the testing machines was 'probably no more difficult than working a dishwasher'. The Government had told the public last week that it was 'no longer necessary' to test everyone suspected of having the coronavirus and that people with a mild illness should just stay home and wait for their symptoms to blow over, without ever knowing for sure if they had COVID-19. Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical adviser to Boris Johnson, said this was to enable testing capacity to 'pivot' specifically to people in hospitals. Shortly after, however, the director of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made a veiled jibe at the UK when he urged every country must 'test, test, test'. 'You can't fight a virus if you don't know where it is,' he said at a press conference. 'Find, isolate, test and treat every case to break the chains of COVID transmission. Every case we find and treat limits the expansion of the disease. The UK's coronavirus outbreak has spiralled out of control and London is at the centre of an epidemic of thousands or tens of thousands of infected people. Around 900 people in the city have been officially diagnosed (Pictured, central London was bereft of traffic this morning) Sainsbury's in Northwich, Cheshire, opened early for pensioners today so they could do their shopping before the shelves get ransacked Some of the holidaymakers who had been trapped on the Braemar cruise ship in Cuba are pictured walking home through Heathrow Airport this morning after flying home TESTING STOPPED THE VIRUS IN A SMALL ITALIAN TOWN Italian authorities have managed to contain the killer coronavirus outbreak in a small town near Venice through a rigorous testing strategy. Health bosses in Vo 45miles (72km) east of the tourist hotspot have had no new cases for 48 hours. Officials conducted an experiment in the town, which is home to 3,300 people, to test and re-test all inhabitants. The Financial Times reports the strategy meant everyone would be tested even if they showed no symptoms. Andrea Crisanti, an infectious disease specialist taking part in the experiment, told the newspaper the method allowed officials to get the clearest picture about the size of the outbreak. The experiment began at the end of February, and the initial roll-out of tests showed around three per cent of patients were infected. This dropped ten-fold when the second testing round was carried out 10 days later, after quarantining all of the infected and their contacts. Professor Crisanti, who is on a sabbatical at the University of Padua, said: 'In the UK, there are a whole lot of infections that are completely ignored. 'We were able to contain the outbreak [in Vo] because we identified and eliminated the 'submerged' infections and isolated them. This is what makes the difference. Advertisement 'Do not just let this fire burn. Any country that looks at the experience of other countries with large epidemics and thinks "that won't happen to us" is making a deadly mistake.' The US has also been strongly condemned for its failure to get enough tests in place before the outbreak exploded out of control something Donald Trump's administration is now scrambling to correct. The US Air Force flew 500,000 coronavirus testing kits to the country from Italy yesterday as the confirmed number of cases surpassed 7,800 and the number of deaths hit 121. The plane took off from Aviano Air Base, in northern Italy, on Monday afternoon. It touched down in Memphis, Tennessee with a person on board who shared an image online with the caption 'got to be part of something special last night'. Showing the precious cargo stretched across the aircraft, the caption highlighted that 'these pallets right here are 500,000 covid-19 testing kits that the aircrew I was a part of' had responsibility for, according to the poster. DefenseOne.com reports that the authenticity of the post has been verified. Air Force chief of staff, General David Goldfein, has not confirmed the shipment mentioned in the social media post but said in a press conference Wednesday: 'We've just made a pretty significant movement into Memphis.' Defense One reported the C-17 aircraft touched down at Memphis International Airport which is a major FedEx hub that would allow onward commercial flights to carry the kits around the rest of the country. The US Air Force flew 500,000 coronavirus testing kits from Italy Monday and landed in Tennessee Tuesday. One of the crew shared an image online and captioned it: 'Got to be part of something special last night' Defense One reports the C-17 aircraft touched down at Memphis International Airport (pictured) which is a major FedEx hub that would allow onward commercial flights to carry the kits around the rest of the country Test by test: The types of coronavirus kits from 10-minute finger-prick results to a mask which can diagnose instantly that the government could be using amid row over shortage as PM brands impending antibody check a 'game changer' Boris Johnson yesterday announced that coronavirus testing was to be ramped up to 25,000 per day after the government was slammed for potentially allowing tens of thousands of infected people to walk the streets undiagnosed. Only 5,000 were being swabbed for COVID-19 previously, a fraction of the number seen elsewhere. It comes as the number of positive tests for the virus reached 2,626 while the death toll jumped last night by 33 to 104. Mr Johnson said a new 'game changing' coronavirus test which analyses antibodies in the blood could detect asymptomatic patients and those who have already shrugged off the bug. The Prime Minister said this would allow people to know whether they had gained immunity and get back to their working and social lives as soon as possible. Public Health England previously said that only patients who meet certain criteria will be able to be tested for the bug and those who were being screened were having nasal swabs. The Prime Minister conceded that the NHS will continue to use nasal swab tests that take up to 48 hours to be analysed in a lab. Other countries around the world - including the US, China, South Korea, Japan and Italy - have been using testing kits that take just minutes to produce results. And in a further development, Oxford University researchers claimed that they have created a new test which analyses viral RNA to detect COVID-19 in just 30 minutes. Here, MailOnline looks at the cutting-edge testing kits currently being rolled out in other counties and at private clinics in Britain: BioMedomics claims its test can screen for coronavirus in 15 minutes using a small drop of blood and a tiny device that can be carried into the field FINGER PRINT TEST Name: COVID-19 IgM IgG Rapid Test Manufacturers: BioMedomics Diagnostic time: 15 minutes The blood test is not being used in the UK, despite health bodies in China, Italy and Japan diagnosing patients with it. On March 5, BioMedomics claimed its 'quick and easy' test was ready and being used in South Korea, Japan, Italy, China and some countries in the Middle East. After the sample of blood is collected, a technician injects it into the analysis device - which is about the size of an Apple TV or Roku remote - along with some buffer, and waits 15 minutes. One line means negative, two lines in a spread-out configuration means the sample contains antibodies that the body starts making shortly after infection. A blood sample is collected, inserted into the reader, a buffer is combined, and results come back within 15 minutes, the company claims Two lines closer together mean the person is positive for the later-stage antibodies, and three lines mean the patient is positive for both types of antibodies. A small study showed the test produced a correct response 80 per cent of the time. PHE confirmed it was not using the advanced blood test because it was not accurate enough, and are hoping to develop their own. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also yet to approve it. A former PHE strategist said he was 'not confident' the test could produce correct results and is therefore unlikely to be rolled out. However, the method was desirable. NASAL SWAB Name: TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit Manufacturers: ThermoFisher Diagnostic time: Four hours The DIY test detects specific DNA given off by the coronavirus in the noses of infected patients. Samples are then delivered to labs where they are analysed and results are produced within four hours. The test was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration this week and 5million kits will be sent across America in the coming days. It is hoped the UK will follow suit after representatives from ThermoFisher, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, were seen entering Downing Street last night carrying a box with the tests. It is understood ministers were giving a demonstration of how the test works. FINGER PRICK TEST Name: COVID-19 Rapid Test Cassette Manufacturers: SureScreen Diagnostics Diagnostic time: Ten minutes The private firm, based in Derby, has created a test which can allegedly determine with 98 per cent certainty if a person is infected. It involves taking a blood sample via finger prick and then putting it into a screening device. SureScreen Diagnostics says a prick of blood from the fingertip is sufficient to determine with more than 98 per cent accuracy The private firm says its test has been validated and is already being used in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, Kuwait and Oman. Currently, official swap-based methods take between 24 and 48 hours for results to come back Public Health England cautions members of the public against using such tests amid fears they are unreliable, saying there is 'little information on the accuracy of the tests' Results are displayed in a similar fashion to those of an at-home pregnancy test within minutes and could potentially save delays in diagnosis. SureScreen says its test has been validated and is already being used by private buyers in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, Kuwait and Oman. It is believed around 175,000 tests have been conducted with the SureScreen kit so far. The company claims it has had over two million orders for next month. Director David Campbell said: 'We've been working hard to produce a coronavirus test (COVID19) that can be used at the patient side, with capillary blood, easily taken from someone's fingertip and diagnose them within 10 minutes. 'There is a big problem with the diagnosis of the disease currently because the standard method of screening is to send samples to the laboratory, which takes a lot of time. 'Meanwhile, someone could be spreading the virus without knowing, or having the issue of self-isolation.' FACE MASK TESTS Manufacturers: University of Leicester Diagnostic time: 12 hours How it works: Breath test inserted in a mask Scientists have started a trial of the pioneering 2 gadget, which tests have already proven can detect tuberculosis, a deadly lung infection. Scientists have started a trial of the pioneering 2 gadget (pictured), which tests have already proven can detect tuberculosis The researchers at the University of Leicester and the University of Pretoria designed 3D printed strips of polyvinyl alcohol that are inserted into the mask (pictured) The masks, which could cost pennies if manufactured on a wider scale, are fitted with strips that soak up droplets from the wearer's breath, which may be carrying traces of bacterial or viral infection. The strips can be tested in labs with results coming back within hours. Current tests for coronavirus can take up to 48 hours. University of Leicester researchers believe it will be at least two months before they can test the masks on actual COVID-19 patients. But they are hopeful it will work because it is a respiratory disease, meaning it infects the lungs and can is present in the air people breathe out. After 30 minutes, the strips can be tested in a laboratory (pictured) First, the team have to test the gadgets on dozens of patients with other lung infections to prove they can pick up bugs other than tuberculosis, which they were designed for. Patients with infections such as flu and bronchitis will have the results from their mask tests compared to those from throat swabs, which are known to be accurate. Tests on tuberculosis patients, the only ones that have been done so far, show the masks can detect the killer disease almost 90 per cent of the time. Leicester's Professor Mike Barer and colleagues are hopeful they will be successful because the coronavirus infects the lungs in a similar way to tuberculosis. BREATH TEST Manufacturers: Northumbria University, Newcastle Diagnostic time: Almost instantly A breath test that helps rapidly identify patients with coronavirus has been developed by British scientists. The technology, developed by a team at Northumbria University in Newcastle, is still in development and needs further testing. But experts believe it could be quickly change the way the virus is spotted around the world. A breath test that helps rapidly identify patients with coronavirus has been developed by British scientists (file) Dr Sterghios Moschos, right, said the test could be used to produce results in minutes The Northumbria team's test collects breath samples which can be tested separately for biological information - known as biomarkers. These biomarkers, which include DNA, RNA, proteins and fat molecules, can spot diseases of the lung and other parts of the body. People simply breath into the device, which is similar to a breathalyser used by the police. Dr Sterghios Moschos, associate professor at Northumbria University, said: 'Our ambition is to reduce the need for bloodletting for diagnosis in its broadest sense.' The test is currently being trialled. PRIVATE HARLEY STREET CLINIC Manufacturers: Private Harley Street Clinic Diagnostic time: Three days How it works: Nose and throat swab Price: 375 More than 2,000 people have ordered a 375 home testing kit from a Harley Street clinic in London after being turned down by the NHS, according to the Daily Telegraph. In addition to individuals, some 60 firms including oil and telecoms companies, have bought them for their staff. On its website, the item can be easily 'added to cart,' much in the same way as conventional online products Dr Mark Ali, director of the Private Harley Street Clinic on London's world-renowned medical avenue, said his practice was offering a new kit for 375 each The test is posted to the clients home or preferred address, where the client takes swabs from both the nostrils and throat. The sample is then placed in the box provided and posted back as per the instructions. Dr Mark Ali, director of the Private Harley Street Clinic on London's world-renowned medical avenue, said his practice was offering a new kit for 375 each. On its website, the item can be easily 'added to cart,' much in the same way as conventional online products. The practice says the test is 'performed by a world renown UKAS accredited British laboratory and the test results are 100% accurate and do not require further tests to confirm any diagnoses.' The website hastens to add, that though it oversees the entire process, patients should not attempt to pick up their kits from Harley Street. 'Please note under no circumstances can this test be done in our clinic or be collected from our clinic.' The website states. 'It is sent to your designated address by courier service within 48 hrs. Please refer to the details below and order through the link at the bottom of this page.' Dr Ali told The Telegraph he has received countless requests from buyers. 'People are worried sick. They want to get some clarity back in their lives,' he told The Telegraph. 'We've got university students in England who want to go back to Nepal, but need to know if they have the disease so they can be let back into their own country. 'We've got a businessman who owns a construction company employing 60 people. He needs to know the state of play, or he risks letting down his customers. So every single person in that company is being tested.' CT SCANS Who came up with the idea? Mount Sinai Health System, New York Diagnostic time: 1 hour 30 minutes How it works: Detects lung damage Doctors from The Mount Sinai Health System in New York say CT scans may be faster than nasal and throat swabs at diagnosing coronavirus patients. The team were the first in the US to analyze lung scans of patients in China with the highly contagious disease. They said they were able to identify specific patterns in the lungs as markers of the virus, also known as COVID-19, as it developed over the course of about two weeks> Patients who received scans zero to two days after symptoms first appeared had little to no evidence of lung disease in their results like this 19-year-old male who had a CT scan one day after symptoms first appeared The team said the pattern in the lung of coronavirus patients are similar to scans of patients with SARS and very different from diseases such as bacterial pneumonia (pictured) The researchers say these quicker diagnoses could help keep patients isolated in early stages of the disease, perhaps even before symptoms appear and when it may not show up on other scans such as chest X-rays. 'CT scans are an extremely powerful diagnostic tool, because you can seen the inner organs in a three-dimensional way,' lead author Dr Adam Bernheim, an assistant professor of diagnostic, molecular and interventional radiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told DailyMail.com. 'And you can see the manifestation of many diseases.' For the study, published in the journal Radiology, the team analyzed scans of 94 patients at four medical centers in four Chinese provinces. The patients had been admitted between January 18 and February 2, and all had either recently traveled to Wuhan - the epicenter of an outbreak - or had come into contact with an infected person. Radiologists reviewed the scan and took notes based on when symptoms first appeared and when the CT scan was performed. Thirty-six patients received scans zero to two days after reporting symptoms and more than half showed no evidence of lung disease. The team says this is important because it suggests that CT scans cannot reliably detect coronavirus in its very earliest stages. Nasal and throat swabs test can identify patients even before patients become symptomatic, although some may still have the virus if they first test negative. Its results, however, may take days to get back from the agency's labs. But 33 patients who received scans three to five days after symptoms developed had patterns of 'ground glass opacities,' or haziness in the lungs. 'The lung abnormalities are very round in shape and affect the perimeter of the lung,' co-author Dr Michael Chung, an assistant professor of diagnostic, molecular and interventional radiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told DailyMail.com. Flu, anti-malaria, arthritis and HIV medication: The promising therapies being tested on coronavirus patients around the world - but how many are the NHS trying? NHS hospitals are coming under growing pressure to use experimental drugs to try and treat patients infected with the coronavirus. Doctors and pharmaceutical firms around the world are scrambling to find a drug that can stop the deadly virus, which has now killed more than 8,200 people. Medicines already in use for conditions ranging from HIV to rheumatoid arthritis, malaria, the flu and even Ebola are serious contenders and are being tested to see how they could help patients infected with COVID-19. The Government has refused to confirm if any are being tested out on the 2,626 coronavirus patients in the UK the NHS advises anyone with troublesome symptoms to take paracetamol and rest at home unless they feel life-threateningly ill. But its medicines regulator last month banned companies from exporting three drugs for HIV and malaria in a bid to protect the UK's stocks of them. All three have been used in experimental treatments by doctors in China, raising the prospect of Britain doing the same. Here, MailOnline reveals some of the drugs that experts believe have potential. Chloroquine phosphate (Malaria) One drug being used by doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak is chloroquine phosphate, an anti-malarial medication. The drug sold under the brand name Arlan kills malaria parasites in the blood, stopping the tropical disease in its tracks. But tests of the drug which has been used for 70 years on COVID-19 patients in China show it has potential in fighting the life-threatening virus. One drug being used by doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak is chloroquine phosphate, an anti-malarial medication. It is sold under the brand name Arlan Chinese officials claimed the drug 'demonstrated efficacy and acceptable safety in treating COVID-19 associated pneumonia'. Experts at the University of Palermo in Italy, as well as a team in Israel, collated the research on the drug in treating the coronavirus. In their report, they claimed officials in the Netherlands already suggest treating critically-ill patients with the drug. South Korea and China both say the drug is an 'effective' antiviral treatment against the disease, according to a report by US virologists. The Wuhan Institute of Virology in the city where the crisis began claimed the drug was 'highly effective' in petri dish tests. Tests by those researchers, as well as others, showed it has the power to stop the virus replicating in cells, and taking hold in the body. Twenty-three clinical trials on the drug are already underway on patients in China, and one is planned in the US and another in South Korea. University of Minnesota experts are planning to test whether the drug sometimes given to treat lupus and arthritis prevents the progression of COVID-19. Chloroquine was prescribed around 46,000 times in 2018 in the UK but it is also available over-the-counter from pharmacies without a prescription. Professor Robin May, an infectious disease specialist at Birmingham University, said the safety profile of the drug is 'well-established'. He added: 'It is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, so it would be fairly easy to accelerate into clinical trials and, if successful, eventually into treatment.' Professor May suggested chloroquine may work by altering the acidity of the area of cells that it attacks, making it harder for the virus to replicate. Hydroxychloroquine (Malaria) Chinese scientists investigating the other form of chloroquine penned a letter to a prestigious journal saying its 'less toxic' derivative may also help. Hydroxychloroquine, sold under the brand name Plaquenil, may treat COVID-19 In the comment to Cell Discovery owned by publisher Nature, they said it shares similar chemical structures and mechanisms. The team of experts added: 'It is easy to conjure up the idea that hydroxychloroquine may be a potent candidate to treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.' But the Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists admitted they are still lacking evidence to prove it is as effective as chloroquine phosphate. Hydroxychloroquine, sold under the brand name Plaquenil, causes side effects such as skin rashes, nausea, diarrhoea and headaches. Drug giant Sanofi carried out a study on 24 patients, which the French government described as 'promising'. Results showed three quarters of patients treated with the drug were cleared of the virus within six days. None of the placebo group were treated. French health officials are now planning on a larger trial of the drug, which is used on the NHS to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well as malaria. Lopinavir/ritonavir (HIV) Lopinavir/ritonavir, marketed as Kaletra and Aluvia, is an anti-HIV medicine given to people living with the virus to prevent it developing into AIDS. Lopinavir/ritonavir, marketed under the brand names Kaletra and Aluvia, is an anti-HIV medicine The drug has shown promise as a way of tackling coronavirus, scientists say, because it is able to bind to the outside of the coronavirus. It is a class of drug called a protease inhibitor, which essentially stick to an enzyme on a virus which is vital to the virus reproducing. By doing this it blocks the process the virus would normally use to clone itself and spread the infection further. In a clinical trial application submitted in the US from Asan Medical Center, in Seoul, South Korea, scientists said: 'In vitro [laboratory] studies revealed that lopinavir/ritonavir [has] antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).' Chinese media reported that the drug was successfully used to cure patients with the coronavirus, but the reports have not been scientifically proven. US-based manufacturer AbbVie has donated free supplies of Kaletra to health authorities in China, the US and Europe it is not clear whether the UK is included. The drug is available on the NHS and was prescribed around 1,400 times in 2018, either as Kaletra or ritonavir on its own. Favipiravir (flu) Favipiravir is the active ingredient in a flu drug called Avigan which is sold in Japan. Doctors in China have claimed it was 'clearly effective' in patients with the coronavirus after they gave it to 80 people in the cities of Wuhan and Shenzen. Favipiravir is the active ingredient in a flu drug called Avigan which is sold in Japan They said it sped up patients' recovery, reduced lung damage and did not cause any obvious side effects. It is also used to treat yellow fever and foot-and-mouth. According to local media, patients who were given the medicine in Shenzhen had negative results for the coronavirus an average of four days after being diagnosed. This compared with 11 days for those who were not treated with the drug. It is not clear what the results were of the trials in Wuhan, the worst-hit part of China. The drug is an anti-viral medication which neutralises a vital enzyme that viruses use to reproduce. It is called a RNA polymerase inhibitor. It is not used by the NHS. It's produced by the Japanese company Fujifilm Toyama Chemical. Remdesivir (Ebola) Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug that works in essentially the same way as favipiravir by crippling the RNA polymerase enzyme, stopping a virus from reproducing. It was developed around 10 years ago by the pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences with the intention of it destroying the Ebola virus. It was pushed aside, however, when other, better candidates emerged. Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug that works in essentially the same way as favipiravir by crippling the RNA polymerase enzyme, stopping a virus from reproducing But it remained an anti-viral drug with the ability to destroy various viruses in lab tests, scientists said. Doctors in the US tried it on three hospitalised coronavirus patients but results were mixed. The drug is now being trialled on coronavirus patients in China and at the University of Nebraska, CNN reports. Doctors writing in a study led by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature last month, said: 'Our findings reveal that remdesivir [is] highly effective in the control of 2019-nCoV infection in vitro.' They added that, since the drug is proven to be safe in humans, it 'should be assessed in human patients suffering from the novel coronavirus disease'. Remdesivir is not prescribed on the NHS. Sarilumab (Rheumatoid arthritis) Sarilumab, a rheumatoid arthritis drug which is marketed as Kevzara in the US, is set to be trialled on patients in the US Sarilumab, a rheumatoid arthritis drug which is marketed as Kevzara and is available to be prescribed on the NHS, is set to be trialled on patients in the US. Pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Regeneron plan to give the medication to people with the coronavirus to see if it can help calm their immune response. The drug works by blocking part of the immune system which can cause inflammation, or swelling, which is overactive in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has refuted media reports which said that he had tested positive for coronavirus, terming the same as "absolutely fallacious". "I am completely alright, healthy and have no symptoms of coronavirus," Rane said. "We are dealing with some serious health crisis at present and it is my humble request to all to check the facts prior to posting news that can create unnecessary panic among citizens," he added. On Wednesday, Rane said that there was no COVID-19 case in the state and people should not panic. "It is wrong news. There is absolutely no reason to panic. The final report hasn't yet come, we're waiting. All future information will be given only by Dr Utkarsh (state epidemiologist) as per protocol," he said. The reaction of the minister came after an alleged hoax call to the health department which claimed that one person had tested positive for COVID-19. "The call turned out to be a hoax," the minister said and added, "We are trying to trace the number from which the hoax call was made". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Morocco confirmed 54 coronavirus cases including two deaths and one recovery, health minister Khalid Ait Taleb said, warning that while most cases are imported from Europe, there were also locally transmitted cases that require further vigilance. Many cases who contracted the virus locally were found in clusters, said the minister, urging citizens to abide by the protective measures. Morocco asked citizens to self-quarantine and not to leave home except to buy food, seek treatment or work. Morocco has 44 hospitals equipped to treat covid-19 cases and has 1640 intensive care beds in total, said the minister adding that a further 250 intensive care beds will be made available. The health ministry received in one day 2000 calls on its number dedicated to covid-19. King Mohammed VI ordered on Tuesday the use of military hospitals to back up the health infrastructure wherever necessary. A fund to counter the pandemic outbreak continues to receive funds from different public and private companies, public institutions and individuals. So far, more than 16 billion dirhams have been donated. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities reassured citizens of the availability of food-stuff and energy after a panic-buying spree characterized the previous days. From the Diocese of Beaumont: "In a formal decree issued late today Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, suspended all liturgical services including public Masses as well as other church related activities in the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont effective at the end of the day on Thursday, March 19, 2020. That suspension incudes Holy Week and Easter Services. The decree dispenses Catholics in the Beaumont Diocese from their obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. Bishop Guillory issued the suspension after much prayer and consultation with his Brother Bishops, his Priests Council and in an abundance of caution and concern for the welfare of the community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decree is attached to this email and can be found on the diocesan website at www.dioceseofbmt.org. A list of local parishes that will live stream the private Masses of the priests can be found on that same website. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont includes nine counties in Southeast Texas: Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Liberty, Chambers, Polk, Jasper, Tyler and Newton. In addition, following a request that Pope Francis made at his weekly general audience March 18, Bishop Guillory is asking the Catholic faithful of the Beaumont Diocese to join in praying the luminous mysteries of the Rosary at 9 pm, Thursday, March 19, the feast of St. Joseph." Brazils Christ the Redeemer statue was turned into a light show on Wednesday night when flags of the nations affected by COVID-19 were projected upon it. Additionally, the hashtag pray together was projected in multiple languages on the statue. The event was planned out by Rios Catholic Archdiocese and during the light show, Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta conducted a Mass to pray for all of the people affected by the coronavirus worldwide, CNN reports. According to the New York Daily News, the event was able to go on despite Brazils Chico Mendes Institute closing its national parks which includes Tijuca Forest National Park where the Christ the Redeemer statue is located for at least a week amid COVID-19 fears by the end of day on Tuesday. The idea for the Christ the Redeemer statue came to fruition in the 1850s when Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss wanted to create a Christian monument to honor Princess Isabel, who was the regent of Brazil and the daughter of Emperor Pedro II, Encyclopaedia Britannica reports. Under the initial proposition, there was never an official approval for construction. Then, in 1921, a new plan was proposed by Rio de Janeiros Roman Catholic Archdiocese. The proposition suggested that a statue of Christ be built on the 2,310-foot summit, which, because of its commanding height, would make it visible from anywhere in Rio. Additionally, the proposition had citizen support, as they petitioned Pres. Epitacio Pessoa to allow the construction of the statue on Mount Corcovado. The statue was dedicated on October 12, 1931, at its completion. The Christ the Redeemer statue stands at approximately 125 feet tall, seeing approximately 2 million visitors annually. According to The Blaze, as of this writing, Brazil has at least 529 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with at least 4 deaths. Photo courtesy: CBS News screenshot Video courtesy: CBS News Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer. He is also the co-hosts of the For Your Soul podcast, which seeks to equip the church with biblical truth and sound doctrine. Visit his blog Blessed Are The Forgiven. Liquid and dry bulk hauler Bulkmatic Transport of Griffith, Indiana, announced Tuesday it had acquired Illinois-based Paris Transport Inc. to add capacity and improve service to its customers. Family-owned Bulkmatic, founded in 1965, has nearly 530 drivers and a fleet of approximately 600 power units, according to its latest filing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in late February. It also has around 1,300 pneumatic dry bulk trailers. The carrier offers trucking and rail logistics services for food companies, plastic manufacturers and shippers of bulk commodities. Paris Transport, a 44-year-old carrier headquartered in Paris, Illinois, had about 28 drivers and 33 power units, according to the FMCSA SAFER website. The company hauled dry bulk and dry van freight. Jeff Bingham, vice president of sales of Bulkmatic, told FreightWaves late Tuesday that customers of Paris Transport will not experience a service interruption because Doug Smittkamp, vice president of Paris, will remain "in charge of the local operations." Bingham said Paris Transport's 50,000-square-foot warehouse will be a huge benefit for customers. The acquisition will also allow shippers additional capacity through Bulkmatic's terminal network, he said. "The acquisition has been in the works for about six months, and the warehouse and their customer base were a big draw for us," Bingham told FreightWaves. "We've been working closely with the folks at Paris to come up with a win-win solution for everybody." "The two organizations have a similar customer focus and our networks match up very well," Smittkamp said in a statement. "We believe this combination will improve service to PTIs long-standing customers by tapping into Bulkmatic's regional capacity." The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We're looking to add throughput into our network," Bingham told FreightWaves. "We believe that density really improves our ability to react to our customers." Story continues Bingham said the acquisition is going to add to the company's regional capacity in Indiana and Illinois. "It's also going to give us the base of operations in Indianapolis that we haven't had before," he said. Image Sourced from Pixabay See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris (right) during a visit to the UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, in Belfield, Dublin. Photo: Aidan Crawley/PA Wire Ireland has suffered its biggest rise yet in new cases of the coronavirus in 24 hours with 191 another infected. The daily number of new cases has now rocketed in the past week as the surge in patients presenting to GPs for testing has continued unabated. Patients can be waiting up to five days after being referred by their GP for a test to the point where they give a swab and they face another wait of up to 48 hours for a result. They need to self isolate once their GP deems them a suspected case for the virus. A third death has also been reported. No underlying condition was reported in the latest patient death. Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said the deceased was a woman from the east of the country. I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this patient," Dr Holohan said. It is too early to see any impact of our social distancing measures. This data underscores the importance of younger people to rigorously follow public health advice and social distancing measures. Clusters of the infection are being seen among staff in healthcare settings. Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said it appeared a younger cohort are picking up the infection and the median age is 43 years. Young people may become a source of transmission rather than suffer the worst effects, he said. They can carry the infection to an older grandparent or somebody who is frail. The latest data from HPSC, as of midnight Tuesday 17 March (350 cases), reveals that of the 350 cases notified, 55pc are male and 43pc are female. 31pc of cases have been hospitalised, while 2pc (7 cases) were admitted to ICU. 84 cases are associated with healthcare workers, 28 of whom are associated with foreign travel. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 172, followed by Cork (62) and Limerick (14). Of those for whom transmission status is known, community transmission accounts for 35pc, local transmission/ close contact accounts for 21pc, travel abroad accounts for 43pc; 71 remain under investigation. Dr Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health Medicine, HSE; Healthcare workers are at the frontline of this pandemic. "While it is heartening to see social distancing measures taken seriously across society, this must continue in order to protect the most vulnerable and support our healthcare staff throughout this pandemic. Meanwhile, the death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy rose in the last 24 hours by 427 to 3,405, overtaking the total number of deaths so far registered in China, officials said on Thursday. Thursday's figure represented a slight improvement on the day before, when Italy recorded 475 deaths. Some 3,245 people have died in China since the virus first emerged there late last year. Italy's outbreak came to light in the north of the country on February 21. Health Minister Simon Harris said yesterday that it is impossible to predict when the Government will start advising older and vulnerable people to remain "cocooned" indoors as was signalled by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Systems are being worked on to ensure they will get food, supplies and be checked on. Older people without family and social support are urged to give their details to their local Garda station where gardai will help out collecting prescriptions and other supports . However, providers said over 800 existing people who receive HSE-funded homecare are choosing to self-isolate - including from their home carers. It is creating a crisis in income for home carers as the HSE will only pay them for the first two days of their client's self-isolation. Mr Harris said for now the advice is "if you're an older person, if you're a person with an underlying medical condition do try and stay at home as much as possible". "Get out and get the exercise, but in general try and stay at home as much as possible." While Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said projections that between 450,000 and 500,000 could lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic could be accurate. Ms Doherty said that what happened over the course of several months during the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 had now happened over the last three days. She said the Government are looking at everything when asked about the possibility of introducing a universal basic income or a one-off payment to workers of more than 1,000 as has been floated by US President Donald Trump in recent days. Asked about projections that between 450,000 and 500,000 people may find themselves out of work in the coming weeks, Ms Doherty said it could be potentially as drastic as those figures. I mean we havent overused the word unprecedented in the past few days but it has been that," she said. Outlining the numbers who could be affected by the crisis, she said there are 140,000 people employed in the hospitality sector, 54,000 in the accommodation sector and 200,000 in retail. These are just the obvious industries that may have affected but there are other businesses, she said. Every single day there is another industry that I didnt think was going to be affected yesterday is affected today. So the numbers could potentially be as high as people are saying. She was speaking at a press conference on Wednesday where the Government outlined supports available to businesses and employees impacted. Up to 15,000 people could die from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland if the public does not adhere to guidelines, Health Minister Robin Swann has stressed. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday Mr Swann initially said that the number could be as high as 9,000 as Northern Ireland is facing a surge of "biblical proportions". The 9,000 figure is based on a 50% infection rate and applying the observed worldwide mortality rate of 1% - so 9,000 deaths among the 900,000 people infected. The minister later clarified that if 80% of the population (1.5 million) was infected, his department's worst case planning scenario, then the death toll would be much higher. Mr Swann told PA: "If we fail as a community to take the necessary action to slow down the transmission of the virus, up to 80% of the Northern Ireland population could be infected during this pandemic. "If all the public health advice is ignored, in a worst case nightmare scenario and with a fatality rate of 1%, then that could mean up to 14,000-15,000 lives lost." It comes as the first death was reported in Northern Ireland. The patient was described as elderly and had a pre-existing medical condition. There was an increase of nine cases in Northern Ireland of those that have been tested reported on Thursday bringing the total number to 77. Over 1,600 have been tested. Those with mild symptoms are not being tested but instead advised to self-isolate. During the briefing, Education Minister Peter Weir announced that all GCSE and A Level examinations in Northern Ireland were being cancelled for the year in the wake of school closures. First Minister Arlene Foster moved to reassure businesses, calling for a "huge injection" of money from the Treasury to help businesses retain staff. The DUP leader said the Executive had been working with the UK Government to "see an employee support package coming forward", which she said "at a bare minimum" wipes out employer national insurance contributions, enables VAT deferment, "but ideally helps employers meet their wage commitments". She also expressed Executive support for a temporary basic income for those affected by the coronavirus. Her comments came shortly after sportswear firm O'Neills announced it is temporarily laying off up to 750 staff, with all operations to be suspended as of 6pm on Thursday. In his daily press briefing Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK could "turn the tide" of the coronavirus outbreak in the next 12 weeks if people take the precautionary steps the Government has outlined. Read More Here's how Thursday unfolded: India has initiated steps to put relations with Malaysia back on track after former premier Mahathir Mohamads repeated criticism of the situation in Kashmir and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) strained bilateral ties, people familiar with developments said on Thursday. The Indian envoy to Malaysia, Mridul Kumar, met new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Monday the first significant contact between the two sides since Mahathirs remarks took ties to a fresh low last year. The meetings were exploratory steps aimed at a reset of the relationship, said a person who declined to be named. The Malaysian sides response so far was perceived as positive, the people added. Kumar handed over a congratulatory letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Yassin, according to a tweet from the Indian high commission in Kuala Lumpur. Thanking PM Modi for the letter, Malaysian PM expressed keen desire to strengthen ties with India, the tweet said. Another tweet from Malaysias foreign ministry said during Kumars meeting with the foreign minister, both sides reviewed bilateral ties and discussed possible ways to further strengthen relations. Yassin, who was earlier the home minister, was appointed the premier in March after Mahathirs sudden resignation. Despite push back from India, Mahathir repeatedly criticised the CAA and the situation in Kashmir after the Indian governments decision to scrap the regions special status. The diplomatic row led to India imposing curbs on palm oil imports that hit Malaysia. India, the worlds largest buyer of edible oils, changed the rules to effectively bar imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia, the worlds second-biggest producer and exporter after Indonesia. In December, Mahathir Mohamad had said people were dying because of the CAA, prompting India to dismiss his remarks as factually inaccurate. During the UN General Assembly last September, Mahathir said Kashmir had been invaded and occupied. At the time, New Delhi had said the Malaysian leader was interfering in Indias internal affairs and such statements went against the spirit of long-standing India-Malaysia ties. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABC News Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is apologizing for an "error of judgement" related to an in-person interview he conducted last month after being exposed to COVID-19 as he continues to fight to stay in Australia and compete in the first major of the year. Djokovic, who is tied for first all time with 20 major wins, released a new statement Wednesday midday local time in Melbourne explaining the timeline of several public appearances around when he tested positive for COVID in December -- which he says should allow him to compete in the Australian Open despite apparently not being vaccinated. "I want to address the continuing misinformation about my activities and attendance at events in December leading up to my positive PCR COVID test result," he wrote in an Instagram post. The Nigerian Senate has asked the Federal government to consider banning non-Nigerian travelers from countries with high risk of coronavirus. The senators called for the ban on Tuesday morning during plenary, few hours after the Federal government announced the 3rd confirmed case of Coronavirus in Nigeria. Chairman of the senates health committee Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe said that in addition to the ban, the Federal government should also restrict travels to worst-hit countries to curb the spread of the virus. If it is possible, people should not travel to countries with high risk of the cases especially in Europe where many countries are affected, unless such trips are very important. Government should also consider disallowing non-Nigerians from countries of high risk from entering the country. Government should also increase capacity about checking airports he said on the floor of the senate this moirning Speaking further, Oloriegbe called for the creation of more Isolation and testing centers as Nigeria has just five centers at the moment. Senate President Ahmad Lawan while making his contribution, also called for the creation of more testing centers for the virus in the South East and the North. By Lindsay Dunsmuir and Ann Saphir WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO, March 19 (Reuters) - On St. Patrick's Day last year, Amy and Chris Hillyard marked the 30th anniversary of Farley's, their pair of cafes in San Francisco and Oakland, California, with live bagpipes and noisy crowds. This year, they spent the day quietly packing up beans, granola, and a vegan coconut curry made from unsold produce to give to the 40 employees they had to lay off on March 16. In the space of a month, the Hillyards had gone from their strongest financial period, ever, to at least temporarily closing their doors. "We were running at the top of our game as a business and it's just devastating to have to turn off the engine," Amy said. The rapidly escalating coronavirus outbreak in the United States has begun to decimate the restaurant industry as an increasing number of states and regions enforce population lockdowns and close eateries, bars, gyms and other "non-essential" businesses. The food service industry is the nation's second-largest private employer, with 15.6 million employees, according to the National Restaurant Association, which counts 1 million restaurants, including fast food outlets, in the United States. Of these, 90% are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, NRA says, a figure that includes franchised chain stores, which are usually independently owned. Restaurants are notoriously high-risk businesses, typically running on pretax margins of 3 to 6%, which makes them extremely vulnerable in a downturn. The trade group estimates U.S. restaurants could take a sales hit of up to $225 billion in the next three months, a quarter of the $899 billion in sales that they had expected for the full year. Approximately 6.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, a coronavirus hotspot, have been ordered since Tuesday to stay home until April 7 except for essential outings. This type of lockdown is set to become more widespread as cases of the virus rise elsewhere. Story continues On the U.S. East Coast, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut struck a regional agreement on Monday to close all movie theaters, casinos and gyms. New York City may soon also issue a "shelter in place" order. Restaurants and bars in the three states - where about 32 million people live - will serve takeout and delivery only. For the Hillyards, switching to takeout or delivery was not a viable option, given the cafe is surrounded by now-empty office buildings. By Monday, sales were down 70% from normal, as local businesses sent workers home even before the lockdown started. Their immediate concern is how to pay their bills. The next payment for the staff's health insurance plan is due on March 25. Rent, their other big monthly cost, is due on April 1 - but so is a loan payment to Bank of America, and they cannot make both. OUT ON A LIMB In Washington state, another virus hotspot, restaurants were also closed to all but takeout and delivery earlier this week. Fon Spaulding, who runs Kati Vegan Thai in Seattle, has seen sales fall almost 80% - the same proportion of her customers that worked at the nearby headquarters of Amazon.com Inc , until they were told to work from home. The city government has said it will spend $1.5 million on grants for small businesses affected by the coronavirus, but that will not help Spaulding. "It is for people who don't have more than five employees. Our restaurant couldn't get it," Spaulding said. She also remains confused about what she qualifies for or how to get it. "We have heard about many, many loans ... but we don't know exactly where to start to apply." DELIVERY IS NOT ENOUGH Restaurant visits as measured by OpenTable were down 77% year-on-year on March 16 in Washington, D.C., after the city told restaurants and bars to stop serving customers on the premises, to reduce the public's potential exposure to the virus. There as elsewhere the hope is that the rise of online food ordering over recent years will soften the blow. Meals ordered digitally for delivery were up 16% in 2019 from the year before, while digital orders for takeout increased 33%, data analytics firm NPD Group said. But delivery is a tiny slice of restaurant sales in normal times, at roughly 3% of orders. Ris Lacoste has owned Ris, a fine dining restaurant in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., for 10 years. Diners are used to feasting on mussels as they sip their wine. Delivery and catering usually make up 5% of sales at most. She has been forced to let go of almost all her 50-odd staff. For now it is just her, a front-of-house manager and a chef. On Wednesday, they began serving a limited takeout menu, offering soup, salad, pot pies and bread. Lacoste said she cannot offer more choices without knowing how popular they will be, because she cannot yet afford to buy more product or rehire staff. The uncertainty of whether the restaurant will be closed to in-house dining for two weeks or two months also makes it difficult to plan. "We are figuring out daily costs to keep the lights on," she said. "Selling to-go is great and it might keep some places alive, but it won't keep all of us alive." The Hillyards are still hoping they will be able to reopen instead of shuttering for good. Instead of loans, which have to be repaid and will never cover the custom they have permanently lost, they would like more direct help from local and federal government. "We need a bailout," Amy said, sitting with Chris in the sunny window of the empty cafe. "Why should banks and the cruise industry get a bailout when we are the lifeblood, and the heartbeat, of the community?" (Reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir in Washington and Ann Saphir in San Francisco Editing by Heather Timmons and Matthew Lewis) News raises speculation that Amazon may close additional warehouses should more cases of the virus arise among staff. Amazon on Thursday said it was closing a small New York City warehouse temporarily after one of its associates tested positive for the coronavirus, a move that highlights the operational risk it faces as the disease spreads. The company said it has sent associates home from the delivery station with full pay as it sanitises the facility, its first in the United States known to have a case of the virus. We are supporting the individual who is now in quarantine, Amazon said in a statement. We continue to serve customers while taking care of our associates and were following all guidelines from local officials about the operations of our buildings. The news raises the spectre of Amazon closing additional warehouses should more cases of the virus arise among staff. That would pose a significant hurdle to the worlds largest online retailer, already grappling with out-of-stock goods and slower-than-usual delivery. Seattle-based Amazon said it has increased the cleaning of door handles, stair rails and other surfaces at its facilities. It has staggered shift times, spread out break room tables and asked drivers to keep their distance from customers when delivering orders. That has not assuaged all workers fears of contagion. On Wednesday, more than 200 French workers staged a strike at an Amazon warehouse and shipping centre in Saran, outside of Paris, calling for the facilitys closure. French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire backed the protestors on Thursday, saying that Amazon workers in France are coming under unacceptable pressure. These pressures are unacceptable, well let Amazon know, Le Maire told France Inter radio station. The French government has previously encouraged factory employees to keep working if possible and if sanitary conditions are adequate, but decried the way Amazon had handled the situation with its staff. The coronavirus has led to at least 8,900 deaths globally, and Amazon employees elsewhere have contracted it. News of its spread to the US Amazon facility was earlier reported by The Atlantic. A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found the virus detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Amazons New York delivery station, in the borough of Queens, is less than a tenth the size of Amazons big fulfillment centers. The company has said that it would take in only essential supplies at its US and United Kingdom and other European warehouses until April 5, to free up inventory space for these products. They include baby products, beauty and personal care items, pet supplies, books and industrial and scientific goods. The retail giant said it will not stop selling non-essential items like phone cases and toys, but those products may be more likely to run out of stock in the next few weeks as a result. USNS Comfort in New York. Mike Segar/Reuters New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced late March that the USNS Comfort would be deployed to New York harbor amid the coronavirus pandemic. The USNS Comfort is a 1,000-bed hospital ship that has provided humanitarian relief and been deployed to war zones around the world. Like its sister ship, the USNS Mercy, the Comfort was not expected to treat any coronavirus-positive patients. The USNS Comfort docked in Manhattan on the morning of March 30 but is now set to leave New York as soon as possible after only treating 179 patients as of Tuesday. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The USNS Comfort the US Navy's 1,000-bed hospital ship with decades of providing aid around the world will be departing New York after being stationed in the city for three weeks. "The deployment of the USNS Comfort to New York is an extraordinary but necessary step to help ensure our state has the capacity to handle an influx of patients with COVID-19 and continue our efforts to contain the virus," Cuomo initially said in a statement when announcing that the USNS Comfort would be deployed to New York in late March. New York has 50,000 hospital beds and 3,000 intensive care unit beds, but a 'Wuhan-style' outbreak could "overwhelm the city," former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" on March 15. The 1,000-bed ship also has 12 operating rooms and was deployed to mitigate New York's concern over the decreasing number of available hospital beds, although the ship was intended to treat non-coronavirus patients. However, the ship only treated 179 patients in the span of three weeks, and President Trump announced that the USNS Comfort will be leaving New York after Gov. Andrew Cuomo said its facilities were no longer needed. The USNS Comfort had strict restrictions as to who could be treated onboard: coronavirus-positive patients, as well as people with 49 other ailments, were not allowed onto the hospital ship. Story continues The USNS Comfort has had a long history of being at the forefront of health crises around the world. Keep scrolling to read its history: The USNS Comfort arrived in New York and docked at Pier 90 in Manhattan on March 30, according to ABC7. USNS Comfort in New York. Mike Segar/Reuters Source: ABC7 The Comfort was not intended to not treat any coronavirus-positive patients, a decision that would have in theory opened more hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. USNS Comfort in New York. Mike Segar/Reuters However, it only received 20 patients the first day it docked in New York. Following the public outrage over this low number, Trump accepted Cuomo's request to allow the USNS Comfort to treat COVID-19 patients. USNS Comfort in New York on April 7. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images Source: Business Insider The ship then had to be reconfigured and limited to 500 beds in order to accept the coronavirus patients. But even then, the USNS Comfort still wasn't fully occupied with patients because the Jacob Javits Convention Center conversion into a hopsital had been completed. USNS Comfort in New York on April 21. Kena Betancur/ VIEWpress via Getty Images "It was very good to have in case we had overflow, but I said we don't really need the Comfort anymore," Cuomo told MSNBC after a meeting with the president to move the ship to more affected areas. "It did give us comfort but we don't need it anymore, so if they need to deploy that somewhere else, they should take it." USNS Comfort in New York on April 21. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images The USNS Comfort will now be moved back to its home base in Virginia to prepare for its next, still undecided, mission. USNS Comfort in New York on April 8. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images The Comfort has been based in Norfolk, Virginia since 2013, according to the US Navy. Naval officers in the USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images Source: US Navy Most of its medical staff is based in Virginias Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images Along with hospital beds and operating rooms, the USNS Comfort has several features that can also be found in hospitals. USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images This includes digital radiological services, a medical lab, a pharmacy USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images Source: US Navy ...an optometry area, a computed tomography or CAT scan, and two "oxygen-producing plants," according to the US Navy. The CAT scan machine in the USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images There's also a helicopter deck for air ambulances to land. USNS Comfort in Puerto Rico in 2017. Ricardo Arduengo/AFP/Getty Images Source: Navy Live The ship has a total crew of 71 civilians and at most, 1,200 Navy personnel from the medical and communications teams. USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images The ship is 894 feet long and 106 feet at its widest point, according to the US Navy. USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images Source: US Navy The Comfort can reach speeds of up to 17.5 knots, about 20.13 mph. Karen Pence, left, Vice President Mike Pence, middle, and US Navy Admiral Craig Faller next to the USNS Comfort in 2019. Charlie Ortega Guifarro/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The ship was originally a San Clemente-class super oil tanker before it was converted to what is now the USNS Comfort in 1987. USNS Comfort in 2019. Joe Skipper/Getty Images The USNS Comfort has been deployed for a wide range of purposes throughout its life. Vice President Mike Pence aboard the USNS Comfort in 2019. Joe Skipper/Getty Images For example, in 2010, the USNS Comfort was sent to Haiti following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that ravaged the country. Medical staff and a patient aboard the USNS Comfort in 2010. Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images In 2015, the ship was also deployed for 180 days for "Continuing Promise." USNS Comfort in 2015. Dieu Nalio Chery Continuing Promise led the USNS Comfort to 11 countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean on a "humanitarian and civil assistance mission" for six months," according to the US Navy. USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona WIse/AFP via Getty Images Source: US Navy It was also deployed in 2017 to Puerto Rico to aid in post-Hurricane Maria relief efforts. A MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter delivering cargo to the USNS Comfort in 2017. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Danny Ray Nunez Jr./U.S. Navy via Getty Images The Comfort was docked in Puerto Rico for almost two months. During that time, its medical team aboard the ship saw 1,899 patients and performed 191 surgeries. The ship also supplied 76,000 liters of oxygen and provided 10 tons of food and water. USNS Comfort arriving in Puerto Rico in 2017. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ernest R. Scott/U.S. Navy via Getty Images Source: US Navy In 2018, the Comfort was again deployed to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Honduras for "Enduring Promise," according to the US Department of Defense. Line handlers by the USNS Comfort in 2018. Steve Helber/AP Photo Source: US Department of Defense The USNS Comfort's Enduring Promise tour lasted from October 11, 2018, to December 20, 2018, allowing the US to provide medical assistance to each of the nations. A medical team and a patient in the USNS Comfort in 2018. Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters The ship saw around 750 patients per day in Colombia. USNS Comfort in Peru in 2018. Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images Source: Business Insider In 2019, the Comfort embarked on a five-month humanitarian trip to 12 countries, providing surgeries, dental care, and optometry, and medicine to almost 69,000 patients, according to Navy Live. USNS Comfort in 2019. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images However, the USNS Comfort has seen more than just civilian humanitarian aid trips. The USNS Comfort, center, USNS William McLean, right, and USNS Supply. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ernest R. Scott/U.S. Navy via Getty Images In August 1990, President Bush ordered 200,000 troops and the USNS Comfort to deploy in Saudi Arabia after Iraq invaded Kuwait, according to the US Naval History and Heritage Command. USNS Comfort off the coast of Colombia in 2018. Jim Wyss/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Source: US Naval History and Heritage Command The USNS Comfort then played a role throughout Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to April 1991. USNS Comfort in 2019. Joe Skipper/Getty Images The Comfort's sister hospital ship, the USNS Mercy, was also deployed, docking in Los Angeles earlier in March. A surgery aboard the USNS Comfort in 2018. Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters Read more: A 1,000-bed US Navy hospital ship just docked in Los Angeles to increase local healthcare capacity see inside the USNS Mercy Read the original article on Business Insider Photo for illustration (Source: zing.vn) According to the article on scoopwhoop.com of India posted on March 17th and adding that Vietnam has shown its ability to cope with and control COVID-19 effectively and is among countries most appreciated for its COVID-19 prevention and suppression campaign. It also states some measures Vietnam has applied to prevent the virus from spreading. The first measure is to launch two health declaration applications for people, one for Vietnamese citizens and one for foreigners living in Vietnam. People are required to constantly update their health situation so that the government has a stable database. The second "secret" is that Vietnam has produced a set of test kits for SARS-CoV-2, meeting the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO), to screen Covid-19 suspected patients. The third important measure is installing mobile disinfection chambers for people. The chamber has a 360-degree fog-type disinfectant spray system, which is said to eliminate 90% of bacteria and viruses on the body. Previously, the Diplomat also published an article about the efforts of the Government of Vietnam in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article stated that during the fight against the epidemic, the government of Vietnam always pays attention to and places the health and life of the people above all else. According to the article, in that spirit, the Government of Vietnam has operated with disclosure and provided transparent information about the epidemic, thereby gaining people's trust. These measures have been proven effective and show positive results in Vietnam./. Advertisement The internet rumour mill has gone into overdrive today as Brits shared pictures on social media of the army on UK streets. One image that went viral on Facebook shows what appears to be soldiers in fatigues walking in Clapham, south London, with people hurriedly speculating they are being moved into place as part of a rumoured imminent lockdown in the capital city. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the image in fact shows cadets from the Motivational Preparation College for Training, which has a base in nearby Battersea. The college provides a military-style education for 16-19 year old's and can help prepare students for a career in the armed forces. The fatigue-clad figures from the image circulating online are cadets training, not front line soldiers. Another picture that sent the internet-haywire today shows military vehicles parked on a motorway, with some claiming it was snapped in Glasgow and others saying on the outskirts on London. The image has been circulating for days, and has been attributed to being from both France and Russia. However it could not be from the UK because the vehicles are on the wrong side of the road. Fake News: One image that went viral on Facebook shows what appears to be soldiers in fatigues walking near Clapham, in south London, with people hurriedly speculating they are being moved into place as part of a rumoured imminent lockdown in the capital city Fake News: An image showing military vehicles parked on a motorway at an unknown location has been posted today. Some people have claimed this is on motorways near London or Glasgow, but the vehicles are parked on the wrong side of the road indicating this is not from the UK A video has also gone viral showing what appears to be two military vehicles being transported down a motorway. Social media users concluded the vehicles must be heading for London, but it is not clear when the video was taken. Additionally the dashboard shows the time as 7.13pm and the temperature as 14 degrees, which is high for mid-March. It came as London could be put into a form of lockdown to enforce tough restrictions on social contact, Boris Johnson hinted last night. The Prime Minister refused to rule out the possibility of further and faster measures to control the spread of the virus in the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the country. He said ruthless enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the capital more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. Mr Johnson said people who chose to ignore the official advice could put others at risk. Anecdotal evidence suggests some Londoners do not appear to be following Government advice to socially distance themselves, and have been attending pubs, clubs and restaurants and continuing to travel to work As a result, London could follow the example of other cities around the world which have been hit by the virus and go into so-called lockdown. At a press conference in Downing Street tonight, Boris Johnson announced new restrictions for the capital after the death toll across the country spike to 104 - up by 33 in a single day However, police are said to be concerned that the measures would be unenforceable and could even lead to public disorder. Asked about the prospect yesterday, the Prime Minister said: The more closely, the more strictly, the more ruthlessly we can enforce upon ourselves, our families, the advice we are getting about avoiding unnecessary gatherings about staying at home when we have symptoms, then the better we will be able to protect the NHS, the fewer deaths we will have and the less suffering there will be in the UK population, and the faster we will get through this. WHAT TEST IS THE UK CURRENTLY USING TO SWAB PATIENTS FOR CORONAVIRUS? Public Health England has not revealed which tests it is using to swab thousands of patients for the killer coronavirus. But in a blog on its website, it suggests it just uses one which takes a sample from a suspected patient's nose and throat. It says PHE's diagnostic test was rolled out to 12 laboratories across the UK, who all increased their working output to analyse samples for 12 hours every day of the week. But patients are left in limbo for between 24 and 72 hours waiting for their test results to come back. But health officials revealed last week that NHS hospital laboratories would soon start testing people to ease the strain on PHE, allowing them to conduct tests on-site without having to send samples away. The Government yesterday ordered thousands of testing kits from the French-based firm Novacyt, in a deal worth 1million. But it is understood they are for hospital use only even though NHS staff across the UK have already warned that facilities are swamped. The company was an early mover in developing a test and is now supplying more than 60 countries. MailOnline has asked PHE to clarify which tests it uses. Last week US health bosses granted the emergency use of two tests in a desperate attempt to keep track of America's escalating crisis. One of the diagnostic tools was made by Massachusetts-based firm Thermo Fisher Scientific. It can give results in four hours. Two men wearing suits were pictured carrying a box from ThermoFisher outside Downing Street yesterday. It is undersood they were going in to demonstrate the kit at a meeting. Advertisement This is strong, strong advice and we absolutely do not rule out taking further and faster measures in due course. The Chief Scientific Officer, Sir Patrick Vallance, said the measures would work only if they were followed by a very high proportion of the population. Sir Patrick, who will advise the PM on whether a further lockdown is needed, added: The moment we say, Its not for me, its for someone else, the less effective it will be. When we dont adhere to this, we are putting the sickest patients at risk. It is crucial that this is not taken as soft advice but a really clear instruction to do this. The Chief Medical Officer also refused to rule out total lockdowns of the UK, as is happening in France, Spain and Italy. Professor Chris Whitty said: What weve said at the beginning is that as the epidemic progresses, we will do more things at the right time. But each of the things were doing are very disruptive to peoples lives and were very keen to do them at the right time but not before the right time. He told BBC 5 Live: There may well be, as this epidemic starts to take off, significant other things the Prime Minister may wish to do. Mr Johnsons remarks came after Nicola Sturgeon, Scotlands first minister, claimed the UK Government was about to announce more stringent measures for London. Asked how far the UK was from a complete lockdown, she said the capital might see tougher measures first because it was further ahead on the curve of the outbreak. Mrs Sturgeon is fully briefed on UK-wide coronavirus measures as she attends the Governments emergency Cobra meetings. A source at Londons City Hall said last night that No 10 had not informed them of any lockdown plans so far. Another source said: All options are on the table. No decision has been made yet. We will take whatever steps are necessary but no time scale has been decided upon. There has been speculation about police and the Army shutting down the streets completely. It is physically impossible London is too big and there arent enough officers. It is unenforceable. It is understood that the military will initially be deployed to hospitals and to protect the transport network, although travel may be limited to key workers. Though it not clear what exactly the stricter measures would look like, a lockdown could entail travel restrictions for all but key workers, which will include NHS staff on the frontline. All businesses could be forced to close, with only pharmacies and supermarkets allowed to stay open, as has been seen in other European cities. Gov. Noem lauds state economy, but big legislative fights are coming Noems speech flowed between business and economic development, lifestyle issues and social issues that were united by their conservative themes. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 09:15:58|Editor: Liu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States will temporarily close its border with Canada to "non-essential traffic," and the decision was made by mutual consent, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday. Trade between the two countries will not be affected by the border closure, Trump said in a morning tweet. At a later White House briefing, Trump noted that he has spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying "we want to isolate from the standpoint, we don't want people coming into contact." "It was something we thought would be good for both countries," he added. The U.S. government announced several travel restrictions as COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across North America and Europe. The travel ban that Washington imposed on 26 European nations has been effective since the midnight of March 13. On Saturday, and the White House added Britain and Ireland to the list. More than 7,300 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the United States as of Wednesday noon, with at least 115 deaths, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. 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Amer Fakhoury was freed from a prison in Lebanon, where he had been jailed since September 2019, accused of being responsible of the killings and abuse of prisoners in Lebanon as part of an Israeli-backed militia two decades ago An American citizen who had faced decades-old murder and torture charges in Lebanon has been freed, President Donald Trump announced this morning. Trump dedicated the first few minutes of his daily coronavirus task force briefing to talk about the release of Amer Fakhoury, which he hailed as a 'big thing, very big.' 'He is battling late stage cancer. Mr Fakhoury will now be able to receive the much needed care and treatment in the United States.' Trump continued: 'we've been working very hard to get him freed, and he's finally able to have his entire family at his side. So I'm very grateful to the Lebanese government that worked with us. 'We are very proud of his family. They stood by him so strongly, and they are thrilled. 'The United States has no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our citizens.' Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, said in a statement that she had spoken with Fakhoury on the phone soon after his release. A US Marine Osprey is seen taking off from the US Embassy in Aukar, northeast of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, purportedly with Fakhoury on board following his release from prison President Trump this morning announced Fakhoury's release, which he hailed as a 'big thing' She also released a statement from Fakhoury's family on her website thanking Shaheen for helping secure Amer's release amid his battle with lymphoma. 'Its hard to put into words how grateful and relieved we are to finally be returning to the United States with Amer,' the statement read. 'We have been through a nightmare that we would never wish on anyone. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone who believed in Amers innocence and fought tirelessly to bring him home to the country he loves. First and foremost, we want to thank Senator Shaheen and her staff who have been relentless in their efforts to free Amer. Senator Shaheen pursued every means possible to secure Amers freedomthis would not have happened without her. Amer considers Senator Shaheen his hero.' The Fakhoury family on Thursday released a statement thanking Sen Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, for helping secure the prisoner's release from Lebanon The family also extended their thanks to Trump and members of his administration who took part in the negotiations for Fakhoury's release. 'Amer is in very poor health and urgently needs care, but all of you gave him a fighting chance and most importantly, hope and freedom. God Bless America,' the family's message concluded. Lebanese officials alleged that Fakhoury, 57, of Dover, New Hampshire, who had been jailed since September, was responsible for the killings and abuse of prisoners in Lebanon as part of an Israeli-backed militia two decades ago. His case had put a significant strain on already troubled ties between the US and Lebanon. Lawmakers in Washington had threatened to withhold critical aid to the country and impose sanctions on the Lebanese military, which is seen by the Trump administration as a bulwark against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement. 'Anytime a U.S citizen is wrongfully detained by a foreign government, we must use every tool at our disposal to free them,' Shaheen said in her statement. 'Im very glad that Amer is finally coming home and will be reunited with his family. No family should have to go through what the Fakhoury family has gone through.' Hours before Shaheen announced Fakhoury's release a US Marine Osprey was seen landing at the US Embassy in Beirut. Fakhoury is a Trump supporter and attended a campaign event with the president in New Hampshire. He became a naturalized US citizen last year Fakhoury was ordered released on Monday because more than 10 years had passed since he allegedly tortured prisoners at a jail run by the South Lebanon Army militia. But he was not immediately allowed to leave the country after a Lebanese military judge on Tuesday appealed the decision, asking the a Military Court of Appeals strike down the decision to free Fakhoury. A judge of urgent matters in the southern town of Nabatiyeh issued a ruling preventing Fakhoury from leaving Lebanon for two months. Judge Ahmad Mezhers decision came after a request filed by former inmates. Fakhoury is a former SLA member who became a US citizen last year. His case has been closely followed in New Hampshire, where Shaheen and other officials have called for imposing sanctions on Lebanon to pressure Beirut to release him. Fakhoury was jailed last year after returning to Lebanon on vacation to visit family. Lebanon's intelligence service said he confessed during questioning to being a warden at Khiam Prison, which was run by the SLA during Israel's 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon. Human rights groups have described the prison as a center for torture. In this May 2019 file photo provided by Guila Fakhoury, her father Amer Fakhoury, second right, gathers with family members at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H In this June 2016 file photo, Fakhoury, holds his granddaughter, Kira, in King of Prussia, Pennylvania Fakhourys family and lawyer, however, said he had no direct contact with inmates and was never involved in any interrogation or torture. Lebanon and Israel have been officially at war since Israels creation in 1948. Lebanon bans its citizens from traveling to Israel or having contact with Israelis. Fakhourys lawyer and family say he fled Lebanon in 2001 through Israel and eventually to the United States because of death threats he and many other SLA members received after Israel ended its occupation of Lebanon in 2000. Fakhoury was formally charged in February by a military judge with the murder and torture of inmates at Khiam Prison. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses to the nation on novel coronavirus comes, in New Delhi on March 19, 2020. (Photo: IANS/BJP) Image Source: IANS New Delhi, March 19 : The RSS has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of 'janata curfew' on March 22 to promote social distancing in wake of the coronavirus outbreak in India. "RSS will back the 'Janata Curfew' on March 22, based on the mantra on resolve and restraint, as well as other initiatives by state and centre. The entire RSS family will play a role in awakening the society to face this challenge," said Sarkaryavah Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi. On Friday, as India witnessed its fourth fatality due to coronavirus, the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and among other steps, urged all Indians to stay indoor this Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., calling it a Janata curfew. by Adam Koffler | Jets Correspondent | Thu, Mar 19th 12:50pm EDT QB Joe Flacco has been told hell be waived by the Broncos with a failed physical designation. (Adam Schefter on Twitter) Fantasy Impact: Flacco started just eight games in 2019 for the Broncos, and after one year with the team, he is on his way out. The former Super-Bowl MVP is now a free agent and will look to join a team that needs a veteran presence on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos appear to be handing the reigns over to QB Drew Lock, who impressed late last season after stepping in for Flacco. Sixteen Indian nationals, who were among those who tested positive for coronavirus on board a cruise ship docked off Japan, were discharged after receiving treatment at onshore medical facilities in that country and subsequently returned to India, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said a total of 138 Indians, including 132 crew members, were on-board the Diamond Princess Cruise ship. Of these, 119 Indian nationals were brought back to India on a special Air India flight on February 27, 2020. Upon their return, they were quarantined at an Indian Army facility at Manesar, Haryana, he said. "16 Indian nationals had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. They were treated in on shore medical facilities in Japan. All of them have been discharged after completion of their treatment and as per available information have returned to India," he said. Three Indian nationals had chosen to stay back and were quarantined at an onshore facility in Japan, Muraleedharan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno, Marchio Irfan Gorbiano and Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 21:08 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0354e 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,COVID-19-rapid-test,COVID-19-test,Indonesia Free The government is set to welcome offers from foreign countries to assist Indonesia in obtaining COVID-19 rapid testing kits amid the Southeast Asian country's efforts to prevent wider transmission of the coronavirus disease. National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) head Doni Monardo, who is also the head of Indonesia's rapid-response team for COVID-19, said he would soon ask relevant ministries and agencies to facilitate permits and ease access to ship the testing kits to the archipelago. The rapid testing kits are not yet available in the country, so we have to bring them in from several countries, reflecting what has been done by countries such as China, South Korea and Japan, Doni told reporters following a meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Thursday. Doni said Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto had given directions to his team about the government's plan on conducting rapid tests during a ministerial meeting on Tuesday. The Health Ministrys disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, announced the plan during Wednesday's update of coronavirus cases in the country, describing that rapid tests only required blood serum as a sample and could be performed at any health laboratory. Read also: Jokowi orders nationwide rapid testing to speed up COVID-19 detection The Foreign Ministry has echoed Donis statement, saying they were now trying to draw up offers of testing kit donations from some foreign allies, including China and Singapore. At the same time, we are still waiting for the assessment on the required amount [of testing kits] from relevant authorities, before we extend [the request] to foreign parties, the ministry's director for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said. Aside from foreign governments, Santo said, several community groups and corporations had also expressed their willingness to donate test kits to assist the country in its efforts to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests. Meanwhile, Arya Sinulingga, an aide to State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, said a number of COVID-19 rapid testing kits were set to be shipped to Indonesia starting Thursday, although he did not specify which countries the kits were coming from. He said state-owned diversified manufacturer PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia -- which had previously planned to import 500,000 COVID-19 rapid testing kits from China -- would handle the distribution of the testing kits to coronavirus referral hospitals. "The rapid testing kits are in accordance with the World Health Organization's standard," Arya said. Read also: Think you have COVID-19? Here's how to get tested in Indonesia Besides test kits, the government is also preparing more isolation and treatment sites to support the plan. BNPB's Doni said the government would make more hospitals available to accept COVID-19 patients in addition to the 130 existing referral hospitals. He assessed that Jakarta and the surrounding area were still lacking such facilities. There are three private hospitals that have been authorized and two more will follow, with capacity reaching 1,000 beds, Doni said. A joint team conducted a survey of the two apartment towers for athletes in Kemayoran and confirmed that the buildings were viable to function as COVID-19 facilities and house around 2,000 patients. A number of hotel owners -- who saw their businesses slowing down due to the virus outbreak -- had also offered their buildings to support efforts to handle the pandemic, he added. The fast-response team has requested that the Health Ministry increase the number of laboratories to 40 from the current 12, by utilizing those that were used during the SARS pandemic. As of Thursday afternoon, the number of infected people in the country has reached 309. The death toll rose to 25 from 19, with 68 percent of the fatalities recorded in Jakarta. The global installed base of connected vending machines reached an estimated 4.2 million units in 2019, said Berg Insight, the leading IoT market research provider. In a new market report covering the connected vending machine market, Berg Insight said North America represents the largest share of around 2.0 million of these machines, whereas the corresponding number for the European market is 1.1 million. The number of connected vending machines in other parts of the world totalled an estimated 1.1 million units at the end of 2019, mainly in Japan, China and Australia. Berg Insight forecasts that the number of connected machines worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3 per cent to reach 8.9 million units by 2024. As a result, the global penetration rate will reach 52.0 per cent at the end of the forecast period. The global connected vending solution market is served by a variety of players. Many of the leading providers are specialised technology companies offering connected vending telemetry and cashless payment solutions. USA Technologies is following the acquisition of Cantaloupe Systems in 2017 clearly number one in terms of the installed base and has now more than 1.0 million connected vending machines, said Adam Bjorkman, IoT Analyst, Berg Insight. He adds that other leading technology suppliers include Crane Connectivity Solutions, Ingenico Group, Nayax and Televend (INTIS). Vianet Group, Vendon, MatiPay and InHand Networks are additional examples of technology players with relatively significant installed bases. InHand Networks is an interesting case due to the prominent position in China, continued Bjorkman. The number of vending machines in China has grown significantly in the last few years and Berg Insight expects the country to become a major player in the connected vending space. Mobile payments and remote management of multimedia content are basically standard on the vending machines in China. Facial recognition technology is also a growing trend and enables pay-with-your-face functionality, concluded Bjorkman. -- Tradearabia News Service African Rainbow Capital Investments (ARC) has released its financial results for the six months to 31 December 2019, which showed that Rain is valued at R13.1 billion. Rain now accounts for 27.4% of the African Rainbow Capital Investments funds value, up from 26.8% six months earlier. ARC said Rain aims to become a full-service mobile network operator, focusing on data as a primary offering. Rains major asset is its spectrum. This includes an allocation in the 1,800MHz band and an allocation in the 2,600MHz band. Its income streams consist of roaming income, 4G data sales, 5G subscriptions, and reseller income. ARC said the growth prospects for Rain remain optimistic and that it is well positioned to become a major player in the 5G data market. Revenue growth has been encouraging and significant progress is being made to further improve on network performance and stability, ARC said. The ARC fund investment in Rain increased from R2.508 billion on 30 June 2019 to R2.712 billion on 31 December 2019. This increase was mainly a result of a fair value write-up of R183 million. During the period under review, the ARC fund acquired an additional 0.2% shareholding in Rain for an amount of R21 million. Strong network growth Rain has a strong business-to-business (B2B) division and is currently building a dedicated national LTE-Advanced network. This network will eventually facilitate an environment where open access to the Internet becomes a reality in South Africa, ARC said. Rain currently has over 3,000 active LTE sites, and it is expanding according to plan to achieve nationwide connectivity and improve on network quality. During October 2019, Rain launched the countrys first 5G network for fixed wireless Internet connectivity. Since then Rain has expanded its 5G network to over 300 live 5G sites. Rains mobile strategy has been offered directly to the public since June 2018. Subscriber uptake has been steady, with the unlimited off-peak data package being the most popular, ARC said. Media coverage and social media posts are the major sales drivers in expanding the mobile customer base. High valuation Rains R13.1-million valuation means it is now worth more than Blue Label Telecoms (which owns 45% of Cell C) and Telkoms market caps combined. What is even more surprising is that ARCs valuation of its Rain shareholding R2.712 billion is now higher than ARCs market cap of R2.04 billion. Some commentators said Rains valuation is much higher than what it should be, especially considering that it is a newcomer to the saturated mobile market. ARC dismissed these concerns. It said it uses a discounted cash flow model with a discount rate of 16.4% to value Rain. Discounted cash flow is a valuation method used to estimate the value of an investment based on its future cash flows. In our view, this is a very conservative approach to valuing our investment in Rain and we are comfortable with this approach, ARC told MyBroadband. ARC added that the valuation in Rain is scrutinised by its auditors who follow a thorough process to confirm or amend the valuation. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / In June 2019, CEO of Thompson Education Center, Sherry Li met with Xiaoping Feng, Chairman of Wendu Group, and signed a strategic cooperation agreement on behalf of the two parties. Also present at the signing ceremony in Begin, China were: Xuefeng Guo, COO and President of China region; Ken, Vice President of Thompson; Ning Zhang, CFO of Thompson China; Zila Gu, Vice President of Thompson China; Jingcheng Zhao, Head of Thompson Shanghai Office; Jun Zhang, Vice President of Wendu; Jizhi Ren, Vice President of Wendu; Shuai Zheng, Deputy General Manager of Wendu International Education Department; Xuhong Wang, Executive General Manager of Wendu Elementary and Middle School Division; among many others. Two parties conducted in-depth discussions on Thompson Education Center College Town's programs, enrollment, and other cooperation projects. The cooperation programs include online education, high school to bachelor degree, associate degree to bachelor degree, master's degree, etc. Wendu plans to become the student source system of Thompson, and Thompson welcomes Wendu to establish an education base on campus and launch project cooperation between the two parties. Century Wendu Education Technology Group provides professional education institutions for college students to pursue further studies, employment and career advancement. The company is headquartered in ZhongGuanCun High-Tech Park, Haidian District, Beijing. It has more than 30 direct-sale organizations, more than 600 cooperative institutions, more than 3000 educational units, and has recorded more than 2 million class hours of various video education courses. Each year, it issues more than 200 varieties of textbooks and more than 10 million trainees. Currently, it has more than 1 million students in the system. With the industry's famous teachers, detailed courses, quality materials, professional services, High-Tech, scientific management and omnidirectional brand building, it becomes a well-known education brand in China. Thompson Education Center College Town covers an area of 650 acres, with over 5 million square feet of the construction area for educational campus and ancillary facilities. TEC has partnered with many prestigious universities in Unites States, planned to establish courses including, business schools, media arts, medical academies, culinary, various MBAs, special license training, high schools and their affiliated facilities to create an intelligent high-end university community. In 2019, Thompson Education Center will work with International University Alliance under the Ministry of Education to open 50 Thompson Education Center Extension campuses in China. Thompson Education Group has established friendly relations with the Royal Families and the First Families worldwide. It will establish cooperative education parks and degree credit exchange mutual recognition system with Royal Colleges and National Universities in more than 200 countries and regions. Thompson plans to establish an exchange student program with royal universities between Thompson and the Royal College of Collaboration, or a degree from several national colleges around the world, and have a system of learning and interacting with world leaders. Thompson Education Center - Dedicated to Education, Communications, and Business Opportunities: http://thompsoneducationcenterinitiatives.com/ Thompson Education Center Participates in Notte Di Savoia 2019: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thompson-education-center-participates-notte-185500029.html Thompson Education Center Visits Thailand for an Education Coop Meeting: https://www.apnews.com/8b2b90c0f1b44dd64d0f22efd844cbc8 CONTACT: Thompson Education Center Sherry Li 212-845-9519 ccoanys@yahoo.com SOURCE: Thompson Education Center View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581694/Thompson-Education-Centers-Sherry-Li-Announces-Strategic-Partnership-with-Wendu-Group By Easton Sanders Mar. 19, 2020 | 12:47 AM | WESTERN KENTUCKY On Wednesday, Food Giant announced that their first hour of service will be dedicated to those that are 60-years-old and older, along with other groups that are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Store management says they want to give those customers time to shop, while reducing their risk of exposure to the virus. Laura Byrley, a Food Giant associate, applauded the decision. She said, "I think it's awesome that Food Giant is doing this for the elderly. A lot of them are by themselves and can't afford to get sick." Management asks other customers to plan their shopping trips after the first hour of business. "It is important that we all do our part to support the community's health and well-being." Management recommends that customers contact the store for their business hours, as they may implement special hours to allow for stocking and sanitization of the store. Food Giant stores across the area are dedicating their first hour of service to the elderly. TANZANIA, Tanzania - A proposed U.N. Security Council resolution would replace the joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping force in Sudans restive Darfur region with a U.N. political and peace-building mission whose primary aim would be to support Sudans fragile transition to democracy including in drafting a new constitution and preparing for elections. The draft resolution, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, would basically eliminate the main mission of the U.N.-AU force known as UNAMID the protection of civilians in Darfur. That responsibility would be handed over to the transitional government formed last August by the military and civilian protesters following the ouster of the countrys longtime autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir. The proposed resolution would establish a political, peace support and peace-building mission, to be known as the United Nations Political and Peace-building Integrated Mission in Sudan or UNPPIMS, starting May 1 for an initial period of one year. It would authorize the deployment of up to 2,500 international police and one battalion for a quick reaction force usually between 500 and 800 troops to protect U.N. personnel, facilities and humanitarian workers. The police and troops would also be authorized to help create a protective environment by protecting civilians being subjected to or under imminent threat of physical violence, particularly in the hot spot areas of the Darfur states but the draft stresses that the government has primary responsibility for protecting its people. The draft resolution largely follows the recommendations in a report to the council earlier this week by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki. Human Rights Watch criticized the report, saying withdrawing peacekeepers threatens the safety of civilians in Darfur. Kenneth Roth, its executive director, said the council should recognize that Darfur requires a far more gradual withdrawal because past and ongoing violence there means civilians cant trust Sudanese security forces alone and still look to peacekeepers for protection. The Darfur conflict began in 2003 when ethnic Africans rebelled, accusing the Arab-dominated Sudanese government of discrimination. The government in Khartoum was accused of retaliating by arming local nomadic Arab tribes and unleashing them on civilian populations a charge it denies. In recent years, as the result of a successful government military campaign, the rebellion has been reduced to a rebel Sudan Liberation Army faction headed by Abdul Wahid Elnur in Jebel Marra. There has been pressure, including from the Trump administration, to scale down the UNAMID force, which was established in 2007 and was one of the U.N.s most expensive operations. In June 2016 it had a ceiling of 15,845 military personnel and 3,403 police. In July 2018, the Security Council voted to dramatically cut the force in response to reduced fighting and improved security conditions. The target then was to end the mission in June 30, 2020. But the mass street protests by a pro-democracy movement which began in late 2018 and led to last years ouster of Al-Bashir caused a delay. A power-sharing agreement signed in August 2019 between the military and protesters called for the government to reach a peace agreement with armed groups within six months. The military-civilian government, which is facing an economic crisis, has been engaging in peace talks with rebel groups since October, hoping to end the insurgencies in order to slash military spending, which takes up much of the national budget. The draft resolution would authorize the new U.N. mission, if asked, to support implementation of any future peace agreements including monitoring cease-fires, and supporting disarmament, demobilization and measures promoting accountability and transitional justice, not only in Darfur but also in conflict-wracked Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. The report by Guterres and Faki said the overall security situation remained unchanged in most parts of Darfur, except West Darfur which experienced a series of violent incidents, though they reported civil unrest throughout the vast western region. According to the report, UNAMID has developed a drawdown and liquidation plan that envisages the closure of its 14 bases between April and Oct. 31, the repatriation of military and police personnel, and a significant reduction of its civilian staff. It said this will be followed by administrative and logistical liquidation activities for a period of at least six months. As of January, UNAMID had over 4,300 military personnel, over 2,100 international police, and about 1,500 civilian staff. The draft resolution underlines that a continued strategic and political partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in Sudan remains critical and calls for close co-operation between UNPPIMS and UNAMID as well as with U.N. missions in South Sudan, Libya and in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan. ___ Lynch reported from Khartoum, Sudan Panic buyers stripping supermarket shelves of toilet paper and hand sanitiser are leaving schoolchildren without essential supplies, a health chief has warned. Coles and Woolworths are scrambling to react to a surge in customer demand due to the coronavirus pandemic - announcing widespread purchase limits on their products this week. Australia's deputy chief medical officer on Thursday said he had received reports of schools running out of hand sanitiser and sent a strong message to hoarders. He said he heard from his sister - who is a teacher - that staff were being abused by parents about schools remaining open. Pictured: An empty toilet paper aisle at a Woolworths in Kellyville in north-western Sydney . Panic buyers are leading to Australian schools running out of hand sanitiser, the deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly said 'These are the effects of people storing too much of stuff in their own homes,' deputy CMO Paul Kelly said. 'You are affecting potentially children's health - not so much from COVID but from other diseases we know can occur. 'So please do not buy reams and reams of toilet paper. Please, just take what you need.' The warning had been prompted by a question from the media asking about reports toilet paper and soap were also running out at Australian schools. He added the Department of Health was working on supply shortages with each of the country's states and territories. Mr Kelly (pictured) said he heard from his sister who is a teacher staff were being abused by parents about schools remaining open Coles grocery limits Eggs - two packs per person. Chilled pasta - two packs per person. Frozen vegetables- two packs per person. Frozen dessert - two packs per person. Mince includes Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken & Turkey - two packs per person. Flour - two packs per person. Dried rice - two packs per person. Paper towels/tissues - two packs per person. Hand sanitisers - two packs per person. Advertisement Woolworths grocery limits Dry Pasta - 2 pack limit per shop. Flour - 2 pack limit per shop. Tissues - 2 pack limit per shop. Paper towel, serviettes and wipes - 1 pack limit per shop. Toilet paper - 1 pack limit per shop. Hand sanitiser - 2 unit limit per shop. Bulk rice (2kg+) - 1 pack limit per shop. Advertisement Professor Kelly refused to say though what the 'magic number' was for the number of infections required to close Australians schools. 'There's a lot of questions about school closure, children being kept home from school and so forth. My sister is a teacher,' Professor Kelly said. 'I've heard from her this morning some very disturbing things about being abused by parents. We are all in this together. Teachers are all in this together.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison said they would remain open despite the United Kingdom announcing its own schools would close to all except the children of 'key-workers'. 'The issue with the UK is for the UK to say. They've made their decision based on their own circumstances. We'll be making our decisions based on our own data,' Mr Kelly said. It comes as home affairs minister Peter Dutton vowed the government would come after possible crime syndicates who have been clearing supermarket shelves. Pictured: General view outside a Woolworths in Sunbury, Victoria as people wait outside on Tuesday 'We do have some people I think that are profiteering,' the Home Affairs Minister told 2GB's Ray Hadley. 'They're hoarding, not for their own consumption, I think they're either sending some of the products overseas or they're selling it in a black market arrangement in Australia. 'I'm going to come after those people. It won't be a pretty experience when we deal with them. 'We will come down like a ton of bricks on those individuals because I think they're the ones that have created this pattern of behaviour of hoarding and clearing out shelves.' LANSING, MI -- Marijuana companies are asking Michigans governor to classify marijuana an essential item and to allow doctors to certify medical marijuana patients over the phone during the COVID-19 outbreak. Today we sent a letter to (Gov. Gretchen Whitmer) and her administration advocating that cannabis be deemed an essential item and that recommending physicians be permitted to see patients via telecommunications,the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, a group of nearly 200 licensed marijuana businesses, posted on its website Wednesday, March 18. Initial indications are that our letter is well received and we will continue to update you on our progress. The association argues that marijuana is useful to reduce anxiety and stress and offers sick patients an alternative to doctor appointments or the hospital. Our medical system needs to be available to prioritize the coronavirus pandemic and must not be bombarded by medical marijuana patients returning for traditional treatment, the letter to Whitmer said. To further reduce the risk of exposure we respectfully request that the state swiftly allow physicians to evaluate patients and write recommendations for both new medical marijuana patients and renewing patients using telecommunications, the letter said. This action which is not currently available to us will help flatten the curve by keeping our most vulnerable patients at home. As of February, Michigan had 264,147 registered medical marijuana patients and 35,693 registered caregivers, according to the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency. In order to maintain marijuana access while observing a Centers for Disease Control recommendation that everyone observe social distancing, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency is temporarily allowing marijuana retailers, recreational and medical, to make curbside sales and committed to expediting new applications for home delivery licenses. San Francisco currently under a shelter-in-place order that allows residents to leave their homes only for essential" reasons or items, such as to shop at a grocery store or get medication from the pharmacy. It temporarily shut down the citys marijuana retailers but later reversed the decision and acknowledged the essential medicinal value of marijuana. Michigans governor hasnt ruled out the possibility of issuing her own shelter-in-place order. There could be a time that we might take that step, Whitmer said during a press conference Wednesday, but at this juncture there is nothing that I am announcing on that front today or thats in the works. Whitmer on Wednesday said Michigan had confirmed more than 100 cases of the coronavirus, including one death. Michigans first coronavirus fatality involved a man in his 50s who died at Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County Wednesday morning. Beaumont Health reported that the man had other underlying medical conditions. As of Tuesday, March 17, the Centers for Disease Control had recorded 7,038 cases and 97 deaths nationwide. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Whitmer calls up Michigan National Guard Michigans first coronavirus death reported Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Lawmakers say lack of paid sick time puts Michigan behind during coronavirus pandemic Michigan Treasury extends tax deadline for businesses struggling during coronavirus pandemic Judge, whose job appeared to be safe just a few weeks ago, became the latest NFL coach to be dismissed since the regular season ended. The Giants are now in the market for a new coach and general manager. DENVER, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GigSmart, the modern staffing solution connecting businesses with available workers, has launched a Job Board for its Get Gigs user base. In addition to connecting individuals looking for work with local, temporary ASAP and scheduled work opportunities, GigSmart's new Job Board helps users find permanent part-time and full-time positions, all within the Get Gigs app. As the coronavirus situation continues to develop, GigSmart wants to ensure all individuals who are looking for work are able to find it. The GigSmart Get Gigs mobile app now provides one single source where anyone searching for work opportunities can easily discover open jobs. Users can browse their Available Gigs list to find and apply to on-demand and scheduled hourly Gigs or they can access the GigSmart Job Board to browse and apply for permanent positions. "Unlike other gig economy apps, GigSmart Get Gigs now funnels every available job opportunity into one place, making it easier than ever for our users to find work," said Rich Oakes, President of GigSmart. "As the reach and resulting impacts of coronavirus are still very much unknown, we want to help Americans prepare for their future. We're working around the clock to connect individuals looking for work to businesses. Both groups have been greatly disrupted by the current crisis." GigSmart is monitoring its two apps, Get Workers and Get Gigs, to provide assistance to businesses and individual workers as jobs are impacted due to coronavirus. Over the past 48 hours, demand for workers who can assist with food delivery, health care services, grocery store operations, and warehouse operations has surged. GigSmart employs a staffing support team of dedicated representatives who are able to assist all interested individuals in finding work. Available in all 50 states, the number of users leveraging GigSmart's two-sided gig economy platforms is growing significantly month-over-month. Businesses can use the GigSmart Get Workers hiring app to access local, vetted, and insured Workers who can be hired on the fly at low costs with no lead time. Individuals can use the GigSmart Get Gigs mobile app to access local, on-demand and scheduled Gigs or part-time and full-time jobs available across nearly every industry. To create a free Get Gigs account to instantly find work in your area or to learn more about GigSmart, please visit www.gigsmart.com. About GigSmart GigSmart is a software development company focused on providing modern solutions to meet the needs of the growing gig economy. GigSmart's hiring platform provides on-demand staffing solutions to connect businesses looking for labor with available workers. Launched in December of 2018, GigSmart's Get Gigs and Get Workers apps have already surpassed 300,000 installs. GigSmart's alternative staffing solutions serve all 50 states in industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, retail, customer service, and professional services. GigSmart is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with 35 full-time employees. Related Images gigsmart-logo.png GigSmart Logo The logo for GigSmart SOURCE GigSmart Related Links http://www.gigsmart.com Amid the Coronavirus outbreak, a lot of people have been resorting to rather bizarre ways to spread awareness about the virus or to simply lighten the mood. We have been hearing many Indians singing the corona bhajan Kitho Aaya Corona and not to forget Ramdas Athawales Coronavirus poem. Now, following the footsteps of India, Pakistan isnt far behind as recently, a Pakistani bureaucrat shared a song to create awareness about the pandemic. The only catch is that the tunes are taken from Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khans song Suno Na Suno Na from the film Chalte Chalte. Heres the video of the original song- Pakistans Deputy Commissioner Hafizabad Naveed Shahzads Coronavirus song was recently shared by a Pakistani Commentator, Ansar Abbasi, on Twitter. Check out the video here- In a unique fashion, the Deputy Commissioner Hafizabad Naveed Shahzad delivers public service message on Corona virus. pic.twitter.com/MRvvvHJ882 Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) March 18, 2020 The song is catchy and tells people to follow simple yet vital instructions on staying safe from the virus. The video has gone viral and has garnered over 130.2K views and why wouldnt it? Its a Bollywood song! Turns out, people in Pakistan are in love with the song and find it very impressive. Heres what they have to say- Okay... Very well conveyed.. Excellent DC Sb !! Different Angle (@AchayDinAaingay) March 18, 2020 He has conveyed the entire message on combating the #coronavirus splendidly in a way all Pakistanis can understand. Excellent Malik (@Malik__73) March 18, 2020 Very unique and catchy. We need more officers like him. Full marks for the idea. Rehman Aziz (@RehmanA83) March 18, 2020 Its a truly excellent video, makes you want to watch it over and over again. Malik (@Malik__73) March 18, 2020 It s really Amazing . Melodious message (@Sughrasadafdr) March 19, 2020 Indeed its quite uplifting. Malik (@Malik__73) March 18, 2020 Thats true.Umm.,.okay.Thats our song yaarHmm.Very uplifting The novel Coronavirus has claimed more than 7200 lives, so far, across the world and celebrities are resorting to various ways to encourage the general public to use preventive measures to contain the deadly virus. This letter appears in the March 30, 2020, issue of TIME. Seventy-five years ago, on the heels of an altogether different kind of war than the one we are now facing, TIME published a letter from a reader in California: No one else has caught so well our sense of this still moment when we balance on the edge of the abyss and try to apprehend the heights which must be scaled. Today, we find ourselves caught in another still moment, isolated and yet deeply connected to one another by a biothreat scientists are racing to understand. For all of us at TIME, it is in moments like this that we feel our greatest sense of responsibility to provide trusted information and guidance to our audience of more than 100 million people around the world. And so on Jan. 21, China correspondent Charlie Campbell traveled to ground zero in the coronavirus crisis, the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan. At the time, hard to fathom now with some 200,000 cases globally, there were about 440 confirmed cases. Since then, our team has been publishing nearly 24/7 on the trajectory of the virus and what we all need to do to mitigate its worst effects. David Ryder for TIME Forough AlaeiVII Mentor Program/Redux for TIME We are doing our work, as so many of you are, while remote from our offices, with our families and loved ones in various states of social distance. Nearly all our employees are now working from home. Im writing this letter from my kitchen table, and my colleagues have worked from similar settings to produce this issue. Like you, we are finding new ways of working, some of which will no doubt outlast this crisis, and searching for new ways to meet the needs of work, family, and physical and mental health. Our teams connect regularly by videoconference, getting glimpses of each others homes, children and pets, as well as insights into how various parts of the globe are coping. Greetings from the future, an editor in our Hong Kong officewhich began remote work in late Januaryannounced at one of our daily meetings early this month. The Hong Kong team has been providing guidance to the rest of us, including encouraging coverage of how some parts of Asia seem to have kept the virus at bay. Story continues Wang Wei for TIME Luca Locatelli for TIME While we are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our employees, families and communities, our commitment to you remains steadfast. We are all experiencing information overload, and yet there is so much confusion about what information can be trustedand much is still unknown. We have launched a daily newsletter that pulls together essential updates; you can sign up for it free of charge at time.com/coronavirus. As schools continue to close, we are working to offer TIME for Kidsour weekly school-based magazine for grades K through 6online and free. And while social distancing has meant postponing our annual TIME 100 issue, summit and gala until the fall, we will be publishing a special issue next month featuring insights on the pandemic from our TIME 100 community of global leaders. It will be followed by a virtual summit on meeting the challenge of COVID-19. Angela Strassheim for TIME Anastasia Taylor-Lind for TIME This weeks magazine features six covers showing images ranging from the tragically hard-hit Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash., to the balconies of Tehran and the streets of China. Seen together, they are meant to show how truly banded together we all are in this fight. It is a new reality we are all adjusting to that will continue to create challenges and require collaboration, courage and empathy. For more than 97 years, through countless global crises and stories of resilience, TIME has been here. Our editorial team will continue to do everything we can across all our print, digital and social channels to help you navigate this incredibly complex moment, and our business team remains deeply focused on our subscribers and partners. Well keep you updated, and I welcome your ideas and feedback at eic@time.com. The market gyrations leave traders looking to get out, which reinforces the bear trends and deepens the drops, or looking for discount stocks that may offer solid returns for a low cost of entry. Which, when you think about it, brings penny stocks to mind. These are low-cost shares, usually in low-cap companies. Historically, these stocks were valued at less than a dollar, although today penny stocks are defined as selling for less than five dollars. The main attraction here is a consequence of the low share price: even a modest-seeming dollar gain per share can translate into a high-percentage return. Weve used the TipRanks Stock Screener to find three penny stocks with Strong Buy consensus ratings and over 100% upside potential in other words, stocks that are cheap to buy and are tapped to double at least in the coming year. Let's take a closer look. Nokia Corporation (NOK) The Nokia name is familiar; the company has been a well-known maker of cellular handsets for decades, and is famous in part for its 3310 dumb phone, which even today boasts strong sales. As Nokia heads into the new year, it is also preparing for a changeover in management. CEO Rajeev Suri will step down this coming August, to be replaced by Pekka Lundmark of Fortum. While at Fortum, a Finnish energy company, Lundmark oversaw a 35% increase in share value. Suri will remain as an advisor to the Board until the end of the year. Nokias strong sales are clear from the Q4 2019 report. The company showed a 563 million Euro ($604 million US) profit, coming out to 10 Euro cents per share (or 10.7 cents US). This was triple the year-ago profit, and highlighted the companys turnaround from 2018s steep full-year loss of 549 million Euro ($589 million US). Full-year profit in 2019 came out at 18 million Euro ($19.34 million US). The companys Networks segment drove the profit gains, for the quarter and the year. Nokia is a major player in developing 5G networks, as well as producing 5G capable handsets. The rollout of the new digital network tech is expected to bring a boon to the company as customers upgrade their mobile devices. Story continues Wall Streets analysts are taking a positive stance on Nokia. In a report earlier this month, Deutsche Bank analyst Robert Sanders sees a clear path for Nokia to build its 5G future: After the mis-steps of 2018 and 2019, we believe mid-band 5G deployments using C-band in the US starting at the end of 2021 will be an important feature of Nokias turnaround. The news over the weekend that the C-band spectrum auction should happen at the end of 2020 provides a target to focus minds at Nokia: be ready with a leading 5G hardware solution in Q1 2021 to recover lost confidence with tier-1 operators Sanders Buy rating on Nokia is support by his 4.50 ($4.85) price target, which suggests an upside of 91%. (To watch Sanders track record, click here) Echoing Sanders' view, UBS analyst David Mulholland is also bullish on NOK shares, placing a Buy rating alongside a 4.50 ($4.85) price target. In his comments on the stock, Mulholland says, At this point we believe many of the initiatives underway at Nokia are necessary to help drive the business and we do expect to see progress this year however we also believe that a new CEO will help the investor / stock market discussion start focusing on the future driving Nokia forward instead of focusing on how the current challenges arose. (To watch Mulhollands track record, click here) Over the past three months, Nokia stock has received a 6 Buy ratings and just 1 Hold. As a result, the stock has a Strong Buy analyst consensus rating. These analysts believe (on average) that Nokia has big upside potential of over 100% from the current share price. This would take the telecom equipment maker from $2.53 all the way to $5.27. (See Nokia stock analysis on TipRanks) Everi Holdings (EVRI) And now we move to a niche that usually drips money casino gaming. Nevada-based Everi controls subsidiary companies that design, develop, and manufacture casino games for brick-and-mortar operations. The social distancing restrictions being put in place have hurt casino traffic and forced shutdowns, which in turn is weighing heavily on Everi stock. But there are signs that this stock has resources that may not be immediately visible. In recent months, the insider sentiment has skewed sharply positive, as company officers have been buying shares but not selling. Two notable purchases came earlier this week: Board of Directors members Eileen Raney and Maureen Mullarkey bought 20,000 and 10,000 shares respectively, for $120,000 and $60,000 dollars. Raneys purchase was the largest single insider buy in the companys history. More importantly, the two Directors were willing to pay $6 or more per share, while the stock is currently trading below $2. A look at Everis Q4 report, released earlier this month, may shed some light. EPS was slightly disappointing it came in at just 2 cents per share compared to the forecast of 8 cents. At the same time, earnings were up significantly from one year ago, when the company lost 4 cents per share. Revenue was just strong. It grew 21% year-over-year, coming in at $145.18 million, and beat the forecast by 9%. Growing revenues provide Everi with a solid base to weather the current market storms. As for future prospects, the current restrictions will last forever and when they are lifted, there will likely be strong pent-up demand for services and leisure. And Everi is well-placed to make additional gains should that occur. Wall Street in bullish on Everi. Writing for Craig-Hallum, 5-star analyst George Sutton says, [T]he 35% pullback over the past few weeks appears to be quite opportunistic to us. Fundamentally, the company continues to see very strong premium games growth, nicely outpacing the industry and with a splurge of new products coming we see no signs of a slowdown as we look further forward, the increased investment being made in the integrated gaming neighborhood area, including a mobile wallet, positions the company even better for the next leg of industry growth. Sutton placed a Buy rating on EVRI shares, and his $16 price target, indicating a whopping 809% upside, shows the extent of his confidence. (To watch Suttons track record, click here) Barry Jonas, of SunTrust Robinson, noted of Everi, management did caution they believe operators will likely be cautious in the near-term as they allocate capital given the macro uncertainty. That said, 1) early year caution is consistent with purchasing patterns over the past several years, and 2) EVRI does benefit from strong diversification across the US should the Strip/certain regional markets experience a more pronounced decline in casino visitation related to the outbreak. Jonas remains bullish, with his Buy rating also supported by a $16 price target. (To watch Jonas track record, click here) EVRI shares have a Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 3 unanimous Buy-side reviews. Shares are priced low, at just $1.65, while the $15 average price target suggests room for an impressive 750% upside potential. (See Everi stock analysis on TipRanks) WPX Energy (WPX) From casino games, we shift gears to the energy industry. WPX holds oil exploration and production assets in two of the richest petroleum formations in North America: the Williston Basin of North Dakota and the Permian Basin of West Texas. The company operates over 700 wells, which tap into proven reserves exceeding 480 million barrels of oil equivalent. And with a share price of just $2.11, the black gold has never been more affordable. Low oil prices have weighed on WPXs earnings in recent months, and the company reported an EPS miss in Q4. The 10-cents per share reported was 16% below expectation. Revenues also disappointed, as the $443 million figure missed the forecast by 30% and slipped 18% yoy. In a move to balance the long-term view that oil will remain low, WPX announced earlier this week that it will reduce its capex in 2020 by almost 25%. In dollar terms, the company expects capital expenditures in the $1,275 to $1,400 million range, down from the previous guidance of $1,675 to $1,800 range. With WTI down to just $22 per barrel, and Brent at $25, there was really no way for the company to avoid cuts in expenditures production simply cannot be ramped up enough to compensate for current prices. In a report for Wells Fargo, analyst Nitin Kumar writes, With the stock trading at a significant discount to peers we see a favorable risk-reward profile. There are some near term headwinds but long term WPX [should] deliver on its 5 year vision to deliver return metrics that are competitive with the broader market Kumars $12 price target implies a hefty upside of 468%, and back up his Buy rating. WPX has an average price target of $12.67, indicating room for a 423% upside potential. The stocks Strong Buy consensus rating is based on 9 reviews, including 7 Buy-side and just 2 Holds. (See WPX stock analysis on TipRanks) At least 84 shop owners in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad twin township faced action onThursday for defying the collector's orders to keep their establishments closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. While the Pune city has eight cases of Covid-19, the neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad area has reported 11 cases, the highest in Maharashtra. Action under IPC section 188 (defying public servant's duly promulgated orders) was mostly taken against shops which fell in the non-essential category such as paan kiosks, tea stalls, electronic shops and restaurants with dining facilities, the police said. As per the Pune district collector's order, shops and other establishments which do not come under the essential services category shall remain closed till further notice, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Sudhir Hiremath. Meanwhile, a day after Collector Naval Kishore Ram issued orders asking IT and private companies to implement 'work from home' policy, police officials in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad inspected offices of Information Technology firms to ensure that the order was being followed. Hiremath said the police understood the technical difficulties the companies face. "Several firms can not ask all their employees to work from home as there are technical, security and other issues. But we have asked them to keep minimal staff at offices to make sure the social distancing is maintained," he said. Ram said in a press briefing on Thursday that 50 per cent employees of IT firms and private companies are working from home. "I had a meeting with the IT and private companies, and they have given an assurance that they will raise the number to 70 per cent," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wearing masks and gloves as a precaution against coronavirus is ineffective, unnecessary for the vast majority of people, and may even spread infections faster, experts said Tuesday. While near-total lockdowns have been imposed in Italy, Spain and now France, the World Health Organization's advice has remained unchanged since the start of the global outbreak: wash your hands, don't touch your face, and keep your distance. The WHO says it is advisable to wear a protective mask in public if you suspect you are infected or someone you are caring for is, in which case the advice is to stay home whenever possible. "There are limits to how a mask can protect you from being infected and we've said the most important thing everyone can do is wash your hands, keep your hands away from your face, observe very precise hygiene," said WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan. The advice is all the more urgent given the WHO's estimate that health workers worldwide will need at least 89 million masks every month to treat COVID-19 cases. There are already shortages of masks for medical professionals around the world, a problem that could get worse as the pandemic drags on. But the message about masks hasn't reached everyone. "I'm surprised to see through the window in my ministry lots of people in the street wearing masks when that doesn't correspond to our recommendations," French health minister Olivier Veran said Monday. Mariam, 35, told AFP that she was wearing a mask because she has an elderly mother. "Just in case," said Mariam, who was also sporting latex gloves. Mariam, who didn't want to give her last name, she said she got her mask from "a friend's mother who works in a hospital". As well as hoovering up stocks sorely needed by medical professionals, experts say masks can give people who wear them a false sense of security. For example, many people who wear them don't follow the official advice of washing their hands thoroughly first, ensuring it's air tight and not to touch it once it's on. "People are always readjusting their masks and that has the potential to contaminate them," said France's head of health, Jerome Salomon. "If someone has come across the virus, it's surely going to be on the mask." Gloves, similarly, don't greatly heighten protection and could even end up making you sick. "If people cannot stop touching their face, gloves will not serve a purpose," Amesh Adalja, from Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told AFP. One 2015 study in the American Journal of Infection control found that people touch their face on average 20 times an hour. The novel coronavirus is transmitted via skin contact, transferring infected globules of mucus via the ears, eyes or nose. "Gloves are not a substitute for washing your hands," said Adalja, adding that surgical gloves should only be used in a medical setting. Plus, said Veran: "If you're wearing gloves you're not washing your hands." For one Paris resident, Oriane, 32, this is not a problem. "I wash my gloves," she said, gesturing to her bright blue surgical mitts. Hundreds of Elon Musk's Twitter followers welcomed on Thursday an offer by Tesla's chief executive to make ventilators for coronavirus sufferers "if," he said, there is a shortage, after the United States appealed for donations of respirator masks. On Wednesday, GM and Ford said they had been in talks with the federal government about beginning production of medical equipment, including ventilator machines. Medical experts have said that the United States and other nations face an acute shortage of the machines to help the expected number of seriously ill patients. The World Health Organization said it was in talks with China and others to help ramp up supplies of health equipment. "We will make ventilators if there is a shortage," Musk said on Twitter, responding to a fan's suggestion that the billionaire repurpose a factory for the task. The conditional aspect of his statement was in keeping with earlier tweets in which he had indicated some skepticism that the response to the coronavirus pandemic has been overblown, stating that the panic could cause more harm than the virus. And on Wednesday, Tesla agreed to reduce the number of active workers at its California vehicle factory, a county spokesman said, amid regional lockdowns to rein in the virus after the sheriff's department warned that Tesla was not in fact an "essential" business allowed to stay open under the lockdown. Musk's comment immediately drew hundreds of replies urging him to act. "If, for whatever reason, you don't believe there currently is a shortage, by all estimates, there will be," said a social media user with the handle Internetchilla. "Please help." The Trump administration on Tuesday urged U.S. construction companies to donate respirator masks to hospitals and healthcare providers fighting the virus, amid a nationwide shortage. Companies such as Apple supplier Foxconn have refitted production lines to make masks and similar items after stores in many countries ran out and suppliers were overwhelmed by the spread of the virus. Story continues An Italian start-up used a 3D printer to replicate respirator valves, saying it would hand them to hospitals for free. Italy is battling the world's worst outbreak outside China. Last month, Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD said it was making 5 million masks and about 300,000 bottles of hand sanitizers a day. Musk is not the first chief executive to offer help with medical supplies on Twitter, however. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son offered a million free virus tests this month. A day later, following criticism that he risked overwhelming medical facilities, he offered to donate a million free masks. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> Advertisement Two giant cruise ships berthed in the River Thames are on stand-by to be used as floating hospitals, Mail Online can reveal. The British owners of the Spirit of Discovery and Saga Sapphire are understood to have put the vessels at the disposal of the Government should they be needed. No decision has yet been taken to use the luxury vessels but if hospitals become overwhelmed they could be put into action. There are more than 2,000 cabins on the ships that could be used to isolate patients, freeing up hospital beds and taken the strain from the NHS. Mail Online understands the Saga Group have written to the Government to offer their cruise ships currently berthed at Tilbury Docks. The two vessels, along with two foreign registered cruise ships sailed into Tilbury earlier this week. The British owners of the Spirit of Discovery (pictured in Tilbury today) and Saga Sapphire are understood to have put the vessels at the disposal of the Government should they be needed No decision has yet been taken to use the luxury vessels but if hospitals become overwhelmed they could be put into action. Pictured is the Spirit of Discovery moving into Tilbury The Spirit of Discovery and Saga Sapphire (pictured previously) usually sail from Southampton but with no space available were directed to Tilbury With cruises worldwide cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak they are docked in London for the foreseeable future. Two other cruise ships the Viking Star and Italian owned Astoria are also in Tilbury. A fifth ship Magellan is berthed just outside the busy docks. The Spirit of Discovery and Saga Sapphire usually sail from Southampton but with no space available were directed to Tilbury. A tugboat operator at Tilbury said in his 40 years of working he had never seen so many cruise ships berthed at the same time. 'We heard that they will be used as floating hospitals if they are needed. It does make sense as anyone who has the virus can be isolated in their cabin,' said a port worker. 'The only people on the ships are the crew. It is usual as they are berthed where cargo ships normally tie up. Tilbury is a very busy port so to have them here for so long shows how bad the situation is.' The 346m Spirit of Discovery is Britain's newest cruise liner having been launched last year and christened by the Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall before its maiden voyage. It can cater for up to 999 guests and has a crew of more than 400. Until it schedule was cancelled the liner was due to undertake cruises to the Norwegian fjords, Arctic and New England. Mail Online understands the Saga Group have written to the Government to offer their cruise ships currently berthed at Tilbury Docks (pictured is the Spirit of Discovery) The Saga Sapphire usually sails from Southampton but with no space available it was directed to Tilbury alongside the Spirit of Discovery The Saga Sapphire, which was built in 1981, has 1152 berths. The Saga Group primarily focuses on the over-50s age group, offering insurance and holidays The Saga Sapphire, which was built in 1981, has 1152 berths. The Saga Group primarily focuses on the over-50s age group, offering insurance and holidays. It has over 2.7m customers and operates the two cruise ships now in London. A spokesman for Saga declined to comment. The Port of Tilbury said: 'The Port of Tilbury is helping a number of our valued cruise line customers at a very difficult time for the industry. 'We are currently providing safe and suitable river and inner berth locations for five cruise vessels with two more due in April. 'These vessels are our regular customers and we are supporting them while their ships are not operational.' Andy Cohen is one of many celebs taking all the necessary precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic. But the Real Housewives creator is still staying busy during self-quarantine as he continues to produce his SiriusXM channel Radio Andy from home. He took to Instagram Wednesday as he got cozy in a white bathrobe, monogrammed with his initials, from the comfort of his home office. Business casual: Andy Cohen took to Instagram Wednesday as he got cozy in a white bathrobe while producing Radio Andy from home during self-quarantine The 51-year-old wrote in the caption: 'Day 3 of Radio-from-home, and I'm no longer getting dressed for work' He appeared to be all prepared with his Today Show coffee mug in hand, headphones around his neck and some Clorox disinfecting wipes next to his computer. Cohen has been documenting his work-from-home self-quarantine via Instagram, kicking off the week Monday with a photo in the same pose, sporting blue pajamas from Lisa Rinna. Home office chic: Cohen has been documenting his work-from-home self-quarantine via Instagram, kicking off the week Monday with a photo in the same pose, sporting blue pajamas from Lisa Rinna Cutest coworker: He also shared another snap from his home office yesterday, as he rocked a casual t-shirt and sweats look with one-year-old son Ben standing on his desk Checking in: In addition to the radio channel, Cohen is keeping in contact with his fans via social media, recently going on Instagram Live He also shared another snap from his home office yesterday, as he rocked a casual t-shirt and sweats look with one-year-old son Ben standing on his desk. In addition to the radio channel, Cohen is keeping in contact with his fans via social media, recently going on Instagram Live. He accepted one-on-one requests from fans Sunday, and he was even joined for a chat by Vanderpump Rules stars Brittany Cartwright and Kristen Doute. Social distancing: He accepted one-on-one requests from fans Sunday, and he was even joined for a chat by Vanderpump Rules stars Brittany Cartwright and Kristen Doute On hiatus: The chat came after he announced Friday on Instagram that he was suspending production on his Bravo talk show Watch What Happens Live The chat came after he announced Friday on Instagram that he was suspending production on his Bravo talk show Watch What Happens Live. With the exception of a pre-recorded episode that will air on Thursday, there will be no new episodes for the time being. He also confirmed on Twitter that the Real Housewives of Atlanta season 12 reunion had been postponed, after followers were worried it was cancelled altogether. The 37-year-old woman who authorities say caught a flight to China from the United States while hiding her coronavirus symptoms was a Biogen employee who was fired after the company learned of her alleged actions, according to the Boston Globe and information obtained by MassLive. Jie Li, a citizen of China, was working and living in Massachusetts for Biogen, the company tied to more than 100 COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. The company had a conference in South Boston in February. Li did not inform anyone at Biogen that she was leaving and left during a period when employees were working from home to combat the spread. We can confirm that Ms. Li was a U.S Biogen employee who made the personal decision to travel to China without informing the company and ignoring the guidance of health experts, said Biogen spokesperson David Caouette to MassLive on Thursday. We are deeply dismayed by the situation as reported by the media in China. Since her return to China, she has been reported on extensively by Chinese media. The Globe reported that Li was a Belmont resident originally from Chongqing. She is now under investigation after authorities accused her of concealing her symptoms and putting fellow travelers at risk of infection on an Air China flight on March 12, according to Beijing News. Chongqing is a Chinese megacity of some 30 million people, 8 million in the city proper and is the province next to Hubei where the virus is said to have originated. Sept. 9, 2017. On the bank of Ciaotianmen, where the Jialing and Yangtze rivers meet, is an array of cruise liners ready to take tourists up river to various sightseeing spots. (Douglas Hook / MassLive) Related Content: While a lot of us have the privilege to be in the comfort of our of homes amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, there are some people who are indispensable to society. Take, for instance, nurses and doctors who are working non-stop to treat patients; government officers controlling the situation in the form of advisories; and cleaning crews in office spaces, scouring door handles to sanitizing every corner to make sure everyone is safe. Twitter These are people we need to be indebted to for a long time to come - among them is this IAS officer in Odisha, who got back to work barely 24 hours of his father's passing. Nikunja Dhal who serves as the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department of Odisha is being saluted for his courage to resume work despite his personal loss. Leading from the front. Nikunja Dhal IAS, Pr Secy Health, Govt of Odisha showed exemplary courage when he was back in his office combating the epidemic Coronavirus within 24 hours of his fathers death. #Rolemodels #IndiaFightsCorona@PMOIndia @mygovindiahttps://t.co/BTPzseQA7o IAS Association (@IASassociation) March 17, 2020 'Leading from the front. Nikunja Dhal IAS, Pr Secy Health, Govt of Odisha showed exemplary courage when he was back in his office combating the epidemic Coronavirus within 24 hours of his fathers death. #Rolemodels #IndiaFightsCorona @PMOIndia @mygovindia', the IAS Association tweeted while praising Dhal for putting work before anything else. MyGovIndia's official Twitter account also lauded Dhal as an 'unsung hero' who is helping India fight COVID-19. '#IndiaFightsCorona has many unsung heroes, Nikunja Dhal is just one of them', the account tweeted. Social media users offered their condolences and saluted his courage. One user said, 'Real Hero! I will wait for a chance to meet @nbdhal Sir to thank him." Another added, "We are the hardworking ppl. love to fellow odia from another odia..' #1 Duty before self. One day after demise of his father Mr. Nikunj Dhal, Principal Secretary, Health, Odisha is back to work to lead his team againt #COVID19https://t.co/ZJF7mu6X8r #coronavirus@IASassociation @IPS_Association Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) March 17, 2020 #2 I salute Nikunja Dhal, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, #Bhubaneswar who was back to his office to combat the #COVID2019 within 24 hrs of his father's death. This IAS officer could hv taken leave on personal grounds bt he didn't.@IASassociation @SwetaSinghAT pic.twitter.com/4DAuSx116u Anita Chauhan (@anita_chauhan80) March 17, 2020 #3 Rarely we recognise leadership & courageous qualities in day to Govt work. Sri Nikunja Dhal @nbdhal, Secy @HFWOdisha has shown exemplary courage by joining back duty in 24 hrs of losing his father. Exceptional times need exceptional leaders. My personal gratitude#Covid19 pic.twitter.com/SEhsjHrXPf Manoj Mishra (@manojmishratwit) March 16, 2020 #4 Kudos to your indomitable spirit, in spite of personal grief, you have raised to the occasion. #corona Laxminarayan Kanungo (@lkanungo) March 17, 2020 In Odisha, the state government ordered all schools - government-aided, public and private, to close down till March 31, 2020. The examination for all classes from Class 1 to 9 and Class 11 were also postponed. Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, declared COVID-19 a 'disaster' for the state. "The Cabinet met this morning and declared COVID-19 as a 'disaster' for the state under the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to adequately empower our public officials to combat the spread of the disease," Patnaik said. Twitter He said an amount of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked to augment the Public Health Response Fund, to combat the threat of the pandemic and for making required expenditure. Non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops and conferences are to be cancelled, the Chief Minister said. Baltimore mayor Jack Young on Wednesday implored city residents to stop shooting each other amid the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, following an attack on Tuesday in which a suspect shot seven people. Were dealing with the COVID virus and those of you who want to continue to shoot and kill people in this city were not going to tolerate it, Young said at a press conference. Were going to come after you and were going to get you. The shooting occurred in daylight around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when the suspect pulled out a rifle and shot into a crowd of people. The suspect is still at large, with no known motive. We can not clog up our hospitals and their beds with people who are being shot senselessly because were going to need those for people who might be infected with the coronavirus, Young said. It could be your mother, your grandmother, one of your relatives so take that into consideration and put down the guns. Meanwhile, Baltimore state attorney Marilyn Mosby announced on Wednesday that her office would cease prosecuting certain offenses in an attempt to prevent coronavirus cases from cropping up in jail. Those offenses include drug possession and distribution (including heroin), prostitution, trespassing and minor traffic offenses. An outbreak in prison or jails could potentially be catastrophic, Mosby said. Now is not the time for a piecemeal approach where we go into court and argue one one by one for the release of at-risk individuals. More from National Review President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Volodymyr Trush as Head of Ternopil Regional State Administration. The president signed a respective decree and presented a certificate of employment to Trush, a president's press service reported. Zelensky noted the importance of solving pressing problems of the region, in particular, the implementation of infrastructure and investment projects. Trush was born in 1980 in the village of Luchyntsi of Rohatynsky district in Ivano-Frankivsk region. He has higher education. In 2002, he graduated from the Lviv Polytechnic National University with a degree in Finance (Master of Economics and Entrepreneurship) and Philology (Bachelor of Philology). In 2019, he graduated from the Dubensky branch of the Ukraine Open International University of Human Development (Bachelor of Law). From 2002 to 2008, he worked in the structure of the tax police of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. In 2016-2019, he was engaged in entrepreneurship activity. Since November 2019, he worked as head of the Rohatynsky district state administration of Ivano-Frankivsk region. The Chinese city where the coronavirus first took hold reported no new homegrown cases Thursday, while the death toll in Italy was poised to overtake that of China in a dramatic illustration of how the outbreak has pivoted toward Europe and the United States. The worldwide death toll crept toward 10,000 as the total number of infections topped 220,000, including nearly 85,000 people who had recovered. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe pleaded for people to keep their distance from one another to avoid spreading the virus, even as the crisis pushed them to seek comfort. When you love someone, you should avoid taking them in your arms, he said in parliament. It's counterintuitive, and it's painful; the psychological consequences, the way we are living, are very disturbing but it's what we must do. Italy, a country of 60 million, registered 2,978 deaths Wednesday after another 475 people died. Given that Italy has been averaging more than 350 deaths a day since March 15, it's likely to overtake China's 3,249 dead in a country of 1.4 billion when Thursday's figures are released at day's end. UN and Italian health authorities have cited a variety of reasons for Italy's high toll, key among them its large elderly population that is particularly susceptible to developing serious complications from the virus. Italy has the world's second oldest population after Japan's and the vast majority of Italy's dead 87% were over age 70. The American death toll rose to 149, primarily elderly people. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a virologist at Germany's Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, said Italy's high death rate could be explained in part by the almost total collapse of the health system in some parts. "And then people die who wouldn't have died with timely intervention," he said. That's what happens when the health system collapses. A total of 222,642 cases have been reported worldwide, with 9,115 deaths and 84,506 recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Aside from the elderly and the sick, most people only have mild or moderate symptoms, like a fever or cough. Spain has been the hardest hit European country after Italy, and in Madrid a four-star hotel began operating as a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients. The director of the group that runs the Ayre GH Colon hotel tweeted: 365 rooms more to help win the war. The Madrid Hotel Business Association says it has placed 40 hotels with room for 9,000 people at the service of the Madrid region, which has near half of Spain's some 17,000 cases so far. In London, home to almost 9 million, the government urged people to stay off public transportation as authorities considered imposing tougher travel restrictions. The British supermarket chain Sainsbury's reserved the first hour of shopping for vulnerable customers, one of many such efforts around the world. Jim Gibson, 72, of southeast London, said he found most of his groceries there in a relatively trauma-free experience. But he fretted that he hadn't been able to get the medicine he needed for his wife and himself, and expressed concerns that Britain's Conservative government had been too slow in ramping up tests for the virus. You can't go on ignoring World Health Organization guidelines if they're wrong, who the hell is right? ... and their thing is test, test, test, he said. Let's have no shilly-shallying. In a high-profile case, Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator for its future relationship with Britain after Brexit, said he had been infected with the coronavirus. "I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team," the 69-year-old Barnier said in a tweet. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together. Thursday marked the first time the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged late last year, showed no new numbers since Jan. 20. The offered a rare glimmer of hope and perhaps a lesson in the strict measures needed to halt its spread. Wuhan once was the place where thousands lay sick or dying in hurriedly constructed hospitals. But Chinese authorities said Thursday that all 34 new cases recorded over the previous day had been imported from abroad. Today, we have seen the dawn after so many days of hard effort, said Jiao Yahui, a senior inspector at the National Health Commission. Wuhan has been under a strict lockdown since January. While China did not report any new cases in Wuhan or Hubei province, it did record eight additional deaths. European stock markets were up only slightly after losses in Asia despite a massive 750 billion-euro stimulus package announced overnight by the European Central Bank. Oil dropped below $21 a barrel Wednesday for the first time since 2002, and rose slightly Thursday to $23. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The State Department on Thursday warned Americans abroad they would not be able to count on the U.S. government to help them get home if global travel shuts down. The department issued a new level four guidance - its highest warning - that Americans should not travel abroad because of the coronavirus and warned people they would be stuck overseas if they choose to do so. Additionally, the guidance warns people 'if you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States' then you should 'have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.' 'Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available,' the department advises. President Trump's State Department warned Americans they would not be able to count on the U.S. government to help them get home if global travel shuts down Tourists stranded in Morocco try to get a flight out There are multiple reports of American citizens who got trapped when countries closed their borders with little warning in an effort to contain the coronavirus. Americans in places as far away from each other as Morocco and Peru have complained they are unable to get commercial travel out of the respective countries and have not gotten assistance from the U.S. government. The department also advised Americans abroad to shelter in place given the coronavirus threat. 'The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel,' read the 'Global Level 4 Health Advisory Do Not Travel' posted to the department's website on Thursday. The virus has gone global with 178 countries and territories reporting a total of 241,772 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The global death toll is at 9,989 deaths. And it's effected the rich and the famous. Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for the coronavirus. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-quarantining after his wife Sophie tested positive. Coronavirus has gone global: Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for it and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-quarantining after his wife tested positive President Donald Trump said earlier in the day he could not confirm a report that the United States planned to warn Americans overseas to come back or shelter in place. But he noted he had a meeting later with State Department officials on the matter. 'We haven't had the meeting yet,' Trump told reporters at a press conference at the White House. But President Trump said Thursday he was aware of efforts to help a group of Americans stuck in Peru, where President Martin Vizcarra closed the borders in an effort to contain the coronavirus. However, the president said there were no planes for an airlift. 'Not evacuation, we are trying to get them out. They got caught,' he said, adding the help would come ' probably from the military.' Over 1,400 Americans are reported to be stuck in Peru. In Honduras, more than 50 Americans who are part of a U.S. womens football team were stranded in the country after its borders closed. The State Department has said it is aiding citizens abroad. 'We are aware the governments of several countries have announced suspension of air travel,' the department told The New York Times. 'We are considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in these countries and are continuously assessing travel conditions in all areas affected by COVID-19. We will continue to update our travel advisories and safety information for U.S. travelers as situations evolve.' Many Americans trapped abroad have been unable to get a flight to the United States Nine Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday to express their 'urgent concern' for U.S. citizens stranded overseas. 'We write to express our urgent concerns regarding the support being provided to citizens overseas, including those seeking to return to the United States, as the spread of coronavirus continues to impose significant challenges for governments and communities worldwide,' they wrote. Pompeo told reporters Tuesday that he encourages Americans to 'make good decisions' with their travel plans but made no mention of plans to help those stranded overseas. 'You see our travel advisories as they go out, trying to make sure they're in step with the latest data sets we have in each not only in each country, but in every province, county, township,' he said at a State Department briefing. 'So we're articulating them properly so that Americans make good decisions about whether they should or should not travel.' All 50 states have reported cases of coronavirus, with New York, Washington and California badly hit Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Kathmandu, March 19 After imposing a restriction on the arrival of people, Nepalis and foreigners alike, from around five dozen countries in Europe, West Asia, and the Gulf, the government of Nepal is also preparing to block the human movement via Nepal-India border points, a minister shares. It will be the governments latest move in its bid to protect its citizens from the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic. Even if the government blocks the human movement, it will continue letting vehicles carry essential goods from India to Nepal, according to him. The border points have already been closed for the entry of people from other countries as India has suspended all visas. The decision is likely to be made on Thursday. Nepals Foreign Secretary, Shanker Das Bairagi, summoned Indian Ambassador to Kathmandu, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, to his office on Wednesday to consult about the issue, a source informs. During the meeting, Kwatra told Bairagi that he would give his opinion about consulting concerned officials in New Delhi. Hence, the Nepal government is currently awaiting New Delhis response. The movement via various border points has already been restricted and, currently, only four points are open. Though Nepal does not have any active coronavirus infection case now, three persons have already died and nearly 150 are infected in India, with which Nepal shares a long open border. Two Italians who entered Ghana on board Air France flight last night, have been repatriated in compliance with the travel advisory directive issued by the Government to combat the spread of COVID-19. Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, announced at a days trainer-of-trainers workshop for Regional Information Officers of the Information Services Department (ISD) in Accra. The Minister said the nation was at war with the Coronavirus pandemic and government would do everything possible to prevent community spread of the flu-like disease. Government on Sunday, March 15 issued a travel advisory directive, announcing that travelers who travelled to countries that had recorded 200 or more COVID-19 cases would not be allowed into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Additionally, airlines were instructed not to allow such persons into the countrys jurisdiction, except Ghanaians returning from a trip abroad. Currently, Italy is one of the worst affected countries in the world recording over 25,000 cases of COVID-19, with more than 1,800 deaths. Therefore, governments around the world have stepped up restrictions on the movement of their citizens and preventing nationals from countries that are worst affected by the global pandemic from entering their jurisdictions in the quest to prevent the spread of the virus. Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the government, through the Ghana Health Service and Risk Communication and Social Mobilisation Team and other partners, had put in place stringent measures to help protect Ghanaians and prevent community spread of the disease. Were praying and hoping that in the next two weeks, the about 200 contacts of the six COVID-19 cases do not show signs and symptoms of the virus so that we can contain it. In fact, last night, we had reasons to return two Italians who came here through Air France flight because were getting very strong about the directive and to ensure that importation ceases and prevent community spread, Mr Oppong Nkrumah stated. The Minister said for the nation to prevent the spread of the virus, it was imperative to intensify public education on the disease by dispelling false information being peddled by rumour mongers. He stressed that after the Regional Information Officers were properly briefed about the dos and donts and other relevant information on the disease, it was incumbent upon them to re-train the district information officers, announcers, van operators and other staff within the information dissemination chain of the ISD so that they would subsequently educate the public to prevent the spread of the disease. The Minister stated that the GHS had developed educational materials on COVID-19 including; flyers and posters and would be made available to the information officers to educate the people on the right messages on the disease. In addition, the ministries of Education, Food and Agriculture and Local Government and Rural Development were collaborating with the Information Ministry and the Risk Communication Team to ensure that in places that there was no ISD vans, those ministries would release their education vans and other logistics to them to support the national education campaign. In my view, were at war as a country against this virus and we must all come on board to spread the message. It is not the time to engage in a turf war and say this and that has done that, but we must all rally together to support the leadership the President has shown and the work the health authorities are doing and make sure we get the message on the ground to stop the spread of the virus, the Minister advised. Ghana government has earmarked $100 million for preparedness and response plan, which would be used for infrastructure, purchasing of materials and supplies as well as for public education. So far, seven cases of the deadly COVID-19 have been confirmed in Ghana as of March 17 after testing nearly 100 suspected cases. Globally, more than 180,000 persons have been infected, with over 5,000 deaths recorded. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Personal protective equipment is quickly being used up as the coronavirus spreads across the country, causing many states to face dwindling supplies of masks, gloves and gowns -- all crucial pieces of equipment in preventing the spread of the virus. On Wednesday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered the cancellation of all non-essential medical procedures to conserve the valuable equipment. On Thursday, she said the state was just a couple days off from running out of protective equipment for front-line medical personnel and asked anyone with a surplus to donate it to the state. It is critical that we preserve every piece of personal protective equipment we have in Oregon so that our health care workers can keep themselves safe while treating COVID-19, Brown said in a statement Wednesday. If we do not take immediate action, the surge in demand in our hospitals for masks, gowns and gloves will quickly outstrip the limited supplies they have available. We cannot let that happen. Brown called for donations from anyone who might have masks, gloves or gowns that could be used by health care providers treating coronavirus patients. Specifically, she called on veterinarians, dentists and construction firms to donate any new and unused equipment. If you or your business have stores of gloves, masks, or gowns, please consider donating your surplus items to the state cache for COVID-19 preparedness. You can mail them in or drop them off. Learn how here: https://t.co/xGJHYHgYnz Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) March 19, 2020 On Wednesday, a spokesman for the Governors office said the state started out addressing the coronavirus outbreak with almost 590,000 N95 masks, used to protect health care workers from airborne hazards. He said the state has used 28 percent of its supply, and is down to 421,000. The state had used two-thirds of its surgical procedure masks, going from 49,000 to 18,000. The state used 83 percent of its 23,000 surgical procedure gowns as of Wednesday. Brian Terrett, a spokesman for Legacy Health, which runs more than a half dozen hospitals in Oregon, said the organization had enough supplies, for now. Legacy Health currently has adequate personal protective equipment at this time to handle its current patient load, he said in a statement. "Legacy Health is engaging in conservation efforts designed to minimize future shortages, as well as using alternative PPE. What is not known at this point is the size of any patient surge. A smaller surge would have less of an impact on PPE supplies than a larger surge. Barb Kessler, COVID incident commander for PeaceHealth Oregon, said that, while there was concern, the hospitals run by her organization were stocked for the number of patients they had on Thursday. Though it is a constant struggle, we currently do not have significant supply shortages for essential items such as masks, swabs and gloves," she said in a statement. "PeaceHealth shares the concern of hospitals and healthcare systems across the country as we prepare for the possibility of a significant surge of patients. We are pleased that Gov. Kate Brown is calling on hospitals to conserve, and that the federal government considers the medical supply issue a top priority. Those looking to donate were asked to mail or drop off donations at the following address: ATTN: PPE Coordinator Dept. of Corrections 3601 State Street Salem, OR, 97301 Once collected, the equipment would be inspected and sent out to medical professionals treating coronavirus patients across the state. Multnomah County health officials and Portland Fire and Rescue were also accepting donations of masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes between 9 and 4 p.m. at the Fire Marshall Office parking lot located at 1300 SE Gideon Street or at the Multnomah County Headquarters at 501 SE Hawthorne, both in Portland. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Her fever rose Tuesday and Wednesday, and then came the cough. Although covid-19 cases were beginning to pop up across the Washington region, Jordan didnt think she had the virus. She was healthy. She hadnt traveled aboard or had close contact with anyone who had, as far as she knew. She had been on an Amtrak train in the previous two weeks, but that was it. She figured it was the flu. WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America, announced it will be immediately deploying $5 million in emergency grants to ensure children have access to free meals as the coronavirus pandemic forces school closures. As the first phase of an ongoing multi-million-dollar response, these funds will provide critical assistance to schools and community groups across the country, and help fill the gap as 22 million children in need lose access to the free school meals they rely on. This week alone, kids in need will miss more than 101 million free school meals a number that is expected to rise as more schools close their doors. "For the 1 in 7 kids across the country who live with hunger, school meals can be the only food they can depend on each day," said Billy Shore, founder and executive chair of Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. "It's up to all of us to make sure America's kids our future leaders aren't left behind during this national emergency. Thanks to generous and swift support from individual donors and partners, we're able to deploy these funds quickly to help provide meals to kids who are most impacted by school closures. This is at least one aspect of the current crisis that is solvable." School districts and community organizations in need of real-time assistance can apply for emergency grants to support a wide range of efforts, including home delivered meals, pop-up meals programs, school and community pantries, backpack programs, and other steps to help reach children who have lost access to school meals. Examples of some of the projects No Kid Hungry is funding in this first phase include: San Francisco Unified School District (CA) to help purchase a refrigerated trailer that is delivering three meals a day to kids in need at 13 schools and two emergency sites in low-income neighborhoods. to help purchase a refrigerated trailer that is delivering three meals a day to kids in need at 13 schools and two emergency sites in low-income neighborhoods. Oakland Unified School District (CA) to hire drivers to stock community food distribution centers where families can pick up free meals for children. to hire drivers to stock community food distribution centers where families can pick up free meals for children. Bread for the City (DC) to purchase food and supplies for low-income clients and their children, including baby and infant food packets. to purchase food and supplies for low-income clients and their children, including baby and infant food packets. Project Bread (MA) to help coordinate free meal sites and expand the Food Source Hotline, which connects families in need with food banks, pantries and sites across the state. to help coordinate free meal sites and expand the Food Source Hotline, which connects families in need with food banks, pantries and sites across the state. Manna Food Center (MD) to help provide emergency meals for hungry kids while school is out. In the coming days and weeks, No Kid Hungry will continually review grant applications, assess community needs and deploy more funds in ways that maximize impact and help feed more kids. Schools and organizations can access No Kid Hungry's emergency grant application HERE. For additional information and resources on how to help hungry kids during the coronavirus pandemic, visit NoKidHungry.org. About No Kid Hungry No child should go hungry in America. But 1 in 7 kids will face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty. Join us at NoKidHungry.org. Media Contact: Allison deBrauwere, [email protected] SOURCE No Kid Hungry Related Links http://www.NoKidHungry.org ISTANBUL, March 18 (Reuters) - Turkey's land borders with Greece and Bulgaria have been closed to entry and exit of passengers as a measure against the coronavirus outbreak, state broadcaster TRT Haber said on Wednesday. A TRT reporter said the gates were still open for logistics. Turkey confirmed its first death related to the coronavirus late on Tuesday, and reported a doubling of confirmed cases to 98, after it ramped up measures to combat the spread of the virus. (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Jonathan Spicer) NAACP Hosts Emergency Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall With each passing day, concerns of the present pandemic (COVID-19) have been rising rapidly. On March 15, 2020, NAACP hosted an emergency tele-town hall to address how the virus has been affecting our underserved communities. Leaders of our community in faith, health, and government discussed how we can take action for our health, our environments, and our loved ones. More than 25,000 virtual attendees, through phone and streaming, dialed in to learn about the measures the federal government is taking to protect and serve amidst the Coronavirus spread. The roster was not short of respective influences in our community, eager to answer questions and provide insight on disaster and crisis preparation and management: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams: Senator Kamala Harris; Congresswoman Robin Kelly; La June Montgomery Tabron, president & CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Dr. Rich Besser, president & CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Dr. Jerry Young, president, National Baptist Convention; Rev. Traci Blackmon, United Church of Christ; and Nicolette Louissaint Ph.D., executive director of Healthcare Ready. ADVERTISEMENT During the tele-town hall, each expert and policy leader had their own perspective on how to combat this crisis together. In light of the information the community is receiving, an overall message of the concern for the most vulnerable in our communities the elderly, the immune-compromised, and the economically vulnerable was evident. Much information was given to provide a sense of clarity, of peace within the chaos, and practical tips on how to move forward in our respective environments. President of NAACP Derrick Johnson first introduced Senator Kamala Harris, whose primary focus was to establish a sense of clarity for the community. She stated that succeeding Hurricane Katrina, the situation that we are currently facing is a testament to our need for a direct and quick response from our government. Harris accentuated the importance of supporting small businesses during this time and focusing on building trust between our community and the institutions that are here to serve. Through this, we can focus on community care for the elderly and most vulnerable. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams provided clarity on the state that the U.S. is currently in through mitigation, which is the utilization of social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are currently at a crucial inflection point in our fight against Coronavirus. We are now at a turning point for more testing, prioritizing our healthcare workers and the older population. From this, we can lower the death rate from .7% to 0. To citizens who are showing symptoms, Adams urged that is less likely to be infected with COVID-19; however, if an infection is there, recovery is inevitable. He urged to know your risk, control your circumstances, and protect yourself with factual information. Following, Congresswoman Robin Kelly provided insight into the new bills that have been passed for funding concerning COVID-19: a budget of 8.3 billion dollars has been allocated to direct response for underserved and economically-vulnerable families, public health response for disease control and prevention, and for an increase in vaccine treatment. Nicolette Louissaint of Healthcare Ready, a non-profit responsible for providing health preparedness and response after national disasters, discussed the importance of approaching the pandemic from a community-response standpoint. How exactly do we do this? By addressing the gaps that have been left over by exacerbated institutions and symptoms. La June Montgomery Tabron, president & CEO of W.K. Kellogg Foundation, expressed that by going directly into the communities with resources and funds, and deploying those into the hands that need it the most, is how we organize. Using new methods of communication to build trust amongst each other is a crucial conduit to be able to answer the needs for food and security, transportation, utilities, work and childcare. Many of the other panelists honed in on the ways to reduce spread and answer questions from the callers who needed clarity and insight on many of the ambiguity surrounding COVID-19. By reducing the risk of spread by taking safe measures of quarantine and listening to our bodies, we can protect our loved ones and the loved ones of others. Reverend Traci Blackman transitioned the call into an ending prayer and reminded us that buildings may be closing around us but the community cannot be shut down. By turning to the wise councils around us and staying informed together, we will be able to overcome. Listen to NAACPs emergency tele-town hall here: https://soundcloud.com/user-600736616/coronavirus-emergency-tele-town-hall This virus will not defeat us. On the contrary. It will make us stronger as a society; a society that is more committed, more caring, more united. A society thats standing up against any adversity. That was the message that Spains King Felipe VI conveyed to Spaniards last night as the coronavirus pandemic continued on Wednesday to sweep through the country, causing nearly 14,000 infections and 623 deaths. The monarch said that he had confidence that Spanish society would overcome what he described as an unprecedented health crisis. King Felipe used his address to thank health professionals, whom he described as being on the forefront in Spain of the battle against this disease. And he called on Spaniards to leave aside their differences, and to unite to face the pandemic with calm and confidence, but also with determination and energy. The king insisted that this was a temporary crisis, a parenthesis that would end sooner rather than later Four days after the state of alarm was declared in Spain, the monarch appeared in his televised address, and stood behind a lectern with the Spanish and European flags behind him. He underlined the severity of the crisis, which, he said, would alter the wellbeing of society in a very traumatic way. In the name of the royal family, he expressed his sympathy to all the families who had lost a loved one to the Covid-19 disease, and thanked the personnel and public services who are fighting against the pandemic, in particular health staff, to whom he conveyed his total support. Now we have to resist, to endure, he said, insisting that this was a temporary crisis, a parenthesis that would end sooner rather than later provided citizens keep their guard up. Spain would overcome the crisis, he said, as it has others that have been very difficult, very serious, because Spaniards are a great people who do not give up in the face of difficulties. Although King Felipe has been constantly kept informed about the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, this was the first time that he had spoken publicly about the pandemic. Last nights address was the first of its kind, not counting the traditional Christmas speech, since he took to the airwaves on October 3, 2017 in the wake of the illegal referendum on independence held in Catalonia. Cacerolada contra JUAN CARLOS I por la fortuna que presuntamente cobro de ARABIA SAUDI During the kings speech, residents in Barcelona and Madrid banged pots and yelled to demand Felipe VI donate the $100 million allegedly held in a Swiss bank account to the public healthcare system (Spanish text). The kings address to the public came just days after he released a statement announcing that he would be renouncing his inheritance from his father, emeritus king Juan Carlos, after allegations of financial impropriety and the existence of Swiss bank accounts connected to the former monarch emerged. The royal household also announced that Juan Carlos had been stripped of his annual stipend of 194,232. King Felipe made no mention of these matters during his speech last night. To coincide with his speech, some Spaniards staged a noisy protest from their balconies, banging pots and pans in a bid to encourage Juan Carlos to donate the alleged 100 million he had in Swiss bank accounts to the Spanish public health system. The calls for the protest, which were spread via social media and messaging services such as WhatsApp, were particularly notable in parts of Madrid and Catalonia, where a section of society has long been calling for independence and an end to the monarchy. English version by Simon Hunter. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Struck down by coronavirus at the age of 83, the long life of Alfredo Visioli ended with a short ceremony at a graveyard near Cremona, his hometown in northern Italy. They buried him like that, without a funeral, without his loved ones, with just a blessing from the priest, said his granddaughter Marta Manfredi who couldnt attend. Like most of the old mans family like most of Italy she was confined to her home. When all this is over, she vows, we will give him a real funeral. Everywhere the coronavirus has struck, regardless of culture or religion, ancient rituals to honor the dead and comfort the bereaved have been cut short or abandoned for fear of spreading it further. The virus, which has killed nearly 9,000 people worldwide, is reshaping many aspects of death, from the practicalities of handling infected bodies to meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of those left behind. Rome's unprecedented exhibition of an Italian High Renaissance master Beauty, goodness, and righteousnessthe glory of God and our true human naturecan all be found in Raphaels art. Thats why, even in 2020, 500 years after Raphaels death in 1520, his art still has the ability to uplift us and give us hope. And thats why Raphaels art is still relevant and much needed in this world, when all around us can seem anything but good. Raphaels paintings and drawings in particular connect us with our inner worlds in a way that brings us back to our own goodness. Or at least his art reminds us of our best selves. Raphael connects us with the angels of our better nature, said Matthias Wivel, curator of 16th-century Italian paintings and drawings at Londons National Gallery of Art in his 2018 talk Raphael: The Renaissance Virtuoso. Raphaels art can do this because Raphael wholeheartedly captured humanitywhether in a simple sketch or a finished painting. Anyone experiencing his artwork cannot help but be a better person for it. Madonna Tempi, 15071508, by Raphael. Oil on panel. Old Picture Gallery, Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich. (Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich) Honoring Raphael To mark the 500th anniversary of Raphaels death a monumental retrospective, the Raphael 15201483 exhibition at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It features 120 paintings and drawings by Raphael and a further 84 works, such as ancient Roman artifacts, Renaissance sculptures, codices (volumes of manuscripts), and more, to enable us to understand Raphael and his oeuvre. Madonna Tempi, circa 15071508, by Raphael. Black chalk with white highlights. Fabre Museum, Montpellier in France. (Frederic Jaulmes/Fabre of Montpellier Mediterranean Metropolis) The exhibition explores Raphaels incomparable draftsmanship and painting, and also Raphael the architect and keeper of antiquitiesshowing the universal artist that 16th-century art historian Giorgio Vasari believed him to be. Madonna dellImpannata, 1511, by Raphael. Oil on panel. Palatine Gallery at the Uffizi Galleries, in Florence, Italy. (Cabinet of the Uffizi Galleries/Courtesy of the Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities and Tourism) Organized by the Scuderie del Quirinale and Florences Uffizi Gallery, the exhibition took three years to plan involving an array of art experts. Marzia Faietti and Matteo Lafranconi curated Raphael with the assistance of Vincenzo Farinella and Francesco Paolo Di Teodoro. Madonna of the Rose, 15181520, by Raphael. Oil on panel transferred to canvas. Prado National Museum in Madrid, Spain. (Prado National Museum 2020) Many of the exhibits are on loan from world-renowned institutions. Three of Raphaels Madonna paintings return to Italy for the first time since being exported overseas: The Alba Madonna from the National Gallery of Art in Washington; the Madonna of the Rose from the Prado in Madrid, Spain; and the Tempi Madonna from the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. Raphaels two portraits of popesJulius II, and Leo X with the cardinals Giulio de Medici and Luigi de Rossihave never before been seen under one roof. Portrait of Pope Leo X between Cardinals Giulio de Medici (L) and Luigi de Rossi, 15181519, by Raphael. Oil on panel. Gallery of statues and paintings at the Uffizi Galleries, in Florence, Italy. The restoration of the work was possible thanks to the support of Lottomatica Holding. (Cabinet of the Uffizi Galleries/Courtesy of the Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities and Tourism) One of the many exhibition highlights is a letter to Pope Leo X in which Raphael and his friend Baldassare Castiglione explain the intention of the ambitious project Raphael was working on in the few months leading to his death: an archaeological project to re-create the glory of Rome region by region. Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione, 1513, by Raphael. Oil on canvas. Paintings Department, Louvre Museum, Paris. (Angele Dequier/Louvre Museum, Dist. RMN-Grand Palace) Letter to Pope Leo X from Baldassare Castiglione, 1519. Ink on paper. State Archives of Mantova, Italy. (State Archives of Mantova/Courtesy of the Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities, and Tourism) The exhibition follows Raphaels artistic endeavors back in time, from his death on April 6, 1520, through three distinctive periods of his lifefrom Rome to Florence, from Florence to Umbria, and to his Urbino roots. The Scuderie exhibition opens as Raphaels life ends: with a full-sized replica of his tomb at the Pantheon. His grand tomb gives visitors an idea of the high esteem in which he was held, both in life and death. Through Raphaels Art Whether he paints sublime, sweet Madonnas or popes in sumptuous ceremonial dress, Raphaels paintings seem to somehow transcend time, culture, and iconographical language, so anyone can connect with the essence of his paintings. A Pope Take a quick glance at Raphaels Portrait of Julius II. Everything on the surface points to Juliuss position as pope. He sits on a throne, dressed in papal red velvet and white satin or silk, his hands adorned with gems. We see the symbols of his papacythe keys to the churchon the green background, yet what emanates from the picture is his humanness. Portrait of Pope Julius II, 1512, by Raphael. Oil on panel. The National Gallery, London. (The National Gallery, London) For as we look closer, we see Julius the man deep in thought. Its almost as if weve caught him unawares. His lips are pursed in concentration, and he seems to be shifting in his seat as if uncomfortable. His left hand tightly grips the chair arm as if to steady himself, and his right hand lightly holds a handkerchief. This is Raphael connecting us to the man who heads the Roman Catholic Church. Its almost as if Raphael is reminding us that Julius is Gods representative here on earth, a human just like us. A Knight In The Knights Dream ( Hercules at the Crossroads), Raphael chose to interpret an epic poem his father had written for Federico da Montefeltro, the duke of Urbino. Raphaels father, Giovanni Sanzio, was a writer and painter at the court of Urbino, and hed written the poem based on the myth of Hercules at the crossroads. Sanzios poem is the only version where the soldier is asleep, according to the website of The National Gallery, London. The Knights Dream (Hercules at the Crossroads), also known as An Allegory (Vision of a Knight), 1504, by Raphael. Oil on panel. The National Gallery, London. (The National Gallery, London) In the painting, a young soldier named Scipio sleeps in the shade of a bay tree, unaware of the choice he has to make when he wakes. A lady stands on either side of him: On the left is Virtue and on the right stands Pleasure. Raphael paints Pleasure with a gentle allure; her hair is loose, and she wears pastels and daintily holds up her dress up. Raphael had drawn Pleasure with a lower-cut dress but decided on this version that still convincingly conveys the vice of Pleasure. What Pleasure offers is all things of ease and beauty, while Virtue, in her modest attire, offers learning and valora harder but more rewarding outcome. A Madonna Look at any of Raphaels sweet Madonna paintings that hes so famous for. In The Alba Madonna, in the left of the painting, the innocence of childhood curiosity exudes from the toddler who will become St. John the Baptist. John looks up to the right expectantly at the Christ child, who steadies the cross that John holds. The Alba Madonna, circa 1510, by Raphael. Oil on panel transferred to canvas. Andrew W. Mellon Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington. (National Gallery of Art, Washington) Appearing wise beyond his years, the Christ child shows a detachment from earthly, sentimental love, because he knows hes on earth for something greater. He puts one foot tentatively on the earth, perhaps suggesting that hes in the world but not of the world. While John wears a fur for warmth, the Christ child wears and wants nothing of this world, except to teach others to follow God. Take away the classical Roman costumes and we could simply be looking at a family portrait of a mother and her charges in a tender, playful moment out in nature. Raphael makes this scene relatable to us all. Clearly, Raphael paints a religious scene in The Alba Madonna, but what seems to come forth in many of his paintings is a harmonic tension between the spiritual and the earthlythe divine and the human realm. Practice Makes Beauty Harmony in art doesnt just happen. Look at some of Raphaels drawings and you can see how he reworked many of his figures. Some drawings show where he slightly shifted the angle of a head or an arm ever so slightly so that each figure is coherent with the other elements in the eventual painting. Take one of those elements away and the whole composition falls into discord. Thats what makes Raphael an exemplary draftsman of groups of figures, as seen in his exceptional School of Athens at the Vatican. Moses kneeling in front of the burning bush, circa 1514, by Raphael. Cardboard and heightened with white on 23 joined sheets of paper, perforated for dusting. Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, in Naples, Italy. (Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte/Courtesy of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities, and Tourism) Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael was immersed in art from a very young age. His father, on seeing his sons artistic talent, was said to have sought out an apprenticeship for him. Sanzio visited the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, whose apprentices included Pietro Perugino and Leonardo da Vinci. Raphaels father chose Perugino to teach his son, although Raphael may not have started the apprenticeship while his father was alive, as Raphael was so young. Self-portrait, 15061508, by Raphael. Oil on poplar panel. Gallery of statues and paintings at the Uffizi Galleries, in Florence, Italy. (Cabinet of the Uffizi Galleries/Courtesy of the Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities and Tourism) Although orphaned at 11 years old, Raphael had already learned the gentlemanly ways instilled in him at court from his father, who introduced him to the courts humanistic philosophy. At just 17 years old, in 1500, Raphael was already considered a master. He was summoned by Pope Julius II to Rome when he was 25 years old by recommendation of Donato Bramante, the architect of St. Peters Basilica. Raphael took over the role from Bramante years later. Raphael looked to his High Renaissance contemporaries Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Da Vinci was 31 years Raphaels senior, and Michelangelo was 8 years older than Raphael. Raphael refined the techniques of his elder contemporaries. Raphael also looked to the past at the high ideals of the ancient Roman arts full of serenity, beauty, and balance. He avidly protected these arts, preferring to authentically restore pieces rather than to innovate their designs, as some of his contemporaries did. But more than that, over and over, his contemporaries mentioned Raphaels good nature. In contrast to da Vinci and Michelangelo, who were more solitary artists, Raphael was an amicable darling of the court and beyond. Vasari said Raphael put others first; if an artist wanted help, Raphael would put his own work to one side to assist him. Vasari went so far as to say that he treated craftsmen in his workshop as he wouldve treated his own children, and it seems they returned that love. He was never seen to go to court without having with him, as he left his house, some 50 painters, all able and excellent, who kept him company in order to do him honor. In short, he lived not like a painter but like a prince. Raphaels goodness, imbued in faith, spilled over into his paintings. His art is full of beauty that not only the eyes can see but also the heart can feel. Thats why Raphaels art enduresas through his brush, he painted the language of the soul. The Raphael 15201483 exhibition runs through June 2. To find out more about it, visit ScuderieQuirinale.it Kevin Ryder, best known for his KROQ show "Kevin & Bean," was fired Tuesday, along with his morning crew. (Jamie Rector / For The Times) On Wednesday morning, veteran KROQ-FM on-air personality Kevin Ryder, best known as cohost of the alt-rock station's long-running Kevin & Bean" show, opened what listeners assumed would be another edition of his morning radio program with an announcement. Yesterday, I got a phone call that I and everyone here on the morning show at KROQ was fired, said Ryder, who had been with the station for 30 years. All of us, he repeated, his voice pinched with anger, naming cohosts Allie Mac Kay, Jensen Karp and nicknamed compadres including the King of Mexico, Beer Mug and Old Man Ruben. Ryder, aware that he and his posse had pranked his listeners dozens of times over the decades, felt the need to clarify: This isnt a joke. It actually happened. Though the news caught most listeners off-guard, the shift was the latest in a series of recent behind-the-scenes maneuvers at KROQ-FM (106.7). Once among the top-performing drive-time slots in the market, "Kevin & Bean" in 2019 fell from the fifth to the 14th most popular shows among listeners ages 25 to 54. Last month, Kevin Weatherly, the station's longtime programmer and senior vice president for parent company Entercom, left his position for a job with music streaming service Spotify. Weatherly's departure followed the 2019 retirement of Ryder's longtime on-air partner, Gene "Bean" Baxter. After Baxter left, "Kevin & Bean" was renamed "Kevin in the Morning With Allie & Jensen." Despite the off-mike action, on the air that final morning, Ryder said the mass firing was a surprise to all of us. His voice filled with emotion, he expressed his love for his terrestrial radio tribe, many of whom grew up with him. "You guys have been incredibly loyal and loving and giving," Ryder said, "and many of you have literally grown up with us, because Bean and I are incredibly old." Neither Ryder nor Mac Kay responded to requests for comment. In a statement, cohost Karp said, in part: Im happy with the time I was able to spend contributing to a legendary morning show, and Im extremely disappointed with how it ended over the phone, especially considering how hard it will be for the entire team to find work during this pandemic." Story continues Former KROQ morning team Kevin Ryder, left, and Gene "Bean" Baxter. (KROQ) Ryder was less diplomatic in his antipathy toward Entercom, the media company that acquired KROQ after merging with CBS Radio in 2017. Based in Philadelphia, the publicly traded Entercom is the second-largest radio station owner in America, behind IHeartMedia. Entercom owns more than 200 stations, including five in the L.A. market, among them newser KNX-AM (1070), commercial pop station KAMP-FM (97.1), a.k.a. 97.1 Amp Radio and KCBS-FM (93.1), a.k.a. Jack FM. The new people in charge now, they werent here for the building of the World Famous KROQ," Ryder said during his farewell. "I dont think it means anything to them. Its a numbers business, and theres no family aspect to it anymore. Its only numbers." Ryder and Baxter were unknowns when they debuted on KROQ on New Year's Eve, 1989. Neither had ever done a morning show before, but across the 1990s, the team and the station ascended to become national power brokers. In Los Angeles, "Kevin & Bean" first hit the coveted No. 1 ranking in 2003. As its stature grew, the show helped launch the careers of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, podcast giant Adam Carolla and comedian Chris Hardwick. On Twitter, Kimmel expressed outrage at the way Entercom handled the situation. "Shame on you, @kroq 'management' for caring so little about the people who gave you so much. Especially now." As rock music was supplanted by hip-hop and pop music on the commercial charts, KROQ's ratings fell, and across the years, noted DJs including Rodney Bingenheimer, Richard Blade and Jed the Fish left the station. In February, KROQ ranked No. 15 in the Los Angeles market, according to Nielsen. Entercom declined to comment about the circumstances of Ryder's departure. In a statement, a company spokesperson wrote that KROQ's commitment "is to provide our consumers with the most compelling content and best listening experience that we know they expect from us. Weve taken a deep look at our station, and have made some recent changes." Ryder and company's replacements are afternoon drive-time hosts Kevin Klein and Ted Stryker. 'Kevin & Bean' set the bar high for mornings on KROQ, Mike Kaplan, Entercom's senior vice president of programming, added in a separate statement. Were looking forward to this next chapter in the stations history and think our listeners will enjoy getting to see a different side to Stryker and Klein as they start their day. Baxter's and Ryder's exits couldn't have been more different. Baxter was given the radio equivalent of a ticker-tape parade when he left the show in November. In an interview with The Times, Baxter was asked about KROQ's place in the market. He didn't pull any punches. "I hate to shoot my own station in the foot, but it appeals to an older demo that would much rather hear the Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers songs that they grew up with than too much new music," he said. Ryder was less diplomatic. On the air, he vented about the timing, and how it will affect the team: Our boss said, You know, theres never a good time for this. No but there is a bad time for this, and its during a global pandemic when all the businesses are basically shutting down. Its not a great time to be looking for a job." Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday urged the people of the state not to step out of their homes in order to help contain the spread of coronavirus. "People should not step out of their homes," Thackeray said in his brief televised address. The chief minister also said that he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coronavirus situation and he has assured all possible help to the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 T HE European Central Bank launched an emergency 750 billion (692 billion) bond-buying programme on Thursday in a belated attempt to calm markets and restore economic confidence. It will buy government debt across the eurozone, including that of the most troubled nations, Greece and Italy, a move it had previously seemed resistant to. The move is a throwback to the 2008 sovereign debt crisis and is hoped to reassure Europes cash-strapped governments that they will be able to borrow despite the Covid-19 economic crisis. ECB president Christine Lagarde said extraordinary times require extraordinary action. She added there are no limits to our commitment to the euro. While the move was welcomed, many saw her as playing catch-up and trying to recover from a disastrous press conference a week ago when she said it was not the job of the ECB to close spreads between the different borrowing costs of member states. Italy, in particular, was furious, since her comments sent the Milan stock market tumbling and Italian bond yields soaring. The move last night was dubbed the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme, and will continue until the coronavirus crisis is regarded as over. That puts it in line with US plans. Gilles Moec, at Axa, said: The euro area has caught up with the US: both legs of economic policy, monetary and fiscal are now providing massive support. The ECB will buy corporate debt as well as government bonds, including non-financial commercial paper. In London, IG chief executive June Felix welcomed the move. She told the Standard: I think the ECB is trying to save the real economy. Frankly it made sense. The key thing is to drive confidence back into the market. It seemed to work, as least in a limited way. The FTSE 100 held steady. Italian borrowing costs fell sharply, the yield on a 10-year Italian bond dropping from 2.5% to 1.5%. Carsten Brzeski, chief economist at ING Germany, said: The fact that the eurozone has finally come to terms with the magnitude of the crisis should cushion the downswing and is an important prerequisite for a swift rebound. SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Enview, a leading geospatial AI company focused on the automation of 3D Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), was awarded a strategic financing contract from the U.S. Air Force's AFVentures Strategic Financing (STRATFI) program. The announcement was made last week by Dr. Will Roper, the Air Force Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics during a virtual AFWERX event connecting Air Force innovation teams in Washington, DC, Austin, and Las Vegas to the next generation of technology providers for defense innovation. "If we're not working with the best innovators in the world, then we will lose the technology advantage that we have. Getting this right is not just innovation, it is imperative," said Roper. Enview was selected as one of the most promising small businesses in the defense market after a grueling 3-step down select from hundreds of other companies. By focusing on the decentralization of geospatial capabilities at the tactical level of operations, Enview's platform strives to empower squadrons and airmen with capabilities that enhance rapid, effective decision-making, increase mission readiness, and decrease time to action. "We continue to see widespread demand for Enview across the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense (DoD). We're honored to receive this strategic increase as it will enable us to accelerate deployment of our dual-use capability to support Airmen by providing an automated 3D virtualization of the battlespace - a need I saw firsthand while I was in Afghanistan," said Enview Co-Founder and CEO Dr. San Gunawardana. The award follows other recent announcements of Enview's growth with other Air Force teams and missions. Beyond AFWERX, Enview has been awarded contracts by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Strategic Development Planning & Experiment office (SPDE) along with other DoD components to deploy its geospatial AI capabilities to support the evolution and modernization of mission planning use cases, disaster relief scenarios, and cruise missile defeat requirements. "We have been fortunate to support forward-deployed Airmen and the Joint warfighter. As a result, we recognize the importance of timely geospatial intelligence and the need for a consistent, operational-ready capability that provides tactical decision makers with the ability to collect data with locally-controlled assets, apply analytical processes in near-real time, and make decisions at the point of need. These awards are validation of our long-term vision and a testament to the Air Force's commitment to innovation that makes a difference for Airmen and Squadrons across the world," said Enview VP of Public Sector John Dombzalski. Enview's Geospatial AI platform has been deployed at TRL 9 for Fortune 500 companies for automated 3D mapping of terrain, buildings, vegetation, infrastructure, route planning, line of sight, change detection, and other bespoke requirements. The platform rapidly generates accurate 3D maps to enhance tactical and theater-level decision-making. Enview's platform is powered by artificial intelligence, 3D computer vision, and scalable high-performance computing. About Enview Enview is a leading 3D Geospatial AI company. The Silicon Valley-based company exists to protect people and critical infrastructure, and to enhance national security by automating 3D world views and insights. The Platform has been deployed at TRL 9 for Fortune 500 companies and is powered by artificial intelligence, 3D computer vision, and scalable high-performance computing. Rapidly generating 3D scenes of terrain, buildings, vegetation, and infrastructure, and automatically applying techniques for route planning, line of site, and change detection allow customers to see the invisible and predict future threats. For more information and a demo, visit enview.com or email us at [email protected]. About AFWERX Established in 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force and reporting to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, AFWERX is a catalyst for agile Air Force engagement across industry, academia and non-traditional contributors to create transformative opportunities and foster an Air Force culture of innovation. The ultimate aim is to solve problems and enhance the effectiveness of the Air Force. SOURCE Enview Related Links http://www.enview.com Amidst such fast spread of the COVID-19, it is pertinent that measures be taken to contain it. People are being advised by the authorities to maintain social distancing as the best shot at containment. Minimizing contact and keeping a safe distance from others to prevent the spread of coronavirus. These pictures show how people are practising social distancing to avoid coronavirus spread. Take a look... People sit inside marked circles to maintain social distancing, as they wait to collect ration outside a distribution centre during the nationwide lockdown, in wake of coronavirus pandemic, in Patna. (Image: PTI) by Fady Noun Gestures of solidarity towards the victims of Covid-19 multiply. Catholics also join by offering a residence in Jbeil and a hotel in Harissa for quarantined people. The patients will be able to attend mass on television and receive communion. One of the structures is connected to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon. Beirut (AsiaNews) - Spontaneous signs of solidarity towards people who could potentially develop the coronavirus epidemic are multiplying in response to an appeal by Lebanese Ministry for Health. A special commission to manage the national response to the pandemic was formed on March 17. The Maronite Church led by example, making two of its buildings available to the Ministry of Health: a residence in Jbeil and a hotel in Harissa (Kesrouan), to welcome people placed in quarantine after being contracting the virus who would be unable to guarantee isolation in their home. The Maronite diocese of through its bishop Msgr. Michel Aoun, has offered the use of the summer residence of the bishopric in Lehfed for Covid-19 patients under quarantine. A doctor, Dr. Assaad Ghanem, is in charge of the project. However, the building is still under construction and will not be ready for a few weeks, and there are no beds as of yet. Fr. Fadi Tabet of the Congregation of Lebanese Missionaries (Oml, the Kreimists), recently appointed rector of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon, in Harissa, announced on March 17 in agreement with the municipality and regional leaders that the Bethania Hostel will be made available. The residence which is usually reserved for pilgrims will be reconverted to accommodate those affected by Covid-19 placed under quarantine. Momentum and organization However, this momentum of generosity alone is not enough. Buildings must be equipped and well-trained teams must work inside them. Fr Khalil Alwan, former rector of the shrine of Harissa and secretary general of the Assembly of Catholic patriarchs and bishops of Lebanon, states that "the project has raised enthusiasm in Kesrouan circles and that following a call, 29 volunteers have already offered their services for this project". Organizers have set up a hotline for volunteer candidates (09/261331). Fr Alwan adds that "two companies have already offered their assistance, one for the disinfection of places, the other for ensuring cleaning services". "A farmer in the region - he adds - also offered crates of apples". The overall cost of the project will be subject to an estimate by the Ministry of Health, but the funding remains uncertain. "The OML - underlines Fr. Alwan - will staff the residence and, hopefully, there will also be qualified professionals and officials from the Ministry of Health ". The chosen volunteers will be trained by the Ministry of Health, which has entrusted this task to Nathalie Richa, president of the National Nurses Union. When needed, the help will be requested of the Lebanese Red Cross (CRL) "which is very present on the ground" and that of the union of social workers. Fr. Alwan says the Ministry of Health will give the final go-ahead to the project, after the approval of the prophylaxis measures taken and the assurance that this 50-room hotel will not constitute a new source of contagion. At the moment a regulation is being drawn up to regulate the relations between the host house and its future guests, which will also have to clarify the rights and duties of each party involved. Persons forced to isolation will be able to benefit from a daily mass broadcast on television and will be able to receive communion individually. They will eat inside their rooms, but they will not be able to receive relatives. The latter, for their part, will take care of the cleaning of the linen of the quarantined relatives, who will be offered clothes suitable for their condition. One of the most valuable aspects of the Bethania hostel is that it is connected to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon and that from the row of windows to the west it is possible to see the giant statue of the Virgin. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century in honor of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, the sanctuary which arises on the property of Bkerke and the apostolic nunciature - was entrusted from the beginning to the care of the Lebanese Missionaries. Technavio has been monitoring the automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market and it is poised to grow by USD 5.31 bn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Request a free sample report This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005430/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Increasing vehicle digitization and electrification has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market is segmented as below: Service Powertrain Complete Vehicle Electrical/electronics Others Geographic Segmentation APAC Europe MEA North America South America To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40095 Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market report covers the following areas: Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market Size Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market Trends Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market Industry Analysis This study identifies development of autonomous vehicles as one of the prime reasons driving the automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market growth during the next few years. Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market, including some of the vendors such as AKKA Technologies SE, AVL List GmbH, Bertrandt AG, Capgemini Service SAS and EDAG Engineering Group AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market growth during the next five years Estimation of the automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of automotive engineering service providers (ESP) market vendors Table of Content PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market sizing 2019 Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY SERVICE Market segmentation by service Comparison by service Powertrain Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Complete vehicle Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Electrical/electronics Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by service PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 10: MARKET TRENDS Development of autonomous vehicles Fully integrated engineering data process chain for additive manufacturing Industry 4.0: Trends impacting automotive ESP PART 11: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 12: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors AKKA Technologies SE AVL List GmbH Bertrandt AG Capgemini Service SAS EDAG Engineering Group AG HCL Technologies Ltd. IAV GmbH Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und Verkehr Larsen Toubro Ltd. Ricardo Plc Tech Mahindra Ltd. PART 13: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 14: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005430/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Members from the Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes a statement in the House on the efforts to combat coronavirus. Soon after the Question Hour, Sudip Bandhopadhyay (TMC) said while the prime minister is addressing the nation this evening on the issue of coronavirus, he should also make a statement in the House. His party colleague Asit Kumar Mal also demanded that a statement from the prime minister in the House. The prime minister will address the nation at 8 pm Thursady on coronavirus and efforts by the government to combat the threat. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury urged the government to ensure that Indians stranded outside the country at various airports should be brought back. Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant referred to the 58 Indian students struck at Singapore airport and urged the government to bring them home. He said out of the 58, 25 are women and they should not remain stranded there. Dayanidhi Maran (DMK) said while the government is making efforts to contain the spread of the virus, it seems to have a "partial" approach towards Parliament. While he did not explain his remark, Speaker Om Birla did not allow him to speak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UPDATE (3/20): Pennsylvania surpasses 200 cases with 83 new positives, including in Lehigh Valley UPDATE (3/19): Bethlehem casino worker latest positive coronavirus case in the Lehigh Valley Three more Pennsylvania counties reported their first new coronavirus cases on Thursday while jumps in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos and Philadelphia pushed the state total to 185 a spike of 52 known cases from the prior day. The pace of testing and results has risen sharply since commercial and hospital laboratories took over most of the burden from state facilities. A week ago Thursday, there were only 22 reported cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. Northampton County, where Pennsylvanias first coronavirus-related death was reported Wednesday, had four new cases on Thursday, according to figures released at noon by the Pennsylvania Health Department. Lehigh County had no new reports. The Lehigh Valley total now stands at six. Two Lehigh University students tested positive after traveling and are in isolation at home in its announcement, the university did not disclose where the students live so it is not known where those cases have been counted. Monroe County, immediately north of the Lehigh Valley, had eight new cases. To the south, Bucks County, has three new reports. Philadelphia had the states biggest leap on Thursday with 16 new positive tests for COVID-19. A county-by-county breakdown of new cases in Thursdays health department report: Adams County: 1 new, its first. Allegheny County: 5 new, 16 total. Bucks County: 3 new, 12 total. Chester County: 1 new, 10 total. Cumberland County: 1 new, 11 total. Lackawanna County: 1 new, 2 total. Lebanon County: 1 new, its first. Monroe County: 8 new, 15 total. Montgomery County: 5 new, 47 total. Northampton County: 4 new, 5 total. Philadelphia County: 16 new, 33 total. Pike County: 1 new, 3 total. Washington County: 1 new, 3 total. Westmoreland County: 2 new, its first. The health department also reported 1,608 residents have tested negative for the coronavirus. During Thursdays daily press briefing, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine said new cases in more counties suggest that community spread when a source of exposure to the virus cannot be determined is happening. Pennsylvania is no longer differentiating between presumptive positive state-level tests and tests confirmed by the federal Centers for Disease Control. The distinction was based on old guidelines, Levine said. The CDC now accepts results from state, hospital and commercial labs as confirmed. Levine also said that Pennsylvania is not tracking statistics on COVID-19 recoveries, following CDC guidelines and definitions. If you may have been exposed or exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19 fever, cough and shortness of breath contact your healthcare provider. For more information on the coronavirus, consult your state health department at health.pa.gov and the CDC website. These are the main symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.CDC Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Mary Loftis is warning the public about coronavirus-related scams. Loftis is a Nebraska Extension Associate and State Department of Insurance (SHIP) counselor. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the current coronavirus epidemic, she said. Loftis said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products. These products are unapproved drugs that pose significant risks to patient health and violate federal law, Loftis said in a prepared statement. The warning letters are the first to be issued by the FDA for unapproved products intended to prevent or treat Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019. The FDA is particularly concerned that products that claim to cure, treat or serious diseases like COVID-19 may cause consumers to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment which can lead to serious and life-threatening harm. Any type of crisis, especially as one as far reaching as this one brings the best and the worst out of people, Loftis told the Tribune. Keeping yourself safe by keeping others safe is very important. There are no magic serums to fix this, so please dont fall for any of these scam opportunities. Be aware and dont fall for them. When the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have something, we will hear about it. Dont waste your money on any quick fixes because there arent any, no matter how good the advertisement is! Stay safe and keep your money safe too by keeping it in your pocket! The FDA and FTC jointly issued warning letters to: Vital Silver, Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd., Xephyr, LLC doing business as N-Ergetics, GuruNanda, LLC, Vivify Holistic Clinic, Herbal Amy LLC, and The Jim Bakker Show. Products cited in these warning letters are teas, essential oils, tinctures and colloidal silver. The FDA has previously warned that colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. At this time, there are no vaccines or drugs approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. While there are investigational COVID-19 vaccines and treatments under development, they are in the early stages of product development and have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness. Tips to avoid coronavirus scams include: Dont click on computer links from sources you dont know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device. Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) online. Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) online or in stores. Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Dont let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, dont do it. Look out for fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other coronavirus cons. Spot a fraudulent health product by watching out for these red flags: Dont panic. Do your research: Be skeptical of alarmist and conspiracy theory claims and dont rush into buying anything that seems too good or crazy to be true. Always double check information you see online with official news sources. Be wary of personal testimonials and miracle product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence. Its all natural. Just because its natural does not mean its good for you. All natural does not mean the same thing as safe. Check with your doctor: If youre tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Charlotte Crosby has found love again following her split from Joshua Ritchie as she is now reportedly dating videographer Liam Beaumont. The former Geordie Shore star, 29, is said to have struck up a romance with the tattooed content creator after they met in Dubai earlier this year. According to The Sun, the pair met through DJ Christ Wright who is a mutual friend and have been dating since February, however the coronavirus pandemic is now keeping them apart. Romance: Charlotte Crosby, 29, has found love again following her split from Joshua Ritchie as she is now reportedly dating videographer Liam Beaumont Liam is currently in Bali while Charlotte is at home in Newcastle, recently taking to Twitter hinting there was someone special she wished she could be with. She wrote: 'I wouldnt mind lockdown...if I was with a certain human being.' In response to the tweet, one of Charlotte's friends wrote: 'I can't wait for the wedding' to which she replied: 'You're the flower girl'. A source told the publication: 'Theyve been dating since meeting in Dubai when Charlotte was on a group holiday with the Geordie Shore girls. They instantly clicked when they met and havent stopped talking by text ever since. Dating: The former Geordie Shore star, 29, is said to have struck up a romance with the tattooed content creator after they met in Dubai earlier this year Hint: Liam is currently in Bali while Charlotte is at home in Newcastle, recently taking to Twitter hinting there was someone special she wished she could be with Plans: In response to the tweet, one of Charlotte's friends wrote: 'I can't wait for the wedding' to which she replied: 'You're the flower girl' 'He's got all the qualities her last relationship didn't but they're taking things really slow and just enjoying it. It's early days. 'They're both now stuck in different parts of the world and finding it hard not knowing when they'll see each other again. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Charlotte for comment. Liam travels the world for his job creating promotional videos for clubs, hotels and bars. Relationship: According to The Sun , the pair met through DJ Christ Wright who is a mutual friend and have been dating since February Career: Liam travels the world for his job creating promotional videos for clubs, hotels and bars Charlotte split from Celebs Go Dating star Joshua in November of last year after she had moved from Newcastle to Bolton to be with him. The reality star opened up about their split while she was taking part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia. Speaking to fellow campmates Myf Warhurst and Tanya Hennessy, Charlotte admitted the relationship ended up being 'all wrong'. She said: 'He wouldn't even hold me hand. There was no, like, affection, [he] would never kiss with tongues. It would be lucky if we kissed once a day. You know in bed, we've never spooned. A source said: 'He's got all the qualities her last relationship didn't but they're taking things really slow and just enjoying it. It's early days' 'There was a lot of pressure on us. There was a lot of arguments,' Charlotte said. The former Celebrity Big Brother winner revealed she doesn't miss Joshua, because he showed his 'true colours'. She said: 'I'm not sad about the breakup, I'm really not. I feel in such a better place and I'm actually like, kind of glad it happened.' While she originally 'begged' Joshua to come back after their November breakup, Charlotte's mother offered her the best advice. 'That's when me mam said, "You need a few months on your own. Just learn to love yourself. Not rely on someone else".' Despite all the cautionary measures implemented around the globe to fight the coronavirus pandemic, one member of the royal family caught the virus and thought it was just simple flu. On Thursday, the ancestral archduke of Austria, Karl von Habsburg, had himself tested positive for the coronavirus after realizing that he just had a contact with an infected person. As soon as he acquired the test results, the 59-year-old politician headed to House of Habsburg-Lorraine and immediately called oe24, a news network in Austria, to reveal his current health status and talk about his experience. According to the Archduke of Austria, he experienced flu-like symptoms more than a week before he volunteered to be tested. "It's annoying, but I'm fine. It's not the Black Plague," the former member of the European Union's parliament shared on air. "I thought it was the usual flu. When a friend called me that he had a positive test at a congress in Switzerland, I was also tested." It is worth noting that he is a member of the clan that led the country when a previous pandemic, the Black Plague, tortured the country in the 17th century and led to a legendary crisis. Despite the fears, Karl of Austria calmed himself and expressed his gratitude towards the Austrian authorities who are working hard to lessen the spread of the coronavirus. In the end, he warned the citizens about how panic can make everything worse. Not The First Royal to Be Tested Though he remains the only royal as of this writing who has been confirmed positive of the coronavirus, the royal families around the world also underwent the same tests. Meanwhile, others immediately took the necessary steps to avoid contracting the virus. Recently, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have been tested negative. They decided to check their status as part of the preventive measure after exposing themselves with a government minister, Minister of Equality Irene Montero, who later became ill and caught the disease. "Based on the recent public activities of HM the Queen and the information transmitted by the Government, as a preventive measure indicated by the health authorities, their Majesties have carried out the corresponding COVID detection test this morning," their statement read. King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway are now on self-quarantined after their royal trip to Jordan, though they were in good health when they came back. Meanwhile, Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth II plans to travel to Windsor Castle on Thursday. The scheduled drive is a week earlier than planned according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Despite taking cautionary steps, Her Majesty will still meet with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and has two other planned "audiences" at the Palace, as planned before her departure. "In consultation with the Medical Household and Government, a number of public events with large numbers of people due to have been attended by The Queen, and other Members of the Royal Family, in the coming months will be cancelled or postponed," the Palace said. San Francisco, March 19 : Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has denied reports that the social networking giant is talking to the US government to share users' location data from their smartphones. NBC News and The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tapping tech companies like Facebook for users' location data. In a press call on Wednesday, Zuckerberg said the reports were "largely overstated", denying that the company was in discussions to give the US government any location data reports CNET. "We're not aware of any active conversations or asks with the US or other governments at this point asking for access to that data specifically," Zuckerberg said. Facebook had a Disease Prevention Map programme for almost a year, which it provided to health organisations around the world using location data from people who opt in. "I don't think it would make sense to share people's data in a way where they didn't have the opportunity to opt in to do that," said Zuckerberg. "We're exploring ways that aggregated anonymized location information could help in the fight against COVID-19," the company said in a statement. Google confirmed to CNN that it is also exploring ways to use aggregated, anonymized data to help in the coronavirus effort. Apple said it has not been a part of the location data discussions with the US government. The Trump administration is not the only country to consider technology-based tracking. Israel this week passed a proposal to track coronavirus patients on a far more detailed level, using location tools meant for counterterrorism purposes. Grammy winner Josh Gad shared an emotional message of hope on Thursday for his 1.6M social media followers as the coronavirus pandemic claims 9,843 lives and infects 242,191 people globally. 'It's okay to cry for a second, and I was gonna do it by myself but then I thought for a second, "You know what? It's important for everybody to understand that we're all going through so much uncertainty right now,' the 39-year-old father-of-two said. 'We're gonna get through it. And it's hard, and I'm emotional because I hate seeing our kids deprived of their normal lifestyles and not being able to understand why all of this is happening so quickly.' 'It's okay to cry': Grammy winner Josh Gad shared an emotional message of hope on Thursday for his 1.6M social media followers as the coronavirus pandemic claims 9,843 lives and infects 242,191 people globally Josh added: 'But I'm also emotional because of all of the incredible things that so many of you out there are doing on a daily basis. 'And I know it's a struggle right now for so many people, and I just wanted to say I love you all and I'm thinking of you all. We'll get through this.' Gad's minute-long video received supportive comments from celebrity well wishers including Michelle Monaghan, Ashley Greene, and Bryce Dallas Howard. The Florida-born actor has two daughters - Ava Tanya, 9; and Isabelle Eve, 6 - with his wife, The Mandalorian actress Ida Darvish, with whom he'll celebrate 12 years of marriage on May 10. The 39-year-old father-of-two said: 'We're gonna get through it. And it's hard, and I'm emotional because I hate seeing our kids deprived of their normal lifestyles and not being able to understand why all of this is happening so quickly' Josh added: 'But I'm also emotional because of all of the incredible things that so many of you out there are doing on a daily basis. And I know it's a struggle right now for so many people, and I just wanted to say I love you all and I'm thinking of you all. We'll get through this' 'Thank you': Gad's minute-long video received supportive comments from celebrity well wishers including Michelle Monaghan, Ashley Greene, and Bryce Dallas Howard Josh got teary on Thursday after watching his 'baby girl' on a video call with her teacher and two classmates 'I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be [for] all of our kids right now to comprehend why they can't see their friends in person [and] why they can't go to school,' Josh tweeted. Gad has previously said that he emulated little Ava realizing she would one day have to grow up, when he started voicing snowman Olaf's emotional journey of awareness in Frozen II. November 25 family portrait: The Florida-born actor has two daughters - Ava Tanya, 9; and Isabelle Eve, 6 - with his wife, The Mandalorian actress Ida Darvish, with whom he'll celebrate 12 years of marriage on May 10 'I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be': Josh got teary on Thursday after watching his 'baby girl' on a video call with her teacher and two classmates Growing up: Josh previously said he emulated little Ava realizing she would one day have to grow up, when he started voicing snowman Olaf's emotional journey of awareness in Frozen II 'Now streaming!' Due to COVID-19, Disney decided to start streaming the hit animated sequel in most countries on Disney+ three months early to help entertain families in quarantine Due to COVID-19, Walt Disney Studios decided to start streaming the hit animated sequel in most countries on Disney+ three months early to help entertain families in quarantine. Fans looking for more comforting words from the Tony-nominated thespian can tune into his #GadBookClub streaming on Twitter every night at 7:30pm EST/4:30pm PST. The Avenue 5 funnyman next play safe-cracking dwarf Mulch Diggums in Kenneth Branagh's sci-fi flick Artemis Fowl, which was scheduled to hit US/UK theaters May 29 after delaying the August 9 release. - with reporting from Digital Desk staff 30,000 new coronavirus testing kits are due to arrive in Ireland today. There are plans for more test centres after Dublin's Croke Park opened this week. The GAA headquarters is being used by the HSE as a drive-through facility to test people by appointment only. Meanwhile, a Limerick academic and doctor, who has been tracking the figures comparing the impact of the coronavirus in Italy two weeks ago and Ireland at present, has said that more testing will help slow down the virus. Dr Michael OCallaghan, from the Department of General Practice at University of Limerick, who is also a GP in Bruff in Limerick, told Newstalk Breakfast that while the increasing figures may cause alarm, they should not. Testing means picking up more cases, this was good he said as it would help identify hot spots which could then be isolated and slow down the spread of the virus. The virus is now spreading in the community, in Italy this was not realised until it was too late, he said. Hopefully we are changing the trajectory. The changes that are being put in place now, we will not see any results for a week or 10 days. It is important we all pull together. The measures introduced matter, he said, especially for public health workers as it was important that they get a handle on it. Dr OCallaghan called on small businesses to follow advice and introduce practical measures such as stickers on the floor marking social distancing. This has to become habit. Yesterday, the National Public Health Emergency Team announced 74 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. It brings the total cases in the Republic to 366. Of the new cases, there are 45 males and 29 females. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Senate Republicans Offer Transparency Bill to Minimize CCP Influence at US Colleges A group of seven Republican senators is backing legislation that would require more transparency from Confucius Institutes (CIs), which are Beijing-funded and -controlled, in the latest effort to combat the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) malicious activities in U.S. colleges and universities. The legislation, formally called the Transparency for Confucius Institutes Act, was introduced on March 12 by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). It would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require program participation agreements between CIs and U.S. schools that house them to address the ways that Beijing exerts inappropriate influence. The proposed bill would also create clearer distinctions between CI-directed programs and the host schools own Chinese history, language, and culture programs. It also requires a CI to remove the Chinese co-director position, perform background checks for staff and professors, make public the agreements it makes with the hosting school, and use stronger language in those agreements to make it clearer that the school has executive decision-making authority. The Chinese government has no right to influence American education the way Confucius Institutes have for the past sixteen years, Blackburn said in a statement. Confucius Institutes as they currently operate are an affront to academic freedom, and we should not bow to repressive Chinese propaganda systems. It is time to put some serious distance between Confucius Institutes and American Universities. Blackburn is joined in the effort by co-sponsors Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who are notably outspoken in their opposition to the growing CCP threat to academics and other aspects of U.S. society. In 2004, the University of Maryland became the first institution in the United States to host a Confucius Institute. The number of CIs across the country steadily increased over time, growing to roughly 100 at its peak. CIs are usually headed by a director, who is typically a faculty or staff member from the host university, and a Chinese co-director, who reports to Beijing and oversees Chinese teaching staff. Chinas Ministry of Education generally provides startup and annual funding, recruits language teachers from China, and provides teaching materials and curricula. However, the program, which is designed to expand the CCPs overseas influence, has gained notoriety in recent years as tensions have grown between the Beijing regime and Washington. Over the past six years, at least 29 of the U.S. universities that hosted Confucius Institutes have closed them, according to Human Rights Watch. In September 2014, the University of Chicago declined to renew the contract with its CI following a petition signed by more than 100 faculty members. The petition described the CI as an academically and politically ambiguous initiative that sought to advance foreign interest at the expense of the host universitys academic independence. In June of that year, the American Association of University Professors called on American universities to shut down their CIs, accusing them of advancing a state agenda in the recruitment and control of academic staff, in the choice of curriculum, and in the restriction of debate. Early this year, Wallace Loh, the president of the University of Maryland, said the school decided to close its Confucius Institute at the end of the academic year. He emphasized that the action was because of the 2019 U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, which forced schools to choose between keeping their Confucius Institutes or receiving language program funding from the Defense Department. Twenty-two of the Institutes closed after the law passed in August 2018, with 12 schools noting the need to comply with the act, Human Rights Watch reported. President Trump listens to a question during the daily White House coronavirus task force news briefing on March 18, 2020. (AFP/Getty Images) To the editor: Congress and the president are right to be looking to aid to those adversely affected economically by the coronavirus. But they are wrong if they don't deal with the cost of doing so in the same legislation. I believe a special tax on the wealthiest Americans say, those who have an income of at least $1 million per year would be a reasonable way to do this. The surcharge would be temporary and end when the cost of the stimulus is recovered. This country cannot afford to continue putting everything on the national credit card. The U.S. budget deficit in 2019 was already almost $1 trillion. We cannot continue these irresponsible fiscal policies. We need bailouts and stimulus, but only if they contain provisions to pay for them. While President Trump may not like this, I doubt that he would veto it. A.M. Marks, Riverside .. To the editor: Trump wouldn't dare approve a deal that would ultimately enrich the airline bosses and investors at the expense of workers and taxpayers or would he? Voters would not need pitchforks to express their outrage when a simple ballot would do the trick. Barbara Jackson, Cerritos Santa Clara County officials, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, the San Francisco 49ers, Comcast and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation announced plans Thursday to contribute several million dollars to local non-profit organizations that are supporting vulnerable population groups during the novel coronavirus outbreak. Santa Clara County Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Dave Cortese announced that the board will vote to allocate $3 million to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which will be given to organizations offering mental and public health assistance and organizations that support seniors, children and homeless residents. The city of San Jose and Comcast are also expected to contribute to the funding effort. The board is expected to vote on the funding at its meeting next Tuesday. "In times like this, the nature of this global pandemic reminds us that the actions of one person can have ripple effects that impact others; our community is stronger together," Cortese said. "By providing these relief funds, we are removing the monetary burden from what should solely be a public safety decision." Al Guido, president of the 49ers, also announced that the team will contribute $500,000 to local community organizations, including an immediate $49,000 investment that will support nonprofits providing essential services in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The team plans to continue working with local public health experts and elected officials for ways they can help during the outbreak. "While the 49ers organization is talking to regional leaders to assess how we can best leverage our resources to help our friends and neighbors, we are happy to support this effort by Supervisor Chavez and Mayor Liccardo," Guido said. "We appreciate their leadership and creating this opportunity for us to advocate for those most impacted by this situation." Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The Baby The Cross River State Command have arrested a teenage girl, who allegedly dumped her one-week-old baby at a refuse site in Calabar. The girl, whose name is still unknown, dumped the baby inside the waste bin at Otu Ansa Street, beside the Nigerian Immigration Service in Atimbo area of Calabar. The teenager was reportedly arrested on Wednesday morning, following a report allegedly made by her mother. The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the abandonment of the baby but refused to speak on the arrest. However, residents of the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters, Calabar, who said they witnessed the arrest, confirmed the development. One of the witnesses, Mrs Regina Akpan, told journalists that the suspect was seen at the waste bin at about 3am when she was thought to have abandoned the baby boy. It was the suspects mother that alerted the police about her whereabouts. The mother said she had attempted to commit such crime with her first baby but she did not because she (her mother) intervened then and cautioned her, Akpan said. Talk to your local center about eligibility guidelines. In most states you have to be 17 years old and above; with parental consent, some states allow donors to be 16. You must weigh at least 110 pounds. There are no standing upper age limits. [LIVE UPDATES Read our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here.] Dr. Claudia Cohn, director of the Blood Bank Laboratory at the University of Minnesota and chief medical officer of A.A.B.B., said in an interview earlier this year that normally, older Americans are the countrys best donors. They give a disproportionate amount of blood, Dr. Cohn said. Even though we think their risk is very low, we want to protect them if they want to be careful about going out. That means centers are asking younger people to step up and donate more than they usually do. Can you get coronavirus by donating blood? This is not a blood-borne disease, that is clear, Dr. Cohn said. Blood itself is safe. Coronaviruses in general dont seem to be blood transmissible, as evidence from earlier outbreaks of SARS and MERS has shown. How are blood centers ensuring donor safety? We completely understand people are hesitant, said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of biomedical services at the American Red Cross, earlier this year. We want to reassure the public that were handling this with an abundance of caution. Red Cross blood centers have ramped up ordinary procedures, with staff members masked, gloved and conducting extra temperature checks, on both themselves and donors. All surfaces are repeatedly wiped down and donors are spaced six feet apart. With centers taking extra measures to eliminate risk, its safer than going to the store, Dr. Cohn said. Howard Marks has long made the point that the seeds of bad economic times are planted during the good times, and the seeds of good during bad. Markss correct vision of recession and recovery needs to be discussed in the here and now. Considering good or booming economic times, its not unreasonable to suggest that the individuals who comprise any economy sometimes develop bad personal and work habits. At the same time, companies reach in terms of how they expand, the individuals they hire, along with how many they hire. Banks and investment banks similarly are forced to reach somewhat. Precisely because theres more competition to make loans, and to finance new and existing companies, capital allocators reach too. So do they with investments. That they do is somewhat logical. Money flows and lending may be denominated in dollars, but they signal the movement of goods, services and labor. During good times production of goods and services grows, as frequently do labor forces, and all of this is revealed through credit expansion. Recessions, far from a terrifying sign, actually just signal a broad realization of errors by individuals and corporations. Recessions signal recovery precisely because they signal the correction of the mistakes made during the good times. That they do explains the corollary to Markss point: during troubled times we lay the groundwork for better. Yet again errors are corrected of the expansion, hiring, investment and lending variety, bad personal habits are nipped, bad hires that dont fit for companies and individuals alike are released into the market economy in search of better matches, plus individuals and businesses shore up their personal financial situations. The Keynesian thinkers who dominate the economics profession believe consumption powers economic growth, but as the mildly sentient among us know well, investment is the true driver of growth. Crucial about investment is that its a logical consequence of savings, which explains why good times emerge from the bad. As individuals and corporations shrink their outgoings, capital formation grows, thus setting the stage for growing amounts of investment that puts an economy once again on a growth path. All of the above requires saying in consideration of the enormous amounts of ink being spilled by economists and pundits about the looming "recession." As usual, they know not of what they speak. Recessions signal recovery. This will not be that kind of recession. It wont be simply because its not reasonable to suggest that whats taking place right now is in a broad sense a realization of individual and corporate error, a cessation of individual and companywide bad habits, and individual/corporate rebuilding of balance sheets. It's not simply because what were experiencing is the asphyxiation of economic activity on the local, state and national level. Though the Wall Street Journals editorial page oddly supports the Fed and federal government as a major capital allocator to businesses wrecked by asphyxiation, the same page makes the correct point that the U.S. economy of March 19th is very different from the one of, say, February 19th. That one was largely free, while this one, per the Journals editorialists, is the stuff of command and control. Translated for those who need translation of the obvious, this wont be a recession. Recessions are yet again painful, but always healthy periods of error realization when free individuals and businesses fix whats wrong. In 2020, matchlessly foolish politicians are to varying degrees not allowing individuals and businesses to work and produce. Good times didnt bring on this horror show were being forced to endure; rather this contraction is and will be a consequence of way-too-powerful politicians decreeing the work of all too many illegal. To be clear, whats ahead is a contraction born of monumental political error. Good history, Benjamin Anderson-style history, will make this screamingly apparent. There was never in 2020 an economic crisis born of a spreading virus; rather a spreading virus proved oxygen for politicians on all levels on the way to them forcing contraction on an economy that, if large and growing larger, would be most capable of slaying the virus. Indeed, its fascinating in these times to see even rhetorically-friendly-to-market conservatives calling for a muscular governmental response to what is a political problem. The very central planning that conservatives decry in normal times apparently makes sense during crisis, thus resulting in Kevin Warsh as the spokesman for conservatives lurching to government as their savior. The joke is on them. It seems they missed the simple truth that government spending is a consequence of private sector economic activity, yet the private sector is presently being suffocated by the very politicians conservatives seek to empower right now. To witness whats happening is to wish it were a bad dream. Except that bad dreams aren't this awful. Which brings us to the last certain aspect of recessions; this aspect always and everywhere a major driver of the economic recovery that recession signals. During downturns individuals and businesses yet again pull back, they become more careful, they save. And their savings set the stage for a rebound. The problem, in 2020, is that what savings many Americans have will be consumed just to make sure the eviction notices dont come, the lights stay on, that food is around to be eaten. Its all a reminder that what were about to endure has nothing to do with recession. Lets please not insult whats happening with a word that has everything to do with recovery. Recessions signal something better on the way. Command and control economies designed by hapless politicians and central bankers signal agonizing economic decline. OSLO, March 18 (Reuters) - The Norwegian prime minister's office will host a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation of the country's airlines industry, labour union Parat said on Wednesday. The office of Prime Minister Erna Solberg declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Struggling Norwegian Air on Tuesday called on Norway's government to provide financial backing similar to what rival SAS has received from the Danish and Swedish governments. (Reporting by Victoria Klesty and Gwladys Fouche, editing by Terje Solsvik) The two leaders discussed the latest developments in the GERD file and the situation in Libya Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call on Thursday from German Chancellor Angela Markel to discuss the latest development of international efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus, as well as other regional issues including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the situation in Libya. The Egyptian president expressed the solidarity of the Egyptian government and people with the friendly people of Germany in such circumstances, affirming Egypt's keenness to exchange expertise and enhance cooperation between healthcare facilities in both countries within the international framework of combating the spread of the coronavirus. Germany has recorded more than 12,000 coronavirus infections, with the latest 3,000 cases registered in the past 24 hours, and 43 deaths. Egypt has confirmed six virus deaths out of a total 210 infections recorded until Thursday. "The German chancellor showed appreciation for Egypt's support for Germany, which reflects the strength of ties between both countries, noting the importance of enhancing joint cooperation between Egyptian and German authorities within the international efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus", Egypt's Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady said. The two leaders also exchanged points of view on regional files of mutual concerns, including the current situation in Libya in light of the outcome of the Berlin Conference. "El-Sisi and Merkel also discussed the latest developments in the GERD file within the outcome of the recent Washington talks and Egypt's signing of the agreement in Washington in February," the spokesperson added. Addis Ababa did not attend the last round of US-sponsored talks on the dam in February, citing the need for more time for further domestic consultations. Only Egypt has initialed the resulting agreement, drafted by the US, on the filling and operation of the dam, with Ethiopia and Sudan both declining to sign it. Over the past weeks, Egyptian officials have delivered messages on developments related to the GERD to Gulf and European partners, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France and the European Union, in an attempt to seek support. Search Keywords: Short link: Public demand for canned rather than fresh fish during the Covid-19 crisis and restrictions on Irish seafood exports are contributing to a looming storm in the fishing sector, an Irish industry leader has warned. Fishing representatives are due to hold a video-conference with Marine Minister Michael Creed tomorrow amid fears that fishing vessels may be forced to tie up in port due to lack of markets. EU fisheries ministers are also expected to hold a video-conference in the coming days. Killybegs Fishermens Organisation (KFO) chief executive Sean ODonoghue said no one wants to see vessels tied up, but the domestic market for fresh fish is simply not big enough to sustain fleet costs. We may have to introduce a system of vessels rotating at sea, but compensation will also be required for those forced to remain in port, he said. The Irish seafood sector is export-led, and so it is severely affected by the fact that European and Asian fish markets are restricted or closing, and leading retailers like Tesco and Sainsburys in Britain have suspended their fresh fish counters. Access to sufficient cold storage could provide some relief for vessels fishing for prawns one of Irelands staple export fisheries - he said. A briefing document by two European industry organisations, Europeche and EAPO, which Mr ODonoghue has forwarded to Mr Creed describes how the Irish nephrops (prawns), whitefish and brown crab fleets that rely heavily on exports to the Chinese, Italian, Spanish and French markets have seen huge prices drops and market closures. This is also the case for other species in many countries. This led to the fishing activity being suspended and the whole seafood industry sector is affected, the documents says adding fleets face a drop to about zero of all sales to restaurants and food services. Mr ODonoghue said the public demand is for canned fish at present, with European canneries working hard to keep up supply. The European fishing industry organisations are seeking a number of measures, including ensuring vessels can carry more than 10% of their quota into next year. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A man who died in a shooting in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood last weekend has been identified by the city's medical examiner's office as 35-year-old Mark Anthony Hughes II, a resident of San Francisco. Not many details have been released by police about the shooting, which officers responded to at 1:50 a.m. last Saturday in the area of Jones and McAllister streets. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the San Francisco police tip line at (415) 575-4444 or to send a tip by text message to TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Peter Dutton (pictured) has said the government will come after possible crime syndicates who have been clearing supermarket shelves amid the coronavirus pandemic Peter Dutton has said the government will come after possible crime syndicates who have been clearing supermarket shelves amid the coronavirus pandemic. 'We do have some people I think that are profiteering,' the Home Affairs Minister told 2GB's Ray Hadley. 'They're hoarding, not for their own consumption, I think they're either sending some of the products overseas or they're selling it in a black market arrangement in Australia. 'I'm going to come after those people. It won't be a pretty experience when we deal with them. 'We will come down like a ton of bricks on those individuals because I think they're the ones that have created this pattern of behaviour of hoarding and clearing out shelves.' Locals in regional Victoria have been left outraged over city residents who have been swarming into town to clear out supermarkets in a panic-buying frenzy. Coles announced further restrictions on eggs, chilled pasta, frozen vegetables and frozen dessert on Monday. Pictured: Shoppers at a Coles supermarket in Sydney Locals in regional Victoria have been left outraged over city residents who have been swarming into town to clear out supermarkets in a panic-buying frenzy. Pictured: General view outside a Woolworths in Sunbury as people wait outside on Tuesday A zero tolerance sign was placed outside Woolworths in Sunbury (pictured) over concerns about staff wellbeing Residents from Kilmore, Traralgon, Wallan and Ararat have slammed city 'vultures' for coming in by the 'busload' and emptying grocery store shelves as a potential coronavirus lockdown looms. Another 23 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Victoria overnight, taking the state's total number of positive tests to 94. The spike in cases comes as state officials declared a state of emergency to deal with the rapid spread of deadly virus that has killed five people in Australia and more than 6,500 worldwide. Nervous shoppers are believed to be coming in from Melbourne and targeting stores for items that have been sold out in the city amid the panic-buying chaos. Shelves are bare across multiple Australian supermarkets (pictured, left) as worried families stockpile toilet roll (right) Locals claim tourist have been coming in on buses, while some have been driving in, from as far as Mornington. 'It's happening all around here. It's in Seymour, Wallan,' Diane, from Kilmore, 60km north of Melbourne, told 3AW's Neil Mitchell on Tuesday. 'Someone came into our bakery yesterday and took every loaf of bread.' Rhys, from Ararat, in Victoria's south-west, said he had noticed 'a lot of different people' who appeared to be from out of town shopping in the area in recent days. 'We've had a supermarket attendant say he had a busload come in the other day,' he told the radio station. The shortage of supplies has sparked concerns for vulnerable residents of small towns such as the elderly or pregnant women, who are no longer able to find goods at their local shops. 'Buses of people have been coming in the last few days. People are coming from as far as Mornington,' Melissa Clark, from Woodend, which has a population of about 5,400 people, told the Herald Sun. 'We just need a break. We love having tourists here in Woodend - but not supermarket tourists.' Supermarket giants including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have been forced to implement buying restrictions on certain items as customers have been stockpiling on toilet paper, hand sanitiser and pantry items in fear of a lockdown. On Tuesday, Coles limited customers to two packs per person of eggs, chilled pasta, frozen vegetables and frozen dessert. Woolworths grocery limits Dry Pasta - 2 pack limit per shop. Flour - 2 pack limit per shop. Tissues - 2 pack limit per shop. Paper towel, serviettes and wipes - 1 pack limit per shop. Toilet paper - 1 pack limit per shop. Hand sanitiser - 2 unit limit per shop. Bulk rice (2kg+) - 1 pack limit per shop. Advertisement Coles grocery limits Eggs - two packs per person. Chilled pasta - two packs per person. Frozen vegetables- two packs per person. Frozen dessert - two packs per person. Mince includes Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken & Turkey - two packs per person. Flour - two packs per person. Dried rice - two packs per person. Paper towels/tissues - two packs per person. Hand sanitisers - two packs per person. Advertisement Coles has already imposed limits on mince meat, toilet paper and hand sanitiser after shelves were left bare. The company also announced they won't offer refunds on any additional items that were purchased as a result of panic buying. Chief executive officer Steven Cain said staff were working 'as hard as possible' to ensure shelves were sufficiently stocked. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia soared to 450, with New South Wales, the country's worst-hit state, recording 39 new cases on Tuesday with a total of 210. Tourist panic-shopping appears to be taking hold in NSW as well, with some residents in Mudgee, northwest of Sydney, complaining over the lack of supplies due to city folks travelling in to bulk-buy. 'People from Sydney [are] packing cars to the brims. Our supermarkets don't get enough supplies only enough for our population let alone hoarders. It's really sad and I think it needs to be policed from now,' one angry resident said on Facebook. 'Usually city folk hoard wine not milk!' The Trumbull Food Pantry remains open during the current public health emergency, but has seen a sharp drop in donations. Trumbull EMS is conducting an ongoing donation drive this week. Residents are encouraged to drop off donations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 203-452-5146 to let the workers know about the donation, then leave the food and other supplies at the picnic table near the EMS door. A staff member will bring the donations inside, and a Trumbull EMS ambulance will deliver the donations to the Food Pantry. Trumbull EMS is located at 250 Middlebrooks Ave. The Trumbull Pantry Needs List is changed due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Coordinator Karen Seferi. With the school closings and possible financial loss for some families, we are anticipating an influx in demand for pantry use, she said. Gift cards and monetary donations are more in demand than ever with many people out of work due to business closures. The Food Pantry especially needs staples such as rice, pasta and sauce, cereal, bread and snacks. Personal grooming and household items in demand include soap, diapers, shampoo, feminine hygeine products, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning supplies and paper products. The Food Pantry is located at 23 Priscilla Place. Call 203-452-5136. A DEAL is likely to be hammered out today between the Central Bank and the main lenders that will mean people who avail of a Covid-19 mortgage payment break will not end up with a black mark in their credit record. There is also likely to be an agreement on simplifying the form for applying for Covid-19 mortgage forbearance. The current form is extremely long, with one adviser describing it as torture to complete. And the regulators in the Central Bank are likely to agree to look at tweaking regulatory rules that currently mean that anyone who misses more than three months mortgage payments is classified as being in arrears. Going into arrears triggers the regulators Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process, which means the bank will have to look at alternative payment arrangements, and ask the mortgage holder to complete a Standard Financial Statement (SFS). Personal insolvency expert Mitchell OBrien said the SFS is torture for the debtor and torture for the bank to complete. Missing more than 90 days of mortgage repayments also requires banks to put aside more capital to allow for non-payment of the mortgage. Todays meeting comes after the five main banks agreed at a meeting with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to allow business and personal customers, including buy-to-let mortgage holders, a payment break of up to three months. Customers need to apply for a payment break, but the banks want to be able to put in place a simplified application process. Also likely to be discussed at the roundtable meeting between the banks and the regulators is the fact that interest will continue to be added when someone avails of a mortgage payment break. And credit unions are in discussions with the Central Bank to ensure that regulatory rules do not stop them offering payment freezes and other forbearance measures to members. Credit Union Development Association (Cuda) chief executive Kevin Johnson said the movement anticipates that the incomes of up to 100,000 members will be immediately and severely hit by the crisis. Borrowers experiencing difficulties are offered reduced payments, interest only, payment freezes and loan extensions. While credit unions helped their members through the previous banking crisis, the scale of this crisis is even more challenging, and we are in discussions with the Central Bank to ensure capital requirements dont stifle any of the options that are in place. Mr John said the credit unions also want to ensure that borrowers are not penalised for missing loan payments, and that their long-term credit rating is not negatively affected. Dowling recovering at home after long hospital stay State Rep. Matthew Dowling has returned home after suffering a one-vehicle crash in October. Dowling represents parts of Somerset County. New Delhi, March 19 : After many years of a torturous legal battle, the moment is finally upon us when the perpetrators of a crime that shook the nation will get their just deserts. IANS spoke to experts on what will follow the execution process as the four convicts in the Nirbhaya case are sent to the gallows at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, at Delhi's Tihar Jail. Satendra Kumar Sharma, legal expert and senior criminal lawyer at Tis Hazari court, said: "The four Nirbhaya convicts have been sentenced to death by the courts of the country. Nevertheless, these deaths will be considered as 'custodial deaths' from the perspective of Indian law." Dr L.C. Gupta, forensic science expert, told IANS: "Following changes in the CrPC, it will be the responsibility of the Metropolitan Magistrate to send the bodies of the killers of Nirbhaya to the post-mortem house. The doctor present will legally declare the convicts 'dead' in writing. After that, the bodies of the four will be taken over by the Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) present on the spot. Only the MM will fill the 'panchnama' of the four bodies. After that, it will also be the responsibility of MM to deliver the sealed bodies to the post-mortem panel." "During the post-mortem, the photography and videography of the entire process will be done. A copy of the four post-mortem reports will be given to the MM, the panel's forensic science experts and the National Human Rights Commission," Gupta said. According to senior advocate Shailendra: "The Delhi Police will be responsible for the order of MM on completion of the post-mortem process including for the legal delivery of the dead bodies to their concerned families." Skye Wheatley is considering getting her wisdom teeth removed. However, the Big Brother star-turned-influencer admitted in an Instagram Story clip on Thursday that she's hesitant to have the operation as they will 'rip' her teeth out. 'So if anyone has had their wisdom teeth out, let me know your experience please because I'm a bit scared,' the 25-year-old said inside her Gold Coast home. Next possible surgery: Skye Wheatley, 25, (pictured) announced amid the coronavirus pandemic that she's considering getting her wisdom teeth removed Dressed in a black hooded sweater and with her long blonde locks out, Skye told her followers that she went to the dentist to get her teeth cleaned. 'They gave me such a good clean and I think I'm considering having my wisdom teeth out,' she went on to say. Skye admitted that she's hesitant in having the procedure as they won't 'put her to sleep' and surgeons will 'rip' her teeth out. Routine procedure: The mother-of-one first told her followers that she went to the dentist to get her teeth cleaned Calling on her fans: However, Skye admitted that she's hesitant to get her wisdom teeth removed as surgeons will 'rip' her teeth out. She then asked her online community for advice 'So if anyone has had their wisdom teeth out, let me know your experience please because I'm a bit scared,' she said. 'They don't even put you to sleep for the operation, like what?!' Skye continued. 'I said to him [the dentist], "But you're ripping my teeth out, like you going to do that when I'm awake?!"' It comes two weeks after Skye was the latest star to be affected by the toilet paper shortage, as anxious shoppers around the country fear the spread of coronavirus. Latest star affected: It comes two weeks after Skye was the latest star to be affected by the toilet paper shortage, as anxious shoppers around the country fear the spread of coronavirus The mother-of-one shared a photo to Instagram Stories at the time, of empty shelves at her local Coles supermarket on the Gold Coast. 'All the toilet paper is gone at our local Coles. I'm done,' Skye captioned the picture, alongside several laughing face emojis. Comedian Hamish Blake, 38, previously joked in an Instagram post that he's been forced to wear jumbo nappies in the wake of the toilet paper shortage. 'Really great, uncomfortable, super expensive, bad value hack for if you can't get toilet paper at the moment,' Hamish wrote in the post's caption. All gone: Skye shared a photo to Instagram Stories at the time, of empty shelves at her local Coles supermarket on the Gold Coast Having a laugh: Comedian Hamish Blake, 38, previously joked in an Instagram post that he's been forced to wear jumbo nappies in the wake of the toilet paper shortage 'Stay strong. Stay creative,' the father-of-two added, alongside the hashtag 'last pack' and the flexed biceps emoji. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness accompanied by fever, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and fatigue. It can produce pneumonia. The spread of the disease, which began in Wuhan, China, has seen over 219,000 cases worldwide and more than 8,900 fatalities. As of March 19, the total number of people diagnosed with the virus in Australia is 710, including six deaths. Ontarios backlog of tests for COVID-19 has more than doubled in the last day to almost 3,400, prompting Health Minister Christine Elliott to call the four-day wait for results unacceptable. And Elliott has said she is ordering 300 ventilators as the province prepares for a surge of serious respiratory cases. The provinces toll-free Telehealth hotline a first point of contact for residents concerned about what do to if they suspect they have the new coronavirus also went down Wednesday despite the addition of 300 extra lines and more nurses to take calls amid hours-long waits. We are having a few issues, Elliott acknowledged as the province confirmed another 25 cases of COVID-19 from travellers who were in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Austria and Brazil. The causes of several new cases have not yet been traced. Ontarios tally of cases was 214 as of Wednesday night, including five that have been cleared. A Barrie-area man has died and tested positive for the virus posthumously. Theres more and more people coming forward to be tested, Elliott said of the backlog, which is increasing as the province tries to ramp up testing to 5,000 sample a day at the provincial health lab and in several hospital labs coming on stream. The goal is to get test results in 24 to 48 hours, she added, noting testing is the key to containment. Officials could not predict when the target of 5,000 will be reached. Chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams said the delays are the result of a combination of factors, including a shortage of swabs and chemical reagents used in the testing. An industry source told the Star the Public Health Agency of Canada is now asking universities and research institutes to contribute supplies needed to increase testing of COVID-19 to higher levels needed as the virus inevitably takes bigger hold across the country. Elliott said, for now, Ontario hospitals have an adequate supply of ventilators to help seriously ill patients breathe if they come down with severe viral pneumonia after contracting COVID-19, but that the province has ordered another 300. There are auto parts manufacturers right now that are looking to retool some of the work that theyre doing so that they can help produce ventilators right here in Ontario as well, she added. We know that with many borders shutting down we need to find our own sources internally. Read more about: Instances of persons, many of them with recent travel-history to a foreign country, ignoring the advice of home isolation have come to light in the last few days Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday that police have been asked to take action against those who violate the mandatory quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak in the state. Instances of persons, many of them with recent travel-history to a foreign country, ignoring the advice of home isolation have come to light in the last few days. "There have been complaints of people who are under mandatory quarantine period violating the norms and going out in public. I have asked the police to initiate action against them under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897," the minister said. "There have been instances of people running away from the quarantine facility or not staying at home even after being asked by the health department officials," he said. "The people returning from foreign tours are put under mandatory quarantine as a precaution. But there have been reports of people flouting quarantine which poses a serious threat to the health of other people," he added. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak Earlier, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Health Minister Rajesh Tope had stated that the government does not wish to initiate punitive action against anyone, but travelers returning from abroad should abide by quarantine norms on their own. Most of the confirmed Covid-19 patients in Maharashtra have returned from a foreign country. Those who have traveled abroad recently should stay in home isolation for at least 14 days even if they do not have any symptoms of the disease, the government has said. By Express News Service BHOPAL: Dozens of Congress workers were detained after they clashed with the police when they were stopped from forcing their way into the Madhya Pradesh BJP headquarters in Bhopal on Wednesday. Many women party workers were among those who tried to flood into the BJP office at around 5 pm to protest the detention of ex-CM Digvijaya Singh and other Congress leaders in Bengaluru and the captivity of the 22 Congress rebels in Bengaluru since March 9. While on duty police said that the Congress workers clashed with them when stopped from entering the BJP office, local BJP leaders, including Vikas Virani alleged that Congress workers carrying rods and sticks tried to make their way into the BJP state office and also assaulted a few BJP leaders. Despite knowing well about Congress plans to target our office, police werent deployed in full strength. It suggests that the local police were hand in gloves with the unruly Congress workers, alleged Virani. The Congress workers, including women, accused the local police of acting at the behest of the central government and also alleged assault by BJP leaders near the party office. Aldi announced tonight its seeking to recruit laid-off retail, catering and hospitality staff to reinforce its 4,000-strong work force. The German retailer like other supermarkets battling over the past week to keep shelves stocked in the face of intensified shopping said it also is reducing opening hours to take some pressure off existing staff. While many of Aldis 142 stores currently open at 8am and close at 9pm or 10pm, the company said all branches would start opening at 9am and close at 8pm. This is slightly shorter than usual to help support our colleagues, who have been working tirelessly, and to ensure our stores are at their best every day, said Aldi buying director John Curtin. Aldi declined to specify how many new staff it intends to recruit or on what terms. It said all applicants would be welcome but the firm was especially keen to hire those recently laid off amid the wave of pub, restaurant, hotel and retail closures. Read More Retail is going to be at the front line of the battle against Covid-19, Mr Curtin said. Equally, we are very conscious of being able to provide opportunities to some of the very many people who have lost their livelihoods - hopefully temporarily - through no fault of their own. Aldi said it is joining Lidl, Tesco and Iceland in launching dedicated hours for elderly shoppers. It said other customers should leave 11am to 1pm daily to elderly and other vulnerable shoppers. Tesco has set aside 8am-9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for elderly customers and family carers. Lidl has designated 9am-11am daily for shoppers aged 65 or older. In all cases, the stores are asking for other shoppers voluntary cooperation. A pandemic modeller advising the Australian government has declined to tell the public how many Australians they expect to die or become critically unwell in the course of the coronavirus crisis. But Professor Jodie McVernon, director of epidemiology at the Doherty Institute, has shed light on the behind-the-scenes work, including the reason the government is keeping schools open and why their worst-case scenario has proven correct. Professor Jodie McVernon. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen She is part of a team of pandemic modellers, infectious disease and public health experts advising the government every day on its coronavirus response for the past eight weeks. "We are not coming to these questions naively or without prior thought. [We are] coming with tools we've prepared earlier," she said. The other emergency workers under quarantine are linked to a D.C. firefighter who worked out of two stations in Southeast Washington and tested positive for the virus this week. His partner in an ambulance also tested positive, fire officials said Wednesday. The others are in isolation but have not been tested and do not show symptoms, Hudson said. The number of quarantined firefighters was first reported by WRC-TV. Parliament gathers at 12,00hrs on Thursday in a joint online session, devoted to the President Klaus Iohannis' request on the approval of the state of emergency on Romania's territory, established under decree no 195/2020. For the first time, a special debate and remote electronic vote procedure will be used, approved on Monday by the joint Standing Bureaus of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, following the measures established to combat the coronavirus epidemic. To this end, on Wednesday, deputies and senators had a test meeting, simulating the online voting The heads of the two Chambers, Marcel Ciolacu and Titus Corlatean, will be present in the plenary session hall. The session will be broadcast by live streaming on the internet page of the Chamber of Deputies, and the debates will take place through audio teleconference. MPs will hold their interventions, in a direct telephone connection with the plenary session hall, the speeches going to be broadcast live. The deputies and senators will vote through an electronic application created internally by the specialist departments of the Deputies' Chamber and Senate. The access to the respective web page has been secured by user and password, communicated to each MP by SMS. Each MP will be able to express the voting option by pressing one of the buttons: "YES," "NO," "AB" (abstention) and "I DON'T VOTE". In case the MP doesn't press any of the afore-mentioned buttons, he or she will be counted as absent from the voting. The result of the voting will be displayed immediately on the screen of the electronic device where the streaming is broadcast. Deputies and senators are going to vote this way on Romania's President's request concerning the approval of the state of emergency on Romania's territory for a 30-day period. On Tuesday, the parliamentary committees on defence, justice and health issued joint reports approving the decree of Romania's President. The parliamentary committees on budget and human rights of the two Chambers of Parliament also issued joint favourable opinions. Parliamentarians from the specialist committees made several proposals and observations that were sent to the Government and the head of state. The decision draft that is going to be submitted to voting is for the approval of the measure adopted by Romania's President on the establishment of the state of emergency on the entire territory of Romania. "Based on the provisions of article 93, paragraph (1) of Romania's Constitution, republished, in observance of provisions of article 13 point 16, article 73 and article 74 of the Regulations of joint activities of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of 03.03.1992, republished in the Official Journal, part 1, no 110, of 5 February 2018, with the subsequent additions, taking into account the provisions of article 34 of Government Emergency Ordinance No 1/1999 on the regime of the state of siege and the regime of the state of emergency, approved under Law no 453/2004, with the subsequent modifications and additions, Romania's Parliament adopts the present decision. Unique article - It is hereby approved the state of emergency on the entire territory of Romania, on a 30-day period, since 16 March 2020, as an exceptional measure adopted by Romania's President, Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, under Decree no 195/2020, on the establishment of the state of emergency on Romania's territory, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no 212 of 16 March 2020," the decision draft provides. (Photo : Screenshot from Official Facebook Page of WhatsApp) On Sunday morning, Mar. 15, there was an outbreak the same as the coronavirus--it is not the coronavirus but more of a digital virus. An "infodemic" you could say, and the platform in question is WhatsApp. This happened in the Dutch city of Utrecht, which infected more than 60 people in just an hour. Read More: Snapchat Down: What Does Twitter Have To Say About This? What's This All About? Have you ever wondered where your loved ones get their news? Is it a trusted source or just coming from an anonymous one? If it's the latter, they play on your worst fears and make them believe in a way that they genuinely are real that makes you want to share the information regardless of the facts or lack thereof are. Infodemic, What's That? The World Health Organization (WHO) said there is an abundance of infodemic of information going around right now, especially playing against the fears of people regarding the coronavirus and what's happening in the world. Giant tech companies like Facebook and Twitter are now investing heavily in censorship regarding posting misleading information about the coronavirus; this includes but not limited to denials of expert guidance and the encouragement of fake treatments found online. The Perspective of the What's App Users Ivonne Hoek, 63, has said she received a message from a friend around 11 AM. When Ivonne asked her friend where it came from, the friend promptly messaged her back, saying it was from her neighbor that works at the hospital. When she found out about this, she immediately sent the message to her two children. One son, Tim, then sent it to his entire 65-person Frisbee team with one tap of a button, the time is now 11:36 AM. Tim has told Reuters, "I probably wouldn't have paid any attention to this if I'd seen it from a stranger on Facebook. But I trust my mum very much". He also added, "I shared it because it came from a trusted source ... that is how these things happen." Read More: How Low Can You Go? Zoom's Android App Rating Completely Sank Caused by a Sudden Surge in Usage Chat Content is a Different Beast The rapid spread of misinformation like the one from the Netherlands is an example of just how difficult it is for the platforms to police itself. Facebook-owned WhatsApp is facing this challenge where it is harder to bar content that is often thought of as factual since it would be coming from a trusted source, especially if shared from friends and family. Anna-Sophie Harling, the head of Europe for the U.S-based information monitoring center NewsGuard, has recently said, "I think there's a sense of security and community that exists in these group chats that gives anything shared there a mark of authenticity," She also added: "People can quickly send and resend images, text and voice notes, and it all happens in private, making it difficult to counteract those claims." Lastly, she said: "People can quickly send and resend images, text and voice notes, and it all happens in private, making it really, really difficult to counteract those claims." WhatsApp Steps to Counter Infodemic Misinformation WhatsApp has recently partnered with the WHO and other U.N agencies to launch a service for sharing official health guidance about the coronavirus. This is an excellent step to take since the spread of misinformation is also very troubling and can cause panic and hysteria in times that are not called for. As WhatsApp is following the steps that Facebook and Twitter are doing, it's good to know that they are doing what must be done to limit the spread of misinformation and spread the real factual information supported by WHO to combat the disease that is the coronavirus. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tuolumne County Superintendent Of Schools Office View Photos Sonora, CA Tuolumne County School closures have been extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cathy Parker the superintendent of schools relays that all public schools will be closed through April 13th with an anticipated re-open date of Tuesday, April 14th. That adds an additional two weeks after the spring break holiday, which runs the week of March 23-27th. The reason for the extension is based on the top priority of keeping students, staff and the community safe states Parker. Noting that Governor Gavin Newsoms address Tuesday night sent shock waves through the community when he stated that schools would likely remain closed for the rest of the school year because of the new coronavirus, Parker addressed the concern, stating, We wanted to assure parents that we have no intention at this time of closing school through the end of the year. We want to be prudent though and thats why we extended the closure through April 13th. Regarding student food programs she advises, Food scarcity is always a concern in our community, and this has just really exacerbated that need. So, we want to assure parents that we will continue with nutrition programs not just through our regularly scheduled year, but also into spring break and beyond. Click here for an earlier story on meal provisions. Below is the entire release from the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools office: In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools, in collaboration with the countys eleven school districts, are announcing plans to extend the school closures through April 13, 2020, with the anticipated return to classrooms on April 14th, depending on guidance from the Governor, CDE, and the State Department of Public Health. Tuolumne County School Districts are working with our Community Partners to help deliver meals to families of school-age students (0-18) during this difficult time. Please visit our website at https://www.tcsos.us/newsroom/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-meal-distribution/ for information on how each district is distributing food to families. Cathy Parker stated, We are collaborating across districts and with community partners to develop seamless nutrition options and are developing a plan with several districts to maintain food services over the scheduled spring break of 3/23- 3/27 for all children, 0-18, in Tuolumne County. Providing school meals in this time transcends district boundaries and we are focused on supporting students in Tuolumne County regardless of their school of attendance. TCSOS is partnering with the countys districts to provide extended learning opportunities for students during the closure, including pulling together a county-wide task force that will develop short term and long-term plans and resources for educators and families to continue their education. Through this collaboration, we anticipate that nearly four hundred general and special education teachers will be working together to provide multiple options for our students that will include online, paper/pencil, broadcast, and other innovative methods to ensure students still have access to quality instruction and their teachers. School administrators across the county appreciate the proactive illness prevention steps that our families and staff have taken over the last few weeks. Illness prevention steps make a significant difference in safeguarding the health of our communities, and we encourage continued attention in this effort. Schools are closed to keep students away from each other, so they dont spread germs to each other and to the community. These school closures should not be treated as spring or summer break. Parents and families should do their best to keep students away from each other and others. This means no large playdates, sleepovers, or parties. Parents should aim to keep their children active during the closure taking them for walks, to the park, bike rides, and other outdoor or indoor fitness activities but should strive to keep children out of large groups for the time being. PHOENIX Keiko Dilbeck, principal of Kino Junior High in Mesa, Arizona, feels sick to her stomach every time her students leave for a break. She worries about their lives at home and how much they could lose academically. And she knows they worry, too about whether they'll have enough food, about whether a parent will be around to take care of them. Some even worry if they'll have a place to sleep. Dilbeck's school, which serves a majority of low-income students, is closed until March 27 at least under Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's orders. She's anxious about how all of her students will fare through such a long period away. "I have 1,100 kids, and I want to be in contact with every single one of them, and I can't," she said. "It's a very hopeless feeling." Most of the country's children are out of school as districts, charters and private schools shutter in response to coronavirus concerns. And they could be home for a long time: Kansas on Tuesday became the first state to close schools for the rest of the academic year. The pandemic may close schools down until summer break in other states, too. That means some children could go without formal schooling for as long as six months. When will school reopen? No date in sight, and schools struggling to put learning online Some educators and parents already are worrying about how to make up for lost time. Among the options: holding summer school or using part of the 2020-21 academic year to make up for this year. Schools could even allow parents to keep their child in the same grade next year, as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers union, downplayed the concern about lost time. "Lets remember that weve actually gone from August to September through the middle of March and have had most of this school year before people start panicking that weve lost an entire year," she said. Story continues Many schools have begun experimenting with various modes of online learning so kids can continue their work while at home. But teachers, principals and researchers fear closures could widen the achievement gap between students who have access to resources like laptops and high-speed internet and those who don't. And it's unclear whether a digital classroom can take the place of a real one. "This is an unprecedented situation," said Douglas Harris, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a public policy think tank. "Even if every teacher could teach every student online, it still wouldn't be as good as doing it in person." Ohio coronavirus patient describes her fight: 'Nothing I had ever quite experienced What students stand to lose Low-income students will likely suffer the most during extended school closures. Wealthier students and low-income students generally improve academically during the school year, said Bruce Fuller, a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley. But during the summer, low-income students typically slow their educational momentum while wealthier ones, with access to educational summer camps and other activities, tend to learn on the same curve as during the school year. "That widening of the summer gap will just keep growing if kids are out for another two months prior to the summer," Fuller said. Kelly Santora, Principal at Listwood Elementary School in Irondequoit, hands out a laptop to third-grader Mikey Fedor, 8, who stopped at the school with mother Sarah Fedor to get the laptop Tuesday. Social distancing: Its not about you, its about us Educators at Dilbeck's school in Arizona have spent the entire year trying to grow students' reading skills. The work has paid off: Eighth-graders are improving in leaps and bounds, she said. Now she wonders if they'll lose some of those skills. "I'm thinking about all of that work, and a lot of my kids don't have books at home," she said. "Some of my kids, they don't have computers. Maybe they have a phone, but you can't do everything through a phone." Can online learning fill the gap? The more immediate priority for schools is devising ways to engage students from afar during school closures, Weingarten said. If teachers are allowed to be creative, she said, theyll come up with a lot of really great ideas. But for a lot of districts, remote learning is a new idea and isn't being practiced evenly across the country. Arizona school districts are just beginning to plan a switch to online classes. In closing schools for the year, Kansas' Education Department promised "Continuous Learning plans for all students." Check for every worker, cancel payroll taxes? What kind of stimulus should Congress pass to rescue the economy? Cincinnati Public Schools is conducting remote learning via paper packets rather than online programs, as about 10% of students in the district lack home internet access, according to U.S. Census estimates. For Valerie Steinhaus, a math teacher at Woodward Career Technical High School in Cincinnati, that means teaching new math concepts is largely on hold. Our students already dont have a lot of math confidence, she said. Without direct teaching, they can become discouraged by new material. Sarah Woodward, who teaches biotechnology at Woodward, is also concerned, particularly for her students with learning disabilities. Woodward expects to lose up to eight weeks of instruction time, which she may have to pack into next school year to ensure her students are still on track. What to expect when you get a coronavirus test: Stay calm, don't wiggle and it will take just 10 seconds Do we demand the kids still master the same amount of content? Woodward said. Do we add additional time to the (next) school year? Start two or three weeks early to try to recoup some of that time? Will students have to go to summer school? Summer school or viewing 2020-21 as a bridge year could make up for lost instruction time. Widening summer school likely would require additional pay for teachers. If there is a need for summer school, then summer school is going to have to be paid for," said Weingarten, the union president. Harris, of the Brookings Institution, recommends summer school to make up for the lost time. He estimates six weeks of make-up summer school across the country would cost $8.1 billion. Stuck inside? 100 things to do to pass the time He suggested the money would need to come as stimulus from the federal government, given the coronavirus' expected impact on the economy. And the sooner officials plan for summer school, he said, the better. "Teachers can plan for it. Families can plan for it," he said. "I think it would give us a bit more comfort." In Ohio, the state or local school boards may push to extend the school year into the summer, said Van Keating, a staff attorney with the Ohio School Boards Association. Repeating some portion of missed in-person class time next school year would be an extraordinary step with major hurdles, Keating added. It would cause space issues as a new cohort of kindergartners enter school systems, Keating said, and headaches for seniors who may have college or work plans. Educators in their regions say summer school isn't a solution. In upstate New York, Chris Dandino is the director of the Greater Rochester After-School Alliance, which coordinates summer and out-of-school programming throughout the community. She said it is unrealistic to expect summer programs to make up for the lessons that students miss this spring. A sign points the way for a laptop pick-up at Listwood Elementary School in Irondequoit, New York. Some programs have certified teachers, but many are basically youth workers and they dont have the training around what kids will be losing in terms of core state curriculum, she said. We can, though, provide enriching literacy and STEM experiences and project-based learning. Additionally, the time students are missing in classrooms is only part of the deficit they are incurring, she said. For children who go from school to an after-school program, the current emergency is a double-whammy. They could be doing something in history class, then in out-of-school time putting on a play that takes that history deeper, or visiting somewhere that makes that learning authentic, Dandino said. Uncertainty about how much school children will miss makes it difficult for Dandino's organization to plan ahead. One of our key focuses this summer will be how to supplement what isnt happening and what wont happen," she said. "But what that is, we dont know. Contributing: Jim Little, Pensacola News Journal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Coronavirus school closings: Will online school lead to summer school? 3.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard According to a report in The Courier-Mail, President Donald Trump nearly tweeted that actor Tom Hanks had died from coronavirus after misunderstanding reports that the actor had been discharged from care at an Australian hospital. Trump had been prepared to tweet about Hankss death until Australia-based United States embassy officials informed Australian health authorities that Hanks was in fact still alive. An Australian health official confirmed to U.S. officials that Hanks was not only alive but recovering after contracting the coronavirus. On March 12, Hanks confirmed that he and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, had tested positive for coronavirus amid the global pandemic white shooting filmmaker Baz Luhrmanns Elvis in Queensland, Australia. They were quarantined at an area hospital, released on March 16, and are still recovering in self-isolation. Hanks and Wilson have maintained their good humor throughout the ordeal; a recent social media update from Hanks mentioned that while the symptoms are much the same, he and Wilson have passed the time with writing and games of gin rummy. President Trump has been repeatedly derided for false or misleading statements surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in over 9,000 deaths worldwide, including 155 Americans according to the most recent count. The number of deaths has grown significantly over the last week amid heightened criticism of the federal governments response. The Indian government says that the virus is not spreading undetected in its communities. But experts say that is unlikely to be true and there is too little testing to reach that conclusion. They fear that India and its neighbors may be at the start of a deadly curve witnessed elsewhere in the world, where infections surge and hospitals struggle to cope. Already, cases in the region have quadrupled over the past week. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th March, 2020) The first case of coronavirus disease has been confirmed in Niger, media reported on Thursday, citing the Health Ministry of the Western African country. Tam Tam Info news outlet reported that the patient was a bus driver who had a Nigerian citizenship and arrived in Niger from Cote d'Ivoire. He tested positive for coronavirus at a checkpoint on the border with Burkina Faso. As data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows, 635 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Africa since the start of the outbreak, compared to over 82,000 cases in the European Union, the United Kingdom and countries of the European Economic Area. According to the WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, the comparatively lower number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa may be explained by the difference in seasonal influenza periods, and the infection rate may increase as winter draws closer in the southern hemisphere. Elderly couples have been separated and families left distressed as private nursing homes lock down in a move dubbed "lazy and alarmist". Nursing home carers spent Wednesday fielding phone calls from desperate and confused families, distressed after private facilities took lockdowns much further than the government's already tough COVID-19 restrictions. People are being prevented from visiting spouses as nursing homes lock down in an effort to avoid COVID-19. Credit:Getty Images Under the rules, aimed to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus among especially vulnerable older Australians, Prime Minister Scott Morrison limited aged-care residents to a maximum of two visitors a day, for "short periods" of time. But many private aged-care operators, including Regis, Estia and Arcare, are in complete lockdown, despite no confirmed cases in residents or staff. President Donald Trump stands behind Florida gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis at a rally on November 3. Butch Dill/AP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is shutting down spring break festivities in his state amid the coronavirus pandemic. "The message I think for spring breakers is the party is over in Florida," DeSantis told "Fox and Friends" on Thursday morning. Footage of thousands of spring breakers packed together on Florida's beaches has sparked widespread condemnation. On Tuesday, DeSantis banned gatherings larger than 10, closed bars and nightclubs for 30 days, and forced restaurants to shift to 50% capacity. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is shutting down spring break festivities in his state amid the coronavirus pandemic and as footage goes viral of tourists and Floridians crowding beaches and concert venues. "The message I think for spring breakers is the party is over in Florida," DeSantis told "Fox and Friends" on Thursday morning. He went on, "You're not going to be able to congregate on any beach in the state. Many of the hot spots that people like to go to, whether it's Miami beach, Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater Beach are closed entirely for the time being." Related Video: What COVID-19 Symptoms Look Like, Day by Day On Tuesday, DeSantis banned gatherings larger than 10, closed bars and nightclubs for 30 days, and forced restaurants to shift to 50% capacity. The federal government has advised Americans to begin homeschooling their children, avoid gatherings larger than 10 people, and stop patronizing restaurants and bars, except for takeout and delivery. These measures are all part of social distancing, which is designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. As much of the nation has adopted social distancing policies, footage of thousands of spring breakers packed together on Florida's beaches has sparked widespread condemnation. Critics went after a handful of college students who told local media in interviews that they didn't care if they contracted the hyper-infectious virus. Story continues "If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I'm not gonna let it stop me from partying," one reveler said. DeSantis said his efforts would overrule local decision making in regards to social distancing. "Regardless of local decisions, you're not going to be able to congregate like those images that you saw," DeSantis said Thursday. Read the original article on Business Insider Ana Martinez and her kids made it just under the wire Wednesday morning to pick up breakfast for her children. With her 11- and 12-year-olds and an infant in her SUV, she drove up to the school bus turnaround and picked up meals of cereal, cookies, applesauce, milk and juice from the cafeteria cooks at Thomas Jefferson High School on the Northwest Side. I think its very helpful, said Martinez, who is on maternity leave from her job. With no daycare and the kids at home, its crazy, but Id rather be with my kids then trying to figure out what and how she is going to feed them during this uncertain time, she added. Martinez was the 186th vehicle to drive through for meals at Jeff on Wednesday morning. Concepcion Medina, a San Antonio Independent School District cafeteria cook there, said traffic has been steady since distribution began Monday. People like it because they say its so helpful, Medina said. We give them breakfast and lunch, so they just have to worry about dinner. Medina and her helpers greeted each driver with smiles as they asked how many meals they needed. See you later, one cafeteria lady yelled as Martinez drove off. School districts across the San Antonio area are providing breakfast and lunch meal kits for anyone 18 or younger at selected campuses. SAISD said students do not need to be enrolled in the district, but they do need to be present at the time of the food pickup. On Wednesday, SAISD expanded its program from eight campuses to 27, offering breakfast meals from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It plans to offer the meal service at all 90 campuses beginning Monday to deliver to students who ride special education buses. Medina waited about 15 minutes after 9 a.m., in case there were stragglers. Only a few bags of food remained on a table. Then she began preparing for lunch Smuckers Uncrustable sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly. Over on the near West Side as the lunch hour approached, groups of people, on foot and in vehicles, waited around the back of Sidney Lanier High School to pick up meals. As cafeteria cook Abigail Santana greeted drivers at the turnaround to the staff parking lot, her five helpers readied the packages. They had served 94 people driving through in the morning. We will be doing this all the way until school starts, Santana said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios school districts extend campus closures two weeks, A&M S.A. out for semester Martha Reyna, a retired cook at Lanier, drove up with her eight grandchildren very grateful, she said, that the kids would have the milk, eggs and fruit she couldnt get on her last trip to the grocery store. This is awesome, thank God they have this, she said, noting that her grandchildren even got a choice: They love chocolate milk. On Wednesday, Northside ISD began distributing food and supply kits in the bus loops at 11 middle schools. Barry Perez, the districts executive director of communications, said each kit contains four meals with snacks to feed a family of four, with each vehicle limited to one kit per day. The demand was very high, as you can imagine, said Perez, who noted some locations ran out of non-perishable food in about five minutes. He apologized, noting that it was a matter of the inventory available. They are going to H-E-B and not finding food, he said. We know that a growing number of NISD families rely on us for their individual needs. We appreciate everyones patience. Afternoon food distribution at Northsides Zachary Middle School ran out in minutes, shortly after 4 p.m., as at least 100 cars waited in line. By the end of the day, Perez said nearly 27,000 meals were distributed at the 11 sites, and the same was expected Thursday and Friday. He said beginning next week, schools in the district would transition to hot meals prepared in the kitchens at the schools, and continue with the current distribution method. We are hopeful when we move to hot foods we can meet the demand, Perez said. Staff writer Alia Malik contributed to this report. ezavala@express-news.net Both countries have taken unprecedented measures to limit the movement of people in the hope of slowing or even containing the spread of the disease. Even in South Korea, which has put more modest restrictions on the movement of its citizens, pollution appeared to fall. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Light snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High 33F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Variable clouds with snow showers. Low 27F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Sanders campaign suspending Facebook ads, in talks with Biden camp Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has suspended their Facebook ads, according to reports by multiple news outlets. Independent Journal Review reported Wednesday that there were approximately 50,000 inactive Sanders campaign advertisements on Facebook. In comparison, former Vice President Joe Biden has about 410 advertisements active currently and President Donald Trump has roughly 2,100 advertisements active across Facebooks platforms, IJR reports. Axios also reported on the deactivation, noting that, in the past, such action is an indicator that a candidate is about to drop out of a race. Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg made their Facebook ads inactive hours before they suspended their campaigns, Axios added. Axios had previously erroneously reported that Sanders had suspended his campaign, later issuing an apology and a correction to their story. The Washington Post reported Wednesday evening that aides for the Sanders and Biden campaigns were in communication, mostly over the coronavirus pandemic. Biden deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield was quoted by The Washington Post as saying that the two camps were in regular contact at a senior level over how to respond to the virus. While the two campaigns obviously have their differences, they are working together to try to promote the health and safety of their teams, those who interact with the campaigns, and the American people, Bedingfield said. The Washington Post concluded that evidence was mounting that Sanders has been giving serious thought to ending his campaign. News of the Facebook ad deactivations comes after it was reported that Sanders is going to assess his campaign following a string of state primary defeats. Sanders Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir said in a statement that the senator was going to talk with supporters about the future of his campaign. Sen. Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign, Shakir said, according to NBC News. In the immediate term, however, he is focused on the government response to the coronavirus outbreak and ensuring that we take care of working people and the most vulnerable. The assessment announcement came after Biden bested Sanders on Tuesday in Democratic primaries held in Arizona, Florida, and Illinois. In order to secure the Democratic Party presidential nomination, a candidate has to win at least 1,991 delegates out of a 3,979 delegates made available. As of Thursday morning, Biden is in the lead with 1,180 delegates, followed by Sanders with 885 delegates, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii with 2 delegates. Gabbard suspended her campaign Thursday morning. Donald Trump, after playing the presidential role this week amid the coronavirus outbreak and national shut down, slipped back into some old habits on Thursday. The US leader this week has mostly looked and the sounded less like a former New York City businessman seemingly obsessed with the Big Apple's tabloid scene and more like a statesman trying to solve a national crisis. He was measured, for instance, on Wednesday when he urged young Americans to "heed the advice" of federal and state officials to stop socializing in large groups. Mr Trump had a notable human moment when he explained young people just "don't realise" they could carry Covid-19 and pass to an elderly loved one because, as many do at that usually healthy age, "they're feeling invincible". At one point during a Thursday news conference at the White House, Mr Trump seemed like perhaps a more seasoned politician, telling a reporter, "I don't want to comment on that" after being asked about anti-virus steps his administration might be considering. In recent days, as the number of US cases approached and passed 10,000 and the death toll crested 100, Mr Trump has tried to strike an optimistic tone. On Thursday, he did so again, while urging unity on Capitol Hill - something that has been rare since the early years of the George W Bush administration two decades ago. "We appreciate that the American public has pulled together. They're really staying home, and I think there's tremendous spirit in this country right now," Mr Trump said. "Spirit like a lot of people have not seen. People have not seen anything like it for a long time. And that means Democrat, Republican. They're pulling together." That latter remark was a big departure from the president's assessment earlier this month that Democrats' criticisms of his administration's response to the pandemic has been too slow and ineffective. He has called the opposition party's assessment "a hoax." But despite this week's more presidential-sounding Donald Trump, the commander in chief at times on Thursday slipped back into his usual persona. After for several days declining to directly address the economic slowdown and stock market slide caused by the coronavirus, Mr Trump on Thursday reverted to touting the economy under his watch. "It's too bad because we never had an economy as good as the economy we had just a few weeks ago," he said, distorting data that shows GDP growth was higher and debt lower under previous chiefs executive. Still, Mr Trump attempted to rally consumers and investors as US stock markets rebounded slightly after another day of big losses. "But we will be back, and I actually think we will be back stronger than ever before because we learned a lot during this period of time," he said. Ever the competitive sort, Mr Trump slipped back on Thursday into giving his top aides credit before slapping himself on the back. "FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, who is with us, he is fantastic. And he has been working 24 hours a day," the president said, a smirk overtaking his face before adding: "He has ... worked, like, probably as hard or harder than anybody in this ... group. Other than maybe [Vice President] Mike Pence or me." Mr Trump also was back to publicly admitting just how much cable news coverage he consumes each day even amid what he declared a national emergency. "Somebody was on yesterday on one of the networks," he boasted, "and said that there's never been a president even close that's been able to do what I have done in slashing all of the red tape and everything to get very important things to the market -- medical." But the press conference's most Trumpian moment came near its end, with the president opting against letting a pitch in his usual strike zone go by. A reporter from the far right One America News Network asked a long question with this premise: Does he agree that major media outlets are siding with the Chinese government, which he and his top White House aides have accused of covering up Covid-19's initial going public there. What followed was the president saying outlets like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and The Washington Post are "dishonest"-- he earlier accused NBC News of calling him "racist" before uttering these words: "They are siding with China." Iraq's Nineveh Plains on Lockdown The Nineveh Plains Protection Unit (NPU), an Iraqi Christian militia, is implementing the decision to install a curfew and travel restrictions for people living in the al-Hamdaniya district. The lockdown is meant to address rising concern regarding the coronavirus. Mosul has conducted some tests for the virus but media indicates that the city lacks the capacity to do anything more than gather the required materials. The actual testing is occurring in Baghdad, according to the reports. The Nineveh Plains still lacks a number of basic infrastructure resources following its occupation by ISIS. For Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), many of whom are Christian from the al-Hamdaniya area, the consequences of displacement are still heavily felt. Several IDPs are living in conditions which would make the spread of the virus easier. For those who have already returned home, they are living with access to the most basic of resources. Christians continue to express fears about traveling to Mosul, which was the capital of ISIS under their occupation. As the Nineveh Plains limits movement in an attempt to quarantine, the impact on locals will be significant. It further increases the burden of living as a persecuted Christian in Iraq. Police will be allowed to arrest and fine people 1,000 for refusing to take a coronavirus test under sweeping new laws to be rushed through Parliament. Under the emergency Coronavirus Bill ministers will also be given tough new powers to block public gatherings to delay the spread of the pandemic across Britain. The law will also hand local councils powers to deal with the bodies of victims - including where they are buried or cremated - to ensure that the system does not become over-run by the number of deaths. They are among a raft of hard-hitting measures included in legislation introduced to Parliament today as the UK death toll rose to 144. The legislation was presented to Parliament this afternoon and ministers are hoping to crash it through the House of Commons on Monday and Tuesday next week. The publication of the draft laws came as the Army prepared to help out in the crisis and as Londoners faced the prospect of greater restrictions due to the faster spread of coronavirus in the capital. Meanwhile, schools across the UK will close their doors for the foreseeable future on Friday and the Bank of England today slashed interest rates from 0.25 per cent to just 0.1 per cent. Downing Street has insisted that all of the powers being pursued will be strictly time-limited to a period of two years. Boris Johnson and the government today published emergency coronavirus legislation which will now be rushed through Parliament Among the measures in the 329-page bill are: The police to detain people suspected of having coronavirus and send them for testing. People who fail to do so could be fined up to 1,000. Local authorities given the power to decide what happens to dead bodies and their disposal to ensure excess deaths do not overwhelm the system Funeral directors acting on behalf of a family will be able to register a person's death Powers for ministers to write to an operator of a UK port requiring their operation be suspended Powers for ministers to 'prohibit or restrict events and gatherings, and to close premises, if the public health situation deems it necessary' Food suppliers would also have to provide information to the appropriate authority if all or part of a food supply chain is being disrupted or is at risk of disruption Enable coroners to conduct an inquest without a jury for anyone whose death was caused by Covid-19 Rules relaxed to enable recently retired doctors and nurses to return to the NHS and help boost the health service's capacity during the outbreak without suffering 'any negative repercussions' to their pension pots A state-backed insurance scheme will be rolled out to cover NHS staff to ensure they are able to care for patients if they are moved away from their normal day-to-day duties One of the most controversial proposals is to relax requirements relating to cremation paperwork in a bid to speed up funerals. Police and immigration officers will be given new powers to enable them to detain people if they are believed to be a risk to public health, for example, if they are sick and refuse to self-isolate. The draft laws will also put in place improved statutory sick pay arrangements for people who are self-isolating and allow small businesses to reclaim sick pay payments from the government - a measure announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the Budget earlier this month. More phone and video hearings in courts will be introduced to combat the spread of the virus. Border Force will be able to temporarily suspend operations at airports and transport hubs if there are not enough workers to maintain border security. Labour is not expected to force a vote on the legislation which will allow it to pass through Parliament swiftly with some MPs in self-isolation and concerns about others gathering in the House. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has written a list of conditions to the PM which he said would need to be considered in order for the laws to gain public support. Mr Corbyn said the powers contained within the legislation must be renewed by a fresh vote in Parliament every six months in order to prevent too much power being handed to the Government. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee today announced a fresh cut to interest rates from 0.25 per cent to just 0.1 per cent The decision to cut rates - the second taken by the Bank of England in just over a week - comes in Andrew Bailey's first week as governor after he took over from Mark Carney It came as the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee met for a special meeting today and voted to cut interest rates to 0.1 per cent. The MPC also agreed the Bank will increase its holdings of UK government and corporate bonds by 200 billion. The MPC said: 'The spread of Covid-19 and the measures being taken to contain the virus will result in an economic shock that could be sharp and large, but should be temporary.' Last week the Bank cut the rate from 0.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent as it unveiled a raft of measures to prop up businesses and the British economy as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc. The decision to drop interest rates to 0.1 per cent comes in Andrew Bailey's first week as the Bank's new governor after he took over from Mark Carney. The rates cut came as Chancellor Mr Sunak met with business and union leaders to try to hammer out extra help for workers hit hard by coronavirus disruption. Cops back call for retired bobbies to join the battle Police leaders have backed a call for thousands of retired officers to help the country through the crisis. Lord Stevens who led the Met from 2000 to 2005 said they could have a crucial role to play in an article for yesterdays Mail. He said ex-bobbies could help the elderly and vulnerable who have to self-isolate, freeing up serving officers to do frontline jobs. Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents 30,000 rank and file officers, said: I am all for Lord Stevens suggestion. Who knows where this crisis is going to end up. There are a lot of ex cops in their 50s who could provide a good service to the public. They can bring calmness, a wealth of knowledge and sensible information, and can call on their previous skills in stressful times to calm communities down and talk to them. Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, chairman of the London Police Superintendents Association, said in a social media post that he fully supported Lord Stevens rallying call. He added: Many such former colleagues have public service ingrained in their personality. They should be recruited and deployed in an organised fashion to deliver hope and reassurance to our people when they need it most. Indigo continues to dominate domestic airspace, followed by SpiceJet. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation fell 1.61% to Rs 936.90. The stock is currently trading 50.97% lower from its 52-week high of Rs 1,911 recorded on 23 September 2019. Shares of SpiceJet tumbled 2.38% to Rs 36.95. The stock is currently trading 76.44% lower from its 52-week high of Rs 156.90 recorded on 3 June 2019. According to data released on Wednesday by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), passengers carried by domestic airlines during Jan-Feb 2020 were 251.50 lakhs as against 238.56 lakhs during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering annual growth of 5.42% and monthly growth of 8.98%. DGCA added that the passenger load factor in the month of February 2020 has shown increasing trend primarily due to airlines offering promotional fares resulting in increased demand. InterGlobe Aviation's (IndiGo) market share stood at 48% in February as compared to 47.9% in January. The airline carried 59.31 lakh million passengers in February, down by 3.09% from 61.20 lakh passengers in January 2020. SpiceJet flew 18.91 lakh passengers, achieving a 15.3% market share, in February 2020. The company toured 21.24 lakh passengers in January 2020, achieving a 16.6% market share. The market shares of Air India, GoAir, AirAsia India and Vistara was 12%, 10%, 7.3% and 6.7%, respectively in February 2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Russia lies on an industrial scale," says Ukrainian ambassador. While Canada gears up to battle the spread of COVID-19, it's also bracing for a second, less tangible fight against a wave of disinformation that the country's top military commander warns is already being assembled in cyberspace. Gen. Jonathan Vance, the country's chief of the defense staff, said he's seen indications recently that Canada's adversaries intend to exploit the uncertainty, confusion and fear that many people feel after a week marked by swift and extraordinary developments in the global pandemic crisis, CBC News reports. Much of his assessment is based on what's circulating in the classified realm, but his message to the public is clear: get ready for some noise. "I can't really talk about it, but yes, I have seen signs" of campaigns designed to discredit the country's institutional response to COVID-19, Vance told CBC News. "There is absolutely going to be efforts on the part of state-sponsored and non-state sponsored [actors] to try and make every step we take as a government, and indeed as allies, look bad." The United Kingdom's National Health Service is already fighting that disinformation war, working with Twitter to suspend false accounts some of which have been posing as hospitals and ripping down inaccurate information about the number of virus cases. On Tuesday, the NHS launched a specific initiative to push back against COVID-19 misinformation. Read alsoU.S. raising alarm over Russian disinformation on coronavirus Canada's National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians warned in its annual report released Thursday that Russia and China remain the adversaries most likely to attempt to interfere with and discredit institutions in this country. Vance said he was not prepared to name names on Friday, but suggested that paying attention to and trusting Canada's elected leaders and government officials is the best inoculation against a viral disinformation campaign. His remarks came two days after a Washington-based think-tank released a report that concluded a Moscow-backed disinformation campaign was behind COVID-19 protests in Ukraine related to the repatriation of Ukrainians citizens who had been Wuhan, China, the location of the original outbreak. "The campaign's tactics, timing and nature all point toward Kremlin involvement," said the report by analyst George Barros. "The campaign's false information increased distrust of the Ukrainian government, caused protests in at least five different towns and forced the resignation of a Ukrainian governor." The U.S. State Department warned last month Russia was behind thousands of social media accounts that have been spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and its origins. Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Canada, would not comment on Friday about the protests that rocked his country last month but he did say Canadians should be on guard in the coming days and weeks. "We should recognize the fact Russia lies on an industrial scale, and Russia has become quite successful in disinformation, especially in societies that rely on free speech," he said. Read alsoRussia deploying coronavirus disinformation to sow panic in West, EU document says "By now we have quite a good understanding of how this works. They specifically look for topics and subjects which can easily polarize opinions, which can divide the society, which are inflammatory by themselves." As UNIAN reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday urged Ukrainians not to trust "boogeyman stories" about "400,000 coronavirus cases" recorder in the country, calling on citizens to opt for official information channels. STAMFORD A Bronx woman turned herself over to police on Tuesday afternoon after allegedly using a local womans bank account to deposit a forged check and illegally withdraw more than $4,000 from the account, police said. Theresa Rodriguez, 26, of Heath Avenue, was charged with nine counts of illegally withdrawing money by using a debit card and single counts of third-degree larceny and second-degree forgery. Rodriguez was held overnight in lieu of a $75,000 court-appearance bond. As an example of how unwilling law enforcement authorities are to lock people up during the COVID-19 pandemic, at her arraignment Wednesday morning Judge Bruce Hudock released her on a written promise to appear in court as an assistant states attorney uncharacteristically suggested. According to her seven-page arrest affidavit, police received a complaint from a First County Bank security officer in October that a forged check for $4,800 had been deposited at the banks Atlantic Street ATM and put into the account of a local woman. The woman who owned the account told police that just before the deposit had been made, she was contacted on her Instagram account by a stranger who offered her a cleaning job. The woman who messaged her identified herself as India and said she would have to turn over her ATM debit card, her personal identification number, and other personal information as well as her login information in order to be put on the payroll, the report said. The two met at the Stamford Town Center and the local woman turned over the information as India requested, the affidavit said. The woman then saw a check deposited into her account and called India, who told her the check had to be deposited into the account for payroll purposes and that it belonged to India and the money would be withdrawn from her account. Days later, India picked her up with an unidentified man and they went to First County Bank in Norwalk where the local woman was told to withdraw $3,000 in cash from her account. After withdrawing the money, the woman walked back to the car and handed over the cash to India. When she went to open one of the doors to get back into the car, India and the man locked the doors and drove off, leaving the woman standing there, the report said. Police said nine more illegal withdrawals totaling $1,143 were made from the account. According to the report written by financial crimes investigator Michael Stempien, the local woman was the victim of a card-cracking scheme, which involves unwitting people being recruited, usually on social media, to turn over their debits cards and personal identification numbers to suspects who then deposit fake checks into their accounts and quickly withdraw the funds prior to the banks realizing the checks are fraudulent. Police were able to use a photograph of the woman who deposited the money into the Atlantic Street ATM and sent it to the New York City Police Department Facial Recognition Unit. They matched it to a mugshot taken of Rodriguez, who had been charged in New York for possession of a loaded firearm on school grounds and smuggling dangerous contraband into a prison. Police also traced a phone number India used and discovered it belonged to Rodriguez, the report said. 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The order goes into effect on Friday right after midnight. The order requires residents to stay home unless they are engaged in essential activities. People who are sick should self-isolate if possible from other family members. Essential activities include getting services and supplies for themselves, their family, household members and pets. Residents can engage in outdoor activity such as walking, hiking, biking and running if they comply with social distance requirements to keep at least 6 feet from another person. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County officials and a group of Silicon Valley business leaders announced a novel coronavirus pandemic response program Wednesday that is intended to distribute food, mobilize volunteers and provide monetary support to vulnerable residents. The Silicon Valley Strong program includes an online resource hub at siliconvalleystrong.org that will serve as a location at which volunteers can sign up to distribute food to vulnerable populations like seniors and those with significant medical issues. The city of San Jose and Santa Clara County are operating the program and the San Jose Strong fund in collaboration with Silicon Valley businesses like Apple, according to Liccardo's office. Residents can pre-register at the Silicon Valley Strong website if they are in need of food and other vital necessities. Households facing food insecurity can also contact 2-1-1 to receive assistance. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department announced the confirmation Wednesday of the county's sixth death due to the novel coronavirus. The victim was a man in his 60s who had been in the hospital since March 5 and died Tuesday, county officials said. County public health officials have confirmed 155 cases of the virus as of Tuesday. Of those, 56 are currently hospitalized, 70 are presumed to have been the result of community transmission and 18 are associated with international travel. BART officials have called for emergency local, state and federal funding support as the transit agency hemorrhages money and ridership due to fears of spreading the novel coronavirus. BART Board President Lateefah Simon and General Manager Bob Powers have lobbied officials for emergency funding, arguing that the agency is facing a monthly loss of $37 million in fare revenue at current ridership levels and an overall revenue loss of $55 million per month when accounting for a loss in economic activity. Monday's BART ridership was down 70 percent compared to an average Monday in February, while the agency's preliminary data showed an 85 percent ridership drop on Tuesday. Blood banks and donation centers could face a critical blood shortage as a result of precautions taken to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, one blood service nonprofit warned Wednesday. According to Vitalant, blood donation centers in the Bay Area and across the country are staring down a critical supply shortage after closures of schools and local businesses have wiped out blood drive locations. More than a quarter of Vitalant's planned blood donation events in March have been canceled as a result of local closures. Oakland Unified School District officials distributed food to more than 4,000 students on Monday, the first day of the district's "grab and go" free meal program, designed to help families cope with large-scale school closures in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Each student was able to take home three breakfasts and three lunches, including sandwiches, baked beans, fresh fruit, milk and other items, according to district officials. At the end of the four-hour pick-up window, 4,136 people had taken home 24,756 meals collected from 12 school campuses across the district. OUSD is passing out food in order to help families during the virus outbreak, which resulted in Oakland school officials closing all campuses until at least April 7. The meals are available to all OUSD students under 18 and are being provided every Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday extending the eligibility period for social safety net programs, temporarily preventing an interruption of benefits during the novel coronavirus outbreak. Newsom's executive order waived eligibility re-determinations for residents enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Cash Assistance for Immigrants and In-Home Supportive Services. The extension will run through June 17. "These social safety net programs are so important for families -- especially during this crisis," Newsom said. "We don't want Californians who rely on these services to lose them." The order also waived provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act and the Brown Act requiring public officials and personnel to physically attend official meetings or achieve a quorum of in-person attendees to hold a meeting. Meetings will be considered adequately open to the public if members of the public are able to watch and comment via phone or another electronic method, according to the order. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development authorized the Federal Housing Administration Wednesday to implement a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for certain single-family homeowners who may not be earning income during the novel coronavirus outbreak. The moratorium will protect single-family homeowners with an FHA-insured mortgage from eviction and foreclosure for 60 days. Some Bay Area jurisdictions have implemented similar moratoriums, but state officials have yet to announce full eviction and foreclosure protections for renters and homeowners. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order giving the state's cities and counties the authority to halt evictions through the end of May and potentially longer, but stopped short of a full ban. State officials have also enacted a moratorium on utility shutoffs for ratepayers who cannot afford their monthly bills due to lost wages. Alameda County Superior Court officials said all courthouses in the county are closed to the public through April 7 because of an order issued by health officials for people to shelter in place to try to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Court officials said California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday granted their request for an emergency order that gives them broad authority to take various actions needed to implement the court closure. However, Alameda County Superior Court Executive Officer Chad Finke said in an email Wednesday that the court is in discussions with the county's Public Defender, District Attorney and sheriff's offices to continue to conduct arraignments in court periodically. Finke said court officials are working on a plan to conduct an arraignment calendar this Friday and two days per week after that, although those plans are subject to change. The BottleRock Napa Valley music festival scheduled for May has been rescheduled for October because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. BottleRock organizers said the decision to postpone the music and culinary event was made after careful consideration and in coordination with local and state authorities. The popular festival was scheduled for May 22-24 at the Napa Valley Expo in Napa. The new dates are Oct 2-4. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. DNA evidence lifted from a discarded cigarette led Florida police to the man they believe killed a young mother 35 years ago, authorities said Thursday. Tonya Ethridge McKinley, then 23, had just left a New Year's Eve celebration before she was strangled and sexually assaulted in Pensacola, allegedly by Daniel Leonard Wells, now 57, according to police. IMage: Daniel Wells was arrested in connection with the 1985 murder of Tonya McKinley in Florida. (Escambia County Jail; Pensacola Police) "I didn't really know if this [arrest] would ever happen," the victim's relieved sister, Renee McCall, 62, a nurse, told NBC News on Thursday. "I didn't really think this would happen in my lifetime, not after 35 years." Detectives said they spoke to dozens of friends and other revelers at Darryl's Bar & Grille, not far from where McKinley was found on Jan. 1, 1985. But for most of the time, they had no suspect in the killing of McKinley, who was survived by an 18-month-old son. "Despite having a good bit of physical evidence and dozens of interviews, over time, the trail went cold," police said in a statement Thursday. "It seems that every couple of years a new lead would pop up and we would drop everything to run it down. We did this time and time again. In the meantime, a baby boy grew up without a mother, parents buried their daughter without knowing justice, and a killer was walking around free. " Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics But DNA in a public database eventually linked McKinley's killer to Wells' family and then to him, police said. Investigators were secretly following Wells on March 4 when he tossed a cigarette out of his car, according to an arrest warrant. Police "immediately stopped and recovered the cigarette butt," which had DNA matching semen taken off the victim's body, according to the warrant. "Each time, evil won, just out of reach," police said of the 35-year gap. "Until today. Today, the evil that took Tonya from her friends and family was arrested for her brutal murder." Story continues Wells' DNA is being offered to other nearby law enforcement agencies with unsolved sex crimes because he has lived locally the whole time, Pensacola police spokesman Mike Wood said. "The reasons why this happened, how evil crossed Tonya's path, may never be answered and in the end may not be important," according to police. "What is important is that no one forgot Tonya. " Wells was booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday and held without bail. He has been charged with murder and sexual battery. It wasn't immediately clear whether Wells had hired or been assigned an attorney, Wood said Thursday. McCall said she's pleased about the arrest in her sister's case but saddened that her dad died a decade ago without knowing that his daughter's alleged killer would someday be caught. "It weighed a lot on him. She was always his favorite," McCall said of this bittersweet day. After Pennsylvania has reported its first death due to the coronavirus, Gov. Tom Wolf addressed residents with a sobering message to stay home to save lives. I come to you with a heavy heart, Wolf said as he explained the news of the commonwealths first death due to the coronavirus. He urged Pennsylvanians to stay in their homes to prevent more deaths. Todays is just the first death of what will become many, Wolf said. And our only hope is to keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed, so our medical professionals can do the most they can. Earlier Wednesday, the Wolf administration said an adult from Northampton County has died due to the coronavirus. The patient was being treated at a hospital. State officials have not disclosed the identity or age of the patient. State officials said earlier Wednesday there were 37 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Pa., bringing the statewide total to 133. After discussing the states first death, Wolf told people how they can best protect themselves. I ask all Pennsylvanians to stay home, Wolf said. We need to stay home if we want to save lives, Wolf said. Wolf delivered a brief message from his home in York County to provide an update on the coronavirus known as COVID-19 and its impact in Pennsylvania. The governor has closed public schools and asked all non-essential businesses to close their doors to stem the spread of the virus. Hes also ordered restaurants and bars to stop dine-in service. Wolf said it wasnt easy to order such steps but said they are necessary to reduce the number of people who are exposed to the coronavirus. He said the virus contains properties which makes it very difficult to control. Thats why its so important for people to limit their interactions with others. Every day that goes by that people continue to freely interact is a day the virus continues to unknowingly infect more and more people, Wolf said. Their update will be streamed online. You can watch it here. March 18 Evening Coronavirus Update Join us for a live update on how coronavirus is impacting our commonwealth and how we are moving forward. Posted by Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. READ MORE WASHINGTON - Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., who had expressed confidence in the country's preparedness for the coronavirus outbreak, sold a significant share of his stocks last month, according to public disclosures. The sales included stocks in some of the industries that have been hardest hit by the global pandemic, including hotels and restaurants, shipping, drug manufacturing, and health care, records show. Until about a week ago, President Donald Trump and GOP leaders had projected optimism in the country's ability to manage the global outbreak of the coronavirus. As head of the powerful Intelligence Committee, Burr reportedly was receiving daily briefings on the threat of the virus. In mid-February, he sold 33 stocks held by him and his spouse, estimated at between $628,033 and $1.72 million, Senate financial disclosures show. It was the largest number of stocks he had sold in one day since at least 2016, records show. The Feb. 13 stock sales were first reported by the Center for Responsive Politics. Then, at a Feb. 27 luncheon, Burr compared the potential impact of the novel coronavirus to the deadly 1918 flu pandemic. His remarks at the private event were obtained by NPR and aired Thursday. His remarks prompted scrutiny over whether Burr had offered a more frank warning at a Capitol Hill event sponsored by North Carolina business leaders than he and his colleagues were sharing more broadly. "There's one thing I can tell you about this: It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything we have seen in recent history," Burr said, according to the NPR recording, which was not disputed by his staff. "It's probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic." Burr's office declined to answer specific questions about his stock sales. About a week after those sales, the stock market sharply declined. "Senator Burr filed a financial disclosure form for personal transactions made several weeks before the U.S. and financial markets showed signs of volatility due to the growing coronavirus outbreak," said a statement from Burr's office. "As the situation continues to evolve daily, he has been deeply concerned by the steep and sudden toll this pandemic is taking on our economy. He supported Congress' immediate efforts to provide $7.8 billion for response efforts and this week's bipartisan bill to provide relief for American business and . . . families," the statement said. Federal officials are barred by federal law from using the nonpublic information they learn in their positions for their private financial gain. Insider trading prohibitions apply to all members of Congress, congressional staff and other federal officials, under the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012. Burr was among three senators who voted against the legislation at the time. Under the law, officials must publicly disclose stock sales within 45 days after the transaction. Though the reported date of the 33 transactions in Burr's financial disclosure is Feb. 13, it is unclear whether all the stocks were sold on that date, and Burr's office declined to clarify. Government watchdogs said they were concerned about Burr's comments and stock sales, which they said deserve closer scrutiny and should prompt a Senate ethics investigation. "We have huge concerns with this ethically. As a senator, he has a responsibility to his constituents first. The idea that he might be profiting off insider information is problematic," said Lisa Gilbert, vice president of legislative affairs of the good-government group Public Citizen. On Feb. 7 - less than a week before the reported date of those sales - Burr played down the virus's threat, co-writing a column saying that while Americans are right to be worried, the United States was "better prepared than ever before to face emerging public health threats, like the coronavirus, in large part due to the work of the Senate Health Committee, Congress, and the Trump Administration." Even three weeks later, GOP lawmakers and Trump continued to project confidence that the virus' outbreak was being managed. On Feb. 27, Trump publicly predicted that the coronavirus would one day disappear "like a miracle." Yet on the same day, Burr attended the private event and warned attendees of some consequences of the coronavirus that have since materialized. "Every company should be cognizant of the fact that you may have to alter your travel," he told the gathering, according to the NPR report. "You may have to look at your employees and judge whether the trip they're making to Europe is essential or can be done on videoconference." Burr's office disputed characterizations that the senator's public and private comments at the time were at odds. "Senator Burr has been banging the drum about the importance of public health preparedness for more than 20 years," Burr spokeswoman Caitlin Carroll said Thursday. "His message has always been, and continues to be, that we must be prepared to protect American lives in the event of a pandemic or bio-attack. Since early February, whether in constituent meetings or open hearings, he has worked to educate the public about the tools and resources our government has to confront the spread of coronavirus. At the same time, he has urged public officials to fully utilize every tool at their disposal in this effort." In another statement highlighted by Burr's office, he reacted on March 3 to the first reported coronavirus case in North Carolina. "The U.S. is in a better position than any other nation to handle a public health emergency like coronavirus," Burr said. "But Congress must continue working to make sure first responders have the resources they need and the federal government is using all the tools at its disposal to stem the problem." Indian Army soldiers will soon be armed with Negev 7.62X51mm Ligh Machine Guns (LMG) built by the Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) with the Ministry of Defence on Thursday (March 19, 2020) signing a Rs 880 crore deal with the defence company to supply 16,479 state-of-the-art rifles. The capital acquisition contract with IWI for 16,479 Negev 7.62X51 mm LMGs was signed by the Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence with the approval of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. "The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat-proven weapon and currently used by several countries around the globe. This LMG will greatly enhance the lethality and range of a soldier vis-a-vis the presently used weapon. The provisioning of this operationally urgent and very critically needed weapon will boost the confidence of the frontline troops and provide much-needed combat power to the Armed Forces." the Defence Ministry stated in a press release. First introduced by IWI in 2012, the Negev NG-7 7.6251mm is in service with the Israel Defense Forces and several other militaries around the world. With a barrel length of 508 mm, the LMG can be fired in the semi-automatic and fully automatic modes as well be used to lob grenades. Weighing 7.95 kilogrammes without the magazine and accessories, the Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG's total length is 1,100 mm while the retracted length is 1,030 mm. In the semi-automatic mode, the Negev 7.6251mm can fire 600 rounds in a minute while the rate of firing goes up to 750 in the fully automatic mode. The magazines can be either the 100 or 125-round assault drum or an ammunition belt. The gun can be fitted with several optical sights on its Picatinny rail like a day/night self-illuminated reflex sight, multi-purpose reflex sight with two laser pointers (Visible and Infra-Red), red dot weapon sight, x3 magnifying scope with TAVOR adaptor, day scope with x4 magnification, multi-functional night vision mini-monocular, self-illuminated reflex sight for 40mm grenade launcher and laser pointer. [March 19, 2020] CURE Media Group Reveals the 2020 CURE Calendar Contest Winners CURE Media Group, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates and research that reaches over 1 million patients, is proud to announce the winners of its 2020 CURE Calendar Contest. The 12 selected artists will have their work featured in a yearlong calendar. "Congratulations to the 12 talented artists across the United States who were hand selected to be showcased in our upcoming 2020 CURE calendar," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, parent company of CURE Media Group. "We thank every one of our readers who submitted their incredible artwork into our first-ever calendar contest and look forward to hosting this contest again next year." Selected by a panel of judges, the artwork of the 12 winners exemplifies the beauty and creativity that can arise from the challenges of the cancer experience. Created using a variety of media, the pieces served as a therapeutic outlet for the artists and will inspire all those who view them. The 2020 CURE Calendar Contest winners are the following: Anne Delano Weathersby of Chevy Chase, Md., for "Heron's Lunch." Janet Thiets of Acworth, Ga., for "Blue Jay." Michelle "Shelly" McDermott of Mashpee, Mass., for "Fields of Lace." Frank Noll of Brooklyn, N.Y., for "Another Day." Jeremy and Eva Grayzel of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., for "Jumping for Joy." Linda Bronner of Frankenmuth, Mich., for "Rebirth." Kenneth Pieti of Lathrup Village, Mich., for "Peaceful Pilots." Mark Levin of Albuquerque, N.M., for "Vivaldi Flower Petal Table." Jessica Lough of Bellingham, Wash., for "Medical Menopause." Heidi L. White-DiBella of New Bern, N.C., for "Koi Pond." Sasha S. Bialock of West Bloomfield, Mich., for "Hpe & Life." Alaina Coote of Toledo, OH, for "Summer Daze." CURE Art Gallery, click here. For more information, click here or find us on Twitter (News - Alert) @cure_magazine or on Facebook (News - Alert) @curemagazine. About CURE Media Group CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It features a full suite of media products, including the industry-leading website, CUREtoday.com; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections"; a series of widely attended live events; CURE magazine, which reaches over 1 million readers; and the dynamic website for oncology nurses, OncNursingNews.com, and its companion publication, Oncology Nursing News. CURE Media Group is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005572/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Trump administration notified Congress on March 17 that it would begin trade agreement negotiations with the East African country of Kenya. "We look forward to negotiating and concluding a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional trade agreements across Africa," said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in a statement. "Kenya is an important regional leader, a strategic partner of the United States, and a commercial hub that can provide substantial opportunities for U.S. trade and investment," he said. The Trump administration announced on February 6 its intent to start bilateral trade agreement negotiations with Kenya. President Donald Trump made the announcement after a meeting with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the White House. Under the 2015 Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, or Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the White House is required to notify and consult with Congress when embarking on trade agreement talks with other countries. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will also publish a notice in the Federal Register requesting the public's input on the direction, focus and content of the trade negotiations. In addition, within the next 30 days, USTR will publish its objectives for trade negotiations with Kenya. According to USTR, two-way goods trade between the U.S. and Kenya reached $1.1 billion last year, a 4.9% increase over 2018. Top U.S. exports to Kenya in 2019 included aircraft ($59 million), plastics ($58 million), machinery ($41 million), and cereals (wheat) ($27 million), while U.S. imports of Kenyan products last year consisted of mostly apparel ($454 million), fruit and nuts ($55 million), titanium ores and concentrates ($52 million), and coffee ($34 million), USTR said. Image Sourced from Pixabay See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. COLUMBUS, OhioOhio Chief Justice Maureen OConnor is slated to join Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, and DeWine cabinet officials at the governors daily press briefing at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. Last week, OConnor urged courts around the state not to close and disrupt services because of the coronavirus threat, and she stated that the Supreme Court itself will continue normal operations. However, with the blessing of Attorney General Dave Yost, Cuyahoga County and some other Ohio counties have moved to suspend jury trials for the time being because of the pandemic, which has infected about 230,000 people worldwide, including 88 confirmed cases in Ohio as of Wednesday. Also expected to attend the news conference are Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel McElroy, Ohio Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran, and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Kimberly Hall, according to a DeWine release. The Ohio Channel will stream the news conference live. Watch it here: Read more Ohio coronavirus coverage: Seeing ads for a coronavirus cure? Ignore them, says Ohio AG Dave Yost Voter rights groups accuse Frank LaRose of breaking the law by not extending voter registration amid coronavirus outbreak Ohio utility companies pledge not to disconnect service during coronavirus threat Ohio offers coronavirus pandemic daycare licenses for health care and emergency service workers kids As people practice social distancing and stay at home whenever possible, how we eat and shop for groceries will change over the next while. Ontarios supermarkets and food suppliers say there is no concern over food shortages, so there is no need for hoarding or panic shopping. However, as everyone buys an extra week or twos worth of food, certain ingredients such as eggs might take longer to restock. Maybe youll be lucky and hit the supermarket when the fridges are full, or maybe youll get there just as the last carton is taken. Either way, the way we normally cook finding a recipe, making a grocery list and then hitting the store might not be the most practical (or possible) thing to do now. Well have to be flexible and adapt to cooking with whats available during our limited outings; be more mindful of spending; rely more on pantry items and vegetables that wont go bad after a week; and scale down on portion sizes if were eating alone or with just one or two others. As a solution, Ive come up with three no-recipe recipes (a term I got from New York Times cooking website) that encourage improvisation in the kitchen. Ingredients can be substituted, seasoning is up to individual tastes and little equipment is needed. Think of these more as a template that you can build a meal around. Use this as an opportunity to get creative, use ingredients you havent before and try out new flavour combinations. Root vegetable hash with fresh herbs Take a starchy root vegetable potatoes, sweet potatoes or rutabaga and cut it into cubes. Saute them until tender in oil thats been seasoned with salt, pepper and any other aromatic Italian seasoning, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, whatever you please. Add in one or more umami bombs, such as chopped mushrooms, bacon, pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste or anchovies. Toss in chopped vegetables and continue to saute until tender. Add a splash of acid to balance out the saltiness some vinegar, a squeeze of lemon or even a few capers. Finish with a fistful of fresh herbs (I like parsley) or delicate salad greens, like spinach, arugula, spring mix or whatever you can find. 2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable or canola oil Salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste 2 minced garlic cloves (or 1/2 tsp jarred minced garlic or pureed garlic) 2 cups (500 mL) peeled and cubed starchy root vegetable (potato, sweet potato, rutabaga) 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) chopped mushrooms 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped pancetta, bacon or shredded prosciutto 1 cup (250 mL) chopped cabbage (or any vegetable) 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice, to taste 1 small handful parsley, roughly chopped In a medium-sized skillet, add oil, a generous pinch of salt, pepper, chili flakes and garlic. Turn on low heat. When garlic starts to sizzle, bring heat up to medium. Add root vegetables, chopped mushrooms and bacon or pancetta (if using prosciutto, add it at the end). Saute until mushrooms are browned and liquids have cooked out, root vegetable cubes are tender, and bacon or pancetta is browned, about 10 minutes. Add chopped cabbage and continue to saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Stir. Toss in parsley (and shredded prosciutto, if thats what youre using). Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Makes one serving. Ingredient notes: Rutabaga is a very versatile ingredient that has a peppery flavour similar to a turnip. Cook with them like you would with potatoes. They can be roasted, sauteed, pureed into a soup, turned into mash or even grated for salads. A raw, uncut rutabaga can be kept for months in a cool, dry place. When peeled and cut, blanch them in water for three minutes and store them in the freezer. Cabbage is another underrated vegetable that keeps longer than most greens and can be used in many dishes. Shred them for slaws; braise them with onions and garlic and top with chickpeas or any cut of meat; or saute shredded cabbage until super tender and serve with egg noodles. Garlicky egg noodles with wilted greens This follows a formula similar to the root vegetable hash, starting with egg noodles as my carb of choice, although other pastas and grains such as rice, quinoa and even steel-cut oats will work. Then I use other kinds of umami-rich ingredients to build flavour, followed by a different vegetable and acid. Once you get the hang out it, youll be able to make your own substitutions and see how different ingredients in your pantry fit into this. Its hearty enough on its own, but it can be topped with a small piece of seared fish, meat or fried egg. 1 3/4 cups egg noodles 2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable or canola oil 2 minced garlic cloves (or 1/2 tsp jarred minced garlic or pureed garlic) 1 cup (250 mL) collard greens, stems and leaves separated and chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 3 anchovy filets, chopped 2 tbsp (30 mL) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped 1 tbsp (15 mL) capers Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add noodles and cook until al dente, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and garlic. When garlic sizzles, add the collard greens stems and saute until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add leaves and continue to cook until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in anchovies and sun-dried tomatoes. Add cooked noodles and stir. Remove from heat. Toss in capers. Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Makes one serving. Ingredient notes: Collard greens, Swiss chard and kale can be used interchangeably. Most recipes throw out the stems because theyre quite tough, but theyre perfectly edible they just need a few extra minutes in the pan, so cook them for a few minutes before adding the leaves. If they start to wilt, revive them by submerging the greens in a big bowl of ice cold water for 30 minutes. Hong Kong-style macaroni soup This is a go-to comfort dish for many kids from Hong Kong. I eat it when I am jet-lagged, feeling stressed, or straight-up forgot to get groceries. Its a very simple breakfast and everything in it is made from pantry staples. In essence, its elbow macaroni cooked in broth (typically chicken) and seasoned with a bit of soy sauce. Luncheon meat, fried eggs or Spam are the usual choices of protein but I imagine a cup of chick peas sauteed in a hot pan would taste delicious as well. As for vegetables, anything can be added. My mom throws in broccoli florets to cook with the noodles, others add a handful of frozen veggies and I like to saute hearty greens such as collards in a separate pan. The dish traditionally uses macaroni, but this is the time to use the pasta shapes no one else wants at the supermarket. 2 cups (500 mL) any kind of broth, plus more as needed 1/2 cup (125 mL) water 1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup (250 mL) dry macaroni (or any short pasta shape) 1 tbsp (15 mL) any neutral-tasting oil (vegetable, canola, avocado) 1 cup (250 mL) any chopped vegetable 3 slices Spam In a small pot over medium-high heat, bring broth, water and soy sauce to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add pasta. Cook until al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add more broth if pasta absorbs too much liquid. Transfer to a serving bowl. While pasta is cooking, add oil to a small skillet over medium heat. When oil is shimmering, add vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender. Transfer to bowl of noodles. Wipe down pan and sear Spam slices until browned. Transfer to bowl and serve immediately. Makes one serving. Ingredient notes: Spam gets a bad rap in North America, but it's a staple pantry ingredient in many Asian households. We mix it with scrambled eggs to go with steamed rice, use it to make Spam musubi (Spam sushi) or at its simplest, pan-fry it to serve with instant noodles. I always have tetra packs of broth in my pantry to make a quick base for soups. They are also a more flavourful alternative to water when cooking grains. Karon Liu is a Toronto-based culture reporter for the Star. Have an ingredient you dont know how to use? Email him at karonliu@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @karonliu The Department of Agriculture has been spared a 25,000 bill to clear all horses from the lands of a farmer who escaped jail earlier this month for animal neglect. This follows a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture confirming today that there were no horses left on the lands of farmer, Martin Gerald Foley (66) of Lislanihan, Kilkee last Friday when the lands were inspected by the Department. On March 6 at Ennis Circuit Court, Mr Foley who dumped 12 carcasses from a 300 ft high spectacular west Clare cliff-top and left other animals in his control to die in excruciating pain walked free from court. Judge Gerald Keys stated that he could see no benefit in jailing Mr Foley as he is no longer a threat to animals and is no threat to society. Along with an 18 month suspended jail term on Mr Foley, Judge Keys imposed a life-time prohibition order on Mr Foley having any animals in his care. Judge Keys also directed a forfeiture order for the remaining 45 horses on Mr Foleys lands and this was to come into effect last Friday. Department of Agriculture inspector, Dr Aileen Tighe told the court that the cost of the forfeiture of the 45 horses would be 20,000 to 25,000. Last June, Judge Keys had ordered the entire removal of the then 115 horses from Mr Foleys lands and Mr Foley had undertook to reduce that to zero by the end of October. Dr Tighe told the court that the drop in the number of horses on the lands has been extremely slow and has been a drip feed of four or five horses here and there. Dr Tighe stated that in one particular location inspected on the day before Mr Foleys last court appearance on March 6th that the horses are in a slatted shed and getting very poor quality feed with a high rush content. There are some very thin animals in it. The sheds are filthy to say the least. There has been so fresh water and the horses have had to go to a field to try to drink water out of pools of water. Counsel for Mr Foley, Pat Whyms BL told the court that the number of horses on the lands is a big reduction on what was there originally. The extraordinary bad Winter has made it more difficult for him (to sell on the horses). Mr Whyms stated that Mr Foley has been doing his best and has got rid of a lot of animals and he has plans in place to sell on 27 of the horses. Mr Whyms stated that the reduction in horses will reduce Department of Agriculture costs. Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL expressed doubts that Mr Foley will further the number of horses based on the rate of horse disposal up to the court date. However a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture stated today that on checking on Friday 13th last, the Dept confirmed that there were no horses remaining on the holding, thus requiring no further action on Departments part. In court earlier this month, Judge Keys also imposed an 18 month suspended jail term on Mr Foley for 20 sample animal neglect charges out of a total of 193 charges first brought against Mr Foley to reflect the seriousness of the offences. The animal welfare charges relate to cattle and horses at locations in west Clare at Lisdeen, Lislanihan, Donoghboy, Dough and Baltard on dates between March 2014 and April 2016. A new study has provided the most comprehensive analysis of human genetic diversity to date, after the sequencing of 929 human genomes by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge and their collaborators. The study uncovers a large amount of previously undescribed genetic variation and provides new insights into our evolutionary past, highlighting the complexity of the process through which our ancestors diversified, migrated and mixed throughout the world. The resource, published in Science (20 March), is the most detailed representation of the genetic diversity of worldwide populations to date. It is freely available to all researchers to study human genetic diversity, including studies of genetic susceptibility to disease in different parts of the world. The consensus view* of human history tells us that the ancestors of present-day humans diverged from the ancestors of extinct Neanderthal and Denisovan groups around 500,000-700,000 years ago, before the emergence of 'modern' humans in Africa in the last few hundred thousand years. Around 50,000-70,000 years ago, some humans expanded out of Africa and soon after mixed with archaic Eurasian groups. After that, populations grew rapidly, with extensive migration and mixture as many groups transitioned from hunter-gatherers to food producers over the last 10,000 years. This study is the first to apply the latest high-quality sequencing technology to such a large and diverse set of humans, covering 929 genomes from 54 geographically, linguistically and culturally diverse populations from across the globe. The sequencing and analysis of these genomes, which are part of the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP)-CEPH panel**, now provides unprecedented detail of our genetic history. The team found millions of previously unknown DNA variations that are exclusive to one continental or major geographical region. Though most of these were rare, they included common variations in certain African and Oceanian populations that had not been identified by previous studies. Variations such as these may influence the susceptibility of different populations to disease. However, medical genetics studies have so far predominantly been conducted in populations of European ancestry, meaning that any medical implications that these variants might have are not known. Identifying these novel variants represents a first step towards fully expanding the study of genomics to underrepresented populations. However, no single DNA variation was found to be present in 100 per cent of genomes from any major geographical region while being absent from all other regions. This finding underlines that the majority of common genetic variation is found across the globe. Dr Anders Bergstrom, of the Francis Crick Institute and an alumnus of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "The detail provided by this study allows us to look deeper into human history, particularly inside Africa where less is currently known about the timescale of human evolution. We find that the ancestors of present-day populations diversified through a gradual and complex process mostly during the last 250,000 years, with large amounts of gene flow between these early lineages. But we also see evidence that small parts of human ancestries trace back to groups that diversified much earlier than this." Helene Blanche, Head of the Biological Resource Centre at the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) in Paris, France, said: "The Human Genome Diversity Project resource has facilitated many new discoveries about human history in the past two decades. It is exciting to see that with the latest genomic sequencing technology, these genomes will continue to help us understand our species and how we have evolved." The study also provides evidence that the Neanderthal ancestry of modern humans can be explained by just one major 'mixing event', most likely involving several Neanderthal individuals coming into contact with modern humans shortly after the latter had expanded out of Africa. In contrast, several different sets of DNA segments inherited from Denisovans were identified in people from Oceania and East Asia, suggesting at least two distinct mixing events. The discovery of small amounts of Neanderthal DNA in west African people, most likely reflecting later genetic backflow into Africa from Eurasia, further highlights how human genetic history is characterised by multiple layers of complexity. Until recently, it was thought that only people outside sub-Saharan Africa had Neanderthal DNA. Dr Chris Tyler-Smith, recently retired from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "Though this resource is just the beginning of many avenues of research, already we can glimpse several tantalising insights into human history. It will be particularly important for better understanding human evolution in Africa, as well as facilitating medical research for the full diversity of human ancestries." ### Contact details: Dr Matthew Midgley Press Office Wellcome Sanger Institute Cambridge, CB10 1SA Phone: 01223 494856 Email: press.office@sanger.ac.uk Notes to Editors: * For a summary of the current consensus on human evolution, see Nielsen et al. (2017). Tracing the peopling of the world through genomics. Nature. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28102248 **The Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP)-CEPH panel is a collection of cell lines from diverse human populations for use in human genetic history and medical research. The DNA is available to the scientific community involved in population genetic studies. Cell lines and DNA are held at the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) in Paris. http://www.cephb.fr/en/hgdp_panel.php#presentation Publication: Anders Bergstrom, Shane McCarthy and Ruoyun Hui et al. (2020). Insights into human genetic variation and population history from 929 diverse genomes. Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay5012 Note to journalists: Please contact the publisher scipak@aaas.org for copies of the paper. We cannot provide them prior to the embargo. Funding: This study was funded by Wellcome and the Francis Crick Institute. Selected websites: The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases. An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London. The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a brand new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under a single roof in Europe. http://crick.ac.uk/ [crick.ac.uk] About the University of Cambridge The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. To date, 107 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize. Founded in 1209, the University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges, which admit undergraduates and provide small-group tuition, and 150 departments, faculties and institutions. Cambridge is a global university. Its 19,000 student body includes 3,700 international students from 120 countries. Cambridge researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established larger-scale partnerships in Asia, Africa and America. The University sits at the heart of the 'Cambridge cluster', which employs 60,000 people and has in excess of 12 billion in turnover generated annually by the 4,700 knowledge-intensive firms in and around the city. The city publishes 341 patents per 100,000 residents. http://www.cam.ac.uk [cam.ac.uk] The Wellcome Sanger Institute The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. We undertake large-scale research that forms the foundations of knowledge in biology and medicine. We are open and collaborative; our data, results, tools and technologies are shared across the globe to advance science. Our ambition is vast - we take on projects that are not possible anywhere else. We use the power of genome sequencing to understand and harness the information in DNA. Funded by Wellcome, we have the freedom and support to push the boundaries of genomics. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth. Find out more at http://www.sanger.ac.uk or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and on our Blog. About Wellcome Wellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive. We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. We are a politically and financially independent foundation. https://wellcome.ac.uk/ R io de Janeiro's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated in a spectacular show of solidarity with those grappling the Covid-19 pandemic. Footage shows a patchwork of flags from countries hit by the coronavirus being projected onto the 38-metre tall figure on Wednesday evening. The light-show, which also featured images of continents and the hashtag #praytogether beamed onto the soapstone marvel in an array of languages, coincided with a service held by Rios Catholic archdiocese in honour of the victims of the virus around the world. More than 220,000 cases of coronavirus have now been recorded globally, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University, causing 9,115 deaths. Social media users including Albanian President Ilir Meta, whose country has recorded more than 60 cases of coronavirus, praised the display as "beautiful" and "hopeful". Perched atop Rio's Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer has dominated the Brazilian city's skyline since its completion in 1931 and last year attracted almost two million visitors. However, amid the ongoing turmoil unleashed by Covid-19 the statue was closed to the public on Tuesday and is scheduled to remain shuttered for at least a week. In Brazil, authorities have confirmed more than 500 cases of the virus, including two government ministers. Four people have died. President Jair Bolsonaro, who has previously dismissed precautions taken against the novel coronavirus as "hysteria", has been widely rebuked for his response to the deadly outbreak. Bolsonaro has been tested for the virus twice. He said both tests returned a negative result. Pakistan occupied Kashmir government has imposed a ban on the arrival of tourists into the region till March 31 as a precautionary measure to deal with the threat of novel coronavirus in the region lacking effective medical services. In addition, the region has closed all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, medical colleges, technical and vocational institutions, universities -- government and private, Pakistan Today reported. The pandemic sets alarm bells ringing among the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, given that the health care of the region is already in shambles and new disease of such magnitude can trigger the destruction of uncounted proportions. The region reported its first case of coronavirus on Wednesday, involving a 45-year-old man who arrived in Mirpur from the Taftan border. The outbreak of the disease in China earlier this year had triggered a series of protests in the PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, with demonstrators demanding the sealing of Khunjareb pass. China uses Khunjareb pass, which is a part of its flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, for the supply of its businesses and the expansion of its trade in the Islamabad initially did not feel the need to close the borders, even when China had already reported thousands of cases of coronavirus, and knowing that the Chinese workers were employed the CPEC projects in Gilgit Baltistan. Ironically, PoK "President" Sardar Masood Khan has urged India to allow international health organisations and medical experts' entry into Jammu and Kashmir to help diagnose and treat COVID-19 patients. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain's death toll from the coronavirus epidemic soared by 209 to 767 fatalities from the previous day. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country climbed by a quarter to 17,147 today, Spain's health ministry said. On Wednesday there were 13,716 cases in Spain, according to official figures. Two crematoriums in Madrid have reported started operating 24 hours a day to deal with the surge in deaths. According to El Mundo, both crematoriums are operating with a 48-hour delay due to the huge number of dead bodies in the Spanish capital. Spanish authorities have also transformed a four-star Madrid hotel into a medical care facility to treat people with mild cases of coronavirus. In a bid to ease pressure on hospitals grappling with the pandemic, regional authorities in the capital, the area of Spain hardest-hit by the outbreak, said today they plan to re-purpose more hotels over the coming days to treat coronavirus patients. A health worker wearing a face mask entering the Gran hotel Colon in Madrid, the first hotel that was transformed into a medical facility to treat the least serious cases of coronavirus A health worker wearing face mask speaking to a woman at the entrance of the Gran hotel Colon in Madrid today Paramedics wearing protective suits arriving with a patient (not pictured) to Gran Hotel Colon hotel, that began to host coronavirus patients with mild symptoms This will help 'alleviate the pressure' on hospitals which are starting to become overcrowded and free up beds for more seriously ill patients, the regional government of Madrid said in a statement. Ambulances transported patients to the 359-room Gran Hotel Colon, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Gregorio Maranon hospital, one of the Spanish capital's biggest. The hotel is made up of two buildings which are linked by a large garden and art gallery. Medical staff wearing white protective suits, face masks and gloves then began escorting patients inside the building under the glare of TV cameras which were kept at a distance. Another four-star Madrid hotel, the Marriott Auditorium, is scheduled to start receiving patients on Friday. Hoteliers have offered regional authorities the use of a total of 40 hotels in the Madrid region with 9,000 beds to treat coronavirus patients, according to Madrid's main hotel association. The hotels will be used to house patients 'whose symptoms require medical attention without the need to be hospitalised, both at the start of the disease as well as during the final phase,' the regional government statement said. Doctors and paramedics were seen standing behind the entrance doors of the Gran hotel Colon in Madrid today Spain announced today deaths due to the coronavirus had risen about 30 per cent over the past 24 hours to 767 A policeman hangs a placard reading 'Restricted entry' in front of the main entrance of the Gran hotel Colon today Spain on Thursday announced that deaths from the novel coronavirus had jumped by nearly 30 percent over the past 24 hours to 767, while the total number of confirmed cases of the disease jumped by around 25 percent to 17,147. Madrid accounts for 40 per cent of the total infections in Spain and two-thirds of the deaths. Spain has the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases of the virus in the word after China, Italy and Iran and many of its hotels are being emptied by the pandemic. Yesterday British tourists were told to leave Spain within days after the Spanish government announced that all hotels would close from next Tuesday. The Foreign Office warned British travellers to 'make travel plans to return as soon as possible' after Madrid announced the shutdown. Holidaymakers are urged to 'contact their tour operator or airline as soon as possible' to make arrangements to fly home. Spain has imposed a near-total lockdown and banned people from leaving their homes except to go to work, buy food or receive medical care. Two paramedics protected with masks leaving La Paz hospital in Madrid today. Spain's death toll from the coronavirus surged today A total of 17,147 people have contracted the disease in Spain, it was announced today, a roughly 25 per cent increase over the previous day 'The Spanish government have confirmed that all hotels will close in Spain from Tuesday 24 March,' the FCO said in a statement. 'We therefore advise British travellers in Spain to contact their tour operator or airline as soon as possible, to arrange their return journey home before this date.' The outbreak in Spain has become the worst in Europe outside Italy, with more than 13,700 people infected and 598 dead. Britons made nearly 19million visits to Spain last year, and many British expats live in the country, meaning many holiday plans are likely to be ruined by the outbreak. Other British tourists are facing a similar struggle to get home from countries including Morocco and Cyprus. Holidaymakers struggling to return home have accused airlines of leaving them stranded and demanding extortionate fees. Tom Widdall, who is in Morocco with his heavily pregnant girlfriend, was due to fly home from Agadir to Manchester on Saturday, but his easyJet flight was cancelled. Spanish soldiers stand guard in Puerta del Sol in the capital Madrid, where the Spanish government has ordered a shutdown of all hotels He said he has been unable to get on to an earlier flight and claimed he has been 'abandoned by easyJet and abandoned by the embassy'. EasyJet told passengers it is 'doing all we can to assist'. Spain has declared a state of alert, shutting all but essential services and ordering its population of 46 million people to stay at home. People are only allowed to go out to buy food or medicine, to go to work or to get medical treatment. Fines for breaching the rules can be up to 30,000 euros (27,200) and a public address system is reinforcing the message in Spanish, Catalan, English and German. Madrid remains the worst-hit area, accounting for 5,637 cases, or 41 percent of the infections in Spain, while the death toll there rose to 390 - around two-thirds of the national total. The number of infections could well be higher, because Spain - like many other countries - has been struggling with a shortage of testing kits. Military personnel disinfect streets in Santiago de Compostela today during the lockdown in Spain In Madrid alone, the health authorities said they were in touch with more than 20,000 patients by phone. Health minister Fernando Simon said on Tuesday that the patients interviewed were a mixture of 'confirmed and suspected' cases. Spain is now set to receive a new batch of testing kits, meaning medics will 'run tests on anyone showing symptoms,' the health minister said today. The minister warned it could 'substantially increase' the number of positive cases. Earlier, prime minister Pedro Sanchez warned that the virus had not yet peaked in Spain in an address to a nearly-empty parliament. 'The worst is yet to come, as our health system feels the impact of caring for such a huge number of infected people, as the days of isolation drag on, when we feel the economic impact' of the pandemic, he said. 'I am asking you to make sacrifices but I'm also calling for unity... it is what we have to do to save many lives,' he said. Sanchez's government officially declared the 15-day state of emergency on Saturday. It is only the second such declaration since the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The other time was during a 2010 air traffic controllers' strike. The Foreign Office is now advising against all but essential international travel, including to Spain, because of the coronavirus outbreak. Victoria will face the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-June, on present trends, with thousands of patients expected to need intensive care within 12 weeks. Premier Daniel Andrews said the forecast was based on the present campaign of social distancing having a "moderate degree of success" as he announced $437 million in spending on ventilators, oxygen machines and other vital equipment to fight the illness. Reporters are kept at a safe distance from Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jenny Mikakos on Thursday morning. Credit:Joe Armao An extra 129 hospital beds will be added to the public health system as the government prepares for 45,000 more emergency department visits, 5000 hospital admissions and 2000 patients needing intensive care. The announcement came as the government confirmed 29 new cases in Victoria overnight, bringing the total to 150, with six in hospital and none in intensive care. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Artwork by KYLE BECK The coronavirus pandemic is shutting down in-person interactions all over Albuquerque and New Mexico. Our usual monthly meeting of the Albuquerque Death Cafe at the Manzano del Sol Village is on hold for the duration of this crisis. However, we have the technology to hold the ABQ Death Cafe online! Join us via Zoom, or on the phone, for relaxed conversation designed To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. The online Death Cafe will take place on Sunday, March 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Join in the conversation via this link. If the technology is intimidating, you can join the conversation by phone. Call this number and enter the code, followed by the # sign: 1 (346) 248-7799, code 498453870#. At Death Cafe events, people come together in a relaxed, confidential and safe setting to discuss death while eating delicious food and drinks. Its an interesting, unstructured conversation thats open and free-flowing with no specific agenda. Prepare to settle in with your own cup of tea or coffee, and a nourishing snack. Learn more about the worldwide Death Cafe movement here. Share this: American Airlines has taken out a $1billion loan and slashed 55,000 flights for April as the company president warned staff 'we are in the fight of our lives' amid the coronavirus pandemic. The airline has taken out the loan 'to strengthen our balance sheet' as it expects 'demand to fall even more before it gets better,' President Robert Isom said in an email sent to staff on Thursday. Isom warned staff there would be tough times ahead as the airline industry continues to be hammered by falling bookings. 'This is a crisis unlike any we've faced in the past. Together, we will continue to be aggressive on all fronts so that we ensure American's future is intact,' he said. American Airlines has taken out a $1billion loan and slashed 55,000 flights for April as the company president warned staff 'we are in the fight of our lives' amid the coronavirus pandemic 'While these steps are unparalleled in our history, we expect demand to fall even more before it gets better. More network reductions are being worked in real-time as we see bookings decline,' said Isom. He urged staff to work together to fight the 'common enemy'. 'We are in the fight of our lives, and we will win. Now is the time to come together and rally against a common enemy. The spread of COVID-19 stops with all of us following CDC guidelines, practicing social distancing and educating ourselves with facts. Likewise, our future starts with all of us providing essential air service to keep our country moving, taking care of each other and our customers, and building for a brighter day.' The airline has taken out a $1billion loan 'to strengthen our balance sheet' as it faces 'a crisis unlike any we've faced in the past', President Robert Isom (above) said in an email sent to staff on Thursday The news of the loan was confirmed in a regulatory filling which showed the ailing business had secured the new year-long credit line, taking its available liquidity to $8.4billion. Under the agreement, American must maintain a minimum aggregate liquidity of $2billion, according to Reuters. Just hours earlier, the airline had announced plans to ground nearly half of its fleet and said that it would be slashing 55,000 flights scheduled for April. The flight cuts include a 75% drop in international flights and 30% drop in domestic flights in April, with further cuts in the pipeline for May. Rows of empty seats on an American Airline flight Thursday, the same day it announced plans to ground nearly half of its fleet and said that it would be slashing 55,000 flights scheduled for April People walk near the American Airlines gates at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on March 18: The drastic steps to salvage the US firm come as flight attendants slammed the airline for offering its pilots paid leave but not them Additionally 130 of its widebody aircraft and 320 narrowbody aircraft will be grounded in April. The drastic steps to salvage the US firm come as flight attendants slammed the airline for offering its pilots paid leave but not them. As the company looks to make cuts by getting staff to take a voluntary leave of absence, pilots have been given three options including unpaid leave of absence of up to 12 months; permanent leave of absence, and paid short-term leave of absence of up to six months where they will get paid for 55 hours a month. Flight attendants meanwhile have two options - both fully unpaid. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents all 26,000 flight attendants at American, sent a letter to the the firm expressing that its staff were 'highly offended' by decisions around pay at this challenging time. The number of coronavirus cases in the US has dramatically increased in the last two weeks 'We are highly offended that the company offered the pilot group financial benefits for two of the pilot options and would not consider the same for our group. This is a slap in the face for our members who are keeping this airline in the air and it severely underestimates our relevance during this or any crisis,' the letter from Lori Bassani, the association's president wrote. Pilot salaries typically dwarf that of flight attendants, with the average base pay of a pilot in the US standing at $80,290 a year, according to jobsite Indeed. Flight attendants earn on average less than half, at $35,012. Other airlines have resorted to similarly drastic measures to try to stay afloat. Norwegian Air said last Thursday that it was temporarily laying off up to half of its employees due to the coronavirus outbreak. Virgin Atlantic axed 80 percent of its flights and told staff they must take eight weeks unpaid leave over the next three months if the business is to survive. United also announced corporate officers' salaries would be cut by 50 percent because of 'the severity of the situation. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker (second from right) with President Donald Trump (left) at a coronavirus briefing earlier in the month. The industry has urged the government to step in and provide federal aid for airlines at this time The airline industry has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Customer demand for flights have plummeted, forcing the world's major airlines to reduce their services near-on every day. The issue is accelerating by the hour as nations continue to close their borders and ban flights to some areas to try to reduce the spread of the deadly virus which has so far killed over 9,000 worldwide. The US travel ban extended to include the UK - alongside the rest of Europe - this week, while United, Delta and Virgin have all drastically slashed their flight schedules and placing passenger planes into storage. Industry group, Airlines for America, has estimated that the nation's seven largest airlines will run out of money completely between June and the end of the year. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday the spread of coronavirus 'is worse than 9/11' for the industry. The industry has urged the government to step in and provide federal aid for airlines at this time. President Trump made a show support Wednesday when he signed a multi-billion dollar coronavirus bailout bill into law, including a $50 billion package to support the airline industry. Trump said Wednesday that airlines would be 'No. 1' to receive government relief during the pandemic. Francis invites us to pray for prisoners who are suffering particularly in this epidemic. Joseph, "a 'just man', that is, a man of faith". "Our faithful, our bishops, our priests, our consecrated men and women, the popes: are they capable of entering into mystery?". Invitation to spiritual communion. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A prayer for prisoners - who suffer from the uncertainty of the future and concern for their loved ones - and an invitation to spiritual communion, given the impossibility of going to mass, marked Mass today celebrated by Pope Francis at Casa Santa Marta, on the seventh anniversary of the beginning of his Petrine ministry. In introducing the Mass, Francis prayed for those detained in this moment of emergency. We pray today for our brothers and sisters who are in prison, he said. They suffer a lot, he continued, because of the uncertainty of what's happening inside the prison. They are also thinking of their families and how they are doing, some of them are sick, wondering if they need anything. Lets be near those in prison today. They are suffering a lot during this uncertain and painful moment. His homily focused on the saint whose Solemnity the Church celebrates today: St Joseph. Pope Francis began his homily characterizing Joseph as a just man. He was just not only because he believed, but because he lived that faith, the Pope said. The Popes words about Josephs vocation were truly touching:He was chosen to educate a man who was true man, but who was also God. Only God could have educated such a person, but there wasn't someone like that. The Lord chose a just man, a man of faith, a man who was capable of being a man, and also capable of speaking with God, of entering into God's mystery. This was Joseph life. The Pope reminded us how Joseph was a very precise man. In his profession as a carpenter, he was so precise that he could shave wood, or adjust an angle within a millimeter of perfection. Pope Francis said that he entered into the mystery with the same precision and naturalness with which he approached his carpentry. He was precise, but also able to enter into the mystery that he could not control. This is Josephs holiness. Even when the Gospel talks about Josephs dreams it makes us understand that he had entered into the mystery, Pope Francis added. The Popes thoughts then turned to the Church of which St Joseph is the Patron. Are the members of the Church, including Popes, capable of entering into the mystery? he asked. "Are they capable of entering into the mystery, or do they need to be in control through rules and regulations which defend them against what they cannot control? When the Church loses the possibility of entering into the mystery, she loses the ability to adore. Adoration happens only when one enters into God's mystery. The Pope said that without entering into the mystery, there is only half a Church, a pious association that operates with rules and regulations. Let's ask the Lord for this grace, Pope Francis prayed at the conclusion of his homily. May the Church live in the concreteness of everyday life and also in that concreteness of the mystery. Entering into the mystery is not about dreaming. Entering into the mystery is precisely this: to adore. Entering into the mystery is doing today what we will do in the future. When we will have arrived in God's presence: adore. May the Lord grant His Church this grace. Before concluding the mass, the Pope urged spiritual communion in this difficult time for the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused a suspension of Mass with the participation of the faithful in Italy to avoid any contagion. "All those who are far away - he said - and follow the Mass on television, I invite you to spiritual communion: At your feet, O my Jesus, I bow down and offer you the repentance of my contrite heart that lowers itself in its nothingness and in Your holy presence. I adore you in the Sacrament of Your love, I wish to receive you in the poor abode that my heart offers you. In anticipation of the happiness of sacramental communion, I want to possess you in Spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, that I may come to you. May Your love inflame my whole being, for life and death. I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you. So be it". The Supreme Court Thursday directed the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to convene a special session tomorrow for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud also ordered video recording and possible live streaming of the Assembly proceedings when the Kamal Nath led Congress government would undertake the floor test. The bench, also comprising Justice Hemant Gupta, directed the police chiefs of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to provide security to the 16 rebel Congress MLAs if they choose to appear in Assembly for trust vote. The bench also ordered that the Assembly will have a single point agenda of the floor test and no hindrance is to be created for anyone. It asked the state Assembly Secretary to ensure that there is no breach of law and order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Web Toolbar by Wibiya OC Transpo has sought to provide leadership in preventing the spread of the Coronavirus. This includes the cleaning of buses and preventing passengers getting too close to drivers by requiring rear door entry. So, why aren't they allowing passengers to freely open bus windows like the STO in Gatineau? A recent article in the Ottawa Citizen asserts that COVID-19 can stay in the air after a person sneezes of coughs for up to three hours! When we attempted to reach the General Manager to discuss the situation they were not available. It's up to members of the public to demand further protections from OC Transpo by allowing passengers to open their windows to enable buses to have proper air circulation. You could get infected with COVID-19 from a person you haven't even seen if OC Transpo continues to lock-up its windows! Scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, attempted to mimic the virus deposited from an infected person onto everyday surfaces in a household or hospital setting, such as through coughing or touching objects. The tests show that when the virus is carried by the droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, it remains viable, or able to still infect people, in aerosols for at least three hours. M aya Jamas attempts to recreate Italys heart-warming balcony chorus have rather unfortunately hit a bum note. The 25-year-old took to her own balcony to see if she could rouse her neighbours into joining her as she belted out I Still Believe by Brenda K Starr, as people were encouraged to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak. But as the DJ and television presenter wrapped up warm in a fluffy coat and raised a glass of red wine to the opposite block of flats, she was left to sing on her own with only a neighbours cat to watch her. Posting the hilarious moment on both her Twitter and Instagram pages, Jama captioned the clip: Tried to lighten the quarantine mood and have a sing song but the neighbours aint on it. 12 of Maya Jama's best looks 1 /16 12 of Maya Jama's best looks February 2018 At the 2018 BRIT Awards February 2018 At Philipp Plein's show in NYC Getty Images for Maybelline New York February 2018 At the Maybelline New York x V Magazine Party at the Nomo Soho Hotel in NYC Getty Images for Maybelline New York February 2018 At the InStyle EE Rising Star BAFTAs pre party VRB / Splash News January 2018 At the National Television Awards Getty Images January 2018 The BRIT Awards 2018 nominations photocall John Phillips/Getty Images November 2017 At the MOBO Awards Getty Images November 2017 At the MTV EMAs 2017 Getty Images for MTV October 2017 At the BAFTA Breakthrough Brits reception held at Burberry Getty Images September 2017 At the 'Mother!' UK premiere Getty Images September 2017 At the GQ Men of the Year Awards Brett D. Cove / Splash News February 2017 At the Universal Music pre-BRIT Award party Getty Images The moment comes after Italy captured worldwide attention after clips of people singing to each other as they were isolated went viral. Their singing has since inspired a number of celebrities to pay tribute to Italy as it remains in quarantine. U2 frontman Bono dedicated new song Let Your Love Be Known to the nation, adding it was for anyone who was in a tight spot and still singing. Celebrities reacting to coronavirus - In pictures 1 /34 Celebrities reacting to coronavirus - In pictures Gigi Hadid with boyfriend Zayn Malik and sister Bella during her quarantined 25th birthday celebration Instagram / @gigihadid Joe Jonas and Sophia Turner have turned their isolation boredom into hilarious TikTok content TikTok Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie have been very active on TikTok TikTok Gigi Hadid celebrated her 25th birthday with family while in quarantine Instagram / @gigihadid Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have been able to enjoy time with their kids Instagram / @chrissyteigen Katy Perry recorded herself for American Idol in a life sized hand sanitizer bottle Instagram / @katyperry Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were the first celebrities to have a confirmed case and kept us updated on their recovery journey on Twitter and Instagram Instagram / @tomhanks Demi Moore and Bruce Willis in matching pajamas with their daughter and her boyfriend Instagram / @buuski Kaia Gerber adopted a puppy to keep her company Instagram / @kaiagerber Helena Christensen has been having her son take glam Instagram photos for her Instagram Brooklyn Beckham in quarantine with his girlfriend Nicola Peltz Instagram Matthew McConaughey played virtual bingo with seniors The Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living/Facebook Kim Kardashian on a flight wearing a face mask and gloves @kimkardashian Naomi Campbell preparing for a flight @naomi Gwyneth Paltrow wearing a facemask during a plane ride @gwynethpaltrow Bella Hadid wearing a face mask on a plane @bellahadid Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas @sophiet Sebastian Stan on a plane in protective gear @sebastianstan Naomi Campbell preparing for a flight @naomi Nicole Scherzinger with Thom Evans @nicolescherzinger Idris Elba announced on Twitter that he had tested positive for coronavirus @idriselba Robbie Williams greets fans with elbow bumps Getty Images Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie have been very active on TikTok TikTok Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie have been very active on TikTok TikTok Joe Jonas and Sophia Turner have turned their isolation boredom into hilarious TikTok content TikTok Katy Perry has taken to dressing up in outlandish costumes Instagram / @katyperry A host of Hollywood A-Listers, including Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan and Amy Adams, have also grouped together to cover John Lennons classic hit Imagine. Europe has been dubbed the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, with 2,626 cases of the deadly Covid-19 strain confirmed in the UK and 103 deaths. Producers Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon, who adapted their thriller Homeland from the Israeli series Prisoners of War (Hatufim), have planted a time bomb under its eighth and final season. When the 12-episode swansong began, CIA officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) had just been released from a Russian prison. During her incarceration, shed been interrogated and denied the medication she needed for her bipolar disorder. Her memories of the time in jail are hazy, shrouded in shadow, returning in jarring fragments. She doesnt know what she said or did and large chunks of her time are lost or at least temporarily forgotten. So this fierce heroine, a relentless fighter for her country, has now become even more unreliable. Carrie has always been a maverick: impulsive, reckless, erratic. But also really good at her job, the kind of agent who spots things that others miss. Not one to follow orders, shes both a loose cannon and a valuable weapon for her country. Now her time in Russia threatens to affect her, and her work, in myriad ways. Claire Danes plays CIA agent Carrie Mathison in Homeland, the final season of which is airing now. Credit:Sifeddine Elamine/Showtime As shes gone about her business, cutting short her convalescence and returning to the frontlines at the behest of her boss, mentor, friend and father figure, Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin), Homeland has continued to explore the murky operations of the international intelligence community: the allegiances, the betrayals, the compromises negotiated in order to secure desired outcomes. And at its core have always been issues of loyalty: to people, to institutions, to countries. On the other side of the coin have been treachery and deception. Kiganda.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 25 Jun 2014, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. The total number of people who shared the kiganda homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the kiganda homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the kiganda homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the kiganda homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if kiganda has a Facebook fan page). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the kiganda homepage on Twitter + the total number of kiganda followers (if kiganda has a Twitter account). Basic Information PAGE TITLE Dot5Hosting DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS about, hosting products, about us, this site, site is, contact us, dot5hosting The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE CHARSET AND LANGUAGE ISO-8859-1 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2 OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services. The language of kiganda.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Operative System running on the server. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for kiganda.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The type of Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB) (the Corporation or DIV) announced today that in response to the evolving circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, that Mr. Mikes Restaurants Corporation (Mr. Mikes) has proactively closed all of its dining rooms and bars across Canada on a temporary basis effective today, but will continue to provide take-out and delivery offerings, where possible. The duration of the temporary dining room and bar closures is not yet known and will continue until further notice. By closing its dining rooms and bars to guests, Mr. Mikes is doing its part to help flatten the curve through the reduction of group gatherings and increased social distancing consistent with public health authority protocols while also supporting Canadians by continuing to provide take-out and delivery offerings, where possible, during these challenging times. About Diversified Royalty Corp. DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIVs objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors. DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube, AIR MILES, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door and Oxford Learning Centres trademarks. Mr. Lube is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES is Canadas largest coalition loyalty program with approximately two-thirds of Canadian households actively participating in the AIR MILES Program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes currently operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is one of North Americas fastest growing home care providers with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canadas leading franchised supplemental education services in Canada and the United States. Story continues DIV intends to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to pay a predictable and stable dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend as cash flow per share increases allow. Forward - Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, intend, may, will, project, should, believe, confident, plan and intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: the temporary closure of Mr. Mikes dining rooms and bars, the duration of such closures and the current continuation of take-out and delivery offerings during such closures, where possible; and DIVs intention to pay a predictable and stable dividend to shareholders, and DIVs other corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such forward-looking information. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular there can be no assurance that: Mr. Mikes restaurants will be able to continue to provide delivery and take-out options during the temporary closure of its dining rooms and bars; that all Mr. Mikes restaurants will reopen following the temporary closures, or the timing thereof; that sales will recover within a reasonable period of time following the end of the temporary closures, or at all; DIV and its royalty partners will not be further adversely impacted directly, or indirectly, by economic or socioeconomic conditions related to the spread or perceived risk of the spread of COVID-19. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIVs business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the Risk Factors section of its Annual Information Form dated March 18, 2020 a copy of which is available under DIVs profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that Mr. Mikes will be able to continue to provide take-out and delivery services; DIV and its royalty partners will be able to reasonably manage the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on their respective businesses. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that it will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Additional Information Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Contact: Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer Diversified Royalty Corp. (604) 235-3146 Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions Diversified Royalty Corp. (604) 235-3146 The city, with a population of seven million, has avoided total shutdowns, even as the virus peaked in mainland China. But this week Hong Kong moved to tighten its borders as it recorded a significant uptick in infections, most of them imported. The authorities are investigating five cases linked to Lan Kwai Fong, a nightlife area that is thronged with expatriates on weekends. Many of those who recently returned to China might have predicted just such a cluster. They see in the United States and Europe a greater urge to go it alone and studies have found that Americans and Europeans tend to focus on the individual rather than whats interconnected. Ms. Lyu, 24, and her roommate in New York, Tianran Qian, 23 who flew back to their homes in Hangzhou, in eastern China said they found the American response disorienting. They had both been reading about outbreak clusters around the world for weeks, and for a time they stayed inside and wore masks as they would have at home. But their American friends continued to socialize, describing the virus as little more than the flu. On your phone, you see whats happening around the world, in Japan and Korea, and when you go into real life, people act as if its a normal day, Ms. Lyu said, describing what it was like in New York before she left. They either dont get it or they just ignore it, Ms. Qian said. People were so indifferent. At home in China, they said, they felt safer. They self-quarantined in their rooms, with their parents leaving food and novels at their bedroom doors. Their groceries were delivered and even their trash was collected and treated by hospital employees in hazmat suits. Everything was planned, Ms. Lyu said. We dont have to worry about everything. Australians have selected their most trusted brands with hardware store Bunnings Warehouse topping the list. The survey released by Roy Morgan on Monday also saw customers choose German supermarket Aldi over Woolworths and Coles. The brand Australians found to be the least trustworthy was Facebook, followed by Telstra. Australia has chosen hardware store Bunnings Warehouse as it's most trusted brand in a recent survey The survey found the big four banks all scored poorly but Bendigo and Adelaide Bank were found to be the tenth most trustworthy brand overal All the big four banks were found in the top ten most distrusted brands but in stark comparison Bendigo and Adelaide Bank were the tenth most trusted overall. The survey is based on interviews with over 1,000 people every month that collectively ranks brands and industries based on trust. Of the 25 industries surveyed the mining sector was found to be the least trustworthy with telecommunications and the media following close behind. News Corp was found to be the fifth least trustworthy brand in Australia while comparatively the ABC was the sixth most trusted brand. German supermarket Aldi was more trusted with customers over existing giants Woolworths and Coles The survey is based on interviews with over 1,000 people every month that collectively ranks brands and industries based on trust The retail sector was found to be the most trusted industry followed by supermarkets and consumer products. While the automotive industry was found to be fifth most trusted industry overall, Australians held a deep distrust of Holden for shutting down local manufacturing and Volkswagen for its emissions scandal. Centrelink was also found to be deeply distrusted by the Australian public, along with federal and state governments in general. Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said trust is an underappreciated factor that directly impacts success. 'For brands and businesses, it leads directly to customer churn, loss of market share, and a plummeting share price in the case of AMP a 70 percent share-price drop and $2 billion of lost value,' she said. Of the 25 industries surveyed the mining sector was found to be the least trustworthy with telecommunications and the media following close behind By Aaron Sheldrick TOKYO (Reuters) - Oil prices surged as much as nearly 20% on Thursday, bouncing back from days of heavy losses in a relief rally that may yet be short-lived, analysts warned, but which was stoked by economic stimulus efforts to ward off a global coronavirus recession. By Aaron Sheldrick TOKYO (Reuters) - Oil prices surged as much as nearly 20% on Thursday, bouncing back from days of heavy losses in a relief rally that may yet be short-lived, analysts warned, but which was stoked by economic stimulus efforts to ward off a global coronavirus recession. Brent crude was up $2.10, or 8%, at $26.98 a barrel by 0028 GMT after tumbling 13% on Wednesday in a third day of relentless selling. U.S. oil gained $3.44, or 17%, to $23.81 a barrel after slumping nearly 25% in the previous session. "After a 24% crash, oil prices are firming up on some selling exhaustion and as U.S. and European leaders unleash ... aid and stimulus," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York. In the latest move by a central bank to try to halt the spiralling economic and financial crisis sparked by the coronavirus epidemic, the European Central Bank kicked off a 750 billion euro ($820 billion) emergency bond purchase scheme after an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday. Still, the spread of coronavirus showing no sign of abating. Countries on every continent have resorted to drastic lockdowns, steps to try to tame a virus that has now infected more than 200,000 people worldwide, killing more than 8,000, with a major global recession in prospect. OANDA's Moya cautioned that the selling could start again in oil markets. "A bottom for oil is not in place, but we could finally see some stabilisation if financial markets can maintain a somewhat constructive tone with all the stimulus that is about to hit," he said. (Reporting by Aaron Sheldrick; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Two new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Mumbai on Thursday morning. The total number of confirmed cases in Maharashtra has now risen to 47. One of the new cases is a 22-year-old female from Mumbai who has a travel history to the UK while the other is a 49-year-old female from Ulhas Nagar who had recently traveled to Dubai. Earlier, Chandigarh had reported its first case of coronavirus, the patient is a 23-year-old woman who had recently traveled to the UK. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has now reached 168. Thirty-two foreign nationals are also among the cases reported in India, these include 17 from Italy, seven from Indonesia, three from the Philippines, two from the UK and one each from Canada and Singapore. Only 16 people have been treated for the coronavirus and have discharged from the hospitals, these include the three people who were treated in Kerala last month. So far, three people in the country have died due to the deadly virus, a 64-year-old man in Maharashtra, a 76-year-old man in Karnataka and a 68-year-old woman in the national capital. Currently, Maharashtra has the highest number of cases of any state in India with 47 confirmed cases. Kerala is the second highest with 27 cases of coronavirus confirmed thus far. Delhi has reported 10 cases while Uttar Pradesh has reported 17 cases so far. Across the world, around 2,10,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. Over 8,900 lives have already been lost due to the deadly virus. Also Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Woman with has travel history to UK tests positive in Chandigarh; tally rises to 170 Also Read: Deadly novel coronavirus can exist in air for hours and for days on surfaces, says study After the Supreme Court directed holding of a lloor test in the Madhya Pradesh assembly on Friday, everything hinges on the decision about resignations of rebel Congress MLAs whose action triggered a political crisis in the state. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to convene a special session on Friday for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. The Kamal Nath-led Congress government plunged into crisis after the resignations of 22 rebel MLAs of the ruling Congress earlier this month. Resignations of six of them have been accepted by the speaker, while a decision is pending on the remaining 16 Congress legislators. In the 230-member Assembly, the current strength of the Congress is 108 (resignations of 16 of its legislators is on hold). If these 16 resignations are accepted by the speaker or if these MLAs abstain during assembly proceeding, the number of Congress members will be reduced to 92. On the other hand, the opposition BJP has 107 members in the house. The BJP had paraded 106 legislators before the Governor on Monday. One of its MLAs, Narayan Tripathi, was absent during the parade and was seen with Congress MLAs after assembly proceedings that day. The overall strength of the house has been reduced to 222 after the resignations of six MLAs were accepted by the speaker. Two seats are lying vacant. The BSP has two MLAs, while the SP has one and there are four independents legislators. All these MLAs BSP, SP and independents- had extended their support to the Congress during the formation of government in December 2018. In the current situation, the majority mark is 112. In case of acceptance of resignations of 16 rebel Congress legislators, the overall house strength will drop to 206. If 16 MLAs currently staying in Bengaluru abstain, the majority mark in the house will fall to 104. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Its March 19. Welcome once again to the New Normal, a daily roundup of news-you-can-use in the age of the coronavirus pandemic. Thursday night is officially the start of spring, readers. (10:59 p.m. CDT to be exact.) The trees are budding, the air is soft, the mountain laurel is fragrant. Normally this time of year, our thoughts bend toward the future and the promise of renewal. Alas, the virus has us mired in the damnable present, full of uncertainty and fears that too easily run rampan. But I know this: One day the virus will pass and the hopefulness that (sometimes) marks our nation will re-emerge. Call me optimistic. Were in it for the long haul, folks. On Thursday morning, the City Council voted to extend Mayor Ron Nirenbergs latest public health emergency declaration to 30 days. That means all restaurants have to stay closed, except for drive-thrus, home delivery or curbside pickup. Bars, gyms, bowling alleys, nightclubs, theaters, bingo halls and other non-essential businesses are shuttered. Essential businesses think grocery stores and other stores, day cares, gas stations and pharmacies can stay open, but customers must stay at least an arms length away from each other. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that all schools in Texas must close and all bars and dine-in restaurants must be shuttered until April 3. He also banned all public and private meetings with more than 10 people. San Antonio must now comply with that rule (except for exempted establishments). Think you want to thumb your nose at the ban? Get ready for fines of up to $2,000. The closures and restrictions come as San Antonios COVID-19 case count zoomed to 29 people Thursday, and community spread of the virus has begun. But there is some light amid the darkness. The kids are still being fed. new And starting Monday, students in NEISD can talk to counselors on the phone. Visit neisd.net/criticalupdates. Senior citizens enrolled in the citys Senior Nutrition Program can still get their meals by picking them up at their respective centers. They can also call and request delivery. For more info, call 210-207-7172. Here are some eateries doing curbside pick-up and delivery. The best news of all? San Antonio restaurants can now deliver booze! Ahem. There are also 12-Step meetings being held online in Texas, if you cant make it to Alcoholics Anonymous because of large meeting prohibitions. Got something to get off your chest (other than the virus hopefully)? One Catholic church in San Antonio is offering drive-thru confessions.We hear Amazon is still delivering prayer requests to the Big Guy as well. But there is some light amid the darkness. The kids are still being fed. And economic relief and more free virus testing is on the way to Texas, as Congress passes a $104 billion relief package. Barge tours on the San Antonio River through the River Walk have been suspended for now after the limit on passengers was cut to nine. Two more colleges closed their dorms the University of Texas at San Antonio and St. Marys University. That means every major university in town has now closed their dorms. Most have programs in place for students who cant leave, such as those from other countries. Need a break from Netflix? Its hard to compete with Narcos, but here are some fun adult board games you can play. On a serious note, beware the inevitable coronavirus scams that are spreading like, well, the coronavirus. This includes shady companies selling cures, online sellers peddling goods like medical supplies that will never be delivered, fake charities, virus-related robocalls and more. To learn more go here. Yes, sometimes humans suck. But sometimes theyre wonderful. Case in point: On Wednesday, a diner at the Barn Door, a venerable steakhouse in Alamo Heights, left a $1,000 tip for the workers there, on the last night of normal in-dining operations. The bill was for $241. Here are 23 pieces of good news regarding the coronavirus. And Barack Obama tweeted out his support for San Antonio beloved author Shea Serrano, for using his large Twitter following to raise $10,000 for people in need. Serrano responded with OH MY GOD WHAT And heres a good wrap-up of vital coronavirus news that San Antonians need to know. Lastly, some San Antonians are putting up Fiesta decorations to improve their mood. Others reportedly are putting up Christmas lights. Fellow optimists! Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news, cultural trends and interesting people and goings-on around San Antonio and Bexar County, as well as all across South Texas. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | mstoeltje@express-news.net | Twitter: @mstoeltje The World Socialist Web Site encourages all students and youth who want to tell their stories to contact us today, and to take up the fight for socialism by joining the IYSSE, (International Youth and Students for Social Equality), the youth movement of the Socialist Equality Party. At 3:26 p.m. on Tuesday, New York University (NYU) students received an email from the universitys administration asking students in university accommodation to vacate their dormitories within 36 hours. The announcement came just 24 hours after an email was sent asking students to leave by March 22. Similar sudden student evictions notices are being issued at campuses across the country, leaving thousands of young people without secure housing as the COVID-19 crisis intensifies. NYU also sent out an email Tuesday stating that graduate students in subsidized housing would be evicted, only to backtrack on the threat in another email minutes later. About 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students live in NYU residence halls. The university anticipates having to turn the dormitories into hospital facilities as the coronavirus continues to spread and cases are confirmed throughout New York City and the broader region. New York state is now at the center of the outbreak in the US, with 2,382 confirmed cases as of this writing, most of which are in New York City. There is no doubt that school closures are a necessary and prudent measure from an epidemiological standpoint. However, the haphazard and negligent manner in which the housing evacuations have taken place is another stark indication of the complete lack of preparedness within the political establishment for the unfolding public health crisis. These evictions place thousands of students in a dire situation with many, especially international students and those from working class families, facing the immediate prospect of homelessness. NYU has arranged for only the most vulnerable students to apply for exemptions to the housing eviction. They stated in their notice that the exemption bar will be very high. Overall, the measures taken by NYU, a school with a $4.35 billion endowment, to secure housing or financial aid for those in need has been incredibly limited. In the face of the forced evictions, NYU students independently began organizing to help those students not covered by the university. They started an online shared document where students could explain their situations and ask for help from the broader community. The document was circulated to some students and faculty and posted on social media. One student described his situation: Im from Iran, I do not have a place to stay in NY, I cannot go home because of the travel bans and Visa and my home is already affected really badly by COVID-19. Another student stated, Im Italian and cant go home. Italy has been one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 35,000 infections and 3,000 deaths so far. One student wrote: My mother is facing losing her job and she is the only family I have, if she cannot provide for me during this I will have no source of income. I was working an on-campus job and going to transition right into Summer housing and then Fall housing. I have no home outside of housing and the Universitys decision to force everyone out will immensely affect me and my mother financially. Approximately 20 percent of NYU students receive Pell grants, a federal aid program for students from families with total incomes below $50,000 a year. Many of these students will not be able to afford the cost of alternative housing or of returning home. Students who come from unsafe households face a choice between homelessness or abuse. Moreover, many of the students affected in this crisis are currently away from their student housing and unable to return to New York to collect their belongings. In violation of guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NYU has instructed students within a days travel of the school to return to collect their belongings, encouraging exposure and potential transmission among hundreds of students. International students, who make up 27 percent of students in NYU housing, are being expelled from their accommodation despite many not having a place to go. Flight restrictions adopted by a number of countries mean those who wish to return home often cannot, and, even if they can, travel restrictions imposed by the US could mean they are not able to return. Furthermore, graduating international students are legally required to stay in the US while their visas are processed. One senior noted that she lost her housing due to NYUs decision after already losing both of her part-time jobs, adding: I come from a low-income single parent household. Im on Pell grant. My moms husband is very sick and because I am in NYC I cant come home due to his underlying sicknesses. Latisha, a student at NYU who has been evicted, told the WSWS, NYU as a whole mismanaged this whole situation. Im pretty sure they knew or had an inkling that COVID-19 was going to spread, ergo possibly knowing that the dorms would be needed for shelter, etc. They should have been more transparent and honest as an institution with the student body. University administrators have failed to give a time frame for a reimbursement of prepaid student housing. It is likely that even as the crisis deepens and students are increasingly preoccupied with the loss of loved ones or the burden of care NYU will continue its class schedule in order to avoid reimbursement of tuition. Like many universities around the country and the world, NYU is shifting to online classes until the end of the semester. NYU has given the most vulnerable students the option to apply for exemptions from the order, but stated that the bar will be very high. NYU gave students the option of making emergency financial expense claims limited to $500; for many students this is not enough for a ticket home, let alone to find new accommodation. NYU is only guaranteeing sick pay and continuing wages for graduate students who work as teaching assistants. However, undergraduate workers, many of whom rely on that income for food and accommodation, have been laid off indefinitely without compensation. The precarious situation facing students because of the evictions has led to an outpouring of support from fellow NYU students and parts of the faculty. A change.org petition calling for the evictions to be halted has reached over 7,000 signatures in just over 48 hours, and an online forum allowing students to donate and offer beds to those in need has also been set up. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality at NYU categorically opposes NYUs evictions without alternative housing already arranged. We demand a full reimbursement of housing for students and protections for international and domestic students. We insist that the right to safe housing must be guaranteed for all students and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This demand must be part of a coordinated response by the international working class to the pandemic on the political basis outlined by the Socialist Equality Party. Everywhere, the working population and youth are being made to pay for the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. While millions of workers face immediate economic destitution, the loss of their jobs, and a serious threat to their health and lives, the Trump administration has pumped $2.2 trillion into the stock market and handed over all authority for dealing with this public health emergency to private corporations. As one of the most expensive universities in the country, NYU reflects the staggering levels of social inequality that dominate American society. The universitys president, Andrew Hamilton, was reported in 2018 to have had an estimated pay of $2 million, placing him among the top 10 of the highest-compensated university presidents. The NYU Board of Trustees is dominated by billionaires and millionaires, most of whom have close ties to the Democratic Party, the Trump administration and the military-intelligence apparatus . At the same time, nearly 10 percent of the undergraduate student body utilized the Courtesy Meals Program for food insecure students in the spring of 2019. Ever since the launch of its S20 family, Samsung has promised that it's working on updates to fix the various software issues people have found. Chief among those: slow and wonky autofocus for the cameras, especially prevalent on the S20 Ultra. Well, the company has delivered. New updates are ready for the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, and all of these come with a new and improved iteration of the Camera app, pushing it to version 10.0.01.98. And after you install the new software and use the new Camera app, you should see faster autofocus times. The update build is G98xxXXU1ATCH, where "xx" will be different depending on which of the three phones you have. It's important to note that this update is, for now, only headed to those S20 models using Samsung's own Exynos chipset, and not the ones with the Snapdragon 865. Then again, it's likely only a matter of time until those get it too. The over-the-air rollout for all three models should start imminently, so within a few days your S20 will pop up a notification prompting you to install it. Hang tight, the wait is almost over. Source With his chiseled features, commanding presence and quick wit, Charles E. Rankin (Chuck to friends and colleagues) is what you might expect of a Western book editor living in Helena, Mont., and the many honors hes received for titles published over a long career demonstrate he knows what makes a good story. Rankin recently retired as associate director/editor in chief for the University of Oklahoma Press, a position he held for 16 years. Before that he was director of publications for the Montana Historical Society Press and editor of Montana: The Magazine of Western History and spent 10 years as a newspaper editor and radio news director. But the Tulsa, Okla., native isnt finished working on Western books. When the editor does bring an absorbing interest to capable material, you get to stand shoulder to shoulder with the author and survey the landscape of his or her narrative What drew you to the story of the American West? Geography. When I was 10 years old and my parents and I motored west on vacation from Tulsa to L.A., we only had to get as far as Tucumcari, N.M., before I knew Id found home. Crystalline skies, desiccated landscape, unobstructed distance. I hadnt read him then, but Robert Service, in his poem The Spell of the Yukon, had already summed up the allure: The freshness, the freedom, the farnessthe stillness, the moonlight, the mystery. What were the best and worst aspects of editing Montana? Best: recruiting good material, working with truly talented authors, illustrating their work aptly, publishing new things that make readers say, I didnt know that! Worst: managing the detailsaka being nibbled to death by ducks. How about the best and worst aspects of being an editor at OU Press? Much the same, but with the sense that books have a greater permanency andknowing thatwanting to make them handsomely striking. Worst: dealing with people who have no such vision. Which book projects stand out for you? The first requirement is for an editor to genuinely engage with the authors material. Not all editors will do that; for some its, Take a number. But when the editor does bring an absorbing interest to capable material, you get to stand shoulder to shoulder with the author and survey the landscape of his or her narrative. The second requisite is to have a talented author who will listen to you with enough self-confidence (and humility) to take your suggestions to heart (not verbatim) and do something creative with them. One of the first like this was R. Eli Pauls Autobiography of Red Cloud, but also Will Bagleys Blood of the Prophets, Stephen Witte and Marsha Gallaghers Journals of Prince Maximilian, Ruth McLaughlins Bound Like Grass, Jerry Greenes American Carnage, Paul Hedrens Rosebud, Jim Rondas Visions of the Tallgrass, Candy Moultons Mormon Handcart Migration.The list is long. What would you look for in a biography about, say, George Custer? Its almost a cliche, but Id look for whats newthat is, what makes me see one of the most written-about Western characters differently or in a new context that makes sense. After the, what, more than 700 biographies of Custer (and counting) there are still only a few books regarded as must-reads. Admittedly, The Twilight Zone episode on the Little Bighorn made no sense, but it was memorable. Can you explain the enduring fascination Americans have with such icons? Even people who know nothing about them have heard of them. Thats why no one ever misses the point of a Custer cartoon. So, fascination with Western icons is built in. Then, when the curiosity bug bites, the more people learn about a thing, the more fascinating it becomes to them. And icons are easy. It doesnt take long to become conversant if not consumed by the details and controversies. History taken more broadly is harder, and most people dont have the patience. What Western nonfiction books would you consider required reading? Truth is, not many Western history books are overviewsmost are topic-driven. So if you want to read about Indians, or railroads, or Mormons, or the cattle trails (the list can go on and on), then you need to turn to the best books on those things. Id rather recommend authors: Francis Parkman, Teddy Blue Abbott, Theodore Roosevelt, Robert M. Utley, Leland Sonnichsen, Will Bagley, David Weber, William Goetzmann, Francis Parkman, Wallace Stegner, Jerry Greene, Elliott West, Juanita Brooks, Jim Ronda, Paul Hedren, John Wesley Powell, George Bird Grinnell, Helena Huntington Smith, Hampton Sides. Same question, but this time biographies? Wallace Stegner, Beyond the Hundredth Meridian; Teddy Blue Abbott, We Pointed Them North; Fawn Brodie, No Man Knows My Story; Ben Yagoda, Will Rogers; Ivan Doig, This House of Sky; John Taliaferro, Charles M. Russell; Gary Scharnhorst, Mark Twain (two volumes); Robert Utley, Sitting Bull; Louis Warren, Buffalo Bills America; John Turner, Brigham Young. How about books you didnt publish but wish you had? Lee Whittlesey, Death in Yellowstone; Elliott West, Contested Plains. My favorite topic is, logically enough, what Im working on nowWestern newspaper journalism. Theres almost nothing it doesnt touch: events of the day; the famous, the infamous, the common folk; major occurrences both East and West; technology; women; Indians; humor; small-town life; big-city life What are you reading now? Im playing catch-up with a lot of stuff, from Jon Meachams Jackson and Robert Chernows Grant to Tim Egans The Big Burn to Gary Scharnhorsts Mark Twain to Richard Henry Danas Two Years Before the Mast and Jack Londons The Sea Wolf. Whos your favorite Western figure? Western writers: Jack London, Mark Twain, Norman Maclean, Ivan Doig, Bill Nye and other Western humorists, Ed Abbey, Tony Hillerman. What Western history topic interests you most? My favorite topic is, logically enough, what Im working on nowWestern newspaper journalism. Theres almost nothing it doesnt touch: events of the day; the famous, the infamous, the common folk; major occurrences both East and West; technology; women; Indians; humor; small-town life; big-city life. And as writers, newspaper journalists tended to be facile and visceral, and therefore interesting. Newspapers were ubiquitous, but as a topic they are more unaddressed than otherwisehiding largely in plain sight. What historical figures remain overlooked? Written about meaningfully: the humorist. Which have commanded too much print? Custer and all the other icons (Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Tom Horn, Butch Cassidy, the cowboy, the outlaw, the gunfight, the train robbery, Indian fights, etc.). As I said earlier, if its good, OK, maybe even great! But most of the time it isnt. New books keep coming out on them, but their authors often have nothing new to say. Is there a question youd like to answer? Whats the direction of Western history going forward? I dont pretend to know for sure, but I do suspect that between the popularized stuff that just keeps getting rehashed (mainly to make money) and the academic world seeming to grow evermore narrow and politically driven, a middle ground is opening up for good writers to write meaningfully about topics that matter. WW Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday said that Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in Raipur and all other municipal corporation areas in the state to prohibit large gatherings in order to contain the spread of coronavirus. "Section 144 of CrPC has been applied in all the municipal corporations including Raipur," Baghel said. He also said, "I have cancelled all my programmes and also request everyone to avoid large gatherings." Doctors who are treating the coronavirus patients will be given a special allowance, he added. Meanwhile, the government has issued an order restricting the entry of buses coming from other states to Chhattisgarh with immediate effect. The operation of all passenger vehicles with All India Tourist Permit has also been stopped till further orders, the government order said. So far, a total of 169 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the country. Three persons have died from the disease. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mattarella says Italy looks to pope with faith Appeals for dialogue point the way says president in message (ANSAmed) - ROME, MARCH 19 - President Sergio Mattarella sent a message to Pope Francis Thursday saying Italy looked to the pontiff "with faith" during the coronavirus crisis. He said the pope's appeals for dialogue "point the way forward". Mattarella also said that solidarity between States and people "should be the guide" at this time of emergency. (ANSAmed). Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation today to talk about the steps taken by the government and civil intiatives that need to be taken to fight coronavirus. In his address, PM Modi urged the people to observe janta curfew - a self-imposed curfew by the public, for the public - on March 22 between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm. He also assured that the government is taking steps to ensure sufficient supply of essential goods and there is no need for panic buying. PM Modi also announced COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force that will take decisions regarding the economic implications of coronavirus after consulting with the stakeholders. The Prime Minister urged Indians to avoid coming out of homes as much as possible. "I also urge senior citizens of over 65 years to not step outside their homes in the next few weeks," said PM Modi. He asked people to applaud people to applaud the doctors, sanitary workers, government officials and others who are still at the frontline in these times of epidemic. PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday evening. After the meeting, the PMO announced that the PM would address the nation on Thursday at 8:00 pm. Also Read: 10 questions on coronavirus India expects PM Modi to answer tonight Also Read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Fourth COVID-19 death recorded in Punjab, toll rises to 4 Follow live updates from PM Narendra Modi's speech on BusinessToday.In: 9.15 pm: Janta Curfew will lead to loss of livelihood: Congress leader Sanjay Jha What is most disappointing about PMs address to the nation is ignoring the massive wage loss of those who need daily income??? A #JantaCurfew on Sunday ( a holiday) means further loss of livelihood. #Coronavirus Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) March 19, 2020 I wish the Prime Minister had permitted the private hospital infrastructure to combat the #coronavirus as well. It is bizarre that they are being excluded in this challenging battle. Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) March 19, 2020 9.00 pm: 'Excellent initiative': Akshay Kumar praises Janta Curfew An excellent initiative by PM @narendramodi ji...this Sunday, March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm lets all join in the #JantaCurfew and show the world we are together in this. #SocialDistancing Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 19, 2020 8.53 pm: BJP chief JP Nadda appreciates Janta Curfew initiative. 8.50 pm: Amitabh Kant, NITI Aayog CEO, shows support for Janta Curfew. Mobilising the Nation: #JanataCurfew on Sunday 22nd from 7am to 9pm & a clapping salute at 5 pm for all our unsung health personnel. Gr8 initiative ! Will join this movement & rise to the occasion. Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) March 19, 2020 8.48 pm: Shashi Tharoor backs Janta Curfew. I welcome @PMOIndia@narendramodi s call to solidarity at this challenging time. Will support #JanataCurfew while conscious that Sunday is the easiest day to try it. Need more reinforcement of social distancing (incl suspending Parliament) & specific economic relief measures Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 19, 2020 8.32 pm: Protect ourselves, protect then nation, protect the world, says PM Modi. 8.31 pm: Contribute to the fight against coronavirus, says PM Modi. 8.31 pm: Prioritise protecting youself from coronavirus, says PM Modi. 8.27 pm: Steps taken to ensure supply of essential items; don't go for panic buying, says PM Modi. 8.26 pm: I would request employers to not cut the wages of those who can't come to work, says PM Modi 8.26 pm: Coronavirus pandemic has affected the middle class, lower middle class and the poor, says PM Modi 8.25 pm: PM Modi announces COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force. 8.23 pm: Coronavirus pandemic is affecting the economy, says PM Modi. 8.22 pm: Don't burden hospitals, take advice from doctors on the phone, says PM Modi 8.21 pm: On March 22, 5:00 pm, we should extend gratitude towards those who are fulfilling their duties in these times, says PM Modi. 8.20 pm: All outdoor services can't be called common anymore. Those who work outdoors are doing a service to the nation, says PM Modi. 8.18 pm: Urge state governments to take initiative for janta curfew, says PM Modi. 8.18 pm: This janta curfew will help us prepare for coming hardships, says PM Modi. 8.18 pm: You can also call 10 people and make them aware about the janata curfew: PM Modi. 8.18 pm: This janata curfew on March 22 will help us acquaint ourselves with self-isolation, says PM Modi. 8.17 pm: I urge citizens to observe janata curfew on March 22 from 7am to 9pm: PM Modi. 8.15 pm: PM Modi proposes Janata curfew - by janata, for janata. 8.15 pm: It is possible that our senior generations are not fully aware of the situation: PM Modi. 8.14 pm: I also urge senior citizens of over 65 years to not step outside their homes in the next few weeks, says PM Modi. 8.13 pm: Social distancing in times of coronavirus extremely important and effective, says PM Modi. 8.11 pm: I urge you to step outside only when it is of extreme importance for the next few weeks, says PM Modi. 8.10 pm: Work from home as much as possible, says PM Modi 8:07 pm: We must follow all instructions of authorities to ensure we are not infected and also pledge to protect othera from getting infected, says PM Modi. 8:07 pm: We need to be determined and patient, says PM Modi. 8:07 pm: In a country like India with 130 crore population the threat of coronavirus is not common, says PM Modi. 8.05 pm: Every Indian needs to be vigilant, says PM Modi. 8.05 pm: I want some of your time in the coming weeks, says PM Modi 8:05 pm: Indian govt is fully monitoring the pandemic, says PM Modi. 8:01 pm: Coronavirus affects more countries than previous two world wars, says PM Narendra Modi. 8:00 pm: PM Narendra Modi will address the nation shortly. Heineken has presented its latest innovation in Vietnam, Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic lager brewed with a unique recipe for a distinct balanced taste while containing only 69 calories per 330ml bottle. First launched in the Netherlands in 2017, Heineken 0.0 is now available in 57 markets around the world, including Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. Vietnam will be the 58th market to launch Heineken 0.0 in 330ml bottles and cans. The brands iconic green label has been turned blue the color associated with the non-alcoholic category. Heinekens master brewers created the new zero-alcohol beer using only natural ingredients, resulting in a beer brewed for beer lovers, by beer lovers. Removing alcohol from regular five-percent Heineken would have been easy, but it wouldnt deliver the best tasting non-alcoholic beer. Heineken 0.0 is brewed from scratch and has a perfectly balanced taste with refreshing fruity notes and soft malty body, said Willem van Waesberghe, global craft and brew master at Heineken. Heineken 0.0 is brewed with the same natural ingredients used for Heineken Original,' namely water, malted barley, hops, and Heineken A-Yeast. The alcohol is gently removed through a sophisticated process of vacuum distillation before the beer is double brewed to perfection with natural flavorings. Our consumers are at the heart of what we do. We see a trend of consumers around the world and also in Vietnam moving toward a more balanced and health-conscious lifestyle, said Alexander Koch, commercial director of Heineken Vietnam. With Heineken 0.0, we are providing our Vietnamese consumers with a new and innovative option for all their drinking occasions, including ones where you cannot have a beer. Heineken 0.0 gives consumers a choice for a variety of drinking occasions. They can enjoy this non-alcoholic beer at work, at the gym, during lunchtime, and even when they have to drive home afterward as it contains zero alcohol. All traditional non-beer moments where you simply cannot have a beer, #NowYouCan. Translated into Vietnamese as 0 gi 0 the (nothing is impossible), #NowYouCan is the global campaign supporting the launch of Heineken 0.0. Led by a series of light-hearted television commercials, the campaign showcases the new occasions and moments that Heineken 0.0 fits into our lives. Heineken 0.0 is now available for purchase at different retail channels including all major supermarkets, convenience stores, bars and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and will soon become available in other major cities and provinces including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Binh Dinh, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and eventually nationwide. Consumers can also buy Heineken 0.0 on e-commerce platforms, including Heinekens e-commerce website at https://www.drinkies.vn/. Hanover Raceway is pleased to welcome Tony Elliott as its new assistant to the general manager for the 2020 racing season. The 20-year-old Walkerton native has been doing some great work in promoting Ontario harness racing on social media, to the point that Ontario Racing just featured him in an article entitled Horse Racing's 20-year-old Difference Maker. A student of the University of Western Ontario in London and a current horse owner, Elliott was raised around the business. His father, Glenn, once worked for harness racing hall of famer Bud Fritz, and his uncle, Steve, was the groom of the famed Ontario Sires Stakes champion mare Silver Reign. Tony will be involved in many different aspects of Hanover Raceway, including promotions and advertising, social media, planning and implementing events. He will be prominently featured as an analyst between races during Hanovers broadcast, which is seen on-track and is also simulcast across Ontario. Hanover Raceway General Manager Steve Fitzsimmons has said that he is very happy to have Tony join the Hanover Raceway team. "I've been watching and admiring his work from afar for awhile, Fitzsimmons explained, and once I was hired as the GM, I reached out to Tony, as I know that he is extremely bright and talented and has the right skill set to excel at this position. This is his home racetrack and that also makes this extra special. I look forward to working closely on a variety of things with Tony and I'm quite sure he has a bright future ahead in this industry. As for Elliott, he's looking forward to joining the staff. "I am very excited to begin this role and work alongside Steve and the Hanover Raceway family to make a significant impact on this great racetrack," said Elliott. (With files from Hanover Raceway) 7 ways people have responded to the coronavirus: Improved hygiene tops the list Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment From hoarding toilet paper to cash and hand sanitizer, Americans have been reacting in various ways to the new coronavirus pandemic. Now, a new study from the University of Southern California has offered a deeper look at just how much people think the health and economic risks from the virus has been changing the way they live, including their prayer lives. The survey of 2,436 U.S. residents was conducted from March 10-12 by researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Leonard D.Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. It is among the first in the nation to examine the extent of Americans concerns about the outbreak. Daniel Bennett of USC Dornsife and Wandi Bruine de Bruin of the USC Price School of Public Policy, who both led the study, believe it might help public health and policy leaders identify gaps in information and understand how the virus has affected everyday life. The coronavirus is both a health threat and an economic threat, Bennett, a research assistant professor of economics at the Center for Economic and Social Research, said in a news release. The social distancing measures that are needed to limit transmission will also cause a lot of hardship. Many people do not feel that they can work remotely, added Bennett who studies how people make health decisions and previously studied the 2003 SARS epidemic. Here's a list of seven ways the study shows people believe the coronavirus has changed their behavior. Improved hygiene A staggering 85% of respondents say they have been washing their hands or using hand sanitizer more frequently, but Bruine de Bruin thinks people can still do better. It looks like most people are taking some action, said Bruine de Bruin, provost professor of public policy, psychology and behavioral science. But not everyone is reporting that they are stepping up handwashing, which seems like a potential concern unless they were already perfect at it. 2. Social distancing Some 61% of people are now engaging in social distancing, with 45% of respondents choosing to avoid contact with high risk individuals such as older adults and people with compromised immune systems. 3. Prayer Some 50% of respondents reported that they have prayed about the coronavirus. 4. Stopped eating out Approximately 25% of respondents to the survey said they have avoided restaurants in general and 18% said they have specifically avoided Chinese restaurants. 5. Hoarding food and water When it comes to food and water some 22% of respondents said they have been stockpiling supplies. 6. Wearing facemasks Some 7% of respondents in the survey said they have worn a facemask as a result of the coronavirus. 7. Canceled medical appointment In a pattern that could have indirect health implications, 6% of respondents said they have canceled or postponed a medical appointment, according to the survey. (Natural News) While a number of experts have already warned that the impact of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) on the United States is expected to be tremendously negative, a respected hedge fund manager sounded an even louder alarm on Wednesday. In an interview with CNBC, Bill Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, said that it is imperative President Donald Trump order the complete shutdown of the entire country for 30 days or else collapse is certain. Whats scaring the American people and corporate America now is the gradual rollout, Ackman said. We need to shut it down now This is the only answer. America will end as we know it. Im sorry to say so, unless we take this option, he continued, noting that if the president does save the country from the ravages of coronavirus, hell get reelected in November for certain. He also urged firms to end their buyback programs because hell is coming. His prediction came as U.S. banks stop repurchasing stocks so they could put their capital to use helping businesses and consumers instead. Earlier, as USA Features Media reported, Ackman made similarly dire statements on Twitter. Mr. President, the only answer is to shut down the country for the next 30 days and close the borders. Tell all Americans that you are putting us on an extended Spring Break at home with family, he wrote. Mr. President, the moment you send everyone home for Spring Break and close the borders, the infection rate will plummet, the stock market will soar, and the clouds will lift. We need your leadership now! Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) March 18, 2020 The moment you send everyone home for Spring Break and close the borders, the infection rate will plummet, the stock market will soar, and the clouds will lift, he said. We need your leadership now! No one defaults, no one forecloses. A 30-day rent, interest and tax holiday for all, he added. The shutdown is inevitable as it is already happening, but not in a controlled fashion which is extending the economic pain and amplifying the spread of the virus. No one defaults, no one forecloses. A 30-day rent, interest and tax holiday for all. The shutdown is inevitable as it is already happening, but not in a controlled fashion which is extending the economic pain and amplifying the spread of the virus. Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) March 18, 2020 Every hotel is going to be shut down In his interview with CNBC, Ackman said he felt that an economic tsunami was coming even before the outbreak of coronavirus. Beginning in late January I was getting increasingly bearish and I woke up with a nightmare, Ackman said. And my nightmare was you have this virus that replicates and infects incredibly rapidly. Getting emotional, Ackman also said that he went into lockdown a month ago to save the life of his father who is immunocompromised. The only shared sacrifice that is going on right now is the health-care community, the nurses, the doctors, the people taking care of patients. Those people are making enormous sacrifices, said Ackman. [The president] is not saying storm the beaches of Normandy right now, hes saying go home, go home, spend a month with your family. A White House official contacted by CNBC commented on Ackmans statements. As President Trump has said, we are going to ensure that we take care of all Americans, including affected industries and small businesses, and that we emerge from this challenge stronger and with a prosperous and growing economy, the official said. Ackman also says he believes that all hotels around the country will eventually shutter as well. Every hotel is going to be shut down in the country. If we allow this to continue the way we have allowed it to continue, every hotel company in the world is done. No business can survive a period of 18 months without revenue, he predicted. Already, the restaurant industry is predicting carnage. In a letter to congressional leaders on Wednesday, the National Restaurant Association said that the industry stood to lose $225 billion over the next three months, and between 5 and 7 million jobs, The Hill reported. But because for every dollar spent in the restaurant industry generates $2 elsewhere, the real hit to the economy will be closer to $675 billion. Sources include: TheHill.com USAFeatures.news CNBC.com NaturalNews.com Doriot Anthony Dwyer, a renowned flutist who broke down gender barriers with her appointment as principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1952, a post she held for nearly four decades, died on Saturday in Lawrence, Kan., where she lived near her daughter. She was 98. Her death was announced by the Boston Symphony. Ms. Dwyer was only the second woman to win a principal chair with a major American orchestra, after Helen Kotas, the principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1941 until 1948. Ms. Dwyer was 30 when the vacancy in Boston was announced. After thorough training, she had accumulated extensive experience ranging from freelancing in an orchestra that went on tour with Frank Sinatra to playing with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington as second flute. At the time, she was second flute with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and during the summers played principal with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, directed by Bruno Walter, who had chosen her. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland as at midday 18 March. The cases are made up of 29 females and 45 males bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 366. The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the newest patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. To date 2 deaths have been associated with COVID-19 in Ireland. The National Public Health Emergency Team has made available an analysis cases notified up until midnight Monday, 16 March, 2020. Of the 271 cases notified during this period, 40% are male and 59% female, with 23 clusters. To date 42% cases are travel related, 22% associated with community transmission, 17% are as a result of local transmission and 20% remain under investigation. Two thirds of cases are younger than 55 years, with almost one in four cases aged 35 44 years. One in five cases are healthcare workers with 37% of these cases associated with travel. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Cork (48) and Limerick (14). Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said: Again, today we are seeing another increase in case numbers. The importance of social distancing cannot be underestimated. Everyone must play their role. We need to continue maximising our efforts to interrupt new transmission chains and keep clusters under control. Reduce your social contacts to those in your closest family network. Practice social distancing. Stop shaking hands and hugging when you say hello. This evening in his media broadcast, Dr Holohan said there has been "an extraordinary level of compliance" by the public, due to their "high level of understanding". "It is too early to see the impact. People being diagnosed today were exposed before these restrictions, so we will see in the coming weeks the effect," he said. The average wage in Ukraine in January 2020 amounted to UAH 9,581, according to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. The average wage rate for January 2020, totaling 9,581 hryvnias 38 kopecks was approved, from which insurance contributions were paid and which, in accordance with the Law of Ukraine On Compulsory State Pension Insurance, is taken into consideration for pension accounting," the Pension Fund wrote on Facebook. The average wage in Ukraine in December 2019 amounted to UAH 10,583, according to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. iy On Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Bob Menendez sent the President a letter that had no trace of bogus congeniality, which is always a risk when youre asking Donald Trump for something. New Jerseys senior senator suggested demanded, actually that the president implement the Defense Production Act (DPA), which gives him the authority to ramp up production of critical equipment and supplies. He did this as he reminded Trump that he has lacked the urgency this crisis has called for, and that this step could help mitigate the damage after weeks of inaction, denial, and misinformation by your administration in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. By Wednesday afternoon, Trump announced he was going to invoke the power of the DPA, which may be the only way this country can deal with the crushing need for ventilators, ICU beds, personal protection equipment, and other medical necessities in our immediate future. Menendez laid out his own vision for federal action in a chat with Dave DAlessandro of the Star-Ledger Editorial Board: Q. The president heeded your advice and that of others by triggering the Defense Production Act. How do you want him to use it first? Menendez: First and foremost, I want to see him ramp up the production of ventilators. I have been talking to the hospitals and healthcare professionals and the governor, and there will be a dearth of ventilators in comparison to the projected need in short order. And this is what the power of the federal government is meant for: States and localities simply cannot manage on their own. The federal government has to either be a partner or infuse money into a private entity and prioritize the materials that it needs so these things can be made in the quickest period of time. Second, I want him to make sure there is a particular set of drugs that the hospitals need when patients are on ventilators to keep their blood pressure stabilized. That drug is getting a big run on demand. And then we need a dramatic ramping up of personal protective gear. I even hear it from first responders, particularly EMTs, who are saying for the first time, Im not going to go on a call because I dont have the right protective gear. And I understand that. So we need to ramp this up dramatically. Q. We have a national supply of about 160,000 ventilators, and we may need five times that amount based on some projections. How many can realistically be produced, and what other manufacturers can enlisted in this effort? Menendez: There are a couple of manufacturers that can be engaged in this. The time frame is the big challenge, but if you dont invoke the DPA, youll never get it done in any reasonable time. Its also a matter of retooling your manufacturing base, to the extent that people can make parts for this who dont normally do it. Thats why you use the power of the government to amass the supply chain you need. Q. As you talk to local government and health care officials, are you hearing about any other urgent issues that the media isnt reporting? Menendez: Its largely about testing were doing a better job, but mostly through private labs, and there is a greater desire to get drive-through testing facilities up and running. And more protection gear. Beyond the health emergencies, you hear from mayors about other consequences: foreclosures and evictions, a real concern as many people without paychecks cannot deal with an emergency; the question of businesses we need to survive; concerns of the private sector not in terms of needing money, but how they need flexibility from regulators to help with loans pending. And obviously, were hearing from United and the airline industry, the restaurant association, the hotel industry, all of which are facing major challenges. Read more about why President Trump needs to invoke the Defense Production Act https://t.co/ERWUlZbD2s Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) March 17, 2020 Q. Just to add families to your list of challenges: It took four days for the Senate to pass the House bill that provided paid sick leave and other financial protection four days in which New Jersey parents had to choose between work and child care, or weigh their own health against a paycheck. How long will this bill protect them from that recurring fear? Menendez: First, let me emphasize this is a first tranche. This is definitely not the end-all. It has two weeks of COVID 19-related paid leave, and it has 10 weeks of paid leave for school closures, and it has a huge infusion of emergency unemployment insurance Gov. Murphy told me they had a record 15,000 claims in the course of one day in New Jersey. And it waives all the cost-sharing requirements to allow for free virus testing who needs it, including the uninsured. It strengthens food security, including SNAP, food banks, and student meals, and it increases funds for Medicaid. At the same time, Im working with Cory Booker and others to put money directly in peoples pockets. Its staged over three different tranches. And theres another tranche coming that is nearly a trillion dollars that will have to be negotiated with Republicans they have different visions, but their number is around a trillion as well. Q. Even as we employ every tool in the vast American arsenal - economic wealth, medical resources, manufacturing might, civil service, citizenry are you confident that this administration can coordinate this massive undertaking? Because your letter seems dubious as to whether the president understands the gravity of this moment. Menendez: Well, today with the announcement that theyll invoke the DPA, the announcement that theyll send one of the navy hospital ships to our region, and the announcement about (HUD suspending) foreclosures its the first time in this crisis that I have seen a sense of urgency from this administration. So thats a good thing. Its a little late, but today Im not into throwing stones, Im into what we can do to make it right from this point forward with this administration. Q. But are you confident they can implement it? Menendez: When I came to the House 28 years ago, I got in the elevator in the Longworth Building, and a guy said to me, Youre the new member from New Jersey. So I introduced myself and asked him what he did there, and he said, Im a B employee. So I asked what that meant, and he said, I be here before you got here, and I be here when youre gone. I laughed too, but I came to understand what the B employees are about: If you allow professionals within the federal bureaucracy to execute, those people will serve professionally. However, if this president relies less on career professionals than political appointees, then well be hurt. Its in the national interest to let those people serve. Q. One group the governors want to unleash is the Army Corps of Engineers, but what is reasonable to expect from any military unit? Menendez: Were sending out a letter to help the Corps open up places that can be repurposed hospitals that were closed, maybe some federal locations. In our region we have one of the most active and elite Army Corps units they do tons of stuff, like dredging and beach replenishment and flood control projects. This is where theyd prioritize, and put other things on hold. For example, I want to have an estuary in New York Harbor its something we got the money for but that goes on hold. Nobody can enjoy it if we dont save lives. So were asking them to be engaged in helping us create hospitals. I already spoke to the commander, and Im sending a letter to the president today. Q. Based on what you hear from health care officials on the ground, how long before New Jerseys health care system is in triage mode? Menendez: I cant give you that answer. It all depends upon how successful we are in bending the curve. We have a choice as New Jerseyans. If we dont do the right thing and get the right help, our hospitals will be overwhelmed. We can either be part of the solution or be part of the statistics. With layoffs & work hours slashed for hundreds of thousands of NJans, the coronavirus crisis has quickly become an economic crisis. Theres bills to pay, food/essentials to buy & rent due. These families need direct cash now to survive, not just this week, but for weeks to come. https://t.co/TIa6g3RnY3 Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) March 18, 2020 Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. A Coles supermarket was ram raided in the early hours of Thursday morning amid panic-buying over concerns about a coronavirus pandemic. The front doors of the store, at Curtin in the Australian Capital Territory, were smashed when the two robbers drove their car through the front of the shop. Many claimed panic-buyers had sunk to new lows after images of the smashed glass were posted online. 'So, instead of panic buying, people are now just ram raiding... we seriously need to wake up to ourselves,' one person wrote. A Coles supermarket was ram raided in the early hours of Thursday morning amid panic-buying over concerns about a coronavirus pandemic Supermarkets around the country have been cleaned out of certain products in the the last two weeks ACT police, however, have confirmed the break-in was not linked to COVID-19. 'At about 4.10am this morning a red Toyota sedan was driven into the front doors of a supermarket in Curtin (ACT),' a spokesperson said. 'Two persons entered the store and left a short time later with no stolen property. They went straight to the cigarette counter but left empty-handed.' Police are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact them. Supermarkets around the country have been subjected to panic-buying by shoppers rushing to purchase items amid concerns of a potential quarantine lockdown. The government has warned Australians against stockpiling items with prime minister Scott Morrison calling the behaviour 'disappointing' this week. After shelves around Australia were repeatedly cleaned out of products such as toilet paper and hand sanitiser in the last two weeks, supermarkets have brought in limits on sales of products. Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi brought in a one packet per customer limit on some items such as toilet paper last week. On Wednesday, Woolworths went one step further and issued a store-wide two limit rule on items unless otherwise stated. 'There is now a per customer, per shop limit of two items from any single category on most packaged products across Woolworths Supermarkets and Metro stores and online.' the supermarket said. 'This means customers will only be able to buy two products from any single included category, regardless of the brand or variety. There are some exceptions where no limits remain, such as fruit and vegetables, fresh milk and baby food.' No restrictions apply to items such as fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery, canned fish, meat, and milk. Coles and Aldi are limiting purchases of certain items only - including rice, pasta, and paper towels. Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have brought in shopper restrictions on certain items Editor's Note: With so much market volatility, stay on top of daily news! Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news and expert opinions. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Shares of gold-mining companies have fallen with the broader stock market lately, but producers are likely to become more attractive over the next couple of months as investors take note of the revenue and free cash flow they are generating, said Frank Holmes, chief executive and investment officer with U.S. Global Investors. Youre going to see these gold stocks all of a sudden looking extremely attractive coming into April and May [based on] their numbers, Holmes told Kitco News in an interview. Meanwhile, he said, as stocks of base-metals companies get beat down on worries about less use of commodities due to slowing industrial demand, these could end up being bargains for those with a longer-term time horizon. U.S. Global Investors mutual funds include those for precious metals, natural resources and emerging markets. The company also oversees a gold exchange-traded fund. Holmes pointed out that there are two pillars upon which gold-mining stocks normally stand. They correlate with both the trend in the commodity price, as well as the broader stock market. So when the major stock indices took a beating lately on COVID-19 worries, with investors looking to preserve capital and raise cash, gold-mining stocks fell too. In short periods of time, they correlate very highly with the S&P 500, Holmes said. Nevertheless, gold stocks do have factors working in their favor that will eventually kick in, the CEO continued. Youre going to expect this quarter that the year-over-year growth in revenue, growth in cash flow and returns on investor capital [for gold companies] are going to be much higher than in copper mines and base-metal mines, Holmes said. Likewise, he later pointed out, certain retailers such as Walgreens might also fare well due to anticipated revenue growth as customers stockpile goods amid the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Youre seeing this rotation in the general market with people looking for revenue-per-share growth, Holmes said. Even with the market meltdown, Walgreens [shares] are up because people know theyre going to have great revenue this quarter. And gold stocks are going to show, in this quarter, great revenue per share. Of the 100 gold producers we follow, theyll be showing very attractive returns. Revenue hinges not only on the amount of production but gold prices. The yellow metal has pulled back sharply from the seven-year highs hit earlier in March. Still, Holmes pointed out, prices are well above where they were a year ago, meaning favorable year-on-year comparisons when investors look at producers potential revenue and earnings. The price of spot metal was $1,473 an ounce as of 12:17 p.m. EDT on Thursday, well above $1,292 at the end of the first quarter of 2019. Newmont has a free-cash-flow yield of about 4%, Holmes said. He later added, Its going have bigger revenue-per-share growth this quarter at probably greater than the S&P average stock. So youll see money flowing into those names. Holmes pointed out that U.S. Global Investors gold-mining exchange-traded fund, the Go Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU), includes 28 companies considered to be showing revenue growth, cash-flow growth, free cash flow, and a high return on investor capital in every quarter. Besides producers such as Newmont, Holmes commented that streaming and royalty companies such as Franco-Nevada and Wheaton Precious Metals have been outperformers due to their strong cash flow. For instance, Wheatons earnings report last week showed $502 million in operating cash flow during 2019. Meanwhile, prices of base metals have been hit hard with other so-called risk assets, with market participants factoring in expectations for weaker industrial demand as the coronavirus slows the global economy. For instance, Holmes pointed out that BMW is curtailing production of autos, which will be a hit to demand for copper, used in electrical wiring. But as you go through the next wave [of selling in shares of these companies], youre going to get some great buys, Holmes said. Furthermore, new forms of demand may start to materialize, he continued. Metals like copper are going to become much more significant in health care, Holmes said. The Israelis are coming out with ionized copper to spray on your clothes. Youre going to get more countertops made [with copper] because viruses cant attach themselves.I think youll get a sea change after this paranoia ends. New York, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Asia Pacific Tortilla Market to 2027 - Regional Analysis and Forecasts by Nature ; Source ; Product type ; Distribution Channel" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05875841/?utm_source=GNW The tortilla is a thin and flatbread made up of wheat and corn.Different types of tortillas are available in the market, including tortilla chips, taco shells, tostadas, and many more. High nutritive properties associated with a tortilla is expected to fuel the market growth.The Asia Pacific tortilla market is segmented on the basis of product type as - tortilla chips, taco shells, tostadas, flour tortillas, corn tortillas, and others. The tortilla chips segment in the Asia Pacific tortilla market is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment in the market.The tortilla chips are made of yellow corn usually, but they can also be made of white, blue, or red corn. But since with the trend of wheat tortillas in the market, the tortilla chip is also made of whole wheat. Some manufacturers include many other ingredients, including wheat, sugar, food coloring, and monosodium glutamate to enhance the color and flavor of the product. The tortilla chip, after being manufactured, processed goes to various retailers in different parts of Asia Pacific. They are consumed by all category of people because of its taste and easy availability in the market. The Asia Pacific tortilla market is segmented based on nature as conventional and organic.The conventional segment accounts for the largest share in the Asia Pacific tortilla market, while the organic segment also contributes a significant share in the market. A wide range of factors, from a fast-growing market to an influx of new organic and gluten-free options, less sodium and whole grain has been primed for growth in the tortilla segment over the next decade.The organic tortillas have taken up the market since they are much demanded by the consumers; they are grown by the farmers in an organic way without use of any chemicals and pesticides. The food industry is equally inclined towards selling organic products, as the people in the current era are more concerned about health benefits.These tortillas are made using organic raw material; they dont have any pesticides and have a premium quality along with its goodness in taste and innovative flavors. Multigrain and multi nutrition is the major key which is driving the organic tortilla market. Seeing the consumption of the healthy product, even the companies are producing the organic tortilla at a larger scale. The Asia Pacific tortilla market is segmented based on the source of wheat and corn.The corn segment accounts for the largest share in the Asia Pacific tortilla market, while the wheat segment is estimated to be the fastest segment in the market. The wheat flour tortillas technology was developed in northern Mexico during the seventeenth century.The fact that all-purpose meal comes from wheat is the main reason why flour tortillas are also known as whole wheat tortillas. The whole wheat has multiple health benefits of high fiber and is known to be helpful in lowering chronic diseases. The nutrients of wheat like vitamin B6, iron, etc. has increased the wheat tortilla consumption at a significant growth in the Asia Pacific market. The Asia Pacific tortilla market is segmented based on distribution channel as hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, online, and food service.The hypermarkets/supermarkets segment holds the largest share in the Asia Pacific tortilla market, while the foodservice segment also contributes a significant share in the market. The foodservice segment includes restaurants, food chains, hotels, cafes, etc.Tortilla manufacturers sell their products to these food service networks. The foodservice segment is offering various types of tortillas, including tortilla chips, taco shells, tostadas, flour tortilla, and corn-based tortilla. Restaurants and hotels offer tortilla wraps and tacos coupled with different fillings, including cheese, spinach, veggie, pesto, sundried-tomato, jalapeno cheese, and black bean, salsa, and many more. Asia Pacific tortilla market is segmented based on country as - Australia, China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia Pacific.China holds the largest share in the Asia Pacific tortilla market, which is followed by Japan. China has a huge market potential for the tortilla products and Chinese consumers are willing to taste multi-regional international cuisines.This has further propelled the demand for tortillas in China. In recent years, the tortilla manufacturers in the US and Mexico have attracted attention to expanding in various Asian countries. The number of Mexican food restaurants is increasing in China. Some of the players present in Asia Pacific tortilla market are Gruma, S.A.B. de C.V, PepsiCo Inc., Arandas Tortilla Company, Inc., and Conagra Brands Inc. amongst the others. The overall Asia Pacific tortilla market size has been derived using both primary and secondary source.The research process begins with exhaustive secondary research using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the Asia Pacific tortilla market. Also, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and commentators in order to validate data and analysis. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, and external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the Asia Pacific tortilla market. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05875841/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Over 820 samples taken for a random sampling study for community transmission of coronavirus have tested negative, signifying the community spread of the disease has not taken place in the country so far, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava on Thursday. "We did a random sampling study of community transmission of about 820 samples from 50 sites. They have come negative. We will scale it up. According to this study community spread has not happened," Bhargava told ANI. According to a release by the ICMR, a total of 826 samples of the people suffering from severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) /influenza-like illnesses have been tested at the sites. "None of the samples was found positive," it said. The ICMR is the apex health research body of India and has been the nodal authority for testing of patients for COVID-19. The Council has been closely monitoring the presence of community transmissions in the country. So far, a total of 169 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the country. Three persons have died from the disease. In view of the evolving nature of COVID-19 transmission, the surveillance is being expanded to include more areas especially areas where COVID-19 cases have been reported. In a bid to strengthen the COVID-19 testing capacity, the ICMR is going to operationalise two rapid testing laboratories and 49 additional testing centres by the end of this week. A rapid testing laboratory will be equipped to test as many as 1,400 samples each day. These high throughput systems will be set up one each in Delhi-NCR and Bhubaneswar to exponentially increasing rapid diagnosing of COVID-19. The additional 49 testing centres will be at various medical colleges and other places. It includes the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) B oris Johnson has refused to rule out introducing a stricter lockdown measures for London than across the rest of the nation as the capital suffers from an accelerated spread of the coronavirus. The Prime Minister, specifically referencing the possibility of shutting down the city, told his daily press conference on Wednesday that it would be quite wrong to not leave such an option on the table. A senior Government source earlier ruled out strict measures being imposed in the capital imminently, but suggested they could be enforced as early as Friday. "It's not going to happen today or tomorrow," the source said. Boris Johnson confirmed that the government was not ruling out a lockdown on London / AP And addressing the nation later, Mr Johnson said: "We do not rule out - because it would be quite wrong to do so - taking further and faster measures in due course." Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon first suggested that "more stringent" measures could be introduced earlier in London, because it is ahead on the "infection curve". Ms Sturgeon, who has been receiving Cobra emergency briefings, said "we know London is ahead of the rest of us" when asked how far the UK was from a complete lockdown. London Museums and Galleries closed during Coronavirus 1 /18 London Museums and Galleries closed during Coronavirus A pedestrian in a face mask walks past the National Gallery AFP via Getty Images British Museum Getty Images Tate Britain Museum REUTERS British Museum Getty Images A sign outside the Natural History Museum declares the building temporarily closed Getty Images An empty gallery is seen within the V&A Museum Getty Images An empty gallery is seen within the V&A Museum Getty Images British Museum Getty Images British Museum PA British History Museum PA A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks past the National Portrait Gallery AFP via Getty Images 'A Rakes Progress' by William Hogarth is displayed alongside contemporary work 'Low Relief' by John Riddy during the "Hogarth: London Voices, London Lives" exhibition photocall at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery on March 17, 2020 in London, England. The exhibition was due to open to the public on the 18th March. However, the gallery will be temporarily closed until further notice Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: 'Long Live Southbank' by Grassroots Activist Group during the "Hogarth: London Voices, London Lives" exhibition photocall at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery on March 17, 2020 in London, England. The exhibition was due to open to the public on the 18th March. However, the gallery will be temporarily closed until further notice. Getty Images Visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum PA Mr Johnson said he was reluctant to issue edicts restricting lives, and implored people to follow the advice to socially distance themselves to slow the spread of Covid-19. "But let's be absolutely in no doubt that these are very, very important choices that we are now making in our daily lives," the Prime Minister told his daily coronavirus press conference. "And the more closely and the more strictly, more ruthlessly, we can enforce upon ourselves, our families, the advice we are getting, then the better we will be able to protect our NHS, the fewer deaths we will have and the less suffering there will be in the UK population." As yet it is unclear what exactly the possible stricter measures on the capital would look like. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has not attended a Cobra meeting since Monday and has reportedly not been informed about any drastic restrictions on Londoners' lives. Rights groups in Cairo are calling on the Egyptian government to immediately release prisoners for fear that an outbreak of COVID-19 could threaten the lives of thousands imprisoned in Egypt. The Cairo-based Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms issued a statement March 17 calling for the immediate release of prisoners, be they convicted of political or criminal cases. The commission called for extensive health amnesty procedures for the elderly, who are at higher risk. The serious health conditions plaguing prisons and detention centers that are overcrowded with both prisoners and individuals held in pre-trial detention under harsh detention conditions may contribute to the spread of the corona pandemic and threaten the lives of thousands of individuals deprived of their liberty," the statement read. "The Egyptian authorities shall bear the responsibility for dragging their feet on taking the appropriate measures given the crises that may result thereof. Human rights lawyer Nasser Amin, a member of the National Council for Human Rights, told Al-Monitor, It is necessary to release prisoners as soon as possible before a disaster unfolds. The law provides for the possibility of releasing prisoners and imposing restrictions and other precautionary measures instead of incarceration, including obliging prisoners to remain forcibly confined to their houses or to visit the police station on a daily or weekly basis, he added. Amin said, The public prosecution is not only responsible for issuing decisions to imprison the accused, as it is also responsible for protecting prisoners, so it must use its powers to release prisoners. Article 201 of the Egyptian criminal code grants the Public Prosecution Authority the right to release prisoners and impose other measures. The article states: The pretrial detention authority may issue, instead of a prison sentence, an order imposing one of the following measures: compelling defendants not to leave their house or country, obliging them to show up to the police headquarters at specified times, or prohibiting them from going to specific places. Should the defendants violate the obligations imposed by the order, they may be held in pre-trial detention. Medhat al-Zahid, the head of the leftist Socialist Popular Alliance Party, told Al-Monitor that the government needs to release prisoners as soon as possible. It is necessary to alleviate the overcrowding in prisons to prevent the spread of the virus by releasing all those held in pre-trial detention and those who are under investigation and have not been convicted yet, he said. He also stressed the need to release the elderly and have them undergo tests to ensure they havent contracted the virus. No official cases have been thus far announced in Egyptian prisons. The Ministry of Interior announced the suspension of visits to all Egyptian prisons for a period of 10 days from March 9 to 19, but it did not declare a long-term strategy to prevent the spread of the virus inside prisons. Al-Monitor tried to contact the prison administration to ask about the number of prisoners in Egypt, be they political or criminal, to no avail. An accurate figure cannot be provided in this regard as individuals are imprisoned and released around the clock. However, international human rights organizations have estimated that Egypt has approximately 60,000 political prisoners. Parliamentarian Ahmed Hammam, a member of the Daam Masr Alliance, which is known for its support of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime, refused to comment on such calls. The authorities in Egypt have prioritized the health and interests of citizens, and any decisions capable of preserving the safety of Egyptians, be they inside or outside prisons, would be taken at the appropriate time, he told Al-Monitor over the phone. He added that the Egyptian state and the House of Representatives will not drag their feet on making any decisions that preserve the health of Egyptians. However, decisions related to the release of prisoners must be well-thought-out, especially considering that they are decisions related to thousands of prisoners, not only dozens or hundreds. LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - At Subaru of Indiana Automotive, a second employee has been notified they came into contact with a person carrying the coronavirus. As we previously reported, SIA shut down one engine line after an employee had learned they, too, had come into contact with the disease. According to a company memo News 18 obtained, the person was instructed to self-quarantine for two weeks. They had not yet gotten to work at the time they got the notice. The memo said the line where they work was temporarily halted and sanitized. No SIA employees have tested positive for the virus themselves. However, this person an one other were quarantined for their possible contact. The company said any employees with flu-like symptoms are required to stay home. Wendi Friedmans New York City apartment was getting cramped. The single mom of a 5-year-old boy with special needs said when coronavirus fears in the Big Apple started to be widespread, she decided to come down to her second home at the Jersey Shore. The house is bigger and it has a yard where her son could safely play in the fresh salt air unlike New York City where social distancing is nearly impossible outside. He can not sit around all day and color or sit still, Friedman said. He needs to run, jump, and climb. Friedman said she brought all of her groceries, prescriptions, and supplies with her to Margate, but may need to go out again to restock. I most likely will need them again at some point, Friedman added. I understand the concern of the virus potentially traveling. I can not speak for others, but my son has asthma, so we have been extremely isolated. I pay taxes here and have the right to utilize my home as I see fit for my family while trying to be mindful of permanent residents. Even though shes a taxpayer in the Atlantic County town her Jersey Shore neighbors, and even some local officials, arent too thrilled with the idea of people coming down the shore to weather out the growing pandemic. In the nearly two weeks since New Jersey reported its first case of coronavirus, both Atlantic and Cape May counties have appeared to be in the clear with no positive cases being reported but that changed on Wednesday. The first diagnosed cases of the virus were reported in Atlantic County and Cape May County as the statewide total of positive cases of coronavirus jumped to more than 400. One was a New York City man who was visiting in Cape May County, officials announced on Wednesday. A man finishes fishing on a beach in Brigantine. March 18, 2020 Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Thats why some officials are advising visitors to stay away. "Suddenly we are seeing these large numbers coming here that we plan for an our summer season, Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton said. "At this point in time, our county health department is really concerned about whats happening. We love our second homeowners, the freeholder said. Forty-eight percent of our county is made up of second homes, and theyre very important to us. We know their kids are out of school, but this is not the time to decide to have a vacation and go to the Shore. What they should do is stay home as much as possible, work for home, and protect their families and their kids." Lauren Cooke, a year-round Margate resident, is just as concerned. She said this past weekend she saw someone in a local supermarket who appeared to be sick who was sneezing and coughing, buying $470 worth of food. Cooke said she overheard the woman, who lived in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania, said she was heading to her shore home in Ocean City and was going to meet her kids who were flying up from Virginia. With a mother who has a compromised immune system, Cooke wants people to use caution when they are out and about. When they come down, there are more people when I go out and do errands, Cooke said. I have more of a chance of picking it up because they are not staying home. Ventnor resident Brie Lynn said people should be able to have access to their homes as long as they are taking the right precautions. The government is talking about this pandemic potentially continuing through July or even August. Some doctors are saying it will last until fall, Lynn said. People cannot be expected to not live their lives or not visit the homes they own. I dont think its an awful thing for people to come to their shore homes as long as theyre being safe and practicing social distancing. George Lashley, who lives in South Dennis, normally shops at two supermarkets close to him. Lashley said when he went to the market in Mamora with his wife and three small children, he saw the parking lot was primarily full of Pennsylvania and New York license plates. Lashley said he agrees with Thorntons statement, and wished he said it earlier. I was disgusted, Lashley said. The toilet paper, paper towels, meat and water were gone, and people were clearing out the Tylenol and ibuprofen. There was very little spaghetti sauce very little pasta and the produce choices were slim. One gentleman was just grabbing stuff by the handful. Lashley said the people from outside the area should realize that the stores are not stocked to handle the influx of people during the winter. He also believes more measures should be taken to stop the spread of the virus. I hope the new mayor of Wildwood follows through and shuts down the boardwalk, Lashley stated. Now with the confirmed case in Cape May County, do you think these people will learn? The person who contracted the virus is from New York. Why did they come down here? Now I fear for my family. Tell us your coronavirus stories, weather its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Currently, the circle of people who contacted him is to be identified A citizen of Zhytomyr infected with Covid-19 returned from Austria a few days ago felt bad and appealed to the doctors. The medics held tests and confirmed the presence of the virus as 112 Ukraine reported citing Zhytomyr Mayor Serhiy Sukhomlyn. He returned from vacation in Austria. A few days ago, he felt bad, called the ambulance, which took him the first infectious hospital, unit of the first hospital. They held tests, analyses. The tests confirmed the presence of coronavirus, he is isolated now. The circle of people who contacted him is to be established, they will be isolated, the mayor said. Sukhomlyn also noted that the state of the patient is normal, moderate; he feels good and does not need artificial lung ventilation apparatus. The doctors control the hospitalized person. Serhiy Sukhomlyn specified that a man infected with Covid-19 returned from Austria to Ukraine by personal transport. The doctors work on the identification of the circle of people who contacted him; they will be isolated and tested for the coronavirus, he said. Zhytomyr Mayor also stated that a man infected with the virus is not a public person and does not work at the government entities. As we reported, another case of coronavirus infection was observed in the Kyiv region. Five people, suspected of coronavirus, were hospitalized in the area. Two people were found in Bila Tserkva, two more in Kyiv-Sviatoshynskyi district and one in Brovary (not confirmed). Putin says coronavirus is 'under control' in Russia Iran Press TV Wednesday, 18 March 2020 12:07 AM Russian President Vladimir Putin says the coronavirus outbreak in his country is "under control" as the China-generated pathogen continues to take a heavy toll across the world. "We were able to contain mass penetration and spread of the pandemic," Putin said at a government meeting in Moscow on Tuesday. "The situation is generally under control despite high risk level." The Russian president made the comments after touring a new coronavirus information center in the capital that had been built to spot empty supermarket shelves with surveillance cameras and to track quarantined citizens during the coronavirus crisis. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, in charge of the country's coronavirus response, said the center had a database of contacts and places of work for 95 per cent of those under compulsory quarantine after returning from virus-stricken countries. "We have identified where they are," he said. "When the person leaves the building we record it" "The center... also effectively fights so-called 'fakes' and rumors," Sobyanin said, citing a recent instance when people began to share a false report of 32 deaths from the virus in Russia. Russia has so far reported 114 confirmed cases of the deadly flu-like pathogen, with no fatalities. The coronavirus, which causes a respiratory disease known as COVID-19, emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei Province late last year and is currently affecting more than 160 countries and territories across the globe. It has so far infected over 180,000 people and killed more than 7,400 others. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Friday that Europe was now the "epicenter" of the global coronavirus pandemic and was reporting more daily cases than China did at the height of its outbreak. The European Commission announced plans on Tuesday to enact the full closure of borders across the 27-member European Union (EU) as part of efforts to stem the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced that the EU would impose an entry ban on travelers from outside the bloc for 30 days to battle the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the WHO called on all European countries to take the "boldest actions" against the now-global pandemic. "Europe is the epicenter of the first pandemic of coronavirus and every country, with no exceptions, needs to take their boldest actions to stop or slow the virus spread," Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, said during an online news briefing for the media. "These are unprecedented times," he added. "It is important that countries work together, learn from each other and harmonize the efforts." Over the past week, individual European countries have fully or partially sealed their borders to non-nationals and implemented extra border checks over the pandemic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address An intensive-care nurse in Illinois was told to make a single-use mask last for five days. An emergency room doctor in California said her colleagues had started storing dirty masks in plastic containers to use again later with different patients. A pediatrician in Washington state, trying to make her small stock last, has been spraying each mask with alcohol after use, until it breaks down. The situation is terrible, really terrible, said Dr. Niran Al-Agba, 45, the pediatrician. I dont think we were prepared. Al-Agba was one of hundreds of health care workers this week who appealed to the public for help confronting the coronavirus pandemic, which has sickened thousands and killed more than 140 people in the United States. As hospital supplies have dwindled, the vice president has called on construction companies to donate masks, the surgeon general has urged the public to stop buying them, and experts have warned that, the more doctors and nurses who get sick, the greater strain on a system already stretched thin. Now, doctors, nurses and others are rallying on social media with the hashtag #GetMePPE, referring to personal protective equipment like masks, gowns and face shields, to put pressure on elected leaders to get them more gear to guard against infection. Medical professionals need a large supply of the masks because they are in direct contact with infected patients and must change their masks repeatedly. The World Health Organizations guidelines recommend that health workers use surgical masks to cover their mouths and noses, but some hospitals require masks known as N95s, which are thicker, fit more tightly around the mouth and nose, and block out much smaller particles than surgical masks do. Charnai Prefontaine, an ICU nurse in Illinois, said shes asking the public to implore lawmakers and government officials to speed up the process of bringing resources to hospitals. I would like to say theres some major happy ending where a cowboy comes in with a ton of masks and were saved, but I dont see that happening anytime soon, said Prefontaine, 30, who regularly interacts with patients suffering from respiratory issues. I think its going to get worse before it gets better. The emergency room doctor based in Northern California, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid a conflict with her employer, said her hospital had already treated several COVID-19 patients, forcing several exposed employees to quarantine at home. Dr. Vidya Ramanathan, 43, a pediatrician in Michigan, said the need was dire. There arent enough sanitizer wipes to clean the workers face shields and her hospital is almost out of masks, she said. The hospital where Ramanathan works has set up tents outside the building and established a triage system so that those who dont require further care can be sent home for quarantine. The process protects patients and workers inside the hospital and conserves the diminishing stock of protective equipment, she said. Health care workers are working diligently to keep the pandemic at bay, Ramanathan said. We hope that everybody takes this as seriously as we are. The keys for the public are social distancing and staying at home. Al-Agba, who runs a private practice about 10 miles west of downtown Seattle, said she had been monitoring the spread of the virus in the community since a person died at a nursing care center in Kirkland, Washington, in February. Days later, Al-Agba asked her medical distributor to order gowns and N95s but they were already all sold out. Then, she was told she could not get any protective equipment from local health officials because she wasnt on the front line. She had to rely on community donations. Someone left two boxes of masks on my doorstep, Al-Agba said. I will make them last; Ill spray each one with alcohol and keep using it until it breaks down. Were really improvising here. For weeks now, she said, shes been conducting car visits with her patients who have a cough or a fever. The patient is instructed to pull up to the side of the office while Al-Agba puts on goggles, a mask, gloves and a zippered, hazmat-like suit. Then she approaches the vehicle. After practicing for 20 years and being a third-generation doctor, I can tell you this is new territory, Al-Agba said. I dont know if weve ever had to go to work and fear for our lives in the same way. The hospital shortages stem mainly from the prolonged outbreak in China and a widespread buying of masks by anxious citizens in the United States and around the world. China produced half of the worlds supply even before the coronavirus emerged there. As the country grappled with an outbreak, it expanded its mask production by nearly twelvefold, but stockpiled what it made. As a result, worries about mask supplies have risen as the epidemic in Asia rapidly transformed into a pandemic that reached more than 140 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Last month, the U.S. surgeon general, Jerome Adams, urged the public to stop buying masks, warning that they would take away important resources from health care professionals. This week, Vice President Mike Pence asked construction companies to donate their N95 masks to local hospitals, and to stop making new orders. A person is more likely to get infected by touching contaminated surfaces than from a droplet traveling through the air, according to infectious disease experts, who also warn about accidental contamination by touching the outside of the mask. But they also encourage health care workers to take serious precautions, given the risk their work exposes them to. We dont have immunity; we dont have prior exposure; a lot of people are susceptible and the virus is easily transmittable, said Dr. Lucy Wilson, a professor of emergency health services at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. I think its pretty unprecedented in modern times, and we are entering the crisis point. Wilson, an infectious disease physician and former public health official, said potential solutions to the shortage could include the federal stockpile, masks donated from other industries and increased domestic production. The federal governments Strategic National Stockpile of medical supplies includes 12 million medical-grade N95 masks and 30 million surgical masks only about 1% of the 3.5 billion masks that the Department of Health and Human Services estimates would be needed over the course of a year. During similar outbreaks in the past, like the SARS epidemic in 2003, a large number of hospital workers got infected, Wilson said. Protecting medical professionals is essential to managing the pandemic. Health care workers have become very vocal about their safety concerns because they are really on the battlefield 24 hours a day, Wilson said. They have organized and are raising awareness. Doctors and nurses who get sick cant provide care for their patients, putting a tremendous strain on a health care system that is already in need of resources, she said. This is a think-outside-the-box situation, and we as a country need to be innovative, Al-Agba said. It feels like a war zone a little bit. We need to do as much as we can to save as many as we can. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 17:23:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Workers wait for a train at the departure hall in Jingzhou, central China's Hubei Province, March 19, 2020. With a high-speed railway train carrying 551 migrant workers departing central China's Hubei Province Thursday, the province hard-hit by the coronavirus are sending more workers to south China's manufacturing heartland Guangdong Province. Departing from the city of Jingzhou at 1:20 p.m., the train is the first chartered high-speed railway train from Hubei to send migrant workers to their workplaces after the Spring Festival. On Thursday, a total of 1,631 migrant workers have boarded the trains for Guangdong, with the other high-speed railway train carrying 1,080 people departing at around 3:13 p.m. from Jingzhou heading for Shenzhen. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) WUHAN/GUANGZHOU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- With a high-speed railway train carrying 551 migrant workers departing central China's Hubei Province Thursday, the province hard-hit by the coronavirus are sending more workers to south China's manufacturing heartland Guangdong Province. Departing from the city of Jingzhou at 1:20 p.m., the train is the first chartered high-speed railway train from Hubei to send migrant workers to their workplaces after the Spring Festival. "I'm so excited that I'm able to board the first chartered train and go back to work," said Chen Anxin, who works at an advertising company in Guangzhou but has been staying in his hometown of Jianli County in Jingzhou for about two months due to the coronavirus outbreak. On Thursday, a total of 1,631 migrant workers have boarded the trains for Guangdong, with the other high-speed railway train carrying 1,080 people departing at around 3:13 p.m. from Jingzhou heading for Shenzhen. Calif. church shutters: Member dies of coronavirus, several others test positive Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A church in Sacramento, California, announced that it will stay closed until at least early April after one of their beloved members died from the new coronavirus and several others tested positive. An ABC10 report said Gayle Alexis, a Sacramento substitute teacher who died Sunday from the coronavirus, was one of five parishioners from Faith Presbyterian Church Sacramento who tested positive for the virus. In a statement on their coronavirus mitigation efforts, church officials explained that as soon as they learned members were displaying symptoms last Thursday, they quickly closed the church. On March 12, Faith Presbyterian Church staff discovered that a small number of church members were displaying symptoms potentially associated with COVID-19. That evening, the church leadership met and made the immediate decision to close the church facility on Florin Road to prevent spread of the virus in our congregation and community, the church said. To date, there have been a small number of confirmed positive cases in the congregation. Sadly, one of those has died. Faith Presbyterian Churchs pastor, Jeff Chapman, addressed Alexis passing in a video posted on YouTube Monday in which he asked for prayers for her family. I want you to know that you all are in my prayers We are certainly grieving the loss of Gayle Alexis yesterday and ask you to continue to pray particularly for her family at this time and for her life group and for those who knew and loved her most and best, along with all those not just in our church but in our whole city, our country, the world who are suffering and are struggling and who are afraid, Chapman said. Remember, we want to continue to emphasize the things were hearing from our public health officials. We as a community want to honor those. Scripture says in Romans that we should listen to the governing authorities and so lets be careful to do what they asked us to do to practice social distancing, keep washing your hands. Those of you who are older you need to stay home. We are trying to abide by those rules and those boundaries not just for ourselves but for the whole community." Alexis was identified as a substitute teacher in The Sacramento City Unified School District, according to ABC10. "Today the Sacramento City Unified School District was deeply saddened to learn that the individual who worked as a temporary volunteer and a substitute teacher in our district has passed away," SCUSD Superintendent Jorge Aguilar said. "We join the family, friends, colleagues and students in grieving this tragic loss. This death underscores the seriousness of this current public health emergency. Sac City Unified will continue to implement any and all measures recommended by public health leaders to protect the health and safety of our students, our staff, and our community." Alexis longtime friend, Carolyn Tillman, told KCRA3 she was an active member at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sacramento's Pocket neighborhood. The minister sent out an email Sunday evening," Tillman said. She was cheerful, upbeat, loved children a joy to be around and will just really be missed because of her positive attitude about life and the fact that she helped me with a childrens choir for quite a few years, [which] was just a real positive thing for me." She said they knew each other for more than 20 years at church and explained that Alexis retired from Matsuyama Elementary in Sacramento and continued as a substitute teacher because of her love for the children, not because she needed money. Faith Presbyterian Church said they have appointed a task force of three members of the congregation who have expertise in public health, infectious diseases and medicine to help guide all their decisions. The leadership of Faith continues to meet via video-chat daily and is in constant communication to discern how we as a congregation can continue to worship and fellowship remotely, care for one another during this crisis, and reach beyond ourselves to care for others in our community who are experiencing hardship as well. Our mission statement guides our life together, even in (and especially during) this difficult season: A community loving Christ, building disciples, serving all, the church said. All ships coming from 14 COVID- 19 affected countries will be quarantined for 14 days as a precautionary measure before they are allowed to enter the dock systems of the Kolkata Port Trust, an official said here on Thursday. This rule will apply till March 31 to vessels from China, Italy, Republic of Korea, France, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, Malaysia and Philippines. However, it does not mean that ships from these countries would be quarantined for 14 days after they arrive at sandheads, KoPT Chairman Vinit Kumar said. "What we want is vessels should not enter our docks within 14 days of leaving ports of these countries. If their sailing period is more than 14 days from their last port of call, they would not be withheld and allowed to enter after mandatory screening protocol," he told PTI. KoPT has been carrying out preventive measures against COVID-19 since January 29. The Kolkata Port has stopped issuing shore passes to crew members of all ships as the coronavirus threat intensified. No crew, whether Idian or foreigner, are being allowed to deboard after the ships docked at the Kolkata port. As on March 12, more than 8,100 crew from 470 ships were screened by the KoPT. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Elderly shoppers lined up on Thursday as day broke to take advantage of the senior-only shopping hours designated by stores who are hoping to keep older, more vulnerable Americans safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Panicked shopping from the general public has crowded stores and left aisles empty, causing difficulties for older customers as they face long lines, packed stores and a heightened risk of contracting the potentially deadly coronavirus from other shoppers. Stop & Shop welcomed their first senior shoppers early Thursday morning while Walmart became the latest in a string of stores Wednesday to assign a designated 'senior shopping event' to allow those 65 and older to shop away from the massive crowds. Long lines and empty shelves still greeted many senior citizens from Tuesday morning onward as they rushed out to take advantage of the seniors-only hours, some still waiting for over an hour in line to ensure they were stocked up despite being at stores at the crack of dawn. Scroll down for video Chris Moshier, customer service manager, opens the doors to shoppers waiting at a Stop & Shop supermarket in Rhode Island for special hours open daily only for seniors Thursday Empty shelves still met shoppers during seniors-only hour in Stop & Shop in Rhode Island Stop & Shop in Maspeth still had long lines during its senior-only hour on Thursday morning Roberta Miller, 74, loads her items at the checkout at a Stop & Shop supermarket during hours open daily only for seniors Thursday in Rhode Island where long lines still faced customers The Northgate supermarket in La Habra began to open a half hour early for seniors but the demand was so high that it is now extended to the first hour of shopping each day The elderly are deemed more at risk from the coronavirus as while the virus can manifest with symptoms similar to a flu for younger people, it is potentially more deadly for older people and those with underlying conditions. WTNH reporter Kent Pierce was outside the Stop & Shop in New Haven on Thursday morning as dozens of seniors lined up ahead of opening time to be first into the senior-only hour. He said that the line 'got crowded quickly' as people hoped to find what they needed while the main crowds were away. Stop & Shop across the U.S. opened an hour earlier on Thursday for the special seniors-only hour and said that they would continue to do so every day to allow those 60 and older to shop without the general rush. Each store will have a designated entrance for seniors between 6am and 7.30am and although they will not be checking ID, they asked that the general public 'respect the purpose of the early opening'. In other stores, seniors' hours started earlier in the week but it did not always guarantee that stocks would be available as chains grapple with the high demand to restock their shelves amid the rush. One senior citizen shopping in a Dollar General on Tuesday, posted to social media about the lack of toilet paper in the store. This senior shopper in Dollar General thankfully didn't need toilet paper as shelves were empty New York City Council member Robert Holden revealed shelves were still empty 'While we did not get TP (we did not need to), shopping was great as DG opened up their doors to seniors only for the first hour!' they wrote, sharing a picture of the empty toilet paper aisle and the sign informing customer about the special hour for seniors and those at high-risk. New York City Council member Robert Holden had a similar complaint of the Stop & Shop in Maspeth where he shared a picture of empty shelves on Thursday morning. 'Stop & Shop had a great idea to help seniors, 60+ only, shop from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m. It would have been nice if they stocked their shelves first here in the Maspeth store,' he tweeted. Grocery stores with 'senior-only-hours' Walmart: Every Tuesday 6am - 7am from March 24 Target: First hour of shopping every Wednesday Whole Foods: Daily one hour before opening to public Stop & Shop: Every morning 6am - 7.30am Zanatto's: Daily 8am - 9am GIANT: 6am - 7am Smiths Food & Drug stores: first hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am to 8am Vallarta Supermarkets: Daily 7am until 8am Schnucks: 6am to 7am Sedanos Supermarkets: 7am to 8am Safeway: 7am until 9am on Tuesdays and Thursdays Mothers Markets: Wednesdays from 6am until 7am Jersey City: All grocery stores with more than 3 cash registers, 9am - 11am Albertsons: 7 to 9 am on Tuesday and Thursday Balduccis: First hour of shopping Basha Supermarkets: 5 to 6 am.Wednesdays Big Lots: First hour of each day Fareway Meat & Grocery: 8 to 9 am Monday through Saturday Fresh Market: 8 to 9 am Monday through Friday Food Town: Daily 7 to 8 am Gelsons: Daily 7 to 8 am Advertisement Other stores that began their policy earlier in the week included Smiths stores in Nevada, which opened early on Wednesday with lines of eager seniors waiting outside. 'Las Vegas Valley seniors lining up at Smith's stores throughout the Las Vegas Valley for designated shopping hour - only for those 60 and over,' tweeted Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Glenn Puit. Long lines were also shown in a Giant in Pennysylvania on Thursday morning, where the seniors-only hour did not appear to be reducing the wait times for the elderly. 'My mom got to the Giant at 610 am and just left at 7:55. That's how bad it is,' shared reporter Jennifer Sheehan. Stores were packed early morning in San Jose from Tuesday, as seniors crowded in to take advantage. 'Zanotto's in San Jose opened up its store this morning for seniors only to allow them a chance to shop for the first hour,' shared ABC's Julian Glover. 'The parking lot is packed. So many seniors have told me how grateful they are that someone is looking out for them.' The decision from Zanatto's came after California Governor Gavin Newsom urged all people 65 and older to stay at home during the state's shelter-in-place order. All of of the chain's locations are now open from 8am and 9am for seniors. On Wednesday Walmart revealed that they were to become the latest store to restrict it hours further for restocking but also allow for a seniors-only hour. From March 24 until the end of April, Walmart will open at 6am on Tuesdays in most locations for seniors only. From Thursday, the chain's stores will also close at 8.30pm and generally open no earlier than 7am to allow for stock intake and for the shelves to be restocked. 'This will further help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store,' Walmart said in a statement. 'While the store hours change for customers, our associates will continue to have access to their regular scheduled shifts and full hours.' Restrictions will also be placed on the purchase of products such as paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. Senior shoppers wait in line to enter a Stop & Shop supermarket in Rhode Island, one of the stores that is now offering a designated hour for shoppers that are vulnerable This week grocery store chains and other retailers began offering special shopping hours for seniors and other groups considered the most vulnerable to the new coronavirus. The dedicated shopping times are designed to allow seniors to shop among smaller crowds Nancy Pesapand, 92, center, grabs bananas as a worker restocks the produce section of a Stop & Shop supermarket in Rhode Island during their first seniors-only hour on Thursday Lines faced senior shoppers as they entered this Rhode Island store for a seniors-only hour Dollar General stores began its early opening hours for seniors on Tuesday, also announcing that they would be closing an hour early to allow for restocking. 'Dollar General remains committed to providing customers and employees with a safe, clean and pleasant shopping environment at all stores and seeks for customers to feel confident when shopping,' Dollar General said as they revealed the first hour of opening would be only for those 60 and older. While Stop & Shop announced that ID would not be rigorously checked but that staff had the right to ask customers to leave if they did not fall within the correct age bracket, Northgate Supermarket in La Habra, California is asking for shoppers to prove they are over 65. Announced by La Habra City Councilman Jose Medrano on Sunday after holding talks with the store, seniors were supposed to be given early access to the store between 7.30am and 8am but the lines were so long and demand so high that it was extended for a further half an hour. They will not continue to open their 41 stores between 7am and 8am for seniors until further notice. Many stores including Target, Whole Foods and Smiths began their seniors-only hours on Wednesday. Whole Foods throughout the U.S. and Canada will open for an hour for people over 60 before opening to the general public, while Target will also keep the 'first hour of shopping each Wednesday for vulnerable guests'. Smith's Food & Drug stores is dedicating the first hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am to 8am 'solely to the shopping needs of senior citizens until further notice'. Vallarta Supermarkets is extending the 7am until 8am early shopping hour at its 50 locations to include not only those 65-plus but pregnant women and those with disabilities. Schnuck's is allotting 6am to 7am to senior citizens while Florida-based Sedano's Supermarkets will welcome seniors only between 7am and 8am. Safeway will allow two hours from 7am until 9am on Tuesday and Thursdays to 'those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated'. While Mother's Markets in California is starting a 'Safe Shop Wednesdays' from 6am until 7am ever Wednesday for 'elderly, disabled, those with compromised immune systems, chemo patients' they are also offering free home delivery for those in high-risk groups. In Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop announced that two hours every Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 11am would be allotted specifically to shoppers who are elderly, disabled or pregnant. Other stores opening early for seniors include Albertsons, Balduccis, Basha' Supermarkets, Big Lots, Fareway Meat & Grocery, Fresh Market, Food Town and Gelson's. Chickpea pasta, pinto beans and lettuce: Even in a crisis New Yorkers don't want to stock up on these as still fill supermarket shelves New Yorkers in the throes of coronavirus-induced panic-buying having been besieging grocery stores and sweeping food items off the shelves by the armful, but even amid a global pandemic they could not be enticed to pick up lasagna noodles, canned pinto beans, or chocolate-flavored hummus. Photos of decimated supermarket shelves have become regular Instagram fodder in recent weeks, as COVID-19 drove worried consumers to national chain stores and local markets, eager to stock up on supplies to would last them through the crisis - or a weekend of intense snacking. But the items left behind on otherwise depleted shelves tell a story all of their own. Thanks, but no thanks: New Yorkers seemingly have no appetite for canned pinto beans, even in the throes of coronavirus-induced panic buying Not-so-awesome sauce: Canned goods have been flying off the shelves like hotcakes, but it appears butternut squash pasta sauce has not been in high demand As photos shared on social media, and compiled for a story posted on Secret NYC this week show, Americans are no fans of lasagna noodles, of chickpea pasta, for that matter. As any college student living on a tight budget would attest, ramen noddles make a quick and filling meal, but shoppers were not excited about the prospect of tucking into a bowl of cheddar cheese-flavored ramen, as one photo shows. New Yorkers flocking to Trader Joe's in Queens have been equally unimpressed with lettuce, packets of which were left sitting on refrigerator shelves once crammed with all manner of greens. As people stock up at grocery stores so they have enough food while self-quarantining, lots of shelves have been quickly clearing out but chocolate hummus was not one of those items A small cluster of organic vegetable juices are seen left behind at a Trader Joe's store Green with envy: Two boxes of lettuce sit by themselves in a fridge once packed with all manners of greens and salad mixes Canned goods have been in high demand in recent weeks because of their long shelf life, but shoppers were clearly unimpressed with pinto beans, as one image shows. The caption reads: 'New York has spoken: we'd rather starve than eat pinto beans.' Baby lima beans also were not in high demand among New Yorkers with discerning taste. Antsy shoppers also rejected novelty spreads, including chocolate and buffalo-style hummus left in a neat stack inside an empty fridge. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, supermarkets and local grocery stores have been reporting long lines and increasing demand for food staples and household items like toilet paper and cleaning products. Rows of empty shelves are seen inside a Whole Foods Market location last week Rows of empty shelves are seen inside a Whole Foods Market location last week A single can of preserved tomatoes sits on a shelf at a Trader Joe's store amid the coronavirus panic-buying A recent trip to a Trader Joe's in Manhattan revealed refrigerator shelves stripped off virtually all chicken and meat products, save for marinated carne asada and pricey steak tips. Frozen foods, from ready meals to fruits and vegetables, have been snapped up too. As of Thursday morning, there were 9,414 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, and 152 deaths nationwide. How the wealthy panic buy: Hamptons residents are dropping up to $8K at gourmet grocery stores as they stock up on salmon steaks, $325 bottles of rare Chablis wine and Le Mer face cream for coronavirus quarantine Wealthy Americans who fled to their vacation homes in the Hamptons to avoid the spiraling coronavirus pandemic are splashing out thousands of dollars as they stock their pantries with gourmet goods like salmon steaks, fine wines and fancy face creams. Supermarkets and convenience stores across the country have struggled to keep up with soaring demand for food and common household goods like toilet paper and Clorox wipes from customers preparing for what could be months of self-isolation under strict coronavirus containment measures. At stores in Long Island's coveted beach towns, which are seeing unseasonably high traffic as high society takes shelter from COVID-19, the items flying off shelves have much higher price tags. Wealthy Americans who fled to the Hamptons (file photo) to avoid the spiraling coronavirus pandemic in New York City are splashing out thousands of dollars at gourmet grocery stores as they stock their pantries for weeks of sheltering at home Business is booming at Citarella, an upscale grocery chain with three locations (one pictured) in the Hamptons, as customers buy items like salmon steaks and pre-made lasagnas in bulk Joe Gurrera, founder of famed upscale supermarket chain Citarella, says business is 'insane' even at his three locations in the Hamptons, which typically see peak sales in the hot summer months. 'People are spending thousands of dollars at a time,' Gurrera told The New York Post. Citarella founder Joe Gurrera (pictured in 2015) says business is 'insane' at his Hamptons locations, which typically see peak sales in July and August 'I had one customer spend $8,000. You know when you see someone with a full shopping cart? Now they have five.' Gurrera said clients at Citarella, which also has four stores in Manhattan and one in Greenwich, Connecticut, are buying 'pretty much everything they can'. 'Instead of asking for one or two steaks on a tray, a customer will buy the whole tray. Then they'll move on to shrimp, and buy all the shrimp, and then they'll buy all the salmon steaks. Same goes for the prepared foods and produce, Gurrera said. 'Instead of asking for a slice of lasagna, they'll buy all of it. Then they'll buy all of our root vegetable.' Wine is also seen as an essential in high-end panic buying, according to liquor store sources. 'People are spending thousands of dollars at a time,' Gurrera said. The interior of a Citarella store in East Hampton is shown above in a file photo Gurrera noted that salmon steaks were among the items most coveted by Hamptons shoppers Joel Kaye, owner of Wainscott Main Wine & Spirits near East Hampton, says sales were up 500 percent last Friday compared with the same day last year. Customers are racking up bills between $400 and $2,000 in a single trip, Kaye said, noting that the normal average sale is $75. 'Our clients are stocking up their wine cellars, buying things like eight bottles of a good $200 Napa burgundy, instead of one bottle,' Kaye told the Post. He pointed to one particularly unusual sale - a $325 bottle of rare Chablis. Wainscott manager Luis Marin compared the business bump to the Fourth of July, at the peak of the Hamptons busy season. 'Our summer people are here and stocking up while they self-quarantine,' Marin told The Post. 'We're having fun and trying to stay open as much as we are allowed to.' Business at Hamptons stores ramped up significantly over the past week after the first case coronavirus case was confirmed on Long Island on March 12, prompting residents to trade restaurant fare for home cooking. Philanthropist and socialite Jean Shafiroff told the Post she and her family had to abandon their nightly habit of dining out when the virus arrived in their area - and the change hasn't been cheap. 'I'm spending $300 to $1,000 a day on food and supplies,' she said, listing off chicken, salmon steaks, cleaning supplies and dog food as her essential items. Sales at Wainscott Main Wine & Spirits (pictured) near East Hampton were up 500 percent last Friday compared with the same day last year due to customers stocking up for self-isolation Wainscott Main Wine owner Joel Kaye said customers are racking up bills between $400 and $2,000 in a single trip. Last week he sold a rare $325 bottle of Chablis (file photo) Shafiroff said is also buying canned goods from 'brands I had never heard of before', including Progresso chicken noodle soup and Del Monte peas and carrots. Those purchases were only out of an abundance of caution, she said, adding: 'I can donate them later.' The switch to eating-in also came with overhead costs as Shafiroff had to purchase an extra freezer to store her groceries, as well as pots and pans to prepare them. And feeding her family isn't the only thing she's worried about. 'If I have to be quarantined, I better look nice,' Shafiroff said, noting that she still takes recent trips to the salon, including for a recent eyelash appointment. 'If I look bad, I will be depressed, even if I am just staying at home,' she said. The socialite even ventured back to her residence in Manhattan on Monday - chauffered by her driver - to pick up a 'big giant jar of Le Mer face cream,' along with 'more clothes and mail'. Now safely back in the Hamptons, she's settling into a new beauty routine with face masks instead of facials, her medicine stocked with an unfamiliar collection of generic brands. Philanthropist and socialite Jean Shafiroff is staying in the Hamptons but recently ventured back to her home in Manhattan to pick up a jar of La Mer face cream (file photo) 'I even bought the drugstore out of all its dental floss,' she said. 'I wanted to make sure I had enough, along with extra toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste and body lotions.' Shafiroff made a point to mention how her Instagram feed has changed to reflect her new life in isolation - referencing a photo of homemade chili that recently joined her feed filled with snaps from the glitzy galas she's return to when the coronavirus threat clears. The wealthy exodus to the Hamptons kicked off last week as private schools across New York City closed their doors, philanthropies postponed galas and the venues like the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall suspended performances at least through the end of the month. As of Thursday, more than 2,400 of the 10,248 cases the US have been reported in the Big Apple, including 11 of the nation's 157 deaths. The city's bars and restaurants were ordered to limit service to takeout and delivery only on Monday night, and on Wednesday Mayor Bill de Blasio said he's almost ready to escalate the containment plan by issuing a shelter in place order for all eight million residents. But New York Governor Andrew Cuomo cast doubt on de Blasio's warning by saying that such an order would have to come from the state. Cuomo has maintained that New York City will not be shutting down while criticizing the 'fear' being created by calls for a total lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus. 'The fear, the panic is a bigger problem than the virus'. Rouhani: Iran outdid Western countries in virus response Iran Press TV Wednesday, 18 March 2020 11:46 AM President Hassan Rouhani has hailed Iran's response to the new coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the marked quality of Tehran's performance compared to that of some major Western countries similarly affected by the fast-spreading disease. Addressing a cabinet session in Tehran on Wednesday, the president recalled how his government endeavored to not allow the Iranian people to feel any shortage of staples, especially food and sanitary items, in the wake of the outbreak. "You can compare Iran to other countries," he said, in reference to nearly 170 nations that have been already affected by the virus. "Compare Tehran to London, Berlin, and Paris See for yourselves what is going on there. Shop racks have been emptied and people got into a fight over a roll of toilet paper," Rouhani said. "The people there are concerned about foodstuffs and their hospitals say they have run out of beds." "However, we rushed to supply the public requirements amid the situation," Rouhani said, adding that the government has done all in its power to deal with the crisis. The president said following the outbreak, the country increased the capacity for producing sanitary and medical products for the general public and the medical personnel, while also meeting part of the demand through imports. He assured the nation that the country would not face any shortage of medical supplies and hospital beds, and that public and private medical sectors as well as the Armed Forces will continue to serve the people. Rouhani expressed delight in the news that in the north-central city of Qom and the northern province of Gilan, which took the brunt of the outbreak after its emergence, "the outbreak is past its peak." He thanked Iran's religious authorities for their cooperation after the country was forced to call off Friday prayers and shut popular religious centers to prevent further spread of the virus. "The clergy broke down [ideological] dogmatism and the world witnessed that such dogmatism has no place in our jurisprudence and seminaries," he said. Rouhani also hailed Iran's adherence to transparency concerning the extent of the outbreak, saying the officials notified the public right after the virus emerged in Qom. Iran reports increase in infections, deaths Meanwhile, the Iranian Health Ministry released its daily update of new infections and deaths caused by the outbreak on Tuesday. With 1,192 new cases diagnosed in the past 24 hours, the total number of infections has risen to 17,361. Also, the death toll registered the highest daily increase. With 147 new deaths, the fatality count has now reached 1,135. The report also said 5,710 patients have completely recovered. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Weve all been caught up in worry and fear about the coronavirus pandemic for a while now. We havent gotten a lot of positive news lately. Our elected officials are telling us that the outbreak is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. The number of virus sufferers is going to continue to climb as testing increases. People are going to continue to be hospitalized. People are going to continue to die. Were not going to see the peak of this thing until the end of April, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Only then will we know just how badly off we really are. A drive-up virus testing facility has been built in South Beach. Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to shut the whole city down, issue a shelter-in-place edict, to slow the spread of the virus. President Donald Trump is helping New York increase its hospital capacity for the expected onslaught. A 1,000-room military medical ship, the USNS Comfort, is on its way here. Things are happening that none of us have ever experienced before. Its stressful. Especially if all youre doing is scrolling through news sites all days. Absorbing the bad news is all that Ive been doing, for my job and because I need that information too. Im a part of this like everybody else. I have the same health concerns for myself and my family that we all do. Feeling a little run down, I took my temperature on Tuesday night, fearing the worst. I was in a little bit of a panic. I didnt have a fever. And I dont have any other coronavirus symptoms, no cough, no shortness of breath. I needed a break without even knowing it. Ive been cooped up in my house with my family for days, like many families are. Ive been getting out here and there to do Facebook live broadcasts as part of the Advances news coverage, but thats been it. It was wearing on me a little bit. As I imagine its wearing on you all as well. So I took Cuomo up on his suggestion from the other day: I visited one of New Yorks magnificent parks. For the first time in a couple of days, I did my regular morning jog in Silver Lake Park. You know what I found? That real life was still going on outside this gloom-and-doom bubble Ive been living in. The regular dog walkers were in the park like any other morning, including my park friend Mary Jane and her pooch, Dante. He was like my comfort dog amid all this. Other people were walking in the park too. Just enjoying a sunny morning. There wasnt as much traffic on Forest Avenue or Victory Boulevard, but thats to be expected. Nobody was on their way to work or school. 53 The coronavirus life in New York City: The new normal When I was done running, I felt a thousand times better than I had the night before. Unplugging from coronavirus even for a little while was a big help. Driving around later during my workday, I saw parents walking their kids. I saw Con Ed workers doing repair work. I saw road crews on the highway service road. I saw a Fed Ex truck making a delivery. I saw calm, relaxed shoppers in a local grocery store. Things looked normal. Im still concerned about the pandemic. We all should be. But for now Im going to continue to follow the lead of Cuomo, who said that a lot of the panic and fear were feeling is wholly disconnected from the reality of the pandemic. Im going to keep going to the park. A US regulatory agency on Thursday approved a controversial natural gas pipeline and marine export terminal project in Oregon, with one member saying the environmental impacts are acceptable considering the public benefits that will be provided by the project. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington voted 2-1 in favour of the terminal. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has already denied a water quality certification for the project. The decision provoked the ire of environmental campaigners with one group calling the project dead on arrival. Seth Gladstone, director of media and public relations for Food and Water Watch, told The Independent: It comes as no surprise that FERC, a commission thats notorious for rubber-stamping ill-advised fossil fuel projects, would approve this liquefied gas export terminal. But Governor Brown has the authority to put an end to this foolish proposal once and for all, and she should do so. Expanded natural gas exports would require more drilling and fracking here in America, and we know from the science that continued fossil fuel development is a gateway to global climate chaos. No LNG Exports Oregon, a coalition of activists, experts, and community members with the goal of stopping LNG export projects in the state, tweeted: With zero state permits, FERC approval of Jordan Cove LNG is dead on arrival. The project cannot be built without a state Clean Water Act permit (denied May 2019) or Removal-Fill permit (application withdrawn Jan 2020). Commission Chairman Neil Chatterjee said it is now up to Pembina, the Canadian energy company behind the Jordan Cove project, to obtain all the necessary permits. This certificate does include a provision which requires Jordan Cove to file documentation that it has received all applicable authorizations for the LNG facility before construction begins, Chatterjee said. He said this is the first export terminal the commission has certificated on the West Coast in the lower 48 states and it will be capable of liquefying up to 1.04 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day for export to global markets The dissenting commissioner, Richard Glick, said the decision violates the requirements of the Natural Gas Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, fails to consider the impact greenhouse gas emissions will have on climate change and would significantly impact 20 threatened and endangered species. Commissioner Bernard McNamee, who voted in favor of the Jordan Cove project, said that while the commission considers local and state interests, it ultimately is required to consider the national interest in making a decision. After taking the necessary hard look at the projects impacts on environmental and socioeconomic resources, the order finds that the projects environmental impacts are acceptable considering the public benefits that will be provided by the project, McNamee said. The marine export terminal would be located at Coos Bay, with a 230-mile (370-kilometer) feeder pipeline crossing southern Oregon. Last month, Oregon Department of State Lands Director Vicki Walker refused to grant another extension to Pembina, an energy company based in Calgary, Canada. The permit is required to dredge sediment out of Coos Bay and to construct the pipeline. Pembina reacted by withdrawing its application for the state permit. The Trump administration supports energy export projects and in particular Jordan Cove. It has proposed streamlining approval of gas pipelines and other energy projects by limiting states certification authorities under the U.S. Clean Water Act. State Sen. Jeff Golden, a Democrat, recently told demonstrators opposed to Jordan Cove that he expects the battle to go to the courts if the Trump administration tries to ram the project through despite a lack of state permits. Opponents of the project have demonstrated against it and on Nov. 21 occupied the governors office until they were removed by state police. Home Secretary Priti Patel was forced to apologise yesterday after a major report concluded 'elements of institutional racism' were behind the Windrush scandal. An official inquiry ripped into the Home Office over 'appalling' failures that led to legal British residents being deported and made destitute. Report author Wendy Williams, an inspector of constabulary, rejected civil servants' claims that the Windrush scandal had been impossible to predict. Miss Patel told MPs: 'There is nothing I can say which will undo the pain, the suffering and the misery inflicted on the Windrush generation. Home Secretary Priti Patel was forced to apologise on Thursday after a major report concluded 'elements of institutional racism' were behind the Windrush scandal An official inquiry ripped into the Home Office over 'appalling' failures that led to legal British residents being deported and made destitute. The Empire Windrush was most famous for trips from the West Indies which brought people to work in the UK in the middle of the 20th century 'What I can do is say that, on behalf of this and successive governments, I am truly sorry.' Miss Williams did not brand the Home Office 'institutionally racist', as the Metropolitan Police was described over its probe into the 1993 murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence. She said that to be 'institutionally racist' the Home Office would have to have been guilty of six different racist elements set out by the official inquiry into the Lawrence case. She cleared it of two. 'I found evidence of some, but not all, of these features to be present in Windrush,' her 270-page report said. The report - titled Windrush Lessons Learned Review - singled out for criticism the Government's 'hostile-environment' policy, which was brought in by the then home secretary, Theresa May, in 2012. It was meant to crack down on illegal migrants but caused 'profound' problems for legal migrants from the Windrush generation, who arrived in Britain from the 1940s to the 1970s. The report found that Mrs May's policy was based on 'incorrect assumptions' about migrants already legally living here and 'warning signs... were not heeded'. The report singled out for criticism the Government's 'hostile-environment' policy, which was brought in by the then home secretary, Theresa May, in 2012. Above, Jamaican immigrants are welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship HMT Empire Windrush landed them at Tilbury in 1948 Amber Rudd, pictured in Downing Street in February 2019, resigned as Home Secretary in April 2018 in the wake of the Windrush scandal Miss Williams said the Home Office showed 'institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness' towards race and the history of the Windrush generation. The report made 30 recommendations including that ministers should make an 'unqualified apology to those affected and the wider black African-Caribbean community as soon as possible'. It also said the Home Office should appoint a Migrants Commissioner. Mrs May endorsed Miss Patel's apology, and told MPs: 'This generation came here, they were British, they were here legally, they worked to build our country and they should not have been treated in this way.' The fallout from the Windrush scandal led to the resignation of Home Secretary Amber Rudd in April 2018. Labour MP David Lammy said the report showed the Home Office needed to be rebuilt 'brick by brick'. New Delhi, March 19 : The Congress has alleged that the government action to seek the Call Data Record (CDR) from the cellular operators was illegal and in violation with the Supreme court guidelines. The matter was raised in both Houses of Parliament by the Congress MPs on Thursday, who expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre's response over its queries. Congress Deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said, "India is being converted into a surveillance state," as the party alleged that the government has sought call data records from the cellular operators in Delhi and nine other states. The Congress alleged that the government was violating the privilege of the Right to Privacy and the guidelines laid by the apex court. The party said, "In 2013, when the CDR case of late Arun Jaitely came out, the then UPA government had laid strict guidelines that only with permission of the Home Secretary the CDR could be obtained." The party said that the government reply was unsatisfactory on it. The party raised the issue on Wednesday in the Lok sabha with Manish Tewari giving notice for adjournment. The Congress leader said that this was contrary to the apex court judgement, which has established the supremacy of the right to privacy. The party alleged that this is in violation of the Indian Telegraph Act. "Reports which have emerged in the public space is extremely disturbing because the government has decided that it will carry out mass surveillance against the citizens of India. A sinister premeditated, orchestrated plot has been put in place in order to unleash the mass surveillance program against the citizens of India, which is absolute transgression of the Right to Privacy guaranteed by the Supreme Court of India in a 9/0 judgement." said Manish Tewari. "We strongly condemn and deprecate the assault on the freedom and fundamental rights given by the constitution," said Tewari. The UPA government had tightened the rules during its tenure, said the Congress leader. There are reports that the DoT has sought call data records on the specific routes of ministers and other dignitaries for the period of February 2, 3 and 4. Yotta Infrastructure announced the appointment of veteran IT leader Kamal Goel as the Executive Vice President IT & Chief Evangelist. The former SVP & Group Head IT at Anand Rathi, Kamal Goel joins the dynamic team at Yotta to strengthen the companys product roadmap, drive brand advocacy and the customer engagement strategy. Speaking on Kamals appointment, Yottas Managing Partner and CEO, Sunil Gupta said, There are two key mantras of a healthy relationship. (i) Respond to feedback and (ii) Give back more than you take. As a thought leader, Yotta is committed to invest deeply in the relationship with the CIO community. We intend to harness their feedback to continuously innovate and keep our services portfolio not only relevant but on the cutting-edge. At the same time, we would also like to invest in their overall development and growth. I am pleased to welcome Kamal to drive this charter at Yotta. Given his rich experience and relevant connections, we look forward to forging lasting relationships as he joins our team. Yotta is already making waves with its disruptive Tier-IV data center offerings at highly competitive prices. And theres plenty more to come very shortly! Theres been a big surge in digitization across enterprises and Yotta aims to be the partner of choice in this digitization journey, through its hyperscale data centers and diversified range of innovative Yotta Tech and Yotta Colocation services. I am very excited to join Yotta at this opportune time and I am looking forward to leverage my experience to spearhead new initiatives to drive customer adoption, advocacy and engagement strategies., said Kamal Goel. Kamal with his 25 plus years of professional innings, has diversified experience in IT leadership roles with companies like 63 Moons (Formally known as Financial Technologies India Ltd.), IIFL (India Infoline), Asit C Mehta (ACMIIL) & BLB Limited. His expertise includes IT infrastructure management, networking and security management, cloud computing and data center management. Kamal is well rooted in the CIO community and has been recognised for his exemplary contribution to enterprise IT with over 18 awards including CIO100 Award, IDC Insight Award, ETCIO, DQ Digital leader and CIO Power List among others. Ukraine has forbidden the export of medical masks to bolster domestic supplies. Border guards have arrested a man in a wetsuit who admitted to smuggling surgical masks across a river from Ukraine into Romania, Ukraine's border guard service said on Thursday. The Ukrainian authorities say such masks have become more popular than cigarettes to smuggle across the border into the European Union, with demand spiking due to the coronavirus epidemic, Reuters said. Read alsoKyiv entrepreneurs aiming to profit off of coronavirus panic robbed of 100,000 medical face masks at gunpoint Ukraine has forbidden the export of medical masks in order to bolster domestic supplies. The arrest follows the seizure of thousands of masks at border checkpoints and also the arrest of a group of people suspected of trying to rob surgical masks at gunpoint from a private seller in Kyiv. Border guards spotted the 29-year-old man coming out of the water in the Tisza river. He tried to escape but was detained after the guards fired a warning shot, a statement said. "The offender also admitted to transferring masks to neighboring Romania," the statement said. Ukraine has recorded at least 16 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including two deaths. Women in Northern Ireland who are seeking abortions could be left with nowhere to go because of restrictions on travel during the coronavirus outbreak, experts have warned. Though abortion is now legal in the country, there are not yet any services that provide terminations - meaning women must travel to the mainland UK or the Republic. Frontline service providers told The Independent women seeking abortions in Northern Ireland could be forced to put their lives at risk by resorting to dangerous back-street abortions in the wake of travel chaos unleashed by coronavirus. Women in need of an abortion who are displaying symptoms of coronavirus could also be blocked from accessing an abortion due to clinics which provide the procedure refusing to treat anyone with symptoms. Women in the Republic of Ireland could also be blocked from getting abortions due to the government limiting all non-essential travel overseas until at least 29 March. While abortion has been legally accessible there since January 2019, there are massive issues with the roll-out and thousands have faced delays, with many still travelling to England for the procedure. Mara Clarke, who set up Abortion Support Network, said: Right now you can still travel from Ireland and Northern Ireland to England if it is considered essential travel but that could change in an instant. If women are super desperate for an abortion, they might try something desperate. We once had a mother-of-four tell us matter of factly she was trying to figure out how to crash her car but not permanently injure herself and die and another woman who asked her partner to hit her in the stomach with a bat. We do have women who say I was thinking about killing myself before I found your number. Also, if you have health issues and need an abortion but are barred from getting one your health will be at risk. We are going to see a massive baby boom in December. Also, who is going to watch your kids when you travel for an abortion if people are self-isolating? Certainly not grandma and grandpa. Ms Clarke, whose organisation delivers financial support, accommodation and consultation to women from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, raised concerns women may be blocked from having abortions if staff working in clinics contract coronavirus or if hospitals pull people from abortion services to work elsewhere to cope with the crisis. Women in Northern Ireland are far less inclined to travel to the Republic than England for an abortion due to prohibitive prices of about 450 (427) and a mandatory three-day reflection period which often means extra travel costs. Women in the Republic are also regularly forced to travel to England, where abortion is legal for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy compared to only 12 weeks in Ireland. Cathie Sheils, who works for Abortion Rights Campaign, said: There is the threat people will be sold paracetamol or sugar black market pills online and left pregnant against their wishes. There is also the chance they may take a dangerous pill. But it is important to emphasise that there safe reputable websites out there selling abortion pills such as Women on the Web and Women Help Women. But on the very rare and unlikely chance of someone having an adverse reaction, they should go to a doctor. However, it is statistically safer for people to take abortion pills than viagra. Ms Sheils, who is based in Dublin and has been involved in abortion rights for eight years, called for legislation to allow telemedicine and home use of both abortion medicines to be introduced in the Republic and Northern Ireland in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Gordon Brown condemns 'too much populist nationalism' in coronavirus response It would involve a video conference call with a clinician, she added. It is very safe. It is good for healthcare professions because they are not overwhelmed. It is good for women as so they do not have to visit a clinic in the middle of coronavirus pandemic. It stops women from potentially getting coronavirus. Danielle Roberts, a spokesperson for Alliance for Choice, said: It is going to be harder for people to seek an abortion if their partner is subjecting them to domestic abuse. Before they could say they were going to work but now they have no cover story. Also, the knock-on effects of the lockdown might see more people who need an abortion in coming months. Emma Campbell, who works for the same organisation, added: We used to say that if you had a credit card and access to childcare you didn't worry in the same way about access to abortion, but soon rich or poor, privileged or marginalised, we will all be in the same boat. Or without one." The termination of pregnancies became legal in Northern Ireland in October after MPs in Westminster voted by a landslide in July to give women the right to abortion marking an end to the procedure being banned in almost all circumstances, even rape and incest, and women seeking a termination facing life imprisonment. Coronavirus: Schools to close until further notice, Gavin Williamson says Frankie Appleton, of Marie Stopes, a leading UK abortion provider, said: Too many women already face too many barriers to getting abortions - financial, geographical, and sociological obstacles. Social isolation measures because of coronavirus will compound barriers to access. The collapse of UK airline Flybe is already limiting many womens options to travel to England. The cancellation of flights will further take womens ability away. Under the new restrictions around travel, women are likely to be forced to have to explain why they are travelling. "The fear of stigma often stops women telling friends and family. Clients often tell them they are going on a shopping trip to England and will even go to department stores and buy bags. But social distancing has removed one of the ways women keep their abortion private. A Department of Health spokesperson: The department is aware of the potential difficulty for women in Northern Ireland in accessing certain services in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. "The department would urge women not to turn to unregulated online abortion providers where there is no guarantee of the safety of products or advice provided. If you are based in Northern Ireland and have been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can speak to someone in confidence at the Abortion Support Network by calling 07897 611593 or emailing info@asn.org.uk or you can ring the British Pregnancy Advisory Service on 0333 234 2184. If you are in the Republic of Ireland, you can contact the MyOptions helpline on 1800 828 010 or on 0035316877044 from Northern Ireland. After weathering an earthquake, devastating fires, floods, and power outages over the last several years, Napa and Sonoma need your support more than ever amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. And the feeling is mutual, because we seriously need some wine. Copious amounts of wine. In keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom's mandate, wineries are closed to visitors, but you can still stock up on your favorite wines by ordering online. Some wineries are even offering discounts, free shipping, and virtual wine tastings to ease the quarantine-induced boredom. Sales and Shipping Discounts (Courtesy of Kendall-Jackson Winery) Check your favorite winery's website or social media channels, for chances are they're offering some sort of promotion. The Boisset Collection by Jean-Charles Boisset (Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, etc.) is offering free ground shipping on all orders of six bottles or more with the code SHIP6. They literally have something for every kind of wine drinker. Save 20 percent on all Kendall-Jackson Winery online orders of $75 and up and receive complimentary shipping now through April 1. Use code KJSPRING. Sonoma's Ram's Gate Winery will deduct 15 percent off all online orders and ship for free. Use code RAMSGATE. Napa Valley classic Trefethen Family Vineyards is offering $1 shipping on all orders, with options for white and red lovers alike. Ground shipping is included on all orders placed from the historic, 1882 Charles Krug Winery. Inglenook's renowned cabernets can arrive at your doorstep for just $5 when you order six bottles or more. Grounded Wine Co. is shipping orders of six or more bottles for just one cent, plus is donating 10 percent of sales to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. These wines are sourced from all over California, Washington, and Oregon. Cool-climate chardonnay and pinot addicts can sip Benovia Winery's limited-production, single-vineyard Russian River bottlings for no extra shipping cost on the purchase of three bottles or more. Sonoma's Three Sticks Wines is extending a $1 shipping offer on orders of four bottles or more crafted by pinot legend Bob Cabral. Yountville boutique winery Goosecross Cellars will ship the purchase of three wines or more for $1 anywhere in the U.S. They're also open for drive-through pick-up and will deliver door-to-door to Napa wine club members. Members of Anderson Valley's beloved Toulouse Vineyards & Winery can get 50 percent off mixed cases of their iconic pinot noirs. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a bunch of pleas seeking exclusion of creamy layer or better-off individuals among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities at the entry-level when it comes to the reservation in promotions. It observed the pleas were an attempt by the petitioners to challenge the actions of the Karnataka government taken pursuant to a law, which was already held to be valid by the top court in 2019. The present MAs [miscellaneous applications] though styled as applications for directions, seek to lay challenge to the actions of the State government to carry into effect the provisions of the Reservation Act 2018, a bench of justices UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud observed. The applications were filed in the BK Pavitra case in which the top court had, in 2019, upheld the constitutional validity of the Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservations (to the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act. If the petitioners are aggrieved by the steps taken by the state government, it is open to them to pursue a substantive remedy for challenging the steps taken by the state government in independent proceedings, the court said dismissing the applications. The Act enacted by the Karnataka government provides, among other things, for consequential seniority to persons belonging to SC and ST categories promoted under the reservation policy of Karnataka. Consequential seniority enables reserved category candidates to retain their seniority for subsequent promotions. That is, if an SC/ST candidate is promoted ahead of a general category candidate by reason of reservation in promotion, then the promoted SC/ST candidate will retain that seniority for subsequent promotions and will thus be considered senior to general category candidate who was promoted later. The Supreme Court in its 2019 judgment had held that the Act was a valid exercise of power by the government under Article 16 (4A) which empowers the state to provide reservations to SC/STs in matters of promotion. After the judgment was delivered, the Karnataka government issued orders for implementing the Act. One such order was passed on May 15, 2019, which lifted an earlier stay on implementing the Act. Another was a circular issued on June 24 listing out some FAQs concerning the preparation of seniority list. The present MAs are, in effect, a substantive challenge to the actions of the State government in implementing the Reservation Act 2018 through the GO dated 15 May 2019 and the circular dated 24 June 2019, the court held. The Nigerian Senate has ordered a ban on all public hearings and students excursions to the Senate galleries to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country. Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan made the announcement on Thursday after the senate emerged from a one-hour closed-door session. Also Read: Coronavirus: Arik Air Suspends Flights To Ghana, Liberia, Senegal Other legislative activities that would attract a sizeable number of people have also been restricted for now. This is coming hours after some state governments banned public gatherings of more than 50 people to prevent an outbreak of the virus in Nigeria. Nigeria on Wednesday recorded five new cases of coronavirus. With the Toyota Blockchain Lab, Toyota Motor and Toyota Financial Services want to promote and test the use of blockchain technologies. In times of global networking, information is exchanged faster than ever before. Blockchain technology offers people and companies the opportunity to connect more openly and securely. This is because the decentralized system of a block chain means that information on "what", "when" and "who" can be recorded when data is created and cannot be changed later. For example, the authenticity of data in transactions can be verified tamper-proof. This enables individual services and improves business efficiency. The first concrete application examples in the automotive industry are, for example, transactions for car purchase or rental as well as the management of vehicle data. Car sharing services can also benefit from the advantages of block chain technology. In order to create benefits in other areas such as supply chains or mobility services, technical knowledge and solutions for implementation in the economy must be promoted. This is why Toyota Motor and Toyota Financial Services have created the joint virtual organisation Toyota Blockchain Lab, which was founded in April 2019 from six Group companies. It is intended to further expand cooperation with various partner companies in the future. The announced "Woven City" will also play an important role in this. Toyota is building the city of the future on an area of 175 hectares at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan. As a "living laboratory", technologies such as autonomy, robotics, personal mobility, smart home and AI will be tested and developed on site in a real environment. Initially there will be room for up to 2,000 people, whose number can be gradually increased over time. The ground-breaking ceremony for the model metropolis is planned for early 2021. The United States could follow in Italy's footsteps where health officials choose who gets lifesaving breathing machines and care and who does not. According to a recent analysis, no state in the country is prepared to handle the rising number of COVID-19 patients. There are too few rooms to treat coronavirus patients if the cases see a sudden surge resembling that of China or Italy. Experts warn the government to take action. Otherwise, the situation in the US could be overwhelmed. Hospitals in the country are now running out of beds for patients in the intensive care unit as well as ventilators to keep patients breathing. The analysis predicts six patients may end up sharing one hospital bed if the nation sees a major spike in COVID-19 cases. The analysis was based on data from health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and assumes all 790,000 hospital beds are unoccupied. Currently, more than 526,600 are occupied. A major spike could see roughly 17 people competing for an open bed. The government urges everyone to practice social distancing measures, school closures, and work-from-home mandates in a bid to slow the spread and prevent a surge. "Unless we are able to implement dramatic isolation measures like some places in China, we'll be presented with overwhelming numbers of coronavirus patients," a researcher from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. James Lawler, said. He also said hospitals will have to take drastic measures such as reserving resources for patients who are most likely to recover. The federal government has yet to release estimates on demands the virus might place on hospitals and other healthcare facilities. CoVID-19 cases in the US have soared past 8,500 as of Wednesday. Health care officials and political leaders are now taking urgent actions, including financial relief, to keep the pandemic from overwhelming the system. Government officials, as well as local authorities, are now scrambling to find more items such as masks and ventilators. The US death toll, which topped 140, has forced many states to order lockdown procedures. Doctors and nurses have resorted to making their own masks and reusing them. Health officials are begging the general public to observe preventive measures like social distancing. Experts expect measures to be in place for a year, potentially extending to 18 months. The pandemic is fueled by two factors: People with no symptoms unconsciously spread the virus by touching surfaces where the virus can linger and infect other people. Confusion over the criteria and availability of COVID-19 testing kits. Health officials continue to warn the public to observe self-isolation even if they aren't showing symptoms. It is suggested to stay at least six feet away from other people and to avoid mass gatherings where the virus can easily be transmitted to others. National insurance agency Patriot Growth Insurance Services has announced that it has added The Olson Group in Nebraska; the partnership strengthens Patriots employee benefits capabilities and marks the agencys entry in the states marketplace. The Olson Group, based in Omaha, NE, is a comprehensive employee benefits consulting firm which focuses on retirement planning and group insurance plans. Founded by Tim Olson, the firm has more than 500 employee benefits programs in place, covering over 20,000 employees. The team of 26 professionals with an average of 25 years of industry experience is led by CEO Julie Nelson. Were going to get back to living life, even if it kills us ABC News Former President Donald Trump, his sister Maryanne Trump Barry and the estate of his late brother Robert Trump tried on Tuesday to convince a New York judge to dismiss a lawsuit by Mary Trump that accused her family of swindling her out of at least $10 million. Attorneys for the Trump siblings argued Mary Trump's claims are time-barred by a six-year statute of limitations and prohibited by legal releases she signed in 2001 when the family settled the estate of Fred Trump Sr., the former president's father. The Trumps also argued Mary Trump possessed "boxes and boxes of information" about the estate settlement that should have given rise to any claims at the time. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:56:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military has provided Iranian armed forces with medical supplies, such as nucleic acid testing kits, protective clothing and disposable surgical masks, to help the country fight the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic, according to the Ministry of National Defense Thursday. The shipment arrived in Iran Thursday, the ministry said in a press release. Noting that the virus knows no borders, the ministry said the Chinese military will work with its counterparts around the world to tackle global security challenges and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Downing Street confirmed that there is zero prospect of lockdown in London shunning the rumours of a travel ban in and out of the city due to coronavirus outbreak. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons official spokesperson said that the new regulations will be released after government's emergency Coronavirus Bill gets published. As per the latest report, the United Kingdom has over 2,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 104 deaths due to the infection. The spokesperson said that there is no plan to draft in the military and police will continue to be responsible for maintaining law and order. The Prime Minister and his advisers have set out the need for social distancing measures to limit the spread of the virus to protect lives, he said. On March 18, Johnson made his statement on the ongoing pandemic saying everyone must follow the advice to protect themselves, their families and the wider public. He advised citizens to avoid all unnecessary gatherings at pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, theatres and work from home if possible. Read: Coronavirus: Delhi Minister Reviews Availability Of Masks, Sanitizers, Medicines Scale-up testing Britain has announced massive scaling up of testing capacity in the weeks ahead to hit 25,000 tests per day. The government is also rolling out a huge public information campaign so people get all the information they need to protect themselves and others. We are asking retired healthcare professionals to come back and help us cope, help the NHS to cope, with this unprecedented challenge, said Johnson. And we will continue as we have from the beginning to do the right thing at the right time and to follow the best scientific advice, he added. Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Global Death Toll Surpasses 9,300, Total Cases At 227,761 The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised testing as many people as possible to mitigate the risk. During a press briefing on March 18, the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the need for physical distancing measures like cancelling sporting events, concerts and other large gatherings and said that it can help to slow transmission of the virus. Read: Coronavirus: Isolated Eugenie Bouchard Sparks Meltdown After Wanting A Boyfriend Read: PM-proposed SAARC Emergency Fund To Combat Coronavirus Operationalised: MEA (With agency inputs) Worcester high street during a normally busy lunch hour. (PA) Here are the top business, market, and economic stories you should be watching today in the UK, Europe, and abroad: Next warns on significant downturn in trading The retailer Next (NXT.L) has warned of a significant downturn in sales, with even online orders likely to take a hit. Chief executive Lord Simon Wolfson said it had become clear a drop in demand was now a bigger threat than disruption to Chinese supply chains as initially feared. With the UK government advising against non-essential travel and social activities, Wolfson said: Online sales are likely to fare better than retail but will also suffer significant losses. People do not buy a new outfit to stay at home. Full price sales have dropped 30% in recent days, it said on Thursday. But the group said it would be able to comfortably sustain more than 1bn ($1.2bn) loss of sales over the full year. The group reported a 0.8% increase in pretax profits to 728.5m in the year to January. The announcement appeared to reassure investors, with Next trading 6.6% higher on Thursday. The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced plans to extend a 750bn (684bn, $835bn) lifeline to Europes businesses and governments to keep them solvent during the coronavirus crisis. The ECB said late on Wednesday it would launch a new programme dubbed the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP). PEPP will allow the central bank to buy up public and private sector securities on flexible terms effectively offering 750bn to governments and businesses across Europe who need support. PEPP will last until at least the end of the year and could stretch beyond if the coronavirus crisis is not over by then. Deutsche Bank warned on Wednesday that the world is facing a severe recession in 2020, with quarterly falls in GDP on a scale not seen since World War II. PEPP also follows what many saw as a bungling week for the ECB. Comments made by new ECB President Christine Lagarde on the difference between German and Italian bond yields sparked a sell-off in European government bond. Story continues Stocks in Europe reversed earlier gains on Thursday after the European Central Bank late on Wednesday announced a broad-ranging 750bn (670bn) programme designed to tackle the economic effects of coronavirus. The move came after the UK introduced a series of new measures related to the pandemic, including school closures and a ban on landlord evictions. The pan-European STOXX 600 index (^STOXX), which had been up by around 1%, fell by 0.25%. Londons FTSE 100 (^FTSE) fell by around 1.1%, while Germanys DAX (^GDAXI) was down by around 0.8%. Frances CAC 40 (^FCHI), meanwhile, was 0.5% in the green. Read more: Bank of England considers printing money for households The gains for European stocks followed a weak trading session in Asia. Chinas SSE Composite Index (^SSEC) fell by almost 1% on Thursday, while the Hang Seng (^HSI) was down more than 2.6% in Hong Kong at market close. Japans Nikkei (^N225) fell by more than 1%. The KOSPI Composite Index (^KOSPI) in South Korea closed around 8.4% in the red after the country announced 152 new coronavirus cases, reversing days of slowing infections. What to expect in the US Futures were pointing to a lower open for US stocks. S&P 500 futures (ES=F) fell by around 1.7%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) were down by almost 1.9%, while Nasdaq futures (NQ=F) fell by more than 0.8% on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-18 17:03:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close China launches a new satellite of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, March 9, 2020. (Photo by Guo Wenbin/Xinhua) A breakthrough: This new positioning system will provide technical support to quickly find falling boosters. XICHANG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center Wednesday announced the development of a new positioning system that can greatly shorten the time searching for rocket debris. The system has proved efficient in seeking out fallen rocket pieces after the center launched the 54th BeiDou satellite into space on March 9. The satellite was sent into space by a Long March-3B carrier rocket. With the guidance of the system, the center staff just spent 25 minutes finding the rocket boosters, while in the past, it would take them several hours or even half a month to complete such a task. Unlike many countries' launch pads, which are typically located along coastlines, China's major launch sites are deep inland, which means its rockets always fly directly over densely populated areas. Therefore, after launches, rocket boosters and other pieces will fall back to the ground, threatening local communities. This year the country will continue to see intensive space launches. How to make the rocket debris recovery precise and controllable has become an urgent problem for Chinese scientists. According to Yao Shengsheng, head of the system development team, after the rocket boosters were separated on March 9 in the latest BeiDou satellite launch mission, equipment in the center immediately received the boosters' falling trajectory data. The system then quickly calculated and located the drop point. "It was the first time the system realized real-time data reception, processing and display of rocket debris in a mission," Yao said. "The system is a breakthrough and will provide technical support for staff to quickly find falling boosters," Yao said. The Xichang center, which administers the Xichang and Wenchang launch sites, is located in mountainous Sichuan Province. It will undertake about 20 missions in 2020, including the maiden flight of the Long March-5B rocket, the launch of China's first Mars probe and the completion of the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System. Vietnam's export value of wood and wood products reached US$1.53 billion in the first two months of this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 10.1 per cent, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. A worker checks furniture products at Tai Phuoc Co., Ltd. in Phu Tai Industrial Park in the central coastal province of Binh Dinh. The US, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea and the EU continued to be the five most important markets of Viet Nam, with total export turnover reaching over $9.3 billion, accounting for 90 per cent of the total export value of the whole industry. Of which, the US had become a huge market for the Vietnamese wood industry. Insiders said that forestry products were one of the few products seeing export growth in both volume and value as COVID-19 threatens economic development in countries around the world. However, in the long term, the impact of the epidemic would be unavoidable, so the timber industry would have to find a new direction. Digital transformation According to the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa) it is often a milestone of change as a crisis occurs, in which adaptable businesses will make good use of market development opportunities. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has changed consumer behaviour, creating pressure and challenges forcing businesses to innovate and improve at all stages, from design and production to trade, in which digital transformation is the key. The traditional business model of a chain of stores is currently facing difficulties because of its large operating cost and lack of dynamism, therefore, it can be said that COVID-19 is the driving force for faster digital space transformation. Tran Hien, co-founder of Ecomstone Company, an Amazon partner in Viet Nam, said that the epidemic had hampered operations, but opened an opportunity to switch to online business. He cited a Thai company determined to build an online store on Amazon. After more than one year, the growth is over 30 per cent. Hawa can together with Ecomstone analyse potentials, identify competitors as well as customers to assess the market and gradually build a general store on Amazon, thereby building a separate brand for Viet Nam's wooden furniture instead of processing which gives low value while customers do not know the producers," Hien said. Tran Viet Tien, a member of Hawa Steering Committee, said that Hawa had been working for a long time with FPT Company and related organisations such as OnBrand, Ecomstone or the Vietnam Community of Information Technology Directors to help the furniture industry transform digitally and improve its competitiveness. But it can be said that the outbreak of COVID-19 is an appropriate time for the business community to pay more attention, more concentration and do it faster. We determine e-commerce is a short-term solution, and digital transformation is the long term, Tien said. The furniture industry has four values including production, designing, trading and branding, which have transaction volume estimated at $450 billion per year. However, over the past 20 years, the Vietnamese furniture business community has just focused on the value of production, which has annual transactions of about $140 billion with low profit, according to Tien. Meanwhile, three remaining values including designing, trading and branding will create new high added value for the product, with transactions of $310 billion per year, he added. Hawa has recently introduced O2O, an online sales model in combination with traditional sales (offline), as a part of the comprehensive digital transformation strategy for the wood industry to increase customer accessibility, expand markets and optimise sales opportunities. Tien said large organisations such as FPT, Silversea Media Group (Singapore), Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) support businesses to find starting points on the digital transformation journey, as well as updating development trends of e-commerce, conducting model of combining "online" trading platforms with existing "offline" systems, and creating a new development motivation for enterprises. When e-commerce is effectively exploited, it will help exploit the commercial value as well as the design and brand values. This way, we can enhance the value of wood products made by Vietnamese enterprises, Tien said. The current starting point of digital technology between Vietnamese wood processing enterprises and developed countries is not that different, but if enterprises are still slow in this period, they will lag behind their competitors. In order to achieve export sales of $20 billion in 2025, it is necessary to approach new directions, multi-channel sales, and increase the value of products. VNS Covid-19 brings both challenges and opportunities to VN farm, forestry, seafood produce Enterprises have begun changing their production. Three or four enterprises which specialize in exporting woodchips have bought equipment to make MDF The operators of a Colorado funeral home suspected of running a side business selling body parts without consent have been indicted on charges of fraud and illegally transporting diseased cadavers. The owner of Sunset Mesa Funeral Home, Megan Hess, 43, and her mother Shirley Koch, 66, who was an employee, were arrested by the FBI on Tuesday following the unsealing of a grand jury indictment, US Attorney Jason Dunn said in a statement. According to the indictment, between 2010 and 2018, the mother and daughter offered cremation services from their Montrose, Colorado, funeral home for $1,000 or more with the promise of returning the remains to the dead persons' families. Mortuary operators Megan Hess, 43 (pictured), and her mother Shirley Koch, 66, have been indicted on charges of fraud and illegally transporting diseased cadavers According to the indictment, between 2010 and 2018, the mother and daughter offered cremation services from Sunset Mesa Funeral Home, which was raided by the FBI Instead, the funeral home harvested and illegally sold body parts, or whole bodies, without the permission of at least a dozen of the families, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars, the indictment alleges. In at least one instance, the purported remains of a person that were returned to loved ones turned out to be concrete, federal authorities said. Hess and Koch appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Grand Junction, Colorado on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear if they have retained legal counsel. Selling organs such as hearts, kidneys and tendons for transplant is illegal. But no federal law governs the sale of cadavers or body parts for use in research or education. Few state laws provide any oversight whatsoever, and almost anyone, regardless of expertise, can dissect and sell human body parts. Federal prosecutors charged the pair with selling and shipping bodies of people infected with hepatitis and HIV after falsely certifying to buyers that the remains were disease-free. Some of the organs and bodies were shipped around the world. Dunn said that the defendants engaged in a 'blatant fraud' of dozens of victims. 'This betrays a fundamental trust during one of the worst times in a person's life - having to make arrangements for a deceased loved one,' he said. 'It is hard to imagine the pain and worry of those who used Sunset Mesa and not knowing what happened to their loved ones' remains.' An investigative series by Reuters in 2018 uncovered the unusual arrangement of a funeral home business also operating as a body part broker after former workers told the news agency about the questionable practices at the facility, including the dismembering of bodies. Hess would charge $1,000 for torsos, $1,200 for a pelvis and upper legs and $500 for a head, price lists showed Kari Escher told Reuters at the time that Hess's mother, who embalmed and dismembered bodies, would allegedly pull teeth from the corpses to extract the gold in crowns or fillings. 'She showed me her collection of gold teeth one day,' said Escher, who said that Koch had told her she'd sold one batch to pay for a trip to Disneyland. She said Koch told her: 'She had sold a different batch a year prior, and they took the whole family to Disneyland in California on the gold that they cashed in.' Following the Reuters reports, the FBI raided the business, and state regulators shuttered the funeral home and crematory in early 2018. Hess told Reuters she took orders for body parts via Hotmail and would charge $1,000 for torsos, $1,200 for a pelvis and upper legs and $500 for a head, price lists showed. If convicted, both Hess and Koch face several years in prison, under federal sentencing guidelines. Defense Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran and Chief of the General Staff - Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak visited the flash points on the demarcation line in eastern Ukraine. The Minister of Defense of Ukraine and the Chief of General Staff visited our positions in the areas along the demarcation line where the enemy has been most active lately. During the visit to the Stanytsia Luhanska entry-exit checkpoint, the greatest attention was paid to the observance of the requirements and recommendations adopted by the authorities for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus, the press service of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters reports. As noted, the military leadership discussed the introduction of effective measures for saving life and health of the personnel, maintaining the required level of combat capability of the units in the JFO area under the declared lockdown measures. The necessity of practical steps to prevent the spread of infection in the units during rotational activities and during the completion of tasks in crowded areas was underscored. Commander of the Joint Forces Volodymyr Kravchenko reported on the current situation in the area, the quantitative composition and nature of the enemy's actions and cited the latest facts of violations of the ceasefire regime by the Russian-occupation troops. In addition, during the visit, the Defense Ministry assessed the prospects for the implementation of infrastructure projects: it examined both the already created objects and those that are under construction or only at the stage of project documentation. ol Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, on Thursday ended her presidential campaign and offered her full support to former vice president Joe Biden. The 38-year-old lawmaker's move leaves Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders as the final two candidates in the Democratic race. "Today, I'm suspending my presidential campaign, and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together," she said in an online video message. The Iraq war veteran said a day after Tuesday's primary results, it was clear that the party's primary voters have chosen Biden to be the person who will take on President Donald Trump in the general election. Trump, 73, is seeking his re-election in the November presidential elections. Biden, 77, who is leading in pledged delegate counts against his nearest rival Sanders, 78, is few steps away from being the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party. Endorsing Biden, Gabbard said, "Although I may not agree with the Vice President on every issue, I know that he has a good heart and is motivated by his love for our country and the American people. I'm confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha respect and compassion and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart." A large number of Indian-Americans were supporting Gabbard, a lawmaker from Hawaii, in her presidential run. However, her presidential run failed to take off at any stage of her campaign. Most of the time, she was polling less than one per cent. She was also not able to make to the most of the stage of the Democratic primary debates. "Our nation is facing an unprecedented global crisis that highlights the inextricable bonds of humanity, and how foreign policy and domestic policy are inseparable. We are all in this together and we must all rise to meet this moment in service to our country and our fellow man," Gabbard said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If ever there was a time when investors needed a hero, its now. With lockdowns spreading, coronavirus rescue attempts falling flat, shares capitulating on a daily basis and even gold on the slide, things look pretty grim. A ray of light has arrived, however, from the Dividend Heroes. > Update: Read the Dividend Heroes list for 2021 here Three of the Dividend Hero investment trusts can trace their record of raising payouts all the way back to 1967, when The Doors released Light My Fire to the world This is the annual Association of Investment Companies round-up of the investment trusts that have raised their payouts year-in, year-out for the longest time. And while these trusts certainly havent been immune to the carnage on the stock market, they can reassure investors with some very long records of lifting dividends. Top of the league are City of London, Bankers and Alliance Trust, a trio who have achieved an astonishing 53 years of successive increases in their dividend payouts. That means they have been rewarding investors since the year The Doors released Light My Fire, Jimi Hendrix asked Are You Experienced? and Cream unleashed Sunshine of Your Love. After youve added those songs to your working from home playlist and returned to the here and now, its time for a look at two things: a sobering consideration of the recent slump in the Dividend Heroes share prices and a careful evaluation of the bumper yields they now offer. UK equity income trust City of Londons share price is down 31 per cent over the past month and 23 per cent in a year. Meanwhile, of the pair of global trusts, Bankers is down 27.2 per cent and 12 per cent over the same period, and Alliance Trust is down 33 per cent and 20 per cent. The trio highlight the varying yields on offer among the dividend heroes, as not all of the trusts that make the cut focus more on income than growth. City of London yields a hefty 6 per cent, Bankers 2.6 per cent and Alliance Trust 2.2 per cent. THE DIVIDEND HEROES 2020 Investment company AIC sector Number of consecutive years dividend increased Yield at 13/03/2020 City of London Investment Trust UK Equity Income 53 6 Bankers Investment Trust Global 53 2.6 Alliance Trust Global 53 2.2 Caledonia Investments Flexible Investment 52 2.3 BMO Global Smaller Companies Global Smaller Companies 49 1.6 F&C Investment Trust Global 49 2 Brunner Investment Trust Global 48 2.9 JPMorgan Claverhouse Investment Trust UK Equity Income 46 5.2 Murray Income UK Equity Income 46 5 Witan Investment Trust Global 45 3.2 Scottish American Global Equity Income 40 3.4 Merchants Trust UK Equity Income 37 7.2 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Global 37 0.6 Scottish Investment Trust Global 36 4.8 Temple Bar UK Equity Income 36 6.1 Value & Income UK Equity Income 32 6.1 BMO Capital & Income UK Equity Income 26 4.7 British & American UK Equity Income 24 27.6 Schroder Income Growth UK Equity Income 24 5.9 Invesco Income Growth UK Equity Income 22 5.2 Perpetual Income & Growth UK Equity Income 20 6.8 Source: AIC / Morningstar - investment trusts with at least 20 years of consecutive dividend increases On the 21-strong list of heroes, there are now ten trusts yielding more than 5 per cent highlighting how the stock markets dive since mid-January has driven up potential yields. Yield isnt everything though. Among the others on there, a few gems that I would pick out as worth doing your own research on and considering are the global trusts Witan, Scottish Mortgage and F&C. There is, of course, no guarantee if you bought any of trusts on the Heroes list now that you would either avoid losing some of the capital you put in, or get that same payout in the future. Jimi Hendrix's Are You Experienced? album was released in the same year of 1967 that City of London, Alliance Trust and Bankers consecutive dividend rises reach back to Nonetheless, if you arent so rattled that you are still able to weigh up investing while the stock market is on sale, there are a couple of things to note on the trusts making the Dividend Heroes list. Stuff to do at home Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing stories on ideas for things to do at home: from saving money, to building knowledge, exploring new ideas and entertaining yourself. As a start, if you are stuck at home - working or not - why not give This is Moneys podcast a listen and watch our Investing Show videos. And if you are an investor looking for a book to read, Im currently reading and enjoying John Stepeks The Sceptical Investor, which I heartily recommend. Firstly, they didnt obtain such long histories of paying out rising dividends by accident. These tend to be well-run investments that benefit from one of the lesser noted benefits of a trust over a fund the board of directors who are tasked with holding the fund manager accountable. That doesnt always work, as Neil Woodfords disastrous foray into slapping his name on top of an investment trust showed, but it can be a very good way of holding fund managers egos and flights of fancy in check. Secondly, trusts can hold over money in the good times to help cover the dividend in the bad. This trick up their sleeves is about to be severely tested, so will we see all 21 of these names on the Dividend Heroes list next year? The trusts will certainly do all that they can to avoid spoiling their track records and hopefully by then life will look much brighter for everyone. JPMorgan Chase will temporarily close 20% of its bank branches starting Thursday in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the company told employees. The New York-based banking giant, which has nearly 5,000 branches overall, operates more than 200 locations in New Jersey, meaning around 20 branches in the state could shutter. The company has not announced which locations are involved. Chase ranks in the top five for companies with the most bank branches in New Jersey. The move is intended to protect our employees as we provide essential services to our customers and the communities we serve, bank officials told employees in a statement reported by CNBC. In addition, the company is reducing staffing and hours at its remaining locations by allowing non-teller employees to work from home, according to the CNBC report. Employees will still be paid based on their regular hours, however. New Jersey has already ordered the closure of all indoor shopping malls, movie theaters and gyms, and limited restaurants to take-out and delivery only in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. JPMorgan Chase is the first major bank to limit its retail operations in response to the emergency. Smaller closures were announced earlier this week as OceanFirst eliminated lobby service in all of its branches and Capital One closed five locations that dont have drive-throughs or other means to reduce contact between tellers and customers. ATMs will remain in service at the closed branches, both companies confirmed. New Jersey health officials have reported 427 coronavirus infections and five deaths, while the national death toll stands at 149. A sixth death was announced by a Monmouth County family late Wednesday. Globally, nearly 208,000 infections and 8,600 deaths have been reported by the World Health Organization. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Scientists may have finally proven a theory first outlined by evolutionary biologist, Charles Darwin. According to research published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B by Laura van Holstein, a Ph.D. student in Biological Anthropology at St John's College, University of Cambridge, subspecies may play a much larger role in mammalian evolution than previously thought. Specifically, the researchers found that subspecies were the beginning stages of speciation - the formation of a new species - and may therefore play a critical role in the continued evolution and survival of mammals. The anthropologist studied Darwin's hypothesis by looking at data gathered by scientists throughout hundreds of years, dating back long before Darwin famously visited the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin (pictured) helped pioneer much of what is now modern day evolutionary theory. New research suggests that some of his theories on subspecies were right 'In Chapter 3 of On the Origin of Species Darwin said animal lineages with more species should also contain more 'varieties'. Subspecies is the modern definition. My research investigating the relationship between species and the variety of subspecies proves that subspecies play a critical role in long-term evolutionary dynamics and in future evolution of species,' said van Holstein in a statement. 'And they always have, which is what Darwin suspected when he was defining what a species actually was.' The analysis also also casts light on how geography influences evolution happens differently in land mammals (terrestrial) compared to sea mammals and bats (non-terrestrial - namely their habitats and differences in their ability to roam freely. 'We found the evolutionary relationship between mammalian species and subspecies differs depending on their habitat, van Holsten said in a statement. 'Subspecies form, diversify and increase in number in a different way in non-terrestrial and terrestrial habitats, and this in turn affects how subspecies may eventually become species.' Researchers say that if a natural barrier such as a mountain gets in the way of a particular species it can separate animal groups and prompt them to diverge from their species on their own evolutionary path. However, 'flying and marine mammalssuch as bats and dolphinshave fewer physical barriers in their environment,' says van Holsten. "The Origins of Species" (pictured) was written by Darwin and published in 1859. The tex is still studied by biologists today In addition to illuminating Darwin's research, the findings also may help cast light on the future of current species and the impact of humans on their evolution. It could also help conservationists figure out where to allocate their efforts in order to ensure the best chance of survival. 'Evolutionary models could now use these findings to anticipate how human activity like logging and deforestation will affect evolution in the future by disrupting the habitat of species,' van Holsten said. 'The impact on animals will vary depending on how their ability to roam, or range, is affected. Animal subspecies tend to be ignored, but they play a pivotal role in longer term future evolution dynamics.' As coronavirus spreads rapidly across the world, doctors in Pakistan have warned that a large number of people in Lahore could be affected in the coming days because around 5,600 pilgrims who recently returned from Iran have spread all over the country. Tracking Coronavirus Outbreak: Live Updates These pilgrims were held at Pakistans Taftan border crossing (in Balochistan) with Iran, one of the countries worst affected worldwide by the virus, but due to negligence of officials in enforcing quarantine, the number of cases spiked. The country has reported two deaths and a total of 301 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 208 in the southern province of Sindh alone. Thirty-three cases have been reported in the eastern province of Punjab, 23 in Balochistan, 19 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two in capital Islamabad. As of Wednesday, Pakistan had tested at least 1,621 people for the disease. The provincial government in Punjab has earmarked three hospitals for coronavirus patients, and has also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 to check the spread of virus. However, there is little impact of the prohibitory orders on the ground. Experts have suggested quarantining the entire country, and suspending flight operations in view of increase in number of those infected with coronavirus. Many doctors and nurses have threatened to stop work in view of shortage of equipment/facilities and inadequate measures to shield them from the infection. For now, Islamabad has ordered both the Afghan and Iranian borders sealed, wedding halls shuttered, and schools closed across the country for the remainder of the month to prevent the viruss transmission. Pakistans porous borders, creaking hospitals, culture of hand shaking and hugging, and crowded urban centres mean containing the crisis could be a huge challenge. A deteriorating situation in Pakistan could have ramifications for regional security and more pressure along the Line of Control (LoC). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ronna McDaniel, Chair of the Republican National Committee, at the CPAC convention in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 28, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel Tests Negative for CCP Virus Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, has tested negative for the CCP virus, according to a party spokesman. On the advice of her doctor, @GOPChairwoman was administered a test for COVID-19. That test has fortunately come back negative, the spokesman, Michael Ahrens, said on Twitter. McDaniel got tested after she experienced symptoms similar to the flu following a trip to President Donald Trumps Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. A number of visitors from outside the country and local, state, and federal officials have gone into self-isolation because of possible exposure to the new virus at the resort. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and a delegation from his country attended a dinner at the resort last week with Trump and a slew of top White House officials, including adviser Ivanka Trump and her husband, senior adviser Jared Kushner. Two members of Bolsonaros delegation have tested positive. Trump was tested late Friday. The test was negative, the White House said the next day. Bolsonaro has also tested negative. Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) went into self-quarantine over their contact with the delegation, as did some local officials. Graham and Gaetz later tested negative while Scott is still in isolation. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, one of the local officials who entered isolation, tested positive for the CCP virus. Pennsylvania Avenue, normally filled with commuters during morning rush hour, is shown nearly empty due to the impacts of coronavirus in Washington on March 19, 2020. Confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus have reached nearly 10,000 in the United States with a reported 150 deaths having been recorded. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) President Donald Trump hosts a working dinner with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., on March 7, 2020. (Tom Brenner/Reuters) The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Ivanka Trump and White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham have been working from home because of the potential exposure to the virus. Attorney General William Barr was working from home after attending an event with an Australian official who later tested positive but has since come back out in public. The first two members of Congress tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) said he developed mild cold-like symptoms on Saturday evening after returning from Washington. After consulting with his physician on Sunday, he immediately began self-isolating at home. When his symptoms worsened, he got tested. I am still working for Utahns and pursuing efforts to get Utahns the resources they need as I continue doing my job from home until I know it is safe to end my self-quarantine, he said in a statement. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) said he has been in isolation at his Washington apartment since Friday after developing symptoms. Diaz-Balart said he did not return to his home in South Florida because of his wife Tias pre-existing conditions that put her at exceptionally high risk. Im feeling much better, Diaz-Balart said on Twitter on Wednesday. He asked people to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to avoid becoming infected and stem the spread of the new illness. Biometric identifier has been issued to over 90 per cent of the population as of February-end, Parliament was informed on Thursday. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Sanjay Dhotre said the UIDAI does not maintain urban/rural bifurcation of the holders, and hence information in this regard is not available. "As on 29 February 2020, has been issued to 90.1 per cent of the population," Dhotre said. The UIDAI also does not collect information about financial position of residents. "In accordance with provision contained in... 2016, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) does not collect information regarding financial status of the resident. Hence, such information is not available," he said. To another question on whether there are instances of states sharing Aadhaar data with private companies for identification of beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, Dhotre said, "No such instance has come to the notice of UIDAI." "Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) data is fully secured/ encrypted at all times that is at rest, in transit and in storage. UIDAI has a well-designed, multi-layer robust security system in place and the same is being constantly upgraded to maintain highest level of data security and integrity," he said. The architecture of Aadhaar ecosystem is geared to ensure security and privacy, which is an integral part of the system from the initial design to the final stage, he said. "Comprehensive Information Security Policy and Procedures are in place which are reviewed and updated regularly, ensuring appropriate monitoring and control on movement of people, material and data in and out of UIDAI premises, particularly the data centres," he said. Security audits are conducted on regular basis, he said, adding that security assurance of Aadhaar ecosystem has been strengthened with Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019, which includes stringent penalties and punishment for offenders. The British government apologised Thursday for its treatment of Britons of Caribbean origin who were wrongly detained or deported for being illegal immigrants, after the publication of a devastating official report. The inquiry found that successive governments trying to show they were tough on illegal immigration displayed a "complete disregard" for the "Windrush" generation who moved to Britain legally in the 1950s and 1960s. Their status was regularised in 1971 but few were given any official documentation, nor were records kept. As a result, hundreds and potentially thousands were caught up in successive immigration clampdowns, with 164 people who arrived in Britain before 1973 either detained or deported since 2002. The inquiry found the Home Office interior ministry had shown "an institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history" of those involved. It said the scandal, which broke in 2018 and prompted the resignation of the then home secretary, was "forseeable and avoidable". Officials also failed to properly consider the unintended consequences of their policies -- and when the scandal broke, they were slow to react. In response, current Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was "shocked" by the "terrible injustices" involved. "There is nothing that I can say today which will undo the pain, the suffering and the misery inflicted on the Windrush generation," she said in a statement to parliament. "What I can do, is say that on behalf of this and successive governments -- I am truly sorry for the actions that spanned decades. "I am sorry that people's trust has been betrayed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Public officials are engaged in conference calls at every level. Local mayors and managers have participated in weekly calls with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other county officials, DeLaurentiis said. They also have joined calls with representatives of Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state officials twice a week, she said. The United States has sanctioned Syria's Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Ali Abdullah Ayoub, for his actions on the behalf of the regime. On Tuesday, the United States sanctioned Syrias Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Ali Abdullah Ayoub, for his role in the ongoing tragedy in Idleb province. The Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued the following statement: Today, the United States is designating a senior Assad regime official who is responsible for the violence and the disastrous humanitarian crisis in northern Syria. The Department of State is imposing sanctions under Executive Order 13894 on Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ali Abdullah Ayoub for his deliberate actions since December 2019 to prevent a ceasefire from taking hold in northern Syria. This obstruction resulted in almost a million people being displaced and in dire need of humanitarian aid in the midst of a cold winter in Idlib. The Assad regimes forces, backed by Russia, have been responsible for the continued bombardments that destroyed schools and hospitals and killed civilians, including medical professionals and first responders risking their lives to save others. Executive Order 13894 targets those responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged in, or attempted to engage in, or financed, the obstruction, disruption, or prevention of a ceasefire in northern Syria. As a result of todays sanction, all property and interests in property of Ayoub that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Minister Ayoub is now barred from the U.S. financial system and listed on the Specially Designated National and Blocked Persons list (the SDN list). In the future, any non-U.S. persons that engage in certain transactions with the designated person may themselves be exposed to sanctions under other Syria related authorities to include the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. Our sanctions will remain in place until the Syrian regime and Russia permanently and verifiably adhere to UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254. We stand on the side of the Syrian people. While the Assad regime and its Iranian and Russian enablers continue their illusory quest for a military solution in Syria, we are committed to a peaceful political solution in line with UNSCR 2254. We call on all parties to cease their destabilizing activities, agree to a nationwide ceasefire, and constructively participate in the political process. If they do not, the alternative is clear: they will face increasing economic pressure and diplomatic isolation. As we enter the tenth year of the Syrian conflict, the United States will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools at our disposal to pressure the Assad regime and its backers, including Russia. We will keep pressing until they come to the negotiating table and participate constructively in accordance with UNSCR 2254 in order to alleviate the suffering of Syrian people and meet their future aspirations. On Tuesday, Zaman al-Wasl reported that General Ayyoub was hospitalized for suffering from myocardial infarction. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Representative Image Jack Ewing No European country is escaping the economic consequences of the coronavirus, but the pain wont be divided equally. Southern Europe, which bore the brunt of the last big economic crisis, will suffer the most. Countries like Greece and Italy depend heavily on tourism and are still suffering the lingering effects of the eurozone debt meltdown over the last decade, including austerity programs that left their health care systems ill-prepared for a pandemic. But even countries regarded as paragons of competitiveness, like Germany and the Netherlands, may turn out to have weaknesses that, until a few weeks ago, were regarded as strengths. Germanys automakers, for example, have dominated the luxury car business. But the virus exposed their dependence on sales in China, and now they are closing factories all over the region. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Any country with lots of small firms and self-employed people will suffer as well because these businesses typically have thinner financial reserves to survive a sudden plunge in sales. Greece and Italy are examples, but so is the Netherlands. Other countries may have hidden strengths. An economy with lots of companies that can deliver their services digitally, and where employees can work from home, should be relatively resilient. This could be Estonias moment; its capital, Tallinn, has a lively digital startup scene. The most important economic policy for any country, economists at Oxford Economics point out, is to get the virus under control. That gives the advantage to countries with effective leaders and well-equipped health care systems. Countries in southern Europe cut back on health care spending during the eurozone debt crisis to meet stringent budget limits that were a condition for receiving bailouts. Now, these countries are tragically vulnerable. The virus has spread its woe in unpredictable ways, and there are certain to be more unpleasant surprises. Its still hard to say which country will be hit the most and which will be the most resilient, said Carsten Brzeski, chief eurozone economist at the Dutch bank ING. We are still in the middle of the wave. The European economy is, by design, highly interconnected, and even countries that seem relatively well protected will not be able to isolate themselves from the suffering of their neighbours. While there are some countries far better prepared than others, no countries are well prepared, said Ryan Morhard, a global health security expert at the World Economic Forum in Geneva. Asked to name a country that has handled the crisis fairly well, Morhard cited Singapore, which of course is not in Europe. Heres a look at how the virus could play out in different parts of the eurozone. Germany With solid government finances, low unemployment and a broad social safety net, Germany looks resilient. The government was able to assemble a powerful stimulus package without endangering the countrys credit rating. It has more acute-care hospital beds per person than any other country in Europe, according to data compiled by Oxford Economics. But Germany entered the crisis with weak growth, and its auto- and machinery-makers are highly vulnerable to supply-chain disruptions and restrictions on social contact. You cant work from home at the Mercedes-Benz assembly line. Shutdowns by big employers like Volkswagen and Daimler will provoke a chain reaction among suppliers and cause a spike in joblessness. Italy It would be hard to think of a developed country more vulnerable to a pandemic than Italy. Tourism is an important part of the economy, as are small firms. The enormous government debt, equal to 137 percent of gross domestic product, leaves Rome with limited leeway to offer financial support to stricken businesses. Italy was headed for a recession even before the coronavirus hit. Its economic output is still less than it was before the global recession of 2009. Its people were among the worlds healthiest, but the virus outbreak exposed a critical shortage of intensive-care hospital beds. Even the quality of internet connections is below par. Italy clearly will be hit the most, Brzeski said. The Netherlands The country is home to numerous large corporations, as well as the law firms, accountants and consultants who serve them, thanks to favourable tax laws. Employees of these companies should, for the most part, be able to work from home. In fact, many already do. Some 14 percent of employed Dutch people work from home. But the Netherlands has a large proportion of small businesses, and the hard-hit airline industry is a major employer. Schiphol, outside Amsterdam, is one of Europes largest airports and a major hub for Air France KLM, which has slashed service as much as 90 percent and asked for government assistance. Greece After a dismal decade of austerity and economic decline, when joblessness peaked at 28 percent and the country lost a quarter of its economic output, Greece had been showing signs of recovery. Unemployment was down to 16.5 percent, and investors were buying Greek debt again. But no country in the eurozone is more dependent on tourism, and it is a nation of small businesses, which typically do not have many resources to weather hard times. One surprising upside for Greece is its budget: It has been running a surplus. Some officials and experts argue that now is the time to cut the Greeks some slack and make sure 10 years of tough sacrifices dont go to waste. Spain Spain was Europes fastest-growing large country last year as it rebounded strongly from the depths of the eurozone debt crisis. But unemployment, at nearly 14 percent, is still among Europes highest, and only Greece is more dependent on tourism. Spain is also a major automaking country. Volkswagen, Renault and Ford Motor Co. have all closed their Spanish factories in recent days. Spains hospitals have even fewer acute-care beds per person than Italy. France France may be somewhat less vulnerable than its neighbours. Manufacturing is not as important to the economy as it is in Germany, and the proportion of small firms and self-employed people is smaller than in Italy or the Netherlands. Many French people work for large companies, which should have an easier time surviving the crisis. Tourism is a surprisingly small part of the economy, even if Paris seems to be perpetually mobbed by people wielding selfie sticks. The governments oft-criticized tendency to meddle in corporate affairs could be an advantage now that there is a need for political leaders to coordinate a defence against the virus. And France has some of Europes best internet connections. Estonia The tiny Baltic nation, population 1.3 million, has one of the most dynamic economies in the eurozone. Growth last year was more than 4 percent, unemployment is less than 5 percent, and government debt is negligible, allowing plenty of room for fiscal stimulus. Estonia is known as one of the most tech-savvy countries in the world, potentially a big advantage as the outbreak forces economic activity online. The software for Skype was written in Tallinn. Bolt, a ride-hailing, electric scooter and delivery service that is challenging Uber, is based there. But as the virus spreads, Estonia must also take care to protect those who havent shared in the boom: More than a fifth of the population lives in poverty. c.2020 The New York Times Company Commemoration of Hung Kings, the legendary nation founders (Photo: VNA) Founded in 2015, the non-profit socio-cultural project aims to strengthen the great national unity and promote Vietnams intangible cultural heritage of humanity to the globe. The day has been observed in 10 foreign countries, namely the Czech Republic, Russia, Hungary, Germany, Laos, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Poland and Ukraine. Particularly in 2018, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed a decision supporting the continuous implementation of the Vietnam Ancestral Global Day in countries with large Vietnamese communities. Since 2015, the project has moved towards three key goals: preserving and spreading the Intangible Cultural Heritage Hung Kings worship rite abroad; holding discussions, seminars and workshops to connect and promote intercultural exchange between Vietnamese and other cultures in the world; and building a strategy to spread and advertise Vietnamese cultural and spiritual values in the life of overseas Vietnamese, host countries and international friends. The commemoration of Hung Kings - the legendary nation founders - is annually observed on the 10th day of the third lunar month. This year, it will fall on April 2nd. The ritual was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012./. The Bank of Ghana increased the daily transaction limits for mobile money. The Central Bank made this known in its monetary policy committee's press release. BoG says it has agreed with banks and mobile network operators on measures to facilitate more efficient payments and promote digital forms of payments for the next three months, subject to review, effective March 20, 2020. Below are the new daily limits: ---Daily Guide NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE: GHL), a leading independent investment bank, announced today that Jonathan Brownstein has joined the Firm in New York as a Managing Director in the Financing Advisory & Restructuring Group. Mr. Brownstein has over 20 years of financing and advisory experience, spending the last 15 years focused on restructuring and financing advisory work for debtors and creditors, including 5 years at Rothschild where he worked with several members of the existing Greenhill restructuring team. Other experience includes several years each at Oppenheimer and CIBC World Markets, where he began his career. Scott L. Bok, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Greenhill, said, "We are pleased to continue the build out of our restructuring advisory team that we began two years ago. While 2019 was a strong year for the group, and we entered 2020 with a robust backlog of assignments, the current environment is creating numerous unexpected opportunities to assist clients. We expect to continue to expand our team, and expect this area to be a major revenue generator for the foreseeable future." Greenhill & Co., Inc. is a leading independent investment bank entirely focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Madrid, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. As previously announced, the Firm expects to open a Paris office shortly, subject to regulatory approval. Contact: Patrick J. Suehnholz Director of Investor Relations Greenhill & Co., Inc. (212) 389-1800 SOURCE Greenhill & Co., Inc. Related Links www.greenhill.com Cookie Preferences Cookie List Cookie List A cookie is a small piece of data (text file) that a website when visited by a user asks your browser to store on your device in order to remember information about you, such as your language preference or login information. Those cookies are set by us and called first-party cookies. We also use third-party cookies which are cookies from a domain different than the domain of the website you are visiting for our advertising and marketing efforts. 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Squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar is touting a similar cash giveaway plan to one being promoted by the White House and is praising the Trump administration for the effort. 'In times of crisis, right, we can come together. And it's not about who is making the proposal, it's about getting the best idea out there,' Omar told the CBS affiliate in her home state of Minnesota. 'I applaud this administration for thinking about the people, for wanting to put money in people's pockets.' Minnesota's Representative Ilhan Omar is applauding the Trump administration for embracing a proposal to send $1,000 checks to Americans. Omar backs a similar proposal Omar backed Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, came out vocally for Trump's impeachment, and has been a regular target of Trump's. Trump has called her a 'fraud' and a 'disgrace.' He accused her of marrying her brother for fraudulent purposes 'like coming into the United States, maybe.' Trump also has called her an 'America-hating socialist.' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has put urgency behind the proposal to send out checks, as the stock market craters amid fears unemployment could spike dramatically as the coronavirus spreads infection around the country. 'Americans need cash now, and the president wants to get cash now,' Mnuchin said. 'And I mean now in the next two weeks,' he said this week. On the Fox Business Network Thursday, Mnuchin provided more detail on the government checks. 'The first one would be $1,000 per person, $500 per child. So for a family of four, that's a $3,000 payment. As soon as Congress passes this, we get this out in three weeks. And then six weeks later, if the president still has a national emergency, we'll deliver another $3,000. So that's that's a lot of money to hardworking Americans who at home no fault to theirs,' Mnuchin said. Omar referenced Rep. Ayanna Pressley and said these were 'unprecedented times' She applauded Trump administration policies Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that Americans could see their first round of checks in three weeks President Donald Trump's administration has been working on a $1 trillion plan that would give relief to small businesses, individuals, and critical industries hit by the coronavirus Ilhan Omar and Tim Mynett were married in Washington, D.C. this month United States President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during a briefing on the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic with members of the Coronavirus Task Force in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, March 17, 2020 Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders takes the stage after being introduced by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) rallies with supporters in Springfield, Virginia, U.S. February 29, 2020 Omar also praised administration action to suspend mortgage foreclosures and advocate for the cash payments amid the crisis. 'Politics aside, this is incredible and the right response in this critical time,' she tweeted. Trump has fueled rumors that Omar married her brother for immigration purposes. Earlier this month, Omar married Democratic strategist Tim Mynett, whose former wife accused the fundraiser of having an affair with Omar. Mynett denied it. She first married Ahmed Hirsi in 2002 in an Islamic ceremony that was not registered with Minnesota state authorities. The couple had two children before Omar married Ahmed Elmi, a British citizen in a ceremony conducted by a Christian minister in Eden Prairie, Minnesota in 2009. Open source The first confirmed case of the infection with the coronavirus is spotted in Zhytomyr as City Mayor Serhiy Sukhomlyn reported on Facebook. A citizen of Zhytomyr returned from Austria. The laboratory tests confirmed the presence of coronavirus of this man, he said. The mayor also specified that man is 56-year-old and his state is more or less normal that is why the situation will be observed. Today, in the situation room, we worked out and organized a few groups of the medical workers who will meet the citizens of Zhytomyr at Airport Boryspil and railway station Kyiv Passazhyrsky to maximally follow people who come by trains and planes from abroad, spot them, Sukhomlyn said. He noted that if the people have a fever and other signs of the disease, the express tests will be held at the site and the medics will work with infected people. As we reported, another case of coronavirus infection was observed in the Kyiv region. Five people, suspected of coronavirus, were hospitalized in the area. Two people were found in Bila Tserkva, two more in Kyiv-Sviatoshynskyi district and one in Brovary (not confirmed). An act of kindness by a Houston couple is helping the staff at a downtown restaurant get by during the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, a couple who regularly dine at Irmas Southwest came in for dinner and left behind a $9,400 tip. We were amazed by their generosity. We didn't expect it. They went above and beyond what was necessary, said owner Louis Galvan. CORONAVIRUS HITS HOUSTON: Free drive-thru testing starts Thursday at select sites The couple, who chose to remain anonymous, paid $90.12 for their meal, then left $1,900 in cash and $7,500 on a credit card as a tip, Galvan said. A handwritten note on the credit card receipt reads, "hold tip to pay your guys over the next few weeks." The large sum will be split between the restaurants 30 waiters and kitchen staff, Galvan said. They will get around $300 each. HoustonChronicle.com: More than 50 coronavirus cases in Houston, 200+ cases across Texas On Monday evening, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner ordered all bars and clubs countywide to close for 15 days. As restaurants struggle to keep the lights on while also protecting public health some, like Irmas Southwest, are offering food orders to go. We had around 50 to go orders yesterday, Galvan said. We are not worried about profitability right now. We are in survival mode. That includes helping others. If theres anyone who does not have food to eat, or just needs a glass of water, they are welcome to come by. We are here for our community, Galvan said. marcy.deluna@chron.com A new partnership between Yokohama and the Rubber Authority of Thailand seeks to strengthen the natural rubber supply chain. The partnership will provide economic support to natural rubber farmers in Thailand, and also improve the traceability, transparency and strength of the rubber supply chain. The agreement is part of Yokohamas Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber, which will be following up on surveys conducted last June by rubber processing subsidiary, Y.T Rubber Co., on natural rubber plantations in Surat Thani, Thailand. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> The subsidiary has so far interviewed 70 natural rubber farmers and aims to survey 500 farmers by the end of 2021. The results will be used by the company to analyze the issues faced by natural rubber plantations, in turn enabling the brand to better contribute toward sustainable natural rubber operations and improve the products traceability. Alongside this, the brand has been conducting joint research with universities in Thailand into natural rubber since 2013. Problems typically associated with natural rubber production include unlawful deforestation, land exploitation, human rights violations and adverse effects on biodiversity in the areas where natural rubber is produced. The brand is currently involved in the Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative (SNR-i) and is also a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) which launched in October 2018. Doing things differently has become the new normal for Midlanders as well as the world. Jocey Buckler of Homer Township is trying to keep her family of seven going and admits it's hard and she is struggling. She has five children, the oldest a senior in high school and the youngest a second grader. Her husband, Larry, is undergoing cancer treatment and is home. She works as a hair stylist in her home and then at an outside salon one day a week. "It affects me," she said of the coronavirus shutdown. She said a lot of her regular clients aren't reaching out because they're afraid. And, she also worries about someone bringing the virus into her house. Buckler said she's thinking of closing down her home shop but then wrestles with switching all of her clientele to the salon because that would up her rental fees. "I don't know what I'm going to do," she said Wednesday. What she does know is that she will continue to lean on God and trust in him throughout all of this. She said she is working with Cancer Services to help pay for some of the monthly bills. A group from her church dropped off some groceries and paper products. Buckler said she takes limited trips to the grocery store but finds the basic items like bread and milk are often gone. The snack type foods her children enjoy, which include pizza rolls, aren't to be found. "The shelves are so bare," she said. "The simplest things you taken for granted." Her children, she said, are getting restless. They can't see their friends. She has limited their electronic time and is trying to get them outside more. "How do I as a working mom my husband is in bed a lot how do I maintain a structured routine?" she wondered out loud. "There is a 10-year difference between the oldest and the youngest." Downtown, it's full press ahead for Easter at Heather 'n Holly candy and chocolate store in downtown Midland. "It's a little bit slower," said shift leader Mikayla Keenon, but customers are coming in and the team is getting everything ready for Easter. "We have a lot of people coming in who want to support their local businesses," she said. The team is working on getting all of their candy and chocolate items up on their website so people can call and order online. She said they will bring out the order to people waiting in their cars at curbside. The store also shortened its hours. They now are open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. "It's a little bit of happiness," Keenon said. "People are still happy we're open and can come and get a little treat." Business at Midland's Godwin's Furniture and Mattress has slowed. "We are seeing a reduction in traffic," said Rob White, a Godwin's manager within the family-owned business that has 10 locations, including Midland. "It's not (busy) like it was a week ago. People are heeding the advice and they're just not out shopping." He said fewer people out shopping has been the case in every community Godwin's has a store. White said the majority of traffic is after 4 p.m. when he believes a parent gets home from work and can go out while the other parent stays home with the children. "We're not ready to reduce our hours," he said. "Our personnel still need to make a living. We're trying to hold on as long as we can." Midland dentist Michael T. Smith said Monday a memo from the Michigan Dental Association most likely will affect the way his office does business. "The Michigan Dental Association had just issued a statement that strongly recommends dental offices close their offices beginning Tuesday for at least two weeks to patients seeking preventive and elective care and limit treatment to necessary treatment and patients requiring emergency care," he wrote in an email. "Thats a pretty big impact," he continued. Smith said personal hygiene always has been crucial to his line of work. "The dental field has always been on the forefront of using personal protective devices (gloves, masks, eye protection and coverings)," he wrote. "The dental field has also been excellent on sterilizing everything that could be and disinfecting the items that could not be sterilized." He said his office has found some supplies are scarce since the coronavirus outbreak. "We have been limited in our ability to get masks at a level 3 protection and other personal protective devices are beginning to be harder to obtain." At about noon Monday, the owner of Edge Fitness and Training Center in Midland learned the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's shutdown mandate also included gyms. Brian Patrick said surprisingly, he hadn't seen a decline in attendance at his gym over the last week and even had a full class Monday morning. He said his clients recognize the "mental, physical benefits" of exercise and "they've established a good routine and feel so good about themselves." He said he had taken extra precautions to keep his gym as clean as possible, with disinfecting the entire gym over the weekend and establishing a new cleaning routine. He restructured classes to keep people apart from each other and to also minimize equipment sharing. Patrick said these are "scary times" for him, as he's not part of a corporate chain. Chandigarh, March 19 : The COVID-19 awareness campaign of the state government has received overwhelming response in Amrtisar rural district, where Punjab Police have launched a massive door-to-door outreach campaign through the recently deployed Village Police Officers (VPOs). Following the marked success of the VPO scheme in the district, where it was launched last month as a pilot project by Senior Superintendent of Police Vikramjeet Duggal on the directives of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, VPOs are being appointed across the state and will be roped in to spread the awareness campaign in all the districts soon, said DGP Dinkar Gupta here on Thursday. In Amritsar rural, a total of 550 villages have already been covered physically in the past four days, with the remaining to be reached out to in the next 2-3 days, said the DGP. A total of 889 VPOs are on the ground, making rounds of their allotted villages to conduct meetings with the village sarpanches, school headmasters, village granthis, watchmen, households and the youth to spread awareness for prevention of spread of COVID-19. The VPOs have been trained and tasked to educate people in their respective villages about the disease and the necessary precautions to prevent its spread, and to bust any myths and misconceptions about it. They have been briefed by the district police chiefs to coordinate and liaise with the local civil administration and the Health Department to ensure effective implementation of the government's instructions and advisories on COVID-19 by all the people at the local level, said the DGP. With the help of the village youth, the VPOs are using the social media in a big way to disseminate the government's directives down to every household in the respective area. The citizens are being guided to strictly maintain social distancing to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. The VPOs are also requesting the local people to keep gatherings under 50 as per the government's guidelines to check the spread of the pandemic. To quell rumours on social media, the VPOs are advising the citizens to either check with the Health Department or police to verify the veracity of the posts. They are also warning citizens, as a note of caution, that strict action will be taken against those spreading fake news on coronavirus. The police officers are further requesting the citizens to desist from forwarding unverified information or images on COVID-19. According to the DGP, public response to the initiative has been overwhelming, with youth in particular coming forward in large numbers for the last three-four days to help their respective VPOs in making the door-to-door campaign a success. This initiative by Punjab Police will go a long way towards assisting various stakeholders in keeping a 24x7 vigil for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives, he said. The 'One Village One Cop' scheme, is aimed at bringing police personnel closer to the citizens. It involves earmarking of designated VPO, in the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector, Head Constable and Constable, for each of the 12,700 villages of the state. Their job is to gather information about the criminals, including their activities and whereabouts. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) RIO DE JANEIROAfter questioning the seriousness of COVID-19, defying his own health ministrys recommendations and denouncing a certain hysteria, Brazils president is now projecting himself as leading the nations response to the coronavirus crisis in what has become one of the biggest challenges to his presidency. President Jair Bolsonaro provoked the ire of many Brazilians and even former political allies with his blase attitude to the global pandemic and insistence on shaking supporters hands at a protest. One of Brazils most popular news sites, UOL, reported Bolsonaro had suggested the Chinese government caused the coronavirus outbreak a claim later voiced publicly by his son, a lawmaker. Chinas embassy rebuffed the allegations, saying on Twitter they were extremely irresponsible. While many countries around Latin America and the world have quarantined millions, cancelled international flights and shut down schools, Brazil has done none of these things. Only on Thursday did Bolsonaro order the closing of the countrys borders with its neighbours, except for Uruguay, when almost all South American countries had already taken that measure. No lockdowns have been ordered and state governments and municipalities have taken the lead in telling people to stay home. Late Thursday, Brazil announced its first restrictions on international travellers, banning entry for the next 30 days by foreigners from a number of places, including China, Japan and the European Union. Nearly all of its neighbours had already taken similar actions. Coronavirus in Brazil is acting as a kind of catalyst, channeling all this discontent and accelerating the process against Bolsonaro, said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at the Insper University in Sao Paulo. When he came out to the streets for the protests, he made a very big, very serious mistake. Now he is trying to regain control. Faced with a growing backlash, a concerned-looking Bolsonaro, flanked by many of his ministers, on Wednesday gave his first press conference on the coronavirus at Brazils presidential palace. During the two-hour event, Bolsonaro said he would redouble efforts to fight COVID-19, but did not announce any new measures. For the first time since the outbreak, he thanked lawmakers for their efforts and called on them to approve a state of calamity, which would allow the government to spend more than the annual budget allows, with funds going toward health and job preservation. But the press conference conveyed mixed messages about how to deal with the pandemic. While vowing to fight the outbreak, he sat shoulder-to-shoulder with his ministers in a violation of the social distancing prescribed by international authorities. Government officials wore white masks, but several of them, including Bolsonaro, removed them repeatedly when speaking. As the head of the executive, I have to be in the front lines with my people, Brazils president said. Dont be surprised if you see me entering a crowded bar in Sao Paulo, a ferry from Niteroi to Rio or in a bus in Belo Horizonte. Critics say Bolsonaros about-face on the virus follows U.S. President Donald Trumps example. But for many, it is too little, too late. Brazils president had until recently remained largely absent from press conferences, leaving them to ministers or top health officials. Over the weekend, he was seen meeting and shaking hands with a group of supporters. His decision to come into physical contact with the crowd while awaiting final results of his second COVID-19 test contradicted the recommendations his health minister previously issued about avoiding large gatherings. How does a man who is possibly infected go into the middle of a crowd? Janaina Paschoal told fellow lawmakers in Sao Paulos legislature. This man has to leave the presidency of the Republic, let (Vice-President Hamilton) Mourao, who understands matters of defence, lead the nation. Paschoal, a conservative who was once in the running to be Bolsonaros vice-president, had criticized the president but never before demanded he step down. Multiple members of Bolsonaros administration have contracted the coronavirus. His top national security adviser, Gen. Augusto Heleno, confirmed Tuesday he tested positive after attending a recent trip to the U.S. along with Bolsonaro. According to online news site G1, more than a dozen members of a delegation who met with Trump in Mar-a-Lago have also received positive test results. At least 621 people have been infected in Brazil as of Thursday, and six have died. Officials say they expect the infection number to rise significantly in the coming days. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority recover. Lawmaker Alexandre Frota, another close ally turned critic, filed an impeachment request to congress Thursday. Bolsonaro maintains a strained relationship with the Speaker of the lower house, Rodrigo Maia, but it is unlikely congress would consider impeachment amid the crisis. Even his intellectual guru, Olavo de Carvalho, a conservative Brazilian writer who lives in the U.S., posted a Facebook message suggesting Bolsonaro was on the wrong course and poorly advised. From the beginning of his term I told the president he should disarm his enemies before trying to solve any national problem. He did the opposite, Carvalho wrote. I am sorry. Now it may be too late to react. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, Brazilians in cities including Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia protested against Bolsonaro in one of the few ways possible at a time of social distancing: leaning from their windows and banging pots and pans. Some shouted Bolsonaro out! More such protests were promised for as long as Brazilians are in quarantine. On his official Twitter account, Bolsonaro complained the media had failed to communicate a counter pots-and-pans protest in favour of his administration, which took place a half-hour later. That demonstration wasnt nearly as loud or as long, and participants were shouted at by those in neighbouring buildings. The original property/casualty insurance industry reaction that business interruption losses may be modest may have been too optimistic, according to a leading insurance analyst. KBWs Meyer Shields believes that the combination of an aggressive trial bar, legitimately suffering insureds, and potentially ambiguous policy language could contribute to loss exposure for the industry. However, to the extent that the insurance industry ends up paying business interruption losses due to the coronavirus, more of those losses are likely to be paid by specialty insurance carriers than standard carriers, Shields said. Echoing the standard analysis in the industry, Shield noted that the Insurance Services Offices policy form that is widely used by most small- and mid-sized standard commercial multiple-peril insurers specifies that the insurer will not pay for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any virus, bacterium or other microorganism that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease. Louisiana Lawsuit A restaurant in the heart of the New Orleans tourism district filed a lawsuit on Monday asking a state judge for a declaratory judgment that its business-interruption policy will cover its damages if it is ordered to close by civil authorities in response to the coronavirus. Learn more. New Jersey Legislation A proposed New Jersey bill, which aims to create business interruption insurance coverage for COVID-19 related claims despite virus exclusions in many policies, has drawn concern about its constitutionality. Learn more. Fitch Sees Only Modest Impact The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is not currently anticipated to have a meaningful adverse impact on financial results reported by U.S. property/casualty companies, nor their ratings. Learn more. Most insurance companies with which he has spoken still expect limited business interruption losses despite increasingly likely widespread interrupted business, specifically because of this exclusion, he wrote. Shields shared his updated opinion on the potential for business interruption losses in a new investor note in which he cites two developments that could potentially challenge the conventional wisdom of there being limited BI exposure: A Louisiana lawsuit against Lloyds underwriters which a restaurant maintains its all-risks policy has no exclusion for viruses and that contamination of its premises by the coronavirus constitutes a direct physical loss that requires remediation to clean the surfaces of the restaurant. This lawsuit also claims that city and state orders restricting and closing restaurants could trigger the civil authority provision of the policy. New Jersey legislation that would force insurers to cover business interruption from the coronavirus for small businesses, even where the policy explicitly excludes virus-related coverage as with policies with the ISO form. The bill would allow insurers to recoup some of the payouts from a special fund. While he is not a lawyer or legislator, Shields said he believes the New Jersey approach will ultimately prove unconstitutional because he cannot imagine that legislative efforts to retroactively rewrite policy language will succeed. However, insurance policies from specialty carriers without ISOs or similar exclusion language might face some claims. We think its far too early to estimate industrywide (much less individual company) Business Interruption losses, but at this point, we expect some losses to materialize, and if so, theyll probably disproportionately impact specialty rather than standard insurers, since the latter groups policy language is typically subject to regulatory approval, and is usually more consistent, less customized, and hence less prone to including unintended coverage, he concluded. Topics Carriers Legislation Excess Surplus Profit Loss Property Casualty New Jersey VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / Jackpot Digital Inc. (the "Company or "Jackpot") (TSXV:JP)(TSXV:JP.WT)(TSXV:JP.WT.J)(OTCQB:JPOTF)(Frankfurt:LVH2)(Berlin: LVH2). The Company has been materially negatively impacted by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Presently, the overwhelming majority of the Company's revenues are generated from licensing the Company's Electronic Table Game ("ETG") products to the cruise industry. The Company's customers include Carnival Corporation & PLC, Royal Caribbean International and Virgin Voyages. As a result of the cruise industry's voluntary and temporary pause/suspension, the Company's revenues will be negatively impacted to a tremendous extent. Furthermore, even when operations resume, the Company expects future revenues generated from the cruise segment of its business to decline from previous levels for a reasonable period of time. In regards to the land-based casino industry, into which the Company had been embarking an aggressive expansion, the Company's expansion plans will now be negatively impacted due to the temporary suspension/closures of most land-based casinos in North America and elsewhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company expects the resulting negative fallout and uncertainty in the land-based casino industry to severely impact its current business development pipeline and anticipated cashflows for the near to mid-term. To face the very daunting challenges of the immediate future, the Company is actively cutting costs wherever possible and has also started the requisite applications for relief from the appropriate federal government agencies. The Company has also commenced discussions with its debt holders to extend the maturity of the Company's current debt. In addition to the above, the Company has been forced to take other necessary and drastic steps to ensure its survival, with the hope that it can fully recover in due course. In order to attract an immediate and necessary financing to continue operations, the Company intends to conduct a 10-for-1 (10:1) share consolidation, which would leave the Company with approximately 12,919,312 post-consolidation common shares outstanding. This 10-for-1 (10:1) share consolidation is expected to occur on or about the week of April 20, 2020. Immediately following the 10:1 share consolidation, the Company proposes to complete an unsecured convertible debenture financing (the "Debentures") to raise $1,500,000 in gross proceeds. The Debentures will be convertible into a maximum total 20,000,000 units at a conversion price of $0.075 per unit on a post-consolidated basis. Each unit will consist of one post-consolidation common share and one share purchase warrant. Each share purchase warrant will be exercisable to purchase one common share at the price of $0.15 on a post-consolidated basis for a period of three years from closing of the Debenture financing. The Debentures will pay a simple 10% annual interest and will mature in 3 three years from the date of issuance of the Debentures. The Debentures will also include a provision to allow the Company to repay 50% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest within the first 18 months of the term with no penalty. President & CEO Mr. Jake Kalpakian states, "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a horrifically negative impact on the global economy. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an immediate effect on the Company. The current situation in the global economy and financial markets have brought the Company's recent financings and other corporative initiatives to a nearly complete halt. The actions we are taking now will allow the Company to survive while the cruise and casino industries recover. Despite this extremely challenging time, we remain optimistic about our future." Mr. Kalpakian adds, "The fact is our Jackpot BlitzTM ETG is a proven product, and we believe the demand for this product will endure and only grow. The product has inherent competitive advantages which should become stronger in the future more than ever before." Mr. Kalpakian continues, "We will continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure we get through these challenging times. We believe that the share consolidation and accompanying Debenture financing will allow the Company to continue operations and position it for future growth. In making this difficult decision, we took all stakeholders' interests into consideration and feel this course of action is fair and balanced and best positions the Company for future success. The capital injection will allow our operations to continue, expand into the new and existing business opportunities while protecting shareholders' long-term interests by limiting the dilution by retaining the right to redeem a significant amount of the Debenture. We have a lot of work in front of us, but the fundamental building blocks are in place for a great comeback." The securities that may be issued in connection with the Debenture financing shall include a hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. There may be finder's fee payable in respect to the Debenture financing in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Both the share consolidation and the Debenture financing are subject to the approval of the Exchange. About Jackpot Digital Inc. Jackpot Digital Inc. is a leading electronic table games manufacturer and mobile gaming provider for the cruise ship industry and regulated casino industry. The Company specializes in multiplayer gaming products, including poker and casino games, which are complimented by a robust suite of backend tools for operators to efficiently control and optimize their gaming business. For more information on the Company, please contact Jake H. Kalpakian, President and CEO, at (604) 681-0204 ext. 6105, or visit the Company's website at www.jackpotdigital.com. On behalf of the Board of Jackpot Digital Inc. "Jake H. Kalpakian" Jake H. Kalpakian President & CEO Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking". Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives, economic or technical performance, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this News Release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "enable", "feel", "seek", "project", "predict", "potential", "should", "might", "objective", "believe", "expect", "propose", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", and similar words are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, projections and estimations, there can be no assurance that these assumptions, projections or estimations are accurate. Readers, shareholders and investors are therefore cautioned not to place reliance on any forward-looking statements as the plans, assumptions, intentions or expectations upon which they are based might not occur. SOURCE: Jackpot Digital Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581533/Jackpot-Digital-Announces-Corporate-Update-Relating-to-the-COVID-19-Pandemic A grandmother got a surprise visit from her family who lined up on her front lawn to wish her a happy 95th birthday from a safe distance after her party got canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Kathleen Byrne from Syracuse, New York, stood on her front stoop and waved while more than a dozen of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren sang her 'Happy Birthday' on Wednesday. Her granddaughter Sara Byrne shared a video of the heartwarming moment on Instagram, writing: 'We had to keep our distance but we couldn't not see our best girl on her birthday!!! Happy 95th Gram we love you SO much!!!' Keeping close: Kathleen Byrne from Syracuse, New York, got a surprise visit from her family who lined up on her front lawn to wish her a happy 95th birthday on Wednesday Special moment: Kathleen stood on her front stoop while more than a dozen of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids sang her 'Happy Birthday' In the clip, Kathleen's family is holding up balloons and signs that spell out 'Happy Birthday' while they sing to her from across her front yard. 'Oh, I love it. Thank you,' the grandma yells to them. 'I'm sorry we aren't all together. But you are all together.' Kathleen, who has seven sons, 22 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, was thrilled to see her family while self-quarantined in her home. 'She has done so much for our family and we are so so thankful to still have her, especially during this crazy time our world is going through,' her granddaughter told CNN. Celebration: Her granddaughter Sara Byrne shared a video of the heartwarming moment on Instagram, saying they 'couldn't not see our best girl on her birthday' Special moment: In the clip, Kathleen's family is holding up balloons and signs that spell out 'Happy Birthday' while they sing to her from across her front yard Response: 'Oh, I love it. Thank you,' the grandma yells to them. 'I'm sorry we aren't all together. But you are all together' 'We wanted to show up for her to make her feel special on her big day no matter what.' As of Thursday, there have been more than 11,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the U.S. and 165 deaths. According to a data analysis released on Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80 per cent of deaths associated with the coronavirus in the U.S. were in adults aged 65 and older. Public health officials are urging Americans, especially the elderly, to self-quarantine to reduce the spread of the virus. Matriarch: Kathleen has seven sons, 22 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren Big day: Kathleen's birthday party was postponed due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, but she was thrilled to see her family from a distance on her big day Most nursing homes and care centers in the U.S. have restricted visitation and gone on lockdown to protect those who are most vulnerable. Families across the country have been finding creative ways to visit and celebrate their elderly relatives' milestones. Tess Wilson, 88, from Newberry, South Carolina, received a much-needed surprise visit from her great-grandkids who stood outside the window of her nursing home on Monday. The grandmother moved into SpringField Place & JF Hawkins last month and has been struggling with the adjustment, especially now that she can no longer get visitors. 'We love you Nanny': Tess Wilson, 88, from Newberry, South Carolina, also received a much-needed surprise visit from her great-grandkids at her nursing home this week Making her day:Tess's great-grandchildren stood outside of her window and held up the signs, and she sweetly blew kisses to them in return Her daughter Lynn Underwood snapped a photo of Matthew, three, Avery, nine, Warren, seven, Ethan, eight, and Sally, two, holding up homemade signs that spell out 'We love you Nanny.' Tess' granddaughter Lisa Walker shared the sweet image on Instagram, writing: 'Corona didnt stop Le Le from taking these cuties to visit Nanny at the nursing home. They just had to stay outside.' Lynn told Today that she regrets not turning the camera to her mother as she sweetly blew kisses to her great-grandchildren and they blew them back to her. 'Not being able to go in and be with her is terribly sad. It's hard for all of us to be separated,' Lisa said. 'But she gets so happy when she talks about that visit.' ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday said the state will suspend mortgage payments 90 days for individuals under financial distress, a move that will not effect credit ratings or result in any penalties. Cuomo said the "bold action" will be a "financial stress reliever for many families." Fees at ATM machines and overdraft and credit card late fees also are being suspended. The governor said the novel coronavirus is continuing to spread New York City's number of cases roughly doubled overnight but reiterated his position that people should not panic and that the number of cases is increasing, in large part, because there is more testing being done. He said thousands of people have the virus who have not been tested, and thousands more may have had the virus and recovered without being tested. Cuomo said he is also expanding an executive order that will require businesses to have no more than 25 percent of their workforce report to work outside of the home. That number had been set at 50 percent on Wednesday. Cuomo said he will not issue a shelter in place order in New York City or elsewhere in the state. "Its not going to happen," he said. "Im telling you Im not doing it. ... In many ways the fear is more dangerous than the virus." Cuomo's daughter Michaela Kennedy Cuomo sat next to him during his news conference at the Capitol on Thursday. He said she had canceled her plans to join her friends on a spring break vacation. "Luckily, she made the right decision and I'm proud of her for that," Cuomo said. Still, the novel coronavirus is hitting closer to home. Cuomo's press conference came as a third state Assembly member tested positive for COVID-19. She had been in Albany on Wednesday for a brief session but did not have contact with other members or staffers, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said. She received a test on Wednesday after learning that a family member was ill. Jean-Pierre is now back in her district, "self-quarantining and doing well," Heastie said. during session, we took extraordinary steps to keep everyone safe and followed CDC guidelines," Heastie said in a statement. "Based on the protocols we put in place, we believe she did not come into close contact with anyone including her staff in Albany. I have ordered a deep cleaning of her offices in addition to the regular cleaning of the Assembly chamber and any other areas she may have visited in order to ensure the safety of everyone." Two other Assembly members Charles Barron and Helene Weinstein, both of Brooklyn have tested positive for the disease. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday joined Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in adopting a "regional" effort to combating COVID-19, including shutting down bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and casinos. Bowling alleys and the indoor portions or retail malls were added to the list of mandated closures on Wednesday. Bars and restaurants have remained open because they are allowed to sell takeout and delivery orders, and were granted a waiver for carry-out alcohol. In New York, 4,152 people have tested positive for novel coronavirus, and 26 people have died from COVID-19, the respiratory illness it causes. Nearly 20 percent of those infected 777 have been hospitalized. Counties reporting their first cases on Thursday are Fulton, Genesee, Jefferson, Niagara, Oneida, Schoharie and Wayne. There were 1,769 new cases were confirmed overnight Wednesday. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. In the immediate Capital Region, as of early Thursday evening, Albany County had 52 cases, while there were 21 in Saratoga, 18 in Schenectady and 6 in Rensselaer counties. Cuomo reiterated this week that the state is shifting its healthcare strategy, including eliminating red tape to allow new medical professionals to begin working sooner, as he anticipates a "wave" of COVID-19 cases that could "crash" the healthcare system and overwhelm hospitals. The number of coronavirus cases is expected to peak in about 45 days, during late April or early May. The first New Yorker known to have contracted COVID-19 has recovered at home and since tested negative for the virus. "She was never hospitalized and recovered two weeks later," Cuomo said Wednesday. "Worse than the virus is the fear that has spread ... I better stock up on groceries. That's not going to happen. Take a deep breath. ... The panic and the fear is wholly disconnected from the reality." State Health Department Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said that once a person has been infected, they develop an immunity to the virus that could last years or a lifetime, so it's unlikely someone would be re-infected. More than 20,000 people have been tested statewide. Cuomo said the fatalities have been people who are older and had underlying serious health problems a segment of the population he expects will require the additional hospital beds. More than 80 percent of those who are diagnosed with the flu-like illness "self-resolve" at home, he has said. New York has 53,000 hospital beds, including 3,000 intensive care unit beds. The hospitalization rate for people afflicted with COVID-19 is increasing and will likely increase to around 20 percent. Most of those needing hospitalization are older individuals with underlying health issues, ranging from emphysema to cancer. Cuomo also said that all schools in the state were ordered to close Wednesday, but must develop plans for remote education, child care and meals for those in need. The governor directed nonessential state employees statewide to work from home starting Tuesday. He directed local governments to reduce their overall workforce by 50 percent, and now 75 percent, and allow nonessential employees to work from home. Health Minister Roger Cook has confirmed 12 of the 17 new cases of COVID-19 in WA overnight are likely due to community spread, as the state moves into the next phase of the virus. The news comes after it was revealed a Perth healthcare worker, tested on Tuesday, appeared to be the states first confirmed case of coronavirus being spread through the community. The woman presented to Sir Charles Gairdner earlier this week. Credit:Getty Mr Cook said the Department of Health would now begin expanding its testing capabilities, with additional COVID-19 clinics to be opened in Rockingham, Armadale, Midland and Joondalup. WA's first regional clinic in Bunbury is due to open Thursday following confirmation of the state's first regional case in the South West. The Assam government has ordered the closure of all liquor bars, night clubs, beauty parlours and salons in the state as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus. A letter from Simanta Kumar Das, Joint Secretary, Home & Political Department, to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) read: "In view of the worldwide spread of COVID-19 disease, I am directed to request you to kindly issue necessary instructions from your end for social distancing and closure of all liquor bar (county bar), night clubs, beauty parlours, salons immediately as a precautionary measure for effective prevention of virus within the state." "An early action in this regard is highly solicited in order to mitigate this outbreak effectively," the letter, dated March 18, added. The number of positive cases of coronavirus has climbed to 151 in India, including 25 foreign nationals. Three persons have died due to the infection so far in the country. Several states have already ordered the closure of all places of public gatherings including schools, colleges, clubs, swimming pools etc. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a letter he sent to President Trump on Thursday, Mr. Newsom asked that the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy be sent to Los Angeles through Sept. 1 to help treat patients recovering from heart attacks, strokes and car crashes, as well as the likely surge of coronavirus patients. Trump administrations plea to states: Keep mum about unemployment stats. The Trump administration is asking state labor officials to delay releasing the precise number of unemployment claims they are fielding, an indication of how uneasy policymakers are about further roiling a stock market already plunging in response to the coronavirus outbreak. In an email sent Wednesday, the Labor Department instructed state officials to only provide information using generalities to describe claims levels (very high, large increase) until the department releases the total number of national claims next Thursday. The email, which was shared with The New York Times, noted that the reports were monitored closely by financial markets and should therefore remain embargoed. States should not provide numeric values to the public, wrote Gay Gilbert, the administrator of the departments Office of Employment Insurance. Ms. Gilbert has worked at the Labor Department under presidents of both parties, and there has been no indication that she was urged by political appointees to make the request. But President Trump has privately expressed irritation at the dire predictions of some of his advisers, most notably when Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers that unemployment could reach 20 percent this year. Some states that received the guidance from Ms. Gilbert found it disturbing. It prompted at least one governors office, which shared the message on the condition of anonymity, to seek an opinion from the state attorney general about whether the state had to temporarily withhold the information. In another state, lawmakers got a preview of the staggering numbers that are being withheld for the moment. In a private conference call Thursday with elected officials and union leaders, a top Pennsylvania labor official was blunt about the depth of the economic crisis, according to someone on the call. HAVE A NOTE? Or a Sez You? E-mail them to notesternotes@gmail.com. Church online services reach record-breaking numbers as coronavirus shuts down large gatherings Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment With swiftly changing circumstances and new guidelines regarding COVID-19 in relation to large gatherings, churches have turned to livestreaming, garnering millions of views. Megachurch pastor Joel Osteen canceled all his worship services at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, over the weekend to help contain the coronavirus. Osteens sermons were instead broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, Roku, AppleTV and online at JoelOsteen.com. We saw 4.51 million people tune in throughout the weekend across platforms, the church shared with The Christian Post on Monday. This broke our previous record of 4.17 million in November of last year when we broadcast Kanye Wests Sunday service from Lakewood. This number could increase throughout the week. On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that there not be gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks to reduce the virus' spread. Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals, the CDC said Sunday. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas also saw a high turnout for his church's online service. We had a TREMENDOUS day of worship at First Baptist Dallas! Also, had over 150,000 watch on internet, Jeffress tweeted. As of Wednesday morning, more than 204,000 people worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19 and 8,241 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. President Donald Trump was also among hundreds of thousands of people who attended church online across the nation on Sunday. I am watching a great and beautiful service by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Thank you! @Jentezen, Trump tweeted. Churches across the United States will continue to stream their services online until instructed otherwise. However, research from the Nashville-based LifeWay Research conducted last fall showed that not every church might be prepared to take services online. The 2019 survey found that just 22% of pastors livestream their entire service while about 10% livestream their sermon only. Automated Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) controlled by artificial intelligence First demonstration of fully autonomous, long-term SPM operation An Australian-German collaboration has demonstrated fully-autonomous SPM operation, applying artificial intelligence and deep learning to remove the need for constant human supervision. The new system, dubbed DeepSPM, bridges the gap between nanoscience, automation and artificial intelligence (AI), and firmly establishes the use of machine learning for experimental scientific research. "Optimising SPM data acquisition can be very tedious. This optimisation process is usually performed by the human experimentalist, and is rarely reported," says FLEET Chief Investigator Dr Agustin Schiffrin (Monash University). "Our new AI-driven system can operate and acquire optimal SPM data autonomously, for multiple straight days, and without any human supervision." The advance brings advanced SPM methodologies such as atomically-precise nanofabrication and high-throughput data acquisition closer to a fully automated turnkey application. The new deep learning approach can be generalised to other SPM techniques. The researchers have made the entire framework publicly available online as open source, creating an important resource for the nanoscience research community. FULLY-AUTONOMOUS DeepSPM "Crucial to the success of DeepSPM is the use of a self-learning agent, as the correct control inputs are not known beforehand," says Dr Cornelius Krull, project co-leader. "Learning from experience, our agent adapts to changing experimental conditions and finds a strategy to keep the system stable," says Dr Krull, who works with Dr Schiffrin at Monash School of Physics and Astronomy. The AI-driven system begins with an algorithmic search of the best sample regions and proceeds with autonomous data acquisition. It then uses a convolutional neural network to assess the quality of the data. If the quality of the data is not good, DeepSPM uses a deep reinforcement learning agent to improve the condition of the probe. DeepSPM can run for several days, acquiring and processing data continuously, while managing SPM parameters in response to varying experimental conditions, without any supervision. The study demonstrates fully autonomous, long-term SPM operation for the first time by combining: an algorithmic approach for sample area selection and SPM data acquisition; supervised machine learning using convolutional neural networks for quality assessment and classification of SPM data, and deep reinforcement learning for dynamic automated in-situ probe management and conditioning. ### THE STUDY Artificial-intelligence-driven scanning probe microscopy was published in Communications Physics in March 2020. Researchers at Monash University's School of Physics and Astronomy worked closely with collaborators at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Dresden), Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (Berlin) and Heidelberg University. All experiments were performed at Monash, partly funded by the Australian Research Council. Computations were performed at the Center for Information Services and High Performance Computing (European Research Council funded). SPMs and FLEET Dr Schiffrin's group at FLEET uses SPM to investigate the atomic-scale properties - structural and electronic - of new nanomaterials with potential use in future low-energy electronic technologies. FLEET is an Australian Research Council-funded research centre bringing together over a hundred Australian and international experts to develop a new generation of ultra-low energy electronics. C ornerstone chef Tom Brown has spoken on the crisis facing the hospitality industry as he lent his voice to a fundraising campaign supporting those most affected by coronavirus. There's no two ways about it, Brown told the Standard, Everyone's on the verge of closing. Some people are staying open, some people are closing voluntarily, but everyone's terrified. They're worried about their staff, they're worried about paying their bills, they're worried about being able to reopen once its all happened. Brown is heavily involved in the Hospitality Action campaign to raise money for those in food and drink, an area entirely derailed by the coronavirus outbreak. The charity is working to support businesses and staff out of work; donations can be made at hospitalityaction.org. Everyone is heartbroken, said Brown, The thing about chefs and restaurateurs and whatever is, because of the nature of this job, youre so emotionally connected that its taking a huge toll on people personally. You can see it written all over their faces when you talk to them. Its a terrible time, it really is. Londons restaurant scene has faced near collapse over the past few days, with some of the citys biggest chains closing shop alongside countless independents. Many such closures followed the governments advice on Monday to avoid pubs, clubs and crowded places, as well as theatres. This week, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak pledged to stand behind businesses small and large, with promises to adjust business rates and provide grants of up to 25,000 for small businesses, alongside government-backed loans. In fairness to them, they came out with this money they're injecting. But the day before we were told that all bars and restaurants weren't going to be forced to close down, but please don't anyone go to those places. You know, the reaction in the industry was that this was a coffin nail to us. It really was. The reaction we got from people was just absolute devastation: the level of uncertainty that is hanging over us all at the minute is what's killing people. Brown has called on celebrity friends and patrons to support the Hospitality Action campaign, with actor Stephen Graham lending his support, alongside Cornerstone regulars Miles Kane and Professor Green. Many top chefs are also involved in the campaign, including Angela Hartnett, Tom Kerridge, Paul Ainsworth and Jason Atherton, the charitys Principal Patron. Richard Corrigan, who just last week declared the pandemic "probably the worst crisis I've seen in my 33 years cooking" and called on restaurateurs to "show humanity" to struggling staff, is also involved. I wanted to more than anything I wanted to prove to my guys that if there was something I could do, I would do it, said Brown, who like most in the industry has been affected. Bookings after the announcement? Huge drop off. More than 50 per cent. Probably closer to 70 per cent. We have a very loyal local customer base that Im incredibly grateful for. So grateful. But don't forget, we're out in the ends in Hackney. I dread to think what it was like in central London. Praising his team, Brown said: I had to have the conversation with my staff that everyone dreads, that there's a chance that we're going to have to close, and we'll all be out of a job. I was a complete mess, I was beside myself. And all any of the staff could say was: chef, you know, we understand. But its not restaurateurs like myself hardest hit. I think the majority of them will find a way, it's more of the people it's the waiter on a zero-hours contract, it's the commis chef who moved London and now has a huge rent bills to pay. These are the people that are gonna get the hardest hit. Londons restaurant faces a tough few months as the prospect of an entire shutdown looms, which could threaten plans for places to operate on a delivery-only basis. The way restaurant and bars work, they run on incredibly tight margins, Brown explained, The labour costs are very high, and as well, understandably the public don't want to pay huge mark-ups, so restaurants run on very tight margins. There's not often a lot of cash for things that can go wrong. UPDATE: Multiple N.J. teachers have tested positive for coronavirus. Parents urged to monitor kids. -- A middle school teacher in Mercer County has tested positive for coronavirus and parents were urged Wednesday night to monitor their children for symptoms. The teacher, who works at Timerberlane Middle School in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, was asymptomatic while at school in Pennington, according to school and health department officials. This evening we were informed that a staff member at Timberlane Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent Thomas A. Smith said in a statement to families. We are working closely with the health department to monitor this situation. School and health officials said parents should monitor their children for fever, cough and other symptoms of the virus through at least March 27 and contact a doctor if symptoms develop. New Jersey officials on Wednesday reported at least 427 cases of the coronavirus as the states death toll from the virus increased to five. A Monmouth County family reported another death late Wednesday. Timberlane Middle School closed its doors on Monday along with other schools in the district as teachers and students shifted to remote education, which is expected to continue until at least March 30. All of New Jerseys schools public and private, and including colleges were ordered to close their doors to students by Wednesday as the coronavirus continues to spread. It is important to remember that children, like all persons, may exhibit very mild or no symptoms and still be able to spread the virus, the Montgomery Township Health Department, which serves Hopewell and Pennington, said on its website. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. As the COVID-19 epidemic continues to pose a global health and economic problem, Manulife and John Hancock Manulifes subsidiary in the US have announced that they will help the public by providing access to food and other supplies. To that end, Manulife is implementing a number of measures: New Delhi/Washington, March 19 : Authorities in New York City are exploring the possibility of converting hotels into hospitals for patients, other than those infected by the novel coronavirus. At least 11 people have died and 1,871 others infected by the deadly disease in New York City alone. With the city's tourism industry hit by the virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan last December, many hotels are now empty. As per a Wall Street Journal report, New York City is working with the hospitality industry to possibly convert entire hotels into hospitals for patients without the novel coronavirus, in an effort to increase capacity at medical facilities as the outbreak grows. Quoting the city's emergency management commissioner, Deanne Criswell, the Wall Street Journal said the hotels could be vital as New York City needs more beds to treat those infected with the virus. "The hotels would be for those non-COVID-19 patients who are really minor but need care." Since the outbreak, the city has been using some hotels for quarantine. Criswell has said the hotels could house health-care workers who need places to stay. To make more space, the city is also discharging patients that can leave hospitals, canceling elective surgeries, and building more capacity within hospitals, the WSJ reported. Authorities are also considering the option of converting the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan into a large hospital. Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier this week that the city had an additional 1,300 beds by reopening closed hospitals and other facilities, including the Roosevelt Island's Coler hospital, which was no longer in use. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Gin distilleries across Britain have switched to making hand sanitiser in a bid to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Distilleries from Dundee to London have shifted their production lines to make hand gel after shortages were reported across the country when the virus began to gather speed earlier this month. People across Britain have been advised to regularly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or to use a hand sanitiser which contains at least 60 per cent alcohol to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are currently 2,626 cases of coronavirus confirmed across the UK, with 104 deaths reported as a result of the virus. Distilleries from Dundee to London have shifted their production lines to produce hand gel after shortages were reported across the country (Pictured: Hand gel produced by the Deeside Distillery in Scotland) One distillery, Lincoln Gin, announced on Tuesday it had decided to 'put our talents and resources to good use' to create hand gel to help the area's most vulnerable. 'We are trying to use the resources we have - namely high-strength alcohol - to put together a functional hand sanitiser,' owner Matt Felgate told the BBC. 'I do not want a penny from this. I'm here to help and do the right thing.' Another firm, Psychopomp in Kingsdown, Bristol, is providing the public with 100ml of hand gel each in exchange for a donation to Bristol Children's Hospital charity, The Grand Appeal. A spokesman for the distillery told MailOnline the company has been 'overwhelmed by demand' for the gel - made with ethanol, gin botanicals and aloe vera - which has so-far raised around 800 for the hospital. Verdant Spirits, in Dundee, was approached by the NHS and care partnerships in the area to ask if they could produce hand sanitiser gel, and the firm hopes to make 400 litres starting this week. The distillery gathered the ingredients listed on the World Health Organisation's website after putting a call out on Facebook. Psychopomp in Bristol (pictured) is providing the public with 100ml of hand gel each in exchange for a donation to Bristol Children's Hospital charity, The Grand Appeal A spokesman for the distillery said the company has been 'overwhelmed by demand' for the gel (pictured), which has so-far raised around 800 for the hospital Owner Andrew Mackenzie said the 'tricky bit' was that the distillery would still need to pay duty on any alcohol which is used in the production of the gel. Mr Mackenzie has since asked people to donate to the production of the gel through a Go Fund Me campaign, which has since raised 2,463 of its 2,500 goal. On the page, he added: 'Instead of our usual award winning Verdant Dry Gin production, we have decided to use our facilities to make hand sanitiser for our local health and care workers as it's in such short supply. 'We are a small family business with a team of two (father and daughter) and we want to make 400L of sanitiser, which is the most we can currently make as some of the ingredients are (understandably) being strictly rationed by the suppliers. 'Currently, to make this amount will cost us almost 10,000 in Alcohol Duty alone. Usually, production of hand sanitiser would not require any duty to be paid. 58 Gin, in London, is set to launch hand atomisers in around three weeks after producing an amount of its '58 Hand "Gin"itizer' (pictured) for charity Pictured: 58 Gin in Hackney, London which is producing hand sanitiser products amid the coronavirus crisis 'However, because we are a distillery we have to pay around 25 duty for every litre of sanitiser we produce.' Deeside Distillery, in Banchory, Scotland, has also switched to producing hand sanitiser after becoming 'completely overwhelmed by the number of organisations that have contacted us regarding shortages.' In a statement, the firm added: 'We are doing what we can to ensure that the frontline and primary care providers have stocks, including nurseries, schools, care homes and medical centres. 'There's a severe shortage for those working in environments with those most vulnerable (care homes, the homeless, charities etc) and we would love to see as many get the supplies that they so crucially need.' 58 Gin, in London, is also set to launch hand atomisers in around three weeks after producing an amount of its '58 Hand "Gin"itizer' for charity. It comes after Brewdog announced it had started making alcohol hand gel at its distillery in Scotland to help people stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic. 'Say hello to Punk Sanitiser It's time to keep it clean,' the firm wrote on Instagram. The move, they added, was 'to help with the shortages', as they were determined 'to do everything we can to try and help as many people as possible stay safe.' The new hand sanitiser takes it name from BrewDog's popular Punk IPA craft beer. A number of other brands including perfume labels Christian Dior and Givenchy as well as Absolut have also turned their hands to making santisier. B BC news presenter Carrie Gracie amused viewers when she blamed a small cough on "studio dust" while reporting on the coronavirus crisis. Before the segment began, Gracie reassured viewers that she had a "catch in her throat" that was not a persistent cough. She said: "I'm just going to say now I've just got a catch in my throat that is not a persistent cough and I do not have a fever." After coughing later in the programme, Ms Gracie blamed it on dust in the studio. Carrie Gracie had a small cough on air (BBC) / bbc "This studio is sometimes dusty", she said. Two symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperatures and a new and persistent cough. BBC viewers took to Twitter to joke about the incident. One viewer said: "This studio is sometimes dusty, said with the same pointed tone I use when I tell people that I am quite happy single thank you." Another said: "Carrie Gracie coughing live on air is all of us now." Gracie became a figurehead for other women at the BBC when she resigned from her position as China editor in January 2018 in protest at pay inequalities at the broadcaster. Like all Canadians caught up in the COVID-19 crisis, Jason Fisher is worried. But in addition to worrying about his health, friends and loved ones, hes also worried about whether he can pay his employees, his landlords and his contractors during the pandemic. We can make payroll next week, but after that, its up in the air, said Fisher, who owns the Junction brewpub Indie Alehouse and its Eataly offshoot Birroteca. Were a cash-flow business and right now we have almost zero cash flow. Fisher employs 70 people, but has been forced to scale that back to eight to 10 after the province ordered the closing of bars and restaurants with the exception of takeout and delivery. Weve got a few people brewing beer and running our retail shops, and in the kitchen so we can do takeout, but thats it, Fisher said. Fisher and other small-business owners are frustrated by the slow pace and lack of details about financial aid as they struggle to deal with the economic fallout of the crisis. On Thursday, the City of Torontos medical officer of health also recommended encouraging all non-essential businesses like hair and nail salons as well as clothing stores to close immediately. COVID-19 relief measures: For Business Here are key components of the government's massive stimulus package as they apply for businesses. Income tax All businesses to defer the payment of income tax amounts until after August 31, 2020. Credit Increase credit available to small, medium and large Canadian businesses. Support Further expand Export Development Canada's ability to provide support to domestic businesses. Mortgages Launch an Insured Purchase Program to purchases up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Flexibility Provide flexibility on the Canada Account limit, allowing the government to provide additional support to Canadian businesses. Credit Augment credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada. Source: Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an $82-billion package designed to help workers and businesses weather the storm. Roughly $55 billion is in the form of tax breaks for businesses, while there will also be some direct lending, through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada. BDC president Michael Denham said the first stop for most businesses should be their existing banker. Not because BDC doesnt want to help, but because the Big Six banks have a lot more capital to lend out. BDC and EDC have an extra $10 billion in capital to lend after a federal announcement last week. Chartered banks have a total of $300 billion extra, because capital requirement rules were relaxed at the same time. We shouldnt be your first stop, said Denham. Still, Denham said BDC is well aware of the need for speed and flexibility. We have to be quick. I mean, just look around and you can see that, said Denham. Were not really looking at the financials of a place right now, but at what they were like before all this hit. BDC has ramped up phone and web capacity, and is seeing roughly 10 times as many applications as usual, with about two thirds coming from new customers. EDC, meanwhile, has boosted its lending capacity by $1 billion, and added $1.3 billion in credit insurance. EDC is also waiving its insurance claims waiting period in order to provide customers with immediate liquidity. There was also the offer of a three-month, 10 per cent wage subsidy up to a maximum of $1,375 per employee for a total of up to $25,000 per employer. Fisher, who already had a $100,000 loan from BDC, isnt sure if hes eligible for more. I call and ask, and they say, Were discussing that in a conference call at 11. Theyve said the same thing for the last few days. The speech from Trudeau was great, the speech from (premier Doug) Ford was great, but there really werent any details. Now we need the details, Fisher said. Michelle Genttner, co-owner of west-end grocery store Unboxed Market, says while access to new loans and other government money could help small businesses, shes concerned bigger companies might be more likely to get it. It depends on how easy it is to access. A lot of times, the application forms and websites are so complicated to navigate that a small-business owner just doesnt have time, and ends up giving up. Im sure large companies will be able to use it, because theyve got more people and time, said Genttner, whose store employs six people, including her partner, Luis Martins. So far, the packaging-free store which has stepped up its already-rigorous sanitation has only seen a small drop in revenue, Genttner says. Theres been a bit of a drop. Some new people are coming in, because we dont get the crush of people that bigger stores are getting. But some regulars are staying home, or doing pickup at the front door, she said. Still, Genttner knows she and Martins are more fortunate than some businesses. Two years ago, they sold their College St. brewpub and restaurant, Folly Brewing. If we were still in the hospitality business, it would be terrifying right now, she said. The tax breaks, says Indie Alehouses Fisher, arent much immediate help. The tax deferrals might help six months from now, but Ive got staff to pay, Ive got banks to pay, Ive got contractors to pay. If cheques start getting cashed April 1, were done, said Fisher. The head of the countrys biggest small-business association worries that governments still havent quite grasped how severe the economic crisis has already become. Rather than just tax breaks and the speeding up and expansion of employment insurance, companies need direct access to financing now, says Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Theyve done some things right. But I think what theyve missed is that employers facing a giant cut in income are at the point of laying people off now. They need money fast, Kelly said. The wage subsidy doesnt go nearly far enough, either, says Kelly, especially for small businesses whose revenue streams have dried up almost entirely. Ten per cent might help for a couple of weeks. We need something like Denmark, which has a 75 per cent wage subsidy. And we need it now, Kelly said. Read more about: The global death toll from coronavirus crossed 8,000 on Wednesday and the number of global infections topped 200,000. Most of the deaths have been recorded in Europe and Asia, where the outbreak of deadly virus originated in China. With at least 684 new deaths in the past 24 hours, Europe has emerged as the new epicentre of coronavirus outbreak. Millions of people have been placed on lockdown in Europe, including Italy, which witnessed over 400 deaths on Wednesday due to COVID-19 virus. The European Union swung into action on Wednesday and decided to seal off its borders in order to curb the spread of deadly virus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation on Thursday (March 19) at 8 PM, during which he will talk about coronavirus and the measures taken by the government to combat it. The information about Prime Minister's address to the nation was given by PMO's twitter handle that said, "PM Shri @narendramodi will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it." PM Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. He discussed the ways to further strengthen Indias preparedness, and this included enhancing testing facilities. According to PMO's statement, "Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking our mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next." The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others. Meanwhile, Union Ministry of Family and Health Welfare confirmed on Wednesday that the number of positive cases of coronavirus has climbed to 151, including 25 foreign nationals, while three persons have died due to the infection so far in India. A new managing general agent has taken over the policies of Windhaven Insurance Company subsidiary The Hearth Group and will begin writing new business in Florida and Texas in the near future. EG Insurance Agency, based in Florida and Texas, has acquired the rights and records to the business related to managing general agent The Hearths programs, written on State National Insurance Company paper, after the company ceased business operations last month. EG will take over all of The Hearth business in Florida and Texas and will be working with agents in both states. The number of policies impacted was not publicly disclosed. EG Insurance, or Embark General Insurance Agency, LLC, delivers property and casualty insurance programs through a network of independent insurance producers and has operations in Dallas, Miami, Austin, Texas and Tampa, Fla., with affiliated offices in Sandy Springs, Ga. and Orange County, Calif. The move was first announced in an email sent to appointed agents with The Hearth. The message, sent on March 11 from EG Insurance President Raimundo Ruiz, said for EG Insurance to service your business and your existing customers we have acquired the rights and records to that business. This means that effective immediately we will be providing the same level of service, technology and claims service that you are accustomed to. The message further states that EG will not be writing new business at the present time, but instead focus on the existing policies that were serviced by The Hearth. Once we are comfortable that we have all of the kinks worked out we will reopen for new business. We first wanted you to know that we will be manning the phones and helping with your business immediately, the message reads. We are working with our carrier partners to reconcile business records and intend to send commission checks out very soon. As part of this process we will need to obtain new producer contracts and should have those out to you in the next couple of days so please look out for them and return immediately. Tampa, Fla.-based The Hearth Insurance Group had offered homeowners insurance through State National Insurance Co. in Florida since 1990, and also offered coverage in Texas. According to its website, The Hearth Group and Windhaven Insurance Co. wrote more than $500 million in premium in the state of Florida and had 700 employees. The Hearth was an entity of auto and home insurer Windhaven, which alerted its agents and employees in Florida at the end of February that it was winding down the insurance operations of its entities that also included Windhaven National Insurance Co. and software company ClutchAnalytics in addition to The Hearth, and that its assets were being foreclosed on by a lender intending to sell them. Additionally, Texas-based private passenger auto insurer Windhaven National Insurance Co. was ordered into liquidation by the Texas Department of Insurance on March 5. As an MGA, The Hearth wrote its policies on the paper of State National Insurance Group, which told Insurance Journal in a statement that all policies written via The Hearth, remain valid and that the strong security supporting their policies is unaffected. In a follow-up email to agents, EG Insurance clarified that it did not purchase any Windhaven assets and is not in control of anything to do with Windhaven Insurance Co. or Windhaven National Insurance Co. EG Insurance said it will continue to handle all service work and claims adjusting services for [The Hearth] programs and are committed to providing for your agency needs for the long-term. EG Insurance said in its agent communication that it hopes agents appreciate the fact that we have been willing to step into this situation to help you and our mutual customers. The company also works with Old American County Mutual. A company spokesperson for EG Insurance told Insurance Journal March 16 it is now actively servicing Hearth policies and adjusting claims, including processing endorsements, bills and renewals. We are proud to report that most of the business experienced no interruption in service through the completion of the transaction and that we anticipate writing new business again in the near future, the company said. It is not currently taking new business but is focused on ensuring that all processes and services are up to the standards of the EG organization and anticipate being able to write new business in the near future. EG Insurance said it is also currently working with a number of key constituencies to deliver unpaid commissions on legacy premium account trusts. At EG, we are deeply committed to the personal lines market, and hope that our willingness to step into the prior companys shoes for the sake of impacted customers and independent agents demonstrates the depth of that commitment. We look forward to working with these customers and agents for many years to come, the company said. The Florida Association of Insurance Agents said it met with EG Insurance officials to understand the transition of business previously written by Florida independent agents by The Hearth, including the payment of past commissions. It is our understanding that several more issues will be resolved by EG Insurance in the coming days, such as clearing a back log of agent commissions and issuing new appointment agreements. FAIA is monitoring the situation to assist with what will hopefully be a smooth transition, said FAIA President Jeff Grady. Related: Topics Agencies Texas Florida Insurance Wholesale Three people employed by the U.S. diplomatic mission in Geneva have contracted coronavirus, but are in good condition, a spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday, declining to give specifics, Reuters reports. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that a handful of State Department employees across the globe had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but gave no details on where they were based or whether they had returned to the United States. A spokesperson at the U.S. mission in Geneva, contacted by Reuters, said: We can confirm we presently have three confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the U.S. Mission in Geneva. The confirmed cases are in good condition and in self-quarantine, as are the close contacts. Due to privacy concerns, we are not able to share additional information, the spokesperson said, adding that the premises were being sanitized to prevent further infection. Touched by an Angel: A Gangster's Saga Volume One: a gripping book that shares a gangsters journey that defies death and odds and shapes him to a life of faith and purpose. Touched by an Angel is the creation of published author Kelly Wood. Wood shares, Kartel has had a life filled with such traumatic eventssometimes one after another. This volume contains only a quarter of events listed of the stories he has shared with his friends and family many times over. Its a saga of survival; perseverance; death-defying events; and life-changing, odd-defying ones as well. Sometimes things happen that we have no control over. Sometimes we can control them. Sometimes things just happen the way they are going to happen. Kartel does feel like there has been divine intervention that has affected certain aspects of his touched life. Whether those events have been right or wrong, they are what they are and probably always will be. This is his American-made real-life Hollywood story. It has been lived through this gangsters saga. Only God can judge him now. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kelly Woods new book shows the redemption of a man from infamy that inspires hope for those seeking to rise above their demons and step into the light of grace and healing. This book speaks of suffering, repentance, and the idea of lifes evanescence amid the desire for remembrance. View the synopsis of Touched by an Angel: A Gangster's Saga Volume One on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Touched by an Angel: A Gangster's Saga Volume One at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Touched by an Angel: A Gangster's Saga Volume One, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. All legal routes to escape the noose closed on Thursday for the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape case who are now hours away from being hanged, seven years-three months after brutalising a young woman in a Delhi bus with a barbarity that shook the nation. Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31), held guilty for gangraping a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in Delhi on the night of December 16, 2012 so savagely that she died of her injuries a fortnight later, will be executed in Tihar Jail at 5.30 am on Friday. Their death warrants have been deferred by a court thrice on the grounds that they had not exhausted all their legal remedies and that the mercy petition of one or the other was before the president. On Thursday, however, all the legal routes seemed to have closed for the four men. The Supreme Court refused to entertain Mukesh Singh's last ditch plea that he was not in the city when the crime took place. A bench of Justices of R Bhanumati, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna said he had exhausted all his remedies and no fresh evidence can be entertained. The apex court also dismissed Akshay Kumar's plea challenging the rejection of his second mercy petition by President Ram Nath Kovind, saying no ground was made out for a judicial review of the decision. On a parallel track, a Delhi court dismissed the pleas of Akshay Kumar, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma seeking stays on their execution. With just hours to go for the execution and no legal hurdle left, Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi said her daughter's soul will now rest in peace. "Finally the convicts will be hanged. Now I will get peace," Asha Devi told PTI. At the other end of the emotional spectrum, Akshay Kumar's wife Puneeta Devi fainted outside the Patiala House court and said she and her minor son should be hanged along with him. "I want justice too. Kill me too. I do not want to live. My husband is innocent," Puneeta said beating herself with sandals. She recently filed a divorce petition before a Bihar family court, saying she did not wish to live with the label of "a rapist's widow". In south Delhi's slum colony Ravidas Camp, Vinay Sharma's mother fearfully -- and angrily -- counted the hours. "What will you write now? Has anything happened till now with your writing? If god wants he will be saved," she lashed out at a journalist. "It is all god's wish. Look at the coronavirus. It is god who decides everything -- who lives and who dies. It is beyond the control of any human," she said. The slum colony, which represents the capital's seamy underbelly, just next to the upscale government colony of R K Puram, was home to four of the six men convicted of the crime. While the widowed mother of brothers Ram Singh and Mukesh Singh has left the locality and gone back to her family in Rajasthan, the families of Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta still live in the slum colony. The family of Pawan Gupta sells fruits to make a living and refused to talk. On Thursday evening, Tihar Jail also did its prep. Seven years after the execution of Afzal Guru, it got ready for the hanging of the four men after several dummy runs and officials brushing up on details specified in the jail manual. This is the first time that four men will be hanged together in Tihar Jail, South Asia's largest prison complex that houses more than 16,000 inmates. A senior prison official said Pawan Jallad, a hangman from Meerut, reported to the Tihar Jail administration on Tuesday evening to prepare for the exercise. According to the jail manual, the jail superintendent will oversee the testing of the ropes and also inspect the gallows a day before the execution. The execution, specifies the Delhi Prison Rules 2018, will take place in the presence of the superintendent, deputy superintendent, medical officer in charge, resident medical officer and the district magistrate or additional district magistrate. A guard of not less than 10 constables, warders and two head constables, head warders or an equal number from the prison armed guard, will also be present, it states. The families of the prisoner will not be allowed to witness the executions. All other prisoners will be kept locked till the exercise is over and the bodies removed from the prison. The execution of the four convicts brings the curtains down on the case that shook not just India but also the world with the details of its brutality. The widespread protests subsequently paved the way for a change in India's rape laws. Two other men were convicted for the crime. Ram Singh allegedly committed suicide inside Tihar Jail in 2013 while the trial was still on and the sixth, a juvenile, was released in 2015 after spending three years in a correctional home. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The deadly coronavirus has been met with a bit of a shrug among some in the under-50 set in the United States. Even as public health officials repeatedly urged social distancing, the young and hip spilled out of bars on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. They gleefully hopped on flights, tweeting about the rock bottom airfares. And they gathered in packs on beaches. Beachgoers enjoy a sunny day in Florida this week. Credit:AP Their attitudes were based in part on early data from China, which suggested COVID-19 might seriously sicken or kill the elderly - but spare the young. Stark new data from the United States and Europe suggests otherwise. I understand the severity of what is going on, but I think they should look at every single physical fitness differently, Rivera said after the meeting. We are no different than a manicurist where we see one person at a time and we completely sanitize the place in between sessions. Amid the rise in coronavirus cases nationwide, the Maharashtra government on Thursday decided to cancel the AC local services from March 20 till further orders. It will be replaced by non-AC services. Thus, the total number of services will remain the same. The Maharashtra government on Wednesday decided to reduce public transport commuter count by at least 50 per cent as part of measures to avoid crowding and enforce social distancing. After chairing a review meeting in Mumbai, CM Thackeray said that suburban trains, state-run buses and private ones will run only with 50 per cent of their seating capacity. Maharashtra currently has 49 coronavirus positive cases, the highest for any state. The number of commuters on the suburban trains of the Western Railway (WR) has reduced by over 8 lakh, the day when Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to people to avoid non-essential travel in view of the coronavirus outbreak in the state. According to WR, on March 17, 32.60 lakh passengers travelled on their suburban trains as against 40.75 lakh on Monday (down 8.15 lakhs)."The number of commuters reduced by around 25 per cent," Ravinder Bhakar, chief spokesperson of WR told news agency PTI. Saudi Arabia continues to signal to the market that it is not backing down from the oil price war despite the crumbling oil prices amid coronavirus-hit demand and promises of huge extra supply next month. Oil giant Saudi Aramco will proceed with the reduction of its refinery rates in Saudi Arabia in April and May in order to free up more crude oil for exports, an official at the company told Reuters on Thursday. Saudi Arabia will continue to supply a record 12.3 million barrels per day (bpd) to the oil market in the coming months, as per order from the energy ministry, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The Kingdom is intent on unleashing growing crude oil volumes on the market, aiming to significantly boost its crude oil exports to a record-breaking more than 10 million bpd in May. The Saudis, who launched an all-out price war for market share with Russia after Moscow refused to back deeper cuts, will not only boost April exports from the current 7 million bpd, but will also grow exports in May by another 250,000 bpd from April. After the collapse of the OPEC+ production cut deal, OPECs de facto leader and the worlds top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, promised to flood the market with crude oil as of April 1, sending oil prices into a tailspin and weighing heavily on the market which is being battered by an unprecedented demand shock amid the coronavirus pandemic. Oil prices naturally reacted to this double whammy of supply and demand shock and crashed to 18-year lows on Wednesday. Analysts say that $20 oil may not be the bottom as the markets continue to panic with a growing number of countries going into lockdown and restricting domestic and international travel. Some analysts say oil prices in the teens are not far off, while Paul Sankey, managing director at Mizuho Securities, said Oil prices can go negative in a note this week, as carried by Fox Business. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Niger State Police Command, last week, paraded a suspect, identified as Saidu Iliya, for kidnapping and raping one Rakiya Sani. The commands spokesman, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, said on March 5, 2020, one Mohammed Sani, lodged a complaint that on the same date, some armed men attacked his house and kidnapped his pregnant wife, Rakiya. Abiodun quoted the complainant as further saying that the suspected kidnappers demanded a ransom of N10million but later agreed to collect N600,000. READ ALSO Fani-Kayode Slams Contributions Of Senators From Niger State On 8th March, while in an attempt to pick the said ransom, a joint team of police and vigilante men at Vunu village arrested Saidu Iliya and rescued the victim unhurt, he said. Iliya, who was also accused of having carnal knowledge of the pregnant Rakiya, however, revealed that he did not force her, but that she voluntarily submitted herself to him and he decided to make love to her. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to Canada to protect Archie from the 'negativity' in the UK, a source has claimed. The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, who have officially stepped back as senior royals in a bid to become financially independent, moved from Windsor to Vancouver Island in January and currently live in a 10 million mansion. Speaking to US Weekly, a source claimed: 'He wants to shield his son from the negativity and tension he would've been exposed to back in England.' A further source added that Prince Harry 'knows what it's like to grow up in the spotlight, and he wants to give Archie the most normal upbringing possible.' It comes as a close friend exclusively told DailyMail.com Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are self-isolating in Canada, and that Harry feels 'helpless' and is 'concerned' about the Queen and his father catching coronavirus. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to Canada to protect Archie from negativity in the UK, a source has claimed. Pictured with Archie in South Africa, last year Meanwhile, it has previously been reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking to buy a home in Los Angeles. 'This is what Meghan and Harry have always wanted to create their own life,' a source said, speaking to People Magazine. 'It's got to feel like an immense relief to get out of the UK and go down their own path.' When the couple announced they were stepping down from The Firm it was believed they would split their time between the UK and North America. However, it is now thought the couple will primarily reside on the western side of the Atlantic, having only made fleeting official visits to the United Kingdom to wrap up their final royal duties. 'He wants to shield his son from the negativity and tension he would've been exposed to back in England' a source told Us Weekly. They are pictures at the Mountbatten Festival of Music last week Since relocating to Vancouver Island the couple have the 'freedom to do whatever they want' because the locals 'don't bother them', the source added. It comes as a close friend exclusively told DailyMail.com Meghan Markle and Prince are self-isolating in Canada, as Meghan confides in friends that Harry feels 'helpless' and is 'concerned' about the Queen and his father catching coronavirus. Taking to the Sussex Royal Instagram account, the couple have since broken their silence on the coronavirus pandemic and branded the efforts to tackle the coronavirus epidemic 'as true a testament there is to the human spirit.' They shared an inspirational quote alongside a long caption which began: 'These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other.' 'We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary.' As well as urging their 11.7 million-strong following to remain united, they also thanked those working tirelessly around the world to help fight. TO VIEW MORE NEWS STORY, PLEASE CLICK ON NEWS TAB ON MAIN MENU BAR Qatar Airways unexpectedly laid off about 200 Filipino staff in Qatar this week as the coronavirus outbreak forces the Middle East airline to slash flights, Philippine Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello told Reuters on Wednesday. "Our labour attache is under strict instructions to determine what is the real cause of the decision of management to retrench them on the basis of redundancy," he told Reuters. Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak Qatar Airways did not respond to a request for comment. The layoffs were reported earlier by ABS-CBN. It said the Filipino employees, including engineers and maintenance staff, were laid off on Tuesday. The report said other employees also lost their jobs, though did not provide further details. State-owned Qatar Airways had warned it would report its third consecutive loss this financial year, which ends this month, before the outbreak battered global travel demand. It is one of the Middle East's biggest airlines and most of its traffic transits through its Doha hub. It does not operate domestic flights. Qatar has enforced strict entry requirements to stop the spread of the disease which has infected 442 people in the Gulf Arab state. All foreigners are banned from entering and the airline has cut flights to several destinations. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said $200 billion in government support could be needed worldwide to support airlines. Also read: Coronavirus Live Updates: PM Modi to address nation on COVID-19 today Also read: GoAir lays off expat pilots amid coronavirus travel restrictions STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Criminal charges were dropped Monday against a Graniteville woman, who, along with her brother, was busted on drug and gun counts during a raid of their home 17 months ago. Monet Robinsons case was dismissed, because her sibling, William Fonseca, previously admitted to the crimes. Fonseca, 29, and Robinson, 21, were arrested in their Ada Drive residence on Oct. 24, 2018, in a Narcotics Borough Staten Island investigation, according to a criminal complaint and police. Police said they found $30,000 in cash, along with guns, including a 9 mm Ruger, a .45-caliber Glock and a .380-caliber Jimenez Arms. Officers also seized 9 mm, .45-caliber and .40-caliber ammunition, said police. In addition, cops recovered illegal drugs, a residue-coated scale, sifter, plate and spoon, plus multiple empty glassine envelopes, the complaint said. Cell phones were confiscated in addition to the money, authorities said. The 121st Precinct touted the bust in a Twitter post. Great work by Staten Island Overdose Task Force on a successful search warrant that leads to arrest, seizure of guns and cash, said the post. Great work by Staten Island Overdose Task Force on a successful search warrant that leads to arrest, seizure of guns and cash #ThreeLessGuns #StatenIsland pic.twitter.com/gqOvnSPEDb NYPD 121st Precinct (@NYPD121Pct) October 24, 2018 The defendants were charged with criminal weapon possession, criminal firearm possession, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia. In January, Fonseca pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance to resolve the case. It was the top charge against him. He admitted to possessing fentanyl with the intent to sell. Fonseca also pleaded guilty to criminal firearm possession with respect to the 9 mm gun. In exchange, Fonseca was to be sentenced on Monday to 42 months in prison and two years post-release supervision on the drug conviction. He was to receive a concurrent term of 18 months to three years for the firearm conviction. Fonseca must also forfeit $30,401 and a cell phone to authorities. However, Justice Mario F. Mattei adjourned the sentencing to June 23 at the defendants request. Mattei also cited concerns about sending a person into an inmate population at Rikers Island potentially infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Mattei warned Fonseca, who remains free on $50,000 bond, he faces a stiffer sentence if re-arrested in the interim. Attorney Mario F. Gallucci, who represents Fonseca, said the judge acted appropriately in exercising caution. In view of Fonsecas prior admissions and pending sentence, Mattei dismissed all charges against Robinson, as previously promised. Outside court, Mark J. Fonte, Robinsons lawyer, again took exception to her being charged in the case. I stand by my position that the prosecution of this young lady was entirely an effort to leverage a guilty plea from her brother, said Fonte. In a fair and just system, you dont prosecute innocent people to obtain convictions from the guilty. In a prior statement after the plea hearing, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon maintained police had acted correctly in arresting both defendants, and that prosecutors had not over-reached in pursuing the charges against Robinson. In this case, two individuals were arrested because the police reasonably believed they were in possession of the narcotics found in their premises, said McMahon. This is entirely appropriate under these circumstances as possession can be imputed to both parties under the law. Upon defendant Fonsecas guilty plea and admission of ownership, the case against co-defendant Robinson will be dismissed in the interest of fairness and pursuit of justice, said the D.A. For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. In the United States, carmakers closed factories to protect workers against the new coronavirus and financial markets were again hard hit. Internationally, nations in North America and Europe put new border restrictions in place over public health concerns. The fast-spreading new coronavirus that jumped from animals to humans has now infected over 200,000 people around the world. It also is blamed for more than 8,700 deaths. President Donald Trump said he would use an existing U.S. law to give the government additional powers to fight the disease and to ease economic trouble. The Defense Production Act gives the president extraordinary power to order industries to expand production and provide necessary materials. The Trump administration is working with Congress to pass a $1 trillion spending plan to support the economy. Among the proposals is $500 billion in direct payment to Americans. U.S. financial markets had sharp losses Wednesday. The New York Stock Exchange again temporarily halted trading because of a sharp drop in stock prices. It opened again and stock measures regained some of their lost value. Observers note that the stock market has lost nearly all of its gains from the past three years. Oil prices have fallen sharply in recent days to their lowest level in years. Also Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the three major American car makers, Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler, are planning to close all factories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The move could keep 150,000 people from work. In the state of California, Governor Gavin Newsom warned that, in his words, martial law could be put into effect. In the city of San Francisco, people are permitted to leave their homes only for food, medicine or exercise. And the mayor of New York said the citys 8.6 million residents should be prepared for a lockdown. Around the world In Italy, the number of people who died from COVID-19 moved closer to Chinas. With another 475 reported deaths on Wednesday, the country has now linked more than 2,900 deaths to the disease. China, where the virus started, has reported about 3,200 deaths. Iran also has been hit hard, with more than 17,000 cases and 1,100 deaths. At many border crossings around Europe, cars and trucks are backed up after leaders closed them to nonessential traffic. At one point, trucks were backed up in Austria for 28 kilometers and cars for 14 kilometers. We have never lived through anything like this, Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a nearly empty parliament room. More than 90 percent of Spanish lawmakers stayed home. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned that the crisis could last six months. He said This is a once-in-a-hundred-year type event as his country moved to restrict gatherings and overseas travel. In Southeast Asia, the border between Malaysia and the city-state of Singapore was quiet after Malaysia shut its borders. Taiwan said it would ban foreigners from entry and its own citizens would have to quarantine at home for 14 days. On Ecuadors Galapagos islands, Canadian Jessy Lamontaine and her family could not leave when their flights were suspended. I was in tears this morning, Lamontaine said. I couldnt get any answers from the airline. I had no money and didnt know whether I was going to keep my job. Some good news did come out of Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the virus was first reported in late December. Officials there reported just one new case for a second day. Im Jonathan Evans. Hai Do adapted this story from Associated Press and Reuters reports for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story lockdown n. a situation in which prisoners are kept in their cells; a situation where people are to stay in their homes type n. a kind quarantine n. to be kept apart from others in order to halt the spread of disease 3 1 of 3 Monroe Police Department / Contributed Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Monroe Police Department / Contributed Show More Show Less 3 of 3 MONROE A Danbury man and Monroe women turned themselves in at the police department Monday on weapons charges linked to the theft of a shotgun in October. According to a release from police spokesman Stephen Corrone, on Oct. 23 about 12:55 a.m., the Monroe Police Department received a report of a burglary in progress at a Nickel Place residence. Police said the complainant said an unknown individual entered the garage of the home and stole a shotgun. Parents who left their five-month-old baby in a locked car on a 38C day as they shopped for a television have been fined just $300 each. The couple from Mt Druitt in Sydney's west, who can't be named for legal reasons, parked at The Good Guys in the Prospect Homemaker Centre, on January 26. When other shoppers noticed the child crying alone in the car they told staff who then tried to page the parents multiple times. Parents who left their five-month-old baby in their car as they shopped for a television a Good Guys store (pictured) on a 38C day have only been fined $300 after being described as 'wickedly negligent' After getting no response staff went to the car and rescued the child before calling police, The Daily Telegraph reported. The Blacktown Local Court heard the mother returned to the car after the call to police was made. A short time later the baby's father was found still inside the store trying to finalise the purchase of a television. Police said the pair showed 'no remorse' for their actions. 'They appeared more concerned with finalising the purchase of their electronic equipment,' police said. Magistrate Jennifer Giles slammed the couple for leaving their infant child in the car on a scorching hot day. 'You cannot leave a baby in a hot car in Australia, the kid will be dead in 20 minutes,' Ms Giles said. 'It is wickedly negligent for you to have done so. 'It is a prevalent offence and the court needs to make sure you are denounced and deterred.' The father needed the help of an interpreter to apologise and said they left the baby because it was sleeping, he said they also left the air conditioning on. Both parents were charged with one count of leaving a child in a motor vehicle and causing distress but were fined just $300 each. There are three new positive cases of COVID-19 in Beadle County as of Thursday, bringing the state's total to 14, including one in Pennington County. This makes four positive cases for Beadle County, where Huron is the county seat. The new cases are two men and one woman, aged in their 30s, 40s and 60s. Kim Malsam-Rysdon, state secretary of health, was unable to specify which age group corresponds with each gender. The state ran 94 tests Thursday after receiving the needed reagents and supplies necessary to run the tests. Noem said the White House and Centers for Disease Control were able to expedite the shipment of testing materials needed in Pierre. The state public health lab received the three new positives and 91 negatives. Two of the new positives are related to travel outside of South Dakotas borders; state health officials are looking into whether the other case is related to travel, exposure or to community spread. Gov. Kristi Noem said community spread is categorized into three levels: None, where COVID-19 cases may occur in the community but there is no community transmission. Minimal to moderate, where if there is a single case of community-acquired COVID-19 in a county. Substantial, where there are five or more cases of community-acquired COVID-19 in a county. Were still not at the level of community spread that our infectious disease team will be speaking with the three positive cases we have today to determine if any of these cases move us to that level, Noem said. We were looking at projections weeks in advance, and we thought we would have community spread in South Dakota by about March 13 based on what was happening in other states and other countries. That did not happen." The fact that we dont have community spread is really good news for us, she said, noting that slowing the spread of COVID-19 has helped the state set up other commercial labs as well as allowed health-care providers to get the supplies and infrastructure they need to handle an outbreak. The state Department of Health will now prioritize running pending tests that are at the highest risk. High-risk patients would be those with pre-existing health conditions, or those who have been exposed to positive coronavirus patients. Noem and Malsam-Rysdon both said they have enough supplies to run tests for the next few days. Malsam-Rysdon said the state has the capacity to test for several days up to 100 high-priority population tests. We feel that is adequate for the next several days, she said, although the states COVID-19 website lists that there are still 270 pending tests. Noem said some lower priority cases go out to commercial labs in other states that were recently approved by the FDA. In the future, they will direct providers to send low-priority tests to them to reserve the states capacity for high-priority tests. Turnaround for tests in Pierre is usually one day; out-of-state commercial labs can take 4-5 days to get results back to the patient, Malsam-Rysdon said. Noem also signed an executive order extending telework activities for state employees until March 30th. Malsam-Rysdon said shes working on hiring some relief staffing so her employees can stay refreshed and sharp in the days, weeks and months ahead as the state deals with the outbreak. Noem said to a group of employees at the state Department of Health Thursday morning that the work theyre doing is not yet over. Were not done, she said. We may be doing this for a few more weeks, for five more weeks. We dont know, but the work youve done is working. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. (Photo : TYRONE SIU on Reuters ) COVID-19 Alternatives: How to Stay Safe From Coronavirus? Citizens Now Flying Across Singapore and Hong Kong, Here's Why (Photo : TYRONE SIU on Reuters ) COVID-19 Alternatives: How to Stay Safe From Coronavirus? Citizens Now Flying Across Singapore and Hong Kong, Here's Why If you want to keep yourself and your family from getting the deadly Coronavirus disease, where should you go? Citizens are now flying towards two Asian countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore after they reportedly contain the virus in a more advanced method than other countries. Some even claim that these cities might be the safest places to stay during this pandemic. Where to go to protect yourself from getting Coronavirus? Singapore and Hong Kong on top choices! According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the number of tourists traveling to Hong Kong and Singapore is now increasing in all their airlines. This is after reports said that these two Asian cities were handling the Coronavirus disease in a stricter and higher containment. For example, Hong Kong resident Larry Salibra narrated that he wanted his parents-- currently residing at the United States-- to travel now in Hong Kong with him. Larry's parents were already in the aged 70s, which reportedly more likely to get the virus. According to him, Hong Kong authorities already took the COVID-19 health issue "seriously" back in Jan-- even after the spread goes worldwide. This is his reason why he chose Hong Kong as one of the safest places to stay during this pandemic. He also criticized the US government with their behavior of "dismissing the risk." "Given that my parents are in the age range that has a much higher fatality rate, it seemed to me that the best place to be would be in a place like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan," said Salibra. Just like Salibra, Jen Lasher, a 37-year-old lawyer who is based in the city of Thousand Oaks, California, also plans the same thing with her family. Unlike Salibra though, Singapore would be her safest harbor from the disease since Lasher believes that their "use of technology to trace and contain coronavirus cases is more advanced than in the US." Meanwhile, British residents also plan to fly overseas with the continuous spread of Coronavirus. A Singapore-based Malaysian, identified as J, brought forward her 15-year-old son's flight from London and returned to Singapore after seeing how the United Kingdom resolves the health issue. "He was due to be home for the Easter holidays, but we decided to take him out early, seeing the current situation in Britain," said J, who is self-employed. "The British government's approach to containing the virus is not very reassuring." Singapore and Hong Kong worry about the increasing tourists in their cities Though tourism is one of the most important aspects that a country must appreciate. In today's course of events, this is not good news. Since tourists are now relying on Singapore and Hong Kong as the safest harbor from the disease, experts from the cities said that they are more worried that this might cause trouble for their people. "We are going to be prepared to see a bit of an increase and spike in cases over the next two weeks because, as with the surge in tourists, there will certainly be cases among them," said Dr. Asok Kurup, an infectious disease physician at Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital. "We would probably have to deal with the surge, and most of the hospitals even in the private sector are ready to accept cases, and we have ramped up infrastructure in that way." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are some stocks that are in the news today: VST Tillers Tractors: February power tillers sales dropped to 1,361 units from 1,495 units YoY, tractors sales fell to 564 units from 581 units. Karur Vysya Bank: Lender enters into precious metals business. Sterlite Technologies board meeting on March 24 to consider the proposal for buyback of equity shares Alphageo (India): Company received Rs 76.67 crore contract from Oil India for 2D and 3D seismic data acquisition and processing services in Oil's OALP areas of Mahanadi Basin, Odisha. Navneet Education: Company issued commercial paper of Rs 50 crore to Mahindra Liquid Fund and Mahindra Ultra Short Term Yojana. NLC India: Board approved the issuance of commercial paper up to Rs 6,000 crore in tranches and issuance of bonds in the nature of debentures up to Rs 5,000 crore in tranches. Wipro: Company launched Microsoft business unit for digital transformation solutions. JSW Steel - CARE revised long-term rating from CARE AA to CARE AA-, while short term ratings remained unchanged IFB Industries - commercial production at new projects at Verna Goa to manufacture split air conditioners has commenced on March 17, 2020 Srikalahasthi Pipes: Commercial operations of 2nd furnace of 9 MVA to produce Ferro Silicon has commenced. Vakrangee: RBI renews the authorization issued to Vakrangee for white label ATMs till March 31, 2021. AGI Infra: The board will meet on March 19 to consider and approve the interim dividend. Amber Enterprises India: The board will meet on March 19 to consider and approve quarterly results. City Union Bank: The board will meet on March 19 to consider and approve the interim dividend. Emami: The board will meet on March 19 to consider and approve the interim dividend and buyback of shares. NTPC: The board will meet on March 19 to consider and approve the interim dividend. Sobha: The board will meet on March 19 for general purposes. Manappuram Finance: The board will meet on March 19 for general purposes. Bajaj Finserv appoints Sanjiv Bajaj as chairman Ashok Leyland approved to acquire upto 19% additional equity shares in Hinduja Leyland Finance from the existing shareholders for a consideration not exceeding Rs ,1,200 crore Motilal Oswal Financial Services board meeting on March 21 to consider the proposal for buyback of equity shares PVR - ICRA Kept ratings unchanged at ICRA A1+ to the commercial papers Navneet Education allots 1000 units of Commercial Paper aggregating to Rs 50 crore Khadim India - Infomerics Valuation and Rating Private Limited revised ratings from IVR A1+ to IVR A1 w.r.t Commercial Paper of Rs 30 crore It is not yet the appropriate time for President Muhammadu Buhari to adress Nigerians on the coronavirus pandemic, the information m... It is not yet the appropriate time for President Muhammadu Buhari to adress Nigerians on the coronavirus pandemic, the information minister, Lai Mohammed, suggested on Wednesday. Mr Mohammed told journalists that Mr Buhari will address the nation at the appropriate time. When it is appropriate, Mr President will address the nation, he said. But, I think what you want to hear from Mr President are the kind of things we are telling you. This is not to preempt or second guess Mr President, I think he will do the needful, Mr Mohammed said at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday. The FEC meeting was presided by Mr Buhari. Following the confirmation of new cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19), Nigerians have been calling on the president to address the nation. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand that the president address the country on the coronavirus and the countrys level of preparedness. Is @NGRPresident @MBuhari in hiding? What kind of morbid silence is this from the leader of a country that is experiencing a ratcheting up of health crisis? @NigeriaGov put the President in front of cameras to speak to his Citizens NOW. Leadership is not personal comfort, a former minister Oby Ezekwesili wrote on Twitter. I asked again.. Do Nigerians have a president? If yes.. Do other nations remind their president to talk in situations like this?.. Let not keep calling on what is not existing, another Nigerian, MJ, wrote on Twitter. The Senate also passed a resolution Wednesday calling on Mr Buhari to address the nation. In many countries of the world, such as the U.S., UK, France, Italy, Ghana and South Africa, leaders are addressing their citizens and assuring them of efforts to limit the impact of the coronavirus. COVID 19 Nigeria has recorded eight cases as of Wednesday afternoon. A six-weeks-old baby is among the latest case. No one has died of the virus in Nigeria, where reported cases are lower in comparison to South Africa with 116 confirmed cases as of Wednesday morning. However, more cases might be expected from the country as contact tracing has been intensified to get the people who have been in contact with the confirmed cases. As of Thursday, the World Health Organization said Africa has recorded 17 deaths in the last 24 hours. While Africa was among the last continent to report cases of the virus, cases are beginning to spread throughout the continent as 33 countries have reported at least a case of the disease. The UN health agency said so far, there have been 633 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 33 African countries leading to 17 deaths. Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, the Gambia, Mauritius and Zambia have announced first cases. Travel restrictions Amidst public pressure, the Buhari administration announced restrictions on countries with more than 1,000 cases of coronavirus. The countries include China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland. The administration has also raised a task force on the virus that would give updates and recommend policy directives on containing the virus. CHICOPEE A fire in a large downtown apartment building that displaced one resident was caused by cooking. The fire broke out at about 4:20 p.m., Tuesday, at 2 Springfield St. All residents of the building escaped the fire but one was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries, Lt. Katie Collins-Kalbaugh said. Fire investigators determined the blaze was caused by cooking, she said. Luckily it came in right away and they made a good stop, she said of the firefighters. They put their training to work and did a good job. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames before they spread to the rest of the building, which has more than 30 units. Residents were allowed to return to their homes after firefighters determined it was safe, she said. The one resident who was displaced is being assisted by the Red Cross of Western Massachusetts. That person was not the one injured in the fire, she said. The fire caused the busy downtown street to be closed for some time while firefighters worked. By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans. Back in January, before most mere mortals had heard about COVID-19, I attended the wedding in Hong Kong of Dr. Sarah Borwein, an old Oxford friend and travel companion. That led to this post, A Tale of Two Cities: How Hong Kong Has Controlled its Coronavirus Outbreak, While New York City Scrambles. Sarahs a Canadian-trained doctor who has practiced medicine in Hong Kong for more than 15 years. She has an extensive professional history of dealing with infectious diseases in Asia. Prior to commencing her practice in Hong Kong, she successfully ran the Infection Control program for the only expatriate hospital in Beijing during the SARS period, also serving as liaison with the World Health Organization. Also attending the wedding was Michele Deitch, another friend from Oxford, whom I hadnt seen since Margaret Thatcher was prime minister. We spent a pleasant weekend celebrating Sarah and Finns nuptials and filling each other in on what had happened in our lives during the past decades in a Hong Kong empty of tourists, scared away by their fear of ongoing political protests. Michele was interested in prisoners when I first met her, and studied prison conditions as part of her research for an M. Sc. in Psychology at Oxford University. I remember well some of her stories about her encounters with prisoners a world far removed from the day-to-day experience of many of her fellow students. Her empathy was obvious, and its a quality shes retained, as you can see in the following interview, at a time when empathy is in rather short supply particularly for prisoners. She is also a graduate of Harvard Law School and of Amherst College. Today, Michele is an attorney and teaches criminal justice policy at the University of Texas at Austin, where she holds a joint appointment as a Senior Lecturer at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and at the School of Law. Her areas of specialty include independent oversight of correctional institutions and prison and jail conditions. She works closely with policymakers, jail officials, and advocates on a wide range of reform efforts. Prior to entering academia, Michele served as a federal court-appointed monitor of conditions in the Texas prison system, the policy director of Texass sentencing commission, General Counsel to the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee, and an independent consultant to justice system agencies around the country. (See more here.) Earlier this week, I noticed a Facebook post of Micheles on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis for prisons, and reached out to her to share her thoughts with you, dear readers. Over the last couple of days, weve been discussing the situation, on telephone calls and emails back and forth. ***** JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: Could you summarize some of the prison conditions that facilitate COVID-19 spread? MICHELE DEITCH: Prisons and jails are so densely populated, and it is impossible for people in custody to keep a social distance from each other. There are usually two or more people in a small, shared cell and oftentimes there are large dormitories. There are shared open toilets and sinks, often part of a single fixture, and often located adjacent to the bunkbeds. The chow hall has shared tables and long lines, with food doled out cafeteria-style by incarcerated workers. Lines are everywhere inside a facility: the pill line; the commissary line; the line for showers. Work assignments involve close contact with fellow workers. There are lots of group activities: school, vocational training, programs, recreation. In short, unless you are in solitary confinement (which is incredibly harsh and definitely something to be avoided), you are in constant close proximity to lots of other people. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: More than 2 million prisoners are incarcerated in the US. Yet prisoners are not the only potential victims of prison spread. COVID-19 will also hurt prison staff, who will further spread infections back into their wider communities. What can you tell us about these risks? MICHELE DEITCH: Prisons and jails are already facing lots of staffing challenges, with many facilities severely understaffed and with high turnover rates. Staff are usually poorly paid, and many have difficult working conditions. Of course, COVID-19 doesnt discriminate between staff and prisoners, and once the virus is in the facility, it will affect everyone regardless of their position. With this new challenge, we need to make sure that staff are protected as well as people in custody. And we certainly need to make sure that they are not coming to work if they are sick, because the consequences could be disastrous. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: I understand that reducing the prison population is one policy that can mitigate potential COVID-19 consequences, both keeping people from entering the system, and accelerating release of existing prisoners. Please tell me a bit more about this. MICHELE DEITCH: Prisons and jails are at especially high risk for the spread of COVID-19, because they are so densely populated and there is little ability to implement social distancing strategies. When (not if) the virus hits these facilities, it will spread like wildfire, with disastrous consequences.Thus it is urgent for all places of detention to immediately reduce the number of people who are incarcerated, both to make social distancing a bit easier and also so that incarceration doesnt mean a death sentence for people in custody who have little ability to protect themselves in these circumstances. There are two ways to reduce the population. Think of these institutions as bathtubs. First, we have to turn off the spigot, to reduce the number of people entering the facilities; and second, we have to open the drain, to accelerate releases of people who are already incarcerated. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: What is being done across the country to reduce the number of people entering the prison system? I know some jurisdictions are increasing pre-trial release, particularly for non-violent offenses and other low-risk prisoners, and Fox reports that Philadelphia is now delaying arrests, Philadelphia police to delay arrests for certain non-violent crimes. MICHELE DEITCH: Experts and advocates around the country are correctly urging law enforcement officials to limit the number of arrests, and wherever possible, issue citations in lieu of arrest. No one who is medically vulnerable or pregnant should be brought to the jail. People charged with non-violent felonies and misdemeanors should not be brought to the jails booking area unless they present a serious risk to public safety. Each person who comes into the jail is a potential vector for transmission of the virus. Beyond that, warrants for minor offenses should be suspended. Probation and parole should not be revoked for technical violations of conditions. And anyone charged with misdemeanors or low-level felonies, and those presenting little risk to the community, should be released on personal bonds. All people sitting in the jail because they cant raise money for bond should have their cases reviewed immediately. A number of jurisdictions, from San Francisco to San Antonio, have recognized that these steps are critically important as public health measures and have started to implement them. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: What about on the back end parole and compassionate release? This would seem to me to be important, especially since much of the older prison population has co-morbidities, and are not at great risk for recidivism. MICHELE DEITCH: Prisons are full of medically vulnerable and elderly people and they are at incredibly high risk of falling prey to this virus. Plus, they represent a huge demand on correctional medical services. Parole boards need to immediately implement compassionate release programs that allow for the release of as many of these individuals as possible in order to reduce their risk of dying and to free up medical care for dealing the COVID-19 situation. And that can be done at little risk to public safety, since they are so unlikely to recidivate. At the same time, parole boards should be speeding up parole consideration for people eligible for parole release. Maybe that means holding additional hearings, not delaying someones release until they complete one additional program if they are otherwise eligible for release, or adding some extra good time in appropriate cases to make someone eligible for release a month or two ahead of schedule. None of that will affect public safety but it may give someone a chance of surviving this virus. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: The United States is known for its massive, brutal prison system. Other countries have made mistakes with their COVID-19 prison policies, and these have caused unnecessary deaths. What should US officials learn from these mistakes? MICHELE DEITCH: Italy abruptly restricted visitation, apparently not replacing it with any alternative means of communication, and that led to riots with a number of deaths and escapes. There are lots of lessons here, including that all restrictive measures, however appropriate, should be accompanied by mitigation strategies to reduce the harm caused to people in custody. Corrections officials need to be cognizant of their obligations to prevent violence and tension in the facilities, at the same time as they seek to address the public health challenge. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: Beyond reducing the prison population at both front and back ends, what is being done to limit COVID-19 spread? MICHELE DEITCH: Depends on the facility. Most facilities are woefully underprepared, and many others seem oblivious to the seriousness of the risks they are facing. Some administrators, though, are showing leadership in their efforts to reduce the population and minimize the risk of spread. Most facilities, at this point, have restricted visitation. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: What should be done? Could you please outline key steps that can be taken, right now, to reduce prisoner and worker exposure to COVID-19, and limit its spread, reduce its severity, and minimize fatalities? MICHELE DEITCH: Theres a very long list of steps that could be taken. Among the most critical are: reducing the number of people incarcerated, as discussed above; reducing the potential for transmission from the community to inside the facility, by limiting the number of people coming in from the outside and by carefully screening anyone coming into the facility; providing people in custody with free and readily available soap, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies for their living areas, and not treating this as contraband; providing people in custody with thorough and constantly updated information about the seriousness of this virus and how they can protect themselves; reducing congregate activities; eliminating medical co-pays, so someone who is sick has no disincentive to be treated; providing free testing to both staff and people in custody; and having a plan to treat and house separately anyone with symptoms of COVID-19. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: The Marshall Project reports in As COVID-19 Measures Grow, Prison Oversight Falls that prison oversight is plummeting, with entry of monitors limited, ostensibly to limit COVID-19 spread. Also, I note that visits by outsiders are also being limited, for similar reasons. What should be done to counteract these trend, and make sure that prisoners are protected? MICHELE DEITCH: Prisons and jails are the most closed institutions in our society, and even before this crisis, we had little knowledge of what is happening behind the walls. In a handful of states, there are independent oversight bodies providing routine monitoring of conditions of confinement, and helping make those conditions transparent through their public reporting of their findings and recommendations. Some of these oversight bodies also provide investigation of complaints by prisoners or their loved ones. There are also some state government entities that regulate county jails by monitoring their compliance with minimum standards. But now, few monitors are able to go onsite to the facilities, meaning that oversight is severely limited The risks of abuse, neglect, poor conditions, and failure to comply with standards are obviously increased, without that external scrutiny. Thats why it is so critical for oversight bodies to be collecting and reporting data about key indicators of safety and health inside the facilities. Corrections officials should also establish a hotline so people in custody can call these independent entities. And corrections officials can conduct daily briefings for the press and for other public officials about what is happening inside, especially with regard to spread of the virus and how these challenges are being handled. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: Could you elaborate on what policies prisons need to enact to mitigate harms caused by measures intended to limit COVID-19 spread? What do prison officials need to do to reduce inevitable tensions? Counteract enforced idleness? MICHELE DEITCH: It is critical that corrections officials be thinking not only about restrictions, but about ways to mitigate the harms caused by those restrictions. For example, to counter the harms caused by restricting visitation, officials need to increase access to free phone calls and video visitation. If educational programs get cut back, then look for ways to deliver content through tablets. Avoid locking down individual cells, and try to allow continued activity within a cellblock, once it is determined that no one there is sick. And recognize that enforced idleness and prolonged cell confinement can lead to tension and violence, both of which need to be prevented through mitigation strategies. Corrections officers really need to work on their de-escalation skills at this time to reduce those tensions and to avoid the need for hands-on contact and use of force. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: New York State governor Andrew Cuomo has set prisoners to making hand sanitizer. Is this sensible? Will the sanitizer be sanitary? And isnt there a certain irony in that in many prisons, hand sanitizer is contraband (according to this recent Marshall Project article, When Purell is Contraband, How Do You Contain Coronavirus?). MICHELE DEITCH: There are definitely multiple ironies around the fact that people in custody are making hand sanitizer. First of all, it shows how dependent weve become on the prison industrial complex to meet the commercial needs of our society, and reveals that the publics health may depend in part on what happens inside prisons. Second, prisoners are allowed to make hand sanitizer, but they cant use it it is actually contraband behind the walls. So they can help keep everyone else safe, but cant keep safe themselves. And third, we need to remember that prisoners are making pennies per hour to produce these essential goods. I guess it is naked capitalism in its purest form. JERRI-LYNN SCOFIELD: Any question (s) I should have asked but didnt? MICHELE DEITCH: Thats a lot already! By PTI NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced setting up of a 'Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force' to decide on relief package for sectors hit by the coronavirus outbreak. The task force, to be headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will look at measures to limit economic hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, he said in his address to the nation. Sectors ranging from tourism to aviation to certain segments have been battered as countries closed borders, restricted air travel and industries went into emergency lockdowns. "In view of the economic challenges posed by coronavirus pandemic, the government has decided to set up a Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister," Modi said. This task force, he said, will decide on steps to be taken to overcome economic hardships. He also appealed to the trading community as well as the affluent to look after the interest of their employees and not penalise them for being unable to attend work due to travel and other restrictions. While the aviation industry has been hit hard by suspension of flights on certain sectors and travels bans, hotels and tourism sector has suffered due to cancellations. The lock-down in China, where the coronavirus inflection originated, has led to supply issues with pharmaceutical as well as electronics industry. This has led to temporary layoffs in some sectors. Industry has been seeking relief in terms of lowering of taxes and easing norms to help elevate hardships. Women should not scrimp on style when they're working from home, according to 'City Superwoman' Dame Helena Morrissey. 'When it comes to working from home I think it's best to have some ground rules,' says the financier mum-of-nine. 'Number one, no wearing PJs. Two: take time to do your hair and make-up as usual. 'Three: get some fresh air and exercise. 'Number four: if you have to do video calls, make sure the background behind you isn't distracting or unprofessional. I once made the mistake of having the ironing board in full view, groaning under mountains of ironing.' Dame Helena Morrissey (pictured), 53, said women should not scrimp on style when they're working from home and shared a picture of herself in one of her home outfits The 53-year-old shared a picture of herself in one of her home outfits, looking in her view 'polished and appropriate', adding: 'A structured jacket is too 'fake news' when people know you are at home.' I have to concur . . . Dahl's grandson puts fairytale wedding on ice The wedding of Princess Beatrice is not the only royal nuptials that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The grandson of one of the 20th century's most brilliant children's writers, Roald Dahl, was due to wed the youngest daughter of the late King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan in April but it has been postponed until October. Journalist Ned Donovan, 26, who is the son of Tessa Dahl and half-brother of model and writer Sophie Dahl, met Princess Raiyah Bint al Hussein, 33, in India two years ago. Their engagement last November was announced by the Royal Hashemite Court in Amman. 'We were so looking forward to having you all here in April,' Donovan has informed guests, 'but Raiyah and I, along with our families, have decided to postpone the planned celebration and tour here in Jordan till later this year. 'We want to be with as many of you as possible, but also not have our wedding turned into a 'vector' for this virus, and potentially harm anyone's health.' Ned, who has now relocated to Jordan, has been getting shipshape for his impending nuptials and has chosen to be called Faris meaning knight or cavalier in Arabic as he says Ned isn't a very common name. Princess Raiyah speaks four languages and holds degrees in Japanese studies from Edinburgh University and Columbia in New York and is now studying for a PhD in Asian languages and cultures in LA. Her American-born mother, Queen Noor, was King Hussein's fourth wife and converted to Islam when she married him in 1978. Hussein, who died in 1999, would have approved of his prospective son-in-law. The late king, a great Anglophile, went to Harrow School and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Jamie and Jools' (mostly) glowing tribute to Poppy Jamie Oliver and his wife of 20 years, Jools, reached a milestone this week when the oldest of their five children, Poppy (left), turned 18 TV chef Jamie Oliver and his wife of 20 years, Jools, reached a milestone this week when the oldest of their five children, Poppy, turned 18. Jools marked the day with a poignant online tribute. 'You were our start into the huge adventure of being parents and we have loved every second of it (teenage years slightly omitted).' Dame Vera Lynn, who turns 103 tomorrow, has evoked the Blitz spirit and called for the public to pull together in these tough times. However, I can reveal she has her own secret weapon to cheer herself up: Jack Russell Digby. Daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones tells me: 'If Mummy is ever feeling under the weather, Digby senses it and will curl up at her feet. Nine times out of ten, it does the trick and Vera is right as rain.' Restaurateur Raymond Blanc, who has been forced to close some restaurants in his Brasserie Blanc chain, is determined to keep his flagship restaurant and hotel, the two Michelin-starred Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, open. 'We are fighting like everyone else' he told me yesterday. ' The Manoir has been hit but not as hard as some. We have bookings and have spaced out all the tables and always had the highest standards of hygiene.' He hopes the closures of his other eateries will be shortlived. 'Hopefully it would be closure for two or three months and then a relaunch,' he added. Mrs May trousers 1million I can disclose that the former prime minister has just reported making 460,000 from speeches Although not widely regarded as the most inspirational speaker, Theresa May has managed to make almost a staggering 1 million from giving public addresses. I can disclose that the former prime minister has just reported making 460,000 from speeches. It brings the total to 921,500 since she quit Downing Street eight months ago or 4,000 per day. Her latest engagements include one for the Dubai Women Establishment in the United Arab Emirates, for which she was paid around 115,000 for 19 hours' work and travel. That's more than 6,000 per hour. She said the funds 'will be used to pay employees, maintain my ongoing involvement in public life and support my charitable work'. Keep calm and potter, says Prince Harry's ex Prince Harry's ex girlfriend Florence Brudenell-Bruce, 34, who starred in Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throw Down, claims pottery 'magically' soothes anxiety The Duke and Duchess of Sussex want people to talk about their feelings to improve mental health, but Prince Harry's ex suggests a more hands-on approach. Lingerie model turned ceramicist Florence Brudenell-Bruce, 34, who starred in Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throw Down, claims pottery 'magically' soothes anxiety. 'Buy a bag of air-drying clay if you're feeling claustrophobic or isolated,' says Flea, who has two children with her financier husband Henry St George. 'My pottery story began when I found myself in an abyss and I couldn't see the light; honestly, clay transformed my life.' Actor Simon Pegg was shocked to realise he'd never been directed in a film by a woman before Katharine O'Brien, on his new movie, Lost Transmissions. 'I worked with female directors on television, but when paused to think about the films I had done, they were all directed by men,' he says. 'I thought, 'Holy c**p, that's terrible.' ' It turned out quite well, he adds. 'Talking to her, I got the sense that she really knew what she was doing.' Funny that. Elderly peers are blithely ignoring Government advice to the over-70s to stay at home. Those taking part in debates since that advice was issued have included Lord Judge (78), Geoffrey Howe's widow Elspeth (88), former bishop Lord Harries (83) and Lady Butler-Sloss (86). The Lords Speaker, Lord Fowler, said the country was in a national fightback against coronavirus. He's 82. Plainly it's one rule for us and quite another for them. Today A mix of clouds and sun. Not as harsh by the afternoon. Tonight Partly cloudy. Tomorrow Mostly cloudy and not as cold. There might be a passing rain or snow shower, mainly north or west. If your dog happens to go missing in New Jersey, there are various steps that you can take to aid in search efforts and increase the likelihood of bringing them home. With a variety of resources available to state residents, it's important to remain collected so that you can direct your focus towards reuniting with your dog. File a Lost Pet Report This is one of the first actions that you should immediately take upon discovering that your dog is missing. With numerous initiatives to help find lost dogs in New Jersey, facilities are designated by the county, which is why you should file with a center located within your neighborhood. Filing processes differ based on the center you're working with. St Hubert's Animal Welfare, for example, makes it easy to file a report through their online portal. Other facilities, on the other hand, may ask that you submit an email with all of the necessary information. Filing a lost pet report is extremely time sensitive as limitations on keeping an active file vary based on the center you're conducting your search with. New Jersey's Liberty Human Society keeps missing pet reports for one month following submission. To increase the odds of locating a missing pet during this time frame, they cross-check with surrounding shelters to determine if any pets match your report's description. New Jersey 7 Day Rule New Jersey State law requires that any stray animal is to be held for no less than 7 days before the shelter can put it up for adoption. Known as a "stray hold," this policy was implemented to help improve the chances of dogs reuniting with their owners. At the end of the seven-day grace period, any unclaimed pet can legally be adopted by another individual. That said, it's of the utmost importance that you immediately file a missing pet report and contact surrounding shelters to avoid losing custody. Visit Animal Rescue Shelters It isn't uncommon for dogs to be taken to animal shelters after being mistaken for a stray. Contact all care centers within a 60-mile radius, as state law requires all strays be housed at the municipal center located within the township they were found. Be sure to take a look at the online adoption database, as there's a possibility your pet could be listed after exceeding the seven-day 'stray hold' policy. This has proven highly effective in helping find lost dogs in New Jersey and reuniting owners with their missing pets. Search Your Neighborhood There's no guarantee that your dog is still roaming around your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look. Search your local area throughout the day, preferably by foot so that you can access areas that would be limited if driving in a vehicle. If you can, enlist a second set of eyes that might spot something which you don't. If your dog is in the area, you can grab his attention by calling out his name or bringing his favorite treat or squeaky toy. Most importantly, maintain a sense of safety, especially when searching at night, avoiding dark streets, and wearing bright colors to avoid being hit by a vehicle. Local Recovery Services Lost Dogs of America is a nonprofit that helps individuals search for their missing pets based on the state they're located in. This nationwide pet recovery service offers a New Jersey extension that helps facilitate search efforts across multiple channels. Upon discovering that your pet is missing, file a report through their online portal so that a New Jersey representative can contact you to kick off search efforts. Lost Dog Apps With apps like Shadow, you can enlist volunteers within the community to search for your missing dog. As one of the four states that Shadow operates within, New Jersey residents can receive support creating Lost Dog flyers, contacting shelters, and even sending out Dog Amber Alerts. Don't Give Up It's devastating to discover that your dog has gone missing; however, it's important to rely on the resources available to you so that you can increase the odds of reuniting with your pet. Like thousands of other New Jersey residents, these services have helped to locate missing dogs, which is why being proactive and relying on the people who are willing to help can result in bringing your dog back home safe and sound. PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 12:03:06 Mr. Squarer, a global biopharmaceutical leader, brings extensive oncology commercialization expertise as Company prepares to submit BLA in Q3 2020 LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADC Therapeutics SA, a clinical-stage oncology-focused biotechnology company pioneering the development and commercialization of highly potent antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for patients suffering from hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today announced that Ron Squarer is to be appointed Chairman of its Board of Directors and an advisor to the Company. Peter B. Corr, Ph.D., who has served as Chairman since the Companys founding in June 2011, will remain on the board as a Director. Mr. Squarer served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Array BioPharma, Inc. (Array) from 2012 until 2019, during which time he executed an oncology-focused research, development, and commercialization strategy that culminated in the successful commercial launches of Braftovi (encorafenib) and Mektovi (binimetinib). During his tenure at Array, the companys market capitalization grew more than 30-fold, and the company was ultimately acquired by Pfizer Inc. at a total enterprise value of approximately $11.4 billion. Rons nearly 30-year career in the global biopharmaceutical industry includes extensive oncology leadership experience spanning commercial, clinical development and research prioritization roles, said Dr. Corr, who is also Co-Founder and Managing General Partner of Auven Therapeutics. His commercialization expertise will be incredibly valuable to ADC Therapeutics as we prepare to submit a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Lonca in the third quarter of 2020 and continue to build out the commercial organization in preparation for the anticipated launch of Lonca in the second quarter of 2021, if approved. Im delighted to pass the Chairman role to Ron and welcome him to the Board of Directors. Before joining Array, Mr. Squarer held positions of increasing responsibility with Hospira, Inc., a global pharmaceutical and medical device company. As Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Hospira, he was responsible for delivering $4.0 billion in annual revenue. Mr. Squarer joined Hospira from Mayne Pharma, when it was sold to Hospira in 2007. Before serving as Senior Vice President, Global Corporate and Business Development at Mayne Pharma, Mr. Squarer held leadership roles at both Pfizer (focused on oncology) and SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline) in the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Squarer currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the public companies Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Retrophin, Inc. He earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, and a bachelors degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. Im pleased to take on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors as ADC Therapeutics evolves from research and development into a commercial organization, said Mr. Squarer. I look forward to actively working with Chris Martin, the board and the broader team to continue preparations for the launch of Lonca and to advance the development of novel ADCs for patients suffering with hematological cancers and solid tumors. Peter Corrs vast experience in drug discovery and development has been invaluable in steering ADC Therapeutics to the point where we are now fast approaching the commercialization of Lonca while continuing to develop our deep pipeline of ADCs. It is characteristic of Peter to pass the baton on to a Chairman with Rons depth of experience. I am excited to be working closely with Ron as he helps the Company deliver on the full clinical and commercial potential of our pipeline, said Chris Martin, Chief Executive Officer of ADC Therapeutics. About ADC Therapeutics ADC Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of a deep pipeline of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for patients suffering from hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The Companys lead program, Lonca (loncastuximab tesirine, formerly ADCT-402), exceeded its primary endpoint in a 145-patient pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial, demonstrating significant single-agent clinical activity across a broad population of difficult-to-treat patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The Company intends to submit a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Lonca for the treatment of DLBCL in the third quarter of 2020, and simultaneously commence a pivotal Phase 2 trial for Lonca in r/r follicular lymphoma patients. The Companys second lead program, Cami (camidanlumab tesirine, formerly ADCT-301), targets IL2a/CD25. Cami demonstrated significant clinical activity in Hodgkin lymphoma patients in a 133-patient Phase 1 trial and is currently being evaluated in a 100-patient pivotal Phase 2 trial. Based on its mechanism of action targeting regulatory T cells, the Company is also evaluating Cami in an ongoing Phase 1b trial for the treatment of solid tumors with potential across a broad range of cancer types. ADC Therapeutics is based in Lausanne, Switzerland and has operations in London, the San Francisco Bay Area and New Jersey. For more information, please visit https://adctherapeutics.com/ . Investors Contact Amanda Hamilton ADC Therapeutics amanda.hamilton@adctherapeutics.com Tel: +1 917-288-7023 EU Media Contact Alexandre Muller Dynamics Group amu@dynamicsgroup.ch Tel: +41 (0) 43 268 3231 USA Media Contact Annie Starr 6 Degrees astarr@6degreespr.com Tel.: +1 973-415-8838 As Massachusetts residents contend with the COVID-19 outbreak and its economic impacts, Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren have asked the largest banks and credit unions in the state to waive a host of fees to provide relief for customers. The senators sent letters to 19 financial institutions and urged each to grant a moratorium on ATM fees, overdraft fees, minimum balance mandates, late fees for credit card payments and any other fees that could increase the financial burden on consumers, the pair said in a statement Thursday morning. The senators noted that federal deposit insurance agencies overseeing commercial banks, savings institutions and credit unions have called on their members to waive such fees. The recovery from this pandemic is going to take collective effort to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected, the senators wrote. We are asking you to be a leader within the Massachusetts community and set an example for the financial sector in the rest of the country. We need to help the most vulnerable of our citizens during this crisis. Ensuring that they are not burdened with bank-related fees is one step that we should take. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the pandemic, which has led to the deaths of more than 100 Americans and shuttered schools, businesses and public buildings. The Trump administration and members of Congress are hammering out a $1 trillion response package. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts The letters were written to Bank of America, Citizens Bank, TD Bank, Santander, Eastern Bank, Rockland Trust, Middlesex Savings Bank, Capital One, and Chase. The credit unions include: DCU, Metro Credit Union, Rockland Federal Credit Union, Workers Credit Union, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, Jeanne DArc Credit Union, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Merrimack Valley Credit Union, Webster First Federal Credit Union, and St. Annes Credit Union. Related Content: Many people in modern America have been taught to look down their noses at Christian conservatives. I don't go to church, but some of the finest people I've ever known do, including the one described below. Once a year, my health care insurer sends a nurse to check on its Medicare-age customers. I signed up for the "NurseCalls" program four years ago and was so impressed with the 38-year-old nurse who came to see me that I request her every year. During her visit for 2019, I informed her that I had to stop driving because of my vision. She gave me her home phone number when she left and practically begged me to call her if I needed any help. A day or two later, I got an email from her offering to take me on errands. I'm familiar with the general area where she lives, but I didn't know exactly how far her home is from mine. I thanked her for the offer but told her I was doing okay. A week later, I got another email saying she still wanted to help me since I can no longer drive. I thanked her again, telling her I was still doing okay. When I told a friend about this amazing nurse who kept offering to drive me places, my friend asked if I thought the nurse was hitting on me. When I finally stopped laughing, I explained that the nurse is a drop-dead gorgeous woman in her early 40s and that I'm old enough to be her grandfather, and look like it. So, no, I emphatically replied, she's not trying to hit on me. My friend and I guessed that she's merely an exceptionally kind person offering to help someone who had to stop driving. A week or two later, the nurse sent another email offering to take me wherever I needed to go. This time, apparently thinking I lacked imagination, she offered a menu of places she could take me: "the grocery store or a doctor's appointment or Home Depot." Realizing that I was stiff-arming her desire to help, and that God had assigned an especially tenacious Earth angel to my case, I relented and suggested that since I could no longer take myself out to eat, maybe she and her family could pick me up one weekend for lunch. When she agreed, I thought I'd better find out how far away they lived. Twenty-five miles! Fifty miles, round trip! I sent an email urging her to reconsider due to the distance, telling her that her family would likely disown her when they found out she'd obligated them to kill the better part of a perfectly good Sunday afternoon going out to lunch with an elderly stranger. With me obviously not understanding why she, or anyone, would make such a selfless offer, I think she was frustrated with my email. Below is her reply, and if there's a greater example of Christian love, I've not seen it. Since I'm sure she would not want to be publicly identified, I'll refer to her here simply as "Florence," as in my own personal Florence Nightingale. 4/22/2019 10:58 PM Mr. Eidson, I try to live my Christian life by showing people love. I feel that I've been blessed with my job and I have multiple opportunities every day to show love when I'm out doing visits. I'm not trying to brag or sound holier than thou. I'm certainly not perfect. They are many days that I'm tired and I just want to stay home instead going out to see people. But I will say with 100% certainty that when I am in someone's home, I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I would be miserable with overwhelming guilt if I didn't. In August, I will have worked as a HouseCalls practitioner for 7 years. When I first started my job, I visited a 94 year old frail lady who lived in a trailer. She was all of 4'10" and weighed 90 lbs and I loved her to pieces. She was adorable and tiny and feisty, and just as cute as a button. She lived in poverty and I thought about her a lot. After I visited her the second time, I knew I needed to do more. I took her Christmas gifts two years in a row and some cases of Ensure here and there. And then one day her phone was disconnected. I checked the obituaries and she wasn't in there. I think her daughter forced her to move in with her. She had mentioned several times that her daughter wanted her to move in with her but that she didn't want to leave her home. Her daughter lives in Florida. She had some falls and broken her hip and of course, her daughter was worried about her. So then I asked God, "Who do you want me to help now?" I started visiting another lady in a trailer park. But she was in her late 50s and was wheelchair-bound. She had already had two strokes and could no longer walk and had a lot of difficulty speaking. After seeing her two years in a row, I knew that I wanted to do more for her. A few months passed after her visit and I wanted to go see her but I couldn't remember her address. Once we see somebody and our schedule changes to the next month, we can no longer see the info on that person until they are on our schedule again for the next year. So anyway, I google searched her and her name came up. But unfortunately, it was her obituary. I was absolutely heartbroken. I'm assuming that she had another stroke. So then I said "Ok God, who can I help now?" I know that you are not to the level of a 94 year old frail individual or a wheelchair bound person, but I know there are times you need help. I've always helped people and I will always be looking out for those who need help. This is what God wants me to do. If I was a millionaire, that's what I would do full-time. I also encourage my children to do the same. They have volunteered many times with me and would help me take Christmas gifts to Ms. J. If we are not showing someone love or helping each other, then what are we doing with our lives? Yes, I've done several House Calls visits for you, but I've never done much during those visits. I take your blood pressure, listen to your heart and lungs, and encourage you to get a flu shot every year. Whoopee! I should get a nurse of the year award! You're very intelligent and have good doctors and you know what's going on with your health. Sometimes I really do help people a lot during their visit but you've never really needed much from me in that way. So yes, my family knows where you live. They are completely fine with it. My girls are used to us going places and helping other people. If it was a problem, I would have never offered. But now you know, I literally pray for God to show me who needs a little help now and then. (Signed) I got choked up reading Florence's email. When she and her family picked me up the next week, I could see that her husband and daughters were as happy as she was to enable a shut-in to go out to lunch. What a kind family. The movie Hacksaw Ridge tells the story of Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss, whose Christian faith prevented him from killing other people, even in war. Initially seen by his platoon as a coward because he refused to carry a rifle, Doss later demonstrated heroism above and beyond the call of duty as an Army medic during the ferocious battle for Hacksaw Ridge. After saving a wounded U.S. soldier from certain execution by Japanese troops, and finding himself stranded atop Hacksaw Ridge, Doss looked skyward and asked for instructions. God told him to save one more soldier, and then another, and another, and another. In following God's directions, and with his own life in mortal peril each time, Pvt. Desmond Doss saved 75 fellow soldiers before being put out of action by a serious wound. Unrelenting service to others. Desmond Doss did that, and so does my own personal Florence Nightingale. By any definition, Florence is an Earth angel. I haven't needed her help so far, but I am comforted to know that she's on call as my transportation ace in the hole. What a shame that Christian conservatives like her are looked down on because of their political beliefs. Update: After I made the mistake of telling Florence a few days ago that the supermarket I go to was sold out of bottled water due to coronavirus panic-buying, guess who showed up at my front door with enough bottled water to fill a bathtub. A Florida man was arrested after police said they walked in on him strangling a 6-month pregnant woman whom he later claimed he thought had the coronavirus. John Cory Newell, 24, was charged with aggravated battery after he was arrested by the Cape Coral Police late Tuesday. Newell, a resident of Fort Meyers, was held on $15,000 bond at the Lee County Jail after his arrest at an apartment complex where the brutal attack took place, police said. John Cory Newell, 24, was charged with aggravated battery after he was arrested by the Cape Coral Police late Tuesday for allegedly strangling and beating a woman he thought had the coronavirus. He is pictured in photo taken from a prior arrest in Lee County This is what Newell looked like when he was arrested on Tuesday for the alleged, brutal attack on the pregnant woman. Police say he was intoxicated at the time and began banging his head on a concrete floor, rambling that he had the coronavirus It was Newell's third arrest in Lee County, WBBH reports. According to his arrest report, Cape Coral officers responded to a local apartment complex just after 11pm where they said they heard a woman's screams and walked in on Newell strangling the victim. Police said he had both his arms and hands around the woman's neck and that he failed to respond to verbal commands to stop the brutal attack, reports the Fort Meyers News-Press. Newell was accused of continuing the assault by beating the woman, who was crying out for him to get off of her, police said. Officers said they eventually subdued Newell by applying a 'pain compliance' maneuver on his neck. Newell was said to be intoxicated, which made it difficult to handcuff him. He also began rambling about the deadly flu-like virus and began slamming his head against a concrete floor, said police. His most arrest picture shows Newell looking bloodied and disheveled, compared with two previous ones where he appears clean cut. The name and location of the woman was redacted from reports under Marsy's Law, which protects the rights of victims. The coronavirus has infected thousands around the globe. In the US, the flu-like virus also known as COVID-19, has been confirmed in 9,414 cases and blamed for at least 152 known deaths. In Florida, there have been 314 confirmed cases, and seven deaths blamed on the infection. The coronavirus has infected thousands around the globe. In the US, the flu-like virus also known as COVID-19, has been confirmed in 9,414 cases and blamed for at least 152 known deaths Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah > Ifeanyi Ubah data-medium-file=https://onlinenigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/breaking-ifeanyi-ubah-duly-elected-senator-appeal-court.jpg data-large-file=https://149366101.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ifeanyi-Ubah-e1459768612834-504320.jpg class=wp-image-327640 src=https://onlinenigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/breaking-ifeanyi-ubah-duly-elected-senator-appeal-court.jpg alt width=700 height=445 srcset=https://onlinenigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/breaking-ifeanyi-ubah-duly-elected-senator-appeal-court.jpg 510w , https://149366101.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ifeanyi-Ubah-e1459768612834-504320.jpg 504w sizes=(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px> The Appeal Court in Abuja on Thursday ruled that Nigerian businessman, Ifeanyi Ubah was duly elected a senator to represent Anambra South Senatorial district. The court thus voided an earlier judgment delivered by the High Court of Abuja sacking Ubah as senator representing Anambra South Senatorial district. Justice Stephen Adah led a three-man panel, which unanimous threw out the judgment of the High Court and retain Ubah as the duly elected senator for Anambra South Senatorial District. The court held that the judement delivered by Justice Bello Kawu, was a nullity on the grounds that the originating process was incompetent having not been signed by a lawyer as required and that the judgment was given without jurisdiction, and that Ubah was denied fair hearing by the FCT High Court. Justice Adah, held among others that, since the cause of action arose in Anambra State, the FCT High Court was without the requisite territorial jurisdiction to have entertained the case. He added that, from the record of proceedings before the FCT High Court, there was no evidence that Ubah was served with processes in relation to the case. The judge also found that the originating summons, with which the case was commenced before the FCT High Court was not signed by any lawyer as required by the Rules of the High Court of the FCT. The Nation reports that Justice Adah granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Clerk of the Senate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acting on the April 11, 2019 judgment which had been voided for being a nullity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Export of grain and legumes from Turkey to Georgia increased by 28.85 percent from January through February 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, amounting to $4.8 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on March 19. Turkeys export of grain and legumes to Georgia amounted to $2.7 million in February 2020, which is 15.69 percent more compared to February 2019. From January through February 2020, Turkey's export of grain and legumes to world markets exceeded $1.1 billion, which is 4.7 percent more compared to the same period of 2019. Over the reporting period, Turkey's export of grain and legumes amounted to 4 percent of the countrys total export. In February 2020, Turkey's export of grain and legumes to world markets amounted to $594.3 million , which is 5.2 percent more compared to the same month of 2019. Meanwhile, Turkeys export of grain and legumes amounted to 4.1 percent of the countrys total export. From February 2019 through February 2020, Turkeys export of grain and legumes amounted to $6.8 billion. Turkey's foreign trade turnover in Jan. 2020 amounted to $33.9 billion. In Jan. 2020, Turkey's export increased by 6.4 percent compared to Jan. 2019 and amounted to $14.8 billion. Turkey's import increased by 18.8 percent in Jan. 2020 compared to Jan. 2019, amounting to $19.2 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orca Exploration Group Inc. ("Orca" or the "Company" including its subsidiaries and affiliates) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) today is announcing that it has taken several steps to limit the impact of the COVID-19 virus on its operations in Tanzania and the health of its employees. It has been reported that there are now three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tanzania, all of whom are foreign nationals or have recently returned from Europe. The Government of Tanzania is reported to be considering control measures which may include restricting access to the country and enforcing self-quarantine for some entrants. The Company and its subsidiary, PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (PAET) have taken action to mitigate the operational impact of the COVID-19 virus. In addition to staff medical briefings and increased sanitization of the offices and other work areas, all non-essential face to face meetings have been curtailed, all non-essential travel to our operational worksites has been stopped, and all Company personnel or contractors entering Tanzania from COVID-19 affected areas are now required to self-isolate for 7 days, extendible to 14 days, if they demonstrate any symptoms of the virus. The Companys IT systems are cloud based and are unlikely to be affected by the pandemic. However, with the possibility of increased remote working, internet access and upgraded hardware and software has been provided to all key staff. On Songo Songo Island (SSI), the operational staff rotate every 4 weeks and this provides some in-built cover should some employees contract COVID-19. As part of the contingency planning, we are identifying Company employees and Tanzanian contractors who could fill in for personnel who are required to self-isolate. Currently the Company is not undertaking any critical activities that will be impacted by the virus in the short term. The debottlenecking of the flowline system that is expected to increase production capacity by 10 million standard cubic feet a day is in process and we have secured the requisite equipment for this project. During the second half of the year, we will require a land rig for workover operations and the management of this project will need to be undertaken in conjunction with government directives in place at that time. We continue to negotiate an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the installation of compression on SSI by the end of 2021. This compression is essential to ensure that there is no loss in production through Songas gas processing and pipeline facilities as field pressure declines. At this stage, we do not envisage any delay with this project. The Songo Songo natural gas is critical for the generation of electricity in Tanzania and for powering the activities of over 40 industrial customers in Dar es Salaam. These industries are primarily producing consumable end products (e.g. cement, tissues and bottles) for the markets within East Africa and as a consequence the COVID-19 virus is not expected to have a material impact on gas demand. It should also be noted that the recent decline in the oil price has a minimal (circa 5%) effect on our revenue as the majority of the gas volumes are sold at fixed prices. Orca Exploration Group Inc. Orca is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.A and ORC.B. For further information please contact: Nigel Friend, CEO nfriend@orcaexploration.com Blaine Karst, CFO bkarst@orcaexploration.com For media enquiries: Celicourt (PR) Mark Antelme Jimmy Lea Jemima Lowe Orca@celicourt.uk +44-20 8434 2643 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information Certain information regarding Orca set forth in this news release, including but not limited to: whether the Government of Tanzania will restrict access to the country and enforce self-quarantine for some entrants, Orca's IT systems being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Orca's ability to identify employees and contractors who could fill in for personnel who are required to self-isolate, the increase in production capacity expected to result from the debottlenecking of the flowline system, whether there will be any delay with the installation of compression on Songo Songo Island project, and the impact of the COVID-19 virus on gas demand constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expects", "plans", "intends", "trends", "indications", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "likely" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, by its very nature, involves inherent risks and uncertainties and is based on several assumptions, both general and specific. Orca cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although believed reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Orca to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such information. The forward-looking information contained in this new release is provided as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Seoul, March 19 : North Korea has banned people from using public transportation without wearing masks as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus outbreak although the country was yet to report a case, state media reported Thursday. North Korea has not reported any confirmed COVID-19 outbreak, but it has reportedly put thousands of people under medical supervision for potential infection and taken various preventive measures, including blocking its border and enforcing strict quarantines, reports the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency. The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, published Pyongyang's latest guidelines for its citizens in using public transportation, which oblige passengers to wear masks and sanitize their hands before boarding trains, subways, buses and taxis. People will also have to have their temperatures checked before using public transportation for long-distance travel, and if they show suspected symptoms, they should be barred from boarding, the paper said. The daily further said that trains and buses were also required to install an area to be used to quarantine any passengers showing symptoms, while crew should keep their masks and gloves on and should not reuse the protective gear. North Korea has taken a number of preventive measures as it shares a long and porous border with China, the epicenter of the contagious disease. Meanwhile, South Korea on Thursday reported a total of 8,565 confirmed coronavirus cases, while 91 people have died of the diease. 'Basic anti-disaster income' can be viable option in COVID-19 era The South Korean government and political parties are apparently becoming more positive about providing a certain amount of money to all citizens or households in the form of "basic anti-disaster income" as part of emergency economic measures. This is no longer an unrealistic idea here as the United States and Japan, among other nations, are reportedly taking steps to introduce similar measures to boost spending and support marginalized households amid fears of economic meltdown caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus. In particular, the Donald Trump administration is seeking to send a $1,000 check to every American to spur spending. These payments have important benefits. First, it is the simplest and quickest way to provide an economic boost in times of crisis. Further, the basic income could be the most viable option to protect low-income families and mom-and-pop stores from the fallout of COVID-19 at least for some time. On Tuesday, the National Assembly approved the government's 11.7-trillion-won ($9.42 billion) extra budget plan, but this is mainly centered on covering expenditures for anti-disaster efforts being made by central and local governments as well as providing financial support for small and mid-sized enterprises. It is widely anticipated that the administration will have to draw up a second supplementary budget plan in the near future as the rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide has sparked fears of an L-shaped recession. Whether or not the government should include a basic anti-disaster income in the future additional budget plan is already a major topic of debate among politicians and economists. In fact, some municipal governments led by liberal mayors and governors have already introduced their own basic income plans in the face of the COVID-19 crisis to protect people from going bankrupt. The government of the southwestern city of Jeonju plans to pay some 520,000 won ($430) per person to some 50,000 citizens in the form of a debit card next month. The money should be spent only within the city in three months. Seoul and Gyeonggi Province are also moving to follow suit to implement similar programs. On Wednesday, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, now heading the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's special committee on COVID-19 response, welcomed the introduction of anti-disaster basic income by municipal governments, saying he expects the central government to include supportive measures and its own programs in the future additional budget plan. Hwang Kyo-ahn, chairman of the main opposition United Future Party, also said Tuesday he is not opposed to introducing such a measure for marginalized households. So far, some conservative politicians have brushed off the idea as being "political" or "populist" apparently out of concerns about possibly impacting the upcoming April 15 general election. However, the situation will change once the election is over, and adverse economic effects of COVID-19 become more apparent. Basic income payments can be effective in increasing domestic demand and production, boosting tax revenue and thus creating a virtuous economic cycle. L.A. County Reports Second Death From Coronavirus A second person has died in Los Angeles County due to the coronavirus, the countys public health director announced today, while the overall number of cases increased by 40, plus two more cases reported by Long Beach officials. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, head of the county Department of Public Health, said the person who died was between 30 and 50 years old and had an unspecified underlying health condition. The person lived in a small community near Pasadena. ADVERTISEMENT I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person whos deceased, Ferrer said. Im so sorry for your loss and I hope you know that we as a community are mourning with you. Ferrer reported 40 additional cases in the county, bringing the total to 230. Late Thursday morning, the city of Long Beach which maintains its own health department reported two more cases that were not immediately included in the countys figures, meaning there are a total of 232 cases countywide. Long Beach has reported a total of 12 cases, three of whom have already recovered. Ferrer stressed that the county is going to see continued increases in cases over the next four to 12 weeks. But that doesnt mean that the important actions that youre all taking to combat this virus are not working, she said. Social distancing is critical and we implore you to take seriously everyones obligation to limit their exposures to others and to limit others from being exposed to you. This is the one way that we can all be serious about what it mean to try to slow down the increasing number of cases here in the county. Ferrer also gave an ominous warning, saying, As a general rule of thumb, you should assume that you may be infected and that others around you may be infected. Therefore, act accordingly, she said. Take every precaution possible to avoid infecting others and to avoid becoming infected. Thats the goal of social distancing. ADVERTISEMENT She noted the number of cases will continue to rise in part because of the increased availability of testing, with seven labs operating with multiple sites. On Wednesday, Dr. Christina Ghaly, who runs the county hospital system, echoed the point that some infected individuals who may not have any symptoms at all are walking around unaware they have the virus. People should assume that those they come into contact with might be positive for the virus, Ghaly said. Ghaly on Thursday again noted a critical shortage of blood supplies, encouraging people to donate. She said there is no clinical evidence that the coronavirus can be spread through the blood. The six colleges of further and higher education in Northern Ireland have taken the decision to suspend all face-to-face delivery from 5pm tomorrow. The suspension will last until further notice. In a statement the colleges, which include the North West Regional College, said the decision, which has been taken in light of the latest UK Government advice, is driven by the overriding need to help protect the safety and wellbeing of our students and our staff. The statement added: "This announcement means that, as of Monday, 23 March 2020: delivery will continue remotely including the use of digital learning, in so far as this is possible; and colleges will remain open to staff only. "This will remain under review. Where practical, staff should work remotely. The absence of students and the size of campuses will ensure that we can all comply with the need to remain socially distant. "We understand and deeply regret the unavoidable disruption this will cause to the lives of our learners and our staff. "We are giving as much notice as possible to allow time for students, parents, carers and the business community to make the necessary arrangements. "Each College is continuing to work through the ramifications and practicalities of the decision at a local level. "We are hugely proud of the way in which the entire Further Education College community is responding to this dynamic and deeply challenging situation. Our employees unwavering commitment to our learners, and to each other, is as admirable as it is unsurprising. "The Colleges will continue to provide staff and students with updates, signposting to official government and public health advice, as well as whatever reassurances we can in the midst of so much uncertainty and unease." The Republic of Ireland faces significant job losses and an economic shock due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Finance Minister has said, as he introduced a suite of measures to help bank customers. Paschal Donohoe was speaking as the five main banks agreed today to introduce a payment break of up to three months for customers who cannot pay their mortgage. The payments were announced following a meeting of the AIB, Bank of Ireland, KBC, Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB banks, and their representative group the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland. Irelands Bank Chiefs leave the Department of Finance one by one after meeting with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to discuss measures being taken to ease the pressure on borrowers amid the Covid-19 pandemic. #Covid19ireland pic.twitter.com/BtB6F2yHFa Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) March 18, 2020 The banks said they would work together to ensure that continuity of service plans are in place for customers. The measures include a deferred collection on stamp duty on credit cards until July. Banks will also defer court proceedings for three months. Speaking at a press briefing in Dublin today, Mr Donohoe said the country is at the centre of a very significant economic shock. Up to 140,000 people have lost their jobs and more job losses are expected, with confirmed cases of Covid-19 expected to rise to 15,000 by the end of the month. Mr Donohoe said: I would not at this point in time like to talk about many hundreds of thousands of jobs being lost, until we get accurate estimates from the Live Register. At this point I dont have an accurate estimate to share with the public regarding what the Live Register will be. Minister @Paschald outlines measures to support individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19 https://t.co/KEqnCO68tB pic.twitter.com/1oJ4oPJjP7 Department of Finance (@IRLDeptFinance) March 18, 2020 For now all of my efforts are concentrated on mitigating the effects of job losses and developing plans to get people off the Live Register as soon as possible. While refusing to to be drawn on the number of job losses anticipated, he said: I can at this point confirm that we are facing into a period of significant job losses, they are already being felt across the country. It is the case that those who were at work and had every expectation of continuing to be in work for many months and years to come, now find themselves in a situation in which they are not at work and worried about how they are going to pay their mortgage or rent. I want to assure people who have lost their jobs that all that can be done to get income to them quickly and get them access to the pandemic benefit can be done. We were on track to deliver a significant surplus in 2020. We will not be in a surplus position this year. We will very likely move into a situation where we have a deficit. Mr Donohoe said if any landlord avails themselves of the flexibility being afforded by the banks, they should not use it to evict tenants. Visited the National Viral Reference Lab today with @LeoVaradkar to thank staff testing for #coronavirus #Covid19. Also took the opportunity to reassure people that they will not be alone during this pandemic. We are all in this together https://t.co/cmM5SlX9Sa Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 18, 2020 Landlords with buy-to let mortgages cannot and should not evict tenants. When asked if the Government can stop landlords evicting tenants, he said: There are legal constraints in place in relation to the ability of any government to intervene in the contract between landlord and tenant. Mr Donohoe also confirmed the limit for contactless payments is to be increased to 50 from 30, in a bid to encourage the public to stop using cash. Earlier today, the Health Minister moved to reassure older people that the Government will look after them, as the number of cases of Covid-19 is expected to rise to 15,000 by the end of the month. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, Simon Harris said: We expect anywhere between 10-15,000 tests for Covid-19 being ordered in the coming days. It is going to take several days for your test to be processed. Some countries have decided to go against WHO guidelines and have stopped testing in the community we will test, test, test. I really dont want anybody in our country to be scared because we have to look after the health of all our people. Older people should not be worried it is an uncertain time, but we are going to mind you. Police forces across the UK will make officers work 12-hour shifts and put plain clothes police back in uniform to answer 999 calls under plans to cover sick staff in plans being drawn up to tackle the coronavirus crisis. Historical crimes like the 2007 disappearance of Maddie McCann - will also be put on hold as police prioritise cases where there is a critical need to investigate. In a worst case scenario, MailOnline has been told that as much as 30 per cent of Britains police force could be infected by the Covid-19 bug during the peak period in late May and early June. This would equate to around 38,000 out of 126,000 officers nationwide being affected. The police will be backed up by 20,000 military personnel, who would also be called upon to continue transporting food and medical supplies in the event of delivery drivers falling ill. Police forces across the UK will make officers work 12-hour shifts and put plain clothes police back in uniform to answer 999 calls under plans to cover sick staff in plans being drawn up to tackle the coronavirus crisis Historical crimes like the 2007 disappearance of Maddie McCann - will also be put on hold as police prioritise cases where there is a critical need to investigate In a worst case scenario, MailOnline has been told that as much as 30 per cent of Britains police force could be infected by the Covid-19 bug during the peak period in late May and early June. That would equate to around 38,000 out of 126,000 officers nationwide These military personnel would also be responsible for moving bodies to mortuaries under the plans being considered. Makeshift morgues like the one installed outside Westminster Coroners Court yesterday and St Thomas's Hospital today are to be brought in across the country should the death toll climb steeply. Plans could also include refrigerated lorries, normally used to transport meat and other chilled goods, being used instead to store bodies. A government source told MailOnline: The coronavirus is unprecedented in living memory and so the measures the police have to take are unprecedented. The mapping shows that, in the worst case scenario, as much as 25 -30 per cent of the population could be infected at the peak time, which is estimated to be late May or early June. That could be mirrored across the police force so contingency plans are being put in place and, although they need to be finalised, one of the main points is increasing police shift rates from nine-hours to 12-hours. CID officers will be asked to carry on their duties but asked to do so in uniform so they are able to quickly respond to a 999 call should they need to. 'I know of at least one force up north who are close to bringing this in.' The police will be backed up by 20,000 military personnel, who would also be called upon to continue transporting food and medical supplies in the event of delivery drivers falling ill. They would also be responsible for moving bodies to mortuaries under the plans being considered Makeshift morgues like the one installed outside Westminster Coroners Court yesterday (above) and St Thomas's Hospital today are to be brought in across the country should the death toll climb steeply A government source told MailOnline: The coronavirus is unprecedented in living memory. Plans are being put in place and, although they need to be finalised, one of the main points is increasing police shift rates from nine-hours to 12-hours' The source said it was vital that resources were focused in the right areas. With fewer officers, the police will be told to prioritise crimes where there is a critical need to investigate or if there is a danger of evidence being lost if they dont act straight away,' he said. The first cases to be parked will be historic investigations, for example the investigation into the disappearance of Madeline McCann. In terms of replacing officers, if any armed police officers become sick the plan is to replace them with officers from the civil nuclear constabulary and if they get sick, they will be replaced by the military. The possibility of mutual aid, the providing of police assistance from one force to another.' With a third of the cases and deaths from coronavirus occurring in London, the capital is being deemed the epicentre of the UK outbreak. The source continued: 'Potentially officers from outside forces could be brought in as cover as they were during the 2011 riots as long as they can afford to do so. There is also cover from the military, aside from assisting police they will have two main roles; taking over from delivery drivers in the event of sickness to make sure food, medicine and other vital supplies continue and to transport the dead to mortuaries.' Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said that retired police officers and volunteers could be drafted in to make up numbers if coronavirus causes staff shortages Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said earlier this week that retired police officers and volunteers could be drafted in to make up numbers if coronavirus causes staff shortages. She said: 'We need to be flexible, we are a people organisation and of course it's likely as other people are coming into contact with the virus some of my people will as well. 'We have had plans in place for a long time to be able to move people around, to change people from one role to another, to make sure we protect the really mission-critical services. 'We have not ruled out any option in terms of boosting our numbers. 'We have lots of people who volunteer with the Met, we can bring them in more, and indeed there may be some areas where it would make sense to bring in some retired officers to help us out.' It comes as the NHS also appealed to entice former and foreign doctors to return. DURHAM, N.C. -- Researchers at Duke University and Michigan State University have engineered a novel type of supercapacitor that remains fully functional even when stretched to eight times its original size. It does not exhibit any wear and tear from being stretched repeatedly and loses only a few percentage points of energy performance after 10,000 cycles of charging and discharging. The researchers envision the supercapacitor being part of a power-independent, stretchable, flexible electronic system for applications such as wearable electronics or biomedical devices. The results appear online March 19 in Matter, a journal from Cell Press. The research team includes senior author Changyong Cao, assistant professor of packaging, mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), and senior author Jeff Glass, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke. Their co-authors are doctoral students Yihao Zhou and Qiwei Han and research scientist Charles Parker from Duke, as well as PhD student Yunteng Cao from the Massachusetts Institutes of Technology. "Our goal is to develop innovative devices that can survive mechanical deformations like stretching, twisting or bending without losing performance," said Cao, director of the Laboratory for Soft Machines and Electronics at MSU. "But if the power source of a stretchable electronic device isn't stretchable, then the entire device system will be constrained to be non-stretchable." A supercapacitor (also sometimes referred to as an ultracapacitor) stores energy like a battery, but with some important differences. Unlike batteries, which store energy chemically and generate charges through chemical reactions, an electrostatic double-layer supercapacitor (EDLSC), stores energy through charge separation and cannot create its own electricity. It must be charged from an outside source. During charging, electrons are built up on one part of the device and removed from the other, so that when the two sides are connected, electricity quickly flows between them. Also unlike batteries, supercapacitors are able to discharge their energy in short but massive bursts, rather than through a long, slow trickle. They can also charge and discharge much faster than a battery and tolerate many more charge-discharge cycles than a rechargeable battery. This makes them perfect for short, high-power applications such as setting off the flash in a camera or the amplifiers in a stereo. But most supercapacitors are just as hard and brittle as any other component on a circuit board. That's why Cao and Glass have spent years working on a stretchable version. In their new paper, the researchers demonstrate the culmination of their work to this point, fabricating a stamp-sized supercapacitor that can carry more than two volts. When connecting four together, as many devices require for AA or AAA batteries, the supercapacitors could power a two-volt Casio watch for an hour and a half. To make the stretchable supercapacitors, Glass and his research team first grow a carbon nanotube forest -- a patch of millions of nanotubes just 15 nanometers in diameter and 20-30 micrometers tall -- on top of a silicon wafer. That's about the width of the smallest bacteria and height of the animal cell it infects. The researchers then coat a thin layer of gold nanofilm on top of the carbon nanotube forest. The gold layer acts as a sort of electric collector, dropping the resistance of the device an order of magnitude below previous versions, which allows the device to charge and discharge much faster. Glass then hands off the engineering process to Cao, who transfers the carbon nanotube forest to a pre-stretched elastomer substrate with the base gold-side-down. The gel-filled electrode is then relaxed to allow the pre-strain to release, causing it to shrink to a quarter of its original size. This process crumples up the thin layer of gold and smashes together the "trees" in the carbon nanotube forest. "The crumpling greatly increases the amount of surface area available in a small amount of space, which increases the amount of charge it can hold," explained Glass. "If we had all the room in the world to work with, a flat surface would work fine. But if we want a supercapacitor that can be used in real devices, we need to make it as small as possible." The super dense forest is then filled with a gel electrolyte that can trap electrons on the surface of the nanotubes. When two of these final electrodes are sandwiched close together, an applied voltage loads one side with electrons while the other is drained, creating a charged super-stretchable supercapacitor. "We still have some work to do for building a complete stretchable electronics system," Cao said. "The supercapacitor demonstrated in this paper doesn't go as far as we want it to yet. But with this foundation of a robust stretchable supercapacitor, we will be able to integrate it into a system that consists of stretchable wires, sensors and detectors to create entirely stretchable devices." Stretchable supercapacitors, the researchers explain, could power some futuristic devices on their own, or they could be combined with other components to overcome engineering challenges. For example, supercapacitors can be charged in a matter of seconds and then slowly recharge a battery that acts as the primary source of energy for a device. This approach has been used for regenerative breaking in hybrid cars, where energy is generated faster than it can be stored. Supercapacitors increase the efficiency of the whole system. Or as Japan has already demonstrated, supercapacitors can power a bus for urban commuting, completing a full recharging at each stop in the short time it takes to load and unload passengers. "A lot of people want to couple supercapacitors and batteries together," Glass said. "A supercapacitor can charge rapidly and survive thousands or even millions of charging cycles, while batteries can store more charge so they can last a long time. Putting them together gives you the best of both worlds. They fill two different functions within the same electrical system." ### This work was supported by the NSF (ECCS-1344745), USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch Project 1016788), Michigan State University, and the North Carolina Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN), which is supported by the NSF (ECCS-1542015). CITATION: "Robust and High-Performance Electrodes via Crumpled Au-CNT Forests for Stretchable Supercapacitors," Yihao Zhou, Changyong Cao, Yunteng Cao, Qiwei Han, Charles B. Parker, Jeffrey T. Glass. Matter, March 19, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2020.02.024 Subscriber content preview US-Canada border temporarily closing to nonessential travel The restrictions will not affect the flow of trade between the countries, which are eager to maintain their vital economic relationship. By ROB GILLIES and ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press The United States and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, and his administration is considering turning back all people who cross illegally from Mexico into the U.S., two administration officials said. Trump tweeted that the restrictions on the Canadian border will not affect the flow of trade between the countries, which are eager to maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports and about 18% of American exports go to Canada. . . . login or purchase a To read this story in fullor purchase a subscription. Hawaii Not Letting 2 Cruises Disembark Amid CCP Virus Pandemic Two cruise lines wont be allowed to disembark in Hawaii after being blocked by other ports, state officials said. Holland American Lines Maasdam and Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Jewel will be allowed to refuel and take on supplies but no passengers will be allowed to disembark, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) said. Hawaii is focusing its resources on containing the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, HDOT Director Jade Butay said in a statement. Allowing more than 2,500 passengers and crew to disembark will further strain these resources, Butay said. Neither ship was originally planning to dock in Hawaii but shifted plans after multiple ports blocked them from docking. The ships will now refuel and restock before continuing on to destinations in mainland America, according to the director. Cruise lines announced a voluntary and temporary suspension of operations from U.S. ports of call on March 13 for 30 days but the Maasdam and Norwegian Jewel were already out on sea at that time, along with approximately 38 other ships, according to Cruise Lines International Association. The Norwegian Jewel cruise ship during a lockdown in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 14, 2020. A passenger was tested for the CCP virus but tested negative. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) HDOT cited state efforts to slow the spread of the new virus, which The Epoch Times refers to as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. On Tuesday, the Governor announced the States 15 Days to Slow the Spread effort, Hawaiis Department of Transportation (HDOT) said in a statement. As part of this announcement, he directed visitors to consider postponing their travel to Hawaii for at least 30 days. Pursuant to the Governors announcement, HDOT made the decision to deny the two requests to allow passengers and crew to disembark. The Norwegian Jewel was previously turned away by Fiji and New Zealand. American Samoa allowed the ship to refuel but wouldnt let any passengers disembark. Other cruise ships are in similar situations. Norwegian Jewels 23-day Australia and French Polynesia itinerary was modified to disembark in Auckland, New Zealand on March 20, 2020. Due to multiple port closures in the area, further modifications were made. We will share an update as it becomes available, a Norwegian spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email. There are no confirmed cases onboard any Norwegian vessels, the spokesman added. Holland American Lines media relations phone number went to a message that said its office is closed. Press Release March 19, 2020 De Lima urges DSWD to lift suspension of cash transfer programs during crisis Senator Leila M. de Lima has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to reconsider its decision to suspend the cash transfer programs to ease out the burden of its poor beneficiaries during the national public health crisis. De Lima, who chairs the Senate Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Committee, said she is disappointed with the DSWD's decision done at a time when poor families depend on cash transfer programs during the coronavirus quarantine period. "As soon as we learned that community quarantine is the only way to arrest the spread of COVID-19, we already know that the poor, who depend on their daily toil for their sustenance, will be most affected," she said her recent Dispatch from Crame 740. "[The] DSWD should have made sure that programs to ensure that our countrymen will not go hungry are implemented in spite of the quarantine," she added. Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista ordered the temporary suspension of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) and other projects. According to him, the temporary suspension is aimed at protecting the poor beneficiaries from being exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) which has resulted, thus far, in the death of 17 individuals and the infection of 202 individuals. Last March 17, however, Mr. Duterte placed the country under state of calamity to allow local government units (LGUs), especially those affected by coronavirus outbreak, to tap its funds to provide basic services to its people, among others. De Lima, who is the principal author and sponsor of a law institutionalizing the 4Ps, pointed out that is the poor and the marginalized sectors of our society who bear the brunt of the Luzon-wide imposition of enhanced community quarantine. "The scenes in the checkpoints and public transport stations last Monday should serve as a sobering reminder that many of our countrymen would sooner risk their lives against COVID-19 rather than fail to provide for their families," she said. "Our government, under the principle of parens patriae (parent of the nation), should ensure that we will provide for those who will not be able to provide for themselves during this time of crisis," she added. Instead of suspending the cash transfer programs for the poor, the lady Senator from Bicol asked the DSWD to expand its social welfare programs to help in alleviating the sufferings of the most vulnerable sectors, especially among daily wage earners. "When disaster strikes, the government stands as the only refuge of the lowliest members of society. I implore the DSWD to use this mindset and think of innovative ways to continue with, and even expand, our social welfare programs," she said. Enacted into law last April, the conditional cash transfer, also referred to as 4Ps, provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, improve their health, nutrition, and access to education of their children. Under the law, farmers, fishermen, and those in the informal sectors and in disadvantaged areas are automatically included in the government's standardized targeting by the household beneficiary. Beyond creating the global health emergency of our time, the spread of the novel coronavirus has had many unexpected peripheral effects on life in 2020. Homeschooling has never been so widespread, pollution is at record low levels, video happy hours are now a thing, and with quarantines in place across the country, couples have never spent so much time together. Will these more intimate times lead to a spike in the birthrate next year? Are we headed for more divorces? Or is there just going to be a lot more binge-watching and naps? Some companies in the sex industry have seen opportunities for growth in this downturn. Last week online porn giant Pornhub offered Italians free access to its premium site as they weathered containment. German sex toy manufacturer Womanizer announced that their sales are soaring, attributing new demand from some of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, including Italy, the U.S. and Japan. Beyond couples spending all day together in makeshift home offices, nearly all evening social activities like going to bars, going out for dinner and catching a movie at the theater are now out of the question. Family planning clinics are aware of the possibility and have started taking steps to extend birth control services. The nonprofit Maine Family Planning is moving to extend prescriptions for three months to make sure families don't see an interruption in birth control. We wanted to accommodate our patients. For women and families, there's already enough anxiety, so the idea that you can't get access to birth control is just too much, Maine Family Planning's Evelyn Kieltyka told the AP, adding that other family planning clinics across America are taking similar steps. Planned Parenthood encouraged people to head to Planned Parenthood Direct this week, an app that allows people to get birth control pills without leaving their house. ALSO: How a quarantine saved everyone on Yerba Buena Island during the 1918 flu pandemic Leslie Root, a PhD candidate in demography at UC Berkeley who studies fertility and childbearing decisions, considered the possibility of a corona baby boom, "I think when people are envisioning this scenario they're thinking about people falling into bed and letting nature take its course, but the reality is that most sexually active people use some sort of protection unless they're actively trying to get pregnant." There's also a possible reverse effect, Root said, with less people meeting and mingling in the city, "unexpected one-night stands are probably less frequent at times like this. That said, the U.S. has a relatively high rate of unintended births for a developed country, so it's a little more likely here than elsewhere." The most noteworthy baby boom in America occurred after World War II when marriage and fertility rates soared as couples found post-war job opportunities, leading to the famous boomer generation. The baby craze slowed in the '60s as Americans desired more material objects and an economic downturn kicked in. After that slowdown, however, boomers grew up and showed increased fertility, known as the echo boom, leading to the millennial generation. These booms of the 20th century were mostly caused by economic changes and relief from war, although smaller birthrate spikes resulting from people being unable to leave their houses have also occurred, such as the bump that happened in 1998 in New Hampshire after an ice storm shut down parts of the Northeast. However, if a recession is on the horizon, which is seeming more likely by the day, this may lead to a lowering in the coming birthrate. "We clearly saw the results of the last recession in a lower U.S. birthrate. So I'd imagine that if anything, people will be even more careful about using contraception properly at a time like this," Root said. With quarantines and shelter-in-place orders extending through the coming months, there may be little else to do at night but get intimate. Only time will tell if a generation of corona babies emerges in 2021. Andrew Chamings is a digital editor at SFGATE. Email: Andrew.Chamings@sfgate.com | Twitter: @AndrewChamings The second positive case of coronavirus was on Thursday reported in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total to two. A person who returned to the state from England on March 15 tested positive for the deadly virus, the state Health Department has said. "The youngster has been admitted to an isolation ward in RIMS at Ongole and his condition is stable," the department said in a release. The youngster, who left London on March 12, reached Ongole on March 15 and was admitted to the government hospital after he complained of fever, cough and cold. His blood sample was sent to the virology lab in Tirupati where it tested positive. On March 12, another person who returned to his native Nellore from Italy was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in AP. He is currently in isolation in the government hospital in Nellore. According to Special Chief Secretary (Health) K S Jawahar Reddy, the department has said the blood sample of the first confirmed case in the state would be tested again after the end of the 14-day period and discharged. Of the total 109 samples sent for examination, 94 tested negative. While two were positive, result of the remaining 13 was awaited, he added. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Two more women test COVID-19 positive in Maharashtra; tally rises to 172 Also read: Coronavirus: How countries are bracing up for economic slowdown GOP senator also sold as much as $1.5m in stock after receiving classified briefings in the early days of the outbreak. United States Senator Richard Burr, a Republican, is drawing fire after a secret recording emerged on Thursday of him warning an insider group of contributors that the coronavirus outbreak in the US would be very serious six days before he first acknowledged it publicly. In the February 27 recording, obtained and broadcast by National Public Radio, Burr can be heard comparing the coronavirus pandemic to the 1918 influenza outbreak that killed more than 20 million people worldwide. Theres one thing that I can tell you about this: It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history, Burr said in the recording. It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic. His remarks to a group called the Tar Heel Circle at an exclusive Republican club near the US Capitol came on the same day President Donald Trump was putting a positive spin on US preparedness. I think its an incredible achievement what our countrys done, Trump told reporters at the White House that day. Limiting the number of US cases at the time to 15 was like a miracle Trump said, and he suggested the virus will disappear. At the time in late February, Trump had just appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the White House coronavirus task force and had just put in place restrictions on travel from China. The comments that have come to light, what Senator Burr was saying to his monied constituents at a donor-class luncheon, are appalling, said Dr Gavin Yamey, a professor of global health and public policy at Duke University in North Carolina. He was not providing other constituents across my state the same warning. He could have used his credibility, his megaphone, his standing to break with the president and tell the country what was coming, Yamey told Al Jazeera. Instead, he put allegiance to Trump before his concern for North Carolinians, said Yamey. The administration knew this catastrophe was coming and was asleep at the wheel. Healthcare workers direct a car at a COVID-19 temporary testing site near Penn Medicine Radnor in Radnor, Pa. [Matt Slocum/AP Photo] Burr is the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and is one of the lead authors of the key US law providing for federal response to a pandemic. He and other senators had received a classified briefing from US officials on the coronavirus only two days earlier on February 25. After that closed-door briefing, Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, expressed outrage on Twitter. This mornings classified coronavirus briefing should have been made fully open to the American people -they would be as appalled & astonished as I am by the inadequacy of preparedness & prevention, Blumenthal said. It was also reported on Thursday that Burr sold what was described as a significant portion of his US stock holdings during the same period. Citing financial disclosure forms, ProPublica reported that Burr sold between $582,000 and $1.5m worth of stock in 29 separate transactions on February 13. Members of the Tar Heel Circle group that met with Burr included dozens of invited guests from his home state of North Carolina who collectively had donated more than $100,000 to Burrs campaigns in the past, according to NPR, which obtained a copy of the RSVP list for the event. Burr also warned the groups members against travel to Europe, which has since emerged as the new global hot spot, and suggested public schools may have to close, which has now happened. Every company should be cognizant of the fact that you may have to alter your travel. You may have to look at your employees and judge whether the trip theyre making to Europe is essential or whether it can be done on video conference. Why risk it? Burr said. There will be, Im sure, times that communities, probably some in North Carolina, have a transmission rate where they say, Lets close schools for two weeks. Everybody stay home, Burr said. Burr even warned that the US military might be mobilised to combat the coronavirus. Were going to send a military hospital there; its going to be in tents and going to be set up on the ground somewhere, Burr reportedly said at the luncheon. Its going to be a decision the president and DOD [US Department of Defense] make. And were going to have medical professionals supplemented by local staff to treat the people that need treatment, the senator warned. But Burr said nothing publicly until March 3, when he put out a relatively confident statement after the first case of COVID-19 was identified in North Carolina. The US is in a better position than any other nation to handle a public health emergency like coronavirus, Burr touted. Scott Huffman, a Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives, slammed Burrs handling of the matter. I am utterly disappointed at Senator Burrs warning to a small group of his well-connected donors about the effects of the coronavirus, Huffman told Al Jazeera. This administration and its enablers to me, for lack of a better word totally ignored public health and safety, Huffman said. Huffman tweeted: SENATOR Burr(R-NC) knew three weeks ago?? Shame on you for not stepping up and sounding the alarm so we could have started preparing then. #coronavirus Recording Sparks Questions About Private Comments On COVID-19 #nc13 @SenatorBurr https://t.co/011nmjxDSW Scott Huffman For Congress (@HuffmanForNC) March 19, 2020 The editorial board of the Raleigh News & Observer, a top newspaper in North Carolina, criticized Burrs actions as regrettable but not surprising. Now it appears North Carolinas senior senator was wary of publicly disputing Trumps efforts to calm the financial markets by downplaying the coronavirus threat, the editorial board wrote on Thursday. A spokeswoman for the senator did not respond to a request for comment from Al Jazeera. A statement given to NPR emphasised Burrs past track record as an advocate for public health. To the editor: Thank you for the focus on local news and events. "Community Connections" and "Community Matters" among other new features remind us of the gifts of talents and resources within our region. There is diversity. There is passion. There is impact. In a season of instant communication, it is a benefit to our community to have printed testimonies of service through our neighbors' acts of kindness and caring. We rely on Midland Daily News for the opportunity to celebrate and to contribute to our thriving community. Change is inevitable. The response to the call for reliable delivery of news on a daily basis to our homes and businesses is to transition from personal delivery to mail delivery. The motivation is reliability. While I value the opportunity for relationship with personal carriers, I acknowledge the challenges of recruiting and sustaining personal delivery service. I, as other neighbors, appreciate the promise of consistency through mail delivery. As a community of caring neighbors, we shall adapt. We shall sustain our focus on the expression of gratitude we owe to our hometown newspaper. WALLACE H. "WALLY" MAYTON III Midland ROME The Chinese city where the coronavirus first took hold reported no new homegrown cases Thursday, while the death toll in Italy was poised to overtake that of China in a dramatic illustration of how the outbreak has pivoted toward Europe and the United States. The worldwide death toll crept toward 10,000 as the total number of infections topped 220,000, including nearly 85,000 people who had recovered. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe pleaded for people to keep their distance from one another to avoid spreading the virus, even as the crisis pushed them to seek comfort. When you love someone, you should avoid taking them in your arms, he said in parliament. It's counterintuitive, and it's painful; the psychological consequences, the way we are living, are very disturbing but it's what we must do. Italy, a country of 60 million, registered 2,978 deaths Wednesday after another 475 people died. Given that Italy has been averaging more than 350 deaths a day since March 15, its likely to overtake Chinas 3,249 dead in a country of 1.4 billion when Thursdays figures are released at days end. CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON: THE LATEST NEWS U.N. and Italian health authorities have cited a variety of reasons for Italys high toll, key among them its large elderly population that is particularly susceptible to developing serious complications from the virus. Italy has the worlds second oldest population after Japans and the vast majority of Italys dead 87% were over age 70. The American death toll rose to 149, primarily elderly people. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a virologist at Germany's Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, said Italy's high death rate could be explained in part by the almost total collapse of the health system in some parts. "And then people die who wouldn't have died with timely intervention," he said. That's what happens when the health system collapses. A total of 222,642 cases have been reported worldwide, with 9,115 deaths and 84,506 recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Aside from the elderly and the sick, most people only have mild or moderate symptoms, like a fever or cough. Spain has been the hardest hit European country after Italy, and in Madrid a four-star hotel began operating as a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients. The director of the group that runs the Ayre GH Colon hotel tweeted: 365 rooms more to help win the war. The Madrid Hotel Business Association says it has placed 40 hotels with room for 9,000 people at the service of the Madrid region, which has near half of Spain's some 17,000 cases so far. In London, home to almost 9 million, the government urged people to stay off public transportation as authorities considered imposing tougher travel restrictions. The British supermarket chain Sainsbury's reserved the first hour of shopping for vulnerable customers, one of many such efforts around the world. Jim Gibson, 72, of southeast London, said he found most of his groceries there in a relatively trauma-free experience. But he fretted that he hadn't been able to get the medicine he needed for his wife and himself, and expressed concerns that Britain's Conservative government had been too slow in ramping up tests for the virus. You can't go on ignoring World Health Organization guidelines if they're wrong, who the hell is right? ... and their thing is test, test, test, he said. Let's have no shilly-shallying. In a high-profile case, Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator for its future relationship with Britain after Brexit, said he had been infected with the coronavirus. "I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team," the 69-year-old Barnier said in a tweet. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together. Thursday marked the first time the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged late last year, showed no new numbers since Jan. 20. The news offered a rare glimmer of hope and perhaps a lesson in the strict measures needed to halt its spread. Wuhan once was the place where thousands lay sick or dying in hurriedly constructed hospitals. But Chinese authorities said Thursday that all 34 new cases recorded over the previous day had been imported from abroad. Today, we have seen the dawn after so many days of hard effort, said Jiao Yahui, a senior inspector at the National Health Commission. Wuhan has been under a strict lockdown since January. While China did not report any new cases in Wuhan or Hubei province, it did record eight additional deaths. European stock markets were up only slightly after losses in Asia despite a massive 750 billion-euro stimulus package announced overnight by the European Central Bank. Oil dropped below $21 a barrel Wednesday for the first time since 2002, and rose slightly Thursday to $23. The United Nations warned that the crisis could lead to the loss of nearly 25 million jobs around the world. More borders shut, leaving tens of thousands of tourists wondering how they would get home. In the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand shut out tourists, allowing only citizens and residents to return, while Fiji reported its first virus case, a worrying development in a region with poor healthcare. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei planned to pardon 10,000 more prisoners among them an unknown number of political detainees to combat the coronavirus. The country, where more than 1,100 people have already died from the virus, has already released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave. In Austria, the western province of Tyrol put 279 municipalities under quarantine in light of a large number of infections there, banning anyone from leaving towns or villages except to go to work. The U.S. and Canada both closed their borders to all but essential travel and U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to assert extraordinary powers to immediately turn back to Mexico anyone who crosses over the southern border illegally. Russia and Mexico each reported their first death from the virus. Mexico closed its popular spring equinox visits to the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan. In the U.S., Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler, along with Honda and Toyota, said they will shut all of their factories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The closing of Detroit's Big Three alone will idle about 150,000 workers. The U.S. has reported more than 9,400 coronavirus cases and at least 149 deaths, about half of them in Washington state, where dozens in a suburban Seattle nursing home have died. Scientists believe the true number of people infected in the United States is higher than reported because many mild cases may have gone unrecognized and the U.S saw delays in ramping up testing. The Associated Press Subscribe to our Oregon coronavirus newsletter: Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) answers media questions following a campaign event on February 9, 2020 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The first in the nation primary is on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary race on Thursday and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden. "Today, I'm suspending my presidential campaign, and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together," she said in a video announcing her decision. Tulsi tweet "After Tuesday's primary results, it is clear that Democratic Primary voters have chosen Vice President Joe Biden to be the person who will take on President Trump in the general election," Gabbard said. Shortly after Gabbard announced she was dropping out of the race, Biden congratulated her and accepted her endorsement. "Tulsi Gabbard has put her life on the line in service of this country and continues to serve with honor today," Biden tweeted. "I'm grateful to have her support and look forward to working with her to restore honor and decency to the White House." Biden tweet Biden is close to sealing up the Democratic presidential nomination as his rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, mulls his options. The former vice president has clinched victories in most of the nominating states so far, giving him a boost just as it looked like his campaign was about to collapse. In endorsing Biden, Gabbard has shown that she has no interest in being a third-party spoiler. Her 2020 campaign received a flood of attention in October when 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton suggested on a popular podcast that the Russians were grooming a third-party candidate, apparently referring to Gabbard, whose candidacy had been promoted on some Russian websites linked to 2016 election interference. "I'm not making any predictions, but I think they've got their eye on somebody who is currently in the Democratic primary and are grooming her to be the third-party candidate," Clinton said. "She's a favorite of the Russians." Gabbard dismissed the accusation and vowed not to run as a third-party candidate against Trump. In January, she sued Clinton, alleging defamation. Her decision to drop out of the race comes in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak, which has roiled markets and infected hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Gabbard, in an email to supporters on Thursday, addressed her role in the outbreak, saying "the best way I can be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and wellbeing of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress, and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated." The 38-year-old congresswoman officially jumped into the race in February 2019. Even after more than a year on the campaign trail, she never gained traction in national polls and lagged in fundraising. Yet she was the last woman standing in a race that saw a record number of woman candidates. In the Iowa caucuses, the first contest in the 2020 primary, Gabbard received 0% of the vote, NBC News reported. She had similar results in the New Hampshire primary, the Nevada caucuses and the South Carolina primary. Despite her poor showing, Gabbard stayed in the race, outlasting former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who had each performed better than she did. Gabbard has said she will not seek reelection to her congressional seat in 2020. On and off the campaign trail, she has long been seen as a controversial figure in politics, often at odds with her own party. During her candidacy, Gabbard highlighted her record as an Iraq War veteran who would fight for well-paying jobs and affordable health care. Early on, Gabbard's campaign came under fire for her past work with her father's anti-gay advocacy group. Her decision in 2016 to join Republicans in demanding that President Barack Obama use the term "radical Islamic terrorism" and her 2017 trip to meet with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad received renewed criticism on the campaign trail. Gabbard apologized for her past anti-LGBTQ remarks and said her position on Assad was misunderstood. She moved to the left on social issues such as gay marriage and supported "Medicare for All" and a $15 minimum wage. But she managed to have a standout moment during the first presidential debate, when she corrected Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan after he claimed that the Taliban committed the Sept. 11 terror attacks. "The Taliban didn't attack us on 9/11," Gabbard shot back. "Al-Qaeda did." Her last debate performance was in November. CNBC's Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report. Dismayed over the suspension of pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine due to coronavirus, hundreds of pilgrims are returning to their homes with a prayer to the goddess to help the world overcome the deadly infection. The pilgrims, many of whom were not aware of the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision amid their travel over the past two days, said they were greeted on their arrival here by announcements asking them to return due to the closure of the shrine. The government on Wednesday announced the suspension of the yatra to Vaishno Devi shrine and interstate bus service till March 31 as part of the precautionary measures to control and prevent the coronavirus spread. This has been done to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the people at large. The pilgrims are requested not to plan their visits to the shrine till the situation normalises completely, a spokesman for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had said. However, he said the pooja, aarti and other rituals would be held at the cave shrine as usual. Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the shrine atop Trikuta hills, on Thursday still had a few hundred pilgrims waiting hopelessly to get a chance to fulfil their desire to pay obeisance at the temple and seek blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. "We have reached here after three days of travel to offer our prayers and was shocked to hear that the shrine has been closed till March 31," Nilesh Malvi, a resident of Indore in Madhya Pradesh told PTI. Malvi, who was accompanied by his two relatives, has come to seek blessings of the 'Mata' to fulfill his desire of a child and said, "Coronavirus played a spoilsport and we pray the goddess to help the world to overcome this disease." He welcomed the government's move but said "since it was a sudden decision, the government and the management should have facilitated the darshan of the visiting pilgrims for at least a day or two after proper screening." Raj Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, said he and his family were lucky to pay obeisance at the shrine minutes before the closure of the shrine on Wednesday evening. "We had also planned to visit other temples in Jammu but now we are returning home since we heard that all temples, including the famous Raghunath temple, have been closed," he said. Mahesh Goel said he felt bad for the people waiting outside the registration counter with a hope to get permission. "We will win the fight against the coronavirus with the help of the blessings of the Mata but the decision of the government was not in good taste, since most of the people arriving for darshan were already on their way to the shrine," he said, while returning after visiting the shrine on Wednesday. Sanjeev Kumar, a Chattisgarh resident, said he had made train and hotel reservations two months ago coinciding with the children's school vacation. "We have no option but to return. It is very difficult to return again this year," he said, adding "the government should at least have made a special arrangement for their return journey. As people were waiting outside the registration counters, a sanitization worker spraying disinfectants in the otherwise crowded area, said, "It is a testing time and this phase will also pass with the grace of Almighty." Katra's Hotel and Restaurant Association president Rakesh Wazir said it was for the first time in the history of the shrine that the yatra was stopped. "We pray for the resumption of the yatra soon. The government should allow the yatra with less numbers as is being done by Tirupati Temple Trust after taking all precautions," he said. "Since the Yatra is stopped and business activity in Jammu region has come to a standstill, all related matters including postponement of bank installments, electricity and other dues needs to be considered accordingly," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As countries around the world go into lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, many are racing to the stores to stockpile on groceries and other essentials. Amidst this chaos, actress Priyanka Chopra, who is currently in the US, has urged fans to rather stock up on "compassion and love." As the spread of the deadly coronavirus continues, more and more celebrities are imploring their fans to self-isolate and practice social distancing whether they are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or not. While Priyanka insists in times like this, its essential that people support one another and show compassion to those who need it. Meanwhile, Priyanka has also been sharing glimpses into her life in quarantine. She recently posted a picture of her cuddling her German Shepherd pup. "Staying home during this time is the safest thing to do. Gino giving mommy hugs makes it so much better," she wrote. Priyanka was last seen in director Shonali Bose's The Sky Is Pink opposite Farhan Akhtar. She will next be seen in Robert Rodriguez's upcoming film We Can Be Heroes. She has reportedly been signed for the fourth installment of the Matrix franchise. She also has an Amazon web series, titled Citadel, in her kitty. According to the township, the pantry will distribute pre-packaged boxes of food, which will be placed outside for clients. Clients will not be able to select their own food items inside the building during this time, the township said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that 75% of non-essential employees must work from home in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Today we are mandating that 75% of the non-essential workforce must work from home. We are taking this action to further reduce density across the state to slow the spread of coronavirus, said Cuomo. NEW: Today we are mandating that 75% of the non-essential workforce MUST work from home. We are taking this action to further reduce density across the state to slow the spread of #Coronavirus. Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 19, 2020 This more stringent workplace regulation comes on the heels of Cuomos announcement on Wednesday that he would sign an executive order only permitting 50% of a companys employees to show up to work at any given time. Earlier this week, officials banned in-restaurant dining and closed all bars. Also, gatherings of 50 or more people have been previously banned. In addition, the state Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that will ensure all New Yorkers have paid leave if they are subject to mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The actions taken today will provide relief to workers who are being affected by this growing pandemic, said Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore), co-sponsor of the bill. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** On Thursday, the first drive-through testing center for coronavirus in New York City opened for business in Ocean Breeze. Testing will be by appointment only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the parking lot of South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Ave., Rep. Max Rose (Staten Island/Brooklyn) said in a post on Twitter. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER Due to a devastating decline in demand for flights amid the fast-spreading coronavirus, airlines in the Middle East have already lost more than $7 billion in revenue, the largest industry body said Thursday. The International Air Transport Association, which represents some 290 airlines in 120 countries, says Revenues are plummeting outstripping the scope of even the most drastic cost containment measures. With average cash reserves of approximately two months in the region, airlines are facing a liquidity and existential crisis, the group said in a statement. Support measures are urgently needed. Since the end of January, more than 16,000 passenger flights have been canceled in the Middle East, causing losses of $7.2 billion in revenue as of March 11, the body said. The group estimates up to $200 billion in emergency aid for the aviation industry will be needed globally. As the coronavirus makes its way through the Middle East, the decrease in air travel has forced regional airlines to make difficult decisions. The Dubai-based United Arab Emirates has asked its pilots and cabin crew to take unpaid leave, and state-owned Oman Air has suspended flights to Egypt and Bahrain until further notice. On Wednesday, Qatar Airways laid off roughly 200 Filipino employees in Doha. The coronavirus has prompted governments across the Middle East to seal off borders and close down airports. On March 18, Israel announced foreigners would no longer be allowed into the country, even those who could self-quarantine. The country is on partial lockdown with residents ordered to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. For the next two weeks, residents of the United Arab Emirates currently outside of the country are barred from returning. The Gulf country, which has recorded 113 cases of the coronavirus, has also banned its citizens from traveling abroad until further notice. Egypt announced earlier in the week it would suspend all flights into and out of the country's airports through the end of the month, and during that time hotels and tourist attractions will be sanitized. Flights are also suspended in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Philippines will temporarily stop issuing visas to all foreigners and cancel existing ones amid the global threat of the coronavirus disease, the country's top diplomat said Thursday. "Starting today, all our Embassies and Consulates will temporarily suspend visa issuance to all foreign nationals as well as the visa-free privileges of all foreign nationals," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Teddyboy Locsin Jr. tweeted. "Moreover, all previously issued Philippine visas to foreign nationals are deemed cancelled," he added. "Visas already issued to foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals remain valid." Prior to that tweet, Locsin said the government may "consider"suspending visa issuance at least for the month-long quarantine period enforced in Luzon, where the country's main airport is located. He said the agency will consult the Tourism Department about the possible move. He also earlier said the DFA was looking into halting all visa-free privileges except for neighboring nations in Southeast Asia. His new tweet, however, shows visa-free privilege for visitors from the rest of the 10-member the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will also be temporarily stopped. Currently, over a hundred countries including African, European, and South American nations enjoy the visa-free policy in the Philippines. The government also earlier imposed travel restrictions on foreign visitors coming from China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea's North Gyeongsang province due to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19. These include the Immigration Bureau's temporary suspension of the visa upon arrival scheme for Chinese nationals. The rapid spike in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines which topped 200 as of Thursday prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Luzon under "enhanced" community quarantine. The directive restricts movement of people, and bans Luzon-wide transportation services including land, air, and sea travel until April 13. Globally, the infectious disease has affected more than 218,000 people in 158 different countries including China, where the mysterious virus first spread. The death toll from COVID-19 has also reached over 8,800 worldwide with 17 fatalities recorded in the Philippines. As countries ramp up their efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the Chinese regimes propaganda arm is trying to alter the narrative. From today on at NTD, well call it the CCP virus, short for Chinese communist party virus, because the Chinese regimes coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. There is new evidence of the Chinese regime issuing false information on the coronavirus. Taiwans Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau issued a warning of the disinformation surrounding the CCP virus on March 18. This, after they pointed out 271 cases on file for investigation. Out of those 271, 70 percent came from the communist regimes cyberattacks. She is back at work following her romantic getaway with partner Jeremy Parisi. And Kelly Brook shrugged off any concerns over the coronavirus pandemic as she stepped out in central London after finishing work at Heart Radio studios on Wednesday evening. The model, 40, was in good spirits as she smiled brightly while walking through the streets of the British capital, and made her way home. Unconcerned: Kelly Brook shrugged off coronavirus fears as she stepped out in London after day at work in Heart Radio studios on Wednesday Kelly put on a stylish display in an all-beige look as she slipped on a camel biker jacket over an A-line dress that was made of a similar fabric. She boosted her statuesque figure in a pair of black Christian Louboutin heels, and her high-cut ensemble ensured her legs were on full display. The brunette beauty wore her luscious locks in loose waves that cascaded over her shoulder, while she used a natural palette of make-up for the occasion. Beaming: The model, 40, was in good spirits as she smiled brightly while walking through the streets of the British capital, and made her way home Stunning: Kelly put on a stylish display in an all-beige look as she slipped on a camel biker jacket over an A-line dress that was made of a similar fabric Her outing comes as the UK death toll soared by around a third to 104. The number of people positively diagnosed hit 2,626, up from 1,950 yesterday. A total of 56,221 people now have been tested. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 219,00 cases have been detected globally, with more than 8,000 dead. Despite recent news, Kelly looked refreshed following her break with partner Jeremy Parisi, 34, where they stayed in an over water villa in the Maldives. Stunning: The brunette beauty wore her luscious locks in loose waves that cascaded over her shoulder, while she used a natural palette of make-up for the occasion On her Instagram Stories, Kelly documented every detail of their lavish trip, which began with a private seaplane to the beautiful island. The TV personality and her boyfriend spent the week in a sunset water villa, with steps giving the couple direct access into the surrounding crystal clear waters. As well as their own private terrace with sun loungers looking our onto the ocean, Kelly and Jeremy had access to the pools on the island. A 28-year-old woman is the third person charged after the shooting death of a young man in the Gympie region last week. Michael Zanco, 22, was shot in the head at an Amamoor property on Thursday, before being driven to a nearby hospital in the tray of a ute. Queensland detectives are searching for Trent Edward Dyhrberg and a silver Ford Falcon ute as part of the investigation. Credit:Queensland Police Police will allege three men entered the property to carry out a robbery. Mr Zanco died the next day after being transferred to a Brisbane hospital. The Monkland woman was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and will appear in the Gympie Magistrates Court on Thursday. WASHINGTON The State Department announced on Thursday that Americans should not travel outside the country, and that citizens abroad should either return home or stay in place as the coronavirus pandemic grows. The department raised its global health advisory to Level 4, or do not travel, which is the highest warning, usually reserved for nations that are war zones or facing serious disruptions such as political unrest or natural disasters. The announcement is a recommendation, not a requirement. Millions of Americans are still overseas, and many are likely to opt to remain in place. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite time frame, the advisory said. Chandrashekhar Azad, the maverick founder of the Bhim Sena, made his political ambitions clear when he set up the Azad Samaj Party less than a week ago. But will the man who has been wending his way gradually into the electoral powerplay be able to disrupt Dalit-Bahujan politics? What kind of symbolism is he likely to evolve in order to extend his sway over the Dalits and other communities? For starters, it appears that he will emerge as a key adversary of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)'s Mayawati. Secondly, his entry into electoral politics seems designed to attract the Dalit base ... JACKSON, Mich., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation is supporting two statewide organizations with a $500,000 contribution to help enhance critical services for Michigan children, vulnerable seniors and those who may need assistance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "For many, the coronavirus pandemic is more than just a disruption to daily life. Families with kids who are food insecure, the elderly and those who live paycheck to paycheck are especially vulnerable. With schools and businesses closed and many grocery store shelves left bare, local nonprofits are playing a critical role in helping those in need. Consumers Energy is privileged to provide additional support to these key organizations that will support numerous vital services to help those most affected," said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. The Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Association of United Ways will each receive $250,000, Hofmeister said. The Food Bank Council of Michigan will distribute its $250,000 contribution to its regional food bank network to fill gaps where schools are unable to provide food for children, vulnerable seniors and the anticipated growing need that will surface as more people cannot work due to COVID-19 but still need food for their families. "Nothing of significance ever happens alone. Times like these mean we not only should but must come together," said Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. "A friend is someone who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. Consumers Energy walked in big time." The Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) will share the funding with United Way organizations located in Consumers Energy service areas that have set up or are deploying emergency response activities in local communities. Many United Ways are partnering with community foundations and other local funding sources to address needs related to COVID-19, including support for the 2-1-1 system, ensuring the needs of vulnerable populations are met, and helping provide sustainability to nonprofits so the organizations can continue addressing basic needs. "Michigan families know that in times of crisis and uncertainty, United Way will be there to support them, and this crisis is no different. United Ways across Michigan are mobilizing financial and human capital, leveraging public-private partnerships, and working in unison with Michigan 2-1-1 to provide vital information and resources to support ALICE families those who are working, but struggling to make ends meet, and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Now and always, United Ways are doing what we do best coordinating community partners, responding to emerging needs, and adapting our role to best serve all Michigan residents," said Michael Larson, president and CEO of Michigan Association of United Ways. Consumers Energy has also enhanced its Matching Gifts Program focusing on matching employee contributions to food banks/pantries, homeless shelters, community foundations and the United Way. Through May 31, 2020, donations from CMS and Consumers Energy employees will be matched without restriction. Earlier this week, Consumers Energy also announced the suspension of shut-offs for non-pay for low-income and senior customers through April 5, 2020, with the possibility of adjusting that timeframe depending on the spread and severity of COVID-19. Senior citizens and qualified low-income customers already enrolled in the Winter Protection Program have extended end dates through May 3, 2020. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what's most important to Michigan its people, our planet and Michigan's prosperity. In 2019, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $11.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation. Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com. Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy SOURCE Consumers Energy Related Links http://www.consumersenergy.com [March 19, 2020] Bacardi Helps Produce Hand Sanitizers With Change in Production A shift in production by Bacardi at the world's largest premium rum distillery is helping supply ethanol required to produce the much-needed hand sanitizers that are in high demand as a result of COVID-19. The Bacardi Corporation distillery in Catano, Puerto Rico, where more than 80% of the company's rums are produced, has partnered with Puerto Rico based manufacturer Olein Refinery to provide raw materials that will enable the production of more than 1.7M units of 10-ounce hand sanitizer. At 70% alcohol, these products are in line with the recommendations by the World Health Organization for containing the spread of the virus. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005811/en/ The Cathedral of Rum at Bacardi in Puerto Rico, the world's largest premium rum distillery. (Photo: Business Wire) Over half a million of the 10-ounce hand sanitizer units produced in partnership with Bacardi will be donated to local communities. Earlier today, Bacardi began distribution of the free hand sanitizers, made with the ethanol provided by Bacardi distillery, along with disinfectants produced by Olein, to USPS (News - Alert) workers, firefighters and police. The company plans to expand distribution next week to non-profit organizations including Fondos Unidos (United Way). Bacardi employees and contractors also received the free product as the health and safety of people is always top of mind for the family-owned company. "This is a family-owned business and we know what it means to take care of a community in need," says Jose Class, VP, Supply Chain & Manufacturing, for Bacardi Latin America and the Caribbean. "In the 158 years of Bacardi, e've endured our share of challenging times and have learned that resilience, optimism and community are what will help us come out stronger." The temporary shift in production began on March 17 and will continue as needed. This emergency action will not disrupt the production or supply of BACARDI rum - the world's most awarded rum. "We are extremely grateful to Bacardi for adjusting its production to provide us with raw material so that we may ramp up production of the disinfectants we need to help keep the people of Puerto Rico safe," says Jorge Gonzalez, President of Olein Refinery. Corporate responsibility has always been a priority for Bacardi. Company founder and BACARDI rum creator Don Facundo Bacardi Masso began this tradition in 1862 when he volunteered as the chief organizer of disaster relief in his hometown of Santiago de Cuba after a horrific earthquake. Since then, the Bacardi family and company have continued to build upon his commitment to assist in times of need. Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian on The Bahamas earlier this year, $1 Million USD was donated in cash and other assistance to the disaster relief and recovery efforts. In 2017, in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Maria and Irma, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico, Bacardi committed $3 Million USD to relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and The Bahamas. In recent years, Bacardi has also made donations to aid organizations supporting relief efforts in Southeast Asia, China, Australia, Italy, Haiti, Cuba, Brazil, Chile, and the United States. About Bacardi Corporation Bacardi Corporation was founded in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1936, and is part of family-owned Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world. The current facility was built in 1958 on 127 acres in the town of Catano. The rum production facility is the largest premium rum distillery in the world, and one of the more than 20 Bacardi manufacturing facilities globally. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDI rum, GREY GOOSE vodka, PATRON tequila, DEWAR'S Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF vodka. Founded more than 158 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 7,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram . View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005811/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ontario is stepping up its fight against COVID-19 by allowing supermarkets to take deliveries overnight, halting evictions, asking more distilleries to make hand sanitizer and preparing to waive the three-month wait for OHIP coverage for new and returning residents. Premier Doug Ford, who declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, said the province is temporarily exempting stores from local noise bylaws, allowing them to accept truckloads of food and other goods around the clock. That should alleviate problems with empty shelves that have fuelled a rush on grocery stores, he said, adding retailers asked for the bylaw relief that some municipalities have already waived temporarily. They need more flexibility with deliveries from the warehouses so they can restock their shelves. Right now, municipal bylaws prevent them from accepting deliveries at certain hours, the premier told reporters in a televised news conference. Please dont hoard and dont panic buy, he urged. Eviction orders are being suspended until further notice as are renewals of health cards, drivers licences, licence plates which the government has been redesigning because of an embarrassing glare problem and licence plate stickers. Its just one less thing to worry about, Ford said before the legislature began a rare emergency sitting to pass two bills related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The laws will protect the jobs of people who have to stay home in self-isolation, quarantine, to look after kids with schools closed or care for an ill relative and bar employers from asking for doctors notes to explain absences from work for the duration of the coronavirus crisis. We dont want you to worry about your job, Ford said. Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said the medical system cannot bear the additional burden of sick notes that could result in sick people taking public transit or driving to their doctor and sitting in waiting rooms, possibly infecting others. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said the legislative package isnt enough in terms of helping Ontarians get through the new coronavirus crisis financially, but added were still going to support it because its something. The two pieces of legislation are retroactive to Jan. 25, the date Ontario recorded its first presumptive case of COVID-19. Staff in the Ministry of Economic Development have been reaching out to distilleries in the province, asking them to convert some of their production lines to alcohol to make hand sanitizer, following the lead of Dillons in Niagara and Hiram Walker in Windsor. We dont care what bottle its in, Ford said in an indication that supplies could be desperately needed. They could use one of their liquor bottles as long as its properly labelled. The government is also reaching out to clothing companies for help with making hospital gowns as health workers raise concerns they are facing shortages of all personal protective equipment, including masks. Health Minister Christine Elliott signalled the province is preparing to temporarily end the three-month waiting period for new and returning residents of the province to qualify for OHIP to ensure they can get prompt medical care. We know that there are many people who are returning to Canada who may have been away for long periods of time, she said, referring to an influx of Ontarians who have been abroad and are repatriating because of COVID-19. Well also make sure that people who are new to Canada, should they need health care, will also receive it. Elliott said TV news reports of university students partying in close proximity to each other such as defiant spring break revellers in Miami and St. Patricks Day celebrants who attend Queens University in Kingston show some people arent getting the message to stop the spread. While you might not think that you would be susceptible to COVID-19, you are. It doesnt spare anyone, she added, noting some younger adults have become seriously ill. You are not only putting yourself at risk, you may be putting parents at risk, grandparents at risk. A television ad campaign on prevention will be revealed soon, Elliott said. Read more about: The US Cable News Network (CNN) published an article on March 17, explaining why the world is waking up to Vietnamese coffee. Coffee cherries are harvested -- usually by hand -- between November and February. (Photo: CNN) According to the network, Rob Atthill, a pioneer of the Vietnamese street food scene in London, said that he was "smitten" by Vietnamese coffee the first time he visited the nation, in 2004. Atthill started importing Vietnamese coffee, grown in the Central Highlands and roasted in Ho Chi Minh City, two years later. He said that the sales of his company Ca Phe VN have tripled in the last five years. Vietnam is the world's second largest exporter of coffee, after Brazil. CNN also highlighted that for the Vietnamese, coffee provides much more than just a shot of energy; it's a way of life. Coffee outlet locations range from sidewalks to sleek and contemporary restaurants. Will Frith, who owns a co-roasting enterprise in Ho Chi Minh City, says Vietnamese coffee drinkers usually gather in their favourite coffee shops, which operate as a third space outside of the home and workplace. Additionally, nearly every Vietnamese household makes coffee at home, he said. Frith also noted that a new generation of entrepreneurs are focusing on quality. Accordingly, they pay attention to terroir, discuss cultivation methods with farmers and adopt best practice when it comes to processing techniques. CNN honoured Vietnam as a source of quality coffee in addition to the size of its export sales, and its vibrant local coffee culture. Vietnam is also famous for creative ideas to make diverse and unforgettable flavours with coffee, such as egg and coconut coffee. Nhan Dan VN coffee growers warned of gloomy future Coffee prices have fallen dramatically, and some farmers are giving up because of problems because of price fluctuations and supply-demand imbalances. MBABANE - If you were planning to go against governments directive by staging social or public gatherings, then think again. This is because the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) will be all out to ensure that the directive is adhered to by all citizens of the country. In a press statement issued by the REPS yesterday, it was stated that the department was ready to ensure that all citizens practised strict compliance to the directive announced by government regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Compliance Pursuant to the declaration of coronavirus as a national emergency, the police service is advising members of the public to exercise strict compliance to the outlined measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reads part of the statement issued by the REPS. The police mentioned that it was crucial that social gatherings were avoided in this period and that they would ensure that no unwarranted social gathering will take place. Obligatory ceremonies such as funerals and memorials should strictly adhere to the maximum of 50 people allowed to attend. In cases where organisers of such events anticipate that they may have a challenge in maintaining the number of people in attendance, they should contact the station commander of that particular jurisdiction for assistance, the statement reads. It was also mentioned that in the same vein, businesses were urged to put in place all the necessary measures to eliminate the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus and to protect their staff as well as clientele. Police will be constantly checking business centres to ensure that there is strict compliance. Furthermore, the nations safety from the coronavirus pandemic depends entirely on the collective efforts from everyone in protecting each other, the police said. Issuing the statement was Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati on behalf of the National Commissioner of Police, William Dlamini. On Tuesday, the Kingdom of Eswatini declared a national emergency following the relentless spread of the coronavirus across the world. Making the announcement was Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini, who informed the nation that he had been commanded by His Majesty King Mswati III to invoke Section 29 of the Disaster Management Act of 2006 to declare a national emergency. Declaration The PM said as a result of the declaration, the King had further commanded government to cancel the celebration of His Majestys birthday, which was expected to take place on April 19, 2020 in Nhlangano. The King will be turning 52 years old. The announcement also made it official that all schools and tertiary institutions were to be closed with immediate effect. Furthermore, government has stated that gatherings that will attract 50 or more people were suspended until further notice. These include all public and private gatherings. The PM said in order to implement social distancing, the suspended events included entertainment activities, sporting activities and others. A new apprenticeship program aimed at attracting and developing talent in the independent agency system is being rolled out by an insurance education organization that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Invest, the insurance education program affiliated with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, or the Big I, was inaugurated in Los Angeles in 1970, with a mission to educate high school students about insurance. Today, Invest has more than 31,000 students studying insurance through 897 programs in 47 states, according to Invest Executive Director Deborah Pickford. The apprenticeship program, which recently was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, is in its early stages, but its creation is in part propelled by the realization that the insurance industry over the next decade will need to fill more than 400,000 jobs, Pickford said. Were kind of at the beginning of this, although there are corporate players doing apprenticeships right now you have Zurich and AON out in the Chicago area. They work with Harold Washington Community College and Harper Community College. They are doing very successful apprenticeship programs, Pickford said. The Hartford also has an apprenticeship program, which it introduced as a pilot in Hartford, Conn., in 2015. The insurers apprentice program now in Connecticut, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota, according to a company spokesperson. In working with and talking to these insurance apprenticeship pioneers, Pickford came to the conclusion that such a program would be perfect for the agency force. It would be a win-win, and I think, a way to attract more people to come into these agencies. Pickford said the organization currently is working with Maryland on an apprenticeship program under the Invest banner. However, she pointed out that the Big I state association in Kentucky already has an apprenticeship program in place that has been approved by the Kentucky Department of Labor. That was not an Invest program, but theyre using 45 hours of the Invest curriculum now. And theyve been doing it I think for about eight months. So, they were really first, and I like to give them credit because they developed a lot of tools and materials that helped aid us in developing our program, she said. The Invest team is laying the groundwork for a rollout of the apprenticeship program in Maryland with the assistance of the Maryland Insurance Administration and Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer. Pickford said Redmer is keenly interested in educating and training people in the Maryland area for jobs in the insurance industry, whether they come out of high school, community college or college. She said Redmer has hired a part time person, a former school administrator, to work with us on the program. So, we have been going school by school, county by county and talking about the Invest program. Theyve also been joined in the effort by representatives from the University of Baltimore, which launched its first ever Risk Management Program last fall. So, Marylands showing a lot of promise, but behind Maryland weve got a lot of other very interested states including, New York is keenly interested, Texas is interested. So, a lot of work in going into the state level and starting to implement this apprenticeship program for the independent agency system, Pickford said. Education Evolution Lindsey Shank, operations manager for Hull & Co. in St. Petersburg, Fla., has come full circle with Invest. Introduced to the world of insurance in high school through the Invest program, she started working part time at an agency in St. Petersburg just after high school and stayed on through her four years in at the University of St. Petersburg. After graduation, she went full time at the agency and was with the firm for just over 20 years, moving to the wholesale side of the business when she joined Hull & Co. in January. Now, Shank serves as the Invest chair for the Big I. When she was enrolled in the Invest program in high school it mostly focused on personal lines, particularly auto insurance, and it still retains that emphasis. But, Shank said, some high schools now are introducing commercial insurance to students, as well as life and health. And the curriculum has expanded to include exposure to the industry not only from the consumer perspective but from a business perspective, as well. The second thing that I think has expanded, and this is great because I think its one of the highlights of the Invest program and the benefit for the students and the school and the insurance community, is just that increase in partnership with the high schools and with the local insurance community, Shank said. Theres an abundance of volunteers open to speaking to students, sharing their workdays with them and serving as a resource for teachers, she said. Its really inspiring to see. You have professionals who are able to take a little bit of time away from their day and go out to the high school and serve as a guest speaker, or open the doors to their agency or company and have the students come out on a field trip. Another thing that has changed since she was a student in the Invest program is that theres now more of a focus on insurance as a career path. I like to tell the students that I see in our local high school, No matter what your strengths and passion is, there is probably a role for you somewhere in the insurance industry. It might not be right here in your backyard, but at an agency or company, the number of jobs and the type of jobs are boundless,' Shank said. A lot of young people just arent aware of the job possibilities within the insurance industry, so enabling students to explore career opportunities has been a great addition to the program, she added. The development of online learning is another significant change that has had a big impact on the Invest program, according to Pickford. All of the Invest educational resources are now online and the program is working on creating an online mobile app. What is happening in the learning arena, and we all know this, but particularly with the next generation of learners, they are looking for more interactive content. So, were moving to try to provide more interactive contents, shorter little vignettes of learning rather than the longer kind of textbooks, things where people can interact with the content, gaming. And were not there yet, but were looking at all this. People dont read big blocks of text anymore so shorter text, more video, more interactivity and then having that content on something that can be delivered 24-7, Pickford added. Agency Involvement The participation of agencies as employers and mentors is essential to the successful implementation of the apprenticeship program, Pickford said. We have to have the employers. We have to have the agents. Invest is looking for agencies that have established training and education channels, and are interested in bringing in a diversity of talent to participate in the apprenticeship program. Potential agencies are those that are able to give students time to study and have a dedicated person or persons within that agency to mentor them. I strongly believe that those agencies [that] have stepped up to the plate and are willing to start working with us with the apprenticeship program, I think theyll have higher retention because I think its a win-win for both the apprentice and the agent, Pickford said. The Invest apprenticeship program wont be the right fit for every agency, Shank acknowledged. But it offers a pathway for an agency, so they dont have to do all the heavy lifting on their own. Because I know that especially with smaller to medium size agencies, just figuring out, Well, what do I do when I bring a new person on, whether its part time or an intern or full time? How do we train them? How do we get them onboarded in a timely and proper fashion?' The resources available through the Invest apprenticeship program and the framework that has been built around it will be a great significant for those agents, she said. Topics Agencies Market Education Training Development Universities Maryland Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday requested the support and cooperation to stop the third phase of virus spread in the state. In a video conference with the MLA, CM Vijayan said that local bodies have an great responsibility in the corona virus prevention activities. Pointing that the upcoming week is very important, the chief minister also warned strict action against the people who try to portray foreigners as corona carriers. Mr Vijayan added that the government will ensure the supply of food ingredients and asked people to stop making gatherings. It would be very disturbing to return to the situation of the mid-1980s, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in January. With the leaders of the state, one by one, staying in power until the end of their days. He was right at the time, but this week Putin nonetheless cleared the way to rule Russia past his 83rd birthday. No one anywhere is surprised. On Tuesday the rubber-stamp Duma approved a constitutional amendment that would allow the 67-year-old to run for two more six-year terms. The measure must be approved by a Russian court, but woe to the judge who finds it illegal. Then Russian voters will get their say in a referendum, but the Kremlin controls nearly all Russian media. This all but ensures that Putin, who has been Prime Minister or President for two decades, wont have to step down in 2024 as he had promised. News about the coronavirus is changing quickly. Go to inquirer.com/coronavirus for the latest information. When Gov. Tom Wolf told the public Wednesday night that a Northampton County man was Pennsylvanias first recorded coronavirus death, the Fusco family was already well into the grieving process. Carmine Fusco, 55, died Wednesday afternoon at St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill, five days after his sister Rita Fusco-Jackson, also in her 50s, died from the virus in New Jersey and shortly before his mother, Grace Fusco of Freehold, succumbed to the same illness. Grace Fuscos death was reported by The New York Times and other outlets Wednesday night. Four other family members are also ill, with several in critical condition. To everybody, this is a virus. To us, its a person," said Andriana Fusco, sister to Carmine and Rita and Graces daughter, speaking to The Morning Call before learning of her mothers death. "Its our family. While the majority of his family lived in New Jersey, Carmine Fusco lived for the last seven or eight years in Pennsylvania, where he trained harness racing horses in Wind Gap. Andriana Fusco doesnt know how her brother contracted the virus. But she said it wasnt from a family gathering in New Jersey, as some news outlets have reported. There was no party, there was no people in from Italy, she said. Me, myself, I have not seen my brother since February, and the last time he was even in New Jersey was March 3. I dont want any false things being said about my brother." While the Fusco familys sorrow is palpable, Carmine Fuscos death was a sobering moment for Pennsylvania as well. Speaking from his home in York, the governor delivered the news without identifying Fusco, saying: I come to you with a heavy heart. Earlier today, the Department of Health confirmed that a person in Northampton County passed away from COVID-19. This is the first death from the novel coronavirus in Pennsylvania. The Health Department said the patient had been hospitalized. And St. Lukes said a patient who tested positive was first admitted to its Anderson campus last Thursday. At the time, the Health Department said that person contracted the virus through out-of-state travel. According to published reports, Rita Fusco-Jacksons death was connected to the death of John Brennan, a horse trainer who lived in New Jersey and was that states first resident to die from the virus. The Fusco family has a strong connection to harness racing. Carmine Fusco was involved since he was a teenager working for his father, a harness horse driver and trainer from Freehold, New Jersey, whose 2017 obituary noted that he raced horses there as well as in Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts. Carmine Fusco was a partner in Wingate Farm, a standardbred training facility in Bushkill Township, according to Dan Markowitz, an owner of the facility. Fusco had about 20 horses there, he said, training them for races at tracks such as Mohegan Sun Pocono and Yonkers Raceway. Everybody in the business knew him, thats for sure, Markowitz said, adding that Fusco was a hard worker who was very involved with his family. This thing is terrible, Markowitz said. Its unbelievable this virus. As of Wednesday, there were 133 positive coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania. In addition, 1,187 people who have taken tests were found not to have the virus, which has killed more than 7,400 people across the world. One case, reported Saturday, is in Lehigh County. Montgomery County leads the state with 42, and while no deaths have been reported there, two children a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old have tested positive. State officials have told Pennsylvanians to expect a surge in cases over the next few weeks. Todays is just the first death of what will become many, and our only hope is to keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed so our medical professionals can do the most they can," Wolf said. As a grim reality takes hold of the country, with schools and businesses shutting down and streets appearing lifeless, the Fusco family is living their own horror. Andriana Fusco called Carmine and Rita the most wonderful brother and sister that anybody can have." She said Carmine was a successful businessman who was married with no children. To his 27 nieces and nephews, he was known as Shrek, a beloved uncle who could make them laugh. Rita, who taught religion classes in Freehold, was married with three children. Both, Andriana Fusco said, were amazing. They were good people, she said. I dont know why this is happening. They didnt deserve this, theyre too young. He recently admitted he'd previously smacked his two children. And Martin Freeman, 48, was spotted on a rare sighting with his son Joe, 14, and daughter Grace, 11, on Wednesday as he picked up some vegetables in north London. The Sherlock star - who shares his two children with ex-partner Amanda Abbington - cut a casual figure as he headed out to buy some essentials on Hampstead High Street. Out and about: Martin Freeman, 48, was spotted on a rare sighting with his son Joe, 14, and daughter Grace, 11, on Wednesday as he picked up some vegetables in North London Martin wrapped up against the chilly weather in a jumper and taupe padded jacket as he strolled down the High Street with his family. It seemed that Joe wasn't taking any chances during the coronavirus outbreak as he pulled out a bottle of hand sanitiser during the outing. Martin and his two children were seen heading to a nearby vegetable stall to pick up some essentials, as the UK continues to descend into coronavirus lockdown. The actor co-parents his two children with ex Amanda, following their split in 2016 after 16 years together. Low-key: The Sherlock star cut a casual figure as he stepped out with his family to pick up the essentials Jovial: The actor appeared to be in high spirits as he chatted with his children during the outing Surprising: Martin's outing came after he revealed in an interview that he'd previously smacked his two children and called them 'little f*****s' Martin's outing came after he made the surprise revelation that he'd previously smacked his two children and called them 'little f*****s.' Speaking during the promotional tour for his new series Breeders, the Hobbit star admitted that he'd physically punished his children on two occasions, despite then-partner Amanda banning smacking in the house. 'I know I'm not supposed to do it, but there are so many images about how (parenting) all just has to be brilliant that it makes people feel bad,' he said in a candid interview with The Sunday Times. Speaking out: Speaking during the promotional tour for his new series Breeders, the Hobbit star admitted that he'd physically punished his children on two occasions Truth: Martin also confessed that he'd physically punished his two children even though his then-partner Amanda had forbidden it Taking no chances: During the outing both of Martin's children took precautions during the coronavirus outbreak by applying plenty of hand gel 'Because it's not brilliant. I mean, it is - it's the best thing I'll do. But that doesn't mean it's not really hard. This idea you only ever rationalise with a toddler? Genuinely, good luck. If you could do that, God go with you. Amazing. 'I'm not proud I did that, but I have. I don't think it's a policy. And I'll do it again!' It is illegal to smack children under The Children Act 2004 unless it amounts to 'reasonable punishment.' The NSPCC has called for a complete ban on smacking, saying that it only gives children a bad example on how to handle strong emotion, may encourage bullying, and could cause them to lie or hide feelings in order to avoid the punishment. Scotland became the first country in the UK to ban smacking in 2019, and Wales will outlaw smacking by 2022 following a vote in the country's Assembly. Proud dad: Martin split from actress Amanda in 2016, and the couple lived in Hertfordshire until their split With the hours ticking away inexorably, hope that her son will be spared the noose is fast slipping but, weary and angry, the woman stigmatised as "Nirbhaya rapist's mother" has one last ask -- will she be able to get his favourite "puri, sabzi, kachori" meal to him? Her son Vinay Sharma is one of the four men sentenced to be hanged in Tihar Jail at 5.30 am on Friday -- seven years-three months after the night of December 16, 2012 when a young woman, who came to be known the world over as "Nirbhaya", the fearless one, was gangraped so savagely that she died a fortnight later. With the hangman conducting a dummy run on Wednesday and the Delhi High Court rejecting yet another appeal by one of them, the execution of the four is all but certain after three postponements. While the Supreme Court rejected Sharma's curative petition on January 14, his mercy petition was rejected by President Ramnath Kovind in February. And the woman, who refuses to divulge her name and says she wants to be known only as "Vinay Sharma's mother" is increasingly more despairing. The years of harbouring the realisation that her son is guilty in the horrific crime that made headlines across the globe and dealing with unrelenting media spotlight have clearly taken their toll. "Who are you? What do you want? There is no one inside. My husband has gone out for work. I am Vinay's mother," said the woman outside her home in south Delhi's Ravidas Camp. With its narrow lanes, shabby quarters and open sewers, the slum colony which represents the capital's seamy underbelly, just next to the upscale government colony of R K Puram in south Delhi, was home to four of the six men convicted of the crime. And somewhere deep inside, a narrow, congested lane leads to the home of Vinay Sharma. The nameplate reads Hari Ram Sharma and outside is the mother of four, in her 50s but looking older beyond her years, washing clothes on a grimy surface. She doesn't let visitors enter. "Kya likhoge tum? Kuch hota hai tumhare likhne se (What will you write now? Has anything happened till now with your writing?) If god wants he will be saved," she lashed out. "It is all god's wish. Look at the coronavirus. It is god who decides everything -- who lives and who dies. It is beyond the control of any human. Neither yours, nor theirs," she said. And then there is the glimmer of something resembling hope. "The jail personnel in Tihar never allowed me to take food or any other thing. But if they allow, this time I would like to take some 'puri', 'sabzi' and 'kachori' for him," she asked. Now, with the end near, she said she will soon be meeting her son in jail, for one last time. The 26-year-old will be hanged along with Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31). On March 5 this year, a trial court issued a fresh death warrant with March 20 as the date. Of the other two convicted in the case, Ram Singh allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail in 2015 and the sixth, a juvenile, was sentenced three years of punishment in a reform home and released in 2015. While the widowed mother of brothers Ram Singh and Mukesh Singh has left the locality and gone back to her family in Rajasthan, the families of Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta still live in the slum colony. The family of Pawan Gupta sells fruits to make a living and refused to talk. The Nirbhaya case hangs like a shroud over the colony, which looks like just another on a weekday morning -- men leaving for work, children playing, some women washing clothes, others standing around chatting idly. But mention 'Vinay Sharma' or 'Pawan Gupta' and it all changes. The laughter switched to awkward silences and people began to look away when asked for information on the family. "Who are you? No, we don't know anything," said a woman at the camp as she stopped other women from talking too. And then some in a group standing close by shared their views, hesitantly at first and then more assertively. One man forwarded the "boys will be boys" theory and the others quickly stepped in to say the sexual assault and murder of the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern -- gangraped on a moving bus -- is a "horrific mistake" that merits exemplary punishment. "People here have been talking about Vinay, Pawan and the other convicts since the unfortunate incident took place on December 16. Publicly most talk in favour of the conviction, but there are a few who would also say things against the punishment and ask if this will end rape in India. Some also ask why other rape convicts were not executed," said a nearby tea-seller. "But one thing we all strongly feel about is how our home has been painted as evil by the media and other big people," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has reinstated Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party as duly elected Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the Justices of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Stephen Adah, held that the FCT High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter in the first instance. The appellant had raised issues of territorial jurisdiction, where he noted that the issue brought to the FCT High relates to election in Anambra State. The Court of Appeal insisted that the FCT High Court ought not to have entertained a matter which originated from Anambra State. The court, therefore, reinstated Ifeanyi Ubah as Senator of the Ninth National Assembly. PV: 0 Toilet paper isnt the only necessity Canadians are stockpiling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the countrys largest pharmacy chains are reporting a surge in refill requests not just for one or two months, but up to six months worth of medications. Andrew Forgione, a spokesperson for Rexall Canadas parent company, said unlike toilet paper, prescription stockpiling could lead to temporary shortages, and pharmacists are being asked to discourage this behaviour. For some patients, such as David Miller, thats unsettling news. Miller, who lives in Bowmanville, has about six weeks left of insulin before he runs out. Miller, who has Type 1 diabetes, said he has a routine for his refills: when hes down to one vial, he calls his pharmacy and picks up six more the next day. One vial lasts just over two weeks, he said. The pharmacy, a Shoppers Drug Mart, always has it in stock, he said. But when he called on March 15, the pharmacy was out of his insulin, Humalog. They told him it was on back order and couldnt be sure when they would restock it. Miller called several pharmacies that evening before he found one that had two vials left. He picked them up the next day. While Millers pharmacy didnt say the shortage was due to COVID stockpiling, the timing made him wonder. They always have supplies. I never have to worry about it, he said. So yeah, I was perplexed as to why all of a sudden they were out of stock and they couldnt answer questions. Lilly, the company that manufactures Humalog, issued a statement on its website reassuring patients that it is not anticipating supply disruptions at this time. It asks patients who are having difficulty finding the drug to call the company directly. Jenee Zammit of Oakville faced a similar dilemma when she tried to fill an amoxicillin prescription for her nine-year-old son, who was suffering from an ear infection. The pharmacy was out of the liquid form for children, Zammit said it was on back order. They had to get the pills instead, and the wait was more than an hour. Zammit said the pharmacists told her they were getting a lot of requests for refills, and were having a hard time keeping up. Forgione said while pharmacists dont have the power to deny a patient their prescription, they are hopeful that offers of free home delivery on a regular schedule will reassure the public. For some, the fact that their insurance providers will only cover a certain amount is enough of a deterrent, he said. Others dont mind paying out of pocket for an extra couple of months worth. Kim Armstrong, a spokesperson for insurance provider Sun Life, said anyone trying to stockpile medications covered by their plan would have to pay out-of-pocket over a certain amount. The amount depends on the medication and the plan, she said. Chris Chiew, general manager of pharmacy for London Drugs, said the companys pharmacies are in a similar position. He said they are doing their best to calm clients fears. Were trying to manage it accordingly, just so that everybody can actually make sure that they get their medication, he said. Chiew said anyone worried about coming into a pharmacy should take advantage of online and delivery options. In an emailed statement March 19, the Alberta government said it recommends that pharmacies have the discretion to provide a maximum 30-day supply of prescription drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drug shortages due to global demand. To ensure Albertans can access the medications they need, the Alberta College of Pharmacy supports measures that will reduce the likelihood of drug shortages by limiting prescription quantities to 30 days. This will assist in stabilizing our drug supply, Greg Eberhart, the colleges registrar, said in the statement. Pharmacy orders in several other provinces have made similar recommendations. Former prosecutor Linda Fairstein, is suing Netflix and director Ava DuVernay over their depiction of her role in the infamous Central Park Five case in their drama, When They See Us. Writer, Attica Locke, is also named in the defamation suit filed in federal court on Wednesday. The lengthy document, obtained by DailyMail.com, picks apart the depiction of 72-year-old Fairstein and characterizes it as a 'malicious' and willfully false attempt to incite 'anger, hatred and ridicule.' According to the suit Fairstein, played by Felicity Huffman in the drama, has suffered 'irreparable damage' to her professional and personal reputation. Former prosecutor Linda Fairstein, whose office oversaw the infamous prosecution of the so-called Central Park Five, is suing Netflix and director Ava DuVernay over her portrayal in their series about the case, When They See Us The suit picks apart the depiction of 72-year-old Fairstein and characterizes it as a 'malicious' and willfully false attempt to incite 'anger, hatred and ridicule'. The suit claims DuVernay (picturede) and writer Attica Locke 'knew that the portrayal of Ms. Fairstein in the film series, and statements and conduct attributed to her, were false' The defamation suit filed in federal court on Wednesday. Across numerous counts, Fairstein is asking for total damages in excess of $75k, and a public apology from DuVernay and Locke Both DuVernay and Locke stand accused of being driven by an unjust and unfounded desire to 'punish' and 'hold Fairstein accountable,' for things she did not do. The portrayal of Fairstein is so egregious according to her lawyers that it, 'cannot be justified as the mere use of artistic license or dramatization.' As a result, it states, she has 'received threats of death and bodily harm.' A representative for Netflix said in a statement to TMZ: 'Linda Fairstein's frivolous lawsuit is without merit. We intend to vigorously defend and Ava DuVernay and Attica Locke, the incredible team behind the series.' When They See Us purports to be a faithful account of the events of April 19, 1989, when crowds of youths rampaged through New York City's Central Park and numerous assaults were committed. By far the most infamous was the attack on Trisha Meili, who was brutally beaten, raped and left for dead while out jogging in the park. Five black youths were ultimately charged and convicted of the heinous and high-profile crime: Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam and Anton McCray. According to the suit Fairstein, played by Felicity Huffman (pictured) in the drama, has suffered 'irreparable damage' to her professional and personal reputation Five black youths were ultimately charged and convicted of the heinous and high-profile crime: Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam and Anton McCray. NYPD mug shots taken of the Central Park Five on April 23, 1989. Top Row (L-R): Salaam, Santana. Lower Row (L-R) Richardson, Wise and McCray Certainly, racial prejudice is writ large in the depiction of Fairstein in When They See Us. She is shown calling for cops to 'roundup young black thugs,' and referring to black youths as 'animals.' Pictured: Linda portrayed in a scene in When They See Us In 2002 their convictions were vacated following the prison confession of serial rapist Matias Reyes and the discovery of his DNA on some of the victim's belongings. The five sued New York City, scores of New York Police Department officers and detectives and three prosecutors including Fairstein. The case was settled in 2014 when the men received a $41 million settlement and the Central Park Five became a byword for miscarriage of justice and institutional racism in America's legal system. Certainly, racial prejudice is writ large in the depiction of Fairstein in When They See Us. Fairstein was head of the New York District Attorneys Sex Crimes Unit at the time and, though she liaised with the prosecutors, she served only as a witness in the case itself. She is shown calling for cops to 'roundup young black thugs,' and referring to black youths as 'animals.' Elsewhere she is seen encouraging detectives to coerce confessions and unlawfully interrogate minors who are beaten while in custody. She is also presented as manipulating a timeline of events with the sole aim of pinning the rape of the Central Park jogger on The Five. She goes on to suppress DNA evidence, single handedly mastermind a theory against the boys and force her colleague to prosecute a meritless case against The Five. 'In fact,' the lawsuit states, 'Ms. Fairstein (pictured in 1990) took none of these actions.' Not only did she never utter 'outrageous slurs' attributed to her during certain scenes she was not even physically present at the times or in the places in question The five sued New York City, scores of New York Police Department officers and detectives and three prosecutors including Fairstein. The case was settled in 2014 when the men received a $41 million settlement and the Central Park Five became a byword for miscarriage of justice and institutional racism in America's legal system Writer, Attica Locke (pictuted), is also named in the defamation suit filed in federal court on Wednesday 'In fact,' the lawsuit states, 'Ms. Fairstein took none of these actions.' Not only did she never utter 'outrageous slurs' attributed to her during certain scenes she was not even physically present at the times or in the places in question. According to the lawsuit DuVernay and Locke 'knew that the portrayal of Ms. Fairstein in the film series, and statements and conduct attributed to her, were false.' But they made no effort to correct the inaccuracies, despite entertaining 'serious doubts about the truth or falsity of the manner in which Ms. Fairstein was portrayed.' Last year, Eric Reynolds, the NYPD officer to make the first arrests on the night of the attack spoke out against When They See Us, in an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV. The now retired officer slammed the depiction of law enforcement as a 'malicious recreation.' He singled out the characterization of Fairstein as false and, speaking as an African American man, expressed his dismay at the allegations that racism played any part in the investigation or subsequent prosecution. He worried that the inaccurate depictions would incite anger and put the lives of cops and prosecutors at risk. According to this newly filed lawsuit, that is exactly what happened. According to her lawyers Fairstein, who had to that point been a successful crime novelist with 24 books to her name including several international best-sellers, was abruptly dropped by her American and British publishers as well as ICM, her literary and film agents of 25 years standing, as a result of this public shaming Retired NYPD Detective Eric Reynolds (pictured) who arrested Central Park Five members Kevin Richardson and Raymond Santana, told DailyMailTV last year he thinks When They See Us is 'a malicious recreation, which has nothing to do with the facts other than they ended up arrested and going to jail' Fairstein wants a prominent disclaimer at the start of each episode of When They See Us, which states that it is a dramatization, not a true story and that although characters are identified by their actual names they are not truthfully depicted In a detailed assessment of the public response to the series the lawsuit quotes from numerous articles, social media accounts and interviews and public comments made by DuVernay, Locke and others. An article published in Rolling Stone, in June 2019, noted, 'The anger spilling from viewers is being aimed at Linda Fairstein, perhaps the most conspicuous villain of the story.' Comments made on Twitter under #WhenTheySeeUs included users calling for Fairstein to 'die a horrific and painful death,' be 'hung, drawn and quartered,' and 'knocked out, stomped and spit on.' A group of present and former female inmates of Rikers Island prison published Fairstein address on Twitter and, noting its proximity to Jeffrey Epstein's former home, suggest evidence of a link between the two and discussed violence against her. According to her lawyers Fairstein, who had to that point been a successful crime novelist with 24 books to her name including several international best-sellers, was abruptly dropped by her American and British publishers as well as ICM, her literary and film agents of 25 years standing, as a result of this public shaming. She was also removed from the Board of Vassar College Trustees and forced to quit her place on the boards of several non-profit organizations including Safe Horizons, In God's Love We Deliver and the Joyful Heart Foundation for victims of sexual crimes. Across numerous counts Fairstein is asking for total damages in excess of $75, 000 as well as numerous concessions including a public apology from DuVernay and Locke and a prominent disclaimer at the start of each episode of When They See Us, which states that it is a dramatization, not a true story and that although characters are identified by their actual names they are not truthfully depicted. Marking 100 years of Philippine Cinema, Art Fair Philippines in partnership with Epson Philippines presented The Unconfined CinemaArt Fairs inaugural film section which showcased masterful local films as a collective representation of Philippine Cinema without boundaries. The Unconfined Cinema showcases various Filipino films at Art Fair Philippines 2020 Curated by film critic Philbert Dy, film composer Erwin Romulo and film archivist and historian Teddy Co., The Unconfined Cinema utilized three Epson EB-L1505 high brightness laser projectors to screen various Filipino films from February 21-23 at The Link in Makati City. Showcasing the power of Epsons 3LCD technology, the films were projected with uncompromised quality, delighting the audience with stunning images and vibrant colors which brought more life to some of the countrys best films. The cinema experience wouldnt have been complete without proper projection. The short throw distance gave us a lot of flexibility in designing our space, helping us truly become an unconfined cinema. Philbert Dy, Curator of The Unconfined Cinema for Art Fair Philippines 2020 said. Founded in 2013, Art Fair Philippines is the premier platform for exhibiting and selling the best in modern and contemporary Philippine visual art. The fair aims to mirror the vibrant local art scene and continues to generate support for Filipino art practitioners. The fair is committed to expanding the local audience for the visual arts. Set in an alternative urban venue, Art Fair Philippines makes art accessible to enthusiasts and those who want to discover one of Southeast Asias most exciting art landscapes. ArtFair/Film is a new section that acknowledges cinema as an evolving art form. ArtFairPH/Film aims to celebrate the last 100 years of Philippine cinema and the possibilities for the next hundred. To check the Art Fair Philippines 2020 highlights, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnbgrwOtuLk. He should be joining other b-list celebs in singing songs acapella, we need positivity now more than ever and only the elite can provide it Reply Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Can you...imagine? Reply Parent Thread Link You might say im a dreamer, but i have a feeling im not the only one. Reply Parent Thread Link comment oty nom Reply Parent Thread Link Good. This is what more celebrities should be doing. Reply Thread Link Right on. I'm going to spend the rest of my lunch break looking for something I can donate to. (Links are welcome if any of you are passionate about an especially deserving cause.) Reply Thread Link Mutual Aid! We love to see it! Reply Thread Link So she has ONE dress that she's going to loan to anyone who happens to be the same size? Thanks, I guess? Reply Parent Thread Link so grateful that the KC celebs seem to genuinely give back to the community. Eric Stonestreet and Paul Rudd especially but Jason Sudeikis too. Reply Thread Link YES!! They're really great. David Koechner and Rob Riggle as well. Reply Parent Thread Link but the hungry families of KC were waiting to hear his rendition of imagine whatever shall they do now? Reply Thread Link Gal Gadot's rendition of Imagine didn't fuel them?! Real talk this was very kind and I want to donate as well, the only think making me feel sorta good is how much we're all uniting in this moment together :( Reply Thread Link I ate gal gadots verse in imagine for dinner Reply Parent Thread Link Good for him actually doing something helpful. Reply Thread Link anyone watched the latest ep of modern family? [ Spoiler (click to open) ] I can't believe that mitch and cam decided to adopt another kid. i know that they always wanted to but to buy a house on top of that seems like bad decisions made. i keep going why dont they just foster kids instead since Cam was basically doing that. i forgot that alex had a fancy job even tho they featured an ep on it lol. i like the chemistry between her and alvin but i dont like that he is haley's ex. its crazy that claire got the job when she was awful in the interview. the white privilege her character has is baffling. i get she was a sahm but she was the ceo at her father's business and exposed her clients in a data breach. she could get away with murder if she wanted... thats great he did that <3anyone watched the latest ep of modern family? Reply Thread Link I like Arvin best of all Haley's exes. Reply Parent Thread Link more of this, less of the evangeline lily and vanessa hudgens types pls. Reply Thread Link Exactly! We need more people who actually give a shit and are willing to do something to help. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm freaking out a little, my brother works at Target and his direct manager came into work with a fever and cough knowing his boyfriend came in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. I'm worried about my 14 year old daughter who is a bit asthmatic. I feel so angry especially since Target has made it clear to not come in. Reply Thread Link wow how goddamn irresponsible. people don't get that it doesn't matter if you feel fine enough to work, you're putting everyone in your immediate contact AND their entire families in danger Reply Parent Thread Link i can't imagine being rich and not giving it back to the community Reply Thread Link mte. what does it feel like to sit on a bunch of money when some people are panicking about their families going hungry? even if you don't give everything you have you can still give something, SOMETIMES, esp in crises Reply Parent Thread Link This is wonderful. He was always my favorite character from the show. Reply Thread Link Stevie Maginn from Belfast who lost his job with a travel agent last week Two workers in Northern Ireland have spoken about how their lives have been placed on hold after losing their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak. Stevie Maginn (27), from Belfast, lost his job with a travel agent last week just when the company was about to celebrate 25 years in business. He said his savings will now be "obliterated" and plans to buy a house with his partner will have to wait. Jack Hagans (20), from Dunmurry, was working at events after training with the Prince's Trust, but was sent into a panic after being told suddenly he has no shifts. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Maginn said: "I'm applying for jobs but I can't imagine anybody will be actively recruiting at the moment, hopefully they will bookmark them for the future. "I'm fortunate enough that I have some savings and a good support network around me, but I'll probably have to obliterate my savings." He said it has been especially difficult for his other colleagues who did not have any savings. "My partner Dylan and I had been saving up for a house for quite a while. I can't see it happening at the moment, God knows how it's going to affect the housing market," he said. Two of his friends were also among the 800 staff to be temporarily laid off by the Beannchor group. "A lot of people will have dependants living in the household, others are living together and sharing rent," he added. "People in hospitality are often on minimum wage and working on zero hour contracts. They have quiet periods after Christmas but they usually plan for that. "But no-one expects that to go on after March. Those people definitely don't have the savings to see this out." Mr Hagan's mother Christine Boyd (44) said her son felt panicked over the sudden loss of his job. "He's lost everything, he's literally no money to pay for his car insurance or phone bill. All he got was a call to say 'sorry there's no work'," she said. "It was a big deal for Jack to get this job. He has ADD and Tourette's Syndrome so he has a lot of issues with socialising. "Now it's been taken away and it's set him back again. "He's had to go to the jobs and benefits office to get Universal Credit which for him is about 200 a month. "He's panicking now because he doesn't know where he's going to get the money from, I'm going to have to try and help him out. "He has been quite down and even I'm quite anxious worrying about him. I spent about three hours on Friday on the phone and filling out forms for Universal Credit. "So that's been stressful and I needed to take time off work to help him." She also called for measures to help the economy currently being used in Italy and the Republic of Ireland. "I've got rent to pay and if my younger son comes home from nursery, will I have to keep paying for it?" she said. "If I knew those bills were frozen it would make a big difference to me. At the minute I'm not sleeping very well because of this stress. "The government need to be clearer about what they're doing to help everyday people." Meanwhile, the chief executive of Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill has said that Northern Ireland is now facing a "tsunami of job losses". Speaking to the Stormont Assembly Economy Committee, he said: "We now have a disaster on our hands. This is an emergency situation. "Overnight thousands of jobs went to the wall and we are expecting thousands to go by the end of the day - this is real and the government are watching this happen as time ticks away." "We are pleased that we had a platform already in place for our annual day of giving. With support from our vendor GiveGab, we were able pivot quickly to convert our platform into an emergency relief site for our community, explained Scott McAninch, CEO of The Nonprofit Council. Today, The Nonprofit Council announced the launch of an emergency relief initiative to help sustain more than 500 area nonprofits taxed by unprecedented strains on their services and operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nonprofit Council has repurposed its annual day of giving website, thebiggivesa.org, into the Big Give Emergency Relief platform to assist in raising critical funds for nonprofits in 15 counties during this time of exceptional need. The site is now LIVE and open for donations. Each nonprofit has its own individual page to share their current needs and asks. Donors are able to make donations to the nonprofits of their choice, and those funds will go directly to the nonprofits they have selected. "We are pleased that we had a platform already in place for our annual day of giving. With support from our vendor GiveGab, we were able pivot quickly to convert our platform into an emergency relief site for our community, explained Scott McAninch, CEO of The Nonprofit Council. Donated funds are automatically deposited into a nonprofits bank account within 5-7 business days and will be available for use then. All nonprofits who had previously registered for Big Give will automatically show up on this site and have the same access to their own pages as before. Nonprofit agencies who had not previously registered for Big Give can do so now no cost for the registration. All new agencies will be required to go through the federal and state required verification process, the same as previous registrants. The Nonprofit Council encourages social media sharing using the hashtag #BigGiveRelief. To help community nonprofits as long as possible, the site will remain open in this format until further notice. The Big Give event in San Antonio, Texas has tentatively been rescheduled for September 10, 2020. The drug combination has already been used to treat an Italian couple quarantined in a hospital in Jaipur. (AFP) Kochi: The HIV antiretroviral drugs have been used to treat the British national infected with Covid-19 at Ernakulam government medical college hospital. The drugs, Ritonavir and Lopinavir, are expected to be more effective in treating the deadly virus. It is for the first time in Kerala that the HIV antiretroviral drug is being used to treat Covid-19 patients. The drug combination has already been used to treat an Italian couple with severe respiratory symptoms, who were under treatment in a hospital in Jaipur. The Indian Council of Medical Research had given permission to use the drugs combination. Both the patients responded well to the drugs combination and turned negative for the virus, reports confirm. The Kerala State Medical Board had given permission to give the drugs to the patient who is suffering from pneumonia. District collector took the initiative to make the drugs available and the doctors revised the treatment protocol after getting the patients consent. The treatment is headed by a team of doctors led by medical college principal Dr. Thomas Mathew. Earlier, the Union Health Ministry has recommended use of anti-HIV drug combinations to treat Covid-19 patients on a case-to-case basis. The Drug Controller General of India recently gave approval for the same. Meanwhile, the swab samples of the virus infected UK citizens wife, who is admitted in the isolation ward, tested negative. The second part of the docuseries Endangered Species, titled First Citizens, travels across the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, which have some of the largest tribal populations in the country. They lack basic healthcare facilities and support systems for good hygiene and health education Malnutrition is a looming threat over the lives of millions of Indian children in rural and tribal areas. Failure to tackle this menace has resulted in extremely vulnerable communities and has had a huge impact on local development and economy. Endangered Species includes an extensive photostory by the acclaimed photographer and Padma Shri awardee Sudharak Olwe and writer Priya Pathiyan, and a two-part documentary series by filmmaker Nirman Chowdhury that documents the issue in some of the worst-affected states in India and features people and families fighting this battle. *** Watch part one of this series. They are Indias first citizens the rightful heirs to this land. Indias indigenous tribes, or Adivasis as they are commonly known, have a history that spans over thousands of years. With over 500 different tribes spread across various parts of the country, this community is diverse. But as with all indigenous populations across the globe, they too have faced different forms of discrimination over the years. Their forests and lands have been stolen, their way of life has been completely decimated. Today, these tribes struggle to survive, losing their identity in many ways in an attempt to assimilate with a modern world. The second part of Photography Promotion Trust's docuseries Endangered Species titled First Citizens delves into the cause of malnutrition in Indias tribal regions. It travels in the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, which have some of the largest tribal populations in the country but lack basic healthcare facilities and support systems for good hygiene and health education. Endangered Species: First Citizens takes the viewers to Chhattisgarh: to villages across the tribal areas in Dongergaon, close to Rajnandgaon and the more far-flung Naxal neighbourhoods of Manpur and Kanker. The film then travels to areas in Maharashtra such as Ghadchiroli, Thane and Palghar to see how the people of the Warli tribe are battling malnutrition. It also taps into the everyday lives of the Ho tribals in Jharkhands Chakradharpur to closely observe and understand how their customs impact their childrens lives. Because they live in remote regions of the country, these tribes have been far removed from the political discourse of the nation. The film looks at the status of health and education in these areas, and the emergence of Left-wing radicalism. Superstition plagues the tribal regions, which has led to health complications in women and newborn babies. Even with the advent of modern medicine, the Adivasis have almost no proper access to hospitals, health care facilities and are often treated like third-class citizens. As a result of this mistreatment, discrimination and several other reasons, they have turned back to dubious faith healers who have complicated an already complex health situation. In a country that is currently debating the idea of citizenship, the film poses this question: When will the lives of our first citizens be counted? Watch the second part here: Hours after New Jersey officials reported at least 742 known coronavirus cases statewide, Ocean County health officials released new numbers showing a big increase in the cases out of Lakewood. The number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 in Lakewood jumped to 26 from just four a day earlier. The state numbers, reported earlier Thursday, showed a total of 33 cases in Ocean County. That tally is now 48, with Lakewood having the highest number. The densely populated town, with a growing Orthodox community and a large Latino and black population, is the most populous township in Ocean County. Statewide, Bergen County still has the most number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 195, followed by Middlesex, at 64. Of the growing toll across New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy remarked, These numbers, I am certain, will sooner rather than later go into the many thousands. Many public health officials long feared Lakewood could be hard hit by a virus that spreads by close contact, in a place bound by tradition and social gathering. Earlier this week, two Orthodox weddings in Lakewood were broken up by police, as state officials continued to warn against large gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak. Two-thirds of the townships more than 100,000 residents are Orthodox. It is not known, however, if the Lakewood cases are all in one community. It wasnt real at first," remarked Mayor Raymond Coles, because it wasnt here yet. At the same time, the lack of available testing may have given the town a false sense of security, he suggested. The numbers up to now have been skewed. Well look back and say its because of a lack of testing, he said. All of the 200 synagogues and 130 yeshivas in the township have shut down prayer services or limited them to small groups, according to Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg, spokesman for the Lakewood Vaad, the local Orthodox Jewish council. MORE: Keeping up with coronavirus in N.J.: First, dont panic. Our newsletter might help. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Yes Bank on Thursday said it has transferred a Rs 389-crore fixed deposit account of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri, to State Bank of India New Delhi: Yes Bank on Thursday said it has transferred a Rs 389-crore fixed deposit account of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri, to State Bank of India. The fixed deposit (FD) account of the temple has accrued a total interest of Rs 8.23 crore. "As per the term of condition of FD placed with us, Yes Bank Ltd has fully paid all the quarterly interest on time up to 31 December, 2019. The remaining interest that has accrued till 19 March, 2020, has been remitted along with the principal amount of Rs 389 crore to SBI account of Jagannath Temple Corpus Fund," Yes Bank on Thursday said in a letter, accessed by PTI. In the letter addressed to Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar of the famous temple shrine in eastern India, Yes Bank said it has two more FDs of Rs 156 crore which will be transferred by the end of this month. These FDs of Rs 156 crore are also under no-premat option which does not allow the bank to pay prematurely, the letter said. "As the extended guidelines of the regulator, we shall remit the principal amount of Rs 156 crore and interest up to date on the date of maturity that is 30 March, 2020, to the designated account of Jagannath Temple Corpus Fund...to SBI Main Branch Puri," Yes Bank said in the letter undersigned by its Senior Vice-President Jaydev Das. Yes Bank resumed its full banking services from Wednesday evening and customers started visiting the branches from the morning of Thursday. The Department of Telecom's plea seeking 20 years time for operators to pay adjusted gross revenue dues was approved by the Cabinet, Union minister Sanjay Dhotre informed Parliament on Thursday. The Supreme Court will hear the government's rescue plan of giving telcos a 20-year repayment period for AGR dues during the next hearing scheduled after two weeks. "Consequent to the approval by the Cabinet, an application has been moved before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on March 16, 2020, seeking, inter-alia, permission of the Hon'ble Court for the licensees impacted by the AGR judgement to pay the unpaid or remaining to be paid amount of past DoT assessed/calculated dues in annual instalments over 20 years duly protecting the net present value of the said dues using a discount rate of 8 per cent," the Minister of State for Communications told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. The Supreme Court on Wednesday had lashed out at Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and other mobile phone operators for self-assessing their outstanding telecom dues, saying they need to pay past dues with interest and penalty -- an estimated amount of Rs 1.69 lakh crore. The apex court also came down heavily on the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for allowing companies to re-assess what they owed to the government, and said its order -- passed on October 24, 2019 -- on revenues for calculating dues was final. A bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice S A Nazeer and Justice M R Shah refused to take up the Centre's plea for allowing telecom companies to pay AGR dues in 20 years, saying the application will be taken up after two weeks. "The time frame of 20 years is unreasonable. The telecom companies have to clear all dues mentioned in the judgement," the bench said, adding it had settled all AGR dues after hearing telecom companies and the government then had fought tooth and nail for interests and penalties. Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Group's self-assessment of dues to the government are a whopping Rs 82,300 crore short of what the telecom department calculated after the Supreme Court's ruling on AGR. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), according to its own submission to the apex court seeking relief in payment tenure, has put dues of the three companies at Rs 1.19 lakh crore. The dues estimated by DoT for Bharti Airtel and Telenor was pegged at Rs 43,980 crore, while that of Vodafone Idea was Rs 58,254 crore, and Tata Group of companies at Rs 16,798 crore outlined under 'total demand of DoT incorporating CAG and special audit as on October 2019'. Against this, Bharti Group has calculated its dues at Rs 13,004 crore, Vodafone Idea at Rs 21,533 crore and Tata Group of companies at Rs 2,197 crore. In all, AGR dues calculated by the government for 16 entities add up to Rs 1.69 lakh crore, while telcos' self-assessment place their dues at a mere Rs 37,176 crore. These dues arose after the Supreme Court, in October last year, upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-core businesses in calculating the annual AGR of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fee to the exchequer. The bench said it will summon the secretary and desk officer of DoT who permitted telecom companies to do self-assessment of AGR dues. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) COLUMBUS, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF) ("GGB" or the "Company") announced today that Peter Horvath is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors effective today. Mr. Horvath has served as CEO of the Company since January 2019 and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors since July 2018. Randy Whitaker, the Company's current Chief Operating Officer will take over as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Whitaker has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer since February 2019. The vacancy on the Company's Board of Directors will be filled in due course. Ms. Carli Posner, the Chair of the Board of Directors, said "On behalf of the Board and everyone at GGB, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Peter for his significant contribution and dedication to the Company and wish Peter the best for his future endeavours." Mr. Horvath responded, "I am humbled to have worked with such amazing professionals along this journey. Among those individuals is Randy Whitaker, whom I am pleased has been named as interim CEO. The Company will be in good hands with such a seasoned operator at the helm, and I have full confidence in Randy to lead the Company during this difficult time." Corporate Update In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the recommendations of health professionals and other mall-based retailers, the Company has elected to temporarily close all of its mall-based cannabidiol ("CBD") kiosk shops in an effort order to protect its employees and customers from unnecessary exposure to the COVID-19 virus. In connection with this action, the Company will also suspend sales under its CBD e-commerce platform. The Company's cannabis dispensaries, located in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, will remain open for business subject to additional pandemic-related directives from local authorities. The Company will continue to employ best practices and adhere to such directives related to its operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company will continue to pursue the previously announced sale of the CBD business to The BRN Group Inc. In connection therewith, the Company will continue to solicit and evaluate any potential superior offers under the go-shop rights afforded to the Company as part of that announced transaction. About Green Growth Brands Inc. Green Growth Brands creates remarkable experiences in cannabis and CBD. The company's brands include CAMP, Seventh Sense Botanical Therapy, The+Source, Green Lily, and 8 Fold. The Company also has a licensing agreement with the Greg Norman Brand to develop a line of CBD-infused personal care products designed for active wellness. GGB is expanding its cannabis operations throughout the U.S., via dispensaries in Nevada, Massachusetts and Florida and the largest network of CBD shops in malls across the country and ShopSeventhSense.com. Learn more about the vision at GreenGrowthBrands.com. Cautionary Statements Forward Looking Information Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities law. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "forecast" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; marketing costs; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments involving medical and recreational marijuana; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; the marijuana industry in the United States, income tax and regulatory matters; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations and other risks, including those factors described under the heading "Risks Factors" in (i) the Company's Annual Information Form dated November 26, 2018 which is available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR and (ii) the Company's Short Form Prospectus dated August 15, 2019. Information relating to the Company's second quarter results in this news release is based upon unaudited internal financial statements prepared by management and subject to final review procedures. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this release, including without limitation, the the successful completion of the sale of the CBD business, including to The BRN Group Inc., is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Going Concern Risk As previously disclosed, the continuing operations of the Company remain dependent upon its ability to continue to raise adequate financing, to commence profitable operations in the future, and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations as they become due. Notwithstanding the strategic review of the CBD Business there remains a significant risk that the Company will be unable to realize sufficient cost savings, find sufficient sources of financing for on-going working capital requirements and maturing debt and other liabilities or to negotiate extensions or alternate payment terms in respect of such debt. These material uncertainties cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to meet its obligations as they come due and to continue as a going concern. As previously announced, US$5 million is payable to Moxie on or before February 5, 2020 (including a five-day cure period following January 31, 2020), and an additional US$2 million is due in installments to ABG-Shark LLC related to the GMR Payment on or before March 31, 2020. The Company is working to negotiate a deferral of these obligations and has previously announced short-term financing from certain of its key stakeholders in connection therewith. In addition to the Moxie and ABG-Shark payments, the Company and its subsidiaries have material obligations that are due or that are coming due within the next 15 to 45 days. The Company has drawn all amounts available to it under the previously announced working capital backstop commitment provided by All Js Greenspace LLC ("All Js") and Chiron Ventures Inc. (collectively, the "Backstop Parties") for purposes of funding the Company's operations. In addition, for purposes of funding the Company's operations All Js advanced approximately US$1.5 million from its portion of the previously announced US$52.3 million debenture repayment backstop commitment. Notwithstanding this US$1.5 million advance from All Js, there is no guarantee that either of the Backstop Parties will permit additional funds to be drawn from the debenture repayment backstop commitment for purposes of funding the Company's operations. Amounts drawn from the debenture backstop commitment to fund operations reduce the funds available to refinance the debentures upon maturity. The Company is actively pursuing alternative financing sources but there can be no guarantee that any such financing will be consummated or if consummated on what terms. Investors are cautioned that additional financing may not be available when needed or, if available, the terms of such financing might not be favourable to the Company and might involve substantial dilution to existing shareholders. Failure to raise capital when needed will have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to pursue its business strategy, and accordingly could negatively impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to obtain sufficient debt or equity financing and/or to successfully executed on one or more strategic alternative transactions could result in the Company defaulting on its obligations and force the Company into reorganization, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. US Securities Law Disclaimer This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States, unless the securities have been registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. SOURCE Green Growth Brands Related Links https://www.greengrowthbrands.com/ Air New Zealand has been offered a NZ$900 million (US$515 million) loan to help the flag carrier survive the coronavirus crisis, the government said Friday. "Without this intervention, New Zealand was at risk of not having a national airline," Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. Air New Zealand shares, which had been in a four-day trading halt, slumped as much as 45.45 percent before recovering slightly to be down 32.47 percent at NZ$1.04 mid-afternoon. The airline has been hit hard by the crisis, as the government has sealed off borders to non-residents and advised against all overseas travel. Even before the unprecedented measures, it had already cut long-haul flights by 80 percent and warned that one-third of its 12,500 workforce could lose their jobs. Robertson said Air New Zealand played a critical role in the remote South Pacific nation, and that it was vital to retain flights to key international destinations throughout the crisis. "This agreement means that Air New Zealand is in a position to play its part in making sure Kiwis can return home from overseas and that essential flights and freight lines for goods like pharmaceuticals remain open," he said. Under the deal, the government -- which owns 52 percent of Air New Zealand -- will extend up to NZ$900 million of credit to the airline over the next two years. In return, the airline agreed to cancel its interim dividend to shareholders and not pay dividends for the next two years. Chief Executive Greg Foran said the airline would continue, but it would inevitably be smaller. "Not all airlines will survive... we are going to get through this, I am confident of that," he told reporters. Foran said NZ$900 million was the amount the airline asked for and declined to speculate about further government aid or even a complete re-nationalisation of the airline. The credit facility is separate from a NZ$600 million aviation industry support package announced Tuesday as part of a NZ$12.1 billion economic stimulus package. Air New Zealand chair Therese Walsh said the airline appreciated the government's support. "The government and treasury moved swiftly to ensure that Air New Zealand had financial certainty as demand for flights domestically and internationally has rapidly fallen due to travel restrictions," she said. New Zealand has 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 but no fatalities so far and no evidence of community transmission. 289 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Gold slightly rises in price North Korea says it successfully tested another hypersonic missile OSCE calls on Azerbaijan, Armenia to refrain from the use of force US State Department welcomes announcement on CSTO forces withdrawal from Kazakhstan Newspaper: Ex-ministers are summoned to Hayastan All Armenian Fund parliamentary inquiry committee MOD: Armenia soldiers dead body found at midnight after Azerbaijan provocation Newspaper: Casualties of Armenia PM Pashinyan's 'era of peace' US concerned about EastMed natural gas pipeline project Giant fish sold at auction for over 16 million yen German Marshall Fund: It Is not too early to think about political change in Turkey Armenian Foreign Ministry: We call on Azerbaijani authorities to refrain from provocations Armenia's Geghamasar community head: The situation is stable now Queen Elizabeth II's favorite fast food revealed Human Rights Defender: Azerbaijani troops open fire on Armenian sovereign territory World Economic Forum: Cybersecurity and space pose new risks to the global economy Defense Ministry confirms Armenian side has 2 victims Satanovsky on sending Armenian servicemen to Kazakhstan Unofficial data: 2 servicemen killed as a result of Azerbaijan provocation CSTO and Kazakh Defense Ministry developing plan WHO thinks it's too early to consider COVID-19 pandemic European Commission to require Poland to pay fine of nearly EUR 70 million White House announces $308 million humanitarian aid for Afghanistan Erdogan angry at minister after efforts to strengthen lira failed Armenian FM has phone call with US Assistant Secretary of State India imposes one-week quarantine even for vaccinated tourists Armenian ex-president expresses condolences on poet Razmik Davoyan's death Traction Programme to showcase 8 startups during the Digital Demo Day Azerbaijan uses artillery and UAVs, 3 Armenian soldiers wounded NEWS.am daily digest: 11.01.22 Austrian Chancellor confirms plan for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in February Armen Sarkissian and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discuss situation in Kazakhstan Gulf, Iran and Turkey FMs to visit China 20 pregnant women with COVID-19 die in Azerbaijan in year Armenia hands over wanted US citizen to United States Economy ministry: Organizing of accommodation and public catering increased by 61.1% in Armenia Armenia parliament speaker expresses condolences on European Parliament President death Azerbaijan opens fire toward Armenia village sector, one soldier wounded Shoigu: CSTO peacekeepers deployed in Kazakhstan thanks to Syrian and Karabakh experience Azerbaijan official pledges to remove Armenian toponyms from Google Maps UN offers two plans to help Afghans totaling $ 5 billion in 2022 Armenia attorney general travels to Moscow on working visit Azerbaijan MOD blames Armenian side for soldiers death Dollar drops in Armenia Shirak Province captives families hold protest outside Armenia government building Rolls-Royce sales rise to record high in 2021 Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis directed gun at Armenia residents car in which his wife, 3-year-old child were ANCA urges President Biden and Congress to hold Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable for war crimes Serbia's Orthodox Patriarch tests positive for COVID-19 Brothers, sisters of 2020 Artsakh war military casualties to get compensation in lieu of their deceased parents Turkish authorities sanction arrest of 33 suspected FETO ties Copper rises in price Erdogan's spokesman, Biden's adviser discuss Armenian-Turkish relations Armenia deputy defense minister: No one can rule out border tension at any moment New commander elected of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia official: Those 100 soldiers absence will not assume any change in terms of border tension Millionaire Robert Durst dies aged 78 Reuters: Over 1.13 million cases of COVID-19 detected in US per day Great Armenian poet Razmik Davoyan dies 2 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Deputy PM Matevosyan: About 1,190 subvention programs implemented in Armenia from 2018 to 2021 243 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia MP: It would be right to put pressure on Azerbaijanis to remove their firing positions Oil is getting more expensive Nearly 10,000 people detained in Kazakhstan in connection with riots Tokayev: CSTO peacekeepers will pull out from Kazakhstan within 10 days Newspaper: Armenia businessmen pay customs duties to Azerbaijanis to go to Iran European Parliament speaker David Sassoli dies Alikhan Smailov appointed Kazakhstan Prime Minister Newspaper: Health minister makes decision full of contradictions in terms of Covid-related restrictions in Armenia Newspaper: Armenia authorities once again showed their being unprincipled, worthless, opposition MP says Germany teacher who had cannibalism fantasies is sentenced to life in prison Israel's military and other security services undergo largest rearmament in years Spain PM calls for a debate to consider COVID-19 endemic disease Flyone Armenia and Pegasus receive permission for Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan flights Pope condemns "baseless" ideological misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines Arab foreign ministers to visit Beijing Azerbaijanis stoned an Armenian car on the Stepanakert-Goris road Armenian FM has a phone call with his Polish counterpart Macron travels to French Riviera to discuss internal security issues Artsakh Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan's aggressive behavior aims to disrupt Russian peacekeepers' activities US COVID-19 cases reach 60 million European Parliament President hospitalized due to immune system dysfunction Washington and Ankara discuss normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey WHO excludes emergence of deltacron strain In Karabakh Azerbaijanis shelled tractor Indian Defense Minister tests positive for COVID-19 US-Russia talks on security guarantees lasting for seven hours already NEWS.am daily digest: 10.01.22 Pashinyan appoints Hayk Mkrtchyan as Deputy Governor of Kotayk province Blast in eastern Afghanistan kills nine children Pashinyan: One of key priorities of Armenia presidency at CSTO is strengthening of crisis response mechanisms Internet cut off in Kazakhstan Armenia, Kazakhstan ombudspersons confer on Armenian communitys rights Armenia, Russia defense ministers discuss Kazakhstan Turkey defense minister meets with their envoy in process of normalization of Armenia relations Iranian Foreign Ministry reports progress in Vienna negotiations Dollar continues going up in Armenia New attempt by migrants in Belarus to storm Poland border Skat Airlines resumes Yerevan-Aktau and Aktau-Yerevan flights The empty baggage claim area at the Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Pa. on Monday, March 16, 2020. Dozens of presumed positive cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with the case count escalating daily. Read more Hundreds of low-wage workers at Philadelphia International Airport are losing their jobs because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to the labor unions that represents them. 32BJ SEIU, which represents 1,400 subcontracted workers such as wheelchair attendants, baggage handlers, and cabin cleaners, estimates that 600 to 1,000 of its members will be laid off between now and Monday. That could be anywhere between 50% and 80% of its membership at the airport. Unite Here, which represents 1,200 food service workers at the airport, said that hundreds of their members have already been laid off and that it is expecting more to come. The folks who would bear the brunt of this would be the lowest wage workers, said Gabe Morgan, vice president of 32BJ SEIU. The culture of the airline industry has been for so long to treat this particular class of workers as second class." Some workers already got layoff notices Wednesday, Morgan said, but the union has just begun to grasp the scale of the layoffs. These workers are employed by airline subcontractors PrimeFlight Aviation and Prospect Airport Services. In addition, local government officials are scrambling to find ways to support the citys 320,000 service workers, who make up nearly half the citys workforce. Prospect Air Services spokesperson Suzanne Mucklow said the companys expected layoffs would begin Sunday, as industry demand for Prospects services at PHL has been severely reduced. At this time, it is the companys hope that this layoff will only be temporary in nature, but due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we are taking each day at a time, she said in a statement. PrimeFlight did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The layoffs come as the airlines leading trade group, Airlines for America, has requested $50 billion in federal assistance, saying the industry is burning through $10 billion a month as flight cancellations soar and planes are flying with only 20% to 30% of their seats filled. The airlines have come under intense criticism for spending billions of dollars buying back their own shares in recent years. The trade group. however, stressed that federal relief for the companies is about protecting and preserving the jobs of 750,000 U.S. airline employees, as well as the 10 million jobs supported by the airline industry. A spokesperson for American Airlines, which accounts for about 70% of the air traffic from the Philadelphia airport, declined to comment on the layoffs. The departures are a sad coda to what had become a hopeful story for some of Phillys poorest workers: Wheelchair attendants, skycaps, and baggage handlers largely black and brown workers living in Southwest Philadelphia fought for the last six years to double their pay from $6 an hour to more than $12 an hour. They went on strike three times and City Council, including then-City Councilmember Jim Kenney, intervened on their behalf. Despite their raises, though, they were not able to win health-care benefits. The union planned to fight for those benefits in its latest round of negotiations. READ MORE: It took 6 years for PHL airport workers to double their pay to $12 an hour. Heres how they did it The City of Philadelphia is currently negotiating an airport lease agreement with American Airlines. The union previously used the lease agreement negotiations as a way to win higher wages for workers. Morgan said its possible that city officials once again would use the lease agreement to pressure American to support its subcontracted workers. American Airlines has previously sought to distance itself from its subcontracted workforce, saying that it does not have control over what its contractors do. But such unions as 32BJ SEIU and Unite Here, which represent subcontracted workers, as well as labor experts say that corporations such as American are the ones that hold the power. The contractors themselves have no power or ability to save the workers, Morgan said. Its really entirely up to the airlines. READ MORE: Why these workers are bypassing employers and protesting bigger targets: American Airlines and Ross On Wednesday, spokesperson Andrew Trull said American is proactively consolidating operations at PHL, temporarily discontinuing the use of the A-West ticketing counter and Gates A18-A26 which are largely dedicated to international flights. Philadelphia airport spokesperson Florence Brown said the airport had joined its peers in urging Congress to provide funding for the airline industry to deal with the impact of the crisis. The aviation system is highly interdependent, so any effort to provide relief must include airports, airlines, and the businesses that rely on them, she said. Its unclear how many other workers at the airport could be laid off some are represented by Unite Here, while others are not represented by any union. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of 21 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. Highlights A post by Newport Oregon police department about a crisis has sparked laughter online Its the witty tone of the post that has captured netizens attention The post has garnered close to 5,000 reactions With rise in numbers of coronavirus cases, people are panic buying groceries and daily household items- especially toilet paper. Even several supermarkets have surrendered and put up no toilet paper available sign too. And now, a witty post by Newport Oregon police department about the toilet paper crisis is making netizens laugh out loud. Posted on Facebook, the police department started the notice with an ardent request to the masses, urging them not to call the emergency number 911 if they run out of toilet paper. You will survive without our assistance, they wrote. Along with that the police department also gave out a hilarious list of alternatives one can use to wipe their business other than calling them for toilet paper related emergencies. History offers many other options for you in your time of need if you cannot find a roll of your favorite soft, ultra plush two-ply citrus scented tissue, they wrote. Continuing the list they mentioned, Seamen used old rope and anchor lines soaked in salt water. Ancient Romans used a sea sponge on a stick. Grocery receipts, newspaper, cloth rags, lace, cotton balls, and that empty toilet paper roll sitting on the holder right now, they added. The post ended with a hilarious appeal to the citizens asking them to finally use the pages of Mother Earth news magazine - the leaves. Read the full post here: Shared on March 15, the post has captured netizens attention. The post has garnered almost 5,000 reactions and tons of applause from people. While some praised the police department for addressing an issue in such a witty way, others described the post as a much needed reality check. You make the crisis sound fun, not depressing. Good job! writes a Facebook user. Youre sitting on a pile of toilet paper, arent you. You just wanted to paper-shame the city folk. Good job! writes another. What do you think of this hilarious post? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haiti - Health : A delegation from PAHO/WHO in Haiti On Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister, Joseph Jouthe, met with a delegation from the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) around the actions of his Government in the area of prevention and Covid-19 coronavirus control. The Prime Minister expressed the commitment and the mobilization of his Government to take all the necessary measures to deal with this pandemic. Informing that he was seeking to mobilize funds for the construction, strengthening and equipping of emergency and isolation health facilities to accommodate possible cases of coronavirus. He told the PAHO/WHO Mission that 3 buildings had already be identified in the chief towns of the departments of North, South and Artibonite and informed of the construction of another building in Ouanaminthe, a structure prefabricated that can isolate potential patients who test positive for coronavirus. He also informed that the Haitian Government is working to set up a "task force" hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30170-haiti-coronavirus-important-meeting-at-the-national-palace.html bringing together all public sector institutions, private and international partners in the context of the prevention of Covid-19 Coronavirus. PAHO/WHO has handed over 500 screening tests to Haiti and promised their assistance to the Government in the context of measures to combat the Coronavirus Covid-19. The Mission confirmed that PAHO and WHO intended to help build laboratory capacity in Haiti and improve the control and surveillance structures of the Ministry of Public Health. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30298-haiti-covid-19-daily-bulletin-march-18-2020.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30290-haiti-covid-19-daily-bulletin-march-17-2020.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30258-haiti-flash-new-measures-for-travelers-related-to-covid-19.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30230-haiti-notice-preventive-measures-against-the-risk-of-introduction-of-covid-19.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-30229-icihaiti-health-port-au-prince-is-preparing-for-the-arrival-of-covid-19.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30218-haiti-flash-haiti-among-the-most-vulnerable-countries-face-the-covid-19.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30191-haiti-health-religious-rally-and-preventive-measures-against-covid-19.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30165-haiti-flash-first-case-of-covid-19-in-the-dominican-republic.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30143-haiti-flash-health-alert-of-the-ministry-of-health-on-the-coronavirus.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30039-haiti-health-the-caribbean-and-latin-america-trained-in-the-detection-of-covid-19.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-30015-icihaiti-health-haiti-now-has-the-means-to-detect-the-new-coronavirus-covid-19.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-29893-icihaiti-coronavirus-toussaint-louverture-international-airport-under-surveillance.html HL/ HaitiLibre Warminster, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- Spring is just around the corner for most New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents, prompting homeowners to spring into action and reopen their pools. Those who consider themselves pros at pool opening, closing, and maintenance procedures are probably gathering the necessary supplies right now. Other pool owners are planning ahead to schedule a service with the trusted swimming pool contractors of Warminster and surrounding areas Carlton Pools. Carlton Pools has been serving customers from Bucks County, PA, all the way to Ocean County, NJ, and everywhere in between for over 50 years. They are experts at everything pool-related, from design and development to installation and maintenance. Not only do they handle every service with tact and speed, but they're also respectful and eager to satisfy their customer's needs. That's why so many locals reach out to Carlton Pools when they're looking to transform their backyard into a charming oasis. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, more and more homeowners will be seeking to schedule a pool opening service from the Carlton Pools. Nobody wants to be stuck on the end of that list, which is why the Carlton Pools team is encouraging everyone to set up an appointment as soon as possible. Although the swimming pool builders at Carlton Pools make swimming pool opening procedures look easy, this may not be the case for every residential pool owner in the area. Those who aren't confident in reopening their swimming pool by themselves should contact a Carlton Pools professional to avoid causing damage to their pool. All further inquiries, questions, or appointments can be directed to the Carlton Pools team by visiting their website at https://www.carltonpools.com/. About Carlton Pools Carlton Pools is a construction company that builds in-ground pools for both commercial and residential customers. The company has over 47 years of experience in pool engineering. Serving the Tri-state area, Carlton Pools provides pool renovation services and also retails pool products, and a team of highly-trained technicians tend to their clients' pool needs with outstanding customer service. The company operates using an experienced approach that eliminates the hassle of pool maintenance. For more information about this company, please visit http://www.CarltonPools.com. A LEADING economist has said that public spending is due to "surge" as the Government moves to mitigate the worst effects of the coronavirus crisis. Richard Ramsey, chief economist at Ulster Bank, was speaking as the pound hit its lowest point in 35 years after traders flocked to the safety of the US dollar as global markets reel from the Covid-19 pandemic. Sterling was down by as much as 4.4% against the greenback yesterday, with one pound buying only 1.153 dollars, after its value tumbled further in afternoon trading. It marks the lowest point for the currency since 1985, when the US deliberately devalued its currency. Analysts said that it was perhaps misleading to speak of a falling pound, as the story was more about a rising dollar. "In a crisis like this, king dollar reigns supreme," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. Ranko Berich at Monex Europe, a foreign exchange firm, said: "Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK's monetary and fiscal response or Brexit are beside the point: this is about the US dollar, which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions." Commenting on the financial fallout from the global and domestic efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus, Mr Ramsey said: "The Government is acting like an insurer of last resort here. "The scale of this is huge and equates to 15% of UK GDP. "Smaller firms will have access to business interruption loans worth up to 5m with no interest for the first six months. "Cash is king, though for many firms more debt is not the real answer, and for many firms the king is dead - cash has run out, demand has stopped. "The hospitality sector locally can attest to this, as well as the airline industry globally. "This isn't an economic slowdown but an economic stop. "The Chancellor did unveil new measures for cash flow support and Northern Ireland businesses have been waiting eagerly to find out how that translates locally. "Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has said the additional funds to Stormont amounted to 640m and the Finance Minister Conor Murphy quickly responded with a rates relief announcement for all businesses. "The Northern Ireland scheme is spread wider but thinner and is only for three months, not 12 months. The problem is, firms need cash and income, not cost reductions." NEW HAVEN - A group of homeless individuals interrupted Mayor Justin Elickers press conference on COVID-19 to complain about not having any place to go, even as policies to protect them have dominated much of the dialogue in recent days. In between being continually interrupted, Elicker and Director of Heath Maritza Bond addressed several issues, including the latest number of city residents who have COVID-19. Bond said that number is 7, up from 4 on Wednesday, and she stressed that the newest additions represent a range of ages, with the youngest person 29, and the oldest in their 70s. So it is important as we are preparing for this that individuals make note that it can effect anyone regardless of age and risk factors, Bond said, a point that the city continues to emphasis. She said these cases are community spread and not associated with travel from hot spots. Bond said they are also awaiting lab results on two other individuals who they presume have the virus. She expects the numbers to keep rising. Also, Elicker said New Haven has joined Hamden, Bridgeport and Hartford in ordering residents to not congregate in numbers greater than 10 to help tamp down the spread of the disease. A sudden rise in the numbers has been shown to overwhelm other hospitals, particularly in Italy. The number of sick individuals in the country was 11,238 this afternoon with 157 deaths. The mayor said they are continuing the look for sites that the hospital can use if they reach capacity because of COVID-19 patients. The mayor said he and his regional partners do not feel it is necessary yet to order residents to shelter in place, although some feel it is inevitable. It would be the strictest order yet, essentially shutting down the city. Seven counties in the San Francisco Bay area, impacting 7 million people, just did this with varying degrees of compliance. On issuing breakfast and lunches for school children, Elicker said they have now distributed 4,314 meals to 2,267 individuals. He said Strong School will now be the third Hill school where they will be made available, starting Monday, instead of Career High School. On the homeless front, Elicker said he was not certain when the 24 hotel rooms that the city is reserving for the homeless in order to decompress the population in the shelters, would be ready. They want fewer individuals at each site so they can practice social distancing to lessen the likelihood of spreading the virus. The homeless complaints were led by Bryant Miami Tatum who asked what was being done for him and a handful of others who showed up at the press conference as they remain on the streets. He asked it in the context of the citys plan to put up to 75 beds in the Hill Regional Career High School for homeless persons who are not sick enough to be hospitalized, but have no place to go. That decision has upset members of the Hill North Community Management Team and others who showed up outside the school at 7 a.m. this morning to express their dissatisfaction saying it needed a wider discussion. Elicker said the site is the only identified regional emergency shelter in New Haven, something designated years ago by local, state and federal partners. This is the site that we need to use, he said, as the emergency isolation shelter. By assuring that people who are experiencing homelessness have a place to go to self-isolate, we will be protecting the community, he said. Elicker said it is absolutely not the case that this increases the possibility of infecting residents of the Hill. He said there will be 24-hour security there, plus a nursing staff, while those who are sick will not be allowed to leave. Elicker said the arrangement will dramatically increase our ability to protect all New Haven residents, which includes those near the facility. The mayor said if the sick individuals are allowed to remain out in the community, they will go anywhere. We dont know where they will go and they will spread this disease to other people He said he understands the complaints that too many social services are located in the Hill. I agree, but we dont have time right now to wait. We dont have time to argue. We need to look at the examples of other communities that are 11 days ahead of us in this experience where emergency health providers cant cope with the number of people who are sick, he said. The mayor said these providers are having to make decisions as to who will get treatment and who wont because they didnt act quickly enough to keep the numbers down by controlling peoples interactions. This is not the time for our community to argue, Elicker said. He said neither he nor his staff was perfect. We are going to make decisions that are not perfect. We dont have time for perfection. We dont have time for disagreement. We must act together. As for the tension with the Board of Education, Elicker said this is a fast moving situation. He said they communicated with Acting Supt. of Schools Ilene Tracey, with the aldermanic leadership, while staff spoke with Alder Ron Hurt, who is the alder in the Career High School ward. He said the school board got the heads up before his announcement on Wednesday that this was the site. He had no further updates as to when the school would be opened as an emergency shelter. Bryant Miami Tatum he said people not infected are being pushed out of the shelters. He said Yale New Haven Hospital turned him away after he old them he felt homicidal, suicidal for various reasons. There is no where for the homeless to go. Elicker said this highlights the fact that the shelters have a capacity issue. Tatum said he was turned away, even when there allegedlywere extra beds. Another man said he also did not get satisfaction until he said he was suicidal. Later Mark Anthony and Teresa Lyck complained that they had been kicked out of the warming center at a facility at Winthrop Avenue and Chapel Street. Lyck was particularly upset because it is the only site that admits couples. You have people sleeping two inches from one another, Anthony said. He said there were an estimate 60 people there on Wednesday. Lyck said she had been on hold for hours with the 211 emergency line and got no answers They said they would be sleeping outside again on Thursday. Anthony said the police chase them from the Green area. If I cant see you, I cant arrest you, Anthony said he was allegedly told. They hadnt heard of anyone having COVID-19 at the warming center. Im to the point, if I die, I die, Anthony said, Nobody cares. Tatum said he hangs around Taco Bell until they close at 10 p.m. He said he showed up at the shelter on Grand Avenue around 11 p.m., but they wouldnt let him in. He said he kicked the door to get their attention, but they turned him away. Tatum said they often let stragglers come in late. Tatum said when he went to the hospital at the St. Raphael campus, he asked to stay there to take his medication but he was not allowed to. After he laid down in the street, he was told to go to the York Street entrance where he was able to medicate until 8 a.m. You have to make a scene. Tatum said. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577 Our efforts are designed not only to help our existing customers in a time of crisis, but to also share ideas, practices and applications that any organization can use to respond to the threat and to continue to do what they do best under any conditions. Quick Base, the low-code platform for continuous process innovation at enterprise scale, today announced a comprehensive program to provide critical support to companies as they manage through business disruption, including free access to organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, such as healthcare providers, governments, educational institutions and nonprofits. Quick Base is offering its software and resources to help organizations address the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 and related operational disruptions. It includes: Free access to create and use COVID-19 solutions through September 30th Templates for the most common emergency response applications Expert onboarding, support, community resources and additional tools for customers In the face of the unimaginable challenges presented by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), weve been inspired by our customers, who are driving innovation with Quick Base to flatten the infection curve and keep businesses and communities moving, said Rick Willett, Quick Base CEO. With this program, our efforts are designed not only to help our existing customers in a time of crisis, but to also share ideas, practices and applications that any organization can use to respond to the threat and to continue to do what they do best under any conditions. Free access for organizations on the front lines In recognition of their essential role in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 in our communities around the world, Quick Base will be accessible for free to qualifying organizations on the front lines of the crisis, including healthcare providers, governments, educational institutions and nonprofits. We recognize the importance and difficulty of the effort to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, and were committed to helping make those efforts successful, Willett said. Offering free access is one small way we are working to support the organizations doing this important work every day. Organizations on the front lines of the crisis will be able to quickly create workflows to manage key processes, such as tracking assets, coordinating resources, maintaining compliance, managing equipment, collecting data and more. Interested organizations can sign up for the program here. Emergency response application templates and community support Quick Base customers have been actively using the low-code development platform to turn unique emergency response processes into connected software applications, and the company is now sharing the growing number of practices and templates with anyone who wants to do the same. One example is Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1/3-1-1), where a massive spike in residents seeking resources and the need for tracking cases required new, digital processes. With many of our citys residents being impacted by the spread of COVID-19, we needed to be able to quickly respond to a high volume of requests and meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations, said Tyrell T. Morris, MBA, CPE, executive director of the Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1/3-1-1). We were able to quickly create a series of applications using Quick Base to manage our changing needs, and to date, weve been able to help thousands of citizens, visitors and business owners with their concerns." Other examples include a worldwide manufacturer managing new compliance requirements across global factory locations and a delivery services provider tracking COVID-19 cases and assessing business impact. Great organizations do great things in times of adversity. Its been thrilling to watch our customers employ fast, creative problem solving to keep critical services up and running at a time when it matters most, said Neil Forbes, vice president of customer success at Quick Base. Our Quick Base community has always been a source of pride and inspiration for us, but today, its even more so. Weve seen incredible energy within our builder community around one thing: How can we help one another? To support fast development of applications, Quick Base has pulled together a series of templates, built both by customers and Quick Base employees, supporting emergency response and business continuity. Included is a comprehensive emergency response application template, with functionality for communication tracking, remote worker asset management, travel restriction oversight, CDC updates and more. More applications are being rolled out daily, accessible on the Quick Base App Exchange. Expert onboarding, support, community resources and additional tools for customers While Quick Base has shifted its operations to a remote model, the company continues to deliver its services uninterrupted, including onboarding, 24/7 access to support and on-demand training. The company is also offering free Quick Base builder certification to help our customers develop solutions quickly. Builders can find a code that qualifies them for three free exams here. For more information, visit the Quick Base COVID-19 response page and the Quick Base blog. About Quick Base Quick Base is the low-code platform for continuous process innovation at enterprise scale. As the first platform to support safe, secure and sustainable citizen development, Quick Base helps more than 6,000 customers, including over 80 percent of the Fortune 50, continuously perfect the processes that make their businesses unique. Quick Base is a leader in the Forrester Wave: Low-Code Platform For Business Developers. Visit QuickBase.com to learn more. Connect Airways, the holding company behind Dublin-based Stobart Air, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service, has fallen into administration in the UK, the Irish Independent has learned. The move is linked to the recent collapse of Flybe. UK-based Flybe was also part of Connect Airways. The administration means that accountancy firm EY now controls Connect and 49pc of Stobart Air. The other 51pc of Stobart Air is owned by its more than 400 staff. That 51pc stake was transferred to staff last year and is held in trust for them. Connect Airways is 30pc-owned by the listed UK Stobart Group. Virgin Travel Group, a subsidiary of Richard Branson-founded Virgin Atlantic, also has a 30pc stake, while US firm Cyrus Equity Partners owns 40pc. On Tuesday, Stobart Group, whose CEO is Warwick Brady, warned investors that it was evaluating how to manage liabilities it has to Stobart Air. However, with confirmation to the Irish Independent from EY that Connect is in administration, it means Stobart Group is now on the hook for guarantees given in relation to a number of aircraft leases. A subsidiary of Stobart Group, Propius, engineered a sale and leaseback of eight ATR turboprop aircraft to German firm Goal in 2017. The aircraft are used for the Aer Lingus Regional service. Lease agreements under the deal total $15.4m (14.2m) a year and are for 10 years, it was reported at the time. There is an option to terminate the agreement in 2023, although the trading update issued by Stobart Group on Tuesday suggested that the guarantees could be significantly more material. The current Aer Lingus Regional franchise agreement Stobart Air has with Aer Lingus ends in 2022. Propius received $62.7m from the sale of the aircraft, according to reports when the deal was done. However, it is unclear where those proceeds ultimately ended up following the creation of Connect Airways in 2019. In a statement to the Irish Independent, EY said: "Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson, Simon Edel and Lucy Winterborne of EY's restructuring team were appointed joint administrators of Connect Airways Limited on March 10, 2020." It added: "Owned by a consortium of companies, Connect is a holding company that was set up in January 2019 to assist with the acquisition of the airline Flybe. Connect has no day-to-day trading operations itself." A Stobart Air spokesperson last night said: "The administration of Connect Airways does not directly impact the operation of Stobart Air services". The Stobart Group also owns London Southend Airport. This week, the group said talks about potentially selling a minority stake in the airport, which would have valued the operation at between 700m and 800m (760m and 868m), have been put on hold. Stobart Group has a market capitalisation of just 126.6m, with its shares having sunk more than 14pc yesterday at one point before the close. They have declined by about 78pc in the past 12 months. Last week, Stobart Air boss Andy Jolly wrote to staff, urgently seeking workers to take unpaid leave or to accept reduced hours. It has also halted recruitment and frozen pay rises. Madhya Pradesh Congress party and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday sparred over the role and powers of the Governor in the Supreme Court which ordered floor test tomorrow on whether the Kamal Nath-led government enjoyed majority in the Assembly. A battery of senior lawyers led by Kapil Sibal, A M Singhvi and Vivek Tankha, who represented Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Speaker N P Prajapati and the state government respectively, assailed the directions of the Governor ordering floor tests in view of tendering of resignations by 22 rebel MLAs. They alleged that the governor has no authority to order when the assembly is running. On the other hand, Solcitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Goveror Lalji Tandon and senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Maninder Singh, representing Chouhan and 16 rebel Congress MLAs respectively, strongly defended the Governor's direction. Referring to various apex court judgements including in the S R Bommai's case, Rohatgi said the Governor has all the power to make a "tentative opinion" that the government has lost the majority after the resignations of MLAs and there was no infirmity if the government was asked to undertake the floor test. Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker, said the day court begins to give time-bound direction to the Speaker, it will be constitutionally problematic. Mehta, appearing for Governor Lalji Tandon, told the bench that Nath was "sitting aside" in the turn of events and it is the Speaker who is "leading the political battle" in court. The bench asked all the parties as to how does the decision of a Speaker in matters of resignation and disqualification of MLAs affect the floor test. It said the constitutional principle which emerges is that there is no restraint on trust vote because of resignation or disqualification being pending before the Speaker. It said, therefore, the court will have to flip around and see whether the Governor acted beyond the powers vested in him. During the hearing, the bench said that if the government loses the majority when the Assembly was not in session, then Governor has the power to direct the Speaker to summon the Assembly. "What happens when the assembly prorogues and the government loses its majority, then the Governor can call the Assembly," the bench said. Singhvi said the Governor has very limited power with regard to functioning of the Assembly and he can only summon, prorogue and dissolve the House, but he cannot intervene into the functioning of assembly which falls under the purview of the speaker. The Governor cannot ask the Speaker that you should do this, you should not do this, it is beyond his power, he said. However, he added, the Governor has the right to summon the House but it cannot decide the functioning of the House. Singhvi said that the plea has been filed by the BJP leader was "an attempt to short circuit the discretion of speaker's very large power to deal with resignation and disqualification of MLAs." "By simply chanting the 'mantra' of floor test-floor test the power of the speaker can't be short circuited. I would say even the apex court does not have the power to intervene in the discretionary powers of the speaker." Abstention of so called rebel MLAs brings down the number for the majority mark and this is the 'jugad', he said. "If Speaker disqualifies MLAs then they cannot become the minister and taking moral high ground adds salt to the wound as it amounted committing constitutional sin," he said. "You are engineering the change in the government by committing the Constitutional sin and my Lords are allowing that," he said. Suppose the Speaker rejects the resignations then the MLAs are bound by the whip," the bench said, adding, "granting times for weeks are gold mines of horse trading...Why is the court has been saying that the hold the floor test. The idea is to hold the floor test as early as possible." The bench asked the speaker hat he should decide on the resignations on the basis of papers before them and they should not be delaying it. "I am not ceding my right. I am required to conduct an enquiry in view of the allegations that MLAs are held in captivity. There are inference of captivity, coercion and threats being exerted on MLAs," Singhvi said. On the power of Governor, the bench said, "if the house is not on session and if the government loses the majority then the Governor has the power to direct the speaker to hold the trust vote." "What happens when the assembly is prorogued and a government loses its majority? Cannot the Governor then call the assembly? Since not allowing this would mean a government in minority to continue," the bench asked. He defended the adjournment on the ground of coronavirus scare and said the assemblies of Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Kerala have been adjourned due to the virus outbreak. "This is a very unique case because of two facts that nobody has claimed before the Governor that it has the majority. This is the first case in India when Governor is asking floor test when the assembly is in session," Sibal said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South African ISP Cool Ideas said it has seen a major increase in traffic on its network as a side-effect of the coronavirus outbreak. On 15 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster and implemented urgent restrictions to curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in South Africa. These included international travel bans and the prohibition of large gatherings. The next day, many companies asked their employees to work from home. This increase in the number of people working from home and self-isolating has resulted in a big increase in Internet traffic. Big traffic spike In the two days following Ramaphosas announcement, Cool Ideas said it saw a large spike in Netflix usage across its network. We saw quite a big spike in Netflix usage over the last two nights since the announcement from our President, said Cool Ideas co-owner Paul Butschi. Sunday is usually the biggest day for Internet traffic on the Cool Ideas network, but the ISP said that as of Wednesday its Netflix usage was peaking at 32% higher than Sunday. Daytime Internet usage has also increased dramatically due to self-isolation and people working from home, with traffic on the network doubling during working hours. All other daytime traffic use (6:00 to 17:00) is up around 100%, which is an indication of the number of people now working from home, Butschi said. Netflix data traffic on the Cool Ideas network is shown below, clearly illustrating the spike in traffic following President Ramaphosas announcement. Click on the image below to view the full-size graph. Global trends The data provided by Cool Ideas echoes the findings of researchers around the world who noted an increase in the usage of Netflix and other streaming services due to self-isolation. Installations of the Netflix app have increased by 34% and 57% in Italy as the coronavirus outbreak worsens in these regions. Italy has the second-most coronavirus cases worldwide, after China. While video streaming is far from the most important thing on the world agenda, it is an industry that indirectly will see a major shift due to the crisis, said Sean Doherty, CEO of the research firm Wurl. Additionally, the amount of time people spend streaming has increased by 20% worldwide including by more than 40% in Austria, where public gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. Streaming services have not yet commented on any increase in traffic, but data supplied by ISPs and researchers have reported the same trend globally. Now read: Microsoft launches free coronavirus tracking website Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Oslo, Norway Thu, March 19, 2020 19:02 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bff03d 2 Science & Tech Abel-Prize,mathematics Free The Abel Prize for mathematics was on Wednesday awarded to Israeli-American Hillel Furstenberg and Russian-born Gregory Margulis, both probability experts, the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters said. The pair were honored "for pioneering the use of methods from probability and dynamics in group theory, number theory and combinatorics," the Academy said in a statement. Furstenberg, 84, is affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, while Margulis, a decade younger, is at Yale University. Israeli-American Hillel Furstenberg, who was awarded the Abel Prize for mathematics, poses for a picture at his house in Jerusalem on March 18, 2020. (AFP/Menahem Kahana) Furstenberg and Margulis invented so-called random walk techniques, or a path consisting of a succession of random steps. The study of random walks is a central branch of probability theory. The pair used the technique "to investigate mathematical objects such as groups and graphs, and in so doing introduced probabilistic methods to solve many open problems," the statement said. Read also: Abel Prize for maths awarded to woman for first time Their work "has opened up a wealth of new results" in diverse areas of mathematics and "brought down the traditional wall between pure and applied mathematics". Born in Berlin, Furstenberg and his Jewish family fled Nazi Germany for the US just before the start of World War II. After starting his career at top universities like Princeton and MIT, he left the United States for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1965 and stayed there until his retirement in 2003. Margulis stood out as a math wiz early on. At age 16, he won the silver medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad, and 16 years later won the prestigious Fields Medal. The Soviet authorities however did not allow him to travel to Helsinki to pick up the medal because of discrimination against his Jewish origin. Soviet academics were finally granted more freedom in 1979. He went on to work at universities in Switzerland, France and the US, where he became a professor at Yale in 1991. In 2001, he was elected a member of the US National Academy of Sciences. Because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Abel Prize award ceremony has been postponed indefinitely. It was originally scheduled for May 19. Named after the 19th-century Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel, the prize was established by the Oslo government in 2002 and first awarded a year later, to honor outstanding scientific work in the field of mathematics, a discipline not included among the Nobel awards. This year it comes with a cheque for 7.5 million kroner (US$711,000). Along with the Fields Medal, which is awarded every four years at the Congress of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), it is one of the world's most prestigious maths prizes. Pompeo: If Details of CCP Virus Arent Uncovered, Similar Situation Could Happen Again The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) covered up details about the new coronavirus, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, warning that a similar situation could unfold if we dont get to the bottom of this. The virus began in Wuhan, China, in 2019, but details about its spread were suppressed by the CCP for weeks. The party later manipulated figures showing the number of infections and deaths, according to internal documents obtained by The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Appearing on Fox News Hannity on March 18, Pompeo noted that the United States registered strong objections to the Chinese ambassador to the United States after Chinese officials claimed the U.S. military brought the CCP virus to China. The disinformation campaign began when the United States began drawing attention to the risk of the virus, Pompeo said. The Chinese government knew about the risk, but it did little to protect people from it. They wasted valuable days at the front end, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to leave Wuhan to go to places like Italy, thats now suffering so badly, Pompeo said. Chinese officials worked to suppress information about the outbreak instead of trying to suppress the virus itself, Pompeo said. And the Chinese Communist Party didnt get it right, and put countless lives at risk as a result of that, he said. The United States repeatedly offered in January to send teams of American health experts to China to help study and respond to the virus, but the CCP didnt accept the offers. Two U.S. experts were finally allowed in, but only as part of a World Health Organization team. The organization has been widely criticized for consistently praising China and dismissing information about how the CCP hid details about the virus. Workers prepare to disinfect rooms at the Red Cross hospital in Wuhan, China, on March 18, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Party officials havent been sufficiently transparent, and the risk, Sean, that you find; if we dont get this right, if we dont get to the bottom of this, is this could be something thats repeatable, Pompeo told host Sean Hannity. Maybe not in this form, maybe not in this way, but transparency matters. As Americas most senior diplomat, we have an obligation to try and help make sure that we get this information from the Chinese Communist Party, so we can help our medical professionals here in the United States get this right and save lives for Americans, and for people all across the world. Other top U.S. officials have sounded similar themes. National security adviser Robert OBrien said on March 11 that Chinese officials covering up the initial outbreak of the virus cost the world some two months in response time. Rather than using best practices, this outbreak in Wuhan was covered up. Theres lots of open-source reporting from China, from Chinese nationals, that the doctors involved were either silenced or put in isolation or that sort of thing, so that word of this virus could not get out, he said. It probably cost the world community two months to respond. During that time period, scientists could have sequenced the virus, and teams from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) could have been on the ground. I think we could have dramatically curtailed what happened in China and whats now happening across the world, OBrien said. President Donald Trump told reporters on March 17 that Chinese officials were disseminating false information, referring to the conspiracy theory that the U.S. military took the virus to China. The president responded to a reporter who asked about people criticizing Trump for calling the virus the Chinese virus. That was false. And rather than having an argument, I said I have to call it where it came from; it did come from China. So I think its a very accurate term, Trump said. China tried to say at one pointmaybe they stopped nowthat it was caused by American soldiers. That cant happen. Its not going to happennot as long as Im president, he told a reporter on March 18 who said that some people believe the term Chinese virus is racist, repeating CCP propaganda. It comes from China. The health ministry website on Thursday evening updated the number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country to four from three reported till late Thursday afternoon. According to the ministry website, the latest death has been reported from Punjab which had two positive cases of covid-19. The total number of infected cases in the country has jumped to 167 as per the latest data released by the ministry. The other three deaths were reported from Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Also read: PM Modi, set to address nation on Covid-19, gets a wishlist from Oppn The fourth victim is said to be a 70-year-old man who had arrived from Germany via Italy at Delhi airport on March 7 before heading to Punjab on the same day. He was a known case of diabetes and hypertension and was confirmed as COVID positive only yesterday. ALSO WATCH | Govt on Coronavirus: Curtailing flights, trains; elderly, kids stay at home The details of the fourth victim, however, have not been confirmed officially yet. Punjab became the first state in the country to announce a ban on public transport from Friday to cut down on the chances of community transmission of the disease that has killed over 8000 people globally. Also read: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh asks Centre to allow coronavirus tests by private hospitals Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has also urged the Central government to allow private hospitals and labs to conduct covid-19 tests. The first victim to die of coronavirus was a 76-year-old man from Karnatakas Kalburgi who succumbed on Tuesday last while being transported from one hospital to another. It was followed by death of a 68-year-old woman from Delhi, she had picked up the infection from her son who had returned from abroad and the third death was reported from Mumbai two days ago on March 17, when a 64-year old succumbed to the disease at Kasturba Hospital in the city. As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 falls in China, the Beijing regime is holding up its belated response to the pandemic as a model to be emulated by the rest of the world. In doing so, the Stalinist Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is attempting to use nationalism to deflect attention away from the social disaster that its weeks-long denial of the virus caused for the Chinese working class, as well as from the police state measures that it has implemented. Chinas National Health Commission reported on Monday there had only been 21 new cases of COVID-19 and 16 the previous day. Of the 21 new confirmed infections, 20 were detected in people arriving from overseas. As of Tuesday, 143 cases of COVID-19 in China came from abroad. By comparison, Italy, which has become the new epicenter of the virus outbreak, reported 2,989 new cases on Tuesday alone, as well as 345 deaths. In total, there have been more than 191,000 cases and over 7,700 people have passed away. The majority of confirmed cases are now outside China. The Chinese government has imposed strict travel bans in attempt to prevent new outbreaks. International travellers arriving at Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou will be medically evaluated and then escorted to a quarantine site where they will be placed under observation for two weeks. Those arriving from Italy, Spain, Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria face additional checks. While testing and quarantines are a necessary measure to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the harsh measures imposed by Beijing have added to a growing social crisis in China, which was in part exposed by the collapse on March 7 of a hotel used as a quarantine site. Residents under quarantine in cities like Wuhan have complained that they have been neglected by the government and limited access to basic food supplies and other necessities. Millions of workers have lost their jobs and no serious compensation has been provided. Large parts of the country are still under lockdown. There is growing anger among the Chinese working class, which Beijing is attempting to contain with nationalist rhetoric. A commentary in the official state Xinhua news agency on Tuesday stated: Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the whole nation has been mobilized in the fight against the virus. People from all walks of life made concerted efforts and fought in unity. The official rant declared: With the full practice of collectivism and patriotism, the Chinese people have shown national unity and cohesion. The reality is that the Chinese capitalist class, and the CCP regime that serves it, has imposed the full burden of the massive economic cost caused by the COVID-19 outbreak on workers and the rural poor. Goldman Sachs on Tuesday stated it believes Chinas economy is likely to shrink by 9 percent in the first quarterthe largest decline since 1990. It further stated that Chinas annual gross domestic product will grow by 3 percent rather than its previous estimate of 5.5 percent. Even such estimates of growth are questionable, given industrial output fell by 13.5 percent in January and February, as factories in the major export regions were largely closed. Chinese officials, however, claim that the economy is likely to return to normal in the second quarter. Over 90 percent of large-scale industrial companies in regions outside of Hubei have resumed production, and resumption rates for places including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai are close to 100 percent, said Meng Wei, spokeswoman for the National Development and Reform Commission. However, Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said last week that small and medium-sized businesses have only resumed work at a 60 percent rate. Workers face mass job losses and huge wage cuts. Nine million workers are predicted to lose their jobs in the coming year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. The official urban unemployment rate is set to rise to 6.2 percent, the highest on record. An additional 18 to 30 million workers could see their wages slashed by as much as 50 percent. Smaller businesses in China employ as many as 200 million people. Many of these are restaurants or bars that were forced to close. In many cases, they employ migrant workers who have been unable to return to work. Approximately 20 percent of people have been unable to return to their workplaces. Migrant workers in general have been hard hit. When belated quarantine measures were taken to halt the spread of COVID-19 in late January, many migrant workers were visiting their hometowns for the Lunar New Year, often located far from their place of employment. Only those with a formal job were able to travel while others were unable to afford the costs of high-speed trains that remained open for the wealthy. There is nothing I can do except wait, Zhang Yanwei told the Financial Times at the beginning of March. Zhang, a plumber, expected to find work outside his hometown of Zhumiao, in Shandong province, but has been unable to travel without a formal job contract. In some cases, workers who were able to return to their job sites were forced into quarantine in their dormitories, sharing rooms with other workers, risking a wider infection while going unpaid. In the worst cases, workers were thrown from their accommodations and rendered homeless and unable to travel to their hometowns, forced to live on the streets. Contrary to Beijings claims that the entire country has rallied together, the working class has been made to endure incredibly harsh conditions. The ability for China to contain the spread of COVID-19 was only the result of police state measures that imposed the full burden of the health crisis on workers and their families. The Chinese capitalist class, embodied by President Xi Jinping, has paid basically nothing. Most of the Chinese rich have simply escaped to their luxury homes in suburbs of the major cities, or in other countries, and are riding out the crisis. The Chinese experience is only a model to the extent that it serves to underscore the necessity for the working class internationally to take direct control over the COVID-19 response. Only the independent action of workers can guarantee that all measures are implemented with respect for basic democratic rights and the social right to a decent income, housing and essential services. The Chhattisgarh High Court on Monday issued a notice to Bollywood actor Aamir Khan over his alleged remark about rising intolerance in the country, which was made back in 2015. The High court has also issued a notice to the Chhattisgarh government in this regard on a petition filed by Dipak Diwan. According to the complaint, Aamir Khan claimed that intolerance was growing and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested the two should move out of India. According to reports Dipak Diwan's lawyer Amiyakant Tiwari said a complaint was filed before a Magistrate at Raipur against the actor's alleged statement, however, it was rejected twice before Diwan approached the High Court. "It appears from the record that the Magistrate without recording any finding as to whether the case for taking cognizance is made out or not straightway rejected the complaint about the want of sanction under Section 196(1)(a) of the CrPC. In view of that, the petition deserves to be admitted," the high court said. Justice Sanjay K Agrawal has issued notices to Khan and the state government and posted the matter for next hearing on April 17. Aamir Khan had talked about Kiran wishing to move out of the country during the Ramnath Goenka (RNG) Excellence Awards in 2015. He had said Kiran seems the way she does because 'she fears for her child and the atmosphere around her. She is also scared to look at the newspapers. We have lived in India all our lives and her suggesting it also shows a growing alarm and despondency.' Take a look at the video, Diwan sought registration of a complaint under IPC sections 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, etc) and 153 (B) (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration). But the application was rejected on the ground that no sanction under section 196(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was obtained according to the lawyer. On the work front, Aamir Khan will be seen next in, Laal Singh Chaddha alongside Kareena Kapoor. The film is a Hindi remake of Tom Hanks's classic film, Forrest Gump. Preity Zinta Shares Desi Nuska To Help You Keep Calm During Coronavirus Quarantine Top 10 Bollywood Films To Catch Up On During Coronavirus Lockdown We have been inundated with notes on groups, clubs and businesses doing their bit for the community during the current coronavirus emergency. With the country engaging in social distancing and being told to stay indoors where possible to stop the spread, our most vulnerable need help. We've heard of people delivering food, groceries and medicines but we want this article to be one big list of those good samaritans. So let us know the good deeds going on in your community so we can list it below. Please include contact details if applicable and send a note to justin.kelly@offalyexpress.ie. #OffalyFightsBack Offaly Helping Hands: - Many GAA clubs, including Tullamore, Kinnitty, St. Ryangh's, Edenderry and Rhode are offering their services to vulnerable people locally. Contact individually for details. - Mor Irish Gin in Tullamore have started producing sanitiser at their distillery to send to medical facilities. - Birr Job Club is offering advice and support to those who have lost their job or had their hours reduced because of the raft of businesses closures due to the Covid-19 break. Phone: 057 9123940. Text: 087 2802919. Email: birrjobclub@offalyldc.ie - Offaly's councillors have committed to being available and contactable to locals during this time. - The 'Offaly Watch Out For Your Neighbour has revealed they have secured two vans for delivering and collecting groceries and medication for the elderly in the community during these testing times. You can find out more through Cllr John Leahy's Facebook page. - A number of pharmacies, including Peter Fox Totalhealth and Ryan's Pharmacy in Daingean, Rhode and Edenderry are introducing collection booths to protect customers and staff. - Drumcullen Eglish Community Alert Group are recruiting volunteers across a number of areas to help support the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. They are organising supports, deliveries and caring facilities. Find out more at grennao@tcd.ie or through Facebook. - Birr Community Responder Group - offering to pick up groceries or prescriptions. Contact 087-9625218, 087-9046181, or 087-6994272. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 15:03 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206be00eb 1 Politics mahfud-md,2020-regional-elections,KPU,Bawaslu,COVID-19,coronavirus,outbreak Free The government has decided to stick to the 2020 regional election schedule despite the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday between the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, the home minister, the National Police chief, the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander, the General Elections Commission (KPU), the Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) and the Election Organization Ethics Council (DKPP). "The KPU assured us there would be no changes to the schedule for the 2020 regional elections. They will be held in September this year as was the orginal plan," Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD told the press on Wednesday. Read also: KPU commissioner Evi Novida dismissed for manipulating vote results in West Kalimantan He added that the KPU had set up scenarios and work patterns according to the protocol for dealing with COVID-19 issued by the government. The new scenario is expected to run until May 31, although the government declared a state of emergency from Feb. 29 to May 29. "There is no problem. Everything will proceed as usual until May 31," said Mahfud. The new scenario includes some changes to the election process. For example, the inauguration of voting committees (PPS) will be handled by subdistrict offices rather than the district or mayors office. The measure is intended to avoid large gatherings. The verification process for independent candidates will also follow the COVID-19 protocol, which includes body temperature scanning, as their supporters are expected to attend the process. Bawaslu previously advised the KPU to prepare for delays to the 2020 regional elections in areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases through vote postponements and restaged voting in those areas. Lawmakers and election watchdogs also called on the KPU to identify areas affected by the disease and come up with alternatives ways to hold the elections. Read also: Court rules simultaneous elections as 'most constitutional' The terms pemilihan lanjutan (vote postponement) and pemilihan susulan (restaged vote) are stipulated in Law No. 10/2016 on regional elections. A vote postponement allows an election to be rescheduled to a later date after election organizers agree to halt it due to force majeure. A restaged vote, meanwhile, involves conducting the entire election again, also for reasons of force majeure. Bawaslu has identified several COVID-19 red zones, namely Bekasi, Depok, Cirebon and Purwakarta in West Java; Tangerang and South Tangerang in Banten; Surakarta in Central Java; Pontianak in West Kalimantan; Manado in North Sulawesi; Bali; and Yogyakarta. As of midday Thursday, Indonesia had 227 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including in regions set to hold regional elections in September, such as Surakarta and Semarang in Central Java and Denpasar in Bali. At least 19 people have died from the disease, while 11 have recovered. A senior Republican senator appears to have issued a dire coronavirus warning to a group of business officials weeks before COVID-19 stormed onto US soil, but a senior aide contends the lawmaker has been raising such alarms about America's pandemic readiness for years. A recording taken several weeks ago features the voice of a man who sounds like the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman telling members of the Tar Heel Circle and others about the then-coming virus during an exclusive luncheon event on Capitol Hill. That group is part of the North Carolina Society of Washington, DC, a private organisation that charges hefty dues to its members. "There's one thing that I can tell you about this," the senator says in the recording. "It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history. It's probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic." The North Carolina lawmaker was referring to the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic that infected about one-third of the world's population, killing 50 million worldwide and 675,000 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mr Burr, at a time when fellow Republican Donald Trump was saying publicly he expected the virus would "maybe go away," then offered some inside advice to the group of business sector representatives. "Every company should be cognisant of the fact you may have to alter your travel," he said on the recording, first obtained by NPR. "You may have to look at your employees and judge whether that trip that they're making to Europe is essential or whether it can be done on video conference. Why risk it?" But the source, who is close to Mr Burr, said Thursday that he has "been giving this message in public for years," adding "there is nothing said in that meeting that CDC and others weren't saying for weeks." "His message has always been that we need to take this very seriously," added the source, granted anonymity to speak candidly. The source noted the recording was made on 27 February, and pointed The Independent to a 3 February op-ed Mr Burr penned with GOP Senator Lamar Alexander for FoxNews.com in which they wrote: "Americans are rightfully concerned about the coronavirus" and the "ability of the virus to rapidly spread," calling that "alarming." Caitlin Carroll, a spokeswoman for the chairman, said in a statement that "Senator Burr has been banging the drum about the importance of public health preparedness for more than 20 years." "His message has always been, and continues to be, that we must be prepared to protect American lives in the event of a pandemic or bio-attack," she said. "Since early February, whether in constituent meetings or open hearings, he has worked to educate the public about the tools and resources our government has to confront the spread of coronavirus." The same day the recording was made, Mr Trump then still a coronavirus skeptic talked about a "miracle" that would make the virus "disappear." The president at that time did leave the door open that it "could get worse before it gets better." More recently, however, Mr Trump has gotten much more serious about the virus and its spread, with The Johns Hopkins University putting the number of US cases at 9,415 with 68 deaths. (The school puts the total number of global cases at 222,642 with 9,115 deaths.) Mr Trump now says it could trigger a US economic recession, with virus effects lingering into July or August. On its website, the parent oganisation of the group to which Mr Burr spoke describes the Tar Heel Circle as "an organisation within the NCSW that sponsors non-partisan events bringing together influential North Carolinians with Society and Tar Heel Circle members to engage in dialogue regarding issues of the day in an informal and intimate setting. The mission of the Tar Heel Circle is to stimulate creative thinking to generate innovative solutions to the great questions and issues that face our state, nation and the world." NPR reported memberships cost between $500 and $10,000. : Territorial Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday visited Mahe region, an enclave of Puducherry in Kerala, and reviewed steps taken there to contain the spread of the novel COVID-19. As an immediate measure, the territorial government released Rs 1 crore to the administration of Mahe to procure all the necessary equipment, including masks, to tackle the infection. He was accompanied by Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao. He and Rao held discussions with the regional administrator of Mahe and also officials of the Health and other departments during the review meeting. Later, the Chief Minister told newsmen in Mahe that the territorial administration was adhering to the Centre's advisories and implementing steps to contain the spread of the infection. He said he was pleased with the steps the Mahe administration had taken to combat COVID -19. Narayanasamy said the blood samples of 23 people were tested in Puducherry region and all of them tested negative for the infection. Similarly, all 13 people of Karaikal region whose blood samples were examined also tested negative. He said he and Health Minister had come to Mahe after the region reported the first positive case in Union Territory. A 68-year-old woman, who had gone on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, had returned to Mahe region last week and after confirming through blood test that she had the infection she had been admitted to the isolation ward in the government hospital in Mahe. "The patient is stable and showing signs of improvement," he added. The Chief Minister said the health authorities of Mahe had quarantined the daughter-in-law of the patient and the others who had come into contact with her. "They are being closely watched," he said. Mobile teams have been formed to spread awareness among the people particularly at Palloor in Mahe region where awareness was low. The local legislator N Ramachandran was also present at the review meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Thursday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk and not pontificate, claiming that he was violating the law by attending Parliament despite his government urging citizens above 65 years to remain indoors by invoking the Epidemic Act New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk and not pontificate, claiming that he was violating the law by attending Parliament despite his government urging citizens above 65 years to remain indoors by invoking the Epidemic Act. Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister is exposing MPs and thousands of people to the spread of coronavirus by allowing the continuation of the Parliament session, which he termed "farcical". He alleged that the only reason the Parliament was functioning was because the BJP government was awaiting the outcome of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly crisis, where Congress has been asked to hold a floor test by Friday. "The coronavirus pandemic is posing a grave threat globally to the health of the citizens and the economies of countries. The country and world are united in the wake of this pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, must walk the talk, and not pontificate. "The government has evoked the Epidemic Act and asked citizens above 65 to stay indoors. Urge the PM to respect and not violate the law by insisting the farcical Parliament session to continue. He, his ministers and other leaders above 65 years would be violators of the law," Sharma said. The Congress leader said if the government has come out with guidelines to say that no person above 65 years should be exposed, he should at least respect the government guidelines himself as the prime minister, his ministers and MPs are above 65 years of age. "Section 144 has been promulgated and states locked down, then why is Parliament allowed to function. The reason is not due to conviction towards parliamentary democracy, but because they are awaiting the outcome of the Madhya Pradesh floor test," he said. The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh to hold a floor test by Friday. Another Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill tweeted, "BJP government issues advisory for people above 65 to stay at home. Majority MPs esp Rajya Sabha are above 65, including PM, so why is Parliament still functioning? Very sure after MP floor test Parliament will be adjourned sine die. BJP puts politics above preventive health measures." PTI SKC Health Minister Roger Cook announced the WA government is extending its free influenza vaccines, already available for children aged six months to five years old, to all primary school students. We want to make sure we want to protect our youngest members of our community, not only because its good for their health but because we know that they are themselves transmitters of disease, he said. Modelling has showed that if we can get 20 per cent immunisation across our school-aged children that we can then reduce hospitalisation by 30 per cent of people in all age cohorts. Mr Cook said due to the timing of the community transmission of the virus in WA, the state would experience an overlay of COVID-19 and the flu season. The best thing we can do is continue to make sure people dont get sick and they continue to protect their health and wellbeing so that if they are impacted by the COVID-19 virus, theyve got the best chance of dealing with it in a very mild way. The federal government is also bringing forward its free over 65s national immunisation plan to the first week of April. Mr Cook said the department was encouraging all people aged over 65 to contact their doctor and get immunised. This winter of all winters, it is so important to get yourself immunised, he said. "I urge older Western Australians and parents of children - six months to Year 6 - to take advantage of our free vaccination programs this year. "And while getting the influenza vaccine won't prevent you from getting COVID-19, it can help reduce the number of patients needing tests and care - relieving the pressure on our health system and hospitals." WA was the first state to introduce the free flu vaccine to children between six months up to five years. School-aged children will now also be able to be immunised for free, with the vaccinations available after Easter. It is also a solution to gradually eliminate power sources using traditional fuels that generate gas emissions and negatively affect the living environment and peoples livelihoods. However, investment in RE in Vietnam is still facing many difficulties, requiring appropriate development mechanisms and policies. Potential yet to be fully tapped into As a tropical monsoon country with diverse terrain, many geographical regions and an over 3,000km coastline, Vietnam has abundant RE resources that could be exploited to generate electricity in service of daily activites and production, including solar power, wind power and biomass power. Studies show that wind power is usually concentrated in coastal provinces, with a power genereation capacity of about 800 to 1,400 kWh per square metre, while solar power is capable of providing 4,500 megawatts of electricity (approximately 13 times as much as the total capacity of Vietnams current power system) and is easily applied. Many solar power projects are effectively serving the peoples lives and production in a number of localities, especially those in remote and isolated areas and islands where the power grid has not been connected yet, such as some villages in the northern mountainous provinces of Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Yen Bai and Ha Giang, and some islands of Co To, Ngoc Vung, Quan Lan (Quang Ninh province), Con Dao (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang) and Ly Son (Quang Ngai). Developing electricity from RE sources will help to diversify generation sources and cause less pollution, while working to transform economic structure and develop the environmental industry. RE also helps to improve infrastructure and economic development in the localities which are inherently underdeveloped areas. In addition, developing wind power will help to realise the marine economic development strategy. However, up until now, RE investment projects are being slowly implemented, with a limited number of wind power projects. According to statistics from the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), nine wind power plants (with a capacity of 44 MW), 91 solar power plants (with a capacity of 4,680 MW) and more than 10 biomass power plants (with a capacity of 369 MW) have been put into operation across the country, ensuring the transmission volume to maximise the generation capacity of 81 of the 100 wind power and solar power plants for connection to the national power grid. Binh Thuan currently attracts the most RE-using projects, with its wind energy potential covering a total area of 23,549 hectares, equivalent to 3% of the provinces area. The total installed wind power capacity in the areas with wind energy potential is estimated at 1,570 MW. The locality has 2,728 sunshine hours per year, with an average annual radiation of 1,961 kWh per square metre and an average daily radiation of 3.35 kWh per square metre. Binh Thuans solar power potential is also drawing attention from many domestic and foreign investors. The province has 113 regions planned for solar power development projects, with a potential planning area of 14,198 hectares. As many as 20 wind power projects in the locality, with a combined capacity of 812.5 MW, have already been approved to be supplemented to the National Electricity Development Plan by the Prime Minister and to the Binh Thuan wind power development plan by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The provincial Peoples Committee has approved an investment plan for and granted investment certificates to 13 of these 20 projects, with a total capacity of 607 MW and a total investment of nearly VND25.8 trillion (US$1.09 billion). Thus far, 21 solar power projects in Binh Thuan have been connected to the national power grid and have implemented commercial electricity production with a combined capacity of 903.48 MW. Notably, all the solar power plants currently in operation are utilising photovoltaic effect technology. Nguyen Hoang Hung, General Director of the Solar Investment Joint Stock Company (Solarcom), said that there are three types of solar panels in the world, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels. Solar power plants in Binh Thuan are using polycrystalline panel with an efficiency of about 17-19%. Although this type of panel has lower efficiency than that of the monocrystalline panel, it has some advantages: cheap prices, high durability (about 25 years) and simple environmental treatment after its usage lifecycle. In addition, more and more families have chosen to install rooftop solar panels thanks to the benefits of using clean energy. As many as 82 solar power projects have signed contracts with the Binh Thuan Power Company to sell excess electricity and route it back to the national grid. Accelerating exploitation of RE projects During the actual implementation of RE projects, investors also face multiple difficulties and challenges regarding land use, capital, connection, capacity release, access to new technologies, backup sources or mechanisms and policies. Duong Thi Nga, head of the international cooperation department at the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, stated that the application of many new technologies will lead to increased production costs, which is also a big barrier to the current development of RE sources. However, to strengthen their economic competitiveness against fossil fuels, these new technologies will soon apply technological advances to reduce costs in order to meet part of Vietnams energy needs. In addition to the high production costs, there are some other barriers to RE development, such as the lack of policies and organisations supporting RE development, the lack of information and a database for planning and policy making, the underdeveloped technologies and auxiliary services for RE, and difficulties in accessing capital sources to develop RE projects. The rapid development of solar power in a short period of time and the focus on connecting it to transmission lines have also caused grid overload. In the first six months of 2019, up to eight solar power plants, concentrated in Binh Thuans Tuy Phong and Bac Binh districts, were connected with a total capacity of 264.36 MW, far beyond the permissible transmission capacity. To restrict the possible incidents caused by grid overload, the capacity of power plants on this line was forcibly reduced. Accordingly, solar and wind power plants in the region had to cut 38% to 65% of their capacity, causing the loss of hundreds of millions of VND every day. Nguy Thi Khanh, Director of the Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID), said that thus far, GreenID has researched and implemented support for the people to apply urgent RE solutions, including a model of supplying pure drinking water for schools and residents by using solar panels in the provinces of Bac Giang, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, An Giang, Dak Lak and Ca Mau, together with solar power systems for households without an electricity connection in the border areas of some provinces. However, according to Khanh, the shift to using RE is faced with some obstacles, such as the lack of necessary policies as a foundation for RE development and the lack of laws on RE. Therefore, it is difficult for investors to set long-term strategies in developing clean energy sources. Furthermore, human resources in the RE sector have not been paid due attention, as just a few universities have provided specialised training on RE thus far. Given these difficulties and obstacles, RE businesses suggest that it is necessary to recognise RE as a precious resource, to accelerate the consistent building and implementation of policies on prioritising the use of energy efficiency in association with development, and to limit investment in building additional fossil fuel power plants. In order to effectively tap into this energy resource, there should be specific regulations on relevant mechanisms and policies soon. Policies should pay attention to both centralised and decentralised scales, in parallel with accelerating the reforms of the electricity industry and the competitive electricity market to enable economic sectors to participate in producing and consuming clean energy. The banking sector should create favourable conditions for RE investment, while working out a mechanism to reduce risks for RE investment to attract financial sources and trust from foreign investors in such a growing field. In addition, it is necessary to closely follow policies and the market to develop new or upgrade current human resource training programmes, and transfer knowledge, skills and technology to prepare for the energy transition process. RE is highly dependent on natural conditions such as water, sun, wind and geographic location, as well as technology and production costs. Therefore, to promote RE development, there should be more specific support policies concerning quota mechanisms, fixed price mechanisms, bidding mechanisms and certificate issuance mechanisms. In addition, it is urgent to implement projects to release RE capacity, thus creating favourable conditions for power plants to generate at their full capacity. US president Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his use of the phrase Chinese Virus after facing an angry backlash for using it to refer to COVID-19. (File photo/Xinhua) US president Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his use of the phrase Chinese Virus after facing an angry backlash for using it to refer to COVID-19, escalating a Sino-US diplomatic spat amid the coronavirus epidemic. (Screenshot from Donald Trumps Twitter) On Monday, Donald Trump issued a statement of support for various US industries, while using the offensive phrase Chinese Virus. The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before! he wrote. On the same day, the same phrase appeared in another of Trumps tweets: Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all Trumps remarks immediately drew a backlash from the Chinese government and public. Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang expressed indignation over Trumps comments at a press briefing on Tuesday, stressing that the US should get its domestic issues handled first. An online petition launched on the White Houses website on March 16. (Screenshot from the White House website) Tens of thousands of people launched an official White House petition on March 16, demanding an apology from President Trump for naming COVID-19 the Chinese Virus in his latest tweet, especially when the origin of COVID-19 is not scientifically definite yet. Not only does his Twitter defiance go against science, it also causes hostility among Chinese and other races, the petition read. As of press time, the petition had solicited over 44,000 signatures. Trumps tweet came days after Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in his individual Twitter account that the virus might have been spread by the US army, which was later condemned by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who issued strong US objections on Monday in a phone call with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi. Echoing Pompeo, Trump fired back at the criticism he had received for using the term during a White House press briefing on Tuesday, claiming that China has been putting out false information and that the term he used was a very accurate term. China was putting out information, which was false, that our military gave this to them. That was false, he said. And rather than having an argument, I said I have to call it where it came from. The President also brushed off fears that using the term creates a stigma. "I don't think so. I think saying that our military gave it to them creates a stigma," Trump said. However, his use of the phrase drew massive criticism from US officials, with some noting that it was a mean-spirited distraction that only intensifies racism and xenophobia. (Screenshot from California Rep. Ted Lieus Twitter) California Rep. Ted Lieu, directly addressing the president, described the phrase as unnecessary, urging President Trump to stop this language as Asian Americans have already been assaulted because of this type of rhetoric. We all need to work together, he added. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also condemned the tweet, saying it was misplacing blame and fuelling prejudice. If youre looking for someone to pin this crisis on, try the guy who made up a phony Google website or promised testing kits that he STILL hasnt delivered, he said. Our Asian-American communities people YOU serve are already suffering. They dont need you fueling more bigotry. Echoing de Blasio, Rep. Grace Meng of New York suggested that Trump was trying to deflect his incompetent handling of domestic problems. The racist rhetoric around the virus, Meng told NBC News, could potentially be a tactic in distracting from Trumps mishandling of the situation, adding that its likely some officials are using China or Asian Americans as scapegoats versus actually dealing with the problem at hand. (Screenshot from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Twitter) Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont accused the president and his allies of stoking anti-Chinese bigotry. We cannot tolerate this kind of racismespecially at this moment. This crisis requires our political leadership to unite our country, not divide us up, Sanders wrote. Trump was not the first US politician to use racist language to describe COVID-19. Secretary of State Pompeo and Rep. Paul Gosar have called it the Wuhan virus, while House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy referred to COVID-19 as the "Chinese coronavirus" in a tweet last week. The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested that the public stop linking the virus with any particular area or group, as it may hold a negative meaning for people and fuel stigmatizing attitudes. Just as WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, There is a common enemy in this planet itself. We need to fight in unison. And the stigma, to be honest, is more dangerous than the virus itself. An Oxford restaurant became the first in Connecticut to file formal notice of a mass layoff as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 40 people losing their jobs. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered restaurants this week to close their dining rooms while allowing them to offer takeout and delivery service, with corporate lunch cafes allowed to continue service in their regular fashion. On Tuesday, Lamont predicted more than 100,000 hospitality industry jobs were at risk as a result of the order, which New York, Massachusetts and many other states have put into effect as well. A staff member of the Norwalk-based nonprofit Food Rescue US has started a Food for the Front Line page on Gofundme to raise cash to purchase meals for health workers, with the initiative having inching close to its goal of $10,000 in donations as of Thursday afternoon. The 121 Restaurant & Bar is located on the grounds of Waterbury-Oxford Airport, with the restaurant posting a message on Facebook Tuesday that it would not offer takeout and delivery service in an attempt to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, while stating we cant wait to see you all again. That same day, however, the companys New York based parent Inflight Catering filed noticed with the Connecticut Department of Labor to disclose the job cuts, and its skepticism that it would resume operations with no immediate solution for coronavirus. This pandemic is frightening to us all it is terrifying, the companys Facebook post states. Our hearts go out to everyone affected at this time. Under the Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification Act, employers are required to report mass layoffs to the Connecticut Department of Labor with several exceptions allowed, including for swiftly developing business circumstances beyond their control. The WARN Act is intended to allow the state to mobilize job assistance for affected workers, which DOL is now grappling with on a mass scale as claims for unemployment skyrocket. On Thursday, DOL posted online a WARN notice from USS Chowder Pot, which indicated it has furloughed 95 workers at its Hartford restaurant, with no guarantee their jobs would survive depending on the length of the industry shutdown in Connecticut. Last week, Sodexho announced it would cut 65 food-service jobs at the University of Bridgeport after terminating its contract with the school. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman 130-Year-Old Breeding Galapagos Tortoise Saved His Species From Near Extinction, Retires on Espanola Island When Galapagos giant tortoise Diego arrived in the Santa Cruz Island breeding program in 1976, his species (Chelonoidis hoodensis) was down to a mere 15 surviving members. In 2020, this centenarian male has been retired from the breeding program after helping lift the population to around 2,000. To put Diegos incredible mating role into perspective, some 40 percent of the Galapagos giant tortoise population on his native island of Espanola are descended from him, according to a statement by the Galapagos National Park authorities. In recent years, he has become a symbol of Galapagos conversation, they said. Diego, a member of the Espanola Island giant tortoise species, is pictured in a breeding center at the Galapagos National Park in Santa Cruz Island, in the Galapagos archipelago, on June 4, 2013. (Getty Images | RODRIGO BUENDIA) Originally captured in the wild sometime in the late 1920s to early 1930s, Diego was sold to the San Diego Zoo. The near-extinction of Galapagos giant tortoises in the 1960s led to the creation of the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative in 1965, which Diego was sent to help with. Diegos contribution, according to the San Diego Zoo, has been to father an estimated 1,700 total offspring in his estimated 130-year life. As for why Diego became so famous despite being outbred by another tortoise in the program, Dr. James Gibbs, a professor of biology at Syracuse University, told the New York Times that he has a big personalityquite aggressive, active and vocal in his mating habits and so I think he has gotten most of the attention. Diego, a tortoise of the endangered Chelonoidis hoodensis subspecies from Espanola Island, mates with a female in a breeding center at the Galapagos National Park on Feb. 27, 2019. (Getty Images | RODRIGO BUENDIA) In addition to Diego being celebrated for having contributed a large percentage to the lineage that we are returning to Espanola, as Jorge Carrion, director of Galapagos Islands National Park, told the AFP, his return to his native island for the first time in 80 years is especially poignant. Theres a feeling of happiness to have the possibility of returning that tortoise to his natural state, Carrion noted. Once Diego and his fellow tortoises go through a quarantine to make sure they wont inadvertently take the seeds of any species that arent endemic to Espanola Island, they will be released home. Washington Tapia, the director of the breeding program, explained in a press release that the island has sufficient conditions to maintain the tortoise population, which will continue to grow normallyeven without any new repatriation of juveniles. A picture of Diego during his stay in the breeding program in 2013. (Getty Images | RODRIGO BUENDIA) Diego, whose exact age is unknown but estimated to be well over 100 years, weighs about 80 kilograms (approx. 176 pounds) and measures almost 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length, per the AFP. While this would already be a good, long life for tortoises in the wild, Galapagos tortoises in captivity can live past 150 years. Harriet, a Galapagos tortoise believed to have belonged to British naturalist Charles Darwin, lived to an estimated 175 years of age. The island of Espanola and others in the archipelago have undergone considerable transformation with the elimination of feral goats, which had devastated tortoises main food sources. In order to ensure that the islands ecosystems currently have adequate conditions to support the growing population of tortoises, Carrion said that his teams have been getting rid of invasive plant species that the tortoises cant eat and planting more of the endemic cacti, whose fruit are their preferred food. Diego on Feb. 27, 2019. (Getty Images | RODRIGO BUENDIA) While Diego was able to help save his species with his extraordinary mating efforts, his counterpart from Pinta Island, known as Lonesome George, was not so lucky. George was the last-known individual of Chelonoidis abingdonii. Biologists tried to successfully mate George with females of various related species for years to no avail. When he died on June 24, 2012, his species went extinct, highlighting the importance of tortoise conservation. Thankfully, Diego will finally get to go home and enjoy his retirement, having already taken great strides to ensuring the survival of his kind. The chairman of the House panel on foreign relations is leading a bipartisan push to maximize the US bankroll for the vast stabilization effort in war-torn Syria, after the Donald Trump administration zeroed out the American investment. In a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee sent late last week, bipartisan members of the House of Representatives Syria caucus, led by Rep. Eliot Engel, D-Ny., pushed the panels leaders for the highest funding possible for State Department and USAID funding for Syria. Syrias stability is essential to the long-term security of the United States and our regional allies. The fight against Al Qaeda and [the Islamic State] is not over, read the letter, signed by a group of 18 Democrats and Republicans in the House. By ignoring the important role these programs play in responding to radical threats, we will leave behind fertile recruiting grounds for the next generation of ISIS. Past funding for stabilization efforts in Syria supported efforts to get clean water running, rebuild schools, clear extensive rubble and demine areas so they are habitable again for returning Syrians, the writers said. The drafters have also urged the Trump administration to implement so-called Caesar Sanctions against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad that would discourage investment in the country. Meanwhile, the situation has become more dire in recent weeks as an uptick in fighting has coincided with nearly four million Syrian and Iraqi internally displaced people needing winterization assistance, according to the United Nations. But the Trump administration zeroed out stabilization funding for Syria in 2019 over congressional protests other than assistance to the White Helmets, who conduct search-and-rescue operations and evacuate civilians in opposition-held areas of northwest Syria. Earlier this month, Turkeys envoy to the United States called for other countries to help Ankara contend with more than three million Syrian refugees that have crossed its borders. The Trump administrations move to cut aid left American programs to run on foreign dollars from Arab Gulf states and European allies, and most of the personnel from the State Departments so-called START program that assisted with reconstruction and stabilization in areas of northeastern Syria liberated from the Islamic State by the Kurdish-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Meanwhile, the US aid spigot appears to be turning back on, for now. During a trip to the region earlier this month, Craft and US special representative for Syria engagement James Jeffrey announced more than $100 million in US aid for Syria, about a fifth of what the UN has asked for to help Syrians forced from their homes dealing with intermittent fighting and freezing conditions. The leader of the White Helmets group has been in Washington over the past week to urge more funding to deal with the situation in Idlib, Al-Monitor reported on Tuesday. Yet beyond an uptick in aid, it remains unclear how far the Trump administration will go to help alleviate the situation, as the spread of the novel coronavirus across the continental United States has led to travel restrictions for US troops, as US Central Command has limited travel for those deployed to the Middle East. At multiple Pentagon briefings this week, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and top spokesmen for the agency refused to entertain questions about a surge in rocket attacks against Iraqi installations housing American forces. There are 600 US troops in the country based in northern and eastern Syria, holding ground and oil fields in areas once controlled by the Islamic State, limiting a potential US response. Esper said earlier this month that the Pentagon had ruled out retaliatory airstrikes after more than 30 Turkish troops were killed in a strike in Idlib in late February. The use of such disinformation underscores how the coronavirus crisis has become a highly politicised test of government legitimacy, even as world leaders scramble to respond to the pandemic that is killing thousands and threatening the global economy. Loading China initially sought to cover up the outbreak and punished doctors who came forward with news of the virus. Now, with more cases being recorded outside of China than within, Beijing is using propaganda in an attempt to recast itself as global leader in a time of crisis. If the public forgets that the initial containment of the virus was botched by the Chinese Communist Partys need to social control, so much the better, the thinking goes. Monash University senior research fellow in Chinese studies Kevin Carrico said: There is an attempt to obscure the origins of the disease through conspiracy theories, as well as an attempt to celebrate the Chinese Communist Partys handling of the virus versus that of other nations. This is intended to hide the fact that the CCP handled this absolutely horribly, and that the entire world is paying a price for that, said Carrico. The China model didnt solve this virus dilemma, it created it, and of course the CCP wants to hide that. Other propaganda themes pushed by China's state media include the notion that: "Western values [and or] democracy is an insufficient system to battle coronavirus" and the "US politicisation of the virus [is] a means to gain leverage in the trade war," according to an analysis by Foreign Policy Research Institute. The material promoted by China also questions the assistance the US has offered in the wake of the virus spread and suggest the US has withheld funding and other assistance," the report stated. The Communist Party understands that by the time the crisis is over, the world's order could be permanently altered. For that reason, Beijing is trying to break the link in peoples minds between China and the origins of the global pandemic. So Beijing, state media and Chinese embassies celebrate images of China doling out aid to hard-hit countries, with images of a plane full of masks and test kits for Italy. Billionaire Jack Ma posted an image of coronavirus aid being sent to the US, Africa. Overnight, Trump, drawing on wartime powers, ordered the production of needed medical supplies in the US. Beijing even has views on that: suggesting the global medical supply chains should not be moved from China. For all the high-profile symbolism around Chinas aid, one could forget that only last month China refused US help on the outbreak. The flow of propaganda around coronavirus also highlights China and Russias strategic closeness. Not only is China using methods associated with Russia: the two nations are holding back public criticism of each other in state media. "Official Chinese sources are giving Russia political and policy space they do not afford to other countries, according to a separate analysis by the ASD. "Both China and Russia are using the epidemic as an opportunity to paint Western countries particularly the United States as racist and hypocritical." China and Russia are both partners to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a grouping of authoritarian nations in opposition to Western power. Trumps insistent description of COVID-19 as the Chinese Virus could inflame anti-Asian sentiment and serves as a reminder that two wrongs dont make a right. According to test results, Dmytro Razumkov is not infected Speaker of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine censor.net.ua The Speaker of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov was tested for the Covid-2019 coronavirus. It was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a source in the parliament. It is noted that, according to test results, Razumkov is not infected. "The result of the test is already known today. Everything is normal. Everything is good. The Verkhovna Rada Chairman does not have a coronavirus," the source said. As we reported earlier, on March 18, Ukraine's Ministry of Health informed about Ukrainian MP Serhiy Shakhov who tested positive for Covid-2019 coronavirus. The MP is now under self-isolation, he gets a due treatment. He contacted other MPs only once: on March 12, at a meeting of the Committee on Ecology. In total, there were 12 MPs. As of now, there are 16 officially confirmed cases of Covid-2019 in Ukraine. "As of 22:00, on March 18, 16 COVID-19 cases were spotted in Ukraine: Chernivtsi (10), Zhytomyr (1), Kyiv (2), Donetsk (1) regions and Kyiv (2)," the message reads. 32 Ukrainians are being quarantined abroad. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday said his government was committed to ensuring strict action against those responsible for Bargari and other sacrilege cases. "If the Akalis think we are sitting quietly on the sensitive sacrilege and other serious issues, they are sadly mistaken," the Chief Minister said, adding, however, that he did not believe in engaging in a war of words with them. Speaking at a conclave on the completion of his government's three years in office, Singh said that his focus had been on tackling drugs, gangsters and political killings. Asserting that his government will not allow Pakistan-backed terrorists to foment trouble in Punjab, the Chief Minister said he had been urging the central government to be tough on Pakistan. "This cannot go on," he declared, adding that Punjab is not Kashmir, and was well equipped to fight back. The Army could continue fighting terror in Kashmir, but in Punjab, in addition to the BSF as the first line of defence at the borders, the 85,000 strong police force was well equipped to deal with any threat, he said, adding that the Army was also there for support as and when needed. Singh said that incidents like the Pulwama attack and the chopping of heads of the soldiers at the borders was not acceptable. "We have to be tough with Pakistan, they do not understand any other language," he said. Citing the recent seizures of China-made drones, smuggling weapons and drugs from across the border into Punjab, the Chief Minister said that large quantities of both had been recovered through the collective efforts of Punjab Police and the Special Task Force (STF). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [March 18, 2020] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS QD, SBT, TUP, TVTY INVESTORS of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits NEW ORLEANS, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits: Qudian Inc. (QD) Class Period: 12/13/2018 - 1/15/2020 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 23, 2020 SECURITIES FRAUD To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/new-york-se-qd Tivity Health, Inc. (TVTY) Class Period: 3/8/2019 - 2/19/2020 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: April 27, 2020 SECURITIES FRAUD To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-tivity-health-ic-securities-litigation-1 Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP) Class Period: 1/30/2019 - 2/24/2020 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: April 27, 2020 SECURITIES FRAUD To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-tupperware-brands-corporation-securities-litigation Sterling Bancorp, Inc. (SBT) Class Period: 11/17/2017 - 12/8/2019 or shares issued either in or after the November 2017 Initial Public Offering. Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: April 27, 2020 SECURITIES FRAUD, MISLEADING PROSPECTUS To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/new-york-se-stl If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above. If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com Russia registered its first death of a patient infected with the coronavirus today - an elderly woman who had been taken to a Moscow hospital. The 79-year-old, who had tested positive, was hospitalised on March 13 and had several other conditions including diabetes and heart problems, the Moscow health department said in a statement. She died of pneumonia while being treated in an intensive care unit, it said. People she had contact with have been isolated, the statement added. 'The elderly patient had a host of chronic diseases,' Svetlana Krasnova, head doctor at Moscow's hospital No. 2 for infectious diseases, was quoted as saying in the statement. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin added on Twitter that 'unfortunately, we have the first loss from the coronavirus infection.' Russia has reported 147 cases of the novel coronavirus, according to official figures on Thursday. Citizens in face masks outside the building of Polyclinic No 220 under the Moscow City Healthcare Department, carrying out COVID-19 testing of central Moscow residents Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Sevastopol in the disputed Crimea, Ukraine, yesterday. He claimed the coronavirus in Russia was 'under control' Moscow authorities on Wednesday urged elderly residents to stay away from crowded places like cafes and shopping centres. President Vladimir Putin this week said the coronavirus situation is 'generally under control' in the country, and the government has promised to step up testing. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Thursday called on people to 'cut down on contacts as much as possible' during a government meeting. On Tuesday, President Putin said outbreaks of infection had been contained as the country closed its borders to foreigners. It also emerged Putin is being protected from infection around the clock with all of his staff undergoing mandatory testing and all workers involved in the presidents' events schedule were being tested. Earlier this week Moscow officials banned gatherings of more than 50 people, shut schools and universities in a bid to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus. Russian authorities also unveiled plans to speed-build a second 500-bed hospital to treat coronavirus victims in the country. An employee in a medical mask operating a cleaning machine at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow today Two women wearing protective face masks to protect from coronavirus taking a selfie while standing on Red Square in downtown Moscow yesterday The new measures announced by Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin - to be in place from March 21 - came as the number of coronavirus cases in the country increased by 30 in the past day, its highest rise so far. The new, prefabricated infectious diseases clinic - which could be ready in just 12 weeks - is to be constructed in Khabarovsk, close to the Chinese border. Last week authorities announced work on a 92 million Moscow hospital to cope with an expected major rise in coronavirus victims. The excavations for the new hospital are already dug and regional health minister Alexander Vitko confirmed land plots had been earmarked. Khabarovsk region governor Sergey Furgalsaid the 'prefabricated infectious diseases hospital with up to 500 beds' had been ordered from Moscow to cope with coronavirus victims. A construction site where the new infectious hospital is being built for treating patients infected with coronavirus outside Moscow Workers at the site of a new hospital in Russia in the village of Golokhvastovo, some 50 kms outside Moscow, to treat coronavirus patients Talking about the Moscow hospital, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said the build would not pose a threat to the local population at a site 40 miles southwest of the Kremlin. He said the hospital will be constructed at least 800 ft from the nearest residential building. He said: 'I am asking you to understand my decision.' Vladimir Putin's spokesman said today said there were no grounds to introduce a state of emergency, a move made by other countries around the world. Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin claimed Russia's low number of cases is due to 'proactive' measures taken weeks ago to close the border with China. He said: 'These allowed us to seriously limit the coronavirus spread in Russia. 'We have been gradually closing our borders depending on the pandemic spread. 'First of all, we have done this with China and other Asian countries, which were the first to face this threat.' The new infectious diseases hospital construction site for patients with a suspected COVID-19, in Babenki, Troitsk Administrative District of Moscow A medical worker helping a woman, suspected of having the coronavirus infection, to get out from an ambulance at a hospital outside Moscow on Tuesday Air travel to many European countries has been curtailed. Today the frontier with close neighbour Belarus was blocked. Denying a Chernobyl-style cover-up of the figures, Mishustin said: 'We will not hide [anything]. 'We will speak absolutely openly about what is going on, what the forecasts are, what difficulties we face, and, of course, what positive changes we have managed to achieve.' Currently two hospitals are at the centre of the Russian capital's war against coronavirus - Kommunarka Hospital and the Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital Number One. The site is at Voronovskoye, close to the village of Golokhvastovo. News of the Moscow hospital came just months after the Chinese government ordered construction workers to build a six-acre, 1,000-bed, coronavirus hospital from scratch in seven days. The emergency facility, named the Huoshenshan or Fire God Mountain Hospital, is situated in the suburbs of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The authorities instructed four construction companies to toil through the Chinese New Year holiday to build the medical centre. It received its first batch of patients after just 10 days of construction on February 4. Some 1,400 military medics were brought in from the People's Liberation Army to run the new hospital, which was made of revamped shipping containers and prefabricated buildings. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-18 20:21:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close People travel around Boudhanath Stupa, the world heritage site in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, March 18, 2020. As South Asian countries continue to witness an increase in positive cases, the Nepali government on Wednesday announced measures including restriction of public gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. (Photo by Sunil Sharma/Xinhua) KATHMANDU, March 18 (Xinhua) -- As South Asian countries continue to witness an increase in positive cases, the Nepali government on Wednesday announced measures including restriction of public gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. The meeting of high-level coordination committee formed to combat COVID-19 under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel decided to shut down all the public spaces like cinema halls, cultural centers, stadiums, museums, nightclubs, health clubs and swimming pools and other places of recreational activities till April 30. In addition to a ban introduced earlier on mass gatherings and halt of conferences and events, the meeting decided to restrict the movement of people in religious and public spaces as well. "Movement of public is not allowed unless it's very important or urgent. No gathering of more than 25 people in cultural, social events or in religious and public spaces like party palace, temples, monasteries, mosques and church," said a statement issued by the committee. Nepal has so far recorded a single COVID-19 infection of a student, who returned from central China's Wuhan in January and has already recovered. No new cases have been detected further, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. The government has urged the transport entrepreneurs to limit the number of passengers in the public vehicles, in addition to spraying disinfectant in the vehicles before the regular operation. It has further urged the local governments including municipalities and village councils to maintain cleanliness and spray disinfectants in public spaces, which comparatively see more flow of public. Earlier, visa-on-arrival for the nationals of all the countries was suspended which is effective from March 14 until the end of April. The government has decided to restrict immigration from all the countries of Europe, West Asia and Gulf, Iran, turkey, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan. "All the passengers coming from the above nations or using these transits would be restricted, to be effective from March 20 to April 15," the statement said. The pressure is increasing on House leadership to allow remove voting after two members of Congress tested positive for the coronavirus. 'In. Person. Voting. Should. Be. Reconsidered. For the safety of our communities, during this emergency, we must be able to legislate from our districts,' Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell wrote on Twitter after Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams revealed they tested positive for the virus. Congressional leadership has shot down the idea but may have to reconsider it given the increased pressure from members, who stand shoulder to shoulder on the House floor when they are in the chamber to vote. The number of lawmakers and staff present during a vote makes social distancing virtually impossible. Pressure increasing on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow remote voting after two members of Congress tested positive for the coronavirus Some House members are pushing for the ability to vote remotely during coronavirus crisis A group of 50 bipartisan lawmakers wrote a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy asking them to allow remote voting in the House Additionally, the 435 members of the House would have to travel next week to return to Washington D.C. to vote, increasing their chances of exposure to the virus. Members are in their districts this week for the congressional recess. The issue will come to a head in the next few days as the Senate prepares a third coronavirus rescue package, one that could contain provisions for checks to be mailed to individual Americans. Once it passes the upper chamber, the House would need to approve it. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of 50 House lawmakers sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy, requesting the remote voting option be revisited. 'We ask that you bring to the floor a simple rule change that would permit remote voting for Members of Congress during this national public health emergency,' they wrote. 'Remote voting is a key part of maintaining continuity of operations. Adopting rules today for the House to allow remove voting, as necessary, will allow every Member to continue to vote and represent the concerns of their constituents as we address the crisis,' they added. The lawmakers also pointed out this would allow members who are self-quarantining out of caution to vote and represent their districts. 'We in Congress are asking businesses, schools, and local governments to execute strong plans to ensure continuity of operations. Congress should be no exception,' the lawmakers write. At least six members of the House announced this week they will self-quarantine out of concern they came in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronarvirus. That includes House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, who said in a statement he was quarantining after holding a long meeting with Diaz-Balart late last week. 'Out of an abundance of caution, I have decided it would be best to self-quarantine based on the guidance of the Attending Physician of the United States Congress,' he said. 'Fortunately, I am not experiencing any symptoms, and will continue working remotely on Congress' Coronavirus response,' he added. And Congresswoman Kendra Horn announced she would self-quarantine after coming into contact with McAdams. 'COVID-19 has disrupted lives across Oklahoma. After contact with Rep. Ben McAdams last week, I am going into a precautionary two-week self-quarantine at my doctors advice. I will continue my work to deliver answers and resources to Oklahomans. We are all in this together,' she wrote on Twitter. Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (pictured in February) said on Wednesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus after developing symptoms of the disease Shortly after Diaz-Balart revealed his positive results, Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams shared that he too has tested positive for COVID-19 Both Diaz-Balart and McAdams voted on the House floor Friday with their fellow members of Congress and then showed symptoms on Saturday. The Office of the Attending Physician sent a note to lawmakers saying contact on the House floor was considered 'low risk' and that at-risk locations have been treated. 'The Office of Attending Physician has identified the offices and locations that were found to be at risk and these have been treated by the Architect of the Capitol, using CDC approved cleaning methods to ensure there is no residual risk to others,' the note said. 'Other instances where the affected Members may have briefly come into contact with other colleagues on the House Floor would be considered to be low risk exposures and no additional measures are required other than for them to report any illness should they become ill,' it said. The Senate has changed its voting procedures to accommodate 'social distancing' recommendations - extending the voting time period from 15 minutes to 30 minutes and encouraging lawmakers to exit the chamber once they have voted instead of staying and chatting with each other as they usually do. But Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has ruled out remote voting, telling reporters in the Capitol on Wednesday that the upper chamber will 'not be doing that. There are a number of different ways to avoid getting too many people together.' The tragic tale of a soldier who foresaw his own death after making a plasticine model of the Somme on the eve of battle can be told after his medals went up for sale. Captain Duncan Martin, an artist before the war, identified an elevated spot where Germans would put a machine gun post after producing the scale model. He tried to tell his commanding officers that his men would be charging into a bloodbath but his fears were ignored. On the morning of July 1, 1916 - the first day of the Somme - Capt Martin was one of the first to fall when the British launched an attack on the village of Mametz. Captain Duncan Martin (pictured) foresaw his own death after making a plasticine model of the Somme on the eve of battle, where he would identify an elevated spot where a German machine gunner would kill him Captain Martin's medals were put up for sale and fetched 2,800 at auction in Suffolk Capt Martin, of the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, was among the 464 casualties mown down by Germans stationed at the post he had identified. As they went over the hill at Mansel Copse, they were in full view of the enemy and horribly exposed to shooters just 400 yards away. The dead were buried in a trench with a wooden sign erected which read 'The Devonshires held this trench, the Devonshires hold it still'. Those words are today written in stone at the entrance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at nearby Carnoy. Capt Martin's archive included his 1915 Star campaign medal, a map of the battlefield and the devastating telegram his family received informing them of his death. It was sold at Lockdales Auctioneers of Suffolk, achieving a hammer price of 2,300. With fees added on the overall figure paid by the buyer from the north of England came to 2,800. Capt Martin was born in Algiers in 1886 but his parents Thomas and Anne Martin moved back to England at the turn of the century. He went to school in Bristol and in 1908 moved to the artist haven of St Ives in Cornwall. He joined an art school there until he volunteered for the Devonshire Regiment and was commissioned as an officer in October 1914. He arrived on the Western Front in July 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos in September before moving to the Somme front. Before the major and disastrous offensive at the Somme, Capt Martin was allowed to return home to prepare for it. It was then he built the model of the terrain over which his battalion would attack. From studying his model, Capt Martin spotted the place where the Germans would install a machine gun post to inflict major casualties. A spokesman for the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester, Dorset, where archives of the Devon and Dorset Regiment are kept, said: 'Martin became convinced that, unless it was destroyed in the (Allied) barrage, a particular German machine gun at Shrine Valley would catch his company as it advanced. 'The Devonshires held this trench, the Devonshires hold it still' is written in stone at the entrance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at nearby Carnoy 'He even pointed out to his brother officers where he and his men would fall. 'At 07.27 hours on July 1, Martin's fears were realised. As his company topped the rise and moved downhill past Mansel Copse, the machine gun 400 yards away in Shrine Valley mowed them down. 'Martin was one of the first to fall. That day the 9th Devons lost 141 killed, 268 wounded and 55 missing - a total of 464 casualties amounting to 60 per cent of their strength.' Another officer who shared Capt Martin's fears was Lieutenant William Hodgson, also of the 9th Battalion. He wrote a prescient poem two days before the offensive which read: 'I, that on my familiar hill, saw with uncomprehending eyes, a hundred of thy sunsets spill, their fresh and sanguine sacrifice.' Capt Martin's plasticine model was displayed at the Royal United Service Institute in London for many years but was lost a long time ago. Capt Martin's story lends weight to the suggestion that the tragic Tommies who served in the First World War were 'lions led by donkeys', a reference to the incompetent and indifferent generals who orchestrated the war. The first day of the Battle of the Somme was the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. The British forces suffered 57,470 casualties, including 19,240 fatalities - gaining just three square miles of territory. Chris Elmy, specialist at Lockdales, said: 'This was a particular poignant archive and we were honoured to have handled the sale of it.' Press Release 19 March 2020 Updated: March 18, 2020 Advertisements The safety of our guests and team members around the world is a top priority. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe South Africa: Public urged to refrain from illegal gambling establishments Following the declaration of a national state of disaster, the National Gambling Board (NGB) has cautioned the public to avoid the temptation to access unlicensed gambling operators. Among the interventions announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address to the nation as part of governments effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, was the prohibition of gatherings of more than 100 people. In a statement on Wednesday, the NGB said it is confident that licensed gambling establishments will take the necessary precautionary steps to implement the proactive measures called for by the President, particularly in instances where there will be gatherings of up to 100 persons or more on their premises. However, in the event that licensed gambling establishments are temporarily closed for business owing to an escalation of the pandemic, the NGB cautions the public to avoid the temptation to access unlicensed gambling operators, which may still be operational despite the preventive measures in place, whether physically or on online platforms, said the board. The board said unlicensed gambling operators have been, and continue to be unlawful. Consequently, members of the public accessing their services will have no certainty of protection in terms of hygiene / health, and no legal recourse in terms of punter protection as provincial licensing authorities and the NGB will not be able to intervene in solving winnings-related disputes. The NGB, which is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) urged the public to abide by the Presidents announcement, as these measures have been put in place for their benefit. It encouraged the public to refrain from gambling where the usual gambling destinations are unavailable. The NGB encourages the public to instead exercise patience and wait until the situation improves. The NGB encourages the public to be vigilant against unlawful gambling activities, and to contact the NGB for any further information. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Im thankful for the community and the support of our schools and the trust theyve placed in the Board of Education to improve our schools, she said. Im also excited about the possibilities of making these improvements and how the changes will affect the day-to-day life of our students and staff. "Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as... Iranian authorities on Thursday granted a medical furlough to an imprisoned American whose family warned he was at acute risk from the coronavirus, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Michael White, 48, a U.S. Navy veteran who has been in prison since his 2018 arrest, is now in the custody of the Swiss embassy in Tehran but his release is conditioned on him staying in Iran, Pompeo said in a statement. The United States will continue to work for Michaels full release as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran, Pompeo said. While in Swiss custody, White will undergo medical testing and evaluation, according to Pompeo. White was given furlough on humanitarian grounds, he said. Michael White. (Courtesy White Family) White was arrested more than 600 days ago after visiting a girlfriend in Iran whom he had met online. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison after getting convicted of insulting the country's top leader and displaying a private photo publicly. The second charge appears to have been leveled after White uploaded a picture of himself sitting with his supposed girlfriend, an Iranian national. The decision to furlough White came as Iran grapples with one of the deadliest outbreaks of the coronavirus epidemic in the world. Michael Whites family, which had earlier expressed frustrations with the Trump administration over his case, issued a statement welcoming his furlough and expressing gratitude to the U.S. envoy for hostage affairs and to the Swiss government. We are grateful that the Iranian government took this interim humanitarian step," the familys spokesman, Jonathan Franks, said in a statement. "We continue to urge them to release Michael unconditionally so that he can return to the United States to receive the advanced medical care he needs." Iran's U.N. mission in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Michael Whites mother, Joanne White, had told NBC News she was terrified her son could die in prison because of his compromised immune system and the onslaught of the coronavirus in Iran. Her son has multiple chronic conditions, including cancer and asthma, she said. Story continues During his imprisonment, Whites chemotherapy port has not been properly flushed or cleaned, which could lead to a potentially lethal blood infection, according to his mother. Iran was mindful that Whites health was deteriorating and likely wanted to avoid the risk of him dying in prison, which could have provoked sharp retaliation from the Trump administration, Western diplomats said. The release also comes after an attack on Saturday allegedly by Iranian-backed militia in Iraq that wounded three U.S. troops. The United States has not retaliated for the attack so far and it was unclear if the Trump administration had postponed military action due to Whites furlough. Irans decision to grant a medical furlough follows months of efforts to win the Navy veterans release, with Iran and the United States keeping open a diplomatic channel to discuss the fate of Americans imprisoned in Iran, NBC News previously reported. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and his associates were also enlisted by Whites family to secure his release. Even as the two countries came to the brink of war in December and early January, Washington and Tehran have traded messages through the Swiss government, which has handled U.S. interests in Tehran since the U.S. and Iran severed diplomatic relations 40 years ago. We thank the Government of Switzerland for its continued and constructive role as our protecting power in Iran, Pompeo said in the statement on Thursday. The Swiss ambassador to Iran, Markus Leitner, has made frequent trips to Washington in recent months to relay information on Whites status and messages from Tehran, according to a European diplomat and sources familiar with the matter. Other Americans and foreigners in prison in Iran have appealed for release on humanitarian grounds, citing the coronavirus, which has been detected among prisoners in Evin prison in Tehran. Iran has released tens of thousands of Iranian inmates in response to the pandemic. But Irans judiciary this week denied the furlough request of Siamak Namazi, an American whose lawyer has warned his client is at serious risk of contracting the disease. His lawyer said Namazi has learned of two cases of coronavirus in Evin prison in recent weeks, affecting inmates not far from his cell. Pompeo demanded Iran release other Americans held in Iran, including Namazi, his elderly father Baquer and Morad Tahbaz, an environmental activist. He also demanded the regime resolve the case of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, an American missing in Iran since 2007. Also Thursday, Pompeo announced the release of a cancer-stricken American citizen who had been held in detention in Lebanon since September. Image: Amer Fakhoury (John Huff / Foster's Daily Democrat via AP file) Amer Fakhoury, who was born in Lebanon but became a U.S. citizen last year, was detained on charges of working for an Israeli-backed militia some 20 years ago. He suffers from stage 4 lymphoma cancer. Pompeo said Fakhoury "will be reunited with his family and receive urgent medical treatment." "His return comes as a relief to those who have followed the case with grave concern," Pompeo added. In a surprise breakout, Uber saw its share price soar by more than 38 percent today, dwarfing much of the markets gains. Shares of ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) skyrocketed today following a conference call with the aim to calm worried investors. The taxi-on-demand service has taken a major beating in the market-wide coronavirus selloff, with widespread quarantine measures being taken across the globe weighing on the company's bottom line. During the conference call, Uber reassured investors, saying that it expects to have over $6 billion in cash on hand, with an additional $2 billion in easily accessible debt. President Dara Khosrowshahi explained that even in a worst-case scenario wherein the coronavirus takes a turn for the worst, the company will have a minimum of $4 billion in reserves. This is thanks in large part to its food-delivery business. "Our Eats Business has become an important resource right now, especially by restaurants hit by containment policies," remarked Khosrowshahi. "Even in Seattle it's still growing." Uber's Struggles Going Forward In a worst-case scenario for Uber, the company is anticipating that its total rides fall by 80 percent over the course of the year. This scenario would reduce its cash position from the $10 billion it outlined in today's call to a still-healthy $4 billion. Khosrowshahi doesn't see things going that badly, however. In fact, Khosrowshahi believes that the world is already bouncing back from the outbreak, with many places already returning to normal. "Once things start moving, Uber will, too," he said. Other Ride-Sharing Competitors Lyft, for its part, saw its share price jump by 28 percent following an announcement that it is doubling down on its self-driving program. Lyft has been pouring time and cash into their self-driving program since 2017 and hasn't stopped since, realizing that it is likely to become a major part of their business model in the medium-to-long term. Related: How Chevron Could Win Big On The Worst Oil Deal Ever Another up-and-comer, Facedrive, is also trying to wrangle away market share as the ride-sharing race heats up. Facedrive is taking a unique approach to the industry, aiming to become a green alternative for conscious commuters across the globe. Based in Toronto, the company is quickly expanding. And it's easy to see why. Facedrive is actively 'fighting the good fight,' with a program that helps plant trees for every ride taken in order to help offset emissions. The simple idea has already drawn in a wave of new customers in Canada, and they're only just getting started. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The signing ceremony in Hanoi saw the presence of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep, head of the Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction, and UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen. Amid severe drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta and in response to the appeal by the Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction, the UNDP has coordinated with the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority to send working groups to assess the situation in the region and provide information as a basis for other members in the Partnership to give support. The UNDP also presented an aid package worth US$185,000 funded by the global emergency fund to the MARD to help the Mekong Delta cope with drought and saltwater intrusion. As part of its assistance, the UNDP has provided 300 water tanks for affected households in Ben Tre province and offered livelihood support for 176 others in Ca Mau province. It has also carried out assessment of drought impacts on locals livelihoods and access to freshwater, supported policy dialogue on disaster prevention and control, and helped with the application of mobile technology to keep updated on damage caused by natural disasters. The Syrian government bet on and abetted such outcomes. The civilized frown when a government shoots unarmed protesters. But Mr. al-Assad knew that the moral murkiness of an armed uprising, combined with a ready-made war on terror discourse that flattens nuance, delegitimizes dissent, dehumanizes people and taps into a global psyche that so fears violence committed by Islamists that all sense of proportionality and history is lost, would provide much desired cover to its brutality. The regime wanted both domestic audiences and the international community to take its side, to stick with the clean-shaven, designer-suited devil it already knew well. Or at the very least, to look away. The world obliged. The global conscience was eased by the supporters of Mr. al-Assad, weary journalists and observers reminding anyone especially lecturing Syrians that the opposition had been at best incompetent and at worst really bad. As if the responsibilities of objectivity stop at describing the trees and need not account for the forest. By the time my fathers illness was diagnosed, he had stage-four metastatic cancer. It had started in one organ and had already spread to two others. By the time he died, it was everywhere but the originating organ. Yet in medical terms, his cause of death was the original cancer. Under a microscope, the pathologist sees the tissue of the initially infiltrated organ whether it was the lung or breast or liver in all the other places it is metastasized. Syria is not a tragedy of unknowable causes or equitable blame. It is intellectually dishonest to say so. It is pathologically untrue. After my father outlived his prognosis and the West its patience, and transporting a body to Damascus began to seem like folly, he thought about going to Syria while still alive, to die there. But with no clarity on when that day would be, he chose not to be separated from us, a family that included his grandchildren. So again he asked that when the end did come we bury him back in Syria, next to his parents who he had spent a lifetime away from, in the cemetery beside the Chapel of St. Paul in Damascus. Syria continued to collapse, never quite bottoming out. In what would be his last year, my father renounced the desire completely. He didnt want to lie in a grave that couldnt be visited. Looking at me with blame and admiration, he said: You wont be able to come. And there, who is left to visit me? That mix of blame and admiration I imagine is familiar to other Syrians who also believed in possibility and hope when it all began, who never fathomed what Mr. al-Assad and his military would unleash on a place we all supposedly loved, rather than relinquish even a modicum of power. Many such people are wanted by the regime. They were writers or attended protests or gathered humanitarian supplies for Syrians in need or simply said something on social media. Now they find themselves unable to return to their country and separated from their loved ones, including those they would want to call on at their graves. Even as our relatives admire the courage to have acted or just hoped, spoken or unspoken, the question hangs between us: Was the personal cost worth it? A requirement that people on bail before the courts sign-on at Garda stations is being relaxed across the justice system due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Ireland International News Agency is reporting that in recent days the requirement that persons present themselves to Garda stations is being relaxed across the courts on an informal basis. Conditions attached to bail which routinely involve a requirement that people present themselves to their local Garda station sometimes daily, twice daily or two to three times a week. The conditions are imposed to ensure the person's whereabouts is known. Other bail conditions such as a requirement that the person keeps a mobile phone switched on at all times - so that gardai can check up on them - are being tightened. For example, failure to answer the phone to gardai could result in the forfeiture of any bail monies. Det Sgt Jim Kirwan, who heads up the Garda's extradition unit, told the High Court on Thursday that gardai are happy for anyone on bail not to sign-on at Garda stations, provided they supply a mobile phone number and are contactable on that number. Mr Justice Donald Binchy, the High Court judge in charge of international extradition cases, told a number of people on Thursday that they no longer had to sign on at their local Garda stations but all other terms and conditions of their bail applied. Adjourning a number of cases until May, Mr Justice Binchy said the High Court was only dealing with urgent matters at present such as arrests and bail applications. In light of recent travel restrictions, the judge said international extradition orders were now "almost unimplementable" and he would not be making any surrender orders until the "skies are free again". It's understood that most people facing extradition are now on bail with conditions attached. There are up to 60 people in custody facing extradition, and approximately 20 of those are in custody on foot of extradition proceedings only. Objecting to bail in the case of a man wanted in the UK for sexual offences today, extradition detectives accepted that it would be difficult for any suspect to leave the country at the moment. Mr Justice Binchy refused bail and retained April 24 as the date for the hearing of the extradition request. Earlier this week, while dealing with a list of up to 30 international extradition cases, Mr Justice Binchy said he would not be making orders for surrender, save in the most serious of cases, until after the Easter break at the earliest. He said the making of any orders might encourage flight and could cause problems within the prison system. If somebody was to have their extradition ordered in the coming days and weeks, there could be no guarantee they would be surrendered in the required 25-day period, he said. They may also have to be committed to prison which, he said, created a risk that should be avoided. Mr Justice Binchy said he was not suggesting a wholesale adjournment of cases, as this could cause a backlog of cases that could lead to difficulties down the line. He said it was preferable that hearings go ahead with judgments being delivered whenever necessary. He said hearings in which arguments are made for or against surrender only involved a small number of people and there were practical things that could be done to reduce the numbers of people in court at any one time. For example, he said he would like to avoid any exchange of paper, which was probably something that should have happened twenty years ago anyway, and he encouraged documents to be exchanged electronically. He said he would welcome any suggestion to help us get through this. President Donald Trump on Thursday again used the term 'China virus' to describe the coronavirus, defying those who call the term racist. 'We continue our relentless effort to defeat the Chinese virus,' he announced after he entered the White House briefing room. He repeated his argument that China is to blame for the original spread of the virus. The country has been criticized for not sharing enough information about the disease early on in the crisis. 'Certainly the world is paying a big price for what they did, and the world is playing a very big price for not letting them come out. Everybody knows that, we all know that,' the president said. President Donald Trump on Thursday again referred to the coronavirus as the 'China virus' Medical workers in protective suits move a patient at an isolated ward of a hospital in Caidian district following an outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China He didn't rule out repercussions for Beijing. 'I dont want to comment on that right now,' he said when asked. On Thursday, China, for the first time, reported no new coronavirus cases from the day before, which was seen as a positive sign in their battle against the disease. There have been concerns, however, that the information may not be accurate. President Trump said he 'hopes' it's true. 'As far as leaving what they are putting out now, I hope it's true. Who knows? But I hope it's true, I really do,' the president said. President Trump has defended his use of the term 'China virus,' saying Wednesday 'it's not racist at all.' The president, repeatedly this week, has talked about the 'China virus,' a moniker that has been called racist. China expelled journalists from three major American news outlet in the wake of Trump's words. Trump, who started his Wednesday briefing by saying he had 'important developments in our war against the Chinese virus,' told reporters at the White House he used the description because the virus originated in Wuhan province of China. 'It's not racist at all. It comes from China, that's why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate,' he said during a press briefing. President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his use of the term 'China virus' to describe the coronavirus, saying 'it's not racist at all' Weijia Jiang, a correspondent for CBS News, claims that a White House official referred to coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' right to her face on Tuesday morning And he argued he wasn't being racist to any Asian Americans with the term. 'I have a great love for all the people from our country, but as you know, China tried to say at one point that - maybe they've stopped now - that it was caused by American soldiers. That can't happen. It's not going to happen. Not as long as I'm president. It comes from China,' he said. Some Chinese officials have pushed a conspiracy theory that the American military brought the coronavirus to their shores. Medical experts believe it originated in a meat market in Wuhan where exotic animals were butchered. And while President Trump argued the coronavirus came from China, he said he doesn't believe Beijing inflicted it on America but added Chinese officials could have issued an earlier warning. 'No, I dont believe they are inflicting I think they could have given us a lot earlier notice,' he said. He also did not condemn a White House official who called the disease the 'Kung flu' and said he wasn't worried about Asian Americans being put at risk in the wake of such rhetoric. 'Not all,' Trump said and then returned to his argument the virus came from China. 'I think they probably grew that 100 per cent. It comes from China.' Weijia Jiang, a reporter for CBS News, claimed on Tuesday a White House official referred to coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' right to her face. Jiang was born in China and raised in West Virginia. Such comments have been condemned as racist. Earlier Wednesday, President Trump tripled down on using the term in a series of tweets. 'I will be having a news conference today to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus!,' the president wrote. 'I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the borders from China - against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!,' he added. President Trump tripled down on calling the coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' in a series of Wednesday morning tweets The president appeared to be pushing back at reports his response to the pandemic has taken on a more serious tone in recent days. Trump has been criticized for minimizing the disease in its early days but told reporters on Tuesday he's 'always' taken it seriously. 'I've always known this is a real - this is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic,' he said during a press briefing on the virus. The number of coronavirus cases in the US has dramatically increased in the last two weeks All 50 states have reported cases of coronavirus, with New York, Washington and California badly hit President Trump's use of the phrase 'China virus' comes as tensions have escalated between Washington and Beijing in the wake of the trade war started by the president and the battle surrounding the origins of the coronavirus. And China has taken retaliatory measures against the United States. Officials there announced on Tuesday Beijing would expel American journalists working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. 'I'm not happy to see it. I have my own disputes with all three of those media groups. I think you know that very well. I don't like seeing it at all, I'm not happy about that at all,' Trump said Wednesday of the expelled journalists. The United State also has expelled Chinese journalists. Last month, the Trump administration posed limits on the number of Chinese citizens who can work in the U.S. for five state-run Chinese news outlets that are seen as propaganda machines. The limits by the White House - capping the number of Chinese journalists at 100 - will force about 60 Chinese reporters from the United States. But Trump's use of the 'China virus' moniker has increased tensions. After President Trump tweeted on Monday about the 'China virus,' Beijing, the next day, demanded 'the U.S. side correct the mistake immediately and halt its groundless accusations'. Trump defended his use of the term, saying Tuesday that he doesn't think it's inappropriate to call the coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' because that's where the disease originated. The president said he only started referring to the virus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, in that way after Beijing blamed the U.S. military for bringing the disease to its shores. 'Well China was putting out information, which was false, that our military gave this to them. That was false,' Trump said during a briefing in the White House press room. 'And rather than having an argument, I said I have to call it where it came from. It did come from China.' 'So I think it's a very accurate term,' he continued. 'But, no, I didn't appreciate the fact that China was saying that our military gave it to them. Our military did not give it to anybody.' When a reporter said the term 'Chinese Virus' has a stigma around it that is seen as racist, Trump pushed back. 'No, I don't think so. No,' he said, flipping the switch: 'I think saying that our military gave it to them creates a stigma.' Medical workers in protective suits attend to novel coronavirus patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a designated hospital in Wuhan, China Donald Trump said Tuesday that he thinks calling coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' is appropriate because the disease originated in Wuhan, China Trump said that 'rather than having an argument,' about where it originated, he would 'have to call it where it came from. It did come from China. So I think it's a very accurate term' Chinese officials are floating the conspiracy that those in the U.S. Army brought coronavirus to China during the Military World Games in Wuhan in October 2019 When asked about the stigma around calling it the 'Chinese virus,' Trump said the real 'stigma is 'saying that our military gave it to them' Chinese officials have floated a conspiracy that the U.S. Army brought coronavirus there when they participated in the Military World Games in Wuhan, China in October 2019. Trump did not say whether he would continue using the phrase when asked, but just minutes later in a meeting with tourism executives, the president again called it the 'Chinese virus.' He said he was talking to the industry leaders about 'what has happened since the Chinese Virus came about.' The tweet-for-tat came the day after Trump's Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, called China to accuse it of spreading conspiracy theories that the virus was the creation of the U.S. military. Contrasting conspiracy theories, that it was created by China as a tool for biological warfare, have been aired in pro-Trump circles in the U.S. And Pompeo himself has called it the Wuhan virus in a series of media appearances, as have fervently pro-Trump Republicans including Tom Cotton, the Arkansas senator, and Paul Gosar, an Arizona congressman who then had to go into self-quarantine over fears he was infected with it. First hit: Beijing has accused 'certain American politicians' of promoting stigmatization by connecting the novel coronavirus with China after President Trump published the post on Twitter Double down: He posted the next morning that 'some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus,' while others are not experiencing as bad a fallout from the outbreak 'The United States should mind its own business first, and then make constructive contributions to the international counter-epidemic collaboration and the maintenance of the global public health safety,' said Geng Shuang (pictured), a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry Geng Shuang, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused 'certain American politicians' of promoting stigmatization by connecting the novel coronavirus with China. He did not name President Trump specifically, but was referring to one of President Trump's tweet, reported Chinese state news agency Xinhua. 'We express strong indignation and resolute opposition to this,' Geng said at a daily news briefing. The spokesperson stressed that the coronavirus outbreak had occurred in multiple places around the world and the urgent task was for the international community to join forces to curb the pandemic. 'The United States should mind its own business first, and then make constructive contributions to the international counter-epidemic collaboration and the maintenance of the global public health safety,' Geng continued. Diplomatic feud over crisis: The U.S. and China are clashing over how to describe covid-19, the novel coronavirus first seen in Wuhan, China Coronavirus fears have gripped the United States with multiple cities going into lock down. Young people wear protective masks while walking through Times Square in NYC on March 5 Anti-US sentiment is also growing in China as people on the country's Twitter-like Weibo has shown an outpouring of anger towards President Trump. One person said: 'Trump is the virus of the world'. Another typical comment accused: 'American virus!' On Monday Pompeo, in a phone call he initiated with top Chinese official Yang Jiechi, voiced anger that Beijing has used official channels 'to shift blame for COVID-19 to the United States,' the State Department said. Pompeo 'stressed that this is not the time to spread disinformation and outlandish rumors, but rather a time for all nations to come together to fight this common threat,' the department added. The State Department on Friday summoned the Chinese ambassador, Cui Tiankai, to denounce Beijing's promotion of a conspiracy theory that had gained wide attention on social media. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (right) and Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi (left) shake hands following a press conference in Washington in November 2018 Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, in tweets last week in both Mandarin and English, suggested that 'patient zero' in the global pandemic may have come from the United States -- not the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan. 'It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation,' tweeted Zhao, who is known for his provocative statements on social media. Scientists suspect that the virus first came to humans at a meat market in Wuhan that butchered exotic animals. Pompeo himself has sought to link China to the global pandemic, repeatedly referring to SARS-CoV-2 as the 'Wuhan virus' despite advice from health professionals that such geographic labels can be stigmatizing. Yang issued a 'stern warning to the United States that any scheme to smear China will be doomed to fail,' the official Xinhua news agency said in its summary of the call with Pompeo. While COVID-19 -- the disease caused by the virus - has largely come under control in China, it has killed more than 7,000 people around the world and severely disrupted daily life in Western countries. The news comes as China tries to deflect blame for the contagion and reframe itself as a country that took decisive steps to buy the world time by placing huge swathes of its population under quarantine. China built a 1,000-bed coronavirus hospital in 10 days in Wuhan to curb the epidemic. The picture shows Huoshenshan Hospital nearly complete on the outskirts of Wuhan on February 3 The Hague, March 19 (IANS) Dutch Minister for Medical Care Bruno Bruins collapsed in Parliament during a debate on the coronavirus pandemic. During the debate on Wednesday, Bruins received critical questions from the opposition parties, of which some found that he had done too little to provide medical workers protective equipment for the pandemic, such as masks, reports Xinhua news agency. But he staggered slightly, following which the Minister collapsed. Bruins managed to get up quickly, drank a sip of water and left the building. The debate was adjourned for around 45 minutes. "Thanks for all your support for just now," Bruins said in a tweet. "I fainted from exhaustion after intensive weeks. Now things are going better again. I'm going home now to rest tonight so I can get back to work tomorrow to fight the corona crisis as best I can." Since Tuesday, 346 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) stated on Wednesday. This brings the total number of people who tested positive to 2,051. Fifteen patients in the Netherlands have died from the novel coronavirus since the last update, which raised the total number of deaths in the country to 58. --IANS ksk/ As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies, more and more cases of price gouging are emerging: hand sanitiser for five times its normal price, floor cleaner for six times its recommended price and a 12-roll pack of toilet paper for $35. However, online marketplaces, including eBay and Amazon, are now racing to crack down on people stockpiling sanitary and hygiene products and selling them online at grossly inflated prices. Dettol hand sanitiser selling for $15 on eBay this week. Credit:eBay EBay Australia said listings for toilet paper, face masks and hand sanitiser at exorbitant prices would be taken down from Thursday. "Our teams in Australia and globally are working around the clock to manually pull down hundreds of thousands of inflated listings, but are struggling to keep up," an eBay spokeswoman said. Consumers expect companies to respond during a crisis, and the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is no exception. According to findings from a recent survey by G&S Business Communications, how corporations respond to the outbreak and communicate the affects the pandemic is having on their business is paramount to their reputations. According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of Americans (74 percent) said theyre satisfied with how major corporations have responded to the coronavirus crisis thus far. An additional 71 percent also said their perceptions of a company would become more positive if it shared its coronavirus policies with the public. Nearly half of respondents (46 percent) said their perceptions of a company wouldnt change if one of its employees became sick. However, nearly three-quarters (72 percent) said theyd have a negative perception of a company if it failed to publicly disclose that an employee had contracted the coronavirus. Three-quarters of Americans (75 percent) additionally believe companies should allow their employees to work from home during the pandemic if possible, or should shut down operations altogether (63 percent). A separate March 16 poll of Americans by consumer insights platform Suzy found that 67 of respondents believe most companies are appropriately dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The G&S report confirms that Americans are worried about COVID-19: more than three-quarters of respondents (76 percent) said theyre at least somewhat concerned about the coronavirus affecting them or their family. Only six percent said theyre not at all concerned about it. Americans primarily reported getting their information about the virus from friends and family (51 percent), web searches (50 percent), content published by government sources (49 percent) and social media (40 percent). G&S study polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults between March 14 and 15. Y our wedding day is said to be the best day of your life, but what if it suddenly becomes threatened by a global pandemic? As Covid-19 continues its unprecedented spread, this is the situation many engaged couples are currently in. We have been following the virus closely, and yesterday made the decision to postpone our wedding and push it back, bride-to-be Hayley tells the Standard. At the moment, only by a month but it is giving us an extra four weeks to work with. It was, and is, a stressful decision and has required a lot of extra logistical planning and admin. Tonight, Boris Johnson announced stringent measures for UK residents including no weddings for the next three weeks and no social gatherings of more than two people. Last week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all global travel for Brits until at least mid-April, making destination weddings, which account for 16 per cent of UK couples getting married, according to Mintel, virtually impossible. Lily, whose destination wedding was scheduled for the end of May in Spain, has had to postpone to a later date: As its become more clear how severe the situation is, weddings in spring and May are definitely a no-go. Knowing that you have to cancel it is better than before, when it was stressful with the constant updates and family messaging you asking if youre still going ahead with your wedding. UK weddings might be possible but if youve planned a wedding abroad like I have its just impossible. Even in May, I think the vibe of coronavirus will overshadow it, it wont feel as good. Amys wedding in France is still scheduled to go ahead in July - something she is becoming increasingly nervous about. Given it is early July I am praying that we may just make it out in time. Getting married abroad in France also brings more complications, Im not sure about the day to day situation and how things are playing out in reality versus the news. So far, the only coronavirus impact has been psychological, I am getting increasingly worried about how things are going to unfold and am checking the news frantically hoping for the best. Cancellations and postponements have become the norm this week, with London wedding planner Penelope Cullen of Tigerlily Weddings saying shes seen three cancellations. We had one that was overseas, that was just becoming too unmanageable and we had one in April and one in early May that meant a lot of people were flying to the UK which again meant it had to be postponed as it had become too difficult for guests to organise the flights. Should I postpone or cancel my wedding? One of the main things you need to consider, says Nina Beer, wedding coordinator and owner of Occasion Queens, is the health of your guests attending. You may find that your guest numbers drop due to travel restrictions or elderly family members not feeling comfortable going to large gatherings at the moment. Cullen adds that different factors should come into play when considering cancelling or postponing your wedding. She continues: Each wedding is so different and it needs to be looked at on its own merit. [Couples should be] thinking about when you need to make key decisions and when key cutoff points are and updating your wedding website so everyone can communicate. Communication is really key during these times. I think its just playing it by ear, if youve got the right insurance in place then no one is going to lose out in any way, shape or form. If you can postpone, its a better way as it takes them out of being in a stressful position that everyones in right now when its so untenable what can happen and when its going to happen. Its hour by hour. Beer suggests, if a wedding at the moment is completely off the cards, holding an intimate wedding for you and your partner to get married in the meantime could be an option - something Lily is planning on doing. She says: We think what well do is go to the registry office anyway in April, just the two of us with two witnesses, and get married anyway so that were married and have the big party when everything is blown over. Hamish Shephard, founder of online wedding planner Bridebook, says he has seen an uptick in couples bringing forward their weddings in the past few weeks - one couple that was meant to get married on June 13 is now getting married in a Marylebone registry office on Friday with just close family in attendance. What is the first thing to do if I decide to cancel or postpone? Cullen says the first point of call for couples looking to cancel or shift their wedding to a later date should be contacting their venue and each supplier and having a conversation with them about postponing. She adds: Because its an unprecedented time, everybodys actually being really flexible and understanding that things cant go ahead. Suppliers are being much more flexible in terms of trying to look at the possibility of rescheduling and reassuring couples which I think is really key at this time. Because its an unprecedented time, everybodys actually being really flexible and understanding. Lily says most of her suppliers have been really helpful and understanding of the situation. She adds: The vendors and the venue have suggested dates that we could do later in the year or next year and the caterers have let us shift our deposits along so hopefully it shouldnt be too costly. I have friends in South Africa, their wedding was in a week and they were in the country when travel got banned so its people like that, where its so immediate, Im not sure what the impact will be for them. All of the suppliers have said they would shift it. My wedding dress fitting, for example, which is at The Mews Bridal in Notting Hill, theyve just said that we can just move the fittings for as long as I want, they can hold my dress for as long as it needs to be held. Most suppliers have been really helpful, not charging any more money or anything like that, its just a faff having to reach out to everyone and having to move it all around. Hayley, whose wedding is now set to be in a Suffolk forest at the end of June, says her suppliers have been understanding as well. Our venue, Upthorpe Woods have been amazing and so supportive and have guided us through all of it. And all of our suppliers, from our caterer to our photographer have been incredibly flexible and have all moved with us for no extra cost and with zero stress. They are in dire times too, and its important that couples work closely with their suppliers to ensure they dont lose out either. What is the best way to keep guests updated? Have a wedding website so you can keep people constantly updated and they can refer to this as the first point of call, Cullen suggests. So any updates can be mass-shared live with people and you can give any advice or guidance for travel, health and safety. Make sure that guests are thinking about any plans that they have made with hotels and travel, that they are checking that their insurances are covering them if they do need to cancel. Advising guests to manage their financial risk as well as the health risk during that time. You kind of have to just play it out and see, unfortunately you cant pre-empt whats going to happen. Are you thinking about older guests? Maybe doing a later summer party instead so they are protected during these times. This is some of the guidance that I've been giving people. Lily says although they have been updating their wedding website, they also have to go old school (emails, texts, calls) for a lot of their older guests. Obviously a big concern is the guests have paid for flights, paid for accommodation and so youre hoping that guests arent impacted too much by the change of plans. Its disappointing and its really sad, it was 18 months of hard work planning and suddenly its not happening. Amy says their plan was to send out invitations for their July wedding next week, and guests are still advising them to keep their wedding day as is. At the moment our guests are more reassuring us that all will be fine come July so at this time we are not messaging anything other than it is all planned to go ahead. What about wedding insurance, do I need to get that? If you have wedding insurance then it is likely you will be covered if your venue has to close or if the registrars stop conducting ceremonies, says Shephard. It will be difficult to get through at the moment but stick with it and talk to your insurer. Hopefully the main insurers (Debenhams, John Lewis, WedInsure, Wedding Plan Insurance and Dreamsaver) will be publishing clear guidelines. As the situation changes with government advice so will the insurance position. If you dont have insurance it will be more tricky but talk to your venue as a first point of call and understand what they are doing. There will not be ideal solutions and it may mean switching to an off peak date later in the year. Remember venues are juggling all their couples and will be under a lot of pressure to see this through as a business. There will not be ideal solutions and it may mean switching to an off peak date later in the year Meg, who is looking at postponing her May wedding, spent over 11 hours on hold to her insurer this week only to be told she will only be covered if the venue cancels. She adds: After an 11 and a half hour wait I got through and theyve said theyll only cover it if the venue cancels so I have got to literally wait and see. Im not sure whats happening but even if it goes ahead we will have lost all of the lead up costs including the hen do and the stag do. Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk advises to take out wedding insurance as soon as youve set a date: Try to purchase a wedding insurance policy as soon as you start making any bookings or pay any deposits to book your venue, buy a wedding dress or when ordering the cake. Most policies let you take out a policy up to two years before your wedding, so it is worth getting it sooner rather than later. Make sure you know how much your wedding is likely to cost so you get the right level of protection, otherwise your policy might not cover the costs. If you havent taken out insurance, speaking directly with your suppliers is the best bet. Drive through unit established at Wrexham Maelor to test for coronavirus in NHS staff This article is old - Published: Thursday, Mar 19th, 2020 A drive through testing unit has been established at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital to help support the response to tackling Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19). Earlier today the Welsh Government announced that it would be rolling out coronavirus testing to health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care. At this stage, the testing units will only be providing priority testing for identified NHS workers involved in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This will reduce the risk of NHS staff infecting other patients, or having to take time off work to self-isolate if they developed symptoms, without confirmation of whether they have the virus or not. The testing units, which have been established following advice from Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government, are located at Ysbyty Alltwen, Tremadog; Bryn y Neuadd Hospital, Llanfairfechan; and on the grounds of Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The units in Llanfairfechan and Tremadog will begin testing tomorrow (Friday 20th March), with the Wrexham unit beginning testing on Monday. Testing units had been established to provide priority testing during the official containment phase of the outbreak, but were stood down as the UK moved into the delay phase. The new units are not operating a walk in service and will not provide testing to NHS staff without an appointment. There is no additional risk to people living in the immediate vicinity of these units. A range of precautions and infection prevention measures have been considered and put in place, including strict clinical protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment, to keep staff, patients and people living and working nearby safe. Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: The Testing Units will provide testing for NHS staff who have a crucial role to play in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak. They are not offering a walk in service, and we ask the public not to visit the units, as they will not be tested, but may cause delays for NHS staff. I would like to provide reassurance that there is no additional risk to people living in the immediate vicinity of these units. We urge people to continue to follow the latest advice from Public Health Wales. People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and stay at home for 14 days. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days. At first glance, Maine resident Tom Kawcyznski seems like just another person talking about the coronavirus pandemic. His daily Coronavirus Central podcast has consistently been in the top 20 podcasts on the Apple charts for Health & Fitness, and at one point earlier this month it hit the fifth spot in the category. But anxious listeners flocking to Kawcyznskis podcast for more information about the diseases spread may not be aware of his background. Before he rebranded himself as a coronavirus expert, Kawcyznski was a notorious white nationalist advocating for a nearly all-white monarchy in New Englandwith himself as its king. Kawcyznskis surprising reinvention and his success on podcast apps demonstrate the degrees to which concerned Americans are turning to anyone on the internet for coronavirus information, without much consideration of the source. As rumors about coronavirus and the governments response circulate via text message and hoax cures proliferate online, extremist figures like Kawcyznski have seen an opening of their own. I think the coronavirus is creating a brand new world, Kawcyznski told The Daily Beast, when asked about his new role as a would-be coronavirus expert. Fox Host Trish Regan Goes on Batsh*t Rant Against Coronavirus Impeachment Scam Kawcyznski advocates for the creation of the Arboreal Kingdom of New Albion, a currently fictional, 95-percent white monarchy he imagines cobbling out of parts of Canada and New England after social collapse. The Southern Poverty Law Center lists his New Albion group as a white nationalist hate group. In 2018, Kawcyznski was fired from his job as the town manager of Jackman, Maine, after the discovery of his posts on fringe social network Gab. In the posts on his now-private account, Kawcyznski wrote that the average black in America has less intellectual aptitude and advised white supremacists on how to recast their message in more appealing terms. Story continues Im putting a happy face on #AltRight thinking that brings normies in, Kawcyznski wrote in 2017. Now Kawcyznski has brought the same apocalyptic thinking that turned him into a figure on the racist right to worried coronavirus podcast listeners. Hes built an entire coronavirus media empire in the space of two months, including a coronavirus prep book hes selling on Amazon that promises to help people prepare for the disease on any budget. By publishing a hastily written book on Amazon about the coronavirus, Kawcyznski joined a flood of dubious experts self-publishing coronavirus books on the internet retail giant. In Kawcyznskis book, which he initially published under a pseudonym, he doesnt discuss his background in the white nationalist movement. He also promotes conspiracy theorists like frequent InfoWars guest Mike Adams as reliable sources of information on the disease and envisions a world of societal collapse brought on by the coronavirus, writing that toilet paper will be more valuable than dollars. Kawcyznskis podcast has drawn more people to him since he started it in February, as cases started to appear in the United States. A Vulture review of coronavirus-related podcasts called the show a spitting image of caricatures about crackpots and charlatans who vie for attention during crises. But it also noted that his podcast ranks highly in searches on podcast apps for coronavirus. Kawcyznski claims his daily podcasts, which range from between an hour to two-and-a-half hours, each receive roughly 20,000 listens. Its impossible to independently verify podcast listenership. In his episodes, Kawcyznski positions himself as a sort of guru of the coronavirus era, urging in a Tuesday episode to refocus your life around the virus. Stop worrying about what comes after the virus so much, and worry about how youre going to survive it, Kawcyznski said in one. Kawcyznski has also used the coronavirus to gather a community of adherents around himself online. In a chat group on Telegram, an encrypted messaging app popular with extremist right-wing personalities, Coronavirus Central has amassed more than 1,400 members. Kawcyznski claims its not fair to describe him as a white nationalist, even as he advocates for the creation of a majority-white splinter nation. But as recently as January, Kawcyznski went on a podcast hosted by Chris Cantwell, the neo-Nazi who became infamous in the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right white supremacist rally as the crying Nazi. Kawcyznski presented Cantwell with a fictional flag for New Albion, describing it as a blood flaga reference to a swastika flag used by Adolf Hitler. Its a sign of my respect to you, Kawcyznski said, as he handed Cantwell the flag. Later that month, Cantwell was arrested on federal interstate threat charges. Kawcyznski, who says he maxed out his credit cards in an attempt to prepare for the coronavirus, has positioned himself for a rebranding in the coronavirus era. In an apparent attempt to distance himself from his white nationalist comments, Kawcyznski said he doesnt really get into politics when discussing the coronavirus. I hope people take their opportunities to approach this world with open minds and open hearts, he said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. There is a call for greater flexibility in the social welfare system in order to greater protect the vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak. It comes as An Post unveiled a range of measures to help customers minimise their visits during the pandemic. From this Monday the payment of social welfare in post offices will be brought forward by a week resulting in the payment of two weeks Social Welfare Benefit. The timing of the payment will be dictated by the customers particular scheme or benefit type. For any payments not brought forward next week, these will be brought forward for double payment during the week beginning March 30. Post offices are also implementing upgraded social distancing measures including earlier opening hours on traditional pension payments days, enhanced security and distancing measures in post offices and the extension of the Temporary Agent facility for customers. Up to 58,000 people have applied for a special Covid-19 Jobseekers payment so far. The Department of Social Protection says 43,000 applications have already been processed. Fianna Fail spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Willie ODea, acknowledged that the department is doing its best in "very difficult circumstances", but urged them to be more flexible and show more discretion to those who are more susceptible to the virus. Deputy ODea said: I believe that pensioners should for example be able to receive 3 or 4 weeks of their State pension in one lump sum if they so wish to minimise social interactions. Furthermore, pregnant women who have become unemployed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic should not see their PRSI contributions and entitlement to maternity benefit affected. He also called for greater clarity around secondary benefits during the outbreak. He said: Over the coming weeks there is likely to be even greater demands on the social welfare system. "However, we must recognise that in such unique circumstances a 'one size fits all' approach to the application of social welfare will not necessarily work and I would therefore urge the government to build flexibility and discretion into the system to assist people during these very difficult times. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Fiji confirmed its first coronavirus case Thursday and immediately moved to seal off the city where the patient -- a flight attendant -- was based, as panic buying gripped the Pacific island nation. The announcement of Fiji's first COVID-19 case followed rampant speculation across the country of 930,000 that the global pandemic had arrived on its shores. "There is a single confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lautoka that was imported from a patient who had recently travelled abroad," Health Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete said on Twitter. "He was immediately isolated, where he remains under careful medical supervision." Authorities said the man was a 27-year-old Fiji Airways flight attendant who had recently visited the United States and New Zealand. They said passengers and crew on flights he was on were being traced. Residents in the capital Suva jammed supermarkets to stock up on basic supplies, while the Fiji Times reported that parents in Lautoka rushed to remove their children from school. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama called for calm in a televised address to the nation outlining the government's emergency response. "In this moment of challenge, our national unity cannot run in short supply. No one should act in fear or with panic," he said. He said Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city with a population of about 55,000 would be completely sealed off from the rest of the country. "Basically, if you are living in the greater Lautoka area, you will now stay in the greater Lautoka area," he said. "If you do not live in greater Lautoka area, you cannot travel there, even if you work there." He said agriculture officials would leave fruit, vegetables and root crops on the municipality's borders to ensure inhabitants had enough food over the two-week quarantine period. Bainimarama also introduced sweeping travel restrictions, including mandatory self-isolation for all international arrivals and a ban on gatherings of more than 20 people. Story continues He said dedicated fever clinics were being established and the military would help trace people who had been in contact with anyone who was infected. "This is an aggressive, proportionate and - most importantly - scalable response," said Bainimarama, a former military commander who rose to power in a bloodless coup in 2006 before winning office at the ballot box. Pacific nations are particularly vulnerable to viral outbreaks because of their geographic isolation and under-resourced health infrastructure. A measles epidemic in Samoa late last year killed 83 people, most of them babies and toddlers. The country passed a law to make childhood immunisation compulsory in December after "anti-vaxxer" activists were blamed for worsening the outbreak. Many Pacific nations have implemented strong restrictions in a bid to keep the pandemic at bay, including a ban on all inbound air travellers in the Marshall Islands. But the virus has still gained a foothold in some areas, with eight cases confirmed in Guam, one in French Polynesia and Samoa announcing its first suspected case on Wednesday. She recently splashed $1700 on a Miele robot vacuum cleaner to clean her Melbourne mansion. But Rebecca Judd has proven that even the most expensive appliances can break down. On Thursday, the mother-of-four shared an Instagram Stories video of herself deconstructing the machine after it mysteriously stopped working. Bec, who nicknamed her robot 'Kevin', complained: 'Guys, bloody Kevin, he's having a mare, he keeps getting blocked up. Obviously it needs a clean.' After taking out the internal parts of the vacuum, the footy WAG found two Coles Stikeez toys lodged inside. 'The culprits- Stikeez!' she giggled, zooming the camera in onto the small plastic figurines. That sucks! WAG Rebecca Judd, 37, has banned Coles Stikeez from her $8M Melbourne mansion after they clog up her $1700 robot vacuum cleaner In the caption, Rebecca wrote: 'Bloody Stikeez are banned from my house from now on.' Presumably, the toys belonged to Rebecca's young children, son Oscar, eight, daughter Billie, five, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, three. It comes after the TV presenter revealed on Instagram that the automatic cleaner had sucked up her $1290 designer Valentino heels. Clogged: On Thursday, the mother-of-four shared an Instagram Stories video of herself deconstructing the machine after it mysteriously stopped working Mystery solved! 'The culprits- Stikeez!' she giggled, zooming the camera in onto the small plastic figurines The joys of parenthood! It is presumed the toys belonged to Rebecca's young children, son Oscar, eight, daughter Billie, five, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, three (pictured) Last December, Rebecca shared a video of the device spinning around while holding the expensive shoes by one of its straps. Seeing the humour in the unfortunate mishap, Rebecca said to the machine: 'Kev. Buddy. Let me help you... Like I said, Kevin's not perfect.' Rebecca and her AFL star husband Chris, moved into their renovated $7.3million mansion in Melbourne's upmarket suburb of Brighton late last year. Victorian schools are paying the price of panic buying and hoarding, with some running low on toilet paper, soap, hand sanitiser and cleaning products. The Victorian Education Department said more than 10,000 units of hand sanitiser would arrive this week to address the shortfalls, which are believed to be hitting government primary schools the hardest. The department is providing its first delivery of additional hand sanitiser to schools [on Thursday], with further deliveries to follow," a department spokeswoman said. "The department has already secured a further 10,000 units of hand sanitiser which will be arriving Friday for distribution." To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! MOREAU Supervisor Todd Kusnierz has declared a State of Emergency in the town. The supervisor signed the local declaration effective March 18 and it will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by subsequent order. Kusnierz said such move was necessary in response to rapidly evolving challenges to protect public health and safety related to the spread" of the COVID-19 virus. The town joins the state of New York, Saratoga County and other counties, as well as many other towns, cities and villages across the state, in taking this step. Kusnierz has instructed all town departments to reduce staffing levels for non-essential staff, as directed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and to do whatever is necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure and provide other such emergency assistance as required. This declaration enables the town to take additional legal, operational and recovery measures that may be needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the community. Residents are encouraged to conduct town business via telephone, email or U.S. mail as much as possible to minimize personal interactions. Also, to minimize financial hardships that may arise, late fees for overdue water and sewer bills will be waived during this period. In addition, the towns transfer station will only be operational on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Due to rapidly changing directives from the state, residents are strongly encouraged to check the town of Moreau website at www.townofmoreau.org for a full list of COVID-19 updates as well as town-related cancellations, closings and postponements. Love 14 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The future of British TV programmes is currently hanging in the balance as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen. But Lorraine Kelly proved the show must go on as she carried on with hosting duties alongside a pared back crew on Thursday morning. Ahead of her appearance on her eponymous breakfast show, the brave presenter, 60, praised her fellow staff members as she told Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh and Adil Ray: 'All my stalwarts are here!' Impressive: Lorraine Kelly proved the show must go on as she carried on with hosting duties alongside a pared back crew on Thursday (pictured with GMB's Adil Ray and Ranvir Singh) Insisting it's business as usual amid the crisis, the media personality added: 'We're just carrying on until we're told otherwise. 'Dr Hilary Jones has been so kind and reassuring, cutting through all the nonsense.' The TV veteran's comments come after ITV hit show This Morning went live as normal on Wednesday, but hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield admitted they're 'holding on by the skin of our teeth.' Even production on the UK's biggest soaps has been thrown into crisis due to COVID-19, which has placed the UK in a lockdown that could last up to a year, according to the government. 'All my stalwarts are here!' Ahead of her appearance on her eponymous breakfast show, the brave presenter, 60, praised her fellow staff members (pictured with Dr. Hilary Jones) Coronavirus was classed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) last week, leading countries such as Italy, Spain and China to implement nationwide lockdowns. As of Thursday, 104 people have died out of 2,626 confirmed cases in the UK. Sporting events, music festival and other social gatherings have been either cancelled or postponed due to the crisis. Nearly 200,000 people around the world have been infected and almost 8,000 have died since the outbreak began last December. Social distancing, advised by WHO, involves maintaining at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who coughs or sneezes, as the small liquid droplets sprayed could contain the virus. The measure also includes staying at home if you have a cough or fever even if you have not travelled and 'cocooning' elderly people suspected of being more vulnerable to the infection. Canada is ready to provide Ukraine with the necessary medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to protect against the spread of the acute respiratory disease COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trudeau also promised Zelensky assistance in the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from Canada who expressed a desire to return to their homeland, the official website of the head of the Ukrainian state reported on Thursday. The main topic of the conversation was countering the coronavirus pandemic and providing assistance to the population of both countries. The president of Ukraine informed the Canadian premier about measures taken by Ukraine to protect against the spread of the virus. The readiness to coordinate the efforts of the two countries and mutual support in the fight against the spread of the disease was noted. Zelensky expressed support for Trudeau and his family, wishing his wife Sophie a speedy recovery from the coronavirus. 19.03.2020 LISTEN Lagos based brown skin model and current Most Beautiful Melanin Girl in Nigeria Universe 2019 Queen Praise Aboaba releases breathtaking photos with Abuja top photographer. US evangelicals are not as hated as they might think: sociologist Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Evangelical Christians in the United States are not as negatively viewed as they might think, according to a sociologist who recently spoke with the National Association of Evangelicals. Bradley Wright, associate professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut, was interviewed by NAE President Walter Kim in a podcast posted online on Sunday. When Kim asked Wright "if there is a difference" with how people outside of faith perceive Christians in general and evangelicals in particular," Wright talked about the Pew Research Center and their highly publicized surveys on how warmly Americans feel about various religious groups. He explained that evangelicals normally fall in the middle of the pack, being ranked warmer than groups like atheists and Muslims, yet colder than Catholics and Jews. Wright, however, warned that such surveys have very unstable data, with the results likely to change considerably over the months, even with the same sample. I think the short answer is that its middle of the pack is how people view evangelicals, but it varies somewhat, said Wright. Wright noted that this tends to be different than how evangelicals think other people think about them, proposing that evangelicals tend to think of the general population as being more hostile. Maybe thats part of the fear narrative is that we tend to think like, well, everyone hates us or nobody likes us or something like that. I dont think thats true, he explained. The wrong narrative is nobody likes us, were failing, and a third of Americans dont want anything to do with religion. I think a more accurate narrative is people have somewhat mixed feelings about evangelicals, like they do about most religions and as they do about a lot of things in the world. And theres a lot of people who just arent sure what they think about religion. Wright also took issue with the claims about Christianity in America being in decline, noting that it varies among different denominations and movements within the faith. For example, according to Wright, religious groups such as evangelicals are maintaining their numbers, while mainline Protestants are indeed suffering severe decline. Wright told Kim that he credited the popularity of the decline narrative as being captivating to different groups for different reasons, saying that it benefits different people. Journalists can use it to get their stories published, pastors can use it to sort of motivate their flock to pay attention to them. Book writers can use it to sell books. Conference givers can use it to get people to enroll in their conference, he explained. Earlier this month, Paul Djupe of the Public Religion Research Institute wrote a report published by Religion in Public titled, Perceived Discrimination toward Christians is Highest Living Among Christians. Djupe analyzed data from the Voter Study Groups Nationscape and found that Christians living in largely conservative states were more likely to believe that Christians face discrimination than those living in largely liberal ones. If Christians are persecuted by the non-religious, then Christians in Vermont and Oregon would be on top of the list. However, the opposite is true the highest reported values come from Christians in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, wrote Djupe. The lowest rates are reported in the northeast Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. This is not the pattern that the elite rhetoric leads us to expect." Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 12:53:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Xi Yue, Wu Hao HANGZHOU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Located in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, the city of Yiwu sells commodities to more than 210 countries and regions every year and is therefore dubbed the "World's Supermarket." After a short hiatus in business due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Yiwu International Trade Market (YITM) and other commodity markets have revived their vitality thanks to the effective containment of the epidemic in China. On a single day on Tuesday, more than 100,000 people, including 30,100 purchasers from around the world, visited the YITM market after going through body temperature tests and other prevention and control measures. For Veronica Larrauri, a Mexican merchant who has lived in the city for three years, China's performance in containing the epidemic is impressive and the orderly resumption of normal economic operation has brought good news. "Many clients were concerned about the epidemic situation in China, and what I can do is showing them that we are already working and the stores are open so that they could have confidence," Larrauri said. At the request of some Mexican clients, Larrauri visited many suppliers and were told that the stores were fully prepared for business and have plentiful commodities in stock. "After visiting some suppliers, I gained more confidence and everything made me feel more reassured," said the Mexican merchant, who is among some 15,000 foreign merchants from over 100 countries and regions stationed in Yiwu. After graduating in international trade in Mexico, Larrauri worked in a Mexican logistics company and visited Yiwu for the first time. During that visit, she was surprised by the abundance of business opportunities and therefore decided to stay. In 2017, Larrauri set up an import and export company with seven employees in Mexico City while she takes charge of purchasing gifts, jewelry or promotional products in Yiwu for clients from Mexico, Honduras, the United States, Australia and so on. From January to November in 2019, Yiwu's total foreign trade exports reached 256.98 billion yuan (about 36.7 billion U.S. dollars), up 9.8 percent year-on-year, data from Yiwu Customs have shown. Of this figure, 33.93 billion yuan (about 4.8 billion dollars) worth of goods were exported to Latin America, accounting for 13.2 percent of Yiwu's total exports. According to Zhang Qizhen, deputy general manager of Zhejiang China Commodities City Group, the YITM serves as an important link in global commodity trade and its resumption of business will help revitalize world trade amid the pandemic. "Worldwide suppliers and buyers can feel safe to do business in the markets and in Yiwu city," Zhang said. "The resumption of business at the Yiwu markets has reactivated commercial contacts between the Chinese city and other countries, giving certainty to the world market of small commodities," said Tang Jun, associate professor at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, echoing Zhang's words. On the supply side, with the intensive introduction of burden reduction policies by the central and local governments, many small and medium-sized enterprises in China have gradually resumed work and production. Amapola Grijalva, president of the Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce and Technology, appreciates the prompt measures taken by the Chinese government to support the resumption of production by Chinese companies. "The whole world can learn some valuable experience from these," she said. For Larrauri, the YITM is not just a building, but a window showing opportunities that connect the whole world. "My clients have told me that they feel more reassured and now we hope that the factories are going to work completely. Then, I will have more business," she said. (Xinhua reporters Fang Lie and Yin Xiaosheng in Zhejiang also contributed to the story.) The Minister for Social Protection has acknowledged that Irelands jobless figures could rise as high as 500,000 as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic. Speaking at a press conference at Government Buildings in Dublin to outline what supports for businesses are available Minister Regina Doherty acknowledged that were in a very different place with our modelling than we were last week. Every day Im seeing a new industry affected that I didnt think was going to be, she said. She said that the numbers could well be as drastic as the worst-case scenario being posited by economic commentators at present. The Minister said that there had been 58,000 individual applications made for the new Covid-19 jobseekers benefit, with 43,000 approved to date, with those people expected to receive payments from the beginning of next week. Updates on the situation are set to begin on a daily basis from next week, Ms Doherty said. Some 20,000 people had applied to her department last Friday alone, she said. Both the jobseekers benefit and the employer-refund scheme, which sees companies that cannot afford to pay their employees reimbursed by the State, are paid at a rate of 203 per week. Minister for Business Heather Humphreys said that the new supports available for businesses would prioritise those concerns access to everyday capital. Those supports include a 200m working capital scheme for those businesses impacted by the virus epidemic, with loans of up to 1.5m being made available at reduced rates and the first 500,000 available unsecured, while applications can be made through the website of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). She said that a 200m package for businesses which need to restructure in the circumstances is available through Enterprise Ireland, while the maximum loan available via Microfinance Ireland has been increased to 250,000 to support sole traders and firms with up to nine employees. Meanwhile, the credit guarantee scheme will allow for loans of up to 1m for impacted businesses via Irelands pillar retail banks. Minister Humphreys said she is today writing to all 250,000 companies registered in Ireland in order to highlight the various supports which have been made available as part of the Governments 3bn Covid-19 bailout package agreed last week. She added that all annual returns due to be filed with the Registrar of Companies between now and June 30 will be considered to have been filed on time. Her department is operating a business support call centre, contactable on 01 631200, she said. In terms of reports that insurers are refusing to come to the aid of public houses which have been forced to close as a result of the epidemic, Minister Humphreys said she had written to industry representative body Insurance Ireland to query the veracity of those reports. The two ministers were joined at the conference by both Martin Shanahan, CEO of the IDA, and Julie Sinnamon, chief executive with entrepreneurial body Enterprise Ireland. Mr Shanahan said that his agencys main focus at present is on supporting and engaging with its 1,500 client companies, the majority of which are operational and open for business, though many are working remotely. Ms Sinnamon meanwhile said that much of the mitigation preparation that had gone into the Brexit deadline was being echoed by the requirements of the Covid-19 situation. She said that all companies should take a no regrets approach to their preparations so that none should ever wonder what might have been after the fact. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Palmyra Area Middle School science teacher Jeff Remington has earned state and national awards for his work in the classroom and now is in the running for an international honor worth $1 million. The Varkey Foundation announced Thursday that Remington is one of five U.S. educators on the short-list for consideration for its Global Teacher Prize for 2020. Forty-nine other teachers from around the world also are candidates for that honor, which the foundation offers in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, better known as UNESCO. Remington and the others were chosen from more than 12,000 nominees from 140 countries. The list will next be narrowed to 10 finalists. The winner of the award will be announced in October during a ceremony at the Natural Science Museum in London, England. The foundation said the Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes that have transformed young peoples lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world. Remingtons educational credentials are impressive. According to the foundation, he has earned recognition from the state Department of Education for his programs ability to exceed expectations in science for all students, including traditionally low-achievers. He won the 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching. His passion to bring educational opportunities to those who have limited access to them has seen he and his wife, Helen help create and sustain science and technology classrooms in St. Marc, Haiti, and he has been an advocate for decreasing the digital divide that exists between developed and underdeveloped nations, the foundation said. Jeff has also provided STEM/STREAM training for the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates and created STEMonstrations for NASA and the International Space Station. The four other U.S. teachers on the Varney short list are from California, North Dakota, Louisiana and New Jersey. Votes Do Matter, Bernie Commentary If Bernie Sanders were amassing a nearly insurmountable lead in the delegate counts, I have little doubt that he would be saying to Joe Biden: Democrats have spoken. Time to drop out and help the team. But doing what he expects of others is not Bernies way. As in the past, he can stay in, waving the implied threat that not adopting his program might cause his base to stay home in November. The impolite word is extortion, which Sanders launders with baloney claims that he is, somehow, actually winning. My favorite is We are winning the generational debate. Sanders said this right after Joe Biden crushed him in Super Tuesday II. Sanders had just lost his working-class firewall of Michigan, plus Missouri, Mississippi, Idaho and even Sanders-friendly Washington. (He won only North Dakota.) By generational debate, Sanders meant he was prevailing among younger voters, which is true. But he is apparently not doing well among young nonvoters, who, contrary to the campaigns claims, are not showing up in vast numbers to support him. Camp Bernie fantasizes that young peoples votes count more than old peoples votes. For demographic reasons, Sanders was expected to lose Florida and Arizona. But Biden bested him by nearly 40(!) percentage points in Floridaand at a time when the coronavirus is scaring a lot of elderly voters away from the polls. The Sanders campaign continually boasts that it is winning the small-donations race. Were especially proud that of the more than 2 million donations we received this month, over 1.4 million were from voters in states that vote on Super Tuesday, Faiz Shakir, Sanders campaign manager, said at the start of March. Sanders ability to raise large sums in small quantities is genuinely impressive. And it follows that the Vermonter would not be beholden to big-money interests. But dollars are not votes. Votes are something Americans cast free of chargeand not by writing checks, whatever the size. Votes determine the winner. Two days later, Super Tuesday happened. After greatly outspending Biden, Sanders lost 10 of the 14 states including Texas and Virginia. He did grab the biggest prize, California, though by fewer than 7 percentage points. Vermonts neighbors, Massachusetts and Maine, went for Biden. After losing badly on Super Tuesday II, Sanders vowed not to end his campaign. He explained, Poll after poll, including exit polls, show that a strong majority of the American people support our progressive agenda. Its a cliche but true that the only poll that matters is the one on Election Day. But its not hard to win a poll if you word it in your favor. Sanders often cites the polls finding that most Americans like the idea of his Medicare for All. Other polls, however, show that even more Americans object to losing their private coverage, which his proposal would ban. How do you explain that discrepancy? Marketing. What Sanders calls Medicare for All is not Medicare. Its a Canadian-style single-payer system. However one feels about the Canadian system, the fact remains that Canada forbids people from buying private coverage for services included in the government plan. Medicare is a mixed-payer program combining government insurance with a good deal of regulated private coverage. To we who have followed the health care battles over the years, Bidens proposals to expand governments role is plenty progressive. But if you buy into Sanders contention that the coronavirus pandemic will drive people toward his more radical ideas, you have to ask yourself: Why does Sanders lose by progressively bigger margins as this virus rampages? Its those darn voters. They get in the way every time. Froma Harrop is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, Harrop has worked on the Reuters business desk, edited economics reports for The New York Times News Service, and served on the Providence Journal editorial board. She has written for such diverse publications as The New York Times, Harpers Bazaar, and Institutional Investor. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, March 19, 2020 The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern over newly passed regulations in South Africa that criminalize disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic and could potentially prompt other countries to adopt more repressive rules and censorship against the press. Yesterday, the South African government enacted new regulations, which CPJ reviewed, criminalizing statements intended to deceive any person about COVID-19 or the governments response to the pandemic. The regulations were published in the Government Gazette under the 2002 Disaster Management Act and carry penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. The COVID-19 pandemic must be taken seriously, but passing laws that emphasize criminalizing disinformation over educating the public and encouraging fact-checking present a slippery slope and send the wrong message to other countries that may be less measured in drafting such laws, CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal said today. South Africas post-apartheid commitment not to criminalize information has been a beacon for press freedom across Africa, but these new regulations have the potential to dim that light, opening up the possibility of abuse and limitations on vital information and facts. South African media lawyer Dario Milo told CPJ that while the new regulations allow for prosecution only of malicious falsehoods about COVID-19, criminalizing disinformation was generally undesirable. The regulation, however, would likely be legally defensible, Milo said. In a joint statement on March 19, David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and his counterparts in the OSCE and IACHR, said they shared the concern that false information about the pandemic could lead to health concerns, panic, and disorder. However, they stated that it was essential that governments should first address disinformation by themselves providing reliable information. Resorting to other measures, such as censorship, could result in limiting access to important information for public health and should only be undertaken where they met the standards of necessity and proportionality, they said. Any attempts to criminalize information relating to the pandemic may create distrust in institutional information, delay access to reliable information and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, the statement said. KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 20:18 | All, Japan, Coronavirus The number of foreign visitors to Japan plunged 58.3 percent in February, the largest on-year drop for any month in nearly nine years, dented by travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, government data showed Thursday. An estimated 1.09 million foreigners visited Japan last month, down from 2.60 million a year earlier, after China banned all outbound group travel in late January. Chinese travelers accounted for 30 percent of all overseas visitors in 2019, the biggest among all countries and regions. The drop in February was the fifth straight month of decline and the largest since April 2011 when the figure fell 62.5 percent after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan the previous month, causing the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The number of inbound tourists is set to see sharper drops in the coming months, as Japan recently tightened entry restrictions on people arriving from China, South Korea and Europe to curb COVID-19. "The circumstance in March will be even more severe. We'll cooperate with other countries to expand the tourism market," Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Hiroshi Tabata said at a press conference. The outlook is a setback for the Japanese government, which has aimed to boost the number of annual inbound visitors to 40 million by this year when the country hosts the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The number of foreign visitors rose 2.2 percent to a record 31.88 million last year. The sharp drop in foreign tourists is also a significant blow to the retail, restaurant and other industries in Japan. The Resona Research Institute estimates the virus outbreak is expected to cut spending by foreign travelers to Japan by 981.3 billion yen ($9 billion) from February to June. According to the data from the Japan Tourism Agency, tourists from China dropped 87.9 percent from a year earlier to 87,200 visitors in February. By country and region, Taiwan had the most travelers to Japan in February at 220,400, down 44.9 percent from a year earlier. South Korea had 143,900, down 79.9 percent, followed by 115,600 from Hong Kong, down 35.5 percent. Meanwhile, visitors from Russia increased 19.6 percent to 6,700 from a year earlier, the strongest growth in the month. Those from the Philippines rose 12.9 percent at 39,700, followed by Australia, up 1.8 percent at 48,500. However, Australia banned its citizens from leaving the country this week and similar measures have been taken in countries including New Zealand and Malaysia. Related coverage: Tokyo Disneyland workers seek pay during coronavirus shutdown Australia, New Zealand close borders to all foreigners IOC holds call with athlete reps, not contemplating Tokyo postponement COVID-19 hits Latin America as Chile calls state of catastrophe WORLD: Chiles President Sebastian Pinera declared a state of catastrophe yesterday (Mar 18) over the coronavirus outbreak, while Cuba recorded its first death and a slew of countries announced nighttime curfews as Latin Americas lockdown widened. CoronavirusCOVID-19healthSafety By AFP Thursday 19 March 2020, 09:41AM COVID-19 has reached Latin America and cases of infection are increasing rapidly. Photo: AFP In Brazil a minister in President Jair Bolsonaros government tested positive for the virus, while five Venezuelan inmates died in a prison break-out after family visits were banned. A 61-year-old Italian tourist was the first person to die in Cuba of the COVID-19 disease, the health ministry said. The Italian arrived in Cuba on March 9. Unlike many Latin American countries, Cuba which relies on tourism revenue has not closed its borders, nor does it have quarantine obligations even for people arriving from the worst affected countries. Earlier yesterday, Cuba allowed a British cruise ship carrying five infected people and more than 50 others showing flu-like symptoms to dock on the island. It had been turned away by both the Bahamas and Barbados. The more than 1,000 passengers and crew aboard were being repatriated to Britain last night. We are very grateful to the Cuban government for swiftly enabling this operation, said British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab. In Santiago, Pinera said hed declared a constitutional state of exception for a catastrophe for 90 days in Chile. He said it would help protect hospitals and health centers, ease transport of patients, medical personnel and medical supplies, and aid implementation of quarantines and food distribution. The armed forces will be able to act as true health forces, collaborating with all the officials in our health system, said Pinera. The measure also allows Pinera to restrict freedom of movement. Desperate measures Chile and Brazil are the only countries in Latin America to have more than 200 recorded cases of coronavirus so far. There are more than 1,200 cases in the region. The total number of deaths rose to 14, with Costa Rica registering its first death late yesterday. Peru, Panama and Bolivia began nighttime curfews yesterday, with police and troops patrolling the streets. In Peru, the government has also barred private vehicles from the roads from today (Mar 19). Brazils National Security Minister Augusto Heleno is the latest official to be diagnosed with COVID-19 following a presidential trip to the United States during which they met President Donald Trump. Sixteen people who accompanied Bolsonaro have now tested positive for the virus, although the president himself tested negative. Brazil the biggest country in Latin America, with 210 million people has confirmed 291 coronavirus cases. It reported its first death from the virus Tuesday (Mar 17). In Venezuela, 80 inmates escaped from a prison in the northwestern Zulia state, governor Omar Prieto said. Five inmates were killed during the break-out, which came after Venezuela suspended family visits due to the virus. They eat because their families bring them food, theres no state feeding program, Carlos Nieto Palma, a lawyer for the Ventana a la Libertad NGO, told AFP. Latin America exchanges continued to be hard hit. Brazils Sao Paulo stock exchange was suspended for the sixth time in eight sessions after it plummeted more than 10%. Latin Americas largest exchange dropped to its lowest level since 2017 despite economic stimulus measures announced in Brazil, Europe and the United States. The Buenos Aires exchange also fell more than 14%. Colombia announced a $15 billion economic package including loans, subsidies for the poor and guaranteed access to medical resources. The announcement came after Colombia declared a state of emergency on Tuesday and confined people aged over 70 to their homes. It is premature to say who is responsible for the recent violence in Jamia Millia Islamia in the national capital, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The government cannot divulge much information about this incident in the Upper House as the matter is subjudice, he said during the Question Hour. He was asked if the government will set up an enquiry to investigate role of the Delhi Police and recover damage from them. "When such incidents happen, there are many facts and evidences. It is premature to say who is responsible. The Home Minister has said the culprit will not be spared," Nishank said in the Upper House. Responding to another query if the government will take videos as evidence to prove Delhi Police's alleged hand in vandalism, the minister said: "I have already said the matter is subjudice. However, many questions and doubts are raised on videos circulated." Asked if the Centre will compensate for damages incurred by the university, the minister said, "All central universities are fully funded by the central government through UGC. If funds are required, the university can reach out to the UGC." Jamia Millia Islamia has informed of damage to properties during violence in the campus on December 15, 2019. However, the central library of the University has been opened to students on March 11 after renovation, he said. Universities are also competent to deal with such incidents, the minister said, adding it is because the central universities are statutory autonomous organisations and all administrative and academic decisions are taken by the universities with the approval of their statutory bodies such as Executive Council and Academic Council. As per provisions of the Act of the university, the executive council of the university has power for management and administration of revenue and property, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) What are we to make of the public's response to what looks as though it may turn out to be a social and economic catastrophe? Some say that hoarding and the stripping of supermarkets illustrate what a deeply selfish society we have become. They say our self-denying grandparents in World War II would never have behaved like this. Others insist that, no, there are many examples of kindness and sacrifice which show there is still a strong sense of community and of caring among the people of our country. Shoppers queue at an Asda supermarket in London as consumers worry about product shortages amid the coronavirus crisis, leading to stockpiling of household items (file photo) Which is it? I have been struggling over recent days to make up my mind as to whether the greedy hoarders or the burgeoning volunteers more truly represent the character of modern Britain. Everyone will have their stories of gross behaviour. A couple of mornings ago, I drove through the deserted streets of Oxford to our usual supermarket. As there were so few people around, I assumed it would be virtually empty. How naive I was. The aisles were crammed with shoppers, many of whom wore a desperate and hunted look. There was no sense of camaraderie. No trace of human feeling that we are all in this together. Some pushed trolleys piled high with food. Many shelves had been ransacked. No loo paper or kitchen towel. No eggs. Household cleaning materials sold out. As for hand-cleansing gel, forget it. Seeing so many normally respectable people pursuing their interests so remorselessly (and so humourlessly) was a depressing experience, which didnt make one love ones fellow citizens any more. Their behaviour seemed un-British. Then I reflected that what many were doing was perhaps not obviously distinguishable from my own actions. Being no longer in the first flush of youth, and therefore theoretically more at risk than many, I was in the supermarket to stock up for the next week or two. Others may have been there to stockpile. Is there really so much difference? Those who had crammed their trolleys with enough loo paper to meet the needs of a small army with rampant diarrhoea were guilty of a lack of consideration for others. But they werent bad people. I felt the same when I saw photographs in yesterdays Mail of young hedonists partying in Newcastle and Birmingham, utterly oblivious to the Governments advice about social distancing. Shoppers wearing face masks are faced with shelves stripped mostly bare at a supermarket in London amid hoarding during the coronavirus outbreak (file photo) Seemingly they werent worried about catching the coronavirus themselves, perhaps because they know the mortality rate amongst 20 to 30-year-olds is negligible. But their thoughtless actions could lead to the virus spreading to those who are far more vulnerable. And then there was that picture of a foolish young British woman in a bikini who ignored the lockdown in her hotel in Tenerife to take a lone swim in the pool. This representative of the I-can-do-whatever-I-want cohort of the younger generation was (hurrah!) led away in handcuffs by police. A businessman in his 30s tells me that some young people who work for him appear utterly unconcerned by the contagion, apparently having convinced themselves that they will scarcely notice if they catch it. Dont they have parents and grandparents? He adds that the same souls who fret endlessly about climate change which, although a threat, doesnt presage impending widespread fatalities seem incapable of getting their heads around the imminent calamity of coronavirus. If true, that is depressing. But, again, I dont suppose such people are wicked. Like middle-aged or elderly hoarders, young people who insist on partying, and continuing to live their lives as though nothing has changed, are chiefly guilty of a lack of moral imagination. Lets look at the other side of the ledger. Only this morning, a woman in her 60s told my wife that she and others in her village are organising a network of people to help those who have self-isolated with deliveries of food and other necessities. In my part of Oxford, the local residents association is setting up a group of volunteers to distribute food and medicine to people who cant leave their homes. They will also walk dogs (so long as they are well-behaved!) and check-up on the sick and elderly. An elderly man leaves an Iceland supermarket store following an 'elderly only' shopping hour in London. The supermarket has also rationed on certain essential items (file photo) A volunteer hands over bags of food and drinks to an elderly woman amid coronavirus outbreak in Tbilisi, Georgia (file photo) Almost everyone will have similar inspiring stories. Hundreds of community groups have sprung up over recent days, and Ive no doubt many more will do so. On a personal level, too, there are countless acts of kindness. A colleague who has just been required to self-isolate because of a suspected case of the contagion in his household tells me he has received innumerable messages of goodwill and concern. Meanwhile, some supermarket chains are showing they have a human heart after all, and that profit is not their only concern. For example, Sainsburys has announced it will open only to the elderly and vulnerable for the first hour of trading, and will prioritise such people for home deliveries. So despite appalling stories of hoarding and mindless partying and other examples of self-indulgence, we should remember that tens of thousands of selfless volunteers are already giving up their time. Nor should we fall into the error of believing that our forefathers in the war, magnificent as most of them were, were all self-denying and universally perfect. As we look back somewhat mistily to that last great challenge our nation faced (though surely one incomparably greater than this one), we tend to forget those crooks who made money out of the black market. Later generations laughed fondly at Dads Armys Private Walker, the black market spiv always offering fellow members of the Home Guard attractive deals. At the time, though, such people were widely regarded with horror, and not as a subject for humour. I remember my first newspaper editor, Bill Deedes, telling me years ago how, as a young soldier, he was sent down to the London docks to persuade dockers who were effectively refusing (though strikes were officially illegal) to load and unload important supplies. No generation is perfect. I certainly dont want to pretend we are the equal of the one which endured the long privations and depredations of the last war, but I believe were a lot better than some recent events have suggested. My bet is that, as things get worse over the coming weeks as I fear they must, though, God willing, not too much we will be less aware of the blind pursuit of selfishness, and more conscious of many acts of human kindness. Only this afternoon, a young Anglican priest whom we know only a little called at our house to ask how my wife and I were. Wasnt that a generous-hearted thing to have done? By the way, I regret that the Church of England has suspended services even while some offices and factories are still functioning. At moments like these, many of us have a greater need of our national Church than we do in more settled times, and yet, unfortunately, it is receding. The fact is that there are always selfish types, and over the past week or two we have seen too much of them. But many thousands of good people are now stepping forward. When this terrible scourge is over, they may have helped to make us a kinder nation. Broadcast journalism students at Deer Park High School recently scored a three-peat with their win for a fictional drama A Link Between Time at the seventh annual University Interscholastic Leagues Young Filmmakers Festival in Austin. The seven-minute movie placed second among big Texas schools in the narrative category, said their teacher, Jared Creel. Filming an alternate universe Its about Levi, a teenager who is super-nervous about a presentation he has to make at school, but as hes walking to the school bus, a meteor hits, which is even more scary, said Maci Thomas, 16, of Pasadena. Levi enters an alternate universe, which is like a Minecraft game that comes to life, said the daughter of Prestly and Ann Thomas. He saves Zoe, who is his high-school crush, and most importantly, he finds what he lacks the most, which is courage. Maci Thomas co-wrote the script with a fellow Deer Park High junior, Julie Perez, 16, who also directed the film, and Mandi Gamble, a 17-year-old senior. Gamble, who is the daughter of James Chapa and Rikki Gamble, said, The most fun was filming it, then putting it all together. A scene in the movie was shot in Mandi Gamble's home, which several years ago served as the location for a college students film project. He liked our house; so he knocked on the door and asked my parents if he could film there, said Gamble. It took from early morning until late at night, and I got to watch. It was the same process that we used. An exterior scene of A Link Between Time was filmed at a local park. Students who acted in the movie include senior Nathan Hebert, juniors Jacob Reiger and Abby Kerckhoff and sophomore Emily Little. Teacher plays the villain A Deer Park High theater teacher, Matt Wasson, portrayed the villain in the videogame that Levi enters. Mr. Wasson is experienced with acting; so he was able to bring to life the character with a lot of animation, said Perez, whose parents are Frank and Dora Perez or Deer Park. Working behind the scenes as videographers were seniors Zeek Trevino and Savannah Gonzalez. In mid-February, Creel was notified by the University Interscholastic League that A Link Between Time was a finalist in the narrative category and that it would be shown, along with finalists in all categories, in a ceremony Feb. 25 at the historic Paramount Theatre in the state capital. Creel and five students Thomas, Gamble, Little, Trevino and Gonzalez attended the ceremony, and accepted the award when it was announced onstage. It was super-exciting, said Gamble. The school provided us with a van, and we got dressed up. It is a special occasion. Virus threat postpones screening Plans for a public screening of A Link Between Time were postponed due to the novel coronavirus, said Creel. Well do one eventually, just dont know when until after were able to get back to normal, he said. It may end up being in the summer or even next school year sometime. The film hasnt been posted online. The directors cut hasnt been completed yet, and wed like to have our screening event before its available online. But all of that could change, Creel said. Last year, DPHS entered the film But For the Birds On the Roof, which placed second in the competitions social impact category. In 2018, DPHS placed third with Phenomena. Later, it won best horror/sci-fi/fantasy film at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City. For further information about the competition, see https://bit.ly/3b6f9c7. Don Maines is a freelance writer who can be reached at donmaines@att.net WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Crate-and-Barrel-Recalls-Glass-Pitchers-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard Recall Summary Name of Product: Miles Glass Pitchers with Wood Lid Hazard: The handle on the pitcher can break, posing a laceration hazard. Remedy: Refund Consumers should stop using the recalled pitchers immediately and contact Crate and Barrel for a full refund and disposal instructions. Consumer Contact: Crate and Barrel at 800-451-8217 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. CT Saturday through Sunday, or online at www.crateandbarrel.com and click on "Recalls" located at the bottom of the page. Recall Details Units: About 2,560 (In addition, 11 units were sold in Canada) Description: The recalled 84 oz. glass Miles Pitcher has a wooden lid and measures about 9" H x 5" D. The product has a label on the bottom that reads in part: SKU #444-560, Miles Pitcher Wood Lid, and Made in China. Incidents/Injuries: Crate and Barrel has received five reports of the handle breaking off the glass pitcher while in use. No injuries have been reported. Sold At: Crate and Barrel stores nationwide and online at www.crateandbarrel.com from December 2019 through February 2020 for about $35. Importer: Crate and Barrel, of Northbrook, Ill. Manufactured in: China In conjunction with: Canada Health Canada's press release is available at: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/72591r-eng.php Footer This recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers. About U.S. CPSC: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission. For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC or sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. CPSC Consumer Information Hotline Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall: 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054) Times: 8 a.m. 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products. Media Contact Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests. Phone: 301-504-7908 Spanish: 301-504-7800 Recall Number: 20-099 SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Related Links http://www.cpsc.gov By Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday their countries would close their border to 'non-essential traffic,' while New York City moved nearer to ordering residents to stay home as the United States struggled to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The glimmering casinos of Las Vegas, America's gambling capital, were ordered to go dark starting on Wednesday as the disruption caused by the pandemic stretched into nearly every aspect of American life By Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday their countries would close their border to "non-essential traffic," while New York City moved nearer to ordering residents to stay home as the United States struggled to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The glimmering casinos of Las Vegas, America's gambling capital, were ordered to go dark starting on Wednesday as the disruption caused by the pandemic stretched into nearly every aspect of American life. "This is only common sense," said Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak in mandating the closure of all non-essential businesses, including the casinos that drive his state's economy. With cases of the respiratory illness caused by the virus reported in all 50 states and the total number of known U.S. infections surging past 6,400, millions of Americans stayed at home instead of commuting to work or going to school. The U.S. death toll has topped 100. Many people have lost jobs with numerous businesses closing during the crisis even as the Trump administration works with Congress to approve economic stimulus legislation. Wall Street's main indexes were down about 6% on Wednesday after a positive day on Tuesday, as growing signs of coronavirus damage to corporate America overshadowed optimism about sweeping official moves to protect the economy. "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!" Trump wrote on Twitter. The two nations share one of the world's largest bilateral trading relationships. The U.S. and Canadian economies are highly integrated and a strict ban on border crossing would cause major problems for the auto sector as well as the transportation of food and medicines. Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa that he spoke with Trump and they agreed to restrict non-essential travel across the border. "Travelers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism," Trudeau said. "Our governments recognize it is critical that we preserve supply chains between both countries," Trudeau added. "These supply chains ensure that food, fuel and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border. Supply chains including trucking will not be affected by this new measure." Meanwhile, U.S. restaurants could take a $225 billion sales hit in the next three months as they shut down or curtail operations to help slow the fast-spreading outbreak, an industry trade group said. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday that he was "almost to the point" of recommending the most populous U.S. city adopt a "shelter-in-place" policy that would keep residents confined to their homes. De Blasio, speaking on NBC's "Today" show, said he planned to speak with Governor Andrew Cuomo about the matter later in the day. New York City had 923 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Tuesday evening. "We are going to top 1,000 today undoubtedly. We are going to be at 10,000 not so long from now," the mayor said. "We have a little bit more we have to make sense of - how we are going to get people food and medicine," de Blasio said when asked how close he was to implementing the "shelter-in-place" policy in the city of more than 8 million people. "But I have to say it has to be considered seriously starting today." New York, Washington state and California have the most cases of the virus that has now hit all 50 states after West Virginia reported its first case this week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the coronavirus threat could impact clinical trials of experimental medicines and recommended that companies consider conducting virtual patient visits as the agency looks to contain the spread of the virus. 'FLATTEN THE CURVE' U.S. health officials appealed to youth to "do their part" by heeding guidelines on self-isolation to blunt the coronavirus outbreak and warned that the White House may have to extend its action plan if 15 days proves insufficient. "Fifteen days is likely not going to be enough to get us all the way through, but we really need to lean into it now so we can bend the curve in the 15 days, and at that point we'll reassess," U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams told NBC's "Today" program. "If we can get America to all pitch in for the next 15 days, we can flatten the curve ... not overwhelm our healthcare system and hopefully get through this." Health officials voiced worry over reports that younger people across the country were defying official guidelines about staying home and avoiding large gatherings, increasing the risk of spreading the virus. "It is incumbent on every single American to do their part, even that millennial generation," Seema Verma, head of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told CNBC. The renewed warnings followed Tuesday's announcement that Trump's administration would seek a $1 trillion stimulus package, possibly to include $1,000 direct payments to individual Americans. Even with vigilance, the healthcare system ran the risk of running out of ventilators and respirators for patients and protective equipment for healthcare workers, officials have said. Trump, facing criticism for his handling of the crisis as he seeks re-election on Nov. 3, promised that Americans would soon see money to help offset the economic pain of the seismic closures across the country. Congress has not yet finished work on a multibillion-dollar emergency bill, with any cash payments likely to be part of a subsequent package. Trump defended his handling of the crisis, writing on Twitter he has "done a very good job from the beginning" and assailing media coverage. Critics have accused him of initially minimizing the threat and providing unreliable information on issues such as the availability of testing. In addition to the stimulus package, his administration also asked Congress for another $45.8 billion to shore up federal agencies battling the outbreak, seeking extra money to help sanitize airports, get protective equipment to federal officers and shore up cyber defenses. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey in Washington and Maria Caspani in New York; Additional reporting by Nathan Layne, Saumya Sibi Joseph, Hilary Russ, Maria Ponnezhath and David Ljunggren; Writing by Will Dunham and Daniel Trotta; Editing by David Gregorio and Bill Berkrot) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. A Massachusetts resident accused of concealing her COVID-19 symptoms with medication while flying to China could now face time in prison, according to several news reports. The 37-year-old Chongqing resident with the surname Li is under investigation after authorities accuse her of concealing her symptoms and putting fellow travelers at risk of infection on an Air China flight on March 12, according to Beijing News. Li, according to authorities, tested positive for the virus when she landed in Beijing. Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a news release that Lis husband, Hong Moumou, had also tested positive for coronavirus. However, there has been no information on if he would also face similar charges. Li was hospitalized and is receiving treatment, but is also under investigation for impeding prevention of infectious diseases. According to Chinese online news organization, Xinhuanet, Li could face detention with possible forced labor or up to seven years of prison. Chinese news organization Huanqiu reported that Li flew from Massachusetts and caught her connecting flight to Beijing, Air China flight CA988, in Los Angeles. The Chinese government has informed all passengers arriving in Beijing from abroad, including Chinese nationals, to quarantine in government centers for 14 days upon arrival. Pang said Li fell ill on March 1 after developing a high temperature and other symptoms related to the novel coronavirus. Related Content: Lake City: City Hall Changes Regarding COVID-19 LAKE CITY, FL -- The city of Lake City has issued a statement concerning how the city is dealing with the coronavirus situation. It was released on the Police Department's Facebook page earlier today, and it reads as follows. "The Coronavirus (COVID19) is a grave threat to our community, especially for those with chronic medical conditions. COVID19 is known to cause a serious lung infection that may present symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In some cases, it may cause death. The City of Lake City is fighting this menace in a number of ways. Staff are maintaining good hygiene, social isolation and encouraging the public to do the same. With these steps, we can slow the spread of this virus, and allow healthcare professionals to care for the needs of those who are infected. We are confident that if everyone does their part, many people who would otherwise perish, will be saved from this dangerous threat. In an effort to protect the at-risk population, general public and city employees, effective Friday, March 20th, the Lake City - City Hall will be closed. Employees and staff are instructed to minimize contact with the public. Payment of bills may be done on-line. Checks or Money Orders can be deposited in the drop box located outside the City Hall building. If further assistance is needed, you may contact City Hall by phone and ask for the specific department. Every effort is being made to accommodate your needs, while minimizing contact with other people. In addition to closing City Hall, effective March 20th, all City Parks will be closed. We are taking every effort to minimize contact and discourage social gatherings and events. Any pre-paid reservations will be refunded. The closing of City Hall and all City Parks will remain effective through the end of March. We will re-evaluate the situation at that time, to determine if the closing needs to continue said City Manager Joe Helfenberger. We are confident that, with your help, we can slow the spread of COVID19. We appreciate the cooperation of all citizens as we protect each other from this dangerous menace. The City of Lake City is committed to being responsive to the public and will continue to conduct business with some modifications as described below. Police, Fire, Public Works, and Lake City Gateway Airport services will continue as normal, as will internal departments such as Information Technology and Finance. make utilities payments are encouraged to do so online at All Utility services (Water / Gas / Sewer) issues will be scheduled by appointment only. Customers requesting services at their home will be screened by phone first to verify lack of symptoms. Call (386) 752-2031 for information. Growth Management and Zoning / Code issues can be addressed by calling (386) 719-5750 or emailing The Lake City Girls Club and Boys Club at Teen Town will also cease operation. Parents with questions should can contact Recreation Director Terri Phillips at The Lake City Clerks Office is available for Public Record or other needs by emailing In addition to City Hall, the City of Lake City has ordered all City Parks closed until further notice. Emergency Order signs are being posted at these locations prohibiting access: Kiwanis Park (NW American Ln), Campbell Park / Lake Montgomery (SW Baya Dr), Halpatter Park (SE Clements Pl), Isasbella Park / Lake Isabella (SE Hernando Ave), Youngs Park (NW Madison St), Wilson Park / Darby Pavilion / Lake Desoto (NE Hamilton St), Sallie Mae Jerry Park (NW Long St), and Olustee Park (N Marion Ave). Customers who need toare encouraged to do so online at www.lcfla.com or by using the drop box on the east side of City Hall. For more information regarding these payments, customers may call (386) 752-2031 or email [email protected] A doorbell has been installed on the west and north entrances for customers with disabilities or special needs. Any payment made at the door must be in the form of check or money order. Credit Card payments must be made online.All(Water / Gas / Sewer) issues will be scheduled by appointment only. Customers requesting services at their home will be screened by phone first to verify lack of symptoms. Call (386) 752-2031 for information.Code issues can be addressed by calling (386) 719-5750 or emailing [email protected] Permitting, inspections, business licenses, and planning/zoning issues will continue to be processed during this closure, with modified processes. Those impacted should call or email for additional information.The Lake Citywill also cease operation. Parents with questions should can contact Recreation Director Terri Phillips at [email protected] or calling (386)758-5427.The Lake Cityis available for Public Record or other needs by emailing [email protected] , calling (386)719-5756, or by fax at (386)752-4896.In addition to City Hall, theEmergency Order signs are being posted at these locations prohibiting access: Kiwanis Park (NW American Ln), Campbell Park / Lake Montgomery (SW Baya Dr), Halpatter Park (SE Clements Pl), Isasbella Park / Lake Isabella (SE Hernando Ave), Youngs Park (NW Madison St), Wilson Park / Darby Pavilion / Lake Desoto (NE Hamilton St), Sallie Mae Jerry Park (NW Long St), and Olustee Park (N Marion Ave). Additional Information: Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates: Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Information: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ Florida COVID-19 Information Hotline: (866)-779-6121 | [email protected] For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/LCFlaPD/ Dating apps are urging users to stay home amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. OKCupid, Hinge, and Coffee Meets Bagel have all urged singletons to embrace social distancing and not go out on dates but, they've pointed out, that doesn't mean romance and the search for The One has to end. The apps are all encouraging users to stick to virtual dates at the moment, using texting, phone calls, FaceTime, and Skype for their romantic needs. Digital getdown! Dating apps are urging people not to go out on dates, but to stick to video calls (stock image) OKCupid wrote: 'Now is NOT the time to go out with your date to a bar. FaceTime, Skype, call, text, call, message on our app....all very romantic right now' Things changing fast: Just last week, the app surveyed users and found that 88% were willing to go out on dates By now, many singles have already figured out that 'social distancing' means not just skipping a night out with friends, but also banning date nights on the town. But for those still planning to meet up with dating app matches, OKCupid tweeted a message on March 16. 'We dont know who needs to hear this, but now is NOT the time to go out with your date to a bar. FaceTime, Skype, call, text, call, message on our app....all very romantic right now,' they wrote. The app's urgent message comes less than a week after the app surveyed users and found that 88 per cent were still willing to go out on dates, with even higher numbers in the US and UK. Of course, those numbers may have changed in the days since, as more and more information about the spread of the virus comes to light and sates shut down bars and restaurants. Be safe! Hinge has had a similar message about staying home for its users Hinge has had a similar message about staying home for its users. 'Love in the time of Coronavirus is absolutely possible, and were here to help you through it,' they wrote on Twitter and Instagram 'Love in the time of Coronavirus is absolutely possible, and were here to help you through it,' they wrote on Twitter and Instagram. 'Instead of planning an in-person date, suggest a phone call or a video chat date. If youre not sure what to talk about, try asking each other Hinge Prompt questions as icebreakers. 'The quarantine pickup lines are already overplayed, so start a conversation with something genuine as you normally would. 'We are all in this together, and it is so important to have human connection, even when were apart. 'Your health is the most important thing. Please keep following the recommendations from the WHO,' they concluded. They also joked that 'everyone is long distance now.' They're not wrong! Hinge pointed out that everyone who doesn't live with their significant other is in a long-distance relationship these days No need to get dressed! They're one of several apps urging people to video chat The brigIh side: lana Dunn, a content producer for the site, tweeted that her teenage habits prepared her for this Sounds amazing! She also pointed out that dating remotely means you can unbutton your jeans when you're full Ilana Dunn, a content producer for the site, tweeted that she 'never imagined that video chatting with boys all night long in high school would have prepared my 25 year old self to date to be a successful dater during a pandemic.' Another dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel, shared its own note on social media. 'Some of us may pause going on in-person dates, and that's OK. For those who want more than messages but aren't ready to meet IRL, virtual dates can be an awesome alternative.' Coffee Meets Bagel has also suggested several virtual date ideas, including video game dates, virtual Netflix and chill, and having a two-person book club. Their other ideas include having a 'dinner party' in which both people make the same recipe and eat together over video chat, following a Bob Ross tutorial together, and exercising over video chat. Rachel DeAlto, the chief dating expert for Match, told the Washington Post last week that COVID-19 presents an opportunity to be a bit pickier. Get creative! Coffee Meets Bagel has also suggested several virtual date ideas, including video game dates, virtual Netflix and chill, and having a two-person book club She also suggested chatting over FaceTime or Skype before meeting and she wasn't the only one. Several doctors were also urging people to consider these virtual dates. Dr. Natasha Fuksina, Diplomate of American Board of Internal Medicine, agreed that meeting virtually first might be a good route. 'It will lessen some of the fears and help build trust and a relationship going forward,' she told Mashable. 'I do not believe we need to shut down dating amid the coronavirus,' added Dr. Taylor Graber, an anesthesiology resident at the San Diego with University of California San Diego. 'In young, healthy adults, there is a very low risk of contracting serious consequences of the illness.' The calls for dating at home began to pour in last week as singles complained that dating was becoming harder. Profile update: Several people are referencing the pandemic and quarantine in their profiles and suggesting virtual dates, like this guy on Bumble For some, the spread of COVID-19 began as a good starting point to bond with strangers, and many are cracking jokes about it on Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and other apps. '"Corona virus & chill"... or is that too soon to put on a dating app?' asked one Twitter user. Others suggest to their potential dates that they could go into 'quarantine' together. But for more and more, the virus has not been a joking matter. 'I was talking to a man on tinder and I told him I was traveling and he said with this corona virus!? Then unmatched me,' tweeted comedian Nicole Byer. Sajmun Sachdev, 36, a single woman living in Montreal, told the Washington Post that that she was chatting with a cute guy when he mentioned he has just gotten back from China and she balked. 'Im not sure that this is totally worth it,' she said. 'There must be someone else I can meet.' 'I dont think anyone really wants to rush meeting in person, given everything,' added Meghan Lloyd, 28, from San Francisco. 'Were just chatting longer than is usual.' No contact! Last week, a few people said that they'd had dates canceled because of coronavirus, while others said social distancing would put a dampener on any romance Taking a break: One person said that they needed to take a break from dating in order to properly disinfect their phone This months unprecedented oil crash has sent shockwaves through the entire energy industry and beyond. Its even gotten to industries that, in theory should be dancing on oils grave, but, in reality could be going down with it. Biofuels markets across the world are reeling from the oil crash this week, from Brazil to Malaysia. In Brazil, the corn ethanol industry has been a historically resilient one. It withstood a downward currency spiral, economic malaise, a jump in raw-material costs and political upheaval, said a report earlier this week from Bloomberg Green, a new multiplatform editorial brand focused on climate change news, analysis, and solutions which debuted in January. Now one of Brazils booming industries has finally met the foe that could take it down: the oil crash. It may seem counterintuitive that the oil crash would negatively impact biofuel, which in many cases is its direct competition. This is especially true in Brazil, where most drivers have flex-fuel vehicles, which means that their car could just as easily run on biofuel as it could on traditional gasoline. But most biofuel is blended in with regular gasoline or diesel, and low energy prices are causing turmoil across the board. Margins for the grain-based biofuel have already turned negative in Goias state, where a third of the nations plants are based, said Bloomberg Green, paraphrasing the words of Matheus Costa, an analyst at INTL FCStone. And the worst is yet to come if energy prices stay as low as they are now. Another industry expert, Guilherme Nolasco, president Unem, told Bloomberg Green that as many as 60 per cent of planned expansion projects could be scrapped. Meanwhile, in Asia, things are looking similarly grim for the biofuel sector for all the same reasons. Crudes nosedive erases any chance of discretionary blending of palm oil with diesel, and drastically inflates the cost of government mandates, reported Bloombergs main platform in a separate story last week. Biofuels, such as a blend of diesel with palm, need to be attractively priced compared with fossil fuels to encourage consumption, and that often requires subsidies. Story continues Related: WTI Rallies 22% In Panic Stricken Markets Last Monday, the Brent crude benchmark plummeted by a devastating near 25 per cent. This spelled out big problems for palm oils ability to compete. While oil has since recovered a bit after the initial shock (although its nowhere near where it was before the crash) palm oil is still about US$200 a tonne more expensive than gasoil, as diesel is also known, the widest premium in more than three years. This will have grave impacts on the demand for biofuel in Indonesia and Malaysia. This crash is an abrupt change of pace for global biofuels markets, which have been in a huge upswing as of late. In Brazil, money had been flooding into the sector as companies like Cargill Inc worked to increase capacity amid roaring demand for renewable fuel. Production is high and was set to get much, mucher higher. Earlier in 2020, FCStone predicted corn-ethanol output in the upcoming 2020-2021 season would jump to 2.5 billion litres. That would have been up more than 16-fold from about 150 million litres just five years ago. But is a slowdown in biofuel production really an environmental tragedy? As Bloombergs Crude oils crash jeopardises Asias cleaner fuel ambitions headline would suggest, some are seeing this as a major step back in the effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions. But the sustainability of biofuel is much more complicated than that. Palm oils track record in Indonesia and Malaysia is not a particularly positive one, where it is responsible for devastating amounts of deforestation and damage to important natural habitats. The situation in Brazil is not much better, where monocropping of corn, sugarcane, and soy, all of which are used for Brazilian biofuels, each contribute to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the earths lungs. While reducing consumption of fossil fuels is all well and good, its a moot point if doing so is cutting down some of the most important sites of carbon sequestration that we have. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Read this article on OilPrice.com While U.S. crude oil imports from OPEC and Mexico have slumped over the past decade and a half, crude imports from Canada have more than doubled due to the price and refinery operational advantages, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Thursday. Last year, Canadian crude oil imports into the United States accounted for more than half, or 56 percent, of total American crude imports, EIAs Petroleum Supply Monthly showed. Imports from Canada averaged 3.8 million bpd in 2019, more than double the U.S. imports from its neighbor to the north in 2005. At the same time, American imports of crude oil from OPECs Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, as well as from Mexico, significantly dropped between 2005 and 2019, mostly due to the surge in U.S. crude oil production over the past decade, the EIA said. In 2005, U.S. oil imports averaged a record 10.1 million bpd, 60 percent of which came from Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Each of those oil producers held a market share of between 12 percent and 16 percent, as per EIA data. Related: The New Saudi Plan To Send Oil Prices Lower By 2019, Canadas exports had more than doubled to 3.8 million bpd, seven times larger than the volumes the U.S. imported from OPECs top producer and the worlds largest exporter, Saudi Arabia 500,000 bpd. U.S. oil imports from Mexico averaged 599,000 bpd last year, six times less than the American imports from Canada, according to EIAs monthly data from 2019. Venezuelan imports were virtually nonexistent for most of the year after the U.S. slapped sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry. Since the start of 2020, the U.S. was a net exporter of crude and petroleum products in each of the weeks in January and February, EIA data showed earlier this month. The United States exported more crude oil and petroleum products than it imported in September 2019the first month in which America was a net petroleum exporter since monthly records began in 1973, the EIA said at the end of last year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Hearst Connecticut Media / Tara O'Neill NEW HAVEN A bullet grazed the arm of a city teen while she was in her bedroom Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Officers responded to the area of Bouchet Lane near Eastern Street around 4 p.m. for a report of gunfire and possibly a person shot. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mayor Bill de Blasio is in favor of discharging some inmates from New York City jails in wake of the coronavirus, according to media reports. The NYPD also is making fewer arrests, the mayor also said during an interview with WCBS Radio. We still need our criminal justice system to function, the mayor said. Clearly NYPD has reduced arrests overall in general while still keeping us safe. If they need to arrest someone theres a very specific protocol on how to do it and keep everyone involved safe particularly if theyre symptomatic, but weve got to balance here public safety with the very real concern about health in the jails. The measure to free prisoners is intended to stem the spread of the virus in correctional facilities, the mayor told WCBS Radio. In the next 48 hours, we will identify any inmates who need to be brought out because of either their own health conditions if they have any preexisting conditions, etc. or because the charges were minor and we think its appropriate to bring them out in this context, de Blasio said on WCBS Radio Wednesday evening. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** That said, we still need our criminal justice system to function, he added. The mayor is in lockstep with the Board of Correction, which oversees the Department of Correction. The board said on Tuesday that the city should immediately remove from jail all people at higher risk from COVID-19 infection and quickly downsize the jail population. While Department of Correction (DOC) and Correctional Health Services (CHS) staff continue to perform heroic work to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the jails and maintain safe and humane operations, the City must drastically reduce the number of people in jail right now and limit new admissions to exceptional circumstances, the board said in a statement. 53 The coronavirus life in New York City: The new normal The City can follow the leads of Los Angeles County and Cuyahoga County (Ohio) which have already begun to release people to minimize a potential outbreak. The City must begin this process now. The Citys jails have particular challenges to preventing disease transmission on a normal day and even more so during a public health crisis. The board recommends the following criteria for release: People who are over 50; People who have underlying health conditions, including lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system People detained for administrative reasons (including failure to appear and parole violations); People serving City Sentences (sentences of one year or less). Corrections has suspended in-person visits and is trying to set up virtual visits, according to social media posts. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Retired healthcare professionals sought to volunteer at coronavirus drive-through test site Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders Richmond University Medical Center to utilize medical tent for coronavirus treatment Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals NYPD Commissioner: Cooperation, not closures, expected for ban on dining at restaurants and bars Two Australian scientists believe they have found the cure for coronavirus An Albuquerque man died after being hit by vehicle west of Grants on Wednesday morning. New Mexico State Police in a Thursday news release said Herman Padilla, 39, died in the crash that happened around 6:30 a.m. on the on-ramp of Interstate 40 at Exit 72 the Bluewater Village exit. State Police said the initial investigation showed a Toyota vehicle the model wasnt given was merging on to westbound I-40, when it struck Padilla, who was a passenger in a commercial motor vehicle that was parked on the ramp. Padilla died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota wasnt injured, and is currently not facing any charges. State Police said the investigation is ongoing, and no additional information was immediately available. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 04:42:10|Editor: zyl Video Player Close WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. private space company SpaceX launched its sixth batch of 60 Starlink satellites into space on Wednesday, in an effort to build at minimum a 12,000-strong satellite network capable of providing broadband internet services. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the satellites, lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:16 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (12:16 GMT). The launch was the second time SpaceX has re-flown a full payload fairing. After landing in the water, both fairing halves were quickly recovered, according to SpaceX. However, an attempt to land the Falcon 9's first stage in the Atlantic Ocean on SpaceX's drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" was not successful. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the Falcon 9 experienced the loss of one of its nine engines during the trip to space, but was still able to deliver its Starlink satellites haul into orbit. "There was also an early engine shutdown on ascent, but it didn't affect orbit insertion," Musk tweeted after the launch. "Shows value of having 9 engines! Thorough investigation needed before next mission." Falcon 9's first stage previously supported the Iridium-7 NEXT mission in July 2018, the SAOCOM 1A mission in October 2018, the Nusantara Satu mission in February 2019, and the second launch of Starlink in November 2019, according to SpaceX. With performance that far surpasses that of traditional satellite internet and a global network unbounded by ground infrastructure limitations, Starlink will deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. TDT | Manama His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday declared Bahrains health situation as stable citing the increasing rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection recoveries in the Kingdom. Patronising a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council at the Al-Sakhir Palace, His Majesty said, The work will continue nationwide to eliminate the pandemic as soon as possible. HM King also called on the authorities concerned to expedite the activation of the BD4.3 billion economic stimulus package so that it benefits the citizens and supports the Bahraini private sector. The BD 4.3 billion economic stimulus packages released Tuesday aims at supporting Bahrains efforts to mitigate the impacts of Coronavirus on the local economy as well as continuing the sustainable development march. The meeting at Al-Sakhir Palace was held in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. HM King said the dedicated efforts of HRH the Crown Prince through the National Taskforce for Combating COVID-19 achieved great success in instilling high awareness and cohesion among Bahrainis. HM King appreciated those who responded positively and volunteered to the nationwide efforts to combat the virus, which, he said, is not strange to Bahrainis under such circumstances. Moving on, HM the King affirmed Bahrains outstanding achievements in fighting COVID-19 which earned it international acclaim. World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised the Kingdom as a model to be emulated in combating and containing the virus spread. National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, Major-General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, gave a briefing on the meetings agenda to enhance the defence, security and health capabilities of the Kingdom. King Hamad expressed deepest thanks and appreciation to the BDF, the Ministry of Interior and the National Guard for their patriotic contributions to contain COVID-19. With blank stares or catching a few winks of sleep curled up on uncomfortable chairs, dozens of people have been stranded for four days on a bus locked in gigantic tailbacks at the Polish-German border due to virus restrictions. "Our bus is on its way to our home in Ukraine. We aren't allowed to enter Poland, the border crossing is closed, and we're in panic," passenger Alexander on the Eurolines Cologne-Kiev service told AFP. Queues of trucks, cars and other vehicles stretched up to 60 kilometres (37 miles) back from Germany's eastern border with Poland Wednesday, with Red Cross carers on the scene to attend to people waiting up to 30 hours. "This is a questionable situation from a humanitarian perspective," Red Cross worker Kai Kranich told German national news agency DPA. Offering some hope the situation could soon ease, Polish authorities agreed Wednesday to open four new crossings with German states Brandenburg and Saxony. That was scant comfort to Alexander, who explained that some among the 50 passengers had been trekking 13 kilometres to buy food and toiletries rather than pay swingeing prices at the motorway service station where their bus was parked. "We've been sleeping in this bus for four days, men, old women," he said. "It's cold at night and during the day we have nothing to do." One passenger's condition had already got so bad that an ambulance had to be called, Alexander added, while others among the group had given up on waiting and made their own way back from the border. "Our parents, our wives, our children are waiting for us at home," the passenger said. "Please, help us." - 'Waiting for help' - The European Union sealed its external borders to incoming travellers Wednesday to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, as the death toll of over 3,400 on the continent overtook that in Asia. But within the bloc frontier closures have been more piecemeal. Governments are struggling to balance containment with upholding vital cross-border economic relationships in cases like truck-borne freight, cross-border commuters or seasonal farm workers. On Tuesday, German chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated that "the free flow of goods must be guaranteed" between EU nations to avoid yet worse economic consequences than those already visible on the horizon. But the free movement of people around the EU -- one of the "four freedoms" at the heart of its single market -- has largely fallen victim to the new wave of border closures. Within two days of Germany closing its land borders Monday, federal police reported turning back 21,000 travellers who had sought to enter. Many states are carrying out spot checks for potential virus infections on those looking to enter their territory. "The Polish border guards checked all of our temperatures, everyone was healthy, no-one sick," bus passenger Alexander said. "I don't see any problem with us being allowed to return to our homeland," he added. "Our travel company is doing nothing, our diplomats are doing nothing. We're waiting for help." Hays County officials said Wednesday they may be dealing with its first case of community spread of COVID-19. The county has five confirmed cases of the virus, all but one is travel related. One county resident has contracted the virus despite no recent travel history and without having come in contact with those with travel-related cases. The Indian equity look set for another highly volatile session with the fluctuating between minor gains and major losses. Investor sentiment continues to remain subdued as the number of cases pile up with governments worldwide accelerating lockdowns to counter the pandemic. India reported its 151st patient yesterday while Italy reported the largest single-day death toll from since the outbreak began. Overall, the virus has killed more than 8,700 people globally, and infected more than 212,000. Meanwhile, global continued to plunge as the widening repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic threatened to cripple economic activity. US stocks deepened their selloff on Wednesday and the Dow erased virtually the last of its gains since President Donald Trumps 2017 inauguration. The S&P 500 index ended down 5.2 per cent, though it pared losses late in the day as the U.S. Senate passed legislation to provide billions of dollars to limit the damage from the outbreak. The also announced that it will buy 750 billion euro in bonds through 2020, with Greek debt and non-financial commercial paper eligible under the programme for the first time. The latest promise of stimulus from the ECB propped up sentiment in early Asian trade but stocks struggled to find their footing in a volatile start. Japan's opened 1.4 per cent higher. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped 0.25 per cent, and Australia's benchmark ran as much as 3 per cent higher before returning to flat. Back home, the has decided to conduct open market operations on March 20 in the form of purchase of an aggregate amount of Rs 10,000 crore of government securities. Besides, Prime Minister will hold a review meet on coronavirus. He will also address the nation later in the day. On the Dalal Street, the S&P sank 1,710 points to 28,870 on Wednesday and the index ended at 8,469 points. According to experts, the Nifty may slide below the psychological 8,000 mark in the coming sessions, with the index breaching its previous support level of 8,555 yesterday. In commodities, oil prices plunged on Wednesday, with U.S. crude futures hitting an 18-year low on demand concerns due to the coronavirus outbreak, only to bounce back in early Asian trade with Brent up $2 to $27.06 a barrell. And, in the end, here's a stock idea by CapitalVia Global Research which recommends buying Lupin Limited above Rs 638 for the target of Rs 678 with stop-loss at Rs 605. Read by: Kanishka Gupta Supreme Court says Kamal Nath should prove strength: The Supreme Court has asked the Madhya Pradesh chief minister to prove his numbers on the floor of the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha by Friday 5 pm. The court gave the order on a petition filed by the BJP which wanted immediate resolution of the matter after the Assembly adjourned for 10 days on Monday. The Supreme Court on Thursday gave less than 24 hours to the Kamal Nath government to hold a floor test in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. The apex court bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta, which was hearing the petition by the BJP seeking immediate resolution of the impasse in the state legislature, said the floor test should be held by 5 pm on Friday, March 20, with videography of the proceedings. The rebel 22 MLAs, 6 of whose resignation has been accepted by Speaker NP Prajapati, can avail security as they had sought. The court directed the DGPs of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh to that effect. The Supreme Court said the assembly session must focus on the floor test alone and that voting on the test will be by a show of hands. The court asked authorities to ensure the voting takes place peacefully without any breach of law and order. The floor test was necessitated by the post-Holi shifting of political allegiance by Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was said to be close to former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, to the BJP. Scindia and his entourage of 22 rebel MLAs had by then tugged at the carpet under Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Though all the MLAs sent in their resignations, Speaker Prajapati refused to take into account 16 of them. He insisted that the 16 MLAs present themselves and convince him as to there was no coercion on them by others. Delhi: BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia reaches the residence of Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Supreme Court has ordered for the conduct of floor test at the Assembly tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/0bMfKw3kzA ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Following the inability of the 16 MLAs to meet the Speaker without security, fearing attempts by the Congress to convince them against the move, Governor Lalji Tandon asked the Speaker to hold a floor test. The BJP then moved the apex court following a long adjournment of the assembly on Monday. Kamal Nath, who enjoys a thin majority, told news channels that he will be able to hold his depleting flock together. Madhya Pradesh Minister Jitu Patwari reaches the residence of Chief Minister Kamal Nath in Bhopal. Supreme Court has ordered for the conduct of floor test at the Assembly tomorrow. https://t.co/3rzmKjenN3 pic.twitter.com/3utmoIdlyw ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Earlier today, the Supreme Court said the Governor was well within his rights to call for a floor test. To Speaker Prajapatis request for 2 weeks time, the court wondered whether such a long window will provide a convenient time for horse-trading. The court heard all sides including Congress leaders Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and BJPs counsel Mukul Rohatgi before arriving at the decision on the floor test. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App NEW DELHI: The ICSE Board on Thursday (March 19, 2020) postponed Class 10 and 12 examinations due to the novel coronavirus threat. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Chief Executive Gerry Arathoon was quoted by PTI as saying that the exams have been postponed till March 31. On Wednesday, Arathoon had said the exams will be conducted as per the schedule after the CBSE announced it has postponed exams till March 31. This came after the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on Wednesday directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and all educational institutions in the country to postpone all exams including JEE Mains till March 31 in view of coronavirus outbreak. "While the maintenance of academic calendar and exam schedule is important, equally important is safety and security of students, who are appearing in various examinations as also of their teachers and parents," HRD Secretary Amit Khare said in official communication. "All ongoing examinations may be rescheduled after March 31. This would include CBSE, NIOS as also university exams. All evaluation work may be rescheduled after March 31," he said. Stressing on JEE Main, the HRD Secretary said,. "Since JEE Main may require travel by examinees to different towns and the dates may clash with rescheduled CBSE and other Board exams, therefore, JEE Main should be rescheduled and the new date of JEE Main will be announced on March 31 after re-assessment of situation." The HRD Ministry had requested all teachers and educational institutes to maintain regular communication with students and resolve their queries. It has also appealed to parents, students, and teachers not to panic. A total of 169 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday. Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The virus had first emerged in China`s Wuhan city in December last year. The on Thursday advised senior citizens and children below the age of 10 years to stay indoors in view of the spread of coronavirus, even as they assured the general public that there was no community transmission of the disease in the country so far. The ministry also said the department of pharmaceuticals and the ministry of consumer affairs have been asked to take necessary action against anyone charging exorbitant prices for masks, sanitizers and other health-related logistic materials. "Senior citizens above 65 except for public representatives/govt servants/medical professionals should be advised to remain at home," the ministry said. Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Dammu Ravi said 201 Indians were evacuated from Iran on Wednesday. "On March 21 Air India would be going to Rome to bring back students or any Indians stranded there. The flight would return on March 22," said Joint Secretary, Aviation Ministry, Rubina Ali. The also said there was no community transmission so far in the country and the fourth death reported from Punjab was that of an elderly person who had co-morbid conditions like had diabetes, cardiac issues. The also said that to discourage unnecessary travel and to prevent the vulnerable category of senior citizens from undertaking unnecessary travels, concessional booking of all tickets except for patients, students and Divyangjan category for unreserved and reserved segment have been suspended form 00:00 hrs of March 20 till further advisory. India on Thursday announced that it will not allow any international commercial passenger aircraft to land in the country from March 22 to March 29. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's largest carrier IndiGo on Thursday announced a suspension of its flights between Chandigarh to Dubai till March 30 in view of coronavirus outbreak. "Our flight IndiGo 6E 55 (Chandigarh to Dubai) stands cancelled till March 30 and flight IndiGo 6E 56 (Chandigarh to Dubai) stands cancelled till March 29 due to coronavirus outbreak," the IndiGo tweeted. The airline has grounded about 16 planes out of its total fleet of 260 aircraft and is asking the employees to take 10 to 20 per cent salary cuts as it grapples with the impact of coronavirus on domestic and international flights."Governments across the globe have issued travel advisories which have resulted in a virtual shutdown of all our international flights," said an airline official on Thursday."Domestic bookings too are down around 20 per cent and it is not clear that the situation will not get worse before it gets better. With the precipitous drop in revenues, the very survival of airline industry is at stake," said the official.IndiGo currently has nearly 48 per cent share in the domestic aviation market and nearly 11 per cent in the international traffic to and from India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Posted by Jeremy on at 06:35 AM CST With the end of the Skywalker Saga and the final season of the Clone Wars coming to a close, the traditional wells ofset inspiration that LEGO has drawn from are starting to run dry, as evidenced by the smaller selection of System scale sets on offer during 2020.Instead, they are making a course adjustment and looking to the over 18's market which has generally only been tacitly acknowledged in the past. When the LEGOline was first released in 1999 it was aimed at children - with a few advanced build sets produced for the LEGO fan who shaved - and now these kids are over 20 years older and earn wages instead of pocket money.From this April, LEGO is going to be reaching out to the over 18's market - a distinctly new direction for the company - with their Buildable Model Helmet subthemes, starting with TIE Fighter Pilot, Stormtrooper and Boba Fett.Already banking on their success, LEGO have pushed ahead with another experimental line says Brick Fanatics , who share word that "After hearing about these on the grapevine late last year, Brick Fanatics kept their ear to the ground and picked up on a tip-off on the Eurobricks forum that corroborated the early rumours. According to anonymous source "Brother From Another Bricks" these will be priced somewhere between US$100 and $150 and should arrive in the third quarter of 2020 in the same style of packaging that the new Buildable Model Helmet have been shown off in.Remember though, none of this is authentic news until LEGO themselves share an official comment. Coronavirus in India: Government of India has decided to bar all foreign flights from entering the country over the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the positive coronavirus cases in India, foreign nationals form the largest group. Hours before a televised address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India on Thursday announced an international flight ban from March 22, Sunday, for a week. The measure comes in to prevent travellers, both domestic and foreign, from increasing the spread of the disease which has remained below 200 as of now. Visa restrictions are already in place to prevent the entry of a vast majority of foreign nationals. 25 foreigners comprise the largest group of people with positive diagnosis. The most recent are the 7 Indonesians quarantined in Telangana, while 17 from Italy are housed in Manesar. While speculation is rife about a lockdown, sources in the government have dismissed such reports. But the government advised citizens above 65 years of age and children below age 10 to stay at home. The exception is for the elderly among doctors, government employees and public representatives. The states have been asked to tell local businesses to ensure work from home for employees lest they contract the novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19. The exceptions are emergency and essential services. Several states have gone in for complete or partial shutdowns of schools, colleges, theatres and malls. Authorities have appealed to citizens to limit religious meets and gatherings and weddings. Also Read: Coronavirus: India reports 168 confirmed cases and 4 deaths, awaits PM Narendra Modi speech at 8 pm; Kejriwal shuts restaurants in Delhi till March 31, takeaways and home delivery to continue Government of India: No scheduled international commercial passenger flights shall be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/cr7txySAhJ ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Govt of India: All children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out. Railways and civil aviation shall suspend all concessional travel except for students, patients and divyang category. https://t.co/rf7XbLVvZ8 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 #WATCH Live from Delhi: Health Ministry briefs the media https://t.co/nj0onrwpSL ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 The Central government has asked some half its workforce to work from home. Thursday saw the fourth death in the country from coronavirus. The deceased, a 70-year-old man, had travelled to Germany, and was from Punjab. The earlier deaths were reported from Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra. Also Read: Nirbhaya convicts hanging: Delhi court dismisses plea for stay on execution, all 4 convicts set to be hanged on March 20 India is still at the stage, Stage 2, of local transmission. These measures are to prevent the spread feared in Stage 3 which is community transmission. The Union health ministry has maintained that there has been no community transmission in the country. The disease has claimed almost 8,000 lives worldwide after starting out from Wuhan in China. Also Read: Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath defiant on floor test, Supreme Court says Governor within rights to ask for floor test, Speaker seeks 2 weeks time For all the latest National News, download NewsX App When Tessa Matsis Smith of Sacramento and a group of friends flew to Morocco for vacation in early March, the new coronavirus seemed like a distant threat they could ignore. So the group of 10 women, ranging in age from their 30s to their 60s, hopped on a plane from Portland, Ore., and toured the country for a week. They visited olive groves, mausoleums and villages and even spent one night in the Sahara desert sleeping in tents. It was a dream vacation until Monday, when they learned that Moroccos borders were closing and international air travel was suspended and they had no way to get home. Now the women are among more than 1,000 Americans stuck overseas, amid a pandemic that has caused entire cities, borders and airlines to shut down around the world. Their plight highlights just how rapidly the international response to coronavirus is shifting from one moment to the next and how individuals are struggling to cope with those changes. Many stranded Bay Area residents from Morocco to Peru fear they wont have enough cash to cover food and board and are overwhelmed by the thought of staying in a foreign place for weeks. This country is incredible and everyone has been so kind, said Smith, a 38-year-old hairdresser from Sacramento, from a hotel room in Marrakesh. But we are 10 women alone. ... I just want to be on American soil. The State Department advised U.S. citizens Thursday to avoid international travel and warned that increasingly tight travel restrictions could force Americans to stay out of the U.S. for an indefinite timeframe. The Moroccan government announced a halt to all international travel in and out of the country Tuesday. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General said in a tweet that it is exploring all options for U.S. citizens who remain in Morocco and are looking to return home. The State Department said Wednesday that its aware several countries have suspended air travel. We are considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in these countries and are continuously assessing travel conditions in all areas affected by COVID-19, an official said in a statement. We will continue to update our travel advisories and safety information for U.S. travelers as situations evolve. Travelers should check with the appropriate embassies, and follow the advice of local heath authorities and the Centers for Disease Control, the State Department said. The Moroccan government is allowing airlines to operate a limited number of flights until Thursday. But on Wednesday, no flights to the U.S. were listed on the easyJet travel website, which the U.S Embassy in Morocco had recommended on Twitter as a source of outbound flights. Fariha Siddiqui of Fremont is also stranded in Marrakesh, where she attended a wedding this month. Siddiqui said she planned to camp out at the airport Wednesday night with the hope of buying tickets early Thursday possibly her last chance to get home. Well do whatever we can to get some flights, she said, in a phone interview from the airport in Marrakesh. I think this is our last option. After that well probably book an Airbnb. Siddiqui went to the U.S. Embassy in Casablanca Tuesday but said guards turned her turned away and told her to go on a government website for assistance. She is frustrated with the lack of response from U.S. officials. Theyre just mum, she said. Right now we are in limbo. Meanwhile, others around the world described chaotic scenes at airports, where confusion abounds and information is difficult to obtain. Mark Todd of Sonoma says his 28-year-old daughter, Brittany Stewart-Todd, was among dozens of people stranded at the airport in El Salvador this week after the Salvadoran president abruptly stopped passenger flights. He said his daughter went to Cancun for a bachelorette party over the weekend, and she and others took a connecting flight to El Salvador on Monday. But when they landed, armed security guards took their passports and held them in the airport, Todd said. They were holed up at the airport and couldnt leave or do anything, he said. President Nayib Bukele announced the airport closure on Twitter shortly after accusing Mexican officials of intentionally sending an Avianca Airlines flight with 12 passengers infected with the coronavirus to El Salvador. Mexicos top health official denied the claim, calling the allegations totally false, according to several news reports. Still, the shutdown sparked confusion among travelers and anxious relatives, with many taking to social media to call on the U.S. Embassy for help. Bukele later reopened the airport but barred flights from Mexico. The airport closed again Wednesday for more than two weeks, the president announced. But many travelers reported flight issues after the initial shutdown. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Stewart-Todd, a Petaluma resident, took a flight from San Salvador Tuesday evening to Nicaragua. If all goes according to plan, shell travel to Panama before landing at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday, her father said. We just hope it all works out, Mark Todd said about his daughter. Elsewhere around the world, Angela Park, 33, a San Francisco resident, and Aaron Millstein, 26, who lives in Colma, are among hundreds of Americans stuck in Peru after the government declared a 15-day state of emergency and closed its borders, halting all flights. They spent hours making calls to government officials in Peru and the U.S., scoured online resources and joined a Facebook group of about 1,000 Americans also stranded in the country. But they still have no idea when theyll be able to fly home. The couple plans to stay in the Airbnb they rented in Lima. Were fairly comfortable where we are, so I think the plan at least for now is to wait it out, Millstein said. Meanwhile, back in Morocco, the clock is ticking for Smith and her friends. On Wednesday, Smith said that Marrakesh, a previously bustling city, had fallen silent. Streets have emptied and stores were closing leaving them with few food options. Their hotel has closed, but the owners are letting them stay until Thursday morning. Then, they plan to go to Casablanca where they have a hotel booked until Saturday and they will try to visit the U.S. Embassy. If they cant leave the country by Saturday, they have no idea where they will stay next. I dont want to feel disappointed by my country, she said. We say we take care of people, and it would be nice to see that right now. Tatiana Sanchez and Trisha Thadani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: tatiana.sanchez@sfchronicle.com, tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TatianaYSanchez, @TrishaThadani The committee was also under investigation by police for allegations of theft and deceptive practices. It was unclear how much money from entrance fees for the festival, a portion of which was supposed to go to Hurricane Maria relief, was collected, according to committee board members at the time. And some people were allegedly not paid one vendor told the Tribune his company had a $19,000 contract and months later still had not been paid. As the country enters its tenth year of civil war, the situation remains critical. Hospitals are on their knees, hundreds of thousands of people are dead, and new humanitarian emergencies unfold. Fr Georges, a Blue Marist, a month ago thought that the liberation of Aleppo would bring peace. That illusion vanished amid asphyxiating desperation. The West fights jihadists at home but supports them in Syria. Catholics offer an example of openness and solidarity. Aleppo (AsiaNews) A month ago, "Aleppo was finally completely liberated, writes Fr Georges Sabe, a blue Marist, in his 38th Letter from Aleppo, which he sent to AsiaNews. On 16 February he wrote, "hope is now, it is not in a distant future. Like many Syrians he believed that peace was knocking on our doors, but that breeze of fresh air was soon replaced by asphyxiating desperation. Indeed, the war is not over... Fr Georges remembers that fateful date of March 15, 2011 when it all started; a popular uprising, street protests, part of a wider movement dubbed the Arab Spring, broke out in some countries in North Africa and the Middle East. What started as a domestic affair turned into the 21st centurys worst war, a proxy war between rival powers, one that drew jihadi groups making it even bloodier. In nine years, almost 400,000 people have died, dozens of cities have been razed to the ground and half of the population has been internally displaced or forced abroad. Hospitals and medical clinics are among the most affected facilities, as Apostolic Nuncio to Damascus, Card Mario Zenari, said. The danger of a humanitarian catastrophe remains. Since 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has documented 494 attacks on hospitals and clinics across Syria, resulting in the death of 470 doctors and patients and the injury of 968 others. The conflict has not spared homes and civilian infrastructure. The latest episode involves up to a million people forced to flee to the Turkish border. For the United Nations, this is the worst mass exodus since the beginning of the war. Turkey, Fr Georges writes, launched an operation in Syria to protect the terrorists. The Syrian army moves towards Idlib while retaking the villages which were under the control of the Al Nosra front. The main M5 highway is again cut off. Fights are raging. Hundreds of young people are losing their lives. With respect to the West, the clergyman wonders Why do Westerners treat the jihadists as terrorists when they arrive in their countries, and when the Syrian government tries to eliminate terrorism in Syria, these same Westerners talk about a humanitarian crisis? Among the "forgotten of Idlib, who are in Pope Franciss heart, there are thousands of Christian and Muslim families retained by the jihadists [. . .] for more than 8 years, [. . .] prevented them from living with dignity. Finally, the Marist priest notes that the embargo "affects the population on a daily basis, impoverishing the poorest" and turning us into a people of beggars. In this context, the humanitarian and social work promoted by the Marists remains fundamental. During the years of war and violence, it has never failed and was recently praised by President Bashar al-Assad himself, embodying the ideal Syrian society: a model of openness and solidarity, an example of defending the interests of the poorest. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 18:07:32|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Philippines, bringing the total number in the country to 217, authorities said on Thursday. The Department of Health (DOH) said the number of deaths remains at 17, adding eight patients have so far recovered. Meanwhile, Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque said he decided to self-isolate starting Wednesday after being exposed to a colleague who tested positive for COVID-19. The DOH confirmed on Tuesday that one of its senior officials has contracted the disease. "So far, I'm okay. Hopefully the test result comes out soon. But just the same, whatever is the test result, I have to complete the 14-day quarantine because there is no telling if it eventually turns out to be positive," Duque, 63, said in radio interviews. Duque said the health condition of the coronavirus-positive senior health official is "improving," adding the patient is recuperating in a hospital. "The last time I spoke to him he was given additional oxygen. He said, he no longer had any fever," Duque added. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters in a text message earlier that Duque is "currently asymptomatic." "Yes, Secretary Duque is on home quarantine but currently asymptomatic. He has already been tested for COVID-19 test as he is asthmatic and hypertensive. He is now doing work from home," she added. Duque is spearheading the stringent measures the Philippine government is undertaking to slow down the spread of the highly contagious disease. On Monday night, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon island, including Metro Manila, under a 30-day lockdown to curb the local transmission of the disease. The "enhanced community quarantine" will run until April 12. The Philippine government is implementing drastic measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, imposing "mandatory home quarantine" to keep people off the streets. In order to restrict the movement of the public, the government suspended work and mass transport, shuttered schools, and imposed travel restrictions. "I appeal to the public for cooperation as this would be crucial to helping the country overcome the COVID-19 public health crisis," Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said. On Tuesday, Duterte placed the entire country under a state of calamity for six months to give the national and local government units access to quick response funds to address the needs of the public in the fight against COVID-19. Some of the provinces in the central and southern Philippines outside of the Luzon island were placed under lockdown to slow down the spread of the virus in the archipelago. Quarantines belong to the Stone Age, the Iranian health minister said late last month at a press briefing about COVID-19. The country is in no danger from the virus he said, while coughing and sweating severely. One day later, he was under quarantine. The story helps explain how Iran became one of the countries most affected by the new coronavirus. The government reports more than 17,000 cases of infection and over 1,100 deaths. And many observers fear those numbers are even higher than officials say. The days of Iranian denial of the virus gave it time to spread. And the conditions were right --- Iran celebrated its 41st anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with huge public gatherings. Later, people gathered at voting places to take part in parliamentary elections. Now state television is warning the virus could kill millions. Iran has one of the best medical systems in the Middle East. However, its hospitals appear to be in crisis. The country has asked other countries to provide it with 172 million masks. It has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $5 billion loan. The major holiday of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is Friday. On Monday, Irans president asked people to stay home for the holiday. The next day, Irans top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a religious ruling banning unnecessary travel. What happens next will affect not only Iran, but the wider world as well. Amir A. Afkhami, a professor at George Washington University, is an Iran expert. He says the request for the $5 billion loan shows that Iran is realizing the situation is out of control. Many unknowns about Irans outbreak remain. For example, officials have not identified patient zero - the first person infected. So, they also do not know where the first infection appeared. Public comments on that issue suggest the city of Qom, 125 kilometers southwest of Tehran. How the virus arrived there remains in question. Officials suggested that an Iranian businessman returned from China with the virus. Qom is home to major Shiite religious schools that include Chinese among the student population. The city lies along a $2.7 billion railroad project. A Chinese company is building the railroad. China is also building a solar power plant in Qom. The pro-reform newspaper Aftab-e Yazd first warned of the virus in January. Mysterious virus at Irans gates, the paper reported as China established a lockdown to control the spread of the new coronavirus. Yet travel between China and Iran continued. The first two coronavirus cases were reported February 19 with the announcement that both patients died in Qom. The Health Ministry later shared maps that showed the virus moving across Iran. Among the first infections in Tehran was Harirchi, the deputy health minister. COVID-19 killed several officials including Mohammad Mirmohammadi, a close adviser to Khamenei, Hadi Khosroshahi, Irans former ambassador to the Vatican, and Ahmad Tuyserkani, another adviser. Several lawmakers and a member of the countrys Assembly of Experts also died from the disease. And, the virus infected a vice president and two government ministers, along with Revolutionary Guard members and doctors. We found out a little late that the coronavirus had entered Iran because we mistook it for the flu, a deputy health minister later said. A man in Qom recorded video of bodies that waited days for burial. The man said all died of COVID-19, although officials later said they did not have test results yet. The situation is terrible here and I hope God helps us, the man said. He was later arrested. Im John Russell. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story quarantine n. the separation of a person to prevent him from spreading disease lockdown n. keeping everyone in place Does anyone know anyone who has the coronavirus? Not just heard about them but actually know them, the meme said in bold white letters on a blue background. Statistically none of us are sick . . . yet concerts are canceled, tournaments are canceled and entire school districts shut down. Out of total irrational fear. If you have not previously feared the power of the media you should be terrified of them now. They are exerting their power to shut down America. Students of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Sarabha, staged a protest on Thursday morning against the authorities of the institute and demanded them to shut down the college in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Principal Prof Satish Shukla said no direction has been issued by the government to suspend classes. He said, We have suspended the first and second year classes following the fresh orders received from the government, but classes for third and fourth year will continue as per routine. Similar instructions have been issued for MBBS and BDS institutes. The students staged a dharna and accused the authorities for continuing to hold classes even after the governments directions to close all the educational institutions across the state. There are around 240 students in four batches of the medical college and all hail from different parts of the state. While classes have been suspended for 120 students, the rest are attending classes. On the other hand, a college official said that the students were using coronavirus as a ploy to avoid attending classes. President Donald Trump insisted on calling the new coronavirus Chinese virus. When asked why he does that, the president said because it comes from China. At NTD, we prefer CCP virus, short for Chinese Communist Party Virus. This is because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. We bring you an exclusive interview explaining how Taiwan has fared better than most in dealing with the CCP virus outbreak. In a matter of days, Germany has become one of the worst-hit countries of the virus. One state was hit particularly hard. What relations does the state have with China and whats its role in this epidemic? A Chinese expert predicts Wuhan will be ready to be removed from lockdown soon. But state media quote another expert warning of the opposite. Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more first-hand news from China For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter The new measures the government has launched in the industrial sector as part of a host of measures adopted to contain the negative impact of COVID-19 on the Egyptian economy are leaving some in the manufacturing sector not utterly satisfied. A number of manufacturers told Ahram Online they are expecting more from the government in this situation. Deputy head of Egypts Export Council for Ready Garments Mohamed El-Sayad said the manufacturing sector in Egypt is at a critical stage, particularly because shipping to foreign markets, including Egypt's two major market the US and Europe, has been suspended as part of the global procedures undertaken to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Yet, as El-Sayad noted, these procedures have not met the manufacturing community's expectations, especially that it has to pay dues, including taxes, insurance, and interest on loans. The current situation imposes significant challenges to manufacturers and the industrious community, including hard currency shrinking in the domestic market due to the shipping suspension and the major T-bills and stock market shares selling operations by foreigners. Really, manufacturers and exporters are suffering, according to El-Sayad. He added that even with the new decision to disburse 10 percent of exporting support subsidies in June, "how can manufacturers and exporters manage their financial situation?" The cabinet, as well, has not explained its plan for interest payments for the time being, especially for factories and local major companies, said El-Sayad. He also urged concerned bodies to consider postponing collecting dues from manufacturers and exporters for two months. Deputy President of the Federation Of Egyptian Industries (FEI) Mohamed El-Bahi said the government's package of measures complement the easing of procedures it adopted under the economic reform programme since November 2016. This phase is witnessing unprecedented actions to protect businesses and the economic community as well as the gains garnered from the reform programme, according to El-Bahi. He asserted that businesspersons, manufacturers, exporters, and all concerned parties have to make use of such incentives to support and deepen the domestic manufacturing to be able to export to Arab and African markets which are suffering from a shortage in commodities due to travel and shipping restrictions in light of the precautionary measures adopted by those countries. El-Bahi urged manufacturers, as well, to mass-produce to decrease the final products' cost and provide hard currency due to exporting. Manufacturers should also expand their activities vertically, through modernising machines and bringing new ones, and horizontally, by establishing new branches for their factories and companies in domestic and global markets. El-Sayad highlighted the small, medium, and micro-sized projects and enterprises (SMEs) as the sector to most benefit from these urgent procedures. On Tuesday, Egypts cabinet approved an urgent intensified package to boost economic activities, especially in the manufacturing sector. The procedures included decreasing natural gas prices for industries and providing EGP 1 billion for exporters as part of a package of measures aimed at supporting the industrial sector and the economy in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, procedures involved decreasing natural gas prices to $4.5 per million British Thermal Units (mmBtu) for the industrial sector, lowering electricity prices by 10 piasters for heavy and average-use industries, and fixing the price of electricity for other sectors for the next three to five years. Search Keywords: Short link: Blue Ocean Global Group, a Dubai-based diversified business conglomerate that represents some of the worlds best-performing telecom, electronics and small domestic appliances as master distributors, has set up marketplace on Amazon.co.uk to distribute products online to British consumers as the market gears up for post-Brexit take off. Effective March 2020, Blue Ocean Group UK will start rolling out products through Amazon.co.uk platform. The Dubai-headquartered distributor of consumer electronics, telecom and small domestic appliances set up its UK operations last year with a registered office at Bathroad, Heathrow. This is a strategic move by the Blue Ocean Global Group to tap the growing opportunities in the United Kingdom as it leaves the European Union this year. It has also recently appointed a British online logistics partner to sell and distribute to the British consumers. According to reports, UK consumers would have spent 106.46 billion ($141.93 billion) online in 2019, a 10.9 per cent growth over 2018. This makes up 22.3 per cent of all retail spend, a proportion that will reach 27.9 per cent in 2023. Announcing the operations tie-up with Amazon UK, Shahzad Ahmed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ocean Group, said, I am pleased to announce the new operation with Amazon UK retail network that will help us to distribute our brands to British customers as we see a great opportunity for our business in the United Kingdom following the Brexit. This partnership paves the way for us to formally start our commercial operations and reach millions of British consumers through Amazon UKs online platform. This makes us among the first UAE distributor to enter the UKs growing distribution, logistics and retail market. As the global market shifts from brick-and-morter shops to digital, we see greater opportunities in online distribution channels. Following our tie-up with Amazon UK, we will expand our distribution through other established players in the UK. This makes Blue Ocean Global Group among the first UAE distributor to enter the UK market ahead of the Brexit deal and puts the distributor in a comfortable position to support the local distribution market in the UK with their expertise in the Middle East Region. Bilateral trade between UK and the UAE in 2017 grew 12.3 per cent to 17.5 billion, compared to 2016. Two-way trade between UK and the UAE is expected to reach 25 billion by 2020, according to reports. The UAE is the UKs 18th largest trading partner, 14th largest export market and 20th largest import market. Blue Ocean Global Groups foray into the United Kingdom will help it to market and distribute UAEs home-grown products in the UK market and help UAE exports to the United Kingdom to grow faster. Consumer electronics market in the UK is expected to reach $21.27 billion (16.74 billion) in 2020, according to research reports. This provides a golden opportunity for UAE businesses to tap new markets and help their businesses grow. Blue Ocean Global Group exports products to more than 40 countries with a team of more than 60 professionals. The company recently appointed Paul Algeri as head of its UK operations to kick-start the commercial operations. It is starting commercial operations by channelling Gigaset products online to be followed by other major brands Blue Ocean Global represents. Paul Algeri, Head of Blue Ocean Groups UK operations, said: We are planning to add more brands to our distribution portfolio and will see at least 5-8 brands in our distribution list, including our own leather fashion accessories brand Flying Fossil. In our first year of operation, we are targeting to achieve around 1 million sale. We want to develop the business smoothly and efficiently. We want to offer greater value for money to the British consumers and help brands establish themselves in the UK market through us. Following the Brexit, we see more opportunities in the UK consumer market which is expected to grow in the years to come. That way, we are lucky to enter in the UK market at the right time. The group is managed by a professional team, having extensive regional experience in the field of technology and communication. Technology is ever changing. The company ensures that it keeps updating products portfolio to make sure that the clients get the best brands and the latest technologies. The company has partnered with some of the world's best names that allow it to offer a wide range of products portfolio at the best possible value. -- Tradearabia News Service STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Waving off repeated warnings issued by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the global spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), thousands of U.S. students reportedly traveled to Miami for spring break. Government-mandated safety measures to contain the spread of the virus, however, ended their party before it began, according to a New York Post report. On Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all bars and nightclubs in Florida shut down for 30 days. Said DeSantis at a press conference Tuesday: A lot of students have just been congregating at the universities and doing things there, and thats not something we want." [March 19, 2020] AICPA and CIMA to Postpone ENGAGE 2020 Due to Coronavirus Pandemic ENGAGE 2020, one of the largest accounting and finance conferences in North America, will be postponed until later this year due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The event is sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA (News - Alert)). The original date for ENGAGE 2020 was June 7-11 in Las Vegas. Details on the timing and format of the rescheduled event are still being set, as the situation surrounding the outbreak is fluid. "We want our attendees, staff and speakers to be safe, so this is the most prudent step to take at this point," said Clar Rosso, executive vice president for engagement and learning innovation at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the global organization comprised of the AICPA and CIMA. "We also know that families, small businesses and companies of all sizes will be depending on CPAs and management accountants to help guide them through unexpected financial and economic challenges in the weeks ahead, so we are bearing that in mind, too." Given the restrictions on normal activities, the AICPA and CIMA continue to explore ways to support our members in their professional and personal development through expanded digital offerings and other virtual learning opportunities. More information will be available on these enhanced options soon. ENGAGE 2020 attendees who are already registered and others interested in details about the rescheduled event can sign up for updates on aicpaengage.com. More information about the postponement, refunds and other policies can be found in a FAQ on the site. Several other upcoming AICPA conferences will also be postponed, including the AICPA CFO Conference, which will now be held Sept. 16-18 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, Calif., the AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference and the AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference, with the latter two reschedulings still to be determined. Please visit aicpaconferences.com for more information on events in the weeks ahead. About the American Institute of CPAs The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with more than 429,000 members in the United States and worldwide, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting. The AICPA sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, builds the pipeline of future talent and drives professional competency development to advance the vitality, relevance and quality of the profession. About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for people, businesses and economies worldwide. It represents 657,000 members and students across 179 countries and territories in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues. With broad reach, rigor and resources, the Association advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMAs and accounting and finance professionals globally. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005683/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A planned Palo Alto school election has fallen victim to the coronavirus, and a pair of May elections elsewhere will force California officials to decide whether safety or tradition will rule the day when it comes to voting during a pandemic. The Palo Alto Unified School District decided Tuesday night to postpone an all-mail special election May 5 on whether to extend a $15 million annual parcel tax. We are filing papers to withdraw our May election proposal, Superintendent Don Austin said in an email. We will evaluate the situation when conditions are no longer in an emergency state. All-mail elections, however, are a possibility for two Southern California elections scheduled for May 12. Registrars are trying to decide whether to go that route, a call that elections officials around the country must make as the pandemic spreads. In the 25th Congressional District race in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Democrat Christy Smith and Republican Mike Garcia are running to fill out the term of Democrat Katie Hill, who resigned in November. Balloting was slated to follow Californias new vote center model, where all registered voters receive ballots in the mail, but are also allowed to use vote centers staffed by county election workers. Thats now in question, said Mike Sanchez, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County registrar. We havent changed anything yet, but given the (coronavirus) situation, that could change, he said. The possibility of eliminating the vote centers and accepting only ballots that are mailed in or deposited at local drop boxes is being discussed. The candidates, who will also be on the November ballot seeking a full, two-year term, are fine with the possible change. California and America are facing unprecedented circumstances, forcing us to adapt to many changes in our daily lives, Garcia said in a statement. I know the citizens of our country will rise to these challenges, and this announcement allows for the safest participation possible in this important election. Changes could be tougher in Riverside County, where Republican Melissa Melendez and Democrat Elizabeth Romero are running to complete the term of Republican state Sen. Jeff Stone, who resigned in November to take a job with the U.S. Department of Labor. Riverside ran a traditional election March 3, with hundreds of neighborhood polling places throughout the county. Converting to a mail-only election for the part of the county that includes Blythe, Indio, Palm Springs and Temecula would require major changes in a very short time. Riverside County election officials did not respond to requests for comments. For many officials across the country, traditional polling place elections are a health hazard at a time when people are being asked to shelter in place and avoid all unnecessary contact with other people. Lines of people crowded into a school auditorium or local library dont fit those restrictions. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine postponed his states primary Tuesday, saying the risks were just too high. In California, local officials dont have the final say in how state elections, such as those for Congress and the Legislature, are conducted. To hold an all-mail election would require an order by the governor, said Sanchez of Los Angeles County. In the past, that approval has been nearly automatic. Alpine, Plumas and Sierra counties, all among the smallest in the state, conduct their elections by mail, even for governor and president. Bay Area counties already run a number of all-mail local elections. On May 5, Sonoma County has a pair of special tax measures on the ballot, both for districts with fewer than 5,000 voters. Our May 5 election is proceeding on schedule, said Wendy Hudson, the countys chief deputy registrar. We are asking staff who are ill to not come in, and asking those who do report to work to keep the appropriate social distance of 6 feet from their co-workers. Its a similar situation in Contra Costa County, where about 4,500 voters will get mail ballots for a Blackhawk parcel tax election, and in Napa County, where 221 voters will decide on an measure affecting Lake Berryessa resorts. We have conducted these small elections by mail-only for many years, John Tuteur, the Napa County clerk and registrar, said in an email. Under current rules, we will have skeleton staff in the office if voters do need in-person service (the dog ate their ballot or ?). John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth Global cybersecurity and emerging technology advisory services firm Rule4 has been approved by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to provide Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) services. QSA companies are independent security organizations that have been qualified to validate an entitys adherence to the PCI Data Security Standard (DSS), a rigorous set of payment security controls designed to ensure that companies accepting, processing, storing, or transmitting credit card information do so in a secure manner. PCI DSS compliance is required of organizations that accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, or Discover card. Rule4 assists organizations with complex technology stacks and those in high-risk industries. Its PCI QSA services focus primarily on supporting organizations in completing Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), ruling on compensating controls, or preparing for a full Report on Compliance (ROC) certification in an advisory role. Although the QSA designation is new for Rule4, it is not a new skill set for the organizations advisory team, which has nearly three decades of combined QSA experience. In addition to assessing IT security risk and compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, NIST SP 800 series, ISO 27001, and HIPAA, Rule4s team of engineers provides custom services that typically fall under the umbrellas of incident response, application security (architecture and testing, secure software development lifecycle), and technical leadership and expertise (virtual CISO, chief architect). Were excited to add the PCI QSA capability to our services, said Co-CEO Dan Mackin. We have a reputation for maintaining a deep pool of diverse experience and credentials that is unrivaled in the industry, and this certification is an important piece of that. Whether a client is new to PCI DSS or has been wrestling with compliance for years, were here to help. Visit https://www.rule4.com/pci or call 888-4THEFOX to learn more about Rule4s QSA services. About Rule4 Rule4 provides cybersecurity and emerging technology advisory services to a global client base from its headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. It customizes its consulting services to meet clients needs, with offerings ranging across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, industrial IoT, application security, automation, site-reliability engineering, IT transformation, PCI DSS compliance, and more. Rule4 follows an opensource and technology-agnostic philosophy, and is one of the first global cybersecurity firms to earn B Corp certification. About the PCI SSC The PCI Security Standards Council is a global, open industry standards body providing management of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), PCI PIN Entry Device (PED) Security Requirements, and the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS). Its mission is to enhance global payment account data security by developing standards and supporting services that drive education, awareness, and effective implementation by stakeholders. To learn more, visit https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org. Temporary store closures in Winnipeg continue to mount as retailers pay heed to the increasing coronavirus threat, transforming shopping malls into ghost towns and parking lots into vacant concrete fields. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/3/2020 (664 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Temporary store closures in Winnipeg continue to mount as retailers pay heed to the increasing coronavirus threat, transforming shopping malls into ghost towns and parking lots into vacant concrete fields. The lengthy list of stores with locked doors grew by the hour Wednesday, mimicking the retail landscape across the country and south of the border. Most have indicated the lights will be out for a minimum of two weeks. The latest companies to announce closures in an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19 to customers and staff include Mountain Equipment Co-op, Roots, Tip Top, the Gap, Old Navy, Le Chateau, Holt Renfrew and H&M. Those accounted for a fraction of the number of darkened stores at the Polo Park and St. Vital malls Wednesday. SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Tables and chairs at CF Polo Park's food court are wrapped in caution tape amid concerns of COVID-19 on Wednesday. "This is eerie," said Natasha Boulianne, 22, who was astonished after stepping off the escalator onto the nearly deserted second floor at Polo Park. "I was expecting places to be open but most of the shops are closed, and the open ones are all empty. Its like everyone just up and left," she said. "Its like something terrible happened and just about everyone from Winnipeg is gone, with only a few people left." The Hudsons Bay department stores that anchor the two shopping centres were padlocked, part of a Canada-wide closure, although the retailer promised: "During this closure, our store associates will be paid for all scheduled shifts that were planned for the two weeks." Most locations had signs taped to doors and windows, directing customers to shop online, instead. MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Signs inside City Place Mall in Downtown Winnipeg warning patrons about the COVID-19 virus and precautions they can take to help stop its spread. A man working alone at one empty store said it was his last shift for the foreseeable future. He received an email advising of a two-week closure, as of today. "Its dead in the mall," said the man, who asked neither he nor the shop be named. "People are panicking. Theyre staying home. "I guess its a good thing overall. We want to look back on this and say, Maybe we overreacted. But nobody wants to look back and say, Oh, we didnt do enough." Individually, retailers are deciding whether to keep the doors open. Staff in several shops said theyd received no direction from the malls corporate offices on whether blanket shutdowns would be instituted. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A largely empty St. Vital Centre food court on Wednesday afternoon where some of the vendors were open for business, but there was nowhere to sit. Calls to the general managers of Polo Park and St. Vital werent returned Wednesday. Furniture giant Ikea shut its doors early Wednesday, but stated its 7,300 store employees across the country "will be supported by a comprehensive benefits package and paid-leave policy." People are heeding the advice of public health officials who recommend everyone adopt social distancing measures, but it doesnt lessen the strangeness of it all. "This situation is without precedent, one would say," said Maureen Atkinson, senior adviser at Toronto-based retail consulting firm J.C. Williams Group. "Not on a worldwide basis. There just hasnt been anything like this in our lifetime." MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS At St. Vital Centre on Wednesday, most stores were closed until further notice. Atkinson said Italy is likely the model Canada is following, where food stores and pharmacies stay open while everything else closes temporarily. "You want to do it in a well-thought-out manner, so youre not mandated to do it... Im sure every management team is finalizing their plans on when to pull the plug," she said. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "Its total guess work on how long to stay closed." The retail analyst said temporary closures might change some shoppers behaviour perhaps foregoing a visit to a bricks-and-mortar store for the convenience of online shopping. However, cabin fever alone might propel people to get out and spend the old-fashioned way, once the health concern has passed. "In the short term, it will accelerate online shopping, no question. But maybe well be looking for stores and excitement and getting out, all of that kind of thing," Atkinson said. "When things start to open again, there will be a pent-up, Oh my gosh, lets get out there." jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPJasonBell Supporters stood guard while a group of homeless and housing-insecure protesters took over several houses in El Sereno on Wednesday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) A group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos seized more vacant, publicly owned homes in El Sereno on Wednesday, arguing that government officials have failed to provide the shelter thats necessary for them to remain healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. The occupation followed a similar takeover Saturday, when two families and a man moved into one of the neighborhood's dozens of empty homes all owned by Caltrans. The state agency bought them years ago as part of a now-failed plan to extend the 710 Freeway. The protesters have taken over 12 homes and plan to remain in the properties indefinitely, organizers said. With this health crisis and this housing crisis, we need every vacant house to be a home for those who dont have a safe and stable place to sleep in, said Ruby Gordillo, 33, while standing on the porch of a two-bedroom bungalow before moving in with her three children. Gordillo and others involved in the protest have said they were inspired by a group of homeless mothers in Oakland. Late last year, those mothers took over a vacant, corporate-owned property and, after they were evicted, secured backing from Gov. Gavin Newsom to force the Bay Area propertys sale to a community land trust. Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of United Teachers Los Angeles, speaks Wednesday at one of the occupied El Sereno homes while Ruby Gordillo, center, and the Rev. Walter Contreras stand by. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Like the Oakland moms, the protesters in El Sereno are affiliated with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, an organization that has advocated several statewide measures to expand rent control and tenant protections. The L.A. protesters, who call themselves Reclaiming Our Homes, say their push is all the more urgent because of the spread of the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Public health experts are calling for increasingly stringent measures, including asking people to stay indoors and to keep their distance from one another to slow the virus spread. Though Newsom, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and other elected officials have called for housing homeless residents in hotels, motels and on public property, the families say they haven't acted with enough urgency. Story continues "Since theyre not, theyre being unjust, said Martha Escudero, 42, who has spent the last 18 months sleeping on couches in East Los Angeles before moving into the Caltrans-owned home Saturday. We have to do this. The state agency did not respond to a list of questions from The Times. Escudero said the California Department of Transportation has made no attempts to evict the families since they moved in Saturday morning. Caltrans acquired the modest homes in El Sereno among about 460 properties, including Craftsman mansions in South Pasadena, in preparation for extending the 710 Freeway. That plan was abandoned in 2018. Protesters and their supporters pray inside of a home they occupied in El Sereno on Wednesday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Caltrans has started the process of selling the homes, which are required by law to be offered to former owners first and then to current tenants who meet certain income requirements. But the vast majority are still owned by the state. Many of the houses in El Sereno have boarded windows with signs warning against trespassing. Since the occupation began, a group of state lawmakers has asked Newsom to immediately make the vacant Caltrans properties available for occupancy. The governor has not weighed in on the protest but has instead spoken repeatedly about the need to prioritize the homeless population during the pandemic, especially seniors. Garcetti on Tuesday said he was aware that the families had occupied at least one home. He said that he had asked Caltrans if the citys housing authority could take over the properties in El Sereno but that it would require state action. "We dont have a ton of supply of vacant housing," Garcetti said. "We are primarily right now focused on hotels [and] motels. To get to the numbers that I think we need to get to, wed never get there just with vacant houses." On Wednesday evening, Garcetti announced that the city will convert 42 of its recreation centers into temporary shelters for homeless residents, providing 6,000 new beds to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Newsom, meanwhile, announced $150 million in emergency funding to quickly move homeless people indoors. The governor also said the state is in negotiations with more than 950 hotels to lease or buy properties that could be used to house unsheltered people or provide quarantine sites. Deals have been reached on two such properties, he said, including in Oakland to provide 393 rooms for homeless people who have tested positive for the virus or are at risk of contracting it. In El Sereno on Wednesday afternoon, the protesters acted quickly and stealthily to occupy more houses. They had directed reporters to a vacant home less than a mile away from the house that was taken over Saturday. But the occupation was being staged on another block. Ruby Gordillo lets herself into a home in El Sereno as supporters stand by. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) When the reporters arrived, protesters had formed a human chain each person standing six feet apart, with many wearing rubber gloves and surgical masks to protect the families moving into the houses. Gordillo broke into tears describing how she had previously crowded into a small studio apartment in Pico-Union with her husband and three children, using their bed as a dining table and a place for her kids to do homework. Were humbled to have you the taxpayers welcome us into your home, which is now my home and my familys home, she said to the crowd before entering. Thank you. In total, organizers said, 11 additional homes were taken over Wednesday. Not everyone in the neighborhood was pleased. Standing outside watching two homes on her block being occupied Wednesday, Desiree Ramos said she understood the protesters motivations but worried that she didnt know them. She also said many of the vacant homes had asbestos and black mold, and werent safe to live in. This neighborhood is quiet, said Ramos, 38. It doesnt look like its going to stay that way. On Saturday, it was Gordillos and Escuderos families who moved into the first two-bedroom property. But they worried that overcrowding in the home wasnt safe during the coronavirus pandemic. So Wednesday, Gordillo and Benito Flores, 64, a welder who had been living in his van before joining the families over the weekend, moved into vacant properties across the street. Now they have their own homes, Escudero said. Times staff writers Anita Chabria and Laura J. Nelson contributed to this report. Almost a trillion dollars has been wiped off Canadian stocks in a month as the rout accelerated Wednesday, taking the market through a key support level to the lowest since 2012. The S&P/TSX Composite Index tumbled 7.6%, sending it below levels plumbed during the last oil-market rout from 2014-2016. Now, investors are facing a recession as the coronavirus pandemic and a new oil-price war sent global markets spinning downwards. Even a C$82 billion ($57 billion) fiscal stimulus package unveiled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier today did little to comfort investors facing a global economic slowdown as borders clamped down to fight the viral outbreak that has killed over 8,000 people and infected more than 200,000. Travel has been halted, global supply chains are creaking to a standstill and major central banks like the Bank of Canada have announced emergency rate cuts to stem the slowdown. Read more: No Industry Left Unscathed in Canadian Economy Gearing Down Governor Stephen Poloz said the nations central bank will factor in new government fiscal measures into analysis before making any additional rate moves. He added that the central bank is not ruling out more action before scheduled April 15 rate decision. This is probably one of the buying opportunities of my life time, said Bob Iaccino, chief market strategist at Path Trading Partners said on BNN Bloomberg. Its just a matter of doing it small and being it very careful with the names you chose. The Canadian benchmark has lost 35% of its value since its Feb. 20 peak and the nations currency continues to weaken against the U.S. dollar which investors have been piling into as a safe haven option. Volatility in the stock market has also hit a record as trading volume surged to levels unseen since data was compiled 35 years ago Oil Price Wars Crossfire Turns Bystander Canada Into a Casualty Meanwhile, oil dropped to its lowest in 18 years after Saudi Arabia made another shock-and-awe attack in its price war with Russia. Plunging oil prices and the Covid-19 pandemic that has shut several borders across the world will inevitably lead to a recession in Canada, according to CIBCs Chief Economist Avery Shenfeld. (Updates with market close.) J ihadi brides who have given moral support to Islamic State fighters could escape prosecution because of a potential gap in the law, Britains terrorism watchdog warned today. Jonathan Hall QC said the culpability of those who travel to Syria or Iraq to provide intangible help to banned organisations such as IS was not covered by existing terrorism legislation. He added that some, such as girls who are groomed in the UK and persuaded to go out to join Daesh, might be able to argue for lenient treatment. But he warned that their role in helping terrorists remained real and that there was a potential hole in the law that might let them avoid justice. The warning by Mr Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, came in his annual report published in Parliament today. The issue of women and girls who join extremist groups was highlighted by the case of Shamima Begum, the former Bethnal Green schoolgirl who travelled to Syria with two of her friends, to live under IS control and marry. She has been stripped of her citizenship and barred from returning to Britain. Her activities in Syria have been unknown. But footage of female IS supporters in detention camps, coupled with evidence of some jihadi womens involvement in the conflict, has emphasised that aggression is not restricted to male Islamists. Mr Hall warns that the culpability of those who travel to Syria or Iraq and provide only moral support to proscribed organisations such as Daesh is not directly addressed in the criminal offence provisions under the Terrorism Acts 2000 and 2006. He highlights that the importance of emotional help and mental comfort to groups who derive encouragement from the fact that they have the support of others is real. He also points out that under current law, it is an offence to invite such support, but not an offence actually to provide it. The report raises concerns about one of the Governments flagship measures for controlling extremist suspects Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (Tpims) which Mr Hall says are being used in a newly weakened form. He says he intends to monitor whether the power is being insufficiently used because of an overly defensive approach. This unprecedented first week of schools all over Alabama closing indefinitely has been hard on everyone, to say the least. But imagine being a little kid who cant spell coronavirus, much less understand why it has turned his or her daily routine upside-down. Students miss their friends, their teachers and all the fun they have while learning at school every day. Thats why many elementary schools are staying connected with students by sharing videos on social media of teachers, administrators and staff members reading bedtime stories. Sometimes they wear funny costumes; sometimes they include their own children or pets; and sometimes theyre even in bed themselves. They assure students that theyre loved and missed. Always, theyre cheerful, positive and encouraging. Children thrive on routine and structure, and thats all been taken away, says Amy Lachina, director of the 320-student WEE Center of First Baptist Church Trussville. She has posted a couple of videos per day this week for her students, who had no idea when they left last Friday that it would be their last day at school for a while. We cant not do it, she says of using social media to communicate with children. I miss my sweet world of preschoolers." Shes also been busy answering questions from parents and trying to give them practical tips for helping their children continue to learn at home. A lot of families are discombobulated right now, she says. Theres no planning for something like this. Its not like James Spann told us a snowstorm was coming. Here are a few of examples of teachers from around the state reading childrens books: The Wonkey Donkey Tonights Bedtime Story is brought to you by Mrs Gray! Get ready for a laugh! #therealLC Posted by Lauderdale County High School on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Remember the delightful Scottish grandmother whose viral video made The Wonky Donkey such a sensation? This version might be even better, thanks to the north Alabama accent of kindergarten teacher Hayley Gray from Lauderdale County High School in Rogersville, Ala. It's Story Time with CES! Enjoy! You know we love and miss you too! Posted by Cherokee Elementary School on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Fourth-grade teacher Anita Johnson, wearing spotted puppy dog ears, introduces students to her dog, Maddie, before reading Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings. Teachers read their favorite stories in Story Time with CES by Cherokee Elementary School in Cherokee, Ala. Jessica Tomberlin, media specialist at W.C. Griggs Elementary School in Mobile, stands in front of a green screen in her dining room to read The Adventures of Beekle the Unimaginary Friend." She plans to experiment with different backgrounds as she reads other books. How to Catch a Leprechaun Mrs. Ruffin shares "How to Catch a Leprechaun" by Adam Wallace. (Illustrated by Andy Elkerton) just for today! Did you make a leprechaun trap? Share photos in the comments! Posted by Challenger Elementary PTA on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Mia Ruffin, a kindergarten teacher at Challenger Elementary School in Huntsville, sits outside on her deck reading How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. She gives a shout-out to a student who bought it for her at a recent book fair. Posted by Weaver Elementary School on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 On St. Patricks Day, Laura Knighton, principal of Weaver Elementary School in Weaver, Ala., wears a shiny green wig and a leprechaun hat as she reads The Night Before St. Patricks Day in the school library and jokes that she missed pinching children who werent wearing green to school that day. Its time to read another book with Mr Moore....hope everyone is doing great tonight! SES misses our students! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books #tigerfamily Posted by Springville Elementary School on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Principal Greg Moore, sitting in a leather chair in the library at Springville Elementary School in Springville, reads There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books. Inside A Barn In The Country! Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Illustrated by Tedd Arnold Posted by WEE Center of FBC Trussville on Thursday, March 19, 2020 Amy Lachina, the director of the WEE Center of First Baptist Church Trussville, reads Inside a Barn in the Country. Behind her is her chalkboard wall, where she has drawn a big sun because, she tells the children, shes thankful to see the sunshine after theres been so much rain lately, and she urges children to try to spend some time outside, pretending to be farmers. At Mill Creek Elementary School in Madison, Ala., Carmen Buchanan, principal, and assistant principals Karl Fernandez and Demetria Patterson read Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds. Keep going, never stop, says the principal, who introduced the story by saying that the school is cleaner than its ever been after a lot of hard work by the three of them along with the custodial staff. Thats what we did today! Chicka Chicka ABC Time to wind down and get ready for bed. Here is ACE teacher, Mrs. Riley, reading a favorite! Posted by Endeavor Elementary School, Harvest, Alabama on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Tamra Riley, a special services gifted teacher at Endeavor Elementary School in Harvest, Ala., reads Chicka Chicka ABC. Ms. Smith reading Princess Truly in My Magical, Sparkling Curls by Kelly Greenwalt. We miss our little lions! Posted by Foley Elementary School on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Sitting at a small table in her classroom, second-grade teacher Pauline Smith at Foley Elementary School in Foley reads to a group of stuffed animals neatly arranged into a semicircle. Her book is Princess Truly in My Magical, Sparkling Curls. Tonights story is read by Mrs. Cathy Davis. Have a great night! Posted by Lexington High School on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Sitting on her couch under a fluffy blanket, Cathy Davis, a first-grade teacher at Lexington High School Elementary in Lexington, Ala., reads Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. With this in mind, it is unclear why we cant provide similar efforts to preserve the public welfare in this time of crisis. Further, it is in the best interest of the public to review the cases of men and women housed in the Illinois Department of Corrections to identify all who are eligible for early release. The Cook County sheriffs office, in partnership with other county agencies, has already begun a similar process by releasing individuals housed within the jail who are eligible for release due to their extensive medical needs and low-level threat to community safety. A woman in her 20s has been stabbed to death in East Ham. Police and emergency services responded to a call at the corner of Altmore Avenue and Barking Road at around 12.45am this morning. The victim, aged in her twenties, was found with serious injuries and was rushed to hospital where she later died. The victim, aged in her twenties, was found with serious injuries by police between Altmore Avenue and Barking Road, East Ham at around 12.45am this morning Officers are working to establish her identity and inform her next of kin. Formal identification awaits and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course. A crime scene is currently in place. A spokesperson for Met Police said: 'Police were called at 00:44hrs on Thursday, 19 March, to a report of a woman with stab injuries at Altmore Avenue/Barking Road, E6. 'Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and found woman in her twenties with serious injuries. 'She was taken to hospital by LAS where she later died. Detectives from Specialist Crime have been informed.' Barking Road has been shut in both directions between Denmark Arms and East Ham library throughout the early hours of the morning. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 213/19Mar, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. IPNLF to launch Ghost Net Retrieval Project in the Maldives by Zacari Edwards March 19,2020 | Source: IPNLF Funded by the inaugural Joanna Toole Ghost Gear Solutions Award, a new initiative will be launched by IPNLF aimed at incentivising coastal fisheries to collect and upcycle lost and abandoned ghost nets they encounter whilst fishing. The International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) are delighted to have been recently announced as the first ever recipients of World Animal Protections Joanna Toole Ghost Gear Solutions Award. This award has enabled the organisation to launch a new initiative: The Ghost Net Retrieval Project in the Maldives. In partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, this project is aimed at incentivising Maldivian fishers to collect ghost nets they encounter during their fishing operations. As a result, the Maldivian fishing industry is primed to remove foreign ghost nets at-sea. At the moment, the project is ready to be piloted by the local one-by-one tuna catching sector working off Gemanafushi Island, in the southern region of the Maldives. A staggering 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear is estimated to be lost or abandoned in the worlds seas annually. Much of this so-called ghost gear is made of synthetic materials, and once lost is left floating or suspended in ocean currents over the course of many years. In the Maldives, facilitating the removal of ghost nets has become an essential action due to the rapidly accumulating volumes of fishing nets that are drifting into the nations waters after being abandoned, lost or discarded from elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, causing destruction to fragile local marine habitats and megafauna. To tackle this important issue in the Maldives, IPNLF is teaming up with the Olive Ridley Project who bring a wealth of experience to the project in terms of the removal of ghost gear in the Maldives, having already removed 1,340 nets from inshore areas since 2015. IPNLF aims to utilise its close relationship with one-by-one tuna fisheries together with the Olive Ridley Projects past experience, building upon the ghost net removal work that has already been achieved by initiating ghost net collection out at sea. Through successful at-sea net collection efforts, the ghost fishing cycle of nets will be drastically curtailed in comparison to collecting beached nets, thus increasing the likelihood of survival of entangled Olive Ridley turtles and other affected animals that are listed as Endangered, Threatened, and Protected. With encountered nets often weighing upwards of 80kg, the fishers in the programme will be reclaiming fishing gear that is potentially more than 4000 times the weight of the fishing lines being used in the Maldives. Taking into consideration the loss rates and the weight of gear used by pole-and-line vessels in the Maldives, it would take approximately 1000 fishing trips for enough fishing lines to be lost to equate to the weight of just one of the larger ghost nets typically encountered by fishers. Therefore, through retrieving these abandoned fishing nets, the Maldives one-by-one fishery aims to become the world's first fishery to evidence that it removes more ghost gear by weight from the ocean than is lost through its own fishing operations. With these ambitions in mind, IPNLF wasted no time in launching the project on the ground, conducting the first outreach trip to the pilot site of Gemanafushi during the final week of February 2020. This meeting involved officially introducing the project to all stakeholders, discussing the logistics of ghost net collection/storage and finally outlining the need for a circular economy distribution system to repurpose the collected nets locally. These initial meetings were extremely successful with all affiliated fishers agreeing to the ghost net collection protocol and safety measures developed by project manager Zacari Edwards, and the local Womens Development Committee declaring an interest in coordinating the circular economy distribution system. Perhaps most crucially the Island Council also agreed to provide their full support in helping to arrange the transportation of nets landed on the island and to identify an appropriate storage facility for collected ghost nets. This approach would also see the integration of the pre-existing local waste management system run by the council with logistical aspects of the project, with workers in the sector collecting and transporting nets landed by fishers from the port to the storage facility. As a result of all the important progress made during this scoping trip, IPNLF now anticipate that the first ghost nets will be landed by fishers as a result of the project in April 2020! Speaking on the impact of the award, IPNLF Socio Economic Manager and co-coordinator of the Global Ghost Gear Initiatives Building Evidence Working Group, Zacari Edwards, says, The Joanna Toole Ghost Gear Solutions Award Grant has been critical in providing both the impetus and enabling conditions for Maldivian fishers to tackle the issue of foreign ghost nets themselves. We are ambitious that there is a high potential for the approach of this project to be replicated and introduced in many other fisheries throughout the world. Therefore we are also hopeful that this project can evidence a replicable model for how the industry can demonstrate they are having a positive impact on the amount of ghost gear entering the ocean, hopefully moving the sector away from pledges and commitments that are difficult to verify toward more tangible actions. Iran has granted medical furlough to a former U.S. Navy veteran who had been detained for over 600 days on trumped up charges, according to his family and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The family of Michael White had been expressing increased concern about his health, saying his immune system is compromised by cancer -- putting him at higher risk amid the novel coronavirus outbreak that has ripped through Iran, including its prison system. PHOTO: Members of firefighters wear protective face masks, amid fear of coronavirus disease, as they disinfect the streets in Tehran, Iran, March 18, 2020. (West Asia News Agency via Reuters) More than 1,200 people have been killed by the virus in Iran, with at least 18,000 confirmed cases. Iranian authorities have released more than 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei saying Thursday the state will pardon 10,000 more. Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis. With White's temporary release, at least three other Americans remain imprisoned by the Iranian government. One of the prisoners was just denied medical furlough on Tuesday, while a fifth -- former FBI agent Bob Levinson -- remains missing inside the country. The U.S. has urged Iran, as well as President Nicolas Maduro's government in Venezuela, to release Americans detained as a humanitarian gesture, given the deadly outbreak. MORE: American student Xiyue Wang jailed in Iran for 3 years freed in prisoner exchange "The United States will continue to work for Michael's full release as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran," Pompeo said in a statement Thursday. White has had a fever and a cough, according to his family, and he is now in the care of the Swiss embassy, which has looked after U.S. interests and citizens in Iran since the U.S. embassy in Tehran was shuttered in 1979. MORE: World Health Organization declares coronavirus a 'pandemic' as Iran struggles to contain spread Story continues He will undergo medical evaluation and treatment in Swiss care, according to his family and Pompeo. But as a condition of his parole, he will not be permitted to leave the country -- likely to return to Iranian custody instead. "We are grateful that the Iranian Government took this interim humanitarian step," family spokesperson Jonathan Franks said, on behalf of White's mother Joanne White. "We continue to urge them to release Michael unconditionally so that he can return to the United States to receive the advanced medical care he needs." PHOTO: American citizen Michael White, who has been detained by the Iranian government for over 600 days, is seen for the first time after he was granted medical furlough amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, in a photo released by his family. (Courtesy White Family) White's release comes just days after businessman Siamak Namazi was denied furlough. Namazi has been detained since October 2015 on charges that he and the U.S. have dismissed as spurious. Two prisoners in his ward have now tested positive for COVID-19, both just down the hallway, according to lawyer Jared Genser. The judiciary refused his request for temporary release. "It is outrageous that even now, under such dangerous conditions, Iran refuses to show the basic humanity and decency it has so vociferously demanded from others and instead continues to inflict senseless suffering upon my family," Babak Namazi, his brother, said in a statement Tuesday. MORE: Families of Americans detained by Iran urge Trump to bring them home, too Siamak and Babk's father Baquer, 83, also a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, is also imprisoned. A former official of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Iranian provincial governor, Baquer was detained in February 2016 after he traveled to Tehran to advocate for his son's release. While in custody, he's had emergency surgery because of a severe heart condition, with his family concerned about his deteriorating health in poor prison conditions. The United Nations special envoy for human rights in Iran -- Javaid Rehman -- said last week that foreign citizens detained by Iran were "at real risk," urging the government to release them immediately. In addition to Tehran, Pompeo called on Venezuela Thursday to release five U.S. citizens and one lawful permanent resident who worked as executives for Citgo, the oil giant, and have been imprisoned in a notorious prison in the capital Caracas since November 2017. All six -- known as the Citgo 6 -- have "weakened immune systems due to cumulative health problems and face a grave health risk if they become infected," Pompeo said in another statement. MORE: Elderly American detained in Iran hospitalized again as new American's case comes to light Maduro's government, riddled by corruption and mismanagement, already faces vast health care shortages and is seen as incapable of managing an outbreak after cases have started to emerge in the South American country. What to know about coronavirus: How it started and how to protect yourself: coronavirus explained What to do if you have symptoms: coronavirus symptoms Tracking the spread in the US and Worldwide: coronavirus map American furloughed from Iranian prison as coronavirus raises concerns for those detained abroad originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A ten minute walk a day could prevent a heart attack or stroke with people who take more steps having lower blood pressure, according to new scientific research. Trendy smart watches, such as Fitbits, that monitor physical activity may hold the key to combating a condition that affects hundreds of millions across the world. They are more than a fun gimmick as they could help to keep track of health, say the US team. Wearing a Fitbit, a smart watch which monitors your physical activity, holds the key to recording your daily physical activity The study, presented at an American College of Cardiology conference in Chicago, found just 1,000 steps a day - a brisk ten minute walk - slashed the risk of hypertension. Lead author Dr Mayank Sardana, of the University of California, San Francisco, said: 'Measuring habitual physical activity in community-based settings in this way distinguishes our study. 'Prior studies have looked at either self-reported physical activity or used accelerometers to measure daily activity for only a short amount of time, usually about a week.' He said those who took more steps daily, as tracked by their watch, had lower blood pressure on average than those taking fewer steps. The findings are based on data from 638 participants in the Framingham Heart Study that has been monitoring residents of the Massachusetts town for over seven decades. They were asked to wear an Apple Watch daily and record their blood pressure at home weekly. Their systolic blood pressure - the amount of pressure in the arteries during contraction of the heart muscle - was about 0.45 points lower for every 1,000 daily steps taken. This means 10,000 steps daily - a sustained walk of 30 to 60 minutes - would reduce it by an average 2.25 points compared to taking just 5,000 steps. Those who take more steps daily, as tracked by a smart watch, have lower blood pressure than those taking fewer steps (stock image) Given the volunteers had an average systolic blood pressure of 122 mm Hg it would be the difference between blood pressure that is considered normal (less than 120 mm Hg) and elevated (120 mm Hg or higher). Dr Sardana said: 'This study solidifies our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and blood pressure and raises the possibility that obesity or body mass index accounts for a lot of that relationship. 'Going forward, it would be useful to look at how smart devices might be leveraged to promote physical activity, reduce the burden of obesity and potentially reduce blood pressure.' The study is one of the first to use commercially available wearable devices to track habitual physical activity in a large group of people in the context of daily life outside of a health care setting or research centre. It backs previous research suggesting that being more physically active can help lower blood pressure, said Dr Sardana. Over the course of five months, participants in the study averaged about 7,500 steps per day, as recorded on a smart watch Over the course of about five months, participants averaged about 7,500 steps per day. Those with a higher daily step count had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure - the bottom number in a reading when the heart is between beats. A second analysis found the association between step count and blood pressure was no longer significant if BMI (body mass index) was taken into account. This suggests BMI might be a controlling factor in the relationship Dr Sardana said: 'We should look to future studies to answer the question of directionality with a randomised trial or cohort intervention.' Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure - with half not diagnosed or receiving treatment. In England alone there are more than five million people that are undiagnosed. The condition - a major cause of heart attacks and strokes - rarely has any symptoms which is why it is called the 'silent killer'. Another element to the study showed that BMI (body mass index) was a controlling factor in the relationship between step count and blood pressure The only way to know you have the condition is to get your blood pressure measured. High blood pressure costs the NHS over 2.1 billion every year. In the US almost half of adults are estimated to have the condition. Over time it can weaken the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. The cardiology conference is being held as a virtual meeting because of the coronavirus outbreak. Industry Update Appointment 19 March 2020 David Burt Appointed Area Director of Sales At The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort in Napa - CA, USA Having lived and worked in over 17 hotels around the world, Burt comes to The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort with several years of sales experience, most recently at The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, where he was the director of sales and marketing. Prior to that, Burt spent time with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, working in both sales and as general manager at properties in San Francisco, Sonoma and Beijing. In his new role, Burt will lead the sales team as the area director of sales, bringing new business opportunities to the properties. Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) Since 1987, Pacific Hospitality Group, LLC (PHG) has maintained a strategic vision and strong sense of core values as guiding principles for business success. With luxury hotel properties from Napa Valley to Southern California, PHGs growing portfolio of hotel and resort investments reinforces the companys cohesive vision. more information Recent Appointments at Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) Jovani Guzman - Director of Operations 21 September 2021 Continuing his passion for hospitality; Jovani has been promoted to Director of Operations | AC Hotels by Marriott. Jovani comes with extensive background in full-service luxury properties. Spending multiple years at Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas and recently the Pasea Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach California. read more David Ryan - Managing Director 19 March 2020 With over 30 years of experience in the world of hospitality, Ryan was most recently the general manager of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania. Having worked in six countries and throughout the United States, Ryan has opened five hotels and two luxury condominiums, while holding senior roles with iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Sofitel and Hyatt. read more New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed as "not maintainable" several applications seeking directions to the Karnataka government to apply post-based reservation and creamy layer principle at entry level with regard to promotions to SC and ST employees. A bench of Justices U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud said the miscellaneous applications (MAs) were challenging the actions taken by the state government to implement its Reservation Act of 2018 after the constitutional validity of the law was upheld by the apex court in May last year. The bench said if the applicants were aggrieved by the steps taken by the state government, then they should challenge it in "independent proceedings". "The present MAs are, in effect, a substantive challenge to the actions of the state government in implementing the Reservation Act 2018 through the government order dated May 15, 2019 and the circular dated June 24, 2019. "If the applicants are aggrieved by the steps which have been taken by the state government, it is open to them to pursue a substantive remedy for challenging the steps taken by the state government in independent proceedings," the apex court said. The top court was of the view that such MAs were "not maintainable". "Having come to this conclusion, no need arises for this court to adjudicate upon the other contentions urged by senior counsel appearing for the applicants. We consequently dismiss the miscellaneous applications, but leave it open to the applicants to pursue such independent remedies as may be available in the law. We clarify that no observations have been made on the merits of the matter," the bench said. The government order of May 15 last year had lifted the state's earlier stay on implementation of the reservation law and the June 24, 2019 circular contained frequently asked questions and their answers with regard to preparation of seniority list. The apex court in its verdict of May 10 last had upheld the Karnataka government's 2018 law which provided for reservation in promotion and seniority to SC and ST employees, saying that establishing them as participants in governance was "intrinsic to an equal citizenship". The top court had said that providing the reservation would not affect the efficiency of administration, was "not at odds with the principle of meritocracy" and "cannot be treated as the acquisition of creamy layer status". The court had said it cannot be construed that promotees from SC and ST categories are not efficient or that efficiency would be reduced by appointing them as this was a "stereotypical assumption". The apex court's verdict had come on a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation (to the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act 2018. The petitioners had contended that providing the reservations would affect the efficiency of administration, was at odds with the principle of meritocracy and would lead to creation of a creamy layer status. The virus has reached 166 countries, with more than 208,000 confirmed cases and 8,600 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Korea reported 152 new cases Thursday, a step back from its recent progress of fewer than 100 new daily cases for four days in a row. China has been the hardest hit by the novel coronavirus since it emerged in late December, with about 81,000 total cases and 3,200 deaths. Most people who became sick have already recovered. Wuhan has spent about two months on lockdown as authorities tried to stop the spread of the virus, and in recent weeks the number of new infections there dwindled. Elsewhere in China, though, with health officials reporting 34 total cases Thursday among people who came from elsewhere, there is continued concern about such imported cases threatening the substantial progress the country has made. The Chinese city at the center of the coronavirus pandemic reported for the first time Thursday that there were no new cases on Wednesday, while the death toll in Italy surpasses that in all of mainland China. Almost 3,000 Cases in Germany German health officials reported Thursday a surge of 2,800 cases in a single day, bringing the country's total to 11,000, one of the highest in the world. Lothar Weiler, head of the German government's Robert Koch Institute, said Wednesday as many as 10 million Germans could eventually be infected, but that the number could be significantly reduced if people curtail social interactions. Even harder hit has been Italy, which had an alarming 475 deaths from the virus Wednesday, raising the country's death toll to 3,405, surpassing the 3,200 deaths in China. The toll COVID-19 has taken on Italy is even more remarkable given its population of 60 million is much smaller than China's 1.4 billion. Health authorities say a main reason Italy has been particularly hard-hit is because of its large elderly population, the world's second-oldest. Older people are especially at risk of contracting the virus. Italy has been on a strict lockdown for a week, and the Corriere della Sera newspaper quoted Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Thursday saying the measures will be extended beyond their planned expiration later this month. Other countries have followed the response put in place in Italy, China, Spain and elsewhere in order to try to keep people from going about their daily business and spreading the virus among their communities or to other parts of their country. Spain, the hardest-hit European country behind Italy, converted a four-star hotel in Madrid into a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients. Curfews and Travel Bans Panama announced Wednesday a new nationwide curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., with only police, firefighters, health care workers and sanitation employees allowed out during that time. The country has reported 109 cases to date. New Zealand announced Thursday it is banning entry to foreigners, shortly after the government advised citizens not to travel overseas because of the risk of contracting the coronavirus. "We will not tolerate risk at our borders," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a news conference. The government said it had identified eight new cases involving people who traveled overseas. Its total case number stood at 28. Nearby Australia said it would also ban entry to non-citizens and non-residents starting Friday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the "overwhelming proportion" of Australia's 500 confirmed cases have been imported. New Cases in Latin America Mexico, which has confirmed 118 cases, reported its first death early Thursday. Hours later, Russia said a 78-year-old woman who tested positive for the virus died, the first in that country as well. Nicaragua and neighboring El Salvador announced late Wednesday that they had confirmed their first cases of the coronavirus. Several dignitaries have tested positive for COVID-19, including Prince Albert of Monaco and the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michael Barnier. U.S. Congresswoman Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams announced they tested positive, becoming the first U.S. lawmakers to have confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The Union health ministry has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for movement of international passengers, returning from coronavirus-affected countries, at the Delhi airport. In view of reports about a few incidents of ruckus being created by international passengers at the Delhi airport during the last few days, the ministry stated that people returning from the novel coronavirus-affected countries would be first escorted by airline staff to the health counters for initial thermal screening. If any passengers shows any symptoms of the COVID-19 disease, he or she would be isolated and moved to a designated hospital, the ministry noted in a press release issued on Wednesday. After thermal screening, asymptomatic passengers will be moved to designated immigration counters with passports and a copy of the self-reporting form. Airline staff in the plane and on the ground would have to ensure that the arriving passengers have filled their self-reporting forms properly, it said. Currently, India has put a ban on arrival of all passengers -- including Indians --from Europe, Afghanistan, UK, and various other countries. Moreover, India has also announced that passengers coming from UAE, Qatar and various other countries must remain in quarantine for 14 days. The ministry stated that once the asymptomatic passengers clear immigration, their passports would be retained by immigration officials. Passengers in batches of 30 will be handed over to an escort team led by a CISF officer who would also be holding the passports of each passenger. "The passports shall not be handed over to the passengers, at any cost," the ministry said, adding once luggage is collected, the passengers would be moved to a designated triage area manned by Delhi government officials. "There would be a control room at the triage area and five screening counters manned by medical officers and para-medical staff deputed by Delhi government," the ministry noted. At the assigned counter, the passports of the entire batch will be handed over by the team lead to the medical officer in-charge of the counter. "Here the passengers would be screened and those without any risk factors would be sent for home quarantine after returning their passports, a home quarantine advisory and collecting a declaration from them. They must be told to remain strictly under home quarantine, or else face penal action, as per the rules," the ministry stated. "The possibility of stamping of passengers, as done in Maharashtra, with home quarantine stamps would be explored," the minister added. The high risk passengers identified for quarantine at the facilities would be first asked to fill up a declaration opting for paid hotel facility or the government quarantine facility (based on availability) and "subsequently would be quarantined as per availability list of quarantine facilities given by the state government", it stated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Mike Pence told reporters Thursday that the administration has located 'tens of thousands' of ventilators that can be used to help victims of the coronavirus who need to be hospitalized. Pence spoke alongside President Trump amid criticism that the U.S. health system is dramatically short of critical supplies amid the outbreak. Pence said the administration had 'identified tens of thousands of ventilators that can be converted to treat patients.' He said he was 'increasingly confident that we will have the ventilators that we need.' He spoke a day after Trump said the administration was ordering 'thousands and thousands' of the devices, but has yet to reveal any actions forcing companies to produce more equipment. The nation has an estimated 62,000 ventilators, but could be dramatically short amid a crush of hospitalizations. Health officials are warning of a dangerous shortage of ventilators in hospitals across the United States that are bracing for an influx in coronavirus patients. The shortage also applies to masks, gowns, and other equipment, including specialized N95 masks that can protect caregivers from the virus. 'Nobody ever heard of the number of masks thats been ordered. Theyre being made now,' Trump said. Pence said the administration had 'identified tens of thousands of ventilators that can be converted to treat patients.' He said he was 'increasingly confident that we will have the ventilators that we need.' Coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx indicated that the ventilators Pence identified may already be in use at hospitals and dentists' offices. She said she wanted to 'really thank the health care workers that have been asked to reduce all elective surgeries medical and dental visits.' She said it would 'dramatically increase the number of ventilators that are available in hospitals but also in ambulatory surgical centers that can be converted and utilized.' The World Health Organization has urged all countries to 'optimize the availability' of lung ventilation equipment, which are essential in treating critically-ill patients with COVID-19 by assisting or replacing breathing functions and pumping oxygen into the blood to keep organs functioning. But as the pandemic continues to gain speed, US hospitals are scrambling to find a solution to a global shortage of ventilators, which are both tedious and expensive to produce. General Electric's healthcare unit on Thursday announced that it will hire more people and increase the number of shifts as it races to produce ventilators round-the-clock to meet the surge in demand. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also offered to help, stating on Twitter that his companies will repurpose factories to make ventilators if there's a shortage. State officials are calling on the Trump administration to take address the issue head-on by ordering manufacturers to prioritize production of ventilators under the Federal Defense Procurement Act. Health officials are warning of a dangerous shortage of ventilators in hospitals across the United States that are bracing for an influx in coronavirus patients (file photo) As of Thursday morning, 9,414 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the US and 152 people have died New York Governor Andrew Cuomo raised the ventilator issue at a press conference on Thursday morning. 'What's going to be the issue in the healthcare system? It's going to be the number of hospital beds, it's going to be the amount of protective equipment, and most of all, it's going to come down to ventilators - a piece of equipment that up until now was relatively inconsequential,' he said. 'But, when you have respiratory illnesses and then this volume of respiratory illnesses then all of the sudden the number of ventilators becomes critical.' Cuomo said the state currently has 'about 5,000' of the 30,000 ventilators New York hospitals are expected to need as the case count continues its rapid rise. 'This is a nationwide problem - every state is shopping for ventilators,' he said. 'We literally have people in China shopping for ventilators, which is one of the largest manufacturers.' 'This is a major problem. It's an issue that the federal government can actually play a very constructive role,' Cuomo said. New York Gov Andrew Cuomo raised the ventilator issue at a press conference on Thursday morning, saying: 'This is a nationwide problem. Every state is shopping for ventilators' He called on the Trump administration to invoke the Federal Defense Procurement Act and order companies to produce hospital equipment to for struggling medical centers nationwide. 'We're going to need protective equipment in hospitals, we're going to need ventilators, and that is something that a state can't do but the federal government can do,' he said. Repeating the call for action by the Trump administration toward the end of the press conference, Cuomo stated that the federal government currently has about 12,000 ventilators available for use - far fewer than the current demand. 'The federal government has to come in and handle this,' he said, noting that 'almost all of these COVID cases require the ventilators'. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he was invoking a wartime act to speed up production of masks, ventilators and other related equipment. Lung ventilation equipment is essential in treating critically-ill COVID-19 patients by assisting or replacing breathing functions and pumping oxygen into the blood to keep organs working An employee works on final assembly of VOCSN Multi-Function Ventilators, which integrate five separate medical devices, at Ventec Life Systems in Bothell, Washington on Wednesday GE Healthcare announced its own efforts to combat the ventilator shortage on Thursday. 'As the global pandemic evolves, there is unprecedented demand for medical equipment, including ventilators. We continue to explore all options to support this increased need,' Chief Executive Officer Kieran Murphy said. GE did not disclose how many additional ventilators it expected to produce or the number of people it plans to hire. The company said it had increased its manufacturing capacity for other equipments besides ventilators, including CTs, ultrasound devices and mobile X-ray systems. GE Healthcare was also shifting current employees and working with suppliers to mitigate shortages. Other companies including Medtronic have announced similar plans to ramp up production capacity. General Motors and Ford have said they are in talks with White House officials about how they could support the production of medical equipment. CNN Philippines (March 19) Albay province and Bacoor, Cavite imposed strict travel restrictions effective Thursday midnight to help control the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19. Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said Wednesday they closed their borders, hoping to remain COVID-19 free. He said movement of people in Albay will be restricted with checkpoints in all possible entry and exit points in place. However, he added that they will allow movement of cargoes carrying essential goods. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the province has eight people who are suspected to have the fast-spreading respiratory infection. Meanwhile, Cavites Second District Rep. Strike Revilla has announced that Bacoor City is under lockdown and has called for his constituents compliance. Other details were not immediately available. "Hinihiling po ang pakikiisa ng lahat, lalo na ng ating mga kapwa Bacooreno. Para din ito sa ating kapakanan at ng ating mga mahal sa buhay, the official said in a Facebook post. [Translation: We are asking for everyones cooperation. This is for our own and our loved ones sake.] Revillas announcement came as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cavite rose to six on Wednesday. Some provinces and cities outside Luzon have also restricted the movements of people to prevent the spread of the disease. These are: Negros Occidental, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Davao region, Lanao del Sur, including Marawi City, Zamboanga City, Cotabato City, Valencia City in Bukidnon and Iligan City. Bicol-based Stringer Rosas Olarte contributed to this report WASHINGTON - President Trumps move to buy up 30 million barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is unlikely to do much to improve oil prices, Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said Thursday. Rather he described the move as one designed to buy up oil cheap, in the event of future emergencies requiring a release of crude onto the market. Its a very common sense approach and a strong signal to an important industry that underpins our national economy, he said. I dont anticipate this is going to drive oil prices up. On HoustonChronicle.com: Trump orders mass oil buys to 'fill up' reserve. The Department of Energy is in discussions with Congress to get $3 billion in funding to purchase crude from small and medium-sized U.S. producers, a process Brouillette said could begin within two weeks of a Congressional appropriation. But that purchase could get a lot larger. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Thursday the U.S. government should buy up to $20 billion of crude to fill up the petroleum reserve. That would take the reserve far beyond its existing capacity of 727 million barrels. Brouillette said he hadnt talked to Mnuchin about the comment but said the department, might have to develop extra capacity for the reserve. The decision to start buying up crude - limited to those U.S. producers with less than 5,000 employees - follows a years long effort in Congress to sell off some crude from the reserve to help fund the federal government. Brouillette said he has already suspended one crude sale scheduled for later this year and was in discussion with Democrats and Republicans about pushing back the deadline to complete the draw down of the reserve to September 2021. Im taking questions almost by the hour from members of Congress. Theres a lot of interest in this idea, he said. james.osborne@chron.com @osborneja A bomb disposal 'hero' died after triggering an explosive left by terrorists as he worked to make buildings safe in Syria, an inquest has heard. Andy Jones, 59, was killed by the improvised explosive device (IED) in October 2018 while clearing a building in Raqqa which had previously been occupied by Islamic State forces, his inquest was told. Recording a narrative conclusion at Chester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, senior coroner for Cheshire Alan Moore said: 'It's very rare to be able to say this meaningfully about a person, but it is certainly true to say Andy was a real hero, one who worked on numerous humanitarian projects over many years. Andy Jones was killed by the improvised explosive device (IED) in October 2018 while clearing a building in Raqqa 'He saved lives and he made the world a safer place for those living in the aftermath of armed conflict.' Mr Jones's daughter Lucy, 27, said her father, a senior technical field manager who was honoured for bravery while serving with the Army, had worked in Iraq, Kuwait, Mozambique, South Sudan and Afghanistan as well as Syria. She said: 'He worked for 37 years as a bomb disposal expert, this is hard to fathom.' She said the family had concerns over the way Tetra Tech, the California-based company which Mr Jones was sub-contracted to work for, had dealt with his death. A request by the family to include documents relating to health and safety issues in the inquest was refused by the coroner. Steve Firkins, who was working with Mr Jones in Syria, said on October 21 2018, they had been carrying out a clearance at a building. He told the court Mr Jones, of Penyffordd in Flintshire, North Wales, had finished checking a room which was partially blocked by a pile of rubble and said to him 'let's go home'. He said: 'As I turned, that's when the explosion happened. I was thrown away on to some stairs.' The British bomb disposal hero's three children pictured: Karl with his sisters Lucy and Leigh Mr Firkins said he later found Mr Jones lying on the floor, missing parts of both his legs. He said: 'I moved forward to check his pulse and as I put my hand out he suddenly took a gasp of breath.' The court heard the father-of-three, originally from Little Neston in Cheshire, was taken by an ambulance to a US Army base where he was pronounced dead. Mr Firkins told the court: 'Andy was one of the most professional people I have ever worked with in my life. There is nothing I would have changed that day in the way we worked.' An incident report from Mr Jones's employer Ardan found the explosion was believed to have been caused by Mr Jones stepping on a trigger. David Parry, who worked for Tetra Tech as the country manager for Syria, told the inquest: 'The programme was tasked to remove explosive remnants of war throughout north-east Syria and 6,000-plus harmful munitions were cleared from numerous schools and hospitals. 'The legacy he left was the schools and hospitals which he cleared.' Detective Inspector Richard Gilbert, counter-terrorism police liaison officer for Iraq, said no perpetrators had been identified during the investigation into Mr Jones's death. He said: 'He was, I believe, killed by terrorists in Syria.' Mr Moore said Mr Jones's death was caused by severe injuries due to bomb fragments. Coronavirus cases surge in South Asia as countries try to stem epidemic Iran Press TV Wednesday, 18 March 2020 3:00 PM The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Indian subcontinent has topped 500 amid fears that inadequate health facilities could be overwhelmed in a region home to nearly 1.9 billion people. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a late Tuesday address to the nation, called for calm after the tally of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 256. The premier urged citizens to not rush to get tested. "Only those with intense symptoms should go to hospital," he said. "There is no need to worry. We will fight this as a nation. And God-willing, we will win this war." Pakistan had been struggling to secure sufficient coronavirus testing kits. On Tuesday, Islamabad said it would require all arriving air travelers to show they had tested negative for the disease. Land borders have already been shut. In India, where 147 cases have been confirmed, authorities on Tuesday canceled nearly two dozen long distance train services. The government said a total of 276 Indians have tested positive for coronavirus overseas to date. Authorities in the western state of Maharashtra proposed plans to decongest prisons by granting bail for minor offences. Maharashtra's Bombay Archdiocese, which is home to more than 500,000 Roman Catholics, also issued a notice exempting people from the obligation to attend the Sunday mass for two weeks. Sri Lanka, which has recorded 51 cases, said it would ban all incoming flights for two weeks from Wednesday to combat the spread of the virus. Sri Lanka said its stock market would remain shut for the rest of the week as it attempts to minimize interactions. The country has imposed a curfew in certain areas in a bid to control the spread, police said. Bangladesh reports fatality On Wednesday, Bangladesh confirmed its first fatality from the disease, while its total tally rose to 14. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi warned against panic purchasing. "We've 25% to 30% more in stock compared to the same period last year. There is no need for panic buying." In the meantime, Nepal said it was closing cinemas, stadiums, gyms, museums, and swimming pools until April 30. Schools and universities will be shut. The government said in a statement that passengers transiting through Europe, the Middle East and some Southeast Asian countries will not be allowed entry until April 15. Nepal has also banned gatherings of more than 25 people in temples, monasteries, churches, mosques and other public places. So far, the virus has infected nearly 200,000 people worldwide and killed nearly 8,000. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Owners of small businesses in the Mohawk Valley and across the state are eligible for disaster loans from the Small Business Administration to help blunt the economic impact of recent state mandates. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has put restrictions on most industries to slow the spread of coronavirus. This includes restaurants, malls and recreational areas where people gather in close proximity. The Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center is offering business owners assistance applying for the low-interest loans. For more information, call the Mohawk Valley SBDC at 315-731-5884. To apply for an SBA disaster loan, visit: www.disasterloan.sba.gov. 2020-03-19 19:31:06 Gun sales are surging in many parts of the U.S. in response to the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, according to various reports. Ammunition retailer Ammo.com has seen a 68 percent increase in transactions from the 11 days before February 23, to the period from February 23 to March 4. February 23 was the day Italy began ramping up measures to stem the spread of coronavirus, which has since infected over 24,700 Italian citizens. Gun sales were up especially in the states of Washington, California, and New York, which have been hit hardest by the coronavirus, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Many sales were to first-time buyers. Its not like an active panic, more a preoccupation with making sure everyone is adequately prepared, myself and family and friends, first-time gun purchaser Anna Carrenas told the Times at Arcadia Firearm and Safety in Arcadia, Ca. Better to be prepared and not need it than need it and not have it. anatakti Atlanta Luxury Homes Agent, Debra Johnston of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices GA Properties, announces the Atlanta Symphony Showhouse hosted at a masterpiece residence by award-winning architects Harrison Design. ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / Debra Johnston of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties presents a trophy modern residence, that is the current home of the Atlanta Symphony Showhouse, offered for $3.75 Million. There's simply no more marvelous way to celebrate the 75th year of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Designer Showhouse event than with this magnificent 5-bedroom, 9-bathroom masterpiece. Constructed by acclaimed master craftsman, ADCO Properties, in partnership with Robert Tretsch III from award-winning architects, Harrison Design, it boasts light-filled interiors which transcend artisan luxury. More information on 2716 Ridgewood Rd. NW in Atlanta, GA can be found at: https://debraajohnston.com/homes-for-sale-details/2716-RIDGEWOOD-ROAD-NW-ATLANTA-GA-30327/6672688/49/ Inspired by a 1945 Atlanta Youth Symphony performance, the residence also benefits from the collaborative efforts of many of the finest designers in Atlanta. Together, they've united to create interiors to complement the contemporary architecture, resulting in an unrivalled crescendo which fuses modern and classic grandeur. Just like any renowned musical composition, this residence begins with a slow and quiet opening pizzicato bass passage at the front entrance before leading into a fortissimo blast. Here, a dramatic multi-story space awaits, where a vast curtain wall takes center stage. Soaring from floor to ceiling in illustrious fashion and brought to life by Belgium company, Reynaers and local business, Expert Windows and Doors, it visually connects the interiors to the mature forest which fringes both sides of this lush 1.19-acre estate. Every room in the house also captures enchanting views, while being enhanced by artistic elements including custom iron railings along the staircase. Story continues Design Galleria is the dream force behind the kitchen from which the whole house thrums. Temmer Marble counters and the island are paired with acclaimed appliances and a walk-in pantry. It also overlooks the family room, where more Temmer Marble awaits, embellishing the fireplace. Relax here after you've indulged in a meal in the elegant dining room, positioned against the iron framed wall of glass which overlooks the outdoor panoramas. The conductor behind the master bedroom, Bill Peace, has created a symphony which is as glamorous as it is graceful. Dual dressing rooms add to its appeal, along with pool views and an en-suite with striking monochromatic tones and a marble shower. The remaining bedrooms and bathroom echo this rhythm of splendor. Outdoors, a 65-ft heated gunite pool takes pride of place. It's also been perfectly positioned to reflect into the house and create a mesmerizing melody of light. Fringing this space, you'll find a fire pit for cozy weekend time with the family, and there is a balcony overlooking the pool which can be used as well for alfresco gatherings. The property is also ensconced by parkland on both sides to heighten peace and privacy. Additionally, exquisite exteriors match the distinguished interiors. Sleek black Nichiha Miraia reflective wall panels by Legendary Exteriors are the first of their kind and are complemented by a Meridian brick exterior and copper metal roof. The main entrance and lower doors are by La Cantina while plumbing fixtures are by Porcelanosa and Dornbracht. Lighting has been provided by Juno, Lighting Technology Design with a Barco Digital Canvas projection system by Electronic Home Inc. installed. Wiring and automation is on behalf of A Mindful Home. Situated in exclusive Buckhead, this virtuoso represents truly a rare real estate opportunity. It offers the chance to indulge in one of the finest homes to be designed and built in all of Atlanta and ensures a lifestyle of cultured living and entertaining. For sneak peek of this gorgeous showcase home, please visit: https://youtu.be/-g5TP_bzcHY ABOUT THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE The Grammy award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra forms an integral part of Atlanta's musical heritage. Set to enter its staggering 75th season, and renowned as one of America's leading orchestras and a cornerstone for artistic development in the Southeast, the ASO performs more than 150 concerts per season for a combined audience of more than a quarter of a million people. Atlanta Magazine and Atlanta Magazine's HOME are proud to present the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Designer Showhouse. It is the vision of Harrison Design's Modern Studio Director, Robert Tretsch III and the creation of acclaimed boutique firm, ADCO Construction. Together, along with the below list of exemplary local designers, they have created a masterpiece of philharmonic proportions. To purchase tickets to tour thru 3.22.20, visit: https://www.atlantamagazine.com/asoshowhouse/ Foyer | Karen Ferguson Study | Tami Ramsay & Krista Nye Nicholas Master Bedroom & Bath | William Peace Kitchen | Matthew Quinn Family Room | Barbara Westbrook Dining Room | Barbara Westbrook Covered Porch | Vivian Bencich & Carolyn Balfour Upstairs Laundry Room | Dana Lynch Downstairs Laundry Room & Mudroom | Dana Lynch Upstairs Hall | Angela Chrusciaki Blehm Upstairs Bedroom #1 | Bradley Odom Upstairs Bedroom #2 | Loren Audrey Taylor & Carolyn Abrams Taylor Terrace Room | Michelle Workman Games Room | Bryan Kirkland & Jill Mansfield Lounge | Michael Habachy Powder Room | Michael Habachy Lower Level Bedroom & Bath | Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson Music Room | Lisa Turner & Wallace Bryan Pool Deck | Willem Stear About Debra Johnston: Debra Johnston is one of Atlanta's top luxury agents with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties and is a current Chairman Circle Diamond member for the past 3 consecutive years and the #1 individual agent in the Buckhead Office of Berkshire Hathaway for the past six consecutive years. In 2019, Debra had a record-breaking year selling $42 million in 18 closed transactions representing both luxury buyers and sellers. She continues to surpass client expectations as demonstrated in her sales volume performance year over year and is constantly on the forefront of implementing progressive tactics to get her listings mass exposure through this distinctive complementary blend of press-marketing, search engine optimization, and technology coupled with superb photography and video production. Representing clients from Los Angeles to New York to Miami, Debra continues to surpass the luxury real estate competition in Atlanta while delivering exceptional service each and every time. To find out about the opportunity to own Atlanta's premier luxury properties, please visit http://debraajohnston.com. Contact Info: Name: Debra Johnston Email: Send Email Organization: Debra Johnston - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices GA Properties Address: 3500 Lenox Road NE #300, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, United States Phone: +1-404-312-1959 Website: https://www.debraajohnston.com SOURCE: Debra Johnston - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices GA Properties View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581549/Top-Luxury-Atlanta-Realtor-Debra-Johnston-Lists-Atlanta-Symphony-Showhouse As the total number of Covid-19 cases in India rose to 151 (134 active) on Wednesday, experts once again called for more widespread testing, rumours swirled on WhatsApp, more events were called off and more public places closed, and a research paper published in Nature Medicine (on March 17), debunked the theory that the Sars-Cov-2 virus that causes the disease was man-made. Globally, the number of cases crossed 200,000 on Wednesday, at least doubling in two weeks. The big question in India is whether community transmission has already happened. This refers to the infection of a person who has not travelled to a country where the infection is raging and has not had contact with an infected person, directly or indirectly. Some experts believe this has already happened in India. As Ramanan Laxminarayan, Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, said: I believe community transmission began in India two to three weeks ago, around the same time as other countries. India is not an exception in the way the virus behaves. We just havent tested a representative sample that Indias population of 1.4 billion warrants. This means, it is only the lack of widespread testing in India that is keeping the numbers low. It also means the focus has to shift from prevention to mitigation. Theres already been some talk of expanding the countrys testing capacity, by involving more government and private laboratories, although there has been no formal announcement on this. At some point (and sooner than later), the government has to get its hands around the whole testing problem and figure out a way of testing in scale, rapidly and inexpensively. In an interview on Tuesday, Gagandeep Kang, director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute and a Fellow of the Royal Society said opening up testing to Indian companies, good at reducing cost will help develop inexpensive tests. As of Wednesday, there are 72 government laboratories testing. Another 49 are to be added to this by the end of the week, and the government has spoken to 51 private ones about having them conduct tests. The testing protocol, however, remains the same overseas travel to a Covid-positive country; exposure to someone diagnosed with the disease; or being a health care worker caring for Covid-19 patients. All accompanied by symptoms. Also Watch | Coronavirus | PM Modis speech, Goa hoax, India vaccine plan: Top 10 updates Social distancing, self-quarantines, and forced quarantines should continue, though, and be more strictly enforced. On Wednesday, there were again reports of several instances of people breaking quarantines. India has so far not put out best-case and worst-case scenarios in terms of infections and fatalities. The mathematical models to do this exist, as does the expertise, but the number of people who have been tested is still low (11,500 as of March 17) for any of these models to be run. Already, however, it is clear that Covid-19 is also affecting Indias economy, and the livelihoods of millions. According to the latest data available, around 93 million Indians are engaged so-called casual labour, and paid every day. Of this, only 3% are engaged in public works. Already, governments around the world have announced hundreds of billions of dollars in fiscal stimuli to keep the economy afloat. US President Donald Trump is talking of cheques in the mail. The Indian government knows the benefit of direct cash transfers. The emerging consensus is that it should announce a plan for the economy. There should also be a plan to combat rumours. On Wednesday, rumours about parts of Delhi being locked down, and wholesale markets being closed, swirled on Indias most popular messaging platform WhatsApp. The platform, owned by Facebook Inc., announced a $1 million grant to Poynter to come up with a global fact-checking network to combat rumours on coronavirus. One such rumour, which grew into a conspiracy theory, was that the virus was man-made, created in a Chinese laboratory as a possible biological weapon. A paper by Kristian Andersen of the Scripps Research Institute (he is the corresponding author; there are several co-authors as well), titled The proximal origin of Sars-Cov-2 and published on Tuesday in Nature Medicine debunked that to some extent. The researchers compared the genome sequence of this virus with other strains of coronavirus and found that it originated through natural processes. But the mitigation of its impact on the nations health and economy will definitely require manual intervention. In the past few days, federal and state governments have intensified anti-coronavirus measures, closing schools and imposing restrictions on business activity and socializing. Although Americans are waking up to this peril, there has been significant resistance to disruptions of normal life despite the dire warnings of health experts. One NBC News poll conducted from March 11-13 showed that only 56 percent of Democrats and 26 percent of Republicans thought their daily lives would change significantly in the near future, and more recently a poll showed that more than three out of four Republicans believe the media has exaggerated the risk of the virus. Only 61 percent of Democrats and a paltry 30 percent of Republicans planned to stop attending large public gatherings. Business owners in Washington, D.C., Illinois, Nashville and Philadelphia have pledged to defy government orders to shut down. The Republican governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, notoriously tweeted a photo of himself and his children at a restaurant on Saturday, proclaiming "Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans . . . It's packed tonight!" These divides leave Democrats especially furious that their political opponents aren't taking the crisis seriously. While further mandatory restrictions will hopefully change this outlook, we must understand why it has been so difficult mobilizing Americans to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing. One could point to a host of causes: the death of expertise, the stovepiping of information sources, the rise of post-truth politics, the lack of paid leave for many workers and the Trump administration's failure of leadership. Yet, another factor is at play. For the past three-quarters of a century, Americans have largely not been asked to sacrifice across the board for the good of the country. They've been told they can fulfill their responsibilities as citizens by being consumers - buying stuff to keep the economy humming was all it took to be a good American. This makes the sacrifices now being requested feel alien, causing many Americans to bristle. In the 1930s and 1940s, under the influence of Keynesian economics, consumption was reconceived as a patriotic duty that would fuel a recovery from the Depression and then sustain the postwar boom. Shortly after the war, the New Deal economist Robert Nathan wrote: "Only if we have large demands can we expect large production. Therefore. . . ever-increasing consumption on the part of our people is. . . one of the prime requisites for prosperity." This conflation of consumption and citizenship altered Americans' conceptions of themselves and what they demanded of their leaders. As technology grew more sophisticated, businesses chopped up the citizenry into market segments based on demographic traits and targeted them with specific messages. Political campaigns soon followed suit, delivering different appeals to audiences that they could, with each passing decade, increasingly pinpoint into ever narrower segments. The growth of direct-mail fundraising in the 1970s exemplified this trend. The rise of the mall and other privatized shopping centers in the place of old downtown centers in the 1970s and 1980s, and then the rise of Internet shopping replacing the mall in the 2000s, removed crucial sites of public interaction, let alone discourse. Following these economic and cultural shifts, the relationship between voter and elected official transitioned into a contract in which the government's legitimacy was based on its ability to provide for an ever-expanding standard of consumption. If the people's responsibility was to consume, the government's responsibility became maintaining economic conditions that allowed them to do so; in short, preserving their prosperity. By the 1970s, historian Lizabeth Cohen argues, the idea of an elected official calling for sacrifice for a common cause became harder to conceive. President Jimmy Carter found this out the hard way after giving his infamous 1979 "malaise" speech calling on Americans to reduce dependence on foreign oil by expanding alternative energy sources and embracing conservation programs and public transportation. Carter asked Americans to: "take no unnecessary trips, to use carpools or public transportation whenever you can. . . to obey the speed limit, and to set your thermostats to save fuel." Although Carter received a modest boost in his approval ratings for this speech, the American people ultimately opted for the sunny optimism of Ronald Reagan, who continued the trend of praising the people but demanding nothing from them. Declaring "less is not enough," Reagan removed Carter's solar panels from the White House roof and lifted federal controls on the domestic production of gas as soon as he entered office, paving the way for a resurgence of gas-guzzling automobiles. This political trend coincided with the rise of the all-volunteer military after the debacle of Vietnam, which meant that an ever-tinier slice of the population was asked to sacrifice for the common good by serving. As historian Andrew Bacevich notes, this shift changed the democratic social contract. Instead of meaningful sacrifice like military service, higher taxes or the foregoing of certain consumer goods, Americans instead adopted the shallow, performative patriotism represented by ballpark military demonstrations, "support the troops" bumper stickers and the canceling of the Dixie Chicks. While these rituals and symbols soothe our consciences, they have left most of us content to go about life expecting others to sacrifice to keep us safe. Meanwhile, American foreign policy shifted toward maintaining the free flow of oil from the Middle East, a crucial plank for upholding domestic economic prosperity, although the volunteer military would bear the burdens of policing this volatile region. Nothing exemplified this facile conception of the citizen's obligations to national defense more than the post-9/11 wars. In the midst of invading two countries, President George W. Bush did not renew the draft and even cut taxes - instead of raising them as in previous wars. Embodying the idea of consumerism as patriotism, Bush asked the public shortly after 9/11 to take responsibility for reviving the airline industry: "Fly and enjoy America's great destination spots. Get down to Disney World in Florida." In 2006, as the Iraq War reached a crescendo, he exhorted: "I encourage you all to go shopping more." Today, too many Americans think consumerism is their civic responsibility, and they expect the government to preserve the rhythms and conveniences of everyday life at all costs. The election of Donald Trump, a man who seems incapable of self-sacrifice, may be the apex of this trend. We still have robust levels of voluntarism at local levels, as exhibited repeatedly since the coronavirus began through donations and other acts of kindness. However, our diminished capacity for "involuntarism" and real sacrifice is highly problematic in the face of this sort of challenge. The reality of the next few months will probably be that the government will disrupt our lives in ever-intensifying waves. It will have to mobilize us preemptively, before the crisis is so bad that Americans will voluntarily isolate ourselves. This is where it is especially important to understand the historical roots of our consumer-oriented notions of citizenship and our reticence to accept temporary compulsive measures. It is hard to draw lessons from an ongoing event, but here's a tentative takeaway from this crisis: it is as much a political event as biological disaster. The leaders, ideas and histories of different nations matter in shaping how they respond. The fact that most of the country is experiencing the same problem at the same time could inspire a shift away from hyper-individualism and consumer citizenship, but this will not happen automatically. Building a stronger concept of the citizen requires an active consciousness of how our notions of self, society and government have changed in ways that make it harder to put the collective good first when we really need to. - - - Joseph Stieb recently received a Ph.D in history at UNC-Chapel Hill, and he now teaches at East Chapel Hill High School. Cambodia has not yet seen a slowdown in cement sales over COVID-19 19 March 2020 The coronavirus has not had a significant impact on the cement and other construction material markets in Cambodia, which are retaining strong demand at present. The Cambodian construction sector reports no slowdown in demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic, while cement prices are holding up. "Demand remains strong for cement and building materials due to infrastructure development, urbanisation, long-term investment, and family and population growth. We believe the Cambodian economy will continue to grow strongly in the long term," said Wirot Phanitphotchamarn, Kampot Cement Co's sales and marketing director. Kampot Cement says it will not lower the price of its products in places like Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, where COVID-19 fears have slowed the flow of tourists, arguing that the market remains strong. "We are not concerned about the price as it is a matter of demand and supply. SCG focusses on quality and value," said Mr Phanitphotchamarn. A sales representative of Chray Sokun Construction Materials Depot, a firm based in Kandal province's Saang district, told the Phnompenh Post that the price of cement in the market has not changed. She said her depot has placed orders for three types of cement: K-cement, a product of Kampot Cement is selling for US$103/t. Meanwhile, Camel Cement Products of Chip Mong Insee Cement sells for US$101/t and Conch of Battambang Cement is selling for just over US$90/t. Published under Two Lancaster men are in custody Thursday night after police say they shot up an East Lampeter hotel, killing one person and injuring another. Tyler Elian Gonzalez-Inthiphan, 19, and Joshua Joaquin Luciano, 19, are accused of going to the 1722 Motor Lodge at 1722 Old Philadelphia, around 1:18 a.m. Thursday, and firing several shots, East Lampeter Township police said. Police responded to the shooting and found two victims, one of whom has since died, police said. A 22-year-old man from Lancaster died and a 24-year-old man from Lancaster is still being treated for a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police did not identify either person. Gonzalez-Inthiphan and Luciano are both charged with criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure. Both men were arraigned and denied bail due to the severity of the charges. They are being held at Lancaster County Prison. Preliminary hearing dates have not been set for either man. Read more on PennLive: Photo credit: Kristen Blush From ELLE Disheartened by the 2016 presidential election, anti-bullying activist and abortion rights champion Marie Newman decided to challenge longtime Illinois Rep. Daniel Lipinski. She fell two points short of defeating the then-six-term incumbent Democratbut the narrow loss only fueled her fire to see change in their community. On Tuesday night, she defeated the conservative Democrat in what was one of the most competitive Democratic primaries of 2020. We spoke to her in October 2019 about why she decided to run. I am bursting with pride and gratitude for the amazing coalition that helped bring about much needed change in our district. We are going to work together to lower health care costs, to fight climate change, and to build an economy that works for everyone. #NewDayInIL03 #IL03 Marie Newman (@Marie4Congress) March 18, 2020 I followed politics all my life, but it wasn't until the 2002 presidential election that I became actively involved in my community. I volunteered for Al Gore's campaign and did some door knocking. When George W. Bush won, it absolutely outraged me. My perception was that the campaign was stolen in Florida. And it's happened again since then! After Trump won the election in 2016, I went through a similar kind of outrage, but this time it was equal parts denial that this was actually happening and absolute fear of what this meant for our society. My daughter, Evie transitioned four and a half years ago, and I couldn't help but think Trump's election just might put us back 20 years in terms of people's rights. I had to do something. Photo credit: Michael Murray I'd done my fair share of activism in the past. Back in high school, I started volunteering to help homeless immigrants. In collegeI went to Marquette University for a year and a half and then transferred over to University of WisconsinI volunteered teaching adults how to read. I also worked in gun violence prevention, and advocated for gun reform. Story continues Later on, I became heavily involved in the anti-bullying space. My son, Quinn, was traumatically bullied in grammar school. The ugly secret about bullying in our culture today is that it's not necessarily what a given child is doing, it's what the culture drives in a given community. So, we built an anti-bullying system in my district with a coalition of 100 families. Then, I established a national non-profit called "Team Up to Stop Bullying." His story has a happy ending: He's now a senior at Xavier University in Ohio, and he's just knocking it out of the park. Photo credit: Michael Murray After the 2016 election, I began to feel that a more involved role in politics was the way I could truly make a difference. For 14 years I'd watched my congressman in Illinois, Dan Lipinski, put up a lot of walls and divide people with his policy stances. At that time, he was a sixth term incumbent and I knew challenging him would be hard, I wasn't naive. But I really did think I would win. I'm a right brain, left brain kind of person, who is really good at understanding thorny problems. I look at the psychology of the situation, and bring those right brain left brain pieces together, and make sense of them. I knew I could do it. For 20 hours a day, for a full year and a quarter, I campaigned, working harder than I ever had before. I found out I'd lost the 2018 election at a party at a brewery in Bridgeport, which is part of my district. I was astonished, because we'd been up a few points a week and a half prior. Then, I was disappointed. Then, I was heartbroken. Heartbroken, mostly, for our district. But, I'm a strong Midwesterner, I'm not a whiner. I will take on anybody, and I'm obviously ready for work. I have a long track record of hard work. I grew up in the middle of the middle class. My parents didn't give me anything, they didn't give me jobs, they didn't give me a lot of money. They helped where they could, but I put myself through college. I scrubbed tables and floors. Then, I worked for another 12 years after college to fully pay off my loans, and I was lucky, right? Students today can't even pay off their loans in 12 years. I didn't know immediately that I would run again. I took a couple of days to do a full numerical analysis and understand what I did wrong. I started getting hundreds of emails, texts, and messages across social media telling me to run again. So, I started asking people, "Is this what you want?" Because it would be silly for me to run again if the district didn't want me to run. By March, I was 100 percent confident I would challenge Dan again. The premise of our campaign, and the question we ask everybody is, "Is your life affordable today?" And the answer is resoundingly, "No." So we are running on solutions that create a life more affordable for everybody. Things like raising wages, empowering unions, bringing the middle class back through paid leave, universal childcare, a green economy, and bringing infrastructure and transportation projects that are green to, not just the districts, but to the nation, as well. Photo credit: Michael Murray I'm spoiled by the endorsements of Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Jay Inslee. AOC is also a supporter. While our districts are very different, there's certain things that I have common with her, and she gives the best advice. One time she called me and said, "You know your district right?" And I said, "Like the back of my hand." She told me, "I know my district, too. You tell everyone that you know the district, and if you can say it with great confidence, you'll win." Photo credit: Mia Feitel When she won her seat in 2018, I sent her a Twitter message saying, "You know, machines can be broken." She said, "Thank you, I hope so." And that's truly what I believe, that the Chicago machine can be broken and rebuilt. The most important thing in life is to learn from the past. I'm not afraid of hard work. It's in my DNA. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You Might Also Like New York, March 19 : Describing himself as a "wartime President", Donald Trump has announced that he is invoking emergency powers which will allow private sector capacity to be used in responding to the coronavirus pandemic which has already killed more than 130 people in the US. Trump said he is invoking the Defense Production Act "in case we need it" as the country braces for a sharp spike in COVID-19 caseload. With these emergency powers, the Trump administration can pull on the country's installed industrial base to swiftly produce materials needed in a national crisis. Briefing reporters at the White House Wednesday, Trump said America's battle against the "Chinese virus" is "like a war". "It's a very tough situation", Trump said on a day of chilling economic impact when Detroit's big three automakers - Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler - all decided to shut down their factories over coronavirus fears. With that one blow alone, more than 150,000 workers will be put out of work. Trump also said he is sending a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which has the largest cluster of cases in the US. The US government has also decided to "suspend foreclosures and evictions" through April as the looming threat of large scale unemployment threatens millions of Americans. Earlier the same day, Trump and Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced closing the US-Canada border, the longest in the world, for everything except for the bare essential personnel and trade. Bracing for the coming economic bloodbath, the Trump administration is pushing forward a $500 billion economic relief plan which proposes direct cash payments to Americans within two weeks, pending Congress approval. If the plan is approved, the first cheques are expected to drop by April 6. On Wednesday, the White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx cautioned that the number of people diagnosed is likely to increase dramatically in the next few days as testing capacity ramps up. It is now nearly 60 days since the first US case surfaced and testing at scale remains an issue across the country till date. Birx today underlined a relatively new theme in what we know about the virus - its transmission from hard surfaces. "We're still working out how much is by human to human transmission and how much from surfaces", she said. "We've not seen significant mortality in children", she said. "Don't expose yourself to surfaces outside the home", Birx urged Americans. All week, the White House task force has been calling on "younger" Americans, especially millennials, to follow the latest social distancing guidelines and stop congregating in groups. Hospitals, which are fearing a tidal wave of cases coming in as a result of the increased testing capacity, have been asked to cancel all elective surgeries. (Nikhila Natarajan can be contacted at nikhilanatarajan@gmail.com) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Representative image KT Chandy and Anshul Khemuka The announcement of the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme has been one of the most exciting tax events in 2020. The Ministry of Finance has been enthusiastic about rolling out this scheme, tax officials have been proactive in communicating with taxpayers on the benefits of the scheme, and interested taxpayers have been diligent about commencing discussions with their tax teams and consultants in working out its economics. With the Bill passed by both the houses of Parliament and having obtained Presidential assent, it is now enacted into law. The forms in this regard have also been rolled out. Ever since the draft Bill was introduced, several questions made their way to the Ministry. These included the manner of computing disputed tax liability, the modus operandi when appeals for a particular financial year had been filed by both the taxpayers and the income tax department, the possibility of picking and choosing specific issues for settlement, and so on. By way of circulating answers to frequently asked questions and hosting a webcast, the Ministry has put forward its best foot in allaying certain apprehensions. Vacuities, however, continue to exist both in terms of interpretation of this Act and its implementation. Let us look at some of these gaps and plausible ways to address them, in context of controversies surrounding Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). In a lot of cases, taxpayers are exploring the benefits of this Act to address TDS-related issues. The good news is that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that where the deductor settles a TDS dispute under this Act, the TDS credit will be granted to the deductee. However, by allowing credit in the year of settlement of dispute, the Act is creating a mismatch of the TDS credit and creating additional interest burden for the deductee. Had the litigation been settled in the normal course, the TDS credit would have been available to the deductee in the year the income is assessable. It would be good if a specific facility be introduced where the TDS deposited by the deductor under the Act is granted as credit to the deductee simultaneously, albeit in the year to which the income pertains. This would also help resolve any settlement of dispute by the deductee under the Act. Further, clarity on non-levy of fee under Section 234E for TDS-statement filing, would be a welcome clarification. The CBDT has also clarified that once the deductor settles the TDS liability (against a TDS non-compliance order) under the Act, it would be entitled to corresponding expense deduction in the year in which the TDS was to be made. However, it remains to be seen whether the taxpayer has a choice on the timing of claiming deduction, i.e. whether it can be availed in the year of default or of settlement under the Act. Further, since disallowance of expense is purely consequential to the TDS default by the deductor, where the deductee discharges taxes and settles appeal under the Act, it may be clarified that along with the relief from the TDS, the deductor shall also be entitled to expense deduction. While officials have assured that any refund (sans interest) arising pursuant to the Act would be granted within reasonable time, it would be good if the CBDT can provide clarity on the timing issue of such refund. Also, to dispel fears of taxpayers, it may be clarified that refunds from undisputed matters would not be impacted under the Act as of now, it has only been clarified that the interest on undisputed refund would be computed under regular provisions. Another welcome clarification would be whether the refund arising from settlement in one year under the Act may be set-off against demand arising from settlement in another while some officials have denied this possibility, inclusion of such provision would make the Act more palatable from a cash flow perspective. A number of taxpayers, industrial bodies, and consultants have placed their representations to address open issues. We are confident that the CBDT would look to fill-in most gaps in a timely manner. At the moment, however, given the limited clarity on a range of aspects and the novel Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, an extension in the due date (of March 31) would be appreciated. Two Lafayette Parish residents have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the first confirmed cases in Acadiana, health officials said Wednesday night. Dr. Tina Stefanski, regional medical director with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, at a 10 p.m. press conference Wednesday, released few details about the two local cases of coronavirus, known as COVID-19. To protect the identity of the two individuals, Stefanski said she would not provide an age range, say whether the two people are related or if their cases are related, or whether they have a connection to the New Orleans area, where about 250 of the state's 280 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been detected. Pressed by reporters after the news conference, Stefanski said the two Lafayette Parish individuals are not associated with any type of group living situation, such as a nursing home or college dormitory. Neither is being treated as an inpatient at a medical facility, she said, but she would not divulge whether either is currently in Lafayette Parish, saying their "primary residence" is in Lafayette Parish and that they are required to remain in isolation. When there is information about a case that would help protect the community, Stefanski said that information would be released. But the health department does all it can to protect the privacy of individuals, she said. While the New Orleans area is seeing community spread of the virus, Stefanski said, "there is no ongoing community spread in Lafayette Parish that we know of." That may change when further test results on Acadiana residents are reported. At least 180 people in Acadiana were tested for the virus this week. Results from commercial labs can take 7-10 days. "I think we all expect to see additional positive cases throughout this region," Stefanski said, "because there are a few hundred outstanding tests at commercial labs." Mayor-President Josh Guillory said the community is prepared to deal with additional coronavirus cases. "We all knew this was coming, " he said. "We planned for it and we already have resources and procedures in place." Guillory urged residents to continue to call 311 to speak with a medical professional about whether they should be tested for coronavirus. Acadiana residents also may be screened from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at a drive-thru site at the Cajundome in Lafayette, which is designed for high-risk individuals. Medical professionals on site will determine who should be tested for the virus. "This is a moment we all knew would arrive," Guillory said. "We have prepared. We have planned. We have put personnel and resources in place. We are ready." Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up He urged residents to keep doing what they should already be doing: Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Stay home if you or your child are sick. "We will get through this," Guillory said. "We are Lafayette." News of the parish's first two confirmed cases came after officials on Wednesday announced two more deaths in Louisiana from the coronavirus, these in St. James and Jefferson parishes. The remaining deaths were in Orleans Parish. Eight total people have died from the virus in Louisiana as of Wednesday night. The number of positive tests in Louisiana has rapidly grown in the past week after the first case was reported March 9 in Jefferson Parish. State and local officials have taken what some consider drastic measures to limit contact by social distancing, keeping 3-6 feet away from others and avoiding shaking hands. On Sunday, Guillory announced all local government buildings, including libraries and city hall, will be closed to the public to slow the spread of the virus. A drive-through screening site opened at the Cajundome on Wednesday. He also implemented an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for any unaccompanied minor. Gov. John Bel Edwards last week ordered schools K-12 grades to shut down starting Monday. Institutions of higher learning, including UL Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College, also are switching to distance learning. He also has banned gatherings of 50 or more people, leading to the announcement Monday that Festival International de Louisiane 2020 is canceled. On Monday, Edwards ordered even tighter restrictions, closing as of midnight Monday all bars, fitness centers, casinos and movie theaters. Restaurant dining rooms also are closed, but they are allowed to provide meals via drive-thru, delivery or take-out service. In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Sunday said businesses there would remain open, but there will be limits. Cantrell said she and other officials are discussing plans with the hospitality industry, including the possibility of a city-wide curfew and feeding stations. The virus emerged from China in December and swept across the globe caused the disease COVID-19, which can cause fever, cough and difficulty breathing. It poses the most risk to elderly adults and those with existing medical conditions. Younger or healthier people may be infected but not know it, as many adults show no symptoms. A woman has her samples taken for Covid-19 testing upon arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, March 18, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Vietnam has readied as many as 90,000 doctors and 125,000 nurses, as also and turned many facilities into zones for quarantining and treating Covid-19 patients. By Wednesday, 90,000 doctors and 125,000 nurses nationwide had been positioned to be deployed in case Vietnam sees a spike in Covid-19 patients. If necessary, medical students will also join the force to fight Covid-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, officials say. "Seniors of medical schools will be trained for the task of taking samples for testing for the virus, quarantining suspected patients and assisting doctors and nurses," Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son said Tuesday. Retired doctors and nurses have also been called to lend a helping hand if needed, he said. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had said Tuesday that hospitals of all levels, the military, and the police force have to prepare themselves so that they can be pressed into service as quickly as possible. 3,000 ventilators have been prepared at medical facilities across the nation. In case the pandemic gets worse and more patients become critical and cannot breathe on their own, ventilators will be reserved for the most urgent cases. The health sector has also built plans to acquire more medical equipment, medicines, masks, protective gear and disinfectant. At present, the number of hospital beds are sufficient to meet the demand of quarantining those suspected to have the virus and treating infected ones, Son said. Preparing for the worst The countrys major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have got their medical infrastructure ready for the worst scenarios. Nguyen Tan Binh, director of HCMCs Health Department, said the city has readied staff, facilities and equipment to respond to the Covid-19 epidemic even if it lasts longer than expected. HCMC has turned the Can Gio District Hospital with 300 beds into a facility that will specialize in treating Covid-19 patients. Since Monday, the hospital has been receiving those with symptoms like cough and fever. The field hospital in Cu Chi, with 300 beds, which was initially established as a centralized medical camp to quarantine those returning to Vietnam from stricken areas and those who have met with returnees, is now being used to treat infections as well. The second campus of the HCMC Oncology Hospital will be ready for operation in June, and if the number of Covid-19 patients increases, this new campus will be used to treat them. 400 infectious disease specialists in the city are training other doctors to ensure that the city can be capable of treating up to 1,000-1,400 patients. The city has got 20,000 test kits for next month and an equal number will be added in May and June. "Were trying our best to test and classify all people entering Vietnam from stricken areas. This primary step will help us to completely prevent the epidemic from spreading further," Binh said. As for Hanoi, over 4,000 hospital beds have been prepared for Covid-19 suspects and patients, half of them in field hospitals. Hanoi Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung said that with more Vietnamese likely to return home from Europe, the city has turned several facilities into medical camps for quarantining. These include the Thuong Thanh resettlement area in Long Bien District, which is home to 427 apartments that can isolate about 2,000 people, a student accommodation facility in Hoang Mai District, which can serve 2,000 in quarantine, the half-finished Me Linh General Hospital in Me Linh District will be deployed to quarantine 200. In addition, some vocational schools in the citys outskirts may also be pressed into use. Vietnam has reported 76 Covid-19 patients, including 60 since March 6, before which the country had gone 22 days without a new case. Of the active cases, 20 are being treated in Hanoi and nine in HCMC. The Covid-19 pandemic has spread to 173 countries and territories, claiming nearly 9,000 lives. The Viking Age spanned from the sacking of the abbey on Lindisfarne in June, 793, and is generally accepted as ending with William the Conqueror's ascension to the English throne in 1066. The Norse traveled outward from Scandinavia, reaching everywhere from Estonia to Canada to Spain to Baghdad. Despite their many accomplishments in exploring and trading, history knows them as warriors who welcomed battle and death. No viking warrior has a reputation for badassery quite like that of Ragnar Lothbrok. His lifestyle was so badass that it's been made into television series on History, aptly named Vikings. According to the show, Lothbrok single-handedly led the assaults on Lindisfarne, Paris, and Wessex, and his eventual death sparked his sons to form the Great Heathen Army. Looking at the timeline of those events in the real-world, that would mean he had a roughly 73-year viking career. The vikings, historically, made those victorious raids in 793, 845, and 858, before his death in 865. While it's not entirely impossible for someone to raid for 73 years, the show's creators are open about their creative liberties. The biggest of them being that there may have been many people named Ragnar Lothbrok or no one at all. The Norse weren't keen on preserving their own history. They did tell stories orally, which is how they still exist today, but historical records kept by the vikings are scarce at best. As with most stories, there was room for exaggeration. Plus, the people who wrote the stories of the vikings were almost always on the receiving ends of raids, concerned more with exaggerating their ferocity and triumphs over vikings than accurately retelling their defeats. This leads us to the biggest debate surrounding Ragnar Lothbrok: When and where he actually died. Many have claimed responsibility for death: from Carlingford Lough to East Anglia to Anglesey to where the show places his death, Northumbria, everyone wanted to be known for slaying the fearsome Lothbrok. Taking credit for such a victory could ward off potential raids, but there's little proof to back up most of these claims. I mean, if your BS story makes a cold-hearted deathbringer think twice, it's worth the risk. (Vikings Heading for Land/Frank Dicksee/1873) The only legitimate source for information on Ragnar Lothbrok is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of documents detailing Anglo-Saxon history originally published around the time Ragnar was said to exist. His name does appear, but there is a debate within the historical community if thats the same man. The name "Ragnar" has been attributed to several other Norse leaders and not one single badass. This puts a new perspective on the term "Son of Ragnar," as it might have been more of a title than an actual blood relation. In the television series, many of Ragnar's sons are born from his multiple wives. The two sons that actually have been historically proven to exist are Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless, both from different mothers. But any stories of their exploits, once again, fall firmly in the "with-a-grain-of-salt" category, seeing as The Saga of the Sons of Ragnar is, like much of viking history, more of a collection of campfire stories than historical evidence. The battles of the Great Heathen Army were entirely accurate. They destroyed the hell out of Old England. Though Vikings may not be a completely historically accurate telling of events, they do the vikings plenty of justice by interweaving the vast collection of Ragnar Lothbrok tales and piecing them into a single, compelling, easy-to-follow narrative. The facts are a bit hazy, but it's still one of the more accurate representations of vikings in modern media. It just takes some liberties with individual characters. Of course, there was no one assuming the mantle of "Ragnar" at the Lindisfarne raid. The actual viking, Rollo, who became the First Duke of Normandy in the year 911, lived nearly fifty years after Ragnar's death, which means it's impossible for them to be brothers. Even his first wife, Lagertha, may also be more myth than fact. But on the bright side, the greatest scene in the entire series if not television history is actually very historically accurate. MORE POSTS FROM WE ARE THE MIGHTY: By the numbers: 6 most battle-proven weapons in the arsenal The Marines arrive in Norway How this 20th century viking fought in 13 wars around the world We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty. Mumbai, March 19 : After 49 tested positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray government now braces for another estimated 40,000 travellers arriving by flights from many of the affected countries to the international airports in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur over the next two weeks, official sources indicated here on Thursday. There are over two dozen incoming flights daily, averaging around 200 passengers per flight from the badly-hit Gulf nations and other affected countries to these three major cities. Chief Minister Thackeray said on Thursday the state is fully prepared to handle these incoming flights while Pune Divisional Commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar informed that all passengers arriving from Dubai from Friday would be compulsorily picked up for quarantine at the airport itself. Mhaisekar also said that domestic flight passengers are also being screened to ensure that none among them -- who may have arrived from a foreign country to any other international airport in India and then taken a domestic flight to Pune -- has been missed out even accidentally. However, with the Centre earlier in the day banning all incoming international flights for a week from March 22, the pressure is expected to somewhat ease on the local state health authorities. As per available details, an average of 5,000-plus passengers, including many foreigners, fly down to Maharashtra daily from many of the affected countries in the Gulf, Europe and the US, besides other countries, and would require quarantine in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur. Besides, there are likely to be special flights being operated to rescue stranded Indian tourists or students who have sent SOS to Maharashtra government and the Centre from different countries including Uzbekistan, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Spain, etc. One such special flight carrying a batch of around 40 medical students from Singapore is expected to reach Mumbai late on Thursday, said BJP state Vice-President Kirit Somaiya. However, despite attempts, state officials could not provide the exact number of quarantine facilities being made available for the expected additional influx into the state from other affected countries over the next couple of weeks. A Slovak government plane landed in the capital of Bratislava on Thursday with medical equipment from China. Slovakian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini and Slovakia's Interior Minister Denisa Sakova were present upon the plane's arrival to receive the medical supplies. The supplies include one million face masks for one-time use and testers for COVID-19, Pellegrini said. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Worldwide, more than 219,000 people have been infected and more than 8,900 have died. Over 84,000 have recovered, most of them in China." Derek Davis/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images En espanol | Hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic are the country's roughly 5,000 Meals on Wheels programs that deliver or serve meals to about 2.4 million older Americans each year. Officials at Meals on Wheels are grappling with twin challenges: an influx of older adults who are self-isolating due to the outbreak; and far fewer helping hands, since volunteers fear catching the virus that causes COVID-19. Consider Florida's Volusia County, a retirement haven and home to Daytona Beach. About 1,000 older adults each week are served lunch at its seven so-called congregate dining programs, all of which have been closed as of March 16, says Penny Young-Carrasquillo of the Council on Aging of Volusia County. The facilities temporarily were shuttered on the advice of state and federal officials, she says. One of the lunchgoers is a 104-year-old man, Young-Carrasquillo says. Attendees either drive or are driven to the lunches. Donations are sought for the meals, but nobody who can't chip in is turned away. Separately, Volusia County has a Meals on Wheels food-delivery program that last year handed out more than 178,000 meals to older adults, some extremely frail. Now, arrangements are being made for people to pick up food at drive-through sites, providing they have transportation. Additional in-home deliveries are slated for those who are unable to fetch the grab-and-go meals. Young-Carrasquillo says a $50 internet donation just came in with a message: I want to support Meals on Wheels as they provide food for seniors during this scary time of COVID-19. She shared the note with colleagues, saying: It almost made us cry. Soon she'll make a public appeal for contributions. AARP, Major League Baseball make big donations Others, in fact, are stepping up to the plate. On Monday, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association gave $500,000 to Meals on Wheels America. The two organizations gave another $500,000 to Feeding America, which supports food banks. MONTREAL, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dynacor Gold Mines Inc. (TSX: DNG / OTC: DNGDF) (Dynacor or the "Corporation"), an international leading ore purchasing and processing corporation servicing artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) provides an update. The Peruvian government recently declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, coronavirus. As of March 16, 2020, the Peruvian authorities are restricting non-essential transportation and travel within the country in addition to declaring a 15-day quarantine whereby all citizens are to stay and work from home if possible. The restriction includes a halt to all interprovincial transportation, as well as passenger domestic and international flights. All Medical facilities, pharmacies, food markets, gas stations and banks will be exempt from the temporary quarantine and will remain open during this time. In full compliance with the Peruvian government's 15-day quarantine order, the Corporation has closed its Veta Dorada offices throughout the country. During this period, the Corporation will halt all ore-purchases and production as per the government's state of emergency measures and declaration. Upon the government lifting the state of emergency restrictions, Dynacor will immediately resume its ore-purchasing and processing operation. Jean Martineau, president and chief executive officer of Dynacor, commented: "The health and safety of our entire staff are first and foremost. Dynacor employs a full team of the medical staff at the Veta Dorada plant in Chala and, at this time, confirms there are no COVID-19 related cases. The Peruvian government's pro-active measures to contain the novel COVID-19, coronavirus is in full accordance with our Corporation's actions and measures to protect and maintain the health and safety of our staff at all times." Dividend The Corporation is free of debt and in a healthy financial situation. The temporary halt to operations will not affect Dynacor's dividend of 1.5 cents per common share scheduled to be paid on April 2, 2020, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 19, 2020. This dividend will represent the seventh quarterly dividend payment made to shareholders. Story continues ABOUT DYNACOR Dynacor is a dividend-paying gold production corporation headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The corporation is engaged in production through the processing of ore purchased from the ASM (artisanal and small-scale mining) industry. At present, Dynacor produces and explores in Peru, where its management team has decades of experience and expertise. In 2019, Dynacor produced 80,677 ounces of gold, in line with 2018 (81,314 ounces). Dynacor produces environmental and socially responsible gold through its PX IMPACT gold program. A growing number of supportive firms from the fine luxury jewelry, watchmakers and investment sectors are paying a small premium to our customer and strategic partner for this PX IMPACT gold. The premium provides direct investment to develop health and education projects to our small-scale artisanal miners communities. Dynacor trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (DNG). FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in the preceding may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Dynacor, or industry results, to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this news release. Dynacor (TSX: DNG / OTC: DNGDF) Website: http://www.dynacor.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/DynacorGold PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/eadd8a5f-2b2a-4de0-af1d-534e32836a25 For more information, please contact: Dynacor Dale Nejmeldeen Director, Shareholder Relations Dynacor T: (514) 393-9000 (extension 230) E: investors@dynacor.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Passengers crammed inside a speeding 16-seater public minibus in South Africa's largest city Johannesburg instantly fall silent after an old woman suddenly coughs. Fellow commuters quickly cover their mouths and noses with their forearms: the fear of catching coronavirus is palpable here, as infections rise fast. The driver pumps up the radio to break the silence, the passengers resume paying their fares, and coins and notes exchange hands. The numbers of coronavirus infections in South Africa are rising rapidly. Two weeks ago, there was just a single case -- but as of Wednesday the tally stood at 116, after a jump of 31 in just 24 hours. More than a quarter of South Africa's 57 million people rely on the minibus to get to work or school, according to the South African National Taxi Association (SANTACO) which governs the privately-run minibus industry. Passengers sit cheek by jowl in the little buses, which are commonly referred to here as taxis. The closeness has done little to ease concern as the shadow of the coronavirus lengthens. Virus worry: Some passengers at Johannesburg taxi ranks have started to don masks. By Michele Spatari (AFP) "As a commuter I feel I'm at risk of infection because I still have to open that taxi door, I still have to touch the seats, I still have to handle money in the taxi," said human resources manager Serame Maishone, 37, who catches two minibuses daily to get to work. "You can't even cough in the taxi," because people will get suspicious, she said. Despite fear of the virus which has killed 8,000 people and infected more than 200,000 worldwide, passengers in the minibuses very rarely use masks or gloves. "Honestly, I'm very terrified, I'm scared," said 23-year-old commuter Yolanda Masiso, admitting that at first she didn't care about the spread of coronavirus. "I never thought it would get to me or us, or anybody in my surroundings, but obviously I travel every day to work and the possibilities of me being infected or catching it are very high," she told AFP. 'Sneeze! we get scared' Many cities in other continents are shutting down or heading that way, but Africa, which seems to be several weeks behind the curve of the global spread, has yet to follow suit. On Wednesday, it was business as usual at two of Johannesburg's busiest bus ranks, in the downtown district of Bree and in the northern suburb of Randburg. Taxi ranks have deployed cleaners in full protective gear to help with the sanitisation. By Michele Spatari (AFP) Commuters scurried past each other, some stopping to buy fruit from the hawkers before rushing to board minibuses headed to a variety of locations. The city's minibus drivers are famous for their boisterous approach to life and their resilience. But many were unable to hide their fear about coronavirus. "We are scared as drivers, but we don't know what to do," 28-year-old driver Bongane Nene said, adding that he still has to work to pay bills despite the pandemic. "We have seen people wearing dust masks when they come into our taxis -- when they sneeze we get scared," Nene said. While drivers and passengers alike agree that the coronavirus threat is real, the drivers' main worry is the dwindling numbers of commuters as more and more people start to work from home, according to bus owner and operator Simon Makhoba. 'No time to wait' On Wednesday, SANTACO's president, Philip Taaibosch, unveiled a raft of anti-virus measures, including regularly disinfecting termini and vehicles. Hand hygiene: Passenger get a cleansing dollop at the Wanderers taxi rank in central Johannesburg. By Michele Spatari (AFP) Government will also provide hand sanitisers for commuters before they board the bus -- an idea that has not sat well with everyone. "I won't have time to wait for someone who is busy washing their hands before getting onto the taxi. It won't work," Nene protested. Makhoba said the drivers are so busy that they often found it difficult to wash their cars every day, let alone disinfect them every few hours. A restaurant in the heart of the New Orleans tourism district filed a lawsuit on Monday asking a state judge for a declaratory judgment that its business-interruption policy will cover its damages if it is ordered to close by civil authorities in response to the coronavirus. Although it was not clear when the suit was filed whether an emergency order by Gov. John Edwards would force the closure of the Oceana Grill, attorney John W. Houghtaling II said it would be irresponsible not to get in front of the issue and protect his clients rights. He said insurance agents around the country possibly being coaxed by insurers have been irresponsibly telling business owners that their business-interruption policies wont cover shutdowns caused by coronavirus. I cant imagine how defense counsel are going to walk into court and say that coronavirus does not cause damage to property, or contaminate property, said Houghtaling, who is majority owner of Gautheir Murphy & Houghtaling in Metairie, Louisiana. Ive talked to restaurant owners from here to New York City and they all being told the exact same thing by their agents. A Dallas attorney who represents insurance carriers said the lawsuit filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court is premature. The normal process is for the policyholder to file a claim, let the insurance company evaluate the coverages under the policy, and then determined whether coverage exists, said Steven J. Badger, a partner with Zelle LLP. The Oceana Grill serves up Cajon fare in a sprawling space that seats 500 at the corner of Conti and Bourbon Streets in the French Quarter. Normally the restaurant is packed even on weekdays, Houghtaling said, but the coronavirus has thinned the hordes of tourists who usually prowl Bourbon Street. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Monday ordered all restaurants in the city to limit operations to delivery only. That follows an order by the governor on Friday that barred any congregations of more than 250 people. On Tuesday, Louisianas governor closed bars and restricted restaurants to takeout orders until April 13 to prevent the diseases spread. Houghtaling argues in a petition filed with the district court that any damages caused by a shutdown are a real physical loss that is covered by Oceanas all risk business insurance policy with Lloyds of London syndicates. The all risk policy does not provide any exclusion due to losses, business or property, from a virus or global pandemic, according to the petition. Also, according to the complaint, the coronavirus is physically impacting public and private property, and physical spaces in cities around the world and any effort by Lloyds to deny the reality that the virus causes physical damage and loss would constitute a false and potential fraudulent misrepresentation that could endanger policyholders and the public. The lawsuit maintains that the virus physically infects and stays on surfaces for up to 28 days and that a contamination of the insured premises by the virus would be a direct physical loss needing remediation to clean the surfaces of the establishment. It likens the coronavirus infection to cases where the intrusion of lead or gaseous fumes has been found to constitute a direct physical loss. The complaint formally asks the judge to affirm that because the policy does not contain an exclusion for a viral pandemic, there is business income coverage for any future civil shutdowns of restaurants due to physical loss from coronavirus contamination. In a telephone interview, Houghtaling said his client could have self-insured for a business interruption, but chose to set aside a portion of its earnings to buy insurance coverage. He said he became concerned that Lloyds would deny coverage after reading a column posted online last week by Zelle attorney Shannon OMalley that asserted coronavirus shutdowns do not cause direct physical loss or damage to property and would not be covered. Zelle often represents Lloyds in coverage disputes. Houghtaling argues that coronavirus lives on surfaces for as long as 28 days, particularly in humid areas at temperatures below 84 degrees and thus contamination would be a direct physical loss. But lawyers do not agree on the facts any more than they do on principles. Zelles OMalley said in her column that the virus lives for only two hours to nine days on surfaces. A study by the National Institute of Health concluded the virus can live on surfaces for up to three days. Any business interruption claims may be denied because government shutdowns are usually ordered as a precaution, not because of known contamination, if Zelle attorneys are to be believed. Coverage can also be limited by the duration of any contamination. In some ISO forms, the period of restoration has a waiting period, such as 72 hours, before coverage begins. And the period lasts only as long as it should take to repair the physical loss or damage using due diligence and dispatch, OMalley wrote in her column. If the physical damage is the particles of virus on surfaces of a building, how long should it reasonably take to use soap and water, or bleach, to clean those surfaces? Badger said his colleague OMalleys column was one of the better analyses hes seen. He said he agreed with her that insurance policies provide coverage only if there is a direct physical loss. Whether there is coverage for business losses arising out of civil authority orders is dependent on policy language, he said in an email. Insurers will have to consider the reasons behind the civil authority order, including whether they are reactive to property damage or pro-active to avoid future damage or injury, and the breadth of those orders. Editors Note: Since the petition was filed, Louisiana has restricted the business of its courts; the effect of this shutdown on this case is not yet clear. Topics Lawsuits COVID-19 Louisiana Profit Loss Property Pollution Lloyd's An Australian-Chinese woman has broken coronavirus quarantine in China by going for a jog and defying a police officer's orders to go home. The woman was filmed running through the streets of Beijing while she was meant to be on 14-day home isolation after returning to China from overseas. The footage, which has been viewed more than 20million times, shows the woman jogging in active wear. She then bumped into a police officer who told her to 'stop' and go home. But she defiantly ignored his orders and kept running. The footage, which has been viewed more than 20million times, shows the woman jogging through the streets of Beijing in active wear A second video recorded by the policeman suggests he called in backup officers to wait outside her apartment. She was then confronted by authorities at her front door and yelled: 'Help! I'm being harassed' and demanded to see senior police officers. After being told she had violated home isolation protocol she responded: 'I need to run. I need to exercise. Who will take care of me if I get sick? Will you?' Police then asked her to undergo a 14-day quarantine at her home to protect the public's health. After looking at her Australian passport, officers told her she is subject to coronavirus guidelines issued by the Chinese Government. The woman was fired from her job at German pharmaceutical giant Bayer for breaking home isolation The woman returned to Beijing on Sunday, March 15 after traveling outside China, and is required to isolate for at least two weeks. As of Monday, those arriving to China from overseas must spend 14-days quarantined at a designated hotel, but because she got in the day before, so she was only required to isolate at home. She then said she felt intimidated by the police officers' 'bad attitude' and claimed they were 'blowing things out of proportion'. One of the officers then grilled her as to why she chose to return to Beijing amid the spread of COVID-19. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'Why did you return to China? Did Australia take good care of you? Only your home country is responsible at this time,' he said. She was fired from her job at German pharmaceutical scheme Bayer over the incident. The company released a statement on Tuesday announcing that she had been fired for breaking home isolation. 'We always comply with laws and regulations in the countries where our local offices are located. We also firmly support Chinese efforts to curb the epidemic,' the company said. The videos have since gone viral, with a number of social media users slamming her as 'selfish' and a 'piece of trash' who thinks she is above Chinese law because she is an Australian. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was known to say that no great crisis must be allowed to go to waste. The coronavirus disease (Covid-19), which until last month seemed limited to China, is now at everybodys doorstep. While many expect that countries will imitate the broad protocols used by China and contain the virus, the coronavirus might continue as a recurring problem. Predicting its economic impact would be foolhardy, given that there is no parallel that has been so dramatically disruptive a global event. One can, however, look to establish some broad trends. The pandemic should inform our understanding of supply chains, changes in market position, fiscal deficits and multilateralism. Adam Smith, in the The Wealth of Nations, highlights the economic value of the division of labour. But this pandemic has shown that such a division of labour, when taken too far, has costs. China generates nearly 29% of world manufacturing. By way of comparison, India is at 3%. Covid-19 has caused a supply shock, with inadequate production taking place. If there is one certain impact of this pandemic, it will be the increased diversification of supply chains. Countries will need to adjust to some form of an economic reset. To take one extreme example, studies have identified that more than 95% of all antibiotics sold in the United States (US) come, indirectly or directly, from China. A large part of the active ingredients for medicines made in India is sourced from China. This cannot be an acceptable level of dependency on one country, however well-meaning it may be. This will likely change, not just in medicines but in other industries as well. Disruptions in demand and supply are opportunities for entrepreneurship. Previous situations of demand-supply breakdowns, such as war or the Great Depression, have been followed by substantial surges in pent-up demand, enabling either the emergence of new players or new technologies. Without a doubt, some Indian manufacturers should be able to benefit from these shifts in supply chains. The Reserve Bank of India has promised to step in to create some liquidity in the markets. However, since it is unlikely that any general purpose monetary stimuli will work, we will need to see strong liquidity measures targeted towards vulnerable industries and borrowers such as small and medium enterprises, travel companies and mortgage borrowers. One should also see some regulatory forbearance for the recognition of small ticket non-performing assets. This can mitigate the cash flow challenges that these entities will face due to the drop in economic activity. This crisis provides the call to arms to reset our under-invested health care system. Indian health care sustains itself due to private practitioners, starting from small rural doctors all the way to tertiary care. Government spending at 1.4 % of GDP is among the lowest in the world. The present government appears to have been proactive in its response to the virus, but one wonders why it didnt, at the outset include leading private institutions in undertaking the widespread testing required. Its decision to put in mechanisms to involve 51 private laboratories are welcome, but this has not been operationalised yet. One hopes that it is not a case of too little, too late. Covid-19 is an opportunity to obtain political consensus for the expansion of the health care system on a national scale. Economic recoveries rely heavily on sentiment. Sentiment, during a crisis, depends on the perception of good governance and communication. There has been criticism of the secrecy around the Chinese response, although, once Beijing got its act together, it has been able to demonstrate remarkable progress amid tales of heroism from the countrys medical fraternity. In India, better communication and improved management can go some way in building confidence among the citizenry. If there is a belief that the information provided by the government accurate, the treatment is prompt and the health care system is competent, there is likely to be a greater willingness to invest in the future. One would hope that this pandemic will drive greater investment towards research in lesser-known, neglected tropical diseases. Most critically, the pandemic demonstrates that an interlinked world needs closer coordination, a part of which includes stronger multilateral institutions. Containing this pandemic is a global activity and every country has a responsibility to solve this problem. This crisis provides an opportunity for the nations of Europe to come up with some kind of coordinated fiscal policy, which has eluded them for years. The US, with one of the most powerful medical health systems in the world and an unparalleled capacity for research, can again demonstrate the leadership we saw in the 20th century. It could perhaps start by funding the World Health Organization and a kind of Manhattan Project-type of team to fast track a vaccine. We will see thousands of international contracts cancelled and the force majeure claims will need an aligned legal approach. It may be necessary to create the kinds of institutions (Fannie Mae/World Bank), which can accelerate the provision of financing. All of this can only happen when nations act together. In 2008, in response to the economic crisis, the leaders of the G20 nations had promptly met in Washington to come up with a forceful response. Surprisingly, we are still searching for that type of leadership. Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to the South Asian countries for some form of coordinated action. One hopes that this pandemic can create a template for progressive multilateral action in an increasingly isolationist world. Govind Sankaranarayanan, former COO and CFO at Tata Capital , is currently vice chairman at ESG Fund ECube Investment Advisors The views expressed are personal His daughters were not at his bedside, holding his hand. His sons were not making him smile with wisecracks about the institutional setting. His grandchildren were not cheering him up with reports from the distant world of youth. Joseph Trinitys family members were there one day, and then they were not, for the same reason much of the world is trying to suppress the human desire to be with one another: the coronavirus. Trinity had found himself in a New Jersey rehabilitation facility that, like most health care institutions across the country, had declared a no-visitor policy to stem contagion. But he is 92, and in fragile health; family sustains him. Several times a day, he would call his daughter, Mary Trinity, to ask in a faint, slightly garbled voice where everyone was and to beg her to please, please, get him out of there. Joe Trinity was caught in a moment. And he wasnt alone. The federal government and various health care associations have issued strongly restrictive guidelines to prohibit family members and other nonessential personnel from visiting nursing homes, rehab centers and other facilities with older, vulnerable residents. We know there have been challenging episodes with family members, vendors, state survey teams and even a few ombudsmen or postal carriers, not wanting to comply, Mark Parkinson, the president of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, wrote last week. As awareness of the coronavirus grows, he added, hopefully those challenges will diminish. But Richard Mollot, the director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, an advocacy group for people in institutional residential settings, said in an email that he was deeply concerned about residents being cut off from their loved ones. While emphasizing the need for extensive precautions, Mollot said that banning family members, but not employees who come and go some to second jobs as home-care aides makes no sense. He also noted that families are more than friendly faces; they help with eating and drinking and with monitoring medications and treatment. What are residents going to do without them? he asked. Trinitys own odyssey began at his home late last month, as he pushed his walker to the bathroom to brush his teeth before calling it a night. He fell beside the sink, fractured his hip and could not get up. His live-in caretaker alerted his family. Soon an ambulance was taking him away from his home in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a blur of flashing red lights. This was the house that Trinity and his wife, Mary, bought in 1959, the same year the couple, both public schoolteachers, married. This was the house where they raised five children on not a lot of money; brief summer vacations meant a motel pool and pizza as a special treat. He taught drama and speech at Jonathan Dayton High School in nearby Springfield for 30 years. The photos of him in yearbooks stored in the basement mark times passage, progressing from military-style buzz cuts to blondish-gray hair touching the ears. Trinity retired but sold real estate part-time. Children married. His Mary died at 62: irreplaceable. Grandchildren crawled, then walked, then invited him to high school and college and law school graduations. Mobility declined, and some independence was forfeited, reluctantly. But there was a cocktail before dinner, and Jeopardy at 7, and family gatherings on Sundays and holidays until it was all interrupted by a fall. Trinity waited until five the next morning before receiving a bed at a hospital in Summit, 6 miles away. Two of his children stayed with him through the night and into the next day, when he underwent surgery. The three other children soon arrived, from western New Jersey and Boston and Washington, D.C., to hold hands, crack wise and just be there, as February gave way to March. They took note of the bathroom signs recommending that they sing the ABCs while washing hands to scrub out the HAIs, or hospital acquired infections. They made liberal use of the hand sanitizer dispensers at every entrance and exit. Trinity barely caught his breath before being taken, again by ambulance, to a rehabilitation center, where he was to engage in physical and occupational therapies. But this was a 92-year-old man who had had trouble walking even before his hip fracture, and who was also navigating the disorienting sea of pain, medication and an institution that was not his home. Then, at noon on March 13 only a week ago the facility barred visitors. No familiar faces. No jokes. No reassuring squeezes of his hand. Trinity begged by telephone to be rescued, his words weak, anxious, sometimes disconnected. His children faced a heartbreaking dilemma. Should their father remain in the care of professionals who were much better equipped to handle his myriad needs? Or was he at greater risk of contracting the virus by remaining in an institution? And given the prevailing threat and the open-endedness of restrictions, was it possible they would never see him again? On Saturday night, the five Trinity children talked it through by conference call. But they already knew there was really only one answer. On Sunday, they divided assignments: calling the doctors and hospice services and the home health care agency; preparing the family home by moving the table out of the dining room and clearing clutter; ordering a bed; reassuring him when he called again. And they arranged for an ambulance, which pulled up to the facility early Monday afternoon. Soon a wheeled-out Trinity was squinting in the daylight. Im so happy, he said from the gurney. This is the second-happiest day of my life. Two emergency medical technicians locked him in place, closed the back doors and headed off for Maplewood. The ambulance wended its way through a landscape thoroughly altered from the one Trinity had left behind less than three weeks earlier. Past the West Essex YMCA, closed, and the Livingston Public Library, closed. Past an electronic sign reminding people to wash hands, and a ShopRite so packed that the presence of a police car with blinking lights was required. The ambulance passed through a suburban landscape that looked the same, yet was transformed somehow, as if existing in a state of suspension. Then it drove into his hometown, where the schools are closed and the playgrounds padlocked. The ambulance turned right onto his street and passed the century-old houses he still identifies by the surnames of the families who lived there 30, 40, 50 years ago. Finally, it pulled up to his own home, where six family members were waiting. Welcome home! someone called out. Thank you, thank you, he said, failing not to cry. The two EMTs, wearing blue latex gloves, wheeled him up a ramp and gently placed him in the bed that now centered the dining room. Family photographs were displayed on a cabinet, along with a fresh bouquet of yellow roses. The flowers are beautiful, said Joe Trinity, my father-in-law. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Italy has become the country with the most coronavirus-related deaths, surpassing China by registering 3,405 dead. Meanwhile, Iran, another badly-hit country, said that one citizen died every 10 minutes due to the virus. Italy has become the country with the most coronavirus-related deaths, surpassing China by registering 3,405 dead, while, Iran, another badly-hit country, said that one citizen died every 10 minutes due to the virus. Italy reached the gruesome milestone on the same day the epicentre of the pandemic, Wuhan, China, recorded no new infections. Overall, China on Thursday counted 3,249 dead, 156 fewer than Italy, according to the Johns Hopkins University virus map. Both Italys toll and its new infections shot up again on Thursday, adding 427 more dead and 5,322 more infections. Overall, Italy has recorded 41,035 infections, more than half of the worlds positive cases. AP reported that health authorities have cited a variety of reasons for Italys high toll, key among them its large population of elderly people, who are particularly susceptible to serious complications from the virus, though severe cases have also been seen in younger patients. Italy has the worlds second-oldest population, and the vast majority of its dead 87 percent were over 70. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a virologist at Germanys Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, said that Italys high death rate could be explained in part by the almost total breakdown of the health system in some areas. Thats what happens when the health system collapses, he said. Italys health care system has been overwhelmed by the virus, and on Thursday a visiting Chinese Red Cross team criticised the failure of Italians to fully quarantine and take the national lockdown seriously. On a visit to the northern city of Milan, the head of a Chinese Red Cross delegation advising Italy said he was shocked to see so many people walking around, using public transportation and eating out and partying in hotels. Sun Shuopeng of the Chinese Red Cross said Wuhan saw infections peak only after a month of a strictly enforced lockdown. Right now we need to stop all economic activity and we need to stop the mobility of people, he said, adding, All people should be staying at home in quarantine. Aside from the elderly and the sick, most people have mild or moderate symptoms, like a fever or cough, and most recover in a matter of weeks. Iran health ministry says one citizen dies every 10 minutes Iranian health ministry spokesperson Kianoush Jahanpour said on Thursday that an Iranian dies due to the novel coronavirus every 10 minutes. Every hour, at least 50 Iranian are infected, he added in a tweet. Iran confirmed 1,046 cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 18,407. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei planned to pardon 10,000 more prisoners including an unknown number of political detainees to combat the virus. The country, where more than 1,100 people have already died, previously freed 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave. US economy slows The damage to the US' economy kept piling up on Thursday, with unemployment claims surging, while the virus appeared to be opening an alarming new front in Africa, where, in less than three weeks it has spread to 35 countries. The worldwide toll crept toward 10,000 as the total number of infections topped 2,20,000, including nearly 85,000 people who have recovered. The epidemic has also now reached at least one European head of state, 62-year-old Prince Albert II of the tiny principality of Monaco. Johns Hopkins University, which has been tallying the virus spread around the world, said the US had more than 10,700 cases. In the US, Congress rushed to pass a $1 trillion emergency package to shore up the sinking economy and help households pull through the crisis, with the first of two possible rounds of relief checks consisting of payments of $1,000 per adult and $500 for each child. The American toll rose to 160, primarily elderly people. French prime minister Edouard Philippe pleaded with people to keep their distance from one another to avoid spreading the virus, even as the crisis pushed them to seek comfort. When you love someone, you should avoid taking them in your arms, he said in the Parliament. Its counterintuitive, and its painful. The psychological consequences, the way we are living, are very disturbing but its what we must do. Spain has been the hardest-hit European country after Italy, and in Madrid, a four-star hotel began operating as a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients. The director of the group that runs the Ayre GH Colon hotel tweeted: 365 rooms more to help win the war. The Madrid Hotel Business Association said it has placed 40 hotels with room for 9,000 people at the service of the Madrid region, which has near half of Spains 17,000 or so cases. In London, home to almost 9 million, the government urged people to stay off public transportation as authorities considered imposing tougher travel restrictions. The British supermarket chain Sainsburys reserved the first hour of shopping for vulnerable customers, one of many such efforts around the world. Jim Gibson, 72, of London, said he found most of his groceries there in a relatively trauma-free experience. But he fretted that he hadnt been able to get the medicine he needed for his wife and himself, and expressed concerns that Britains government had been too slow in ramping up testing. You cant go on ignoring World Health Organisation guidelines if theyre wrong, who the hell is right? he said. Lets have no shilly-shallying. The British government, which was slow to react to the virus, has shifted gears and is now drawing up legislation giving itself new powers to detain people and restrict gatherings. The bill is expected to be approved by Parliament next week. Wuhan sees no new infections, but Virus spreads to Africa Thursday marked the first time since 20 January that Wuhan showed no new locally transmitted cases, a rare glimmer of hope and perhaps a lesson in the strict measures needed to contain the virus. Wuhan, which has been under a strict lockdown since January, once was the place where thousands lay sick or dying in hurriedly constructed hospitals. But Chinese authorities said all 34 new cases recorded over the previous day had come from abroad. Today, we have seen the dawn after so many days of hard effort, said Jiao Yahui, a senior inspector at the National Health Commission. Meanwhile, the WHO warned that the virus is spreading quickly in Africa an especially alarming development, given the poor state of health care in many of its countries. About 10 days ago, we had about five countries with the virus, said WHOs Africa chief Dr Matshidiso Moeti. Now 35 of Africas 54 countries have cases, with the total close to 650. It is an extremely rapid evolution, she said. The first sub-Saharan Africa case was announced on 28 February. European stock markets were up only slightly after losses in Asia despite a massive 750 billion-euro stimulus package announced overnight by the European Central Bank. Wall Street was calm in early trading by the standards of the past few days, when traders weighing the increasing likelihood of a recession against the huge economic support pledged by global authorities have caused wild swings. With wide swaths of the US economy grinding to a halt, the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits surged by 70,000 last week, more than economists expected. The US Federal Reserve unveiled measures to support money-market funds and borrowing as investors worldwide rush to build up dollars and cash. Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler, along with Honda and Toyota, announced on Wednesday that they would close all of their factories in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The shutdown of Detroits Big Three alone will idle about 1,50,000 workers. On Thursday, more borders closed as well, leaving tens of thousands of tourists wondering how they would get home. In the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand shut out tourists. In Austria, the province of Tyrol put 279 municipalities under quarantine because of a large number of infections, barring people from leaving towns or villages except to go to work. With inputs from agencies Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 00:12:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) reported the first pregnant woman diagnosed with COVID-19 in Hong Kong among 16 newly confirmed cases on Thursday. The infected woman was 16 weeks pregnant, who traveled overseas including Italy and Dubai before returning to Hong Kong, Chief Manager of the Hospital Authority Linda Yu said at a daily press briefing. According to the CHP, Hong Kong added 16 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday afternoon, bringing the total to 208. Most of the new confirmed cases had overseas travel history in countries including Canada, Spain, Britain, Switzerland, the United States, and Germany. For the past two weeks, Hong Kong reported 88 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, among which 81 had overseas travel history or were close contacts of outbound travelers, Under Secretary for Food and Health Chui Tak-yi said at the press briefing. He said that Hong Kong's imported infections were likely to increase as a large number of Hong Kong residents would come back from overseas. Up to now, 97 confirmed COVID-19 patients and one probable one have been discharged from hospitals upon recovery, with three more cured confirmed cases on Thursday. A total of 91 confirmed cases remain hospitalized. Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department of HKSAR government Thursday night reported that a pet dog had repeatedly tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, making it the second infected dog following an early case. The dog's owner had been confirmed as infected with the COVID-19 before the dog was sent to the quarantine center. Four people, arrested in connection with the attack on Hindu Munnani office and hurling of petrol bomb on mosques in the city, were on Thursday detained under the National Security Act (NSA), police said. The detention orders, signed by City Police Commissioner Sumit Saran, were served on the accused lodged in the Central jail, they said. On March 10, the attack was made at the Hindu Munnani office here, sparking communal tension in the city. The incident came days after two mosques were targeted in a suspected retaliation for the attack on the Hindu Munnani office. Tension had gripped parts of the city since the attack on Hindu Munnani secretary Madukkarai Anand on March 5 when he was returning home after attending a pro-CAA dharna and hurling of a petrol bomb on a mosque. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shenzhen enhances border screening in face of infection influx from Hong Kong Global Times By Leng Shumei and Wan Lin Source:Global Times Published: 2020/3/18 21:53:41 South China's Shenzhen has enhanced border management amid increasing imported COVID-19 cases, as experts call for strengthened cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, two important gateway to China, in the face of the pandemic. Shenzhen ports and airports have enhanced epidemic checks. Arrivals with fevers and coughs will be sent to hospitals immediately, while those with Hong Kong identity cards who have not gone abroad in the past 14 days can be cleared directly, Shenzhen television reported, citing a staff member of Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, a port between the city and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Those with other countries' passports have to go through more detailed checks and shunt procedures, according to the report. The city had reported eight imported cases as of Tuesday while local confirmed cases stayed at 417. According to published patients' routes, the Global Times found that six of the eight imported cases in Shenzhen had entered the city via Hong Kong. The Global Times learned from the Shenzhen health authority that it has sent personnel to the site to take care of arrivals with symptoms. Strengthened measures would ease public concerns over imported cases entering the Chinese mainland via Hong Kong. Some viral posts on social media showed Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint filled with inbound crowds with captions claiming that arrivals from Hong Kong to Shenzhen are not required to take a 14-day quarantine, causing many international arrivals to try and transfer from Hong Kong to the mainland. "Shenzhen is like the Chinese mainland's south gate to prevent imported cases from reaching Guangdong Province and the whole country," Tian Feilong, an associate professor at Beihang University in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday. About 36 percent of cross-border trips to the Chinese mainland, which is 242 million, were made via Shenzhen in 2019, according to media reports. Experts suggest strengthened cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong to ward off imported infection risks. As an international hub, Hong Kong's access to the mainland brings about a high risk of imported infections, and the city's quarantine policy is important for the prevention and control work not only in Hong Kong but also in the mainland, they noted. "The Hong Kong government itself may not be able to handle the prevention work associated with the upcoming large inflow of international visitors and returnees. It needs to cooperate with Shenzhen to jointly manage the situation," Li Xiaobing, an expert on Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, told the Global Times on Wednesday. The Hong Kong government closed four more ports between Hong Kong and Shenzhen on February 4, leaving three out of 13 still open. Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint has become a major port for people to travel between the two cities. On Tuesday, the Hong Kong government issued red travel alert for all countries and regions around the world due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. The government also announced plans to impose mandatory quarantine periods for all arrivals from overseas starting Thursday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday ordered the country's 1.3 billion population to follow a one-day curfew to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Modi said in an address to the nation that the curfew would be on Sunday from 7:00am to 9:00pm to test the giant country's ability to take tough measures against what he called a growing crisis. The measure would be "in the interest of the country to follow and prepare us for future challenges." India has reported 173 positive virus cases and four deaths. An employee from a hospital in Elizabeth tested positive for coronavirus and now other emergency department staff members who were possibly exposed will continue to work with certain precautions in place. All emergency room staff at Trinitas Regional Medical Center who worked on March 10 from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and March 11 from 7 a.m. to noon may have been exposed to the coronavirus, according to an email sent to employees and obtained by NJ Advance Media. The employees who may have been exposed are still required to work in the emergency room while they self-monitor for symptoms. The employees will have to wear surgical masks while at work. They will also have their symptoms and temperatures checked at the start of each shift, according to the email. I am requiring all Emergency Department Staff to self monitor until March 25, 2020, the hospitals emergency room director, Gerard Muench, said in the email. This includes taking your temperature twice a day, and reporting to me a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher. The hospital says it learned of the staffers results late Tuesday. A hospital spokesman confirmed that the employee has returned to work after getting clearance from a healthcare provider. The employee self-quarantined after experiencing minor symptoms, and after a week of having no symptoms, was able to return to work today with a face mask, said hospital spokesman Douglas Harris. Trinitas Regional Medical Center President and CEO Gary Horan said the measures put into place for those who may have been exposed and will continue to work at the hospital are in full compliance with CDC guidelines. The hospital is in the process of notifying patients who may have been exposed to the staff member too. Our actions are in full compliance with CDC guidelines and are being overseen by the staff of our Infection Control Department, Horan said in a statement. These actions balance protecting the safety of our staff while caring for the patients in our care. These actions are in addition to many policies designed to protect staff and community alike. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people are thought to be most contagious when they exhibit symptoms of coronavirus, like cough, fever and shortness of breath. However, some spread might be possible before people show symptoms, the CDC says. The CDC guidelines generally say that areas experiencing community spread should follow local guidance on what should be done when a person is potentially exposed to COVID-19. Three residents of Elizabeth tested positive for COVID-19, the mayor said Tuesday, which is far less than other areas like Teaneck. The state Department of Health says health care providers who care for patients with COVID-19 should be monitored. Trinitas Regional Medical Center has also put measures in place to combat the coronavirus, including eliminating visiting hours, screening for all staff and visitors who enter, and setting up a tent outside the emergency department in case there is an influx of patients. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @BeccaPanico. National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has asked President Akufo-Addo to ensure that his appointees adhere to his directives on the outbreak of coronavirus. According to him, the President cannot put a ban on public gathering yet the National Identification Authority (NIA) will decide to have their own way. "It is sad that government appointees are breaching the Presidents directives. The President says avoid public gathering but the NIA says no. What is urgent about the Ghana card? What will happen if the registration is suspended . . . The President must act because Ken Attafuah is not above the law. This is unacceptable; I dont see how anybody who cares about life will defend this," he said this during a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Wednesday. The NIA said it will continue with the Ghana Card registration despite the President's ban on public gatherings.The Authority rather released guidelines for its officers to adhere to. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The State Department raised its global travel advisory to a level four on Thursday, a measure without precedent. The United States, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, has raised its travel advisory to a level four, its highest level, instructing citizens abroad to return home or shelter in place indefinitely. Citizens of the US are also instructed not to travel abroad, according to the advisory, which was posted on the US Department of States website on Thursday. The Department of State advises US citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19, the advisory says. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, US citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. US citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. The level of alert being applied globally is unprecedented, according to the Associated Press news agency. The measure comes as thousands of Americans have been stranded abroad as a result of cancelled flights and closed borders. The State Department has warned that US embassies are currently working with reduced staffing around the world. On Wednesday, the US suspended all routine visa services in most countries worldwide due to the coronavirus outbreak, a spokeswoman for the State Department said. The virus has infected over 207,000 worldwide, and the disease it causes, COVID-19, has killed over 8,600 since first appearing the Chinese city of Wuhan in December. Level three to level four Under the previous US travel advisory, a level three alert, citizens were instructed to reconsider all international travel. The level four alert is generally reserved for specific countries embroiled in conflict, natural disasters or where Americans face specific risks. Travel Advisory: Level 4 The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of #COVID19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the US should arrange for immediate return. pic.twitter.com/MydSzFffYd Travel State Dept (@TravelGov) March 19, 2020 However, the alert is not mandatory, so it is unclear how much of a practical effect it will have. The only way to ban Americans from going abroad would be to invalidate the use of US passports for such travel, a measure that is currently in place only for North Korea. State Department travel alerts mainly affect insurance companies, causing them to increase premiums or cancel travel policies for group and individual tours, many of which had been scrapped even before the alert was raised to level three earlier this week. Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this story included incorrect information about Zach Wurtz's status in the trial of a vaccine for COVID-19. He is currently in the evaluation process and could be one of 45 people selected to be test subjects for the first phase of testing the vaccine. YORK, Pa. When Bridget and Adam Wurtz came home from teaching at their church on, March 11 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Adam didnt feel well. He was tired and just felt run-down. He had a cough. The next morning, he woke with a fever; his temperature was 102. He stayed in bed. Friday morning, Bridget woke up having difficulty breathing. She checked her temperature, and it was 102. They suspected they had been infected with COVID-19. Their doctor suspected that as well, and although they were at risk of becoming critically ill because of their ages Bridget is 62 and Adam is 63 they did not meet the criteria to be tested for the virus. Their doctor explained that they had to have a fever of at least 103 or be ill enough to be admitted to a hospital to be tested. They stayed home and stayed away from people. What does the coronavirus do to your body? Everything to know about the infection process Too many coronavirus patients, too few ventilators: Outlook in US could get bad, quickly Little did they know that their 36-year-old son, Zach, living 3,000 miles away in Seattle, was participating in a project that has the potential to change the course of a global pandemic. Zach Wurtz is one of the test subjects participating in trials to develop a coronavirus vaccine. 'I just wanted to help' Washington was the canary in the coal mine of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, the first state in which COVID-19 was identified as having landed within the nations borders, on Jan. 21. As the rest of the country was still relatively complacent about the new disease, thinking it was something that was confined to China, Washington State was bracing for the worst. When it appeared the pandemic was inevitable, Moderna Inc., a biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts., was working on developing a vaccine. The company specializes in using whats called messenger RNA to develop a new generation of transformative medicines to cure viral diseases. Using the genetic sequence of the virus shared by Chinese researchers in January, the company developed what could be a vaccine, and in February it submitted the vaccine to the National Institutes of Health for testing. Story continues In early March, the company began working with the Kaiser-Permanente health care consortium to begin tests of the vaccine, a lengthy and tedious process. Kaiser-Permanente began advertising for test subjects in early March. A friend of Zachs mentioned it to him, and he looked into it. His business was decimated by the pandemic, he said. He runs a political consultancy, a company that tracks political candidates and videotapes everything they say in hopes of capturing them saying something dumb. With the pandemic prompting candidates to cancel public events, business dried up. There was not much work, said Zach, whose company works for progressive candidates. My entire business depends on events, and if theyre canceled, we have nothing. He looked into the ad and thought he could make a little money and, at the same time, help out. During this pandemic, its easy to slide into hopelessness. He saw this as something he could do. I just wanted to help, he said. He called, and after answering some questions, went for a physical and spoke to a number of doctors. It was a pretty lengthy process, he said. At the end of the process, he could be one of the 45 people selected to be test subjects for the first phase of testing the vaccine, a sort of human guinea pig. For his trouble, he will be paid $1,100. From mice to human tests He and the others in the initial trial of the experimental vaccine wont be injected with live COVID-19 virus. Instead, Moderna, according to its website, has been specializing in developing whats called messenger RNA to replicate the effects of the live virus. The messenger RNA, according to the companys website, contains the genetic code that instructs cells how to manufacture the proteins that make up the virus, which is then supposed to prompt the bodys immune system to fight the toxic virus. It is the first vaccine code-named mRNA-1273 developed to battle the Covid-19 virus. No vaccine developed with this technology has reached the market yet, according to The New York Times. The trials would be critical. As one of the initial test subjects, Zach will receive a series of injections while physicians monitor how his body reacts, checking for side effects and drawing blood samples to see whether the vaccine has any effect on his immune system. He wont contract the disease, and he doesnt have to be quarantined, although he said he is taking measures to reduce contact with others, the same as everybody else. Earlier tests had been conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health on mice. This is the very initial stage of testing, a process that is expected to last 14 months. While the vaccine has been developed with remarkable speed, according to reports, it wont be ready for widespread use for 14 to 18 months. Zach asked about the risk of being a test subject and was told that it was low. I dont really understand the science behind it, Zach said. I do know that we have a lot of smart people attacking this from a lot of different angles. 'He didn't think it was such a big deal' Adams fever broke Monday morning. Bridgets broke the next day. A couple of days later, they still felt the effects. Were on the other side of it now, Bridget said. We just feel wiped out, like we had the flu. They were staying inside and away from others. They hadnt known Zach was participating in initial tests of a vaccine until a friend pointed out a Facebook post in which he announced it. Apparently, it was in the news in the Seattle area, his mother wrote in an email. He didnt think it was such a big deal so he failed to mention it on our phone call on Sunday. Zach thinks he is just playing a small role in the creation of a vaccine. There are a lot of people a lot smarter than me involved in this, he said. Im just showing up for appointments and keeping a diary. The scientists are doing the work. Theyre the ones doing the real work. I dont think this thing has a chance against that kind of brainpower. Follow Mike Argento on Twitter: @fnmikeargento This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine trial subject's parents denied virus test Laois Chamber is hosting another online meeting today (Thursday, March 19) at 1pm. The discussion will include the financial supports offered by the banks on Wednesday. Evelyn Reddin, Head of the Laois Local Enterprise Office will join the discussion to outline and answer questions on the supports they can offer Laois businesses during the Covid-19 crisis. Bernie Everard, CEO Laois Chamber had hoped to get the banks in on the call, but it was not possible at this stage. "They have given us permission to circulate their phone numbers and the message is they are at the end of the line. They are dealing with people on a case by case basis. There is no one fit solution." Bernie believes that the online meetings at least give businesses a chance to talk to each other and share experiences. "A problem shared can be a problem halved," she notes. "I am asking members to took at our Directory listing and see similar type businesses. At least they can bounce ideas off each other. "A big issue for a lot of our members is commercial rates. Chambers Ireland has publicly put out a call on it to see what can be done as regards alleviating rates pressures on businesses in the immediate future. "Another big concern is employees and job losses. A lot of companies are small family type units and for them it's personal," she said. Laois Chamber now has 100 members. Bernie stresses that the Chamber is available for non-members at this time. She is also conducting one on one calls with individual businesses. "We are here to give any support we can. Laois Chamber is open, we are a virtual office at the moment." Contact Bernie at bernie@laoischamber.ie or 085-2566522. The login in for today's online meeting at 1pm is Meeting id: 404 191 032 Password: 005280 Chandigarh, March 19 : A 23-year-old woman with travel history to Britain was tested positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh on late Wednesday night, health officials said. This is the first positive case of COVID-19 in the city. She returned from Britain on Sunday. She was admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital here on Monday with symptoms of fever and cold. Her throat swab samples, which were sent to the Department of Virology in the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh (PGIMER) for examination, found her coronavirus positive. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A number of Irish citizens have been told they will have to pay more than $3,000 for a flight home from Peru. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been in touch with Irish people who are trapped in countries on lockdown because of the coronavirus. Nearly 100 Indian travellers, arriving from the Philippines and Malaysia, are stranded at Singapore's Changi Airport and are unable to get back home due to the travel restrictions imposed by India in response to the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic, the Indian High Commission said here on Thursday. The Commission said it was working out arrangements to put the 97 stranded Indians on a flight back to India. Most of these Indian passengers arrived from the Philippines and Malaysia, the Indian High Commission said. Due to Singapore's own travel restrictions on visitors coming from or through ASEAN region, these passengers cannot enter Singapore, it said. "We have worked with the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate the return of these Indians back home," India's High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf told PTI on Thursday. "We are also working with Air India, Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport to get the stranded passengers flight back to India and lend support during their stay in transit," Ashraf said. Officials at the High Commission are at the Changi Airport assisting the 97 passengers with arrangements for food, freshening up and any other assistance needed in the airport transit area. Most of the passengers had travelled through Malaysia and faced stringent arrival and departure procedures both in India and Malaysia. Malaysia has shut its borders, not allowing foreigners in and have also ordered its citizens not to travel. India has also restricted arrival of passengers from some countries including Malaysia and the Philippines. The Singapore Airlines has agreed to fly the stranded passengers to India, as there is no scheduled Air India flight for Thursday. The Delhi administration is in the process of clearing the passengers for entry into India. India on Monday banned the entry of passengers from Europe, Turkey and the UK from March 18 till March 31 to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Singapore on Wednesday advised its citizens to defer all foreign travel plans as it reported 47 new coronavirus cases, mostly imported ones, taking the total number of infections in the country to 313. The coronavirus outbreak has killed 8,809 people and infected 218,631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Thursday reported no new domestic transmissions of coronavirus for the first time since the deadly virus surfaced three months ago, achieving a milestone in its battle against the pandemic that has brought the country to a grinding halt and caused an unprecedented global health crisis. While no domestic cases were reported, Wuhan, where the outbreak began, still has 6,636 people in hospitals including 1,809 in severe condition and 465 in critical condition, local health commission said. China now faces a greater threat of infections of imported cases, which jumped by 34 on Wednesday with large number of Chinese and foreigners arriving back to join their duties. While zero domestic cases is a major milestone, which heralds the end of domestically generated Covid-19 cases, China, however, continues to grapple with mounting death toll which climbed to 3,245 on Wednesday with eight more fatalities. The overall confirmed cases on the mainland reached 80,928 by the end of Wednesday highlighting the scale of the cases China dealt with, making coronavirus perhaps the worst health tragedy in the country's history. The total included 3,245 people who died of the disease 7,263 patients still undergoing treatment and 70,420 patients discharged after recovery. By the end of Wednesday, 192 confirmed cases including four deaths had been reported in Hong Kong, 15 confirmed cases in the Macao and 100 in Taiwan including one death, China's National Health Commission (NHC) said. Over 42,000 medical personnel including hundreds of doctors and nurses drawn from different parts of the country and the military were deployed in Wuhan and Hubei to bring the virus under control. Over 3,000 medical staff were reported to have contracted the virus with 10 deaths. Over 56 million people belonging to area continued to languish in lockdown situation with a ban on all public and private transportation since January 23. As the virus abated, China began to limp back to normalcy. While the economic cost of the outbreak for China is stated to be in hundreds of billions of dollars, the political cost especially for the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping is yet to unravel as the country is still engrossed in fighting the virulent virus. While China's top-down approach locking Wuhan and Hubei provinces followed by massive mobilisation of medical staff and materials won praise globally, critics question why the government has not acted when the disease first surfaced in December last year. "The Chinese leadership's credibility has taken a heavy beating at home and abroad because of its initial bungled handling of the outbreak, reminding many of the government's poor early response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak in 2002," Wang Xiangwei, a Beijing based columnist wrote in South China Morning Post of Hong Kong recently. "This calls for the formation of an authoritative, broadly represented special commission that should include not only officials but also representatives of the victims' families, medical professionals and other people involved," Wang said. The coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan in December as a new pathogen suspected to have emanated from the local live animal market. The surging cases of the virus began surfacing with local doctors identifying it as something similar to SARS virus which caused major devastation in China and Hong Kong in 2003. Li Wenliang, a 29-year-old whistle-blower who later died of the coronavirus was warned by local police when he first reported about the virus on social media on December 31 last year. Before its traits were fully understood, the virus had cut a swath of infections among Wuhan's unsuspecting public jumping from the transportation hub to other parts of China during the largest seasonal human migration coinciding with the Chinese New Year in the third week of January. According to the mayor of Wuhan five million people from Wuhan had left for holiday destinations by the time the government began initiating control measures. The pandemic has now spread to 157 countries and territories, killing more over 9,000 people globally. The Chinese leadership has described the COVID-19 outbreak as the most difficult to contain since the founding of the People's Republic of China and "a big test" for the country and Xi himself acknowledged shortcoming in CPC meetings. "We still have insufficient knowledge of the novel coronavirus. What we already know is it's a very cunning virus with a long incubation period," Wang Daowen, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, told state-run Xinhua agency. "We still found the virus from the anus, if not from the lungs, of one patient after he was hospitalised for 50 days," said Wang, who was among the first medical experts joining the treatment of COVID-19. "Usually, a virus should vanish from one's body in two weeks." Behind the downward trends were a raft of strong measures taken by the Chinese government, including cancelling mass events, closing scenic attractions, suspending long-distance buses and asking hundreds of millions of Chinese to stay indoors to minimize infection risks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Funny that we are still fighting over Governor Casey Robert Casey Sr. of Pennsylvania and his role at the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Casey was a moderate, anti-abortion Democrat, something that already was a dying breed back in those days. He wanted to address the convention, and he was denied the opportunity to do so something that was unusual for the governor of a big state. It was understood by practically everybody at the time by people on both sides of the abortion debate that this was an exercise in enforcement on the part of the convention, which was co-chaired that year by one of the most progressive governors in the country, Ann Richards of Texas, whose daughter would go on to enjoy a lucrative career in the abortion industry. The Democrats were in no mood to hear from a pro-lifer, especially if he intended to actually speak about the question of abortion. This was the uncontroversial view of the case in 1992. But since then, there has been a concerted effort by certain parties on the left to rewrite that history. The Democrats like to think of themselves as open, big-hearted people who welcome debate and disagreement, except when they think you should be put in jail for having the wrong views about an issue. And so the facts that everybody understood in 1992 have been recast as a totalitarian big lie foisted upon (the tiny slice of) the American public (that pays attention to that sort of thing) by those who wish to smear the Left. Kevin Drum, a lefty in good standing, revisited the public record in 2005 and concluded that Casey was denied a speaking slot because he wanted to give a pro-life speech, not simply because Casey himself was pro-life. That seems to me a reasonable interpretation of the record. Drum adds: I dont think theres any evidence at all that simply being pro-life prevents you from speaking at Democratic conventions, either in 1992 or any other year. That is no longer quite his view: Theres no question the Democratic Party is less tolerant of pro-lifers now than it was in 2005, he says. Story continues Dan Lipinski surely agrees with him. The moderate, anti-abortion Democrat from Chicago has just been turned out by his party, with a left-wing primary challenger backed by abortion money sending him into retirement. In the early 2000s, Democrats for Life had more than 40 members of Congress among its members. Lipinski is, in practice, the last of them, though Democrats have been known to define for life with elasticity sufficient to accommodate Senator Bobby Casey Jr. and his 100 percent NARAL rating. Senator Bernie Sanders has declared that the pro-abortion position is essential to being a Democrat. Senator Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both supported Lipinskis opponent. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who made a very good living as the conscience of the Democratic Party, was devoutly pro-life until the political winds shifted. He used to speak of being born out of wedlock and against the advice that my mother received from her doctor. Even Hillary Rodham Clinton until the day before yesterday acknowledged that an abortion is morally different from an appendectomy, repeating her husbands famous formulation holding that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. The Reverend Jackson had a change of heart. As the Washington Post put it, he concluded that moral positions shouldnt be imposed on public policy. I wonder why he thinks it is that fraud is illegal, or why we have a Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was nothing if not a moral measure. Democrats are a funny bunch when it comes to their hopscotch libertarianism: Putting an unborn child to death? Sure all about choice. Install a wheelchair ramp with a 5.1-degree slope instead of a 4.8-degree slope? They will literally make a federal case out of it. For the Democrats, deciding what sex you are is a choose-your-own-adventure story, but use the wrong pronoun and its a hate crime. (It isnt only the United Kingdoms health-care system they envy.) Marijuana, yes; vaping, no. Etc. One begins to suspect that they are not taking this individual-autonomy thing all that seriously. Abortion is a manifestation of the superstitious American character. As a scientific matter, there is no question about what happens in an abortion: A living individual human organism is put to death at an early stage of development. No amount of metaphysical hand-waving about personhood is going to change that. And that is why they must have uniformity and moral homogeneity: Not only is there no room for Dan Lipinski, but Americans at large must be coerced into participating in abortion by paying for it out of public funds. Alcoholics always secretly (or not so secretly) hate the one guy at the party who doesnt drink, because they feel rebuked by him. It is safer when everybody is participating, and there is no judgment when we all have blood on our hands. Governor Casey could not be permitted to speak because the Democrats could not permit themselves to hear. Every cult has its rituals and its sacred things, and Eros, too, is a jealous god. You didnt think this was about politics, did you? More from National Review As China has gradually secured remarkable achievements in epidemic prevention and control, regions in the country are taking multiple measures to accelerate orderly work resumption of industries. It addresses the urgent demand of enterprises, and also offers strong support for the stability of global industrial and supply chains. A staff member workers at the Canadian Solar Inc. in Luoyang, central China's Henan province. (Photo/Xinhua) Shanghai, having had thorough investigation into the problems faced by enterprises, offered a package of solutions and helped 99.9 percent of the foreign-funded companies resume production in the city. Guangdongs industry and information department sorted out 102 major manufacturers and established a one-to-one service mechanism for them. Jiangxi ensured unimpeded foreign trade channels, and promoted regular operation of its freight services, including the Nanchang-Europe freight trains and Nanchang-Liege all-cargo aircraft. The international society generally stayed optimistic about the resilience of Chinas industrial and supply chains after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, some still worried the spreading virus may exert negative impact in this regard. In the near term, impacts are unavoidable, with certain industries and enterprises being the primary victim. In particular, given the highly integrated global industrial chain, the epidemic situation overseas will in turn has an influence over domestic production. Some foreign trade enterprises might encounter shrinking export orders, difficulty to fulfill contracts, impeded international logistics, and increasing trade barriers. China boasts the world's largest, most diversified and complete equipped manufacturing system, which makes it an important link in global supply and industrial chains. Since the onset of the epidemic, home appliance manufacturers including Gree and Midea immediately launched production lines for masks; automaker SAIC-GM-Wuling developed a full-automatic mask producing machine in just 76 hours; Sinopec established a factory for producing meltblown nonwoven fabric raw materials for masks in just 12 days. Their efforts indicated Chinas well-equipped manufacturing system and strong capability of industrial coordination. In the global value chain where productivity and infrastructure are showing greater significance, China has irreplaceable comparable advantages. In a word, the temporary epidemic cant and wont shake Chinas position in the global industrial and supply chains. With a sound momentum of epidemic prevention and control, China is speeding up the restoring of orders for both production and social life. Major industries and leading enterprises, including foreign-funded ones, are gradually resuming work and production. It demonstrates the strong resilience of Chinas industrial and supply chains, and protects the security of the global supply chain. Besides, China adopted a series of policies and measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and more targeted plans are to be introduced. Thanks to these efforts, theres no large-scale transfer of industrial and supply chains from China to overseas, and China is showing stronger appeal to global industries. In a long-term perspective, China is not only an important link on the global supply chain, but also a significant market of the world. It has both short-term measures to assist enterprises and long-term mechanisms to improve business environment. With a huge market, emerging industries, and improving business environment, the comprehensive advantages of China in global industrial and supply chains will not decrease, but only get stronger. Facts tell. Chinas responsibility in stabilizing the global supply chain has won the favor of more and more foreign enterprises. Danish toy production company Lego plans to open another 80 retail stores in China; Tesla also aims to expand capacity at its gigafactory in Shanghai. The measures taken by China to resume production with more efforts to open up are contributing Chinese power to the stability of the global supply chain, and also creating Chinese opportunities for international enterprises to share development dividends. By Online Desk Equity benchmark Sensex plummeted over 2,100 points and the Nifty gave up the 7,900 level in the opening session on Thursday as global gloom over the Covid-19 pandemic continued to hammer equities. The rupee too depreciated 60 paise to 74.87 against US dollar in the morning session. After sinking over 2,152 points, the BSE barometer was trading 1812.19 points or 6.28 per cent lower at 27,057.32 at 0930 hours. Similarly, the NSE Nifty was trading 520.85 points, or 6.15 per cent, down at 7,947.95 after dropping below 7,900 in early session. CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES ABOUT CORONAVIRUS n the previous session, the 30-share BSE index closed 1,709.58 points or 5.59 per cent lower at 28,869.51. On similar lines, the broader NSE Nifty plummeted 498.25 points, or 5.56 per cent, to end at 8,468.80. Bajaj Finance was the top loser, tanking up to 12 per cent, followed by HCL Tech, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Bank and M&M, while PowerGrid and NTPC were the only gainers. According to traders, European Central Bank's (ECB) EUR 750-billion stimulus package failed to lift investor sentiment, stoking the already-peaking fears of an economic recession. Faced with a growing economic shutdown amid the new coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the ECB on Wednesday announced a surprise EUR 750-billion scheme to purchase government and corporate bonds, as it joined other central banks in stepping up efforts to contain the economic damage from the new coronavirus (Covid-19). Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo plunged up to 8 per cent. Incessant foreign fund outflow also kept domestic market participants risk-averse, traders said. On a net basis, foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 5,085.35 crore on Wednesday, data available with stock exchanges showed. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil futures rose over 1.61 per cent to USD 25.28 per barrel. The number of global Covid-19 infections has shot past 2,00,000. Worldwide fatalities topped 8,000. Cases in India rose to 169 on Thursday after 18 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Health Ministry. 30% ASOS discount on app orders Extra 10% off dresses & shoes with our boohoo discount code Enjoy 25% off your birthday - Nike discount code for members only Save 25% on selected orders with this JD Williams discount code 20% off your order with this Footasylum discount code What makes a good Design Leader? Andy Budd CEO of Clearleft Ltd shares the five key challenges design leadership can bring, and the skills necessary to recruit, manage and foster a successful collaborative culture, at Awwwards Conference Amsterdam. Having the ability to translate the things you know in design into a language that business understands is really really important Watch 100s of UX, UI Design, Animation, Web Design and Development talks on the Awwwards YouTube Channel - subscribe here! Get your ticket for the next Awwwards Conference: Talks, Workshops, Meetups and Parties for digital creatives to learn key tools, current trends and emerging web technologies from leading agencies, whilst making connections within the international design community. WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Thursday announced the release of two Americans imprisoned overseas and said it had intensified demands for a third, amid global fears that the coronavirus could quickly spread among detainees and result in deaths. Amer Fakhoury, a Lebanese-born naturalized American citizen, was headed to his home state, New Hampshire, from Beirut, where he had been detained for months on decades-old charges of torturing Lebanese prisoners. Any time a U.S. citizen is wrongfully detained by a foreign government, we must use every tool at our disposal to free them, said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, as Mr. Fakhoury flew back to the United States on a military aircraft. No family should have to go through what the Fakhoury family has gone through. Separately, Michael R. White, a U.S. Navy veteran and cancer patient, was released from an Iranian prison, where he had been held since July 2018, the State Department announced. Mr. White, of Imperial Beach, Calif., was freed on a medical furlough. A cyclist wearing a face mask rides past a mural depicting Hindu god Hanuman in Allahabad, India, on March 18, 2020. Sanjay Kanojia/AFP via Getty Images India has reported 519 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is putting the entire nation more than 1.3 billion people on lockdown for 21 days starting Wednesday. Experts fear that testing rates in India are being kept low to prevent panic and to keep healthcare costs down. But that may hide the true scope of the outbreak. India faces several hurdles in its fight against COVID-19, including high population density, lack of hygiene, and insufficient healthcare funding. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. India, the world's second-most populous country, is going into lockdown in a bid to ward off the coronavirus pandemic. Home to more than 1.3 billion people, India has reported 519 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths. In order to keep India's caseload down, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Twitter that a "curfew-like" lockdown will be enforced starting 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday and last for 21 days (until April 14). "There will be a total ban of coming out of your homes," he said, according to The New York Times, urging people to stay put, wherever they are. "Every district, every lane, every village will be under lockdown." The country needs three weeks of social distancing to break the infectious cycle, he explained, stressing, "If we're not able to manage the pandemic in the next 21 days, the country and your family will be set back for 21 years." On the Twitter page of his political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi said the move "will have a huge economic cost but this is necessary for saving human lives." China's Hubei province went into lockdown in late January. As of Tuesday, China whose population is 1.4 billion has reported more than 81,000 cases and 3,200-plus deaths. But the country has recently reported a steep decline in the number of new cases, and Wuhan's lockdowns are being lifted. Story continues Italy, the world's second-worst-hit nation, has confirmed nearly 64,000 cases and over 6,000 deaths. It is closely followed by the United States' nearly 46,500 cases and 590 deaths. "We must understand that the health services in Italy and USA are considered the best in the world," Modi said. "In spite of that, these countries couldn't mitigate the impact of coronavirus." Testing numbers kept low to avoid 'paranoia' Experts worry that India's case counts may not be accurate. The country was conducting only about 90 tests per day as of March 17, the Associated Press reported, and only 11,500 Indians had been screened. The country has the capacity to test up to 8,000 people a day, however. The World Health Organization is urging governments to step up testing as the coronavirus outbreak grows. "We need to be geared to respond to the evolving situation with the aim to stop transmission of COVID-19 at the earliest to minimize the impact," Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the WHO's director for the region that includes India, told the AP. "We need to act now." However, India has only been screening people who have either traveled from a country that's been badly affected, have come into contact with a patient, or are presenting symptoms themselves, the AP reported. Officials have since expanded the criteria to include medical workers who are treating COVID-19 patients and have symptoms. Balaram Bharghava, who heads the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said last week that the WHO guidance was "premature" for India because the coronavirus' rate of spread is not as rapid as it has been in other countries and community transmission hasn't been detected yet. "Therefore it creates more fear, more paranoia, and more hype," Bhargava said, according to AP. A health worker (L) wearing a facemask checks the body temperature of devotees at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on March 18, 2020. Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images Officials said they were also trying to avoid overloading hospitals to keep costs down. India's health-care expenditure amounts to 3.7% of its GDP, NDTV reported. Public hospitals can be overcrowded, many can't afford private healthcare, and funding is lacking to combat conditions like tuberculosis, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDS. In the case of COVID-19, patients aren't charged for tests in India, but each one costs the government about 5,000 rupees ($67). So, many people who may have come into contact with the virus are being sent home without being tested, the AP reported. A British citizen was turned away from a public hospital even though she had a cough, shortness of breath, and a private doctor's referral, the AP said. The woman informed officials that she may have been exposed to a coronavirus patient due to her work in the hospitality industry. When she tried to get tested a second time, she was rejected again, forcing her to leave India for France, where her family is based. Such accounts have sparked concerns that the Indian statistics are far lower than the country's real coronavirus count. "Given the pattern of disease in other places, and given our low level of testing, then I do think that community transmission is happening, " Dr. Gagandeep Kang, director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, told the AP. High population density creates social-distancing challenges India's population density also makes social distancing difficult, since cities are overcrowded and many residents live in slums, low-income dwellings, single- and multiple-family homes, and skyscrapers. NDTV estimated that around 420 people live on just 0.4 square miles of land in many of India's largest cities. Some people wear face masks and others use handkerchiefs to protect from the coronavirus on a crowded train at Andheri Metro Station on March 17, 2020 in Mumbai, India. Satyabrata Tripathy/Hindustan Times via Getty Images "Social distancing is something often talked about but only works well for the urban middle class," Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, an adjunct professor of epidemiology at Harvard University, told NDTV. He continued: "It doesn't work well for the urban poor or the rural population where its extremely difficult both in terms of compactly packed houses, but also because many of them have to go to work in areas which are not necessarily suitable for social distancing." Shreyanka Rao, a resident of New Delhi, echoed the sentiment. "While it's easy to say maintain social distancing, it's still something that can only be practiced by privileged people who have the time, space and wherewithal to do so," she told Business Insider. "While the [South] Korean and Singaporean approach is laudable, their systems, resources and volumes are in a different league." Lack of hygiene complicates the fight against the coronavirus India's fight against the coronavirus' spread is also plagued by a lack of clean water. Experts have said that using hand sanitizer and washing hands for at least 20 seconds is helpful in warding off the infection. But Dharam Singh Rajput, like many residents, can't afford hand sanitizer and doesn't have access to clean running water, the AP reported. Rajput lives in New Delhi, but open sewers and piles of garbage can be found across his neighborhood. "The kind of water we have access to has the potential to cause more diseases instead of warding off the virus if we use it to wash our hands," Rajput told the AP. A worker fumigates the interiors of a Karnataka Interstate Transport bus to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Bangalore, India, on March 19, 2020. Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty Images Some reports also suggest that people have run away from some Indian hospitals because of substandard hygiene. In the state of Maharashtra, five people were tested for coronavirus. One of them tested negative, but the entire group left the isolation ward before the others' results came in because it was too dirty, the AP reported. Aditya Bhatnagar, who was quarantined with 50 other people following a flight from Spain, said more than half a dozen people were packed into each room while quarantined and noted that the quarantine spaces didn't have clean bedsheets or sanitary restrooms. No one was given masks or hand sanitizer, either, he told the AP. "I don't think these measures would be enough to contain the pandemic," Bhatnagar said, explaining that some people had decided to tell shell out 4,000 rupees a night ($55) and await their COVID-19 test results at a private hospital instead. 'Unnecessary movement' is restricted Government officials are particularly worried about the situation in Maharashtra, which is home to India's financial hub and its highest number of cases. Ganga Pandit, who lives in Pune, told Business Insider on March 19 that only five people at a time are being allowed into major grocery stores, where he noticed that people are panic-buying medicines, antiseptic creams, soap, and face masks. India has also already closed schools, theaters, malls, and other public spaces. University exams have been called off, and government and private offices have been ordered to switch to remote work schedules, NDTV reported. Modi asked people to stay home from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on March 22, but encouraged everyone to go out on their balconies and doorsteps or lean out of windows for five minutes at 5 p.m. to thank medical, airport, and government workers, as well as policemen and delivery personnel by clapping hands and ringing bells. India has also enforced wide-sweeping travel restrictions. Modi has banned all international flights from landing in India, effective March 22, and also suspended all domestic flights, except cargo-carrying planes, starting March 25, the Guardian reported. Rail travel, a lower-cost mode of travel that's popular among Indian, has already been halted. People rush to buy masks, hand sanitizers and medicines at a pharmacy shop in New Delhi, India. Pradeep Gaur/Mint via Getty Images "They are not understanding that this is an avalanche," Dr. T. Jacob John, the former head of ICMR's Centre for Advanced Research in Virology, told NDTV. "As every week passes, the avalanche is growing bigger and bigger." Read more: One chart shows different countries' current coronavirus death rates, based on the known number of cases and deaths China reported no new local coronavirus cases for the first time during the outbreak The US has one week to enforce social distancing and 'flatten the curve' as the coronavirus outbreak escalates. Here's why these days are so critical. Read the original article on Business Insider VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / FIORE GOLD LTD. (TSXV:F)(OTCQB:FIOGF) ("Fiore" or the "Company") is providing an update on operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, the Pan Mine continues to operate and there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among employees or contractors on site or at our offices in Denver and Toronto. The Denver and Toronto offices will remain closed with employees working from home for the foreseeable future. At our Pan Mine in Nevada we have taken a number of precautions to reduce the risk to our employees including banning all work-related travel, other than travel to and from the mine-site, banning visitors and non-essential consultants and contractors, isolating delivery drivers, reducing personal contact between onsite employees and contractors, and additional cleaning and sterilization measures. The company has also instituted a temporary increase in paid medical leave for our employees to ensure that they can remain home if they or family members are unwell. Tim Warman, Fiore's CEO commented, "Our management team is monitoring this rapidly changing situation, focusing primarily on the health and safety of our employees. Contingency plans have been put in place at our operations, and we will continue to take direction from public health officials as well as state and federal agencies." Corporate Strategy Our corporate strategy is to grow Fiore Gold into a 150,000 ounce per year gold producer. To achieve this, we intend to: continue to grow gold production at the Pan Mine, while increasing the resource and reserve base advance the development of the nearby Gold Rock project acquire additional production or near-production assets to complement our existing operations On behalf of FIORE GOLD LTD. "Tim Warman" Chief Executive Officer Contact Us: info@fioregold.com 1 (416) 639-1426 Ext. 1 www.fioregold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions and current expectations. Such statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding the status of the Pan Mine's operations, future precautions regarding COVID-19 and their effectiveness, growing gold production at the Pan Mine while increasing the resource and reserve base, advancing exploration and development of the Gold Rock project, goal to become a 150,000-ounce producer, goal to acquire additional production or near production assets, and other statements, estimates or expectations. Often, but not always, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "targets", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "scheduled", "estimates", "aims", "will", "believes", "projects" and similar expressions (including negative variations) which by their nature refer to future events. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Fiore Gold's control. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, as well as a number of assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company concerning, among other things, anticipated geological formations, potential mineralization, future plans for exploration and/or development, potential future production, ability to obtain permits for future operations, drilling exposure, and exploration budgets and timing of expenditures, all of which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of Fiore Gold to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward looking statements include, but not limited to, risks related to the Pan Mine performance, risks related to the company's limited operating history; risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions, actual results of current or future exploration activities, unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; increases in market prices of mining consumables; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results, test results and the estimation of gold resources and reserves; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the possibility that capital and operating costs may be higher than currently estimated; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in the work programs; availability of financing; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of exploration, development or construction activities; the possibility that required permits may not be maintained, obtained or renewed on a timely manner or at all; changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments in countries in which Fiore Gold operates, and other factors identified in Fiore Gold's filing with Canadian securities authorities under its profile at www.sedar.com respecting the risks affecting Fiore Gold and its business. Although Fiore Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Fiore disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. SOURCE: Fiore Gold Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581476/Fiore-Gold-Provides-Update-on-Operations-and-COVID-19-Response PARIS With the spread of the coronavirus accelerating at an alarming rate in France, President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation Monday evening with a call for mobilization. Before millions of television viewers, he looked directly into the camera and declared, We are at war. In 20 minutes, he said it six times. Mr. Macron announced new restrictions on daily life that will keep the French confined to their homes, except for brief forays to shop for food or to go to indispensable jobs. It was his second attempt in five days to rally the unruly French and convince them that the only way to fight the virus was to accept social distancing. It has not been easy. After the terrorist attacks in Paris on Nov. 13, 2015, that killed 130 people, many of them gunned down at cafe terraces, Parisians took pride in going out again, in a defiant collective gesture. The hashtag #JeSuisEnTerrasse flourished on social networks, echoing the earlier slogan Je Suis Charlie that had followed the attack on Charlie Hebdos journalists some months earlier. Last week, faced with an even deadlier enemy, the invisible virus, Parisians were instructed to do exactly the opposite by a new hashtag: #RestezChezVous (Stay Home). In a previous TV address on Thursday, March 12, Mr. Macron announced that nurseries, schools and colleges were being shut down. This did not prevent the French from flocking, during last weekend, to bars and restaurants as though joie de vivre could beat the coronavirus. Then, with Mr. Macrons TV speech on Monday, came new restrictions, closing all public places and businesses other than food stores, pharmacies, newsstands and banks. Should he have also canceled the local elections, held the day before? KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 14:24 | All, Japan The Maritime Self-Defense Force on Thursday put into commission its newest Aegis-equipped destroyer, the first of its vessels to be equipped with an improved antiballistic missile jointly developed by the United States and Japan. The Maya, capable of countering short- to intermediate-range threats with the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor, was handed over to the Defense Ministry by Japan Marine United Corp. at a ceremony held at a shipyard in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. "I expect (the ship) to lead our comprehensive missile air defense capabilities," Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono said aboard the destroyer at the ceremony. As part of measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, guests were not invited to the ceremony and all of the some 100 attendees wore protective face masks. The interceptor has improved maneuverability and offers wider defensive coverage compared to previous missiles carried by Aegis destroyers, according to the MSDF. The Maya, an 8,200-ton vessel measuring 170 meters in length, is also equipped with a Cooperative Engagement Capability system capable of ascertaining the positions of missiles and airplanes and sharing them with U.S. forces and other allies. The country's seventh Aegis destroyer, it cost around 172 billion yen ($1.6 billion) to build and will be deployed at the MSDF's base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Once the Aegis destroyer the Haguro also goes into service in March 2021, Japan will have assembled its eight-vessel Aegis fleet as set forth in the National Defense Program Guidelines in December 2013. Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: Charles E. Wood, 48, of 2125 Woodland Lakes Road was arrested at 7:01 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of reckless discharge of a firearm after police said he fired a shot in a parking lot at 1964 W. Morton Ave. The latest numbers are sure to prompt renewed calls for diversity in the schools, but the chance that the specialized-schools admissions process will change remains low. The schools alumni organizations, along with scores of Asian-American parents and politicians in particular, have protested Mayor Bill de Blasios plan to eliminate the schools entrance exam and replace it with a system that automatically offers seats to top performers at every city middle school. That proposal would likely cut the number of seats for Asian-American students by about half, projections show. Many Asian-American parents were offended that they were not consulted before the mayor announced his plan in June 2018. Some specialized school graduates have said they are concerned that getting rid of the exam would fundamentally change the schools for the worse, and have tried to rally their members to oppose any plans to change the test. After months of protest and intense lobbying, Mr. de Blasios plan, which requires approval from the State Legislature, failed in Albany without so much as a floor vote. Beyond Stuyvesant, the seven other specialized schools did not make much progress on diversity. This year, as last year, only one black student got into Staten Island Technical High School. The Bronx High School of Science saw its black enrollment double, but the numbers are still tiny: 24 black students got into Bronx Science this year, up from 12 last year. The schools Hispanic enrollment is almost the same, at 46 students. A plane of the Ukrainian president transported 33 Ukrainians from Austria, who were unable to return home due to border closure caused by quarantine, the presidents press service has reported. Pursuant to the presidents instruction, a special flight departed to Vienna to evacuate Ukrainian citizens, including 18 women, 5 children and elderly people. "Prior to boarding, passengers were examined by doctors and screened for symptoms of possible coronavirus disease. People with no symptoms of ARVI were taken on board," the report says. After arriving in Kyiv, passengers will also be examined by doctors. Upon returning home, evacuees will undergo 14-day self-isolation, for the violation of which liability is provided. People with no symptoms of ARVI and with negative test result for COVID-19 will be sent for home quarantine. As Ukrinform reported, starting from March 12, a quarantine has been introduced in Ukraine for three weeks, as well a package of anti-epidemic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. On March 14, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution to temporarily ban foreigners from entering Ukraine and close international passenger traffic from 00:00 on March 16 until April 3, 2020. As of March 18, 14 cases of Covid-19 infection were confirmed in Ukraine, two of them were lethal. ish An Australian struck down with COVID-19 who originally thought it was 'no worse than a cold' has revealed she felt like she was 80 as the virus took hold. Bridget Wilkins, 29, was diagnosed with coronavirus in early March after flying from London to Brisbane, via Singapore, for a wedding. Ms Wilkins - who does not know where she contracted the illness - originally said the 'common symptoms' were no worse than a headache or sore throat and she initially thought she was simply jetlagged. But speaking about it to ABC's 7.30 after recovering from the virus, Ms Wilkins said said she faced her biggest battle between days eight and 10. Bridget Wilkins, 29, was diagnosed with coronavirus in early March after flying from London to Brisbane , via Singapore , for a wedding 'I felt like I was 80 years old. I thought of my grandmother at that moment,' Ms Wilkins said. 'I recognised how hard it may be for her generally but also if she was to have a condition like coronavirus.' CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Ms Wilkins was tested for COVID-19 after landing in Australia. The 29-year-old thought her doctors were 'being ridiculous' after they suggested she could have contracted the illness. 'It was quite scary when I got that phone call. The first question I asked the doctor on the phone was, ''am I going to die?''' she recalled. 'It sounds a bit dramatic but I didn't really know what coronavirus was at that point.' As one of the earliest cases of coronavirus in Australia, Ms Wilkins was treated in hospital, where she regularly updated her family and friends on Instagram story. 'It felt like a bit of a odd to be honest. We had to walk into hospital feeling fairly healthy. Yet everyone is in hazmat suits,' she said. Ms Wilkins - who does not know where she contracted the illness - originally said the 'common symptoms' were no worse than a headache or sore throat and she initially thought she was simply jetlagged Speaking about to ABC's 7.30 after recovering from the virus, Ms Wilkins said said she faced her biggest battle between days eight and 10 As one of the earliest cases of coronavirus in Australia, Ms Wilkins was treated in hospital, where she regularly updated her family and friends on Instagram story Ms Wilkins said she experienced mild symptoms over the first four to six days before her condition began to deteriorate. 'I had things you would have normally - sore throat, headache, a bit of a chesty cough. But nothing too serious,' she said. Ms Wilkins, who has been cleared by health authorities, is now at home with her mum Rose. 'I want the public to know it will be okay,' she said. 'If we fight about toilet paper, it probably won't be as okay. 'This is going to take time and people will still get coronavirus... We can't forget about those people just because they weren't the first 20 patients in the news.' There are more than 700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and six people have died. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has closed the borders to non-residents from 9pm on Friday in a desperate attempt to stop the outbreak. Outdoor events of more than 500 people have been banned, while indoor gatherings must be less than 100 people. Black and Missing Foundation Shines Spotlight on Missing Persons and Their Families The case of Tamika Huston, a 24-year-old black woman who went missing from her Spartanburg, South Carolina, home on May 27, 2004, captivated Derrica Wilson and her sister, Natalie. Derrica and Natalie noticed how fiercely Hustons aunt, Rebkah Howard, fought to find her. Howard went to law enforcement, and then she pitched the story to television outlets and shows like Americas Most Wanted, and Dateline NBC. ADVERTISEMENT She also pleaded with major newspapers like USA Today. The media, however, focused its attention on the so-called Runaway Bride Jennifer Wilbanks, and Laci Peterson, whose husband Scott would eventually be charged and convicted of her murder. The Wilson sisters noticed what had become the norm for mainstream media when it comes to the plight of missing women and girls of color: there was little to no media coverage. Because of that, in 2008, Derrica and Natalie started the nonprofit Black and Missing Foundation with a mission to bring awareness to missing persons of color and to provide vital resources and tools to missing persons families and friends. In addition, the foundations goal is to educate the minority community on personal safety. Derricas hometown is Spartanburg, and we both noticed how Tamikas family struggled to get any media coverage, Natalie Wilson stated. A little while after Tamika went missing, there was Natalie Holloway, and everyone was saying her name, Wilson said. ADVERTISEMENT Derrica was a law enforcement veteran, and I am in media and public relations, so we decided to join forces to try and make a difference. We did some research, and, at the time, we discovered that 30 percent of all people missing were individuals of color, Wilson stated. Now, that number has grown to 40 percent. Of the approximately 600,000 individuals currently reported missing in the United States, more than 200,000 are women of color, Wilson said. According to the FBI, approximately 64,000 black women and girls are missing, despite that specific demographic accounting for approximately 7 percent of the U.S. population. Because of the efforts of the Wilson sisters over the past 12 years, the Black and Missing Foundation has helped to find or bring closure to more than 300 cases of missing persons of color. We have made some inroads, Natalie Wilson stated. When we first started, we saw that our community thought that sex trafficking and missing person cases only happened abroad. But people began to realize that it was happening in our community, so with awareness, people in the community have become more aware and vigilant. Wilson said she hopes law enforcement and mainstream media begin to take more serious and immediate looks at cases of missing women and girls of color. We find that when people of color men and women go missing, automatically its assumed that theres some criminal activity involved or theyve just run away. They are stereotyped and not taken seriously, Wilson stated. When authorities classify a case as a runaway, theres no Amber Alert, and the media tends to ignore the matter, she said. Even if they are runaways, we have to find them within the first 48 hours because we need to understand why they ran away and realize that many are lured into sex trafficking, Wilson stated. The Black and Missing Foundation also helps families immediately after they report a missing loved one. Many times, the families dont know how to file a police report, and often when the file the report, an officer tells them that it could be a runaway situation or maybe drugs are involved, Wilson said. We tell the families that they know their loved ones, and they know whats not their behavior. So, we are there for the families to hold their hands or to listen. Wilson said the foundation is a voice for the families, and everyone should have a role in bringing awareness to the plight of missing persons of color. We have to help, she said. For more information about the Black and Missing Foundation, or to donate, visit www.blackandmissinginc.com. By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan has discovered a new oil field with over 60 million tons of crude, the state oil company SOCAR told local media on March 19. The oil field named Karabakh was discovered by SOCAR and Norwegian Equinor company in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, 120 kilometres east of Baku. It has an estimated 60 million tons of oil reserves, meaning that the approximate value of the oil field is more than 10 billion dollars in today's price (24,53$) of "Azeri Light" oil brand of Azerbaijan. The drilling of the first appraisal well on the Karabakh field began on December 23, 2019. SOCAR's CDC drilling company drilled this well with Dada Gorgud floating drilling rig at a depth of 180 meters. Productive layers of the deposit are located at the depth of 3.4 km. According to preliminary estimates, the volume of oil and gas discovered in the field is sufficient for its economic development. The Karabakh field is the first oil field discovered during our independence. Preliminary estimated geological reserves of the field are more than 60 million tons of oil, SOCARs president Rovnag Abdullayev said. Successful, safe and timely delivery of the valuation well to the project depth is a result of the joint efforts of SOCAR and the Equinor company, SOCAR president added. Rovnaq Abdullayev noted: Development of the Karabakh field will be a significant contribution to Azerbaijan's oil revenues. Reflection of Karabakh in the field name, the heart of our homeland, is particularly proud. It should also be noted that Karabakh as a promising offshore structure was discovered in 1959 as a result of seismic exploration, specified in 1984, and its oil and gas potential was confirmed in 1997-1998 thanks to exploration drilling. The bed is located 120 km to the east of Baku at a depth of 150-200 meters of the open sea. The consortium led by Caspian International Petroleum Company (CIPCO) drilled three exploration wells in accordance with the Karabakh Production Sharing Agreement signed in 1995. Two wells have confirmed that the southeastern part of the structure is saturated with gas, and one well in the western part of the structure is found to be saturated with oil and gas. The agreement was abolished in 1999 as an economically ineffective project. In May 2018, SOCAR Karabakh and Equinor signed a Risk Service Agreement on the development of the Karabakh oil field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. According to the agreement, the companies have an equal share. SOCAR and Statoil (Equinor) have been cooperating on a number of important projects since 1994, including the Azeri-Chirag and Derinsulu Gunashli (ACG) oil field development project. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (263) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 00:15:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday that France will learn from China's experience in fighting COVID-19 in a phone conversation with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Le Drian highly appreciated China's basic victory in the battle against the coronavirus, sincerely thanked China for its provision of medical supplies to France and making allocations to meet France's need for the procurement of medical supplies, and positively evaluated the anti-epidemic cooperation between the two countries. The epidemic situation in France is on the rise, he said, adding that his country is willing to learn from China's experience in preventing and containing the spread of the coronavirus and adopt strong and effective measures so as to win the fight against the epidemic at an early date. For his part, Wang said that the world is seeing the outbreaks in multi points, and France is also facing the challenge of the epidemic, over which China extended sincere sympathies. Wang expressed his belief that under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, France will definitely win the battle against the virus in the end. China and France boast a tradition of supporting one another, Wang noted, adding that China will never forget the valuable support and help of France to the Chinese people in combating the coronavirus. Out of the China-France friendship, China has overcomed difficulties to send a batch of medical supplies to France, Wand said. On the containers of these medical supplies wrote in Chinese "Though far away from each other, the friendship between China and France is more solid than gold and stone," which vividly illustrated the friendship of sharing weal and woe and helping each other between the two peoples, he added. China will do its utmost to offer necessary assistance to the French side with its need of procurement, strengthen the sharing of experience in health and epidemic prevention through video conference and other ways, and develop cooperation in prevention and control of emerging infectious disease, virology, vaccine research and other areas, Wang said. Wang said the epidemic is the common enemy of mankind, which requires a joint response of the international community. From the very beginning, China has shared information on fighting the epidemic with the international community in the spirit of openness and transparency and with a responsible attitude and won precious time for other countries to prevent and control the epidemic, Wang said. Now, China, upholding the spirit of a community with a shared future for mankind, is providing different forms of support to nearly 100 countries to fight the epidemic, including donating much-needed medical supplies, sharing experience in the prevention and control, sending expert teams, he said. Regrettably, some countries attempted to politicalize the epidemic, label the virus and stigmatize China, he said. Such acts are not conducive to the unity of the international community and will severely hamper the joint efforts of all countries to deal with the epidemic, therefore they must be firmly and clearly resisted and opposed, he said. Wang emphasized that a large number of overseas Chinese, including students, are working, living and studying in France. As the messengers of China-France friendship, they are willing to make contributions to promoting bilateral cooperation, he said. In face of challenges pose by the epidemic, the Chinese Embassy in France has provided and will continue to provide care and assistance to them, Wang said, expressing hope that the French government will pay close attention to their safety and health condition and provide them with necessary protection assistance and medical guarantee. For his part, Jean-Yves Le Drian said that France attaches great importance to the health and safety of overseas Chinese people and will surely provide assistance and care for them, especially Chinese students. Donald Trump has called on Syria to release American journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in the country nearly eight years ago and is believed to have been detained by the Syrian regime. We have one young gentleman, Austin Tice, and we're working very hard with Syria to get him out. We hope the Syrian government will do that, Mr Trump said at a press conference on Thursday. Syria, please work with us. We would appreciate you letting him out, he added. Mr Tice went missing in Syria in August 2012 while reporting on the country's civil war, just days before his 31st birthday. He was believed to have been captured by the Syrian government outside of Damascus, however Syrian officials have publicly denied any knowledge of his whereabouts. "Think about what we've done. We've gotten rid of the Isis caliphate. We've done a lot for Syria," Mr Trump said in his public plea. When asked by a reporter whether he was saying he knew Mr Tice, a former Marine veteran, was still alive, Mr Trump replied: "No, I'm not. But we're trying to find that out." Mr Tice is a freelance journalist and photographer working for a number of media outlets, including The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers. According to the FBI, he was kidnapped while reporting in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus. Noni Janur live-streamed her COVID-19 test earlier this week. And on Friday, the 29-year-old Bachelor star offered another glimpse into the reality of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic. She documented her domestic flight to the Gold Coast on Instagram, showing how the plane was almost empty and she had an entire row to herself. Plenty of room: Ex-Bachelor contestant Noni Janur revealed on Friday that her domestic flight to the Gold Coast was almost empty amid the coronavirus pandemic Her photos demonstrate how people are cancelling their flights amid the pandemic, even if they're only flying domestically. Prime Minister Scott Morrison closed the Australian border this week. Non-residents will be banned from entering the country from 9pm on Friday. Only Australian permanent residents and citizens are allowed to enter. Virgin Australia has also cancelled all international flights. Qantas has suspended international flights from the end of March until May, with limited domestic flights available. 'Spacious': It seems people are cancelling their flights even if they're only flying domestically Noni, who spent time in Bali recently, revealed earlier this week what it's really like to be tested for coronavirus. In a TikTok video posted on Wednesday, she was filmed getting a nasal swab. 'Just don't hit my brain!' she said nervously as a doctor inserted a long Q-tip into her nostril. Public service: Noni, who spent time in Bali recently, revealed earlier this week what it's really like to be tested for coronavirus 'It tickles a little bit. That's it, that's it. Perfect,' the doctor said as he pushed the swab further into her nose. Noni closed her eyes and grimaced until the uncomfortable test was over. The COVID-19 nasal swab allows healthcare workers to collect secretions from the uppermost part of the throat. Getting tested: In a TikTok video posted on Wednesday, she was filmed getting a nasal swab They insert the Q-tip as far as it will go into a person's nose, twirl it around to collect a sample, then gently remove it and place it into a vial. The swab is then sent to a lab for testing. As of Friday afternoon, there are 835 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia and seven deaths. Uncomfortable: The COVID-19 nasal swab allows healthcare workers to collect secretions from the uppermost part of the throat This article originally appeared in The Inquirer on July 10, 1992 About a decade ago, when Linda Kaat first suggested to her Thornbury neighbors that they spruce up SEPTAs rundown Glen Mills train station, the reaction was classic: Thats SEPTAs problem. Yesterday, as Kaat stood on the wooden porch (freight platform, to you train buffs) of the lovingly restored, 130-year-old station, the result of her persistence was a tribute to the township and an inspiration for other communities. Lots of communities, SEPTA hopes. The commitment and dedication down here is wonderful. Its the kind of thing were trying to promote, John Davis, SEPTAs superintendent of stations, said before presenting a commemorative plaque to the Thornbury Historical Society. With 200 train stations, including 35 that are defunct, and infamous budget problems, SEPTA can use all the help it can get. In fact, lack of money for bridge repairs, not lack of riders, forced SEPTA to shut down the Glen Mills station in Delaware County in 1986. Now, the Media-West Chester line goes only as far as Elwyn. But anyone who heads out to rural Thornbury, to where the tracks cross Chester Creek near Sweetwater Road, will see that the station has a new life as a meeting hall and informal museum for the 305-year-old township. The museum role is fitting because the station, with Victorian peaked windows and ornate brickwork, was likely designed by a protege of famed Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. (It may have been designed by Furness himself, but SEPTA and Thornbury Historical Society members cant come up with proof.) The buildings beauty was fading amid the falling plaster, sagging roof, and decaying porch when Kaat, then owner of a bed and breakfast in Thornbury, joined with Richard B. Luchenbach, a now-deceased historic preservationist, to galvanize the historical society or do-nothing society, as Kaat used to called it. Of $55,000 spent to restore the building, the society raised $15,000 from Thornbury residents and obtained $30,000 in state funds for historic preservation. This project really built community pride, said society member Joan Dehm, who organized fundraising auctions, Christmas tree sales, and Halloween fright nights. SEPTA still owns the building, but has an ideal deal: A tenant rents the living quarters that once housed the station master, and the historical society uses the waiting room and ticket office in exchange for keeping the place in shape. While Thornburys restoration project was unusually ambitious, SEPTA says community involvement in maintaining stations is growing. The Kennwood, Quakertown, and Queen Lane train stations have been adopted by locals. They help with cleaning and landscaping and, in exchange, use the buildings for town watch or other meetings. The partnership has helped stem vandalism in the stations, Davis said. New initiatives, inspired by Thornburys example, are under way. In Lansdowne, residents are helping to restore a documented Furness station that sustained $50,000 damage in April in an arson fire. Sharon Hill also is trying to raise money for its station. Were ecstatic, Davis said. Alcohol has many uses -- from giving you a buzz to killing germs. And if you can distill one, you can distill the other. New York states growing craft distilling industry -- the people who make whiskey, vodka, gin etc. -- are now jumping into the business of making sanitizers to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. They have the ability to distill to the minimum 60 percent alcohol level the federal Centers for Disease Control says is needed to kill the virus. At Hall Island Distillery in Cicero, head distiller Dave Benton is cooking up some bulk alcohol that will be used to make a spray sanitizer suitable for use in medical and retail environments. The folks at Lock 1 Distilling Co. in Phoenix, Oswego County, are working on plans for small bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizers they hope will be useful for local first responders and law enforcement. At Old Home Distillers in Lebanon, Madison County, brothers Aaron and Adam Carvell are taking a different tack: Theyre producing a new 140-proof drinkable beverage that is also safe for cleaning food preparation surfaces. Theyre joining distillers from across the state -- from Lake George to the Finger Lakes -- and around the country who are re-purposing their equipment and their expertise in the face of the pandemic. Its great how every one seems to be looking for a way to get involved, to help out, said Jason Hatch, general manager at Lock 1. This is our way, by using what we know how to do to help out. The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which regulates the distilling industry, has made it easier by waiving some rules, fees and legal requirements to allow distillers to produce sanitizers. The TTB says it will waive excise taxes on products that are denatured, or which have additives that make it unsuitable for drinking. Taxes would be due on drinkable products. Heres a closer look at what some Upstate New York distilleries are doing: Hall Island Distillery, 6665 Island Road in Cicero, jumped into sanitizer right away, getting its TTB approval on Monday, Benton said. He is now using corn and sugar to produce 140-proof (70 percent) ethyl alcohol, or ethahnol. It takes about a week to produce a finished product, Benton said. The plan is to fill 5-gallon containers and send them to Haun Welding Supply, a Syracuse-based welding and industrial gas supplier that has a business relationship with Hall Island. Haun will package it in spray bottles that could be used to sanitize medical equipment or perhaps point-of-sale (cash registers) at retail shops. Benton also hopes to have some available at the distillery tasting room for people who want to use it as a base to make their own. It could be produced at up to 95 percent alcohol. Lock 1 Distilling Co., 17 Culvert St. in Phoenix, is working on a plans to produce a hand-sanitizer in a relatively small size, perhaps 12-ounce, Hatch said. The project is still in its early stages. The goal is to produce something that emergency services personnel could carry in their vehicles. Lock 1 reached out to the Onondaga County executives office to help them determine where to put their emphasis, Hatch said. Lock 1 already has a good relationship with fire departments and emergency personnel, he said. The product may also be available going forward at the Lock 1 tasting room, where it could be handed out as a complimentary item to customers who make other purchases. Lock 1 may also produce a denatured (non-drinkable) sanitizer to be used on hard surfaces, Hatch said. Old Home Distillers, 964 Campbell Road, Lebanon, is currently distilling a new product it calls Old Home 140 (for 140 proof). Its essentially a high-alcohol white (unaged) corn whiskey. Its 70% abv (alcohol by volume), made from 100% local corn, and smells like America, said Aaron Carvell, who runs the distillery with his brother Adam. It will be both drinkable (potable) and could be used to safely kill germs on food prep surfaces. Our theory is that while making sanitizer from waste alcohol is a wonderful thing (and we certainly salute those who are doing it), the dystopian future needs a multi-purpose product that is effective, potable, and safe for use as a spray in food prep areas, Carvell said. While it will not be the gel that many people might expect, it will be a versatile folk remedy that addresses the current need while remaining true to our roots in beverage. Old Home 140 should be available at the distillery by Monday, packaged in 200-mililiter glass bottles for $5 each. .Old Home will donate some bottles to local businesses and service organizations, Carvell said. Elsewhere in Upstate New York: Finger Lakes Distilling Co., 4676 State Route 414, Burdett (on Seneca Lake) is hoping to have its version of hand sanitizer available by the middle of next week, owner Brian McKenzie said. Initially, it will be available in bulk containers, and people stop by the distillery tasting room and fill up their own bottles, he said. Down the road, there may be individually packaged bottles. It will be made from beverage-grade spirits currently in stock at the distillery. We just want to do our part to to help out right now, McKenzie said. Black Button Distilling, 85 Railroad St., Rochester, is producing medical-grade sanitizer to be distributed to hospitals, doctors offices, homeless shelters and similar facilities in the Rochester area. The sanitizer is packaged in Black Buttons 750-mililiter glass bottles. It is not available to the general public. Lake George Distilling Co. announced via Facebook today it plans to start producing a hand sanitizer following World Health Organization (WHO) guidlines. It will be available as soon as possible and free of charge, the post said. Where to find distilleries in CNY (map) MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Thousands of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm CNY hospitals; what needs to be done now How a carton of eggs led to 2 acts of kindness at CNY Wegmans amid coronavirus panic Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. While the exact contents of Prime Minister Narendra Modis address to the nation on coronavirus may not be known, the opposition parties and leaders have been quick in suggesting what they think the prime minister must announce at 8pm on Thursday. Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram has suggested a total lockdown of towns and cities to prevent coronavirus from progressing beyond stage-2 to community transmissions, where it spreads exponentially. Also read: Coronavirus claims 4th life in India, Punjab records its first death I will be disappointed if the PM did not announce a total lockdown, at least of all towns and cities, for a period of 2-4 weeks, Anything less, he says will be letting down this country. The CPI(M) says the prime minister should announce suspending census and the National Population Register (NPR) exercise in the view of the health crisis triggered by covid-19. Given the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for taking precautions such as social distancing, the Politburo of the CPI(M) is of the firm opinion that the NPR enumeration slated to begin from April 1 must be abandoned, a statement from the partys highest decision making body, the politbureau said. The CPM added that the suspension of the above activities will allow focused targeting of all government resources to controlling the pandemic. Several opposition leaders including Congress leader Anand Sharma have demanded adjournment of the Parliaments budget session. Trinamool Congress party MPs in Lok Sabha are demanding that the prime minister makes a statement on the governments plan to prevent the contagion from advancing further in the Parliament. They have also demanded more quarantine centres. Also read: 2 million NRIs residing in 10 countries hit by coronavirus Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has asked the government to bring back Indians stranded outside the country at various airports at international destinations. The demand was also supported by Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Bhaurao Raut who raised the issue of 58 students including 25 women, who are reported to be stranded in Singapore for three days. Congress MP Dean Kuriakose said government should arrange for chartered flights to bring back people stuck at airports including in Italy and the Philippines. Asit Kumar Mal of Trinamool Congress said there should be more quarantine centers. KT Rama Rao, son of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also asked the Centre to make arrangements for the return of Indians stranded at airports in Manila, Rome and other places. National Conference MP and Chairperson Farooq Abdullah, who was released last week after seven-month long detention, has demanded restoration of 4G mobile network in Jammu and Kashmir to ease residents lives hit by restrictions imposed in the wake of covid-19 outbreak in the country and after detection of the first positive case in Kashmir on Wednesday. The United States will delay arresting some people suspected of violating immigration laws until after the coronavirus crisis, authorities said on Wednesday, one of several recent emergency moves that could hamper President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] will focus its arrest and detention efforts on 'public safety risks' and individuals with certain criminal convictions, the agency said in a public statement. The federal agency also said it would seized all its operations 'at or near near health care facilities' unless there is an 'extraordinary' set of circumstances. 'Individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement,' ICE said. ICE also indicated it would use alternatives to detention when appropriate for lower-level offenders. Such alternatives include ankle bracelets and telephonic monitoring systems. Trump has made hard-line immigration policies a centerpiece of his presidency and 2020 reelection campaign. However, the spread of the deadly coronavirus across the United States in recent weeks has led to a spate of emergency measures, including scaled-back immigration efforts. Trump had put in place broader arrest and detention directives against all immigrants living in the country illegally, reversing Obama-era policies that had focused on immigrants with serious criminal records. The U.S. government canceled all deportation hearings for immigrants not in detention on Wednesday after immigration judges and government prosecutors complained busy courts were putting them at risk of coronavirus infection. Separately U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency that processes visa and green card applications, sent a message to all employees late on Tuesday that in-person interviews - including for asylum seekers - and naturalization ceremonies for new citizens would be canceled around the country until at least April 1. Attorneys for immigrant detainees have urged the release of their clients in recent days, arguing they face an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. On Wednesday evening, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga officials were informed that a member of the UTC campus community has tested positive for COVID-19. Officials said, "In accordance with guidance from public health officials at the county and state levels, this notice is being sent to inform UTC faculty, staff and students of this development. Students were on spring break last week and not on campus this week. UTC has encouraged social distancing for employees that have been working on campus this week. More information will be provided as it becomes available. "The University is working closely with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, which has familiarity with the case, to follow guidelines to ensure the safety and health of the campus community. "The campus community member has been off campus since Wednesday, March 11, and in quarantine as directed and is being closely monitored by the health department and is following protocol for people who have tested positive. "The UTC community should continue to be vigilant with handwashing and social distancing, and anyone with infection concerns should call his or her healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and requirements for monitoring." Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser sent city alcohol inspectors to make sure bars had shut down. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan deployed the National Guard to keep people from congregating in restaurants. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam urged residents to use good sense and avoid large gatherings. The top political leaders in the greater Washington area have tackled the novel coronavirus crisis with markedly different styles. Although it's too soon to judge what approach is best, the outbreak is a real-time gauge of how personality can dictate policy at a time when the federal government has left crucial aspects of emergency response up to states and localities. No one has seized the moment more aggressively than Hogan - a Republican running a blue state, chairman of the National Governors Association and past presidential aspirant. He was among the first to close schools and shutter restaurants. Bowser soon followed his lead. Northam, a physician, has played it far differently, emphasizing restraint. "When the national government isn't really setting the standard affirmatively - and that's what we have right now - the states and city leaders have to largely do this on their own," said Mark Rozell, head of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. That can create a patchwork response. As Maryland and District bars sat empty Tuesday night, the St. Patrick's Day crowds could cross the river to Virginia, where restaurants were still open - althoughNortham had banned gatherings of more than 10 people. Wednesday evening, Hogan voiced frustration with Northam's approach for the second time in a week, telling a Fox 5 interviewer that shutting the Virginia restaurants "would be a good step...If we really need to shut down this community transmission, we're all in this together, and we've got to work together as a team." From Bowser's barbs on Twitter to Hogan's command-center bravado and Northam's posture as a concerned pediatrician, the three approaches have been as contrasting as the areas they represent. - - - Hogan's announcements have telegraphed control, including a news conference inside an emergency operations center, flanked by National Guard members in fatigues. Behind him was a map of the world showing live updates of the global spread of what the World Health Organization had hours earlier labeled a pandemic. "This is escalating quickly," he warned, adding that people older than 60 should stay at home indefinitely. The state had just 13 cases at that point, and widespread social distancing was not underway. But Hogan said major disruptions were on the horizon. On the governor's Facebook page, some of his supporters called his actions "mass hysteria" and "delusional." The next day, he shut down schools statewide for two weeks, minutes after Ohio became the first in the country to do so. Hogan put Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford (R) in charge of state government so he could focus on the virus response. He was incensed by Facebook photos showing people openly flouting his advice. "All weekend, there's pictures of thousands of people partying in bars that are going to, you know, infect their parents and grandparents," he said in an interview in Annapolis. "So, you know, then we have to take further action. . . . I don't have time to debate anything or ask permission." Hogan, 63, is widely popular, especially since his high-profile battle with cancer during his first term, in 2015. He was courted by the Never Trump wing of the Republican Party last year as a potential primary challenger to the president, and observers say his leadership during this crisis could fuel a future run for higher office. In the past three weeks, Hogan has leaned into his role as chairman of the National Governors Association, visiting the White House Situation Room twice and tweeting photos of himself seated beside Vice President Pence each time. He casts himself as a leader getting it right, and acts as a spokesman for governors struggling to secure resources. On Wednesday alone, he had six live television interviews. Although he says criticizing the widely panned federal response is unhelpful, Hogan is quick to complain that the U.S. government is behind on testing capability and may never catch up. He said governors on the front lines must act first. "We're going to push forward without waiting," he said. "We're going to say, 'We're moving forward. Please come help us.' " Hogan, who was a suburban real estate developer before becoming governor in 2014, drew national attention for his handling of riots in Baltimore after just a year in office. He called in the National Guard before city leaders asked for that help, then spent the rest of the week urging residents to keep the peace. "Frankly, I thought that was a big challenge," he said this week. "That was like a Caribbean vacation compared to this. That was like nothing." He said it was a National Governors Association briefing from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in mid-February that first crystallized for him the epidemic was a grave concern. He then created a panel of epidemiologists and other advisers, who convinced him that drastic action was the only useful option. The approach dovetailed with his instinct. "Under the state of emergency," he said, "I have the power to do almost anything." Hogan, who routinely calls for national unity, said his "phone's ringing off the hook" with governors sharing tips and looking for solutions. Democrats who control the General Assembly have bristled at his aggression. The governor initially included the legislature's presiding officers in his briefings. But not long after he sought to curtail public gatherings, he tweeted that the legislature may need to adjourn immediately - weeks ahead of schedule. Once leaders said they needed more time, Hogan had the Maryland National Guard stationed outside the State House. Many Democrats said privately that they thought the governor was trying to use the pandemic to force them out of Annapolis before they could enact landmark education legislation that Hogan derides as too costly. They ultimately passed it, along with hundreds of millions in tax increases, before adjourning Wednesday. - - - In Washington, Bowser, D, has been conscious of Hogan's fast-moving tactics, aware that many in her city are affected by them. Maryland forced her hand in what she said was her toughest decision yet: the order on Friday to close D.C. Public Schools for two weeks. Bowser wasn't convinced that the order would be effective in containing the virus, but she knew that many D.C. teachers live in Maryland and needed to care for their own children, whose schools had shuttered the previous day. "It was a tough decision to say to kids, families and teachers that we are going to interrupt learning and hope that it works," she said in an interview. Covid-19 poses one of the biggest challenges yet for Bowser, 47, who rose from working at a small insurance office to becoming mayor of her hometown in 2015. She contended with a 2016 blizzard that shut down the region, school scandals in 2018 that forced her to oust top education officials and a surge in mass public demonstrations after President Trump took office. Bowser said it was the health screening of passengers at Dulles International Airport in early February that made her realize that a major crisis was on the way. "Those were early signs that, hey, this is a serious issue, we are going to have to know as much as we can so that we can communicate thoroughly to D.C. residents," she said. She formed coronavirus task forces within the government on Feb. 28. Eight days later, on a Saturday, Bowser was home in Northwest Washington when she got a call alerting her to the District's first case, which turned out to be the rector of a historic Episcopalian church in Georgetown. Within a week, D.C. had 10 positive cases, including some with no known exposure. Bowser declared the city's first-ever public health emergency, following the region's first broad self-quarantine order, for parishioners at Christ Church Georgetown. Even as some residents called on her to bring the city to a standstill, Bowser said she would make her decisions "based on science" and guidance from public health experts in her government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "All of this is moving and evolving, and evolving quickly," she said. "My approach has been to be urgent, decisive - but not be chaotic." But the directives out of her administration have frequently changed - sometimes barely 24 hours apart. For example, administration officials on Friday said restaurants could continue operating as long as hundreds of people were not packed into the same room or banquet hall. By Sunday, the government banned bar seating and service to standing patrons. The order morphed Monday into an outright prohibition on onsite drinking and eating. "The situation has evolved so rapidly that we may need to update our guidance at any given moment," Bowser said. At news conferences, she was openly sympathetic, saying she understood the stress that residents and businesses faced. But on social media, she has been more feisty and direct. The morning after a restaurant group said it would not comply with new restrictions on eateries and "bow down to pressure from the mayor's office," Bowser vowed on Twitter to "use the full force" of government to enforce compliance. The restaurant group relented. "When we talk about an economic recovery, everyone will be better off if we get through this more quickly," Bowser said. "That's how we arrived at very difficult decisions to put our government on modified operations, to send our kids home to do distance learning and to prohibit mass gatherings." Bowser has largely refrained from criticizing Trump or the federal government's handling of coronavirus testing and preparation. Advisers say she wants to avoid playing politics. She also needs the federal government's approval to activate the National Guard in the city, a process she has started. "We are in a unique position as the nation's capital," said John Falcicchio, her chief of staff. "The mayor has to make sure the city is still running, but what we do is still important because it reflects how the nation is going as well." - - - It has been Northam, D, the most soft-spoken of the three, who has been most critical of Trump. "We wouldn't be where we are today with the challenges that we have if this had been taken seriously by national leadership back in December and January," the governor said in an interview. Northam, 60, is a pediatric neurologist who spent eight years in the Army and treated soldiers wounded in the first Persian Gulf War. His low-key speaking style seems more suited to the bedside of a sick child than the din of public life. Sitting in his office in Richmond this week - windows open, shirt collar unbuttoned - Northam projected little of the urgency that he described. "We're fighting a biological war right now," he said, "and it's kind of like if someone started dropping bombs on the United States, and our leader said this is going to go away, it's going to disappear, it's going to be a miracle. It would leave us, as the states, to defend ourselves." He credited the Trump administration with taking a more serious approach in recent days, but said the lack of early testing nationwide left states grappling in the dark about the scope of the crisis. Northam, who has been in office since 2018, had his own leadership questioned last year when a racist photo surfaced from his 1984 medical school yearbook page. He defied widespread calls to resign, and has since regained support from fellow Democrats after vowing to work for racial equity. Few have publicly criticized his handling of the coronavirus crisis. One prominent Republican lawmaker called for a special session of the General Assembly to address the pandemic, but Northam brushed that aside, saying he can propose fixes to the state budget when the legislature returns for a veto session next month. Some Democrats have complained behind the scenes that Northam isn't doing enough to shut down businesses and support workers. Although he leads a newly blue state, the governor is from the conservative wing of his party, and is conscious of Virginia's status as fiscally cautious and friendly to business. Northam announced Friday that schools would be closed, a day later than Hogan and a day after saying he would leave it up to school systems to make their own decisions. In near-daily news conferences, conducted in a vast meeting room with chairs for reporters spaced far apart, he has slowly escalated his calls for limits on public gatherings. He set up a task force late last month headed by Cabinet secretaries of health and public safety, and established another working group to gauge the economic effect of the crisis and response. Northam said he has been in discussions about using National Guard troops to establish Mobile Army Surgical Hospital-like facilities in tents, and is talking with other states about bringing in doctors if Virginia's caseload skyrockets. He hasn't spoken personally with Hogan or Bowser, but says that their staffs have been in regular contact. And he declined to second-guess their more aggressive public postures. "Everybody has different ways to lead," Northam said. "My experience has always been . . . I can come in and lead by example, and be in charge but also be calm." In medicine, he said, he learned the value of a steady temper by dealing with situations in which a child is dying or needs to be resuscitated. "I have seen people come in and start hollering and throwing things and cursing at people, and the outcome is not usually good," he said. His approach: understand the situation, have confidence in his abilities and keep people calm. "So that's the way I lead, and the way I take care of a situation when we're in a crisis like this." A health minister who was struck down by coronavirus blasted 'selfish' Londoners today for ignoring pleas to work from home in a bit to slow the spread of the contagion. Nadine Dorries, 62, hit out at the capital's residents, accusing many of using cafes and coffee shops to work instead self-isolating away from other people. The former nurse, who is recovering from her brush with coronavirus, took to Twitter to voice her frustration. It came after Boris Johnson hinted the capital's nine million population could face a total lockdown within days amid fears the 'superspreader city' is the engine of the UK's coronavirus outbreak, after the daily death rate doubled to 33 in 24 hours. Commuters have shared pictures of crowded tube trains and platforms as services are cut back as London grinds to a halt. Ms Dorries, the Mid Bedfordshire MP and a novellist, said: 'People in London are working in cafes, not at home. 'One cafe owner tells me that takings have shot up to over double usual daily amount. 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' Nadine Dorries, 62, hit out at the capital's residents, accusing many of using cafes and coffee shops to work instead self-isolating away from other people The former nurse, who is recovering from her brush with coronavirus, took to Twitter to voice her frustration Commuters have shared pictures of crowded tube trains and platforms as services are cut back as London grinds to a halt The Army has put 20,000 troops on standby as the Prime Minister refused to rule out the possibility of further and faster measures to control the spread of the virus on the busy streets of the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the country. He said ruthless enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in London more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. Mayor Sadiq Khan told Londoners to 'stop travelling and avoid social interaction today', despite commuters who still have to get into work being forced to cram onto packed Tubes after services were cut. A busy Green Park station in London this morning (left) as passengers were forced to cram into carriages (right) after services were cut London Underground said nine stations were already shut this morning with a further 31 set to follow later today as the Mayor urged people not to travel 'by any means, unless they really, really have to'. But with thousands of commuters unable to work from home still going into work, many were left standing cheek by jowl on trains that are still running in an obvious infringement of guidelines to stand six feet apart. Stations which do not interchange with other lines could be closed, while the Waterloo and City line and Night Tube services will not run from Friday. Buses in the capital will be reduced and people are being urged 'not to use public transport for anything other than essential journeys'. Women plough the way to peace in South Sudan resettlement project 18 March 2020 - Women who had been displaced by fighting in South Sudan are sowing seeds of peace, with support from the UN mission in the country, UNMISS. They have been given ox ploughs to work the land, as part of a campaign to resettle returnees in the Rumbek North area who were uprooted during intercommunal clashes last year. "We realized that household food security is one of the key factors for return and reintegration to be sustainable," said Caroline Opok, a representative of the peacekeeping mission. Rumbek North has been greatly affected by conflict, displacement and food insecurity. Due to persistent intercommunal violence, including cattle raids, revenge attacks and armed ambushes, many people in the region have been reduced to relying on relief aid. Tired of depending on external assistance, and with oxen aplenty available, residents figured that having ploughs could improve their situation. "The challenge they reported was a lack of implements to increase their food production. That's how the ox plough idea was born," said Samuel Owoko, a representative of Sans Frontieres Germany, the organization implementing the project. The tools were handed to women's groups, as local tradition dictates that girls and women are the ones responsible for feeding their families. They will be put to good use, according to Mary Agor, a local women's leader. "We have been using hand hoes, and with that you can only do so much. With these ox ploughs coming in, we shall cultivate bigger areas which will help us sustain our families throughout the long dry spell. We shall also have some surplus produce to sell at the market in Rumbek and thus make some money", she said. All that is required now is for their men to bring back the bulls to draw the ploughs. Most of the time, male villagers bring their cattle and run into the wilderness as a way of fending off possible raids from neighbouring communities. Now, their women want them back home and working. "We are telling men that food security is the responsibility of the entire household, not just women", said Ms. Opok, the UNMISS representative. "We are encouraging men to bring out the bulls and put in the energy to work together with their women to expand the areas of cultivation". Ms. Agor, the women's group leader, also had a message for the national authorities: "We want our Government to make sure that there is enough security so that we can bring in our bulls and cultivate. Without peace, that will not be possible. Right now, the roads are full of armed youth. They should go away so that our men can safely return with their cattle". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address COMMUNITIES in Henley and South Oxfordshire have come together to offer support to people affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Groups have been established to help people with shopping and to support elderly residents in isolation and at risk of becoming lonely. In Henley, youth and community project Nomad is offering residents supplies from its food bank. The charity, which is based at the d:two centre in Upper Market Place, is also calling on people to donate unwanted foodstuff which it can then provide to the people in need. It has asked people to donate toilet rolls, hand soap, sanitisers, tinned meats, UHT milk, cleaning products and pasta sauces. There is a collection point at Tesco, off Reading Road, and the centre is open for donations from 10am to 2pm every working day. Meanwhile, residents in St Andrews Road, Henley, have established a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with neighbours. Organiser Nick Fox said: I started the group with Sarah Gilbert, my neighbour, and we have 63 residents from the length of St Andrews Road with many, many offers to help. Our aim is to help those who are vulnerable and may need help as well as self- isolators. It has been really well received and supported and I would encourage other roads to do the same. As much as the help itself, it is knowing that there are people willing and able to help. If others in the area wanted to join they can get in touch and we can add them. A support group has also been established to support vulnerable residents across the whole town. It is called the Henley Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group and has more than 1,200 members. They have divided the town into areas each covering about 80 households. Each one has a co-ordinator responsible for managing a team of street representatives, a finance representative and individual volunteers. Member Emma Taylor said: We want to make sure that everyone who needs help will get it, whether they need food delivered, a prescription picked up, or their dog taken for a walk. We are also looking at offering phone chats to help those who live alone avoid loneliness. We have already been contacted by people living outside Henley who have elderly relatives in the town and want to ensure they are looked after, as well as many people who want to offer to help. Ms Taylor, of Western Avenue, added: Its fantastic to see the town pulling together like this in a positive way in a difficult time. We are aware that some areas already have fantastic support groups and we are working with them and learning from them rather than reinventing the wheel. Care is being taken to prevent spreading the virus. Volunteers will not have personal contact with anyone and will keep 2m away or leave deliveries on doorsteps and the steering group is using Skype to hold meetings virtually. Although we will need to ask for money to cover the cost of peoples shopping, there will not be any charges beyond the actual costs of groceries. If someone is in need of help but is struggling to access funds, they should still contact us for help and we will signpost to assistance where necessary. A steering group of nine residents has been established to co-ordinate the network and includes town councillor Kellie Hinton. It is also creating a resource bank of useful tools and tips on how to set up successful groups, drawing on the experience of existing groups in Henley and around the UK, to help the co-ordinators and other volunteers. Anyone who wants to take part, needs help or wants to alert the group to a vulnerable relative living in the town should visit the Facebook page by searching for Henley Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group or email HenleyC19aid@gmail.com to speak to Kate Keaveney, who co-chairs the steering group. Town councillor Will Hamilton has told residents to message him on Twitter @LeadHenley if they want help shopping and Deputy Mayor David Eggleton says he will deliver soup, long-life milk, sugar, teabags, coffee and toilet rolls to people self-isolating and the elderly. If you need assistance, call him on 07836 202508. The Henley Literary Festival has established a buddy scheme for anyone who needs help and is appealing for volunteers. It will connect them with residents who require support and carry out deliveries of groceries or medication. To join the scheme, email info@henleyliteraryfestival. co.uk Residents in Shiplake have also come together to help people who cannot go out or want to limit the number of times they leave the house. They will deliver fresh products such as milk, eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables and other items such as newspapers and medicines. Co-ordinator Carol Harvey, who runs the village corner shop, said: We now have a list of willing volunteers to help all those who are unable to go out or who wish to limit their outings due to health concerns. In Sonning Common, the Fish volunteer centre, a charity which provides transport to people in need, is deploying its 50 drivers to pick up peoples shopping and medicine. Chairman Richard McQuillan said: The car drivers will hopefully also be able to take people to any remaining clinics that might be open. Were offering telephone support as well. We will be offering to phone them twice a week to see if theyre okay. Loneliness is going to be a very serious problem. Older people will find it hard not being visited by their children or grandchildren. Someone has said to me I would rather die than not being able to see her grandchildren for months. Its quite serious. Call the centre on 0118 972 3986. Villagers have also established a Facebook group called SoCo Corona Virus Support. Organiser Mathew White, 41, of Orchard Avenue, said 300 people had joined and 38 had provided their details just 48 hours after the page was set up. The volunteers have offered to collect subscriptions, toiletries and speak to people on the phone. Mr White said: It could be something thats really important if people are going to be isolated for two or three months. Being at home if youre vulnerable and elderly could lead to its own problems. We have quite a number of elderly residents in the village. The amount of support has been amazing but it would be lovely if it transpired that we werent needed at all. To get in touch, email socohelpers@gmail.com or call 07468004541. In Bix and Assendon more than 40 people have offered to take dogs for a walk or shop. Some have also offered to have telephone conversations with people who feel isolated. In Woodcote residents Rachael Winterbottom and Helena Fahie have established Facebook groups called Combat Corona Volunteers Woodcote and Combat Corona Volunteers. The latter applies to the Goring area. Ewelme Village Store will stay open but has closed its tea room. It will operate a delivery service for villagers who self-isolate. Charity Age UK Oxfordshire has also started a new telephone service for the elderly offering advice and a weekly check-up call. For more information, call 01865 411288.. Passengers wear masks as they arrive at Dulles International airport in Dulles, Virginia, on March 17, 2020. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) US Tourism Industry Asks for $250 Billion Relief Package Amid Looming Job Cuts U.S. executives from the hotel and travel industry called for a potential $250 billion aid package during a meeting with President Donald Trump on March 17, amid mounting fears of large-scale job cuts due to the CCP virus outbreak. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. The relief package, if approved, would provide the hotel sector with $150 billion in direct aid, and $100 billion in funds for related travel companies, including convention businesses, executives from companies such as Marriott and Hilton told reporters after their meeting with the president on Tuesday. The airline industry has separately requested $58 billion in aid for passenger and cargo aircraft, and a further $10 billion for airports. The CCP virus pandemic has already had a greater economic impact on the hotel industry than September 11th and the 2008 recession combined, according to Chip Rogers, chief executive of the American Hotels and Lodging Association (AHLA). Thirty-three thousand small business hotels across the country are facing the difficult decision right now whether to close their doors and lay off millions of people over the next few days, Rogers said. The impact to our industry is already more severe than anything weve seen before, he added. Meanwhile, a loss of $1.4 billion in revenue every week is expected by the hotel industry as the outbreak continues to escalate, according to statements from the AHLA and the U.S. Travel Association, which also forecasts a 30 percent drop in hotel occupancy over a year. The impact of the CCP virus on the industries could cause the loss of 4.6 million jobs, the statements added. The groups said they requested the federal government take immediate action to implement a series of measures, including launching a travel workforce stabilization fund for the retention and rehiring of employees, and making funding available for hotel businesses in the form of low interest loans. The travel industry also suggested the White House make modifications to the Small Business Association loan program to aid small businesses and their staff. The request for financial assistance came as Marriott, the largest hotel company, announced Tuesday it was beginning to furlough what it anticipates will be tens of thousands of employees. A number of managed properties were shut down last week, while workers were left unpaid, receiving just healthcare benefits, a company spokesman said. Meanwhile, Hilton saw occupancy was down to 15 percent with hotels shutting down in several cities. Weakening demand due to travel restrictions and recommendations to self-isolate have left the industries battling to stay afloat. Democrats in Congress are expected to assist the sector, but have said any bailout should come with conditions like protections for workers and requirements for consumer-friendly and environmentally sound business practices. A spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she spoke with U.S. airline CEOs on Tuesday, at their request. There was agreement on the need for big, immediate action, he said, as well as assistance that puts workers paychecks and benefits first. Trump in the meeting assured the industry leaders that he understands the sacrifices they are all making and pledged that this administration would be there for them in the days, weeks and months ahead, a White House spokesperson said in a statement. The Trump administration this week requested roughly $1 trillion from Congress as part of a relief package to assist sectors including the airline and hotel industries, as they battle to survive the economic impacts of the CCP virus pandemic. We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday. Americans need cash now, and the president wants to get cash now. And I mean now, in the next two weeks. Reuters contributed to this report. In the 1970s, I lived in Baltimore with my parents, went to the university there, and got my first "shirt and tie" job at a bank. And I got to see my first World Series game in 1979. Furthermore, they started a lot of the downtown and Inner Harbor developments that turned that city around. Baltimore has changed a lot since. I still love to eat the crab cakes, but the city has a few problems. This is from a local report: Baltimore Mayor Jack Young urged residents to put down their guns and heed orders to stay home after multiple people were shot Tuesday night amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Young said hospital beds are needed to treat positive COVID-19 patients and not for senseless violence. Seven people were shot Tuesday night in the Madison Park neighborhood, as Baltimore reported its fifth positive coronavirus case Wednesday. "I want to reiterate how completely unacceptable the level of violence is that we have seen recently," Young said. "We will not stand for mass shootings and an increase in crime." Wow. Is this what Baltimore has come to? I wonder when other blue city mayors will say the same thing? Chicago? I appreciate that the mayor finds the current level of violence unacceptable. It's a start and an improvement from Marilyn Mosby, state's attorney for Baltimore City, pandering to crowds yelling for justice back in 2015. What a disgrace that was! My guess is that Mayor Young knows what the problem is. Baltimore's politicians stabbed the police officers in the back and now have to call on people to stop shooting each other. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. DAYTON, Ohio, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CareSource announced today, the allocation of $500,000 to help meet immediate needs related to the coronavirus pandemic. The funding will support multiple community partners to provide food access to vulnerable populations in Ohio and Indiana, and to provide child care to medical workers in Georgia. As the coronavirus spreads and impacts more people, CareSource has marshalled its resources to provide immediate support to help non-profit organizations mobilize. CareSource has a history of being mission-driven and committed to the overall health and well-being of its members, said Erhardt Preitauer, President and CEO, CareSource. During this critical time for our country, its important that we all step up to support each other and our communities. While investing and innovating in social determinants of health is our everyday work, it has never been more important than it is now. Last week, CareSource began its coronavirus relief efforts with a first-of-its-kind endeavor to provide food boxes to quarantined seniors through a partnership with The Foodbank, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio. 2,000 boxes containing a three-week supply of nutritious food are being assembled and distributed through a drive-thru this week. Beyond this immediate effort, CareSource is working closely with foodbanks in Cleveland, Columbus and Indianapolis to increase food access to vulnerable populations. In Georgia, CareSource will provide financial support to their community partner, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, to allow child care for medical workers on the front line of fighting the coronavirus. About CareSource CareSource is a nonprofit nationally recognized as an industry leader in providing member-centric health care coverage. Founded in 1989, CareSource administers one of the nations largest Medicaid managed care plans. Today, CareSource offers individuals and families comprehensive health and life services including Marketplace and Medicare Advantage plans. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, CareSource serves nearly 2 million members in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Georgia. CareSource understands the challenges consumers face navigating the health system and works to put health care in reach for those it serves. For more, visit caresource.com, follow @caresource on Twitter or like CareSource on Facebook. Attachment Advertisement The Queen addressed the nation today and urged individuals to play their part, as her family will be, in beating coronavirus The Queen today urged Britain to come together amid the coronavirus crisis and assured the country that the Royal Family is ready to 'play its part' in beating the deadly infection. The 93-year-old monarch was seen leaving Buckingham Palace with her faithful corgi-dachshund mix Candy on her lap as she headed to Windsor Castle for her Easter break a week earlier than planned. The Queen was joined at Windsor by her husband Prince Philip, 98, who travelled by helicopter from his home of Wood Farm at Sandringham in Norfolk, amid an anticipated lockdown of London. In today's message, she praised medical workers, scientists and the emergency and public services who are fighting the pandemic, and stressed everyone has a 'vitally important part to play as individuals' - today and in the coming months. 'Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge,' she said. 'You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.' On another day of dramatic developments in the fight against the fast-spreading virus as latest figures revealed that a further 29 people who tested positive had died in England, taking the UK total to 137: Boris Johnson said the Government stood ready to take further action in London if people did not follow his advice on social distancing, although he ruled out closing down public transport. Mr Johnson also said UK scientists expect to start trials for the first vaccine within a month, as he thanked the public for the 'huge efforts' they have taken in complying with the advice for the battle against the virus. The Bank of England cut interest rates to 0.1 per cent and unleashed another 200billion to boost the economy in its second emergency move in just over a week The Department of Health and Social Care announced that 2.9billion of emergency coronavirus funding would be made available to councils to free up at least 15,000 hospital beds. The Archbishop of Canterbury will lead a virtual service on Sunday, which will be broadcast on all BBC local radio stations. The Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said everyone must now follow the advice for social distancing, and socialising in pubs and clubs must stop. Earlier today royal experts suggested Prince William could step in to cover the Queen's commitments in a crisis plan - due to second-in-line Prince Charles also being over 70 and potentially facing four months in self-isolation. The Queen is seen leaving Buckingham Palace in London today with her corgi-dachshund mix, who is called Candy, on her lap as she heads to Windsor Castle to join Prince Philip, who has travelled by helicopter from his home at Sandringham in Norfolk Reports say Prince Philip (pictured on Christmas Eve last year leaving King Edward VII Hospital in London) has joined the Queen a week early to match her revised schedule, as she prepares to wait out the coronavirus crisis away from London The 93-year-old head of state glances out of the window next to her dog as she sits in the back of her official car today Her Majesty glanced out of the window next to the corgi-dachshund mix, who is called Candy, as she sat in the back of her official car for the 50-minute journey to Berkshire. Reports say the Duke of Edinburgh joined her a week early to match her revised schedule, as she waits out the crisis away from London, where tighter restrictions are expected within as it is the centre of the outbreak. The Queen attended her last engagement in London yesterday, a private audience with two senior officers from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Yesterday, she greeted Captain Angus Essenhigh, the new Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy warship HMS Queen Elizabeth, and his predecessor Commodore Steven Moorhouse. There were no handshakes, just bows from the captain and the commodore, as they met and chatted with the monarch in the private audience room of the Queen's London home. The Queen looked well as she travelled in the back of an official car to Windsor earlier today The Queen was today seen leaving Buckingham Palace as she left for Windsor Castle a week early than usual to spend time in self-isolation over Easter ITV's royal editor Chris Ship took to Twitter this afternoon explaining Philip had travelled by helicopter from Wood Farm in Sandringham to Windsor to be with the Queen for Easter. Boris Johnson warns the Government will take further action in London if people do not follow social distancing advice Boris Johnson has said the Government stood ready to take further action in London if people do not follow the Government's advice on social distancing, although he ruled out closing down public transport. 'If we feel that it isn't working and we need to bring forward tougher measure, nothing is ruled out,' he said. 'It is vital that people follow that advice. There is huge evidence that they are (social distancing) in the takings of the retail sector, the hospitality sector, TfL (Transport of London) in inner London down about 50 per cent, in outer London 60 per cent, but some evidence that in parts of the capital it is very patchy and some areas where people aren't following it in quite the way we need them to do,' he said. He acknowledged there had been some 'misunderstanding' over the Government's plans. 'There is no prospect of us wanting to stop public transport in London or stop the Tube or the buses,' he said. 'We are going to want people to avoid gatherings where they transmit the disease. If it becomes necessary to do more to ensure that, we will certainly do so.' Advertisement 'He had always planned to be with her and was moved to Windsor a week earlier to match the Queen's revised schedule,' he wrote. 'She arrived there this afternoon.' The Duke of Edinburgh was last pictured in January being driven onto the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where the Queen spends her winter break, for a shoot. Prince Philip remained in Sandringham while recuperating from a four-day stay in hospital in London over the festive period, where he was treated for a pre-existing medical condition. He had been admitted to King Edward VII Hospital for a few days as a precautionary measure, and for observation, after a period of poor health which saw him battling a 'flu-like' illness for weeks and suffering a 'bad fall'. Earlier today royal experts told MailOnline that Prince William could soon take a more senior role in the Royal Family during the coronavirus pandemic, should the Queen and Prince Charles have to go into isolation. This week Health Secretary Matt Hancock said people over the age of 70 will be told to self-isolate, even if they do not have symptoms, in a bid to stem the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable in society. Given the Prince of Wales, 71, and Her Majesty, 93, are within this age group, as third-in-line to the throne the Duke of Cambridge may be required to provide a 'physical presence' of the monarchy. Nigel Cawthorne, author of Call Me Diana: Princess Diana on Herself, told FEMAIL: 'It is entirely sensible for Prince William to act as placeholder for the Queen. There has to be a physical presence to the monarchy, not just a virtual one. 'He's third-in-line to the throne and in robust health like his brother, and COVID-19 is unlikely to be any serious threat for him or his wife or children. He will do a great job.' Earlier today royal experts told FEMAIL that Prince William (pictured with Kate Middleton) could soon take a more senior role in the Royal Family during the coronavirus pandemic, should the Queen and Prince Charles have to go into isolation. It is also possible that Princess Beatrice, who is ninth-in-line to the throne, may be appointed a Counsellor of State during these uncertain times The Queen greeted Captain Angus Essenhigh, (left) the new Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy warship HMS Queen Elizabeth, and his predecessor Commodore Steven Moorhouse yesterday Royal commentator Robert Jobson also told FEMAIL it is the 'natural thing to happen' for the Duke of Cambridge to act as placeholder for his grandmother. London braced for potential 'lockdown' The nine-million inhabitants of the capital are set for tighter restrictions on their movements - with signs the government will urge people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. Contingency plans are believed to be in place for police to guard shops and helicopters to airdrop food, although sources insisted that is not happening at this stage in the unfolding crisis. Camp beds and food stocks were seen being moved into Downing Street today, in more evidence that Boris Johnson and his aides are bunkering down for the situation to escalate. The PM fuelled speculation about the fate of the capital last night by vowing he will not hesitate to go 'further and faster' to control the spread of the deadly virus. He said 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in London more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. But Downing Street insisted there is 'zero' prospect' of trains in and out of the capital being axed, and there are 'no plans' to shut down the Tube system, although services have been pared back. The PM's spokesman also insisted it is 'not true' that only one person from each household will be allowed to leave their homes. Health minister Nadine Dorries has vented her fury at images of still-busy bars and cafes in the capital, tweeting: 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' Tube services in the capital are already being downgraded, with 40 stations shutting. Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to travel only if they 'really, really have to'. In a desperate plea to residents, he said: 'I want to see more Londoners following the expert advice.' Four more deaths have today been confirmed in the UK, taking the total number of fatalities on British soil to 108. One was in Northern Ireland and three in Scotland, while England has yet to give its daily update. Advertisement And Grant Harrold, who was a royal butler between 2004 and 2011, explained: 'It is possible that if the Queen and the Prince of Wales are in isolation, then Prince William as second-in-line would take a more active role during this period.' Mr Cawthorne added that, should the Duchess of Cambridge fall pregnant during the pandemic, the Palace would have to go 'on bent knee to Prince Harry to ask him to act as placeholder'. 'I am sure he would come back and be delighted to help out, too, and do anything to protect his father and grandmother,' he said. However, that could be difficult given Prince Harry is currently isolating in Canada with his wife Meghan Markle and their son Archie, who turns one in May. Mr Cawthorne acknowledged that it is unlikely there are any social gatherings left on the court calendar where Prince William would need to step in, as the Queen has scaled back her events due to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, he added, there are 'classified informal meetings on matters of state, and the monarchy is an enormous machine with many employees staying in touch with people, cities and charities across Britain and the world'. Nigel continued: 'Some of these will be routed through secure communications. But this creates a risk of sorts and some of them will just require face-to-face meetings where Prince William can decide what is so essential that it needs to be managed up to the Queen or to his father. 'The organisation supporting the monarchy can't just stop. It would create an enormous backlog. Nor can a courtier stand in for the monarch and make all the decisions that are required to be made. 'Also, the government will always want the head of state or a representative to be available when dealing with visiting foreign or diplomatic dignitaries. It always helps as the history of the British Royal Family is unparalleled.' It is also possible that Princess Beatrice, who is ninth-in-line to the throne, may be appointed a Counsellor of State during these uncertain times, while Prince Harry - who is officially no longer a working royal from March 31 - may also step in to provide assistance, according to experts. If the Queen is temporarily unable to perform her constitutional duties, normally there are five Counsellors of State available to fill in for her - Prince Philip, 98, Prince Charles, Prince William, 37, Prince Harry, 35, and Prince Andrew, 60. Counsellors of State are made up of the consort of The Queen and the first four people in the line of succession who meet the qualifications - one of which is having reached the age of 21, which rules out Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Empty streets surrounding Buckingham Palace today after Queen Elizabeth II left London for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic However, the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus may cause the Regency Act 1937 to come under immense pressure to create a sixth Counsellor, reports Royal Central. At any one time, two or more Counsellors of State must be presiding at any one time - which could be problematic when the self-isolation rules regarding the over 70s comes into force. Beatrice's royal wedding likely to be limited to two guests if it goes ahead Princess Beatrice will only be able to have two guests at her wedding if the coronavirus crisis continues. The Church of England has said the number of people attending church weddings during the outbreak should be limited to the legal minimum of five - the priest, the bride and groom and two witnesses. The Queen's granddaughter and her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have already cancelled their reception, which was due to take place in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Beatrice and millionaire property tycoon Edo said on Wednesday that they still plan to wed on May 29, but were looking at whether a private marriage with a small group of family and friends would be feasible. But the new Church of England rules means they will only be able have two family members or friends if the pandemic continues. This means Beatrice could have her parents but not her sister Princess Eugenie as well. Couples are being advised to 'stream' their ceremony to absent friends and family. Beatrice, daughter of the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, is set to walk down the aisle in the Chapel Royal of St James's Palace in London. The princess, 31, was overjoyed after becoming engaged on a weekend trip to Italy last September, and the couple said they could not wait to be married. Her forthcoming nuptials have already been overshadowed by the scandal that has engulfed her father Andrew. The duke retired from public royal duties in November after his disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has strenuously denied claims from Virginia Giuffre that he slept with her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein. The duke is facing calls to talk to the FBI and US prosecutors, but has previously been accused of having 'completely shut the door' on any co-operation. As the granddaughter of a monarch, Beatrice would have been expected to wed in front of 800 guests in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, just like her sister Princess Eugenie, whose ceremony was televised and was followed by a carriage ride through the town. But, amid the controversy over her father, the princess opted for the more intimate, low-key option of the Chapel Royal and was due to invite 150 guests. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Beatrice would have wanted her grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to be with her on her wedding day. The Queen was to host the private reception in the grounds of her London residence. But the Government has called on all people in the UK, particularly the over-70s, to avoid all non-essential contact and travel as part of unprecedented peacetime measures aimed at controlling the spread of Covid-19. The Queen, 93, and the 98-year-old Duke of Edinburgh are at Windsor Castle, where they are socially distancing themselves. Mr Mapelli Mozzi has dual British and Italian citizenship. Italy - the worst-hit European country - is in lockdown. Advertisement The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles would both have to be quarantined, while Prince Harry and Prince Andrew are no longer working royals - though that is not a requirement for the role of Counsellor of State. The Queen's garden parties at Buckingham Palace have also been called off and the Palace of Holyroodhouse garden party in Edinburgh, which takes place in July, is under review. The monarch will be based at her favourite home in Windsor with a reduced household and will be following appropriate advice, a source said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on all people in the UK, particularly the over 70s, to avoid all non-essential contact and travel as part of unprecedented peacetime measures aimed at trying to control the spread of COVID-19. Elizabeth II, the nation's longest reigning monarch, is due to celebrate her 94th birthday next month, and the risk of more severe symptoms from the coronavirus is greater for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Investitures will be rearranged and the annual Maundy Service at St George's Chapel has been cancelled, the palace said. Future audiences will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, the palace said. She is not the only royal affected by the Government's new advice. Heir to the throne the Prince of Wales is 71 and the Duchess of Cornwall is 72. Other working royals include the Queen's cousins the Duke of Gloucester, 75, the Duke of Kent, 84, and Princess Alexandra, 83. The palace said further announcements would be made on Trooping the Colour, the 75th anniversary of VE Day and a state visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan, in consultation with the Government. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masakois are due to stay with the Queen at Windsor Castle in May and be feted with a ceremonial welcome and a grand state banquet, but the high-profile occasion is expected to be postponed. The palace said in a statement: 'As a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances, a number of changes are being made to the Queen's diary. 'Her Majesty will move to Windsor Castle for the Easter period on Thursday 19 March, one week earlier than planned. It is likely the Queen will stay there beyond the Easter period. 'In consultation with the Medical Household and Government, a number of public events with large numbers of people due to have been attended by the Queen, and other members of the royal family, in the coming months will be cancelled or postponed.' The Easter period is expected to be a quiet one for the monarch, as is usual, a source said. Each year, the Queen takes up official residence in Windsor for a month over Easter between March and April, known as Easter Court. The Queen also usually hosts a Dine and Sleep event during her stay when guests are given a bed for the night in the castle, but this will undoubtedly not take place. Famous guests in the past have included director Tim Burton, actress Helena Bonham Carter, Bond star Daniel Craig and actress Rachel Weisz. On Friday, Her Majesty's upcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month the Queen is reported to have vowed not to let the outbreak stop her from performing her duties and to set an example by 'keeping calm and carrying on' until there is 'compelling advice to the contrary'. London has THREE TIMES more coronavirus cases than any other region in the UK Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth are the areas of London with the most coronavirus cases. London is, in turn, the area of Britain with the most combined cases London has three times more cases of the killer coronavirus than any other region in the UK, according to official statistics. More than 900 cases have already been confirmed in the capital, with the boroughs of Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth the worst affected. In comparison, fewer than 300 people have been struck down in the second worst hit region, the South East. London makes up more than a third of the UK's infection toll, which has already seen 2,626 cases confirmed by health officials. It comes as Boris Johnson today said the capital home to almost 9million people will not face being locked down this week, after fears had been growing that travel around and in or out of the city would be stopped. Despite London being the epicentre of the UK's escalating crisis, the worst affected single authority in England is Hampshire. Advertisement On Saturday, a building in Windsor Great Park was closed for a deep clean after three people showed symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. The Savill Building was closed over the weekend for the clean to take place. A statement on the park's website said: 'As a precautionary measure we have taken the decision to close The Savill Building over the weekend to conduct a deep clean of the premises, after becoming aware of three individuals, who are showing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, having been on site. 'Whilst these are not confirmed cases we feel that this is a prudent step that prioritises the health and wellbeing of our employees and visitors. 'We continue to monitor the situation and Government's public health guidance closely. The rest of Windsor Great Park remains open as usual.' The Queen was due to visit the Bentley Motors Factory in Crewe, and the Jodrell Bank Observatory and Square Kilometre Array Global Headquarters in Macclesfield on March 19. She was also due to visit Camden on March 26, but full details of the trip had not yet been released. Charles and Camilla had been due to start their spring tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Jordan on March 17. It would have marked the first time a royal has visited Cyprus since the Queen in 1993. A spokesman for the Queen said: 'As a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances, changes are being made to The Queen's diary commitments in the coming weeks. 'In consultation with the Medical Household and Government, Her Majesty's forthcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden will be rescheduled. 'Audiences will continue as usual. Other events will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with the appropriate advice.' Environmentalists sued the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to protect a rare marsh bird whose coastal habitat is being lost to urbanization, agriculture, climate change and some say, the liquefied natural gas industry. In a 13-page endangered species lawsuit filed with the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Arizona-based Center For Biological Diversity and the New Orleans environmental group Healthy Gulf sued the agency and U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to protect the eastern black rail, a shy marsh bird that can fit in the palm of the average person's hand. Once found across much of the eastern United States, the eastern black rail's population has declined dramatically over the last century. Exact population figures remain unclear but federal officials estimate that there are an estimated 1,300 left along the coastal prairies of Texas and less than 1,000 breeding pairs along the Atlantic Coast. The center alleges that the rail could be extinct by 2068 unless the Fish & Wildlife Service adds the rare marsh bird to the endangered species list and takes measures to protect it. These charmingly odd, elusive birds are being shoved towards extinction because the Trump administration cant be bothered to protect them, Center For Biological Diversity attorney Stephanie Kurose said in a statement. If we want to prevent the eastern black rail from becoming the latest victim of the extinction crisis, we must act quickly to get them the legal protections they desperately need. Audubon: Commonwealth LNG could destroy habitat of rare marsh bird In a Dec.2 letter filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Audubon Society of Louisiana wrote that the proposed Commonwealth LNG export terminal could destroy some of the rail's last remaining habitat in Louisiana. The rail prefers habitat heavy with gulf cordgrass, which is visible on the 400-acre site for the proposed LNG export project. Seeking to make 8.4 million metric tons of LNG per year at the site, Commonwealth has already signed a deal for one-third of its production. Commonwealth LNG's application remains under review by FERC officials, who are not expected to make a permit decision until the first quarter of 2021. The company is expecting to make a final investment decision shortly thereafter and deliver its first shipments of LNG in second quarter of 2024. In a Jan. 30 letter to FERC, Commonwealth LNG said the proposed export terminal project will take less land than initially expected and that the company is willing to set aside land for the rail and other coastal bird species as well as limit construction activities during nesting seasons. Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox The first death of a coronavirus patients has been recorded in Northern Ireland (Ben Birchall/PA) Northern Ireland has been warned to brace itself for further coronavirus deaths over the next couple of weeks. Dr Connor Bamford, a virologist at Queens University Belfast, urged the public to not let up in the fight against the pandemic after an elderly man was confirmed on Thursday to be first person here to die from Covid-19. The death was announced by Health Minister Robin Swann who revealed the male patient - who had underlying health issues - passed away in a hospital in the greater Belfast area. Dr Bamford said it was always a case of not if but when health authorities experienced the first coronavirus fatality, stressing measures such social distancing and the closure of schools is the new normal. A total of 77 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland as of Thursday. Meanwhile, in the Republic, 557 people have tested positive and three people have died, according to the latest figures. Condolences have paid to the loved ones of the elderly man, with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister - along with Mr Swann - all expressing sympathy. Stormont leader Arlene Foster described the news as a sad day for Northern Ireland. This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives, she continued. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus. Expand Close Research fellow at QUB and virologist Dr Connor Bamford / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Research fellow at QUB and virologist Dr Connor Bamford Echoing her plea, Dr Bamford stressed the first coronavirus death is a wake-up call to the public not to ignore the seriousness of this health crisis. This is really unfortunate but it was to be expected. We know the virus can infect people and can spread in a small proportion (of people) it can lead to serious illness and death, he told the Belfast Telegraph. We know numbers have been increasing and that once you get over a certain number of cases you would expect a death and unfortunately this is what has happened. And we should expect more deaths over the next couple of weeks and months. I think this just reinforces the severity and why people need to take these public health measures like hand hygiene and social distancing seriously. People should expect these numbers to go up, and to use this as a reminder that this is a quite a serious thing for the community and do everything we can to reduce its spread. If we can alter our behaviour we can limit it. Use this a wake-up call. This is the new normal for the next couple of months. Dr Bamford also warned the actual number of cases is likely to be more than 10 times higher than the confirmed number here. He continued: We dont know how many cases we have, for one, were only testing the sickest. So youre missing the vast majority of cases, so undoubtedly these (case) numbers are grossly underestimating the actual true burden of it. Undoubtedly we probably have around 1,000 total cases at the minute. The number of deaths is probably pretty accurate because we are testing those who are the sickest and it would be hard to miss, so those numbers are accurate. Its all about prevention, flattening the curve. Most people are going to be okay, its only a small number of people that it will be fatal. This is really about stopping the spread. He added: Dont go to work, work from home, wash your hands more. Meanwhile, Arlene Foster paid tribute to the health service staff who had treated the patient. Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of the patient who has died. And we are immeasurably grateful to our health service staff who cared for this person, she said. Her comments were echoed by Michelle ONeill, who said the death underlines the importance of the public playing its role in halting community transmission of the infection. At the heart of this is a person who has lost their life to Covid-19. While we knew this day would come, it doesnt make it any less devastating for the loved ones of that individual. I offer them my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time, said the Deputy First Minister. This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives. Seven years after the execution of Afzal Guru, Tihar Jail on Thursday prepared the ground to hang the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape-murder case after several dummy runs and officials brushing up on details specified in the jail manual. Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) are scheduled to be hanged on Friday at 5.30 am for the savage gangrape and murder of a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern on the night of December 16, 2012. This is the first time that four men will be hanged together in Tihar Jail, South Asia's largest prison complex that houses more than 16,000 inmates. A senior prison official said Pawan Jallad, a hangman from Meerut, reported to the Tihar Jail administration on Tuesday evening to prepare for the exercise. According to the jail manual, the jail superintendent will oversee the testing of the ropes and also inspect the gallows a day before the execution. This will be followed by a dummy execution -- a dummy or a bag of sand weighing 1.5 times the weight of the prisoner will be hanged and dropped between 1.830 and 2.440 metres to test the rope. The execution, specifies the Delhi Prison Rules 2018, will take place in the presence of the superintendent, deputy superintendent, medical officer in charge, resident medical officer and the district magistrate or additional district magistrate. A guard of not less than 10 constables, warders and two head constables, head warders or an equal number from the prison armed guard, will also be present, it states. The families of the prisoner will not be allowed to witness the executions. All other prisoners will be kept locked till the exercise is over and the bodies removed from the prison. The manual specifies that a medical officer prepares a report four days ahead of the date of execution, mentioning the length of the drop to be given to the prisoner who is to be executed. Two spare ropes for each prisoner sentenced to death are kept in reserve. After testing, the rope and other equipment will be locked and sealed in a steel box and kept in charge of deputy superintendent, it states. If the prisoner wants, a priest of his faith may be allowed. On the morning of the execution, the prisoner will be visited by senior officials, including the superintendent, the district magistrate/additional district magistrate and the medical officer, in his cell. Any documents, including the will of the prisoner can be signed and attested in the presence of the superintendent and the district magistrate or additional district magistrate. Just before entering the gallows-enclosure, a cotton cap with flap will be put on the prisoner's face so he can't see the gallows, according to jail rules. The wardens will hold the prisoners and withdraw following a signal from the superintendent. After that, the hangman draws the bolt, the manual states. The body of the executed prisoner is disposed of according to the requirements of the religion to which the executed prisoner belonged. It will be handed over the family following a post-mortem. An ambulance shall be used for the transportation of the body to the cremation or burial ground. On March 5, a trial court here issued fresh warrants for March 20 at 5.30 am. Their executions were deferred thrice earlier. The last hanging in Tihar was on February 9, 2013 when Afzal Guru, a resident of Sopore in north Kashmir, was executed at 8 am and buried on the prison premises for his role in the terror attack on Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks as State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus listens during a news briefing at the State Department in Washington on Feb. 25, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) State Department Warns Americans Not to Travel Abroad Amid CCP Virus Outbreak The U.S. Department of State warned American citizens not to travel abroad over the CCP virus pandemic, issuing its top-level travel alert. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. The agency sent out a Level 4: do not travel advisory, recommending U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period, the alert read. U.S. citizens living abroad should also avoid international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice, the alert read. Airlines have canceled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or canceled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe, it continued. The agency last week raised the alert to Level 3: reconsider travel over the pandemic. Cemetery workers and funeral agency workers in protective masks transport a coffin of a person who died from COVID-19 into a cemetery in Bergamo, Italy, March 16, 2020. (Reuters/Flavio Lo Scalzo/File Photo) And March 14, the State Department authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members at diplomatic posts who are at risk of contracting the CCP virus. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo this week told Fox News that his department is doing everything possible to protect U.S. citizens around the world amid the pandemic. We know of students that are in Peru, some other travelers that are there as well. There are other countries, too, where those countries have shut down their airports, he told Foxs Sean Hannity. We are working to try and solve problems for each of those American citizens. We just learned about them over the last couple days; itll take us some amount of time. But know that President Trump has made clear that were going to do everything we can to get every American home safely. The Peruvian government on Monday set up a two-week quarantine across the nation to close all travel, including airports. U.S. nationals in the country said they only got the alert at the last minute and are unable to leave. Before the pandemic, the State Department only issued a Level 4 travel advisory to several countries with instability problems, including Syria, Iran, Yemen, and North Korea. Drivers faced daylong waits to cross European borders that nations raced to close on Wednesday, years after proudly throwing them open. Britain closed schools to millions of children amid talk of shutting down London. And Germanys stoic leader made an unusually personal appeal for unity and purpose in the face of crisis. Across an increasingly locked-down Europe, people and their governments struggled to adjust to the grim, immobilized life wrought by the new coronavirus epidemic, their every adjustment seemingly a step behind the worsening reality. The continent passed a bleak milestone that few envisioned last month, when the virus was ravaging China but had barely touched the West: As of Wednesday, by official government counts, it had infected and killed more people in Europe more than 82,000 cases and more than 3,400 dead than in China. And as China slows the rate of new infections to almost zero, in Europe, now at the heart of the global outbreak, the virus is spreading faster than ever. Less than two months after the European Union sent relief supplies to China, the bloc announced that it was receiving badly needed masks and virus testing kits from China. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Mitterteich, Germany Fri, March 20, 2020 02:09 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0ba62 2 World Bavarian-town,Mitterteich,Germany,lockdown,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,health Free The streets are deserted and the church square empty in the small Bavarian town of Mitterteich, the first in Germany to go into total lockdown over the spiraling coronavirus outbreak. The 6,500 residents are forbidden from leaving their homes without a valid reason, giving a foretaste of what could lie ahead for the rest of the country where many have defied confinement measures. The people of Mitterteich, located in the district of Tirschenreuth in southern Bavaria, woke up to a different world on Thursday morning. The benches stood vacant outside the town's picturesque 17th-century church. Apart from the odd delivery van and police car, the cobbled streets remained clear, filled only with the sound of birdsong. On the outskirts of town, police in high-visibility jackets stopped people in their cars as they attempted to drive in and out, granting entry only to residents. According to district administrator Wolfgang Lippert, residents could only leave home if they have to go to work, see a doctor or go grocery shopping. But they appeared to be taking it on the chin. "It's good that we are the first town to have this curfew, and it's also great that it's being done so consistently," resident Sandra Wedlich said. She said she worried about her mother and husband who were in the at-risk groups for the virus. "He wanted to go out today and I told him 'no'". The drastic measures come after Mitterteich emerged as a coronavirus hotspot, accounting for around half of the roughly 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tirschenreuth. Officials believe many of the infections are linked to a recent beer festival. 'Corona parties' The state of Bavaria is one of the worst-hit in Germany, according to official figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) disease control centre. But the virus is spreading fast elsewhere too, prompting Chancellor Angela Merkel to appeal to citizens in a TV address on Wednesday evening to limit social interactions. Germany reported an overnight increase of more than 2,800 official cases on Thursday, bringing the total to more than 10,000. Borders have been shut to stem the contagion, while across the country shops have been closed, restaurants forced to operate restricted opening hours and people urged to work from home. But not everyone seemed to have got the message. In Berlin, reports of young people gathering in parks for so-called "corona parties" prompted city mayor Michael Mueller to promise a total lockdown if residents did not start behaving themselves. Bavarian premier Markus Soeder has threatened similar action, in line with lockdowns already seen in Italy, Spain, France and Belgium. "If large numbers of people are not restricting themselves voluntarily, then in the end the only instrument left to react to this is a Bavaria-wide curfew," Soeder said. For the people of Mitterteich, the unprecedented situation will take some getting used to. "It's strange, because our streets were never so empty," said Andreas Degner. "It's an unsettling feeling, I must say." But he was determined to look on the bright side. "I'm going to watch films, read... I'll find something to do. I'll have enough time." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Thu, March 19, 2020 13:23 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd504e 1 National coronavirus,Bandung-West-Java,COVID-19,health,pandemic,ridwan-kamil,SARS-CoV-2,novel-coronavirus Free West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil says the West Java Health Laboratory has detected one positive COVID-19 case who showed no symptoms at all among the hundreds of independent sample examinations the province conducted. From 230 tests, it turned out there was one positive case. [The person is] now being treated at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Ridwan said at Gedung Sate in Bandung on Wednesday. That person looked healthy. We must be careful and not wait for the symptoms [to show]. Ridwan did not specify how the patient had been infected but he said the person had been isolated so as not to infect others. West Java has taken proactive steps to conduct sample examinations to test residents who are suspected of having the coronavirus, but do not display symptoms, and to accelerate receiving the test results to within hours. West Java Health Agency head Berli Hamdani Gelung Sakti said the tests they applied required two samples using nose and throat swabs, which would be brought to the health laboratory for polymerase chain reaction examinations. [The test kits] are in support of the Medical School of Padjadjaran University and the Bandung Institute of Technology, Berli said. Ridwan said the universities laboratories were at biosafety level two. According to labmanager.com, biosafety level two would cover work with agents associated with human disease: in other words, pathogenic or infectious organisms posing a moderate hazard. Meanwhile, the West Java Health Laboratory, which is the nation's referral center for tuberculosis, was certified at biosafety level 2+. The West Java administration previously planned to allocate two waves of funding for coronavirus response from the regional disaster management fund, one of Rp 24 billion (US$1.6 million) and the other of Rp 50 billion. Ridwan said the first allocation was increased to Rp 47 billion under the approval of the West Java Council. He said the budget would be used for purchasing more test kits. Indonesia has recorded 227 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 19 deaths and 11 recovered cases as of Wednesday. West Java Information and Coordination Center for COVID-19 reported the province had 11 confirmed cases, while the number of people under monitoring was 1,004 and of patients under surveillance in isolation rooms was 101 people as of Wednesday. (syk) Government pauses, or goes on 6 feet apart, or under a picnic shelter County commissioners and staffers kept six feet apart during their meeting on Wednesday. The Henderson County Board of Commissioners had time-urgent business to conduct Wednesday. Contractors say the pieces have to fall in place on a rigorous schedule in order to finish the Hendersonville High School demolition, renovation and construction step by step for a ribbon cutting in August 2023. So commissioners convened and approved the final contracts for the $59.2 million project, while seated at least six feet apart. It was one more startling and unusual spectacle in the unprecedented environment of contact avoidance. So all humans could spread out with an empty seat between them, Assistant County Manager Amy Brantley was banished to a jury boxes on the of the semi-circular meeting table. Commissioner Michael Edney moved to County Attorney Russ Burrell's seat and Burrell pecked away on his laptop, seated in the jury box opposite of Brantley. The county public health director and emergency management director were on hand to answer questions about the Covid-19 threat but seated at least six feet apart. Engineers, architects and construction managers attended to explain the contract for the final phase of the HHS work again separated, as if they were strangers and not team members who worked alongside one another eight hours a day, five days a week. All business, commissioners efficiently and without rancor blessed the final contract on what looks to be the single biggest construction project the county has ever embarked on, uttered a few congratulatory sentences, adjourned and left the Historic Courthouse, a stately structure that has witnessed many events in its 115 years but nothing like this. In the hierarchy of county bodies, commissioners occupy the top rung. Below them are a stack of advisory boards that have now found themselves "non-essential." The county Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Transportation Advisory Board all canceled meetings over the past two days, and across the county cities were doing the same thing. Mills River took the unusual step of scheduling a meeting outdoors, like in the old days when a language arts teacher on a nice spring day would lead the class outside to hold forth under a tree. The Mills River board is meeting at a picnic shelter at the town park. Here are other cancellations or policy statements of other bodies: Photo: CTV News The latest news on the COVID-19 global pandemic (all times Eastern): 8:55 p.m. Cirque du Soleil has announced company-wide layoffs as COVID-19 continues to hurt the economy. A statement from the president of the entertainment group says the staff reductions, which impact 95 per cent of its 4,679-member workforce, are temporary. Daniel Lamarre says the decision was a necessary measure to stabilize the company for the future. He says cities and countries where the group performs have legislated the closure of public gatherings of more than 250 people to help stop the spread of COVID-19, which resulted in a call for a halt in activity. - 6:20 p.m. A local public health authority says four of Ontario's COVID-19 patients live in the same long-term care home. The Durham Region Health Department says two men and two women diagnosed with the virus live at the Hillsdale Terraces care home east of Toronto. The women are 80 and 92 years old, while the men are 68 and 71 years old. The health department says they're in isolation at the care home. --- 6:16 p.m. Quebec mining company Agnico Eagle has decided to send home its Nunavut-based work force from the two gold mines it operates in south central Nunavut. All local workers on site will be returned home and those off-site will not return. These employees will continue to be paid. The move is being made to eliminate the possibility of Nunavut workers being infected by those flying in from the south. As yet, Nunavut has no confirmed COVID-19 cases. The mines will continue to operate with remaining staff. --- 6 p.m. British Columbia has recorded an eighth death from COVID-19. Health Minister Adiran Dix says the death stems from the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, where six other deaths have been recorded. He says the province has 40 new cases, bringing the total in B.C. to 271. Seventeen patients have been hospitalized for treatment of the new coronavirus, and nine people are being treated in intensive care units. Dix also announced that the province is waiving waiting periods for people who are waiting to qualify for medical service plan insurance. --- 5:55 p.m. Alberta has recorded its first death from COVID-19. Chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the man who died was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions. She says it appears he contracted the virus in the community and not through travel. Alberta is reporting 27 new cases of the infection for a total of 146. --- 5:08 p.m. The federal government is suspending its passport services until further notice. Canadians will only be able to obtain or renew passports if they need to travel for urgent reasons. This includes serious illness, the death of friend or family member, humanitarian work or would otherwise lose a job or business. Service Canada says anyone who does not meet the criteria for urgent travel or is experiencing symptoms such as a fever, coughing, having trouble breathing will have to wait. So would anyone who is in self-isolation. Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen says that with travel restrictions in place, Service Canada needs to focus on assisting Canadians with issues that are currently the most critical. - 4:30 p.m. Dr. Allan Woo, president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, says he tested positive last night for the novel coronavirus. He says in a statement that he believes he contracted the virus last week at an Edmonton curling bonspiel attended by doctors from across Western Canada. Woo says physicians are not invincible and the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic are far too real. --- 4 p.m. Vancouver council has voted unanimously in favour of a motion to declare a state of emergency in the city. Mayor Kennedy Stewart told councillors he decided to move forward with the motion after police identified "over 20" bars and restaurants that defied an order to close on St. Patrick's Day. The order was issued to prevent large gatherings and limit the spread of COVID-19. Stewart says he has since learned of many more businesses that have flaunted orders against large gatherings and says the bylaw gives the city the power to take things "a step further" if violations continue. --- 3:11p.m. The Saskatchewan government says the province has four more presumptive cases of COVID-19, bringing the current total to 20. The Ministry of Health says three out of the four new infections are related to travel, with the last being a close contact of a previously reported case. It says no one has been admitted into hospital because of the virus, but one of the 20 cases is in hospital for an unrelated medical reason while everyone else is in self-isolation. --- 2:20 p.m. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has been tested for COVID-19 after experiencing flu like symptoms following a trip. Champagne tweeted today that the test is "out of an abundance of caution" and said he is self-isolating at home. --- 2:17 p.m. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has declared a state of emergency to help the province stop the spread of COVID-19 because he says too few citizens were following orders to avoid public gatherings. Higgs told a news conference today that all public schools, universities and colleges will remain closed until further notice and all non-essential retail businesses must cease admitting the public effective immediately. The premier says grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor and cannabis stores operated by the province, post offices, gas stations and hardware stores can remain open, adding that restaurants can only offer take-out. Higgs says his directives are no longer suggestions, and all citizens, under law, must comply. --- 1:43 p.m. Quebec is reporting 121 confirmed COVID-19 cases today, up from 94 the day before, with seven people in hospital. The government is asking people to stick close to home and not travel to other parts of the province unless necessary. Premier Francois Legault says the province wants to limit travel as the province is monitoring the situation region by region. The province's health authorities say 11 out of 17 regions of the province now have confirmed cases. -- 1:30 p.m. Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer of health reported no new cases of COVID-19 today, but one of the three presumptive cases was confirmed positive. Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says 684 people in the province have been tested and 681 have been confirmed negative. She says public health is monitoring 276 people who are in self-isolation. -- 12:40 p.m. A local public health unit is reporting Ontario's second COVID-19-related death. Halton Region Public Health says a man in his 50s died after receiving treatment at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Milton District Hospital. The agency says he had an underlying health condition. Ontario reported its first COVID-19-related death earlier in the week a 77-year-old man in the Muskoka region. -- 12:40 p.m. PEI has its second confirmed case of COVID-19 in a man in his 40s. Health officials say the man had been travelling in the United kingdom and is now self-isolating at home. -- 12:15 p.m. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says all asylum seekers crossing into Canada from the U.S. at Roxham Road will be temporarily housed beginning tomorrow. Freeland says this is to ensure they are all quarantined for 14 days just as everyone else coming into Canada from the U.S. and other countries should do. Freeland says she spoke to Quebec Justice Minister Sonia LeBel, as well as all provincial premiers, about the issue. -- 12:10 p.m. The body that handles transit in British Columbia outside the Lower Mainland is eliminating fares and altering boarding procedures in two major cities in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. BC Transit says passengers in Nanaimo and Victoria will be asked to board by the rear doors and won't have to pay fares for the next 30 days The move, similar to those enacted in several other Canadian cities, creates a greater social distance between passengers and drivers, seniors and the disabled at the front of the bus. TransLink, which operates buses, the SeaBus and SkyTrain across Metro Vancouver has not announced similar measures but said last week that it was stepping up cleaning and disinfection across its fleet. -- 11:20 a.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says experts are telling his government to expect social-distancing measures to remain in place here for several weeks or months. He also says he spoke with leaders at Air Canada and WestJet on Wednesday about finding ways to help Canadians stranded overseas come home. Trudeau says he also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this morning about co-ordinating efforts to help Canadians in other countries and also plans to speak to Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven today. He says the government is working with telecommunications companies to send text messages to Canadians abroad to let them known about consular services available. -- 11:15 a.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he expects the Canada-U.S. border to shut down for non-essential travellers sometime overnight between Friday and Saturday. He says the federal government is still working out the details of the agreement with the United States. -- 11:15 a.m. Nova Scotia is reporting two new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 14. The total includes five confirmed cases and nine presumptive cases. Health officials say the two new cases were identified on Wednesday and both are travel-related. The 14 individuals affected range in age from early 30's to mid-70's. -- 10:50 a.m. The government of Nunavut is asking students receiving financial assistance to study in southern institutions to stay there. The territory is informing students it won't be booking travel home for them until further notice in order to avoid unnecessary travel and slow the spread of COVID-19. Students who receive funding will continue to receive it for as long as they are away from home. -- 10:36 a.m. Ontario is reporting 43 new COVID-19 cases today. That brings the total cases in the province to 257, including one death and five resolved cases. One of the new patients, a man in his 80s in Durham Region, is hospitalized. But information on whether people are self-isolating or hospitalized, their ages and regions, as well as how they were infected, is listed as "pending" for more than half of the new cases. -- 9:25 a.m. A trans-Atlantic cruise ship carrying several COVID-19 cases among its passengers and with dozens of Canadians aboard has docked in the French Mediterranean port city of Marseille. Global Affairs Canada says at least 77 Canadians are on the Costa Luminosa. The ship has more than 1,400 passengers. French authorities have allowed the ship to stay for up to four days under strict conditions. It is not known whether passengers will be allowed off, given the current stringent restrictions imposed in France amid the coronavirus pandemic. Global Affairs Canada has said officials are standing ready to provide consular assistance to the Canadians. -- 8:45 a.m. British Columbia's Municipal Affairs Ministry has cancelled three municipal byelections and a referendum in four communities around the province as part of efforts to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus. A statement from the ministry says it has scrubbed byelections set for Victoria and Rossland on April 4, a referendum in Kamloops on the same day and a byelection slated for Lytton on April 25. None of the votes have been rescheduled. The ministry says public health and local government officials asked for the postponements to ensure voters don't gather in polling stations, and to free up local resources to focus on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. -- 7:45 a.m. The Toronto Transit Commission says one of their employees has tested positive for COVID-19. The agency says the employee worked at a TTC maintenance workshop for buses. It says between 130 and 170 employees are in self-isolation as a result. The TTC says the employee worked one shift on March 11 after returning from vacation. Incredible drone images show playgrounds left deserted as schools across the US close to slow the spread of coronavirus. The photos, taken at elementary schools across the state of California on Tuesday, come as millions of Americans begin to self-isolate. Nearly 99 per cent of the schools in the state of California are currently being shut down, affecting over 6 million students. It is unclear if they will be able to reopen before the start of summer break. An aerial view of the schoolyard at Frank McCoppin Elementary School on March 18, 2020, in San Francisco, California An empty schoolyard at Ulloa Elementary School on March 18. The photos, taken at elementary schools across the state of California on Tuesday, come as millions of Americans begin to self-isolate The schoolyard at Noriega Early Education School stands empty on March 18, 2020 in San Francisco, California Governor Gavin Newsom said earlier this week that the schools might need to stay closed through the end of the academic year in response to the coronavirus emergency. A final decision on whether schools will be shuttered through June has not yet been made. Gov. Newsom said the rest of the schools in California will most likely start to shut down. Southern Trinity Joint Unified is one of the last districts to hold off on closing down entirely. The deserted playground at Francis Scott Key Elementary School in California. Governor Gavin Newsom said earlier this week that the schools might need to stay closed through the end of the academic year in response to the coronavirus emergency Ulloa Elementary School on March 18. A final decision on whether schools will be shuttered through June has not yet been made Frank McCoppin Elementary School pictured on Wednesday. Gov. Newsom said the rest of the schools in California will most likely start to shut down. Southern Trinity Joint Unified is one of the last districts to hold off on closing down entirely California, the nation's most populous state, has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak, with 598 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, a 21% increase over the day before. At least 17 fatalities have been reported in California. Modeling has shown that more than 60,000 homeless people could become ill with the coronavirus in the state over the next eight weeks, badly straining the healthcare system, the state governor said on Wednesday. An empty schoolyard at Ulloa Elementary School. California, the nation's most populous state, has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak Lawton Alternative School on March 18. The state of California has 598 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, a 21% increase over the day before An aerial view of the empty schoolyard at Tenderloin Elementary School on March 18 Hospitalization rates for those infected with the flu-like disease was about 20%, creating a requirement for additional hospital beds that could quickly overwhelm hospitals if the modeled predictions come true, Governor Gavin Newsom said. 'Over the next eight-week period, we have modeled that of the 108,000 unsheltered Californians that are out on the streets, if you had an attack rate of about 56%, you're looking at 60-plus thousand individuals that may have COVID-19,' Newsom, a Democrat, said in a Facebook address to the state. President Donald Trump has described himself as a 'war time' president and has vowed the US will have 'total victory' over coronavirus as it has been confirmed that two members of congress have the virus. Longfellow Elementary School on March 18 in San Francisco, California. Hospitalization rates for those infected with the flu-like disease was about 20%, creating a requirement for additional hospital beds that could quickly overwhelm hospitals if the modeled predictions come true, Governor Gavin Newsom said Ulloa Elementary School. President Donald Trump has described himself as a 'war time' president and has vowed the US will have 'total victory' over coronavirus Sunnyside Elementary School on March 18. It has been confirmed that two members of congress have the virus An aerial view of the empty schoolyard at Francis Scott Key Elementary School on March 18, 2020 in San Francisco, California. The US are now preparing for an 18 month pandemic as the number of cases rises to more than 9,300 and over 150 deaths The news comes as Trump announced new measures including the White House Coronavirus Plan which aims to send $2,000 to many Americans. The US are now preparing for an 18 month pandemic as the number of cases rises to more than 9,300 and over 150 deaths. Yesterday the President signed a coronavirus relief package that was passed by the US Senate by a vote of 90-8. WEST OLIVE, MI -- Ottawa County has reduced the cost of jail stays in an effort to increase collection rates and lessen the financial burden on defendants. The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners last week approved reducing the cost of jail stays from $25 a day to a flat fee of $60 per stay. Only inmates convicted of a crime are required to pay the per-stay fee. Every inmate is billed a $12 booking fee. The fee change was studied during a one-year pilot that ran from September 2018 to September 2019. It has the support of Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker. Ottawa County officials called the pilot a success, as fee collection rates increased from 7.22 percent before the pilot to 35.57 percent during the pilot. During the pilot, inmates paid a total $119,703, according to county figures. In 2017, about $100,000 was collected and an estimated $3.3 million went unpaid that year. Officials previously told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that inmate housing fees account for roughly 8 percent of jail revenue. The jail had a $9.9 million budget in 2017. The fee change also saved Ottawa County Fiscal Services Department staff a total 676 hours during the pilot. That amount of work hours is roughly equivalent to $27,000, according to Myra Ocasio, the accounting manager for fiscal services. Ocasio said the value of the fee change is more than increased efficiencies and dollars saved and collected. What is also important is that inmates who serve their sentences are not released with insurmountable jail bills, she said. An inmate serving 60 days will get a bill for less than $100 instead of bill for about $1,500. They will be more likely and able to pay and less likely to get their bill sent to collections. Ocasio said bills sent to a collections agency can have long-term impacts on a person trying to turn their life around. Fewer bills were sent to these agencies during the pilot. Being tough on crime and supporting victims of crime is important. This doesnt outweigh that, she said. But we do also believe in second chances in Ottawa County. We believe that people can change their paths, recover from addictions and adjust other behaviors that lead to jail time." An inmates bill will still be sent to collections after 90 days of non-payment under the fee changes. Before, the $25 a day fee was retroactively increased to $45 a day once sent to collections. Now, the sheriffs office or fiscal services department can use discretion in seeking up to $60 per day when a bill is given to collections. According to the county, the actual cost of incarceration exceeds $60 a day. Read more: Ottawa County inmates failed to pay $3 million for jail stays last year Michigan suspends prison visitations over coronavirus concerns Jails in Bay and Saginaw counties consider approaches to coronavirus threat Ben F. Windham P.C., Jonesboro, Clayton County Personal Injury Lawyer, was chosen by Super Lawyers as one of their top attorneys of 2020 LOCUST GROVE, GA / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / Windham Law is proud to announce that Founding Partner, Mr. Ben Windham, has been selected to the 2020 Georgia Super Lawyers list. This year marks the second consecutive year that Mr. Windham has been named to the prestigious list. Super Lawyers, a Thompson Reuters company, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers selects only 5% of practicing attorneys on an annual basis using a patented multiphase selection process that includes research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. To choose their winning attorneys, Super Lawyers evaluates candidates' verdicts and settlements, experience, bar involvement, honors and awards, pro bono and community service, and other qualifications on an annual, state-by-state basis. Their mission is to create a credible and comprehensive list of exceptional attorneys that can be used as a resource for lawyers and consumers searching for legal counsel. The yearly list results in featuring profiles of attorneys across the nation who exhibit excellence in their practice areas. To be selected to the Super Lawyers list speaks volumes about the reputation attorneys have cultivated among their peers, as well as their professional achievements and exemplary ethical conduct. "I am honored to be named a Super Lawyer again for 2020 as it is an acknowledgement of the important work our firm does on behalf of our clients who put their trust in us to seek justice," says Windham. "This recognition is a testament to our firm's dedication to our clients and unwavering commitment to providing high-quality legal representation." About Windham Law: Our personal injury attorneys serve clients throughout Jonesboro, Clayton County, and the greater Atlanta area including McDonough, Rockdale County, Locust Grove, and Greensboro, with an array of law services. We specialize in many areas of the law in order to provide honest counsel and tenacious litigation. Our approach is hands-on and personal because we believe it's the most powerful way to pursue any claim by being truly invested in delivering the outcome our client deserves. At Ben F. Windham P.C., expect a collaborative team with an entrepreneurial mindset determined to meet and exceed our client's expectations every step of the way. Story continues To learn more about Ben F. Windham P.C. Trial Attorneys, or for a free case evaluation please visit https://windhamlaw.com or call 833-236-9467. Contact Info: Name: Windham Law Email: Send Email Organization: Ben F. Windham P.C. Address: 3838 GA-42, Locust Grove, GA 30248, United States Phone: +1-833-236-9467 Website: https://windhamlaw.com SOURCE: Windham Law View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581548/Top-Personal-Injury-Lawyer-Jonesboro-Clayton-County-Named-2020-Super-Lawyer Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 14:11:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A worker conducts welding work at a workshop of the CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, March 3, 2020. (Photo by Chen Sihan/Xinhua) As the coronavirus spreads around the globe, there are mounting worries about a disruption to global supply chains. Against this backdrop, the resumption of production in China, known as the world's factory, bears global significance. by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- In Paris, Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of L'Oreal Group, holds a daily telephone conversation with his team in China, as the French cosmetic giant's China unit has gradually resumed operations. With the reopening of L'Oreal China's headquarters and Research and Innovation Center in Shanghai as well as its plant in Suzhou, Agon expressed confidence that the situation in China will "improve pretty quickly and maybe even more quickly than we thought before." Meanwhile, as the coronavirus has spread to more countries around the globe, there are mounting worries about a disruption to global supply chains. Against this backdrop, the resumption of production in China, known as the world's factory, bears global significance. Photo taken on Oct. 24, 2019 shows the headquarters of L'Oreal in Clichy, suburban Paris, capital of France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) BACK TO BUSINESS Wearing a mask and white coat, Gao Yu is not a hospital doctor, but a cosmetic formulator in the laboratories of the L'Oreal China Research and Innovation Center in Shanghai. After returning to Shanghai from her hometown, Gao had been self-isolated for two weeks, during which time she worked from home until returning to the office in early February, like many of her colleagues working for L'Oreal China's factories, distribution center and beauty stores. Fabrice Megarbane, president and CEO of L'Oreal China, said the safety of the company's employees is its "utmost responsibility and priority." Before the reopening of its facilities in Shanghai, local authorities coordinated with nearby residential communities and buildings. After its doors reopened, L'Oreal adopted an online and offline strategy. Sales staff now disinfect the hands of every customer who enters their stores, while other protective measures are also in place. A visitor tries on makeup at the booth of L'Oreal at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Fei) Ying Yongyi, national chief makeup artist for Shu Uemura China, a brand under L'Oreal, showcases beauty products on the video-sharing app Douyin, known as TikTok outside of China. "When customers watch the live stream and get interested in the product, they can place an order directly online," he said. This new business approach saves customers' a trip to a physical store and eliminates potential virus spread. Like L'Oreal China, as China's vice industry minister Xin Guobin said on Friday, outside of Hubei Province, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China, over 95 percent of major industrial enterprises have resumed operation, while around 60 percent of small and medium firms have also gone back to work. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was encouraged by the resumption of some production in China, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said earlier this month. A worker operates a mechanical arm in a workshop of CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Co., Ltd. in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) STABLE SUPPLY In the Indian city of Mumbai, electrical technician Vinoth Kumar breathed a sigh of relief when he received an email confirming some train parts had been delivered from China. Line 1 of the Navi Mumbai metro, with its eight-train fleet supplied by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. (CRRC ZELC), is due to open in October. Kumar, working with the India unit of the Chinese manufacturer, has been debugging the metro system with his Indian and Chinese colleagues. However, after the unexpected COVID-19 outbreak, they had begun to fret about the supply of components. In Zhuzhou, a central Chinese city known for its expertise in rail transit equipment, Liu Ying, deputy director of the CRRC ZELC's Project Management Center, also faced similar challenges, posed by a shortage of personnel, a lack of transport facilities, and a delay in the supply of materials. Around China, labor shortages, disrupted transportation, tight cash flows, as well as a lack of raw materials and epidemic control supplies, are the main barriers for the industrial chain to run at full tilt, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. A man works at an automobile enterprise in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, March 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) To keep supplies available for overseas projects, the company has formulated a catch-up plan for production amid the outbreak, monitoring daily progress with various departments and suppliers, Liu said, adding that about 95 percent of its employees have now returned to work. Ding Ci, technical manager of the company's India's unit, said that the Chinese headquarters worked diligently to ensure a continuous supply of parts, "dispelling our Indian partners' worries about the impact of the epidemic." "All work is proceeding as normal," Ding said. "I think there is no problem with any rolling stock," Kumar said, adding that "as for this virus, there is no impact (on the project)." It is widely believed that the COVID-19 pandemic is a stress test for China's resilience in the global supply chain. In the case of the Mumbai metro project, Kumar said, "I am 100 percent confident in the supply of trains from CRRC ZELC in China." Photo taken on March 14, 2020 shows a closed Apple store in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) CHINESE CONTRIBUTION As global supply chains became disrupted by the epidemic, such remarks as "decoupling" supply chains from China also appeared. However, "I think in some sectors, companies are so dependent on China. There's no such thing as shifting the supply chain," Nicholas Lardy, senior fellow at the Washington D.C.-based Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua in a recent interview. "China is such a huge producer of automobile parts, for example, that go into production in Europe, North America, Japan, (South) Korea. That's not going to be replaced quickly," said the veteran expert on Chinese economy. Amid the epidemic, Japanese automaker Toyota plans to build a new electric vehicle plant in Tianjin with its Chinese partner FAW Group. Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook said recently that since the infection rates in China have dramatically declined, all Apple stores in the country have reopened, while also announcing that the tech giant would close all its stores outside of China until March 27 in response to the spread of the coronavirus. And, as Agon said, "the advantage now of China is not just a question of cost. It's a question of talent, creativity and innovation." A woman works at the workshop of Schneider Electric Low Voltage (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, north China, Feb. 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ran) For example, U.S. coffee giant Starbucks last week announced a plan to build a coffee innovation park in eastern China, the largest manufacturing investment outside the United States by the world's leading coffee chain. According to a State Council executive meeting chaired by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on March 10, China will step up efforts to strengthen international cooperation, with measures such as increasing international freight flights, in a bid to maintain the smooth flow of the global supply chain. Thanks to the concerted efforts, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on March 12, with firm determination and strong resilience, China will both overcome the epidemic and restore economic order in a rapid manner. This not only serves the interests of the Chinese people, but also represents an important contribution to the world, he added. Enditem (Xinhua reporters Xu Yongchun in Paris, Zhou Rui in Shanghai, Zhang Xingjun in Mumbai and Su Xiaozhou in Changsha also contributed to the story.) During her high school years, Lauren Brincat saw how important school counsellors could be in the lives of students. I had friends [in high school] who experienced huge life events and the grief associated with them, she said. In that case, you came to school and everyone expected you to buckle down and learn, but I saw how important the role of the school counsellor was to help us manage our emotions and stress. Mona Vale Public School counsellor Lauren Brincat. Credit:James Brickwood It was that experience that inspired Brincat to pursue a career as a school counsellor, and for the past 11 years, she has been working for the Department of Education, providing support for primary and secondary students facing myriad challenges. Brincat graduated with a teaching degree and a degree in psychology. In 2016, the Department of Education sponsored her to complete a masters degree in suicide prevention. L.A. perfumers are making new batches of hand sanitizer as the coronavirus pandemic continues. (Kirsten Ulve / For The Times) As a COVID-19-driven scramble for alcohol-based hand sanitizers continues, four Los Angeles fragrance creators are hand-blending natural, aromatherapeutic solutions in elevated scents to help fill the void. On Thursday, Thousand Oaks-based perfumer Sarah Horowitz introduced a Stay Safe Sanitizing Spray ($10 for a 1-ounce bottle or a free 0.34-ounce bottle with every online order over $75, sarahhorowitz.com). The spray consists of an 80% concentrate of organic alcohol mixed with essential oils known for their antibacterial properties: clove, lemongrass, lavender maillette and patchouli. I think everyone is in that place of What can we do to help? Horowitz said. I have a fire-safe locker with 400 pounds of alcohol here in Westlake Village, since we also have a filling house for small-run perfumes that produces 15,000 to 20,000 bottles a month. The first thing I did was to make the sanitizing spray for my staff. Sarah Horowitz Parfums' Stay Safe Sanitizing Spray ($10 for 1-ounce bottle) is made from 80% organic alcohol and lemongrass, clove, lavender maillette and patchouli essential oils. (Sarah Horowitz Parfums) Horowitz and her employees are wearing masks and gloves, hand-blending each product while standing six feet apart and adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the perfumer said. Orders can be picked up curbside at Sarah Horowitz Parfums in Westlake Village if arranged by phone. Linda Sivrican said she decided to make natural sanitizing perfumes with a 70% organic alcohol base, which lean on the benefits of essential oils, after noticing the deficit of hand sanitizer and a peddling of products made from witch hazel instead of the 60% minimum alcohol base recommended by the CDC. My fine fragrance blends are specifically made to sanitize and to soothe the mind. I wanted to offer a piece of healing for people, said Sivrican, founder of Capsule Parfumerie and owner of the L.A. store Orris Perfumery on Melrose Avenue. On Friday, Sivrican released her limited-edition Sanitizing Perfumes ($20 for 1.7 ounces, orrisperfumery.com) in two soothing blends: a bergamot-rose-neroli Comfort and orange-lavender-vetiver Calm, both mixed with organic fractionated coconut oil to help counteract the alcohols dehydrating effects. Story continues Similar to cologne waters (with higher alcohol and lighter scent), the perfumes are intended to be sprayed liberally on the fingers and palms and rubbed in for a few seconds as a supplement to soap-and-water hand washing. Orris' 0.5-ounce Sanitizing Perfume, $8 in two scents, citrus-vetiver Joy and citrus-jasmine Hope, at orrisperfumery.com. (Linda Sivrican) Given the spiking demand for professional-grade alcohol, the perfumer decided to make the next batch of two new scents in smaller .5-ounce bottles ($8) in hopes of getting product out to a larger number of people. The small Sanitizer Perfumes come in a citrusy floral Hope (lemon, jasmine, cedarwood and bergamot) and a warm, earthy Joy (bergamot, vetiver and neroli). Sivrican said she has the capacity to produce maybe a couple hundred sanitizers a day and is offering curbside pickup on phone orders from 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays as well as free shipping on orders over $15. Customers also have the option to virtually create their own Custom Sanitizing Perfume ($25 for 1.7 ounces) through a phone consultation with Sivrican, consisting of two to five essential oils by Eden Botanicals, selected from a library of more than 250 with the perfumers guidance. They are all hand-blended in L.A. with love and gloves, she says. Capsule Parfumerie founder Linda Sivrican at work in the Orris Perfumery store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. (Linda Sivrican) Another Los Angeles perfumer, Persephenie Lea, has been in the aromatics business since 2004. Lea is known for her range of natural perfumes, incense and smelling salts handcrafted from rare flowers, herbs, spices, roots and essential oils at a studio on South Fairfax Avenue. She is developing three new sanitizing products. I am incorporating essential oils known for their antiviral properties eucalyptus, tea tree and ravensara, Lea says of the new Sanity-ize range, which includes a 1.7-ounce hand sanitizer with about 70% alcohol ($18), a 1-ounce bar soap ($7) and a 1-ounce jar of smelling salts ($16). The products will be available starting Sunday at persephenie.com. Los Angeles perfumer Persephenie Lea is developing an antiviral soap, hand sanitizer and smelling salts, due out on Sunday. (Persephenie Lea) Through inhalation of the smelling salts, essential oils known for their antiviral properties may help ease the mind and combat stress, Lea said. Focused on energy healing, Michael Carbaugh hand-blends natural essential-oil concentrates, candles, home sprays and incense packaged in recycled vessels at the solar-powered headquarters of his aromatic studio, Sandoval, in Highland Park. (Each scent is charged with an energy crystal.) Thanks to the influence of his mother, Carbaugh began to develop a hand sanitizer last year. Because of the high cost of organic ingredients, he had shelved the product until last week when he noticed the need. Years ago, my mom started giving me those sanitizers made by EO that she would get at Sprouts or Marshalls, he said. At first, I was like, Oh yeah, yeah, OK. These things are dumb. Im very practical and I dont like a lot of [things] in my life. But then it woke me up to the fact that everywhere we go, everything is dirty. So I started using them and I realized that hand sanitizer is actually important. Sandoval founder Michael Carbaugh at the company's solar-powered facilities in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Michael Carbaugh) The Sandoval hand sanitizer consists of a 70% organic alcohol base blended with organic lavender, palo santo and frankincense essential oils along with hydrating, cold-pressed organic aloe vera gel and jojoba oil ($12 for 2 ounces, studiosandoval.com). Carbaugh chose these essential oils because they have been used for centuries for their calming effects. Sandoval's 2-ounce hand sanitizer in a lavender-palo santo-frankincense scent, $12 at studiosandoval.com. (Michael Carbaugh / Sandoval) The first batch of 20 hand sanitizers sold out in half an hour; a second batch of 200 is also gone. Carbaugh continues to make the product daily and is currently producing a third batch of several hundred. He is additionally working on sustainable refills and larger-sized products in more refined packaging, assuming that the current clamor will level out into a larger, long-range demand for hand sanitizer. At the scale of my operation, theres no real way to make any money off a hand sanitizer made the right way, with organic ingredients that conditions the hands as it disinfects, Carbaugh said. But profit isnt everything. Providing a service to the community is whats important. My big thing with all of this is bringing people joy and a safe feeling." OnTheClock is helping small businesses who are affected by COVID-19. We want to help ensure business continuity among our community of small businesses and friends, said Dean Mathews, CEO of OnTheClock. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has rapidly worked its way into the United States resulting in businesses forcing their employees to operate from home in effort to prevent the spread of this contagious virus. With employees working remotely, businesses need a solution to properly track their employees hours worked for accurate payroll. As part of OnTheClocks commitment to philanthropy, the time clock software company is announcing free time tracking services through June 30, 2020 for new accounts affected from COVID-19 . The goal is to provide employers with a simple and robust solution for employees clocking in and out, while ensuring hours are accurately recorded for payroll. We want to help ensure business continuity amongst our community of small businesses and friends, said Dean Mathews, CEO of OnTheClock. Free services are offered to new companies, organizations and academic institutions that are transitioning to allow employees to work remotely due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak. OnTheClock will be honoring a good-faith promise from companies who choose to take advantage of the free time tracking services. Your honesty is very important to us. We are doing our part to help eradicate this disease and support small businesses who made the difficult decision to allow their employees to work remotely, said Dean Mathews. New OnTheClock accounts are easy to create and simple to use. A Coronavirus help option has been added to their signup page to properly identify the new time clock account as being free so these businesses will not have to worry about additional financial burden. If you would like to learn more about OnTheClock and their philanthropic views, please visit their website ontheclock.com or contact 888-753-5999. They also offer live chat and email support via support@ontheclock.com. Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Five persons accused in connection with the March 6, 2020 suicide bombing at the Berges du Lac II in Tunis were brought before the Judicial Counter-Terrorism Pole on Thursday Major commute disruptions leave many employees confused, including hospital staff. Nurses of one of the capital's hospitals refuse to go to work since they are forced to take taxis over city transit disruptions. Anna Karashivska, a volunteer and co-founder of the Buty Poruch [By Your Side] Public Initiative, wrote on Facebook the nurses even plan to quit starting March 23. "Today, patients who undergo hemodialysis in one of the capital's hospitals have dumped in cash to pay a taxi to nurses. All nurses are from Kyiv region. They refuse to go to work and are about to quit on Monday," the volunteer said. People raise awareness on social networks, seeking those ready to drive medical workers, especially those living out of town, to their work and back. Netizens are also outraged that hospital management failed to get prepared for such a situation. Read alsoKlitschko comments on reported options for resumption of subway traffic in Kyiv amid quarantine Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko later the same day commented on the issue: "In Kyiv, for the period of restrictions, we will arrange transportation to [and from] work for physicians, law enforcement officials, and employees of critical infrastructure enterprises. As UNIAN reported earlier, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus was recorded late December 2019 in the most populous city of Central China, Wuhan. The World Health Organization recognized it as a global emergency, describing it as a multi-cell epidemic. To date, 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Ukraine, two of which are lethal. The country has declared a nationwide quarantine, which will last until April 3. YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Doctors of the Nork Infectious Diseases Hospital of Yerevan, which is currently serving as coronavirus-only hospital, called on all citizens of Armenia to stay home to battle the COVID-19. We stay here for you, please stay home for us. Be healthy, the doctors said in their call, which was posted on the hospitals Facebook page. On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, at 17:00. As of now, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is 115, one patient has recovered. New Jersey is rescheduling a number of upcoming local elections including all of next months school board elections as cases of the coronavirus continues to escalate across the state, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday. But Murphy said there are no changes at least not yet for the states June 2 primaries, which include the races for the major-party nominations for president, Cory Bookers U.S. Senate seat, and al 12 of New Jerseys seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, we will not hesitate to act if this emergency requires us to do so, the governor added during his daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton, in which he announced that known cases in the state have surged to 742, including nine deaths. Murphy signed an executive order to move the following elections to Tuesday, May 12 the same day as nonpartisan municipal elections: March 21 special fire district election in Old Bridge. March 31 special elections in Atlantic City and West Amwell. (The Atlantic City election is to determine whether to change the citys form of government.) All April 21 school board elections across the state.21 school elections Murphy also said no voting in any elections May 12 will be done in person. Voters will be allowed only to vote by mail. New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way said all registered voters who live in an area with a May 12 election will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, saving them the step of requesting one and safeguarding health. The state will provide an envelope with prepaid postage with every ballot. Officials said the goal of the changes is to not only cut down on large gatherings at polling places but also protect the seniors who often work there. There is no greater right in a democracy than the right to vote, Murphy said during the briefing at the Trenton War Memorial. Over the years, people have quite literally given their lives for their right to vote. But given the current emergency, we want to make sure everyone is safe in voting. Meanwhile, the order calls for candidates to submit petitions electronically by the March 30 deadline. The Secretary of States Office is creating an online form to allow for that. It will soon be available on the states elections website. No one should be out gathering signatures physically, Murphy said. Way said candidates can also submit petitions via mail, fax, or in person. The uncertainty over voting in the time of coronavirus is an issue across the country. This week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine chose to postpone his states primary. Murphy has the authority to ban in-person voting and force everyone to mail in ballots, veteran election lawyer Angelo Genova told NJ Advance Media. But experts say that could lead to a number of other issues, such as availability of mail-in ballots and the cost of increasing them. Way said her office is exploring whether they can us federal funds to help counties cover the cost of printing additional mail-in ballots. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee announced Thursday its waiving the signature requirement president campaign district and alternate delegate candidates and advising all county parties that have county committee elections scheduled for June to extend their terms until 2021. We all need to do our part to encourage social distancing and slow the spread of the Coronavirus, and these two common sense actions are being made to limit the need for canvassing and other personal contact by campaigns in the coming months, state Democratic Party Chairman John Currie said in a statement. NJ Advance Media staff writer Jonathan D. Salant contributed to this report. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Agitators at the Shaheen Bagh protest site say they are following all guidelines and are taking all precautions amid the coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sought a report from the District Magistrate of South East Delhi regarding the assembly of people at the Shaheen Bagh protest site amid the COVID-19 outbreak. In a letter, the NCPCR has asked for a report on the continued assembly of people at the protest site despite an advisory by state and central government on COVID-19 safety and prevention. Shaheen Kausar, one of the protesters told ANI, "The women here at Shaheen Bagh are aware of the threat posed by coronavirus. They have all donned masks and are carrying sanitisers in their bag. We are even maintaining the required distance in the gathering and are also ensuring that more than 50 persons are not present at the site as per state government's guidelines." "We will, however, continue with the protest. It is high time that the Centre pays heed to our constitutionally valid demands for which we have have been protesting on the streets for upwards of three months," Kausar added. The protesters at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi have been agitating since December 15 last year over the amended Citizenship Act, NRC and NPR. On Tuesday, the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) members and Delhi Police had also talked to the Shaheen Bagh protests, urging them to call off their protest in wake of coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed three lives in the country so far. Earlier this week, taking precautionary measures Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that gatherings with more than 50 persons excluding weddings will not be allowed in the capital, along with asking gyms, night clubs and spas to remain closed till March 31. On the other hand, keeping in mind the infection outbreak the anti-CAA, NPR and NRC protesters at Chennai's Washermanpet had temporarily called off their strike, being held for similar demands, on March 18. A total of 151 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday. Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The virus had first emerged in China's Wuhan city in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump said the U.S. is working to get Americans stranded abroad by coronavirus shutdowns including a group from the University of South Alabama back home. Six people from the University of South Alabama are among a group of American stranded in Peru as the country goes into mandatory quarantine until the end of the month. Trump said the U.S. is examining its options for bringing a few hundred Americans home. Were looking at getting them out, probably through the military, Trump said. According to WPMI, the USA students are among a group of 20 who traveled to Peru as part of a Physician Assistant program. The group includes 11 physician assistant students, four paramedic students, two health promotion students, two professional health administration students and one paramedic faculty member. The students are from four different universities USA, the University of Georgia, Lenoir Rhyne University in North Carolina and Augusta University in Georgia. USA student Laurel Collins, who is among the students in Peru, told the news channel that regulations are prohibiting people from entering or leaving Peru by land, sea or air. The group tried to schedule a flight out of the country but was unsuccessful. "Weve reached out to representatives and our universities are trying everything they can to help get us out. Please share and pray that we (there are 20 of us representing 4 schools in the Southeast) remain safe in Cusco and get home soon," Hill told the news channel. Prime Minister Narendra Modis highly anticipated address to the nation to be telecast at 8 pm tonight is expected to announce key measures to contain the spread of novel coronavirus that has taken four lives in the country and infected 167 residents in its stage 2 amid calls for total lockdown of towns and cities to prevent its progress to the next stage of community transmission, that can lead to an exponential rise in infections in a country of over 1.3 billion. Ahead of the address by the prime minister, the government has banned all incoming international flights to the country for a period of one week starting Sunday, March 22. Over the past couple of weeks, the government has consistently scaled up its testing and quarantine facilities while preparing for a possible explosion in the number of positive cases and has decided to rope in private labs for testing. 500 random samples were also tested to check for any evidence of community transfer of the disease. ALSO WATCH | Govt on Coronavirus: Curtailing flights, trains; elderly, kids stay at home Experts, however, have called for more widespread testing for correct assessment of the status of the contagion in a country as densely populated as India, fearing that a late undetected surge could be fatal given over 8,000 lives have been lost globally along with over 200,000 infections. Visas of all incoming tourists have been suspended and a ban imposed on the entry of passengers from the European Union, and other countries severely hit by covid-19. Government has also drastically restricted entry of passengers-- both foreigners and Indians-- through its land border checkpoints. Incoming passengers from several countries are quarantined for two weeks in a mandatory process upon their arrival in the country. Most schools and other hotspots for potential community transfer of the disease like malls, cinema halls, night clubs, gymnasiums, and swimming pools have been shut down across states along with popular tourist spots like the Taj Mahal and other ASI maintained monuments. The widespread impact of the disease has sparked fears of recession with the financial and tourism sectors already hit in the country and growth forecast for the next fiscal lowered. According to the latest data available, around 93 million Indians are engaged in so-called casual labour, and paid every day and they could be the first batch of victims of the slowdown in the economic activity due to the pandemic. In a victory for government transparency, Harris County officials settled a lawsuit Tuesday with a conservative voting rights group, agreeing to disclose records of foreign nationals who voted in Texas elections and records documenting their attempts to register. The Indianapolis-based Public Interest Legal Foundation behind the lawsuit is headed by J. Christian Adams, a voting-fraud crusader. He served in the Justice Department during the administration of President George W. Bush and was later tapped to serve on the Trump administrations election integrity commission, which set out to clean up voting rolls around the country and prevent non-citizens from casting ballots. Critics said his organization was hunting for a problem that didnt exist, targeting low-income, left-leaning localities with a string of lawsuits that sought personal documents related to voters. Adams characterized the agreement as the best possible outcome for clean elections in Texas and said his group intends to use the data to catalog and provide stakeholders with information on problems that allow foreigners to get on voter rolls. Adams group PILF targeted Harris County in a March 2018 voting-rights lawsuit based on testimony from former voter registrar Mike Sullivan, a Republican, before the Texas House of Representatives alleging that for nearly two decades, officials had refused to comply with the federal law mandating inspection. The groups presumption, according to internal briefs, was not if, but how many aliens are getting onto Texas rolls, and voting? As PILFs general counsel, Adams participated in the negotiated settlement with the countys Democratic voter registrar, Ann Harris Bennett, in which the county agreed to provide records of people taken off the voter roll due to ineligibility and names of those who received notices of examination where their eligibility was questioned by election officials. The county also agreed to provide records dating back to 2013, including copies of voter registration applications with blank or negative responses to questions about their citizenship. The county also said it would provide lists of registrants who were stricken from rolls after they were disqualified from jury service due to their non-citizenship as well as all communications between the registrars office and law-enforcement entities regarding registrants who were ineligible to vote. It turned out that over the seven year period the county examined 998 voter registrations were challenged or disallowed based on citizenship, according to Douglas Ray, a special assistant at the Harris County Attorneys Office. Just under 10 percent of that total successfully countered the challenge about their citizenship status. What the county refused to provide were responses to jury summons from people who said they werent citizens. Instead, the county would provide the conclusions of its own findings about who shouldnt be on the rolls. Our election systems must be transparent. Foreigners are registering and voting in the United States, Adams said in a statement. Election officials must be transparent and follow federal disclosure laws if we are ever to understand the extent of the problem. Attorney Ray, who represented the county, objected to providing social security numbers and phone numbers saying that level of disclosure violated state law. The county agreed to provide voter registrations for individuals it had challenged on basis of citizenship without disclosing how it arrived at that conclusion. Were providing to them all the voter registrations of every person whose registration was successfully challenged on the basis, Ray said. They wanted us to give unredacted versions of every file thats been given to us on this person. We felt like theres certain information that theyre not entitled to and we didnt want to unredact it, Ray said. The foundation has filed similar lawsuits in other places like Pennsylvania and has targeted other areas like Bexar County and the state of New Jersey. Bexar County, according to Ray, handed over the information without any negotiation. That was too great a compromise, Ray said, because Harris County has about 18 percent of the registered voters in Texas. gabrielle.banks@chron.com Greggs has become the latest food distributor to provide emergency service staff on the front line of the coronavirus outbreak with free drinks. The high-street food chain announced that it would be offering beverages to NHS staff and social care workers in appreciation of their efforts amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to collect a free drink, those working for the health sector will be asked to show their work pass as proof of their profession. In a statement the bakery chain said: 'Greggs has a long-standing history of supporting the communities that we serve, and we'll continue to help the Greggs Foundation donate unsold food to good causes and deliver the programmes that support those in need. The bakery chain Greggs will provide emergency service staff with free beverages amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Stock image) It comes after the official Pret Twitter account said hot drinks would be 'on the house' for all employees with a valid NHS staff card, and discounts are being offered on food 'In addition, we'll be offering all emergency service personnel and health and social care workers free hot drinks on presentation of their work pass they are doing an amazing job, and this is the least we can do to support them.' The company added: 'We'll continue to monitor the situation closely, reviewing developments and the latest advice, and inform you of any additional steps we need to take. 'We'll keep as many of our shops open for as long as possible, but you may see a change in our opening hours and range as we respond to this ever-changing landscape. 'We've overcome various challenges over the last 80 years, and as has been said by our government, we will do whatever it takes to get through this crisis together.' The latest announcement comes after McDonald's said all emergency services personnel and health and social workers in the UK would be able to collect free drinks at all restaurants while Government guidance allows them to stay open. The chain's restaurants are to become takeaways, drive-thrus and delivery operations as the company attempts to cope with the outbreak. This morning, the official Pret Twitter account said hot drinks would be 'on the house' for all employees with a valid NHS staff card, and discounts are being offered on food. In a tweet, Pret said: Your hot drinks are on the house from today, and we'll take 50% off everything else. Thank you for everything you are doing. We look forward to serving you' McDonald's said all emergency services personnel and health and social workers in the UK would be able to collect free drinks at all restaurants while Government guidance allows them to stay open (a McDonald's in Liverpool today) While the Co-op is to provide free lunches for all students who normally receive government-funded free school meals at its 25 academies, if they are required to close because of the coronavirus outbreak. In a tweet, Pret said: Your hot drinks are on the house from today, and we'll take 50% off everything else. 'Thank you for everything you are doing. We look forward to serving you.' Pret chief executive officer Pano Christou said it was important to 'show solidarity and stand by each other in this difficult time' as he announced the discounts. He said: 'The teams on the frontline of the NHS are doing an extraordinary job and deserve all our support through this crisis. 'Hopefully this small step helps brighten their day.' Starbucks coffee chain have also committed to giving free filter coffee to NHS, council and emergency services staff in support of their 'courage, commitment and resilience.' The company announced it will also be moving to a new 'to go' only model across its UK outlets - closing cafe and patio seating, but maintaining Mobile Order & Pay, Drive Thru and delivery services. Bakery chain, PAUL, is also offering all NHS workers free takeaway coffee and tea. WHSmith also said it would be doubling the NHS staff discount on food and drinks to 20% in all its hospital stores from Thursday. A spokeswoman said: 'We are hugely grateful for the exceptional efforts and commitment of our NHS staff in these unprecedented times.' The Butcher's Hook Gastropub at Stamford Bridge in London is also offering 20 per cent off for all NHS staff. The Butcher's Hook Gastropub at Stamford Bridge in London is offering 20 per cent off for NHS Staff Two Co-op Academy schools are closing on Thursday as students, families and staff self-isolate. The Co-op called on the Government to lead a nationwide effort to help feed the 1.4 million students who receive free school meals across the UK. Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Retail, said: 'For many children who receive free school meals, lunch at school is the main meal of the day, so if school closes unexpectedly they could go hungry. 'We don't think that's fair on our students or their families who often struggle to keep food on the table, and it has an impact on the health and well-being of vulnerable families. 'So we're making sure the students attending our 25 Co-op Academies won't miss out, but we know this is a drop in the ocean when you consider there are 1.4 million kids on free school meals in this country.' The Co-op will provide all students receiving free school meals at its 25 Co-op Academy schools, located in the north of England, with a 20 voucher to spend in Co-op food stores, saying it was enough to cover a one-week unplanned closure. The move affects around 6,500 students. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called for a mandatory curfew and the closure of all non-essential businesses with exceptions for restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations for at least two weeks to stifle the spread of coronavirus. The directive comes on the heels of the citys first fatality from coronavirus. The man was in his 40s, had underlying conditions and died after testing positive for COVID-19, Baraka said. Although he had underlying health issues, he was young - just in his early forties, Baraka said in a virtual town hall Wednesday. So we all have to take this very, very serious. Newark had its first fatality in a coronavirus case. The mayor said he imposed an 8 p.m. curfew within the borders of the city effective immediately. The restrictions would not apply to people coming or going to work or in emergency situations. All non-essential businesses will close at 8 p.m. Wednesday and not reopen until at least April 1, Baraka said. Non-essential businesses include salons and retail stores, the mayor said. The only businesses that can remain open are supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations and can only be patronized after 8 p.m. for emergencies. Laundromats, hotels, banks, auto mechanics, wireless/cellphone retail stores can also remain open. Restaurants will have to close at 8 p.m. each day and can reopen on a daily basis. However, restaurants may only deliver and cannot have customers sit inside, a city spokeswoman said. I want everybody to stay well, Baraka said. Listen, were Newark, were strong. Prayfully well get through all of this together as one community. Its time for us to become serious about whats happening. A Newark spokeswoman said she was unsure if an executive order outlining the closures and restrictions was signed by Baraka. The mayor did not sign one during the virtual town hall. The curfew and restrictions on businesses in Newark go further than what Gov. Phil Murphy has asked residents in the rest of the state to do. The governor has only asked residents to not go out after 8 p.m., but has not required it. Murphy also ordered all malls to close this week. Other businesses, including bowling alleys, zoos, aquariums, arcades, and fairs were also closed throughout New Jersey. As of Wednesday, there were 13 Newark residents who tested positive for coronavirus, according to Community Health and Wellness Director Mark Wade. Essex County has 45 people with COVID-19, making it the second-highest rate of coronavirus cases in New Jersey. Only Bergen County has more cases, with 114. There were 427 cases of coronavirus in New Jersey, according to the state Department of Health. A smaller number of commuters than usual wait as in Newark Penn Station on March 12, 2020 as the 5:29 p.m., NJ Transit train arrives from New York. More employees working from home have reduced the number of commuters using highways and public transit. Hoboken imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. earlier this week. The governor said in a Tuesday press conference that he wanted any local directives to be in-line with his statewide guidelines and mandates. "We ask county and local officials to coordinate closely with us, prior to making any local directive, Murphy previously said. Again, theres no doubting everybodys hearts in the right place, but we have to do things in a coordinated fashion. At the end of the day, where necessary, we will override local or county actions to make sure we are consistent in our approach. Barakas citywide directive will be re-evaluated in two weeks on April 1 to determine if the restrictions should continue. Below is additional information about services in Newark that have changed amid the coronavirus pandemic. All public, private, and parochial schools remain closed indefinitely throughout the state due to the governors mandate. Hardcopy packets of schoolwork will be available at students breakfast and lunch distribution locations in Newark. A complete list of locations can be found at www.nps.k12.nj.us/ Cable provider Altice is providing free wifi to students. Seniors and the most vulnerable populations for Coronavirus will have a dedicated time to shop at the ShopRite on 206 Springfield Avenue in Newark, from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. on Fridays. While all senior residential centers are closed to visitors, residents are encouraged to call and check on their senior family and friends. Management will check on them as well. Immunization services in Newark will be reduced to Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. WIC will be open by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No walk-ins will be allowed. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @BeccaPanico. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Up to 65,000 ex-doctors and nurses are being told your NHS needs you to fight the biggest health crisis in more than a century. Anyone who quit or retired in the past three years is being urged by ministers to return to help tackle coronavirus. Emails, which will go out this morning, echo Lord Kitcheners Your Country Needs You recruitment poster from the First World War. Staff will be allowed to re-register immediately with either the General Medical Council, the doctors professional watchdog, or the Nursing and Midwifery Council, its equivalent for nurses. Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds his fourth daily press conference amid the coronavirus outbreak. Ministers are urging ex-doctors and nurses to return and help tackle the virus They will complete a brief online survey on their experience and skills and be offered roles in hospitals, GP surgeries, social care services and the NHS 111 helpline. Several hotel chains are in talks with the Government about offering up extra bed space to help hospitals. They include Best Western, which has 270 properties across the UK and has already promised to give up 15,000 bedrooms, 90 per cent of its total. NHS officials have not put a figure on the number of former doctors and nurses they expect to bring back but last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped to get our hands on as many as possible. All returning staff will be paid fully according to the amount of time they can work and will be given brief training and induction. The NHS is also allowing some of the most experienced trainee doctors and nurses to join the front line. Those in the final year of their degrees will be allowed to take up paid roles without having to pass their final set of exams. Mr Hancock said: To further boost the ranks of our NHS, we are now turning to people who have recently left the healthcare professions who can bring their experience and expertise to our health system. Left: Lord Kitchener's Your Country Needs You recruitment poster from the First World War and right: The Mail imagines how Boris Johnsons appeal to doctors and nurses might look They can play a crucial role in maximising our capacity to fight this outbreak and wherever they can help, they will be hugely welcomed. This continues to be a huge national effort to protect lives and protect our NHS, and I urge everyone to continue following the latest medical advice. Yesterday, the UKs death toll rose to 144, an increase of 40 or 38 per cent in 24 hours. The number of confirmed cases increased to 3,229, up by nearly a quarter. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is sending emails today to 50,000 nurses whose registration has lapsed in the past three years, while the General Medical Council will do the same for 15,500 doctors. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: By offering to return to the NHS now, these thousands of well qualified and compassionate people will make more of a difference than ever before not just to patients, but to colleagues and the wider community. Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said: As the health service gears up to deal with the greatest global health threat in its history, my message to former colleagues is: Your NHS Needs You. The Government hopes to sign up thousands of the public as NHS volunteers to help fetch medicines, feed patients and carry out admin. Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty warned last night that London hospitals would soon be under severe pressure as measures such as social distancing and school closures intended to pull down the peak of cases would take time to have an effect. Even if everybody does all the things we hope they will do, the numbers will continue to go up over the next two weeks, he said. The US government has approved chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, to treat the deadly novel coronavirus, President Donald Trump said on Thursday. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved compassionate use of certain other drugs, currently under trial, for a significant number of patients, Trump told reporters at a White House press conference, as the coronavirus cases continue to jump significantly in the US. "We are very excited about chloroquine...if it works. The beauty is that these drugs have been out there," he said, announcing the FDA's approval to expedite the tests of the drug in the treatment of coronavirus. "We're reviewing drugs that are approved abroad or approved here for other uses," he added. Chloroquine is a synthetic form of quinine, which is used to treat malaria. "We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately, and that's where the FDA has been so great. They've gone through the approval process. It's been approved. They took it down from many, many months to immediate. So we're going to be able to make that drug available by prescription," Trump said. He said chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine has "been around for a long time. So we know that if things don't go as planned, it's not going to kill anybody". FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, who was also present in the conference, said chloroquine is already approved for the treatment of malaria as well as an arthritis condition. "That is a drug that the President has directed us to take a closer look at as to whether an expanded use approach to that could be done to actually see if that benefits patients," he said. The FDA, he said, is working through different mechanisms to actually get drugs into the hands of providers and patients. Referring to "compassionate use", Hahn said, "If there is an experimental drug that is potentially available, a doctor could ask for that drug to be used in a patient. We have criteria for that and very speedy approval for that." The vaccine trial that started early this week is expected to be over in 12 months. ABC reported that given chloroquine's effectiveness in treating SARS, scientists have investigated if it will be an effective treatment against the new coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. So far, the initial trials are encouraging, the channel said. "There is evidence that chloroquine is effective when they looked at SARS in vitro with primate cells," Len Horovitz, a pulmonologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, was quoted as saying by the report. "The theory of the experiment with primate cells was that chloroquine could be for preventing viral infection or as a treatment for viral infection after it had occurred. In vitro in these primate cells, there was evidence that viral particles were significantly reduced when chloroquine was used," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced today that it is canceling all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year as a result of COVID-19. This includes the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA). Our school communities are operating within unprecedented conditions, Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera said in the release. Schools are making extraordinary efforts to remain connected to students and families, to provide food service and to put appropriate systems in place to continue student learning. Assessments should not be the focus of school leaders right now. To be clear, all assessments are canceled for this year, he added. The department will submit the requisite waivers to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), but no schools in the Commonwealth will be administering these tests this year. PSSA testing was scheduled to begin on April 20. Keystone testing was scheduled to begin on May 11. The PASA testing window is open; however, all testing was halted on Monday, March 16, when all public schools closed, the release said. AFT Pennsylvania President Arthur G. Steinberg issued the following statement in the wake of the announcement. I applaud Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro Rivera and Governor Tom Wolf for making the difficult, but correct choice to cancel statewide assessments for the rest of the school year," he said. "This continues to illustrate just how serious COVID-19 is and how serious the Commonwealths government is taking it. With schools empty and attempting to ensure all students receive the services to which they are entitled, the specter of standardized tests was never far from the minds of educators. This move provides much-needed relief of at least one level of pressure on the schools and students of Pennsylvania." Rivera said the department is monitoring emerging federal guidance, working with other states to advocate for flexibility, and will pursue appropriate waivers to the fullest extent allowable as soon as the USDE guidance is clarified. The USDE has already stated that it will consider a targeted one-year waiver of the assessment requirements for those schools impacted by extraordinary circumstances. Rivera said that PDE will continue to release information on the effects on accountability and school reporting as it becomes available. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the spread of the coronavirus has officially been considered a pandemic for a week now. On Tuesday, Germanys leading public health body, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), announced that the health risk posed by COVID-19 is considered high. Meanwhile, the number of known infections is rapidly increasing in all Lander (federal states). According to the RKI, the aim must be to detect the infections as early as possible and delay the further spread of the virus as much as possible. The Volkswagen Groups initial announcement that production lines will not be shut down until Saturday posed a direct threat to the workforce. While the government has banned any kind of public assembly, more than 120,000 VW employees in Germany were set to continue working closely on production and assembly lines for three more days. At the main plant in Wolfsburg alone three workers have already tested positive for coronavirus. The total number of cases in the entire company is 25 so far. Then on Tuesday evening, the board of directors brought forward the closing date by one day. Now plants will be shut down after the late shift on Thursday. Due to the coronavirus and unrest in the workforce, VW plants in Spain, Portugal, Slovakia and Italy have already been shut down. In Italy, spontaneous strikes forced a shutdown. At German sites, the IG Metall union is struggling to keep the peace. VWs top works council leader Bernd Osterloh (who is also a highly paid member of the supervisory boards executive committee) warned in a letter on Tuesday that there were complaints about a two-tier society, especially from production on the assembly line. While in office areas, distancing rules applied due to the corona epidemic, workers in production were working shoulder to shoulder, he said. He now expected an orderly exit from production. In other words, the IG Metall considers it its primary task to keep workers on the assembly lines until the companys official stop time, despite the massive risk of infection. On its website, the question, Can I stay away from work for fear of infection? is answered with a clear No (see: Corona crisis in Germany: Factories and large companies must be closed). VW is now using the crisis as an opportunity to put long-held radical restructuring plans and the elimination of tens of thousands of jobs into practice. In January, VW CEO Herbert Diess had announced the slaughter of sacred cows. On Tuesday, the top manager, with a seven-million-euro annual salary, announced that the group had been able to increase its operating results by 600 million euros to 3.8 billion last year. The fact that the workers are paying for this with their health and their lives is now very clearly demonstrated by the decision not to suspend production immediately. VW subsidiary Audi too only wants to temporarily shut down its plants in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, Belgium, Mexico and Hungary at the end of the week. In Brazil, VW workers have been told that they will stay on the job until March 31, followed by a 10-day holiday shutdown. Government employment offices are treating their job-seeking customers just as badly as most large industrial companies. Despite the urgent instruction to stay at home, the Federal Employment Agency website states, If activities are organised, you must continue to participate. Staying away out of sheer concern about a possible infection cannot be accepted as a reason for non-attendance. In this way, hundreds of thousands of workers and the unemployed are being forced to expose themselves to the potentially fatal risk of infection every day. Significantly, one of countless Twitter messages states, I have just about every known symptomsudden fever, severe dry cough, aching limbs, extreme sore throatnot even been tested for influenza. The fact that I have to travel two hours a day across Berlin on public transport is ignored. Also on Tuesday, WSWS received new reports about the COVID-19 situation. A report from Dresden graphically describes how devastating the delayed precautionary measures in day care centres, schools and universities are. If these facilities had been closed early and consistently, an enormous spread of the virus could undoubtedly have been prevented. In Dresden, the first day care centre (Kita) was closed last Friday, when a child tested positive. According to the health department, this child had been infected by a parent who had returned from vacation on March 8. This person had self-isolated, but had sent the child to the municipal facility with about 180 other children on Monday. At the weekend, a case was confirmed in the after-school care centre, which was then immediately closed, along with the affiliated day care centre and associated primary school, with over 300 children. On Sunday, 15 March, confirmation of infection was received about another child in a day care centre with 84 places as well as a student from the 700-pupil St. Benno grammar school. The latter case is particularly critical, not only because of the schools size, but also because of its central location; in its immediate vicinity there are two vocational schools, several student dormitories and senior citizens residences, the campus of the College of Fine Arts, the subsidiary campus of the Technical University of Dresden and the campus of the Protestant College. The results of a test on another suspected case at Kreuzgymnasium, with 800 students, will only become known on Wednesday. The Technical University of Dresden also reported the first infected employee on March 15. The doctoral candidate had returned from a business trip in France. His workplace, the Centre for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, with about 500 employees, was then closed. In parallel, the neighbouring Max Planck Institute reported a case among its staff. It was only at the weekend that operations at the University of Dresden were also restricted. Now the Saxony State and University Library has been closed, affecting thousands of visitors every day, while refectories remained partially open. On Tuesday, all refectories were then closed after two further cases became known over the weekend. All public events were cancelled, many other public facilities on campus were closed and the start of the lecture period postponed to May 4. These three examples alone show how important and necessary preventive containment measures would have been weeks ago. On 12 March, the Saxony state government organised a crisis summit with business leaders and trade unions under the cynical slogan, Secure employment, help companies in a targeted manner. Since then, the number of those confirmed infected has increased almost eightfold within five days, from 5 to 39. From Monday to Tuesday alone, 14 cases have been added! Despite this, on Tuesday, Dresden Mayor Kristin Kaufmann (Left Party), who bears responsibility for health, said the city was well prepared, and all known cases were mild. She pointed to the capacity of the municipal hospital of up to 80 beds with ventilation technology and up to 110 intensive care beds. With a population of over half a million people, of whom more than 150,000 are over 60 years old, this is just a bad joke. It was reported from Chemnitz that the city had opened an emergency corona ambulatory station on Tuesday at the citys trade fair grounds. There, in 140 treatment cabins with 50 couches, risk cases are to be testedbut ONLY from Chemnitz. Apparently, the authorities are assuming that the capacity of general practitioners and hospitals will soon be insufficient, despite their conciliatory speeches. Those in powerwho swiftly move from exercising criminal negligence to dictatorial police-state measureshave long been preparing to enforce curfews, as in France. The grand coalition of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats is seeking to keep the population quiet through emergency measures and to release billions of euros to save the banks. The sensible, considered and social-minded attitude of hundreds of thousands of ordinary workers and young people stands in striking contrast to this response by the ruling elite. There are many reports of spontaneous neighbourhood help initiatives. Many tweets contain passages such as, I myself work in the public sector (university administration), and since yesterday, weve had to work from home ... But Im thinking of those in manufacturing companies. The situation there is going to be much, much worse now, because no real protection has been taken so far. A doctor reports, I am overwhelmed. My patients give me their gloves and disinfectant so I can protect myself and others at work. They know that there are no more suppliers. The head of a nursing home, himself a nurse, posted a video on the internet showing quite graphically how the current situation is pushing him and his colleagues to their limits. The nurses have no idea how they should care for their own children now, the young man said. They are left alone in all decisions. With this video, I would like to show what kind of work these people are doing right now, who are now experiencing an extreme balancing act. On Tuesday, a joint appeal by active carers turned into a petition in no time at all, with signatures arriving every second. Within a few hours, it had received tens of thousands of signatures. The petition is addressed to the Federal Minister of Health, Jens Spahn (Christian Democrat), with the words, We have to talk! The governments policy of downplaying the situation so far was a tragedy, and conditions in hospitals were devastating. The text is full of sarcasm about governments plans to involve and train pensioners and students as nursing staff. We are already looking forward to seeing the high-risk group standing at the ventilators of highly infectious patients. An incredibly promising, well thought-out measure! It goes on to say, We nursing staff should have expected a little more substance in recent years rather than warm words, thank-you chocolates and parties for the functionaries. No, you cant shift the blame onto the contract negotiating partners, cost bearers and us nursing staff, because one thing is clearer than ever: you have the responsibility for ensuring the nursing care of the population. Nursing staff point to a directive issued by the Baden-Wurttembergische Krankenhausgesellschaft e.V. to nursing institutions, which states that they are to make an effort to obtain protective material, and if none can be organised, we should simply continue working without protection. This instruction was obviously coordinated with the Ministry of Social Affairs in Baden-Wurttemberg. Nursing staff comment, Thats not how it works! and set out a list of demands ranging from the immediate organisation of the procurement of effective protective materials, taking all possibilities into account to a reliable promise of a substantial, state-funded wage supplement for all those who can hold out in this situation, those who take their children to emergency care groups, work overtime, cannot take breaks, cannot take rest periods. The starting salary for all carers should be at least 4,000 euros and, if necessary, the nationalisation of manufacturers and their suppliers must be enforced for the procurement of materials. The petition ends with the words, We urgently warn you! Without these measures, the ventilators will soon stand around useless, because there will be nobody left to operate them! The petition underlines the urgency of the WSWSs call for all workers to form independent action committees and take their fate into their own hands. As stated in the recent WSWS perspective: The fact is that the demand for a serious effort to fight the pandemic is inseparable from the struggle to end the capitalist system and reorganize society on a socialist basis. California Department of Education News Release California Department of Education News Release State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Hosts COVID-19 Webinar to Support Schools and Clarify New State Guidelines SACRAMENTOState Superintendent Tony Thurmond today hosted a webinar for district, school and county office education leaders to walk through new state guidance documents released last night, covering the areas of distance learning, special education, meals/nutrition services, and child care support. The document issued by Governor Newsom yesterday was created under the March 13 Executive Order N-26-20 to address many of the immediate concerns that teachers, administrators, and parents are facing in the wake of COVID-19-related school closures. We are currently experiencing very difficult times, unchartered territory, experiences that weve never seen before. In spite of that fact, Californians are resilient and I want to acknowledge the resilience of our students, our teachers, our staff, our administrators, and the parents of our students, said Thurmond during his opening remarks. To view the guidance document and for more information about coronavirus (COVID-19), please see the CDEs Coronavirus web page. State Superintendent Thurmond, State Board President Linda Darling-Hammond, and California Department of Education staff are working diligently to answer questions as quickly as possible. The California Department of Education will issue updates to this guidance and others every Friday, in addition to issuing new and updated guidance as the need arises. # # # # Tony Thurmond State Superintendent of Public Instruction Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100 Last Reviewed: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 March 18, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today held individual calls with his counterparts from Barbados, Japan, Saint Lucia and the United Kingdom on the spread of COVID-19 and ensure coordination during this challenging period. The ministers discussed the response plans in their respective countries, as well as travel restrictions, global border measures and other community-based actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They also discussed the importance of maintaining the flow of essential goods, supplies and services during this ongoing crisis. The ministers shared some of the lessons learned from the response activities carried out to date, and discussed the need to support their respective citizens, and those of developing countries, during this challenging period. The ministers stressed that the health and safety of their citizens is their top priority. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining strong international coordination going forward, and committed to remaining in close touch as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. Minister Champagne explicitly expressed sincere gratitude to Minister Motegi for Japans continued support toward the Canadian passengers of the Diamond Princess, who have been hospitalized in Japan. Myanmars government must lift its ban on internet service in war-ravaged Rakhine state to permit tens of thousands of displaced civilians to access information about the coronavirus, a civil society group demanded this week, warning of mass deaths if crowded refugee camps become infected. Authorities shut down mobile internet access in eight townships in Rakhine and in Paletwa township in neighboring Chin state in June 2019, citing security reasons amid armed conflict between Myanmar forces and the rebel Arakan Army (AA). The ban was later lifted in five of the townships that September, but then reimposed in February. The Rakhine Ethnics Congress (REC), a Sittwe-based relief group that assists internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region, issued a statement on Wednesday calling on officials to reinstate internet access and provide information on COVID-19, as the virus is officially known, to residents of the nine townships. The group said that the restoration of internet service is vital for IDPs who do not have access to radio, television, or electricity to get news and information. So far, the government has claimed that there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. The more than 140,000 IDPs tallied by the REC are largely unaware of the rapidly spreading virus, declared a pandemic by World Health Organization, because of the governments restriction on information, the REC's statement said. REC secretary Zaw Zaw Tun said the coronavirus could spread rapidly among the IDPs if only one of them catches it. There is a risk that when one IDP becomes infected, it will spread to thousands of others in the camp in one or two days, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. The risk is not just for the camp; it could affect the entire region and cause mass deaths. Because of this, we have demanded the lifting of the internet shutdown no matter what the reason was for imposing it, he added. San Kyaw Hla, a lawmaker in the Rakhine state parliament, agreed that those living in displacement camps are at risk of catching the virus. Health education campaigns cannot reach everywhere in the state. They need the internet to reach everywhere, so this demand is reasonable, he said. If there is an outbreak, they will be doomed because they lack basic knowledge of prevention, he added. No one is educating these IDPs about the virus. There are crowded conditions in the IDP camps, and they are very vulnerable to the infection. RFA could not reach Win Myint, Rakhine states spokesman and minister of municipal affairs, or officials at the Ministry of Transport and Communications for comment. APHR weighs in The blackout also has placed people already in a dangerous situation even more at risk by limiting their access to livelihoods and basic information, and by hindering the work of human rights monitors, journalists, and aid organizations, said ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) in a statement issued Thursday. Not only are people in Rakhine state targeted by the violence, unable to communicate among themselves and the outside world, but they are also restricted in accessing necessary humanitarian aid, said Kunthida Rungruengkiat, a former Thai lawmaker and APHR member. In February, the APHR and 28 other international and Myanmar-based rights groups called on the Myanmar government to immediately lift the internet service restrictions. As of Wednesday, Myanmar had 157 suspected cases of coronavirus with 64 in Yangon, 31 in Mandalay, 25 in Shan state, and 37 in other states and regions, but none confirmed, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. That same day, the government closed all border checkpoints to foreign tourists as a preventive measure against the virus. The ministry also said that some individuals who were under observation recently died, but were confirmed to have had diseases other than COVID-19 that led to their deaths. Myanmar civilians displaced by armed conflict eat a meal in a temporary shelter in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, March 19, 2020. Credit: RFA video screenshot Food, accommodation shortages The REC also reported that the growing number of IDPs are facing shortages of food and accommodations, prompting more than 3,000 of them to leave overcrowded camps where supplies are scarce and seek shelter in Rakhines capital Sittwe. There are crowded conditions in the IDP camps because of the influx of IDPs, and they are facing shortages of food and accommodations, Zaw Zaw Tun said. So, they have decided to leave their homes forever and go to Sittwe. During the past five days, more than 200 IDPs from Rathedaung and Mrauk-U townships have arrived Sittwe, taking shelter in Buddhist monasteries, he said. The IDP numbers continue to climb because of ongoing attacks on villages amid the fighting between the government military and the AA, Zaw Zaw Tun added. There have been attacks by the Air Force and Navy using heavy artillery on villages, he said. The villagers are fleeing to take temporary shelter in the nearest towns. Maung Win Naing, who fled with his family from Rathedaungs Ngasin Raw village, said they went to Sittwe because it was no longer safe for them to remain in their home. A 50-something year-old women was shot, he told RFA. Another one was injured by a landmine attack. We are too afraid to live in Rathedaung, so we fled to Sittwe. Seen Shwe Maung, 66, who fled from Rathedaungs Yaysoe Chaung, said that once soldiers move into an area and begin firing randomly on villages, residents can no longer make a living. We cannot go into the forests and cannot go out to fish in the rivers, he said. Our livelihoods are bases on the forests and mountains. If we cannot go out, we cannot make a living. We are no different from being dead, as we cannot earn our living and live our lives, he added. Adequate assistance Military spokesmen have repeatedly dismissed reports that government soldiers are firing indiscriminately on villages where there is no combat in the immediate area, and have denied causing civilian deaths and injuries. Villagers who say otherwise also have reported that Myanmar troops have arrested civilians and tortured them during interrogations to ferret out those with ties to the AA, a mostly Buddhist ethnic Rakhine army seeking greater autonomy in the state. The AA, too, has committed abuses against civilians though abductions and arbitrary detentions, although it claims to be fighting for the rights of ethnic Rakhine, according to villagers and rights groups. Though the REC has counted more than 140,000 IDPs since an escalation in hostilities between the two armies in early 2019, the government put the figure at over 57,000 in 124 temporary camps in northern Rakhine as of Feb. 23. The government only counts IDPs in camps and not those who have fled to monasteries or to the homes of friends and family members. Those who have fled their villages are increasingly complaining that government food rations for IDPs, which are based on the official count, have become inadequate. Kyaw Min, director of Rakhines Disaster Management Department, said services provided by the state cannot reach IDPs in remote areas. Some of the IDPs are located in very far-flung regions, [and] they cannot reach local general administration departments, so they are not on the list of government records, he said. Government assistance for IDPs is based on official data, so many IDPs may not be receiving adequate assistance. We are working with both the Union government and state government to make sure all IDPs on the list are receiving assistance, he said. Reported by Waiyan Moe Myint and Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. China is seeking to restore normalcy in supplies to trading partners after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak disrupted factory production in the worlds second largest economy, but it will be still some time before India can resume importing raw material for drugs and diagnostics from its main source. Even so, drug manufacturers in India say they have enough stocks to last a couple of months. India sources about 70% of its raw material for drugs Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China. The stock situation currently will help us stay afloat till June at least. There is nothing to worry as of now, said Sudarshan Jain, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, an association that represents Indian drugmakers. The department of pharmaceuticals formed an expert committee last month that is constantly monitoring the drugs and the diagnostics situation in the country, and to devise measures that can prevent any possible shortages. To ensure adequate domestic supplies, the government also restricted exports of certain anti-fever drugs, antibiotics, essential vitamins and hormones that have significant demand within the country. The exports were restricted of medicines such as paracetamol, used to treat fever and pain; vitamins B6 and B12, progesterone, a hormone therapy; and amoxicillin, azithromycin and neomycin, which are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. We are comfortably placed as of now. There is no need to panic, said an official in the central drugs control division, who spoke on condition of anonymity. According to government data presented in Parliament in 2018, India imported APIs worth Rs 18,372.54 crore in 2016-17, of which about Rs 12,254.97 crore was sourced from China alone. The other countries from where India imports APIs include the Unites States, Italy, Germany, and Singapore, but their share is relatively small. Jain said it will be some time before consumers start feeling any shortage. The way supply chain pipeline functions there is always a buffer period for such untoward incidents. Consumers should be OK until at least July. In any case, the situation in China is improving and they have begun production. What will remain to be seen is how we get the material to us, whether it will be shipped or airlifted the logistics will need to b worked out, he said. Using the experience as a lesson, the government is also focusing on working out a system that will encourage domestic manufacturers to produce the APIs. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has ruled out the prospect of a hard border in the Irish Sea post-Brexit. Mr Lewis said the Government was determined to deliver on the arrangements in place, including the Good Friday Agreement. East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson had sought assurances from the minister that there would be no border or disruption to trade. Mr Wilson said: "In a recent visit to Belfast, EU officials and Michel Barnier made it quite clear to the business community that, first of all, they expected a hard border in the Irish Sea and, secondly, they expected the Government to start implementing the things which need to be done to put that in place. "Would he (Mr Lewis) give us an assurance that given that the Government has a different interpretation to the withdrawal agreement than the EU has, that no steps will be taken to put either a physical, administrative or electronic border in the Irish Sea which would disrupt trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain?" Mr Lewis responded: "(Mr Wilson) makes an important point and I'm very happy to be very, very clear about this. We are determined to deliver on the agreements that are not only within the (withdrawal) protocol but within the Good Friday Agreement, so we ensure that there is obviously no border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. "There will (also) be no border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. "Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and there will be no hard border in the Irish Sea." Elsewhere yesterday, North Down Alliance MP Stephen Farry asked Boris Johnson whether a one-year extension could be sought for the UK's Brexit implementation process in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Farry said: "Defeating the coronavirus must be the top, indeed the only, priority for the foreseeable future. "There's already huge anxiety across the UK and businesses are facing unprecedented challenge and uncertainty. "So regardless of Leave or Remain, how quickly will the Prime Minister recognise the inevitable and seek at least a one-year extension to the Brexit implementation process?" However, the Prime Minister responded: "Our priority is to deal with the coronavirus epidemic. "The other matter that he mentions has already, as he will know, been legislated for." She is Catwoman. Hear her roar. In Hollywood these days, franchise filmmaking reigns supreme. In particular, comic book movies are shaping much of the mainstream, big-budget fare. At times, it feels like an inevitability that just about every star in the industry will have played a hero or villain for Marvel and/or DC at some point or another. So we can imagine how thrilled Eiza Gonzalez was when she discovered she was up for the role of Catwoman in Matt Reeves The Batman. The actress known for films like Baby Driver and Hobbs & Shaw ultimately lost the role to Zoe Kravitz. Now Gonzalez is opening up about the disappointment she felt when she learned she didnt land the part. Eiza Gonzalez attends the Bloodshot premiere | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic The Batman is midway through production Following Ben Afflecks exit from the DC Extended Universe, The Batman was retooled as a fresh start. Robert Pattinson will don the iconic cowl as the Dark Knight. And the film written and directed by Reeves (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) will reportedly explore Bruce Waynes early years as the Caped Crusader. Thus far, fans have only heard pieces of what they can expect when The Batman lands in June 2021. In addition to Kravitz, stars like Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis joined the cast. Reeves has also released peeks at Pattinsons cowl from the film as well as the new Batmobile. But as much as we enjoy looking forward to what the film will become, we cant help but wonder about what might have been. In the case of Catwoman, Kravitz reportedly beat out several actresses, including Zazie Beetz (Joker), Ana de Armas (Knives Out), Ella Balinska (Charlies Angels), and Gonzalez. Eiza Gonzalez almost got to play Catwoman Playing Catwoman would be a huge opportunity for any actress. After all, the iconic anti-hero/super-villain has been played by the likes of Anne Hathaway, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eartha Kitt, and Julie Newmar. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gonzalez admitted how hard it was for her to get so close to winning such a role, only to lose it. It is heartbreaking; it is always hard. You have to envision yourself in the role in order to see the role. You cant have one foot in and one foot out. When I started my career, I was more like that, and I wouldnt get that far. In a sense, it didnt hurt as much, but I didnt give it the best version of what I thought I could do. So now I do, and I just go through the heartbreak afterwards. The actress confessed to going all-in on auditions, especially when shes at the camera test stage or really deep into it. Without any sense of closure, moving on can be tough, Gonzalez concedes. But she at least has built that relationship. Who knows where the near-miss of The Batman might take her going forward? Shes currently starring in Bloodshot Perhaps Reeves or the producers of The Batman will keep Gonzalez in mind for another role. This film is intended to kick off a franchise, of course. So maybe Gonzalez could even get a second chance to pop up in Gotham City someday. Despite missing out on Catwoman, shes optimistic about the future. The beauty of our industry is its never-ending; its always evolving and transforming. Im just lucky and grateful that Ive had the chance to meet incredible directors and be part of incredible projects. Growing up in Mexico, I never wouldve thought Id be doing these types of projects. In fact, the actress has already appeared in a pair of comic book films. In 2019, she played Nyssiana in cult hit Alita: Battle Angel. And in 2020, she stars opposite Vin Diesel in Valiant Comics adaptation Bloodshot. Then later in 2020, shell appear in Godzilla vs. Kong. So Gonzalez fans have plenty to look forward to, even without Catwoman. Even as most cities that have reported COVID-19 positive cases are shutting down offices and public places to avoid further spread of the deadly disease, the Parliament continues to be in session. The decision was taken against several leaders who were of the opinion that it would not be wise for politicians either to congregate at such a time. Ironic that Members of Parliament, who must exhort their constituents to take necessary precautions against #COVID19, continue to congregate in Parliament, where they sit cheek-by-jowl on narrow benches. Far from practice what you preach, MPs msg is: do as I say,not as I do! Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 18, 2020 Today Parliament security started conducting fever checks on occupants of all cars entering the premises, causing long lines of 25-30 cars outside the gate at any time. Problem is fever only starts on Day 3 of #COVID19. Carriers may still be coming in. We really need to adjourn. Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 18, 2020 Commenting on this, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted:To this, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya responded saying: This statement irked Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, who lauded the dedication of health workers to fight the novel coronavirus and pointed out how it was ridiculous to equate parliamentarians with doctors and soldiers. To equate MPs with emergency health workers is outright ridiculous. I salute the health workers for their commitment/dedication. But there is no justification for parliament to function and congregate. If every other congregation is downsized why is parliament an exception? Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) March 19, 2020 Hitting back at Tejasvi, he wrote:Opposition leaders have been suggesting that the BJP is trying to keep Parliament in session even amid the coronavirus pandemic because it does not want the Madhya Pradesh Assembly to skip the floor test as they are confident of ousting the ruling party. GLENS FALLS Glens Falls Hospitals efforts to prepare for a surge of patients are paying off. Since opening three outdoor testing sites, Emergency Department visits have fallen sharply and 457 people have been tested in less than three days. The hospital is also deferring all surgeries that can be safely postponed, which has opened up beds for use in a possible surge. To reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, all of the hospitals primary care clinics and medical centers are now able to offer telehealth, in which patients use a phone or video-conferencing to meet with a doctor. Many ailments can be diagnosed in that way, with the medical provider sending a prescription to the patients nearest pharmacy without anyone meeting in person. Cases by county Gov. Andrew Cuomo released the latest totals of confirmed cases in New York with 1,769 additional cases of coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 4,152. A county-by-county breakdown is seen below: Albany County: 43 (7 new) Allegany County: 2 Broome County: 2 (1 new) Chenango County: 2 (1 new) Clinton County: 2 (1 new) Delaware County: 1 Dutchess County: 31 (11 new) Erie County: 28 (21 new) Essex County: 1 Fulton County: 1 (1 new) Genesee County: 1 (1 new) Greene County: 2 Hamilton County: 2 (1 new) Herkimer County: 1 Jefferson County: 1 (1 new) Monroe County: 27 (13 new) Montgomery County: 2 Nassau County: 372 (189 new) Niagara County: 1 (1 new) New York City: 2469 (1129 new) Oneida County: 2 (2 new) Onondaga County: 5 (3 new) Ontario County: 1 Orange County: 51 (19 new) Putnam County: 5 (3 new) Rensselaer County: 6 (2 new) Rockland County: 53 (23 new) Saratoga County: 18 (4 new) Schenectady County: 18 (4 new) Schoharie County: 1 (1 new) Suffolk County: 178 (62 new) Sullivan County: 3 (2 new) Tioga County : 1 Tompkins County: 6 (3 new) Ulster County: 10 (1 new) Warren County: 1 Washington County: 1 Wayne County: 1 (1 new) Westchester County: 798 (260 new) Wyoming County: 2 (1 new) The hospital has also taken stock of its ventilators and is preparing to acquire more if needed. The hospital has 30 far more than a typical rural hospital. Some hospitals in upstate New York have reported having only two. The hospital is also able to get more ventilators from training sites, it reported. Ventilators are used to keep a patient breathing by forcing oxygen into their lungs. A percentage of people who contract the new coronavirus including younger, healthy people will need a ventilator for a couple of weeks before recovering. But without a ventilator, they could die. Acquiring enough has been a major focus for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has asked the federal government for help. He has estimated that statewide there are only about 10% as many ventilators as would be needed if everyone gets sick at once. Thats one reason why people have been asked to stay home. If they do not spread the virus, it will progress more slowly and not overwhelm hospital resources. In addition to ventilators, Glens Falls Hospital currently has seven negative pressure rooms. Those rooms are used to isolate contagious patients. It has the capacity to create additional negative pressure rooms if needed. While it is using some of those rooms now, the hospital did not have any patients with the virus as of Wednesday night. At the time of this writing there are no patients being treated for COVID-19 in the hospital, spokesman Ray Agnew said in an email. At the time of this writing, nine admitted patients were being investigated for the possibility of COVID-19. Those patients are all being cared for with the same precautions as a patient who has the virus. So far, none of the suspected patients admitted to the hospital has tested positive. Hospital officials are working hard to keep employees from getting the virus, while also conserving protective gear. While the state said last week that masks must not be conserved after being used with a patient who has the virus, the Centers for Disease Control have been more pragmatic. Recently, they advised using a scarf, if nothing else is available. The hospital is training staff to doff masks and gowns for reuse, while also looking for alternate suppliers for more equipment. We routinely test our staff on the use of personal protective equipment and recently have stepped this up to ensure they appropriately use their protection, Agnew said, adding that trainers are making rounds on every shift to teach employees. Strict adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene practices and active monitoring of staff for symptoms is also in place, Agnew said. But he added that it is inevitable that a health worker will contract the virus. When that happens, the worker will be placed in quarantine and those who were within contact of that person will monitor themselves twice a day for fever, cough and shortness of breath. He noted that hospital workers are just as careful when treating a patient who has the flu. We are very familiar with this approach to the care of contagious patients, he said. It is our job and our responsibility to care for our patients regardless of their needs and to do so thoroughly and compassionately, and to ensure that our staff is protected to treat any condition. You can reach Kathleen Moore at 742-3247 or kmoore@poststar.com. Follow her on Twitter @ByKathleenMoore or at her blog on www.poststar.com. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. "Today the greatest risk of a global catastrophic doesn't look like this (a nuclear war), but like this (a virus)," said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in 2015. At a time when the outbreak of the COVID-19 has gripped the world, a five year old video of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has surfaced where he predicted a pandemic affecting the humankind. In a 2015 Ted talk titled The next outbreak? Were not ready, Bill Gates talks about the outbreak of another potential virus like that of COVID-19 and stresses on the need for the world to be well-equipped to tackle the situation. If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, its likely to be a highly infectious virus rather than a war, Gates says and adds, Not missiles, but microbes. Citing example of the West African Ebola virus epidemic of 2014, Gates said how the virus was contained due to the effectiveness of the "heroic work" of the health workers. Also, the virus didn't get into a lot of urban areas due to the sheer "luck" of humanity. "But next time we might not be this lucky," Gates said then. The failure to prepare could allow the next epidemic to be dramatically more devastating than Ebola, he said emphasizing on the urgent need to act. Warning the audience how the situation could worsen if it's an 'airborne' disease, Gates mentioned the Spanish flu of 1917, the deadliest in human history that had spread quite quickly and claimed over 3 crores lives across the world. These lessons learnt from history should serve as the reasons why we need to prepare for an epidemic just the way we do for wars, Gates suggests. Towards the end of the video, Gates tells the audience few key areas where we can improve to be able to prepare ourselves for any health crisis strengthening health system, create a medical corps, pair medical and military, run germ games and not word games, step up research and development. Gates says in the video that Ebola epidemic should be a "wake-up call" for us to enhance our facilities in the health sector. "We need to get going because time is not on our side," said Gates adding, "If we start now, we can be ready for the next epidemic". Meanwhile, the global death toll due to Coronavirus infection has gone up to 8,810, while over 2 lakh people have been infected. According to reports, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has agreed to spare $100 million to combat the the health crisis. The 39 Vietnamese men, women and children who were found dead in a lorry container died of suffocation and overheating, an inquest has heard. Ten teenagers were among the migrants found dead in a vehicle parked on the Waterglade industrial park in Grays in the early hours of 23 October. An inquest into their deaths was opened at Essex Coroners Court on Thursday and adjourned. Lincoln Brookes, the area coroner for Essex, said it would resume when criminal proceedings linked to the case has concluded. He expressed his deep condolences to the relatives of the dead, adding: This was clearly on any view a tragedy on a large scale, and a personal tragedy to each of the families. 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Show all 15 1 /15 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Thirty-nine bodies have been found in a lorry container in Essex, police have said PA 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex The discovery of 38 adults and one teenager was made at an industrial estate in Thurrock Reuter TV 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Police said they believed the lorry had come from Bulgaria and entered the UK at Holyhead, in Wales, on Saturday. Getty 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Essex Police said it had launched a murder investigation after its officers were called to Waterglade Industrial Park, in Grays, in the early hours of Wednesday morning Reuter TV 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex A 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder PA 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex In a statement, Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened. We are in the process of identifying the victims, however I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process. Reuter TV 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Getty 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Getty 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex PA 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Getty 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Reuter TV 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex PA 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex PA 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Reuters 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex Reuters The names of the deceased were read aloud by coroner's officer Nick Hale at the hearing, after a scheduled Vietnamese interpreter went into self-isolation over coronavirus. Post-mortem and toxicology reports have given the cause of death as asphyxia and hyperthermia in an enclosed space, Mr Hale said. Essex Police said last month they had sent detectives to the Vietnam to meet relatives of the deceased as they investigate the alleged human trafficking plot. Several people have been alleged in connection with the deaths and the alleged wider ring. Maurice Robinson, who was driving the lorry, admitted conspiring to assist illegal immigration and acquiring criminal property in November but has not yet entered pleas to 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to commit human trafficking or transferring criminal property. Valentin Calota, 37, of Cossington Road in Birmingham, has been charged with conspiring to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law. Four other men have also been charged by British police, while Vietnamese investigators were prosecuting seven people. Lorry driver Eamonn Harrison has been granted an appeal against his extradition from Ireland to the UK. The 23-year-old is alleged to have driven the container to the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium and later signed the shipping notice for it as it moved onwards to Britain. Bui Thi Nhung texted relatives from inside the container saying she was dying (Reuters) The names of the deceased were read out as: Sorry! This content is not available in your region Japans state visit to the UK in May has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Buckingham Palace has announced. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masakois were due to stay with the Queen at Windsor Castle. The Palace had already warned that major royal events with large numbers of people would be cancelled or postponed as the nation deals with the spread of the Covid-19 illness. The Queen during a ceremonial welcome for Irish President Michael D Higgins at Windsor Castle (Sergeant Steve Blake RLC/MoD/PA) The Queen, who is 93, is preparing to head to Windsor on Thursday to socially distance herself in line with Government advice. A palace statement said: After consultation with Her Majestys Government and the Government of Japan, Her Majesty The Queen has agreed that, in the current circumstances, the planned state visit to the United Kingdom in spring 2020 by their majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan should be postponed. The state visit will be rescheduled at a later date. The State Visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the UK has been postponed. It will be rescheduled at a later date. Read our press release in full:https://t.co/juH1Uc605F The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 19, 2020 State visits are a huge undertaking, with hundreds of royal household staff, members of the military and police officers needed to ensure the smooth running of programmes. Key elements include a ceremonial welcome by the armed forces and a grand state banquet for 170 guests including senior royals, politicians and dignitaries. State visits have been postponed before. A stay by Spains King Felipe in 2016 was delayed to June 2017 due to a political crisis in his country, and again to July 2017 because of the UK general election. A state visit by King Abdullah of Jordan was postponed in 2000 because of the crisis in the Middle East amid Israeli-Palestinian fighting. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 14:50:56|Editor: zyl Video Player Close SEOUL, March 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in's approval rating rose this week as the COVID-19 outbreak slowed down in recent days, a weekly poll showed Thursday. According to the Realmeter survey, support for Moon added 0.7 percentage points over the week to 47.9 percent this week. The negative assessment on Moon's conduct of state affairs fell 0.2 percentage points to 48.9 percent. It came as the daily caseload of the coronavirus here steadied for the past days. The daily infections hovered below 100 from Sunday to Wednesday, before recording 152 on Thursday. Moon ordered "unprecedented measures" to be taken to tackle the economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak. The government announced 11.7 trillion won (9.1 billion U.S. dollars) worth of supplementary budget bill that was passed through the parliament on Tuesday. The central bank slashed its target rate from 1.25 percent to an all-time low of 0.75 percent on Monday in its first emergency move since the 2008 global financial crisis. During the first "emergency economic council" meeting earlier in the day, Moon unveiled a 50-trillion-won (39-billion-U.S. dollar) emergency financial aid package for small businesses and heralded additional measures to support people who lost jobs or income over the virus outbreak. Support for Moon's ruling Democratic Party lost 0.6 percentage points over the week to 40.9 percent this week. The main conservative opposition United Future Party gained 35.1 percent of approval score, followed by the centrist People's Party with 3.9 percent and the minor progressive Justice Party with 3.2 percent. The results were based on a poll of 1,501 voters conducted from Monday to Wednesday. It had plus and minus 2.5 percentage points in margin of error with a 95-percent confidence level. EUGENE, Ore. -- In a press conference Thursday, Lane County Public Health shared that a staff member at Eugene School District 4J has been tested for coronavirus. This test was administered after the person had been directly exposed to a positive case of the virus. Though not showing symptoms, the staff member, a bus driver, went to work on March 10 and 11. An investigation identified a small number of 4J bus routes with a possible exposure point, Lane County officials said. Jason Davis with Public Health said that more than 200 elementary to middle-school aged children had minimal contact with the employee and are not considered at risk. "If he tested positive -- given the public health definition of what an exposure is -- so that is within six feet for an hour or more, he still would not be exposing the kids given the nature of the job," said Davis. 4J is contacting families of students believed to have been exposed, in any capacity, to the employee. If you are a concerned parent or would like to establish contact with a Lane County Communicable Disease Nurse, call 541-682-1380. The person is being isolated in their own home. Results of the test are pending. PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 11:02:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1004 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Multi-State cannabis company Orchid Ventures, Inc. (CSE:ORCD),(OTCPINK:ORVRF) ("Orchid Ventures" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a COVID-19 Emergency Response. Operations will continue and staff has been instructed to work from home if their job permits, which applies mostly to the office in California. The Company's Oregon operations are still open, but under strict COVID-19 emergency guidelines and are awaiting further instruction from local government agencies. PurTec manufacturing partners and the supply chain in China are operational and have been active since March 3rd. The Company is experiencing much fewer slowdowns and hurdles than most other manufacturers in China. Despite the epidemic, Orchid brand sales are doing exceedingly well. The company is seeing a large increase in order volume from several key accounts including increased sales through a major state-wide delivery company in California.COVID-19 is a very serious issue that the entire globe is dealing with at this point, and the Company takes the health of their employees and that of the general public very seriously. Though the Company will be adjusting how they conduct business, they will continue to supply products to consumers and business clients. The Company's manufacturing partner in China is one of the largest in the industry and fully operational and ready to manufacture PurTec products. Slowdowns are to be expected, although far less than in months prior and less than most other manufacturers."We are currently working with dozens of cannabis brands throughout North America and our integration team is working diligently to ensure our clients do not have critical delays in their supply chain." , said Corey Mangold, Founder & CEO of Orchid Ventures. "We have been following Covid-19 developments since the very beginning, and we have taken proactive actions to ensure that any delays we experience are the shortest they can possibly be given the current situation. I'm very satisfied and proud of the PurTec team and our manufacturing partners' performance. We understand the current issues and have been able to stabilize the supply chain to the furthest extent possible. Additionally, our Orchid branded cannabis products are continuing to be manufactured in Oregon and California and we hope that continues, but given the evolving and changing circumstances surrounding Covid-19 , we can't predict how long our local manufacturing partners will be permitted to keep their doors open. Furthermore, we have taken actions throughout our organization to limit exposure for our staff. Non-production related employees have been instructed to work from home, and we have implemented procedures for cleaning, necessary business travel, and post-travel confinement to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure for our staff. We are diligently following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Importantly, we are providing emergency paid time off for employees that are not feeling well and need to stay at home, plus they will not lose any pay. We are taking COVID-19 very seriously and we're doing everything in our power to keep our staff safe, and ensure that our customers experience minimal interruptions during the normal course of business." The PurTec products can be seen at www.PurTecDesigns.com and are now available for sale to companies in the US and Internationally. The PurTec design team works with clients to customize their hardware delivery systems for cannabis and hemp-based products to create strong brand synergy and a superior customer experience. Importantly, PurTec products are emissions tested at the most stringent standards in the world set by the European Union, giving companies a unique point of differentiation.Independent Board Members Tom Soto and Robert MacDonald have resigned from the Orchid Ventures Board of Directors to focus on other business initiatives. The company will continue to communicate and seek advice from Tom and Robert moving forward. A search for their replacements is underway. The company expects to identify and attract new, highly qualified candidates that will be able to meet the standards that Tom and Robert have created, plus provide the company with the expertise and experience that will significantly impact the ability to deliver on growth strategies and financial goals.ABOUT ORCHID ESSENTIALSOrchid Essentials is an Irvine, CA-based multi-state operator that launched in Oregon and California in August 2017 and has since developed a mass-market brand and loyal consumer following with its premium cannabis products. Since July 2019, Orchid has diversified its efforts and has brought to market innovative services and product offerings to support brands throughout the global cannabis industry. Orchid has launched PurTec, clean vaporizer hardware that has been emissions tested against the most stringent standards in the world set forth by the EU and has unrivaled product quality and pricing. With a continued focus on brand and intellectual property development, Orchid will continue to create new and innovative products and technologies, bring them to the global cannabis market, and set the gold standard for delivery systems. Orchid's management brings significant branding, product development and distribution experience with a proven track record of scaling revenues, building value-generating partnerships and creating enterprise value. Learn more at https://orchidessentials.com/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ORCHID VENTURES, INC.Corey MangoldCEO and Directorinvestors@ orchidessentials.com Investor RelationsCorey Mangold949-357-5818corey@ orchidessentials.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Safe Harbor StatementExcept for historical information contained herein, statements in this release may be forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Orchid Ventures, Inc. and Orchid Essentials any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") or its management, identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future perfo REDDING, Calif. - Hospitals in the North State are now limiting who can come in and out of their facility. Among some of those steps is limiting who can visit patients. Both Mercy Medical and Shasta Regional Hospital are only allowing one person at a time per patient. Mercy is also not allowing any kids 14 year olds or younger. Mayers Memorial Hospital up in Fall Rivers is also suspending visitors to help protect its skilled nursing facility. The Redding Tribal Rancheria also set up screening areas at its Trinity and Shasta campuses. We're trying to protect our patients and our staff so that our staff is healthy to provide the care to our community in the future, said Kenneth Luke, Director of Emergency Management and Security at Mercy Medical. If we're going to overreact to anything we should be overreacting to this, said Eric Wandry of Redding. It's the type of thing where we have to take all precautions. The hospitals say, there are no plans to relocate patients at this time. Doctors say if you believe you have the coronavirus, to call your doctors but do not just go to the hospital so they can make the determination about your treatment. Shasta County continues to test people for the coronavirus every day. Action News Now reached out to the California of Department Public Health, who says there are 21 state and county health labs testing for coronavirus, including Shasta County. State health officials also say public health labs have enough tests for about 9000 people. Shasta Health says there is a shortage of testing kits here because testing in county and California is limited. Health officials say they have to prioritize people showing coronavirus like or even flu-like symptoms. If they get flu-like or COVID-19 like symptoms we really want them to isolate and only seek medical care if they need to, said Brandy Isola, Shasta County Health & Human Services Agency Public Health Director. As long as everyone is doing that the shortage of testing components that we're experiencing, the impact of it will be able to be lessened. Private labs also have their own test kits and can also test for the virus. But those kits are not given by the state. If a private lab came across a positive coronavirus case, they would need to immediately notify Health and Human Services. While the county continues to monitors coronavirus, many people are wondering if you can get the coronavirus through your food. A panel of medical professionals tell Action News Now that the coronavirus cannot be transferred through food. According to the Food and Drug Administration, foodborne exposure does not appear to be away to get the virus. But if an infected individual with the virus were to touch an object, like a spoon or a plate, they can spread the virus. There is no evidence that coronavirus is transmitted through food, however, said Brandy Isola, Shasta County Health & Human Services Agency Public Health Director. If someone with a virus touches an object such as a plate, then they touch their eyes, nose, and mouth, then it can be transmitted that way. Action News Now asked people in Redding if they were concerned about the coronavirus in their food. I haven't had any concerns with my food, said Amos Ford of Redding. I think we need to be wise. The CDC says there is a low risk of spreading the coronavirus from food products or packaging. Especially if its shipped over a period of days or weeks in a refrigerated or frozen temperature. Mexico's most dangerous drug cartel has found another way to enrich its pockets by producing bootleg prescription drugs and forcing pharmacies to sell it to sick patients, Mexican newspaper La Jornada reported Wednesday. The Attorney General's office found that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has used its influence on small and medium pharmacies throughout the country, especially in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Guerrero y Michoacan, where it holds a strong presence. Considered the fastest-rising criminal organization in Mexico, the cartel has been known to deploy its armed sicarios to businesses, which are then forced to use the counterfeit drugs and mix them with authentic products that are generally prescribed to patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease, among others. The transnational organization, which has carved out a presence across the Americas, Europe and Asia, also produces medicine for patients dealing with Alzheimer's, asthma, obesity and erectile dysfunction. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, is using its violent tactics by forcing pharmacies across Mexico to sell bootleg drugs that the criminal organization produces to unsuspecting patients The Jalisco New Generation Cartel reportedly generates at least $666.5million a year through its extortion agreement with pharmacies in rural and urban areas that have had no other options but to oblige. Mexico's National Union of Pharmacy Entrepreneurs says six out of every 10 medicaments that are sold to the public are counterfeit The cartel's fraudulent prescribed drugs and vitamins are also prevalent in pharmacies across Mexico City and the states of Puebla, Guerrero and Mexico State. According to Mexico's National Union of Pharmacy Entrepreneurs, six out of every 10 medicaments that are sold are bootleg, risking the lives of innocent sick patients. Interpol figures revealed that at least 1 million deaths are caused every year due to the consumption of counterfeit medicine. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel reportedly generates at least $666.5 million a year through its extortion agreement with pharmacies in rural and urban areas that have had no other options but to oblige. Manufacturers obtained counterfeit samples and discovered that groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are working daily to perfect how to 'match colors, designs and logos' of the drugs' boxes and how to improve the way every single tablet or group of capsules are packaged. The stark difference in the scheme centers around the pricing, as the cartels' bootleg drugs fetch a fifth of the price of what the original medicine would cost The stark difference in the scheme centers around the pricing, as the cartel produced drugs fetch a fifth of the price of what the original medicine would cost. Cartels operating in El Santuario, a neighborhood in Guadalajara, Jalisco, were dealt a huge blow between 2011 and 2017 as the authorities confiscated 100 of more than 500 tons that were seized in nationwide raids that recovered counterfeit chemicals, medical samples and controlled drugs, according to records from the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks [Cofepris]. But Ricardo Marquez, a security analyst in Mexico, told Radio Formula that Mexican cartels have being lining up their coffers in the bootleg pharmaceutical market for over 10 years. The illegal, yet booming business, generates these groups yearly average profits ranging from $10million to $200 million. 'The problem is absolutely serious and I am very pleased that it is being made public. It is one of the issues of public health and safety, including national security, that has gone largely unnoticed for a long time,' Marquez said. Mexico ranks as the second largest pharmaceutical market in Latin America, developing antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and treatments for cancer and other illnesses, according to its Secretary of Economy. Pharmaceutical companies represent 1.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 7.2 of the manufacturing GDP in Mexico. The industry generates $7.7million a year for the Mexican economy. The fact that 14 of the 15 major international pharmaceutical companies have laboratories in Mexico is of a major concern to authorities who have struggled with slowing down the rise of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes. The Drug Enforcement Agency [DEA] is offering a $10 million reward for his capture. The cartel was formed in 2010 from a wing of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman old Sinaloa cartel based in the western city of Guadalajara. While it once specialized in producing methamphetamine, like most Mexican cartels it has expanded into multi-drug shipments including fentanyl, cocaine, meth and heroin. In recent weeks, prosecutors have brought charges against his son, Nemesio Oseguera, also known as 'El Menchito' and his daughter, Jessica Johanna Oseguera. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Vietnam Airlines announced on March 18 that it will suspend flights between Vietnam and Russia, Taiwan (China) from March 19 until further notice from authorities, amid the worsening COVID-19 epidemic. Accordingly, the latest cancelled flights are VN63 from Hanoi to Moscow and VN570 from Ho Chi Minh City to Taipei (Taiwan China). Passengers buying tickets for flights between Vietnam and Russia and Taiwan (China) will be eligible for changing journeys or flight dates for free, starting from March 19. Further information could be found on the website www.vietnamairlines.com, www.facebook.com/VietnamAirlines, Vietnam Airlines ticket agents, customer care hotline 1900 1100 (calling from Vietnam) or +842438320320 (calling from abroad). Vietnam Airlines reports flight incident The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on March 18 reported that its Flight VN920 from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodias Phnom Penh experienced a tire puncture while taxiing on a runway to take off from Tan Son Nhat international airport in the city. The crew quickly settled the problem in accordance with provisions. The plane stopped on the runway and there was not any phenomenon like smoking, explosion or firing for the aircraft. Following the incident, all passengers were brought to the terminal and they boarded another plane at 6pm the same day. The plane in trouble has been towed to an apron, the carrier said. Vietnam Airlines carries nearly 600 passengers finishing quarantine for free Vietnam Airlines has been carrying nearly 600 passengers who finished their quarantine period for COVID-19 in Can Tho city and Quang Ninh province back to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City free of charge. The national flag carrier said it has made six free flights from March 15 to 18 to bring more than 400 people finishing quarantine to the countrys two biggest cities. The nearly 200 others will be flown to Hanoi on the following days. These passengers returned from the Republic of Korea on flights of Vietnam Airlines from March 1 to 4 and stayed at quarantine centres for 14 days at the request of authorities. The airports of Can Tho (Can Tho city), Van Don (Quang Ninh province) and Phu Cat (Binh Dinh province) were designated to receive flights from the Republic of Korea, which has been hit hard by COVID-19, to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease. According to regulations, epidemics are among the irresistible circumstances that an airline is not obliged to complete journeys for passengers. However, Vietnam Airlines still conducts flights free of charge to ensure its passengers interests, the firm said. The carrier added passengers who bought tickets for flights which have been diverted due to the COVID-19 can also change their tickets free of charge. Ministry announces latest flights carrying COVID-19 cases The Ministry of Health on March 18 night announced two flights that landed in Vietnam over the last few days carrying passengers who have since tested positive for the acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). They are SilkAir flight MI632 from Singapore to central Da Nang city landing on March 14 and Vietnam Airlines flight VN54 from London to Hanoi arriving on March 13. The ministry has called on all passengers on these flights to immediately contact the disease control centres in cities and provinces so they can be monitored accordingly. Ticket agents for the flights have been instructed to inform all passengers. Furthermore, passengers on Singapore Airline flight SQ323 from Amsterdam (the Netherlands) to Singapore on March 14 who then took a connecting flight to Vietnam have also been instructed to contact authorities to receive appropriate medical guidance. As of March 18 night, Vietnam recorded 76 infection cases, of which 16 have been fully recovered. EnterWorks Announces Multi-Week Webcast Series Everything Master Data Management (MDM) Live Virtual Conference EnterWorks, a leading Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information Management (PIM) solution, today announced a new six-week week live webcast series, beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The live virtual video conference will feature sessions with industry leaders including: Thomson Reuters, IDEA, Gourmet Foods International, UniPro, Fender, HD Supply, US Foods and others. We are filling the gap that recent conference cancellations have left by offering meaningful live webinar sessions featuring a selection of thought leaders, said Kerry Young, Vice President and General Manager of EnterWorks. Our goal is to provide participants with actionable content and interaction from top industry executives in a virtual conference format. The EnterWorks Everything Master Data Management (MDM) virtual conference will offer new themes each week. The first two weeks of the series will focus on The Voice of the Customer, and will present the following topics (upcoming topics and presenters will be posted here). Tuesday, March 24th From Failure to Success with PIM Presented by Bill Ferguson with IDEA, a data pool/provider for the electrical industry Wednesday, March 25th Multi-Domain MDM in Action Presented by Marc Alvarez with Thomson Reuters, a global information services firm Thursday, March 26th Onboarding Vendors at Scale Co-presented by Cindy Brady and Natalie Scott with Gourmet Foods International Tuesday, March 31st Experience the Journey Through Multi-Domain Master Data Management Presented by Martin Schmidler with UniPro Foodservice Wednesday, April 1st Optimizing Your Image Variance (Lessons Learned) Presented by Jon Varo with Fender Thursday, April 2nd A Team Approach to Data Governance Presented by Ingryd Hernandez with US Foods EnterWorks upcoming Everything Master Data Management (MDM) live virtual conference will focus on best practices and conduct workshops for organizations to put into action. For more information, please visit https://www.enterworks.com/virtual-conference-mdm/. About EnterWorks, a Winshuttle Company The EnterWorks Multi-Domain Master Experience Management (MxM) solution enables companies to acquire, master, manage, govern, and transform multi-domain experiences across their value chain into a competitive advantage for organizations of all sizes from SMBs to global enterprises. Solutions offered include: Master Data Management, Product Information Management, Digital Asset Management, Golden Record Management, Data Stewardship, MDM Workflow & Business Process Enablement, Data Governance, Data Synchronization, Syndication & Integration, Print Automation, and Self-Service Portals. EnterWorks is highly ranked by various research analysts and used by industry leaders such as: Ariens, Big Rock Sports, CPO Commerce, Creative Converting, Darigold, Fender Musical Instruments, Guthy-Renker, Hearth & Home Technologies, HON Furniture, Johnstone Supply, Mary Kay, Mercer, Orgill, Publishers Clearing House, Restoration Hardware, Strategic Market Alliance, HP Hood, and W.B. Mason. EnterWorks is a Line of Business in the data management company, Winshuttle, which is funded by the well-established Silicon Valley private equity firm, Symphony Technology Group. Learn more about EnterWorks at http://www.enterworks.com. Boeing earlier this week said it is seeking $60 billion in government aid for itself and its massive supply chain because of the virus. The manufacturer's suppliers include United Technologies , General Electric , Spirit Aerosystems and dozens of others. The administration hasn't yet said what Boeing, a top U.S. military contractor could receive. President Donald Trump this week threw his support behind the manufacturer , saying: "We have to protect Boeing." Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley stepped down from Boeing 's board of directors after less than a year because she opposes government aid to help the aircraft manufacturer weather the coronavirus crisis, the company said Thursday. Boeing and its airline customers are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic as travel demand collapse and carriers race to park hundreds of airplanes and put off delivery of new ones to shore up cash. The company said in a filing that Haley is against the company receiving government aid "as a matter of philosophical principle." "While I know cash is tight, that is equally true for numerous other industries and for millions of small businesses," Haley said in her resignation letter. "I cannot support a move to lean on the federal government for a stimulus or bailout that prioritizes our company over others and relies on taxpayers to guarantee our financial position. I have long held strong convictions that this is not the role of government." She said because of that "the proper thing to do is to resign." A former governor of South Carolina, Haley is considered a likely candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. She was nominated to Boeing's board by the company in February 2019. While serving as governor in 2015, Haley opposed efforts by Boeing's biggest union to form a bargaining unit at the company's factory in South Carolina, where it produces 787 Dreamliner planes. Haley's resignation could help inoculate her from criticism in the 2024 GOP primary contest from those on the right and others who oppose government bailouts of private businesses. The Tea Party movement that formed on the heels of President Barack Obama's election in 2008 was fueled in part by opposition to the Troubled Assets Relief Program that Obama's predecessor in the White House, George W. Bush, had signed into law. TARP authorized the purchase of toxic assets and stock shares from banks and other financial institutions to prevent them from failing during the Great Recession. In 2014, when Haley was running for re-election, The Post and Courier newspaper noted that it had "identified at least nine deals where taxpayer-backed incentives, both from the state and local counties, were approved and announced by Haley's office but the companies appear to have sputtered afterward, according to local media reports." (Bloomberg Opinion) -- How serious is Iran about its coronavirus epidemic? That depends on whether we believe the Islamic Republics words or actions and, in some crucial aspects of crisis management, its inaction. On the one hand, the regime in Tehran is asking for $5 billion in financial aid from the International Monetary Fund, ostensibly to fight the virus crisis. On the other, its proxy militias in Iraq have stepped up rocket strikes on military bases housing American and other NATO troops. President Hassan Rouhani has indicated more are coming. This egregious belligerence against a country that has unique sway over IMF decisions is so obviously foolish, you have to wonder about the sincerity of the aid request. More likely, the regime is counting on a U.S. veto, so it can deflect blame for the crisis away from itself and on to the ever-reliable bogeyman. Now, after weeks of denying the gravity of the crisis, the regime has begun to warn that it will kill hundreds of thousands and possibly millions of Iranians. State TV is citing a study by Tehrans Sharif University of Technology, which posits three scenarios: If people ignore official health guidance and travel restrictions, 120,000 will be infected and 12,000 will die; if there is medium cooperation with the warnings, there will be 300,000 cases and 110,000 deaths. If people ignore the guidance altogether, there will be 4 million cases, and 3.5 million deaths. State television did not explain the metrics used in the Sharif University study. The figures imagine mortality rates 10%, 36% and 87.5% so far in excess of the World Health Organizations estimate of 3.4% that they invite skepticism. At the same time, regime officials have stepped up a campaign to blame American sanctions for the crisis. The not-so-subtle message: These deaths will be on President Trumps head. Exaggerating mortality rates and attributing them to sanctions is a familiar tactic. In the 1990s, the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein claimed economic sanctions had spiked infant deaths. A 1995 letter to the respected medical journal The Lancet claimed that hundreds of thousands of children might still be alive were it not for sanctions. This claim was extrapolated from a Baghdad survey that relied on data from the Iraqi government. Two years later, after more fieldwork, the researchers retracted their previous results. Story continues But U.N. officials continued to cite the high numbers, nonetheless. And in a macabre twist, British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2010 used the exaggerated figures to retroactively justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In 2017, a study by the London School of Economics concluded that reports of a doubling in Iraqs child mortality after sanctions were imposed in 1990 were a masterful fraud by Saddams regime, designed to provoke international condemnation and get the sanctions lifted. The study showed that child mortality in Iraq was nearly twice as high as those of neighboring countries, but there had been no spike between 1991 and 2003, when Saddam was toppled. Back to Iran: The Islamic Republic is unquestionably in the throes of a severe epidemic. The official figures, over 17,300 infected and 1,135 dead, bear this out. Nor is there any gainsaying that the country needs outside help although, as I have argued, this should be in kind, rather than cash. But the effort to exaggerate the crisis and to blame it on the U.S. suggests that the regime, even now, is unable to take the epidemic seriously. Other signs abound. The Iranian government has not yet declared a national emergency, or even imposed a lockdown on the capital, which has the largest number of reported cases. It is not clear who is to lead the fight against the virus Rouhanis civilian administration or the military under Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has described the virus as a biological attack against Iran (no prizes for guessing the attacker) is exercising his perennial right to power without responsibility. The Iranian regimes actions and inaction in handling the virus crisis should guide the worlds response. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners. Bobby Ghosh is a columnist and member of the Bloomberg Opinion editorial board. He writes on foreign affairs, with a special focus on the Middle East and the wider Islamic world. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. What is the coronavirus? A coronavirus is a type of virus which can cause illness in animals and people. Viruses break into cells inside their host and use them to reproduce itself and disrupt the body's normal functions. Coronaviruses are named after the Latin word 'corona', which means crown, because they are encased by a spiked shell which resembles a royal crown. The coronavirus from Wuhan is one which has never been seen before this outbreak. It has been named SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. The name stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2. Experts say the bug, which has killed around one in 50 patients since the outbreak began in December, is a 'sister' of the SARS illness which hit China in 2002, so has been named after it. The disease that the virus causes has been named COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019. Dr Helena Maier, from the Pirbright Institute, said: 'Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that infect a wide range of different species including humans, cattle, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats and wild animals. 'Until this new coronavirus was identified, there were only six different coronaviruses known to infect humans. Four of these cause a mild common cold-type illness, but since 2002 there has been the emergence of two new coronaviruses that can infect humans and result in more severe disease (Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses). 'Coronaviruses are known to be able to occasionally jump from one species to another and that is what happened in the case of SARS, MERS and the new coronavirus. The animal origin of the new coronavirus is not yet known.' The first human cases were publicly reported from the Chinese city of Wuhan, where approximately 11million people live, after medics first started publicly reporting infections on December 31. By January 8, 59 suspected cases had been reported and seven people were in critical condition. Tests were developed for the new virus and recorded cases started to surge. The first person died that week and, by January 16, two were dead and 41 cases were confirmed. The next day, scientists predicted that 1,700 people had become infected, possibly up to 7,000. Where does the virus come from? According to scientists, the virus almost certainly came from bats. Coronaviruses in general tend to originate in animals the similar SARS and MERS viruses are believed to have originated in civet cats and camels, respectively. The first cases of COVID-19 came from people visiting or working in a live animal market in Wuhan, which has since been closed down for investigation. Although the market is officially a seafood market, other dead and living animals were being sold there, including wolf cubs, salamanders, snakes, peacocks, porcupines and camel meat. A study by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, published in February 2020 in the scientific journal Nature, found that the genetic make-up virus samples found in patients in China is 96 per cent identical to a coronavirus they found in bats. However, there were not many bats at the market so scientists say it was likely there was an animal which acted as a middle-man, contracting it from a bat before then transmitting it to a human. It has not yet been confirmed what type of animal this was. Dr Michael Skinner, a virologist at Imperial College London, was not involved with the research but said: 'The discovery definitely places the origin of nCoV in bats in China. 'We still do not know whether another species served as an intermediate host to amplify the virus, and possibly even to bring it to the market, nor what species that host might have been.' So far the fatalities are quite low. Why are health experts so worried about it? Experts say the international community is concerned about the virus because so little is known about it and it appears to be spreading quickly. It is similar to SARS, which infected 8,000 people and killed nearly 800 in an outbreak in Asia in 2003, in that it is a type of coronavirus which infects humans' lungs. It is less deadly than SARS, however, which killed around one in 10 people, compared to approximately one in 50 for COVID-19. Another reason for concern is that nobody has any immunity to the virus because they've never encountered it before. This means it may be able to cause more damage than viruses we come across often, like the flu or common cold. Speaking at a briefing in January, Oxford University professor, Dr Peter Horby, said: 'Novel viruses can spread much faster through the population than viruses which circulate all the time because we have no immunity to them. 'Most seasonal flu viruses have a case fatality rate of less than one in 1,000 people. Here we're talking about a virus where we don't understand fully the severity spectrum but it's possible the case fatality rate could be as high as two per cent.' If the death rate is truly two per cent, that means two out of every 100 patients who get it will die. 'My feeling is it's lower,' Dr Horby added. 'We're probably missing this iceberg of milder cases. But that's the current circumstance we're in. 'Two per cent case fatality rate is comparable to the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 so it is a significant concern globally.' How does the virus spread? The illness can spread between people just through coughs and sneezes, making it an extremely contagious infection. And it may also spread even before someone has symptoms. It is believed to travel in the saliva and even through water in the eyes, therefore close contact, kissing, and sharing cutlery or utensils are all risky. It can also live on surfaces, such as plastic and steel, for up to 72 hours, meaning people can catch it by touching contaminated surfaces. Originally, people were thought to be catching it from a live animal market in Wuhan city. But cases soon began to emerge in people who had never been there, which forced medics to realise it was spreading from person to person. What does the virus do to you? What are the symptoms? Once someone has caught the COVID-19 virus it may take between two and 14 days, or even longer, for them to show any symptoms but they may still be contagious during this time. If and when they do become ill, typical signs include a runny nose, a cough, sore throat and a fever (high temperature). The vast majority of patients will recover from these without any issues, and many will need no medical help at all. In a small group of patients, who seem mainly to be the elderly or those with long-term illnesses, it can lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in which the insides of the lungs swell up and fill with fluid. It makes it increasingly difficult to breathe and, if left untreated, can be fatal and suffocate people. Figures are showing that young children do not seem to be particularly badly affected by the virus, which they say is peculiar considering their susceptibility to flu, but it is not clear why. What have genetic tests revealed about the virus? Scientists in China have recorded the genetic sequences of around 19 strains of the virus and released them to experts working around the world. This allows others to study them, develop tests and potentially look into treating the illness they cause. Examinations have revealed the coronavirus did not change much changing is known as mutating much during the early stages of its spread. However, the director-general of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Gao Fu, said the virus was mutating and adapting as it spread through people. This means efforts to study the virus and to potentially control it may be made extra difficult because the virus might look different every time scientists analyse it. More study may be able to reveal whether the virus first infected a small number of people then change and spread from them, or whether there were various versions of the virus coming from animals which have developed separately. How dangerous is the virus? The virus has a death rate of around two per cent. This is a similar death rate to the Spanish Flu outbreak which, in 1918, went on to kill around 50million people. Experts have been conflicted since the beginning of the outbreak about whether the true number of people who are infected is significantly higher than the official numbers of recorded cases. Some people are expected to have such mild symptoms that they never even realise they are ill unless they're tested, so only the more serious cases get discovered, making the death toll seem higher than it really is. However, an investigation into government surveillance in China said it had found no reason to believe this was true. Dr Bruce Aylward, a World Health Organization official who went on a mission to China, said there was no evidence that figures were only showing the tip of the iceberg, and said recording appeared to be accurate, Stat News reported. Can the virus be cured? The COVID-19 virus cannot be cured and it is proving difficult to contain. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they are out of the question. Antiviral drugs can work, but the process of understanding a virus then developing and producing drugs to treat it would take years and huge amounts of money. No vaccine exists for the coronavirus yet and it's not likely one will be developed in time to be of any use in this outbreak, for similar reasons to the above. The National Institutes of Health in the US, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas, say they are working on a vaccine based on what they know about coronaviruses in general, using information from the SARS outbreak. But this may take a year or more to develop, according to Pharmaceutical Technology. Currently, governments and health authorities are working to contain the virus and to care for patients who are sick and stop them infecting other people. People who catch the illness are being quarantined in hospitals, where their symptoms can be treated and they will be away from the uninfected public. And airports around the world are putting in place screening measures such as having doctors on-site, taking people's temperatures to check for fevers and using thermal screening to spot those who might be ill (infection causes a raised temperature). However, it can take weeks for symptoms to appear, so there is only a small likelihood that patients will be spotted up in an airport. Is this outbreak an epidemic or a pandemic? The outbreak was declared a pandemic on March 11. A pandemic is defined by the World Health Organization as the 'worldwide spread of a new disease'. Previously, the UN agency said most cases outside of Hubei had been 'spillover' from the epicentre, so the disease wasn't actually spreading actively around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens on Thursday to practise social distancing and work from home, if possible, to fight the fast-spreading coronavirus that has killed four people in India. In a 30-minute television address, he also asked citizens to take a pledge to keep themselves and others in the society safe. Please maintain a janta curfew on March 22 (Sunday) from 7am to 9pm. Lets exercise restraint on that day and avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary, he said, also asking elderly people, especially those above 65 years, not to go out. Modi appealed to state governments to enforce the curfew and urged citizens to spread the message. The curfew will be a challenge and test Indias resolve, he said. There are emergency workers out on the field who have high chances of getting infected but are delivering their duties, Modi said, acknowledging the contribution of health staff and other such workers. I want that on March 22 we thank all these people. And the way this is done can unite citizens, he said. At 5pm, we will stand at the door or in the balcony for five minutes to thank them...by clapping...we will encourage them, Modi added. The government has created a task force to come up with measures to mitigate the economic challenges emanating from the crisis, Modi announced, noting that the highly contagious virus is impacting the economy. He assured the nation that the government is taking all steps to ensure that citizens do not face any supply shock. Please refrain from panic buying and stockpiling essentials, he said. India has to remain vigilant to fight the pandemic, he stressed, adding that citizen needs determination and patience to deal with the situation. You have never turned down my request...And because of you we are moving towards the target we have set, he said. And I have a request today...I want from you your next few weeks, he appealed to the nation. Modi highlighted that there is no vaccine to treat the Covid-19 disease and that how infections have spiralled in some countries some time after the virus first surfaced. Some countries have taken necessary steps and isolated people to keep them safe, he said. In a country like India, the problem is not an ordinary one, Modi said. It will be wrong to assume that India will not be impacted at a time when several developed countries have been impacted. Flash The death toll from COVID-19 on Wednesday soared to 1,135 in Iran, where the raging pandemic showed no signs of easing. Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education reported 147 new deaths from the viral respiratory disease, as the total number of confirmed cases surged to 17,361, up by 1,192 from Tuesday. A total of 5,710 people have recovered, up by 321. The ministry urged Iranians to avoid unnecessary travels during the upcoming holiday of Nowruz, the Persian new year, which starts on Friday. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif repeated his call for international pressure on the United States to lift its sanctions against Iran. In a phone conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi, Zarif said that the U.S. "illegal, inhuman and unilateral sanctions against Iran" should be removed as the country is struggling to stem COVID-19. In the biggest single-day rise in Israel, 96 people tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 433, said the Israeli Ministry of Health. Israel announced a ban on the entry of foreign citizens as part of its efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, exceptions will be made for those who live Israel. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was among the first countries that reported the COVID-19 cases in the Middle East, recorded 15 new cases, bringing the total number to 113. Egypt reported 14 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 210, Egyptian Health Ministry said. The new cases included two foreigners and 12 Egyptians. In Beirut, the Lebanese Health Ministry announced 13 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of the infected to 133. It also reported one new death from the virus, the fourth such death in the country. Kuwait's Health Ministry reported 12 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 142, 15 of whom have recovered. In Baghdad, Iraqi Health Ministry confirmed one more death from COVID-19 and six new cases, bringing the total number of the infected to 164, of whom 12 have died and 43 others recovered. In Tunis, Tunisian Health Ministry reported five new COVID-19 cases, as the total number rose to 29. The five new cases included three imported cases. Tunisian President Kais Saied declared on Tuesday evening a curfew across the country starting from Wednesday, as part of the measures against the spread of the virus. In Rabat, Morocco's Ministry of Health confirmed 10 new cases, bringing the country's total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 54. The Moroccan ministries of health and interior issued a joint statement, urging all citizens to restrict their movement amid the spread of coronavirus. Qatar, the worst-hit Arab country with 442 confirmed cases so far, on Wednesday asked 80 percent of the government employees to work from home starting Sunday. Turkey on Wednesday closed its borders with Greece and Bulgaria as part of the measures against the COVID-19 outbreak. The sea travels from Greece to Turkey were also temporarily stopped. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced an economic package of 100 billion Turkish liras (15.4 billion U.S. dollars) to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds will be allocated to the private sector, pensioners, elderly people and citizens with low income, Erdogan said at a press conference. In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Tourism called on all foreign tourist delegations to leave the country amid the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Transport announced the suspension of all public transportation in Oman, including buses, ferries and taxis, starting Thursday. In Amman, the Jordanian armed forces said that all entrances to the capital will be sealed off starting Thursday as the number of coronavirus cases in the country hit 52. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia called for holding a virtual Group of 20 (G20) summit next week to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The proposed summit aims to advance a coordinated response to the pandemic, and put forward a coordinated set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy, it said. Hospitals will have to choose who they can and can not save if the worst case coronavirus scenario happens, a leading Australian medical body has told its members. Retired nurses could also be rushed back to work and volunteers pulled off the street and given key jobs, such as looking after and informing the families of patients. The Australian and New Zealand intensive care specialists (ANZICS) released the new COVID-19 guidelines as the situation around much of the world continues to worsen. Some experts have predicted 60 per cent of Australians could contract coronavirus, which at a death rate of one per cent would claim as many as 150,000 lives. In the document circulated to ICU staff across Australia, ANZICS outlined a series of wartime measures that include tough calls on prioritising patients if it reaches that. ICU staff across Australia could be forced to make hard calls on which patients to treat if the worst case scenarios being forecast for coronavirus come to fruition, a report by a leading Australian medical body has revealed ANZICS GUIDELINES RECOMMENDS: - Senior medical staff to make calls on whether to treat coronavirus patients - Retired nurses to return to work - Volunteers to be called up to help in ICU reception and family liaison roles - Paid leave for partners of medical professionals, allowing them to work - Health care workers given 'priority' testing for coronavirus ahead of public - Old hospitals to be reopened - Visitors to coronavirus patients to be limited to family Advertisement 'Senior Intensive Care medical staff... should consider the probable outcome of the patient's condition,' the guidelines read. 'The burden of ICU treatment for the patient and their family, patients' comorbidities and wishes, and likelihood of response to treatment.' The recommendations put together by experts include everything from how to treat patients with the disease to ensuring enough staff and medical equipment. One of the biggest fears of a rampant coronavirus outbreak is that there will not be enough hospital beds or ventilators. According to the ANZICS guidelines, the answer could be in recommissioning old or abandoned hospitals. If there is a shortage of beds in ICUs because of the number of coronavirus patients, elective surgeries could be cancelled, delayed or carried out at private hospitals. The guidelines also recommend that in the worst case scenarios, ICUs should move to 'prioritise meeting the minimum standards' for staffing. Hospitals are also being urged to identify non-nursing staff members who can help on the ICU ward in a time of crisis. The Australian and New Zealand intensive care society (ANZICS) released the guidelines to its members this week. The include a series of recommendations for hospitals on what to do if the coronavirus cases spark to the worst levels - with some experts predicting up to 150,000 lives could be lost in Australia Under the measures only family members would be allowed in to visit patients, while retired nurses would be called back to work (Pictured is a queue of people waiting to be tested at Royal Melbourne Hospital) They include nurses who have been 'redeployed, (are) in administrative or non-clinical roles, (or) recently left the workforce'. Staff could also be moved up and into roles they are not accustomed to doing. This would leave lower open level roles such as receptionist or family liaison, which the guidelines suggest could be filled by 'volunteers'. Visitors to confirmed coronavirus patients would be restricted to 'immediate family', but may need to be 'further restricted'. Protective equipment should also be worn at all times the guidelines warn due to the airborne threat the virus poses. It is also recommended that staff have their temperatures checked before and after a shift. There are 609 confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia, with 307 of those in New South Wales alone. So far six people have died as a direct result of the virus ANZICS also recommends that health care workers are given 'priority' testing for the virus. Should school closures be enforced across Australia there are predictions that up to 30 per cent of the nation's medical workforce could be off work to care for children. In this instance, ANZICS recommends hospitals provide 'appropriate' support so that 'they can still attend work'. 'This could include access to additional paid leave being provided to partners of health care workers,' the guidelines read. On Tuesday, students around Albany could log on to Facebook to hear a bedtime story read by Superintendent Melissa Goff. It would be the first interaction with Greater Albany Public Schools staff they'd had in days. Gov. Kate Brown ordered public schools to close through March 30 before extending that closure earlier this week to April 28. The mandate, which excluded childcare services, was part of an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19--or coronavirus--which has killed at least 100 people in the U.S., three statewide and has seen at least 14 confirmed cases in Linn County. Local districts are still working with the Oregon Department of Education to map out logistics surrounding the six week closure and asking questions about the possibility of losing the entirety of the school year after the Governor of Kansas dismissed the remainder of the year. "For now, we're focusing on emergency management," said Corvallis School District Superintendent Ryan Noss. Part of Gov. Brown's executive order required districts to provide meals to students and learning opportunities. But districts around the state are at various levels of preparedness when it comes to infrastructure and resources to hold remote classes. In Corvallis, the district conducted a study of 1,000 high school students just a few weeks ago revealing that 98% had access to the internet at home. But in Albany, GAPS is just now assessing students' ability to get online according to a statement released on Wednesday. "We have created a household technology access survey to assess the needs of our families regarding internet connectivity and available devices," Goff said in a statement, noting that survey was available on the district's website in both English and Spanish. Administrators in Lebanon, according to a statement on the district's website, continue to meet and Sweet Home Superintendent Tom Yhares released a statement noting the district was in "uncharted waters." Teachers from Sweet Home have also taken to Facebook to read stories to students. But whether districts will have the capacity to teach classes online should the closure extend through the school year is still being studied. Districts, according to Noss, are still working with ODE on the issues most crucial during the six week closure: graduation and food distribution. Technology, while being discussed, hasn't yet found a solid answer. "Teaching remotely is an equity challenge since our students do not all have the same amount of access to computers and the internet," said GAPS spokesperson Andrew Tomsky noting that Xfinity has opened its local hotspots for use in the community. "We are exploring different options and trying to help families with internet access and if the closure goes beyond spring break we will reassess." In Corvallis, students will be given the opportunity to pick up their Chromebooks and iPads to use at home and all districts are working to distribute free supplemental learning resources. Districts say they are working with ODE within the current six-week timeline but conversations will extend beyond that should Gov. Brown opt to close schools longer. If districts have to move to online models, federal guidelines are clear: any online learning must be equally accessible to all students and equitable in that it be accessible to students with disabilities, English-language learners and other special needs students. "At this point really focusing on the current executive order and the dates outlined there but paying close attention to changes that might come our way," Noss said. "Were taking it day by day if not hour by hour." Medical take a patient's coronavirus test during a trial run for a new FEMA drive-thru coronavirus testing clinic at CVS at 720 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, MA on March 19, 2020. CVS Health has opened its first drive-thru testing location for the coronavirus, in Massachusetts. Starting around 3 p.m. on Thursday, the health-care company began offering tests in a pharmacy parking lot in Shrewsbury, about 50 miles west of Boston in Worcester County. It is not open to the general public. Tests at the site are limited to first responders, such as firefighters, nurses and police, who are referred by state and public health officials, spokesman Joe Goode said. He said the company is not charging for the tests. CVS is one of four retailers that pledged on March 13 at a White House press conference that it would open drive-thru testing locations to help detect COVID-19 and fight its spread. Walmart, Target and Walgreens also committed to hosting drive-thru testing in their parking lots. The other retailers have not yet announced the timing or locations of tests. Access to testing in the U.S. hasn't kept up with rising demand. Earlier in March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said tests were available in all 50 states and more test kits were coming soon. A few days later, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a committee of Congress members that the nation wasn't processing as many coronavirus tests as other countries and called it "a failing." That criticism and growing frustration prompted the Trump administration to enlist the help of the private sector, including many of the nation's top retailers and health-care companies, on March 13. At a press conference in the Rose Garden, CEOs of Walmart, Target and other companies took turns at the microphone and promised to help boost testing. "Normally, you would view us as competitors, but today we're focused on a common competitor and that's defeating the spread of the coronavirus," Target CEO Brian Cornell said. "We look forward to working with the administration to do our fair share to alleviate this growing threat." Politicians, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, have also criticized the uneven way tests have been distributed, saying they've been available to celebrities and athletes even as sick members of the public struggle to find them. For example, after a Brooklyn Nets player tested positive for COVID-19, the entire team was tested even players that did not have any symptoms. CVS spokesman Joe Goode said the company tried to open its first testing site as quickly as possible. "This is our first experience endeavoring this type of testing outside of one of our store locations," he said. "There were a lot of operational challenges. We wanted to make sure that we staged this testing site properly. We worked with local officials. There are a lot of things to consider operationally to make sure that the site was truly ready for patients." CVS' own nurse practitioners and pharmacists are doing the testing in Massachusetts, Goode said. The company closed the store to increase safety and make operations easier, he said. At the test site, people will drive to different stations in their car. They will first get a temperature check. If they have a fever, they will go to a registration station and get a number that's attached to their test kit to later look up results. After registration, they will go to a station where a health-care professional puts a swab up their nose. The nasal swab will be wrapped in three plastic bags and refrigerated to keep it safe when it's transported to the lab, Goode said. A private lab, which is not owned by CVS, will do the testing and deliver a result in about 48 hours, he said. All employees will be in protective gear, he said. He said CVS is still getting the new site up and running, but it expects to do 12 tests per hour. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., he said. CVS has not announced when or where it may add more sites and open testing to the public. "We are going to learn from this site before we take this to other locations," Goode said. In an interview on "Mad Money" with Jim Cramer on Monday, CVS Chief Executive Larry Merlo explained why the company wanted to pitch in to fight the pandemic. "We ask ourselves every day, 'Is there more that we can do?'" he said. "I think we're in the early stages. I think we've seen from Dr. Fauci and other clinicians that we have the risk of this getting worse before it gets better." Ben Afflecks romance with Knives Out star Ana de Armas may have gotten a little complicated. The two have already made multiple public appearances and sources claim that they are in the early stages of a romance. Photos from their outings have since surfaced online, and fans are convinced that de Armas looks like she is pregnant in some of the images. Ben Affleck | Ore Huiying/Getty Images for Netflix Ben Affleck and de Armas spark up a romance Rumors of a romance between Affleck and de Armas heated up after the two were spotted hanging out in Cuba. The pair posed together at an eatery in Havana before mingling with some fans in the city. Affleck appeared in good spirits throughout his stay in Cuba, and fans were quick to speculate that a romance was in the works. Considering how Affleck and de Armas were getting extra cozy with each other, it seems like something is going on between them. According to International Business Times, an inside source later claimed that Ben Affleck and de Armas are officially dating. The insider even said that his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, has given them her blessing and that she could not be happier. ana de armas went on a beach walk with ben affleck and did nothing but check her phone and make him take pictures of her an ICON pic.twitter.com/B1r6dGY7Ag Cole Delbyck (@coledelbyck) March 12, 2020 Ben and Ana are happy together and officially dating, the insider dished. Jen has completely moved on from Ben in a romantic sense. She considers him a friend, thinks he is a good dad to their children and respects him. She is happy in her own life and supportive of him and happy for him and his relationship. Affleck and de Armas met while working on the film, Deep Water, a few months ago. They have yet to confirm the reports surrounding their relationship, though it is fairly clear that their relationship extends outside of work. Fans think de Armas is pregnant Following their trip to Cuba, Affleck and de Armas were spotted soaking up the sun on a beach in Costa Rica. Photos from the outing have been posted on Twitter, and it is evident that Affleck and de Armas are smitten. In one of the images, Ben Affleck has his arm around de Armas while she is occupied on her phone. In another pic, the actress appears to be leaning in for a quick smooch. De Armas rocked an orange beach dress for the trip, which was just sheer enough to see a black bikini underneath. While the photos are pretty much confirmation that the two are dating, fans also believe they prove de Armas is pregnant. She looks young. And pregnant, one fan wrote, while another added, @Ana_d_Armas is totally pregnant, and I am calling it @BenAffleck. Unfortunately, de Armas and Affleck have not confirmed their romance, let alone her reported pregnancy. But de Armas did post some pictures to Instagram to which Ben Affleck asked for a photo credit. De Armas gushes about Affleck While we wait to see how things unfold between the new lovers, de Armas recently gushed about working with Affleck. According to The Sun, de Armas praised Affleck for having acting chops that are infinite. His character is the engine of the story and requires him to move between tragedy and irony or between realism and the most absurd comedy, she stated. Not only does he know how to do it with ease, he also manages to surprise you in every shot. His talent is infinite. The interview comes after a fan claims to have spotted Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas engaging in some serious PDA at the Havana Airport. The eyewitness says that they acted like they were dating while boarding a private jet. Ben Affleck wanted "photo credit' for snapping this gorgeous photo of his girlfriend, actress Ana de Armas!https://t.co/Lg7u2K18cR HollywoodLife (@HollywoodLife) March 19, 2020 After his breakup from Garner, Affleck dated Lindsay Shookas, who is a producer for Saturday Night Live. He has also been linked to a few models in the past year and has gone to great lengths to keep his sobriety. While Affleck remains quiet about his dating life, he recently admitted that he is looking for a stable, loving, committed relationship, something he may have found in de Armas. Ben Affleck donates to help with coronavirus Apart from his dating life, Affleck is doing his part to help those most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Over the weekend, Affleck asked fans to donate to local food banks in America and consider giving money to the charity, Feeding America. During these times of uncertainty, Im thinking about our most vulnerable populations children who are losing access to the meals they rely on, our friends and family who are facing job disruptions, the elderly, and low-income families, he shared. Affleck provided a link to the foundation on his Instagram account. The organizations main goal is to feed children and adults throughout the country via food banks. With the coronavirus outbreak continuing to expand, Affleck urged his followers to do whatever they can to help people in need. Catch Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas in Deep Water which is scheduled to open in theaters on November 13. PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 13:36:03 FORT MYERS, Fla. and DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interop Technologies, the most technically advanced Rich Communications Services (RCS) solution provider globally, announced today that it has won the 2020 Juniper Research Future Digital Award for Telco Innovation in the category of Best RCS Provider. Interop Technologies was selected for this award from among vendor entries throughout the global telecom industry for its best-of-breed RCS Suite and communications service provider (CSP) focused deployment and management flexibility. By offering cloud, private cloud, and perpetual license options, Interop Technologies is able to meet the specific needs of any operator. We are driven to develop solutions that help operators meet their deployment needs while navigating the changes that occur throughout the technology lifecycle, said John Dwyer, President and CEO of Interop Technologies. Weve dedicated a vast amount of time and expertise to the advancement of RCS and we couldnt be more honored to be recognized on a global level for our efforts. Junipers Future Digital Awards are conducted annually with the highest credibility from judges comprised from the telecom industrys foremost analysts and thought leaders. The honor recognizes organisations that have made outstanding contributions to their industry and are positioned to make a significant impact in the future. Interop Technologies advanced RCS Suite includes all the elements operators need to extend advanced engagement opportunities to their subscribers and take full advantage of new messaging monetization opportunities. This includes an Internet Protocol IMS Core and RCS Application Servers, RCS Interconnect Hub and RCS Business Messaging Platform for participation with brands in the growing messaging as a platform economy. About Interop Technologies Interop Technologies is a global leader in Rich Communication Services (RCS). Through its GSMA-accredited, end-to-end RCS solution, the company is committed to putting mobile operators back in the center of their subscribers mobile lives by delivering industry leading, standardized and Telco-grade technology with the highest level of deployment flexibility and lifecycle management available. Interop Technologies has world headquarters in Fort Myers, FL, and offices in Irving, Texas, as well as an EMEA regional headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Interop also owns and operates geo-redundant network operations centers in N. America and Europe. Learn more about our industry leading communication solutions for mobile operators at www.InteropTechnologies.com. Two PDFs accompanying this announcement are available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/c8710840-7441-49c1-b586-013535785322 http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/334cb910-ca77-468e-a20d-bb20fdd0e2f7 Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and her family have paid tribute to the people working tirelessly to treat those who have tested positive for coronavirus. The Dutch royals, who are currently in self-isolation following their annual trip to Lech in Austria, posted a video to Instagram where they can be seen applauding the health care workers in the Netherlands. Queen Maxima, 48, who cut a casual figure in a red robe decorated with white flowers, stood alongside King Willem-Alexander, 52, and their daughters princesses Amalia, 15, Alexia, 14, and Ariane, 12. The mother-of-three appeared to be wearing minimal makeup and styled her hair into a relaxed side-parting, while her family looked equally as dressed down. The Dutch royal family are currently in social isolation following their recent trip to Lech, Austria. Pictured: King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima with children Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia, Princess Ariane during their annual holiday in Austria Although the family haven't shown any symptoms of coronavirus, they will be in isolation until Saturday 21st March. According to Royal Central, Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander made the decision to cancel all working visits throughout the period, after five cases of the illness were confirmed in the area they visited. A statement read: 'His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Maxima and their children practise social distancing in connection with the coronavirus COVID-19 during their recent winter holiday in Lech, Austria. 'In the municipality of Lech, located in the federal state of Voralberg, there are five confirmed corona infections, the source of which is not immediately clear. In such cases, RIVM recommends avoiding new contacts and limiting existing contacts for two weeks.' The family posted footage on Instagram applauding the health care workers across the Netherlands who are treating those who have tested positive with the coronavirus Reports reveal that the death toll due to coronavirus has reached 58 in the Netherlands. Pictured: Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander in Austria It has not been revealed if King Willem-Alexander's mother Princess Beatrix, Prince Constantijn and their family are also refraining from social interaction, after spending time with the family in Austria. The sentimental video from the Dutch royals comes a day after they released a statement praising workers across the country for showing solidarity throughout the ongoing global pandemic. They wrote: Healthcare professionals are working all out to combat coronavirus. 'Our thoughts are with them and their patients and with everyone in our Kingdom who is under intense pressure at present: business owners worried about their company, teachers working on remote teaching methods and public leaders doing whatever is necessary. 'The widespread solidarity is heartwarming, if only because of the many helping hands reaching out to the elderly. Thank you!' Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has tested negative for COVID-19, according to a GOP spokesperson. RNC Communications Director Michael Ahrens announced the negative coronavirus test results in a Twitter statement issued Wednesday evening. On the advice of her doctor, @GOPChairwoman was administered a test for COVID-19. That test has fortunately come back negative. Michael Ahrens (@michaelahrens) March 18, 2020 McDaniel, went to a Michigan hospital Friday night because she was experiencing flu-like symptoms and a fever. Tests for flu and Streptococcus came back negative, heightening fears that her illness may have been cause by the coronavirus, Ahrens previously said in a statement. She and her family self-quarantined while awaiting the test results. McDaniel is the former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, and the niece of U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Whitmer suspends Open Meetings Act Michigan surpasses 100 cases, governor says Whitmer calls up state National Guard Michigans first coronavirus death reported Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Lawmakers say lack of paid sick time puts Michigan behind during coronavirus pandemic BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: The consular section of the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan suspended the reception of documents, registration and issuance of all visas to foreign citizens and stateless persons, Trend reports with reference to Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan. The regime will be in force from 18 March 2020 through 1 May 2020. The measures are taken to protect public and prevent the spread of coronavirus infection on the territory of the Russian Federation. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Russia informs that due to the same concerns, it has switched to remote-receiving mode from March 17, 2020. To contact them, a citizen has to register on the website, then send scanned copies of the necessary documents in PDF format for verification to [email protected] If the issue concerns renunciation of citizenship of Turkmenistan, confirmation of belonging or non-belonging to the citizenship of Turkmenistan, as well as for requesting certificates of absence of debts from the Central Bank and the tax authority of Turkmenistan, an email should be sent to [email protected] If the issue concerns requesting certificates of criminal record/non-criminal record, marital status, obtaining a national passport, replacing the national passport (for pasting photos on reaching the 25th and 45th anniversary), obtaining a certificate of return to Turkmenistan, then an email should be sent to [email protected] After all documents are checked, representatives of the Embassy will contact the sender. The citizens will be able to send the entire package of documents by mail to the address, without specifying the date in their applications. The payment for requesting documents in cash has to be attached in US dollars, which must be without delivery, new, without any marks and seals. Address: 14/34 building 1, Maly Afanasyevsky pereulok, Moscow, 119019 (Russian Post, DHL) The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 8,800. Over 218,000 people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 84,000 people have reportedly recovered. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. Several countries are working on a vaccine against the new virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has asked its Vietnam Trade Offices (VTRs) overseas to help connect Vietnamese enterprises with foreign partners to boost farm produce exports. VTR in Australia wants the Da Lat Import/Export Company to connect with the Long An province Industry and Trade Department to cillect 5 tons of red flesh dragon fruit. With the support of the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia, VTR also plans to cooperate with the Vietnamese Entrepreneur Associations in Australia and Sydney, and Da Lat Import/Export Company to organize a red-flesh dragon fruit day. The agency hopes it can join with overseas Vietnamese businesses to establish a network to distribute dragon fruit in Australia. Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association, praised the activities which have helped farmers boost sales during Covid-19. Nguyen said if Vietnam can open many small markets, this will still increase consumption. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has asked its Vietnam Trade Offices (VTRs) overseas to help connect Vietnamese enterprises with foreign partners to boost farm produce exports. In the past, when Australia had not opened its market to Vietnams dragon fruit, some Australian companies collected Vietnams dragon fruits to export to third countries. Australia, the US, EU and Japan have high demand for Vietnams fruit. However, they set high requirements on products and only accept fruit that meets GlobalGAP standards. Less than 5 percent of Vietnams total growing area has this certificate. Nguyen Quoc Trinh, chair of the Long An provincial Dragon Fruit Association, admitted that exports to the Australian market remain modest, though Australia opened its market more than two years ago. Vietnams dragon fruit is sold at $20 per kilogram at supermarkets. If we can reduce the prices, the sales will be better, he said. Nguyen Thi Hong Thu, director of Chanh Thu Fruit Import/Export Company, confirmed that there are only several shipments of dragon fruit to Australia each year. Australia is a choosy market. To satisfy the requirements set by the import market, we have to collect fruit from the farmers with GlobalGAP, she explained. While setting high requirements on product quality, Australian importers want reasonable prices. So we are not focusing on exploiting the market, she said. Chanh Thu is well known fruit import/export company in Vietnam. However, Thu said that Vietnamese businesses in this field remain fledgling and they can only exploit the small markets of Chinese and Vietnamese communities living in foreign countries. Because of limited resources, they cannot organize many activities overseas to advertise Vietnamese fruit. The other reason behind the modest export volume is the short supply. The amount of fruit the company can collect sometimes are not high enough to fulfill orders because the growing areas are fragmented and the product quality is uneven, she said. Thanh Lich Vietnam commits to buy US$3 billion farm produce to balance trade with US The import staples include cow, wheat, fruit, corn, soy, and animal feed which will be purchased in the next two to three years. English Estonian Baltika Group informs stock exchange about the current situation related with the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the company's main markets in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Due to the extraordinary situation caused by the coronary virus and the evaluation of the negative impact on the financial position of Baltika Group, the approval of the audited Annual Report of 2019 (planned publishing date March 26, 2020) is postponed. Baltika Group will inform the stock exchange as soon as possible of the new date of publication of the annual report. The governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have established emergency situations in the countries and measures have been implemented which also affect the daily operations of the company. Based on the decision of the Lithuanian government, all Baltika Group's brand stores in Lithuania were closed on March 16. We are considering closing stores in Estonia and Latvia. At present, Baltika Group does not have major problems with the deliveries of goods, and there are few delays. The company is actively communicating with partners and different transportation options are considered for reducing potential delays. Baltika Group will dedicate an even greater amount of resources to the online shop www.andmorefashion.com , where customers can shop contactlessly. It is difficult to forecast sales figures for the coming months in these circumstances, but Group management estimates that COVID-19 coronavirus will have a significant negative impact on the company's financial results and liquidity position. Maigi Parnik-Pernik Member of the Management Board maigi.parnik@baltikagroup.com Boris Johnson has been accused of putting his head in the sand over the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak to a Brexit deal, after saying he has no intention of extending talks with the EU. The prime minister is coming under growing pressure to ditch his self-imposed deadline of 31 December to reach a trade agreement with the remaining 27 states or take Britain to a no-deal Brexit on disadvantageous World Trade Organisation terms. Many in Brussels are expecting a climbdown after the second round of talks, due to take place in London this week, were cancelled due to the health emergency on both sides of the Channel. The EU has made clear it would accept a request for an extension to the 11-month negotiation process, which was regarded as extremely tight even before Covid-19 hit Europe. But asked at a Downing Street press conference whether he would seek an extension beyond the end of 2020, Mr Johnson replied: Its not a subject thats being regularly discussed, I can tell you, in Downing Street at the moment. Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Show all 66 1 /66 Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A message projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover Sky News/AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Big Ben, shows the hands at eleven o'clock at night AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Nigel Farage speaks to pro-Brexit supporters PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-Brexit demonstrators celebrate on Parliament Square REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU The Union flag is taken down outside the European Parliament in Brussels PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit supporter jumps on an EU flag in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU EU Council staff removed the Union Jack-British flag from the European Council in Brussels, Belgium EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit supporter pours beer onto an EU flag PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pedestrians pass in front of the Ministry of Defence Building on Whitehall, illuminated by red, white and blue lights in central London AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Brexit supporter shouts during a rally in London AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners take part in a 'Missing EU Already' rally outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A large pro-EU banner is projected onto Ramsgate cliff in Kent PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU supporters light candles in Smith Square in Westminster PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man waves Union flags from a small car as he drives past Brexit supporters gathering in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU The five-year old Elisa Saemann, left, and her seven-year old sister Katie hold a placard during a rally by anti-Brexit protesters outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Europe supporters gather on Brexit day near the British embassy in Berlin, Germany EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit protester hugs a man while holding a placard REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A decorated, old fashioned fire pump in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit Elvis impersonator performs at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU An anti-Brexiteers stands with his dog in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Paddy from Bournemouth wears Union colours as he sits next to an EU flag decorated bag in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-EU activist plays a guitar decorated with the EU flag during a protest organised by civil rights group New Europeans outside Europe House, central London AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People celebrate Britain leaving the EU REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Pro Brexit supporter has a Union Jack painted onto his face at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Men hold placards celebrating Britain leaving the EU REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters dance in the street draped with Union Jack flags at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU An anti-Brexit demonstrator spreads his wings during a gathering near Downing Street AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro EU supporters display a banner ' Here to Stay, Here to Fight, Migrants In, Tories Out' from Westminster bridge EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-Brexit supporters burn European Union flags at Parliament Square Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man poses for a picture on Parliament Square in a 'Brexit Day' t-shirt Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People celebrate Britain leaving the EU Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man wears a pro-Brexit t-shirt Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit demonstrators visit Europe House to give flowers to the staff on Brexit day Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporter wears a novelty Union Jack top hat outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Customers Scott Jones and Laura Jones at the Sawmill Bar in South Elmsall, Yorkshire, where a Brexit party is being held throughout the day PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU activists protest Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit demonstrator burns a European Union flag AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Brexit supports holds a sign in Parliament Square AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man carries an EU themed wreath Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Ann Widdecombe reacts with other members of the Brexit party as they leave en masse from the European Parliament PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit demonstrators in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro EU supporters let off flares from Westminster Bridge Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU British MEPs Jonathan Bullock, holding the Union Jack flag and Jake Pugh leave the European Parliament, in Brussels on the Brexit day AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Newspapers and other souvenirs at a store, near Parliament Square Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Brexit supporters hold signs in Parliament Square AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU protesters hold placards in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU French newspapers PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald with a Border Communities Against Brexit poster before its unveiling in Carrickcarnon on the Irish border PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU National growers organisation British Apples & Pears has renamed a British apple to EOS, the Greek goddess of dawn, to commemorate Brexit day AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU protesters hold placards in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Britain's departure from the European Union was set in law on January 29, amid emotional scenes, as the bloc's parliament voted to ratify the divorce papers. After half a century of membership and three years of tense withdrawal talks, the UK will leave the EU at midnight Brussels time (23.00 GMT) on January 31 Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man poses with paintings on Parliament Square Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People sporting Union Flags gather in Parliament Square Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man walks with a St. George's flag at Westminster bridge on Brexit day Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A British bulldog toy and other souvenirs at a souvenir store Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU British pro-brexit Members of the European Parliament leave the EU Parliament for the last time Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Jonathan Bullock waves the Union Jack as he leaves the European Parliament EPA And were getting on with it. Theres legislation in place that I have no intention of changing. The precise time of 11pm on New Years Eve this year is enshrined in law in the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act passed by parliament earlier this year. But acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the PM was wrong to refuse to contemplate changing it. "The prime minister has got his head in the sand, said Davey. His refusal to guarantee an extension to the Brexit talks is reckless and a dangerous example of putting politics above the needs of the country during the coronavirus crisis. "Our NHS, jobs and the economy are already under crippling pressure due to the developing coronavirus situation and this will only increase. This is not about past debates, but focussing the country's resources on stopping the spread of this virus. "If we dont delay Brexit, it will only add to the pressure being put on our frontline services. Ministers focus must be on the virus. It is long overdue that Boris Johnson committed to extending the transition period." DALLAS, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Flashback to the year 1945. A 17-year-old Robert Tiner becomes the youngest master plumber in the state of Texas. Mr. Tiner lays the foundation for what will evolve into one of the most reputable home-service providers in Dallas-Fort Worth. Originally Mr. Tiner partnered with two brothers whose last name was actually Baker, he and his team focused on providing quality plumbing while the Baker brothers specialized in insurance. After several successful years of growth Mr. Tiner bought the company outright but kept the Baker Brothers name as an ode to his former business partners and to continue to build the brand in the local area. Now in its third generation of being a family-owned-and-operated, Baker Brothers is pleased to announce the celebration of its 75th anniversary. From 1945 to present day, Baker Brothers has continued to proudly serve the community with the same type of superior quality service originally envisioned by Mr.Tiner. Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air, & Electric Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air, & Electric In honor of this milestone anniversary, Baker Brothers will conduct a year-long campaign to captivate the customers and the community that have made the company successful for so many years. Baker Brothers will share its extensive history over the course of the year through its initiative 75 Days of Baker. This campaign will feature stories on the history of the company, as well as special limited-time offers for customers. In addition, Baker Brothers and its employees will be collecting and donating a total of 7,500 cans for local charities, Dallas Life and North Texas Food Bank. Through the years the company has expanded its specialties from plumbing to now include heating and cooling services as well as electrical services. The Baker Brothers' legacy continues by staying committed to its core values of "Trust, Quality, and Care" to ensure customer and employee satisfaction. Baker Brothers is home to 262 employees that strive to make customers feel like family by meeting their needs at the highest level. It is also part of the mission of Baker Brothers to give back to the community it serves and beyond, by partnering with various charities to help feed the homeless, draw water wells in Africa, and volunteer resources to no-kill animal shelters. Third-generation company president, Jimmie Dale Jr. says of the anniversary "It is with great pride that I can say we've been in business for 75 years! Since our inception in 1945 as a small plumbing company specializing in leak locates, we were the first plumbing company to utilize a camera to help locate the leaks. Seventy-five years later the same spirit of innovation and relentless commitment to customer service allows us to not only meet the plumbing needs of our customers but also provide additional services in HVAC and Electrical." The Baker Brothers family is grateful for the opportunities it's had to serve and make a difference in the lives of others in the community. About Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air & Electric Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air, & Electric is a full-service licensed and insured contractor that has been serving the greater DFW area since 1945. Baker Brothers is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and has been a Consumer Choice Award Winner from 2006-2019. To learn more about Baker Brothers Plumbing Air & Electric visit www.bakerbrothersplumbing.com or call 214-892-2615. Licenses: JIMMIE DALE, JR. M-30505 | TACLB00052136E | TECL 33750 Media Contact: Michelle J Lamont Phone: 214-228-9135 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air, & Electric Related Links http://www.bakerbrothersplumbing.com A steady stream of Oakland school district families lined up at least six feet apart patiently waiting for "grab-and-go" meals at Oakland High School on Thursday morning. At Oakland High, one of 12 distribution sites for the school district, Cafeteria Nutritional Services Department workers prepared over 2,500 breakfast and lunch meals for two days for students who rely on free or reduced-priced meals. The meals will provide proper nutrition for students during the closure of the district because of the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, Revolution Foods provided for free an additional 1,400 meals, and Stephen and Ayesha Curry donated another 1,000 meals. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:42:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Participants attend the 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov. 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China will work with other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to ensure that signing of the agreement takes place at the end of the year, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. All parties are currently pushing forward the review of legal texts and other related works in an orderly manner to prepare for the final texts, said MOC spokesperson Gao Feng during an online news conference. In addition, China will also step up negotiations on the China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) free trade area and China-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade zone, actively advance free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel, Norway and Sri Lanka and negotiations on upgrading the trade deal with ROK and Peru, as well as accelerate the building of a global high-standard free trade zone network to expand its free trade partnership, Gao said. The RCEP, initiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2012, is a proposed FTA between the 10 member states of the association and the six FTA partners of ASEAN -- China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. The Port of Houston closed two public container terminals late Wednesday after learning that an employee who worked at both terminals tested positive for the new coronavirus. The Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals were closed after 8 p.m., the Port of Houston Authority announced Thursday morning. The Houston Ship Channel, which includes more than 200 private terminals and six other public terminals, is still operating. Port Houston was informed Wednesday evening that the employee tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The employee, who is currently hospitalized, is a 40- to 50-year-old male with no history of travel or other exposure, county and port authorities said. Coronavirus updates: Stay current on the latest news about the pandemic The worker is in the hospital and doing well, said Ric Campo, chairman of the Port Commission of the Houston Authority. The worker is not a full-time port employee, and worked as a truck driver and lift operator at Barbours Cut, Campo said. The individual was at Barbours Cut over the weekend and worked at Bayport nine days ago. He spent a lot of time in the truck alone, which is good news, Campo said. He wasnt interacting all the time with people. The authority will investigate to find those the worker may have come in contact with, and those people will likely be quarantined, Campo said. The port worker is among the 56 COVID-19 cases to be reported in the Houston region so far. The terminals, which handle 70 percent of the container cargo that travels through the public terminals, according to port spokesperson Lisa Ashley, will be reopened once the investigation is complete and the areas the employee worked in are disinfected and cleaned. Our first priority is the safety for our workers and for anyone who comes into the port community, Campo said. We recognize it is critically important to open the port as soon as we can. We will reopen the port, we hope, in a short period of time, but we will not rush anything. The closure is primarily impacting container ships, some of which have been delayed. We know there are several ships that are actually at the dock that are unable to leave at this point, Campo said. We hope to get those folks on their way once we complete the investigation. Port Houston operates eight public terminals. Officials at a Thursday press conference attempted to reassure the public that the closures would not result in disruptions to trade. Delays are built into the supply chain, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. We are working to get this up and running as quickly as possible. We will make sure our community is receiving the goods it deserves. More than 21,100 direct jobs are generated by marine cargo activities at the public Port of Houston Authority terminals, according to an economic impact report by Port Houston. Workers on ships - who work in close proximity to one another - are concerned about higher rates of infection, and those working at the port fear that the frequent handling and trade of goods may also leave them more exposed, said Hany Khalil, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. At the same time, workers fear what the two terminal shutdowns portends for the ports economic future. If were moving toward purchasing products through home deliveries, what happens if the port is not able to act as the vehicle it largely is, good overseas brought in, that I think can be a real challenge for the economy, Khalil said. Given how important the port is to the Houston regional economy, its going to be a real challenge. In 2018, marine cargo activity at the public marine terminals supported a total of $173 billion of economic value in Texas. erin.douglas@chron.com Twitter.com/erinmdouglas23 Coronavirus-hit countries of Italy and Iran are paying a hefty price for their participation in China's flagship initiative 'One Belt One Road', as evident from the two countries having had reported the second and third highest cases and fatalities from the deadly virus despite the geographic distance from the epicenter of the outbreak. Both Italy and Iran signed up the OBOR in 2019, opening an array of sectors to Chinese investment, from infrastructure to transportation, and consequently employing thousands of Chinese workers for construction work under the initiative. Writing for the American online magazine The Federalist, Helen Raleigh argues in her article that the "short-sighted and foolish decisions" of the leaders of Italy and Iran to enthusiastically sign up for the OBOR in the hope to rescue their failing economies has left the two nations in a worse position following the outbreak of novel coronavirus. Italy has reported more than 35,000 cases of the novel coronavirus, and killed nearly 3000 others, while Iran has recorded over 17,000 cases and 1135 deaths, as per the latest data available on the Health Organisation website. The presence of Chinese workers in Pakistan for the construction work under China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC) -- flagship project under the mega OBOR -- has raised concerns of the exponential surge in the number of cases in that country. Pakistan has so far reported 304 cases of coronavirus -- the highest among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation nations. With the OBOR, China has used the brand of the "New Silk Roads" and promised a 360-degree counter-globalization infrastructure project of sea and land routes between China-Asia, Africa and Europe by investing in ports, inland ports, railways, telecommunications, and digital roads. Against the warning of the European Union and the United States, Italy became the first and the only G7 country to sign onto the OBOR. The Italian government downplayed the development as "largely symbolic" saying it had no legal value, and pointed out to the fact that other European countries, like Malta, Greece, and Portugal, have already signed something similar. The first case of coronavirus in Italy was reported in Lombardy -- the region that saw the most Chinese investment. Nearly a month from then, Lombardy is still the hardest-hit region, while the entire country has been in lockdown until at least April 3. The country's economy is expected to contract 7.5 percent in the first quarter. A similar narrative unfolded in Iran, when the Health officials trace the country's coronavirus outbreak to Qom, a city of a million people. Medical professionals suspect that coronavirus spread in the city either through Chinese workers employed in projects under the OBOR, or an Iranian businessman who travelled to China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) She recently appeared to suggest that the coronavirus pandemic was a punishment sent from God, in an ominous social media post. But Kourtney Kardashian struck a lighter tone on Thursday, when the 40-year-old reality TV star reminisced on a previous family trip to Wyoming. '[D]aydreaming,' the eldest Kardashian sibling captioned the series of photos on Instagram. Stepping back: Kourtney Kardashian struck a lighter tone on Thursday, when the 40-year-old reality TV star reminisced on a previous family trip to Wyoming The sweet photos of her kids Penelope, seven, and Reign, five, appeared to have been taken at brother-in-law Kanye West's property, when the family visited the ranch in November 2019. In one picture, the siblings rode a see-saw together, with the rural landscape behind them. Other photos showed Penelope atop a horse and modelling her pink Fedora. Wyoming dreaming: '[D]aydreaming,' the eldest Kardashian sibling captioned the series of photos on Instagram Cowgirl chic: The sweet photos of her kids Penelope, seven, and Reign, five, appeared to have been taken at brother-in-law Kanye West's property, when the family visited the ranch in November 2019 Waterways: Yet more photos showed a river flowing through West's $14million ranch Kourtney also showed rack after rack of riding boots, complete with price tags, from a local store. The reflective posts come after Kourtney appeared to suggest the coronavirus was God punishing people for 'evil' behaviour. The reality star took to her Instagram Stories and shared a highlighted passage from the bible which had 'Pay attention children' written above it. The passage reads: 'Whenever I hold back the rain or send locusts to eat up the crops or send an epidemic on my people, if they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again.' Sunset: In one picture, the siblings rode a see-saw together, with the rural landscape behind them Kourtney seems to have a lot of theories about the virus as she also shared a passage from a 2008 book called End of Days in which psychic Sylvia Browne predicted the rise of a global pandemic. Kourtney's sister Kim shared a screenshot from the book and said her older sister had shared it in their family group chat. The text reads: 'In around 2020 a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread throughout the globe, attacking the lungs and the bronchial tubes and resisting known treatments. 'Almost more baffling than the illness itself will be the fact that it will suddenly vanish as quickly as it arrived, attack again ten years later, and then disappear completely.' Quote: The reality star took to her Instagram Stories and shared a highlighted passage from the bible which had 'Pay attention children' written above it MailOnline has contacted a representative for Kourtney for comment. The mother-of-three is not taking any chances since White House coronavirus expert Dr Anthony Fauci has said a complete US shutdown is 'on the table' and warns the crisis could last two months. On Thursday evening the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star told her fans via social media that she will be staying at home in her Calabasas, California mansion. The beauty shared an image from her bedroom where she was taking in a movie while a fire roared in her fireplace. Prediction: Kourtney also shared a passage from a 2008 book called End of Days in which psychic Sylvia Browne predicted the rise of a global pandemic Meanwhile, Kim has been urging her social media followers to take the threat the virus poses seriously, reminding them to adhere to the government's social isolation advice. Taking to Twitter, she wrote: 'Unless you are leaving your home to go to work, restock on necessary food and essentials, to see your doctor or to help someone in need such an an elderly neighbor, please do not ignore the severity of the warnings to stay inside to stop the spread of this virus. 'Also a reminder that this virus does not discriminate against race, age, gender, etc. This applies to us all and we will get through this together. Sending everyone lots of love and keeping everyone in my familys prayers.' Isolating herself: Kourtney recently shared a photo of her bedroom as she said she was staying in bed watching movies amid the spread of coronavirus Advice: Kim Kardashian has been urging her social media followers to take the threat the virus poses seriously Khloe Kardashian also recently spoke about the virus, resharing a a post where she encouraged everyone to take care of themselves during this testing time. 'God please protect my family, friends and humanity,' began the prayer titled 'Coronavirus Pandemic.' 'Make us invisible to the virus or whoever contains it, help those who are sick and take care of the most unprotected.' It comes after Kourtney recently appeared on the cover of Health magazine where she spoke about having two therapy sessions a week. She said: 'For the past three years Ive been going to therapy. Once a week I go to a double session. 'I look forward to it every week! Having that awareness, I find that I can almost catch things before they become a bigger deal.' When things do become more hectic, Kourtney said she is now able to step back and work through them in a more manageable way. She said: 'When those harder moments do happen, I think, "Whats the lesson that Im supposed to be learning?" ' A New Jersey university has confirmed three cases of coronavirus among its employees, becoming the third in the state to find evidence of the virus on campus. Montclair State University announced two new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, nearly a week after it reported the first case. The first person, diagnosed March 12, had not been on campus for nearly two weeks, and did not have symptoms when they left their office, the college said. At the time, the risk of transmission was deemed low. The new cases include: A person who worked in an office at 855 Valley Road and was last there March 12. The employee was not hospitalized and is recovering at home. A New York City resident last on campus March 6. They are recovering at home as well. All those who work in the 855 Valley Road Office, as well as another office the person frequented, were notified of possible exposure Wednesday and placed in self-quarantine until March 30. They will continue to work remotely. None have fallen ill. The university has closed both offices for deep cleaning. It did not have other details about the second case. By Wednesday, New Jersey had 427 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 as it continues to spread throughout the country. William Paterson University of New Jersey reported its first case of COVID-19 among staff Wednesday afternoon. It also closed the campus to non-essential personnel, but has continued to allow some students to live there. Ramapo College, which had an employee test positive for the virus Monday, closed until March 23 and has ordered employees to work remotely. A spokeswoman for Montclair State did not immediately return an email inquiring about a possible closure of the campus. Public and private schools around the state were ordered to close by Wednesday, and colleges have moved instruction online. Gov. Phil Murphy has allowed day care centers to remain open, saying they provide child care for essential workers like doctors, nurses, police officers and grocery store employees. A middle school teacher in Mercer County has also tested positive for the virus. Montclair State did send an email to students ordering them to evacuate the campus, unless they have a legitimate reason" to stay. Those include international students, students who use the campus as a permanent residence and those who do not have resources to complete online classes elsewhere. The university said they must check-out by of the buildings by 4 p.m. on March 23. But the school is still considering how to handle any housing, parking and meal plan refunds, according to the email. Rutgers University has offered prorated room and board refunds. The Council of New Jersey State College Locals sent a letter to state university presidents Wednesday regarding the cases. It called on the colleges to shutter libraries, which William Paterson did following the case announcement. The letter also criticized Montclair State for remaining open. The Union has been provided with no information as to why that institution has not shut down in the same manner as its sister colleges and universities, the letter said. Aside from the obvious health concerns this situation raises, it is symptomatic of a more general failure of some the institutions to share vital information with the Unions. This post has been updated with information about Montclair States campus evacuation order. It has also been updated to show the last date the New York City-based employee came to campus on March 6. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. The Louisiana Childrens Museum is asking children to make homemade cards and drawings for residents of Lambeth House, a retirement community in Uptown New Orleans that has been significantly affected by the new coronavirus. The museum recommends people drop off notes, family portraits, pet photos and anything that expresses love and hope to a designated box on the porch outside the museums store by noon Friday to be delivered to residents at the facility. There have been four confirmed deaths at the Lambeth House due to COVID-19. A fifth resident, 92-year-old Dr. James Reynolds, died Wednesday, though officials have not confirmed that the death was due to the virus. Louisiana nursing homes lock down to fight coronavirus amid fatal outbreak at Lambeth House Because of their fragile residents, nursing homes and retirement communities are on the front line in the battle for infection control. Amid d The deaths at Lambeth House represent half of the eight total deaths related to the virus reported by the Louisiana Department of Health. At least 13 people at the retirement home have tested positive for COVID-19, according to state officials. At a press conference Wednesday, Gov. John Bel Edwards said that the retirement home was the only cluster of cases identified in Louisiana at the time and that national epidemiological teams were helping the state manage the situation. It is currently on lockdown. The Louisiana Childrens Museum is in City Park at 15 Henry Thomas Drive. 'Indescribable' sadness at Lambeth House: Fears of coronavirus spreading and killing are now reality Some of Louisiana health officials worst fears over the new coronavirus that it would find the sick and elderly where they live, defy defen Keren Daniel leaned against a wall outside the Department of Public Safety office in northwest Houston as visitors trickled in and out. The Montrose resident grabbed her number, then immediately walked out again after seeing dozens of people seated inside. I feel like I'm taking a bath in virus soup, she said, grimacing. I'll wait outside. On Wednesday afternoon, Daniel was one of about 40 people waiting at the northwest Houston DPS office to handle critical paperwork. For her, it was to file a change of address needed for her taxes. Even after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the agency to temporarily waive license renewal requirements as the state grapples with the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic, DPS offices remained open, drawing crowds much larger than the 10-person maximum President Donald J. Trump recommended Americans avoid to prevent spread. Related: Texas first coronavirus-related death was a 97-year-old Bay City funeral home director DPS did not respond multiple requests for comment by phone and email Wednesday. At 9 p.m., Abbotts office in a news release announced all DPS offices would close immediately. Initial commercial license seekers will be allowed to make visits by appointment-only via email. As concern over the coronavirus escalates, Abbott has restricted visitation at prisons, jails and juvenile justice facilities. Local officials across the state have shut down courts, recreation centers, libraries, bars and restaurants. The Texas Capitol has closed to visitors. Many Texas agency offices, such as the Department of Agriculture, have closed to the public. The expiration dates for regular and commercial driver licenses and other forms of identification are waived for 60 days after DPS resumes normal drivers license operations. But on Wednesday at the northwest Houston office, it appeared many hadnt received the memo. Others needed temporary IDs. For subscribers: Follow the virus' spread across Texas A DPS employee handed out letters explaining the license extension to visitors. Still, many chose to take a number. Customers, trying to give each other some space as they filed into rows of chairs, waited for their numbers to be called. An employee wiped down a desk with what looked like a Clorox wipe. Some visitors wore masks. But the order of the day appeared to be waiting, as usual. Cesar Casares, 25, was among them, with his mother. Both wore masks and rubber gloves. Casares, of Venezuela, said he was visiting Houston on a tourist visa for the next few months and needed a temporary ID. He wasn't terribly worried. We have masks and gloves, he said. Once I get in the car I'll throw them in a bag and get rid of them. Still, as Abbott publicly suggested banning to ban meetings of more than 10 people, the crowd at the drivers license office raised questions. Casares wondered why DPS employees didn't stagger visitors into the building and let others wait outside. Many countries have quarantines, he said. They ought to do that, or have gloves and masks for people. Or a better system. Tracking the virus: Texas confirmed COVID-19 cases jump as testing ramps up Rickey Rigsby, 56, who is homeless, needed a new ID. The news about the virus had unnerved him but he was trying not to worry. I'm pretty scared, he said. He said he is making sure to wash his hands frequently or to use hand sanitizer. He wanted to get back to where he sleeps every night downtown, near The Beacon. It's up to God, he said. Coronavirus in Houston: Its here: Houstonians navigate a world marked by fear of coronavirus Ryan Hillin, 31, walked in moments later, and sat a few rows down. Tall, bearded, and fresh out of jail after being charged with deadly conduct accused of shooting his refrigerator in a drunken rage because it was making too much noise he needed an ID to go see his girlfriend in Lubbock. I can't get there without an ID, he said. "They won't let me get on a car, bus, plane, or train." He'd ended up in the DPS office after trying to renew online no dice and then on the phone also no dice. Hillin said he had expected the office to be closed, only to find dozens of people inside. Its ridiculous, he said. st.john.smith@chron.com; taylor.goldenstein@chron.com Amazon confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in a U.S. warehouse when a worker at a Queens, New York, delivery station tested positive for the virus Wednesday. The spread of the virus among the companys warehouse workershourly wage employees who make up the bulk of Amazons 600,000-person workforceis a worrisome development and not just for the company. As millions of Americans settle into their homes over the next weeks, and likely months, they will be increasingly reliant on delivery services of all sorts, particularly Amazons highly developed delivery infrastructure. Advertisement What makes this latest infection particularly concerning, beyond the health of the individual and other Amazon workers, is that the science so far points to the virus being able to live on surfaces from which it can be spread. Preliminary experiments show the virus can linger for up to 24 hours on cardboard, which is particularly relevant for Amazon deliveries, and up to three days on plastic. In response to the positive test, Amazon said it had closed the facility to be disinfected. That hasnt always been the case, though. Amazon kept open some of its European warehouses even after workers tested positive for the coronavirus in Italy and Spain. Amazon workers had already expressed anger at the company for what some felt were insufficient safeguards for worker health and paltry pay for what now amounts to a hazard posting. Amazon and others delivery infrastructure in the U.S. will be a vital part of combating the viruss spread as it allows people to minimize trips outside of their homes. It will likely have to be amended to deal with the unique challenges that the coronavirus presents for workers as well as customers. Amazon announced on Monday it intends to hire another 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers to meet heightened demand; it also said its giving these workers in the U.S. a $2 per hour raise through the end of April. Over half of all Californians will be infected with the novel coronavirus in the coming months, California Gov. Gavin Newsom projected in a letter to President Donald Trump. The March 18 letter asks Trump to deploy the USNS Mercy hospital ship to serve as a floating health care center until September. "In the last 24 hours, we had 126 new COVID-19 cases, a 21 percent increase," Newsom wrote. "In some parts of our state, our case rate is doubling every four days. Moreover, we have community acquired transmission in 23 counties with an increase of 44 community acquired infections in 24 hours. We project that roughly 56 percent of our population 25.5 million people will be infected with the virus over an eight week period." A spokesperson for Newsom later told Politico that the 56 percent number reflects the infection rate if "mitigation efforts aren't taken into account." Currently, most of the Bay Area and the city of Fresno are under shelter-in-place orders the most stringent in the nation but the remainder of the state is not. Newsom's numbers echo many projections for coronavirus spread around the world. One Harvard epidemiologist told the Wall Street Journal he expects 40 to 70 percent of the global population will be infected this year; a biostatistician who consults for the World Health Organization projected two-thirds of all people will eventually contract COVID-19. In anticipation of overcrowded hospitals, Newsom asked the USNS Mercy be allowed to dock in Los Angeles to "address critical acute care needs, such as heart attacks and strokes or vehicle accidents, in addition to the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases." Mercy is homeported in San Diego in reduced operating status. California has nearly 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday afternoon, according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here. Renewable energy industries and some Democrats have begun efforts to ensure the economic response to the coronavirus outbreak helps a sector that's suddenly facing strong headwinds. The state of play: The industry has already had discussions with lawmakers' offices about how to proceed, Axios has learned. Lawmakers and the White House are working on a $1 trillion coronavirus rescue package, which is bringing new interest in how it will affect specific industries. Where it stands: Industry officials are taking pains to emphasize that COVID-19 is a public health crisis and back providing fast support to families and small businesses. But they also say broader legislation under discussion to address the economic fallout should consider how the crisis is hitting the sector. "Customer demand for solar has plummeted and companies are seeing significant construction slowdowns, project cancellations, labor shortages, and a host of logistical problems tied to equipment and delivery delays," said Abigail Ross Hopper, head of the Solar Energy Industries Association. What's next: One set of goals is providing companies more flexibility around deadlines for using existing tax incentives, and changes to their structure to adapt to the economic shock, an industry official said. "Widespread supply chain disruptions and a rapid deterioration of the tax equity market are putting renewable energy projects significantly at risk," Bill Parsons, chief operating officer for the American Council on Renewable Energy, tells Axios. He said Congress should provide "emergency relief" from so-called commence construction and placed-in-service deadlines that developers face to use credits, as well as "refundability to monetize time-sensitive renewable energy credits." And a broader economic stimulus bill should include the new and extended clean energy tax incentives left on the cutting room floor in the late 2019 congressional spending deal, he said. Per Morning Consult, the longstanding ad-hoc House group called the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition has taken up the mantle of pushing for the tax provisions in the rescue package. UPDATE: On Thursday morning, five renewable energy groups and an energy storage trade association sent a letter to House and Senate leaders calling for "prompt repair and extension of critically important tax incentives to help the clean energy sector surmount the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic." Flashback: There's precedent for using an economic rescue package to support climate-friendly sectors. The $800 billion 2009 stimulus contained roughly $90 billion for a suite of low-carbon energy, efficiency and transit programs. It included a program to provide grants in lieu of tax credits for renewables projects because the tax equity market had collapsed alongside the financial sector. Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a new letter to Capitol Hill from renewable energy organizations. Kachchh University issued a show-cause notice to Sahjanand Girls Institute on Wednesday (March 18) in connection with the February 14 incident in which 68 girls at the institute's hostel were ordered to undergo a `strip` test to check if they were menstruating. "We have issued a show-cause notice, asking why their recognition should not be revoked," said Darshna Dholakia, Vice-Chancellor of Kachchh University. Notably, four persons, including the principal of the institute, were sent to two-day police custody in February for their alleged involvement with the incident. The others sent to remand included the coordinator, supervisor and a lady peon of the institute. The National Commission for Women had taken suo moto cognisance of the incident as reported by the media and set up an inquiry team to visit and speak to the students at the institute in Bhuj. While, the Gujarat State Women Commission (GSWC) had also ordered Gujarat police to carry out a probe regarding the incident. It was reported that the principal, a teacher and a lady staff of the instutute removed the clothes of all the girl students to check which of the girls were menstruating. When the students objected to the strip search, they were told that they will be expelled from the hostel if they do not comply. According to the rule of Swami Narayan sect, menstruating girls are served food separately and are also seated separately from the rest of the students. The search was done to check if the students were hiding the fact that were menstruating. The Washington Post is providing this news free to all readers as a public service. Follow this story and more by signing up for national breaking news email alerts. Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) has proposed to the Vietnamese National Assembly to ban the eating of wild animals. Rescuing 113 pangolins in Hung Yen Province As wild animal trading still happens in Vietnam, Save Vietnam's Wildlife has asked the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to issue a ban on eating or turning wildlife into pets, and catching endangered or rare animals to make medicines. The ban on wildlife trading must be tightened no matter if the animals are dead or alive. Specimen trading must also be banned. The organisations also suggested banning people from raising endangered and rare animals for profit. The government should issue a list of animals that are allowed to be raised by scientists. Using wild animals for educational and scientific purposes must follow all regulations and be closely monitored. The animals will have chips inserted for better management. The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), the second oldest engineering institution of the country, has asked boarders to vacate hostel by March 21 noon. Though its not mandatory for the foreign students, If any of them want to leave hostel he/she may do so with the permission of the Dean (students welfare),a fresh notification said. The order issed on Wednesday also extended suspension of classes till April 15 from existing March 31 as a precautionary measure in view of the novel coronavirus threat. The IIEST has been recognised as an Institute of National Importance under MHRD by the Government of India. The fresh notification signed by IIEST Registrar Biman Bandyopadhyay said the hostels will remain closed till April 15. "All boarders, except foreign students, are required to vacate the hostels latest by March 21 (12 noon). "If any foreign student also wants to leave hostel he/she may do so with the permission of the Dean (students welfare)," the notification said. Talking to PTI on Thursday, Bandyopadhyay said there are roughly 30-40 foreigners in IIEST, most of them from Bangladesh apart from countries like Sudan and Afghanistan. "We don't have any update about how many of them are presently in the hostel or outside, but majority of them are staying in the hostel within the campus," he said. Meanwhile, students and residents of IIT Kharagpur staying in the campus have been advised not to travel outside the campus and maintain social distancing. IIT Kharagpur Registrar B N Singh told PTI on Thursday, those staying within the campus have been asked not to go outside till there is "real emergency" for which the authorities are to be informed by the concerned boarder. He said same rule applies for the students from abroad staying in hostel. An IIT Kharagpur spokesperson said, on the occasion of Earth Day falling on April 22, the premier technology institute will be organising an online competition and exhibition in visual arts comprising drawing/painting, poster, photo story and video. The spokesperson said laboratory courses would remain suspended till further notice while those students, who wish to avail online facilities for classroom courses, can do so. Classes also remain suspended in Visva Bharati, where all the students, except foreigners, have vacated their hostel since March 13. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Phones have been ringing off the hook lately for Brian Edwards, a sales manager of a small medical supply company in California. And he has to say No to all the people who called. Edwards used to buy tens of thousands of facemasks from China. But not in the past three months. His company, the First Choice Industrial Supply Company, has not been able to get any masks from China since the outbreak of coronavirus in late December while the demand is soaring in the U.S. "You cant get a product. You are not going to get a product for months. " said Edwards, whose company advertises itself as "If its something you use, its something we stock". Edwards said in the interview with Voice of America last Friday that he gets about 50 calls and 50 emails every day from all over the country trying to find masks. But now in the U.S. "nobody can get anything". "The worst you could possibly have," said Edwards. Shortages Edwards is at the center of a major problem that the nation faces now: There aren't enough critical medical supplies, such as facemasks, because China has stopped shipping them to the world. In the fight against the coronavirus, facemasks have become the most visible symbol of the deadly pandemic, worn by millions of people around the globe every day. In the U.S., officials project the country has just one percent of the 3.5 billion surgical masks and respirators needed to fight the outbreak for a year. Hospitals across the country are now "conserving supplies and allocating with oversight", said Arika Trim, Associate Director of Media Relation at the American Hospital Association. She said in an email to VOA that hospitals are "grouping patients accordingly as means of preserving personal protective equipment." Doctors, nurses and other medical staff caring for the growing number of novel coronavirus cases are reportedly making DIY (do-it-yourself) face shields to help deal with the shortage. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will be invoking a federal law called "Defense Production Act" to marshal the private sector for the supply shortage. In addition, the White House has asked construction companies to donate their stocks of N95 respirator masks to their local hospitals. The shortage has also prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to loosen its recommendations on the face protection that healthcare workers should use. Instead of recommending using specialized masks known as N95 respirators, which filter out about 95 percent of airborne particles, the CDC now says that looser fitting surgical facemasks are an acceptable alternative." The supply chain of respirators cannot meet demand. the CDC said Tuesday. A Broken Supply Chain Thousands of miles away, among millions of manufacturers on the other end of the supply chain, Cai Mingxian, the owner of a mask factory based in China's virus epicenter in Hubei province, is trying to get his business restarted. Like many small businesses in China, his factory was devastated during the lockdown and not able to produce anything. Cais 150 employees are now back at work making 200,000 masks per day. But he said all of them are being sold to Chinas government and none for export. We previously exported to the U.S., Spain and other parts of Asia, Cai said. But at the moment we cant export anything. Chinese officials deny they are banning exports. Li Xingqian, director of the foreign trade department at the Ministry of Commerce, said at a press conference last week that it would abide by free trade and market principles. Masks are freely traded products companies can trade them in line with market principles. However, another Chinese official, Chen Hongyan, secretary-general of the Medical Devices Branch of the China Pharmaceutical Materials Association, admitted "key medical supplies such as masks are uniformly managed and allocated by the government", according to a report published last Wednesday by the official Xinhua news agency. As the viruss spread escalates all over the world, the government is under growing pressure to share and meet the worlds needs. There are signs recently that China may now be willing to share some of what it has. "China pledges continuous support for its export enterprises in providing face masks and medical supplies to foreign countries, said foreign trade director Li last Thursday. Li's claim was confirmed by mask factory owner Cai who said he has heard that the regulation prohibiting mask exports is lifted. Mask export was authorized yesterday," Cai said in the telephone interview last Saturday. "I am following the situation every day. As part of goodwill packages, the Chinese government has begun some shipments to Iran, South Korea, Japan and Italy. Last week, it said it would send five million masks to South Korea and export two million surgical masks to Italy. Production Ramp-Up China made half the worlds masks before the coronavirus emerged there. The government has been undertaking a massive mobilization of wartime proportions to expand its output since then. Daily production soared from about 10 million before the crisis to 116 million now, according to the latest number released late last month by China's National Development and Reform Commission. More than 2,500 companies in China have reportedly started making facemasks, among them are some of the country's powerful state-owned enterprises and technology companies, including iPhone assembler Foxconn. The maker of Chinas new J-20 stealth fighter jet, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, repurposed part of its factory to design a mask production line, according to local media, The Sichuan Daily's recent report. BYD Co., a leading Chinese electric-carmaker backed by American investor Warren Buffett is now the worlds biggest facemask maker with the capacity of making 5 million masks a day. The Limits China faces Even with the daily output of masks in China now 116 million, given the sheer size of its population, the country is likely to continue facing shortages. In many parts of China, facemasks are required by local governments to protect against infection in public spaces. A recent report by a leading Chinese financial services firm, Huachuang Securities, says China has 38 million people working in healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing industries. If one person uses one mask per day, China would need 238 million masks every day. Yuan Fajun, the secretary general of the medical materials committee at the China Medical Pharmaceutical Material Association, estimates manufacturers still needed to produce about 230 million surgical masks for its domestic market. In addition, there are some technical limits. The production of sophisticated facemasks like the N95 model requires nonwoven polypropylene, a special fabric that is in short supply. As a result, N95 respirator masks, which help keep health workers safe from contracting the virus through particles released by mucus and cough sputum when they are around infected individuals, has barely increased. The investment in a new production line for such material will cost millions of dollars, and will take two to three months to complete, local media reported. The other bottleneck the country faces is with its mask-making machines. Demand for such machines skyrocketed as hundreds of companies altered their business and have started making masks. For the big companies that are unable to obtain the equipment rapidly enough, they are making their own. A General Motors joint venture in southwestern China and BYD have already built dozens of the machines and are beginning bulk production. But the majority of mask makers, which are small and mid-sized businesses, can only wait. Mask maker Cai said he has placed a back order and machines would come in a month. "I will be making 400,000 masks per day after the machines arrive" Cai said. As for the U.S., the Trump administration is invoking special powers to quickly expand domestic manufacturing of protective masks. But in order to ramp up the production, "They have to build the machine, and that is going to take 6 months." said Edwards. Production Ramp-Up China made half the worlds masks before the coronavirus emerged there. The government has been undertaking a massive mobilization of wartime proportions to expand its output since then. Daily production soared from about 10 million before the crisis to 116 million now, according to the latest number released late last month by China's National Development and Reform Commission. More than 2,500 companies in China have reportedly started making facemasks, among them are some of the country's powerful state-owned enterprises and technology companies, including iPhone assembler Foxconn. The maker of Chinas new J-20 stealth fighter jet, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, repurposed part of its factory to design a mask production line, according to local media, The Sichuan Daily's recent report. BYD Co., a leading Chinese electric-carmaker backed by American investor Warren Buffett is now the worlds biggest facemask maker with the capacity of making 5 million masks a day. The Limits China faces Even with the daily output of masks in China now 116 million, given the sheer size of its population, the country is likely to continue facing shortages. In many parts of China, facemasks are required by local governments to protect against infection in public spaces. A recent report by a leading Chinese financial services firm, Huachuang Securities, says China has 38 million people working in healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing industries. If one person uses one mask per day, China would need 238 million masks every day. Yuan Fajun, the secretary general of the medical materials committee at the China Medical Pharmaceutical Material Association, estimates manufacturers still needed to produce about 230 million surgical masks for its domestic market. In addition, there are some technical limits. The production of sophisticated facemasks like the N95 model requires nonwoven polypropylene, a special fabric that is in short supply. As a result, N95 respirator masks, which help keep health workers safe from contracting the virus through particles released by mucus and cough sputum when they are around infected individuals, has barely increased. The investment in a new production line for such material will cost millions of dollars, and will take two to three months to complete, local media reported. The other bottleneck the country faces is with its mask-making machines. Demand for such machines skyrocketed as hundreds of companies altered their business and have started making masks. For the big companies that are unable to obtain the equipment rapidly enough, they are making their own. A General Motors joint venture in southwestern China and BYD have already built dozens of the machines and are beginning bulk production. But the majority of mask makers, which are small and mid-sized businesses, can only wait. Mask maker Cai said he has placed a back order and machines would come in a month. "I will be making 400,000 masks per day after the machines arrive" Cai said. As for the U.S., the Trump administration is invoking special powers to quickly expand domestic manufacturing of protective masks. But in order to ramp up the production, "They have to build the machine, and that is going to take 6 months." said Edwards. Eighty people on each floor were expected to share a few clogged toilets during their two weeks in quarantine. When Mrinal Sabharwal and his wife landed in New Delhi with hundreds of other passengers from Barcelona on Monday, they expected clean coronavirus quarantine facilities. Instead, after hours of waiting at the airport and on a bus, they were taken to a converted police training centre. There, the travellers found stained beds seven or eight to a room, dirty floors and mouldy vegetable peelings left in a cupboard. Eighty people on each floor were expected to share a few clogged toilets during their two weeks in quarantine. As the number of coronavirus cases in South Asia ramps up - doubling to more than 500 in the last few days - experts fear unsanitary testing and quarantine centres could present a problem in the densely populated region. Some patients have even broken out of quarantine, putting healthy people at risk. Sabharwal and four others who have been held in two testing centres in India told Reuters of unsanitary conditions there - a pattern repeated in Pakistan and Afghanistan. We did not want 5-star facilities, said Sabharwal, a 33-year-old businessman. We just wanted clean rooms and sanitised bathrooms. Public health experts say poor facilities in the region could speed up the spread of the virus, and authorities should encourage people who test positive to quarantine themselves at home. Due to the high volume of people requiring quarantine and lack of hygienic facilities, it is more efficient to encourage quarantine at the homes of the travellers, said Giridhara R Babu, an epidemiologist at the Public Health Foundation of India. Sabarwals account of the conditions was corroborated by two other people at the facility, along with photographs and video. He was released to be isolated at home early on Tuesday after being tested, but before results were available. As of Wednesday afternoon, he had still not received the results. Officials at Delhis south-western district, which oversees the quarantine facility, did not respond to requests for comment. Regional Problem Authorities in South Asia have struggled to get travellers to self-isolate or stay quarantined in medical facilities that many view as poor and unhygienic. In Navi Mumbai, a suburb of Mumbai, local media reported on Monday that police were forced to launch a manhunt after 11 people, who had been isolated after returning from Dubai, failed to appear at a hospital for quarantine. Pakistan and Afghanistan, which share long land borders with Iran - one of the countries worst affected by the virus - have reported similar problems at crossing points. In Pakistan, some politicians branded quarantine facilities a joke after footage emerged on social media showing ostensibly quarantined people lodged four or five to a single tent at Taftan, one of the main border crossings with Iran. And about 38 Afghans, who were in isolation after recently returning from Iran, escaped from a facility in western Afghanistan on Monday after breaking windows and attacking staff. At least one of the fugitives was confirmed to have the coronavirus. Two people at the camp said doctors lacked basic equipment like masks and gloves. They put eight to 10 patients in a small room with a very unhygienic bathroom, said Freba, a 48-year-old woman who goes by one name, and said she fled the centre in Herat before being sent back to the camp. A suspect can easily get infected with the virus if he or she gets stuck in such a place. New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday said it will support every effort of the government in the battle against the coronavirus. Senior spokesperson of the opposition party Ajay Maken suggested creation of more testing facilities and conducting more tests in the country, while noting that there should be no shortage of any protective equipment for those engaged in combatting the virus. He also pitched for creation of new containment zones and treatment facilities, besides increasing the number of ICU beds in view of the coronavirus outbreak. "The Congress party and its workers will stand by the government in all its endeavours to fight the coronavirus. We will help spread the word on preventive measures. We will also organise any emergency service, if needed," Maken told reporters here. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on the coronavirus threat, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said he was duty-bound to support the PM. "I am duty bound to support the PM. In effect, the PM has asked the people to wage the war against COVID with moral armaments. We shall do so on Sunday and in the following days," the former Union minister said in a tweet. "I have the feeling that the PM will come back in the next few days to announce tougher social and economic measures," he added. Calling for "resolve and restraint" to fight the coronavirus, Modi asked the entire country on Thursday to observe a "Janta curfew" on Sunday. Maken said on February 12, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had urged the government to prepare for the battle against coronavirus and on March 6, party president Sonia Gandhi had written to the chief ministers of all the Congress-ruled states, asking them to prepare for the fight against the virus. "We expect that the government will not suppress and withhold data pertaining to coronavirus. We also expect complete transparency from the government on putting the data in public domain. "The Congress will support the citizens' curfew announced by the prime minister. In case the government goes for a complete lockdown, it should prepare itself from now on as regards provisions for essential commodities and maintenance of essential services," he said. Maken urged the government to do advance planning in this regard. The Congress thanked the doctors, health workers and airport staff, who were rendering yeoman service while subjecting themselves to risks, Maken said. "We welcome and support the steps taken by the government in combatting the coronavirus. "The government should also raise the number of testing facilities and tests at all levels and it should be serious on the issue," he added. The Congress leader hoped that the government would also facilitate the bringing back of Indian citizens who were struck abroad. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said his government will seek legal advice and study every aspect of the Supreme Court judgment on holding a floor test in the assembly before taking a decision on it. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to convene a special session on Friday for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. While the BJP publicly hailed the ruling, Nath posted his reaction on the SC judgement on Twitter. The Congress chief minister tweeted, We will study every aspect of the Supreme Court order, discuss it with our legal experts and take a decision on the basis of their advise. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud also ordered video recording and possible live streaming of the Assembly proceedings when the Kamal Nath-led Congress government would undertake the floor test. The SC directed the police chiefs of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to provide security to the 16 rebel Congress MLAs, currently camping in Bengaluru, if they choose to appear in the trust vote. The bench said the Assembly will have a single point agenda of the floor test and no hindrance is to be created for anyone and asked the Assembly Secretary to ensure there is no breach of law and order. Mechel Reports 2019 Operational Results MOSCOW, RUSSIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Mechel PAO (MTLR.ME)(MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces 2019 operational results. Mechel PAO's Chief Executive Officer Oleg Korzhov commented on operational results. "For us, 2019 became a year of major equipment reconstruction projects in our steel segment and restoring the equipment pool in our mining division. We have seen results of this effort at Southern Kuzbass Coal Company as early as the end of last year - starting in October, the company reached a monthly output level of 1 million tonnes and demonstrated a confident growth of all key results, with mining volumes up by 25%. Korshunov Mining Plant improved its annual output by 30%. In the steel segment, we completed a large-scale reconstruction of one of our three blast furnaces and one of three converters. This will increase these facilities' output by 15% and thus our overall steel output in 2020. Reconstruction of one of Bratsk Ferroalloys Plant's ferroalloy furnaces is also nearly complete. "In 2019 we have invested a lot of effort in maintaining coal mining at the previous levels as our stripping volumes increased dramatically. We did this both by launching new mining equipment and by bringing in third-party contractors. It is important to note that at Southern Kuzbass Coal Company we managed to implement the strategy of increasing mining of valuable coking coal grades as new longwalls at V.I. Lenina Underground and Sibirginskaya Underground mines were launched. "As for the coal market situation, this accounting period was very volatile as prices for premium hard coking coal were very good in the first half a year, staying near the level of $200 per tonne, but starting mid-year, the prices began to decline and reached less than $130. In August-October we have traditionally signed a series of major contracts, with customers both old and new, and ensured ourselves guaranteed sales for the year ahead. Demand for coal from our customers in Asia Pacific remains strong as we have foreseen. China and South Korea were among that market's key players who increased import of both coking and thermal coal. As for Mechel's sales, in 2019 we have decreased sales to China by a quarter, redistributing them in favor of Japan's market which is more profitable for us. In 2020, the coal market is still volatile, and considering the coronavirus situation, may remain so for several months yet. Story continues "Coking coal concentrate sales in 2019 remained largely at the previous year's level. 29% of our overall coking coal concentrate sales went to Japan, 27% to China and 24% to our Russian customers. "PCI sales went up by 15% primarily due to increased export to South Korea. "Thermal coal sales remained roughly at 2018 levels. We redistributed sales in favor of more profitable Asian markets, increasing exports to this region by half, with sales to our Vietnamese customers nearly quadrupling. "The output increase at Korshunov Mining Plant, achieved thanks to our technical upgrade program, had a positive impact on iron ore concentrate sales - sales to third-party clients went up by 38% year-on-year. "Coke sales to third parties went up by 36% as stockpiles freed due to repairs at Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant's blast furnace #4 were sold to export, including Turkey and India. "Due to a large-scale upgrade of Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant's blast-furnace and oxygen-converter workshops, pig iron and steel output in this accounting period went down by 8% and 7% accordingly. With this in mind, we have optimized our operations so as to partially compensate for the output decrease by improving its profitability. Long rolls sales went down by 8%, but sales of shapes and sections produced by the plant's universal rolling mill went up by 2%, and rails by 15%. Rail sales, both domestic and international, nearly doubled - not counting shipments made to Russian Railways. "Flat rolls sales went down by 7%. At the same time, we have upped sales of stainless flats 2.5 times, with a significant raise of the average price. In this product segment, we are consistently increasing our share of the Russian market as per our strategy. "The 10-percent decrease in sales of Bratsk Ferroalloys Plant's products was due to the ore-thermal furnace #3 being halted for an upgrade. Its relaunch is scheduled for late March. Bratsk Ferroalloys Plant's upgrade was synchronized with similar works undertaken at Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant, as the latter needed less ferroalloy products during major repairs of its own steelmaking facilities. Third-party sales remained at the same level as high-quality ferrosilicon was redirected from the domestic market to Asia. "Hardware sales went down by 9%, this time due to decreased output of various types of wire at Beloretsk Metallurgical Plant and Mechel Nemunas as this segment faced an unfavorable market situation, as well as introduction of import quotas and fees for shipments to the European Union and Ukraine. "Sales of forgings went down by 9% year-on-year as demand hit a major seasonal slump in late 2019. Stampings sales went down by 25% as sales of the most mass product, rough-forged axles for railway transport, declined. In this segment, we staked on the increase in sales of high-priced products - stampings made of alloyed, stainless and heat-resistant steels. Aviation companies are key consumers of this type of product. "Our power division's facilities in 2019 produced more electricity by 4% in accordance with operational plans regarding the load on Southern Kuzbass Power Plant. The decrease in heat output by 6% was due to prevalent warmer temperatures." Production and sales for 2019 Production: Product Name 2019, thousand tonnes 2018, thousand tonnes % 4Q2019, thousand tonnes 3Q2019, thousand tonnes % Run-of-Mine Coal 18,845 18,813 0 5,420 5,290 +2 Pig Iron 3,326 3,690 -8 796 794 0 Steel 3,610 3,881 -7 860 888 -3 Electric power generation (thousand kWh) 3,395,305 3,250,599 +4 899,197 740,415 +21 Heat power generation (Gcal) 5,392,804 5,741,320 -6 1,719,460 677,343 +154 Elga coal complex: Product Name 2019, thousand tonnes 2018, thousand tonnes % 4Q2019, thousand tonnes 3Q2019, thousand tonnes % Run-of-mine coal 4,318 4,923 -12 1,088 1,193 -9 Sales: Product Name 2019, thousand tonnes 2018, thousand tonnes % 4Q2019, thousand tonnes 3Q2019, thousand tonnes % Coking coal concentrate 7,163 7,149 0,2 1,830 1,720 +6 Including coking coal concentrate supplied to third parties 4,303 4,258 +1 994 1,068 -7 PCI 1,417 1,237 +15 482 390 +24 Including PCI supplied to third parties 1,417 1,237 +15 482 390 +24 Anthracites 736 1,169 -37 235 206 +14 Including anthracites supplied to third parties 548 968 -43 177 137 +29 Thermal coal 5,181 5,290 -2 1,174 1,364 -14 Including thermal coal supplied to third parties 4,491 4,538 -1 950 1,203 -21 Iron ore concentrate 2,558 1,972 +30 636 722 -12 Including iron ore concentrate supplied to third parties 193 140 +38 12 14 -15 Coke 2,528 2,440 +4 615 649 -5 Including coke supplied to third parties 945 697 +36 248 281 -12 Ferrosilicon 67 74 -10 15 16 0 Long rolls 2,509 2,731 -8 618 630 -2 Flat rolls 449 481 -7 112 108 +3 Hardware 564 622 -9 126 148 -15 Forgings 40 44 -9 8 11 -23 Stampings 107 143 -25 23 25 -6 Universal rolling mill: 2019, thousand tonnes 2018, thousand tonnes % 4Q2019, thousand tonnes 3Q2019, thousand tonnes % Sales of rails 280 244 +15 87 103 -16 Sales of sections 287 282 +2 74 72 +3 *** MechelPAO EkaterinaVideman Tel: + 7 495 221 88 88 ekaterina.videman@mechel.com *** Mechel is an international mining and steel company. Its products are marketed in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, steel, rolled products, ferroalloys, heat and electric power. All of its enterprises work in a single production chain, from raw materials to high value-added products. *** Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Mechel, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements. We refer you to the documents Mechel files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, volatility in stock markets or in the price of our shares or ADRs, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions. SOURCE: PJSC Mechel via EQS Newswire View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581579/Mechel-Reports-2019-Operational-Results Highlights PM Modi tweeted a post by Prasar Bharati News Services It shows a doctor holding up a placard with a poignant message The advice has been backed by PM Modi who wrote, Well said, Doctor! A Delhi doctors message on fighting coronavirus has won praise from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a tweet posted 19 hours ago, PM Modi not only lauded the doctor for his message but also appreciated the many medical professionals in the frontline during the war against coronavirus. PM Modi tweeted a post by Prasar Bharati News Services, which shows a doctor holding up a placard with the poignant message. I stayed at work for you You stay at home for us reads the message. According to the placard, the doctor works at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The advice has been backed by PM Modi who wrote, Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make our planet safer and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts, he added and also used the hashtag #IndiaFightsCorona in his tweet. Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make our planet safer and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/4ENZlehiwD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2020 Since being shared, the tweet has collected over 71,000 likes and more than 16,5400 retweets - and counting. Several people have posted comments on the tweet, including British adventurer Bear Grylls. Indeed. A global message. And great gratuities we all have for these heroes... Bear Grylls (@BearGrylls) March 18, 2020 Its a real leader who keeps in touch and cheers everyone who is doing great job. Thank you for keeping us ahead of the coronavirus curve, says a Twitter user on PM Modis tweet. Well said, Doc! says another. Every citizen needs to help each other. This time is to stand together for fight against covid19, says a third. India has recorded 166 cases of coronavirus. PM Modi will address the nation today at 8PM on measures being taken to combat the spread of the virus. Lucknow, March 19 : The Allahabad High Court has stayed any order against anyone till April 6. The high court said the Uttar Pradesh government should issue instructions to all district magistrates (DMs) and other authorities regarding this order. The high court has said that due to the threat of coronavirus, no such order should be issued against anyone forcing people to move courts. The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday, during a case hearing, also decided to stay any recovery action from people by financial institutions, banks and government entities till April 6. The high court also prohibited any auction, demolition of houses, summoning officials etc. till April 6. Actually, a person named Darpan Sahu filed a petition against the bank recovery in the high court. The order was issued by a division bench of Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ajit Kumar on Wednesday. The court has said that the state government should ensure that no such order will be issued from the district or other level, forcing anyone to take refuge of the court. Ministry of Health Reports 67 New Cases of COVID-19 Saudi Press Agency Wednesday 1441/7/23 - 2020/03/18 Riyadh, March 18, 2020, SPA -- The Ministry of Health today reported 67 new cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Kingdom. The ministry cited that 45 cases are recorded two days ago coming from Britain, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, France, Indonesia, and Iraq. They are directly isolated from the airports to the health isolation which is proved its effectiveness in combating transmission of the infection domestically. The ministry added that 11 cases are confirmed for persons who were in contact with previous cases in addition to other 11 cases which are under investigation. The Health Ministry disclosed that 67 cases include 19 cases in Riyadh, 23 in the Eastern Region, 13 in Jeddah, 11 in Makkah and one case in Asir. The Ministry stated that the total number of recorded cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Kingdom is 238 cases with the recovery of six cases while the rest of cases are currently isolated in health facilities, except one critical case. The ministry called on everyone to abide by the instructions for the society safety. The Ministry of Health urged all to communicate with the Health Center (937) for any inquiries about COVID-19, warning from rumors about this virus. It is worth mentioning that COVID-19 reached 170 states amid local and global intensive efforts to prevent and eradicate the virus. --SPA 21:08 LOCAL TIME 18:08 GMT 0027 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BENTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) Benton County commissioners declared a public health emergency Wednesday night, saying it is necessary to support the community during the coronaviurs pandemic. The resolution requires Benton County residents to follow orders from the governor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and any state guidelines put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It also says the county's emergency operations center will plan, coordinate and implement Benton County's response. In addition, the county will request reimbursement for costs in responding to the emergency. As of Thursday morning, there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Benton County. Click here for the most up to date numbers from the Indiana State Department of Health. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:52:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations mission in Somalia on Thursday condemned mortar attack at the heavily fortified Halane camp in Mogadishu on Wednesday evening by al-Shabab militants. The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) said the attack on the camp which hosts several missions in Somalia including the African Union, EU and UN by al-Shabab militants will not deter efforts to stabilize the Horn of African nation. "The UN in Somalia strongly condemns the mortar attack in the Mogadishu airport (AAIA) area last night," said the UN mission on Thursday. The AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) also confirmed that four mortar shells were fired into the Halane base camp a few minters past 7 p.m. (16:00 GMT) on Wednesday. No casualties were reported so far. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming it fired five mortar shells at the compound and there were several casualties. After nearly four years of legal battling, a federal judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit over what he termed the manifestly heartbreaking suicide of a former Milton Hershey School student. Although the death of eighth-grader Abrielle Bartels is tragic, her family simply does not have a legal case against the school, U.S. Middle District Judge John E. Jones III concluded in a 45-page opinion. The 14-year-old Bartels hanged herself in 2013, soon after she was dismissed from the nations wealthy charitable school following repeated counseling and voluntary hospitalizations for mental health issues, including suicidal urges. School officials, who had been trying to treat the girl and had helped arrange her voluntary mental health commitments, told Bartels family that it was unable to provide adequate care for her emotional issues, Jones noted. Her family members from Newport and Steelton claimed in the suit they filed in 2016 that Milton Hershey officials mishandled the girls case. They argued that dismissing her from the residential school she had attended since kindergarten was a factor in her suicide on June 29, 2013. Bartels hanged herself in a bedroom closet of her legal guardians home several days after she was barred from attending the on-campus eighth-grade graduation ceremony and after-party, her family said. They claimed the dismissal and exclusions plunged Bartels into an assertedly unstable environment very different from the structured one she was used to at Milton Hershey. They insisted school administrators violated their own policies and had not provided a coordinated educational/health plan for Bartels. In ruling in the schools favor, Jones rejected the familys claim that Milton Hershey had violated federal housing law by discriminated against Bartels due to her mental health condition. Bartels lived at and attended class at the school for free and so was not covered by those regulations, which deal with discrimination against buyers and renters of property, the judge concluded. Jones also dismissed the familys negligence claim. He found the schools duty of care to Bartels ended weeks before her death when she was released to her family following her final inpatient mental health commitment. Therefore, Bartels was no longer under the supervision of the school at the time of her death, Jones determined. Schools throughout this country frequently decide to remove students from their programs for myriad reasons, the judge wrote. Given the undisputed facts, (Milton Hersheys) decision to bar Abrielle from returning to school or preclude her from attending her graduation, in and of itself, could not as a matter of course constitute extreme and outrageous conduct. In sum, Jones concluded the panoply leading to Abrielles suicide, and her death itselfare undeniable tragic. Abrielles death is manifestly heartbreaking. Sadly, however, as is often the case in our system of civil justice, we find that this is simply not an actionable demise. Bartels family could appeal Jones ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. (Photo : Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay) Researchers think hydroxychloroquine could be a possible treatment for coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic is still spreading at an alarming rate and is taking the lives of hundreds of people while countries scramble to keep their citizens safe until a treatment arrives, and hopefully, it's this old malaria treatment drug developed over 50 years ago. Can an old malaria treatment drug help us? According to Forbes, the old malaria drug is known as hydroxychloroquine and sold under the brand name Plaquenil, was found to be effective in killing the virus based on laboratory experiments. The results have been published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal on Mar. 9. The authors who were primarily from the Chinese Academy of Sciences located in Wuhan wrote in a letter published in Cell Discovery: "(W)e predict that the drug has a good potential to combat the disease." Another study shows promising results for the treatment Besides the study's authors, French physician-researchers also worked with the drug hydroxychloroquine, and have reportedly finished a "largely successful" clinical trial to treat patients confirmed to have COVID-19, the disease brought by the novel coronavirus. The researchers, led by an infectious disease expert from l'Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire located in Marseille, Didier Raoult, enrolled a total of 36 patients, including 16 infected controls and 20 treated individuals. The treated group was then given a 600mg Plaquenil each day, and on the third day, 50% of the group has already tested negative from the virus. Six of the five patients from the group were given a combination of hydroxychloroquine and an antibiotic known as azithromycin. By the sixth day, 70% of the group was already treated, including the sixth patient who was given both the anti-malaria drug and antibiotic combo. "Despite its small sample size our survey shows that hydroxychloroquine treatment is significantly associated with viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients and its effect is reinforced by azithromycin," the study, which was published on Wednesday as per the New York Post, concluded. Read Also: Health Experts, Elon Mus Eye A Malaria Drug As Possible Coronavirus Cure Are we short in hydroxychloroquine supply? Due to the promising effects of hydroxychloroquine, President Trump touted the old malaria drug, although he was immediately corrected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), saying that it's only available for "compassionate use" for now. However, it appears that people believed the president and now the drug is already in short supply based on Reuter's report. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) plans to add hydroxychloroquine to their list of shortages, according to the senior director of drug information at the University of Utah Health, Erin Fox. Fox also works with the ASHP and maintains its shortage list. Meanwhile, the FDA is yet to comment on the shortage, especially as it's not on their list of medicines that are lacking. Besides the old malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine, Gilead Science's Remdesivir is also getting a second look by experts as a potential cure against COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic is still steadily causing chaos around the world, especially in worst-hit countries like Italy and China, and with a growing rate of confirmed cases in the United States. Everyone is encouraged to stay indoors unless necessary and to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap to avoid contracting the coronavirus disease. Read Also: CORONAVIRUS CURE UPDATE: A Second Look at an Experimental Drug; Could It Save Us From the Coronavirus Pandemic? 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 10:58:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHANGHAI, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai reported two confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Wednesday, both of which were imported, the local health authority said Thursday. The municipal health commission said a total of 25 imported cases have been reported so far in the city as of Thursday, while 17 suspected imported cases are under quarantine for further confirmation. Both of the two confirmed patients on Wednesday are Chinese citizens returning from London. They were quarantined and tested positive for the virus upon arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. A total of 27 people in close contact with the two patients on flights have been screened and put under quarantine. Shanghai had no local coronavirus infections on Wednesday. The municipality has reported a total of 338 indigenous confirmed cases and one suspected case. Microsoft today announced its FastTrack for Azure programme that will enable enterprises across the UAE to further accelerate their digital transformation journeys by migrating to the cloud. Were excited to bring our global FastTrack for Azure program to UAE organisations and supercharge their cloud journeys, hence contributing to the countrys global competitiveness, said Necip Ozyucel, Cloud and Enterprise Group Lead, Microsoft UAE. Now our customers can bring their innovations to market with agility, and compete well in the new global digital economy by leveraging the intelligent cloud and better engage customers, empower employees, optimise operations and reinvent products and services, said Ozyucel. FastTrack for Azure is a customer success program that enables the rapid, effective design and deployment of cloud solutions. With tailored guidance from Microsofts Azure engineers, customers will now be able to migrate to the intelligent cloud with agility and ease, receiving support for Windows Server, SQL Server and SAP, as well as the modernisation of enterprise apps and the delivery of advanced data analytics. The move comes in less than a year after Microsoft launched two datacenters in the UAE, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai, to serve the Middle East markets increasing appetite for digital transformation. Many UAE enterprises, across sectors, have already begun taking advantage of FastTrack for Azure. These include Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, Al Yahsat - A Mubadala company, Department of Culture and Tourism, Dubai Tourism, Dubai South, among others. The availability of FastTrack for Azure in the UAE signals Microsofts ongoing commitment to the economic growth of the country. The Microsoft intelligent cloud has been at the heart of the companys efforts to form numerous partnerships with private and public bodies to boost skilling and job creation, enhance healthcare, education and public safety, and drive societal change, in line with the long-term vision of government leaders, Microsoft said. TradeArabia News Service WhatsApp has announced the launch of two initiatives in support of the global fight against the Coronavirus pandemic: the global launch of the WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub in partnership with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and UNDP, and a $1 million donation to the Poynter Institute's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). The WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub launches today at whatsapp.com/coronavirus to provide simple, actionable guidance for health workers, educators, community leaders, nonprofits, local governments and local businesses that rely on WhatsApp to communicate. The site also offers general tips and resources for users around the world to reduce the spread of rumours and connect with accurate health information. While people need to spend time apart, WhatsApp will continue to provide a simple, reliable, and secure way for people to communicate. These recommendations provide quick guidance on how small groups can make the most of WhatsApp features, and will be distributed by UNDP to those coordinating local efforts. In addition, WhatsApp is working with the WHO and UNICEF to provide messaging hotlines for people around the world to use directly. These hotlines will provide reliable information and will be listed on the WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub. To date, WhatsApp has worked with a number of national health ministries and NGOs to provide factual information to users via text in several countries. As these efforts continue, the hub will be updated with the latest resources. WhatsApps $1 million grant to the IFCN will support fact-checking for the #CoronaVirusFacts Alliance, which spans more than 100 local organisations in at least 45 countries. Over the last year, WhatsApp has worked to bring over a dozen fact-checking organisations directly onto WhatsApp so they can crowdsource and report on rumors that may be circulating on various messaging services including WhatsApp or SMS. The grant will support training to use the advanced features within WhatsApp Business, including the WhatsApp Business API. Expanding the presence of these IFCN certified fact-checking organisations will help ensure local communities are aware and responding to potential harmful rumours. Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp said: We know that our users are reaching out on WhatsApp more than ever at this time of crisis, whether its to friends and loved ones, doctors to patients, or teachers to students. We wanted to provide a simple resource that can help connect people at this time. We are also pleased to be able to partner with the Poynter Institute to help grow the amount of fact-checking organisations on WhatsApp and to support their life saving work to debunk rumors. We will also continue to work directly with health ministries around the world for them to provide updates right within WhatsApp. Baybars Orsek, Director of IFCN said: The timely donation from WhatsApp will help the fact-checks published by the CoronaVirusFacts Alliance to reach wider audiences and, in consequence, help people sort facts from fiction during this avalanche of information that WHO called an 'infodemic'. The International Fact-Checking Network also looks forward to discovering ways to understand the spread of health related hoaxes on WhatsApp in different formats and to make tools available for fact-checkers to detect and debunk misinformation on the messaging app. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said: Getting up to date information about COVID-19 to local communities around the world is a critical piece of the international communitys efforts to stem the spread of the virus, said Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Partnerships with private sector companies like WhatsApp will help get this vital, real time information from the World Health Organisation and local health officials to billions of users around the globe. -- Tradearabia News Service Health Minister Simon Harris has called on Irish people to work together to "save lives" as he outlined a range of draconian laws to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A special sitting of the Dail this afternoon has TDs sitting several seats apart, ensuring there is 'social distancing' between members to prevent any new infections. Members are debating key areas of emergency laws to limit the spread of the virus. These include laws to provide emergency welfare payments for those out of work; rules to detain individuals who refuse to self isolate if they have the virus as well as new orders which could be used to lock down certain areas or clusters as well as ban events and public gatherings. Mr Harris told the Dail that now was not the time for "petty" politics and that everyone needed to "work together". After new figures showed the virus growing at a daily rate of 30% here, he said: We cannot stop this virus. We cannot wish it away. As our figures showed last night, it is a virus that does not discriminate based on age, gender, or location. What we can do is help slow its spread. We can help our health service by following their guidance and advice. We will only flatten the curve if we work together and if we do, we will save lives. Fianna Fail health spokesman Stephen Donnelly warned that at a daily rate of 30%, Ireland would have some 600,000 virus confirmed cases in just six weeks. However, if that infection rate rise was reduced to 20%, the numbers would only increase to 60,000 in that period. That is why Fianna Fail will support this legislation, he told the Dail. However, the Opposition want a 'sunset clause' agreed for the strict laws, something Mr Harris said he was willing to examine. Furthermore, TDs have questioned the level of authority of individuals who could have the power to detain people, once requested by the HSE. The Dail is expected to agree the laws today before the parliament shuts by 6pm. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 18, 2020 | 04:57 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY Under the new restrictions, only the following patients will be allowed one visitor, with restrictions: Mother & Baby Care: Significant other only Essential caregivers allowed for: Minor only (one parent), dependent adult (one caregiver), and end of life patients (determined on a case-by-case basis). Visitors will only be allowed to use the following entrances: the first floor atrium, emergency department, medical park 3 (first floor), and the Ray & Kay Eckstein Regional Cancer Care Center. Those entering will be screened, and those with a fever, runny nose, body aches, or respiratory symptoms should not visit and will not be allowed access. The new policy also states that visitors are not allowed to remain in any part of the hospital after leaving a patient's room. Baptist Health Paducah has tightened their restrictions even further, under the direction of Governor Andy Beshear. The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. Russia's hybrid military forces on March 18 mounted 15 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with three Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action. "The Russian Federation's armed forces violated the ceasefire 15 times on March 18. Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on March 19. The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the towns of Maryinka, Krasnohorivka and Schastia, and the villages of Pisky, Pavlopil, Vodiane, Krymske, Zaitseve, Novotoshkivske, Pivdenne, Khutir Vilny, and Novoluhanske. Read alsoTwo Ukrainian soldiers wounded amid 10 enemy attacks on March 17 In addition, the enemy shelled disengagement site No. 3 twice, using grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns. The Ukrainian military did not return fire, thus adhering to truce agreements. "Since Thursday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions twice near Krasnohorivka and Novoluhanske, using a 120mm mortar, a tripod-mounted man-portable antitank gun, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms," the update said. No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops Thursday morning. English Norwegian By uniting the markets in Asia into a single unit, Telenor strengthens the focus on its growth and modernisation agenda, and positions itself to capture opportunities in the region. Jrgen C. Arentz Rostrup assumes the Head of Asia position on 1 May 2020. >> Tone H. Bachke to become new Telenor Group CFO as Rostrup takes on new position in Asia Asia continues to be a growth engine for Telenor Group. The development of the region has led to increasingly similar maturity levels across the markets, which has diminished many of the differences between our two clusters. By uniting these markets into a single, Asia unit and building a stronger Asia presence, we are well-equipped to fully realise the potential across the region and seize opportunities for growth, says Sigve Brekke, President & CEO, Telenor Group. He adds, Jrgen has been invaluable to the work we have done over the past years to setting us on a solid course of growth and modernisation. Through Telenors operational excellence measures, a sharper focus on what creates value, and a dedication to uncovering efficiencies over time, the company is one of the best-positioned global telcos. With him at the helm in Asia, we will enable an even tighter focus on growth, modernisation, and new opportunities in the region. Rostrup to be based in regional hub in Singapore I see great potential in bringing the Asian clusters together as one strong team with a mandate to explore the potential across our markets, and to actively engage with the business environments in the region. I am eager to join forces with the teams in Asia to continue this journey of creating value and driving growth, says Jrgen C. Arentz Rostrup. Rostrup will be based in a regional Hub in Singapore and will work actively with the CEOs of the five Telenor companies in Asia. The Head of Asia will report directly to the President & CEO of Telenor Group and continue as part of the Group Executive Management. Albern Murty and Irfan Khan to continue as CEOs in Malaysia and Pakistan, respectively From 1 May 2020, Digi CEO Albern Murty and Telenor Pakistan CEO Irfan Khan will step out of their current roles as heads of the clusters Developed Asia and Emerging Asia on the Group Executive Management, and will remain CEOs of their respective companies. Albern and Irfan have been vital to the development of their clusters, and under their management we now have strong Asian leadership represented in our Asian markets. Consequently, we have been able to extract growth, modernise our way of work and advance our infrastructure, all while contributing to the digital advancement of Asia. I am pleased Albern and Irfan will continue to lead as CEOs in team Asia going forward, says Sigve Brekke. Telenor in Asia Key Facts Telenor currently has 176 million mobile subscribers in region Asia Asia accounts for 53 percent of Telenor Groups overall revenues Telenor has been present in Asia since 1997 Grameenphone in Bangladesh holds Telenor Groups largest customer base with 76.5 million customers Downloads Media contact: Tormod Sandst | tormod.sandsto@telenor.com | tel: +47 90 94 32 15 Thousands of doctors across Australia have signed open letters to the federal government demanding an immediate national lockdown and the urgent pouring of resources into the public hospitals in order to avert disaster even worse than that in Italy. The alarm raised by the doctors, who are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, is an indictment of the federal and state governments, Liberal-National Coalition and Labor Party alike, which are refusing to take urgently needed measures to protect the public. Governments at all levels are pouring billions of dollars into the protecting the corporate elite via stimulus packages. Yet education facilities and other large workplaces remain open and no comprehensive program of testing has been implemented to even ascertain the extent of infection within the population. At least 2,500 doctors have signed one letter, circulated by Dr Hemant Garg, saying they are dismayed at the disconnect between the actions being taken within the medical community and the recommendation for actions being passed on to the general population We should immediately recommend a three- to four-week closure of schools, cultural and religious places, including places of worship, gyms and leisure centres, pubs, bars, theatres, cinemas and concert halls, the letter states. This would allow a steady declaration of cases of coronavirus to present to hospitals and fever clinics as their symptomatic phase develops. Almost 4,000 medical professionals and experts have signed another letter, drafted by intensive care specialist Greg Kelly, warning that more than 12,000 people in Australia would be infected with the virus by April 4, on current growth rates. This letter warns that even more severe health crisis can only be prevented by heeding the lessons of other countries. That includes immediately implementing the strict measures of lockdown and social distancing that have shown to be effective and preparing our health systems for a surge of COVID 19 and critically ill patients. In hospitals, the measures needed include an immediate reduction in elective work, increased frequency and intensity of hospital cleaning, measures to temporarily increase intensive care capacity and increasing protective equipment for staff. With reported infections doubling every three to five days, there would be 750 on Friday, 1,500 on Tuesday next week, 3,000 next Saturday, 6,000 on the 1st of April and 12,000 by the 4th of April, the letter states. Australias healthcare system would be in a worse position than Italy should the predictions come to fruition, the doctors warn. The letter reports that doctors in the Lombardy region, which is the richest in Italy, with a health system equal to Australias, describe their situation as like being in a war zone. They are completely overwhelmed and unable to provide intensive care to previously healthy seventy-year-olds. So far, more than 2,500 people have died from complications relating to COVID-19 in Italy. Because of inadequate resources, the death toll is rising because doctors are forced to choose between which patients to treat and which to let die. With access to intensive care the death rate from COVID-19 is likely less than 1 percent, but in an overwhelmed system without access to intensive care the death rate approaches 4 percent, the letter warns. Paul Kelly, Australias Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said on Monday anywhere between 20 and 60 percent of the population could catch coronavirus and up to 150,000 could die, based on a mortality rate of 1 percent. The toll could be four times higher if the doctors warnings are not heeded. Many of us are in contact with colleagues in Italy, Spain and France and they are begging us to learn from their mistakes, the letter says. The doctors cite China, Singapore, Korea and Taiwan as examples of where widespread economic lockdown and social distancing have significantly reduced transmission rates. The doctors declare: We are especially concerned about impacts on indigenous communities given their high rates of pre-existing illnesses and limited health infrastructure. Indigenous people suffered more than 10 percent of all the deaths in Australia that were attributed to the 2009 Swine Flu epidemic, despite accounting for less than 3 percent of the population. The doctors warnings and pleas have been rejected by the federal and state governments. Tuesday nights national cabinet meeting decided to exempt schools, universities, public transport, airports and flights, shopping centres, prisons, courts and large workplacesoffice buildings, factories, construction sites and mining sitesfrom their belated calls for a halt to indoor gatherings of more than 100 people. Equally, the doctors letters have been buried by the complicit corporate media, with only isolated reports. To confirm the doctors concern, there is mounting evidence that, after decades of cuts and under-funding by federal and state governments, public hospitals are seriously unprepared for the looming calamity. In Queensland, doctors and nurses have been told that the hospitals are running so low on personal protective equipment (PPE) that they should reuse some items, such as gloves, gowns, eye shields and masks. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, it has become apparent PPE levels are very lowbased on current usage, the letter from Queensland Clinical Senate chair Alex Markwell and Clinical Networks Executive chair Liz Kenny reads. What we would do in optimal circumstances is no longer sustainable or fit for purpose. Re-use of PPE in low-risk situations, for instance, may be a better alternative than no PPE at all. Clinicians told the Brisbane Times it was concerning that stocks were already very low, given health authorities had modelling that showed 25 percent of Queenslands population, or about one million people, would be infected by the disease. The initiative taken by the doctors, and its rejection by the parliamentary representatives of big business, confirm the necessity for health professionals and workers, like all other workers, to take matters into their own hands, in order to protect the population. As explained in the statements issued by the WSWS and the Socialist Equality Parties, the health, safety and needs of working people must take absolute priority over all considerations of corporate profit and private wealth. Health workers need to join other workers in forming rank-and-file workplace and community committees to ensure free testing and first-class medical treatment for all and safe working conditions. This requires the shutdown of non-essential production, and measures to protect the well-being and income support of those who are laid-off, forced to quarantine or required to look after children or other vulnerable members of society. By PTI WASHINGTON: Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, on Thursday ended her presidential campaign and offered her full support to former vice president Joe Biden. The 38-year-old lawmaker's move leaves Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders as the final two candidates in the Democratic race. "Today, I'm suspending my presidential campaign, and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together," she said in an online video message. The Iraq war veteran said that a day after Tuesday's primary results, it was clear that the party's primary voters have chosen Biden to be the person who will take on President Donald Trump in the general election. Trump (73), is seeking his re-election in the November presidential elections. 77-year-old Biden, who is leading in pledged delegate counts against his nearest rival Sanders (78), is few steps away from being the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party. ALSO READ| Trump becomes Republican Party's presumptive presidential nominee Endorsing Biden, Gabbard said, "Although I may not agree with the Vice President on every issue, I know that he has a good heart and is motivated by his love for our country and the American people. I'm confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha - respect and compassion - and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart." A large number of Indian-Americans were supporting Gabbard, a lawmaker from Hawaii, in her presidential run. However, her presidential run failed to take off at any stage of her campaign. Most of the time, she was polling less than one per cent. She was also not able to make to the most of the stage of the Democratic primary debates. "Our nation is facing an unprecedented global crisis that highlights the inextricable bonds of humanity, and how foreign policy and domestic policy are inseparable. We are all in this together and we must all rise to meet this moment - in service to our country and our fellow man," Gabbard said. HELENA, Mont. - Montana public school students wont have to automatically make up class time lost to the coronavirus, Gov. Steve Bullock announced Thursday, while lawmakers said the states budget surplus could be tapped to help weather the crisis over the pandemic. A directive issued by the Democratic governor waives pupil instruction requirements through March 27 and says local districts will continue receiving state money through the same period. Bullock on Sunday ordered K-12 public school closed through March 27. If the closures extend longer, to continue receiving funding and waive class time requirements, districts will have to show theyre making up for lost time through remote learning, such as online teaching. Districts are preparing for the possibility that classes will be cancelled for the rest of the school year due to the pandemic Waivers of class time will be subject to a final decision by Bullock, but his approval will be presumed if local school boards have an approved education plan that includes remote learning, according to the directive. The plans must also include provisions for providing student meals and services for students with disabilities. In a separate action, Bullock issued an advisory asking state residents who travelled internationally to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return and contact their local health department. On the legislative front, leaders of the state House and Senate fiscal committees issued a joint statement that Montanas financial position remains sound. The state budget reserve fund has about $115 million, the fire fund has $55 million and the general fund has a surplus of almost $300 million, said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nancy Ballance of Hamilton, Vice Chairman Llew Jones of Conrad and Senate Finance and Claims Committee Chairman Ryan Osmundson of Buffalo. The Republican lawmakers said they were working with Bullock and other lawmakers to find ways to support workers facing layoffs or unemployment, and added that they were recommending temporary rules to protect workers long-term unemployment benefits. We must move quickly both to contain the virus spread and to alleviate the financial strain it is placing on businesses and their workers, the lawmakers said. Eleven people have tested positive in Montana for the coronavirus, most recently a Missoula man in his 50s and a Gallatin County man in his 60s. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. But for the elderly and people with existing conditions, it can cause more severe illness. The vast majority of those who are infected recover. State officials had tested 773 people as of Thursday morning. Partnerships between police and Amazon's home surveillance company Ring haven't statistically lowered crime despite company claims, a new investigation finds. According to a report from CNET, statistics from three of Ring's partnerships with police departments show no drastic reduction in the amount of crime. CNET says the statistics included monthly theft rates from the a year before partnerships began and the 12 months after and showed minimal impact from the technology. Some police working with departments partnered with Ring drew a similar conclusion according to CNET. Ring has shared data with police department regarding how many video requests were successful according to a recent report. 'In 2019, we saw a 6% decrease in property crime,' Kevin Warych, a police patrol commander in Green Bay, Wisconsin, told CNET, adding that. 'there's no causation with the Ring partnership.' In response, Ring informed CNET that its partnerships have helped police catch thieves as well as aiding investigations into animal abuse. It added that Rings helps its customers 'make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.' CNET's investigation is significant given Ring's repeated claims that partnerships with police, which creates a portal for private citizens to share their home footage with law enforcement, will reduce theft and property crime. In September, Ring's hardware chief Dave Limp stated, 'We continue to believe that when you add Ring to a neighborhood, crime is reduced,' during a major hardware event from Amazon. The company has also attempted to court partnerships with police by using statistics that support its claim of reducing crime. CNET reports that emails with law enforcement show that the company linked to a claiming to have reduced burglaries in some areas of Los Angeles by as much as 55 percent. In addition to correcting the rate of burglary reductions - the figure was actually 42 percent - a separate study by MIT found that there was little evidence to support those claims that Ring was the impetus for reduced crime. CNET also notes that within a year, the same neighborhood saw its highest rate of burglary in seven years. A similar study in Newark, New Jersey, also claimed to reduce burglaries by 50 percent but Ring has yet to provide data to support those claims. Instead, Ring has chosen to focus in on anecdotal evidence of Ring's efficacy by citing cases in which video footage has been used in police investigations. Above is a preview of a dashboard that allows users to see which law enforcement agencies Ring has partnerships with While there is some evidence to support Ring's claims of reducing property crime, most of the the neighborhoods assessed by CNET property have been experiencing steady reductions far before Ring existed. 'Property crime has been going down since the early 1980s,' Jeffrey Fagan, a Columbia Law School professor who studies crime and neighborhoods told CNET. 'Ring has a preposterous claim with no statistical basis to it.' CNET's report marks the latest interrogation of Ring's efficacy and the ethical questions raised by its relationships with police. Civil rights advocates say the alliance between Amazon and police has been dangerously opaque, and that customers lack a clear explanation of how and when law enforcement are allowed to access their footage. Likewise, Ring has come under scrutiny for its apparent lack of security measures that have contributed a number of high-profile attacks in which hackers gained access to video feeds and microphones. When she rises up, the mischievous Elvira (Emma Naomi) scatters calculated chaos in her wake. Its giving nothing away to tell you that she ends up taking Charless second wife, the whiplash-tongued Ruth (Lisa Dillon, giving the performance of the night), over to the other side with her, though neither woman will go quietly from the land of the living. This was easily the least buoyant Blithe Spirit Ive seen, which was presumably intentional on the part of Eyre, the distinguished director who once ran the National Theater. The trend of late has been to find in Cowards outwardly breezy plays something more psychologically acute, as was the case when Andrew Scott, of Fleabag fame, stormed the Old Vic last summer in Present Laughter. Against expectation, a character long presented as a devil-may-care narcissist was revealed to be an anxious man-child, as well. Both revivals remind us that Coward possessed a keen understanding of human behavior, in addition to a quick wit. In this Blithe Spirit, Charles and Ruths marriage seems far from blissful well before Elvira arrives on the scene, and Eyre takes the verbal brickbats they lob at each other for real. This, like Present Laughter, is a Coward play centered around a man who draws women to him when he would rather be left alone: Both plays end with their flustered heroes fleeing female companionship, but for what precisely? Coward leaves the sequels up for grabs. The fate of this show, however, is sealed though no one could have guessed how quickly it would flit from view. Think of the cast as the casualties of an invisible terror. It was one that Saunders, top-billed albeit in a supporting role that Judi Dench is playing in a forthcoming film, acknowledged when Madame Arcati a germaphobe before her time reacted in spontaneous disgust at shaking another characters hand. I doubt those who laughed at that gesture last week would do so now. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. As Iran battles the coronavirus epidemic, people across the country have been working to ease the impact of the crisis. Volunteers are distributing food aid to poor families, sterilizing surfaces in public places, and sewing extra face masks for health workers. Stocks in Asia Pacific fell on Thursday as fears over the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Major markets in the region fell deep into negative territory, with South Korea's Kospi leading losses as it dropped 8.39% to close at 1,457.64 while the Kosdaq index fell 11.71% to end its trading day at 428.35. The Korea Exchange said earlier during the session that circuit breakers were triggered after the Kospi dropped 8%, with trading halted for 20 mins, according to Reuters. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 2.27% by the afternoon, as of its final hour of trading. In the Philippines, where trading was halted earlier this week, the PSE Composite Index plummeted 13.34% to close at 4,623.42 as it resumed on Thursday. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta Composite Index traded 5.44% lower in the afternoon. The Indonesia Stock Exchange had earlier announced a temporary halt in trading after the Jakarta Composite Index fell 5%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was closed 3.44% lower at 4,782.90 after earlier jumping more than 2%. Jobs data released Thursday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February at 5.1%. Mainland Chinese stocks were mixed on the day as the Shanghai composite declined 0.98% to about 2,702.13 while the Shenzhen composite rose 0.279% to approximately 1,682.93. The Nikkei 225 in Japan slid 1.04% to close at 16,552.83, with index heavyweight and conglomerate Softbank Group plummeting 17.22% its biggest one day fall, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, the Topix index added 0.97% to close at 1,283.22. Overall, the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index fell 4.3%. "What's really putting pressure on the equity markets at the moment is actually the liquidity from the credit markets," Sean Taylor, chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific at DWS, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Thursday. Taylor said investors should be "very cautious" and keep "very liquid" in the meantime. A runner crosses the bridge over the Cooper River on East Cuthbert Blvd. in Cherry Hill on Sunday. There are essentially no options for entertainment as the region is occupying itself with the coronavirus outbreak and its tightening grip on every aspect of public life. Read more To avoid overwhelming the U.S. health-care system by spreading the coronavirus to vulnerable groups, public officials around the country have asked people to practice social distancing avoiding large crowds and close contact with others. President Donald Trump has called for Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that no events with 50 people or more take place for the next eight weeks. In the region, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all nonessential businesses closed, including such places as movie theaters and malls, and limiting restaurants and bars to takeout and delivery only. Right now, its OK to not be OK, said Val Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, during a news conference earlier this week. This is a very unusual and unprecedented situation that we find ourselves in, and its changing every single day, and its perfectly normal to feel unsettled. Social distancing is not easy for many to cope with, but it can be particularly difficult for people already struggling with mental health issues, according to health experts. Research from the 2002 SARS pandemic a different kind of coronavirus showed that quarantine can result in considerable psychological stress in the form of depressive symptoms and PTSD. Other research has shown that chronic social isolation increases the risk of mortality by 29%. But there are ways for people to mitigate the stress through focusing on things they like to do and establishing a sense of control over their environments and schedules, therapists say. What makes people feel safe and secure are things like having a place to live, get food for themselves and their families, and being able to go outside and socialize with people, said Angelique Porter, a social worker and psychotherapist at a community behavioral health center in University City. This has never happened at this scale before, so theres a lot of fear and uncertainty. And that sense of being cut off from other people can increase your depression, anxiety and stress levels. Thea Gallagher, director of the outpatient clinic at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said that previous research has shown that for people with depression, their mental state gets worse during self-isolation because its easier for them to believe negative self-talk. With anxiety, she said, that isolation can lead to taking in too much stressful information at once because there are no external distractions. People get bombarded with really scary information, and the more that that happens, the more people feel anxiety and fear, said Gallagher, also an assistant professor at Penn. Focusing on other things is very hard right now. Exercise, art, and a sense of routine To protect mental health while self-quarantining, Porter has encouraged clients to get as much physical exercise of any kind as possible, such as taking quiet walks around their block or doing online workouts with YouTube videos. She also pointed to meditation and mindfulness activities offered by apps as a way to lower stress. You can also distract yourself with an art activity, like coloring, painting, drawing, listening to music, or playing music if you play, Porter said. Those distractions have been proven through research to reduce stress, which in turn can boost your immune system. Gallagher encouraged people to create some level of routine by writing down what theyre going to do on an hourly block or picking up a project that will make them feel better. That way, people will have something to look forward to, she said. If you approach this like, What are some things I can do to help myself feel a sense of control?, it helps you lean into the fact that this is happening, Gallagher said. Whats happening is a big change for a lot of people that came quickly. We thrive in our routines, and we like knowing whats coming next and having a sense of how our day looks. She also encouraged people to keep up their social connections remotely through FaceTime or text messaging, and avoid mindless scrolling through social media, which can cause increased panic and anxiety. Gallagher said that if people find themselves doing that, they should try to limit the amount of time they spend on those sites. And if people notice that information about the virus on the news is becoming repetitive, they should take a break and do something else. If you know one of your friends is vulnerable to mental health stuff, reach out to them she said. Call them, set up FaceTimes, watch Netflix with them. Call a friend youve wanted to talk to but havent in a while, and share positive and encouraging tips, or what has worked for you. This applies to people who may struggle with reaching out for support due to mental health issues, said Gallagher. Even if you feel like no one cares, push yourself to connect with other people, she said. Recognize that a lot of thoughts about not mattering to others are lies, challenge some of your beliefs by thinking about what you would tell a best friend who is struggling during this time to do. You would tell them that they matter, and to reach out. YOKNEAM, Israel, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ChroniSense Medical, developer of Polso, a wearable, medical-grade, disease management device for multiple clinical applications, announced the appointment of Bridget Ross as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective February 10, 2020. "We are pleased Bridget will bring her talents to ChroniSense as CEO," said Ilan Neugarten, Chairman of the Board of Rainbow Medical, ChroniSense Medical's largest investor. "We are confident Bridget's extensive and diverse leadership experience will deliver impactful healthcare solutions to patients and will drive ChroniSense to a leading position in the disease management space." Ms. Ross brings more than three decades of strategic, operational and leadership expertise. Prior to joining ChroniSense, she was President of the Global Medical Group at Henry Schein and a member of the company's Executive Management Committee. There, she led the growth strategy for a $2.4B global medical distribution, solutions and services business, and delivered revenue growth double the industry average. Before joining Henry Schein, Ms. Ross served as Vice President, Commercial Operations, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Medical Device Sector. In this role, she led a commercial operations integration for the ~$12B NA Medical Device business and was instrumental in driving operational efficiencies. Previously, Ms. Ross held multiple executive roles, including Global President at two J&J subsidiaries in the Women's Health & Urology and Otolaryngology spaces, where she was responsible for the development pipeline and commercialization of multiple innovative products. "I am delighted to join ChroniSense," Ms. Ross said. "The company's breakthrough technology has the potential to be transformative for patients a true game-changer in the digital health segment. I'm excited and honored to join the dedicated team at ChroniSense to work toward bringing meaningful benefits to patients, caregivers and shareholders alike." "We are excited about the potential for our technology to have an even greater impact on the lives of patients, and we are looking forward to a successful journey with Bridget's leadership," said Danny Lange, Founder, President and Director ChroniSense Labs Israel. About ChroniSense Medical ChroniSense Medical (www.ChroniSense.com) was founded in 2015 by Rainbow Medical and Dr. Danny Lange. ChroniSense's Polso is a wearable, medical-grade disease management device in the form of a watch, which monitors multiple vital signs and health factors. Polso allows patients and healthcare professionals to manage chronic disease without interference in the patients' everyday activities in or outside the home. Contact: Meital Levi [email protected] SOURCE ChroniSense Medical Related Links http://www.ChroniSense.com The three members of a Rajasthan family who had recently returned from Italy and tested positive for coronavirus were rushed to Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital on Thursday. Jhunjhunu Collector Umardeen Khan said they were sent to the Jaipur hospital at 3 pm along with a team of doctors. A couple and their two-year-old daughter who had recently returned from Italy were tested for coronavirus on Wednesday, prompting the Rajasthan government to impose gathering restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC in the entire state. The patients belong to Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu and had returned from Italy on March 8. The collector said a curfew within 1-km of their residence was imposed till Friday and people in the area have been advised to stay indoors. Around 350 members of the medical staff are going door-to-door to trace the suspects who came in contact with the family. Khan said from Friday, various teams of doctors and nursing personnel will conduct a survey within a radius of three to five kilometres of the patients' house. DSP Jagdish Chandra Sharma told PTI that an additional police force has been deployed in the area in the wake of the curfew orders. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot during a high-level meeting advised people to stay indoors. He said action will be taken under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code against the suspected patients who do not comply with the home isolation norms. In the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Rohit Kumar Singh informed that 1,100 people have been kept in home isolation in the state, of which 265 are in Jaipur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Criminals, including fraudsters, will not find a safe harbor. My office will work closely with our state and local counterparts and with federal, state, and local law enforcement to aggressively pursue and punish criminal wrongdoers, especially those who prey upon the most vulnerable during this time. If you are considering ways in which to criminally take advantage of our vulnerabilities, I strongly urge you to consider the severe consequences you will face when you are caught," he said. Kirsch said he has appointed Asst. U.S. Attorney Gary Bell, who heads the offices Criminal Division, to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 schemes. Such scams may be reported to Bell by calling 219-937-5656. Scams should also be forwarded to the Indiana FBI office at 317-595-4000. The Michigan City Police Department on Thursday warned the public to take precautions to avoid falling for these scams. "Do your research before sending money to an unknown location," the department stated. Suspicious emails or phone calls may also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint. Tips from the Federal Trade Commission: CHISINAU -- U.S. officials said that Vlad Plahotniuc, a powerful Moldovan oligarch and political figure linked to a massive bank theft, is in the United States despite being subject to a visa ban earlier this year. Officials confirmed earlier reporting by RFE/RL that said Plahotniuc was in the country, and said they were preparing to deport him. The confirmation adds further questions to the circumstances surrounding his travels to the country, and the visa ban in particular, which was imposed in January on him and his family. "We understand that Vladimir Plahotniuc is present in the United States, but is currently in administrative removal proceedings," the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau said in a statement on March 19. "Such proceedings, including permissible avenues of judicial review, often can take significant time," it added. The embassy and the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. declined to provide any further details, including when Plahotniuc arrived in the country, when he might be deported, and whether he was in U.S. law enforcement custody. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Service, which typically oversees questions of immigration and legal status of foreign citizens within the United States, did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Plahotniuc could not be immediately located for comment. The office of Moldovan President Igor Dodon did not immediately comment on the situation. One individual with knowledge of the situation said Plahotniuc had entered the United States prior to the visa restrictions being imposed, and it was unclear what kind of visa he had used to enter the country initially. In announcing the measures on Plahotniuc and his family on January 13, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo specifically cited the oligarchs "corrupt actions." "Vladimir Plahotniuc's corrupt actions undermined the rule of law and severely compromised the independence of democratic institutions in Moldova," Pompeo tweeted. "The U.S. stands with Moldova in its fight against corruption." Earlier, U.S. and Moldovan officials told RFE/RL that Plahotniuc had been in the country despite the restrictions. One individual told RFE/RL that Plahotniuc had been attending a lavish dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Miami, Florida, in late January. Another individual who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity said the law under which Plahotniuc was targeted concerned prospective -- or future -- visas, and that it could not be used to cancel an existing visa. A longtime behind-the-scenes power broker, Plahotniuc fled Moldova in June 2019 after being pushed out of parliament as part of a government shakeup brokered by Russia, the United States, and other European partners. He dropped out of public view afterward, reportedly traveling under one or more assumed names and alternate passports. He's been linked to the disappearance of more than $1 billion -- totaling nearly one-eighth of Moldova's GDP -- from the country's biggest banks between 2012 and 2014. A confidential report commissioned by the Moldovan Central Bank and conducted by international investigative firm Kroll documented how companies and individuals tied to a 28-year-old businessman took control of three major banks during that period. The businessman, Ilan Shor, then allegedly issued massive loans to his companies during a three-day period in November 2014, according to the report, which was later leaked and published by an opposition lawmaker. Shor, who is currently believed to be in Israel, was charged in 2016 and later convicted of money laundering and embezzlement in connection with the theft. Former Prime Minister Vlad Filat was found guilty of corruption in 2016, accused of taking bribes related to the theft. He was released early in December, after serving three years in prison. But the brazenness of the crime, and the perception that those behind it have not been held to account, has outraged, and disillusioned, many Moldovans. Plahotniuc, meanwhile, was the head of the Democratic Party of Moldova and served as the first deputy speaker of parliament in the early 2010s. In June 2019, amid a political realignment that resulted in a coalition between pro-European and pro-Russian parties, including Dodons Socialist Party, Plahotniuc fled Moldova. Days later, Russia filed criminal charges against him, alleging he was part of a drug trafficking network. In December, Dodon publicly stated that Plahotniuc was traveling on a different passport, under the name Vladimir Novak. Moldovas national anti-corruption authority, meanwhile, sent two formal requests to the U.S. Embassy, requesting assistance in locating Plahotniuc. The first, dated December 4, requests the assistance of competent U.S. authorities (Department of Justice, FBI, Police) in locating an individual whose name is blacked out. It also states that the person might have been at two locations in the Miami area, including the Setai Miami Beach Hotel and the Portofino Tower between July 5-7, 2019. The second, dated December 10, makes a similar request and adds a second name, apparently an assumed name that Plahotniuc is known to travel under. Angela Starinschi, a spokeswoman for the anti-corruption bureau, known as the CNA, said the blacked-out names in the letters were Plahotniuc's. The CNA is waiting for an official response from the U.S. authorities. On unofficial channels, however, we already have the information that the [individual] is on the territory of the United States, Starinschi told RFE/RL on March 3. While Plahotniucs name is familiar among corruption researchers and experts on former Soviet republics, it is not widely known in broader circles. Last month, however, his name gained wider currency when U.S. news media revealed that Richard Grenell, the current acting director of national intelligence, had written a series of articles defending Plahotniuc that were published in U.S. newspapers in 2016. ProPublica, a U.S. investigative news organization, reported that Grenell did not disclose that he was paid by Plahotniuc for the work and did not register with the Justice Department under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). A representative for Grenell, who later became ambassador to Germany and special envoy for negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia, did not disclose to ProPublica what Grenells paid consulting work involved at the time, but he argued that Grenell did not need to register under FARA. Liliana Barbarosie reported from Chisinau; Mike Eckel reported from Prague NEW DELHI: The central government on Thursday (March 19, 2020) altered the working hours of its employees and directed them to work in three shifts as part of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. ''50 per cent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 per cent of staff should be instructed to work from home,'' a statement from the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said. Working hours of the employees should be altered, the statement suggested. Here's what the govt statement released by PIB said - ''No. 11013/9/2014-Estt (A-III) Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training North Block, New Delhi-110001 Dated the 19th March 2020 OFFICE MEMORANDUM Sub: Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID19. In continuation of this Department OM of even no. dated 17th March 2020 (Copy Enclosed), the following further instructions are issued: (i) Heads of Department (HoDs) may ensure that 50 per cent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 per cent staff should be instructed to work from home. All HoDs are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first week, HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office or use their own transport to travel to the offices. (ii) Further, the working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be staggered. It is suggested that three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the following timings: - (a) 9 AM to 5.30 PM (b) 9.30 AM to 6 PM (c) 10 AM to 6.30 PM (iii) The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office if called for any exigency of work. (iv) Similar instructions may be issued to Attached/Subordinate Offices, Autonomous/Statutory Bodies. (v) The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) may issue similar instructions regarding Financial Institutions and Public Sector Undertakings. (vi) These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19. (vii) These orders shall be applicable with immediate effect and will remain in force till 4th April 2020. Meanwhile, the Group of Ministers (GoM) also met today to review the situation arising out of coronavirus situation, which has so far claimed three lives in India and affected at least 168 people so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the nation on Thursday (March 19) at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. Notably, the Prime Minister also chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. He discussed the ways to further strengthen Indias preparedness, and this included enhancing testing facilities. "Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking our mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials an technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next," a statement from PMO said. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others. A supermarket security guard threatened to smash a shopper's phone after they filmed him confronting a shoplifter. The shopper saw staff and a security guard talking with an alleged thief at a Woolworths in Parramatta, west of Sydney. The shopper started filming the incident which enraged the security guard who told him to stop. However the man continued to film prompting he furious security guard to make a beeline towards him. 'You need to delete the video right now,' the security guard said. The shopper saw staff and a security guard talking with an alleged thief at a Woolworths in Parramatta, west of Sydney The man continued to film and told the security guard to 'move out of his face'. 'I am going to smash your phone,' the security guard responded. The man filming asked him to repeat what he had said while the security guard attempted to cover his face. 'Don't touch my phone,' the man filming said, before demanding to see the security guard's identification. The man continued to film and told the security guard to 'move out of his face' 'Stop covering your ID!' The video was posted online sparking horrified comments from customers. 'Woolies, how can you allow this type of security in your stores,' one woman said. 'It's over bearing, aggressive and law breaking. Times are tough already without aggressive security adding fuel to it.' Other social media users didn't agree and said the man should have put his phone away when he was asked. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Woolworths and Wilson Security for comment. Idris Elba has revealed the moment he discovered he could have contracted coronavirus. The actor, who confirmed he had been tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, said he was about to start working on his new film set when it was announced the Canadian Prime Minister's wife Sophie Trudeau, 44, had the virus. Idris, 47, took took to Instagram on Thursday, where he told fans filming immediately had to be suspended as he realised he could be 'putting a lot of people at risk'. Health: Idris Elba has revealed the moment he discovered he could have contracted coronavirus Idris explained: 'I was told that someone I had been in contact with had tested positive. 'I'm on location, about to start filming and the news breaks that this person, who is also in the public eye, had tested positive. 'My job made me test immediately. I had to test because it meant putting a lot of people at risk who I was working with on a new film. We were really lucky to get tested really quickly. I quarantined myself and have been here ever since.' COVID-19: The actor said he was about to start working on his new film set when it was announced Canadian Prime Minister's wife Justin Trudeau Sophie, 44, (pictured) had the virus Idris added: 'The early testing is the way we need to approach this. 'It's hard to say when I contracted the disease. I was exposed to it from March 4th.' Idris appeared to confirm he had contracted the virus from Sophie, after the two met shortly before they both tested positive for COVID-19. The actor revealed he was exposed to the deadly disease on 4 March, the same day he posed with Sophie at the We Day UK charity event, in Wembley. It comes after the Luther star spoke out against critics who suggested his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba should not have been by his side when he announced he has tested positive for coronavirus. UK Government guidelines advise those who have tested positive should ideally self quarantine in their home, away from other family members who have not been diagnosed. Defence: It comes after Idris defended himself against criticism after his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba was seen by his side when he announced he has tested positive for coronavirus Idris took part in a Twitter Live video on Tuesday evening to give his fans an update, 24 hours on from his diagnosis. The actor reassured fans he is feeling well, explaining: 'Yesterday was good and bad. Bad because I tested positive, but it was also good because it opened up a lot of conversation around it.' 'I think it made it a lot more real for some people. Definitely made it more real for me and my family.' 'There was so many positive responses to, you know, me talking about it. Some negative too. But there were some definite positive ones. I certainly feltmy wife and I felt like it was the right thing to do, to share it with you guys,' he added. 'He went on to address the 'negative' comments he had received about choosing to be with Sabrina, explaining the couple, who married in 2019, had 'calculated the risk.' He also explained Sabrina has now been tested. 'Sabrina's good too. Sabrina today finally managed to get a test, and we're thankful for that. Generally, Sabrina's fine. Nervous of course. Worried. Just for clarification, Sabrina wanted to be by my side.' 'As much as we talked about her not coming to where I am, she did and wanted to and I love her even more for it and I would do the same for her.' 'As much as I wanted her to keep safe, we presumed if I had it, the likelihood she would have it too, we calculated that risk,' he went on. 'When something like this is going on in the world, love is all you can get, who am I to turn down my wife's support?' Married: 'As much as we talked about her not coming to where I am, she did and wanted to and I love her even more for it and I would do the same for her,' Idris said Message: The British actor urged his followers to spread love and advised families to follow guidelines but do what works best for them The British actor urged his followers to spread love and advised families to follow guidelines but do what works best for them. Idris said: 'It's hard to say when I got the disease or when I contracted COVID-19, it's hard to say when. I will say that I know I've been exposed to it from March 4. 'That's when the person that came up positive, that was the time I got in contact with that person. 'So essentially, I could have been positive from March 4, but it's hard to say when I contracted someone with corona, you can contract it at anytime but my known exposure was March 4.' Exposed: Elsewhere in Tuesday night's video Idris appeared to confirm he had contracted the virus from Sophie, 44, after the two met shortly before they both tested positive Posing for photos together at the event, the pair were in close proximity to each other, as well as other celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton, and attendees. The actor also added in the video: 'On Friday, last week, I was told that someone I had been in contact with had tested positive. 'I am on location about to start filming. The news breaks that this person, who is also in the public eye, has tested positive.' Interaction: Idris revealed that he was exposed to the deadly disease on 4 March, the same day he posed with Sophie at the We Day UK charity event (pictured) Idris then addressed backlash as to why he was tested for COVID-19 after he had 'no symptoms' and 'felt ok'. Although the star admitted he is worried as he suffers from asthma, he added: 'I have asthma, so I sort of fit into the high category of most at risk. 'I have a respiratory issue and I have had asthma all my life. Catching corona was definitely not on my bucket list at all but even my asthma is OK. 'Of course I'm worried. I'm worried about having the virus, I'm worried about having asthma and how that could make things really complicated for me really quickly.' He reassured his followers that at present he is feeling fine, explaining: 'Right now though, I am feeling okay. Woke up this morning, didn't have any symptoms. My voice is a little tiredchecking my fever twice a day. Feel good, feel okay. Been doing a lot of reading about it. You know, asymptomatic is what comes up,' Idris explained about his status. Idris revealed he was inspired to share his coronavirus story after fellow actor Tom Hanks also shared that he tested positive for COVID-19. In just one month, the coronavirus outbreak blew out to a full-on pandemic, threatening to tip the global economy into recession and affecting every country, industry, and supply chain. Many analysts focus on how the pandemic will be wiping out 10 million barrels per day of global oil demand, forcing oil prices to four-year-lows (and possibly lower), potentially bankrupting many U.S. shale producers, and bringing fiscal pain to oil producing economies, including those of the former allies Saudi Arabia and Russia who are now locked in a bitter dispute over market share. But the pandemic and the looming recession will spare no industry or energy-related sector, inflicting pain to clean energy industries from solar power to electric vehicles (EVs) sales, too. Electric vehicles may be heading for the decade in which they will reach price parity with conventional cars, but in the short term, there will be pain, for both EVs and gasoline car manufacturers, analysts tell Bloomberg. First, low oil prices, hence cheap gasoline, for a sustained period of time could encourage more buyers, especially in the U.S., to stick to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and defer buying an electric car. Then, the bigger picture for the short term is that consumers all over the world, panicked from the pandemic, are hoarding food and toilet paper and will not be thinking of buying a new car, any car, over the next few months. Vehicle sales have already crashed in China, the worlds largest auto market, and if global recession hitsand recession is now the base-case of many analystssales everywhere will slump year on year. EV sales typically follow the general overall car market in a country, so they are also set to drop. Related: Why The Oil Price Crash Won't Save Airlines The Covid-19 pandemic is already weighing on every clean energy sector, BloombergNEF said in a note last week, shared by BloombergNEFs Chief Content Officer Nat Bullard. Overall vehicle sales in China have plunged by 44 percent year on year, according to data as of March 12, according to BloombergNEF. Many countries in Europe are under partial or full lockdown. Norway not a big market in terms of number of consumers especially compared to China, but the most advanced market in terms of EV penetration has imposed its most drastic measures outside wartime to try to flatten the curve in coronavirus cases. American consumers are also urged to work from home if possible and practice social distancing as infections grow. In addition, U.S. consumers now see the cheapest gasoline prices so far this year, and chances are high that prices will drop further in the coming days and weeks. AAA expects gas prices to continue trending cheaper, with the high likelihood of the national average hitting $2/gallon before the end of March, AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano said on Monday. While prices are coming down, stay at home policies are set to impact fuel demand, so consumers wont be able to fully enjoy the cheap gasoline prices. Consumer sentiment during the pandemic is expected to reduce overall vehicles sales, which will in turn drag down EV sales. Cheap gasoline, if it stays for months, may also play a part in consumer choices for buying a car, once things and life returns to normal. Then, governments response to the crisis and looming recession may overlook clean energy technologies, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned. Related: Oil Plunges As Saudis Boost Exports To Record High IEAs Executive Director Fatih Birol urged on Saturday governments not to abandon their clean energy targets while they scramble to save struggling economies in the coronavirus crisis. IEA analysis shows that governments directly or indirectly drive more than 70% of global energy investments. They have a historic opportunity today to steer those investments onto a more sustainable path, Birol wrote in a commentary. Governments can use the current situation to step up their climate ambitions and launch sustainable stimulus packages focused on clean energy technologies. The coronavirus crisis is already doing significant damage around the world. Rather than compounding the tragedy by allowing it to hinder clean energy transitions, we need to seize the opportunity to help accelerate them, the IEAs head said. Beyond the short-term shock from the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020s could still be the decade of the EVs. Cheaper batteries, faster charging and greater ranges will make the 2020s the decade of the electric vehicle, Ram Chandrasekaran, Principal Analyst, Transportation & Mobility at Wood Mackenzie, said in an analysis last month. BEVs are expected to reach price parity with conventional vehicles at point of sale in this decade, Chandrasekaran said in mid-February. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: Open sources reported in July 2018 that it had been decided to take a break in the creation of a prospective destroyer (heavy nuclear missile cruiser) of project 23560. A publication in February 2020 in FlotProm online media outlet did not add anything new. However, the headline Leader Destroyer Listed as Outsider and some statements (project stopped because of lack of funds, prospective nuclear cruiser is not even discussed, it is a distant future) caused concern of specialists. Expert Alexander Shishkin writes about project 23560 prospects in his blog. Scale model showing the Project 23560E "Shkval-class" Destroyer (export variant of Leader-class) at Army 2018 exhibition (Picture source: Navy Recognition) The pause in project 23560 was caused by project 22350M. It appeared as the Navy command comprehended that it was impossible to rapidly renew the green-water force of big (displacement of 14-19 thousand tons) and sophisticated nuclear-powered warships. The new frigates (or destroyers) with a displacement of 8000 tons armed with 112-cell universal vertical launchers (Arleigh Burke of IIA series has 96) should become the main green-water warships. They can be built in the old slipway of Severnaya Verf or Yantar Shipyards. However, they are insufficient for proper operations in the World Ocean. At present, Russian Navy sustainability in distant areas is ensured by missile cruisers of projects 11442 and 1164 (big antisubmarine ships of project 1155 and frigates of projects 11540 and 11356 only demonstrate Navy presence and flag). Russia remains a world leader in multirole non-aircraft carrier surface warships of a big displacement. No other country has warships exceeding in firepower the Petr Veliky, the Admiral Nakhimov, the Moskva, the Varyag and the Marshal Ustinov warships. However, the cruisers are not young while new challenges are on the horizon. On January 12, 2020, the Nanchang destroyer (or missile cruiser) with hull number 101 became operational in the Chinese Navy. It is the lead Type 055 warship with a full displacement estimated at 10000 tons. Two more warships are being built, three have been floated and two undergo running trials. Thus, as the Nanchang construction takes five years, the Chinese Navy will have several warships of the type by late 2023. Besides China, the United States, Japan and South Korea have warships with a displacement of 10000 tons (from 9300 to 10450) which exceed the projected Russian 22350M in size. Xinhua news agency estimated Type 055 displacement at 10 thousand tons. Janes 360 believes it can reach 12-13 thousand tons. Google Earth satellite images showed the warship is 176 meters long (not 180 as claimed) and 20 meters wide. The waterline calculated by the Nanchang photos is 163 meters long and 18.5 meters wide. The length and width of the waterline, the 6-meter draft and displacement of 10000 tons (11300 tons full displacement) theoretically do not differ from missile cruiser of project 1164. The United States, which abandoned the program to build 19 CG(X) cruisers and cut the series of Zumwalt-class destroyers from 32 to three ships, was impressed by the Chinese shipbuilding program and considered the creation of a heavy cruiser of a new generation. If everything goes according to the plan, the design of the series is likely to begin in 2021 and will take close to five years. The Navy will receive the first warship in the early 2030s. The Americans learned the sour experience of DDG-1000 and will hardly engage in major innovations. They are likely to use traditional architecture and create a multirole warship exceeding the Chinese analogue by displacement and the number of launcher cells (the Nanchang has 112 and the Ticonderoga - 112). The Russian naval doctrine up to 2030 calls to prevent considerable supremacy of other navies and keep the second place in combat capabilities. It is clear Russia will not stay away from competition of the leading powers in naval arms. Copyright 2020 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 13:51 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bdae22 1 National MUI,Gowa,South-Sulawesi,COVID-19 Free The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on Muslims to cancel or suspend events involving crowds such as conferences, discussions and seminars amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The appeal is also a call for the organizer of a Muslim gathering titled Asian World Ijtema to suspend the event, which is set to be held in Gowa, South Sulawesi, on March 19-22. "We should not underestimate the coronavirus. If we cannot break the chain of transmission, many people will fall ill, MUI secretary-general Anwar Abbas said in a written statement on Thursday. Anwar added that close contact between participants such as handshakes, kisses and hugs could happen in such activities. The Gowa administration has decided to postpone the event. Participants who have already arrived in the region will be put on isolation temporarily, according to Gowa Regent Adnan Purichta Ichsan Yasin Limpo. After a religious gathering held in Malaysia from Feb. 27 to March 1, three Indonesian citizens tested positive for COVID-19. The 2020 Johor Qudamak was held at the Sri Petaling Jamek Mosque and in attendance were 700 participants from Indonesia, 200 from the Philippines and 95 from Singapore. The MUI previously issued a fatwa that prohibited Muslims in areas where COVID-19 had spread uncontrollably from performing Friday prayers until the situation returns to normal. It also encouraged people to minimize physical contact, bring their own prayer mats, wash their hands diligently and prohibited Muslims who had tested positive for COVID-19 from attending Friday prayer at mosques. As of Wednesday afternoon, Indonesia has reported 227 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 19 deaths and 11 recoveries. The virus has spread throughout the country, including major regions like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, West Java, Central Java, Banten, Bali, North Sulawesi and West Kalimantan. Like just about everything in New Jersey that remotely involves our public lives, its not beyond comprehension that fighting the coronavirus pandemic might devolve into a north and south schism. The bulk of infected persons reside in a handful of counties near New York City, notably Bergen. Its probably going to remain that way for a while. South Jersey, with far fewer cases diagnosed, could assist greatly the statewide effort. In the spirit of cooperation that fits this emergency, we must drop any notion that we can preserve our southern counties as low-COVID-19 or COVID-19-free enclaves. This is a time when geographical selfishness can be deadly. Start with hospital capacity. A number of redundant facilities might be converted quickly to makeshift isolation or intensive care units, before theres a dire need to call in the Army Corps of Engineers to start constructing MASH tents. Coming to mind first is Gloucester Countys Inspria Medical Center-Woodbury, which just ceased to be an inpatient acute-care hospital. It was replaced last fall by Inspiras new $356 million Harrison Township campus. Although the Woodbury emergency room and other outpatient facilities remain open, the hospital had 253 beds. Patient rooms wouldnt need much more than a thorough cleaning to press them into service again. Farther afield, theres the Memorial Hospital of Salem County, now known as Salem Medical Center, in Mannington Township. The struggling facility, which got new owners last year, had repeatedly dropped services and closed off wings. With a cited capacity of 140 beds, the new operating plan lists just 78 for medical/surgical purposes. About 55 beds are reserved for psychiatric and long-term care, but they may be convertible. Salems current owners also run Hammontons former 130-bed Kessler Memorial Hospital, which closed in 2009 and has been turned mostly into a medical-office complex. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst could present some additional options, with the militarys approval. Heres the thing, though. If the infected need to be transferred south from Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Hudson or Monmouth counties, we cant have any not-in-my-backyard stuff. Local residents shouldnt have such little faith in our states health-care sector that they believe bringing patients to Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Camden or Atlantic counties under controlled conditions will contaminate their own neighborhoods. We saw flashes such of thinking Tuesday in Cape May County, when a top official told people from the rest of the state to stay away. Its true, as county Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton pointed out, that now is not the time to take a beach day or a book a quick vacation. But Thornton also withdrew the welcome mat from people who own second homes in the county. Would if be so awful if uninfected senior citizens from North Jersey or Philly, who own many of these properties, were to hunker down for a few weeks in a less-crowded environment, reducing stress on services in their wintertime locations? The towns might have to turn homes water back on, but they do that every spring anyway. Shore supermarkets see dips in volume after Labor Day, but are expert at bulking up for summer crowds. As of noon Wednesday, Cape May, Salem and Cumberland counties had reported no confirmed coronavirus cases. Atlantic County had just reported its first case; Gloucester County its first two. An alarming report from Rutgers University-Camden indicated that New Jersey needs 300,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients under a worst-case scenario. The states hospitals have just 23,000 beds, total. More are needed, even if the worst-case line is never approached. Were all in this together. Even if South Jersey becomes a net receiver of patients for the time being, the shoobie could soon be on the other foot. Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. RADNOR, Pa., March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP alerts investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) ("Norwegian") on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Norwegian publicly traded securities between February 20, 2020 and March 12, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Norwegian securities during the Class Period may, no later than May 11, 2020 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please click https://www.ktmc.com/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-securities-class-action?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=norwegian%20cruise. According to the complaint, Norwegian is a global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. On August 1, 2017, Norwegian updated its Code of Ethical Business Conduct, which is posted on its website. The Code of Ethical Business Conduct, available throughout the Class Period, discussed health and safety standards, stating in relevant part that its environmental, health and safety "programs are designed to ensure the preservation of the environment, and safety and security of [Norwegian]'s guests, team members and vendors." In December of 2019, a novel coronavirus strain, COVID-19, was detected in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China. Since then, the virus has spread to numerous countries. The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the cruise industry, with reports of canceled trips and half-empty ships. The Class Period commences on February 20, 2020, when Norwegian filed a Form 8-K with the SEC. Attached to the Form 8-K was a press release reporting on Norwegian's financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019. In that press release, the defendants discussed positive outlooks for Norwegian in spite of the COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the Miami New Times reported in an article "Leaked Emails: Norwegian Pressures Sales Team to Mislead Potential Customers About Coronavirus" that leaked emails from a Norwegian employee showed that Norwegian directed its sales staff to lie to customers regarding COVID-19. Further, the Miami New Times article revealed the financial impact the COVID-19 outbreak was causing on Norwegian and its employees. Following this news, Norwegian's share price fell $5.47 per share, or approximately 26.7%, to close at $15.03 per share on March 11, 2020. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Norwegian was employing sales tactics of providing customers with unproven and/or blatantly false statements about COVID-19 to entice customers to purchase cruises, thus endangering the lives of both their customers and crew members; and (2) as a result, the defendants' statements regarding Norwegian's business and operations were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Norwegian investors who wish to discuss this securities fraud class action lawsuit and their legal options are encouraged to contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (James Maro, Jr., Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (844) 877-9500 (toll free) or at [email protected]. Norwegian investors may, no later than May 11, 2020 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP James Maro, Jr., Esq. Adrienne Bell, Esq. 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 (844) 877-9500 (toll free) (610) 667-7706 [email protected] SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Related Links https://www.ktmc.com Bismah Malik By Express News Service BENGALURU: A group of start-up founders and investors has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to impose a strict lockdown and Section 144 across all major cities in the country starting this week. A brief report, prepared by founders, including Urban Company, Snapdeal, Cred and leading venture capitalists, has stressed that an immediate lockdown is needed to flatten the curve and prevent further spread of the virus. ALSO READ: COVID 19 LIVE UPDATES The report suggested that the actual number of undiagnosed Coronavirus positive cases in the country may be five 20 times than the official figure at 600-2,500, as has been experienced in Chinas Wuhan, which was the first epicentre of the deadly infection. It also said that strict containments can result into the reduction of number of deaths by five times and save nearly 10,000 lives. The business community has suggested that a two-week clampdown should start as early as March 20 across all Indian cities. While referring to the data sourced from the World Health Organization, the report said that countries including Japan, Singapore, Thailand acted early during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in the year 2003 and were able to contain the spread. It also cited an example of 1918 flu pandemic during which various social distancing measures helped Philadelphia in the United States to prevent the spread of the infection as compared to St. Louis. The entrepreneur community said although the Indian government has been able to implement effective measures such as screening facilities at airports, travel restrictions and shutting down schools, colleges, the country is still in need of stricter restrictions to prevent the community transmission of the disease. The document stated that an immediate lockdown should be in effect from March 20 to April 17 and Section 144 should be in place till May 17. There may be the need for a second lockdown in the country from May 18 to May 31 in order to avoid the second peak of the virus spread after limiting its restrictions in the first half. The central government may consider easing the restrictions from June onwards, the document further said. A federal appeals court has reinstated a discrimination suit by a former Defense Department employee whose favorable evaluations and high-level job assignments disappeared after a new office director learned he was Asian American. James Farrens, a Navy veteran, started work in 2007 as an information systems security professional for the Pentagons Defense Security Service, reviewing security clearances for about 40 government contractors, and was based in Cypress (Orange County). On a trip to Hawaii in February 2010 for what was considered a prestigious assignment in the office, he was accompanied by the recently appointed office chief, Debra Habel, and mentioned that his mother was Japanese. Soon afterward, the court said, Habel started increasing Farrens workload reassigned some of his inspections to others and told co-workers to review his work to see if he was being honest. Witnesses quoted her as saying Asians, even naturalized U.S. citizens, could not be trusted because they were still loyal to their country and their culture was different. At a staff meeting, she cited one of Farrens reports as an example of how not to conduct an inspection. Farrens also said Habel denied a security clearance to a contractor in 2010 because its manager had been born in China, a decision that was later overruled. Habel removed Farrens from the Hawaii assignment in early 2011. He quit his job several months later, went to work for the Navy as a civilian in San Diego and sued the Defense Department claiming discrimination and harassment. A federal judge dismissed the suit, saying Farrens had failed to allege any discriminatory conduct after January 2011, a deadline triggered by his first complaint to the government. But the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Wednesday that at least one claim of discrimination, Farrens removal from Hawaii, fell within the legal deadline. Witnesses accounts of Habels comments about Asians, and her treatment of other Asian Americans, were direct evidence of discriminatory intent, enough to let a jury decide whether there was a discriminatory motivation behind Farrens reassignment, Judges Kim Wardlaw and Kenneth Lee said in a ruling reinstating Farrens suit over his reassignment. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The court refused to revive Farrens claim of a hostile work environment. He cited his job reassignment, a supervisors refusal to speak to him about his discrimination claims and another supervisors derisive response to his request to use the bathroom, suggesting that he get his bladder checked. None of those post-January 2011 incidents could be considered both offensive and racially motivated, the court said. The third panel member, Matthew Kennelly, a federal judge from Illinois temporarily assigned to the appeals court, said the court should have reinstated the entire lawsuit. In light of Habels previous actions and statements, Kennelly said, the incidents Farrens cited could be considered part of a continuing violation of his right to a fair working environment. Donald Holben, a lawyer for Farrens, said the court could have gone further but at least had allowed him to get something resolved in his favor in future proceedings. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Fiddler crabs have a simple solution to life's daily perils: run. University of Cincinnati biologists are using this compulsion to test the crabs' color vision using simple modified electronics. Most people can detect a huge variety of colors - more than 1 million. We can even tell when one shade is slightly different from another. UC biologist John Layne wants to know if crabs can do likewise. Layne and his students created a miniature movie theater that uses a stripped-down liquid crystal display like the kind found in many computer monitors. A crab is placed in a little glass arena under a tilted screen projecting a video illuminated in color by blue and green light-emitting diodes. ?The video shows a looming stimulus -- a round ball that appears to approach the crabs quickly on screen -- like the famous boulder scene in "Raiders of the Lost Ark." And like Indiana Jones, the crabs react in kind. "They run like a bat out of hell. Their reaction is not subtle. They will sprint really fast and bang into the wall," Layne said. The consistent reaction to the approaching virtual ball helps UC biologists measure the spectrum of visible light the crabs can see. "We're using it to test color discrimination. For an animal to have color vision, what that really means is the ability to discriminate different wavelengths of light," Layne said. "They can see green light. They can see blue light. But can they tell the difference? That's the test." Layne and student co-authors Jeremiah Didion and Karleigh Smith described their vision-testing device in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution. Researchers have only begun to explore the complex visual abilities of animals. While we can see about 1 million colors, some spiders are believed to see 100 times that. And the reigning record holder? Scientists believe it's the mantis shrimp, which has four times as many color receptors as we do. "Just having these color cells doesn't mean they use them for color vision like we do. They might just have these cells that cover more of the spectrum to capture more light," Layne said. "That would be advantageous for animals that live in dim or dark conditions." Fiddler crabs usually have the opposite problem: too much light, Layne said. Their eyes sit on tall eyestalks that serve as periscopes to peer across the mudflats. Their eyes wrap around the tips of these eyestalks. "Part of their eye is staring at the sun at all times. That is a problem for them," Layne said. They compensate with screening pigments that prevent their vision cells from getting fried by excessive solar radiation, he said. Layne keeps his fiddler crabs in ingenious tanks that mimic the changing tides, draining from one tank to the other and back in slightly more than six-hour intervals. At "low tide," the tank's algae-covered rocks are exposed for the crabs. A second tank is full of deep sand so the crabs can dig burrows that periodically flood with rising tide. The male crabs skitter sideways, holding their larger "fiddle" claw in front of them like a gladiator's shield. Some are right-clawed; some left-clawed. It's random. Females have two equally small front claws. Didion is continuing his biology studies at Case Western Reserve University. He said insights we gain from animals can lead in surprising directions. "The value of studying the animal kingdom is exploration. You feel like a modern-day explorer," Didion said. "You never know where the next big contribution to science will come from." ### Southern Charm stars Kathryn Dennis and Craig Conover are in the hot seat for ignoring public health warnings amid the coronavirus pandemic. The reality stars recently enjoyed an outing at a restaurant in Mount Pleasant that was packed with other guests. Amid rising coronavirus concerns and closures throughout the country, Southern Charm fans bashed Dennis and Conover for not setting better examples. Southern Charm stars Kathryn Dennis and Craig Conover | Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Dennis and Conover hit the town despite warnings Despite warnings from health and government agencies, Dennis and Conover decided to head to Reds Ice House in Mount Pleasant for some seafood. Taking to Instagram, Austen Kroll shared a photo of Dennis and Conover sitting in close proximity to each other at the eatery while eating a few crabs. Also present for the outing was Krolls girlfriend, Madison LeCroy. Craig gave us crabs, Kroll wrote alongside the photo. The image clearly shows the Southern Charm stars sitting very close to each other at the bar. Behind them, a slew of costumers are seated enjoying meals as well. Considering how half the country is shutting down to stop the spread of the coronavirus, fans were not happy with the reality stars for setting a bad example. Not to mention posting a photo about it on social media. Southern Charms fans blast Dennis and Conover According to The Blast, fans were pretty angry by the fact that Dennis, Conover, and Kroll decided to dine out and ignore health warnings. A slew of viewers commented on the post, bashing the trio for acting like they do not have to take precautions amid the pandemic. GO HOME! I cannot believe you all are still going out like nothing is wrong, one angry fan wrote. In light of the backlash, Kroll told fans that they all knew people would get mad over the post. But with South Carolina set to close restaurants and bars in the near future, they thought it was a good time to get a last supper in. look, tbh, we all knew wed catch heat for this picture. But its kind of a last supper so to speak. SC is imposing laws tomorrow evening, and our beloved show is feeling it, the repercussions, as they should, as well. Everyone stay safe! Kroll stated. Southern Charm fans did not let up after Krolls explanation, which prompted him to disable comments on the story. Bravo has not said anything about the post, though the series is liking taking a major hit as delays in production continue across Hollywood. The network has not announced an official premiere date for the new season of Southern Charm, which could be pushed back in light of the pandemic. Dennis opens up about her sobriety While the Southern Charm stars deal with the backlash, Dennis recently opened up about her battle for sobriety. Dennis recently took some heat after fans thought she may have been high in a video. Dennis took a screenshot of the comment and addressed the concerns in a new post on Instagram. The Southern Charm star slammed the fan for suggesting that she broke her sobriety and assured everyone that she has not touched drugs in the past four years. No. And thats rude af. I havent been high in 4 years. Am I not allowed to have a sense of humor without you people thinking Im high?! she wrote. Dennis added that one of her biggest peeves post-rehab is that she cannot act silly without fans wondering if she is high. She even asked her followers to let me liveeee at the end of the post. Although Dennis is no longer using drugs, she has started drinking again. The Southern Charm star recently admitted that she occasionally drinks at home but avoids indulging too much at parties. Is Dennis back with disgraced Southern Charm star Thomas Ravenel? Apart from her sobriety, Dennis has also taken a lot of criticism for seemingly getting back with her ex, Thomas Ravenel. After a bitter custody battle that lasted years, the two made amends a few months ago and even attended a party together in January. While Southern Charm fans were concerned about the pair getting back together, Dennis recently confirmed that they have not rekindled their romance. Taking to Instagram, Dennis responded to the rumors by writing that they are Not true. Dennis and Ravenel are putting on a united front for the sake of their children, Kensie and Saint. To that end, they are working to co-parent their kiddos in a healthy environment, which explains some of their recent interactions. Ravenel, of course, is no longer a part of Southern Charm. He got booted from the series a few years ago after being accused of sexual assault. Ravenel eventually pleaded guilty to the charges and is not expected to return to the series. New episodes of Southern Charm are expected to hit Bravo sometime in 2020. When emergency response teams were deployed to an Air Force base in northern California last month to assist potential victims of coronavirus, some members were stunned by the protective gear they were given to aid in their mission: Baby wipes, and construction worker-style paper dust masks, like "you would buy at Home Depot," as one worker told CNN. "We were so pissed," said the source, who was deployed to Travis Air Force Base to greet Americans returning home from China and Japan. Complaints about the seemingly inadequate gear and other alleged protocol breaches were brushed aside by federal health officials managing the operation, three sources directly involved in the process told CNN in exclusive interviews. All spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing fear of retribution for speaking critically of the government's response. The sources said emergency workers who came face-to-face with quarantined potential victims while wearing inadequate protective gear later went into heavily populated areas, including gas stations, restaurants, coffee shops and even tourist attractions such as Alcatraz. "They're spraying down streets with bleach in China," one of the sources said. "We would go straight from quarantine to Starbucks." In an after-action report filed with the US Department of Health and Human Services one of the workers stated that when he complained about the lack of proper protective equipment, a supervisor told him: "If you don't feel comfortable, we'll find another job for you." None of the sources has shown any signs of having contracted coronavirus. Nor are they aware of any fellow emergency workers who have. The narrative shared by the three workers largely mirrors allegations in a whistleblower complaint filed last month by an unnamed official with HHS. The complaint alleged that more than a dozen workers dispatched to greet Americans returning from Wuhan, China, where the virus originated, were "not properly trained or equipped to operate in a public health emergency situation," according to The Washington Post, which obtained a copy of the filing. The complaint stated, among other things, that workers were not trained in wearing personal protective equipment even though they had face-to-face contact with returning passengers, according to The Post. In response to the whistleblower complaint, HHS said none of the employees involved in the repatriating process described in the complaint were exposed to any individuals who tested positive for the virus and that "therefore, testing for the virus is not medically necessary." It added, however, the agency will test any deployed employees who request it "to allay any employee anxiety." HHS said in a statement to CNN this week that it has launched an investigation into complaints at both Travis and March Air Force bases in California to include "... what protocols and procedures were followed at both facilities." Caroline Buckee, a professor of epidemiology at Harvard's school of public health, said much is still unknown about the basic parameters of the virus. "One of the biggest uncertainties for this epidemic is whether people who never showed symptoms can actually spread the disease to other people," Buckee said in an interview with CNN. "And we think that at least some people never show infection at all, never show symptoms of the infection, but they can spread the disease to others." She said people who have ended up in the hospital as a result of the virus "represent the tip of the iceberg" and called for rapid, widespread testing. "Otherwise we don't know what we're dealing with," she said. Fresh questions were raised last week about the screening process when HHS officials revealed that a screener at Los Angeles International Airport had tested positive for the virus. The agency said in a statement that the contract medical screener is believed to have worn the proper protective gear at all times while examining passengers. The agency said there have been no coronavirus detections among LAX screened travelers and that it is unclear how the employee contracted the virus. The employee reported experiencing mild symptoms and was under self-quarantine at home. Last month, California health officials disclosed that a resident of Solano County, where Travis Air Force Base is located 40 miles southwest of Sacramento, was the first suspected case of coronavirus from community exposure. Officials were continuing to investigate precisely how and when the woman came into contact with the virus. The sources who spoke to CNN about the operation at Travis said that, in addition to workers interacting with potential victims without adequate protective gear, including surgical gowns, there was no system in place for sanitizing potentially contaminated clothing. As a result, the sources said, workers would leave the quarantine area wearing the same clothes they'd worn while performing such close-contact tasks as taking potential victims' temperatures. One of the sources said he was stunned when given a bag of baby wipes to clean tables and chairs where patients had been examined. "It's nuts," the source said. "These are not disinfecting wipes. They're skin wipes." The same source said he watched a nurse from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell a worker to take off the highly protective N95 respirator mask he was wearing and replace it with a paper dust mask, because that's all he was authorized to wear. Complicating matters, the source said, was the fact that some team members were mortuary workers unaccustomed to dealing with infectious diseases. They had no independent knowledge of the type of equipment required for the scenario at hand and relied on the advice of CDC supervisors. "They just went along with it like sheep," the source said. Two of the sources deployed to Travis told CNN they felt the leaders of the operation had failed them. "There was zero operational security or control," one said. "They didn't protect us." Dr. Celine Gounder, an epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist at NYU's school of medicine, said the alleged missteps at Travis appeared to fall under the heading of what she called a "systems error." "We have them in the hospital where sometimes we know a mistake was made but no one was harmed," Gounder said. "It's possible we got lucky," she said of issues raised by the workers at Travis. "What you do with those situations is you analyze, and you figure out, okay, how do we do better next time?" Sebastien Bozon | AFP | Getty Images The disclosure that the U.S. government is currently in discussions with Facebook, Google and other tech companies about the possibility of using location and movement data from Americans' smartphones to combat coronavirus has some people on edge about potential privacy and cybersecurity issues. Some technology advocates believe the effort could help change the narrative for these companies when it comes to data privacy. The effort to harness location data is being facilitated by a task force of 60 tech companies working with the White House Office of Science of Technology and the Office of American Innovation, said a source familiar with the situation. Companies and organizations involved range from large to small, including Facebook, Google, Twitter, Uber, Apple, IBM, as well as public health leaders from Harvard and other institutions. With more than 223,000 reported cases worldwide and 9,149 deaths, the coronavirus shows no signs of slowing. Officials believe that the data they can glean from smartphones could help them decipher where the next flood of cases will be and ultimately where to allocate additional health resources. "The task force has a simple mission: to use the specialized expertise of the tech community provide recommendations to the White House and other public health officials that help lessen the impact of this disease. Working with experts across fields, we are finding ways to have an impact while keeping all of tech's existing commitments to consumers," said Josh Mendelsohn, managing partner at venture capital firm Hangar, which is part of the task force. The government has been inundated with offerings of technological help but doesn't always have the resources to vet the offers or the companies making them, the source said. The task force has been sorting through and analyzing the various solutions, proposals and recommendations, focusing on four areas: location data, clinical data, the social isolation problem and telehealth. On March 16 the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a call to action to the tech community and artificial intelligence experts to develop new text and data-mining techniques that could help the science community answer high-priority scientific questions related to COVID-19. "It's all hands on deck as we face the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Eric Horvitz, chief scientific officer at Microsoft in a statement. "We need to come together as companies, governments and scientists and work to bring our best technologies to bear across biomedicine, epidemiology, AI and other sciences. The COVID-19 literature resource and challenge will stimulate efforts that can accelerate the path to solutions on COVID-19." The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy did not reply to a request for comment. Verily, part of Google's parent company Alphabet, told CNBC it is not using mobile geolocation tracking for the Baseline COVID-19 program. Google would not comment to CNBC on talks with the White House on using anonymized location data. 'There is never no risk' "We're coming off years of intense criticism of these companies ... but at some point we need to rely on them," said Michelle Richardson, director of the Privacy & Data Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology. "If people are scared because of past overreaches, this is an opportunity to rebuild trust. These are sophisticated companies, and they have the ability to come up with creative solutions and protect data in ways smaller companies can't. And maybe find a way to serve the public interest without sharing in a way that upsets people." But Richardson said there is never no risk in these technology efforts. "There are gradations of data-sharing," Richardson said. "Sharing of individual information on a known person, especially if it is combining location data and government health information, becomes more dangerous. That can be used in ways that harm or exploit people. "To say it's truly aggregated and there are lots of people in the area, here it is with names taken off ... it can be reidentified pretty easily by both government and companies," Richardson said. In a statement to the Washington Post, Google spokesman Johnny Luu said the company is "exploring ways that aggregate anonymized location information could help in the fight against COVID-19." One example could be helping health authorities determine the impact of social distancing, similar to the way we show popular restaurant times and traffic patterns in Google Maps, he said, adding that it "would not involve sharing data about any individual's location, movement or contacts." A growing interest in mining data There has been growing interest in analyzing and using data collected by companies such as Facebook and Google. Last May, Facebook's data scientists introduced disease-prevention maps to help nonprofits and universities working in public health get ahead of disease outbreaks. Among the offerings: population density maps that use satellite imagery and census data to create detailed maps that include insights on demographics such as young or elderly populations. Also, movement maps that draw on health system information and aggregated location information from Facebook. "There is no agreement to share people's location data with governments," said Facebook spokesperson Andy Stone, who says the tech giant is creating disease-prevention maps that draw on Facebook location data and other sources. "This data is available to researchers, not the government. In the U.S. we briefed the CDC on the work we do with aggregate, de-identified data maps with researchers which has been previously reported and they were supportive of our doing more of it. We have not received requests for location data from the U.S. government." Andrew Schroeder, vice president of research and analysis at Direct Relief, a California-based disaster-relief organization, has been working with mapping tools such as those at Facebook to track population movements during natural disasters, like hurricanes or wildfires, to determine evacuation patterns and if people are leaving the fire perimeter zone. More recently, he has been aggregating data to give public officials in California a clearer view into what is happening with the coronavirus. Researchers are looking to integrate location data into disease-forecasting models to estimate contact rates, rates of transmission and to project where the disease might spread to next, in particular to those in the highest risk groups. "The key actors on social distancing are public officials. We have to figure out a way to make the data we do have accessible," he said. For other governments, such as Taiwan, modeling and tracking data has been a key part of their coronavirus response. Facebook has launched co-location maps there, which use data about mobility to forecast where different groups of people are likely to cross paths. Researchers can then rank which communities are most at risk and make recommendations. But such information is not readily available in the U.S. and may be more difficult to implement. In addition to privacy concerns, some worry that a focus on tracking cases might take away from other efforts. It would be foolish to not explore these opportunities. ... South Korea and Israel have already begun initiatives to use smartphone data to monitor the spread of coronavirus, and other countries likely will as well. Daniel Castro vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation "It would be foolish to not explore these opportunities," said Daniel Castro, vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. "People may have privacy concerns, and some of these concerns may be legitimate. But focusing on only privacy while ignoring public health would be a mistake. South Korea and Israel have already begun initiatives to use smartphone data to monitor the spread of coronavirus, and other countries likely will as well. If the United States pursues this as well, it can show other countries how to do so while protecting American values and civil liberties," he said. Time is of the essence Others, like Susan Levinson, CEO of BioAegis Therapeutics, a North Brunswick, New Jersey-based biotech company focused on developing therapies for infectious, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, believes time is of the essence. Her team is currently working to fast-track a therapy, a naturally occurring human protein called recombinant plasma gelsolin, as a treatment for COVID-19. It has already been in several clinical studies outside the U.S. "While epidemiologists surely can learn from the data that is collected, the most urgent need for patients is to push forward the development of therapeutics to save lives. By the time the technology is put in place, the infection will likely have spread across the country, and the question is whether this is useful today or for the next pandemic," she said. The scientists at BioAegis are currently working to fast-track a therapy, a naturally occurring human protein called recombinant plasma gelsolin, as a treatment for COVID-19. BioAegis Therapeutics "Game of Thrones" star Indira Varma has revealed that she has tested positive for coronavirus. Her diagnosis comes two days after fellow "Game of Thrones" actor Kristofer Hivju also said that he tested positive for the COVID-19 infection. Varma, who played the role of Ellaria Sand in the epic HBO series, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the "I'm in bed with it and it's not nice. Stay safe and healthy and be kind to your fellow people," she wrote. The 46-year-old actor was starring in the modern take of Anton Chekhov's play "The Seagull" in London's West End, alongside "Game of Thrones" alum Emilia Clarke. The play is on hold due to the pandemic. "So sad our and so many other shows around the world have gone dark affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope to be back soon and urge you all (and the govt) to support us when we do. Phoenix/ Seagull rising from the ashes (sic)," Varma wrote in her post with photos from the rehearsals. Varma and Hivju join Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Olga Kurylenko, and Rachel Matthews among the Hollywood celebrities who contracted the virus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) She previously offered to help those in need with their shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic. And Scarlett Moffatt once again showcased her kind side as she donated items to a food bank following a trip out to the shops on Thursday. The TV personality, 30, took to Instagram where she revealed that she had brought food for people, including her own grandparents, before dropping off essential food items to her local church. Kindhearted: Scarlett Moffatt showcased her kind side as she donated items to a food bank following a trip out to the shops on Thursday amid the coronavirus pandemic Sharing a video of herself being driven around by her mum Betty, the former Gogglebox star gave an update of how things are in her local area of Bishop Auckland - and the star once again urged her fans not to hoard groceries. She wrote: 'I'm with my mum, weve been around the shops now trying to get stuff, for example my cousin couldnt get any baby milk and weve been scouring around for baby milks. 'I feel like everyones hording it because we dont really know whats happening. I do urge us not to hoard stuff.' Scarlett then went on to explain that she had been to her local shop which still had rice, noodles, milk and bread in stock, should her followers need provisions. Helping hand: The TV personality, 30, took to Instagram where she revealed that she had brought food for people, before dropping off essential food items to her local church She continued: 'If anyone has anything spare, like were dropping some stuff off for Father Dennis at St. Marys church, but Im sure that all local food banks and churches will need all of your help. 'Just drop things off like tinned potatoes, corned beef, things they could make meals out of. Im sure that if you are out and about today, then yeah, drop some stuff off for those in need.' She then shared snap of herself, with the caption: 'Pasta meals, noodles and soup given to the food bank (couldnt find any toilet roll for the elderly though.' Neighbourly: Sharing a video of herself being driven around by her mum Betty, the former Gogglebox star gave an update of how things are in her local area of Bishop Auckland - and the star once again urged her fans not to hoard groceries This was Scarlett's seconmd act of kindess in a number of days as the TV favourite took to Instagram on Monday to ask her followers if anyone needed any items from the shops, as she prepared to head out to get provisions. Sharing a selfie with the question, she wrote: 'Going shopping tomorrow how can I help local elderly people in my area - I can leave food on their doorstep?' Revealing she would be shopping in Bishop Auckland, Scarlett urged her followers to get in touch so that she could help everyone she could. Doing her part: Scarlett Moffatt offered to buy shopping for the elderly in her area on Monday amid the coronavirus crisis... as she urged fans not to panic buy Scarlett went on to advise her fans not to panic buy as it takes away from others, as she added: 'I do feel like we need to make sure we aren't just thinking about ourselves in this situation. 'It is an epidemic and we need to make sure we aren't hoarding things unnecessarily and that we can helping people as much as we can.' Earlier in the day, Scarlett appeared on Lorraine and discussed how things are going with her boyfriend Scott Dobinson, as well as her experience on Celebrity Bake Off. Helpful: Scarlett went on to advise her fans not to panic buy as it takes away from others, as she said: 'we need to make sure we aren't just thinking about ourselves in this situation' Advice: Scarlett went on, 'It is an epidemic and we need to make sure we aren't hoarding things unnecessarily and that we can helping people as much as we can' Host Lorraine Kelly commented that things between Scarlett and Scott, who she has been dating for over a year, seem to be going really well. Scarlett said: 'I feel like Im probably a bit quiet about it because it is going so well.' She added: 'I'm 30 this year and I feel like some people panic into thinking lifes a checklist and youve got to have got married and had kids by a certain age and its not like that. It can be any age.' Keeping calm: Earlier in the day, Scarlett appeared on Lorraine insisted she's not 'panicking' about turning 30 this year On dealing with online trolls, Scarlett said: 'As Ive got older, especially since meeting Scott actually, Im sort of a bit like... 'Im not saying it doesnt affect us, it does, but I feel like a big thing for me is self-care, which I always thought was a bit hippy. 'It is important to read the positive things and take yourself out of the situation. Dont go on social media for a few days, do things you like doing like walking your dog.' Zarif calls for forging new path to emerge from COVID19 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, March 18, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message congratulated over Nowruz, and called for forging a new path, if the nation wanted to emerge from the coronavirus. "If we are to make the world that will emerge from #COVID19 a better one, we must seize the opportunity to forge new path," Zarif tweeted on Wednesday. He added: "My thoughts on the occasion of #Nowruz, the Persian New Year." Nowruz (meaning new day in Persian) marks the first day of spring and Persian New Year that is celebrated across the world by various countries, particularly in Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan. It was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 by the UN. Iranian Foreign Minister also released an English video in which he said "My country is among the hardest hit by the coronavirus even like other nations we are now learning how to better confront it sadly a huge part of the danger Iranians face is due to restrictions unjustly imposed on them the United States government....Even amid this pandemic the US government has been fully refused to lift its unlawful and collective punishment making it virtually impossible for us to even buy medicine and medical equipment." 9376**1424 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White, of Imperial Beach, California, was detained in Iran while visiting a girlfriend there in July 2018. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for insulting Iran's supreme leader and posting private information; the State Department said he was serving a 13-year sentence. His mother had called for White's immediate release in an interview with The Associated Press this month, saying she was concerned about the well-being of her son and that he had been battling cancer. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) Netizens are simply not having it with critics dismissing the leadership style and quick action of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto amid the coronavirus disease outbreak. #ProtectVico was trending all over Twitter Thursday afternoon with netizens rallying around the 29-year-old mayor who has been proactive in his consecutive efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the city. In a span of hours, the hashtag has so far garnered over 27,000 tweets from netizens calling out various personalities and administration supporters for "hate speech" and other supposed verbal attacks against the local chief executive, whom they claim, was "only doing his job" amid the crisis. Even celebrity Ethel Booba did not mince words against critics of the mayor. "Mga virus lang ang galit sa magandang ginagawa ni Mayor Vico Sotto para sa kaligtasan ng nasasakupan nito sa Pasig City. Charot!" she tweeted. [Translation: Only viruses can get mad at the efforts initiated by Mayor Vico Sotto for the safety of his constituents in Pasig City.] Through her online propaganda blog, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration deputy administrator Mocha Uson shared a Facebook post late Wednesday night which described the young mayor as "pabebe," and called on the Interior Department to strictly enforce the law prohibiting tricycles from operating in cities as the entire Luzon undergoes the enhanced community quarantine. On Thursday, Interior Department spokesperson Jonathan Malaya warned that they will file charges against Metro Manila officials who will violate the national government's guidelines on the protocol. Sotto previously ordered the mobilization of tricycles to assist health workers and patients who have no other means of transportation to hospitals a move which Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said violates rules on social distancing. Sotto also earlier assured employees of the city government that they will still receive their regular salaries even if they are not required to report to work for the month. Frontline workers will also receive hazard and overtime pay, and other means of compensation. He also allocated 400,000 food packs and 8,000 bottles of vitamins worth over 160 million to residents during the enhanced community quarantine. Luzon will be under quarantine until April 13 as the government tries to address the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. As of Thursday, the Philippines has recorded a total of 217 COVID-19 cases, with 17 fatalities and eight recoveries. This job expired on 18 May 2020. RNS REACH PRESS RELEASE Ergomed Announces Provision of Clinical Research Services for COVID-19 Clinical Study Guildford, UK 18 March 2020: Ergomed plc (ERGO.L) ('Ergomed' or the 'Company'), a company focused on providing specialised services to the pharmaceutical industry, today announces the initiation of a study of siltuximab, an interleukin (IL)-6 targeted monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 who have developed serious respiratory complications (Siltuximab In Serious COVID-19; SISCO Study). The study is sponsored by the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, Italy and supported by EUSA Pharma (EUSA) (see announcement below). Ergomed is providing clinical research services for the study and has been integrally involved in the design and implementation of the study from a clinical and operational perspective. Dr Miroslav Reljanovic, Executive Chairman of Ergomed, said: COVID-19 represents an unprecedented global healthcare challenge and the rapid evaluation of therapies which could alter the course of the infection and improve outcomes for patients is vital. Ergomed is proud to be making a contribution to this effort by bringing our proven capabilities and expertise to bear on this important study. The full text of the announcement issued by Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital and EUSA on 18 March is as follows: EUSA Pharma and the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy announce initiation of an observational case-control study of siltuximab in patients with COVID-19 who have developed serious respiratory complications Hemel Hempstead, ENGLAND and Bergamo, ITALY 18th March 2020 EUSA Pharma, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology and rare disease, today announced the initiation of the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital sponsored study of siltuximab, an interleukin (IL)-6 targeted monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 who have developed serious respiratory complications (Siltuximab In Serious COVID-19; SISCO Study). Ergomed plc (ERGO.L), a company focused on providing specialized services to the pharmaceutical industry, is providing clinical research services for the study. Story continues Professor Alessandro Rambaldi, MD, PhD, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy, Study Sponsor-Investigator and Director of the Hematology Unit and Department of Oncology and Hematology, said: The team at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital are thankful to EUSA Pharma for the supply of siltuximab for compassionate use in patients with serious complications of COVID-19 and the opportunity to generate data to understand the potential for IL-6 blockade in these patients. The SISCO Study will allow us to generate credible data as evidence to guide future treatment and research decisions and we look forward to publication of these data as quickly as possible. The Hospital is in a very difficult emergency situation and rapid collection and analysis of data by way of a case-control study will provide much needed information to help address this critical situation and appropriately guide the use of medicines in an off-label situation. Lee Morley, Chief Executive Officer, EUSA Pharma, said: We are delighted to support this study to investigate the potential for siltuximab to help patients severely ill as a result of COVID-19. Following the release of initial data from China suggesting a role of IL-6 in the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a result of COVID-19, EUSA Pharma was pleased to assist Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital with the supply of siltuximab under compassionate use and to support the collection, analysis and publication of initial outcome data from this series of patients. We look forward to working further with the Hospital as well as Italian and Worldwide Regulatory Authorities, and other research bodies to fully understand the potential of siltuximab at this critical time in the global pandemic. About the SISCO Study Sponsored by the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, the SISCO Study is an observational case-control trial of siltuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting human interleukin (IL)-6, for the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19 who develop serious respiratory complications. The study represents the data collection and analysis of a series of patients treated under an ongoing emergency compassionate use protocol. The study will investigate two cohorts retrospectively, hospitalised patients prior to admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) or patients already requiring intensive care, and will compare to matched controls. Primary endpoints are reduction in the need of invasive ventilation, time spent in ICU or 30-day mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that exacerbated production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is associated with the severity of COVID-19 related pulmonary pathology associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, direct targeting of this cytokine may improve clinical outcomes in these critically ill patients. This study will provide important data to inform future clinical studies, discussions on which are ongoing, to further investigate the efficacy of siltuximab in patients with COVID-19 who develop serious respiratory complications. Initial data are expected in late March 2020. #ENDS# About siltuximab Siltuximab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the action of interleukin (IL)-6, a multifunctional cytokine detected at elevated levels in multiple inflammatory conditions. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) under the brand name of SYLVANT for the treatment of patients with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) negative (idiopathic MCD; iMCD). iMCD is a rare, life-threatening and debilitating lymphoproliferative disorder, which causes abnormal overgrowth of immune cells and shares many symptomatic and histological features with lymphoma. EUSA Pharma has exclusive rights to SYLVANT globally. EUSA Pharma has granted BeiGene, Ltd., exclusive development and commercialization rights to SYLVANT in Greater China. Indications and Usage of SYLVANT - See full Prescribing Information for additional information. SYLVANT (siltuximab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) who are HIV negative and HHV-8 negative. Limitations of Use: SYLVANT was not studied in patients with MCD who are HIV positive or HHV-8 positive because SYLVANT did not bind to virally produced IL-6 in a nonclinical study. Contraindications: Severe hypersensitivity reaction to siltuximab or any of the excipients in SYLVANT. Dosage and Administration Administer SYLVANT 11 mg/kg over 1 hour as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks until failure. Perform hematology laboratory tests prior to each dose of SYLVANT therapy for the first 12 months and every 3 dosing cycles thereafter. If treatment criteria outlined in the Prescribing Information are not met, consider delaying treatment with SYLVANT. Do not reduce dose. Do not administer SYLVANT to patients with severe infections until the infection resolves. Discontinue SYLVANT in patients with severe infusion related reactions, anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions, or cytokine release syndromes. Do not reinstitute treatment. ENDS Enquiries: Ergomed plc Tel: +44 (0) 1483 402 975 Miroslav Reljanovic (Executive Chairman) Richard Barfield (Chief Financial Officer) Numis Securities Limited Tel: +44 (0) 20 7260 1000 Freddie Barnfield / Huw Jeremy (Nominated Adviser) James Black (Broker) Consilium Strategic Communications for UK enquiries Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700 Chris Gardner / Sue Stuart ergomed@consilium-comms.com Matthew Neal / Olivia Manser About Ergomed plc Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 19:57 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bffba5 1 World Foreign-Ministry,COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,cruise-ship,Wuhan-coronavirus,Diamond-Princess,Grand-Princess,India,Singapore,Malaysia Free Forty-eight Indonesian citizens have tested positive for COVID-19 overseas, says the government, including those infected while on international cruises, proven to be a hot spot for the deadly virus spread. As of Thursday, the Foreign Ministry had recorded 14 confirmed cases in Singapore, 13 in Malaysia, nine in Japan, eight in India, one in Taiwan, one in Australia, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Macau. The nine infected in Japan, crew members of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, as well as one patient in Singapore, have recovered. The Foreign Ministrys director for citizen protection, Judha Nugraha, said on Thursday that the government was coordinating with authorities in Malaysia to get more information about the infected citizens linked to the recent tabligh, an Islamic religious mass gathering, in Kuala Lumpur that had caused a significant surge for Malaysias confirmed cases, putting the country into partial lockdown since Wednesday. More than 16,000 participants attended the event on Feb. 27 to March 1, including 696 Indonesians, 215 Filipinos, 130 Vietnamese, 90 Singaporeans, 79 Cambodians and 74 Bruneians, The Straits Times reports. The North Sumatra administration ordered local administrations to trace 350 residents across the province who had returned from the gathering. They were placed in observation in an effort to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further. Judha said the Foreign Ministry had been coordinating with a mosque in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta -- the headquarters of the tabligh congregation to obtain comprehensive data for contact tracing. The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has sent a diplomatic notice to the Malaysian government to also get the data as soon as possible, Judha told reporters in a teleconference on Thursday. However, the contact tracing, Judha said, might be difficult as those who had participated in the gathering had not been organized by the mosque. We have called on the participants to reach out to us or to the Indonesian Embassy immediately, he added. Read also: 68 percent of COVID-19 deaths recorded in Jakarta as nationwide fatalities rise to 25 The government is monitoring closely the well-being of Indonesians who have tested positive in the country, as well as those who are in areas prone to the disease, including Indonesian crew members of international cruises. This is a new phenomenon where such cruises are becoming a hot spot for COVID-19 infection. To protect our citizens, when the ships are cruising, the Indonesian government will cooperate with the cruise operators to ensure the crew members are healthy, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah during the live teleconference. Such measures are what the government took when 78 Indonesian crew members were stuck on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan recently. Fifty-seven Indonesian crew members are still stranded aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship in Californias Port of Oakland. The government is closely monitoring the situation, as the plan for evacuation has been delayed due to health certification matters. Initially, the government planned to charter a flight from San Francisco to Belgrade and then New Delhi to Batam. However, the plan has been delayed as United States authorities have yet to issue health certificates that declare the crew negative of COVID-19. Our missions in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, DC have contacted the authorities and the cruise principal to ensure the well-being of our fellow Indonesians on board, said Judha. The government has asked the cruise management to make sure the Indonesians are in good condition and off duty until the evacuation takes place. The ship is being disinfected. After that, the crew will be under 14-day quarantine inside the ship, he said, adding that the evacuation could be performed as soon as the quarantine ended. The Thursday dismissed as "not maintainable" several applications seeking directions to the to apply post-based reservation and creamy layer principle at entry level with regard to promotions to SC and ST employees. A bench of Justices U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud said the miscellaneous applications (MAs) were challenging the actions taken by the state government to implement its Reservation Act of 2018 after the constitutional validity of the law was upheld by the apex court in May last year. The bench said if the applicants were aggrieved by the steps taken by the state government, then they should challenge it in "independent proceedings". "The present MAs are, in effect, a substantive challenge to the actions of the state government in implementing the Reservation Act 2018 through the government order dated May 15, 2019 and the circular dated June 24, 2019. "If the applicants are aggrieved by the steps which have been taken by the state government, it is open to them to pursue a substantive remedy for challenging the steps taken by the state government in independent proceedings," the apex court said. The top court was of the view that such MAs were "not maintainable". "Having come to this conclusion, no need arises for this court to adjudicate upon the other contentions urged by senior counsel appearing for the applicants. We consequently dismiss the miscellaneous applications, but leave it open to the applicants to pursue such independent remedies as may be available in the law. We clarify that no observations have been made on the merits of the matter," the bench said. The government order of May 15 last year had lifted the state's earlier stay on implementation of the reservation law and the June 24, 2019 circular contained frequently asked questions and their answers with regard to preparation of seniority list. The apex court in its verdict of May 10 last had upheld the Karnataka government's 2018 law which provided for reservation in promotion and seniority to SC and ST employees, saying that establishing them as participants in governance was "intrinsic to an equal citizenship". The top court had said that providing the reservation would not affect the efficiency of administration, was "not at odds with the principle of meritocracy" and "cannot be treated as the acquisition of creamy layer status". The court had said it cannot be construed that promotees from SC and ST categories are not efficient or that efficiency would be reduced by appointing them as this was a "stereotypical assumption". The apex court's verdict had come on a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation (to the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act 2018. The petitioners had contended that providing the reservations would affect the efficiency of administration, was at odds with the principle of meritocracy and would lead to creation of a creamy layer status. Tough-on-crime policies that put low-level offenders behind bars while they await trial have pumped up the prison population and made rehabilitation programs at the Ravenhall Correctional Centre ineffective. In a report tabled in State Parliament on Thursday, Auditor-General Andrew Greaves said fewer prisoners are able to access programs designed to reduce reoffending because of Corrections Victoria's decision to raise the number of remand prisoners at Ravenhall. An explosion in Ravenhall's prison population is affecting the private operator's ability to effectively implement rehabilitation programs. Credit:Joe Armao Fifty-two per cent of the prison population is on remand, while more than half the inmates spend less than three months at Ravenhall before their release. Prisoners serving less than 90 days are ineligible for programs designed to reduce reoffending. Mr Greaves said most of the prisoners were unable to take part in, and benefit from, the programs run by Ravenhall's private operator, GEO Group. Global Asthma and COPD Drugs Market Size, Growth and Share Analysis by Disease (COPD and Asthma), Product (Long-Term Asthma Control Medications, Quick Relief Medications), Route of Administration (Oral, Inhaled), Distribution Channel (Retail Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies) and Region (Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa) Forecast till 2025 Asthma and COPD Drugs Market Highlights Global Asthma and COPD Drugs Market size are expected to register a CAGR of 7.90% during the forecast period with a market value of USD 43,444.72 Million till 2025. Asthma is a type of inflammatory disease that affects the lungs and makes breathing difficult. It is one of the common chronic condition affecting many people across the globe. COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an umbrella term used for a group of respiratory diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma and COPD Drugs Market Segmentation The Global Asthma and COPD Drugs Market have been segmented by disease, product, route of administration, and distribution channel. The market, based on disease, has been bifurcated into asthma and COPD. Request Free Sample Copy at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/en/sample_request/8749 Based on product, asthma and COPD drugs market has been segregated into long-term asthma control medications and quick-relief medications. The long-term asthma control medications are further segmented into combination drugs, anticholinergics, inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, theophylline, and others. The combination drugs are further segregated into Seretide/Advair, Symbicort, Relvar/Breo Ellipta, Flutiform, Dulera, and others. Anticholinergics is further sub-segmented into Spiriva and others. Inhaled corticosteroids are further segmented into Pulmicort, Flovent, Qvar, and others. The quick-relief medications have been further segmented into short-acting beta-agonists, oral & intravenous corticosteroids, ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), and others. Short-acting beta-agonists have been further segregated into Proair and Ventolin. Global asthma and COPD drugs market, based on the route of administration, has been segmented into oral, inhaled, and others. On the basis of the distribution channels, global asthma and COPD drugs market has been segmented into retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Asthma and COPD Drugs Market Regional Analysis Global asthma and COPD drugs market, based on region, has been divided into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The Americas are likely to dominate global asthma and COPD drugs market. This can be attributed to the rising patient population suffering from asthma and COPD in the region. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, in 2016, approximately 8.3% of children in the US had asthma. Moreover, the rising health expenditure per person and increasing demand for advanced treatment options are also expected to drive market growth. The European market for asthma and COPD drugs is expected to be the second-largest during the review period. The growing awareness of asthma and COPD in Europe is expected to boost the growth of the regional market. For instance, in April 2017, the United Action for Allergy and Asthma was launched in Europe to raise awareness regarding asthma in the continent. Additionally, the prevalence of asthma and COPD is also increasing in Europe, which is also fueling market growth. Access Report Details at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/asthma-copd-drugs-market-8749 Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing market owing to the rising awareness regarding COPD and asthma in the region. For instance, Koninklijke Philips launched a campaign in May 2019, for raising awareness of asthma in India on World Asthma Day. Moreover, a high prevalence of asthma and COPD is also positively affecting the market growth. The market in the Middle East & Africa is expected to witness steady growth due to the rising patient population suffering from asthma and COPD in the Middle Eastern countries. Asthma and COPD Drugs Market Key Players MRFR recognizes the following companies as the Key Players in the Global Asthma and COPD Drugs Market GlaxoSmithKline plc (UK), AstraZeneca (UK), Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (Germany), and Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA (Italy). Asthma and COPD Drugs Market Key Findings The Global Asthma and COPD Drugs Market is estimated to reach USD 43,444.72 Million by 2025 at a CAGR of 7.90% during the assessment period The Americas accounted for the largest share of the global asthma and COPD drugs market due to the increasing incidence rate of asthma and COPD Based on disease, the COPD segment accounted for the largest Asthma and COPD Drugs Market share of 61.29% in 2018 Based on product, the long-term asthma control medications segment accounted for the largest Asthma and COPD Drugs Market share of 83.01% in 2018 Based on route of administration, the inhaled drugs segment accounted for the largest Asthma and COPD Drugs Market share of 53.53% in 2018 Based on distribution channel, the retail pharmacies segment accounted for the largest Asthma and COPD Drugs Market share of 49.88% in 2018 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Browse More Related Research Reports at: Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Market Hybrid Operating Room Market About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Contact: Akash Anand Market Research Future +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com A fast and inexpensive diagnostic test for dementia has been adapted in seven major Indian languages to help boost the detection of the disorder in the country, scientists announced on Thursday. A team of Indian and UK researchers adapted the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III), a well-known screening instrument for dementia detection, for use in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Urdu, Tamil and Indian English. "Accounting for cultural differences and linguistic characteristics of different populations is crucial for the development of a common instrument to diagnose dementia," said Eneida Mioshi, a professor of dementia care research at University of East Anglia in the UK. "The development of a common diagnostic tool will facilitate harmonisation of dementia research across diverse populations, and catalyse the development of preventative and treatment strategies for larger cohorts of dementia from diverse demographic and geographic backgrounds," Mioshi said. The study, published in the journal Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, aimed to standardise and validate ACE-III across seven Indian languages, and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the test to detect dementia and mild cognitive impairment. The researchers said a major proportion -- 58 per cent -- of people with dementia reside in low- and middle-income countries, and by 2050 that will increase to 68 per cent. Standardising diagnostic tools for dementia is important to accurately determine prevalence rates and to establish risk and protective factors for dementia, they noted. "With the rising burden of dementia globally, there is a need to harmonise dementia research across diverse populations, said Suvarna Alladi, professor of neurology at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. "The ACE-III is a well-established cognitive screening tool to diagnose dementia, but there have been few efforts to standardise the use of it across cohorts speaking different languages," said Alladi, who led the study. As many as 1,203 study participants from Hyderabad, Delhi, Thruvananthapuram, Bengaluru and Puducherry were examined by an experienced neurologist. The team, including researchers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in Puducherry, also interviewed a reliable family caregiver for each participant. They reviewed their demographic and cognitive histories and medical records to determine their eligibility for the study. The study included controls and participants who were diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, but those with moderate or severe dementia were excluded. In accordance with the original version of ACE-III, the Indian versions look at five different cognitive functions: attention, memory, fluency, language, and visuospatial functions, according to the researchers. Culturally appropriate modifications were formulated based on the clinical and research expertise of the researchers. The researchers noted that each of the five domains of the test were evaluated for cultural relevance, translatability, comparable difficulty and adaptability. For example, in the memory section, participants were asked about Indian politicians and movie actors, they said. A common administration and scoring guide was developed and psychologists were trained to ensure standardised test assessment in seven Indian languages. The researchers said ACE-III had previously been adapted and validated into one of the Indian languages -- Gujarati. The ACE-III tool has been validated in languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and others. "The adapted versions of ACE-III show great diagnostic accuracy in identifying dementia and mild cognitive impairment in a linguistically diverse context," Miloshi said. "Not only the ACE-III is a quick and inexpensive method of screening for dementia, it will also allow for harmonisation in future cross-national research studies, propelling Indian dementia research forward," the scientist explained. "This adapted version of ACE-III is necessary and can be used to uniformly diagnose cognitive impairment in people speaking different languages from both rural and urban populations located across India," said Professor BN Gangadhar, Director and Vice-Chancellor of NIMHANS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bernie Sanders presidential campaign effectively came to an end Wednesday, with campaign manager Faiz Shakir announcing that Sanders was returning to his home in Burlington, Vermont, where he is going to be having conversations with his supporters to assess his campaign. The announcement was emailed to millions of people on the campaign mailing list, without the usual accompanying request for a donationa sure sign that Sanders is preparing to drop out. What Sanders and his top aides will assess is the exact form in which he will begin to campaign for former Vice President Joe Biden: should Sanders officially drop out now, or should he maintain the pretense of a contest. It is significant that Sanders is bringing his campaign to a close precisely at the point where reality is demonstrating the necessity for socialism. The spreading coronavirus pandemic is exposing the inability of capitalism to deal with any of the great problems confronting mankind. As the ruling elites respond by funneling trillions of dollars into the stock markets, workers throughout the world are outraged over the criminal indifference of world governments to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. For the second time in four years, Sanders has mounted a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination which mobilized a wide popular following, particularly among young people, based on his calls for a political revolution and his focus on social inequality. And for the second time, Sanders will attempt to convince his supporters to back the most right-wing, pro-capitalist candidate available. The growth of anti-capitalist sentiment revealed in the support for Sanders frightened the ruling class. After Sanders initial victories in early caucuses and primaries, the Democratic Party turned sharply against him. The same party that Sanders claimed could be reformed mobilized to resuscitate the campaign of Biden, the semi-senile embodiment of the party as an instrument of Wall Street and the military. Most of the remaining candidates dropped out and endorsed Biden, while the nominal progressive Elizabeth Warren ended her campaign without endorsing anyonean effective statement of support for Biden. The party mobilized the corrupt representatives of the African American bourgeoisie and petty-bourgeoisie to support Biden on the basis of racialist appeals. The media was organized to present Biden as the most electable candidate to defeat Trump, while supporters of Sanders were branded as Russian agents. Sanders had no answer to the offensive against him. When the Democratic Party kicked him in the teeth, his response was to shift further to the right, adapting himself at every turn. This included a number of statements declaring his readiness to wage war against Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China, and that the US has the best military in the world. At the final debate this past Sunday, focused on the coronavirus, Sanders came off above all as ineffectual and unserious. Nothing Sanders said advanced anything beyond the standard boilerplates of his campaign. It was as if the extreme severity of the crisis passed entirely over his head. His criticisms of my friend Joe did not extend beyond mild rebukes. He did not once mention socialism, capitalism, or his political revolution. In a statement issued Tuesday evening, as the polls were closing on the third consecutive week of electoral defeats at the hands of Biden, Sanders did not propose anything beyond the measures under discussion between the congressional Democrats and the Trump administration. For example, he called on Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act and send military forces to the areas hardest hit by the epidemic, both actions which Trump announced the following day. Sanders called for somewhat more resources to be devoted to the fight against the epidemic, as well as slightly more generous provisions for those infected, laid off or caring for children because of the crisiswhere Republican Mitt Romney proposed a $1,000 check to every American, Sanders proposed $2,000 a month. Sanders does not call for placing the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries under public ownership in order to launch an emergency program to open more intensive care units and produce ventilators, as well as the development of a vaccine. He does not call for confiscating the fortunes of the super-rich to pay for the enormous social needs created by the crisisand aggravated by decades of corporate-directed cutbacks in public health care services. He does not even call for taxing the wealthy. Most of all, Sanders does not call on the working class to do anything, except passively accept whatever the American ruling elite chooses to provide. Here is the essential phoniness of Sanders claims to fight the domination of American society by the billionaires. It is impossible to wage this fight within the confines of the Democratic Party, a party of Wall Street. The Sanders campaign in many respects mirrors those of previous left and insurgent Democratic Party candidates and political figures, including Jesse Jackson, Dennis Kucinich, Al Sharpton, Howard Dean and Barack Obama himselfthe transformative candidate of hope and change whose election in 2008 supposedly inaugurated a sea-change in American politics. The results of these previous proposals to perform political alchemy on the Democratic Party are self-evident. Not only in the United States, but around the world, working people have experienced the betrayals of organizations that claimed to represent an opposition to the capitalist ruling elite, and ended up doing their bidding. This includes Syriza in Greece, Jeremy Corbyn in Britain, Podemos in Spain, the Left Party in Germany, and similar lefts in France and many other countries. Sanders, however, is seeking to carry out the job of channeling opposition into the Democratic Party under far more explosive conditions. Masses of workers and young people are moving to the left. The coronavirus pandemic will vastly accelerate the political radicalization that has already begun. It is necessary to assimilate the experience of the Sanders campaign and draw the appropriate political conclusions. It is not so much a question of Sanders himself, but a whole type of pragmatic politics that hopes for a solution to the crisis confronting the working class without a direct challenge to the capitalist system. The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) anticipated the trajectory of the Sanders campaign. When he announced his 2020 presidential campaign in February of last year, the WSWS wrote, The fundamental fraud promoted by Sanders, along with individuals such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is that the Democratic Party can be pushed to the left and made a force for progressive change. The attitude of the SEP toward the Sanders campaign, and all those organizations who promoted it, was based on a scientific, historically grounded, Marxist analysis, rooted in the history of the Trotskyist movement, that proceeds not from what political tendencies or individuals say about themselves, but from their history and program and the class interests they represent. The only way forward for the working class is on the basis of a genuinely revolutionary policynot a political revolution to promote the Democratic Party, but a socialist revolution to overthrow capitalism. The purpose of the Socialist Equality Party presidential campaign is to bring our program and international perspective to the widest possible numbers of working people and young people, both in the United States and worldwide. We call on all workers and young people to join this campaign and support this fight. New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday evening on the situation arising out of coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to combat it, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday. 'PM Shri @narendramodi will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it,' the PMO tweeted. In another tweet, the PMO said Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus. 'Ways to further strengthen India's preparedness were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities,' it said. The prime minister has emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the coronavirus menace. He has also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next. The prime minister has been regularly taking to social media, urging people to prepare themselves but not panic. He has supported the idea of avoiding non-essential travel and limiting gatherings to check the spread of the virus. Modi has also expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating coronavirus including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with aviation sector, municipal staff and others. Earlier this week, he participated in a video conference of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation leaders to prepare a joint strategy to tackle the pandemic. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 151 in the country on Wednesday. The government had on Tuesday banned the entry of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to India with immediate effect, according to an additional travel advisory. This instruction is a temporary measure and shall be in force till March 31 and will be reviewed subsequently. The government has also banned the entry of passengers from the European Union countries, Turkey and the United Kingdom from March 18 till 31 to check the spread of the virus. This is the latest fallout from the coronavirus outbreak and further limits Catholics from actively practicing their faith after the archdiocese suspended all religious services and restricted the number of people who can attend a funeral to 10 and gave a general dispensation from Catholics skipping Sunday Mass. Theres been no word on when the suspension might end. The next batch of Indians stranded in coronavirus-hit Italy will be evacuated over the weekend, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. It said 380 swab samples of Indian were brought back from Italy. Out of these, four have tested positive for coronavirus and the remaining 376 negative, Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary in the MEA and the coordinator for the COVID-19, said at a media briefing. A total of 218 Indians, mostly students, arrived here from Milan on Sunday, following which they were taken to an ITBP quarantine facility in south-west Delhi's Chhawla area. On evacuation of more Indians from Italy, Ravi said the European nation is severely affected by the disease. "You are quite aware of the lockdown situation in Italy and the intra-provincial lockdowns have happened making it difficult to take any support from missions or to be able to evacuate," he said. "Despite these challenging circumstances, we have been able to evacuate Indians. We are planning the next batch over the weekend," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sydney-based consultancy CAPA Centre for Aviation warned in a statement on Monday morning that most of the world's airlines will be bankrupt by the end of May. Airline carriers are suspending routes for March, April, and May, and a full grounding of fleets has yet to be ruled out as flight restrictions have been placed across the world, spurring a collapse in demand, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "As the impact of the coronavirus and multiple government travel reactions sweep through our world, many airlines have probably already been driven into technical bankruptcy, or are at least substantially in breach of debt covenants. Cash reserves are running down quickly as fleets are grounded and what flights there are operate much less than half full," CAPA said. CAPA said, "demand is drying up in ways that are completely unprecedented. Normality is not yet on the horizon." It said cancellations among global carriers had been seen in more significant amounts with new flight restrictions coming online. Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst in San Francisco, tweeted on Sunday evening that a "Growing number of sources within #airlines & DC telling me the WH giving serious consideration to grounding all passenger flights for 14-30 days (cargo would be exempted)." Related: Saudi Aramco Is Very Comfortable With $30 Oil Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was heard on Saturday, indicating that the Trump administration is laser-focused on providing relief for airlines and other industries affected by the groundings. CAPA said, "coordinated government and industry action is needed" to avoid a collapse of the airline industry. Otherwise, "emerging from the crisis will be like entering a brutal battlefield, littered with casualties." Airlines, cruise ships, hotels, casinos, and other industries have been the most impacted as the virus outbreak threatens to grind the global economy to a halt. #COVID19 - Sat 14 March - significant reductions by airlines across their networks, e.g. AZ -77%, LH 37%, FR 29%, EZ 23%, AF 22%, BA -14%. Will worsen as the air travel restrictions kick-in over the coming days. @A4Europe @IATA @ECACceac @Transport_EU @ACI_EUROPE pic.twitter.com/kBk2nZeTId Eamonn Brennan (@eurocontrolDG) March 15, 2020 Global airline stocks are crashing below 2016 lows. Is it time for President Trump to start bailing the American travel industry? As an aside, Boeing's default risk has exploded in recent days to a 1 in 3 chance of bankruptcy... By Zerohedge More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The longest undefended border in the world is suddenly becoming much harder to cross in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wednesday, days after Canadian leaders closed the border to other foreign nations, but not our neighbours to the south, the prime minister announced a mutual agreement to restrict non-essential travel between Canada and the U.S. We are in extraordinary times and in extraordinary times its important to make decisions swiftly, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said explaining the decision on Wednesday. And on Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clarified the measures would likely kick in on Friday night. OK. So, the border is closing but what does that mean for you and your loved ones? Heres what we know, and what we dont know yet: So, why is this happening now? As both Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump have said, the goal is to stem unnecessary travel and hopefully slow the spread of outbreaks across the border. This is especially important as U.S. border states like Washington and New York have become epicentres of COVID-19 in that country. As early as March 16, though, the leaders were saying Canada and the U.S. were too closely integrated to close the border. So what changed? Two things: Political pressure, and the rising numbers. They felt they had to do something because people were saying: What about those damn Americans? said University of British Columbia medical geographer Tom Koch. The root of that fear for Canadians, Koch said, is that Americas well-publicized troubles with testing mean the true size of the outbreak may be much larger even than the growing numbers suggest. Youre getting outbreaks down in Washington state that are scaring everyone, he said. What exactly counts as essential travel? We dont yet know for sure, but officials have drawn a few hard lines. For one, the rules will in no way impede the trading relationship, Freeland assured reporters. The last thing the Canada or U.S. economies need right now is another blow. Another hard-line is for Canadians returning to Canada Freeland said they will always be permitted to come home and, presumably, the same for Americans headed south. The one kind of travel we know will be distinctly not permitted is tourism, with provincial and federal officials emphasizing the point that its not the time to be travelling across borders for fun during a pandemic so, that means even a social-distancing conscious hiking trip through Yellowstone is out. Canadas earlier border restrictions on other countries also made allowances for close family members of citizens and permanent residents. But that leaves a range of cross-border travel where the rules arent quite clear yet. How many people and how much trade crosses the border each day? According to the U.S. State Department, nearly $2 billion (US) in goods and services crossed the U.S.-Canada border every day before COVID-19, with roughly 400,000 people travelling between the two countries daily. Figures from Statistics Canada show that in February 2020 alone, almost 745,000 Americans drove across the border into Canada, and 1.6 million Canadians entered the U.S. by car. What happens to basic food imports like fresh fruit and vegetables? In his Wednesday news conference, Trudeau assured Canadians that supply chains and the trucking industry will not be affected. These supply chains ensure that food, fuel, and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border, he said. Still, any new delays at the border can have knock-on effects. Brian Kingston, vice-president of international and fiscal issues at the Business Council of Canada, said the experience after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks show that sudden changes to border rules have the potential to cause major disruptions for time-sensitive shipments like fresh food. The most important thing the government can do is communicate clearly and provide advance notice about any new procedures, he said. Something seemingly minor like requiring truckers to fill out additional paperwork could have big consequences. If you introduce a five-minute delay per truck that wasnt there yesterday, that piles up very quickly, Kingston said. What if its my job to cross the border, like the trucking industry, or a cross-border commuter? Will I be affected? Canadians and Americans who cross the border for urgent work will not be impacted, Trudeau said Wednesday but what exactly that means in practice is not yet clear. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Canada Border Services Agency had not yet clarified what kind of worker might be exempt from the new border restrictions. A spokesperson for the agency referred the Star to the list of exemptions applied to earlier instructions about self-isolating after travel. Those exempt included truck drivers, health care providers, airline crews and infrastructure workers if theyre healthy. Kingston said the federal government needs to be very careful about who counts as essential. In addition to obvious essential sectors, he said, workers in other industries should also be included. As an example, he cited the Canadian electrical grid, which he said depends on the expertise of U.S. workers who cross the border to perform basic maintenance and other tasks. You can multiply this across every industry, Kingston said. It may not be easy to see the immediate connection to an essential service, but they may, in fact, do something thats critically important to a sector of the economy. ... if truck drivers can still cross the border, do they not pose a risk of spreading the coronavirus? Truck drivers are still subject to COVID-19 screening and questioning, and theyll be denied entry if they exhibit symptoms or have returned from a hot spot country in the 14 days before crossing the border, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). Drivers are also exempted from the 14-day self-isolation imposed on other border-crossers, so long as theyre healthy. But theyre expected to practise social distancing, self-monitor and self-isolate if they develop symptoms. Its a tricky balance. Mandating self-quarantines for drivers crossing the border would bring our economy to a grinding halt and jeopardize the public safety of Canadians, the CTA said in a statement. What about Canadians still in the U.S., can they simply drive home? Yes. Canadians can return home. According to Evan Rachkovsky of the Canadian Snowbird Association, more than half a million Canadians spend their winter south of the border each year, with nearly three-quarters drivers. He estimates hundreds of thousands of them are still in the U.S. Whats not yet entirely clear is what will happen to a Canadian who shows up at the border with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result. According to Canada Border Services Agencys website, Canadians returning to Canada must tell the officer if they have a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing. (Regardless, any non-exempt traveller is expected to isolate themselves from others for 14 days upon re-entry.) Rachkovsky said one of the biggest concerns for his members is that their medical insurance for travel may expire. Some insurance firms have already given Canadians notice that their coverage will end in 10 days, he said. Can my non-citizen spouse or family member return home? Canadas restrictions on foreign nationals do not apply to immediate family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and diplomats, according to the federal government. What about cross-border FedEx? Can I still shop online or ship things to family across the border? The CBSA said Wednesday it did not yet know how the border closure will affect courier services. Shannon Davis, a spokeswoman for FedEx in the U.S., told the Star Canadian authorities have confirmed the closure does not apply to or impact cross border trade and FedEx will continue to operate between the U.S. and Canada. According to the CBSA, the details of the border restrictions are a work in progress and more information will be available as things unfold. Will anything change at the airports? The CBSA said it does not know if or how the new border closing will change the situation at Canadas airports, where the situation has already tightened up. Last week the federal government drastically reduced the number of flights from foreign countries entering Canada, leaving airports in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary as the only ones receiving international flights. So, how long until the border is open again? We dont know. Realistically, the measures will be in place for however long it takes for officials in Canada and the U.S. to feel confident the spread of the virus is going down, and staying down. These measures will last in place as long as we feel that they need to last, Trudeau said Wednesday. Koch, the medical geographer, said that after the countries are past their peak for virus transmission, they may start allowing schools, parks, and restaurants to re-open with restrictions. That could also justify letting American tourists into the country, he said. But whether thats weeks or months from now is an open question. Ultimately, the trajectory of the pandemic itself will decide how long mitigation measures like border control will stay in place. Ben Spurr is a Toronto-based reporter covering transportation. Reach him by email at bspurr@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @BenSpurr Read more about: (Photo : REUTERS/Benoit Tessier) An attendee uses a Microsoft Xbox One controller while playing a video game at the Paris Games Week (PGW), a trade fair for video games in Paris, France, October 29, 2019. (Photo : Microsoft | via Tiziana Celine) New XBox Series X (Photo : Microsoft | via Tiziana Celine) Microsoft has revamped every internal piece for the new machine. (Photo : Microsoft | via Tiziana Celine) Memory cards have returned to add extra storage 1 TB at a time. After months of teasing and sneak peeks, Microsoft has eventually unveiled the full specifications for its following console, the Xbox Series X. However, the jargon-heavy screen - Microsoft even posted a thesaurus to help explain it all. You might you scratching your heads over the pros and cons of the approaching behemoth. The coronavirus outbreak canceled various video game trade show. That hasn't stopped Microsoft from outlining its upcoming hardware. The gaming company stripped the reveal right down regardless of the complex components of the Series X. ALSO READ: Rumors: E3 2020 To Host An Online Event Following Coronavirus Outbreak As Internet Reacts to Recent Cancellation Here are the things you'll need to understand regarding the upcoming Xbox Series X, and what to make of them. No one-of-a-kind first-party release video games At release, Microsoft won't release any of its very own games that run solely on the brand new platform. So, if you're nonetheless satisfied with the overall performance of your older Xbox model, a brand new name won't twist your arm into upgrading. That will change down the road, however, as developers deal with taking advantage of the Series X's extra strength. Eight cores Inside the Xbox Series X, you'll see an AMD Zen 2 eight-core CPU, each clocked at 3.8GHz. It's a custom version of AMD's processor, which already places it in advance of many high-end gaming PCs on the subject of pure computing energy. Bottom line: it's fast enough that Microsoft believes it's going to bear for years. As you look forward to hearing from Sony regarding its new PS5 soon, you wouldn't be amazed to see something similar underneath the hood there. 12 teraflops In the real world, measuring teraflops doesn't accomplish lots to cease users because it doesn't necessarily translate directly into higher everyday performance. What it does provide players is a rough idea of a whole lot of raw computing power lives in a gadget. Twelve teraflops are double of what you'll get in Microsoft Corporation's modern flagship. 1 TB SSD Storage is probable the only specification size you sincerely know about your Xbox as your storage is continuously filling up with hefty video games and updates. The Series X, however, completely rethinks the way the console handles storage. The console itself will include a 1 TB SSD power to replace the spinning power that's occupying your current device. If that's sufficient space, you could add 1 TB memory card that Microsoft has teamed up with Seagate to produce. It may also have USB 3.2 compatibility if you need to attach external storage. 4K HDR Console compatibility hasn't usually given much attention. However, Microsoft has introduced its intentions to make older games work on the brand new Series X. The latest release will additionally upscale a few native 1080p games to 4K HDR to make them look higher on modern TVs. 8K We began to look 8K TVs creeping into mainstream manufacturer lineups again, even though there's nearly no local content to look at on them just yet. Players actually won't get the ones silky smooth 120 fps frame rates with that an awful lot resolution. However, Microsoft claims it has been working with the TV manufacturers for years to ensure games can take care of the high-resolution. 40 seconds Switching between games isn't the simplest region wherein things have sped up. The demo video above specializes in load times. Microsoft says that its sport State of Decay masses forty seconds quicker on the brand new gadget than on the Xbox One X. Verdict There's no question the Xbox Series X is going to be an absolute beast of a machine as you hear more about the new Xbox Series X this coming June. The spec revelation could be overwhelming for some. But it guarantees a wholesale reinvention of how video games perform. However, if the final user experience is as clean, fast, and impressive as it should be, it could be a game-changer in the race to be king of the following generation. ALSO READ: Rumors: E3 2020 To Host An Online Event Following Coronavirus Outbreak As Internet Reacts to Recent Cancellation 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Authorities in Srinagar on Thursday announced restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first positive case of coronavirus in Kashmir has been detected. The area within a 300-metre radius from the house of the 67-year-old COVID-19 patient in Khanyar locality has been sealed, officials said. Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said restrictions on the movement and assembly of people was to prevent the spread of the virus. "The restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding the spread of any likely cases," he tweeted and urged people to cooperate. READ| Ayodhya gears up for mega Ram Navami mela despite Coronavirus; admins seek cancellation Chaudhary also urged all the people, who might have come in contact with the coronavirus positive patient after her return from Saudi Arabia on Monday, to report at the nearest health facility or contact the control room. "It's important that people who come in contact with coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to a nearest health facility or our 247 control room," he added. The deputy commissioner warned against any rumor-mongering about coronavirus. "Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let's act like responsible citizens. All information and advisory will be shared officially," he said. Srinagar Mayor appeals to residents Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor Srinagar Municipal Corporation tweeted, IMPORTANT: I request ALL Srinagarites to STAY at their homes from tomorrow morning and venture out ONLY when absolutely necessary. Those with ANY flu like symptoms should immediately home quarantine themselves. Report for screening/testing if symptoms worsen. I have been informed a short while ago that #Srinagar has had its first positive case for #Covid2019. Its a congested area in the city interiors. We have to be transparent to convey the gravity of the challenge and also seek serious measures and responsible behavior. His tweet added, I have been repeatedly urging for maximum possible preventive measures and will continue to advocate for MAXIMUM precautions. Panicking wont help. The best possible approach is to stay at home and follow ALL guidelines. The SMC is gearing up for elevated measures and sterilization. Our chemicals and machines have been received and stocked today. I am sure all agencies and departments are going to do their best but the battle will be won or lost by how responsibly people behave on the ground. Expect more regulations and restrictions from tomorrow and understandably so. Lets not rush to the hospitals when avoidable and risk the safety of others and our own selves. #SocialDistanacing and #StaySafeStayHome are two key instructions to follow. Lets be responsible! READ| Pakistan raising Kashmir in SAARC COVID-19 meet was 'churlish & unwarranted': Govt sources A woman with coronavirus fears she may have infected others after spending time with friends and family before receiving her diagnosis. Gold Coast woman Alisha believes she contracted the disease while in transit heading home to Australia from America last week. The 28-year-old came down with her infection suddenly, going from no respiratory symptoms to quickly feeling feverish and unbalanced. 'I'd just come back from America and I though I had jet lag and just needed some sleep, but it progressed intensely over a 24 hour period into me calling an ambulance,' she told A Current Affair. Alisha believes she contracted coronavirus while in transit from America to Australia last week Alisha rushed to hospital on Friday, where she was surprised she wasn't isolated and sat with the general public in a waiting room. 'They realised I'd already been tested, so they gave me some paracetamol and told me to get picked up and go home,' she said. Alisha had been in close contact with three people for a few hours at a time before she got her positive coronavirus test result on Wednesday. She had also been near other passengers on her flights, trains, buses and an Uber in transit heading home. Alisha believes there should be stronger measures in place to prevent potentially infected people from being in contact with the public after her sister fell ill after picking her up from the hospital. 'My sister came and picked me up and now she is quarantined and she's really sick cause she was around me,' Alisha said. 'That could have been avoided.' Her sister is waiting for results to see if she has contracted the disease. There are currently 568 cases of coronavirus in Australia, with six deaths. THE announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night that UK schools will close from Friday until further notice and that exams in May and June are cancelled has caused stressed pupils in Northern Ireland to fear for their futures. The news came while millions of pupils self-isolate as coronavirus spreads across the UK and has left GCSE and A-Level pupils here unsure of their next steps. Belfast teenager Annie Heavern is a pupil at Strathearn School. The 16-year-old says the news was "frightening". Expand Close Annie Heavren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Annie Heavren "I don't know if they are going to take our predicted grades," she said. "I've worked hard all year on my school work, putting in a lot of effort, and to not to get to finish it is annoying. "If they award on mock exams, people don't try hard for those exams. I was revising the night before and day of the exams, because I thought that they didn't really count for anything. I thought I had a lot more time to prepare for my actual GCSEs, but now that it is not happening, it is quite scary. "It is annoying but I don't think that they really have any other options because of the whole coronavirus issue. I think they are trying to do the best that they can. So, I guess we will just have to deal with it." Lucy Greaves (18) is a pupil at Victoria College in Belfast. She is in her A-Level year. "I just feel very disoriented and stressed," she said. "There has been no confirmation about what is going to happen and I think everyone is really anxious about university and what they are going to accept us on. There have been a lot of whispers that they are going to mark us on predictive grades or let us do our exams in September and start university in December. "If they did go on predictive grades, I think it might compromise the integrity of the A-Levels. I think everyone is so very stressed out. But I think it was the best decision to close the schools because they are just breeding grounds for infections." Luke O'Grady (18) is an A-Level student at St Columb's College in Londonderry. "I am in my final year," he said. "I'm doing Moving Image Art, English Lit and Art and Design. This year is very crucial year for me. I want to go on to university to do Film Studies. Expand Close Luke O'Grady / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Luke O'Grady "Everything is in disarray at the moment. We have already been off for a week and I found it a blessing because the previous week the teachers and students were frightened and there was a lot of panic in school. I wasn't really getting a lot done. "Once I got home I got more done and have got more done this week being off. St Columb's College seem to be on the ball with regards online teaching." He added: "Friends are freaking out. Some of them didn't do as well as they had wanted last year and were doing loads more hoping to make it up this year. A lot of people are in limbo." Patrick Gray (16) is a GCSE student at Dominican College in Portstewart. Expand Close Patrick Gray / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Patrick Gray "I thought we could have stayed in school for a bit longer," he said. "Because if we still have to take the tests in the summer or September, we'll be at a disadvantage now not being in school for so long. Google Classroom has been set up for us, so we're going to do quite a bit on that. "If they go on predictive grades or mocks, usually what students do is pull it out of the bag for GCSEs, the important bit, not the mocks. You just really wing the mocks a bit. "I'm going to do the online learning, but if it comes out that we are being awarded our predictive grades I'm not going to do any more work, because there is no point." New Delhi, March 19 : Screens are everywhere in this day and age. Digital devices have become less of a pastime and more of a troubling habit. Exposure to adequate levels of natural light during the day has been reduced and there is over exposure to relatively high levels of artificial light at night. More time is being spent on smartphones, tablets or computer screens and less and less time spent playing outside, reading a book, or socializing with peers. Sitting at a computer all day and peering into the phones at night, the screen time exposure is much more than the previous generations. This has led to a growing concern over the safety of these light sources as we don't yet know even half the damage that all of this may, or may not, be doing to our body. Excessive screen time has been linked to insomnia, mood disturbances and eye damage previously, and now a new aspect of its relation with skin ageing is under research. Dr Richa Nagpal, Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Noida explains this in detail. All the digital screens are known to emit high energy visible light also called as 'The Blue light'. As the name suggests, it lies in the spectrum of visible light and has a short wavelength (450-490 nm) and higher amount of energy. Sunlight is the major source of blue light outdoors and the LEDs, fluorescent lights and digital screens (found on TVs, smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets and gaming systems) form the main indoor sources. Although, the amount of high energy visible light these devices emit is only a fraction of that emitted by the sun, but the amount of time people spend using these devices and the proximity of these screens is a cause of concern. Excessive screen time has been linked to insomnia, mood disturbances and eye damage previously, and now a new aspect of its relation with skin ageing is under research. Natural skin ageing is a gradual process that occurs over a period of years. The production of reactive oxygen species increases with age and the ability of human skin cells to repair DNA damage steadily decreases with ageing. The primary concern with exposure to blue light is that it generates free radicals, which plays an important part in skin ageing. Since it has high energy it can penetrate deep into the collagen and elastin causing further skin damage. Excessive screen time also disrupts the circadian rhythm, which is necessary for a sound sleep and the cellular repair which is greatest at night. So, on top of accelerating the production of free radicals, the regeneration process of skin is also compromised. Theoretically, an increased risk of pigmentary disorders such as hyperpigmentation is there with chronic use of smartphones and other electronic devices. A lot of research is being done into the effects of visible light on skin and as of now the likelihood that blue light leads to premature ageing of the skin is very remote and its role in hyperpigmentation remains speculative. However, keeping in mind the probable health concerns associated with the blue light, the screen time should be minimised. It is a good idea to shut off all the digital devices a couple of hours before bed. Further exposure can be reduced by either adjusting the level of blue light on the screens or use of specialised screen that filters blue light. (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in) D onald Trump has claimed that the distribution of two drugs, hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir, could be a "game-changer" in the fight against coronavirus. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, he called on health regulators to expedite potential therapies aimed at treating Covid-19, saying it could lead to a breakthrough while a vaccine is still under development. Mr Trump pointed to efforts on Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental anti-viral drug remdesivir and the generic antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine. The President said he has called on the US Food and Drug Administration to streamline its regulatory approval process to make the two "very powerful" drugs available for prescription. He hailed the move a potential "game-changer" in the fight against coronavirus. President Donald Trump addresses the coronavirus response daily briefing at the White House in Washington / REUTERS Mr Trump said hydroxychloroquine, which has already been approved by the FDA, has shown "tremendous promise" and would be made "available almost immediately". "We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately," he said. "That's where the FDA has been so great - it's been approved," he added. "We're going to be able to make that drug available by prescription." The President also said that the drug has been "around a long time" so if it is not effective at treating Covid-19, it is still "not going to kill anybody". "When you go with a brand new drug you don't know that's going to happen. It's a very powerful drug in different forms. It's shown very encouraging early results." Coronavirus - In pictures 1 /106 Coronavirus - In pictures A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" is seen on an underground station platform Getty Images Customers wearing face masks shop at the pork counter of a supermarket following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province Reuters Westminster Bridge is deserted in London the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown PA Canadian passengers Chris & Anna Joiner ask for help onboard the MS Zaandam, Holland America Line cruise ship, during the coronavirus outbreak, off the shores of Panama City via Reuters A man crosses a nearly empty 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City Reuters The London Eye is pictured lit blue in support of the NHS, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Commuters cope with Coronavirus Jeremy Selwyn Milan's Piazza del Duomo empty AFP via Getty Images People in protective clothing walk past rows of beds at a temporary 2,000-bed hospital for COVID-19 coronavirus patients set up by the Iranian army at the international exhibition center in northern Tehran, Iran AP Martina Papponetti, 25, an ICU nurse at the Humanitas Gavazzeni Hospital in Bergamo, Italy poses for a portrait at the end of her shift AP Pope Francis celebrating a daily mass alone in the Santa Marta chapel at the Vatican, as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19 AFP via Getty Imag Vysheyshaya Liga - FC Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino v FC Belshina Bobruisk - Torpedo Stadium, Zhodino, Belarus, March 27, 2020 Players in action during the match despite most sport being cancelled around the world as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters Hanks and Wilson both have coronavirus Tom Hanks General view of an emergency makeshift field hospital as it is set up at Pacaembu Stadium for coronavirus (COVID-19) patients with a capacity of 200 beds in Sao Paulo, Brazil Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres, work from home if possible and avoid all non-essential contacts and travel in order to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic PA Naomi Campbell catches a flight in a hazmat suit with goggles, a surgical mask and rubber gloves @naomi Sophie and Emily Ward pose for a photograph with their hand-drawn picture of rainbows and a message on their window in St Helens, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters Mia, aged 8, and Jack, aged 5, take part in "PE with Joe" a daily live workout with Joe Wicks on Youtube to help kids stay fit who have to stay indoors due to the Corona virus outbreak. PA Shoppers queue outside a branch of Costco, in Croydon, south London, on the weekend after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered pubs and restaurants across the country to close PA Charing Cross Tube Bakerloo Line very quiet at 8.15am Jeremy Selwyn A woman with a plastic box over her head on the London Underground. PA A Racegoer attend Cheltenham Festival on Ladies Day wearing a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits a laboratory at the Public Health England National Infection Service in Colindale PA A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A couple kiss in Milano Centrale railway station in Milan on March 8, 2020 AFP via Getty Images A combination picture shows visitors wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) looking at blooming cherry blossom nd a pigeon walking at an closed cherry blossom viewing spot during the first weekend after Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (not pictured) urged Tokyo residents to stay indoors, in a bid to keep the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from spreading Reuters This combination photo created on March 5, 2020 shows tourists visiting Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province on March 16, 2019 (top) and on March 5, 2020 AFP via Getty Images Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump looks at the $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package bill as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Vice President Mike Pence stand by during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House Reuters A satellite image shows an empty South Beach during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Miami, via Reuters General view inside the empty stadium as the two teams line up prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund at Parc des Princes UEFA via Getty Images A Sainsbury's supermarket in Cambridge is among those to sell out of antibacterial hand sanitizer PA Tents and ambulances are set up next to the Princess Cruises Grand Princess cruise as it sits docked in the Port of Oakland on March 09, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Princess Cruises Grand Princess has been held from docking until today as at least 21 people on board have tested positive for COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus Getty Images Medical staff produce traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus at a hospital in Wuhan AFP via Getty Images Army soldiers wearing protective suits spray disinfectant as a precaution against the new coronavirus at a shopping street in Seoul, South Korea AP Russian President Vladimir Putin wearing protective gear walks at a hospital for patients infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the outskirts of Moscow via Reuters A woman who has recovered from the COVID-19 is disinfected by volunteers as she arrives at a hotel for a 14-day quarantine AFP via Getty Images Passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship are seen as the ship arrives at Daikoku Pier where it is being resupplied and newly diagnosed coronavirus cases taken for treatment as it remains in quarantine after a number of the 3,700 people on board were diagnosed with coronavirus Getty Images Dave Abel pictured in hospital in Japan Manchester United fans in the stands during the Premier League match at Old Trafford PA Police officers wearing masks stand in front of the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel in La Caleta, in the Canary Island of Tenerife AP Carnival revellers wear protective face masks at Venice Carnival Reuters A general view is pictured of Burbage Primary School in Buxton, Derbyshire after the closure of the school as a pupil's parent has tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 AFP via Getty Images People wearing face masks walk past the Olympic rings in front of the new National Stadium, the main stadium for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Game Getty Images People leave Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes where Coronavirus evacuees are due to be released from quarantine today and allowed to go home PA Matt Raw, a British national who returned from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, leaves quaratine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA A woman wears a mask while crossing London Bridg Getty Images A general view of Worthing Hospital in West Sussex PA Passengers relax on board the Holland America-operated Westerdam cruise ship, which has been denied permission to dock in Thailand over coronavirus fears via Reuters A child waves as she sits in a vehicle carrying residents evacuated from a public housing building, following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, outside Hong Mei House, at Cheung Hong Estate in Hong Kong Reuters A woman wearing a Minnie Mouse face mask looks at her mobile phone in Beijing on February 11, 2020 AFP via Getty Images The Costa Smeralda cruise ship of Costa Crociere, carrying around 6,000 passengers, is docked at the Italian port of Civitavecchia after a health alert due to a Chinese couple and a possible link to coronavirus on board, in Civitavecchia, Italy Reuters A patient covered with a bed sheet at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital as it starts to accept patients displaying mild symptoms of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan AFP via Getty Images A medical official takes the body temperature of a man at the departure hall of the airport in Changsha, Hunan Province, as the country is hit by an outbreak of a new coronavirus, China Reuters The view of the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center Getty Images A plane carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, arrives at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire A police vehicle enters the gates of the Royal Air Force station RAF Brize Norton in Carterton AFP via Getty Images Passengers wear face masks as the push their luggage after arriving from a flight at Terminal 5 of London Heathrow Airport AFP via Getty Images French citizens arrive and settle aboard of an evacuation plane with destination southeastern France, before departure from Wuhan Airport (WUH), China AFP via Getty Images Police stand at a checkpoint at the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge that crosses from Hubei province in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China Reuters A member of staff at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside prepares for a bus carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China PA Doctor Paul McKay, who is working on an vaccine for the 2019-nCoV strain of the novel coronavirus, poses for a photograph with bacteria containing fragments of coronavirus DNA, at Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM) in Londo AFP via Getty Images Workers produce masks at the Thai Hospital Product Company Ltd. factory in Bangkok AFP via Getty Images Passengers wearing face masks are seen on a bus after disembarking from the Costa Smeralda cruise ship, after tests on a woman from Macau with suspected coronavirus came back negative, in Civitavecchia, Italy Reuters People hoard bottles of alcohol after the Philippine government confirmed the first case of the new coronavirus in the country, in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Reuters Taking precautions: with fears growing that the coronavirus will spread from China, a health official checks a womans temperature on the underground in Beijing Getty Images An empty road is seen in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020, amid a deadly virus outbreak which began in the city AFP via Getty Images Students wearing masks meditate prior to a lesson at a high school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia AP Medical staff at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital wear protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus AFP via Getty Images Staff move bio-waste containers past the entrance of the Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, where some infected with a new virus are being treated, in Wuhan, China AP Workers driving excavators at the construction site of a field hospital In Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The builders will complete the 1,000-bed hospital by February 3 to cope with the surge of 2019-nCoV patients in the city Getty Images Buddhist monks wear masks as they walk near Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodi AP A woman and a child wearing protective masks walk toward check-in counters at Daxing international airport in Beijing AFP via Getty Images An employee sprays disinfectant on a train as a precaution against a new coronavirus at Suseo Station in Seoul, South Korea AP A policeman wearing a mask walks past a quarantine notice about the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, China at an arrival hall of Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan Reuters Paramilitary police wear face masks as they stand guard at Tiananmen Gate adjacent to Tiananmen Square in Beijing AP The resident wear masks to buy vegetables in the market in Wuhan Getty Images Staff sell masks at a Yifeng Pharmacy in Wuhan AP Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV AP Mr Trump also announced that the FDA are near to approving Remdesivir, which is already being tested in China to treat Covid-19. "We have to remove every barrier," he said, speaking about getting the drugs approved and ready for distribution. "It could be a game-changer, and maybe not," Mr Trump told reporters. "But based on what I see I think it could be a game-changer. "They are very powerful. So I want every American to know we are doing everything we can." FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said his agency was working quickly to examine all possibilities. "In the short term, we're looking at drugs that are already approved for other indications," Mr Hahn said. The University of Minnesota revealed on Tuesday that it was launching a clinical trial of whether hydroxychloroquine, a derivative of chloroquine, can prevent people catching coronavirus. Trial volunteers who have been exposed to someone with known Covid-19, but who are not ill, will be given hydroxychloroquine to test whether it can stop the illness developing or reduce its severity. According to a laboratory test conducted by the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, chloroquine was found to be "highly effective" in controlling Covid-19 infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also included chloroquine as one of the drugs being prioritised under its global Solidarity Trial - an international study bringing together various nations' efforts to test potential coronavirus treatments. Dr Andrew Preston, reader in Microbial Pathogenesis at the University of Bath, said: "Chloroquine is better recognised as an anti-malarial drug. "It is cheap, considered relatively safe in humans and has been used for over 70 years. "However, for over 10 years there have been studies reporting the anti-viral effects of chloroquine, or its common derivative hydroxychloroquine, against flu and Sars, raising hope of activity against the current pandemic virus." Dr Preston said studies showing chloroquine's anti-viral effects during the previous Sars virus outbreak received "relatively little attention" as it died away. He highlighted recent research in Marseille, France, where a trial of chloroquine treatment on 20 Covid-19 patients in hospital saw 70 per cent considered to be cured after six days. Dr Preston emphasised more scrutiny was needed of the results as well as larger controlled trials on chloroquine's effectiveness. "But in among the oppressive darkness of the current situation, any glimmer of hope is very welcome," he added. President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus response briefing / REUTERS Robin May, Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham, said of chloroquine: "It is a drug that has a long history of use against malaria, essentially because it diffuses into red blood cells, making the environment within the cell less suitable for the parasite to live in. "Since it has a long history of clinical use, the safety profile of chloroquine is well-established and it is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, so it would - theoretically - be fairly easy to accelerate into clinical trials and, if successful, eventually into treatment." Last month, it emerged that the UK's Department for Health and Social Care had banned the "parallel export" of chloroquine and ritonavir/lopinavir. SUGAR LAND, Texas, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- QuVa Pharma, Inc. today announced that it has joined the Compounding Quality Coalition a diverse group that comprises the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the PEW Charitable Trusts, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), and the National Association of Country and City Health Officials (NACCHO), that supports and enables patients to have access to high quality, clinically necessary compounded drugs. This move is part of QuVa's long-standing commitment to educating health care providers about the benefits of more stringent compounding requirements aimed to create a higher quality, effective and robust 503B industry. "Hospitals and health systems should not have to worry about whether the medicine they deliver to patients is safe and effective," said Stuart Hinchen, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at QuVa. "To this end, QuVa is a strong supporter of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) view that all stakeholders have a role to play in making the implementation of the Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013 (DQSA) a success." "The coalition's objectives to ensure DQSA continues to advance and safeguard patient access to high quality sterile compounded products is now even more enhanced by having a leading national 503B sterile compounder like QuVa join," said Coalition Co-Directors Clay Alspach and Mark Hendrickson. "QuVa has been committed to raising the standard in 503B outsourcing and this is an exciting step for us to include their voice of expertise and leadership in our efforts." In another step that strengthens its commitment to improving overall healthcare and patient safety, QuVa has become a Platinum member of the ASHP Foundation's Corporate Partners Program a collaboration between the ASHP Foundation, ASHP and corporations which promotes improvements in patient care. "The ASHP Foundation is thrilled to have QuVa join our efforts to support programs that enhance pharmacists' ability to improve health outcomes through optimal, safe and effective medication use," said Steven Rubloff, CEO of the ASHP Foundation. "As a Platinum Level Corporate Partner, QuVa is making an invaluable investment in patient care by funding research and education that promotes medication safety and advances pharmacy practice." "Outsourced compounding is a vital means by which hospitals and health systems can effectively support improving patient care while also managing increasing compounding regulation and compliance requirements, shrinking work forces, and growing pressure to improve patient outcomes," said Peter Jenkins, co-founder and Chief Development Officer. "QuVa is purpose built from our expertise in cGMPs and sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing, and uniquely positioned to help hospitals and health systems meet their health care goals via high-quality, reliably supplied ready-to-administer sterile injectables." For product ordering inquiries, please contact QuVa Pharma Customer Service at 888.339.0874 or via email at: [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] About QuVa Pharma, Inc. QuVa Pharma is a nationally recognized, industry-leading, cGMP compliant FDA registered 503B manufacturing platform and partner of choice for compliance-oriented healthcare facilities looking to ensure a quality, safe, and consistent supply of medications. The company offers a broad portfolio of ready-to-administer products across pain management, anesthesia and OR syringes, anti-infectives, labor and delivery, cardiovascular therapeutic areas, and others. All products are distributed only once sterility and potency testing are successfully completed, and with validation supporting appropriate Beyond Use Dating (BUD). The company is committed to having a patient-safety orientation, as well as a robust product portfolio, leading compliance and safety standards, and being collaborative and transparent in service of our customers. For more information, please visit www.quvapharma.com or follow QuVa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/quvapharma-inc-/. SOURCE QuVa Pharma, Inc. Related Links http://www.quvapharma.com Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 19 wrote to leaders of ASEAN countries and New Zealand proposing that the 36th ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN-New Zealand Summit and related meetings. Da Nang International Airport. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) In his letter, PM Phuc affirmed that Vietnam has basically completed organizational work for the events, but the postponement is necessary in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic spreading in the region and the world, and being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. The Vietnamese Government leader expressed thanks to the countries for working together with Vietnam to promote the building of a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community. He affirmed that with resolve and joint efforts, solidarity and mutual compassion, the ASEAN Community will stand firm in the face of challenges, ensure a peaceful life for its people and prosperous development of its member countries. Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung handed over the PMs letter to the Ambassadors of ASEAN countries and New Zealand at a meeting in Hanoi on March 19. The Deputy FM called on ASEAN countries to push ahead with efforts to maintain cooperation and connection, and promote the spirit of a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community in the current difficult period under the impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic. He asked ASEAN member states to continue coordinate closely to mitigate the epidemics negative effects on the process of building the ASEAN Community as well as on socio-economic situations in member countries. He informed the ambassadors on measures that Vietnam, as ASEAN Chair this year, will actively promoted in the time ahead in order to keep the pace of ASEAN working plans and bolster cooperation in preventing and controlling the epidemic. On the occasion, representatives from the Foreign Ministrys Consular Department informed the ASEAN Embassies about Vietnams measures to respond to the COVID-19 epidemic Ambassadors of ASEAN countries praised Vietnams preparations for ASEAN events and its effective response to the epidemic. They expressed support of the decision of the ASEAN Chair and pledged to continue working closely with Vietnam to prepare for the 36th ASEAN Summit./. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 20) President Rodrigo Duterte warned local government officials of criminal charges if they refuse to abide by the enhanced community quarantine guidelines set by the national government. Duterte addressed local officials Friday after his meeting with the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), urging them to comply with the directives laid by the task force in implementing the quarantine in the entire Luzon, saying that those who refuse to do so will face administrative cases, or even criminal charges. If you go beyond the standards that we have set, you are abusing your authority and you know that this can lead to administrative cases, or even worse, unless you stop what youre doing... criminal cases cannot be far behind, he said. Despite Duterte not mentioning names of any official or LGU, the Interior Department has earlier issued a warning to Metro Manila mayors who violate and challenge the said directives. Interior Department spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said Thursday that if local government officials defy the rules, such as non-observance of social distancing reminders, they will be slapped with gross negligence or insubordination charges. READ: DILG warns of charges vs. mayors who defy community quarantine rules Duterte echoed this by stressing that he is directing the DILG and the Department of Justice to closely monitor the compliance of LGUs in the directives of the Office and to file the necessary cases against the wayward officials. Sundin nalang natin dahil para naman ito sa lahat [Let us obey because this is for everyones benefit]. Do not try to overdo things or think that you can do what you want to do because that is not allowed, Duterte said in his address. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has ordered the limited mobilization of tricycles in the city to bring health workers and patients with immediate medical needs to hospitals. He also appealed to the national government to allow the use of tricycles for public health and safety, since a maximum of only two passengers are allowed in the vehicle. RELATED: Cabinet Secretary says use of tricycles, motorcycles against social distancing I know you have the mandate to deal with the emergencies affecting your localities. I was a mayor myself in case you have forgotten. But this is an emergency of national proportions and therefore, it is the national government that should call the shots, Duterte added. The country now has 217 COVID-19 cases, with 17 deaths and seven recoveries. To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who exhibit virus symptoms. Authorities in Kashmir on Thursday quarantined 78 people, who arrived here from Leh in Ladakh union territory, for suspected novel coronavirus infection, officials said. The two-week quarantine has been made mandatory for all persons coming to Kashmir from Ladakh. "Seventy-eight passengers arriving from Leh have been quarantined at a designated facility on the outskirts of Srinagar. Medical and logistics teams have been deployed," Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said in a tweet. The officer requested the families of those quarantined to not visit the facility as it was not allowed. "We will take care (of them)," he added. The authorities on Wednesday placed 81 people who returned from Leh by an Air India Flight in isolation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal With oil prices plunging to their lowest level in 22 years, state legislators are projecting an imminent budget crisis thats likely to force the New Mexico Legislature into special session. Sen. John Arthur Smith, chairman of the Legislative Finance Committee, said the state could be facing a $1 billion loss in oil- and gas-related revenue if the crisis continues through this year and into 2021. In a Thursday letter to legislative leaders, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham indicated a special session is inevitable but said state officials need to have updated revenue estimates and a better understanding of federal emergency assistance before such a session is called. She said the special session would likely focus on adjusting proposed spending levels for the budget year that starts in July, addressing public health needs and crafting an economic relief package for workers, businesses and New Mexico communities. The Democratic governor also said her staff was looking at ways to possibly call a special session without all 112 legislators being present in the state Capitol, as the state has barred public gatherings of 10 people or more in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Over the past days, my office has been in communication with legislative leadership and staff about the type of tools that might be available to make such a modification possible, and the legalities of these steps, Lujan Grisham said in her letter. The problem is that no one knows how long the economic shutdown from coronavirus will last, nor how long the price war between Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will continue. Those two events together pushed the price of U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate to $20.06 a barrel Wednesday afternoon, its lowest level since 1998. That compares with $41.28 just two weeks ago and nearly $60 a barrel in early January. During the 30-day session that ended last month, legislators based a $7.6 billion budget plan for the 2021 budget year on oil averaging $50 per barrel. But for every $1 drop in price, the state loses an average of about $22 million in direct oil and gas revenue over a year. When the price hit $22 a barrel Wednesday morning, Smith told the Journal the state could lose between $600 and $700 million in direct revenue and nearly $1 billion if gross receipts taxes related to industry activity are factored in. And with the price still dropping, losses could go even higher as the crisis drags on. Were looking not at if there will be a special session but when, although we first need to let things settle a bit more, Smith, a Deming Democrat, told the Journal. Were still trying to figure out where things are going, because were still on a downward trajectory and we need to wait a bit before we jump. Top New Mexico House Republicans on Thursday urged the governor to call a special session soon to address the states budget situation. Among other steps, the GOP lawmakers suggested that current spending levels be kept in place and that work begin on crafting a new budget plan for the fiscal year that starts in July, based on revised revenue estimates. It is fair to say New Mexico has never faced such a challenging time in our history as we try to address the spread of COVID-19 as well as the effects of rapidly declining economic activity and crashing oil prices, the letter from the three top-ranking House Republicans says. State and industry leaders are hoping for at least a modest rebound in oil prices heading into summer, as the coronavirus contagion slows and businesses and consumer demand bounce back. But longtime industry expert Daniel Fine, an energy researcher with New Mexico Tech in Socorro and author for the Heritage Foundation, said the situation looks grim for both the Permian Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and for the northwestern San Juan Basin in the Four Corners region. The damage from this crisis will be greater and last longer than the last industry downturn, in 2014-2016, Fine told the Journal. Production in the Permian Basin will have to decline by at least 600,000 to 700,000 barrels of oil per day or more before the situation gets any better. That represents nearly a 20% decline from the roughly 4 million barrels a day now produced in the Permian. And as the crisis continues, production drops could grow more severe. Investments cut Companies across the board have announced immediate investment cuts ranging from 20% to 40%. That includes deep-pocketed majors like ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum. Occidental said it will cut spending this year by 32%. And Exxon said in early March that it would lower its global investments from the top end of this years projected range of $30 billion to $35 billion to the lower end of that range. Exxon said its heaviest spending cuts would occur in the Delaware Basin, an oval-shaped reservoir within the Permian that extends from southwestern Texas northward into Lea and Eddy counties. It planned to reduce its operating rigs there by 20%. Exxons announcements, however, came before price-stabilization pacts between OPEC and Russia collapsed in the second week of March. An agreement by those countries in effect since 2017 had, until now, suppressed world production by about 2 million barrels a day, leading to moderately stable WTI prices in the $50 to $60 range. But when that agreement expires March 31, Russia, Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries are expected to ramp up production, flooding global markets with unprecedented levels of supply as they fight to see who can last the longest and gain most market share amid low prices. That, combined with a huge plunge in global fuel demand from travel restrictions and quarantines to contain the coronavirus, has rapidly cut prices with no bottom yet in sight. With the expected April surge in world production looming, Exxon said on Monday that its reassessing its previously announced spending cuts. Based on this unprecedented environment, we are evaluating all appropriate steps to significantly reduce capital and operating expenses in the near term, ExxonMobil chairman and CEO Darren Woods said in a statement. We will outline plans when they are finalized. No fat to trim In the 2014-2016 downturn, before OPEC and Russia agreed to cut production to stabilize prices, shale-oil producers in the Permian continued operating through innovation and cost efficiencies, plus massive capital backing from banks and private investors. But this time, most private equity has dried up and few cost-cutting measures remain to sustain production, Fine said. Most producers are now squeezed by the credit crunch, and new drilling and well completion could rapidly shut down. In the last downturn we saw about $250 billion in oil industry bankruptcies and consolidations, Fine said. This time could be much worse. Without private equity to sustain credit for New Mexico and Texas producers, the industry losses will easily exceed the 2014-2016 bust. Massive job losses Despite the current coronavirus and price war, New Mexico reached a historic high of 117 operating rigs this week. That reflects operator efforts to comply with current drilling and well-completion contracts. Many companies hedged those contracts at $55 to $60 a barrel, offering a short-term buffer against plummeting prices. But Fine projects the rig count will drop to between 50 and 60 in the coming weeks. With up to 40 workers connected to each rig, that would represent between 2,300 and 2,700 lost jobs. Some companies are already pulling back significantly. Apache Corp. said last week that its removing all its rigs from the Permian. And Pioneer Resources, which operates mostly in the Delaware, said it will cut its rigs from 22 to 11 and reduce well-completion crews from six now to two or three. State Rep. Larry Scott, R-Hobbs, said the mood is dismal. Oil prices in the low $20s is a train wreck for Permian Basin producers, Scott said. Theres no other way to put it. As revenue declines, the state does have at least a short-term budget cushion, with more than $1.7 billion in reserves or roughly 24.6% of state spending projected for when the current fiscal year ends June 30. In addition, the governor used her line-item veto authority this month to ax about $150 million in proposed general fund spending on infrastructure projects statewide, which allows that money to be added to the states reserves. However, the $7.6 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 includes a $536 million increase in year-over-year state spending, or about 7.5% above current spending levels. And most of the states reserves are in different funds that require legislative approval to be accessed and spent. Were very concerned about the state budget, Scott said. It looks like some changes need to be made, and a lot sooner and more dramatically than many people may think. _Deck>State revenue will be hit hard, making special session likely Hormel Food CEO Jim Snee on Wednesday noted there is a silver lining behind the coronavirus outbreak that has brought the global economy on the brink of recession. In a message of hope, Snee told CNBC's Jim Cramer that business in China, once the epicenter of the public health crisis, is beginning to return. "There is another side to this and, obviously, we've got to get through the eye of the storm, but we can look to China and see that we can and will come out of this," he said in a "Mad Money" interview. Hormel, the consumer staples-maker of like Spam, Skippy peanut butter and Applegate organic meats, operates three manufacturing facilities in China. The food producer has had a presence in the country for nearly three decades. The coronavirus epidemic in China, where the fast-spreading virus was first discovered in the Hubwei province in December, forced communities in that country into quarantine and American businesses to halt operations there during the most critical period of the outbreak. The virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease that has been found in hundreds of thousands of people and led to more than 8,700 deaths around the world, has since brought the United States and European nations to take on similar shut-down measures, slowing world commerce. While China was the first country to be afflicted by the pandemic, it can show an example of how other countries can rebound after slowing the spread of the deadly disease. "There's actually a return to normalcy and so our plants are fully staffed," Snee said. "What we're hearing just out and about is that people are in the communities, our retail business is strong and the food service business is really starting to bounce back." The coronavirus pandemic won't be the first health crisis that the centenarian company. Hormel has been around since the 1890s, weathering through two world wars, the Great Depression, Great Recession and multiple recessions in between. Shares of Hormel slipped 0.5% to $48.27 in Wednesday's session, though the stock touched a new all-time high of $51.53 in intraday trading. Hormel has been a public company since 1972. The former Post Office boss blamed for pursuing a 90million court case against her own staff has been forced to quit as a government adviser. Paula Vennells was appointed by ministers as a non-executive director of the Cabinet Office after she left her position as chief executive of the Post Office last year amidst an IT scandal. But she has faced criticism for dragging 550 former postmasters and postmistresses to court after they were accused of stealing from their own tills. Some were jailed, made bankrupt or branded fraudsters and hounded out of their jobs because glitches in a new computer system had caused shortfalls in their accounts. Mrs Vennells, who earned 4.9million during her time as chief executive between 2012 and 2019, received a CBE and was given a job as a government adviser The postmasters brought a High Court civil case claiming compensation, which the Post Office spent an estimated 32million fighting. In an out-of-court settlement in December, the Post Office finally apologised and announced it would pay 58million to the former postmasters affected. But Mrs Vennells, who earned 4.9million during her time as chief executive between 2012 and 2019, received a CBE and was given a job as a government adviser. On Wednesday Boris Johnson confirmed that there would be an independent inquiry into the scandal. Mrs Vennells resignation from her Cabinet Office role is a victory for the Daily Mail, which has repeatedly highlighted her role in the Horizon IT scandal. The first shortfalls in postmasters accounts appeared in the early 2000s. Mrs Vennells joined the Post Office in 2007 and became boss in 2012. She oversaw a failed mediation scheme and then decided to fight postmasters in court, costing an estimated 32million in taxpayers money. Her replacement, Nick Read, quickly capitulated, paying a 58million settlement and apologising. Yesterday in a heated parliamentary debate, an MP said she should also be stripped of her CBE and fired as chairman of Imperial College Hospitals NHS Trust. She is also an ordained Church of England priest. Mrs Vennells has faced criticism for dragging 550 former postmasters and postmistresses to court after they were accused of stealing from their own tills Labour MP Kevan Jones, speaking in Parliament, said: Paula Vennells was the chief executive of the Post Office. She knew what was going on, the strategy in the court case and all about the bugs.Why is it that someone whos overseen this absolute scandal is allowed to still hold public positions? She was a non-executive director of the Cabinet Office and was removed from that post. I welcome that. Around 50 postmasters are expected to hear later this month whether their criminal convictions will be overturned. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: We can confirm that Paula Vennells stepped down from her role earlier this month, as part of a wider refresh of the Cabinet Office board. Wed like to thank Paula for her work as a non-executive board member. A spokesman for Mrs Vennells said: Paula Vennells resigned from her role on the Cabinet Office board some weeks ago, along with others. t.witherow@dailymail.co.uk LONDON Soon, the United States will find out whether it's likely to be the next South Korea or Italy or even China when it comes to the acceleration of coronavirus cases and deaths. A data analysis by USA TODAY finds that, two weeks after the U.S. first entered into community transmission on March 3, Americas trajectory is trending toward Italys, where circumstances are dire. U.S. officials are sounding the alarm, urging Americans to heed what federal, state and local officials are asking of them in order to curtail the spread and dampen the impact of the virus on the U.S. population. Although it's too early to draw definitive conclusions about which countries will ultimately weather the COVID-19 storm best, public health data shows that nations that are so far faring well at suppressing the outbreak's spread have done so through this combination: easy access to testing, rigorous contact tracing, clear and consistent science-based messaging, and a commitment to studiously abide by quarantines while clamping down on socializing no matter how tempting it may be to stray. Daily coronavirus updates: Get USA TODAY's Daily Briefing in your inbox Coronavirus curve for every state: Many could be close behind New York . "When you're on an exponential curve every moment is dangerous," said Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, in an interview. "This is a particularly critical moment for us to try to bring all the resources and determination of government and the American people to try to get off of it." Outside of China, territories, city-states and countries in Asia such as Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan appear to be making the most progress. But experts say that U.S. comparisons to the experiences of other countries are not clear-cut for a variety of reasons, including population size, different medical systems, America's geographic expanse, and hard-to-account-for cultural reasons. Story continues Coronavirus: These countries are doing the best and worst jobs fighting it U.S. officials are monitoring what is playing out in other countries, particularly Italy, where rates of transmission and deaths in its northern regions have been so catastrophic that the Italian College of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care recently drew up guidelines for doctors about how to manage the crisis if the outbreak intensifies. Among the considerations discussed: prioritizing treatment for those under the age of 80 who don't have any "co-morbidities" underlying health conditions. With too many patients to care for, many needing intensive care beds and ventilators that are in short supply, medical staff would need effectively to decide who lives and who dies. It's a form of triage medicine that is usually reserved for wartime. "We're following every single country's curve," said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force response coordinator, during a briefing Wednesday. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, it can cause much more severe illness, including pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's worst-case-scenario is that about 160 million to 210 million Americans will be infected by December. Under this forecast, 21 million people would need hospitalization and 200,000 to 1.7 million could die by the end of the year. "The extent to which we can prevent direct and excess deaths depends on how quickly we can flatten the outbreak, mobilize health services, and for how long we can prevent a relapse," said Robert Muggah, founder and director of the Brazil-based security think tank Igarape Institute and a leading expert on risk, who studies pandemics. Coronavirus crisis: Trump invokes wartime authority of Defense Production Act Estimates vary, but most public health experts believe that the U.S. is between one and two weeks behind what has befallen Italy, where a near-total lockdown has been imposed on 60 million citizens, with only supermarkets and drug stores open to the public. As of Wednesday, there have been more than 31,500 cases and 2,500 deaths. Italian authorities began enforcing their lockdown on March 12, some 18 days after the point where community transmission, defined as more than 100 cases, had taken hold, according to World Health Organization data analyzed by USA TODAY. It's too early to say whether restrictions in Italy, and similar ones in Spain, are working. Collins said that if the U.S. takes measures that many Americans might find overly drastic "we should certainly be able to blunt" the U.S. curve. "But let's be clear: There's going to be a very rough road ahead of us over the next weeks and months." In the U.S., 115 people have died amid more than 7,300 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University's data dashboard. There has been no federally mandated lockdown in the U.S., and access to testing has been sporadic, although President Donald Trump has urged Americans to refrain from gathering in groups of more than 10 people. San Francisco on Monday became the first U.S. city to order its residents to stay home over the coronavirus outbreak. In China, where COVID-19 originated, the outbreak followed a pattern similar to Italy's. The country initially saw an exponential rise in infections. Beijing ordered a complete lockdown in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province on Jan. 23, about halfway into the first 25 days of reported community transmission. Yet after authorities embarked on one of the largest mass mobilization efforts in history, closing all schools, forcing millions of people inside, quickly building more than a dozen vast, temporary hospitals and meticulously testing and tracing anyone who may have encountered the virus, Beijing has appeared to all but eradicate new cases. Wednesday, Chinas National Health Commission reported just one new case in Wuhan for a second consecutive day and the country has slowly started to re-open schools and workplaces in some areas. Its death toll stands at 3,200, with over 81,000 infections. Medical staff members arrive for a duty shift at Dongsan Hospital in Daegu, South Korea, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (Lee Moo-ryul/Newsis via AP) ORG XMIT: SEL801 No one knows whether a second wave of infections will occur amid the easing restrictions. In South Korea, which has a robust screening program, with more than 200,000 people tested about one in every 250 people testing is fast (about 10 minutes) and free (the government pays) and the results are usually sent by text within 24 hours. It was the first country to roll out a drive-through testing center and has a well-functioning virus-contact-tracing system. It hit 100 cases on Feb. 20, but unlike China, Italy and other European countries it managed early on to "flatten the curve," or spread out the number of its coronavirus cases over a longer period so that its health system can have time to mitigate the outbreak's impact, according to the World Health Organization data. As of Wednesday, South Korea had 8,413 coronavirus cases, including 84 deaths. With the exception of Japan, no other country has been able to so successfully "flatten" a large number of cases so quickly, according to USA TODAY's analysis. It's not immediately clear why. But Michael Merson, director of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute and the Wolfgang Joklik Professor of Global Health at Duke University, said that places in Asia such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, which has seen about 315 cases but no deaths as of Wednesday, enjoy public health factors that are difficult for countries like the U.S., with its fractured system, to replicate. "There's strong government leadership, but also trust in the government," Merson said. "Every time a case is identified there is a very strong action plan to identify contacts. It's also very good at promoting hand-washing and keeping people at a safe distance from one another," he said, adding that Singapore has allowed businesses and universities to stay open but with strict guidelines about the size of gatherings (25 or under). "They take prudent steps at prevention, but they haven't entirely shut the country down." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus 'curve' in US may be at its most dangerous point Hundreds of thousands of K-12 and college students around the country have had their academic worlds upended by the new coronavirus. Indianapolis Public Schools, along with the 10 other school districts in Marion County, are closed until at least April 5, putting an especially burdensome strain on low-income families who will struggle to find food and child care. College students are wrestling with constant change, as universities try to react quickly to the latest developments with COVID-19. K-12 schools: This is a challenge Shani Warren has it better than many parents whose children are now out of school for at least a few weeks. Shes able to work from home, and so is her husband. They have a son whos in sixth grade at Hoosier Academy, a K-8 public charter school in Lawrence Township, but theyre also now taking care of a nephew whose mother still has to go to work. Our balance is a little askew at this point, said Warren, who owns her own business and works part time as a recruiter for a learning company. Now were having to make sure that we are adjusting the schedule so that our son can do his e-learning as well as being able to kind of balance the children. This is a challenge. One of the most significant problems with closing schools for an extended period of time is that many students rely on schools to provide meals and a safe environment. School district employees, along with volunteers and food banks, are working to fill the gap until students can return to school. Mark King, who works in the food service department for Indianapolis Public Schools, is part of a team handing out pre-packaged breakfast and lunch meals at seven schools during the closure. Their opportunities to get a meal have been diminished, he said at Arlington Woods School 99 on the east side. Some closing school districts serve mostly affluent students who wont be as negatively impacted by abrupt changes. Theyre more likely to have a reliable source of food and parents who can work from home. I dont think a lot of people think about it, King said of students who rely on schools for more than an education, but also a lot of people dont really know about it. About two-thirds of IPS students are economically disadvantaged, according to data from the Indiana Department of Education, and more than 80% qualify for free or reduced lunch. IPS will hand out meals 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until April 3. A food bus will also take meals to Blackburn Terrace apartments and Laurelwood Apartments. Click here to learn more. In Wayne Township, bus drivers and child nutrition staff will deliver meals 10 a.m. to noon at more than 1,000 stops. Meals will also be available at various schools during the same time. Click here to learn more. Students in Warren Township can get free lunches 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Warren Central High School. Click here to learn more. Lawrence Township schools will give out a five-day supply of breakfasts and lunches 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at various schools and community sites. Click here to learn more. Gov. Eric Holcomb issued a 20-day waiver exempting the required 180 days in a school year, so districts are able to take necessary action without fear of drastically expanding the school year. Colleges and universities: I dont know whats gonna happen now Butler University and Indiana University campuses are closing residential housing for the semester as students transition to online classes. Butler also canceled all in-person events, including the commencement ceremony. Before closing campus housing for the semester, Butlers residential housing was supposed to stay closed until at least April 4, and students with extenuating circumstances could request to stay on campus. As of March 17, a university spokesperson said it isnt clear if thats still the case now that campus will close. Chinyelu Mwaafrika, a freshman at Butler, lived on campus but said hes moving back in with is parents, who live in Indianapolis. I dont want to exaggerate it, but it definitely feels like this is the worst time it could have happened, he said. Mwaafrika is a theater major, so most of his classes dont have much use online. He was rehearsing for a play and other end-of-the-year projects. I dont know whats gonna happen now, he said. I dont know what comes next in terms of me and my education. Michaela Ivory, a junior at Butler, said there are concerns that extend beyond students having a place to live other than on campus. How are they going to get access to reliable internet? Some students may have devices that are capable of handling virtual learning, but maybe they dont have that extra resource of Wi-Fi or internet, she said. Ivory, who was interviewed before Butler announced its on-campus housing will close for a time, also noted it wont be as simple as going to a Starbucks or McDonalds to get Wi-Fi as businesses close their doors temporarily. Its important to note colleges and universities are changing their policies on an ongoing basis, so the information here may not be the most accurate by the time you read it. Indiana University will close its residential housing for the rest of the semester, a decision that extends to IUPUI, where only about 12% of students live on campus. IUPUI wants students who live on campus and have already left for an extended spring break (March 16-29) to stay home. Students who are still on campus are supposed to make arrangements to leave by March 20. For students who dont have a permanent home outside of campus housing or cant return to their permanent home, there is an online petition they can fill out to request to stay. Marian University is closing its campus and shifting to online classes as students are recommended to return to their permanent homes. The University of Indianapolis extended its spring break to March 22, and faculty have been instructed to move coursework online. Martin University is closed for spring break until March 23, and then classes will move online until March 27. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick. Country Fisheries Trade: Myanmar by Kay Khine Tint March 19,2020 | Source: Markets Screener The Republic of the Union of Myanmar has a total land area of 676,580 km2 and it is bordered by Bangladesh and India in the Northwest, China in the Northeast, Lao PDR in the East, and Thailand in the Southeast (Figure 1). Its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is about 486,000 km2 and the 2,138 km coastline is along the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman Sea. The inland water bodies consist of 8.2 million ha of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs and the main rivers include Ayeyarwaddy, Chindwin, Sittatung and Thanlwin. The climate of the country is tropical monsoon and has low humidity during winter. Myanmar's population was approximately 54 million in 2017. The country is known as the Golden Land because of many golden pagodas all over the country. The capital city is Naypyidaw while the largest city and economic center is Yangon (STIP, 2019). The official language is Myanmar and the regional local languages are Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan. Fisheries Sector The Department of Fisheries (DoF) is the responsible government agency for the development and management of the fisheries sector of Myanmar. In 2017, the livestock and fisheries sectors contributed 8 % the national GDP and the annual fish consumption per capita was 66 kg. The fisheries sub-sectors are aquaculture, inland fisheries, and marine fisheries. For aquaculture, the culture environments include fresh water, brackish water, and marine. Freshwater aquaculture has a total area of about 198,840 ha and mostly located in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Yangon, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions. Rohu (Labeo rohita) is the dominant cultured species and 75 % of the production is for export (DoF, 2018). Inland fisheries cover leasable fisheries and open fisheries. For leasable fisheries, the fishing rights are granted under a lease by the DOF subject to stipulation relating to the area, species, fishing implement (gear), period, and fishing method. For open fisheries, fishing activities are permitted by the issue of fishing implement license or by floating tenders after specifying fishing ground, with the exception of the areas specified by DOF for leasable fisheries. The fishing operations of marine fisheries are categorized as offshore and inshore. For the inshore fisheries, the traditional fishing boats are not more than 30 ft and less than 25 HP engine which operate within the area from shoreline to 10 nmi. For offshore fisheries, the fishing vessels are more than 30 ft long with 25 HP engine which operate from the outer limit of the inshore fishing zone to the EEZ (DoF, 2018). For fishery statistics, the data recording follow the country's fiscal year which commences from 1 April of the current year to 31 March of the following year. From the fiscal year 2008-2009 to 2017-2018, the total fisheries production of Myanmar was continually increasing (Figure 2). In 2017-2018, the total fisheries production was about 5.88 million t (19 % from aquaculture, 6 % from leasable fisheries, 21 % from open fisheries, and 54 % from marine fisheries). Fisheries Trade As shown in Figure 3, the fish and fishery products are transported to the fish landing sites or jetties for auction/wholesale/retails in market, and processed for export. The main jetties approved by the EU, i.e., Shwe Yaw Hein and Annawa Aung, are located in Yangon (Figure 4). For the Shwe Yaw Hein jetty, it caters more than 180 vessels and complying with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), it serves as the main source of exported raw materials. Export of fish and fisheries products - The quantity and value of fish and fishery products exported by Myanmar from the fiscal year 2008-2009 to 2017-2018 are shown Figure 5. The major fish and fishery products include fish, prawn, and others (crab, eel, dried prawn, and fish meal). - In 2017-2018, Myanmar exported 10 % of the total fish production which was around 568,227 t with the value of about US$ 711 million. The soft shelled crab had the highest price among the exported fish and fishery products which was sold at US$ 9.21/kg (Figure 6) and Thailand was the top most country of destination (Figure 7). Major Issues - Unstable price of exported Rohu species because the price is higher in the upper region than in the lower region due to higher transportation costs - Unreliable food safety management because of weak coordination among responsible agencies in implementing the existing laws and regulations - Inability of local fish farmers and processors to comply with the food safety requirements of other countries because of insufficient budget support for modern facilities and equipment - Directive 2/2015 (Technical Regulation for Export and Import Fishery Products) - consumer safety and qualification of the fishery products and compliance with the ASEAN Economic Community and the international standardization - Directive 8/2018 (Amendment of Directive No.2/2015) - fishery establishments should practice food safety activities throughout the supply chain such as in fishing, aquaculture, fishing vessels, landing sites, auction markets, feed plants, ice plants for fishery products, and processing establishments complying with the requirements of international markets in the ASEAN Member States, China, and other countries Myanmar is a member and signatory of the following bilateral, multilateral, and international agreements: - Bilateral Agreements (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam) - Border Trade Agreements (China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Lao PDR) - Free Trade Agreements (China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand) - Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (USA) - Investment Protection Agreement (EU) - Multilateral Free Trade Agreements (Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Japan, and South Korea) - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation - World Trade Organization In collaboration with the SEAFDEC Marine Fisheries Research Department (MFRD), DoF implemented the project 'Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products in the ASEAN Region' from 2010 to 2014, which aimed to expand fish trade and enhance competitiveness of fish and fishery products for regional and international trade. At present, Myanmar is now applying the traceability systems in the supply chain of aquaculture products. Moreover, the country's aquaculture products can be exported nowadays to the EU because of the development of the National Residue Monitoring Plan supported by the EU. The DoF, in cooperation with EU-GIZ, has implemented the Myanmar Sustainable Aquaculture Program (MYSAP) since 2017 in order to improve the aquaculture production and income through sustainable aquaculture by applying the good aquaculture practices (GAqP). The EU continues to provide the training on GAqP for awareness raising and capacity building of DoF staff and stakeholders. On March 18, five universities in Beijing-Beijing Jiaotong University, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing Forestry University, and Beijing University of Chemical Technology-held an online job fair, attracting over 1,000 companies which offered 70,000 vacancies in 5,000 positions. Statistics show that 1,171 institutions in fields ranging from transportation and communication to construction and the internet participated in the event. Of them, 399 were state-owned enterprises, accounting for 34%. More than 11,000 students submitted resumes. The job fair's online platform offered communication and two-way selection services for recruiters and graduates in an effort to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on employment prospects, according to Liang Ying, deputy director of the admission and employment office at Beijing Jiaotong Univerisity. The five universities began planning the event one month ago and successfully held it with help from zhaopin.com, a leading online recruitment platform. As these five universities have their own disciplinary advantages and industrial backgrounds, pooling resources and information helped increase recruitment channels. In especial, students from Hubei province were given one-on-one consultations and provided with more assistance. "The platform has a lot of employment-related information and we can submit our resumes or even have video interviews. This will really help graduates," said one PhD student at Beijing Jiaotong University, who sent his resume to at least five companies in the hope of securing a position in the field of energy research. Nothing makes for a great binge watch than an exciting, gripping, and action-packed, psychological thriller that will set your heart pounding. Voot Select original Asur, offers you just that while welcoming you to your dark side. As daunting it may sound, it just gets more interesting with the unfolding of every episode. This is not your regular thriller show. Set against a backdrop of the Ghats of Benaras, the premise of Asur is about a looming threat with a serial killer on the loose. Starring Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti in the lead, the show also features Ridhi Dogra, Anupriya Goenka and Sharib Hashim in pivotal roles So brace yourself for a riveting experience as we give you five reasons why you should not miss out on this one. 1) Powerful cast Asur is packed with talented actors who meticulously breathe life into each of the characters. Arshad Warsi, who makes his digital debut with the show, leads the brigade along with Barun Sobti, Ridhi Dogra, Anupriya Goenka and Sharib Hashim 2) A perfect mix of Indian Mythology and Forensic Science The show is a perfect blend of spirituality, practicality and science with an absorbing storyline. It takes you through the realms of Indian Mythology and forensic science while unearthing countless aspects of it. 3) Guarantees a complete package Detailed scripting, wonderful locations, background score, great cinematography and remarkable performances make for a great experience. 4) Arshad Warsi's stellar performance Starring one of the most versatile actors, Arshad Warsi, dons the character of a forensic expert from the CBI in the show. Having seen mostly in comic roles, watching him excel in a serious role is a breath of fresh air. 5) The thrill of finding the murderer If you love figuring puzzles and pride yourself in solving mysteries, this is the show for you. String alongside Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti) and Dhananjay Rajput (Arshad Warsi) and try your luck in finding out who the murderer is. Asur Web Series Review: Arshad Warsi And Barun Sobti Take You On A Thrilling Ride Hindi Web Series To Binge-Watch During Coronavirus Lockdown: Pushpavalli, Mentalhood, InMates (Newser) Three months after reports of a mysterious new virus in Wuhan, China, foreshadowed a global pandemic, the country reported a major milestone in its battle against the coronavirus Thursday. Officials say that for the first time since the outbreak began, there were no new locally transmitted infections and no new cases at all in Hubei province, where the capital, Wuhan, has been locked down since Jan. 23, the Guardian reports. There were, however, 34 new coronavirus cases in China among people who recently returned to the country from overseas. Singapore is also experiencing a second wave of infections, with 33 of the 47 new cases reported Wednesday occurring among recent arrivals, mostly returning residents, the BBC reports. story continues below While experts say any statistics from Chinawhich initially tried to hush up the outbreakshould be treated with caution, the harsh measures it introduced to stop the spread of the virus appear to have been successful. Restrictions are being eased in some areas, but schools remain closed and restrictions on travel within the country remain in place. "Its very clear that the actions taken in China have almost brought to an end their first wave of infections," Ben Cowlin at Hong Kong Universitys School of Public Health tells the New York Times. "The question is what will happen if theres a second wave because the kind of measures that China has implemented are not necessarily sustainable in the long term." (Read more coronavirus stories.) Ohio governor Mike DeWine allowed his executive director of the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Amy Acton, to cancel Ohio's primary elections. DeWine is the one who put her in charge. Years from now, the word "chaos" won't be emphatic enough to describe the fiasco of primary election day, March 17, 2020, in Ohio. The day before the election, it was on, then it was off, then it was on, and at 3:30 A.M. on Election Day, four judges of the Ohio Supreme Court, via phone, called voting off again. But first a word about our health director, whom the pro-life DeWine hired without a background investigation, which would have revealed who and what she was. Acton and her family worked as Obama-supporters who raised funds for Planned Parenthood, which is code for abortion facilities. Before she was ever hired by DeWine, Acton pulled a legal maneuver in Ohio to get an abortion facility renamed, doing an end-run around the legal system to cover for a notorious late-term abortionist, Martin Haskell. Acton issued a license to "Women's Med Dayton," an offshoot of "Women's Med Center of Dayton," owned by Haskell. What Acton did was nothing more than paper-shuffling to preserve the business after Haskell's four-year court fight, when he was unable to meet state licensing requirements. In a 12/10/19 article by Cheryl Sullenger appeared the following comments by Kansas-based pro-life Operation Rescue president Troy Newman: "The entire move to license the Women's Med Center was underhanded and deceptive. It is obvious that there was coordination between Acton and Haskell to pull a fast one on the people of Ohio and the Attorney General's office, which spent untold time and resources over four years to successfully enforce the original licensing denial order." Removing her from that underhanded business, she still comes across as a treacherous tool. On March 12, 2020, she announced that 100,000 Ohioans were infected with the coronovirus. On that date, there were five confirmed cases in Ohio and a total of 127,000 in the entire world. The next day, she walked that back and said she was just "guesstimating" the number based on the population of Ohio. The actual number had soared to thirteen cases. The DOH doubled down. It called Acton "smart, calm, cool and collected" and "a voice of reason." They could hardly call her the fool she had proven herself to be. Her "guesstimating," as anyone can imagine, caused fear across the state. DeWine, also not wanting to look like the fool who hired her, said: "The coronavirus is already all over the state of Ohio." All thirteen cases. On Sunday, March 15, 2020, with six hours' notice, DeWine announced that all restaurants and bars in Ohio would be shut down at 9:00 P.M. indefinitely. One wonders what happened to the tons of corned beef and cabbage that had been ordered for the St. Patrick's Day parade that was canceled for the first time in 178 years. On Monday, March 16, at 3:30 P.M., DeWine replaced Judge Judy on TV to announce they had filed a lawsuit to cancel voting the next day. Every politician he could dig up, including the already disgraced Dr. Acton, explained why it was necessary to cancel voting scheduled for the next day. DeWine said they would abide by a judge's ruling. The common pleas judge, Richard Frye, at 7:30 P.M. said he was not in the position to make such a ruling. And he expressed concern about the security measures of the votes already cast. He added there was no guarantee that the suggested new voting date of June 2 would be any safer for people to congregate and vote. So voting was on again. But then poll workers were called and said not to show up. Then they were called and told to be there. Then they were told again not to show up. The whole debacle was like a poorly written SNL skit. Like any typical politician looking for someone to point the finger at, DeWine picked Dr. Acton and her decision that it is a health risk for Ohioans to go out and vote. Apparently, she managed to stop the entire state of Ohio from voting on Election Day, which supersedes her ability to license the murder of babies. Susan Daniels has been an Ohio-licensed private investigator for twenty-seven years. She uncovered Barack Obama's phony social security number in 2009. Bernie Sanders has not left the building. And even after losing three more states this week (Florida, Arizona and Illinois) he stubbornly refuses to leave the stage. Even with no discernible path to victory, the renegade Vermont senator wont quit the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Sanders aides say that he plans to stick it out at least until April 28 otherwise known as an eternity from now when voters in New York and other states go to the polls. If that will even be happening. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week closed the polls in the Buckeye State because of fears about spreading the coronavirus. Next month, other governors might do the same. Sanders last debate performance which was surreally delivered without a live audience did not inspire confidence that hes up to the task of keeping millions of Americans safe and healthy. Thats hard to do when you threaten to turn the nations existing health care system upside down in the midst of a pandemic, or when you confuse the coronavirus with the Ebola virus. Be that as it may, right now Sanders isnt going anywhere. He is having too much fun tweaking the Democratic establishment. During the debate, Sanders didnt pull punches against the presumptive nominee. One thing were starting to hear from the media is that while Sanders is not destined to win the nomination, he did succeed in raising the right issues. Is that so? Well, I can think of at least one especially thorny issue that Sanders has avoided like, well, the coronavirus. Its an issue that grew out of the immigration debate, and it threatens to tear apart the Democratic coalition. An underreported facet of the immigration debate is the constant friction between working-class whites and Latino immigrants. Many in the former group want fewer foreign workers because they fear competition, and theyre convinced that immigrants will work for lower wages. Meanwhile, the latter group wants more foreign workers, because they recognize that many jobs wont get done without them and think hard work ought to be rewarded. And guess who finds himself smack dab in the middle? Bernie Sanders. Even having this discussion causes severe heartburn for Democrats. That explains why so many of them including Sanders would just as soon gloss over it. Sanders isnt able to do that, however, because he has stuck his neck out and aggressively pandered to both sides of the debate. And no politician wants to referee a fight between rival tribes of supporters. Sanders must explain to his fellow Americans how he went from hard-line Nativist Bernie to the person Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., calls Tio Bernie. For most of his 40 years in politics, Sanders has been a protectionist not just when it comes to trade but also when it comes to the labor force. He has warned time and again that immigrants take jobs from Americans and drive down wages for U.S. workers. He said it loud, and he said it proud to fellow nativists like Lou Dobbs. In 2007, the then-CNN host brought Sanders onto his show and let the senator brag about helping kill the guest worker provisions in a once-in-a-generation comprehensive immigration reform bill, a move that ensured the demise of the legislation. But now that Sanders is holding on to his presidential bid by his fingertips, the senator is singing a different tune. The new music is due to the fact that most of his primary victories including in California, Colorado, Nevada and Utah are due to support from Latino voters who appreciate his efforts to reach out to them. The new, kinder and gentler version of Sanders talks about the contributions of immigrants and promises, if elected president, to do in the first 100 days what he has refused to support over the past four decades: legalize the undocumented. During last Sundays debate, Biden called Sanders on the contradiction, and Sanders tried to slip out of it by presenting his past legislative shenanigans as being fueled by his concern that guest workers would be treated like slave labor a concern he neglected to mention to Dobbs. Sanders is as slippery as they come. Hes a first-rate con man who divides people, plays to all sides and will say anything rather than own up to his mistakes. That sounds familiar. Its almost a shame we wont get the chance to see him square off this fall against his alter ego President Donald Trump. ruben@rubennavarrette.com The on Thursday ordered closure of all government and private schools in the capital for teaching and non- teaching staff till March 31 in view of So far, the schools were closed for students and exams were going on. "All exams have been postponed till March 31. The schools will be closed for teaching and non-teaching staff as well," the Directorate of Education (DOE) said. "Teachers will be required to do evaluation work from home for annual examination, while the evaluation for board exams has been suspended by CBSE," the department added. Carlos Alfonso Pagaza Menchaca arrived in the idyllic small town of Summerland on Monday morning, hours before farmers across the country flew into a panic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be indefinitely closing its borders to non-residents because of the coronavirus. Americans are exempted, but Mexicans arent. Thats an issue for thousands of Canadian farmers who rely on the spring arrival of foreign agricultural workers. On Wednesday, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair told the CBC in an interview that workers on visas and temporary foreign workers will be able to enter Canada after all. The news was a relief to many farmers and workers. But by Wednesday evening, both the B.C. Fruit Growers Association (BCFGA) and the private sector Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.) were reporting that Blairs statement was actually widely misunderstood. Elation turned to confusion when a very senior Minister in the federal Cabinet clarified that the travel ban was lifted only for (temporary foreign workers) from the U.S. ... The bad news is that the (agriculture) industry is back to square one, the BCFGA said in a letter to members seen by the Star. A Public Safety spokesperson told the Star in an email Thursday: Details around temporary foreign workers and those with student/worker visas are currently being developed and will be announced shortly. I imagine the bureaucrats are trying to make a solution, and will have to run it by health authorities, BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas told the Star, saying he couldnt disclose the Cabinet source. Its unclear what they will be proposing. Hopefully Cabinet will give some information tomorrow. Lucas said that while farmers understand the need to fight COVID-19 transmission, a potential food shortage could become an even bigger problem in Canada. Half our food consumed in B.C. is produced here. So that becomes problematic if there are no workers to plant the seeds and harvest the food, he said. Farmers will now likely find themselves competing with one another to find workers willing to perform the hard, physical labour. Some fear they will lose their farms and food will go to waste. Meanwhile, workers from places as diverse as the Caribbean, Germany and Japan had already paid for flights, visas and recruitment fees and were counting on recouping their costs. They need the money for their families, said Menchaca, speaking to the Star while out pruning cherry trees this week. To me, to have work outside an office I just really love nature, he said, explaining that because he has an online business, he doesnt depend on the income as much as others. Foreign workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program must earn at least the minimum wage in each province, which is $13.85 in B.C. and $14 in Ontario, compared to wages of $8 or less on Mexican farms. Menchaca, 31, is the only one out of 18 Mexicans expected to arrive to work for the Canadian family-owned Carcajou Fruit Company, which farms 130 acres of cherries in Summerland, about 45 kilometres south of Kelowna. He has no idea when his colleagues will be able to join him, but he has heard from them and says they are worried. For the time being, hes living alone in an apartment when hes not working on the farm. Now were spring pruning, then comes harvest, and then winter pruning, he said cheerfully, explaining his plans until he returns home in October. Erin Calrson, Menchacas manager, said she was surprised there was no exception for foreign workers who already had visas and flights booked. We are only halfway finished pruning, and that took the whole winter with the five local guys we have. Its not going to get done without them, she said. A spokesperson for the federal government confirmed that the borders will be closed to foreign agricultural workers, including those who already hold visas and work permits for Canadian farms. We fully understand the importance of a stable labour force enabling Canadian food supply, and are committed to giving Canadians and businesses the support they need, the statement said. A joint Emergency Response Committee consisting of key agricultural and food processing stakeholders and government officials has been set up to respond to issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. Adrienne South, press secretary to the minister of agriculture and forestry in Alberta, told the Star in an email that negotiations are underway to address farm labour shortage concerns. The emailed statement said they were working to extend visas for temporary foreign workers already in Alberta. At this time, supply chains are stable and the border closure does not affect the import or export of goods, or those who transport them (e.g. truck drivers), tje statement read. Kenton Possberg, a grain farmer in Saskatchewan and director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, said wheat and oilseeds growers in the Prairie provinces are also worried about the impact the travel ban will have on their labour force. These growers, as well as other farmers in agriculture and livestock, rely on thousands of workers with visas who arrive in the spring for seeding season, he said. And unlike a factory, which can shut down and then reopen, one missed seeding season throws off the whole year, affecting food prices in as little as six months, he said. Its absolutely critical for farms and for food production that we get this labour, he said, adding, The financial implications are tremendous. Possberg said he supports the decisions made by the Canadian government, and understands the situation is fluid. However, he said he wants to see exceptions in place so that the current situation doesnt adversely affect Canadian farmers. Possberg said he has not been able to talk with government officials yet, and time is running out for workers with completed documents as airlines curtail operations. He said farmers are prepared to bring in workers early ahead of seeding season and keep them in quarantine for 14 days, just like anyone else entering Canada. This needs to happen now. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said in an emailed statement that the government is working around the clock to respond to the health and economic issues. I want to reassure Canadians that we have a high-performing and resilient food system. Our priority is keeping Canadians healthy, and that includes keeping food accessible for all, the statement said. That is why we are working closely with stakeholders through a joint Emergency Response Committee, consisting of key agricultural and food processing stakeholders and government officials. This will help respond to issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. In a statement, Ontarios Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said: We recognize that seasonal agricultural workers are critical for Ontarios farmers and food processors. Minister Hardeman has been actively engaged with his federal counterpart Minister Bibeau to try to find solutions to the challenges the sector is facing. The Minister is also in daily communication with agricultural stakeholders to fully understand their sector-specific issues to ensure any solutions the government implements supports their needs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which has jurisdiction over border control concerns and issues work visas, did not respond to the Stars queries at publication time. Joanna Chiu is a Vancouver-based reporter covering both Canada-China relations and current affairs on the West Coast for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @joannachiu Read more about: David Henderson, a detective inspector from the PSNIs organised crime unit, said a major seizure of online prescribed drugs showed that law enforcement is trying to do something about the supply of illicit medicines (Michael McHugh/PA) Police in Northern Ireland have seized around 140,000 illegal and unlicensed tablets and other medicinal products purchased online. They included human hormone treatments, the tranquiliser diazepam, pregabalin and the stimulant modafinil. The PSNI supported international coordinated police action targeting the sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines. David Henderson, a detective inspector from the forces organised crime unit, said: This sends out a clear message that globally law enforcement is trying to do something about the supply of these illicit medicines. Multiple packages of drugs were seized in searches carried out during the week-long Operation Pangea earlier this month. Officers entered a terraced property off the Crumlin Road in North Belfast in pursuit of illegal medicines. This is a societal problem that won't be cured by enforcement aloneDetective Inspector David Henderson Nobody was at home and the hallway was strewn with broken glass. Police wearing purple gloves to protect evidence hunted for clues. A black Labrador specially trained to detect substances was used to check the entrance to the property. Drug deaths in 2018 were up 39% on the previous year and 40% of fatalities had the commonly abused anti-anxiety medicine diazepam present, Mr Henderson said. Pregabalin, prescribed to treat epilepsy, was present in 29% of drugs-related deaths. In 2018, 54 involved pregabalin compared to nine in 2016. Mr Henderson said a lot of drugs purporting to be legitimate were counterfeit. He said organised criminals were buying them in bulk online to sell in Northern Ireland while others were purchasing them for personal use. You really do not know what you are taking when you take one of these pills, he said. There could be anything in them, from rat poison to mercury or anything worse than that and they can seriously damage your health, as our drugs-related deaths figures show. He said lives had been saved through police action. Over the past 10 years drugs seizures and arrests continue to rise. Law enforcement on its own will not cure the drug problem in Northern Ireland or anywhere else across the globe. This is a societal problem that wont be cured by enforcement alone. All we can hope to do is restrict supply but we cannot stop it completely so what we have to do is try to suppress demand. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Were going to Stop & Shop at 6 a.m. Thats what my wife, Pat, told me earlier this week when we learned the supermarket chain would open the doors at its five Staten Island stores and elsewhere at that pre-sunrise hour starting Thursday for people over 60. The idea was to give us old folks, considered to be the most vulnerable to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a chance to shop until 7:30 a.m. with lesser potential exposure to the disease. So, its both a blessing and a curse to be born in the 1950s and before. Who knew? *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Anyway, the alarm went off at 6 (I was already up nature calls early when youre on the far side of six decades on this Earth). We dressed quickly and drove up to the Stop & Shop on Richmond Avenue in the Best Buy shopping center across from the Staten Island Mall in New Springville. It was about 6:15 a.m. What? Rows and rows of cars filled the parking slots outside the store. Maybe Im naive, but there were more cars, it seemed than a typical weekend morning when we do our weekly shopping at the store. We scurried across the lot into the store. Only a handful of carts remained in the lobby area. Naturally, we got one with a bad wheel, requiring us to push and pull it simultaneously to move it along. Inside the store itself, well, Ill say this to the good folks at Stop & Shop: I give you an A+ for the concept, truly a noble idea and deserving of thanks. As for the execution, lets just say that needs to be worked on. There were only two manned registers along with the 10 self-checkout stations. The lines to checkout ran all the way across the front of the store and down the last aisle. Seniors and their wagons were lined end to end. Forget about social distancing. (A third manned register opened around 6:45 as we were inching toward the front of the self-checkout line). One man walked by, eyed the long lines and said, Tomorrow therell be bingo! And for those fuming silently and not-so-silently, one shopper had this to say: You think this is bad? You should see Jersey. Im not sure how comforting that was. As for the shelves, it was a mixed bag, to say the least. For those hoping to score a container of alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer, nada. Paper towels? Gone. Although someone said one of the earlier shoppers had gotten some. One woman had a package of napkins in her wagon. Napkins, thats all theyve got, she said. Forget about eggs. Meat? Slim pickings. I didnt see any chicken in the meat case, although I did see two packages of chicken breasts in one gentlemans cart. Dairy products were limited, although happily there was yogurt, a breakfast staple here. On the plus side: The produce shelves were fairly well stocked with bags and heads of lettuce. There had been no lettuce when we shopped this past weekend. Dry pasta, decimated as of Sunday, was on the shelves. Half of one womans cart was stuffed with Ronzoni macaroni. And there were cases of water in the back of the store. Listen, Im not here to bash anyone. Give Stop & Shop credit. They stepped up to the plate and are trying to do their part to limit the spread of the virus. Kudos to them. And, Im sure theyll learn from today. So, they have my gratitude and thanks. And while were speaking of gratitude and thanks, lets give a shout-out to everyone on the front lines of this fight: Police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, all first responders, transit workers, utility workers, those with forward-facing positions with the public, you name it. And the list includes grocery-store workers. Two weeks ago, before everything went to hell, I got together with two buddies, John Thompson and Dan Falcone, with whom I used to work a lifetime ago in the late 1970s at the A&P supermarket on Ninth Street in Brooklyn. I hadnt seen John since my 50th birthday party more than a decade ago. We had a wonderful time and said wed get together again in the summer. Then, a few days later, as the world seemed to turn on its head, John sent us this email: Did you ever think you would see the day that the folks restocking the shelves at grocery stores would be considered heroes? Amen. RELATED COVERAGE How the coronavirus turned S.I. upside down: A timeline of the pandemic here Coughs, sneezes, surfaces. Heres how coronavirus is and isnt spread. Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals Nagging negative thoughts, and striving for perfection, keep teenagers awake at night, increasing their chances of becoming depressed and anxious, according to a study that may lead to new interventions for better mental health in teens. The study, published in the journal Sleep Health, is based on an online survey of almost 400 adolescents aged 14 to 20 years. According to the researchers, including those from Flinders University in Australia, alternative treatments for repetitive negative thinking and perfectionism can help deal with delayed sleep and mental health problems among teenagers. Michael Gradisar, a co-author of the study from Flinders University said the study confirms the link between repeated negative thinking and delayed sleep, which is also exacerbated with perfectionism tendencies. "Repetitive negative thinking is habit forming and it can significantly contribute to making sleep difficult and causing depressed mood in teenagers, who already like to stay up late at night," Gradisar said. "This study supports the need to recognise repetitive negative thinking in preventing and treating sleep problems, along with individual differences in perfectionism and mood," he added. According to the scientists, the findings have important clinical implications for providing possible treatment targets. Depression, which affects between 3 per cent and 8 per cent of adolescents, is often recurring and may continue to develop into more severe depressive disorders during adulthood, the researchers said. In teenagers, they said, depression can cause poor concentration, a loss of interest in schoolwork, difficulties in peer relationships, and even suicide. According to the study, sleep plays an important part in preventing and treating depression in teenagers. The scientists noted that parents and carers can implement better sleep health by encouraging regular bedtime routines during the school week and weekends, and encouraging mobile phones to be turned off earlier in the evening. Gradisar added that busy lifestyles, stress, and screen time make self-help and accessible resources for better sleep increasingly important. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Trump attends a news briefing Wednesday with the Coronavirus Task Force. (Evan Vucci/ Associated Press) When Hurricane Katrina smashed the Gulf Coast on the morning of Aug. 29, 2005, President George W. Bush was kicking back at his Texas ranch. Hed managed to ignore the news. The evacuation of New Orleans. The mounting death toll. The desperation on rooftops, where people shrieked as the water rose. Bush was a low-information president, but he could, with effort, metabolize bad news. When an aide finally presented a lively video montage of the tragedy, Bush headed back to Washington, staging an airborne photo op: the president looking out a window during an Air Force One flyover of the disaster area. He may have hoped to look like a shrewd general on a tactical mission. Instead, he seemed clueless and detached. His popularity tanked. "He never recovered from Katrina," said one of his former advisors. President Trump, in his erratic efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis, likewise has been squirrelly, scatterbrained and late. His approval rating, falling a bit since mid-February, bumped up a touch Wednesday, but nearly every election poll has former Vice President Joe Biden, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, beating him soundly in November's presidential election. Its a fools game to call anything Trumps Waterloo. But this virus might be his Katrina. As we now know, had Trump posed less and strategized more, he might have helped the U.S. better contain the virus, save lives and forestall vicious damage to the global economy. But for weeks he dithered. In public, he lied, spoke in unsettling logic loops, flagrantly violated even the good-hygiene practices he advocated and lashed out at his usual phantoms for inconveniencing him with the disease. Instead of coming up with a cohesive approach to sophisticated leadership in a plague year, Trump, along with his valets and his news agency Fox, went about devising a Trump alibi. Coronavirus, they were saying as recently as two weeks ago, was largely an invention of the media and Democrats. Story continues Democrats think the virus will be what brings down the president, said Mick Mulvaney, Trumps former acting chief of staff. Trish Regan, of Fox Business, called the virus yet another attempt to impeach the president. According to the New York Times, Trump took advice from his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who told him the media was exaggerating the threat posed by the virus, and that he ought to weather the epidemic as a personal PR crisis. (Kushner told the Saudi crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, something similar soon after it was discovered the prince ordered the barbaric dismemberment of a journalist.) The coronavirus might be novel, in other words, but Trumpworlds response is not. The president has long displayed something worse than indifference when confronted with the suffering of others: contempt. He sneered at the late Sen. John McCains captivity in Hanoi during the Vietnam War. He called Hurricane Maria, which led to the deaths of more than 3,000 in Puerto Rico in 2017, not a real catastrophe. In 2018, he praised the very fine people white supremacists who marched in Charlottesville, Va., one of whom murdered activist Heather Heyer with his car. The self-styled counterpuncher and his crew killed a lot of time, and maybe some people, windmilling around, seeking a target, broadcasting nasty tweets, spreading nonsense about how brilliant Trump is at this stuff. But this week, having failed to act in the crucial early days, Trump at last seemed to face reality. He is now trying to muster resolve and clarity. Squaring his jaw, aiming for full sentences, configuring his features into solemnity. He is also moving on plans to showcase his newfound magnanimity with money from the U.S. Treasury. But as with climate disasters, pandemics and markets, timing is everything. To watch the commander in chief, whatever his peacetime politics and disposition, vacillate and shadowbox when he needs to show alacrity and purpose, is radically destabilizing. If Trumps missteps dont cost him the short-term approval of his base, they will surely erode his reputation over the long run, just as Katrina did Bushs. Alternatively, should the outbreak curve flatten and the death toll come in below worst-case scenarios, Trump may try to claim he alone vanquished the pandemic. But we will no doubt be reminded of his grave and consequential failures in campaign ad after campaign ad. In the meantime, combat-tested Biden announced a cogent and thorough response to COVID-19 last week, while Trump was thrashing around. Dan P. McAdams, in a new book, The Strange Case of Donald J. Trump, argues that the president holds onto his base because bad news cant quite pierce the Trumpist bubble. But COVID-19 has unprecedented piercing powers. Its ravages can be felt and seen. Along with stats on the ever-mounting death toll, videos of people suffering from the disease are surfacing. Patients lucky enough to get ventilators and pain medicine are nonetheless in agony. To suffocate is a terrible way to die. Bush never recovered his popular standing after Katrina. After the straits Trump has put this country in, his reputation should permanently tank too. After all, we are all living close to the bone now. Far too many of us will, literally, never recover from the pandemic he did so little to mitigate. @page88 Pilgrims pray on a field where a mass congregation is supposed to be held in Gowa, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on 19 March, 2020. (PHOTO: AP) SINGAPORE Singapore's highest Islamic authority has urged Muslims here to avoid large religious gatherings overseas, in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. In a post on the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) Facebook page on Thursday (March 19), Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir called on Muslims to play their part and not to endanger themselves or others. I hear that some foreign religious organisers say that they fear God more than viruses and therefore, they continue with gatherings, said Dr Nazirudin, adding that it is currently not the time to be senseless and irresponsible. We fear God by being responsible human beings. We fear God by not causing harm to others. We do not fear God by being reckless and by ignoring safety precautions, Dr Nazirudin said. His post was shared over 2,200 times in five hours since it was published. On Thursday, Indonesia halted a mass congregation of nearly 9,000 Muslim pilgrims and began quarantining and checking their health. Organiser Mustari Bahranuddin resisted the events closure for days despite pleas from authorities, even stating that "we are more afraid of God" than the coronavirus on Wednesday. He complied and said he would follow the directive to cancel the gathering the next day. The four-day gathering at Gowa in the South Sulawesi province was organised by Jemaah Tabligh or Society for Spreading Faith a Muslim missionary movement that held a similar mass event in Kuala Lumpurs Seri Petaling Mosque. The Malaysian event, which ran from 27 February to 1 March, involved some 16,000 people, including 1,500 foreigners, and has been linked to hundreds of COVID-19 cases in several countries. Social media posts show hundreds of men sitting tightly together in a huge tent or praying shoulder-to shoulder inside the mosque, while some guests posted selfies as they shared food on the same trays. At least five out of 101 Singaporean attendees who have returned here tested positive for the virus. All mosques in Singapore remain closed for two weeks to curb the spread of the virus here. Story continues To date, Singapore has 313 confirmed cases of the virus, with 117 fully recovered and discharged. 576 of Malaysias 900 cases are also linked to the gathering, including a 34-year-old Malaysian attendee who died on Tuesday after contracting the virus. Three other countries have confirmed cases linked to the gathering - Brunei with 50, including its first cases of the virus, Cambodia with 13, and Thailand with at least two. Related investigations in Indonesia, which had nearly 700 of its citizens attend the gathering, Vietnam, and the Philippines are ongoing. It is not the only religious event linked to several COVID-19 cases: thousands in the South Korean city of Daegu are linked to services of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Elsewhere in Indonesia on Thursday, a Christian gathering also went ahead with more than 1,000 people despite official discouragement of big religious meetings. Separately, a prayer session in Bangladesh involving tens of thousands of Muslims sparked an outcry in the country the day before. Organisers behind the mass gathering had not obtained permission from authorities to hold the session, which involved devotees gathering in an open field to pray "healing verses" from the Koran to rid the country of the virus. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related stories: COVID-19: Columbariums and temples adopting safety measures for Qing Ming Festival Start of Malaysian lockdown not affecting Singapore public transport: Khaw Boon Wan Measures taken at Singapore prisons to protect staff, inmates from COVID-19 COVID-19: NCID urges public not to queue at its screening centre without referrals COVID-19: MOM extends entry-approval measures to all work pass holders entering Singapore A couple; 23-year-old Egyptian man and 40-year-old Tunisian woman were arrested by police officers in Italy for breaching coronavirus quarantine rules. The couple were caught having sex on a road in broad day light at Mecenate near Milan. According to news agency ANSA, the couple disobeyed the quarantine rule in Italy which bans two people from being in the front or back of a vehicle together. However, it was not revealed whether the couple will be prosecuted for their actions. Read Also: BREAKING: Lagos Confirms Four New Cases Of Coronavirus Italy is recorded as one of the countries mostly affected by the COVID-19 epidemic as it has recorded 31,506 cases with 2,503 deaths. Photo: Stefan Ruiz Salman Toor lives, and paints, between worlds Lahore, Pakistan, where he grew up fascinated with his grandmothers framed Gainsborough prints and refused, much to the befuddlement of his parents, to draw cars or planes and other things deemed gender appropriate, and New York, where he moved in 2006 after going to Ohio Wesleyan. I was just completely speechless for the first year because I hadnt really been to the States, and I was like, What is going on?, he tells me, laughing, when I arrive at his Bushwick studio with the iced coffee he requested despite its being rather icy out. After Ohio, he got into graduate school at Pratt, where he befuddled his professors with his interest in the rococo (Watteaus work is among his favorites, but it wasnt among theirs) and his desire to create himself in the mode of various no-longer-in-fashion canonical painters of 16th- and 17th-century Europe. Toor is 36, but he looks younger, if less bohemian, than the lanky, curly-haired boy with the extra-long nose who seems to act in many of his paintings as his fairy avatar, passively alive with nervous languor. Toor still holds on to the somewhat posh accent of the private school his prosperous parents sent him to in Lahore (where his father owns a car dealership) and comes across a bit like a gay man of another, more fastidious era when he explains why the legs in his paintings are so skinny and unarticulated: He just likes legs too much and is afraid to lose himself in erotic reverie if he gets too much into painting them. Best to hold back a bit. Up until three or so years ago, Toor had been making what he calls very academic kind of work bloodless and careful which was bought by mostly South Asian collectors. Then, on a whim, he decided to do something different, something loopier, just to decorate his apartment. These were scenes of joy and fey disquiet very much like the queer life hed created for himself in New York. His gallery at the time Aicon in NoHo wasnt convinced at first, but images of the work, which is very Instagrammable but far more interesting in person, went viral. The Whitney invited him to his first solo museum exhibition six months ago (the opening was scheduled for this month, but is on hold now until the pandemic ends). Some of the paintings, of family and immigration inspections and what appears to be a gay bashing, were done in his studio in Lahore. He reconstructs everything entirely from memory, which is why something like a car doesnt look very much like an actual car, but when he paints a boy dancing or staring into his phone, it couldnt feel more real. And then there are the paintings of life in New York, made in New York, which are cozy and quietly heroic in a way but still unsettled. I ask him why the hands are often different colors and the noses extra long. He references Pinocchio: Its that theyre different parts that are put together to make this person who is maybe relatable and nice and moral but in the fairy-tale language of a marionette. Salman Toors How Will I Know was delayed by the pandemic, but finally opened November 13th. *A version of this article appears in the March 16, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now! By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 19, 2020 | 09:33 AM | KENTUCKY/ILLINOIS If you or someone you know has been forced out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an easy process you can complete from your home to apply for unemployment benefits.If you live in Kentucky, you can apply for benefits at the state's Kentucky Career Center website. You can also apply by phone at 502-875-0442. You will be asked to provide various personal information, including your address, phone number and social security number. You will also need to provide information about your employer, and the circumstances of your termination.In Illinois the process is much the same. To file for unemployment there, visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security's website and follow instructions. You can also call 800-244-5631 to apply by phone.Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently waived the usual waiting period for unemployment benefits to help people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 closures. The waiver was announced after he ordered many public-facing businesses to close temporarily to help slow the spread of the virus.The state has also put in place an alphabetized schedule for applying for unemployment, as the wave of recent applications have caused its website to slow down, or in some cases crash.Click the links below to visit the Illinois and Kentucky unemployment websites. On the Net: The sea trout population of Ireland could be under threat amid rising temperatures and dwindling food stocks. Rising river temperatures see more trout opting to remain inland instead of migrating to sea, according to new research from University College Cork (UCC). New research from the Environmental Research Institute in UCC shows that more and more stocks of river trout are choosing to remain in rivers rather than undertake the migrations to sea they are known for. The study focused on Killary Harbour in Connemara, monitoring the movements of trout populations from Tawnyard Lough in the Erriff River in Co Mayo, a population particularly known for its migration. Increased water temperatures and reduced food supply strongly affected where trout decided to live. More trout are opting to stay in rivers as things heat up. This could seriously decrease the sea trout population as the climate continues to change. Little is known about why some fish migrate to sea and others do not. Some brown trout make the decision to leave the river where they are born and head to the sea in search of food or mates, or to get away from unpleasant river conditions. These conditions are likely to be made much worse by climate change, according to the UCC research team. The researchers looked at how changes in water temperature and the amount of available food influence the migration of brown trout. Both of these factors are heavily influenced by climate change. By rearing the young of wild trout for two years under conditions of reduced food and increased temperature, and then recording the numbers of future sea-going migrants, the team found that reduced food increases the numbers of migrating fish, but warm temperatures have the opposite effect, where fewer fish choose to migrate to sea, instead remaining resident in fresh water. The study was published this week in Global Change Biology. Lead author on the study, Louise Archer, of the Environmental Research Institute in UCC, said: "Brown trout are iconic for their ability to undertake impressive migrations to sea, yet we still know little about why some fish choose to migrate, and why others remain resident in fresh water rivers and lakes. What makes a sea trout has been an ongoing source of interest for biologists." A Caribbean island beach The Caribbean offers a sunny oasis for retirees. With the laid-back lifestyle, affordable healthcare, and tax incentives, retirees are drawn to the Caribbean islands. But before you throw your winter clothes away and spend your golden years under a palm tree, you need to understand what it entails to retire in the Caribbean. In this article well discuss immigration laws, taxes, safety and other key factors for four of the most popular Caribbean retirement destinations: Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Getting a Visa in The Caribbean There are 26 countries in the Caribbean. Each one has a unique culture. The countries there variously speak English, Spanish, French, Creole and other languages, and many have their own currencies. Some are territories of European nations, and some are independent. As you might imagine, then, each island has unique visa restrictions. To get a retirement visa in the Bahamas, there are a couple of options. The first is to purchase a property in the Bahamas worth over half a million U.S. dollars, then apply for permanent residency. The second option is to purchase a property in the Bahamas then apply for an Annual Homeowners Card. This will allow you and your family to stay in the country throughout the year. The annual fee for this card is $500. In Belize, retirees must be 45 years old to apply for the Belize Retired Persons Incentive Program (QRP). QRPs must move $2,000 per month into a Belizean bank account, have proof of a pension or Social Security, and have adequate funds to stay in the country. The QRP fee is $150, plus a $1,000 payment to the Belize Tourism Board and a final $200 payment for the card. The card is renewable annually for $25. To renew your card, you must spend at least one month in Belize per year and may come and go from Belize as you please. In Jamaica, Americans can stay for up to six months without a visa. To stay longer, youll need to apply for residency status. As part of your application, youll need your passport, evidence that you can financially support yourself without working and a completed application form, which you can find at the Jamaican consulate. If you prefer, you can also apply for your residency status through the Jamaican consulate while youre still in the U.S. This is probably the safer plan: While plenty of Americans obtain permits for retirement, receiving one isnt a guarantee Story continues The Dominican Republic offers a special visa for retired people that provides tax benefits, provided they have an income of $ 1,500 per month. That income can come from a private or government pension, such as Social Security. Upon approval, applicants get permanent residency status. Plan for the application process to take between one and two months. There are many other countries to choose from in the Caribbean. For example, France, the Netherlands, and Great Britain all have territories in the Caribbean that adhere to the countries European laws. Its important to note that France and the Netherlands are part of the European Union and Schengen Zone, so any time spent in their offshore territories counts as time spent in the European Union, and visa laws in the Caribbean are the same as retiring in the actual countries. Cost of Living in the Caribbean Understanding the cost of living is one of the most important factors when planning for retirement. In Belize, where the overall cost of living is 29% lower than in the U.S., rent is about 45.06% lower than the United States according to Numbeo.com, a cost of living calculator. The national average for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Belize City is about $317. This is compared to the national average of a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. is about $1,360. However, its important to note that most retirees do not stay in Belize City. Instead, they head for Ambergris Caye or other small paradise-like islands. In Ambergris Caye, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is about $515 per month. In the Bahamas, where the overall cost of living is about 16% lower than in the U.S., rent is about 9.77% lower than in the United States according to Numbeo.com. The national average for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center of the Bahamas is about $905 per month. In Nassau, the most prominent retiree destination, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $943. In Jamaica, the overall cost of living is about 20% lower than in the U.S. If youre looking to live on Jamaicas coast, houses in port towns like Ocho Rios or Port Antonio are typically less than $200 per square foot. If youd prefer to live in the city, a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Kingston will cost around $530 per month, according to the pricing data website Numbeo. On average, renting in Jamaica will cost you between $250 and $500 a month, and properties for sale will range between $150 and $215 per square foot. The cost of living in the Dominican Republic is nearly 40% lower than in the U.S. Rent in the nation is about 75% cheaper in the U.S. Ex-pats can live in the Dominican Republic on a monthly budget of $1,000, with some $300 and more to rent a two-bedroom apartment or small villa close to town. Utilities will run about $150 each month. Housing in the Caribbean Houses in the Port of St John`s, Antigua and Barbuda Foreign residents and Nicaraguan residents can purchase property in both Belize and the Bahamas. Other similarities between buying homes in the two countries are that both countries speak English, there are few restrictions on foreigners buying property, and there is no capital gain tax when you sell your property. In Belize, the home-buying process begins with you choosing a home and negotiating with the owner a price. Then, you will put a deposit down on the home and hire a lawyer for a title search and to request a survey plan. The lawyer fee is typically about 1-3% of the sale price of the home. Once all the documents have cleared, you pay the seller. Mortgages are available. Finally, youll pay the stamp duty of 5% and transfer the title to your name. In the Bahamas, buying a home is a clear path to residency status and is the same process as in the United States. When someone purchases a home, there is a stamp tax of 10% paid to the government by the seller. There are other fees involved that vary including an inspection fee and a lawyers fee, and they are like what you would pay in the U.S. Ex-pats may buy property in Jamaica. The process is simple: Find a residence youd like to purchase; make an offer to the seller; upon acceptance of your offer hire a real estate attorney to do a title search and prepare an agreement of sale; upon signing, youll need to pay a deposit of 10% to 20%; pay an assortment of duties, fees and taxes. In the Dominican Republic, real estate transactions are often all-cash deals. Typically, funds are transferred for the sale to your lawyers escrow account in an American bank, and later disbursed by your lawyer to the seller. While mortgages do not exist in the country for foreigners or in special cases only, there are occasions where the seller is willing to offer financing. Taxes in the Caribbean In general, the Caribbean is known as a tax haven for ex-pats. A tax haven is a country that imposes low or no taxes on individuals and businesses. Many Caribbean countries have a 0% tax rate and a low annual business license fee and substantial financial privacy. As a result, many Caribbean islands are equally as advantageous to live in and purchase property in as Belize and the Bahamas. In both Belize and the Bahamas, there is no capital gains tax, and residents do not pay taxes on their income from outside of Belize. As a U.S. citizen, you will be expected to file taxes in the United States each year. You will have to report any foreign bank accounts as well, and you will likely have a bank account in your country of residence. Jamaican residents are taxed on their global income at either 25% or 30% on income above a tax-free threshold. Ex-pats living in Jamaica are considered residents for tax purposes if they spend at least six months in the country in the tax year or if they have a home in Jamaica and they visit Jamaica at all in the year, or if they visit Jamaica habitually, defined as at least three months a year for four consecutive years. Jamaica does not tax pension money, whether government or private. Tax rates in the Dominican Republic are progressive and capped at 25%. Three years after you gain residency in the country you will be required to pay the island nations taxes on your global income. Non-cash compensation is considered taxable, as are capital gains. Finally, the nation has a 16% value added tax. If you earn any money outside of the U.S., you can use a few different provisions to reduce your U.S. taxable income. These include the foreign earned income exclusion, the foreign tax credit and the foreign housing exclusion, among others. If youd like to forecast your tax burden more specifically, you may want to consult with a tax expert who is familiar with both the U.S. and your country of residences tax laws. Healthcare Systems in the Caribbean Belize has both a public and private health system. Belizes public system is not generally up to American standards, so many ex-pats leave Belize to travel to Mexico for healthcare. The government subsidizes medical trips to neighboring countries, but patients often still must pay quite a bit for medical care out-of-pocket. If you choose to use the private healthcare system, you will have to pay for your care out-of-pocket or with private insurance. If you have unexpected health issues, this could end up being very costly. The health system in the Bahamas is known for providing a high quality of care. The larger islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence have several hospitals, and the smaller islands have clinics with limited services. Private international insurance is recommended because while free care is provided to all residents, foreign citizens cant contribute to the national health insurance program. This means that anything more than basic care can be costly. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks the healthcare system of Jamaica as the 53rd best out of nearly 200 nations. Public hospitals are routinely overcrowded, leading to notoriously long wait times. There is at least one hospital in every parish in Jamaica, but the largest and best-equipped facilities are in Kingston and Montego Bay. Even in these largest cities, though, serious medical conditions often require evacuation to facilities in the U.S. Ex-pats are encouraged to use private facilities in Kingston or Montego Bay. The Dominican Republics healthcare system ranks 51st on the WHO list. There are four types of facilities in the country: public hospitals; tourist area clinics; private clinics; and major public/private hospitals. There are three tiers of healthcare funding in the country: government funded for poor and indigenous people; privately funded by employers and their workers; and a combination of government and private funding. The U.S. embassy lists medical facilities and resources on its website. Safety in the Caribbean The safety of Caribbean islands varies widely. Some islands, such as Jamaica, have a problem with crime, and the U.S. State Department has issued a warning about this. It also has issued a warning about the Dominican Republic. The most dangerous place in the Caribbean may be Haiti, which drew a Do-Not-Travel warning from the State Department because of widespread kidnappings and armed robberies. At the other end of the safety spectrum are the Caymans, Anguila, the Netherlands Antilles, St. Maarten and Monserrat. The weather can be a safety issue. The area sees hurricanes most years in the fall, and some of these storms result in injuries and fatalities, as well as diseases in the aftermath. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control keeps an updated database about any diseases and other risks on areas in the Caribbean. Bottom Line The Caribbean has many islands and locales to choose from when deciding where to retire. Although this article focused on popular destinations like Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, other options include the U.S. Virgin Islands, the island of Roatan in Honduras, or some of the Dutch islands. Regardless of where you choose to retire, you should go in knowing details about taxes, healthcare, safety and more. Tips for Achieving Your Retirement Goals A financial advisor can help you sort out your retirement plans. Finding the right financial advisor that fits your needs doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. If youre ready to be matched with local advisors that will help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Its tough to plan for your retirement if you arent sure what kind of costs youll have when you retire. To get an idea of what to expect, stop by our retirement calculator. To use this, youll need a few details about where you want to retire, when you want to retire and how much you have in savings. Photo credit: iStock.com/lucky-photographer, iStock.com/NAPA74, iStock.com/ViewApart The post How to Retire in the Caribbean: Costs, Visas and More appeared first on SmartAsset Blog. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Chris Lefkow and Paul Handley (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Thu, March 19, 2020 08:48 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bbb366 2 World Bernie-Sanders,Joe-Biden,US-presidential-race,US-presidential-election,Democrat Free Bernie Sanders was talking to advisers on Wednesday as pressure mounted on the leftist Vermont senator to end his White House campaign following a drubbing by Joe Biden in the latest Democratic primaries. As the coronavirus outbreak played havoc with the primary schedule, calls grew among Democrats for Sanders to bow out to allow the centrist Biden to focus on beating President Donald Trump in November. Biden, 77, trounced Sanders, 78, in the three states which went to the polls on Tuesday -- Arizona, Florida and Illinois -- to build up an all-but impregnable lead in the number of delegates needed to head the Democratic ticket. "The race for the nomination is over," said Democratic strategist David Axelrod, who ran Barack Obama's two presidential campaigns. "That is the reality Bernie Sanders faces." While his hopes of winning the nomination may look increasingly dim, the senator strongly denied press reports that he was dropping out. "Anybody who suggests that at this point we are ending the campaign is not telling the truth," Sanders told CNN. Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir did say, however, that the candidate was holding talks to "assess" the future. "The next primary contest is at least three weeks away," Shakir said in a statement. "Senator Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign. "In the immediate term, however, he is focused on the government response to the coronavirus outbreak." Several states have postponed primaries because of the pandemic and both candidates have been forced to halt public rallies and turn to virtual campaigning. Biden trounced Sanders in each of Tuesday's battlegrounds, taking 62 percent of the vote in Florida against 23 percent for Sanders and winning by 59 percent to 36 percent in Illinois. In Arizona, Biden had nearly 44 percent to Sanders' nearly 32 percent. Voters had also been scheduled to go to the polls in Ohio but the governor of the midwestern state postponed the election, citing the coronavirus outbreak. 'I think it is time' The surging Biden has now won 19 of the 27 state contests held so far. The victories underscored his position as the clear frontrunner and the eagerness of Democratic leaders and party rank and file to come together around a moderate standardbearer to challenge Trump. According to a count by RealClearPolitics, Biden has racked up 1,153 delegates to Sanders' 874, with 1,991 needed to capture the nomination. Given Biden's substantial lead in opinion polls in many of the states yet to hold primaries, Sanders faces an uphill battle. Former Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri urged him to drop out. "I think it is time," McCaskill told MSNBC. "Bernie's going to have plenty of delegates and power to influence the platform," she said of the policies to be declared at the party's July convention. Biden said he was closer to securing the nomination and was building "a broad coalition" that the party requires to defeat Trump. "The next president will have to salvage our reputation, rebuild confidence in our leadership, and mobilize our country and our allies to rapidly meet new challenges -- like future pandemics. We need a leader who will be ready on day one," he said in a tweet Wednesday. Trump taunt From the White House, Trump taunted the Democrats, repeating his accusation that the party elite sabotaged Sanders -- whom the president's own campaign views as the weaker potential opponent. The Democratic National Committee "will have gotten their fondest wish and defeated Bernie Sanders, far ahead of schedule," Trump tweeted. "Now they are doing everything possible to be nice to him in order to keep his supporters. Bernie has given up, just like he did last time. He will be dropping out soon!" Trump said, referring to Sanders's failed fight for the nomination in 2016. Trump also appeared to be attempting to rile up Sanders' supporters, whose willingness to transfer their support to Biden could be crucial in the November contest. Biden for his part has experienced an astonishing change of fortune -- his campaign was left for dead just one month ago after poor showings in early voting states. Sanders meanwhile has struggled against perceptions that he is too far left to defeat Trump. He admitted as much last week when he said Democratic voters have told him they back his agenda of health care for all and battling income inequality, but they were voting for Biden because he has a better chance of winning back the White House. Advertisement Nearly 700 weary passengers stuck onboard a British cruise ship after cases of the killer coronavirus were confirmed rejoiced as they were repatriated from Havana to Heathrow. Cuba allowed MS Braemar, operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, to dock in its waters after several Caribbean island nations - including Commonwealth states Barbados and the Bahamas - declined UK requests. Over 680 passengers, most of whom are British, were flown back from Jose Marti International Airport in the island state's capital back to London Heathrow after 28 people self-isolated. They either tested positive for the coronavirus afflicting the world, or displayed flu-like symptoms. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed that the passengers flew out from Havana's airport on four charter flights. Passengers who were taken ill onboard flew out on a separate plane. Those not considered well enough to fly will be offered support and medical treatment in Cuba, where there are 10 confirmed cases to date. A passenger from MS Braemar cheers from the plane's door before being flown from Havana to London Heathrow A passenger from MS Braemar cheers from the plane's door before being flown from Havana to London Heathrow British passengers and crew of MS Braemar board a plane to London Heathrow, in Havana, after over a week docked British passengers and crew of MS Braemar board a plane to London Heathrow, in Havana, after over a week docked British passengers and crew of MS Braemar board a plane to London Heathrow, in Havana, after over a week docked A British Airways plane carrying British passengers and crew of MS Braemar takes off for London Heathrow from Havana A British Airways plane carrying British passengers and crew of MS Braemar takes off for London Heathrow from Havana A British Airways plane carrying British passengers and crew of MS Braemar takes off for London Heathrow from Havana Passengers from the Covid-19-stricken MS Braemar return to Heathrow Airport in London, wearing face masks Passengers with smiles on their faces return to Heathrow Airport after over a week stuck on the Covid-19-stricken ship Passengers with smiles on their faces return to Heathrow Airport after over a week stuck on the Covid-19-stricken ship Passengers with smiles on their faces return to Heathrow Airport after over a week stuck on the Covid-19-stricken ship Passengers with smiles on their faces return to Heathrow Airport after over a week stuck on the Covid-19-stricken ship Britain's Ambassador to Cuba Antony Stokes said: 'The last of four planes carrying the passengers from MS Braemar is taking off from Jose Marti airport in Havana. Thank you to everyone involved in this complex operation. 'I would like to wish a safe return back to the UK to all the passengers.' Critics accuse the Cuban regime of exploiting the incident for PR, but passengers - who disembarked at the container port of Mariel - appear to have nothing but praise for the country. Steve Dale, a Braemar passenger, exclaimed: 'Thanks once more to the people of Cuba for their generosity and humanity. Hoping to come back here one day when we've all forgotten about Covid-19.' Another passenger, 75-year-old Clive Whittington, said: 'Whether the Cubans took us in to get brownie points or not, we are very grateful. The worst thing has been being in limbo, not knowing what is going to happen next. 'We have been sailing around in circles for the last week really.' Covid-19 has plunged the cruise industry into chaos as the global tightening of entry requirements has left many ships stranded or quarantines. Several cruise lines have suspended trips for the time being. The coronavirus has been slower to reach and spread in the Caribbean than much of the rest of the globe. Cuba's regime has so far confirmed 10 cases of the deadly bug on the island. Yesterday, the country's Health Ministry announced the first death from the virus - an Italian tourist, 61. Authorities are screening travelers at airports and have stepped up the production of face masks, while banning large cultural and sporting events. Family physicians are paying more home visits to monitor local communities. However, Cuba is renowned for its preparedness in cases of natural disaster and has a long history of medical diplomacy, sending thousands of doctors on missions worldwide. 'Let's reinforce healthcare, solidarity and international cooperation,' said Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. The Government has not canceled flights from countries hardest hit by the pandemic or restricted social gatherings, in contrast to many other countries in the region. That has elicited concern among some Cubans. Others have been concerned by the arrival of MS Braemar, and those passengers who will stay behind for aid. 'There were only a few cases... but now we are filling up on more,' said Pablo Cruz Estrada, 28, while polishing a 1948 Dodge at a car wash in Havana. 'Who would come up with such an idea?' Crew members of Covid-19-stricken MS Braemar onboard the 1,000-person cruise ship in Puerto del Mariel, Cuba Braemar cruise ship employees and passengers wait for buses that will transport them to Havana's international airport A Braemar cruise ship passenger rides a motorized scooter to a waiting bus that will take him to Havana's international airport Passengers leave MS Braemar to board waiting buses that will transport them to Havana's international airport Braemar cruise ship members hold up a sign with a message that reads in Spanish 'I love you Cuba' in Mariel, Cuba Passengers leave MS Braemar to board waiting buses that will transport them to Havana's international airport MS Braemar is seen docked after it was stranded for more than a week in the Caribbean due to several cases of the disease MS Braemar is seen docked after it was stranded for more than a week in the Caribbean due to several cases of the disease Grand Circle Corp., a Boston-based travel agency, has weathered many events since it was founded in 1958 by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) creator Ethel Andrus. It has operated throughout multiple financial crises and the rise of the internet, but the COVID-19 pandemic may be its biggest challenge. Over the last 50 years, I have personally been involved with many difficult world events: 9/11, SARS, a world financial crisis, a Russian invasion of Crimea and the Egypt air crash where we lost all of our travelers," Alan Lewis, the company's chairman, told the Business Journal in a statement. "The coronavirus is having a deep global impact. It has hit the international travel industry especially hard and has been the most difficult so far. The companys call center has seen a major increase in cancellations, postponements and other requests since the COVID-19 outbreak hit the U.S. earlier this year. Grand Circles business is expected to be down beyond the end of the year, according to Lewis. The 3,600-person company was recently forced to lay off 75 people and cut pay by 10% across the board. Grand Circle isnt alone. The states Executive Office of Labor and Workforce development was inundated with almost 20,000 unemployment claims Monday more than it had received during the entire month of February. Separately, in the first two weeks of March, retail employees experienced a 70% drop in income compared to the same time period last year due to decreased sales, according to a study conducted by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Dining sales had dropped 34%, while non-food retail sales were down close to 28%. In response to the ban on in-person dining, restaurateurs Ken Oringer, Ming Tsai, chef Chris Coombs, Samuel Adams Beer and the Greg Hill Foundation have teamed up to create the Restaurant Strong Fund, which will give out $1,000 grants to full-time restaurant workers. On Beacon Hill, Gov. Charlie Baker signed emergency legislation Wednesday to waive the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. The state will also delay until June 20 the payment of meal, sales and occupancy taxes for businesses than paid less than $150,000 in these fees last year. The states labor and workforce development office is deploying additional employees and ramping up its capabilities to tackle what Baker this week called a tremendous amount of activity around unemployment claims. Sign up for our free text alert service through Subtext below. If youre having trouble viewing the embed to sign up on your mobile device click here. Readers can also sign up for our free daily Latest Headlines newsletter and follow the latest news on COVID-19 at our dedicated news page. One of the key items business owners have pushed for is an increase in weekly unemployment payments to $1,200, up from $823. The governor did not address that suggestion during a Wednesday press conference. Earlier on Wednesday, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and his top budget-writer Aaron Michlewitz said they planned to speed the unemployment insurance legislation to the governors desk after receiving it from their counterparts in the state Senate. The House of Representatives is deeply concerned about the hardworking Massachusetts residents who are out of work because of measures far beyond their control, they said in a joint statement. We sincerely appreciate all employees who are taking steps for the greater good in this public health crisis, while understanding the grave economic impact it has on their own families. They added: We must quickly cease the one week wait period. We recognize there is more work to be done to support Massachusetts workers and families, and actively ask House members to engage with House leadership on additional ideas. At the same time, we must be mindful of federal unemployment insurance regulations and the stability of our Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, and are actively conferring with our partners in the administration to understand more about these constraints. This article originally appeared on the Boston Business Journals website. Related Content Jessa Duggar Worries Sister-in-Law's Gown Is Too Revealing on Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta Jessa Duggar Seewald isnt afraid to speak her mind. In an exclusive clip of the upcoming season of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, Jessa is ready to help her husband Ben Seewalds sister Jessica find her dream wedding dress. I know when I went dress shopping, I thought I knew what I wanted and I went in and just tried on a ton of dresses, Jessa says in the clip. You just never know. You may just end up leaving with something completely different. After her friend Whitney pulls a simple, A-line dress from the rack, Jessica is surprised by how she feels while trying it on. TLC Say Yes To The Dress Its definitely not what I thought it would be, she says. its very wedding-like. I actually really like this top. But the A-line gown has a mesh, low-cut feature that might not get the approval of her entourage. Im super surprised that I picked it because it is super low, Jessicas friend Whitney says. Its a little low, Jessa adds. TLC Say Yes To The Dress RELATED: Jessa Duggar Seewalds Baby Boy Henry Is All Smiles After He Woke Up Happy from His Nap Im honestly a little worried about it, Whitney tells the camera. Were trying to find something that is pretty but also tasteful. Speaking on behalf of your mother and me, I think its a little low, Jessicas soon-to-be mother-in-law adds. Jessica married her fiance Phillips Lester in May 2019 after accepting his proposal in December 2018. Both Jessica and Lester work as police officers in Arkansas. Best moment of my life, she captioned a photo from her wedding. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Thursday said strict action will be taken against people spreading false information about coronavirus and those trying to escape from isolation wards and quarantine centres. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Deshmukh said coronavirus outbreak is a huge challenge and people should cooperate by following directives given by the administration and the state health department. Deshmukh raised concern over false information about the pandemic being circulated on social media. Strict action will be taken by the cyber crime police against thosewho spread rumours about coronavirus, he said, adding that people trying to escape from isolation wards and quarantine centres will also be penalised. The minister also urged people to work from home and avoid venturing out. Maharashtra has recorded 47 cases of COVID-19 so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, right, walks on Capitol Hill, February 4, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Alex Brandon/AP Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas did not find the term "Chinese virus" controversial when describing the novel coronavirus. "Well, I think China is to blame because the culture where people eat bats, and snakes, and dogs, and things like that," Cornyn said to a reporter. "These viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and that's why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, like MERS, the Swine Flu." Illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) did not originate from China. The Swine Flu, otherwise known as the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, was first discovered in humans in the US, according to the CDC. Democratic Rep. Judy Chu of California, the first Chinese-American woman to serve in Congress, said in a statement to Insider that Cornyn's comments were "disgusting." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas echoed other lawmakers in his party and President Donald Trump and said he did not find the term "Chinese virus" controversial when describing the novel coronavirus. Asked by a reporter on Wednesday whether describing the novel coronavirus as Chinese was acceptable, Cornyn replied, "That's where it came from." "Well, I think China is to blame because the culture where people eat bats, and snakes, and dogs, and things like that," Cornyn said. "These viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and that's why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, like MERS, the Swine Flu." "And now the coronavirus," Cornyn added. "So I think they have a fundamental problem. And I don't object to geographically identifying where it's coming from." But while SARS, also known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, is a virus transmitted by an animal and was first identified in China in 2002, other illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) originated elsewhere. Story continues MERS, which had a patient fatality rate of 30-40%, was discovered in Jordan in 2012. All of the cases have been linked to "countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Swine Flu, otherwise known as the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, was first discovered in humans in the US. Scientists linked gene segments in the virus with other influenza viruses amongst pigs, in this case, North American pig herds and Eurasian pig herds, the CDC said. The CDC estimated that by 2010, there were over 61 million cases and over 270,000 hospitalizations due to the virus, and 12,469 people were killed. Republicans, including Trump, have described the coronavirus as the "Wuhan virus" and the "Chinese virus." Scientists believe the pandemic originated from a wildlife market in Wuhan, China; however, activists have urged the media and others "to ensure accurate and fair portrayals of Asians and Asian-Americans," and avoid fueling xenophobia amid the outbreak. Several hate crimes and acts of discriminatory behavior against Asian Americans were documented across the US in recent weeks. An Asian man who declined to be identified was walking with his 10-year-old son in New York on Saturday, when he alleged 44-year-old Raoul Ramos screamed at him for not wearing a mask, according to The New York Post. Other lawmakers railed against characterizing the coronavirus based on its purported origins. Democratic Rep. Judy Chu of California, the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the first Chinese-American woman to serve in Congress, described Cornyn's comments as "disgusting." "Disparaging an entire ethnic group and culture like this is bigotry, plain and simple," Chu said in a statement to Insider. "Blaming Chinese people en masse for the spread of this disease is the exact same bigoted line that was used to justify the Chinese Exclusion Act over a century ago." "Republicans have been warned by health experts, by Trump administration officials, by Asian American organizations and constituents," Chu added. "At this point, Republicans have made a calculation that it is in their best interest to use people of Chinese ethnicity as a scapegoat, and people's lives will be in danger until they stop." Cornyn, in his original statement, said he disagreed with critics who opposed the phrasing. "I don't think we're not talking about Asians," Cornyn said. "We're talking China, where these viruses emanate from." Read the original article on Business Insider As Europe reported more than 3,400 deaths and 82,000 confirmed cases, Italy alone reported 475 deaths in a single day the highest daily total in any country so far. Heres the latest and maps of the outbreak. Take it seriously, Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a televised address to Germany, which has 8,200 cases and counting. Since German reunification no, since World War II our country has never faced a challenge where we depended so much on our collective actions and solidarity. But there were signs of fraying unity as the resurrection of border controls caused chaos and traffic jams, particularly in Hungary. The virus has also created generational friction: Some older Europeans criticize young people for blithely ignoring warnings about social distancing, while young activists wonder why governments arent bringing the same urgency to the climate crisis that they do to the pandemic. In other developments: The British pound fell to its lowest level in 35 years against the American dollar, as Wall Street had another disastrous day and the American oil benchmark dropped 24 percent. We have live updates. The European Central Bank announced a program to buy up to 750 billion euros worth of financial assets, and President Trump signed a $1 trillion relief package that would provide sick leave, unemployment benefits and free coronavirus testing. Countries in southern Europe that cut back on health care spending during the eurozone debt crisis are tragically vulnerable to the pandemic, writes our business correspondent in Frankfurt. But northern countries have their own weaknesses. The American economy is poised for the worst quarterly contraction ever more akin to what happened in wartime Europe than during the financial crisis. Our DealBook columnist, Andrew Ross Sorkin, has a not-so-modest proposal for how the U.S. government can cope with the Covid-19 economic crisis. The border between Canada and the U.S., the worlds longest, will close to all but essential traffic. Glastonbury, the music festival in Britain, and the Eurovision Song Contest are among the latest events to be canceled. What to know: The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter like all of our newsletters is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. They split their time between New York and London. And Ricky Gervais and his long-term partner Jane Fallon stepped out in the capital on Thursday, as they headed out to fuel up on coffee. The comedian, 58, cut a casual figure in a grey fleece and his signature black T-shirt, while Jane, 59, opted for a tailored black wool pea coat. Caffeine kick: Ricky Gervais and his long-term partner Jane Fallon stepped out in the capital on Thursday, as they headed out to fuel up on coffee The pair appeared deep in discussion as they strolled around Hampstead after visiting a vape shop. Ricky and Jane flouted the government's advice which stated Londoners should avoid going shopping in a bid to reduce the number of cases of coronavirus that is sweeping across the capital. The couple have been together since 1982 but previously told The Times they decided not to marry because 'there's no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God'. Casually-clad: The comedian, 58, cut a casual figure in a grey fleece and his signature black T-shirt, while Jane, 59, opted for a tailored black wool pea coat Ricky added they decided not to have children because 'we didn't fancy dedicating 16 years of our lives. And there are too many children, of course'. Earlier this month, the couple were left heartbroken when their social media star cat Ollie died. The feline died at the impressive age of 16 with both owners taking to Twitter to relay the news. 'Just had to say goodbye to the sweetest little soul I've ever known. RIP Ollie. July 9th 2003 - March 10th 2020,' wrote comedian Ricky, 58. Long-term loves: The couple have been together since 1982 but previously told The Times they decided not to marry because 'there's no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God' Ricky followed this up later, tagging the pet's social media account, posting: 'A heartfelt thank you for all your lovely tributes to @myleftfang. 'I can't quite bring myself to respond at the moment, but your kindness is very much appreciated.' His author partner penned: 'I have awful news. My smart, funny, feisty, beautiful sidekick of the last 16 & a half years @myleftfang has passed away after a sudden down turn in her health at the weekend. 'My heart is broken in two. I have no idea what I'm going to do without her by my side. #Ollie.' North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday ordered all eating and drinking establishments, as well as recreation and entertainment businesses, to close to on-site services amid the coronavirus outbreak. He also eased licensing regulations for health professionals and facilities, ordered schools to remain shut down to students, with a focus on remote learning likely beginning in April, and shortened the academic year from 175 days to 163 days. Burgum also restricted public access until April 6 at state facilities, including the Capitol in Bismarck, and directed most state government employees to work remotely. The state Information Technology Department has so far transitioned about 3,100 state employees to platforms for working from home, the governors office said. The news came as the state confirmed a dozen additional cases of COVID-19, the disease that results from the new coronavirus. "We've more than doubled the number of cases in just the last 24 hours," Burgum said during an afternoon public briefing. New cases North Dakota health officials on Thursday confirmed 12 more cases of COVID-19, with nine of them in Burleigh County and two in Morton County. The new cases announced Thursday bring the state's total to 19, with one hospitalization. Eleven are in Burleigh County and four are in Morton County. One of the cases is a girl who attends Fort Lincoln Elementary in southeast Mandan, the school said in a letter to parents on Wednesday. State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte said in a statement that This underscores the importance of practicing social distancing and following the Presidents recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. Burgum said North Dakota residents can no longer view the pandemic as some faraway thing and must learn from what other states have experienced, including Washington, where cases have surpassed 1,000. We can know if it happens in the state of Washington, we can know it can happen here, and if others might still be living in a state of either disbelief or denial, we just have to look today at the numbers globally," he said. There are more than 242,000 confirmed cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. North Dakota's first confirmed case was on March 11. Four more were confirmed Tuesday, and two more on Wednesday, with the Wednesday cases -- both in Morton County -- being the first instances of community transmission. Burgum said "at least" two of the cases confirmed Thursday were instances of community spread. Other cases in the state are in Cass and Ward counties. The health department has tested 673 North Dakotans for the virus, with 654 coming back negative. Business restrictions Business restrictions ordered by Burgum on Thursday apply to bars, cafes and restaurants, breweries and similar businesses. They must close to on-site patrons by noon Friday, but they can continue with takeout, delivery, curbside and drive-thru services, he said. The restrictions also apply to recreation facilities, health clubs, athletic facilities, entertainment venues and theaters. We know this is going to require a change for a lot of people, but we thank you for doing that because this is one of the ways we can stop the spread, he said. Burgum also acknowledged that this is going to cause economic hardship here in North Dakota. It's unclear if businesses that violate the order will be penalized, but state officials said that violating an executive order, as Burgum has issued, could result in an infraction with a fine up to $1,000. The governor urged American Indian tribes to adopt similar restrictions. School shutdown Burgum was poised to sign an executive order that allows age-appropriate alternative learning, including distance learning, to count toward instructional hours mandated by state law. The governor last Sunday night ordered the state's 175 school districts and private schools to close through Friday, affecting more than 110,000 students. School leaders statewide this week have been developing resources and guidance for online learning and virtual instruction, according to State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. Burgum said districts have been working extremely hard on those plans, and weve see some very creative and innovative plans coming forward. Schools will remain closed to students until further notice, though they will remain open to essential staff. Burgum will waive a total of 12 school days, effectively shortening the academic year from 175 days to 163 days. These waivers ensure that districts will be able to pay teachers and their hourly employees, he said. During this 12-day waiver (school leaders) can continue to do planning for if we have extended closures, Burgum said. He asked schools to submit innovative education plans by March 27. If theyre approved by the state, alternative instruction such as online learning can begin April 1, the governor said. Officials are leaving open the possibility that classes could resume in-person at some point this school year if the outbreak becomes less severe, but a return to school buildings could come with modifications, such as smaller class sizes, Baesler said. If school districts do not submit plans or fail to get them approved, they would have to "roll the dice" and hope that they can hold classes in-person at some point before June 30, when the school year officially ends, Burgum said. We cannot let this pandemic deprive our students of an education that prepares them to succeed in our rapidly evolving 21st century economy, he said. Health licensing Burgum also announced the suspension of some regulations related to licensing of health professionals, effectively enabling someone who is fully licensed in another state to work in North Dakota. That will enable multistate health care systems with a presence in North Dakota to freely move personnel, according to the governor. We dont know where the surge capacity is going to be needed, he said. Licensing requirements for health care facilities also are being eased. If we needed to, for example, convert a dorm at a university into a place where we had surge capacity for patients that might be suffering from COVID, that we would have the ability to do that, and speed our way through what might have otherwise been a licensing process that would not have allowed us to convert state facilities for those uses, Burgum said. Reach Blake Nicholson at 701-250-8266 or blake.nicholson@bismarcktribune.com. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New York, March 19 : Anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapeutic use among coronavirus patients because of its "very very encouraging" results, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday. Nikhila Natarajan New York, March 19 (IANS) Anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapeutic use among coronavirus patients because of its "very very encouraging" results, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday. Trump said the drug could prove to be a "gamechanger" and if it is not, the downside risks are likely to be low. "We've got very very encouraging early results. And we're going to be able to make that drug available. Almost immediately. And that's where the FDA has been so great, they've gone through the approval process, it's been approved," Trump said. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said that several approaches are under testing, including chloroquine, remdesivir and antibodies sourced from the blood of Covid-19 patients after they recover. "We're looking at drugs that are already approved for other indications as a potential bridge or stopgap until studies are completed on other drugs under investigation," Hahn said. Hydroxychloroquine belongs in this category for now. "We know that if things don't go as planned, it's not going to kill anybody," Trump said. Chloroquine, or hydroxychloroquine, has been used to treat malaria since the 1940s and is widely available. It is often given before exposure to malaria to prevent the infection, and also as treatment afterwards. "Nothing will stand in our way as we pursue any avenue to find what best works against this horrible virus," Trump said at a White House briefing. Hahn said that 10,000 FDA scientists, doctors and staff are "working round the clock to aid the American people in this fight against coronavirus." Describing himself as a "wartime President", Trump has invoked emergency powers which allow private sector capacity to be used in responding to the coronavirus pandemic which has already killed more than 130 people in the US. With these emergency powers, the Trump administration can pull on the country's installed industrial base to swiftly produce materials needed in a national crisis. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx cautioned that the number of people diagnosed is likely to increase dramatically in the next few days as testing capacity ramps up. It is now nearly 60 days since the first US case surfaced and testing at large scale remains an issue across the country till date. Birx on Thursday underlined a relatively new theme in what we know about the virus -- its transmission from hard surfaces. "We're still working out how much is by human to human transmission and how much from surfaces," she said. "We've not seen significant mortality in children," she said. "Don't expose yourself to surfaces outside the home," Birx urged Americans. The White House task force has been calling on "younger" Americans, especially millennials, to follow the latest social distancing guidelines and stop congregating in groups. Hospitals, which are fearing a tidal wave of cases coming in as a result of the increased testing capacity, have been asked to cancel all elective surgeries. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) The month of March is much busier than the previous years for everyone as the whole world fights against coronavirus (COVID-19) since its outbreak in January 2020. India is gradually witnessing a steady rise in the positive cases for the past couple of weeks. Amidst the COVID-19 scare, technology giants are optimistic about the enterprise IT market in India for 2020 and beyond, with Salesforce, Google Cloud, and Xerox announcing their new India leaders this month. The 18th of March 2020 witnessed the announcements of Arundhati Bhattacharya appointed as CEO and Chairperson at Salesforce India (from April 2020), and Karan Bajwa as the new India managing director for Google Cloud (immediate effect). Arundhati is a highly experienced business leader and finance authority, previously Chairperson of the State Bank of India, Indias largest public bank. A senior leader with over three decades of leadership experience, Karan joins Google Cloud from his previous role as Managing Director for India and South Asia at IBM. He has also worked with Microsoft as India MD and Cisco Systems in India and Singapore. The appointment of the industry heavyweights highlights the impetus by tech giants Salesforce and Google Cloud to dominate the emerging cloud market in India and lead the companys growth and expansion across the market largely fuelled by businesses accelerating their digital transformation journey. Digital technologies like data analytics, AI/ML/RPA, cloud, and customer experience (chatbot, mobile Apps) are the critical tech investment, according to the 19th edition of IDG State of the CIO 2020 survey by CIO. In India, the stakes in the cloud (non-SaaS) by Indian IT leaders and CIOs are expected to almost double this year as per the surveys Indian edition. Last year nearly 17% of survey respondents had cloud as a tech investment, and the latest version (2020) has that figure rise to 31%. With improving customer experience as the number two priority for global and Indian IT leaders as per the survey, Indias growing economy with burgeoning smartphone users and digitally connected millennial spells good opportunities for technology OEMs and their latest technologies. Xerox Leo Joseph, MD, Xerox India In the first week of this month, Xerox India, too announced Leo Joseph as the new India leader. In his role as Managing Director, Leo will be responsible for furthering the companys success and delivering on its business strategy for the India and South Asia market. Xerox has long defined the modern work experience while inventing the copier, Ethernet, the laser printer, to name a few as the workplace technology company builds and integrates software and hardware for enterprises large and small. Leo comes with over 28 years of extensive leadership experience and an in-depth market understanding to propel Xerox into the next phase of growth in the country. Leaders Speak Salesforce is accentuating its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) portfolio to create a 360 view of their customers in the digital age by taking advantage of powerful technologiescloud, mobile, social, internet of things, artificial intelligence, voice, and blockchain. India is an important growth market for Salesforce and a world-class innovation and talent hub, and Arundhatis leadership will guide our next phase of growth, customer success, and investment in the region, said Gavin Patterson, President, and CEO, Salesforce International. In 2016, Salesforce opened a new Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad and expects to add 3,000 jobs across the region over the next three years, making India a leading global talent and innovation hub for the company. Salesforce and its ecosystem of customers and partners in India is expected to create over $67 billion in business revenues and 548,400 new direct jobs by 2024, according to research by IDC. Salesforce Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO and Chairperson, Salesforce India Salesforce is a company with an impressive track record in supporting the digital transformation of its customers with world-class technology, and there is an incredible opportunity for future growth in India, said Arundhati Bhattacharya. Salesforce has also shown that it is guided by a core set of values and a mission to do good in the world and I could not be more excited to join the Salesforce team to ensure we capture this tremendous opportunity and contribute to Indias development and growth story in a meaningful way. Earlier this month, Google Cloud announced plans to expand its presence in India by launching a cloud region in Delhi, adding to its Mumbai region, which opened in 2017. Google Cloud Karan Bajwa, MD-India, Google Cloud Karan will be responsible for driving all revenue and go-to-market operations for Google Clouds extensive solution portfolio that includes Google Cloud Platform and G Suite. Karan Bajwa, Managing Director, Google Cloud in India, said, Im very excited about this new challenge, and I look forward to extending Googles global momentum in India. Leveraging cloud computing technology to modernize and scale for growth is on the agenda of almost every enterprise CEO, and CIO and Google Cloud is committed to help every organization accelerate their digital transformation. Google Clouds field sales, partner and customer engineering organizations in India will also report to him, and he will advise Google Clouds continued work with the local developer ecosystem and India-based Global System Integrators (GSIs). Rick Harshman, Managing Director of Google Cloud in the Asia Pacific, said, Karan is a veteran in the industry with a proven track record of building and growing successful enterprise businesses. His experience will be a tremendous asset to Google Clouds business, our partners, and our customers as we embark on this next phase of growth.Google Clouds field sales, partner, and customer engineering organizations in India will also report to him, and he will advise Google Clouds continued work with the local developer ecosystem and India-based Global System Integrators (GSIs). The month of February too had many high profile executive movements across technology giants. In February 2020, Rajeev Mittal was appointed as managing director for India and SAARC at Autodesk. Cloud security company CrowdStrike announced Nitin Varma as India MD on the 18th of February this year. Search & AI-Driven Analytics company ThoughtSpot has aggressive plans for the India market as the fast-growing unicorn appointed its first country manager for India Arun Jain in mid-February this year. Data management company Cohesity hired Sunil Brid as a country manager or India wherein Sunil earlier with Infinidat and Nimble (HPE), is now Managing Director India and SAARC for the company. Towards the end of President Donald Trumps coronavirus press conference on Thursday, the president took some truly ridiculous questions from far-right cable news channel One America News that allowed him to rant against the media and suggest news outlets are doing state propaganda for China. Over the past couple of days, the president has taken to calling COVID-19 the Chinese Virus, sparking outrage that he may be encouraging the racist targeting of Asian-Americans. Trump, meanwhile, has insisted he uses the term to retaliate against some Chinese officials blaming the U.S. military for the viral outbreak. OANN White House correspondent Chanel Rion, therefore, on Thursday decided to set the president up with a ridiculous question to give him a path to rant about the media and claim hes not encouraging racism. Kellyanne Conway Spars With Reporters Over Kung-Flu Coronavirus Slur Mr. President, do you consider the term Chinese food to be racist because it is food that originated from China? Rion leadingly asked. I dont think thats racist at all, Trump gleefully responded. On that note, major left-wing media, even in this room, have teamed up with Chinese communist party narratives, and they are claiming you are racist for making these claims about Chinese virus, Rion continued, before serving up a truly bonkers question: Is it alarming that major media players, just to oppose you, are siding with foreign state propaganda, Islamic radicals, and Latin gangs and cartels and they work right here out of the White House with direct access to you and your team? It amazes me when I read the things that I read, Trump replied with a grin, before going on a tirade about all the media outlets he feels have been critical of him. I dont think anybody has done as much as I have done in three years, he noted at one point. This administration has done a great job. But the press is very dishonest. Rion, meanwhile, interjected to exclaim that they are siding with state propaganda, prompting Trump to agree that they are siding with China. Story continues It should be noted that many of the outlets that Trump claimed are siding with Chinasuch as the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and The New York Timeshave recently had their press credentials revoked by China and their reporters booted out of the country. Rion, who was recently promoted as the networks chief White House correspondent, has a history of conspiracy-mongering and over-the-top Trump sycophancy. Besides being a Seth Rich truther and helping to peddle Trump attorney Rudy Giulianis most insane Ukraine narratives, Rion recently helped push a wild conspiracy theory that the coronavirus was created in a North Carolina lab. Trevor Noah Destroys Trump Admins Kung-Flu Coronavirus Racism From His Couch Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to ban all religious gatherings to control the spread of coronavirus, after new cases were confirmed earlier today. A plea for the federal government to shut all schools for two weeks and to ban all foreign airlines from entering Nigeria was rejected by the house, the lawmakers also asked for an agreement between Nigeria and countries certified free of the disease on the mass production and supply of test kits and other infrastructure needed to tackle the virus. The lawmakers who also directed the airport authorities across the country to put in structures that will discourage crowd gatherings, also took a decision mandating compulsory laboratory tests on all staff and members of the national assembly to ascertain their status. The House of Representatives members stated that public institutions in Nigeria should be equipped with temperature gauge. They directed the Minister of Health to brief the House leadership on the situation on a weekly basis. The resolutions were reached after the lawmakers debated on a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance for over an hour during Wednesdays plenary. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday urged the people of the state not to step out of their homes unnecessarily to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Seeking people's cooperation in the "war against a virus", Thackeray said that after an appeal made by the government, the number of people visiting public places and using public transport system has gone down. He, however, said that it must stop completely. "This is a war against a virus and we can win it with determination and not by getting frightened or creating panic," Thackeray said in his 10-minute-long televised address. "People should not panic. But they should not step out of their homes unnecessarily...Crowding in public transport system has gone down, but it has to stop completely. We don't wish to take the drastic step of shutting down the public transport. But non-essential travel must stop," he said. The medical staff, police personnel, NGOs, staff of public transport were working round-the-clock to deal with the situation, he said. "When they are fighting for you, can't you stay indoors and help them deal with the crisis? The government can stop public transport. But we don't wish to do it. People should work from home and stop venturing out," he said. The chief minister said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coronavirus situation and he had assured all cooperation to the state. "I discussed with him the steps being taken by the state and the support required from the Centre," he said. People should follow the rules and directives issued by the government to tackle the prevailing situation, he added. "It is wrong to hide your travel history and venture out after coming back," he said. Thackeray likened the medical staff treating the coronavirus patients to soldiers. "I haven't seen the 1965 or 1971 wars, but experienced them. I was very young. But I remember that after hearing the sirens people would run to take shelter. Lights at homes would be switched off to prevent the enemy fighter jets from locating the areas. It is said enemy jets had entered the Mumbai airspace in 1971. But our bravesoldiers dealt with the intrusion firmly," he said. "The official machinery is similarly dealing with the prevailing situation with firmness and they need your support and cooperation," he said. The government and the official machinery is prepared to tackle the crisis. There is adequate medical staff, equipment and essential commodities, he said. Thackeray said the virus has come from other countries. "When you arrive here and are self-quarantined, it is with trust that you are allowed to stay at home. But venturing out and spreading the virus is wrong," he said. War can be won with determination and not by getting frightened and panic, he said. The chief minister said that testing facilities were being increased. He also asked the people not to believe in rumours. "Listen to only what the government is telling you and nobody else," he said. "Maharashtra is a fighter and will defeat the virus," Thackeray said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) What is your priority for the country, and what is the role of Soc Trang Wind Power Plant 3 in your development strategy in Vietnam? Banpu Group CEO Somruedee Chaimongkol Soc Trang 3 is an investment under Banpus energy generation business group. We expect that this project will successfully achieve commercial operation date (COD) of the first phase by the end of 2020. In accordance with Banpus greener and smarter strategy, as well as energy sustainability principles comprising reliability, affordability, and eco-friendliness, the company continually seeks opportunities to strengthen growth in power generation and distribution on both base-load and renewable power businesses across the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam is an attractive country for its high potential, growing needs of electricity, and clear policies to promote various kinds of energy generation. We have had good support from government agencies and communities since making our presence here. For that reason, Banpu will continue to create sustainable growth in response to those energy trends and policies. This is your first foray into Vietnam. Will there be any plans to invest in other sectors that the group has experience and operation in elsewhere? Banpu has a presence in 10 countries in Asia-Pacific, and with over 20 years of experience and expertise in project development and power business operation. The company continually seeks opportunities to strengthen growth in energy generation, focusing on both base-load and renewable power generation in these strategic counties as well as other potentials that have favourable government policies and high business prospects. Many overseas investors are now interested in developing renewable power projects in Vietnam as the government is offering incentives. In what way will Banpu contribute to Vietnams renewables market in the near future? As energy sustainability is the key, Banpu has prudently considered investment opportunities with balanced energy proportion in our portfolio across the Asia-Pacific region. For Vietnam, we hope to be a unit fulfilling the governments renewable targets. Being committed to conducting our business professionally and ethically, we embrace environmental, social, and governance principles. Currently, we are focusing on the wind power plant project to achieve the targeted COD and in the long term, we will contribute to the energy market growth in Vietnam in response to government policies. Moreover, stakeholder relationship management and community development are our top priorities to ensure our investment and businesses follow sustainable development policy. The company will carefully continue to consider all prospects with our strength in project development and power business operation across Asia. Do you have any suggestion for the Vietnamese government to remove obstructions for the domestic power sector to lure more investment? In every country we enter, we aim to have a long-term commitment with our business stakeholders in order to create sustainable growth. To reach those goals, clear policy from the government is required, along with available access for international investors to study and gain advice about investment information. Market insights, proper rules and regulations, and adequate infrastructure shall also enable successful investment decisions and returns in the future. National Broadband Ireland, the company running the National Broadband Plan, does not yet foresee substantial delays in the rollout of rural broadband under the scheme, senior executives say. The lockdown of movement and some forms of transportation has raised fears that advanced planning and 'on-the-ground' activity related to the 500,000-premise rollout may be curtailed. However, company executives note that it is too early to say if current plans will be shifted. NBI signed a 25-year contract with the Government in December after winning a contentious tender process. Under the contract, there are penalties for missing agreed rollout deadlines. This year was to see the completion of 300 community broadband points, with rural premises being connected from the beginning of next year. The community points will be located in 300 rural towns and villages, which will see a fibre broadband connection established. The contract timetable also promises the service to 250,000 rural residents by the end of 2021, with the remaining homes to be connected over a five-year period. The new broadband network will be a wholesale service that current commercial broadband firms can resell to rural residents. Using fibre technology, the broadband will initially deliver speeds of up to 1,000Mbs, far in excess of existing copper landline speeds. Research from economist Jim Power on behalf of Vodafone suggested that 300m and 9,000 jobs would be created from just a handful of high-speed broadband hubs in regional towns. Mr Power's report also predicted 1,000 new businesses in just six of the hubs. A recent European Commission study claimed that Irish small firms outperformed other EU small businesses for trading, exporting and digital business when they had access to modern broadband. The Digital Economy and Society Index report also found that much of Ireland's rural economy was being held back by sparse broadband availability. In a letter publicly released today, almost 200 eminent doctors from around the world have condemned the Australian governments refusal to defend imprisoned journalist and WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, warning that he faces heightened medical risks due to the rapidly expanding coronavirus pandemic. The Doctors4Assange group wrote to the Australian government on December 15 and February 1 to insist that it immediately fulfil its obligations to Assange as an Australian citizen. It outlined the assessment of United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer, that Assange is showing medically-verifiable symptoms of psychological torture and warned that his life was in danger if he was not urgently released from Belmarsh Prison to a university teaching hospital. The correspondence, which was also sent to the Labor Party opposition, went unanswered for months. On February 18, Mat Kimberley, the assistant secretary for consular operations at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), finally replied on behalf of the government. His letter is a tissue of lies and evasions. Kimberley blithely stated that the Australian government rejects any suggestion by the UN Rapporteur on Torture that it is complicit in psychological torture or has shown a lack of consular support for Mr. Assange. He made an offhand dismissal of the professional opinion of the doctors that Assange has not received adequate medical care. Kimberley described the imprisonment of Assange in a maximum-security facility designed to hold terrorists and murderers as appropriate. He declared the governments confidence that Mr. Assange will receive due process in the legal proceedings he faces in the UK and we are likewise confident that he would receive due process should he face legal proceedings in the US. The DFAT bureaucrats declarations amount to a greenlight for the torture of an Australian citizen and journalist whose only crime has been to expose illegal wars, global diplomatic conspiracies and human rights violations. Given that Labor has ignored the doctors letters and has played a central role in the US-led pursuit of Assange, Kimberleys statements can only be read as a bipartisan endorsement of the illegal persecution of an Australian citizen. The Australian governments response was issued after months of complaints by Assanges lawyers that he was being denied the right to prepare his own defence. It was sent on the eve of the first week of British court hearing for Assanges extradition to the US, which can only be described as a show trial. The WikiLeaks founder was repeatedly stripped naked and handcuffed, his legal documents were stolen by prison guards and he was isolated in a bullet-proof glass box at the back of the courtroom, preventing him from participating in the hearing. In their latest letter, the doctors cite the assessment of the International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute that Assanges treatment was shocking and disproportionate, and may have constituted a breach of his right to a fair trial and a violation of international law. Kimberley falsely claimed that the Australian government was powerless to intervene in the legal processes of another country. In reality, the government has a clear legal responsibility and considerable powers to intervene when an Australian citizen is facing political persecution abroad. It has done so on many occasions, especially when the countries involved are in the crosshairs of US imperialism, such as Iran and China. The governments confidence that Assange will receive due process in the US is absurd and reveals the political character of its refusal to defend the WikiLeaks founder. Assange has been the subject of a secret US Grand Jury for the past decade. If he is extradited, he will be tried in Eastern District of Virginia. The location has been selected because it is home to the largest concentration of government agents in the US. Assange would be tried in a sealed court, with a jury stacked full of CIA operatives, that has a 100 percent conviction rate in national-security cases. He faces a sentence of up to 175 years imprisonment in conditions of total isolation. The DFAT official asserted that the government could no longer provide Assange with consular assistance because he had withdrawn his consent. Such unspecified consular assistance is worthless, under conditions in which the government has already declared that it will take no action to protect Assanges rights. Its only purpose would be to allow Australian officials to monitor him and pass over information to Assanges persecutors in the US. The doctors correctly noted that the issue of consular assistance was a red herring. They wrote: In the case that an Australian citizens human rights are being abused, including his human right to health, his right to be free from torture and arbitrary detention, his right to a fair trial, his right to lawyer-client confidentiality and his right to prepare a defence, we are reliably advised that, consular assistance aside, government minsters can advocate for due legal process, and raise concerns about gross violations of rights with their overseas counterparts. The doctors continued: In Julian Assanges case, all of the above human rights have been violated, in a manner that endangers his health and contributes to his prolonged psychological torture as assessed by the UN Rapporteur on Torture and two medical experts specialised in the assessment and documentation of torture. These surely are matters in which Government ministers have not only the ability but the obligation to raise concerns about gross violations of rights with their UK counterparts. They noted, moreover, that according to the Australian governments own Human Rights Commission, the federal government has the overall legal responsibility for ensuring that Australian citizens human rights are protected. It is the assessment not only of the UN rapporteur and the doctors, but of rights and civil liberties organisations internationally, that Assanges legal and human rights are being trampled on. The exchange is a damning indictment of the entire Australian political establishment. In their commitment to the US-Australia military alliance and Washingtons predatory wars and military preparations, the Australian parliamentary parties have signalled their support for political persecution and lawlessness. The lies contained in Kimberleys letter are the latest in a string of fabrications and evasions used by successive Australian governments to justify their refusal to defend Assange. This began with the Greens-backed Labor government of Julia Gillard, which in 2010 branded WikiLeaks as an organisation conducting illegal activity, falsely asserted that Assange had broken Australian laws and pledged to assist the US campaign against him. The doctors letter makes clear that the Australian government, and all of the states participating in the persecution of Assange, have placed his life at risk. The doctors stated that with the president of the Prison Governors Association warning that prisons provide fertile breeding grounds for coronavirus, Julian Assanges life and health are at heightened risk due to his arbitrary detention during this global pandemic. They concluded by insisting that the Australian government heed not only the doctors warnings, but those of respected legal and human rights bodies and authorities, many of which are calling for the US extradition request to be denied and Julian Assanges incarceration and extradition trial to be ceased, in the name not only of medical ethics, but human rights and rule of law. The author also recommends: International Bar Association condemns British attacks on Assanges legal rights [12 March 2020] China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page The autopsy showed that the woman died of an extensive heart attack, not the coronavirus, PM Pellegrini said on March 19. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Our paywall policy The Slovak Spectator has decided to leave all the articles about the coronavirus available for everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope. An 84-year-old woman who was positively diagnosed with the coronavirus has died, PM Peter Pellegrini (Smer) informed on March 18. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The woman was infected with the coronavirus after meeting her son and grandson who had returned from abroad. The autopsy showed that the woman died of an extensive heart attack, not the coronavirus, Pellegrini said on March 19. Although she tested positive with the infection, since it was not the primary cause of her death, she cannot be counted as the first coronavirus victim in Slovakia, he added. >> Read everything about coronavirus in Slovakia here. New confirmed cases Pellegrini also said on March 18 that there are 105 confirmed coronavirus cases in Slovakia for now. 35 people are hospitalised, but no one needs artificial lung ventilation. 'The more people get tested, the more people will come under isolation. So the spread will get limited with testing.'. IMAGE: Doctors interact with a tourist, who has returned from Indonesia, at the COVID-19 helpdesk at the Hyderabad Gandhi Hospital. Photograph: PTI Photo Despite the World Health Organisation calling for more tests to curtail the spread of coronavirus, a test that can determine COVID-19 positive cases in six to eight hours seems to be stuck in a bureaucratic back and forth between the central health ministry and the Brihanmumbai Muncipal Corporation. "ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) came back saying that only the local civic body has the authority to give approvals and that will be guided by the Union health ministry. When they (Union health ministry) give approval, the local civic body, which in our case is the BMC, will give approval," says Dr Arunima Patel, partner, iGenetics Diagnostics, a Mumbai-based testing laboratory, which claims that its PCR-based testing can detect a COVID-19 positive test in six to eight hours. Dr Patel tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com,/strong> what the PCR test is about, how they validated this test and why the BMC is likely to give approvals to all accredited labs to conduct COVID-19 tests. You successfully validated COVID-19 tests almost a month-and-a-half back? We have submitted our enabling application and all the test details to the BMC at the Kasturba hospital. What exactly is this validation test and how effective are the test results? This is a real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. It is a highly sensitive test and the run time is six to eight hours; you can tell whether the person has infection or not in six to eight hours. We are using CDC guidelines for doing this test. CDC is the Centre for Disease Control, a US-based government body which issues guidelines for how can you test, how to collect samples, what strains to check for a particular virus, what strains to check while testing for COVID-19 virus. How did you happen to have this test validated one month before? Then there was not such a big scare about COVID-19. We knew that this virus may spread and that's why we got ourselves ready for the testing. Do you need permission from the Indian Council of Medical Research to provide this service for testing COVID-19 positive cases? ICMR's permission is needed only for kit manufacturers and we are not kit manufacturers. We are a services company like a Metropolis or Dr Lal's Pathlab. We are doing this test based on approved protocols on very high class machinery. iGenetics is an old name in infection detection. In fact, we have hundred plus tests that we do for testing various infections for five years now. We have been doing a lot of R&D-related work for five years or so. And these tests have been developed based on CDC protocols using the primer and probe information that CDC and WHO have published. Have you tested any COVID-19 positive patient using this test? We have not yet been given approval by the BMC; we have validated this test using the positive controls which we brought from outside of India. What happens is you get a positive control (a sample that contains the coronavirus), which is also provided by the CDC; they provide you a positive sample, and then you test your method to detect if the given sample is positive or not. So six to eight hours is maximum you will need to determine if a person is infected with coronavirus instead of 36 hours that the National Institute of Virology, Pune takes now? NIV, Pune, also uses the same technology (PCR). They also use real time PCR technology, but their challenge is the limitation of infrastructure. The number of PCR machines that they have and the number of samples they are testing. If the BMC gives permission, how many people can you test in a day using the PCR test? We are getting ready to test 500 patients a day. Why hasn't the BMC given you permission yet? They have not given permission to anybody, actually. But now they are talking about giving permission to any accredited lab and we are one of them. We have five labs in our system, which have submitted the applications to conduct the COVID-19 tests. When did you validate this test before the BMC? We have done this validation a month-and-a-half back. We submitted our application to the BMC a month-and-a-half back, including what protocols we are using for waste disposal, for processing of the sample, for protection of the people when they collect and process the samples. We have shared all this protocol information with the BMC. What was the BMC's response when you submitted your application one and a half month ago? They have kept our application, but I think they are guided by what the Centre will say. They say when the Centre gives approval, the BMC will give approval. So the approval needs to come from the Union health ministry. Absolutely, absolutely. That's how the situation is currently. So has the BMC sent your application to the Union health ministry? No, the Union health ministry is not taking any applications directly; according to them the local civic body is where you need to submit your application. ICMR came back saying that only local civic body has the authority to give approvals and that will be guided by the Union health ministry. When they give approval, the local civic body, which in our case is the BMC, will give approval. So as of now your application is stuck? They (the Union health ministry) have to take a decision. Now they are waiting for it to become a big issue... Hasn't the spread already assumed epidemic proportions? It already has and better to test now. The more people get tested, the more people will come under isolation. So the spread will get limited with testing. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced an $82 billion initiative to help individuals and businesses weather the economic tumult created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures we are announcing today will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses, plus $55 billion to meet liquidity needs for Canadian businesses and households through tax deferrals to help stabilize the economy, said Trudeau during a news conference. This $82-billion in support represents more than 3% of Canadas GDP. Trudeaus stimulus package includes the creation of an emergency support benefit for self-employed and part-time workers who would not qualify for employment insurance, and small business owners will be entitled to a temporary wage subsidy equal to 10% salaries paid to employees over a three-month period. Trudeau said the latter effort was designed to encourage employers to keep staff on the payroll during this uncertain time. The due date for tax return filings was deferred to June 1. Mexicans are rapists. Muslims should be banned from entering America. Black and Hispanic members of Congress should go back to where they came from. Immigrants hail from shithole countries. White supremacist groups contain some very fine people. The debate about whether Donald Trump repeatedly calling the coronavirus outbreak a Chinese virus represents an act of racism or not must surely be one of the most pointless debates since mediaeval scholastics squabbled about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin. Simply look at the mans long and consistent record of xenophobia and then judge whether hes using the label Chinese virus in a factual and entirely innocent way, as he insists. Its really not worth wasting any intellectual bandwidth on this question. Thats not, of course, to deny the seriousness of the nominal leader of the free world intentionally stirring the cauldron of bigotry in this way at a time of mass anxiety, economic stress and spiking incidents of racist abuse and even assaults directed towards ethnically Chinese people in western countries. Nor should we be sanguine about Trumps tweedy epigone, Nigel Farage, ranting on Twitter: It really is about time we all said it. China caused this nightmare. Period. Before we dismiss him as an irrelevance, bear in mind that some 30 per cent of the electorate voted for Nigel Farages Brexit Party only last year and he has appeared on BBC Question Time 33 times. He tweets to 1.5 million followers. Farage may not have a parliamentary constituency, but be in no doubt: he has an audience. The words of political leaders can have real-world consequences, particularly at a time when people are angry and scared. But, of course, in this age of populism, thats precisely the point. In the case of Trump, its important to recognise that the president consistently uses racism as a way of distracting attention from other unhelpful subjects. In this instance that would be his administrations slow response to the unfolding health crisis, influenced by his initial personal denial of the problem. Another embarrassment is the US stock market, which Trump once presented as a metric of national economic virility, but which is now falling faster than during the Wall Street Crash. A media frenzy over anti-Chinese racism is no doubt precisely what the White House wants at this time when Trump faces an existential threat to his hold on power in the autumn presidential election. And as autocrats down the ages have understood, an external scapegoat is useful at a time of domestic pressure. My worry is over whether the desperate president is pushing on an open door. I chronicled in my 2013 book Chinese Whispers how longstanding and powerful anti-Chinese sentiment has been in America. During the California gold rush of the 1840s a song called John Chinaman started doing the rounds among miners, resentful at the competition of Chinese immigrants labourers: Oh, John, Ive been deceived in you, And all your thieving clan, For our gold is all youre after, John, To get it as you can. Trumps economic Sinophobia has deep roots. Another verse demonstrated a disgust over Chinese eating habits. I thought of rats and puppies, John, Youd eaten your last fill; But on such slimy pot-pies, John, Im told you dinner still. Coronavirus: How to become a 'super-preventer' and help halt pandemic spread Thats an uncomfortable echo from history at a time when amateur internet virologists are confidently sourcing Covid-19 to the fact that a (tiny minority) of Chinese people sometimes eat bat. Writing a book about western myths and misrepresentations about China has also attuned me to another unfortunate pattern: the strange cycle of hyperbolic condemnation and hyperbolic praise. First, China was castigated by pundits for attempting to suppress news of this novel virus. The autocrats of Beijing, we were told, had effectively unleashed this new plague on the world through their reflexive secrecy. Now, more often, Beijing is lauded by pundits for its success in curtailing the Covid-19 menace through mass population lockdowns, showing the rest of the world how to do it. Theres no moderation in these takes. While the local authorities in Wuhan did initially try to cover up the outbreak, Beijing rapidly shared vital information with foreign governments, learning the lessons of the 2003 Sars episode. The messy reality is that even unpleasant autocracies can sometimes behave responsibly. The praise is overdone now. Its entirely possible that the draconian Wuhan lockdown has only temporarily controlled the outbreak and that it will later re-emerge in a perhaps more destructive fashion. It remains to be seen whether authoritarian regimes really are superior at coping with public health emergencies than liberal democracies. Yet in western eyes China seems to be either Mordor or a shining city on the hill. Its not only the rank demagogues whose words on China we need to be wary of. Ben Chu is the author of Chinese Whispers: Why Everything Youve Heard about China is Wrong SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's Shanghai on Thursday added eight more countries to its list of places from which travellers entering the city will be required to undertake 14 day quarantines, it said on its official WeChat account. The latest additions, which come into effect on Friday, take the list of affected countries to 24. The latest additions are Australia, Malaysia, Greece, the Czech Republic, Finland, Qatar, Canada and Saudi Arabia, it said. Travellers who had been in those 24 countries in the last 14 days before visiting Shanghai will also be subject to the quarantine requirement, it said. (Reporting by Brenda Goh and Colin Qian) Gold on Thursday gained Rs 31 to Rs 40,718 per 10 gram in the national capital amid sharp rupee depreciation, according to HDFC Securities. On Wednesday, it had closed at Rs 40,687 per 10 gram. Silver, however, declined by Rs 190 to Rs 35,444 per kg against the previous close of Rs 35,634 per kg. "Spot gold for 24 Karat in Delhi were trading up by Rs 31 thanks to sharp rupee depreciation and steady international gold prices," HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said. In the international market, both gold and silver were trading flat at USD 1,482 per ounce and USD 11.97 per ounce, respectively. Meanwhile, the domestic equity market continued to trade weak, with its BSE benchmark index trading over 500 points lower minutes before the final closing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Liberty U stays open; most residential classes go online Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A major evangelical university is remaining open amid ongoing concern about the coronavirus pandemic but most of its courses occurring on campus are being held online. In an announcement posted to its website Monday, Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, said that given the state governor's emergency ban on public gatherings consisting of more than 100 people, most of the residential classes will be transferred to an online digital format beginning Monday. We originally believed it was safest to return our students following their spring break instead of having them return following greater exposure opportunities from leaving them in different parts of the country for longer periods," said Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University. "But, the Governors recent decision to limit certain gatherings has left us no practical choice because we have so many classes of more than 100 students. We want to provide for the continuity of our students education while doing what makes sense to help slow the spread of the coronavirus to our university family and local community, he said. Should residential students opt to return to campus most will be able to stay where they are and complete their courses online, the announcement explained. Except for certain programs like aviation, osteopathic medicine and nursing, and particular performance classes, such as labs, the rest of the courses offered will be completed digitally throughout the spring term. The announcement comes after a petition, signed by approximately 10,000 people asking the university administration to extend spring break and move classes online, was generated in response to some of Falwell's earlier comments. Falwell previously expressed that he thought people were overreacting to the scope of the virus and suggested that the extensive press coverage on the subject was an attempt to undermine President Donald Trump politically, likening it to the recent impeachment and the Mueller report. I dont want to become one of these college presidents who are pushing this problem off on someone else by sending 20 year olds with near zero mortality risk to sit at home for the rest of the semester, often with grandparents in the house who truly are at risk, Falwell tweeted on Sunday. A concerned parent reply-tweeted back: "So in 7 weeks, you'll send the thousands of students, who now have a HIGHER risk of carrying it, back to their grandparents to get it. I'm as right wing as they get, bud. But as a parent of three of your students, I think this is crazy, irresponsible and seems like a money grab." Falwell replied, "Nope, then they'll go off to summer jobs or internships dummy." Regent University, another evangelical university in Virginia, has also transitioned to online classes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. No known cases of the virus have been found on the Virginia Beach campus. University housing is closing this Friday and students are being asked to remove their personal belongings as soon as possible. "Please keep the elderly and the others at high risk with this virus in your prayers, Falwell added in the LU Monday statement. Liberty is taking into account the sometimes conflicting orders and guidance of government officials and public health experts regarding higher education and our unique population. As this dynamic situation changes again, the university will continue to reassess. Whether the commencement ceremony will take place in early May has yet to be determined. By PTI KOLKATA: Most restaurants of Kolkata are witnessing dwindling footfall as people steer clear of mass gatherings amid the growing coronavirus threat, say eatery owners. There has been a 30 per cent dip in customer count since the last few days, the owners of a popular rooftop lounge in Russel Street area, said. "People are avoiding mass gatherings. A lot of 80-100 guest events have been called off in the past few weeks," Abhishek Dutt and Kritikaa Dutt told PTI. Supratik Ghosh, the managing head of a Bollywood- themed restaurant in Bidhannagar, said the presence of foreigners is becoming uncomfortable for regular patrons. "We tried to explain to them that they (foreigners) have undergone thermal screening at the airport but that assurance went in vain," Ghosh said. The managing director of city-based ice cream firm, Gaurav Khemani, said it has seen a 20-per cent decline in the number of deliveries through online food ordering platforms. "We apprehend a further reduction in sales with people not keen to venture out, particularly in towns where home delivery options may not be available," Khemani said. There have been also reports of diners not frequenting the popular Chinatown in Tangra area of the city. "There are about 40 restaurants in Chinatown and they are largely bereft of patrons," said a Tangra-based businessman. Bengal jail department is mulling releasing life convicts on parole The West Bengal jail department is mulling releasing life convicts on parole in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak. According to Additional Director General (ADG), Prisons, Arun Gupta, the department is pondering over the idea that whether life convicts who are "willing and can be sent", could be released on parole in the backdrop of the coronavirus outbreak. "Nothing has been decided so far. We are mulling if this can be done, as there are too many prisoners and there is a space constraint." "According to the rules of fighting this virus, there has to be enough space between persons living together," another senior jail department official said. There are around 60 prisons in West Bengal, housing around 25,000 inmates, of whom around 7,000 are convicts and the rest are undertrials. "Of the 7,000, there are life convicts. We are talking to them in order to know who all are interested in availing parole. Then a final call will be taken on the prisoners who can be released on parole," the official said. According to Gupta, precautionary measures such as the distribution of face masks among prisoners and jail employees have been taken. CHI Memorial said it will have a new visitation policy in effect at noon on Thursday. The health system "is adopting a highly restrictive visitation policy designed to protect our patients and associates." The following changes will remain in effect until further notice. No visitors will be allowed in the in-patient setting. Outpatient procedures/surgery or outpatient testing: 1 visitor allowed. End-of-life: 1 visitor, 1 minister is allowed, if requested by a designated caregiver. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and medical decision-makers will be available by phone. Greeters will be screening at the designated entrances with a list of basic questions to help ensure that individuals who might spread the virus get the care they need while not exposing patients, staff, and other guests. Until the COVID pandemic has subsided: People with fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital. People who have traveled to high-risk areas for COVID-19 or had contact with a person know to be infected with COVID-19 are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital. No school age children will be permitted to visit our hospital campuses CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga, CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson, and CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia. We respectfully request caregivers stay in the patients room the entire time of the visit except to obtain meals. No congregating in public spaces, lobbies or lounges. CHI Memorial officials said, "During this time, visitors may want to consider alternative communication options, if available, such as phone, Facetime, Skype, text, or email. "We understand this change in policy may be difficult for families, but it is imperative we take additional precautions to keep our patients and community safe during this global pandemic." Erlanger officials said, "Erlanger has implemented a No Visitor Policy. To ensure a safe environment for patients and visitors during the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Erlanger Health System has instituted a highly-restricted No Visitor policy, effective March 18. Only Erlanger adult or pediatric patients who require the presence of a care partneras determined by that patients medical teamwill be permitted to have a visitor. A care partner is defined as a family member, guardian, or friend appointed by the patient who is included as a member of the care team and accepts mutually-agreed upon patient care responsibilities during and between specific episodes of care. Approval to enter any Erlanger facility will be done on a case-by-case basis. Those who meet the above criteria and have been medically screened at our hospital entrances will be permitted to stay with their loved one in the hospital. Other family members and friends are strongly encouraged to use alternative forms of communication with their loved ones while they are hospitalized, like telephone, FaceTime, SnapChat, etc. Parkridge Medical Center, Parkridge East Hospital, Parkridge West Hospital and all Parkridge Valley Hospital locations will continue restricting visitors from entering their facilities. Exceptions will be made for the following circumstances with one visitor per patient: Spouse/partner/relative of patient being treated Spouse/partner of a maternity patient Hospice or palliative care patients Behavioral Health visits will require a physicians order for any visitor Visitors will continue to be screened at facility entrances and will be asked to defer their visits if any COVID-19 symptoms are present. Please note that visitation policies and screening procedures are subject to change without notice. For more information about Parkridge Healths response to COVID-19, visit ParkridgeHealth.com/covid-19. CHI Memorial is adjusting its visitation policy and canceling public group meetings to assure the health and safety of all patients, staff, physicians, and the community at large. The following changes will remain in effect until further notice Visitation: Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms or who are active COVID-19 patients may not have visitors. To protect the safety and well-being of all our patients and to comply with the CDCs recommendations for social distancing, we request patients designate only one adult visitor. Each visitor will be screened upon entry. Visitors with fever, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital until the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. People who have traveled to high-risk areas for COVID-19 or had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital until the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. We ask that school age children refrain from visiting our hospital campuses CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga, CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson and CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia. Patients who are at the end-of-life may have two visitors. Community clergy will not be permitted to visit patients except in end-of-life cases. In addition to two family members, one minister may be present at the end-of-life of a patient if requested by a designated family member. We respectfully request visitors stay in the patients room the entire time of the visit except to obtain meals. A visitor to the ICU or day surgery/procedure must remain in the assigned waiting area the entire time of the visit except to visit their patient or to obtain meals. CHI Memorial chaplains and priest are available to provide spiritual care to patients and visitors daily. The entrance to CHI Memorial Rees Skillern Cancer Institute (Entrance D) at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga has been closed. Only oncology patients, our most vulnerable patients, and their accompanying visitor will be permitted to enter through Entrance D. To protect the safety and well-being of our patients, visitors, physicians and staff and to more effectively screen for COVID-19, front and back entrances of CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson are now closed. The Emergency Department/Outpatient Entrance will remain the only open entrance and routine exit until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. As per our regular policy, only the Emergency Department entrance on our three campuses is open at night. ICU visitation times remain in effect with above criteria. Due to an abundance of caution, the CDCs recommendations for social distancing, and our concern for the safety and well-being of our patients and community at large, we are suspending the following: All support group meetings held by CHI Memorial Center for Cancer Support until further notice. CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care educational seminars and support group meetings until further notice Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) meetings until further notice Breathe Easy mobile lung CT community screenings. The mobile CT will be utilized at 5 different campuses through the end of April performing all CT's except those which are STAT or that require contrast of any kind. We anticipate resuming normal operations in May. MaryEllen Locher Breast Center mobile mammography screening programs in the community. We anticipate resuming normal operations in May. CHI Memorial Foundations 20th Cam Busch Art for Health Series. The March event has been rescheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2020. CHI Memorial Foundations 8th Annual Elizabeths Outrun Melanoma 5K and Walk. The April event has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2020. Tennessee Breast & Cervical Screening committee meetings until further notice Diabetic Food Care Lunch & Learn on March 18 For more information on how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, visit memorial.org/coronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus. The chairs were critical. By having two extras, they decided they were at the lane, not at the bar or walking to get popcorn. That opened up the possibility that someone new might be coming. Andrews suspected someone was. Kornfeld had no idea. In his peripheral vision, Kornfeld saw the bouncy, assured energy of his partner, and he moved in the opposite direction. Kornfeld (trying to enter his name on a pretend computerized scoreboard): What do I shorten my name to? Andrews: Pete? Kornfeld: Nah. I want it to be Andrews: And they only give you three letters? Kornfeld: It feels weird for it to be Pet. And with that, an entire psychology and back story was born. Once he named me Pete and then Pet would be my name, it instantly made me think it was insulting to think of someone as being like a pet, Kornfeld recalled. I knew immediately I felt small and insecure and reassured around this guy. I knew I would be slowly revealing my insecurities so you can beef me up and make me feel better about myself. That sparked the question that would dominate the subtext of the first half of the show: What was making him so nervous? Andrewss calm response to his friends insecurity clarified his character and the central relationship of the show. He didnt tease or offer a big reaction. Part of this, Andrews said, is a strategy for opening scenes. If you keep the energy steady, he said, you hear the notes of the characters over and over again and then it just helps slowly coming to an agreement about whats happening. But it was also a choice indicating this was a real friendship, and that he was playing someone trying to help. If I bristled, that would suggest a dynamic where Im poking you and making you feel hurt, Andrews said, adding that he believed that for characters to remain interesting for an hour, you have to empathize with them. Kornfeld (deciding to input his friends name, Dou, short for Doug, first): You happy with that? Andrews: Yeah. I feel fine about it. Kornfeld: Back to Position 2. That didnt buy me nearly enough time. I just feel like when the girls come here, I just dont want to be Pet. Andrews had begun to think this might be romantic anxiety. But he wasnt sure until he turned his head to look around, and Kornfeld fretted about being called Pet. Now both performers were on the same page: Its a show about a double date. Andrews (after some disagreement over whether adorable is the right adjective for Pete): Whats your male machismo, whats your attractiveness, whats your main No. 1 selling point? Kornfeld: Oh, confidentiality. Andrews cited a theory by Keegan-Michael Key comparing improv comedy to a camera starting in a close-up and then slowly zooming out. But there comes a point where the picture frame gets set and thats when Pete said his main selling point was confidentiality. A relative of a woman blamed for spreading the novel coronavirus in the Armenian town of Echmiadzin has filed a crime report with the public prosecutor, alleging illegal acquisition of personal data and publication in the press and social media of information about infected persons, their photographs as well as insults against them. It became known late last week that a woman who had arrived from Italy disregarded healthcare recommendations and attended a family occasion in Echmiadzin involving dozens of guests. The unnamed woman later tested positive for the novel coronavirus causing a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease known as COVID-19. After her hospitalization dozens of people from her surroundings were placed under 14-day quarantines. Along with another incident of mass infection they now account for the bulk of Armenias 122 coronavirus cases reported so far. Amid the news of sanitary cordons being set up around Echmiadzin to curb the further spread of the infection and later the introduction of a state of emergency countrywide many users on Facebook and other social media in Armenia gave vent to their anger over what they described as irresponsible conduct. Some have used offensive language and ridicule against the woman. Her photograph also appeared online.Armenias ombudsman Arman Tatoyan interfered by calling on social media users to stop insulting the women and degrading her dignity. Lawyer Gohar Hovhannisian, who represents the interests of the currently quarantined woman, said that her relative who lives abroad filed the crime report, considering that illegal actions have been committed against his relative in Armenia. She expressed confidence that the Prosecutors Office and the police will be impartial in investigating the case and that the offenders will be called to account. The Prosecutors Office said the report was forwarded to the police to investigate the matter. According to Hovhannisian, the photograph of the woman was published on both real and fake accounts. It affects the mental state of a person. Imagine that a person is sick and such expressions are made against her or him and her or his personal data are published, she said. Human rights activist Zaruhi Hovhannisian (no relation to the lawyer) stressed that the protection of personal data is enshrined in Armenias law, adding that in this case the disclosure of data made it possible to identify the person. Moreover, under the law on medical care and public services it is forbidden to disclose medical secrets, talk about peoples medical examinations and the course of their treatment as well as to pass these data to third parties, she said. Earlier this week, a shop owner in Yerevan filed a report with the police, alleging that he had been attacked by relatives of the Echmiadzin woman for posting a joke about her on Facebook. The police said they had identified and questioned three persons over the incident, but did not reveal their identities. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) United Nations, United States Fri, March 20, 2020 01:45 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0b8b9 2 World UN,secretary-general,Antonio-Guterres,coronavirus,pandemic,health,SARS-CoV-2,death-toll Free Millions of people could die from the new coronavirus, particularly in poor countries, if it is allowed to spread unchecked, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Thursday, appealing for a coordinated global response to the pandemic. "If we let the virus spread like wildfire -- especially in the most vulnerable regions of the world -- it would kill millions of people," Guterres said. "Global solidarity is not only a moral imperative, it is in everyone's interests," he said. Guterres stressed the need for a coordinated global response to contain a "health catastrophe" that already has claimed the lives of more than 9,000 people and infected more than 217,500 around the world. "We need to immediately move away from a situation where each country is undertaking its own health strategies to one that ensures, in full transparency, a coordinated global response, including helping countries that are less prepared to tackle the crisis," he said. Guterres appealed to Group of 20 nations to help out. "A wealthy country must not be convinced that it has only to deal with its own citizens," he said. "My very strong appeal to the G20 is to have a particular concern with African countries and others in the developing world. "We must absolutely be strong in supporting them because the virus will come, is coming to them," the UN chief said. "If that support is denied, we could have catastrophic consequences. "We could have millions of people dying and this is absolutely unacceptable." Guterres urged governments to give "the strongest support to the multilateral effort to fight the virus, led by the World Health Organization, whose appeals must be fully met." "The health catastrophe makes clear that we are only as strong as the weakest health system," he said. In terms of support for the global economy, Guterres said the focus should be on helping the most vulnerable: low income workers and small and medium-sized businesses. "That means wage support, insurance, social protection, preventing bankruptcies and job loss," he said. Financial facilities are needed to support countries in difficulty, he said, adding that the IMF, World Bank and other international institutions have a key role to play. "And we must refrain from the temptation of resorting to protectionism," he said. "This is the time to dismantle trade barriers and re-establish supply chains." For many funeral directors, the job now is to navigate grieving families through jolted norms. Read more This story was produced as part of a joint effort among Spotlight PA, LNP Media Group, PennLive, PA Post, and WITF to cover how Pennsylvania state government is responding to the coronavirus. Sign up for Spotlight PAs newsletter. HARRISBURG In an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, funeral directors across Pennsylvania are being urged to postpone funerals, cancel public viewings, and limit attendance at services to 10. Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association encouraged funeral homes to consider limiting services to immediate family and moving public memorials to a later date. That guidance was reaffirmed in a memo sent to members Monday in response to Gov. Tom Wolfs announcement of a statewide shutdown, restricting nonessential businesses. The memo from the association answered the question that many funeral directors had been asking: yes, the removal of bodies from anywhere other than hospitals is considered essential, the associations president, David Peake Jr., wrote. But Peake advised members to make changes to their procedures. Hold bodies for [approximately] two weeks, he wrote. Do not have public viewings. Limit it to small family gatherings if you must have any ... Have memorial services later, after this passes. Peake added: There is no one that is going to tell you to shut your business. However, common sense dictates you should severely limit any interaction with other human beings. With proper safety precautions taken, there is currently no known risk in transporting, handling, embalming, or visiting the body of a person who has died from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the CDC does say that people should consider not touching the body of the deceased. If close contact is part of a religious or cultural practice, the CDC says, families should discuss precautions with the funeral home. For many funeral directors, the job now is to navigate grieving families through jolted norms. Bill Troutman, a funeral director at Warker-Troutman Funeral Home in Pottstown, said he usually sees between 50 and 100 guests for services. But two funerals this week were made private, Troutman said, and one will have only two guests the deceased persons sons. Troutmans staff is advising visitors against shaking hands and hugging a heavy request, given the circumstances and the funeral home is trying to be proactive. Theyre not putting out a pen with a guestbook. Were certainly taking more precautions, he said, but for us and for most funeral homes, life is going on. Dagny Neel Fitzpatrick, vice president of Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory in the Pittsburgh suburbs, said the funeral home is stocked with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, encouraging sick staff to stay home, and discouraging hugging and handshakes. Certainly we are a business that is essential, Neel Fitzpatrick said. Were doing what we can to stay clean and healthy. She said the funeral home discussed the associations advice on limiting attendance at services, but as of now, they dont plan to follow it. She thinks people will begin to take precautions on their own, staying home and finding other ways to show support. Bill Harris has been a licensed funeral director since the 1970s and is currently the president and owner of Harris Funeral Homes in Johnstown. Over the decades, Harris said, he has managed similar crises, caring for the bodies of people who suffered from infectious diseases and their families. For Harris, its personal. When the 1918 flu pandemic hit Johnstown, his grandfather, a Teamster in his 20s, succumbed to the virus. And he wouldnt be the only one. The flu was in the house, Harris said. My grandmother was so sick, so they couldnt have a proper viewing and funeral. The funeral director drove the hearse down the familys road, and his grandmother watched from her window. Thats not the correct way to grieve, Harris said. A century later, he and his staff are being careful. They will likely start reducing attendance at services, he said, as per guidance from the state association. But behind Harriss caution, theres clarity. Im going to do the same thing Ive always done provide dignified care, he said. Were going to serve our families. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA provides its journalism at no cost to newsrooms across the state as a public good to keep our communities informed and thriving. If you value this service, please give a gift today at spotlightpa.org/donate. GAA pundit Joe Brolly has launched an extraordinary attack on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar over his state of the nation address on the impact of the deadly coronavirus. Mr Brolly branded the Taoiseachs televised address on the national emergency as "particularly nauseating" and a "shameless PR exercise". Speaking on the Off The Ball podcast, the former Derry player said Mr Varadkars speech was an "insult of peoples intelligence". Despite the televised address receiving widespread acclaim, Mr Brolly said the Fine Gael leader "wasnt showing leadership at all" and added that: "Hes done nothing since being Taoiseach." "It was particularly nauseating last night (watching) Leo Varadkar taking a PR opportunity in the middle of this to come out and say absolutely nothing. "You know, talking about the Mammys, Daddys and little children doing their homework. All this coy stuff, it has obviously been written by some speechwriter who has decided that this is a good opportunity for Leo to look prime ministerial, he said. Read More He also was critical of what he called the "Free States" response to the Covid 19 pandemic and the actions taken by Northern Ireland Assembly. Among the few other public figures to criticise Mr Varadkars speech were his constituency rivals Sinn Feins Paul Donnelly and Solidaritys Ruth Coppinger. REGINAAn investigation is underway in Saskatchewan and Alberta after a doctor who attended a curling bonspiel in Edmonton tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Allan Woo, president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, said in a letter to members he tested positive for the virus Wednesday night. I attended a curling bonspiel held March 11-14 in Edmonton, he said in the letter Thursday. This bonspiel is an annual event that usually attracts 50-60 physicians from Western Canada. I believe I contracted the COVID-19 virus at this bonspiel. Woo is one of four new presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the total in the province to 20. The Ministry of Health says three of the new infections are related to travel, with the other being a close contact of a previously reported case. Dr. Saqib Shahab, the provinces chief medical officer of health, says hes spoken to Woo and got his permission to confirm the positive test. Beyond that, I would not like to discuss any particular details of any case in terms of exposures, he told reporters in Regina on Thursday. Having said that, if we know that there is more than one case related to an event, we will be disclosing that. Shahab said he has confirmed there was an event in Edmonton that a number of doctors and others attended. This investigation involves two provinces at least, he said. All of the information is being collected and communicated to all the provinces from where people may have come to that event. Details are sought about where each of the participants were, did certain people sit together as a group and mix more than others, and based on that, a determination will be made shortly in a day or two does this involve all people who attended? Shahab said all of the participants have been alerted about the positive tests, meaning they will be required to be in self-isolation until further details are known. It does not mean everyone will be identified as a close contact, he said. Albertas chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said she was made aware of the positive tests on Thursday morning. We do know there were approximately 72 curlers. We do not know if they were all in the same place at the same time, she said. Then there was a banquet that had about 45 attendees. Hinshaw said the person Woo could have contracted COVID-19 from may have travelled to Las Vegas. Were making sure that all of those who attended know that they have to self-isolate for 14 days, she said. We are taking this very seriously. The Saskatchewan Medical Association said it doesnt know how many physicians from the province attended the event. Its also not yet known how many doctors in Alberta are in isolation and how their absence might impact the health-care system during the pandemic. Doctors Manitoba said in an emailed statement that the organization is aware of three doctors from Manitoba who participated in the bonspiel. All three are self-isolating, the statement said. Public health officials would assess those present and provide advice about testing and self-isolation. Woo said in his letter that his diagnosis is a reminder that physicians are not invincible. The risks of this pandemic are far too real, he wrote. I hope my personal situation serves as a signal for all health-care workers, and others, to be vigilant about their health. Everyone needs to take precautions and self-monitor for any symptoms. Read more about: Conte says Italy's anti-Coronavirus measures to be extended. Italy's quarantine measures and school closures are to be extended, Italian premier Giuseppe Conte said in an interview with Italy's newspaper of record Corriere della Sera. The country's strict nationwide quarantine measures "can only be extended" said Conte, adding that: "We have avoided the collapse of the system, the restrictive measures are working, and it is obvious that when we reach a peak and the contagion will start to decrease, at least in percentage terms, we hope in a few days, we will not be able to return immediately to life as before." Italy's nationwide shutdown of 'non-essential' shops and businesses, as well as a ban on public gatherings, has been in place since 10 March and is due to expire on 25 March, while measures closing the country's schools and universities are currently in place until 3 April. No end date for the quarantine measures was given and the premier told Corriere della Sera that he was currently unable to say anything more except that: "it is clear that the measures we have taken, both those which have closed much of the country's corporate and individual activities, and those affecting the schools, can only be extended beyond the deadline." Conte also underlined the importance of staying at home, calling for "common sense", and not ruling out the introduction of stricter measures if people do not act responsibly. On 18 March Italy reported the highest one-day death toll of any country affected by the Covid-19 pandemic: 475 deaths. Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) is linking up with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to rapidly expand and accelerate testing for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in its home state. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the company said that it will soon begin offering free coronavirus tests to Indiana residents. Since its founding almost a century and a half ago, Eli Lilly has been based in Indiana's capital city of Indianapolis. The pharmaceutical giant will utilize its specialized research laboratories there to test samples collected by healthcare facilities across the state. "Assuming the company can continuously access required diagnostic reagents, this should start to expand the state's ability to conduct testing and receive a timely diagnosis of individuals who suspect they may be carrying the virus," Lilly said in its press release on the matter. "As Lilly's testing capacity expands, Lilly and ISDH will work together to maximize the impact of broader testing," the company added. The federal government has come under fire for not being better prepared to test for the coronavirus. As a result, a number of healthcare companies and state and local governments have taken it upon themselves to address the shortage. In its press release, Lilly said its testing plan had the "support" of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Lilly is also working on setting up drive-through testing that would allow it to conduct the activity outside of healthcare facilities. It did not provide details about that, nor did it offer a time frame for when such a testing site might be up and running. The pharmaceutical company's shares held up quite well on Wednesday, considering the decline of the broader stock market. They essentially traded sideways on the day. The Italian national who brought the deadly Coronavirus to Nigeria has now tested negative to the disease. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference to give update on the pandemic. He said the index case, who had been receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital had tested negative to the disease. Abayomi said it was good news for Lagos and Nigeria for the index case to test negative. He said he would not be allowed to go yet until a confirmatory test had been carried out within 48 hours, saying that if he tested negative the second time, he would be discharged. The Italian was tested negative for Coronavirus on Thursday 27, February, 2020. The patient, entered Nigeria on the 25th of February from Milan, Italy for a brief business visit. According to Abayomi, He fell ill on the 26th February and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos. The Italian had gone to LaFarge, where he had contacts with staff of the company. Forty people were later quarantined at LaFarge, out of which one tested positive for Coronavirus. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates HANGZHOU, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Jack Ma Foundation on Wednesday released a COVID-19 prevention and treatment handbook in partnership with a local hospital to share with global medical communities China's experience in battling the epidemic. The English version of the handbook, jointly compiled with the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, has been made available online, and versions in other languages are being prepared. Over the past more than 50 days, the hospital has treated 104 COVID-19 patients, including 78 in severe or critical condition. With pioneering efforts and new technologies, it has reported no deaths of patients or infections of medics. "As the epidemic spreads around the world, the experience is the most precious tool and the most important weapon for medical workers to take to the battlefield," Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, wrote in the preface to the manual. "We hope the publication of this manual can help at least doctors and nurses in the epidemic areas in other countries walk in our footsteps when stepping on this special battlefield, instead of starting from scratch when facing the new disease," Ma said. The epidemic poses a common challenge for mankind in the era of globalization, said Ma. "We will not beat the virus unless we are ready to share resources, experience and lessons with each other," he said. By Wednesday, the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have committed to donating 11.8 million face masks and more than 1.7 million test kits to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Spain, the United States, and 54 African countries. The Jack Ma Foundation has donated 100 million yuan (14.2 million U.S. dollars) in support of the research and development for COVID-19 vaccination and treatment. In addition to research institutions in China, collaborations have been formalized with Columbia University and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Australia. Alibaba's communication app DingTalk has been used by 420 million students in 39 countries and regions as a platform for remote classroom learning, according to the company. Meanwhile, Alibaba Health and Alipay have created an online channel to offer health risk assessments for the overseas Chinese population. Married at First Sight alum Cortney Rae Hendrix announced Wednesday that she got engaged to her boyfriend Sherm on March 6 after over a year of dating. The 32-year-old reality star - who boasts 312K social media followers - Insta-storied a quick look at her custom emerald-cut engagement ring designed by jewelery company, Jared. When the muscular 29-year-old proposed to Cortney in a North Carolina hotel room, he played a joke on her by getting down on one knee with a Topps candy Ring Pop and hid the real ring in her wine glass. Betrothed: Married at First Sight alum Cortney Rae Hendrix announced Wednesday that she got engaged to her boyfriend Sherm on March 6 after over a year of dating (pictured June 7) 'This is the first Instagram I don't have to hide my ring!' The 32-year-old reality star Insta-storied a quick look at her custom emerald-cut engagement ring designed by jewelery company, Jared 'She always said I could propose with a ring pop and that would be enough!' Sherm told People. 'She laughed and asked "Is this for real?" I grabbed the wine glass while on a knee and handed it to her, and she noticed it this time and said "Yes!"' Sherm had asked for her parents' blessing in December and he said he 'couldn't be happier or more excited to marry Cortney and start a family of our own.' 'Yes!' When the muscular 29-year-old proposed to Cortney in a North Carolina hotel room, he played a joke on her by getting down on one knee with a Topps candy Ring Pop and hid the real ring in her wine glass (2014 stock shot) Hendrix gushed to People: 'I did not know that this is what love felt like. After everything we both had been through, we didn't know it was possible' (pictured Wednesday) 'A lifetime of love and partnership': Sherm had asked for her parents' blessing in December and he said he 'couldn't be happier or more excited to marry Cortney and start a family of our own' 'God has showed up in such a big way in our lives. I did not know that this is what love felt like,' Hendrix gushed to People. 'After everything we both had been through, we didn't know it was possible. We are both grateful for our past because it let us to each other, made us grow through some of the darkest times and prepared us for this relationship and a lifetime of love and partnership.' Despite the raging coronavirus outbreak, the make-up artist and her future groom visited a bar/restaurant on St. Patrick's Day in order to prepare 'for our Ireland trip in June.' 'Prepping for our Ireland trip in June': Despite the raging coronavirus outbreak, the make-up artist and her future groom visited a bar/restaurant on St. Patrick's Day 'We are both grateful for our past': It'll be the second time down the aisle for both as Sherm ended a previous marriage about six months before meeting Cortney Strangers when they met! Hendrix's prior four-year marriage to fireman Jason Carrion (L) on the FYI reality series famously ended in divorce February 2019 following a six-month legal separation (pictured in 2014) It'll be the second time down the aisle for both as Sherm ended a previous marriage about six months before meeting Cortney. And Hendrix's prior four-year marriage to fireman Jason Carrion on the FYI reality series famously ended in divorce February 2019 following a six-month legal separation. Carrion has also moved on, marrying Celebrity Big Brother alum Roxanne Pallett in January. COLUMBUS, OhioGov. Mike DeWine has activated 300 members of the Ohio National Guard to help provide food to Ohioans in need, according to a release from Ohio adjutant generals office. Soldiers with the Columbus-based 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will assist in transporting, packaging, and distributing food via foodbank warehouses in Cuyahoga County and 11 other counties, the release stated, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. The National Guard members will assist with procuring, sorting, and packing food into bags and boxes, distributing that food through no-touch food distributions and deliveries, and helping with other logistical needs, according to a release from the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. In addition, members of the Ohio Military Reserve will be placed on active duty to coordinate with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks at the food bank locations, according to the adjutant general release. The action Ive taken to activate the Ohio National Guard will provide support to our food pantries that are low on staff and need help getting food to some of our most vulnerable citizens, DeWine said in a statement. By looking out for our neighbors and following proper health safety guidelines, we will make it through this together. The Ohio National Guard was also called out in 2009 during the H1N1 influenza pandemic to distribute vaccines and medical supplies, according to the statement. Read more Ohio coronavirus coverage: Seeing ads for a coronavirus cure? Ignore them, says Ohio AG Dave Yost Voter rights groups accuse Frank LaRose of breaking the law by not extending voter registration amid coronavirus outbreak Ohio utility companies pledge not to disconnect service during coronavirus threat Ohio offers coronavirus pandemic daycare licenses for health care and emergency service workers kids Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:53:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WUHAN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest developments on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China: -- No new infections of the novel coronavirus were reported on Wednesday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the deadly virus. -- No new domestically transmitted cases of COVID-19 were reported on the Chinese mainland Wednesday, and the 34 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland were all imported cases. -- A total of 819 patients of COVID-19 were discharged from the hospital Wednesday on the Chinese mainland. -- Beijing municipality has required people arriving in the city from other countries to undergo a self-paid 14-day concentrated medical observation from Thursday, as imported cases of COVID-19 continue to increase. -- Beijing reported one new confirmed imported case, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said. -- Shanghai reported two confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, both of which were imported. -- North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region became the latest in a crop of Chinese provincial-level regions that have zero COVID-19 patients. -- Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has donated medical supplies to the Republic of Korea and Iran to assist the countries' fight against the COVID-19. -- Anti-coronavirus supplies including 1.5 million masks donated by two Chinese foundations have arrived in Belgium and will be handed over to France, Slovenia and Belgium. -- Chinese medical experts held a video conference call with their foreign counterparts, sharing with them China's experience in combating the coronavirus outbreak. -- With a high-speed railway train carrying 551 migrant workers departing central China's Hubei Province, the province hard-hit by the coronavirus are sending more workers to south China's manufacturing heartland Guangdong Province. -- Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of China's internet giant Alibaba, is sharing its AI-powered novel coronavirus disease diagnostic technology for free use by hospitals worldwide. -- Shanghai added eight more countries to the list of key countries for epidemic prevention and control to further prevent and control the risk of imported cases. -- China released the report of an investigation conducted by the National Supervisory Commission into issues concerning doctor Li Wenliang. S hoppers are continuing to stockpile food and other essentials despite supermarkets introducing product limits amid the coronavirus outbreak. Footage of a Tesco in New Malden showed a line of dozens of people snaking through the supermarket. Another video showed a west London supermarket packed with people at 6.30am on Thursday. The person filming says they usually shop for groceries there after work but today couldnt buy anything. Photos from Thursday morning also showed long queues snaking around the outside of a Sainsburys in Warwickshire waiting for it to open. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration over stockpiling, calling for supermarkets and the government to do more to stop people from panicking. One person, posting a photo of empty shelves, wrote: Seems like getting food in London is going to become a daily chore. People really do need to be shamed and legislated into stopping with this panic buying. Another said he was there was a stark contrast with Italy in peoples responses, writing: What this crisis has highlighted for me is how utterly selfish english speaking people are. My whole family is in lockdown in Italy and never had trouble finding food at the supermarkets, I'm stuck in London and I cannot even find eggs because everyone keeps stockpiling. Supermarkets have moved to limit stockpiling as they try to cope with the huge demand from the Covid-19 outbreak. London panic buying during the Coronavirus outbreak - In pictures 1 /61 London panic buying during the Coronavirus outbreak - In pictures PA Wire Shoppers descended on supermarkets again AFP via Getty Images Shoppers seen rushing to get toilet rolls as new ones are put on sale in a London Morrisons store Rex Features Shoppers should be sensible when buying food and groceries Lucy Young Shoppers queue outside a branch of Costco, in Croydon PA Lucy Young Lucy Young Lucy Young Lucy Young Lucy Young Reuters Reuters Reuters People queue outside a Sainsbury's store as the coronavirus outbreak continues Reuters Reuters Reuters Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Queues for hand sanitizer at Boots in Islington Jeremy Selwyn Tesco Brent Cross 9.00 am Jeremy Selwyn Empty shelves of pasta are seen at a supermarket Reuters Brent Cross Shopping centre at 5:30am Jeremy Selwyn SplashNews.com A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products Reuters AFP via Getty Images Shelves have been cleared of the likes of pasta and toilet roll AFP via Getty Images A woman carries a basket filled with toilet rolls AFP via Getty Images Shoppers wait in line for a supermarket to open its doors in London AFP via Getty Images Shoppers are faced with partially empty shelves AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Brent Cross Shopping centre at 5:30am Evening Standard / eyevine AFP via Getty Images A long line of shoppers queue to buy groceries at a supermarket in Chingford, London Cham Karimeddin Shoppers form long queues ahead of the opening of a Costco wholesale store in Chingford Getty Images Empty shelves in the bakery aisles of an Asda store in London PA Shoppers queue at the checkout of a supermarket in London AFP via Getty Images A customer leaves with shopping as other customers queue to enter a Costco Wholesalers in Chingford Reuters A long line of shoppers queue to buy groceries at a supermarket in Chingford Ashraf Karim Eddin Shoppers are faced with partially empty shelves at a supermarket in London AFP via Getty Images FILE PHOTO: A man stands next to shelves empty of fresh meat in a supermarket, as the number of worldwide coronavirus cases continues to grow, in London REUTERS Tesco said shoppers will be limited to buying just three products per line from Thursday. Online grocer Ocado.com also announced it would be shutting down its entire website and app until Saturday, to allow for changes to ensure more delivery slots are available. Sainsburys revealed it will only allow customers to buy a maximum of three of any single item, while Morrisons said it is limiting purchases across 1,250 lines. Asda also announced it is restricting shoppers to three items on all food and closing its cafes and pizza counters, while temporarily reducing the opening hours of all its 24-hour stores for re-stocking. Aldi has already introduced limits of four items per shopper across all products. Meanwhile, people are being urged not to stockpile medicines and not to visit pharmacies if they have symptoms of infection as pressure on the sector increases. T he army has put 20,000 troops on standby ready to be deployed to Britains streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Around 10,000 troops are being held at "higher readiness" in case of a civil emergency and this figure will be doubled in the effort to support public services, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. They will be on standby to provide support to the NHS, including tank drivers being used to transport vital oxygen supplies, the MoD confirmed on Wednesday night. It comes after Boris Johnson earlier refused to rule out the possibility of further and faster measures to control the spread of the virus in the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the nation. WHO: Countries must isolate, test, treat and trace to reduce coronavirus epidemics Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: The men and women of our Armed Forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19. "The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need. From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic. The Ministry of Defence said it was "fully engaged" with all levels of Government to work out how the military can provide a support role over the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, a Written Ministerial Statement will be laid in Parliament on Thursday for the call out of the reserve forces. Major General Charlie Stickland, assistance chief of the Defence Staff Operations and Commitments, said: "Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our Reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance." As part of the plans, 150 military personnel will be trained to drive oxygen tankers should the NHS require support in this area. Listen to today's episode of The Leader: Loading.... Maj Stickland said: "The Covid Support Force, potentially drawing upon our highly skilled scientists at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory or oxygen tanker drivers, will form part of a whole force effort to support the country during its time of need. A 35-year-old man from Kodagu, who had returned from Dubai, tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 15 in Karnataka, the state health department said. Two out of 15 patients, who were undergoing treatment and have recovered will be discharged on Friday, Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said. According to the bulletin issued by the health department, till date 15 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Karnataka including one death. It said 14 COVID-19 positive patients are in isolation at designated hospitals and are stable. The patient who tested positive on Thursday is from Kodagu and had returned from Dubai on March 15 to Kempegowda international Airport here and travelled to Kodagu by bus the same day. He was admitted to the designated hospital at Kodagu on March 17 and samples collected the same day, the department said. As per the bulletin, total samples collected for testing were 1,143, and on Thursday alone 75 were collected. A total of 915 samples reported negative, 46 on Thursday alone. "One good is two patients who had tested positive and were undergoing treatment at our hospitals, have completely recovered, they will be discharged tomorrow. They have fully recovered, as per protocol within 24 hours a patient will be tested twice, if results are negative both times, they can be discharged," the minister said. Calling it a good sign, he further said people should understand that COVID-19 infection does not mean death, those infected can recover and go home. "There is no need to panic..but precaution is necessary," he said. Referring to some pubs still functioning despite instructions that these centres should remain shut, the minister said they should down shutters or else action will be taken in accordance with law and may even lose license. "Home Minister and Excise Minister have been requested to ask officials to act on those who are not following the directives," he said. Sudhakar also said religious leaders and organisations have been requested to bar pilgrims or people from visiting religious places, where large number gather. Noting that marriages and functions with large number of people in attendance are still taking place, he appealed to the public to postpone such events or in case of unavoidable situation, restrict the number to 100-150 people. Also, public have been advised to visit government offices, only if necessary, he added. At Kalaburagi, where the country's first coronavirus death was reported on March 10, the district administration has clamped prohibitory orders under section 144of the CrPC that bars assembly of more than four people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Plague isnt trying to panic us, because panic suggests a response to a dangerous but short-term condition from which we can eventually find safety. But there can never be safety and that is why, for Camus, we need to love our fellow damned humans and work without hope or despair for the amelioration of suffering. Life is a hospice, never a hospital. At the height of the contagion, when 500 people a week are dying, a Catholic priest called Paneloux gives a sermon that explains the plague as Gods punishment for depravity. But Dr. Rieux has watched a child die and knows better: Suffering is randomly distributed, it makes no sense, it is simply absurd, and that is the kindest thing one can say of it. The doctor works tirelessly to lessen the suffering of those around him. But he is no hero. This whole thing is not about heroism, Dr. Rieux says. It may seem a ridiculous idea, but the only way to fight the plague is with decency. Another character asks what decency is. Doing my job, the doctor replies. Eventually, after more than a year, the plague ebbs away. The townspeople celebrate. Suffering is over. Normality can return. But Dr. Rieux knew that this chronicle could not be a story of definitive victory, Camus writes. It could only be the record of what had to be done and what, no doubt, would have to be done again, against this terror. The plague, he continues, never dies; it waits patiently in bedrooms, cellars, trunks, handkerchiefs and old papers for the day when it will once again rouse its rats and send them to die in some well-contented city. Camus speaks to us in our own times not because he was a magical seer who could intimate what the best epidemiologists could not, but because he correctly sized up human nature. He knew, as we do not, that everyone has it inside himself, this plague, because no one in the world, no one, is immune. Alain de Botton is the author, most recently, of The School of Life. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Medical staff check equipment as they treat COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province on March 19, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) FDA Studying Chloroquine to Treat CCP Virus The United States is looking at the use of chloroquine and another version of the treatment, hydroxychloroquine, to treat patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, Food and Drug Commissioner Stephen Hahn said on Thursday. The anti-malarial treatment has shown promise in treating patients and is already being studied as a possible COVID-19 treatment by researchers at the University of Minnesota. Hahn told reporters at the White House in Washington that the drug is approved to treat malaria and arthritis but not for use in patients with the new illness. In the short term, were looking at drugs that are already approved for other indications, he said. Many Americans have read studies and heard media reports about this drug chloroquine, which is an anti-malarial drug. Its already approved, as the president said, for the treatment of malaria, as well as an arthritis condition. Thats a drug that the president has directed us to take a closer look at, as to whether an expanded use approach to that could be done to actually see if that benefits patients. The agency wants to look at the drug in a clinical trial, he added. President Donald Trump spoke before Hahn, suggesting the drugs were already approved for use in COVID-19 patients. He said the drugs, which are also used to treat arthritis, have shown encouragingvery, very encouragingearly results. Packets of Nivaquine tablets containing chloroquine, and Plaqueril tablets containing hydroxychloroquine, drugs that have shown signs of effectiveness against the CCP virus, at the IHU Mediterranee Infection Institute in Marseille, France, on Feb. 26, 2020. (Gerard Julien/AFP via Getty Images) Some pharmaceuticals are prescribed by doctors even if theyre not approved for specific uses by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in whats known as off-label use. From the FDA perspective, once the FDA approves a drug, healthcare providers generally may prescribe the drug for an unapproved use when they judge that it is medically appropriate for their patient, the FDA states on its website. Off-label use includes using a drug for a disease or medical condition that its not approved to treat. Asked if the agency supports off-label use of chloroquine, an FDA spokesman noted a press release issued later in the day that states: While there are no FDA-approved therapeutics or drugs to treat, cure or prevent COVID-19, there are several FDA-approved treatments that may help ease the symptoms from a supportive care perspective. Doctors are prescribing hydroxychloroquine for themselves and family members, according to Erin Fox, director of the drug information service at University of Utah Health Care. Trump spoke before Hahn, saying because the drug has been around we know that if things dont go as planned its not going to kill anybody. President Donald Trump listens as Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington on March 19, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Americans will be able to obtain chloroquine by prescription, he said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told the president late Wednesday that he wants the drug to be prescribed in New York. Trump also mentioned another drug, Gilead Sciencess remdesivir, saying it and chloroquine are very powerful. Remdesivir is close to being approved by the FDA, he added. Hahn said remdesivir is in the approval process and emphasized that the FDA is responsible for making sure drugs are safe and work. No drugs are approved for the treatment of the new virus, which also has no vaccine at present. Another treatment in the works, Hahn said, is using plasma from blood taken from patients who have recovered from the CCP virus. If youve been exposed to coronavirus and youre better, you dont have the virus in your blood. We could collect the blood now this is a possible treatment. This is not a proven treatment, I just want to emphasize that. Researchers would collect the blood, concentrate it, and, after verifying its virus-free, give it to other patients. The immune response could potentially provide a benefit to patients, Hahn said. The new virus started in China last year. The Epoch Times refers to it as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Medical workers in protective suits push an isolation stretcher in front of the Columbus Clinic, where patients suffering from COVID-19 were moved from Spallanzani Hospital, in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2020. (Remo Casilli/File Photo/Reuters) Multicountry Trial The World Health Organization (WHO), meanwhile, said this week that its launching a multicountry trial for potential CCP virus treatments. Canada, France, Spain, and Thailand are among the countries that have already joined the effort, director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva. Multiple small trials with different methodologies may not give us the clear strong evidence we need about which treatments help to save lives, he said. This trial focuses on the key priority questions for the public. Do any of these drugs reduce mortality? Do any of these drugs reduce the time a patient is in hospital and whether or not the patients receiving any of the drugs needed ventilation or intensive care units, Ana Maria Henao-Restrepo, who leads the WHOs research and development group, added. The trials will examine four potential treatments: remdesivir, chloroquine, a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, and a combination of those two plus interferon beta. Chloroquine will be tested in some places, while hydroxychloroquine will be tested in others, Henao-Restrepo said. IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that International Maritime Industries Company (IMI), a landmark joint venture between Saudi Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri, and Hyundai Heavy Industries, has concluded the first deployment of IFS Applications to support maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) contracts and back-office operations. Located in Ras Al-Khair on the east coast of Saudi Arabia, IMI, when fully operational, will be the largest maritime facility in the region and globally unique in terms of its mix of services across multiple market segments: newbuild and MRO for commercial vessels including very large crude carriers (VLCCs), bulk carriers, offshore support vessels (OSVs), and offshore jackup rigs. To promote productivity and ensure efficiencies across its operations, the company needed a modern, fully integrated ERP solution with robust functionality, designed for the maritime industry. Following a comprehensive evaluation process that included major ERP vendors IMI chose IFS Applications. Following the successful implementation of phase 1, IFS Applications now supports mission-critical processes and operations and is fully integrated with finance, human capital management (HCM), payroll, and procurement. We are impressed with the capabilities of IFS Applications 10 and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with a global ERP provider that has a successful track record in supporting companies in the shipbuilding industry, said Emad Al-Humam, Vice President of Information Technology at IMI. The open architecture of the IFS platform empowers us to easily connect our best-of-breed systems to our ERP backbone and thereby gain invaluable operational insights. By investing in a central, integrated platform, IMI will get enhanced business insights through complete process visibility. As we embark on the next phase of the deployment process, we can rely on IFS Applications to help us enhance the efficiency of our core processes and working methodologies. Mehmood Khan, IFS Managing Director, Middle East, added, We are proud that our technology plays a part in bringing about improvements in efficiency, as well as greater visibility and integrity throughout IMIs vast scale of operations. IFS fully understands the business challenges associated with such a large-scale implementation. With our expertise and best practices, we look forward to delivering an outstanding solution that will meet the high standards of IMI. -- Tradearabia News Service (Alliance News) - Italy on Wednesday reported nearly 500 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, the highest one-day official toll of any nation, as US President Donald Trump ordered sweeping new action against the pandemic and declared himself a war president. With the number of global coronavirus infections shooting past 200,000, governments announced new containment measures and the US Congress approved a USD100 billion emergency relief package. But markets took another beating and braced for grim weeks ahead.A Trump announced the deployment of military hospital ships while, in Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a dramatic appeal to citizens. "Not since the Second World War has our country faced a challenge that depends so much on our collective solidarity," Merkel said in a television address. Dire news came out of Italy which reported 475 new deaths. More than 8,700 people have died around the world with fatalities in Europe now topping those in Asia, where the outbreak began in December in China. Italy has now recorded more than one-third of global deaths and has shut down all businesses and public gatherings a steps that have spread across the world. "The main thing is, do not give up," Italian National Institute of Health chief Silvio Brusaferro told reporters. "It will take a few days before we see the benefits" of containment measures, said Brusaferro. "We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable." French President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter called for further "financial solidarity" within the Eurozone, after the European Central Bank announced aA EUR750-billion bond-buying scheme to contain the economic damage from the virus.A Britain, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson had initially chosen a different path, followed the lead of his European counterparts and said A schools would shut nationwide from Friday. The death toll in Britain has topped 100 and lawmakers were cautioned to steer clear of the prime minister's weekly question time, amid warnings that parliament was a particularly infectious area. source: AFP Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Portland cant legally institute a policy that would ban rent increases for residential tenants amid the coronavirus outbreak, Mayor Ted Wheeler said Wednesday. During the citys first remote-access council meeting, Wheeler said a rent freeze would violate Oregon law. His remarks came a day after Multnomah County and city officials announced they are temporarily barring residential evictions for virus-impacted tenants who can prove the pandemic has left them unable to immediately pay rent. During a Tuesday news conference held to announce that new policy, several housing advocates interrupted the proceedings to call for a rent freeze, saying the eviction moratorium wasnt an adequate long-term solution for financially-impacted renters. According to Oregon law, A city or county shall not enact any ordinance or resolution which controls the rent that may be charged for the rental of any dwelling unit. An exemption does grant city, county and state agencies the ability to impose temporary rent control in the event of a natural or person-made disaster that materially eliminates a significant portion of the rental housing supply. Public governments are able to implement rent freezes on housing properties they run. Wheeler last week declared a state of emergency, and the Portland City Charter lists establishing rent controls as a decision the mayor can make before such a declaration expires. City Attorney Tracy Reeve said listing that power in the citys charter as available in a declared emergency doesnt make it so, however. If there is an express conflict between state law and a city law, state law controls, she said in an email. The City Council formally adopted Multnomah Countys eviction moratorium Wednesday. County and city officials initially announced separate eviction suspension emergency orders Tuesday before later moving forward with a joint policy. Officials in Beaverton also announced their own temporary residential eviction moratorium Wednesday. The moratorium in Multnomah County applies to people whose jobs are shut down, whose work hours are reduced, who miss work to provide child care due to school closures or who are unable to work because they or a relative are sick from coronavirus. Tenants will have to provide letters of proof from their employer, school, doctor or other sources to verify their hardship. The moratorium requires affected tenants to notify landlords on or before the day rent is due that they wont be able to afford it. It also prohibits landlords from assessing late fees and gives tenants up to six months after the city and county state of emergencies end to pay all accrued unpaid rent. The Portland state of emergency declaration ends March 26 and the countys end April 10. Both could be extended. Landlords who dont comply with the order could be sued and liable for civil damages as well as other sanctions. During the Portland council meeting, Commissioner Chloe Eudaly said she was concerned that certain loopholes could be used to evict impacted tenants anyway. She noted some renters pay certain utilities directly to their landlord and could be forced out for not being able to pay that as well. Robert Taylor, Portlands chief deputy city attorney, said the city will work with the county to address that in the countys formal ordinance. He also said it would more specifically address landlord penalties and how the moratorium would work and be enforced. Eudaly said city officials are trying to work with lending institutions and the state to provide more housing stability amid the coronavirus outbreak. She said she didnt want people to believe already cost-burdened renters are going to be stuck with massive rent arrears that they wont be able to pay and just be evicted at the end of this. This is a first step, Eudaly said. -- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 | @EvertonBailey Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Travel restrictions are being deployed as a key weapon in the war against the coronavirus (COVID-19). Much publicised bans and restrictions have decimated the airline industry, forcing widespread capacity cuts and leaving many airlines fighting for survival. It is now almost certain that government intervention will be required to stop a number of airlines going out of business, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Nicholas Wyatt, head of R&A Travel and Tourism at GlobalData, commented: Such a request now looks to be very much a case of when rather than if. Governments will be forced to step in and either bail out airlines directly or extend support by way of time to pay and tax relief arrangements. Even if there is public opposition to such intervention, governments will be left with no choice but to intervene and save what is, in some countries, a systemically important industry. Despite taking measures such as capacity cutting and asking staff to take extended periods of unpaid leave, the danger is that airlines the world over will burn through cash over the coming weeks and months. Companies are often under pressure not to sit on large cash reserves but decisions taken by several airlines to buy back their own shares will likely come under serious scrutiny, especially when airlines are forced to ask governments for support. Wyatt said: In the US, the assistance required could exceed $50 billion according to the Wall Street Journal. Despite this, the Trump administration has said it plans to back the airline industry 100 per cent, illustrating just how grave the situation is. We can expect other governments to make similar noises in the coming weeks as this unprecedented crisis takes hold and which, according to Iata, could cost the industry $113 billion in lost revenues this year. - TradeArabia News Service "During this extraordinary time in which people around the world are experiencing so much fear and anxiety, I invite Catholics and people around the world to tune into EWTN for live broadcasts of the Mass at 8 a.m. ET every day from Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondale, Alabama," said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw. [Encores air at noon ET, 7 p.m. ET, and midnight ET]. "The mission of EWTN is to bring the light of Christ to a world starved for Truth. My prayer is that, during these dark days, people will be able to find hope through our programming." Watch on TV or streaming live here. Missed the live stream? Get today's daily readings and homily at this link. The Mass can also be heard via EWTN's radio affiliates, on SIRIUS/XM Channel #130, online at this link, and live on EWTN's Facebook page at 8 a.m. ET here. Click here to quickly discover the channel on which to find EWTN on your local cable or satellite provider, and here to find the television schedule. Note: While on the aforementioned television schedule link, viewers outside the U.S. should click on "United States" to see a drop down menu of EWTN's TV schedules via satellites around the world. Click here to find the EWTN Radio schedule. In addition to the Mass, EWTN has begun offering viewers the opportunity for Adoration of Our Lord, both on-air and on social media, via a live feed from Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondale. In the U.S., adoration will immediately follow the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at approximately 3:20 p.m. ET and remain on-air for about 10 minutes. However, viewers can adore Our Lord from 8 a.m. ET (just after daily Mass) to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, via EWTN's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ewtnonline For all of the myriad ways to access EWTN, please go to EWTN Everywhere. Our family of news and social media sites includes EWTN's Facebook page, which frequently broadcasts various programs, including the Mass and other devotionals, as well as links to other helpful resources. Editor's Note: Dioceses or parishes who would like to share EWTN's daily Mass on their Facebook page are welcome to send an email with this request to [email protected]. We will be happy to set up a crossposting relationship. Diocesan Communications Directors who would like to embed an EWTN player on their websites in order to stream Daily Mass should contact their respective EWTN Marketing Manager or [email protected]. The EWTN player is also available to Diocesan Communications Directors in Spanish. Please contact [email protected] for details. EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 38th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN's 11 global TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 300 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; one of the largest Catholic websites in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, "The National Catholic Register" newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division. SOURCE EWTN Global Catholic Network Police in Waterford Township is hoping to identify and locate a man who stole two bottles of high-end vodka from a shop. The man took a bottle of Belvedere and another of Grey Goose from the Lakeways Market on Pontiac Lake Road, walking out without paying for the items. The man is described as white, standing 6-foot to 6-foot-2, and having short sandy-colored hair and a goatee, Waterford police said. The date of the theft was not specified. The man left in a red Jeep Wrangler with a black hard top, being a passenger in the vehicle. If anyone recognizes this man, please call Detective Christopher Belling at 248-618-6042 or call the tip line at 248-674-COPS, or 248-674-2677. Leaders of the Portuguese technology community today announced tech4COVID19, a movement aimed to create technological solutions to help society in overcoming the challenges of COVID-19. The group has quickly evolved to include more than 120 companies and 2000 people from different backgrounds working together to help the country in the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Companies cover a range of work areas such as cybersecurity, health, maintenance, human resources, consulting, cloud services, e-commerce, medical devices, among many others. The tech4COVID19 movement currently has 12 projects under development. Among the current efforts are projects that seek to improve the tracking of contagion networks; facilitate video calls between doctors and patients; create a support network for displaced doctors and nurses or people who simply need help to go shopping or to the pharmacy; create a chatbot to answer questions about the support granted by the state to companies and individuals; speed up the purchase of hospital supplies and launch a crowdfunding campaign to purchase the same supplies; disseminate information, recruit and coordinate health professionals or create a system that allows the population to check symptoms without having to go to the doctor. A platform for access to all of the projects will be launched soon. There is so much talent, potential, and an ability to do great things within Portuguese startups that our motivation was to direct that potential towards initiatives that would help everyone in this difficult period, says Felipe Avila da Costa, spokesman for the tech4COVID19 group. The group and the respective leaders of each project are already in contact with health professionals and with the competent entities, such as the Directorate-General for Health (Direcao-Geral da Saude), Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (Servicos Partilhados do Ministerio da Saude) and Regional Health Administrations (Administracoes Regionais de Saude). To ensure that the groups projects are having the hightest impact, leaders are taking into account the countrys current needs and making sure there is no overlapping with operations already underway. For more information and to follow the tech4COVID19 Movement, visit: http://www.facebook.com/tech4covid19 http://www.instagram.com/tech4covid19 http://www.twitter.com/tech4covid19 http://www.linkedin.com/company/movimento-tech4covid19/ Given the velocity and constantly evolving focus of the movement, the list of participating companies is continually growing. The complete list of companies at the date of this release: 3cket Abyssal Adapttech Adclick AddVolt Agap2IT All the way AMBISIG Aptoide Armazem Criativo Atlanse Portugal AWS Azitek B-Parts Betmarkets Blip Bolt Technology brandprint Bright Pixel Build Up Labs Bytalk Cerealis China Facture Climber CMX Connec Codavel Connect Robotics Costa Media CoverFlex Creative Mornings CRON.STUDIO Damia Group Portugal Deloitte Devise Didimo Doctor Spin PR Emitu Everythink Exterity Farfetch Faurecia Aptoide FI Group Focus BC - Google Cloud Partner Forall Phones Founder Institute G+B Gocontact GoParity GoWithFlow Hapibot HealthyRoad HiJiffy Hotjar Hubit Humaniaks Hunter HUUB HypeLabs Impacting Impactum INCM Indigo Indra Infraspeak ISSHO Iswari ITIM izigo Jscrambler Jumpseller knok healthcare KOLKATA Monsoon Relief LabOrders Lapa Lapa Studio Le Wagon Limao no Ponto LOQR Luminous Marveltest Miew Creative Studio ML - Team Genesis Multifundos |MrWedo| Multilem MyPolis N26 NA NextReality Nispera AG NOVA IMS Nova SBE OLXGroup Outdare OutSystems Overcube Paack Partners Digital Petable PiscaPisca PortoDigital PRIO Real Cyberpunk Reckon.ai Redicom Remote Work Movement SA365 sendXmail Shore Spun SIBS Smarkio Sonae Fashion Sonae MC SPEAK SpreadPortugal Startup Lisboa Startup Portugal Startup Weekend Subvisual TAIKAI The Orange The Square Tonic App Tridonic Portugal Twente University Unbabel Value Negotiation Technologies Vantta Velocidi Vencer Autismo vizzuality Vodafone WEF Global Shapers Lisbon Wetsus Wisecrop XHOCKWARE Zaask ZAPPY 1990 2020: Thirty years of displacement for fishermen at Neethavan IDP camp, Sri Lanka March 19,2020 | Source: Law and Society Trust Located off the Kankesanthurai Road in Mallakam, Jaffna, is the Neethavan camp for internally-displaced persons (IDPs), or what is conveniently referred to by authorities as the Neethavan Welfare Centre. Its residents are families who were forced to leave their homes due to the conflict, when combat between the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE escalated on the peninsula in the early 1990s. The families living here are those whose homes were located close to the northernmost coast, currently within the bounds of the Palaly High Security Zone (HSZ). Some of them were relocated to the camp at the time of displacement, while others were displaced as far as the Wanni, and returned to Jaffna in the mid 90s. Before their displacement, their proximity to the coastline meant they engaged in traditional fishing as a means of gaining an income and providing for their families. Fishermen used the shores of Myliddy, just minutes from their homes, to moor their boats and also set them out to sea. The HSZ has severely restricted access and movement of the people to their traditional homelands, and therefore to their means of livelihood. The Zone and the Myliddy fisheries harbor, now a commercial fishing port, means that these small-scale fishermen are forced to take up more difficult alternatives. Some men travel as far as Mannar everyday, a 124 kilometre journey or four-hour roundtrip by road, to engage in fishing to earn money. At present, there are 61 families and 261 people in the camp. They all use 9 units of common toilets and bathing space. Two water tanks, operated by motor, supply water to all the residents. Each family pays Rs.100 monthly for the motor, which can be considered as their water bill. Electricity can cost about Rs. 500 monthly, for each house. Midwives make regular visits to pregnant mothers, when they have been identified by a public hospital or physician. When these families were displaced in the 90s, they were provided with building materials by the state, from which they were to construct their own houses in the camp. At that time, non-governmental aid organisations distributed food and clothing rations regularly, for the first few years of their displacement. This aid came to an end in 2009. In addition to the delay in Samurdhi payment, the amount received is also barely enough to meet a familys basic needs. The head of a family of five stated that they receive Rs. 3,000 every three months; this calculates to about Rs. 600 per person for that period, and therefore to Rs. 200 per person per month. For families who have both school-going children and ageing individuals, this ration is far from adequate. Previously, the children in these families attended schools in Myliddy and Valikamam, closer to their homes. Currently, they attend schools close to Mallakam, where the camp is located. An issue facing families with children of this age is the expenses required for education. Several parents share that the teaching in the upper grades in schools is not adequate, with teachers either not completing syllabi, or not attending classes at all. Therefore, several are meant to rely on tuition classes to gain a complete knowledge of the syllabus. This, in addition to a necessity for their future examinations, also comes with a social pressure, because all the other students - those who dont live in the camp - are seen to be attending these classes. Families living in the camp are now reaching three decades in living in displacement. Two generations have now been born since they came to live here, and these individuals have only ever known the camp as home. It is necessary to consider the likelihood of their return home, in the current political climate. A complete or partial release of land currently under the Palaly HSZ would be required for these families to be able to regain their land. However, demilitarisation is the anti-thesis of the current governments agenda, and troops have already been empowered with more responsibilities in civilian administration and surveillance. In this setting, families believe the sliver of hope they had for return under the previous government has now slipped away. Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. After 9/11, praise went to us firefighters. This coronavirus crisis has brought out the best in this store and its workers. They are heroes as much as anyone else who could be considered. Stop to say thank you to them, and say a prayer for them, he suggests. Norwich Salvation Army rallies to support homeless Norwich Salvation Army rallies to support homeless Norwich Salvation Army has rallied to support the homeless and vulnerable people as a response to the coronavirus crisis. The Salvation Army is continuing to do all it can to support those who depend on it in these challenging times - it is not retreating. All Salvation Army churches are adapting their work to ensure they continue to help the most vulnerable through the coronavirus. Majors Mark and Andrea Sawyer are the church leaders of The Salvation Army in Norwich city centre and heading up the coronavirus response in the city. Major Mark said: The Salvation Army works with the most vulnerable people in Norwich and we know that these people need us now more than ever as an Army, we will not retreat. Our Pottergate ARC drop-in centre remains open and will continue to provide breakfast, hot drinks, shower and washing facilities, practical advice and pastoral support for people who are sleeping rough. In the evenings, instead of providing food from the Haymarket, we are making sandwiches available from Pottergate ARC for people to takeaway during the day. This is in response to Government public health advice which asks for people not to gather in large or small groups, and so that we can continue to serve those who need us while protecting them and our volunteers, many of which are at higher risk. While Pottergate ARC is best placed to support people who are sleeping rough, anyone else who needs support at this time can contact The Salvation Army church on St Giles Street or call 01603 620747. As a church we are asking everyone to pray each day at 12 noon for all the people in our city and around the world affected by coronavirus. We are so grateful for the support of our church family and the wider church in Norwich who are reaching out to support those who are most vulnerable and isolated at this time. Across The Salvation Army each area is developing its own plans to meet the needs of its community whilst also protecting people against coronavirus. Vital work underway includes some churches opening up spaces for rough sleepers to self isolate, others are keeping food banks running. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for worldwide solidarity in a bid to stop the spread of novel coronavirus as the number of cases and deaths across the globe now outnumber those in China. Reuters The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the new coronavirus was an "enemy against humanity," as the number of people infected in the pandemic soared past 200,000 across the world. In the midst of these trying times, the Sikh community, known for their philanthropy have once again stepped in to help people in dire need. The Sikh community in UK has decided to help elderly people with free nutritious food and are delivering it to their houses in a bid to help others combat the pandemic. ' Are you 65+ plus? In #Coronavirus isolation? Need support to get food? Sikhs in Slough, UK have come up with Mobile Food Support for the elderly & isolated & are Providing FREE HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS essentials to help them! Pls share! #COVID19mx #CoronavirusOutbreak #Sikh pic.twitter.com/l0kqpATzk9 Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) March 17, 2020 A man named Harjinder Singh Kukreja recently took to Twitter to announce that Sikhs in Slough, Berkshire, have come up with Mobile Food Support for people aged 65-years and above and will be delivering healthy and nutritious food to them. Speaking to News18, Harjinder said: Sikhs have been at the forefront of philanthropic work throughout the world. The community ongoingly delves into social causes which make a mammoth difference. When Australia battled with the unprecedented bushfire crisis, one of the worst wildfires in decades, it was the Sikh community that stood up to contribute to rescue operations. Apart from the initiative in the UK, Sikhs in Australia too are helping people caught in self-isolation. According to Mail Online, the volunteers will be delivering free food to self-isolated people in Melbourne's south-east for the next two weeks. After UK, Sikhs in Melbourne set up free delivery service for self-isolated people Sikh volunteers announced that they would be delivering free food to self-isolated people in Melbourne's south-east for the next two weeks. https://t.co/dgvVZGQklv #coronakindness #COVID2019 pic.twitter.com/gzdj15DrUq Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) March 18, 2020 One of the charity's founders, Jaswinder Singh, said they were expecting 300 orders for their first round of deliveries tonight. "Some of those ordering are sick or disabled and we have had a few messages from people who are stressed and have quarantined themselves," Mr Signh told Mail Online. Picture for representation/Facebook Mr Singh noted the service provided vegetarian food and that customers could 'decide whatever they need from the menu on our Facebook page.' 8,967 people have died so far from the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak as of March 19, 2020. There are currently 219,240 confirmed cases in 176 countries and territories . The fatality rate is still being assessed. New Delhi, March 19 : Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut on Thursday urged President Ram Nath Kovind to ensure evacuation of 50 Maharashtra students stuck in Singapore in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. In his letter to the President, Raut said that these students are stuck at the Singapore airport since March 17. On March 18, these students contacted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who assured them of immediate rescue. "But no arrangement to evacuate them had been made till last Wednesday night, the Sena leader rued. Raut also said that the Indian Embassy in Singapore has not yet contacted these stranded students. These students are enrolled in a medical college in the Philippines' capital Manila. The Indian government suspended air travel to and from the Philippines, following which they got stuck at the Singapore airport. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Starting tomorrow, retired healthcare professionals can help the operation of the first drive-through testing center for coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York City, scheduled to open Thursday on Staten Island. Common ground, common effort: This is how we, as your Staten Island representatives, have operated in response to this crisis, and now we are calling on our constituents to do the same, all Staten Island elected officials said in a joint statement. Retired health professionals, which also include licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and physicians, can sign up online to be considered for a volunteer position, Borough President Jimmy Oddo said. The online form can be found here. Volunteer shifts will be a minimum of two hours in duration and a minimum of six hours of service over the following weeks is required, Oddo said. More than 120 medical professionals from Staten Island University Hospital will volunteer to help the staff at the site as well, according to Dr. Brahim Ardolic Executive Director of Staten Island University. This testing site is going to be a huge sigh of relief for Staten Islanders with concerns of COVID-19," Ardolic said. "We thank Governor Cuomo and Staten Islands elected officials who have once again stepped up for the borough when it needed it most. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** If you are, or know someone who is, willing to share their time and expertise to fight this crisis, your service will be deeply appreciated, local officials said. "We thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership through this crisis, and for his work to expand testing in New York City. Testing will be by appointment only in the parking lot of South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Ave., Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said in a post on Twitter. Hours of operation will be between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. tomorrow and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. thereafter. Cuomo announced the operation two days ago. People can schedule an appointment if: They have been in proximate contact with another person known to be positive They have symptoms and have traveled to China, Iran, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and most European countries (a list can be found here) They are in either mandatory or precautionary quarantine and have symptoms Those who wish to make an appointment can do so by calling the state Department of Health at 888-364-3065, Rose said. The test involves a nasal swab that must go all the way up a patients nose. And while experts have said the process can be invasive and uncomfortable, its also simple and quick. A long Q-tip is inserted through the nose to reach whats known as the nasopharyngeal region, from where cells are collected. Testing is open to all New York City residents. Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders Richmond University Medical Center to utilize medical tent for coronavirus treatment Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals NYPD Commissioner: Cooperation, not closures, expected for ban on dining at restaurants and bars Two Australian scientists believe they have found the cure for coronavirus Coronavirus case confirmed at St. Ritas School WHO GETS THE ADVANTAGE IN THE CAGE, TAG ACTION, FOUR WAY ACTION, BEST FRIENDS VS. LUCHA BROS - FULL AEW DYNAMITE REPORT By Cory Strode on 2020-03-18 20:41:00 We are on a studio is Jacksonville, Florida, and it's time for AEW Dynamite. Our hosts are Jim Ross, Excalibur and Taz. We start with Cody explaining that we all need to stand together. He explains that people need to live with science, but not in fear. The first person he asks to help is Matt Jackson. He then asked Adam Page to help as well. He then explains that he and Kenny Omega have their own differences. He says that they all need get over his differences for Blood and Guts next week. He needs the Elite to be Elite. Matt Jackson and Kenny Omega come to the ring and Kenny takes the microphone. He says it's not in an arena but friends talking to friends, and everything they built could fall apart. They don't even know if there will be a show next week. He says he wants to go out as they came in, as the Elite. Matt then speaks and says that it's just the three of them. Nick is out indefinitely, and Page is nowhere to be seen. Page comes out with a beer and Matt asks him will he be with them. Kenny says that all they can do is gives the best show they can, hit the lights, hit the pyro and let's start Dynamite. The announcers run down the card for the night. JR sends us to a video package about the Death Triangle's feud with The Best Friends. We come back to Tony Schiavone with MJF, and MJF says he doesn't have to wrestle since the winner's purse isn't enough for him, and he'll watch the under card Talent get their ring time with Sean Spears. They trade money and Tony asks if they are gambling on the matches. MJF is shocked, SHOCKED that he would make such allegations, and then asks if he'd like to be in on the action. Back in the ring it's our first match. Orange Cassidy joins the announcing team. Best Friends vs The Lucha Brothers We start with Ray Fenix and Trent. They tie up quickly and go into the corner and break. They lock up a second time and go into the corner again. They trade blows in the middle of the ring. Ray wins the strike, and then they run the ropes and Trent wins that exchange by leaping and driving his knees into Ray's chest. Chuck is tagged in Chuck drops Ray onto his back for a two count. Chuck tags in Trent and double team with a stalling back drop and then Trent gets a two count. He works Ray over and then tags in Chuck who hits a drop kick and gets a two count. Trent is tagged back in and he hits a double axe handle on Ray and Ray starts to fight his way out. He gains the upper hand and stays in the ring, but when he is tossed into his corner Pentagon gets a blind tag. He enters and they double team Trent. Pentagon gets a two count on Trent. Pentagon is wearing a Venom inspired mask, which pops me as a comics fan. Pentagon beats down Trent and then tags in Ray and they double team him. Pentagon knocks Chuck off the apron, Orange Cassidy wakes up to pay attention, and Trent leaps between the ropes onto Pentagon. Ray follows up with a leap of his own, and Chuck comes in for a clothesline, and all four men on the floor as we go to commercial. All four men brawl on the outside of the ring on the small screen, and when they screen gets big again, Ray and Trent are in the ring and Ray covers for a two count. He tags in Pentagon who hits a brutal kick and gets a two count. Trent gets up and tries to fight his way free but Pentagon was able to maintain control. Pentagon tries for a pump handle slam, and Trent reverses it. Trent is able to reverse an arm drag and hits a tilt a while DDT. He is able to get the tag to Chuck and Pentagon tags in Ray. Chuck hits a series of clotheslines, and a tilt a whirl back breaker on Ray. Pentagon comes in Chuck is able to get a rising knee strike on him and then a Cutter on Ray. They go in for the hug, but the Lucha Bros hit them with thrust kicks after the ref says no hugging. Out of the ramp, The Bros set up to give an assisted DDT and Cassidy gets up from the announce position. The Bros stop and while they are distracted, Trent tosses them off the ramp, and Cassidy hits them with a leap of faith. Chuck hits a pile driver on Pentagon for a two count. Trent is tagged in and he starts to set up Pentagon for Strong Zero, but Ray interferes, breaking up the move. Pentagon pins Trent for a two count as Ray attacks Chuck in the corner. Pentagon hits a low blow on Trent, and then the Bros hit the assisted package pile driver and get the three count. Your winners, The Lucha Bros. Tony brings Best Friends over for an interview. Chuck challenges the Lucha Bros to a street fight in the parking lot on the next show. We got right into the introductions for our next match, interrupted by commercials Penelope Ford with Kip Sabian vs Riho vs Kris Statlander vs Hikaru Shida It's a four way dance, and it starts with Ford going after Riho. Shida and Statlander attack Ford, and Kip Sabian pulls Shida and Statlander out of the ring. They take him out and Ford tries to follow up, but missed her dive. As they fight, Riho dives onto them. Back in the ring with everyone but Ford, and Riho takes down Shida, but Statlander is able to stop her. Shida and Statlander team up onto Riho, but when Shida tries to steal the pin, Statlander goes after her. Shida is able to get an inside cradle on Statlander, but it's only a two count. The leads to Ford coming into the ring, some battle, and Riho and Ford were able to get a suplex on Shida. Ford and Riho are in the ring now, then Riho gets in a series of blows, stopped by outside interference by Sabian, and Ford is able to take control. Ford tries to take down Riho, but Riho tries to pull Ford down into a pinning predicament. Sabian gets on the apron to grab Ford's hands to stop it, and the ref break them up. Ford tries to drop down, but Riho has escaped and launches off of the prone Ford to hit Sabian with a high knee. Shida and Statlander come in and they become the focus of the match with Statlander able to take down Shida. Statlander then slams Riho onto top of Shida. Ford sneak in and hits a backward Rana from the ropes, taking Statlander out. It looked like Statlander landed on her head and she rolls out of the ring. Ford goes for a back handspring onto Shida, but Shida stops her and hits a Falcon Arrow on Ford for a two count. Shida hits a running knee strike on Ford and covers Ford for a three count. Your winner: Hikaru Shida Tony is at ring side with Colt Cabana who says it's all weird. Colt says Ford would have done better if Sabian wasn't interfering, and Sabian comes over to put in his 2 cents, and Colt ends up slapping him, and Sabian leave with Ford as we go to commercial. Back in the studio, we go to a taped interview between Tony and Mox. Tony asks what its like not to be medically cleared. Mox says he goes where he wants, but he will go for a drive. But when Blood and Guts happens, he'll be in the inner circle's blind spot. Mox then drives off in Jericho's super expensive car. Back at the ring, we get the next match. Butcher and the Blade without the Bunny vs Jurassic Express without Marco Stunt MJF pays off Blade before the match starts. We start off with Blade and Jungle Boy. They tie up and Blade is able to force Jungle Boy into the corner and Jungle Boy is able to grab Blade for a flip and a pin for a two count. They then run the ropes, and it ends with Blade nailing Jungle Boy with a kick. Jungle Boy is able to fight his way into his corner and tags in Luchasaurus. They hit a double teamed swinging DDT and Luchasaurus covers for a one count. Luchasaurus works over Blade, and tags in Jungle Boy. Blade rolls out of the ring, and then gets next to the barricade with Butcher to stop Jungle Boy from a leap onto him. When they walk out from the barricade, Jungle Boy leaps into the arms, and hey toss Jungle Boy into the barricade, They work over Jungle Boy outside the ring, and when they roll him in. Butcher is tagged in and they work Jungle Boy over in the corner. He then drags Jungle Boy across the ropes and tags in Blade. Blade keeps up the attack, and gets a two count after a clothesline. Butcher tags in and they go small screen through the commercials. The beat down continues through the commercials and when we go full screen again, Blade still has control over Jungle Boy. Blade hits a tilt a whirl and gets a two count afterward. Jungle Boy is able to reverse a move, hit a clothesline and struggles to tag in Luchasaurus, but Blade is able to cut him off and they keep beating him down. Jungle Boy is tossed out of the ring, Butcher tosses him back in for Blade to get a two count. Jungle Boy is finally able to fight out of the opposite corner, leaps over Blade, rolls to his corner and Luchasaurus is tagged in to clear the ring. Luchasaurus ends the sequence to moonsault over the ropes onto Butcher outside the ring. He then beats down Blade in the ring, hits and Extinction Event and Butcher breaks up the tag at two. Jungle Boy comes in to even the fight and he and Blade tumble outside the ring. Luchasaurus and Butcher come face to face and trade blows. Luchasaurus is able to stop Butcher with a kidney kick and was setting up for a choke slam when Blade comes in to break it up. They double team Luchasaurus, ending with a modified Magic Killer and Blade covers for a two count, broken up by Jungle Boy. Butcher takes out Jungle Boy and MJF calls for them to hit Full Death. The distraction allows for Luchasaurus to hit a head butt, and tail whip and they team up to hit a finishing move on Blade. Luchasaurus covers for the three count and Jungle Boy botches a leap out of the ring onto Butcher. Your winner: Jurassic Express We go to commercial and I feel like a goober for not knowing the name of Jurassic Express's finishing move because the announcers were talking over each other. When we come back, the Dark Order is here. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson enter the ring with a Microphone. Uno asks the production team to focus on his eyes. He says that the Exalted One will bring the Dark Order to a higher level, and he hopes they see what he sees. He promised he would bring in the Exalted One and he never lies. Uno stated the Exalted One is near, but he is cut off by SCU. Daniels says it's all lies. He hasn't made any of the people's lives better, he's wasted our time and we are sick of it. It's all lies and there is no Exalted One. He cuts off the music and starts a video of the Exalted One. The Exalted One introduces himself and in a very short time, you will be up to speed on who he is. He says the new rule of the Dark Order is that they do what they want, when they want. If they come to your door, you open the door or he will kick the door open. He brings down his hood and it's Brody Lee. He says Christopher Daniels is unsafe. Daniels is not the first out of touch old man who doesn't believe in him, but he will be the last. We come back, and Brody Lee is there, and all three of the Dark Order take down SCU and it's time for commercials. Back in the Arena, Tony Schiavone is with Jack Roberts and Lance Archer. Jake speaks for him, and they laid the gauntlet at Cody's feet and got nothing in return. Jake has a record that will make Cody say Holy Crap. It's one thing to stay out of their way, but to ignoring them is like spitting in their face. He tells Cody to shut him up if he can, and it's time for Cody to stand up and meet The Man. They are there for a specific reason, and it wouldn't be personal, but now it is and they will get his attention. Tony then gives us a video package introducing Lance Archer at a ring in the woods, and he is told to Try or Die. We see Lance take out a bunch of smaller opponents from around the ring until they are all laying at his feet. Really great video package. We get a rundown of the next Dynamite, whenever it is. Nick Jackson is out with an internal injury and not cleared to travel, so tonight's match to see who gets the advantage is of VITAL IMPORTANCE. The Inner Circle is Jake Hager, Santana and Ortiz with Sammy at ringside and Jericho on Commentary. The Elite is Cody with Arn Anderson, Matt Jackson because Nick is not cleared to travel, and Adam Page with Kenny Omega instead of a drink. When Jericho comes out, Sammy sings along, terribly, to his song and forgets a lot of the words. It's just great stuff here. Jericho's commentary is gold. You NEED to see this segment just for that. Inner Circle vs The Elite. We start with Cody against Santana, who doesn't come out of his corner until Cody turns his back. He beats down Cody until the run the ropes, and Cody is able to hit a power slam on Santana. Santana takes control again and tags in Ortiz, and they hit a double team move. Cody and Ortiz trade blows. Ortiz tires to hit a suplex and Cody reverses and slams Ortiz. Cody tags in Matt and then Matt holds Ortiz for Cody to tag in and hit a punch from the top rope. Cody tags in Matt after a small argument between Matt and Page. Matt slams Ortiz onto the mat, and when he gets up, Page runs in and hit the big boot to the face of Ortiz. When Matt comes back,. Ortiz gets an eye poke and tags in Santana, who stops Matt's attacks briefly. Matt gets away and hits a spear on Santana. I think we're in bullet point territory folks: Page tags himself in. Santana is able to take control and works over Page in the corner. Page is able to reverse and nails Santana with a clothesline. Santana misses with his move and Page hits a pump handle over the top slam. Cody is tagged in, and is clotheslined out to the ring. Everyone comes into the ring, and we go to commercial with Jake Hager tagging in. When we come back, Jake is holding Cody up in a stall suplex. He trades him off to Ortiz who then drops Cody for a pin and a two count. Cody is tossed out of the ring for a beat down by Ortiz, and Matt attacks Ortiz. Cody is rolled back into the ring and Santana is tagged in who puts Cody into an odd submission hold on the mat. Santana releases the hold and then rolls Cody over for a two count. Jake Hager tags in who starts a ground and pound. He follows with a snap mare and then puts Cody is a wrist lock. Cody struggles to get to his corner and Jake shoves him into his corner. Ortiz is tagged in and hits an inside cradle on Cody for a two count. Cody is dragged back to the corner and Santana tags in and the Elite come in to break it up. ' The Inner Circle uses the distraction to gang up on Cody, Ortiz comes in without a tag, and Cody hits a surprise Crossroads on him. They struggle to tag, and Ortiz tags Hager in first and he grabs Cody. They struggle together and Cody dumps Jake out of the ring. Before Cody can get to his Corner, Hager is back in, Santana takes out the Elite on the apron and Cody is dragged back to the Inner Circle's corner as we go to our final commercial break. On the small screen, everything has broken down and everyone is in the ring, when the ref takes control, Cody is stuck in the Inner Circle's corner. We back to Cody getting his feet up when Jake tried a Vader Bomb and Cody struggles to his corner. Page gets Cody's tag and Page clears house. He this a sliding lariat on Santana for a two count, broken up by Santana. Cody attacks Ortiz outside the ring and tosses Ortiz into MJF. Wardlow starts to get involved, but Arn nails him with the clipboard. Matt is tagged in and hits a series of Northern Lights suplexes on Ortiz Hager comes in and Page comes in to help Matt suplex Hager Page and Matt set up to hit the Indytaker but Hager grab Page and drops Page onto the apron face first. Ortiz gets a small package and pins Matt for a three count. Your winners and getting an Advantage in Blood and Guts: The Inner Circle. Jericho interrupts the highlights with his reason for why they won. Jericho bans all fans from all events until he says so. NO FANS ALLOWED. Jericho's promo is GREAT here. The Inner Circle has never had any problems, never drank at ringside. All they have done is win. And when it comes time for Blood and Guts, they will dominate as well. Sammy asks if Brandi wants to hit him up. They are interrupted by some buzzing noise. Matt says they aren't outnumbers and a drone drops into the ring. Matt says he made a phone call to a friend who owes him a favor. And, in the rafters is Matt Hardy!!! If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! Having followed Ribbon Communications and all the companies it acquired for decades, we have to say, even we are blown away by all of the activity at the company. They seem to be working on all cylinders pushing out new products and certifications at a bewildering pace. Ribbon CMO and EVP Business Development Patrick Joggerst We recently had an exclusive interview with CMO and EVP Business Development Patrick Joggerst and we continue to be impressed with the companys accomplishments and more importantly, its ambition. Our discussion was more product and solutions-oriented than our recent exclusive interview with new CEO Bruce McClelland last month which focused on strategy and what Bruce brings to the table as a leader. Perhaps the biggest recent news from the company has been the merger with ECI Telecom. It has been more controversial than typical tech M&A. Patrick explained this move will not result in the company deemphasizing its channel or enterprise strategy. This is why he says the merger makes sense: Many utilities are becoming carriers thanks to their ability to lay fiber in areas where they have access, thanks to their core business. As a result, the companies who would use ECI equipment to manage fiber are ripe for Ribbons other carrier solutions. In addition, Ribbon will be able to leverage its deep relationship with tier-one carriers in the U.S. and Japan. These are regions where ECI did not previously have a strong footprint but can now bring their 5G capabilities to new opportunities around the growing 5G market. The idea here is cross-pollination, across carrier equipment, software, services and also across geographies. Some are concerned the Ribbon team may not be able to sell fiber solutions but this thinking would be a mistake. Many of the companys salespeople came from Nortel via an acquisition where they had a portfolio of optical products. While every merger has inherent risk, these are three solid reasons why we think the acquisition makes sense. One of the challenges facing the company as it integrates with the Israeli-based ECI is actually Israel. The land of milk and honey is on virus lockdown People cannot enter it. As a result, they are using their Smart Office collaboration tools to work together. Ribbon Smart Office Collaboration Room WITH CHAT On to the rest of the company. CPaaS platform Kandy continues to power solutions. Last year we broke the news about the AT&T API Marketplace being built on Kandy and AT&T recently announced Braidio will use these APIs to build its next-generation mobile applications and tailor them to healthcare, financial services, retail, construction, and pet wellness and veterinary medical industries. Iain Scholnick, founder and CEO, Braidio Each consumer touchpoint is a valuable opportunityfor relationship-building, for revenue growth, lead conversion, said Iain Scholnick, founder and CEO, Braidio. Using tools from the AT&T API Marketplace, we can help businesses create a better, edge-driven customer experience. One thats more efficient, more engaging, and ultimately more successful, more often. Patrick said carriers are not happy with Twilio taking their business and more are exploring Kandy especially as they look and see what AT&T has done. There is also tight integration with Microsoft Teams every Ribbon SBC and EdgeMarc device is certified for Teams in fact. In addition, the company introduced the Next Generation Intelligent Edge Portfolio at the end of January 2020 with the EdgeMarc 6000 as the centerpiece. Ribbons EdgeMarc 6000 is a transformational platform for voice and data network functions. The EdgeMarc 6000 contains the best of Ribbons edge services in a single, modular platform that is extensible for future innovations. It physically connects existing enterprise communications infrastructure and has the capacity to run containerized network functions. In addition to improving voice and data applications, the Ribbon Next Generation Intelligent Edge portfolios LTE radio capabilities further enhance connectivity as a failover network for business continuity. Finally, Its ARM-based architecture provides dramatic value, performance and scale, while automated zero-touch provisioning, remote monitoring and management reduce operating expense. The EdgeMarc 6000 runs VNFs to meet customer-specific needs. Patrick said, We have Edgeview Analytics which sit in our cloud offer, so anyone who has EdgeMarc devices at the edge of their network and wants to monitor quality of service, they can do it using that software. We also have some customers who are leveraging Managed Network Operations Center in Prague which was originally a Sonus Operation Center. In case you missed it this past summer, The US Department of Defense Leveraged Ribbon Communications Application Server to Complete 50,000-plus Seat UC Deployment. Shortly thereafter, our colleague Maurice Nagle wrote on the TMC UC Network Management Community sponsored by Nectar that the DoD certified Ribbons SBC 5000 series as part of the Microsoft Skype for Business JITC certified solution. This week, the Ribbon SBC 5400 also passed JITC certification, approved for the DoD. Also this week, the company responding to the Covid-19 Coronavirus and made Kandy available to contact centers and UCaaS customers in the form of a solution called [email protected]. Sacha Gera, Senior Vice President, Cloud Products, Ribbon In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies must be empowered to shift their operations to alternate locations quickly and efficiently, said Sacha Gera, Senior Vice President, Cloud Products. Our Kandy Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS)-based solutions enable companies to rapidly meet this need seamlessly and cost-effectively. Finally, this week, Ribbons Intelligent Edge Solutions became certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Voice Calling Capabilities. This includes the EdgeMarc 2900, 4800, 6000 and 7000 series. We are already leveraging the capabilities of Ribbons SBCs within our Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and SD-WAN service offering and now we are in the process of deploying their EdgeMarc devices at various customer sites. The timing of their latest certification could not be more ideal, said Gary Forrest, Chief Executive Officer of Pure IP. Not only does it allow us to enhance our Direct Routing and SD-WAN offering, but more importantly as more of our enterprise customers migrate to Microsoft Teams, they can feel comfortable that they are getting a market-proven, fully certified Direct Routing solution that provides optimal calling performance and enhanced service assurance. We have one of the most extensive portfolios of Microsoft-certified solutions for Direct Routing on the market this latest certification of the EdgeMarc portfolio extends that differentiation, said Tony Scarfo, EVP, Products, R&D, Support and Supply Chain for Ribbon. In addition to enhancing the quality of calls passed through our EdgeMarc devices, our SD-WAN capabilities deliver a number of benefits to our customers, including WAN failover, application traffic prioritization and bandwidth aggregation, and the ability to use zero-touch provisioning to deploy devices at remote locations without the need for experts to be present. In summary the company is operating on all cylinders. Its working with partners, its enabling carriers to compete more effectively via software and optical solutions and finally, it is increasingly using synergies to grow across product lines and geographies. See the ONLY Contact Center, Tech and Communications companies that matter at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW. This Event has been called the BEST SHOW in 5 YEARS and the Best TECHNOLOGY EVENT of 2020. 2020 participants included: Amazon, Cisco, Google, IBM, ClearlyIP, Avaya, Vonage, 88, Comcast Business, BlueJeans, CoreDial, Dell, Edify, Epygi, FreeSWITCH, Grandstream, Granite, Intrado, Frontier Business, Fujitsu, Jenne, West, Konftel, Intelisys, Martello, NetSapiens, OOMA, Oracle, OpenVox, Peerless Network, Phone Sentry, Phone.com, Poly, QuestBlue, RingByName, Sangoma, SingTel, SkySwitch, Spracht, Spectrum, Sprint, Tallac, Tech Data, Telarus, TCG, Teledynamics, Teli, Telinta, Telispire, Telstra, TransNexus, Unified Office, Vital PBX, VoIP Supply, Voxbone, VoIP.MS, Windstream, XCALY, XORCOM, Yealink, Yubox, and ZYCOO. Full List. Join 8K others with $25B+ in IT buying power who plan 2021 budgets! Including 3,500+ resellers! A unique experience with a collocated Future of Work Expo, SD-WAN Expo, and MSP Expo June 22-25, 2021, Miami Register now and you could win a Tesla on Feb 12th. Washington, March 19 : US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have agreed to close US-Canada border to "non-essential traffic" amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our northern border with Canada," Xinhua quoted Trump as saying in a tweet on Wednesday. Trade between the two countries will not be affected by the border closure, Trump said in another tweet. At a later White House briefing, Trump noted that he has spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying "we want to isolate from the standpoint, we don't want people coming into contact". "It was something we thought would be good for both countries," he added. The US government announced several travel restrictions as COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across North America and Europe. The travel ban that Washington imposed on 26 European nations has been effective since the midnight of March 13 On Saturday, and the White House added Britain and Ireland to the list. More than 7,300 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the US as of Wednesday noon, with at least 115 deaths, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Gardai have appealed for witnesses, particularly motorists with dashcams, as they investigate a road traffic collision in which a horse was injured during an illegal sulky race in Co Limerick. The incident occurred on St Patricks Day around 2.20pm, outside Rathkeale, gardai said. Two horses were found at the scene and recovered by a local animal welfare group. A Garda spokesman said: Gardai in Newcastle West are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision on the N21 at Coolanoran, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick on March 17, 2020. At approximately 2.20pm, two parked vehicles were damaged following a collision. A horse that was believed to be involved in the collision was abandoned at the scene and was given medical treatment by a local animal welfare group. The collision occurred whilst there was an illegal sulky race taking place on the N21. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, particularly road users with video footage, to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20048, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a spokesperson for Limerick Animal Welfare said they received a heartbreaking call at 7.30am yesterday, from a couple who discovered a young horse tied to a tree, hidden away from view and struggling to breathe. There was absolutely nothing for him to eat or drink. His thin, wet body could take no more, they said. He had collapsed and did not have the strength to get up. Our volunteer rushed to rescue him. We have aptly named him Patrick and hope he survives his harrowing start in life. A number of volunteers eventually managed to raise the horse and assist it to safety. Limerick Animal Welfare said it had received over 2,500 in donations to pay for medical treatment for the horse. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reported 10,491 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 3,404 cases from its previous count, and said the death toll had risen by 53 to 150. Coronavirus cases have been reported in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by the states. As the US witnessed a surge in infections - including two lawmakers - and fatalities, the White House warned young people that they may not be as resistant to the virus as earlier believed and appealed to them to behave more responsibly for their own sake and the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican member of the House of Representatives from Florida, on Wednesday became the first US lawmaker to test positive for the virus, according to his office. Ben McAdams, a Democratic member of the House from Utah, followed suit with an announcement shortly after. Colleagues who had come in contact with them in recent days have gone into self-quarantine. US public health officials, experts and media commentators have expressed annoyance with widespread display of indifference from younger people to the dangers of the outbreak and recommended precautions. Visuals have been running on several TV channels showing a crowded beach in Florida. Police officers have had to move in to shut down bars and restaurants around the country that have continued to attract customers. The CDC said in a report that people between 20 and 44 years of age comprised the largest section of Americans infected. Hundreds of Aboriginal men who became native mounted police in colonial Australia carried a significant burden of responsibility for law and order for white settlers in Queensland and other settlements. A long-running ARC-funded archaeology project has turned the lens on the recruitment to the Queensland Native Mounted Police and their part in the violent 'frontier wars' - which created long-term traumatic impacts on the lives of the Indigenous people involved. "We argue that the massacres, frontier violence, displacement, and the ultimate dispossession of land and destruction of traditional cultural practices resulted in both individual and collective inter-generational trauma for Aboriginal peoples," says Flinders University Professor Heather Burke in a new article published in the Journal of Genocide Research Despite the Australian frontier wars taking place over a century ago, their impacts continue to reverberate today in a range of different ways, many of which are as yet only partially understood." Professor Heather Burke, Flinders University Professor Burke, and Queensland researchers, say official records show of the history of the Queensland Mounted Police in terms of its development, its white officers, some day-to-day operations of the force, and how many people were killed during the frontier wars. The article looks at the ongoing psychological impacts of the historical dispossession and frontier violence. Based on more than four years of research, the Archaeology of the Queensland Native Mounted Police project combined historical records, oral and historical evidence from a range of sites across central and northern Queensland to understand more fully the activities, lives and legacies of the native police. It strives to present an alternative perspective on the nature of frontier conflict during Australian settlement, in order to initiative new understandings of the Aboriginal and settler experience, and contribute to global studies of Indigenous responses to colonialism. Open source From March 20, the Russian Federation will restrict flights from Russia to Britain, the United States and the UAE and vice versa. It was reported by Reuters. According to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russia will retain only following scheduled flights: Moscow-London, Moscow-New York and Moscow-Abu Dhabi via Sheremetyevo Airport F terminal. Also, charter flights to these countries are allowed to be conducted, provided that their citizens and citizens of other countries are transported to these countries and to the Russian Federation. As we reported earlier, the Russian Federation closed its borders for foreigners. The information was provided by Ukraine's State Border Guard Service on March 17. The restrictions do not concern accredited or appointed diplomats, their family members, drivers of international roadway connection, crews of airplanes and sea vessels, trains of international connection, members of official delegations and those who received private visas in order to bury a deceased relative who resided in Russia. Journalists, audience denied admittance to Moscow courts due to coronavirus RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 10:37 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) Starting March 19, Moscow courts restricted presence of journalists and audience at hearings because of the coronavirus epidemic, the Moscow City Courts press service told RAPSI on Thursday. The restriction is set for those who are not a party to a trial until April 10, a representative of the court said. Court spokespersons will promptly submit information on trials to journalists. There will be also online translations of the most important hearings. On March 18, the Supreme Courts Presidium ordered prohibition of visitors attendance to courts. The coronavirus is inflicting physical, mental and economic damage on people throughout the world on a scale unseen since the mid-20th century. In a bid to stem the pandemic, save lives and prevent the collapse of health systems, truly democratic governments are adopting drastic measures reminiscent of wartime states of emergency. In Israel, a caretaker government, whose members no longer have the confidence of a majority of voters, is damaging the most vital organs of democracy and human freedoms under the auspices of public anxiety. And this, even though the pandemic has so far not resulted in a single Israeli fatality. In fact, Nobel Prize Laureate professor Michael Levitt said March 18 that he would be very surprised if more than 10 people die in Israel due to the coronavirus infection, adding that he had shared his view with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The coronavirus has spawned an unprecedented pandemic that requires unprecedented measures, Blue and White senior Yair Lapid wrote on his Facebook page March 17, adding, However, it also raises the question of who we are, what kind of state we have here. The centrist politician continued, Israels unelected government told us today that it is the sole authority in the country. It told us we are not allowed to leave our house. If you want to challenge the decision or even ask someone to reexamine it, you have nowhere to turn. As of this moment, Benjamin Netanyahu and [Knesset Speaker] Yuli Edelstein have shut down Israeli democracy. Indeed, the pillars of Israeli democracy have been resting on shaky ground for the past 15 months. The caretaker government installed after the Knesset was dissolved in December 2018 has been operating without a parliamentary majority, without an annual budget and without the authority to appoint ministers and senior officials, chief among them the commissioner of police and state attorney. Instead, it had appointed a state comptroller whose chief qualification is loyalty to Netanyahu. In the pre-dawn hours of March 17, the ministerial lackeys were asked in a telephone survey to approve emergency regulations authorizing phone tracking of coronavirus patients. None of the ministers bothered asking why such authority cannot be placed in the hands of the countrys top law enforcement body, the police. Why should special authority be given to an organization charged with countering espionage and terrorism? Netanyahus favorite Minister Amir Ohana, who bears the title of justice minister in vain, did not protest the interim prime ministers failure to obtain court approval for the unusual measure. After all, just days earlier, that same Ohana, acting without due authority, shut down the nations courts. Not only were the emergency regulations not brought before a judge, the Knesset subcommittee tasked with oversight of the clandestine services refused to sanction such far-reaching violation of the privacy of hundreds of thousands of people without parliamentary oversight. The subcommittee demanded to know, among other things, the extent of the invasion into the lives of people who were in the company of coronavirus carriers. Under the guise of the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, Edelstein of Netanyahus Likud party is preventing the convening of the plenary to debate the caretaker governments policy on the coronavirus pandemic as Lapid wrote, lawmakers can easily be convened via video call and vote using a phone app. Edelstein previously refused a request by 61 Knesset members (of 120) to elect a new speaker to replace him and to appoint Knesset committees to help in the fight against the pandemic. The hand of the man who holds the states second-highest post after the president did not shake when he wrote, Hasty political measures, such as choosing a new permanent speaker and adopting controversial legislation, are designed to quash the option of the unity government that the people want. In case he has forgotten, most voters supported the parties seeking to install a new Knesset speaker and pass a law that would prevent a politician under criminal indictment from leading the nation. The citizens of Israel have good reason not to trust a prime minister indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, who has taken advantage of the pandemic to delay his trial, scheduled to open on March 17. Netanyahu talks about implementing special means, obviously in the cyber field, to block the virus. Just recently it was reported that special means were used to violate civil rights by electronic surveillance in order to perpetuate Netanyahus regime when the states full voter registry leaked into the Elector voter management data base used by the Likud party ahead of the March 2 elections. Special means were also reportedly used during this years election campaign in a bid to trip up Netanyahus rival, Blue and White party Chair Benny Gantz. A company that funded surveillance of Gantz was found to be owned by the computer expert in charge of the Likuds data protection. The man, Raphael Weizman, operated out of the offices of Attorney Amit Hadad, Netanyahus lawyer, and took part in meetings with Netanyahus media adviser Ofer Golan. Israels media has morphed from being the watchdog of democracy into Netanyahus pet poodle. Every evening since the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, the technicians of Israels major television and radio stations position their cameras and mikes in the press conference hall of the prime ministers office. Always during prime time. Netanyahu walks up, delivers his address to the nation and leaves without answering a single question. History teaches us that sowing fear, whether real or fake, nurtures dependence on leaders, especially those who know how to speak well. Here is an instructive (necessarily abbreviated) response to Lapids post by a follower named David Roth: As one of your voters and a supporter of (the party you founded) Yesh Atid, everything you have written might have made my blood boil under other circumstances. But right now, the only thing that concerns me is not to be Italy tomorrow morning and that is the only thing that should also concern Israel before All [the previous Blue and White slogan]. There is a democracy that is good or not so good. We will discuss this when the danger is over. And as my representatives in the Knesset I would like to see you joining hands with those already in the arena and stop dealing with minutia. Oh, no. The courts were shut down at 1 a.m. The trial will be delayed for two months. Tell me, this is what bothers you???? As aforementioned, as of this writing, not a single coronavirus fatality has been reported in Israel. If Gantz gives in to the populist call to join hands with the accused Netanyahu, the man responsible for the collapse of the hospital system under his decadelong rule, Israels ailing democracy will be felled by the pandemic. Photo taken on March 16, 2020 shows the White House in Washington D.C., the United States. The White House said Monday it has canceled this year's Easter Egg Roll amid the spread of coronavirus across the country. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) As the U.S. economy is likely to enter a recession as a result of the virus, adding uncertainties to the presidential election, the White House desperately needs a scapegoat. China, unsurprisingly, seems to fit the bill. But scapegoating is neither something new nor something helpful. BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- At a critical moment when the world is united in the battle against COVID-19, some U.S. politicians, instead of stepping up epidemic containment efforts on American soil, have kept calling the coronavirus the "Chinese virus" in an attempt to scapegoat China for Washington's lackluster epidemic response. The World Health Organization (WHO) has guidelines on how to name new human infectious diseases, and COVID-19, the official name for the disease that has affected over 200,000 worldwide, was deliberately chosen to "avoid stigmatization." Going against the international consensus, Washington exploits such racist terms for cheap political gains, using the virus as a weapon to smear China. Yet such a political scheme won't quell domestic criticism of the White House over the coronavirus crisis. People wait in line to exit from a Costco store in New York, the United States, on March 14, 2020. (Photo by Jin Shi/Xinhua) Washington is currently under fire for its slow and sloppy response to the virus, which has hit all 50 states throughout the country. Many media outlets have criticized the White House for squandering the precious time China has bought the world to fight against the virus. In this context, Washington, instead of examining its policies, is trying to deflect attention by stigmatizing other countries. Such a move is malicious. With 2020 being an election year, the current administration is trying to tighten its grip on the Oval Office. However, the spread of the coronavirus outbreak has roiled U.S. financial markets, leading to the circuit breaker in stock markets being hit for three times in eight days. Wall Street's bull market has been repeatedly touted as a major policy accomplishment by the White House. And now, as the U.S. economy is likely to enter a recession as a result of the virus, adding uncertainties to the presidential election, the White House desperately needs a scapegoat. China, unsurprisingly, seems to fit the bill. Traders work at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on March 11, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) Buck-passing is nothing new if one has observed U.S. politics in recent years. There are always some politicians who habitually blame China for domestic problems. Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, pointed out why this is the case. "Sadly, fixating on scapegoats is apparently much easier than taking a long, hard look in the mirror," he said. Smearing China will neither stop the spread of the epidemic in the United States nor fix the problems the U.S. politicians themselves have created. In these critical times, China-bashers in Washington should wake up to the fact and join the international community in fighting the disease -- the common enemy currently facing mankind. Bahrains Labour Fund Tamkeen has announced that it will redirect its focus on supporting enterprises in the private sector that have been affected by the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. This decision comes following the Royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al- Khalifa to unite efforts in combating the virus and the impact it has had on local businesses, said a statement. The kingdom has been working towards providing the necessary support for enterprises in the private sector to minimise this impact and help them sustain their businesses, it saId. Support will be provided to the affected enterprises through a special programme called Business Continuity Support, designed to cater to the needs of such businesses allowing them to continue their operations without any problems, said Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, the Chairman of Tamkeen. This includes redirecting Tamkeens programmes to provide support to entities affected by the current situation, in addition to restructuring their debts in cooperation with banks, he said. The details of the support will be announced soon through Tamkeens social media channels where affected enterprises will learn more about how to benefit from this programme, he said. Shaikh Mohammed also stated that Tamkeens consultation committee will be working collectively with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industrys committee to provide enhanced solutions within the Business Continuity Support programme. In addition, an immediate survey is also planned to be released soon to identify the gaps within the market, the obstacles and difficulties enterprises face, and what they actually need to overcome such challenges, he added. TradeArabia News Service 2 1 of 2 Josie Norris /Staff Photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Helen L. Montoya /San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran is self-quarantining after attending a conference which had two attendees that later tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The National League of Cities announced Tuesday that two attendees at its Congressional City Conference held March 8-11 in the District of Columbia with more 2,200 attendees had tested positive for COVID-19. President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday asked the prefects and the heads of the decentralized public institutions to transmit to Romanians living abroad not to come home this year for holidays, because, in the context of the norms established by experts, when returning to the country they must go into quarantine or isolation. "I want to say a word about Romanians outside the borders, about Romanians from the diaspora. The Easter holidays are approaching. We must tell them with sadness, but also with sincerity, not to come home this year for holidays. In Europe, practically, one can no longer travel. It is very, very complicated. When they still come to the country, according to the regulations in force established by the experts, they have to go directly into isolation or quarantine, on a case-by-case basis. And then, what would be the point of their coming: to enter quarantine or isolation for at least two weeks? So transmit to them on all channels: Romanians outside our borders are dear to us. We want to see them, we would like to be together, but this year, for these holidays, it cannot be. It is sad, but we have to be honest in order not to create expectations that are not fulfilled," said Iohannis at the videoconference with Prime Minister Ludovic Orban, Interior Minister Marcel Vela, prefects and heads of decentralized public institutions on the issue of the COVID-19 epidemic management. AGERPRES 2019 financial results see robust growth across key metrics and strategy on track PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group), one of the world leaders in marine energy transportation solutions, has announced its results for the full year to 31 December 2019. 2019 Highlights Four newbuildings delivered: three Green Funnel LNG-fuelled Aframax crude oil tankers (Korolev Prospect, Vernadsky Prospect, Samuel Prospect) and Mikhail Lazarev, an Arctic MR shuttle tanker transporting crude oil for the Novy Port project, under a long-term contract with Gazprom Neft. All vessels are designed to the highest industry standards of safety and sustainability Korolev Prospect, a Green Funnel crude oil tanker, became the first vessel to cross the entire length of the Northern Sea Route using only cleaner-burning LNG as a fuel Shipbuilding contracts were signed for the construction of two Aframax crude oil shuttle tankers for the Sakhalin-1 project with deliveries in early 2022 backed by ten and fifteen year period time charters Long-term time-charter contracts signed with NOVATEK for three next-generation LNG-fuelled MR product carriers, currently under construction at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex On 24 September 2019, the Board of Directors of PAO Sovcomflot elected Sergey Frank as its new Chairman. Igor Tonkovidov was appointed as the companys new President and Chief Executive Officer in the same month Sovcomflot and NOVATEK established SMART LNG LLC, a joint venture that will own and operate a fleet of LNG carriers to provide safe, year-round LNG transportation for NOVATEKs projects Sovcomflot named Company of the Year at the 2019 Lloyds List Europe Awards. Sergey Frank, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sovcomflot, said: In the first year of implementation of our new strategy 2019-2025, Sovcomflot significantly exceeded the KPI targets set for 2019 and strengthened its position in the market segments that are of strategic importance for the Company, looking into the future. Igor Tonkovidov, President and CEO of Sovcomflot, said: Overall, 2019 was a successful year for Sovcomflot. By many measures such as net profit and EBITDA, which amounted to USD 225.4 million and USD 823 million respectively, the results achieved in 2019 are close to our historic highs. The strategy approved by the Board of Directors for the period to 2025 will see us maintaining our focus on expanding the portfolio of large-scale and long-term industrial projects, many of which are of great importance for the country's economy. We will continue to place a strong emphasis on our technical capabilities and operations in challenging environments, which represent a unique competitive advantage for the Company. Successful implementation of these plans will further enhance SCFs business stability and the sustainability of our financial results. To achieve this, Sovcomflot will continue to focus on strengthening its technological leadership by developing and adopting unique engineering solutions that are required by our customers, while also setting even higher safety, efficiency and sustainability standards for the global tanker industry. Evgeny Ambrosov, Senior Executive Vice President of Sovcomflot, noted: In the reporting period, Sovcomflot Group continued to successfully develop long-term partnerships with key customers leading Russian and international oil and gas companies, such as Gazprom Group, NOVATEK, Lukoil, Shell, Total, Exxon Neftegaz, Sakhalin Energy and others. These relationships are based on the ability of SCF to develop and implement efficient logistical solutions to meet the specific needs of our partners, primarily as part of long-term industrial projects, as well underpinning the consistently high level of confidence of charterers in the quality of SCFs services. Along with the active development of our project business, Sovcomflot maintains leadership in the conventional shipping of crude oil and petroleum products. SCF Group has achieved a balanced mix between its project-based and conventional businesses, which both ensures the sustainability of revenues and allows the Company to benefit from increased earnings in a healthy tanker freight market. Sergey Popravko, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sovcomflot, said: A significant result for Sovcomflot in 2019 was a further increase in the efficiency and quality of our fleet management, as well ?s our overall productivity. We also saw improvements in our navigational safety indicators and a continuous reduction in the environmental impact of our fleet operations, in full compliance with the regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Results from the first year of successful operation of SCF's 'Green Funnel' tankers saw the use of LNG as a primary fuel enabling a significant (up to 30%) reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere, which exceeded the forecasted indicators. 2019 has seen us pioneer the introduction of cleaner-burning LNG fuel for transporting crude oil in high latitudes. At the same time, we continue to study the possibility of introducing other alternative technologies that have the potential to further reduce the environmental impact of our operations. Nikolay Kolesnikov, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sovcomflot, said: The business model adopted by Sovcomflot, providing for resilient financial performance, has allowed the company to maintain strong relationships with its financiers for many years. At the end of the reporting period, the pool of lenders to the Group comprised over twenty banks and financial institutions, as well as institutional investors in SCFs unsecured Eurobonds. Access to debt capital through the cycle allows the company to successfully implement strategic plans to expand its portfolio of long-term industrial contracts, which are characterised by the stability and good visibility of future cash flows and attractive financial returns. In the reporting period, Sovcomflot raised over USD 1 billion of longer-term debt capital, to finance its current investment programme and to refinance SCFs maturing debt obligations, including its first financing under the Poseidon Principles. The company's strong performance indicators in 2019 resulted in a further strengthening of its liquidity position and significant improvement of all key credit metrics. SCF Credit Ratings As at 31 December 2019, the companys credit ratings were as follows: Standard & Poor's: BB+/stable Fitch: BB+/stable Moodys: Ba1/stable Industry Recognition Sovcomflot and its operations received a number of prestigious awards in 2019, including: 2019 Lloyds List Europe Awards where SCF was named Company of the Year where SCF was named Company of the Year Nor-Shipping Next Generation Ship Award 2019 (for Gagarin Prospect, the inaugural ship of the pioneering Green Funnel series of LNG-fuelled Aframax crude oil tankers) (for Gagarin Prospect, the inaugural ship of the pioneering Green Funnel series of LNG-fuelled Aframax crude oil tankers) 2019 Marine Propulsion Awards in the Ship of the Year category (for Gagarin Prospect) in the Ship of the Year category (for Gagarin Prospect) 2019 Offshore Support Journal Awards in the Support Vessel of the Year category (for Evgeniy Primakov, an icebreaking standby vessel) in the Support Vessel of the Year category (for Evgeniy Primakov, an icebreaking standby vessel) Marine Money Awards in the Green Ship Finance Deal of the Year West category (for the USD 252 million credit agreement with a consortium of foreign banks, to finance the construction of the pioneering Green Funnel series of LNG-fuelled Aframax crude oil tankers). Fleet Management As at 31 December 2019, Sovcomflots fleet comprised 147 owned and chartered vessels (including vessels in joint ownership with third parties) exceeded 12.8 million tonnes DWT in total. March 17, 2020 Oregon now has a total of 65 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The Oregon Health Authority announced 18 new cases of the novel coronavirus as of 10:30 a.m. today. OHA is reporting 18 total new cases in the following counties: Clackamas (4), Linn (5), Marion (1), Multnomah (1) and Washington (7). Of the Linn County cases at the Oregon Veterans Home in Lebanon, four were previously reported by Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs in a media release last evening. These results came in after OHA updated its daily count. OHA updates it daily count on the website once a day. Stay informed Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response. United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response. Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response. LANSING -- The Michigan State Legislature approved $125 million in allocation funds as part of the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported on by other sources, it includes $50 million to the Department of Health and Human Services in order to help expand the state's health care system capacity. $40 million will go to other state agencies for ongoing coronavirus response needs. The victim died in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk. Ukraine has reported its third death from the novel COVID-19 coronavirus. A 56-year-old woman who tested positive died in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk on Wednesday, March 18, according to the TV news service TSN. Read alsoUkraine's confirmed coronavirus cases increase to 21 on March 19 The Ukrainian Health Ministry says that the woman was late to seek medical help, having tried self-treatment. As was reported, as of 20:00 Kyiv time on March 19, there were 21 confirmed cases of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus in Ukraine, an increase from the 16 reported on Wednesday, March 18. The first death from the new coronavirus in the country (a 71-year-old woman in Zhytomyr region) was reported on March 13. The second death a 33-year-old woman tested positive on March 17 was reported in Chernivtsi region. Denys Shmygal met with Ambassador of China to Ukraine China suggested providing Ukraine with emergency humanitarian assistance in order to counteract the coronavirus spread. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmygal on his Facebook page. It was reported that the Ukrainian Prime Minister had had a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fan Xianrong. "I am grateful to the Chinese side for offering to provide Ukraine with emergency humanitarian assistance," he wrote. Shmygal and Chinese ambassador also discussed trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The representatives agreed to resume the work of the Ukrainian-Chinese intergovernmental commission. As we reported earlier, CanSino Biologics Inc. said it had received Chinese regulatory approval to start human trials of a vaccine against the new coronavirus Covid-2019. According to data from the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, CanSinos trial involves injecting the experimental vaccine into 108 healthy adults, aged 18 to 60, in three different doses. Meanwhile, Italy also reported a positive result of treating patients with coronavirus with the anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug Tocilizumab (Tocilizumab). In honor of Womens History Month, we want to celebrate the power of women helping women and the incredible community that results when we support and mentor each other along the way. We invited several recent authors to share their stories and to offer thanks to the phenomenal women who have been inspirations and friends in their careers. Thank you to all of the awesome women in publishing and academia who have paved the way. We dont say thanks nearly enough for the work you do for all of us. The woman who most inspired my career was Barbara Johnson. Barbara saw potential in my graduate work when others didnt and her lectures were so thought-provoking, so energizing, that I felt nourished for days afterward. Ill never forget what she said while waiting in line with me to order lunch one day: I feel like an imposter. The great Barbara Johnson felt like an imposter! But she was the real thing. Carrie Noland, author of Merce Cuningham: After the Arbitrary A heartfelt thank you to Joyce Antler and Karen Hansen, who won me over to womens history during their US Feminisms class in graduate school at Brandeis University. It was a spectacular class that prompted me to think about everything a little differently and drew me to the study of womens rights movements. Their early guidance toward my dissertation project made all of the difference. Allison K. Lange, author of Picturing Political Power: Images in the Womens Suffrage Movement Id like to give a shout-out to Katherine (Kasey) Grier, Emeritus Professor in the Department of History at the University of Delaware. Kasey, author of Pets in America: A History, has been an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend. Among other things, she shares my passion for the study of material culture: if we can find meaning in dogs squeaky toys, we can find meaning in anything. Cheers, Kasey! Wendy Woloson, author of Crap: A History of Cheap Stuff in America Sarah Kay has been an important role model, colleague, and mentor for me through the years. She introduced me to the serious study of the troubadours, and Ive always admired her intellectual curiosity, rigor, and bold originality in the field of medieval literature. Finally, she has demonstrated the importance of collegial generosity and academic community. And, Brigitte Cazelles taught me how to read medieval literature askant, with an eye and ear for visual surprises, noise, and cacophonous laughter. Marisa Galvez, author of The Subject of Crusade: Lyric, Romance, and Materials, 1150-1500 I was interested in a career in urban policy or planning when I enrolled in Kathy Conzens graduate seminar in American urban history at the University of Chicago. Kathys class and her ongoing mentorship inspired my career as a teacher and historian. Ann Durkin Keating, author of Juliette Kinzie and Her World: Chicago before the Fire I cant begin to express how grateful I am to the many amazing women mentors and role models Ive had the privileging of working with and learning from over the last couple decades. Among them is Laura Wexler, whom I admire for her creative vision, her intellectual acumen, her generosity of mind, her fierce feminism, and her commitment to knowing and learning and growing in all aspects of life. With all of this, Laura has given me so much joy, self-confidence, and insight about my work, and presence in my own mind, over the past twenty years. Thank you! Hanna Rose Shell, author of Shoddy: From Devils Dust to the Renaissance of Rags Whether its having lunch with me on a bench in Dahlem, Germany and discussing the stresses of accessing forgotten archival collections, or having a lively conversation in British pubs or American coffee shops about old hearing aids and telephones, no historian has inspired and encouraged me more than Dr. Mara Mills. Her insightful approach to telling stories of deaf people that are intertwined with moments of technological development rigidly examined through gendered lens, is a masterclass in historical writing. She models the kind of creativity and collegiality that is wonderfully encouraging for early-career historians seeking to harness their own voices. Jaiprett Virdi, author of Hearing Happiness: Deafness Cures in History Minister for Health Simon Harris has said that the government is engaging with the IDA and the HSE in discussions with the companies that manufacture ventilators to ensure an adequate supply for hospitals. We need them and we need them to make them available, he told RTE radios Today with Sean ORourke show. At present the HSE has 500 ventilators and 1,000 respiratory machines, he said. Private hospital facilities that provide 164 ventilation rooms are also being looked at, added the Minister. We are in very active talks with the companies that produce ventilators. Mr Harris said he was really proud that community testing was continuing in Ireland, as some other countries had stopped doing so. I am really proud that we are continuing to do community testing, some countries have stopped it, Mr Harris said. It will mean people in Ireland are going to have to wait a few days for a test. But why we are doing this is because the World Health Organisation said test, test, test the more of this virus we can find, isolate and contact anyone who might have been in contact with it, the greater a chance you have of slowing down the spread and, if we can slow down the spread of this virus, we can save lives. We will reach a point, every country will reach a point, where you have to say youve got to slow down community testing, but we are nowhere near there and we want to keep going for as long as possible. Mr Harris added that he is conscious that this is a time where people are really nervous, and he wants people to know that any emergency measures being brought in will only be used when absolutely necessary. I cant stop this virus being in Ireland, but I hope to stop a lot of people getting sick at the same time. By the end of this month, public health experts will be able to say whether the measures in place are working and are reducing the number of cases, or if more needs to be done. Mr Harris said that the extra people being currently recruited by the HSE will be paid full time, some will be offered full time permanent jobs while others will be offered contracts of at least three months duration. The virus affects everyone and not just the elderly, he said, pointing to figures released on Wednesday night which showed that two thirds of cases in Ireland so far have been under the age of 55. The virus affects all people no matter their age. Minister Harris says he is satisfied with the amount of testing equipment available to the health service to carry out tests. Early, it was revealed that 30,000 new coronavirus Read More: When asked about difficult decisions doctors might be required to make Mr Harris said ethical guidelines are being drawn up for doctors with regard to Covid-19. Everyone in Ireland is going to be looked after with dignity and respect, he said. If people want to support frontline staff, they can do so by adhering to the necessary measures which will ease the pressure on the health service. The things we do today will impact on that, he said. People need to know that if a real effort to adhere to public advice is successful, the projected 15,000 cases by the end of this month can be lessened. On 'cocooning' people, Mr Harris said he doesn't know when such a measure will be needed. If we arrive at a point when medical experts decide the best course of action is to keep elderly people in their homes, then we will do so, but we doesn't know when that will happen. Mr Harris has said he is conscious of the confusion in telling people of a certain age to avoid the virus, but also asking retirees to come back into the health service. The HSE says there is a role for everyone, some of which can even be done remotely, he explained. With regard to legislation being discussed in the Dail today, Mr Harris said it was important to have absolute clarity and to have the necessary powers, if required, to save lives. We want the ability to exercise proportionate powers. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 14:32 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bdeda5 1 Art & Culture Rolex-Arts-Initiative,lin-manuel-miranda,agustina-san-martin,rolex,luxury-brand,timepiece,luxury Free Argentinean filmmaker Agustina San Martin has been chosen to be the protege of American composer, lyricist and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda in the 2020-2021 Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative. The pair is the newest mentor-protege addition to the program, which had announced earlier pairs in February. San Martin, a prominent director, screenwriter, colorist and film editor, has gained recognition for her works, including winning a Special Mention Jury Prize for Best Short Film at the 72nd Cannes Festival for Monster God (2019). Miranda and San Martin are set to spend two years in close collaboration. Read also: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phyllida Lloyd among mentors of latest Rolex Arts Initiative The Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative was launched in 2002 by the Swiss watchmaker as their philanthropic program. The initiative pairs young, promising artists around the world with recognized masters, for a period of one-to-one mentoring relationship and creative collaboration. Since 2002, the initiative has paired 54 masters with young artists from around the world. Beside Miranda, filmmaker Spike Lee, director Phyllida Lloyd and artist Carrie Mae Weems have been named as the mentors. Proteges who will join the program include filmmaker Kyle Bell who will work with Lee, director Whitney White will be paired with Lloyd and filmmaker-visual artist Camila Rodriguez Triana will team up with Weems. (gis/wng) Tesla, the luxury electric carmaker, said on Thursday that it would shut down production at its San Francisco Bay Area factory, which has remained open for several days in apparent defiance of a local county order. The carmaker had caused uproar by continuing production even after Alameda County officials issued a shelter-at-home order that applied to businesses and individuals. Tesla did not qualify as an essential business, which would have exempted it from the order. As recently as Wednesday, the company was telling employees they could stay home if they were worried about the coronavirus outbreak but would have to use their time off if they wanted to be paid. In the past few days, we have met with local, state and federal officials, Tesla said in a statement on Thursday. Despite taking all known health precautions, continued operations in certain locations has caused challenges for our employees, their families and our suppliers. Production at the factory, in Fremont, Calif., will stop at the end of the day Monday to allow for an orderly shutdown, the company said. It will also temporarily suspend production at a factory in Buffalo. Work elsewhere, including at its Gigafactory in Nevada, will continue, it said. Tesla also said that it had continued operating out of its Fremont factory at the federal governments direction. A top Chinese film star has been found not guilty of gang-raping a woman in a five-star Sydney hotel. Known as 'China's Hugh Jackman', Yunxiang Gao, 37, is one of the country's most famous actors and wept as he was acquitted by a court on Thursday. He was accused, along with producer Jing Wang, of raping a TV crew member in a luxury hotel room at the Shangri-La hotel in March 2018. The pair had pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and indecent assault. They both wept, alongside their legal team and even members of the jury, as the verdict was handed out - clearing the movie heavyweights of all charges. Top Chinese actor Yunxiang Gao (pictured) was acquitted of all charges and had pleaded not guilty Their accuser, a China-born Sydney woman, had claimed she was held against her will in Mr Wang's hotel. She claimed the trio had spent the evening at a wrap party after shooting for Mr Gao's Chinese TV series, Love in Aranya. Mr Gao was acquitted of five counts of sexual assault and two counts of indecent assault. Mr Wang was found not guilty of sexual intercourse without consent, five counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent assault and two counts of attempted sexual assault. Chinese actor Yunxiang Gao (pictured, right) divorced his wife, actress Dong Xuan (left), while he was stuck in Australia where proceedings were ongoing A jury last year failed to reach a verdict in the matter, but the pair were found not guilty in a retrial. The men were arrested days after the incident and have been forced to stay in Australia for the last two years as the trial went ahead. Mr Wang spent the first 22 months after his arrest behind bars, but was granted bail in November after the first trial collapsed. 'Obviously its an emotional victory, everyone was crying,' Rick Korn, Mr Gaos defence lawyer, told the Australian. The woman had previously told the jury that Mr Gao had laughed and slapped her as his producer friend raped her. Chinese actor Yunxiang Gao (pictured, right) is seen leaving court after a hearing in December Giving tearful evidence about the alleged attack, she said she was forced to perform a sex act on Mr Wang, and then was slapped on the bottom by Mr Gao. CCTV footage showed Mr Gao leaving the room at 3.07am an hour before the woman left. '(In China) no woman would report this kind of thing to the police and because they are famous people, they got power, they are wealthy,' she told the jury. She had been working as a crew member on Love in Aranya. But Mr Gao's barrister told the jury the woman 'deliberately kept information from the police'. Murugan Thangaraj SC said what happened in the hotel was 'entirely consensual'. 'These are very serious allegations against two men with clean records,' he said. 'You will hear Gao is a gentle person and respectful to women.' This popular but politically incorrect meme on WhatsApp pokes fun at the difficulty parents have with working from home when their presumably mischievous children are also home as schools are shut. The meme came with the caption, "Make sure your laptop camera captures only you when you're on video conference". Chennai: Some of the best memes have cheered you up in these dank times of coronavirus shutdowns. But do they play any real role in a crisis? A team of researchers of University of Amsterdam and KU Leuven are trying to find out. And they want you to send them all the memes you can. The researchers have set up a portal https://uvacommscience.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eOGzCgEHtNW5PZX to collect as many memes as possible, The Next Web reported. The portal seeks details on where the meme was found (for eg WhatsApp), which country the meme was circulating in, and other such information. You could also help the researchers get a better understanding of the memes, some of which may have local cultural references, by writing a few words on the context of the meme, or by explaining the joke. Only memes in English, Mandarin, Korean, Polish, Dutch and Russian can be uploaded on the portal. But if youre able to give an exact translation and the cultural context to the meme, perhaps, it would give the researchers a wider base to work with. One of the researchers, Mark Boukes, was quoted as saying by The Next Web that they were trying to study how people can make an issue so heavy still light enough to cope with it and whether memes were used just for humour or also as political satire. Especially now, we can witness how people tend to communicate about public issues, Boukes was quoted as saying. Boukes and his colleagues were also studying how people of different cultures use humour in different styles and whether the targets of the memes were different. Analysing the memes would likely reveal whether a Chinese or Russian meme would make fun of the governments censorship of information about the coronavirus, and whether the memes themselves would be used to subvert such censorship. Would memes in a country like India expose the knowledge gap between one part of society that believes in science and another that believes in magical remedies? And whether the people trust their government or call it out for lack of transparency, among other things. The researchers have not spoken about a time-frame for when the results of their study would be out, but the findings sure promise to be interesting. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Bernie Sanders signaled Wednesday that he was open to ending his presidential run after another round of landslide losses to Joe Biden, and new signs emerged of communication between the two camps as some Democrats hoped for a swift end to a bruising primary. Sanders campaign officials said the senator from Vermont planned to leave Washington and return home, where he and his wife, Jane, would talk to supporters and determine the future of his presidential run. The campaign also suspended its Facebook ads and, uncharacteristically, made no request for donations in an email to backers updating them on the situation. Biden deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield revealed that aides to the two candidates have been in touch regularly to discuss the public health crisis that has gripped the country, disclosing talks that could form the basis of a broader agreement on policies and might make Sanders more comfortable leaving the race. The two campaigns "have been in regular contact at a senior level" since last week to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the campaigns, Bedingfield said in a statement to The Washington Post, "as well as to discuss both Vice President Biden's and Senator Sanders' ideas on policy responses to the virus." She added: "While the two campaigns obviously have their differences, they are working together to try to promote the health and safety of their teams, those who interact with the campaigns, and the American people." Biden campaign officials have also adopted an internal policy of no longer attacking Sanders, according to one of them, even as some surrogates for the former vice president increased public pressure on the senator to step aside. The moves are the clearest signs yet that Sanders is giving serious thought to ending his campaign, which fell further behind on Tuesday night after a drubbing in three more primaries, and that Biden's team is eager to offer olive branches to ease a potential departure. If Sanders does exit, the Democratic Party will immediately confront the challenge of avoiding the type of bitter split that damaged the party in 2016, when the Sanders and Hillary Clinton camps remained at odds after she captured the nomination. Many Democrats think that dispute contributed to Clinton's loss in the general election and hope to unify more fully this time as they prepare to take on President Donald Trump. Sanders officials cautioned Wednesday that the senator had made no final decision, leaving open the possibility that he might continue his campaign despite having little chance at the nomination. And tensions between supporters of both candidates raised doubts about their ability to come together quickly or smoothly. "No sugarcoating it, last night did not go the way we wanted," Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir said in an unusually solemn email to supporters that requested no money. After flying to Vermont, Sanders and his wife intend to consult supporters and seek "input and assess the path forward for our campaign," Shakir added. Biden won double-digit victories in Florida, Arizona and Illinois on Tuesday, continuing a dominant three-week stretch in which he has built a nearly insurmountable lead in delegates to the Democrats' nominating convention in July. Adding to Sanders' challenges, those three contests could be the last in the near future, giving him little opportunity to change the narrative or trajectory of the campaign. The coronavirus has effectively paused the primary and cast a cloud of uncertainty over the coming weeks. Several states have pushed back their nominating contests in an effort to avoid large gatherings, and the candidates have suspended rallies and town halls. Many Biden allies were anxious on Wednesday to bring an end to the competition, fearing that a prolonged battle would undermine the party's ability to win in November and create unnecessary health risks for prospective voters. "Bernie is the person - the one person - who can essentially give the Biden campaign permission to start the general election, to start talking to the [Democratic National Committee], to start building the general election operation we need," said Rufus Gifford, a former ambassador to Denmark and a top Biden fundraiser. "That's why it matters sooner rather than later." Sanders spent the day in Washington attending to business in the Senate, where lawmakers were working on legislation to soften the blow of the pandemic. He told reporters on Capitol Hill that he planned to evaluate his future, echoing the statement from his campaign. Sanders brushed aside a question from a CNN reporter about his potential departure, snapping that he was dealing with a "global crisis" and appending an expletive at the start of his words. Rather than speak about the primaries Tuesday night, Sanders had unveiled a plan to combat the coronavirus, laying out a $2 trillion proposal he later posted on his campaign website that would enable Medicare to cover all related medical bills and force the government to provide $2,000 monthly payments to Americans. For many Sanders supporters, the crisis has become a real-life example of why the suite of liberal policies he has long championed - including a Medicare-for-all government insurance program - is so urgently needed. If anything, they say, the coronavirus gives him more justification to stay in the contest and promote his ideas. And regardless of Sanders' decision, his most fiery supporters may be slow to join the Biden bandwagon. "Just think about the difference it would have made had we had single-payer health care in this country when coronavirus hit," said Derek Crowe, a spokesman for the pro-Sanders group People's Action. "We need to see [Biden's] platform rise to that occasion." Some Sanders confidants have argued that beyond the policy pulpit an extended campaign would give them, there is an added incentive: collecting delegates and building leverage at the national convention to shape influential committees and press for the party to adopt liberal positions on health care, climate change and the economy. But other Democrats argued that continuing the campaign could undermine Sanders' credibility, particularly as the delegate math is so daunting. Biden has opened up a lead of 234 pledged delegates over Sanders, with fewer than half of the total left up for grabs. "I think there's every reason in the world for Bernie to assess and get out," said Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., a Biden supporter, including the health and safety of older voters more susceptible to the coronavirus. "I definitely think it is" irresponsible if Sanders stays in, Beyer added. Former congressman Steve Israel of New York, who once headed the House Democrats' campaign organization, said that prolonging the party's divides could endanger its efforts in the fall. "The bigger risk is that we go into the fall facing Donald Trump with an unlimited checkbook and as a dispirited and divided Democratic Party," Israel said. Some Democrats said that instead of Sanders remaining a candidate, he could assert his influence by securing an agreement from the Biden campaign to adopt some of his positions before pulling out. Already, Biden has embraced a Sanders plan to make public colleges and universities tuition-free for students whose families make less than $125,000. And Biden extended an olive branch to Sanders supporters in a Tuesday speech: "Let me say, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Senator Sanders, I hear you. I know what's at stake," Biden said as the results came in. "I know what we have to do." Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., who endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts in the primary, said bringing together the two wings of the Democratic Party would require careful choreography. He said Biden's recent announcement that he'd select a woman as his running mate, and endorsing Warren's recommended overhaul of bankruptcy rules, were a good start. But Levin said he was disappointed that Biden told progressives that he knew what needed to be done. "That's not it," Levin said. "This is work that needs to be done to bring people together." Levin added he wanted Biden to "back away from" attacks on Medicare-for-all, and frame it at least as a goal. The Biden and Sanders camps, representing the final two major candidates in the race, opened lines of communication some time ago. Before the last Democratic debate, Anita Dunn and Jeff Weaver, senior advisers to Biden and Sanders, respectively, discussed the arrangements, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. They decided not to have an audience and discussed how the stage would be set up. The coronavirus outbreak has given the campaigns an area for negotiation that encompasses many of the fights Sanders cares most passionately about - providing health care to more Americans, reducing economic inequality and curbing the power of wealthy corporations. Still, many Sanders supporters are distrustful of Biden, citing his history of working with Republicans. They have been unimpressed by his coronavirus response, favoring the more dramatic measures Sanders has advocated. Some Sanders supporters signaled that they are beginning to accept the reality of Biden's likely victory. Alan Minsky, executive director of the pro-Sanders group Progressive Democrats of America, said Biden has a history of "not coming down on the progressive side of the party." Still, he added, "Biden is a savvy politician, so it's not hopeless to think that he might really shift his approach." Shakir, the Sanders campaign manager, indicated in a statement that Sanders was in no rush to decide. "The next primary contest is at least three weeks away," he said, adding that Sanders would be laser-focused on the coronavirus. The Washington Posts Annie Linskey, Michael Scherer and John Wagner contributed to this report. The coverage on this live blog has ended but for up-to-the-minute coverage on the coronavirus, visit the live blog from CNBC's Asia-Pacific team. Global cases: More than 242,000 Global deaths: At least 9,800 US cases: At least 13,000 US deaths: At least 176 All data above is provided by Johns Hopkins University. All times below are in Eastern time. 7:14 pm: Blue Cross Blue Shield offering free telehealth for members Blue Cross Blue Shield said they are expanding coverage for telehealth services, which includes waiving cost-sharing for all telehealth services for fully-insured members. Scott Serota, president and CEO of the association noted in an emailed statement that the decision was made in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic: "The safety and security of our members and of all Americans remains our paramount priority during these unprecedented times." All 36 of the BCBS health plans and the BCBS Federal Employee Program are included in the announcement. Christina Farr 7:05 pm: California estimates 25.5 million residents 56% of the state will get virus in next 8 weeks California estimates that more than half of the state 25.5 million people will get the new coronavirus over the next eight weeks, according to a letter sent by Gov. Gavin Newsom to U.S. President Donald Trump. "In the last 24 hours, we had 126 new COVID-19 cases, a 21 percent increase. In some parts of our state, our case rate is doubling every four days," Newsom wrote in a letter dated Wednesday. Newsom asked Trump to dispatch the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to the Port of Los Angeles through Sept. 1 to help with the influx of expected cases. The state reported nearly 699 confirmed cases as of 9 p.m. ET Wednesday night, according to the California health department. Newsom said the virus is spreading in the community in 23 counties across the state. It is the third hardest-hit state in the U.S., behind Washington state which has 1,376 cases as of 6 p.m. EDT Thursday and New York which has at least 5,000 cases.Dawn Kopecki 6:55 pm: Trump cancels in-person G-7 meeting set for June at Camp David President Donald Trump has canceled June's in-person meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven nations, which was set to take place at Camp David, as the world fights the spread of the coronavirus. Instead, the summit will be conducted by video conference. Trump and the other G-7 chiefs held a video conference earlier this week, as well, as the coronavirus continues to spread in the United States and abroad. Mike Calia, Dan Mangan 6:49 pm: Updated map of US coronavirus cases, which total 13,159 6:41 pm: Nikki Haley resigns from Boeing board, opposing government aid 6:35 pm: Doctors and patients wonder if the NBA is getting special treatment with coronavirus tests A view of the empty AmericanAirlines Arena before the start of an NBA basketball regular season game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in Miami. David Santiago | Miami Herald | Getty Images Doctors and patients are expressing concern that NBA players and celebrities are getting preferred access to tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus while the general public and people with symptoms have to wait. Eight days ago, Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 moments before tipoff against the Oklahoma Thunder, ultimately leading the NBA to suspend the season and bringing coronavirus into the spotlight for many sports fans. Since then, coronavirus diagnoses in the United States have skyrocketed. New York City alone has reported more than 3,600 cases and more than 13,000 people across the U.S. are confirmed to have COVID-19. Of that number, at least seven NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the NBA, including Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kevin Durant and three of his teammates. Jessica Golden 5:45 pm: Senate GOP releases coronavirus relief plan with up to $1,200 in cash payments to individuals Senate Republicans released their proposal for a third coronavirus relief package as Washington moves swiftly to try to head off economic disaster. The 247-page legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell includes cash payments of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples. The sum would go up by $500 for every child. The check totals would start to phase out above $75,000 in adjusted gross income based on 2018 tax returns. Lauren Hirsch, Jacob Pramuk 5:30 pm: Bed, Bath & Beyond to close about half its stores The company is closing roughly 800 Bed Bath & Beyond stores until April 3, which do not have a health and personal care department. It said it will continue operating about 700 so-called essential stores, including its buybuy BABY, Harmon and other brands, as well as any Bed Bath & Beyond stores that do have a health and personal care department. Bed Bath & Beyond said the temporary closures represent about 50% of its total real estate. It said impacted workers will still be paid and receive applicable benefits during this time. "We have a remarkable team and robust contingency plans, supported by a strong balance sheet, to navigate this unprecedented challenge," CEO Mark Tritton said. Lauren Thomas, Christina Cheddar Berk 5:15 pm: NYC has 3,615 confirmed cases, including an inmate at Rikers Island, Mayor de Blasio says Medical workers and other officials gather outside of the Brooklyn Hospital Center where testing for the coronavirus has started on March 19, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images New York City has 3,615 confirmed coronavirus cases, including an inmate at Rikers Island, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced. The possibility of COVID-19 spreading throughout the densely populated U.S. prison system has been a major concern among public officials. "This inmate was in a housing unit with other inmates, all have been checked for symptoms," de Blasio said at a press conference, adding that eight other prisoners have symptoms and have been moved to isolation in the communicable disease unit. Feuer, Lovelace, Higgins-Dunn 4:50 pm: Tesla temporarily suspending production at Bay Area factory amid coronavirus outbreak Robots work on a Tesla Model X in the Tesla factory in Fremont, California in 2018. Mason Trinca | The Washington Post | Getty Images Tesla announced it will temporarily suspend production at its Fremont, California factory at the end of the day on March 23. Tesla's stock was down about 5% on the news. Tesla said basic operations at the plant would continue "to support our vehicle and energy service operations and charging infrastructure, as directed by the local, state and federal authorities." The company will also temporarily suspend production at its factory in New York besides that for parts and supplies it said are "necessary for service." Operations at other facilities will continue, the company said in a press release. Lauren Feiner 4:20 pm: US-Mexico border restrictions expected as coronavirus spreads, report says The United States is expected to announce restrictions on travel across the border with Mexico as part of the effort to stem the tide of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report. The restrictions are expected to be revealed Friday, according to the report by the Reuters news agency, which cited two officials familiar with the matter. Those sources said that the restrictions on the U.S.-Mexico border would be similar to the agreement with Canada that was announced Wednesday by President Donald Trump. Dan Mangan 4:03 pm: Dow rises 180 points in rebound from 3-year low Stocks ended the trading session ahead, erasing steep losses from earlier in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded 188 points higher, or just under 1%. The S&P 500 was up about 0.5% while the Nasdaq Composite outperformed with a 2.3% surge. Earlier in the session, the Dow was down 721 points, or more than 3%. The S&P 500 briefly fell more than 3% as well. Sara Salinas, Fred Imbert, Thomas Franck 3:47 pm: Toyota extends shutdown of North American plants Toyota said it will extend a planned two-day shutdown of all North American plants until April. On Wednesday, the automaker said it planned to close facilities on March 23 and 24. The automaker will now reopen keep plants shuttered until April 6. Toyota has approximately 32,000 manufacturing employees in North America, including 23,000 in the U.S., a company spokesperson said. Noah Higgins-Dunn 3:44 pm: Israelis ordered to stay at home Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government will issue orders on Thursday forcing Israelis to stay at home to halt the spread of the coronavirus crisis. "Under these orders, you, Israel's citizens, are required to stay at home. It is no longer a request, it is not a recommendation, it is an obligatory directive that will be enforced by enforcement authorities," Netanyahu said, adding that the orders will go into effect later in the day, for a week. Certain workers would be exempt from the measures, Netanyahu said in the televised address, and Israelis would still be allowed to shop for food and medicine. Reuters 3:35 pm: What is chloroquine? Elon Musk and President Donald Trump are eyeing chloroquine as a possible treatment for COVID-19. So what is chloroquine, and why is it considered so promising by the scientific community? The drug has been around since the 1940s and is known for being generally safe and well-tolerated in mild to moderate doses, although it can be toxic in high doses. It has been used to treat malaria, in addition to some autoimmune disorders. It is available as a generic, which means it could be a scalable and potentially affordable treatment. Some of the early data is promising, and some biotech experts say it's worth putting more research dollars into studying the drug. But we're still far from having an approved treatment for COVID-19, and the evidence behind chloroquine is not firm. Christina Farr 3:15 pm: Apple limits bulk online purchases of iPhones amid supply constraints Apple is limiting bulk purchases of iPhones and other products as it faces supply constraints. Apple's online store began limiting U.S. customers to two units of each iPhone model per person this week. Customers can still buy more than two iPhones in one order, but they would have to be different models -- for instance, two iPhone 11s and two iPhone 11 Pros. The restriction applies to the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Max. Other products, including iPad Pro models announced on Wednesday, also have purchase limits. Kif Leswing 3:01 pm: How to stay financially sound during the pandemic 3:00 pm: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio holds a briefing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is holding a press conference on the coronavirus outbreak that has infected more than 2,400 people in the city. On Tuesday, de Blasio said he would decide in 48 hours whether to initiate a "shelter-in-place" order that would place tighter restrictions on residents wanting to leave their homes. De Blasio didn't provide details on what a shelter-in-place order would look like in New York City. You can watch de Blasio's press conference live here. Noah Higgins-Dunn 2:58 pm: Connecticut postpones 2020 primary Connecticut will move its 2020 primary to June 2 from the originally planned April 28 in response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Ned Lamont announced. "In coordination with other states and our Secretary of the State, and in an effort to carry out Democracy while keeping public health a top priority, I have decided to move our presidential primary to June 2nd," Lamont tweeted. "I will provide more information later today." Connecticut has 60 delegates up for grabs. Yelena Dzhanova, Jacob Pramuk 2:49 pm: France and the UK each report a 40% rise in deaths A patient under respiratory assistance is escorted to the Strasbourg University Hospital by members of the medical staff of the SAMU-SMUR emergency services who wear protective suits and facemasks, in Strasbourg, on March 16, 2020 during a COVID-19 outbreak hitting Europe. Patrick Hertzog | AFP | Getty Images French health authorities reported 108 new deaths from coronavirus, taking the total to 372 or an increase of almost 41%, the toll rising sharply yet again as the country was in its third day of a lockdown aimed at containing the outbreak. During a press conference, health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 10,995, up from 9,134 on Tuesday, which is a rise of 20% in 24 hours. The United Kingdom also reported a significant rise in death toll. The number of people in the U.K. who have died after contracting the coronavirus rose to 144, up 40% in a day, the health ministry said. The number of positive cases increased by 643, or 25%, to 3,269. Reuters with contribution from CNBC 2:44 pm: Boris Johnson says the UK can turn the tide against coronavirus within 12 weeks U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country could turn the tide against the coronavirus in the next 12 weeks if the right measures were taken. He later added that he couldn't say whether the country would be on a downward slope by the end of June. The prime minister added that restrictive measures may have to go further in London, with evidence suggesting the virus is spreading much further in the capital city. To date, the U.K. has at least 2,707 cases of the coronavirus nationwide, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. At least 137 people in the country have died from the disease, according to figures from Johns Hopkins. Matt Clinch, Holly Ellyatt 2:28 pm: Amazon Prime Pantry temporarily closes as online shopping surges Amazon has temporarily closed its Prime Pantry delivery service as it faces a surge in orders tied to the coronavirus outbreak. A notice at the top of the Prime Pantry website reads: "Pantry is temporarily closed. We are busy restocking." The service gives Prime subscribers access to discounted grocery and household items, which they can then have delivered to their door. Amazon said the closure was due to "high order volumes" and pointed to other areas of its site that offer similar items, including Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and the Grocery and Household category. A spokesperson declined to comment on when Prime Pantry will reopen. Annie Palmer 2:20 pm: Regional US airline Compass shuts down as virus presents 'insurmountable obstacles' Compass Airlines, a regional airline that flies for American and Delta said it is shutting down as demand tumbles. The shuttering of Compass comes days after its parent Trans States Airlines told employees that it would push up a planned closure of its eponymous airline to April 1 after its customer, United, cut its network. The company still operates the regional airline GoJet. Earlier on Thursday, American Airlines' CEO Doug Parker told CNBC he has never seen anything like this industry fallout, even after 9/11 when airlines were briefly shutdown following terrorist attacks using commercial airplanes. Leslie Josephs, Phil LeBeau 2:09 pm: Senate Democrats propose cancelling $10,000 in student debt for all borrowers Senate Democrats are proposing that the federal government cancel student loan payments throughout the outbreak and forgive at least $10,000 of the debt for each borrower. The plan by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., among other Democrats, also calls for halting the garnishment of wages, tax refunds and Social Security benefits for past-due borrowers. "Families and student loan borrowers desperately need our help right now and we're only just at the beginning of the devastating economic impact of this crisis," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a statement. Annie Nova 2:00 pm: Nearly 25 million jobs could be lost globally The new coronavirus could claim up to 24.7 million jobs, according to International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates. The United Nations' labor agency suggested this was a worst-case, or "high," scenario of global unemployment but said internationally-coordinated policy response could mean a significantly lower impact. In this case, it estimated a "low" unemployment scenario of 5.3 million. It therefore calculated a "mid" scenario of 13 million jobs lost, 7.4 million of which would be in high-income countries. Vicky McKeever 1:47 pm: Dow rebounds, recovering earlier losses 1:36 pm: State Dept to instruct Americans not to travel abroad The State Department is expected to announce a level four travel advisory applying to all U.S. citizens for international travel amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak, NBC News reported, citing two officials with knowledge of the matter. The advisory, the highest of its kind, would instruct all Americans abroad to either return to the U.S. or prepare to shelter in place. The level four advisory also dictates that Americans cannot travel abroad. Less than a week ago, the State Department upped the travel advisory to level three, which calls for U.S. citizens to reconsider travel. Amanda Macias 1:22 pm: US cases top 10,000, New York leads the surge 1:18 pm: Italy's death toll overtakes China's A worker carries out sanitation operations for the Coronavirus emergency in Piazza dei Miracoli near to the Tower of Pisa in a deserted town on March 17, 2020 in Pisa, Italy. Laura Lezza | Getty Images Italy's death toll has hit 3,405, meaning the country now has more reported deaths than China. The death toll in China, where the coronavirus originated in Wuhan, in Hubei province late last year, currently stands at 3,249, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. After sweeping through China in early 2020, the virus spread to Europe where Italy and particularly the northern Lombardy region, which is home to financial hub Milan became the epicenter. Katrina Bishop 1:14 pm: Charter staff reportedly continue to report to offices against government guidelines Staff at Charter Communications are continuing to report to the telecom's corporate offices, shirking government guidelines that Americans avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, according to a Tech Crunch report. Staff in offices around the country have shown symptoms of the flu-like illness, according to internal communications seen by TechCrunch, and employees told the outlet that several have tested positive. Charter denied one of the positive tests reported by TechCrunch and said it announced new steps to help employees during the crisis, including three additional weeks paid time off for employees for "any COVID-19-related personal need." Charter will also give some workers the option to work remotely, though it did not say how many. "These steps will enable our employees to continue providing essential communications services to 29 million customers, including institutions like hospitals, first responders and government facilities, which help flatten the curve and protect the country," the statement said. Lauren Feiner 1:04 pm: Key Democrat Hoyer says House will look at 'all options' to tweak voting as virus hits Congress House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expects the chamber will "adjust" its voting process to comply with CDC guidelines on stopping the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. "No decisions have been made on exactly what these changes will be, but we will be discussing all options," he said in a letter to House members. His message, sent while the House is on a temporary recess, comes a day after two representatives announced they tested positive for the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Multiple other lawmakers went into self-isolation after contact with those congressmen, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah. Jacob Pramuk 12:53 pm: Retail group says White House should allow key businesses like truck rest stops, pet stores to stay open Customers line up to shop at a Costco store in Brooklyn as the Coronavirus pandemic continues unabated on March 19, 2020, in New York City. Victor J. Blue | Getty Images A major retail trade group is asking the White House to clarify its guidance and help keep pet stores, truck rest stops and distribution centers open. In a letter to President Donald Trump, the National Retail Federation's CEO Matthew Shay said some state and local officials are ordering retailers to shut down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus but closing businesses that should stay open. They said the government should also clarify CDC instructions to limit gatherings to less than 50 people, saying they should not apply to big-box stores, grocers or wholesale clubs where there's space for people to spread out. The group called for a broader definition of "essential retail businesses." They listed retailers that should be exempt from mandated closures, including pet stores, distribution centers, farm stores with livestock feed, hardware stores, gas stations and highway rest areas for truck drivers. Melissa Repko 12:47 pm: Dentists reduce hours, postpone elective procedures to combat coronavirus Dr. Allen Ghorashi reduced his dental practice's hours this week because of the coronavirus, but he hoped he could still help patients who needed fillings, dental implants or other routine procedures. He changed his mind after seeing the most recent guidelines from the American Dental Association urging dentists in the U.S. to postpone elective procedures and only offer emergency care. Ghorashi's practice, Valley Dental Group in Ramsey, N.J., will only see emergency patients for the next two weeks. Dentist offices across the country are changing their practices to align with these guidelines. Others are shutting down completely. Hannah Miller 12:40 pm: European shares close 3% higher in rocky session after stimulus European markets closed higher, after some volatility during the session, with investors monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and digesting new policy announcements from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BOE). The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed up 2.9% after rebounding either side of the flatline throughout the day. Telecoms stocks jumped 5% to lead gains while basic resources fell 0.4%. Holly Ellyatt, Elliot Smith 12:32 pm: Coronavirus $1,000 relief check plan not even final yet and experts say fraudsters are already looking to cash in The White House and lawmakers this week have announced ambitious plans to send Americans $1,000 checks to help offset the effects of coronavirus. But with details still to be hammered out, the proposal is not quite a done deal. Yet the Federal Trade Commission is already warning consumers to beware of scammers looking to get their hands on that cash instead. "We predict that the scammers are gearing up to take advantage of this," writes Jennifer Leach, an associate director with the FTC. Normally, the FTC says it would wait until the details of the proposed payment plan are finalized before issuing a warning, "but these aren't normal times," Leach writes. Megan Leonhardt 12:22 pm: Trump says he is 'OK' with forbidding buybacks as condition of corporate bailouts President Donald Trump said that he would not oppose barring companies that receive federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic from conducting stock buybacks. "It takes many many people in this case to tango, but as far as I'm concerned conditions like that would be okay with me," Trump said during a White House press conference. Tucker Higgins 12:13 pm: Tesla will take temperatures of Fremont factory employees and hand out masks, internal email says Tesla is taking extra precautions at its Fremont car assembly plant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to an e-mail the company's North American head of human resources, Valerie Workman, sent to employees overnight. Among other measures, employees will have their temperatures taken before they enter the factory. The e-mail to employees from HR also said Tesla would rearrange operations as much as possible to enable "social distancing," allowing people to keep 6 feet apart from one another. Masks would also be distributed to workers throughout the day, the e-mail promised. Lora Kolodny 12:07 pm: Trump directs FDA to examine whether malaria drug can be used for coronavirus President Donald Trump said he directed the Food and Drug Administration to investigate whether an existing drug given to malaria patients can also be used to treat the novel coronavirus. The announcement at the daily coronavirus briefing came hours after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that the White House's massive economic stimulus proposal would include $500 billion for direct payments to Americans. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., Kevin Breuninger 12:03 pm: Trump doubles-down on blaming China for coronavirus pandemic U.S. President Donald Trump speaks speaks on the latest developments of the coronavirus outbreak, while flanked by White House coronavirus response coordinator Debbie Birx (L), and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams (R), in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House March 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images 11:55 am: MLS postpones more matches, considers pushing back end of season Major League Soccer extended the postponement of its matches in order to follow CDC guidance to postpone events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks. MLS said in a statement that it is focused on playing the entire 2020 season. The league is currently evaluating options such as pushing back the end of the season and playing the MLS Cup in December, which is when it was held prior to the 2019 season. Hannah Miller 11:48 am: Oil surges 23%, on track for best day ever, rebounding from Wednesday's steep losses U.S. oil jumped 23%, putting it on track for its best day on record, clawing back more than half of the losses from Wednesday's steep slide. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 23.4%, or $4.77, to trade at $25.12 per barrel. International benchmark Brent crude jumped 9.5%, or $2.37, to trade at $27.29 per barrel. Pippa Stevens 11:44 am: Cramer: 'We cannot have the fat cats make money at the expense of the workers' CNBC's Jim Cramer said that whatever happens on the other side of the coronavirus crisis CEOs should not benefit more than their employees. "I like anything that protects the workers," Cramer said on "Squawk on the Street." "We cannot have the fat cats make money at the expense of the workers." The "Mad Money" host was lamenting the moral hazards of the 2008 financial crisis, when companies got bailouts and chief executives got incentives as many workers lost their jobs. Matthew J. Belvedere 11:30 am: Disney warns that coronavirus is making it hard to predict future performance Disney is warning investors that the coronavirus pandemic has affected so many of its business segments that it's becoming more challenging for the company to estimate its future performance. "We have closed our theme parks; suspended our cruises and theatrical shows; delayed theatrical distribution of films both domestically and internationally; and experienced supply chain disruption and ad sales impacts," the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sarah Whitten 11:21 am: Bank of England cuts rates again and ramps up bond buying to combat coronavirus impact The Bank of England (BOE) cut interest rates to 0.1% and ratcheted up its bond-buying program, in an effort to offset the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. At an emergency meeting, the central bank's monetary policy committee voted unanimously to lower borrowing costs by 15 basis points and to increase the BOE's bond-buying program to 645 billion ($752 billion US), up 200 billion. The BOE had previously cut rates to 0.25% from 0.75% on March 11. Sam Meredith 11:11 am: New York Gov. Cuomo orders 75% of non-essential workforce to stay home as cases surge to 4,152 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered 75% of the workforce in non-essential services to stay at home, approved mortgage relief and took other measures. Cuomo said the state confirmed 1,769 new cases in the last day, bringing the number of confirmed cases in New York to 4,152 and pushing the total number of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. well over 10,000, based on the state's new case count and data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, Cuomo ordered 75% of the workforce in non-essential services to stay at home, a 25% increase from a day earlier. Essential services include businesses dealing with food, pharmacies, healthcare, shipping, and supplies. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., Noah Higgins-Dunn 11:08 am: What to do if you can't make your rent or mortgage payments Millions of U.S. households are expected to face financial burdens in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. If you are facing reduced hours or job loss and are worried about making your rent or mortgage payment this month, stay calm President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the Department of Housing and Urban Development will suspend "all foreclosures and evictions" through the end of April. That said, you will still want to discuss your options with your mortgage lender or landlord if you have experienced a disruption in your income. CNBC's Make It offers advice on how to deal with landlords and lenders. Alicia Adamczyk 11:02 am: Restaurant reservations grind to a halt Restaurant reservations made through OpenTable ground to a halt in five U.S. cities on Tuesday as restaurant dining room restrictions go into place, according to data from the company. Honolulu's restaurant bookings have fallen the least, with a decline of 55% compared to a year ago. The Bookings Holdings platform only tracks reservations, not takeout or delivery. Amelia Lucas 10:49 am: L Brands stops taking new lingerie orders online The owner of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works said it is suspending all "new" online orders for lingerie in the U.S. and Canada from March 17 through March 29. L Brands said, instead, its Bath & Body Works business online will be prioritizing hand sanitizer and soap sales. It said this business is being fulfilled by a third party. L Brands said all workers will receive pay and benefits during the shutdown. It had already announced earlier in the week it was closing all of its stores temporarily. But it is trying to get some Bath & Body Works locations back up and running sooner. Lauren Thomas 10:31 am: Uber stock skyrockets after company says it has plenty of cash to get through crisis Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi during the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in New York, September 25, 2019. Shannon Stapleton | Reuters Uber stock rose as much as 35% after the company held a call with investors before trading began and said the company has plenty of cash on hand to get through the coronavirus crisis and is seeing growth in other areas of the business as rides fall dramatically as people stay home. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company's rides segment is seeing a 60% to 70% decline in areas hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, but has also seen growth in its food delivery business Uber Eats. "We believe we're already seeing worst of the impact and the recovery in some places," Khosrowshahi said on a call with analysts. "Once things start moving, Uber will too." Jessica Bursztynsky 10:27 am: Trump wants direct payments of $1,000 for adults, $500 for kids in stimulus bill, Mnuchin says Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin laid out details of the Trump administration's plan to send Americans relief money as part of a massive stimulus package to blunt the impact of the novel coronavirus crisis. Mnuchin said in a Fox Business Network interview that the plan would send payments directly to Americans totaling $500 billion. That money would be divided into two large tranches. "The first one would be $1,000 per person, $500 per child. So for a family of four, that's a $3,000 payment," Mnuchin said. "As soon as Congress passes this, we get this out in three weeks. And then, six weeks later, if the president still has a national emergency, we'll deliver another $3,000," Mnuchin said. Kevin Breuninger 10:23 am: Coronavirus could kill millions in the US: 'Do the math,' CDC advisor says The new coronavirus could kill millions across the U.S., said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland's School of Medicine. "It would not surprise me," she told CNBC when asked whether the U.S. could see millions of deaths. "We need to prepare for the worst." Neuzil sits on the Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and is part of the leadership team of infectious disease experts working with NIH to test a coronavirus vaccine and therapies to treat those sick with COVID-19. "We have 350 million people in the United States, and you do the math," she said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." If 70 million people are eventually infected with this virus and again if there are multiple waves of this virus, then you can do the math and then you can get there." Will Feuer 10:11 am: Stop & Shop, other grocers have special shopping hours for seniors Long lines form at a grocery store in Waltham, MA on March 13, 2020 as citizens stock up amid growing coronavirus cases. Suzanne Kreiter | Boston Globe | Getty Images Early each morning, customers at Stop & Shop who are older or more vulnerable to the coronavirus will have a new way to fill up their refrigerator and pantry: An hour and half when they can shop before other customers arrive. Stop & Shop, Target, Walmart, and Amazon-owned Whole Foods are among the grocers testing the new approach to try to protect people with a higher risk of getting sick as confirmed cases of COVID-19 rise across the U.S. As Americans prepare for prolonged stays inside of their homes, grocery stores have drawn large crowds and frenzied shoppers. By designating special time slots, retailers aim to make it easier for senior citizens and shoppers with medical conditions to safely navigate stores and buy food and household necessities. Melissa Repko 10:07 am: Democrats warn that one or two direct payments to Americans won't be enough Democrats are gearing up for a fight over whether direct payments to Americans struggling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic will be enough. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is among those arguing for expanded unemployment insurance as a source of relief. "A single $1,000 check would help someone pay their landlord in March but what happens after that?" the New York Democrat said on the chamber floor Wednesday. "A thousand dollars goes by pretty quickly if you're unemployed. In contrast, expanded unemployment insurance beefed-up unemployment insurance covers you for a much longer time and would provide a much bigger safety net." An aide for Schumer did not immediately answer whether the senator opposed to the concept of direct payments entirely, or just the form currently outlined. Lauren Hirsch, Kevin Breuninger 10:01 am: Ex-Trump advisor Gary Cohn warns the US will have 'massive unemployment very, very quickly' Gary Cohn Kristoffer Tripplaar | The Washington Post | Getty Images The U.S. unemployment rate will rise swiftly and dramatically as the coronavirus brings the American economy to a stop, former top White House economic advisor Gary Cohn told CNBC. "I believe that we are going to have massive unemployment very, very quickly," Cohn said on "Squawk Box." Cohn's comments came shortly after the Labor Department said jobless claims rose to 281,000 last week, an increase of 70,000 from the week prior. The former Goldman Sachs president is not alone in forecasting a continued jump in unemployment. Pantheon Macroeconomics' Ian Shepherdson earlier told CNBC he thought next Thursday's jobless claims could soar to around two million. Kevin Stankiewicz 9:56 am: GM, Ford studying whether auto factories can be used to make medical supplies General Motors and Ford Motor are studying whether they can use their auto factories to support production of ventilators and other medical equipment to help combat the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the nation. GM CEO Mary Barra spoke with the Trump administration Wednesday about the automaker's decision to pause production, the company said in a statement. "She also indicated GM is working to help find solutions for the nation during this difficult time and has offered to help, and we are already studying how we can potentially support production of medical equipment like ventilators," according to the statement. Ford also confirmed the company has had preliminary discussions with the government and is looking into the feasibility of producing medical equipment. Noah Higgins-Dunn, Phil LeBeau 9:53 am: Flattening the coronavirus curve What this means and why it matters The World Health Organization has repeatedly underlined the importance of "flattening the curve" in order to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, calling on countries around the world to impose sweeping public health measures. In epidemiology, the curve refers to the projected number of new cases over a period of time. In contrast to a steep rise of coronavirus infections, a more gradual uptick of cases will see the same number of people get infected, but without overburdening the health-care system at any one time. The idea of flattening the curve is to stagger the number of new cases over a longer period, so that people have better access to care. Sam Meredith 9:50 am: Three pillars of Trump's case for reelection are collapsing all at once President Donald Trump speaks at an evening Keep America Great Rally at the Wildwood Convention Center on January 28, 2020 in Wildwood, New Jersey. Spencer Platt | Getty Images In just over a month, the three pillars underpinning President Donald Trump's argument for reelection have all collapsed. Trump's reelection campaign was designed under the premise that the economy would be strong through November, but that's not true anymore. Trump also planned to make socialism a central focus of his attacks. But without Bernie Sanders to run against, this argument becomes a lot less potent. Finally, Trump campaigned on "draining the swamp" of big government. Now he wants Americans to trust in big government to fight coronavirus and save the economy. Christina Wilkie 9:44 am: Bank of America says the recession is already here: 'Jobs will be lost, wealth will be destroyed' Bank of America warned investors that a coronavirus-induced recession is no longer avoidable it's already here. "We are officially declaring that the economy has fallen into a recession ... joining the rest of the world, and it is a deep plunge," Bank of America U.S. economist Michelle Meyer wrote in a note. "Jobs will be lost, wealth will be destroyed and confidence depressed." The firm expects the economy to "collapse" in the second quarter, shrinking by 12%. GDP for the full year will contract by 0.8%, it said. Pippa Stevens 9:32 am: Stocks fall slightly a day after the Dow closed below 20,000 for first time since 2017 Stocks opened lower, building on the previous session's steep losses as the coronavirus crisis rages on. "Markets are clearly in a state of panic and forced liquidations but risks remain skewed to the upside and this should become much more apparent once some of the solvency issues are addressed," Adam Crisafulli, founder of Vital Knowledge, said in a note. The moves followed yet another violent day on Wall Street on Wednesday. The Dow dropped 1,338.46 points, or 6.3%, on Wednesday and clinched its first close below 20,000 since February 2017. The Dow was down more than 2,300 points at the lows of the session. The S&P 500 dropped 5.2% to 2,398.10 and closed nearly 30% below a record set last month as both indexes sank further into bear markets. Fred Imbert, Thomas Franck 9:30 am: Olive Garden's parent Darden Restaurants pulls earnings outlook and dividend A take-out order from a Darden Restaurants Inc. Olive Garden. Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images Darden Restaurants reported quarterly earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations. The company also withdrew its fiscal 2020 outlook and suspended its quarterly dividend, citing the uncertainty it faces as states mandate the closure of dining rooms due the coronavirus epidemic. Darden has fully drawn down its $750 million credit facility "out of an abundance of caution." "With the drawdown of our revolver, and cash on the balance sheet, we will have approximately $1 billion in cash on hand," CFO Rick Cardenas said in a statement. "We believe this positions us well to deal with potential near term volatility under the current market conditions." Amelia Lucas 9:26 am: Investor Ray Dalio estimates the corporate losses in the US will top $4 trillion Investor Ray Dalio told CNBC the coronavirus outbreak will cost U.S. corporations up to $4 trillion, and "a lot of people are going to be broke." "What's happening has not happened in our lifetime before ... What we have is a crisis," Dalio said in a "Squawk Box" interview. "There will also be individuals who have very big losses. ... There's a need for the government to spend more money, a lot more money." The total U.S. GDP at the end of 2019 was more than $21 trillion. The founder of the Bridgewater Associates hedge fund also estimated the global corporate losses will amount to $12 trillion due to the pandemic. Dalio said the fiscal stimulus package should be $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion at a minimum, depending on the form of the financial relief such as loan guarantees and credits. Jeff Cox 8:41 am: Airbnb hosts lose out as cancellations pile up Airbnb hosts are beginning to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic following a change by the company to its cancellation policy that has allowed guests traveling over the next month to receive full refunds on their bookings, overriding existing policies put in place by hosts to protect themselves in such situations. That change has already cost Airbnb hosts in California, Florida, Kansas, Utah, Michigan and the state of Washington to lose thousands of dollars in reservations, numerous hosts told CNBC. Now, as cancellations continue and new bookings dry up, many hosts around the country have empty calendars for the coming weeks and are facing uncertain futures as the due dates for their mortgages, utilities bills, homeowners association fees and property taxes draw near. Salvador Rodriguez 8:37 am: Weekly jobless claims jump ahead of surge in coronavirus layoffs Jobless claims rose to 281,000 last week, reflecting only the first indications of the impact the coronavirus will have on the U.S. employment picture. That number reflected a significant rise from the previous week's 211,000. Companies are just starting to announce coronavirus-related layoffs, many of those in the hospitality industry, so the real damage probably won't start showing through until next week's count, which will entail the period through this Saturday. Jeff Cox 8:08 am: Stock futures point to more losses Futures contracts tied to the major U.S. stock indexes pointed to more losses at the open, building on the previous session's steep losses as the coronavirus crisis rages on. As of 7:58 a.m. ET, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down more than 500 points, implying an opening loss of more than 400 points. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures also fell. "Markets are clearly in a state of panic and forced liquidations but risks remain skewed to the upside and this should become much more apparent once some of the solvency issues are addressed," Adam Crisafulli, founder of Vital Knowledge, said in a note. Fred Imbert, Thomas Franck 7:54 am: One person dies every 10 minutes in Iran An Iranian woman wears a protective face mask, following the coronavirus outbreak, as she walks in Tehran, Iran March 5, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee | West Asia News Agency via Reuters COVID-19 kills one person every 10 minutes in Iran, the health ministry spokesman tweeted, as the death toll in the Middle East's worst-affected country climbed to 1,284. "Based on our information, every 10 minutes one person dies from the coronavirus and some 50 people become infected with the virus every hour in Iran," Kianush Jahanpur tweeted. Reuters 7:28 am: Spain's death toll climbs more than 200 overnight Spain's health ministry said its national death toll soared by 209 to 767 fatalities from the previous day as the total number of coronavirus cases climbed by a quarter to 17,147. On Wednesday, there were 13,716 cases in Spain. Reuters 7:25 am: Virus could inflict record-setting damage on the US jobs market KLH49 | Getty Images The first wave of bad economic news directly related to the coronavirus crisis is likely to come from the jobs market, and that could be delivered sooner rather than later. Virtually all of the economic data releases out now cover periods before the COVID-19 spread began to zero in on the U.S. Some of those reports have hinted at a slowdown heading into the worst of the virus period, but the extent of the damage has been hard to gauge. That will change over the next week or so when the Labor Department releases the tallies for weekly jobless claims. The latest weekly unemployment numbers are expected out at 8:30 a.m. ET. Jeff Cox 7:08 am: Italy's lockdown will be prolonged, prime minister says Two carabinieres are seen at a checkpoint during the coronavirus outbreak 18, 2020 in Milan, Italy. Italian Government continues to enforce the nationwide lockdown as measures to control the coronavirus spread. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Pier Marco Tacca | Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Italy's lockdown is set to be extended beyond the current end-date of April 3, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said as its death toll rises at a record rate. Speaking to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Conte said measures taken to close schools and universities and to restrict movement throughout Italy would have to be prolonged. "The total blockade will go on," Conte said. "The measures taken, both the closure of [public] activities and the ones concerning schools, can only be extended," he told the paper. Holly Ellyatt 6:33 am: Europe's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has coronavirus Michel Barnier, who leads the EU's Brexit negotiations, has said he has contracted the virus. Announcing the news on Twitter, he said he was "doing well and in good spirits." Holly Ellyatt Tweet. 6:20 am: Burberry's sales plunge 80% Burberry was already closed inside of Macy's earlier in the week. Source: Lauren Thomas, CNBC Luxury brand Burberry said sales in the final weeks of March would plunge by up to 80% as the impact of coronavirus on consumers, already seen in China, has spread to Europe and the U.S. The British brand said like-for-like sales in the final weeks of its financial year to March 28 would be down 70% to 80%, and as a result fourth-quarter sales would be 30% lower, Reuters reported. Holly Ellyatt 6:14 am: Medtronic says it has increased ventilator production by 40% PARIS - At a time of isolation, people in many European cities hit hard by the new coronavirus are taking at least a minute each night to come together in gratitude. They stand at open windows or on balconies in Rome, Madrid, Paris, Athens and Amsterdam, singing, cheering and applauding even though they know their intended audience is too busy to listen. The adulation is for the doctors, nurses and other health care workers putting themselves at risk on the front lines of the pandemic that is forcing most residents to stay home. A 52-year-old nurse on Thursday became the first medical professional in Spain to die of COVID-19. In Italy, where the number of virus-related deaths surpassed those in China, 2,900 health care providers have been infected, or 10% of the countrys total. Italian broadcasters regularly feature exhausted doctors and nurses begging people to stay home and expressing a sense of abandonment over inadequate protective gear. The Dutch health minister collapsed from exhaustion in the midst of a parliamentary session on Wednesday. Were clapping tonight out of respect and to say thank you to all the health care workers in the Netherlands who are protecting us against this horrible coronavirus, King Willem-Alexander said while observing the ritual Tuesday night with his family at Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. The word spread mostly through the WhatsApp messaging service. In France, where the head of the national doctors federation picked up the virus from a diabetic patient, the call went out seemingly spontaneously by text messages hours after a nationwide lockdown went into effect Tuesday. Windows opened promptly at 8 p.m. then and again on Wednesday. In this period of crisis, we are going to see the most beautiful things humanity has to offer, but also perhaps the darkest, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said. In Brussels and other cities, the intended audience for the nightly chorus of thanks was expanded to everyone working to keep essential services running in Belgium, such as firefighters, supermarket workers and trash collectors. In Spain, people are singing Monica Naranjos popular cover of the disco-era tune I Will Survive with the lyrics tweaked to say, I will survive/Ill look for a home/Among the rubble of my loneliness/Strange paradise/Where you are missed. Workers at one hospital responded with a video recorded in the facilitys corridors. Standing in a small group and wearing masks, they held up one sign after another with messages that included, We are all in this together. Then, they gave a minute of applause for their home-bound admirers. ___ While nonstop global news about the effects of the coronavirus have become commonplace, so, too, are the stories about the kindness of strangers and individuals who have sacrificed for others. One Good Thing is an AP continuing series reflecting these acts of kindness. ___ Associated Press writers Nicole Winfield in Rome, Aritz Parra in Madrid and Bram Janssen in Johannesburg contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 10:30:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Misbah Saba Malik ISLAMABAD, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China has set a good example of international cooperation by helping other countries, including Pakistan, to fight against COVID-19, Pakistani senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has said. China has been adhering to the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and giving practical assistance to the countries facing difficulties to combat the disease, the chairman of the Pakistani Senate's standing committee on foreign affairs told Xinhua in a recent interview. "For example, in Pakistan's case, we did not have any diagnostic materials, and we did not have testing kits. China immediately provided 13,000 testing kits and financial support to our hospitals. We are very grateful to China, because this helped us better cope with this crisis and also contain it because this was spreading like wildfire," said Syed. He commended the Chinese leadership for mobilizing all resources to put the coronavirus under control nationally, saying that the Chinese leadership did a remarkable work by "establishing hospitals in Wuhan within around 10 days." "Thousands of health workers came from all over China. They spread out and they worked with dedication," he said. Lauding the responsibility and determination China showed to combat the epidemic, the senator said that the Chinese people have given a very positive response to the call of their leadership by adopting self-isolation to avoid the spread of the disease. Epidemics do not have any boundary, nationality, or race. China, being fully aware of it, has cooperated with the international community and the World Health Organization, which also commended China for its efforts, he noted. Talking about the experience of epidemic prevention which China has brought to the world, Syed said that the epidemic took everyone by surprise, and no one had prepared for it. "It was like an ambush by an enemy, which was unknown and whose causes were unknown either. But China showed the way (of) how to organize in a logistical manner, how to medically pursue that, and how to not create panic, but (to) contain it within its own epicenter," he said. Syed said that one of the main purposes of the Pakistani president's recent visit to China was to express solidarity and support for China on this common fight of humanity. Lamenting recent remarks by some U.S. politicians labeling the coronavirus as "the Chinese Virus," the senator called it a "disgraceful and unacceptable" approach. "This is racism. And this is racism directed against an entire community and entire people, an entire nationality. This is sort of a hate crime." The WHO has specifically stated that no infectious disease should be attributed to one country, one community, one race or one nationality, he said, adding that nobody called the HIN1 flu in 2009 an American flu. "Using this kind of thing is creating fear and hatred. This is a violation of all diplomatic norms and all norms of international civilized behaviors as well as international law. We condemn it and the entire international community condemns it because such language is not acceptable," said the Pakistani senator. Australia's borders will close to all foreigners for six months in a drastic bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus with the unprecedented lockdown closing the $45 billion international tourism industry. More than one million Australians also face being stranded overseas if they do not find a way home within days as airlines including Qantas and Virgin shut down their international operations. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces ban on entry to Australia for non-residents. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In a rapid escalation of border-control measures on Thursday, Tasmania became the first Australian state to raise its own borders in more than a century, forcing almost everyone entering the state to spend two weeks in quarantine. New Zealand also shut off entry, sealing off Australasia from the rest of the world. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a travel ban will be placed on all people who are not Australian residents or their direct relations coming to the country from 9pm on Friday night. Mr Morrison said the move was "essential" to stop the further spread of COVID-19 from overseas. Two men have been targeted in paramilitary-style attacks in separate incidents in Londonderry and Ballymena. In the first attack, a man in his 30s was shot in the leg, which police said has all the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style shooting. Three masked men were involved in the attack in the Magowan Park area of Creggan, Londonderry, on Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said. Detective Sergeant Gavin McLaughlin said the incident took place at around 11pm and was completely unacceptable. He added: This has all the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style shooting. It was a planned, vicious and brutal attack, which is completely unacceptable in todays society. The victim has been taken to hospital for treatment and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan condemned the shooting. There is no place for attacks like this in our society and those responsible are not representative of the local community, she said. This comes at a time when our medical staff are under intense pressure and the community is dealing with the biggest public health crisis it has ever faced. Whoever did this needs to listen to the people of the area and end these attacks immediately. Meanwhile in Ballymena, Co Antrim, a man was subjected to a suspected paramilitary-style assault, police said. A 25-year-old man was attacked by five masked men in the Casement Street area, at least one of whom was armed with a machete, at around 11.55pm. Detective Sergeant Peter Crothers said: The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries to his head. This was a vicious and brutal assault, which we are treating as a paramilitary-style attack at this time. We must all work together to bring those responsible to justice and stop this from happening to anyone else. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident, or has information they think could assist this investigation, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2041 of 18/03/20. The mainstream media are disgusting. That sentence could open every article about the mainstream media in a time of coronavirus. The media's hostility to Trump is so extreme that there is no lie they won't tell to damage him never mind that doing so might destroy the American economy or cause other unimaginable harm to the American people. In addition to lies, the media's other line of attack is to call everything Trump says or does "racist." When it comes to the coronavirus, the media have a friend in the Chinese Communist Party that started this epidemic. The communists would also like Trump to be "racist," because attacking him deflects attention from the party's disgraceful and deadly behavior in hiding the coronavirus from the world to keep the Chinese government looking good. This anti-Trump bias had led to the latest media meme, which is that the phrases "Wuhan Virus" and "Chinese Virus" are racist. Naturally, Trump doubled down, for he now speaks only of the Chinese Virus. The problem for the media is that they, just a month ago, used the words "Chinese" and "Wuhan" nonstop when referring to the virus. Reporters, therefore, know they're on shaky ground when attacking Trump on this point. The only thing to be done is to lie. In this case, the lie is that an unnamed White House official went beyond saying "Wuhan" or "Chinese Virus." Instead, speaking to an Asian reporter, the official called the coronavirus the "Kung Flu." This morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the Kung-Flu to my face. Makes me wonder what theyre calling it behind my back. Weijia Jiang (@weijia) March 17, 2020 On Wednesday, when Kellyanne Conway made herself available for questions from the media, the assembled press members, mostly women by the sound of their voices, didn't want to talk about things that might matter to the American people, such as plans for stemming the tide of the Chinese Virus or helping the financial hemorrhage the virus is causing. Instead, the media's shrieking harpies spoke in one voice: tell us how guilty the whole Trump administration is because an anonymous White House official allegedly made a joke that offended an Asian reporter. Conway responded perfectly. Without raising her voice or getting sharp, she demanded that those reporters identify the alleged "senior White House official" who spoke about the "Kung Flu." The resulting video is a little long (over two minutes), but every second is a pleasure. As Conway politely asks for information, the women before her become shriller and more incoherent, believing that they have no obligation to substantiate a crude rumor if it will help them in their self-righteous and insane crusade against Trump: @KellyannePolls BLASTS Media over Kung Flu rumor: Im not dealing in hypotheticals Tell us all who it is Yet they refuse to give a name. The media is focused on things like this while were trying to slow the spread of a Pandemic. Embarrassing pic.twitter.com/yKzTJZWLBi Benny (@bennyjohnson) March 18, 2020 Whatever Trump is paying Conway, it's not enough, based on that performance alone. Interestingly, the media's nonstop attacks on Trump, sadly, have affected how the public views his performance overall, lowering his polling numbers in the past week. However, when pollsters ask people about Trump's specific policies, people like them. For example, according to Rasmussen Reports, "80% of American Adults agree with the federal government's decision to temporarily ban travelers from China and nearly all European countries to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus. Only 12% disagree." Matt Palumbo has other data about American support for coronavirus policies in Trump's America. We've known for a long time that the media are morally corrupt. It's helpful to see them reveal themselves in their battle against Trump. They're all pretty, shiny, and articulate on TV, but behind those facades lurk debased, hate-filled people. Each reporter has become his own picture of Dorian Gray. Passengers are let off the Grand Princess cruise ship at the Port of Oakland on March 9. (Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images) With much of the state being asked to stay at home, questions are being raised about the forced quarantine imposed on hundreds of Californians from the Grand Princess cruise ship who continue to be held at military bases, even as passengers from other states are released. "My feeling is a lot of it has to do with optics," said Kate Gilbert, whose 82-year-old grandmother Hinda Gilbert is at Travis Air Force Base in Solano County. Gov. Gavin Newsom has the ability to take over monitoring of Californians on the base, potentially allowing them to quarantine themselves at home, but his office hasn't responded when asked. "None of what's happening really makes a lot of sense," Kate Gilbert said. Hinda Gilbert has been quarantined at Travis Air Force Base since being let off the Grand Princess cruise ship amid a coronavirus outbreak. (Kate Gilbert) Since last week, about 900 California residents who were on the Grand Princess when an outbreak of the coronavirus was discovered have been held at Travis and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego on a 14-day quarantine. Former passengers say they have been told they could face a year in jail for breaking the quarantine, and guards patrol hastily constructed fences to ensure compliance. But with much of the state being asked to minimize social contact and some Grand Princess passengers from outside California allowed to return to their homes already some California passengers and their families said the rigid confinement no longer makes sense. They also say testing was slow to start and is not mandatory, adding uncertainty and potentially more time to their detention. Others are concerned they have been kept on the base under conditions some described as unsafe for their own health and say they could better protect themselves and others from potential exposure if they were subjected only to the stringent social distancing recommendations currently in effect for other residents of the state. Many California counties, including those in and around San Francisco, have ordered residents to shelter in place, "so we wont go anywhere anyway," said a Bay Area mother who is quarantined with her two young daughters. She asked her name not be used for privacy reasons. Story continues "Why keep us here?" she wondered. "It's ridiculous." Though federal authorities are in charge of the quarantines, states are able to assume responsibility for health monitoring of their residents, allowing those people to return to their homes if the state allows it. Some states have assumed that responsibility and allowed residents to return to their homes for self-quarantine. Others are allowing residents to return as soon as they receive negative test results. Georgia has allowed 31 residents who were on the ship to return to their homes, where the state department of health is monitoring them, a spokesman for the governor's office said. In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers used the Wisconsin National Guard to transport 29 state residents from military bases to their homes this week. These individuals have gone through a harrowing experience full of uncertainty and fear over the past several weeks," Evers said in a statement. "But as Ive said repeatedly, here in Wisconsin, we take care of one another." Most of the ship's 1,100 crew members were also transferred to their home counties. About 350 remain on board, according to the cruise line, and will quarantine on the Grand Princess, which is moored near San Francisco. So far, California residents at Travis said they have been offered no option other than the military quarantine. Newsom's office did not immediately respond to a request for information about the state's handling of the Grand Princess passengers. Some of those at Travis have complained that the quarantine itself has been risky because social distancing and protective measures taken by the general public in recent days haven't been adhered to for the cruise ship passengers, putting them in danger of exposure. Two coronavirus cases have been confirmed among passengers at Travis. Two other cases not related to the quarantine have been associated with the base, according to Rep. John Garamendi, whose district surrounds the base. "My view is they never should have come to Travis in the first place," said Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove). He believes those under quarantine should be allowed to leave. "They should have been tested when they came off the ship in the first place and, if they were asymptomatic, quarantined at home," Garamendi said. Garamendi sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services last week with concerns over conditions at Travis, detailing problems with how food and beverages were being handled, a lack of supplies and questionable sanitary conditions. Garamendi said that in the early days of the quarantine, no social distancing was practiced. Multiple quarantined people interviewed by The Times said those at Travis and Miramar have mingled without protections. Beverly Paderes and her husband, Ricardo, have been quarantined at Travis Air Force Base in Solano County since leaving the Grand Princess. (Beverly Paderes) "The first several days we were put here, it was chaotic and not everyone was masking and following the guidelines, and they were cohorting downstairs with their masks off eating and talking," said Beverly Paderes, a Modesto resident who is being held at Travis with her husband, Ricardo. "So that kind of negated anything." Hinda Gilbert said that was her experience as well, leaving her more afraid of contracting the coronavirus in quarantine than if she were at home in her San Francisco apartment. Former passengers are also troubled that testing has been slow. As of Tuesday, Gilbert said federal authorities told those in quarantine that about 30% of former passengers had been tested. But testing is not mandatory, and results are trickling in. Those at Travis and Miramar said they have been told they will be required to remain on the base until they receive negative results, or for an indefinite amount of time if they are found positive. That has discouraged many from taking the test, fearful that they will be held longer than two weeks if the government doesn't speed its pace. Gilbert is one former passenger who declined testing. "I felt that was risky because then we had no control," said Gilbert, who was in quarantine for five days on the Grand Princess and at Travis for a week. The time spent in her cabin doesn't count towards the 14-day quarantine, so Gilbert points out that the passengers will have gone through 19 days of isolation before they could be released. Donna Kaletta, a San Jose resident who is at Travis with her sister and elderly father, said she wants the test because her husband has underlying health conditions, and she does not want to carry the virus back to him. He is in Santa Clara County, where serious social restrictions are in place. She feels it's a no-win situation. "We are being punished," Kaletta said. "To say it's beyond frustrating is an understatement." Times staff writer Suhauna Hussain contributed to this report. BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- No one can help those who make mistakes, repeatedly and intentionally. When some U.S. politicians insist on finding scapegoats to cover up their own incompetence in responding to COVID-19, the threat to public health will only worsen. Faced with domestic criticism and deepened public fears, some White House politicians sharpened their rhetoric against China this week, referring to the widespread coronavirus as the "Chinese virus," "Wuhan virus," or the "kung-flu," blaming China for the epidemic, and arousing virus-related hatred. But putting the blame on China is not an easy or quick way out of the twin health and economic crises faced by the U.S. administration. The tactic can only hurt China-U.S. relations and dampen the confidence in fighting the coronavirus, domestically and internationally. When the U.S. public sees that their government has sunk so low as to scapegoat China, fears will only deepen, as shown in the continuous slide in the U.S. stock market despite increasing policy efforts. It is unacceptable that politicians have made repeated and unwarranted accusations in an attempt to provide themselves political cover. After COVID-19 broke out, China has been providing timely updates to the WHO and countries and regions including the United States. China has shared with them the genetic sequence of the virus, responded to their concerns and strengthened international cooperation. In fact, the U.S. side reacted quickly in its initial response, but unfortunately, not in a rational or responsible manner. The United States was the first to evacuate personnel from its consulate in the hardest-hit city of Wuhan, and the first to suggest partial withdrawal of its embassy staff. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross had claimed that the outbreak in China could help quicken the pace at which jobs and manufacturing return to the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was busy with defaming China's political system and policies. During the initial stage, how much time did White House politicians spend on thinking about how to enhance domestic preparedness to protect the people's health and safety? Time was wasted. According to the tally on Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at John Hopkins University, the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States exceeded 9,000 as of March 17. The irresponsible and cold-blooded words and actions of some federal politicians stand in sharp contrast with many U.S. states and cities which have expressed sympathy and support for Chinese provinces and cities. American businesses, institutions and people have also donated money and supplies to China. Now Chinese businesses and civil society are supporting the American people's epidemic response. The U.S. politicians should be clearly aware that distracting the world from the shortcomings of their response will lead to nothing but division, domestically and internationally, damage the government's credibility, and make the United States weaker rather than stronger. The only correct way out for the U.S. side is to focus on self-improvement, handle its domestic issues and provide convincing evidence that the spread of the virus can be brought under control as promised. The window of opportunity is still open, but the virus will allow no more buck-passing by these politicians. China will continue to work with the international community, including the United States, to strengthen communication and cooperation and jointly address the challenges with all-out efforts to safeguard global public health. The price of oil has risen from its lowest level in 18 years as Middle East producers show signs of strain and the US gears up to fill its emergency reserves. Prices rose in New York but were still down over 40% since a failed meeting of Opec and its allies early this month, after which major producers pledged to pump more in a battle for market share just as the coronavirus crisis crushes demand. The price of the global benchmark Brent crude added over $2 to just under $27 a barrel in London. Now, signs of pain from the fallout are beginning to show. Saudi Arabia and Iraq slashed their freight rebates for refining customers starting next month in the first signal the price crash and a spike in transportation costs is starting to worry Middle East producers. In the US, the Department of Energy is seeking to buy 30m barrels of oil for the strategic petroleum reserve. Signs of stress are being revealed in other parts of the world, with Canadian oil at a record low and some North Sea fields uneconomic. We are heading into the most oversupplied market in the history of the oil market, said DNB Bank analyst Helge Andre Martinsen. We might hit full utilisation of global oil inventories in the months to come. The Saudis ordered state-run Aramco to keep output at a record high of 12.3m barrels a day over the coming months. But in a surprise move, both the kingdom and Iraq cut the rebates on freight costs they give to customers, effectively lifting prices. With crudes price weakness getting more entrenched, traders are increasingly trying to assess the impact on US production this year. The US Department of Energy said it will buy stocks for the reserve as a first step in fulfilling president Donald Trumps order to fill the emergency stockpile for domestic producers. The reserve, in caverns on the Texas and Louisiana coasts, has 77m barrels of available capacity. The first 30m-barrel purchase will be for both sweet and sour crude oil and is focused on buying from small and midsize producers. The department appears to be setting up multiple pathways to fulfill President Donald Trumps request to fill the SPR, contingent upon future funding, said analysts at ClearView Energy Partners. Bloomberg, additional reporting, Reuters Facing one of the world's worst outbreaks of coronavirus, Iranians in local communities are coming together to help those affected as the country battles a disease that has claimed the lives of nearly 1,300 people and infected more than 18,000 across the country, according to official figures on March 19. Doctors, nurses, celebrities, and others have been posting videos and online messages telling citizens to remain home while volunteers have sown masks, sanitized public places, and made care packages that include medicinal alcohol and masks for poorer families. The private sector is also pitching in with a coalition of private businesses opening a clinic in the capital, Tehran, and donating protective gear to severely strained hospitals facing shortages of materiel due to the outbreak that has claimed the lives of many health-care workers. A Tehran-based businessman involved with such efforts told RFE/RL that many feel they have to take matters into their own hands because "the government has no money due to [U.S.-led economic] sanctions, no power, and [poor judgement]." "By helping the health system and health-care workers we are helping ourselves," said the businessman, who did not want to be named. After China and Italy, Iran has had more infections and deaths than any other country in the world. The pandemic comes amid widespread public mistrust over Iranian leaders and criticism of their initial delayed response and failure to quarantine the holy Shi'ite city of Qom, where the first two cases of coronavirus were reported on February 19. The virus is believed to have spread from Qom to many of the country's 31 provinces. Iranian authorities have not imposed mandatory lockdowns in any cities like other countries are doing, but they have urged Iranians to stay home while closing schools, universities, and tourist sites while also cancelling public events. Friday Prayers throughout the country have been suspended and recently the authorities have also shut shrines in a number of cities, including Qom. Tehran, which is facing tough U.S. sanctions that have crippled the economy and decimated its oil revenues, has been scrambling to deal with the crisis. For the first time in 60 years, Iran requested a $5 billion loan from the IMF to help combat the coronavirus. Amid widespread accusations of incompetency, Iranian officials have said the sanctions have seriously hampered Tehran's ability to respond to the coronavirus crisis while calling for their removal for humanitarian reasons. But the U.S. administration, which announced new restrictions against Iran earlier this week, has shown no sign it is willing to offer the Islamic republic sanctions relief. Tehran Mayor Piruz Hanachi said on March 17 that Iran's threadbare economy would be unable to handle the cost of enforcing quarantines and the resulting loss of revenue they would cause. "In a normal situation and a good economy, we could have imposed a quarantine," Hanachi was quoted as saying by Eghtesadonline.com. "But what comes next, like providing necessary goods or compensating for [the economic] losses [by businesses] across Iran, is not possible, so a complete lockdown cannot be carried out," he added. A woman in Tehran who has been delivering masks and medicinal alcohol to the poor, said everyone has to do their part. "For example, my elderly mother has been calling family and friends urging them to stay home while I have been helping in other ways," the woman said. "It's like the time of the [1980-88] war [with Iraq], but now we have to defend our country and our loved ones against an invisible enemy." On social media, people have been posting images of acts of kindness, including disinfections of streets and cash machines as well as the distribution of masks and soaps to street children and donating food packages to poor families. In Gilan and other provinces with major tourist sites, some citizens have gone to the main roads with handwritten signs to stop travelers who have ignored warnings by authorities to stay home. There have also been reports of medical and nursing students volunteering to help in hospitals to assist overwhelmed staff. Many have also said they will donate money to those in need and particularly those affected by the pandemic. Writing on Twitter, well-known entrepreneur Pedram Soltani said the practice of giving "eydi," or monetary gifts for Norouz -- the Persian New Year -- to those who are struggling because of the pandemic is now a must. "No year was as bitter and economically difficult as [the current Iranian year, which ends on March 20]. The coronavirus has taken away the last chance for those hoping to make money on Norouz," he said. "We should look around [at people]. This year giving 'eydi' is no longer a tradition, its a social responsibility," said Soltani, a former vice president of Iran's Chamber of Commerce. Passengers arriving at Hanois Noi Bai airport will submit health declarations and have samples taken for Covid-19 tests in quarantine zones. The change of procedures, effective Thursday morning, aims at reducing congestion and to ensure that the entire immigration process at the airport will not take longer than 2.5 hours, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said Wednesday. The airport will also open another arrival gate and arrange routes in such manner that the military is able to reach passengers faster and escort them to quarantine zones. Hanoi had mobilized nearly 100 medical officers at Noi Bai International Airport to share the workload, dividing them into teams for help in taking samples (swabs from the nose and back of the throat) from arriving passengers and crew. However, this was not easing congestion. In Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Tan Binh, director of the citys Health Department, said that starting Wednesday, the city has begun quarantining people arriving from China, South Korea, Iran, the U.S, ASEAN nations, and 46 European countries and territories. Medical staff will collect swab samples at Tan Son Nhat International Airport itself. Priority in sample collection will go to people coming from Malaysia in light of the number of cases rising rapidly in the Southeast Asian country after a religious gathering attended by thousands. Vietnam has reported two Malaysia returnees being infected after attending an Islamic event in the country that gathered more than 16,000 people. Hundreds of its participants in Malaysia have contracted the novel coronavirus. "If congestion worsens at the airport, sample testing will be done at centralized quarantine zones," Binh said. Samples will be double checked at the Pasteur Institute in HCMC to confirm diagnosis. Those who test positive will be immediately quarantined and treated. Those testing negative will be quarantined for 14 days. Test results will be announced within 24 hours since samples are taken. The HCMC Department of Health has worked with the citys High Command and Military Zone 7 to expand quarantine zones. Most people arriving in Saigon will be sent to a centralized quarantine facility at Military Zone 7 school in District 12 where their samples will be tested. Depending on the result, the persons will be relocated to an appropriate quarantine zone. HCMC has prepared over 20,000 test kits (a kits good for 50 tests) for April and another 20,000 kits for the months of May and June, Binh added. Since March 6, Vienam has confirmed 69 Covid-19 infections, including 23 foreigners. Until then the country had gone 22 days without any new infection. Sixteen patients had previously recovered and been discharged from hospitals. People offer flowers at an altar for victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster at a memorial service in Tokyo on March 11, 2020 on the ninth anniversary. / AFP-Yonhap The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Korea Times_ ED. By Oh In-gyu March 11th was the ninth anniversary of the East Japan earthquake and tsunami that led to casualties of close to 20,000 dead or missing people. This figure is more than three times that of the 1995 Hyogo earthquake that killed close to 6,000 people. As we all know, the 3/11 earthquake in 2011 escalated into a major calamity because of the resulting tsunami, which was responsible for 90 percent of the total deaths. However, the devastating aftermath of the calamity was a forced abandonment of massive areas of land due to the subsequent meltdown of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. Radiation pollution, a clear human-made disaster, turned the earthquake and tsunami into a greater unforgettable catastrophe in postwar Japanese history. When new technologies like nuclear power are developed and adopted widely by the government to replace conventional forms of energy like coal burning or hydraulic turbines, the developers of new technology must convince the public officials of their efficiency (cheaper), effectiveness (works better), and safety (less pollution). Until the 3/11 debacle, few Japanese people doubted the three benefits of the nuclear power plants, and they even believed that the new power plants were the "best and most advanced" in the world. Automobiles are another convincing example. When car developers successfully convinced public officials in their respective countries to build more paved roads and highways for the widespread use of the gas fuming, horseless moving vehicles, no one realized how deadly they could be in terms of the sheer number of accident related deaths. WHO proclaimed that 1.35 million people were killed by automobile accidents in 2018 alone, whereas the same organization declared the coronavirus or COVID-19 to be a global pandemic on March 12th. So far, this new coronavirus has claimed more than 6,000 deaths worldwide. That's a figure for the two months since the outbreak of the pandemic. If we multiply that number by six, there would be slightly more than 36,000 deaths in one year if the number of deaths remained at the same level. Although that number, 36,000, is far less than 1.35 million (annual death toll for those who were killed in traffic accident), we call it pandemic, whereas car deaths are treated as normal or routine. The South Korean government has claimed that its newly developed technology of diagnosing COVID-19, currently supplied to the government by a couple of bio startups, is the reason why the country has had a huge increase in the number of total infected patients and deaths from COVID-19. A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher at the Columbus Covid 2 Hospital in Rome, Monday, March 16. / AP-Yonhap The Islamic State armed group has issued a travel advisory to militants, warning them to stay away from Europe, the land of the epidemic, and other areas affected by the coronavirus. The terrorist group advised readers of its newsletter to take steps to prevent contamination citing the Koran rather than the WHO. The document, initially reported by the Sunday Times newspaper, was published by Islamic State (IS) earlier this month. A full translation of the document is available on the website run by Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a young British analyst who has made a name for himself with his analysis of Islamist extremist activity. The newsletter does not mention guidelines of the World Health Organization on how to deal with the coronavirus but details seven Sharia directives to deal with pandemics printed on a green and white background. The land of the epidemic The directives advise readers to trust in God and seek refuge in Him from illness. Those who are healthy are warned not to enter the land of the epidemic and are told to cover the mouth when yawning or sneezing. Washing hands three times is especially advised before dipping them into vessels. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for worldwide terrorist attacks, including that against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in January 2015, and at the Bataclan theatre in November of the same year, killing 130 people and injuring 416. Enough manpower Combined military efforts by a coalition of western states have since all but defeated the group which had its base in Raqqa, Syria. According to the Institute for the Study of War, which traces the situation in Iraq and Syria, IS still controls small areas, notably west of Palmyra and north of Abu Kamal, and some of the interconnecting transport routes in Syria. In Iraq, IS was able to withstand a joint Coalition-Iraqi raid on a cave complex near Makhmour, killing two US soldiers on 8 March, days before it issued its health warning on the coronavirus. According to the latest report of the US Department of Defense, "IS retains enough manpower and planning capabilities to conduct regular small-scale attacks or ambushes against the Iraqi Security Forces." By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/19/2020 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Cortney Hendrix has accepted a marriage proposal from her accountant boyfriend Sherm.After more than one year of dating, Cortney and Sherm are engaged, People reported "March 6, 2014, I received a call from Kinetic Content that I was going to be married at first sight. I remember it because it was the day before my mother's birthday," Cortney, who starred on Season 1 of , told the magazine."March 6, 2020 is the day that Sherm got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever."Cortney, 31, said this day "brought everything full circle" for her."God has showed up in such a big way in our lives. I did not know that this is what love felt like," Cortney continued."After everything we both had been through, we didn't know it was possible. We are both grateful for our past because it let us to each other, made us grow through some of the darkest times and prepared us for this relationship and a lifetime of love and partnership."Cortney wed New York firefighter Jason Carrion, 30, on in 2014 and then they starred on : The First Year together in 2016.The pair, however, quietly filed for divorce in February 2019 following a six-month separation and Cortney moved to North Carolina and debuted her relationship with Sherm on Instagram in June 2019.Meanwhile, Jason moved on with British actress and former U.K. reality TV star Roxanne Pallett . Reports the couple were dating first surfaced in August 2019, and they just tied the knot on January 26 in New York.As for Sherm, he reportedly ended a previous marriage about six months before meeting Cortney and was "skeptical and reluctant" to commit to her at first."Early on in our relationship, Cortney and I would stay up into the early hours of the morning talking and connecting on so many levels. I didn't envision having serious talks about my future with another woman any time soon, but here I was," Sherm, 29, told People."I hadn't ever enjoyed being with someone as much as I enjoy being with Cortney, and I knew this is how a marriage should be."Sherm reportedly fell for Cortney fast and so he asked her parents for their blessing to pop the question in December 2019, after which Sherm spent 10 weeks customizing her engagement ring and finalizing proposal details."Cortney had mentioned she liked emerald-cut diamond rings, which are not exactly in style right now. I wanted to give her the ring she wanted, and wanted it to be timeless, unique and as complex as the late-night talks we have," Sherm said."I planned a trip up to Boone, North Carolina, and had planned to propose in the mountains. As the date got closer, I sensed Cortney was anticipating my proposal... [so] I changed my original plan."Sherm therefore proposed marriage to Cortney at a hotel room where he was staying for work, only one day before their planned trip to the mountains."I asked her to pour us some wine, and she grabbed the glasses without noticing the ring and turned around to me on one knee with a ring pop," Sherm recalled."She always said I could propose with a ring pop and that would be enough! She laughed and asked, 'Is this for real?' I grabbed the wine glass while on a knee and handed it to her, and she noticed it this time and said 'Yes!'"The couple then celebrated their engagement in Boone and are looking forward to getting married and welcoming children together."One of the greatest qualities I see in Cortney is her commitment to the partnership marriage becomes. I've come to realize her ideal dream wedding is much more about marrying the right person and much less about the spectacle many modern weddings have become," Sherm told People."I couldn't be happier or more excited to marry Cortney and start a family of our own."Cortney and Jason were married for five years before they split.Jason got engaged to Roxanne -- who has appeared on several U.K. reality series including Celebrity Big Brother -- in December 2019, only 10 months after divorcing Cortney.Jason gushed about his new fiancee on Instagram at the time, "When I said you're the love of my life I truly mean that. You get me more than anyone ever has and ever will."Cortney had initially announced her divorce from Jason, saying they wanted to "move on in different paths" but the makeup artist still had love for her ex and would always have "a special place in [her] heart" for him."We asked for privacy this entire time bc we were trying to figure it all out. At one point we thought we were going to divorce in order to date and start all over the right way," Cortney continued."We have decided together to move on in different paths, but that doesn't mean we don't have love for each other. He will always have a special place in my heart and life."Jason subsequently told People in a March 2019 statement he and Cortney had decided to separate "with a heart full of sadness .""We fell deeply in love, and had very much a fairytale story being married as complete strangers in the docu-series, ," Jason said."We both had such an incredibly magical journey together these past few years, making this that much harder to write and even harder to live. These last few months, we asked for privacy to reevaluate things. It has been a very difficult time for me especially with all the rumors, as well as the public wanting updates about our marriage."Jason added that he and Cortney would "continue to love and support one another" with "a common goal to remain friends."During their season, Cortney found it difficult to be married to a firefighter and Jason was dealing with his mother's failing health.However, the couple decided to stay together at the end of the experiment on "Decision Day."The tenth season of airs on Wednesday nights at 8PM ET/PT on Lifetime.The show currently stars Mindy Shiben and Zach Justice Meka Jones and Michael Watson Taylor Dunklin and Brandon Reid Jessica Studer and Austin Hurd , and Katie Conrad and Derek Sherman Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group The mother of three children mowed down by an alleged drink driver in Sydney last month has encouraged those affected by the coronavirus to pray, saying 'it has kept her strong' in the face of unthinkable tragedy. Leila Abdallah and her husband Danny captured the hearts of Australia after their children Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 9, died while going to get ice cream at Oatlands, in the city's north-west. Their cousin's daughter Veronique Sakr, 11, was also killed instantly in the horror crash. Mrs Abdallah said at a time of enormous tragedy she had found the ability to forgive her children's alleged killer by praying to God, and urged those who were feeling uncertain in the face of the ever changing coronavirus pandemic to do the same. On a blog page set up to pay tribute to the four young children, the heartbroken mother also thanked those who had supported her in recent months. Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 9, (all left) and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 10, (right) were be mowed down by an alleged drunk driver as they walked to get dessert on Bettington Road, Oatlands, about 8pm on Saturday, February 1 Mr and Mrs Abdallah were regulars at the scene of the crash in the days after the accident, and were often joins by hundreds of people for prayer vigils 'I would like to thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, kind words, messages, gifts and all your help. Danny and I are so blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives,' Mrs Abdallah said. 'Thank you for all the people we don't really know but they really felt connected to the story and were touched by it. 'What's getting us through this hard time is praying everyday. We try to pray morning and afternoon. That has been giving us supernatural strength. 'Now, I know the world is going crazy because of the coronavirus, but what's keeping me strong in the midst of losing my kids is the power of prayer. 'If we can all pray and focus on God in the midst of the coronations and what's happening around the world, then I'm sure we'll all be safe.' Her words of wisdom come just a week after she and her husband admitted they are struggling to 'comprehend' the tragedy that shocked Australia. Mrs Abdallah said her faith in God had allowed her to forgive the man who allegedly killed her three kids Antony (far left), Angelina (far right) and Sienna (front left) Samuel William Davidson (pictured), 29, is facing 20 charges over the crash including four of manslaughter and is due to face the Parramatta Local Court on April 1 Davidson was allegedly going at speeds of between 100km/h and 130km/h along Bettington Road, which is a 60km/h zone, when he lost control of his Mitsubish 4WD and hit the group The three Abdallah children and Veronique were walking among a group of seven to get ice cream on February 1 when they were mowed down. Samuel William Davidson, 29, had allegedly spent the day drinking by the pool of his home when he drove to the nearby Caltex service station. As he drove down the hill on Bettington Road on his way home he allegedly reached speeds of between 100km/h and 130km/h before losing control and ploughing his 4WD into the group. In addition to the deaths of the four children, their cousin Charbel Kassas remains in hospital but is still facing a 'very long recovery'. However in positive news, on Wednesday the youngster said his first word since the accident. Mr and Mrs Abdallah, and Veronique's parents Bob and Bridget Sakr, gathered last Wednesday night - the 40th day since their children's deaths, as is tradition in the Maronite Christian faith - to mark the end of the family's grieving period. Danny Abdallah last week told a packed congregation at the 40-day mass for the four children killed in the Oatlands tragedy that he and wife Leila are struggling to 'comprehend' the horror accident Sitting in the same spot where just weeks earlier tears had flowed readily at the funeral for their three children, Mr and Mrs Abdallah offered the packed congregation a comforting smile Just as they did at the funeral for their three kids, Danny and Leila Abdallah sat with their daughter Leanna in between them Grieving mothers Bridget Sakr and Mrs Abdallah hold each other's hands before addressing Wednesday's memorial mass In scenes reminiscent of their funerals less than a month ago, large photos of each of the children sat on the alter at the front of Our Lady of Lebanon co-cathedral in Parramatta. Mr Abdallah told the packed congregation during the emotional service how crucial his faith has to both he and Mrs Abdallah since the tragedy, and said they believe the four children are now 'with God'. 'Our hearts are in a lot of pain and our minds cannot fully comprehend all that has happened,' Mr Abdallah said. 'However as for me, me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Please, do what only you can do to give us strength. Our hearts are in a lot of pain Danny Abdallah 'We know Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique are in glory with you. You called them home at this time and I trust you know best.' As Mr and Mrs Abdallah entered the church with their surviving daughter Leanna in between them, the hundreds at the service rose in unison. In almost the exact same spot where just weeks ago tears had flowed freely, today Mrs Abdallah offered the congregation a comforting smile. During the service Monsignor Shora Maree praised Michael Sakr, the older brother of Veronique for his 'inspiring' efforts at her funeral. The packed mass memorial at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Harris Park marks the end of the families' grieving period Mr Abdallah looks over the picture of his cousin Bridget's daughter Veronique, which sat next to similar images of her three cousins Antony, Angelina and Sienna 'Our hearts are in a lot of pain and our minds cannot fully comprehend all that has happened,' Mr Abdallah (pictured with his son ) said Danny Abdallah holds his twin boys' hands as they look over the photographs of Sienna (left) and Angelina (right) on the alter Leila Abdallah (pictured on Wednesday night) started 'The Four Angels' blog to remember her three children and their cousin. At the completion of his sister's service, Michael joined his school bandmates and led the funeral procession from the church grounds. 'After all you had to go through, I think that spirit you have... you led and stood up, that's doing God's work,' Monsignor Maree said. Monsignor Maree also told the congregation how both Mrs Abdallah and Mrs Sakr had in recent weeks dreamed about their daughters Angelina and Veronique. 'Both of them had the dream separately and the two girls were preoccupied, almost busy, but yet happy,' he said. Followers of the Maronite religion believe the souls of the dead remain on Earth for 40 days after their deaths. Mrs Sakr looks upon the photograph of her smiling daughter Veronique during the 40-day memorial mass on Wednesday Mrs Abdallah (left) and Mrs Sakr (right) had the same dream about their daughters Angelina and Veronique in recent weeks, the congregation heard At the same church just weeks earlier Antony, Sienna and Angelina were farewelled by almost 2000 mourners (pictured) Wednesday night's mass symbolises the leaving of the children's souls from Earth. Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique were walking with three other cousins to go and get ice cream at the local shop when they were allegedly rundown by Samuel William Davidson. The 29-year-old had allegedly spent the day drinking before getting in the driver's seat of his ute. As he drove down Bettington Road, Oatlands, at speed he allegedly lost control and veered onto the footpath - ploughing into the group. Four children died instantly, while their cousin Charbel Kassas remains in hospital in a serious condition. Danny Abdallah (third right) and his wife were inundated with comforting words from mourners at the mass memorial During Wednesday night's mass Monsighor Shora Maree praised the 'inspiring' efforts of Michael Sakr (pictured) who bravely lea a marching band at the front of the funeral procession for his 11-year-old sister Veronique Michael and his bandmates walked ahead of the hearse carrying his sister Veronique's coffin, as hundreds of school kids lined the street in a guard of honour This is the heartbreaking final selfie taken just moments before the Oatlands tragedy. (L to R) Mabelle Kassas, Angelina Abdallah, Sienna Abdallah, Veronique Sakr and Leanna Abdallah, all pose happily for the photo just minutes before 8pm on February 1, Saturday Mrs Abdallah last week shared the heartbreaking last selfie taken by the cousins just a few hundred metres up the road from where four of them would be killed. 'Their last sunset walk on this earth. Saturday 1/2/2020 before God called them back home,' the devastated mother posted next to the photo on Facebook. Davidson, 29, is facing 20 charges over the crash including four of manslaughter and is due to face the Parramatta Local Court on April 1. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should ensure that Indians stranded in foreign countries are provided help immediately and brought back quickly if needed. The Congress leader also welcomed the initiative by PM Narendra Modi to address the nation on Thursday evening. "I have been urging the Prime Minister to speak to the people since days on the issue of coronavirus. He has held talks with heads of SAARC nations but we wanted him to speak on the issue in the House or talk with the people. I would also urge the Prime Minister to ensure that Indian citizens who are stranded in foreign countries should be provided immediate help and also brought back if the need arises," Chowdhury told ANI here. PM Modi on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19 in India. "Ways to further strengthen India's preparedness (over coronavirus) were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities," an official statement after the review meeting said. The Prime Minister will address the nation at 8 p.m. on Thursday and is expected to talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat the pandemic that has claimed more than 7,500 lives across the world. So far, as many as 169 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It's not the apocalypse yet...or is it? COVID-19 has shut down all non-essential businesses, restaurants are floundering, and we're all wondering exactly what items we should be stockpiling to keep us healthy and happy in the coming weeks during shelter in place. We asked some of our favorite Bay Area entrepreneursfrom companies including McVicker Pickles, Vintner's Daughter, Daily Driver, and Marie Veronique of Marie Veroniquewhat they're stashing in their COVID-19 survival kits. Nintendo and a fish net, anyone? Kelly McVicker, founder of McVicker Pickles A jug of good old distilled white vinegar "Besides making a decent non-toxic disinfectant, one jug would be enough to pickle a few months' worth of fresh veggies from the farmers market." Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt "This is my go-to salt for both vinegar pickling and fermenting. It's pure salt with no additives, and it's the best all-purpose salt for the price. It could also come in handy for curing meats or even preserving citrus." A fishing net "Now, I've never actually caught fish with a net, but I'm feeling confident on this one! Fish are a great protein source, and fishing is so meditative and relaxing. Mental health is also part of survival, so having something that doubles as therapy and a food source would ideal. And if any of the fish needed to be preserved for longer, see items #1 & 2. With some ingenuity, the net might even double as a decent hammock." // Shop McVicker Pickles products and gift certificates at mcvickerpickles.com. April Gargiulo, founder of Vintner's Daughter April Gargiulo. Vintner's Daughter's Active Botanical Serum and Active Treatment Essence "They are the ultimate survival mode skincare duo because they provide complete skin nourishment and protection in two simple yet comprehensive steps." Lady Falcon Cascara Loose Leaf Tea "It will provide me with the steady buzz and antioxidants I would need to be my most alert and focused." Elizabeth Few botanical dyed sleep mask "To ensure I am fully rested to respond to the challenges of isolation and survival." // Shop Vintner's Daughter at vintnersdaughter.com. Hadley & David Kreitz, cofounders of Daily Driver (Frankie Frankeny) Pizza dough 10oz balls "Freezes and lasts forever. Let it soften, stretch, and bake on 400. I like a buttered pan with corn meal for the pan pizza bite, and anything goes as far as toppings (if you've ever had pizza in Seoul, you know what i'm talking about)." Our housemade ghee "Adds a nutty, buttery flavor and richness to all of your stockpiled food. Since the milk solids have been removed, it does not require refrigeration and can be kept at room temp for weeks. Also amazing on popcorn!" NES Mini "What can one say about all of your favorite 1980s Nintendo games in one little hdmi-connected package. Revisiting your hand-eye, Mario Brotherscoordination alone is worth the 100 bucks." CBD bath salts "Thankfully dispensaries have been deemed essential businesses! So turn the news off and take your stress-relieving bath to the next level." // Daily Driver is open for pickup of bagels, cheese, and more; dailydriver.com. Coronavirus: Clarity and support needed for Manx teachers Teachers on the Island are calling for clarity and greater support over the Coronavirus pandemic. The NASUWT says that schools and colleges have not been provided with hand sanitiser and that schools and colleges are not being provided with posters to remind staff and pupils about the hygiene steps they should be taking to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. Union leaders are due to meet with the Education Minister later to discuss the measures to protect staff and pupils in the wake of the outbreak. TICKERS: FSM; FVI; F4S Source: Streetwise Reports (3/19/20) An update on Fortuna Silver Mines is provided in a CIBC report. In a March 15 research note, CIBC analyst Cosmos Chiu reported that Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.'s (FSM:NYSE; FVI:TSX; FVI:BVL; F4S:FSE) Q4/19 financials were solid but the company increased capex for its Lindero operation in Argentina. As for Q4/19, Fortuna Silver's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and cash flow per share (CFPS) were a beat, Chiu relayed. EPS was $0.07 and CFPS was $0.17, higher than consensus' $0.06 and $0.11 projections, respectively, and CIBC's estimates. Chiu highlighted that the Canadian company's Q4/19 production from its San Jose mine in Mexico and its Caylloma mine in Peru was steady and cash flow generating. It amounted to 2,250,000 ounces (2.25 Moz) at a cash cost of $8.27 per ounce and an all-in sustaining cost of $12.58 per ounce. Both costs were 10% and 5% better, respectively, than in Q3/19. Fortuna's 2020 production guidance remains unchanged at 7.58.3 Moz of silver and 101,000125,000 ounces of gold (101125 Koz), with 6080 Koz coming from Lindero. Chiu noted that after the recent announcement that the first pour at Lindero would be delayed to sometime in Q2/20, Fortuna increased total capex for Lindero to about $320 million from $298 million and raised preproduction working capital needs to $40 million from $25 million. "Fortuna should be able to meet the remaining capital requirements at Lindero until commercial production is announced, expected in Q3/20," Chiu commented. CIBC kept its Neutral rating but decreased its target price on Fortuna Silver to CA$4.75 per share from CA$5.75. The stock is currently trading at around CA$3.46 per share. [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. Disclosures from CIBC, Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., Earnings Update, March 15, 2020 Analyst Certification: Each CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. research analyst named on the front page of this research report, or at the beginning of any subsection hereof, hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed herein accurately reflect such research analyst's personal views about the company and securities that are the subject of this report and all other companies and securities mentioned in this report that are covered by such research analyst and (ii) no part of the research analyst's compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by such research analyst in this report. Potential Conflicts of Interest: Equity research analysts employed by CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. are compensated from revenues generated by various CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. businesses, including the CIBC World Markets Investment Banking Department. Research analysts do not receive compensation based upon revenues from specific investment banking transactions. CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. generally prohibits any research analyst and any member of his or her household from executing trades in the securities of a company that such research analyst covers. Additionally, CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. generally prohibits any research analyst from serving as an officer, director or advisory board member of a company that such analyst covers. In addition to 1% ownership positions in covered companies that are required to be specifically disclosed in this report, CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. may have a long position of less than 1% or a short position or deal as principal in the securities discussed herein, related securities or in options, futures or other derivative instruments based thereon. Recipients of this report are advised that any or all of the foregoing arrangements, as well as more specific disclosures set forth below, may at times give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Important Disclosure Footnotes for Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (FVI.TO) 2a These companies are clients for which a CIBC World Markets company has performed investment banking services in the past 12 months: Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. 2c CIBC World Markets Inc. has managed or co-managed a public offering of securities for these companies in the past 12 months: Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. 2e CIBC World Markets Inc. has received compensation for investment banking services from these companies in the past 12 months: Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. 2g CIBC World Markets Inc. expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from these companies in the next 3 months: Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. For important disclosure footnotes for companies mentioned in this report that are covered by CIBC World Markets Inc., click here: Disclaimers & Disclosures. What's frightening about the Chinese Virus is the overwhelming amount of inconclusive information. We're inundated with media speculation and hyperventilation, Chinese disinformation, and data that change daily thanks to the treatment and quarantine initiatives governments are trying around the world. The fact that the disease has different rates of contagion and mortality in different parts of the world makes things more confusing. We can understand why it exploded in China, a place of censored information, pollution, smoking, and primitive socialized medicine. But why was it so virulent in Italy? Surely, Italy's socialized medicine is better than China's. Or is the problem Italy's recent Silk Road Project agreement with China, which resulted in more than three hundred thousand Chinese workers entering Italy, mostly in the north, along with constant traffic between the two countries? Although the mainstream media celebrated the deal as a slap at Trump, in hindsight, it may have had disastrous consequences for Italy. Fortunately, there is one almost "pure" location for coronavirus data, and that is Princess Cruise's Diamond Princess cruise ship. This was the ship moored along Japan's coast while the government tried to determine the best way to deal with a floating virus bomb. Writing at Watts Up With That, Willis Eschenbach looked at the Princess Cruise's numbers and discovered some encouraging information: We had a perfect petri-dish coronavirus disease (COVID-19) experiment with the cruise ship "Diamond Princess". That's the cruise ship that ended up in quarantine for a number of weeks after a number of people tested positive for the coronavirus. I got to wondering what the outcome of the experiment was. So I dug around and found an analysis of the situation, with the catchy title of Estimating the infection and case fatality ratio for COVID-19 using age-adjusted data from the outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship (PDF), so I could see what the outcomes were. As you might imagine, before they knew it was a problem, the epidemic raged on the ship, with infected crew members cooking and cleaning for the guests, people all eating together, close living quarters, lots of social interaction, and a generally older population. Seems like a perfect situation for an overwhelming majority of the passengers to become infected. And despite that, some 83% (82.7% 83.9%) of the passengers never got the disease at all why? What an excellent question. Why did 83% of the ship's passengers walk away unscathed? It's an especially good question because the majority of passengers were in the 6079 age group, weighted slightly more heavily toward the 7079 cohort. In other words, by the time the ship docked, it should have been a floating morgue, but somehow it wasn't. When Eschenbach looked at those on the ship who did not get sick, he discovered something equally intriguing: [T]here's not a whole lot of difference between young and old passengers in terms of how many didn't get coronavirus. For example, sixty to sixty-nine-year-old passengers stayed healthier than teenagers. And three-quarters of the oldest group, those over eighty, didn't get the virus. And here's where it gets really interesting because it has to do with the denominator that is, the number of people who get sick. Because the Diamond Princess was monitored, we know precisely how many people got sick, and we know they would never have been noticed were they not on the ship: Next, slightly less than half the passengers (48.6% 2.0%) who got the disease showed NO symptoms. If this disease is so dangerous, how come half the people who got it showed no symptoms at all? What's fascinating is that the group most likely to show symptoms was people aged 2049. Children under 9 were almost entirely without symptoms. And here's the big surprise: people aged 70-79 tied with young people 1019 when it came to being ill without symptoms. Thankfully, only seven people died, all of whom were over 70. From this data, Eschenbach had some provocative and comforting conclusions: It is particularly valuable to know that about half the cases are asymptomatic. It lets us adjust a mortality rate calculated from observations, since half of the cases are symptom-free and likely unobserved. It also gives a better idea of how many cases there are in a given population. To close out, I took a look at the current state of play of total coronavirus deaths in a few selected countries. Figure 4 shows that result. Figure 4. Deaths from coronavirus in four countries. Note that the scale is logarithmic, so an exponential growth rate plots as a straight line. Blue scale on right shows the deaths as a percentage of the total population. At this point at least, it doesn't appear that we are following the Italian trajectory. However it's still early days. By now, one has to ask if there are genetic vulnerabilities and defenses affecting whole nations. Or do Americans just wash their hands more often? All these answers remain to be seen, but perhaps coronavirus won't be that bad at the end of the day. UPDATE: This article originally said the Diamond Princess was held off of California. It was the Grand Princess that was alongside California. I've since corrected the error. Investors are facing a torrid time as equities seem to be caught in an unending cycle of loss, with benchmarks Sensex and Nifty tanking almost every day as coronavirus infections continue to spike across the world. Volatility is surging and investor sentiment is unusually low. India's volatility index India VIX has jumped over 400 percent in the calendar year 2020, so far. Higher volatility will keep exerting pressure on the market and traders till it comes off its historic highs. The situation will prevail till coronavirus cases begin to decline. Governments and several central banks have come out with measures to ensure liquidity and stability in the financial system but they have not been able to get the desired result. Factoring the worst, Morgan Stanley, in a note on March 17, warned investors that the seismic waves of coronavirus are likely to trigger a global recession. Under the base case scenario for India, Morgan Stanley estimates Indias growth rate at around 4.5 percent till Q4CY20 and in bear case, it could be near 4 percent. Even as experts and brokerages say the market is near its bottom and a rise is imminent, they warn against getting carried away and advise prudence while investing at this juncture. History shows that every time the market witnesses a steep fall, a phase of rebound follows. Brokerage firm Prabhudas Lilladher said after a year of similar virus outbreaks, the Sensex jumped 83 percent. Anecdotal data suggest that usually declines in the index have not gone further than 25-28 percent, hence a recovery could be in sight. The last time when the Nifty50 entered the bear phase in 2015, it took around two years to recover. Some midcaps stocks for this tough time There are some midcap stocks that you may consider for a long-term horizon. They are available at reasonable or rather cheaper valuation and look poised for good returns. Ashok Leyland, ABB India, Bharat Forge, Biocon, Coromandel, Dalmia Bharat, V-Mart Retail and United Breweries are some of the mid-cap names that look like a good investment. "We recommend investors to capitalise the capitulation, endure the pain at this last stage of the down-cycle and to stretch the horizon to visualise beyond what is apparent, but do not risk missing out on the potential rewards," Spark Capital said in a report. The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:05:53|Editor: Wang Yamei Video Player Close NEW DELHI, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The fourth death due to the COVID-19 was reported in India on Thursday as a patient died in the northern state of Punjab, confirmed an official in the country's Ministry of Health. The victim was said to be a 70-year-old man, a native of Punjab's Nawanshahr, who arrived in the state on March 7 via Italy and Germany. The total number COVID-19 cases in India rose to 177, including 148 Indian nationals, 25 foreigners and the four dead, the ministry's data showed. As many as 20 people have been successfully cured and discharged from hospital. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2020) - XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. (CSE: XPHY) (FSE: 4XT) (OTC: XPHYF) ("XPhyto" or the "Company") is pleased to announce significant progress with respect to development of its cannabidiol ("CBD") based Epilepsy product. Further to the Company's press release dated December 9, 2019, titled "Epilepsy Treatment to be Developed with XPhyto Therapeutics Thin Film Delivery System," and based on recent positive product development results, XPhyto will be advancing the program to clinical studies immediately. In the past three months, Vektor Pharma TF GmbH ("Vektor"), the Company's wholly owned German subsidiary, has completed the initial stage of product development and established a number of critical parameters necessary for an efficient and well-defined dissolvable oral CBD dosage form. The Company is now finalizing the formulation and preparing for European-based clinical studies in Q2 and Q3 of 2020. XPhyto's thin film drug delivery system was developed by Vektor, a narcotics manufacturer, importer, and researcher located in the Upper Swabia region of the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Vektor's previous development work has included narcotics delivery systems for conventional oncology and non-oncology pain treatment, such as Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, and Oxycodone, and more recently, the development of efficient cannabis delivery and dosage systems. The Company's CBD-based Epilepsy treatment program is one of several dissolvable oral drug delivery initiatives for 2020. Oral thin film drug delivery is a large and growing international industry which provides an alternative to conventional solid and liquid oral dosage forms. Transparency Market Research estimates that the global market for thin film drug manufacturing will be worth US$15.984 billion by 2024 and rising at a solid 9.0% CAGR between 2019 and 2024. XPhyto's additional oral thin film drug delivery programs include both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid products for pain, neurology and infectious disease. Further to the Company's press release on March 3, 2020, XPhyto is planning to announce, in due course, an update on its infectious disease programs, particularly as they relate to products relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. About XPhyto Therapeutics Corp. XPhyto is a next-generation cannabis company focused on formulation, clinical validation, and European imports, distribution and sales. XPhyto's 100% owned subsidiary, Vektor Pharma TF GmbH, a German narcotics manufacturer, importer and researcher has expertise in the design, testing and manufacture of thin film drug delivery systems, particularly transdermal patches and sub-lingual (oral) strips. Vektor also holds a number of narcotics licences issued by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), including import and manufacturing permits, as well as EU GMP lab certification. XPhyto's 100% owned German subsidiary, Bunker Pflanzenextrakte GmbH, has been granted a unique German cannabis cultivation and extraction licence for scientific purposes by BfArM. Bunker has two exclusive R&D collaboration agreements with the Technical University of Munich, chair of beverage and brewing technology and Faculty of Chemistry. XPhyto is pursuing additional opportunities in Europe including commercial cannabis cultivation, processing, manufacturing, import, and distribution. In Canada, two exclusive 5-year engagements with the Faculty of Pharmacy at a major Canadian university provide certified extraction, isolation, and formulation facilities, drug research and development expertise, as well as commercial analytical testing capability. XPhyto signed a supply, import and distribution agreement for cannabis oils and isolates with one of the largest, highest quality, and lowest cost cannabis cultivators in the world. For further information, please contact: Hugh Rogers CEO & Director +1.780.818.6422 info@xphyto.com www.xphyto.com Wolfgang Probst Director +49 8331 9948 122 info@bunker-ppd.de www.xphyto.com Forward looking statements This news release includes statements containing forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "develop", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "propose" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and in this release include the statement regarding the Company's goal of building an industry leading medical cannabis company Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including: that the Company may not succeed in developing any cannabis-infused products; that the sale of any products may not be a viable business; that the Company may be unable to scale its business; product liability risks; frequent changes to cannabis regulations in Europe, Canada and elsewhere; general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; competition; international risks; and other risks beyond the Company's control. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53611 The US has pledged to provide USD 1.8 million to Nepal to prevent and combat the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic. Nepal has had just one confirmed case of coronavirus, but it is at risk due its location between China and India. Of the total funds pledged by the US, around USD 1.1 million will scale up existing USAID health programmes in Nepal to educate communities on COVID-19 prevention and to counter misinformation regarding the virus, states a US Embassy press release. The remaining USD 700,000 will support ongoing preparedness and response activities in Nepal implemented through the World Health Organization, the press release adds. Amid novel coronavirus outbreak fear, Nepal's Public Service Commission (PSC) has postponed all the scheduled written examinations of civil services, security bodies and various government bodies. The Nepal government is set to introduce a new system that requires every hotel across the country to submit details of their foreign guests to the government. An electronic tracking system is being developed for this purpose, according to officials. The Department of Tourism asked the hotels of various categories to submit check-in and check-out times, next and previous destinations among others. The government hopes that such details will help the government analyse the risk of coronavirus infection in the country. More than a million jobs are generated by tourism in Nepal, according to the World Tourism and Travel Council. The department has also urged all hotels to follow coronavirus prevention guidelines and notices issued by the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. This was one get-rich-quick scheme that went south fast, prosecutors allege. Deysi Iturbide, 25, who works at a Stapleton money-transfer service, illegally wired about $11,000 into several bank accounts, prosecutors allege. Iturbide, of the 1000 block of Castleton Avenue, was busted last week in connection with the alleged Feb. 7 incident, said police. Iturbide is employed by ELS Services on Bay Street, a criminal complaint said. While working there, she processed 10 transactions via MoneyGram and Intermex in which a total of about $11,000 was sent to various bank accounts, according to the complaint and police. A review revealed the defendant had falsified the records, the complaint said. Iturbide made it appear customers who were in the store earlier in the day had returned and paid for the wire transactions, said the complaint. However, no clients paid for the wires, which put ELR Services on the hook to reimburse MoneyGram and Intermex, the complaint said. Iturbide was charged with third-degree grand larceny. She was arraigned on March 10 in Criminal Court and released on her own recognizance. Her case was adjourned to May 12. Defense lawyer Patrick V. Parrotta said Iturbide never intended to commit a crime. This is a 25-year-old young lady,'' said Parrotta. "Shes never been in trouble before. She was working as an assistant at the location and any irregularities with the money transfers were completely accidental. CHICAGO, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the weekend, the House passed legislation (Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201) in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the key provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act impacting workers include: 1) requiring employers to give paid sick leave in addition to what employers currently provide for those directly affected by COVID-19, and/or family members with COVID-19, and if the employee has or is suspected to have COVID-19 (coronavirus); and 2) requiring employers to grant 12 weeks of job-protected paid Family and Medical Leave for employees to respond to quarantine requirements, to care for family members responding to quarantine requirements, and to care for a child who's school has been closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As written, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act currently excludes employers with more than 500 employees. This exclusion was likely made under the assumption that larger companies have the financial stability to do the right thing and provide paid leave for their employees in this time of health and financial uncertainty. Luckily, many large companies have taken the actions called for in the new legislation on their own. For example, clothing companies like Anthropologie and Lululemon have closed their stores throughout North America but have committed to paying their employees. Similarly, companies of all sizes in the Chicagoland area are finding ways to pay employees as schools, restaurants, and bars have closed. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for some of the Chicagoland's biggest employers. For example, SP+ (NYSE:SP), a Chicago-based, multinational parking company, with employees working at some of Chicago's best-known hotels (such as the Drake hotel) sent furlough notices to many employees. SP+ told its employees that they should expect to be furloughed for 90 days unpaid and offered no reassurances about paid leave. Instead, money-hungry SP+ is putting profit over people by giving these long-term employees one more thing to worry about in this uncertain time. Similarly, LAZ Parking, a company who massively profited from the privatization of Chicago's meter service is also turning its back on Chicago employees. Recently, LAZ contacted the Union and said they would also be furloughing dedicated, long-term union members. While LAZ admitted they could potentially find spots for them at other locations, they went ahead and furloughed membersa move to save top executives thousands of dollars while hourly workers scramble to figure out how to feed their families. To date, Hotel Orrington (NYSE:HLT), Hilton O'Hare (NYSE:HLT), the Hyatt Regency (NYSE:H), ABM (NYSE:ABM), Metropolitan Valet, Valet Parking Authority, Valet Parking Authority Services, Arlington Racecourse, Park One, Direct Employee Payment Co., and Metropolitan Vale have also told dedicated employees they would be furloughed without pay. "The Union offered creative solutions that would have lessened the blow to employees. These solutions were summarily dismissed with no regard for each individual employee's well-being. All employers, including LAZ, ABM, and SP+, and any other selfish company that resorts to furloughs in this time of need should be held accountable by the public, city, state and federal governments. Now is not the time to focus on profits, but to focus on everyone doing their part to keep Americans afloat. At the very minimum, this Union will hold these companies accountable and will not forget their heartless actions going forward. The city of Chicago will not forget how these greedy companies put profit over the city and employees that made them successful," said John Coli, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. Teamsters Local 727 has and will continue to demand that employers of all 727 members put families and their workers first to insure no member goes without pay during this time and has filed unfair labor charges against companies who have made unlawful unilateral changes and/or failed to bargain. Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area. Contact: Caleen Carter-Patton, (847) 696-7500 SOURCE Teamsters Local Union 727, Park Ridge, Illinois Mya Systems, a San Francisco, CA-based conversational AI platform for hiring teams, secured $18.75m in Series C funding. The round was led by Notion Capital with participation from earlier investors, Emergence Capital and Foundation Capital as well as Cisco Investments and Workday Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand operations and its business reach. Led by Eyal Grayevsky, Founder and CEO, Mya Systems provides a proprietary conversational AI platform that uses natural language processing and machine learning techniques to automate outreach and communications with job candidates across the recruiting process, enabling recruiters to prioritize their time with candidates most likely to succeed. The company now supports over 460 brands, 6 of the 8 largest staffing agencies, and 29 of the Fortune 100. Customers include industry leaders such as Hays, Adecco, LOreal, Deloitte, and Anheuser Busch. FinSMEs 19/03/2020 Mary Aversanos doctors told her two years ago that she had about a year left to live. Her cancer is metastatic, spread from the uterus to the liver and lungs. Still, at 76, the San Rafael woman is mobile enough to get out of the house a few times a week Its a rotten disease, she said, but Im not going to let it get me and she did her own grocery shopping until recently, when the new coronavirus began to spread. She worried she would catch the virus in a store, exposing herself and possibly her husband, who suffers from chronic heart disease. Her fears increased as the news worsened, and she considered herself luckier than friends who were more housebound or lived by themselves: There are people out there alone and scared and disabled. Then, a few days ago, Aversano noticed a post on Nextdoor, the social network, where homebound residents have found a place to support each other and connect with neighbors. A college student in nearby Fairfax named Alex Dewey was volunteering to pick up groceries, at no extra cost, for any neighbors at high risk for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. Aversano was reluctant to accept, not wanting to seem needy, but she got over that sensation. You know what, you old broad, she told herself, suck it up and let somebody help, and she asked Dewey to deliver a couple of food staples. She wasnt the only one. About a dozen elderly or immune-compromised men and women in Marin County responded to Deweys offer on Nextdoor, and more than 30 young people chimed in to say they could help if Dewey needed backup. Right now its stuff that I can do easily, said Dewey, 21, who studies business administration and economics at the College of Marin, which is closed along with many other universities, its classes moving online. Theres a lot of people who want to help. All over the Bay Area, mutual aid projects are sprouting up to help vulnerable residents get through the pandemic era, picking up the slack for slammed government agencies and overwhelmed corporations. Dewey says she posted her grocery-delivery offer after thinking about her own grandparents, who live in the hard-hit Seattle area, an epicenter of COVID-19 cases. She has always been close with them, and her grandmother is an ex-smoker with lung problems. Theyre from the generation where they dont like to lean on anyone, Dewey said. A Chronicle reporter saw her Nextdoor post and asked to tag along when she went shopping for neighbors who had contacted her on the site. On Monday, the same day six Bay Area counties announced a shelter-in-place order that would take effect at midnight, Dewey left the house in Fairfax that she shares with two college roommates and set out to buy groceries and prescription drugs for four older women. Her mother, Cristine Platt Dewey, joined the trip to lend a hand. The family dog, Sally, rode in the back of their silver Prius. The effort did not start out smoothly. The first grocery store they visited, Good Earth in Fairfax, which had recently placed a large hand-sanitizing station at the entrance, was mostly picked clean, its shelves emptied by a wave of panic-buying. Same with the next store Dewey tried, Trader Joes in San Rafael. She arrived at a third option, Andys Local Market by the San Rafael harbor, at 6 p.m., and saw to her relief that the shelves were full. She and her mother grabbed carts and started picking up items. Alex, slim and brown-haired, wore a plaid shirt, jeans, white canvas shoes and black ski gloves to keep any virus particles off her hands. She had tried to find medical gloves, but they were all sold out. Mom said, Oh, we could wash these, she said. Other customers at Andys seemed anxious. A man with curly white hair and a black leather jacket said into his cell phone, Theyre out of roast chickens. Next to Dewey, an older woman in an Adidas tracksuit pointed at the checkout lanes in the front of the store and muttered that not all of the workers were wearing gloves. Dewey remained focused, plucking boxes and produce from shelves. People are tense, she told the reporter. Only half of the groceries on peoples lists were available. Broccoli was in stock; beans were sold out. At checkout, Dewey paid with a debit card, explaining that she was normally broke but could afford to pay for the groceries up front because she had recently received a $1,000 tax refund. Dewey and her mother placed the groceries in four clear plastic bins in the trunk of the Prius, slathered their hands and gloves with sanitizer, and headed to a nearby Walgreens to pick up a prescription for customer Barbara Christopher. The shelves there were picked clean of toilet paper, and a large man waited in the checkout line wearing a full gas mask with double filters. Then they drove about a mile-and-a-half to make their first delivery, at Christophers home in San Rafael. Dewey left a bag of groceries (butter, milk, orange juice) and the prescription on the front step. Christopher, 62, waited inside but didnt want to open the door, fearing transmission in either direction. She had been healing from an injury for the past year. Instead she knocked on the window, threw out her arms in thanks and blew Dewey several kisses. The next two deliveries were in the small, outdoorsy town of Fairfax, one at a single-story home near the city center and the second on a steep, wooded street, where an energetic and friendly brown dog bounded out the front door when Dewey arrived. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Mochi! called the owner, Sandy Handsher. Handsher, 76, is a lung cancer survivor with part of one lung removed, leaving her short of breath and especially vulnerable to COVID-19. She said the last time she tried to buy groceries was a week-and-a-half ago. I was trying to keep 6 feet between me and the next person in line, she said, and people just kept saying, Are you in line? So I just put the stuff back and left. Dewey delivered $45 worth of kale, cherry tomatoes, bananas, raspberries and sparkling water. Handsher thanked her profusely. The nights fourth and last delivery was to Aversano. By the time Dewey arrived at Aversanos house on a quiet street in San Rafael, it was 8 p.m. and dark out. The porch light was on, and Aversano emerged, wearing dark glasses and a pink pullover. Oh my god, she said, and thanked Dewey for the bag of brown sugar, maple syrup and her favorite type of yogurt. Im a yogurt slut, Aversano explained later. As long as its honey Greek yogurt, Im happy. Standing on the sidewalk outside Aversanos house, Dewey said she felt the night was basically successful. She had spent $159 all told three women reimbursed her by check, one by cash and the shopping and deliveries had taken four hours, longer than she expected. Still, Its clear that theres this need for it, she said. And more people are doing it. She said she hoped to scale up the effort, organizing friends and other volunteers to make grocery deliveries near their own homes. Older residents are doing their own organizing, too. Aversano is part of a Nextdoor group called Good Fairy, created by a San Anselmo woman to keep homebound seniors connected. Its brand-new, Aversano said. Were trying to get it all around the whole Bay Area. So people know theres neighbors out there willing to do anything for them. She added: I didnt let cancer steal my spirit, and something with a stupid name like COVID-19 she almost spat the word isnt going to do it. So we need to keep peoples spirits up. That isolation feeling? Thats a biggie. You look out in the world and you think youre all alone. No, youre not. Dewey, she said, was like an angel at my door. Jason Fagone is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jason.fagone@sfchronicle.com By John Whitesides WASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) - Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden has made a direct appeal to the young supporters of rival Bernie Sanders after moving closer to the nomination with big primary victories in three states. Biden, the former vice president, began looking to the Nov. 3 general election against Republican President Donald Trump after Tuesday's dominating wins in Florida, Illinois and Arizona increased the pressure on Sanders to drop his fading White House bid. In remarks broadcast from his home in Delaware, Biden said he and Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, disagreed on tactics but shared a common commitment to affordable healthcare, reducing income inequality and tackling climate change. "Senator Sanders and his supporters have brought remarkable passion and tenacity to these issues, and together, they have shifted the fundamental conversation in the country," Biden said. "And let me say, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Senator Sanders: I hear you. I know what is at stake. And I know what we have to do." Biden, 77, still faces work to convince supporters of Sanders, who has pushed the Democratic Party to the left with his democratic socialist economic agenda, to back him in a general election campaign against Trump. Young voters might be his biggest challenge of all. Voters between the ages of 18 and 44 were the only major demographic to stick with Sanders during Biden's sweeping victories on Tuesday, Edison Research polls showed. The Democratic nominating campaign begins an extended hiatus on Wednesday, with no primary votes scheduled for weeks amidst concerns about the coronavirus outbreak that has forced several states to postpone their contests. The Edison polls found a majority of voters in all three states trusted Biden more than Sanders, 78, to handle a major crisis, a sign the widening pandemic has increased Biden's appeal as a steady and experienced hand. Story continues "It's at moments like these that we realize we need to put politics aside and work together as Americans. The coronavirus doesn't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican," Biden said in his remarks. Biden has taken command of the Democratic race in the past two weeks, scoring victories in 16 of the last 21 state contests before Tuesday. His sweep extended his lead over Sanders to roughly 230 delegates in the chase for the 1,991 delegates needed to clinch the nomination at July's Democratic convention. (Editing by Robert Birsel) The first person to die from coronavirus in Indiana had to say goodbye to her partner via iPad because they were not allowed to be in the same room. Roberta Shelton, who was aged in her 60s and had underlying health conditions, passed away in Indianapolis Monday, having been admitted last week. Dr. Ram Yeleti, chief physician at the hospital network where she died, said: 'What makes this really hard, is that this individual's significant other was also infected, so the two of them could not be together when this patient passed.' Roberta Shelton, the first person in Indiana to die from coronavirus, had to say goodbye to her boyfriend via iPad because they couldn't be in the same room Shelton died at this hospital in Indianapolis Monday after admitting herself last week while suffering from a high fever and chest pains Indiana has confirmed two deaths from coronavirus and 39 infections, though this is likely a drastic under-estimate. In the US, there are almost 9,500 infections total and 152 deaths Speaking to Fox59, she added: 'We had to do iPad conversing so the individuals could see each other. So that this individual did not die alone, one of our nurses stayed in the room.' Shelton had not traveled out of the state before contracting the virus, friends told Wish TV. It is not clear where she contracted it. Cousin Connie Estrada said she went to the hospital after getting a high fever, and then posted to Facebook saying she was 'ready to go to heaven because she was tired of being in pain.' Friends remembered her as a giving person who often organized fundraising events in her community. Since Shelton's death, Indiana has reported a second coronavirus fatality in a person aged above 60 south of Indianapolis. The state has confirmed 39 cases of coronavirus so far, though problems with testing mean this is likely an under-estimate. Coronavirus has a mortality rate around 1 per cent, meaning 2 deaths would suggest at least 200 infections in the state. Shelton's family are not the only one suffering tragedy as a result of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the US. In New Jersey, three members of the same family have been killed and another four left in quarantine after unknowlingly spreading the disease at a family gathering. The Indiana Theatre is deserted as residents stay off the streets in Bloomington amid the coronavirus pandemic The area around the Bloomington Town hall is deserted after Americans were told to avoid social contact for 15 days amid the coronavirus pandemic A woman waits in line to pay for a shopping basket full of food as shoppers fill a Kroger grocery store in Bloomington Grace Fusco, 73, died Wednesday night, just hours after her son, Carmine Fusco, passed away from COVID-19. Carmine, a horse racing trainer, died on Wednesday morning, Roseann Paradiso Fodera, a cousin and family attorney, told NJ Advance Media. His sister and Grace's daughter, Rita Fusco-Jackson, 55, died five days ago. She had also tested positive for the virus. Another 20 members of the family have been placed in quarantine. Coronavirus is well on its way to overwhelming US hospitals, but the capacity of health care systems varies widely from state-to-state and even city by city, and new data reveals which areas will be hit hardest. The research compiled by experts at the Harvard Global Health Institute compiled data that shows just how critical 'flattening the curve' of the pandemic in the US is to keeping hospitals functional. Coronavirus infections in the US have been following an exponential growth curve, with social distancing measures brought in to help slow the rate of infection If just 20 percent of the population is infected within six months, hospital beds in nearly every part of the country will be full, and around 50 percent of states will have about twice as many patients as beds. But if the curve can be flattened, and the infection rate can be kept to 20 percent over the course of 18 months, states will have enough beds to treat everyone - although by a slim margin. So far in the US, more than 9,000 Americans are infected with coronavirus. That's less than half a percent of all adults in the US. But rates have been rising rapidly as the virus spread undetected in US communities and as more tests become available to detect patients. If infection rates aren't controlled - sooner than later - there could be double or triple the number of coronavirus patients US hospitals have beds to treat Americans have been told to hunker down at home for several weeks in order to slow transmission of the novel coronavirus, but a truly effective shutdown would likely have to be significantly longer and more severe. The best way to prevent the pandemic from overwhelming hospitals is social distancing that could drag on for a year or more, until doctors find a way to control it, researchers at Imperial College London said in a report published Monday. They estimated 81% of people in Great Britain and the U.S. would get the virus if no steps were taken to slow its spread. In the U.S., 2.2 million would die, with 510,000 deaths in Great Britain. Everyone who lives with an infected person would need to be quarantined, or schools would need to be closed, the report said. Moderate measures, such as insulating only vulnerable people and isolating those in contact with patients, will lessen the damage, but wont be enough to avert millions of deaths, according to the new models. Governments have latched onto the idea of social distancing, banning all large-scale activities and warning citizens to stay at least six feet away from others for the foreseeable future. The Trump administration asked Monday that Americans not gather in groups of 10 or more and avoid bars and restaurants for the next 15 days. The world is facing the most serious public health crisis in generations, Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, said in an email. To prevent the health system from becoming overwhelmed, large-scale social distancing will need to be in place for many months -- perhaps until a vaccine becomes available. The costs of such an ambitious effort to isolate people are far from clear. Even short-term distancing may create economic and social fissures that could take years to repair, while exacerbating existing inequities. The effects of a longer disruption would be even more consequential. Its clearly best to start those interventions early and leave them in place from a disease control perspective, said Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiology professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But whats right from a disease control perspective has to be balanced against whats right for keeping society functioning. Historys Lessons Draconian isolation measures as a tool for fighting outbreaks have their roots in history. During the 1918 Spanish flu, St. Louis swiftly implemented rules intended to slow its spread, helping to limit casualties. Philadelphia meanwhile waited weeks to put tighter controls in place, and paid the price with an overwhelmed health-care system and more deaths. In the century that has elapsed, the global economy has become more tightly integrated, and people move around the world more freely than ever before. That interconnectedness makes the calculus around severe disease-mitigation efforts more delicate. While keeping a lid on the virus is important, human contact is critical for a wide range of things, Lipsitch said, including social wellbeing and mental health. Exactly how to balance the needs will be a political and policy decision. Its important for education and its important for commerce; its important for keeping the economy going and for keeping people fed, he said. We sort of know what to do, but the challenge is that it could take quite a long time of doing it. The researchers at Imperial College London, who have been advising the World Health Organization, say there could be brief respites from the most severe measures as the months drag on, provided the workload lightens enough that hospitals can withstand another surge of cases. When you let up on those interventions, then transmission resumes, said Lipsitch, who wasnt involved in ICLs modeling. The virus doesnt know that people were social distancing last week. It just knows that it can get from one person to another. Two Strategies The researchers examined the effectiveness of two strategies to blunt the pandemic. The first, mitigation, aims to slow the spread enough to blunt the peak of the epidemic. The other is suppression, an aggressive and prolonged approach intended to reverse the epidemics growth, similar to steps taken in China. Mitigation is unlikely to be a viable option without overwhelming health-care systems, the researchers concluded in their report. Steps including isolating patients, plus home quarantines for their family members and society-wide social distancing, could reduce deaths in Great Britain to around 100,000 over two years, the researchers estimated. The policies would continue for months, lifted only during periods when ICUs had room to handle a surge of patients. If school closures were added, the deaths could be lowered to 40,000, they said. It will be necessary to layer multiple interventions, the Imperial College researchers say in their report. These policies will need to be maintained until large stocks of vaccine are available. High Costs It is expected to take a year to 18 months to develop a widely available coronavirus vaccine. The first immunization designed specifically for the virus that causes Covid-19 began testing on Monday. There are trade offs that will need to be made, and the wrong approach could create more harm than good, said Savi Maharaj, head of the biological modeling research group at the University of Stirling in the U.K. Pretty much for all diseases, doing social distancing very severely and early on -- such as closing things quickly and locking it down -- can be the optimal approach, she said. The epidemic dies out very quickly. The cost, however, can be very high. A simulation designed to look at what people would do in the real world found they did adopt some social distancing, but not enough to halt the outbreak. With milder measures, an epidemic will persist but the number of cases will be distributed over a longer period, allowing health systems to keep up. What our study showed is that even moderate social distancing has the benefit of flattening the curve and reducing the peak of disease at any one given time, she said. The downside of that is the epidemic lasts longer and the period of social distancing thats needed is longer. That may be more realistic. In the real world, we arent able to achieve a complete lock down, she said. The societies we live in arent closed. Even if one country did a complete lock down, there is the question of whether they can prevent the virus from coming back. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.) Victoria's attorney-general is worried tough economic times brought on by the spread of coronavirus may lead to more wage theft. The state government is moving to ramp up penalties, with employers who don't pay their workers properly facing up to 10 years' jail or fines of up to almost a million dollars. The changes were promised by Premier Daniel Andrews before Victorians last went to the polls and legislation was introduced to state parliament on Wednesday. Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy is worried tough economic times brought on by the spread of coronavirus may lead to more wage theft. She is pictured during a press conference in Melbourne in October, 2018 Victorian Attorney-General and Workplace Safety Minister Jill Hennessy says the laws come as she fears economic challenges posed by COVID-19 could tempt some employers to skirt paying their workers properly. 'We are concerned that when times are tough, it's very easy for people to make bad decisions, and bad decisions would be to underpay your workers,' she told reporters on Wednesday. 'Any business model that relies upon underpaying workers, effectively, is a non-sustainable business model. 'We don't want people that are vulnerable, particularly during this time, where there's high degrees of uncertainty and anxiety, to think that they should in any way be subjected to wage theft or other forms of bullying and exploitation in the workplace.' Under the legislation, employers who dishonestly withhold wages, superannuation or other entitlements can face fines of up to $198,264 for individuals and $991,310 for companies. They could also face up to 10 years in jail. Employers who make honest mistakes or exercise due diligence in paying wages and entitlements will not be guilty under the laws. Of late, weve been listening to many people especially politicians saying gau mutra has many benefits but never thought that people will actually fall into the trap of drinking it. Just when we thought it can't get any worse than this, some people have even gone on record to claim that gau mutra (cow urine) and cow dung can cure novel coronavirus. While the worlds scientists are struggling to find a cure to the deadly virus, these people think we already have the cure. Unsplash Also, as bizarre as it may sound, some cow urine drinking events have been organized in the past few days in our country. Recently, a BJP activist has been arrested for organising a cow urine consumption event in Kolkata. Yes, you read that right! Gone are the days when you organised house parties to drink wine, now it looks like drinking gau mutra is the latest trend. Unsplash As per the news reports, a BJP leader, Narayan Chatterjee from Kolkata, went on to claim that cow urine will protect people from coronavirus and also will cure it if people are already infected. And many people consumed cow urine at the event. However, this led to a civic volunteer falling ill after drinking it. Consequently, the sick volunteer filed a complaint and the BJP leader was arrested late on Tuesday night, police officials told media. According to a report by The Week, 40-year old Narayan Chatterjee is a BJP party worker from Jorasakho area in North Kolkata and he organised the cow worship programme at a cowshed and distributed cow urine to everyone at the event. The sick volunteer said that Chatterjee vouched for the urine to have "miraculous" properties while he distributed the gau mutra. BCCL Upset with the arrest, the BJP leaders of the state criticised the state government saying, "Chatterjee had distributed cow urine, but he didn't fool people in consuming it. When he distributed it he clearly said it was cow urine, he didn't force anyone to drink it. It has not been proved whether it is harmful or not. State BJP General Secretary Sayantan Basu said, "So how can just police arrest him without any reason. This is completely undemocratic. BCCL The news has shook many people on Twitter and heres what a few of them have to say about it- Medical report dikhao iski (@Lil_MrTrolls) March 19, 2020 Oookaay! So it works! ituchaudhuri (@ituchaudhuri) March 19, 2020 LoL Lionel (@fernslionel) March 19, 2020 Best news of the day... BoBbY*If Am burnt I'ma showuh wat it's like 2 hurt (@rooneywayne33) March 19, 2020 Besides, many BJP leaders, in the past, have claimed that there is no harm in drinking "gau mutra" and have accepted that they consume it regularly. Over 200 tech companies in Beijing's Zhongguancun area have joined the fight against COVID-19 by developing new technologies and products, including an unmanned delivery robot and intelligent service elevators. In the lobby of Zhongguancun Frontier Technology Innovation Center, an infrared thermometer robot has been deployed to check the body temperatures of visitors. Displayed on its screen are an infrared thermal image of the visitor, the real-time imaging and a national report on the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by SoundAI, a Beijing-based AI innovation company, the temperature measurement system uses an infrared hemisphere camera to check body temperatures and display the temperature on its screen. The center also features six smart elevators, which allow people to move between floors without having to touch a button, thereby reducing the risk of cross infection. One of the six elevators is voice-controlled-a feature which was developed by SoundAI. Visitors can use simple spoken commands to control the elevator, which will then transport them to the designated floor. The other five elevators were updated by Yunji Technology. Scanning a QR code using a smartphone takes users to a mini program where they simply enter the number of the floor they wish to travel to. The elevators are also compatible with unmanned robots which can deliver food to the center's staff. These delivery robots, also developed by Yunji Technology, can travel in elevators entirely on their own. Users scan a QR code to order their food online, entering their floor number as their address. Once the order in the kitchen is complete, the cooks then input the instructions to the robots and place the food on the trays. "The delivery robots connect with the elevators, and can then control them to get to the designated floor. Once there, they send a message to the person who ordered to collect their food," explained the head of the project at Yunji Technology. In addition, it is also possible to order snacks and drinks online from two vending machines, and have the items delivered with the help of the robots. According to the Zhongguancun Administrative Committee, a total of 15 high-tech companies have settled in Zhongguancun Frontier Technology Innovation Center, each with an average estimated value of over one hundred million yuan. These companies boast the latest technology and top-level teams and have been well recognized by the market. Having put these high-tech products into practice, the center has shown itself as an example in the fight against COVID-19. A very popular chapter of the Quran is titled, Al-Ikhlas (The Purity). Muslim American leader, the late Imam W. Deen Mohammed, translated Al-Ikhlas as The Conclusion or The Unity. Imam Mohammed further explained, It tells us that for Islam, Unity is the conclusion. The word (Al-Ikhlas) plainly says conclusion, but the language of the chapter also says unity. Imam Mohammed summarized, It begins with the Unity or Oneness of G_d: Say, G_d is only One, Alone. It means that He has no g_ds with Him. And that is what the Old Testament says: Make no g_ds with Me. Al-Ikhlas is the 112th chapter of the Quran. It contains four verses that read: 1. Say! He Allah is only One, Alone! 2. Allah, the uncaused Cause of all causes. 3. He never fathered a baby; nor was He ever a baby. 4. There is nothing comparable like unto Him. All of the Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity and Al-Islam profess and promote there is only one G_d, the Creator of the heavens and the Earth, who created everything and every human person. With Al-Islam there is no room for any negotiation on that belief of the oneness of G_d; NONE! This is where the concept of purity is so important; the purity of our worshipping our Creator without giving Him any partners in any fashion, thought or imagination. Our complete worship, whether demonstrated in words, deeds or thoughts, is solely for our Creator, whose name in Arabic is Allah and Dios in Spanish. In Al-Islam there is no equal with Allah (G-d). We find a similar message in the Bible, John 14:28, my Father is greater than I. Prophet Muhammed, prayers and peace be upon him taught his followers the phrase Allah-U-Akbar translated: G_d is Greater! Both Quran and Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments, all are very clear that there is no equal to our Creator. None of the prophets, from Adam to Muhammed, ever claimed to be equal with G_d; yet all they emphatically declared that they were but servants of a Mighty G_d. The human being is a creature of submission. By nature we submit and give praise and allegiance to that which is superior in our lives. G_d is un-authoritatively superior in our lives. He doesnt demand anything of us. As believers, we come to Him willingly. As sinners we eventually come, but unwillingly; nonetheless, we all are on a constant journey back to the One who created us the first time. No one can serve multiple g-ds and remain holistic. Trying to serve more than one G_d will erode the integrity of our submission. It will splinter our allegiance and our worship resulting in indecisive acts that cant focus on the One true G_d. Appealing to our logical common sense, Allah revealed in the Quran, If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both! but glory to Allah, the Lord of the Throne: (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! (Yusuf Ali translation) The Jewish Bible (Old Testament) speaks clearly about the Oneness of G_d. You shall not make for yourself a carved image any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth Al-Islam has been given the task of calling the world back to the pure worship of G_d while following this guideline: Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. We all are to avoid the slightest form of adding anything or anyone into our worship of G_d. Prophet Muhammed, describing how subtle false worship can be, said, False worship is more difficult to detect than (seeing) a black ant on a black rock on the blackest part of the night. This is one of many reasons why in Al-Islam Muslims are very strict when it comes to keeping pure the worship of only one G_d. The first words one declares in order to become Muslim is I bear witness there is only One G_d. This declaration is then followed by saying, And I bear witness that Muhammed is the Messenger of G_d. Michael Mikal Saahir is the resident Imam of Nur-Allah Islamic Center. He can be reached at nur-allah@att.net or at 317 753-3754. On Monday, March 17, 2020, Idris Elba made headlines after personally confirming that he is now part of the growing number of patients who tested positive for coronavirus. In a two-minute clip that the "Luther" actor posted on Twitter, he revealed that he is not showing any symptoms at all and feeling perfectly fine. The 47-year-old actor addressed his social media followers together with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre. "This morning, I got some test result back for coronavirus, and it came back positive. Yup, and it sucks," Idris said. The actor explained that he decided to get the test after realizing he got exposed to a known COVID-19 case. When he found out that he was able to interact with someone who also tested positive for the virus, he immediately practiced self-isolation and subjected himself to a test. Idris, now a coronavirus carrier, encouraged his followers to take the global pandemic seriously and follow the advice to do proper hand washing and social distancing. This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how Im doing No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020 Who Infected Idris? In a followup video on Tuesday, the "Fast & Furious" actor suggested that he may have gotten the infection after meeting Sophie Trudeau -- the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who both tested positive for coronavirus. It turns out that Idris met the 44-year-old Canadian First Lady shortly before they tested positive for COVID-19. The actor believes that he got exposed to the virus on March 4, when he and Sophie met at the "We Day UK" charity event in Wembley. "It's hard to say when I got the disease or when I contracted COVID-19, it's hard to say when. I will say that I know I've been exposed to it from March 4," Idris said. "That's when the person that came up positive, that was the time I got in contact with that person." In a photo obtained by Daily Mail, Idris and Sophie could be seen posing for a photo together with Lewis Hamilton and several attendees. In the picture, the group is obviously not practicing social distancing with both Idris and Sophie extending their hands to the people beside them. Idris Defended His Wife In the same video, the actor addressed people who criticized his wife for staying beside him in the video where he confirmed his case. Idris explained that the 30-year-old model wanted to give him support and stay by his side throughout the disease diagnosis. "Just for clarification, Sabrina wanted to be by my side. I love her even more for it, and I would do the same for her," Idris said. The actor also revealed that his wife felt sad from the backlash she received for staying beside him. He also confirmed that his wife immediately practiced self-isolation and subjected herself to a coronavirus test. "Sabrina's good too. Sabrina today finally managed to get a test, and we're thankful for that. Generally, Sabrina's fine. Nervous of course. Worried," Idris said. The actor said that Tom Hank's brave revelation about being infected with coronavirus is what inspired him to share his story and journey against COVID-19 as well. The painkiller ibuprofen is a popular choice for people suffering from headaches and fevers, two of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus. But amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic, French Health Minister Olivier Veran took to social media to warn patients to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or cortisone because they could possibly aggravate the disease. A recent study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal hypothesized that ibuprofen might boost an enzyme that could facilitate and worsen COVID-19 infections. Veran said people should instead take acetaminophen, better known in the United States by the brand name Tylenol. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization endorsed the recommendation that people should not take ibuprofen. On HoustonChronicle.com: New meds, new fears: Houston coronavirus update from disease expert Peter Hotez WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that while UN health experts are investigating the matter, we recommend using rather paracetamol [acetaminophen], and do not use ibuprofen as a self-medication. But a day later, WHO reversed itself. "Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen, the organization tweeted. Angela L. Rasmussen, Ph.D, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Center for Infection and Immunity, told Healio Primary Care that there is no current evidence that ibuprofen specifically impacts COVID-19 disease severity. According to NPR, Dr. Angela Rogers, a pulmonologist at the Stanford University Medical Center and chairwoman of its intensive care unit's COVID-19 task force, notes, however, that Tylenol is the first choice for patients who are sick enough to be hospitalized for any infection. Those patients face a greater risk of damaging internal organs, including kidneys, and kidney damage can be a side effect of ibuprofen for some patients who use it long-term in higher doses, Rogers said. COVID-19 TESTING: Texas doctor on pandemic's 'front line' wages harrowing, 8-hour battle to get tested for coronavirus Acetaminophen also should be used with care. Too much can cause liver damage. Because it is found in hundreds of medications, its possible to overdose without realizing it. Ibuprofen is sold under many brand names, including Advil and Motrin. While it can treat headaches and fever like acetaminophen, it is also beneficial for muscle pulls because it reduces inflammation. --- Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Digital Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate Street artist Anthony Lister has been granted bail in a Sydney court, more than a week after he was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women between 2015 and 2018. The well-known artist was arrested after he was identified as the common alleged offender in unrelated reports of sexual assault made to police over the past five years. Artist Anthony Lister. Credit:Dean Sewell Police have alleged he "used his prominence as an artist to influence the women". On Thursday, Mr Lister, 40, posted $20,000 to secure bail at Central Local Court, which heard allegations that he "lured" the young female artists to his Darlinghurst home and convinced them into participating in "some kind of art activity", the ABC reported. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Esther Samboh (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 16:54 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bf2e82 1 Opinion economy,COVID-19,#commentary,coronavirus,economic-loss Free The heavy traffic and long lines at public transportation hubs in Jakarta only a day after President Joko Jokowi Widodos call to work from home to slow the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19, provides three takeaways. First, many workers cannot afford to work from home. Second, employers are confused. Third, firmer emergency measures are needed to curb the virus spread. With 55 percent of the workforce in the informal sector, there is enough reason to worry about locking down cities completely. No work means no pay and no safety net. For the bulk of micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) this means a severe shock to their businesses. President Jokowi, who likes to travel around Indonesia and directly meet the people in an impromptu way in rolled up sleeves, might have been thinking of such impacts when on Thursday he was still ruling out a lockdown. The farmers and fishermen he has been meeting with represent 27 percent of Indonesias workers. The rest are mostly in trade, manufacturing, construction, accommodation, food and beverage and education about the same representation of Indonesias gross domestic product (GDP). Also, only one out of five Indonesians is economically secure, according to the World Bank report Aspiring Indonesia. Around 24.8 million Indonesians live on under US$1 a day9.22 percent of the population and over 60 million are vulnerable to dropping into poverty. Read also: Burdened from birth: Children raised in poverty earn 87% less as adults The banking sector is at risk from delayed loan repayments by these vulnerable individuals and SMEs. Retailers must prepare for irrational buying behavior as the COVID-19 spread becomes more rapid and difficult to contain. Demand is moving faster than the supply side, which is experiencing supply chain shocks from limitations in economic activities elsewhere in the world. These considerations are paramount in mapping out the potential impact of any economic shock triggered by the rapid virus spread. Unfortunately, these considerations are used to back arguments for no lockdown, when they should serve as policy clues for a partial lockdown or stricter and more aggressive measures in slowing down COVID-19. Read also: House joins experts to push for lockdown against COVID-19 The World Health Organization has directly urged Jokowi to scale up emergency response mechanisms and declare a national emergency. Countries such as South Korea and China managed to slow down the virus as they quickly took emergency measures, including limiting peoples movement, conducting mass testing and rigorous tracing. Our health professionals have also offered help as deaths spiked to 25 people on Thursday and the number of positive cases rose to 309 in at least 14 provinces across the archipelago. How can people work and keep the economy going with their loved ones sick or at high risk of infection? This is the simple thinking of simple people. Governments elsewhere are facing the same problem and economies are faltering. Businesses are preparing for a global recession. Thus ensuring that people are healthy and productive to get the economy going later should come first. A well-planned, targeted partial lockdown limiting mobility, while maintaining essential needs, is overdue. Stricter emergency measures in binding regulations are needed, besides mere appeals for social distancing. These regulations can include listing the business sectors that may open and those which should limit operations or operate remotely. Jokowi has the benefit of a Coordinating Economic Minister close to industry players who can provide valuable input, to contain supply chain shocks and limit potential panic buying. Read also: COVID-19: Does Indonesia need a lockdown? It depends on how you define it It is time for companies to step up. Some enterprises have had brilliant initiatives that help SMEs with grants and emergency loans to cope with the economic shocks. Some are educating consumers on the importance of self-quarantining to slow the virus spread. But many are still exposing workers to risk by not enforcing the work from home policy when they can, and by not preparing emergency measures to cushion business operations. This is disappointing especially since many claim to have adopted the Industry 4.0 mentality, and pushed forward digitalization in their institutions. Again, this situation arises because of an absence of strong government measures. Businesses and the government should prepare partial lockdowns, coordinate and ensure the stockpiling of staple needs such as rice, eggs, chicken, sugar, chilis and shallots. Banking operations to ensure minimal disruption to cashflow also should be consolidated with the financial services industry and authorities. The announcement of the Rp 120 trillion (US$7.5 billion) state budget allocation to soften any potential economic shock shows Indonesia can afford the cost of the battle. The stimulus can be increased by reallocating non-emergency spending to focus on public health such as medical needs, test kits, lab research and development, and turning unoccupied hotels into hospitals. Read also: 'File your tax returns': Tax office intensifies efforts to collect taxes as budget burdens multiply The government needs flexibility with regard to its self-imposed budget deficit cap of 3 percent of GDP. Subsidies and fiscal incentives need to be better targeted to those most vulnerable to economic shocks. Spending on housing, fuel, electricity, education and transportation comprise most of the peoples non-food spending. Cash transfers should focus on these spending items, on top of staple needs, for the bottom 30 percent who are poor and most prone to falling into poverty. With an exponential increase in financial inclusion, with access to financial services reaching out to 76 percent of the population, it is the right moment to take advantage of this achievement for cash transfers or emergency loans. The lack of clear emergency measures faces the business community and investors with unprecedented levels of uncertainty. The rupiah now nears Rp 16,000 against the US dollar, the weakest since the 1998 financial crisis. The market rout not only shows the heightening risk of investment here; it may reflect a vote of no confidence in Indonesian assets. Foreign investors have dumped more than $5 billion of Indonesian stocks and bonds recently. It is time to restore investors confidence in Indonesias government. Pak Jokowi, listen to the health experts. Take strict emergency measures: limit peoples movement in clear regulations, conduct mass testing and trace the positive cases. Trust your economic team to safeguard the economy. This is an unprecedented situation requiring unprecedented measures. You have the power to issue strict regulations to #stayhome, or as Indonesian netizens say #dirumahaja, and slow down deaths and infections. We are all rooting for you. The US Senate on Wednesday approved a multi-billion dollar emergency coronavirus economic relief bill that provides for free testing of COVID-19, insurance, paid leave for those diagnosed with or caring for someone affected by the virus, among other things. According to the South China Morning Post, the Bill is expected to be quickly signed into law by US President Donald Trump. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act which was passed by a vote of 90-8, provides for free testing of COVID-19, insurance, paid leave for those diagnosed with or caring for someone affected by the virus. According to Sputnik, the measure is expected to include about $105 billion worth of relief, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. The US Congress has already passed an $8.3 billion package of relief measures to fund free COVID-19 tests, meals for children who would normally receive food at now-shuttered schools, accelerated vaccine research, expanded unemployment benefits and aid for health departments in individual US states. The death toll due to the virus has crossed past 100 in the US with the total number of confirmed cases surging past 7000. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The crisis for airlines deepened on Thursday as Lufthansa warned the industry might not survive without state aid if the coronavirus pandemic lasts a long time, and Qantas Airways told most of its 30,000 staff to take leave. The United Nation's International Civil Aviation Organization called on governments to ensure cargo operations are not disrupted to maintain the availability of critical medicine and equipment such as ventilators and masks that will help fight the virus. "The spread of the coronavirus has placed the entire global economy and our company as well in an unprecedented state of emergency," Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said in a statement. "At present, no one can foresee the consequences." His comments echo other industry executives who have called for state support now that passenger operations are collapsing at an unprecedented rate as governments curb travel drastically and demand slumps. Germany's Lufthansa, which has parked 700 of its 763 aircraft, said it did not need state support yet as it slashes costs, but painted a bleak picture for the industry and its suppliers. Spohr said his company was in talks with planemakers Airbus and Boeing about whether to take delivery of aircraft it had ordered, and on payments. "We had planned this year to receive a new plane every 10 days - now we don't need any," he told reporters. He predicted the industry would emerge into "a different world" after the crisis, saying the need for airline partnerships would only become more pressing. 'EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES' Global airlines group IATA has forecast the industry will need up to $200 billion of state support, piling pressure on governments facing demands from all quarters and a rapid worsening in public finances as economies slump. Shares in U.S. airlines fell sharply on Wednesday after Washington proposed a rescue package of $50 billion in loans, but no grants as the industry had requested, to help address the financial impact from crisis. The Trump administration's lending proposal would require airlines to maintain a certain amount of service and limit increases in executive pay until the loans are repaid. Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday it would park more than 600 jets, cut corporate pay by as much as a half, and scale back flying by more than 70% until demand begins to recover. American Airlines Group Inc in a memo to staff rebuffed criticism it had rewarded its shareholders with too many dividends and stock buybacks in better times, leaving it with less cash to manage the crisis. "Unfortunately, this is no ordinary rainy day," said Nate Gatten, American's senior vice president global government affairs. "These are extraordinary circumstances, and additional support is necessary to protect jobs and ensure that the flying public can continue to rely on our industry after the crisis ends." In Australia, Qantas said it would cut all international flights and two-thirds of its 30,000 workers would need to take paid or unpaid leave. The Australian government is banning the arrival of non-citizens and non-residents starting Friday. GOVERNMENT RELIEF Several governments have started to act. Government sources in India told Reuters that the government was planning a rescue package of up to $1.6 billion to aid carriers battered by coronavirus. India's SpiceJet said on Thursday it was suspending the majority of its international operations from March 21 to April 30, while rival IndiGo asked staff to take a pay cut of up to 20%. Taiwan's Transport ministry said it was inviting its airlines to submit capital requirements and financial plans with the view to giving them assistance, such as rolling over loans and providing operating funds. New Zealand outlined the first tranche of a NZ$600 million ($344 million) aviation relief package, as it announced plans to shut its borders to non-citizens and non-residents. Search Keywords: Short link: By PTI NEW DELHI: The coronavirus pandemic will leave behind a global recession with small businesses, self-employed and daily wagers taking the worst hit, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra said on Thursday. "The virus will eventually be conquered, but it will have left behind a global recession. The costs of that are incalculably high at this time. The most fearsome toll will be on small businesses, the self-employed & those whose lives depend on meagre daily wages," Mahindra said in a tweet. This time, there will be no victors, only the vanquished. So every country will have to create its own Post VirusWar Marshall plan & take care of those in society who are hit the hardest. Perhaps we too can build the foundations of a sustained global growth cycle (4/4) anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) March 19, 2020 He added that apart from the toll on lives, the legacy of COVID-19 may well be deaths due to stress, loss of livelihoods, a rise in homelessness and in extreme situations, civil unrest. "The only global experience that has lessons for us in the current situation is the last world war. In the aftermath of WW2, the US came up with the Marshall plan to revive Europe, effectively a giant fiscal pump-priming," Mahindra said. He added that in the US, the government dramatically dismantled regulations and opened up the economy to trade and these actions led to a boom-cycle that stretched to 1975. "This time, there will be no victors, only the vanquished. So every country will have to create its own Post "VirusWar" Marshall plan & take care of those in society who are hit the hardest. Perhaps we too can build the foundations of a sustained global growth cycle," Mahindra said. New iPhones on display in the Apple Marunouchi store in late 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. The most-bullish Apple stock price on Wall Street is predicated on an upcoming upgrade "supercycle" that will involve up to 350 million phones. Apple is limiting bulk purchases of iPhones and other products as it faces supply constraints related to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Apple's online store began limiting U.S. customers to two units of each iPhone model per person this week. Customers can still buy more than two iPhones in one order, but they would have to be different models -- for instance, two iPhone 11s and two iPhone 11 Pros. The restriction applies to the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Max. Other products, including iPad Pro models announced on Wednesday, also have purchase limits. The purchase limits are a visible effect of the virus's effect on Apple's operations and supply chain. Analysts have closely watched Apple's online shipping times in recent months for clues to how the coronavirus outbreak has affected supply and demand for the company's products. In February, Apple issued a warning to investors that said that worldwide iPhone supply will be temporarily constrained. "While our iPhone manufacturing partner sites are located outside the Hubei province and while all of these facilities have reopened they are ramping up more slowly than we had anticipated," Apple said in the Feb. 17 warning. There are legitimate reasons to buy more than two iPhones at the same time, such as for software development testing or for large families, but Apple has also grappled with "grey market" resellers who buy Apple products in bulk to distribute them for a profit in areas where they are unavailable or in short supply. Apple's physical stores outside of China are closed indefinitely, although Apple's online store remains open. Apple has put purchase limits on its products in the past, usually during launch periods. When the iPhone launched in 2007, Apple limited sales of the phone to two per person to discourage people who wanted to resell the hot device. Apple didn't respond to requests for comment. "Given the popularity and/or supply constraints of some of our products, Apple may have to limit the number of products available for purchase. Trust us, we're building them as fast as we can," Apple has said for years on its online store policy page. A suspected coronavirus sufferer in Kenya was beaten by a group of youths armed with stones and later died in hospital. The man, named locally as George Kotini Hezron, was going home after visiting a bar in the village of Msambweni in Kwale County when he was attacked yesterday. Residents suspected him of having the virus and decided to set upon him as he walked home at around 9pm, according to local media. The vigilante mob argued with Hezron and accused him of having the deadly disease and threw stones at him before fleeing. Hezron was rushed to Msambweni Subcounty Hospital where he died of his injuries. Kenyan Police (pictured at the scene) are investigating after a man was stoned to death by a vigilante mob after being accused of having coronavirus Msambweni in a fishing village popular with tourists because of its long white sandy beaches County police commander Joseph Nthenge said it was not known if the victim had the virus and warned against falsely accusing people of being infected. He told Kenyan newspaper The Star: 'Someone reported that the attackers saw the man staggering. They approached him, started an argument and beat him up. 'Kotini met a group of youths and an argument ensued as the youths took advantage of his drunkenness and started accusing him of suffering from coronavirus.' No arrests had been made so far and investigations were still under way, police said. Msambweni in a fishing village popular with tourists because of its long white sandy beaches. Kenya's health ministry has so far confirmed seven cases of coronavirus. The East African nation has imposed strict travel restrictions on foreigners, closed school and colleges as well as banning public gatherings. How to apply Workers are encouraged to submit their applications online. The state also processes applications by phone, but the system has been overwhelmed over the past two days and is not accepting calls. Because the online application doesnt reflect the current circumstances of many applicants, the forms can be confusing. For instance, a Richmond woman helping a friend without a computer file her application said she was unsure whether to check a box indicating the friend is available for work typically a requirement for an applicant to be accepted. Her hours at a downtown Richmond hotel were cut, but with schools closing at the same time, she also wasnt able to take on any new jobs because of sudden childcare demands. She ultimately opted to check the box even though she wasnt entirely sure it was accurate for fear of her claim being rejected. Healy said such an application would be approved under the circumstances. Were trying to get more and more people onto unemployment benefits, she said. While the majority of businesses shamble in the shadow of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic in Vietnam, food delivery services are on a roll. As more Ho Chi Minh City residents confine themselves to their homes over COVID-19 fear, food stalls and restaurants in downtown areas remain packed with customers, most of whom are delivery workers in vibrant uniforms waiting to pick up someone elses order. Facing the circumstances, food businesses are rapidly remodeling themselves. Instead of focusing on the dine-in experience, many food stalls have gone takeaway-only for fear of infection risks from large gatherings. Changes can also be witnessed around lunchtime at office buildings, where food delivery is in vogue. I usually eat out with my colleagues for lunch, but these days, out of fear for infection when going outside or entering crowded places, we have switched to ordering food online for convenience and safety, said Nguyen Quynh Anh, an office worker in District 1. An office worker receives food from a Grab driver in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stimulating online commerce channels and mobilizing the participation of e-commerce and logistics platforms are among the initiatives employed by the ministry to cope with COVID-19. The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected almost 220,000 people and killed nearly 9,000 globally, according to Ministry of Health statistics. Vietnam has diagnosed 76 with the disease, of whom 16 had fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital by February 26. Sixty cases have been reported in the Southeast Asian country since March 6 after Vietnam had gone three weeks without any new infection. Among the cases being treated, 22 are foreigners, including 13 Britons, one Irishman, two Germans, one from the Czech Republic, one Latvian, one U.S. citizen, and three French nationals. A takeaway food stall is packed with Grab delivery drivers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Drivers of food delivery service Baemin pick up orders at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A Grab driver takes a photo of a restaurant bill before delivering food to customers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Delivery drivers are seen outside a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre An English sign posted outside a restaurant in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam announcing its takeaway-only policy. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Delivery drivers wait for their orders to be prepared at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre A Baemin delivery driver cleans his hands with hand sanitizer at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre An office worker receives food from a Grab delivery driver in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Bengaluru, March 19 : Sixteen Madhya Pradesh rebel Congress legislators are waiting for the Supreme Court order on their joint petition before they plan their next move, a source said on Thursday. "The 16 rebels have sought a direction from the Supreme Court to Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N.P. Prajapati to accept their resignations from their Assembly segments," the source told IANS on condition of anonymity. Though a total of 22 rebel MLAs have resigned, the Speaker on March 14, only accepted the letters of six, who were also ministers. They were taken off their posts by Governor Lalji Tandon on the recommendation of beleaguered Chief Minister Kamal Nath on March 10. "The remaining 16 rebels have petitioned the apex court that the Speaker has not acted on their resignations yet though they submitted in the required format in Hindi and sent through an emissary, as they have been staying at a resort in the Karnataka city's northern outskirts since March 9 of their own will," the source pointed out. The rebels, who owe allegiance to their leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, who joined the BJP on March 11 after quitting the Congress on March 10, refused to not only withdraw their resignations, but also declined to meet the state's senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday. "The rebels' contention is they would not budge from their decision to resign as they felt let down by Nath and the party leadership. They will fly to Bhopal to meet the Speaker if the apex court directs them to do so," the source noted. The rebels also clarified that they would not vote in the March 26 by-elections for 3 Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh as they have already resigned as legislators. The top court's Division Bench, headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justice Hemant Gupta have, however, refused to meet the rebels. "The rebels have mentioned in their joint petition that they resigned voluntarily as the development of their assembly segments were ignored by Kamal Nath," the source said, quoting one of the rebels. The rebels also clarified to the top court that they were not held captive by anybody or any party and had flew to Bengaluru on March 9 on their own wish and have been staying at the resort voluntarily. "The rebels' lawyer (Maninder Singh) submitted before the court on Wednesday that it was wrong to allege that they were kidnapped and coerced to go to Bengaluru as they resigned on their own free will," the source recalled. Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo has said nothing can make her leave her husband as she denies having a relationship outside her marriage. According to reports, the actress had an issue in London recently with a certain man believed to be her boyfriend and sponsor. It is alleged that the gemtleman left her after finding out about her marital status which has left her broken-hearted. Refuting the allegations, the actress who is married to a member of musical trio Praye, Choir Master, speaking in an interview with Accra FM Thursday, 19 March 2020 said: I dont easily get broken-hearted. Its not possible. No one can break my heart except my husband." Explaining further, she said the rumours can destroy her marriage but "it will be difficult [to leave my husband], it will be difficult because they have tried and tested it. Me, my policy is that the devil you know is better than the angel you dont know. Even if you find someone who falls into the category of the type of guy you want, he probably has money and when both of you put your monies together, you will get double riches and be able to live a luxurious life but take into consideration his attitude. For now, he can lie to you that he will treat you well but after marrying him...then because of him you leave your husband? No! it will be difficult for me. I dont know what can make me leave my husband. It will be difficult. The rumour is not true. I dont have a sponsor in London. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 17:42:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Africa is facing an increasingly severe epidemic situation as over 500 COVID-19 cases have been reported in some 30 African countries. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining popularity in the continent as it proves effective in treating coronavirus patients. by Xinhua writer Wang Hongjiang NAIROBI, March 19 (Xinhua) -- It took Peng Wang, a practitioner of the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) in Windhoek, three years to get TCM treatment registered in Namibia's health sector. On March 6, the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, a juristic body for medical aid funds in the country, granted the registration, making Namibia the latest to join a long list of African countries that have formally incorporated the TCM into their public healthcare system. The decision came at a time when herbal remedies have proven their potencies in the treatment of COVID-19 patients in China. TCM ENCOURAGED "It is true that currently there is still no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19," said Dr. Raphael Mallaba, regional supervisor for the National Health Insurance Fund of Tanzania. "However, since the world is searching for the best prevention vaccines and treatment methods, the TCM has so far played a substantial role in China's fight against the novel coronavirus and I believe that this can be taken as a model for African countries to contain COVID-19." File photo taken on Aug. 5, 2019 shows patients waiting for treatment by Chinese doctors in Windhoek, capital of Namibia. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu) Mallaba said it was demonstrated in various studies in China that for patients at the early stage of infections, application of the TCM alone was sufficient to reduce fevers, symptoms and viral loads, while for those in severe conditions, the use of TCM, in conjunction with various antiviral protocols, could help patients recover. "It is my hope that more countries, particularly African countries, will take note of this worthy experience and do more research to help their own citizens," he added. Africa is facing the gravity of the situation as more than 500 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in 31 of the 55 African Union (AU) members as of Wednesday, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). A number of these countries have requested assistance from China and expressed readiness to learn from its experience. ENORMOUS POTENTIAL Over decades, Chinese medical teams in Africa have established a solid reputation for applying TCM therapy to treat diseases, many of which are chronic and difficult. Muhammed Ibrahim, a U.S.-trained doctor at the Eastern and Western Hospital in Abuja, told Xinhua that the TCM has been increasingly acknowledged and accepted by the public in Nigeria, with an increasing number of medical institutions providing TCM therapy. As he sees it, most countries fighting COVID-19, including Nigeria, are taking a cue from the tenacious Chinese approach. "China is open about the facts and measures, and it is expected China will share more details about definite curative effects of TCM in the disease," said Ibrahim. Away from the spotlight, the TCM therapy has been playing a bigger role in treating common diseases. File photo taken on Nov. 6, 2019 shows a Chinese doctor conducting acupuncture treatment for a local patient at a traditional Chinese medicine center in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar. (Xinhua/Xie Han) Liu Qiuhong, chief of the 8th Chinese medical team in Ghana, said TCM therapy is gaining popularity among Ghanaians. Like in many tropical countries, obesity and glaucoma are among the most common diseases in Ghana. Instead of seeking long-term medication, many locals now tend to try the TCM, which they see as a safer alternative following more recovered cases. "Constant acupuncture therapy has enabled me to lose weight and cured my legs, and it brings hope to my life again," said Gifty Opare Kwakyi, a Ghanaian patient. Last year alone, the Chinese acupuncture consulting room in Ghana's LEKMA hospital, also known as China-Ghana Friendship hospital, received more than 800 local patients. In the Namibian capital city of Windhoek, doctors at the Katutura State Hospital are overwhelmed by the number of patients interested in the TCM. On average, they treat more than 100 such patients every day. Yohannes Chala, head of the Addis Ababa Health Bureau, said "Chinese medicine and medical applications are highly regarded among Ethiopians," and that "the most common form of Chinese medical engagement in Ethiopia's healthcare sector is the application of acupuncture." In South Africa, doctors who use the TCM are registered under the Allied Health Professions Council and can claim medical aid. More and more South Africans are now using traditional Chinese medicine as they have become more aware of it. File photo taken on Aug. 5, 2019 shows Chu Hailin, a doctor of Chinese medical team, conducting acupuncture treatment for a patient in Windhoek, capital of Namibia. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu) CHINESE SUPPORT While still fighting against COVID-19 at home, China is supporting and helping African countries and regional organizations to the best of its ability, winning appreciation from across the continent. On Wednesday afternoon, Chinese experts and officials from health and customs departments shared information and experience about COVID-19 in a video conference with officials and healthcare specialists from Africa CDC and 24 African countries, showing commitment to sharing experience and supporting Africa in the fight against the pandemic. Tajudeen Raji, head of Public Health Institutes and Research of Africa CDC, said the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has been working closely with Africa CDC, providing support to the recently established Africa Taskforce on Coronavirus. "We have a senior technical advisor from China CDC who is working closely with us. He has been participating actively as far as the Africa Taskforce on Coronavirus is concerned, providing necessary advice," he said. China has delivered a batch of testing reagents to African countries via Africa CDC and emergency supplies to countries affected, with Chinese medical teams also helping fight the epidemic on the continent. Senior officials from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Harare City Council participate in the China-Africa Video Conference on COVID-19 in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) Meanwhile, Chinese companies and civil organizations also provided urgently needed supplies to African countries. Jack Ma, co-founder and former executive chairman of Alibaba Group, a Chinese multinational technology company, said Monday that his foundation will donate a total of 1.1 million testing kits, 6 million masks and 60,000 protective suits and face shields, among others, to 54 countries in Africa to help the continent fight the epidemic. The supplies will be flown to Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will lead the management of logistics and disbursement efforts. The Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation also established the Global MediXchange for Combating COVID-19 program to facilitate communication and collaboration across borders. "As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, the measures implemented in China may be instructive for other countries now struggling to control the virus," said Mallaba, adding that China's experience in fighting COVID-19 will help the entire world at large. The Tanzanian health official was not only impressed by the "amazing preparedness" of Chinese medical professionals and the conversion of convention centers and stadiums into designated hospitals to combat the coronavirus, but also China's timely sharing of disease-related clinical data with the public and the World Health Organization, which has helped many countries around the world to cope with the spreading virus. (Xinhua reporters Wu Changwei in Windhoek, Li Sibo and Gao Zhu in Dar es Salaam, Guo Jun in Abuja, Xu Zheng in Accra, Wang Shoubao in Addis Ababa, Jing Jing in Johannesburg, Zheng Yangzi in Abidjan, Yin Xiaosheng in Hangzhou, Wang Xiaopeng, Zhang Yu and Liu Ruijuan in Nairobi contributed to the story. Video reporters: Liu Ruijuan, Ruth Baru, Eric Nzioka; Video editor: Peng Ying.) WASHINGTON Officials with the Trump administration abruptly replaced the acting head of the National Counterterrorism Center this week amid planned cutbacks by the acting director of national intelligence, Richard Grenell, that have prompted fears among career officials of potential political retribution and a widespread loss of expertise. The acting head of the counterterrorism center, Russ Travers, will step down from his position in the coming weeks and retire, said Amanda Schoch, the top spokeswoman for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Mr. Grenell offered Mr. Travers another senior government position, but he chose instead to retire, according to people familiar with the matter. He had long been expected to retire but sped up the timing after the White House announced on Wednesday that President Trump would nominate Christopher C. Miller, a former National Security Council aide now working at the Pentagon, for the top counterterrorism job. Mr. Grenell wanted to assemble a new team to best support Mr. Miller after his confirmation, Mr. Travers wrote in a letter to colleagues reviewed by The New York Times. Mr. Travers noted that while he would vacate the acting director job in a couple of weeks, he would remain at the counterterrorism center as he prepared for retirement. TUNIS, Tunisia Prominent leader and member of the Ennahda Shura Council Abdelhamid Jelassi announced his resignation from the Ennahda party in a long post on his official Facebook page March 7, in which he said that his political experience with Ennahda is completely over. Observers said his resignation caused a tremor within Ennahda, as did the previous resignation of then-Prime Minister and Ennahda leader Hamadi Jebali on Dec. 11, 2014. On Nov. 28, 2019, then-Secretary-General of Ennahda Ziad Ladhari announced his resignation and justified this decision by saying that he was convinced that Ennahdas choices related to government formation do not live up to Tunisians expectations. In his interview with Al-Monitor, Jelassi accused Ennahda leader Rachid Ghannouchi of intentionally postponing the preparations for Ennahdas 11th National Congress due in May 2020. The congress aims to elect a new head of the movement to succeed Ghannouchi who was elected speaker of parliament for five years on Nov. 13. 2019. Chapter 31 of Ennahdas bylaws limits the party leader to no more than two consecutive four-year terms and states that the party leader shall dedicate himself to his duties as head of the movement leadership only. Tunisias Islamist Ennahda party held its first open meeting in Tunisia on July 12, 2012, after decades of covert work since its inception in 1981. During its meeting, the movement reelected Ghannouchi for a second four-year term, with a leadership spanning from 2012 to 2020. Jelassi said that his decision to resign is final and irreversible, as he realized the lack of democracy within the movement and the crackdown on freedom among its leaders. He also figured out its failure to shift from an Islamist organization led by Ghannouchi to a social democratic party. Jelassi did not rule out the possibility of forming a new political project. He noted that the Ennahda party lost its political identity and is now at the service of the regime to remain in power. He underlined that the consensus principle that Ghannouchi sought to instil with Nidaa Tunis and its founder, late President Beji Caid Essebsi, did not revive the economy or social development in the country. It was rather a way to reinforce Ennahdas position against its rivals so that it could prolong its days in power. In a March 9 statement, Ennahda voiced its disappointment for Jelassis resignation, urging him to reconsider his decision because of his status in the movement. In a local media statement March 6, Ghannouchi said, Jelassi made a miscalculation when he thought Ennahda dealt with the state as a prize. He emphasized that Ennahda is not a prison, but an institution-based movement, and whoever exits it does not become a foe but remains a friend and can return to it. In a Facebook post on March 5, member of Ennahda Shura Council Larbi Guesmi warned against disastrous repercussions of Jelassis resignation on the movements unity. He expected more resignations to follow, calling on Ghannouchi to act quickly to solve the crisis and urge Jelassi to reconsider. Political analyst and media figure Abu Lubaba Salem told Al-Monitor that Ennahda is well aware of the serious implications of the resignation of Jelassi, who is an influential and militant figure in the movement. His resignation reveals the anger within Ennahdas ranks at Ghannouchis inclination to rule forever, which clearly goes against the movements bylaws. Salem asserted that the Ennahda leadership recently met with Jelassi in attempts to push him to reconsider his resignation, and Jelassi confirmed such meetings in a Facebook post March 11. He wrote that he met with prominent Ennahda leaders Ali al-Areed, Lutfi Zaitoun and Rida al-Saidi, and they had a friendly and candid conversation during which they agreed on cooperating to serve Tunisia. However, he told Al-Monitor he would not reverse his decision to resign. Many believe Ennahda is now facing a real test to prove its conversion from an ideological organization to a civil party that respects laws and partisan democracy to avoid ending up like other Tunisian parties that experienced several resignations leading to their political demise. Noida, March 19 : IT major HCL Technologies on Thursday said one of its employees at one of its Noida offices who was in self-isolation following an international travel has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus. "Unfortunately, one employee from our Noida office has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel and hence our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols," the company said in a statement. "All prescribed protocols of sanitisation and contact tracing have been done," it added. The employee is currently in an isolation ward and "all measures are being taken to provide best medical care to him and support to his family", HCL Technologies said, adding that all other employees are in good health and are being monitored continuously. At least 181 people in India have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus which has now affected over 2 lakh people globally. Employees of several technology companies including Google have tested positive for the virus in India. Earlier this month, Paytm decided to shut its offices in Gurugram and Noida for at least two days after one of its employees who had recently travelled to Italy was tested positive with COVID-19. HCL Technologies said it is taking "an abundance of caution" and constantly monitoring all information sources including WHO alerts, complying with all government advisories globally, and instituted a series of actions to help its employees take better care of themselves and their families and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. "We have invoked our COVID-19 Contingency Plan in all geographies which aims at maximising work from home to aid social distancing and also issued a travel advisory across the company, taking full precautionary measures and suspending all non-essential travel until further notice," the company said. "Our recently launched global helpline for Covid-19 provides 24X7 support to our employees," it added. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) GREENWICH A robber used a handgun to smash open a display case and make off with merchandise from Byram Jewelers on Mill Street on Wednesday afternoon, police said. Authorities are seeking the suspect, who was described as a tall white male driving a compact red Honda, possibly a Civic, with blue and white New York plates. Video images were released by police on Thursday with images of the gunman and his vehicle. WATERLOO What the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging needs right now is volunteers with wheels. NEI3A is closing its meal site but will continue the home-delivered Meals on Wheels program. Individuals who customarily eat a hot, daily meal at one of the NEI3A locations can temporarily move to the delivery program. The change is part of NEI3As response to the COVID-19 concerns, said Donna Harvey, NEI3A CEO. We know nutrition is one key to staying healthy in the population we serve, so its critical for us to continue offering services. Thats one piece of it. The best part of Meals on Wheels is we get to see them face-to-face and see that theyre OK. If theyre not, we can respond. NEI3A relies on hundreds of volunteers to deliver over 1,000 meals each day throughout 18 counties served in Northeast Iowa. We are experiencing volunteers not wanting to deliver at this time due to the fears surrounding COVID-19, Harvey said. We are looking for anyone who is willing to assist us in getting these critical meals to homebound individuals. The problem is, she explained, that many Meals on Wheels volunteers are squarely in the population vulnerable to the coronavirus. A lot of our volunteers are in their 70s or so, and some of them dont feel comfortable making deliveries right now. We are looking for younger volunteers to help us get these meals delivered to people who need them. NEI3A staff members are being asked to free their schedule at midday so, if necessary, they can make the food deliveries. Harvey would rather have volunteers fill the roles. With all the schools and universities closing, maybe students could fill their time doing Meals on Wheels as volunteers, she suggested. A volunteer can commit to making deliveries once or twice a month, or we have groups that volunteer a week per month were open to anything. There is a short orientation program, Harvey said. Meals cant be left on the doorstep. Volunteers have to make sure the client answers the door and takes the meal. Volunteers will wear disposable gloves, which we will provide. Meals are ready to pick up at 10:30 or 11 a.m. and it takes about 1 hours to make deliveries. Volunteers are asked to make notations and observations on forms for each client, for example, if the person seems ill, or they arent at home or dont answer the door. We have emergency contacts for every person on our list, and the volunteers have the meal coordinators phone number, Harvey explained. NEI3A also is working with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to prepare food boxes for volunteers to deliver. The organization makes food box delivers once a month, but plans to move to a weekly basis, at least temporarily. Some people wont be able to get out and go to the stores. We cant have seniors out in stores taking a chance on being exposed to the virus. Some people dont have family to help them, and some people are food insecure, or have income issues. We want them to have food in the house, not just the one meal a day. Thats our main goal. The food bank will be preparing boxes with seniors in mind, Harvey said, such as food that requires little preparation and in smaller quantities and serving sizes. If someone is not able to prepare their own meals, NEI3A will try to get a family or church member to help out. Meals on Wheels volunteers know many elderly people share their lunch with a pet, Harvey noted. While the service doesnt deliver pet food, If they know a elderly person has a pet, theyll take a bag of pet food over to them. And if neighbors know an elderly person who is not on the Meals on Wheels program, now is a good time to reach out and offer assistance. Check on your neighbors, friends and loved ones. They may need food assistance. Be neighborly. At times like these is when the good comes out in people. Anyone willing to volunteer to deliver meals in any of the 18 counties NEI3A serves, call (800) 779-8707. For more information, call (800) 779-8707. Photos: Coronavirus threat impacts the Cedar Valley Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The U.S. Navy is activating its two hospital ships, the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, to provide medical assistance during the coronavirus outbreak. The two ships, built to accommodate large numbers of casualties during wartime, will provide backup medical services on the West and East Coasts as land-based hospitals provide care to those diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. The Navy is activating USNS Mercy, based at San Diego, California, and USNS Comfort, based at Norfolk, Virginia. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told CNN the ships will take weeks to be deployed and will not treat patients who have the virus. Rather, patients aboard who have other illnesses or injuries would free up more space for coronavirus patients at land-side hospitals. Under normal conditions, the two ships sit dockside and are manned for only basic maintenance. Upon activation, each is boarded by U.S. Navy medical personnel and loaded with medical supplies and equipment. At full strength, each ship has a crew of 71 and up to 1,200 doctors, nurses, and other medical specialists. The process typically takes five days. Mercy is ready to go but Comfort is currently in the middle of a maintenance period that will probably delay activation. The two ships of the Mercy-class were built during the Cold War to provide medical services in the event of a major conflict. Mercy and Comfort are part of the U.S. Navy but are classified as auxiliaries, like tankers and logistic ships, rather than warships built for combat. As a result, the ships use the USNS prefix, for U.S. Naval Service, rather than USS for United States Ship. The ships are staffed by civilian mariners instead of U.S. Navy personnel that sail under contract with the U.S. Navy. Other countries maintain hospital ships, including Chinas Peace Ark, but none are larger or have more capabilities than the Mercy class. The Mercy ships were built in the mid-1980s on the hull of San Clemente-class supertankers. Each is 894 feet long with a beam of 106 feet, resulting in tremendous internal volume for medical services. These services include 12 fully-equipped operating rooms, a 1,000-bed hospital facility, digital radiological services, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CAT-scan and two oxygen producing plants. The two ships have a helicopter landing pad and can take on patients by small boats and other watercraft. According to U.S. Naval Institute News, the two hospital ships will be used, one on each coast, to support civilian hospitals. Esper explained during a press conference that the ships, like many U.S. military medical units, are focused on trauma cases physical injuries resulting from combat. They are not designed with the segregated spaces to deal with infectious diseases. As a result, each hospital ship will be used to complement hospitals on shore, addressing physical injuries while hospitals concentrate their attention on the COVID-19 outbreak. The ships are periodically called up to address natural disasters, most recently in 2017 in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. The U.S. government announced that Comfort will go to New York City, where it will take up station in New York Harbor. Mercy will likely go to a similar metropolis on the West Coast, with likely candidates including Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles. The Navy announced an intention to retire one of the two aging hospital ships in 2018, citing the costs of keeping them on standby. Congress pushed back on the idea, and the plan was dropped. This article originally appeared on PopularMechanics.com The Delhi Legislative Assembly Committee for Peace and Harmony said on Thursday that it will ask WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter to help it identify some "offenders" who have shared inflammatory posts on social media. The panel, set up to foil spread of rumours and hate speeches in the wake of the violence in northeast Delhi last month, recorded statements of 14 complainants and of a person accused of spreading inflammatory content on social media. "The committee questioned and recorded the statements of 14 complainants, who had drawn its attention towards inflammatory content, including videos and messages," its chairman Raghav Chadha said. "It had also summoned a person accused of sharing the inflammatory content through WhatsApp. The man confessed to his crime which is punishable by imprisonment up to three years," he said. The person claimed that he was not aware of the law and apologised to the panel. "He has promised to remove the inciting posts, post a public apology on his social media accounts and make people aware of the law," Chadha said. "We will also ask representatives of WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter to join the investigation to establish the identity of some offenders who shared inflammatory posts on social media," he said. Communal violence in northeast Delhi on February 24-25 left at least 53 people dead and more than 200 injured. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The strange orbits of 'Tatooine' planetary disks Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have found striking orbital geometries in protoplanetary disks around binary stars. While disks orbiting the most compact binary star systems share very nearly the same plane, disks encircling wide binaries have orbital planes that are severely tilted. These systems can teach us about planet formation in complex environments. In the last two decades, thousands of planets have been found orbiting stars other than our Sun. Some of these planets orbit two stars, just like Luke Skywalker's home Tatooine. Planets are born in protoplanetary disks - we now have wonderful observations of these thanks to ALMA - but most of the disks studied so far orbit single stars. 'Tatooine' exoplanets form in disks around binary stars, so-called circumbinary disks. Studying the birthplaces of 'Tatooine' planets provides a unique opportunity to learn about how planets form in different environments. Astronomers already know that the orbits of binary stars can warp and tilt the disk around them, resulting in a circumbinary disk misaligned relative to the orbital plane of its host stars. For example, in a 2019 study led by Grant Kennedy of the University of Warwick, UK, ALMA found a striking circumbinary disk in a polar configuration. "With our study, we wanted to learn more about the typical geometries of circumbinary disks," said astronomer Ian Czekala of the University of California at Berkeley. Czekala and his team used ALMA data to determine the degree of alignment of nineteen protoplanetary disks around binary stars. "The high resolution ALMA data was critical for studying some of the smallest and faintest circumbinary disks yet," said Czekala. The astronomers compared the ALMA data of the circumbinary disks with the dozen 'Tatooine' planets that have been found with the Kepler space telescope. To their surprise, the team found that the degree to which binary stars and their circumbinary disks are misaligned is strongly dependent on the orbital period of the host stars. The shorter the orbital period of the binary star, the more likely it is to host a disk in line with its orbit. However, binaries with periods longer than a month typically host misaligned disks. "We see a clear overlap between the small disks, orbiting compact binaries, and the circumbinary planets found with the Kepler mission," Czekala said. Because the primary Kepler mission lasted 4 years, astronomers were only able to discover planets around binary stars that orbit each other in fewer than 40 days. And all of these planets were aligned with their host star orbits. A lingering mystery was whether there might be many misaligned planets that Kepler would have a hard time finding. "With our study, we now know that there likely isn't a large population of misaligned planets that Kepler missed, since circumbinary disks around tight binary stars are also typically aligned with their stellar hosts," added Czekala. Still, based on this finding, the astronomers conclude that misaligned planets around wide binary stars should be out there and that it would be an exciting population to search for with other exoplanet-finding methods like direct imaging and microlensing. (NASA's Kepler mission used the transit method, which is one of the ways to find a planet.) Czekala now wants to find out why there is such a strong correlation between disk (mis)alignment and the binary star orbital period. "We want to use existing and coming facilities like ALMA and the next generation Very Large Array to study disk structures at exquisite levels of precision," he said, "and try to understand how warped or tilted disks affect the planet formation environment and how this might influence the population of planets that form within these disks." "This research is a great example of how new discoveries build on previous observations," said Joe Pesce, National Science Foundation Program Officer for NRAO and ALMA. "Discerning trends in the circumbinary disk population was only made possible by building on the foundation of archival observational programs undertaken by the ALMA community in previous cycles." ### The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. Media contact: Iris Nijman News and Public Information Manager National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) inijman@nrao.edu +1 (434) 296-0314 Ian Czekala worked with Eugene Chiang of the University of California at Berkeley; Sean Andrews, Guillerno Torres and David Wilner of the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; Eric Jensen of Swarthmore College; Keivan Stassun of Vanderbilt University; and Bruce Macintosh of Stanford University. The astronomers published their results in The Astrophysical Journal. https:/ / iopscience. iop. org/ article/ 10. 3847/ 1538-4357/ ab287b The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded by ESO on behalf of its Member States, by NSF in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and by NINS in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). ALMA construction and operations are led by ESO on behalf of its Member States; by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), on behalf of North America; and by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of East Asia. The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA. This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. After collapsing during Wednesday with the Pound-to-Dollar exchange rate sliding over 4%, the British currency remained under pressure in Asian trading with Euro-Sterling at 11-year highs before attempting to stabilise. Volatility will inevitably remain extremely high in the short term. Intense dollar demand and Euro weakness continued to punish Sterling in New York on Wednesday with Sterling/dollar trading close to 35-year lows. After the New York close, the ECB announced an emergency programme to boost bond purchase by a further EUR750bn until the end of 2020. The new bond-buying programme will target private and public-sector assets and the move provided immediate relief with the Euro regaining some ground. The underlying dash for cash is still the dominant market influence and the Euro was unable to sustain initial gains. In this environment, the Sterling/dollar quickly came under fresh selling pressure and re-tested 35-year lows below 1.1500. Euro/Sterling also strengthened very sharply to an 11-year high above 0.9500 before a correction to below 0.9400 with Sterling/dollar trading near 1.1550. After the European close on Wednesday, the UK government confirmed that schools and universities across the UK would close on Friday. Some schools would, however, re-open to provide child-care for essential workers such as nurses. There were further rumours that London would be placed under lock-down and, although there has been no move so far, Johnson also warned that further measures may be necessary. The governments stance is to try and keep hospital admissions within maximum capacity limits. If modelling indicates that this objective is under threat, further action will be taken. There has been further speculation that the UK transition period after the EU exit would be extended beyond the end of 2020 due to difficulties in holding trade-deal negotiations. Johnson simply re-iterated that the legislation remained in place, but there will be further concerns that the timetable is unrealistic. Sterling had proved resilient until last week when selling pressure increased sharply. In terms of liquidity, Sterling should have been more resilient over the past 10 days. In this context, the currency weakness also suggests a decline in confidence with increased fears over the outlook and growing doubts whether the government response to the coronavirus outbreak has been sufficient. Jane Foley, a Senior FX Strategist at Rabobank commented; Without doubt, the broad based strength of the USD is a large factor behind todays plunge in the value of the pound. That said, GBP has also lost ground vs. the EUR which is suggestive of intrinsic softness. Market positioning is likely to have been another key element in this process. When risk appetite was strong, investors built up long positions which were funded through low-yield currencies. The CFTC data recorded that the number of long, speculative Sterling positions was running at close to 21-month highs in late February. As spot levels declined sharply, pressure to reverse these positions intensified with a head for the exit which exacerbated selling pressure. As Sterling has retreated sharply, pressure to cut long positions intensified with evidence of capitulation seen during Wednesday as the currency plunged over 4% against the US dollar. Marc-Andre Fongern, head of research at MAF Global Forex, commented that: The UK pound's collapse basically reflects an atmosphere of panic about the consequences of a global liquidity crisis. The market seems to be gradually capitulating. Sterling will be able to stabilise if central banks can ease liquidity pressures. Rabobanks Foley added, It is likely that GBP/USD will experience a bounce when the crisis has peaked and when USD demand relaxes, we are forecasting cable at 1.19 on a 3 month view. In its latest update, UOB commented that From here, barring a move above 1.1820, GBP/USD could move to 1.1400. UOB expects strong resistance close to 1.2150. 'There is no UPA now': Mamata Banerjee takes swipe at Cong, calls for unity of regional parties against BJP Sharad Pawar summoned by Bhima-Koregaon commission India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Mar 19: The Koregaon Bhima Inquiry Commission has summoned NCP chief Sharad Pawar to depose before it as a witness in the 2018 caste-violence case, the panel's lawyer Ashish Satpute. Pawar will have to appear before the commission in Mumbai, as the scheduled hearing by the commission was shifted there in view of coronavirus outbreak. The hearing, which was scheduled to be held in the last week of March, will now be held between March 30 and April 4. Apart from Pawar, the commission has also summoned then SP (Pune Rural) Suvez Haq, then Additional SP, Sandip Pakhale, then Additional Commissioner, Pune, Ravindra Sengaonkar, and then Collector Saurabh Rao, Satpute added. Bhima Koregaon: SC directs Navlakha, Teltumbde to surrender within 3 weeks Meanwhile, NCP spokesperson and Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik said in Mumbai that Pawar will appear before the commission on April 4 after Parliament session gets over. "The commission had asked Pawar for a convenient date for appearing before it. Accordingly, he will appear before the panel on April 4," Malik told reporters here. The NCP chief had filed an affidavit before the commission, headed by former Bombay High Court Chief Justice J N Patel, on October 8, 2018. In February this year, social group Vivek Vichar Manch member Sagar Shinde filed an application before the commission, seeking summoning of Pawar in view of certain statements made by him in the media about the 2018 caste violence. In his plea, Shinde cited a press conference of Pawar held on February 18. As per the application, at the press meet Pawar alleged that right-wing activists Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide had created a "different" atmosphere in Koregaon-Bhima, located on outskirts of Pune city, and its vicinity. "In the same press conference, Mr Pawar also alleged that the role of Pune city police commissioner is doubtful and must be investigated. These statements are within the purview of the terms of reference of this commission and therefore, they are relevant," Shinde had said in the plea. The applicant had also said he had reasons to believe Pawar has relevant and additional information, apart from what he has already shared in his earlier affidavit filed before the panel regarding the violence and other related matters. In his affidavit, Pawar had stated that it was unfortunate that the state government (BJP was in power at the time of the violence) and law and enforcement authorities failed to protect the interest of the common man residing at Koregaon Bhima and its vicinity. Why is Sharad Pawar so obsessed with Bhima-Koregaon "I would not be in a position to factually point out the chronology of the said events as that would be the domain of the existing law and order machinery." He also stated that he would not be in a position to specifically make allegations against any particular organisation," Pawar had said. He had further stated that the active role of "right- wing" forces behind the violence at Koregaon Bhima cannot be ruled out. "However, concrete evidence in this regard can be gathered only by law enforcement agencies of the state, he said in the affidavit. Gathering of anti-social elements in large numbers at Koregaon Bhima indicated the failure of law enforcement agencies, he had told the panel. Last month, the commission was given "final extension" till April 8 this year by the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government to submit its report. Violence erupted in Koregaon Bhima and nearby areas on January 1, 2018, during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Koregaon-Bhima battle. The Pune Police have alleged that "provocative" speeches at the 'Elgar Parishad conclave', held on December 31, 2017, triggered the violence. According to the police, the Elgar Parishad conclave organisers had links with Maoists. In December, Pawar termed the arrest of activists in the Elgar Parishad case "wrong" and "vengeful". He had also demanded that a Special Investigation Team be set up under a retired judge to probe the action taken by Pune police. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 7:45 [IST] SAO PAULO, March 18 (Reuters) - Brazil's antitrust watchdog will reevaluate the sale of Embraer SA's commercial division to Boeing Co, following an appeal by federal prosecutors, local newspaper Valor Economico reported Wednesday. Cade, as the watchdog is known, is expected to confirm its green light to the merger on a Thursday session that will be restricted to Cade's councillors and lawyers of parties involved, Valor said. Cade did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On January 27, the regulator approved Boeing's purchase of Embraer SA's commercial aviation division without restrictions. But federal prosecutors had filed an appeal earlier in February asking the antitrust agency to reconsider its decision. (Reporting by Gabriela Mello) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Azerbaijan State Oil Company SOCAR and Norwegian Equinor have confirmed the fact of discovery of the Karabagh oil field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, 120 kilometers east of Baku, Trend reports referring to SOCAR. According to the company, drilling of the first appraisal well at Karabagh oil field was started on December 23, 2019. The well was drilled in water depth of 180 meters by the Dada Gorgud semi-submersible drilling rig operated by SOCARs Caspian Drilling Company (CDC). The reservoir is at a depth of approximately 3.4 kilometers. Estimated size of the discovered volumes of oil and gas are satisfactory for pursuing commercial development of the Karabagh field. Karabagh is the first oil field discovered during the independence period of our country and its oil reserves estimated more than 60 million tons. The successful delivery of the appraisal well to the target safely and on time is the result of effective collaboration of SOCAR and Equinor. Development of the Karabagh field will significantly contribute to Azerbaijans oil incomes. The field proudly bears the name of the heart of our Motherland - Karabagh, SOCARs President Rovnag Abdullayev said: The Karabagh prospective structure was identified in 1959 as a result of seismic surveys. It was specified in 1984 and its oil and gas reserves were confirmed in 1997-1998 through exploration drilling. The oilfield is located 120 km east of Baku, at a depth of 150-200 meters in the open sea. The consortium operated by Caspian International Petroleum Company (CIPCO) drilled three exploration wells in the Karabagh PSA signed in 1995: two wells found gas in the southeast portion of the structure and the third well indicated presence of oil in the western part of the structure. In 1999, the PSA was terminated due to the non-commercial discovery. In May 2018, SOCAR Karabagh and Equinor signed a Risk Service Agreement related to development of Karabagh Oil Field in the Azerbaijan Sector of the Caspian Sea. According to the agreement, they hold equal shares. Since 1994, SOCAR and Equinor have been cooperating in important joint projects, including the operating of the Azeri Chirag and Deep Water Gunashli (ACG) oil field. A Northern Ireland couple have told how their trip of a lifetime turned into a nightmare after they were refused entry into South Africa and left stranded on the tarmac at Johannesburg airport. Businessman James Hagan from Ballyclare and his partner Anne Meeks, a retired nurse from England, have had to sleep in a borrowed car at Johannesburgs Lanseria airport after South Africa introduced emergency visa restrictions on UK passport holders because of the coronavirus crisis. The couple have spent the last 24 hours in a Volkswagen Caddy van after being left in limbo by the airport authorities, and last night James said he and Anne were expecting to spend another night on the runway. The trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate Annes 60th birthday, but has now turned into a bureaucratic nightmare, James said. Along with pal James Story from England, James and Anne were kept in an interview room for many hours after they flew into South Africa from Zimbabwe on a private charter plane. Expand Close James Hagan from Ballyclare has been left stranded on the tarmac of an airport in South Africa for the last 24 hours due to newly introduced visa restrictions. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James Hagan from Ballyclare has been left stranded on the tarmac of an airport in South Africa for the last 24 hours due to newly introduced visa restrictions. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph from the airport, James said: First of all they told us it was because we come from a high-risk country. But we said we dont we havent been in the UK for three weeks. It took them 24 hours to accept that but then they said there was a new regulation that all UK visas for entry to South Africa had been cancelled. We are now sitting in a VW Caddy at the airport the airport handling agent got us it to sleep in, with some bed clothes and stuff. Were out on the tarmac by the planes its roasting hot. Were getting food, but theres no showers. I wouldnt want to stand downwind of me! Last night, they were going to let us sleep in the airport waiting room but they asked us to sign a form which said we agreed we were illegally in South Africa and that we have come from a high-risk country. Mr Hagan said they argued with the official, but they were facing a brick wall. We refused to sign the form, and they threw us out. We said were not moving, and they called the police. Two policemen arrived. I was going to make them carry me out, but I decided that I didnt really want to go to a South African prison. It would be worse than the Crumlin Road, he chuckled. The couples flight back to the UK leaves on Sunday, from Cape Town but they are not able enter South Africa, and so cannot travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town for their flight home. Asked what the SA authorities were going to do, Mr Hagan said: Theyre not proposing one solitary bloody thing. We cant get into the country and we cant get out of it. Its bureaucratic buck-passing and were the victims, he said. Mr Hagan said he had contacted his MP, Sammy Wilson, and the British Embassy to try to break the deadlock that has trapped the couple on the tarmac thousands of miles from home. The Spanish Health Ministry said on Wednesday that new, faster tests to detect coronavirus cases will be rolled out this week. The announcement comes as infections topped 13,700, deaths reached 616 and 774 patients were in intensive care. A new outbreak was detected on Wednesday at a senior home in the Basque city of Vitoria, where eight residents have died. The head of another senior residence in Tomelloso (Ciudad Real) said that 12 people have died there. In Madrid, at least 19 seniors have died in another nursing home and healthcare sources said that more are likely to do so. The Madrid region is the epicenter of the epidemic in Spain, with 5,637 cases and 390 deaths so far. The Civil Guard stopped a face mask auction that was going to be held online King Felipe VI will address the nation at 9pm on Wednesday, hours after lawmakers convened in a nearly deserted Congress to discuss the governments strategy against the pandemic. Earlier in the day, the White House postponed a state visit to Washington by the Spanish king and his wife Dona Letizia that had been scheduled for April 21, due to coronavirus concerns. Staying put A man walking his dog in Madrid. Animal societies have asked owners to take their pets out on short walks during the lockdown. Oscar J. Barroso (Europa Press) Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya thanked Chinese officials for delivering equipment to fight the coronavirus. She also asked Spaniards who are currently living abroad to stay where they are, and had the following message for foreign nationals in Spain: I want to tell you that we are in touch with your authorities so you may return to your countries in an orderly manner. A total of 88 people have been arrested for disobeying the lockdown imposed on Saturday in a bid to curb the spread of the virus, said officials of the National Police and Civil Guard at a news conference. The Civil Guard has also confiscated 68,913 face masks, 5,053 pairs of protective glasses and 5,816 surgical gloves that will be immediately handed over to health authorities. Most of the material was seized at airports. In Zuera (Zaragoza), the law enforcement agency stopped a face mask auction that was going to be held online. Faster testing Health personnel working inside an intensive care ward at La Paz Hospital in Madrid. Pablo Cuadra (EL PAIS) The new tests will help detect the coronavirus among people with mild symptoms who are not currently included in the statistics. This will substantially increase the number of positives, explained Fernando Simon, head of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies. The figures in Spain, though rising fast 18% in the last 24 hours are likely a fraction of the true extent of the pandemic. Experts note that a more accurate picture is provided by hospital intensive care units, where the increase in patients with Covid-19 was 37.4% over the same 24 hours. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, deaths rose by 21.8% and hospital discharges increased by 5%. The amount of time and logistics involved in the current testing method, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has overwhelmed health authorities, especially in regions with a higher number of cases. The ministry did not clarify which new method will be used, and Simon admitted that it could produce false positives and negatives and will have to be evaluated before rolling it out nationwide. Asked by reporters if Spain is preparing emergency field hospitals or reconverting hotels into wards to support the healthcare system, Simon said that many options are being considered, including some that involve the Defense Ministry, which has numerous resources at its disposal. We also have human resources that could adapt to the system, which is reaching a degree of tension that was previously unknown, he said. Changes to the state of alarm The Spanish Cabinet on Tuesday corrected some of the errors contained in the original declaration of a state of alarm that placed Spain in lockdown on Saturday night. The original wording of the decree made it possible for groups of people to go out together to buy groceries, or even go down to the beach if no public roads were used. The corrected version says that all activities outside the house chiefly to go to work, buy food and purchase medicine must be done alone. Some exceptions are made, such as for people with children who can take them along on errands. The new version also revises the businesses that may or may not open during the state of alarm. Hair salons, which were originally allowed to keep operating, have been taken off the list. Veterinary clinics are now expressly mentioned as authorized to work during the lockdown. English version by Susana Urra. Charities are concerned at a likely rise in domestic and sexual violence as the pressure cooker in homes builds due to Covid-19 measures. Womens Aid is warning that a perfect storm of circumstances self-isolation, remote working in homes, and job losses is increasing the danger of domestic abuse. The Sexual Violence Centre Cork said women in violent relationships are in a nightmare situation and feared the violence could ramp up. Both charities want people to know they are still operating and are still offering counselling, including through Skype and on the phone. Womens Aid said that people self-isolating and working from home are more at risk from their abusive partners and more exposed to their controlling behaviour, verbal abuse and violence. The charity cited reports from China and Italy indicating an increase in domestic abuse incidents during the Covid-19 crisis. Sarah Benson, chief executive of Womens Aid, said that for thousands of women, the home is a place of violence and fear. It is important to remember that workplaces and schools often offer sanctuary for victims of domestic violence, she said. Job losses, remote working, self-isolation, and other measures are already impacting on victims. "The reality that the abuser may also be at home more, or all the time, is a very frightening one. Many women and children will spend the next few weeks in suffocating circumstances with their abusers because of the measures to combat Covid-19. There are women trapped inside with their abuser who are using this opportunity to further his control. Ms Benson added: Our national helpline is hearing from women already at a heightened state of alert, trauma, and anxiety because of the emergency. There is a perfect storm of circumstances which could see an increase in the number and the severity of incidents of domestic abuse. Sexual Violence Centre Cork director Mary Crilly likened the situation many women are in at home to a pressure cooker. Its going to be a nightmare for women in these situations," she said. When the kids are at home and an abuser is out of work and people dont have money, its going to be worse and the abuse is going to ramp up. Ms Crilly said these women are already going through so much without all the added isolation. You have women in rotten relationships, violent ones, and they tell you last night he raped me. Once he crosses that line, an abuser doesnt stop. Ms Crilly is concerned that future Government measures, as contained in the new emergency legislation such as ordering people to stay indoors could further worsen the situation. She urged people affected to continue contacting their local services and gardai. She said staff at the centre have contacted all the people with appointments and arranged counselling sessions through Skype or by phone. The same is being arranged with any new callers: We are still open for business, but in a different way. We are here and ready to support. She said there is an issue of privacy and safety for would-be callers, with some people having to get outside the home and ring from their cars. Ms Crilly said they have spoken to the Garda Protective Services Unit in Cork and that they are working as normal. Contact: Womens Aid 24-hour national freephone helpline 1800 341900, or visit womensaid.ie Sexual Violence Centre Cork: 1800 496496 or text 087 1533393 or email info@sexualviolence.ie [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed Mumbai ''dabbawalas'' suspend tiffin services till March 31 India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, Mar 19: To contain the spread of coronavirus, Mumbai''s famed dabbawalas have suspended their tiffin courier services from March 20-31, an official spokesperson said here on Thursday. "Adhering to the directives of the state government to avoid spreading the coronavirus, we have decided to suspend our services from tomorrow (March 20) till March 31. We plan to resume operations from April 1," Mumbai Dabbawalas Association spokesperson Subhas Talekar told IANS. The number of novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 170 with 152 active cases on Wednesday after a 23-year-old woman has tested positive. She has travel history to the United Kingdom. India tally now stands at 170 as14 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Health Ministry. India reports third coronavirus death after 64-year-old dies in Mumbai The cases include 25 foreign nationals -- 17 from Italy, 3 from Philippines, one each belonging to Canada, United Kingdom, Indonesia and Singapore. The figure also includes three deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Delhi has, so far, reported 10 positive cases which includes one foreigner, while Uttar Pradesh has recorded 16 cases, including one foreigner. Maharashtra has 42 cases, including three foreigners, while Kerala has recorded 27 cases which include two foreign nationals. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 15:42 [IST] Teheran: Iran on thursday announced 149 new deaths due to the novel coronavirus, raising the toll to 1,284, according to the health ministry. A total of 18,407 people have contracted the disease in the country, one of the worst hit by the novel coronavirus according to figures provided by Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi. Meanwhile, it is learn that the Chinese military has provided Iranian armed forces with medical supplies, such as nucleic acid testing kits, protective clothing and disposable surgical masks, to help the country fight the coronavirus epidemic, according to the Ministry of National Defence on thursday. The shipment arrived in Iran on thursday, the ministry said in a press release. Noting that the virus knows no borders, the ministry said the Chinese military will work with its counterparts around the world to tackle global security challenges and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The total number of confirmed novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Taiwan has increased by eight to 108, according to the island's epidemic monitoring agency on March 19. Among the new patients, six are Taiwan residents believed to have contracted the virus during their trips overseas, and one is a French man visiting relatives in Taiwan, the agency said in a press release. The other patient, a teenage boy, was believed to be infected by his highschool classmate, a previously confirmed patient, the statement said. Among the island's confirmed COVID-19 cases, 78 were imported. Twenty-six of the confirmed patients have recovered, and one died of the disease. The rest are in stable condition. Manila, March 19 : The Philippines' New People's Army (NPA) rebels on Thursday rejected a unilateral ceasefire, which President Rodrigo Duterte had declared this week to allow the military to focus on the coronavirus pandemic. "The militarist lockdown on the whole of Luzon is meant not to fight the COVID-19 pandemic but to intimidate the people, suppress democratic rights, commit human rights violations," Jose Maria Sison, the founder of the banned Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, said in a statement. Sison, who has been living in exile in the Netherlands for three decades, criticized the "strict quarantine" Duterte imposed on Monday across Luzon, the country's main island and home to the capital, Manila, and the increase in military controls, reports Efe news. According to the communist leader, the armed forces and the police "continue to redtag, abduct and murder social activists, including human rights defenders, in urban areas and to unleash attacks against the people in the guerrilla fronts of the New People's Army". The unilateral ceasefire by the government came into effect at midnight on Thursday and will last until April 15 to allow the military to help in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. There are 202 confirmed cases in the Philippines and 17 deaths, although there were concerns that the country might have hundreds of undetected patients due to lack of resources. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Drive-through COVID-19 testing began in New Canaan at Saxe Middle School, 468 South Avenue, on Friday, March 20, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. New Canaan officials released more details on the drive-through COVID-19 testing on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, that would be available. The testing is being held outdoors at Saxe Middle School, 468 South Avenue. Earlier information erroneously indicated that the location would be the New Canaan YMCA. Saxe is open, and those who are tested must remain inside their vehicle with the windows up until instructed to lower it by a staff member. Drivers should enter Saxe from Farm Road. No tests are being administered without an appointment, which requires filling out three forms for Murphy Medical Associates at coronatestct.com. The forms are a coronavirus questionnaire, patient demographics and insurance billing consent. Registration requires providing a drivers license number and address. The FDA-approved COVID-19 novel coronavirus test can only be performed with a prescription, which is obtained from Murphy Associates once the pre-screening process is completed online. Murphy Associates will follow the CDC guidelines for testing, which state that a person must have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 or be a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19; and must have developed symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath). Those who do not have symptoms will not progress past the first step in the registration process. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test requires a viral load for detection. We suggest you begin the process as soon as possible, Emergency Management Director Michael Handler said. We have attempted to make this process as smooth as possible. Please be patient. Questions that cannot be answered by Murphy Medical can be directed to the New Canaan Department of Health at 203-594-3037. With warmer weather early this week, more people have been moving around in town. Officials continue to stress the importance of keeping distance from others and avoiding large gatherings. Today we noticed that people were more relaxed with the social distancing throughout town, Handler said. We know that the weather is nice, but we must ask you to please continue to strictly limit social gathering and maintain social distancing. We would really rather not have to impose greater restrictions. Those restrictions currently have closed schools, churches, and municpal buildings, and have banned dining in local restaurants. Curbside pickup and delivery at our local restaurants continues, Handler said, and we strongly encourage you to continue to enjoy their meals, he said. First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill speak to the press at Stormont Castle regarding the coronavirus pandemic Schools across Northern Ireland are to shut from Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic. First Minister Arlene Foster, alongside deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, made the announcement on Wednesday evening and said the closures would "likely" continue beyond the summer holidays. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that schools in England would close from Friday and that GCSE and A-Level examinations were cancelled. This came just hours after both Scotland and Wales made the same decision to close their schools. In the Republic of Ireland schools have been closed since last Friday. Mrs O'Neill also said that a 370m support package for Northern Ireland businesses was being made available to support the most vulnerable companies. The news on school closures came as: six new positive cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total to 68; the UK death toll reached 104 as NHS England said a further 32 people had died in England after testing positive; a total of 2,626 people were confirmed to have Covid-19 across the UK; in Italy, the number of people who died from coronavirus rose by 475 in just one day, bringing the total of deaths in the country to almost 3,000; the DUP's Westminster leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson called on the Government to introduce a temporary employment support package to provide a basic income for people; and the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches suspended services in Northern Ireland. Speaking at Stormont Castle, Mrs Foster said that the decision to close Northern Ireland's schools was "unprecedented". "Our school principals, parents and pupils have been in a holding pattern based on medical advice for the last week," stated the DUP leader. "Today we have agreed that all schools will close from Monday, March 23. "The societal and economic impact of this measure will be enormous as parents have to adjust their routine to deal with this unplanned, long-term closure. "Our medical advice was to delay this step for as long as possible as the closure will likely take us beyond the natural break for summer." She added that children's education cannot cease and that the Executive is exploring how schools can continue to be a "base" for those whose parents work in the health service. In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that all GCSE and A-Level exams in May and June have been cancelled because of coronavirus. Commenting on school exams, Mrs Foster explained that the Executive is currently speaking to exam bodies and as soon as a "clear answer" is received, it will be made public. Expand Close PM Boris Johnson at Downing Street POOL/AFP via Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp PM Boris Johnson at Downing Street Mr Johnson said the Government would ensure that "in time" pupils due to sit exams this summer get the qualifications they need. According to the Prime Minister, qualifications would be "administered" fairly and in order to protect pupils' interests but he did not give details on how and when that would happen. He also urged parents not to leave children in the care of grandparents or older relatives who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with coronavirus, after announcing that schools, nurseries and colleges would close. Releasing details of Stormont's plan to help Northern Ireland's businesses, Mrs O'Neill stated that "it cannot be business as usual". An immediate grant of 10,000 will be provided to all small businesses who are eligible for the small business rate relief scheme - costing 267m and assisting some 27,000 businesses. Companies in the retail, tourism and hospitality sectors will also be eligible for an immediate grant of 25,000. It is estimated that will cost 100m and will help around 4,000 businesses. Read More The schemes will be administered by the Department for Economy and Invest NI, working in partnership with the Department of Finance's Land and Property Services. Sinn Fein's deputy leader also said that further announcements will be made in the coming days. "As a power-sharing government, know that we are absolutely united on your behalf," said Mrs O'Neill. "That is what you all deserve. "That is what we as ministers are 100% committed to delivering. "Your health and wellbeing is paramount. "We are pledging, to you all, that the sole focus of government has now turned to doing everything that is necessary to secure our public services, and to ensure that our employers, workers and their families are supported. "Our power-sharing government is determined to ensure that we act swiftly and decisively in your interests. "Acting together and standing together, government with community, I know we will come through this." She added that Stormont will also launch a communities response plan, a community support fund and an enhanced discretionary support fund, as well as exploring support for people on the private and social rental sectors, and support for people in crisis and emergency accommodation. Migrants wearing facemasks were pictured arriving at Dover after crossing the English Channel in a large rubber dingy today. Border Force officials apparently tested the migrants for possible cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) upon arrival into the country. It is understood a number of migrants were detained by Border Force and taken into the Port of Dover before being handed over to Immigration Officers. Migrants wearing facemasks were pictured arriving at Dover after crossing the English Channel in a large rubber dingy today It is thought that the group crossed the Channel by dinghy before being caught by Border Force once they arrived in the UK. A large dinghy was later discovered off the coast of Dungeness, Kent, containing personal belongings belonging to the migrants. The Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) was brought ashore by the crew of the Dungeness lifeboat at lunchtime today. The blue and white boat was left on the beach nearby. Border Force officials apparently tested the migrants for possible cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) upon arrival into the country A black Nike trainer, a grey jacket, towels, bottles of water and pieces of bread were left scattered along the inside of the inflatable vessel. Elsewhere, sixteen migrants have been rescued after setting off from France and trying to cross the English Channel to the UK. It comes despite the escalating coronavirus crisis in Britain, where cases are increasing every day. Migrant aid charity Care4Calais warned this week that 3,000 migrants living in desperate conditions in northern France are at high risk from Covid-19. It is understood a number of migrants were detained by Border Force and taken into the Port of Dover before being handed over to Immigration Officers It is thought that the group crossed the Channel by dinghy before being caught by Border Force once they arrived in the UK On Thursday, 16 migrants were picked up 5.5 nautical miles off Calais by a coastal patrol boat after setting off from a Calais beach, according to French authorities. Surveillance and rescue staff were alerted about 1.10am on Thursday morning to a report of a boat potentially in trouble. The 16 migrants were picked up by the Aramis patrol boat and taken to Dunkirk, where they were handed over to border police. A spokesman for the French Prefet Maritime said all were safe but warned that crossing the Channel is very dangerous. It is thought that the group crossed the Channel by dinghy before being caught by Border Force once they arrived in the UK A large dinghy was later discovered off the coast of Dungeness, Kent, containing personal belongings belonging to the migrants. The Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) was brought ashore by the crew of the Dungeness lifeboat at lunchtime today The blue and white boat was left on the beach nearby after being pulled ashore A black Nike trainer, a grey jacket, towels, bottles of water and pieces of bread were left scattered along the inside of the inflatable vessel A man wearing a blanket was escorted by a member of Border Force Up to 1,000 refugees are living in Calais, with many seeking to attempt the dangerous crossing despite repeated safety warnings. On Tuesday, UK Border Force intercepted two inflatable boats off the coast of Kent, carrying 25 migrants who were then expected to be checked for coronavirus symptoms, the Home Office said. And on Monday, 16 men were intercepted by French authorities five nautical miles off Dunkirk. Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais, said there are no known cases of Covid-19 in the makeshift camps on the northern coast of France, but it is only a matter of time. She said: 'They can't have showers. They can't wash their hands. They can't self-isolate. So all the things we are being told to do, they can't do. Coronavirus: What you need to read Coronavirus maps: Cases and deaths in the U.S. | Cases and deaths worldwide Vaccines: Tracker by state | Booster shots | For kids 5 to 11 | Guidance for vaccinated people | How long does immunity last? | County-level vaccine data What you need to know: Omicron variant | Breakthrough infections | Symptoms guide | Masks FAQ | Delta variant | Other variants | Follow all of our coverage and sign up for our free newsletter Impact of the pandemic: Supply chain | Education | Housing Got a pandemic question? We answer one every day in our coronavirus newsletter Former vice president Joe Biden seems headed to become the Democratic presidential nominee for the 2020 general election as he solidified his lead over rival candidate Bernie Sanders on Tuesday. What Happened Biden clinched four states voting on Tuesday, including Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, and Idaho by a comfortable margin, according to the New York Times. Results in North Dakota and Washington were too early to call, but Sanders maintained the lead in both states. The contest seems particularly close in Washington, where Sanders is leading by about 2,000 votes, with 67% of the results in. The Sanders campaign was counting on a win in Michigan to keep the presidential hope alive, as the Vermont senator had defeated Hillary Clinton in a close contest in 2016 in the state. Michigan pledges 125 delegates, the most of any state that voted on Tuesday. Why It Matters Biden's campaign was revived after his stellar performance on Super Tuesday, as he failed to make it among the top three candidates in the first three primaries in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. This was the first head-to-head contest between Biden and Sanders, after all, but one other candidate dropped out of the race following Super Tuesday results. Tulsi Gabbard, the only other contestant in the race, has two pledged delegates. If Sanders doesn't win both Washington and North Dakota, it seems Tuesday's results would serve as the demarcation line for the Democratic Presidential Race. Biden leads with 823 pledged delegates against Sanders' 663 at press time, based on the Times data. As early results came in, former rival candidate Andrew Yang also endorsed Biden as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, as reported by CNN. A number of other candidates, including Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Amy Klobuchar, have previously endorsed Biden for the contest. What's Next If the race isn't settled, four delegates-heavy states Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Arizona will hold Democratic primaries next Tuesday. Story continues As Michigan results became clear, Biden called for unity in the party. "We share a common goal and together we are going to defeat Donald Trump," Biden said, thanking Sanders and his supporters for their "energy as passion," as reported by Reuters. "Winning means uniting America. Not sowing more division and anger," Biden added. Photo Credit: Public domain photo via Wikimedia. See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form OKLAHOMA CITY, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the significant drop in commodity prices, Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) ("Continental" or the "Company") today announced a revised 2020 capital budget of $1.2 billion, representing a 55% decrease in capital spend from the Company's original budget of $2.65 billion. The Company expects to be cash flow neutral under $30 per barrel WTI. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95419/continental_resources_logo.jpg The Company will be reducing its average rig count from 9 to approximately 3 in the Bakken and 10.5 to approximately 4 in Oklahoma. The Company has taken action to implement cost saving initiatives across its operations as part of its ongoing commitment to remain free cash flow positive. "With a solid balance sheet, peer-leading operating costs and minimal long-term service or supply contracts, Continental will remain flexible and nimble as we optimize development and monitor market conditions," said Bill Berry, Chief Executive Officer. "Continental has a proven track record of adjusting activity and delivering cost savings to maximize cash flow generation in lower price environments." Harold Hamm, Executive Chairman, said, "This budget adjustment has been precipitated by the collapse of crude oil prices due to the market manipulation of Saudi Arabia and Russia. Illegal dumping of crude oil by these countries began earlier this month at a time of low demand during this unprecedented pandemic of Coronavirus. The U.S. Department of Commerce has been asked by U.S. Senator James Inhofe, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to initiate an immediate investigation and to take action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to protect national security and counter this illegal activity. We believe this is a short demand cycle which could see some near-term correction when this illegal dumping practice is halted." With the revised budget, the Company anticipates 2020 production to be down less than 5% year-over-year. The Company plans to provide additional details surrounding its 2020 guidance updates as part of its first quarter 2020 earnings release, based on its ongoing evaluation of evolving business and market conditions. Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements included in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements, information, forecasts or expectations regarding the Company's business and future plans, including those relating to its share repurchase program, payment of dividends, debt reduction goals, free cash flow generation and liquidity expectations, and its expectations regarding the achievement of ROCE goals. When used in this press release, the words "could," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," "budget," "target," "plan," "continue," "potential," "guidance," "strategy," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions about future events and currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Although the Company believes these assumptions and expectations are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that such expectations will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility; the geographic concentration of our operations; financial market and economic volatility; the inability to access needed capital; the risks and potential liabilities inherent in crude oil and natural gas drilling and production and the availability of insurance to cover any losses resulting therefrom; difficulties in estimating proved reserves and other reserves-based measures; declines in the values of our crude oil and natural gas properties resulting in impairment charges; our ability to replace proved reserves and sustain production; the availability or cost of equipment and oilfield services; leasehold terms expiring on undeveloped acreage before production can be established; our ability to project future production, achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations and predict the amount and timing of development expenditures; the availability and cost of transportation, processing and refining facilities; legislative and regulatory changes adversely affecting our industry and our business, including initiatives related to hydraulic fracturing; increased market and industry competition, including from alternative fuels and other energy sources; and the other risks described under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, registration statements and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC, and other announcements the Company makes from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which such statement is made. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this report, or otherwise. About Continental Resources Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) is a top 10 independent oil producer in the U.S. Lower 48 and a leader in America's energy renaissance. Based in Oklahoma City, Continental is the largest leaseholder and the largest producer in the nation's premier oil field, the Bakken play of North Dakota and Montana. The Company also has significant positions in Oklahoma, including its SCOOP Woodford and SCOOP Springer discoveries and the STACK plays. With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental has unlocked the technology and resources vital to American energy independence and our nation's leadership in the new world oil market. In 2020, the Company will celebrate 53 years of operations. For more information, please visit www.CLR.com. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Rory Sabino Kristin Thomas Vice President, Investor Relations Senior Vice President, Public Relations 405-234-9620 405-234-9480 [email protected] [email protected] Lucy Guttenberger Investor Relations Analyst 405-774-5878 [email protected] SOURCE Continental Resources Related Links http://www.clr.com In Chinas battle against the novel coronavirus epidemic, many renowned academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) have become known as warriors in white, courageously fighting the epidemic on the front line of the battle. Since the beginning of the outbreak, these academicians have stepped forward bravely, led research teams in the race against time and fight against the disease, playing the leading role in the main battlefield of nationwide efforts to combat the epidemic with no regard for their own safety. Lets get a closer look at some of the academicians who have fought on the front line of Chinas battle against the novel coronavirus, learn their stories about combating the epidemic, and get an idea of how their boundless kindness and love drive them to do what they do. Li Lanjuan A doctor should be ready to explore the unknown. Renowned Chinese epidemiologist Li Lanjuan has fought on the front line against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic that hit China in 2003, H7N9 bird flu virus in 2013, and now the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). On Jan. 18, Li, an academician with the CAE and head of the State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, arrived in Wuhan to carry out field research as a member of the high-level expert team sent by the National Health Commission (NHC). Before dawn on Feb. 2, Li, the 73-year-old epidemiologist came to Wuhan for the second time since the outbreak, bringing to the virus-hit city the Li Non-Bioartificial Liver (NBL), an artificial liver support system, and treatment models including the four fights and two balances. Li has spent a month working at the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, making great efforts to improve the epidemic situation in a variety of ways, including preventing severe cases from turning into critical cases, preventing secondary bacterial infections, and reducing the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis. Many netizens were touched when they saw a close-up photo of her face etched with marks left by wearing masks for prolonged periods. The picture was taken right after she came out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and took off her protective suit. Only by seeing the conditions of patients in person can you make the right judgment and decision. Chatting with patients can also help them lift their mood. Doctors should pay attention to everything about patients, Li said. Healing the wounded and rescuing the dying has been something Li had wanted to do since she studied at the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 40 years ago. During her time in Wuhan, Li arrived at the command center of the national medical teams in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University at 8:30 a.m. every day, and then started making the rounds of the wards. Im used to making the rounds of the wards, taking part in consultations during the day and reading materials and revising papers at night, said Li, who added that she gets up at 6:30 a.m. every day, and always aims to go to bed by midnight, but often loses track of time when she is busy with work. While treating patients in Wuhan, Li also held tele-consultations for patients in other provinces of the country. Li says that she is also responsible for the telemedicine treatment of patients she received before coming to Wuhan, adding that she handles this task mainly on her mobile phone. Im also responsible for many training tasks, such as explaining the four fights and two balances treatment strategy to front-line medical workers, Li explained. Now we are seeing more and more patients being discharged from hospitals, and the challenges of patient admissions has been gradually resolved. The battle against the epidemic has seen important phased results, Li said. Some of the patients she treated came to thank her before being discharged from hospital, while others in the ICU thanked her for developing the artificial liver support system, which Li says is the best possible reward for her. In 1986, I got 3,000 yuan (about $428.22) in scientific research funds for young scholars, which was the first research fund I received in my life. Then some colleagues of mine and I devoted ourselves to the development of artificial liver technology. By 1996, we successfully cured 45 patients with our system, Li recalled. The artificial liver support system developed by Li has been proven to be extremely effective in treating patients in the current epidemic. In Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University alone, the system saw an improvement rate of 77.8 percent in the treatment of severe cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia. While fully taking on the previous experience of predecessors, a doctor should be ready to explore the unknown, noted Li. The retirees of the Nigerian Television Authority have lamented the non-payment of about 15 months pension arrears by the federal government. The pensioners, who stormed the Ogun state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta on Thursday, lamented that their situation has become worrisome and unbearable. They complained that many of them, numbering about 2,000, have not been paid and the federal institutions responsible are unconcerned. Speaking on behalf of the pensioners, the national president of NTA contributory pensioners association, Kayode Da-Silva decried the inhuman and inconsiderate actions of the federal government over the payment of their gratuities. Da-Silva said there is no appreciable improvement from the government, despite having various deliberations with them. He also lamented that some of the federal contributory pensioners still earn less than N10,000 monthly. He said, we find it necessary to intimate the federal government and the general public with the realities of our time. We cannot continue to suffer in silence. The situation is unbearable and intolerable, it needs to be addressed urgently. It is disturbing and uncomplimentary that members of the CPS have not been paid up till now and the federal institutions responsible cannot be bothered. We are appealing to both the federal government and PENCOM to give us our due. The NTACOPAN president, however, appealed to the federal government to see to their plight by authorizing and approving appropriate salary increase for federal pensioners. He urged the PENCOM to release the template used for the computation of technical benefits of pensioners under the contributory scheme. Da-Silva stressed that one year of pre-retirement verification enrolment with National Pension Commission is enough to solve all their challenges. He further stressed that the government should also make the pensioners beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Politics ABC News Former President Donald Trump, his sister Maryanne Trump Barry and the estate of his late brother Robert Trump tried on Tuesday to convince a New York judge to dismiss a lawsuit by Mary Trump that accused her family of swindling her out of at least $10 million. Attorneys for the Trump siblings argued Mary Trump's claims are time-barred by a six-year statute of limitations and prohibited by legal releases she signed in 2001 when the family settled the estate of Fred Trump Sr., the former president's father. The Trumps also argued Mary Trump possessed "boxes and boxes of information" about the estate settlement that should have given rise to any claims at the time. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:32:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MACAO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Center of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Thursday reported two newly confirmed imported COVID-19 cases, bringing the number of imported cases to seven in March. A 19-year-old woman, a Macao overseas student from Britain, arrived in Hong Kong by air from London via Singapore. She arrived in Macao on Monday through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and went back home for medical observation for 14 days. She was tested positive with the COVID-19 on Thursday. The other patient, a 11-year-old son of a non-resident worker from the Philippines, has arrived in Hong Kong by air from Jakarta of Indonesia with his parents. They arrived in Macao on Tuesday through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The mother was found to have fever by Macao's medical personals up on entering Macao and tested positive with the COVID-19 on Wednesday. The son was tested positive with the COVID-19 on Thursday. Both of the patients were quarantined and treated in Macao's hospital of Centro Hospitalar Conde de Sao Januario. The government of the Macao Special Administrative Region on Thursday issued a level two travel alert to all overseas countries and regions, and strongly urged its residents to avoid non-essential travel during this period. Macao overseas residents were also urged to pay attention to local governments announcements, and take reference from the epidemic prevention guidelines issued by the Macao Health Bureau. Iran's Official Coronavirus Death Toll Now Up To 1,284 03/19/20 Source: Radio Farda With 149 new deaths in the past 24 hours, Iran's death toll from coronavirus (COVID-19) rose to 1,284 on Thursday. According to the latest official announcement by the Health Ministry, there are now 18,407 cases of confirmed coronavirus infection in the Islamic Republic. The new numbers were announced by Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi. According to him a total of 5,979 have recovered from the illness since February 19 when the first two deaths from coronavirus were reported in Qom, a central Iranian city. Official Iran's statistics on coronavirus as of March 19 Infections: 18,407 Deaths: 1,284 New Cases: 1,046 Recovered: 5,979 The number of infections has gone up by 1,046 since Wednesday. The number only includes cases confirmed as coronavirus infections according to the strict protocols of the Iranian Health Ministry that requires confirmation by coronavirus and other tests. Many, including Iranian medical authorities, have said that the number can be much higher if patients who have been admitted to hospitals and not been tested as well as the those who have self-isolated are included in the tally. On Wednesday the President of Iran's licensing and regulatory body for healthcare professionals said the number of people infected by COVID-19 is "definitely much higher" than what the country's Ministry of Health announces. Dr. Zafarghandi also dismissed the claims that the peak of the epidemic is over. According to Dr. Kianoush Jahanpour, the Spokesman of Iran's Health Ministry, one Iranian dies of COVID-19 every ten minutes. By gathering data from dispersed official comments by provincial authorities and local news agencies Radio Farda has been able to confirm that at least 1,774 patients died of coronavirus in Iran and at least 34,225 have been admitted to hospitals in 30 provinces out of the 31 provinces of the country as of March 18. Iranians will be celebrating the New Year (Nowrouz) on Friday. The holiday falls on the day of the Spring Equinox. With coronavirus epidemic affecting the country, the worst-hit in the Middle East and the third in the world after China and Italy, the government has urged people to stay in their home and avoid all travel to help curb the spread of the disease. PHOENIX State lawmakers are weighing contingency plans in case public schools do not reopen soon or at all this school year. Senate Bill 1693 introduced late Wednesday spells out that if classes resume by March 30, there would be no requirement for school districts to make up the lost days. The bill also would extend the window for required statewide standard assessment tests through the end of May. March 30 is the date that State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman set for reopening after a two-week closure announced Sunday in response to the spread of COVID-19 and the fact that teachers were calling in sick. The legislation crafted by Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, and Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, has no assumption the emergency will be over by then. If students are not back in school March 30, their measure would suspend state laws that require there be a certain number of school days and instructional hours. It also would cancel the annual statewide achievement tests for this year and ensure that the letter grades now assigned to each school do not decline. The most significant part would require public schools to offer education services in alternative formats if they want to get their state aid. Schools would be allowed to continue paying employees to work from home or to perform alternative assignments through the end of the school year. Our students cant afford to lose the last quarter of the school year, Udall said in a prepared statement. We trust our educators and school leaders to do everything in their power to ensure students have the stability and the opportunity to continue to learn during this challenging time. The UK capital is headed for much tougher lockdown measures within days as London remains the country's coronavirus hotspot, with over a third of the UK's 2,626 confirmed cases, at 953. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted on Wednesday that Britain remains a "land of liberty" but did not rule out a further crackdown on London, where the virus has been spreading faster than any other part of the country despite government advice to refrain from all social contact and unnecessary travel and work from home as far as possible. "I have to tell you we will rule nothing out and we will certainly wish to consider bringing forward further and faster measures where that is necessary to suppress the peak of the epidemic to protect our NHS [National Health Service], to minimise casualties, and to minimise suffering," he said during his daily Downing Street briefing, when asked about bringing in measures similar to those in place across the border in France where citizens require paperwork to justify their movements out and about. "Absolutely we do not rule it out, because it would be quite wrong to do so. We do not rule out taking further and faster measures in due course, Johnson said. As the death toll from COVID-19 hit 104, the UK Cabinet Office has reportedly asked government departments to draw up plans that would force cafs, pubs and restaurants to close and drastically reduce the Underground Tube, rail and bus service network. Transport for London is already putting in place plans for the closure of up to 40 Tube stations, with most Underground lines set to run heavily reduced services across the capital. People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a direct plea to Londoners. Johnson also appealed for people to take the self-isolation advice seriously: I am a believer in freedom. But let us be in absolutely no doubt that these are very, very important choices we are now making. The more closely, the more strictly, the more ruthlessly we can enforce upon ourselves, our families, the advice the fewer deaths we will have. The move came as he announced the closure of schools indefinitely from Friday and cancelled annual board level exams scheduled for May and June. Provisions are being made for the children of key workers in the healthcare and delivery of essentials sectors, so that parents are able to carry on their work. The Army is also preparing to provide support during the pandemic, with the number of troops in a heightened state of readiness to be doubled to 20,000 and Reserves to be placed on standby to support public services in a new "COVID support force". The Ministry of Defence is also planning to put 150 military personnel into training to drive oxygen tankers around the country to support the NHS. Emergency laws will be introduced in Parliament later to provide new powers to deal with the pandemic. The Coronavirus Bill includes provisions for border controls, ways of boosting the NHS workforce and making it easier to register a death. The government says the measures will only be used when necessary and have a time limit of two years. The Opposition Labour Party is calling for a fresh vote on the legislation every six months, labelling the plans as "far-reaching". The UK's 1984 Public Health Control of Diseases Act already allows for individuals to be kept in isolation for their own safety and could also be brought into use. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Agthia Group, one of the regions leading food and beverages companies, today announced a series of measures to guarantee food, water and home essential products for citizens and residents in the UAE, across its CSD outlets. The group emphasised that these steps are in line with the efforts of the UAE to ensure its security in various health, economic and social aspects. Eng Dhafer Ayed Al Ahbabi, Agthia Group Chairman, said: Agthia is proud to stand aligned with the UAE Government to support its efforts to maintain the wellbeing of the community during such times. Established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with a vision to play a strategic and vital role in the UAEs food security during times like this, Agthia remains committed to the community. We will overcome this situation much stronger and more resilient than ever. Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Agthia Group CEO, said: At Agthia, we are agile during times like this, and our factories remain prepared and equipped to fulfill community needs through the UAE Governments demands, as part of our national duty and commitment. Our CSD operations are strategically positioned to provide food, water and essentials to communities across our outlets, and we continue to adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. We have also deployed innovative measures to provide communities with online ordering service and delivery. In addition, more than 180 items have been stocked across all CSD locations nationwide, as well as provided double the number of delivery trucks, in the aim to provide products and daily necessities to everyone in the comfort of their home. -TradeArabia News Service Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 23:32:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Thursday required targeted measures to curb cross-border transmission of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and proactively promote work resumption in an orderly manner. A leading group of China's COVID-19 epidemic response convened a meeting Thursday, which was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. The meeting called for continuous efforts for medical treatment, community-based prevention and control and follow-up work in Hubei Province and its capital city of Wuhan, and resolute actions to prevent the risk of virus outbreak rebounding in other regions. Imported COVID-19 cases in China are increasing as the epidemic rapidly spread across the world, leading to growing pressure in epidemic containment, the meeting noted, demanding strengthened international coordination and cooperation to improve epidemic prevention and control on international flights. The meeting required tailoring gate position, boarding bridges, and passes for all flights from hard-hit regions overseas, and carrying out health inspections at designated areas to minimize the risk of cross-infection. It called for the timely transfer, treatment and quarantine measures for confirmed or suspected patients and close contacts, adding that people who report false information or conceal infection will be investigated in accordance with the law. The meeting also demanded suspension of land passenger transportation from overseas and improving the management of waterway passenger transportation from overseas. Areas with the major risk of imported cases should strengthen the preparation for treatment, including supply for medicines and protective materials, designated hospitals, and isolation wards, according to the meeting. The meeting required issuing warnings on cross-border personnel mobility and suspending inbound and outbound tours. Guidance and support to Chinese nationals overseas should be strengthened to protect their lives and health, said the meeting, pledging continuous assistance to other countries to the best of China's ability. The meeting also called for sharing epidemic containment experience and facilitating related countries to purchase medical materials from China. Noting that most regions in China have been low-risk regions in terms of virus spread, the meeting underscored efforts to restore people's normal work and life in full in low-risk provincial regions. Health certificates should be recognized nationwide, and obstacles for personnel and goods flow across low-risk areas should be eliminated, said the meeting, requiring no quarantine for people from low-risk areas before resuming work. The capacity for emergency response should be preserved to properly handle new confirmed COVID-19 patients, the meeting stressed. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy head of the leading group, attended the meeting. Several times a day, he would call his daughter, Mary Trinity, to ask in a faint, slightly garbled voice where everyone was and to beg her to please, please, get him out of there. Mr. Trinity was caught in a moment. And he wasnt alone. The federal government and various health care associations have issued strongly restrictive guidelines to prohibit family members and other nonessential personnel from visiting nursing homes, rehab centers and other facilities with older, vulnerable residents. We know there have been challenging episodes with family members, vendors, state survey teams and even a few ombudsmen or postal carriers, not wanting to comply, Mark Parkinson, the president of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, wrote last week. As awareness of the coronavirus grows, he added, hopefully those challenges will diminish. But Richard J. Mollot, the director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, an advocacy group for people in institutional residential settings, said in an email that he was deeply concerned about residents being cut off from their loved ones. While emphasizing the need for extensive precautions, Mr. Mollot said that banning family members, but not employees who come and go some to second jobs as home-care aides makes no sense. He also noted that families are more than friendly faces; they help with eating and drinking and with monitoring medications and treatment. Israel has shut its borders to all foreigners in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country, which is nearing 500 cases, The Population Immigration and Border Authority said on Wednesday. "After receiving the recommendation of the Health Ministry, it was decided that beginning today, the entry of foreigners who are not Israeli citizens or [permanent] residents will not be allowed," the authority said in a statement. The stipulation repeals earlier edicts that allow entry for foreigners who can prove an ability to self-isolate. According to the Times of Israel, the ban on entry is the strictest anywhere in the since the beginning of the pandemic. Authorities also moved to shut border crossings with neighbouring Egypt and Jordan, the Times reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a day prior said that authorities will not order a total lockdown but advised citizens to remain indoors. Meetings of over 10 people have also been cancelled. Israel currently has over 430 cases of coronavirus infection, with no deaths reported so far. Semi-constituent West Bank, where a large number of Israelis live in illegal settlements, currently counts just over 40 cases confirmed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 06:51:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Palestinian worker enters Israel through a checkpoint between the West Bank city of Hebron and Beersheva while carrying blankets and mattresses, on March 19, 2020. Palestine on Wednesday tightened its precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the closure of the crossing points between the West Bank and Israel. Shaher Saed, head of the Palestinian Trade Union in the West Bank, explained that workers who are still in Israel and want to return to the West Bank or workers in the West Bank who want to go to work in Israel "have a three-day ultimatum to settle their decision and then no one will be allowed to travel." (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Wednesday tightened its precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, officials said. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye announced earlier in the day that his government has coordinated with Jordan and Egypt to close the borders for travellers but continue commercial movement. Ibrahim Melhem, spokesman of the Palestinian government, told Xinhua that the closure of the two crossing points with Jordan and Egypt was fully coordinated between Palestine and the two countries. "It is important for our people to fully understand that the precautionary measures, which have been taken recently, are tough but can curb the spread of the pandemic in our country," said Melhem. He added that the measures also included the closure of the crossing points between the West Bank and Israel. "The government has taken tight measures in full coordination with the Israeli side to overcome the crisis," said Melhem. Spokesman of the Palestinian Ministry of Labor Rami Mahdawi told Xinhua that there is a joint Israeli-Palestinian coordination to follow up the situation of the Palestinian workers who will stay in Israel for a long time. "Around 95,000 Palestinians work in Israel under official Israeli permits, while there are 35,000 workers who are illegally working in Israel and another 3,000 work in Israeli settlements," said Mahdawi, adding that all these workers represent 20 percent of the overall Palestinian labor force. Mahdawi held Israel responsible for the safety of tens of thousands of Palestinian workers who will stay in Israel over the COVID-19 concerns. Shaher Saed, head of the Palestinian Trade Union in the West Bank, told Xinhua that Israel began to tighten its measures on the movement of the Palestinians through crossing points that it controls, including workers. He explained that workers who are still in Israel and want to return to the West Bank or workers in the West Bank who want to go to work in Israel "have a three-day ultimatum to settle their decision and then no one will be allowed to travel." In addition, a Hamas-run committee which was formed on Monday decided to prevent the population of the besieged coastal enclave from traveling through Rafah crossing point with Egypt until further notice. Earlier on Wednesday, Melhem told a news briefing that three more Palestinians have been infected with COVID-19 in the district of Bethlehem, raising the total number of cases to 44. After hitting its lowest level since October the Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate recovered some of its lost ground on Thursday morning. Although demand for the Pound remained weak, thanks to anxiety over the prospect of a sharp increase in UK government debt, this was not enough to push the GBP/CAD exchange rate lower at this stage. While oil prices rallied in the wake of the latest action from central banks around the world the mood towards the Canadian Dollar proved bearish. Even though Brent crude climbed more than 3% on the days opening levels this still left the price trending below the US$30 per barrel mark. With markets not expecting to see any sustained recovery in the oil market in the weeks ahead, given a likely slump in global demand, CAD exchange rates look vulnerable to further selling pressure. The relative strength of the US Dollar also weighed heavily on both the Canadian Dollar and Pound, with investors still rushing to pile into cash and the safe-haven currency. Stronger Retail Sales Unlikely to Encourage CAD Exchange Rate Recovery Forecasts of a modest uptick in Januarys Canadian retail sales data may not offer the Canadian Dollar any real boost on Friday. Even if consumer spending shows signs of recovery at the start of the year this could easily be overshadowed by lingering anxiety over the Covid-19 crisis. With the Canadian economy looking at increasing risk of slipping into a state of slowdown support for CAD exchange rates may prove limited for the foreseeable future. Any fresh decline in market sentiment could weigh heavily on the Canadian Dollar, with a sustained weakness in oil prices likely to dent the economy. A disappointing retail sales reading, meanwhile, could see CAD exchange rates shedding fresh ground ahead of the weekend. As long as demand for the US Dollar remains elevated any potential for a Canadian Dollar recovery appears muted. Rising UK Government Debt Forecast to Add to Pound Selling Pressure Februarys UK public sector net borrowing report may leave the GBP/CAD exchange rate exposed to a fresh leg downwards, on the other hand. Evidence that government debt already picked up before the announcement of its fiscal stimulus package could give investors fresh incentive to sell out of the Pound. With markets appearing apprehensive about the prospect of UK borrowing continuing to grow this could see GBP exchange rates pushed towards fresh lows. With UK businesses still calling on the government to do more to combat the economic fallout of the Covid-19 outbreak the appeal of the Pound may struggle to improve. As long as the risk of a sharp economic downturn remains the GBP/CAD exchange rate looks set to remain on the back foot. New Hampshire Dept. of Justice(LOS ANGELES) -- Former California homicide detective Roxane Gruenheid had helped put a murderer behind bars, and yet, there was something about the suspect that nagged at her -- something in his murky past that told her this wasnt the end of his story. It was 2003. The killer, who by then was known to authorities as Curtis Kimball, stunned the court when he suddenly stood up at a pre-trial hearing and announced he wanted to plead guilty to murdering Eunsoon Jun. Jun was a 44-year-old California chemist he had been dating before she disappeared and her dismembered body was found in her Richmond, California, home. Kimball had originally pleaded no contest to a second-degree murder charge. He had also first told police his name was "Larry Vanner," and they knew he had also used the name "Gordon Jenson." Gruenheid, a former captain for the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office who is now retired, had helped uncover the body. She couldnt stop thinking about how this man -- a proven liar -- had already served time on child abandonment charges for deserting a little girl he called his 5-year-old daughter Lisa, 15 years prior. I was really centered on the little girl, on Lisa, she said. Like, was this really his daughter? If it's not his daughter, where did he get her? Who did he get her from? She believed Kimballs sudden decision to plead guilty was because he had overheard her telling another investigator in court that she was requesting a paternity test for Lisa, who by 2003 was in her early 20s. I think he believed if he pled guilty ... I would stop investigating that aspect of his past, Gruenheid said. She refused to stop pushing for answers. Although she and her fellow investigators knew Kimball had a lengthy criminal record, they wouldnt know the full scope until years later. Eventually, Gruenheid's efforts to uncover Lisas past helped launch new investigations that eventually led police to believe that Kimball, whose real name was Terry Peder Rasmussen, was in fact a prolific serial killer who used multiple aliases for years as he murdered women and children on both coasts. Investigators referred to him as The Chameleon. The Rasmussen case helped change forensic investigations forever with the introduction of the use of genetic genealogy -- a technique that has helped point to suspects in other major cases, including the Golden State Killer case. Chasing a ghost In 2003, as far as Gruenheid and her team knew, Rasmussens criminal record had started in 1985. He had been arrested in 85 as Curtis Kimball after he was involved in a car accident in Cypress, California, with Lisa in the car with him. He was charged with driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child. He failed to appear in court for these charges, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. By January 1986, authorities said Rasmussen was living with Lisa in an RV park in Scotts Valley, California, where he worked as a handyman under the name Gordon Jenson. Richard and Katherine Decker, an older couple also living in the park, helped care for Lisa and had concerns about her well-being so much so that they tried helping their daughter, who lived in San Bernardino, California, adopt the little girl. Authorities believe Lisa was 4 or 5 years old at the time. The Deckers brought Lisa to Southern California to meet their daughter, but called police after they say Lisa said things that seemed to indicate she had been abused. Eager to finalize the adoption so that she would not be returned to him, the family discovered that Gordon Jenson had fled the RV park in June 1986. When police realized Gordon Jenson was a false identity and fingerprint records from the previous DUI arrest matched him to Curtis Kimball, they issued an arrest warrant. Rasmussen was captured and charged with child abandonment as Curtis Kimball in March 1989. Two months later, he pleaded guilty to child abandonment and received three years in prison. He served less than two and was paroled in October 1990. Then he disappeared again. Authorities said Rasmussen resurfaced in California as Eunsoon Juns new boyfriend -- she introduced him to her family in December 1999, and he told them his name was Larry Vanner, according to authorities. When Jun disappeared in 2002, police questioned the man who said his name was Larry Vanner, but his fingerprints records returned a match for Curtis Kimball. By 2003, California authorities knew Kimball, Vanner and Jenson were all aliases for the same man. But it would be another decade before they knew his real name was Terry Rasmussen. A few weeks after Rasmussen pleaded guilty to Juns murder under the name of Kimball, Gruenheid learned the results of Lisas paternity test. I got the call that he was not biologically related to Lisa, and ... that confirmed a lot of what my suspicions were, she said. This guy's a ghost. He doesn't exist prior to his arrest in Cypress. Tracking down Lisas real identity Lisas adoption to the Deckers daughter had fallen through in the 80s because the adoption papers were never signed. Rasmussen fled before signing them and he claimed her biological mother was deceased. Lisa was placed in child protective services in San Bernardino. She was eventually adopted but she grew up believing Gordon Jenson was her father. Gruenheid said she contacted San Bernardino authorities to let them know they had a living Jane Doe child case, meaning a missing child that was still alive. About a week later, Gruenheid said San Bernardino authorities called her back, telling her, Holy moly, we had no idea that this case had even existed. After years of dead ends, Det. Peter Headley of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office got Lisas case in 2013. I had taken a look at using ancestry sites for Lisa's identity. At the time, the database was very small, Headley said. Later on, at the end of 2014, Lisa brought it up to me. I said, Let me look at it again. The databases had grown tremendously. Headley said he had Lisa sign up for Ancestry.com first and received two hits on fourth and fifth cousins, which were very distant relatives. Headley said he then reached out to DNAAdoption, a website that helps adoptees identify birth families through their DNA matches, and genetic genealogist Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter responded. The Lisa ... case was actually kind of difficult, because, normally when you're working with adoptees, you have some information, Rae-Venter said. You know where they're born, you have a birth date." In Lisa's case, we had no idea where she was from, she continued. All we had was her DNA. Authorities had estimated Lisa was born around 1981 based on her dental development at the time she was recovered in 1986, Rae-Venter said. So when Rae-Venter started working on the case in 2015, she assumed Lisa was about 35 years old. She also had Lisa do a 23andMe test to narrow down her region of origin, which turned out to be the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, Headley reached out to the cousins who matched with Lisa to ask them to submit DNA samples and one of them agreed. Rae-Venter said she also uploaded Lisas DNA profile to two other genealogy databases, FamilyTreeDNA and GEDMatch.com, and asked the cousins Lisa had already matched with to do the same. From there, Rae-Venter said she sculpted various family trees to try to find possible parent or grandparent matches for Lisa. As more cousin matches revealed themselves and more agreed to submit their DNA, Lisas family tree began coming into focus. Lisa's cousins became very, very involved, Rae-Venter said. We ended up with over 200 of Lisa's genetic cousins in this project. After thousands and thousands of hours working on the Lisa Project, Rae-Venter said her search ultimately pinpointed a man in New Hampshire named Armand Beaudin. I was contacted one day by my nephew, and he was working with the sheriff's department out in California, Armand Beaudin said. They requested for me to do a DNA [test] and they discovered that I was the actual grandfather. Turns out Beaudins daughter, Denise Beaudin, had been missing for decades. Rae-Venter had figured out Beaudin was Lisas mother. Once they had confirmed a DNA match from the grandfather that showed Lisa was related to him on her mothers side, Headley called Lisa to give her the news. I called Lisa up to let her know that we knew who she was. She got very quiet, Headley said. I asked her, Do you want to know your name? Then she just very quietly said, Yes. Lisas birth name was Dawn Beaudin. The last time Armand Beaudin said he saw his daughter and granddaughter was around Thanksgiving 1981, when Denise was with her then-boyfriend -- a man named Bob Evans. Dawn was born in 1981, Armand Beaudin said. She was only 5 months old when they left Manchester, [New Hampshire]. Beaudin said Evans announced they were leaving town because they owed people money. I went over [to their house] to invite them here for Christmas, and found out that they were already gone, Beaudin said. The neighbors told me that they had packed ... and just left and I never saw her [again]. When Headley got that information from Armand Beaudin, he said he sent photos to the Manchester police of the man they knew in California as Curtis Kimball/Larry Vanner/Gordon Jenson. Authorities in New Hampshire went to Beaudin to show him Kimballs mugshot. He identified him as Bob Evans. So our suspect started in 1984 ... as Curtis Kimball, Headley said. Then... we had Gordon Jenson... then he was using Larry Vanner. And now it turns out in the early 1980s back in New Hampshire, he was using Bob Evans. All the same guy, he added. At this point, investigators had connected three mysteries back to the same person. The man who killed Eunsoon Jun also had Lisa, now identified as Dawn Beaudin, with him for a time and he had been with her biological mother, Denise Beaudin, who hadnt been seen since 1981. So in 2016, more than 30 years after Denise Beaudin went missing, New Hampshire authorities opened a missing persons case for the first. She had not been reported missing before then because her father said, we had no idea what to do, or where to go, or which way to turn. And unbeknownst to Gruenheid, Headley and other California authorities at the time, investigators in New Hampshire had been baffled for decades by a complete different, yet strange, cold case: Two barrels each containing two bodies had been found 15 years apart in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. That case was soon going to get its biggest break in three decades. The Bear Brook murders: Two barrels, four bodies found 15 years apart In 1985, while Curtis Kimball was in California with Lisa, New Hampshire police said a large, rusted blue barrel was found containing the remains of an adult woman about 23 to 33 years old and a female child they believed at that time to be 5 to 11 years old. A second, similar rusted blue barrel was discovered about 100 yards away in 2000. Police said it contained the remains of two female children, one believed to be 2 to 4 years old and the other between 1 to 3 years old. By 2016, none of the four victims nor their killer had been identified, but after the discovery of Lisas real identity, police wondered if the adult victim was Denise Beaudin. New Hampshire authorities knew a man named Bob Evans had been in the state as far back as the late 70s, working as an electrician and handyman. We knew that Bob Evans actually spent a good amount of time on that property where the barrels were found, because he used to fix up and do some electrical work at a camp store that was right there on the property in Bear Brook State Park, said Carol Schweitzer, a supervisor of the Forensic Services Unit at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2017, New Hampshire authorities held a press conference announcing that Lisas DNA did not match the adult victim, meaning she was not Denise Beaudin. But authorities said they had decided to test Bob Evans DNA with the four bodies found in the barrel, and it had led them to a huge discovery. They know Bob Evans is Gordon Jenson/Larry Vanner. They have his DNA from California, said Billy Jensen, an investigative journalist and the author of the book Chase Darkness With Me. So they test the DNA from the bodies in the barrels in New Hampshire against the DNA that he left in California, and they realize that he's actually related to one of the little girls in the barrel. The child, dubbed by authorities as the middle child because of her age, was Bob Evans biological daughter. She became the key for investigators to tie him to the barrel victims. It's extremely rare to know who the killer is, but not know who the victims are. Usually when that happens, that's serial killer territory, Billy Jensen added. It turned out that the middle child was not related to the other three victims found in the barrels. However, DNA testing had determined that the adult victim was the mother of the other two children. At that point, authorities still didnt know who the barrel victims were, and they wanted to know if Bob Evans was yet another false name or a real name for the same killer. Rae-Venter said she was called upon again, this time to help identify the mystery killer. After a tremendous amount of work, using the same DNA profile mapping techniques -- building out family trees from matches to the killers DNA profile -- she eventually was able to crack it. Law enforcement suspected that there were probably other victims. And so, they really wanted to know who this guy really was and where he was from, she said. [I] determined that he in fact was Terry Rasmussen from Colorado. Rae-Venter said it was the first time that genetic genealogy had been used to help law enforcement solve a criminal case. Terry Rasmussens daughter: Hes a serial killer Rasmussen had died in a California prison of natural causes in 2010, but now that authorities knew his real identity, Headley said they could retrace his whereabouts, piece together a timeline of his life and try to find more victims. What we learn about this guy is that he had what seems to be a pretty conventional life up to a point. He was born out in Colorado, he got married, had four kids, said Jason Moon, a New Hampshire Public Radio reporter and host of the popular Bear Brook podcast, who has been following the case developments for years. In identifying Terry Rasmussen, Barbara Rae-Venter has also, of course, identified his whole family," Moon continued. "And his immediate family doesnt have any idea what kind of news they're about to get." In June 2017, Diane Kloepfer, formerly Diane Rasmussen, was working as a records clerk at a police station in Illinois when she got a call from her mother saying the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit wanted to talk to them. When Kloepfer met with the officers, she said they laid out a sprawling tale about her father, whom she hadnt seen since she was around 6 years old. They had all these other pictures from all the times that he'd been arrested under all these different names, she said. It was him. As she listened to the officers describing what her father had been accused of over the years, Kloepfer said she realized a horrible truth about him. He's a serial killer, she said. That's the first time I've said that. Kloepfer said her father served in the U.S. Navy during the 60s and her parents got married in Hawaii in 1968. The family also moved around when she and her three siblings were young, she said. My mother tells me my father burned my brother with cigarettes, Kloepfer said. Normal people don't do that. Kloepfers mother left Rasmussen and took the kids with her in 1975, shortly after Rasmussen was arrested for aggravated assault, according to New Hampshire authorities. By then, the family was living in Arizona. Kloepfers parents divorce was finalized three years later. I don't know if my mother knew his capacity for violence, Kloepfer said. But I don't believe that she knew about his ability to kill women and children. If my mother wouldn't have left my father, it couldve been me, would have been me, she added. The last time Kloepfer said she saw her father was in December 1975 or 1976 when he showed up at the familys Arizona home unannounced with an unidentified woman. By the late 70s, authorities say Rasmussen turned up in California. Soon after, he was in New Hampshire. The long road to identifying the Bear Brook victims So by 2017, authorities had a much clearer picture of this bicoastal serial killer, but the identities of the four barrel victims in New Hampshire still remained a mystery. It was around mid-October [2017] that I received information that we had a credible tip that may be able to identify at least three of the victims of the barrels, said Det. Sgt. Matthew Koehler of the New Hampshire State Major Crime Unit. One of the interesting dynamics of this case as we went along was ... private citizens taking an intense interest in this one case. While Rae-Venter was working with law enforcement, other amateur sleuths following the Bear Brook murders case had been trying to dig up new information on their own as well. One of those people was Rebekah Heath, a research librarian, who said she became obsessed with the Bear Brook case. She said she listened to Moons Bear Brook podcast and spent hours combing through online message boards with posts about lost loved ones. It's generally something very simple as, I'm looking for my sister. I haven't seen her in 10 years. I'm wondering, this was her last known address, Heath said. But then there are some that are a bit deeper than that, where they haven't seen a loved one for 25 years. I'm really concerned.... You get a variety. As she looked, Heath said she tried to find posts that matched the information law enforcement had announced about the Bear Brook victims at the 2017 press conference. She said she would get a hunch and chase down a lead, then discard it when the details didnt match up. But one day, she found something that caught her eye. One post in particular was a half-brother looking for his half-sister, Sarah McWaters, and the locations were [in] California, the time frame was around the 70s. She was born [in] 77, she said. Then I noticed that there were other family members of Sarah's mother, who was [named] Marlyse, who were looking for another sister, and I was like, Wait a second, so there's two sisters, it's not just one, Heath continued. That's when I saw [another post about] Marie Vaughn, Sarah's half sister. Heath also looked for Marlyses death certificate, but couldnt find one, meaning she could still be alive or unidentified. There were a bunch of different family members that were all looking for this woman and her two children, Heath said. The ages fitting and then the locations also fitting. I'm like, Oh my goodness, you know what, this seems like something ... I think that this could be them. Heath said she connected with one of the family members posting onto the message board through Facebook and started asking her questions about the girls. And then she just throws in, Oh, and by the way, she married a guy with the last name Rasmussen, Heath said. I was like, Oh my God, it's them. It's them, it's them. This is it. This is it. This is real. Meanwhile, during the time Heath was pouring over online posts, Rae-Venter had come across an article about a new forensic technique that extracted autosomal DNA from rootless hair. Dr. Ed Green, an associate professor of biomolecular engineering at the University of California-Santa Cruz, worked on DNA technology development and his lab had developed the new hair technique. Rae-Venter asked New Hampshire authorities to send hair samples from the Bear Brook victims to Green, who was able to extract autosomal DNA from the victims hair shafts. It turns out that hair is a very, very good capsule for storing DNA. It's insoluble, it doesn't dissolve in water, Green said. The Bear Brook case was the first time anyone had asked us to do anything with law enforcement. After she received the DNA profiles from Greens results, Rae-Venter put DNA profiles for the four victims into genealogy databases and started building family trees for them, just as she had done before for Lisa and Rasmussen. All of a sudden you have two people [Heath and Rae-Venter] ... solving the Bear Brook case at almost the exact same moment. It's unbelievable, but that's what happened, Moon said. Rae-Venter and Heaths hundreds of hours of research paid off. In June 2019, New Hampshire authorities announced they had identified three of the four Bear Brook victims. The adult victim was identified as Marlyse Honeychurch. The oldest child, who was found in the first barrel with her in 1985, was identified as her daughter, Marie Vaughn. The youngest child, who was found in the second barrel in 2000, was identified as her daughter, Sarah McWaters. To this day, the identity of the middle child, who was determined to be Rasmussens biological daughter, remains unidentified. Marlyse was born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1954... She later married, and gave birth to her daughter, Marie, in 1971, said Det. Sgt. Koehler. After Marlyse married her second husband, she gave birth to her daughter Sarah in 1977 Marlyse and her second husband separated in 1978 and ultimately divorced. In 1981, Denise Beaudin introduced her family to her boyfriend, Bob Evans, at a family gathering in Manchester, New Hampshire -- about 25 minutes away from the property in Bear Brook State Park where the two barrels were found. Beaudin is still missing to this day. [Rasmussen] was able to insert himself into families, tear those families apart, kill the members that came with him, and then do it all over again in a couple years with a different name and a different family, Moon said. Rasmussen's victims were intimately known to him, and he spent months or years with them at times before murdering them. Honoring Rasmussens victims In November 2019, Honeychurchs family members held a funeral for her and her two daughters. Diane Kloepfer, Rasmussens daughter who helped authorities piece together his past, was invited to attend. While there, she met Honeychurchs family for the first time. I don't know that I ever could make up for my father's sins How do you ever make up for something like that? Kloepfer said. They all said the same thing, that it wasn't my fault... but because of my father they lost their sister and their nieces. The thing that binds us together is this horrible thing that has happened here, but they treated me just like I was their sister, she added. As for the middle child, Rae-Venter said she's hopeful she will be identified soon. Honeychurchs family said they still keep that child in their hearts. We call that other little child, we named her Angel, said Honeychurchs brother David Salamon. And the focus from this day forward should be to find the family of that little girl. If you have any information about these missing cases or others, please call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit its website at www.missingkids.org. For any tips concerning Terry Rasmussen and any unknown victims, please contact the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit (603)223-3648 Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. FILE PHOTO: Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at the oil facility in Khurais By Rania El Gamal DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco will continue reducing operations at its local refineries in April and May to boost the state energy companys potential to export crude oil, a company official said on Thursday. Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, said on Wednesday it had directed Aramco <2222.SE> to keep supplying crude at a record rate of 12.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in the coming months. Exports were set to top 10 million bpd from May, it added. On Monday Aramco said it would likely sustain higher oil output planned for April in May, and that it was "very comfortable" with crude at $30 a barrel, signaling it is prepared to live with low prices for a while. It also plans to raise its oil production capacity to 13 million bpd. Worldwide, refineries are slowing output and contemplating extensive maintenance because of travel restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Gasoline demand in the United States, the world's largest oil consumer, is plunging. International flights are being grounded worldwide, slamming jet fuel demand. Margins for producing transportation fuels turned negative in Europe and Asia and briefly did the same in the United States, in a rapid response to international and domestic travel restrictions in scores of nations worldwide. Saudi Arabia has also taken drastic steps to try to slow down the spread of the virus, including suspending the Umrah pilgrimage, halting international flights, and closing schools and most public establishments. The kingdom, which reported 67 new infections on Wednesday to bring its total to 238, has also suspended most private sector activities and cut its state budget by nearly 5%, as the outbreak and low oil prices threaten growth. Oil prices have lost half their value in less than two weeks due to the coronavirus and a battle for market share between Saudi Arabia and Russia after the collapse of a global supply cut pact earlier this month. (Reporting by Rania El Gamal; Editing by Edmund Blair and Jan Harvey) Members of the United Cadres Front of Ghana (UCF-Gh) have noted with concern, overt and covert means of subverting the peace and security of Ghana by activities of state institutions such as the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority. The Electoral Commission, despite numerous protests with facts by political parties, Civil Society Organizations and individuals, has persistently made clear that it will compile a new voters register. In fact, the Commission has defied the advice of its own Advisory Committee of Eminent Citizens as well as ignored the invitation of the National House of Chiefs for deliberations on the way forward. To crown it all, the Electoral Commission is condoning and conniving with the National Identification Authority to continue the registration exercise hoping that the national identification card will be a principal document for the forthcoming compilation of a new voters register; for which a Constitutional Instrument is currently laid in Parliament to that effect. It is regrettable that the National Identification Authority is flouting a Presidential directive of avoiding mass public gathering because of the World Health Organizations declaration as a pandemic of the dreaded COVID-19 virus. There is no reason other than supporting the planned use of the national identification card by the Electoral Commission as a major electoral registration requirement. Members of the UCF would want authorities of the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority to know that, laws are made for the citizens, and not citizens for the law. We are currently living in trying times; and to blatantly ignore the consequences of both the ECs and NIAs intentions of preparing the grounds for a particular political party to have an electoral advantage cannot be considered democratic. We unequivocally wish to state that, we stand by the good people of Ghana who have not, and will not sit down for their rights and freedoms to be trampled upon and sacrificed for such dastardly political expediency by state institutions which seem to have lost their national character and identity. We will join, for that purpose, all progressive forces in the country who have demonstrated their desire and resolve to fight with the last drop of our blood to maintain and sustain the sanity and sanctity in both our governance and political systems that we helped to put in place on 7th January, 1993. Signed: Comrade Shine Gaveh National Chairman, UCF-Gh Entire streets of shops could be wiped out and thousands of workers out of jobs as coronavirus crushes small business across Australia. Staff in cafes, bars, florists, and yoga studios are already being laid off en masse as sales plunge up to 80 per cent in just two weeks. On Thursday Scott Morrison announced the closure of Australia's borders to all non-resident foreigners, which could cripple the tourist industry for six months. The drastic move to shut Australia's borders from 9pm on Friday came as local cases surged to over 700, with about 80 per cent of those coming in from overseas. Every business Daily Mail Australia spoke to in Sydney and Melbourne on Thursday said they were either about to close or would be broke within weeks. Owners are desperately hoping for a break from their landlords, or that the government's stimulus package will swoop in and save them. Small businesses like Nutrition Station Cafe in Marrickville, Sydney, fear they will go broke within weeks as sales plunge amid the coronavirus panic On Thursday the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Morrison government banded together to pump $105billion into the economy to help save businesses and jobs. The RBA slashed interest rates to 0.25 per cent, the lowest they have ever been. Meanwhile, the central bank announced a $90 billion line of credit to banks with incentives to pass on cheap rates to businesses. Commonwealth Bank immediately passed on the 1 per cent point rate cut to small businesses and other banks are expected to follow suit. The Morrison government has also announced tax-free cash grants of up to $25,000 will be given to 7,000 small businesses that employ people and have sales of less than $50 million. However the rescue plan may come too late for many businesses who may have collapsed before payments arrive on March 31. Poll Is your job affected by the coronavirus crisis Yes No Unsure Is your job affected by the coronavirus crisis Yes 640 votes No 342 votes Unsure 211 votes Now share your opinion Barangaroo House in the Sydney CBD laid off 40 staff in a week and shut its upstairs bar indefinitely as so many of its customers are now working from home. Cafes with no customers In Melbourne's CBD, business has gone from bad to catastrophic in a matter of days, with many preparing to close up shop completely by Monday. Operations manager for Sunshine Sparrow Cafe Pty Ltd, Nunzio Vizzini, said the company's network of cafes could collapse within a week without financial support. Its popular city cafe, Blended Beard, near Melbourne's court district, was practically empty on Thursday. 'Our aim is to just try and keep our heads above water and pay our rent,' he said. Sunshine Sparrow Cafe Pty Ltd's network of cafes across Melbourne could collapse within a week without financial support. Blended Beard, near Melbourne's court district, was practically empty on Thursday, staff member Harry Nguyen (left) said 'It's definitely not about making profit, it's all about giving these guys some wages because as it stands the government really hasn't done much for casual employees. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'I'm just trying to give them some earnings. Honestly we're just trying to put them first.' Business owners in Sydney's inner-west said the whole once-popular Marrickville Road shopping strip could be wiped out within weeks. Trish Calligas, manager of Nutrition Station Cafe next door to the yoga studio, said she was forced to cut the hours of her seven staff by a quarter this week. Some casuals are only working half what they usually do and someone will go next week and another the week after if the situation continues. 'It's usually packed on Saturday but now it's a ghost town. We disinfect everything multiple times a day but people are still too scared to eat out,' she said. Trish Calligas, manager of Nutrition Station Cafe, said she was forced to cut the hours of her seven staff by a quarter this week Lily Tran and Michael Vo, owners of Mimosa Jewellery and Perfumery said they had lot 80 per cent of their business in two weeks The shop has been in the same spot for 33 years and was once visited by Bob Hawke when he was still Australian Prime Minister The cafe usually makes about $2,000 a day on Monday, the biggest day of the week, and is now not even making half that. 'I didn't think it would hit us this hard because we offer orders online through Menulog, but that is way down too and I don't know why,' she said. 'If the landlord or the government doesn't help us we won't be able to survive much longer.' Family businesses on the brink Lily Tran and Michael Vo, owners of Mimosa Jewellery and Perfumery in Marrickville, once visited by Bob Hawke, said they had lot 80 per cent of their business in two weeks. 'We are getting three customers a day, not even. The only businesses doing well on this street are toilet paper and butcher,' Ms Tran said. 'Hopefully people will spend the $750 Mr Morrison gives them, but they probably aren't going to spend it on perfume probably on toilet paper.' Chilling parallels between coronavirus meltdown and the Great Depression with TWO MILLION facing unemployment By Stephen Johnson The coronavirus crisis could cause Australia's unemployment rate to almost triple to Great Depression levels of the 1930s as casual workers are increasingly laid off, experts say. Qantas is already temporarily retrenching two-thirds of its 30,000 staff as the airline suspends international flights until at least the end of May, like its rival Virgin Australia. Casual jobs in retail and hospitality have also gone as the government bans indoor room gatherings of 100 or more people in a bid to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus crisis could cause Australia's unemployment rate to almost triple to Great Depression levels of the 1930s as casual workers are increasingly laid off, experts say. Pictured are unemployed men in Perth Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North, an economist, said that in a 'worse case' scenario, Australia's unemployment rate could surge from 5.1 per cent now to 14 per cent in 2021. The Australian government could be forced to embark on an unprecedented $100billion stimulus package, if the responses in the UK and US are any guide, to stop businesses going to the wall as ranks of the unemployed swell. Mr North's predictions of unemployment almost tripling are based on a COVID-19 vaccine being developed within six months and economic activity grinding to almost zero in the absence of an effective government spending spree. 'Nobody knows. We are in completely uncharted territory,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'Trying to get certainty at a time of uncertainty is impossible.' Should his prediction come true, Australia would have the highest jobless rate since 1932, at the height of the Great Depression, when unemployment peaked at 19.75 per cent. Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North, an economist, said that in a 'worse case' scenario, Australia's unemployment rate could surge from 5.1 per cent now to 14 per cent in 2021. Pictured are shoppers at Costco in Perth wearing face masks It would also surpass the 9.9 per cent jobless rate experienced during the last recession in early 1991 and the subsequent jobless rate of 11.2 per cent by December 1992, which saw almost 1million Australians out of work. This would see the number of jobless people in Australia skyrocket from 699,100 in February 2020, when the first cases of coronavirus outside China were confirmed, to 1.9million within little more than a year. Even more people could be unemployed, with the official Australian Bureau of Statistics data not counting the hidden unemployed, or those who have given up looking for work. Mr North said public health measures to contain coronavirus were likely to cause a dramatic reduction in gross domestic product as large-scale events were cancelled, people stopped visiting cafes and restaurants and building projects were put on hold. 'People aren't going to buy stuff, people aren't going to buy houses, people aren't going to be building stuff - GDP is about activity and fundamentally, we are going to see activity right down to very, very low levels,' he said. 'We've got to assume the virus is going to rage for at least six months and that means, the productive capacity in the economy is going to be close to zero.' Advertisement Simon Joannou is already closing Marrickville Yoga Centre from Sunday and sacking four staff - and doesn't know if the doors will ever open again Ms Tran said the collapse in sales meant they had to let go two staff and would lose a third soon unless things dramatically improved. 'We don't know how long we can stay open, we have to just pray and keep going even if it's just the two of us,' she said. 'We've been here 33 years, we can't just close. We have to be very cautious about everything.' Help for casuals Casual workers will no longer have to wait to receive sickness payment under Newstart. 'People who are casual employees that wouldn't be able to go to work or because they have to self-isolate or, indeed, have the virus, they would be able to access that payment,' Mr Morrison said. 'The normal assets test rules apply to those as they do to all these payments, but the waiting period will be waived to enable them to access that payment and that will provide that support. 'Many other countries don't have that in the system.' Advertisement Simon Joannou is already closing Marrickville Yoga Centre from Sunday and sacking four staff - and doesn't know if the doors will ever open again. 'It went from a thriving business to zero in two weeks,' he said, as a just handful of clients filed out of his upstairs studio. 'We don't have the money to keep paying rent and my first responsibility to my staff. I have no income myself either.' Mr Joannou said classes are half the size they were a week ago and he himself questioned whether yoga classes were even safe amid the pandemic. 'We aren't adjusting anyone's positions and are keeping everyone apart but that doesn't stop people worrying,' he said. 'It's no worse than getting on a bus but anywhere where you're gathering people it just takes one person being infected. 'We can't operate our business in this crisis, it's not a responsible thing to do and there's no finances.' Vivian Chung, who owns Sincere Florist in the same suburb, said her business was battered by both fewer walk-ins and many cancelled events. Vivian Chung, who owns Sincere Florist, said her business was battered by both fewer walk-ins and many cancelled events Ms Chung said she had two staff besides her and her husband and both of them would lose their jobs soon without a dramatic recovery AUSTRALIA CLOSES ITS BORDERS - SCOTT MORRISON'S FULL STATEMENT Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced tough new border restrictions coming into effect at 9pm on Friday March 20: 'Australia is closing its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents. The entry ban takes effect from 9pm Friday, 20 March 2020, with exemptions only for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, including spouses, legal guardians and dependents. New Zealand citizens who live in Australia as Australian residents are also exempt, as are New Zealanders transiting to New Zealand. Exemptions for Pacific Islanders transiting to their home countries will continue to apply. Australian citizens and permanent residents and those exempt from our entry restrictions will continue to be subject to a strict 14 days self-isolation. Our number one priority is to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives. Our government has taken this unprecedented step because around 80 per cent of coronavirus cases in Australia are people who caught the virus overseas before entering Australia, or people who have had a direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. Our previous travel and entry restrictions have already meant that daily travel to Australia by non-citizens has been reduced to about one third of what it was this time last year. We also strongly urge Australians looking to return home to do so as soon as possible. This follows our upgraded travel advice for all Australians not to travel overseas, at all. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will provide consular advice and assistance, but the capacity for DFAT to provide consular services may be limited by local restrictions on movement, as well as the full scale of the challenges posed by coronavirus. Australians who cannot, or do not want to, return home should follow the advice of local authorities and minimise their risk of coronavirus exposure by self-isolating. The government is in discussions with airlines about the continuance of some international flights for the purpose of bringing Australians home and continuing the movement of goods and freight. These challenges vary and the situation is changing rapidly. Our government will continue to act on the best available information to keep Australians safe.' Advertisement 'There was a wedding tomorrow that called up today and cancelled, a funeral went without flowers, there's been birthdays called off. We have a few weddings in May that will probably be cancelled too,' she said. 'Even on Saturday people aren't buying for their homes anymore. I think all their money is going on groceries.' Ms Chung said she had two staff besides her and her husband and both of them would lose their jobs soon without a dramatic recovery. 'We can't afford to keep going like this. We had no customers from lunch to the end of the day on Wednesday,' she said. 'There's usually lots of people, especially after work people come by. We have to shut the door early because no one is coming in.' Bookstores could die out Rachel Margolius has run Marrickville's quirky Urchin Books for ten years but worries this month will be her last in business. 'Coronavirus has really scared people off and I'm worried that this is going to be my death kneel,' she said from her empty shop. Rachel Margolius has run the quirky Urchin Books for 10 years and worries this month will be her last in business Ms Margolius said she was also very disappointed with the government's response to the crisis and the support offered to small businesses 'We all want to have bookshops around and we've already suffered from Kindle, but we've survived will coronavirus be the thing that brings us down?' Ms Margolius said she was also very disappointed with the government's response to the crisis and the support offered to small businesses. 'It will force a lot of small businesses to close and it doesn't have to,' she said. Inner-city havens desperately hanging on Mr Vizzini, said the outlook was bleak but while Australians attacked one another at supermarkets, his staff were pulling together. 'They're all being understanding. They're all taking a hit. We're in this together unfortunately it's a tricky time,' he said. Mr Vizzini said the company was trying to do everything it could to stay open but business had dropped by 30 percent by Monday, and Tuesday was even worse. By Wednesday it was dire. With fewer people outside and many trying to avoid strangers who could carry the virus, city taxi drivers like Sohail Shafi in Sydney are almost broke 'The corporate clients are gone because everyone is working from home and everyone else is too scared (of getting sick) to get into a taxi,' he said 'We're probably 60-80 percent down depending on what venue,' Mr Vizzini said. Without major rent relief, the business faces annihilation. 'They've already taken that step, something is on the cards, how far away we don't know,' he said. 'Rent, is by far, even during normal trading, it's a killer.' Upstairs from one of Mr Vizzini's cafes, Slate Restaurant and Bar is hoping it can trade its way out of trouble. 'Numbers over lunch have obviously decreased over the past few days, but people have still been coming up for a drink,' manager Ilyias Yildirim said. The bar is known for its three outdoor areas, which has traditionally been popular with the fast-flowing Melbourne city traffic. 'If business continues to decline, and we think it will, we still plan to remain open and deliver food to our customers to their door,' Mr Yildirim said. Slate Restaurant and Bar is hoping it can trade its way out of trouble, manager Ilyias Yildirim said Barangaroo House in the Sydney CBD laid off 40 staff in a week and shut its upstairs bar indefinitely as so many of its customers are now working from home Despite the ongoing turmoil, Mr Yildirim believes the people of Melbourne will still need comfortable places to drink and from next week they'll be delivering to people's offices direct. 'We'll be here because we're taking every measure and adapting to the ever changing conditions ,' he said. Taxis with no passengers Not just shops are doing it tough. With fewer people outside and many trying to avoid strangers who could carry the virus, city taxi drivers are almost broke. 'My business is down 80 per cent in two weeks. I can't even afford rent,' Legion Taxi driver Sohail Shafi said. 'Usually if I wait here it's less than 10 minutes until I get a fare but now I'm waiting two hours. 'The corporate clients are gone because everyone is working from home and everyone else is too scared (of getting sick) to get into a taxi.' A Good Samaritan's act of compassion to elderly shoppers has touched hearts as coronavirus-induced fear continues to bring out the worst in some Australians. A Melbourne shopper on Wednesday shared the story of a kind-hearted woman she saw helping strangers during a trip to a supermarket. 'I witnessed the most beautiful thing at Clyde North Coles today and to this woman (she will know who she is) I think you are an amazing person,' she wrote on a local Facebook group. 'About 11.40 today I was doing my little bit of shopping and there was a lovely elderly couple trying to do their shop, people have gone bat s**t crazy and the poor woman was finding it hard to find what little groceries she could. Coles and Woolworths have implemented an shopping hour dedicated to elderly and disabled shoppers to give them a chance to stock up on supplies. Pictured is the first Coles Community hour at Southland, Melbourne, on March 18 'The elderly couple were behind me at the register and we were joking around and talking, I finished being served and walked off. 'Out of nowhere, a lovely blonde headed woman with a young teenage girl walk up to the cashier serving the elderly couple and handed her money saying she wished to pay for their groceries. 'The elderly couple were so touched and grateful. It was beautiful to witness.' The woman applauded the woman's generous nature, and said she wished she could offer help but is currently financially restricted by personal circumstances. 'To the beautiful soul who did such a kind gesture, you're are a beautiful human and youre daughter should be so proud,' she wrote. 'I'd also like to say THANK YOU for restoring my faith in the human race. 'You are my unsung hero.' The kind-hearted mother was later identified as Ebony Maxwell (pictured) The post has since gone viral, racking up more than 1300 likes and almost 100 comments. Commentators flocked to praise the woman's action, with many stating how 'beautiful' it is to see kindness during trying times. 'Thats the kind of story we need to hear,' one person wrote. Another comment read: 'Its is so refreshing to see all the good people coming out and showing the greedy, selfish people how its done.' 'Something nice to hold on to in these crazy times,' someone else added. The kind-hearted woman was later identified as Ebony Maxwell after friends notified her to the post. 'Oh wow! I cannot believe this! This has made my day,' she replied. 'It was honestly the least I could do for them. One of the ladies I paid for today was actually her 80th birthday! So it made me so happy to make her day!' It comes as dozens of videos have emerged of shoppers brawling over limited supplies in supermarkets across Australia. On Wednesday, a 63-year-old man was charged after allegedly ramming a trolley into two elderly woman, aged in their 70s, amid panic buying chaos in Lismore. SAUSALITO, Calif., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world, and one of the biggest problems with mankind. The impact on society is reflected in the Official Cybercrime Report, which is published annually by Cybersecurity Ventures. According to the report, cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This represents the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history, risks the incentives for innovation and investment, and will be more profitable than the global trade of all major illegal drugs combined. "Cybercrime costs include damage and destruction of data, stolen money, lost productivity, theft of intellectual property, theft of personal and financial data, embezzlement, fraud, post-attack disruption to the normal course of business, forensic investigation, restoration and deletion of hacked data and systems, and reputational harm," says Steve Morgan, founder and of Cybersecurity Ventures and Editor-in-Chief at Cybercrime Magazine. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has led to a massive number of employees globally being sent home to work remotely. Cybersecurity experts are urging remote workers to beef up their awareness and knowledge of phishing scams, the fastest growing type of cybercrime, many of which are now playing on fears of the Coronavirus. "Employees from organizations of all sizes and types now have minimal cybersecurity resources, if any, compared to what is normally available to them," says Morgan. "If remote workers don't immediately self-educate, and if businesses don't immediately provide their employees with security awareness training centered on the home office threat, then we could see global cybercrime damage costs as much as double by the end of this year." "Cybercriminals thrive on chaos, whether it's real or perceived," says Robert Herjavec, founder and CEO at Herjavec Group , and a Shark on ABC's Shark Tank. "Your team will experience an uptick in phishing attacks as a result of the global Coronavirus pandemic," Herjavec advises corporate IT and security teams. Cybercrime Magazine published an article by Herjavec with 10 tips on how to spot a phishing scam . "Phishing emails almost always want you to click on something, for instance to update your payment details, or access the latest information on COVID-19," according to Herjavec. "Businesses have a short window of time to train their remote employees on how to detect and react to phishing scams, and other types of cyber attacks," says Morgan. "If they act immediately and thoroughly, then cybercrime damage costs can be contained and kept at the current level. It's much the same as how we respond to the Coronavirus itself - the more we know about it, and the more we do to protect ourselves, the less harm that will be inflicted on society." Cybersecurity Ventures' estimation that cybercrime damage costs could potentially double during the Coronavirus outbreak period is concerned not only with phishing scams, but also with ransomware attacks, insecure remote access to corporate networks, remote workers exposing login credentials and confidential data to family members and visitors to the home, and other threats. About Cybersecurity Ventures is the world's leading researcher and publisher covering the global cyber economy, and a trusted source for cybersecurity facts, figures, and statistics. SOURCE Cybersecurity Ventures Related Links https://www.cybersecurityventures.com Vincenzo Spallino, Lyft driver, had a long wait Wednesday for any customers at the Uber/Lyft lot in Philadelphia International Airport. Read more Vincenzo Spallino has been spending a lot of time lately waiting around the Philadelphia International Airport. Under normal circumstances, hes made $100 a day as a Lyft driver. But these days, of course, are not normal. Now, as the spread of a global pandemic into the Philadelphia region has shape-shifted the lives of so many so quickly, hes lucky to bring home $20 or $40 in a day. Its awful, said Spallino, 24, who lives in Delaware County. He and other rideshare drivers join in the growing chorus of workers impacted by the coronavirus. While often in competition with Uber and Lyft, taxi drivers echo some of the same concerns. Mounting event cancellations, school and restaurant closures, and social distancing measures have kept people inside in a crucial effort to flatten the curve." But what happens when your job relies on people going places? When officials discuss ways to help low-wage service workers, where does that leave the gig economy? Ive been trying to figure that out," he said. "Hours on Google, seeing if we can apply for unemployment, obviously, no, because we dont meet those requirements because were independent contractors, and most of us dont even have medical coverage or anything like that because of what we do. We wont even be counted Transportation services are permitted to operate even as nonessential businesses close, but the drop in riders is glaring. Health, too, is a concern. Sanitation has always been an issue, said Ali Razak, 34, of South Philly, who drives for Uber and Lyft, but the need to take precautionary measures is more imperative now. As ridesharing is their main source of income, he said, drivers have to roll the dice even if theres no work. We cant sit at home," said Razak, whos active with the Philadelphia Drivers Union. "If we sit at home, how are we going to feed our families and pay our bills? Ricardo Quintero, 61, of Chadds Ford, said hes shifted his Uber hours later into the evening, where the business is nowadays. Michael Burke, 60, of New Castle, Del., and a Lyft driver, has a face mask dangling from his rearview mirror. Hes been sanitizing between rides. I pray about it, and thats about all I can do, Burke said. Its not that Uber and Lyft are doing nothing, its that theyre not doing enough, Razak said. Both have halted their shared ride services, are making hand sanitizer or disinfectants available, will suspend accounts of diagnosed riders or drivers, and intend to make funds available for drivers diagnosed with coronavirus or are under quarantine. But for drivers who are looking to supplement lost income? Uber is "working with local, state, and national governments to help ensure that any assistance program enacted in response to the coronavirus benefits all independent contractors and freelancers whether they are taxi drivers, freelance journalists, or drive with Uber, company spokesperson Harry Hartfield said. Lyft is suspending bringing on new drivers in spots hit hardest by the coronavirus in order to strengthen earning opportunities, according to the companys website. READ MORE: Lyft driver: I stopped driving to stop the spread of coronavirus | Perspective Angela Vogel, 39, of Port Richmond, an Uber driver and Philadelphia Drivers Union member, is worried about being left behind. My greatest fear is that as this wraps up and the sort of impacts of it are being assessed ... we wont even be counted," Vogel said. Getting worse It took taxi drivers at the Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday eight hours to see one fare, instead of the normal four or five. The slowdown started last week and worsened after flights to and from Europe stopped at the airport Monday. Its going to be like, every day we are expecting the worst until this coronavirus is over, said Awad Alikerar, 57, of Southwest Philly and a City Cab driver. "And then maybe well go back to normal. Of course, taxis and cabs stand apart from rideshare services. Theyre regulated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and see some guidance from organizations such as the Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania. But when it comes impacts from the coronavirus, the two share some commonality. We are risking our life equally," said Patrick Anamah, 70, of West Philly and involved in the Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania. Just like every other person is risking their lives, but we dont know who is going to speak for us. Questions ahead Local officials making the tough calls that mitigate the virus spread are well aware of the effect on small businesses. Nationally, theres been renewed talk of universal basic income. In a guide for workers affected by the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, Julia Simon-Mishel, supervising attorney at Philadelphia Legal Assistances unemployment compensation unit, told The Inquirer that anyone who has stopped working because of the coronavirus is likely to be eligible for benefits. Gig workers, however, are likely to be denied, she said. READ MORE: Unemployment benefits in Pa. during the coronavirus pandemic: How to apply and who is eligible The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry determines whether Uber and Lyft drivers are employees or independent contractors on a case-by-base basis, said Theresa Elliott, L&I deputy communications director. We encourage Uber, Lyft, or taxi drivers who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in their workplace, have lost your job, or are working reduced hours to file an initial [unemployment compensation] claim online to apply for benefits, she said. The city and Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. are working on a program that could help small businesses, but it doesnt cover 1099s, city spokesperson Kelly Cofrancisco said. The city is still exploring other options to support solo-businesses and workers through state/federal funds, she said. The future of Councilmember Kendra Brooks recent resolution that seeks protections for service and health-care workers is uncertain with Thursdays Council session canceled. Though, Brooks and Councilmember Helen Gym voiced support Thursday for a petition that looks to address the needs of all workers." We need targeted, immediate supports for rideshare workers, taxi drivers, and other vulnerable employees, Brooks said in a statement. The petition calls for exactly that. A BAND who reached the semi-finals of Britains Got Talent in 2012 are bringing their Big Beat Revue to the Mill at Sonning on Sunday (March 15). Outfitted in their trademark yellow suits, The Jive Aces will be in concert from 8.15pm. A Mill at Sonning spokesman said: With classic tunes from artists such as Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, Keely Smith, Big Joe Turner and Ruth Brown, this show will have you out of your seat with its larger-than-life big beat sound. Featuring special guests Kara Lane, Lottie B, Antonio Socci and Grazia Bevilacqua, the show is an exciting mix of hot jive, swinging rhythm and blues and classic rock n roll. Hailing from Billericay in Essex, the six-piece swing band have been performing live since 1989 during which time they have released 14 albums and five singles. Although the Jive Aces predominantly play covers during their live shows, all six members have written songs for the bands studio albums. Some of the best known are La Dolce Vita, Ukulele Swing, Christmas Is Where You Are and London Rhythm, which was used as the theme song for Jo Goods BBC Radio London show. All the bands albums feature some original tunes and their concept album Amazing Adventures inspired by film noir and pulp fiction of the Forties and Fifties is entirely self penned. Their Big Beat Revue premiered at last years Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is now touring the UK. Tickets for the show are 48 including dinner, which is served from 6.15pm. To book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000 or visit www.millatsonning.com While we all begin practicing social distancing, there are still ways we can come together to help our neighbors and friends navigate the uncertain climate ahead. While a good deal of focus has been on empty grocery store shelves due to selfish hoarding, some attention has shifted to how folks are coming together to assist those in need. As reported by WBUR, Erin Hinson, founder of Louisville COVID-19 Match, has brought together hundreds of volunteers to deliver food, medicine and resources to assist vulnerable groups in their community. We are preparing for the potential of a community outbreak of COVID-19 in Louisville by identifying healthy young adults (whose risk factors are low) who are willing to be paired with an elder or an individual who is at high risk in our community in order to coordinate the delivery of essential supplies if/when needed. We also want to encourage regular check-ins with these elders by phone or other electronic means, according to the COVID-19 Match website. Along with the formation of grass-roots efforts to help others, businesses are partnering with community foundations to offer support. On Wednesday, MassMutual donated $1 million the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. The foundation will use the funds to offer resources to non-profit firms in the Pioneer Valley that help people impacted by the spread of coronavirus. The Community Foundation is donating $500,000 to the fund and other area businesses such as Big Y, Easthampton Savings Bank and PeoplesBank have also made donations. While businesses and groups are stepping up to assist, individuals can also play a role. The Red Cross is reporting severe blood shortages due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. In Massachusetts, 115 blood drives have been canceled which translates to 3,130 fewer blood donations. The Red Cross says healthy individuals are needed now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. People can sign up to donate at redcrossblood.org. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion, the Red Cross said. On Sunday, the Republican will launch a series called Angels Among Us highlighting good work being done in the community. As the novel coronavirus continues to test the human spirit, stories of selflessness and charity are starting to develop. By-and-large, as a society, the caring and altruism that our communities offer tends to outweigh responses of the no-so-kind. A letter writer to the Republican recently submitted, Now is not a time to focus on me but rather a collective we. We are all affected in various ways when calamity strikes and no individual or particular group is more important than any others. So very true. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. Company NMLS Identifier #2110672 Copyright 2021 Consumers Unified LLC. All Rights Reserved. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. - Mustafa Gerima walked to Nairobi United Nations Offices to raise awareness on the disappearance of the nut trees - He attributed the extinction of the trees to increased charcoal burning and logging - The journey took him 19 days on foot along the Trans-African Highway to United Nations Environment Programme Offices - He is a happy man as his efforts are now bearing fruits after the UN promised to work with him Efforts by a Ugandan teacher to save shea nut trees seem to have borne fruits days after a 664-kilometre walk from Uganda to Nairobi. Mustafa Gerima, a former high school teacher, walked to the Nairobi United Nations (UN) offices in what he said was raising awareness on the disappearance of the nut trees. READ ALSO: President Yoweri Museveni says Uganda is prepared to tackle coronavirus pandemic He is a happy man as his efforts are now bearing fruits after the United Nations promised to work with him in saving the she nut trees. Photo: UN Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nyeri school director arrested for defying Uhuru's directive to close school Gerima attributed the extinction of the trees to charcoal trade, stimulated by widespread poverty, youth unemployment and the need for cooking fuel in urban areas. On February 9, 2020, just two days to the start of his journey to Nairobi, Gerima shared his fears and anxiety on his Facebook page. Excitement, fever and fear of what lies ahead is exponentially mounting on me. God, if what I am doing is for the sake of saving your creation, pour your protection and mercy on me," he wrote The former teacher did not have a chance to close his eyes over excitement and fear of what lied ahead. READ ALSO: Open those taps, we will discuss about bills later - CS Kagwe orders water companies He left Uganda on February 11, to Nairobi a journey that took him 19 days on foot along the Trans-African Highway to United Nations Environment Programme Offices where he stopped. He called on God to pour His protection on him, find him a place to sleep while on the way, what to feed on and treatment. "I have entrusted myself into your wholesome caretaking. May your Will descend on me. Amen!, he stated in what appeared to be a prayer. READ ALSO: Love has no boundaries: Man celebrates quarantined wife outside nursing home on their 67th anniversary According to Gerima stepping his feet at the International Council for Research in Agroforestry offices in Nairobi was a blessing. Photo: UN. Source: UGC Gerima arrived in Nairobi on foot, not even a single boda boda ride. Besides his few belongings in a backpack, he also carried with him the Ugandan flag. He is a happy man as his efforts are now bearing fruits after the United Nations promised to work with him in saving the she nut trees. I made it at last, United Nations Environment Programme Officials promised to work with me to save the trees, said Gerima. According to him, stepping his feet at the International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) offices in Nairobi was a blessing. READ ALSO: Anglican Church of Kenya suspends physical church services, holy communion for 30 days Though his shoes were worn out and he sustained blisters, Gerima said celebrates having achieved what he intended to. His journey, he revealed, turned a nightmare at some point while in Limuru when the blisters burst. This is the price I have paid for my sacrifice to save shea nut, posted Gerima on his Facebook with photos of blisters on his legs. READ ALSO: Kenyans praise CS Mutahi Kagwe's composure during coronavirus updates Gerima arrived in Nairobi on foot, not even a single boda boda ride and besides his few belongings in a backpack, he also carried with him the Ugandan flag. Photo: UN. Source: UGC Shea nut trees only grow in the Northern part of Nigeria and are important to humans and animals for both environmental protection and for economic benefits. The trees also yield calorie-rich oil used in cooking and as an ingredient in the manufacturing of cosmetic. Shea trees can take 10 years to start bearing fruit but then can produce nuts for 200 years, though scientists say that the growth of new trees is hampered by mechanized agriculture which. Story by Ben Kerich, TUKO.co.ke correspondent Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly Source: TUKO.co.ke As more people in New Jersey receive tests and are diagnosed with coronavirus, more schools are finding connections to the outbreak. Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday the state now has at least 742 cases, including at least nine deaths, as officials announced 312 new positive tests. By Thursday morning, the following schools had reported contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19. This post will be updated as more cases are announced. Bergen County Cliffside Park School District Superintendent announced Thursday that a staff member at School #4 tested positive for COVID-19 and a staff member at School #6 was in contact with a family member who tested positive for it. Read the superintendents full letter. Students and staff from George Washington School in Edgewater were told to quarantine through March 29, after someone from the district tested positive. The school serves pre-K through second grade. The order also applied to Eleanor Van Gelder School students who ride bus #2. Students and staff at Anna C. Scott School in Leonia were asked to quarantine after a staff member at the elementary school tested positive for the coronavirus. The order lasts through March 27, and also applied to middle school students who attended SACC," an out-of-school program, as well as the staff members who worked in the program. Essex County A foreign language teacher at Heritage Middle School in Livingston tested positive and is quarantined. They were at the school through March 11, officials said Wednesday. Hudson County Someone who attended a career fair at Harrison High School last week tested positive for COVID-19, the schools principal announced Wednesday. The person began to show symptoms two days after the fair. Hunterdon County An employee at Hunterdon Central High has tested positive for COVID-19, the schools superintendent announced Thursday. The school has consulted with the Hunterdon County Department of Health, which confirmed the case and the department will contact anyone who is at-risk residing in the region. Those at-risk individuals who reside outside the region will receive notification from their appropriate health department. Mercer County The Princeton Health Department announces a confirmed case of coronavirus from an employee of Riverside Elementary School. The employee is not a resident of Princeton and was under under medical supervision. The health department was in the process of identifying and contacting all those who may have come in contact with the infected employee. Timerberlane Middle School in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District in Pennington announced a teacher had tested positive Wednesday night. They were asymptomatic when last at school. Middlesex County Two Edison School District staff members have tested positive for COVID19, one employee works at the Board of Education Office and the other at Lindeneau Elementary School. Persons who were in direct contact with each of the individuals have been contacted and instructed to monitor their daily health, and if they become symptomatic to seek medical attention. A family member of a student at Walter M. Schirra Elementary School in Old Bridge Township, Middlesex County, tested positive last Friday. Morris County A nursery school employee at a pre-school associated with the Morristown Jewish Center tested positive March 13. Children and employees were asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. A Mount Olive Middle School employee has tested positive for the virus, the district announced. The townships health department said it would reach out to individuals who may have been affected. Passaic County A staffer at Eastern Christian High School, a private school in North Haledon, tested positive for the virus. Union County A teacher in the Cranford Public School District tested positive, the district announced Wednesday night. The teacher lives in Monmouth County, according to the districts website. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Mary Anne De Ramos arrived in Mexico this month with her vacationing Canadian employer. But now, the Filipina nanny is facing the prospect of being stranded indefinitely in Puerto Vallarta thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. As of Monday, Canada closed its border to anyone except Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Americans. Temporary residents such as those with valid student and work visas like De Ramos are not exempt. I understand the need for quick and decisive action; however, please consider the people who have already left their families to begin a better life in your country and are on the path to becoming Canadians, said De Ramos, who came to Toronto early last year to look after Toronto resident Deborah Lucas two young sons. My life and all my possessions are in Canada, and I know this is the case for many temporary residents like me. In these unique circumstances, please dont turn away people who pay taxes and work hard to build the multicultural Canadian community we all are proud of. It is not known how many temporary foreign workers, international students and other temporary residence visa holders are currently stranded overseas and banned from re-entering Canada but the latest immigration data shows Ottawa had issued 2.4 million temporary residence permits in 2019. De Ramos flew with her Philippines passport to Mexico on March 1 with Lucas and her husband to look after their two boys, one who is four, the other 10 months, on their vacation. Although they had booked an Air Canada flight to come back on March 26, Lucas, a marketing professional, said they started reaching out to the Canadian embassy last Friday as soon as they heeded Ottawas warning asking Canadians abroad to return home. Since De Ramos carries a Philippines passport, she would need an American visa to fly through the United States, but the application would take days, if not weeks. It has been impossible to get in touch with any airline. The earliest direct flight we could find online is March 22, said Lucas, who purchased the tickets over the weekend, just before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau closed the border to non-Canadians on Monday. We did everything we could as responsible Canadian citizens. We are trying to come home. Mary Anne is like a family member now. How can we leave her? How can Canada let down a member of its community? While she appreciates Ottawas effort to protect Canadians, Lucas said the border closure measures overlooked the interests of the countrys temporary residents who are part of the Canadian fabric, too. We are all exposed to the same germs. Mary Anne will self-isolate with us when we get home. Its a non-Canadian thing to do, to turn our back on them and put them at further risks, said Lucas, adding that the border policy oversight must be rectified. On Wednesday, De Ramos heard back from the Philippines Embassy in Ottawa that she cannot return to her homeland because she is without an official Canadian visa exit stamp that she needs to be admitted to Manila. She has no other option but to remain alone in Mexico if Lucas and her family leave for Canada. I am really worried that I cant go back to Canada, said a teary De Ramos, who has a university degree in psychology and dreams of one day becoming a Canadian citizen. Read more about: The Glyndebourne Festival has announced that instead of opening on May 21, 2020, it will instead open on July 14, 2020. As such, any performances scheduled prior to July 14 will be canceled. The company noted that it will send out a revised schedule in coming days. OperaWire Ada, a Canadian developer of an automated customer experience (ACX) platform, has raised $44 million in a Series B round led by Accel. Subscribe to the Crunchbase Daily Existing backers Bessemer Venture Partners, FirstMark, Version One, Burst Capital and Leaders Fund also put money in the round. The Toronto, Ontario-based company has now raised a total of just over $60 million since its 2014 inception, according to Crunchbase data. This latest financing is more than triple the amount raised in its Series A, led by New York-based FirstMark, in December 2018, according to Crunchbase. The company declined to disclose the valuation at which the Series B was raised. Ada, a SaaS operator, has built an AI chatbot onto its ACX platform with the goal of helping companies such as Mailchimp, Shopify, Upwork and Zoom save money and improve customer satisfaction. It currently has more than 100 customers. I hopped on the phone with CEO and co-founder Mike Murchison to get a better understanding of what the company does. Were on a mission to strengthen customer relationships through an incredibly easy-to-use automation platform, he said. Non-technical teams use a Lego-like block building experience to build a chatbot that automates upwards of 80 percent of all customer conversations. Ada can train its chatbot to understand and address topics specific to each business while getting up and running in weeks. A proprietary Natural Language Understanding engine helps the chatbot to understand meaning and context without perfectly constructed sentences, allowing it to navigate around jargon, typos, spelling errors and more than 100 different languages, according to the company. The Ada advantage The benefits of using Ada, Murchison said, include a dramatic reduction in customer service wait times. For example, one customer, AirAsia (with more than 100 million passengers) said the use of Ada cut down its wait time from one hour to less than 60 seconds. Story continues It also increases customer satisfaction for an increase of 50 to 60 percent in rates in some cases, according to Murchison. Plus, it allows a perfect memory of clients. Whenever you talk to an Ada-powered bot, it always remembers who you are, he told Crunchbase News. And then its always improving based on the conversation you had. Additionally, it can automate the purchase of software for SaaS (software-as-a-service) companies. Were turning what used to be a customer service cost center into a revenue generator, Murchison said. Weve built an operating system for the customer experience. The company claims it helps automate over tens of millions conversations annually, and has: reduced customer wait time up to 98 percent; solved more than 70 percent of customer inquiries instantly; and achieved customer satisfaction scores of 90 percent. Growth While Ada is not yet profitable, its been seeing ARR (annual recurring revenue) growth. According to Murchison, ARR tripled in 2018 and 2019, and he expects it to triple again this year. The company has 150 employees, 100 of whom were hired over the past year, and its new capital will go toward deepening the sophistication of Adas technology. We doubled our average automation rate last year, and we have a long roadmap of new ML features were going to accelerate the growth of with this new round, Murchison told me. We also want to expand our capabilities so we can support greater diversity and use cases, and types of customers. Ada also plans to use its new funds to go more global. Currently, 30 percent of its business is outside North America. I think it will be a lot more than that in the next couple of years, Murchison said. Investor POV Accels Ben Fletcher said his firm was impressed with the origin of Ada. The co-founders, Murchison and David Hariri, actually created the product to solve a pain point around scaling customer support they were facing at another company. They pivoted the business to solve the problem, Fletcher said. And they have done it in such a way that gives customer service reps as well as business users and owners an opportunity to make their own tweakseven if they are not technical. That not needing to have access to a development team is empowering. Accel invested in another Toronto-based SaaS company, 1Password, last year. In that case, Accel wrote its largest initial check ever, leading a $200 million round for the company in its first external funding in its 14-year history. Blog Roll Illustration: Li-Anne Dias Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 00:41:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close WASHINGTON, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Thursday imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions to further pressure Tehran while the country is suffering from the COVID-19 outbreak. The U.S. Department of Treasury designated five United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based companies that facilitate Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sales, according to a statement issued by the department. "In 2019, these UAE-based companies collectively purchased hundreds of thousands of metric tons of petroleum products from NIOC for delivery to the UAE," the statement said. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin accused Tehran of using "revenues from petroleum and petrochemical sales to fund its terrorist proxies, like the IRGC-QF, instead of the health and well-being of the Iranian people." According to the designation, all property and interests in property of these entities have been blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday said that the United States would be responsible for the "destructive ramifications" of its unilateral sanctions against Iran as the country is fighting the COVID-19 outbreak. Zarif said that the economic siege imposed by the United States on Iran impedes all the legitimate trade and deprives the Iranians of their own resources, the ones necessary to address the needs of Iranians, including their health and livelihoods. Zarif said the U.S. "illegal, inhuman and unilateral sanctions against Iran" should be removed as the country is struggling to stem the novel coronavirus. Iran is among the countries that have been severely hit by the outbreak of novel coronavirus. Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education on Thursday announced the death of 1,284 people out of a total of 18,407 coronavirus cases, according to the official IRNA news agency. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday claimed that her government was not getting necessary assistance from the Centre for combating COVID-19 in the state and was dependent on its own resources to tackle the crisis. Banerjee, who was attending a meeting of hospital representatives at the state secretariat, said the state was making all efforts to two lakh masks and 30,000 gloves. Dispelling reports that shops and markets would down their shutters as a preventive measure against the pandemic, the TMC boss also said those spreading rumours would be tracked and taken to task. "We are not getting enough help from the Centre. We are procuring necessary things by roping in self-help groups..." Banerjee stated. She also said orders have been placed for 10,000 thermal scanners, which can check temperature of Covid-19 suspects, and 300 ventilation machines. Banerjee said her government will provide Rs 5 lakh insurance each to the 10 lakh government medical staff across the state till April 15. "Please note shops, markets and departmental stores will remain open. If these places down shutters, how will people buy essentials? I will not allow hoarding of essential commodities and escalation of prices. We will take strong action against those who spread rumours," the CM added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tesla is taking extra precautions at its Fremont car assembly plant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to an internal e-mail sent to employees early Thursday morning. Among other measures, the company will be taking employees' temperatures before they enter the factory. The e-mail from the company's North American head of human resources, Valerie Workman, to employees also said Tesla would rearrange operations as much as possible to enable "social distancing," allowing people to keep six feet apart. Masks would also be distributed to workers throughout the day, the e-mail promised. Workman also reiterated that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesla is still operating its factories, "essential" employees should still report to work, and that Tesla sees its business as part of "national critical infrastructure." Alameda County, where Fremont is located, implemented a health order earlier this week that requires all but "essential" businesses (such as groceries, hospitals and pharmacies) to wind down to minimum basic operations. On Mar. 17, the county sheriff's office tweeted that Tesla was not considered an "essential" business and should only be engaging in "minimum basic operations," such as making payroll. Alameda County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly told CNBC on Wednesday night that discussions between Tesla and the county and city of Fremont are ongoing. Kelly said, "We have a public health crisis that we are dealing with, and based on the way our county health order is written, based on those directives, Tesla's Fremont factory was not defined as an essential business." The City of Fremont said its police chief and members of the City Management team would meet with Tesla factory managers on Thursday to discuss cooperation with the county's order. Fremont PD tweet According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in people as few as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure to the novel coronavirus. People can be contagious while they are asymptomatic, and droplets of sweat or saliva on surfaces can spread the virus. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed skepticism about the response to the pandemic, tweeting that the coronavirus "panic" is "dumb" and will cause more harm than the virus itself. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1240497497312649216?s=21 Tesla shares closed up more than 18% on Thursday, a mixed day for tech stocks. Here's the full e-mail from March 19, 2020 (transcribed from the original by CNBC): Hi Team, As I shared yesterday, we have asked only essential employees to report to work at our Bay Area locations, while all others who can are working from home. Decreasing onsite personnel at our Fremont factory to only essential employees and allowing others to work remotely, is helping create a safer workspace while honoring our government commitment to keep our national critical infrastructure running. We are continuing discussions with government officials and promise to let you know if anything changes. Contrary to news reports, there have been no layoffs! Those of you who arrive at our Fremont factory tomorrow will see that we are handing out masks to be worn throughout the day, taking temperatures prior to entry, adding more hygiene stations inside the facility, rearranging operations to promote social distancing as much as possible, and increasing cleaning frequency of all work areas. Helpful resources are housed on the EHS page on the Internal site. Again, if you are not feeling well or are concerned about coming into the office, please contact your manager and stay at home. We respect your decision. All of us in leadership appreciate you. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and commitment to Tesla as together, we work through this unusual time. Thank you! Valerie Valerie Capers Workman North America HR+ AU/NZ/JP/KR Registered In House Counsel [Contact information redacted] Two vessels were rerouted to Miami after they were turned away from their home port in Puerto Rico Honolulu: Two cruise ships wont be allowed to disembark in Honolulu after being turned away by other ports, even with no positive cases of coronavirus on either vessel, officials said wednesday. State and cruise line officials previously said passengers would disembark at Honolulu Harbor. However, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is running for president, said during a telephone town hall Wednesday that the state Department of Transportation made the difficult, but correct, decision to only allow the Maasdam and Norwegian Jewel cruise vessels to come into port solely to take on fuel and resupply, in Honolulu Harbor. The Maasdam, operated by Holland America Line, had its port call canceled in Hilo and is set to arrive Friday to Honolulu Harbor, state officials said. It has 842 guests and 542 crew members. Norwegian Cruise Line said one of its vessels that was turned away by Fiji and New Zealand is expected to arrive to Honolulu on Sunday. The Norwegian Jewel, with about 1,700 passengers, refueled in American Samoa but was not allowed to disembark at the Port of Pago Pago. The cruise lines didnt immediately comment on Hawaiis reversal. New measures to seal borders to reduce the spread of the coronavirus have left some cruise ships stranded as local governments deny permission to disembark. Two vessels were rerouted to Miami after they were turned away from their home port in Puerto Rico, even with no reports of infections. Authorities in Argentina, Chile and Brazil placed ships on quarantine after reports of positive coronavirus tests. The Cruise lines international association said about 40 ships with 90,000 passengers were at sea when President Donald Trump announced a ban last week that restricts travel by many foreigners to the U.S. Doctors wearing face masks on Thursday welcomed patients to a four-star Madrid hotel which was transformed into a care facility for people with mild cases of coronavirus. The 359-room Gran Hotel Colon is the first in Spain to be repurposed to treat people infected with the virus but the regional government of Madrid plans to turn more empty hotels into healthcare facilities over the coming days. This will help "alleviate the pressure" on hospitals which are starting to become overcrowded and free up beds for more seriously ill patients, the regional government of Madrid said in a statement. A steady stream of ambulances transported patients to the Gran Hotel Colon, which is in the centre of Madrid, about a 10-minute walk from the Gregorio Maranon hospital, one of the Spanish capital's biggest. Medical staff wearing white protective suits, face masks and gloves then began escorting patients inside the building under the glare of TV cameras which were kept at a distance. "A week ago we could never imagine this," Angela Perez, a 45-year-old area resident, said as she walked by with her shopping trolley along the deserted streets of the city which, like the rest of the country, has been in lockdown since Saturday to prevent the spread of the virus. Another four-star Madrid hotel, the Marriott Auditorium, is scheduled to start receiving patients on Friday. Hoteliers have offered regional authorities the use of a total of 40 hotels in the Madrid region with 9,000 beds to treat coronavirus patients, according to Madrid's main hotel association. The hotels will be used to house patients "whose symptoms require medical attention without the need to be hospitalised, both at the start of the disease as well as during the final phase," the regional government statement said. Spain on Thursday announced that deaths from the novel coronavirus had jumped by nearly 30 percent over the past 24 hours to 767, while the total number of confirmed cases of the disease jumped by around 25 percent to 17,147. Madrid accounts for 40 percent of the total infections in Spain and two-thirds of the deaths. Spain has the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases of the virus in the word after China, Italy and Iran and many of its hotels are being emptied by the pandemic. The hotels will be staffed by young doctors who have yet to earn their specialisation. Elena Guijarro, a 25-year-old physiotherapist whose father died on Wednesday from coronavirus and whose mother and brother are being treated for the disease at the Gregorio Maranon hospital, said turning the hotel into a care facility would help. "They are doing their best at the hospital. But more and more people are being hospitalised and there are not enough beds for all the sick people," she added. As the pandemic spreads, officials around the world from New York City to Berlin are weighing converting entire hotels into hospitals for patients with COVID-19 in an effort to increase capacity at medical facilities. But not everyone agreed with the move. Spain's largest trade union confederation, the CCOO, argues the government should instead use the thousands of beds that are available in private hospitals and boost funding for public hospitals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In these uncertain times, Michter's Distillery and Philip Duff want to support the bartenders and hospitality workers who have always supported them, so they have made a joint donation of $10,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Campaign of the United States Bartenders' Guild charity, the USBG National Charity Foundation. Matt Magliocco, Vice President of Michter's, commented: "Amid this unimaginable situation, we are partnering with our friend Philip Duff to support the lifeblood of the beverage industry hospitality professionals. Philip recently did some consulting work for Marti Autentico, a rum brand owned by our parent company, Chatham Imports. With America's bars and restaurants now closing suddenly, Philip graciously suggested donating his fee towards the USBG's critically important Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. We naturally agreed on the spot and have made this donation jointly. We hope this small gesture will make a difference to the USBG Foundation's vital work to help our many mutual friends in the hospitality business. We're both committed to supporting the industry for as long as this crisis continues." Founded in 2014, the USBG National Charity Foundation advances the lifelong stability and wellbeing of service industry professionals through education & charitable programs. The USBG National Charity Foundation is raising funds for the COVID-19 Relief Campaign in order to bolster its Bartender Emergency Assistance Program for the influx of applications from professionals impacted by the closure of bars, restaurants, and venues. Donations can be made here, and beverage industry professionals in need of financial assistance can apply for aid grants at this link. "We are here to help those in our industry who are most in need and are thankful to our partners for stepping up and pledging their support. We know that many members of our close-knit bartending community will not be able to earn their regular income during the coming weeks," said Aaron Gregory Smith, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders' Guild. "Bartenders and other hospitality professionals are an important part of the fabric of our communities, and we are asking that everyone from spirits brands to individuals join us in donating to serve the individuals who serve us." Duff, a New York-based spirits consultant and educator, previously waived his and his wife Elayne's consulting fees from Edrington in exchange for a $10,000 donation to the USBG Foundation in late 2019. His own brand, Old Duff Genever, has a built-in $1-per-bottle donation to charities directly benefitting bartenders, including the USBG Foundation and The Benevolent, a similar hospitality charity and support network in the UK. Contacts: Matthew Magliocco 502-774-2300 x470 [email protected] Philip Duff 917-703-3299 [email protected] SOURCE Michter's Distillery The London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is the least affordable when comparing house prices with local earnings across England and Wales, Office for National Statistics show (Jonathan Brady/PA) The housing affordability gap between the most and least costly places to live in England and Wales has narrowed for the first time in four years. Kensington and Chelsea in London remained the least affordable place to live last year, with the average property costing nearly 40 (39.6) times local annual wages, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. However, this was an improvement compared with 2018, when house prices in the borough were 44 times annual earnings on average. Across England generally, housing affordability saw its first significant improvement for a decade in 2019, mainly due to price falls in the least affordable areas. Wales did not see much of a change in housing affordability, the ONS said. Housing affordability improved significantly in England in 2019, but not in Wales. Full-time employees in England could spend 7.8 times their workplace-based annual earnings buying a home, while in Wales they expect to spend around 5.8 times earnings https://t.co/NDv6x1LXrx pic.twitter.com/a8QLYkfCnX Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) March 19, 2020 Copeland, in the North West of England, remained the most affordable local authority in England and Wales in 2019. There, the average price paid for properties was estimated to be 2.8 times average annual earnings. That was a slight increase from 2018, but not statistically significant, the ONS said. This meant the difference between the local authority area with the highest average property price-to-income ratio, at 39.6, and the place with the lowest house price-to-income ratio, at 2.8, narrowed to 36.8 in 2019. The ONS said it was the first decrease in the affordability gap since 2015, with a gap of from 41.5 having been recorded in 2018. New-build or existing property? Newly-built dwellings were still less affordable than existing dwellings in both England and Wales in 2019, at around 9.6 times average annual earnings in England and 8.3 times average annual earnings in Wales https://t.co/mPgqdTFYaL pic.twitter.com/iBIyqa7rCS Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) March 19, 2020 The London housing market saw a slowdown last year amid uncertainty over Brexit and the wider economy. In early 2020, there had been some signs of the property market picking up once more, as the December 2019 general election appeared to have brought more certainty. The recent Budget announcement of a stamp duty surcharge for non-UK residents also brought speculation that there could be a fresh rush of overseas buyers looking to snap up London properties before the change kicks in. But, amid the spread of coronavirus in recent days, estate agents have been reporting a sharp drop-off in property viewings. The ONS figures also showed that, in 2019, full-time employees could typically expect to spend around 7.8 times their annual earnings on purchasing a home in England. This was an improvement from the previous year, when the ratio was 8.0. In Wales, full-time employees could typically expect to spend around 5.8 times their annual earnings on purchasing a home, which was not significantly different from 2018. Weve also published more detailed analysis of affordability that is slightly different to the official measures. Find out how affordable housing is in your area, as well as the affordability of mortgages and rent, using our new explorer https://t.co/awd0Ct6h5R pic.twitter.com/vvOQHBff21 Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) March 19, 2020 Newly-built homes were less affordable than existing properties in both England and Wales in 2019, costing around 9.6 times average annual earnings in England and 8.3 times average annual earnings in Wales. ONS head of housing analysis Nigel Henretty said: This is the first significant improvement in housing affordability in England for 10 years. While housing remained significantly more affordable in Wales than in England, the gap between the most affordable and least affordable local areas decreased for the first time in four years. This was driven mainly by decreasing house prices in the least affordable areas. Baghdad, March 19 : The anti-terror international coalition confirmed that it would relocate its troops deployed in Iraq and other countries in the Middle East, some of who will return home in the coming weeks. "The troops will go to different bases in the region...Iraq, Syria, Kuwait...and some will go home in the coming weeks," Myles B. Caggins III, spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), told Efe news on Wednesday. He did not reveal the name of the bases in question or the exact timing of the departure of the troops "due to operational security". "For instance, the heavy rains in Iraq slow things down. There are a variety of reasons why we will not announce transfers before they happen," he continued. On Tuesday, the international coalition handed over to Iraqi authorities the military base of al-Qaim located in the western province of Anbar, on the border with Syria. The move came in the wake of "Iraq success in the fight against IS (Islamic State), in conjunction with partner forces and the government of Iraq, CJTF-OIR will relocate and consolidate personnel and equipment from several Iraqi bases throughout 2020", the spokesman tweeted on Tuesday. The coalition "will relocate and consolidate personnel and equipment from several Iraqi bases throughout 2020", he said in a statement without providing details on the number of the bases or their location. It "will continue anti-ISIS advising and training operations. The Coalition will operate from fewer locations but remains committed to supporting our partners", the statement added. The IS is still active in northern and central Iraq and launched sporadic attacks although it was territorially defeated in 2017, after losing control of vast regions it had seized in 2014. The presence of international troops in Iraq was in doubt after a US drone attack on January 3 killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad. In the wake of the attack, Iraq's Parliament and government urged foreign troops to leave the country. International troops deployed in several Iraqi bases have been attacked on several occasions. On March 11, two US military and a British soldier were killed in a missile attack on the Taji military base, 30 km north of Baghdad. The supermarket retailer stressed it has reserves that will last for months Carrefour Egypt has said it has sufficient stock of products for coming weeks and months," urging shoppers not to hoard goods and calling for compliance with preventive safety measures amid fears over the coronavirus outbreak. The retailer, which operates a chain of supermarkets in Cairo and other Egyptian cities, sought to reassure customers it would continue to meet their needs despite rising demand. In recent days, there have been reports of shoppers stocking up on staples in an attempt to prepare for lengthy home quarantines. But Carrefour stressed on Thursday it has "enough stock to meet everyone's needs...through coming weeks and months." We have noticed that customers are purchasing and stocking up products exceeding their needs due to concerns in such times, Hani Weiss, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim, which operates the French retailer in the Middle East, said in a statement. "We would like to emphasise that despite significantly rising demand, our supply chains are well equipped to provide products to our customers under any circumstances." The company called on its customers to take a responsible approach when shopping, urging them to refrain from "crowding, leave appropriate distance [between one another] and to be considerate of others." It said operations are proceeding normally in ordinary opening hours, adding that it will continue to monitor inventory levels to ensure the availability of products and maintain prices unchanged. Majid Al Futtaim Retail launched the French brand in the region in 1995. Also on Thursday, Egyptian authorities said they are tightening control of the sale of disinfectants and medical supplies, including sanitisers and face masks, amid a trend of hoarding by traders aiming to make use of the crisis to raise prices. The Administrative Control Authority said it was inspecting pharmacies to detect violations. Search Keywords: Short link: Federal officials and community organizations that had geared up for the 2020 census are delaying operations, canceling events and shifting to online outreach as the coronavirus pandemic upends the once-a-decade count in its opening stages. The U.S. Census Bureau mailed the first round of invitations to participate to households last week, the culmination of years of preparation. The count is supposed to finish by the end of July, leaving months to process the results before a constitutional deadline at the end of the year. The stakes for states are enormous the count will determine how many seats they hold in Congress and how much money they receive from the federal government. But on Wednesday, the bureau announced that it would suspend field operations for two weeks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Its decision set back the start of efforts to count college students, prison inmates, seniors in retirement homes and others in group residences. A planned survey of the homeless population, which was set to take place between March 30 and April 1, was postponed a month. For now, census officials still plan to conduct door-to-door canvassing of households that have not completed their census forms, beginning in late May. The Census Bureau is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone going through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions, Director Steven Dillingham said in a statement. Now Playing: As Bay Area deals with the Coronavirus there are fewer people out in the city and in the streets making the Bay Area look and sound different as the population practices social distancing. Video: SFGATE Universities have sent home students who would normally be counted on their campuses, and some people living on the streets are being moved into hotels and other temporary shelters. That presents a challenge to getting an accurate count, said Stephanie Kim, who is in charge of census activities for the United Way Bay Area. The group has a contract with the state to oversee outreach in seven Bay Area counties. Kim said she hoped the response to the coronavirus crisis which has included continuing federally funded programs such as free lunches for low-income students who are now out of school would serve as a reminder about the importance of participating in the census. People need to know that the world didnt stop turning and this didnt stop happening, she said. Its a critical issue for California, which set aside $187 million for the count more than six times what the state spent in 2000 and 2010 combined. An undercount could cost the state $1,000 a year in federal funding for each person the census misses. Undercounts have been a problem in the past for California, which has more non-English speakers, people in unstable situations and other hard-to-reach groups than other states. An especially low count in 1990 which missed an estimated 838,000 people, or nearly 3% of the population may have cost California an extra congressional seat and at least $2 billion. The state could lose a seat for the first time ever in 2020. The California Census Office said it was still evaluating how the coronavirus would affect its plans. On the same day the U.S. Census Bureau suspended field operations, the state launched an ad that will air on television for the next two months in 10 languages. Bay Area groups that have received state grants to help count hard-to-reach people have shifted strategies following the regional shelter-in-place order this week. Neighborhood canvassing, informational tables at events and in-person help with the questionnaire have been replaced with phone banking, mass text messages and social media outreach. Emma Yicheng Wu, assistant director of employment services at Self-Help for the Elderly, said volunteers helped about 100 clients fill out the census form at the groups offices before they had to close down Monday. Many clients cannot access the internet at home or dont speak English, Wu said, so the only thing we can do now is call them and encourage them to make the phone call to the U.S. Census Bureau. She said the group is also filming how-to videos in Mandarin and Cantonese to share via the Chinese messaging app WeChat, and will soon add census reminder postcards to its home-delivered meals. In San Rafael, Stephanie McNally, advocacy and policy senior manager at Canal Alliance, has been working on census outreach since 2018. Her organization, which predominantly serves Latino immigrants, is in a census tract that the state rates as the hardest to count in Marin County. McNally said about 80% of her census strategy was focused on in-person contacts. She spent the past year training trusted messengers like librarians and city council members who could remind people to fill out the questionnaire and answer questions. All of that went out the door with the coronavirus outbreak. McNally had to cancel a community kickoff event scheduled for March 28, along with all of Canal Alliances canvassing. The group is planning to mail postcards and conduct seminars on Facebook Live. After the shelter-in-place order came down, it made bilingual yard signs with the Census Bureaus telephone number and placed them around places like supermarkets. What initially felt like a challenge now strikes McNally as an opportunity to get peoples minds off the virus. Even though we have to switch everything up, we can reach out to people to engage them in something other than coronavirus, she said. You can spend 10 minutes today doing something great for your community. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff As the surgeon general of the United States, Vivek Murthy encountered a variety of medical problems throughout his career. Yet, when reflecting on his time as a doctor in an article in the Harvard Business Review, Murthy claimed, During my years caring for patients, the most common pathology I saw was not heart disease or diabetes, it was loneliness. Murthy in fact says our society today is experiencing a loneliness epidemic, which most can identify with based not on years of research but on their own personal experience. How can our longings for relational intimacy be satisfied? The digital age has led not to deep relationships but to shallow connectedness. Contemporary pop spirituality attempts to fill the void, but a me-centered spirituality based on preference does not end up producing authentic community. Has the church been able to fill this void? Unfortunately, much of American Christianity reflects the individualism of our age, with the church seen as a dispenser of spiritual goods that exists to prop up my relationship with God. If our longing for community is to be satisfied, we must look to the most unlikely person: a man who never married, was abandoned by his closest friends, and died one of the loneliest and most shameful deaths imaginable. The atoning death of Christ on the cross is the answer to our isolation because it creates a community bound together by something stronger than DNA. Jesus died for our sins, but his death accomplished much more than individual forgiveness. Through the blood of Christ we are saved into the church, adopted into a family, and rescued into the kingdom. Just as Christs cross had a vertical and horizontal beam, the sacrifice of Jesus reconciles us to God (vertically) and reconciles us to one another (horizontally). Jesus loves me, yes. But even more so, Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph. 5:25). Jesus died for me, certainly. But even more so, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). I have a personal relationship with God, of course. But even more so, the Cross is the fulfillment of Gods covenant promise: You will be my people, and I will be your God (Jer. 30:22). Dont get me wrong: Im not saying that God doesnt care about us as individuals. God loves you as an individualbut not in an individualistic way. And Im certainly not against the idea of personal salvation. The message of Jesus saving our souls is correctbut it is not complete. The finished work of Christ on the cross is not only for the salvation of sinners, but also for the formation of a community and the renewal of creation. Community is not an optional bonus for people of faith. The Cross is a community-creating event, at once redeeming us from our sins and making us a people bound together by grace. Because of the gospel, the Christian answer to the loneliness epidemic is not about what we need to do to create community, but rather about what Christ has already done on our behalf to make us community. If you have trusted in Christ, you are not alone. You are part of a family. The communal nature of the Atonement is not only profound; it is practical, changing the way we view and relate to others. We find spiritual friendship at the foot of the cross. Most friendships are based on affinity, but through the Cross we can have friendships based on something more profound and lasting. Jesus said, Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13, ESV). By grace, we are friends of God and can learn to have authentic friendships with others built on self-giving love. In the 12th century, Aelred of Rievaulx claimed there were three types of friendships: carnal friendship (based on amusement), worldly friendship (based on usefulness), and spiritual friendship (based on a mutual commitment to Jesus). Aelred proclaimed, What statement about friendship can be more sublime, more true, more valuable than this: it has been proved that friendship must begin in Christ, continue with Christ, and be perfected by Christ. Article continues below We are reconciled to one another. The Cross is the ultimate remedy to the ongoing injustice of racism. According to Ephesians 2, the Crucifixion tears down the dividing wall of hostility between ethnic groups and makes one people who reveal the reconciling power of the gospel to a world ravished by hostility and division. As the Egyptian church father Athanasius wrote in On the Incarnation, It is only on the cross that a man dies with arms outstretched ... that He might draw His ancient people with the one and the Gentiles with the other, and join both together in Himself. The cross severs the root of racism and builds up a community of people of different cultures and ethnicities united in Christ. The Cross is both communal and global in scope. By dying on the cross, Christ has brought the nations together, creating by his blood a multicultural kingdom. Revelation offers a glimpse of our future, with a beautiful description of Christ and his kingdom: You were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God (5:910, ESV). We become citizens of a kingdom. Jesus ransoms sinners into a kingdom through his blood (Rev. 1:56). He takes on our forsakenness, and we are brought into a family, given a place at the table, and called sons and daughters of the king. But its a different kind of kingdoma cross-shaped kingdom. And as we learn in 1 Corinthians 1:18, The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. In other words, you can see the power of this kingdom only through faith. As a pastor, I have the privilege of seeing this subversive kingdom at work every day. The church I pastor serves two hundred meals a day to the homeless community in Los Angeles. People come for the food but stay for the community. But to see whats truly happening, it really does take the lens of faith. Where the world sees deficiency, we see dignity. Where the world sees a problem to be solved, we see people to be loved. The Cross creates a community of compassion, dignity, and love that offers the world a glimpse of Gods reign on earth as it is in heaven. At the cross, I am saved. And at the cross, we are saved. The Good News brings us out of isolation, calls us beyond me-centered spirituality, and saves us into the community we long for: a Christ-centered, global, eternal family. Thanks be to God. Jeremy R. Treat is pastor for preaching and vision at Reality LA and an adjunct professor at Biola University. He is the author of Seek First: How the Kingdom of God Changes Everything and The Crucified King: Atonement and Kingdom in Biblical and Systematic Theology. This piece is part of The Cross, CTs special issue featuring articles and Bible study sessions for Lent, Easter, or any time of year. You can learn more about purchasing bulk print copies of The Cross for your church or small group at OrderCT.com/TheCross. If you are a CT subscriber, you can download a free digital copy of The Cross at MoreCT.com/TheCross. Paul Franklin/Getty Images A couple vacationing at South Padre Island in the Rio Grande Valley tested positive for COVID-19, according to Cameron County officials. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. said in a news release Wednesday that the couple left the island on March 11 and were recently diagnosed with coronavirus in Michigan, where the individuals permanently lives. The couple had been staying on the island for months before returning home, Trevino said. Sub-Saharan Africa on Wednesday recorded its first coronavirus death, a high-ranking politician in Burkina Faso, as the head of the World Health Organisation urged the continent to "prepare for the worst". "Africa should wake up," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference in Geneva, pointing out that "in other countries we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point". Africa has lagged behind the global curve for coronavirus infections and deaths, but in the past few days has seen a significant rise in cases. Experts have repeatedly warned about the perils for the continent, given its weak health infrastructure, poverty, conflicts, poor sanitation and urban crowding. Medical authorities in the poor Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced Wednesday that the number of infections there had risen by seven to 27 -- and that one of them a 62-year-old diabetic woman, had died overnight. The country's main opposition party, the Union for Progress and Change (UPC), said in a statement that the victim was its lawmaker Rose-Marie Compaore, the first-vice president of the parliament. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised economy, meanwhile reported a more than one-third jump in cases, with 31 new infections bringing its tally to 116. Nearby Zambia announced its first two confirmed cases -- a couple that returned to the capital Lusaka from a 10-day holiday in France. As of Wednesday, a tally of reported cases, compiled by AFP, stood at 576 for all of Africa. Of these, 15 cases have been fatal: six in Egypt, five in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso has ordered the closure of all schools and barred all public and private gatherings until the end of April. By OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT (AFP/File) Those figures are still comparatively small compared to the rest of world -- the global death toll has passed 8,000 with more than 200,000 total infections. WHO chief Tedros said sub-Saharan Africa had recorded 233 infections, but warned that the official numbers likely did not reflect the full picture. "Probably we have undetected cases or unreported cases," he said. 'We live day to day' Watching from afar as disaster unfolds in Asia and Europe, some African countries have wasted little time in ordering drastic measures. Air traffic has been particularly hard hit, as many of Africa's initial cases were detected in people who had returned from highly-affected countries in Europe and the Middle East. Some countries, such as Somalia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau and, most recently, the island of Madagascar have moved to stop all flights into their countries. On Wednesday, Cape Verde -- a tropical archipelago off Africa's west coast that is heavily dependent on tourism -- and the continent's most populous nation, Nigeria, joined other nations in banning flights from the countries most affected by coronavirus. Burkina Faso has ordered the closure of all schools and barred all public and private gatherings until the end of April. There was concern on the unusually quiet streets of the capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday. Nigeria has issued a travel ban on citizens from 13 countries worst-hit by coronavirus. By Kola Sulaimon (AFP) "It's worrying what is happening with this virus, but we cannot barricade ourselves like developed countries. We lack everything here -- we live day to day," said bicycle seller Boureima Baguian. "We cannot, for example, close the big market. If that happens, it's not the coronavirus that will kill us but misery and hunger." South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa's worst-hit country, has banned all cruise ships from its ports. More than 1,700 people are stranded on a liner off Cape Town over fears that some have the virus. It is just the latest blow to tourism across the continent, with coronavirus fears also cancelling sporting, cultural and religious events. 'Disease hot spot belt' A 2016 analysis by the Rand Corporation, a US think-tank, found that of the 25 countries in the world that were most vulnerable to infectious outbreaks, 22 were in Africa -- the others were Afghanistan, Yemen and Haiti. The report put the finger on a "disease hot spot belt" extending on a line of countries, running across the southern rim of the Sahara through the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, many of which are struggling with conflicts. "Were a communicable disease to emerge within this chain of countries, it could easily spread across borders in all directions, abetted by high overall vulnerability and a string of weak national health systems along the way," the report warned. Tedros recommended that mass gatherings be avoided, urging Africa to "cut it from the bud, expecting that the worst can happen." "The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today," he added. Tech Coast Angels Orange County (TCA OC) launched its inaugural annual fund, TCA OC Fund 20. The fund has been created to provide an additional source of capital for entrepreneurs and a new opportunity for angel investors. Led by Chair Jim Pickell, the vehicle is being deployed this month and provide 10 to 15 innovative, early-stage, companies with startup capital during 2020. The fund will be replenished each year, and is expected to result in 100 to 150 investments, with over $25 million invested over the next decade. While the vehicle will be regionally opportunistic, investments outside of California that have significant potential for growth will be considered. Tech Coast Angels Orange County is one of the largest and most active angel investor networks and a source of funding for seed-stage and early-stage companies across all industries. TCA members are accredited investors who individually invest in startup companies. Founded in 1997, TCA has invested over $230 million in more than 400 companies and has helped attract more than $1.6 billion in additional capital/follow-on rounds, mostly from venture capital firms. FinSMEs 18/03/2020 Younger people may not be as invulnerable to the effects of Covid-19 as previously thought, according to data released on Monday by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as a top American health official and US President Donald Trump urged the country's millennials to heed social distancing guidelines. Younger people may not be as invulnerable to the effects of Covid-19 as previously thought, according to data released on Monday by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as a top American health official and US President Donald Trump urged the country's millennials to heed social distancing guidelines. The CDC's study of 4,226 coronavirus infections recorded in the US from February 12 to Monday showed that about a fifth of 705 people aged 20-44 were hospitalised, with 2-4 per cent requiring intensive care. Still, the US data matched findings from China the early epicentre of the global pandemic showing that the risk of severe complications and death arising from a Covid-19 infection rose with age. Those aged over 65 and with pre-existing conditions were the most vulnerable group, according to the CDC study. Thirty-one per cent of all infections recorded in the study occurred in people over 65. While epidemiologists have emphasised that all age groups face risks, much of the public and media attention from various studies focus on the higher fatality and transmission rates among those over 65 years of age. This age group accounted for 45 per cent of hospitalisations, 53 per cent of intensive care unit admissions and 80 per cent of deaths recorded during the period of the data. Nine people aged 20-64 died of the disease, with no fatalities recorded among infected people aged 19 and below. "Clinicians who care for adults should be aware that Covid-19 can result in severe disease among persons of all ages," the CDC said in its report. The federal health agency said its data was preliminary and incomplete for some "key characteristics of interest, including hospitalisation status". The data release came as Dr Deborah Birx, the No 2 official in the White House Covid-19 task force, told a press conference on Wednesday that data from France and Italy also showed that younger people were "getting seriously ill and very seriously ill in the ICU". "We think part of this may be that people heeded the early data coming out of China and coming out of South Korea of the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions [being regarded as] a particular risk," said Birx, in the briefing that was attended by Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence and other senior officials in the task force. Media reports in the US have shown younger people in university campuses and elsewhere not heeding the stringent social distancing measures the CDC has recommended to flatten the epidemic curve in the country amid the surge in community transmission. The CDC has advised against social gatherings of more than 10 people. Every state in the mainland US now has recorded infections. "We are not only calling on you to heed what's in the guidance, but to really ensure that each and every one of you are protecting each other," Birx said. Trump, meanwhile, said he hoped young people would "just listen to what we've been saying over the last period of time". "We don't want them gathering, and I see that they do gather, including on beaches and including in restaurants, young people," he said. "They don't realise that they're feeling invincible, I don't know if you felt invincible when you were young. But they don't realise that they could be carrying lots of bad things home to their grandmother and grandfather and even their parents," he said. "I do believe it's getting through." In a briefing earlier on Wednesday, Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organisation's technical lead for Covid-19, said that the mild symptoms experienced by the overall majority of children was not universal. A study of more than 2,000 children infected with the virus in China, published online in the Journal??Pediatrics?this week, said while most infected children only develop mild or moderate symptoms, there is chance of toddlers and babies developing severe ones. Myanmars military withdrew two lawsuits against The Irrawaddy and Reuters News Agency on March 18, following the involvement of the Myanmar Press Council. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes the outcome and urges authorities to solve all future media disputes with the medias designated arbiter. In a letter to the Myanmar Press Council, the military said it filed the lawsuit against The Irrawaddy for what is said was misleading news reports which undermined the dignity and image of the military. But this week, the military agreed to drop the actions against the two media organisations and said it would develop a new relationship with the press. The Myanmar Press Council welcomed the decision and reminded other organisations to report complaints on media coverage to the council, instead of resorting to legal action. The military filed the lawsuit against The Irrawaddys news editor, U Ye Ni, on April 12, 2019, at Kyauktada Police Station, in Yangon. The action was based on the claim that coverageon the conflict between the military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Mrauk-U town in Rakhine State had contravened Article 66 (d) of the Telecommunications Law. In a separate matter, the military also filed a defamation lawsuit against Reuters for its coverage of the shelling of a Rohingya village in Rakhine State which resulted in the deaths of two women in January 2020.On March 10, the acting station head of police in Buthidaung township, Police Lieutenant Kyaw Thu, confirmed Reuters was being sued by the army under section 66D of the Telecommunications Act. The IFJ said: The militarys decision to drop the cases against The Irrawaddy and Reuters is welcomed. Disputes related with press coverage should be settled via Myanmars Press Council, not the courts. Nurses and doctors in the United States are facing dire realities of shortages of personal protective equipment. Many are voicing concerns over the ability to protect themselves under conditions of a surge of infected patients that will overwhelm hospitals. An emergency room physician wrote on a COVID-19 Facebook post hosting over 100,000 nurses and doctors, We have run out of most of our supplies because they have run out of N95 masks. I refuse to intubate patients without a mask. They scolded me about this, but we have the most confirmed cases at our hospital in our State. Physicians and nurses on the front-line of the pandemic are voicing concerns over their safety, given the shortage of personal protective equipment. Spontaneously, communities of health providers have organized several online groups that allow nurse practitioners, family medicine physicians and specialists to interact and share experiences and communicate directly, ask questions or share insights. The posted comments have provided an even clearer picture of the disorganized and chaotic response by the health care system and federal government to the developing pandemic. One nurse practitioner from Tennessee wrote, My urgent care clinic is going to start offering COVID-19 testing here soon. We do not have proper PPE [personal protective equipment]. No N95 masks or safety goggles or enough gowns. What is the CDC saying about proper PPE? What are the alternatives to N95? If you dont have proper PPE and you get a positive, is the whole clinic have to be tested? I am not getting answers from my company. What are some of your clinics doing in this situation? A certified nurse-midwife asked, What are your mitigation plans for providers/staff that are unable to fit for N-95 masks? Our leadership doesnt have a plan at this point other than regular surgical masks. Another nurse wrote, My clinic wont get us N95 masks, but masks patients with symptoms. Im going to start wearing a mask in the clinic, so I dont infect patients in case Ive already been exposed. I wish our clinic would provide us with better masks. Another emergency room physician wrote, In this pandemic, the most important specialties are those that can manage airways and ventsER, Critical Care, Anesthesiology. I have been issued ONE disposable N95 to be used continuously till they can find a replacement. The most high-risk situation is to manage a patient where I have to intubate. I save the single N95 for the high-risk situations and go naked for all the minor flu-like cases its my honest belief that at this rate, I will likely get infected well before the point where I am needed most. Losing even one physician who has airway skills is a huge loss, there are not many of us. In a show of solidarity, Primavera Alessandra Spagnolo wrote to the group, Colleagues: I am a member of the homologous Italian group of Covid-19 physicians. There is also an international group. My point is: many of the questions you have regarding symptoms and therapies have already been discussed/answered by Italian physicians. If there is a way to open a communication channel between these groups, lets do it. We need to share experiences, knowledge, and support each other. These initiatives on the part of health care workers should be applauded as they provide a concrete example of the necessity to organize global resources from an international perspective. These workers have set out to create a multinational forum to address the most urgent concerns facing the health care establishment and the patients they are treating. Pediatricians, anesthesiologists and an assortment of subspecialists are sharing data from their respective hospitals, providing guidance on strategies to extend resources, offering their best practices and indicating the obstacles and challenges they face. Their comments also indicate the tremendous anxiety and fear that exists. Many express their frustrations with their hospitals lagging and constantly changing policies. Frustrations also arise when administrators downplay the risk to health care workers. Lack of ability to get testing also extends to health care workers who are at greatest risk due to their exposures. Now, shortages of long nasal swabs for the COVID-19 test kits are making headlines. A pregnant physician from Idaho wrote, I have been isolating at home with my husband and 22-month-old. Both have demonstrated a very mild fever one day and nothing else. Given the shortage of viral media [test kit solution], we have elected not to test them at this time what I am reading here is alarmingmultiple providers with much higher exposure risks than myself with more symptoms who are being denied testing. I have more questions than answers. I am patient number 6 in my State. Im shocked; I feel so alone. The COVID-19 pandemic in the US is entering an accelerating phase with 7,301 cases. New York now has 2,480 cases, while in Washington, there are 1,014 cases. Every state has been impacted. The number of daily new cases on March 17 rose by 1,748 with reports of 23 more deaths. This week, the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team published their modeling of the trajectory for the epidemic utilizing various strategies of containment and mitigation. Under the most optimal measures, they provide a dire estimate of the number of fatalities expected in Great Britain and the United States. The surge is expected to commence in late April and peak in June. However, the authors note that the health resources of both nations will be inundated, and they believe that social distancing, mitigation and suppression measures will have to be extended for many more months than is being reported. The Harvard Global Health Institute released data this week that provides a glimpse into which regions will be impacted worst based on various estimates of infected population and containment strategies. The estimates are bleak at best, indicating that the nation has done little until now to prepare for this pandemic. Vast communities in America are not prepared to take care of the Covid-19 patients showing up, according to Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. In their best-case scenario, where the curve is flattened over an 18-month window, under the premise that only 20 percent of Americans are infected, hospitals in the US would operate at full capacity. Under a more realistic assessment that has been made by multiple models of the pandemic, if 40 percent of the population became infected, the US would have to double bed capacity to absorb the surge. Additionally, if all ICU beds were made available to COVID-19 cases, the total capacity would have to be increased by 74 percent, and this does not consider that hospitals may have a limited supply of ventilators as well as respiratory therapists who would manage this equipment. Regional variations and flexibility will inundate communities differently. Urban centers like New York City would be hit hardest, but their health systems can adjust by releasing non-urgent admissions to accept new cases. Still, Governor Cuomo admitted at a press conference this week, You will have people on gurneys in hallways. That is what is going to happen now if we do nothing. He has urged the White House to deploy the Army Corps of Engineers to build field hospitals to absorb the surge numbering in the tens of thousands. Rural communities will face challenges relating to the lack of resources and expertise. Over the last fifteen years, 155 rural hospitals have closed. Of the remaining 1,821 hospitals, 40 percent operate at negative margins, and 20 percent are nearing financial collapse. There are almost 60 million people living in geographically isolated regions of the United States. They also have poorer health than their urban counterparts, suffering from COPD, obesity, diabetes and heart disease, with higher mortality, making them even more vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic. In rural medicine, one physician may fill multiple roles. There are usually no intensive care beds, and standard protocol would be to stabilize the patient and transfer them to larger centers. If these communities are overwhelmed by local surges, there may be little alternative for these patients but to weather the infection in place. Eighty-five percent of rural communities are already facing physician shortages. Transmission of the coronavirus to health care workers in these regions would exhaust the trained staff immediately. Just last week in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, 54 nurses were furloughed after possible exposure to COVID-19. West Virginia reported its first case on Tuesday, distinguishing themselves as the last state impacted by COVID-19. Joe Manchin, the states senior US senator, speaking on the possible impact, said, I have over 720,000 elderly. Ive got over 220,000 that are critically ill under 60 years of age. If you put all this together, of the 1.8 million people living in West Virginia, I have over a million that could be devastated by this virus if it hits. The WSWS spoke with Christine Pontus, associate director in Nursing/Occupational Health at the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), about the concerns of nurses during the coronavirus outbreak. I wont say all the health care facilities, but Im saying this is one of the concerns we havethat if the hospital follows the CDC definition right now, of droplet transmission, it doesnt address more specifically the positive or presumptive [COVID-19] patient. Without guidelines, it creates confusion. Theyre making up the rules at the last minute. Theyre not supposed to be doing that. Thats not professional, thats not proper planning. So, for me to have a labor representative come in and voice his opinion with two ER nurses, thats a concern. The hospital was not giving them the N95 masks in a room where patients were not confirmed [COVID-19] cases, but they were being tested for it. Some hospitals are handing out one N95 every three days [to nurses], one every week, one a shift. These are the kinds of things were hearing. Were in interim recommendations here. But in the original manufacturers recommendation, those N95s were meant to be used once and disposed of. Much of this planning ought to have been happening a long time ago, Christine said of the lack of preparedness. If people were listening to what the epidemiologists and the scientists were sayingwe knew what was happening in Italy. They were saying quarantine; they were saying isolation. This, to me, is kind of a no-brainer. Coronavirus: Italy's death toll nears 3,000. Italy has reported 475 deaths from Coronavirus since yesterday, setting a new record for the highest number of fatalities in 24 hours of any nation, reports Italian news agency ANSA. The latest figures, announced on 18 March by Italy's civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli, reveal that 2,978 people have died with the Coronavirus in Italy since the outbreak began in the north of the country in late February. Borelli said that a total of 4,025 people in Italy have recovered from Coronavirus, with 28,710 people in Italy currently infected with Covid-19. The vast majority of cases and deaths have been recorded in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, the area worst affected by the outbreak. The overall number of people infected, including fatalities and those who have recovered, is now at 35,713, according to ANSA. Borelli stressed however that an additional 1,084 people have recovered, describing this as a "truly important" number, which raises the total number of those recovered to 4,025, up 37 per cent on yesterday, reports ANSA. Borelli also underlined the importance of limiting movements as much as possible, a call which has been echoed repeatedly by Italian premier Giuseppe Conte and Rome mayor Virginia Raggi in recent days. Italy has been on nationwide lockdown since 9 March, however police have pressed charges against 43,000 people across Italy for violating the quarantine measures, between 11 and 17 March, reports ANSA. Although the vast majority of people in Italy are remaining indoors, the number of deaths from Coronavirus continues to spiral. Mike Ryan, head of the World Health Organization's emergencies programme, said this was likely caused by the "astonishing" number of cases within the health systems, as well as Italy's high number of elderly people, reports Reuters. Members of Germany's coronavirus emergency task force sit down for a work session while a monitor shows the global spread and human toll of the virus at offices of the Ministry of Health on Feb. 28, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Wake-Up Call: Pandemic Should Prompt the West to Confront Chinese Regime, Experts Say The global pandemic that has resulted from the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) initial coverup of the COVID-19 outbreak should serve as a wake-up call for Western governments dealing with the regime, a China expert and rights activist said. Benedict Rogers, a UK human rights activist and founder of nonprofit Hong Kong Watch, told The Epoch Times that the crisis should prompt countries to review their relations with the Chinese regime, because we would not have a global pandemic if the Chinese authorities had listened to doctors in Wuhan instead of silencing, repressing, and punishing them. The global coronavirus pandemic should be a wake-up call for the world, and especially Western governments and multilateral organizations such as the WHO [World Health Organization], who have naively kowtowed to the Chinese regime and blindly trusted this regime that is manifestly based on lies and repression, Rogers said in an email. The CCP virus, which causes COVID-19, originated from the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. Despite being aware of the severity of the outbreak, Chinese authorities suppressed vital information about the disease and silenced doctors who tried to draw attention to the situation. As a result of the Chinese regimes initial coverup, the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, has spread to more than 100 countries, infected more than 100,000 people, and killed thousands outside of China. In Europe, where the outbreak is most severe outside of Chinaparticularly in Italy, Germany, Spain, and Francecountries should reassess their ties with the regime after they deal with the crisis, said Charles Parton, a former British diplomat stationed in China and a senior associate at UK-based think tank Royal United Services Institute. At that time, it is important that those making policy are aware of the facts and how the CCP put politics above people in the early stages of its reaction to COVID-19, Parton said in an email. He added that the task of European governments would be to stress that for the sake of the worlds future ability to deal with such threats, the CCP has to allow more transparency and truth to shine forth. Economic Ties In the past year, European countries have been weighing a tougher stance toward the regime, driven by Beijings unfair trade practices, Chinese acquisitions in critical sectors, and its failure to open its markets to European companies in the same way that Europe has done for Chinese firms. The executive arm of the EU called Beijing a strategic rival in a March 2019 report on EUChina relations. The EU also hopes to reach a deal with the regime to address unfair investment practices, although those efforts appear to be on hold as an EUChina summit scheduled for the end of March has reportedly been postponed due to the pandemic. Amid this push for a more balanced trade relationship, European countries also found themselves grappling with how not to antagonize their major trading partner. In closed-door meetings, member state officials vent their frustration about China, but at the end of the day, short-term opportunism prevails, Jonathan Holslag, professor of international politics at the Free University of Brussels and special adviser to the first vice president of the European Commission, told The Diplomat in January. We are all being pressured by Chinese diplomats to accept [Chinese telecom giant] Huawei, scared that European companies that invested in China could suffer from trade tensions, but we still keep sending delegation after delegation to China to pursue business opportunities. These competing interests were exemplified during Chinese leader Xi Jinpings visit to France last March, Holslag said. The one day, [French President] Emmanuel Macron calls [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel and the [EU] Commission president to meet President Xi Jinping together in Paris. The next day, he desperately tries to sell Airbus planes [to China], he said. The professor noted that the same applied to Germany. Companies like Volkswagen, BASF, and BMW shape the China agenda much more than long-term strategic concerns or the national interest, he said. China is Germanys largest trading partner. As of 2019, Chinese businesses accounted for 7 percent of German private sectors total income. Over 5,000 German companies have invested in over 8,000 projects in China, while over 2,000 Chinese companies have invested in Germany. Other European countries have also welcomed Chinese investments. In 2018, Portugal became the first European country to sign up to Beijings infrastructure investment plan, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road). This was followed by Italy last year, which became the first G-7 nation to join. BRI, a project aimed to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe through a network of railways, ports, and roads, has been criticized for saddling developing countries with debt burdens they cannot repay. Meanwhile, the United States worries that the plan is also designed to strengthen Chinas military influence and spread technologies capable of spying on the West. The regime has also made inroads into Spain. Chinese firms in 2016 acquired two Spanish engineering firms Aritex and Eptisa, which was part of Beijings global drive to dominate high-tech sectors, as dictated by its national industrial plan Made in China 2025, which serves as a blueprint for China to become a tech manufacturing powerhouse. Also, in June 2017, Chinas state-owned shipping company COSCO bought majority stakes in Noatum Port Holdings, the operator of two container terminals in the ports of Valencia and Bilbao, illustrating Beijings hopes to pull Spain into its BRI paradigm. Noatum is Spains largest maritime terminal operator. Meanwhile, many European countries are in the midst of deciding whether to include Huawei technology in their 5G rollouts. While the United States has warned its European allies that doing so would pose national security risks, Chinese officials have exerted pressure on some countries to accept Huawei or face retaliation. The UK in January announced that it would allow Huawei in non-core parts of its 5G network. According to Reuters, France is poised to make a similar decision. In neighboring Germany, Merkels ruling coalition has stopped short of banning Huawei, but favors imposing tougher rules on vendors. Seek Truth From Facts Since the virus spread across the world, the Chinese regime has launched significant efforts to portray itself as a global leader in fighting the virus, while deflecting attention away from its mishandling of the outbreak. The CCP will be exerting great efforts through its external propaganda machinery to ensure that foreign governments adopt its narrative of success and working on behalf of the world to combat COVID-19, Parton said. Beijing has sent teams of medical experts to Italy and Spain, while Chinese state media has lauded Beijings provision of medical aid, such as masks and protective gear, to other hard-hit countries. Some of the supplies sent to Italy, however, were not donations, but rather exports of goods for purchase. Parton said countries should combat such propaganda efforts by proverbially seeking truth from facts, and demanding more transparency from the CCP. We should talk to the Chinese government about its experience and we should try to work together to draw up lessons for the future for all of us, he said. Rogers said European countries ought to alert the world to the fact that the Chinese regime is to blame for this pandemic. The Chinese regime is the problem, not the solution, he said. Britains armed forces will be playing an active part in combating the coronavirus pandemic with a range of services being planned from transporting oxygen and supplies, running emergency medical centres, support for police and border forces during public disturbances, and helping to find possible antidotes to the disease. While up to 10,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen can be deployed on the ground, DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) will be working with other government scientific and medical facilities, including Public Health England, in the search for a treatment. The Covid Support Force will be run from the Headquarters Standing Joint Command in Aldershot, Hampshire, which coordinates resilience missions for the state. Military planners from there have been placed in government departments dealing with the crisis. Reservists, especially those with specific skill sets, will be used in the operations with measures in place to call them out when necessary. The Support Force is in addition to 10,000 armed forces personnel who are kept in higher readiness to deal with major acts of terrorism or natural disasters. Overseas deployment will continue, but a number of annual exercises one in Canada, another in Kenya have been postponed at the request of the host nations. The contingents being sent abroad are due to be tested for infection. Those who may have been exposed to Covid-19 while serving abroad will go into 14 days isolation on their return. Two members of the forces are in self- isolation after arriving from Cyprus at the end of last week. The military have, so far, helped organise repatriation flights from China and Japan, including those from the cruise ship Diamond Princess. They are currently engaged in returning passengers from another cruise ship, the British operated Braemar, which has docked in Havana after other ports in the Caribbean turned it away. Four aircraft are in Cuba at present to carry out the evacuation. One of the most immediate responses of the Support Force is likely to be providing 150 drivers for oxygen tankers for clinics, with their training starting on Monday. This is going to be extended, if necessary, to moving food, medicine and other essential supplies both to medical facilities and to vulnerable people. The use of barracks, the building of tent cities and, possibly, ships, to make up for shortage of hospital beds is under consideration, but Whitehall officials say it may be more logistically effective to provide personnel and equipment in a facility such as a hotel near a hospital. Under the terms of the Military Aid to Civil Authorities (Maca) the armed forces can deployed to help civil powers, like the police and fire service, in times of emergency and they will be available if there is rioting or looting and to guard quarantine zones if these are established. Major General Charlie Stickland, assistance chief of the Defence Staff Operations and Commitments, said: Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance. The Covid Support Force, potentially drawing upon our highly skilled scientists at Dstl or oxygen tanker drivers, will form part of a whole force effort to support the country during its time of need. Our servicemen and women are committed to maintain our operational output and delivering any support the government requires. Defence secretary Ben Wallace said:The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19. The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need. From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic. By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 19, 2020 | 04:39 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY On Wednesday, while on patrol, deputies say they recognized a suspect from an earlier theft case. After performing a traffic stop for alleged traffic violations, deputies say the driver was identified as 32-year-old Nelson Scott Waldkoetter of McCracken County. According to deputies, Waldkoetter matched the description of a suspect from surveillance footage. While searching the vehicle, deputies reportedly found property related to a theft case. Deputies say they also found marijuana, and a loaded handgun inside of the vehicle. Deputies also determined that he was a convicted felon. Waldkoetter was arrested and lodged in the McCracken County Jail. He is being charged with receiving stolen property under $500, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and careless driving. A man is facing drug, theft, and gun charges after a traffic stop in McCracken County. A viral pandemic is sure to leave people with vacation plans disheartened as governments across the world impose travel restrictions and stay-at-home advisories. Postponing that well-earned trip enjoy seem to be the only option but dont be dejected alls not over yet. Enjoying a virtual travel experience from the confines of your home could be an option. Social media has a lot of options for you to satiate your vacation-hungry soul and its travel cravings with an array of perfect locations and hi-tech photos. Visit global museums Through Google Arts & Culture, you can enjoy an excursion to exhibitions. All you need is strong internet connectivity. The platform has access to more than 500 museums and galleries across the world that include New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, Amsterdams Van Gogh Museum, South Koreas National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the National Gallery in London, Paris Musee dOrsay and the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Zoo trip The El Paso Zoo provides the option of Zoo Cams that will take you through an exclusive trip to get an inside peek at the animals in their habitats. You can just go ahead and see a giraffe and an orangutan. Podcasts for the imagery-filled travel The David Zwirner Gallery has several podcasts with popular artistes lending their voices to the trip in New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong. The institute is also coming up with viewing rooms, which are online exhibition spaces. Live concerts The Seattle Symphony provides live broadcasts of its performances on its YouTube channel. Experience the grand concerts in the comfort of your home by plugging in your headphones. Virtual reality If you are in possession of a virtual reality (VR) headset, then you can use it for interactive experiences other than playing video games. The virtual reality industry brought about a lot of interesting changes in the travel industry, offering users a 360 degree view of a locale even before visiting it. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Altogether 4,296 people were screened at the Lengpui airport and other screening counters along the inter-state and international borders on Thursday, an official said. Not a single confirmed coronavirus case has been reported in Mizoram till date, a health department official said. He also said that at least 156 people, who returned from abroad recently, have been placed under home quarantine as a precautionary measure though they did not show any symptoms of being infected with the deadly virus. Meanwhile, an official statement said that the Indo- Bangladesh border has been sealed and the entry point along the international border was open only at Zokhawthar on the Mizoram-Myanmar border. The statement also said that Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana held a meeting with Mizoram Kohhran Hruatute Committee (MKHC), a conglomerate of church leaders' committee, and sought its help to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Thursday. It was also decided in the meeting that awareness would be created through the weekly bulletins of the churches. The MKHC also would take measures to ensure that mass gathering is avoided at important programmes such as weddings, memorial stone erections and other important events concerning the churches. Sources said that some major local churches belonging to different denominations have temporarily suspended service until further order to avoid mass gathering. Many organisations and political parties, including main opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC), also closed their offices for this month. Besides, the Mizoram Merchant Association (MIMA) has prohibited door to door vending by any individuals, including Myanmar nationals and non-tribals in various neighbourhoods. The association on Thursday issued an advisory to its members stating that all shop keepers and helpers must wear protective masks, hand gloves and wash their hands regularly. Traders coming from outside should be self-quarantined at their houses for at least 14 days. The association also banned any mass gathering by the members and warned them not to hike commodity prices. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A heartwarming note left for an elderly man has shown how Australians are coming together to help the vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis. The note was left for a 91-year-old man from Caringbah in Sydney's south, detailing how his neighbours would be happy to help him with food and transport. 'Lovely neighbour, you have lived [here] for some time and over the years you have made our little street the wonderful place it is to live,' the note began. The kind gesture comes as the elderly, who are most at risk from COVID-19, struggle to make it to supermarkets before shelves are stripped bare by panic-buyers. A group of neighbours came together to assure their elderly neighbour he was not alone in the face of the COVID-19 crisis and said they would help with food and essential items One of the residents behind the letter, Sonja (right), told Daily Mail Australia the man was turning 92 on Monday, and had lived in the same home since buying it off the plan in 1957 'As the world is a little uncertain right now, we want you to know we are here for you just as you were for us when we were new to the neighbourhood,' the note continued. 'If there is absolutely anything we can help you with in the next few days or weeks from a cup of sugar to a car ride and anything in between, please feel free to call any of us.' The note finished by reminding the man the parents had a 'bunch of teenagers with cars' who were also more than willing to help with errands. One of the residents behind the letter, Sonja, told Daily Mail Australia the man was turning 92 on Monday, and had lived in the same home since buying it off the plan in 1957. Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton on Thursday slammed hoarders and panic buyers saying they had put the most vulnerable people in society at greater risk. 'You force us into a position where you need to ration the purchasing arrangements or ration store hours, which I don't want to do because I think it sends a bad message,' Mr Dutton said. 'But we need to get under control the actions of some people at the moment that remain completely unacceptable.' The elderly man's neighbours (L-R) Sonja, Noelle, Angela, Marina and their partners wanted him to know he was not alone Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Australia produced enough food for 75 million people, three times the nation's population. 'There is no risk of us having any issues around food security,' Mr Littleproud told ABC News. He said the only pressure on supply chains was coming from stupid people panic buying. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'They need to take a deep breath, have a cold shower and understand that if they shop normally, then the shelves will be stocked normally.' Pork industry chief Margo Andrae said producers were meeting increased demand at supermarkets and butchers. 'Despite the uncertainties of COVID-19, Australians can be confident about the farm sector's supply of fresh produce, including locally grown Australian pork, to the market,' she said. Almost all councils across Australia have agreed to relax night truck curfews to allow more deliveries to supermarkets. Coles has taken out full-page newspaper advertisements announcing limits on toilet paper, pasta, flour, eggs, some meat, hand sanitiser and soaps. Woolworths is also limiting purchases of similar products, as well as chilled fresh milk. Coles chief operating officer Matt Swindells said shops were geared up to put items on the shelf as quickly as possible, with more than 5000 extra casuals employed. 'There is lots and lots of stock in the system,' he told Nine's Today Show. 'The suppliers are producing more than ever, faster than ever and here in this (distribution centre) with our partners Linfox, we're moving record volumes into our stores.' South Africa: Churches cancel Easter services to curb COVID-19 spread The Methodist Church has cancelled Good Friday and Easter Sunday services to combat the spread of the Coronavirus and the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has cancelled Friday prayer. In addition, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has cancelled its annual Moria pilgrimage. Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with leaders of diverse communities of faith to reinforce the national response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the President said the announcements were no doubt reached through great difficulty. During April, millions of our people traditionally make their way to various domestic locations for religious pilgrimages or visit holy sites abroad, as our Muslim brothers and sisters do to Mecca to perform the umrah. As government we wholly appreciate the challenges this presents on a number of fronts, said President Ramaphosa. At the meeting, which took place at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Tshwane, the President expressed his appreciation to religious leaders for their cooperation in fighting the scourge of the outbreak. This is something we keenly appreciate. As religious leaders, you have shown your support for the national effort, and we thank you for this, said the President. On Sunday, the President declared a national state of disaster in response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. The President limited the size of public gatherings to no more than 100 people to ensure that there is containment of the coronavirus which can be transmitted from one person to another, with even the most limited contact. On Wednesday, South Africa tipped over the 100 positive cases mark and recorded a 116 confirmed Coronavirus cases. The President further called on religious leaders to make use of their platforms and reach, to educate and inform communities about the Coronavirus. I want to call on you to extend your cooperation with us as government in reducing the impact of the coronavirus across all sectors of society. Millions of South Africans are at risk of contracting coronavirus not just in places of worship, but in buses and taxis, in the workplace, and even in their homes. This risk is greater in poor communities, many of which do not have access to safe and clean drinking water, and who are forced by circumstances to live in close proximity to others, he said. Funerals With religious leaders forming part of the cornerstone of society and presiding over funerals, the President urged them to drive home the message that while sensitive and difficult to manage, no event is exempt from the regulations, including funerals. It is also necessary to clarify that the regulations around gatherings over 100 people also apply to funerals, over which our religious leaders preside. We call upon you to engage with bereaved families in the preparatory stages to impress upon them to confine the burial congregation to only close family wherever possible, said the President. The President further highlighted that given the high prevalence of HIV, Aids and Tuberculosis in the country, COVID-19 could have a devastating impact on society. "The Thuma Mina moment is upon us, perhaps as never before. Let us keep the nations spirits up and remind them that we are doing everything within our means to keep them safe. We are in this together, and it is by working together that we will prevail. We are, and forever will remain, our brothers and sisters keeper, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The supreme leader will pardon many prisoners already on temporary release. Almost half of security-related prisoners will be pardoned, judiciary spokesman said. Iran has more than 189,000 people in jail. Three inmates join Nasrin Sotoudehs hunger strike. Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon 10,000 prisoners, including political activists to mark Nowruz, Iranian New Year, tomorrow. Those who will be pardoned will not return to jail ... almost half of those security-related prisoners will be pardoned as well, said judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili. A few days ago, Iranian authorities temporarily freed 85,000 people from jail to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus in prisons. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread, reaping new victims. The tally now stands at more than 17,000 cases, 1,135 deaths, and more than 4,000 recovered. A large number of prisoners who have been temporarily freed do not need to return to jail after the leaders pardon, Esmaili said. The unprecedented point is that the pardon also includes the security-related prisoners with less than five-year jail sentences, he added. Esmaili did not say whether this group will include British Iranian-born Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was released on Tuesday for two weeks. Iran has 189,500 people in prison, this according to a report that the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman, submitted to the Human Rights Council in January, including, it seems, hundreds arrested during or after anti-government protests in November. Irans Revolutionary Guards (Pasdaran) have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners over recent years, including citizens of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Austria, France, Sweden, the Netherlands and Lebanon. Tehran denies it holds people on political grounds, and has mainly accused foreigners of espionage. Meanwhile, at least three political activists in Tehrans Evin Prison have joined prominent jailed human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudehs hunger strike demanding freedom for all political prisoners. Sotoudehs husband, Reza Khandan, said that his wife is aware of the dangers of going on hunger strike amid a deadly viral outbreak when Iranian prisons are lacking crucial medicines and sanitary supplies. Australia records sixth COVID-19 death, confirmed cases passing 500 People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:13, March 18, 2020 SYDNEY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- An 86-year-old man has become the sixth person to die in Australia after contracting COVID-19, health authorities in the state of New South Wales (NSW) reported on Wednesday. The man died in a Sydney hospital on Tuesday night, and officials have offered their condolences to his family and friends. So far NSW has recorded all but one of the country's deaths and has roughly half of the nation's more than 500 confirmed cases. The state once again recorded its biggest daily jump on Wednesday, with 57 new cases, taking the total number to 267, which NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant attributes partly to a rigorous testing regime. "We have done well in excess of 25,000 tests and continue to test a large number of people each day," Chant said. She added that as the case numbers increased it was becoming increasingly difficult to trace infection back to their source. "We have also observed an increase in the number of cases where we haven't been able to find a source of that infection," she said. NSW State Premier Gladys Berejiklian echoed Chant's sentiments that there was extensive testing being done and asked the community to remain calm but vigilant. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Showtime has unveiled the new trailer for Season 5 of Billions, offering fans' first look at new characters played by Julianna Margulies and Corey Stoll. Margulies will portray a new character named Catherine Brant, described as an 'Ivy League sociology professor and bestselling author.' Stoll will have a season-long arc as Michael Prince, 'a business titan from a small town in Indiana.' New trailer: Showtime has unveiled the new trailer for Season 5 of Billions, offering fans' first look at new characters played by Julianna Margulies and Corey Stoll Catherine: Margulies will portray a new character named Catherine Brant, described as an 'Ivy League sociology professor and bestselling author' Michael: Stoll will have a season-long arc as Michael Prince, 'a business titan from a small town in Indiana' The trailer begins with Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) telling his longtime rival Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) that they both, 'need power, we need to feel alive, maybe even to be alive.' Mike Wagner (David Costabile) tells Axelrod that the 'world is changing and you are right in the center of it,' as we get our first look at Michael Prince, who walks into a room to meet Axelrod. Rhoades is seen telling Kate Sacker (Condola Rashad) that Prince is, 'at war with Bobby Axelrod, and that he, 'knows how to work this.' Bobby: The trailer begins with Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) telling his longtime rival Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) that they both, 'need power, we need to feel alive, maybe even to be alive' Mike: Mike Wagner (David Costabile) tells Axelrod that the 'world is changing and you are right in the center of it,' as we get our first look at Michael Prince, who walks into a room to meet Axelrod Work this: Rhoades is seen telling Kate Sacker (Condola Rashad) that Prince is, 'at war with Bobby Axelrod, and that he, 'knows how to work this' Axelrod says he sees, 'the whole thing from a whole other dimension,' while Rhoades tells Prince that, 'people like us must destroy people like him' as they're seen shaking hands. The trailer then reveals a first look at Brant, who tells Rhoades, 'I don't like this game,' though Rhoades adds that it's 'not a game.' Axelrod is seen defiantly telling someone, 'I will tear you apart, as Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) tells Rhoades, 'You still don't know how all the pieces fit together.' Game: The trailer then reveals a first look at Brant, who tells Rhoades, 'I don't like this game,' though Rhoades adds that it's 'not a game' Pieces: Axelrod is seen defiantly telling someone, 'I will tear you apart, as Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) tells Rhoades, 'You still don't know how all the pieces fit together' Rhoades then tells someone, 'it's a triple-cross,' as Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) screams 'I told you never to come to my place of work' at Sarah Hammon (Samantha Mathis). Prince tells Axelrod, 'I don't know what you're doing. I hate when people mess with my money.' Wendy tells Chuck that, 'it's getting tribal out there,' while we get another quick look at another new character, Frank Grillo's Nico Tanner, a 'modern artist.' Work: Rhoades then tells someone, 'it's a triple-cross,' as Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) screams 'I told you never to come to my place of work' at Sarah Hammon (Samantha Mathis) The trailer winds down with a number of quick-cut shots including one of Prince telling someone (likely Axelrod) 'You're a monster.' The final shot features a seemingly drunk Axelrod telling Prince, 'That's right, I am a monster, a carnivorous monster,' as the trailer comes to an end. The fifth season of Billions is slated to premiere Sunday, May 3 at 9 PM ET on Showtime, or on Stan in Australia. Monster: The final shot features a seemingly drunk Axelrod telling Prince, 'That's right, I am a monster, a carnivorous monster,' as the trailer comes to an end With three fresh cases reported on Thursday, the number of people found positive for COVID-19 in Telangana rose to 16, officials said. Of the three, two had arrived in Hyderabad from London, while the third came from Dubai. The total number of cases were initially put at 14 by the state government. However, a revised bulletin issued by the government late in the night said three persons were found positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 16. The 16 include the first case of a software professional who was discharged from hospital after his recovery. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 12500 N.E. Tenth Place Bellevue, WA 98005 JPFO.org 800-869-1884 info@jpfo.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2020 Contact: Floyd Neeland Coronavirus pandemic awakens citizens to what's important "Shelter in place" practically demands being safely armed Supply shortages and self-quarantining could last for months The sudden onslaught of the contagious COVID-19 medical emergency has a few surprising bright sides. Americans have been alerted to our deep supply-chain weaknesses, serious dependencies on communist China--which is and has always been a mortal enemy of free markets and The American Way, and now awareness to be properly armed in the event civil order collapses or we are confined at home. Especially gratifying are reports of first-time firearm buyers flooding stores and emptying them of ammunition and suitable civilian arms like AR-15-style rifles police prefer for their own safety, normal-capacity magazines that hold 17 or more rounds for adequate defense in dire contingencies, and shotguns with adequate firepower in the event they are needed. "Shelter in place" suggests you are on your own, a fact gun owners and "woke" individuals already understand all too well. The only thing missing perhaps is adequate quick-turnaround training. Because the public-school system has steadfastly refused to provide even the most rudimentary lessons in gun-safety rules and marksmanship concepts, the public is woefully unprepared for what may be needed. Fortunately, firearms training can be fairly quickly gained and does not violate large-scale social distancing. It will provide financial opportunities for shooting ranges nationwide. Ranges should begin advertising vigorously to attract the masses of newcomers who need introductory classes. It is a silver lining to the near hysteria the public is now experiencing. Support JPFO, speaking truth to power: https://store.jpfo.org/11-donations Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, http://www.jpfo.org is Americas most aggressive civil-rights organization, dedicated to destroying the notion of gun control as any kind of credible public-policy position. So-called gun control does not control guns and doesnt control criminal behavior. What it does is disarm the innocent, leaving them helpless in the face of criminals, tyrannical governments and genocide. History repeatedly proves this fact. Founded in 1989 by Aaron Zelman as a response to the Holocaust, JPFO speaks with the moral authority and tenacious commitment of survivors of persecution, and knows that surrendering your personal and family safety to government protection courts disaster. You dont have to be Jewish to fight by our side, you just have to love liberty. India has started sending out masks, gloves, disinfectants and other items to the neighbouring South Asian nations to help them deal with the COVID-19 pandemic as Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised during his video-conference with other SAARC leaders last Sunday. Notwithstanding huge domestic demand for such items in the wake of the outbreak, New Delhi already responded to the requests from Bhutan and Maldives. Similar requests from other countries are also being processed by the Government of India, Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said. Prime Minister announced several proposals (in his video-conference with other SAARC leaders). You are aware that the initiative has been appreciated by several countries, including the SAARC member States. We are moving very fast on these announcements, he said. For latest updates on coronavirus outbreak, click here Prime Minister proposed to set up a SAARC Emergency Response Fund for Covid-19, with an initial US $10 million contribution from India. New Delhi also proposed follow-up discussions among officials to further assess the impact of the pandemic. On the emergency fund, this is already up and running, Kumar, the MEA spokesperson, said on Thursday. We have received many requests from the other SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, gloves, disinfectants and other items. The quantum of requests received is already above $ 1 million. Supplies to Bhutan and Maldives have already been dispatched. Other requests are under various stages of process. Read: PM Narendra Modi calls for 'Janta Curfew' on March 22 Modi also offered to deploy India's specially-constituted Rapid Response Teams of medical and other professionals, and testing equipment, to any SAARC partner country New Delhi received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for the deployment of Rapid Response Teams from India. A video conference is being scheduled on March 26 among the health professionals of all the SAARC member countries. The best practices being followed by health professionals will be discussed and shared, said Kumar. The city of Conroe will consider postponing its May general and special election as the new coronavirus crisis continues causing the closing of businesses and schools and the cancelling of dozens of events across the county. Mayor Toby Powell confirmed Thursday the item will be placed on the council March 26 agenda for discussion and possible action to move the election to Nov. 3. We can get this coronavirus pandemic out of our way and go about our business and ensure the safety of our citizens, he said. Councilman Jody Czakjoski, who is challenging Powell for the mayors seat, suggested the postponement during the citys emergency meeting Monday but was quickly shut down by fellow council members who said the meeting wasnt the right time or place for the discussion. I think it would be prudent to consider moving the election to the county runoff date, he said. It could save money partnering with the county and make it easier and get more people to the voting polls. Just something we might ought to consider. On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation allowing municipalities to postpone upcoming May 2 elections until November. The move came after Abbott issued a disaster declaration which helped in him issuing the proclamation. I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November, Abbott said in a statement. Right now, the states focus is responding to COVID-19 including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort. Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Jason Millsaps said while the county does handle numerous municipal and municipal utility district elections, the county does not have the authority to postpone them. According to Abbotts proclamation, each political subdivision would have to meet and pass a resolution postponing their election. Millsaps said as of Thursday, no local entities had taken that action. The Montgomery County Public Health District along with the MCOEMHS were continuing to monitor seven positive cases of COVID-19 in the county. According to the MCPHD, there are 50 tests that have come back negative, an increase of 23 since since Wednesday, and 130 tests are pending. Montgomery County coronavirus cases Case 1: A man in his 40s, who resides in northwest Montgomery County, is still hospitalized. He remains in critical condition, but he is stable. As a result of our investigation, we do believe he contracted the virus as a result of community spread. Case 2: A woman, in her 40s, who resides in southeast Montgomery County. She remains in a hospital in Harris County, in critical condition. Her only travel was to New Orleans. Case 3: A man, in his 40s, who resides in northwest Montgomery County. He is at home, recovering well. His only travel was to Florida. Case 4: A woman, in her 40s, who resides in northwest Montgomery County. She remains at home, doing well. Her case is connected to Case 3. Case 5: A man, in his 50s, who resides in southwest Montgomery County. He is in isolation in his home. The man has recently traveled to California. Case 6: A man, in his 40s, who resides in southwest Montgomery County. At this time, he is in isolation in his home. The man has recently traveled to California. Case 7: A woman, in her 60s, who resides in northwest Montgomery County. She is in isolation in her home. She has no recent travel history, and no known contact with other patients. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Clerics appealed to everyone to limit their outings and travels to what is necessary, remaining in their homes for their own safety and the protection of the general public. The spiritual head of Orthodox Christians worldwide has ordered churches to halt services and rites until the end of March in response to the spread of the coronavirus, the Ecumenical Patriarchate said. The patriarchate, which is the seat of the spiritual leader of some 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, announced the move in a statement issued in the Turkish city of Istanbul late on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. "Today we universally declare our ecclesiastical resolution and mandate to cease all divine services, events, and rites, with the exception of private prayer in churches that will remain open, until the end of March," the patriarchate said. It appealed to everyone to limit their outings and travels to what is necessary, remaining in their homes for their own safety and the protection of the general public. "The Ecumenical Patriarchate is monitoring the situation with an urgent sense of responsibility towards its faithful and all people," it said, adding that the halt to services would later be reassessed in line with the pandemic's development. Read alsoRussia, Serbia's support of diasporas as part of imperial policy implementation think tank Monasteries will continue to hold regular religious services for their monastic communities, but outside pilgrims and visitors will not be permitted entry, it said. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and clergy will pray for the whole world and "for its speedy relief from this trial," it added. Earlier, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine also introduced restrictive measures in its churches over the pandemic of the novel coronavirus. As UNIAN reported earlier, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus was recorded late December 2019 in the most populous city of Central China, Wuhan. The World Health Organization recognized it as a global emergency, describing it as a multi-cell epidemic. To date, 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Ukraine, two of which are lethal. The country has declared a nationwide quarantine, which will last until April 3. After jettisoning the controversial herd immunitystrategy to deal with coronavirus, which was based on the hope that young people would fall ill so they gain immunity against the disease, the Boris Johnson government has moved to suppression after British and international expert opinion warned that it would lead to mass deaths. As the government upgraded its response to the crisis and Johnson began daily briefings in Downing Street this week, it was publicly stated that the government expected 60% to 80% of the population to be infected by the virus, as part of the herd immunity approach. At 80%, it would have mean 54 million people and at a 1% death rate, 540,000 deaths. As criticism mounted and the scale of the challenge dawned, health secretary Matt Hancock denied that herd immunity was government policy. The Johnson government initially abandoned lockdowns, social isolation and other public health measures put in place elsewhere in Europe to contain Covid-19, going by the logic that young people will get a mild version of the disease and become immune to the virus, thus building herd immunity that would reduce transmission if the disease resurges in the winter. Experts believe the herd immunity mistake has cost the United Kingdom valuable time. The shift to suppression came after modelling by Imperial College experts suggested that it could cut the death toll to 20,000 an outcome, the chief scientific officer Patrick Vallance said, would be a good outcome. According to Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, the UK has lost seven weeks. He reminded the government that the journal had highlighted the dangers of the virus as early as January 24: This crisis was entirely preventable, he said. The new policy of suppression is expected to lead to a lockdown of London in the near future, as the capital reported nearly 1,000 cases, with boroughs in central London such as Westminster, Southwark, Kensington and Chelsea topping the list of most cases. Londons lockdown involves shutting down large parts of the Tube network and other transport modes. Johnson admitted on Wednesday that new measures would be needed to deal with the challenge that has had ramifications across public life. London mayor Sadiq Khan urged Londoners to only use public transport for essential journeys: People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to. Londoners should be avoiding social interaction unless absolutely necessary, and that means they should be avoiding using the transport network unless absolutely necessary ensuring the capitals critical workers can move around the city will be crucial. Questions have been raised over Johnsons ability to lead the response to the virus challenge, with doctors and others insisting that contrary to claims by the government, they are not being tested for the coronavirus, which not only puts their health but also medical services at risk. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The former head of Kazakhstan's state nuclear energy company has been released from prison after serving 11 years of his 14-year sentence on corruption charges. International human rights organizations had been urging Kazakh authorities to release Mukhtar Dzhakishev since his arrest in 2009, saying the charges were politically-motivated. Supporters greeted him on March 19 as he left a prison in the northeastern city of Semei. A Kazakh court granted an early release on March 3 after the former tycoon had complained of health issues. The court ruled that Dzhakishev will not be allowed to leave the country and will be on parole until his 14-year term is over. Some government critics believe that he was imprisoned because he was a close friend of Mukhtar Ablyazov, a self-exiled former banker and opposition politician, who has been living in the European Union since 2009, the year when Dzhakishev was arrested. The Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Ken Thompson, has called on the government to support businesses that have been tax compliant. His comment follows the economic devastation being caused by the novel Coronavirus pandemic, According to him, this should be part of a bigger emergency plan to bring relief to Ghanaians immediately, and safeguard the economy from crumbling. Several governments globally are already taking steps to support the business community to lessen their plight caused by the ravaging virus. In some cases, governments elsewhere are offering social support systems to make life less stressful for people especially in countries that have implemented a total lockdown. Already, some businesses in Ghana are incurring losses. Speaking on the Point of View on Citi TV, he said, We really need a stimulus package, but because a lot of our economy is informal, I think if we provide direct support, the money will be 'chopped'. So, first, I think it is a good time to reward those who pay taxes. So, for example, what the government can do, is to suspend the payment of tax and Social Security, and the money will be given to the employees to put in their pockets. It will also benefit people who are more vulnerable. The CEO also proposed to the government withdraw the Communication Service Tax (CST) and fuel taxes as part of the package. It is also possible to help with our indirect taxes because most of our taxes are indirect, people are at home, they don't have cash, they are using data and making calls. Cut the Communication Service Tax. Also reduce the fuel tax because if we reduce it, it reduces the cost of transportation, and if the cost of transportation reduces, it reduces the cost of food. That will at least keep prices in check, he added. In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, Ghana has already confirmed seven (7) cases. The government has earmarked US$100 million to support the containment of the virus. Also, the government as part of efforts to stop the spread announced new public gathering advisories which will be enforced for the next four weeks. Among other things, universities, senior high schools, and basic schools have been asked to close down effective Monday, March 16, 2020. Concerts, workshops, sporting events, and all religious events have also been banned. These many experts believe will affect various industries and individuals. Global Statistics The 2019 novel coronavirus, officially named as COVID-19 by the WHO, has spread to more than 170 countries, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare the disease as a pandemic. Confirmed novel coronavirus cases have crossed 200,000, while more than 8,000 deaths have been reported across the world as Europe becomes the new epicentre of the disease. Approximately 60% of the global COVID-19 cases are currently outside China, the original source of the disease. ---citinewsroom Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, posted videos on Twitter on Wednesday to thank China for sending 50,000 coronavirus testing kits and more than two million surgical masks to Europe to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The videos were recorded in English, French and German. She stressed that the two sides' efforts to fight COVID-19 and overcome this hard time demonstrate the good friendship and cooperation between both sides. "I spoke today on the phone with the Chinese premier, Li Keqiang," said Von der Leyen. "We both agreed that the fight against coronavirus is a global one and that we need to support each other in times of need. " "We are ramping up our production. We're converting new production lines. But this needs several weeks. And, in the meantime, we are grateful for support from China," she said. She also noted that these medical materials can be shipped to Europe immediately. "Our commissioner and the Chinese trade minister are implementing this. This support is highly valued and we are grateful for it, " she added. The EU is willing to maintain the development momentum of its relations with China, proactively advance the investment agreement negotiations, and deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and other fields, said she. The beauty of the Phlegraean Fields above and below the sea MIBACT campaign 'Culture Doesn't Stop' amidst coronavirus (ANSAmed) - NAPLES, MARCH 19 - The Italian culture ministry has launched an online campaign called 'Culture Doesn't Stop', to help people access cultural heritage from home during the coronavirus emergency. The Phlegraean Fields archaeological park is part of the campaign, sharing its history, archaeological beauty, and extraordinary natural elements, including the sea. The campaign is using the hashtag #iorestoacasa (I'm Staying Home) and is available at the culture ministry's Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/MiBACT). The Phlegraean Fields video shows the places that in ancient times hosted the first Greek colony of the western Mediterranean. In a later era, the area was the most important trade port of the city and the most famous holiday area for Roman nobility. The video flies over the seven areas of the park - Baia, Bacoli, Miseno, Cuma, Lake Avernus, Liternum and Pozzuoli - among temples, amphitheatres, grottoes and necropoli, revealing the beauty above and under the sea, with underwater artifacts. In this period in which museums, archaeological parks, libraries, archives, theatres, and cinemas are closed to the public due to the coronavirus, the culture ministry is joining in a collective effort with all of its institutions to show not only what is usually inaccessible to the public, but also the "backstage" of culture heritage, with the numerous professionals who work in conservation, protection, and promotion. Through its website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), the culture ministry is relaunching several initiatives from public and private institutions that sent in video contributions for the ministry's live-streaming fundraising initiative "L'Italia chiamo" (Italy Called). The website https://www.beniculturali.it/laculturanonsiferma serves as a continually updated database that brings together all the various activities of the campaign, including other initiatives from cultural areas in the Campania region.(ANSAmed). INDIANAPOLIS (WLFI) Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Thursday all K-12 public and non-public schools will remain closed until May 1 amid the coronavirus outbreak. The date may be revised to extend through the end of the 2019-2020 school year "if circumstances warrant." "We may have to close permanently," said Holcomb. "We will make that call down the road." Holcomb also announced all state mandated assessments are canceled for the current academic year. "If we get students back this year, we will use that time for instruction," said Holcomb. The governor also asked Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick to pursue any federal waivers needed to cancel the requirements for accountability, chronic absenteeism and state-mandated assessments. McCormick said new guidelines will be coming regarding graduating seniors. "Our goal is to make sure we graduate seniors," said McCormick. Lafayette, West Lafayette and Tippecanoe schools had previously announced their buildings would be closed starting March 16 and through spring break. The governor also announced the current state of emergency will be expanded an additional 30 days when it expires on April 5. There were 56 total cases of coronavirus in the state as of Thursday, including within Tippecanoe County. anatakti It was agreed that the gift could not be used for LGBT rights work in the Middle East regionHuman Rights Watch accepted a sizable donation from a Saudi billionaire shortly after its researchers documented labor abuses at one of the mans companies, a potential violation of the rights groups own fundraising guidance.Human Rights Watch recently returned the gift from Saudi real estate magnate Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber, which came with the caveat that it could not be used to support the groups LGBT advocacy in the Middle East and North Africa. The controversial donation is at the center of a contentious internal debate about the judgment and leadership of Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth.After The Intercept began investigating the donation, the rights group published a statement on its website saying that accepting the funding was a deeply regrettable decision that stood in stark contrast to our core values and our longstanding commitment to LGBT rights as an integral part of human rights.The 2012 grant from Al Jabers U.K.-based charitable foundation amounted to $470,000, Roth told The Intercept, adding that a final pledge installment was never realized. The statement did not refer to Al Jaber by name, but two Human Rights Watch employees confirmed his identity to The Intercept.We also regret that the grant was made by the owner of a company that Human Rights Watch had previously identified as complicit in labor rights abuse, the groups statement said. In 2012 and previous years, Human Rights Watch reported extensively on labor violations at Jadawel International, a Saudi construction company founded and owned by Al Jaber. If your business operates internationally, or if you're trying to build relationships with people in other countries, it's important to be able to travel to other countries as easily as possible. Depending on your goals and your needs, you may make frequent visits to one other country, visit many other countries on an occasional basis, or make isolated trips as needed to close deals. In any case, you'll need to understand how visas work for businesses. What Is a Visa? A travel visa is a kind of conditional authorization that grants travel permission to a foreign person. If you're traveling to another country, you may need a visa to travel legally. If someone from another country is coming to your country, they may need a visa. Though visas take different forms, the most common form is a sticker endorsed in your passport--another travel document you may need if you plan to travel. Different countries have different restrictions on travel, typically based on the following: Country of origin. Countries with good relationships typically make travel between those countries easy, sometimes forgoing the need for a travel visa for short stays. For example, if you're traveling from the United States to Canada for a stay of less than six months, you may not need a visa. However, if you're traveling from another country to Canada, you may need a travel visa, or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Countries with good relationships typically make travel between those countries easy, sometimes forgoing the need for a travel visa for short stays. For example, if you're traveling from the United States to Canada for a stay of less than six months, you may not need a visa. However, if you're traveling from another country to Canada, you may need a travel visa, or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Length of stay. Generally speaking, the longer you intend to stay in a country, the more restrictions you'll face and the more paperwork you'll need. The shorter your stay is, the simpler things will be. Generally speaking, the longer you intend to stay in a country, the more restrictions you'll face and the more paperwork you'll need. The shorter your stay is, the simpler things will be. Purpose of travel. Some motivations for travel, like traveling for work or school, tend to be treated with laxer standards than others in most countries. If you're traveling for business purposes, you can usually get a business-specific visa. Determining Paperwork Needed If you're traveling to a specific country, you'll need to review that country's specific standards for allowing travel. For example, the visa policy of the United States dictates who needs a visa, depending on their country of origin and the length of their stay. Currently, there are 39 countries selected by the U.S. government for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, which exempts traveling citizens from needing a visa (if they get an electronic travel authorization). Countries selected for the Visa Waiver Program include Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Kora, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and more. If traveling to the United States through this program, a traveler can stay for up to 90 days. The rules get more complicated for visitors from other countries. An incoming visitor may need to apply for a visa with the United States government, sometimes weeks (if not months) before their planned travel. If you're the one doing the traveling, you should know that not all countries handle travel permits the same way the United States does. You may need a travel visa, a work permit, or both, depending on the activities you plan to do when you visit. The Bottom Line Every gambler knows That the secret to survivin Is knowing what to throw away And knowing what to keep Cause every hands a winner And every hands a loser And the best you can hope for is to die In your sleep. Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Don Schlitz The Gambler lyrics Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC After much rumour and speculation surrounding the OPEC+ meeting, the commencement of a global oil war was confirmed by Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak when he said post meeting Considering the decision taken today, from April 1 of this year onwards, neither we nor any OPEC or non-OPEC country is required to make (oil) output cuts. With this action, Russia signalled its intentions to take on OPEC, its leader Saudi Arabia and to attempt to deal a death blow to a US shale industry that is already on its knees. Russia has long been negative towards OPEC+ production cuts. Whilst it has provided an environment of stable higher oil prices that have allowed it to become debt free and return to budget and trade surplus, the higher prices has also provided a free pass to the debt fuelled US shale industry to keep increasing production unfettered, to the point of overtaking Russia and Saudi Arabia and becoming the worlds largest oil producer. Recent actions though have no doubt stoked Russias grievances to the point that it is willing to risk a protracted and all-out oil price war against two superior opponents. On the Saudi side, Russia has long felt that artificially propping up oil prices by the Saudi led OPEC has given its old foe the US the ability to become an oil exporter for the first time in decades and thus become a serious competitor to traditional export markets. Secondly, rather than the mooted investment in Siberian gas projects, Saudi Arabia announced the Jafuria Shale Project the biggest shale project outside the US, which would allow Saudi Arabia to become a net gas exporter whilst freeing up oil supplies for export that had previously been used for domestic power generation. Story continues At the same time, Putin is pressuring Riyadh (and indirectly Abu Dhabi) to get more in-line with Russias operations in MENA, especially Syria and Libya. By breaking OPEC+, Putin has shown his willingness to take high risks to support his other strategic goals too. On the US side, aside from the shale industrys continued existence, Russia has felt aggrieved at the meddling of the US and the sanctions imposed by them on state-backed enterprises of Rosneft for trading with Venezuela and Nord Stream 2 to supply gas into Europe. As most aggrieved parties do, Russia believes that it has right on its side and views itself as being in a relatively strong position. Three years of stable oil prices has provided the Russians with a certain amount of firepower and the belief that it can withstand oil prices at between $25 to $30 per barrel for the next 6 to 10 years. In taking this view, Putin is gambling on a couple of assumptions. Related: WTI Rallies 24% In Panic Stricken Markets Firstly, that Saudi Arabia, who is embarking on large and expensive structural changes to the country and its economy, lacks the ability to maintain a protracted price war when they need $80 per barrel to balance their budget and fund their expensive structural changes. With perceived internal pressure on MBS continuing from inside the Royal Family, Putin may believe that the time is right. Whilst true that the Saudi budget requires $80 per barrel to balance its budget, it is not a requirement that it does so. Saudi Arabia has deep cash reserves, a cashed up Sovereign Wealth Fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is owner of SABIC and Aramco, and a far greater ability than Russia to borrow in the global financial markets. The Saudi Government has been gaming scenarios where oil drops to $12 to $20 per barrel and has been making its moves accordingly. Secondly, Putin plays on Trumps view that the key to his re-election is the performance of the US economy and the living standards of his voters Trump has always been very vocal fan of lower gasoline prices as a free tax cut to the US economy. Trump, whilst being a vocal supporter of the US Energy Industry, also feels no pressure to immediately ride to their rescue, as he is safe in the knowledge that he will always have their support whilst a Democrat White House would mean industry Armageddon. And by some perverse circumstance, Putin has an accomplice in Saudi Arabia, who having tried and failed between 2014 and 2016, is not against piling on the US shale industry and having a free-kick whilst Russia shoulders the blame. Remembering back in June/July 2018 we saw that Saudi Arabia was a victim of the Trump two-step when encouraged to pump more oil by Trump to drive prices down and help out him domestically, as he placed sanctions on Iran. Saudi complied, only to see immediate and significant waivers granted to purchasers of Iranian oil and the oil price collapse from $75. The Saudi response has been one of shock and awe with Saudi immediately offering barrels into the market with discounts of between $6 and $10 per barrel and Aramcos announcement yesterday to the Saudi Stock Exchange that from the 1st of April they will provide customers with 12.3 million barrels a day and additional 2.6 million barrels per day (~27% increase) from current production levels. As we know, Aramco has never been seen to be producing more than 12 million barrels per day. Increasing production by 2.6 million barrels per day requires some technical issues not yet solved. Whilst there is doubt as to whether these numbers can be achieved (and for how long), it is our expectation that they will dip into their reserves to meet these targets a sign of the commitment to their shock and awe tactics. Whilst this shock and awe tactic taken to be a direct response at the Russian oil industry, with the aim of bringing Russia quickly to heel, Russia may see this as somewhat of a tactical victory. With Russia only able to increase their production modestly (between 200,000 and 500,000 barrels per day), they may see that Saudis 27% increase in barrels offered as being able to deal the fatal blow to the US shale industry that it cant. They would certainly have been encouraged by the report by Lloyds overnight that Saudi state run shipping company Bahri has been active in procuring 10 VLCCs for late March loading (with a combined capacity of 20 million barrels), in addition to its own 41 tankers, on rates of up to $197,500 per day, to flood the US market. Appreciating his best chances lie in a quick victory, Russia has kept the doors of communication open with high ranking officials on both sides are continuing discussions to find a solution. Former Saudi Minister of Energy Khalid Al Falih and his Russian counterpart Novak are still not intending a full-scale crash of oil in the end. But, as Putin hopes to turn the short-term tactical successes of destroying production curtailments, pressuring MBS and the Saudi budget and killing US shale into long-term strategic victories, significant risks abound for all players, especially Russia in a protracted war. Whilst steady oil prices has seen Russias budget and trade surplus build up cash reserves in excess of $500 billion, combined with structural changes that has seen the budget break-even lowered to between $40 and $50 per barrel, Russias weak currency and still greater than 40% dependence on oil income, poses significant risks if this oil war is protracted. Since the oil price slide commenced, the Rouble has depreciated 23% against the US dollar. Related: U.S. Oil Industry Could End Up Losing More Than 200,000 Jobs Far from being a coalition builder, Russia is a lone wolf on the world stage. No longer the super-power it once was, it has been reduced to being a big player on the sideline - meddling in the affairs of the worlds problem children such as Syria, Venezuela, Libya and Ukraine. Military is prohibitively expensive and with military intervention in multiple locations, Russia will soon realise that the cost of budget promises combined with military intervention hubris, will bring significant pressure quickly on the seemingly rosy budget position. The same can be said for Saudi Arabias Yemen excursion. Russias lack of allies that have the capacity to trade with them, invest in them or provide financial assistance to them will be telling on Russia. Saudi Arabia has the much greater position of being able to rely on allies and to being able to borrow in the global financial markets at a much cheaper rate and with greater capacity. Russias dwindling reserves of hard currency, dwindling oil receipts and lack of financially viable allies that can assist will be telling as this crisis continues. Russias greatest risk is that, in an attempt to kill the US shale industry, that the damage done in the short-term effects the overall economic narrative of Trump, and for the sake of his re-election prospects he is forced into intervening on behalf of the US shale industry. In this, Trump has the flexibility of direct or indirect action, both of which would have a devastating effect on Russia. Trump has the ability to intervene directly by providing direct subsidies, loans, assistance or even equity purchases to support the shale industry participants. Direct action such as this would signal to Russia (and Saudi Arabia) that the shale industry will survive and perceived energy independence is a cornerstone of his economic agenda. Russia (and Saudi Arabia) will then have to consider the position of going to war to kill an industry that has the support of the one player with deep and limitless pockets. But, more devastating to Russia still, would be the indirect actions that Trump could take which would completely take down Russia on a structural level. Trump could begin with strategy right from his play-book and enforce a round of trade sanctions on imported oil. This would in the short-term shore up the local shale industry and curtail capacity dumping on the US. But, the nightmare scenario for Russia would be that Trump imposes economic sanctions on Russia, similar to Iran and Venezuela, that would limit or completely stop its ability to sell oil and gas, trade, borrow and receive at both a country and a personal level. This would be the smart play by Trump, which would use the least political capital, would provide a nationalistic argument to support and protect the Energy Industry and US sovereignty from attack and blunt any environmental flack for supporting the Energy Industry. This is a tool that is being used in limited circumstances by Trump now, with sanctions on Rosnefts trading arms, sanctions on Nord Stream 2 and the banning of US nationals from buying or dealing in Russian Sovereign Debt. We have seen the response of Russia to this limited action one can only imagine a widescale imposition of economic sanctions. Of course, Russia may choose to ignore these risks, as they have been doing, taking the view that the tactical considerations take precedence over the strategic ones as the effects of these sanctions have not been strongly felt whilst the oil price has been supported by OPEC+ and receipts have plentiful. But that would be a grave error as we have seen the effects of total US economic sanctions on Venezuela and Iran the incessant constriction of every facet of the countrys fabric of society. And, unlike Russia, the US is in the unique position to enforce its will on the global community cutting Russia off with no coalition supporters with the means or will to help break any sanctions imposed. Russia will then realise that strategic errors cannot be overcome by tactical victories. Russia has a short-term window before The Gamblers words ring true: Son, Ive made a life Out of readin peoples faces Knowing what the cards were By the way they held their eyes So if you dont mind me sayin I can see youre out of aces. By Mitchell McGeorge for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Read this article on OilPrice.com Two weeks ago, the website Yelp published its 2017 list of the top 100 places to eat in the U.S., and planted firmly in the middle at No. 51 is Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido. The 2-year-old breakfast/lunch cafe in downtown Escondido was among the 100 restaurants nationwide to earn the most 5-star reviews on Yelp in recent years. Yelp is a crowd-sourced website, where the public can rate their visits on a scale of 1 to 5 and post photos of and reviews. The only other restaurant in San Diego to make the list is the Classic Malt Shop, a 50s diner in San Diegos Midway district that ranked No. 100. Sunny Side Kitchen What: Family-run breakfast/lunch cafe Advertisement When: 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays Where: 155 S. Orange St., Escondido Phone: (760) 294-4450 Online: sunnysidekitchencom.ipage.com/ Sunny Sides married co-owners Kathy and Bob Carpenter say the list published on the Yelp blog Jan. 17 caught them completely by surprise and has already doubled their business. When we read the blog we thought oh my God, this is huge, Kathy said. Were very proud of our five-star rating but we had no idea they did this kind of list. It came as a big shock. Besides a boom in business, she said the restaurant has been getting lots of media attention and has attracted the attention of Yelp fans from as far away as Los Angeles. Most diners who find the restaurant via Yelp are travelers and newcomers, so the list has brought in a lot of new customers. This is the fourth year Yelp has done a top 100 list and the first where the rules were changed to spotlight up-and-coming and newer restaurants, rather than major chain and famous restaurants that have amassed thousands of 5-star reviews since Yelp started in 2004. As a result, this years top 3 finishers this year were newer small-town delis and bistros in Texas, Florida and Virginia. Carpenter said she believes the reason for all the 5-star reviews at Sunny Side Kitchen is its mostly home-made menu with virtually everything cooked and prepared in-house, including soups, roasted chicken, dressings, sauces and baked goods, which are custom-prepared to order. Our menus small but we tailor it for whatever the customer wants when they walk through the door, she said. I get upset if people arent happy. Sunny Side Kitchens head baker and chef Kathy Carpenter hands out a menu during a busy lunch service on Wednesday. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) The Carpenters, who married in 2010, both came from a background of journalism. He wrote for car and truck enthusiast magazines and she was a newspaper food and features editor before moving into public relations. When she was laid off from her job in 2011, she decided to pursue a lifelong dream of working in the hospitality field. My Mom is a gracious hostess and a very good cook and Ive always admired her ability to feed people and make them feel comfortable, she said. I just loved food and always wanted to be the perfect hostess as well, so I decided to start small with the cookies I love eating and making for other people. Five years ago, the couple rented a booth selling bite-size cookies at the farmers market near the Sikes Adobe in south Escondido. When the markets sandwich maker left, the Carpenters added sandwiches to their product line. Then they added fresh-squeezed lemonade to wash everything down. Its been an organic growth process that served us well by bringing people along little by little, she said. Eventually their customer base grew large enough that they were able to open their restaurant in March 2015 at 155 S. Orange St. in Escondido. It seats 21 inside and 12 on the sidewalk. Sunny Side serves breakfast and lunch only. The bulk of its weekday business is lunch deliveries to businesses in the downtown area. Their signature items are their mini cookies and the Tuscan panini made with roast chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and four types of cheese. Kathy is the baker and head chef and Bob oversees the business and order management. Their next goal is to begin offering a special-menu dinner service two to three night a month. The couple who have four children and one grandchild between them work side by side in the restaurant every day, because they want to ensure the 5-star reviews keep rolling in. Its truly a mom and pop business, she said. I feel like its my responsibility to be there and feel connected to my customers. I want them to be happy and Bob feels the same way. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com As coronavirus outbreak continues to claim lives across the world, Priyanka Chopra has shared a video, asking people to stock up on love, compassion, gratitude, kindness and joy. Her posts comes amid reports of panic buying in several nations amid coronavirus lockdown. She also shared a video to talk to her fans about how husband Nick Jonas and she are dealing with their 8th day in self-quarantine. In a video message for her fans, Priyanka says, I hope you are all safe out there. I just wanted to come in and say hello! This is such an insane time and all of our lives have been completely turned upside down and it feels like, something out of a movie, but its not. Nick and I have been home for the last week and this is day 8 of self-isolation for us. We have always had such crazy schedules and had so many people around us all day and all of a sudden, this being our reality, it just feels crazy. I am sure all of you feel the same way. We are taking all recommended precautions right now, we are safe, we are healthy, we are practising social distancing. Join me tomorrow with Dr. Tedros and Maria Van Kerkhove from the @WHO , and Hugh Evans the CEO of @GlblCtzn on IG LIVE + Facebook at 12:30pm PST. Ask them all your questions about #Covid19 and get your answers straight from the source. Stay safe and see you tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/9SxG6t1V7r PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 18, 2020 Priyanka posted another video on her social media platforms and wrote, There are so many other things to stock up on right now. Please look out for each other and the people who are most at risk for #Covid19. Watch | Coronavirus: Priyanka Chopra to hold Instagram Live with WHO DG to raise awareness Actor Kerry Washington seconded Priyankas thoughts and wrote on Twitter, There are a lot of aspects of #SocialDistancing that have become unexpected gifts. Like keeping my family close and having time to stock up on gratitude, kindness, compassion and joy. LOVE THIS @priyankachopra. There are so many other things to stock up on right now. Please look out for each other and the people who are most at risk for #Covid19. pic.twitter.com/QhDi4ITDqF PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 18, 2020 In an attempt to minimise the growing misinformation around the novel coronavirus, Priyanka on Tuesday shared important and authentic details about COVID-19 from UNICEF. The actor took to Twitter to share the information with her followers. Misinformation during a health crisis can leave us unprotected, spread fear & panic. Knowing the facts is key to protecting yourself & your family, she tweeted. Visit the @UNICEFwebsite for reliable information on how to talk to children about #coronavirus, she added along with a link to UNICEFs article on COVID-19. Also read: Salman Khan sketches amid coronavirus crisis: The way we dress is perhaps the best thing our culture has ever done Priyanka has also been spending quality time with her German shepherd named Gino. She had shared pictures of the pet on Instagram and wrote, Staying home during this time is the safest thing to do. @ginothegerman giving mommy hugs makes it so much better.. @Cavanaughjames The actor is seen giving Gino a warm hug in the pictures. On the work front, Priyanka was last seen in The Sky Is Pink along with Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim and will be next seen in several projects such as The Matrix 4, The White Tiger and We Can Be Heroes. Follow @htshowbiz for more The pressure in the Democratic Party on the life issue has never been as great as it is now, Lipinski said. Over the years, I have watched many other politicians succumb to pressure and change their position on this issue. Ive always said Id never give up being pro-life and standing up for babies in the womb. Judy and I, and tens of millions of Catholics, hold firm to this belief. But its not just based on religious belief. It is based on science, which shows that a life begins at conception. Knowing this, I can never give up protecting the most vulnerable human beings in the world simply to win an election. My faith teaches, and the Democratic Party preaches, that we should serve everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Indian aviation is staring at grimmer times with demand possibly dipping 40-50 per cent in the near term with the government urging people to cut down on non-essential travel, according to a report by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation India (CAPA India). "With new advisories and restrictions being announced every day, and with the Indian government urging people to avoid all non-essential travel, demand is expected to weaken substantially, with a drop of 40-50% or quite possibly even higher being possible in the near-term, as is being seen in other markets," mentioned the report. WHY SUCH A SEVERE IMPACT It stated that the effects of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt rapidly across sectors, especially aviation and that the situation is more restrictive today than it was a week ago. The aviation body said that the picture would be clearer in early April. The current financial year started with the crumbling of Jet Airways. On top of that the economic slowdown ensured that there was no growth in the sector in the past 12 months. Closure of the Pakistani airspace due to Balakot, suspension of Boeing MAX aircrafts and the issues with Pratt and Whitney engines on NEO aircraft have basically sent the entire sector spiralling, mentioned the report. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Govt asks 50% of staff to work from home CASCADING IMPACT Even before coronavirus came into the picture, Indian aviation sector was going through tumultuous times. While some airlines experienced 5-10 per cent decline in yields, it had accelerated to 12-15 per cent decline in the period between March 1 and 15. Forward bookings are down by 30 per cent since last year, as mentioned by the report. "Yields may also come under further pressure and could deteriorate by 25% or more," stated CAPA. It also added that based on the latest cancellations, international capacity has dipped by 60-70 per cent year-on-year. This dip has come as India has banned entry of foreign nationals. International flights account for 25 per cent of India's aviation flights. As the impact hardens, Indian aviation sector might ground around 150 aircraft initially, it said. And, the number could go up substantially. "By extension, the reduced scale of operations could impact the requirement for around 30% of airline staff and up to 50% of ground handling staff. For the first couple of months this could potentially be handled through mandatory leave and leave-without-pay initiatives for 1-2 months," stated the CAPA report. Naturally, the shrinking of the sector would have a cascading effect. This in turn is likely to impact Q1 results and could possibly extend to Q2 as well, the CAPA report stated. Also read: Coronavirus: How countries are bracing up for economic slowdown GOVERNMENT HELP Some airlines might suspend operations temporarily due to low demand as operating flights will amount to more losses than suspending them. "Airlines will seek to adjust aircraft deliveries scheduled for Q1 and may cancel some orders. Indian carriers have 50 aircraft due for induction between now and 30-Jun-2020. But delaying deliveries may impact the liquidity of some carriers that are reliant on sale-and-leaseback margins on aircraft inductions to generate cash," stated the report. The Aviation Ministry is likely to step in to cushion the impact. It might recommend short-term financial assistance to the sector. Additionally, the privatisation of Air India could be delayed, mentioned CAPA. "As a result, the government will need to commit significant and immediate interim funding of USD300-400 million for the national carrier, to ensure that it is able to operate at least in its current condition until such time as the sale transaction is concluded," the report further says. SHRINKING OPERATIONS It states that even with government intrusion, airlines would have to shrink operations, while the more vulnerable ones might have to shut shop. The aviation value chain would be impacted resulting in job losses across airports, ground handling companies, hotel and tourism sectors. "If there is a virtual cessation of air travel, then whatever support the government offers, there is little that can be done to sustain operations," said CAPA. Also read: Coronavirus impact: Work from home leads to data speed disruption; firms call for fresh spectrum allocation HOW TO HELP THE SECTOR Including aviation turbine fuel under the GST regime could be of some help. Revision of turbine fuel rates on a weekly basis can help in the short-term too. "Implement a short-term moratorium or extended credit terms for payments due to fuel companies and the Airports Authority of India; and similarly for interest and principal payments to banks on working capital loans," said the agency. Temporary revision of the terms of concession agreements for duty free, retail and food and beverage operators by PPP operators could also be of help. "All of the above may still not be enough, and there could be a requirement for banks to extend working capital loans, secured against future sales or sale-and leaseback incentives," the report mentioned. "One of the recommendations that CAPA India has regularly proposed is the introduction of a regulatory requirement for airlines to hold cash balances that can support six months of operations in the absence of revenue, in order to be able to both obtain and to renew an AOP," the report stated. Also read: Coronavirus impact: IndiGo grounds 16 planes; staff to take 10-20% salary cuts Also read: Coronavirus effect: Railways cancels 84 more trains today; check out the list Hope for South LAs Underfunded As a senior at Fremont High School in South Los Angeles, its increasingly alarming how underfunded schools like mine are. Unfortunately, it has been a problem for decades. From the overcrowded class sizes to empty nurse and counselor offices, students are left feeling cheated and abandoned. It makes me sad when my classmates and I show up to our 4th period college prep class to find a locked door and no teacher in sight. Most days, we are told our teacher is coming tomorrow and not to worry. But then the next day, its the same thing. As the youngest of seven siblings who all tell me similar stories of their time at Fremont, I know that change is long overdue. Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon for Fremont with Schools & Communities First (SCF). SCF is a November ballot initiative that would bring back $12 billion EVERY YEAR locally for our schools and community services by closing corporate property tax loopholes. Estimates have shown that more than $3.75 billion of that would come to Los Angeles County alone. ADVERTISEMENT Schools that are in most need of additional resources are in communities like South LA. The disparities between South LA schools and wealthier communities are enormous. I know because I have seen the difference first hand. These other schools in the westside and Beverly Hills offer AP classes, more sports, and even after school art programs. The outside and recreation areas look brand new and well kept. At my high school, we barely have a world history class. Our library has 2015 SAT manuals. With at least 40 to 45 kids in most of my classes and one teacher who can only do so much, it gets really hard to pay attention. More resources would mean smaller classes and more attention for students. More support and attention means more successful students. One of the most important things that Schools & Communities First would do is make sure that major corporations like Chevron pay their fair share in commercial property taxes, which they havent been doing. That means schools like mine have been losing billions of dollars for decades which is why my six older siblings and I have had the same experience at Fremont through the decades. I didnt choose these school conditions, but I am choosing to change it. Right now I am volunteering to gather signatures with my classmates as part of South Central Youth Empowered Thru Action to make sure that it gets on the ballot in November. The campaign has collected more than 1 million signatures already, but theres still more work to do. Im asking all California voters to support Schools & Communities First. I am the last of my siblings to attend Fremont. And I hope that if voters pass Schools & Communities First, I will be part of the last generation to attend underfunded schools like mine. Brookelynn Haylock is a senior at Fremont High School. Brookelynn started her journey as a youth activist during her freshman year when she joined South Central Youth Empowered thru Action via Community Coalition, a social justice organization in South LA Declan Kilgallon holding a photo of his daughter Robyn outside the Four Courts Pic: Collins Courts The High Court has approved a 12m settlement of an action brought by a nine-year-old girl who suffered brain damage after she was allegedly not admitted on time to hospital after contracting bacterial meningitis. Robyn Kilgallon sued the HSE, through her mother Cabrini Fallon, arising out of the care she received when she was brought to Sligo General Hospital A&E department on February 1, 2011, aged just 10 months. It was claimed the HSE had been negligent on grounds including that there was a failure to admit and treat her for suspected bacterial infection. It was claimed the failure to admit Robyn, of Caltragh Road, Sligo, when she first presented allowed the condition to progress unchecked, resulting in her suffering brain damage. Liability in the action was admitted. The court heard Robyn's parents took her to the hospital following a referral from a GP who was concerned the child had a viral infection. Despite presenting with symptoms including a high temperature and vomiting, the fact that her body had gone floppy and her eyes were rolling in the back of her head, they were told to go home by a junior doctor. Her parents said the doctor told them the results of Robyn's blood tests did not indicate anything to be concerned about. Over the next few hours, Robyn's condition did not improve and she was readmitted to the hospital on the morning of February 2. She was very ill, unresponsive and had a seizure. She was taken to an intensive care unit and incubated. Her condition was so serious doctors at Sligo General deemed she needed specialist treatment at a children's hospital. She was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Despite the treatment there, she had already suffered significant brain injuries. She has significant development delay and has difficulty communicating with others and walking. Mr Justice Cross said he was satisfied to approve the settlement figure. The court was told that Robyn's mother and her father, Declan Kilgallon, plan to move to a new home which will be fitted out to accommodate their child's requirements. In a statement on behalf of the family, their solicitor Donnacha Anhold said Robyn had been a perfectly healthy young child when she went to Sligo General. He said the HSE apologised to the family last week, for which the family was very thankful. But he said absolutely no communication had been provided on any measures put in place to help prevent it occurring again. The family would like that to happen in the future, he said. China's health ministry today claimed the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had no new cases of the deadly contagion which has ripped across the globe. The ministry said Thursday that results over the past 24 hours showed 34 new cases, all detected in people arriving from abroad. In the central province of Hubei, there were eight new deaths, with the provincial capital Wuhan accounting for six of the fatalities. Of the 34 imported infections, Beijing accounted for 21 cases, a daily record for the city. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,928, including 3,245 deaths. Medical workers from Yunnan province bid farewell to locals at the airport in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province Wednesday Wuhan at the peak reported thousands of new cases of coronavirus infection daily, overwhelming its health care system. China has only just begun loosening draconian travel restrictions within the country, but has stepped-up 14-day quarantine regulations on those arriving in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere from overseas, amid expectations of a new influx of students and others returning home. More than 70,000 people have been released from hospital and 7,263 remain in treatment. Wuhan is expected to see new coronavirus infections dry up by mid-to-late March and its lockdown may be lifted once there are no new cases for 14 days, the state-backed China Daily reported. However, strict disease control and prevention measures will still be needed to prevent a possible rebound, China Daily reported on Thursday, citing epidemiologist Li Lanjuan. A patient passes through the fever clinic of Xiehe Hospital, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China on Wednesday Li is the director of China's State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases. 'If no new case of the coronavirus has been reported for 14 consecutive days in Wuhan following the last reported case, we believe it will be the time when the lockdown can be gradually lifted,' Li told China Daily. 'We expect new cases will cease to appear in mid or late March. After the lockdown is loosened, we still need to strictly carry out routine measures to prevent and control the virus to prevent a possible rebound of the outbreak.' Wuhan, a city of 11 million and the capital of central Hubei province, has been locked down since the Lunar New Year festival in mid-January, and remains the only city still designated as 'high-risk' in the province and subject to strict travel bans. Patients wait in line outside the fever clinic of Wuhan Union Medical College Hospital for nucleic acid detection in Wuhan, Hubei Province, on Wednesday The death toll from the coronavirus in Hubei stood at 3,130 as of March 18, accounting for more than a third of the global tally of over 8,000 deaths. But Wuhan reported no new cases on Wednesday for the first time since the outbreak. It previously saw just one domestic transmission per day on Monday and Tuesday. The rest of Hubei has had no new infections for almost two weeks. Overall, mainland China is seeing fewer local transmissions. It last reported 34 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, the National Health Commission said, all of which are imported infections. Voters in the presidential primary were asked, Shall the Board of Education of Glenview Community Consolidated School District Number 34, Cook County, Illinois, improve the sites of, build and equip additions to and alter, repair and equip existing buildings, including but not limited to replacing fire suppression, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, increasing accessibility to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improving underground stormwater detention, renovating and expanding Springman Middle School, adding classrooms for full-day kindergarten and renovating classrooms and science labs, and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $119,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof? Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said his government will seek legal advice and study every aspect of the Supreme Court judgment on holding a floor test in the assembly before taking a decision on it. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to convene a special session on Friday for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. While the BJP publicly hailed the ruling, Nath posted his reaction on the SC judgement on Twitter. The Congress chief minister tweeted, We will study every aspect of the Supreme Court order, discuss it with our legal experts and take a decision on the basis of their advise. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud also ordered video recording and possible live streaming of the Assembly proceedings when the Kamal Nath-led Congress government would undertake the floor test. The SC directed the police chiefs of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to provide security to the 16 rebel Congress MLAs, currently camping in Bengaluru, if they choose to appear in the trust vote. The bench said the Assembly will have a single point agenda of the floor test and no hindrance is to be created for anyone. t asked the Assembly Secretary to ensure there is no breach of law and order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced during a coronavirus task force press conference that the Food and Drug Administration has approved a common anti-malarial drug for compassionate use testing to treat patients with COVID-19, after reports that it might be an effective treatment. Trump said the purpose of this very important conference was to announce what he described as a very, very exciting treatment for the pandemic. He also claimed that if the drug, known as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, works, it would depress the times needed for extreme social distancing measures and that the nice part is its been around for a long time so we know that if things dont go as planned, its not going to kill anybody. Advertisement Commissioner of Food and Drugs Stephen Hahn was more tempered, saying it needed testing in the setting of a clinical trial, a large pragmatic clinical trial and that we may have the right drug and it may not be in the appropriate dosage form right now and it may do more harm than good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump would not be deterred, and later in the press conference he reemphasized his belief that the drug is already considered totally safe. The beauty is that these drugs have been out there so the really danger part of the drugs, especially chloroquine, its been out there for years, so we know its something that can be taken safely, Trump declared. That time, Hahn did not correct the president. Advertisement One person who has expressed a more skeptical view of chloroquine is task force member and immunologist Anthony Fauci, the veteran face of the countrys response to disease outbreaks. But Fauci has not appeared at a press conference since Tuesday, when Trump said he had become a major television star. Fauci for the past two days had been saying that chloroquine is not a miracle cure and that we still need to determine its safety. Speaking to Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Tuesday, Fauci said, We have to be careful, Laura, that we dont assume something works based on an anecdotal report thats not controlled. And I refer specifically to hydroxychloroquine. Theres a lot of buzz out there on the internet on the social media about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, he reiterated this message in an interview with CNNs Chris Cuomo, saying he supported large-scale clinical trials but was against just throwing the drug out there, which is not a good idea. This would not be the first time Fauci has contradicted the presidents messaging during this crisis. Trump has described the testing regime as perfect; Fauci last week admitted to Congress that the governments approach to testing is a failing. The week before that, during a press event at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Fauci corrected the presidents statement that a vaccine was possibly just three to four months away, noting that in fact it would be at the earliest, a year to a year and a half, no matter how fast you go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at a time when Trump was still giving cheery assessments of the situation last week, Fauci acknowledged to Congress that bottom line: Its going to get worse. Faucis repeated contradictions of the president have earned him a reputation as a truth teller in a government that has repeatedly deceived the public about the severity of the pandemic and the effectiveness of the response. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why, on Thursday, it was curious to see Fauci absent from the podium for a second day in a row. Figures including Obama national security adviser Susan Rice, Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart, constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe, and The View co-host Joy Behar all wondered on Twitter why Fauci was not appearing. Advertisement As Trump has taken command of the task force press conferences in the past week, offering a more accurate account of the depth of the crisis while at the same time attacking the media and shirking any responsibility for testing and other failures, perhaps hes less inclined to share the spotlight. Or maybe Faucis commitment thus far to uncomfortable truth-telling is too off messagehis statements the past couple of days about chloroquine have certainly been a contrast with Trumps on Thursday. Whatever the reason, the office of Vice President Mike Pencewho is in charge of the task forceput out a statement after the press conference on Thursday saying: Dr. Fauci participated in todays Task Force meeting in the Situation Room. He has a full media schedule today including [PBS], [Facebook Live], [CNN] Town Hall, and [NBC News] in addition to his important work [at the National Institutes of Health]. Dr. Fauci will be back at the press briefing tomorrow. Given the pressing questions Trump evaded during Thursdays press conferenceparticularly why he has refused to use the Defense Production Act to order factories to start mass-producing ventilators as states and cities face the potential for dire shortages and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, former Vice President Joe Biden, and congressional Democratic leaders have pleaded for urgent actionthere should be a lot of information for Fauci to deliver when he returns. For more on the impact of the coronavirus, listen to this weeks Political Gabfest. State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, is rallying Valley folks to volunteer their time to help their most vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly, during these uncertain and challenging times. Rochelle has partnered with Team Inc. in an effort to recruit volunteers to help local nonprofits, including the Valley food banks, diaper banks and meal delivery services, due to the coronavirus pandemic impacting everyones daily lives. Our nonprofits rely on help from older residents, who do so much for the people of our community, Rochelle said. But right now, our seniors are among the most at-risk population for having serious health consequences if they contract COVID-19. We need to look out for their health and safety and we must make sure our nonprofits stay afloat. Rochelle is working with Team President/CEO David Morgan on the initiative to recruit volunteers to support neighbors in need. No matter how difficult times are, the hallmark of our community is that the Valley shows up for each other, Rochelle added. This time is no different. While Rochelle said schools, gyms, movie theaters, bars, restaurants and other places have been shuttered statewide until further notice, many of the Valleys nonprofits remain open to ensure those in need receive the vital resources on which folks rely, such as food, medical care, energy assistance and counseling. The needs of nonprofits may vary in these uncertain times, but building a database of available individuals will be an invaluable resource so volunteers can be plugged in with efforts if and when needed, Rochelle said. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to fill out an online questionnaire at https://bit.ly/2Wrx6O5. Interested volunteers also can email Rochelle at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or Team at info2@Teaminc.org. Morgan said volunteers will be needed to help at the Valley food pantries to stock shelves, collect and transport food and transport critical items such as diapers and formula to Valley families. Were very thankful that Kara and others are building and maintaining a volunteer list that can be available on a moments notice, said Morgan. I believe the specific volunteer tasks will continue to emerge and may be unique as these conditions and times move forward in the days, weeks and months ahead. Rochelle said a coalition of Valley nonprofits, including Valley United Way and others, have been working together well before the health crisis hit. She said some of the nonprofits, especially the food pantries, are struggling to maintain volunteer levels at this time. Rochelle said a communitywide effort to keep the Valley nonprofits up and running is crucial. We want to ensure that any local nonprofits in need of volunteers who are providing essential services to people in the Valley are able to continue providing those services, Rochelle added. In the face of this unique crisis there will be a variety of tasks we may need help with, some traditional and some creative and new to keep services and spirits up during this difficult time. Rochelle is confident the Valley will answer the call. The people of the Valley have a deep history and tradition of volunteerism and looking out for one another, she said. This is an opportunity for the Valley to shine while we work to protect our most vulnerable. jean.sos@snet.net Everyone is being significantly impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The entire world is frozen in its actions, completely caught off guard by the sudden changes implemented by governments around the world. Concerts, rodeos, March Madness, fairs and so much more are canceled/postponed. What is a Texas wine lover to do? Luckily, there are some actions that you can take to bridge these mandatory shutdowns in our world. Try some of these escapes: Buy Texas wines at HEB, Krogers or SPECs for your enjoyment. Take a posed picture of your Texas wine along with food pairing to post in Facebook. Better yet, email your pictures to me at rsaikowski@comcast.net for possible inclusion in next weeks wine column. Submitting your picture gives me permission to publish. Buy wine online and have it shipped to your home from a myriad of Texas wineries. Many Texas wineries are enticing sales with the offer of free shipping. Some are giving discounts if buying four bottles or more, especially if it amounts to a case or more. Several wineries are going online with videoed wine tastings on YOUTUBE for you to enjoy and listen to with family while sipping on your Texas wines. Now is a great time to start planning a trip to visit Texas wineries once the pandemic is gone. Places like Fredericksburg or Comfort in the Texas Hill Country look forward to working with you for future accommodations on your trip(s). Most of Texas wineries are dog friendly. The key is not to overload yourself with a quantity of winery visits. Quality is what matters. Check out the various Texas Wine Trails. Regretfully, the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail is postponed for now due to the Corona pandemic. Contact the various wineries to see if their tasting rooms are open. I know several of these winery tasting rooms are open. With the day-to-day changes in how tight the reins are closed to control on public access in a pandemic world, please contact the winery the day when you wish to visit. You will encounter very tight cleanliness. I look forward to hearing of your adventures on the Texas Winery scene. New Wine Trail Opens in Montgomery, Walker, and Polk Counties A new wine trail has just formed consisting of eight wineries to the north of Houston called the Sam Houston Wine Trail. I guess it is called that because the general area where the wineries are located is where that famous Texas Hero Sam Houston lived most of his life in Texas. The wineries include in alphabetical order: Blue Epiphany Winery at 400 Bryan Road on the north side of Conroe Golden Oak Micro Cellar at 1124 Jones Road in New Waverly H-Wines Domaine des Hospitalieres with its primary located at 14343 Liberty Street in Montgomery and a secondary location at 110 Pinto Lane in Coldspring Knox Circle Winery - Froggy Wines at 104 Knox Circle in Huntsville Tempe Creek Vineyards and Farms at 307 Dickens Ranch Road in Livingston Teysha Vineyard at 577 Dodge Oakhurst Road in Huntsville Tosca Winery at 231 Hostetter Road in New Waverly West Sandy Creek Winery at 1773 FM 1791 Road in Richards. These eight wineries are the nucleus of a wine trail which was opening up just when the Corona pandemic hit. These wineries are active until the pandemic shut down their public operations. I will have more on this wine trail in the future, but you can find information on the various wineries at www.SamHoustonWineTrail.com. I hope you will post on Facebook and other social media your Texas wine experiences! Ron Saikowski may be reached at rsaikowski@comcast.net. A 21 year-old student who returned from Ireland became Tamil Nadu's third coronavirus positive case while authorities said the second patient had not travelled to Nepal as suspected but ruled out community spread of the infection in the state. The government said more than 1.9 lakh passengers have been screened as part of its fight against coronavirus in the state which is already under virutal lockdown with educational institutions, theatres, malls and resorts closed till March 31 as part of preventive measures. The state reported its second positive case in two days with the student who arrived from Dublin on Tuesday being the latest to be affected by the virus. "21 Yr (old) student from Dublin, Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 (2020) @Chennai, he was screened & home quarantined.Yday he reported to RGGH with symptoms. Samples sent for testing yday,confirmed positive today," Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said in a tweet. The man was stable and being treated in the isolation ward at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) here, he added. While, the state's first confirmed coronavirus case, a 45-year-old man, has been discharged following recovery, a youth, who arrived here from Delhi by train, tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. The preventive measures announced by the state government were welcomed by superstar Rajinikanth who requested for financial assistance to those livelihood may be affected during "this difficult situation." The veteran actor, who is expected to launch his political party ahead of next year's assembly elections in the state, also called for public cooperation in preventing the spread of virus. On Thursday, officials said the second positive case, a 20 year-old man, was a native of Uttar Pradesh and had arrived from Delhi. Officials had earlier suspected if he had travelled to Nepal but on Thursday ruled out the possibility. "Definitely not", a health official told PTI when asked if the person had travelled to Nepal, making him perhaps the country's first domestic positive case. Those whom he had come into contact with where being traced as per protocol, officials added. He was doing well and stable and 10 people who came in contact with him have been quarantined. Though the health minister had on Wednesday said this was a domestic case with no history of foreign travel, officials declined to elaborate how and where he contracted the virus. There was no community spread of the infection in Tamil Nadu and instructions have been given to screen passengers arriving at the domestic airport terminal here as well, the state government asserted on Thursday. While a senior doctor at the RGGGH said the man was "under treatment, doing well and stable," Vijayabaskar told reporters that 10 people who came in contact with him have been quarantined overnight. The Minister said more people who came in contact with the man were being traced and they will also be quarantined. Instructions have been given to screen passengers at the domestic airport terminal and an inspection will be done in this regard, he said adding "there is no community spread of the infection in Tamil Nadu." A new mobile application has been developed for contact tracing of positive patients and it will be implemented on a pilot basis, he said. The minister said 1,94,236 passengers have been screened so far, with 3,481 of them being followed up. There were 39 admissions while the government has set up 1,120 beds in isolation wards. As many as 232 of the 320 samples sent for testing so far have returned negative for coronavirus with three, including the discharged patient, reporting positive for the virus, he said. The rest were "under process," he added. Meanwhile, state Director General of Police L K Tripathy in a statement has warned of stringent action against those creating panic by spreading rumours and fake regarding coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Their presence in Karimnagar was discovered on March 16, but the group is believed to have been travelling in Telangana since March 14. (AFP) Hyderabad: Seven Indonesian nationals who were quarantined in Telangana have tested positive for Covid-19, authorities confirm. The group had been put under isolation after one among them was tested positive for coronavirus two days ago. With this, the cases of confirmed Covid-19 in Telangana comes up to 13. The eight member group of Indonesians were part of a pilgrimage tour and were put into isolation on March 16th, after one of them tested positive. The preacher was tested at the Gandhi General Hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday, after being brought from Karimnagar following suspicions of infection. Their presence in Karimnagar was discovered on March 16, but the group is believed to have been travelling in Telangana since March 14. Health minister Etala Rajendar told a news conference on Monday that the group landed in New Delhi from Indonesia on March 9. Upon arrival, they were screened at Delhi, after which, they took a train to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, where they are believed to have spent a couple of days. From Bhopal, they travelled to Telangana and reached Ramagundam town in Peddapalli district. However, it was learnt that from Ramagundam, they arrived in Karimnagar in a vehicle on March 14 and spent the night at a mosque near the Karimnagar collectorate. The next day, Sunday, they approached the police, along with their local contacts, to report their arrival as foreigners in the district and seek permission to hold a meeting at the mosque. It was then that the police ordered that they should first get screened for health at a local hospital and bring back health reports. The Indonesian preachers, it was learnt, first went to a private hospital for check-ups and went back to police, who informed them that the screenings should be performed at a state government-run health facility. On Monday, the group first went to the government-run mother and child health care centre, from where they were directed to approach the government area hospital. Once at this hospital, doctors who screened them, noticed that one of them was suffering from cough, cold and a fever, symptoms typical of Covid-19 and immediately recommended that they should be sent to the Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. It was then that the group, along with three locals one from Hyderabad and two from Karimangar were sent to the Gandhi Hospital by Karimnagar district health authorities. It was learnt that the usual practice for such groups of preachers is to pick a markaz, an area served by a mosque or a group of mosques, through a draw of lots and go there and spend a few days teaching the reading of Quran and teaching people the correct way of performing Namaz, among other religious education activities. The group reportedly did not interact with anyone while in Karimnagar and members kept to themselves, cooked their own food and stayed in a room allotted to them. Among the total count of 13, one has been cured and discharged and 12 are still under treatment. Deaths from coronavirus in Europe have now surpassed those in China. As of Tuesday 3,439 people had died from the virus in Europe, compared to 3,237 in China. The number of confirmed cases in Europe is 77,332, hard on the heels of China's 80,894 but with a population of only 750 million or half of China's 1.38 billion. The 27 member states of the EU held a video summit on Tuesday and decided to ban the entry of all non-EU nationals into the EU for 30 days. A considerable number of member states had already put their own bans on travelers from abroad. Seven people, some of whom had recently arrived from abroad, were on Thursday admitted to the isolation ward of Beliaghata ID hospital here with coronavirus-like symptoms, a senior official of the health department said. Two of them had travelled to Italy and reportedly came in touch with a coronavirus patient, the official said, adding that the third person is Liberian national. The swabs of all seven people have been collected but till late Thursday night, the state health department did not upload the day's bulletin about their medical test results. Calls to senior officials of the health department in this regard also went unanswered. Meanwhile, two people, who worked as household help at the residence of the first coronavirus patient in the state have tested negative for the same, officials at the West Bengal health government said. On Thursday, seven other people were discharged from the Beliaghata ID hospital after they tested negative for coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UPDATE: New Jersey coronavirus cases spike to at least 427 with 5 deaths. 162 new positive tests announced. The first patient to die from coronavirus in Pennsylvania was a 55-year-old horse racing trainer from New Jersey, according to family. Carmine Fusco, who was being treated in Northampton County, is the second person from one New Jersey family to have died after being infected with the coronavirus, the familys attorney confirmed Wednesday. Fusco died Wednesday morning, Roseann Paradiso Fodera, a cousin and the lawyer representing the Fusco family, confirmed to NJ Advance Media. His sister Rita-Fusco Jackson died last Friday and then later tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the states second victim. On Wednesday afternoon, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported the first death from coronavirus in Pennsylvania was a Northampton County patient. The state did not release the identity of the deceased. However, Northampton County as of Wednesday afternoon only had one confirmed case. Family members say multiple other relatives remain in critical condition. The deaths of Fusco and Fusco-Jackson are connected to the death of John Brennan, a horse trainer who lived in Little Ferry. Brennan was the first New Jersey resident to die after testing positive for COVID-19. Fusco was one of six members of the same family hospitalized for coronavirus after they attended a family gathering. He was hospitalized at St. Lukes Hospital in Bethlehem Township, but was later transferred to St. Lukes flagship campus in Fountain Hill, where he died. Nineteen other family members, including spouses and children, have also been tested, according to Elizabeth Fusco, a sibling who is not hospitalized said Tuesday. This has been devastating for all of us, Elizabeth Fusco, 42, of Freehold said Tuesday before her brother died. Our hearts are broken over losing our sister, Rita. We just need help in saving our family members with life-saving medication. Fusco-Jackson, who died Thursday, was one of 11 children, according to her sister. She was both a parishioner and a teacher in the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine confirmation program, the Freehold church said. Rita Fusco-Jackson, 55, of Freehold, died on Friday, March 13, 2020, and then later tested positive for coronavirus. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 11:20:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 902 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX:LXRP) (CSE:LXX) (the "Company" or "Lexaria"), a global innovator in drug delivery technology, announces it is commencing a program, in collaboration with leading laboratories in Canada and the USA, to study the benefits of Lexaria's DehydraTECHTM drug delivery platform for enhancing delivery and effectiveness of certain antiretroviral drugs in the fight against coronavirus disease COVID-19.Researchers around the world are currently investigating various antiretroviral drugs as potential candidates to combat COVID-19. Many of these are fat soluble and known to present significant bioavailability challenges in successfully reaching the human bloodstream when administered in oral form. Lexaria is an established leader in oral delivery of fat-soluble drugs.Lexaria's patented DehydraTECH technology has already been thoroughly studied and proven to deliver other fat soluble drugs with increases of up to 317% more drug quantified in blood in a human clinical study within the first 30 minutes of dosing relative to concentration matched controls, published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. If Lexaria's technology demonstrates similar performance improvements in the drug delivery characteristics of antiviral drugs, it could be used to more effectively and more economically treat COVID-19 victims utilizing DehydraTECH-empowered drugs in a number of different oral medications.As an initial step in the research program, Lexaria intends to conduct a pilot human pharmacokinetic exploratory study in healthy volunteers of three antiretroviral drugs that have previously been studied against other coronavirus strains, comparing DehydraTECH formulations to controls without Lexaria's technology. Lexaria intends to conduct the study at a leading Canadian University where a study design and plan has already been submitted for ethics board approval. Lexaria will provide further details upon successful conclusion of the review process as well as study outcomes when available.Additional research may include expanded pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic screening, including studies in appropriate coronavirus animal models for efficacy evaluation. If Lexaria's technology is proven to increase delivery effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs, the Company will make its technology available to researchers throughout the world looking to maximize the effectiveness of their own drug investigations.Enhancement of delivery properties of antiretroviral drugs is consistent with Lexaria's strategy as drug delivery platform innovator for multiple applications and the Company believes DehydraTECH may prove useful to fight COVID-19.The Company has already held discussions with certain laboratories that may be able to expand the number of prospective drugs using DehydraTECH under evaluation for coronavirus applications. Pending positive outcomes from its planned research activities, Lexaria will aggressively engage with prospective strategic partners to improve drug development where applicable as per its business model as a drug delivery technology licensor and provider, including in the fight against a number of other viruses and disease indications.About LexariaLexaria Bioscience Corp. is a global innovator in drug delivery technology. Its patented DehydraTECH drug delivery technology changes the way active pharmaceutical ingredients enter the bloodstream, promoting healthier ingestion methods, lower overall dosing and higher effectiveness for lipophilic active molecules. DehydraTECH increases bio-absorption; reduces time of onset; and masks unwanted tastes for orally administered bioactive molecules including nicotine, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other molecules. Lexaria has licensed DehydraTECH to multiple companies for use in various oral application formats, including to a world-leading tobacco producer for the development of smokeless, oral-based nicotine products. Lexaria operates a licensed in-house research laboratory and holds a robust intellectual property portfolio with 16 patents granted and over 60 patents pending worldwide.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Lexaria Bioscience Corp.Chris Bunka, CEO(250) 765-6424OrNetworkNewsWire (NNW)FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis release includes forward-looking statements. Statements which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. The Company makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: that any additional patent protection will be realized or that patent achievements will deliver material results. Such forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company include, but are not limited to, government regulation and regulatory approvals, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition, scientific discovery, the patent application and approval process and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements and filings. There is no assurance that existing capital is sufficient for the Company's needs or that it will be able to raise additional capital. There is no assurance the Company will be capable of developing, marketing, licensing, or selling products containing cannabinoids, nicotine, anti-viral or any other active ingredient. There is no assurance that any planned corporate activity, scientific research or study, business venture, letter of intent, technology licensing pursuit, patent application or allowance, consumer study, or any initiative will be pursued, or if pursued, will be successful. There is Messages of support and solidarity are flooding in to Spains hospitals, aiming to raise spirits among patients. Madrid, Spain Spaniards have been urged to write letters to coronavirus patients in hospital. Alone in isolation wards and with only limited contact with medical staff, some patients have become depressed, said the organisers behind the letter-writing campaign, who hope the messages will help lift spirits. The initiative, We will beat coronavirus, has drawn huge support with children and adults sending letters by email to hospitals across Spain. The move came as health authorities said more than 13,700 people tested positive with coronavirus in Spain on Wednesday, with the national death toll standing at 598. The number of people diagnosed with the disease has risen by 2,500 in just over 24 hours. Spain has the worlds fourth-highest number of cases after China, Italy and Iran. Spanish medical staff have asked letter-writers to include some information about themselves if they want to help the recipients to imagine who is writing to them. Natalia Silva, a doctor at Hospital San Juan de Deu, near Barcelona, told Al Jazeera: In our hospital, like many others, there many people with coronavirus, some in intensive care. One of the problems is that these patients live in complete isolation. They are alone, far from their families. Some know that their relatives are also in isolation in an equally bad situation. The doctors can only see them once a day. Dr Silva added: This situation has caused sadness and terrible anxiety and for those who have been cured, post-traumatic stress. She said at the hospital where she worked, medics and administrators were struggling to cope with the rising number of patients showing symptoms of coronavirus. Fifty patients there were being treated for coronavirus, and five had died. There was also a lack of protective masks and alcohol which is used as a disinfectant, said Dr Silva. https://twitter.com/franciscogale00/status/1240399404705681409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw After the initiative was launched, 30 letters arrived at the Barcelona hospital within hours. One message said: My name is Kim, I am French and the mother of three children. A person at the hospital explained how difficult it is to live in isolation and without doubt you feel lonely and abandoned. I would like to tell you many people are thinking of you and how brave you are fighting against this illness. The doctors, even though they cannot be with you all the time, are there caring for you and fighting with you. We wish you all the best and remember that if you keep your spirits up it also helps to fight infections. Try to think this will be over soon. Dont let this get you down. This picture of health workers, drawn by children named Gala and Aroa, reads: A drawing of solidarity and support for all medical staff thank you I will stay at home [Graham Keeley/Reuters] Another letter read: These words are addressed to you but it could be me who is in your place now. I know you want to be close to your loved ones because the encouragement of their love is irreplaceable. From my side, I want to send you all my support and love. I am encouraged by the way people in this country have become aware and are spreading love. I want you to know that you are not alone, that we think of you every day. Lorena Balsells, the coordinator of the Foundation Antonio Cabre, a charitable foundation in Barcelona involved in the letters project, told Al Jazeera: We have asked the community to stand with these patients by sending letters, drawings or by donating face masks. One company which has face masks for industrial painting has donated them to the hospital to help the medical staff. Children have also sent in drawings to cheer up patients. One showed three doctors with the message: Solidarity with medical staff. If you would like to join the campaign, email: cartas.venceremos.covid19@gmail.com UN seeking funds for global fight against coronavirus People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:18, March 18, 2020 UNITED NATIONS, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations said Tuesday that it is raising funds for the global fight against the coronavirus. "We know that we will need more funding to deal with the pandemic, and we are working closely with UN member states and the private sector to ensure funding and equipment is available to fight COVID-19, both in member states and among the vulnerability community, such as the refugees and displaced people we help," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. There is a lot of expenses that will be coming, and the world body has to evaluate down the line what further steps are needed to get the needed funding, he said. "Obviously, we know, at the same time, that governments themselves will be facing economic hardships. There's going to be an economic impact of COVID-19 on many member states, and we're only now just beginning to understand the scale of that," he said. "So, we know that money will be tight, but we are urging all countries to help pool what they can right now to get this pandemic stopped as quickly as possible, because, obviously, the economic benefits of solving this quicker, rather than having it linger on in so many countries, are almost incalculable." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two new COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Ukraine had been confirmed by laboratory tests by 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the country's Public Health Center said. "Sixteen Covid-19 positive tests have been received from the virology reference laboratory of the Public Health Center of Ukraine: 10 in Chernivtsi region, one in Zhytomyr region, two in Kyiv region, and one in Donetsk region and two in Kyiv," the center said on Facebook. According to the center's data, on March 18, Ukraine had 51 coronavirus patients and 103 people who came in contact with them. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Tamilla Mammadova Trend: Georgia imported 517,332 tons of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons from Azerbaijan in a total amount of $89.2 million in January-February 2020, which is 31,317 tons more compared to the same period of 2019, Trend reports referring to National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). In the reporting period, Georgia imported from Azerbaijan electrical energy worth $13.3 million. Meanwhile, 8.5 tons of parts and accessories suitable for use with typing or calculating machines worth $11.1 million were imported by Georgia from Azerbaijan. In January-February 2020, Georgia imported 13,819 tons of petroleum and petroleum oils worth $6.6 million from Azerbaijan. In addition, Georgia imported 5,507 tons of other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel worth $2.5 million from Azerbaijan, which is 1,813 tons more compared to the same period last year. Azerbaijan ranks second in Georgias commodity circulation. In January-February 2020, the foreign trade turnover between Georgia and Azerbaijan amounted to more than $225.9 million, which is 12.2 percent of the total trade turnover of Georgia. During the reporting period, Georgia exported products worth $90.2 million to Azerbaijan, which is 17.2 percent of total exports from Georgia. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan exported products worth $135.7 million to the Georgian market, which comprises 10.2 percent of total import to Georgia. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 Germany is famous for its roads. They can be fast, furious and often unlike those found in other developed countries. If you are considering a trip to Deutschland, or simply curious about what kind of driving inspired the creation of the Audi, the BMW and the Mercedes Benz, read on. Here are 10 things to know about driving in the Land of Ideas. 10. You Often Cannot Turn Left In many cities in Germany, you cannot turn left at an intersection. This is due to an abundance of one-way streets. To circumvent this problem, road designers have made it possible for drivers to make a U-turn just after the intersection, a little ways up the street. So, do not be discouraged at your limits, just keep on driving and the problem will solve itself. 9. You Cannot Turn Right on a Simple Red It is always important to know if you can or cannot turn right on a red light, when driving in a new place. It can cause a lot of confusion (and perhaps an accident!) if it is not permitted, but you do it anyways. When driving in Germany, know that you can only turn right on a green light. Sometimes, you can also only turn right when a green arrow is displayed below the general green light, so beware. 8. The Autobahn: No Passing on the Right- It is Illegal The Autobahn is the federal controlled-access highway system in Germany. The Autobahn is a world on its own. Driving on it is different than driving on highways and thruways in North America. Passing on the right is generally frowned upon in North America, but people do it anyways. It is simply considered bad practice. In Germany, it is more than that-it is illegal to pass another vehicle while driving in the right lane. You can only pass on the left lane. Got it? Yes, left. 7. The Autobahn: Cars Can Appear Out of Nowhere The scene of an accident on the Autobahn. Image credit: Needpix.com Cars appearing quickly is simply a fact that comes with fast driving. Since the Autobahn only has an official speed limit in certain sections, some drivers can be going extremely fast, (by North American standards), in other parts. If you are about to change lanes into the left lane, it is advised that you always, always, always check your left side-view mirror first. You may think that no one is presently in the left lane, but drivers can zoom in so rapidly that you would think European voodoo is a real thing, and that it is wildly at work. 6. The Autobahn: It DOES Have a Speed Limit The recommended top speed on the German Autobahn is 80 mph (130 km/h). Image credit: Andreas 06 and Mediatus/Public domain On many sections of the Autobahn, you can drive at the speed you see fit. This is not the case on the entire thing, however. The recommended top speed on the German Autobahn is 80 mph (130 km/h) and many sections have a speed limit of 75 mph (120 km/h), 68 mph (110 km/h) or even lower. The speed limit is marked on a round white sign with a red outline. Remember, police in unmarked cars patrol these areas slyly, and speeding tickets are expensive. 5. Drivers Need to Make Their Own Emergency Lanes, by Law If an emergency situation should occur on the autobahn-namely, a car accident, or some similar situation-there is no shoulder that has been built into the road for ambulances and other emergency vehicles to pass on. German law requires drivers to make space as a makeshift lane in the middle of the road. It is called a Rettungsgasse, and it is made when drivers move to the far right and far left to create an open lane down the middle of traffic. 4. You Always Need to Stay to the Right The lane furthest left is exclusively for speedsters with tires to burn. Staying in the right lane unless you are passing someone is generally the rule in places outside of Germany as well, but here drivers abide by it tightly. When passing, move into the left lane to do so, and when you have passed, move back into the right lane. 3. You Should Beware of the Little Metal Boxes Are you driving too fast in a zone that DOES have a speed limit? Even if you do not see police around and you are not stopped, you can still get a ticket. There are little metal boxes that take a picture of your car if you are speeding, and you will be expected to pay the ticket in full, even if you are driving a rental car. 2. You Need to be 18 Years Old to Drive Solo A man driving on the Autobahn. Image credit: Karl Baron/Flickr.com Driving is such a serious ordeal in Germany that you need to be a bit older than in the US to do it. Drivers in Germany can get behind the wheel at the age of 17, but they need to be accompanied by an older driver. Those who drive alone or with others their age need to be at least 18. 1. Law States That Your Car Needs to Carry Certain Safety Items Having a spare tire and some Cheetos in the trunk to tide you over in an emergency will not cut it in this country. All drivers are required to have their license, proof of insurance, ID or passport, a reflective safety vest, a warning triangle, beam reflectors and a first aid kit on hand at all times. AP Amazon has temporarily suspended the shipment of all items from independent merchants to its warehouses that are not medical supplies or high-demand products. This temporary suspension will go through 5 April as the e-commerce giant prioritises products relating to combating the growing coronavirus pandemic. We are temporarily prioritising household staples, medical supplies and other high-demand products coming into our fulfilment centres so we can more quickly receive, restock, and ship these products to customers, an Amazon spokesperson told the Independent. We understand this is a change for our selling partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritise these products for customers, the spokesperson added. This decision from Amazon comes after the online site saw an increase in shopping from people around the world. Items prioritised by shoppers and subsequently going out of stock related to cleaning supplies and other necessary items for Covid-19. Independent merchants already experienced issues with selling their products after factories in China shuttered during its own outbreak. As China has gotten a handle on the coronavirus in its country, some of these factories have opened up. But now merchants will have to determine what to do with their products. Amazon said products already en route to its warehouses will be accepted and shipped out. But no new products will be accepted for the next three weeks. Independent merchants still have the option to sell their products through Amazon without using the companys warehouses. But that would put strain on merchants to find an independent warehouse to ship out their products. Sellers and vendors will be notified by Amazon once it decides to return to its normal operations. Amazon also announced on Monday it would be hiring 100,000 new employees in the US in response to the growing demand for its delivery services. We are opening 100,000 new full and part-time positions across the US in our fulfilment centres and delivery network to meet the surge in demand from people relying on Amazon's service during this stressful time, particularly those most vulnerable to being out in public, the company explained in a post. Story continues The company is also adding a pay raise to its hourly employees through April given their necessary services during the pandemic. Read more The dirty truth about washing your hands What is the difference between Covid-19 and the common cold and flu? Can face masks really protect you against coronavirus or flu? The UK governments four stages of fighting coronavirus explained What are symptoms of coronavirus and where has it spread? Val Sparks at Midland Memorial Hospital said there still are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Midland County. At around 1:30 p.m., Sparks, the infection preventionist at Midland Memorial Hospital, said she just got off the phone with the lab and they said there were not any confirmed cases. Two nurses are stranded in a Peru hotel room after failing to make it back to Australia before lockdown. Friends Kate Kitto, 25, from the Gold Coast and Genevieve Pyne, 23, from Brisbane are stuck in the Miraflores district of Lima. Ms Kitto said they failed to secure a flight to Australia when Peru was closing its borders. Two Australian nurses, Kate Kitto (pictured left) and Genevieve Pyne (right), are trapped in their Lima hotel room after they could not fly home before Peru shut its borders 'We've been in lockdown since midnight on Tuesday, we were given 24 hours to leave and we couldn't make it out,' she told the ABC. The pair arrived in Peru last week and were intending to travel around Bolivia, Brazil and Chile for two months. 'As soon as we found out, we were about four hours away in Paracas and we paid a man to take us to the airport as quick as he could,' Ms Kitto said. She described the airport as chaotic and said they waited in hour-long lines while frantically trying to secure flights. 'Until four o'clock in the morning we were trying to book flights on our phone but everything was booked out,' Ms Kitto said. She said there were flights to Australia going for $8000 but even those were full. The friends went to a hotel room to get some sleep before returning to the airport. Ms Kitto said that authorities told the friends they needed to get a hotel room and stay in lockdown for a 14 days. Pictured: Doctors performed temperature checks as a coronavirus precaution in Lima airport The pair also found out that a 30-day minimum travel ban had been enforced in Peru with no planes, buses or taxis in operation. Ms Kitto said they were unable to receive any help from the Australian embassy in Lima as it had shut down on March 15. The friends were also only given generic advice by the embassy in Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Australian government did not provide the friends with any information beyond the Smart Traveller advice. Ms Kitto said they had no idea when they would be able to return home. The Australian ambassador to Peru and Bolivia, Diana Nelson, the embassy in Peru was closed to the public 'due to the state of emergency'. She announced on her social media: 'If you are in Peru and safe, remain where you are.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a warning to all Australian travellers that they should return home now if they wished to do so. 1 out of 5 girls in India drop out of school at the onset of puberty, because of the lack of period protection. The number of unsafe work refusals across Ontario more than doubled in March as fears of COVID-19 infection in the workplace continue to grow, according to Ministry of Labour statistics requested by the Star. There have been 47 work refusals in Ontario since the start of the month; 40 of those were over concerns of exposure to coronavirus, the ministry figures show. Thats double the number filed in February, when workers made just 15 work refusals total. Four of those were related to COVID-19. The statistics reflect reports filed by workers exercising their legal right to refuse work they believe is unsafe. The figures do not indicate whether or not a ministry inspector later ruled there was a health risk. Concerns over exposure to COVID-19 are particularly great for employees who cannot work from home. In Toronto, 70 per cent of the workforce falls into that category, according to an analysis by David Macdonald of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Deena Ladd of the Toronto-based Workers Action Centre said her organization has seen a spike in concern about workplace exposure, especially from food service, retail and personal support workers. And then theres situations like cleaners who are not wanting to go to work because they ... dont have proper health and safety equipment, she said. Ladd said her organization has been calling the Ministry of Labour on behalf of workers but has experienced wait times of up to an hour. So, what are your rights in the workplace during the pandemic? Can I refuse work I believe is unsafe? Ontarios health and safety laws require employers to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers. This, according to the Ministry of Labour, includes protection from the outbreak of infectious disease. You have the legal right to refuse work if you believe the following: A machine or other equipment could endanger you or others. The physical condition of the workplace or workstation could endanger you or others. There is a risk of workplace violence. Machinery, equipment, or the physical condition of the workplace breaks health and safety laws or regulations. Are there any exceptions? Yes. If youre employed in a job where you have a responsibility to protect public safety, you have a more limited right to refuse unsafe work. This applies to people working in health care, first responders and correctional services workers. If you work in one of these fields, you cant refuse unsafe work if the risk in question is a normal part of the job or if a work refusal could endanger the safety of someone else. But you can still exercise the right to refuse unsafe work in other situations where those factors dont apply, says the Ontario Federation of Labours Occupational Health and Safety director Vern Edwards. What do I do if I want to refuse work that I feel is unsafe? First, identify the safety hazard! Then, you must report it to your supervisor or manager, as well as a worker safety representative if you have one. Go somewhere safe and stay there. Your employer must investigate the workplace risk in the presence of you and your worker safety rep. If the issue is resolved, return to work. If you have reasonable grounds to believe work is still unsafe, you or your employer must call the provincial Ministry of Labour. The ministrys Health & Safety Contact Centre can be reached toll free at 1-877-202-0008. An MOL inspector will investigate the hazard in the presence of you and your employer and issue a decision in writing on whether the work is unsafe. What do I do while the ministry is investigating? Your employer can offer you other work if possible. Your employer can also offer the job you have refused to someone else. But they must inform that employee, in the presence of a worker safety representative, that there has been a work refusal. Will I get paid? You should continue to receive your normal pay. Can my boss discipline or fire me for a work refusal? No. It is against the law to discipline, penalize, suspend or terminate any worker for refusing unsafe work. Your employer also cant threaten you with any kind of discipline. What happens if the ministry deems the work unsafe? The inspector will obtain voluntary compliance from the employer to fix the issue or the ministry will issue orders under health and safety laws to demand compliance. In more severe cases, the inspector could recommend a prosecution, says Edwards. What if I dont feel comfortable refusing work even if it is my right to do so? Our recommendation is if you really feel like its an unsafe situation that you document what is going on and you go home, said Ladd of the Workers Action Centre. Really try and have co-workers be prepared to take statements, she added. At this moment, do what you need to to be safe. Anil S By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Kerala takes precautions against coronavirus spread on a war footing, a cluster of islands about 220km away has been fighting hard to insulate itself from the outer world. The Lakshadweep islands -- Indias smallest Union Territory and in close proximity to Kerala -- now has eight people in quarantine, including four Keralites. So far, no positive cases have been reported from there. An archipelago, Lakshadweep has a population of more than 90,000. Being a closed entity, an outbreak here could actually prove deadly. Last week, Lakshadweep banned the entry of foreign tourists. And as of Wednesday, entry of permit holders from the mainland has also been stopped. Screening is being carried out at all four entry points to the islands -- the ports at Kochi, Kozhikode and Mangaluru, and Agatti airstrip. Even as authorities claim to implement proper screening procedures on the ground, critics point out that the UT is in reality ill-prepared to handle an epidemic outbreak. Protesting against the district panchayats slow pedalling, the NCP boycotted a meeting held on Wednesday to discuss preparedness. The island administration stopped tourist entry to the islands only after major protests. Even now, very little information is being passed on to residents about the precautions that ought to be taken. Being vacation time, a large number of students travel from the mainland to the islands. Other than thermal screening at the entry points, no other measures are being taken to monitor them, pointed out T Cheriya Koya, former president of the Lakshadweep Students Association. As on date, the islands have eight people in quarantine -- four labourers from Kollam and four islanders who returned from Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Uttar Pradesh. They are being kept in-home quarantine at Androth and Agatti islands.We have been following all protocols laid down by the Union ministry. Screening at the three ports and Agatti is also being carried out. We have identified 80 beds for quarantine and another 15 for isolation at various PHCs on different islands. In case of an emergency, they will be airlifted to Kochi, said Dr Mohammed Aslam, Director of Medical Services, Lakshadweep. While entry of foreign tourists was stopped last week, permit holders have been asked not to enter the islands. However, there is no ban for islanders. Screening is being carried out at ship embarkation and disembarkation points. Currently, five people who came to board vessels are in quarantine in Kochi, said A P Sharafudeen, in-charge of Lakshadweep Administrative office, Kochi. Despite the Covid-19 scare, islanders continue to travel between the mainland and Lakshadweep. Even though authorities claim that adequate measures have been taken, actual precautions in place seem very little. How prepared the island administration is to handle mass evacuations or setting up of large isolation facilities, only time will tell. Doctors wearing face masks on Thursday welcomed patients to a four-star Madrid hotel which was transformed into a care facility for people with mild cases of coronavirus. The 359-room Gran Hotel Colon is the first in Spain to be repurposed to treat people infected with the virus but the regional government of Madrid plans to turn more empty hotels into healthcare facilities over the coming days. This will help "alleviate the pressure" on hospitals which are starting to become overcrowded and free up beds for more seriously ill patients, the regional government of Madrid said in a statement. A steady stream of ambulances transported patients to the Gran Hotel Colon, which is in the centre of Madrid, about a 10-minute walk from the Gregorio Maranon hospital, one of the Spanish capital's biggest. Medical staff wearing white protective suits, face masks and gloves then began escorting patients inside the building under the glare of TV cameras which were kept at a distance. "A week ago we could never imagine this," Angela Perez, a 45-year-old area resident, said as she walked by with her shopping trolley along the deserted streets of the city which, like the rest of the country, has been in lockdown since Saturday to prevent the spread of the virus. Another four-star Madrid hotel, the Marriott Auditorium, is scheduled to start receiving patients on Friday. Hoteliers have offered regional authorities the use of a total of 40 hotels in the Madrid region with 9,000 beds to treat coronavirus patients, according to Madrid's main hotel association. The hotels will be used to house patients "whose symptoms require medical attention without the need to be hospitalised, both at the start of the disease as well as during the final phase," the regional government statement said. Spain on Thursday announced that deaths from the novel coronavirus had jumped by nearly 30 percent over the past 24 hours to 767, while the total number of confirmed cases of the disease jumped by around 25 percent to 17,147. Madrid accounts for 40 percent of the total infections in Spain and two-thirds of the deaths. Spain has the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases of the virus in the word after China, Italy and Iran and many of its hotels are being emptied by the pandemic. - 'Not enough beds' - The hotels will be staffed by young doctors who have yet to earn their specialisation. Elena Guijarro, a 25-year-old physiotherapist whose father died on Wednesday from coronavirus and whose mother and brother are being treated for the disease at the Gregorio Maranon hospital, said turning the hotel into a care facility would help. "They are doing their best at the hospital. But more and more people are being hospitalised and there are not enough beds for all the sick people," she added. As the pandemic spreads, officials around the world from New York City to Berlin are weighing converting entire hotels into hospitals for patients with COVID-19 in an effort to increase capacity at medical facilities. But not everyone agreed with the move. Spain's largest trade union confederation, the CCOO, argues the government should instead use the thousands of beds that are available in private hospitals and boost funding for public hospitals. Madrid's four-star, 359-room Gran Hotel Colon hotel has been repurposed as a hospital to take in coronavirus patients BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European Central Bank announced a new EUR 750 billion Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme to combat the risks posed by the outbreak and escalating diffusion of the coronavirus. At an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday, the governing council decided to launch a new temporary asset purchase programme that covers both public and private securities to counter the serious risks to the monetary policy transmission. The bank expanded the eligible securities for purchases to non-financial commercial papers and eased the collateral standards which would help banks to get more funds. Greek government bonds are also included in the program. 'Extraordinary times require extraordinary action,' ECB President Christine Lagarde said. The bank said the net asset purchases will be terminated once it judges that the covid-19 crisis phase is over, but in any case not before the end of the year. 'The Governing Council is fully prepared to increase the size of its asset purchase programmes and adjust their composition, by as much as necessary and for as long as needed,' the ECB said in a statement. 'It will explore all options and all contingencies to support the economy through this shock.' The bank also said it will consider revising self-imposed limits on quantitative easing and not tolerate any risks to the smooth transmission of its monetary policy in all jurisdictions of the euro area. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de In the aftermath of Gov. Kate Browns executive order to keep schools closed through April 28, Philomath Superintendent of Schools Buzz Brazeau believes graduating seniors will not see any delays when it comes to earning their diplomas. Brazeau and other school superintendents communicated with the Oregon Department of Education on Wednesday morning about various pieces of the school closure puzzle, including concerns that Class of 2020 students will graduate on time. Having been a high school principal for all the years I was and knowing where were at, Im really comfortable that well be able to take care of our seniors, Brazeau told the Philomath Express Wednesday afternoon. I cant tell you exactly how that will look right now because I dont know what the true length of the closure is going to be, but Im real comfortable that we can take care of our seniors. Brazeau said he does have some concerns about how freshman and sophomore students will keep up with certain requirements they need to stay on track to graduate given the limited instructional time. But the district will consider all the angles to find answers. As we look at potential alternatives, as we look at what it is that we can use to supplement and as we look at what the futures going to bring us, well be able to make more clear and concise decisions at that time, Brazeau said. But right now, the way things are changing, about the time we get a decision made, the criteria for making the decision changes again. Unless the closures are lifted earlier than expected or continue beyond April 28, students will have missed six weeks of classes. The initial two-week closure was to have ended on March 31 and Philomath students wouldve missed one of those weeks anyway with spring break running March 23-27. I do not take the decision to extend school closures lightly, Brown said through a news release. This will have real impacts on Oregons students, parents and educators. But we must act now to flatten the curve and slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Oregon, otherwise we face a higher strain on our medical system and greater loss of life to this disease. The governors executive order also provided further guidance in areas such as learning supports and supplemental services. Your key component is that all students must benefit not just a certain portion of a certain group, Brazeau said about instructional support materials. So as we look at things, of course we have students on individual education plans that we must be able to service, and we have students in underserved groups that we have to be able to service in addition to the rest of the student population. Also, the executive order calls for educators and employees to fill specified needs. And districts were ordered to continue paying them. According to a memo sent to school districts by Colt Gill, ODE director and deputy superintendent of public instruction, districts may require school employees to report to work to assist with the provision of supplemental services and emergency management activities as long as those employees are not at risk for COVID-19 or have an at-risk individual in their household. School districts, educational service districts and charter schools will continue to receive allocations from the State School Fund as if they had actually been in session during the closure period, ODE told administrators Tuesday. To receive the allocations, public schools need to follow what the governor outlined in the executive order. Brazeau said the school district had come up with a tentative plan that would run through May 1 even before the governor announced the extended closure. Were comfortable that we have a plan that we could put in place as long as we get to May 1, he said. If it goes beyond May 1, then youve got some other things that come into play. ODE plans to provide further guidance on the directives sometime this week. Brazeau said hes waiting for those clarifications before moving forward with a revised plan. We anticipate getting more direction and definition to the items that are listed in the executive order ... probably Wednesday or Thursday of next week so you have somewhat of a better idea, Brazeau said last week. With that information, we will then sit down with our associations and try to take the concepts that weve done and put them into a direct plan. Brazeau said the district will wait until March 30 which wouldve been the Monday that students and teachers return from spring break to see where things have settled and then meet with the teacher and employee associations. What if the rest of the academic year is wiped out? If you go past May 1, now you may have some people talking about canceling the rest of the (academic) year but I have not heard that as part of the conversation nor do I see it as something they want to do, Brazeau said. The school district could be enhancing its summer school programming no matter what happens but to what degree will be determined later this spring. I think all things are on the table at this point, Brazeau said. Brazeau summed up his thoughts in a letter to the community that was posted on the school districts website. We are in uncharted waters, but please know that we, in collaboration with local and state authorities, are doing our best to support the broader community as the reality of this unprecedented crisis continues to evolve, he wrote. We appreciate your patience during this time. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. We are taking this issue extremely seriously and have instituted a no open house policy for the duration of the pandemic, Scarrow said. The current policy of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is that they currently allow agents and their clients to make that decision, but I have been in touch with representatives from REBGV and am hopeful that they will do the right thing and suspend open houses for the time being. In another case, Homes by Avi in Calgary was forced to cancel catering for a grand opening of bungalows, instead diverting the order to the Calgary Drop-In Centre. It would have gone to waste had we not diverted it, Kim Trim, marketing and communications specialist at Homes by Avi, told the Calgary Herald. It was a nice treat for the residents, which was a bit of a silver lining to the pandemic. An inmate currently serving time in a Massachusetts federal prison for threatening to kill United States presidents is now accused of claiming he would blow up federal buildings and kill FBI and U.S. Secret Service agents. Nathan Allen Danforth, a federal inmate who was transferred to FMC Devens for mental health and long-term care issues, is accused of writing a letter threatening to blow up federal buildings in Florida, where he was prosecuted for threatening to kill U.S. presidents. Paperwork on file in federal court shows Danforth has threatened violence against three presidents, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. In 2017, Danforth was sentenced in Florida federal court to 41 months in prison for threatening the president. Two years later, in 2019, he was then sentenced to 15 months in prison for again threatening the president. The two sentences were ordered to run at the same time. According to a filing in Worcester federal court on Thursday, FBI agents began investigating Danforth again for making threats. Danforth was transferred to FMC Devens in February 2019. In July 2019, a senior correctional officer at the Massachusetts federal prison reviewed outgoing mail written by Danforth. One unsealed letter had an envelope addressed to the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida, authorities said. Danforth, according to the FBI, wrote a letter that said when he was released in May he was going to bomb the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach and an FBI building in Florida using fertilizer bombs. Ive also planned the killings of the FBI agent and the female Secret Service agent that arrested me back in 2018, the letter said. Both federal agents that I just mentioned above will die a very slow, painful death. Danforth threatened to kill as many people as possible, authorities said. FBI agents and a special investigator at the prison met with Danforth on Feb. 12. He told them he sent numerous letters threatening the government in the past and admitted to writing the letter discovered in July 2019, records said. On Feb. 27, days after meeting with Danforth, the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General told the FBI that Danforth sent the government agency an email threatening to kill the president and blow up federal buildings. The email was sent a few days earlier. Federal investigators said Danforth admitted to sending the email. Danforth further said that Trumps home in Florida was close to where his father lives and he planned to go there once released. You asked me if (I) really want to hurt these people, Danforth told the investigators in the March 5 interview. I believe me being in prison is a good thing. He also admitted to reading information on fertilizer bombs and pressure cooker bombs before going to prison, authorities said in federal records. Charges of threatening to damage a building by explosive and threatening to kill federal law enforcement officers were filed against Danforth in Worcester federal court. NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - JPMorgan Chase & Co. will temporarily close about 1,000 of its branches and reduce staff in the some of the remaining branches due to the coronavirus pandemic, reports said. In a memo sent to its employees on Wednesday, JPMorgan reportedly said it will close about 20 percent of its branches to protect employees. The closures begin on Thursday. JPMorgan, the biggest U.S. bank by assets, is the first among the major U.S. banks to announce widespread closures of branches due to COVID-19. The bank has nearly 5,000 branches and more than 255,000 employees. According to reports, JPMorgan said it is giving some staff, including financial advisers and mortgage bankers, the option to work from home. It is also reducing the hours of operations at branches that are open. Most of the remaining branches have drive-through windows and glass partitions that separate the bank tellers from customers. JPMorgan will reportedly pay its branch employees based on their regular scheduled hours even if they work for reduced hours. It will also give all employees two additional paid days of leave. In early March, JPMorgan reportedly asked thousands of its U.S. employees to work from home for a day to test its contingency plans. The test came amid news of many companies around the world restricting employee travel and temporarily closing offices, as part of efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Also on Wednesday, JPMorgan announced a global philanthropic commitment of $50 million to address the immediate public health and long-term economic challenges from the COVID-19 global pandemic. The company noted that the funds will support communities and people hit hardest by the public health crisis through an initial $15 million commitment. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The British Ministry of Defense announced Thursday it has decided to pull part of its military personnel from Iraq. The Ministry of Defense has decided to redeploy some of its personnel back to the United Kingdom, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement, explaining that in recent months the tempo of training has significantly declined, which means that I am in a position to bring back the current training unit to the UK. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a reduced requirement for training from the Iraqi Security Forces and a subsequent pause in the Coalition and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation training missions in Iraq. There remains a significant footprint of UK Armed Forces within the coalition and elsewhere, he said, renewing commitment to building Iraqs security capacity through UKs membership of the Global Coalition that has proved so effective and will continue to support the Iraqi Government in achieving stability. While Daesh no longer holds any territory, its corrupt ideology persists as a threat to the country and region. The UK remains committed to the complete defeat of Daesh through our enduring support to the Government of Iraq and membership of the Global Coalition, the Defense Secretary said in his statement. The UK will retain key military personnel throughout the country to ensure the Iraqi Government, Global Coalition and UK national interests are appropriately supported, the statement added. The Department of Defense announced earlier Thursday it was placing thousands of regular forces and reserves on standby to help British civilian authorities confront spread of coronavirus, which has so far killed 137 people with 2,692 infections. Im home. That might not seem like much, but its a big deal for me. I spent the last two weeks in Africa, visiting Morocco on a long-awaited trip to a surprising, unexpected and very beautiful country. But while I was there, life in this country changed dramatically. After one week, flights into the U.S. from Europe were halted. At the end of week two, the situation was more dire. By Saturday, there was some doubt in the minds of a lot of folks about whether going home would even be an option. As it turned out, I joined more than 300 people Sunday night on the last flight out of Casablanca before Moroccan officials closed the airport. On that plane were people who had fled countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and had gone to Morocco in hopes of getting to the United States. Others were U.S. citizens who, like me, had been touring the country and were told to get out. One woman said she was with a group of 60 from a synagogue in Detroit. They had arrived in Morocco for a two week-plus tour for which they had spent in the neighborhood of $8,000 apiece. They were in the country four days when the organizers told them to get to the airport and go home. The woman sitting next to me -- a Moroccan -- said her husband works for the Moroccan delegation at the U.N. She works for UNICEF and was in Morocco for work and a two-week trip to visit family. She had arrived Thursday. Her husband called her Saturday and told her to get to the airport and he helped her get on that plane. He knew what was coming, she said. I had read the stories about the delays at customs upon entering the U.S. When our plane landed at Kennedy Airport, I expected the worst. Customs is always tough after an eight-hour flight and I really wasnt looking forward to another four-hour delay. The flight staff had given all 300 people aboard a form to fill out asking who we were, where we had been, what flight we were on, what seat we were in and what symptoms we might have. The form said we would be subjected to a health check when we arrived at Kennedy and our temperatures would be taken. I figured that would take some time for 300-plus people and I wondered how long the delay would be. But, when we landed at Kennedy at 7:15 p.m., we were the only international flight arriving. So there were only 300 people to get through customs. That was a bonus. The wait at passport control was only about 30 minutes and I wondered when we would be screened as the flight attendants told us would happen. I went through the control with an agent who opened my passport, nodded and waved me through. Then I picked up my luggage, which was waiting in baggage claim. No health checkup, no screening, no questions. And the medical forms werent collected on or off the plane. (Screening was mandatory for flights from Europe, of course, but many people on that flight had come to Casablanca from European countries.) I was disappointed. I was hoping for better immigration control than that, especially at an airport the size of Kennedy and with a passenger list as varied as the one on that flight. There was no information given either. There was no instruction to self-quarantine, no information what to do if you felt ill or whether to notify anyone at the airline. I imagine I was exposed to the virus because so many people on that plane had been in so many countries where the virus is rampant. We were in massive crowds in the Moroccan markets as well. So, Ive decided to self-quarantine, but Im not sure others on that plane will do the same and many of them had to travel to destinations in the U.S. beyond New York. Thats 300 people who are potential carriers spreading out throughout the U.S. with no check on their condition and no record of who was on the flight besides what the airline might have. Not a good way to deal with a pandemic. I hope they all self-quarantine, too. I also hope Im virus free. Check with me again in two weeks. Lois DiTommaso is The Jersey Journal features editor. Send letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com. When I was growing up on Akwesasne Mohawk Territory there were social habits which reflected an historical response to the devastating communicable diseases which came close to wiping out our ancestors. Beginning in the early 17th century illnesses such as smallpox and influenza struck the Iroquois hard. As with the Native nations along the Atlantic coast European borne viruses caused the death of millions of people. The European colonial powers had tried in vain throughout the 1500's to establish settlements on the eastern shores of North American only to be met with resistance by indigenous nations in a region noted as being extensively populated. Not until the first decades of the following century, when the great plagues brought death to a vast majority of Natives, were the Europeans able to establish their settlements. This trend continued for the next 400 years and was the greatest factor in enabling the colonists to assume physical control of the continent from its aboriginal inhabitants. It was not European technology, theology or national will nor was it guns or military strength but those types of viruses against which the Natives, including our Mohawk ancestors, had no natural immunity. From being a society in which physical contact was a constant given the communal longhouses and the rituals and customs which stressed social activities such as dancing, music, the sharing of food and collective labor having to adopt to behaviors meant to reduce contact had brutal and long-lasting effects on the Mohawks. (as of 4:30pm) In response to the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Pandemic, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe continues to... Posted by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe on Thursday, March 19, 2020 This was reflected in the way people responded to others which I noticed as a child was detached and cautious. At Akwesasne the last epidemic took place in the late 1890's when an outbreak of cholera killed hundreds. I had been reviewing our census data and noted that for most of the 1800's the population of Akwesasne remained fairly constant at just over 3,000. This did not increase at any great rate until after WWI when there was a noticeable increase in the birth rate and a decline in mortality. The current population on the territory is now over 15,000 and will double within the next generation. This rate of recovery is remarkable and has many factors but the most important was the ability of the Mohawk people to finally develop partial immunity from those illnesses which had nearly brought about extinction. Still, there were those familial and personal habits which were peculiar and seen by our non-Native neighbors as anti-social. As an example, our Mohawk ancestors did not embrace each other. They did not like to be touched and had a strong, hostile reaction to those who tried and envelop us. They avoided eye contact, were hesitant to shake hands, coughed away from another person, kept meticulously clean homes and were said to be very shy around strangers. I asked the late Salli Benedict, Akwesasne's most knowledgeable historian, why. She said it was in response to diseases such as smallpox, measles, cholera, typhoid and influenza. The people learned, as a matter of survival, to keep their distance and refrain from contact. Those who did not understand why attributed our behavior as odd and condemned it as such but it was a rationale response to becoming infected. I looked further into how viruses changed the Iroquois. In a Phd dissertation written for Pennsylvania State University in 2008 by Eric E. Jones the son to be doctor of anthropology summarized the research done by scholars who studied the population of the Iroquois from pre-contact to the 19th century. His essay is entitled "Iroquois Population History and Settlement Ecology 1550-1700". His conclusions substantiate the oral traditions of the Mohawks. Dr. Jones based his analysis on the physical remnants of the communal longhouses and the number of families living within each one of these elongated buildings, some of which were over 100 meters in length. He concluded that the Mohawks numbered 8,025 people in their communities in central New York State. He committed those Mohawks who lived along the St. Lawrence River or the Lake Champlain region. Dr. Jones set the entire Iroquois Confederacy population at an apex of 22,000. By the 1660's the Mohawks had lost over 78% of the people and were reduced to 1,140 individuals. Extinction was imminent. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict and Executive Director Heather Phillips provide an update to Akwesasne on the recently declared state of emergency, the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and more. Posted by Mohawk Council of Akwesasne on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 How did the Mohawks survive? By doing the opposite of current international policies. The Mohawks began an aggressive immigration campaign to bring other Natives to our territory to replace those who had died. The Mohawks made land available to refugees. They reorganized their economic policies to provide for the flow of goods across Iroquois territory and they adopted, in part, the customs of the immigrants to make the transition easier. Greater emphasis was placed on diplomacy to reduce international tensions while the Mohawk Valley homelands were left behind to re-establish communities far from the disease areas resulting in the current territories of Kahnawake, Kanesatake and Akwesasne. Any nation which looses 3/4 of its people it certain to experience profound psychological, physical and social stress. The Mohawk response was not to turn inwards but to attack the disease by expanding its approaches and becoming more inclusive. With regards to the coronavirus these insights may be of value in the recovery stage as the world emerges from this current pandemic. Doug George-Kanentiio, Akwesasne Mohawk, is the vice-president of the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge. He has served as a Trustee for the National Museum of the American Indian, is a former land claims negotiator for the Mohawk Nation and is the author of numerous books and articles about the Mohawk people. He may be reached via e-mail at: Kanentiio@aol.com or by calling 315-415-7288. Note: Content copyright Doug George-Kanentiio Join the Conversation A new study published in the BMJ reveals disturbing connections between organizations and groups that are lobbying for broader access to medical cannabis and those who are fighting for the legalization of recreational cannabis. This raises questions as to the reasons behind the industrys support for measures that will make it easier for patients to gain access to medical cannabis is it because of the knowledge that by so doing, they will also be able to market the drug for recreational use in the UK? The projected market for medical cannabis in the UK is estimated to be $1.3 billion, while that of recreational cannabis is thought to be still more significant, at about $1.7 billion. Big cannabis in the UK: is industry support for wider patient access motivated by promises of recreational market worth billions?. Image Credit: ElRoi / Shutterstock Linkages between recreational and medical cannabis promoters The study report has two parts and is authored by investigative journalist Jonathan Gornall for the BMJ. The first part deals with the nexus between the commercial groups that are campaigning to allow new markets to be opened for recreational cannabis and those individuals or patient groups that are working for a broader range of access to cannabis for medical use. One such example he cites is that of Steve Moore, who was formerly the CEO of the Big Society Initiative headed by David Cameron. Moore helped Charlotte Caldwell, the mother of a severely epileptic boy called Billy Caldwell, to fly to Canada to obtain medical cannabis for her son from a company called Tilray. However, when she flew back, the drug was seized at customs a predictable outcome that was duly captured in the press and used to promote the legalization argument. Moore has helped to promote Caldwells case. However, his interest in cannabis is not just to ensure it can be used medically in a broader setting. Moore is also a strategic counsel for the Center for Medicinal Cannabis, which is a trade organization representing businesses and investors that deal with medicinal cannabis products. It has members such as the Supreme Cannabis Company, a Canada-based organization. Again, he is strategic counsel for Volteface, which is an advocacy group that was founded in 2017, to campaign for the legalization of recreational cannabis. Volteface and the Center for Medicinal Cannabis are the brainchildren of and are funded by Paul Birch, while Tilrays chief executive was once an advisor to Volteface. Birch has said he supports both medicinal and recreational cannabis use. At the same time, Moore suggests the legalization of cannabis would not benefit any legal cannabis companies, nor is the government considering such reforms. However, the moves made by their organizations and by big cannabis companies do not support this view. The implications of these connections Ian Gilmore, who directs the Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, has sympathy for the plight of patients who would like to exploit the medical effects of cannabis and cannabis extracts in their particular situations, but cannot because it is not legally available. On the other hand, says Gilmore, there is the ever-present danger that false arguments from third parties will prompt such a move to legalize recreational cannabis. In his words, We must not drift into the situation we found ourselves in with tobacco and alcohol, where global companies seeking to maximize their markets distorted the arguments, often through third parties. We must protect patients from having groups with conflicts of interest, building up unrealistic hopes. Psychiatrist Marta Di Forti, who serves on the government task force to review the safety and effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of pain, says she is unhappy about this association of patient cannabis groups and commercial cannabis companies. Her main concern is that this kind of lobbying could result in obtaining medicinal cannabis for many more medical conditions for which there is limited or no evidence of its efficacy. The problem with the current conversation on the medical use of cannabis is that it is making it easier and more normal to talk about cannabis in all kinds of settings where it would have been unacceptable earlier. This shift is acknowledged and welcomed by Stephen Murray, the executive director of Prohibition Partners. This is a private investment organization based in the UK, bent on making cannabis more accessible and acceptable. Murray observes that big investors in the corporate world are now becoming more and more involved in the spectrum of business opportunities that cannabis offers. The parent company of Murrays firm, European Cannabis Holdings, recently split into a media wing and the Lyphe group of medical cannabis clinics, besides a medical cannabis academy for clinicians, and an import-distribution company. The Lyphe group is also involved with Drug Science, headed by David Nutt, a sacked chairperson of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Drug Science is behind Project Twenty21, a huge trial of cannabis for seven different conditions from anxiety disorder to Tourettes syndrome, to provide largest body of evidence for the effectiveness and tolerability of medical cannabis but without a randomized controlled trial format, rather a general health questionnaire. Links between tobacco and medical cannabis research The second part of the report deals with the investigation of how the tobacco industry is funding research into medicinal cannabis. Here, Gornall examines the intricate network that has been woven between big commercial firms and the drive to legalize medical cannabis. In this second part, he uses Gavin Sathianathan as an example of the new breed of cannabis entrepreneur. Sathianathan is both the founder and the main shareholder of a private limited company based out of London, called Alta Flora, which markets wellness products from natural sources. In addition, he is one of the trustees managing United Patients Alliance (UPA), which is a cannabis support group led by patients; the chief executive of Forma Holdings which is an investment fund specializing in cannabis; and co-founder as well as director of Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies, which is a collaborative research effort including Oxford Universities. Among these companies, Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies is funded in part by Casa Verde Capital; an American venture capital firm co-founded by Snoop Dogg, US rapper, and influential promoter of recreational cannabis, and Imperial Brands (formerly known as Imperial Tobacco), the giant tobacco company. In defense, Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies spokesperson says that Imperial Brands holds only a small percentage of the companys value and that the firm will not be interested in the UK recreational cannabis market even if restrictions in that country are relaxed. Twisting the narrative However, Marta Di Forti is not convinced. She remembers the story of how tobacco and alcohol companies fed their own skewed version of facts to the public and the medical establishment through paid research and managed to get away with actively peddling deadly and addictive substances to young and old alike for decades before their bluff was called. Calling the fact that Imperial owns any stock in this cannabis research firm dreadful and shocking, Di Forti says, It is always very dangerous to forget history and we are now seeing the sort of connections that we have seen happening before. We are lacking in funding for cannabis research from independent organizations such as the Wellcome Trust or the Medical Research Council. The result will be that more and more, you are going to see even prestigious and reputable academic institutions accepting money from some of these companies. Ian Gilmore supports this stance: It is vital that there is complete transparency in those making the case and supporting patient groups. We must not drift into the situation we found ourselves in with tobacco and alcohol, where global companies seeking to maximize their markets distorted the arguments, often through third parties. We must protect patients from having groups with conflicts of interest, building up unrealistic hopes. The wife of a rapist sentenced to hang tomorrow for his part in an infamous sex attack on a Delhi bus in 2012 has begged an Indian court for a last minute divorce to 'avoid being a widow'. Akshay Thukar, 31, is due to be executed at 5.30am tomorrow morning along with three other men who were convicted of gang-raping 23-year-old Jyoti Singh on a bus in India's capital late at night in December 2012. Singh later died from her extensive internal injuries. Punita Devi, Thukar's wife, filed a divorce petition on Wednesday, which attests to her husband's innocence while asking for a pre-execution split. Punita claims in the petition that her husband is 'a convict in the Nirbhaya case, but he is innocent'. Punita Devi, wife of Akshay Thakur, one of the four men convicted for the gang-rape and murder of a student in 2012, weeps as she speaks to media representatives, outside the Patiala House Court in New Delhi today Punita Devi stands with her husband's lawyer outside a New Delhi courthouse today Akshay Singh Thakur, then 23, was sentenced to death for the 2012 gang-rape of a student in New Delhi According to OutlookIndia, Punita wishes to be divorced from Thukar due to the social stigma of being a widow in India. 'If Akshay is hanged on March 20, she will become a widow,' an unnamed relative told outlookIndia. 'She doesn't want to live as a widow as it is a social stigma. 'She wants to divorce him first.' She filed the petition on Wednesday but the presiding judge had not been sitting. Punita rushed to Delhi today to try to push through the documents, Thakar's lawyer AP Singh said. If the notice is issued later than today, Thakar will still be hanged tomorrow morning. AP Singh (centre), advocate of Akshay Thakur, one of the four men convicted for the gang-rape and murder case of a student, speaks to media representatives along with Thakur's wife, Punita Devi (right), outside the Patiala House Court in New Delhi today The death of Jyoti Singh - 12 days after the rape from extensive internal injuries - sparked national protests and international horror, and became synonymous with India's high rates of sexual violence against women. Many in India see Punita's call for a separation at a date so close to Thakar's execution as the next in a line of legal manouevres to get the convicted rapist's death date pushed back. In December, the 31-year-old petitioned the Supreme Court, claiming that Delhi's air quality was like a 'gas chamber' and its water 'full of poison' and that this does away with the need for his death penalty. 'Everyone is aware of what is happening in Delhi-NCR (national capital region) with regard to air and water. Life is going to be short, then why death penalty?' the petition added. Today, a lawyer in the case confirmed the executions would be going ahead after a court dismissed a final last-minute petition to delay the hangings. The brutal attack on Jyoti Singh aboard a city bus sparked nationwide demonstrations and shone a spotlight on the alarming rates of sexual violence in India. Punita Devi, wife of Akshay Thakur, one of the four men convicted for the gang-rape and murder case of a student, reacts as she speaks to media representatives, outside the Patiala House Court in New Delhi today A trial court in Delhi, which had already postponed the hangings three times, on Thursday dismissed another plea to delay the executions scheduled for 5:30 am (0000 GMT) Friday. 'The court rejected their petition and said they have exhausted all their legal rights. The hangings will take place on Friday at the scheduled time,' Singh's lawyer Seema Kushwaha told reporters. Singh's mother Asha Devi welcomed the ruling and said her 'daughter's soul will finally rest in peace'. The convicts had filed numerous petitions seeking delays to the executions. One challenged the rejection of his mercy plea by the president, the last remedy available to death-row convicts in India. The Supreme Court said it found no reason to interfere with the president's decision and rejected his petition. Thursday's ruling came amid widespread support for the executions. The media has also been full of grisly details about the hangings, including that the nooses will be smeared with banana and clarified butter to soften them. Men convicted of the 2012 Delhi bus attack (from left) Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Mukesh Singh and Akshay Thakur. Thakur, right, issued a review petition today, appealing that the poor air quality in New Delhi means there is no reason for him to be put to death by the state Singh, 23, was returning home from the cinema in the evening with a friend when they boarded a bus, thinking it would take them home. The five men and one juvenile knocked the friend unconscious and dragged Singh to the back of the bus and raped and tortured her with a metal rod. The physiotherapy student and the friend were then dumped on the road. Singh died 13 days later in a Singapore hospital from massive internal injuries. The suspected ringleader was found dead in his prison cell in a suspected suicide, while the 17-year-old juvenile spent three years in a detention centre. Almost 400 people are on death row in India, but no one has been executed since 2015. A demonstrator wearing a blindfold takes part in a protest in solidarity with rape victims and to oppose violence against women in India in New Delhi on Sunday. Recent protests in the country have focused on the continuance of sexual violence since the case of Jyoti Singh in 2012 and the failure of authorities to try suspects quickly Akshay is the final defendant out of four given the death sentence in the case to file a review petition before India's top court. It too was expected to be rejected. At the time, the judge said the ultimate punishment was needed as a 'strong deterrent' after a case that 'shocked the conscience' of a nation. The sentences were welcomed by the victim's family and scores of people outside the court building in Delhi, who chanted 'Justice, justice', as news of the punishment was relayed to them. The harrowing case caused a surge of protest movements across India with women coming out across the country to report their own experiences of sexual violence Even children were seen holding drawings and placards of the men being hung by a noose. Media reports this week said they could be hanged before the end of the year, and possibly on December 16, the anniversary of the attack. Some reports said that Tihar prison, where they are incarcerated, has held a dummy execution to test the gallows and that special ropes are being brought from elsewhere. The victim's parents Asha Devi and Badri Singh at the Supreme Court in New Delhi in 2018. The court hearing ruled in favour of executing the men Jyoti's mother, Asha Devi, can be seen weeping in front of the courthouse in New Delhi in 2013 A Tihar prison official said that they had no knowledge of any such preparations, however. Every winter Delhi is shrouded for months in a toxic smog that experts say is shortening the lives of the megacity's 20 million inhabitants. The pollution appeal comes shortly after another Indian woman was gang-raped and murdered last month, sparking protests and calls for reform of the country's notoriously slow legal system. Arun M By Express News Service KOCHI: When he boarded a flight to Bali in Indonesia, Vishnuprasad Balakrishnan was hoping to land a decent job and earn a smart salary so that he could take care of his ailing parents and marry off his younger sister. A diploma holder in electronics, Vishnuprasad of Neendoor in Kottayam was working as a network engineer with a mobile service provider when Al Amal Enterprises, a recruiting agency, offered him a job visa to Poland. He resigned in 2016 and was made to cough up `3 lakh for the visa. After several months of anxious wait, he was taken to Bali only to be picked up by immigration authorities for travelling on a fake visa. Fake visa racketeers shattered his dreams and the 30-year-old youth landed in a debt trap.Paul Antony of Al Amal Enterprises, who was arrested by Ernakulam Central police on Tuesday, had offered Vishnuprasad a job at an electronics company in Poland. He demanded `3 lakh to arrange the visa and Vishnu paid `50,000 as advance. As he did not receive the visa, Vishnuprasad went to Pauls New Delhi office, where Praveen Thankachan, a close aide of Paul, offered him a visa to Japan. Believing Praveen, Vishnuprasad gave him the remaining `2.5 lakh and was told that he should first go to Bali where he would get the visa. The horror begins His ordeal began in June 2017 when he flew to Bali from New Delhi, where he met three others who were also defrauded by Paul. Sajin Bosco and Rishi Gopal, natives of Kollam, and Koshy Achankunju of Adoor in Pathanamthitta were the others. Besides them, 25 others comprising Keralites and Tamilians were also there waiting for visas. Praveen had provided visa stamped on their passports. However, the four youth landed in the custody of immigration authorities at Bali airport as the visa was fake. They had to stay in Bali for around 28 days. When we realised that they had cheated us, one of our friends arranged money for our return tickets. We threatened Praveen that we would approach the Indian Embassy. He promised to repay the amount and requested us to reach Chennai. As we only wanted to get the money back, we returned, said Vishnuprasad. He said he lost around `5 lakh in the whole process. In Chennai too, they had to stay for around three months trying to extract the money from the frauds. I had taken a loan after pledging my house and property in a cooperative bank to pay the money for the visa. Due to the default on repayment, the bank sent notices for initiating attachment proceedings. Following this, I had to return from Chennai and later, Rishi and Koshy also returned, but Sajin stayed back, he said. Main culprits final trick Besides inflicting all these ordeals, Paul also filed a case against the youths alleging that they had trespassed on his house and attacked him. When the police came to know the complaint was fabricated, Paul agreed to pay the amount within six months. When he failed to pay even after seven months, the youth lodged a complaint with the Ernakulam Central police in February 2019. Koshy, 34, fell into the frauds web after they offered him a job visa to Poland. Countrywide network Pauls racket has a network across the country. Salji, a Muvattupuzha native, who was arrested recently from Aluva for job fraud, was one of his main accomplices. Iraq could be facing an economic crisis in the wake of both a drop in oil prices and the worldwide pandemic of the new coronavirus. The crude-exporting country is struggling to finance measures to contain the new virus pandemic, and the unexpected oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia is further exacerbating budget shortfalls as losses accrue daily in trade, commerce, tourism and transportation. Meanwhile, Iraq faces a deepening political crisis as rival blocs sparred for weeks over the naming of the next prime minister, leading to a void in the country's top leadership. On Tuesday, former governor of Najaf, Adnan al-Zurfi, was named premier-designate but it remained to be seen whether political blocs will approve his Cabinet line-up. Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi's government has been functioning in caretaker status since his December resignation under pressure from mass protests. Oil prices were already suffering shock from the virus outbreak and plunged further when Saudi Arabia began heavily discounting its crude and announced plans to increase output, coming after Russia refused to sign on to a plan proposed by the Saudis to cut output and manage global oil supplies at an OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) meeting earlier this month. Iraq relies on oil exports to fund over 90% of state revenue - the country's proposed 2020 budget projected revenues at 56 US dollars per barrel but political deadlock has delayed its passing, casting more uncertainty over Iraq's economic future. "Without a doubt, the fall of oil prices have had a negative impact on the Iraqi economy, and this is due to the almost total dependence on revenues from oil exports. This means this crisis will translate into a decrease in the level of government expenditures." Dr. Ahmed Saddam, Oil analyst, University of Basra said. Already, the economic challenges are having an impact. Last week, Health Minister Jaafar Allawi said in televised comments that 150 million US dollars per month was still needed to purchase equipment and materials to fight the virus. To meet these needs the Finance Ministry said it was accepting donations from banks, government and private institutions. Kuwait has pledged 10 billion dollars Meanwhile, virus cases continue to rise, with 12 dead among 164 confirmed infected, according to the Health Ministry. Transport, trade, tourism and commerce are among the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic, according to senior Iraqi officials, experts and businessmen. The movement of goods has decreased by at least 30%, said Iraq's Transport Minister Abdullah Laibi. Prices in the local market are already seeing the impact. Ahmed Rahim, 25, a grocer in Baghdad said price of Iran-imported onions for example has nearly doubled. Cargo shipments entering Iraq from two main southern commodities ports were doused with disinfectant, while health inspectors conducted checks in line with new regulations, said Safaa al-Fayadh, director-general of Iraq's ports. "We steralised all containers coming from the Emirates as a precautionary measure," said Sameer Maktouf Arabi, assistant manager at Umm Qasr Port. Private businessmen in Baghdad's commercial centers said they have had to let go staff because of plunging revenues. "The market and the economy are in a bad situation because of the Coronavirus. Look at the market, shops are empty, people are afraid to come to the market, we had to release many of our workers, our business is finished." Mohammed Jassim, shop vendor said. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Worldwide, more than 185,000 people have been infected and more than 7,300 have died. Over 80,000 have recovered, most of them in China. For decades the Queen has shown a unique ability to divine the mood of the nation. It happened in the aftermath of the Windsor Castle fire when she realised the public willingness to foot the bill to repair a private Royal Family home with taxpayers money was not forthcoming. And it happened when, in the midst of an economic downturn, with families across the land facing hardship, she announced that both she and Prince Charles would pay tax on their private income. Both occasions were highly significant. Queen Elizabeth left Buckingham Palace on Thursday and headed to Windsor Castle, in order to distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic Harry and Meghan shared this statement from their social media account in response to the coronavirus pandemic Only once has that unerring instinct to tap into the public psyche failed her, and that was during the crisis that engulfed and threatened, briefly, to convulse the royals over the death of Princess Diana. A row that began over the absence of a flag flying at half-mast over Buckingham Palace as a visible symbol of mourning, and the lack of any expression of sorrow, escalated so much that it placed the Queen in danger of appearing coldly out of touch. Then, if not quite at the 11th hour but perilously close, Her Majesty responded. Protocol was ignored, a flag was lowered and she returned to London from Balmoral to address her people live on television, with the doors of the famous Palace balcony flung open to show the tens of thousands of grief-stricken mourners beyond her in the Mall. Twenty-three years on from that critical moment and the country is once again looking to the monarch for words of consolation, hope and, above all, reassurance. She did not disappoint. No national broadcast on this occasion not yet, anyway. Instead, yesterday, as the coronavirus tightened its terrifying grip on the country, she once again demonstrated infinite experience in a statement issued in her name. It came as she was reunited with Prince Philip at Windsor, and was brimming with good sense in its appeal to the country to foster a community spirit to protect the vulnerable. Typically, she reached back through the years of her long life to draw on her own experience of living through the adversity and uncertainty of wartime. In a passage which echoes that famous Blitz spirit, she said: I am reminded that our nations history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus of a common goal. The unpredictable nature of the emergency, with its isolation and loneliness, meant, she said, that we would have to find new ways to stay in touch with one another and make sure that our loved ones are safe. I am certain, she added, we are up to that challenge. Her welcome intervention, which once again demonstrated that she can rise above the opportunist words of politicians, came amid criticism in some quarters that she had been quiet so far. This not only misjudges the Queens distinctive role as sovereign but is also impertinent. Harry and Meghan ridiculed over social media post Social media didn't take kindly to Harry and Meghan's message to their followers The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were ridiculed yesterday after saying they would share resources about coronavirus on their social media account. Harry and Meghan promised to provide accurate information and facts from trusted experts, and told fans: This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit. The duke and duchess, who are living in Canada after stepping down as senior royals, posted the statement on their Sussex Royal Instagram account as other celebrities rushed to offer their opinions on the global health crisis. We will be sharing information and resources to help all of us navigate the uncertainty: from posting accurate information... to learning about the measures we can take to keep ourselves and our families healthy, the couple wrote. These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary. They urged compassion, empathy and kindness, adding: This will be our guiding principle. But their message of solidarity failed to hearten some social media users. One critic replied: You should leave the distribution of reliable and timely information to those who are knowledgeable in the field. This is no place for your pontification. Another quipped: The best thing you can do... is a whole lot of social (media) distancing. Many contrasted their post with Prince Williams video appeal on behalf of the National Emergencies Trust to raise funds for those suffering hardship as a result of coronavirus in the UK. It came as Harry expressed sadness at having to postpone his Invictus Games. In a video, the prince said it was a difficult decision, but joked to competitors: The good news is you have another 12 months to be even fitter than you already are. Advertisement This, remember, is not a personal family crisis, as Dianas death was, but a national emergency and it is for Boris Johnson and the Government to ask the Queen when and how to step in. She has, of course, been ready and willing to do whatever is asked of her. While following the unfolding drama closely, she has also been briefed by her own physicians. The Queen is just weeks away from her 94th birthday and is firmly in the at risk demographic of elderly and vulnerable Britons. As indeed is Prince Philip, 98, who yesterday left his own refuge at Sandringham to join the Queen at Windsor. She has cancelled all official entertaining, receptions and lunches. Investitures, too, have been postponed while essential audiences have been carried out by telephone. Around 20 members of the Royal Household staff, from grooms and footmen to maids, are understood to be self-isolating, but they are not thought to have the virus. Last night, it was claimed one servant had tested positive. All the same, the Queen has refused to hide herself way, insisting that as far as possible it must be business as usual. Along with great age, she is also the embodiment of great wisdom. And her strong and enduring memories of World War II informed the measured words she used in her statement. They conjured up far more than just keep calm and carry on, but also spoke about the healing balm of monarchy. How different from the cliched and frankly meaningless contribution from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their Sussex Royal website. There may be a time and place for facile and homespun messages, but their preachy post showed a fundamental misunderstanding of the mystique of the Royal Family. Harry and Meghan, remember, are not self-isolating at their luxury Canadian bolthole but, rather, choosing to be there in their own splendid isolation a move they sought themselves in order to be as far away as they can from their old life as royals. Little wonder that online mockery greeted the Instagram post. Their despatch, posted from the vastly expensive mansion that they cannot afford and which is provided by someone whose identity has been kept secret, could not contrast more with the thoughtful and dignified response of the Queen and other royals at home at this time of national crisis. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary, they declared, adding that they will help us all navigate the uncertainty by posting accurate information and facts from trusted experts. Are they seriously suggesting we have not been told the truth? And that we should trust them to know what is accurate and what is not? Rather than a period of silence that many at the palace feel is long overdue, the couple promised to post inspiring stories about coronavirus. Empathy and kindness, they said, will be their guiding principle. Many will doubtless reflect that being 5,000 miles from our fight against the virus makes any contribution from the duke and duchess little more than empty words. Here, in lockdown Britain, which is more and more beginning to resemble a country at war, the Queen yesterday declared herself ready for the task. No one articulates a calming presence better than a Queen who can still recall the words of her father King George VI on the outbreak of war in 1939, when he broadcast to a frightened and anxious empire. It began: In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history and spoke of being calm, firm and united in the dark days ahead. Princess Elizabeth, as she was then, was just 13, but her fathers stirring words have resonated with her ever since. She drew on it for themes in her remarks yesterday. No nation has ever been more fortunate in its monarch. Only once has she shown she was less sure-footed in her understanding of public opinion and not since 1997. The Queen projects such an extraordinary aura that it is impossible to deny she represents the very essence of our island state. At a time of crisis we look to her and she, sure as not, responds. Once before in her long reign she threw herself on the mercy of her critics, appealing for compassion and kindness in the wake of the domestic upheavals of her annus horribilis. Her place in her countrymens hearts was never in doubt, and in her statement she showed that the country is in hers. Now she is safely reunited with her beloved Philip, it is time for others in the family to step up. Both Charles and William will have roles to play in the days ahead. One of their first tasks should be to remind Harry that he and his wife chose to step down from royal duty and to point out the vapid grandiosity of their media posts from a foreign hideaway. The independent watchdog for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a review examining whether federal policies are protecting tenants in public housing from exposure to cancer-causing radon gas. The review, announced publicly this week, comes four months after The Oregonian/OregonLive published its Cancer Cloud investigation exposing failed protections by HUD and local housing authorities across the country. Details of the review are scarce. The Office of Inspector General notified HUD about its plans in a March 13 letter, referencing an attached evaluation design giving agency officials more information about our planned work. But the Office of Inspector General refused a request from The Oregonian/OregonLive to provide that scope of work. Spokesman Darryl Madden instead required the newsroom to file an open records request, which has not yet been fulfilled. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Democrats from Oregon, have been pushing HUD to take action since the newsrooms investigation. They welcomed the inspector generals review. After months of sounding the alarm over the agencys failure to address radon contamination, Im pleased that the Office of Inspector General is launching an investigation to hold HUD accountable," Merkley said in a statement. "HUDs response so far has been insufficient, and were going to keep holding their feet to the fire and pushing to ensure that tenants have a safe place to call home. If it takes a bright spotlight on an agency to spur an IG investigation, then so be it, Wyden said in a statement. I am happy to have been part of the oversight that caused this to happen. The Oregonian/OregonLive in November revealed that HUD has failed to protect tenants in public housing from the risks of exposure to radon, which kills an estimated 21,000 people each year and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in America. Congress in 1988 directed HUD to develop a policy protecting residents in public housing from exposure to hazardous levels of radon. But HUD didnt act aggressively. The agency waited until 2013 to begin strongly encouraging testing by local housing authorities, which collectively operate about 1 million units of public housing nationwide. The Oregonian/OregonLive found that HUD failed to test for radon in public housing units it directly controlled. The newsroom also surveyed 64 local housing authorities across the country from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine finding that fewer than one in three could document radon testing. Reporters also conducted independent testing in several cities, identifying high radon in public housing units in Denver, Huntsville, Alabama, and Worcester, Massachusetts. The Huntsville Housing Authority responded to the investigation even before it was published, launching its own testing that confirmed widespread problems in more than 60 units at a large public housing complex. But the agency didnt disclose it to residents until The Oregonian/OregonLive filed a public records request and obtained the results. The Office of Inspector General has now launched an evaluation to determine the extent to which HUDs radon policies protect residents from the hazardous health effects of exposure to indoor radon, according to a memo from Brian Pattison, the assistant inspector general for evaluation. Evaluations are used to examine the actions of HUD and are typically broader than narrowly focused audits. They typically take six to eight months to complete. In addition to reviewing HUDs public housing policies, the evaluation will also examine rules for HUDs multifamily housing program. HUD adopted more stringent radon testing requirements for that program in 2013, at the same time it only strongly encouraged testing in public housing. This isnt the first time the Office of Inspector General has been made aware of HUDs inaction on radon. Representatives for the testing industry pushed for a review in 2004, arguing that HUD had sidestepped its mandate from Congress. The inspector general at the time, Kenneth Donohue, initially pressed HUD to explain its actions but then dropped the matter after agency attorneys cited the lengthy and complex legislative history of radon and possible policy ramifications. Madden, the inspector generals spokesman, declined to say what prompted this weeks announced evaluation but said it was not based on the newsrooms reporting. An evaluation typically begins through a concern identified by senior leaders at the Office of Inspector General, from HUD officials or through a congressional request, according to the agencys website. At least 25 federal lawmakers have pressed HUD and local housing authorities to act in response to the newsrooms investigation. Eight U.S. senators, including Wyden and Merkley of Oregon, met with HUD Secretary Ben Carson this month to discuss the issue. But neither Wyden nor Merkley asked for the inspector generals review. Matt Schuck, a HUD spokesman, said in a brief statement Thursday: We look forward to the OIG input. -- Brad Schmidt; 503-294-7628; bschmidt@oregonian.com; @_brad_schmidt She's just weeks away from giving birth to her first child. But Chloe Goodman seemed to brush off government advice that pregnant women should self-isolate, as she headed to her local shops in Hove on Wednesday. The Ex On The Beach star, 26, highlighted her growing bump in a tight grey jumper and jeans for the outing as she prepares to welcome a baby girl in May. Glowing: Chloe Goodman, 26, seemed to brush off government advice that pregnant women should self-isolate, as she headed to her local shops in Hove on Wednesday Chloe cut a stylish figure as she headed out for the day, opting for a cosy grey jumper that highlighted her growing bump, along with dark grey skinny jeans. The Celebrity Big Brother star was in high spirits as she wrapped up in a rust-coloured coat and finished her off-duty look with brown leather boots. Chloe ventured out despite government recently warning that women who are expecting should avoid social contact and self-isolate for up to 12 weeks, as the coronavirus continues to spread. ARE PREGNANT WOMEN MORE VULNERABLE TO COVID-19? There is no evidence that pregnant women become more severely unwell if they develop coronavirus than the general population. It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate symptoms because more severe symptoms such as pneumonia appear to be more common in older people, those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions. There are no reported deaths of pregnant women from coronavirus at the moment. In terms of risk to the baby, there is no evidence right now to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage or transmission to the unborn baby via the womb or breast milk. Some babies born to women with symptoms of coronavirus in China have been born prematurely. It is unclear whether coronavirus caused this. Advertisement The star recently celebrated her baby shower with sister Lauryn, though their sibling Amelia was unable to attend as a source told MailOnline that she had also contract coronavirus. The source said: 'Amelia is really upset she can't attend her sisters baby shower because she has the coronavirus. She was really excited to go and spend time with the family.' However they insisted she 'is recovering well and is self isolating.' It also comes after Chloe revealed that thieves stole 20,000 worth of goods from the 1.8 million home she shares with fiance Grant Hall, shortly before Christmas. Last week she recalled the sickening burglary at her home, which left her unable to 'sleep a wink' and had a negative impact on her mental health. Chloe revealed the thieves left the house with their possessions worth thousands, including a Versace necklace, a Rolex watch, designer shoes and cash. Two months on from the incident, Chloe admitted she still feels 'terrible' as the robbers are yet to be caught, and has her pregnant sister Lauryn stay with her when Grant is away for work commitments. 'I was supposed to be recovering from my cervical stitch for four weeks', the mother-to-be recounted the ordeal, which took place just days after she underwent an operation on her cervix. A cervical stitch is a common treatment for pregnant woman who have had previous cervical surgery. If the cervix is getting shorter in early pregnancy, women may be offered a cervical stitch (also known as a cerclage or cervical suture) with the aim of keeping the cervix closed during pregnancy. Stop fleecing of small scale reservoir fishers of Madhya Pradesh March 19,2020 | Source: DMF West Bengal The Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Madhya Pradesh Compels Poor Reservoir Fishers to Deliver Their Catch to Contractors at a Paltry Sum Fishing Communities to Rise in Protest. Can it be imagined that today a fisher in Bargi Dam Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh has to give away a Katla fish weighing more than 5 kg at only Rs.28 per Kg.? And that too at Government approved rate to a Government approved contractor?? Flouting all norms of economic justice and equity the Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Madhya Pradesh makes the poor reservoir based fishers of Madhya Pradesh deliver the fish caught by them to contractors appointed by them at a throw away price. A comparison of the rates officially offered by the Fisheries Departments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan reveals the gross cheating. The small and traditional fishing communities living on the fish resources of Narmada river have been doubly hit. First, they were displaced due to the submergence of large tracts of land on the banks of Narmada. There has been a total devastation of fishers' and farmers' homes. The homestead lands offered were 6 to 7 kilometers away from the river. Accessing the river and doing the land based works for fishing became very difficult. More severe difficulty has been the reduction of fish stock due to damming of the river. The nature of water changed from that of a flowing river to stagnant reservoir water. The change from lotic (flowing water) to lentic (still water) ecosystem has wrecked havoc to the species composition of fish in the Narmada river system. There has been an overall drastic reduction in the stock of fish. Many species that were in plenty became rare. The famous Mahasir, State Fish of Madhya Pradesh, is almost extinct from Narmada. On top of this the Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Madhya Pradesh has come out with a policy that has further endangered the livelihood of poor reservoir based fishers. The Fishermen's Primary Cooperative Societies are given lease of the reservoirs, but the lease only gives them the right to only catch fish from the reservoirs, not the right to sell the fish. The Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives appoints Contractors, who have the sole right to collect the fish caught by the fishers at rates fixed by the Federation. The fishers or their cooperatives have no right to sell the fish. Rajasthan, a neighbouring state to Madhya Pradesh, offers a rate to the fishers which is more than even five times of that offered in Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, the Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, supposed to be a body elected by primary cooperatives had its last election in 1999. It is now run by Government appointed Administrator. Suffice it to mention that the voice of Primary Cooperatives, let alone that of thousands of small and traditional fishers, are never heard. The Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, which was formed to protect and promote the livelihood of the fishing communities has been turned into a device to exploit them. The fishing communities are fighting back. At Barwani under the leadership of Medha Patkar and Narmada Bachao Andolan the fishing communities have successfully dissuaded the Government from notifying contractors for collection of fish caught by them from the reservoir waters. Recently Pradip Chatterjee and Soumen Ray, Convener and Coordinator of NPSSFW(I) visited fishing villages of Barwani with Medha Patkar and attended several meetings of fishers. Pradip Chatterjee and Soumen Ray also attended a meeting of Bargi dam displaced fishing communities at Mandla. The traditional fishing communities decided to organise themselves in union of fish workers and reclaim their right to water and fish resources, they have formed an organising committee for the purpose and submitted their claim to the District Council. Pradip Chatterjee and Soumen Ray alongwith NAPM leader Rajkumar Sinha and several fishing community leaders including Munna Barman visited Dr. Ashok Marskole, MLA and discussed with him the problems of the community. Dr. Ashok Marskole vowed to eradicate the unjust contractor system unilaterally imposed by Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives. He assured full support for the cause of small and traditional fishers. The fishing community representatives from different parts of Madhya Pradesh are going to meet at a State Conference of fish workers to be convened by NPSSFW(I) with NAPM and Narmada Bachao Andolan. Many low-level inmates across the country have been let out of their prisons as COVID-19 sweeps through the nation. Hard-timers are now seeking freedom amid concerns tightly packed populations in prisons could lead to a drastic wave of coronavirus cases and transmission. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed he plans to release "vulnerable" inmates to prevent the spread of the pandemic in city jails. Authorities will identify prisoners who are at high risk of contracting severe symptoms based on their pre-existing conditions and other factors. These prisoners, de Blasio said, will be brought out. The decision comes after an inmate at Rikers Island tested positive hours after a correctional officer was found to be carrying the global health threat. Authorities are now observing for a possible outbreak at the jail. The corrections' union is requesting the local government to provide new face masks to corrections officers for better protection against the virus. They are also asking authorities to find temporary shelters for inmates as housing them on the island could lead to a problematic outbreak. Advocates are calling for the release of inmates aged 50 and above and were considered a low-risk for re-offending. The city Board of Corrections said New York should follow Los Angeles and Ohio who have started releasing inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than a year. More Coronavirus News: COVID-19 has yet to cause a widespread outbreak in prisons. The US has over 7,000 correction facilities. It's poor sanitary conditions make it an ideal breeding ground as dangerous as nursing homes and cruise ships. Many facilities have started observing better cleaning methods. Some have temporarily stopped visitations. The measures, however, are still insufficient as most lockups have very poor ventilation. Inmates often sleep in close quarters and share sanitary facilities such as showers and bathrooms. Brandon Sample, a Madoff attorney, told a news outlet the federal prison system's inability to take action in times of major crises. Two federal Bureau of Prisons staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday--- one of the workers was reportedly employed in a correctional facility in New Hampshire while the other works for an office in Texas. Health officials have yet to confirm a coronavirus case involving any of the 175,000 inmates in the system. An official number of inmates who have received testing cannot be released as of the moment. Law enforcement officers all over the country are now incarcerating fewer people. Prosecutors opt to let non-violent offenders walk free earlier than usual. Judges are also postponing jail sentences. Los Angeles, which has the nation's largest jail system, has released more than 600 prisoners since the end of February. Authorities released inmates who had fewer than a month left in their sentences. Judges in Cleveland held a special session to settle cases with guilty pleas and see the release of 200 inmates with non-violent tendencies. Top state attorneys in Miami have also called the local government to identify and release felons who were at low risk for violent tendencies as well as those charged with a misdemeanor. American adults of all ages not just those in their 70s, 80s and 90s are being seriously sickened by the coronavirus, according to a report on nearly 2,500 of the first recorded cases in the United States. The report, issued Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that as in other countries the oldest patients had the greatest likelihood of dying and of being hospitalized. But of the 508 patients known to have been hospitalized, 38% were notably younger between 20 and 54. And nearly half of the 121 patients who were admitted to intensive care units were adults under 65, the CDC reported. I think everyone should be paying attention to this, said Stephen S. Morse, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia Universitys Mailman School of Public Health. Its not just going to be the elderly. There will be people age 20 and up. They do have to be careful, even if they think that theyre young and healthy. The findings served to underscore an appeal issued Wednesday at a White House briefing by Dr. Deborah Birx, a physician and State Department official who is a leader of the administrations coronavirus task force. Citing similar reports of young adults in Italy and in France being hospitalized and needing intensive care, Birx implored the millennial generation to stop socializing in groups and to take care to protect themselves and others. You have the potential then to spread it to someone who does have a condition that none of us knew about, and cause them to have a disastrous outcome, Birx said, addressing young people. In the CDC report, 20% of the hospitalized patients and 12% of the intensive care patients were between the ages of 20 and 44, basically spanning the millennial generation. Younger people may feel more confident about their ability to withstand a virus like this, said Dr. Christopher Carlsten, head of respiratory medicine at the University of British Columbia. But, he said, if that many younger people are being hospitalized, that means that there are a lot of young people in the community that are walking around with the infection. The new data represents a preliminary look at the first significant wave of cases in the United States that does not include people who returned to the country from Wuhan, China, or from Japan, the authors reported. Between Feb. 12 and March 16, there were 4,226 such cases reported to the CDC, the study says. The ages were reported for 2,449 of those patients, the CDC said, and of those, 6% were 85 and older, and 25% were between 65 and 84. Twenty-nine percent were ages 20-44. The age groups of 55-64 and 45-54 each included 18% of the total. Only 5% of cases were diagnosed in people 19 and younger. The risk of a patient requiring hospitalization or dying of the infection caused by the coronavirus increased with age, as has been the pattern in other countries. The report included no information about whether patients of any age had underlying risk factors, such as a chronic illness or a compromised immune system. So it is impossible to determine whether the younger patients who were hospitalized were more susceptible to serious infection than most others in their age group. But experts said that even if younger people in the report were medical outliers, the fact that they were taking up hospital beds and space in intensive care units was significant. And these more serious cases represent the leading edge of how the pandemic is rapidly unfolding in the United States, showing that adults of all ages are susceptible and should be concerned about protecting their own health, and not transmitting the virus to others. The youngest age group, people 19 and under, accounted for less than 1% of the hospitalizations and none of the ICU admissions or deaths. This dovetails with data from other countries so far. This week, however, the largest study to date of pediatric cases in China found that a small segment of very young children may need hospitalization for very serious symptoms, and that one 14-year-old boy in China died from the virus. Of the 44 people whose deaths were recorded in the report, 15 were age 85 or older and 20 were between the ages of 65-84. There were nine deaths among adults ages 20-64, the report said. Some of the patients in the study are still sick, the authors noted, so the results of their cases are unclear. Data was missing for a number of the cases, which likely resulted in an underestimation of the outcomes, the authors wrote. Because of the missing data, the authors presented percentages of hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths as a range. The report also says that the limited testing available in the United States so far makes this report only an early snapshot of the crisis. Still, the authors wrote, these preliminary data also demonstrate that severe illness leading to hospitalization, including ICU admission and death, can occur in adults of any age with COVID-19. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. A man was killed and three people were injured on Thursday when an empty chemical tanker exploded during welding in Rajasthan's Alwar district, police said. The deceased was identified as Manoj Yadav, 30, owner of the tanker, Assistant Sub Inspector Prahlad Kumar said. He said the injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital. The blast occurred probably due to gas formation in the empty tanker while welding, he said. The body was handed over to his family members after post-mortem. The matter has been registered under section 174 of the CrPC and is being further investigated, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fifty Boko Haram Militants Killed in Niger Saudi Press Agency Wednesday 1441/7/23 - 2020/03/18 Niamey, Mar 18, 2020, SPA -- Fifty fighters from Boko Haram were killed in an overnight clash in the south-east of Niger, the government said. The Defense Ministry said armed terrorists, riding in about 20 vehicles, attacked a military post in Toummour, in Diffa region. The assailants were repelled, the ministry said, giving a provisional toll of one soldier wounded and 50 Boko Haram fighters killed. Reinforcements from the Special Intervention Battalion joined the chase to the shores of Lake Chad, the ministry said. --SPA 18:46 LOCAL TIME 15:46 GMT 0024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnams Ministry of Health has decided to stop on-site sampling for arrivals from areas hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi after the procedure resulted in long waiting time and posed a risk of infection. The short-lived procedure, which began on March 15, required passengers arriving from COVID-19-hit areas to make health declaration and be tested for the novel coronavirus right at the airport, before being taken to quarantine camps for mandatory 14-day isolation. Due to an increase in the number of arrivals in the past days, many additional medical staff and police and customs officers have been mobilized to make sure the procedure was carried out properly. People fill out health declaration forms upon their arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Between March 15 and 18, passengers arriving at the Noi Bai airport reportedly had to wait for long hours at the airdrome for their samples to be taken, which caused inconvenience and posed a high risk of infection. Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long has therefore decided to stop the on-site sample taking procedure from March 19. Accordingly, all people from COVID-19-hit areas will be transported to isolation camps upon their arrival at Noi Bai and will be tested at the quarantine facilities. A health worker hands out health declaration forms to passengers arriving at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected over 219,300 people and killed more than 8,900 globally as of Thursday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics. Vietnams COVID-19 tally has soared to 76, with 16 having fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital by February 16. No death has been reported in the country so far. Vietnam has suspended its visa issuance to all foreigners for 30 days starting Wednesday, March 18, to curb the spread of the virus. Passengers have their body temperature monitored at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Passengers wait for their turn to make health declaration at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Tre A health worker wears protective clothing while on duty at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Health workers wears protective clothing while on duty at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre A medical worker prepares sample tubes for testing arrivals at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Free drinking water is prepared at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Tre Passengers wait for their turn to make health declaration at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Tre A security officer calls out passengers names over a megaphone before having them transported to quarantine camps after their arriving at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18, 2020. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The central government said the railways and Civil Aviation Ministry must suspend all concessional travel on trains and flights, except for students, patients and disabled people New Delhi: Amid coronavirus pandemic, India on Thursday announced it will not allow any international commercial passenger aircraft to land from 22 March to 29 March. The central government said the railways and Civil Aviation Ministry must suspend all concessional travel on trains and flights, except for students, patients and disabled people. "Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," it added. The Centre has requested states to enforce work from home for private sector employees, except for those working in emergency and essential services. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak "State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives or government servants or medical professionals are advised to remain at home," the government statement noted. To reduce huge gatherings, all group B and C category of central government employees will be asked to attend offices on alternate weeks, and there will be "staggered timings" for all employees. A gang of thugs smashed a Sainsbury's shop front in south London in a nighttime raid as supermarkets come under huge pressure amid coronavirus fears. Six men tried stealing alcohol from the New Kent Road store in Elephant and Castle at around 10.50pm yesterday by 'concealing spirits in their clothes'. Police said that Sainsbury's staff confronted the men, who became 'hostile and threatening' and fled outside before trashing the store front. Video shows thugs throwing a blue sign at the glass entry, which shatters. A larger group then runs away, leaving a trail of carnage behind them. Six men tried stealing alcohol from the New Kent Road store in Elephant and Castle at around 10.50pm yesterday by 'concealing spirits in their clothes' The Met Police confirmed four arrests on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. Sainsbury's told MailOnline there was 'an incident' at the New Kent Road last night, and they will be helping police with their enquiries. A spokesperson said: 'It's a shame that these things are happening.' The Met Police said: 'Staff had reported that six men had entered the store and began to conceal spirits in their clothes. Video shows thugs throw a blue sign at the glass entry to a Sainsbury's, which then shatters A larger group runs away from the scene of the crime, leaving a trail of carnage behind them 'When confronted by staff the men became hostile and threatening. When the group left one of them picked up a sign that was outside the store and damaged a window. 'Officers attended and four men aged 20, 21, 21, and 22 were arrested near the scene on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. 'Enquiries continue.' These appalling scenes come as Britain's supermarkets come under unprecedented pressure from customers stockpiling amid fears of self-isolation. Hundreds of shoppers lined up outside supermarkets before the doors opened today after retailers enforced rationing measures to deal with a surge in panic-buying. Retailers have stressed that there is plenty of food in the supply chain, but shoppers need to act responsibly to ensure everyone can get what they need - particularly the elderly and most vulnerable who may find regular shopping difficult. Tesco and Sainsbury's are limiting customers to buying three of any item, while Asda and Morrisons are restricting purchases across 1,250 regularly-bought lines. The biggest chains were dramatically stepping up rationing measures yesterday amid the stockpiling as millions prepare for weeks of home quarantine. The demand has also led to angry scenes as people battled over household essentials. Shoppers queuing outside a Sainsbury's in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire A Sainsbury's in London also saw large queues of people outside this morning Shoppers walked past empty shelves that had stocked loo roll at a Sainsbury's in Norwich A Tesco Extra in Mansfield at 3.30am, as supermarkets struggled to keep up with demand Customers queue to pay for their shopping in an Asda in West Bridgford, Nottingham Elderly people wait for a Sainsbury's supermarket in Hertford to open to stock up on essentials Older customers queue outside a Sainsbury's in Leamington Spa for a so-called 'silver hour' There was a queue of hundreds of shoppers outside a Sainsbury's in Norwich, Cheshire And the capital could be days away from total lockdown after Boris Johnson yesterday refused to rule out 'further and faster' measures to battle the coronavirus. The Prime Minister declared that 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measure - such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas, theatres, and restaurants - was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in London alone - more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. A lockdown could be implemented this weekend in the capital, which officials believe has become a 'city of superspreaders', according to The Daily Telegraph. It comes as military chiefs are putting 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britains streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic. It is thought that many are undergoing fast-track training on how to drive oxygen tankers around the country in order to supply hospitals. Helicopters are also being readied to transport supplies. Thousands of soldiers will be mobilised or flown home from overseas programmes and put at high readiness to move as part of a new Covid Support Force. A commuter wears a mask whilst walking across London Bridge into the City of London In the centre of the capital streets are largely empty as people stay away amid the spread of coronavirus. Pictured is Parliament Square The statue of former British PM Winston Churchill was spotted wearing a face mask in his old constituency of Woodford Green in London on Wednesday morning WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill to expand paid sick leave, enhance unemployment insurance, and ensure free testing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Senate approved the plan in a 90-8 vote earlier in the day. Two Republican senators did not vote as they were undergoing self-quarantine after exposure to people who tested positive for the virus. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said prior to the voting that he will support the House's proposal, though he argued that "it does not help enough Americans, and, crucially, it adds even more uncertainty for small businesses." The House-proposed bill, which was passed early Saturday, includes measures to enhance unemployment insurance, make sure that businesses with fewer than 500 employees offer two weeks of paid sick leave to their workers, boost funding for food assistance programs, as well as ensure free testing, including for those who are uninsured. The lower chamber approved technical corrections to the bill in a vote late Monday. The bipartisan bill is the second such legislative package passed by Congress to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Earlier this month, Trump signed into law an 8.3-billion-dollar emergency funding package Congress had approved, which boosts funding for the testing of the virus, supports the development of vaccines, and lowers costs for medical treatments. McConnell said after the Senate vote that lawmakers are moving rapidly to roll out a broader stimulus package. At a White House news briefing Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he is working with lawmakers on a "significant" economic stimulus plan, which includes support measures for small businesses, airlines and hotels, as well as potential cash payments for working Americans. The Trump administration had proposed a total aid package of 850 billion dollars, but discussions later included spending as much as 1.2 trillion dollars, Bloomberg reported earlier, citing people familiar with the matter. The number of cases in the United States surpassed 9,000 Wednesday midnight with 150 deaths, according to a tracking tool developed by the Center for Systems Science and Engineer at Johns Hopkins University. Last week, Trump declared a national emergency over the virus to open up 50 billion dollars in federal aid to help combat the spread of COVID-19 across the country. On Monday, he recommended Americans to restrict gatherings to 10 or fewer people over the next few weeks. The pandemic has roiled U.S. stock markets, which have shed trillions of dollars amid mounting fears of the spread of the virus. The S&P 500 plunged 7 percent on Wednesday afternoon, triggering the second 15-minute trading halt this week and the fourth within two weeks. The outbreak has disrupted major U.S. industries, as the government has advised Americans to reduce social gatherings, more companies are adopting work-from-home policies, many universities and schools are closed, and some state and city officials have banned in-person dining at restaurants and bars. DoubleLine Capital CEO Jeffrey Gundlach said Tuesday there is a 90-percent chance the United States will enter a recession before the year is over, according to a CNBC report. Earlier this week, Trump, who has repeatedly touted a strong economy, said that the U.S. economy "may be" heading toward a recession. Adam Posen, president of Washington-based think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics, said "there is nothing else left to do on the monetary side," noting that "fiscal stimulus and direct help for affected sectors are necessary to get recovery." ASHLAND, Ore. Following an initial coronavirus response plan issued last week and further direction from Governor Kate Brown regarding higher education institutions in Oregon, Southern Oregon University (SOU) has announced what it intends to do going into spring term. An executive order announced by Governor Brown on Wednesday directs colleges to transfer their curriculum to online learning, prohibiting in-person classes through April 28, akin to the closure of K-12 schools through that date. SOU says it will deliver all instruction remotely for the next term, while the campus will be open to school faculty, staff, or students only beginning on Saturday. Meanwhile, the school is allowing students to take more than one "pass/no pass" course per term. "The normal restriction of not being allowed to take a course from your major on a pass/no pass basis has been lifted. Students also will not be charged a fee to switch grade modes," school officials said. The Hannon Library will remain open to those with a valid student ID. Tuition will remain the same, but SOU says that it is reviewing the fees for other services including the Student Recreation Center, Student Health & Wellness Center, Student Life activities and remote delivery of courses which could change dramatically. More decisions on those fees will be discussed on Thursday night. Financial aid disbursement has been pushed back to March 27 due to the extra week of Spring Break. The school says that it can provide a letter for students to give landlords "explaining that financial aid is forthcoming." Meanwhile, the school will charge no interest on student accounts for the term, no late payment fees, and no revolving charge fees. There also will be no parking fees. "We realize that you have many questions about University Housing, and we are committed to answering as many of those as possible," SOU said. The school will provide housing for students who wish to remain on campus during spring break and spring term. The Hawk will remain open but will provide food for take-out only. "We appreciate the financial constraints that many families will experience over the next few months and will seek to assist our students and their families to the greatest extent possible," SOU said. Dozens of healthcare workers across the US are testing positive for coronavirus as they battle the highly-infectious disease on the front lines. At a Chicago suburban hospital, two emergency room physicians have been diagnosed with the virus. Meanwhile, in nearby St Louis, Missouri, two doctors associated with Washington University tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. And 200 people Children's Hospital have been tested for coronavirus after a doctor was confirmed to have the virus. It comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention loosens their guidelines and says healthcare workers can work even if they've been exposed to coronavirus as long as they wear a mask. If they run out of masks, as many in the public continue to hoard, workers are advised to use a scarf or even a bandana. Two emergency room physicians and a patient at Rush Oak Park Hospital in Illinois (pictured) have tested positive for coronavirus The number of coronavirus cases in the US has dramatically increased in the last two weeks All 50 states have reported cases of coronavirus, with New York, Washington and California badly hit Two emergency room physicians and a patient at Rush Oak Park Hospital in Illinois have tested positive for coronavirus, reported NBC 5 Chicago. All three are currently under quarantine in their respective homes. According to the hospital, one of the two doctors had not been seeing patients in the days before being diagnosed. 'The other may have had patient and peer contact and we are assessing the overall risk of exposure, working with the Illinois Department of Public Health and advising patients and peers as appropriate,' a statement read. NBC 5 Chicago reports that the sickened patient is an adult male in his 30s, but it is unclear why he was being care for at the hospital. The news caused the leaders of the Village of Oak Park to enact a shelter in place order, the first Illinois municipality to do so. Beginning on Friday, March 20 and extending through April 3, all residents are urged to stay in their homes to avoid spreading the virus. The authors of that study said slowing rates of infection in North American and Europe should occur between June and September. Pictured: Nurses wait for a patient in a car to pull forward to be tested for coronavirus in Seattle, Washington, March 18 Two doctors at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri (pictured), tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, It is believed one of the doctors went to work while they were contagious and caught the bug via community spread. At Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, two doctors tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, reported KMOV 4. Each are quarantined at their homes, one in St Louis City and the other in St Louis County, according to a statement from Mayor Lyda Krewson had announced on Wednesday that there was a second presumptive positive case of the virus in St Louis City, according to KMOV 4. Krewson tweeted that it is believed the person went to work while they were contagious and caught the bug via community spread. The patient was middled-aged and had traveled recently, the mayor said. It is believed Krewson was referring to one the Washington University doctors, but the school could not confirm this due to privacy laws. 'While we still don't have any detected signs of community transmission at this time, this case underscores the importance of what our healthcare professionals have been telling us,' Krewson said. 'If you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, don't go to work and seek medical attention.' St David's HealthCare, a hospital in Austin, Texas (pictured), confirmed that one its physicians tested positive for the virus The doctor was allegedly not exposed because of a breach of protocols at St David's HealthCare. Pictured: Paramedics wheel a patient into a hospital following the outbreak of coronavirus, March 18i On Wednesday, St David's HealthCare, a hospital in Austin, Texas confirmed that one its physicians tested positive for the virus, reported KXAN. Officials say they working to identify any patients or healthcare workers, the doctor may have come into contact with. St David's said the doctor was not exposed because of a breach of hospital protocols and that workers will 'continue to follow our best practices for preventing the spread of the coronavirus.' Austin Public Health has reported 23 confirmed cases in Travis County as of Thursday. It is not clear if the physician is one of the cases. 'The majority of the interaction between the physician and patients/staff occurred in areas where most healthcare workers were wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), which reduces the risk of exposure to a very low level,' St David's HealthCare told KXAN. 'We will contact patients and providers who may require further observation and/or testing based on our risk assessment.' KXAN asked if St David's was canceling elective surgeries, but the hospital declined to answer. Two hundred patients and health care workers at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (pictured)have been tested after a doctor was infected with the virus The doctor worked with children who have severely compromised immune systems, including cancer patients. Pictured: Medics transport a patient into an ambulance at the Life Care Center of Kirkland in Washington, March 12 Meanwhile, 200 patients and health care workers at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin have been tested after a doctor was infected with the virus. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the doctor worked with children who have severely compromised immune systems, including cancer patients. He or she learned that they contracted coronavirus while traveling outside of Wisconsin, but worked for a week without knowing they were sick. Mike Gutzeit, the hospital's chief medical officer, told the Sentinel that is not believe any of the patients being tested are at the highest risk of contracting the virus. Those chosen for tests were identified by level of risk and level of exposure. 'This is a tremendous amount of work - we had a team working on it 36 hours straight,' he said. Hospital spokesperson Andrew Brodzeller told the newspaper that the doctor is currently at home with mild symptoms and recovering. South Korea appears to be bringing its coronavirus outbreak under control without resorting to draconian lockdowns. More than 8,800 people around the world have now died from COVID-19, and countries are turning to draconian measures from sealing borders to stay-at-home orders to try and curb its spread. But in South Korea, once the country with the worst outbreak outside China, life seems to be going on with some sense of normalcy. Dozens line up at pharmacies to buy their government-rationed face masks every week and many are working from home, but businesses carry on and cities have yet to be subjected to a government-instituted lockdown. Even better, South Korea has one of the lowest casualty rates from COVID-19 in the world, at just 1 percent. South Korea really distinguished itself for being able to transparently disclose information and combat the virus, said Hwang Seung-sik, an epidemiologist and professor at Seoul National University. We did our best to stockpile resources and we worked hard to mass-test people and conduct quarantines. But the coronavirus has been around for about three months now, and its not very clear what preparations the US or other European countries have made. Swift action South Koreas coronavirus outbreak is a lesson in early action and swift containment. One month ago on February 18, South Korea diagnosed its 31st patient with COVID-19, and she soon became known as the countrys super-spreader. A middle-aged woman who took part in mass congregations at a religious group called the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Patient 31 passed the virus onto other members of the faithful as well as other unsuspecting residents of the southeastern city of Daegu. Suddenly, South Koreas coronavirus cases multiplied 180-fold in a two-week span. At its peak, medical experts were diagnosing more than 900 new cases a day, making South Korea the second-largest outbreak in the world. Blocking off certain areas and stopping movement was what people did in the Middle Ages when they were dealing with the Black Death. Dr Roh Kyoung-ho, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital Now, that growth rate has significantly slowed and there is even talk that the outbreak might have peaked. We indeed succeeded in decreasing the rate of new confirmed cases to less than 100 per day. Its a big accomplishment, but we cant celebrate that just yet, Hwang said. This could be an optical illusion thats fooling us into believing that the outbreak is over an illusion caused by the previously skyrocketing numbers in Daegu. More than 8,500 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in South Korea as of mid-morning on March 19, and nearly three-quarters of those cases are concentrated in Daegu. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, the virus rages on: nearly 3,000 people have died in Italy, along with 1,135 in Iran and 638 in Spain, according to Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the pandemic. US casualties have already outpaced those in South Korea. In China, where the virus was first detected late last year, more than 3,200 have died. South Korean soldiers in protective gear make their way while they disinfect buildings in Daegu [Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters] Even so, medical experts caution about being over-confident. Its difficult to say that the Korean government has gained full control over coronavirus, said Roh Kyoung-ho, a doctor who works at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital. Since Korea is a country with a high population density, there is a big possibility that coronavirus can return with high propagation power and it may even appear as just a small group infection to start. Last week, South Korea saw a new cluster of cases around a call centre in Seoul, reversing an 11-day trend of declining infection rates. On Thursday, a new cluster emerged at a nursing home in Daegu, ending four days of daily cases below 100. We shouldnt be so conceited about our results just yet, Hwang agreed. Widespread testing Nevertheless, South Koreas success in controlling the epidemic has garnered praise from around the world. When Chinese scientists first published the COVID-19 virus genetic sequence in January, at least four South Korean firms quietly began developing and stockpiling test kits alongside the government well before the country had its first outbreak. By the time things got bad, the country had the ability to test more than 10,000 people per day, including at makeshift drive-through testing centres and newly added consultation phone booths at hospitals. Anyone with a mobile phone in the country also received alerts about nearby infection paths so that citizens could avoid areas where the virus was known to be active. Passengers at a railway station in Daegu maintain at least one-metre distance from each other amid the COVID-19 outbreak [Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters] At the same time, the South Korean government created a GPS-enabled app to monitor those under quarantine and set off an alarm if they ventured outdoors. Travellers entering the country are also being asked to record their symptoms on a state-sponsored app. Unlike other countries, South Korea also managed to turn its outbreak around without locking down cities or banning travel. In fact, the term social distancing first originated with the South Korean presidents campaign against the virus. However, that does not mean all other countries should follow suit. South Koreas mass-testing and early detection may have afforded it the luxury of being able to avoid declaring a total shutdown. Because Korea has the ability to sample and test faster than in other countries, there was no reason to do what other countries are doing [and lock down], Roh said. The method of blocking off certain areas and stopping movement was what people did in the Middle Ages when they were dealing with the Black Death. It was because they didnt know what was causing infections at the time and they didnt know where the disease was spreading. Medical staff wearing protective suites work to take samples from drivers with suspected symptoms of the coronavirus at a drive-through virus test facility in Goyang, South Korea [Ahn Young-joon/AP] At least 15 South Korean firms are racing to develop vaccines and other treatments for COVID-19. Some are attempting to develop a testing kit for people to use at home, while others are already in the middle of clinical trials. Hwang estimates it will not be until around the second half of 2021 that a vaccine will become available to the public. Until then some of the old methods of containment, supported by 21st-century technologies, may still prove most effective. We have to keep focusing on our fight against this crisis until then, he said. Mitch S Shin contributed to this report. Almost 700 cruise ship passengers are returning to UK from Cuba after island permitted a British ship with confirmed coronavirus cases to dock. A British cruise ship with five confirmed cases of the new coronavirus on board has docked in Cuba, after it was turned away from multiple ports in the Caribbean. Cuba allowed the ship in after Barbados, the Bahamas and the United States all refused the captains request to come ashore. The MS Braemar had been stuck at sea for more than a week. The UK foreign minister thanked the Cuban government for letting passengers disembark as many on board are British citizens. Several flights have been chartered to fly them home. Al Jazeeras Ed Augustin reports. Fiat Chrysler was forced to close plants and cancel shifts after thousands of workers in Michigan and Ohio downed their tools yesterday in opposition to the decision of the company and the United Auto Workers union to continue production during the coronavirus pandemic. All three Detroit-based automakers later announced plans to shut plants throughout North America. For weeks, the UAW has sought to keep workers in the factories by issuing joint statements with corporate executives, which falsely claimed the plants were safe, and by joining management in threatening workers with termination if they refused to work under unsafe conditions. Faced with the criminal indifference of the UAW to their own lives, autoworkers are taking matters into their own hands. The work stoppages in the United States are the latest in a worldwide wildcat strike wave in defiance of the unions. Autoworkers in Italy, Spain and Canada earlier walked off the job in protest of managements decision to continue production during nationwide lockdowns. After weeks in which the capitalist class in the US and Europe has pursued a deliberate policy of malign neglectcombining the pumping of trillions into the stock markets with total inaction on protecting the lives of millions of peoplea critical section of the international working class is beginning to move and put forward its own response to the pandemic. Autoworkers walking out at FCA Dundee Engine Plant The work stoppages began at Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in suburban Detroit Tuesday night, shortly after the joint UAW-management task force announced that all of the plants of the Detroit automakers would continue to operate on slightly modified schedules despite several workers testing positive, including two at the Sterling Heights plant. After failing to browbeat workers into restarting the line, management sent workers home early, at 10:30 pm. The scene played out again on Wednesday morning, when the next shift sat down and refused to work, allowing uncompleted vehicles to pass down the line. It should never have taken this long, a young worker at the plant told the WSWS. There are more than 7,000 workers in our plant, constantly interacting with each other, leaning and crawling inside the same trucks. How are we supposed to keep separate in there? This is not our fault. We dont want to be carriers. The union says we can file for unemployment, but it would take two weeks to get anything. We need to be compensated now. Weve made billions for these companies and they act like were just their damn pawns. The action quickly spread to other plants. At Jefferson North Assembly, workers entered the plant in the morning and sat idle for hours, before management finally sent them home at 1PM. According to workers, UAW officers raced from the union offices to threaten them with termination, but to no avail. The union sold us out, one worker said. We dont need rotating shiftswe have to shut down the plants. They dont even care about us and our familiesthe UAW showed that last night. Another Jefferson worker added, They think workers are worth less than the cars being produced. We are expendable and once one of us dies, there are more people waiting to replace us so the company can continue making money. Angry scenes played out in Northwest Ohio at Toledo North Assembly, where dozens of workers confronted Local 12 Vice President Brian Sims for keeping them on the job. After lying and claiming that no walkouts had taken place at other plants and demanding that workers relax, Sims abruptly left out the back door of the committee room. Autoworkers confronting UAW Local 12 Vice President Brian Sims at Toldeo North Assembly Plant A job action was also taken at Dundee Engine, south of Ann Arbor. Warren Truck workers, who had staged a partial work stoppage earlier in the week, were also let out early. Faced with the prospect of a nationwide or even continent-wide walkout, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors announced later in the afternoon that they would be closing their North American plantsincluding in Mexico and Canadathrough March 30. However, this is yet another maneuver, designed to buy the companies and the union time to dampen opposition and restore full production. General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced that it would implement a systematic, orderly suspension of work. In reality, this means the company will attempt to keep at least some of the workers on the job for another week or more, leaving almost no downtime before plants are set to reopen on March 30. After first announcing that it would continue production at GMs Lansing Delta Township plant until March 27, management reversed itself suddenly on Wednesday evening, saying the plant would be closed this Friday, March 20. Other automakers are continuing North American production or shutting their plants for an even shorter period of time. Honda announced yesterday that it would cease production in North America for only six days. Volkswagen idled its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant for a mere 24 hours on Monday before resuming production. Hundreds of thousands of workers at parts suppliers are still being forced to work, including at plants with the UAW, under conditions which are even worse than in the assembly plants. Tesla attempted to operate its plant in Fremont, California on a normal schedule, in spite of a government-mandated lockdown, until the intervention of the local sheriffs department. It is now continuing minimum basic operations. The electric vehicle company had attempted to label itself as an essential enterprise under the terms of the Alameda County closure order, on the absurd but sinister grounds that the plant is considered part of National Critical Infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security. There is an element of desperation in the attempts by the auto companies to keep production going as long as possible. Having faced a downturn in profits and sales even before the pandemic, the auto companies are under intense pressure from Wall Street, where stock prices across the board are now in free-fall, to shore up shareholder value by continuing to produce, even as consumer demand plummets as tens of millions remain indoors. Damage control in the corporate press and the political establishment is now in full swing. Media headlines reporting the shutdowns have systematically excluded any mention of walkouts, implying instead that the companies and the unions had suddenly reconsidered their decision to continue production out of concern for workers well-being. Reassuring headlines over the last week that plants were being subjected to routine deep cleaning have now been exposed as complete lies. In reality, almost nothing had been done. Workers report that they do not even have access to gloves, masks, hand sanitizer or even hot water with which to wash their hands. Debbie Dingell, the widow of the late congressman from GM John Dingell, released a statement yesterday afternoon suggesting that the UAW led the fight to close the plants. UAW leadership was focused on protecting the health and safety of their workers as a first priority, she claimed, adding, Going forward the unions and the companies need to work together closely to protect workers and the stability of the industry [emphasis added]in plain language, to force workers back into the plants to produce more profit. Yesterdays events were a milestone in the deep-rooted rebellion of workers against the pro-corporate trade unions. By taking the initiative into their own hands and in opposition to the UAW, workers were able, in the space of a few hours, to stagger the auto companies and at least temporarily halt production. Autoworkers are beginning to confirm through their own practice that they are far more powerful without the UAW. This was awe-inspiring, said one Sterling Heights worker, referring to the collective strength of the workers. The autoworkers must now become the tip of the spear for a broader movement of the entire working class. The next step is to form a network of rank-and-file workplace and neighborhood committees, starting from the auto plants but embracing all sections of workers and linking up with workers around the world. Empty corridors at Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) after work stoppage These committees can force a shutdown of all non-essential production, with full compensation and no lost sick days. These committees should demand that governments throughout the world allocate trillions to address the pandemic. The wealth hoarded by the rich and the major corporations must be requisitioned and placed at the disposal of society, and industries re-tooled to produce needed medical equipment and vital necessities. It took the workers to unite, go out and stop the plants, one Warren Truck worker told the World Socialist Web Site. We are doing what we need to do. We must protect our health, our children and our elderly parents. This has to be fair across the board. We need to be treated equally, to be equal. We make the country. We do everything. We have to stand up and take back what we already built. They are the capitalists. And they want to divide us. Its not about black and white, gay and straight, its about capitalists and the poor. We have to end the racial negativity designed to keep people separate. There is enough money in the world. There should not be one homeless person, no vets in the streets. Theyve put billions into the stock market, but what about us? In Detroit, they should be taking all those empty school buildings and making pop-up hospitals as well as helping the homeless. They are showing us they dont care. This is not just about the virus. Its bigger than the virus, its about rich and poor all around the world. Theyd like to get rid of older folks, maybe a few babies and control the population. The working class has the power to change this. What we need is strong leadership. Capitalism is killing everything and Im tired of it. Shut down all non-essential production to halt the spread of the coronavirus! Distribute our statement, How to fight the COVID-19 pandemic: A program of action for the working class and form rank-and-file committees at your workplace. For assistance and to distribute information about actions workers are taking at your plant, contact us immediately at autoworkers@wsws.org or on Facebook. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Drastic global measures to keep populations apart and slow the spread of the coronavirus could remain in place for months. Thats posing the difficult question of how long hundreds of millions of us can keep this Herculean effort going. The signs from Asia, where the disease first appeared, arent encouraging. China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan have been mobilized since January. The strain is showing, with complacency emerging as the first wave of infections ebbs. Imported cases are on the rise, raising the risk of a second wave. If that happens, President Xi Jinpings celebrated visit to Wuhan this month may start to look as premature as U.S. President George W. Bushs infamous mission accomplished speech in 2003. No one knows the precise secret to sustaining good behavior in a pandemic of this scale and potential duration. Complicated ethical issues arise around personal freedoms and privacy. But we know from studies of past outbreaks, including severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2002-03, that there are steps authorities can take, including communication and targeted financial support that allow everyone to act responsibly. Its hard to overstate the importance of individual conduct when vaccines are unavailable, the supply of antiviral drugs and ventilators is limited, and transmission of the virus can happen before symptoms set in. With carriers hard to spot, social distancing staying home, in essence is the single most effective means of holding back the spread, preventing hospitals from becoming overwhelmed and sliding into emergency triage. This was true during the Spanish Flu of 1918, and remains so. Consider the study released this week by Imperial College in London, which estimated that without controls and changes to individual behavior, 81% of the U.S. and British populations would get the novel coronavirus, resulting in 2.2 million American deaths and 510,000 in Great Britain. It was enough to prompt both governments to tighten measures. Story continues Getting people to behave when danger is real and present isnt as troublesome as getting them to act before and, especially, after the peak. Thats a problem when some risk may well remain until an effective vaccine is released perhaps 18 months from now, meaning closures could continue in some form, or return intermittently. Humans simply arent able to sustain a state of high vigilance. They falter. For doctors and nurses during SARS, and in China during the Covid-19 outbreak, fatigue proved deadly. It can prove fatal for the wider population too, as restrictions soften. Past pandemics show that second waves can be painful: During SARS, Toronto was declared free of local transmission, relaxed precautions and found a single hospital ward at the center of a second outbreak a week or so later. So what does Asias experience tell countries that are just embarking on a period of indefinite shutdowns? One is that patience eventually strains. The SARS experience put populations on alert in China, Singapore and particularly Hong Kong, as my colleague Nisha Gopalan has written. Yet that can encourage a belief that the current epidemic will, like SARS, ebb and disappear in the summer possible, but not certain. Bars in central Hong Kong are no longer empty. Singapore has already warned against complacency. Singapore and Hong Kong, trading cities that depend on the movement of people, are especially vulnerable once borders reopen. Neither experienced a real first wave of infections, so wouldnt be on Chinas war footing either. We have also learned that coercion works in the short term. Its unclear whether it can be effective for long or indeed at all outside China, where drones monitored mask usage, roadblocks were put up and people with mild infections were separated from their families in mass isolation centers. Success in reducing infections doesnt make such measures sustainable, or desirable. This brings us back to personal conduct and responsibility. Culture may matter less than is often considered. Governments have to be trusted. That means being clear, transparent and speaking with one voice. Without good communication, authorities simply wont be able to command the confidence of populations. That imperils their ability to tighten and loosen restrictions as the epidemic shifts, which is fundamental to easing the economic pain. This is certainly challenging for governments like Hong Kong, where the leaders approval rating sank to a single-digit percentage last month or the U.S., where President Donald Trump was initially dismissive of the potential risk from the virus. Britains volte-face wont have helped either. But its possible to do better. Singapores prime minister has struck the right note, shoring up morale. Taiwan has daily, live-streamed press conferences. South Koreas success has been based on data, transparency and testing. Perhaps the best recent example is from Europe Leo Varadkar, Irelands prime minister, outlined the grim risk of 15,000 cases by the end of the month, but also the countrys ability to contain the worst. Nudging may not always be enough. Emergency powers may still be necessary, to suspend meetings, close public places, and isolate the sick and at-risk. They may be the only way to stop potentially lethal crowds, like the Malaysian religious gathering that prompted a lockdown. Yet using police to impose basic stay-at-home demands can rapidly overwhelm law enforcement, and raise resentment. Self-policing is more effective. The catch is that, like corporations, most households havent squirreled away enough cash to manage a months-long shutdown. That means targeted handouts, as soon as possible, reaching the most vulnerable sections of the population. Governments will need to keep dispensing cash and bear the budget deficit pain or accept virus consequences. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners. Clara Ferreira Marques is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering commodities and environmental, social and governance issues. Previously, she was an associate editor for Reuters Breakingviews, and editor and correspondent for Reuters in Singapore, India, the U.K., Italy and Russia. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Puerto Rico has taken drastic measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, such as implementing an islandwide curfew, banning cruise ships and closing schools and all nonessential businesses. The island's governor, Wanda Vazquez, wants to go a step further: She has requested that the Federal Aviation Administration suspend domestic and international flights to Puerto Rico for 14 days to stem the pandemic's spread. The FAA told NBC News in a statement that they're reviewing the island's request. The effort comes as officials focus on not overwhelming Puerto Rico's already fragile health care system. Beyond that, experts worry that the government needs to also tackle the potential economic impact on an island that has been in bankruptcy amid a decadelong financial crisis. Image: PUERTORICO-HEALTH-VIRUS (Ricardo Arduengo / AFP - Getty Images) Access to resources and medical services has been a problem in Puerto Rico well before the coronavirus outbreak. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 72 of the islands 78 municipalities are considered to be medically underserved and face unmet health care needs. "The greatest concern has been limited access to physicians," according to a report from the Urban Institute. It found "substantial health professional shortages throughout Puerto Rico" mainly due to a massive exodus of doctors to the mainland U.S. It was later exacerbated by the financial crisis that triggered budget cuts and austerity measures, further straining the island's health care system. Puerto Rico is relying on the few physicians who are left to independently decide whether someone should be tested for the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. "Could be worse than Hurricane Maria" "The main concern is whether this pandemic would be the last straw that causes the collapse of our health care system because our system has been deteriorating," Dr. Victor Ramos, president of Puerto Rico's Physicians Association, told NBC News. "Hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, labs have no money. They have been biting the bullet for a while now and many are being recruited in the U.S. because there are shortages everywhere." Story continues Under these circumstances, Puerto Ricans have survived through the swine flu pandemic, the zika virus outbreak and epidemics of two different mosquito-borne viruses over the last decade, said Ramos. But the coronavirus pandemic is set to test Puerto Rico even more. "The risk of this pandemic getting out of control is higher on an island. If we need more resources, we can't easily go to another state and have access to another hospital. If hospitals get saturated, we have nowhere else to go," Arturo Massol-Deya, a microbiology professor at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez, told NBC News. "That's a big reason why our approach needs to be aggressive from the start instead of waiting for things to get as bad as they did in Italy or Spain." Experts agree that Puerto Rico has been riding the coronavirus crisis blindly since officials haven't been able to determine specific infection projections on the island, partly because of significant delays in testing. At least 83 people in Puerto Rico have been tested. Six have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Forty-one tested negative for the disease, and 36 others are still waiting for their results. "That's virtually nothing. You can't really make any projections with this amount of tests," said Massol-Deya. Estimates suggest that if no precautionary measures are taken, Puerto Rico could see up to 20,000 coronavirus-related deaths. "If this gets out of control, it could be worse than Hurricane Maria," he said. The economy's "nail in the coffin?" Vazquez has said the pandemic's economic impact can be addressed later "unlike the death of a loved one." Her plan deviates from the one states such as New York have implemented, simultaneously trying to address both the health and economic repercussions of the virus. Miguel Soto-Class, founder and president of the Center for a New Economy, a nonpartisan think tank, told NBC News he finds Vazquez's approach troublesome since it seems to ignore that Puerto Rico has been bankrupt for years. News "Puerto Rico is going to get clobbered by this pandemic and I'm very worried that the government is saying it'll be easy to come back from this when that's not the case. It will be particularly devastating for small businesses and locally led NGOs," he said. "It's another nail in the coffin for small and local businesses in Puerto Rico." The island has been grappling with negotiating the restructuring of debt with creditors who were owed $120 billion in bond and pension obligations, after the Puerto Rican government declared the debt unpayable in 2015 and filed for the biggest U.S. municipal bankruptcy in history in 2017. Making matters more complicated is that Puerto Rico's allies, who normally advocate for the island in Congress as well as the philanthropic sector, "are busy at home," Soto-Class said. News "Puerto Rico is no one's priority in Washington. Even in the best scenario, we are the second priority of our champions in Congress, because they also have a responsibility to their constituents. In the case of the foundations, many are global entities. Puerto Rico is not their first priority," he added. "Puerto Rico is going to be ignored." The island has only one nonvoting member of Congress representing 3.1 million Puerto Ricans from the island. With this in mind, the Center for a New Economy is redirecting resources to their Washington offices, "to make sure that Puerto Rico gets included in the fiscal stimulus packages" passed in Congress as well as to promote policies specific to the island, Soto-Class said Due to Puerto Rico's territorial status, it doesn't get included in many pieces of legislation automatically. Similar efforts are being put in place to engage foundations in helping Puerto Rico, he added. Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. PLEASANTON, Calif., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cherry Creek Mortgage Company announced that George Johnson, a loan officer in its Pleasanton Branch, received the Affiliate of the Year award from the Bay East Association of Realtors. The award recognizes outstanding partners for achievements throughout the year. Johnson received recognition because of the time and resources he contributed to supporting Bay East real estate agents. He is very engaged in the organization, having served on the Bay East Affiliate Committee and the Tri-Cities Marketing Council. He has also been involved with the Women's Council of Realtors. "We are proud to have George on our team and are so grateful for his continued commitment to our community," said Don McGlinchy, the Branch Manager for Cherry Creek Mortgage's Pleasanton office. "We appreciate everything he does to support our real estate agent partners, as well as the home buyers and home owners he assists every day too." Johnson is also an active member of the Newark Graffiti Abatement Team and supports the Newark Memorial High School's choir and theater programs, in addition to volunteering at the Fremont Festival of the Arts. About Cherry Creek Mortgage Company Cherry Creek Mortgage Company Co., Inc. NMLS #3001 has a 33-year tradition of serving the needs of home buyers across the country. With a reputation built on a passion for responsible lending and dedication to personal relationships, Cherry Creek Mortgage has helped thousands of customers realize their goal of home ownership. Cherry Creek Mortgage's specialized internal processes and proprietary technology deliver a digital mortgage experience with a personal touch. The company is headquartered in Colorado and is licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Learn more at cherrycreekmortgage.com . Media Contact: Megan Duggan [email protected] SOURCE Cherry Creek Mortgage Company Related Links https://www.cherrycreekmortgage.com New Delhi, March 19 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged all Delhiites to work from home as far as possible to avoid the spread of coronavirus in the city. The Delhi government on Thursday directed to shut all the schools for the teaching and non-teaching staff as well. "I have directed all schools, colleges and universities in Delhi to be shut down completely both for students and staff until March 31. "All exams, including Board exams will happen only after 31 March. I urge all Delhiites to work from home as far as possible," the Chief Minister tweeted. Later in the day, Kejriwal and Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal will hold a meeting to review the situation in the city. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Information from the World Health Organisation and Centers for Disease Control would begin appearing on top of the feed as displayed here. (Photo | Facebook Newsroom) San Francisco: Facebook said Wednesday it would place authoritative coronavirus content at the top of user feeds as it scrambled to keep up with increased usage and stem the flow of misinformation on its platform and WhatsApp messaging. Today were announcing the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center, featured at the top of News Feed, to provide a central place for people to get the latest news and information as well as resources and tips to stay healthy and support their family and community, Facebook announced. Information from the World Health Organisation and Centers for Disease Control, as well as vetted helpful articles, videos and posts about social distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 will be available on the top of the news feed, a statement said. The social network is rolling out the information center in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and the US within the next 24 hours, and will expand it to more countries in the coming days. Facebook has also donated $1 million to the International Fact-Checking Network to expand the presence of local fact-checkers and curb misinformation on WhatsApp, said Facebook head of health Kang-Xing Jin. Augmenting capacity Facebook has nearly doubled server capacity to power WhatsApp as people in isolation place more voice and video calls using the popular messaging service. Teams are hard at work to make sure all the services run smoothly, because this is clearly a time when people want to stay connected, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said while updating reporters on the companys efforts. We want to make sure we do our part to alleviate loneliness. Facebook has been grappling with making it possible for content to be moderated at home by workersmany of them contracted through outside companieswho are working remotely to reduce coronavirus risk. There are certain kinds of content moderation that are very sensitivesuch as suicide and self harmand if you are working on that content for a long time it can be very emotionally challenging, Zuckerberg said. Some content being checked by moderators also comes with privacy concerns. Facebook is moving the most sensitive types of content moderation to full-time employees for now, Zuckerberg said. Facebook will also continue to use artificial intelligence systems to watch for banned content. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:20:44|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BERLIN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The ifo business climate index slumped from 96.0 points in February to 87.7 points in March, the German ifo Institute announced on Thursday. This was the largest decline since 1991 and the lowest rate since August 2009 of the close-watched economic barometer of German companies, according to the institute. "The mood in German companies has worsened massively," said Clemens Fuest, president of the ifo Institute, noting that the German economy "plunges into recession." The business climate index had fallen in all German industrial sectors, "in some cases quite significantly," the institute noted. Many German companies had already announced production cutbacks and lower export expectations. The monthly index is reflecting the economic sentiment of around 9,000 German company executives. Because the ifo index was published one week ahead of schedule, the preliminary evaluation included only 90 percent of the usual number of responses. In the German manufacturing sector, the business climate index fell to its lowest level since 2009. The institute noted that the strong decline in business expectations was "historically unique" in the 70-year history of the industry survey. In the service sector, the business climate indicator had seen the biggest decline since recording in this sector began in 2005, both in terms of companies' assessment of the current situation and business expectations. And in the retail sector, the business climate indicator "collapsed," the ifo Institute noted. Both wholesale and retail had been hit equally hard. Only in the construction industry had the index fallen comparatively "moderately," according to the institute. The current situation was still assessed as "very good." However, the outlook had "worsened considerably." Serial killer Rose West who is serving a life sentence has reportedly been inundated with Mother's Day cards sent to her prison cell by sick fans. West, 66, who murdered at least ten women and girls including her own 16-year-old daughter with husband Fred, has the cards on display in her cell ahead of Mother's Day on Sunday, according to The Sun. She has put the cards on display in her cell at HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, where she transferred to last summer from Low Newton prison, a maximum security facility in Durham. Rose West, pictured here in 1995, has received a number of Mother's Day cards in her cell in HMP New Hall prison Rose, with husband Fred, killed at least 10 women and girls including their eldest daughter Heather, 16 The crimes of Rose and Fred West The Wests regularly took on lodgers in their Gloucestershire property, which was also home to ten of their children. To supplement their income, Rose would solicit to both men and women in one of the upstairs bedrooms, while Fred would watch through peep holes. Rose West, 65, was convicted of 10 murders and is one of a very few female prisoners serving a whole life tariff. Her husband, Fred, confessed the killings in 1994 and committed suicide while on remand at HMP Birmingham a year later. The victims include Heather West (their daughter), 16, Alison Chambers, 16, Shirley Robinson, 18, Juanita Mott, 18, Shirley Hubbard, 15, Theresa Siegnethaler, 21, Lucy Partington, 21, Carol Ann Cooper, 15, Lynda Gough, 19, Rena Costello (Fred's ex-wife), 27, Charmaine West (Fred's daughter), 8, and Anne McFall, 18. Fred is also believed to have also killed 15-year-old Mary Bastholm, although her remains have never been found. Advertisement 'None are from anyone she knows, as her seven surviving children cut contact long ago,' said an insider at HMP New Hall. 'But, like many notorious inmates, she had picked up a weird cult following. 'She always gets cards at Christmas but we were shocked to see ones from strangers calling her a good mother when she murdered her own girl. 'One even said, "To a special mum on this special day" and "love you". It's all a bit strange.' West is currently one of very few female prisoners in the UK serving a life tariff. Rose, who has consistently claimed her innocence, and husband Fred abducted, tortured and raped innocent women over a 20 year period at their house in Cromwell Street, Gloucestershire, where they resided from 1972 until their arrests in 1994. The pair even killed their eldest daughter Heather in June 1987. Fred, who confessed the killings, committed suicide in his cell while on remand at HMP Birmingham on New Year's Day, 1995. Their son Stephen, who is now 45, recently claimed his mother was the 'driving force' behind the couple's horrendous crimes and his father 'lived in fear' of her until his death. He told podcast Unheard: The Fred and Rose West Tapes: 'She was the callous, the evil, spiteful, vindictive, manipulative person out of them. 'He was just a minion in a way. He just did what she wanted him to do. Basically the torture was driven by her. There was a softer side that you saw but we never ever saw that softer side of mum. Rose West, 66, (left) was sentenced to a whole life tariff - meaning she will never leave prison. But she has consistently claimed her innocence, showing no remorse. Her husband Fred (right) confessed to most of the murders but committed suicide in 1995 before he could be tried, aged 53 'So I think that she was the driving force in the pair and I feel that people don't really get that. 'They look at him and they think she was the controlled wife - this poor wife who was brought into this - but it wasn't that way at all.' Meanwhile, a source said West had kept 'mainly to herself' since she moved prisons, saying: 'She caused a bit of a stir when she came in. She's probably one of Britain's most famous inmates but she's been quite quiet so far.' Elderly peers have been told to work from home by the House of Lords Speaker Lord Fowler as he said it was not their 'duty' to attend Parliament during the coronavirus crisis. Lord Fowler, 82, announced today that he would now delegate the task of running proceedings in the upper chamber to his deputies while he works remotely. He urged peers of a similar vintage to do the same as he cited advice from Public Health England to stay at home if you are over the age of 70 or have pre-existing serious medical conditions. Lord Fowler's announcement came as Jacob Rees-Mogg said the House of Commons will continue to sit as planned until the end of the month before rising for the Easter recess. The Commons Leader said the lower chamber would then return to work on April 21 as already scheduled as he stressed the importance of parliament being able to pass laws which may be needed in the coming weeks and months. The deadly outbreak has wreaked havoc on almost all aspects of life in the UK and Mr Rees-Mogg said it was the government's view that Parliament should 'continue to sit' during the outbreak. Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, 82, today announced he will now be working from home as he urged other elderly peers to follow official advice and avoid all non-essential social contact The government has asked everyone in the UK to refrain from all non-essential social contact to try to slow the spread of the virus. Public Health England's social distancing guidance states that over-70s are at an 'increased risk of severe illness' if they contract the disease and as a result they are being urged to be 'particularly stringent' in staying away from other people. As of February last year the average age of members of the House of Lords was 70. Lord Fowler told peers of his decision to work from home this morning as he said it was his 'strong view' that the 'best course' was for over-70s to follow Public Health England's recommendations. 'This is not only for their own good, or shall I say our own good, but for the benefit of those in our National Health Service who are working so incredibly hard in the current circumstances,' he said. 'Perhaps I could say softly, some of us are not just over 70 but over 80. 'So, my Lords, reluctantly I will be withdrawing from the House for the time being but thanks to modern technology I will still be in close contact with my office, deciding private notice questions and continuing my duties as Lord Speaker.' Lord Fowler suggested his elderly colleagues in the upper chamber should follow his lead. 'As for the situation more generally, my advice remains that no one should consider it is their duty to be here in present circumstances,' he said. 'As parliamentarians we have a duty to show leadership and heed the clear advice of the public health experts. 'I would ask that everyone continues to reflect on their own situation and in the light of that advice for their own good and for the broader public interest.' Jacob Rees-Mogg told the Commons that it wold continue to sit until the end of March before the Easter recess. MPs will then return to Westminster on April 21 Meanwhile, Mr Rees-Mogg today set out the House of Commons' business for next week and the provisional business for March 30 and 31 at which point MPs are supposed to have a break. He said: 'With regard to our return on April 21, it is very important that Parliament continues to sit. The position of (the Government) is that Parliament will continue to sit. 'I think this is of significance, but we need to be held to account, but we also need to be able to legislate.' At the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the Peoples Republic of China, Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi visited China from 16-17 March 2020. He was accompanied by a delegation including the Foreign Minister, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and senior officials. The President Dr. Arif Alvi met with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. During the visit, the two presidents witnessed the signing of various agreements and MoUs. The MoU on Establishing Joint Working Group on Science and Technology and Agriculture between the Governments of the Peoples Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will lead to the establishment of two separate joint working groups, one on science and technology and the other on agriculture, under the overall rubric of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The MoU between Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (MARA) and Ministry of National Food Security and Research of Pakistan (NFS&R) on Strengthening Cooperation on Plant and Disease Control will help with the monitoring and control of major pests and diseases and improve agricultural productivity. Letters of Exchange signed at the ceremony will also play an important role in combating COVID-19 in Pakistan. This was the first visit to China by a Pakistani leader since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and is singularly aimed at conveying the strong support and solidarity of Pakistan for the government and people of China while Beijing is resolutely engaged in efforts to contain and deal with the spread of Covid-19. The visit will play an important role in further solidifying the historic bonds of trust and mutual support between the two iron brothers. It will also serve as an opportunity for the leadership of the two countries to review bilateral, regional and international issues and to advance the shared goals of promoting peace, prosperity, and development in the region and beyond. Pakistan and China are the closest of friends and staunch partners. The two countries are joined together in an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. This time-tested friendship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding, and commonality of interests. The leadership of both countries is fully committed to building a closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era. In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, a few countries attempted to blame and bash China. A few made derogatory remarks. Some nations evacuated their nationals from China, suspended flights, trade and social contact. Some countries canceled their scheduled visits with China. Western media launched a kind of hybrid war against China and saw it as an opportunity. However, China, through its excellent governance system and the hard work of its health workers, finally achieved victory against COVID-19. The new cases reported and casualties have almost dropped down to single digits. As its closest friend, Pakistan has decided to show solidarity with China at this crucial moment. We stand with our brothers and sisters in China. The visit by the Iron brother president was very important and boosts morale and diplomatic support for China. It will further strengthen the existing bond of friendship and may open new avenues of time-tested friendship. Pakistan was one of the few countries that did not evacuate its nationals from China. It restored flights after 3 days of temporary suspension. Pakistan extended its cooperation and gave medical supplies to assist China. We are two nations with a shared destiny and stand with each other in all difficult times. Pakistan has been through several tough times in its history and China has always proven to be a dependable and reliable friend. Our relationship goes beyond the Western philosophy of Interests make friends or foes. We enjoy a very special relationship, which has the Chinese term Ba Tie, a unique terminology used to express the friendship between China and Pakistan. This term is used only for Pakistan, and no other country can match it. I believe it will convey a positive message to the rest of the world. The type of trust and sincerity between China and Pakistan is an ideal example and can be used as a reference for other nations and generations to come. The relationship between China and Pakistan is stronger than steel, higher than mountains, deeper than the ocean and sweeter than honey. The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to People's Daily Online. Zamir Ahmed Awan is a senior fellow with the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and a sinologist at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan. People with no symptoms of ARVI were admitted on board The aircraft of the President of Ukraine delivered 33 Ukrainians who could not return home because of borders closure due to the quarantine from Austria to Boryspil International Airport (Kyiv). This was reported by the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine. On behalf of the Head of State, the special flight went to Vienna to evacuate Ukrainian citizens, including 18 women, five children and the elderly people. Prior to boarding, passengers were examined by doctors and screened for signs of possible coronavirus disease. People with no symptoms of ARVI were admitted on board. As we reported earlier, Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers plans to allocate 4.162 million dollars for the evacuation of Ukrainians who cannot return home because of the quarantine. For this money, it will be possible to evacuate 35,479 thousand Ukrainians and make 175 flights. Overall, according to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, 57 flights were carried out on March 18; 11,5 citizens were returned to Ukraine. As worries about the spread of the coronavirus confine millions of Californians to their homes, concern is growing about those who have no homes in which to shelter. California has more than 150,000 homeless people, the most in the nation, and theres concern that as the rest of the states residents are being told to stay apart and to frequently wash their hands, the homeless are living just as they did before the outbreak. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said its possible 60,000 could contract the virus. The governor announced he would spend $150 million on efforts to prevent the COVID-19 virus from sweeping through that population. I hope you get a sense of the seriousness were taking the issue of homelessness, Newsom said in a Facebook Live broadcast. Two-thirds of the money will go directly to local governments to spend on homeless services and $50 million will be used by the state to purchase 1,300 travel trailers and lease hotel rooms for emergency housing. The trailers will be used for homeless people requiring isolation after testing positive for the virus or who are showing symptoms. California also has identified 950 hotels that could lease rooms to local governments to house the homeless. In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the city, through the Red Cross, will provide 6,000 emergency beds at recreation centers, including 1,600 by weeks end. Too many ... lack a basic necessity that will help most of us get through this crisis: a home, Garcetti said. LA has an estimated 27,000 of the countys 60,000 homeless people. Garcetti said the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority will be asked to identify 4,000 people throughout the county who are most at risk from the virus because of their age or medical conditions. People in shelters who have virus symptoms will be taken to receive medical care, Garcetti said. To date, the city hasnt confirmed any virus cases among homeless people, who are difficult to test and treat because they may move frequently or refuse medical care. However, they are the ones who disproportionately could die as a result of this crisis, Garcetti said. The city also has set up hundreds of hand-washing stations and mobile toilets at homeless encampments and the City Council voted Tuesday to suspend an ordinance requiring homeless people to take down their tents during the day so that transients can at least shelter there. The California Department of Public Health said Wednesday that the state now has 13 deaths related to the virus and more than 700 confirmed cases. More than 11,900 people are self-monitoring after returning from overseas. Meanwhile, the pandemic continued to affect virtually every facet of Californians lives as businesses shut down, either because they werent considered essential under shelter-in-place health orders or for lack of customers as streets turned into ghost towns. Newsom said that the state had received 80,000 claims for unemployment on Tuesday, compared to the usual rate of about 2,000 per day. The governor has issued a series of emergency orders as the crisis spreads. Last week he urged all people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions to stay inside. He also limited the size of gatherings to 250 people and called for the shutdown of bars, movie theaters, fitness centers and other gathering places, and for restaurants to only serve to-go orders. With virtually all of the states children out of school because of closures, Newsom suspended standardized testing this spring. And with the economy shedding jobs he waived certain reporting requirements for businesses making mass layoffs. Newsom said he will not issue a statewide lockdown on peoples movements, preferring to allow local governments to make those decisions. And many have enacted tighter restrictions. Napa and Solano on Wednesday joined at least 12 other Northern California counties an area home to about 10 million people and including all of the San Francisco Bay Area in requiring residents to stay home and go out only for essential purposes such as trips to grocery stores and to jobs in health care and other industries deemed critical. In Southern California, the city of Palm Springs enacted similar restrictions. Los Angeles, San Diego and other major population centers in the region have not gone that far but have urged people to remain at home as much as possible. Although Newsom hasnt ordered school closures, local authorities have done so. The governor said nearly 99% of the states K-12 schools are shuttered and could remain so for the rest of the school year. David De Leon, whose son is an eighth-grader in the Southern California city of Santa Ana, said he was shocked by the announcement, which would mean that so-called distance learning would be required for the rest of the school year. I dont know if its viable, De Leon said. To throw it out for everyone to use until the end of the school year I think is unreasonable. In Los Angeles, Filiberto Gonzalez, 45, said his three children have been in touch daily with their teachers and have an hour to four hours per day of work they can do on an existing online platform that supplemented classes. But the prospect of moving to an entirely online system raises a slew of challenges few were expecting. This whole process started with OK, were going to be away from school for two weeks, take this material with you, heres a Chromebook, he said. The news that came (Tuesday) was a real shock to a lot of us. For areas not sheltering in place, state and national parks remained an alternative to sitting on the couch, but with limitations. California State Parks announced it is temporarily closing all its campgrounds but trails and beaches remain open. Visitors were reminded to maintain social distancing. However, hundreds of people in climbing gear swarmed some of the most popular climbing rocks in the West. The tiny mountain towns dotting the Sierra Nevada range asked that they go home lest they carry the new corona virus to rural Inyo and Mono counties, which so far havent recorded a single case. The virus could overwhelm Inyo Countys two hospitals, which have fewer than 100 beds between them, the countys sheriff, Jeff Hollowell, said Wednesday. Those who cant make it outside have an online alternative to enjoy Californias coming spring. In the tiny desert town of Borrego Springs, which draws throngs of tourists when rains bring a super bloom of wildflowers, residents are making videos and photographs of the evolving landscape and posting them on a web page called Borrego Outside For People Inside. We hope it brings people a little bit of diversion, of happiness, a feeling of actually being here, said Mike McElhatton, program director of the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association. Calls for Bernie Sanders to drop out of the presidential race were growing louder Tuesday, but for the only Jewish liaison for the only Jewish candidate still standing, there was a feeling that history had been made. And couldn't be unmade. That meant something big to Joel Rubin, whose career has taken him from the establishment Bush and Obama administrations to the upstart, grass-roots Sanders campaign, where he did Jewish outreach for a man who seemed until Super Tuesday to have a real shot at becoming the country's first Jewish major-party presidential nominee and - perhaps - its first Jewish president. "With the Jewish work we've done, we've made an impact on the debate in a way one can't turn back," Rubin said Tuesday night, as votes were coming in showing Sanders getting swept in primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois. Sanders simply being Jewish wasn't the significance, Rubin said. It was the way the independent senator from Vermont forcefully rejected that his more left-leaning views - backing diplomacy with Iran and being willing to withhold aid to Israel among them - conflicted with his Jewish identity. By last month, boycotting AIPAC, the massive pro-Israel conference, Sanders had forced conversations about how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By welcoming even strong Israel critics into his campaign, Sanders had shown the way to fight anti-Semitism is to engage everyone. The senator had expanded the idea of what it means to be a good Jew. That's how it seemed to Rubin Tuesday, as the results rolled in. "Bernie's impact has been significant. It's politically hard to do that and take on these fights, but these are the fights worth having," Rubin said before pausing. "It's bittersweet, for sure." Yet what Sanders' campaign has shown about the U.S. Jewish past and future remains very much up for debate. He's gotten closer than any other Jewish American to the presidency, yet polls show relatively few Jews have opted to become a key part of his base. Rubin knows the complexity as well as anyone. He's a liberal who worked in President George W. Bush's security infrastructure. He was raised in a family affiliated with Conservative Judaism, the middle-of-the-road denomination that balances tradition and adherence to Jewish law with modern life. He helped found J Street, a liberal advocacy alternative to AIPAC. His best friend is a rabbi who sits on AIPAC's board. His wife is a Republican. In other words, Rubin is used to arguing with his fellow Jews. But nothing put the 48-year-old more squarely at the crossroads of the various parts of the Jewish community than his decision to become Sanders's Jewish outreach director. Institutional American Jewry - largely Democratic - was lining up behind former vice president Joe Biden or U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. And within the campaign, Rubin stuck out among the outreach staff because of his background with Bush and Obama. "He's absolutely in the middle," said Jeremy Ben-Ami, who has run J Street since it opened in 2007. "He is very much a supporter of the state of Israel and a very conscious Jew, and that probably does cause some level of suspicion from those to his left. . . . And then you've got AIPAC World and groups further to the right. I'm sure he takes pretty strong incoming from both ends of the spectrum." It was Rubin's Jewish institutional bona fides and connections that in part won him the job with Sanders, who during his 2016 campaign dismissed his just-hired Jewish outreach director because of her social media posts attacking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Simone Zimmerman's hiring had thrilled more left-leaning Jews, who want to see tough criticism of the Israeli government and calls for accountability to become mainstream. But polls show U.S. Jews are divided on how the United States should engage with the Israeli government. Someone with a foot in every camp could reflect that. Someone like Rubin. "Bernie needed Joel more than Joel needed Bernie, but it was a good shidduch," said longtime Democratic Jewish activist and political consultant Steve Rabinowitz, using the Yiddish term for a Jewish arranged marriage. "He swims in mainstream liberal circles as well as very liberal circles. And that's very valuable for Bernie and for the Democrats." Rabinowitz, who worked on communications in the Clinton White House, credits Rubin with getting Sanders - a secular, unaffiliated Jew - to talk more about his faith, including in a four-minute video with images of the senator lighting a menorah and speaking at a Jewish conference, spliced with footage of the Holocaust, modern-day U.S. Nazis and environmental degradation. "Before that, [Sanders] didn't talk about being Jewish," Rabinowitz said. "He'd talk about his 'Polish' parents. Your parents weren't 'Polish' dude, they were Jewish!" Sanders's Jewish critics were also very concerned about his refusal to condemn some prominent surrogates who made comments deemed anti-Semitic. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was rebuked by the House of Representatives after saying, in a conversation about Israel, there shouldn't be pressure for "an allegiance to a foreign country" - a comment fraught in anti-Semitic history. She also said support for AIPAC was "all about the Benjamins" and that Israel has "hypnotized the world" - echoing anti-Semitic tropes. Omar has apologized and said she is learning from the controversies. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., another vocal Sanders supporter, drew ire in January with a tweet about the "BDS" movement - an effort to press Israel on its treatment of the Palestinians by boycotting and divesting from the Jewish state. Members in Congress who try to shut down BDS "forgot what country they represent," Tlaib posted. Sanders says he doesn't support BDS. Tlaib and Omar both do. Sanders has called Omar "one of the most extraordinary people in American politics." That's problematic for many Jews, including Rabbi Michael Stanger, Rubin's college roommate and wedding officiant, a Long Island rabbi who sits on AIPAC's national and regional councils. "Joel and I had a huge argument about that," he said of Sanders' praise of Omar. "For me as a Jew and a Zionist, I find that very problematic." But is Sanders good for the Jews, as Rubin passionately believes he is? Stanger sighs. "It depends on how you look at it. It's never a bad thing to have Jews involved in politics. ... God willing, I hope a Jew will be president someday," he said. "But Sanders isn't the poster child I'd put forward for it." To Rubin, the Sanders campaign isn't just a nice thing - it's an urgent thing. U.S. Jews are becoming more polarized, in part because of disputes about Israel and Jewish identity, and they are becoming increasingly distant from Israeli Jews. White supremacism and nationalism are rising. AIPAC this year featured as a speaker Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who has formed a coalition with his country's far-right party. The conference also hosted Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who was minister of information in the 1990s when thousands of Muslims were murdered in a genocide. Rubin believes American Jews need to keep their eyes on what he sees as the ball, instead of focusing so much on statements by Omar and Tlaib. "They are not the primary threat to the U.S. Jewish community. They are not walking into Tree of Life and shooting it up," he said, referring to the 2018 massacre at a synagogue in his native Pittsburgh. "If we're going to defeat hate as a country, we need to find allies in this fight, and these are people who are part of rejecting hate in our society. ... And I'm willing to give more leeway to people of color who are critical of Israel who are in our coalition and are willing to engage and to accept errors." Rubin said he believes the climate is changing. He watched how J Street was initially seen as more radical and is now mainstream. He saw how criticism of the Iraq War went from unpatriotic to unsurprising. He knows his work pressing for diplomacy with Iran, and now on the Sanders's campaign, may come at some professional cost. He sees it all as an extension of his Jewish upbringing, in Conservative synagogues and Jewish youth groups and summer camps and Israel trips. "I'm just doing the stuff I learned as a kid," he says, using the Hebrew term for "fixing the world." "Tikkun olam." Bank of Baroda on Thursday said it will not levy any charges on digital transactions for the next three months in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Bank of Baroda announces zero charges on digital transactions for three months, to provide enhanced and uninterrupted banking experience to its customers, it said in a release. To this effect, Bank of Baroda has rolled out the 'Stay Safe..Bank Safe..' initiative to encourage more customers to avail banking services digitally, without visiting branches. This assumes significance at a time when people across the globe are resorting to social distancing, have adopted to work from home and minimised non-discretionary activities amid the coronavirus outbreak. The bank has rolled out a range of digital products such as Debit Cards, Baroda M Connect Plus, Baroda Connect and Baroda FASTag under the umbrella campaign, 'Khushiyon Ka Remote Control'. Bank of Baroda Executive Director Vikramaditya Singh Khichi said, "In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, Bank of Baroda would like to assure its customers of enhanced banking experience, as they avail the bank's services from remote locations. 'Khushiyon Ka Remote Control' is a major step taken by the bank in its endeavours to drive consumers towards a digital ecosystem in times like these." The pandemic has killed over 9,000 persons and sickened lakhs of people around the globe. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Church of England weddings during the coronavirus outbreak should be limited to a maximum of five people, including the bride and groom, new guidance says. And apart from the couple themselves, everyone else should observe a social distance as far as possible, the guidance says. The Church said important life events can go ahead but must be 'very significantly scaled back' so people can follow the Government's social distancing advice. Couples are being advised to 'stream' their ceremony to absent friends and family, and the Church will work with those who wish to rearrange in light of Covid-19. The Church said weddings should be limited to the legal minimum of five people - the priest, bride, groom and two witnesses. St Paul's Cathedral which is only open for prayer but not for tourism and sightseeing The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said weddings can go ahead 'but with only the minimum required in attendance' The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said: 'Couples and parents, friends and families will have been planning for months, even years for their special moment, whether a wedding or a christening. 'Now it can go ahead - but with only the minimum required in attendance. You may need to cancel or postpone. 'Whatever decision is made, God's love and blessing will still surround all those who would have been there that day.' Apart from the couple themselves, everyone else should observe a social distance as far as possible, the guidance says. The advice recommends similar measures for baptisms, with numbers restricted to the child, their parents, guardians or carers, godparents and the minister. The priest should not hold the child and water should be administered with an 'appropriate implement' such as a shell. Only clergy and parents should join the candidate at the font, with godparents maintaining a social distance, it adds. It comes after The Archbishop of Canterbury has on Tuesday announced that public worship is 'suspended until further notice' amid fears over coronavirus. In a joint letter, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu respectively, said it was 'necessary to put public services on hold'. They added church buildings may remain open for prayer 'where practical' and as long as worshippers observe social distancing recommendations. It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that people should stop socialising, work from home, avoid travelling and that whole households should stay in isolation if one person becomes ill. In a joint letter, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby (left) and John Sentamu (right) respectively, said it was 'necessary to put public services on hold' 'Being a part of the Church of England is going to look very different in the days ahead,' the archbishops wrote. 'Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day. 'We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people. And we can certainly offer practical care and support. 'Please do carry on supporting the local foodbank and buy extra provisions for it. Ensure the night shelters wherever possible are kept open. 'There are many very encouraging schemes happening right across our country in communities to focus on caring for the most vulnerable and do continue to play your part in those. 'Then by our service, and by our love, Jesus Christ will be made known, and the hope of the gospel a hope that can counter fear and isolation - will spread across our land.' The archbishops also invited clergy to maintain the ancient pattern of daily prayer and, where possible, the eucharist live streaming their worship if they have the resources to do so. And they urged congregations to be in the forefront of providing practical care and support for the most poor and the most vulnerable during the crisis. St Paul's was almost deserted last week (pictured) as tourists stayed away due to coronavirus fears The Church of England had already announced that the cup of wine, used during the Eucharist, would no longer be passed around for people having Holy Communion at sites including St Paul's in central London (file photo) They added: 'This is a defining moment for the Church of England. Are we truly are a church for all, or just the church for ourselves. 'We urge you sisters and brothers to become a different sort of church in these coming months: hopeful and rooted in the offering of prayer and praise and overflowing in service to the world.' The archbishops have joined other church leaders in calling for a day of prayer and action this Sunday - Mothering Sunday - particularly remembering those who are sick or anxious and all involved in health and emergency services. The news is a ramping up of action by the Church of England after it on Friday banned the Common Cup for Holy Communion to try to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The cup of wine, used during the Eucharist, was stopped from being passed around for people having Holy Communion at sites including St Paul's in central London. The Church of England also encouraged worshippers not to shake hands during the 'Sign of the Peace'. It comes as mosques and Islamic centres across the UK have been advised to suspend all congregational services to protect worshippers from coronavirus. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it made the recommendation following Government advice to cease all non-essential contact with others and avoid gatherings. London Waterloo was bereft of commuters this morning after official advice told people to work from home if they could Bristol Temple Meads train station was eerily quiet this morning at a time when it would usually be heaving in rush hour MCB secretary general Harun Khan said it is 'imperative' that the 'extraordinary step' is taken to ensure the safety of communities. Mr Khan said in a statement: 'Muslim communities up and down the country, like others, have been carefully considering how best to continue with our regular social and religious activities, whilst trying to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. 'With the increasing rate of transmission and the number of deaths, medical and scholarly advice all points towards the limitation of social contact as the key towards reducing the spread.' The MCB said many Muslim scholars - who have consulted with groups including the British Board of Scholars and Imams - believe that the 'individual obligation to perform Friday prayers in mosque congregations can be temporarily lifted'. Mr Khan said: 'Whether it be at the mosques, particularly Friday prayers, which draw crowds including the elderly, vulnerable and those at high risk, weddings, social events or simple day-to-day activities, it is imperative that this extraordinary step is taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, and our country as a whole. 'The MCB is confident that the Muslim community will undertake the difficult measures needed in such unprecedented times and put our trust in Allah.' A priest who once served on the faculty at St. Albert Catholic Schools has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a press release distributed Wednesday morning by the Diocese of Des Moines. The Rev. Robert Bud Grant, a priest of the Diocese of Des Moines, has been on the faculty at St. Ambrose University in Davenport since 1994 but served on the faculty of St. Albert Catholic Schools from 1988-1994. The complaint alleges that sexual misconduct occurred in the early 1990s, the press release stated. Diocese officials were first made aware of the complaint on Feb. 27. Bishop William Joensen directed the opening of a preliminary investigation, placed Grant on leave and restricted his ministry of March 4. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and law enforcement authorities in Scott, Polk and Pottawattamie Counties have been notified of the complaint, but Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber said neither his office nor the Polk County Attorneys Office would be investigating. Its well beyond the statute of limitations, he said, adding that the allegations would have been prosecutable no more than 10 years after the alleged incidents took place. It was referred back to the diocese for internal discipline. Our diocese has taken extensive steps to ensure that today we have a safe environment in our churches and schools, Joensen said. We know it can take years, sometimes decades, for victims to summon the courage to come forward. While we investigate this allegation, it is my ardent hope that it serves as an impetus for anyone who may have been sexually abused by a clergy member of our diocese to let us know so that we can prevent it from ever happening again. Please keep all those involved in this matter in your prayers. Grant was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Des Moines in 1984, the press release stated. He attended St. Albert Catholic School, St. Ambrose University and the Gregorian University in Rome. He holds a doctorate from the University of Iowa in religious studies. After ordination, he served in team ministry in three Shelby County parishes St. Mary in Portsmouth, St. Mary in Panama and St. Boniface in Westphalia before joining the St. Albert faculty in 1988. While serving on the St. Ambrose faculty, he has served as a sacramental minister at St. Andrew Parish in Bluegrass since 2008. Consistent with diocesan policy, Grant is presumed innocent during the investigation of the allegation, the press release stated. The Diocese of Des Moines Allegation Review Committee will review evidence produced by the investigation and offer counsel to the bishop according to their standard protocol. This group is comprised of an attorney, a retired teacher, a psychologist, police chief, a judge, a priest and a deacon. They will make a recommendation to Bishop Joensen regarding the appropriate course of action, which may include forwarding the case to the Vatican for review, canonical trial and appropriate penalty, which may include removal from the priesthood. Victims of sexual abuse by clergy, and their families, are encouraged to contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Advocate Sam Porter for counseling opportunities or to file a complaint. Porter can be reached at 515-286-2024 or at Sam.Porter@polkcountyiowa.gov. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Business urges the Health Ministry of Ukraine to unlock the registration of disinfectants and adopt amendments to the procedure for state registration (re-registration) of disinfectants as soon as possible, which will allow state registration on the basis of state sanitary-epidemiological expertise. According to a statement of the European Business Association (EBA), its experts believe that this decision will provide the Ukrainian market with the required amount of disinfectants during the quarantine. "Currently, there are a number of products in Ukraine that have passed de facto all stages of state testing and received a positive conclusion of the state sanitary-epidemiological expertise, but de jure are not registered because they have not been included in the State Register of Disinfectants. At the same time, state registration of disinfectants was suspended in Ukraine for two years," the EBA said. The EBA recalled that in 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine introduced a new procedure according to which the function of state registration has been transferred from the State Sanitary Service to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. "Unfortunately, since then, no product has been registered under the new procedure due to the absence of both a procedure for maintaining a new register and procedures for conducting expertise intended to replace the state sanitary and epidemiological expertise. In fact, the state registration of disinfectants was blocked without any transitional period," the EBA said. Bangladeshi health workers check Myanmar sailors who arrived at the Teknaf port for COVID-19 symptoms, March 18, 2020. Panic hit Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh on Thursday after an international charitys report highlighted that the government had no resources to test for the deadly coronavirus, rights groups and officials said. A Save the Children report, which was published on its website Wednesday, generated alarm among refugees in Coxs Bazar district, Rohingya leader Syed Ullah told BenarNews. Panic over coronavirus outbreaks have spread in the camps because many Rohingya returning from foreign countries have not been subjected to surveillance, Ullah said. Most of our people do not know how to remain safe from COVID-19, he said, using the official name of the novel coronavirus. Save the Childrens report said authorities in Coxs Bazar, home to the largest refugee settlement in the world, do not have a system in place to screen for COVID-19 and there are no intensive care units for the nearly 1 million refugees, half of whom are children. With freedom of movement severely restricted and cramped conditions also compromising peoples ability to self-isolate, the virus could prove catastrophic, the NGO said. Bangladesh reported 17 cases of the coronavirus, with one death, as of Thursday, but none of those who have tested positive are Rohingya. COVID-19 has infected more than 227,000 people and killed more than 9,300 worldwide, according to the latest figures compiled by infectious-disease experts at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Rashed Mohammad Ali, chairman of the Nhila Union local government in Teknaf, agreed with Syeds assessment. China, the birthplace of the coronavirus, borders with Myanmar and Rohingya refugees are used to traveling secretly to and from Myanmar, he told BenarNews. Thats why our risk is too high. An expert on public health also expressed concern. As the coronavirus is highly contagious and the refugee camps are densely populated, it is not unlikely for the Rohingya to be infected easily and become panicked, Dr. Md Mahfuz Hossain told BenarNews. Another medical official offered a similar opinion. Due to population density, Rohingya camps are in no way suitable for home quarantine. There is no way but to stop everyone from entering the camps, Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, medical officer at the Civil Surgeons office in Coxs Bazar, told BenarNews. In the event that a refugee would show signs of COVID-19, health authorities would take a blood sample, which would be sent to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research for testing, Rahman said. He said 47 beds had been prepared in the health centers at refugee camps and 100 beds at health centers in the districts Ramu and Chakaria upazila. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mahbub Alam Talukder told BenarNews that the government was building a 150-bed isolation unit for the refugee camps. In addition, 280 doctors, nurses and volunteers from different organizations have been trained to combat the infection, he said. Meanwhile, most foreigners are blocked from entering the camps, according to Saikat Biswas, spokesman for the Inter Sector Coordination Group, an organization that coordinates humanitarian and relief efforts among local and international agencies. Only foreigners who are active in urgent humanitarian works like medical or food and water supplies are going to the camps, he told BenarNews. In addition to monitoring the Rohingya camps in an around Coxs Bazar, health officials also have been checking sailors who have been delivering livestock at the port in Teknaf. The health of 220 Myanmar citizens who carried goods on trawlers from Jan. 25 to March 3 were tested and no one had COVID-19 symptoms, Dr. Surva Deb, a physician assigned to the port, told BenarNews. We ourselves are at risk due to the unprotected way we are examining them for coronavirus. Malaysian efforts The United Nations relief agency UNHCR said it was coordinating with Malaysias Ministry of Health to ensure all refugees and asylum seekers, including Rohingya who attended the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in February, are included in the COVID-19 response efforts. The gathering has been linked to at least 579 of Malaysias 900 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Refugees and asylum-seekers have been advised to seek medical attention if they present symptoms of COVID-19 infection, regardless of whether they were present at events like the mentioned religious gathering, UNHCR said in a news release Thursday. Local reports quoted Malaysian authorities as saying that they were tracking down the participants but had been unable to find about 4,000 of them. UNHCR said it was coordinating with Malaysian authorities not to arrest refugees with expired documents. To counter the spread of COVID-19, it is paramount that any person on the territory of Malaysia regardless of their document status has access to medical attention and testing, UNHCR said. Nisha David in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department on Thursday confirmed a Williamson County resident tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release from the department. The individual is a woman in her 50s, the release states. She is in isolation at home and doing well. She is thought to have been exposed to the virus through recent travel to another state. This is the first lab-confirmed positive for the virus in Williamson County, the release states. Public health officials are investigating the case, speaking with individuals who the woman may have had contact with before being diagnosed. Public officials may place individuals on quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure. Individuals are asked to respond promptly if contacted by the health department. Public health officials will not release more specific details about the individual due to privacy issues, according to the release. Southern Illinois Healthcare on Wednesday sent an email and text message alert to its employees stating that it had confirmed the positive COVID-19 test in Williamson County. Jackson County Health Department on Wednesday also confirmed the first COVID-19 case there. Williamson County Board Chariman Jim Marlo later on Thursday issued a disaster declaration for the county. Jackson County did the same on Wednesday. The declaration enacts the emergency operations plan and unlocks access to resources, equipment and personnel to assist residents of the county. A press release from Brian Murrah, public information officer for Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, says the declaration allows for greater collaboration with local, state and federal governments. It also positions the county to access support from the federal government, including additional resources and funding. "We can expect more cases to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing," the health department release states. The release said the number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and staying home when ill. Williamson County will continue to serve its residents at a restricted level. Business should be completed over the phone or by email whenever possible. Marion Mayor Mike Absher made a video statement, which was posted to YouTube, Thursday. Of the disaster declaration, he said, it "really shouldn't be cause for panic." "These declarations are really intended, as they should be, to help local units of government free up resources to be able to solve problems much quicker under executive authority," Absher said. "I would expect, and you should expect, to see more units of government, including the city of Marion, declare these have these declarations very near in the future ... it will benefit us all and help us navigate our current circumstances," he said. Absher asked citizens to help stop the spread of COVID-19: "The best thing you can do right now is stay home and limit your exposure to other people," he said. The following COVID-19 hotlines have been established; the hotlines have clinicians available to answer questions and advise on next steps for those who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough or difficulty breathing: Illinois Department of Public Health: 1-800-889-3931 or dph.sick@illinois.gov Southern Illinois Healthcare: 1-844-988-7800 Franklin Hospital: 618-435-9700 Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Alee Quick Local news editor Alee Quick is the local news editor for The Southern. Follow Alee Quick Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Enugu State Government has directed all primary and secondary schools in the state to close for the term on or before March 27. The state Commissioner for Education, Uche Eze, disclosed this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu. Mr Eze said the directive was part of measures to ensure that Coronavirus does not spread in the state. The commissioner said all schools in the state were expected to have started their second term examination, adding that the period before the closure would afford them the opportunity to conclude the examination. He said the directive may not affect the date for school resumption for third term, except if there were issues that would warrant that. READ ALSO: If there are issues by the time we are expected to re-open for third term, we will also let the people know. The important thing is that schools must close on March 27, he said. Meanwhile, a statement on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Simon Ortuanya, said the decision to close the schools was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Ortuanya said the directive was part of proactive safety measures being put in place by the state government to ensure that the state remained free from the scourge. The state government has directed public and private primary and secondary schools to conclude all activities in their various schools and shut down on or before Friday, March 27, 2020. We urge teachers and students to continue to observe the School Water Sanitisation and Hygiene (WASH) programme as well as other standard personal hygiene protocol for prevention of COVID-19, Mr Ortuanya said. (NAN) Court dismisses application to halt residence evacuation The High Court (Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg) dismissed the urgent application by two students to extend the period for the evacuation of residences. The judge implored the applicants and all other students to comply with the directives of the President, the World Health Organization and the NICD. The judge recognised that the University is following the directives of these bodies. We are pleased with the outcome of the Court proceedings and we believe that the judgment is a vindication of decision-making informed by scientific evidence. It also allows institutions to act decisively and to work with government to manage and mitigate against this pandemic. We are very disappointed with the applicants and others that have tried to undermine the effective management of this pandemic. Their behaviour is self-indulgent and reckless, and contrary to the advice of leading scientists in the country. Moreover, we are aware that this action was in part inspired by political machinations and we remain concerned that such conduct could undermine our countrys fight against the pandemic. It especially undermines the message of solidarity by our President to act as a collective in addressing COVID-19. Individuals must be held accountable and we are disappointed that the Court did not award costs against the applicants in a context where their conduct has not only been frivolous and reckless, but resulted in the University having to expend unnecessary resources in legal proceedings when it could have been deployed elsewhere at this critical time. This is simply unacceptable and these individuals should be held accountable for their actions. We will continue to facilitate the evacuation of the residences by our students and to follow the social distancing policy. We emphasise that while our recess has been brought forward and residences are closed, the Senior Executive Team is putting plans in place to ensure that the academic programme resumes in a manner which is conducive to our collective needs as soon as is possible. Wits experts and scientists are also working directly with government to address this pandemic and contribute to the global search for a cure. We encourage all stakeholders to look out for the collective good of the country. At this time, we must not only claim our rights but also exercise our individual responsibilities as citizens in the best interests of our community. We can only overcome this crisis if we act coherently and collectively as a country. SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM 19 MARCH 2020 (11:25) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 10:55:11|Editor: zyl Video Player Close CANBERRA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- South Australia (SA) has deregulated its retail sector to allow 24-hour trading to counter the coronavirus panic. Under new trading rules announced by the state government on Wednesday, shops will be allowed to trade 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday for the first time, from 12:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday and from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sunday. Previously shops were not allowed to remain open past 9:00 pm on weekdays and 5:00 pm on weekends. The changes, which will come into effect on Saturday, were made to ensure that South Australians have adequate access to food and medical supplies. "We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure not only is the community protected and jobs sustained, but that we get through this stronger and more resilient," Steven Marshall, the Premier of SA, told News Corp Australia. "This will give traders the opportunity to spread their customer load over a longer number of hours." "We also anticipate this will help with jobs with more people needed to stock shelves." Prime Minister (PM) Scott Morrison on Wednesday morning delivered a blunt warning to Australians to "stop hoarding", declaring the practice of panic-buying as "un-Australian." SEOUL, South Korea, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ProtoPie (protopie.io), the award-winning prototyping software, has expanded its Series A with $6.3 million in additional funding from new investors, including its first Silicon Valley VC, Vela Partners. This excitement follows the rapid growth of the company in the last 18 months that was fueled by early seed investment from Samsung Venture Investment. Today's investment round will accelerate the growth of ProtoPie in North America, the fastest-growing market for its leading software. This round brings ProtoPie's total venture capital funding to date to $9.9M. Vela Partners describes themselves as a "tech-enabled investment firm", and their leadership team is comprised of various former Googlers from the cloud division. It was through the network of Ex-Googlers that Vela Partners and ProtoPie were introduced. Yigit Ihlamur, Partner at Vela, will be working closely with ProtoPie's executive leadership as a strategic advisor, and voiced his enthusiasm, "at Vela, we use a proprietary, deep-learning tool to discover and evaluate potential investment opportunities. Once ProtoPie was on our watchlist, our AI-powered, in-house software highlighted their mounting success metrics and even greater potential. The design community is demanding ever more powerful prototyping tools, especially for mobile and connected device prototyping, and ProtoPie is not just leading that category, they are defining a brand new one. The growing success of their pioneering software, with over 100,000 global paid users, speaks for itself. But ProtoPie users also can't stop talking about it. It's incredible how much love they show for the company on Twitter. Those metrics say a lot about ProtoPie, but it was meeting the team and working with them personally that made me so confident in their future. Rarely have I seen a team so engaged, hard-working and willing to experiment. Prototyping isn't just their product; it's clearly also their philosophy. They have achieved so much with only $3.5M in seed funding, which is tremendous proof of the dedication of their team and the value of their product. We are very fortunate to be able to participate in this oversubscribed round and join ProtoPie's meteoric rise." Based in Seoul and staffed with top talent from the Korean tech hub, ProtoPie has quickly grown to prominence, with its collaborative software already becoming a staple at leading design firms including Google, Microsoft, HBO, BMW, Samsung, GoPro, as well as Verizon, Nintendo, ASOS and other companies worldwide. They rely on the software to efficiently and effectively explore new ideas and realize new design innovations in consumer tech, IoT experiences and even manufacturing processes, where ProtoPie is the undisputed industry leader. The rapid growth of ProtoPie over the last two years comes as a result of its user-first approach to software development, which has seen rapid improvement and responsive updates to better tailor the tools for the world's top design teams. As a result, ProtoPie has defined a new market and become an integral tool for the high-speed workflows of today's design pioneers. Tony Kim, Co-founder & CEO of ProtoPie, shared in an all-staff email, "Today's news is a testament to the quality of our product and the strength of our team. Demand for ProtoPie is growing rapidly worldwide, and this significant new funding will fuel us for the next wave of growth as we expand our operations in North America and prepare for the IoT boom that we're uniquely poised to fuel. Beyond the finances, this investment from Vela Partners is also an investment of strategic guidance and invaluable support. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished to date, and even more excited about the future we are building together." Vela Partners first worked with ProtoPie in a pure advisory role, offering guidance to prepare the tech firm for a then-upcoming investment round. However, after learning more about the software, witnessing the overwhelming positivity from users, seeing the burgeoning new category that ProtoPie is clearly leading and feeling the dedication and expertise of the team, they couldn't afford to miss the opportunity of joining the round as well. ProtoPie will deploy the funds to establish its North American headquarters, accelerate customer acquisition and explore key strategic partnerships in the Bay Area. ProtoPie is already in the process of scaling up its design and sales teams. About ProtoPie ProtoPie is the most intuitive tool used to turn UI/UX design ideas into highly interactive prototypes for mobile, desktop, web, all the way to IoT. The software supports individuals and teams to ideate, iterate and innovate faster, overcoming today's challenges to design and realize tomorrow's best digital products. Press Contact Fredo Tan | [email protected] | +82 10 4389 7891 Related Links Company Website Wikipedia SOURCE ProtoPie Related Links https://www.protopie.io 2020-03-19 23:53:44 White swans are also roaming canals which have been left deserted by their usual huge crowds of tourists Venetian canals are the clearest they have been in living memory after Italys coronavirus lockdown stopped boats from bringing sediment to the surface. In a rare welcome side-effect of the health crisis, the usually murky waterways are clear enough to see the schools of fish under the water. White swans are also roaming the canals in a city where the usually overloaded piazzas and alleyways have become almost deserted, while air pollution has declined across northern Italy. With no tourists taking gondola rides along the canals, the sediment in the water has been able to settle at the bottom without being churned about making the surface clearer. One Venetian local, Marco Capovilla, said he had never seen the water so clear after filming some of the fish under the surface. The water now looks clearer because there is less traffic on the canals, allowing the sediment to stay at the bottom, a spokesman for the Venice mayors office told CNN. Its because there is less boat traffic that usually brings sediment to the top of the waters surface. anatakti Negotiate a little less politely. No, Im not talking about throwing a tantrum although Ive seen plenty of those recently. If a travel company tells you to take a credit or leave it, you have options. A favored response is a little light social media pressure. Salila Sukumaran, a travel adviser based in Mountain View, Calif., says you need to be diplomatic. A friendly note on Twitter or Facebook may nudge the company into offering a refund. If done tactfully and respectfully, such an act may get the money back, she says. However, if done poorly, you may be blacklisted by a small or medium-sized facility. People will remember the incident. "We are all operating in uncertain times, and it's more important now than ever before for both our local and global communities to come together to help those in need," said Vanessa Pappas, General Manager of TikTok U.S. "This pledge to ASAS will help more students get access to meals, safely provided to them, during this crisis. While this alone won't mitigate the impact of the current situation, we hope it can relieve one worry for parents who are balancing social distancing mandates, work and caring for children who can no longer go to school each day." ASAS' distribution of food credits and gift cards will first reach families in highly impacted cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Newark, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and more. The organization is working with local grocery partners including Food Land, Giant, Kroger, Publix, Ralphs, Safeway, Target, and Walmart. These resources will help the communities that have been hit the hardest by the residual impact of the coronavirus pandemic. TikTok will also match up to $1M in employee donations to ASAS to further the organization's ability to provide food for those in need. "During a crisis, improvisation is critical and everyone has to look at new ways to help the most vulnerable," said Arnold Schwarzenegger, former California Governor and Founder of After-School All-Stars. "The After-School All-Stars programs are paused with schools closed, but we remain committed to supporting the 100,000 families we work with year-round. When I founded After-School All-Stars in 1992, the goal was always to support the families who need it the most. I'm grateful to TikTok for their donation which allows us to shift our priorities so our team can safely deliver groceries and gift cards for groceries to the families we help." Schwarzenegger shared additional information about After-School All-Stars and the partnership with TikTok in a video shared to his TikTok page @arnoldschnitzel. Added Ben Paul, President and CEO, After-School All-Stars: "The communities we serve are already very vulnerable, and this situation has further magnified the hardships many families face. This crisis has had a profound impact on millions of people, and I'm heartened by the tremendous generosity, collaboration and creativity that we've seen across communities and industries. I am excited to work with TikTok as we address immediate needs and examine the unique role that technology plays in bringing individuals and communities together." To further support the community, TikTok's online Safety Center, developed in partnership with trusted local health officials, is being regularly updated with information on how people can stay connected and safe during this time. About TikTok TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, Mountain View, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com About After-School All-Stars Founded in 1992 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of school-based, free, comprehensive after-school programs. The organization's mission is to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Every school day, students in under-resourced communities have access to free programs that allow them to increase academic readiness, explore career opportunities, develop regular health and wellness habits, practice visual and performing arts, and build STEM skills. 90,000+ children from 19 U.S. locations benefit: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, North Texas, Orlando, Philadelphia & Camden, San Antonio, South Florida, Tampa Bay, Toledo, Washington D.C., Bay Area and Puget Sound. For more information, visit afterschoolallstars.org #TeamAllStars SOURCE TikTok U.S. Sub-Saharan Africa on Wednesday recorded its first COVID-19 death, a high-ranking politician in Burkina Faso, as the head of the World Health Organisation urged the continent to "prepare for the worst". "Africa should wake up," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference in Geneva, pointing out that "in other countries we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point". Africa has lagged behind the global curve for coronavirus infections and deaths, but in the past few days has seen a significant rise in cases. Experts have repeatedly warned about the perils for the continent, given its weak health infrastructure, poverty, conflicts, poor sanitation and urban crowding. Medical authorities in the poor Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced Wednesday that the number of infections there had risen by seven to 27 -- and that one of them, a 62-year-old diabetic woman, had died overnight. The country's main opposition party, the Union for Progress and Change (UPC), said in a statement that the victim was its lawmaker Rose-Marie Compaore, the first-vice president of the parliament. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised economy, reported a more than one-third jump in cases, with 31 new infections bringing its tally to 116. Nearby Zambia announced its first two confirmed cases -- a couple that returned to the capital Lusaka from a 10-day holiday in France. As of Wednesday, a tally of reported cases, compiled by AFP, stood at more than 600 for all of Africa. Of these, 16 cases have been fatal: six in Egypt, six in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso. Those figures are relatively small compared to the rest of world -- the global death toll has passed 8,800 with almost 210,000 total infections. WHO chief Tedros said sub-Saharan Africa had recorded 233 infections, but warned the official numbers likely did not reflect the full picture. "Probably we have undetected cases or unreported cases," he said. - 'We live day to day' - Watching from afar as disaster unfolds in Asia and Europe, some African countries have wasted little time in ordering drastic measures. Air traffic has been particularly hard hit, as many of Africa's initial cases were detected in people who had returned from affected countries in Europe and the Middle East. Some countries, such as Somalia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau and, most recently, the island of Madagascar have moved to stop all flights into their countries. On Wednesday, Cape Verde -- a tropical archipelago off Africa's west coast that is heavily dependent on tourism -- and the continent's most populous nation, Nigeria, joined others in banning flights from the countries most affected by coronavirus. Burkina Faso has ordered the closure of all schools and barred all public and private gatherings until the end of April. There was concern on the unusually quiet streets of the capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday. "It's worrying what is happening with this virus, but we cannot barricade ourselves like developed countries. We lack everything here -- we live day to day," said bicycle seller Boureima Baguian. "We cannot, for example, close the big market. If that happens, it's not the coronavirus that will kill us but misery and hunger." South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa's worst-hit country, has banned cruise ships from its ports. More than 1,700 people are stranded on a liner off Cape Town over fears that some have the virus. It is just the latest blow to tourism across the continent, with coronavirus fears also cancelling sporting, cultural and religious events. Christian and Muslim leaders in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal said they would suspend services to protect their faithful. - 'Disease hot spot belt' - A 2016 analysis by the Rand Corporation, a US think-tank, found that of the 25 countries in the world that were most vulnerable to infectious outbreaks, 22 were in Africa -- the others were Afghanistan, Yemen and Haiti. The report identified a "disease hot spot belt" extending across the southern rim of the Sahara through the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, where many countries are struggling with conflicts. "Were a communicable disease to emerge within this chain of countries, it could easily spread across borders in all directions, abetted by high overall vulnerability and a string of weak national health systems along the way," the report warned. Tedros recommended that mass gatherings be avoided, urging Africa to "cut it from the bud, expecting that the worst can happen." "The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today," he said. Positive sign China on Thursday reported no new local infections for the first time since the coronavirus crisis began three months ago, reaching a milestone in its battle with the deadly outbreak that has upended daily life and economic activity around the world. As governments in Italy, the United States and elsewhere grapple with the pandemic, China has hailed its success as evidence of what can be achieved when a vast, top-down bureaucracy that brooks no dissent is mobilized in pursuit of a single target. If Thursdays numbers are more than a statistical blip, it would represent a remarkable turnaround for the Chinese government, which drew widespread public outrage when officials initially concealed and mismanaged the outbreak, even punishing the doctors who sought to raise the alarm. (New York Times) Featured stories President Donald Trump speaks during press briefing with the coronavirus task force Wednesday at the White House. (Evan Vucci, Associated Press)AP Trumps $1 trillion stimulus is a gamble for re-election and a sea change for Republicans once opposed to bailouts (Washington Post) U.S. government is preparing for coronavirus pandemic that could last up to 18 months and include multiple waves of illness (CNN) So many people are filing for unemployment, its crashing government websites (CBS News) Coronavirus: Trump says it may be the story of life that well-connected get testing first (NBC News) Two members of House test positive for COVID-19 (NBC News) New York Stock Exchange temporarily closing trading floors, going all electronic (ABC News) Major hotel executive: Ive just cut 95% of my staff (CBS News) National news Too many coronavirus patients, too few ventilators: Outlook in U.S. could get bad, quickly (USA Today) Officials report 46 people from DuPage nursing home have tested positive for coronavirus as Illinois cases spike to 288 (Chicago Tribune) 200 at Childrens Hospital tested for coronavirus after doctor tests positive (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Manchin calls West Virginia unprepared: People think were immune from this (The Hill) Texas governor calls for May local elections to be postponed (The Hill) Some schools closed for coronavirus in US are not going back for the rest of the academic year (CNN) Louisiana pastor holds church service for over 300 people, defying governors coronavirus ban (CBS News) The wave of coronavirus cases is shutting down Florida beaches (CBS News) Coronavirus: Bay Area shelter-in-place orders prompt questions, enforcement as case numbers continue to rise (The Mercury News) Sanders responds angrily to reporter when asked about his campaign: Im dealing with a f**king global crisis (CNN) 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Utah knocks out power to thousands and diverts flights (CNN) An outbreak of severe storms and tornadoes expected across central, southern U.S. (USA Today) Idaho bill barring transgender changes to birth certificates heads to governor (The Hill) World news Rattled world at war with coronavirus as deaths surge in Italy, France (Reuters) Trump says hell block asylum-seekers at U.S.-Mexico border over coronavirus (CBS News) Merkel: Coronavirus is Germanys greatest challenge since World War II (dw.com) Coronavirus thumps Brazil, prompting nationwide cries of Bolsonaro Out! (Reuters) Coronavirus: Temporary hospital being built in Moscow (BBC) UK schools to be closed indefinitely and exams canceled (The Guardian) Australian government moves to close borders as new coronavirus cases continue to rise (The Guardian) Coronavirus shutdowns have unintended climate benefits: cleaner air, clearer water (NBC News) U.S. slaps new sanctions on Iran amid renewed rocket attacks in Iraq (The Hill) Description GIS - 19 March, 2020: The handing over ceremony of a Digital Mammography equipment, to the tune of some Rs 3 million, was held, yesterday, at Dr A. G Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis. The acquisition of this equipment has benefitted from the Grant assistance for Grassroots Human Securities project of the Government of Japan. Present on the occasion, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal highlighted that the new digital mammography equipment marks another milestone in our public health service. He said that it will allow to offer better health care to a larger number of citizens adding that free mammography screening will now be carried out at Victoria Hospital and in Port Louis. This, he stated, will help to decentralize essential services and help cure more people with breast cancer. Referring to the rise of the disease in the country, Dr Jagutpal pointed out that in 2018, 517 new cases were reported with 173 deaths. Breast cancer, he recalled is the main cause of cancer death and it accounted for 22% of all cancer deaths in 2018. He also appealed to the population to go for early screening which guarantees a higher survival rate. In a bid to enhance cancer care in Mauritius, Dr Jagutpal indicated that the National Cancer Registry 2019-2023 is currently being finalised. The objective, he said, is to implement strategies and measures aimed at decreasing cancer cases and ultimately improve the quality of life of the citizens. Speaking about the new Cancer Hospital in Solferino, he stated that it will be functional in mid 2020. Government, he added, is investing in high tech equipment as well as training qualified personnel so that the Cancer Hospital becomes a centre of excellence in the region. For his part, the Ambassador of Japan, Mr Yoshiharu Kato stated that the new equipment will help strenghthen healthcare delivery in Mauritius adding that it is crucial for early detection. He indicated that Mauritius and Japan are linked by strong friendship ties adding that this relationship will flourish further in future. ALBANY The calls for help from nurses began escalating on March 5, two days before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo would declare a state of emergency as a cluster of people contaminated with COVID-19 emerged in New Rochelle. The downstate city near the Connecticut border would quickly become the state's hardest-hit area. Public health nurses assigned to hospitals and other medical facilities were informed they were urgently needed in Westchester County. Drop everything, they were told, and pack your bag. They were dispatched to a state Health Department command post in New Rochelle, where their principal mission was visiting households to take nasal and throat swabs from those afflicted with symptoms and others suspected of having contact with an infected person. This is an account of one nurse's experience over the past two weeks on that front line. Her name is being withheld, in part, because of concern that she and her family would be ostracized by some who might consider her at risk of having been infected, despite the extraordinary precautions the nurses in the center of that hot zone have taken. Before she traveled to Westchester County, her personal physician had expressed dismay at her decision to volunteer for the duty, she said, but she recited the words of Irish philosopher Edmund Burke: "Evil flourishes when good men do nothing," she told him. "I had to respond." At the command post, the nurses initially underwent a grueling crash course on the proper use of the protective gear and filling out an eight-page questionnaire detailing any health issues, including asthma, that might make them unsuitable for the work or donning the Hepa N95 respirator masks that would prevent them from inhaling any contaminated airborne droplets. On the first day, the process, including being properly fitted for the masks, took more than six hours; by the second day it had been tightened to 45 minutes. Previously: Rensselaer County investigates La Salle student with coronavirus Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage The people driving the nurses included Health Department investigators, emergency medical technicians and state transportation workers. In the initial stages, the testing became difficult. Some residents would not answer the knock of nurses covered in protective gear visits that, in some instances, came after midnight. In at least one instance a woman whose husband was very sick became suspicious and demanded to see identification, which would require the nurse to reach inside her gown and pull it out. She would not let the woman hold it, she said, fearful the ID badge would become contaminated. Another family opened their door but could speak only Spanish, making communication difficult. Some of the nurses would not get back to their hotel within walking distance of the command post until nearly 4 a.m. Despite the fluid situation, the processes were quickly tightened up: Residents would be called before the nurse came so that they would be certain to open the door. Inside each home, the situation would be a mix of seriousness and emotion. Children watched uncertainly as nurses dressed in spacesuit-like outfits dabbed swabs into the noses and throats of their parents, some of them extremely ill. The symptoms coughing, sore throats, high fever and, especially, difficulty breathing appeared more serious than the regular flu. Early rumors flowing through social media sites described shortages of protective gear or drivers not being protected. But the nurse said that information was inaccurate and they were fully stocked and prepared. She said the nurses and drivers also were provided with extra gowns, gloves and face-masks, in case their original outfit had an equipment failure. "At all times after that we had the correct equipment to protect us," she said. "The eye masks they gave us had another pull-down mask. We had double mask protection. We also got red (disposal) bags for biohazardous waste, anti-bacterial wipes for vehicles; we got alcohol-based handwash." One of the testing calls was to the residence of a man who had visited a sick person in a hospital and wore only a surgical mask because he didn't know at that time the hospitalized person was suffering from COVID-19. "It was actually the wrong mask for the coronavirus," the nurse said, "so he had close, extended contact with the patient in that hospital." When the swabs are taken from patients inside their residence, they are placed in a sealed envelope that's then placed inside another box that's placed inside a cooler-like container. Those samples are then driven by troopers and other state workers to the Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany, where more than 22,000 had been processed as of Thursday. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. People who test positive are informed of the results over the telephone. Initially, the nurse's biohazard suits, which they remove at each residence and place in a red biohazard bag, were being left on people's front lawns or placed in trash receptacles outside the home. Now, many are being instructed to leave the red bags inside the residence, since there would be no additional risk if anyone in the home tests positive for the virus. The teams also were concerned that families would face stigma from their neighbors if the bags were visible "like a scarlet letter," one driver said. One of the most frightening situations unfolding involves people who are asymptomatic in some cases showing no signs of illness, or only symptoms mirroring a mild cold and going on with regular activity: visiting friends, shopping and, sometimes, even going to work at their jobs in health care. "I've seen everything, but this coronavirus screening became one of the most stressful things Ive ever done as a nurse because everybody was still just going about daily lives," she said. "We came across very few exposed people who were not self-quarantining. But when they were exposed they did not know. ... They were part of the spread of the virus, and they never knew it." The nurse, who has worked in various health care facilities including New York City hospitals, said the governor should be commended for the swift action he took earlier this month. "My thought is theres this coronavirus where everyone is being asked by the governor, rightfully so, to stay home and here I am on the front line seeing all of these individuals, prior to any of these safeguards being put into place because nobody knew," she said. "The governor didnt know, the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) didnt know, and the president didnt know how particularly virulent this particular virus would be. Theres nobody to blame. They did what they could as soon as they understood how quickly this could spread." Many of the state's public health nurses, who are in some instances paid less than half of what is being paid to retired nurses who are being called into duty as private contractors, are working shifts that can begin at 7 a.m. and end around midnight. But the toll of the virus on families is palpable even from inside the protective suits. "It's really bad," the nurse said. "There was one young woman that we went to see, she was having such difficulty breathing that a family member brought her to the emergency room and the emergency room had to send her home," the nurse said. "We were able to screen that young woman ... and we could hear it, it was audible. They sent her home with antibiotics and we screened her entire family, which was five people." In one neighborhood, a response team was threatened by a crowd yelling at them to leave, apparently out of fear the people in the protective suits were spreading the contamination. State troopers have since saturated Westchester County and are escorting the two- and three-person teams when needed, the nurse said. She reiterated that in her decades of work as a nurse, she has never seen anything like it. "Every one of them said they're afraid," she said, "and I would state to everyone I went to visit, 'We will get through this together.' " The nurse is scheduled to return to New Rochelle next week. Reps. Bass, Davis, Urge College Institutions to Sympathize with Vulnerable Students at Youth Congressional Caucus All of our nation, and frankly, the entire world is concerned about the Coronavirus and many institutions are taking steps to protect people in a preventive manner, said Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. And I think in some cases, when were taking those drastic steps, were not thinking about the consequencesthe collateral consequences of schools closing. On Thursday, March 12, Rep. Bass along with Representative Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support and Shay Marche House, graduate student and foster youth advocate, hosted a press conference at the House Triangle on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to encourage colleges and universities to include vulnerable students and foster youth when making provisions to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. ADVERTISEMENT The bipartisan caucus has 128 members and weve been around for nine years, said Bass. Currently, nationally, there is over 400,000 young people, who are living in the child welfare system. So, as we prepare to address this virus from a prevention stand point, an intervention and a treatment stand point, we need to think about any measures that we take and the consequences of those measures. I am deeply concerned that many decisions to decrease community spread of the virus could unintentionally cause substantial hardships for our vulnerable and foster youth, said Davis. Cancelling classes for weeks, closing school dorms, shutting cafeterias, requiring online course work all could create substantial barriers for these young people, who have fought so hard to make it to college. Davis continued, I am pleased to join with Congresswoman Bass to encourage institutions of higher education, government and communities to focus on the needs of foster and homeless youth as they implement their responses to the Coronavirus. The press conference was called with the intent to help institutions take into consideration youth who dont have a place to go and those who may not have the technological resources to succeed under the new format of classes. House hopes the needs of vulnerable youth and students will be considered as the federal government continues to pass legislation regarding the Coronavirus. Although I am not personally impacted by this issue right now, if this were to happen merely a couple of months ago, I wouldve been greatly impacted, said House. As an individual who has grown up in the foster care system, I relied heavily on the dorms for housing, I relied heavily on the institutions for a meal plan as well as I worked off and on campus to make a way for myself. ADVERTISEMENT House continued, I cant imagine what my fellow brothers and sisters are going through who are currently undergrads. As far as other institutions, who gave students deadlines to move out of their dorms by next week, without necessarily considering how this was going to really impact them, [we want] to make sure that we keep all students voicesall students who are struggling in account as far as what were going to do if were closing schools. How are kids in the primary and secondary schools going to get their breakfast and lunch, for those students that need that? said Bass. And in the colleges, the same. If colleges are dismissed, then whats going to happen to the students? These amazing youth have endured so much and need our collective help to weather this storm so that they too can remain healthy, housed and stable, said Davis. We ask everybody to help spread the word, so that we consider these most vulnerable students as we prepare our response to the Coronavirus. House also shared how switching to online classes may prove to be a difficult situation for many students. She stated that low-income and international students will be greatly affected by the changes being implemented to stop the spread of the virus. We have to consider a lot of students who arent able to automatically switch to the online program due to other problems or the emotional stuff we experience as a result of the child welfare system, said House. I know I personally struggle with focusing with ADHD and other forms of trauma that makes it immensely difficult to focus on online classes. She continued, I think its really crucial that we provide housing for international students, as well as foster youth, who may be homeless during this time, who are unable to return home due to traveling bans. Some students are excited that they are able to go homethats not the case for everybody. Bass added they would be voting on an emergency package to address the Coronavirus and its effects on vulnerable youth. She also relayed to the audience that Congress would be on recess for a week. Recently, I was watching an American television news report about the coronavirus. In it, the reporter said, Due to coronavirus concerns, Washington governor Jay Inslee is banning gatherings of more than 250 people at social and religious events in some parts of the state. It got me thinking about how much we use phrases like due to to describe a relationship between things. Due to is a preposition and one of many in English that are formed from two or more words. We call them compound prepositions. The English language has more than 50 compound prepositions, but not all are commonly used. On todays Everyday Grammar program, we will explore a few two-word prepositions that often appear in news coverage, including in stories from our website. They are: according to due to rather than What is a preposition? We will begin by briefly discussing what prepositions are and how we use them. A preposition is a word or group of words that shows direction, place or time, or introduces an object. Prepositions are always followed by a noun, proper noun, pronoun, noun phrase or gerund. For example, in the sentence, The book is on the table, the preposition on is followed by the noun phrase the table. Here is our first compound preposition of the day. According to The preposition according to means as stated or reported by someone who is not the speaker. We often use it to offer official evidence, such as in news stories or research reports. Here is part of a recent story you may have seen on the Learning English website about the wild animals called rhinos. Rhinos are already critically endangered. There are only about 29,000 alive, according to the International Rhino Foundation. Around five percent of the animals are in Kenya. Use of according to here tells us the information comes from the International Rhino Foundation. Here is another example from a story that explores why American newspapers endorse presidential candidates: Before the 2012 elections, for example, 17 large U.S. newspapers chose not to endorse a presidential candidate, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Here, the information comes from National Public Radio. Notice that, in both examples, according to appears after the factual information. But it can also appear at the start of sentences. For example, you could say, According to the International Rhino Foundation, there are only about 29,000 alive. Though according to is formal, there are exceptions. Suppose you are on a road trip with family. You are looking at driving directions on your phone. You might say, According to Google Maps, it will take 2 hours and 35 minutes to get to the next town. Though the map information itself is official, in this case the social situation is informal. Due to Now lets return to the preposition due to. The phrase due to can have a few meanings, but when it acts as a preposition, it means because of something. Due to refers to a reason or cause, such as coronavirus causing bans of large social gatherings in many places. The preposition due to is also somewhat formal. It is common in official announcements or statements and in the news. Here is another example from a story about an environmental concern in China. It uses a statement from a science expert: The ecology of the Yangtze River is close to collapse due to human activity in past decades, Pan said. With due to, the sentence introduces the cause, which is human activity in the past decades. It also talks about a result, which is that the ecology of the Yangtze River is close to collapse. You could also move due to to the beginning of the sentence and say it this way: Due to human activity in the past decades, the ecology of the Yangtze River is close to collapse. Rather than And finally, we turn to rather than. The preposition rather than means in place of or instead of something or someone. Listen to how it was used in a recent Learning English story about active shooter preparation exercises for American students. Take mental note of the two things that are contrasted: There has been little research on how well the exercises prepare students for an active shooter. In 2007, one study found it better to prepare students for an intruder, rather than a shooter. The contrast is between intruders and shooters. In other words, the study showed that preparing students for an intruder is better than preparing them for a shooter. Our final example comes from a story about how the city of Nashville, Tennessee, is now a popular place for many kinds of sound recordings, including films and video games: The city is known for very good studio musicians. They work mostly on recordings rather than live performances. Here, the contrast is between recordings and live performances. Well, thats all for todays program. Look and listen for these prepositions in VOA Learning English stories and programs! Im Jonathan Evans. Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story phrase n. a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence gerund n. n English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing introduce n. to mention or refer to something for the first time formal adj. suitable for serious or official speech and writing endorse v. to publicly or officially say that you support or approve of (someone or something) decade a period of ten years contrast v. to compare (two people or things) to show how they are different intruder n. a person who enters a place illegally English Icelandic The Icelandic Revenue Registration has registered a reduction of Skeljungur hf.s share capital at a nominal value of ISK 166.356.181 but shareholders approved at the AGM March 5, 2020 to reduce the companys share capital through the cancellation of all the companys own shares. Legal conditions for such a reduction have now been met so the company will now execute the reduction of share capital. Registered share capital after the reduction is of nominal value ISK 1.985.675.666 but was before the reduction nominal value of ISK 2.152.031.847. Each share corresponds to one 1 ISK in nominal value. Each share of one krona shall carry one vote. For further information please contact Arni Petur Jonsson, CEO, fjarfestar@skeljungur.is. Skeljungur is an energy company with operations in Iceland and in the Faroe Islands. Skeljungur sells fuel and oil to consumers and businesses in fisheries, agriculture, transportation, aviation and construction under the brands Skeljungur, Orkan, and Magn. Skeljungur is also in the retail market under the brand Kvikk. The company also sells fertilizer and other chemical products and is on the retail market. In Iceland the Company runs 65 gas stations and 4 oil depots. Magn P/F, Skeljungurs subsidiary in the Faroe Islands, runs 11 retail and gas-stations and 2 oil depots. Magn also serves and sells oils for house heating to individuals and companies in the Faroe Islands. Skeljungurs goal is to serve the energy needs of consumers and businesses in an efficient and safe way and in harmony with the environment. www.skeljungur.is https://www.linkedin.com/company/skeljungur-hf/ WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty semi-finalists have been named in the annual "Make Your Medical Device Pitch for Kids!" competition presented by the National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Medical Devices (NCC-PDI). The competition is adopting a virtual format for the March 23rd event to eliminate the need for travel or an in-person gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized by nonprofit accelerator MedTech Innovator, contestants and judges will connect in online meeting rooms for the pitch presentations, which feature innovations in cardiovascular, orthopedic and spine, and NICU devices. NCC-PDI is one of five members in the FDA's Pediatric Device Consortia Grant Program created to support the development and commercialization of medical devices for children, which lags significantly behind the progress of adult medical devices. NCC-PDI is led by the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children's National Hospital and the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland with support from partners MedTech Innovator, BioHealth Innovation and design firm Archimedic. Up to 10 finalists selected from this event will participate in a newly created pediatric track in the MedTech Innovator accelerator program and advance to the October 2020 competition finals in Toronto as part of the 8th Annual Pediatric Device Innovation Symposium hosted by Children's National Hospital. Finalists will pitch for a share of up to $250,000 in grant awards. "There is a pressing need for more medical devices created especially for children, so we are proceeding with the semi-final pitch event in a virtual format to safely accommodate innovators and judges and maintain the schedule," said Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., MBA, PMP, vice president and chief innovation officer at Children's National Hospital and principal investigator of NCC-PDI. "Given the high quality of submissions received, we want our finalists to have the benefit of the pediatric accelerator as well as adequate time to prepare for the finals. We are grateful to everyone involved for being flexible so that this important work can continue." The following are the 30 pediatric device innovations selected for the semi-finals: Adipomics, Inc. - Cambridge, MA , - gestational pre-diabetes diagnostic to prevent birth defects , - gestational pre-diabetes diagnostic to prevent birth defects AireHealth, Inc. Orlando, FL portable nebulizer and connected care app for respiratory care portable nebulizer and connected care app for respiratory care Ben Guard Healthcare Solutions LLC - Glen Ellyn, IL wearable catheter securement device for pediatric DVCs and other tubing wearable catheter securement device for pediatric DVCs and other tubing BioMotum, LLC Flagstaff, AZ therapy device to improve movement disorder treatment therapy device to improve movement disorder treatment BioSense - Beverly Hill, MI first working non-contact EKG for constant, non-invasive monitoring - Beverly Hill, MI first working non-contact EKG for constant, non-invasive monitoring Bloom Standard, Ltd . St. Paul, MN wearable AI-driven ultrasound device for low-resource countries, infant CHD and pulmonary screening . wearable AI-driven ultrasound device for low-resource countries, infant CHD and pulmonary screening Brain Stem Biometrics Palo Alto, CA Microsensor patch to monitor sleep and neurodevelopment in premature infants Microsensor patch to monitor sleep and neurodevelopment in premature infants CorFix University of Maryland, College Park , MD - VR surgical planning system for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and graft design and optimization , MD VR surgical planning system for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and graft design and optimization Dsseca University of Maryland, College Park , MD - platform device to rapidly discover biomarker signatures of oxidative stress , MD platform device to rapidly discover biomarker signatures of oxidative stress Eclipse Regenesis, Inc. Menlo Park, CA first restorative therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS) via distraction enterogenesis first restorative therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS) via distraction enterogenesis Heamac Healthcare Pvt. Ltd - Hyderabad, India diagnostic tool to measure parameters of a neonate with jaundice - diagnostic tool to measure parameters of a neonate with jaundice Innara Health Olathe, KS Ntrainer biofeedback device to train premature infants and newborns in the neurophysiological aspects of feeding Ntrainer biofeedback device to train premature infants and newborns in the neurophysiological aspects of feeding Lactation Innovations Canterbury, CT Manoula measures amount of breastmilk consumed during infant feeding Manoula measures amount of breastmilk consumed during infant feeding Lifespan Providence, RI Positioning device to improve success in performing spinal tap in febrile infants Positioning device to improve success in performing spinal tap in febrile infants Little Sparrows Technologies, Inc. Winchester, MA Portable, high-intensity phototherapy for neonatal jaundice treatment Portable, high-intensity phototherapy for neonatal jaundice treatment Medicsen Leeds, UK Needle-free Smartpatch for painless drug delivery for kids Needle-free Smartpatch for painless drug delivery for kids Novonate South San Francisco, CA secures and protects the umbilical catheter insertion site for neonates in intensive care secures and protects the umbilical catheter insertion site for neonates in intensive care OCBrace Orange, CA 4D ultrasound brace design system using real-time measurements of the spinal deformity to maximize correction and brace efficacy 4D ultrasound brace design system using real-time measurements of the spinal deformity to maximize correction and brace efficacy OpticSurg Inc. Wilmington, DE Augmented reality-enhanced telemedicine platform Augmented reality-enhanced telemedicine platform Ostiio Philadelphia, PA An implantable, magnetic distraction system for expansion of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton An implantable, magnetic distraction system for expansion of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton Pediafeed Baltimore, MD optimizing pediatric gastrostomy feeding tubes optimizing pediatric gastrostomy feeding tubes PediaMetrix, Inc. Rockville, MD a mobile app for early detection and treatment of infant flat head syndrome a mobile app for early detection and treatment of infant flat head syndrome Promedix Inc. Portland, OR Measures distal blood flow for early diagnosis of shock in children Measures distal blood flow for early diagnosis of shock in children Renata Medical Costa Mesa, CA growth stent for treatment of congenital narrowed lesions in neonatal patients growth stent for treatment of congenital narrowed lesions in neonatal patients SpineGuide Technologies Inc. Dover, DE 3D multi-segment growth guidance rod system for scoliosis to provide good correction & growth 3D multi-segment growth guidance rod system for scoliosis to provide good correction & growth Spino Modulation, Inc . Montreal, Canada anterior vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis . anterior vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis TheraB Medical East Lansing, MI wearable, portable neonatal jaundice treatment promoting bonding and breastfeeding wearable, portable neonatal jaundice treatment promoting bonding and breastfeeding Tremedics Medical Devices North Richland Hills, TX Illusicor, a bioresorbable stent to treat congenital heart disease Illusicor, a bioresorbable stent to treat congenital heart disease Ventora Medical Pty Ltd Flemington , Australia - real time monitoring of infant lung pressure to improve the accuracy of non-invasive respiratory support for neonates , - real time monitoring of infant lung pressure to improve the accuracy of non-invasive respiratory support for neonates VitaScope Toronto, Canada - provides quick and accurate newborn heart rate to facilitate high quality resuscitation. "To get a medical device to market, innovators have always needed to be flexible when pitching their concept to investors, clinicians or other key stakeholders," said Paul Grand, CEO of MedTech Innovator. "In the coming months, innovators will likely be giving more virtual pitches than ever before, and we think this online event will be very meaningful in helping them hone their virtual presentation skills as an additional benefit to the opportunity to get live feedback from our ecosystem of industry leaders." "Perhaps now more than ever it is important to foster innovations in human health," said William E. Bentley, Ph.D., director of the University of Maryland's Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices. "It is critical that we pursue any means available to further pediatric medical device development efforts while ensuring the health and safety of our pitch competition participants and judges. I am thrilled that this newly adapted virtual event will achieve both missions without delay." On average over the past decade, only 24 percent of life-saving medical devices approved by FDA those that go through PMA and HDE regulatory pathways have an indication for pediatric use. Of those, most are designated for children age 12 or older. To date, NCC-PDI has mentored over 100 medical device sponsors to help advance their pediatric innovations, with seven devices having received either their FDA market clearance or CE marking. In addition to the efforts of NCC-PDI, Eskandanian said that supporting the progress of pediatric innovators will be a key focus of the Children's National Research & Innovation Campus, a first-of-its-kind campus opening in December, 2020, on the site of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Washington, D.C. With its proximity to federal research institutions and agencies, universities, academic research centers, and on-site accelerator Johnson & Johnson Innovation JLABS, the campus will foster a rich ecosystem of public and private partners which, like the NCC-PDI network, will bolster pediatric medical device innovation and commercialization. About Children's National Hospital Children's National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., celebrates 150 years of pediatric care, research and commitment to community. Volunteers opened the hospital in 1870 with 12 beds to care for Civil War orphans. Today, 150 years stronger, it is the nation's No. 6 children's hospital. It is ranked No. 1 for newborn care for the third straight year and ranked in all specialties evaluated by "U.S. News & World Report." Children's National is transforming pediatric medicine for all children. In 2020, it will open the Children's National Research & Innovation Campus, the first in the nation dedicated to pediatric research. It has been designated twice as a Magnet hospital, demonstrating the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty outpatient centers in the D.C., metropolitan area, including the Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs. Children's National is home to the Children's National Research Institute and Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and is the nation's seventh-highest NIH-funded children's hospital. It is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. About the University of Maryland The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,000 students,10,000 faculty and staff, and 280 academic programs. Its faculty includes two Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners and 58 members of the national academies. The institution secures $514 million annually in external research funding. The university's Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices seeks to catalyze the transformation of basic research into clinical practice and commercial success. The Institute aims to drive innovation by immersing creative and energetic scientists and engineers in a nurturing and rewarding research environment where engineered health systems are conceived of and investigated. The Institute is comprised of staff, resources, facilities, and a network of experts who not only facilitate prototyping and manufacturing expertise, but who also facilitate venture creation, intellectual property creation, and product passage through various clinical, regulatory and reimbursement hurdles. For more information about the University of Maryland, College Park, visit www.umd.edu [umd.edu]. About MedTech Innovator Based in Los Angeles, Calif., MedTech Innovator is the premier nonprofit startup accelerator in the medical technology industry. Its mission is to improve the lives of patients by accelerating the growth of companies that are transforming the healthcare system. MedTech Innovator matches healthcare industry leaders with innovative early-stage and emerging growth medtech companies for mentorship and support. Founding sponsors include Johnson & Johnson and RCT Ventures, and annual program sponsors include Baxter, Boston Scientific, NIPRO Medical, Olympus Medical Systems, W. L. Gore, Asahi Intecc, BTG, Fujikura, HOYA, Jabil, JOHNAN, Maxim Integrated Ventures, EdgeOne Medical, Experien Group, Greenlight Guru, Proxima Clinical Research, Westwood & Wilshire, and Ximedica. The organization's industry partners include AdvaMed, Health+Commerce, MedTech Strategist, and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. For more information about MedTech Innovator, visit https://medtechinnovator.org/ [medtechinnovator.org] and follow @MedTechAwards on Twitter. SOURCE Childrens National Hospital Photo: The Canadian Press A Sunwing Boeing 737-800 passenger plane prepares to land at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. Sunwing Airlines Ltd. says it is offering seats on its repatriation flights free of charge to any Canadians stranded in sun-kissed parts of the hemisphere, including to non-Sunwing customers.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov Sunwing Airlines Ltd. is offering vacant seats on its repatriation flights free of charge to any Canadians stranded in sun-kissed parts of the hemisphere, including to non-Sunwing customers. "We understand a lot of Canadians are still stranded outside the country and struggling to get home," said Stephen Hunter, CEO of the airline's parent company. "That's why we want to open up any extra capacity we have. It's the Canadian thing to do." Sunwing aims to fly about 11,000 Canadians back to home soil on Thursday, bringing the total number of repatriated Sunwing passengers to more than 33,000. Thousands of Canadians stuck overseas are continuing to try to a way back home as borders close and airlines cut flights in response to the spread of COVID-19. On Wednesday, Air Canada announced it will suspend most of its international and U.S. transborder flights in response to border shutdowns. Porter Airlines and Transat AT Inc. have also said they will move to suspend all of their flights. Sunwing said it expects to have all of its customers, most of whom are at Mexican or Caribbean resorts, back home by Monday. Global Affairs Canada said Tuesday that "Canada has no current plans to repatriate a significant group of people from other countries." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In yet another effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that indoor portions of all retail shopping malls will have to temporarily close their doors. Together we will reduce density and slow the spread of coronavirus, Cuomo wrote on Twitter. The indoor portions will have to close starting Thursday at 8 p.m., Cuomo said. #BREAKING: NY, PA, CT, and NJ will temporarily close all indoor portions of retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys effective tomorrow 8PM. Together we will reduce density and slow the spread of #Coronavirus. Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 18, 2020 This is expected to have ramifications for the Staten Island Mall. A spokesman for the New Springville shopping complex didnt immediately return a request for further information on how business will be affected and what it means for its stores that are accessible from the outside. The impact is being evaluated at Empire Outlets. Most of the stores at Empire Outlets are closed and we are evaluating how this new measure impacts our outdoor spaces, a spokesperson for Empire Outlets told the Advance/SILive.com. Amusement parks and bowling alleys will have to close as well. The decision came in collaboration with three other states, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey, and it is an expansion of the executive order Cuomo signed earlier this week to limit gatherings to 50 people. It is critical that we remain on the same page as our neighboring states, and so far we are the only region in the country partnering to create uniform, regional density reduction policies that prevent state shopping,' Cuomo said. Earlier Wednesday, Cuomo also announced that he will sign an executive order that only permits 50% of a companys employees to show up to work at any given time. Further information will be posted as it becomes available. Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders Richmond University Medical Center to utilize medical tent for coronavirus treatment Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals NYPD Commissioner: Cooperation, not closures, expected for ban on dining at restaurants and bars Two Australian scientists believe they have found the cure for coronavirus Coronavirus case confirmed at St. Ritas School Flight attendants are on the frontline in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus, yet they say they are being left to fend for themselves by their employers, and off duty, they and their families are being treated like pariahs. Attendants for all three major Canadian airlines have told CBC and Radio-Canada they're being asked to behave as if it's "business as usual" while they're on the job. They say unless the airlines and the government impose extra measures to protect them and help them protect others, they and passengers are at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19. "We feed people, handle their credit cards," Marie, an Air Transat flight attendant, told Radio-Canada earlier this week. "What do we do with a passenger who has symptoms on board? Can we ask him to wear gloves? Can we ask him to wear a mask?" CBC is withholding the flight attendants' real names as they fear reprisal from their employers. Air Transat issued a statement Monday saying the "health and safety of our staff and customers are our top priority" and defends its practices, saying they are keeping with federal and international guidelines. WestJet gave CBC a similar response. Air Canada did not return requests for comment, however, the airline says on its website that it, too, is responding to the crisis appropriately. But among flight crews for all three airlines, there is a growing sense of panic, according to those with whom CBC and Radio-Canada have spoken and the comments of others in private Facebook groups. 'Running out of supplies' "I flew Friday after the first announcement by (Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau, and nothing had changed," Claire, an Air Transat attendant, told Radio-Canada earlier this week. "The toilets were not disinfected more often. There was a shortage of masks." Martine, an Air Canada flight attendant for more than three decades, said despite the protective measures the airline said it was taking at the start of the month, "we are already running out of supplies and are short of masks." Story continues She said she was aboard an A330 in which the water supply had been shut off because of a problem. "We wore gloves, but there was no water for washing hands." Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada "We received a call to inform us that one of our passengers had tested positive for COVID-19," wrote a self-described WestJet employee on the union's Facebook group. "We were not placed in quarantine. I have no symptoms, but I understand that I can still be contagious for 14 days. I am worried about being able to pass it on to my friends, family, or any other flight I have to work on." No self-isolation, flight attendant says Jay, an Air Transat flight attendant with many years' experience, told CBC that she and her co-workers have access to hand sanitizer and latex gloves, but staff have been told not to wear the gloves except to pick up garbage. Jay said attendants should be allowed to cut back on in-flight services to reduce interaction with passengers especially on the full inbound flights returning to Canada right now. "Why am I grabbing a sandwich and giving it to the passenger and grabbing his credit card and serving another person?" she asked. "This is cross-contamination. How far will we go until someone realizes, 'Hey, we've got to stop service.' It's enough." A key issue for her is that the airlines are not providing guidelines on how to behave back in the community, despite their repeated possible exposure to infected passengers. Marie, another Air Transat attendant, also said the directives from the federal government remain unclear. "We're not automatically subject to quarantine when we return from a trip for work," she said. Jay said while there are no rules about isolating herself once she is off the job, she is staying away from her own children for now. She, at least, is in her own city. She said she has colleagues stuck in countries all over the world. "They have to self-isolate in hotels. The cities are shutting down slowly, and they're stuck there. And the company is not necessarily in contact with them," she said. "And there is the shunning." "My neighbours do not want our kids to play together anymore, and they were always at my house or [mine were] at theirs," said Jay. Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press "People, I swear, look at me like I have the plague," said Claire. "We are really discriminated against. Nobody wants to babysit my children." "There are flight attendants who are denied access to medical clinics, to private daycares. There are flight attendants who are pregnant and who are refused to be seen by their doctor," said Marie. Airlines defend practices, procedures Air Transat spokesperson Odette Trottier said in an email that the company's crews receive Transport Canada approved training on how to deal with suspected contagious diseases on board the aircraft and apply strict protocols for their own safety and the safety of passengers. "We are communicating regularly with our flight crew on measures to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19," she wrote. "We strictly follow the recommendations of Canadian and international health authorities." She said the company is "doing everything possible to avoid contagion: grooming has been tightened, hygiene advice is applied, hand sanitizer for crew and passenger use is available on all our aircraft." Onboard service has been reviewed, she said. For example, she said, "we have decided to completely stop refilling passengers' bottles and stop refilling used drinking cups." Trottier said the Public Health Agency of Canada does not recommend the use of gloves. "Therefore, we are not recommending the use of gloves other than for the pick-up service," she said. "However, we are not forcing our flight attendants not to wear gloves during any service." Canadian public health officials and the World Health Organization have also said masks do not constitute an effective protection method for the general population, Trottier noted. "The masks should be used by a suspected sick person along with the first responder, attending to the needs of the sick passenger," she said. Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada WestJet also says its priority is maintaining a safe travel and work environment. "Our aircraft are loaded with all necessary resources including gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, hand sanitizing wipes," said Morgan Bell, WestJet spokesperson, in an email. Employees are not required to wear masks, but they may should they choose to, Bell said. She said WestJet, too, has enhanced aircraft cleaning and sanitization procedures. Flight crews not on essential services list for daycare On Air Canada's website, the airline provides insight into what is being done to prevent the spread of COVID-19 following public health protocols. Air Canada, like others, has a procedure in place if a passenger tests positive for COVID-19. It is the health authority's responsibility to contact passengers and advise them of the situation, the airline says, while it works to disinfect seats in the vicinity of the patient. The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents flight attendants for both Air Canada and Air Transat, is asking Air Canada for more protective equipment and to ensure that disinfectants and potable water are available on every flight. "Reducing physical contact between flight attendants and passengers and in-flight service items is critical, and it is the union's position that all non-essential in-flight service to passengers needs to be minimized going forward," Wesley Lesosky, the president of the Air Canada Component of the CUPE said in a statement. The union for Air Transat workers told CBC not only should more be done to limit the spread of COVID-19 on board aircraft, but government agencies should be making sure flight crews have access to free daycare services. The union representing WestJet flight attendants did not respond to a request. In Quebec, the expanded list of essential service workers with access to free daycare does not yet include commercial flight crews. Dr. Rachel Levine joined Gov. Tom Wolfs administration amid a raging opioid epidemic, which up until now she had described as the worst public health crisis in the state. Then came the coronavirus. In the weeks since public health officials have scrambled to address and contain the potentially lethal public health crisis, Levine, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, has distinguished herself among medical professionals and peers, pre-emptively and proactively addressing the coronavirus and the states response to the virus. She has been exemplary in her approach, said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Capital BlueCross. Shes been exemplary in her public health approach and exemplary in her communication. Shes been thoughtful and measured. Shes been very good providing calm, timely and accurate updates. Her voice of reassurance has been very helpful. One month after the World Health Organization announced the coronavirus outbreak in late January, Levine directed her department to establish its Emergency Operations Center, and in early March 9, she began holding daily press briefings. Read more: How coronavirus might impact Pa. election Health and medical professionals on the ground say that reassurance has been crucial. Everyone feels better when they know there is a plan, Chambers said. Thats what she is communicating. She gave us forewarning about avoiding crowds and has been providing ongoing updates.....I think that through her leadership, people have come to trust her. She is giving us the right direction...and planning. Levine said her approach to leadership involves coordinating with others. I think it takes teamwork and collaboration, Levine said in an interview with PennLive this week. That would be one of the hallmarks of my leadership style and how Im working through this crisis. It is really important to work in teams and stay calm in the face of pressure and crisis. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Tom Wolf this week ordered a statewide shutdown, telling all non-essential businesses in Pennsylvania to close for the next two weeks. The governor has also closed all public schools this week and next week. RELATED: Read more of PennLives coronavirus coverage As of Wednesday, health officials have confirmed 133 cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania and one person has died. An unidentified adult patient at a hospital in Northampton County became the first person in Pennsylvania to die from the virus, state officials said Wednesday. The Philadelphia region has seen the most cases but the virus is spreading across the state. There are now confirmed cases in 18 counties. Levine said state officials are working with hospitals to prepare for a surge of patients. Setting the tone Levines career rise in the Wolf administration has been relatively swift: In 2015, the governor tapped Levine to serve as Physician General; in 2018 he named her Pennsylvania Secretary of Health. That tenure has been marked with substantial accomplishments. Even as the coronavirus outbreak emerged globally earlier this year, Levine had already made significant strides to combat the opioid epidemic. Medical professionals say her guidance of the Department of Health these last several weeks amid the coronavirus outbreak has been led with calm expertise - at times widely outpacing the efforts of the federal government. Dr. Nirmal Joshi, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Mount Nittany Health System, said Levines department has at times been the only source of guidance for medical professionals. The Department of Health is the only agency up until a week ago where we could get tests done, he said. Even now both in guidance and testing it is still the fastest way. On Monday afternoon, Joshi was still waiting for the results of tests submitted eight days to a commercial lab. Federal officials on Tuesday told The Washington Post that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had moved too slowly to tap into the expertise of academia and private companies. Levine, added Joshi, swiftly set the tone for how state health officials are responding to queries from health professionals on the ground. In terms of their response, I think it has been outstanding, he said. Theyve done an absolutely fantastic job despite significant difficulties with resources. Ive been extremely happy with the quality of support. Last week, as the number of coronavirus cases in the state continued on rising, Levine gave providers the ability to test residents as they felt necessary, without state permission. Shes been leading Her approach on the podium at daily briefings has been one of measured steadiness. In her early career, Levine distinguished herself in the field of teen health and eating disorders at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. She was also recognized as an ardent advocate and representative of the LGBT community at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. In 2015, when Wolf named her to his cabinet, Levine made history by becoming the highest-ranked transgender state official. I think she has been a steady, calming voice with accurate information and a compassionate approach that I think is really helpful at a time when people are frightened," said Rep. Dan Frankel, the Democratic chairman of the House Health Committee. "I think she has done an extraordinary job, which is no surprise to me. Frankel said Levine has been an antidote to the relatively confusing information out of Washington in the last few weeks. Shes been able to provide the alternative view about how serious this is and how Pennsylvanians need to address it, he said. Shes been leading. Levine, a graduate from Harvard College and the Tulane University School of Medicine, has ordered staff to be readily available around the clock. Weve been able to reach out on weekends and at night, Joshi said. In one incident, I personally dealt with a person under investigation and when I needed a test, within a few hours I had three people on the phone with me. That included two epidemiologists and a physician who discussed the case with me. We shipped the test that night and by the next morning, we had the test back. Ive been delighted. Ive not worked with a government agency thats had such a quick response. People need to stay calm Levine has attributed falling overdose rates in some Pennsylvania counties to such efforts as making overdose reversal drugs like naloxone more available. More overdose survivors are getting treatment as a result of state-driven efforts, she said. A year ago, Pennsylvania established an Opioid Command Center to coordinate the work of 16 state agencies in position to impact the opioid crisis. Among a slew of initiatives, Levine in 2018 issued a standing order allowing EMS to leave behind more than 620 doses of naloxone. Earlier this year, she issued a standing order prescription for naloxone, allowing any Pennsylvanian to get the overdose reversal drug at a pharmacy for anyone who may need it. Joshi said Levines approach to the coronavirus response stands in contrast to the federal response. Thats particularly so, he added, with regards to the federal lag in terms of getting tests out to local authorities. I think theres still a lag, Joshi said. Its not about doing a good job or a poor job. At a time when we have a public health crisis its so easy to begin criticizing government agencies. But this is the time to rally and give them some kudos for the really marvelous job they are doing in the face of limited resources. The number of cases in Pennsylvania is going to continue to grow, Levine has said. At a press briefing Wednesday, Levine said state officials are working with hospitals to deal with the likely surge of patients. Levine on Wednesday said she was very pleased with the way Pennsylvania residents were responding to the crisis and heeding advice from health officials. Its important to message... to really thread the needle...that people need to stay calm, Levine said. We need to prepare for the likelihood of community spread of Covid-19. We are working to mitigate that....but at the same time prepare for it. My message for everyone in Pennsylvania is to stay calm, stay safe and stay home. READ MORE Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 16:43 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bef9b0 1 Politics house-of-representatives,puan-maharani,Jokowi-administration,COVID-19,coronavirus,outbreak,rapid-response-team Free The House of Representatives has called on the governments COVID-19 rapid response team to work faster, saying that the teams effort to accelerate the pandemic handling was not yet apparent. House Speaker Puan Maharani said on Thursday that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodos administration should take further and faster steps as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to grow. As of Thursday, the government has confirmed 309 COVID-19 positive cases. At least 25 have died from the disease, while 15 have recovered. "The government must provide a massive number of test kits and deploy medical workers to public health service points," said Puan, who once served as coordinating human development and culture minister. Reports had surfaced about suspected COVID-19 patients having to wait for a long time to get tested for the disease, as referral hospitals faced increasing strains. Only 12 laboratories are permitted to administer tests, as stipulated in a recently issued health ministerial decree. Health authorities are mulling a plan to provide rapid COVID-19 tests across the country. However, it is still unclear on when the rapid test kits will be available. Unlike swab tests that require throat and nasal samples, rapid tests only check blood serum; allowing the test to be done at all health laboratories. Once the rapid tests are available, anyone in the country can undergo the test regardless of whether they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician also called on the government to provide free masks and hand sanitizer, prepare sterilization booths in public places and provide more information on areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases and available health services. Apart from handling the pandemic, the government should immediately set an affirmative policy to mitigate its impact on the economy, especially the poor, Puan went on to say. NasDem Party lawmaker Willy Aditya suggested the government take extraordinary steps and raise public awareness on the pandemic, as many people were still unaware its dangers. "Thats why there are still many people holding events, including religious gatherings, despite government advice, the member of House Commission I overseeing defense said. He referred to an ordination Mass for the new bishop of Ruteng in Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, which was held and attended by hundreds of people on Thursday despite authorities requests to cancel it. Willy demanded the government work with community and religious leaders to raise awareness among the public. "Mobilize the government network and build cooperation. Raise public awareness that this is not about being brave or afraid of the virus, but about loving others, especially the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Herman Hery, chairman of House Commission III overseeing legal affairs, demanded the National Police to evaluate all permits for mass gatherings. "I appreciate Doni Monardo [rapid-response team leader] who has been proactive in overseeing public activities that have the potential to become a place for the virus transmission. [] The police should further communicate with the people in suspending events involving large crowds, the PDI-P politician said. Its a toast to home-bound happy hour for Houstonians who can now get their favorite cocktail from some of the top restaurants in Houston. In an effort to help defray the financial hardship caused by COVID-19, Governor Greg Abbott issued a waiver Wednesday night allowing restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with food purchases. If you order food from a Houston restaurant, you can also order beer, wine or cocktails from restaurants with mixed beverage permits. The coronavirus pandemic has changed life on Earth dramatically over the last several months. Countries have completely closed their borders, businesses have shuttered, schools have emptied, and major cities have turned into ghost towns as millions self-quarantine in their homes to help reduce the spread of the disease. But one thing that hasn't changed in the U.S. is that with the return of spring comes a spike in severe weather, and in turn, an increase in tornadoes. Many communities across the country, especially those in Tornado Alley, are now grappling with how to utilize traditional public safety techniques in a world in which social distancing is the new normal. Despite restrictions on public gatherings of 10 people or more, officials in Springfield-Greene County, Missouri, are encouraging local residents to adhere to any severe storm warnings and utilize community storm shelters as needed. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP In a statement issued Wednesday, March 18, Larry Woods, director of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, said officials want citizens of Springfield and Greene County to know that personal safety is important and "use the community shelters that we are fortunate to have." "Social distancing is important in this time, but please heed the warnings regarding severe weather," Woods said. "We would encourage property managers, as well, to continue to make their safe rooms and shelters available to their residents." The county has seven Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shelters, six of which are located in a Springfield Public School. Alabama-based Meteorologist James Spann of ABC33/40 in Birmingham is no stranger to covering major severe weather events. Spann said residents should check with their local emergency management agency "to be sure the shelter you normally use is open." "And first priority is being in a safe place during a tornado warning," he said on Twitter. Story continues "Do 'social distancing' as best as possible," Spann said prior to a severe weather event on March 24. Severe Weather Missouri This still image taken from video provided by Chris Higgins shows a tornado in Carl Junction, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. The tornado caused damage in the town about 4 miles (6.44 kilometers) north of the Joplin Airport. AccuWeather Meteorologist Tom Bedard, a volunteer firefighter and EMT who regularly works with emergency management officials, said residents who own a tornado shelter should clean the shelter out immediately and make sure they are stocked with blankets, helmets and backpacks with some clothes, necessities, and first aid equipment. For those without a shelter, he recommended communicating with friends and neighbors to identify if someone can shelter with them. "Have that conversation now and be at their house well before a tornado warning is issued," Bedard said. If you can't make it to a shelter or a family or friend's residence, AccuWeather Meteorologist and Emergency Preparedness Specialist Becky DePodwin, said residents should take cover in bathrooms with no exterior walls, stairwells or a basement. ["The] main point is to put as many walls between you and the exterior walls," she said. In the event that a tornado outbreak occurs and homes are lost, people could be forced to stay in shelters for an extended period. In such a scenario, DePodwin and Bedard, both of whom advise AccuWeather for Business clients on safety matters, say to make sure that you have a three-day supply of clothes and necessities in a backpack so that you can take it to a recovery shelter if needed. They also stressed following local guidance on how to inform the shelter manager if you're sick prior to arrival. "Be extremely mindful of your hygiene while in the shelter. Cough and sneeze into a cloth or into your elbow, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands as frequently as resources allow," Bedard said. In some cases, children who are old enough may have to shelter on their own, particularly if their parent or guardian doesn't have the option to work from home. Bedard said parents should talk to their children about when they should shelter as well as practice sheltering procedures. DePodwin added that parents should ensure kids have access to life-saving alerts. There are several ways to receive this information including via a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, being tuned into the local TV station or having the free AccuWeather app installed on a smartphone. The AccuWeather app has been proven the fastest at disseminating government-issued weather advisories -- but users need to ensure that severe weather alerts are turned on in the settings and the phone volume is turned up. Communicating with family members is essential too. "Talk with your children about the difference between a tornado watch, a tornado warning, and a severe thunderstorm warning, and that a tornado warning means take action immediately," DePodwin added. Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. -- Actress Thandie Newton only became a star by accident. She didnt study drama at school and was sent from Cornwall to an audition for the 1991 film Flirting because she was the only black girl in the school, and was just happy to get a free trip to London.ewtons first reading for the director did not go well. I did it really badly, because I didnt know what acting was... he was just flabbergasted by how s**t it was, the actor tells the WTF podcast. She then worked out Oh, you want me to lie... then it was a whole new deal as, my God, I could lie well. A useful life skill to have. -- The vote Johnston couldnt count on Rachel Johnson found out how hard politics was while standing for Change UK as an MEP last year. Johnson had been out to vote for herself and thought shed been successful but it wasnt to be, she writes in the new memoir of her brief political career. When I got home, I found the counterpart of the form, the signature and date-of-birth declaration she recalls.My vote was invalid without it. I almost burst into tears. I was so hopeless I couldnt even get ME to vote for me! Her PM brother Boris was set to attend the books launch tonight but it has been cancelled. -- Glastonburys most famous political fan, Tom Watson, is gutted about its cancellation. Its the best music festival in the world. I hope musicians will be ready to serenade us as soon as the crisis is over. They will need the Chancellors support to do that. He adds: Heres to dad dancing at the silent disco in 2021. -- Conservative commentator Laura Perrins has been criticised for her The Conservative Woman blog in which she says she would rather die as a free citizen than cower like a dog in a kennel and pledges to keep going outside. The website represents the philosophy not the party but counts Tory grandees David Davis and Liam Fox among its contributors. Someone didnt get the memo. Home but never alone Famous faces continue to find glamorous ways to deal with quarantine. Supermodel Claudia Schiffer elegantly whiled away the hours inside with a game of backgammon, while over in LA Kate Beckinsale used a trampoline to work out. Presenter Lisa Snowdon got comfy, and Labour MP Stella Creasy posted a cute picture of herself in matching camouflage with her daughter Hettie. Artist Damien Hirst, meanwhile, looked like he meant business while preparing to work in the studio. SW1A Margaret Hodge MP has called on Jeremy Corbyn to stop doing PMQs. Hodge, 75, has already self-isolated and has asked her 70-year-old leader to do the same and lead by example. Speaking to the New Statesman, the long-time Corbyn critic couldnt resist adding: Theres plenty of really talented people who would do a good job. Plus ca change... -- Meanwhile, in the other place, Baroness Joan Bakewell tells the BBC: I did get a message circulated to the Labour benches, which was, Please sit as far from each other as you can. Surely MLuds need to be at home? -- The Secret Barrister takes Justice Secretary Robert Buckland to task for cancelling his own constituency surgeries while telling us that three-quarters of crown court trials have to continue in our filthy unsanitary courts. That concludes the case for the prosecution. -- Quote of the day Nathan Huseman received his graduation announcements in the mail, and for a few moments, he had hope. Hed been sure that his graduation ceremony from the University of Texas at San Antonio would be canceled amid the growing coronavirus pandemic, and hed been mentally preparing himself and his mother, who he said was more excited than he was. Huseman, 25, felt his optimism reignite as he read the words magna cum laude Tuesday afternoon and reflected on his years of hard work to graduate with honors. But within the hour, he saw on Twitter that the UT System was postponing spring graduation ceremonies at all its academic institutions. Other local universities have followed or have said theyre considering it. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio universities accelerate closures; UT System to postpone graduation ceremonies I was looking forward to graduation more than Ive looked forward to anything in my life ever, Huseman wrote on Twitter. I know there are more pressing matters in life right now. But man this sucks. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy confirmed the bad news in an email to about 4,000 graduating seniors. On Thursday, Texas A&M University-San Antonio President Cynthia Teniente-Matson informed her students that their graduation ceremony also will be postponed, likely all the way to September, affecting about 1,000 grads. Texas State University President Denise Trauth told students that their spring commencements would be delayed to Aug. 6 and 8. Our Lady of the Lake University President Diane Melby said its spring graduate class would walk the stage in a large ceremony combined with fall graduates Dec. 10. Graduates will still receive their diplomas on time, the presidents said. I like to think that if theres a bright side to the several months youll have to wait for your well-deserved Commencement ceremony, its that the postponement gives us additional time to make it extra special, Teniente-Matson wrote in a message to students. Im personally looking forward to sharing that day with you, your families and your friends. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases If Huseman was disappointed, his mother was devastated. Huseman is the first on either side of his family to graduate from college. Her reaction it broke my heart. She was in tears the moment I even told her it was a possibility, he said. His parents and younger brother would be traveling from his native Alaska, as would his grandmother, who is in her 70s and lives in Seattle. The graduation ceremony would attract hundreds of grandparents in the age group that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said is most at risk of the coronavirus. I know its not fair, but its the right thing to do, he told his mom. Huseman plans on staying in San Antonio after graduation he said he fell in love with the city and wants to walk the stage whenever the ceremony is held. But whether his family will make the trip will depend on when it takes place. Hes bracing for the possibility that they wont be able to attend. Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox Huseman still wants to go through all the motions he wants to dress up in his cap and gown and take graduation photos. He wants to send out all those announcements he just got. While staying home this weekend, Huseman plans to write notes to his family members whom hell send the announcements to. I want to enjoy the process as naturally as I can. Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva The next time you eat sashimi, nigiri or other forms of raw fish, consider doing a quick check for worms. A new study led by the University of Washington finds dramatic increases in the abundance of a worm that can be transmitted to humans who eat raw or undercooked seafood. Its 283-fold increase in abundance since the 1970s could have implications for the health of humans and marine mammals, which both can inadvertently eat the worm. Thousands of papers have looked at the abundance of this parasitic worm, known as Anisakis or "herring worm," in particular places and at particular times. But this is the first study to combine the results of those papers to investigate how the global abundance of these worms has changed through time. The findings were published March 19 in the journal Global Change Biology. "This study harnesses the power of many studies together to show a global picture of change over a nearly four-decade period," said corresponding author Chelsea Wood, an assistant professor in the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. "It's interesting because it shows how risks to both humans and marine mammals are changing over time. That's important to know from a public health standpoint, and for understanding what's going on with marine mammal populations that aren't thriving." Despite their name, herring worms can be found in a variety of marine fish and squid species. When people eat live herring worms, the parasite can invade the intestinal wall and cause symptoms that mimic those of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, the worm dies after a few days and the symptoms disappear. This disease, called anisakiasis or anisakidosis, is rarely diagnosed because most people assume they merely suffered a bad case of food poisoning, Wood explained. After the worms hatch in the ocean, they first infect small crustaceans, such as bottom-dwelling shrimp or copepods. When small fish eat the infected crustaceans, the worms then transfer to their bodies, and this continues as larger fish eat smaller infected fish. Humans and marine mammals become infected when they eat a fish that contains worms. The worms can't reproduce or live for more than a few days in a human's intestine, but they can persist and reproduce in marine mammals. Seafood processors and sushi chefs are well-practiced at spotting the worms in fish and picking them out before they reach customers in grocery stores, seafood markets or sushi bars, Wood explained. The worms can be up to 2 centimeters in length, or about the size of a U.S. 5-cent nickel. "At every stage of seafood processing and sushi preparation, people are good at finding worms and removing them from fish," Wood said. Some worms can make it past these screening steps. Still, Wood -- who studies a range of marine parasites -- said she enjoys eating sushi regularly. For sushi consumers who remain concerned about these worms, she recommends cutting each piece in half and looking for worms before eating it. For the analysis, the study's authors searched the published literature archived online for all mentions of Anisakis worms, as well as another parasitic worm called Pseudoterranova, or "cod worm." They whittled down the studies based on set criteria, ultimately keeping only those studies that presented estimates of the abundance of each worm in fish at a given point in time. While Anisakis worms increased 283-fold over the study period of 1978 to 2015, Pseudoterranova worms did not change in abundance. Although the health risks of these marine worms are fairly low for humans, scientists think they may be having a big impact on marine mammals such as dolphins, whales and seals. The worms actually reproduce in the intestines of these animals and are released into the ocean via the marine mammals' feces. While scientists don't yet know the physiological impacts of these parasites on marine mammals, the parasites can live in the mammals' bodies for years, which could have detrimental effects, Wood said. "One of the important implications of this study is that now we know there is this massive, rising health risk to marine mammals," Wood said. "It's not often considered that parasites might be the reason that some marine mammal populations are failing to bounce back. I hope this study encourages people to look at intestinal parasites as a potential cap on the population growth of endangered and threatened marine mammals." The authors aren't sure what caused the large increase of Anisakis worms over the past several decades, but climate change, more nutrients from fertilizers and runoff, and an increase in marine mammal populations over the same period could all be potential reasons, they said. Marine mammals have been protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972, which has allowed many populations of seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins to grow. Because the worms reproduce inside marine mammals -- and their rise occurred over the same time period as the mammals' increase -- this is the most plausible hypothesis, Wood said. "It's possible that the recovery of some marine mammal populations has allowed recovery of their Anisakis parasites." Wood said. "So, the increase in parasitic worms actually could be a good thing, a sign that the ecosystem is doing well. But, ironically, if one marine mammal population increases in response to protection and its Anisakis parasites profit from that increase, it could put other, more vulnearble marine mammal populations at risk of increased infection, and that could make it even more difficult for these endangered populations to recover." ### Other co-authors are Evan Fiorenza, who completed the work as a UW graduate student; Catrin Wendt, a graduate student in the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences; Katie Dobkowski of Bates College; Teri King of Washington Sea Grant; Marguerite Pappaioanou and Peter Rabinowitz of the UW School of Public Health's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences; and Jameal Samhouri of NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center. This study was funded by Washington Sea Grant, the National Science Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the University of Washington. For more information, contact Wood at chelwood@uw.edu or +1-831-324-3076. Photos available for download: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mYokKOGyhQxKntSnogcm_ZFSzLMK-aB7?usp=sharing (If link doesn't work, copy and paste into a browser) HMD Global was supposed to launch new handsets at this years Mobile World Congress. But, like many global conferences, this one was also canceled as a precaution for the ongoing Coronavirus epidemic. The company had later announced that it would host a launch event in London on March 19, but considering the situation, it is now resorting to an online launch event that will be live-streamed on YouTube. Several devices are expected to launch under the Nokia brand some of which are rumoured to include the Nokia 8.2, Nokia 5.3 and the Nokia 1.3. The launch will begin at 10PM IST (4PM GMT) and you can catch the live stream below: From what we have heard, the Nokia 8.2 will be a successor to the Nokia 7.2. It is expected to be the companys first 5G smartphone, which means that it could be powered by the Snapdragon 765 SoC. Other expected features include either a pOLED or LCD display, a 32-megapixel pop-up selfie camera, and the rear camera setup could include a round camera module like the Nokia 7.2 but with four cameras. It is also tipped to include a 3,500mAh battery along with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The smartphone is expected to launch for EUR 459 (Rs 36,000 approx). The Nokia 5.3 would be more of a budget offering featuring a 6.55-inch display while a recent Geekbench listing suggests that the phone will come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660/665 processor. It is rumoured to have 3GB and 4GB RAM options and up to 64GB of storage and a 4,000mah battery. The phone is also expected to feature a quad-camera setup include a 16-megapixel, a 5-megapixel, and two 8-megapixel sensors while the front camera will also include an 8-megapixel sensor. Like most Nokia phones, it is expected to be under the Android One program. The expected starting pricing of the Nokia 5.3 is EUR 169 (Rs 13,500 approx). The Nokia 1.3 will be an entry-level smartphone with a waterdrop notch display. It is also going to feature 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel selfie camera along with an LED flash module. It is said to come with a similar design language as the Nokia 2.3, and could be powered by a MediaTek processor. The Nokia 1.3 is expected to launch at a starting price of EUR 79 (Rs 6,500 approx). As global cases of coronavirus rise to more than 200,000, scientists around the world are working desperately to find a vaccine. Now, a team of scientists at the University of Southampton have joined the race. They believe that an inhaled drug called SNG001, which can help those with chronic lung disease fend off viruses, might do the same for Covid-19. Current treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness, and advice from the NHS says that people should take paracetamol to relieve symptoms, unless they have been told by doctors not to. The Southampton-based researchers are soon to begin clinical trials with SNG001 as early as next week. It was developed to prevent severe lower respiratory tract illness caused by cold and flu infections when they spread to the lungs. Scientists at the University of Southampton (including Dr Karl Staples, pictured) believe that an inhaled drug called SNG001, which can help those with chronic lung disease fend off viruses, might do the same for Covid-19 The trial - led by Tom Wilkinson (above), professor of respiratory medicine in the faculty of medicine and a consultant in respiratory medicine at University Hospital Southampton - will involve 100 patients at Southampton and up to ten other NHS hospitals Phase II clinical trials in asthmatic patients have previously shown that the drug is well tolerated, enhances the lungs' antiviral defences and improves lung function during cold or flu infection. The trial - led by Tom Wilkinson, professor of respiratory medicine in the faculty of medicine and a consultant in respiratory medicine at University Hospital Southampton - will involve 100 patients at Southampton and up to ten other NHS hospitals. Prof Wilkinson told the Daily Express: 'The science definitely adds up. We're learning a lot about the pandemic every day. 'But that's why we need to do this study, to understand whether the drug does work.' Participants will receive the current Covid-19 care, while inhaling either a placebo or SNG001 - a special formulation of the naturally occurring antiviral protein interferon beta 1a (IFN-beta) - for 14 days. Prof said: 'Covid-19 is presenting a major challenge to vulnerable patients, the health service and wider society. While a vaccine will be key, that could some time away. 'Right now we need effective frontline treatments to give doctors the tools to treat the most vulnerable and to help patients recover quickly as the pressure on health systems mounts.' The pandemic has seen eerily empty streets in London. Above, Westminster Bridge yesterday A commuter wears a mask as a precaution while travelling on the London Underground on Wednesday The trial will be undertaken with Synairgen, a drug development company founded by University of Southampton professors Stephen Holgate, Donna Davies and Ratko Djukanovic. Richard Marsden, chief executive of of Synairgen, added: 'We have worked intensively with the relevant authorities and collaborators to enable SNG001 to be assessed in Covid-19 patients. 'A successful outcome from this trial in Covid-19 patients would be a major breakthrough in the fight against this coronavirus pandemic.' Prof Ian Hall, professor of molecular medicine, University of Nottingham, said: 'The Synairgen trial, which has been given expedited approval by the regulatory authorities, involves administering a drug called interferon beta, which is a molecule which forms part of the lungs' own defence mechanism to fight off viruses. 'The idea behind the trial is that by giving more of this molecule to the lung, this could help reduce the severity of infection with Covid-19, especially in those people who have reduced immune responses to the virus.' Researchers across the world are working on developing various specific medications to treat Covid-19. This includes treatments such as Chloroquine which is usually used to treat malaria, and Remdesivir which is a potent antiviral in current development as an anti-Ebola virus treatment. The world is "at war" with a virus, which if allowed to "spread like wildfire" would kill millions of people, UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Thursday and called for a coordinated, decisive and innovative policy action from the world's leading economies to combat the pandemic. "We are facing a global health crisis unlike any in the 75-year history of the United Nations one that is spreading human suffering, infecting the global economy and upending people's lives," Guterres said in a first of its kind virtual press conference on the COVID-2019 pandemic. Warning that a global recession of record dimensions is "a near certainty", the UN Secretary General cited International Labour Organisation estimates that workers around the world could lose as much as USD 3.4 trillion in income by the end of this year. "It has been proven that the virus can be contained. It must be contained. If we let the virus spread like wildfire especially in the most vulnerable regions of the world -- it would kill millions of people," he said. The coronavirus pandemic has sickened more than 210,300 people in at least 145 countries and as of Wednesday evening, at least 8,809 people have died, more than half of them outside China, where the epidemic first began in the city of Wuhan. Guterres stressed that current responses at the country level will not address the global scale and complexity of the crisis and called for a coordinated, decisive, and innovative policy action from the world's leading economies. Welcoming the decision by G20 leaders to convene an emergency summit next week to respond to the epic challenges posed by the pandemic, he said the world is in an unprecedented situation and the normal rules no longer apply. "We cannot resort to the usual tools in such unusual times. The creativity of the response must match the unique nature of the crisis and the magnitude of the response must match its scale. Our world faces a common enemy. We are at war with a virus," he said. Guterres, however, noted that if the coordinated global action is done right, "we can steer the recovery toward a more sustainable and inclusive path. But poorly coordinated policies risk locking in -- or even worsening -- already unsustainable inequalities, reversing hard-won development gains and poverty reduction". Calling on world leaders to come together and offer an urgent and coordinated response to this global crisis, Guterres underlined three critical areas for action -- tackling the health emergency, focus on the social impact and economic response and recovery and refrain from the temptation of resorting to protectionism. He said there is an immediate need to move away from a situation where each country is undertaking its own health strategies to one that ensures, in full transparency, a coordinated global response, including helping countries that are less prepared to tackle the crisis. "Governments must give the strongest support to the multilateral effort to fight the virus, led by the World Health Organisation, whose appeals must be fully met," he said. Emphasising that the coronavirus pandemic is unlike the 2008 financial crisis and injecting capital in the financial sector alone will not be the answer, Guterres said, "This is not a banking crisis indeed banks must be part of the solution. And it is not an ordinary shock in supply and demand; it is a shock to society as a whole." He said this is essentially a human crisis and called for wage support, insurance, social protection, preventing bankruptcies and job loss. "We need to get resources directly in the hands of people. A number of countries are taking up social protection initiatives such as cash transfers and universal income," the UN chief said. He said children are also paying a heavy price. More than 800 million children are out of school right now and many of them rely on schools to provide their only meal. "We must ensure that all children have access to food and equal access to learning bridging the digital divide and reducing the costs of connectivity. We must ensure that lessons are learned and that this crisis provides a watershed moment for health emergency preparedness and for investment in critical 21st century public services and the effective delivery of global public goods," Guterres said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HOUSTON -- A study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated acceptable toxicity and anti-tumor activity in patients with four types of advanced, hard-to-treat rare cancers. Study findings were published in the March 17 online issue of the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. The open-label, Phase II study followed 127 patients who had advanced rare cancers: squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (cSCC), carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP), adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), and paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma. Patients received 200 milligrams of the immunotherapy treatment pembrolizumab administered every three weeks between August 2016 and July 2018. All patients had tumors that had progressed on standard therapies. "Our findings that pembrolizumab has a favorable toxicity profile and anti-tumor activity in patients with these rare cancers supports further evaluation in these populations," said Aung Naing, M.D., associate professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics. "Finding solutions for treatment is vital given that patients with advanced rare cancers have poor prognosis and few treatment options." Rare cancers are defined by the American Cancer Society as those with an incidence of fewer than six cases per 100,000 people per year. CUP is a type of cancer in which the primary cancer site is not always known, but has spread to other areas within the body, while ACC occurs when malignant cells form in the outer layer of the adrenal glands. Paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma are tumors formed in nerve-like cells near the adrenal glands (pheochromocytomas) and near blood vessels or nerves in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. cSCC is the second most common type of skin cancer and is treatable in early stages, but harder to treat if in advanced stages. The primary objective of the study was to find the proportion of patients who were alive and progression-free (non-progression rate) at 27 weeks on treatment with pembrolizumab. The median non-progression rate at that time was 28% for 127 patients with advanced rare cancers. Complete response, partial response or stable disease after four months was observed in 38% of the patients. Non-progression rates for each cancer group were: 36% for cSCC, 33% for CUP, 31% for ACC, and 43% for paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 52% of patients, with the most common side effects being fatigue and rash, with six deaths reported that were unrelated to treatment. "Studies such as this one are key since rare cancers collectively accounted for 13% of all new cancer diagnoses and 25% of all cancer-related deaths in adults in 2017," said Naing. "The five-year survival rate is 15% to 20% lower than for more common cancers. The poor outcomes associated with rare cancers have been attributed to difficulty or delay in diagnosis, limited access to centers with expertise such as MD Anderson, and limited therapeutic options." Naing added that, despite the significant burden and aggressive nature of these diseases, research that could lead to development and approval of new therapies are few. However, MD Anderson has the patient volume and research resources that uniquely positions its researchers to conduct this work. "Findings from our study support further investigation to confirm the clinical activity of pembrolizumab in advanced rare cancers, and to identify immune signatures predictive of response to treatment,"said Naing. ### MD Anderson study team participants included Funda Meric-Bernstam, M.D.; Bettzy Stephen, M.B.B.S.; Daniel Karp, M.D.; Jordi Rodon Ahnert, M.D.; Sarina Piha-Paul, M.D.; Saria Khan; Jeane Painter, Ph.D.; Abdulrahman Abonofal, M.D.; Jing Gong, M.D.; Anas Alshawa, M.D.; Lacey McQuinn; Mingxuan Xu, Ph.D.; Vivek Subbiah, M.D.; David Hong, M.D.; Shubham Pant, M.D.; Timothy Yap, M.D.; Apostolia Tsimberidou, M.D.; Ecaterina Ileana Dumbrava, M.D.; Filip Janku, M.D.; and Siqing Fu, M.D., all of the Department of Investigational Therapeutics; Rivka Colen, M.D.; and Sara Ahmed, M.D., of the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging; Camilo Jimenez, M.D.; and Mouhammed Habra, M.D., of the Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders; Kanwal Raghav, M.D.; and Gauri Varadhachary, M.D., of the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology; Renata Ferrarotto, M.D., of the Department of Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology; Shi-Ming Tu, M.D.; Matthew Campbell, M.D.; and Nizar Tannir, M.D., of the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology; Linghua Wang, Ph.D., of the Department of Genomic Medicine; Sharjeel Sabir, M.D., of the Department of Interventional Radiology; Coya Tapia, M.D., of the Department of Translational Molecular Pathology; Chantale Bernatchez, Ph.D., of the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology; Michael Frumovitz, M.D., of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine; Vinod Ravi, M.D., of the Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology; and Kenneth Hess, Ph.D., of the Department of Biostatistics. Other participating institutions included Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and R. Simon Consulting, Potomac, Md. Mercke Sharp &Dohme Corp, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.; the National Institutes of Health (P30CA016672) and MD Anderson's Molecular Evaluation and/or Biopsy Related Support Program funded the study. Naing reports research support and non-financial support from Mercke Sharp & Dohme Corp. About MD Anderson The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The institution's sole mission is to end cancer for patients and their families around the world. MD Anderson is one of only 51 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). MD Anderson is ranked No.1 for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" survey. It has ranked as one of the nation's top two hospitals for cancer care since the survey began in 1990, and has ranked first 15 times in the last 18 years. MD Anderson receives a cancer center support grant from the NCI of the National Institutes of Health (P30 CA016672). It doesnt appear likely that Mobile will get widespread coronavirus testing in the near future, and that appears to have created some tension between the citys top elected official and its top public health officer. That picture emerged in a series of back-and-forth press conferences on Wednesday, after Mobile Countys health officer, Dr. Bernard Eichold II, ordered a one-week shutdown of on-premise service at restaurants, bars and most other food service establishments, effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The order also prohibits visitors and non-essential health care personnel at nursing homes and long-term care facilities; requires senior centers to close to all gatherings; and calls for a shutdown of daycare facilities and schools with more than 12 person. Eicholds order cites his authority under section 22-3-5(2) of the Code of Alabama of 1975. This is the same section cited Tuesday by State Health Officer Scott Harris in his very similar order applying to Blount, Saint Clair, Shelby, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties. Mobile County Health Department Epidemiologist Rendi Murphree, who also is director of the MCHDs Bureau of Disease Surveillance and Environmental Services, fielded numerous questions about testing at a 2:30 p.m. media update session. She said the MCHD had been ready and willing to offer testing, but wouldnt be able to until federal authorities supplied test kits. Part of the issue with testing is that the testing materials are in rather short supply, and most of those materials are being diverted to areas of the United States that need the most testing, Murphree said. Would we like to have limitless testing? Absolutely. She said that local health care institutions have been conserving their limited supplies of test kits for the patients most in need of acute care. The health department still hoped to open its own testing location at some point. We still have the plans, we still have everything in place. If our orders are filled at some point, we may be able to open that, she said. But were not able to do that at this time and not in the foreseeable -- not in the next week or 10 days, I dont think. Murphree later said it could be well into April before the department could offer testing. I hope that tomorrow or Friday we have better news than that, she said. We just cant say at this point because, again, I heard on a federal call that orders that had been placed by states and many other jurisdictions had been canceled by the federal government and those supplies diverted to the Strategic National Stockpile. Next up was Mayor Sandy Stimpson, who gave his daily update on coronavirus measures at 3:30 p.m. The MCHD had indicated that Eichold would take part, but he did not. The mayor indicated he wasnt wild about the restaurant shutdown. As we work our way through the situation where we are, we have to be supportive of each other, Stimpson said. So, Dr. Eichold has the authority to do what he did. That is not what I would have done. And I will leave it at that. Stimpson said the lack of at-will testing was a problem. The biggest challenge we face right now is the number of tests that we need, he said. We have so many citizens that want to be tested and the tests arent available. The citys not responsible for those, for the procurement of those tests, but that is the biggest challenge if you listen to the heads of the hospitals. We cant do it without the testing equipment, and that comes back to the Mobile County Board of Health." He said the city was willing to support testing stations but weve got to get the tests in the city of Mobile first. There is a, I would say, a conversation or a battle going on to get the test kits, Stimpson said. And other places are getting test kits and Mobile is not getting them, and I just wonder if its being expressed that we need them. Thats my concern My hope is that Dr. Eichold understands that hes the point person on that and will make it happen. Stimpson theorized that private-sector labs might be the first to provide widespread testing in Mobile, and speculated that could come within the next two weeks. Eichold followed with his own press conference at 5 p.m. He downplayed any difference of opinion and said a miscommunication had led to the expectation he would be part of Stimpsons presentation. The mayor is a great person, and a great leader of our community, Eichold said. We can disagree about how to handle this particular situation." As for his order on restaurants, he said, I went and conferenced with the health officer of Jefferson County, the state health officer, physicians with various hospitals, and at this point in time its the right thing to do. Its not easy to make this decision, but I think its the right one to do right now. The mayor has his opinion, said Eichold. The mayors trained as an engineer, the mayor is a duly elected representative of the community and I respect his opinion on things, but this is a health issue and so were dealing with it on the best science we have available, in conjunction with other physicians around the state and the Alabama Department of Public Health.' As for testing, Eichold said, The reason we are not doing more testing is we dont have personal protective equipment and we do not have the kits. Those are controlled by the federal government. We still dont have enough of the kits to do mass testing. When will that change? I will tell you, that is a question that has to be presented to FEMA, whos in charge of the Strategic National Stockpile," Eichold said. "We were ready to set up and do testing Monday, had we had PPE and had we had test kits. Its not a lack of desire or will on the Mobile County Health Department or the Alabama Department of Public Health.' Eichold said that while Mobile County has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number in Alabama and in surrounding states is rapidly growing. He and Murphree both said its highly likely that the disease is being passed around within the county, even though no cases have been confirmed, and aggressive measures now may stifle its spread. The order is based on data, he said. We want to be very cautious. Were not waiting to have a case in Mobile County, he said. Id rather be more proactive to prevent the spread of this disease, if we can. Eichold said he hoped to smooth out communications with Stimpson. I dont think theres a disagreement, he said. I think we had some failures in adequate communication. We will work better with the mayors office as we go forward. ... We all need to get on the same sheet of music. But the F.D.A. has not approved any drugs for use in the treatment of coronavirus, and the drugs were already available, to treat malaria as well as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. To date, the F.D.A. has not added the coronavirus to the list of illnesses for which the drugs are specifically approved. Then again, doctors have been free to use both old malaria drugs for any purpose deemed appropriate. At the briefing on Thursday, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, who has been the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration for only three months, tended to walk back some of the presidents more inflated predictions that these drugs might vanquish the virus altogether. He said Mr. Trump had asked the agency to look into chloroquine to fight the coronavirus, and that it was setting up a large clinical trial to evaluate the drug. Some hospitals in the United States have already begun using the drugs for coronavirus patients, apparently reasoning that they may help and are unlikely to do harm. They are cheap and relatively safe. Laboratory studies have found that they prevent the coronavirus from invading cells, suggesting that the drugs could help prevent or limit the infection. Not everyone can take the drugs: They are not safe for people who suffer from heart arrhythmia, or those with impaired kidneys or liver. The University of Minnesota is conducting a study in which people who live with a coronavirus patient are being given hydroxychloroquine to find out if it can prevent the infection. Dr. Hahn also said that the agency was allowing sick patients to use remdesivir, the not-yet-approved antiviral drug made by Gilead. Such so-called compassionate use programs allow patients to take unapproved, experimental drugs if they have no other options. - R&D in PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies for prevention of cardiovascular diseases in high-risk patients strengthens revenue potential in cholesterol lowering drugs market - Strategic agreements notably in Europe will help players bolster their cardiovascular portfolio; personalized approach to gain traction ALBANY, New York, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing health burden of cardiovascular diseases worldwide particularly mortality coronary artery diseases stimulate drug makers to increase their stakes in cholesterol lowering drugs market. A new Transparency Market Research (TMR) study estimated the worth of the market to be ~US$ 29 bn in 2018. Growing number of new drugs, particularly PCSK9 inhibitors and nicotinic acid, has helped the global healthcare industry target patients who are high risk of cardiovascular events such as hypercholesterolemia. In coming years, clinical trials involving PCSK9 inhibitors will invigorate the drug pipelines. All these will propel the market clock a CAGR of ~3% during 2019-2027. Analysts at TMR opine that though statins witness wide acceptance in patients for lowering cholesterol, given the side effects healthcare companies need to move cautiously. Hence, players are stressing on the high safety profile of statins combined with Ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors to reduce LDL-C, and to boost drug tolerance in patients. Read Detailed TOC of the Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/28142 Key Takeaways in Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market Study Of all drug classes, statins and combination segment held the major share in 2018; the segment expected to continue retain its lead through 2027 Among the key drug classes, PCSK9 inhibitors to grow at promising rate year-over-year from 2019 to 2027; new approvals key to growth Of the various indications, hypercholesterolemia was the leasing segment in 2018; however, coronary artery diseases expected to attract more investments among drug makers Among the various distribution channels, retail pharmacies accounted for the major revenue in 2018; patients' preference attribute the segmental growth Regionally, North America led the market in 2018; it is likely to contribute the dominant share, attributed mainly to rising prescription of cholesterol lowering drugs led the market in 2018; it is likely to contribute the dominant share, attributed mainly to rising prescription of cholesterol lowering drugs Asia Pacific to witness a remarkably high growth during 2019 - 2027; large patient pool key to its evolution Explore 196 pages of top-notch research, incisive insights, and detailed country-level projections. Gain business intelligence on Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market (Drug Class: Statins & Combination, PCSK9 Inhibitors, Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors, and Others; Indication: Hypercholesterolemia, Coronary Artery Disease, and Higher Triglycerides; and Distribution Channel: Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2019 - 2027. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=28142 Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market: Key Driving Factors and Avenues The high risk of heart diseases is evident in the marked prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is a key driver for development of cholesterol lowering drugs pipeline. Some of the statistics that help the epidemiology of CVD are: Per an estimation by the WHO, CVD is leading cause of death globally with an estimated 17.7 million deaths in 2015. 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by CVD in the U.S. The markedly high prevalence of coronary artery diseases is one of the foremost drivers of the cholesterol lowering drugs market According to CDC, 18.2 million adults with age 20 years or more have coronary artery diseases; the prevalence of the disease is expected to rise with aging. Cholesterol lowering drugs occupy vital part in the management of cardiovascular events in patients. The prevalence of LDL cholesterol in patient population has also been a steady factor. Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market: Region-wise Analysis On the regional front, Asia Pacific is brimming with massive opportunities. This is due to the presence of vast patient pool. Further, the growing awareness of mortality arising out of bad cholesterol in the regional populations also bolster the prospects of cholesterol-lowering drugs. People with lifestyle-driven heart diseases has also risen, boosting the awareness. Further, rapidly aging populations in some of the countries also will contribute revenue stream to numerous global drug manufacturers. Analyze cholesterol lowering drugs market growth in 30+ countries including US, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, ASEAN Countries, Japan, India, China, and Japan. Request a sample of the study. Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market Competition Landscape Players in the cholesterol lowering drugs market are striving to develop alternatives to statins. Manufacturers are bolstering production capabilities to and harnessing the potential in bempedoic acid to unveil better drug formulations. Top players are leaning on obtaining approvals for bempedoic-induced drugs in Europe. In coming years, they will be focusing on unveiling oral cholesterol lowering drugs with better tolerability. Some of the drug companies looking to strengthen their stakes in the cholesterol lowering drugs market are Amgen Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, and Sanofi. These players are leaning on research and development of drugs approvals that can target specific indications. To this end, they are entering into partnerships and deals. The cholesterol lowering drugs market is segmented on the basis of: Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market, by Drug Class Statins & Combination PCSK9 Inhibitors Bile Acid Sequestrants Fibrates Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors Others Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market, by Indication Hypercholesterolemia Coronary Artery Disease Higher Triglycerides Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market, by Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Online Pharmacies Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market, by Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Australia & New Zealand & Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa & GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Healthcare industry: Precision Medicine Market - The standard solutions open in the market, routinely present the limitation of a 'one-size fits-all' approach, which may not be sensible for every individual in light of innate differences. Precision medicine is a reaction to this control. Exactness prescription is an absolutely new thought and development which has been getting vitality in the past scarcely any years, and in this way, has become a promising zone for business adventure for critical pharmaceutical associations. The interest for new medications for different illnesses is the explanation that the worldwide precision medicine market is developing quickly in the term of 2016 to 2024. Atherosclerosis Drugs Market - Despite the prevalence of diabetes and cholesterol among a wide patient pool, the atherosclerosis drugs market will move at a sluggish CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period, finds a recently published report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). Coronary Artery Disease Therapeutics Market - The global coronary artery disease therapeutics market is anticipate to expand in the near future. This is because of a surge in the demand of these therapeutics owing to the rising incidences of chronic disease across the globe. Coronary Artery Disease Therapeutics is procedure which include several techniques such as stem cells, nanotechnology and robotic surgery for the efficient treatment of Coronary Artery Disease. Gain access to Market Ngage, an AI-powered, real-time business intelligence that goes beyond the archaic research solutions to solve the complex strategy challenges that organizations face today. With over 15,000+ global and country-wise reports across 50,000+ application areas, Market Ngage is your tool for research on-the-go. From tracking new investment avenues to keeping a track of your competitor's moves, Market Ngage provides you with all the essential information to up your strategic game. Power your business with Market Ngage's actionable insights and remove the guesswork in making colossal decisions. About Us Transparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals. Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories. TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision." Contact: Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1085206/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg "The Ministry of Health regrets to report the sensitive death of the first patient due to COVID-19 infection," it said in an official statement. A 78-year-old man with a history of high blood pressure had entered the Air Force Hospital's ICU on March 17, following severe respiratory failure. He died today at 3:00 p.m. "On behalf of all Peruvians, we express our heartfelt condolences to the relatives (of the deceased person) at this moment of pain," it concluded. ??COMUNICADO | El #Minsa lamenta informar que, a las 15:00 horas de hoy, jueves 19 de marzo, se registro el primer fallecimiento por #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/sgC0nhk87b Islamabad, March 19 (IANS) Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country's bilateral trade with China will not stop amid the coronavirus pandemic, it was reported on Thursday. He made the remarks in an interview to China's state-run Global Times newspaper, reports The Express Tribune. While speaking about the impact of the pandemic on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Qureshi expressed hope saying that despite a temporary hindrance, the future of the multi-billion dollar project was very bright not only for both the countries but for the entire region as well. China has shared its experience in combating the deadly coronavirus with Pakistan and has sent teams to assess the situation. Beijing has also provided testing kits in thousands, the top diplomat remarked. Qureshi along with President Arif Alvi, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar and senior officials reached Beijing on Monday on a two-day visit to convey support and solidarity of Pakistan to the government and the people of China in the efforts to contain the spread. During the visit, both the sides also signed a number of memorandums of understanding and handing-over certificates of donated vaccine refrigeration equipment, emergency humanitarian materials for epidemic response and emergency materials of epidemic control. After their return to Pakistan, Alvi, Qureshi and Umar tested negative for the disease. China, where the virus first emerged in the city of Wuhan last December, has so far reported 80,928 confirmed cases with 3,245 deaths. Pakistan has confirmed two deaths and more than 300 cases. --IANS ksk/ The Lagos State Ministry of Health said Thursday that four new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the state. This brings to 12 the total number of coronavirus cases in Nigeria, although one of the victims has fully recovered. The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, addressed journalists on the new cases on Thursday at the state secretariat. He said the latest patients have been admitted for treatment at the Lagos State bio-security and infectious disease hospital, Yaba, Lagos. He said 19 tests were performed on suspected cases and contacts of the five cases announced on Wednesday, out of which four turned positive. The first of the new positive cases is that of a woman who had contact with one of the earlier positive cases who returned from the UK. The second is that of a Nigerian female who returned from France via a Turkish airline (TK 1830) on March 14. The third new confirmed case is a Nigerian male in his 50s who had never travelled anywhere, but presented the symptoms and was referred for treatment. He tested positive and had since been admitted, he said. Mr Abayomi said the fourth case is a Nigerian male who arrived in Nigeria on March 13, from Frankfurt, Germany on Luftansa flight LH 568. He said individuals that were on any of the flights of the confirmed cases TK 1830 and LH 568 should isolate themselves for 14 days and reach out to the ministry on 08000CORONA, if they develop any respiratory symptoms. What we have is a combination of imported cases and local transmission, Mr Abayomi said. He added that the ministry is currently tracking over 1,300 people in relation to Covid-19. The Very First Index Case The index case has now cleared the virus, but we will check him one more time, if he is negative, he will be discharged, the commissioner said. He said the Italian national was the first confirmed case in Nigeria and is eager to leave the facility. But he is still being held at the facility until a second negative test is obtained, he said. We have 11 confirmed cases but nine active cases in Lagos state at the moment, he said. Mr Abayomi said the cases announced on Wednesday are clinically stable and the public should not panic. READ ALSO: He said the Lagos State Government is holding various meetings to decide on the next step to avert the spread of the virus which will include the concept of social distancing. The best way to slow down this outbreak is to stop the opportunity for the virus to move from person to person. The virus cannot jump a distance, it has to move either through contacts or very close proximity or if you touch a surface that an infected person has touched. The commissioner said Lagos has three testing sites, which are ramping up with support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. All tests and treatments for Covid-19 are done free of charge, he added. CLEVELAND, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyland has released new capabilities to its Document Filters product offering, launching three separate updates in the last six months. Each release aims to add additional file formats pursuing its goal of providing the most complete filtering toolkit that can process all the files an organization encounters in a typical day. With the recent releases, Hyland now supports more than 550 file formats, of which over 75 are supported for high-definition renditions. New capabilities and support within the latest releases includes: Text and metadata support for Apple iBook file types, Apple PList binary files, EPUB ebook file types, and Quattro Pro Spreadsheet files High definition support for NCR images, MS Project Gantt Charts, Microsoft Windows Clipboard (CLP) files, Microsoft Outlook for Mac OLK15MsgSource files, Paint Shop Pro images, Windows Cursor images, X-Windows-Bitmap images, X-Windows-Pixmap images, and WordPerfect Graphics (version 1) New API for extraction and processing of hierarchical bookmark information New API for the extraction and processing of static PDF form data Added option, DETECT_MACROS, that outputs a metadata value if macros are detected in MS Office documents New API to allow for adding common annotations such as notes, lines, shapes, polygons, and stamps. When added to PDF output, annotations are created as native PDF annotations, that a user can interact with and modify New API to allow the control of graphic effects on a per page basis New option, GRAPHIC_ROTATE, to allow the rotation of an entire document rendition, or individual pages via the new graphic effects API Added support for mark-up and drawing functions onto an HTML5 canvas "Hyland's Document Filters capabilities are a key catalyst for driving content mining and intelligence gathering within applications such as compliance systems, eDiscovery, data loss prevention, and insight engine deployments," said Corey Kidd, Document Filters product owner at Hyland. "Our continued innovation to Document Filters delivers a deeper inspection of file contents, seamless rendering and annotating, and the ability to easily transform and output content." Hyland has a vast product suite that includes Document Filters, a full-featured, all-in-one SDK that helps software developers embed rich document processing functionality into their applications. For more information about Hyland's Document Filters, visit DocumentFilters.com. About Hyland Hyland is a leading content services provider that enables thousands of organizations to deliver better experiences to the people they serve. Find us at Hyland.com. Media contact: Megan Larsen +1 440-788-4988 [email protected] SOURCE Hyland Related Links www.hyland.com Hundreds of Bahraini pilgrims are stranded in Iran, a country with which Bahrain has no diplomatic ties and is the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East. Jamal, who has been in the Shia holy city of Mashhad with his wife and daughter since early February, told Reuters he was awaiting news of repatriation plans after a government-chartered flight was delayed last Thursday and again this Thursday. "Yesterday we were ready to leave and then at the last moment they said the flight was cancelled without any explanation," the 62-year-old man, who declined to give his last name, said by telephone from his hotel. Bahrains Minister of Health, Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, said in a statement that the government will repatriate all Bahraini nationals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. "Recent efforts have been affected by air travel disruptions; however, the government remains firmly committed to ensuring all citizens are safely repatriated, and is currently working to facilitate the return of the second group of citizens," the statement said. There are no direct flights between Bahrain and Iran, where the death toll from the coronavirus exceeds 1,200. Bahrain repatriated 165 people last week on an Omani airplane. Authorities have said around 85 of them have so far tested positive for the virus. Many Bahrainis go to Iran via Oman and Dubai on pilgrimage to Shi'ite holy cities such as Mashhad and Qom, where the outbreak in Iran began. Bahraini national Reda Ali said his elderly father had died on pilgrimage in Mashhad last week from a heart attack. He now fears for his 75-year-old mother, who he said has pre-existing conditions, and for his brother. "I fear a lot for those (pilgrims) ... Most are old or retired people," he told Reuters from Bahrain, voicing concern about the availability of medicine in Iran, which has been hit by Western sanctions. "Many families in Bahrain fear for the unknown fate of their families," he said, criticising Bahraini authorities for what he described as a lack of coordination or communication. Bahraini authorities have tasked a foundation under the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry to cover the costs of nationals stranded abroad, Bahrain News Agency said. Bahrain, which has reported 269 coronavirus cases, most of them linked to travel to Iran, has criticised the Islamic Republic for not stamping Bahraini citizens' passports. The two countries have long-standing differences. Manama accuses Tehran of backing Shi'ite-led opposition in the Gulf Arab island state, which is ruled by a Sunni Muslim royal family. Iran denies the charges. For Jamal the priority is to return home. "We remain in our rooms most of the time, we are fine. It's just the anxiety of what's happening in Iran and all the delays of our evacuation." Search Keywords: Short link: Two children were killed and one severely injured in a fire at a village in Maharashtra's Pune district, police said on Thursday. Siblings Bhagyashree Kailas Thakur (4) and Shiva Kailas Thakur (2) were killed when a pile of grass caught fire in a stable outside their home in Otur village in Junnar tehsil on Wednesday, an official said. The victims' four-year-old cousin, who was injured in the incident, is currently undergoing treatment in Pune, he said. "A spark from a stove near the stable fell on a pile of grass causing the blaze that killed two children and injured their cousin," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For the second time in less than two years, Columbus High School will be looking for a new leader. According to Columbus School District, CHS Principal Tom Fischer will resign at the scheduled end of the school year, June 30. Fischers resignation is pending school board approval. The board was scheduled to vote on the resignation request at a special March 19 meeting at the district office. Fischer came to CHS last summer, replacing Loren Glasbrenner, who served as interim principal for a few months. Glasbrenner, the current Columbus intermediate and middle school principal, stepped in to lead the school after Jake Ekern abruptly resigned in February 2019. Glasbrenner also plans to leave at the end of the school year for a superintendent position at River Valley. Fischers absence from school activities for a week in February drew concerns from Columbus parents. It was unclear why he wasnt in school and parents reportedly werent getting answers from the district. The principal didnt respond to an email seeking comment on his absence. Following a meeting Feb. 21, Superintendent Annette Deuman told the Columbus Journal Fischers situation was a personnel matter. Dalmia Bharat on Wednesday (18 March 2020) said its board will consider share buyback on 21 March 2020. Dalmia Bharat's consolidated net profit slipped 14.3% to Rs 24 crore on a 11.7% increase in net sales to Rs 2,418 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q3 December 2018. Dalmia Bharat is a cement manufacturing company based in India. Its segments include cement, refractory and power. The firm's products include Portland Slag Cement (PSC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Portland Composite Cement (PCC). Shares of Dalmia Bharat were down 6.50% at Rs 489.20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Microsoft must be getting this close to delivering the latest Windows 10 upgrade. Last week the company began what will likely be a long-running pitch of 2004, the four-digit label, to enterprises. Joe Lurie, a Microsoft senior product marketing manager, kicked off the drumbeat in a March 10 post to a company blog. "Here is an early peek at the great commercial features coming later this year," Lurie wrote, implying but not outright declaring that what he plumped would be contained in Windows 10 2004. [ Further reading: How to handle Windows 10 updates ] In the post, Lurie couched his list of enterprise features as currently accessible only via Windows Insider, specifically the often-overlooked Windows Insider for Business, the preview program spinoff Microsoft maintains. Lurie touted several new commercial-grade features coming to Windows 10 in version 2004. Computerworld will focus on the ones most likely to make a difference in the enterprise. (They are not in order of importance; that's a call we're currently unwilling to make.) Cloud download to reset Windows "We've added the option to recover Windows 10 by downloading the necessary files from the cloud, resulting in increased reliability and, depending on your internet speed, a faster recovery," wrote Lurie. Earlier versions relied on existing local files to rebuild Windows when the "Reset this PC" option was triggered. With 2004, customers can instead download the same build, version and edition currently installed. User- or management-installed apps must be reinstalled, as does user data if the maximalist "Remove everything" setting is selected. Using "Cloud download" makes the option unattractive to those without high-speed connections; the download will weigh in at almost 3GB. Less down time, more efficient use of the network, during feature upgrades "With Windows 10, version 2004, offline time continues to decrease, from a median time of over 80 minutes in version 1703, to less than 20 minutes in version 2004," Lurie said. More of the upgrade process has been shifted to the background a Microsoft pursuit since early 2017 as it prepped and then launched Windows 10 1703. User-needed-now actions have been pared even further, and reboots, Lurie claimed, have been eliminated in some cases. Also on the 2004 slate related to upgrading and, for that matter, updating as well is a toolset designed to make more efficient use of network resources while downloading installation packages. For the overarching Delivery Optimization service, which shares the download burden among multiple devices, users can now set absolute values for throttling, rather than as a percentage, from Settings. (Currently, this throttling can be done only at the admin level via group or mobile device management policies.) Lurie also signaled that a cloud-based Delivery Optimization service will be available likely of interest only to larger customers that will detect "download storms on your network," then curtail from-the-cloud downloads in favor of using local sources, including clients that have already grabbed the upgrade or update. Also, the service would "dynamically [choose] which devices can download updates first," so that some say, those piloting a future upgrade are served before the masses. "Note: This client feature requires a cloud service support, which will be available in the near future, for full functionality," Lurie added. WDAG the dog "Application Guard helps protects users and devices from old and newly emerging threats using containers to open files received from untrusted or potentially unsafe locations," Lurie contended. Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG), which debuted as a protection on the original EdgeHTML version of the Edge browser, isolates IT-defined sites to protect employees from potential attack. The Chromium-based Edge has supported WDAG since August 2019 as a beta feature. The technology requires Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise. Windows 10 2004 will allow Edge extensions to run in a WDAG container; Lurie also pointed out that when policies are enabled in 2004, WDAG gets switched on as soon as an Office 365 ProPlus client opens a document. (This requires a Microsoft 365 E5 or Microsoft 365 Security E5 license.) Windows 10 2004's moniker may seem to signal an April release, but earlier this year there was no reason to assume that month was when it would debut; Microsoft added 1 to the usual four-digit yy03 label for the spring upgrade so as to ensure it wasn't confused with Windows Server 2003. With the extraordinarily long lead time Microsoft began pushing this upgrade to Insiders in February 2019 Computerworld expected Windows 10 2004 to have launched by now. Nope. So, what's a likely release date? Computerworld has no more insight than any other source outside the halls of Redmond, Wash., but if we were to bet, it would be April 14, next month's Patch Tuesday. But there's nothing to stop Microsoft from delaying 2004 even more, pushing it, for example, into May. A postponement, in fact, might be very smart considering the COVID-19 pandemic's impact notably the push to get employees out of crowded workplaces and into their homes, where they're working on personal or company-owned personal computers. Maintaining those machines when they are outside the organization's perimeter, not inside it as usual, may be difficult for IT personnel little used to refreshing remote systems. Disruptions due to an upgrade or even a lesser update that went south that might have been easily solved in-house may be disastrous to the worker's ability to, well, work, when she is at home and IT not at hand. Putting off an upgrade, even if the PC is unmanaged and so under the command of a consumer, could be a brilliant move at this point. More information about what's new for business in Windows 10 2004 can be found in this extended support document. Another document, a superset of the first, can be found here. The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 244,000 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. Almost 86,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China. TOP OF THE HOUR: Italy passes China for most coronavirus-related deaths. California governor issues statewide order for people to stay at home. Wuhan, China, reports no new cases for second consecutive day. Sri Lankan government imposes 2 1/2 day curfew to slow spread of virus. ___ COLOMBO, Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government on Friday imposed a 2 1/2 day curfew across the whole island in a bid to contain the spreading of the coronavirus. The number of positive cases has risen to 59. The curfew will be in effect from Friday 6.00 p.m. until Monday 6.00 a.m. ___ CANBERRA, Australia Australia has ratcheted up its social distancing regulations to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, demanding indoor venues provide at least four square meters (43 square feet) of space per person. The space constraint announced Friday follows a ban on Wednesday of non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, including weddings and restaurants. Gatherings considered essential include schools, supermarkets and workplaces which are exempt. Australia has also tightened regulations on travel to and from remote indigenous communities in a bid to spare them COVID-19 outbreaks. ___ UNITED NATIONS Irans Mission to the United Nations is urging the international community to call on the United States to lift sanctions against the country immediately so it can import medicine and medical equipment desperately needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Iran is one of the hardest-hit countries in the world in the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine out of 10 cases in the Middle East come from the Islamic Republic, and fears remain that it may be under reporting its cases. Story continues Irans U.N. Mission said in a statement late Thursday that the inhuman and unlawful U.S. sanctions are hampering efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19 to other nations and are harming the health and lives of Iranians. In other words, while the U.S. is trying to curb the virus internally, it is helping the spread of virus externally by undermining the professional capabilities of certain affected countries who try to combat its pandemic, the mission said. The mission called the U.S. sanctions tantamount to crimes against humanity, saying they make it virtually impossible for Iranians to import needed medicine and medical equipment. It said a special mechanism allowing Iran to import medicine is very difficult to use because of sanctions-related impediments including extreme difficulty for Iran to use its financial resources abroad. ___ SEOUL, South Korea South Korea says it will test all passengers coming from Europe for the coronavirus starting Sunday as it strengthens border controls to prevent the illness from re-entering amid broadening outbreaks on the continent. South Korean Health Ministry official Yoon Tae-ho on Friday said the country also from Sunday will enforce 14-day quarantines on South Korean nationals returning from Europe and foreigners arriving from Europe for long-term stay in South Korea, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Yoon says the country has no immediate plans to expand such measures to passengers arriving from the United States. South Korea has already strengthened screening for all passengers arriving from abroad, requiring them to undergo temperature checks, fill in health questionnaires, provide their cellphone numbers and download an app to send daily reports about their health status to authorities. ___ SACRAMENTO, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has put the nation's most populous state on a stay-at-home order. It expands to nearly 40 million people restrictions he said already applied to about half the state. He said late Thursday that the statewide restriction on any non-essential movement outside the home is needed to control the spread of the coronavirus that threatens to overwhelm the state's medical system. Newsom earlier in the day issued the dire prediction that 56% of California's population could contract the virus over the next eight weeks. ___ SAO PAULO Brazil is the latest country to block international travelers from flying in, including those coming from areas hardest hit by the new coronavirus. Foreigners coming from China, the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and South Korea will be denied entry to the South American country for the next 30 days, starting Thursday. Several other nations in the region already have taken the measure. Brazil has confirmed 621 cases of coronavirus, with seven people dead. ___ SEOUL, South Korea North Korea says it released thousands of people from quarantine, including all but three foreigners, while maintaining a tough campaign to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the country. North Korea has not publicly confirmed a single case of the COVID-19 illness, but state media has described anti-virus efforts as a matter of national existence. Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency on Friday said more than 4,000 people were released in the provinces of North and South Pyongan and Kangwon after health officials confirmed they no longer had symptoms. When combining the numbers from previous state media reports, its presumed that the North has so far released around 8,000 people from quarantine. The country had initially placed 380 foreigners under quarantine, but the KCNA says only three of them remain under medical isolation. The North earlier this month arranged a special government flight to fly out dozens of diplomats to Vladivostok, Russia. Experts say an epidemic in North Korea could have dire consequences due to the countrys poor health system and shortage of medical supplies. The country has banned foreign tourists, shut down nearly all cross-border traffic with China, intensified screening at entry points and mobilized health workers to monitor residents and isolate those with symptoms. ___ MEXICO CITY Mexico's Foreign Relations Minister says he has held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about travel restrictions at the border "that won't paralyze economic activity, and leave the border open to commerce and workers." Marcelo Ebrard said Thursday he would give more details tomorrow. Pompeo wrote in his Twitter account that he and Ebrard have been working closely on travel restrictions that balance protecting our citizens from further transmission of #COVID19. Together, we can reduce public health risks and prioritize essential cross-border commerce and trade. ___ SEOUL, South Korea South Korea has reported 87 new cases of the novel coronavirus and three more deaths, bringing its totals to 8,652 cases and 94 deaths. South Koreas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said 316,600 people have so far been tested for the virus and 2,230 have been released from hospitals. While infections have slowed in the worst-hit city of Daegu, theres growing concern about a steady rise in cases in the Seoul metropolitan areas, where about half of South Koreas 51 million people live. The country has recently strengthened screening of all passengers arriving from abroad to stem the virus from re-entering amid broadening outbreaks in Europe and North America. ___ WASHINGTON The District of Columbia has announced 32 new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, including an eight-year-old boy, bringing the total to 71. The new infections include a cluster of young people, with 12 identified below the age of 35. DC health officials have long predicted that the local numbers would spike as more people were tested. Earlier Thursday, they announced that a third member of the DC fire department had tested positive. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a state of emergency and closed all schools through the end of the month. The popular Cherry Blossom Festival has been postponed, White House and Capitol tours have been cancelled and the National Zoo, Smithsonian museum network and Kennedy Center have closed. Washingtons tally doesnt include people who may have been infected in Washington but live in nearby northern Virginia or southern Maryland. ___ MANILA, Philippines The Philippines is indefinitely banning the entry of foreigners after the government declared a state of calamity and public health emergency amid the coronavirus outbreak. The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late Thursday that it is temporarily suspending visa issuances in all its foreign posts effective immediately. This goes one imperative step forward: a total ban on incoming foreign visitors of all nationalities, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said in a tweet. Outgoing foreign visitors should be given all the help to get out. Idiotic to detain them. The drastic move exempts foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents as well as foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens, the department said. ___ BEIJING Some flights to Beijing are being rerouted to regional airports to relieve pressure on the capital for screening large numbers of incoming passengers. China has not banned travelers from abroad, but Beijing and other cities are requiring that all undergo 14-day quarantines, either at home or at a government-designated facility such as a hotel or makeshift observation center. China is very slowly coming back to life, with the government saying about 80% of economic activity has been restored, although millions of workers remain stranded by travel bans. Beijing's tourism industry is still on hold, just as it should be ramping up for the summer season. The Great Wall is largely shut and it remains forbidden to visit the Forbidden City, the ancient former palace of China's emperors. ___ CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. In Alameda County, Sheriffs Sgt. Ray Kelley said a gun shop called Solar Tactical in Castro Valley has refused to close, despite the shelter at home order. He said officers have advised the shop to close. Well start out nice, Kelley said Thursday. Then well post a notice to close and then we will take enforcement. The shop did not answer phone calls Thursday and did not immediately respond to messages. A message on its Facebook page said the store is now operating on an appointment-only basis and urged customers to call local police to protest the effort to close it and other gun stores. Your 2nd Amendment right is no longer considered essential during forced shelter in place, the shop said. Please share and get the word out. Call your local officials, news stations, and Alameda County Sheriffs office to let them know how you feel about your 2nd Amendment rights being taken away. ___ BEIJING The Chinese city of Wuhan where the virus at the heart of the global pandemic was first detected has recorded a second consecutive day with no new confirmed or suspected cases. Nationwide, a total of 39 cases were recorded Friday, the health ministry said, all of them brought from overseas. Three more deaths were also registered, bringing China's total to 3,248, a figure surpassed on Thursday by Italy as the highest in a single nation. China still leads in overall cases, with 80,967, more than 71,000 of whom have been declared healthy and sent home. China has loosened some travel restrictions in Hubei, the province surrounding Wuhan, although its provincial border remains closed and Wuhan itself remains under lockdown. Officials say they will only lift the quarantine after Wuhan goes 14 consecutive days with no new case. ___ MADISON, Wis. Two Wisconsin residents have died from the coronavirus pandemic, the first to be reported in the state. Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that a man in his 50s from Fond du Lac County and a man in his 90s from Ozaukee County had died. No other details about their circumstances was reported. ___ HONOLULU Hawaii state Sen. Clarence Nishihara was informed Thursday that he tested positive for coronavirus. Nishihara is the first known Hawaii lawmaker to test positive and the first at the Hawaii State Capitol building, Senate communications spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke said. Senate President Ron Kouchi sent a memo recommending all Senate offices close until further notice. ___ PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Haiti has confirmed its first two cases of the new coronavirus. President Jovenel Moise said the unidentified patients that tested positive for COVID-19 have been quarantined. He declined to release further details out of fear for their safety. Moise also said he would close all airports, schools, factories and seaports. The announcement comes just days after officials closed the border that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share on the island of Hispaniola. Haiti is the poorest country in the western Hemisphere, and many worry the country is not equipped to handle a possible spread of coronavirus. ___ SEATTLE A federal judge has declined to order the release of immigration detainees who may be especially vulnerable to the new coronavirus because they are old or have underlying health conditions. The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project sought the release of nine detainees at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Northwest detention center in Tacoma. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said he was aware of the gravity and rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 crisis, but that there is no evidence of an outbreak at the privately run jail or that the agency's precautions are inadequate. ___ MINNEAPOLIS Compass Airlines is shutting down operations in April due to the coronavirus outbreak. A statement from the Minneapolis-based company says Compass Airlines has made the difficult decision to cease operations, effective April 7. According to the statement, Radical capacity reductions left Compass without the ability to fly even minimally viable schedules. The Star Tribune also reports that Compass Delta-affiliated operations will end March 31 instead of winding down later this year as scheduled. President Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants calls the shutdown devastating. The union represents more than 200 cabin crew members at Compass. Under parent Trans States Airlines, Compass exclusively flies in western states but kept its corporate headquarters in the Twin Cities. ___ SEATTLE The death toll in Washington state from the new coronavirus has increased to 74, and the number of cases has topped 1,300, according to state health officials. King County reported four new deaths bringing its total to 60 while Snohomish, Benton and Island counties each reported one death. Gov. Jay Inslee issued an order Thursday prohibiting non-urgent medical and dental procedures in an effort to secure protective equipment used by front-line health care workers. The order applies to any procedure that would require someone to wear protective gear. We know the health care personal protective equipment supply chain in Washington has been severely disrupted by the significant increased use of such equipment worldwide, Inslee said in a statement. We will do all we can to protect the women and men who protect us. ___ COLUMBIA, S.C. U.N. World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley says he has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Beasley says in a statement he began to feel ill after returning from an official visit to Canada and put himself into quarantine at his South Carolina home last Saturday. Beasley says his symptoms have been mild and he is in good spirits. He says he continues to work from home and his employees are helping him inform anyone he had contact with during his trip. Beasley has run the program since 2017 that provides food to more than 80 million starving and hungry people around the world. The 63-year-old Beasley was governor of South Carolina for four years starting in 1995. ___ WELLINGTON, New Zealand New Zealand's government is bailing out its national airline by offering more than $500 million in loans. Air New Zealand has already stopped most international routes and cut back on domestic flights due to the coronavirus outbreak. Beginning Friday, New Zealand has closed its borders to everyone but citizens and residents, ending most airline travel to the South Pacific nation. Air New Zealand said it will cut its workforce of 12,500 by 30%. The airline is 52% owned by the government, which has offered loans of 900 million New Zealand dollars ($511 million) over two years. Finance Minister Grant Robertson said that without the intervention, New Zealand was at risk of not having a national airline. New Zealand has had 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19, all connected to international travel. There have been no signs yet of a local outbreak. ___ BATON ROUGE, La. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told President Donald Trump that a growing number of new coronavirus cases could push the state past its capacity to deliver health care in seven days. Edwards stressed at a later news conference that the number was a worst case scenario, which he said was sobering. The number of people known to be infected with the virus in Louisiana jumped to nearly 380, Edwards said Thursday afternoon. That was up from 280 a day earlier. My fear, based on modeling that Ive received today, is that in as little as seven days we could start to exceed our capacity to deliver health care, Edwards told Trump during a conference call the president held with governors that was carried by news networks. Weve got some requests in, for example we have a VA hospital in New Orleans where weve requested to be able to surge patients there," Edwards said. "I'm going to try to get you immediate approval on the hospital, Trump told Edwards. ___ SAO PAULO Brazil is closing its borders with most of its South American neighbors, a decision most of them had already made, and treating any patients with severe flu as a coronavirus case. Latin America's largest nation is still negotiating with Uruguay. Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta also said families of people who tested positive will receive medical permission to stay home for two weeks. President Jair Bolsonaro, who initially dismissed the outbreak as hysteria, is trying to regain control of the fight against the virus that Mandetta and state governors have led thus far. Brazil has 621 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus and reported six deaths. ___ LISBON, Portugal Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced that people infected with the coronavirus are to be confined to their residences and most retail outlets must close as part of a 15-day state of emergency in the European country. Those over 70 years old or with chronic ailments should only leave home for short walks for health reasons. Costa said the rest of the population should only leave home to commute to work, shop for necessities, to help a family member, to accompany children, or to walk a pet. Costa added that all retail shops except supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, gas stations, and newsstands are ordered to close. ___ CANNES, France France's Cannes Film Festival, arguably the worlds most prestigious film festival and cinemas largest annual gathering, has postponed its 73rd edition. Organizers of the French Riviera festival, scheduled to take place May 12-23, say they are considering moving the festival to the end of June or the beginning of July. Organizers had been reluctant to cancel Cannes. But as the coronavirus pandemic spread through France, it became all but inevitable that a massive gathering like Cannes couldn't go on as scheduled. "See you very soon," the festival said in a statement. ___ WASHINGTON Army officials say one Army combat support hospital and one field hospital will soon be deployed. The combat hospital normally has 248 beds, including 48 for intensive care with ventilators, and the field hospital has 32 beds, but can be increased by another 60 beds. Of those, there could be as many as 24 intensive care beds with ventilators. The two units going are a combat hospital from Joint Base Lewis McCord in Washington and the 586th Field Hospital from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. According to a defense official, the likely two locations at this point are New York City and Seattle. ___ JOHANNESBURG Another U.S. embassy in Africa is reporting anti-foreigner sentiment over the coronavirus. The embassy in Cameroon says Americans and other foreigners in the major cities of Yaounde and Douala reported "verbal and online harassment, stone throwing and banging on vehicles occupied by expatriates." Many of Africa's more than 600 confirmed cases of the coronavirus are people who recently arrived from the United States, Britain, Italy and other high-risk countries. The U.S. embassy in Ethiopia issued a similar security alert, prompting the prime minister's office to announce that COVID-19 "is not related to any country or nationality. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday ordered all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics and health care providers to cease all non-emergency procedures, in order to preserve equipment like masks, gowns and gloves for doctors and others treating coronavirus patients. Brown said the measure extends to veterinarians and dentists, and applies to all personal protective equipment. It is critical that we preserve every piece of personal protective equipment we have in Oregon so that our health care workers can keep themselves safe while treating COVID-19, Brown said in a statement issued around 5 p.m. Wednesday. If we do not take immediate action, the surge in demand in our hospitals for masks, gowns and gloves will quickly outstrip the limited supplies they have available. We cannot let that happen. Many major hospital systems, Kaiser Permanente, Oregon Health & Sciences University and Providence Health & Services, have already cut back elective operations. Charles Boyle, a spokesman for Browns office, said a non-emergency procedure refers to any procedure that can be postponed unless there is a risk of permanent harm from delaying the procedure. Some examples of when procedures would not be delayed: if there is a threat to a patients life if the procedure is not performed, threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system, risk of metastasis or progression of staging, or risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms, Boyle said in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Hours before Brown issued her order, Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen told lawmakers that without extraordinary efforts by the federal government, we are going to run out of needed protective gear for front-line health care workers. Allen told lawmakers that Oregon is in the initial phases of an unprecedented health crisis, which will last for months. Allen said the rate of testing has gone up, with private sector testing increasing the states testing capacity. He said so far, Oregon has tested more than 1,200 people. As the pace of testing increases and more people are being tested and hospitalized, Allen said Oregon is likely to run out of supplies soon. He said the state started out addressing the coronavirus outbreak with almost 590,000 N95 masks, used to protect health care workers from airborne hazards. He said the state has used 28 percent of its supply, and is down to 421,000. The state has now used two-thirds of its surgical procedure masks, going from 49,000 to 18,000. The state has used 83 percent of its 23,000 surgical procedure gowns, Allen said. He said the state is pursuing several options to quickly restock supplies. Ordinarily, he said, healthcare providers would go through their ordinary suppliers. But the majority of protective medical equipment suppliers are in China, which Allen said has prohibited the export of protective equipment and other medical supplies. Allen said the state has been distributing out of its own stockpile across Oregon over the past few weeks, but said that supply is finite, too. He said state leaders have been trying to access national stockpiles of medical supplies through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and so far has received 10 percent of the supplies theyve asked for. He said even using gear not intended for health-care workers, such as protective masks and gowns worn by high-tech workers in ultra-clean fabrication labs, wouldnt be enough to solve the supply problem. Im deeply concerned that within weeks, well have providers wholl need to treat patients without masks, without face shields, he said. Thats a critical problem. CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON: THE LATEST NEWS Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. SALEM An Oregon Department of Corrections officer is suing the state, a former coworker and corrections officials for $7 million after he was attacked with a stun gun. The civil rights lawsuit filed last week on behalf of Michael Kilgus accuses Coffee Creek Correctional Facility of maintaining a culture of silence enforced through violence, threats, and hazing, The Statesman Journal reported. The lawsuit says Kilgus was tased in the back, left without medical care and that he had a seizure. Kilgus, a Coffee Creek corrections officer, was training under Antony Ruvalcaba to be on the prison SWAT team in 2018. Kilgus joined a November 2018 Taser training session and while another member of his group volunteered to be hit with a stun gun, Kilgus said on Facebook that he had been "tased." According to the lawsuit, seeing the post threw Ruvalcaba "into a rage." The staff worked to get Ruvalcaba a Taser, despite him not being a certified Taser instructor. T They called Kilgus to the firing range and Tased him after Kilgus apologized for the social media post, the suit said. Corrections spokeswoman Jennifer Black said Ruvalcaba was fired. "We have zero tolerance for hazing and we do not tolerate the code of silence, she said in a statement. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Oregon Department of Corrections. The Associated Press Abbie Bartels, 14, hung herself in her home in Central Pennsylvania in June 2013 after she was told she could not return to the Milton Hershey School for her eighth-grade graduation ceremony. Read more In a win for the states richest charity, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III in Harrisburg dismissed claims against the Milton S. Hershey School over the death of a 14-year-old girl who was not allowed back on campus after a mental-health hospitalization. Abrielle Bartels took her life about two weeks later in the home of her fathers girlfriend in 2013. Bartels parents claimed discrimination and wrongful death by the 2,100-student free boarding school for low-income children. The school said in the litigation, which went on for almost four years, that it did all it could for her. Jones agreed on Wednesday. The panoply leading to Abrielles suicide, and her death itself, as revealed through abundant discovery that has been conducted in this case, are undeniably tragic, he wrote. But he added that the suit could not be substantiated and closed it. In dismissing the remaining five claims, Jones said in his 45-page memorandum that school officials engaged in an individualized assessment of Abrielles condition, determined that Abrielle required a higher level of care, and then made a clinical call that it would be unable to meet Abrielles mental health needs upon discharge. Because it refused to allow Abrielle to return to the school following her discharge from [off-campus mental-health treatment] does not indicate in and of itself that [the] defendant made that decision nefariously, Jones said. The Hershey Schools lead attorney, Jarad Handelman, said on Thursday that we have always maintained that the presentation of actual facts and evidence developed in this case would reveal the truth, and this decision confirms what we have always known certain factual assumptions about the case were simply not true." The Hershey School is the richest private school in the United States, with $13.8 billion in assets, according to its latest filing with the IRS. It owns a controlling interest in the Hershey Co. chocolate giant and a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio. It currently spends $135,500 a year per student, according to a calculation based on the tax filing. John Schmehl, the attorney for Bartels parents with the Dilworth Paxson firm, said on Thursday, Were still studying the opinion and have not decided on next steps. The suit was filed by parents Julie Wartluft and Fred Bartels in the summer of 2016. Initially presiding was the chief judge in the Harrisburg federal court, Christopher C. Conner. Amid the litigation, the Hershey Schools law firm, Elliott Greenleaf in Blue Bell, hired Conners son in its Harrisburg law office. Conner later reassigned the case to Jones. Last year, The Inquirer and the Reporters Committee for a Free Press filed to unseal documents in the case. The court has ruled that the documents would be unsealed, with some redactions. The documents have not been released publicly. Jones, in his Wednesday decision, dismissed negligence, housing discrimination, infliction of emotional distress, breach of fiduciary duty, and wrongful death claims. Other claims were dismissed earlier. The parents claimed in the lawsuit that the Hershey School had a "social obligation to provide reasonable care for and to maintain the safety of vulnerable minor children in its care, Jones wrote. Jones accepted the Hershey Schools legal position that its in loco parentis responsibility for the girl who was enrolled from first through eighth grades terminated when she was admitted for treatment at the off-campus mental-health facility. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) on Thursday said it will start Swavalamban Express on June 5 this year for budding entrepreneurs. The principalfinancial institution engaged in promotion, financing and development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) said the decision to start the train was taken based on the feedback received from various stakeholders. "The Swavalamban Expresswill start from June 5 and will travel to 11 enterprising cities starting from Lucknow and thereafter to Jammu, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and finally to Varanasi in a span of 15 days covering 7,000 km," it said in a statement. The agency noted that the participating budding and aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups will receive over 20 workshops and interactions which shall help to boost their growth in their entrepreneurial journey. "The Swavalamban Express train is a part of our umbrella mission Swavalamban which aims to induce entrepreneurship culture amongst youth. It's an aspirational journey powered by inspirational India," SIDBI Chairman and MDMohammad Mustafa said. As part of the mission, youths will board the train with an idea, and after series of experiential learning will get down with ready business plan, he said. "Each enterprising city shall carry theme on enterprise setting up. It would be unique exposure for being a Swavalambi. A school beyond four walls," Mustafa added. Swavalamban Express is aimed towards enhancing the knowledge of participants about financial and non-financial aspects of enterprise running. This will be done through experts and mentors boarding the train in between, interaction with role models, brain storming and group discussions. SIDBI expects 500 youths to be a part of this journey, Mustafa said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Online Desk Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have joined the list of coronavirus positive states in India with four positive cases and two positive cases reported in each state respectively. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that all private shops, offices and establishments in Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur metropolitan regions will be shut from Friday midnight until March 31 after COVID-19 cases reached 52 in the state. Meanwhile, the total number of cases reached 252. A 69-year-old Italian tourist who had recovered from the coronavirus infection suffered a massive heart attack and died at a private hospital in Jaipur, but his death is not being attributed to the virus. In all, 61 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to Union Health Ministry data. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation asked Indians to stay at home as far as possible in the few next weeks. "You have never said no to me. I am here to seek your next few weeks. Isolate yourself as far as possible. We can't afford to let our guard down since science is yet to find a cure to this grave health crisis," he said, while suggesting a janata curfew (self-imposed curfew) on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm. His address came on a day when India recorded its fourth coronavirus death - a 70-year-old diabetic patient from Punjab - and the government decided to bar international travel for a week from March 22. Those above 65 and children below 10 were also advised to stay at home. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, one Indian who was infected with coronavirus in Iran also passed away. Globally, the death toll from the virus has risen to over 10,000 with more than 232,650 cases in 158 countries and territories. COVID-19: CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR STATE HERE The Supreme Court on March 19 ordered for a floor test in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly to be conducted on March 20. The apex court has said the floor test will be held by a show of hands in accordance with the law and is to be conducted by 5 pm tomorrow. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud also ordered video recording and possible live streaming of the Assembly proceedings when the Kamal Nath led Congress government would undertake the floor test. The bench, also comprising Justice Hemant Gupta, directed the police chiefs of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to provide security to the 16 rebel Congress MLAs if they choose to appear in Assembly for trust vote. The bench also ordered that the Assembly will have a single point agenda of the floor test and no hindrance is to be created for anyone. The Supreme Court had earlier in the day suggested that Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati should interact with the rebel Congress MLAs through video link or the court can appoint an observer to allay the fear that the legislators are in captivity. The Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh plunged into crisis after Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, after which 22 MLAs loyal to him resigned in the state last week. Buoyed by the revolt in the Congress, the BJP has been vociferously seeking a floor test in the assembly. The Speaker has so far accepted resignations of six of the 22 MLAs, bringing down the effective strength of the House to 222 and the new majority mark at 112. The opposition BJP has 107 MLAs. After the MP assembly was adjourned on Monday till March 26, the BJP petitioned the Supreme Court seeking a direction from it for an early floor test. These are unprecedented, uncertain times as the virus and its impact spreads. It might be objected that compared to matters of life and death, the economy is very much a secondary issue. At the same time, if the economy tips over and businesses fail on a large scale, we have an abundance of evidence from previous experience that unemployment leads to mental and physical sickness. The economic aspect of the crisis has rippled out from the aviation, travel, hospitality and retail sectors. As the difficulties have become prolonged, the dislocation of supply chains have begun to impact on parts of manufacturing. Only a very few parts of the economy have actually seen demand rise - online shopping and delivery, TV subscription services and a Northern Ireland firm, Trimedika, which makes contactless thermometers. How bad could this all get? Understandably, the various economic forecasts have had to race to keep pace with the spread of the virus. Only a few weeks ago, international economic organisation the OECD reckoned that between 0.5% and 1.5% could be knocked off what would otherwise have been 3% global growth in 2020. Even the upper end of that forecast now looks too sanguine. The problem is that it has been hard to find precedents; the Sars outbreak in 2003 barely dented growth but that virus hardly spread beyond China. During the last recession 12 years ago, output in Northern Ireland fell by somewhere between 5 and 10% depending on the method of measurement used. There is no necessity for things to be so bad in 2020, but for sure it is unlikely that the local economy will grow this year. There are some relatively positive considerations. Even though people talk about the virus being like a war, the economic impact need not be like a war - houses, factories and infrastructure are not actually being destroyed. Also, unlike the onset of the great recession of 2008/09, this crisis did not originate through weaknesses in the financial system. But, for sure, expectations are critical. In a time of great uncertainty, the economy could get locked into a downward spiral. This is why the response of Government as a sort of lender and economic guarantor of last resort has become so critical. Last week we saw the Chancellor's immediate commitment of 12bn but more measures are coming. The Governments of France and Germany have outlined support packages amounting to hundreds of billions of euros. Somewhat unusually, in giving evidence to a Parliamentary Committee this week, the head of the Office for Budget Responsibility in the UK, Robert Chote, reminded the MPs that during the Second World War the UK Government ran budget deficits equivalent to 20% of GDP (compared to 2% in 2020). Some of us do have reservations about the sustainability of levels of Government debt but, in the face of the current crisis, there may be little alternative but to 'spend, spend, spend'. As President Franklin Roosevelt said in March 1933: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." And Government action may be part of the necessary confidence-building. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Beijing, China Thu, March 19, 2020 09:51 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bc626e 2 World China,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,health,death-toll,infection,infectious-diseases Free China on Thursday marked a major milestone in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic as it recorded zero domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak emerged, but a spike in imported cases threatened its progress. The stark reversal comes as nations across the world have shut down in a desperate effort to contain the pandemic, with more people now infected and having died abroad than in China. There were no new cases in Wuhan -- the central city where the virus first emerged in December -- for the first time since authorities started publishing figures in January, according to the National Health Commission. Wuhan and its 11 million people were placed under strict quarantine on January 23, with more than 40 million other people in the rest of Hubei province entering lockdown in the following days. The rest of China also enacted tough measures to limit public gatherings. There were eight more deaths in China -- all in Hubei -- raising the nationwide total to 3,245, according to the commission. There have been nearly 81,000 infections in China but only 7,263 people remain sick with the COVID-19 disease. The global number has shot past 200,000, with more than 8,700 deaths. Read also: China reports imported COVID-19 case from Indonesia On March 10, President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan for the first time since the outbreak began and declared that the spread of the disease was "basically curbed". On the same day, Hubei officials allowed people to travel within the province for the first time since January, excluding Wuhan. On Wednesday, Hubei authorities announced they were partially opening its borders to allow healthy people from low-risk areas to leave the province if they have jobs or residences elsewhere. This also excludes Wuhan. Life has slowly started to return to normal in the rest of the country, with people back at work, factories up and running, and schools in some regions resuming or preparing to go back to class. Second wave But there is concern about a second wave of infections due to an influx of cases from abroad, with an average of 20,000 people flying into China every day. Beijing and other regions are now requiring most international arrivals to go into 14-day quarantine in designated hotels. The National Health Commission said there were 34 more cases brought in from abroad, the biggest daily increase in two weeks, with 189 in total now. "We should never allow the hard-won and continuous positive trend to be reversed," Xi said at a Communist Party leadership meeting on Wednesday. The disease is believed to have jumped from an animal to humans at a market that illegally sold wild game in Wuhan late last year. There have also been questions about China's official figures, as authorities changed its methodology to count infections, and the government has endured rare public criticism of its handling of the health emergency. Local officials initially attempted to cover up the outbreak, with police silencing doctors who had raised the alarm about the emergence of the new virus as early as December. One of the whistleblowers, Wuhan ophthalmologist Li Wenliang, died from the virus himself in February, sparking an outpouring of grief and anger on social media. The first case emerged in Wuhan on December 1, according to Chinese researchers, but it was not until January 9 the country confirmed a "new type of coronavirus". Between January 5 and 17, China reported no new cases of the virus, even as Japan and Thailand declared first infections -- a period that coincided with annual political meetings in Wuhan and Hubei province. It's been real, hasn't it? After 13 months of campaigning, during which time he was briefly but almost unanimously considered the frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, it looks as if Bernie Sanders is finally calling it quits. On Wednesday afternoon his staff shot down an erroneous report that he had formally dropped out; it looks as if he'll wait to make that announcement sometime before the next primaries three weeks from now. To many observers it has been unclear why the junior senator from Vermont remained in the race after losing Michigan and Washington state two weeks ago, a defeat he followed with kind words about his fellow candidates and half-hearted conciliatory gestures towards the DNC. The math for Sanders has looked all but impossible for a long time. The only hope that remained was some kind of mythical 1920s barnstorming campaign across the country a final quixotic assault on the fortresses of the Democratic establishment. With this now out of the question and his only opportunities for shoring up his base and attempting to poach uneasy Biden supporters limited to YouTube, it is easy to understand why would finally give up. It is impossible to imagine terms more favorable to Sanders' only remaining opponent than a nation-wide ban on public appearances coupled with the directive that persons over the age of 60 keep to themselves. Plenty of words (though almost certainly not as many as there might have been if the de facto end of the primary season had not coincided with the coronavirus pandemic) will be written about Sanders's brief rise and more or less instantaneous fall. Some observers will insist that Sanders lost largely because party insiders conspired against him, something that is belied by his poor showing even in states that he won, in some cases handily, in 2016. Others will give the credit to coronavirus, even though Biden's post-Nevada comeback had been secured long before this disease had established itself at the forefront of the American public imagination. Story continues This is not to suggest that at the margins the DNC did not do everything in its power to prevent a Sanders nomination. The virtually unprecedented speed with which the remains of the largest field of technically plausible candidates in the history of these contests dropped out and endorsed Biden tells us everything we need to know about whom the party wanted at the top of the ticket. But this consolidation would not have taken place if the will of core Democratic primary voters, not just in the South but in states as far ranging as Massachusetts and Idaho, had not already been made clear. What will become of Sanders' movement now that his presidential aspirations have been forestalled once again? Does he really represent the future of the Democratic party? A somewhat lesser-noticed contest on Tuesday hints at an answer. Whatever her objections to the Green New Deal and Medicare-for-all, there is one issue that matters more to Nancy Pelosi than anything else: abortion. This was made clear on Tuesday when Rep. Dan Lipinski of Illinois, an eight-term socially conservative Democratic incumbent and product of the old Chicago political machine, lost his primary race to Marie Newman, a progressive challenger endorsed by Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and numerous other high-profile left-wing politicians. There may not be much room for radical economic views in the Democratic Party, but in the coming realignment there is none at all for folks like Lipinski, who received virtually no support from his party's establishment. If progressives want to make inroads with the DNC, they must do what Sanders did not in 2016 (and did only half-heartedly in 2020) and put social issues at the forefront of their messaging. This brings us to the other question about Sanders and his supporters: whether they will turn out for Biden in the fall. Here it is worth remembering that in some states (including Michigan) in 2016, the Green Party candidate Jill Stein won a share of the vote wider than Trump's eventual margin of victory. Sanders himself will almost certainly endorse Biden, just as he endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016. Will this make a difference? Who knows. November seems very remote, longer away, indeed, than it felt two months ago. While it is possible at this stage to talk about how the general election might go the actual range of possibilities is not unlimited there are more pressing questions to be answered. If the most pessimistic forecasts prove correct, it is likely that the political conventions scheduled by both of our major political parties for this summer will have to be canceled, postponed, or held in what would almost certainly be the largest, most feedback-laden video calls in the history of Google Hangouts. For this small unhoped-for mercy, Sanders' supporters should be grateful. The reality of Biden's victory will not be setting in for a while. Want more essential commentary and analysis like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for The Week's "Today's best articles" newsletter here. More stories from theweek.com America has one of the world's worst coronavirus responses FDA clarifies that no drugs are approved to treat COVID-19 after Trump names 2 contenders Lindsey Graham is reportedly trying to talk Trump out of coronavirus relief checks for Americans Television shows have had to shift their dynamics and The View is the latest one to do so. Whoopi Goldberg took the day off to see her doctor over fears of the COVID-19. The shows moderator had a severe cause of pneumonia last year and it has put her in the high-risk group if she were to get the coronavirus. Upon her return to the daytime talk show, she didnt come back to the studio in New York City. Instead, the host made an appearance from her home. Whoopi Goldberg | Jenny Anderson/ABC via Getty Images This is what we call responsible social distancing, Goldberg said in a live feed from her home in New Jersey. So I went to the doctor yesterday to check myself out just to make sure and he gives me the all-clear to go to work. Im getting ready to do it and then I start hearing these inconsistent messages from everyone. Goldberg said that conflicting messages from the New York governor and the New York City mayor made her doubt what to do next. I just felt like if I was going to really try to figure out whether it was OK to come in until they can get themselves together, the governor and the mayor, I should not go in. Thats why Im still here. I am healthy. My doctor was very annoyed with me. Hes like, I just gave you the OK, why are you back? I said, because I need the OK-OK. So he gave me the OK-OK, she added. Joy Behar leaves The View for now Last week, Behar made the announcement that she was not going to be co-hosting the show. The comedian followed her daughters advice of not going to the NYC studio to do the show for fear of getting the virus. Im in a higher risk group because of my age, but Im perfectly healthy, Behar said. I dont look my age, but Im actually up there. The number makes me dizzy. In Behars absence, former co-host Sara Haines has taken over a chair for the foreseeable future. Joining Sunny Hostin and Meghan McCain has been a rotating group of people like Dan Abrams, Dr. Oz, and Dr. Jen Ashton. The View coronavirus scare Days before, Dr. Ashton had been on the panel updating the ladies about the latest news on the coronavirus outbreak. For this episode, McCain was not on the show and Deborah Roberts filled in the seat. During the first segment of the show, Roberts mentioned that her son had been shut down. The reason for this was that someone associated with a person who had the coronavirus had been to the school. To make sure the virus wasnt around the closed the school to have it checked out. My sons school is closed today because someone in the orbit of the school came into contact with somebody who tested positive [for coronavirus], she said. Just in an abundance of caution they are cleaning down the school but they said they would reopen again tomorrow. CORONAVIRUS LATEST: @ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent @DrJAshton breaks down the latest headlines on the coronavirus outbreak. https://t.co/TahLWcfMz5 pic.twitter.com/nis7sgWItI The View (@TheView) March 9, 2020 Later on, Roberts mentioned she had a cold and the rest of the ladies got a little frightened. I have a cold right now and I promise, I think Im ok, she assured Sunny Hostin who then asked her, Are you sure? Roberts then asked Dr. Ashton if she should be tested for the coronavirus. The audience is heard laughing as Goldberg stared at them concerned with what Roberts was just telling them. The ladies tried to play it off as something funny, but experts keep recommending people say home if they have a cold. The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. CT/PT. Flash Turkey on Wednesday closed its borders with Greece and Bulgaria as part of the measures against the COVID-19 outbreak, local media reported. Citing a statement issued by the governor office of Turkey's northwestern border province of Edirne, the Ihlas news agency said a total of three land and railway border gates with Greece and four others with Bulgaria were closed to entry and exit of passengers. The sea travels from Greece to Turkey are also temporarily stopped, Ihlas added. "Entrance into Turkey via land or sea was banned for Greek and Bulgarian citizens, and third-country nationals who were in those countries over the past 14 days as of March 19," it noted. Aldi in Ireland will launch a nationwide recruitment drive to bolster its 4,000-strong workforce, with recently laid off retail workers firmly in its sights. The German discounter said it faced a very challenging time ahead as it aimed to maintain its service, and it hoped by adding to its employee numbers, it could continue to ensure supplies were getting through to stores. Aldi said it was "very conscious of many retail, catering and hospitality workers who have lost their jobs in recent days" and it would be "particularly open to hearing from them". "Our recruitment team will be liaising with industry representative bodies including Retail Ireland, Irish Hotels Federation, Retail Excellence and the Restaurants Association of Ireland in this regard," the firm said. Further details of the recruitment drive will be announced in the coming days. Aldis Group Buying Director John Curtin said: "Retail is going to be at the frontline of the battle against Covid-19 as we head into the weeks before us. We want to strengthen our team to make sure we can play our part in this national effort and to bolster the work of our amazing staff over the past weeks. "Equally, we are very conscious of being able to provide opportunities to some of the very many people who have lost their livelihoods, hopefully temporarily, through no fault of their own. The firm also confirmed new measures were being implemented across all of its 142 stores, including an elderly customer priority scheme. Beginning Friday, Aldi stores nationwide will introduce priority shopping hours for the elderly and those most vulnerable between 11am and 1pm each day. Aldi asked customers to consider this measure when planning their shopping trip. Mr Curtin said: We hope that by offering these prioritised hours later in the day, we give these vulnerable groups greater freedom in when they can do their grocery shopping. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart, and hes motivated by his love for our country and the American people. Im confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha, respect and compassion, and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart, she said in a video posted to Twitter. Iranian authorities on Thursday announced 149 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, raising the toll to 1,284 in a country that is one of the worst hit by the pandemic. While Thursday's death toll surpassed that of the previous day's -- 147 were reported on Wednesday -- the number of new cases has fallen, according to figures provided by Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi. A total of 18,407 people have contracted the disease in Iran, with 1,046 new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours. "In 11 provinces" out of 31, "the number of infections has decreased because people have followed our guidelines", Raisi said, renewing the call for Iranians to stay home. Tehran province had the highest number of new cases, with 137 reported, followed by the central province of Isfahan, with 108 and Gilan in the north with 73. Health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour tweeted that at the current rate, "50 new cases of infection are detected every hour and one death recorded every 10 minutes". "Considering this information, make a conscious decision concerning travel, days out and family visits during Nowruz", the Persian New Year holiday, he said. The Nowruz celebrations, which last from Friday until April 3, often see Iranians travel to visit family. For several weeks, Iranian authorities, who have so far refused to impose confinement or quarantine measures, have asked the population to refrain from travelling and to take the virus "seriously". Several provinces have ordered the closure of hotels. In a rare move, Iran announced on Monday the shuttering of four important Shiite holy sites in an effort to stem the spread of the epidemic. The Iranian government has been battling one of the deadliest outbreaks of the new coronavirus outside China, where it originated After returning home from the moon, the Apollo 11 crew is greeted by their wives while they are in the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF). People around the world are currently isolating themselves or in a formal quarantine to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. But for decades, astronauts have been quarantined to ensure that they were virus-free and ready to fly (or, in the case of Apollo, to make sure they didn't bring home any "moon bugs.") This quarantine period "ensures that they aren't sick or incubating an illness when they get to the space station," NASA spokesperson Brandi Dean told Space.com. So what is quarantine really like for an astronaut? Related: The coronavirus pandemic and space exploration: Full coverage More: Free space projects for kids at home due to coronavirus outbreak Early spaceflight In the early days of NASA's Apollo program, the astronauts of Apollo 7 ended up getting sick in space with colds and quickly ran out of medication and tissues. Although instances of astronauts getting sick in space are few and far between, these early issues led the agency to implement a preflight quarantine. Today, this is a two-week period where only controlled visits from close family are permitted. Implementing a preflight quarantine ensured that there was minimal risk of the astronauts bringing a virus with them to space. Related: Routine quarantine helps astronauts avoid illness before launch Later on, NASA quarantined the crews of Apollo 11, 12, 13 and 14 in the mobile quarantine facility (MQF) after their returns from the moon. The agency wasn't exactly sure what might be lurking on the moon and thought that there might be moon bugs, or moon sickness, that the astronauts could track home and contaminate Earth. The lunar samples collected by the astronauts were additionally quarantined in protected containers and handled in the controlled quarantine facility known as the Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL). Though this was largely to prevent Earth materials from contaminating the lunar samples. President Richard M. Nixon was in the central Pacific recovery area to welcome the Apollo 11 astronauts aboard the USS Hornet, prime recovery ship for the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. Already confined to the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) are (left to right) Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot. Apollo 11 splashed down at 11:49 a.m. (CDT), July 24, 1969, about 812 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii and only 12 nautical miles from the USS Hornet. (Image credit: NASA) Following splashdown, these crews spent 21 days in quarantine in the (MQF), a converted Airstream trailer. They had communication devices as well as living and sleeping facilities. The Apollo 11 crew famously spoke with Nixon through a window in the MQF using the communication equipment in the trailer. The astronauts did have a bit of fun while cooped up in the MQF, however. Photos of these quarantines have revealed astronauts giggling, acting bored, reading newspapers and chatting. Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong even passed some of his time in the facility playing the ukulele. Neil Armstrong plays the ukulele while in the MQF during post-splashdown quarantine. (Image credit: NASA) The Apollo 11 crew even had a party while in quarantine, as Armstrong celebrated his birthday while still in post-splashdown quarantine. In a recent interview with Ars Technica, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin said, about the quarantine experience, "Mike Collins and I used to exercise and jog a little bit around the hallway ... We looked at this one crack in the floor, and there were ants crawling in and out," suggesting that, if ants could get in and out that surely any kind of "moon bugs" or microbes they brought back could as well. Aldrin added that, while in the MQF, he spent his time working on mission reports and finishing up paperwork, including a government voucher for $33.31 for his trip to the moon. Following Apollo 14, NASA had found no evidence of biological activity in the lunar samples collected, nor any material that officials felt could be harmful. So, while the lunar samples remained quarantined and continued to be handled with care and caution, astronauts returning from the moon were no longer confined to the MQF after splashdown. Related: The weirdest things Apollo astronauts left on the moon Later years Now while NASA's astronauts today might not get to hang out in the MQF, they do face preflight quarantines to ensure their health and safety. In addition to quarantine, astronauts typically undergo a physical examination known as the "L-10" 10 days before they launch. This further ensures that the crew members are not sick or infected before launching. During the space shuttle program, the astronauts were quarantined but could have limited contact with other people. However, once arriving at the NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida where the shuttles would lift off, the astronauts would enter a much stricter quarantine where the crew surgeon would be isolated with the crew. Two days before launch, the astronauts would undergo a second medical exam to make sure that they were in tip-top shape. Present day Today, the preflight quarantine, which is known as "health stabilization," is still an essential safety precaution when it comes to crewed launches. Astronauts spend the two weeks before their flight quarantined in their quarters, which are located in NASA's Kennedy and Johnson space centers, and in Roscosmos' Baikonur Cosmodrome in southern Kazakhstan. During this two-week period, the astronauts have no direct contact with anyone who has not been cleared by NASA flight surgeons, Dean said. While in quarantine, the astronauts spend their time prepping for the mission ahead of them. They prepare mentally, study up on flight procedures and make sure to both rest and work out to ensure that they're in peak physical and mental condition for their flight. They also spend time making video calls and chatting with friends and family. It is not known if any of the astronauts bring ukuleles with them into quarantine like Armstrong. Even with these intense precautions, astronauts have gotten sick in space. However, These cases are especially rare now given that astronauts travel to space with such regularity. In fact, our presence in space has grown so much that, since 2000, the space station has never been without astronauts on board. So those born before 2000 have never lived a day when there were no humans in space. Coronavirus changes Recently, NASA space station program manager Kirk Shireman revealed that, with the upcoming Soyuz launch on April 9, 2020, concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic will likely extend the preflight quarantine period. It is still unknown exactly how quarantine procedures might change for this specific flight or future flights, but NASA is addressing concerns surrounding the illness head-on. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has mandated that all nonessential mission personnel at the agency work from home. "NASA is closely adhering to the CDC's recommendations on infection control for the coronavirus," Dean said, further adding that this includes "cleaning of surfaces, social distancing, emphasizing hand hygiene, limiting social contact whenever possible and asking NASA team members who are sick to stay home, even if they would otherwise fall into the telework exceptions." Follow Chelsea Gohd on Twitter @chelsea_gohd . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . When you see art up close you can see the details of what the artist put into the work the light, the emotion, how the artist wants to bring you in to the piece and what the statement is, Fox said. Paul Simon, a spokesman for Schnucks, said its looking to add 500 employees in the St. Louis area. Weve seen such an increase in customer traffic in the past week or so, he said. We need help on the front end, checking and bagging, and on the clerk end stocking the shelves. The chain also has seen quite a bit of an increase in its delivery service, which operates through Instacart, Simon said. The union that represents Schnucks and Dierbergs employees, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 655, is talking with other labor leaders about helping get temporary jobs for those out of work due to event cancellations and closures. Unite Here Local 74, which represents workers at the some of the region's stadiums, arenas, hotels and casinos, has asked whether some of its members could quickly be moved into grocery jobs. UFCW Local 655 Communications Director Collin Reischman said the union is in talks with grocers to see if they can "funnel some good union workers into those stores since they are so needed right now." The talks are preliminary but an attempt to help workers in industries that have been "decimated" by the closures, Reischman said. Gaza Strip, home to two million, has enough testing kits for fewer than 200 and about 20 available ventilation devices. Gaza Strip After an arduous three-day journey from Egypt to the Gaza Strip, Amal Brika, a young journalist, was hoping to get home, take a warm bath and sleep. But she was shocked upon learning that she would be subjected to a compulsory quarantine as part of efforts to combat a potential outbreak of the new coronavirus pandemic in the besieged coastal enclave. Brika, along with dozens of other Palestinians, was sent to a school near the Rafah border in southern Gaza. I protest against the unhealthy quarantine; we were 200 people in the school, eight in each classroom and all men and women sharing only one dirty bathroom. I didnt feel comfortable and privacy, she told Al Jazeera by phone. Similar complaints flooded social media as Gazas authorities, led by Hamas the group that governs the Strip, struggled to take severe measures to prevent the arrival of the novel virus to the tiny enclave. No infections have yet been detected in the strip, which is home to some two million people and suffering from an ongoing Israeli-Egyptian blockade. The blockade, imposed after Hamass 2007 takeover, has essentially cut off the area from the rest of the world. No tourists can visit as Israel and Egypt have largely kept their borders shut. In recent years, both countries lifted some travel restrictions, allowing more Palestinians in Gaza to exit, usually on humanitarian grounds and after a long process of clearance to get hard-to-obtain permits. But as the coronavirus spreads in neighbouring Egypt and Israel, the Hamas-led government has realised it must act quickly, given the limited capacity of Gazas healthcare system. The blockade, Palestinian political division and three Israeli offensives over the past 12 years have rendered the healthcare system in Gaza overstretched and under-sourced, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The health system wont be able to deal with hundreds or thousands of cases, so the best thing here is the absence of the (COVID-19) disease, Abdelnasser Soboh, WHO director in Gaza, told Al Jazeera. Soboh said there are not enough protective clothes for medical workers or intensive care equipment and ventilators all vital to combat a potential outbreak. There are only 62 ventilation devices across Gaza, more than two-thirds of which are already used by other patients. As for the detection of the coronavirus, there are only two test kits, enough to examine 190 people, Soboh said. There are no funds to buy equipment, and if money is available, there is a global scarcity, Soboh added. We need doctors Meanwhile, Dr Nidal Ghunaim, head of the infection control department at the health ministry, said authorities are working to overcome the obstacles and equip quarantine centres. He told Al Jazeera that the ministry is stepping up its efforts by increasing the testing capacity, as he blamed the blockade for the shortage of capabilities and medical staff. Ghunaim said 49 suspected cases were tested that came back negative. A 30-bed field hospital set up near the Rafah crossing point with Egypt would be used if coronavirus cases were diagnosed. So far, eight temporary quarantine centres have been opened in Gaza, mostly at schools. The health ministry says 2,708 residents are in self-isolation at home after returning earlier via Israel and Egypt, and about 800 arrivals this week were transferred to special school quarantine centres. On Tuesday, Israel and Egypt completely sealed off crossings into Gaza. When the ministry announced the opening of the first obligatory isolation centre at a school, there was an outcry against the conditions. Images showed mattresses on the ground. Many were dissatisfied with the overall lack of privacy. Though half of Gazas workforce is jobless and poverty levels stand at about 52 percent, activists have organised donation campaigns. Some of Gazas struggling businesses donated food parcels, makeshift beds and sanitisers to those who were quarantined. Brika, who had to cut short her visit to Egypt, said arrivals were not subject to screening upon arriving at the Palestinian side, and were taken away in buses at midnight to the schools. As soon as I saw the mattresses on the grounds, I shivered from cold, she said. We need doctors to monitor our health conditions, take care of the elderly and educate us about safety measures and how to deal with each other, especially in this crowded school, Brika said. On the first day, she posted photos from the school showing herself wearing a face mask and sitting with other women under the sun. The donations brought some relief. Brika later posted a picture from the classroom showing beds with a thick, colourful bedcover. This is our hotel, she wrote, but insisted, without a private room and bathroom, self-home quarantine is better than staying here. The Houston Chronicle has lifted the paywall on this developing coverage to provide critical information to our community. To support our journalists work, consider a digital subscription. UPDATE: Follow the Houston Chronicle's coronavirus live blog for Friday, March 20, here. 10:10 p.m. A couple who tested positive for COVID-19 attended mass March 8 at St. Angela Merici Parish in Missouri City, the church announced late Thursday on social media. The husband collapsed during the 8 a.m. service and was helped out of the church, according to the post. A group of people came to his aid. EMS was called and treated him for dehydration. At the time he was asymptomatic, the post said. "We have already notified all but one those individuals who came to the parishioners aid of the COVID-19 diagnosis," according to the post, signed by Father John E. Cahoon. "If anyone has contact information for Christina Carritne (who also assisted at the scene), please call Margaret Myers at the parish office at 281-778-0400, as soon as possible." The couple had been sitting in the 7th row from the front of the church, which will be thoroughly cleaned a sanitized before reopening. The post encouraged anyone seated in the area during the service to review all CDC recommendations and contact a health provider. Cahoon said he and another priest are in self-quarantine. CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Stay informed with accurate reporting you can trust 9:44 p.m. Two DPS employees have tested positive for COVID-19, the agency announced, without releasing any other details. "Public safety is our number one concern, and the department will work in conjunction with public health authorities to provide any additional information necessary to notify the public of these positive cases," according to a statement. The announcement came after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the agency earlier this week to temporarily waive license renewal requirements, causing crowds at some Houston-area offices. On Wednesday night, Abbott ordered that all the offices close. 9:18 p.m. Texas Medical Center hospitals are preparing for a surge in patients by suspending elective surgeries, reports the Chronicle's Todd Ackerman. Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, Baylor St. Luke's, Harris Health and Texas Children's Wednesday night informed their staff and patients of the new policy, which should be fully phased in by Monday and stay in effect until at least mid-April. We realize that this change will cause ripple effects across peoples schedules and lives as well as across our own operations, said a letter to Memorial Hermann Health System doctors and staff jointly signed by President Dr. David Callender and Chief Physician Executive Dr. Jamie McCarthy. Our goal (is) to take the most proactive and preventative measures possible to ensure we can protect the health of everyone. 9:09 p.m. Texas beaches appear to be one of the only remaining refuges for people attempting to escape the new coronavirus, reports the Chronicle's Nick Powell. While Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order banning gatherings of more than 10 people and closing all gyms, bars and restaurants until April 3, many public beaches continue to be open for business. The state General Land Office, which has jurisdiction over all public beaches, has advised local governments to make a decision regarding those closure at their discretion. Read more at HoustonChronicle.com. 9:03 p.m. What do the first 50 COVID-19 patients in the Houston-area tell us? An analysis by the Chronicle's St. John Barned-Smith found that they reflect a national trend: People of all ages are at risk of infection, not just older adults. Of the first 50 local cases, only 20 are 60 to 80. The youngest patient is somewhere between the ages of 15-25. Four others are in their 20s. Five in their 30s. Thirteen in their 40s. Eight in their 50s. That feels like the kind of dispersion were likely to see, said Dr. Clive Fields, chief medical officer of VillageMD. Read more at HoustonChronicle.com. 8:39 p.m. Humble ISD students and parents are starting to adapt to the districts new distance learning format, reports the Chronicle's Savannah Mehrtens. Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen said the overall reactions to the coronavirus containment methods and strategies remind her of how the district responded to Hurricane Harvey. Teachers are working across different online platforms to provide educational resources while counselors are helping students cope with what might be a scary situation. Read more on HoustonChronicle.com. 8:30 p.m. Montgomery County reported its ninth positive case of COVID-19, involving a man in his 50s. The patient lives in southwest Montgomery County. He is hospitalized in critical but stable condition. His travel history is under investigation. This brings the regional total to 71 cases. 8:14 p.m. The Galveston County Clerks Office will close its office at the League City Annex and reduce staff at the main office at the Galveston County Justice Center, effective Friday until further notice, officials said. The clerk's office is taking additional precautions, including: Please do not bring in children for in person service to minimize risk of possible COVID-19 spread Please try to limit the number of people you bring with you for in person service If you are sick or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick, please do not make a physical appearance in the office, call 409-766-2200 to speak with a County Clerks Office representative 8:04 p.m. During a virtual town hall, Gov. Greg Abbott said there may be a decision as early as tomorrow on postponing the May 26 Texas primary runoff, reports the Chronicle's Taylor Goldenstein. 7:48 p.m. Lone Star College plans to cancel all spring 2020 graduation ceremonies, previously scheduled May 6-9, the school announced. This was not an easy decision to make, said LSC Chancellor Stephen C. Head. I know what a special time this is for our students, but given the circumstances, we felt it prudent to err on the side of caution." Head added that the school is working on "alternative arrangements" to help commemorate and celebrate the graduates. Right now all LSC facilities are closed to students until April 13. LSC online classes that started before spring break will resume March 23. "Discussions are also ongoing as to which classes will be moved online and which will remain face to face and that information will be shared with students by April 10," according to the announcement. 7:39 p.m. A shortage of protective equipment, including surgical gowns and masks, forced the city of Houston to delay opening its drive-thru testing sites, one of which is expected to open tomorrow, the Chronicle's Jasper Scherer reports. Because of the shortage, Houston health care workers are limited in their ability to draw and analyze testing samples and determine how many people have been infected, a major roadblock to fighting the disease. Once they receive enough gear, Houston and Harris County officials intend to operate four drive-thru testing sites: two in the city and two in the county. Read more at HoustonChronicle.com. 7:31 p.m. Read more about the scene today at the first drive-thru testing site in the Houston area, reported by the Chronicle's Samantha Ketterer. The line outside the Acres Homes center at times stretched 3 miles long. It began to form at least two hours before the testing started at 10 a.m. Drivers slowy inched up, and some people stepped out of their cars for a smoke break as the line stalled. Testing was expected to lasted until 8 p.m. and and resumes 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. 7:25 p.m. The City of Conroe Parks and Recreation Department has suspended all programs and classes indefinitely at the C.K. Recreation Center, Conroe Aquatic Center and the Oscar Johnson, Jr. Community Center, reports the Chronicle's Catherine Dominguez. The centers themselves are also closed until further notice as of 5 p.m. Thursday. The action comes after both the city and county issued disaster declarations regarding the new coronavirus forcing the closure of schools, business and canceling dozens of public and private events. 6:58 p.m. Harris County Public Health just released new details about its five most recent COVID-19 cases. The five patients are: A 40-50 year-old woman, who lives in the northwest quadrant of Harris County (contact with a positive COVID-19 individual) A 50-60 year-old man, who lives in the northwest quadrant of Harris County (travel-related) A 40-50 year-old woman, who lives in the southeast quadrant of Harris County (travel-related) A 60-70 year-old woman, who lives in the northwest quadrant of Harris County (travel-related) A 20-30 year-old woman, who lives in the northwest quadrant of Harris County (travel-related) 6:50 p.m. The U.S.-Mexico border could be closed to "non-essential" travel as early as Friday, in an effort to thwart the ongoing pandemic, reports the Chronicle's Benjamin Wermund. The White House is "talking to the Mexican government, so it doesnt become a one-way street, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat, told Hearst Newspapers. They are talking to the Mexicans and hopefully this will be done in a way that the U.S. and Mexico can agree on what restrictions. Cuellar, who said he has been in close contact with Customs and Border Patrol leadership about the potential closure, said if anything happens we should hear about it by Friday. 6:42 p.m. For those still without hand sanitizer, some Houston-area distilleries are coming to the rescue, reports the Chronicle's Emma Balter. The Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) just relaxed its rules to make it easier and faster for distilleries to produce their own hand sanitizer products. The latest distillery entering the field is Grateful Dane Distilling, which makes rum in Bellaire. On March 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., owner Ian Mook will be giving away two bottles of hand sanitizer for every bottle of rum purchased, as well as selling the hand sanitizer separately, at cost. 6:38 p.m. Four coronavirus patients in Fort Bend County have recovered, officials said in a tweet. The county had reported 19 total COVID-19 cases. 6:36 p.m. The Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals, which were shut down after a worker was tested positive for COVID-19, will resume normal operations Friday, reports the Chronicle's Erin Douglas. The Port Authority says it conducted an investigation regarding the workers potential exposure, finding that his exposure to others was fairly limited. All of those who the worker was in contact with dare in self-quarantine.Vessel operations will resume this evening at 7 pm at both container terminals. Normal business operations will resume Friday morning. 6:28 p.m. Today was the single biggest increase of known cases of the novel coronavirus in Texas, jumping from 200 cases to 306 as of this time, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis. The number of deaths due to the disease also nearly doubled, with five Texans now dead from the virus. Spikes were seen in the major metropolitan areas, with Dallas County reporting 20 new cases, and one death while Harris County jumped from 28 to 35 cases, and one death. The number of known cases in the Greater Houston region now stands at 70. Testing has increased across the state, with more than 2,300 people having been tested, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. At this time, there are: 306 cases statewide (single biggest day increase) 5 deaths 70 regional cases 2,335 people tested statewide 872 tested in public labs 1,463 in private 6:23 p.m. There may be trouble in the homebuying market. Large homebuyers RedfinNow and Opendoor have both announced they have paused their purchase of homes in response to the increasingly disruptive effects of the novel coronavirus, reports the Chronicle's Rebecca Schuetz. Both are part of a cohort of companies known as iBuyers, for their instant online offers to buy homes directly from sellers. Their decisions to temporarily stop purchasing homes flagged potential issues for the broader homebuying market. With whole cities shutting down nearly all commerce, no one can say what a fair price is right now, so were not making any instant offers, said Redfins chief executive, Glenn Kelman, in an emailed statement. Opendoor cited fears that the need for social distancing would make it difficult for the many in-person aspects of the homebuying transaction, such as home assessments and repairs. Following the latest guidance from federal, state and local governments and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our employees, partners and customers, we are temporarily pausing new instant home offers, said an Opendoor spokesperson in an emailed statement. 6:17 p.m. A Texas A&M University student has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in Brazos County, where the university resides, to four, according to university and county health officials. Texas A&M President Michael K. Young wrote in a letter to the university that county health officials notified the college that a female student, in her 20s, contracted the virus after traveling to New York. University officials confirmed that the student the did not return to campus after her travels. We send our best wishes for recovery and are supporting our student and the health authorities, Young wrote. 6:12 p.m. More Texans are looking into unemployment programs -- so much that it's slowing the Texas Workforce Commission website, reports the Chronicle's Erin Douglas. The website, which provides information about state workforce programs including unemployment insurance, saw a huge bump in traffic on Tuesday, with 40,000 visitors, and Wednesday, with 50,000 visitors. Typically, the site has around 10,000 visitors per day. That overwhelmed the website, at times not loading, and at other times users experienced slow functionality. We recognize the inconvenience this is causing for our customers and are working quickly with our agency partner, the Texas Department of Information Resources, to resolve issues and accommodate the increased number of users on TWCs website, said Cisco Gamez, spokesperson for the Texas Workforce Commission. The TWC increased the memory to accommodate the number of users on the server, and the state will make additional changes to help remedy the issue early Friday between 3 and 4:30 a.m. 6:07 p.m. Houston ISD parents will be able to connect with district staff and educational materials through a new online portal, expected to launch March 31, reports the Chronicle's Jacob Carpenter. District employees will spend the next week working on the portal, called HISD at H.O.M.E., and identifying families in need of various forms of support, such as technology access and food. HISD staff will be expected to continue working remotely throughout the closure, which will last through at least April 10. What Im asking not only trustees, but our staff members and parents, is to be patient with us as we work through pushing out online learning, Lathan said. 6:03 p.m. Montgomery County reported its eighth positive COVID-19 case, the 70th in the Houston region. The patient, a woman in her 40s, lives in southeast Montgomery County. She recently traveled to Germany and is in isolation at home. 5:56 p.m. Classes at the University of Houston will be offered remotely for the rest of the semester, according to an announcement. Graduation ceremonies have been postponed until late summer/early fall. Also, the university implemented a 30-day "hiring pause" in order to avoid new financial obligations as the economy continues to break down. "The Board of Regents has asked us to not take any new financial obligations because they (and we, too) are witnessing layoffs and pay cuts in almost all businesses around us," according to a university statement. "To comply with this directive and to be committed to the people already on the payroll, I have asked vice presidents to put a 30-day pause on signing off on any kind of new financial obligation including hires, contracts, procurement, etc." 5:45 p.m. Getting fresh air is one of the few reasons to leave the house these days. The Chronicle's Julie Garcia compiled a list of outdoor spots to get away from the noise amid the spreading coronavirus pandemic. Remember, practice staying 6 feet away from others. Also check for park and trail closures. 5:35 p.m. Mattress Firm is furloughing workers in response to the economic fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic, reports the Chronicle's Paul Takahashi. The Houston-based company on Thursday said it furloughed an undisclosed number of employees at its stores, distribution centers and corporate office; suspended some benefits, including disaster pay and paid time off for vacations and personal days; and reduced salaries and store hours at some locations. Furloughed employees will continue to receive health care benefits. 5:20 p.m. The Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office will close at 5 p.m. tomorrow. Anyone who wants to file documents may do so electronically or leave them in a drop box at the main entrance of the Fort Bend Justice Center, according to a statement. "We encourage the utilization of other means available to minimize public contact and to observe social distancing rules," according to a statement. "These methods include telephones, emails, faxes and a strategically places document drop box." 5:11 p.m. More federal money is coming for Texas health care providers, reports the Chronicle's Gwendolyn Wu. A coronavirus relief bill signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump could be the government intervention Texas hospitals need as they hurry to respond to the costs of testing and caring for patients who contract COVID-19, the sickness caused by the new coronavirus. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will infuse $104 billion into federal and state emergency response, allow federal Medicaid assistance funds to reimburse hospitals for the care of uninsured and Medicaid patients and increase Medicaid allotments for each state through 2021. Read more on HoustonChronicle.com. 5:02 p.m. The city of Galveston is closing all beach park public service amenities due to the coronavirus outbreak, reports the Chronicle's Nick Powell. The order goes into effect as of 5 p.m. Thursday, and includes amenities at East Beach, Stewart Beach, Seawall Urban Park, Dellanera RV Park and Seawolf Park. "Were asking the public to postpone their next visit to the island until the curve has been flattened, a city spokeswoman said in a statement. 4:46 p.m. During an afternoon news conference, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced one of two city testing sites will open tomorrow, focusing on first responders and medical workers, reports the Chronicle's Dylan McGuinness. "And then we will scale up," he said. The site is located at Butler Stadium, 13755 S Main. Tests are free, but they don't have enough equipment to test everyone, he said. Turner added that going forward, the city will offer a website where people with symptoms can register for a test time. 4:32 p.m. New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has tested positive for the new coronavirus, reports ESPN. Payton is the first NFL member to test positive, according to ESPN. He said he is fatigued, yet optimistic, and resting at home. 4:10 p.m. Two of Montgomery County's seven COVID-19 patients remain hospitalized in critical condition, including the Patton Village police officer who attended a rodeo cook-off, according to a news release. The officer caught the virus through a community spread, officials said. The other hospitalized patient, a woman in her 40s, traveled to New Orleans. The other five patients are recovering in isolation at home. 3:56 p.m. Five additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Harris County, Public Health Executive Director Umair Shah said during a press conference. That brings the county's total to 24, he said. He said totals are rising as more test results come back from the state and private labs. "It's hard to know many more cases we have," Shah said, emphasizing that there is evidence of community spread in the county. 3:48 p.m. First time claims for unemployment insurance in the Houston region have more than tripled this month compared to last year, data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows. According to the Chronicle's Erin Douglas, nearly 26,800 people have filed for unemployment insurance so far in the Houston region since March 1. Last year at this time, only about 8,000 people had filed a claim. 3:39 p.m. Fort Bend County reported seven more positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the county's total to 19, officials said. The seven patients include people with domestic and international travel histories. The cases include: A woman in her 40s with international travel who has moderate symptoms and is in isolation at home. A woman in her 50s with domestic travel to a region with widespread local disease. She has moderate symptoms and is in isolation at home. A man in his 40s with domestic travel and mild to moderate symptoms. He is in isolation at home. A minor child with domestic travel and mild symptoms who is in isolation at home. A man in his 40s with domestic travel and moderate symptoms who is in isolation at home. A woman in her 30s with domestic travel and moderate symptoms who is in isolation at home. A man in his 30s with moderate symptoms who is recovering in isolation at home. 3:20 p.m. The 11th Houstonian has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said Thursday afternoon. A woman in her 50s to 60s has been hospitalized after contracting the illness. She has no known travel history or exposure to prior COVID-19 cases, according to a Houston Health Department news release. There are 57 known coronavirus cases in the Houston region, 30 of which are in Harris County. Among those cases, one person a man in his 90s has died. Health officials said new cases would be announced daily at 3 p.m. 2:46 p.m. Harris County has had its first death of a person with the novel coronavirus. A man in his 80s, among the positive cases reported on Wednesday, died at a hospital. He was a resident of a nursing home prior to being hospitalized. The name of the nursing home was not disclosed. The man is the 5th known death in Texas related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the first in the greater Houston region. On Sunday, a man in his 90s died in Matagorda County. Since then, three others have died in Collin, Dallas and Tarrant County. 2:42 p.m. Rough weather heading for Houston on Friday has prompted Houston ISD to postpone Fridays curbside meal pickup for Monday, district officials said. A cold front with rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds is scheduled to blanket the region late in the morning through the afternoon, which would have meant a wet day for anyone lining up outdoors to receive meals. Anywhere from half-an-inch to a full inch of rain is predicted to fall. The district has been offering food at 39 campuses, with one pickup date and time window for each location. All families can receive food, regardless of whether their children attend HISD schools. The district is allowing families to walk to sites, though they must stay 6 feet apart from each other. The pickups scheduled for Friday will be held Monday instead. No pickups are available during the weekend. 2:34 p.m. The Harris County Sheriffs Office is considering the release of a small percentage of inmates through personal recognizance bonds to help reduce the risk of novel coronavirus infections inside the Harris County Jail. The Chronicles Gabrielle Banks reports that more than 8,500 people are currently housed inside the jail and thousands more are moving in and out of the building and back to their communities each day. The number of inmates that could be released are in the hundreds, rather than the thousands, according to officials. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez fears an outbreak of COVID-19 in the jail could be catastrophic to the region and overwhelm hospitals limited capacity to treat patients. To tackle this, he is seeking the compassionate releases of vulnerable people who pose a low risk to public safety. For that to happen, judges would need to sign off. An inmate could be considered for release if theyre elderly, if they suffer from another infectious disease or respiratory condition and if they are awaiting trial on a non-violent offense. Jails and prisons are fertile ground for the spread of infectious disease, Gonzales said. 1:48 p.m. Some companies are trying to make things easier for consumers at risk of losing their job amid the mounting pandemic and weakening economy. For drivers of recently-purchased Ford vehicles, Chronicle's Paul Takahashi reports the Detroit-based automakers is offering customers six months of payment relief in the form of a three-month discount and a three-month delay in starting the first payment. The company also announced its offering zero percent interest for 84 months on most 2019 model-year vehicles. Loan lender Ally Financial on Thursday said it would allow existing customers to defer auto loan payments for up to 120 days, and give new customers the ability to delay the first loan payment for 90 days. 1:39 p.m. Jury duty through the Harris County District Clerk's Office has now been suspended through April 30, officials said Thursday. The announcement is a change from the original March 31 suspension, which the Chronicle's Samantha Ketterer reported on earlier this week. The change means no trials will take place until jury duty summonses has been restored. 1:33 p.m. Mattress Mack is stepping up to help Houston families who may be struggling to get a bite to eat because of COVID-19. Until 7 p.m. Thursday, the Houston icon is giving away free grab-and-go meals at his Gallery Furniture store at 6006 North Freeway. In a video posted to Twitter, McIngvale says families and children in need can receive free sandwiches, fruit and juice at the pickup location in the parking lot of the store. "Its such a pleasure to help bring unity in the community because in Texas, tough times never last, tough Texans do," McIngvale says in the video. 1:18 p.m. Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a sweeping statewide order -- part of a public health disaster declaration, the first of its kind since 1901 -- limiting the gathering of 10 people or more and forcing bars and restaurants to close starting Friday at midnight. The order, which closes Texas schools, is effective through April 3 at the earliest. The move comes days after at least 20 states and territories across the U.S. have adopted restricted bars and restaurants and the majority, 43, have shut down schools, according to the National Governors Association. Lets muster our traditional Texas spirit, and together defeat COVID-19, Abbott said. Abbott banned sit-down dining and drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts and closes gyms, but "highly encouraged" the use of drive-thru and delivery options. The order also states that most visitations at nursing homes should end. Chronicle reporter Emily Foxhall previously wrote about Houston-area families struggling to deal with not being able to visit their relatives in nursing homes. The move comes days after at least 20 states and territories across the U.S. have adopted restricted bars and restaurants and the majority, 43, have shut down schools, according to the National Governors Association. 12:48 p.m. A Dallas County man became the fourth Texan to die from the novel coronavirus, local health officials reported. The man, who lived in Richardson and was in his 60s, was found dead at his home and was one of 20 new positive cases in Dallas County. Across the state, the number of positive cases grew to 263 as 32 counties have reported cases. In the Greater Houston region, there are 56 known cases of the virus, including a worker at a Port of Houston terminal that was recently diagnosed. The state has ramped up its testing for the disease, with more than 2,300 people having been tested, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. 12:31 p.m. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said a shelter-in-place order, such as the one in San Francisco, would be weighed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. She said the county must keep options open and be prepared to implement more drastic measures that may be needed to prevent a surge in cases, reports Chronicles Zach Despart. She said her team is studying the effectiveness of measures taken by other cities and countries. We have got to be flexible. We have got to be smart. We cant be catching up, Hidalgo said. If we do the exact same thing theyve done in other places, where theyve already overwhelmed the health care system, we know where were headed. Houston Mayor Sylvester on Tuesday said there will be no shelter in place for the city. At least 16 counties in the San Francisco Bay area are under shelter-in-place orders, which mandate the closure of most businesses and urge residents to stay at home except for trips to the grocery store or pharmacy. New York Mayor Bill DiBlasio said he is considering a similar order for that city. 12:15 p.m. Barbours and Bayport have been identified as the Port of Houston terminals that closed after a truck driver with access to the sites tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Chronicle's Erin Douglas reports the terminals closed Wednesday night. Barbours Cut and Bayport handle 70 percent of the container cargo that travels through the ports terminals, according to port spokesperson Lisa Ashley. 11:17 a.m. Parks in Houston and throughout Texas remain open amid the pandemic but with caveats. The nice evening on Wednesday brought families to the arboretum in Memorial Park to admire the idyllic trails and turtles as a way to get out of the house. But facilities there have since closed to keep people away from each other. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department followed suit with changes by limiting operations at its recreational facilities. Beginning at noon Thursday, the state agency will be limiting park programming and closing public access to park headquarters, visitor centers and park stores. The departments director, Carter Smith, says they have tried to keep the parks open through Spring Break, but the changes are imperative for safety reasons. The parks will be suspending all cash transactions where feasible. Visitors are encouraged to use self-pay stations, and the online reservation system and credit card transactions. Other reduced services include the suspension of equipment rentals and interpretive programs. These changes will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. 11:09 a.m. The line for free COVID-19 testing at United Memorial Medical Center kicked off to a sluggish start at 10:42 a.m. Dr. Joseph Varon, chief medical officer at UMMC, said he hopes to have 2,000 people tested on Thursday, but he doesnt think that will happen. Testing was taking about 5 to 10 minutes per car at first. Varon hopes to have 5,000 people tested next week. Test results should come back anywhere from four hours to a full day, he continued. Chronicle photographer Mark Mulligan saw one woman with a bad cough being pulled from the line and placed in protective gear. She was slated to be admitted to the hospital, Varon said. Now Playing: A person being wheeled into an isolation area at the United Memorial Medical Center drive-thru testing site that opened Thursday morning on Tidwell in Houston. Video: Mark Mulligan & Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle This is the real thing, Varon said of the woman. 10:28 a.m. Katy ISD's Legacy Stadium will serve as a testing site for the novel coronavirus with support from federal and local officials. In a statement released Thursday morning, district officials said the site is not yet operational but health officials will provide more details about its opening in the coming days. Legacy Stadium is located at 1830 Katyland Drive in Katy. It is slated to run seven days a week, for a least 30 days. People who visit the site must be referred by their healthcare provider and have a healthcare notification in order to be tested. The site will not be open to random testing, and Katy ISD officials asked people not to show up without a referral because it could put others at risk and cause delays. Those who are directed to the site must remain in their vehicles and will not receive medical counseling or services onsite. Testing will consist of a nasal swab. Katy ISD police officers and other law enforcement will secure the drive-through testing site and provide traffic control. 10:07 a.m. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that all 16 justices of the peace agreed to suspend evictions in light of the coronavirus emergency. Both Travis and Bexar county judges had already declared a halt to evictions. Harris County left it up to the discretion of each justice of the peace. Earlier in the week, only one judge, Jeremy Brown, suspended evictions. More and more judges signed on after advocacy group pressure. In Maryland, the governor forbade courts from evicting tenants able to prove that their inability to pay rent was a result of the coronavirus. On Wednesday, President Trump announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would suspend evictions. However, the suspension only applies to public housing not privately owned, HUD-subsidized housing or tenants who lease from a private landlord. 9:53 a.m. A worker at a Port of Houston terminal has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and that terminal, as well as another, have been closed amid cleanup, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. During Thursday morning news conference, Hidalgo said she was unsure when the terminals would reopen and that officials were trying to minimize impact on trade. The closure would likely last days, rather than weeks, officials said. Port Commission Chairman Ric Campo said the employee was a truck driver and that his path of interaction was being investigated. "He spent a lot of time in the truck alone, which is good news," Campo said. The port worker is among the 56 COVID-19 cases to be reported in the Houston region. 9:19 a.m. By 7:30 a.m., more than 20 people were in line to get a free COVID-19 test at United Memorial Medical Center. With about an hour to go until the testing clinic opens at 10 a.m., Chronicle photographer Mark Mulligan found a mile-long line of people waiting with their cars along West Tidwell and then snaking onto Yale Street. Angie and Hezekiah Israel were among those waiting. Angie is pregnant and her breathing has been different, she said. The couple just wants to be on the safe side. Another person waiting in line, Jose Mateo, said he had a high fever and was coughing with a sore throat. His urgent care would not test him, he said. 9:05 a.m. Social distancing has been tough on families with loved ones who are among the most vulnerable to the illness -- and in nursing homes. Mechelle Alvarado told Chronicle's Emily Foxhall that she visiting her father daily until two weeks ago when nursing homes across the nation began restricting visitors to protect their residents from the quickly-spreading novel coronavirus. The experience has been isolating for her father, a retired Marine. The father and daughter stay in touch through phone calls and video chats. He wants to get out, but he understands that he cant, Alvarado said. I know where he is, and I know hes safe, so Im OK. 8:35 a.m. As of Thursday morning, Texas has 203 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, with 53 of those in the greater Houston area. Three people have died in Matagorda, Collin and Tarrant County. Data journalist Jordan Rubio is keeping track of statewide COVID-19 cases, as well as regional, and will release updated numbers again at noon. 8:10 a.m. Crowds were inevitable Wednesday afternoon at a northwest Houston DPS office, where some Houstonians were simply trying to update their address for their taxes. Chronicle staff writer St. John Barned-Smith, during a visit yesterday, spotted at least 40 people, well over the 10-person limit that government officials have recommended for social distancing. I feel like I'm taking a bath in virus soup, said Keren Daniel, who was among the crowd. I'll wait outside. It wasn't until 9 p.m. that Gov. Greg Abbott's office ordered the closure of DPS offices. 8:00 a.m. The number of novel coronavirus cases in the Houston area went beyond 50 on Wednesday night as local and federal leaders promised the opening of testing sites. A "no charge" testing site will open at 10 a.m. at the United Memorial Medical Center at 510 West Tidwell in Houston, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said in a statement. The mounting pandemic sweeping the nation has prompted the Houston Chronicle editorial board to issue this message: "Stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home to save the lives of your grandparents, your parents, your favorite aunt, your best friend recovering from cancer, your neighbor with diabetes. Stay home to save your own life." In this photo released by the official website of the Office of the Iranian Presidency, cabinet members wearing face masks and gloves attend their meeting in Tehran, Iran. Read more News about the coronavirus is changing quickly. Go to inquirer.com/coronavirus for the latest information. While Americans are wrestling with how to get tests and equipment to curb the coronavirus, its easy to forget this is a global crisis. Unless the virus is quashed everywhere, it can resurge anywhere. That means the U.S. government has to be concerned about the skyrocketing epidemic in Iran, where a venal theocracy and crippling sanctions have left the population exposed. We should also be concerned about (at least) four U.S. citizens (and half a dozen other Westerners) who are being held as political prisoners in Iran, where the crowded prisons are petri dishes of contagion, without medicine or disinfectants or gloves or temperature checks. So heres a spot of good news: the pressure of the epidemic may force a humanitarian deal between Washington and Tehran. At the start of the Persian New Year, there are signs that Iran may free some U.S. citizens while Washington may finally facilitate desperately needed humanitarian aid to Tehran. Neither could happen too soon. On Thursday, Iran released U.S. Navy vet Michael White on medical furlough to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents American interests. White apparently had the misfortune to visit an Iranian girlfriend in 2018 in the northeastern city of Mashhad, at a time when Irans Revolutionary Guards were seeking payback for U.S. sanctions, in the wake of the Trump administrations withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Since then, Iran has been arresting Western academics and dual citizens visiting Iranian family members, and holding them as hostages for future political bargaining. White was sentenced to 13 years for espionage and is now suffering from cancer, besides being exposed to the virus. Its unclear yet when or whether he will be allowed to return home. Equally painful is the case of dual Iranian-American citizen and U.S. businessman Siamak Namazi, who was jailed in 2015 while visiting family in Tehran. His 84-year old father, Baquer, who was arrested in 2016 when he came to try to help his son, has been paroled but cant leave Tehran. And, although the regime has furloughed tens of thousands of Iranian prisoners over the Nowruz holiday, Siamak remains in a crowded cell. The only way to describe it is beyond horrific, his brother told NPR on Wednesday. "Imagine a room which is very, very small with 15, 20, 25 people crowded in there, not having access to basic products for disinfectants, not having medicine, not being tested. The prison is not containing the virus. Held nearby Namazi is dual U.K.-U.S. citizen Morad Tahbaz, whom Ive written about, imprisoned since 2018. His crime was working with the Persian Heritage Wildlife Foundation (PHWF) to save endangered cheetahs (all nine of the PHWF staff were also imprisoned, and one, a Canadian-Iranian died during interrogation). Tahbaz also has cancer and hasnt been furloughed. The prisons by definition are the complete opposite of social distancing, and the prisoners (including Iranian human rights activists) are like sitting ducks being sacrificed, I was told by Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the U.S.-based Center for Human Rights in Iran. This is a way to get rid of a lot of political prisoners. So hats off to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for calling on Iran to release all wrongfully detained Americans as COVID-19 spreads to Iranian prisons. Hes also insisted that any nation considering humanitarian assistance to Iran should seek the release of all dual and foreign nationals, i.e., hostages who come from Britain, France, Austria, and elsewhere. But, of course, the question is what kind of aid the Iranian government would seek in return. Only this week, the Trump administration piled more sanctions on Tehran, designed to further squeeze any efforts to evade past sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Oil sanctions have cratered the Iranian economy (with no clear U.S. definition of what it would take to get them lifted). And theres no question that the sanctions have blocked Iranian access to desperately needed medical supplies and equipment to fight the coronavirus, even though humanitarian goods are supposed to be exempted. Washington has just established a Swiss humanitarian channel through which food and medicine can be sent to Iran, but it is just starting trial operations. Any organization seeking to use it must receive written guarantees from the United States that it will not be sanctioned. Such a limited channel at a time of coronavirus is a sham. True, the Iranian regime has been shockingly lax in confronting the pandemic, with many of its own political elite infected, and bears heavy responsibility for its spread. But Irans death toll is soaring. And although it has a decent health system, the caseload could soon spiral out of control without adequate medical supplies. So Pompeo (together with European counterparts) should go big on a humanitarian aid deal in exchange for the release of Western hostages. This is not about Tehran regime change or shaming the ayatollahs. Its not about punishing Iran for its malfeasance in the Middle East. An urgent bypass to sanctions is needed to focus on the epidemic, says Ghaemi. This is in everyones interest. This is above geopolitics. It is about bringing a pandemic under control, about addressing a collective danger. A pandemic explosion in Iran threatens us all. A flu medicine created by a Fujifilm Holdings group company is effective in combating the COVID-19, the government of China said on Tuesday. Check these out: Running Out Of Ventilators: Experts Say the US Could Be The Next Italy US Government Plans to Release Special Funding Amid COVID-19 Spread, Including Checks to Citizens 17-Year Old Develops Website That Allows You to Track COVID-19 Cases in Real-Time Beijing is Already Recommending the Drug According to the China National Center for Biotechnology Development's director Zhang Xinmin, the drug is safe and effective at fighting the deadly novel coronavirus. Treating COVID-19 Patients with Avigan There are other countries formulating vaccines to help cure the deadly novel coronavirus. Avigan is just one of the proposed cure for the COVID-19. This drug was created in 2014. Since February, the drug has been used to treat COVID-19 patients. The shares of Fujifilm had increased by 15.4 percent in Tokyo on the afternoon of Wednesday. Due to the high number of buy orders of the stock, its morning trade was suspended. This event happened after the announcement of Beijing about the drug. Clinical Trials of the Drug The clinical trial for the drug was performed on 200 patients admitted at medical centers in Shenzhen and Wuhan. According to the results of the clinical trials, all of the patients who took the drug tested negative for the deadly novel coronavirus in a shorter period. Additionally, the symptoms of pneumonia caused by the virus were reduced. In a median of four days, all of the patients who took Avigan tested negative for the novel coronavirus. The control group took 11 days to recover from the deadly virus, says Zhang. As of the moment, there are no known side effects of taking the drug, the director added. In a different clinical trial conducted in Wuhan showed that patients who took Avigan survived the COVID-19 in an average of 2.5 days while the other patient took 4.2 days to recover. The coughs of patients improved from 4.6 to 1.4 days earlier compared to those who were not given Avigan . Out of the total patients in the trial who was given Avigan, only 8.2 percent needed respiratory aids while 17.1 percent of the control group needed breathing devices. International Image of the Drug The Avigan drug received regulatory approval in 2014 in Japan. One condition that allows the government to use the drug is for fighting new or re-emerging flu viruses. Studies are revealing that the drug may cause death or deformities. Additionally, the drug can be transferred in a man's semen. The ministry of food and drug safety of South Korea decided not to import Avigan. The reason for this decision is the lack of sufficient clinical data to support the efficacy of the drug. The inclining stock price of Fujifilm does not reassure the specific benefits of the company, especially when companies from China begins to mass-produce the drug. According to a spokesperson from Fujifilm, the company is not the one conducting these clinical trials in China of the medicine. They are currently analyzing the results of these clinical trials. Patent and Reproduction of Avigan The company had been approved to reproduce the Avigan in February. There is a possibility of the creation of a generic version soon. The patent of Fujifilm on Avigan is still effective in Japan. However, its patent in China ended last year. This will allow the production of a generic version of the medication. L ondon is braced for a total lockdown to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the city, where the deadly disease is spreading faster than anywhere else in the UK. Up to 40 Tube stations will be shut down across the capital from Thursday, in a move designed restrict travel but allow key workers to make essential journeys. Meanwhile, some 20,000 troops are on standby to help fight the Covid-19 crisis as the Government prepares to ramp up measures further and faster. London Museums and Galleries closed during Coronavirus 1 /18 London Museums and Galleries closed during Coronavirus A pedestrian in a face mask walks past the National Gallery AFP via Getty Images British Museum Getty Images Tate Britain Museum REUTERS British Museum Getty Images A sign outside the Natural History Museum declares the building temporarily closed Getty Images An empty gallery is seen within the V&A Museum Getty Images An empty gallery is seen within the V&A Museum Getty Images British Museum Getty Images British Museum PA British History Museum PA A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks past the National Portrait Gallery AFP via Getty Images 'A Rakes Progress' by William Hogarth is displayed alongside contemporary work 'Low Relief' by John Riddy during the "Hogarth: London Voices, London Lives" exhibition photocall at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery on March 17, 2020 in London, England. The exhibition was due to open to the public on the 18th March. However, the gallery will be temporarily closed until further notice Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: 'Long Live Southbank' by Grassroots Activist Group during the "Hogarth: London Voices, London Lives" exhibition photocall at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery on March 17, 2020 in London, England. The exhibition was due to open to the public on the 18th March. However, the gallery will be temporarily closed until further notice. Getty Images Visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum PA A senior Government source suggested such plans would not be enforced in the next 24 hours but stopped short of denying measures were being prepared. According to Public Health England some 25 deaths have been recorded in the capital and 621 Covid-19 cases - representing 32 per cent of cases nationwide. It was not immediately clear what exactly these stricter measures on the city would look like, but further restrictions are already being made on the transport network. Mayor Sadiq Khan urged Londoners to only make journeys that are absolutely necessary as he unveiled plans for reduced services. Up to 40 London Underground stations that do not interchange with other lines will be closed until further notice from today. Boris Johnson refused to rule out stricter measures for London as the coronavirus crisis deepens / POOL/AFP via Getty Images From Friday there will be no Waterloo & City line, while the Night Tube will not run until further notice. London buses will operate fewer services, but still run at night, and everyone will be urged not to use public transport for anything other than essential journeys. People wear protective face masks on the capital's streets / PA Elsewhere, 10,000 troops are being held at "higher readiness" in case of a civil emergency and this figure will be doubled in the effort to support public services. They will be on standby to provide support to the NHS, including tank drivers being used to transport vital oxygen supplies, the MoD confirmed on Wednesday night. So far, 104 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK and tens of thousands of people are thought to be infected. WHO: Countries must isolate, test, treat and trace to reduce coronavirus epidemics It comes as emergency legislation to tackle the coronavirus outbreak is set to be published after Mr Johnson announced the closure of schools and cancellation of exams. Health Secretary Matt Hancock will table the Emergency Coronavirus Bill that sets out measures aimed at slowing the spread and supporting the NHS. Schools across the UK were preparing to close to all pupils except those of key workers in a bid to halt the disease's spread. English schools will shut their gates on Friday until further notice, as will nurseries, colleges and childminders. GCSEs and A-levels in both England and Wales will be cancelled - although the Prime Minister said there are plans for students to receive qualifications. In Scotland and Wales, all schools will close for an early Easter break by Friday. A decision on whether exams will sit in Scotland has not yet been taken. Mr Johnson said measures taken so far were helping to slow the spread of the disease, but he did not rule out tougher measures being enforced down the line. Mr Hancock's emergency legislation will also include plans to hand police powers to arrest and isolate people to protect public health but will be time-limited for two years. Labour is not expected to force a vote on the legislation, allowing it to pass through Parliament swiftly with some MPs in self-isolation and concerns about others gathering in the House. But leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote a list of conditions to the PM which he said would need to be considered to gain public support. Mr Corbyn said the legislation must be renewed by a fresh vote in Parliament every six months in order to prevent too much power being handed to the Government. He also said rent suspension must be introduced, called for the ban on evictions to last six months and for jobs and incomes to receive greater protection. Some hospitals have begun stopping all non-essential visits to patients, while the FTSE 100 continued its downward slump as the financial impact of the crisis failed to cease. Listen to today's episode of The Leader: Loading.... The cultural impact also continued, with filming on EastEnders and BBC Studios dramas including Casualty, Doctors, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City was postponed. However, there was a glimmer of hope in a day of bleak developments when the PM hailed a "game-changer" test was "coming down the track." Responsible for climate change's global warming with his hot-air theorizing while others work, the pompous, delusional Senator Bernie Sanders (ostensibly representing Vermont as an independent but running to be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States) must also believe he is premier of China. Or confuses losing a series of primary elections with winning the election for U.S. president. Or... When asked by CNN reporter Manu Raju "about his timeframe for making a decision" about continuing his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination after his disastrous showing in Tuesday's elections, Sanders exploded: Sen. Bernie Sanders grew angry when asked about his campaign plans. During a gaggle with reporters in the Capitol, I asked Sanders about his timeframe for making a decision, and he lashed out: "I'm dealing with a f------ global crisis. You know, we're dealing with." Startled by his response, Raju continued tweeting sympathetically: I noted he's running for president, and he said: "Well right now, right now I'm trying to do my best to make sure that we don't have an economic meltdown and that people don't die. Is that enough for you to keep me busy for today?" He alone is doing all that preventing an "economic meltdown" and seeing "that people don't die" so that is why he is so "busy for today" that he is unable to answer a simple question. Hmmm. The blowup occurred about half way through a five-minute gaggle where Sanders talked about the "unprecedented crisis of our lifetime," calling for a range of measures that the U.S. government should take in the midst of the economic crisis. Sanders seems unaware that the real president, Donald J. Trump (R), and other members of Congress, of which he is part, are doing just that while he spouts hot air. Raju continued: Then @LisaMascaro asked what he's saying to his supporters, and he sidestepped the question, noting he's sent out a statement. Then, I asked about his timeframe -- and he was furious Afterwards, he mellowed out and answered questions about the crisis for about two more minutes. Uh, Bernie, let me break it to you: we're all dealing with it in our own way. But you're in the United States, not China, and the president of the United States as mentioned, Donald J. Trump (R) and most members of Congress are doing a fine job of "dealing with" it for the United States. But what has Sanders been "dealing with" for Vermont since he was first elected as the state's lone representative to Congress in 1991 and, later, since 2007, as senator? Not much, not effectively. For example, Sanders "[g]ot [his] bills out of committee the least often compared to Serving 10+ Years (tied with 1 other)[.]" Following are a few more of his accomplishments in his 28-year congressional career. This is not the background and experience of a person you want dealing with a global crisis "f------ or not or even the day-to-day multiple crises of all degrees of seriousness that confront a real president. Image: AFGE via Flickr. Police are warning people not to let anyone into their homes who claim to be testing for coronavirus. Opportunist scammers have been knocking on doors in London claiming to be from health authorities. The con artists then say they need to carry out tests for Covid-19 to gain entry to properties of the elderly and vulnerable. It comes as the city faces a tougher lockdown within days amid fears it is driving the UK's coronavirus outbreak. It is the latest scam that selfish fraudsters are carrying out across the country in order to cash in on the pandemic sweeping the UK. Brits have already lost more than 800,000 to coronavirus related fraud according to experts. Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove (pictured), the Met Police commander for Central South London, is warning people of the scam The con artists say they need to carry out tests for Covid-19 to gain entry to properties of the elderly and vulnerable (file image) A briefing from Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, the Met Police commander for Central South London, read: 'We have heard reports that individuals may be taking advantage of the vulnerable by posing as door-to-door coronavirus testers in order to gain entry to people's properties. 'Nobody, and specifically not the NHS nor the police, are conducting such tests. If anyone attends your property and claims to be conducting such tests, please call the police on 999.' The Safer Neighbourhood Team in Headstone North, Harrow, told their Twitter followers: 'Starting to receive info about people knocking on doors claiming to be testing/ preparing to test for coronavirus. 'Please be vigilant and do not give personal details to any unsolicited callers to your door. Please ensure your neighbours are aware; particularly those not on OWL/Twitter.' A screenshot of an email was included in the post, which read: 'Hi be warned, there is a group going to homes and pretending to be officials from home affairs. 'They have documents with the letterhead Department of Home Affairs and claim to be confirming that everyone has a valid ID for the upcoming census. They are robbing homes. 'Take note there is no initiative like that's from the government. Send this on your neighbourhood group chat. They are everywhere and look presentable. Please alert your family and friends.' Police have taken to Twitter to warn people about the scams. One local force said criminals will 'try anything' to take advantage of the coronavirus situation (above and below) Lesicestershire Police has warned people of bogus coronavirus tests being carried out on doorsteps The local policing team in Burnt Oak, Barnet, tweeted to advise residents not to allow anyone entry who claims to be from the health service carrying out compulsory testing. Their tweet read: 'Good Evening Burnt Oak - please warn your elderly friends, neighbours and family that criminals will try anything to take advantage of the coronavirus situation. 'Be aware of people claiming to be health authorities offering mandatory testing to gain entry.' Coldharbour Police in Greenwich added: 'There have been reports from neighbouring wards of people knocking on front doors offering money for a coronavirus testing kit. 'This is fake as there is currently no public self testing kit. Please don't answer the door and fall victim.' Other local teams have followed suit, with MPS Hale, Barnet, said: 'To all residents, the NHS are NOT conducting any door to door initiatives in regards to testing individuals for the coronavirus. 'If anyone knocks on your door proclaiming to be conducting the tests please call the police.' Heartbreaking images taken this morning so a shopper struggling to get anything on her list at a Tesco superstore in Kent - before 9am People queuing outside a Costco store in Watford, north west London this morning Islington Council in north London added: 'There are reports of strangers in parts of London arriving at elderly and vulnerable residents' homes offering coronavirus Covid-19 testing. 'Residents are strongly advised not to let strangers in their homes and to report suspicious incidents to the police on 111.' It is the latest scam that selfish fraudsters are carrying out in order to cash in on the pandemic sweeping the UK. Brits have already lost more than 800,000 to coronavirus related fraud according to experts. Coronavirus scam costs victims over 800k in one month Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified 21 reports of fraud where Coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totaling over 800k. Of the 21 reports, ten were made by victims that attempted to purchase protective face masks from fraudulent sellers. One victim reported losing over 15k when they purchased face masks that were never delivered. Action Fraud has also received multiple reports about coronavirus-themed phishing emails attempting to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive personal and financial information. A spokesman said: 'One common tactic used by fraudsters is to contact potential victims over email purporting to be from research organisations affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). 'They claim to be able to provide the recipient with a list of coronavirus infected people in their area. In order to access this information, the victim needs to click on a link, which leads to a malicious website, or is asked to make a payment in Bitcoin.' Numbers are expected to rise as the virus continues to spread across the world. Advertisement The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau identified 21 reports of fraud where Covid-19 was mentioned since February. One victim claimed they lost more than 15,000 after purchasing face masks that were never delivered. Nine other people reported falling to the same scam with a total of more than 800k already reportedly lost from the combined claims so far. Phishing emails have also been circulating to trick people into revealing sensitive personal and financial information, with some fraudsters contacting potential COVID-19 victims pretending to be from Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) research teams. Some even go as far as to provide the recipient with a list of coronavirus infected people in their area with a link to a malicious website or Bitcoin payment. Action Fraud say they expect the number of instances to increase as COVID-19 continues to spread across the world. It comes after news that criminals are cashing in on the coronavirus crisis by posing as WHO officials to dupe victims into giving them personal information, while gangs are calling at homes and offering people bogus tests for money. Leading financial body UK Finance says people must be aware of criminals using publicity around the pandemic to 'pose as a genuine organisation, including banks, police officers, government, the World Health Organisation or other health service providers'. At the same time, Leicestershire Police says gangs are offering coronavirus tests on doorsteps in exchange for cash - amid reports from across the country. Explaining how the fraud worked, UK finance said criminals are using coronavirus as a cover story to attempt to get victims to 'disclose personal or financial information or click on links that may contain malware'. The National Cyber Security Centre said fraudsters were perpetrating a range of attacks related to the virus, including bogus emails. Some commuters were still struggling into work in London today despite speculation that the lockdown could be tightened Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, said: 'We would urge the public to be vigilant against criminals using the publicity around the coronavirus as a chance to target their victims with fraudulent emails, phone calls, text messages or social media posts'. Leicestershire Police said there were so far no confirmed reports of it happening in the county - but said it was occurring across the country. The spokeswoman said: 'It has not happened in Leicestershire as far as we know, but there has been a number of incidents nationally. 'We have issued the warning because there will always be people who are ready to scam people during difficult times.' The warning was echoed by Sergeant Pete Jelbert, who urged people to be cautious about anyone offering the tests. He posted on social media: 'Those claiming they can carry out tests on your doorstep are lying. 'Do not let them into your house and don't pay them.' The news comes after reports of scammers stealing money from the elderly stuck in coronavirus isolation by offering to go shopping for them. An hour later the landscape featured three piles of jagged rubble criss-crossed by bulldozer tracks and partial rows of headless car speaker poles. Pentz, who worked for two summers at the theater as a projectionist, said the passing of the drive-in would make it harder for him to remember the good times he had there. "You would see families with station wagons full of kids coming in before a show," he said. "I kind of wish a lot of these old memories could stay around forever, but I guess that's progress." Jim Gosnell and other members of the Early Ford V-8 Club parked autos from the 1940s and '50s nearby to pay tribute to the theater. "Those were the cars we drove here when this thing first started," said Gosnell, 61, of Kirkwood. Schmidt was one of many people who videotaped the demolition. He remembered his job selling popcorn at the concession stand and attaching letters to the marquee when a new movie came to the theater. "Changing the sign was always a treat, because we didn't have enough letters of the same size and you had to be creative," he said. Group of intellectuals and activists held after calling for release of prisoners inside crowded, unhygienic facilities. Egypt has arrested and charged four prominent activists and authors who called for the government to release prisoners amid the coronavirus outbreak. The four women were arrested on Wednesday on the charge of spreading false news and violating the countrys protest ban after they gathered outside the cabinet building. The detentions of activist Mona Seif; her activist and professor mother Laila Soueif; novelist aunt Ahdaf Soueif and Rabab al-Mahdi, a professor and activist, came as Egypt tries to maintain its firm grip on dissent amid a burgeoning world health crisis. We are in front of the cabinet building, asking for the state to take serious steps regarding coronavirus in prisons. As we know, at the best of times Egypts prisons are clusters for disease, Mona Seif said in a live Facebook video before her phone was taken by police. Prominent human rights lawyer Khaled Ali said the activists were referred to prosecutors for questioning. Monas younger sister Sanaa Seif said she was prevented from seeing her relatives at a Cairo police station. According to human rights groups, there are tens of thousands of people held without due process in the country for their political views. Authoritarian trick London-based free speech advocacy group PEN International condemned Ahdaf Soueifs arrest on Wednesday. Freedom of expression in Egypt has deteriorated dramatically over the past seven years under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis rule, a statement on its website read. Salil Tripathi, who is chair of the free speech organisation Writers in Prison Committee, tweeted: Jailing writers who speak truth to power is an authoritarian trick. Egypt must walk back from that path. Mona Seifs brother is the well-known blogger and activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, who was imprisoned last September after rare, small-scale protests erupted demanding el-Sisi step down. In recent weeks, Mona had been vocal on social media, raising awareness about the dangers of contagion in prisons. On Tuesday, her mother Laila Soueif, a Cairo University professor, wrote to Egypts attorney general urging him to free prisoners. The only way to prevent detention centres becoming hubs for spreading the pandemic and endangering the entire population of the country is to release as many prisoners as possible, she wrote. Ahdaf Soueif is a Booker-shortlisted novelist and Rabab al-Mahdi is a political science professor at the American University of Cairo. Epidemiological disaster Human rights groups have repeatedly criticised Egyptian prisons for overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Human Rights Watch said an epidemiological disaster could be spared if authorities arranged for the conditional release of prisoners. Qatars international media outlet Al Jazeera also called on the Egyptian government to release Mahmoud Hussein, its journalist who has been held for more than three years, citing deep concerns about his health amid the coronavirus outbreak. 200318101259603 Al Jazeera urged authorities in Egypt to immediately release Hussein and other imprisoned journalists. Overcrowded Egyptian prisons are infamous for their unhygienic conditions, which can potentially lead to a rapid spread of the coronavirus among prisoners, Al Jazeeras management said. It is unacceptable that Mahmoud has been held by the Egyptian authorities for nearly 1,200 days for merely being a journalist with baseless accusations and trumped-up charges, said acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, Mostefa Souag. Egypt on Thursday registered 46 new coronavirus cases, the health ministry said in a statement, bringing the total to 256. The ministry said there was one more death, taking the death toll to seven. Prince Charles is the longest heir-in-waiting to the throne. He has been waiting for more than 60 years to become king. Once he does become the king, his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles will unfortunately not become queen and will receive the title of Princess Consort instead According to royal expert Angela Mollard, after marrying in 2005, it left "some bubbling" what could be Camilla's title when Prince Charles becomes king since she does not want to be called queen. "There was always the directive that she would be Princess Consort and apparently, she has no desire to be anything more than Princess Consort," Mollard said. While Camilla is happy with just that, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed that Prince Charles is upset because he wanted her to be queen because the Duchess of Cornwall has been popular in the polls for her charitable works. Fitzwilliams explained, "Charles may well be disappointed. He did indicate that she might take the title of Queen Consort." In a report by Express last month, Victoria Arbiter spoke to the publication explaining that it is highly likely for Prince Charles to insist on his wife to adopt the rightful title. "'Princess Consort' remains the official palace line, but when the day finally dawns, I suspect Charles will insist his wife adopt her rightful title," Arbiter said. She added that for Camilla to accept anything less would mean to admit fault. As of late, there is no word as to when the Prince of Wales will ascend the throne. His coronation will most likely take place after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passes away because she will never abdicate. Coronavirus Preparations The Queen has recently canceled her engagements and will be moving to Windsor Castle due to the coronavirus pandemic while other royals are also taking precautions. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, the 93-year-old head of monarchy would be leaving London earlier than planned. The statement said that she would be heading to Windsor Castle on Thursday and will be staying there beyond Easter. However, they did not mention if Queen Elizabeth II will be staying there until her 94th birthday which is on April 21. The Queen's temporary exit came after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised people in high-risk categories, including those over the age of 70, to limit their interactions with friends and family in the coming weeks to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Johnson also said that COVID-19 is spreading faster in London than anywhere else in the U.K. Buckingham Palace explained that the changes to Queen Elizabeth II's schedule were made as a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances. She isn't the only one taking precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic, as Prince Charles and Camilla, who are both over 70, cancelled their Cyprus and Jordan tour that was set to begin last Tuesday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 15:59:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The antiviral drug remdesivir has reportedly helped cure U.S. patients inflicted with COVID-19 in Japan, while some epidemiology experts have warned that it is too early to verify the real effects of the drug. "The current tests of remdesivir in Japan and the United States seem promising. It is feasible to apply the drug as 'compassionate medicine' to patients infected with COVID-19," said Zhang Zuofeng, professor of epidemiology and associate dean for research at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles. "However, due to the lack of randomized double-blind clinical trials data, the effects of the drug is not scientifically convincing," Zhang told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday. Although some patients recovered after taking the drug, it was difficult to say it was the drug that helped improve the condition, due to the lack of a control group, said Zhang. Fourteen Americans, who contracted the virus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and were treated at Japanese hospitals, received the experimental drug from Gilead Sciences Inc., an assistant surgeon general and lung specialist at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) was quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying. Many of the patients, with an average age of 75, had a high chance of dying, but two weeks later nobody passed away and more than half recovered, said the specialist. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that there were no solid data to indicate remdesivir can improve clinical outcomes, even though the drug has been used to treat the disease. The NIH reported in late February that a clinical trial to assess remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients has started at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. This marks the first U.S. study of an investigational drug to treat COVID-19. "I am hopeful that as more data emerge from additional clinical experiences and clinical trials, the drug will continue to look good," said Robert Schooley, professor of medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at University of California, San Diego. Floods destroy history. Rivers and streams surge over their banks, covering land, destroying homes, garages, buildings. Inexorably taking away the things we treasure. They take away part of our life. How we lived before the flood waters came. This is the story of the 1986 flood as two Midlanders experienced it. Floyd Andrick wrote: Little did I realize that Thursday afternoon of Sept. 11, 1986, when departing for work on the afternoon shift at the Midland Hospital of what there was to occur over the next few days. It had been raining hard all morning and continued throughout the afternoon, evening into Friday morning. While assisting with outpatient surgery after the lunch hour on Friday, Sept. 12, several patients commented about encountering roadways under water and having to detour in getting to the hospital. Later that afternoon, while observing from the top floor windows at the hospital, I noted the flood waters approaching the west parking lot. Trucks were bringing loads of sand to try preventing the flood waters from entering the lowest level of the hospital from which patients were being evacuated. Many hospital staff assisted in filling sand bags to aid in the effort. By late that Friday afternoon, the flooding was rapidly approaching epic proportions. Most roadways in and out of Midland were closed due to higher than ever flood waters. At one time, it was reported the only way in and out of Midland was via the US 10 expressway. Whether that was true, I never heard but knew that most roadways were flooded out. The forecast for Saturday, Sept. 13 was that the Tittabawassee River would crest at 45 feet, 10 feet over the 24-foot flood stage. River, streams, storm drains and sewers were all far over capacity and it would only get worse. TV news reports and aerial photos showed a brown lake of flood waters as as far as the camera lens could focus over a large part of Midland. On Sunday, Sept. 14, and Monday, Sept. 15, as flood waters began to slowly subside and individuals pumped water out of their homes and business establishments, my phone began ringing non-stop. At the time, I owned and operated Andrick Carpet Cleaning Company, which served the Midland area. Individuals were requesting service to remove flood waters from carpeting and upholstered furniture. In many of the cases where the water was from sewage overflow, I advised callers that the best and safest solution for them was to remove and discard the carpet and furnishings. No amount of sanitizing would render the fabrics safe. I urged the callers to don face masks along with elbow length rubber gloves and to cut the carpeting into three foot wide strips, roll it up and carry it to the curbside along with the padding. Then once all standing water was removed from the floors, utilize Lysol and bleach to kill all offending organisms that might remain. We logged near 200 phone calls requesting water removal and carpet salvage service. Somehow I managed to reply to every call. Over the subsequent 40 days, my employee and I worked 12 to 15 hours each day salvaging thousands of yards of carpeting for homes and businesses. A very understanding hospital supervisor permitted me to have days free from hospital work to attend the overwhelming demands for my business services. Floyd ended his memories of the flood saying: "It was heartbreaking to see mountains of household furnishings, personal possessions, building materials and children's toys heaped at the curbsides all over Midland. Some estimates put the catastrophic damage toll at over $100 million. Even though the 1986 flood occurred 34 years ago, no one would ever want to endure such a tragedy again. Norma Boeckler went through the flood of 1986, too. And her loss was in antiques she and her husband, Walt, had acquired over the years. The Boeckler home sits on a hill about 30 feet higher than the Tittabawassee River. The backyard slopes down to the river's edge leaving a stretch of land about a 100 feet wide from the small hill where the house and garage are. When the flood waters of 1986 covered that 100 feet, the water poured through the French doors at the back of their basement flooding two bedrooms, a bathroom, a combination living room, dining room and kitchen, a utility room and an art room. The water was 4 feet deep in their basement. Norma said: "The basement was furnished with antiques in just about every room. All the furniture was lost. There were two bedrooms furnished with antique bedroom suites, an antique kitchen table and chairs and a Lincoln desk. In the utility room, the washer and dryer and hot water heater all had to be replaced." The basement had wainscot paneling on the lower walls and Norma knew this had to be taken care of immediately. Dehumidifiers were brought in along with several fans that ran around the clock to dry out every nook and cranny. All the walls had to be refinished with a stain-varnish mix to bring the paneling back to life. The kitchen cupboards had to be repaired and completely refinished. The bathroom had to be totally renovated. The carpenter tore out all the cupboards, shower walls, and replaced all the walls and the floor tile. When the carpenter finished, it was a totally new look. Norma upgraded the window in the room by adding louvered shutters with curtain panels. Thinking back to the flood of 1986 Norma said: "Who would ever think that the flood waters could rise to this level while sitting high on a hill where we thought we were safe? The little bridge located at the corner of Vance and Pomranky roads was flooded and no cars could leave without first, taking a rowboat across the bridge. Many people parked their cars on the other side of the bridge before the road was completely closed. It was like being on your own private island." And what are the chances of living through two floods? Ask Norma Boeckler. In 2017, her basement flooded again with 3 feet of water. All the antiques she had replaced in 1986 were destroyed and many of her water color paintings,. With the help of her neighbors and the extraordinary efforts of the young man who does her yard work, her basement is again the pleasant living place it once was. Structural changes included removing the French doors and making a solid wall there will hopefully prevent a third catastrophe. Ever the optimist, Norma said: "The one thing about living near the Tittabawassee River, I can look out my three-seasons' room and see the river all year long. The scene changes constantly. Ducks swimming on the river, the king fisher birds diving in the river to catch fish. And in the winter months, it's possible to see a fox cross the frozen river to visit the woods on the other side. Virginia Florey, of Midland, pens a Midland Remembers column on the first and third Thursday of each month in the Midland Daily News. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a special event at the Tribeton restaurant in Galway to look ahead to the city hosting the European Capital of Culture in 2020 During the royal visit to Ireland this month, the big story around Kate Middleton's fashion was the 40 shades of green. Granted, you may not be keen to replicate such a festive look so soon after St Patrick's Day, but there was one other notable element of her wardrobe: the scattering of polka dots. She wore three spotted outfits in a row, starting with a black-and-white Equipment shirt with skinny jeans and boots in Kildare, and closing in Galway with a green dress by Suzannah, accessorised with a wide black belt. The middle look, however, was the most striking: a vintage Oscar de la Renta ruffle-neck dress in vivid magenta and black, worn to an evening reception hosted by Simon Coveney at the Museum of Literature in Dublin. Kate earned plaudits for her circular choice of a second-hand piece, and for going with such a bold 80s-style look. It was the biggest swing of this tourdrobe and it had its critics, but the dress also illustrated the staying power of this particular print, which is once again enjoying a fashion moment in 2020. On the catwalks, Richard Quinn gave his dots a retro feel, splashed over a sequinned, bow-embellished prom dress and a giant puff-sleeved satin mini, while Balenciaga's top-to-toe polka dots were a standout in a bright blue, sharp-shouldered blouse, asymmetric skirt, belt and tights. Carolina Herrera's dots were blown up over black and white dresses, styled with hot pink and yellow pumps, and Dries Van Noten collaborated with master of maximalism Christian Lacroix on a collection that blended polka dots, florals and animal print with aplomb, adding the occasional pair of white jeans or white tank top for surprising wearability. Expand Close Olivia Wilde. Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Olivia Wilde. Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images This artful clashing of prints managed to bring Lacroix's 80s and 90s-era abundance - memorialised by Edina Monsoon in Absolutely Fabulous - right up to date, and offered a fresh, modern styling trick for those weary of the viral Zara midi dress from last summer. For a slightly more low-key example, check out Olivia Wilde (right) at an awards season brunch earlier this year, teaming a graphic polka-dot blouse with a pinstripe suit. It's an unexpected pairing, instantly livening up a staid suit and simultaneously refreshing the now-familiar dotted blouse, all the while coming across low-key thanks to the monochrome palette. Take it to the next level by introducing colour: try a pink polka dot like Essentiel Antwerp's skirt with a checked blazer in a contrasting colour, such as a subdued grey or a light blue (the Belgian brand also has an oversized style with pink running through the check that makes a stylish partner), wear a leopard-print bag or shoe with a polka dot dress, or add a geometric print knit. If you favour a cleaner, more simple look, take inspiration from Helen Mirren (far right) in an Alessandra Rich dress this month in Paris. The shape and print reflect a vintage influence, yet the body-skimming fit with fluid skirt gives it a modern appeal. Expand Close Helen Mirren. Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Getty / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Helen Mirren. Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Video of the Day Polka dots are a great option for any occasion where you want to look smart, as the uniform nature of the print lends polish, whether in a basic blouse or shirt dress, or in a more glamorous dress. You can play off the prim print by giving your styling a harder edge: a ruffled polka dot blouse with a leather skirt, a crisp dotted dress with a clunky (or 'ugly') sandal, or a pie-crust midi dress with lug-sole lace-up boots. Whether you wear your spots with jeans or stiletto courts, you'll be running circles around everyone else. The fate of a father who is alleged to have killed his only daughter by taking her into a cold Bay of Plenty river is now before a jury. The jury, in the High Court in Hamilton, must decide if Tewi Savage intended to kill Arnica Savage, two, by taking her into the waters of the Rangitaiki River, or if he was suffering from a disease of the mind at the time. Both the Crown and defence made closing statements in the 34-year-old's murder trial on Wednesday. Acting out of anger and jealously, Savage made a conscious decision to put his daughter in the river on July 1, 2018, Crown Prosecutor Richard Jenson said in closing. "He stripped off, took his daughter into the river, held her under and let her go. He knew what he was doing and that it was morally wrong." Savage and Arnica's mother Santana Moses were together for 15 years and had five children together. In early 2018 the relationship broke down and Santana started seeing a close friend of Savage's. On July 1 the family met at in small village of Te Mahoe to discuss the separation. Things became heated when Santana told Savage she intended to move to Australia with her new partner. To cool off Savage took Arnica for a walk in the pram. He was later found naked, crying in the blackberry bushes, saying he had "f**ked up". Arnica's body was discovered upstream. "He was in an angry state and a dark place. One can see how he formed the intent to end it all and take Arnica with him as a way of really hurting Miss Moses." Richard said the jury needed to consider causation, intent, and the defence of insanity. Savage told those at the river what he'd done that night. "I f...ed up mum. I put her in the river, I let her hands go," he'd told his mother. "The only logical conclusion is that the defendant has picked Arnica up and carried her over the rocks and into the river." He may not have thought "I'm going to kill her", but Savage must have known it would cause her to die, Richard said. Even if Savage was suffering from a latent bipolar disorder, he understood the nature and quality of his actions. But defence counsel Shane Tait told the jury that Savage's actions were not one of a man with murderous intent but of someone suffering an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Savage loved and cared for his only daughter Arnica. Given Savage was suffering from bipolar, talking in riddles and found standing naked with his Bible, Shane asked how much weight could be given to what Savage said the night he was found. A police constable described him as rambling and questioned his mental health. Close family and friends said Savage was acting out of character. He told the man seeing his ex-partner he "loved him", and gave him a hug. "All the experts agree he was suffering from bipolar and depression and most of the civilian witnesses point to behaviour is not normal. Something was going on his head beforehand and afterwards." Arnica wasn't suffocated or choked by the accused, she drowned, Shane said. "You must be sure of how Arnica got into the water and that she got into the water at the hands of the accused - if you find that's the case then the defence says at the balance of probabilities he was suffering from a disease of the mind." Stuff. GRAND RAPIDS, MI CityFlats Hotel has temporarily closed its Grand Rapids and Holland hotels amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company has also closed its restaurant and ballroom in Port Huron, where CityFlats is also building a hotel. After much discussion, we believe this is the appropriate thing to do at this time, the company said in a statement posted online. Our biggest priority is the safety of our staff, guests, and community. We look forward to reopening soon and putting this challenging time behind us. Maggie Kopas, CityFlats operations manager, said her company has seen a significant decline in reservations. The company worked to find accommodations for guests who were affected by the closure, she said. CityFlats Grand Rapids hotel, 83 Monroe Center St. NW, has 28 rooms and opened in 2011. The CityFlats hotel in Holland, 61 E. 7th St., has 56 rooms and opened in 2007. PREVENTION TIPS Read more: Coronavirus has closed liquor stores in other states, but Michiganders will likely still have alcohol access Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Ottawa County reduces lodging fees for jail inmates Amaravati, March 19 : A person who recently returned from London has tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, taking the number of positive cases in the state to two, health officials said on Thursday. The man returned from London on March 15, and was admitted to a government-run hospital in Ongole town with suspected symptoms of novel coronavirus. Officials said his samples were sent to a virology lab in Tirupati. They tested positive for COVID-19. The medical staff at Ongole hospital was directed to take all precautions. The first positive case was reported from Nellore district last week. A youth, who had returned from Italy tested positive then. He is still undergoing treatment in a hospital there. Three persons with suspected symptoms were admitted to hospitals on Wednesday. The Health Department said so far 109 people have tested for COVID-19. While 94 were found negative, two were found positive. The reports of remaining 13 were awaited. The state government has ordered closure of all educational institutions in the state from Thursday as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the disease. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kendall County confirmed its first case of COVID-19 is in Boerne, the city's mayor, Tim Handren, confirmed Thursday. "That's not a surprise frankly," Handren said. "As we do more testing, we are going to learn there are more people with the COVID-19 virus. That is not to be alarmed or panic-stricken, we just need to exercise social distancing." JGI/Jamie Grill Note: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on March 20 that the tax filing deadline would be extended to July 15. The department has not yet provided guidance on how this affects 2019 IRA and HSA contributions. You may have more time to pay your taxes, but you're running out of time fund your IRA for 2019. The Treasury Department threw accountants and tax preparers for a loop this week when it announced it would give taxpayers until July 15 to pay taxes. Returns would still be due on April 15, however. Similarly, the clock is ticking for filers who still want to make 2019 contributions to a traditional or Roth individual retirement account, or to a health savings account, which is a tax-advantaged account that's coupled with a high-deductible health plan. "Those deadlines are tied to the due dates of the return, and since the due date is still April 15, those deadlines are still April 15," said Mark Jaeger, director of tax development at TaxAct. Relevant amounts Now might be a terrifying time for people to throw money back into the market. Major stock indexes have become volatile in recent weeks as the number of coronavirus cases surges. But there's a silver lining. "Stocks are very cheap now," said Jaeger. People who hold an HSA can make contributions for 2019 until April 15. In this case, pretax or tax-deductible dollars grow free of taxes over time. You can tap the money for qualified medical expenses tax-free. For 2019, if you have self-only high-deductible health plan coverage, you can contribute up to $3,500. If you have family high-deductible health plan coverage, you can contribute up to $7,000. In addition, you can contribute $6,000 ($7,000 if you're age 50 and up) to your traditional or Roth IRAs for 2019. "The IRA contribution deadline is a hard stop on April 15 always has been and always will be," said Margaret Dunn, an enrolled agent and tax preparer in Monterey, California. "If I file an extension and have until Oct. 15 to file a return, it doesn't extend time to contribute." The only exception would be for Simplified Employee Pension IRAs, or SEP IRAs, which employers must fund by April 15 or by Oct. 15 if they go on extension. Contributions to traditional IRAs may be tax-deductible, depending on your adjusted gross income. Savings grow on a tax-deferred basis, and when you pull money out in retirement, you pay income taxes. Roth IRAs allow you to stash after-tax dollars and have them grow free of taxes. At retirement, you can take tax-free withdrawals. Roth IRA benefits Sally Anscombe [March 19, 2020] Largest Lupus Advocacy Summit Transforms to Digital Event Amid Coronavirus Concerns WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America's National Lupus Advocacy Summit held March 16 17 was reimagined to a digital event and drew thousands of lupus advocates from across the nation to urge Capitol Hill to increase funding for lupus research and education programs. While the event was changed from an in-person format to a digital event due to concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Foundation and its advocates did not let that deter them from their mission. Together, Lupus Foundation of America advocates reached hundreds of Congressional offices via conference calls in lieu of in-person meetings and via email to help ensure critical lupus programs receive the funding they need. Advocates urged members of Congress to support: $10 million for the National Lupus Registry at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); for the National Lupus Registry at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); $10 million for the Lupus Research Program at the Department of Defense (DoD); for the Lupus Research Program at the Department of Defense (DoD); $2 million for the lupus program at the Office of Minority Health (OMH); and for the lupus program at the Office of Minority Health (OMH); and $44.7 billion for the National Institutes of Health, which provided $121 million for lupus research last year. These programs are critical to advancing lupus research. They are designed to increase the understanding of lupus, its causes and how it can be treated, including in children and teenagers; speed time to diagnosis and ensure people with lupus are receiving the care they need as soon as possible; and increase enrollment in clinical trials, particularly among minority communities, which can accelerate the development of new, safe and effective treatments for lupus. The National Lupus Advocacy Summit takes place annually in Washington, D.C. and is the largest lupus advocacy event in the country. This year, it was transformed to a digial event amid concerns of COVID-19, and provided lupus advocates from across the country access to a two-day online advocacy experience. Attendees gathered virtually via an immersive online platform and took part in panel sessions featuring expert discussions on the latest lupus research, as well as education discussions on topics like managing healthcare. Attendees were also able to engage with partners in the fight against lupus in a virtual exhibit hall and connect with fellow lupus advocates via chat rooms. In addition, the Summit featured a virtual Youth Congress with specific programming for young people with lupus and their families. "I've attended the Lupus Foundation of America's National Lupus Advocacy Summit for several years," shared Karen Miller, Lupus Foundation of America Advocate, New York. "I was concerned that the event wouldn't happen due to the coronavirus, but was thrilled to see the Foundation pivot so quickly and put together a digital event for us to attend from our homes. I know that we still made a huge impact on Capitol Hill our elected officials heard our stories and I'm confident that they will support funding for lupus programs that are so important to advancing treatment development and the understanding of this disease." "Advocacy is a critical component toward speeding research breakthroughs for people with lupus and their families," said Stevan W. Gibson, president and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America. "The National Lupus Advocacy Summit is annually the largest lupus advocacy event in the nation, and despite the challenges around COVID-19, our lupus community stepped up and made sure their voices were heard loud and clear. Not only did hundreds of advocates contact their members of Congress via email, but we also managed to have many of our advocates participate in conference calls with their Congressional offices. The response we received from Congress is encouraging, and we look forward to working with them to continue increasing funding for programs that improve the lives of people impacted by lupus." In addition to the support of our donors and Board members for helping to make the 2020 National Lupus Advocacy Summit possible, we greatly appreciate the unrestricted grants from the following organizations: Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mallinckrodt, Pfizer and PhRMA. About the Lupus Foundation of America The Lupus Foundation of America is the national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org. Contact: Mike Donnelly [email protected] (202) 349-1162 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/largest-lupus-advocacy-summit-transforms-to-digital-event-amid-coronavirus-concerns-301026473.html SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A bill seeking to make election debates compulsory for presidential and governorship candidates has scaled second reading at the senat... A bill seeking to make election debates compulsory for presidential and governorship candidates has scaled second reading at the senate. The senate voted in favour of the electoral act amendment bill at Thursdays plenary session. Sponsored by Abdulfatai Buhari who represents Oyo north, the bill also seeks to mandate vice-presidential and deputy governorship candidates to participate in such debates. Candidates in elections in Nigeria are currently not mandated to participate in any; in fact the two leading candidates in the last presidential election shunned the exercise. The bill empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise mandatory debates for the candidates to help boost and strengthen he electoral process. Most of the lawmakers agreed making the debates mandatory for candidates will help in their assessment, and improve Nigerias electoral process. Buhari, the sponsor, said it will also be used to sample the candidates readiness on a wide range of burning issues, as is being done in other developed countries. Voters learn from the debate, and are more accurately able to judge candidates and get additional information about them, he said. It also helps the candidates to speak on a wide range of issues as the national assembly is doing with ministerial nominees. If the ministers can be assessed, it is logically imperative for the president and others to be adequately assessed also. Ibrahim Oloriegbe representing Kwara central likened candidates in elections to prospective employees, and said the electorate as their employers, should be able to test them through a series of debate to cover key areas of the economy. Adeola Olamilekan representing Lagos west said the bill is simply telling Nigerians: Know your candidates. It will give Nigerians an idea about the capacity of the candidates to govern the country, he said. There was, however, some opposition to the bill, including from Barau Jibrin who is from Kano north. He said the debates should be made optional and not compulsory. Maybe somebody could not attend the debate because of sickness. I believe it should not be mandatory, but optional, he said. Danjuma Goje representing Gombe central also said the debates should not be within the jurisdiction of INEC. Most times, candidates are assessed and awarded marks during these debates. So if INEC is doing that, that means the election has already been determined, the senator said. The red chamber subsequently referred the bill to its committee on INEC for further action. WA Opposition Leader Liza Harvey has called for the government to provide low-interest loans to small businesses struggling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The call came as Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the part of the state economy which relied on household consumption had "effectively stalled" in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Liza Harvey has called for the state government to roll our low interest loans for small businesses. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola Ms Harvey said small businesses would face a cash flow crisis over the next six months until consumer behaviour started to return to normal. "We should follow what Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania have done and provide some low interest loans to small businesses to help them with cash flow for the next six months," she said. Left unchecked, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could infect billions of people. By one estimate, up to 70% of the world's population may contract the disease. That means there's an excellent chance that, sooner or later, you will be one of them. The World Health Organization said 14% of people known to have COVID-19 develop symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization and oxygen support. But calculating the odds of survival in the early stages of the pandemic is imprecise. The disease's fatality rate, which compares the number of people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 to the number of people who have died from it, has fluctuated between 0.9% and 3.4% depending on the latest available data. None of them are truly accurate, however, since health officials have no idea how many people have been infected but weren't sick enough to warrant medical attention and be counted. "The full burden of disease is not understood until there is time to breathe and analyze the data," said Gene Olinger, an immunologist with MRIGlobal, a scientific institute based in Kansas City, Mo. Researchers will need to account for factors like climate, access to healthcare and genetics to build a full picture of COVID-19, including who is most vulnerable. (Tuberculosis, for example, kills about 1.5 million people each year, but its incidence varies greatly depending on climate and geography.) Despite the current uncertainty, early research seems to show a persistent pattern about which group is most vulnerable: Older adults, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, are at much greater risk of dying from the coronavirus than younger, healthier people. After inspecting conditions in China last month, an expert panel assembled by the World Health Organization reported that patients with underlying health problems died at substantially higher rates. Among patients of all ages without preexisting medical conditions, the fatality rate was 1.4%, the panel found. That compares with 13.2% for those with cardiovascular disease, 9.2% for those with diabetes, 8.4% for people with hypertension, 8% for patients with chronic respiratory disease and 7.6% for those with cancer. Story continues Meanwhile, patients aged 80 and over died at a rate of 21.9%. Funeral workers disinfect themselves after handling a coronavirus victim in Wuhan, China. (Chinatopix) Another study examining 201 patients in a hospital in Wuhan, China, concluded that patients 60 and older were more likely to succumb to fatal respiratory symptoms triggered by COVID-19 because their immune systems were weaker. A separate study published last month by researchers at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention examined nearly 45,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China and found that while the overall fatality rate was 2.3%, it jumped to 8% for patients in their 70s and soared to 14.8% for patients 80 and older. Those rates were derived from a sample set that isn't particularly diverse. To counter that, researchers at Imperial College in London recently aggregated worldwide data to build estimates that may provide a truer picture of the actual fatality rate. Their report estimates an overall fatality rate of 0.9%, which swells to 9.3% for cases involving patients 80 and older. They also calculated a 2.2% mortality rate for people in their 60s and a 5.1% rate for those in their 70s. "It's pretty clear that as you get older, your chances of survival get worse," said Dr. Malik Peiris, chief of virology at the University of Hong Kong and a coronavirus expert who did not participate in any of the aforementioned studies. "But the actual fatality rate is tricky to interpret." While age was the biggest risk factor, it wasn't the only one. Nearly half of the 191 adult patients included in a study from Wuhan had underlying health conditions before they were hospitalized with COVID-19. The most common preexisting ailment among the group was high blood pressure (30%), followed by diabetes (19%) and heart disease (8%). Peiris said the data available today is only the tip of an iceberg. The untold numbers of cases lying beneath the surface could end up swinging the COVID-19 fatality rate either way. That's what happened in 2009 with the H1N1 influenza pandemic that began in Mexico. In the outbreak's early days, the fatality rate appeared to be 2%, Peiris said. Over time, researchers looked for H1N1 antibodies in blood samples of the general population and found that many people had been infected and recovered. After these overlooked cases were factored in, the fatality rate plunged to just 0.002%, he said. Knowing the fatality rate is critically important, Peiris said. Many countries are taking aggressive measures that are very costly for their economies and their communities by assuming the rate is 1% or higher. But if the rate is 100 times lower, then the measures you take would be quite different. You need to calibrate your response to the severity of the outbreak. The Imperial College study predicted the novel coronavirus would infect 81% of people in the United States and result in 2.2 million deaths. That was before President Trump recommended sweeping social distancing measures Monday to limit the spread of the the virus. A day earlier, California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged anyone older than 65 to sequester themselves to avoid becoming infected. More than 7,000 people in the U.S. have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, and at least 97 have died, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite their higher death rates, it's unclear whether seniors are at any greater risk of contracting the coronavirus than people in other age groups. With the U.S. and other countries still struggling to deliver enough tests, the answer may not be known for months or years. "The more people tested, the more we understand the full extent of the disease in the population, how to reduce spread and the risk factors," Olinger said. For the record: 12:10 AM, Mar. 21, 2020: An earlier version of this story said MRIGlobal was based in Maryland. It is based in Kansas City, Mo. [March 19, 2020] ARECOR EXTENDS MULTI-PRODUCT COLLABORATION WITH CLINICAL STAGE BIOTECH CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arecor Limited ("Arecor" or "the Company"), the biopharmaceutical company advancing today's therapies to enable healthier lives, announces that it has extended its multi-product collaboration with a US-based clinical stage biotechnology company. Under the collaboration, Arecor will leverage its Arestat technology to develop liquid formulations of two proprietary novel products in oncology and a rare genetic orphan condition. The partner is currently funding the development work and has the option to acquire the rights to the formulations and associated Intellectual Property under separate milestone-bearing licenses at pre-agreed financial terms. This partnership further demonstrates the flexibility of Arecor's Arestat technology platform in delivering formulation solutions in this case for both multi-valent antibodies and recombinant fusion proteins. Arestat is a world leading, innovative and proprietary formulation technology platform which significantly enhances the properties of therapeutic proteins and peptides. Arestat has the unique potential to deliver superior formulations of both new chemical entities and also existing products which would otherwise not be possible. Sarah Howell, Chief Executive Officer of Arecor, said: "This multi-collaboration with a fast growing US biotech company demonstrates the adaptability of the Arestat platform. Not only do these key products represent Arestat's ability to support the development of clinical stage assets across a range of therapeutic areas, but also demonstrate the potential of the tchnology to deliver superior liquid formulations of novel format proteins, further expanding and advancing the application of Arecor's expertise across the spectrum of product development." For more information, please contact: Arecor Limited www.arecor.com Dr Sarah Howell, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44 (0) 1223 426060 Email: [email protected] Susan Lowther, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +44 (0) 1223 426060 Email: [email protected] Mo PR Advisory www.mopradvisory.com Mo Noonan Mob: +44 (0) 7876 444977 Email: [email protected] Notes to Editors About Arecor ( www.arecor.com ) Arecor Limited is a biopharmaceutical company transforming patient care by bringing innovative medicines to market. Through the enhancement of existing medicines using our Arestat technology, we are developing a broad portfolio of therapies as part of our proprietary pipeline and through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Our treatments for people living with chronic disease are designed to simplify patient care and improve medication adherence. For further details please see our website: www.arecor.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com . [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Police in China's virus epicentre Wuhan on Thursday apologised to the family of a doctor, who was reprimanded for trying to issue the first warning about the deadly coronavirus outbreak, after a Chinese government investigation found that their action against the whistleblower was not appropriate. Li Wenliang, 34, contracted the virus while working at Wuhan Central Hospital. Li, an ophthalmologist, had sent out a warning to fellow medics on December 30 but police told him to stop "making false comments". A special investigation ordered by the Chinese government to probe the matter said the action of the police was inappropriate and asked it to be revoked. The investigation team said action against him was not appropriate, state-run China Daily reported Thursday. The law enforcement procedure also was not up to standard, according to a statement from the special team dispatched by the National Supervisory Commission to Wuhan to probe the case. The investigation team has advised discipline authorities in Wuhan to supervise the rectifications and urged the police to revoke the reprimand letter and hold relevant people accountable, the statement said. Police in Wuhan decided to revoke the letter of police reprimand that deceased doctor received, and apologised to his family, the Wuhan Public Security Bureau said, state-run People's Daily reported. The police action in stifling his warning of coronavirus which now has become a national and international disaster had evoked public resentment in China. On December 30 Li warned in the online chat group WeChat that he had seen a report that showed positive test results of SARS for seven patients. On January 3, Li and the seven others were summoned by Wuhan police for "spreading fake information on the internet". They were reprimanded by police. Li continued his normal work at the Wuhan hospital until January 10 when he developed symptoms of the coronavirus. "I was finally confirmed as being infected by the novel coronavirus," Li wrote on February 1 on Weibo, adding a dog emoji. Li's death from the virus in February prompted a national outpouring of grief as well as anger at the government's handling of the crisis, and bold demands for freedom of speech, surprising authorities. A wave of anger and grief flooded Chinese social media site Weibo when of Li's death broke. The top two trending hashtags on the website were "Wuhan government owes Dr Li Wenliang and apology" and "We want freedom of speech". Both hashtags were quickly censored. The pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, has now spread to 157 countries and territories, killing more over 9,000 people globally. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing Company Person for contact: Gurgu C Phone Number: (818) 359-3898 Email: cgurgu@internetmarketingcompany.biz Website: https://compare-autoinsurance.org/ SOURCE: Internet Marketing Company View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581576/Auto-Guide-What-Are-The-Differences-Between-Car-Insurance-Agents-And-Car-Insurance-Brokers J&K open for tourists not for terrorists India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: The government rejected claims of opposition parties in Lok Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir has been converted into an "open jail", asserting that the newly created Union territory is open for tourists and shut for terrorists. Intervening a discussion on budgetary allocations for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, minister of state for home G Kishan Reddy said the Modi government wants the youth of the UT to hold the national tricolour and computers, instead of Pakistani flags and stones. He said misinformation is being spread that Jammu and Kashmir has been converted into an "open jail". He said it is incorrect. "It is not an open jail. It is open for all today. It is open for tourists. It is shut for terrorists," he said. COVID-19: Entry of foreign tourists barred in J&K The minister said he takes the opportunity to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that various central schemes such as Ujjwala and Indradhanush would be implemented there in the next two to three months. Taking a swipe at the opposition parties, Reddy said while in their hearts they support abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, they prefer not to acknowledge it openly. He also said that casualties among security forces have come down as terror networks have been smashed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 7:35 [IST] The United Methodist Church, anticipating action on a proposal that could split the denomination, has postponed its quadrennial General Conference, which was scheduled for May 5-15 in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Convention Center notified the Executive Committee of UMCs Commission on the General Conference that the venue was not holding large events through May 10, a news release from the churchs press center said. The convention centers restrictions, the release said, are based on Minnesota Department of Health recommendations to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, which has caused a global pandemic of respiratory illness and death. The virus is also known as COVID-19. The release quoted Kim Simpson, chair of the General Conference Commission, who said the convention centers restrictions are not unexpected based on the current guidance from health officials, and we expect to move forward with new plans as quickly as possible. The release said the commission has been monitoring the situation for some time and had scheduled a teleconference of the full commission for March 21 to discuss plans for the event. Only the full commission has the authority to change the date of the General Conference, the release said. As of Wednesday, that teleconference was still scheduled, the release said, but added that its uncertain when the commission would be able to announce new dates. The release also said the commission had already been approached with many requests to postpone the General Conference over the spreading pandemic. United Methodist News reported that one request for postponement expressed concern about the complex issues regarding travel for the many delegates from nations across the globe. The report said that About 43 percent of General Conference delegates come from Africa, Europe or the Philippines. In the release, Simpson said, Our focus in this moment is not solely on the gathering of the General Conference for the work we have been called to do, but is on the individuals, families, churches and communities around the world whose lives are being impacted by this pandemic. We recognize the struggle to deal with the physical, emotional and spiritual needs which come with the unknown. We are confident that local United Methodist churches will be finding new ways to be in community with their neighbors and meet their evolving needs. Simpson said in a phone interview that the chief concern for her and the commission is the health and welfare of the delegates who attend the event. She added that Its our responsibility to provide the vehicle that allows all delegates to participate fully in the General Conference. Simpson is the treasurer for the Metropolitan Board of Missions of The United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy: Public Domain/Creative Commons Tim Tune is a freelance journalist based in Fort Worth, Texas. His work has been published by Baptist Press, as well as the Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Business Press, Arlington Today magazine and other North Texas publications. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will supply soon an additional two million face masks to the Health Department and the public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said Wednesday night that they will be sourcing more face masks from a supplier in Bataan to provide for the Health Department and for public consumption. The Bataan supplier promised to deliver two million face masks for the rest of March, and three million more in April. We recognize that these numbers arent even enough to provide for all the Filipinos, Lopez said. He added that 300,000 face masks have been delivered to DOH, and 100,000 more will be delivered Thursday. Private companies like SM Group vowed to donate personal protective equipment to health workers and frontliners. The number of people who have contracted COVID-19 in the Philippines has reached 202, while 17 have died because of the disease caused by a virus called SARS CoV-2. Commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Those with severe and critical symptoms should call the Health Department at (02) 8-651-7800 local 1149-1150. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to the nation on March 19, said the coronavirus outbreak is an unprecedented crisis and that there is a need to display resolve and patience to fight it. PM Modi, during his address, urged citizens to work from home "as far as possible" and said that a 'Janata Curfew' or public curfew should be practised on March 22, Sunday. "I urge every Indian citizen for another help, that is, 'Janata curfew'. This means imposing a self-curfew. This Sunday, on March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm every citizen needs to observe people's curfew. During this period, people should not go out, should remain indoors," PM Modi said. The prime minister also urged people to avoid stepping out of their homes unless it is absolutely essential. I request all people in the country to get out of the house only when it is extremely necessary, try and do all work from home, PM Modi said, adding that those who are above the age of 60, should particularly remain indoors. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Prime Minister Modi also asked people to avoid going to hospitals for routine check-ups as far as possible. I request people to avoid going to hospitals for a routine check-up to ease pressure on the medical staff, PM Modi said, urging those who can to postpone surgeries. He announced the formation of a task force to deal with the economic effects of the outbreak. The government has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman). The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly, PM Modi said. PM Modi also urged citizens to not indulge in panic buying or hoarding of essentials and assured that the country has enough food and ration supplies. He also said that people should stay away from rumours. People need to resolve that they will follow the advice of central and state governments, PM Modi said. India has recorded 173 cases of the novel COVID-19 and registered four virus-related deaths. Fresh cases were reported from Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh, and most of the states and UT's imposed restrictions, inching towards partial shutdown in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. Some states such as Maharashtra, where the highest number of cases have been reported in India, have asked all schools, colleges, gyms to close down. The state administration has also hinted that if the situation worsens, it will have to suspend public transport. Exams have been postponed and religious functions have been suspended, with authorities in some states such as Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh imposing Section 144 preventing the gathering of more than four people in entire states or in parts of it. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that there is no evidence of community transmission in India as of yet and that the nation continues to be in stage 2 (local transmission) of the outbreak. With most Michigan businesses currently closed around the state in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, some Michigan lawmakers are endorsing a temporary tax holiday once the outbreak is over to boost the states economy. State Rep. Lynn Afendoulis, chair of the Michigan House Tax Policy Committee, introduced a proposal this week to temporarily waive the states 6 percent sales tax on purchases made at physical locations. A companion bill for that would create a use tax holiday was also introduced by Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso. Afendoulis, who chairs the Michigan House Tax Policy Committee, said in an interview that she hasnt yet finalized details on specific dates for a tax holiday or what types of purchases would be included under the plan. But she said with so many unknowns facing the state amid the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan consumers and retailers need a little hope for an eventual reprieve. Most people are right now focused on what do we do right now and how long its going to last, she said. I want to make sure that the legislature looks at all options to figure out how to restart the economy after all this is over. Afendoulis said shes open to other ideas on how to help improve the economy once Michigan emerges from the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak, but noted a sales tax holiday when the time is right could be a useful tool to assist Michigan retailers. According to the Federation of Tax Administrators, 15 states have one or more tax holidays scheduled for 2020. Last year, state Reps. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, and Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth - proposed a tax holiday to exempt certain school supplies from the state sales and use tax every third Saturday in August. Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Related coverage: Michigan confirmed coronavirus cases jump to 334 with increase of private testing Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan Coronavirus has closed liquor stores in other states, but Michiganders will likely still have alcohol access As coronavirus closures abound, here are 10 things still open in Michigan Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Michigan Treasury extends tax deadline for businesses struggling during coronavirus pandemic Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Lawmakers say lack of paid sick time puts Michigan behind during coronavirus pandemic CDC urges halting events with 50 or more people due to coronavirus outbreak Michigans governor orders all bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, more to close amid coronavirus outbreak PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. The Lighthouse. Photo: A24 So, like everyone else, you now find yourself confined to your home for the foreseeable future. Once youve taken care of necessities like securing a healthy food stock, its time to address the really important question: What kind of movies do you want to watch? Your first impulse might be to watch a bunch of films filled with pleasures you cant enjoy at the moment, like travel, eating in restaurants, or standing within four feet of someone whos not a member of your immediate family. Such movies might offer a pleasant diversion from our new semi-quarantined reality, but they might also just be reminders of happier times. It could be better to lean into the moment and explore films that deal explicitly with confinement, isolation, and the difficulties of living with others in confined spaces in the midst of crises. And, when doing so, why not choose some that meet the new federal guidelines discouraging gatherings of ten or fewer people? To make it easier for you, weve selected ten great films featuring fewer than ten characters that might, in one way or another, reflect the new reality in which we live. Lifeboat (1944) As many are now discovering, its not always easy living 24/7 in close quarters with anybody, even those you love. Imagine trying it with a bunch of strangers on a boat in the middle of the war. Thats the John Steinbeckcreated scenario at the heart of Alfred Hitchcocks wartime classic Lifeboat, which strands nine strangers (played by Tallulah Bankhead, Home Cronyn, William Bendix, and others) on a lifeboat as the war rages around them. The more we quarrel and criticize and misunderstand each other, the bigger the ocean gets, and the smaller the boat, one character states, but the film is anything but a simplistic plea for peace and cooperation. Not everyones who they claim to be and some characters learn they have to take ugly steps in order to survive. Few directors could move a camera like Hitchcock, but here he proves himself equally effective in a confined space, creating dread and paranoia with a handful of characters drifting through a sea ready to swallow them up if they cant work together to survive. Available to rent on Amazon Prime. Ex Machina (2014) In some respects, the coronavirus crisis has accelerated preexisting trends. For many, telecommuting and interacting with others primarily through technology was already the norm. But just because somethings been normalized doesnt mean it cant distort or even redefine reality. With his 2014 directorial debut, Alex Garland explored the implications of artificial intelligence and the point at which our creations achieved a kind of personhood via the story of an eccentric tech genius named Nathan (Oscar Isaac) who challenges Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer in his employ, to find any distinction between his latest creation, Ava (Alicia Vikander) and a human being. But thats only the start of Calebs problems as the experience reveals the full extent of his loneliness and the depth of his need to connect with someone, or maybe something. Using only four characters and an isolated location, Garland digs into the thorny philosophical issues raised by AI while also capturing the ways technology has reshaped the ways we view the world and ourselves, finding little of comfort along the way. Available to stream on Netflix. Sleuth (1972) Theater has a long tradition of plays featuring only a handful of actors, but that tradition doesnt always translate into great movies. Even a great cast can struggle to make material that worked on stage do the same on the big screen. Adapted from Anthony Shaffers hit 1970 play, Joseph L. Mankiewiczs Sleuth makes a virtue of its smallness, unfolding in the claustrophobic, knick-knack-filled confines of the stately manor occupied by Andrew Wyke (Laurence Olivier), a successful mystery writer with a less-than-successful marriage. Hes joined by his wifes lover Milo (Michael Caine) and the two embark on a battle of wits whose twists and turns are best left unspoiled. The film cleverly draws on the mechanics of classic mystery stories, but at its heart its a nasty character study, brilliantly played by two of the best British actors of their respective generations. Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) As of now, were all cooped up together for a yet-to-be-determined number of weeks and its not always going to be pretty. But, if were lucky, the experience will never be as ugly as Mike Nicholss adaptation of Edward Albees groundbreaking play in which the middle-aged couple of Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) and George (Richard Burton) play host to young marrieds Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis). Over one long night, the liquor flows, old skeletons come to light, relationships turn tangled, and everyone emerges from a long-dark-late-night-drinking-session-of-the-soul a little wiser, but also bruised and disturbed in ways that suggest some wisdom can be too hard won. Maybe social distancing has its advantages. Available to rent on Amazon Prime. Antichrist (2009) Lars von Trier could easily have borrowed the title of the Bergman movie Scenes from a Marriage for this terrifying film, in which a never-named couple (Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Dafoe) grieving for their lost child retreat to a cabin in the woods. Attempting to force his wife of her deep depression, the husband subjects her to intense counseling sessions that quickly take a dark turn. Before long, the forest around them starts to mirror her troubled state and their retreat devolves into violence as even darker forces apparently start to take hold. Von Triers apocalyptic Melancholia looks positively upbeat by comparison but, as with that film, von Triers descent into absolute darkness can feel weirdly cathartic. Sometimes depicting a mutilated fox saying Chaos reigns in a spooky voice just feels like an honest expression of how scary the world can turn, and how deep the divide between two people can become. Available to stream on Amazon Prime. Gerry (2002) In this largely improvised 2002 film by Gus Van Sant, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck play two hikers named Gerry who slowly come to realize their wanderings have taken them so far off the trail they might never find their way back. Inspired by Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr, Van Sant uses long shots and stark landscapes to convey a sense of isolation and mounting fear as Gerry and Gerrys journey starts to take on an existential quality. With death at hand, their relationship begins to fray as they realize how much they depended on the comforts and dependability of civilization, both to survive and to define themselves. Van Sants refusal to cut away from their long desert trudges works both as stylistic bravado and an act of empathy, forcing viewers to consider the experience of human existence when its been stripped to its essence. Available to stream on Tubi. Persona (1966) Beyond the influence of Tarr, Gerrys use of blurring identity also owes a debt to Persona, Ingmar Bergmans quintessential study of bleeding identities. Liv Ullmann stars as Elisabet, a famous actress whos stopped speaking, either out of inability or desire. When shes sent to a remote cottage with her nurse Alma (Bibi Andersson), their relationship becomes by turns intimate and violent. As secrets from their pasts surface, the lines dividing their personalities start to blur, a process Bergman depicts via stunning compositions and aggressive editing as attuned to the French New Wave as his past work. Its a fascinating study of intersecting lives that works just as well as a kind of psychological horror movie. Pair it with this next film and youve got yourself a terrific, disturbing breakdowns-by-the-seaside double feature. Available to stream on Amazon Prime. The Lighthouse (2019) As many of us struggle to adjust to telecommuting, its probably best to remember that having to work side by side with the wrong co-worker can be hellish. For his follow-up to The Witch, Robert Eggers sends a young 19th-century lighthouse keeper (maybe) named Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson) to an isolated New England island to work alongside the more experienced Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe). Once there, Winslow learns the place has an odd history, starts to experience strange visions of tentacles and mermaids, and develops a complicated (to say the least) relationship with Wake. Shot in striking black-and-white and accompanied by a disorienting sound design, Eggers film builds in hallucinatory intensity until its not clear whats real, whats imagined, and how much blame for the ensuing weirdness and its dire consequences can attributed to the difficulty of spending too much time with one person. Available to stream on Amazon Prime. Gravity (2013) On the other hand, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), the protagonist of Alfonso Cuarons 2013 film Gravity, seems to have a lovely working relationship with Lieutenant Matt Kowalski (George Clooney), her companion on a space shuttle expedition intended to repair the Hubble Telescope. But circumstances beyond their control cut that relationship short, forcing Stone to take extraordinary measures as she looks for a way to make her way back down to Earth. Shot in 3D and widely watched on IMAX at the time of its release, Cuarons film is a technical wonder. But it also plays well at home, in part because of Cuarons extraordinary command of visual storytelling and in part because of Bullocks gripping performance. Over the course of the film, we learn of the loss that made it easy for Stone to take to the stars and the lasting grief that now makes it easy to entertain the thought of just drifting away. But its ultimately a story of survival, and how the will to live can persist and prevail in even the most impossible circumstances. Available to stream on Amazon Prime. All Is Lost (2013) In that respect, Gravity bears a strong resemblance to another 2013 film anchored by an exceptional bit of acting, J.C. Chandors nautical survival tale All Is Lost. Robert Redford stars as an unnamed man who awakens in the middle of the Indian Ocean to find his boat already pretty far along in the process of sinking. In a virtually wordless performance, Redford captures the characters deepening commitment to make it out alive and return to a life on shore one reflective scene suggests hes made a mess of before disembarking. Like Gravity, its an impressive technical accomplishment, but also one that would mean nothing without Redfords deft performance as a man who may not have understood just how much he wanted to live until staring death in the face. Available to stream on Hulu. Hello Ghanaians, Please let no one in Ghana give the impression that our God only listens to public prayers or prayers presented by a group of two or three people ( Matthew 18: 19 - 20 ). Because our Lord Jesus also has this for us: But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you( Matthew 6: 6 ). In view of this command of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is always good to combine faith with reason, especially, during this corona virus season, a season that is not ordinary. For our President to gather more than 25 people in the Jubilee house to pray, when in actual fact, he has banned public worship, is an undeniable fact that, majority of our political leaders, are very good in delivering great speeches, but lack the ability to walk their great speeches. Very unfortunate indeed. Is it not very strange to see a country, whose citizens are sitting on money, and yet it cannot get money to buy apparatus for testing corona virus in all our district capitals? Very strange indeed! Ghana is going through unnecessary hardships and misery, because of the fear of holding the ruling government accountable for its actions that are detrimental to the well being of Ghanaians. If our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles had allowed the fear of been killed by those who hated them, for the truth that they proclaimed, I do not think, some of us would have become Christians. Let us throw away the said fear (especially those who see themselves as the voice of the voiceless and the conscience of the people) and put the ruling government on its toes, to do the needful, and not to fear it, and look on helpless. In every ruling party, we will get fanatics who will think that 1+ 1 = 3 instead of 2. Hence, let us not allow such fanatics to threaten us in holding the ruling government accountable for its wrong moves that will not benefit all, but few. I believe that if the Council of State and all those, who see themselves as the voice of the voiceless and the conscience of the people, had come out to demand the quarantine of our President and his entourage, when they visited Europe the last time, to serve as an example for others, we would not be where we are today, as far as the corona virus pandemic is concerned. We left the said demand only in the hands of one or two lone rangers, as if they were the only people at risk. Let all the watchdogs of Ghana wake up from their slumber and safe Mother Ghana from the hands of those who have come into active politics because of money and therefore, are more interested in money than the well being of those who have been entrusted into their hands. Thanks. Rev. Fr. James Ignatius Yaw Amponsah [email protected] com A nonprofit body, representing high skilled immigrants from India, has urged President Donald Trump to address their long sufferings of H-1B visa holders by accelerating the pace of Green Card or legal permanent residency and remove bureaucratic, legal hurdles from the most-sought after work visa Washington: A nonprofit body, representing high skilled immigrants from India, has urged President Donald Trump to address their long sufferings of H-1B visa holders by accelerating the pace of Green Card or legal permanent residency and remove bureaucratic, legal hurdles from the most-sought after work visa. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. A Green Card allows a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in America. In a recent memorandum to the President, High Skilled Immigrants For America has requested Trump to address their sufferings by the recovery of Green Cards unused in previous years, allow US Citizenship and Immigration Services to receive an application for Adjustment of Status and issue Employment Authorisation with approved I-140 immigrant petition and unitary counting of derivatives. "The assistance in resolving above will provide needed relief to over 500,000 skilled immigrants and their families," High Skilled Immigrants of India said in its memorandum to the president. According to the memorandum, this will significantly benefit the US in many ways. These talented labour force will be able to directly work with the leading American companies, without having to go through middlemen, who make the most money in the current situation, the memorandum said. "This will enable the American companies to manufacture and develop product and systems right here in the US and not have to send the work offshore due to lack of talent pool," High Skilled Immigrants For America said. "Many of us have entrepreneurial skills, but we are not able start our business due to long wait for the Green Card. Clearing the backlog will unleash our true potential and setting up hundreds of startups, creating innovations and high-end jobs, Making America Great Again," the memorandum said. The memorandum opposed the allocation of seven percent quota per country for employment-based on the Green Card, irrespectively of the country's size and demography. As we come from the world's second-most populous country and are in high demand by the US companies in need of skills in the area of science and technology, we form far larger pool of immigrants, and thus in a long backlog for the Green Card," it said. We cant meet up together in person these days, but we at Future Tense believe that connecting with each other to consider how technology and science can disrupt and enhance our lives is more vital than ever. Plus, we miss you all. Thats why were launching a biweekly series of what were calling Social Distancing Socials. You can join these interactive conversations via Zoom, from the comfort of your home with your favorite beverage in hand. Advertisement Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays for less than an hour at 4 p.m. Eastern. Thursday, March 19: The Fate of Civil Liberties in National Crises Hosts: Mark Joseph Stern, staff writer, Slate; Jennifer Daskal, professor and faculty director, Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law; Elie Mystal, justice correspondent, the Nation; Ian Millhiser, senior correspondent, Vox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, March 24: Running a University During a Pandemic Hosts: Torie Bosch, editor, Future Tense; Chris Callahan, dean, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU Thursday, March 26: Not Exactly the Best Time to Ration Kids (or Your) Screen Time? Hosts: Dan Kois, editor, Slate; Lisa Guernsey, director, Teaching, Learning, and Tech Program, New America Tuesday, March 31: Is Self-Quarantine the Fabled Future of Work? Hosts: Henry Grabar, staff writer, Slate; Brigid Schulte, director, Better Life Lab, New America Thursday, April 2: When Crises Unleash Your Imagination Hosts: Ed Finn, director, Center for Science and the Imagination, ASU; Torie Bosch, editor, Future Tense Tuesday, April 7: Can We Still Say the Human Race Has Never Had It This Good? Hosts: Andres Martinez, editorial director, Future Tense; Charles Kenny, senior fellow and director of technology and development, Center for Global Development Get Future Tense in Your Inbox We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. PHOENIX Osvaldo Salas speaks a little English, but not proficiently. The suburban Phoenix man relies on Spanish-language TV and friends and family for information on the coronavirus because state and local officials havent posted any updates online in Spanish even as the global pandemic widens. Unfortunately, here in Arizona, they turn their backs on Hispanic people, Salas, a restaurant cook, said in Spanish. Here, many of us speak Spanish, thousands of us, and unfortunately sometimes they put us to the side. As government officials across the country warn about the dangers of the coronavirus, theyre doing so predominantly in English. Theyre potentially not reaching the millions of Spanish speakers in the U.S. who arent proficient in English to make sure they know how to stay healthy. Advocacy groups and Spanish-language media have stepped up to fill in the gaps as cities and states say theyre working to translate guidance about hand washing and the effects of closing schools and businesses into the second-most spoken language in the U.S. Univision was also dedicating more airtime to the coronavirus. In Arizona, where 30% of residents are Hispanic, the Department of Health Services has a webpage with coronavirus updates but none of the information is in Spanish. The health department was still translating coronavirus updates, Director Cara Christ said Monday. By Wednesday, there was still no Spanish and the department didnt respond to a request for comment on Salas concerns. No media briefings have been broadcast in Spanish, although health officials have done Spanish-language interviews with Hispanic media. This has been a rapidly evolving situation and so things update almost daily, Christ said. We are working on getting a lot of our hard materials translated into Spanish and working on getting Spanish in our social media. Salas, whos his familys primary breadwinner, said hes worried about feeding his wife and four children, one of whom has a rare genetic disorder that requires full-time care. He says his restaurant is closing and hes heard on the news that some shuttered school districts are still handing out free meals, but he has no idea if theirs is one of them because theres been no outreach. Thomas Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, a civil rights organization, said hes not surprised that some states are behind on Spanish-language messaging, especially those like Arizona, where immigrants and Hispanics have faced hostility from laws and raids meant to crack down on illegal immigration. He said Hispanic and immigrant communities already face barriers to health care, including fear of seeking treatment because of their immigration status. The lack of bilingual material sort of exacerbates some of those issues that create uneven access to information and services, Saenz said. To help, an advocacy group is providing workers at a day labor work center in Pasadena, California, with information in Spanish to help them reduce their risk of infection and be ready in case they get sick or the government orders a lockdown. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network also streamed a radio show on social media, addressing hygiene strategies, how to talk with children about the virus and the drastic drop in hirings the center has seen. I prefer the information in Spanish because it is our language, said Carlos, a day laborer who was getting information at the center and didnt want to share his last name out of fear he would be targeted by immigration authorities. They are advising us on how to act, and how to get ready to face this, especially those of us who have children, so that we dont take this home because the children are out of school. Spanish-language media outlet Noticias Telemundo says its adding a national weekday newscast focused on the coronavirus. Its also expanding its morning show and midday newscast to include segments on the virus. The outreach to Spanish-speaking communities has been mixed. The federal government has done little, but the CDC has coronavirus information available in Spanish on its website, although it is hard to find. Critics say its taken too long to post updates in Spanish. For example, the CDCs Spanish-language Twitter account hasnt tweeted about the coronavirus, instead retweeting a message about the virus from the CDC Environment account Tuesday. In Hispanic-heavy states like Florida, many news conferences held by state officials have been bilingual, and the Florida health department has Spanish-speaking agents available round the clock at its coronavirus call center, spokesman Alberto Moscoso said. In New Mexico, a day after The Associated Press asked the governors office about a lack of Spanish on the health department website, its Spanish-language site went live though its difficult to find and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tweeted about it in Spanish. A purple-highlighted banner atop the main page has, in small letters, a link to Spanish updates. The nations most Hispanic state also has had a Spanish educator and health official at every news conference to do an interviews with Spanish-language media. Washington state, which has had the most deaths in the U.S., has information and news releases posted in both English and Spanish on its health department website. Health officials are working with a translation firm and with independent translators to get the word out in over 40 languages, spokeswoman Kathleen Meehan said. Meehan added that its the first time the state health department created a community engagement task force to address things like language barriers. And while government officials have had to communicate in other languages before, such as during wildfires, the virus outbreak is unprecedented, she said. Our messaging isnt effective if people cant understand it, Meehan said. In the California wine region of Sonoma County, officials are giving news updates in both languages, broadcasting them on Facebook Live. And in El Paso, Texas, where roughly 80% of residents are Hispanic, authorities have conducted news conferences in both languages. Mayor Dee Margo posts updates in Spanish and English to his official Facebook page. Raquel Teran, an Arizona lawmaker and longtime community activist, said she asked state officials two weeks ago whether information would be delivered in Spanish. Now, as the warnings ramp up state officials have closed all schools and continue to urge people to stay home messaging in more than just English is essential, Teran said. She said the state should hire Spanish translators, noting that although not all Hispanics speak Spanish, many do. The community wants to hear a trusted voice, Teran said. They want the trusted messenger in Spanish. Thats the reality. ___ Garcia Cano reported from Washington. Adriana Gomez Licon contributed from Miami. 18.03.2020 LISTEN A Member of Parliament's Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo has said the banking sector will suffer a massive set back due to the impact of the Coronavirus. According to him, the situation in the sector will be aggravated for an industry that is still reeling under the effects of the clean-up. Speaking after receiving the northern excellence award, the Bolgatanga Central MP, called on the Central Bank to be honest about the true state of the sector. When you collapse all of these [financial institutions], including fund management companies and you are now standing on only banks, what it means is that apart from the big corporates, the rest down the line do not get funding to run their business. It is as simple as that so we now have a financial sector that has been decimated and standing on one weak leg and that weak leg is a vulnerable banking sector. Coronavirus, as we see today, is going to hit our banks very strongly. For those of you who have read Bank of Ghanas own publications, you will see the dishonesty even in the publications because Bank of Ghana will tell you that the banks are making so much profit and they will tell you non-performing loans are declining. If non-performing loans are declining because you are making recoveries, there should be one impact. The impact should be that the monies that are non-performing were written off so if you collect them immediately capital should go up of our banking sector. How come you are making more profit? You are recovering of the loans that you wrote off and you are restating those loans in your capital and your capital is going down. Economic impact of COVID-19 The government is to meet and engage with the Association of Ghana Industries as part measures to cushion the economy against the expected impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In his engagement with Parliament, the Finance Minister also noted that the government will rely on a mix of funds from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and withdrawals from the Stabilisation Fund to finance the budgetary gap expected to be created by the fiscal impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This is needed because receipts from the petroleum industry, revenue from the tourism and aviation industries among others, have been projected to suffer a massive hit. Also today, the Bank of Ghana's Monetary Policy Committee will be meeting to assess the possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the domestic economy. This is to enable the regulator to take the necessary steps to mitigate its impact and ensure financial and economic stability. Last week, President Nana Akufo-Addo assured that the government was taking steps to handle any adverse impacts the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus could have on the country's economic fortunes. He said the state has engaged some relevant industry players to produce inputs needed to tackle the possible spread of the virus into Ghana. Government is analyzing the potential impact on our economy to the virus and will trigger the relevant response to minimize it. We have begun to engage the domestic pharmaceutical industry to assist in producing as much of the logistics to prevent and combat the virus as it is possible under the circumstances, the President said. ---citinewsroom The composition of this hand sanitizer is 70 per cent isopropanol with glycerol, polypropylene glycol Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Researchers have developed their own hand sanitizer, in line with the standards recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a Federal Health Agency in the U.S, for the Institute Community. Around ten liters of this hand sanitizer have already been deployed in the campus for the benefit of the students, staff and faculty at locations such as faculty lounge, Shiru Cafe, meeting halls and laboratories, among other areas. This makes it more likely that people will use it and this will help stop the spread of germs and promote good health and hygiene. This has been developed by Dr. Shivakalyani Adepu, who was a Research Scholar at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad along with Dr. Mudrika Khandelwal, Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad. Speaking about their effort, by Dr. Mudrika Khandelwal said, My research group has always believed in doing scientific research and outreach for the benefit of society. This is our small contribution at the time of need. I am glad we would make this happen and hope to make similar contributions in the future. The composition of this hand sanitizer is 70 per cent isopropanol with glycerol, polypropylene glycol to increase the viscosity and reduce the volatility so that the sanitizer stays on skin to allow action, as well as lemongrass oil for antimicrobial activity and therapeutic aroma. The 70 per cent IPA solution penetrates the cell wall, coagulates all proteins, and therefore the microorganism dies. Adding on, Dr. Shivakalyani Adepu said, This was done purely to support the community at this time when it is critical to adopt safe and hygienic practices. We have not thought of commercialization. Our motto is to help people around us. We can assure that these are as safe as any commercial sanitizer, and possibly more effective. Our laboratory conducts a lot of microbiological studies and we have tested these kinds of materials before and have been using the same for several years now. Its efficacy is well known and has been reported. According to WHO and CDC, hands account for transmitting nearly 80 per cent of the infections due to frequent touching of eyes, nose, mouth and ears which leads to the entry of germs. Nearly one in five people do not regularly wash their hands. Of those who do, 70 per cent do not use soap. The alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill most bacteria, and fungi, and stop some viruses, present on hands within 30 seconds of application. If 70 percent of alcohol is poured to a single-celled organism, the diluted alcohol also coagulates the protein, but at a slower rate, so that it penetrates all the way through the cell before coagulation can block it. Then the entire cell is coagulated and the organism dies. Delhi High Court on Thursday night rejected an urgent plea moved by the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case convicts lawyer AP Singh, challenging the trial court's order which refused to stay the execution of death warrant. Delhi High Court heard an urgent plea moved by the convicts' lawyer AP Singh and gave its order. The plea of 3 convicts is seeking a stay on execution on the ground of pendency of various legal applications in different courts. The High Court pulled up Advocate AP Singh representing the death-row convicts for not adhering to prerequisite technicalities before filing the petition. Singh moved the High Court challenging the trial court`s order which had declined to stay the execution scheduled for early morning on March 20. "There is no annexure, no memo of parties, there is nothing in this matter, no affidavits, nothing. Do you have the permission to file this petition?" the judge asked Singh, who retorted, "Due to coronavirus, no photocopy machine is working." The plea was mentioned before the registry officials who put it up before the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court who marked it to the bench comprising Justice Manmohan and Justice Sanjeev Narula. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had trashed the desperate attempts by three of the four death-row convicts to escape the gallows. Just a day before the scheduled execution, the top court one after the other dismissed three pleas filed by Pawan Gupta, Mukesh Singh and Akshay Singh including two petitions that were filed today itself. The fourth convict Vinay Sharma has not filed any petition after he exhausted all his legal remedies including the mercy petition with the President. At the start of the day's business, six judges of the top court took up the curative petition filed by Pawan against the dismissal of his juvenility claim by the apex court on January 31 in the review petition, and on January 20 in the appeal against the Delhi High Court order. A six-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana dismissed the plea, saying "no case is made out". On March 5, the trial court issued fresh warrants for hanging on March 20 at 5.30 am of all convicts in the case - Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Singh (31) for brutally assaulting Nirbhaya on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012. The People of Russia is the primary source of power in the country, Russian president says. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has said he doesn't see himself as a reigning tsar but is ready to stay in power forever if Russian people want him to. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, answering a journalist's question on what awaits Russia in 2024 and whether he will stay in power forever, Putin said: "That's if you want. Do you want this?" Asked, where he sees himself after the completion of his presidential term in 2024, Putin said: "I don't know, we'll see. There is still a lot of time ahead." According to Putin, he understands "the elites are nervous" in a situation of uncertainty. "Of course, this is a negative thing, this imbalance. Such an imbalance is possible. I am aware of this. But still, the people is the primary source of power," he said. Read alsoRFE/RL: Putin formally signs off on constitutional changes that allow him to extend power The Russian president added he still has four years of presidency lying ahead, and now there is no answer whether he will stay "at the helm" of Russia. Answering a question on how he feels about being called a "tsar," Putin said: "Well, this isn't true. You know, anyone else could be called a tsar. I work every day, I don't reign. A tsar is someone who sits there, looking down and saying: 'I will order and they will do this or that.' Meanwhile, all he does is trying on his hat and looking in the mirror. I work every day." As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian State Duma on Tuesday, March 10, lifted restrictions on the number of presidential terms. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for following advice to reduce the pump price of petrol. Recall that it was reported yesterday that the former Presidential candidate advised the Buhari administration to consider reducing the pump price of petrol on Tuesday. Also Read: Coronavirus: Restrict Flights From Countries With Prevalent Cases, Atiku Tells FG He also advised that stamp duty on all types of accounts be temporarily suspended. On Wednesday, the federal government announced the reduction of pump price to N125 per litre. A move that has led to commendation for the administration. In reaction to the development, Atiku commended President Buhari and his cabinet members. See his tweets below: The #CoronavirusOutbreak places a huge economic strain on Nigerians, which is why we counselled the FG to reduce the pump price of PMS. I commend the FG for taking this step and I urge that all hands be on deck to rescue Nigeria from the economic downturn of the oil crash. -AA Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 18, 2020 The National Democratic Congress(NDC) has asked the President to order the arrest and also sack the Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority(NIA) for flouting his directive to stop all public gathering amid the conoravirus. According to them, a single act puts the whole country at risk of the pandemic. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' program, deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Peter Boamah Otokunor explained that the President should show leadership and call the NIA Boss to order otherwise his effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus will be in vain. "What at all does the NIA boss want, whose interest is he serving with the continuation of the registration exercise?" he rhetorically asked. "We have all shown class and commitment to fight this disease but the NIA boss seems to thwart everybodys effort," he said. He added that if the President is this much concerned, then he should call Prof. Ken Attafuah to order, other than that the NDC will advise itself as a party. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has asked the National Identification Authority (NIA) to suspend with immediate effect the ongoing mass registration exercise in the Eastern Region. In a statement signed by the President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Ankobea, and its General-Secretary, Dr. Justice Yankson, the GMA said it is in the interest of Public Health and Safety to suspend the exercise, since if allowed to continue it could create fertile grounds for potential spread of COVID-19, endangering the lives of NIA staff, the communities involved and an entire nation in the process. The statement went further to say: Mass registration exercise also defeats the spirit and letter of the directives (especially on mass gathering) issued by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana as part of the measures to combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video . 04.01.2022 - 14.01.2022 09:00 . 17:00 ., , : . - , 2. . 04.01.2022 - 14.01.2022 09:00 . 16:00 ... Register for Parishka Pe Charcha 2022: Here are the steps to apply Haryana Class 1 to 8 exams postponed India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: The Haryana government on Wednesday cancelled annual examinations for Classes 1 to 8 in all government and private schools till March 31, officials said on Wednesday. The Haryana School Education Department has the decision as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they said. Several other exams too have been postponed in the wake of the outbreak. Most exams are likely to take place after March 31. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 7:42 [IST] Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:10:23|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close PARIS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The French authorities, facing a dire shortage of protective equipment against the COVID-19 epidemic that affects the entire population and the healthcare staff in particular, welcomed the "solidarity" China has shown by sending a batch of medical supplies to France. A Chinese flight loaded with masks, gloves and other protective equipment landed at Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday and another flight is expected on Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM Television. "It is a gesture that must be appreciated," said the minister. "A month ago, when the crisis started in China, we sent our own solidarity to the Chinese authorities by delivering protective equipment," he said. "The Chinese now returned solidarity to us." The masks are donations from two Chinese charities. "At the crucial moment of China's fight against the epidemic, France has given us precious support and help. Currently, while France and all of Europe are facing the serious challenge of the pandemic, China is ready to provide aid as far as possible," said Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye. China has already sent experts and equipment to Italy, the country most affected in Europe by the COVID-19. In France, where the population has been confined since Tuesday, the spread of the virus has not abated. A total of 9,134 infection cases and 264 deaths have been registered as of Wednesday, with 3,626 people being hospitalized. A military hospital is being set up in Grand Est, a region particularly affected by the epidemic. "We have an epidemic that worsens very rapidly," said Health Director General Jerome Salomon in his daily briefing on Wednesday, adding that the shortage of masks is worrying. Salomon said that the government was in the process of "delivering to all pharmacies" in the metropolitan area "more than 12 million masks." In addition, "more than 10 million masks will also be delivered to hospitals." The Defense Ministry also released 4 million masks, Salomon added, calling on the French to donate their masks to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies. For several weeks now, medical officials and health specialists have been sounding the alarm. The shortage affects all personnel in contact with the public, especially the police. "The problem is the lack of resources," police union official Steve Pozar said on television on Wednesday. "Our colleagues lack masks, hydroalcoholic gels and gloves..." he said. Government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said on Wednesday: "There have been some logistical difficulties recently, but the masks have been arriving in pharmacies since yesterday." "We have put pressure on our production which does not have extensive capacities, that is why we have a thrifty management of these masks with absolute priority to the health workers," she said after a cabinet meeting. Russian MPs propose criminal sanctions for breach of quarantine pixabay.com 16:27 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) Lawmakers from the United Russia political party plan to draft abill to fix criminal responsibility for creating a threat of mass infection or poisoning of citizens, a statement published on the State Duma website reads. According to the lawmakers, there are situtations of abslolute thoughtlessness of adult people. Several cases of intentional escape from coronavirus quarantine have been already fixed. People have violated the rules and left hospitals voluntary, the first deputy chair of the fraction Andrey Isayev states. Currently, legislation stipulates punishment for breaching sanitation-and-epidemiological provisions resulting in the mass infection or intoxication of citizens. However, according to the MP, it is hard to establish the fact of resulting in in the situation concerning coronavirus. Thus the MPs want to fix in the legislation criminal liability for evolution of real threat of mass infection or poisoning, creation of objective conditions for this. The bill will envisage such penalties as severe fines, community service and ban on holding leading posts for a certain period, Isayev notes. Amendments are expected to be proposed to the Criminal Code of Russia. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:59:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Thursday aired a cartoon with the theme of struggle against the outbreak of COVID-19 under the pressure of U.S. sanctions. The cartoon's cover page is available on Press TV's homepage. It displays a microscopic pestilence, marked as novel coronavirus, which is riding on a monster of sanctions and throwing its spear at the heart of an Iranian warrior. On the corner of the page, it reads "the world can no longer be silent as U.S. economic terrorism is supplanted by its medical terrorism, nonmedical terrorism." After the outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran on Feb. 19, the Iranian officials strongly criticized the continuation of U.S. tough economic sanctions against the country which they said hampers Iran's fight to stem the disease. Iran has urged other countries and the United Nations to put pressure on the United States for the removal of its sanctions against Iran. On Thursday, Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education announced the death of 1,284 people out of a total of 18,407 novel coronavirus cases. Flash Numbers for both new deaths and new cures from Italy's coronavirus outbreak released Wednesday are the highest on record, as health officials scramble to find enough doctors to confront the outbreak's spread. According to data released Wednesday by Angelo Borrelli, head of Italy's Civil Protection Department, a total of 475 Italians died in the last 24 hours from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Another 1,084 people were cured over the same span. Both figures were the highest one-day recorded since the virus outbreak began in Italy last month. Overall, there were 2,648 new active cases recorded in the last day, a slower rate of increase than the previous day, when there were 2,898 new active cases. The increase of 10.2 percent on Wednesday was one of lowest this month. The coronavirus epidemic has claimed 2,978 victims in Italy as of Wednesday evening, with the cumulative coronavirus cases reaching 35,713 since the epidemic broke out on Feb. 21. As well, a total of 4,025 patients have recovered, a big jump from 2,941 recorded a day earlier. Italy, which recorded the most cases outside China, currently reported 28,710 active coronavirus cases, compared to Tuesday's 26,062. Of those active cases, 12,090 are under home isolation, 14,363 hospitalized with symptoms and 2,257 are in intensive care. "We must continue to monitor the situation and assume that as the effects of the national lockdown are reflected in the statistics we will start to see a more significant slowdown," Borrelli said. "We have to do more in Italy to limit the movement of residents to stop the spread" of the virus. Health officials across the country are scrambling for ways to put more doctors in the field to help contain the outbreak. On Wednesday, officials in the hard-hit region of Lombardy, which includes Milan, appealed to recently retired health workers to return to work to relieve over-worked colleagues. A day earlier, Minister of University and Research Gaetano Manfredi proposed letting soon-to-graduate medical students start work in low-pressure jobs as a way to let experienced colleagues work on the front-lines of the outbreak. But there was some good news on Wednesday. Vo, a small town near Venice in northern Italy, reported the successful outcome of a test case in which the entire population of 3,300 people was tested for coronavirus whether they showed symptoms or not and a strict quarantine was imposed. According to news reports, the town -- which was near the center of the first wave of infections in Italy -- has shown no new cases since Friday. "The testing was vital and it saved many lives," mayor Giuliano Martini is reported as saying. Testing may soon become easier as well. Researchers at the Campus Bio-Medico Polyclinic in Lazio, the region that includes the Italian capital of Rome, reported Wednesday that they have begun using an artificial intelligence diagnostic system first used in hospitals in Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first emerged. The system used analysis of a CT scan of the lungs to make a coronavirus diagnosis in as little as 20 seconds with an accuracy rate of 98.5 percent. According to Alessio D'Amato, the Lazio government's top health official, the system will be made available to the entire Lazio hospital system. Menendez's criticism came as Russian President Vladimir Putin began a two-day visit to Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (Democrat-New Jersey) has criticized Russia for what he called "serious human rights" abuses in Crimea during the six years since Russia's illegal occupation and annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine. "Today, as it was six years ago, Crimea remains Ukrainian territory. Period," Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on March 18, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said. Read alsoTurkey once again declares its non-recognition of Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea "On this somber day, I stand in solidarity with the Crimean people, who continue to face serious human rights abuses at the hand of their occupiers, including torture, arbitrary arrests, and the erosion of basic freedoms of expression and association," Menendez said. Menendez's criticism came as Russian President Vladimir Putin began a two-day visit to Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014. Moscow deployed military forces across Crimea and secured control of key government buildings in February 2014. The following month, it carried out a hastily organized referendum on Crimea's status that is considered illegitimate by more than 100 countries. In a statement, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry criticized Putin's visit and denounced Russia's "cynical" disrespect for international law. The visit coincided with Russian military exercises at a training range in Crimea. Russia's Defense Ministry said the drills involved 600 airborne troops In his statement, Menendez noted that Congress "has made clear" in several pieces of legislation that "the United States should never recognize Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea." Menendez urged other countries around the world to "adopt a policy of nonrecognition of Crimea as Russian territory." "When world leaders do not speak out against Putin's use of violence to alter national borders, it only emboldens future illegal aggression," he said. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath in an exclusive conversation with News18 has claimed that he's in touch with "most of the rebel MLAs", who have been holed up in a resort in Bengaluru for the last 10 days. The veteran Congress leader claimed that after "these MLAs released these messages," referring to video messages released by some of the MLAs, "they called me to say that they have been forced to record those videos...that is why I'm confident about my numbers." Referring to the 16 Congress MLAs who have tendered resignations to the state assembly speaker as "my MLAs", Nath said no sitting Congress MLA had yet joined the BJP. "These are my MLAs until proven otherwise...If these MLAs were loyal to Scindia then they would have joined BJP as soon as Scindia joined BJP," he argued. He added that these MLAs had so far only tendered resignations from the assembly, "they have not quit the Congress." The MP Chief Minister said that the ongoing crisis in the state was "just an event and not a crisis." Meanwhile the Supreme Court, where the action has now shifted after the Speaker did not call for a floor test as demanded by the Governor and BJP leaders, on Thursday said that it could create conditions to ensure verification of whether resignation by rebel Congress MLAs was truly voluntary and suggested appointing an observer in Bengaluru who can connect with the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker on video conferencing for him to make a decision. Nath responded to statements made by the state BJP chief and Lok Sabha member from Khajhuraho, Vishnu Dutt Sharma, who had claimed that the ongoing political crisis in the state was an internal issue of the Congress. "This has happened because of the action we took against the mafia that was being supported by BJP...BJP took them...how is this an internal problem for the Congress? If these MLAs are not being held captive...if they are free, then why cant they come to MP? They are being threatened that is why they are in a resort," Nath said. Senior Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh have repeatedly asserted that floor test can only be asked for if a no-confidence motion is proposed. Since the ongoing assembly in the state was already in place for the past 15 months, since it was not a new assembly, Congress has argued, a floor-test cannot be demanded. This was also part of the arguments made by senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker NP Prajapati. In the interview with News18, Kamal Nath reiterated this point again, daring the BJP to propose a no-confidence motion against the government. "We have been in power for 15 months...if we were not in majority then BJP would have toppled us on day one...BJP can call for a no confidence motion. Floor test is for a new government without majority...we have proven our majority in the last 15 months....so bring a no-confidence motion against us. If they are so confident that they have the numbers then why can they call for a no confidence motion," Nath said. Nath also launched a blistering attack against Scindia. He claimed that he had met Scindia 8-9 days before he joined the BJP, however the royal scion had "not indicated any displeasure or reason to join the BJP." The senior Congress leader and sitting CM also indicated that a campaign public highlighting that Congress has emerged unscathed from Scindia's resignation, is also in the works. "Every Congress worker knows their district....they know what impact Scindia's resignation has had...this will be made public soon," Nath told News18. Regarding Scindia's attacks on the ruling state government just before he switched parties regarding the alleged non-fulfilment of the promise to waive off farm-loans, Nath said, "I know that farmers are happy with us...they have got loan waivers...I have proof." He claimed that "Scindia and so many others" had praised him on the same issue some time back. "I want you to show Scindia the speeches where he has praised us," Nath said. Nath also clarified that he had not sent Digvijaya Singh to Karnataka. "He is a Rajya Sabha MP...it is incumbent on him to go to MLAs to seek their vote...he will even approach BJP MPs for votes. But Digvijaya has been treated like a criminal? Why?" he asked. KELOWNA, British Columbia and EDMONTON, Alberta, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Corp. ("Allied" or the "Company") (OTCQB: ALID), an international medical cannabis company focused on creating and providing targeted cannabinoid health solutions to address todays medical issues, and Radient Technologies Inc. (Radient) (TSX Venture: RTI; OTCQX: RDDTF), a global commercial manufacturer of high quality cannabinoid-based ingredients, formulations and products, are pleased to announce they have signed a definitive agreement (the Agreement) as part of a three way agreement with the Dhaliwal Group (Dhaliwal) to manage the supply chain, manufacturing and sale of high quality CBD distillate and isolate. Under the terms of the Agreement, Allied will facilitate the supply and purchase of high quality CBD distillate and isolate between licensed cultivators and licensed buyers. Industrial hemp biomass will be converted by Radient, for a processing fee, into finished premium quality CBD consumer products, and sold into the Canadian market through a purchasing arrangement made by Dhaliwal. Allied will be responsible for full supply chain management, which involves product moving from legal licensed Canadian industrial hemp farmers, to bonded transport, to Radients Edmonton I processing facility, through to legally licensed buyers who hold a license to buy and sell Cannabis products in Canada. The Agreement is for an initial 12-month term with an annual option to renew. The three parties expect 7,500 kg of biomass to be processed during the first three months of the Agreement, with the amount increasing thereafter. Under the terms of the Agreement, Radient may also elect to be paid a portion of its processing fees in biomass rather than cash. This is a significant milestone achievement for Allieds 5th vertical facilitation of the Canadian and European cannabis product supply chain. Retailers are currently facing a challenging environment in receiving quality product. Our executive team, based on our knowledge and experience, is beginning to become a trusted partner in facilitating quality product and we expect many more deals like this to follow, said Calum Hughes, CEO of Allied. This continues to enable Allied to develop a large reaching sales and distribution network while our Colombian production continues get closer to commercial harvest. Radient is very pleased to enter into this Agreement with Allied and the Dhaliwal Group, said Radient President & CEO Denis Taschuk. This Agreement will allow us to create the high quality products that our proprietary continuous-flow extraction and processing technology was intended for. The strength of our manufacturing platform, coupled with Allieds trusted reputation as a responsible and reliable sales partner, enables us to bring premium products to more Canadian consumers, and we look forward to working with both Allied and the Dhaliwal Group. This is an exciting milestone for our company, highlighting our efforts to not only secure a foothold in the industry, but also to have a positive impact in the global cannabis industry said Sukh Dhaliwal, CEO of the Dhaliwal Group. We are on track for growth and are focused on our strategic corporate plans as we continue to expand globally. About Allied Corp. Allied Corp. is an international medical cannabis production company with a mission to address todays medical issues by researching, creating and producing targeted cannabinoid health solutions. Allied Corp. uses an evidence-informed scientific approach to make this mission possible, through cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and development, innovative plant-based production and unique development of therapeutic products. For more information on Allied Corp., visit www.allied.health Media Contact for Allied: allied@5wpr.com Investor Relations for Allied: Anthony Zelen ir@allied.health +1-778-388-5258 About Radient Radient Technologies is a commercial manufacturer of high quality cannabinoid based formulations, ingredients and products. Utilizing a proprietary continuous-flow extraction and processing platform that recovers up to 99% of cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, Radient develops specialty products and ingredients that contain a broad range of cannabinoid and terpene profiles while meeting the highest standards of quality and safety. Please visit www.radientinc.com for more information. Media Contact for Radient: Caitlin Cheadle, Director of Communications: ccheadle@radientinc.com Investor Contact for Radient: Adam Deffett, Senior VP of Corporate Development: adeffett@radientinc.com About the Dhaliwal Group The Dhaliwal Groups mission is to be the premier global cannabis oil provider through a strong commitment to people, product quality and innovation. Via strategic alliances with Canadian Health Canada licensed hemp farmers, and some of Canadas top tier Health Canada licensed Cannabis and Extraction companies, Dhaliwal will bring Canadian and European end buyers to purchase high CBD products from this three way agreement. SOURCE: Allied Corp. and Radient Technologies Inc. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada or forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, forward-looking information). Forward-looking information may relate to the Companys future outlook and anticipated events, plans or results, and may include information regarding the Companys objectives, goals, strategies, future revenue or performance and capital expenditures, and other information that is not historical information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by the use of terminology such as believe, anticipate, plan, expect, pending, in process, intend, estimate, project, may, will, should, would, could, can, the negatives thereof, variations thereon and similar expressions. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on the Companys opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of managements experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. There can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information in this release including the Companys exposure to legal and regulatory risk; that the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis are not as currently expected; that adverse changes or developments affecting the Companys main or planned facilities may have an adverse effect on the Company; that the medical cannabis industry and market may not continue to exist or develop as anticipated or the Company may not be able to succeed in this market; risks related to market competition; that the Company has a limited operating history and a history of net losses and that it may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future; risks related to the Companys current or proposed international operations; risks related to future third party strategic alliances or the expansion of currently existing relationships with third parties; that the Company may not be able to successfully identify and execute future acquisitions or dispositions or successfully manage the impacts of such transactions on its operations; risks inherent to the operation of an agricultural business; that the Company may be unable to attract, develop and retain key personnel; risks resulting from significant interruptions to the Companys access to certain key inputs such as raw materials, electricity, water and other utilities; that the Company may be unable to transport its cannabis products to patients in a safe and efficient manner; risks related to recalls of the Companys cannabis products or product liability or regulatory claims or actions involving the Companys cannabis products; risks related to the Companys reliance on pharmaceutical distributors; that the Company, or the cannabis industry more generally, may receive unfavourable publicity or become subject to negative consumer or investor perception; that certain events or developments in the cannabis industry more generally may impact the Companys reputation or its relationships with customers or suppliers; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage in respect of the risks that it faces, that the premiums for such insurance may not continue to be commercially justifiable or that there may be coverage limitations and other exclusions which may result in such insurance not being sufficient; that the Company may become subject to liability arising from fraudulent or illegal activity by its employees, contractors, consultants and others; that the Company may experience breaches of security at its facilities or losses as a result of the theft of its products; risks related to the Companys information technology systems; that the Company may be unable to sustain its revenue growth and development; that the Company may be unable to expand its operations quickly enough to meet demand or manage its operations beyond their current scale; that the Company may be unable to secure adequate or reliable sources of necessary funding; risks related to, or associated with, the Companys exposure to reporting requirements; risks related to conflicts of interest; risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; risks related to the Companys potential exposure to greater-than-anticipated tax liabilities; risks related to the protection and enforcement of the Companys intellectual property rights, or the intellectual property that it licenses from others; that the Company may become subject to allegations that it or its licensors are in violation of the intellectual property rights of third parties; that the Company may not realize the full benefit of the clinical trials or studies that it participates in; that the Company may not realize the full benefit of its licenses if the licensed material has less market appeal than expected and the licenses may not be profitable; as well as any other risks that may be further described in and the risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure including its Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed under the Company's profile at www.sec.gov. Although management has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information in this presentation, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information in this presentation. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers and viewers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this release represents the Companys expectations as of the date of this release or the date indicated, regardless of the time of delivery of the presentation. The Company disclaims any intention, obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Philippines confirmed 15 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the country's total to 217 as of Thursday afternoon. In its 4:00 p.m. bulletin, the Department of Health also reported that another patient has recovered from the highly contagious disease. A 48-year-old Filipino man from Cavite province who recently traveled to Japan has been discharged from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine after testing negative for COVID-19 twice. He is the eighth patient to recover from the viral disease in the country. Meanwhile, the death toll is still at 17, but the DOH clarified that the 65-year-old Filipino man who died from COVID-19 was from Bulacan province and not Pasig City. "[U]pon further validation it was found that it is a family member of his who lives there," DOH said. Worldwide, the disease has killed more than 8,800 people, mostly in China, since the outbreak began in Wuhan City in December last year. Over 218,000 people have been infected, according to the Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 global tracker. The World Health Organization said the most commonly reported symptoms are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. The WHO said eight in ten, or around 80 percent, of infected patients experience "mild illness" and eventually recover from COVID-19. Some 14 percent experience severe illness while 5 percent were critically ill, the WHO said. To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who exhibit virus symptoms. (Natural News) America is in a haze right now. It seems like half the country is in denial of the danger while the other half is awaking from apathy and frantically trying to prepare. This is creating a fog of confusion as one side screams its nothing but the flu, stop buying up the grocery store!, and the other side just keeps stocking goods, though in an inexperienced way that prioritizes comfort over practicality. (Article by Brandon Smith republished from Alt-Market.com) The other day I went by the grocery store to grab a few peripheral items while they still exist on sale, and this was the first time since the Covid-19 situation began that people in my area actually seemeddifferent. The usual carefree obliviousness was gone from their faces and they all had a deer-in-the-headlights look, their eyes wide as saucers as they nervously scrambled around the store. None of them were absorbed into their cell phones. All of them were alert as many people huddled over their cart, quickly snatching items from the shelves as if protecting themselves from potential thieves. It seems that reality is finally hitting the masses square in the face like a sucker punch. Suddenly, the prepper movement doesnt look so crazy after all, and average people are now turning to prepper forums and websites to ask us for information on how to plan more effectively. Instead of stacking piles of toilet paper for psychological comfort, they are now buying food supplies. The people who used to accuse us of being chicken littles and doom mongers are eerily silent. I almost miss them. At the very least, everyone is now concerned about the situation, if not for different reasons. This is a far cry from the past two months, when governments around the world as well as the UNs WHO continually downplayed the pandemic threat and offered the public nothing in terms of usable advice. The establishment consistently kept the public in the dark, not just on the virus and its capabilities but also on the vast weaknesses in the global economy. Abruptly in the past week they suggest that a threat is ahead and now millions of people are scrambling to prepare however they can. As I have noted in previous articles, there is a reason why the establishment refused to inform the citizenry of the instabilities inherent in the pandemic scenario; the more unknowns there are for the public the more panic will set it, chaos ensues, and it is chaos that can be exploited to push forward numerous agendas. These agendas include global centralization as well as the erasure of constitutional liberties. Now that a national collapse event is slowly being accepted by many as a legitimate possibility, there is a debate rising as to what measures the government should take, or should be allowed to take. Those of us in the prepper and liberty movements always knew this day was coming; a day when the public would start considering trading away an array of freedoms in exchange for promises of security. Even now, government officials are still trying to tell people that this event will be short lived. Dont worry, they say, It will only last a couple of weeks. Oh, and Dont concern yourselves with food shortages, thats not going to happen You can look at these lies in two different ways: 1) The government is trying to stave off a panic by slowly easing people into the reality that the system is breaking. 2) The government is trying to keep people passive to the danger so that when the system breaks completely they will be unprepared, desperate and easier to manipulate. I believe the second option is the most likely given the evidence at hand, but in either case the government is crippling the public response time to the disaster. They did this for months and they are still trying to do it now. So, my argument is, why should we suddenly take their advice or take orders from them when the manure hits the fan? They have FAILED in their responsibilities to inform and protect the citizenry, and they are about to violate their prime mandate, which is to protect the personal liberties that make our society worth living in. Without these freedoms, there is no point to keeping our system intact anyway. The establishment and its defenders will claim that we all have to make sacrifices today in order to have freedoms tomorrow, but thats not how the constitution was designed to work. Our rights are MORE important during times of distress and crisis, for it is in these times that we need to know what we are fighting for, and what we are struggling for. Survival is meaningless if we have to accept tyranny to achieve it. Once governments see a chance to usurp freedoms from the people, they DO NOT tend to give those freedoms back later unless the people become a viable opponent that could bring the establishment down. There are some who will say that a forced quarantine is necessary to protect the greater good of the greater number. It is true that the Covid-19 virus is a danger, and I think the people who claim its no worse than the flu are fighting a losing battle as the death rate is clearly much higher than the average flu virus. They will look extremely foolish a few months from now as the virus continues to cycle through the population and the dead continue to increase. That said, I think I understand why they cling to this crumbling argument. They think that by arguing that the pandemic is all hype they can morally justify resistance to the inevitable totalitarian response from governments. They think it has to be one or the other: Either the virus is hyped and resistance is acceptable, or the virus is real and resistance is unacceptable. I ask Why cant it be both? The virus is dangerous to many, but a totalitarian response is still unacceptable. The virus is in fact more destructive than any flu in recent memory Its not a plague on the level of the Black Death, but if it continues to kill at a rate of 3% to 5% as it has been then this puts a large number of human beings at risk. It is not something to be taken lightly, and those people that are actively trying to discourage others from preparing for it are truly narcissistic in their ideology. If you dont think its a threat, then dont prepare, but dont scream at others for taking precautions just because you desperately want to be right, and dont come around demanding food and supplies from those same people when the ceiling comes crashing down on your head. Also, understand that Covid-19 is only part of the problem. The bigger crisis is in the economy itself; a collapse has been baked into this cake for years now, and the virus has little to do with it. Leftist kids are going around calling this pandemic the boomer remover, almost cheering the assumption that mostly older and conservative Americans will die from this. I have to break it to them that during the economic collapse that is inevitably coming they will have to wipe the snot from their noses and put on their big-boy diapers otherwise they arent going to survive either; most of them have no discernible skills and no preparations to speak of. They are essentially useless. If Covid-19 is a boomer remover, then the economic crisis is a snowflake bake, and they are about to get roasted. As I have noted time and time again over the past few years, the Everything Bubble only needed one major trigger event to fully implode, but the international banks and central banks created that precarious bubble in the first place, and they set up all the conditions which made it so dangerous. The virus is not the cause of the crash, it is just very good cover for the banks who are the real perpetrators. Ignore the virus if you want, but the economic collapse is undeniable. Accept that the national and global emergency is real (even if it has been financially engineered), and lets move on to a more meaningful debate: Should governments be allowed to implement martial law measures in response? In my view there is no excuse for tyranny, even during a pandemic event. The majority of the public is more than capable of voluntary quarantine without government enforcement. Add government intervention into the mix and it will only make people want to do the opposite. And beyond that, Covid-19 has such a long incubation period that ultimately most people will probably contract it anyway. Total containment is not achievable (as we have just seen in South Korea). Quarantines might slow the spread, which is good, but do not expect to avoid this virus indefinitely. Why sacrifice your freedoms for safety that is an illusion? Then there is the argument of herd immunity, which is utter nonsense and always has been. Either a person or group is immune, or they are not, and people who are not immune do not put immune people at risk. Period. The claim that the virus might mutate within non-vaccinated or non-immune people and put vaccinated people at risk is a propaganda argument that ignores science. Generally, when a virus does mutate, it mutates into a less deadly or infectious strain, not a more deadly strain. Viruses are programmed to survive, too. If they evolved to kill ALL potential hosts then that would be counter to their survival imperative, which is why they usually evolve in the other direction. In terms of Covid-19, there is no herd immunity by the establishment definition anyway, because it is a brand new virus. There is no vaccine and the vast majority of people have no antibodies. No one can make the argument that people need to be forcefully locked down in order to maintain a herd immunity that doesnt exist. Finally, there is a question of agenda and motive behind the rising call for martial law-like measures over the pandemic. For example, Champaign, Illinois mayor Deborah Frank Feinen has given herself executive powers in response to the coronavirus infection that are outright dictatorial and Soviet in their violations. Among other things, she demands the power to enforce curfews, ban public gatherings, ban alcohol, ban or confiscate firearms, as well as confiscate supplies from any citizen if those supplies are needed for emergency response. Is this really about protecting the public? How does it protect the public to confiscate their only means of defense, or confiscate their food and supplies? This type of thing is usually done in communist countries, and it is done to protect government power, not protect the people. Understand also that the Champaign mayor is not the only official calling for these types of actions. From New York to LA and beyond, those of us who are paying attention have noticed a swift and quiet implementation of orders that are whittling down American freedoms. Do not expect Donald Trump to operate differently, either. Expect him to initiate martial law measures (though he may not call in martial law) in the next few months. Expect him to activate Executive Order 13603, which was created by Barack Obama in 2012 and allows the federal government to appropriate everything from land to food to firearms in the event of a national emergency. This is going to happen. Count on it. The pandemic is not an excuse for tyranny, and I for one will not comply. I and many I know will self quarantine for a time with the expectation that we will eventually contract the virus, and hopefully our immune systems are strong enough to fight it. In the meantime, I will not be allowing any government officials to confiscate my supplies or my firearms for my own safety or for the greater good. I will not be cooperating with census takers asking questions about how much supplies I have stocked and whether or not I am ill. I will not sit idle while checkpoints are set up in my county to enforce travel restrictions or demand people test for symptoms. I will not be signing up for government rations in exchange for my biometric data. I will not be visiting the local FEMA center for government aid. And, I will fight anyone that tries to assert martial law tactics in my area. A message to the government: I know you wont, but I suggest you leave people alone and let them self isolate in peace. Your brand of help is not the kind of help we need. You and the financial elites that reside over you created this mess, and we do not trust you to clean it up. At bottom, this disaster should result in your removal from power. You should be held accountable and replaced. The system itself needs to be rebuilt from the ground up and principles of liberty need to return to the forefront of our society. Centralization and globalization have caused untold grief and terror to humanity; this collapse only reinforces the argument that we need to try something different. They will say that the world was not centralized enough and that a more global (totalitarian) framework is the solution. But, of course, who really benefits from that in the end? The common man, or the elites? They can offer any rationalization they want in the name of public safety, but we know what the real play is here. If the line is crossed into martial law, I plan to fight. Not just for me, but for the next generation. Because if I do not, those children may grow up in the world never knowing what freedom truly is. There are fates worse than death, and a life of tyranny and slavery is one of them. Read more at: Alt-Market.com The outcome of the referendum on the peace accord may be shocking but it is largely a result of domestic politics. " " Makalu/Pixabay El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulcan, dominates the center of the archaeological site at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. During the fifth century C.E., the Maya began constructing an incredible city in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula: Chichen Itza. At its peak in 800-1200 C.E., the city was a thriving metropolis of 50,000 souls, not to mention a political and economic powerhouse. Yet despite the people's highly advanced astronomy skills, agricultural practices, building techniques and more, Chichen Itza was largely abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. And while theories abound as to the cause, no one knows why. Today, 12 of Chichen Itza's 300-plus buildings have been excavated and restored, attracting nearly 3 million visitors in 2018. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, in 2007, was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Barbara Nash, an avid long-distance hiker and explorer, recently visited four times over a three-day period, and advises setting aside plenty of time to explore the mysterious site, which is known for both its archeological richness and its gore. "The older section, centered around the Nunnery, is more beautiful," she says. "But it is often overlooked for the newer, more spectacular, section featuring the great pyramid." Whether or not you're planning a visit, here are seven secrets about this beautiful and mysterious place that you may not know about. Advertisement 1. You Can't Climb El Castillo El Castillo is a 79-foot (24-meter) terraced pyramid with 91 steep steps on all four sides, plus a 20-foot (6-meter) temple on top. The temple is dedicated to Kukulkan, a Mayan feathered serpent deity. For years, adventurous tourists climbed El Castillo. But in 2006, the monument's management closed access after an 80-year-old American woman plunged to her death after reaching the top. 2. El Castillo's Famous Snake May Have Been Unintentional Tourists love to visit Chichen Itza during the spring and autumn equinoxes to watch for the snake. During the equinoxes, when the late-afternoon sun hits El Castillo's northwest corner, triangular shadows cascade down the balustrade and end at a decorative serpent's head, creating the look of a feathered serpent slithering down the pyramid. While many believe this is an intentional design feature, as the Maya were masters in astrology, experts say it may be a coincidence. " " A demonstration by artificial light of how a plumed serpent can be seen along the edge of the staircase leading up to the top of the El Castillo pyramid. The same effect can be seen on the spring and autumn equinoxes, at the rising and setting of the sun along the west side of the north staircase. Bjrn Christian Trrissen /Wikimedia Commons/(CC BY-SA 3.0) 3. The Maya Tossed People Into the Sacred Cenote Cenotes are water-filled sinkholes that, in the Yucatan, are the only source of fresh water. The Maya believed their rain god, Chaak, lived under the waters in Chichen Itza's Cenote Sagrado, or Sacred Cenote. Scientists say that during droughts, the Maya tossed valuable objects plus men, women and children into this cenote as offerings to Chaak. One researcher discovered that 80 percent of the bones found in the Sacred Cenote belonged to children between ages of 3 and 11. 4. There Is Likely a Hidden Cenote Under El Castillo Chichen Itza has four visible cenotes. But in 2016, a Mexican scientist determined there is likely a fifth, hidden under El Castillo. It wouldn't be unusual, as smaller temples on the grounds were built over caves and other cavities. Plus, archeologists recently discovered a secret tunnel, thought to lead under El Castillo that was sealed off by the Maya centuries ago. In 2018, geologists used electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to map the earth under El Castillo. The results indicate the presence of a body of water, indicating the fifth cenote. Advertisement 5. The Maya Beheaded Winners The Maya's favorite sport was a game that involved throwing a heavy, rubber ball through a stone ring set high up on a wall. Chichen Itza's ball court one of the largest ever found is 545 feet (166 meters) long, with walls that stretch 27 feet (8 meters) high. While many long believed the captain of the losing team was beheaded after every game, researchers say the Maya actually lopped off the head of the winning team's captain and sometimes the heads of the entire team. 6. The Ball Court Is Acoustically Perfect The ball court may have inspired gruesome activities, but if you stand at one end and whisper, everyone along the entire court can hear what you're saying, even someone at the opposite end. And these perfect acoustics are rarely affected by anything, including wind and climate conditions. 7. The Maya Cut Beating Hearts Out of People's Chests Remember that gory scene in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" the one where the priest Mola Ram pulls a beating heart from a man's chest? The Maya did that, too. Chichen Itza is home to the Temple of the Warriors, a building constructed solely for the purpose of sacrificing these fighters. After a warrior's heart was removed, the Maya placed it on a nearby Chac Mool sculpture. Chac Mool sculptures are Mesoamerican pieces depicting a reclining male holding a bowl on his torso; the bowl was used to hold sacrificial liquids and other offerings. Now That's Interesting Edward Herbert Thompson, one-time U.S. Consul to the Yucatan, is famed as the person who dredged Chichen Itza's Sacred Cenote from 1904-1910. Thompson had access to the cenote after purchasing a parcel of land that included Chichen Itza. His dredging project uncovered gold, copper and jade artifacts, plus what are believed to be the first examples of pre-Columbia Maya cloth and wooden weapons. OTTAWA, March 18, 2020 /CNW/ - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister Foreign Affairs, would like to thank Canada's telecommunications service providers that have acted quickly to ensure the continuation of critical services in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. A number of telecommunications service providers have agreed to a Government of Canada request to send text messages containing contact information for Global Affairs Canada consular support to devices belonging to Canadians living or travelling abroad. Beginning today, Rogers, Bell, Telus, Videotron, Freedom Mobile, Eastlink and SaskTel will be sending their subscribers currently living or travelling abroad text messages containing consular support information and key contact information. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of all Canadians, while contributing to the international response to COVID-19 and ensuring our economy weathers this difficult period. Since the outbreak began, the Government has proactively reached out to Canada's telecommunications service providers to work together in finding concrete solutions to continue helping Canadians, given the critical importance of telecommunications at this time. Canada's telecommunications system remains strong and is prepared to handle increased demand nationally, in part because of measures put in place related to COVID-19. The Government of Canada recognizes that telecommunications providers, including field workers who repair networks and staff at stores who repair phones and communications devices, are providing essential services to Canadians. The Government would like to thank employees in the telecommunications industry for their continued hard work to ensure that Canada's networks remain strong and resilient, enabling the work-from-home economy while we all do our part to flatten the curve of COVID19. Quotes "I am pleased that Canada's telecommunications service providers have acted quickly to help Canadians as they take steps to answer the call for social distancing. The measure announced today builds on various steps already taken by Canada's telecommunications service providers to help consumers and ensure service remains uninterrupted. The Government is looking to help them now and will ensure Canadians abroad receive important Global Affairs Canada information directly to their devices during this critical period." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry "Canada is committed to providing all assistance possible to Canadians at home and abroad affected by COVID-19. Many Canadians abroad are currently relying on uninterrupted service from Canada's telecommunications service providers to access consular services. I am pleased that the measures announced today will contribute to the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to assist Canadians abroad during this difficult and critical period." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs Quick facts Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance from anywhere in the world can call the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available) or email [email protected] . at +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available) or email . Canada's telecommunications carriers have robust networks and network management capabilities for dealing with periods of congestion. telecommunications carriers have robust networks and network management capabilities for dealing with periods of congestion. On March 6, 2020 , the Government of Canada announced an investment of close to $27 million to support 47 researchers whose teams will focus on medical, social and policy countermeasures to tackle the spread of COVID-19 around the world. , the Government of announced an investment of close to to support 47 researchers whose teams will focus on medical, social and policy countermeasures to tackle the spread of COVID-19 around the world. On March 11, 2020 , the Prime Minister announced a $1 billion package to help Canadians cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, including $275 million for research and medical countermeasures. , the Prime Minister announced a package to help Canadians cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, including for research and medical countermeasures. On March 18, 2020 , the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. , the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. Funding for the action plan will be delivered through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund and Innovative Solutions Canada program and National Research Council Canada's Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program and Industrial Research Assistance Program. Additional information on measures and supports can be found at Innovation.Canada.ca. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada For further information: Contacts, Veronique Simard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, 343-291-2500, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected] Related Links http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home C Shivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: A day after the plight of Indian fishermen, including 450 from Tamil Nadu, stranded in Iran was highlighted by Express, the fishermen at Kish Island in Hormozgan province had unusual visitors. Iranian policemen, along with boat owners, visited them and threatened them to either go to sea or risk losing all supplies. The Iranian policemen also tried, in vain, to arrest three boat captains from India who had prevented the Indian fishermen from going into the sea. ALSO READ: Satisfied with Centres steps to rescue Indians from Iran However, the policemen had to leave them behind when the other Indian fishermen also tried to get into the police vehicle. Trouble began on Tuesday when the boat owners along with cops arrived at Kish Island harbour and began scouting for the three boat captains from India. Embassy yet to reach out to us: Fishers According to Rathinam, a fisherman from Kanniyakumari district, As they forced them to get into the vehicle, the other Indian fishermen also threatened to go along with them forcing the cops to leave behind the three men. The boat owners threatened us to either go to sea or remain without any help from them. They threaten to abandon us, and our Embassy is yet to reach out to us. We have been calling them for the last 21 days and all we hear is, we are busy, we will contact you. They have been indifferent to our plight despite the Union and State governments assuring us of help. Why do we need an Embassy if they cant protect the rights of their citizens. It is time the Ministry of External Affairs took action against these officials. Usually, Indian Embassy in Iran or the Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas in Iran, headed by UN Ogle, should have visited them. However, they have remained indifferent, Rathinam alleged. We called them several times. Now, instead of our Embassy people visiting us, we are in the mercy of the local cops, Rathinam rued. Captain Johnson Charles, secretary for Meenavar Orunganaipu Sangam in Kanniyakumari, said he received a call from the Fisheries Department saying food would be provided to the fishermen by the Indian Embassy in Iran. When Express contacted Rathinam, he said he got a call from the Embassy that they would provide them with supplies by evening. When Express contacted UN Ogle on what action he had taken, he asked to contact Indian Embassy in Tehran, which could not be reached. A mail has been sent to the Ambassador and no reply has come as yet. CARLINVILLE A Carlinville man is being held in the Macoupin County Jail without bond after he was charged Wednesday with four counts of aggravated arson, six counts of arson and a count of criminal damage to property. Charging documents claim Christopher M. Walker, 20, committed aggravated arson by allegedly setting a March 4 fire that destroyed a barn in the 2500 block of Welton Cemetery Road, Carlinville on March 4, resulting in an injury to a firefighter. He also is alleged to have set fires that destroyed a vacant home in the 2200 block of Nursery Road on March 6, resulting to an injury to a firefighter, and destroyed a vacant home in the 1700 block of Illinois 4 on Tuesday, causing injury to two firefighters. Each of the aggravated charges are Class X felonies, punishable by a prison term of six to 30 years each. Walker also is charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a garage in Carlinville on Feb. 17, a barn on Washer Road, Gillespie, on Feb. 17; four bales of hay in the 24000 block of Hettick Road, Gillespie on March 4; a barn in the 8900 block of Litchfield Trail, Litchfield, on March 4; a barn in the 8700 block of Litchfield Trail, Litchfield, on March 4; and a wagon and straw belonging to the Lake Williamson District Council of the Assembly of God in the 1700 block of Lakeside Drive, Carlinville, on March 9. He is also charged with a Class A misdemeanor for allegedly setting fire to bales of hay on Feb. 24. Each of the arson charges are Class 2 felonies, punishable by a prison term of three to seven years each. The misdemeanor is punishable to a term of up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $2,500. The ground zero of NSW's bushfire emergency response has been commandeered to wage the state government's war against the coronavirus. Less than two months after the Rural Fire Service ran its bushfire operations from its offices in Sydney Olympic Park, the State Emergency Operation Centre has been transformed into the state's coronavirus headquarters. Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant. Credit:Steven Siewert Experts from more than 20 critical agencies are now consolidated under one roof, including the Health, Police, Education and Transport departments to co-ordinate the state's response to the virus. A towering world map showing the spread of the virus across continents dominates a wall of computer screens more than 20 metres wide, which once displayed maps of bushfire locations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched an $82 billion pandemic battle plan Wednesday to help Canadians ride out the economic consequences of COVID-19 as the countrys top public health official warned the virus will be here for a while and could come in waves. Trudeau said the package is aimed at ensuring people can do what they need to do to protect their health and that of others without fear of not being able to feed their families or pay their rent or mortgages. Provincial governments also took steps to combat the virus, with British Columbia declaring a state of emergency a day after the declaration of a public health emergency. Saskatchewan declared a provincial state of emergency on Wednesday to give it broader powers as it prohibited public gatherings of more than 50 people and advised against non-essential travel outside the province. B.C. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said the declaration will allow for the preservation of supply chains delivering groceries and other essential items in the province. Quebec reported its first death from COVID-19, an elderly person from the Lanaudiere region, northeast of Montreal. Nine people have died in Canada from the novel coronavirus, with seven deaths in B.C. and one in Ontario. Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador declared public health emergencies. The declaration in Newfoundland and Labrador ordered businesses including bars, cinemas, theatres, gyms and arenas to close immediately. The Alberta government announced it is providing $50 million for people who have to stay home because of the pandemic. Premier Jason Kenney said those who meet the governments criteria can apply online for one-time payments of $572. Residents will also be able to defer their electricity and natural gas bills for the next three months. And customers of the Crown-owned bank ATB Financial can apply for deferrals of their loans, lines of credit and mortgages for up to six months. In Ottawa, Trudeau announced Canada and the United States agreed Wednesday to close their shared border while allowing trade to continue. In these extraordinary times our government is taking extraordinary measures, Trudeau said in a news conference outside his Ottawa residence. But as Trudeau focused on the economic fight against novel coronavirus, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas top public health officer, said people should expect the virus that causes COVID-19 to stick around for a long time. Tam said we need to be prepared for more than one wave of the novel coronavirus. She said it is not known whether COVID-19 will fade and surge again as seasons pass. Trudeau said the federal government will deploy up to $82 billion in direct spending and deferred taxes to help Canadians get through the pandemic. He said the financial-aid package will beef up Canada Child Benefit payments for families and GST tax credits for low- and middle-income earners, provide a wage subsidy for small businesses to help them keep staff on the payroll during the slowdown, pause Canada Student Loan payments for six months and establish emergency benefits for people who dont qualify for employment insurance. There will be support for shelters that house the homeless or women fleeing domestic violence, to ensure they can help people and manage the need for some to self-isolate. The biggest single item is deferring tax payments until August, accounting for an estimated $55 billion. The government is also moving the deadline for filing taxes to June 1 but encourage those who receive benefits from the GST credit or the child benefit to file as soon as possible to get access the additional funds available under those programs. Trudeau said the Canada-U.S. border agreement followed several days of talks between Washington and Ottawa to find a mutually agreeable way to limit the spread of the virus without shutting down vital trade and commerce corridors, which in some cases are lifelines on both sides of the border. Travellers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism, said Trudeau, who finalized the agreement in a phone call earlier in the day with President Donald Trump. Trudeau likened the measure to a geopolitical version of following sound public-health advice. Meanwhile, health authorities say the novel coronavirus could overwhelm Canadas hospitals if it spreads freely. Most people suffer relatively manageable symptoms, such as fevers and coughs, but a small percentage of people who get COVID-19 need intensive care, sometimes for weeks. More than 200,000 people around the world have tested positive for the virus and 8,300 are known to have died from it. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2020. China on Thursday said no new domestic cases of the coronavirus were reported for the first time in the country, three months after the deadly virus broke out in Wuhan. China's National Health Commission (NHC) in its daily report on Thursday said no new domestically transmitted cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday. It, however, said 34 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported but they were all from those arriving from abroad. Wuhan, which bore the brunt of the virus since it broke out in December last year, also reported zero cases on Wednesday, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the deadly virus, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The Health Commission of the Hubei Province said the total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease in Wuhan and Hubei remained at 50,005 and 67,800 respectively on Wednesday. The NHC said with 34 confirmed cases from the people arriving from abroad, the number of imported cases in China rose to 189. Of the 34 newly imported cases, 21 were reported in Beijing, nine in the Guangdong Province, two in Shanghai, one in the Heilongjiang Province and one in the Zhejiang Province, it said. China so far has reported a total of 80,928 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 of which 3,245 died, while 70,420 patients were discharged after treatment. Also read: Coronavirus Live Updates: PM Modi to address nation on COVID-19 today In a move reminiscent of the World Wars, when America's car factories shifted to producing tanks, bombers and aircraft engines, some US automakers are looking into making ventilators and other medical equipment to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of ventilators has become a growing concern as the number of reported infections increase across the United States. In the most serious cases, coronavirus patients lose the ability to breathe on their own and require a ventilator, which pumps air in and out of the lungs. 'As America's largest producer of vehicles and top employer of autoworkers, Ford stands ready to help the administration in any way we can, including the possibility of producing ventilators and other equipment,' Ford said in a statement Wednesday night. 'We have had preliminary discussions with the US government and are looking into the feasibility.' GM also said that it is looking into whether it could produce medical equipment, including ventilators. GM spokesperson Jeannine Ginivan said CEO Mary Barra had been in touch with the White House regarding the possibility. 'GM is working to help find solutions for the nation during this difficult time and has offered to help,' Ginivan said Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, has also weighed in. After being pressed on the matter by Twitter users, Musk, who has expressed skepticism over the seriousness of the coronavirus crisis, responded: 'We will make ventilators if there is a shortage.' New York City mayor Bill DiBlasio tweeted that the city could use Tesla's help with getting more of the devices. Musk replied, saying his company would connect with the mayor's team to 'understand potential needs.' Ford and GM have shut down auto production at plants in North America over concerns about the spread of coronavirus. An expected drop in demand for new cars and trucks was also a factor in their decisions. Tesla, meanwhile, has kept its factory in Fremont, California, running despite a shelter-in-place order in that area. In the United Kingdom, aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce and vacuum maker Dyson have also been approached about making ventilators to address shortages there. In total, GM and Ford have 83 factories that are temporarily shut down due to the coronavirus crisis. Beyond their sheer manufacturing real estate, these huge automakers can also command legions of supplier companies that make plastic and metal parts and electronic components, said Kristin Dziczek, an industry analyst with the Center for Automotive Research in Michigan. They also offer invaluable expertise in working through complex manufacturing and logistical problems. 'There's a whole range of needs we're going to have that the manufacturing might of the automakers could be brought to bear on,' she said. Chandigarh, March 19 : Even as government officials have appealed for no panic buying in the wake of coronavirus scare, residents of union territory of Chandigarh and neighbouring Punjab are busy buying grocery in bulk due to fear of shortage of food and other essential commodities, traders said on Thursday. The fear of a lockdown is driving people to throng supermarkets and stores to buy essential items in bulk. Government officials insist there is no need to panic and people shouldn't worry as no move is afoot to shut grocery and chemist shops even in an extremely grim situation. Huge rush was seen in Chandigarh's Sector 26 grain market and other shopping areas. "It seems people are hoarding goods in panic. In fact, they are terrified and they're uncertain about the future as coronavirus cases across the country are increasing," a shopkeeper in Sector 26 market, which has many wholesale provision stores, told IANS. He admitted shortages in commodities was only due to unexpected surge in demand. "We are advising people not to panic, but they don't agree. If someone needs five litres of cooking oil in a month, he or she is buying 20 to 25 litres in advance," he said. Another shopkeeper warned that "if such a scenario continues, there can be artificial shortage of eatables in the near future". The traders blamed social media for rumours on the issue. A rumour doing the rounds on Wednesday was that the Chandigarh administration is "spraying a medicine in the air to kill coronavirus". Late in the evening, the administration clarified that the message is fake and people were advised not to circulate such messages. Likewise, a message was in circulation on Wednesday that Chandigarh's main vegetable market in Sector 26 is going to close for 10 days from March 21. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Brazil on Thursday announced it was closing land borders and prohibiting entry to people from European and many Pacific Asian countries to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, as Mexico and Peru reported their first virus deaths. And Argentina said it would go on a "preventative and compulsory" lockdown from Friday until March 31 in an effort to contain the virus. Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state also said it would bar people from its world famous beaches including Copacabana and Ipanema. Chile, rocked by months of social protests, unveiled an $11.75 billion economic stimulus package to cope with the effects of the virus on the giant copper producer, but also announced it was postponing a referendum on changing its constitution. Meanwhile, a plane operated by Spanish carrier Iberia sent to Ecuador to pick up stranded foreigners was prevented from landing at an airport in Guayaquil, which is under lockdown. Brazil said its two-week border closure would affect all neighboring countries, with the exception of Uruguay to the south, after shutting its border with Venezuela on Tuesday. Its new restrictions against travelers from Europe and the Asia Pacific are set to last 30 days, according to a ministerial decree. They apply to people coming from the European Union, Britain, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia who are not Brazilian residents or do not have valid work or family reasons to travel. Latin America's largest country, with a population of 210 million, has so far registered 621 cases of the coronavirus, with six deaths. Rio state governor Wilson Witzel said from Saturday he would close all beaches, bars and restaurants. He also announced a measure to cut transport links with other Brazilian states with reported virus cases, although that needs to be ratified by federal authorities. Mexico reported its first coronavirus death -- a 41-year-old man with diabetes who died on Wednesday in Mexico City. Mexico has recorded 118 virus cases. A Mexican federal judge meanwhile ordered President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to take all preventative measures and necessary actions in order to detect infected persons in the country. Peru, which has a total of 234 confirmed cases, reported its first three deaths. - Chile stimulus plan- Chile's stimulus plan "will strengthen our ability to face the health, economic and social needs that the coronavirus pandemic is signifying and that will probably tend to worsen in the future," President Sebastian Pinera told a press conference. Senate speaker Adriana Munoz said the leaders of the main political parties had agreed to postpone the referendum on changing the dictatorship-era constitution from April 26 to October 25, to give the country time to deal with the virus. Health Minister Jaime Manalich announced a lockdown of Chile's Easter Island, saying no one could enter or leave the remote Pacific island for the next two weeks. Police meanwhile said they had foiled an attempted break-out from Chile's largest jail. Earlier this week, inmates from jails in Brazil and Venezuela managed to escape, motivated by fear that prisons are a breeding ground for the coronavirus. Chile has registered 342 cases of the virus to date. In Ecuador, Cynthia Viteri, mayor of the country's second city Guayaquil, said she ordered vehicles to block the runway of the international airport to prevent the Spanish-operated plane from landing. The flight from Madrid, with only crew aboard, was able to land later in Quito. Ecuador has banned all flights since Monday to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Panama, which hosts Central America's busiest airport, and Colombia both said they were suspending all international air travel for a month from Monday. Colombia's President Ivan Duque said the shutout was necessary because some people who had entered the country had tried to avoid mandatory quarantine regulations. Colombia closed its land and sea borders on Tuesday. - Bogota confinement - Bogota city hall said the capital's seven million people would face confinement from Friday to Monday as part of a trial run for a probable future quarantine. Other cities across Colombia, which has more than 100 cases of the coronavirus, were also under nighttime curfews. Meanwhile, Eduardo Bolsonaro, the lawmaker son of Brazil's president, joined US President Donald Trump in criticizing China over the pandemic, prompting demands from Beijing for an apology. China's embassy accused Bolsonaro of using "irresponsible words" and of having "caught a mental virus." burs-db-bc/bfm/mtp Soldiers wear face masks as they stand guard outside a medical center in Concepcion, Chile, on March 19, 2020 A man wears a face mask as he works at a market in Medellin, Colombia, on March 19, 2020 A woman walks near a board showing the health ministry slogan "Stay at Home" in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 19, 2020 A woman disinfects the soles of her shoes before entering a supermarket during a break of the curfew imposed by the government against the spread of the new coronavirus, in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, on March 19, 2020 A Honduran presidential guard soldier wears a face mask and gloves as he stands next to a sign reading ?For your health, 1 meter distance? outside a supermarket in Tegucigalpa, on March 19, 2020 By Evelyn Ring and Eoin English At a time of great difficulty, it would warm your heart to see the number of people coming forward to help, said Health Minister Simon Harris. More than 30,000 people have responded to a massive recruitment drive across Irelands health service to tackle Covid-19. The Be on call for Ireland campaign was launched on Tuesday to seek help from healthcare professionals who are not already working in the public health service. The recruitment call came with the message: Your country needs you. It began after the Government warned on Monday that it expects a 30% increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland every day. Mr Harris said the HSE is prioritising people with clinical skills. He said they were overwhelmed by the response by professionals to the recruitment drive. At a time of great difficulty, it would warm your heart to see how people are responding, and we need people to continue to do this, Mr Harris said on RTE radio. The HSE is also looking for people who have administration skills and would be able to help with contact tracing to come forward. Mr Harris said the HSE told him there was a role for everybody and some could work remotely. We may well need people checking in remotely on some of our older citizens who are more vulnerable and helping them with advice over the phone. Mr Harris also confirmed that those who came forward to work in the health service would be paid. In many cases, people would be offered full-time permanent jobs because more doctors and nurses were needed. Others would be offered contracts of at least three months duration. Were open for business and the only constraint will be the availability of people and not finances, he said. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) said there were a possible 20,000 individuals currently on their register who could present themselves for work immediately. These individuals should present themselves directly through the HSE website, said NMBI chief executive Sheila McClelland. NMBI has a register of more than 77,000 nurses and midwives. Some 42,000 are currently employed by the HSE. An additional 15,000 are working in the healthcare system but outside the HSE. Solidarity TD Mick Barry said student nurses who go into Cork University Hospital and other Cork hospitals next week for six weeks training should be paid. Cork University Hospital More than 100 third-year nursing students from University College Cork will go into hospitals but will only receive a training allowance. Not all superheroes wear capes but not all superheroes get paid either, it would seem, said Mr Barry. It is understood that some students will have to give up their part-time jobs for the duration of the placements. Responding, UCC said it was making it optional for first, second, and third-year students to continue or cease their placements because of Covid-19 The university assured students that they would not be disadvantaged academically and opportunities would be offered later in the programme to complete a clinical placement. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Representative image The government has announced that no scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India for a week, starting March 22, 2020. States are also being requested to enforce work from home for private sector employees, with the exception of those involved in emergency or essential services, according to a Press Information Bureau circular. Railways and civil aviation will suspend all concessional travel except for students, patients and 'divyang' category. State governments shall be issued appropriate directions to ensure all citizens above the age of 65 and children below 10 years of age, with the exception of public representatives, government servants and medical professionals, are advised to remain at home. Meanwhile, to reduce crowding, all Group B and Group C central government employees will be asked to attend offices on alternate weeks, with staggered timings for all employees, the circular noted. The death of a 16-year-old girl whose body was found two days after she went missing earlier this month is being investigated by police. Student Gabrielle (Britney) Lynn Ujlaky was last seen on March 8 when she got into a green Ford F-150 pickup truck in front of Spring Creek High School, Nevada. She was reported missing a day later, on March 9, and her body was found two days later in the Burner Basin area, reported Fox 13 News. Student Gabrielle (Britney) Lynn Ujlaky (pictured) was last seen on March 8 when she got into a green Ford F-150 pickup truck in front of Spring Creek High School, Nevada Gabrielle was found between the city of Elko and the community of Spring Creek, about 15 miles away. Elko County Sheriff's office announced they were investigating the death as a potential homicide on Monday. Gabrielle's body was found between the city of Elko and the community of Spring Creek, about 15 miles away. Pictured, Spring Creek High School No suspect has been identified but the office revealed they did not think there was any harm to the public. They asked for all tips to be kept away from social media, and instead reported directly to them. ' We are working around the clock following up on leads and tips,' a spokesman said. Coronavirus is spreading fast. So far, it has spread to almost every nation on earth. By todays count, more than 200,000 people have been infected since it was first detected in mid-December 2019. Coronavirus is a real danger because it is killing real people. So far, more than 8000 of those who have been infected have died from the disease which shows symptoms of fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some infected persons also showed signs of muscle pain, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, and nausea. The bottom-line, however, is that coronavirus disease is leaving homes broken, families separated, people afraid, and nations confused. Many countries have closed the borders and are implementing emergency measures. Politicians and philanthropists are throwing money at the disease without clearly knowing how the money will be spent. Because we just want it to go away. In Ghana, we have identified seven infected persons, and no one has died yet. The Health Service has recommended actions to limit the spread of the disease. Further, the President has outlined emergency measures to ensure limited spread. One of the key measures is to limit people interacting with each other. This is what is referred to as social distancing. Some of the presidential directives to ensure social distance include closing schools, prohibiting large gatherings, and limiting person-to-person contacts in all aspects of human activity. When properly observed, social distance can greatly reduce the risk of transmission. We can beat coronavirus. China has done it and we can do it. A practical example of social distance is the lockdown (community quarantine) of the Wuhan province in China when the epidemic in China was at its peak. The way the Chinese did it was to use technology and state authority and public resources to enforce the lockdown in the epicentre of the disease by keeping people in their homes and limiting potential for spread. So, we know that social distancing works. The opposite leads to an exponential rise in the infection as we have seen in Italy. Now we see the USA and most of Europe following a similar pathway. But will social distance work in our particular context? The only way social distance will work in a place like Ghana is to ensure strict and unusual enforcement. Here are the reasons why. We cannot assume that everyone in Ghana has heard about the coronavirus pandemic. Even when they do, not everyone has the luxury to stay at home without external support. We cannot assume that everyone who has heard knows and understands how COVID-19 spreads. We already know that there are many people who do not have a realistic sense of risk perception for the disease. I have heard several educated people say that the disease cannot affect Africans. Others say, they can protect themselves by drinking alcohol. By the way, several people have already died trying to prevent coronavirus using alcohol therapy in Iran. Typically, Ghanaians are easy-going people. We will only follow the directives from the president when we are made to do it. Someway somehow. But it will not just happen. It is gratifying to see many churches, Universities, and schools closing or being suspended. Several large events and conferences have also been canceled. The worry, however, is that the rest of the process of social distancing has been left to the discretion of the population. This evening, the WHO has called on African leaders to step up the local response. There is a lot to step up in Ghana. We closed schools but the school pupils and students home playing around and selling pure all over the neighbourhoods and on the streets, making nonsense of the intention behind the closure. Many businesses remain open and operating as if there is nothing at stake, promoting congregations that can be avoided. People are going around greeting each other and touching without observing the recommended distance. Clearly, there is a social, economic, and cultural cost to social distancing. But the potential cost of not doing it correctly maybe even greater. There is concern that we are waiting too long until the disease reaches its peak before we start scrambling for a solution. Especially since we do not have limitless resources for testing, quarantine and personnel. That kind of chaos, like we are seeing in Europe is avoidable. In the past 24 hours, the USA government has issued orders to limit groups getting together to 10 persons, down from 50 (the directive on Sunday). There is a lesson there for us to learn. There is still time for the government to step up enforcement of social distancing in Ghana. If we get it right, we can limit the spread of the infection and will be better for it. Ghana Prison Service has disclosed that they cannot decongest the prisons in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus. According to the Prison Service, they can only activate safety measures to ensure that the prisoners are safe. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' program, Deputy PRO of the Ghana Prison Service, DSP Daniel Machator explained that they have also taken steps to reduce the rate at which inmates are visited. Additionally, prisoners are also advised to take caution and observe the safety measures they are putting in place. "Just like any other facility, we have asked that veronica buckets are provided in most of the prisons to provide running water for the washing of hands," he added. He said the Ghana Prison Service cannot provide a healthy meal for the prisoners to boost their immune system so it will observe the safety measures to keep inmates safe. Ghana Health Service has confirmed that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ghana now stands at 11. The Ghana Health Service affirmed two new cases of Coronavirus in the country on its twitter page a few minutes after 3 pm on Thursday, March 19th. "The first is a 59-year-old Ghanaian woman, resident in the United Kingdom who recently returned to Ghana and currently living in Kumasi, reported to a private hospital with a history of fever (temp of 39.1), general malaise, cough, and runny nose. Her condition was suspected to be COVID-19. The sample was subsequently collected and sent to KCCR and the report was received this early morning as positive for COVID-19. "The second case is a 61-year-old Lebanese male trader and resident in Kumasi. He felt unwell and reported to a health facility with fever (temp 39.4 ? ), and cough. The sample tested positive for COVID-19. "Both case patients are being managed in isolation and responding to treatment," the Ministry's website disclosed So far the confirmed cases in Ghana are from Turkey, Norway, Germany, France, the United States of America, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Earlier on Thursday, two new cases were confirmed by health authorities Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Can't allow every person who thinks of some solution to COVID-19 to file petition: SC Nirbhaya: Six judge SC Bench to hear convicts curative plea India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: A six judge Bench of the Supreme Court will hear the curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta, one of the convicts in the Nirbhaya case. He had challenged the rejection of his mercy petition by the President. The hanging of the four convicts is slated for tomorrow. Meanwhile the Delhi High Court dismissed the plea of Mukesh Singh, one of the four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, that challenged a trial court order which rejected his claim he was not in the national capital when the crime was committed on December 16, 2012. Justice Brijesh Sethi said there were no grounds to interfere in the detailed and reasoned order of the trial court. The high court further said there was nothing on record to suggest that the trial in the case stood vitiated due to concealment of any material evidence. "There is, thus, no infirmity, illegality or irregularity in the order passed by the trial court," the high court said and dismissed Mukesh' plea. HC junks plea by Nirbhaya case convict claiming he was not in Delhi at time of crime On Tuesday, the trial court had dismissed his plea and had asked the Bar Council of India to give appropriate sensitisation exercise to his counsel. On March 5, a trial court issued fresh warrants for hanging on March 20 at 5.30 am of all convicts in the case -- Mukesh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Singh (31). For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:28 [IST] PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 16:02:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 666 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 STEUBENVILLE, OH / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Growing up in Jefferson County, Ohio, local landman Andrew Plesich has always been passionate about the people and prosperity of his community. While he has always advocated for and worked to support the economic vitality of the region he loves, it was through his experience as a teacher that he realized the power of education to empower community growth through entrepreneurship.Before developing relationships with landowners, Plesich developed relationships with students as an instructor of business at the University of Akron, West Virginia Northern Community College, and Eastern Gateway Community College. While teaching for a state university is certainly a point of pride, Plesich found his most rewarding times during his edifications at Eastern Gateway, where he gained the majority of his teaching experience."Teaching business enabled me to give good students -- and good people -- the opportunity to succeed," the landman noted. "I found that learning those skills inspires students to get out of their comfort zone, cultivate unique talents, and chart their own futures." However, after endowing his students with the tools for success, Plesich realized that they were taking their talents elsewhere -- that is, leaving the Ohio Valley and seeking job opportunities in bigger cities. Although the oil and gas industry created opportunity and economic momentum in the county, closings and shifts in other industries have challenged the overall economic trajectory of the area. While some expansion took place, many of the people who could further contribute to the growth of Jefferson County were departing. Witnessing this pattern, Plesich's job as an educator became two-fold: championing entrepreneurship as well as the economic and social benefits of local businesses."Entrepreneurship skills create opportunity and instill confidence," he said. "It was important for me to encourage my students to use that knowledge to form enterprises locally. Businesses that originate here contribute to community identity and are a reflection of an entrepreneurial spirit." Entrepreneurship is especially important in communities that are evolving in the midst of new economic realities. Entrepreneurs can improve a region's standard of living by creating wealth from their ventures, as well as creating the jobs and conditions for a flourishing society. Rooted in his care for and commitment to Jefferson County, Plesich found it imperative to advocate for investing in the local community.Teachers often learn from their students as much as pupils learn from their professors. In Plesich's case, in addition to realizing the value of entrepreneurship, those takeaways were valuable lessons about leadership and fellowship."The key to being an effective, inspiring leader is to create strong relationships with the people you're leading," the former instructor noted. "It is the responsibility of educators to present information in a way that meets their students' needs -- so it is imperative that they understand those needs." Plesich also strived to reinforce the importance of collaboration, believing in the enrichment promoted by partnerships."Serving other people enhances your own skills," he said. "It brings out the best in you, challenging you to discover strengths you didn't know you had in order to rise to the occasion." Plesich's experience as a teacher translates well into his current role as a landman. Educating and cultivating relationships with students was a fitting precursor to coordinating relationships between oil and gas companies and landowners. It is a similar dynamic of understanding needs, communicating effectively, and facilitating mutually beneficial outcomes. Moreover, after experiencing the potential for economic growth in Jefferson County, Plesich recognizes the significance of building a business there -- the value of enabling people to stay where they call home."Investing in the next generation is investing in the success of Jefferson County," he said. "It is my hope that they are empowered to have a long-term, sustainable, positive impact on the community." For more information, please reach out to Isys Caffey-Horne at isys.caffeyhorne@stripereputation.com SOURCE: Andrew Plesich Amid the growing coronavirus scare, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered police authorities to ensure that Matua mela is not held in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas without necessary approvals. Passing the order on a prayer seeking directive to disallow the fair, the court asked police to act in accordance with law. The police will be free to enforce law pertaining to organising or holding a fair, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya said. A respondent in the petition claimed that the Matua Maha Sangha, being a "legitimate permission holder", has called off the fair in public interest. The writ petitioner does not have any locus standi or even permission to hold such a fair and ought to be restrained by police authorities from doing so in larger public interest, the respondent said. The annual Matua Mela was scheduled to be held from March 20 to March 27. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Finance Commission has constituted an 8-member panel to review the fiscal consolidation road map of the both state and central governments. The panel will be headed by 15th Finance Commission Chairman N K Singh. The Terms of Reference of the panel include making recommendations on the definition of deficit and debt for the central government, overall states, the general government and public sector enterprises by considering all explicit and measurable liabilities of the sovereign and by bringing in consistency between the definition of debt (stock) and deficit (flow), the Finance Commission said in a statement on Thursday. Besides, the panel will also lay down the principles for arriving at the debt of the general government debt and consolidated public sector with appropriate netting to avoid double-counting. The committee will define contingent liabilities, provide quantifiable measures of such liabilities, wherever possible, and specify conditions under which "contingent" liabilities become "explicit" liabilities of the public sector. Based on the above definition, the committee will review the current status of deficit and debt at different levels. The committee will recommend a debt and fiscal consolidation road map for 2021-FY25 for the central government, overall states and general government and attempt building up scenarios for public sector enterprises, it said. The other members of the committee will be A N Jha and Anoop Singh, members of 15th Finance Commission; S Krishnan, additional chief secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu; and Anirudh Tiwari, principal secretary, Government of Punjab. Besides, one representative each from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Controller General of Accounts, Joint Secretary (Budget) of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance. Two outside experts Sajjid Z Chinoy and Prachi Mishra will also be members of the committee. Analytical and data support to the committee will be provided by a team from the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, it said. The economic division of the Finance Commission Secretariat shall facilitate and support the working of the committee, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:56:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HAIKOU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have released the genome sequence of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng (A. sinensis), a tree species that is an important resource of agarwood. Agarwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world. The fragrant dark resinous wood is used in incense, herbal treatment and carvings. It forms in the central part of Aquilaria trees when the trees are infected with a type of mold. Under natural conditions, only 7 percent to 10 percent of A. sinensis trees can form agarwood, and it usually takes dozens of years. Overexploitation has left the species in the wild in a vulnerable place. Chinese researchers from the Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology and Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences used an integrated approach combining several sequencing technologies to assemble the genome. They reported in the journal GigaScience that about 59.13 percent of the A. sinensis genome are repeated DNA sequences, and they identified 29,023 protein-coding genes. Meanwhile, they also found that A. sinensis is closely related to Gossypium hirsutum (Mexico cotton) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa tress), and it diverged from their common ancestor about 53.18 to 84.37 million years ago. The researchers said that the genome will provide valuable genetic resource for research on the mechanism of agarwood formation, molecular breeding and the conservation of A. sinensis species. They will update the genome in future studies. KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 08:58 | Sports, Olympics, All, Coronavirus Rio de Janeiro Olympics women's pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi, who has criticized pushing ahead with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will still take part in Thursday's Olympic flame handover ceremony, Tokyo organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto revealed Wednesday. The Greek athlete slammed the International Olympic Committee in a Tuesday interview with Reuters and on her private Twitter feed for asking athletes to train as usual for the Tokyo Olympics amid fears over the spread of the new coronavirus. "This is not about how things will be in 4 months," she wrote on Twitter. "This is about how things are now. The IOC wants us to keep risking our health, our family's health and public health to train every day? You are putting us in danger right now, today, not in 4 months." Stefanidi, who is scheduled to be the final runner to carry the torch before the handover on Thursday, told Reuters, "We all want Tokyo to happen but what is the Plan B if it does not happen? Knowing about a possible option has a major effect on my training because I may be taking risks now that I would not take if I knew there was also the possibility of a Plan B." "We have to decide whether to risk our health and continue training in the current environment." This is not about how things will be in 4 months. This is about how things are now. The IOC wants us to keep risking our health, our familys health and public health to train every day? You are putting us in danger right now, today, not in 4 months.https://t.co/cICKVQ4qsZ Katerina Stefanidi (@KatStefanidi) March 17, 2020 On Wednesday, Tokyo organizers took part in a telephone conference with the IOC and the Greek Olympic committee, which indicated the Greek side would not alter their plans for the ceremony. Originally intended to be a lavish event that was to include a performance by around 140 Japanese schoolchildren, the ceremony will be without a Japanese delegation. A pair of three-time Olympic champions, men's judoka Tadahiro Nomura and women's wrestler Saori Yoshida, were to accept the flame in Athens. They will now await the flame's arrival by charter aircraft at the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force base in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture. In their place, Naoko Imoto, who swam for Japan in the 1996 Athens Olympics and is currently in Greece for her work with UNICEF, will accept the flame on behalf of Japan. Coronavirus Impact on Global Economic GDP Numbers Continuing our earlier multi-part research post related to our extensive number crunching and predictive modeling systems expectations going forward many years, (Part I) this second part will highlight some existing data points and start to discuss the concepts of what the Covid-19 virus event may do to the immediate global economy. Remember, in the first part of this article, we shared research related to the US Fed Funds Rate (FFR) and how the Covid-19 virus event may create an environment of economic malaise over the next 12 to 24+ months as well as potentially disrupt the population and deficits over a 5+ year span. This type of event is very similar to war (think WWII) in the sense that consumer spending changes, population growth, and levels change, GDP changes and deficits change for all involved. Our researchers modeled the GDP levels from 2017 will now with the intent of attempting to identify probable outcomes of GDP output throughout the world over the next 5+ years. Throughout these types of events, a massive capital shift takes place where consumers within areas impacted by war shift their spending and purchasing habits to address the immediate real needs of their attempted survival. Speculation vanishes. People only spend on things they are confident they can afford to risk their money on. Anyone who is able to take advantage of the displaced or disparaged has a real opportunity to create some real gains if they dont become the next displaced or disparaged individual. Here is some data we used to model what we believe will happen over the next 2 to 5+ years as a result of the Covid-19 virus event. We are using this global data as a basis for our modeling going forward and attempting to align 2018 and 2019 data with that reported by the St. Louis Federal Reserve data. Our objective is to attempt to identify the scope and extend of any potential change in economic cycles going forward and to prepare our friends and followers of what to expect. This data illustrates the scale and scope of the total global GDP output of all the nations on the planet for 2017. It is important to understand that China and the United States are the two biggest GDP producers of all nations. Between the US and China, both nations produce roughly 40% of the worlds total GDP annually. When you consider all nations producing more than $1.5T in annual GDP on this graphic, these 12+ nations (including OTHERS) produce nearly 78% of the worlds total GDP annually. The nations that make up this list of top GDP producing nations are: These nations (and the group of nations listed as OTHERS) total almost 80% of total annual GDP across the entire planet. Keeping in mind that we are attempting to model the Covid-19 virus event, which nations are likely to be the hardest hit on this list? Obviously China, Japan, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and the United States are all prime targets of the Covid-19 virus event. Brazil, Canada, France, India, and Others are secondary targets for GDP disruption. Yet, their proximity to the price candidates makes them fairly easy targets for future GDP disruption related to the Covid-19 virus. The point we are trying to make by illustrating this is that 80% of the worlds total GDP is at risk over the next 24+ months related to shifting consumer spending, central bank activities, asset valuation levels and much more. Were not talking about 4% or 5% of the world were clearly showing you that 80% of the worlds total economic output is within the cross-hairs of this virus event. Be sure to opt-in to our free market trend signals before closing this page, so you dont miss our next special report! Our modeling suggests the 2017 GDP levels presented by the image (above) and the subsequent yearly REAL GDP levels presented by the St. Louis Federal Reserve deliver this data as a basis for our modeling system. Our attempted modeling of the Covid-19 virus event across global economies is based, in part, on what happened in the 2008-09 Credit Crisis event. Throughout that span of time (2008 to 2009), US GDP fell -3.36% over 12 to 16 months. The difference between this Credit Crisis event and the Covid-19 event is that the Covid-19 event appears to be disrupting a broader segment of economic sectors across dozens of nations/cities all at once. Whereas the Credit Crisis event resulted in somewhat isolated asset and economic contractions related to banking, insurance, credit, and assets the Covid-19 virus event appears to be much broader in scope and consequences. Our researchers believe the Covid-19 virus event will reach nearly every segment of the global economy in some way or form causing some type of economic disruption either in supply, demand or overall consumer activity related to the sector/economic component. Therefore, we believe the scope of the contagion event related to Covid-19 will be, at a minimum, 2x to 3x the scale and scope of the Credit Crisis. Weve come to the conclusion that the disruption to earnings, revenues, expenses and other economic factors across a broad spectrum of global economic outputs may look something like this. We believe Q1 and Q2 of this year will be a disaster for almost all nations. We believe there is a chance Q3 and Q4 2020 may see a moderately strong recovery (or the start of a recovery). We believe winter 2020 and into 2021 may bring further influenza type illness and may begin the process anew. Or, we believe the recovery process may be somewhat stalled in 2021 as we believe the fallout from the previous year may still be taking place across multiple asset classes and corporate level and banking/insurance level industries. We believe that by mid-2022 and early 2023, the global economy will begin to find a solid foundation for future economic growth and that global GDP may begin to move higher overall. We are basing our modeling process on the information we have gained from our experience in the markets and from living through the 2008-09 Credit Crisis event. Far too many people fail to understand the contagion event process that takes place when consumers abandon traditional spending patterns as income levels become more at-risk. As weve suggested many times in previous articles, consumer spending and the flock mentality is not something to underestimate. Current GDP levels are calculated mostly by consumer spending activity. Think about what that means going forward. Here are some St. Louis Federal Reserve data charts that we used in attempting to model these results. A potential further decrease in M2 (velocity of money) throughout this Covid-19 virus event is very likely. This is one of the primary reasons we believe this event may last more than 24 months in total span. We believe the continued decline of the M2 velocity level is a very strong indication that historical levels of economic activity (1965 through 1995) simply are not present in todays global economic world. This complicates how money is used within the global market it is being engaged as active money transactions by a -30% ration than 1995 levels. If M2 continues to decline, we believe the consequence of this move will relate to an even slower recovery from the Covid-19 virus event. In the next part of this article, well explore the real data points and outlier expectations of the 2020 Covid-19 virus event. As a technical analysis and trader since 1997, I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles. I believe I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for short-term swing traders. Visit my ETF Wealth Building Newsletter and if you like what I offer, and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own during the next financial crisis. Chris Vermeulen www.TheTechnicalTraders.com Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better. His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility. He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Chris Vermeulen Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Jerusalem, March 19 : Israel's spy agency Mossad has come in the forefront of moves to tackle the coronavirus spread in the country, but its efforts have not been very helpful, reports said on Thursday. The Mossad has been importing essential medical equipment to battle Covid-19 and it had already purchased 100,000 testing kits from abroad but was told by the Health Ministry that they were "not exactly what we needed", as per the local media. Jerusalem Post quoted Health Ministry's Deputy Director-General Itamar Grotto as saying that "unfortunately, what they brought is not exactly what we were lacking". Grotto said there are various components that are involved in the tests and that Mossad did not bring them all. A spokesperson for Magen David Adom -- the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross -- told the paper that specifically, the tests were missing a patented liquid into which the testing sticks need to be dipped before a screening can be administered. Without it, the test cannot be done. As many as 529 people have tested positive in the country so far, and the Health Ministry has been has begun texting people who have come into contact with confirmed patients, telling them to self-isolate, the BBC reported. However, civil rights groups are protesting at reports that the Shin Bet security agency has been given permission to monitor mobile phones in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Leading UAE real estate developer Aldar Properties has announced plans to distribute cash dividends (of 14.5 fils per share) worth Dh1.14 billion ($381 million) to the shareholders for the financial year ended on December 31, 2019. The announcement came after the annual general assembly meeting of Aldar Properties held via video conferencing under the chairmanship of Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak after receiving the necessary approvals from Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority. This makes Aldar the first company in Abu Dhabis private sector to host its AGM via a video conference channel. The approved dividends represent a four per cent growth on 2018s figures, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth in Aldars dividends.-TradeArabia News Service Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe By Carla Javier and Chava Sanchez When schools throughout the region were ordered closed, districts were faced with how to keep feeding kids who rely on them for daily meals. The L.A. Unified School District responded with a plan to serve them through 60 "grab-and-go" meal distribution centers. "On an ordinary day in Los Angeles Unified we serve our students more than 1 million meals," Superintendent Austin Beutner wrote in a letter. "These are not ordinary days and we know many children still need help." Wednesday was the first day of operations -- and at the end of the day, LA Unified officials reported that more than 40,000 meals were handed out. SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19 We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more. LAist is known for our events listings but now hopefully we'll be known for our non-event listings and tips for parents to try to keep you sane. And we're looking for your nominations for everyday heroes in this time of crisis. We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful. At sites visited by LAist on Wednesday morning, makeshift signs in English and in Spanish pointed drivers and pedestrians to volunteers with bagged meals. Breakfast bags we saw at one location included Chex cinnamon cereal and milk. Lunch bags had what looked like Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fruit, among other items. "There's a very real problem of a second pandemic -- a pandemic of hunger -- sweeping across Los Angeles," American Red Cross Los Angeles CEO Jarrett Barrios said in a phone interview. That's why his organization teamed up with LAUSD to staff the distribution centers. On the first day, 200 Red Cross volunteers joined LAUSD staff members to hand out breakfasts and lunches to kids. #LAUSD schools have been closed since Monday, but today is the first day for the grab & go food pickup spots, open 7 am - 10 am. I passed by East Valley High in North Hollywood. By 9 am, about 50 cars and walk-ups had passed through to pick up the free breakfast & lunch. pic.twitter.com/vCXVZW5mDK Carla Javier (@carlamjavier) March 18, 2020 A volunteer staff member at a pickup spot in North Hollywood said by 9 a.m., about 50 cars had pulled in, and another eight families had walked up. "I believe in hindsight we'll look back and think of this as a slow day, because this was the first day," Barrios said. "Many parents are still hearing about the program." Meals are available for kids at each center regardless of where they attend school. If your kids or young people you know would benefit from free meals while school is closed, we're keeping a running list of meal pickup spots around Los Angeles County -- including the 60 LAUSD locations, which are open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Here's what they looked like the first day they were open: Parents can either drive by or walk up and collect food at any one of the 60 meal distribution centers across L.A. Unified School District. (Chava Sanchez/LAist) Dr. Reginald Sample, LAUSD Community of School Administrator, hands a parent meals for his children at a grab-and-go meal distribution center in the parking lot of Edison Middle School in South L.A. (Chava Sanchez/LAist) LAUSD employees and volunteers wait for parents to arrive at the Grab-and-Go Food Center outside Hollenbeck Middle School. (Chava Sanchez/LAist) Australian grocery suppliers say consumers should stop panic buying as we have enough food in the country for three times our population. The Australian Food and Grocery Council say there is no shortage of food and goods in the country and people don't need to be hoarding supplies due to coronavirus. Panic buying has stripped supermarket shelves of essential items around the country, with toilet paper, pasta and rice becoming almost impossible to find. Empty shelves in an Australian supermarket after panic buying due to the coronavirus crisis AFGC deputy executive Dr Geoffrey Annison said there is no shortage of food and goods in the country and people don't need to be panic buying AFGC deputy executive Dr Geoffrey Annison told Seven's The Latest that supermarket shelves will refill once the heightened demand for goods dies down. 'Australia produces enough food for a population of about 75 million, our population is about 25 million,' Dr Annison said. 'Weve got three times the amount of food produced in Australia that we absolutely need. Panic buying has produced awful behaviour from consumers, with shoppers coming to blows over goods in supermarkets and abusing staff at outlets around the country. Dr Annison said bare shelves were the result of a demand surge and the virus had not made an impact on grocery store supply chains. Eager shoppers queue outside a Woolworths in Melbourne on Tuesday morning Shoppers loading up trolleys with toilet paper at Costco amid coronavirus panic buying He did not see a time in the future that our supply chain would be negatively impacted by coronavirus. 'We have every confidence that under the plans put in place to control the spread of the COVID virus we will be able to maintain the effectiveness of the supply chain in keeping the shelves of supermarkets essentially full,' he said. Dr Annison's calls follow on from Prime Minister Scott Morrison's scathing rant to 'ridiculous' hoarders during his address on Wednesday morning. 'It is not sensible, it is not helpful and it has been one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis,' he said. Health officials in England say people with asthma should enter a 12-week quarantine to avoid getting coronavirus, according to media reports. Other health experts and organizations also say asthma sufferers could be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. Patients with underlying health conditions, which includes asthma, were instructed by the United Kingdom government to begin quarantining themselves this weekend, according to Pulse. By this coming weekend, it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, according to Express. The World Health Organization reports that people with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. When people with asthma get respiratory infections such as coronavirus, it can set off their asthma symptoms, according to Asthma.org. Those with asthma are advised to keep taking your preventer inhaler daily, carry your reliever inhaler, start a peak flow diary and use an asthma action plan, according to Asthma.org. More than 25 million Americans have asthma, including 7.7% of adults and 8.4% of children, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While children are not as at risk for COVID-19 compared to adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is not known if children with underlying medical conditions are more at risk. Dr. Greg Poland, a professor of infectious diseases and director of the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, told Buzzfeed News asthma is definitely a risk factor. The most immediate thing (parents) can do tomorrow is to make sure that child and everyone else in the family has flu vaccines, Poland told Buzzfeed. But how can you tell the difference between symptoms of asthma and coronavirus? Allergy specialist Dr. Karyn Gell told WXMI the cough is dryer in coronavirus. More of a mucousy, wet cough could be a little bit more associated with asthma, Gell said. Some doctors do not believe asthma plays a large risk in contracting coronavirus, however. David Jackson, the clinical lead for asthma care at Guys Hospital In London, told Time that asthma currently doesnt seem to be a significant risk factor for a more severe infection. Another doctor also told Time that people in China and South Korea with asthma have not been more at risk of getting the virus. Actor Idris Elba is among the people who have asthma and coronavirus, he said on Twitter. He said his pre-existing condition makes him worried. Im worried about having asthma and how that could make things complicated very quickly, he said on Twitter. Im very worried about whats happening in the world, If Im being honest. Wychocki is working on several logistical points: identifying a point person at school who can make sure the gift cards go to the families who need them most (likely its social worker, she said); finding parents at the school who own or have connections to local restaurants; and determining the ability of those restaurants to execute Tanseys plan. New Delhi, March 19 : JNU is back in the news and this time for the right reasons. The university under its start-up policy, has established Jawaharlal Nehru University Foundation for Innovation (JNUFI) to support the students and faculties who owned start-ups. "Today NITI Aayog sanctioned financial support of Rs 9.99 crore for five years to support the JNUFI as Atal Incubation Centre (AIC-JNUFI) under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) scheme of Government of India," said a statement from JNU. It said the goal of AIC-JNUFI is to promote and support start-ups in specific subjects or sectors that have applications and impact in the core sectors of the economy. One of its mandates is to promote and establish a "world-class incubation facility for creating and incubating novel technologies, and business ideas into viable commercial products or services". Apart from helping the start-ups, the AIC-JNUFI will encourage innovation in the Indian ecosystem and in JNU through its activities such as workshops, training and capacity building, mentoring support, to early-stage start-ups. The starting of AIC-JNUFI on JNU campus will foster start-up companies and budding entrepreneurs with mentorship and guidance to encourage start-ups and take care of the unemployment problem in India to some extent. So far, seven companies owned by faculties or students have already been approved by the due-diligence committee for incubation at AIC-JNUFI, and three such companies have started their residence in AIC-JNUFI. The AIC-JNUFI has aimed to incubate more than 100 start-up companies over a period of five years. The CCP VirusA Pandemic of Lies and Deceit G7 nations leave China out of discussions of coordinated response to COVID-19/CCP virus Commentary The European Union, the United States and China are the worlds largest trading partners. And yet, evidently, China is not trusted by any of its trading partners in the Group of 7 nations (G7) enough to be included in critical discussions dedicated to coordinating efforts to battle the pandemic. The World Cant Trust China The G7 nations are a diverse group, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, the United States and the European Union. Alienating all of them at once in the midst of a global pandemic takes some serious focus and determination. And yet China owns that dubious accomplishment. Its exclusion from this prestigious group of nations is serious and telling. No one in the world trusts them. And its not about political orientation, eitherthe UK is even coordinating with Cuba about a cruise ship struck with the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The Epoch Times refers to the new coronavirus as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. The virus started in China last year before spreading around the world. But how can it be that China is left out of the most advanced nations in the world working together? Doesnt it seem logical that given Chinas seminal experience with the outbreak, that it would be a key partner in combatting it? Why wouldnt China be at the forefront of such a group? And yet, China was not only absent from the meeting, as far as one can tell, it wasnt even mentioned. Such a comprehensive exclusion speaks volumes of either the G7 nations or of China. Sadly, the Chinese regime isnt trusted by anyone in the world, least of all its own people. Its behavior hasnt done much to help its cause in the world, nor for that matter, the world, in the current pandemic. China Puts the Whole World at Risk As the source and driver of the worst global pandemic in a century, China had a moral imperative to act responsibly and properly. Such actions would have included the Chinese leadership informing its citizens, and the other 6 billion or so of us, immediately and consistently about what it knew and had learned about the virus from the beginning onward. Had that happened, it could have saved victims around the world much grief and misery. But just the opposite occurred. It withheld information and deceived the world. The Chinese regime had much of that data in the early days of the New Year, well before the epidemic became a pandemic. The information China that knew about and learned before anyone else regarding the symptoms, transmission and lifespan of the virus, containment and treatment techniques, as well as other empirical data was suppressed or destroyed over period of several weeks, up to two months or even longer, for the sole purpose of preserving the CCPs illusion of competence. In the meantime, thousands of people in China died. Of course, had that information been made available, it would have been very helpful to the rest of the world in preparing for what was to come. Instead, all the world got from China was denials and false assurances. Meanwhile, when Chinese authorities werent dragging people from their homes on suspicion of having been exposed to the virus, they were jailing thousands of other people in their own homes by welding their doors shut. But the CCPs culpability goes well beyond that. The CCP leadership didnt just enable the virus to spread domestically. Their actionsor inactionswillfully allowed the Wuhan virus to spread to the entire world. There is no other way of expressing that fact except to say it thus. The facts are clear. While the virus was spreading throughout Wuhan and Hubei province, infected workers were leaving town for their home villages hundreds of miles away in other parts of the country for the Lunar New Year holiday. But other infected Chinese citizens, including tourists, workers and business people, were still flying freely out of China to cities and countries around the globe. The Chinese regime knew exactly what was happening in the earliest phases of the virus, and knew about the risks that they were subjecting the rest of the world to, and yet they allowed it to happen. As a result, infected workers, engineers, students and business people flew back and forth from China into those countries with the deepest economic ties, such as Iran and Italy. And those nations, unfortunately have been the hardest hit by the CCP virus outside of China. But infected people also travelled into Germany, France, the UK and the United States, without any word or warning. The CCP leadership did, however, see their way clear to arresting their own doctors and medical personnel who dared speak the truth about what was infecting and killing their fellow citizens by the thousands each day. Such are the means by which a great country and a great power creates and magnifies distrust in the eyes of the world and among its closest trading partners. And undoubtedly, it is the same means by which a government diminishes itself in the eyes of its own people. The CCP Is the Deadliest Virus The problem, of course, isnt the Chinese people themselves, but rather, with those who rule the country with an unprecedented level of control and brutality. Even today, it is not evident that China is winning its battle with the CCP virus. Whats more, the CCPs behavior makes one skeptical of its claims to have gotten through the worst of it. If such claims were true, they would certainly not be kicking Western journalists out of the country. That leads one to believe it more likely that the Party has just changed how they report it, or altered the figures. Thats standard operating procedure for the CCP. The reality is that the CCP doesnt give a damn about the rest of the worlddecades of trade, investment and modernization doesnt mean a days worth of trust. If the world didnt know that before, it does now. James Gorrie is a writer and speaker based in Southern California. He is the author of The China Crisis. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Pat Hanrahan was a young biophysics student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the 1980s when he decided to give up his work with microscopic insects and join a small group of computer scientists in their quest to make a movie. The group was led by Ed Catmull, a computer graphics pioneer who had become the chief technology officer at a new company called Pixar. The movie was Toy Story, the landmark animated feature released in fall of 1995. On Wednesday, the Association for Computing Machinery, the worlds largest society of computing professionals, said Hanrahan and Catmull would receive this years Turing Award for their work on three-dimensional computer graphics. Often called the Nobel Prize of computing, the Turing Award comes with a $1 million prize, which will be split by the two pioneers of what is often called CGI, or computer-generated imagery. Their work changed not only animated movies but also Hollywood special effects, video games, and virtual reality. Both Pat and Ed have had a pervasive influence on multiple industries, both through their technical contributions and their leadership, said David Price, author of The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company. Many of the foundational techniques in 3-D computer graphics came from Ed or from people he has led. When they started, the young researchers hoped to make a full-length feature entirely from images generated by a computer. Hanrahan did not think they would reach this goal, but he felt they might as well get started. I didnt think it would be possible in my lifetime, but I could spend the rest of my life working on it, Hanrahan, 64, said in an interview. After joining Pixar in 1986, he oversaw the development of a graphics system called RenderMan, building on more than a decade of work by Catmull and others. RenderMan played a key role in the making of Toy Story and the many Pixar features that followed, generating increasingly realistic 3-D animation. But its effect on the movie business extended well beyond characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear. In the late 1980s, Hanrahan and his Pixar colleagues licensed RenderMan to other movie makers. They also released the RenderMan Shading language the computer language that allowed anyone to modify the technology. As a result, the technology improved much faster. Even before the release of Toy Story, RenderMan was used to create special effects for films such as James Camerons Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Steven Spielbergs Jurassic Park. Later, it fed the creation of movies like Avatar, Titanic and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the early 1970s, Catmull was a doctoral student at the University of Utah under one of the founding fathers of computer graphics, Ivan Sutherland. When he moved to the New York Institute of Technology on Long Island and later Lucasfilm, the Bay Area movie production company that made the Star Wars films, he brought an academics sensibility, encouraging his engineers to share their work with the wider community of researchers. I had such a great time at Utah, Catmull, 74, said in an interview. I wanted to take a lot of the same principles and apply them to the next place. At Pixar, that attitude continued. Though Pixar was owned by Steve Jobs whose belief in corporate secrecy became famous the world over as he built his other company, Apple Pixar engineers like Hanrahan regularly published academic papers describing the underlying details of their work. Almost every project was owned by the community of computer scientists, said Michael Rubin, author of Droidmaker: George Lucas and the Digital Revolution, who worked alongside Catmull at Lucasfilm. A product like RenderMan was not just something made by Pixar, for Pixar. It belonged to the community. This accelerated the development of software and hardware like the specialized computer chips needed to generate 3-D images. These graphics processing units, or GPUs, drove the 3-D computer games that became ubiquitous in the 1990s and 2000s. Later, they played an essential role in the design of virtual reality and artificial intelligence technology, including the techniques that underpinned self-driving cars, facial recognition services and talking digital assistants like Alexa. Much of this work was driven by new computer languages that allowed anyone to build software for these chips languages similar to the one that fed RenderMan. They also could trace their roots back to Hanrahan. After leaving Pixar in 1989, he continued his research as a professor at Princeton and Stanford, where he and his students helped develop those languages. Catmull eventually became the president of Pixar, and after the Walt Disney Co. acquired Pixar in 2006, he helped remake animation at the nearly 80-year-old movie studio. There is no one who has had such a profound and widespread effect on computer graphics as Ed Catmull, Rubin said. Cade Metz is a New York Times writer. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The final line of the Eagles song Hotel California accurately describes the current state of LGBTQ so-called rights, especially gender affirmation clinics: you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. Last week, Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden unveiled his campaign commitments on these issues, and included everything on the sexual lefts Christmas list: rollbacks of religious liberty protections, the passage of the so-called Equality Act, adding a third gender option on government forms, and of course, supporting a total ban on so-called conversion therapy. That pejorative term no longer applies, by the way, to things like shock therapy. Anyone who counsels or psychologically treats someone with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, to help them bring their feelings in line with their body, is accused of conversion therapy. The newly invented standards of care now call for so-called gender affirming therapy, which instead tries to bring the body in line with feelings, often through lifelong doses of cross-sex hormones and mutilating sex-change operations. The former vice-presidents campaign promises to closely resemble new legislation in Canada that would ban all non-affirming forms of therapy for LGBTQ patients. In fact, Canadas measure is severe, not only banning but criminalizing so-called conversion therapy, threatening jail time for professionals who offer it, or even, apparently, parents who might seek it for their children. Such a ban is justified by the medically and ethically deficient things done in the name of helping those with unwanted attractions or dysphoria, supporters say. But largely ignored is the growing evidence that so-called affirming therapies often fail to help people and even can leave them worse off. For example, as we mentioned recently on another BreakPoint commentary, a movement of hundreds of young people has emerged in Great Britain, who are de-transitioning after coming to regret their gender switch. One woman is suing the British National Health Service for the decision to so quickly place her on puberty-blocking drugs, at age 16, after a gender-affirming clinic proclaimed she was a boy. Now in her early 20s, the woman says that the NHS gender clinic didnt do enough to counsel her away from gender transition or inform her of the real consequences. I was allowed to run with this idea that I had, almost like a fantasy, as a teenagerand it has affected me in the long run as an adult. Her lawyers are arguing something that should be obvious to us all: Children cant fully understand the impact cross-sex hormones will have on their future, especially in areas like fertility. Yet in the U.K. and increasingly in North America, puberty-blocking drugs have become standard treatment for children with gender dysphoriasometimes, according to the BBC, as young as age twelve. If Biden and Canadian legislators have their way, not only will many kids be similarly pressured but, even worse, those not wishing to transition and those wishing to de-transition one day will have nowhere to turn for professional help. Of course, ideology, not evidence, is the primary force driving the push to affirm gender confusion and ban any other type of therapy. Another force, by the way, is emotional manipulation. Parents with gender dysphoric children are emotionally manipulated by the threat of suicide. Ive had several moms, seeking some help at events where Ive spoken, say the same thing: My son or daughter thinks theyre gay or transgender, and I think its wrong, but I dont want them to kill themselves. What should I do? What theyve heard is affirm or be responsible for their childs death. Yet a 2011 study of over 300 Swedish men who had undergone sex reassignment surgery found that 10-15 years later, their suicide rate was still 20 times higher than their peers. The authors of another study in the U.K. admitted that There is no conclusive evidence that sex change operations improve the lives of transsexuals, with many people remaining severely distressed and even suicidal after the operation In other words, the grass isnt greener on the affirmation side. In fact, a 2013 Dutch study found that over 60% of children who expressed gender dysphoria spontaneously desisted after puberty and began identifying with their birth sex. Still the affirmation-only push continues, and if bans on conversion therapy succeed, anyone hoping to check out of the LGBTQ movement will be told they can never leave. Originally posted at breakpoint.org Africa will likely see higher numbers of coronavirus cases in coming weeks because of the likelihood some are slipping through the net, the head of a regional disease control body said on Thursday. The virus has multiplied in Africa more slowly than Asia or Europe, but 34 nations on the continent have now reported a total of more than 600 cases. Worldwide, it has infected nearly 220,00 people and killed nearly 9,000. "We are picking some people but we are also missing some people," said John Nkengasong, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which is a branch of the African Union bloc. "The situation will get worse before it gets better because the chances are clear that people have slipped through." Many countries worldwide have suspended flights, closed borders and banned public gatherings to curb its spread. Nkengasong said the number of confirmed cases in Africa was expected to rise in coming days and such travel bans would delay but ultimately fail to contain the virus. "Anyone who has followed pandemics over the years, you know that doesnt work," he told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital. "When you lock down countries, you should understand clearly how to unlock the country." It was very likely, he said, that "people are coming in and they are slipping through and we are not picking them." Nkengasong said testing was going to increase as more kits became available. US company Abbott, Swiss-based Roche Diagnostics and California-based Cepheid's GeneXpert were all ramping up production, he said. The testing could be rolled out quickly through existing HIV infrastructure, he said. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Africa head, was less concerned than the CDC head about missing cases. "We actually don't believe that there are large numbers of African people who are undetected and infected," she said on a teleconference with the media. Moeti said 40 African countries can now test for the virus, up from just South Africa and Senegal at the start of February. WHO Africa is planning to help countries set up pop-up hospitals that could be equipped with ventilators and oxygen, she added. Moeti said countries should isolate suspected and confirmed cases but without cutting off other nations. In Kenya, which has seven confirmed cases, the government will start doing random screenings for coronavirus, Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said. Search Keywords: Short link: A satellite that American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) students are helping to develop, build and test is planned for launch on a Soyuz-2 rocket from Russia in June 2020, said Dr. Abdul-Halim Jallad, Director and Assistant Professor, Center of Information, Communication and Networking Education and Innovation (ICONET). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005232/en/ A computer-generated projection of the MeznSat in orbit above the UAE (Photo: AETOSWire) The MeznSat Nano-satellite is designed to detect greenhouse gas concentrations from an orbit of 565 kilometers above the Earth. The project has successfully passed the Critical Design Review stage with the satellite currently undergoing the final stages of construction in the purpose-built cleanroom at AURAKs Space Lab before it moves on to the testing phase in March 2020. The project is a collaboration between the UAE Space Agency, AURAK and Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST). MeznSat will be the first student-built scientific satellite in the UAE. The project aims at providing the UAE space industry with qualified, well-trained graduates through hands-on experience, while at the same time opening windows for advanced space-oriented research relevant to the UAE. The project has seen undergraduate students design and construct the MeznSat which will be used to collect and analyze data on carbon dioxide and methane levels around the UAE. The project seeks to realize the Space Agencys strategic goals of capacity development, promoting scientific research and coordinating national space sector activities. Once in orbit, the team of students will then monitor, process and analyze the data from a ground station in the UAE. The processes and expertise involved in monitoring the atmosphere are similar to those employed during conventional Earth Observation programs. The project will support Emirati young people in developing the skillsets necessary for the UAEs ambitious National Space Program and its future projects. Using a visible camera as well as a shortwave infrared spectrometer, the satellite will measure the abundance and distribution of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It will also provide valuable insight into the concentration of nutrients in the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf, which will allow for more accurate predictions of algal blooms and supports the timely implementation of relevant precautionary measures. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005232/en/ SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- March 19, 2020 -- Azul Systems (Azul), the leader in Java runtime solutions, has announced the general availability (GA) of its Zulu release of OpenJDK 14 builds that are compliant with the Java SE 14 standard. Zulu 14 is available in a wide variety of package types spanning multiple operating systems and is available for immediate free download from Azuls website. As has been the case for all Zulu distributions since OpenJDK 6, Azuls Zulu builds of OpenJDK 14 are fully compliant with the Java SE 14 specification. All Zulu 14 JDKs and JREs are verified against and pass the TCK certification tests required to ensure the correct execution of Java SE 14 applications. Azuls Zulu distributions of OpenJDK have consistently delivered the widest range of versions, package types, OS platform and processor support of all OpenJDK distributions. Open Source projects and Enterprises alike regularly use Zulu builds of OpenJDK 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15EA (early access) to create, run and test Java applications. Benefits for Java Developers Zulu 14 and OpenJDK 14 bring several new features to Java developers. Some of the notable JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) include: JEP 361: Extended enhancements to the switch expression, standardizing the features first previewed in JDK 12 and JDK 13 JEP 358: Better information regarding NullPointerExceptions, to allow for better debugging and troubleshooting of a commonly-encountered set of program errors JEP 349: Event Streaming APIs for Flight Recorder, which can be used by Java Mission Control to analyze data directly received from a running JVM JEP 345: NUMA-Aware memory allocation for the G1 collector aimed at Linux-based systems with large memory configurations JEP 352: Non-Volatile Mapped Byte Buffers - new file mapping modes aimed at supporting non-volatile memory The Java SE 14 specification brings a compelling new set of features and enhancements to the OpenJDK project, said Scott Sellers, Azul Systems president and CEO. The Java platform continues to evolve rapidly in anticipation of the requirements of the next generation of Java-based applications and infrastructure. Free Zulu Community builds of OpenJDK supporting Java 14 can be downloaded from the Azul website at www.azul.com/downloads/zulu-community. Azuls complete release cadence and product support matrix is available at www.azul.com/products/azul_support_roadmap/. Java users requiring cost-effective commercial support for OpenJDK, including guaranteed quarterly security updates and long-term support, are invited to visit www.azul.com/products/zulu-enterprise/. A complete list of new OpenJDK 14 features is available at openjdk.java.net/projects/jdk/14/. About Azul Systems Twitter: @azulsystems Azul Systems, the industrys only company exclusively focused on Java and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), builds fully supported, certified standards-compliant Java runtime solutions that bring the power of Java to the enterprise, cloud, and embedded/IoT. Zing is a production-oriented JVM that reduces operating expenses and infrastructure costs. Zulu is Azuls certified, freely available open source distributions of OpenJDK with a variety of cost-effective commercial support options, and is ideal for ISVs, enterprises, OEMs, and embedded systems. For additional information, visit www.azul.com. Zulu Enterprise, Zulu Embedded, Zulu Community, and ZuluFX are trademarks, and Azul Systems, the Azul Systems logo, Zulu, Zing, and ReadyNow! are registered trademarks of Azul Systems, Inc. Java, Flight Recorder, and OpenJDK are trademarks of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliated companies in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. The ICSE exams will be held as per schedule, said G Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. "ICSE exams will be held as per schedule," the Chairman said. This comes after the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on Wednesday directed the Central Board of Secondary (CBSE) and all educational institutions in the country to postpone all exams including JEE Mains till March 31 in view of coronavirus outbreak. "While the maintenance of academic calendar and exam schedule is important, equally important is safety and security of students, who are appearing in various examinations as also of their teachers and parents," HRD Secretary Amit Khare said in an official communication. "All ongoing examinations may be rescheduled after March 31. This would include CBSE, NIOS as also university exams. All evaluation work may be rescheduled after March 31," he said. Stressing on JEE Main, the HRD Secretary said: "Since JEE Main may require travel by examinees to different towns and the dates may clash with rescheduled CBSE and other Board exams, therefore, JEE Main should be rescheduled and the new date of JEE Main will be announced on March 31 after re-assessment of situation." The Ministry has requested all teachers and educational institutes to maintain regular communication with students and resolve their queries. It has also appealed to parents, students, and teachers not to panic. A total of 151 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday. Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The virus had first emerged in China's Wuhan city in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pedestrians crossing from Mexico into the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry wait in line in San Diego on Dec. 10, 2015. (By Denis Poroy/AP) Trump to Partially Restrict Entry at US-Mexico Border President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that a partial closure of the Southern border is imminent. The president made the announcement at a White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing, as the administration tries to blunt the effect of the pandemic. It was announced earlier Wednesday that the United States and Canada had mutually agreed that their shared border should be closed to all non-essential travel, to help stop the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which is also known as the novel coronavirus. At a Wednesday press briefing, a reporter asked Trump if he would close the border to Mexico, to which he replied, Were not going to close it. We are invoking a certain provision that will allow us great latitude as to what we do. The provision that the president was referring to is 42 USC 265, which would allow him to prohibit entry to certain people. The Surgeon General, in accordance with regulations approved by the President, shall have the power to prohibit, in whole or in part, the introduction of persons and property from such countries or places as he shall designate in order to avert such danger, and for such period of time as he may deem necessary for such purpose, the provision states. This provision would restrict entry to immigrants but would remain open to essential travel, including medical, military, and industrial cargo. By Tuesday night, the Mexican government said they had no official word from the United States regarding the information that has been reported by various media outlets on returning migrants from the United States to Mexico due to the spread of COVID-19. The Government of Mexico has not received a formal request from the United States government in this regard, according to a statement from Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the event that the proposal is made, once it is formally received the Government of Mexico will assess its scope and act on a sovereign basis in defense of its interests and considering public health and human rights, among others. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter Wednesday: Spoke with #Mexicos Foreign Secretary @M_Ebrard about efforts to contain and mitigate #COVID19 through increased preventative measures. We will continue to work closely with Mexico on an effective, coordinated response and on securing our shared border. The U.S. Consulate in Mexico said it has implemented temperature-screening measures at some of its airports. Passengers with abnormal temperatures and travel to high-risk areas might be subject to additional health screening. Beyond standard travel documentation, travelers to Mexico do not require any additional documentation to enter or exit. According to the consulate, there have been 93 confirmed cases of the virus in Mexico. Authorities continue to investigate additional suspected cases. The Mexican Ministry of Health (Spanish) publishes daily updates on the number of cases. Last week, the Trump Administration halted all travel between China, Iran, most European countries, England, and Ireland. On Monday, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran. I understand this new process will be disruptive to some travelers, however this action is needed to protect the general public from further exposure and spread of the coronavirus, Wolf said. Once back in the U.S. it is imperative that individuals honor self-quarantine directives to help protect their loved-ones and communities. U.S. envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has called on Afghan leaders to end their standoff over a disputed presidential election and seize a historic opportunity for peace. Speaking to RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan by telephone from Kabul on March 12, Khalilzad said the time had come for all Afghans, including the Western-backed Kabul government and the Taliban, to join hands and learn from the terrible lessons of decades of conflict. Khalilzads remarks come days after President Ashraf Ghani and his main election rival, former Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, held dual and competing inauguration ceremonies on March 9. Last month, Ghani was declared the winner of a bitterly disputed September 28 election, which was married by voting irregularities, historic low turnout, and militant attacks. Abdullah called the result a coup and vowed to create a parallel government. Last minute shuttle diplomacy by Khalilzad failed to resolve the dispute and prevent the parallel inaugurations. Khalilzad told RFE/RL that he was hopeful of an agreement that is accepted by both sides. Its a very bad thing that two governments or two presidents exist in Afghanistan, he said. This poses a great danger, not only to the peace process, but to the future of Afghanistan. Khalilzad, a former ambassador to Afghanistan, said U.S. officials are very active in trying to mediate an agreement between Ghani and Abdullah on the creation of a cabinet that is broadly accepted in Afghanistan and which includes Abdullah and his allies. Observers have warned that the dispute could descend into violence and derail a historic deal between the United States and Taliban militants aimed at ending the nearly 19-year war. As part of that agreement, direct peace talks between the Western-backed Kabul government and the Taliban were scheduled to begin on March 10. But the political crisis in Kabul has thrown those plans into disarray. Khalilzad said Washington was trying to start the intra-Afghan talks as soon as possible. The BMW Group is embracing the transformation of the automotive industry with great confidence and investing heavily in research and development with a view to shaping the mobility of the future for the benefit of its customers. In the context of the spread of coronavirus, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, pointed out in Munich: Solidarity and responsible action are called for. In our society it is the duty of the strong to protect the weak. The BMW Group therefore fully supports the measures aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus. The BMW Group is responding to the foreseeable development in demand on the global automobile markets by adjusting production volumes at an early stage and will make full use of the broad range of instruments available to it to maximise flexibility. Manfred Schoch, General Works Council Chairman, emphasised the tools agreed jointly between management and the general works council: In times of crisis, as we are experiencing right now, the General Works Council seeks to provide a clear sense of direction for associates. Our top priority is to protect their health, and safeguard their jobs and incomes. The General Works Council has agreed three important tools to make this possible: flexible BMW working time accounts, the option of working from home, and the latest company regulation on short-time work. This stipulates that the net income of a pay-scale employee at BMW must amount to at least 93 per cent of their usual sum. I am convinced that these three tools will allow us to navigate our staff safely through the corona crisis. Zipse went on to say: We take our responsibility seriously, both when it comes to ensuring the protection and health of our employees and to achieving the best possible balance in terms of profitability. One thing is certain: coronavirus is here now, but there will also be a time after coronavirus. The approach we are taking clearly reflects the BMW Groups ability to react quickly and flexibly. New technologies are key to the future of mobility. Up to 2025, we intend to invest more than 30 billion euros in research and development to underscore our position as an innovation leader. This also expresses our confidence for the future business development, said Zipse. The ability to integrate diverse technologies to form a complete system is vitally important. Those companies capable of developing and combining hardware and software in equal measure will shape the future of the automobile. In this respect, we are quite clearly in the fast lane. In future, the BMW Group is also benefiting from strategic decisions taken at an early stage that have given it a definite competitive edge during this crucial phase of change for the entire sector. We took decisive steps in the relevant strategic fields at the right time and are now intent on leveraging our competitive advantage to set ourselves apart from the industry trend, Zipse continued. The BMW Group set about achieving the new CO2 targets at an early stage, an important aspect of which was the decision to systematically electrify the model range. With its Performance > NEXT programme launched in 2017, further moves were made to achieve greater efficiency and a stronger operating performance. Moreover, over the past eight years, some 46,000 employees have received training in the field of electric mobility. In view of the growing importance of software know-how, the BMW Group founded the Critical Techworks IT joint venture in 2018 in order to secure the relevant expertise and skills. The BMW Group itself is one of the largest IT employers in Germany with 5,300 employees having been trained in the field of data analytics. Access to the raw materials needed to produce electric mobility has also been strategically secured. Since the beginning of the current year, the BMW Group has been procuring the required cobalt and lithium directly and passing those resources on to the suppliers involved in manufacturing battery cells. At the same time, the BMW Group remains convinced of the importance of focusing systematically on customer needs and therefore on the innovations required to meet those needs. With this point in mind, efforts to broaden expertise in future fields of technology continue to be scaled up. To compensate for the high upfront expenditure on forward-looking technologies, the BMW Group will continue to work systematically on achieving continual efficiency improvements as part of the Performance > NEXT programme. "We have set ourselves clear targets for 2020. High priority will be given to profitability and free cash flow in our management of the business going forward. All measures and initiatives implemented in conjunction with Performance > NEXT are taking us in the right direction. With regard to free cash flow, we are specifically concentrating on capital expenditure and consistent management of working capital, said Nicolas Peter, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance. "We are already making measurable progress, which will continue to have a noticeably positive impact on earnings whether in terms of sales, the cost of materials or indirect purchasing." A key aspect in this endeavour is to develop even faster digital processes and leaner structures. The Performance > NEXT programme is expected to generate efficiency savings in excess of 12 billion euros by the end of 2022. Among other things, development times for new vehicle models will be reduced by as much as one third. On the product side, up to 50 per cent of traditional drivetrain variants will be eliminated from 2021 onwards in the transition to creating enhanced, intelligent vehicle architectures in favour of additional electrified drivetrains. It is in this area that the full impact of these measures will come into effect, particularly in the years after 2022. Moreover, the model portfolio is regularly assessed with a view to finding additional potential ways of reducing complexity. Potential for greater synergy and efficiency in indirect purchasing as well as in terms of material and production costs is also being leveraged throughout the Group. The BMW Group is also strengthening performance with an array of new models especially in segments where the rates of return are highest. One of the Group's targets is to double its sales volume in the luxury segment from 2018 to 2020. -- Tradearabia News Service 19.03.2020 LISTEN President Akufo-Addo has acknowledged the healing powers of Jesus Christ to help the nation fight the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. Addressing some eminent Christian Leaders on Thursday morning at the Jubilee House in Accra, during a prayer breakfast meeting to pray against the COVID-19, President Akufo-Addo said despite measures put in place by his government to curb the spread of the virus, he, as a devout Christian, believed in the healing powers of Jesus Christ to combat the deadly disease. I know of the healing power and saving Grace of the Maker of Heaven and Earth, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, because in Him we live, move and have our being, he stated. The President made reference to various Holy Scriptures in the Bible to back his belief in the healing power of God, and cited Proverbs chapter nine verse 10, Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. He also mentioned Second Chronicles chapter seven verse 14, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land. He said the COVID-19 pandemic was having a toll on the global economy, which was creating fear and panic throughout the world. He added that with the nation recording nine cases as of March 19 and three Ghanaians losing their lives abroad, his government had already instituted a number of measures to ensure that the nation was adequately prepared to combat the spread of the pandemic. President Akufo-Addo mentioned the ban of public gathering such as religious service, funerals, closure of schools, travel restrictions for people coming from countries that had recorded 200 or more confirmed cases of COVID-19, designated isolation and treatment centres at some health facilities, screening of travellers with thermal scanners at the country's points of entry, among others. He expressed appreciation to the various faith-based organizations for their solidarity with the Government by complying with the COVID-19 directives and urged the Christian community to continue collaborating with the government for improved welfare of the citizenry. I have also put on record my equally deep appreciation of the support offered by the Muslim Clergy, led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the nation's political leaders, traditional authorities, great and small, and opinion leaders for the measures taken by the Government, he said. He urged Ghanaians to continue observing the prescribed social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols to safeguard lives and prevent community spread. The eminent Christian Leaders offered intercessory prayers for the affected persons, the President, Government, frontline health workers and the world. In attendance at the prayer breakfast included; Archbishop Nicolas Duncan Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Right Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra Diocese of Catholic Church and Rev. Prof. J.O.Y Mantey, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The rest were; Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, the Founder of Fountain Gate Chapel, Rev. Dr Samuel Asante-Antwi, former General Overseer of the Methodist Church, Dr Joyce Aryee, the Founder of Salt and Light Ministries and Dr Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the Founder of Lighthouse Chapel International. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deadly virus has claimed 8,988 deaths with 220,843 persons infected globally. ---GNA The Cambodian Health Ministry reported two new cases of the coronavirus Wednesday night, again from individuals linked to a religious conference held in Malaysia earlier this month. The two new cases were reported from Tbong Khmum province, with the two men now part of at least 20 people who have returned or been in contact with people who returned from a religious meeting in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month. Regional media reports show the meeting has seemingly been the source of hundreds of positive cases across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei. Or Vandine, a Health Ministry spokesperson, said that most of the cases in Cambodia were mild and patients were in relatively good health, especially those below the age of 40. We still keep an eye on them, but so far they show no signs that we should worry. Most of their health parameters are still normal. The first case of a Cambodian national testing positive was in Siem Reap, nearly two weeks ago, with Kros Sarat, director of Siem Reap Heath Department, said the man was in good health but was still testing positive for the virus. He is normal even though his tests are still positive. The number of virus in his tests are decreasing, the health director said. One of the men who returned from the religious meeting in Malaysia and tested positive, said that he had none of the expected COVID-19 symptoms. He said he was in quarantine but had not required any medication so far. There is nothing different. But I dont have any of those [symptoms]. I am fine, said the man, whose identity has not been revealed to protect his privacy. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Thursday that Americans could see their first round of checks in three weeks as part of trillion-dollar coronavirus aid package. He told Fox Business Network's that the administration is proposing $1,000 per person, $500 per child. 'So for a family of four, that's a $3,000 payment. As soon as Congress passes this, we get this out in three weeks,' Mnuchin said. He noted that another round of checks would come out if the crisis continued. 'And then six weeks later, if the president still has a national emergency, we'll deliver another $3,000,' he added. His remarks provided the first concrete details of the plan that has been in negotiations between the two ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that Americans could see their first round of checks in three weeks President Donald Trump's administration has been working on a $1 trillion plan that would give relief to small businesses, individuals, and critical industries hit by the coronavirus People stand in line for their order at a McDonald's restaurant in the Brooklyn borough of New York, where the seating area has been cordoned off to its customers The economy continues to take a nose dive as people isolate in an effort to contain the disease. There have been over 9,000 cases in the United States and more than 150 have died. And economists fear by the time people re-emerge and life resumes, entire industries and sectors could be wiped out. Mnuchin has been in negotiations with Congressional leadership on this third bailout package after President Donald Trump signed into law Wednesday a measure that would provide paid sick leave and free testing for those affect by the virus. 'Everybody realizes there's going to be massive support for this economy on both sides of the aisle,' the treasury secretary said. He added he is pushing Congress to have the legislation passed early next week. The House is not in session this week but scheduled to return to Washington D.C. next week. 'We told the House and the Senate we need to get legislation done quickly, this needs to be done by the beginning of next week and I think once you see more and more money coming into the economy Americans are going to feel a lot better and theyre going to understand that this is a virus. Were going to get through this. This is not the financial crisis that will go on for years,' he noted. After the Senate passed a coronavirus measure Wednesday night, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell told senators not to go too far away from Washington D.C. 'I recommend senators stay close,' he said from the Senate floor Wednesday night. 'While we don't know exactly how long it will take to get this done, everyone knows that we need to do it as quickly as possible because the situation demands it. So we'll keep senators posted.' 'I hope they don't go too far away,' he continued. The proposed package would also offer $300 billion for small businesses and another $200 billion for the airlines and other critical industries directly affected by the coronavirus. 'We are going to destroy this virus and our economy will come roaring back better than ever,' Mnuchin said. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday night warned lawmakers not to go far as more votes were likely in the works Speaker Nancy Pelosi is looking to put her own mark on the coronavirus aid legislation - she and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin negotiated the last package People are seen walking in Times Square wearing protective face masks as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States Democrats are looking to put their own marker on the legislation. 'Time is of the essence, and the House will move swiftly to protect public health and provide relief for the American people,' Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Wednesday night. She and Mnuchin negotiated the legislation that Trump signed into law on Wednesday. The treasury secretary also denied a report he warned senators that 20 per cent unemployment could be in the country's future. 'I was not predicting that,' he said. 'What I said is, that 40 percent of our workforce is in small businesses, and I said if half of them were left off - let go, mathematically we'd be at 20 percent unemployment. So, again, what I've said the lawmakers and they understand this is, we want to keep those people employed. That is what is important to do.' Trump on Wednesday also downplayed reports about Mnuchin's 20 per cent prediction 'No, well I don't agree with that. No, I don't agree,' he insisted during a White House press briefing on coronavirus Wednesday afternoon. 'That's an absolute, total, worst case scenario,' he continued. 'But no, we don't look at that at all. We're nowhere near it.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 02:56:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LIEGE, Belgium, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A batch of 1 million face masks were flown into Belgium on Wednesday en route to France. The medical supply was mobilized by two Chinese charities to help combat the spread of COVID-19. A cargo plane loaded with the donation departed from Hangzhou, eastern China earlier in the day and arrived at Liege Airport around 12:45 local time (1145 GMT). The goods will be handed over to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France, said a press release by the Alibaba Foundation and Jack Ma Foundation. On board the plane were also medical goods donated to other European countries including Belgium and Slovenia. The relief effort was the latest in a series of initiatives launched by the two charities to help Europe cope with the ongoing health crisis. The two Chinese organizations have delivered medical equipment to the hardest hit European countries like Italy and Spain, since the World Health Organization identified Europe as the "epicenter" of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic last week. Also on Wednesday, another batch of medical supplies sent by China arrived at the Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport. This package of medical aid includes protective masks, surgical masks, protective suits and medical gloves, as required by the French side, according to Lu Shaye, China's Ambassador to France. "At the crucial moment when China waged war against the epidemic, France provided us with precious support and assistance," said Lu. "Now France and the whole of Europe are facing the serious challenge of the pandemic, China is ready to provide aid as far as possible." As of Wednesday morning, 70,989 infections have been reported in the EU/EEA and UK area, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. To address the acute shortage of personal protective equipment, the EU has launched a joint procurement process and put a restriction on medical goods export. New Delhi, March 19 : The Tihar jail authorities on Thursday told the trial court that none of the legal remedies of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case are pending, as the court reserved its order on an application filed by the convicts seeking stay on their execution scheduled for 5.30 a.m. on Friday. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana reserved the order. The four convicts have been trying to postpone the hanging on the pretext of pending legal remedies. "No legal remedies are pending as of now. Pawan and Akshay's second mercy was also not entertained by the President of India," Public Prosecutor Irfan Ahmad told the court. He said President Ram Nath Kovind had entertained their first mercy plea on merits and it was given due consideration. Four convicts -- Vinay, Mukesh, Akshay, and Pawan are scheduled to be hanged by the noose on March 20 at 5:30 a.m. for brutally raping and murdering a 23-year-old physiotherapy student on December 16, 2012. In another manoeuvre to delay the ensuing death sentence, three death-row convicts, represented by advocate A.P. Singh, had knocked on the doors of the trial court two days before the hanging seeking stay on their hanging on the grounds that their legal remedies are pending. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text In an early morning blaze on Thursday, at least 25-30 huts in old Wadarwadi slum area in Shivajinagar were gutted. The fire is suspected to have started due to a gas cylinder blast in one of the huts. No casualties were reported from the area and at least 15 fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the spot, according to fire officials. The fire is suspected to have started around 2am when the fire brigade received the first call. Nine fire tenders, three rescue fire tenders, three water tankers were among the 15 vehicles which were involved in dousing the fire. Officials believe that one cylinder blast gave way to multiple cylinders blasts in the area which in turn intensified the fire. A similar fire incident had wrecked an entire section of Patil estate slum in November 2018. However, the fire in Wadarwadi was brought under control. The incident will be recorded at Khadki police station of Pune police. BATTLE CREEK, Mich., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A Battle Creek, Michigan company, Ministry Designs https://ministrywebsitedesigns.com announced today, that they will be removing their normal $1000.00 website activation fee in an effort to help churches continue services and operations during gathering restrictions. A quote from Tyler Rominger, Ministry Designs Founder & CEO says "During this time of uncertainty and unprecedented gathering restrictions, we want churches to know that we are here for them no matter the circumstance. We want to be a blessing in a possible time of need when meeting in person is unavailable so web communication and Sunday service streaming are required." In a statement on their website, Mr. Rominger goes on to say: "Communication needs and requirements are changing quickly. And we don't want any church not to have the ability to do so when needed. Because we know that this is a critical time the church and most communication & services will be moved to websites and social platforms we as a company want to enable you and empower you to do so effectively." As of today, until April 1, Ministry Designs will be eliminating it's $1000.00 website activation, thus providing free websites to any church that needs one. Features include, but are not limited to: Update your website quickly and easily Ensure your website has live stream integration capabilities Enables you to move your services online Allowing for online donations Ministry Designs https://ministrywebsitedesigns.com is a seven-year-old website development company that focuses exclusively on church website design, thousands of church customers worldwide. Recently, Ministry Designs was selected as the world's leader for church website by CMS Critic ( https://www.cmscritic.com/5-best-church-website-builders/ ) a highly respected website development software critic. Tyler Rominger Ministry Designs 269-804-3257 [email protected] SOURCE Ministry Designs Related Links https://ministrywebsitedesigns.com Two immigration officers of Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport have been sent to 12-day of quarantine as they came in contact with the 18-year-old youth who has been tested positive for coronavirus. The youth, who was tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, recently returned from the United Kingdom and is the onky confirmed case of coronavirus in West Bengal. A total of 169 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mimi Chakraborty was also sent to home quarantine following her return from London on Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 3 1 of 3 Crane County Sheriffs Office Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Show More Show Less 3 of 3 There is a confirmed case of coronavirus in Crane County, according to the Crane County Sheriffs Office website, which has posted a letter, delivering the news. The county judge has been in contact with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the letter states. They are investigating the case to try and confirm where this person was infected. Crane Memorial Hospital has been in contact with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about this case. The people involved have been ordered to stay home and do not leave quarantine. The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu is demanding sanctions against persons found culpable of stealing of hand sanitizers installed in Parliament. According to him, some persons within the house are sabotaging the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Parliament. Speaking in Parliament, Kyei Mensah Bonsu who is also the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs called for the activation of the CCTV cameras in Parliament to deal with the rising theft of sanitizers. What we are beginning to notice is that a few individuals are draining the sanitizers and taking them away. We need to activate the CCTV's and anybody who is caught in this is not only going to be named and shamed but appropriate sanctions will be applied. The hand sanitizers were placed at vantage points in a bid to strengthen measures against the pandemic. Sanitizer and its associated issues With education around coronavirus in the country gaining attention, citizens are advised to follow good personal hygiene rules including washing of hands and the use of sanitizers as and when necessary. This is a risk reduction and preventive measure to contracting the pandemic disease. Some supermarkets and shops in Ghana have begun selling hand sanitizers at outrageous prices following the announcement of some confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country. In Ghana, some shops have increased the prices of hand sanitizers by an astronomical margin of almost a hundred percent to a thousand percent. ---citinewsroom A determined containment program in a small Italian town has shown the best way to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus: test everyone. As the pandemic swept through northern Italy in late February, all 3,300 residents in the town of Vo were tested regardless of whether they were exhibiting symptoms, Britains Financial Times reported Tuesday. Those who tested positive were quarantined and their contacts traced and checked. A second round of testing in the town then closed the loop. Through this effort the virus was quickly squeezed out of Vo completely. At the same time, the spread of the coronavirus was beginning to overwhelm health authorities in much of the rest of northern Italy, causing the entire country to go into lockdown. The key in Vo was testing people who were feeling healthy. In the U.S. through February, only people who recently traveled to China, their contacts and people sick enough to be hospitalized were tested for the coronavirus, with rare exceptions. Imperial College London professor Andrea Crisanti, who participated in the Vo effort, told the Financial Times that the small-scale containment program in the Italian town could serve as inspiration for other communities and countries battling the pandemic. In the U.K., there are a whole lot of infections that are completely ignored, he said. We were able to contain the outbreak [in Vo] because we identified and eliminated the submerged infections and isolated them. That is what makes the difference. Three percent of Vo residents tested positive, about half of whom were showing no symptoms at the time of testing. In the U.S., just over 8,300 people have tested positive for coronavirus as of Thursday morning, according to The New York Times. But the dearth of testing in the country so far means theres likely tens of thousands more who are infected right now and dont know it. -- Douglas Perry @douglasmperry Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Pauline Shepherd and Agnes Lunny appear in front of Stormont's Health Committee. Independent healthcare providers in Northern Ireland have said they are seriously worried about a lack of personal protection equipment for staff. Appearing before the Stormont Health Committee on Wednesday morning were Pauline Shepherd of Independent Health and Care Providers (IHCP), and Agnes Lunny who is chief executive for Positive Futures. The DUPs Pam Cameron opened proceedings by welcoming the committee chair, Sinn Feins Colm Gildernew, via video link. She also noted the first death of a patient with COVID-19 had occurred in Northern Ireland. Ms Shepherd said the independent sector provides almost 15,000 care home beds, and 70% of the domiciliary care services in Northern Ireland. The coronavirus crisis on top of an already fractured system is not a good position to be in, she said. She called for timely and consistent guidance was needed for health providers including a 24/7 answer service. Urgent, bold decision making is required. Balancing risks with protection of life. Never have so few been so ill-equipped to deal with so much. Pauline Shepherd She said staff levels would be seriously impacted by school closures, self-isolation and fear within the workforce. Ms Shepherd said she was seriously worried about a lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) for staff. Even normal infection control equipment is running short, she said. Just this morning I was advised that a care home provider in the Southern Trust is refusing to take any more admissions until they receive the proper PPE. We have had a number of coronavirus scares, one that Im aware of confirmed, within a care home. They dont have the PPE equipment and when the paramedics arrive theyre kitted like theyre going to the moon. On plans for a surge in staffing, she said IHCP had not been involved in the preparations. She said the many small businesses who provide services for care homes needed to be protected. New admissions to care homes are currently not being tested, she said, where residents are already vulnerable. Residents with dementia who do not understand why families arent visiting was another serious impact. She said care homes needed permission to store more supplies such as antibiotics and oxygen on site. In conclusion, I want to express how important it is for us to work in partnership throughout this period. But that means we must be included in developing plans and testing feasibility. To coin a phrase for the sector, never have so few been so ill-equipped to deal with so much. We need to communicate and communication isnt good at the moment. Agnes Lunny Ms Lunny said she was deeply saddened to hear a patient had died in Northern Ireland. Positive Futures supports those with learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries from childhood to the elderly. We know that people are working around the clock, but we need to communicate and communication isnt good at the moment. As demand increases, she asked if support workers were going to take on some of the functions of medical workers. We cant walk out on people. So if people get the virus, what is the advice to our staff? Do staff continue to come in to work, not at a social distance, but absolutely hands on? She said issues over PPE was absolutely critical and questioned how staff can access it today. In order to wear that equipment you need training, so again are we actually moving that up the agenda? Ms Lunny said the sector was paid in response to invoices, meaning if pressures increase they could find themselves without any funding. Im urging the committee today that changes are made today in how were funded. She said quarterly payments in advance were needed to ensure that staff could still be paid. Additional costs already include laptops to allow some staff to work from home and additional taxi and mileage. She said a number of insurers had also told her that they didnt cover pandemics. We need to know what government is doing in the event that a member of staff claims against a provider. She added: Were starting from a very fragile place. Weve had significant workforce issues over the years, weve had significant funding over the years. The impact of this is going to be absolutely critical. Laureate Betty Williams, a co-founder of the ground-breaking Peace People movement in Northern Ireland who has died at the age of 76, has been hailed as "a true soldier of peace". The tribute from an international peace organisation was just one of dozens of messages of sympathy for the west Belfast woman who, along with Mairead Corrigan, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1976 for the work they did to try to bring peace to Northern Ireland. One of Mrs Williams' last public appearances was in Belfast in January when she accompanied Hollywood film star Sharon Stone to the City Hall where they signed a book of condolence for the late SDLP leader Seamus Mallon. Mrs Williams said the former MP from Markethill was one of the first politicians to support the Peace People movement which started after the deaths in west Belfast of three children in August 1976. They were struck by a getaway car driven by IRA man Danny Lennon, who lost control of the vehicle after he was fired on by a soldier. Expand Close Betty with peace movement leader Mairead Corrigan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Betty with peace movement leader Mairead Corrigan Mairead Corrigan was the aunt of the three youngsters and she went on television after the deaths to make a deeply emotional plea for the killings to stop. Two days later she and Mrs Williams, who was one of the first people on the scene of the tragedy on Finaghy Road North, set in motion the organisation that would become the Community of the Peace People, along with former journalist Ciaran McKeown who died six months ago. Mairead Corrigan's sister Anne Maguire, who was the mother of the three young children, took her own life in 1980 after a failed attempt to start a new life in New Zealand. Mrs Williams and Mairead Corrigan's marches for peace were backed by upwards of 35,000 people despite attempts by the IRA to discredit the organisers as 'dupes of the British' and to disrupt their events. Betty Williams, nee Smyth, had been born to a Catholic mother, a housewife, and a Protestant father, a butcher, in May 1943. She said her background imbued her with a sense of religious tolerance and a "breadth of vision" which motivated her to join an anti-violence movement that preceded the Peace People. Mrs Williams insisted that the Nobel Prize wasn't awarded solely for what a recipient had done but what they would do in the future. And she certainly lived up to her words, travelling the world to campaign for justice, especially on behalf of children who had been the victims of horrific abuse, hunger, cruelty and violence. She repeatedly demanded that governments globally should listen to the voices of the young victims who were going hungry, pointing out that up to 40,000 a day were dying from malnutrition. Mrs Williams once spoke passionately of her shock at discovering that so many children were living under the threat of death, and called for safe havens to be established for them to save them from attacks by armed forces and others. One such haven was built in southern Italy by the World Centers of Compassion for Children International organisation (WCCCI) who praised the woman whose pioneering efforts were the launch-pad for their movement, which she formed in honour of the Dalai Lama in 1997. Expand Close Betty with husband Ralph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Betty with husband Ralph Spokesman Mario Frangoulis said Mrs Williams was his "beautiful friend" who passed away peacefully and left behind "great work with the WCCCI for which she would be remembered". In 2006, Mrs Williams captured worldwide headlines when she denounced US President George W Bush in front of an audience of hundreds of children at a forum in Brisbane City Hall in Australia on innocent casualties of the Iraq War. She said: "I have a very hard time with this word 'non-violence', because I don't believe that I am non-violent. Right now, I would love to kill George Bush. I don't know how I ever got a Nobel Peace Prize, because when I see children die the anger in me is just beyond belief. It's our duty as human beings, whatever age we are, to become the protectors of human life." Mrs Williams was the recipient of over 20 major awards and doctorates around the world. One of them was the People's Peace Award in Norway. Mrs Williams sat on the boards of upwards of 15 international peace and children's organisations including the Peace Jam Foundation. They said she was "a true soldier of peace" and hoped her legacy would live on. The non-stop travel sometimes took its toll on Mrs Williams, who lived for a time in Florida with her second husband James Perkins. In a blog for the WCCCI she wrote: "Travelling almost constantly to different places in the world and coping with seven nights, six different hotels, is confusing, not to mention exhausting. "But in this work there are no half measures. "We must never break a promise to a child." The Alabama Department of Health has ordered all Alabama restaurants and bars to go to take-out only, part of a sweeping set of regulations designed to curb the growth of coronavirus. A similar order was already in place for Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Mobile counties. The new order covers the entire state. Containment strategy State Health Officer Scott Harris said the efforts are part of a containment strategy to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system and stem the growth of the virus. Every single thing were doing today is not really going to affect the number we see in the next two weeks, were going to see the numbers increase, Harris said. What we hope is that the action were taking today is going to flatten the curve. We understand that the health orders issued will be a hardship on Alabamians. We must, first and foremost, protect the health and safety of our citizens. This decision has not been made lightly and will help to prevent the spread of this virus. The orders are in place through midnight April 5, though Harris said it will probably be extended. "I think it is certainly possible that it could be extended...I think, in fact, it is likely, he said. New regulations Authorities in northwestern Pakistan are scrambling to lock down a rural community after one of the first reported deaths attributed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that has killed more than 9,000 people globally. Amid rising concerns, authorities in Mardan, a rural district in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are struggling to keep track of and isolating the family, friends, and larger community of a 50-year-old man who died of COVID-19 on March 18. The victim, believed to be a medical technician, had returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia last week. He visited a local hospital after developing COVID-19 symptoms this week but remained at home until his condition deteriorated dramatically on March 18. He died that evening, and a laboratory in the capital, Islamabad, confirmed that he had contracted the novel coronavirus. Another victim, a 36-year-old man, also died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the same day. Authorities here appear to be not ready for dealing with this pandemic, Aneela Khalid, a journalist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas capital, Peshawar, told RFE/RLs Gandhara website. On March 19, she reported that some 20 family members and friends of the deceased had fled a government quarantine after authorities attempted to isolate them on a university campus the previous day. We spent the night sitting on bare floors. The kids kept on weeping because they were hungry, one of the relatives, whose name was not given, told Khalid. Nobody asked us about lunch today, and no doctors visited us. They eventually broke the quarantine and went back to their village, Manga. Authorities have now declared the village, home to an estimated 50,000 residents, under a lockdown. People I spoke to are not very clear about whether everyone will be staying in their homes, Khalid said. Muhammad Yahya Akhundzada, the health secretary or senior bureaucrat in charge of healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, says they are worried about Manga because the victim there had interacted widely with the community after returning from Umra, a visit to Islams holiest site in Mecca, on March 9. He had hosted a feast for the entire village after returning from Umra so had [close] contact with many people, Akhundzada told Radio Mashaal on March 19. He then met many more who visited him to congratulate him over performing the Umra. Akhundzada says they are trying to follow the World Health Organizations standard operational procedures to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. They are all in danger [of contracting the disease]. We will try to check everyone and test them so we can [ultimately] clear this village. The authorities have also quarantined a village in the provinces Dir district and a neighborhood in Peshawar. However, he acknowledges that dealing with the outbreak is challenging. This entire issue is very difficult to deal with, but we are going to test everyone who shows symptoms and will be treating them, he said. Some of the governments steps, however, have been met with criticism and resistance. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, teacher unions of four universities in Peshawar united in opposing establishing quarantine centers on campus grounds. We demand the authorities to establish quarantine centers away from population in the suburban areas, read a March 19 statement by the union. In the southwestern city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan Province, a mob ransacked and burned a newly established quarantine facility over fears it would prompt the spread of coronavirus in local communities. Islamabad is already facing criticism over mishandling the quarantine of thousands near the Taftan border crossing with Iran in Balochistan. Most of the countrys more than 440 confirmed coronavirus cases were traced to Tafta. Almost 240 Louisiana National Guard soldiers and airmen have been activated and are deployed to help with the state and local responses to the coronavirus, particularly in the New Orleans area. The guardsmen have been placed throughout the state to help set up test sites, provide medical support and aid local governments as they look for facilities that could accommodate an overflow of patients from area hospitals, Sgt. First Class Denis Ricou said. Guardsmen are also stationed as liaisons to various governments throughout the state, Ricou said. More than 100 of the activated guardsmen are helping set up the three testing sites around the New Orleans area at Armstrong Park, the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena and the Alario Center in Westwego, Ricou said. Once testing supplies arrive, the guardsmen will be involved in all stages of the process from gathering samples for the tests to assisting with traffic control, he said. National Guard arrival in New Orleans for coronavirus stokes rumors of martial law, officials call fears unfounded New Orleans-area elected officials spent much of their day Thursday fielding calls from nervous constituents and businesses over rumors the Lo In addition, the 225th Engineer Brigade has sent guardsmen to help evaluate buildings that could be used for additional hospital beds as the pandemic continues, Ricou said. New Orleans officials have said they're eyeing several options for such temporary facilities, including space in the old Veterans Affairs hospital. Guardsmen are also providing medical support and acting as conduits for information and requests from local governments and the state to the military, he said. The sight of guardsmen around the city has kicked the rumor mill into high gear in New Orleans. Ricou dismissed the idea that the guardsmen were there to enforce shelter-in-place orders or take other more extreme measures. "We dont move into somewhere and take charge," he said. "Everything we do is to assist the local state and parish agencies that are out there. Were a force multiplier for these different agencies." NEW CANAAN As William Pike was in his bed Wednesday at Norwalk Hospital, the Rev. Peter Walsh made an unusual call to give the 91-year-old his last rites by phone. I have done many creative pastoral things, but that was a first, said Walsh, of St. Marks Episcopal Church in New Canaan. In a span of less than 24 hours, Pike was one of two New Canaan residents to die from the coronavirus. A New Canaan man in his 80s, whose identity was not immediately released, died on Thursday. As Connecticuts confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed to more than 150 patients and three deaths as of late Thursday, the effects of the coronavirus took a firm grip on New Canaan. We are getting close to being beyond tracing, said New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan, who said he did not immediately know if the cases were related. On Thursday, Pikes family tried to focus on the many years that he lived and served his community. Pike, in his bed at Norwalk Hospital, received last rites from Walsh and final farewells from his family by phone before he died. Cathie Pike said her husband knew he was loved. He was a true gentleman, she said. Pike was preparing to leave for Florida when he began to feel ill on Feb. 29. He was taken to Norwalk Hospital by ambulance, his wife and his youngest son, Daniel, said Thursday. The family went to his bedside, and had what his family described as good visits last Sunday and Monday. They said Pike even sat up and watched TV. We thought he had pneumonia and would be coming home, Daniel Pike said. Last Tuesday, hospital officials notified Pikes family that he had COVID-19. The family has since been isolated, as has a clergy member from St. Marks who visited him. No one has exhibited symptoms as of Thursday evening. He was actually improving, Daniel Pike said of his father. But William Pikes condition took a sudden turn on Wednesday. The family contacted Walsh, and a nurse at Norwalk Hospital found a phone and held it for Pike to listen. I did last rites, then the family all had a moment to say they loved him, Walsh said. About 15 minutes after the family said its farewell, Daniel Pike said, his father died. Between my father going into the hospital and him passing away, the world changed, Daniel Pike said. Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus in Connecticut and the restrictions that have been put in place, Pike will not have a funeral, Walsh said. I think the only funerals possible now are very private funerals, he said. Once restrictions on crowds are lifted, Walsh said, St. Marks will celebrate the life of an incredible gentleman from the old school. Pike was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, received a masters degree in business administration from Harvard University and became a successful businessman, according to Prabook online. He was chairman of the credit policy committee at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company from 1974 to 1986; executive vice president at J.P. Morgan & Company from 1986 to 1989; and, more recently, director and trustee at Somat Corporation. Bill was a true gentleman and revered figure among his many friends and business colleagues on Wall Street, Moynihan said in a statement. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bills wife, Cathie, and her family. Pike was a leader at St. Marks Church and the New Canaan Mens Club. He was a well-known and beloved member of the congregation. Everybody knew him. We are going to miss him. I believe I saw him almost every Sunday, Selectman Kit Devereaux said. At the age of 90, Pike was elected to the Vestry at the church. Walsh recalled Pike saying it was not appropriate for him to be a candidate at his age. Bill got the most votes, Walsh said. He was something like EF Hutton, like the old ad, Walsh added. When Bill talked, people listened. Pike was on the board of the New Canaan Inn, and was a director and a vice president of the New Canaan Mens Club, formerly the Senior Mens Club. To me, he was one of the cornerstones of the organization, Mens Club President Roger Williams said. Always kind, always helpful, always pleasant, offering the thoughtful advice with that deep rich voice. He will be missed. New Canaan Councilman Steve Karl announced Pikes death Wednesday night, calling for a moment of silence at the conclusion of the Town Council meeting. One of the things I have gotten wrong over the past few years, an error I have come to regret, is my criticism of the California teachers union and the state education authorities in the matter of teachers charged with sexual misconduct involving students. The unions insist on maintaining a procedure that makes it very difficult to terminate a teacher accused of a crime but not yet convicted of it. Teachers are, in fact, routinely kept on paid leave during criminal proceedings. Californias public schools have seen a shocking amount of sexual abuse and misconduct by teachers. In one four-year period, some 600 teachers in the L.A. Unified School District alone were fired, resigned, or were facing sanctions because of inappropriate conduct with students. In response to one grotesque episode of abuse, the state took up the issue. As I wrote: In 2012, the Assembly considered a bill making it easier to fire teachers who sexually abuse students. Consider for a second that word easier should anything be easier than simply firing somebody who molests children? The bill was written in response to the case of a Los Angeles elementary-school teacher who was fired after being accused of sexually abusing his students, and who challenged his firing. Rather than act in accord with the horrifying details of the case, the school district paid the teacher $40,000 to drop his appeal. Thats small change compared with the $30 million settlement the district is paying to the teachers alleged victims as a result of the case, or, for that matter, compared with the $23 million bail requirement that is keeping teacher Mark Berndt behind bars as he awaits trial on 23 felony counts of gruesome sexual abuse. Against that background, making it easier to fire teachers facing credible accusations of sexual abuse seems like a pretty straightforward proposition. I am, in retrospect, embarrassed to see those words credible accusations in my column. The California Teachers Association at the time stated that the proposed law eliminated essential legal protections for teachers and that it believes the current system is an appropriate process. The CTA had it right, and I had it wrong. Story continues This old column came to mind while I was reading Sarah Virens horrifying essay in the New York Times about the smear campaign her family endured after cooked-up sexual-harassment allegations against her wife, a fellow academic. The essay should be read in its entirety, but the short version is this: When Viren was up for a plum academic posting at the University of Michigan, a man also in contention for the job a man she knew began filing anonymous sexual-harassment complaints against Virens wife, knowing that Viren would not be able to accept the job unless her wife could find a position at the university, too. The accusations grew more lurid and outrageous, and as in the UVARolling Stone episode, Lena Dunhams rape fabrications, and many of the accusations leveled against Brett Kavanaugh many of the specifics were obviously false, but they still fell within the universitys elastic definition of credible accusations. And the universitys Title IX office could not close the investigation as long as fresh credible accusations were coming in, which they did until Viren spent thousands of dollars hiring lawyers and subpoenaing email records to get to the truth. (Note to fraud artists: When setting up a phony email account, do not use your own telephone number for verification.) In the end, Michigan declined to offer Virens wife a position, and Viren was forced to abandon the offer they made to her. Viren does not make this accusation in her New York Times piece, but it is all too easy to imagine risk-averse (and cowardly) university administrators taking a where theres smoke, theres fire attitude toward a candidate. In Slate, a woman tells her story of being very brutally raped (and nearly strangled to death) and taking her case straight to . . . the mans boss. Not the police. The many variations on this story we have seen over the years do not require cataloguing here. Mark Berndt, the California teacher, was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. (Thats a pretty good deal for him he could have been sentenced to 345 years.) He is guilty. Sarah Virens wife is innocent. So is Brett Kavanaugh. So were those Duke lacrosse players and those Virginia fraternity members. There are a few things at work here. One is that the generations of people raised with the Internet and especially those of the generation shaped by the norms of social media have taken for granted that they may lob wild and false accusations against whomever they choose, for whatever reason they wish, without consequence, protected by anonymity. The same culture has produced an ethics tailor-made for precisely the kind of abuse we have seen: Lies are acceptable when they are used to counteract privilege, patriarchy, white supremacy, or any of the other convenient hobgoblins of the time. No doubt the man who made up those accusations in the Viren affair believed himself in the right and utterly entitled to do what he did. (He was, Viren reports, a gay man living unhappily in a conservative town.) That ethics naturally is accompanied by a rhetoric, which is used to disguise what actually is going on in any given interaction: Credible accusation means, in many cases, accusation against somebody I do not like and wish to see hurt; hold accountable means inflict personal harm on a rival; privilege means something that makes it harder to hurt this person than I would like for it to be; justice means slander. Another is that the very real institutional failings of police departments and prosecutors interact with a conspiratorial account of culture and institutions (the woke worldview is, at heart, a conspiracy theory) in a way that makes some people much more eager to embrace social-media slander as an avenue of justice than such old-fashioned methods as filing a police complaint after being very brutally raped. This is in turn exacerbated by the fact that the acts for which many people go seeking justice are not crimes. As Megan McArdle has very persuasively argued, one of the problems with the libertine-libertarian criterion of consent in sexual relations is that it leaves people without a moral language to describe other aspects of sexual encounters that leave them unhappy or feeling hard done-by. That is how sexual encounters that do not have any of the hallmarks of what traditionally has been meant by the word rape end up being recast as rape. This is not to say that there are not other forms of sexual misconduct other than forcible rape precisely the opposite, in fact. But it is difficult to balance that against the ethic of Anything goes, as long as everybody signs on the dotted line. And so we lurch from baroque new rules of etiquette to wild promiscuity, from the Marquess of Queensbury to the Marquis de Sade. Yet another factor, which I describe at some length in The Smallest Minority, is the emergence of employment (and, to a lesser extent, access to educational institutions and public forums) as an instrument of political and social discipline. Justine Sacco (Has Justine landed?) is the Patient Zero in that particular epidemic, which now reaches everywhere, from academia to Silicon Valley to journalism to Wall Street to publishing: Woody Allen has seen the publication of his memoirs canceled by Hachette which is, it bears noting, the publisher of Adolf Hitler. (A Hachette subsidiary brought out a new edition of Mein Kampf in 2017.) My own experience in that arena was a matter of public interest for a few days a couple of years back. What to do? One thing to do is to acknowledge that California Teachers Association had it right: A criminal conviction is the gold standard when it comes to criminal wrongdoing. Deans of students, human-resources departments, and Caitlyn on Twitter have no business adjudicating rape cases, or any other criminal cases, because they have no competency in the matter. We might further note that while the corruption and criminality of organized labor in the United States is undeniable, it is not the case that labor unions have to be that way: Compare our United Autoworkers to Germanys IG Metall. An organized countervailing force to balance the power employers hold over the lives of employees presents a host of obvious problems and potential dangers, but we should not ignore the soundness of the underlying principle even as we proceed clear-eyed about the practical realities and our historical experiences with labor unions. We should also apply a very steep discount to accusations that are made anonymously and to those (again, the Kavanaugh affair, but also the Clarence Thomas affair and others) that surface decades after the facts in question as a purely punitive measure directed against some person who has become prominent. We might also make it easier to recover legal expenses in defamation cases and encourage people to pursue them as a matter of the public interest. These would represent reforms that are admittedly modest, but they may be the best we can do while maintaining an open society with free speech. There is an extensive body of scholarship on the uses and potential of gossip as an instrument of social discipline. The general idea is that people value their reputations and their standings in their communities, and that gossip can be used as a sanction for transgressions that either do not rise to the level of criminal or civil action or are more effectively addressed through informal means. Many libertarian-leaning critics, myself included, have seen and still see great value in that as an alternative to litigating (or criminalizing) every source of social friction in a free, open, dynamic, and diverse society such as ours. But we should recognize that informal sanctions are at least as prone to abuse as formal ones, and give not one inch to the utopian temptation. And, of course, remind ourselves of the things we have been wrong about when we start to feel like we have it all figured out. More from National Review Owens said Wednesday he expected to hear in the next week or so whether the federal judge decided the federal court has jurisdiction over the case. If so, the suit the village filed would be put on hold, Owens said. (CNN) Governments and medical officials are scrambling to provide the public with accurate and timely information about the novel coronavirus. But those efforts are being undermined by the spread of medical misinformation and fake cures on one of the world's most popular messaging platforms. WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, is coming under renewed scrutiny over how it handles misinformation as the coronavirus pandemic rampages across the globe, infecting more than 200,000 people and killing over 8,000, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The platform is being used to spread messages that often contain a mixture of accurate and misleading claims that have been debunked by medical experts. The problem is now so acute that world leaders are urging people to stop sharing unverified information using the app. "I am urging everyone to please stop sharing unverified info on WhatsApp groups," Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Monday on Twitter. "These messages are scaring and confusing people and causing real damage. Please get your info from official, trusted sources." The misinformation often arrives on smartphones in messages that have been forwarded by a friend or relative, and includes information purportedly from a prominent doctor or a friend of a friend who works in government. Many of the messages mix sound advice, such as how to wash your hands properly, with misinformation. One false claim that is circulating: drinking warm water every 15 minutes will neutralize the coronavirus. Because WhatsApp messages are encrypted in a way that allows them to be seen only by the sender and recipient, public health officials and watchdog groups are struggling to track the spread of coronavirus misinformation. WhatsApp itself does not monitor the flow of messages on the platform. "It is clear ... that a lot of false information continues to appear in the public sphere. In particular, we need to understand better the risks related to communication on end-to-end encryption services," European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, who oversees the bloc's efforts to fight disinformation, said in a statement Tuesday. WhatsApp says it has taken steps to curb misinformation, it is donating to fact checking groups and users can forward messages to special accounts that can verify information. "There are over a dozen [local fact checkers] so far, and we want more to be able to do their important work so rumors are identified and countered," Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, said Wednesday on Twitter. WhatsApp is promoting the fact checking organizations and health ministries on Facebook, with free and special clickable ads that pull up a new WhatsApp chat with the corresponding organization. Jourova welcomed the new measures but suggested more needs to be done to address the issue of misinformation. "WhatsApp has informed the Commission about some measures it put in place to limit the spread of disinformation, but most of the problematic content seems to be the so-called organic content, i.e. generated by users themselves," she said. Misinformation spreads In recent days, CNN Business has seen multiple versions of a message with information purportedly from medical professionals concerning four young people infected with coronavirus who had been taking anti inflammatory drugs. In one version, written in English, the young people are hospitalized in Cork, Ireland. In another, written in Hebrew, they are in Toulouse, France. Medical officials in both cities have dismissed the story of the four young people as fake. (For more on anti inflammatory drugs and coronavirus, click here.) One popular but incorrect theme is that "hot fluids neutralize the virus, so avoid drinking ice water," or that drinking water every 15 to 20 minutes will flush the virus to your stomach where it will be killed by acid. An image spread on WhatsApp and other platforms shows an illustration of a human head and throat. The accompanying message, written in Spanish, claims that drinking a lot of water and gargling with salt or vinegar will eliminate the virus. "Spread this information because you could save someone," it says. Medical experts and the World Health Organization say that while staying hydrated is important, drinking hot or cold water, or gargling, does not prevent the coronavirus infection. Other messages sent on WhatsApp have warned that countries will go on lockdown and that people need to stock up on supplies. In the United States, the messages claim the lockdown is part of the "Stafford Act" and that people should "stock up on whatever you guys need to make sure you have a two week supply of everything." The US National Security Council tweeted that this message is fake. While similar messages are being shared via text and on other social media, their proliferation on WhatsApp and the difficulty in stopping them makes the service an outlier compared to sister platforms Facebook and Instagram, which have taken more robust and direct efforts to combat coronavirus misinformation. (All three platforms are owned by Facebook.) How to stop the spread WhatsApp, which compares itself to traditional SMS text services instead of social media platforms, encrypts conversations, meaning they only live on users' phones. Though encryption is seen as a plus for security, WhatsApp is blind to what's being said in messages and that makes it difficult to police or moderate content. On Facebook, third party fact checkers hunt down misinformation, and when they mark something as false, users are shown a message that directs them to a correcting or clarifying post before they are permitted to share the misinformation. Cristina Tardaguila, associate director of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), suggested last week that WhatsApp could include a message asking people "are you sure this is true?" before they send a message related to coronavirus. But Carl Woog, a WhatsApp spokesperson, told CNN Business that it's not something the platform would be able to do because WhatsApp is encrypted, and that "passing remote judgment on deciding what can be sent and not be sent in a real time message would be unprecedented" for a text or SMS service. Aviv Ovadya, founder of the Thoughtful Technology Project, pointed out on Twitter that WhatsApp has developed prompts for when users are sent suspicious website links. But the misinformation about the coronavirus shared on WhatsApp is often in plain text form. WhatsApp has made efforts to assist health officials in getting accurate information to the public. On Wednesday, the company announced it had donated $1 million to the IFCN, launched a coronavirus information page and said it would help organizations like the WHO and UNICEF provide messaging hotlines for people around the world. Health ministries in countries such as Israel, Singapore, South Africa and Indonesia are already providing updates directly on WhatsApp, through automated accounts. Last year, WhatsApp imposed limits on how many times a message could be forwarded, after viral hoax messages in India contributed to more than a dozen lynchings in 2018. Users can now only forward one message to five chats, and group sizes are limited to 256 members. Woog said these measures have decreased forwards on the service by 25%. Ultimately experts say some of the best ways to counter misinformation are public education, teaching people about the coronavirus and how to be smart consumers of information. But when asked whether WhatsApp would consider sending a mass message to all users, urging them to seek accurate information from official sources, Woog said it's not something they're technically able or planning to do. "We believe the most important thing we can do is to empower health ministries and doctors to engage with citizens and patients right on WhatsApp," said Woog. This story was first published on CNN.com "Facebook has a coronavirus problem. It's WhatsApp" By John Miller EMS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Britain faces a "massive shortage" of ventilators that will be needed to treat critically ill patients suffering from coronavirus, after it failed to invest enough in intensive care equipment, a leading ventilator manufacturer said on Wednesday. "England is very poorly equipped," said Andreas Wieland, chief executive of Hamilton Medical in Switzerland, which says it is the world's largest ventilator maker. "They're going to have a massive shortage, once the virus really arrives there," he told Reuters in an interview. Ventilators, running in the thousands of dollars per unit, are used to help people with respiratory difficulties to breathe. They are high-tech versions of the "iron lungs" that kept people alive into the 1950s during fierce polio epidemics. Worldwide, the devices have become shorthand for the rapid advance of the disease -- and the desperation of officials who fear their stocks are inadequate. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the 3,000 devices in his state where 20 people have died are a fraction of what he'd like to have. "The entire world is trying to buy ventilators," Cuomo said, according to a transcript published on Wednesday, adding he is hoping to tap a U.S. federal government stockpile. Germany's Draegerwerk last week got a government order for 10,000, equal to a typical year's production. Wieland's company in the Swiss Alps has boosted normal production of some 15,000 ventilators annually by 30-40% and now can produce about 80 ventilators daily. He has shifted his 1,400 employees to seven-day work weeks as well as borrowed workers from other companies in the Rhine River valley where his two-year-old ventilator plant is located. Last week, Hamilton Medical shipped 400 ventilators to Italy, whose intensive care units have been overwhelmed by more than 35,000 cases of the rapidly spreading virus and almost 3,000 deaths. About 50% of those with coronavirus in Italy accepted into intensive care units are dying, compared with typical mortality rates of 12% to 16% in such units. Wieland said a similar outbreak in Britain, now with more than 2,600 cases and about 100 deaths, would swamp the system there, too. Story continues "They are not well equipped with ventilators and intensive care stations," he said. "They invested very little, and I think now they will pay the price." UK health minister Matt Hancock has acknowledged the existing stock of 5,000 ventilators is inadequate. "NO NUMBER TOO HIGH" "We think we need many times more than that and we are saying if you produce a ventilator then we will buy it," he said earlier this week. "No number is too high." Wieland said he was in "close contact" with UK medical leaders and aimed to prioritize shipments there soon, though for now Italy was taking precedence. But he also has orders from the United States, Turkey, France and China, where in January he stocked up on components in anticipation of rising demand as the virus spread from its origins in Wuhan. The UK's Intensive Care Society, an organization of medical professionals, did not immediately return emails and phone calls from Reuters seeking comment on the nation's readiness for a possible explosion of coronavirus cases. A "We are likely to need more," a National Health Service spokesman told Reuters. "Engineers have already been tasked with developing plans to produce more ventilators in the UK, at speed." Hamilton CEO Wieland is skeptical, however, of the British government's recent call for manufacturers from other industries including Ford, Honda and Rolls Royce to help make equipment including ventilators. "I wish them the best of luck," Wieland said. "I do not believe anything will come of it. These devices are very complex. It takes us four to five years" to develop a new product. (Reporting by John Miller in Ems, Andrew MacAskill in London; Editing by Mark Potter and Chizu Nomiyama) Slain Philadelphia Police Cpl. James OConnor IV has been posthumously promoted to sergeant, Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday, and his handcuffs were used to formally arrest the man accused of killing him inside a Frankford rowhouse last week. Murder and related charges against Hassan Elliott, 21, were expected to be filed Wednesday, Outlaw and Lt. Jason Hendershot said at a news conference outside Police Headquarters. OConnor and fellow SWAT officers were seeking to arrest Elliott on a murder warrant Friday when Elliott allegedly began firing a rifle through a closed door inside his apartment, fatally striking OConnor in an arm and shoulder, police have said. Outlaw delivered her remarks while surrounded by members of OConnors family, nearly all of whom work in law enforcement. OConnors father was a Philadelphia police officer for four decades, his son serves in the citys Sixth District, his daughter-in-law serves in the 35th District, and his daughter is a military police officer in the Air Force, said Staff Inspector Sekou Kinebrew, a police spokesperson. Outlaw said OConnor is and will always be a hero in every sense of the word. Even though a lot of us here are still continuing on, we do that to make sure that we continue to pay our respects and honor the ultimate sacrifice that was paid by our colleague, she said. Hendershot said Elliott who has been in custody since Fridays shooting was formally arrested for OConnors killing Wednesday by his arms being placed into OConnors handcuffs. He was expected to be arraigned on the new charges and related counts later Wednesday, according to Hendershot. Authorities have said Elliott and three other men were holed up in a bedroom in a second-floor apartment on the 1600 block of Bridge Street when OConnor and other officers arrived before dawn to arrest Elliott on a warrant in a March 2019 homicide. Elliott began firing through the door as OConnor climbed the stairs, police have said. One officer returned fire, striking an associate of Elliotts, Khalif Sears, and another man in a different bedroom. Six occupants of the apartment were taken into custody, although prosecutors said Tuesday that they were primarily investigating Elliott and the three men in the bedroom with him: Sears, 18; Bilal Mitchell, 19; and Sherman Easterling, 24. All were in custody, although Elliott is the only person so far facing charges in OConnors death. This investigation is far from over, Hendershot said. Were not done. OConnors relatives did not speak at the news conference. His funeral has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the correct police district where Sgt. James OConnor IVs son works. It is the Sixth District. Welcome to Source Notes, a Future Tense column about the internets knowledge ecosystem. When Wikipedia editors describe the challenges they face in producing coronavirus articles for the free internet encyclopedia, they bring up two main themes: novelty and speed. Clearly the rapid expansion of the pandemic and the justified general concern makes it impossible to write a stable article, Graham Beards, a Wikipedia editor, said. Beards is a retired consultant virologist for the NHS in the United Kingdom who in recent weeks has been actively editing and monitoring the Wikipedia articles for the 201920 coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 (the infectious disease itself), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing the disease). Everyone has an opinion and the lack of reliable sources, which [are] the bedrock of our medical articles on Wikipedia, does not help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the World Health Organization characterized the spread of the coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11, the disease and outbreak topics on English Wikipedia have averaged 1 million page views per day, resulting in more than 50 million views so far this year. And thats not counting the traffic for the 200-plus other coronavirus-related pages on English Wikipediadetailing subjects ranging from conspiracy theories about the disease to the status of COVID-19 vaccine researchor articles about the pandemic in more than 100 non-English-language editions of Wikipedia. While Wikipedia is not generally thought of as a source for breaking news, it is enjoying a prolonged period of favorable press coverage. Especially since 2016, journalists have been praising the sites editors for their efforts to fend off lies and misinformation on the web. In a feature article for Fast Company earlier this month, Alex Pasternack praised the encyclopedias volunteers as good-hearted people who care about a shared reality and defeat[ing] all the b.s. out there. Advertisement Advertisement Many of the volunteers are excellent people, yes. They are also working incredibly hard to produce thousands of daily edits about COVID-19 to keep the information up to date yet free from misinformation. But generosity and hard work are not all that good coverage requires. Wikipedians are also operating within an extensive framework of editorial policies, guidelines, and norms. And the application of those rules to something unprecedented like the coronavirus pandemic is not always so clear-cut. Advertisement Take the principle of open editing: Over its nearly 20-year history, Wikipedia has billed itself as the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. At press time, more than 2,100 editors have contributed to the pandemics main Wikipedia article. The page itself falls under the domain of WikiProject Medicine, a group of editors dedicated to improving the sites medical articles. But there is no requirement that the editors who are working on the page for the pandemic have any sort of medical training or credential. Thats because Wikipedia famously doesnt require any editor to disclose their CV or personal information, or even whether they are human. (Wikipedias predecessor Nupedia did require that editors have subject matter expertise in order to work on an article. But that project developed too slowly, closing in September 2003 with only 24 articles finished and 74 in development.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If nobody cares about your credentials, does that mean that anybody can edit articles about the coronavirus on Wikipedia? Not quite. The Wikipedia article on the pandemic itself is semiprotected, meaning that unregistered users are restricted from editing, as are editors who have not had an account for more than four days. Meanwhile, Wikipedias database of coronavirus cases and deaths has been locked down with extended confirmed protection, a measure thats usually only applied to the most highly contentious topics, like the Gaza Strip and Hunter Biden. An article with extended confirmed protection can only be edited by experienced users, those with more than 500 edits and accounts more than 30 days old. Advertisement Advertisement When I asked Wikipedia editor and emergency physician James Heilman about the level of protection for the coronavirus articles, he emphasized that the intent was not to lock down the content so that it can only be edited by medical experts. Its moreso that you have a good understanding of Wikipedia policy, including the basics like always having a reference, he said. Still, the careful use of technological restrictions shows how far Wikipedia has come from its earliest days, when the site was noted for its authorial anarchy. Were restricting this to those with Wikipedia expertise, Heilman said. Advertisement Advertisement Even within this group of experienced Wikipedians, there are spirited arguments about how the sites policies should apply to a topic thats developing so quickly and touching so many lives. For instance, last week editors debated whether Wikipedia should use coronavirus statistics published by Johns Hopkins University or Worldometer: As a highly regarded medical research institution, Johns Hopkins was arguably the more reliable source, and using Hopkins would be keeping with Wikipedias reliability guideline. But at the time, Johns Hopkins was only updating its stats intermittently, whereas real-time stats site Worldometer updated every five minutes. Heilman framed his favoring of Worldometer to me like this: Is something thats an hour old wrong? (At press time, the Wikipedia community seems to have landed on using Worldometer for most countries.) Advertisement Advertisement Whats the difference between a journalist and an encyclopedist who are both chronicling a pandemic in real time? Along with debating the quality of different sources, Wikipedians have long found true-false distinctions to be overly simplistic. A popular maxim among Wikipedians is verifiability, not truth. Heres an example: It may well be that Avi Schiffmann, the 17-year-old self-taught coder from Seattle, is providing the most accurate coronavirus stats on his popular site. In other words, Schiffmans site could be the truth. But until the community of Wikipedia editors is convinced that Schiffmans information is verifiablemeaning the most authoritative and trustworthyhis site is unlikely to be accepted as a credible source that should be added to Wikipedia. When editors are not updating stats, they are trying to share qualitative information about the new disease. With all the media coverage of the coronavirus, its difficult to remember how little was known as recently as January. The Wikipedia editor who goes by Whispyhistory, a doctor from south London, told me that when she first started editing the topic on Jan. 6, the editors described the novel disease only as an atypical pneumonia of unknown origin that was connected to a wet market in the Wuhan province of China. As more information has come to light, Whispyhistory has continued to be a prolific editor on the coronavirus-related pages. She says the process has not been without frustrations, like the edit conflict error messages that pop up because multiple editors are simultaneously editing the same section of the Wikipedia page. And in recent days, Whispyhistory hasnt been able to spend as much time editing Wikipedia, due to a spike in the number of patient consultations and changes in her ways of working. I havent seen this intensity of demand for a long time, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked a few editors with medical backgrounds how the experience of editing articles about the coronavirus differed from doing so for previous outbreaks. Beards and Heilman edited extensively during the 2014 Ebola outbreakHeilman even reduced his hours in the emergency room at the time so that he could devote more time to the topics Wikipedia pagebut neither thought that situation was comparable to this. Heilman said: Ebola was always very distant for 99 percent of the world. This is completely different. We all consider that this global pandemic will reach us. Another difference is that, as a disease, Ebola was well-known before the 2014 outbreak, giving Wikipedia editors time to stabilize an English version of the article that could then be translated for other languages. Beards predicted that, breaking news aside, the coronavirus-related Wikipedia articles would be quite different in a years time, as more rock-solid sources from medical journals become available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the midst of the fast-paced editing, some Wikipedians are thinking about the role that the project is playing during this crisis. Last week, William Beutler made a persuasive case on his blog, the Wikipedian, that there should be a dedicated space on Wikipedias front page for coronavirus news that would easily catch readers attention. Like it or not, Wikipedia is in a unique position to point information-hungry citizens around the world to better information than they can find almost anywhere else, Beutler wrote. On Monday Wikipedia updated its front page with the new coronavirus news feature in line with Beutlers suggestion. But the debate between editors about the proposal was contentious. Highlighting news about the pandemic arguably goes against another of the sites content policies: Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and not a newspaper. Then again, that distinction raises tricky questions, like, whats the difference between a journalist and an encyclopedist who are both chronicling a pandemic in real time? Advertisement Advertisement Rather than going down that particular rabbit hole, however, its probably better to highlight how the information about the coronavirus on Wikipedia is truly serving the reading public, or as some volunteer editors jokingly put it, the customer. Personally, I appreciate English Wikipedias category table, which neatly organizes English Wikipedias 200-plus articles about the subject. These pages are neatly grouped by subtopics, like the financial impact of the coronavirus or its effect on tourism. Overall, the way the Wikipedians have been organizing the information and summarizing it reminds me of a high school history textbookexcept that this one is being written in real time, with thousands of authors making thousands of changes. Meanwhile, at least one Wikipedian has shifted a portion of his attention away from the encyclopedia and toward another key player in the coronavirus-knowledge ecosystem: the World Health Organization, which has published proprietary videos and explainers about COVID-19 on its website. Basically, Heilman wants WHO to open up and collaborate with Wikipedia. Ive been working on WHO for nearly 10 years to try to get them to release their content under an open license, he said, and I think Im really close. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. The Massachusetts National Guard is activating up to 2,000 members to assist the state in its response to the coronavirus, an official confirmed Thursday. The activation takes effect Thursday, said Don Veitch, public information officer of the Massachusetts National Guard. Veitch said he didnt know exactly what the guardsmen will assist the state with, where their efforts will be concentrated or how many of the 2,000 will be called upon at first. Veitch said he expects to learn more about the assignment Friday. National Guard members will be tasked with helping state agencies with equipment, logistics, warehousing and related duties, Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement Thursday afternoon. He said the move will bolster the supply chain to help the state fight the outbreak. Activating the National Guard will help support our administrations efforts to keep residents safe and secure during the COVID-19 outbreak, said Baker, a Republican. The expertise of the Massachusetts National Guard will benefit our communities with logistical support and other assistance as we continue to respond to this crisis. Municipalities and state agencies should submit requests for support to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Baker said. An activation of the Guard does not mean the state is in lockdown, but rather it is a response to the growing need for manpower across the state as the virus continues to spread. The Massachusetts National Guard, which has 8,200 members, has previously assisted the state with other emergencies, including the response to the Merrimack Valley explosions that displaced hundreds and winter storms that wreaked havoc in Boston in 2015. The guard members were also called to assist the state with the response to the Cape Cod tornado in July that left tens of thousands without power. More than two dozen states have activated assistance from guardsmen, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The chief of the National Guard Bureau said earlier Thursday that altogether, 2,050 soldiers and airmen had been activated nationwide, separate from those expected to be activated in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is now up to 328 coronavirus cases, according to the state Department of Public Health. After the outbreaks were declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, Massachusetts officials took steps to reduce crowds across the state. Baker banned crowds of 25 or more people Sunday in one of several executive orders issued in response to the global public health crisis. Health care workers have sounded the alarm about the shortage of testing supplies, gloves, face masks and other equipment for weeks. Donna Kelly-Williams, a nurse and the president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, sent a letter to Baker Wednesday warning that tests were not widely available and that facilities have recommended that nurses reuse Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) without taking the proper safety requirements because they do not have enough supplies. Nurses continue to be concerned about capacity to treat the potential influx of individuals with COVID-19, Kelly-Williams wrote. After years of closures of beds, units and hospitals, and reductions in frontline health care staff, hospitals lack the space and staff to deal with an unprecedented outbreak of this highly contagious virus. This puts patients, health care workers, and the general public at risk. Some drive-up sites have launched to test patients who have symptoms and were in contact with someone who has coronavirus or who traveled to a country severely affected by the outbreak, but they often require appointments and a doctors note. The association called for more drive-up testing throughout the state. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Related Content: Comment on this story on MassLives Facebook page The Albany Police Department has arrested a suspect on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in North Albany on Tuesday. On Wednesday afternoon in Benton County Circuit Court, Ryan Scott Williams, 21, of Albany, pleaded not guilty through his court appointed defense attorney, Clark Willes. Judge Joan Demarest ordered Williams held without bail. Willes, asked for a release hearing to address security, and that was scheduled for three hours on April 6. According to a news release from the Albany Police Department, Glenn Colvin, 50, died of an apparent gunshot wound. Colvin was the fiance of Williams' mother, and Colvin was living with Williams, his mother and his sister in the 1800 block of Laura Vista Drive NW, according to court paperwork. Police responded to a report of a shooting at the residence at 12:48 a.m. on Tuesday. According to a probable cause affidavit in the case, the neighbor who called 911 early Tuesday morning reported that a naked male was on her porch saying that he had been sexually assaulted at gunpoint. Williams told authorities that, at some point during the assault, Colvin dropped the revolver he had been pointing at Williams, and Williams was able to grab it. Williams added that he shot Colvin twice in order to incapacitate him and prevent him from harming him or his mother and sister, who were in Medford at the time. Colvin was found lying on his back in bed, the affidavit states. Williams has no criminal history in Oregon, according to the states online court database. The charge of second-degree murder is a new crime in Oregon that went into law in January. Certain egregious factors are necessary for a first-degree murder or aggravated murder charge. Wednesday's brief court hearing, held via teleconference with the Benton County Jail, was marred by audio difficulties. But the courtroom, jail staff and Williams were patient throughout the static and other issues. The Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police Criminal Laboratory are assisting with the investigation. Those with information about the case should call the Albany Police Department detective unit at 541-917-7686. Kyle Odegard can be contacted at 541-812-6077 or kyle.odegard@lee.net. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has announced she is closing the states public beaches, both public and private, as of 5 p.m. today because of the coronavirus pandemic. The term beach means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points. The order also addressed further restriction on gatherings and restaurant and bar operations. Despite our best efforts, the threat of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread and, unfortunately, we have not yet reached peak impact," Ivey said in a prepared statement Thursday afternoon along with the state health officer. The decision to place regulations upon Alabamians living in Jefferson County and its surrounding counties was an effort to contain the area in which the virus has been prevalent in our state. As of this morning, 68 individuals have tested positive for the Coronavirus in Alabama. While I am pleased that many of our citizens are self-regulating and are practicing social distancing, we want to ensure that Alabama is doing our part to flatten the curve," Ivey stated. Closing Alabama beaches is not a simple decision but one that I came to with the consultation of our elected officials along the coast and members of my administration. After many rounds of conversations with local leaders, in which we discussed several options, I have decided to close beach access in any form. Since we do not want to promote social gatherings, keeping the beaches open sends the wrong message to the public. At this moment, the safety and wellbeing of Alabamians is paramount. In addition, we rely heavily upon our first responders and critical healthcare workers to help those who are ill, as well as essential state government employees to keep the continuity of government, and many of them struggle with dependent childcare if daycares close. As a result, I have asked the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Alabama Department of Public Health to explore emergency rulemaking to make critical exemptions to allow for daycare to be provided for these areas of crucial personnel. My administration and all the services of state government are going to be as flexible as humanly possible to help make your government work for you during the coming days and weeks. I want to the thank the people of our great state for their continued patience and for taking great care of themselves and each other during this pandemic. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said We understand that the health orders issued will be a hardship on Alabamians. We must, first and foremost, protect the health and safety of our citizens. This decision has not been made lightly and will help to prevent the spread of this virus. Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft had already ordered the citys public beaches closed at 7 a.m. on Friday. The Baldwin County Commission, during a meeting Thursday morning in Robertsdale, voted to close the public access points to the beaches in the countys unincorporated areas. That includes mostly access points to the beaches in unincorporated Fort Morgan. The Baldwin County Commission also planned to ask Ivey to close the beaches the state controls. Ivey had said on Wednesday that a decision was under consideration. Crushing footage captures a policeman telling his three children they still have to attend lessons despite the UK school closures that commence tomorrow. The disappointing news was revealed to Abigail, 11, Lilly, 9, and Liam, 7, yesterday, receiving a variety of reactions with Lilly being reduced to tears. The Hampshire police officer is part of the 'key workers' who are unable to have time off work during the coronavirus outbreak. The three children were told that, as of tomorrow, there will be no school for three weeks amid the coronavirus crisis. They cheered before being told the disappointing news The video shows the policeman telling his children: 'So as of Friday, there is no more school for three weeks.' The three siblings cheer before he continues: 'But, the rule is that because I'm in the police, you lot do have to go to school. I'm not lying, that is the rule. 'There's probably only going to be you and one other family going to school next week.' The children look shocked before Lilly breaks down into tears and leaves the room, while her parent tries to reassure her by saying she will get to see her favourite teacher. The man who filmed the footage said: 'I'm a serving police officer so I can't have time off at the minute. 'My wife works full time from home but can't care for the children and work at the same time, especially as everywhere seems to be closing so there is nowhere to take them to keep them entertained. 'The school seem to be on it and have sent out emails today but they are still waiting to find out the specifics from the government like everyone else.' The kids have had some time to come to terms with having to attend classes while their friends will be at home. The siblings appeared shocked as their father, a policeman, explained they will still have to attend lessons as he is one of the 'key workers' who are unable to have time off One of the children, Lilly, 9, broke down into tears and left the room after hearing the devastating news, but the father reassured her she could still see her favourite teacher The policeman added: 'They're doing okay, I would say they were devastated initially but we've explained that hopefully, it will be fun and that they will be doing something different. 'I think they think it's all a bit of an adventure at the minute! My eldest Abigail is due to sit her SATs exams this summer so she is upset as she's been trying really hard, but as parents, we can't really give her an answer if she is going to be sitting them or not. 'You might have heard me say to Lily that she'll get to see Mr Saunders for another week. He is her favourite teacher and really does an amazing job. 'All the teachers at the school have been great, but he's definitely the one that the kids look forward to seeing.' It follows Boris Johnson announcing that NHS workers, police officers and supermarket delivery drivers will all be eligible for childcare provision, but the government is yet to publish a planned full list of key worker professions. The Prime Minister's pledge to provide the childcare descended into chaos and confusion as parents who who are helping to keep the country running were rejected from the emergency scheme. Parents now potentially face six months with their children at home while trying to juggle their jobs. Headteachers and nursery managers across the UK are today taking a roll call of all people who believe they need a place for their child or children while they keep working over the coming months. But schools are using their social media accounts to warn parents that couples must both be key workers to be eligible. If not, one will be expected to stay at home with the children, probably until September at the earliest. Single parents who work in the NHS or for the police, for example, will get a place. GLENS FALLS The new coronavirus is forcing Catholics to give up much of their religion for an unknown period of time. Mass is canceled. They cant get the Eucharist. But, at St. Marys Roman Catholic Church, they will be able to do confession. The Rev. Tom Morrette is setting up a confessional in the parking lot every Saturday, starting March 28. It will consist of a pop-up tent with a sheet. Parishioners will drive up, one by one, and roll down their window. The priest, on the other side of the sheet, will hear the confessions probably standing for hours at a time. I saw a picture of somebody hearing confessions outside, I think it was in Italy, Morrette said. I said perfect! It meets all the (CDC) guidelines. We think its a safe way to still get one of our sacraments to our people. He cant do anything about the lack of Mass and the Eucharist. It is very hard for all Catholics to not get to Mass, he said. He has reassured people that God is everywhere. But we cant get the Eucharist anywhere. Thats the really hard part, he said. Its a difficult situation, but of course it makes great sense. A member of a synagogue in New York City unknowingly spread the virus to many by attending services. A Washington, D.C. priest also spread it by giving out Eucharist and doing his normal pastoral care shaking hands, hugging people before he knew he was ill. All that has taught religious leaders to be careful. People are finding it hard, but theyre cooperating because they understand, Morrette said. Were going to continue to encourage people to pray at home. The good thing about our faith is God is everywhere. As for him, hes already a bit depressed at the idea of not celebrating Easter. It is April 12, a week before most schools in the area currently plan to reopen. A New York City priest friend told him they are getting some vibes that the Easter services, and the weeklong series of services that lead up to it, will be canceled. Those are the highlight of our faith! he said. That is hard. That is very hard. Hes already getting himself ready to accept it, although he hopes it wont come to that. If it has to be done, it has to be done, he said. He is taking comfort from the churchs long history of surviving plagues, including the Black Death. The church and society has been through so many difficult times, through bubonic plagues and theres a long history of Catholic saints who have ministered through plagues at various times in history, he said. Thats important to him because he plans to continue to administer Last Rites to the dying, whether or not they have the virus. The good thing is that most priests are schooled for not running away from a tragedy. Were schooled for that, he said. Well put a face mask on and latex gloves. We want to have access to the dying and their needs. He is also preparing to do face-to-face counseling with those who need help during this crisis. We anticipate that, too. Right now people are getting adjusted at home, he said. But they will start calling soon, he expects. Were probably able to meet with people, provided were in a big room and its one on one, he said. We wont take unnecessary risks. Thats why were not visiting people at home. He wants to be careful not to accidentally spread the virus to elderly parishioners at their homes. The church will continue its food pantry but has changed the way food is distributed, to keep people safely 6 feet apart. The pantry is open every Friday and he expects more people than normal to show up, because so many people have lost their jobs with all the required business closures In these critical times the need for food might be greater than it has been, he said. We do need food donations dropped off at the church at this time. Parishioners have volunteered to distribute the food and expand the pantry. Rather than run away from it they ran toward it, he said. Since he no longer sees the congregation in person, he sent out a long letter with prayers, explanations of new times and programs like the parking lot confessional and encouragement. Well get through it, he said. You can reach Kathleen Moore at 742-3247 or kmoore@poststar.com. Follow her on Twitter @ByKathleenMoore or at her blog on www.poststar.com. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Karnataka to undertake Triaging: What does it mean and how do you pronounce it Second positive case of coronavirus reported in Andhra Pradesh India oi-Madhuri Adnal Amaravati, Mar 19: The second positive case of coronavirus was on Thursday reported in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total to two. A person who returned to the state from England on March 15 tested positive for the deadly virus, the state Health Department has said. "The youngster has been admitted to an isolation ward in RIMS at Ongole and his condition is stable," the department said in a release. The youngster, who left London on March 12, reached Ongole on March 15 and was admitted to the government hospital after he complained of fever, cough and cold. His blood sample was sent to the virology lab in Tirupati where it tested positive. On March 12, another person who returned to his native Nellore from Italy was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in AP. He is currently in isolation in the government hospital in Nellore. Coronavirus: The latest Health Ministry advisory on social distancing According to Special Chief Secretary (Health) K S Jawahar Reddy, the department has said the blood sample of the first confirmed case in the state would be tested again after the end of the 14-day period and discharged. Of the total 109 samples sent for examination, 94 tested negative. While two were positive, result of the remaining 13 was awaited, he added. Few can forget the words of Tony Blairs government aide hours after the World Trade Center was destroyed on 9/11. It is now a very good day to get out anything we want to bury, wrote Jo Moore. Donald Trump obviously thought the same thing. As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps over America, he has ordered US troops to abandon three vital military bases in Iraq to spare them further attacks from Iranian-supported Iraqi Shia fighters. Trump has always boasted of the need for withdrawals but this was a retreat. The official line that the US was repositioning [sic] troops from a few smaller bases was almost as laughable as the final US marine abandonment of Beirut in 1984 after months under fire from Shia militias. Almost four decades ago, the Americans said they were redeploying to ships offshore. As in Napoleons redeployment from Moscow. Or the British redeployment from Dunkirk. Now US forces are going to reposition from their bases at al-Qaim, Qayyarah and the K-1 base near Kirkuk in Iraq. As in George Washingtons repositioning from Brooklyn Heights in 1776, I suppose, or the British repositioning from Kabul in 1842. Back in 1984, President Reagan said the Americans would not cut and run from Lebanon. But they did. In January this year, Trump said of Iraq: If we leave, that would mean that Iran would have a much bigger foothold [sic]. He was trying to smother a letter written by Marine Corps Brigadier General William Seely who had just told the truth about US strategy to the deputy director of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, Major General Abdul Amir. The US led coalition, Seely had told his Iraqi opposite number, will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement. Whoops! Generals are not always expected to tell the truth. Seely, obviously an honest guy, didnt shy away from the facts. But the Pentagon did. The letter, claimed Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Mark Milley called Seelys letter a mistake. It was, he said, poorly worded and implied withdrawal which he said was not happening. Now we know that it is indeed happening. Withdrawal is exactly what Seely meant. Far from being poorly worded, Seelys letter was all too accurate. But that, I guess, is a soldiers life under Trump. Tell the truth, and the liar in the White House will have you slapped down before proving that you were honest all along. The retreat from al-Qaim, French news footage reveals, is a rather scrappy affair, American soldiers furling dust-covered tents beside long forgotten Iraqi railway goods trains derailed in the fighting fifteen years ago. Scarcely three years ago, the US troops here and the Iraqis based alongside them had been fighting the apocalyptic Isis. Outside, the Shia Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) whose allied Kataib Hezbollah and al-Totof Brigades had also been fighting the same jihadis liaised with the Americans against Isis via the Iraqi army. They were supported, of course, by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. A reporter for the BBCs Persian service visited al-Qaim 15 months ago and noticed how the surrounding countryside was now emblazoned with PMF flags. There were occasional attacks against the Americans, and then folly of follies for the US military in Iraq since they were all supposed to be training the Iraqi army which now embraced the PMF Trump, the great commander-in-chief who would never retreat from Iraq, decided to assassinate the Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani And, perhaps even more stupidly, to wipe out, along with Soleimani, the deputy head of the PMF, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Thus did the Pentagon kill or murder, since drones are now the liquidators of choice when Americas enemies are chosen for death the leader of the most prominent militia within the Iraqi army whose men, hitherto, surrounded the US bases. All further attacks on the Americans must be seen in the light of the deaths of these two men. An American mercenary was killed. Then two American soldiers and one British soldier at the Taji base (not yet on the retreat list). The Americans staged air strikes against the Kataib Hezbollah, killing more than two dozen of their men. A rocket attack seriously wounded 34 Americans all suffered traumatic brain injuries, according to the Pentagon but Trump said not a single soldier had been hurt. I heard they had headaches, he later remarked. If a US president can dismiss so blithely the injuries of his own military forces, of course, he can just as easily close a base or two. Or three. To add further injury and death to insult, the Americans then attacked Kerbala airport, under construction for future pilgrims to the Shia shrine and other sites across Iraq, killing three government soldiers from the Iraqi armys 19th Commando Division, two policemen and a civilian. The keepers of the shrine itself, sacred to the Imams Hussein and Abbas, condemned this assault, and the Iraqi foreign ministry filed a complaint to the UN Security Council. The Americans claimed that Shia militia weapons had been stored at the airport site. Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, would threaten that America will not tolerate attacks but nor, it seems, will the Shia militias tolerate more attacks. They, after all, would not be repositioning. The Americans would. And when a US defence department official told the BBC that the proximity of the leading Shia militia to the al-Qaim base was a key factor within the calculation of the decision to move forces elsewhere, you knew the Americans had lost. But in the topsy-turvy world of Trumpland, its another victory. Like the US-Taliban agreement this month to pull American troops out of Afghanistan, 8,500 of them within 135 days in return for a promise from their guerrilla enemies of 19 years to keep al-Qaeda, Isis and other jihadis out of the country. The Americans will still have sufficient forces, we are told, to conduct counter-terrorism operations against the latter. In Pentagon-speak a language always divorced from real life but none more so than in the graveyard of empires USFOR-A [US Forces Afghanistan] is on track to meet directed force levels while retaining the necessary capabilities. Well, as they used to say, tell that to the marines. Oh yes, and if the Taliban keep their word, the Americans will withdraw the rest of their troops within 14 months. And all this, we must remember, is in a nation so divided that two rival presidents held rival swearing-in ceremonies in Kabul much in the manner of Roman emperors, although the country could scarcely contain both Rome and Byzantium thus mocking any American pretence at creating democracy in Afghanistan. I do still recall the US official, way back in 2002 after the Taliban had originally been destroyed, let us remember saying that this new Afghan democracy might not be Jeffersonian. What that particular founding father would have made of the US-Taliban agreement is anyones guess. He might even have nodded his approval to the Taliban side. But its all in keeping with the American footprint in the Middle East. Now you see it, now you dont. After all, its not many weeks since Trump said he would not abandon the Kurds of Syria and then abandoned the Kurds of Syria after they had finished fighting and dying for America in the campaign against Isis. Poor old Kurds. Poor old Afghans, too. And poor Iraqis. They really did not deserve the Americans. The US, in any case, doesnt have time to worry about them. It has yet another war on its hands against that pesky virus, it seems. And you cant reposition yourself away from that. PIGEON The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will host a pop-up food pantry this weekend in Huron County. It will be at 10 a.m. on March 21 at Laker Elementary School in Pigeon. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bags, boxes or carts in order to carry food. There is a limited supply of food available, so it is first come first serve. The pantry will be done in partnership with the Friends of Elkton Pigeon Bay Port. Another passenger, Raymond, who did not want his surname used, said there was "one massive cheer" from the top deck when it was announced nobody on board had the coronavirus. "Everyone jumped for joy, especially for the negative results that was announced," he said. The cruise left on March 10 and had only made one stop before the coronavirus crisis forced it to remain at sea. Credit:Jason South Jean Smith said there was a "clap, clap, clap" on board when it was announced nobody had tested positive for coronavirus, which would have resulted in further delays. Testing for COVID-19 has now evolved to the point that results can be known within a matter of hours in some cases, particularly if urgent. "We have thanked guests for their patience and understanding while emphasising that we had supported health authorities because, like us, they were leaving nothing to chance," cruise operator Carnival Australia said in a statement. Although this passengers on this ship faced scrutiny over their health, the same level caution has not applied to other returning cruise ships or passengers on commercial flights with under-the-weather passengers. Passengers at Melbourne Airport reported surprise at not being temperature tested at customs, despite being told mid-flight that they would. Loading On Wednesday, the Silver Spirit cruise liner docked in Darwin and passengers made their way back to their home states. They will self-isolate for four days because they had already spent 10 coronavirus-free days at sea. On Tuesday, the Orion Viking cruise ship also disembarked without lengthy delays. The empty ship is however still curiously anchored in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay. Viking Cruises is yet to explain why. The Golden Princess cruise left Melbourne on March 10 and made just one stop before the coronavirus crisis and fears for passengers on board kept it at sea. Three passengers were tested for COVID-19 while the ship was anchored off the New Zealand coast. All were cleared. The ship then left immediately for Melbourne and the debacle appeared nearly over until a group of guests became ill. Hundreds of Australians remain trapped on 35 cruise ships around the world as countries close their borders and the vessels get bounced from port to port. Australians aboard the coronavirus-infected Costa Luminosa are counting on passengers getting exemptions from French president Emmanuel Macron's strict nation-wide lockdown announced just days ago. At least 74 people aboard the cruise liner are sick or room-mates with someone who is sick, according to the Miami Herald, which obtained cabin logs. All passengers have been told to self-isolate in their rooms. Three people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 have already been removed. Australian family members of those on board said their loved ones were not told of the positive tests until days later. There could be 39 Australians on board, but the government has not confirmed numbers or said what it planned to do to help its trapped citizens, despite repeated requests. Multiple people in Australia also said they had been trying, and failing, to get information from the government and its embassy in France. Some have contacted The Age, desperate for word from Australian authorities. The ship is now approaching Marseilles and passengers have been given immigration forms, but if it is turned around it will go to its home port in Italy, the new centre of the coronavirus. Family members can only communicate with loved ones on the ship through WhatsApp because of limited data available at sea. The ship is expected to dock about 9pm AEDT on Thursday. Dozens of Australians are also on board the Costa Victoria, which has turned back to Venice to dock on March 28 after France shut its borders. Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe By Maria Godoy and Allison Aubrey | NPR By now, you've heard the advice that to slow the spread of coronavirus in the U.S., we need to practice social distancing. But if you're confused as to what that looks like in practice, you're not alone. Public officials have come forward every day this week to repeat the call for "social distancing," and also to try to help explain what they mean. On Monday, the White House announced new guidelines for the next two weeks, urging Americans to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people, to avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, or social visits, and not to go out to restaurants or bars. This guidance is based on new modeling on how the virus might spread, according to Dr. Deborah Birx of the White House coronavirus task force. SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19 We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more. LAist is known for our events listings but now hopefully we'll be known for our non-event listings and tips for parents to try to keep you sane. And we're looking for your nominations for everyday heroes in this time of crisis. We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful. "What had the biggest impact in the model is social distancing, small groups, not going in public in large groups," Birx said at a White House press conference Monday. Also critically important, said Birx, is a 14-day quarantine of any household where one person is infected with coronavirus. "That stopped 100 percent of transmission outside of the household" in models, she said. The federal government is urging older people and those with serious underlying health conditions -- like lung or heart conditions or a weakened immune system -- to "stay home and away from other people," because data shows that these groups are most vulnerable to developing a severe form of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. "Every single generation has a role to play," Birx said Tuesday at a White House press conference. "We're asking our older generation to stay in their homes. We're asking the younger generations to stop going out in public places, to bars and restaurants, and spreading asymptomatic virus onto countertops and knobs." 'The White House is recommending limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people. Los Angeles County has prohibited gatherings of 50 or more people and has placed restrictions on "public and private events and gatherings of 10-49 persons." Gov. Gavin Newsom tried to clarify on Tuesday: "That doesn't mean that within your own social set -- your own family -- that you can't have a barbecue. It doesn't mean you can't have a walk and use common sense in terms of getting your essential needs met with that walk, walking with intention to get food and get medicine and do the things you need to do." But Orange County may have increased the uncertainty among local residents when it initially appeared to be giving outright "lockdown" or "shelter-in-place" orders, only to later walk it back. L.A. County public health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer seemed to support something closer to Newsom's version on Wednesday. But the messaging is still this: if you are sick, stay home. If you must go out, keep your distance from other people -- at least 6 feet. Certain "essential" activities are OK, like shopping for groceries or picking up food from restaurants (which are still allowed to operate, yes, just no dine-in service). So what is and isn't OK in our new world of social distancing? Can I have people over or go visit grandma? Here's what the new CDC guidelines and other health experts have to say. Can I go to a restaurant, food court or bar? According to Monday's new guidelines, no -- at least not for dining in. The CDC says people should use drive-through, pick-up or delivery options instead. When you get home with your food, you could take it out of the containers, throw those out, and then wash your hands thoroughly before eating, says Drew Harris, a population health researcher at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. "We don't want to get too crazy about this, but taking reasonable precautions should be sufficient," he says. Luckily, the food itself "is probably not a major risk factor here," Daniel Kuritzkes, an infectious disease expert at Brigham and Women's Hospital, told NPR. That's because most infections from the new coronavirus appear to start with the respiratory system, not the digestive tract. On a grassroots level, people are also urging folks to support their favorite local restaurants and retailers by buying gift certificates that they can use later. What about visiting grandma and grandpa? The federal government is asking visitors to stay away from nursing homes, and retirement or long-term care facilities unless they're going to provide critical assistance. This one is tough, because social isolation is already a problem for many of the elderly. But as Birx noted Monday, "we know there is a large group [of infected people] -- we don't know the exact percent yet -- that actually is asymptomatic or has such mild cases, they continue to spread the virus." That includes children. A new study in the journal Pediatrics finds that 13% of children with confirmed cases of COVID-19 didn't show symptoms. Given all that, "we're recommending that older adults avoid contact with children," says Sean Morrison, a geriatrician with Mount Sinai Health System in New York. "We want to minimize the risk of that child passing on disease to their grandparents, who are at increased risk." Of course, that can be tough for all involved, but now is the time to think about virtual visits with grandma -- whether it's FaceTime calls or streaming movies that you all watch together, virtually, Morrison says. That doesn't mean no visits to the grandparents -- but do keep younger kids away. Drew Harris suggests now may be the time for care packages for elderly relatives, rather than in-person visits. But I'm a healthy grownup, not a kid. Is it OK to visit my elderly relatives? "Don't visit older relatives unless it's absolutely necessary -- as in they need food, they need help at home, they need supplies or they need their medications," says Morrison. He says every older adult needs to be staying at home right now with plenty of food and medication supplies on hand. And adult children should have back-up plans to care for older parents in case they get sick, since they're the ones at highest risk from the coronavirus. But do try to stay in touch regularly so that older relatives don't feel too isolated. Now would be a good time to teach your mom and dad how to use video calling if they don't know already. I still need to go to work. Is it OK to drop my kid off at daycare? Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a lead adviser on the federal government's COVID-19 response, said the new CDC guidelines hadn't yet tackled that question. But a commentary in the journal Pediatrics does raise concerns about the spread of the virus in day cares. Pediatrician Andrea Tania Cruz of Baylor College, who co-wrote the commentary, acknowledges that some parents, especially low-income ones, won't have the option of keeping their kids at home with them. In that case, Cruz says, try to find a day care setting with a small number of kids, don't send them to day care if they're sick, and make sure kids have gotten their flu shot (it won't protect them against coronavirus but it is still flu season). And she says day care providers should wipe down toys, especially plastic ones, often with disinfecting cleaners like Clorox wipes or a bleach solution. That's because evidence suggests the coronavirus can live on surfaces like plastic for up to 72 hours. So why the concern over day cares? Cruz says there's evidence that infected people can shed the virus in their stool for several weeks after diagnosis. The most common test for coronavirus can't distinguish whether the virus being shed is alive or dead, Cruz notes. But she says the finding does raise concerns that caretakers changing diapers for kids who aren't yet potty trained could potentially be exposed to the virus. "I think day care, if it's older kids who are all potty trained, it's less of a risk," Cruz says. Are kids' play dates OK? Millions of American parents are now trying to figure out how to work from home -- while also tending to kids whose schools are closed to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Play dates seem like an obvious solution to help little ones burn off energy while you get some work done. But while the CDC didn't offer any official guidance here, several experts say play dates may defeat the purpose of everyone hunkering down. "I'm personally taking a really strict line," says pediatrician Lindsay Thompson of the University of Florida. "I would say that play dates inherently have a risk -- I don't know how big or small. But if we can put them off for a few weeks and replace it with family time, it would be better." She notes that elementary school-age kids get about five viral infections a season on average. "If they're playing with three or four friends, each one would be about to have, had or is getting over a viral illness that they could then, unfortunately, share," she says. And at this moment, she says, it's not just the coronavirus that's a concern, but any virus that might lead a child to need medical attention. That's because you want to avoid doctor's visits if you can, both to avoid possibly getting infected with coronavirus and to avoid overloading the health care system. What's more, symptoms of COVID-19 on average take five days to show up from the time of infection -- but a person can still pass it on to other people during that time. So while it might be tempting to have one or two kids over, don't do it, says Dr. Asaf Bitton, a primary care physician and public health researcher affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Someone who comes over looking well can transmit the virus," Bitton wrote in a widely shared essay posted on Medium. But "even if you choose only one friend to have over, you are creating new links and possibilities for the type of transmission that all of our school/work/public event closures are trying to prevent," he wrote. Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at the University of Michigan, says the goal is for parents to limit exposure, period. "My guidance right now to families is, as much as possible, do not have your kids in other people's houses. Do not have other people's kids in your house. There are times where for child care arrangements or for absolute necessity, you need to have one or two or more kids together. But if at all possible, really just keep kids at home." What about playing outside with other kids or going to the park? If you do let your kids outside to play with others, make sure the children keep at least six feet of distance from other children (which can be very hard for younger children to abide by). That's because the virus can be transmitted via coughs or droplets within a six-foot radius of an infected person. "We're avoiding playgrounds and other places that germs can accumulate," Radesky says. And for adults, what about having close friends over to visit? The new CDC guidance is to avoid social visits for now. Once again, think virtual -- maybe have a FaceTime dinner party with friends. Morrison says the answer depends in part on where you live. If there's widespread transmission of coronavirus in your community, his advice is to skip the visitors altogether. But "if you're in areas where there is less community spread, then limiting visitors rather than eliminating them, in my opinion, is probably a reasonable approach." He advises limiting interactions to one friend at a time. Can I travel? I'm seeing really cheap airfares now. The CDC is telling people to avoid discretionary travel. Think about it: It can be hard to stay at least 6 feet away from other people on an airplane. And even if you're planning to drive to your destination, the whole goal of this 15-day hunkering down period is to keep your germs to yourself so we slow the spread of the virus -- a concept known as flattening the curve. That means minimizing contact with others outside your immediate household. I had a doctor's visit scheduled months ago. Should I still go? If it's a nonessential visit to a doctor or dentist, reschedule it, Birx said Tuesday during a White House press conference. "Things that don't need to be done over the next two weeks, don't get it done. If you're a person with an elective surgery, you don't want to go into a hospital right now." She urged people to "be responsible" to free up hospital beds and space. I need to go to the grocery store. How do I do that in a way that's safest for me and others? This counts as an essential trip, of course. But try going to the grocery store during off-peak hours, when it's less likely to be crowded, says Dr. Sean O' Leary, an assistant professor of pediatrics and infectious diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Harris says he wipes down the handles on the shopping cart or basket when he shops. The stores he visits offer wipes, but hand sanitizer should also work. Both Harris and Morrison advise being careful not to touch your face with your hands while you're at the store, and washing your hands before and after going. And of course, try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others. "Social distancing .... doesn't mean no one ever sets foot out the front door," Morris says. "It means being careful." After you unpack the food at home, wash your hands again, Harris says. And if you're in a high-risk group like the elderly or immunosuppressed, he advises asking someone else to shop for you or having groceries delivered instead. icon DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.Copyright 2020 NPR. This story was originally published here. LAist associate editor Brian Frank contributed to this story. GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A report of the first case of COVID-19 in Genesee County was an error, the county health officer said Thursday, March 19. Earlier Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released new figures showing a rise in total statewide cases to 336, including one in the county. But county Health Officer John McKellar said the case was wrongly attributed to the county and said he confirmed the reporting error by DHHS. A spokeswoman for DHHS confirmed the error, and the agency removed the case from its report. Its a reporting error on the state website, McKellar said. Were still trying to sort out what happened. The county Health Department reported Thursday that 114 samples have been submitted that the office is processing. Fifty seven of the tests have been negative, but 57 results were yet to be reported. In Saginaw County, the number of tests tracked are 38. Nine tests have been negative and 29 are pending, according to the county. There were zero confirmed cases there. In Bay County, health officials said approximately 30 tests are being monitored. One case has been confirmed and seven have been negative with the remainder pending. McKellar said that as testing increases, its only a matter of time before the first case surfaces here. Figures on Thursday include the results of commercial and clinical lab results, and McKellar said thats due to increased capacity at the state lab as well as increased commercial testing. MDHHS is currently receiving reports from commercial labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics and several clinical labs including Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the Beaumont Hospital Network, Henry Ford Health System and the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL). We are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide testing results from hospitals and other entities outside of our state laboratory, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. We knew there were additional people in Michigan with COVID-19 that had not yet been tested. This emphasizes the need to continue to practice social distancing and other community mitigation practices to help slow the spread of this disease. There were 203 cases identified by hospitals or universities, and 131 found by MDHHS, with two cases coming from commercial labs. The first COVID-19 case was reported on March 10, just over one week ago. Three Michigan residents who tested positive for the coronavirus died on Wednesday, March 18. Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan A man in his 50s with underlying health conditions died at a Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County. Another woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions died at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac. An 81-year-old patient died at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Wednesday. Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 10 after the first cases were identified. She has since closed schools, bars, restaurants and other establishments to prevent COVID-19 from spreading further. There have been nearly 10,500 cases of the coronavirus and 150 deaths in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. States with the highest number of cases include Washington, New York, California, New Jersey and Florida. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Many infected people exhibit mild symptoms and dont necessarily need to be tested or treated in-person, as theres currently no known vaccine or cure for the disease. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. New Delhi, March 19 : As a debate on merger of three Ayurveda institutes into one of national importance continued in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, many MPs asked the government why such institute is being set up in Gujarat only, urging the government to set up such institutes in Kerala, West Bengal and Maharashtra as well. The Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the YSR Congress MPs, among others, participated in the discussion in the Lok Sabha. "We are talking about strengthening Ayurveda by setting up an institute in Jamnagar (Gujarat). But on what basis is it considered an institute of national importance? Where is the equality with the other institutions?" asked Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. "A Standing Committee on HRD had once said that there should be parameters to evaluate the institutions. It is not being done there (Gujrat). Is it merely because of Ayurveda Institutes at Gujarat Ayurveda University (GAU) campus?" he asked. "I request that what is being done in Gujarat should also be done in Kerala. A similar national University of Ayurveda should also be set up in Thiruvananthapuram as institute of national importance." Raghu Ramakrishna Raju of YSR Congress said he is happy that by taking such an initiative, the government is going back to the roots of Indian Ayurveda. He urged that similar institutes should also be established in Kerala and West Bengal. NCP's Amol Ramsing Kolhe appreciated the Central government's initiative for establishing an Ayurveda institute of National importance in Gujarat but wanted to know why similar institutes are not being set up in Kerala, West Bengal and Maharashtra. "If it is done so, India will be known for an integrated medical approach," he added. Three of the four death-row convicts in the Delhi gang-rape and murder case moved the Delhi High Court Thursday evening challenging the trial court order declining to stay their execution scheduled for early morning tomorrow. A bench headed by Justice Manmohan is likely to hear the matter at 9pm. The plea was mentioned before the registry officials who put it up before the Chief Justice of the High Court who marked it to the bench headed by Justice Manmohan. The trial court on Thursday afternoon dismissed the plea of -- Akshay Kumar Singh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma -- seeking to stay the death warrants. They, along with Mukesh Singh, are scheduled to be hanged on Friday morning at 5.30 am. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by coronavirus, saying the world has never seen a danger as grave as this. A Covid-19 task force has also been set up under the finance minister to tackle the pandemic. He called for 'Janta curfew' on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of house. "Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done," Modi said in a ... Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:02:08|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BERLIN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Consolidated net profit of Lufthansa dropped by 44 percent to 1.2 billion euros (1.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2019, Germany's biggest airline announced in its financial year report published on Thursday. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of Lufthansa was "in line with the forecast despite considerable charges," falling by almost 30 percent to 2 billion euros. According to Lufthansa, "main drivers for the decline" were an increase in fuel costs and a "noticeable economic slowdown," especially in the Lufthansa's home markets. The earnings had also been impacted by "high price pressure" in the European market due to overcapacity and the weakening of the global air freight market. Only five percent of Lufthansa flights are operating for the moment because of coronavirus, said Ulrik Svensson, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Lufthansa. Lufthansa has announced further cuts in the group's flight operations. Its subsidiary Austrian Airlines is suspending flight operations until March 28, and Brussels Airlines would not offer any regular flights until April 19. "The spread of the coronavirus has placed the entire global economy and our company as well in an unprecedented state of emergency," stressed Carsten Spohr, chairman of the executive board (CEO) of Lufthansa. "The longer this crisis lasts, the more likely it is that the future of aviation cannot be guaranteed without state aid," he warned. As the spread of the coronavirus is hitting many airlines throughout the world, shares of Lufthansa lost 46 percent during the last four weeks. Sharp slowdowns in data speeds, dropped video calls and heavy buffering may be in the near future for all consumers of mobile and home broadband services as more and more employees from across industries are being ordered to work from home amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Experts have said that the existing telecom infrastructure of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance JIO is not equipped to handle a sudden rise in data consumption across the country. The infrastructure has already been suffering from continuing spectrum crunch, low fiberisation and poor wired broadband penetration. They believe the time has come for the government to create more WiFI hotspots, allocate fresh spectrum resources and enable fast-track fiber rollout. These steps should be taken before the infrastructure is overwhelmed by the sudden rise in data consumption. The latest data released by the telecom regulator had stated that the average monthly wireless data usage per consumer is at 10.37 GB. Analysts say that the monthly data usage by an average consumer may rise by around 15 percent in the next two quarters if the virus spreads and people continue to work from home. T.V Ramachandran, the President of Broadband India Forum (BIF), told the daily that quality of telecom services is bound to suffer as the industry does not have the required resources to handle a sudden spike in home internet consumption. Ramachandran said the government should quickly incentivise fibre rollouts and allocate fresh spectrum resources. The Telecom companies, however, are confident that they would be able to handle the increase in data consumption. A Bharti Airtel spokesman told the daily, "sufficient capacity to provide bandwidth-on-demand to our retail and enterprise customers". Also Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Woman with has travel history to UK tests positive in Chandigarh; tally rises to 170 Also Read: Deadly novel coronavirus can exist in air for hours and for days on surfaces, says study Mukesh Singh, one of the four death-row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case, has moved Supreme Court claiming he was not in Delhi when the crime took place on December 16, 2012. This comes after the Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed Singhs plea that challenged a trial court order which rejected his claim that he was not in the national capital when the crime was committed. The high court on Wednesday said there were no grounds to interfere in the detailed and reasoned order of the trial court. On Tuesday, the trial court had sent the matter to the Bar Council of India for appropriate sensitization observing that the conduct of the counsel for the convict needs to be brought to notice. On March 5, the trial court issued fresh warrants for hanging on March 20 at 5.30 am of all four convicts in the case Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Singh (31). Earlier today, the apex court dismissed the curative petition filed by another convict Pawan Gupta against a January 20 judgment of the top court which had dismissed his claim of juvenility. A six-judge bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, turned down Guptas plea as well as his request for oral hearing of the petition. The application for oral hearing is rejected. We have gone through the Curative Petition and the relevant documents. In our opinion, no case is made out within the parameters indicated in the decision of this Court in Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra & Another, reported in 2002 (4) SCC 388. Hence, the Curative Petition is dismissed, the order said. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston pipeline operator Enterprise Products Partners is looking at ways to trim its multibillion dollar capital expenditure budget cuts as the ongoing oil price war takes its toll on the company's customers. In a Wednesday afternoon statement, Enterprise reported that the company is reviewing its 2020 capital expenditure budget due to the potential impacts of record low crude oil prices and expected lower demand from its customers. A handful of jurisdictions around the Bay Area have said that marijuana dispensaries are considered "essential businesses" under the widespread shelter-in-place mandates enacted this week, but advocates are urging governments to ensure they continue to operate throughout the state and region. Santa Cruz, Monterey, Contra Costa and San Francisco counties have all explicitly stated that cannabis dispensaries can continue to operate along with other vital service providers like grocery stores, pharmacies, auto mechanics and banks, among others. In Santa Cruz County, dispensaries may continue to operate but with the caveat that all sales should be conducted either via home delivery or curb-side pickup in order to maximize the effectiveness of "social distancing" recommendations. "People are still able to access their cannabis and medication, we're just restricting person-to-person contact as much as possible," said Samuel LoForti, the county's cannabis licensing manager. Non-retail cannabis businesses in Santa Cruz County can stay open, but only in order to conduct the "minimum necessary operations" while practicing social distancing, quarantining all deliveries for at least 12 hours and staggering shifts to minimize person-to-person contact. Across the Bay Area, however, there remains some confusion over the rule that determines what constitutes an essential business and how that applies to the cannabis industry, which provides products to both medicinal and recreational users - since each county's public health officials can interpret it somewhat differently. In Monterey County, health officials consider agricultural and healthcare operations to be essential businesses, according to Joann Iwamoto, the county's cannabis program manager. "All legal commercial cannabis operations fall under one of these definitions," Iwamoto said in an emailed statement. "As such, all legal commercial cannabis operations may remain open. However, all social distancing requirements must be observed." In Contra Costa County, all "licensed medicinal-marijuana dispensaries are allowed to stay open under the order," according to Contra Costa Health Services spokesman Will Harper. The problem, however, is that since the dispensaries serve both medical and recreational customers, it's unclear how such a policy will be enforced. "There are some places trying to distinguish between medical and non-medical, but all retailers are serving both," said Ellen Komp, deputy director of California NORML, a cannabis advocacy organization. "The only safe place that people can access either recreational or medical cannabis is in one of these licensed dispensaries and to shut those down is to send them back out to an illicit market," Komp said, noting that the public health effects of such a move would likely prove to be counter-productive. "Certainly, we want to make public health paramount," she said. In some jurisdictions, officials have advised businesses to read the rules carefully and make the best decisions they can. "Since the shelter in place directive was issued by the County of Alameda, the city of San Leandro is not the lead agency for purposes of making such an interpretation of the County Health Officer's order," according to an emailed statement from San Leandro Deputy City Manager Eric Engelbart. "The city also recognizes that there is a medical component to each of the City's three licensed cannabis dispensaries, all of whom serve patients with valid medicinal recommendation letters or ID cards," Engelbart said. At least one of those dispensaries is conducting sales via curb-side pickups and deliveries, he said. Representatives from Alameda and Santa Clara counties did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., has proposed giving taxpayers until July 15 to submit their 2019 income tax returns 90 days from the original April 15 due date. The Tax Filing Relief for America Act, which Senators Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Angus King, I-Maine, are joining Thune in introducing, aims to have the filing deadline coincide with the new July 15 deadline for taxpayers to pay the IRS taxes owed for 2019. Senators Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., are co-sponsors. Earlier this week, the Treasury Department announced it would give taxpayers more time to pay what they owed, due to coronavirus concerns. But the federal agency decided to stick with the original April 15 due date for filing the returns. House Ways and Means chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., also called on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to move the federal income tax filing deadline to July 15. "I believe that having two separate deadlines one for filing and one for payment will potentially create a great deal of confusion for taxpayers accustomed to having only one deadline," Neal wrote in his March 19 letter to Mnuchin. The two-date system has caused confusion and consternation for filers and tax professionals. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Coronavirus aint nothin to mess with, and the Wu-Tang Clan wants you to know it. The famed Staten Island hip-hop group put out a flyer urging fans to take precautions using the letters in the groups name: Wash hands. Use mask properly. Touch nothing. Avoid large crowds. Never touch your face with unclean hands. Go to the hospital if you have severe symptoms. Thousands of copies of the flyer are being made to distribute across New York City, according to the groups Twitter. The post was captioned, Protect Ya Neck against the Coronavirus." For those not in the know, Protect Ya Neck was the name of the groups debut single in the early 90s. Protect Ya Neck against the Coronavirus. We are making a few thousand prints and distributing them across New York City. Feel FREE to do the same in your City. Share and RT this to the world. #wutang pic.twitter.com/coS5M3WdiW Wu Tang Clan (@WuTangClan) March 15, 2020 The members of the Wu-Tang Clan arent the only celebrities speaking out against COVID-19. Tom Hanks, who was diagnosed with coronavirus, and Ariana Grande also have urged their fans to protect themselves and others during the coronavirus outbreak. RZA, a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, has attempted to make strides in mental health, recently partnering with TAZO tea company to create Camp Tazo: Zen" -- a 24-hour creative and mental exploration session geared toward artists and creatives across the country. In 1633, as the plague swept Europe, the villagers of Oberammergau prayed to God. They promised to perform the story of Jesuss Passion his life, death and resurrection every 10 years, as long as God spared them from the horrors of the disease. Since then, the people of Oberammergau, in what is now Germany, have largely kept up their end of the bargain. But, on Thursday, the organizers of the play which has a cast of some 2,500 and can feature 900 people onstage at once announced they were canceling this years edition, because of the coronavirus pandemic. The first of the 103 daylong performances had been scheduled for May 16. The production will be delayed until 2022, the organizers said in a statement. Sheltering at home for the majority of people means baking brownies with the kids, binge watching movies and general kumbayaing with the family. But not everyone is as fortunate. For families dealing with domestic violence issues this time of social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic can mean volatile and even dangerous home conditions. For families that already have underlying issues with violence being stuck at home under the same roof day after day could pose a dangerous situation. Any time you have anyone that is sequestered in their home with multiple people, theres always the higher likelihood of conflict, said Jennifer Storm, Pennsylvania Victims Advocate. When you layer in mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence issues, the domestic violence rates will go up exponentially. We respect and support the need to sequester in place and also acknowledge that for anyone in a domestic abuse relationship, this can pose a dangerous situation. RELATED: Coronavirus inflicts outbreak of anxiety and stress: Heres how to cope As of Wednesday afternoon, Pennsylvania health officials had announced that more than 130 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Dr. Rachel Levine, the state Secretary of Health, said the state is working with hospitals to prepare for a surge of new patients. Amid state-mandated closures of schools and non-essential businesses, thousands of families across Pennsylvania - as as across the country - are being asked to shelter at home and limit their social interactions outside the home. Everyone is trying to modify into this new normal, Storm said. My guidance first and foremost is that if people are in situations where they do not feel safe, to reach out for assistance. If you know someone who is in a domestic violence situation, or someone that you concerned about, reach out. Be the touchstone, whether its checking in daily via tex messaging or phone calls or Instagram. Storm points out that individuals in domestic violence situations at times are not in a position to use technology for communication - say, because a phone may be monitored. Try to get creative with other means of contact, Storm said. The coronavirus has presented an unprecedented global public health crisis, but Storm notes that the facts about domestic violence apply even under new circumstances. We know that isolation is a huge aspect of domestic violence, she said. Whether you are isolated from friends or family. The very fact that people are being forced into isolation and are being forced potentially under the same roof as their abuser is putting them and children at risk. Storm cites the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005: Thousands of people were forced to shelter in place, in some cases in sporting facilities or schools. The rates of domestic and sexual violence, particularly against children, spiked in those weeks. We are in unchartered territory, Storm said. While you are being asked to stay home, for mental health we are encouraging people to go for walks, to go for a run, get some fresh air every day. Doing those activities - a walk, or a run - she adds, affords an individual in an unsafe situation time away from the abuser and the space to make a phone call for help. Pennsylvania has 59 domestic violence help centers or resource centers available, even if it is a hotline or online support system. Storm said all are still accessible. Get assistance. Call 911, she said. Crisis counselors and hotlines - they are still working. There are a lot of agencies that are getting creative doing online video therapy sessions. The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233; or log on to thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. To find your local hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) READ MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Police in central Pa. wont respond to some calls to avoid coronavirus Coronavirus in Pa. - From flower shops to comic shops and large retailers, businesses remain open Coronavirus crisis could be watershed moment for working-from-home movement Virus fears fuel spike in sales of guns and ammunition Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. African Black Rhinos have been given a glimmer of hope as experts have revealed that numbers increased 2.5 per cent a year between 2012 and 2018. There are now around 5,630 living in the wild, thanks to 'immense' conservation efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported. These efforts included law enforcement and population management measures, including moving some rhinos from established populations to new locations. Scroll down for video African Black Rhinos have been given a glimmer of hope as experts have revealed that numbers increased 2.5 per cent a year between 2012 and 2018. This means that there are now around 5,630 living in the wild, thanks to 'immense' conservation efforts 'Africa's rhinos are by no means safe from extinction,' said IUCN acting director general Grethel Aguilar. However, she added, 'the continued slow recovery of Black Rhino populations is a testament to the immense efforts made in the countries the species occurs in, and a powerful reminder to the global community that conservation works.' 'At the same time, it is evident that there is no room for complacency as poaching and illegal trade remain acute threats. 'It is essential that the ongoing anti-poaching measures and intensive, proactive population management continue, with support from national and international actors.' Population models predict a further slow increase over the next five years, according to the IUCN update. The south-western black rhino, a subspecies, has seen sufficient population growth over the last three generations to be newly categorised as only 'Near Threatened', the IUCN said. But the other two surviving subspecies the South-eastern and Eastern rhinos both remain 'Critically Endangered' due to their drastic declines between the 1970s and 1990s. There are now around 5,630 living in the wild, thanks to 'immense' conservation efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported Meanwhile, Africa's other rhino species the white rhino continues to be categorised as 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN Red List. While poaching of African rhinos continues to be the main threat to the two species, the IUCN said that the strong counter-measures taken by range states, private landowners and communities in recent years are having a positive effect. Figures indicate that poaching numbers have decreased after a peak in 2015, when a minimum of 1,349 rhinos were found to have been targeted. In 2018, there were a minimum of 892 rhinos poached a number that is equivalent to one every ten hours. 'If the encouraging declines in poaching can continue, this should positively impact rhino numbers,' said Richard Emslie, Red List authority coordinator for the IUCN Species Survival Commission's African Rhino Specialist Group. 'Continued expenditure and efforts will be necessary to maintain this trend.' The update to the Red List shows that more than 31,000 of 116,177 known animal species are threatened with extinction. Attica Holdings S.A. (ATH:ATTICA) shareholders might be rather concerned because the share price has dropped 38% in the last month. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last five years have been pleasing. Its return of 79% has certainly bested the market return! View our latest analysis for Attica Holdings To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). We know that Attica Holdings has been profitable in the past. However, it made a loss in the last twelve months, suggesting profit may be an unreliable metric at this stage. So it might be better to look at other metrics to try to understand the share price. In contrast revenue growth of 6.8% per year is probably viewed as evidence that Attica Holdings is growing, a real positive. In that case, the company may be sacrificing current earnings per share to drive growth. The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). ATSE:ATTICA Income Statement, March 19th 2020 Take a more thorough look at Attica Holdings's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet. What about the Total Shareholder Return (TSR)? We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Attica Holdings's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Its history of dividend payouts mean that Attica Holdings's TSR of 86% over the last 5 years is better than the share price return. A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 24% in the twelve months, Attica Holdings shareholders did even worse, losing 33%. Having said that, it's inevitable that some stocks will be oversold in a falling market. The key is to keep your eyes on the fundamental developments. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 13% per year over half a decade. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Case in point: We've spotted 3 warning signs for Attica Holdings you should be aware of, and 1 of them is a bit unpleasant. Story continues Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on GR exchanges. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Sulibele police have seized 14 red sander logs worth Rs 16 lakh while it was being smuggled in the early hours of Tuesday. According to the police, they got credible information that the red sanders logs were being smuggled in an SUV on the Sulibele-Jangamakote road. A team headed by police sub-inspector R Madhusoodhan swung into action. They rushed to the Gollahalli forest area to lay in wait for the smugglers. Around 5 am, they saw the Toyota Innova coming from Hoskote and asked the driver to stop. He attempted to speed away, but he stopped a few meters from where the police was standing and got down and fled. We found 14 logs of red sanders concealed beneath a plastic sheet inside the SUV. The driver ran into the forest area. As it was dark, we were unable to chase him. A case has been registered, a policeman said. BAGHDAD - Troops from the U.S.-led coalition pulled out from a base in western Iraq on Thursday as part of a planned drawdown, Iraqi and coalition officials said, while training activities by the coalition were suspended amid concerns about the coronavirus. Coalition forces withdrew from al-Qaim on the Iraq-Syria border, with others planned across Iraq in the coming weeks. The plan was in the works since late last year, a senior coalition military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The withdrawal was agreed between the Iraqi government and the coalition forces, said Brig. Tahseen al-Khafaji, who was at a withdrawal ceremony. Another senior Iraqi military official said he expected the coalition to leave two bases in northern Iraq in the coming weeks, including Qayara south of Mosul and K1, in the province of Kirkuk. The officials who spoke on condition of anonymity did so in line with regulations. There are about 7,500 coalition troops in Iraq assisting and providing training to their Iraqi security counterparts to fight the Islamic State group. The drawdown comes amid an uptick in rocket attacks targeting Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops. Three separate attacks in the span of a week struck Camp Taji and Basmaya bases, killing three coalition servicemen including two Americans. The coalition official said the attacks, believed to be carried out by Iran-backed militia groups, did not factor into the decision to pull out. Iraqs military has also paused training activities with the coalition because of concerns about the coronavirus, the coalition official said. Iraq is taking measures to contain the spread of the virus by prohibiting large public gatherings, implementing a curfew in the capital and suspending airline flights. According to the Health Ministry, Iraq has 177 confirmed cases and 12 people have died from it. The Iraqis have ceased training activity as you might expect in the current circumstances because they arent gathering people together, a senior coalition military official said at a briefing. Training stopped because of the health risks associated with it, the official said. The decision to reduce the coalitions footprint in Iraq was conceived in December, the coalition official said, before U.S.-Iraq tensions soared following the Jan. 3 Washington-directed strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside Baghdad airport and prompted lawmakers to approve a nonbinding resolution that U.S. troops should leave the country. Fraught political relations led to a pause in joint operations between the coalition and Iraqi security forces. At that time, the senior coalition official said, Iraq showed it was capable of preventing an IS resurgence by conducting operations alone and delivering training. That affirmed plans from December to reduce the coalition presence across Iraq and limit assistance to high-level capabilities that Iraqi security forces lack, such as surveillance and air support, the coalition official said. The bottom line is we are going to focus our efforts on supporting the Iraqi security forces and their efforts against Daesh from fewer bases with fewer people, the official said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. We are not saying that Daesh is finished. They do still pose a threat, but the majority of that threat is contained and can be contained by the ISF, the official added, referring to the Iraqi security forces. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2020) - TransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FSE: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has appointed Douglas Mason, founder of Clearly Canadian Beverage Corporation, to the Board of Directors effective today March 18, 2020. Mr. Mason has served as a senior officer and director of public companies and has extensive experience in financings and acquisitions in the capital markets. Mr. Mason served as President and CEO of Clearly Canadian Beverage Corporation for over 17 years. Clearly Canadian was a producer of premium beverage products. Mr. Mason built the company's reputation for innovation and he was credited as being one of the pioneers of the New Age Beverage category. He will bring significant depth to TransCanna for growing the business in the retail California marketplace. "I welcome Douglas to our Board, he brings a depth of experience in the consumer products business in California and the public markets in Canada. The entire team of TransCanna looks forward to his expertise and contributions to the Company" said Steve Giblin President and CEO of TransCanna. "After proper due diligence I am happy to accept this appointment and look forward to helping where I can as an independent director," said Mr. Mason. "I see many similarities to TransCanna and when we started Clearly Canadian and looked to California for all its advantages the least of which is the size of their market. The fact that TransCanna's team is well versed has me quite excited." With the appointment of Mr. Mason, the Company has accepted the resignation of Ian Klassen from the Board, Mr. Klassen will remain involved as a member of the company's Advisory Committee. Additionally, the Company has accepted the resignation of Board member Peter Vitulli. About TransCanna Holdings Inc. TransCanna Holdings Inc. is a California based, Canadian listed, company building cannabis-focused brands for the California lifestyle, through its wholly-owned California subsidiaries. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.transcanna.com or email the Company at info@transcanna.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors Steve Giblin President 604-207-5548 The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans, and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of the Company and its subsidiaries may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: Timing of the expected benefits of Lyfted Farms, Inc. and the Daly Avenue Facility to the Company's business, regulatory permitting and compliance, changes to regulations affecting the business of the Company or its subsidiaries, achievement of revenue targets, market demand for and associated changes in the demand for the Company's products, operating costs, as well as general economic, business and political conditions. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53600 Mr. Squarer, a global biopharmaceutical leader, brings extensive oncology commercialization expertise as Company prepares to submit BLA in Q3 2020 LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADC Therapeutics SA, a clinical-stage oncology-focused biotechnology company pioneering the development and commercialization of highly potent antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for patients suffering from hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today announced that Ron Squarer is to be appointed Chairman of its Board of Directors and an advisor to the Company. Peter B. Corr, Ph.D., who has served as Chairman since the Company's founding in June 2011, will remain on the board as a Director. Mr. Squarer served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Array BioPharma, Inc. (Array) from 2012 until 2019, during which time he executed an oncology-focused research, development, and commercialization strategy that culminated in the successful commercial launches of Braftovi (encorafenib) and Mektovi (binimetinib). During his tenure at Array, the company's market capitalization grew more than 30-fold, and the company was ultimately acquired by Pfizer Inc. at a total enterprise value of approximately $11.4 billion. "Ron's nearly 30-year career in the global biopharmaceutical industry includes extensive oncology leadership experience spanning commercial, clinical development and research prioritization roles," said Dr. Corr, who is also Co-Founder and Managing General Partner of Auven Therapeutics. "His commercialization expertise will be incredibly valuable to ADC Therapeutics as we prepare to submit a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Lonca in the third quarter of 2020 and continue to build out the commercial organization in preparation for the anticipated launch of Lonca in the second quarter of 2021, if approved. I'm delighted to pass the Chairman role to Ron and welcome him to the Board of Directors." Before joining Array, Mr. Squarer held positions of increasing responsibility with Hospira, Inc., a global pharmaceutical and medical device company. As Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Hospira, he was responsible for delivering $4.0 billion in annual revenue. Mr. Squarer joined Hospira from Mayne Pharma, when it was sold to Hospira in 2007. Before serving as Senior Vice President, Global Corporate and Business Development at Mayne Pharma, Mr. Squarer held leadership roles at both Pfizer (focused on oncology) and SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline) in the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Squarer currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the public companies Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Retrophin, Inc. He earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, and a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. "I'm pleased to take on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors as ADC Therapeutics evolves from research and development into a commercial organization," said Mr. Squarer. "I look forward to actively working with Chris Martin, the board and the broader team to continue preparations for the launch of Lonca and to advance the development of novel ADCs for patients suffering with hematological cancers and solid tumors." "Peter Corr's vast experience in drug discovery and development has been invaluable in steering ADC Therapeutics to the point where we are now fast approaching the commercialization of Lonca while continuing to develop our deep pipeline of ADCs. It is characteristic of Peter to pass the baton on to a Chairman with Ron's depth of experience. I am excited to be working closely with Ron as he helps the Company deliver on the full clinical and commercial potential of our pipeline," said Chris Martin, Chief Executive Officer of ADC Therapeutics. About ADC Therapeutics ADC Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of a deep pipeline of antibody drug conjugates. Investors Contact Amanda Hamilton ADC Therapeutics amanda.hamilton@adctherapeutics.com Tel: +1 917-288-7023 EU Media Contact Alexandre Muller Dynamics Group amu@dynamicsgroup.ch Tel: +41 (0) 43 268 3231 FIVE armed robbers accused of robbing two Harare businessmen Messrs Tawanda Nyambirai and Rodney Dangarembizi of over US$220 000, were yesterday killed in a shoot-out with detectives. Two of them survived and were arrested. Police sources suspect the five were part of the gang that robbed money changers of foreign currency and a car at Makoni Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza recently. A notorious suspect on polices list of most wanted criminals, Musa Taj Abdul (alias Musa Mahommed) was among those killed. He had been on the run for over a decade. The other slain robbers were identified as Taurai Chitepo, Prince Zakeo, Godfrey Mupamhanga and the other one only identified as Mahlangu. Police sources said the gang was based in South Africa and would only cross into Zimbabwe for special assignments before travelling back to their base. Police recovered four firearms a CZ, FN Browning, Star pistol and a revolver. Some 19x9mm rounds of ammunition and four 7,65mm rounds of ammunition were also recovered. A Toyota Fortuner that was being used by detectives to track the suspects was extensively damaged during the shoot-out with bullet holes all over. However, none of the detectives was injured. The police sources said detectives working on a tip off, had been tracking and tightly monitoring the gang for three days before they pounced on them along Glenara Avenue. The gang was travelling in a Mazda BT50 double cab without registration plates. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the shoot-out, but said two robbers had been confirmed dead. them with information. The gang was using a Mazda BT50 double cab and was involved in a high speed chase with the detectives from CID Homicide. The chase started from Hatfield before they drove along Glenara Avenue and entered into a garage near Rhodesville Police Station, he said. They were operating from South Africa and they were working with their local informants, who suppliedthem with information. The gang was using a Mazda BT50 double cab and was involved in a high speed chase with the detectives from CID Homicide. The chase started from Hatfield before they drove along Glenara Avenue and entered into a garage near Rhodesville Police Station, he said. The robbers were the first to fire shots, prompting the police to fire back. As of now I can only confirm that two of them are dead and we will release more details tomorrow (today) as investigations are still in progress, said Asst Comm Nyathi. Last month, the gang, using inside information, separately stormed Mr Nyambirais TN Holdings head office in Harare and Mr Dangarembizis business premises at Chisipite wearing masks. They first pounced at Mr Dangarembizis premises where they forcibly took away US$37 000, two vehicles and 13 cellphones before proceeding to Mr Nyambirais office where they took a cash safe with US$180 000. Investigations revealed that the robbers had information that the two businessmen were in possession of huge amounts of cash and they even stated the exact figures in the safes during the robberies. Mr Dangarembizi was at his premise when the robbers arrived, while Mr Nyambirai was away. Last month, business briefly came to a halt at Makoni Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza when the gang fired 10 shots into the air and robbed two illegal foreign currency dealers of US$7 000, up to $30 000 and a Toyota Allion. Finnish English GOFORE PLC COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT 19 MARCH 2020 AT 9.15 The Finnish National Agency for Education selected Gofore and Cybercom Finland to maintain its Studyinfo services The Finnish National Agency for Education has selected Gofore Plc and Cybercom Finland Oy to manage the maintenance of the Studyinfo (Opintopolku) services and the further development of these services. The agreement will enter into force on 1 August, 2020 and will remain in force until further notice. The agreement has an annual procurement value of approximately EUR 2.5 million and an estimated total value of the procurement EUR 7 million. There is an agreement between the companies to divide the work in half. The Studyinfo.fi consists of various services that were taken into use in stages during 2013-2019. Other services of the Finnish National Agency for Education targeted for the learners can later be added to maintenance. The services are mainly used to fulfill the statutory tasks of the Finnish National Agency for Education. The maintenance of the services is carried out as expert work. Gofore and Cybercom are responsible for the integration of the underlying information systems, technical functionality and small-scale development work as part of the normal maintenance. Gofore has served the Finnish National Agency for Education since 2011. Gofore, together with Cybercom, has been building and developing the Studyinfo services since the beginning. The Finnish National Agency for Education adopted the decision on this matter on 18 March, 2020. The resolution is entered into force after the appeal period under the Act on Public contracts has expired. Further enquiries: Mikael Nylund, CEO, Gofore Plc tel. +358 40 540 2280 mikael.nylund@gofore.com Certified Adviser: Evli Bank Plc, tel. +358 40 579 6210 Gofore Plc is a Finnish digitalisation specialist with international growth plans. We're made up of close to 600 people across Finland, Germany, Spain and Estonia - top experts in our industry who are our company's heart, brain, and hands. We use consulting, coding and design as tools to incite positive change. We care for our people, our customers, and the surrounding world. Our values guide our business: Gofore is a great workplace that thrives on customer success. In 2019, our net sales amounted to EUR 64.1 million. Gofore Plc's shares are quoted in the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. Learn to know us better at www.gofore.com. Features Weaving Local Threads: How A Myanmar Designer Built Her Brand, Art Che Lone Hnin Nu Nu Aye, known as Char Tate, showing cotton clothing at the store of Art Che Lone, her own local brand. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy A young, local Myanmar designer named Hnin Nu Nu Aye, known as Char Tate, has fulfilled her childhood dream of owning her own homegrown, ready-to-wear fashion brand. Art Che Lone, meaning Cotton Spool, produces trendy and casual womens clothing made entirely from cotton. Im a big fan of cotton clothing because the weather in our country is always hot and cotton itself is so simple, cool and fashionable. Its lightweight and most of the clothing is loose-fitting, so its good to wear and perfect for the countrythats why I choose cotton, explained Char Tate to The Irrawaddy. Char Tate wears her own cotton clothes, with curly hair, brown skin and small tattoos on her hands. Most of the cotton clothes in Myanmar are imported from Thailand and China, and most of them are really expensive. Normal people like me cant afford to wear them, she added. But actually, cotton can be sourced from our own country, so why cant we make our own brands? Thats why I wanted to make fashionable, locally-made cotton clothes at a reasonable price for local women. Char Tate founded Art Che Lone at the end of 2018. Before Art Che Lone, she was working as a restaurant manager. One day I started thinking about whether being a restaurant manager was my dream job or not. Was I happy? The answer was no. Then I remembered my childhood dream that I told my dad aboutthat I want to become a fashion designer and own my own brand, Char Tate recalled. Drawing has been a hobby of hers since she was youngshe used to draw fashion designs for fun. I went to illustration class first, then I attended the design and sewing class with designer Lazing Gam Htoi. From the beginning, my purpose in attending those classes was so clearit was to start my own brand, she said. Char Tate has her own meaning behind the name Art Che Lone. Before the clothesblouse, dress, skirt or any type of clothestheyre just a cotton spool [art che lone, in Burmese]. My brand wants to be dedicated to more local customers, so I wanted to give it a Myanmar name which is meaningful and easy to remember as a brand. I chose Art Che Lone [cotton spool], said Char Tate. She first started Art Che Lone as a custom-made brand, advertised only online through its Facebook page. Actually, my goal was to open a ready-to-wear clothing shop but I didnt have enough money to start, so I started with custom-made clothes and saved the money, she said. During that first stage, Art Che Lones customers consisted of Char Tates friends, relatives and friends of friends. When I got a little money, I ordered some cotton and released one ready-to-wear design, announced on the Facebook page, she said. I started my business slowly and step-by-step. When she released the first design, customers could order by sizesmall, medium, large, extra-largebut her stock was limited. If a customer asked for a size that was out of stock, they could still order it and wait for a couple days. At first, Art Che Lone was operating out of Char Tates apartment, with a few employees in a single room. Now, after over a year, Art Che Lone has developed a base of regular customers and opened a storefront, at No. 145, 1st Floor, upper Bogalay Zay Road in Yangon. Many of Art Che Lones ready-to-wear clothes are trendy, but not sexytheyre colorful and simple. Some designs are suited for office wear and some are casual, and Art Che Lone is popular among young women. I cant put much creativity into the design because its supposed to be ready-to-wear. I need to study the trends and whats popular among girls, said Char Tate. But Im so happy that my small brand is growing slowly and Im happy to see when girls wear my designs. It makes me stronger and builds motivation to keep going. Working with cotton can be challenging and has some risks I can get cotton supplies from China or Thailand, but I dont want to invest my money outside the country. I work with local suppliers but the problem is that stocks are limited. Another problem is that cotton naturally shrinks after washing and the colors will eventually fade. But my customers understand that this is natural and the price is very reasonable, so Im lucky, she said. Char Tate says she will always stick to cotton, ordering from cotton local weavers around Inle Lake. Art Che Lone is mainly focused on womens clothing, but Char Tate doesnt want to waste the scrap cuttings that are left after making clothes, so she makes handkerchiefs and bags in order to reduce waste and help the environment. Actually, its not easyits more detailed and some sewers dont want to work on those products. At first, I was just making those items for myself, to use in my home, but some friends and customers like those bags and other people like them too, Char Tate said. Many other small, designer-owned brands are emerging day by day and business is competitive, but Char Tate said she will continue to focus on her work. [The trend] is good, because customers can choose between many items and local cotton weavers can get more income, but Im always careful about the designs, to make sure they arent too similar to other brands, she said. Art Che Lone has blouses, casual dresses, skirts and bags, with prices starting from 7,000 kyats (US$4.90) and accepts orders through Facebook. The Art Che Lone shop also carries products from other local small business, like recycled bags, handmade accessories and natural soap. With the summer starting, Art Che Lone has a lot of loose-fitting and lightweight cotton designs for the summercheck their shop and Facebook page for more. You may also like these stories: Yangon Photo Festival Awards Address Myanmars Pressing Issues Photos Reveal Impact of Illegal Banana Plantations on Workers, Land in Myanmars Kachin State This is an exceptional case of extension beyond the 330-day limit under the insolvency and bankruptcy code. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has granted a 90-day extension to Jet Airways corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP). The earlier 270-day CIRP period was, under the rules, to end on March 15. A 90-day extension is legally allowed. The Resolution Professionals counsel argued the lenders would get better value for their assets if these were sold in the CIRP period via a formal resolution plan, instead of the liquidation value also, some entities had shown interest and not withdrawn; a fair chance should be given to revive the airline company. This is an exceptional case of extension beyond the 330-day limit under the insolvency and bankruptcy code. Ashish Pyasi, associate partner at Dhir and Dhir Associates, said this was well within the parameters laid down by the Supreme Court in the matter of Essar Steel. Recently, the committee of creditors (CoC) had decided to ask for extension to the CIRP. A plan to revive the company was still to be finalised, while none of those in the fray had backed out. The grounded airline did not get a proposal for revival until the final date for sending a resolution plan on March 9. According to sources, three entities are still in the fray. These are Russia-based Far East Development Fund, Delhi-based Prudent ARC and South America-based Synergy Group. Prudent ARC had sought more time to raise funds from investors but failed to muster a plan. Synergy had issues regarding airport slots in India and abroad. And, some reservations about past liabilities of the airline. The sources said there would not be a new call for bids. If anyone shows interest, the CoC would consider it. This was the second occasion the lenders called for a resolution plan; the first round of bidding did not yield much. The deadline for prospective suitors was extended repeatedly. The total claim amount of the creditors is Rs 36,090 crore, of which Rs 14,640 crore was admitted as on October 20. Jet had shut its operations in April 2019 and was taken to the insolvency court two months after by its lenders. Currently, Jet has 12 aircraft - three Boeing 737s, six Boeing 777s and three Airbus A330s, (including one leased to Air Serbia). Jet also had 20-30 per cent of available slots at the Delhi and Mumbai airports and traffic rights abroad, allocated temporarily to other carriers. In December 2018, the airline had 115 planes but most of these have been repossessed by the lessors. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters G erman Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that coronavirus poses the greatest threat to the country since World War II. Her remarks came as the death toll in Italy rose by 475 in just 24 hours on Wednesday to 2,978 - the biggest increase since the outbreak. Meanwhile in France, fines for breaking the coronavirus lockdown more than tripled as new arrivals from Britain were told they could soon be turned back. Delivering a statement to the German public on Wednesday evening, Ms Merkel said urged that the public take it seriously and that there had not been such a challenge to the nation since the Second World War. Empty Europe during Coronavirus - In pictures 1 /45 Empty Europe during Coronavirus - In pictures The Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate is almost empty in Berlin AP The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is deserted Getty Images Barcelona's cathedral, Spain AP Duomo Square in Milan, Italy, AP Colosseum in central Rome AFP via Getty Images The Autobahn 12 is completely empty shortly before the German-Polish border crossing near Frankfurt AP Closed shops following an outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Brussels, Belgium Reuters The Malagueta beach is cordoned off in Malaga, Spain AFP via Getty Images Vienna, Austria AP Deserted Hotel de Ville in Paris, France Getty Images The highway leading to Barcelona is seen empty of cars AP City of Gdansk in Poland is virtually deserted Reuters Ratusz Arsenal metro station visually deserted, amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, in Warsaw, Poland via Reuters St. Peter's Square, Vatican in Rome, Italy Reuters The Royal palace in downtown Madrid, Spain AP The usually busy Larios street remains empty in Malaga AFP via Getty Images A view of an empty square in Naples, Italy during a lockdown across all of the country, imposed to slow the outbreak of coronavirus, in Naples, Italy Reuters Galleria Umberto in Naples, Italy Reuters A street is almost empty in downtown Naples AP An empty beach in Barcelona, Spain AP Homes and an empty street are seen under partial lockdown as part of a 15-day state of emergency to combat the coronavirus outbreak in downtown Ronda, southern Spain Reuters Restaurants remain closed on a seaside promenade in Valencia in Spain AFP via Getty Images A deserted Westland shopping center in Brussels BELGA/AFP via Getty Images A view of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping arcade in Milan, Italy AP An empty street in the Porta Nuova district in Milan, Itlay Reuters An almost empty Roemerberg square, the main tourist spot in Frankfurt, Germany AP An empty Via Condotti street in Rome, Italy Reuters Piazza Trilussa in Rome, Italy Reuters The Louvre Museum Getty Images Musee du Louvre in Paris is closed to the public AFP via Getty Images The Eiffel Tower is seen next to a board that reads: "In the context of the COVID-19 the Eiffel Tower closes Reuters An empty Disneyland Paris PA Old Town area visually deserted, amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, in Warsaw, Poland via Reuters Old Town area is visually deserted, amid coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns, in Warsaw, Poland via Reuters She said: "I truly believe that we will succeed in the task before us, so long as all the citizens of this country understand that it is also their task." But the Chancellor added: "The situation is serious. Please take it seriously. Since German unification, indeed since World War II, there has been no challenge to our nation that has demanded such a degree of common and united action. "Millions of you cannot work, cannot take your children to schools or kindergartens. "Theatres, cinemas and stores are closed. And perhaps most difficult of all we cannot have the contacts to one another that we otherwise take for granted, she added. Its natural that in a situation such as this, all of us has many questions and concerns about how things will continue." Coronavirus - In pictures 1 /106 Coronavirus - In pictures A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" is seen on an underground station platform Getty Images Customers wearing face masks shop at the pork counter of a supermarket following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province Reuters Westminster Bridge is deserted in London the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown PA Canadian passengers Chris & Anna Joiner ask for help onboard the MS Zaandam, Holland America Line cruise ship, during the coronavirus outbreak, off the shores of Panama City via Reuters A man crosses a nearly empty 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City Reuters The London Eye is pictured lit blue in support of the NHS, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Commuters cope with Coronavirus Jeremy Selwyn Milan's Piazza del Duomo empty AFP via Getty Images People in protective clothing walk past rows of beds at a temporary 2,000-bed hospital for COVID-19 coronavirus patients set up by the Iranian army at the international exhibition center in northern Tehran, Iran AP Martina Papponetti, 25, an ICU nurse at the Humanitas Gavazzeni Hospital in Bergamo, Italy poses for a portrait at the end of her shift AP Pope Francis celebrating a daily mass alone in the Santa Marta chapel at the Vatican, as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19 AFP via Getty Imag Vysheyshaya Liga - FC Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino v FC Belshina Bobruisk - Torpedo Stadium, Zhodino, Belarus, March 27, 2020 Players in action during the match despite most sport being cancelled around the world as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters Hanks and Wilson both have coronavirus Tom Hanks General view of an emergency makeshift field hospital as it is set up at Pacaembu Stadium for coronavirus (COVID-19) patients with a capacity of 200 beds in Sao Paulo, Brazil Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres, work from home if possible and avoid all non-essential contacts and travel in order to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic PA Naomi Campbell catches a flight in a hazmat suit with goggles, a surgical mask and rubber gloves @naomi Sophie and Emily Ward pose for a photograph with their hand-drawn picture of rainbows and a message on their window in St Helens, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters Mia, aged 8, and Jack, aged 5, take part in "PE with Joe" a daily live workout with Joe Wicks on Youtube to help kids stay fit who have to stay indoors due to the Corona virus outbreak. PA Shoppers queue outside a branch of Costco, in Croydon, south London, on the weekend after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered pubs and restaurants across the country to close PA Charing Cross Tube Bakerloo Line very quiet at 8.15am Jeremy Selwyn A woman with a plastic box over her head on the London Underground. PA A Racegoer attend Cheltenham Festival on Ladies Day wearing a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits a laboratory at the Public Health England National Infection Service in Colindale PA A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A couple kiss in Milano Centrale railway station in Milan on March 8, 2020 AFP via Getty Images A combination picture shows visitors wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) looking at blooming cherry blossom nd a pigeon walking at an closed cherry blossom viewing spot during the first weekend after Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (not pictured) urged Tokyo residents to stay indoors, in a bid to keep the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from spreading Reuters This combination photo created on March 5, 2020 shows tourists visiting Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province on March 16, 2019 (top) and on March 5, 2020 AFP via Getty Images Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump looks at the $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package bill as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Vice President Mike Pence stand by during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House Reuters A satellite image shows an empty South Beach during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Miami, via Reuters General view inside the empty stadium as the two teams line up prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund at Parc des Princes UEFA via Getty Images A Sainsbury's supermarket in Cambridge is among those to sell out of antibacterial hand sanitizer PA Tents and ambulances are set up next to the Princess Cruises Grand Princess cruise as it sits docked in the Port of Oakland on March 09, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Princess Cruises Grand Princess has been held from docking until today as at least 21 people on board have tested positive for COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus Getty Images Medical staff produce traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus at a hospital in Wuhan AFP via Getty Images Army soldiers wearing protective suits spray disinfectant as a precaution against the new coronavirus at a shopping street in Seoul, South Korea AP Russian President Vladimir Putin wearing protective gear walks at a hospital for patients infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the outskirts of Moscow via Reuters A woman who has recovered from the COVID-19 is disinfected by volunteers as she arrives at a hotel for a 14-day quarantine AFP via Getty Images Passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship are seen as the ship arrives at Daikoku Pier where it is being resupplied and newly diagnosed coronavirus cases taken for treatment as it remains in quarantine after a number of the 3,700 people on board were diagnosed with coronavirus Getty Images Dave Abel pictured in hospital in Japan Manchester United fans in the stands during the Premier League match at Old Trafford PA Police officers wearing masks stand in front of the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel in La Caleta, in the Canary Island of Tenerife AP Carnival revellers wear protective face masks at Venice Carnival Reuters A general view is pictured of Burbage Primary School in Buxton, Derbyshire after the closure of the school as a pupil's parent has tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 AFP via Getty Images People wearing face masks walk past the Olympic rings in front of the new National Stadium, the main stadium for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Game Getty Images People leave Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes where Coronavirus evacuees are due to be released from quarantine today and allowed to go home PA Matt Raw, a British national who returned from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, leaves quaratine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA A woman wears a mask while crossing London Bridg Getty Images A general view of Worthing Hospital in West Sussex PA Passengers relax on board the Holland America-operated Westerdam cruise ship, which has been denied permission to dock in Thailand over coronavirus fears via Reuters A child waves as she sits in a vehicle carrying residents evacuated from a public housing building, following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, outside Hong Mei House, at Cheung Hong Estate in Hong Kong Reuters A woman wearing a Minnie Mouse face mask looks at her mobile phone in Beijing on February 11, 2020 AFP via Getty Images The Costa Smeralda cruise ship of Costa Crociere, carrying around 6,000 passengers, is docked at the Italian port of Civitavecchia after a health alert due to a Chinese couple and a possible link to coronavirus on board, in Civitavecchia, Italy Reuters A patient covered with a bed sheet at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital as it starts to accept patients displaying mild symptoms of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan AFP via Getty Images A medical official takes the body temperature of a man at the departure hall of the airport in Changsha, Hunan Province, as the country is hit by an outbreak of a new coronavirus, China Reuters The view of the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center Getty Images A plane carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China, arrives at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire A police vehicle enters the gates of the Royal Air Force station RAF Brize Norton in Carterton AFP via Getty Images Passengers wear face masks as the push their luggage after arriving from a flight at Terminal 5 of London Heathrow Airport AFP via Getty Images French citizens arrive and settle aboard of an evacuation plane with destination southeastern France, before departure from Wuhan Airport (WUH), China AFP via Getty Images Police stand at a checkpoint at the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge that crosses from Hubei province in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China Reuters A member of staff at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside prepares for a bus carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan in China PA Doctor Paul McKay, who is working on an vaccine for the 2019-nCoV strain of the novel coronavirus, poses for a photograph with bacteria containing fragments of coronavirus DNA, at Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM) in Londo AFP via Getty Images Workers produce masks at the Thai Hospital Product Company Ltd. factory in Bangkok AFP via Getty Images Passengers wearing face masks are seen on a bus after disembarking from the Costa Smeralda cruise ship, after tests on a woman from Macau with suspected coronavirus came back negative, in Civitavecchia, Italy Reuters People hoard bottles of alcohol after the Philippine government confirmed the first case of the new coronavirus in the country, in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Reuters Taking precautions: with fears growing that the coronavirus will spread from China, a health official checks a womans temperature on the underground in Beijing Getty Images An empty road is seen in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020, amid a deadly virus outbreak which began in the city AFP via Getty Images Students wearing masks meditate prior to a lesson at a high school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia AP Medical staff at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital wear protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus AFP via Getty Images Staff move bio-waste containers past the entrance of the Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, where some infected with a new virus are being treated, in Wuhan, China AP Workers driving excavators at the construction site of a field hospital In Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The builders will complete the 1,000-bed hospital by February 3 to cope with the surge of 2019-nCoV patients in the city Getty Images Buddhist monks wear masks as they walk near Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodi AP A woman and a child wearing protective masks walk toward check-in counters at Daxing international airport in Beijing AFP via Getty Images An employee sprays disinfectant on a train as a precaution against a new coronavirus at Suseo Station in Seoul, South Korea AP A policeman wearing a mask walks past a quarantine notice about the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, China at an arrival hall of Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan Reuters Paramilitary police wear face masks as they stand guard at Tiananmen Gate adjacent to Tiananmen Square in Beijing AP The resident wear masks to buy vegetables in the market in Wuhan Getty Images Staff sell masks at a Yifeng Pharmacy in Wuhan AP Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV AP Germany has seen 11,973 cases as of Wednesday afternoon, with 28 deaths. At the same time, curbs elsewhere in Europe intensified with Belgium going into its own severe lockdown, most border crossings into Spain from France and Portugal halted, and Sweden also closing high schools and universities, as infections and deaths continued to rise across the continent. In the UK the number of deaths reached 104 with more than 2,626 cases up from 1,950 on Tuesday. In Spain the death toll has hit 598 with 13,716 cases while an inquiry is set to be launched into the deaths of at least 17 residents in a Madrid nursing home, where dozens of cases of Covid-19 have been reported. In France the number of confirmed cases reached 7,730, while the death toll rose to 175. One of the most striking signs of the increasing desperation of authorities trying to control the virus came in France, where a new decree allowed police to fine anybody breaking the lockdown 135 (123). That is more than triple the 38 (35) fine first introduced on Monday, with the increase prompted by concerns that action so far has not been sufficient. French prime minister Edouard Philippe meanwhile warned that his country could soon have difficulty accepting British nationals who move freely in their own country and then come to our country. Seeking people's cooperation in the 'war against a virus, Uddhav Thackeray said that after an appeal made by the government, the number of people visiting public places and using public transport system has gone down. He, however, said that it must stop completely. Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday urged the people of the state not to step out of their homes unnecessarily to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Seeking people's cooperation in the "war against a virus", Thackeray said that after an appeal made by the government, the number of people visiting public places and using public transport system has gone down. He, however, said that it must stop completely. Click here for latest updates on coronavirus outbreak "This is a war against a virus and we can win it with determination and not by getting frightened or creating panic," Thackeray said in his 10-minute-long televised address. "People should not panic. But they should not step out of their homes unnecessarily...Crowding in the public transport system has gone down, but it has to stop completely. We don't wish to take the drastic step of shutting down public transport. But non-essential travel must stop," he said. The medical staff, police personnel, NGOs, the staff of public transport were working round-the-clock to deal with the situation, he said. "When they are fighting for you, can't you stay indoors and help them deal with the crisis? The government can stop public transport. But we don't wish to do it. People should work from home and stop venturing out," he said. The chief minister said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coronavirus situation and he had assured all cooperation to the state. "I discussed with him the steps being taken by the state and the support required from the Centre," he said. People should follow the rules and directives issued by the government to tackle the prevailing situation, he added. "It is wrong to hide your travel history and venture out after coming back," he said. Thackeray likened the medical staff treating the coronavirus patients to soldiers. "I haven't seen the 1965 or 1971 wars, but experienced them. I was very young. But I remember that after hearing the sirens people would run to take shelter. Lights at homes would be switched off to prevent the enemy fighter jets from locating the areas. It is said enemy jets had entered the Mumbai airspace in 1971. But our brave soldiers dealt with the intrusion firmly," he said. "The official machinery is similarly dealing with the prevailing situation with firmness and they need your support and cooperation," he said. The government and the official machinery is prepared to tackle the crisis. There is adequate medical staff, equipment and essential commodities, he said. Thackeray said the virus has come from other countries. "When you arrive here and are self-quarantined, it is with trust that you are allowed to stay at home. But venturing out and spreading the virus is wrong," he said. War can be won with determination and not by getting frightened and panic, he said. The chief minister said that testing facilities were being increased. He also asked the people not to believe in rumours. "Listen to only what the government is telling you and nobody else," he said. "Maharashtra is a fighter and will defeat the virus, Thackeray said. The President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Professor Mary Horgan has said that there is a lot of hospital and community preparation underway in anticipation of an increase in testing for Covid-19. One infected person, she warned, could infect more than 400 others within 30 days, so testing is very important. Prof Horgan, who is an infectious disease consultant at Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, said test centres around the country will be expanded which will reduce the turn-around time for tests. 30,000 new coronavirus testing Read More: Testing healthcare staff would be a priority because they are needed on the front line, she explained. The public has a role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones through social distancing, she said, adding that the science shows that social distancing works and protects the most vulnerable, who have a low chance of contracting the disease if they practise it. Dr Horgan said that while there is a rush to get new drugs out there to deal with this virus, they must be properly tested. Meanwhile, outgoing social protection minister Regina Doherty has said that the severity of the coronavirus had only dawned on some people last weekend. The majority of people are doing what is required of them, she told Newstalk Breakfast. Measures such as social distancing and coughing etiquette will become more commonplace, she said. In the past the public had adapted to measures such as the smoking ban and they would do so now. Ms Doherty urged all supermarkets to implement social distancing measures. In the event that some people are not prepared to adhere to social distancing measures then new legislation will give powers to the authorities to ensure that they do, she said. The Dail is due to sit later to pass the emergency legislation to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. However, just a third of TDs have been asked to come to Leinster House Read More: Health legislation will be changed in the event we ever need it. Ms Doherty added that her department had moved to offer income support for people who have lost their job because of the virus. These changes would help at this difficult time. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] David Hockney has unveiled a new painting to add a splash of colour to the dark times facing the country. The 82-year-old painter, often dubbed Britain's greatest living artist, new piece is titled 'Do remember they can't cancel the spring'. Bright yellow daffodils spring up in the foreground in front of a gloomy grey mass in the back of the painting. Mr Hockney is currently in lockdown in Normandy, northern France, where he has been located since his last exhibition opened. David Hockney has unveiled a new painting which features bright yellow daffodils in front of a gloomy grey mass (pictured) The celebrated artist moved to Normandy from Los Angeles after buying a house in the French region in 2018. In an interview he joked that being able to smoke in restaurants was one of the reasons he made the transatlantic move. He said: 'I'd like to just work and paint, and to be able to smoke and eat in a restaurant at the same time. 'Thank God for Normandy. The French know how to live. They know about pleasure.' Last month the artist's pop art masterpiece, The Splash, sold for 23 million dollars at auction. It is one of three related pieces painted in 1966 and 1967, the others being A Little Splash and A Bigger Splash, which is held in the Tate Britain in London. The 82-year-old artist (pictured), often dubbed Britain's greatest living artist, is currently in lockdown in Normandy, northern France However, that figure pales in comparison to the 69 million ($90 million) that his 1972 work Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sold for at auction in November 2018. The staggering sum was at the time the largest amount paid for by an artwork by a living artist at auction. In May last year the record was broken when 70 million ($91.1 million) was paid for Rabbit, a metal sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons. New Zealand Bachelorette Dr Lesina Nakhid-Schuster has returned to work amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, the 32-year-old doctor revealed on Instagram she was working a shift at her local hospital and encouraged her followers to practice social distancing. In the accompanying photo, Lesina wore a pair of dark blue scrubs as she placed a surgical mask over her mouth. The doctor will see you now! New Zealand Bachelorette Dr Lesina Nakhid-Schuster (pictured) has returned to work at her local hospital amid the coronavirus pandemic 'Keep safe and check up on each other! (By txt lol),' she wrote in the caption. Lesina also shared a video of herself walking down a hospital hallway with a big smile on her face. 'Holding the on-call phone today, which means I clocked out bazillion steps for sure,' she said cheerfully. Busy shift! She shared a video of herself walking down a hallway with a big smile on her face This isn't the first time Lesina has helped out in a crisis. In January, she flew across the ditch to help Australia with its bushfire relief efforts. She even missed the season premiere of The Bachelorette NZ while offering medical assistance in New South Wales. Kind-hearted: This isn't the first time Lesina has helped out in a crisis. In January, she flew across the ditch to help Australia with its bushfire relief efforts 'Doctors were needed to help out in some of the areas affected by the fires in Australia - so I put my hand up,' she said at the time. 'I'll be working in Australia just for the week but then I'll be back. My heart lies in a few different areas, and I felt this was important. I hope everyone understands. But while I'm away keep me updated on what you think of the show!' Lesina, who was born in the U.S. and moved to New Zealand when she was one, previously lived in Australia for a year. As well as being a doctor, she is also an occasional actress. Los Angeles is looking to hotels and motels to shelter thousands of homeless residents as part of the citys emergency response to the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak. In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Mayor Eric Garcetti said getting the 30,000 homeless off the streets is critical to controlling the spread of the virus, saying that failure to do so would result in vectors exploding across the city. This is an immense undertaking logistically and its never been done this quickly in a city, anywhere, Garcetti said. If we dont get folks off the street, they will become the main spreaders or among the main spreaders of COVID-19 and a threat to themselves. The city has been scrambling to find beds for its most vulnerable, as those who test positive for COVID-19 continue to rise. While the number of cases in Los Angeles is still far below other major cities like New York and Seattle, its response has been complicated by a large homeless population, with 75% of homeless people there currently living on the streets. California Governor Gavin Newsom has already announced $150 million in emergency funding to move homeless residents indoors. A man sleeps on bench near a bus stop in Los Angeles, California on March 17, 2020. - Cities across the nation are worried about the homeless population as the coronavirus pandemic surges with the US death toll reaching 100. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) On Wednesday, Garcetti announced Los Angeles will convert 42 recreation centers into temporary shelters, more than doubling the number of beds available, according to the mayors office. The move to procure hotels and motels would be the next step as the pandemic spreads, he said. [These] spaces will need to isolate patients, once we hit the wall of hospital capacity which most cities are coming close to, Garcetti said. We will hit that within either days or a week or two, if the projections are accurate. Garcetti said the city is looking to house 1,000 to 5,000 of the most vulnerable in such facilities. The mayors proposal comes as hotel chains struggle to stay open, amid soaring vacancy rates stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. Hotel occupancy fell 24.4% to 53% year on year, the week of March 8-14, according to global hospitality research company STR. Revenue per available room fell 32.5%. Garcetti did not specify the cost of his proposal and did not confirm that the city has secured commitments from hotels to house the homeless, though he said he was confident the facilities exist. Story continues We're confident that they're about to go under, and I'm confident that they need help, he said. I'm not confident we have yet the resources to match that. Akiko Fujita is an anchor and reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @AkikoFujita Passengers wear face masks to protect against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) after arriving at the LAX airport in Los Angeles, California on March 5, 2020. "In the last 24 hours, we had 126 new COVID-19 cases, a 21 percent increase. In some parts of our state, our case rate is doubling every four days," Newsom wrote in a letter dated Wednesday . Newsom asked Trump to dispatch the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to the Port of Los Angeles through Sept. 1 to help with the influx of expected cases. California estimates that more than half of the state 25.5 million people will get the new coronavirus over the next eight weeks, according to a letter sent by Gov. Gavin Newsom to U.S. President Donald Trump. The state reported nearly 699 confirmed cases as of 9 p.m. ET Wednesday night, according to the California health department. Newsom said the virus is spreading in the community in 23 counties across the state. It is the third hardest hit state in the U.S., behind Washington state which has 1,376 cases as of 6 p.m. EDT Thursday and New York which has at least 5,000 cases. Earlier this week, Newsom ordered all non-essential businesses to close, including bars, beer pubs and wineries. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, cannabis clubs and other businesses deemed as essential are still open, state and local officials say. San Francisco Bay area officials ordered some 7 million residents to "shelter in place" on Monday, prohibiting people from leaving their homes, except under "limited circumstances," according to the order. People who venture out are expected to remain six feet apart, wash their hands, cover their coughs or sneezes and abide by a number of other restrictions. Non-essential businesses across the state, including wineries and bars, will be closed. But essential services such as grocery stores, banks and pharmacies will remain open. Residents are allowed to walk their dogs or go for a run, so long as they maintain a distance of at least six feet from anyone they don't currently live with, San Francisco health officer Dr. Grant Colfax said at a press conference Monday. We are working closely with the CDC and local health care providers to ensure that these individuals, and all of our residents and employees, are well informed of virus symptoms, the recommendations to self-quarantine for 14 days and how to keep from spreading Covid-19, she said in an email. Moscow, March 19 : Russia on Thursday reported its first coronavirus fatality - an elderly woman at a hospital here. Russia's coronavirus monitoring centre confirmed the death of the 79-year-old woman, who had tested positive after being taken to hospital last Friday, the BBC reported. The woman, who died of pneumonia in intensive care, had other severe health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. "The patient's close contacts have been identified and put under medical observation. None of them has severe symptoms of the disease," the centre said. Russia has identified 147 cases of coronavirus so far, with the majority in Moscow, as per national media. President Vladimir Putin has asserted that the situation is "under control". Medical materials donated to the Iranian armed forces from the Chinese military arrive in Iran on March 19, 2020. [Photo/Official Weibo account of information office of the Chinese Defense Ministry] Medical materials donated to the Iranian armed forces from the Chinese military arrived in Iran on Thursday, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. The ministry said in a brief statement on its website the material includes testing kits, protective suits and medical masks, without giving more details. It said the coronavirus knows no boundary, noting the Chinese military will work with its counterparts around the world to cope with global security challenges and contribute to the shared future of all nations. Over the past five trading days, telecom stocks mirrored the broader equity indices and exhibited a roller-coaster ride. The stocks initially trended down as the coronavirus pandemic reached epic proportions, recovering remarkably as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) invoked a comprehensive policy to handle the upsurge in broadband traffic. However, with the United States and China playing the blame game about the origin of the virus, the markets trended down fearing a ripple effect on the industry, only to reverse the trend on government promise of an economic stimulus. In order to prevent the spread of this contagious disease in a community, governments across the globe are increasingly advocating social distancing methods. The threat of community transmission is being perceived as a potent risk factor, compelling local administration and healthcare officials to issue advisories to abstain from large social gatherings. In addition, most corporate firms are encouraging employees to work from the safety of their homes for at least the end of this month to avoid being infected through possible exposures. This, in turn, has led to an exponential demand for Internet traffic, forcing the FCC to adopt the "Keep Americans Connected Pledge." Per the 60-day pledge, telecom service providers will not be able to terminate their service for residential or small businesses for non-payment of bills as well as waive any late payment fees due to the economic impact of the virus. At the same time, the government directive has asked telecom firms to provide access to public Wi-Fi spots to the masses to stay connected during this crisis period. Almost all leading companies joined this federal initiative, while some others like AT&T even suspended broadband data caps for household Internet plans. This probably reposed investor confidence as the markets took a breather from the freefall and scripted a brief turnaround. The global pandemic created an unwanted reason to worry as both the United States and China blamed each other regarding the origin of the virus and the use of chemical warfare to gain a competitive edge. This is likely to dent the bonhomie and the continuing trade negotiations between the two countries, affecting bilateral trade, in particular, and the global economy as a whole, especially when the world is reeling under the deadly coronavirus attack. The telecom industry is also anticipated to feel the heat as the communist nation is considered to be one of the most important global markets. This, in turn, has triggered insecurity within the industry, inducing a downtrend. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has initiated a fresh bribery investigation of China-based telecommunications equipment manufacturer, ZTE, just days after the end of its corporate probation period under the March 2017 plea agreement it had signed with the U.S. Justice Department. This is likely to further sour the strained relationship between the two countries, fueling insecurity within the broader sector. Regarding company-specific news, capital investment update, spectrum usage, collaboration and strategic investment primarily took the center stage over the past five trading days. Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. Verizon Communications Inc. VZ has raised its capital expenditure guidance for 2020 on higher planned investments to augment the infrastructure for increased 5G deployment across the United States. The company expects that the increased capital outlay would enable it to meet the higher demand for video-intensive applications and support the transition to the super-fast 5G network. For 2020, Verizon anticipates capital expenditure of $17.5-$18.5 billion, up from $17-$18 billion expected earlier. These include the addition of small cells, MIMO antenna technology advancements and extensive fiber network connectivity for greater capacity and speed for customers. The company expects such focused infrastructure upgrade to better equip the country to fight disruptive market forces led by the coronavirus pandemic. (Read more: Verizon Raises Capital Outlay View for Higher 5G Investments) 2. United States Cellular Corporation USM has secured the FCC Special Temporary Authority to use additional spectrum to meet increased customer demand for mobile broadband during the virus outbreak. It is the second wireless carrier to get such a grant after FCC gave a similar approval to T-Mobile. As a result, U.S. Cellular will be able to operate for 60 days in spectrum licensed to Advantage Spectrum in the AWS-3 Band in order to provide further capacity to customers in parts of California, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. With such efforts, U.S. Cellular is looking for ways to better serve customers who are making adjustments in their daily lives to minimize in-person interactions and slow the spread of the virus. (Read more: U.S. Cellular Gets More Spectrum Amid Coronavirus Scare) 3. Juniper Networks, Inc. JNPR recently invested an undisclosed amount in StackPath LLC, a global platform that offers secure edge computing resources, to fund R&D, engineering and go-to-market efforts within the organization. This, in turn, will likely facilitate diverse businesses to harness edge connections and edge computing capabilities for scalable mission-critical applications. With the latest round of equity financing from Juniper and Cox Communications, StackPath has so far raised about $396 million to accelerate the development of edge computing solutions. Notably, edge computing marks a positive stride forward in providing faster processing and potentially enhanced security for business applications. (Read more: Juniper Invests in StackPath Edge Computing Platform) 4. Ericsson ERIC has inked an agreement with Omantel to manage its multi-vendor mobile networks in Oman. The strategic deal, which has been renewed for the next five years, underscores the Swedish equipment makers efforts to capitalize its best-in-class capabilities in automation platforms, thereby benefiting Omantel with seamless network infrastructure and enhanced customer experience. Pursuant to the agreement, Ericssons advanced portfolio of 5G technology and automation use cases will enhance Omantels fixed and multi-line (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G) network access to deploy improved network performance in the Middle East. (Read more: Ericsson Partners Omantel to Boost Network Digitalization) 5. Nokia Corporation NOK has teamed up with the national railway company of Switzerland Swiss Federal Railways for the development of an innovative rail system for smartrail 4.0 project. In order to achieve this milestone, the Finnish network provider successfully completed a proof-of-concept trial of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) standard. Per the trial, both companies leveraged LTE 1900MHz Time Division Duplex radio frequency and advanced measuring instruments to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of FRMCS. Slated to be launched in 2025, the innovative framework provides high-speed, ultra-reliable and low-latency networks that enable smart rail maintenance with faster communications. (Read more: Nokia Boosts Swiss Rail Services With FRMCS Frequency Trial) Price Performance The following table shows the price movement of some of the major telecom stocks over the past week and the six months. Story continues In the past five trading days, none of the stocks moved up, while Qualcomm has been the biggest decliner with its stock down 21.9%. Over the past six months, none of the stocks moved up, while Arista was the biggest decliner with its stock falling 35.6%. Over the past six months, the Zacks Telecommunications Services industry has recorded average loss of 17.9%, while the S&P 500 declined 15.6%. Whats Next in the Telecom Space? In addition to product launches, strategic deals and 5G deployments, all eyes will remain glued to how the administration tackles the coronavirus scare and attempts to mitigate its overall impact on the industry. Breakout Biotech Stocks with Triple-Digit Profit Potential The biotech sector is projected to surge beyond $775 billion by 2024 as scientists develop treatments for thousands of diseases. Theyre also finding ways to edit the human genome to literally erase our vulnerability to these diseases. Zacks has just released Century of Biology: 7 Biotech Stocks to Buy Right Now to help investors profit from 7 stocks poised for outperformance. Our recent biotech recommendations have produced gains of +50%, +83% and +164% in as little as 2 months. The stocks in this report could perform even better. See these 7 breakthrough stocks now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Nokia Corporation (NOK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Juniper Networks, Inc. (JNPR) : Free Stock Analysis Report United States Cellular Corporation (USM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ericsson (ERIC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision ordering a floor test in Madhya Pradesh Assembly tomorrow, amid a political crisis in the state, and said that the Congress government will fall. "Today truth has won. We welcome the Supreme Court's decision of floor test. This government is not just a government that has lost the majority but this is a regime of brokers that has cheated the people of Madhya Pradesh. This government will lose the floor test tomorrow," Chouhan told reporters here. Gopal Bhargava, Leader of Opposition also welcomed the decision and said: "Everything will be clear in the floor test tomorrow." The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a floor test in the state Assembly to be held tomorrow. A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said the floor test would be held by show of hands in accordance with the law and it should be completed by 5 pm on Friday. The court observed that the state of uncertainty must be resolved efficiently and the Assembly proceedings should be video graphed properly. "The proceedings would be video graphed properly. The trust vote would be conducted by showing the hands. If 16 MLAs want to come to the Assembly. Both Karnataka DGP and Madhya Pradesh DGP should provide security," the bench said. The top court was hearing the petition filed by former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other BJP leaders seeking floor test in Madhya Pradesh Assembly claiming that the Congress government in the state has lost the majority. The development came after 22 Congress MLAs tendered their resignation following the exit of Jyotiraditya Scindia from the Congress. Scindia later joined the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the closure of international borders, New Zealanders are being told to prepare but not to panic, after confirmation of eight new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bringing the total to 28. Underlining the seriousness of the threat now posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the national border would be closed to anyone not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident from 11.59pm on Thursday. Earlier, she advised New Zealanders to prepare for the full effects of the Covid-19 coronavirus, but urged the public not to act on rumours and misinformation. "We are in a very heightened state as a nation, and so is the world... The last thing we want is for that anxiety to be based on misinformation." If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) Speaking in Rotorua, she said New Zealanders needed to take social distancing "really seriously" and to put their trust in health authorities and not social media posts. She urged against panic buying. On Thursday, Countdown announced it was introducing limits on some items to stop panic buying. It's putting limits of two items per customer on products such as packs of toilet rolls, hand sanitiser, personal wash, Panadol, wipes, pasta and rice. Airport protocols 'loose' Jacinda's comments came after a Kiwi who arrived back from Thailand this week said measures at Auckland Airport were "loose" and that she had felt safer in southeast Asia. Auckland woman Maree Glading says she left the airport with no information on Covid-19 or self-isolating for 14 days, now a requirement of most people arriving in New Zealand. "There was no, 'do you understand what isolation is? Are you prepared to isolate for 14 days?' There was nothing like that - no temperature checks, no hand sanitiser," she says. She says the customs officer who checked her passport casually said, "Are you well?" before letting her pass through. Ban on indoor gatherings of 100-plus The government announced a ban on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people to help stop the spread of Covid-19. It follows the prime minister's announcement on Monday that indoor and outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more should be cancelled. "Large gatherings and events are a high-risk environment for the spread of infectious diseases like Covid-19, because people often behave in ways that facilitate transmission at these events," says Health Minister David Clark. "People share food or drinks, sit or stand very close together for long periods of time and may cough or breathe on each other." David says the government is guiding the hospitality sector through the implications for them and also says the government understands how the cancellation of weddings, funerals and other significant social gatherings will be upsetting to people. Womad calms festival-goers' anxiety Womad New Zealand says it has been in contact with health officials and there has been no confirmed case of Covid-19 among fans at last weekend's festival. Festival organisers took to Womad New Zealand's Facebook page to quell anxiety someone infected with Covid-19 had been at the event attended by up to 17,000 at Brooklands Park in New Plymouth. "We've had a few enquiries regarding a potential Covid-19 case at Womad NZ 2020," organisers say. "We've been on the phone with Health officials who have confirmed there has been no cases of people who have attended the festival and that the Womad festival management will be notified immediately if a case were to arise." New Zealand dollar in freefall The New Zealand dollar fell more than two-and-a-half cents against the US dollar to a low of 54.7 cents, as it joined the Australian dollar in freefall. It was also down against most other major currencies, including the pound sterling, euro and Japanese yen, and falling to an 11-year-low as it was caught up in the global selloff by investors seeking safety. The kiwi has fallen 12 percent in the past couple of weeks. The Aussie dollar fell the most in a decade to touch an 18-year-low against the US dollar, which explains why the kiwi and Aussie dollars have been trading close to parity in recent days. School given all clear All 150 students at Logan Park High School have tested negative for Covid-19. Pupils from the Dunedin school were all close contacts of the 12th case, a teenager at the school. The Ministry of Health said as a precaution, all of the contacts will remain in isolation for 14 days and monitored for symptoms. The school will reopen on Tuesday after a thorough cleaning. Tourism meeting and aviation package. The dire economic future of Queenstown businesses reliant on the tourism industry was on the agenda at a meeting between operators and government ministers today. Photo: Supplied / Queenstown Lakes District Council. Queenstown Lakes District mayor Jim Boult led a meeting of local tourism businesses and the Minister of Tourism, Kelvin Davis, and the Minister for Economic Development, Phil Twyford. The ministers released details of a $600 million relief package to help the country's aviation industry ahead of the meeting. Twyford said it was a very sobering time, not only for Queenstown, but for the entire tourism industry. "We didn't sugarcoat the economic situation for Queenstown, the district and the tourism industry but neither did the businesses and leaders we just spent the last hour and a half with sugarcoat what they're going through for us.'' Actor Priyanka Chopra on Wednesday urged followers to rely on authentic sources of information about coronavirus and arranged an Instagram live with top personnel of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the pandemic. The 37-year-old actor documented her videos on Instagram stories where she expressed the importanceof only relying on authentic information about the highly contagious disease. 'The Sky is Pink' actor started the video by saying a 'hello' and went on to say how life seems to be 'upside down.' Priyanka and her husband Nick Jonas are on day 8 of self-isolation and have said they are taking all the recommended precautions to combat the spread of the virus. But, the major crux of the video was on the question of how authentic is the online information on COVID-19. "I have been reading up on the virus and all the information online feels scary. I'm wondering how much of this information is accurate? What is really out there?" said Chopra. For this purpose, the actor has announced an Instagram live on Thursday at 12.30 pm PST, with the help of global citizens. The live will be joined by Dr. Tedros, director-general of WHO, and Maria Van Kerkhove who is a technical lead for COVID-19 at the WHO. CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, too would be joining the live video. "So you can actually ask people who are on the front line fighting the virus .. anything you want to know ..Knowledge is power..the more you know the quicker we can work together to flatten the curve and fight this pandemic which is just so overwhelming and taking over the world," she added. The 'Baywatch' actor also praised the power of technology that helps to manage people support each other even at distance. "It is a reminder for all of us, one thing happens to one community undoubtedly fights one another and another ..we are all global citizens," she concluded. Later, in reference to the problem of people stocking up too many essentials, leaving less for others, the actor shared a post with a caption that read: " There are so many other things to stock up on right now. [?] Please look out for each other and the people who are most at risk for #Covid19," the caption read. The post was an animated slideshow of write-ups that showed "Stock up compassion, joy, gratitude, and kindness. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON The White House and lawmakers scrambled on Thursday to flesh out details of a $1 trillion economic stabilization plan to help workers and businesses weather a potentially deep recession, negotiating over the size and scope of direct payments to millions of people and aid for companies facing devastation in the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Republicans, racing to put their imprint on the crisis response, unveiled a package that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars in loans to big corporations and small businesses, large corporate tax cuts and checks of up to $1,200 for taxpayers. The plan would also place limits on a paid-leave program enacted this week to respond to the crisis. But the 247-page measure, the product of a feverish round of negotiations among Republicans, was all but certain to face opposition from Democrats who have pressed for more generous paid-leave benefits and targeting help to workers and families rather than large corporations. The details emerged as Washington grappled with the dimensions of an extraordinary government rescue effort that is likely to last for many months. At the White House, President Trump said he would be open to having the government take equity stakes in companies that require federal help, a move that would be unpopular with shareholders and would give the government more oversight over businesses. [March 19, 2020] UBS Announces Mandatory Redemption of ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged MSCI US REIT Index ETN Due May 5, 2045 UBS Investment Bank today announced that all outstanding notes of the Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged MSCI US REIT Index due May 5, 2045 (Ticker: LRET) (the "Securities") will be mandatorily redeemed in accordance with the terms of the Securities as a result of the occurrence of an Acceleration Upon Minimum Indicative Value on March 18, 2020 (the "Acceleration Date"), triggered as a result of the intraday indicative value of the Securities on the Acceleration Date decreasing by more than 60% in value from the closing indicative value of the Securities on the previous Monthly Valuation Date. As disclosed in more detail in the pricing supplement and product supplement relating to the Securities, all outstanding notes will be automatically accelerated and redeemed and holders will be entitled to receive the "Acceleration Amount" calculated in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The "Acceleration Measurement Period" for determining the Acceleration Amount will be the five Trading Days from and including the Acceleration Date. Payment of the Acceleration Amount will be made on the Acceleration Settlement Date, which is expected to be March 27, 2020. For more information regarding the mandatory redemption, including how the Acceleration Amount will be determined, see the pricing supplement and product supplement relating to the Securities. The pricing supplement and product supplement for the Securities can be accessed on EDGAR, the SEC (News - Alert) website, at www.sec.gov, and the pricing supplement is also available here and the product supplement is also available here. Investors who purchase the Securities at any time prior to delisting for an amount that is greater than the Acceleration Amount that they will receive on the Acceleration Settlement Date (including paying any premium to the Acceleration Amount, once this amount has been determined) will suffer a loss on their investment. Furthermore, investors who sell the Securities at any time prior to delisting for an amount that is less than the Acceleration Amount they would have received on the Acceleration Settlement Date (including selling at any discount to the Acceleration Amount, once this amount has been determined) will also suffer a los. In either case, such losses could be significant. Investors will not receive any other compensation or amount for the loss of the investment opportunity of holding the Securities. About ETRACS ETRACS ETNs are senior unsecured notes issued by UBS AG, are traded on NYSE Arca (News - Alert), and can be bought and sold through a broker or financial advisor. An investment in ETRACS ETNs is subject to a number of risks, including the risk of loss of some or all of the investor's principal, and is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS AG. Investors are not guaranteed any coupon or distribution amount under the ETNs. We urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks described under "Risk Factors" in the applicable product supplement and pricing supplement for the ETRACS ETN. UBS AG has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus and supplements thereto) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering of securities to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, along with the applicable product and pricing supplement to understand fully the terms of the securities and other considerations that are important in making a decision about investing in the ETRACS. The applicable offering documents for each ETRACS may be obtained by clicking on the links above. You may also get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The securities related to the offerings are not deposit liabilities and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction. About UBS UBS provides financial advice and solutions to wealthy, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. UBS's strategy is centered on our leading global wealth management business and our premier universal bank in Switzerland, enhanced by Asset Management and the Investment Bank. The bank focuses on businesses that have a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital efficient, and have an attractive long-term structural growth or profitability outlook. UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in more than 50 regions and locations, with about 31% of its employees working in the Americas, 32% in Switzerland, 19% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 18% in Asia Pacific. UBS Group AG employs over 67,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This material is issued by UBS AG and/or any of its subsidiaries and/or any of its affiliates ("UBS"). Products and services mentioned in this material may not be available for residents of certain jurisdictions. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Please consult the restrictions relating to the product or service in question for further information. Activities with respect to US securities are conducted through UBS Securities LLC, a US broker/dealer. Member of SIPC (http://www.sipc.org/). ETRACS ETNs are sold only in conjunction with the relevant offering materials. UBS has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the applicable product supplement and pricing supplement, for the offering of the ETRACS ETNs) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read these documents and any other documents that UBS has filed with the SEC for more complete information about UBS and the offering to which this communication relates. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you can request the applicable product supplement and pricing supplement, by calling toll-free (+1-877-387 2275). In the US, securities underwriting, trading and brokerage activities and M&A advisor activities are provided by UBS Securities LLC, a registered broker/dealer that is a wholly owned subsidiary of UBS AG, a member of the New York Stock Exchange and other principal exchanges, and a member of SIPC. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a registered broker/dealer and affiliate of UBS Securities LLC. UBS specifically prohibits the redistribution or reproduction of this material in whole or in part without the prior written permission of UBS and UBS accepts no liability whatsoever for the actions of third parties in this respect. UBS 2020. The key symbol, UBS and ETRACS are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of UBS. Other marks may be trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005369/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Abu Dhabi, March 19 : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) flag carrier, Etihad airlines has further reduced its daily flights to key Indian cities as preventive measures against the coronavirus pandemic. The Abu Dhabi-based airline said on Wednesday that it has reduced its daily flights New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, reports Gulf News. The airline has also temporarily suspended all flights to Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Nairobi, Kuwait and Lebanon among other destinations. "This is being carried out for the safety and convenience of its customers and staff, and to minimise operational disruption during this period," said the airline. The UAE has so far reported 113 confirmed coronavirus cases with no deaths, while India has 168 infections with three fatalities. [March 19, 2020] Quantum Machines Raises $17.5M as It Powers the Global Quantum Computing Race TEL AVIV, Israel, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Machines, creator of the first complete hardware and software solution for the control and operation of quantum computers, announced today that it has secured $17.5M in funding to accelerate the already rapid adoption of the company's Quantum Orchestration Platform, which is driving the development of tomorrow's quantum breakthroughs. The Series A round was led by Avigdor Willenz and Harel with the participation of previous backers TLV Partners and Battery Ventures. In the race to bring general-purpose quantum computers to fruition, Quantum Machines (QM) announced a major breakthrough earlier this year with the launch of its Quantum Orchestration Platform and its adoption by major players. Its complete set of features works with all quantum technologies, giving researchers and development teams everything they need to run the most complex quantum algorithms and experiments. Looking to the future, Quantum Orchestration lays the ground for tackling some of the most challenging hurdles facing quantum computing, such as complex multi-qubit calibrations, quantum-error-correction, and scaling up to many hundreds of qubits. Israeli entrepreneur Avigdor Willenz, who recently sold Habana Labs to Intel for $2 billion, is backing QM after the massive enthusiasm he's witnessed from across the quantum coputing industry. "The race to commercial quantum computers is one of the most exciting technological challenges of our generation," said Willenz, who has also sold companies to Intel, Marvell, Amazon and Cisco. "Our goal at QM is to make this happen faster than anticipated, and establish ourselves as an essential player in this emerging industry." QM was founded in 2018 by Drs. Itamar Sivan, Yonatan Cohen and Nissim Ofek, three physics Ph.Ds. They met at Israel's Weizmann Institute after each had studied at the world's top universities, including Yale University, University of Washington, Oxford University and the Ecole Normale Superieure. The QM team has since grown to nearly 30 more than half of them physicists. QM's Orchestration Platform has already been adopted by multinational corporations and startups at the forefront of quantum computing, with many new paying customers joining us every month. "We have been fortunate to assemble a team of all-star researchers and scientists working on the greatest challenges of quantum computing," said Dr. Itamar Sivan, co-founder and CEO of QM. "Their prowess is evident in the lead that QM has taken as the only company to develop Quantum Orchestration. Quantum technology will decisively shape our future and this new investment will ensure that QM remains at the center of these exciting advancements." About Quantum Machines QM's full-stack Quantum Orchestration Platform enables an entirely new approach to controlling and operating quantum processors. Capable of running even the most complex algorithms from near-term applications of quantum computers to challenges of quantum-error-correction the Quantum Orchestration Platform allows users to realize the potential of all quantum processors right out of the box via its powerful, yet intuitive, programming language QUA. Media Contact: Lazer Cohen [email protected] +347-753-8256 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantum-machines-raises-17-5m-as-it-powers-the-global-quantum-computing-race-301026829.html SOURCE Quantum Machines [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Helena Bonham Carter enjoyed some quality time with son Billy on Wednesday amid growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. The actress, 53, joined her eldest child in London's Primrose Hill as she grabbed an immune system boosting fruit juice. With the streets bare amid government advice to practise social distancing and stay at home, the pair were seen picking up a drink and some groceries. Out and about: Helena Bonham Carter enjoyed some quality time with son Billy on Wednesday amid growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic Helena looked typically quirky on the outing as she donned a black smock dress with a cream sailor bib neckline. Layering up, she shrugged on a red plaid jacket and slipped her feet into chunky brown boots. Billy, 16, also kept things casual in a pair of black jeans teamed with a plain white T-shirt and a navy jacket. Yum: The actress, 53, joined her eldest child in London's Primrose Hill as she grabbed an immune system boosting fruit juice Walking the dog: With the streets bare amid government advice to practise social distancing and stay at home, the pair were seen picking up a drink and some groceries Helena shares son Billy and 12-year-old daughter Nell with her ex Tim Burton, 61. The Cinderella star had a famously unconventional 13-year relationship with director Tim which ended in 2014. Helena, who is currently dating writer Rye Dag Holmboe, 32, In late 2019, Helena discussed her relationship with her boyfriend of one year, gushing their romance has been 'a bit of unexpected magic in my life'. Stylish: Helena looked typically quirky on the outing as she donned a black smock dress with a cream sailor bib neckline Keeping it casual: Billy, 16, also kept things casual in a pair of black jeans teamed with a plain white T-shirt and a navy jacket On finally moving on from Tim, the Enid star - who previously dated Irish actor Kenneth Branagh between 1994 and 1999 - admitted she grew tired of 'grieving' their relationship, and now leads a 'happy' life with her new boyfriend. Speaking to Harper's Bazaar UK, the thespian shared: 'You break up, you grieve, you get bored of grieving. And then you finally move on' 'Im very happy with someone else. Its been a bit of unexpected magic in my life.' MENLO PARK, Calif., March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PACB), a leading provider of high-quality sequencing of genomes, transcriptomes and epigenomes, announced that the jury verdict in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware was not overall favorable for Pacific Biosciences, but mixed in terms of its findings. Although the jury sided with Pacific Biosciences in finding Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. and its U.S. subsidiary Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Inc. guilty of infringing three of Pacific Biosciences patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,678,056 (the 056 Patent), 9,546,400, and 9,772,323, the jury declined to find these patents valid based on enablement and, in the case of claim one of the 056 Patent, written description and indefiniteness. The jury declined to find valid or infringed U.S. Patent No. 9,738,929, also asserted by Pacific Biosciences in the actions. We are disappointed with todays verdict, which appears to be internally inconsistent regarding the validity of our patents, said Dr. Michael W. Hunkapiller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Biosciences. We were especially dismayed at ONTs brazen attempts during trial, in direct violation of the Courts orders, to improperly sway the jury with references to previous legal proceedings between the parties involving different patents and legal questions, and to profit from the current coronavirus pandemic by incorrectly suggesting that if the jury voted in favor of Pacific Biosciences it would be impeding critical efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Pacific Biosciences intends to file post-trial motions with the District Court, seeking to overturn these aspects of the jury verdict and also requesting a new trial if warranted. In addition, if necessary, the company plans to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. We continue to believe that all of our asserted U.S. patent claims are valid and infringed by ONT, and we believe the law and the facts support our positions, continued Dr. Hunkapiller. Pacific Biosciences remains firm in its resolve to protect its investment and leadership position in the field it has created, and we look forward to the next steps in our litigation against ONT. Story continues The jurys verdict has no effect on the previous settlement between the parties, under which ONT has agreed to refrain from offering 2D sequencing products in the United Kingdom and Germany through 2023. The companys settlement agreement with ONT and other parties remains in effect notwithstanding the outcome of the U.S. District Court litigation or other legal proceedings between the parties in the U.S. or Europe. About Pacific Biosciences Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PACB) offers sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on its novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) technology, Pacific Biosciences products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and real-time kinetic information for epigenome characterization. Pacific Biosciences technology provides high accuracy, ultra-long reads, uniform coverage, and the ability to simultaneously detect epigenetic changes. PacBio sequencing systems, including consumables and software, provide a simple, fast, end-to-end workflow for SMRT Sequencing. More information is available at www.pacb.com . Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to availability, uses, accuracy, quality or performance of, or benefits of using, products or technologies, the suitability or utility of methods, products or technologies for particular applications or projects, the results or ultimate outcome of legal proceedings and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, changes in circumstances and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond Pacific Biosciences control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made in this press release. Factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in Pacific Biosciences most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Pacific Biosciences most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption Risk Factors. Pacific Biosciences undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available. Contacts Media: Nicole Litchfield 415.793.6468 nicole@bioscribe.com New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday took oath as a nominated member of Parliaments upper House or Rajya Sabha even as members of opposition parties shouted slogans against his nomination and staged a walkout. As his name was called for oath-taking, lawmakers from the Congress, Left parties, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Rashtriya Janata Dal shouted slogans and disrupted the House proceedings. Rajya Sabha chairman intervened and cautioned the lawmakers against sloganeering and expunged the slogans from the record. It is very unbecoming of members of Parliament. No, this is not the way. Nothing will go on the record... very unfair, very unfair, Naidu said. He added the lawmakers have the liberty to express their views outside the House on the issue. You know the Constitutional provision, you know the precedent, you know the power of the President [to nominate someone to Rajya Sabha], he said. Naidu said the lawmakers should not do anything in the House that lowers its dignity. Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Rajya Sabha has a great tradition of having eminent persons from diverse fields, including former chief justices, being nominated to it by those who are now opposing Gogois nomination. Ranjan Gogoi will surely contribute his best as a nominated member, Prasad said. He added the opposition was being grossly unfair to Gogoi. Gogoi, 65, who retired as the CJI in November after a 13-month tenure, took oath in English in the name of God. Opposition parties have questioned Gogois nomination four months after he retired in November, with Congress saying the move has hit the belief of people in the judiciary. Gogoi on Tuesday said he accepted the nomination because of a strong conviction that the legislature and judiciary should work together at some point to help nation-building. Social activist Madhu Purnima Kishwar challenged Gogois nomination in the Supreme Court on Wednesday arguing that it casts a shadow of doubt on the credibility of the judgments the latter has delivered. Gogoi presided over several key cases, including the one related to allegations against the government about procedural flaws in the procurement of Rafale jets. His most significant judgment was in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit case. He led the bench, which granted the disputed land in Ayodhya to the Hindu parties, paving the way for the construction of a Ram Temple, a key political agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a news conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on March 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) US President Donald Trump recently defended his use of the phrase Chinese Virus after facing an angry backlash for using it to refer to the COVID-19 coronavirus, inflaming anti-Chinese racism, and stigmatizing China. Various US officials have been using the Chinese virus, the Wuhan virus, and other offensive labels to smear China. Just recently, a White House official used the racist label Kung-Flu to refer to the coronavirus in a conversation with a Chinese-American television reporter. This morning a White House official referred to coronavirus as the Kung-Flu to my face, CBS News White House correspondent tweeted on Mar. 17. Makes me wonder what theyre calling it behind my back, she added. Many people around the world have criticized Trump for using a racist and anti-Chinese label to describe a virus that threatens all people. In fact, Trump has doubled down on labeling the COVID-19 coronavirus the Chinese Virus, despite the avalanche of criticism. I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the borders from China - against the wishes of almost all, he tweeted on Mar. 18. However, many people believe that Trump is trying to deflect blame from his own failings by labeling COVID-19 coronavirus the Chinese Virus. Trump called the coronavirus a hoax and basically said, its just the flu, bro. Now he is lying and saying that he always took it seriously. He is pivoting towards xenophobia and racism to blame Chinese people, and by extension, all Asian Americans too, Dr. Eugene Gu wrote. Were his scapegoats. Please stop calling it Chinese Virus. Through no fault of their own, the Chinese people have suffered immeasurably, Mia Farrow wrote. You are stigmatizing all Chinese people everywhere including our own Chinese-Americans. Even Hillary Clinton, who ran against Trump in the US presidential election in 2016, had some words.The president [Trump] is turning to racist rhetoric to distract from his failures to take the coronavirus seriously early on, make tests widely available, and adequately prepare the country for a period of crisis, she said, adding, Dont fall for it. Dont let your friends and family fall for it. It is clear that Trump knew about the threat well in advance, but he downplayed the crisis and failed to take it seriously, instead claiming that everything was totally under control, even as the situation clearly took a turn for the worst. Now, there are over 7,000 cases of coronavirus and about 100 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with large concentrations in the states of New York, Washington, and California, and many experts are warning that this may just be the beginning. There is no room for racism in a time of crisis and creating fear and anger toward a people hurts everyone. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have warned about the spread of the coronavirus, as well as the danger of equating people with a disease, with the WHO warning that stigma is even more dangerous than the virus itself. Words matter, especially when they come from the mouth of a sitting US president, and labels such as the Chinese Virus are just as infectious and dangerous as the virus itselfif not more. All of us should be on guard against the COVID-19 coronavirus, but we should also be on guard against the virus of racism. (Bloomberg) -- Never let it be said that a crisis cant be turned into an opportunity. Having battled the coronavirus for months and hit the milestone of no new infections domestically China is now offering to help others, particularly Europe, which is in the grip of a major outbreak. Chinas state media is peppered with footage of masks being delivered and of Chinese medical teams arriving. Its an effort to move past criticism of Beijings early cover-ups at home, conspiracy theories on the origins of the virus and claims that Chinese travelers helped spread Covid-19. As Alan Crawford and Peter Martin write, President Xi Jinping is calling it a kind of Health Silk Road. That has the added benefit of fostering a narrative at home that China has triumphed over the virus and can now help others as a responsible global power. Its also a counterpoint to growing tensions with America. President Donald Trump, under pressure domestically for his response to the pandemic, is needling Beijing for what he calls the Chinese virus, while Beijing has aired dubious claims the U.S. military may have started the outbreak in China. Chinas outreach may gain some traction in Europe simply because the U.S. has left a vacuum of global leadership under Trump. But there is much skepticism about Beijings motives even as countries accept its largesse. Meanwhile at home, experts warn the virus could quickly return for a damaging second wave. Global Headlines Military mode | Trump declared himself a wartime president on the same day the stock market erased all its gains since he took office. It was his latest attempt to influence public perception of his handling of an outbreak thats reshaping the election campaign. But his embrace of military language is a tougher sell, given he spent weeks downplaying the viruss severity. Trump signed an executive order yesterday giving the federal government broad powers to direct the production and distribution of health protective gear, ventilators and other supplies. Story continues Merkels moment | German Chancellor Angela Merkels first crisis address to the nation of her more than 14 years in office was a sobering moment. How the public responds to her plea for solidarity in the face of Germanys greatest post-war threat will likely determine historys view of her chancellorship. The former physicist, who disdains soaring rhetoric in favor of deadpan delivery, offered a stark message. This is serious, she said. Take it seriously. Shaking foundations | With much of the European Union in the biggest lockdown since World War II, responses to the spread of Covid-19 are testing the most binding principle of the regions postwar integration: the freedom of movement. As Andrew Langley, Ott Ummelas and Christopher Jasper report, border closures are disrupting the $3.3 trillion of annual trade in the bloc and complicating journeys for its 450 million inhabitants. Russia is engaging in a substantial campaign to spread disinformation about the virus, according to an EU analysis. The economic impact is shifting from service-driven industries to the manufacturing sector on both sides of the Atlantic, leading to a synchronized shutdown of heavy industry unlike any seen since the 1940s. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced hes closing schools and warned he may impose more controls in London and elsewhere to counter the virus that has killed 104 people in the country so far. Democratic infighting | Progressive activists say they have no intention of easing pressure on Joe Biden to adopt their left-of-center causes as he shifts focus to the general election, despite fears among Democrats that their efforts could damage his ability to beat Trump. In all-but defeating Bernie Sanders for the partys nomination, Biden has been cool to many of the ideas at the heart of Sanderss campaign. Under threat | Brazils Senate president is the latest top official to test positive for the coronavirus in a sign of the threat facing the political elite in Latin Americas largest economy. The diagnosis of Davi Alcolumbre as well as the nations top security official and the mining and energy minister shows the disease is moving fast across the capital, Brasilia. What to Watch U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell implored lawmakers to work at warp speed on a complex economic rescue plan that will likely include direct payments to taxpayers, loans to the airline industry and grants for small businesses and local governments. Italys electricity consumption has dropped as factories and shops shut across the country. South Africas parties met yesterday and agreed to unite in order to fight the epidemic. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday appointed a military officer to run Nairobi and tackle corruption Tell us how were doing or what were missing at balancepower@bloomberg.net. And finally ... New evidence from Europe and the U.S. suggests younger adults arent as impervious to the coronavirus as first thought. Despite data from China that showed the elderly and those with other health conditions were most vulnerable, young people from twenty-somethings to those in their early forties are also falling seriously ill. Many require intensive care, and the risk is particularly high for those with un-diagnosed ailments. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. A national mask shortage has effect on dental offices as worries about the spread of coronavirus looms. Dr. Allen Ghorashi reduced his dental practice's hours this week because of the coronavirus, but he hoped he could still help patients who needed fillings, dental implants or other routine procedures. He changed his mind after seeing the most recent guidelines from the American Dental Association urging dentists in the U.S. to postpone elective procedures and offer only emergency care. Ghorashi's practice, Valley Dental Group in Ramsey, New Jersey, will see only emergency patients for the next two weeks. "We're going to screen them over the phone, do a phone interview to see what the nature of the emergency is," he said. "Based on that, I will recommend what to do at home or if need be, they can come to the office." The guidelines, which are in place for the next three weeks, "will allow us to care for our emergency patients and alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments," the ADA said in a statement to CNBC. The White House echoed the recommendations at a press briefing Wednesday when Seema Verma, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, advised people to "seriously consider" delaying elective medical and dental procedures. In response to the outbreak, dentist offices across the country are changing their practices to align with these guidelines. Others are shutting down completely. "For the safety of our patients and that of our team members, we thought it best to not see patients," said Tina Ebrahimian, the office manager of Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, where her husband and daughter are dentists. The dental office, in Scotts Valley, California, closed this week and will remain so during a planned spring break next week. The practice is taking care of its employees' salaries during the unexpected closure. "We felt that was important to do to support our team members," Ebrahimian said. "Everybody just felt a little sigh of relief that we were going to have a little buffer." Ghorashi said he knows of practices that are closing for multiple weeks but that he would only do so under a state mandate and is currently sticking to being open only a few hours a day. "I close for four weeks, I'm looking for another job," he said. He said his office has strict hygiene practices to help prevent transmission of the virus. He's also staggering emergency patients' appointments so that they will have limited contact with each other. His usually full waiting room will now only have two or three patients sitting six feet apart. For teledentistry company SmileDirectClub, which ships teeth aligners to customers and provides orthodontic consultations remotely, now is the perfect time for health care that doesn't involve going into an office. "Given the guidelines in place for social distancing, the need for telehealth platforms is more important than ever," the company said in a statement to CNBC. "Our platform has effectively allowed the dentists and orthodontists in our network to continue to monitor and manage treatment plans for their patients during this public health crisis." Dental office closures and reduced hours also have the potential to financially impact hourly employees at these practices. While there has been concern over the effect of the coronavirus on hourly workers in the food and service industries, licensed medical workers such as dental hygienists could be at risk as well. The American Dental Hygienists Association has seen a number of inquiries from dental hygienists concerned about the impact of the coronavirus on their employment and compensation, according to ADHA President Matt Crespin. "We are closely monitoring state and national policies as they evolve, and actively working to help dental hygienists understand their rights and options as it relates to personal protection and employment," Crespin told CNBC. Ghorashi of Valley Dental Group said that while his staff has been understanding about the situation, he's concerned about them because they work on hourly rates. He said he wants to offer them some sort of compensation but that they may have to rely on the practice's unemployment insurance or help from the state. "I know the state is going to offer some unemployment benefits, but in that case, I have to lay the staff off in order for them to get unemployment," he said. In addition to being worried about his staff, Ghorashi is also anxious about the long-term financial impact of the coronavirus on his business. "I'm worried about them and you know, my overhead," he said. "After this, I'll have to work 24/7." U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Wednesday the agency would scale back arrests of illegal immigrants due to the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic. ICE will focus enforcement on public safety risks and individuals subject to mandatory detention based on criminal grounds, the agency said in a press release. For migrants who are not public safety risks, ICE will exercise discretion to delay enforcement actions until after the crisis or utilize alternatives to detention, as appropriate. The agency will also refrain from operations that could prevent migrants from receiving medical care. ICE will not carry out enforcement operations at or near health care facilities, such as hospitals, doctors offices, accredited health clinics, and emergent or urgent care facilities, except in the most extraordinary of circumstances, the agency said. Individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement. The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak has caused various nations to shut their borders to foreigners entirely, while the U.S. has banned foreign citizens from Europe and China and has closed its border with Canada to tourists. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol announced on Wednesday it would immediately deport any asylum seekers caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. Although confirmed cases of coronavirus remain relatively low in Mexico and Latin America, Border Patrol fears an outbreak of coronavirus in its detention facilities if an infected asylum seeker is captured. More from National Review For the first time since the pathogen emerged two months ago in Wuhan, China's epicentre has reported no new cases so far and it's a huge milestone. This turning point for Hubei province comes as China struggles to get back on its feet after being flattened by a disease that exploded out of the city of Wuhan in late January. Facebook The province is still grappling with the aftermath of containment measures that have wrought enormous social and economic damage, most of all in the 60-million strong province of Hubei, which is still under mass quarantine. When the virus first broke out in Hubei, the authorities sealed off the area from the rest of the world and now countries like Italy and Iran have also been forced to push for such draconian measures, being the hardest hit after China. #BREAKING #China reports 34 #COVID19 infections on Wednesday, all are cases that originated abroad, with 8 more deaths Chinese mainland reports zero new domestically transmitted #COVID19 cases pic.twitter.com/IAupe4hXz6 CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) March 19, 2020 The National Health Commission reported 34 new cases in the Hubei region but said all involved people who came to China from a foreign country. 'As work resumes and movement restrictions are lifted, the chance of another wave of infections is high, because the majority of the Chinese population is still not immune as they did not get infected in the first wave,' Raina MacIntyre, head of the biosecurity program at the University of New South Wales in Sydney was quoted as saying. Twitter The report of zero cases is the strongest indication yet that such extreme measures can help contain the virus, as cases soar globally to more than 217,000. Health officials are still trying to trace the source of the outbreak of the new strain of the coronavirus. But the first known case to have been reported appeared in Wuhan on Dec. 1, 2019, As the number of new cases in Wuhan has dropped, the field hospitals have closed. Workers in essential industries, such as public utilities and medical equipment, have started returning to work. But the lockdown is still in effect and it will still a while before things spring back to normalcy. In the wake of a force-wide stop-movement order, U.S. Army leaders are offering special pays and voluntary assignment extensions to help soldiers and their families caught in the uncertainty of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Late last week, the Pentagon issued broad travel restrictions for all service members and family members to slow the spread of the highly contagious virus known as COVID-19. The temporary stop-movement order -- scheduled to last until at least May 15, halted many permanent change of station (PCS) moves as service members were in the process of moving household goods and families to new assignments. Army officials put out an All Army Activities message Wednesday night, explaining the initiatives the service is offering to help mitigate the impact of the stop-movement order on PCS moves, said Lt. Gen. Thomas Seamands, deputy chief of staff for Army G-1. Related: Pentagon Bans Domestic Travel for Troops, Families as Coronavirus Spreads Soldiers and their families who were preparing to PCS are eligible for hardship duty pay (HDP) of $100 a day, not to exceed $1,500 a month, to cover the cost of additional lodging, Seamands said. "If you are at Fort Bragg, [North Carolina], and you are on hold, you will be entitled ... to request [hardship duty pay], which would give a family up to $1,500 a month to defray those costs," he said. Soldiers who arrived at a new station from an area affected by COVID-19 and were ordered to self-quarantine are eligible for isolation allowance, Seamands said. "It's designed to allow soldiers and families who are ordered to be isolated after completing the PCS and ... would start after the soldier reports to the new duty station," he explained, adding that the amount of isolation allowance is based on per-diem rates determined by the Defense Department for a given area. "So, if a soldier is en route to, say, Fort Riley [Kansas], arrives at Fort Riley, and is required to go into isolation, then this would help them offset the temporary lodging expenses while there are there," he said. President Donald Trump and senior military officials have said that COVID-19 may affect everyday life in the U.S. into late summer. Army officials -- recognizing that the stop-movement order could last longer than anticipated -- are now offering to allow soldiers the option of extending their current assignments. "We are now allowing any soldiers who are on orders but still at their current duty station before the PCS to request to stay at that duty station if that works best for them and their family," Seamands said, explaining that the intent is to help soldiers and their families "adjust to the post-COVID-19 world." Many senior-level sergeants reenlist to go to assignments such as Hawaii, "so we guess that they will continue to opt to go onto their location," he said. "But as the soldiers and families sit down and talk about it, they may opt to say they are in a good place, they still have their house and it may be best for them to stay in place," he added. The process would require soldiers to submit a form 4187 to request an assignment extension. "It is a request; we are not directing that they stay. ... It would go to [Human Resources Command] and, absent any mission-essential nature of their assignment, then they should be allowed to stay in place," Seamands said. The length of assignment extensions may vary based on the type of military occupational specialty, or MOS. "For example, a Patriot missile soldier has certain places they can go, and there is a pretty high [operations tempo] so they may not get as much as somebody who is in a higher-density MOS," Seamands said. "So, it will be MOS-by-MOS, but we will stabilize the family likely for a year and then see what the ... readiness demands are across the force at that point." Once orders are changed, it would be fairly simple to stop the planning process for the soldier's household goods shipment, said Lt. Gen. Duane Gamble, deputy chief of staff for Army G-4. "If they had orders, but they wanted to stay on Fort Riley -- for their household goods, we will just amend their orders to reflect their new assignment, and their household goods will follow them," he said. Seamands stressed that the Army will not be able to grant every request for extension. "I do believe that, once we get back to some kind of conditions of stability where people are allowed to move freely, that most of the people who are on assignment instructions will move to wherever they have their orders or are programmed to go," he said. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Read More: 'Tens of Thousands' of Guard Personnel to Be Called Up in Coronavirus Response Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 00:04:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Laotian staff members receive testing kits from China at the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos, March 18, 2020. A shipment of COVID-19 testing kits provided by the Chinese government arrived here on Wednesday. (Chinese Embassy in Laos/Handout via Xinhua) VIENTIANE, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A shipment of COVID-19 testing kits provided by the Chinese government arrived here on Wednesday. Other urgently needed preventative and protective materials such as face masks and protective suits, which the Chinese government has promised to provide, will arrive later. Also on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong exchanged views on enhancing epidemic prevention and control cooperation with Lao Health Minister Bounkong Syhavong. The Chinese ambassador said the Lao side has extended support in various aspects to China in its fight against the COVID-19, including the donation of 700,000 U.S. dollars and multiple shipments of epidemic prevention materials. As the COVID-19 is now spreading globally and Laos is under mounting pressure in preventing and controlling the virus, China is ready to provide to Laos the much-needed protective materials, which is a specific measure taken by China to implement President Xi Jinping's important directive on actively carrying out international cooperation to prevent and control the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as a lively practice to carry out the action plan on building a China-Laos community with shared future inked by President Xi and Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith, Jiang said. Lao Health Minister Bounkong said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China's epidemic prevention and control is efficient and effective, and is about to win the war against the disease. With the COVID-19 spreading across the world, Laos is facing a risk of imported cases, the minister said, adding that the preventative and protective materials provided by China will boost his country's capability and confidence on fighting the disease. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Fidan Babyeva - Trend: Only 5 percent of hazelnut products are supplied to the domestic market, Ismayil Orujov, Director of the Azerbaijan Hazelnut Producers and Exporters Association, told Trend. The director noted that 95 percent of all manufactured products are exported abroad. Hazelnut productivity amounted to 23,157 tons in 2019. Domestic sales amounted to 1,157 tons. Over the past three years, the yield of hazelnuts has increased by two times. Presently, the planted area is 83,000 hectares. For comparison, three years ago, hazelnut plantings occupied about 40,000 hectares. After expanding the planted area of hazelnuts, it is planned to increase the geography of exports, Orujov emphasized. The expert added that the approximate production of hazelnuts for 2020 will be known only at the end of April, since spring climatic conditions strongly affect its productivity. The bulk of current exports are carried in containers to Russia and Italy. In 2019, 22,000 tons of hazelnuts were exported to foreign markets. Export revenue totaled $125 million, he said. Touching upon the topic of expanding export borders, the director noted that after participating in the Gulfood-2020 international food and beverage exhibition in Dubai (UAE), which was held on February 16-20, many foreign companies expressed their interest in importing Azerbaijani hazelnuts, so measures to implement these plans are already taken. The main walnut orchards are located in the country's Gakh, Zagatala, Balakan districts. The Azerbaijan Hazelnut Producers and Exporters Association was established in 2016 and now has 60 organizations on the hazelnut production. Presently, Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world, with a 75 percent share of the global market. Azerbaijans share in the world is only four percent; however, as noted by foreign media, the country has great potential in this field. --- Follow the author on Twitter: Fidan_Babaeva A 30-year-old man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly drove drunk, hit a pedestrian and killed her early Tuesday morning. Court documents say Ivan Cam struck Iulia Hanczarek, 39, while he was driving on Southwest Barbur Boulevard near Southwest Parkhill Drive. Cam told police that he was driving about 50 miles per hour on Barbur when his windshield suddenly exploded, according to court documents. Cam told police he didnt see anything before the collision and didnt know what he had hit. He told police that when he turned the car around and realized he hit a person, he called 911 and stayed at the scene, sitting in his car, until officers arrived. Police said when they responded to the scene, they smelled alcohol on Cam. He told officers that he and a friend had gone to a bar in Southwest Portland, spent about two hours there and had some alcoholic drinks, then left the bar. Police said they noticed Cam slurring his words and that his eyes appeared bloodshot. He has been charged with one count each of second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. On October 1, 2020, Nigeria will celebrate her 60th year of political independence. Our diamond jubilee is a remarkable milestone worthy of significant documentation even as the country is deeply immersed in the crisis of nationhood. In furtherance of this objective, the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) and partners are launching the Sixty Years, Sixty Voices initiative which seeks to produce a book of 60 essays by young Nigerians to address our problems as a nation. Many Nigerians argue that the major problem facing the country is leadership, and that if nothing is done to ensure purposeful leadership, the country will disintegrate. This fear is not misplaced. Our political leaders have failed to serve as the rallying point for national unity, nation-building and cohesion. The Punch in an editorial (January 24, 2020) titled 50 years after the Civil War quotes Banji Akintoye, a retired professor of history: We have good reasons to fear today that the character of the affairs of our country and the prevailing mood among us Nigerians are chillingly similar to the character of the affairs of our country in the months leading to our Civil War. The government of our country is being managed in ways that make it look like the exclusive preserve of a particular minority. Insecurity has steadily worsened. Terrorists, bandits, gun and machete-wielding herdsmen and kidnappers have become unstoppable, turning the country into a massive graveyard. According to the Nigerian Security Tracker, 25,794 people were killed between 2015 and 2019. More than 100,000 persons have been killed by Boko Haram while 1.9m people have been displaced since its murderous campaign began in 2009. Kashim Shettima, former governor of Borno State, says Nigerias northern land borders with Chad, Niger and Cameroon are major suspected routes of the inflow of illicit arms and ammunition into the country, which fuels the orgy of bloodbath (Punch, February 4, 2020). Nigerias abysmal failure in security has forced some states and regions to consider self-help, as well as moved the two houses of the National Assembly to pass a resolution calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the security chiefs. Other indices of growth and development are also progressively on the decline. Population is growing at 3% while economic growth is just about 2%. Life expectancy rate is 55 years, the third lowest in the world. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the life expectancy of an average Nigerian is only better than those of the people of Sierra-Leone, Chad and the Central African Republic. Even war-torn Afghanistan and Somalia have a higher life expectancy, at 65 and 58 respectively. Electricity consumption is at a meagre 3,500 to 4,000MW. Unemployment is rising, reaching an all-time high of 23.10% in the third quarter of 2018. There are 13.5m out-of-school children and the number is growing. Politically, the electoral process is still largely being manipulated and there seems to be no solution to the endemic corruption in the country. And most embarrassing of all, in June 2018 the World Poverty Clock indicated Nigeria had overtaken India as the poverty capital of the world. The country now has the largest number of people living in extreme poverty with an estimated 87 million Nigerians, or around half of the countrys population, said to be living on less than $2.00 or N700.00 per day. Most Nigerians hold the view that six decades after independence, the country has failed to work for them in a way that is satisfactory. Based on current reality, there are citizens who think a bloody revolution, as it happened in Ghana under Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings, is the only solution to the countrys problem. There are also those who argue that the fundamentals of nationhood are flawed, that Nigeria as presently constituted is not a workable union and, therefore, cannot deliver national security, peace, justice and development. These issues and more are what will be addressed in the proposed book. The new decade will be a defining moment for Nigeria. Sixty years after independence, fifty years after a civil war, and at the beginning of a new decade, it is important that a new generation of citizens is challenged to reposition the country. The future of Nigeria is in the hands of the youth. The youth are the social forces that would bring change to the country. How they handle it will determine where the country goes. This project challenges them to chart a roadmap that outlines a future that works for the good of the greatest number of compatriots; one that will put the country on the path of growth and development. The historian, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, has described Nigeria as a country on its third missionary journey to a truly democratic nation. Ochefu notes that, The corporate existence of the country has been tested twice. It was formally broken once (1967-70) and pronounced broken once (April 1990). It took a horrible civil war to restore the entity when it was broken and an equally brutal attempted coup when it was pronounced. The current attack on our polity that is being driven ferociously in a religious and ethnic vehicle has produced outcomes that many Nigerians have long envisaged. But we cant allow these issues to consume the country. Unfortunately, the problems confronting Nigeria are not problems to be resolved by wishful thinking. What do Nigerians want? How did we get here? Where do Nigerians envisage the country will go after 60 years of independence? These are issues that require urgent and practical national attention. The aim of this project, therefore, is to produce a book of 60 essays on Nigeria60 Years, 60 Voices Essays on Nigeria at Sixtyby young Nigerians, the critical change agents, to help the country understand and sharpen its focus on those issues that hold the key to our collective survival as a people. These essays will examine Nigerias social, economic, and political situation and explore the options open to us, suggest solutions and how to actualize them. The essays will take a critical look at the countrys democratic experiment since independence in 1960, where the country is today and some of the major issues that have dogged the countrys march to genuine democracy and nationhood. This collection of essays will be used not just to commemorate Nigerias diamond jubilee, but as a social mobilization tool to address critical issues surrounding our nations socio-cultural, political and economic evolution from independence to the present day. The idea is to generate enough public conversation that can push for and bring about the desired change in the country. The essays will focus on different aspects of our national life, including whether the fundamental question of nation building that began six decades ago has been fully and or properly answered and what lessons we have learned or need to learn as a nation 60 years after independence. Through these essays, the book hopes to document our failures, successes; but more important, the way out of the cul-de-sac Nigeria has found itself. Nigeria has been described as a nation of great potentials; but it has remained essentially that in the last sixty years. After a civil war, several successful and unsuccessful coups and thirty-one years of civilian rule, clearly the leadership challenge can partly be blamed for our inability to actualize the hope citizens felt at independence sixty years ago. While the Nigerian situation can depress any true patriot, there is no reason for Nigerians to be pessimistic about the countrys future. The reality is that the social forces that will bring changethe countrys young, progressive and active citizensare not in short supply. Part of the idea behind this book, therefore, is to get these young Nigerians, many of whom ventilate their frustration and solutions daily on social media to articulate their ideas and solutions in a compendium that can be used for social and political mobilization. Contributors will be young Nigerians spread across the 36 states and the FCT; post-Civil War Nigeriansthat is, not more than 50 years oldwith progressive ideas about building a united and egalitarian society. These active citizens are the ones who will inspire and rekindle hope and bring the country out of its current depressing situation. It is our expectation that the essays in the book will analyze the realities in the socio-economic, political and cultural life of the country since independence and answer questions on why Nigeria remains a giant with clay feet despite the availability of abundant human and mineral resources envied by other nations. Chido Onumah, Coordinator, African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), read this address on behalf of PT Books, YIAGA Africa, Sahara Reporters, TechHer, and OAK TV, partners of the Sixty Years, Sixty Voices initiative at the formal launch of the initiative in Abuja on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. NEODESHA, Kan., March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In early March, Cobalt Boats was visited by Jake LaTurner, the Treasurer of the state of Kansas, who was reviewing the contributions of regional businesses to the economic performance of the state of Kansas and nation as a whole. During his factory tour, Mr. LaTurner was impressed by the dedication of Cobalts employees and their passion for the work they do, and expressed his admiration for the way they represented the Kansas work ethic. The treasurers visit is yet another example of government officials taking a positive interest in Cobalt, following the companys selection in 2019 by the White House as a notable Made In America business. Mr. LaTurner also met with the president of Cobalt Boats, Shane Stanfill, to learn more about the companys growth plans, including a pending plant expansion. A native of nearby Galena, KS, Mr. LaTurner was familiar with the Cobalt brand and its reputation for quality. Cobalt Boats is a mainstay in Southeast Kansas. I grew up in the area and appreciate the positive impact Cobalt has had both on the economy and on the lives of the people who work there. The company is a great example of the success that comes with a dedication to excellence and hard work, he noted. We were pleased to learn that Mr. LaTurner included a visit to Cobalt in his travel plans, said Shane Stanfill. After escorting him on the plant tour, I briefed him on such items as our employment numbers, business impact and outlook, things the states top financial officer was keenly interested in and seemed to very much appreciate, he said. About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/115d8de6-d18b-4b45-a044-365734be6c09 Some patients who test positive for the coronavirus and exhibit mild to moderate symptoms dont require hospitalization, but they need to remain in isolation at home to recover and prevent the spread of the virus. If a patient is at home in quarantine, how should family or other members of the household care for the person while taking necessary precautions to protect themselves? During Thursdays coronavirus press briefing with Gov. Phil Murphy, state health commissioner Judith Persichilli addressed some of the ways family members can care for a person on isolation following a positive coronavirus test. Here is the advice she gave, along with other tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health: Persichilli said a patient should be in his or her own room if possible. If the patient is sharing a room, there should be distance between the inhabitants of the room. The Department of Heath identified six feet as a safe distance. Patients presenting mild or moderate symptoms who are allowed to be home should not be mixing with anyone else in the home. Food should be delivered carefully. Persichilli suggested that food be left outside a closed door to be picked up by a person in isolation, and that practice should last for the prescribed period of time. If a person is in isolation for 14 days, food should be delivered in that manner for 14 days. Any waste removed from the room should be double bagged. If possible, the person in isolation should have their own designated bathroom for the duration of the quarantine. Laundry can be done as normal, according to the disinfectants that a home is currently using. But caution needs to be taken while collecting laundry in order to wash clothing or bed linens. Caution also needs to be exercised while touching and disposing of trash. Household objects, such as dishes, towels and bedding, should be washed regularly. According to the Department of Heath website, patients should be monitored for worsening symptoms. Information about the patients healthcare provider should be readily on hand. If a patient begins exhibiting difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, the patient should get immediate medical attention. Patients in isolation should get plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medication could help with symptoms. Family members caring for a patient should frequently wash their hands for 20 seconds. If unable to wash your hands, the Department of Health suggests using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Persichilli encouraged everyone to go on the N.J. Department of Health website or the CDC website to get specific guidance for individuals who have a family member in quarantine or isolation at home. Officials announced on Thursday that New Jersey now has a least 742 known coronavirus cases, including nine deaths. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The United Kingdom was bracing on Thursday for the virtual shut down of London as underground train stations across the capital closed and Prime Minister Boris Johnson mulled tougher measures to tackle the coronavirus crisis. As the coronavirus outbreak sweeps across the world, governments, companies and investors are grappling with the biggest public health crisis since the 1918 influenza pandemic, panicked populations and imploding financial markets. After ordering the closure of schools across a country that casts itself as a pillar of Western stability, Johnson on Wednesday said the government was ruling nothing out when asked whether he would bring in measures to lock down London. Johnson has asked the government to come up with plans for a so-called lockdown which would see businesses closed, transport services reduced, gatherings limited and more stringent controls imposed on the population of one of Europe's richest city. Pressed at a news conference whether tougher measures were needed to shut down London where bars, public transport and businesses remain busy, Johnson said: "We've always said we're going to do the right measures at the right time." As London prepared for shut down, 20,000 British military service personnel were put on standby to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak and Queen Elizabeth was due to leave the capital for her ancient castle at Windsor. The monarch has also agreed to postpone the planned state visit by Japanese Emperor Naruhito in June. LONDON CLOSING London's transport authority said it would close up to 40 underground train stations until further notice and cut down other services including buses and trains, including the whole of the Waterloo & City line. "People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to," London Mayor Sadiq Khan said. Britain has so far reported 104 deaths from coronavirus and 2,626 confirmed cases, but UK scientific advisers say more than 50,000 people might have already been infected. Britain faces a "massive shortage" of ventilators that will be needed to treat critically ill patients suffering from coronavirus, after it failed to invest enough in intensive care equipment, a leading ventilator manufacturer said. With the world's fifth largest economy coming to a standstill, the pound on Wednesday plunged to its lowest level since March 1985, barring levels seen during a freak "flash crash" in October 2016. On Thursday the pound was down 0.5% at $1.1570. Supermarkets have been forced to limit purchases after frantic shoppers stripped shelves. Outside one Sainsbury's supermarket in central London on Thursday, a huge queue had formed ahead of opening, with people standing calmly in the rain, Reuters video showed. Search Keywords: Short link: The coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed nearly 150 people in the United States and almost 9,000 around the world, has been rapidly shutting down the United States economy, creating a sudden surge in unemployment insurance applications and business closures ordered by state and local governments across the country. Even the New York Stock Exchange announced Wednesday that it would close its trading floor for the rest of the week. But the sector that may be hardest hit in the U.S. economy may also be the least-discussed: sex workers. In Nevada, which reported its first confirmed death from coronavirus infection on Monday, the countrys only legal brothels have been ordered to close, along with strip clubs, casinos, restaurants, gyms and other public gathering places. In addition, sex workers who take private clients have reported widespread cancellations, according to a report by McClatchy News. In Washington D.C., support group No Justice No Pride, which provides housing for struggling sex workers, reports that it may not be able to provide accommodations for the number of sex workers who need help in the crisis. "We were at capacity before this virus hit and we are now getting a lot more requests," Director Emmelia Talarico told Reuters. As AVN.com has reported, the industry trade group Free Speech Coalition has called for a two-week shutdown of porn production due to the coronavirus pandemic, which will also deprive performers who rely on income from shooting new scenes for the major studios. Tallarico told Reuters that she fears sex workers and other marginalized groups will face the most severe effects of the coronavirus-caused economic slowdown. "The people who typically fall through the cracks are the ones who are also being left behind here," she told the news agency. "When doctors are choosing who lives and who dies, a 50-year old trans woman with HIV is not going to be the first person they prioritize." But the crisis has not been confined to sex workers in the U.S.. According to an Associated Press report, the world's supposedly oldest profession is suffering a sudden slump. Over the past week, business has gone down by 50 percent, Berlin brothel operator Johannes Marx told the AP. Sex work has been legalized in Germany for two decades, but the countrys sex worker force, estimated between 100,000 and 200,000 is largely withdrawing from the business entirely at the moment for safety reasons, according to Susanne Bleier Wilp, a former sex worker who is now spokesperson for Germanys Association of Erotic and Sexual Services Providers. Another Berlin sex worker told the AP that, 90 percent of all dates are being canceled anyway. As always, we're left to fend for ourselves. Sex workers in Australia report a similar economic crisis due to the pandemic, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "There's no stimulus package available. We don't have sick pay, we don't have annual leave, one sex worker identified only as Anya told the network. We can't get income protection insurance. Like many individual business owners, there's no stimulus for us." According to Kat Morrison, general manager of Australias Sex Industry Network, many sex workers have already backed away from seeing clients, instead selling videos and photos online, or if they do see clients, offering only non-sexual massage. But many simply cannot afford to make that choice, despite the coronavirus threat. "Sex workers are mothers, sisters, brothers, daughters, uncles. We are members of the community just like anybody else, Morrison said. "We have bills, we have rent to pay, we need to make an income." Photo By FloNight / Wikimedia Commons Ukraine, officially the poorest country in Europe according to the International Monetary Fund, is on the brink of an explosive outbreak of coronavirus cases that will bring about untold social misery and death in a country already devastated by years of oligarchic capitalist rule. While the number of just 14 registered cases in Ukraine remains relatively low compared to the rest of Europe, the real number of coronavirus cases is undoubtedly much higher due to the totally inadequate testing efforts and the large number of Ukrainian migrant workers throughout Europe who have returned home after Europe began its own shutdown. Approximately 70,000 Ukrainian migrant workers reside in the northern Italian provinces of Lombardy and Veneto, which have been particularly hit hard by the spread of the coronavirus. Despite the likelihood of an already present widespread infection Ukraines Ministry of Health has reported just two deaths due to the coronavirus to date. Last week, the Ukrainian government shut its borders to foreigners. The government has now also imposed a quarantine on the country, shutting down schools, domestic travel, bars, and restaurants. The new limitations came into effect on March 18 and are set to last until April 3. National guard soldiers wearing face masks stand at the parliament building in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) On Saturday, the Ukrainian health minister Ilya Yemets declared that All pensioners will die from the virus. After a public outcry, he was forced to apologize. However, the blunt statement is in line with those of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, both of whom have announced that 60-70 percent of their population will get infected, without taking the adequate measures to combat the spread of the virus and create the health care and social infrastructure desperately needed to mitigate its impact. In fact, in Ukraine, the impact of the virus threatens to be particularly dramatic. An estimated 60 percent of the population live beneath the subsistence level, and health care spending per capita has been low, making any additional medical costs crippling for millions of workers and pensioners. The average monthly salary is just $200. There are currently 11.3 million pensioners in Ukraine, in a country of approximately 40 million. The advanced age of more than one-fourth of the country will certainly exacerbate the severity of the coronavirus outbreak within Ukraine due to its high mortality rate among older individuals and those with preexisting health conditions. In addition, some 3.5 million people are already estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, due to the six-year-long civil war that was provoked by the US-backed far-right coup in Kiev in 2014. About 1.4 million people have been displaced, and many of them still dont have permanent residence and safe shelter. The Ukrainian oligarchy has no intention of saving the countless lives of pensioners and workers now at risk. On the contrary, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky has cynically used the opportunity to combine the imposition of far-reaching restrictions on public life with an appeal to parliament to swiftly pass a sweeping set of anti-working-class reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund. Calling on the Ukrainian parliament to remain in session in the face of the crisis Zelensky stated: Now in a situation of a global pandemic and the threat of a global financial crisis, the Ukrainian parliament must pass laws that are vital for the economy, introduce tax, land, labor reforms, appoint ministers of economy and energy, and the prosecutor general of Ukraine. In addition to calling for the passage of land and labor reforms which have been explicitly demanded by the IMF, Zelensky also stated that Ukraines finance ministry would hold additional talks with the IMF to secure even more financial support as a result of the crisis. In December, Ukraine obtained provisional approval for a new $5.5 billion loan program, but the release of funds is dependent upon the passage of a widely opposed land reform bill that remains stalled in parliament and a labor reform bill that will severely undermine workers rights and make Ukraine Europes first at-will employment country. The labor reform bill deprives workers of any protection against firings by their employers. Both measures are directly targeted against the Ukrainian working class and have the potential to trigger mass opposition. The Ukrainian state currently operates on a budget deficit of approximately $642 million and owes billions of dollars to the IMF in loan repayment. Just prior to the coronavirus outbreak Ukraines GDP fell by 0.5 percent due to a downturn in industry as a result of the coronavirus outbreak in China and the Ukrainian hryvnia undertook a marked decline after improving for much of 2019. By explicitly calling for approval of such anti-working-class legislation while in the midst of an impending social and humanitarian crisis, the Zelensky government is making clear that it seeks to use the pandemic to further the interests of Ukraines oligarchic capitalist ruling-class while ignoring the devastation the coronavirus will bring. In the same address, Zelensky called for an additional meager $36 per month for the countrys pensioners, who currently receive less than $185 per month. Just prior to his address on Monday, rather than calling for rapid expropriation of funds to combat the virus from the countrys obscenely wealthy oligarchs, Zelensky met with Ukraines top oligarch criminals to beg for help. During the meeting, Zelensky reportedly asked for help obtaining 500 ambulances and $490 million in funds to fight the virus while stating, Business should be socially responsible during difficult times for the government. Ukrainians should feel protected when they go to state hospitals. And I insist that you help now. Among the attendees were Rinat Akhmetov, Ihor Kolomoisky, and Viktor Pinchukall billionaires many times over who obtained their wealth by stealing state assets after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the restoration of capitalism. Despite Zelenskys begging and their immense wealth, these oligarchs mustered a pathetic 14 ventilators to donate to the countrys Health Ministry and Kiev-area hospitalsa slap in the face of the population, millions of whom now face the prospect of serious illness and death. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 23:11:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Some international flights bound for Beijing will first land in other Chinese cities starting from Friday, authorities announced on Thursday. The Air China flight CA910 on March 20 from Moscow and CA934 on March 22 from Paris will fly to Tianjin, according to the announcement jointly released by five departments, including the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Flight CA926 during March 20-22 from Tokyo and Hainan Airlines' flight HU7976 during March 21-22 from Toronto, will be diverted to Hohhot and Taiyuan, respectively. Passengers taking the above-mentioned flights will undergo quarantine and go through entry procedures and luggage clearance at the designated airports. Those who meet the quarantine requirements will then take the same flights to Beijing, according to the announcement. China will appropriately adjust the diversion arrangements for international flights bound for Beijing and related measures according to the developments of the novel coronavirus epidemic, it said. SUPPLIES of asthma inhalers have been hit as demand for the lifesaving medication has spiked as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been claimed. Doctors have reported an increase in the number of patients ordering prescriptions for inhalers in recent weeks. And now a community pharmacist has reported that he has been unable to order any new inhalers after his suppliers told him they have run out. The pharmacist normally dispenses 300 inhalers a month but said he has already handed out 623 inhalers to patients this month. It comes as Northern Ireland's chief pharmaceutical officer Cathy Harrison warned that stockpiling medication could disadvantage other patients. "There is no need for you to do anything new or different when ordering or taking your medicines," she said. "People should order prescriptions and take their medicines as normal. "Extra supplies should not be ordered from your doctor. "Stockpiling or purchasing medication that you do not need is completely unnecessary and could disadvantage other patients." Ms Harrison also said there are no prescription medicine shortages as a result of Covid-19. Expand Close The race to find a vaccine for the coronavirus outbreak is underway, but vaccines go through multiple stages of development -- from discovery to animal trials, human trials, regulatory approval to manufacturing. Graphic shows stages in vaccine development. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The race to find a vaccine for the coronavirus outbreak is underway, but vaccines go through multiple stages of development -- from discovery to animal trials, human trials, regulatory approval to manufacturing. Graphic shows stages in vaccine development. It is understood that while there have been some shortages of salbutamol, it is hoped that suppliers will be getting deliveries today. However, the situation has underlined the importance that patients do not abuse the prescription service as it has the possibility to put lives at risk. On Tuesday, a leading medic, Dr Laurence Dorman, chair of the Royal College of GPs in Northern Ireland, urged patients to only order inhalers when medically required. He said: "If you need an inhaler, then of course you should request a prescription for one, but if you haven't used one in 15 years, it isn't going to help." Meanwhile, high street chemists have come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as the number of people seeking medical attention has risen. It comes as the key NHS service was already struggling amid a workforce shortage and chronic underfunding. Paula Bradshaw MLA, Alliance Party health spokeswoman, said: "I have been alarmed by some of the information I have received from community pharmacists who are above and beyond their already-heavy workload to meet the demands of their treasured customers during this troubling time. "Tales of patients needlessly getting prescriptions for conditions that are not serious, leading to a shortage or, in some cases, total unavailability of medicines that are life-saving for others. "I have also heard of community pharmacists having to make modifications to the layout of their premises, to protect their staff and customers, at their own cost, bringing in more staff to cope with the pressures with no indication from the Department of Health that they are going to receive any additional funding to meet this extra cost. "And, vitally, the lack of provision of personal protective equipment. "Surely, our community pharmacy staff need this as a matter of urgency." Gerard Greene, chief executive of Community Pharmacy NI, has said that high street chemists are coming under increasing pressure as a result of Covid-19. "Tens of thousands more people have flocked to pharmacies on a daily basis, as the Covid-19 crisis has deepened," he said. "We would like to remind the public that community pharmacists are front line health workers who must be protected from getting sick, so they can continue to deliver a service to those who need it. "As a result, we will be changing how we work in community pharmacy and would ask for public support to manage this. "There will be significantly reduced access to pharmacies. "Access will be restricted to keep low numbers inside pharmacies. "New counters are also being put in place in many pharmacies to help manage social distancing requirements. "In addition, patients should be flexible and allow pharmacies up to 48 hours to get repeat medicines ready for collection once forms are handed into the pharmacy. Again, please be patient with these changes." He also stressed that people should not visit their community pharmacy if they are unwell or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. "Please be mindful that we need pharmacy teams to remain well so the service remains in place," he said. "Pharmacists will ensure everyone gets their medicines and that supplies are managed safely." Mexico, Russia confirm first coronavirus deaths Mexican Health Ministry statement says the patient was diabetic, had coronavirus symptoms for a week. Mexico has confirmed its first death from the coronavirus in the country. In a statement on late Wednesday, the Health Ministry said the deceased was a diabetic patient, who had coronavirus symptoms for a week. SUSPECTED CASES ARE RISING On Monday, the Mexican government had announced there were 53 confirmed cases and 176 suspected cases of the coronavirus in the country. There is a case in nearly every state in the country. This is the reality and these are the dates, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. The very moment and minute that we detect that we have entered the community transmission [stage], we will inform about it, Obrador said. The country has been criticized for taking a more relaxed approach in fighting the spread of the virus. Despite the number of cases growing, the president was seen kissing and hugging people in pueblos, or small towns, in the state of Guerrero. Russia also has confirmed its first death related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Moscow governments coronavirus response team said Thursday. The unnamed 79-year-old woman was first hospitalized on March 13 and was moved to an isolated hospital room three days later after testing positive for coronavirus, Moscows coronavirus headquarters said on its Telegram channel. In todays data-driven world, data breaches can affect hundreds of millions or even billions of people at a time. Digital transformation has increased the supply of data moving, and data breaches have scaled up with it as attackers exploit the data-dependencies of daily life. How large cyberattacks of the future might become remains speculation, but as this list of the biggest data breaches of the 21st Century indicates, they have already reached enormous magnitudes. For transparency, this list has been calculated by the number of users impacted, records exposed, or accounts affected. We have also made a distinction between incidents where data was actively stolen or reposted maliciously and those where an organization has inadvertently left data unprotected and exposed, but there has been no significant evidence of misuse. The latter have purposefully not been included in the list. So, here it is an up-to-date list of the 15 biggest data breaches in recent history, including details of those affected, who was responsible, and how the companies responded (as of July 2021). 1. Yahoo Date: August 2013 Impact: 3 billion accounts Securing the number one spot almost seven years after the initial breach and four since the true number of records exposed was revealed is the attack on Yahoo. The company first publicly announced the incident which it said took place in 2013 in December 2016. At the time, it was in the process of being acquired by Verizon and estimated that account information of more than a billion of its customers had been accessed by a hacking group. Less than a year later, Yahoo announced that the actual figure of user accounts exposed was 3 billion. Yahoo stated that the revised estimate did not represent a new security issue and that it was sending emails to all the additional affected user accounts. Despite the attack, the deal with Verizon was completed, albeit at a reduced price. Verizons CISO Chandra McMahon said at the time: Verizon is committed to the highest standards of accountability and transparency, and we proactively work to ensure the safety and security of our users and networks in an evolving landscape of online threats. Our investment in Yahoo is allowing that team to continue to take significant steps to enhance their security, as well as benefit from Verizons experience and resources. After investigation, it was discovered that, while the attackers accessed account information such as security questions and answers, plaintext passwords, payment card and bank data were not stolen. 2. Alibaba Date: November 2019 Impact: 1.1 billion pieces of user data Over an eight-month period, a developer working for an affiliate marketer scraped customer data, including usernames and mobile numbers, from the Alibaba Chinese shopping website, Taobao, using crawler software that he created. It appears the developer and his employer were collecting the information for their own use and did not sell it on the black market, although both were sentenced to three years in prison. A Taobao spokesperson said in a statement: Taobao devotes substantial resources to combat unauthorized scraping on our platform, as data privacy and security is of utmost importance. We have proactively discovered and addressed this unauthorized scraping. We will continue to work with law enforcement to defend and protect the interests of our users and partners. 3. LinkedIn Date: June 2021 Impact: 700 million users Professional networking giant LinkedIn saw data associated with 700 million of its users posted on a dark web forum in June 2021, impacting more than 90% of its user base. A hacker going by the moniker of God User used data scraping techniques by exploiting the sites (and others) API before dumping a first information data set of around 500 million customers. They then followed up with a boast that they were selling the full 700 million customer database. While LinkedIn argued that as no sensitive, private personal data was exposed, the incident was a violation of its terms of service rather than a data breach, a scraped data sample posted by God User contained information including email addresses, phone numbers, geolocation records, genders and other social media details, which would give malicious actors plenty of data to craft convincing, follow-on social engineering attacks in the wake of the leak, as warned by the UKs NCSC. 4. Sina Weibo Date: March 2020 Impact: 538 million accounts With over 600 million users, Sina Weibo is one of Chinas largest social media platforms. In March 2020, the company announced that an attacker obtained part of its database, impacting 538 million Weibo users and their personal details including real names, site usernames, gender, location, and phone numbers. The attacker is reported to have then sold the database on the dark web for $250. Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) ordered Weibo to enhance its data security measures to better protect personal information and to notify users and authorities when data security incidents occur. In a statement, Sina Weibo argued that an attacker had gathered publicly posted information by using a service meant to help users locate the Weibo accounts of friends by inputting their phone numbers and that no passwords were affected. However, it admitted that the exposed data could be used to associate accounts to passwords if passwords are reused on other accounts. The company said it strengthened its security strategy and reported the details to the appropriate authority. 5. Facebook Date: April 2019 Impact: 533 million users In April 2019, it was revealed that two datasets from Facebook apps had been exposed to the public internet. The information related to more than 530 million Facebook users and included phone numbers, account names, and Facebook IDs. However, two years later (April 2021) the data was posted for free, indicating new and real criminal intent surrounding the data. In fact, given the sheer number of phone numbers impacted and readily available on the dark web as a result of the incident, security researcher Troy Hunt added functionality to his HaveIBeenPwned (HIBP) breached credential checking site that would allow users to verify if their phone numbers had been included in the exposed dataset. Id never planned to make phone numbers searchable, Hunt wrote in blog post. My position on this was that it didnt make sense for a bunch of reasons. The Facebook data changed all that. Theres over 500 million phone numbers but only a few million email addresses so >99% of people were getting a miss when they should have gotten a hit. 6. Marriott International (Starwood) Date: September 2018 Impact: 500 million customers Hotel Marriot International announced the exposure of sensitive details belonging to half a million Starwood guests following an attack on its systems in September 2018. In a statement published in November the same year, the hotel giant said: On September 8, 2018, Marriott received an alert from an internal security tool regarding an attempt to access the Starwood guest reservation database. Marriott quickly engaged leading security experts to help determine what occurred. Marriott learned during the investigation that there had been unauthorized access to the Starwood network since 2014. Marriott recently discovered that an unauthorized party had copied and encrypted information and took steps towards removing it. On November 19, 2018, Marriott was able to decrypt the information and determined that the contents were from the Starwood guest reservation database, the statement added. The data copied included guests names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, Starwood Preferred Guest account information, dates of birth, gender, arrival and departure information, reservation dates, and communication preferences. For some, the information also included payment card numbers and expiration dates, though these were apparently encrypted. Marriot carried out an investigation assisted by security experts following the breach and announced plans to phase out Starwood systems and accelerate security enhancements to its network. The company was eventually fined 18.4 million (reduced from 99 million) by UK data governing body the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in 2020 for failing to keep customers personal data secure. An article by New York Times attributed the attack to a Chinese intelligence group seeking to gather data on US citizens. 7. Yahoo Date: 2014 Impact: 500 million accounts Making its second appearance in this list is Yahoo, which suffered an attack in 2014 separate to the one in 2013 cited above. On this occasion, state-sponsored actors stole data from 500 million accounts including names, email addresses, phone numbers, hashed passwords, and dates of birth. The company took initial remedial steps back in 2014, but it wasnt until 2016 that Yahoo went public with the details after a stolen database went on sale on the black market. 8. Adult Friend Finder Date: October 2016 Impact: 412.2 million accounts The adult-oriented social networking service The FriendFinder Network had 20 years worth of user data across six databases stolen by cyber-thieves in October 2016. Given the sensitive nature of the services offered by the company which include casual hookup and adult content websites like Adult Friend Finder, Penthouse.com, and Stripshow.com the breach of data from more than 414 million accounts including names, email addresses, and passwords had the potential to be particularly damming for victims. Whats more, the vast majority of the exposed passwords were hashed via the notoriously weak algorithm SHA-1, with an estimated 99% of them cracked by the time LeakedSource.com published its analysis of the data set on November 14, 2016. 9. MySpace Date: 2013 Impact: 360 million user accounts Though it had long stopped being the powerhouse that it once was, social media site MySpace hit the headlines in 2016 after 360 million user accounts were leaked onto both LeakedSource.com and put up for sale on dark web market The Real Deal with an asking price of 6 bitcoin (around $3,000 at the time). According to the company, lost data included email addresses, passwords and usernames for a portion of accounts that were created prior to June 11, 2013, on the old Myspace platform. In order to protect our users, we have invalidated all user passwords for the affected accounts created prior to June 11, 2013, on the old Myspace platform. These users returning to Myspace will be prompted to authenticate their account and to reset their password by following instructions. Its believed that the passwords were stored as SHA-1 hashes of the first 10 characters of the password converted to lowercase. 10. NetEase Date: October 2015 Impact: 235 million user accounts NetEase, a provider of mailbox services through the likes of 163.com and 126.com, reportedly suffered a breach in October 2015 when email addresses and plaintext passwords relating to 235 million accounts were being sold by dark web marketplace vendor DoubleFlag. NetEase has maintained that no data breach occurred and to this day HIBP states: Whilst there is evidence that the data itself is legitimate (multiple HIBP subscribers confirmed a password they use is in the data), due to the difficulty of emphatically verifying the Chinese breach it has been flagged as unverified. 11. Court Ventures (Experian) Date: October 2013 Impact: 200 million personal records Experian subsidiary Court Ventures fell victim in 2013 when a Vietnamese man tricked it into giving him access to a database containing 200 million personal records by posing as a private investigator from Singapore. The details of Hieu Minh Ngos exploits only came to light following his arrest for selling personal information of US residents (including credit card numbers and Social Security numbers) to cybercriminals across the world, something he had been doing since 2007. In March 2014, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including identity fraud in the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The DoJ stated at the time that Ngo had made a total of $2 million from selling personal data. 12. LinkedIn Date: June 2012 Impact: 165 million users With its second appearance on this list is LinkedIn, this time in reference to a breach it suffered in 2012 when it announced that 6.5 million unassociated passwords (unsalted SHA-1 hashes) had been stolen by attackers and posted onto a Russian hacker forum. However, it wasnt until 2016 that the full extent of the incident was revealed. The same hacker selling MySpaces data was found to be offering the email addresses and passwords of around 165 million LinkedIn users for just 5 bitcoins (around $2,000 at the time). LinkedIn acknowledged that it had been made aware of the breach, and said it had reset the passwords of affected accounts. 13. Dubsmash Date: December 2018 Impact: 162 million user accounts In December 2018, New York-based video messaging service Dubsmash had 162 million email addresses, usernames, PBKDF2 password hashes, and other personal data such as dates of birth stolen, all of which was then put up for sale on the Dream Market dark web market the following December. The information was being sold as part of a collected dump also including the likes of MyFitnessPal (more on that below), MyHeritage (92 million), ShareThis, Armor Games, and dating app CoffeeMeetsBagel. Dubsmash acknowledged the breach and sale of information had occurred and provided advice around password changing. However, it failed to state how the attackers got in or confirm how many users were affected. 14. Adobe Date: October 2013 Impact: 153 million user records In early October 2013, Adobe reported that hackers had stolen almost three million encrypted customer credit card records and login data for an undetermined number of user accounts. Days later, Adobe increased that estimate to include IDs and encrypted passwords for 38 million active users. Security blogger Brian Krebs then reported that a file posted just days earlier appears to include more than 150 million username and hashed password pairs taken from Adobe. Weeks of research showed that the hack had also exposed customer names, password, and debit and credit card information. An agreement in August 2015 called for Adobe to pay $1.1 million in legal fees and an undisclosed amount to users to settle claims of violating the Customer Records Act and unfair business practices. In November 2016, the amount paid to customers was reported to be $1 million. 15. My Fitness Pal Date: February 2018 Impact: 150 million user accounts In February 2018, diet and exercise app MyFitnessPal (owned by Under Armour) exposed around 150 million unique email addresses, IP addresses and login credentials such as usernames and passwords stored as SHA-1 and bcrypt hashes. The following year, the data appeared for sale on the dark web and more broadly. The company acknowledged the breach and said it took action to notify users of the incident. Once we became aware, we quickly took steps to determine the nature and scope of the issue. We are working with leading data security firms to assist in our investigation. We have also notified and are coordinating with law enforcement authorities, it stated. At a scaled-down ceremony at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on Thursday, only a few people were permitted to watch Greek officials hand the traditional flame to the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. (Aris Messinis / AFP via Getty Images) Japanese leaders have yet to decide on holding the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to President Trump. At a White House news conference on Thursday morning, Trump said he discussed the matter with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a conference call. Thats a big decision for him its a tough situation, Trump said to reporters. He told us he has not made a decision as to what to do. The presidents comments came hours after a scaled-down ceremony at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where only a few people were permitted to watch Greek officials hand the Olympic flame to the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee in a traditional ceremony. I wish to believe that the journey of the Olympic flame in your country will offer joy and hope to the people of the world, who are currently in pain and challenged, said Spyros Capralos, president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. With spectators barred from the venue, the Japanese sent a limited delegation led by former Olympic swimmer Naoko Imoto. A chartered flight carrying the flame subsequently left for Tokyo. Debate continues over whether the International Olympic Committee should postpone or cancel the Summer Games, set for July 24 through Aug. 9. Regional Olympic organizations from Europe, Africa and elsewhere have voiced support for proceeding as planned. But Sir Matthew Pinsent, a four-time Olympic champion in rowing from Britain, offered a different opinion. Pinsent criticized IOC President Thomas Bach for moving ahead. Im sorry Mr Bach but this is tone deaf, he wrote on social media. The instinct to keep safe (not to mention obey govt instructions to lock down) is not compatible with athlete training, travel and focus that a looming Olympics demands of athletes, spectators, organizers, etc. Keep them safe. Call it off. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Fire fighter quickly extinguished a fire in Todt Hill Wednesday night, an FDNY spokesman said. The FDNY received a call for a fire on the top floor of 2-story private house located at 16 Bogert Ave. at 9:15 p.m., according to the spokesman. In about 30 minutes the fire was taken under control, the spokesman said. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, according to the spokesman. An Air France plane prepares to land at Nice International airport in Nice (Reuters) - Airlines across the globe are feeling the pain as travel demand withers because of the coronavirus outbreak, scrapping flights and ditching financial forecasts. Below is a list of how the world's biggest airlines have responded (in alphabetical order): AIR FRANCE-KLM Air France-KLM said on March 16 it would park its biggest airliners and slash services by up to 90%. The group said it had identified measures to save 200 million euros ($223 million) in 2020 and ways to cut its capital expenditure by 350 million euros. AIR NEW ZEALAND Air New Zealand said on March 16 it would cut long-haul capacity by 85% in the coming months and the domestic network by 30% in April and May. The airline has withdrawn its full-year outlook, frozen hiring and offered unpaid leave to staff. AMERICAN AIRLINES INC American Airlines plans to cut 75% of its international flights through May 6 and ground nearly all its widebody fleet. CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES China Southern Airlines reported on March 18 a 73% drop in February passenger capacity, saying the impact from the epidemic remains uncertain. DELTA AIR LINES Delta is cutting domestic capacity by 10% to 15% and international by 20% to 25%, freezing hiring, offering voluntary leave options to staff and looking at early retirement of older aircraft. It had received over 4,500 requests from flight attendants for voluntary unpaid leave in April, according to a March 14 paper seen by Reuters. DEUTSCHE LUFTHANSA AG The German carrier cut long-haul capacity by up to 90% from March 17, and said it would only operate 20% of planned intra-Europe flights. Austrian Airlines, a part of the Lufthansa group, has halted all regular flight operations until April 19. EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES El Al sent 5,500 of its 6,000 workers on unpaid leave until May 31 after it slashed its flight schedule. EMIRATES Emirates is asking pilots and cabin crew to take unpaid leave. FINNAIR On March 17, Finnair said it would cancel most of its flights until the end of June as it started transitioning to a limited network. Story continues IAG International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways and Iberia, said it would cut its flying capacity by at least 75% in April and May. The group detailed cost cuts including a freeze on discretionary spending, working hours reductions and a temporary suspension of employment contracts. On March 17, the UK pilot union BALPA said that British Airways was due to make an unspecified number of pilots redundant. JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP JetBlue, which pulled its first-quarter and 2020 earnings forecast, said it was adjusting schedules between March and early May and was considering more flight cancellations. JetBlue said the outbreak was expected to make at least a six percentage-point dent in its total revenue per available seat mile in the first quarter. NORWEGIAN AIR Norwegian Air said on March 16 it would cancel 85% of its flights and temporarily lay off 7,300 employees. The cancellations add to an already difficult financial situation at Norwegian, which has scrapped its 2020 outlook and lost 70% of its market value this year. QANTAS AIRWAYS Qantas has suspended all international flights from Australia and around 60% of domestic traffic at least until end of May. The airline said it could no longer provide guidance on the outbreak's financial impact. Its CEO will take no salary for the rest of the year, the management team will receive no bonuses and all staff are encouraged to take paid or unpaid leave. QATAR AIRWAYS Qatar Airways laid off around 200 employees, all Filipino nationals based in Qatar. RYANAIR The Irish airline said on March 16 it would ground most of its aircraft in Europe, expected to cut seat capacity by 80% for the next two months, and could even ground its entire fleet. SAS The Danish and Swedish governments said on March 17 they would provide guarantees totalling 3 billion Swedish crowns ($302 million) to SAS, which has grounded most of its fleet and temporarily laid off 90% of staff. SINGAPORE AIRLINES Singapore Airlines on March 23 cut capacity by 96%, grounded almost its entire fleet and imposed cost cuts affecting about 10,00 staff. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO Southwest, which has withdrawn its previous 2020 financial guidance, said it would reduce capacity by at least 20% from April 14 through June 5. TAP AIRLINES Portugal's flag carrier, which had previously cut 3,500 flights through May, said on March 19 it would further reduce its operations between March 23 and April 19, expecting to fly to just 15 of its 90 destinations. UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC The Chicago-based airline said on March 20 it would slash its international schedule by 95% for April because of government restrictions prohibiting travel. VIRGIN ATLANTIC Virgin Atlantic, the UK-based airline, said it would ground 75% of its fleet by 26 March and by up to 85% at points in April, as it cancelled more flights. WESTJET AIRLINES Canada's WestJet suspended all commercial international flights for 30 days from March 22 and reduced its domestic schedule by 50%. (https://bit.ly/2Udcne7) (Compiled by Ankit Ajmera and Rachit Vats in Bengaluru, Milla Nissi and Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Tomasz Janowski, Keith Weir and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Jake LaTurner, the youngest sitting statewide official in the U.S., made a special trip to tour the Cobalt factory and learn more about the companys economic impact on the region. NEODESHA, Kan., March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In early March, Cobalt Boats was visited by Jake LaTurner, the Treasurer of the state of Kansas, who was reviewing the contributions of regional businesses to the economic performance of the state of Kansas and nation as a whole. During his factory tour, Mr. LaTurner was impressed by the dedication of Cobalts employees and their passion for the work they do, and expressed his admiration for the way they represented the Kansas work ethic. The treasurers visit is yet another example of government officials taking a positive interest in Cobalt, following the companys selection in 2019 by the White House as a notable Made In America business. Mr. LaTurner also met with the president of Cobalt Boats, Shane Stanfill, to learn more about the companys growth plans, including a pending plant expansion. A native of nearby Galena, KS, Mr. LaTurner was familiar with the Cobalt brand and its reputation for quality. Cobalt Boats is a mainstay in Southeast Kansas. I grew up in the area and appreciate the positive impact Cobalt has had both on the economy and on the lives of the people who work there. The company is a great example of the success that comes with a dedication to excellence and hard work, he noted. We were pleased to learn that Mr. LaTurner included a visit to Cobalt in his travel plans, said Shane Stanfill. After escorting him on the plant tour, I briefed him on such items as our employment numbers, business impact and outlook, things the states top financial officer was keenly interested in and seemed to very much appreciate, he said. About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com Story continues A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/115d8de6-d18b-4b45-a044-365734be6c09 Contact: Kelle Pierce kellep@cobaltboats.com 1715 N. 8th St., Neodesha, KS 66757 800-835-0256 www.cobaltboats.com Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a woman unable to visit her grandfather in isolation at his assisted-living facility appeared at his window with important news. Through the glass, she revealed an engagement ring. Photos of the touching moment were taken by staff and went viral on Facebook. When Carly Boyds boyfriend proposed on the shores of Myrtle Beach, in Tucson, Arizona, she was over the moon. I was very, very ecstatic about it! I cried, he cried, she recalled, per KOLD News 13. After sharing the life-changing news to friends and family, she and her father went to the Premier Living & Rehab Center, where her grandfather, Sheldon, lived. Upon arrival, they were told the nursing home had to restrict visitation so as to protect residents from the ongoing health crisis. However, the staff came up with an inventive idea for the young woman to be able to see her grandfather. They said Well we can walk around [the building] and we can pull the blinds up, and you can tell him [through the window] and I was like Yes, I would love to! Boyd explained, per KOLD News 13. The bride-to-be told media that being able to personally relay to her grandfather the news of her engagement meant the world to her. Photos taken by the nurses from inside the home show Boyd revealing her new engagement ring to him. One tearful picture shows the moment when both family members press hands through the glass. I got really emotional and really sad and I just put my hand on the window, and he put his there too. I just told him I love him, and he said I love you too and I hope to see you soon like really see you, she said. Meanwhile, amid the upheaval caused by the pandemic, communities in other parts of the country have shown support for their elderly citizens in lockdown. In Dane County in Wisconsin, residents have put together a Facebook group for people who want to volunteer to pick up groceries, prescriptions, and run general errands for elderly neighbors in isolation. While in Wichita, Kansas, members of the local First United Methodist Church have been helping older residents in quarantine by providing them with food and other living essentials. The Facebook post of Boyd and her grandfather went viral, garnering some 173,000 shares. Over 10,000 people commented and expressed how touched they were, with many sharing their own heartbreaking virus-related isolation stories. Even though visitation is restricted at this time, staff suggested an alternative. Here, a residents granddaughter Posted by Premier Living & Rehab Center Info Page on Monday, March 16, 2020 One comment read, Yall this breaks my heart!!! At least they can see there loved ones through the window. Another noted, Im totally ugly crying right now! I went from smiling at the first pic to instantly crying when I saw them touching hands through the window, and the sadness on her face. While a particularly touching comment said, Praying for all these people in Nursing Homes and praying they get the best care thats possible and for the families of these patients! Be with them, dear Lord, and help them all to get through this terrible time! We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc A cocaine smuggler was kidnapped, brutally tortured and held for ransom by brazen thugs who broke into his family home by posing as pizza delivery men. Vahe Geokjian was abducted by four men from his home in Dundas Valley, on Sydney's north shore, about 10.30pm on February 9. He was doused in petrol, tasered and had his toes beaten with a hammer by the men who stormed his house and aimed guns at his kids, the Daily Telegraph reported. The 58-year-old property developer, who was convicted and jailed in 2007 for importing cocaine, was dumped naked in Liverpool after paying off the ransom. Vahe Geokjian was abducted by four men from his home in Dundas Valley, on February 9 Police were notified of the kidnapping when he arrived at the hospital in a critical condition with several injuries, including face and leg fractures. He has since been released. CCTV footage reveals the horrific moment Mr Geokjian was abducted from his home. A man with a cap is seen standing outside the front door holding a pizza box as he repeatedly rings the doorbell. When the door is opened, the man drops the box and lunges forward into the door as three other men emerge from the darkness and run into the home. Mr Geokjian was knocked unconscious in front of his wife and then dragged into a stolen BMW X1 getaway car. The $45,000 car was found burnt out in a street at nearby Beverly Hills a day later. Other men (pictured) rush to assist the man who lunged at Mr Geokjian inside his home Mr Geokjian's wife said she was also punched and attacked in the terrifying ordeal, and a gun was pointed at her children. Their teenage daughter was the one who called police. 'They came in knocked me to the ground pointed a gun at my two children and told them to get to their rooms,' she told Daily Telegraph. 'My husband was bashed until unconscious and only gave up because he didn't want my children to get hurt.' Police released an edited version of the kidnapping in a bid to find the men, but Ms Geokjan wants the full footage made public. 'My husband was close to death and I don't think he would have lasted another day if the ransom was not paid,' she said. Mrs Geokjian has been left devastated by the attack and is unsure why her husband was targeted as he had been working as a 'legitimate businessman' since he was released from jail. NSW Police are on the hunt for four men who may be able to assist with their inquiries relating to Mr Geokjian's kidnapping and assault. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sarah Frier and Kurt Wagner (Bloomberg) Thu, March 19, 2020 14:20 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bddfb2 2 Science & Tech Facebook,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free Facebook Inc. will put a Covid-19 information page at the top of users feeds, disseminating verified material from trusted sources including the World Health Organization, to counteract the spread of falsehoods about the pandemic. The data hub, to be put in place within 24 hours, will include content by academics and celebrities, amplifying tips and best practices from the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on issues like social distancing and hand washing, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said Wednesday on a call with reporters. The companys massively popular WhatsApp messenger also launched a coronavirus information page for health workers, educators and local governments with actionable guidance on how to best communicate on the platform. Social media rival Twitter Inc. announced an escalation of its moderation policy around the virus, saying it will act to curb the spread of misinformation and broadening its definition of harmful content. Facebook is seeing a consistent surge of user activity -- higher than even the stroke of midnight for the New Year, one of the most popular times to share -- as people log in to understand whats happening with the virus and try to stay connected with friends and family, particularly as they work from home. That means a lot of people are relying on Facebook as a primary way to get news. The Menlo Park, California-based companys work is complicated by the fact that its employees are also working from home. That means the usual content moderators, who tend to be contractors, wont have access to the systems they need for their work. Facebook is reassigning some content moderation work to full-time employees, focusing especially on removing items that could inspire harm. Theyll focus the most attention on taking down content regarding suicide and self-harm, as well as material that offers dangerous coronavirus solutions, like drinking bleach. That might mean workers cant address less harmful misinformation, like lies from political candidates. Telling people drinking bleach will cure them is obviously going to create imminent harm, Zuckerberg said. That is just in a completely different class of content than the back-and-forth accusations a candidate might make in an election. In the meantime, Facebook has seen a dramatic increase in the usage of Facebook Live, Instagram Live and messaging. In Italy alone, live videos are getting double the viewers they did last week. Voice and video calling on WhatsApp and Messenger, Facebooks chat apps, has more than doubled year-over-year as people stay indoors to prevent getting infected. Facebook expects the surge to continue as more regions tell people to stay home and impose shelter-in-place orders. Still, the CEO said he expects that the outbreak, and the containment strategies put in place to stem the spread of the virus, will cause a major economic shock. Zuckerberg also said government agencies havent asked the social media company to provide user information to track the spread of the virus. I dont think it would make sense to share peoples data where people didnt opt into doing that, he said. On the call, Zuckerberg was asked why Facebook is able to combat fake news so aggressively around Covid-19, but less so around political misinformation. The data from the health industry is more black and white and there are clear authorities who can dictate what is right and wrong, like the WHO and the CDC, he said. That distinction makes this a very different dynamic than trying to be referee of political speech, Zuckerberg added. In the meantime, the goal must be to flatten the curve, or suppress the extent of infection enough to avoid massive overload on hospitals, as already happened in Italy. This might take two or three months, judging by Chinas experience. That brings us to summer. If heat and humidity dont impede the virus, what then? A study published this week by the Imperial College London, based on modeling, warned that if the first suppression measures are relaxed too soon or for too long, we predict that transmission will quickly rebound. Hopefully, some people who were sick will recover with natural immunity. But a large chunk of the population will remain as vulnerable in August as they are today. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) ("Teck) announced today a temporary suspension of construction activities at its Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) project to ensure employee safety and support Chilean efforts to limit transmission of COVID-19. This suspension will be for an initial two-week period, at which point Teck will re-assess the status of the project in light of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. The suspension will affect a total of approximately 15,000 workers on the QB2 project. Considering the significant size and scale of the QB2 project, and the fact that workers on the project commute in large numbers from all over Chile, this is the right decision to protect the health and safety of workers and their families, and to support the Chilean government efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19, said Don Lindsay, President and CEO, Teck. In the days ahead, we will be putting a plan in place to be ready to restart construction as soon as possible, subject to further developments in the response to COVID-19. I want to thank all workers for their understanding and their continued focus on health and safety during this challenging time. The orderly suspension of construction activities is effective immediately, and the workforce will demobilize over the coming days. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with QB2 employees or contractors to date. Teck will be providing a QB2 Project Update during the annual Investor and Analyst Day conference call on April 1. The Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) Project is one of the worlds largest undeveloped copper resources. Teck holds an indirect 60% interest in Compania Minera Teck Quebrada Blanca SA (QBSA) which owns QB2. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Corporation together have a collective 30% indirect interest in QBSA. ENAMI, a Chilean state agency, has a 10% non-funding interest in QBSA. Story continues Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Act (Ontario). Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as expects, intends, is expected, potential or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the duration of the suspension period, timing of restart of the project, and duration of demobilization period. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. These statements are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding no mandated extension to the initial suspension period, appropriateness of the initial suspension period, ability to demobilize promptly and ability to restart the project. Factors that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, additional measures imposed by regulatory authorities to implement or extend suspension of activities, determinations by the company to extend the suspension, and difficulties in demobilization or restart of construction due to various factors, including lack of availability of manpower or equipment. Certain of these risks are described in more detail in the annual information form of Teck and in its public filings with Canadian securities administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Teck does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. About Teck Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, steelmaking coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources . Teck Media Contact: Chad Pederson Manager, Communications Planning 604.699.5013 chad.pederson@teck.com The Home Office has demonstrated institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race, an independent report into the Windrush scandal has revealed. The review, commissioned after people with a right to live in the UK were wrongfully detained or deported to the Caribbean, finds that those affected were let down by systemic operational failings. Its publication has prompted calls for an independent review specifically into the extent of institutional racism in the Home Office and whether its immigration policies are in line with equality law. In a damning indictment of the Home Office, inspector of constabulary Wendy Williams, the reports author, stated that the fiasco, which saw people with a right to live in the UK wrongfully detained or deported to the Caribbean, was foreseeable and avoidable. She said: Warning signs from inside and outside the Home Office were simply not heeded by officials and ministers. Even when stories of members of the Windrush generation being affected by the immigration control started to emerge in the media from 2017 onwards, the department was slow to react. Ms Williams accused successive governments of trying to demonstrate they were being tough on immigration by tightening immigration control and passing laws creating, and then expanding the hostile environment, with a complete disregard for the Windrush generation. The report identifies organisational factors in the Home Office which created the operating environment in which the mistakes could be made, including a culture of disbelief and carelessness when dealing with immigration applications. It concludes that the Windrush scandal showed institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness on race issues which is consistent with some elements of the definition of institutional racism. Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, home secretary Priti Patel accepted that there were structural and cultural issues in the Home Office, and gave an official apology. There is nothing I can say today that will undo the suffering ... On behalf of this and successive governments I am truly sorry, she told MPs. Labour MP David Lammy said the review was a brutal indictment of the Home Office which showed it was wholly unfit for the society it is supposed to serve. The review shows the Windrush scandal was not an innocent mistake, but a systemic pattern of appalling behaviour rooted in a toxic internal culture and a failure of the department to understand Britains colonial history, he said. When the problem is institutional, the only solution is to tear out the ruined foundations and rebuild the institution brick by brick. This is what the Home Office needs. Mr Lammy called on the Home Office to end the hostile environment immediately, create a new purpose and culture at the department based on the rule of law, openness and diversity, and fundamentally rebuild the Home Office. He added that it was unfortunate that the report had been published in the midst of the coronavius emergency, saying it was hard to imagine a worse time for it to be published. For the sake of all those black British citizens who were deported, detained, made homeless, jobless, denied healthcare housing and welfare by their own government, we cannot allow this news to be buried. Ms Williams said both ministers and officials in the Home Office must learn lessons from the scandal, saying ministers set the policy and the direction of travel and did not sufficiently question unintended consequences, while officials could and should have done more to examine, consider and explain the impacts of decisions. Outlining specific changes and improvements, she said the department must acknowledge the wrong which has been done, open itself up to greater external scrutiny; and it must change its culture to recognise that migration and wider Home Office policy is about people and, whatever its objective, should be rooted in humanity. The inspector of constabulary also called for a full review and evaluation of the hostile environment policy and the creation of a migrants commissioner responsible for speaking up for migrants and those affected by the system. Diane Abbott voices 'grave' concerns on Windrush compensation scheme In response to the reviews findings, a group of race equality and migrant rights organisations have called for an independent review into the extent of institutional racism in the Home Office and whether its immigration policies are in line with equality law around racial discrimination. Dr Zubaida Haque, deputy director of the Runnymede Trust, said it was now incumbent on this government to understand how and why Home Office culture, attitudes, immigration and citizenship policies have repeatedly discriminated against black and ethnic minority British citizens. Unless the issues around institutional racism are meaningfully addressed, we risk the same mistakes and injustices being repeated, she said. Ms Patel said she would bring forward a detailed formal response in the next six months, as Wendy Williams has recommended, representing a new chapter for the Home Office. Let me assure this house that everyone at the Home Office will be asking the difficult questions needed to ensure that these circumstances can never arise again, she added. Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty Since the scandal emerged in 2018, more than 8,000 have been given some form of documentation and the immigration status has been confirmed for almost 2,500, according to the most recent figures from the Home Office. The department identified 164 people who had been deported or put in detention since 2002 amid the Windrush scandal, records said. A compensation scheme with an estimated budget of at least 200m has been set up, but campaigners have hit out at the paltry number of people who have so far received payments, describing the process as slow and onerous. Amid coronavirus outbreak, Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro was illuminated with images of continents and countries flags grappling with the pandemic. In a show of solidarity with other countries, the statue was lit up on March 18. According to international media reports, in a bid to contain the spread of the virus, Brazils Chico Mendes Institute also ordered the closure of all the national parks and monuments it oversees, including the 125-foot tall statue. Rio's Christ the Redeemer pic.twitter.com/ZCLy8S5hAV Tad Long (@TadLong) March 19, 2020 READ: Brazil Stocks Plunge, Trading Halted In Virus Havoc As per reports, coronavirus cases in Brazil have also spiked in the last 36 hours with a top minister in the government testing positive for the disease. Brazil has reported almost 529 confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than half in Sao Paulo and the second largest in Rio. The deadly virus has also claimed four lives in the country. The city of Sao Paulo and the state of Rio de Janeiro also announced a state of emergency and shut down all public places. Rio's main tourist attractions, the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain also shut down in order to prevent the spread of the virus, mayor Bruno Covas told international media reporters. Rio has cut down its public transport by half and has advised people to stay at home. READ: Coronavirus Outbreak: Brazil Reports Spike In Cases As Ministers Test Positive More than 2,25,000 people infected The COVID-19 has claimed more than 9,200 lives across the world and has infected over 2,25,000 people globally since it first broke out in December 2019. China is the most affected country in the world as experts believe that the virus originated from a seafood market in Wuhan city, the epicentre of the disease, where animals were reportedly being traded illegally. Italy, Iran and Spain are the most affected countries outside mainland China, where, as of March 19 the combined death toll stands at 5,029. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said on March 16 that the best way to combat the unprecedented outbreak of deadly coronavirus for all countries is to ramp up their testing programs. The WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a conference in Geneva that the simple message he has for all countries is test, test, test. He further added that the countries will remain unsuccessful to tackle the pandemic if they fail to test all suspected cases and remain blindfolded. READ: Coronavirus Outbreak: Prisoners Break Out Of Jail In Brazil Ahead Of Lockdown READ: 'Test, Test, Test': WHO Chief On How Countries Should Combat Coronavirus Outbreak Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar Thu, March 19, 2020 13:46 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd9fd0 1 National South-Sulawesi,COVID-19,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus-in-Indonesia,outbreak-in-Indonesia,pandemic,mosque,Islam,religious-gathering Free The South Sulawesi provincial administration has cancelled an international Islamic event that was set to take place in Pakkato village, Bontomaranmu district, Gowa regency over heightened concerns about COVID-19, but not before thousands of participants had already arrived at the site. The cancellation was agreed upon following a meeting between administration officials and representatives of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in South Sulawesi on Thursday morning. South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah said the event, a grand tabligh (mass Quran recitation), was canceled because of the current public health emergency. It was imperative that the administration heeded President Joko Jokowi Widodos advice and suspended any form of mass gathering throughout the province, he said. Weve cancelled [the event] because of the critical situation. We hope the spread of the coronavirus may be stemmed soon so that the event may be resumed, Nurdin said. Read also: North Sumatra traces residents who attended virus-stricken religious gathering in Kuala Lumpur He said that the 8,223 participants who had already gathered in Pakkato village since Wednesday would be immediately put in isolation in a designated area. Meanwhile, 411 foreign citizens who were to participate in the event would also be isolated at a hotel that the local administration had officially designated as a quarantine spot, he said. We have prepared a hotel where 411 foreign nationals will be quarantined, Nurdin said, adding that the foreign visitors included people from Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Thailand and Singapore. Domestic visitors from outside the province would also be quarantined at the Makassar Haj Dormitory before they return to their home regions, he said. They will return to their home regions in accordance with their plane or boat tickets. Well try to acquire tickets for those who have yet to secure tickets, Nurdin explained. Event participants who are South Sulawesi natives were to be returned to their home regions on Thursday. The administration had cooperated with a local military base and local police to provide buses and trucks to transport the event participants home, he said. We have coordinated with every regent and mayor [in the province]. Once [the event participants] arrive in their home regions, they will have to be immediately quarantined for 14 days. It could either be self-isolation at home or a quarantine in a designated area, Nurdin said. He called on the people of South Sulawesi to refrain from panicking as the local administration and authorities had already anticipated the situation. All event participants previously undertook thermal scans upon their arrival in the province. One participant was found to have a fever and has since been referred to the Haji Hospital in Makassar, according to Nurdin. Read also: Three Indonesians who attended mass prayer in Malaysia test positive for COVID-19 Sentot Abu Thoriq, a member of the event committee, told The Jakarta Post that they had no choice but to comply with the administrations policy. We only gathered to pray together, listen to sermons and be closer to Allah. Local bureaucracy was apparently more scared of the coronavirus, which is a tiny organism. We had no other choice but to cancel the first Ijtima in Asia, Sentot said, adding that the South Sulawesi administration should be responsible for the safety of all event participants. The grand tabligh event was originally to take place from March 20 to 22. It was previously reported that neighboring Malaysia recorded a spike in its number of confirmed COVID-19 cases following a similar Islamic event that had taken place within its borders late last month. Indonesia's death toll from COVID-19 jumped to 19 on Wednesday, the highest in Southeast Asia to date, as the government announced that the number of infected people had reached 227. (rfa) HOUSING Minister Eoghan Murphy has been self-isolating as a precaution against the coronavirus after he visited family abroad. It is the first known instance of an Irish government minister being impacted by the the global pandemic. His spokesman insisted that the measures are being taken as a precaution since last week after the Fine Gael TD travelled abroad to visit family. Mr Murphy travelled before the Government issued a series of travel notices advising Irish citizens to avoid all but essential travel to several countries. It is not clear whether Mr Murphy visited any of the countries severely affected by the virus. Read More Mr Murphy is maintaining a full work schedule and has not been in direct physical contact with any of his government colleagues, the spokesman said. His spokesman said: "The Minister is self isolating since last week as a precaution after returning from visiting family abroad. "He traveled before any travel advice was issued. He has maintained a full work schedule via phone and teleconference like many across the country at the moment. "He has not been in direct physical contact with any colleagues." Earlier Mr Murphy confirmed that a temporary ban on evictions and rent increases will be introduced for the duration of the coronavirus crisis to ease the burden on renters. He has also said that the notice period for rental tenancies of less than six months will be increased from 28 to 90 days. A moratorium on notices to leave rental accommodation is being introduced as is a moratorium on rent increases so that people will be safe in their homes during this period, Mr Murphy confirmed. He announced the new measures via a press release and did a number of radio interviews - but did not hold a press conference in Government Buildings as other ministers have done in recent days to announce emergency measures for those impacted by the virus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:16:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People enjoy sunset on a plank road at the Donghu Lake in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, March 18, 2020. No new infections of the novel coronavirus were reported on Wednesday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the microscopic foe. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) WUHAN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- No new infections of the novel coronavirus were reported on Wednesday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the deadly virus and sending a message of hope to the world gripped by the pandemic. The Health Commission of Hubei Province, where Wuhan is the capital, said the virus' death toll climbed by eight in the province, but the total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan and Hubei remained at 50,005 and 67,800 on Wednesday. No increase was observed in the province's number of suspected cases, which fell to zero on Tuesday, in another indication that large-scale transmissions have been suppressed at the epidemic ground zero after a slew of strict measures. Previously, the central Chinese province had reported single-digit increases of new infections, all of which were from Wuhan, for a week in a row since last Wednesday. A month ago, the figure was several thousand a day. The province also saw 795 patients discharged from hospital after recovery on Wednesday, reducing its caseload of hospitalized patients to 6,636, including 1,809 in severe condition and 465 in critical condition. With no new cases in Wuhan, the Chinese mainland on Wednesday reduced the increase in domestic transmissions to zero, according to the National Health Commission. The country now faces a greater threat of infections imported from overseas, which jumped by 34 on Wednesday. "The clearing of new infections in Wuhan came earlier than predicted, but it is still too early to let down our guard," said Zhang Boli, one of the leading experts advising on the epidemic fight in Hubei. Arduous work still lies ahead as China strengthens its defence against imported cases from abroad, treats thousands of patients still in serious or critical condition and rehabilitates those discharged from hospitals, said Zhang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. "CUNNING VIRUS" The novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan in December as a new pathogen facing mankind. Before its traits were fully understood, the virus had cut a swath of infections among Wuhan's unsuspecting public, before jumping from the transportation hub to other parts of China via the largest seasonal human migration ahead of the Spring Festival. The Chinese leadership has described the COVID-19 outbreak as the most difficult to contain since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and "a big test" for the country. Medical experts said the virus is more contagious, though less deadly, than the SARS virus that belongs to the same coronavirus family. Globally, the SARS virus infected 8,422 people and killed 919 between 2002 and 2003. "We still have insufficient knowledge of the novel coronavirus. What we already know is it's a very cunning virus with a long incubation period," said Wang Daowen, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan. "We still found the virus from the anus, if not from the lungs, of one patient after he was hospitalized for 50 days," said Wang, who was among the first medical experts joining the treatment of COVID-19. "Usually, a virus should vanish from one's body in two weeks." TURNING TIDE China began to see a drop in the number of COVID-19 patients on Feb. 18, after the number of recovered patients surged and new cases declined. By late February, the virus had withdrawn from most territories on the Chinese mainland, with only single-digit daily increases of infections in areas outside Wuhan. On March 6, the epidemic epicenter Wuhan slashed the daily increase of confirmed cases to below 100, down from a peak of more than 14,000 in early February. Bruce Aylward, who led the China-WHO joint mission on COVID-19, said the outbreak in China had come down "faster than would have been expected." On March 11, the daily increase of locally transmitted infections dropped to single digits for the first time on the Chinese mainland. The virus has so far caused a total of 80,928 infections and 3,245 fatalities, defying earlier predictions by foreign researchers of a more extensive national outbreak. Behind the downward trends were a raft of strong measures taken by the Chinese government, including canceling mass events, closing scenic attractions, suspending long-distance buses and asking hundreds of millions of Chinese to stay indoors to break transmission chain. On Jan. 23, Wuhan declared unprecedented traffic restrictions, including suspending the city's public transport and all outbound flights and trains, in an attempt to contain the epidemic within its territory. The situation in Wuhan and its nearby cities was grim. Officials said more than 3,000 medics in Hubei contracted the virus at the early stage of the outbreak due to limited knowledge of the virus. Many families lost multiple loved ones. Following reports of overloaded local hospitals, more than 42,000 medical staff, including those from the military, were dispatched to Hubei from across the country. At the peak of the fight, one in 10 intensive care medics in China were working in Wuhan. Fleets of trucks carrying aid goods and displaying banners of "Wuhan be strong!" rushed to the city from all corners of the country. Under a "pairing-up support" system, each city in Hubei is taken care of by at least one provincial-level region. To ensure the timely admission of patients, two hospitals with a total of 2,600 beds were built from scratch in Wuhan within a few days, and 16 temporary hospitals were converted from gyms and exhibition centers to add 13,000 beds. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) capacity in Wuhan reached 24,000 people a day. Testing is made free and treatment fees are covered by China's basic medical insurance. Huang Juan, 38, witnessed the first few days of chaos and despair at local hospitals before calm and order gradually set in amid the influx of support. Huang recalled the hospitals were packed with patients -- over 100 patients were waiting for the injection but only one nurse was around. Every day, her mother who had a fever on the eve of the Spring Festival in late January waited 10 hours to be injected. After a week of imploration, Huang finally found a hospital willing to admit her mother. Ten days later, her mother was discharged upon negative NAT results. "She still had symptoms, but there was no choice, as many patients were waiting for beds," Huang said. The situation improved when her father, also diagnosed with the disease, was hospitalized on Feb. 19. "He was discharged after the doctor confirmed his recovery on March 11. It was apparent that the standards for discharge were raised as Wuhan got sufficient beds," Huang said. Cui Cui (pseudonym), 57, also testified to the improving situation. The Wuhan resident was transferred to the newly built Huoshenshan (Fire God Mountain) Hospital as her sickness worsened on Feb. 10. The military-run hospital that treats severe cases impressed her with a calm ambiance. "Doctors and nurses there called me 'auntie' instead of 'patient' and spent time chatting with me to ease my anxiety," said Cui, who was discharged after recovering on Feb. 26. COMMUNITY CONTROL Outside Hubei, the battle against the epidemic has tested the mobilization capacity of China's big cities and remote villages alike as they scrambled to prevent sporadic imported cases from evolving into community outbreaks. Earlier this month, Beijing said about 827,000 people who returned to the capital city after the Spring Festival holiday were placed in two-week home observation. Around 161,000 property management staff and security guards were on duty to enforce the quarantine rules. Shanghai, a metropolis in eastern China, has demanded its over 13,000 residential communities to guard their gates and take temperatures of residents upon entrance, according to Zeng Qun, deputy head of the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau. Quyi Community was among the first Shanghai neighborhoods to adopt closed-off management. Since late January, it has been disinfecting public areas, introducing contactless deliveries and ensuring residents returning from severely affected regions are placed in quarantine. "For those who are under self-quarantine at home, health workers will provide door-to-door visits every day, and services from grocery shopping to psychological counseling are offered," said Huang Ying, an official with Hongkou District where the community is located. Shanghai, with a population of 24 million, is among China's most populous cities and a commercial hub. It was once predicted as the most susceptible to a coronavirus outbreak. Mathematical models estimated that without prevention and control measures, Shanghai's infection numbers would exceed 100,000. Even with some interventions, the figure could still reach tens of thousands, according to Zhang Wenhong, who heads Shanghai's medical team to fight the epidemic. "But now, the infection number is just over 300. This means the measures taken by Shanghai over the past month are effective," Zhang said, describing the city as an epitome of China's battle against the epidemic. NEW BATTLEGROUNDS China's economy became a new battleground as the war against the virus wore on, delaying the reopening of plants after the Spring Festival holiday and causing a shortage of workers with the nationwide traffic restrictions in place. China has about 170 million rural migrant workers employed away from their hometowns, many of whom could not return to work as enterprises across the country began to resume production on Feb. 10. In response, local governments have arranged chartered flights and trains to take workers directly to the factories while issuing subsidies to tide companies over difficulties. By early March, the southern manufacturing heartland Guangdong Province had seen 91.2 percent of firms resume operation. Almost every sector of Chinese society has chipped in on the anti-virus fight, from barbers offering medics free haircuts to factories revamping their assembly lines to produce medical masks. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's output of protective clothing has surged to 500,000 pieces per day from fewer than 20,000 pieces at the beginning of the outbreak. The daily output of N95-rated medical masks rose from 200,000 to 1.6 million, while that of regular masks reached 100 million. "China's economic and social development over the past decade has laid a sound foundation for the fight against the epidemic and enabled the society to mobilize more quickly," said Tang Bei, an international public health researcher at Shanghai International Studies University. China's tech boom also made contributions -- tech companies rolled out disinfecting robots, thermal camera-equipped drones and AI-powered temperature measurement equipment, which have been rapidly deployed to reduce the risks of cross-infection. The outbreak has led to what is being called "the world's largest work-from-home experiment." The number of online meetings supported by Tencent Meeting on Feb. 10, when most enterprises started resuming work, was 100 times that of its previous average daily use. Lu Chuanying, a researcher with Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said digital technologies have risen to the fore, not only in the country's anti-virus efforts but also in the recovery of the virus-hit economy. "Remote consultations, artificial intelligence and big data were used to contain the epidemic, while telecommuting, online education and online vegetable markets have kept our lives in quarantine going," Lu said. Chennai, March 19 : A 21-year old student from Ireland has tested positive for Coronavirus infection, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C.Vijayabaskar said on Thursday. In a tweet, Vijayabaskar said the student arrived here from Dublin on March 17 and was screened and home quarantined. On March 18, the student reported to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital with symptoms of coronavirus infection. On testing his samples, the infection was confirmed on Thursday, Vijayabaskar said. According to him, the patient is stable and is in an isolation ward in the hospital. Vijayabaskar said a total of 194,236 passengers have been screened in the state and 3,481 persons are under followup. The number of beds in the isolation wards are 1,120 and 39 persons have been admitted. According to him, samples from 320 persons have been tested till date, out of which 232 turned negative and two were positive. The samples under process are 86. One person who was tested positive was treated in the hospital and later discharged. Vijayabaskar said all the three coronavirus positive cases in Tamil Nadu were imported from different regions with travel histories. He said all the three were identified owing to stringent screening and follow up. "Screening will be intensified at all ports of arrival to curtail d spread. I Urge all to extend full cooperation," Vijayabaskar tweeted. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Sales at Harvey Norman's Australian and New Zealand stores have soared throughout March thanks to a surge in demand for whitegoods and home office equipment as Australians bunker down through the coronavirus pandemic. In an update to the market on Thursday, the electronics retailing giant said its comparable sales between March 1 and March 17 at its local Australian stores had increased by 9.4 per cent. This marks a significant jump from its half-year results, which looked anaemic with 0.03 per cent growth. Harvey Norman has seen a run up in sales due to Australians buying up home office goods and freezers. Credit:Scott Barbour Sales at the retailer's New Zealand and Ireland stores also grew significantly, up 12.4 per cent in NZ and up a whopping 53 per cent in Ireland. Harvey Norman shares closed down 2.8 per cent to $2.77, outperforming the broader ASX/200 which fell 3.4 per cent. The number of coronavirus patients in Armenia has reached 115, with the first case reported among medical personnel on Thursday morning. Health Minister Arsen Torosian confirmed today that a nurse of the Nork infectious diseases hospital in Yerevan has been diagnosed with COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus infection. The nurse has worked with other coronavirus patients at the hospital, he added in a Facebook post. The woman was immediately hospitalized and her condition is satisfactory. She does not have pneumonia, Torosian wrote. The minister reminded the public that fighting the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus puts a lot of stress on medical workers who often appear in risky situations. They are considered to be one of the vulnerable groups to get infected. We ask you to respect their work and stay at home, Torosian said. Armenias health authorities say that the bulk of the coronavirus cases reported so far are related to two primary sources of infection both traced to people arriving from Italy. According to Minister Torosian, the condition of all patients is evaluated as satisfactory. The countrys first coronavirus patient, a 29-year-old man evacuated from Iran in late February, was declared recovered earlier this week. In a bid to slow down and contain the further spread of the novel coronavirus the Armenian government declared a 30-day national emergency on March 16. Limitations that concern international and local travel, public gatherings and the activities of public institutions could potentially affect a number of private sector companies. At a government meeting on Thursday Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian proposed an aid package to businesses most affected by the pandemic. He said up to 150 billion drams (more than $300 million) would be allocated to support businesses through subsidizing loans, to provide urgent social assistance and stimulate economic activity otherwise. The prime minister said his government expected the assistance to spur business activity and economic growth beyond the current coronavirus pandemic. Armenia posted a 7.6-percent GDP growth for 2019 and expected its economy to expand by 4.9 percent this year. At the beginning of the year before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic the World Bank forecast an even faster annual growth of 5.1 percent for Armenia in 2020. DECATUR Vanessa Metzger went to Stephen Decatur Middle School on Wednesday intending only to get school work for her son to do at home. But while she was there, she picked up one of the grab-and-go bags of food for him, too. I really just came here to get some work for him because I don't want him to just play video games, she said. This is good for a lot of people, it is. I don't know how many people come out here and pick them up but it is good because they might need it. Schools statewide shut down this week at the order of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, part of an effort to contain coronavirus in Illinois. Buildings will reopen in two weeks. Schools also have been shuttered in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Oregon, Washington and other states. Several measures in Congress would offer a nationwide waiver so school meals can be offered in a wide variety of settings, such as food banks, and allow the USDA to grant waiver requests expanding eligibility even if they resulted in added costs to the government. The U.S. Agriculture Department oversees food programs in schools, but it has restrictions on how students can get their subsidized meals, and currently can offer only limited waivers to states that allow schools to offer grab-and-go options More than two-thirds of the 31 million U.S. students who regularly eat school lunches depend on a free or reduced-price school lunch as a main source of their daily nutrition, according to the School Nutrition Association. Decatur Public Schools is providing grab-and-go bags of food that include both breakfast and lunch from 8 to 10 a.m. at four locations: Eisenhower and MacArthur high schools, Hope Academy and Stephen Decatur. It's set up so that families don't even have to get out of the car. Drive up to the signs and someone brings it to you. Signs at all Decatur school buildings direct families to the four buildings where they can get food. The first day, 377 families participated and on Wednesday that number rose to 652. District spokeswoman Denise Swarthout said the meals are available for anyone 18 and younger, with no ID required, to ensure that anyone who needs the food has access to it. Meridian Schools are also offering meals and take-home packets with activities in all subject areas, too. Our teachers created learning plans for our students to work on while we're off, said Meridian Elementary School Principal Lori Guebert. A combination of something to do each day related to each subject area, working on review and practice type activities just to keep them engaged, working and functioning on the days off. They have something meaningful they can work on and the teachers are available through email and Class Dojo. As a district, we're posting things on social media for parents to keep them updated as to what's happening. Parents can pick up meals at four sites from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the elementary building in Blue Mound and the middle school in Macon, with Hyde Park in Decatur and the Boody post office added on Wednesday to make pickup more convenient. The meals are for all students, not just those who meet low-income guidelines, she said. The district had a half-day of classes on March 16 so students could take packets and supplies home with them, but for those who weren't in attendance, packets are prepared and can be picked up with the meals. The work in the packets is nothing new and parents don't need to worry about teaching kids Common Core curriculum, Guebert said, which has been a concern voiced by some parents. The activities are simple, such as reading for 20 minutes, drawing a picture, practicing math facts they already should know, and there's even physical education activities, like do 10 jumping jacks included. Knowing this was a possibility last week, she said, teachers had already begun preparing packets and sent some activities home with students on March 13, just in case. The elementary school handed out 79 meals on Tuesday and the middle school, 59. Teachers in several area districts have posted on Facebook that they're available if parents need assistance or have questions, including both Meridian and Decatur teachers, and Guebert said she's been amused by some of the jokes going around. Parents are sharing memes saying they've suspended or expelled their own children from home school, for example, trying to lighten the mood. We're all trying to stay positive, Guebert said. The Associated Press contributed to this story. PHOTOS: Coronavirus in Illinois Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A restaurant group run by industry giant Danny Meyer laid off 2,000 members of staff on Wednesday, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Union Square Hospitality Group announced that 80 percent of its workforce had been fired in their New York and Washington DC locations. The group has a Manhattan office and runs 20 restaurants between the two areas, including famous locations Gramercy Tavern and Blue Smoke. The company told the New York Times that the decision was made due to a near-complete elimination of revenue. Mr Meyer added that "in the absence of income, restaurants simply cannot pay our non-working team members for more than a short period of time without becoming insolvent. In that scenario, no one wins." The New York Times report that Meyer will donate his salary and the group are selling gift cards, where all the proceeds will be donated to an employee relief fund. Employees were told that the layoffs were made in order for them to apply for unemployment during the crisis. Mr Meyer, who is the chief executive officer of the Union Square Hospitality Group, won the Black Box Intelligence Workplace Legacy Award in 2018. In their press release at the time, the organisation wrote that the award is presented to those who can demonstrate that "their employees, organizations and communities have benefited from their leadership." Meyer wrote in the release that "working to become an outstanding business leader, also known as an employer of choice, is a never-ending journey. I do believe that path is the single most motivating reason I go to work each day and this honor feels especially gratifying." Meyer's group are not the only organisation to have laid off staff in the past week and the New York Times report that restaurateur Tom Colicchio and his Crafted Hospitality group announced 300 layoffs at their New York and Los Angeles locations. Some 5,000 cases of Covid-19 have been recorded so far in the US, and 94 deaths. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion. The prime minister had earlier emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the coronavirus menace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday evening over the coronavirus outbreak and the efforts that the government has taken so far to combat it. The prime minister urged the citizens to give up the attitude that the virus cannot affect them, and advocated the efficacy of social distancing. The PM did not go into details about the measures taken by the government to combat the threat. The two significant points Modi mentioned were the creation of an economic task force and the assurance that food items and essential commodities won't run out while the nation battles the threat of a pandemic. Modi called citizens to observe Janata curfew (self-imposed curfew) possibly as a drill to test out the success of a lockdown in India, should the need arise. Here are the highlights of the prime minister's speech. Janata Curfew will be in place on Sunday 22 March from 7 am to 9 pm. All citizens, except those working in essential services such as police, medical services etc, are compulsorily required to abide by the curfew-like restrictions. However, unlike a normal curfew, this one is unlikely to be imposed by use of security focrces or police personnel. Modi has requested the citizens to inform at least 10 people about the Janata Curfew. "If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent," PM Narendra Modi said. Modi also urged businesses and citizens belonging to the higher income group to take care of the economic interests of the people from the lower strata of the society. The prime minister advised that citizens should not cut salary of employees or house helps who are unable to discharge their duties due to the shutdown and pandemic. Modi also came up with a plan to express immense gratitude and appreciation for those ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted, while brazing the risk of contracting the infection. He said that at 5 pm, all the citizens should stand in their doorways or balconies and clap, clank utensils or ring bells to show appreciation for medical professionals and all those who are associated with essential services. He discouraged citizens from succumbing to panic or rushing to panic buy essential commodities. Modi said that stockpiling of essential items will be counterproductive, as he assured citizens that the government will ensure regular supply of milk, vegetables and other food items and medicines. Modi announced the formation of a economical task force under the leadership of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The special task force, he said, would take an overview of the situation and suggest the way ahead. Coronavirus threat becomes more serious in India India today recorded its fourth death due to coronavirus. A 72-year-old man from Punjab, who had a history of travelling to Germany via Italy, passed away on Thursday passed away at the Banga community health centre after having severe chest pain. He was already patient was suffering from diabetes and hypertension. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country surged to 169 today. Nearly 50 cases were reported from the state of Maharashtra. Government bans all international flights, takes steps to prevent stockpiling of commodities Amid rising cases of COVID-19, India on Thursday banned the landing of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 to 29 while asking the Civil Aviation ministry and Railways to suspend all concessional travel on flights and trains, except for students, patients and disabled people. The government had issued a detailed advisory on social distancing measures as a non-pharmaceutical intervention on 16 March. "Social distancing primarily implies avoiding/decreasing contact so as to stop or slow down the rate and extent of diseases transmission. This has been found to be a useful approach to decrease the morbidity and mortality due to the disease," he said. The Health Ministry on Thursday also advised senior citizens and children below the age of 10 years to stay indoors in view of the spread of coronavirus, even as they assured the general public that there was no community transmission of the disease in the country so far. The ministry also said the department of pharmaceuticals and the ministry of consumer affairs have been asked to take necessary action against anyone charging exorbitant prices for masks, sanitizers and other health-related logistic materials. The health ministry advised people to avoid non-urgent hospitalisation and minimise elective surgeries. With respect to public transport, it is directed that metros, railways, buses and airplanes shall consider decrease in frequency of their services and alternate seating to ensure social distancing. Effective disinfection and crowd management be ensured in places like railway stations, metro stations, bus stands, and airports, Aggarwal said. The government also said that people should be sensitised on appropriate use of masks which should be utilised only when needed and to wash hands with soap. The Centre has requested states to enforce work from home for private sector employees, except for those working in emergency and essential services. With inputs from PTI 18 March 2020 Click here for the latest articles on Labor & Employment. Click here for the latest articles on the coronavirus. As the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to impact California businesses, many employers are wondering how best to ensure the wellbeing of their staff. Marta Fernandez, hotel lawyer and partner in JMBMs Labor & Employment department, discusses some of the key issues raised by employers and provides recommendations for complying with new mandates. COVID-19: Immediate Advice For California Employers Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions by Marta Fernandez Most California employers are taking steps to keep employees safe during the Coronavirus Pandemic. These changes to workplace routines, policies and norms are the result of a mix of proactive steps, changes in demand, and government mandates. As labor and employment lawyers, our phones have been ringing off the hook. Here are the Top 7 most frequently asked questions by employers trying to ensure the health and safety of their workforce. #1 How should an employer respond to an employee who is not sick, but who refuses to come to work because they do not want to or do not feel safe coming to work? Generally speaking, an employer can require an employee to come to work and discipline the employee for refusing to do so, provided that the employee is not in imminent danger and is not sick, caring for a family member who is sick, adhering to a quarantine order, or absent some other legally protected reason, such as a medical condition protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is risky to require any employee who has been advised by the government to self-quarantine, including employees who are 65 and older and employees who have preexisting health conditions, to attend work. Note that the CDC is currently recommending, but not mandating that employees who are 65 and older self-quarantine. Where the circumstances allow, employers are encouraged to assess the availability of telecommuting options for employees and to keep communication lines open with employees to address any safety related concerns they may have. Employers need to carefully balance the risk that an employee may come to work despite feeling sick if they are worried about being disciplined. Furthermore, a number of local shelter in place and no public or private gathering orders have impacted or mandated the shutdown of certain businesses. Most such ordinances have exclusions for essential businesses, however, each employer must individually assess, with the assistance of legal counsel, how these mandates and exceptions apply to each of their work locations. #2 How should an employer respond to an employee who cannot come to work because they have lost access to child care? While employers currently have no legal obligation to allow employees to work from home or not come to work because of a lack of child care as a result of the school closings, employers should try to explore any possible work from home options given the unprecedented circumstances. Alternatively, employers should consider allowing employees to use their accrued vacation leave or paid sick leave (as preventative care for their child) if a work from home option is not available. In addition, under California law, employees who work at worksites with at least 25 employees are already entitled to take off up to 40 hours each year for specific school-related events, including school closures or the unexpected unavailability of the school or child care provider; employees may tap into this entitlement to work from home or to take time off on an unpaid basis. However, keep in mind that this answer may change drastically depending on the fate of a new piece of legislation, the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, which is making its way to the Senate. Should it be approved by the Senate and signed by President Trump in the coming days, the legislation would require private employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide employees who have been employed for at least 30 days with up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave if the employee cannot come to work, or telework, because he or she needs to care for a minor child whose school or child care is closed or unavailable due to the Coronavirus. Employers will be required to pay this family and medical leave at a rate of no less than two-thirds of the employees regular rate of pay, though the first 10 days of the leave can be unpaid. It is unclear if and when the bill will pass, if changes will be made to the bill prior to its passage, or if additional legislation providing relief for impacted workers will be introduced, so employers should stay abreast of any developments. #3 If an employee cannot come to work because he or she is sick or the workplace shuts down, does the employer have to pay the employee for the time he/she is not working? If a salaried employee performs any work during the workweek, the employee must be paid his/her full salary for the week, unless the employee is out of work for a full day due to personal reasons, vacation or illness and has no remaining vacation or sick time. While an employer may not reduce a salaried employee for partial days off due to illness, an employer may deduct the day from a salaried employees salary if the employee has exhausted all sick time and takes a full day off due to illness. In contrast, there is no legal obligation to pay hourly employees who cannot come to work because of a workplace shutdown, because of a quarantine order, or because they need to care for themselves or a family member. However, if an employee is sick or needs to attend to a family member who is sick, this may trigger paid sick leave pursuant to the same state and local laws that would normally apply. To this end, if an employee is sick, an employer may require the employee to use accrued and available sick time or vacation time, provided that doing so is in line with the employers existing written policy. Additionally, employees who cannot attend work because they have contracted, or been exposed to, COVID-19 may consider applying for short term disability under any employer offered plan or for State SDI and employees who cannot attend work because of a shut down operations due to COVID-19 may consider filing an Unemployment Insurance claim with the EDD. If approved, the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (discussed in question #2 above) would require employers to provide 80 hours of paid sick leave to full-time employees, prorated for part-time employees, if the employee is unable to work (or telework) due to a need for leave. If an employee is using the paid sick leave to self-isolate due to a Coronavirus diagnosis, to obtain medical care for Coronavirus symptoms, or to comply with a quarantine recommendation or order, employers will be required to pay the employee their full salary, based on their regulate rate of pay. If an employee is using the paid sick leave to care for a family member or child whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable due to Coronavirus, employers will be required to provide the employee with at least two-thirds of the employees salary during the leave period. #4 How can an employer best balance employees right to privacy against the need to request and share information in order to protect the workforce? While employers work to contain the risk of exposure in the workplace and assuage their employees fear and uncertainty in this rapidly evolving environment, employers must be careful not to run afoul of restrictions under the ADA and other local or state disability laws, as well as medical privacy and consumer protection laws. A general rule of thumb for employers is to collect and disclose only the information that is absolutely necessary to take steps to assess and protect against risk to other employees. The following is a list of key dos and donts to best balance employees right to privacy against the need to maintain workplace safety: Employers may direct employees to stay home or leave work if they exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus. The CDC specifically advises that [e]mployees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4 F [38.0 C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employers may require that an employee notify them if they have been exposed, have symptoms, and/or have tested positive for COVID-19 or have traveled to countries with level three CDC warnings. If an employee exhibits a bad cough or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19, do not ask the employee about their medical history or condition so as not to violate the ADA or other disability laws. You may ask the employee how they are feeling or suggest that they seek medical attention or go home for the day, but employers must be cautious about asking specific questions about the employees condition so as not to cross the line into the protected disability zone. Do not take employees temperatures. Taking an employees temperature is considered a medical examination under the ADA, and the ADA places restrictions on employer inquiries into an employees medical status. The ADA prohibits employers from requiring medical examinations and making disability-related inquiries unless (1) the employer can show that the examination or inquiry is job-related and consistent with business necessity, or (2) the employer has a reasonable belief, based on objective evidence, that the employee poses a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation. Therefore, taking employees temperatures may be unlawful if it is not job-related and consistent with business necessity, and whether that is the case must be determined on a case-by-case basis unless future guidance or directives from applicable local, state or federal public health authorities mandate or recommend otherwise. Furthermore, an employee could be infected with COVID-19 without exhibiting symptoms such as a fever, so mandated temperature checking may not be the most effective method for protecting employees. For the same reasons discussed above and unless otherwise required by applicable law or government directive, employers may not require employees to undergo testing for COVID-19. Do not disclose the identity of any employee who has tested or who is reasonably suspected of testing positive for COVID-19. If an employee has tested positive for COVID-19, employers should have the employee identify all individuals who worked in close proximity (three to six feet) with the employee in the previous 14 days. As a precaution, employers should consider sending home all employees identified to have worked in close proximity with that employee for a 14-day period to protect against a spread of the virus. However, when sending employees home and otherwise communicating with other employees, do not identify the infected employee so as to avoid any risk of privacy violations. Generally, there is no obligation to report a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 to the CDC. The healthcare provider that receives confirmation of a positive test is a mandatory reporter and should be the one to handle that responsibility. The foregoing is only a sampling of the many questions that employers may face as they continue to balance the health and safety of their workforce with employee privacy. Things are changing rapidly in this pandemic, and employers are encouraged to stay abreast of the latest developments as they continue to take steps to maintain workplace safety. #5 If an employee comes to work and is sent home because he or she is sick, is the employer obligated to pay the employee for the workday? What if a mandatory shelter in place order is issued? If an employer sends an employee home after he or she has arrived to work, before the employee has worked half of his or her usual or scheduled days work, because the employee is sick, the employer must pay the employee reporting pay. The employee is entitled to at least two hours of pay, but not more than four hours. For example, if an employee reports to work for an 8-hour shift and only works for 1 hour, the employer must pay that employee for the 1 hour worked and an additional 3 hours as reporting time pay so that the employee receives pay for at least half of the employees 8-hour shift. The California Labor Commissioner has taken the position that this law still applies even under a state of emergency, unless the state of emergency includes a recommendation to cease operations. If there is a mandatory shelter in place order issued in the employers city, the reporting pay requirements would not apply to any employees who leave work mid-day as a result of such order. #6 How should employers ensure that non-exempt employees are accurately recording their hours and complying with all meal and rest break requirements while working from home? Even when working remotely, non-exempt employees are entitled to meal and rest breaks in accordance with California law. This means that they must be provided with the opportunity to take one, uninterrupted thirty-minute meal period for every five hours of work beginning before the end of the employees fifth hour of work, and one, uninterrupted ten-minute rest period for every four hours or work or major fraction thereof. To ensure that these laws are complied with while working from home, employees should still clock in and out for their meal periods. Further, to the extent that the employer has issued any written work from home correspondence or guidelines, these guidelines should specify that employees are still entitled to take their meal and rest breaks as if they were reporting to work in the physical office. All employer-mandated policies and procedures should remain in force regarding meal and rest periods. For example, if the employer institutes a progressive discipline policy when employees fail to clock in and out for their meal periods, these types of policies should remain unchanged even though the employee is working remotely. #7 If the employer requires or public health officials mandate that employees work from home, what expenses must the employer reimburse? Pursuant to Californias labor laws, employers are required to reimburse their employees for all necessary business expenses and those expenses incurred at the direction of the employer. Accordingly, if employees must work from home, the employer is responsible for ensuring they have both the necessary physical equipment in order to perform their jobs (for example, computers) as well as infrastructure to perform their jobs (such as internet access). Equipment that is merely convenient is not required to be reimbursed by the employer unless the employer directs the employee to have access to such equipment. For example, if having a printer is merely convenient to the performance of an employees job, the employer has no obligation to reimburse the employee for the cost of a printer or provide a printer to the employee. On the other hand, if the employer requires employees to have a printer or the employees job requires physically printing material, the employer will be responsible for reimbursing the employee for the costs of a printer or supplying a printer. Your specific business needs may vary and our team can assist you in assessing what expenses you may be responsible to provide on a case-by-case basis. These Top 7 may not address the specific needs of your business or industry. Employers, particularly in healthcare, hospitality, food service, sanitation, financial services, and other essential services, may have additional unique challenges. The information above is accurate as of March 17, 2020. However, the legislature may modify the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in a way that alters the obligations of employers as they have been stated in this FAQ, or introduce additional legislation that may impact an employers obligations going forward. Additionally, this FAQ does not take into account all local orders that have been implemented throughout California. An employers obligations may vary depending on any specific directives provided in such orders. As the situation is quickly evolving, employers should remain tuned in to new developments. Our team remains available to assist you in navigating these unprecedented times. Click here for the latest articles on the coronavirus. Select individual articles on these topics are listed below for your convenience. Marta Fernandez is a partner in JMBMs Employment and Labor Department and a senior member of JMBMs Global Hospitality Group. As a management labor lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, Marta specializes in representing hospitality industry clients in all aspects of labor and employment including labor-management relations such as union prevention, collective bargaining for single as well as multi-employer bargaining units, neutrality agreements and defense of unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB. She defends employers in administrative and litigation claims, such as employee claims of sexual harassment and discrimination and counsels clients in preventative strategies such as executive training, arbitration enforcement, and policies and procedures. For more information, please contact Marta Fernandez at 310.201.3534 or at mfernandez@jmbm.com. This is Jim Butler, author of www.HotelLawBlog.com and founding partner of JMBM and JMBMs Global Hospitality Group. We provide business and legal advice to hotel owners, developers, independent operators and investors. This advice covers critical hotel issues such as hotel purchase, sale, development, financing, franchise, management, ADA, and IP matters. We also have compelling experience in hotel litigation, union avoidance and union negotiations, and cybersecurity & data privacy. JMBMs Global Hospitality Group has been involved in more than $87 billion of hotel transactions and more than 3,900 hotel properties located around the globe. Contact me at +1-310-201-3526 or jbutler@jmbm.com to discuss how we can help. How can we help? Brochure Credentials Photo Gallery The number of lethal cases has increased to 8,810. As of the morning of Thursday, March 19, a total of 218,823 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus were recorded worldwide, reports the CSSE at Johns Hopkins University. The number of lethal cases has increased to 8,810, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard. At the same time, 84,118 people recovered from the disease. In China, there are 81,138 cases, including 3,130 lethal ones. The second-highest rate of infection spread is recorded in Italy with 35,713 cases and 2,978 deaths. In Iran, 17,361 people have already been infected and 1,135 have died. In Spain, there are 14,769 infection cases, including 638 lethal ones. Read alsoCanada braces for disinformation assault on COVID-19 As UNIAN reported earlier, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus was recorded late December 2019 in the most populous city of Central China, Wuhan. The World Health Organization recognized it as a global emergency, describing it as a multi-cell epidemic. To date, 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Ukraine, two of which are lethal. The country has declared a nationwide quarantine, which will last until April 3. Ten more tested positive for coronavirus in Azerbaijan, Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The patients placed in special treatment hospitals and who are undergoing medical supervision feel well, their condition is assessed as stable. The infected people at various periods returned to Azerbaijan from Germany, France, Turkey and Iran. Presently, 33 patients with coronavirus are undergoing medical supervision in special treatment hospitals. The appropriate measures for their medical treatment are being taken. Taking into account that coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, as well as the pace of the spread of the virus, it is recommended for everyone to thoroughly comply with the requirements and recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers. At the same time, citizens are required to observe measures to isolate themselves, to leave houses only in cases of emergency, to minimize contacts with other people and not to visit crowded places. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A number of gin distilleries and breweries across London and the UK are using their facilities to produce hand sanitiser, aiming to help tackle the shortages of the product amid the coronavirus outbreak. Hoxton-based 58 Gin is in the process of further developing its Hand Gin-Itizer, initially made in a small batch earlier in the month to help support The Drinks Trust, a charity appeal supporting the beverage industry. According to the BBC, the distillery is looking to produce atomisers filled with the product within the next few weeks. Unfortunately it seems almost impossible to get hold of any hand sanitiser currently, so our team rallied together and came up with this little number, said the distillery on its Instagram beneath an image of the Gin-Itizer. Retailers across the UK have been experiencing difficulties in keeping up with demand for hand sanitiser for months following the global outbreak of coronavirus. The British Distillers Alliance has asked the government to provide tax relief to distilleries that are increasing production of high strength alcohol for use in sanitiser products. Beer producer BrewDog, which runs 12 pubs and bars across London, is also working on producing a Punk Sanitiser at its Aberdeenshire brewery. On its Instagram, it said, To help with the shortages, we have just started working on making hand sanitiser at our distillery in Scotland. We are determined to do everything we can to try and help as many people as possible stay safe. It's time to keep it clean. The brewery confirmed on Twitter that they would not be selling the santiser, but giving it to those who need it. New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday (March 19, 2020) took oath as a nominated member of Rajya Sabha amidst unprecedented scenes of opposition members shouting slogans and walking out of the House. This is the first time ever that the House has witnessed slogan shouting and walkout during oath-taking. Gogoi, 65, who retired as the Chief Justice of India in November last year after a tenure of 13 months, took oath in English in the name of God. As his name was called for oath-taking, Congress and Left members started shouting slogans like 'Shame on You' and 'Deal'. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu ordered that the slogan shouting will not go on record. As Gogoi took the oath, Congress, Left and their allies shouted slogans and staged a walkout from the House. Naidu said it was not fair to shout slogans. "It is very unbecoming of members of Parliament." "No, this is not the way. Nothing will go on record. (It is) very unfair, very unfair," Naidu said as Gogoi completed his oath. After taking the oath, Gogoi walked up to the chair to greet Naidu, who responded to his greetings with folded hands. Naidu said members have the liberty to express their views outside the House on the issue. "You know the Constitutional provision, you know the precedent, you know the power of the President (to nominate a member to Rajya Sabha)," he said. "You should not do anything in the House. Whatever views you have you are at liberty to express outside," he said. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was among the first to greet Gogoi when he entered the House minutes before the proceedings began, said what opposition members did was "grossly unfair". "This House has a great tradition of having many eminent persons coming from diverse fields including former justices nominated by those who have shouted today," Prasad said. "Hon'ble member Gogoi, who has taken oath today, will surely contribute his best as a nominated member. And it was grossly unfair to do like this," he said. Naidu said, "We must respect a member." Gogoi was nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Ram Nath Kovind. He was nominated in the vacancy created after the retirement of KTS Tulsi. Earlier, Gogoi entered the House from the Chariman's chamber and greeted members present with folded hands. Prasad greeted him with a loud "welcome Gogoi dada". Shortly thereafter he was escorted to his designated seat in the second last row where he sat quietly alongside Sonal Mansingh, another nominated member of the House. During Gogoi's 13-month tenure, the Supreme Court delivered landmark judgements in the Ayodhya case, on the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the entry of women in Kerala's Sabarimala temple and the Rafale jet deal along with Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Congress has argued that Gogoi's nomination to Rajya Sabha "within four months" of his retirement will shake the confidence and faith people have in the independence of the judiciary. The party has also tried to distinguish between Gogoi's nomination and that of some of his predecessors' entry into the Rajya Sabha "six to seven years" after their retirement. Home Search ICH Capitalism is one virus away from existential disaster By George Galloway March 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Maynard Keynes have been knocked into a cocked hat by Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Emmanuel Macron, the new holy trinity of dirigiste capitalism. According to the laws of capitalist economics, an airline which cannot fill its seats must go to the wall. If the public's taste for ocean-going cruises dissipates either by fashion or pandemic, the cruise company goes under the relentless waves, sink or swim. John Maynard Keynes and Franklin D. Roosevelt bucked that in the 1930s Great Depression, deciding that the fate of nations could not be left merely to the unseen hand of market forces, but that if not a heart then at least a brain must be applied. That accountancy was not economics. The descendants of Keynes and FDR would not normally be found in either the British Conservative Party or the GOP. Reagan and Thatcher must be turning in their graves. Because this week the prevailing capitalist orthodoxy was turned on its head and eye-watering sums of public money were splashed not by Sanders or Corbyn or Melenchon, but by their polar opposites whose whole careers have been built on denouncing the slightest bit of Keynesianism as socialism or even communism. Unless one believes all three have experienced a Damascene conversion, one can safely say the scale of the bail-out equals the scale of the threat perceived to capitalism itself by the coronavirus epidemic. Donald Trump is getting ready to sign $1,000 checks to every American. Macron, under siege and thinking of the Bastille every morning he wakes up, is going to spend the equivalent of 20 percent of France's 2019 GDP to beat this new unseen, elusive enemy. When the pigs in Animal Farm metamorphosed into the opposite of their former selves, they began to chant four legs good, two legs better. For the Holy Trinity, equality was always good, but some would be more equal than others. Public good, private better was their mantra. But the scale of the public health threat posed by the pandemic demonstrates beyond contradiction that private is not better than public, an economy which principally is private cannot meet the needs of the human race when existential dangers arrive. This is not new, though it may have been forgotten. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The war-time alliance of the USSR, Britain, and America could not have prevailed if the example of Milo Minderbinder in Catch-22 had been followed. Milo, a capitalist to his core, rented out his own USAF bombers to the enemy to bomb his own side. Well, business is business. Only strong centralised states with command economies can wage total war, and profiteering, hoarding and panic bulk buying are rightly considered crimes. The USSR already had one; Britain and America had to become so for the duration. Under capitalism, if people cannot go to work and earn money, or eat out, entertain themselves or shop, all the private enterprises dependent on these things must fail. That's accountancy. Economics, however, requires shock-absorbers so that economic capacity, which will be harder to bring back than to protect, is not lost forever. And politics is the art of ensuring that a crash is never so apocalyptic as to raise the possibility that the people will not rise up, especially not during the Ides of March... Boris Johnson, who just four months ago characterised the economic policies of his Labour opponent as reckless soviet-style communism, announced EXTRA public spending greater than the entire 2019 GDP of Portugal. A 350 billion package which he and his Chancellor repeatedly said was merely the beginning. We will do whatever it takes, they said, seven times between them. Interest-free loans, loans at attractive rates, mortgage holidays, the protection of uninsured businesses unwise enough not to have sought indemnity for pandemics, the scrapping of business rates for pubs, restaurants, retail and service industry businesses. Implied is subsidy for private airlines, privately owned airports; under-review is the potential plight of tenants, hourly wage-workers, those in the gig economy. The heartless Tories even found millions for the destitute so they could be taken off the streets, and given a space in which they might self-isolate. Of course, within this bout of socialism, there are many footprints much bigger than a pig's of some being more equal than others Sir Richard Branson for example will fare much better than the Rickshaw driver in Piccadilly Circus. But it nevertheless shows that in the third decade of the 21st century, after 250 years of hegemony, capitalism has left us two pay-cheques away from penury and one virus away from existential disaster. And only the money of its victims can save it. George was a member of the British Parliament for nearly 30 years. He presents TV and radio shows (including on RT). He is a film-maker, writer and a renowned orator. Follow him on Twitter @georgegalloway - " Source " Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Russia reported its first death connected to the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, initially saying an elderly woman died of pneumonia before changing the cause of death to a blood clot. The Moscow health department said the 79-year-old, who had tested positive for COVID-19, died in a Moscow hospital. Svetlana Krasnova, head doctor at Moscow's hospital No. 2 for infectious diseases, said in a statement that the woman had been admitted with "a host of chronic diseases", including type 2 diabetes and heart problems. Officials said she had been treated in an intensive care unit and that people she had contact with had been isolated. The statement said she died from pneumonia and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Twitter: "Unfortunately, we have the first loss from the coronavirus infection." But health officials later put out another statement saying an autopsy confirmed she had died of a blood clot. A subsequent official tally of the number of official coronavirus cases in Russia included 199 confirmed infections but no deaths. It was not clear whether the woman's death would eventually be counted as a result of the virus. Reports identified the woman as a professor at Moscow's Gubkin State Oil and Gas University, though the university did not confirm this. Moscow officials on Wednesday urged elderly residents to stay away from crowded places like cafes and shopping centres. The national health watchdog tightened restrictions for all travellers from abroad in a new decree published Thursday, requiring "all individuals arriving to Russia" to be isolated, either at home or elsewhere. Previously only arrivals from a list of countries particularly hit were told to follow two-week-long self-isolation procedures. President Vladimir Putin this week said the coronavirus situation was "generally under control" and the government has promised to step up testing. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Thursday called on people to "cut down on contacts as much as possible". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) But its after the interview that the show really begins, when Mr. Lehrer opens the phone lines to listeners, allowing them to hold forth on a bevy of issues, from the hyperlocal (rezoning in their neighborhood, tension in the school district, a late-arriving Access-a-Ride) to the national (why people should stop buying single-use plastics). Topics flow from the wonky (an explainer on early voting) to the whimsical (Does the New York accent still exist?). For the past few weeks, he has been covering the coronavirus pandemic closely, dedicating segments to discussions with doctors, politicians, teachers and a very informed audience. It has been something of a challenge for Mr. Lehrer. After 9/11, at least people could come together and support each other in their fears and in their grief, he said. I dont think Ive ever experienced a situation where theres a need to support each other and isolate each other at the same time. Unable to move around freely, people are spending more time on their devices, getting news and misinformation from social media, which doesnt help Mr. Lehrers cause: trying to keep his community calm, and together. Brian Lehrer was born in 1952, and grew up in Bayside, Queens, which he calls a relatively homogeneous place: most people were white, Jewish and middle class. But the calm of the neighborhood was shattered by the tumult of the late 1960s. People around him were in turmoil over whether they were going to go to Vietnam. I had a high draft number, said Mr. Lehrer, 67, by way of explaining his ability to look at the issue dispassionately. By Kim Jae-heun Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin Lotte Group said Thursday its chairman Shin Dong-bin has been appointed to lead its Japanese holdings firm. Shin's term will commence on April 1. Japan's Lotte Holdings was previously led by founder Shin Kyuk-ho, who died in January. The founder became honorary chairman in 2017 and the chairman position has been empty since his departure. Shin Dong-bin was serving as a CEO of Japan's Lotte Holdings until he was jailed in Korea for bribery in February 2018. He resigned from the CEO position but returned to his role in February last year. Lotte Group said Shin had Japanese executives' robust trust in him and that he has positioned himself as a dual chairman responsible for both the Korean and Japanese Lotte firms. This is also likely to boost Shin's plan for the listing of Hotel Lotte, which he has continuously been attempting to do to improve the group's governance system. "The firm will actively seek to create synergy between the two firms by strengthening collaboration and cooperation while pushing a global strategy together," a Lotte Group official said. "In addition, Korean and Japanese Lotte firms will reinforce the practice of transparent management while striving to elevate their corporate value." A reckless attack on state economy Its astonishing that your editorial, Natural gas wrong for states power future (March 11), contains not a single piece of data to support any of your arguments, just vague assertions that positive feelings have supposedly changed in Connecticut about using natural gas to replace higher-emitting energy sources. Carbon-dioxide emissions related to the electric sector in Connecticut have plunged by 31 percent since 2001, according to the most recent data from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Along with energy efficiency and an exceedingly modest increased use of renewables, DEEP itself reports that the primary reason for this 31 percent drop is a shift from dirtier fossil fuels such as coal and oil to natural gas. Greater use of natural gas has also nearly eliminated smog-forming pollutants from electric generation like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in Connecticut. These positive trends for Connecticuts residents and environment are exactly what the Killingly Energy Center will extend and accelerate by providing a cleaner, lower-emitting, state-of-the-art source of electricity for 500,000 homes. It will also move Connecticut a giant step closer to ending use of oil and out-of-state coal to produce electricity. The $500 million private-sector investment in the plant also represents exactly the kind of power Connecticut needs to support aggressive goals for expanding the use of offshore wind power and solar energy affordable, dependable power that can be dialed up on a moments notice when intermittent electricity sources, like wind and solar, arent able to meet demand. The editorial boards sabotage of the approved and necessary Killingly Energy Center at the 11th hour is a reckless, irresponsible threat to Connecticuts economy and environment. Steven Guveyan Connecticut Petroleum Council Hartford Important count I ordered my new subscription to the newspaper online on Saturday, March 7, and on Sunday morning, March 8, my first edition arrived. Amazing customer service! Equally amazing was the wonderful article on the 2020 census by Mary Lee A. Kiernan, president and CEO of YWCA Greenwich, which was prominently positioned in the Sunday opinion section. In every respect, the article clearly outlines the importance of the 2020 census. In Ms. Kiernans own words: At its most basic level, the census is an act of civil engagement and empowerment - an opportunity for everyones voices to be heard and be counted. As the chair of the Valley Community Regional Complete Count Committee, my thanks and appreciation for your support. Perhaps in the Sundays between now and April 1, 2020, Census Day, you can run a regular feature article or a Census PSA, public service announcement, to keep the light on, so everyone in Connecticut is counted! Thank you. Allen Schwartz Beacon Falls In the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, the Assam Government has decided to close all the Aaadhaar Enrollment Centres till March 31. Although no positive cases of the virus in Assam have been found yet, over 39,000 people have been screened across Assam as part of measures to prevent the outbreak of the deadly virus. The government has also tested 31 samples so far, out of which 25 came negative and results for six are awaited. Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Indo-Bhutan Border With Assam's Kokrajhar On Alert The Indo-Bhutan border with Assam's Kokrajhar district is on high alert to prevent the entry of any "third-country national" in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, officials said on Tuesday. There are also talks on suspending the Bodoland territorial elections which are all set to be held in April in the State. Read: Coronavirus Scare: South Korean Quarantined In Assam Hotel Read: Coronavirus Threat: Over 39,000 People Screened Across Assam Assam shuts all schools The Assam government has also ordered shutting down of educational institutions, gymnasiums, swimming pools and cinema halls with immediate effect till March 29 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna, addressing a press conference said, "Even though no positive case has been detected in the state so far, we are taking all precautionary measures." Apart from all these measures the government has also directed all its departments and private institutions in the State to prohibit the use of biometric attendance systems till March 31 to prevent the spread of the virus. Read: Assam Couple Admitted To Hospital After Developing Coronavirus-like Symptoms Coronavirus crisis in India As of date, the total number of positive cases in India has soared over 180, including foreign nationals. The maximum cases of the virus have been reported in Maharashtra and Kerala. A third death was reported in India on Tuesday in Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital. Earlier, two deaths were reported in Kalaburgi and West Delhi. The Centre has strongly advised Indians to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. Earlier on Saturday, the Central government decided to treat the deadly virus as a "notified disaster", and has since issued even more advisories and travel restrictions. Meanwhile, PM Modi is all set to address the nation over issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it on Thursday. Read: PM Modi To Address Nation At 8 Pm Today Over Coronavirus, Efforts To Combat Outbreak GREENWICH What began as a small gesture by a group of Riverside residents to support a local eatery and Greenwich Hospital has blossomed into a community-wide act of kindness. Cody Kaye and a small group of friends ordered five pies from Greenwich Pizzeria for delivery to the Emergency Department at Greenwich Hospital on Tuesday, much to the delight and surprise of the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are working around-the-clock during the coronavirus outbreak. We were looking for a way to support our local establishments and have the food delivered to people who we thought could use a break and a slice of pizza, Kaye told Greenwich Hospital. Kaye, like many parents, is home with her children, as both the public and private schools are closed to prevent the community spread of the COVID-19 virus. Greenwich Hospital is our local hospital. Weve all been there whether to have a baby or bring a kid with a broken arm to the Emergency Department. Its our way of saying thanks to people we cant see in person, Kaye added. Registered nurse Shelby Smith, the Emergency Department nurse manager, said the staff was moved by the unexpected and welcomed kindness, which she said was an amazing display of reciprocity for the pride that hospital staff take in caring for patients and families. We cannot express how appreciative and grateful we are, said Dr. Christopher Davison, Emergency Department medical director. We are working hard to care for patients in our community and these acts of kindness make a tremendous difference. As word of the pizza delivery spread, Kaye shared the news in an email to parents in her daughters third-grade class at Riverside School. The response has been tremendous. Weve seen donations of $20 to $300, Kaye said. On Wednesday, the Riverside residents were planning to deliver sandwiches from Aux Delices to Greenwich Hospital nurses working in the medicine unit. Well keep ordering and delivering food as long as we have donations, she said. Its the least we can do. Folks who want to donate to Kayes effort can make a donation via venmo @cody-kaye. While Greenwich Hospital greatly appreciates any offer to donate food, we can only accept donations from local restaurants with a kitchen licensed by the state Department of Health, spokesperson Magaly Olivero said. The hospital cannot accept homemade food items. People who would like to donate food from an established eatery to Greenwich Hospital staff can contact Teresa Delpeschio at 203-863-3639. jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.com K-12 schools and universities in Michigan have closed for in-person learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic - but for now, day cares and early childhood education centers can remain open. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has thus far left day cares off the list of mandatory business closures during the coronavirus, and on Wednesday evening signed an executive order loosening some regulatory restrictions around providing emergency child care services. The move allows school districts and hospitals to operate disaster relief child care centers for parents who are first responders, health care workers and other members of the essential workforce. All disaster relief child care centers will have to perform a health evaluation of everyone who enters the facility each time they enter. In a statement, Whitmer said expanding child care services for workers on the front lines is critical so they can continue protecting the public health and safety. Child care services are essential to our collective effort, particularly while schools are closed," she said in the statement. "To all child care providers who are able and willing to remain open in Michigan, I thank you for your service and sacrifice during this time. Although nearly every state has closed K-12 schools for at least the next few weeks, theres no nationwide blueprint for what states should do about day care operations. Some states, including Massachusetts, have temporarily closed day cares. Others, like Ohio, are warning day care closures are coming. The state of Florida is among those states like Michigan that are leaving them open for now. In Michigan, some day cares have already closed for the time being due to the coronavirus pandemic, while others have opted to stay open. For some Michigan day care operators who are staying open to take care of young kids, the gray area is worrisome, especially among staff who risk exposure to the virus without promise of additional protections. Elisabeth Tobia, executive director of Educational Child Care Center (EC3) in Lansing, recently penned an open letter about why she made the choice to keep EC3 open, even though she personally feels day care and early learning centers should have been included in the governors executive order to close schools. Early learning is school - we are every bit as much school as K-12, she said. It appears K-12 is not essential, because schools are closed. Tobia said shes frustrated, even offended, by the idea that early child care workers are considered essential enough to keep their doors open during a public health emergency, but dont receive any of the protections or compensation that other emergency workers are afforded on the front lines. Although attendance is down due to some parents keeping their kids home, Tobia said many of her staff are extremely concerned about exposure risk, and a few staffers who are considered vulnerable to the coronavirus are staying home to wait out the outbreak. She said emergency funding for additional hazard pay to child care staff would go a long way in the short term, and noted in the long term, the state needs to do more to better recognize their work through increased entry-level income and resources commensurate with the services they provide. We do still have parents who need to avail themselves of our services...their work has become more demanding because of the outbreak and they need to have childcare, she said. Well continue serving those parents, but better and more leadership from the state and federal levels would have been appreciated, because then it wouldnt fall on me and other providers to make these determinations. According to the CDC, children do not appear to be at a higher risk for COVID-19 than adults, and adults make up most of the known cases of the disease. A recent commentary published in the journal Pediatrics notes that infected people can shed the virus for weeks in fecal matter and nasal secretions, regardless of whether a person shows symptoms. One of the commentarys co-authors, Andrea Tania Cruz of Baylor College of Medicine, told NPR that poses an exposure risk for caretakers who are changing diapers for kids who are not potty trained. Alex Rossman of the Michigan League for Public Policy said its currently a personal call on both parents and providers to decide whether kids should remain in day care - and its a question with no clear right answer. Were highly supportive of child care in general and the importance it is to all of our workers, but this current climate is definitely a harder place to be, he said. Were grateful for childcare workers coming to work, doing their part. Theyre on the front lines of whats going on right now. The Michigan Health and Hospital Association was supportive of Whitmers executive order, saying in a statement that it filled an important need for essential workers. Allowing the establishment or expansion of child care centers at hospital facilities or in their communities is one step toward helping to lessen, if even so slightly, the mental and physical stress on our healthcare workers during this unprecedented time," Brian Peters, the associations CEO, said in a statement. Members of the essential workforce seeking childcare can visit www.helpmegrow-mi.org/essential to provide additional information, and licensed child care providers willing to remain open can provide information about program availability to serve essential workers at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/childcare-covid-response. For statewide and national information on the coronavirus, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus and CDC.gov/coronavirus. See MLives complete coverage of the coronavirus at MLive.com/coronavirus. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Related coverage: Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Michigan confirmed coronavirus cases jump to 336 with increase of private testing Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan Coronavirus has closed liquor stores in other states, but Michiganders will likely still have alcohol access As coronavirus closures abound, here are 10 things still open in Michigan Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Lawmakers say lack of paid sick time puts Michigan behind during coronavirus pandemic Michigans governor orders all bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, more to close amid coronavirus outbreak Timeline of coronavirus in Michigan: How did we get here? Star Wars fans are an excitable bunch at the best of times. The last several years have pushed many to breaking point. First came 2017s atrocious The Last Jedi, where director Rian Johnson aimed a laser cannon at the canon of Star Wars itself. And then, just before Christmas, the fanbases eyebrows were collectively singed by the massive, exploding Star Destroyer of a blockbuster that was JJ Abrams The Rise of Skywalker. Skywalker was a slowly disintegrating mess, deficient in logic and with far too much of a pained Daisy Ridley looking as if she urgently needed the loo opposite a peeved and whiny Adam Driver as soppy super-villain Kylo Ren. Months later, more than a few diehards still break out in prickles of irritation just thinking back to it. The consensus was that Disney, which pumped out the new Johnson/Abrams trilogy after acquiring George Lucas galaxy far, far away in 2012 for $2.2bn, had potentially ruined Star Wars forever. Yet it turned out that hope was not entirely lost. Even as Rise of Skywalker and Abrams drove a lightsaber through the heart of the Jedi jamboree, over on the Magic Kingdoms new Disney+ streaming platform, something quietly miraculous was unfolding, like a tiny green baby wriggling free of its swaddling. Live action, serialised Star Wars was coming to the small screen for the first time in the form of Jon Favreaus The Mandalorian. And the big plot twist was that it wasnt terrible. Actually, it was rather good. And not just because of Baby Yoda, the cutesy break-out sensation who briefly staged a one-alien takeover of the internet. Disney+ finally touches down in the UK on Tuesday after an unfathomable delay of nearly six months. As it does so, its flagship series crosses the Atlantic cloaked in the unknown. Because theres no such thing as the internet, and not a single person in the UK watched the entirety of The Mandalorian when it ran before Christmas... The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal as a Boba Fett-like bounty hunter (LucasFilm/Disney+) When will Baby Yoda make its appearance? Will Pedro Pascals eponymous intergalactic bounty hunter ever take off his helmet? What sort of character is esteemed German art-house director and documentarian Werner Herzog portraying? For all we know, Baby Yoda is the villain and season one concludes with the emerald infant lopping off the Mandalorians head with a lethal but very cute lightsaber. As I said, I havent seen The Mandalorian and neither have you. Anything is possible. What we do know is that The Mandalorian strips away much of the latter-day clutter from Star Wars. It features episodic storytelling and is influenced by lone-gunslinger spaghetti westerns rather than Marvel movies (Ludwig Goranssons score self-consciously references Ennio Morricones soundtracks for Sergio Leone). We know, too, that Star Wars fans in North America and the Netherlands where Disney+ launched on a trial basis before Christmas have hailed The Mandalorian as evidence that Star Wars still has a pulse. In a universe of duff sequels and prequels, its our only hope. It is true that ever since George Lucass notorious prequels trilogy kicked off with 1999s The Phantom Menace, Force fanatics have earned a reputation for hating on the franchise even more fiercely than casual consumers of blockbuster sci-fi. Thats because every entry in the saga in the past 39 years has committed the unforgivable crime of not being as good as 1980s The Empire Strikes Back. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up So the stereotype of the perpetually angry Star Wars fan is not completely inaccurate. A significant percentage enjoy nothing more than whingeing at length about Lucas and his successors, in particular present Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. Thats true of any big franchise, of course. Legions of Harry Potter fans seem to have it in for JK Rowling; every time a new actor is cast as a major superhero in a Marvel or DC film, the internet has a meltdown. It goes with the territory. However, it is also the case that no studio has taken its hardcore followers for granted as brazenly as Disney with Star Wars. One of the studios first acts upon acquiring Lucasfilm was to erase 40 years of world building in Star Wars by declaring the Expanded Universe of tie-in novels, video games etc null and void. It turns out the House of Mouse hates the EU even more than Nigel Farage. That insult was followed by the triple whammy of disappointment that was The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The first was a zombified remake of the original 1976 Star Wars, the second a sneery cackle in the face of fans, the third a roaring fireball of incoherence. Yet even as The Rise of Skywalker crashed and burned at the cinema, some good news had presented itself. The Mandalorian had already premiered, on 12 November, and proved that there was another way. The series isnt perfect but it is a cracking watch and, unlike the new Disney movies, it feels like proper, old-school Star Wars. There are weird aliens, blaster shoot-outs and a story so straightforward an eight-year-old could follow it. Which is fantastic if you a) are eight or b) have an emotional age of eight, as many of us do. Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Show all 14 1 /14 Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Jodie Comer The Emmy Award-winning star of Killing Eve shows up very briefly in flashback as Reys mother. Getty Images Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker John Williams JJ Abrams rewards the composers hard work on the franchise with a cameo. Williams plays the composer on the planet Kijimi, seen shaking his head at the group of main characters as they storm into the droid shop. Getty Images for Turner Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker JJ Abrams Remember the shaky droid who keeps uttering No, thank you whenever anyone goes to touch him? Thats the voice of the films director himself. Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Lin-Manuel Miranda Chances are you didnt spot the Hamilton superstar, but we did towards the end of the film, hes one of the Resistance Fighters in the background as Rey reunites with a tearful Finn and Poe. Getty Images Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Harrison Ford Yes, you read that correctly. Harrison Ford returns as a spiritual adviser-of-sorts to his son, Ben (Driver), whose days as Kylo Ren come to an end after a nice little pep talk from the father he killed. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Mark Hamill Mark Hamill's appearance may not be a surprise considering everybody and their aunt assumed Luke Skywalker would return as Force Ghost, but its still great to see him for one last time on the big screen. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images) Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hayden Christensen In the climactic showdown between Rey and Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), a host of Jedi voices will her to defeat the Sith once and for all. Among those that can be heard include Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker. Getty Images Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Samuel L Jackson In the climactic showdown between Rey and Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), a host of Jedi voices will her to defeat the Sith once and for all. Among those that can be heard include Samuel L Jackson's Mace Windu. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Liam Neeson In the climactic showdown between Rey and Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), a host of Jedi voices will her to defeat the Sith once and for all. Among those that can be heard include Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jin. Getty Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Frank Oz In the climactic showdown between Rey and Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), a host of Jedi voices will her to defeat the Sith once and for all. Among those that can be heard include Yoda himself, Frank Oz. Getty Images Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Freddie Prinze Jr In the climactic showdown between Rey and Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), a host of Jedi voices will her to defeat the Sith once and for all. Among those that can be heard include Star Wars: Rebels character, Kanan, who is voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr. Getty Images for NBC Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Billy Dee Williams Billy Dee Williams the original Lando Calrissian (sorry, Donald Glover) shows up a few times, much to the happiness of Chewbacca. Getty Images Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Wedges Antilles It might have previously been announced by Lawsons family, but the original Star Wars actor shows up extremely briefly as fighter pilot Wedge Antilles. His appearance elicited huge cheers from the crowd we saw it with. Lucasfilm Every cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Dominic Monaghan Not so much a cameo, considering he has a decent amount of lines, but the Lord of the Rings and Lost star shows up as Resistance mechanic Beaumont Kin. He shares the majority of his scenes with Kelly Marie Tran, who returns as Rose Tico. Getty Images To describe the plot in detail would involve spoilers. Baby Yoda-shaped spoilers in particular. Suffice to say, Pascals Mandalorian is a tough-talking bounty-hunter dressed similarly to Boba Fett from the original trilogy. Thats because he belongs to the same order of intergalactic mercenaries, rather than that hes into cosplay. And just like Boba, hes an anti-hero of few words most of which involve him telling captives to shut up and stick their hands in the air. And thats it, really. Each episode is quasi-standalone and typically involves a new villain and a one-off challenge. The aim, says Favreau, is to hark back to the Saturday afternoon serial films on which his parents grew up. But you might also be reminded of Eighties shows such as The A-Team and yes, I understand this is a strange comparison MacGyver. The Mandalorian is being rolled out week by week. With each instalment, Mando has a new challenge to overcome, new bad guys to tackle. And then the credits roll and its onwards and upwards. In the age of peak TV and overarching storytelling, its strikingly old-fashioned. But then the original Star Wars was old-fashioned, too. Lucas was inspired not by Kubrick or the avant-garde science-fiction new wave of the Sixties and Seventies. He was looking back to Flash Gordon and First World War dog-fights. Star Wars dripped retro-chic before retro-chic became a thing and Favreau, director of Iron Man and of Disneys live action Jungle Book and Lion King remakes, is perhaps the first to recognise that. His goal going in, he says, was not not to be precious or pretentious about Star Wars. Because that isnt what this universe is about. Its the galaxys largest sand-pit. The point is to have fun and do something new and different. The Mandalorian collects a bounty in the Disney+ series' opening episode (LucasFilm/Disney+) Its funny not to have a preciousness in the way that were telling the stories, because were coming back to you next week with another one, he told Collider. To engage the audience, in the way that I enjoy being engaged, with a bigger budget and a lot of the qualities and aesthetics of a film, but the novelisation of serialised storytelling is where it really opens up a lot of freedom and opportunity, where we dont feel like were repeating or copying anything else that people have experienced with Star Wars. The Mandalorian has its flaws, to be sure. Some of the episodes have a take it or leave it quality. But it doesnt get tripped up on grand ambitions and in contrast to The Last Jedi, it approaches Star Wars as something to honour rather than dismantle, by having Mark Hamill lactate a braying space-cow. Its fun and slightly silly and its got Baby Yoda. For anyone burnt out on JJ Abrams, Rian Johnson and Dark Lord of the Sith Mickey Mouse, thats more than enough. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that "very fast" movement was being made on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposals put forward during a SAARC nations' video-conference on coronavirus, with the emergency fund to combat the pandemic in the region already operationalised. The SAARC nations vowed on Sunday to jointly combat the coronavirus as Modi proposed an emergency fund with an initial offer of USD 10 million from India. The prime minister made a series of suggestions that were hailed by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) leaders and representatives. "I can announce that we are moving very fast on most of those proposals and announcements. On the emergency fund, it is already up and running. We have received many requests from other SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, shoe covers, gloves, disinfectants and other items," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "The quantum of assistance, which has been requested (from India) so far, has crossed USD 1 million. Supplies to Bhutan and the Maldives have been dispatched. Requests from other SAARC countries are under various stages of process," he added. During the video-conference, Modi had also said India was assembling a rapid response team of doctors and specialists, along with testing kits and other equipment. They will be on stand-by, to be placed at the SAARC leaders' disposal, if required, he had told the participants. On the rapid response team, Kumar said India had received informal requests from the Maldives and Nepal and those were being followed up. He said in line with the prime minister's proposal of sharing of best practices, a video-conference was being scheduled in the next few days of health professionals of SAARC countries. "Action on other elements of the announcement has already been initiated by the respective ministries," Kumar said. Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary in the MEA and the coordinator for COVID-19, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will participate in a video-conference to take forward the SAARC nations' initiative in combating the coronavirus. Kumar said the prime minister had called for the video-conference in the spirit that a crisis of this magnitude did not recognise borders and required a very coordinated response. "It requires a response where you have to cooperate at the regional and global levels," he said. Apart from Modi, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza had participated in the video-conference. PTI ASK RC (Newser) Times like these give criminals an effective and profitable tool in preying on people, the Secret Service has warned Americans: fear. The agency said the pandemic provides "a prime opportunity for enterprising criminals" to take advantage. Fake charities spring up to collect donations for the ill, ABC News reports, and the Secret Service advised being careful when making a donation. In addition, scammers are charging high prices for medical supplies and requiring deposits be paid upfront. And phishing scams, which collect personal and financial information from victims through a link in an email, are ever-present; a current one involves an email with an attachment supposedly providing information about the coronavirus. Those emails can be reported to the FBI here, per NBC News. story continues below The scams being employed during the pandemic aren't just email tricks. Two federal agencies have told seven companies to stop selling bogus treatments for the coronavirus; one of them is televangelist Jim Bakker's "Silver Solution." The Justice Department promised to prosecute anyone, including companies, taking advantage of the need for masks, respirators, plastic gloves, and other health safety products. "The Department of Justice stands ready to make sure that bad actors do not take advantage of emergency response efforts, healthcare providers, or the American people during this crucial time," Attorney General William Barr said in a statement. (Read more coronavirus stories.) No activity of the Romanian state has been the subject of any complaint or condemnation, not even moral, on behalf of Italy, affirms the representatives of the Italian Embassy in Bucharest. The details come in the context in which the press reported that the authorities of the Peninsula had condemned Romania for blocking a transport of medical equipment to this country. "Regarding the information published in the article 'Italy accuses Romania of improper practices for blocking a transport of protective masks', Italy's Embassy in Romania, confirming that the initiatives against international law will be denounced wherever they occur, specifies that no activity assignable to the Romanian state has been the subject of any complaint or condemnation, not even moral. On the contrary, we are certain about the collaboration of the Romanian authorities in following the possible illegal operations committed by anyone on its territory and we thank them for this," reads a message published on the site of the diplomatic mission in Bucharest. OK, but what about November? President Trump cannot cancel the general election, as The Timess Alexander Burns explains. The Constitution mandates that the presidents term expire on Jan. 20; short of a constitutional amendment, that isnt changing. But Congress could vote to delay the election a couple of months, as Dominic Holden reports at BuzzFeed. Thats still highly unlikely, and its too early to tell whether there would be any public health benefit to doing so. Justin Levitt, who led the Justice Departments voting section during the Obama administration, told Mr. Holden, If virus fears are bad enough in early November that you cant hold an election in many places, theyre still going to be that bad on Dec. 31. [Related: Trump Cant Cancel the Election. But States Could Do It for Him.] The United States has held elections during a pandemic before. At the height of the 1918 flu, midterm elections proceeded relatively normally, according to a 2010 article by Jason Marisam in Election Law Journal. Despite bans on public gatherings, there was little public debate about postponement, in part, he says, because of the push for public displays of civic-mindedness during World War I. But turnout was significantly depressed, and, as John M. Barry notes in The Times, government officials and newspapers misled the public about how dangerous that flu really was: All told, it killed some 675,000 Americans. [Related: We Held an Election During the 1918 Flu Epidemic. We Can Hold an Election Now.] Revolutionize the presidential voting process The presidential election is far enough away that its voting process can be overhauled. To that end, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Ron Wyden have introduced a bill that would guarantee every American a secure mail-in paper ballot and help states pay for printing, self-sealing envelopes, ballot tracking and postage. In-person polling sites need to remain open for those unable to vote by mail, so the bill would require all states to hold at least 20 days of early voting to cut down on crowding. Democrats should refuse to pass any big stimulus bill unless it includes such election protection measures, the Times columnist David Leonhardt writes. That may sound like bare-knuckle politics, but preserving democracy calls for toughness, he says. And the 11 states that dont offer online voter registration should start, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, since the coronavirus may reduce access to government offices that do registration work and cause Postal Service disruptions. The center also recommends that the 39 states that already offer online registration update their systems. Wealthy Americans who fled to their vacation homes in the Hamptons to avoid the spiraling coronavirus pandemic are splashing out thousands of dollars as they stock their pantries with gourmet goods like salmon steaks, fine wines and fancy face creams. Supermarkets and convenience stores across the country have struggled to keep up with soaring demand for food and common household goods like toilet paper and Clorox wipes from customers preparing for what could be months of self-isolation under strict coronavirus containment measures. At stores in Long Island's coveted beach towns, which are seeing unseasonably high traffic as high society takes shelter from COVID-19, the items flying off shelves have much higher price tags. Wealthy Americans who fled to the Hamptons (file photo) to avoid the spiraling coronavirus pandemic in New York City are splashing out thousands of dollars at gourmet grocery stores as they stock their pantries for weeks of sheltering at home Business is booming at Citarella, an upscale grocery chain with three locations (one pictured) in the Hamptons, as customers buy items like salmon steaks and pre-made lasagnas in bulk Joe Gurrera, founder of famed upscale supermarket chain Citarella, says business is 'insane' even at his three locations in the Hamptons, which typically see peak sales in the hot summer months. 'People are spending thousands of dollars at a time,' Gurrera told The New York Post. Citarella founder Joe Gurrera (pictured in 2015) says business is 'insane' at his Hamptons locations, which typically see peak sales in July and August 'I had one customer spend $8,000. You know when you see someone with a full shopping cart? Now they have five.' Gurrera said clients at Citarella, which also has four stores in Manhattan and one in Greenwich, Connecticut, are buying 'pretty much everything they can'. 'Instead of asking for one or two steaks on a tray, a customer will buy the whole tray. Then they'll move on to shrimp, and buy all the shrimp, and then they'll buy all the salmon steaks. Same goes for the prepared foods and produce, Gurrera said. 'Instead of asking for a slice of lasagna, they'll buy all of it. Then they'll buy all of our root vegetable.' Wine is also seen as an essential in high-end panic buying, according to liquor store sources. 'People are spending thousands of dollars at a time,' Gurrera said. The interior of a Citarella store in East Hampton is shown above in a file photo Gurrera noted that salmon steaks were among the items most coveted by Hamptons shoppers Joel Kaye, owner of Wainscott Main Wine & Spirits near East Hampton, says sales were up 500 percent last Friday compared with the same day last year. Customers are racking up bills between $400 and $2,000 in a single trip, Kaye said, noting that the normal average sale is $75. 'Our clients are stocking up their wine cellars, buying things like eight bottles of a good $200 Napa burgundy, instead of one bottle,' Kaye told the Post. He pointed to one particularly unusual sale - a $325 bottle of rare Chablis. Wainscott manager Luis Marin compared the business bump to the Fourth of July, at the peak of the Hamptons busy season. 'Our summer people are here and stocking up while they self-quarantine,' Marin told The Post. 'We're having fun and trying to stay open as much as we are allowed to.' Sales at Wainscott Main Wine & Spirits (pictured) near East Hampton were up 500 percent last Friday compared with the same day last year due to customers stocking up for self-isolation Wainscott Main Wine owner Joel Kaye said customers are racking up bills between $400 and $2,000 in a single trip. Last week he sold a rare $325 bottle of Chablis (file photo) Business at Hamptons stores ramped up significantly over the past week after the first case coronavirus case was confirmed on Long Island on March 12, prompting residents to trade restaurant fare for home cooking. Philanthropist and socialite Jean Shafiroff told the Post she and her family had to abandon their nightly habit of dining out when the virus arrived in their area - and the change hasn't been cheap as she had no food in the home when she arrived. 'I'm spending $300 to $1,000 a day on food and supplies,' she said, listing off chicken, salmon steaks, cleaning supplies and dog food as her essential items. Shafiroff said is also buying canned goods from 'brands I had never heard of before', including Progresso chicken noodle soup and Del Monte peas and carrots. Those purchases were only out of an abundance of caution, she said, adding: 'I can donate them later.' The switch to eating-in also came with overhead costs as Shafiroff had to purchase an extra freezer to store her groceries, as well as pots and pans to prepare them. And feeding her family isn't the only thing she's worried about. 'If I have to be quarantined, I better look nice,' Shafiroff said, noting that she stopped taking trips to the salon last week. 'If I look bad, I will be depressed, even if I am just staying at home,' she said. Philanthropist and socialite Jean Shafiroff is staying in the Hamptons but recently ventured back to her home in Manhattan to pick up a jar of La Mer face cream (file photo) The socialite even ventured back to her residence in Manhattan on Monday - chauffered by her driver - to pick up a 'big giant jar of Le Mer face cream,' along with 'more clothes and mail'. Now safely back in the Hamptons, she's settling into a new beauty routine with face masks instead of facials, her medicine stocked with an unfamiliar collection of generic brands. 'I even bought the drugstore out of all its dental floss,' she said. 'I wanted to make sure I had enough, along with extra toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste and body lotions.' Shafiroff made a point to mention how her Instagram feed has changed to reflect her new life in isolation - referencing a photo of homemade chili that recently joined her feed filled with snaps from the glitzy galas she's return to when the coronavirus threat clears. She said she is now working with charities to see how she can be helpful to people who are struggling to keep their own families fed, and has begin bringing lunch to local businesses that are still open. As of Thursday, more than 3,600 of the 11,325 cases in the US have been reported in the Big Apple, including 22 of the nation's 165 deaths The wealthy exodus to the Hamptons kicked off last week as private schools across New York City closed their doors, philanthropies postponed galas and the venues like the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall suspended performances at least through the end of the month. As of Thursday, more than 3,600 of the 11,325 cases in the US have been reported in the Big Apple, including 22 of the nation's 165 deaths. The city's bars and restaurants were ordered to limit service to takeout and delivery only on Monday night, and on Wednesday Mayor Bill de Blasio said he's almost ready to escalate the containment plan by issuing a shelter in place order for all eight million residents. But New York Governor Andrew Cuomo cast doubt on de Blasio's warning by saying that such an order would have to come from the state. Cuomo has maintained that New York City will not be shutting down while criticizing the 'fear' being created by calls for a total lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus. 'The fear, the panic is a bigger problem than the virus'. A volunteer checks his mask at the drive-through coronavirus testing site that opened on Friday by UCHealth in Colorado Springs, Colo., March 13, 2020. The site is located at South Parkside Drive and Kidskare Point, one block east of Memorial Park. Two El Paso County residents have died from the coronavirus. (Chancey Bush/ The Gazette) To the annoyance of some shareholders, Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia (ASX:GMA) shares are down a considerable 62% in the last month. Indeed the recent decline has arguably caused some bitterness for shareholders who have held through the 43% drop over twelve months. Assuming nothing else has changed, a lower share price makes a stock more attractive to potential buyers. In the long term, share prices tend to follow earnings per share, but in the short term prices bounce around in response to short term factors (which are not always obvious). The implication here is that long term investors have an opportunity when expectations of a company are too low. One way to gauge market expectations of a stock is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). Investors have optimistic expectations of companies with higher P/E ratios, compared to companies with lower P/E ratios. View our latest analysis for Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia How Does Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's P/E of 4.86 indicates relatively low sentiment towards the stock. We can see in the image below that the average P/E (10.3) for companies in the mortgage industry is higher than Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's P/E. ASX:GMA Price Estimation Relative to Market, March 19th 2020 Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's P/E tells us that market participants think it will not fare as well as its peers in the same industry. While current expectations are low, the stock could be undervalued if the situation is better than the market assumes. If you consider the stock interesting, further research is recommended. For example, I often monitor director buying and selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios If earnings fall then in the future the 'E' will be lower. That means even if the current P/E is low, it will increase over time if the share price stays flat. A higher P/E should indicate the stock is expensive relative to others -- and that may encourage shareholders to sell. Story continues Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's 74% EPS improvement over the last year was like bamboo growth after rain; rapid and impressive. Regrettably, the longer term performance is poor, with EPS down 5.9% per year over 5 years. Don't Forget: The P/E Does Not Account For Debt or Bank Deposits The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. Thus, the metric does not reflect cash or debt held by the company. Theoretically, a business can improve its earnings (and produce a lower P/E in the future) by investing in growth. That means taking on debt (or spending its cash). Such expenditure might be good or bad, in the long term, but the point here is that the balance sheet is not reflected by this ratio. How Does Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's Debt Impact Its P/E Ratio? Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia has net cash of AU$81m. That should lead to a higher P/E than if it did have debt, because its strong balance sheets gives it more options. The Verdict On Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's P/E Ratio Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia has a P/E of 4.9. That's below the average in the AU market, which is 13.3. Not only should the net cash position reduce risk, but the recent growth has been impressive. The below average P/E ratio suggests that market participants don't believe the strong growth will continue. Given Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia's P/E ratio has declined from 12.7 to 4.9 in the last month, we know for sure that the market is more worried about the business today, than it was back then. For those who prefer to invest with the flow of momentum, that might be a bad sign, but for deep value investors this stock might justify some research. When the market is wrong about a stock, it gives savvy investors an opportunity. As value investor Benjamin Graham famously said, 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. So this free report on the analyst consensus forecasts could help you make a master move on this stock. Of course you might be able to find a better stock than Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the centenary celebrations of the birth of 'Jatir Pita' Bangabandhu, Sheik Mujibur Rahman through a video message on 17 March 2020. Shri Modi described Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as one of the greatest figures of the last century, and said, "His entire life is a tremendous inspiration to all of us." Describing Bangabandhu as a Man of Courage, Conviction and Sage of Peace, Prime Minister Shri Modi said that Bangladeshs "Jatir Pitas inspired the youth of those times to face the challenges of liberate the country. The Prime Minister mentioned how a repressive and cruel regime, disregarding all democratic values, unleashed a reign of injustice on `Bangla Bhumi and devastated its people and recalled how Bangabandhu devoted every moment of his life towards bringing Bangladesh out of the phase of devastation and genocide and making it into a positive and progressive society. The Prime Minister said, "Bangabandhu was absolutely clear that hatred and negativity could never be the foundation of any country's development. But Bangabandhu's ideas and efforts were not liked by some people who snatched him away from us." Shri Narendra Modi said, "We are all witnessing that how, making terror and violence weapons of politics and diplomacy destroys a society and a nation. The world is also watching where the supporters of terror and violence are currently placed and in what state they are, while Bangladesh is scaling new heights. The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at seeing the people of Bangladesh dedicating themselves day and night to making their own nation, 'Shonar Bangla,' as Sheik Mujibur Rahman had dreamt. The Prime Minister commended Bangladesh's progress, inspired by Bangabandhu, under the leadership of H.E. Sheik Hasina with Inclusive and Development-Oriented Policies. He added that Bangladesh is setting new benchmarks for either the economy, other social indices or sports. The Prime Minister praised Bangladesh's unprecedented progress in many fields such as skills, education, health, empowerment of women and microfinance. "In the last few years, India and Bangladesh have written a golden chapter in bilateral ties and given a new dimension and direction to our partnership," said the Prime Minister, because of increasing trust between the two countries to address complex border issues in a friendly way. He also said that Bangladesh is not only India's largest trading partner in South Asia, but also a development partner. He listed the cooperation between the two countries in a number of connectivity-enhancing sectors, such as electricity distribution, Friendship Pipeline, Road, Rail, Internet, Airways and Waterways, which connect even more people from both countries. The Prime Minister mentioned that the heritage of the two countries comes from intellectuals such as Tagore, Qazi Nazrul Islam, Ustad Alauddin Khan, Lalon Shah, Jibananda Das and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. He said that the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive, deep-rooted and the path shown by Bangabandhu a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade. Mentioning the coming milestones of the two countries, the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation next year and the 75th anniversary of India's independence in 2022, Prime Minister was confident that both of these milestones will not only bring the development of India and Bangladesh to new heights, but will also strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries. NEW YORKThe genetics revolution has begun as scientists now have the ability to hack the code of all of life, including our own by manipulating the DNA that makes up the very foundation of our being, according to genome editing expert Jamie Metzl. Scientists two weeks ago altered the DNA of a patient inside the body for the first time, which is different from therapies used in the last few years where genes are edited outside the body. The procedure comes after a Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, was imprisoned in December for making gene-edited babies in 2018. Metzl, who is an adviser to the World Health Organizations committee on human genome editing and the author of the book Hacking Darwin, says there needs to be a society-wide discussion on the use of gene editing technology. We have to be part of that conversation, but to be part of it, everybody has to be educated because what were talking about is, in many ways, the future of our species, Metzl told NTD. Scientists performed the first procedure to edit a patients genes inside the body, or in vivo, at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon, on March 4. They treated a patient, who has a rare form of inherited blindness, with a gene editing tool known as CRISPR in an attempt to restore the patients vision. The tool, CRISPR, is likened to a pair of molecular scissors that are able to cut strands of DNA. The tool was developed by mimicking the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria. This technology allows for a shift in the way health care is delivered, from a generalized approach to one specific to the individual, according to Metzl. Now were moving to this world of precision medicine and precision healthcare, where decisions will be made not just based on the fact that youre a human, but based on the fact that you are you, said Metzl. He predicts that billions of people will have their entire genomes sequenced in the future. Well have these massive genetic databases, and what are called phenotypic information in those databases, which is your life and health records, Metzl said. And we put those together, were going to use big data analytic tools that will transfer us from this world of precision health care, to predictive health care. The paradox is that for these predictive methods to be useful, large genetic databases are needed, but its important for individuals to be able to keep their genetic information private, according to Metzl. I think people are nervous and should be nervous, and we need more regulation. But we cant go all the way toward complete privacy, Metzl said. Privacy isnt the only concern surrounding gene editing technologyaccidental changes to the DNA may occur and that can be passed down to future generations. There are two types of gene editing: somatic and germline. Somatic edits are done on cells that are not part of the reproductive system and are not meant to be passed down. While germline edits to eggs, sperm, and embryos lead to heritable genetic changes. According to bioethicist Barbara Koenig, if a mistake is made in germline editing, it will be a mistake for all future generations. There is concern that once the damage is done, it may be irreversible. Koenig also says that somatic edits could have off target effects on egg or sperm. If scientists perform a somatic edit in which unintentional changes occur in the sex cells, then it would be passed on, according to Metzl. Metzl highlights the benefits to this technology, but recognizes the need for caution if it is used. We dont understand the vast majority of [our genetics], but we will understand more and more and that will give us greater opportunities to intervene in ways that can protect us. But because of the incredible complexity of biology, we need to be very cautious and careful and conservative when doing so, he said. Gene editing is not the only way in which human DNA is artificially manipulated. Clinics offer services where multiple eggs are fertilized in a lab and turned into embryos that are then screened for genetic defects. One of the embryos free from genetic diseases is then implanted into the mother to be a future child. When conception is carried out in a laboratory it is called in vitro fertilization or IVF. The procedure for screening the DNA of the embryos for genetic defects is called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or PGD. Metzl predicts that if stem cells become safe for human use, it will be possible to create 10,000 human embryos and select one of them to implant into the mother. He says we may make a small number of changes to the DNA of the selected embryo to reduce health risks or enhance certain traits. Within 10 years, this technology may be advanced enough to change a persons eye color by editing the genes of the embryo, according to Metzl. The Catholic Church disapproves of in vitro fertilization, and any procedure that comes of it such as PGD or editing the genes of embryos. The separation of procreation from a sexual act in any way that thats done is disapproved, said Edward Mechmann, who is an attorney with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in New York. He said conception should be the result of an act of love between a husband and wife, not a scientific act. One of the key things is we very much disapprove of a kind of eugenic mentality where theyre using any kind of gene editing to enhance characteristics, Mechmann said. Metzl described a scenario in which this technology is developed and falls into the wrong hands. You could imagine a kind of a North Korea-like regime that says, well, first were going to sort people, were going to sequence everybody at birth, and were going to sort them based on our sense of whats their capacity. So who gets to be in the military and who goes to the Olympic programs and who goes to physics school, Metzl said. I think that will certainly be doable. You could imagine those kinds of selections being made for docility in some kind of totalitarian state, he added. A potential problem with this type of artificial gene selection is that if parents choose similar traits for their children we could inadvertently reduce the genetic diversity of our species, Metzl said. That genetic diversityits not a nice to have, its a need to have. Its the foundation of our survival. It translates into our resilience. Metzl said that everyone needs to talk to their elected officials and ask them to focus on this important issue. He said one must ask if officials have a plan in place and ask how they will maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of this technology. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KRHogan_NTD Kaia Gerber and her group of famous pals have been indulging in various odd antics since entering quarantine together in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. And on Wednesday, the 18-year-old model put her boredom on full display, when she indulged in a TikTok dance challenge alongside best friend and 13 Reasons Why actor Tommy Dorfman. Gerber, donning a cropped white tank top and a pair of boho style trousers, showed off a slew of smooth dance moves to the beat of pop song Hit The Back by indie pop star King Princess. Smooth moves: Kaia Gerber and bestie Tyler Dorfman made the most of their self-isolation time on Wednesday by partaking in a TikTok dance challenge Gerber and Dorfman, with their eyes fixated on the camera, attempted to coordinate their movements as they lifted hands to the sky and twirled upon their living spaces hardwood flooring. Dorfman rocked a bright orange beanie and a pleated mint green skirt, which added a bit of dramatic flare to his performance. In the background of Kaia and her actor pals TikTok submission, Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson could be seen cozying up to her model girlfriend Cara Delevigne on a nearby couch. Teamwork:Gerber, donning a white tank top and a pair of boho style trousers, attempted to dance in unison with Dorfman, while the pair moved to the beat of King Princesss hit song Hit The Back Peek-a-boo: As Kaia and Dorfman remained focused on the camera before them, pals Cara Delevigne and girlfriend Ashley Benson could be seen cozying up on a couch behind them The loved up pair seemed unphased by Gerber and Dorfmans living room dance battle, as they continued to engage in close proximity conversation while the music blared. Benson and Delevignes unphased reactions may be due to the fact they made themselves more than familiar with the TikTok app on Tuesday. In a series of videos made for the platform inspired by iconic reality television scenes, Benson, Delevigne, Dorfman, and Gerber all put on their best lip sync performances for the camera. Magic of makeup: On Monday, Dorfman took to his Instagram to admit that him and Kaia have been using isolation time to practice makeup on one another Actress Margaret Qualley made an appearance in the RuPauls Drag Race inspired video and joined the quarantined quadrant for a stroll earlier in the day on Wednesday around their Los Angeles neighborhood. Both Gerber and Qualley had past relations with comedian Pete Davidson, but the gorgeous pairing appeared to have no beef as they walked arm-in-arm. Dorfman shared a selfie of himself and Kaia on Monday, where he admitted that they had been using their time indoors to practice their makeup application skills on one another. Cannot do it alone: Gerber has been in quarantine with pals Ashley Benson, Cara Delevigne, Tommy Dorfman, and fellow ex to Pete Davidson, Margaret Qualley Comfy: Kaia was featured in one of their TikToks Getting decent at makeup during this time! good to have hobbies and loved ones and family while quarantining. also add me on tik tok. (kaia did my beat, i did hers), captioned Dorfman who could be seen cheek-to-cheek with a makeup clad Kaia. On Dorfmans face, the daughter of Cindy Crawford opted for a more natural look and painted on a peach-toned pout and lathered up the actors lashes with plenty of mascara. Tommy channeled his more colorful side for Kaias look by dressing the models brown peepers with shades of green, orange, and yellow eyeshadow. Not quite right: Though Gerber and her friends have remained - mostly - within the four walls of a lavish Los Angeles home, they have been isolating in a group, despite the city urging residents to social distance themselves Though Gerber and her friends have remained - mostly - within the four walls of a lavish Los Angeles home, they have been isolating in a group, despite the city urging residents to socially distance themselves. On Monday, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a type of lockdown for the city with all non-essential businesses to close including dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, clubs, bars, gyms and all places that hold large gatherings. Director J.D. Dillard (Sleight) and screenwriter Matt Owens ("The Defenders," "Luke Cage," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.") are developing a "Star Wars" project for Lucasfilm, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood trade said that it's being developed in such a way that it could be adapted for a film or as a series for Disney Plus. Dillard directed the 2016 horror film "Sleight," and followed that up in 2019 with "Sweetheart." He recently directed an episode of the upcoming Amazon series "Utopia," and is in pre-production on the Korean war film "Devotion." Related: Baby Yoda 'Star Wars' toys launch unstoppable campaign of cuteness Owens served as a writer and story editor on Marvel Television's "The Defenders," "Luke Cage," and "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and was hired as lead writer for Netflix's live-action "One Piece" adaptation. THR does say specifically that although Owens has a connection to Marvel, this project is unrelated to Marvel Chief Creative Officer Kevin Feige's "Star Wars" film, as well as "The Last Jedi" writer/director Rian Johnson's promised trilogy. Originally published on Newsarama. 2022 is going to be big for science at NASA. A summary of the agency's 2021 budget estimates shows that the fiscal year 2022, which begins on Oct. 1, 2021, will include more than a dozen science-focused missions, ranging from observing the Earth to exploring other worlds to studying faraway galaxies and galaxy clusters. Below is the full list of these science-focused missions note that the list leaves off planned deliveries to the International Space Station that could include science equipment and crewed commercial flights that will send astronauts to the station. Many of the listed missions appear to have launch dates falling outside of fiscal year 2022. However, operations for each mission would likely begin in earnest around that time. (One exception to this is Sentinel-6a, which is set to launch in late 2020, yet appears on the fiscal 2022 list.) Related: Trump calls for $25 billion NASA budget for 2021 The NASA science missions that have been greenlit for fiscal years 2020-2025. (Image credit: NASA) The science! Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2): The goal of this mission is to improve the accuracy, cost and timeliness of climate and weather-related public warnings, NASA said on its website . As the name implies, this will be a polar-orbiting mission completed between multiple agencies (in this case, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA)). Polar missions have the advantage of completing global monitoring from a vantage point that allows them to see the entire Earth below them as our planet rotates. NASA's website notes the mission will launch in March 2022 . The mission will include the NASA-supported Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite-Limb (OMPS-L) instrument to examine the ozone layer and provide ultraviolet index forecasts. Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID): NASA plans to fly a heat shield (called a cross-cutting aeroshell) high into the atmosphere to see how it performs during reentry, the agency said . NASA is trying to plan how it would deliver heavy equipment (such as astronauts, probes and scientific experiments) to planets with an atmosphere. One probable application would be for a Mars landing in the mid-2030s, in line with NASA's goals for human exploration. LOFTID will catch a ride with the JPSS website, so the two missions will launch at the same time (this launch is currently scheduled for March 2022 ). Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-T (GOES-T): This is one of a set of weather satellites that operate in geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit Earth's equatorial plane at the same time that the planet rotates. This allows the satellite to monitor the same region of Earth continuously from an altitude of about 22,300 miles (36,000 km). Both NOAA and NASA are upgrading their current weather satellites in geosynchronous orbit for advanced imagery for Earth's environment, oceans, weather and lightning, as well as examining space weather generated by the sun. This mission was originally scheduled for 2020, but it was delayed until December 2021 after a cooling system problem needed to be addressed. That problem emerged on another satellite in the series called GOES-17, NOAA said on its website . JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE): NASA is contributing to three instruments on the JUICE mission , which is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study three icy moons of Jupiter: Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. Each of these moons is considered to be potentially habitable, so JUICE will gather information about the moons' oceans, surfaces and interiors. JUICE is scheduled to launch in June 2022 and, after multiple planetary flybys, the mission will arrive at Jupiter's system in 2029. The spacecraft is expected to enter the orbit of Ganymede to make observations in 2032, ESA said on its website . Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART): DART aims to test planetary defense technologies against asteroids that may be on a collision course with Earth, NASA said on its website . The mission will slam an impactor into the moon of near-Earth asteroid 65803 Didymos, to see if DART can change its orbit. The moon, which is about 525 feet (160 meters) in diameter, is similar to other near-Earth asteroids that are potentially threatening to Earth, NASA said. An ESA mission called Hera, which is designed to examine the effects of a potential impact from up close, is also in development . Note that DART is scheduled to launch in July 2021 (which is in fiscal year 2021), according to mission participant Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory . Psyche: Psyche will fly to a metal asteroid, which is also called Psyche, to learn more about its nickel-iron core. The information from that will inform our understanding of how planets developed in our young solar system. Scientists aim to use data from this mission to also better understand Earth's core, since our planet's center is inaccessible with current instruments. Psyche's launch date is set for 2022 (which could mean either fiscal year 2022 or 2023), and it will arrive at its destination in 2026 for a 21-month mission examining the asteroid up close, according to NASA . Psyche will carry the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) package to test the concept of using photons (particles of visible light) to send more data in a given period, NASA added on a separate website . Lucy: Lucy is another mission that will examine asteroids to learn more about the early solar system. It will observe seven Trojan asteroids nearby Jupiter; these Trojans are thought to be part of the early material that formed the outer planets, according to NASA . The mission could also shed light on how life and organic materials arose on Earth. The mission is set to launch in October 2021 and operate for 12 years as it visits the various worlds. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR): NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have jointly planned a mission that will examine Earth's environment in detail. This mission's satellite has a broad range of observations planned that focus on environmental change, which could include natural disasters such as tsunamis, ecosystem disturbances and ice-sheet collapses, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The overall goal of this mission is to better understand the Earth's crust, climate and processes to assist with disaster management. The mission is set to launch in 2022, JPL's website says, which could mean fiscal year 2022 or 2023. Sentinel-6a: Sentinel-6 is an ESA mission involving two satellites (Sentinel-6a and -6b) that will be launched a few years apart. Each satellite will have a radar altimeter on board to examine ocean topography and sea rise, according to ESA . Understanding sea level rise helps researchers to better understand and forecast climate change, and the mission's observations of Earth's oceans will help with oceanographic missions in general. NASA will provide a radiometer and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will supply a GPS receiver to the mission, ESA said on an instrument description page . The launch is set to take place well before the fiscal year 2022, however; 6a should launch in November 2020, ESA states , with 6b following in 2025. Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT): This will be a joint mission developed by NASA and the French space agency (CNES), and will include participation from other international space agencies. This mission will conduct a global survey of surface water on Earth for the first time, as well as examine the ocean's topography and how bodies of water change, according to NASA . These observations will help scientists with climate change models. This mission is set to launch September 2021, NASA says, which is just before the fiscal 2022 year starts. Landsat 9: This mission will continue a long-running series of satellites between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey which observe change on Earth. This satellite series will focus on land resources and examine how these resources affect items such as human health, ecosystem function and resource management, NASA said on its website . Landsat 9 is meant to join Landsat 8, a satellite with a five-year life span that launched in 2013 (and is still operating) and replace Landsat 7, which launched in 1999. While the mission is listed under 2022 on NASA's chart, it is set to fly in March 2021 (which would fall in fiscal year 2021). NASA's website says that the mission will go "as soon as possible" to reduce a data gap in observations if Landsat 7 fails. Galactic/Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory (GUSTO): This high-altitude balloon telescope will examine the material between stars, which is also known as the interstellar medium, NASA said . The goal of this mission is to develop insights into how interstellar gas behaves in space, as gas plays a crucial role in forming or dissolving star-forming clouds. The mission also aims to better study how gas flows around the center of our galaxy. The launch date is scheduled for December 2021, NASA said on a separate website . X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM): This mission is led by NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Its goal is to examine X-ray-emitting objects in space using spectroscopy, or a form of observation that analyzes objects by their emitted or reflected light. NASA will contribute the Resolve soft X-ray spectrometer detector, several Resolve subsystems, an X-ray mirror assembly and a soft X-ray imager, NASA stated . The mission is set to launch in early 2022, NASA said on another website . Euclid: Euclid is an ESA-led mission that aims to uncover more about the nature of dark matter and dark energy, which together make up most of the energy and mass known in the universe. The mission will examine the shapes of galaxies and galaxy clusters to better understand how dark energy and dark matter formed and shaped large cosmic structures over billions of years, ESA said . NASA's contributions to this mission include infrared detectors for one instrument as well as science and data analysis, NASA said on its website . Various ESA web pages say that Euclid will launch in 2022, sometimes further specifying "mid-2022." Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE): This NASA-led mission will examine how X-rays are produced in objects such as neutron stars (superdense star cores left over after supernova explosions), nebulas (gas clouds) and various sizes of black holes, according to the agency . The mission is supposed to launch in April 2021, NASA said , which is well before fiscal year 2022. Correction: A previous version of this story stated that Landsat 9 would replace Landsat 8. The Earth-observing satellite will actually join Landsat 8 in orbit, and is designed as a replacement for the older Landsat 7. Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . Amid the coronavirus pandemic that surrounds us today, social media, our family and friends, everyone seems to have hacks and 'facts' to deal with the coronavirus and they are being distributed generously. Amid the coronavirus pandemic that surrounds us today, social media, our family and friends, everyone seems to have hacks and "facts" to deal with the coronavirus and they are being distributed generously. How much can Whatsapp forwards and home remedies be trusted though? And is everything we believe we know about the COVID-19 pandemic true? Dr Aiswarya Rao, a paediatrician and Public Health Consultant, spoke with Danny - a young writer who came to her with doubts and concerns over coronavirus that he picked up on the social media. You can listen to the full episode here. Here is the full transcript of the interview. *** Danny: Hey Doc! Aishwarya: Hey Danny! D: I have certain queries that I want to clarify from you, and debunk some information that is spreading like a rumour. I represent the rumour and Doc represents the Aunty-rumour, sorry anti-rumour. A: You had to slip that in... D: Couldnt help, couldnt help that Doc! I was talking about the aunties spreading rumours on WhatsApp University. You gotta forgive me for that one Doc! OK! What do you think - I have a dog at home or anybody who has a dog at home, what if it spreads from that animal, and the common fact in the papers is that the Coronavirus infection first started from an animal a bat -to human. Can it get back into an animal and spread? A: As of now, it is a Zoonotic infection. It is theorised, that it started from animals in the wild. Coronavirus has always existed in bats. However, the current epidemic is caused by a novel strain of the Coronavirus, which mutated and jumped from the bats into the humans a viral host jump and is producing this highly infective epidemic, spreading from one human to another. Now you are asking if this Coronavirus can go back and infect an animal, specifically a home pet. As of now there is very little evidence for it. BUT last week they were able to isolate the Cornonavirus from a pet dog in Hong Kong. Generally, the respiratory viruses that infect humans do not infect dogs, because the viruses that infect dogs are completely different strains. Animals and human viruses do not cross-infect. But when they do cross infect, then we have a serious problem. But this Hong Kong case of the dog, they said was a weak positive result for the virus, and the Pomeranian is not showing any symptoms and is actually in quite good health. Most probably it was a contamination, maybe the dog was licking a contaminated surface, or the swab itself was contaminated. Now that is one possibility. But as such, there is no evidence for the virus going on to infect pets, and then for the pets to carry on spreading the infection further. D: But that is what popular media tells us. A: I mean in the wild, with deforestation and shrinking forests, the interaction between wild animals and human population is becoming larger. All viruses and bacteria are constantly multiplying. The products of reproduction are supposed to have exactly the same genetic composition as the parent organism. Sometimes there are mutations and mutations are extremely common. Mutations are small changes in the genetic material or code. Lots of mutations are not harmful, but some mutatations are harmful and that is when the animal virus leaves the animal population and enters the human species. These are called zoonotic infections. Thats what happened whenever there was a deadly epidemic like the Nipah, Ebola, Marburg or SARS. The vurs either jumped from a bat, pig or bird species into humans.. D: I have a question from what you just said, of all the viruses that keep recurring in human existence, is there a way that Nature thinks we are over populating the earth and we fuck it up. So this has to be a mechanism that keeps our population in control,. And it could be programmed as the virus that keeps spreading and keeps us from over populating the earth? You should you should A: So are you saying that this is a corrective measure by Nature to to D: I am not saying anything Doc. I dont want to take sides and be bombarded on Twitter and all this social media world. Look there is also this theory floating about that this infection was brought to Wuhan by the US Army A: You know what! We are not spokespersons for Nature. As much as we respect nature, She has her own rhythm and flow and unpredictability. What we are dealing with right now are only facts and figures. We do not talk about variables that are not understood. We will stick to the facts and only facts that will help us in containing the spread of the virus from one person to another. We will leave the theorising and conspiracies to those people who believe them, and they are of no benefit to anyone. Lets stick to the irrefutable facts. D: Ok Folks you heard her. Lets stick to the facts says the Doc. But we have our own monkeys in our minds telling us different things. Just want to know why it has not spread to some states in India for example Madhya Pradesh, yet? And some states have only tested one case so far.. A: It is not a question of why it hasnt spread. It is a question of surveillance. When you dont get data out of a state it does not mean that the infection doesnt exist. It only means that it wasnt tested and and the numbers are not collected and collated in some place and notified. So if you say that a particular state at this point has only one virus positive case so far, or no case, it means that there are no cases. But the alternate explanation is that the infections were untested, and that they didnt do enough tests. D: Why is it so contagious. Is it because it is air-borne? A: That is the nature of the novel mutated virus strain. It is spread through droplets. The virus is able to go and attach itself to the mucus membranes, the layer coating the nose and the respiratory tract and then multiply. And then when you cough and sneeze, you spread it to others, through droplets teeming with 1000s of viral particles. D: Ewww. A: So it goes from one infected person to another. They say that one infected person who hasnt taken any precautions, and goes about their work travelling and doing stuff, they can infect upto 4 people within the window of their period of infectivity- 10 day window. This means that a single infection will become 2, then 4 then 8 and those infected persons will spread similarly exponentially.. D: Now I agree with the Government policy of quarantine of anyone who comes down with the virus .. Why! I dont want to believe, I dont want to believe that we are living in the end times. Are we really Doc? I just want to know. Has thereIs there A: If you wash your hands, and stay at home if you have symptoms, there is no reason why the world should come to an end. Its as simple as that. D: OK. Lets say. If something or someone is dictating you to shut up and sit at home, then it is something serious. OK. Then Cholera has always A: Its simple, yet serious. Go on! D: We have talked about dogs and the next cutest things is babies. Is it possible that babies can be infected? When we have a baby at home? A: generally all the data and studies coming from China has shown that children do get infected, but that severity of symptoms is not high, at least not as severe s the elderly or the immunocompromised. But Children are highly infectious and they spread it much more. That is what we know. Because last week.. D: I know we all take a baby and.. A: Ya, children keep playing and keep touching things, and it is very difficult to keep children to comply and to make then stick to instructions. See, it is difficult to make you stick to instructions.. D: That certainly hurt my bababh.. A: But there was a new born baby, a neonate in the UK who was tested positive for the novel corona virus, who was treated, recovered and reunited with parents. D: WOW Thats hope for humanity. Do people fight the virus with our own immunity? A: Most of the infection is self-limited and asymptomatic. You shouldnt see an infected person as an end in himself/herself. He is an agent that is spreading the virus around. So, public health is so different from clinical practice, because it is not one patient that we see. We see an infected person in the context of the community that he can infect. So that is the difference. D: Moving on. I believe that if we are sitting in a hotter climate and we cannot catch a cold. That is the irony of it. So this starts with a cold, cold cold climate. What do you have to say about that. A: That is a belief that is unfounded in truth or in real practice. What I mean is that people do catch a cold in summer. It is not unknown to occur. And especially for the transmission of the Coronavirus, heat is not a deterrent. A hot climate does not prevent Corona virus from spreading. But scientist did observe that the rate of infectivity was somewhat reduced. That is the science so far. D: That scares me Doc! Like this there are so many misconceptions. For example I was given a lemon juice or rather a hot lemon juice by someone in my office and said that if you drink this, it gonna be, it will build you immune system against the coronavirus. They didnt put it so nicely. They just said that it will prevent it. Thats why they are giving it to us, And one of us said is it to wash our hands or to drink it? ha ha because we dint know.hahaha Please explain I mean like, debunk that. I really want you to. If its true, I mean, then the price of lemons will really go up in the market. A: If all this grandmother and in your case colleague tales were true, than we would have treated AIDS, Diabetes, Malaria, cancer long, long ago. At this point lime juice, is not known to be an effective preventive D: Hot.. A: Hot lime juice, is not a special preventive strategy for protection against the Coronavirus , or Nilavembu kashayam for that matter. The only thing, again and again. I want to reiterate, that prevents someone from getting the Cronavirus infection is handwashing and keeping a safe disatance fom someone you know who is infected and having symptoms. Dont touch any surfaces, dont touch your face. If you touch, wash your hands anyway. This sis what is going to prevent and stop the infection NOT your lemon juiceyour hot lemon juice. D: Ya Doc! Kind of a protest of Go Karuna Go! Hahahhahow do you put it? A: You mean the prayer Go Karuna Go? D: NO! I men there is a place called Gokarna and I want to go there and say Go Karuna Go! Its like quit India movement..and they think its a white fucking virusI am sorry A: Why are you laughing when you say that. You think it works? D: I dont think it works Doc. I dont know. If anything will work, because we are at a point in time where media is making you believe that literally the Apocalypse is upon you. So my point is. A: You know my answer to this is to each man his faith . We also heard stories fo Christian prayer meetings that were supposed to halt the coronavirus, and maulvi prayers that are protective. We are not here to trash anyones personal beliefs. And I do think that personal faith and beliefs have a great role in helping someone cope with a disease or sickness. Anything is fair game. BUT at the same time use scientific knowledge and common sense and general precautions prescribed during an epidemic which is once again wash hand, keep a safe distance from someone who has either travelled or showing symptoms. D: Or keep a safe distance from somebody who doesnt wash hands.. A: From somebody who doesnt wash handshahahathats a very useful tip and wash your hands and dont touch your face, dont touch surfaces and if you do, wash your hands immediately. This is what is going to keep us through this long period of waiting out this pandemic until it dies its own natural death and goes away This is Dr Aiswarya Rao signing off, and I will see you with some more information on Coronavirus in the next podcast. As misinformation spreads like wildfire on social media, one of the weapons the Canadian government is wielding in the war against COVID-19 is knowledge. To that end, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced more than a billion dollars in measures to help Canada fight the spread of COVID-19, including $50 million to support the Public Health Agency of Canadas dedicated communications capacity and public education efforts. In an emailed statement, a health agency spokesperson said the funding will support a comprehensive national public education campaign to provide Canadians with credible information that promotes behaviours that will protect individuals and overall public health. The campaign will include advertising, social marketing, partnerships and targeted outreach to at-risk populations. While Public Health would not comment on how the funding will be allocated, advocates for the Canadian news industry are concerned the money might not go to Canadian companies, but to digital giants such as Facebook and Google. John Hinds, CEO of advocacy group News Media Canada, said its critical the government support Canadian news outlets, both digital and online, stressing their ability to communicate with Canadians in their communities and spread vital information about COVID-19. Now more than ever Canadians are turning to newspapers and their sites for information about whats going on in their communities, he said. We think it would be incredibly logical for the federal government to work with us on that. Hinds said his organization wrote to the public health agency and the federal government the minute news of the funding broke. He said they have received good feedback, and he is optimistic. Weve never seen more people looking to newspapers and newspaper sites in the last few days, and yet advertising has fallen off a cliff, because businesses are shutting down, he said. I think it would be horrible if the government of Canada spent Canadian taxpayers dollars in Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley sends a message to the world. It doesnt send a message to your community. In the past few years the government has recognized the importance of supporting Canadian media, Hinds said, and he hopes this continues throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I think this can be a win-win for everybody. A novel by The Night WatchmanA novel by Louise Erdrich There was the scent of pressed cloth above the meat in the pan. The glass kerosene lantern glowed on the table. Thomas went into the next room and kissed Rose on her neck. She smelled like the ironing, like the clean wash. Thomas Wazhashk (a character based on the authors grandfather) and his niece Patrice both work at the jewel-bearing plant near North Dakotas Turtle Mountain Reservation, but they also have other duties to their tribe and to their family. When the United States Congress introduces a new bill, 1953s House Concurrent Resolution 108, that threatens their already strained way of life, Thomas makes plans to go to Washington, D.C. Patrice, meanwhile, heads for Minneapolis, where her sister was last seen before vanishing. Published by Harper on March 3. About the artist: Marcus Jahmal, who is self-taught and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., paints landscapes and domestic scenes based on his memories, which can give his work a dreamlike quality. Hes also known for using a vibrant palette and looking to art history the piece he made for this story that was inspired by Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 references Philip Gustons 1977 work Sleeping. Jahmal is represented by Almine Rech in New York, which held a show of his paintings last fall. Disposition, a collection of his drawings curated by Dexter Wimberly, is on view at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn through May 2 (but note that the space is currently closed as a precaution against coronavirus), and the artist will also have a solo show at the Los Angeles gallery Various Small Fires, set to open on May 23. Switch the Market flag Open the menu and switch the Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice. for targeted data from your country of choice. I f were all going to be spending the next few weeks slumped on our sofas because of coronavirus, we might as well watch a few great films while were at it. With the pandemic forcing people all over the world to self-isolate and work from home, theres one thing for certain there's going to be a lot of down time, and people are going to get really bored, really quickly. Thats where movies come in. With the unfortunate news that hundreds of cinemas are shutting all over the UK, it's worth remembering that theres so much to be discovered from the comfort of your own home. Movies can provide much-needed escapism, and comfort in troubled times. The joy of cinema might not be able to counteract the coronavirus, but it can certainly provide a few hours of distraction when we need it most. From childhood favourites to comforting classics, the Standard's GO London team have put together their top films to keep fans entertained during self-isolation. Legally Blonde MGM/Photofest At a time when all the odds feel stacked against us, who better to teach us how to cope than the fabulous and indefatigable Elle Woods. Admittedly, were trying to overcome a global pandemic and she was just trying to win back her snobby ex-fiance Warner, but the sentiment is the same. After Warner dumps her, she will not be immobilised by the crisis it brings to her life. Instead, she bags herself a place at Harvard Law School where he is also studying. He spots her in the corridor and incredulously asks: "YOU got into Harvard Law?" Her response? "What, like its hard?" An inspiration to us all. JT Available on Netflix Wallace and Gromit A particular happy place of mine is the Films for ages 8 to 10 section of Netflix. Forget your true crime, or your mob epics, or your delicately assembled cinematic masterpieces give me Matilda, Shrek or (the original) Jumanji. A recent browse led me to the four Wallace and Gromit shorts. Delightfully simple, slyly intelligent and with no shortage of nostalgia, theyre perfect for some comfort viewing. And theyre barely half an hour long, which means the ones on Netflix (A Close Shave, A Grand Day Out, A Matter Of Loaf and Death, and, best of all, The Wrong Trousers) are perfect for a back-to-back session. JE Available on Netflix Bridget Joness Diary "If working here means staying within 10 yards of you, frankly, Id rather have a job wiping Saddam Husseins arse." Who knew that Bridget Jones was the original social distancing icon? The beauty of Bridget, Samuel Pepyss main rival for Britains greatest ever diarist, is she knows how to amuse herself just as much when she stays in as when she goes out. As we all lock ourselves in our flats, we can all follow the wise example set by our favourite singleton: choosing vodka and Chaka Khan. JT Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video Ticks So-bad-theyre-good horror films are the eternal guilty pleasure. Recent additions to my watchlist are Unfriended, The Pyramid and Evil Aliens (all heartily recommended) but one I keep coming back to is Ticks. It tells the story of some troubled inner-city kids who are taken on a well-intentioned wilderness retreat, only to be plagued by a swarm of mutated ticks. The dialogue is hilariously awful and the ticks themselves are distinctly unscary. But the best thing is a genius bit of casting in which Alfonso Ribeiro, aka Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, plays a try-hard bully named Panic (They call me panic, cause I never do.) Its all ridiculous. Need we say more? JE Available to watch on Amazon Prime Video Paddington 2 Watched The Godfather Part II too many times? Plump for Paddington 2 instead, which gives Michael Corleone and family a run for his money in the best sequel stakes. Being stuck at home with the kids (or without) is an excellent excuse to indulge in the utterly joyous jaunts of Ben Whishaws Paddington, Hugh Grants self-skewering, pompous actor, and Brendan Gleesons marmalade sandwich-making prison cook. AB Available to watch on Amazon Prime Video Pride If the world ever needed a reminder of the good in people, its now. Pride is one of the most powerful British films ever made, and it has the feel-good factor by the bucket load. It follows the LGBTQ+ activists who joined forces with the Welsh miners during the strikes of 1984, with fantastic performances from George MacKay, Andrew Scott, Dominic West, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and plenty more. The films central message is the power people can have when they come together and mobilise as one. It's the exact opposite of staying home alone in self-isolation, but the spirit of triumphing over adversity is something everyone can get behind. HF Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video A Quiet Place Jonny Cournoyer We, like millions of movie fans, were devastated by the news that A Quiet Place Part II is being postponed from March 19 until further notice. Luckily, the original dropped onto Netflix over the weekend, and theres no better time to enjoy a cathartic scare and rewatch the horror hit of 2018. Director John Krasinski achieved something remarkable with the first film, managing to produce a horror which isnt overly gory and doesnt rely on cheap jump scares to keep audiences interested. The central premise make a sound and you die is as simple as it is effective, and Emily Blunt delivers one of the strongest performances of her career as family matriarch Evelyn Abbott. Even when the future of the industry is in doubt, its a comfort to return to modern classics like this one even if it does make us jump out our skin. HF Available on Netflix Groundhog Day Sony Pictures Is this day eight of self-isolation, or day nine? If the sunrises and sunsets are starting to merge, Phil Connors knows how you feel. Groundhog Day tells the story of a weatherman seemingly bound to relive the events of February 2 over and over and over again sound familiar? Bill Murrays exasperation may ring a little truer than ever before. AB Available on Netflix Cool Hand Luke Thought self isolation was bad? It has to be better than being trapped in a Florida prison camp in the 50s, paving the roads on a chain gang. Here, Paul Newman delivers a career-defining performance as Lucas "Luke" Jackson, a war veteran imprisoned for drunkenly breaking parking metres; despite his army background and the way of the prison camp submit, submit, submit something in Luke refuses to bend. Watching him stand strong against the stinging lash of authority is inspiring. That he stays laughing is better, a reminder of just how much people can endure with good humour. The end is a blunt instrument, but Newman is glorious. DE Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro's well-mannered novella is beautifully rendered here, in a film that was nominated for eight Oscars. It is a quiet, polite film; it moves slowly, the frames gliding. And yet its entirely absorbing, one to be lost in. It is a story of war, of corrupt power, of misguided gentility, of the changing of the world and those who commanded it. It is a story of fading social graces, of quiet reserve, of inner pain. It is also, really, a love story. An unrequited love story, in fact, those being the most painful and poignant of all. Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins captivate. And look, in this list, it looks comically out of place but every now and then, something like this is more of a distraction than cheap laughs ever will be. DE Charnai Prefontaine, an I.C.U. nurse in Illinois, said shes asking the public to implore lawmakers and government officials to speed up the process of bringing resources to hospitals. I would like to say theres some major happy ending where a cowboy comes in with a ton of masks and were saved, but I dont see that happening anytime soon, said Ms. Prefontaine, 30, who regularly interacts with patients suffering from respiratory issues. I think its going to get worse before it gets better. The emergency room doctor based in Northern California, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid a conflict with her employer, said her hospital had already treated several Covid-19 patients, forcing several exposed employees to quarantine at home. Dr. Vidya Ramanathan, 43, a pediatrician in Michigan, said the need was dire. There arent enough sanitizer wipes to clean the workers face shields and her hospital is almost out of masks, she said. The hospital where Dr. Ramanathan works has set up tents outside the building and established a triage system so that those who dont require further care can be sent home for quarantine. The process protects patients and workers inside the hospital and conserves the diminishing stock of protective equipment, she said. Health care workers are working diligently to keep the pandemic at bay, Dr. Ramanathan said. We hope that everybody takes this as seriously as we are. The keys for the public are social distancing and staying at home. RIDGELAND, Miss., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ORNE LLP, one of the nation's top 100 accounting and business advisory firms, welcomes Albert "Chip" Hutzler, JD, MBA, CVA, as a director on the firm's healthcare team. Based out of the Nashville office, Hutzler specializes in compliance-based consulting where he helps clients navigate various health laws, including Stark, Anti-Kickback, False Claims Act, HIPPA, EMTALA, IRS Regulations and state and local healthcare laws. Albert "Chip" Hutzler Joins HORNE LLP's Healthcare Team "We're excited to welcome Chip to HORNE. His extensive legal and financial knowledge of the healthcare industry helps clients solve their toughest problems. I know this will generate excitement for our clients and our team," explains Healthcare Partner in Charge, Kathrine G. Watts, CPA, CHC. Hutzler joins the firm with more than 20 years of previous experience as a financial analyst and 25 years as an attorney. He is a published author and regular speaker on healthcare valuation and legal compliance issues, as well as an active member in industry associations. About HORNE LLP HORNE is a decidedly different CPA and business advisory firm that is changing expectations by elevating client experiences to strategic and anticipatory versus historical. HORNE goes beyond traditional accounting to collaborate with clients to transform change and uncertainty into opportunities for growth and improvement. We focus our industry knowledge and experience in banking, construction, franchise, government, healthcare and public and middle-market companies. HORNE Wealth Strategies provides retirement planning, tax strategy, exit and succession planning for family and middle-market businesses. HORNE Cyber helps businesses of all sizes build resiliency for cybersecurity. HORNE Capital Strategies offers a unique approach to help clients buy, sell or infuse capital into their businesses. Visit us at hornellp.com, HORNECyber.com, or HORNECapital.com. For more information: Marla Saxton HORNE LLP 601.326.1227 [email protected] Related Images albert-chip-hutzler.jpg Albert "Chip" Hutzler Albert "Chip" Hutzler Joins HORNE LLP's Healthcare Team SOURCE HORNE LLP MIDDLETOWN Middlesex Health is furthering precautions being taken during the coronavirus outbreak. The nonprofit is restricting visitors to one support person at all of service locations. The individual must be designated at the time of registration, according to a press release. A patients visitor must be over 18 and healthy. Anyone who is sick, especially those with flu-like symptoms or symptoms of coronavirus, shouldnt visit or accompany patients at a Middlesex Health facility, according to the release. These changes are an effort to help prevent the spread of the flu and COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Middlesex Health believes that further restricting visitors at its facilities is in the best interest of patients, staff and guests. This policy is subject to change as needed. To date, Middlesex Health has not had a confirmed case of COVID-19. Restrictions apply to all Middlesex Health facilities, including the Middlesex Hospital campus in Middletown, its two satellite emergency departments in Westbrook and Marlborough, as well as the outpatient surgical center on Saybrook Road in Middletown. In addition, One MacDonough Place, an assisted living community in Middletown owned by Middlesex Health, is closed to all visitors except for visits that are medically necessary. Those who visit patients must clean their hands frequently to ensure their safety and the safety of others, the release added. Anyone who believes they were exposed to the coronavirus should call their medical provider before heading to an emergency department, urgent care center or other medical office. For information, virus, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/Ready. Superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday welcomed the Tamil Nadu government's preventive measures against the spread of novel coronavirus in the state, and requested for financial assistance to persons whose livelihood may be affected during "this difficult situation." The veteran actor also called for public cooperation in preventing the spread of virus. "The preventive measures being taken by the state government to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Tamil Nadu are laudable. We the people shall also join the government and cooperate" to prevent its spread, he said in a statement uploaded on his official Twitter handle. The state government has announced a lock-down till March 31 to prevent spread of the virus, closing down educational institutions, malls, swimming pools and liquor bars among others, besides implementing various other measures including in the transport sector. Two persons have so far tested positive for the virus in the state. The actor further requested the government to provide financial assistance to people whose basic livelihood has been affected in this "difficult situation," but did not specify. It will greatly benefit them, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to 144 in the UK, an increase of 40 per cent in a day, the government has said. The Department of Health and Social Care has also announced there are 3,269 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK, as of 9am on Thursday, after an increase of 643 cases. Earlier in the day, NHS England reported 29 patients had died in England after being infected with the virus. "Patients were aged between 47 and 96 years old and had underlying health conditions," a statement from the NHS said. "Their families have been informed." More than 56,000 people had been tested for Covid-19 in England, as of Wednesday, with 53,595 people testing negative for the virus. The new figures came as the UK governments top scientific advisers warned young people not to be complacent over Covid-19 as they urged the public to follow social distancing measures. Professor Chris Whitty, Englands chief medical officer, said the vast majority of people in all age groups would recover from the virus but warned it was a mistake for young people to assume they would breeze through the pandemic. Sir Patrick Vallance, the governments chief scientific adviser, has said everyone must now follow public health advice and socialising in pubs and clubs must stop. It is clear that children get this disease much less strongly than adults, I think the data on that is pretty strong now, Professor Whitty said at a press conference on Thursday. But there are also some young people who have ended up in intensive care or who have ended up with severe disease around the world." He added: I think it's important that we don't give the impression that every single person who is young and healthy is just going to breeze through this. Professor Whitty added that it was important for people to understand Covid-19 would not be a trivial infection for everyone. On Monday, the government advised the British public to avoid all nonessential social contact and travel due to the outbreak. Sir Patrick urged people on Thursday to follow the measures, as they would not have an effect unless everyone followed them. What we absolutely shouldn't encourage is the idea that young people somehow can ignore it because they are going to be fine, he said. The mixing in pubs and restaurants and so on that is part of allowing the disease to spread needs to stop and it needs to stop among young people as well as older people. Additional reporting by PA Six men were on board, drunk and cruising the city. They beat Singhs male friend and dragged her to the back of the bus. The men took turns raping her and one ruptured her intestines with a metal rod. Then they dumped her by the roadside. Two weeks later, Singh died at a hospital in Singapore where she had been flown for treatment. After three dates for the execution of death warrant, four Nirbhaya case convicts will be hanged tomorrow, bringing to an end the over seven-year-long court battle fought by the victim's parents for justice in the brutal rape case that shook the conscience of the nation. The four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh - against whom death warrant was issued by a Delhi court earlier this month had moved courts over the past seven years to escape the gallows. They are to be hanged at 5:30 am on Friday. Pawan Gupta, a fruit seller, had moved the Supreme Court claiming that he was a juvenile at the time of the offence in 2012 and should be treated under the Juvenile Justice Act. The court, however, rejected his plea. Akshay Thakur, a school dropout, hailed from Bihar and came to Delhi in 2011. He was the conductor of the bus in which the crime was committed and had fled the city. Thakur was arrested a few days later from his native village in Aurangabad district. He had claimed that he was not in Delhi when the brutal incident took place but the probe revealed he was on the bus and involved in the crime. Vinay Sharma was a fitness trainer and a resident of Ravidass camp, a slum in south Delhi. In 2016, Sharma had attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself in the Tihar Jail. He first took painkillers and then tried to hang himself with a towel in the cell. Last December, Sharma had made a plea to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking immediate withdrawal of mercy petition. Through his counsel AP Singh, the convict claimed that the mercy plea sent to President Kovind by the Home Ministry was not signed by him. Mukesh Singh is the younger brother of Ram Singh, driver of the bus who had allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail in 2013. Mukesh Singh was a part-time bus driver and a cleaner. The two brothers also lived in Ravidass camp. In 2013, a fast-track court in Delhi had held the four men guilty in the case. Their conviction was also upheld by the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court later. In May 2017, the four convicts had moved the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order which confirmed the capital punishment awarded to them by the trial court. The top court also upheld their death penalty. A Delhi court on Thursday refused to stay the execution of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning. Earlier today, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by Akshay Thakur challenging the rejection of mercy petition by President Ram Nath Kovind. The apex court had also rejected a plea filed by Mukesh Singh challenging a Delhi High Court's order rejecting his claim that he was not in the capital when the crime was committed. The four convicts, along with two others including Ram Singh and a juvenile, had raped and brutally tortured a 23-year-old paramedic student on a moving bus in south Delhi on the night of December 16, 2012. The victim, who was accompanied by her friend, was thrown out of the bus. Thirteen days later, the victim succumbed to her injuries on December 29 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. The juvenile was sent to a reform facility and released after three years. On January 7, a Delhi court issued a death warrant against all four convicts for their hanging on January 22. But the hanging could not take place. Their hanging was also fixed for February 1 and March 3. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This is the first picture of a paramedic and would-be adoptive mum who is accused of killing a baby girl in a flash of temper. Sarah Higgins, 42, is on trial for the manslaughter of baby Skyla Giller, who she and her partner were planning to adopt. She became momentarily frustrated whilst attempting to feed the 'grizzly' tot and did something to her that caused her death, it is alleged. The hearing at Leeds Crown Court, which is entering its final stages, has been told that if Higgins's account of how Skyla suffered her catastrophic brain injuries were true it would be a 'world first.' This is the first picture of paramedic Sarah Higgins (left), 42, who is on trial for the manslaughter of baby Skyla Giller. Higgins (pictured outside Leeds Crown Court last month, right) dialled 999 and told the operator the 10-month-old baby had slipped and fell to the carpeted floor while feeding her A doctor told the court that colleagues who assessed ten-month-old Skyla considered it likely her injuries were 'catastrophic or repetitive'. The infant died at Leeds General Infirmary two days after Higgins dialled 999 and told the operator the baby slipped and fell to the carpeted floor while feeding her, landing on her bottom. Higgins and her partner Martin Dobson, both Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedics, were in the process of adopting Skyla at the time of her death on August 26, 2017, at their then home in Huddersfield, West Yorks. Summing up the prosecution's case Richard Wright, QC, told jurors at Leeds Crown Court that Higgins' version of how Skyla suffered her fatal brain injury was not credible. The experts who had given evidence had never seen a child who had fallen that way suffer a brain injury of the type that killed the baby girl, he said. Mr Wright continued: 'There is not one expert of vast clinical experience who has ever seen anything of the sort before, it would be a wholly unique explanation for those injuries. 'It has never been reported before in any medical literature, it is not known to experts around the world.It would be a world first.' He told jurors that Higgins had injured Skyla during a momentary loss of temper, telling an operator during her 999 call: 'I must have done something to her.' He said: 'Sarah Higgins and Martin Dobson do not want to face the reality that this otherwise good and decent person who had led a valuable life lost her temper and did something to that baby. 'No one wants to acknowledge that reality but it is a reality towards which, we suggest on the evidence, you are driven and that is why we invite you to return a guilty verdict in this case.' A doctor told the court that colleagues who assessed 10-month-old Skyla Giller (pictured) considered it likely her injuries were 'catastrophic or repetitive' Jamie Hill, QC, for Higgins, said: 'Medical evidence raises great suspicion about abusive trauma but none of it is ruling out Sarah Higgins' account, none of it is saying it cannot be true. 'None of it goes anywhere near making you sure that this perfectly decent woman is guilty of manslaughter.' Consultant paediatrician Elizabeth Day had earlier told the jury how she examined Skyla after she was admitted to hospital and found five bruises on the baby's right arm. She told the court: 'No explanation has been provided for this.' The trial has heard Skyla also suffered bleeding to eye tissue and optic nerves. Dr Day said an ophthalmology report suggested a 'traumatic cause' should be considered as there was no obvious medical cause for the injuries. She told the court she interviewed Higgins about the incident and said Higgins described how she had been sitting on a wooden rocking chair feeding Skyla. The defendant said the baby had been 'grizzly' and was not taking her milk. Dr Day said: 'Sarah stood up to turn Skyla around to face her and, in her words, 'I lost grip of her'.' Higgins said the baby fell to the floor from around chest height and fell on her bottom in what she described as not being a 'significant fall'. Higgins told the doctor Skyla did not initially appear to be injured and she put the baby back in her cot. She described how she became concerned when Skyla's face 'went blank' and she noticed blood in her mouth. Higgins went on to describe how Skyla's body went 'floppy and the colour drained from her body.' Mr Justice Lavender has begun summing up the case to the jury who will next be asked to retire to consider their verdict on Higgins, who denies manslaughter. Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday informed that Air India will be mounting a 787-Dreamliner on March 21 to Rome to evacuate stranded Indian citizens including students and travellers. "On March 21, Air India will be mounting a 787-Dreamliner to Rome to evacuate our students, other travellers or any Indians stranded there. We are in close touch with our mission there," said Rubina Ali, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation. Meanwhile, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry said that the country has sufficient expertise in terms of management of coronavirus. "We have sufficient expertise in this country in terms of management of this disease COVID-19. Also, N-95 masks are available in adequate quantity in the country," he said. Pharma Department and Department of Consumer Affairs have been asked to take necessary action against anyone charging exorbitant price for masks, sanitizers, and other health-related logistic material and to facilitate their availability in all hospitals and to people at large, Agarwal said. Stressing that there is a need to spread awareness on coronavirus, he said: "Today, there is a need for awareness in the community that preventive measures need to be taken. There is no need to panic. Request people to visit the Ministry of Health's website for do's and don'ts." Punjab on Thursday reported its first death from the novel coronavirus, taking the tally of those killed from the deadly virus to 4."The total number of positive cases of COVID19 in India stands at 167, including 25 foreigners. Four deaths (1 each) in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra," said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a statement.According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected with the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global controlled release drug delivery market size is estimated to reach USD 69.8 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The benefits associated with controlled release drug delivery systems, such as increased therapeutic efficacy, less side effects, and low treatment cost are the factors driving the market growth. These technologies offer various benefits over traditional delivery forms, such as reduced dosage and dosage frequency, enhanced patient compliance, less gastrointestinal side effects, uniform drug effect, improved drug efficacy and safety, and reduced fluctuation of plasma drug levels. Key suggestions from the report: Based on application, oral controlled release systems held the largest market share in 2019 owing to increasing usage and ease of convenience offered for administration of medication Targeted drug delivery is poised to be the fastest growing technology segment during the forecast period owing to various benefits of the technology, such as increased safety and therapeutic efficacy Osmotic delivery is projected to witness the fastest CAGR in the activation modulation drug delivery systems during the forecast period, due to the ability of this release mechanism to not be affected by various factors, such as pH, food consumption, and gastrointestinal motility North America held the largest market share in 2019 owing to the presence of developed healthcare infrastructure facilities, increasing R&D activities and existence of major market players Asia Pacific is expected to post the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to rising investments by dominant players in the region along with developments in the of pharmaceutical industry in emerging countries, such as India and China Some of the prominent companies operating in the controlled release drug delivery market are Orbis Biosciences, Inc.; Merck and Co., Inc.; Alkermes plc; Johnson and Johnson; Coating Place, Inc.; Corium International, Inc.; Depomed, Inc.; Pfizer, Inc; Aradigm Corporation; and Capsugel Read 120 page research report with ToC on "Controlled Release Drug Delivery Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Micro Encapsulation, Targeted Delivery), By Release Mechanism, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/controlled-release-drug-delivery-market Presence of multiple in-vivo biological barriers that affects the absorption, bioavailability, and stability of the drug has open wide horizon for the controlled release drug delivery products. For instance, controlled release drug delivery system has enabled delivery of even large and complex molecules such as DNA/RNA, proteins and polypeptides. Additionally, the rising awareness among healthcare professionals, regarding the advantage of controlled release drug delivery systems over conventional systems is expected to drive the demand for the market in long run. Rapidly increasing geriatric and pediatric population is one of the major factors fueling the demand for controlled release drug delivery systems, due to high cases prescription non-adherence in this age-group. Innovations in various drug delivery systems has been providing geriatric and pediatric population with easy solutions, which are further propelling the market. Controlled release of drug delivery systems can be altered according to required dosage over a specific period of time. Grand View Research has segmented the global controlled release drug delivery market on the basis of technology, release mechanism, application, and region: Controlled Release Drug Delivery Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Wurster Technique Coacervation Micro Encapsulation Implants Transdermal Targeted Delivery Others Controlled Release Drug Delivery Release Mechanism Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Polymer Based Systems Micro Reservoir Partition Controlled Drug Delivery Systems Feedback Regulated Drug Delivery Systems Activation-modulated Drug Delivery Systems Osmotic Pressure Activated Hydrodynamic Pressure Activated Vapor Pressure Activated Mechanically Activated Magnetically Activated Chemically Activated pH Activated Hydrolysis Activated Enzyme Activated Controlled Release Drug Delivery Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Metered Dose Inhalers Injectable Transdermal and Ocular Patches Infusion Pumps Oral Controlled-drug Delivery Systems Drug Eluting Stents Controlled Release Drug Delivery Region Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Russia Switzerland Netherland Sweden Spain Belgium Asia Pacific China Japan India Thailand South Korea Singapore Philippines Vietnam Indonesia Malaysia Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Colombia Chile Middle East & Africa & South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Israel Kuwait Find more research reports on Medical Devices Industry, by Grand View Research: Microfluidics Market Rise in demand for point-of-care (POC) devices is expected to significantly drive the market. Microfluidics-based devices need a fraction of the sample for data interpretation. Rise in demand for point-of-care (POC) devices is expected to significantly drive the market. Microfluidics-based devices need a fraction of the sample for data interpretation. Brain Computer Interface Market Key drivers of the market for brain computer interface (BCI) technology include increasing prevalence of neuroprosthetic conditions, growing geriatric population, and rising technological developments facilitating communication and movement in paralytic patients. Key drivers of the market for brain computer interface (BCI) technology include increasing prevalence of neuroprosthetic conditions, growing geriatric population, and rising technological developments facilitating communication and movement in paralytic patients. In-Vitro Fertilization Market The global in-vitro fertilization market size was valued at around USD 18.3 billion in 2019 and is estimated to witness a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: +1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:08:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to enhance exchanges of anti-epidemic experience with Bulgaria and provide it with assistance within China's capability to help it contain the spread of COVID-19, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in a phone conversation with his Bulgarian counterpart Boiko Borisov on Wednesday night. Li spoke highly of the development of China-Bulgaria relationship, saying that both countries are striving to combat the coronavirus epidemic at this moment. China will provide necessary facilitation to the Bulgarian side in its procurement of medical supplies through commercial channels, Li said. He added that China is carrying out international cooperation with other countries to fight the epidemic and expressed the belief that success will be achieved eventually. For his part, Borisov appreciates China's efforts to prevent and contain the epidemic and expressed appreciation for China's assistance to his country in the fight against the epidemic. He expressed hope that Bulgaria will continue to receive support from the Chinese side, deepen bilateral anti-epidemic cooperation and advance the development of bilateral ties. It was, it seems, only a matter of time before something like this happened. As we noted in yesterdays FreshDirect story, not everyone has the ability of being able to shelter in place during the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the more of us who stay put, the more strain were going to put on workers who play a role in getting products and supplies to our doors. Amazon today confirmed that an employee in its Queens, N.Y. fulfillment center has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The company texted employees at the facility about the case yesterday. The text, obtained by The Atlantic reads, Were writing to let you know that a positive case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) was found at our facility today. It may be the first of its kind in the facility, but it almost certainly wont be the last. Even as companies encourage workers to stay home at the first sign of sickness for both their benefit and that of customers, many will no doubt come to work. And then there's the matter of those who are largely asymptomatic. Weve reached out to Amazon to comment on the incident. The company noted in the text that workers at the DBK1 facility were sent home, while the sorting facility was disinfected. Amazon has denied reports that, while day shift workers were sent home, those on the night shift were still expected to come in. In spite of the companys massive footprint, Amazon has been forced to limit certain shipments, including non-essentials through its Fulfillment by Amazon program, along with the temporary pausing of shipments from Prime Pantry. [March 19, 2020] Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. Provides Corporate Update HAMILTON, Ontario, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RHT or OTCQB:RQHTF) (Reliq or the Company), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, would like to provide shareholders with the following corporate update. The COVID-19 pandemic is obviously an unprecedented event for Reliq as it is for every other business worldwide, said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health Technologies. During this time of uncertainty we wanted to let our shareholders know that we continue to provide the full range of iUGO Care software solutions and services to our clients remotely. In keeping with the CDCs recommendations, many of our clients are urgently moving to a virtual care model to reduce the risk of virus transmission associated with in-office and in-home visits. Our clients provide care to patients who are at the highest risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19 infection elderly individuals with multiple underlying chronic conditions and we are responding to our customers urgent need to protect and care for this vulnerable population remotely. Our new clients in Florida (Comprehensive Partners and Direct Access at Home) and Louisiana (Blum Telehealth) are onboarding patients to the iUGO Care platform this month and have now requested that we accelerate onboarding significantly relative to their original schedules. In Texas, the Department of State Health Services has issued guidance recommending that Home Health Care providers conduct visits virtually wherever possible, and we are providing our clients there with expanded features and support to meet these evolving needs. Our clients are able to use the iUGO Care platform to communicate virtually with their patients, monitor patients existing chronic conditions, evaluate patients for symptoms of COVID-19 infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and document risk factors such as travel or exposure to anyone who has tested positive for the virus. Our platform enables care providers to remotely triage patients and determine who needs further screening or emergency care, and to collect and transmit critical information to public health units in their regio. The Company is able to provide all training, onboarding and support services remotely. Further, since we have a substantial inventory of biometric monitoring devices there are no supply chain issues currently impacting or expected to impact deployments going forward. This is an extraordinarily difficult time for high risk patients and the clinicians who provide care to them, and we are honoured to be able to contribute to the efforts to prevent and protect. Reliq is also pleased to announce that the Company has hired Mr. Matthew Lee as Reliqs new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lee has worked extensively with Canadian companies doing business in the US, and his skill set and network of US tax and accounting professionals will be invaluable to support the anticipated rapid growth of Reliqs US business. Mr. Lee has experience in audit, finance and public company financial reporting & operations management. He has previously served as Chief Financial Officer for multiple TSX-V and CSE listed companies, and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of British Columbia. The Company would like to thank outgoing Interim CFO, Mr. Dong Shim, for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors. About Reliq Health Reliq Health Technologies is a healthcare technology company that specializes in developing innovative software solutions for the Community Care market. Reliqs powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based healthcare. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT and on the OTCQB as RQHTF. Learn more at https://www.reliqhealth.com/ . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dr. Lisa Crossley CEO and Director For further information please contact: Investor Relations at [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements". We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The numbers are big and so is the wager being made by the federal government. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/3/2020 (664 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The numbers are big and so is the wager being made by the federal government. An $82-billion stimulus and economic support package has been assembled in an effort to stop Canada from sliding into a pandemic-induced depression. Will it be enough? The total value of the plan unveiled Wednesday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau $27 billion in direct aid and $55 billion in tax deferrals represents an unprecedented fiscal gesture towards helping residents survive an unprecedented social and economic challenge. Could or should Trudeau do more? In reality, Ottawa is only the first line of defence against a prolonged, pandemic-induced economic shutdown; after that, it's going to be all hands on deck. Individually, many have been urging those of us who can (because we remain employed) to support local businesses we value. If your favourite Thai restaurant is still doing takeout, order some dinner. Small gestures could pay big dividends. Even that, obviously, isn't going to be enough. COVID-19 is going to force many to completely rethink priorities and values. The pandemic could, according to a U.S. document reported on by the New York Times, last as long as 18 months. Without an unprecedented change in attitude, it could take years, even decades, to heal the scars left on the global economy. Normally, in an economic downturn, a healthy measure of social Darwinism comes into play. The people who keep jobs and businesses that keep their heads above water survive; the unemployed and indebted are sacrificed. Governments try to create safety nets to protect people and businesses from the ravages of a downturn, but there is more suffering than saving. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister will have to think long and hard about whether a PST cut is appropriate in an economy where little is being bought and sold. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) This is not a typical economic downturn. The global economy was strong when the pandemic hit; there was no mortgage or credit crisis, no hurricane knocked out all of the oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, no military conflict threatened trade routes or global security. In order for all of us to survive a prolonged period of economic inactivity, the private sector is going to have to step up in ways that will test the broader commitment to the common good. In a normal downturn, financial institutions conduct business as usual. You don't make a payment, you suffer a penalty. You do that for an extended period of time, the bank comes and takes whatever you have left. In order for all of us to survive a prolonged period of economic inactivity, the private sector is going to have to step up in ways that will test the broader commitment to the common good. However, can financial institutions punish customers who have seen their livelihoods disintegrate in what was otherwise a healthy economy and facing a future where there is no other immediate prospect of employment? A similar challenge faces employers. Already, companies big and small are looking for ways to furlough, or pay partial wages, rather than layoff workers. Others are making a commitment to continue making payroll for as long as they can, in the hopes business-as-usual will return sooner rather than later. This kind of crisis calculus will have to employed in other areas of the private sector. Commercial and residential property owners need to think long and hard about demanding rent cheques at the first of every month. Public- and private-sector companies that provide essential services (utilities, internet, wireless communication, insurance) need to think long and hard about how to respond to customers that cannot pay bills. The provinces are also going to have to step up: a steep hill to climb for Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, who has shown little interest in direct government stimulus during his four years in power. Pallister previously said he wanted "billions" in federal support; now that Trudeau has delivered, what will the first ministers do? Some, notably Ontario and Alberta, have been so weakened their fiscal capacity is in question. Not so Manitoba, if we are to believe what the premier is telling us. The provinces are also going to have to step up: a steep hill to climb for Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, who has shown little interest in direct government stimulus during his four years in power. Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Even though the Opposition NDP has delayed the tabling of the 2020-21 budget, Pallister has already said this will be "the most emergency-prepared budget in Manitoba history." He can say such things because Manitoba has not faced a major crisis in the past four years, and the provincial treasury is teeming. However, Pallister is trapped by a fiscal policy that has made tax relief and deficit reduction his only real priorities. True to form, although he hasn't tabled the budget, Pallister already revealed it contains $400 million in cuts to the provincial sales tax and payroll tax. When he does table the budget, he'll have to think long and hard about whether a PST cut is appropriate in an economy where little is being bought and sold. If we approach this crisis with the strategies applied to past economic downturns, we may find the hole we dig becomes much bigger and deeper than any before. We can keep our economic heads above grade, but only if everyone pulls in the same direction. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Evangelist and teacher Anne Graham Lotz, who has long tied biblical prophecy to world events, is asking if the coronavirus is a sign of the end in a new post on her website. Its almost as though our nation is being attacked by an invisible enemy seeking to destroy us, she wrote after summarizing a list of closures from ballparks to schools, ongoing travel restrictions and an unruly stock market. Graham, who completed chemotherapy last October for breast cancer, acknowledged that her age and compromised health puts her at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, but added, I am more concerned about the fear the coronavirus has provoked than I am of the virus itself. We seem to be caught up in a national panic. Lotz, the daughter of the late Rev. Billy Graham, used Luke 21:11 and 28 as the foundational Scripture for her blog post. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heavenWhen these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. As I reflect on all the above, I remember the words of Jesus, she wrote. He warned us that at the end of time there would be pestilences. In the last few years, we have endured SARS, the swine flu, ebola, avian flu, MERS, West Nile virus, and now the coronavirus. Could COVID-19 be one more sign that our redemption is drawing near? Is the End in sight? Is Jesus coming soon? If so, is fear the proper response? Lotz, founder of AnGel Ministries, argues the proper response is to look toward heaven. When Isaiahs life was shaken, he responded by looking up, she wrote. As a result, he had a fresh vision of the Lord. ( Isaiah 6:1) This is the time to look upfrom our knees! Lets ask God to give us a fresh vision of Himself. Because, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear (Psalm 46:1-2) since He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you fromthe deadly pestilenceYou will not fear the terror of nightnor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you (Psalm 91:1,2,5-7) She concluded her blog by urging believers to pray and assess their walk with Jesus. This is a time to pray for ourselves, our families, our nation, and all those worldwide whose lives are being devastated by the death and disruption this disease is causing, she wrote. You and I need to make sure we are right with God so that we are ready to meet Him whenever the time comes. And then join me in helping someone else get right with God. Lets pull out all the stops as we tell others that its possible to have peace in the midst of the storm and confident hope for tomorrow, claiming Jesus promise, Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20) Last fall, Christian Headlines reported on Lotzs assessment that Trumps decision to pull troops out of Syria could be part of a divine plan that could herald "the last of the Last Days." Im like a lot of peoplewhat in the world is going on?" Lotz said during an hour-long interview on The Jim Bakker Show. Lotz, when asked about Syria, brought up Ezekiel 38 and its prophecy about a still-pending battle, suggesting the passage could relate to the developments in the Middle East. The charismatic evangelical questioned, So I wondered, did God move Trump to move Americans out of the way, freeing up Russia to come down like the Bible says they will? Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Brian Blanco/Stringer Lori Arnold is a national award-winning journalist whose experience includes 16 years at a daily community newspaper in San Diego and 16 years as writer-editor for the Christian Examiner. She owns StoryLori Media and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. PAWS Pet Adoption of Plainview is in need of foster homes for a number of dogs that were scheduled to be moved to Canada this week. A truck from an animal rescue in Toronto usually comes down to the West Texas area every month to take animals off the hands of overcrowded facilities from Plainview, Brownfield and others in the area. That truck was scheduled to pick up about 20 dogs from Plainview on Saturday. Due to recent travel restrictions at the Canada/United States border, that truck will not be making the trip. Cynthia Davidson of the Plainview PAWS said that due to the travel restrictions brought on by concerns of the COVID-19, widely recognized as coronavirus, theres no timeline for when that truck will get to town. As with everything else, its up in the air, which gives the shelter very few options. Were really putting out a call for fosters, said Davidson. Twenty were supposed to go to Canada, so if we can use fosters for short-term periods for dogs, we would know that theyd be going someplace. It could be for a few weeks, a month, something like that. The Plainview PAWS does have contacts with shelters in the continental United States, specifically in Colorado and Wisconsin. Theyre also trying to establish some others that would open up a spot for the dogs to go. However, it hasnt been an easy process. If we can redirect the animals to some of those areas, that will help in the meantime, said Davidson. If we can develop a few more fosters, that will open up space at the shelter. Were all working together and as long as theres space, the animals will be okay. Space is running out, though. Davidson estimates that there are about 45-50 animals currently at the shelter. Sending those 20 or so up to Canada rescue wouldve helped the issue. Rescues are whats making the difference here at our shelter, said Davidson. Its the only way to reduce the euthanasia rate. Without foster homes for some of the dogs, the problem could come to a head soon, especially given the uncertainty of travel in the near future. Davidson said that the Plainview Animal Shelter, which works in conjunction with PAWS, gets several calls per day about loose and stray animals roaming the streets in town. More of those calls over the next couple of weeks could add to the PAWS overcrowding situation. If you have pets, be sure theyre secure in their yards, said Davidson. If animals arent presenting a danger, it might be better to leave them be. If you find animals and nobody claims them, were willing to help get them to a rescue. Any additional help we can get in terms of foster homes and volunteers, all of that helps in reducing the problems. Those willing to be a foster home for any of the animals are encouraged to contact the PAWS Ped Adoption, which can be done through Facebook. Can the actions were taking to slow the spread of COVID-19 also curtail human activities harming the environment? Thats a big maybe. Will greenhouse gas emission reductions from social isolation have a lasting impact? That might be a wash. But when it comes to a hygiene choice, the decision to wash might actually wipe away a bad habit. Social isolation will definitely help reduce greenhouse emissions contributing to climate change from the biggest climate change culprit transportation. For the average American, driving and flying are the biggest individual sources of greenhouse gas emissions. With more people staying home, we might see a big reduction in that output. People eating at home is a bit of a two-for, with fewer emissions traveling to restaurants and people likely eating longer-shelf-life foods such as beans, rice and noodles, which have smaller carbon footprints than meat. ADVERTISEMENT Electricity generation was the second-biggest (but shrinking) source of carbon emissions in the U.S. as of 2017. More people staying at home might be a wash in terms of climate impact. However, in this corner of Minnesota, where wind generation is prominent, staying at home verses driving is likely a climate win. All these are temporary changes. People will likely go back to their habits after containment of the virus is no longer a concern (which will good news for restaurants and businesses). However, there is one change that might have a lasting impact on peoples behavior and the environment. On the back end of this outbreak, well likely break out of our back-end habits. After people panic-shopped toilet paper off shelves of stores, bidet sales have spiked. One company reported bidet sales on Amazon were at a pace of one every two minutes about 1,000 units per day. Bidets are toilet accessories that squirt your underside using a jet of water. Theyre not only more sanitary than toilet tissue, but theyre also much less stressful on the environment than using toilet paper. Toilet paper is one of the less environmentally friendly products. Americans use an estimated 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper every year, which requires pulping approximately 15 million trees. Manufacturing toilet paper also requires about 17.3 terawatts of electricity and more than 250,000 tons of chlorine for bleaching. All flushed down the toilet. ADVERTISEMENT Yes, bidets use water, but so does manufacturing toilet paper about 37 gallons per roll, according to treehugger.com . Time will tell if the bidet, popular in Europe and Japan, will become more established thanks to the run on toilet paper. However, sales show thousands have already committed to the switch. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) They navigated the streets in kayaks instead of cars. A rising surge of water that turned their community into a swampland left them no choice. But while some residents of Guerneville will point to a cresting tributary as the cause of the catastrophic floods that devastated their Northern California town early last year, it was a river of a different sortone that flows high above landthat was actually to blame. Atmospheric riverslong, narrow corridors of water vapor in the skymove with the weather, producing massive amounts of rain and snow when they make landfall. In late February of 2019, an especially potent atmospheric river dumped record-breaking rainfall in the region surrounding Guerneville, causing the Russian River to overflow its banks and inundate the small town. Breanna Zavadoff, a doctoral student at the University of Miamis Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, remembers the flooding event quite well. The soil was already moist in the region, so it couldnt act as a sponge, she said. Once the river overflowed, the whole town was essentially submerged. Zavadoff, who studies meteorology and physical oceanography, is fascinated by all kinds of weather phenomena, especially atmospheric rivers (ARs). She uses observation-based forecast data to analyze their behavior, which can often be erratic. They can be double-edge swords in some respects, she said, referring to their Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde attributes. Sometimes called drought busters, ARs can produce up to 50 percent of Californias precipitation, helping to replenish reservoirs in the northern portion of the state. But on the flip side, those that contain the largest amounts of water vapor can produce too much rain in too short a period of time, and thats when floods can occur, Zavadoff said. One of the best-known atmospheric rivers is the Pineapple Express, which carries moisture from Hawaii all the way to the West Coast of the United States. It is the impact of atmospheric rivers on Europe, however, that is the specific focus of Zavadoffs research. ARs, she said, have a considerable impact on that continent as well, causing major flooding and landslides in the Iberian Peninsula and accounting for the 10 largest winter floods in the UK since the 1970s. If we could better predict where they will hit and determine if theyll help or hinder, it would be a tremendous help to emergency response managers and forecasters, Zavadoff said. Looking more closely at a phenomenon known as atmospheric Rossby waves could hold the key. Named for the Swedish-born meteorologist Carl-Gustaf Rossby, who was the first to identify them and explain their movements, atmospheric Rossby waves are giant meanders in high-altitude winds that influence weather and are associated with pressure systems and the jet stream. Theyre quite easy to observe, said Zavadoff, and they may actually help guide atmospheric rivers. Using archived data from NASA satellites and weather forecasts, she compiled a 38-year climatology record of atmospheric rivers throughout Europe, finding that many of the ARs that affected the continent during that span (73 percent) were located near anti-cyclonic Rossby wave-breaking eventsan occurrence in which the meanders are stretched from north to south. And when atmospheric rivers are in sync with anti-cyclonic Rossby wave breaking, the rivers tend to be stronger, Zavadoff said. So forecasting such an event could help us model atmospheric rivers more effectively. Atmospheric rivers all over the world could become more intense as climate change worsens, Zavadoff warns. Because of warming temperatures, the atmosphere will be able to hold more moisture, which will make rivers stronger and capable of dumping more rain, she explained. Since she was 10, Zavadoff has been intrigued by weather, often tuning in to the Weather Channel for hours to watch the stations extensive tropical storm coverage during hurricane season. Weather affects everyoneevery single hour of every single day. And, thats what has always fascinated me, she said. It isnt just atmospheric rivers that will become more extreme as climate worsens. Storms, drought, and fires will also increase in intensity, Zavadoff said, echoing the sentiments of researchers and scientists all over the world. Weve got to get everyone on the same page, she said. We need to ramp up the dialogue that the science of climate change is fact and not just a belief. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Although President Donald Trump has declared the coronavirus a national emergency and leading Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden says he would "call out the military now" to deal with it, Defense Department officials are unenthusiastic about the prospect. And well they should be. There are lots of practical reasons the military isn't a substitute for the public health infrastructure needed in this crisis. There are also important reasons that have to do with its role in a free society. Its likely, nonetheless, that at some point the pandemic will require a presidential declaration or Congressional statute waiving the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits using the military in domestic roles regularly performed by civilian authorities. While this is sure to raise alarms among the presidents critics as a precursor to martial law, there is much the military can and should do in a time of national crisis. Not least, service members are some of the healthiest and least at-risk in the population, and are likely to remain able-bodied after the rest of us are not. Whats vital, however, is ensuring that military involvement wont undermine civilian authority and expertise, or shift the focus from the civilian agencies designed to provide these services. Here are some things the president and Defense Department should do and avoid doing to ensure that they dont create dangerous precedents in American civil-military relations. Use the military for what its best at: organization and logistics. If medical supplies and people need transport, or someone needs to figure out complicated supply systems, the men and women of the U.S. military are brilliant at that. The Pentagon is also wisely preparing to deploy its two massive hospital ships. Dont expect the military to become an alternative medical infrastructure. The Defense Department has 36 hospitals inside the country, but most are small, accounting for less than 3% of all U.S. hospital beds. Military bases have lots of land, and the troops could be asked to build and staff temporary hospitals. But most facilities arent in urban areas, so transportation would be a difficulty, and it would separate patients from their local and family support systems. Story continues Dont federalize National Guard units. Most of them will be needed in their home states to assist efforts under direction from governors Andrew Cuomo of New York has done so already and many are first responders and medical professionals in their private lives, so pulling them from their localities would detract from frontline efforts to protect and assist. Aim to keep active-duty troops off the streets. If public safety requires more law enforcement than our civilian police can provide, National Guard units should be the priority. Guardsmen and women are more likely to be known to the people in the community. The lessons many of them have learned in three decades of peacekeeping and counterinsurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan will be relevant in keeping violence, and rending of our social fabric, to a minimum. Make sure the military is seen as working only in support of civil authorities. No one in a uniform should be standing at the front of press conferences, whether at the White House, state capitols or medical facilities. Nor should people wearing uniforms instruct journalists about what they should or shouldnt cover, as Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who carries the rank of admiral, did at a press conference on Monday. The coronavirus may soon require a military response. But the armed forces shouldnt be asked to do more than they are capable of, or anything that might threaten Americas social fabric and system of governance. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners. Kori Schake leads the foreign and defense policy team at the American Enterprise Institute. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Beaches in Florida are finally closing due to coronavirus concerns after local governments took action. Local officials in Clearwater Beach, which appeared earlier this week packed with visitors, voted to close by Monday. Beaches in Naples and in other communities in southwest Florida also were being closed. Meanwhile, new images show wild spring breakers continuing to party on the sand in Miami, despite South Beach's closings there as well, in response to the deadly, flu-like virus, also known as COVID-19. Beaches in Florida are finally closing due to coronavirus concerns after local governments took action as spring breakers partied until the last moment Visitors were still coming to Miami's South Beach (pictured), despite it being closed One visitor to the closed beach in Miami is seen knocking back a cold Corona while sitting closely among others on the closed beach Spring Breakers and other beach lovers were still congregating in Miami (pictured), where the beach was closed due to the coronavirus outbreak Crowds of spring breakers and other beach lovers in Miami were not practicing social distancing as advised to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus infection Sun-burned visitors were seen digging holes in the sand on the beach in Miami, which was closed due to coronavirus concerns Miami's beach closed due to the coronavirus, but visitors were still seen spread out on the sand, not appearing to be concerned Three women on the beach in Miami, which was closed, sat close together having White Claws, despite being asked to social distance themselves A couple navigates the crowds who still came to the closed beach in Miami A couple sits close to each other enjoying the closed beach in Miami A woman splashes in the surf along the beach in Miami, even though it was closed due to the coronavirus outbreak Three women are pictured interacting with each other on the sand in Miami Visitors to Miami's closed beach are seen huddling for a ph The festivities seemed to miss the point that the Trump administration warned millennials to take their health and safety seriously amid the coronavirus, citing a rise in severe cases of coronavirus among young adults in China, Italy and South Korea. 'They don't realize that - they're feeling invincible,' said President Trump of young people. 'They don't realize that - they're feeling invincible,' said President Trump of young people. 'But they don't realize that they could be carrying lots of bad things home to their grandmother and grandfather and even their parents. 'So, we want them to heed the advice ... and I do believe it's getting through.' The president's remarks did not seem to make much difference to the crowds still hanging on in Miami. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis a day earlier signed an order limiting parties on beaches to 10 people per group, but partiers in Miami appeared to be huddled in larger gatherings and not showing concern. Many in the images from Miami did not seem to be following the governor's mandate either. The coronavirus has infected thousands around the globe. In the US, the flu-like virus also known as COVID-19, has been confirmed in 9,414 cases and blamed for at least 152 known deaths. In Florida, there have been 314 confirmed cases, and seven deaths blamed on the infection. In the US, the flu-like virus also known as COVID-19, has been confirmed in 9,414 cases and blamed for at least 152 known deaths The city of Clearwater held a meeting Wednedsay to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic and ordered all public beaches will close for two weeks starting on Monday. The decision only applies to the sand, not to the restaurants or businesses, reports WTSP. A sign saying the beach in Miami is closed was ignored by crowds of visitors who still came to enjoy the sun and surf, despite coronavirus warnings Another sign warns that access to Hallandale Beach near Miramar in Broward County is also closed, due to the coronavirus outbreak The scene days before in Clearwater were of the beach packed with spring breakers enjoying the snow white sand. Crowds of sun worshippers could be seen in aerial photos of the sand, despite the social distance warnings and other advisories which have gone out about avoiding large gatherings to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The scene days before Clearwater closed the beach were of crowds of spring breakers enjoying the snow white sand. An aerial photo shows how crowded the beach, despite coronavirus social distancing warnings Naples City also closed its beach on Wednesday, in response to the outbreak. All Collier County beach access points, outside Naples, will remain open to the public, WINK reports. Beaches in Lee County, as well as the Lee County Pier, also were to close Thursday until further notice. A photo of the Chinese doctor Li Wenliang at a vigil following his death. AP Photo/Kin Cheung Authorities in Beijing have wrapped up an investigation into the death of Li Wenliang, the doctor who blew the whistle on the coronavirus outbreak, and his admonishment by local law enforcement. The National Supervisory Commission said on Thursday that investigators concluded that local authorities in Wuhan mishandled the situation and followed "irregular" and "improper" law-enforcement procedures, state media reported. Li, one of eight doctors reprimanded by the police, was forced to sign a letter acknowledging that he was "making false comments." He died from the coronavirus in early February. Investigators recommended that officers involved in reprimanding Li should be punished. State media reported that the Wuhan Police Department had issued a formal apology to the doctor's family. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Chinese investigators have determined that Wuhan law-enforcement officials' admonishing of Li Wenliang, the doctor who blew the whistle on the coronavirus outbreak, was "improper," state media reported on Thursday. The National Supervisory Commission said investigators looking into the young ophthalmologist's death concluded that local authorities in Wuhan mishandled the situation and followed "irregular" and "improper" law-enforcement procedures. On December 30, Li sent a message to his former classmates from medical school warning that a handful of patients in Wuhan had symptoms similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome and urging them to be cautious. Video: Why You Shouldn't Judge Yourself for Having Coronavirus Anxiety Screenshots of Li's message went viral. "I only wanted to remind my university classmates to be careful," he later told CNN, adding, "When I saw them circulating online, I realized that it was out of my control and I would probably be punished." Li, one of eight doctors reprimanded by the police, was forced to sign a letter acknowledging that he was "making false comments." Story continues The doctor checked in to Wuhan Central Hospital on January 12, later saying on Weibo that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. He died on February 7. Li wears a respirator mask in a hospital in Wuhan, China, on February 3. LI WENLIANG/GAN EN FUND via REUTERS "During the fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak, Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist at our hospital, was infected. Efforts to save him were ineffective. He died at 2:58 a.m. on Feb. 7. We deeply regret and mourn his death," Wuhan Central Hospital said shortly after his death. As Li's death sparked public outrage, China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said it would send investigators to look into "issues raised by the people in connection with Dr. Li," Reuters reported. Putting the blame on local law enforcement, investigators recommended that the police officers involved in reprimanding Li be punished and that the letter of admonition be withdrawn. "Punishment will be carried out to relevant parties and personnel that have been slow in response, lost control in the prevention process and were ignorance of their job duties during the epidemic," the commission said in a statement. According to state media, the Wuhan Police Department issued an apology to Li's family and offered to provide compensation. The US and China have sparred over who is to blame for the virus China has faced criticism, especially from the US, for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak. The virus has infected more than 220,000 people and killed more than 9,000 people worldwide since first appearing in Wuhan. "Rather than using best practices, this outbreak in Wuhan was covered up," the White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said last week, adding, "It probably cost the world community two months to respond." China has been working hard to reshape the narrative about the coronavirus, with some officials arguing that it may not have originated in China and fueling unfounded speculation that it may have originated in the US. Last week, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman drew the ire of the US State Department and the Department of Defense when he wrote on Twitter that "it might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan." In response, President Donald Trump has called the coronavirus the "Chinese virus." "China was putting out information, which was false, that our military gave this to them," he said at a recent press briefing. "Rather than have an argument, I said I have to call it where it came from, and it did come from China." China has expressed strong opposition to such comments. "Recent comments by US officials have smeared China," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday, adding that "the world should cooperate instead of insulting others and passing on responsibility." In the US, the virus has infected more than 10,000 people and killed more than 150 people. China has reported more than 81,000 cases, with more than 70,500 recoveries and 3,200 deaths. Read the original article on Business Insider Tullamore-based Mor Irish Gin are beginning to produce sanitiser amid a shortage for medical staff and institutions during the current coronavirus emergency. In a post, the company said: "Not what you would have expected a month ago, but sure here we are." "Due to the shortage of hand sanitiser in Ireland and globally, and as we are in a position to manufacture this in our distillery, we are beginning production and will have supply available ASAP. "This will be made at The WHO spec of 75%, for hands and surfaces. This is predominantly being supplied to the healthcare industry however, is there any interest in us also selling excess supply to the public?" If so, get in touch with Eoin.Bara@MorIrishGin.com The company are also now seeking help to get their hands on HDPE plastic bottles for the sanitiser. Expo 2020 Dubai convened on Thursday a virtual Steering Committee meeting of representatives of the countries that are taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai to consult on the impact that COVID-19 is having on their preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai, which is due to open in October. As hosts of the next World Expo, due to open in seven months time, we always knew that 2020 was going to be demanding. What we could not predict is that we would be doing so in the midst of the biggest global health crisis in generations. These are difficult, uncertain times, which makes it even more heartening to see communities around the world facing this challenge together and to witness the incredible resilience of the human spirit against a menace that does not recognise international borders or timelines, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Reem Al Hashimy said. She added that the discussion that held today was an opportunity to reassure Expo 2020 participants on the measures that have been put into place in the UAE, to listen to their issues, and to look for ways that could be followed to provide tangible, meaningful support. Our immediate priority is the health and well-being of everyone involved in Expo 2020 Dubai, and this will not be compromised. Our monitoring of ongoing developments means we will take all sensible precautions to manage and mitigate risk to all those involved, she added. According to a statement released on Thursday, UAE has taken a range of robust, precautionary measures to control the spread of COVID-19, and Expo 2020 has fully applied the latest guidance from the Dubai Health Authority, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other relevant bodies. In addition to this, Expo 2020 Dubai is closely monitoring ongoing developments and has committed to adjusting planned preparations, as changing circumstances require. Secretary General of the BIE welcomed Expo 2020 Dubais initiative Dimitri Kerkentzes said that gravity of the situation and the impact that it is having in countries around the world cannot be ignored, especially that World Expos are inherently global and inclusive events. For almost 170 years they have brought countries and people together to celebrate the best of humanity, and the fruits of our innovation and collaboration, around a theme addressing global challenges. Putting on a World Expo, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a global effort from the 192 countries taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai. We continue working with the organisers and are confident in the steps that the UAE has taken to manage the spread of the virus and protect all those involved in the Expo. Expo 2020 Dubais pragmatic approach offers both reassurance and assistance to those who need it, and will, I believe, contribute to the successful delivery of this mega event he added. The group will reconvene in the coming weeks to re-assess the situation and plan accordingly, according the statement, adding that work continues at Expo 2020 Dubai, where Expo-led construction is complete, and International Participant Pavilions are being completed. Detailed operation plans are being finalized ahead of a series of tests scheduled for later this year. Search Keywords: Short link: LANE COUNTY, Ore. -- Officials are investigating the two known cases of coronavirus in Lane County, one of which resulted in the state's second death related to the virus. Officials said the first identified case was a 69-year-old man in the Eugene-Springfield area who had contact with two individuals, both of whom are now self-isolating. According to experts, the subject was diligent about reducing activity when symptoms began. The second case is a 60-year-old woman who died at PeaceHealth's Riverbend Hospital on March 14. Officials said the woman did not live in assisted living and there is no information indicating that she had underlying health conditions. The woman's symptoms began around March 3, which prompted her to begin self-isolating. Symptoms worsened until she called her health care provider on March 10, complaining of a fever. First responders took her to the hospital on March 14, where she died the same day. "We are still gathering details about all of the symptoms she experienced, but at this time, what we know is that there was definitely a fever, cough and other light congestion," said Lane County Public Health spokesperson Jason Davis. According to officials, the woman was in contact with nine first responders from Eugene-Springfield Fire, all of whom are now in quarantine for two weeks. The first responders were compliant with department procedures and none are expected to become sick. Officials with PeaceHealth said their staff are following protective protocols but are still ensuring the safety of caregivers and patients after the death. "We are still completing an investigation to determine which caregivers had contact with her, and the extent to which PPE equipment was deployed," director of marketing and communications Marcy Marshall said in a statement. "In the meantime, we are taking every precaution to ensure that no caregivers who may have been exposed are posing a risk to any patients or fellow caregivers. Lane County Public Health said that coronavirus may have entered the community as early as mid-February. Now that testing availability is slowly expanding, the number of cases may soon spike. Still, some feel frustrated that they are unable to receive a test, even when presenting mild symptoms. "The criteria remains a fever, cough and also difficulty breathing right now. So really, the people that are receiving priority for testing are individuals who would need hospitalization," said Davis. As of Wednesday, 98 tests have been completed in the county, 15 of which are pending. As social distancing has become reality many are trying to figure out how to still enjoy their friends, family and community. People across the country are using technology to their advantage, employing Zoom, Google Hangouts and Facebook Live to host happy hours, board games, dinner parties and church to be both isolated and connected at the same time. Here are a few ideas for the next time you're feeling lonely: 1. Turn meetings into virtual hangouts. When Aaron Hajduk learned that Pennsylvania was closing bars and restaurants to slow the spread of the coronavirus, he knew he needed to re-think the happy hours he had planned. He wondered if technology could help him. The remote IT worker had been using Google Hangouts and Zoom for meetings and thought they would be perfect for a virtual happy hour. I use Zoom for work so I bought a subscription so we could get more participants and a longer meeting time and that worked fantastically, Hajduk, 50, told TODAY. When Aaron Hajduk realized social distancing would mean an end to happy hours, he planned them on Zoom. He's hiring local out-of-work bartenders to help them as the industry suffers. (Courtesy Aaron Hajduk) Hajduk heads two social groups Pittsburgh Craft Beer Society and Pittsburgh Whiskey Friends. The organizations support local businesses as they learn more about beer and whiskey (while enjoying it, of course) and often raise money for local nonprofits. While hed miss the social libations, he understood being able to connect was what really mattered. Even though we are socially isolated we are keeping that sense of community that there is someone here and wants to listen and wants to talk, he said. Some of our members are in the health care community they are going into work every day. Their jobs are very much patient direct. Talking to them about that and having an opportunity to vent (helps them). Starting this week the group meets on Zoom (if they want to be seen) or Facebook Live for viewers from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. About 35 people joined during their last meeting. Slow but sure, he said. Each session has increased a bit in attendance. Brian Wissner is using Google Hangouts to play his regular Dungeon and Dragons game with friends from a distance. The police officer says anyone can plan a virtual game night, which really help friends support one another. Story continues "It allows others to gauge your stress level and potentially even identify a crisis and help you," the 41-year-old from Pittsburgh told TODAY via Facebook messenger. 2. Host happy hour. Hajduk hopes to hire virtual bartenders for future happy hours, giving out-of-work service employees a chance to make money and earn tips through a virtual tip jar. Hes thinking they can teach the group to make a cocktail with ingredients around the house or talk about a spirit or beer. We have a love for whiskey or beer and have a passion to give back in some way, shape or form, he said. We are better together. When Colin A. Weil was helping Congregation Bnai Jeshurun in New York City transition much of its prayer, education and gatherings to virtual ones, he got an idea for a virtual cocktail party. He tried it last weekend and loved that it brought so many generations together for an hour to unwind. People were comparing drinks and drink recipes. It was fun, he told TODAY. It was really nice to not just hear a voice on the phone but to also see a live person. Colin Weil loves celebrating his birthday with family and friends and didn't want to let social distancing stop him. He's planning a Zoom bash for about 200 people for his birthday on Monday. (Courtesy Colin Weil) On Monday, Weil turns 54 and he decided to host a Zoom birthday party, which hes billing as Zoomio 54. He expects about 200 people to help celebrate as he drinks champagne and eats cake with his daughter. While social distancing can be hard, he thinks there's a silver lining to this. I hope one of the good things that comes from this crisis is how technology can be a social good, Weil said. 3. Plan a dinner party, remotely. Sarah Ishman, 32, and Erin Angeli, 30, hosted a Zoom dinner party with friends in Michigan over the weekend and found that setting a computer on the table and turning on the camera worked remarkably well. The first thing we talked about was what are we having for dinner, Angeli told TODAY. It fed my extroverted self and it also continues a sense of normalcy. Sarah Ishman and Erin Angeli hosted their first Zoom dinner party with friends, which helped them feel a little bit normal as they are social distancing. (Courtesy Sarah Ishman and Erin Angeli) Ishman said the dinner party helped her feel connected, too. It makes it feel less like were less stuck at home, she said. 4. Stream religious services. Angeli is a pastoral fellow at the Commonwealth, a church in Pittsburgh. While she first worried that shed miss meeting with members, shes been using technology to have coffee dates with them. We have some people in our congregation who are immune-compromised and they are having to be very, very careful, she said. One FaceTime call after another can keep them going. Churches are certainly using technology to connect with their members without seeing them in the pews. While some churches have always streamed their services, more and more are using video and social media to take church to people's home. Most parishioners were very happy to see we were doing it, Eric OBrien, communication director of Christ Episcopal Church, outside of Pittsburgh, told TODAY. Our intention is to keep the services as normal as possible. The Rev. Canon James D. Shoucair, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, in Pittsburgh leads a small congregation in the last service. The church is halting in-person worship to do its part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by offering streaming services. (Courtesy Christ Episcopal Church) A lot of their parishioners live in retirement communities and cant leave. This gives them a chance to connect with their religious community so they dont feel so isolated. 5. Plan a movie night. A new Google Chrome extension, Netflix Party, makes it easy for people in different locations to watch the same movie on their computer at the same time. It even includes a group chat feature that allows chatty friends to share their plot theories in real time. It's as close as social distancing gets to a theater experience without the soda-sticky floors and loud talkers. OMAHA, Neb. - A health department in south-central Nebraska has reported that regions first case of the coronavirus, even as the last of the Americans who were exposed to it on a Japanese cruise ship have been released from quarantine in Omaha. A woman in her 40s from Adams County tested positive for COVID-19, South Heartland District Health Department in Hastings said in a news release Wednesday night. The release said the woman had recently travelled to Europe and is self-quarantining in her home. The department is working to identify the womans close contacts, who will be notified and asked to self-isolate while local health officials monitor them for symptoms twice daily, health officials said. That brings the number of cases in the state to 29. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild case recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe cases may take three to six weeks to get better. On Wednesday, the last Diamond Princess passenger went home, Nebraska Medicine spokesman Taylor Wilson said. The passenger was among the 15 who were part of a larger group of American citizens whod been aboard the Diamond Princess and flown back to the U.S. in February. The first four were released earlier this month and the rest as they tested negative three times for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Security was beefed up at the state headquarters of the BJP and Congress on Thursday amid ongoing political tension in Madhya Pradesh. On Wednesday Congress workers staged a protest outside the BJP headquarters at Deendayal Parisar after their senior leader Digvijaya Singh was barred from meeting his party's rebel MLAs, who are staying at a resort in Bengaluru. "We have increased the police deployment outside offices of the BJP and Congress. An additional force of 200 police personnel each has been deployed outside both the offices," Bhopal's deputy inspector general of police Irshad Bali told PTI. Following the protest, the BJP claimed that Congress workers had vandalised its office and attacked some members with lathis, while the ruling party refuted the charge. The police on Wednesday registered a case against eight identified and 50 unidentified Congress workers based on a complaint lodged by BJP district president Vikas Virani, a police officer said. The accused were charged for rioting and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, he added. High drama unfolded on Wednesday morning when Digvijaya Singh staged a protest near the resort in Bengaluru where rebel Congress MLAs are staying, accusing the police of not allowing him to meet the legislators. The senior Congress leader, who was detained by the police, accused the BJP of holding the MLAs "captive" and threatened to go on a "hunger strike". The BJP has consistently denied holding the rebel Congress MLAs in captivity and claimed they are in the Karnataka capital on their own accord. After former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, 22 MLAs of the ruling party, also submitted their resignations, pushing the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse. Of these, the speaker has accepted the resignations of six MLAs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [March 19, 2020] Legrand Cabinets and Containment T-Series & T6 Cabinets Now UL 2416 Listed WEST HARTFORD, Conn., March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Legrand's Cabinet and Containment Business is proud to announce that both the T-Series platform, as well as the T6 Server Cabinet products are now UL 2416 listed. UL (Underwriter Laboratories) standards independently ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of products. The 2416 listing on Legrand's T-Series and T6 Server Cabinet products ensures that these products meet UL guidelines around quality and durability. In addition to our own rigorous set of standards and quality control practices across manufacturing facilities located in Farmingdale NY and Anaheim CA. Legrand's respected cabinet solutions will continue to provide IT and data center professionals with a quality partner that not only provides solutions in the form of great products but a partner that will continue to drive and innovate to help push what is possible. The T-Series Cabinets are an extremely robust and durable cabinet solution. With configurations and available accessories that cover the needs of both Network Cabinets and Server Cabinets, the T-Series is well suited for all applications. With a static load rating of 4,000 pounds, the fully-welded, tubular steel frame is ideal for "rack and stack" applications, where cabinets are loaded off-site and rolled into place fully configured saving businesses time and minimizing frustration. Shipped fully assembled, the T-Series is a solid building block when planning or expanding your data center. Legrand's T6 Server Cabinets are very similar to the T-Series with an integrated cable management and power management feature that was designed with IT professionals in mind. Designed to address the challenges associated cable management, airflow, and load capacity the T6 is a fully welded tubular steel server cabinet with a dynamic load capacity of 3,000 lbs. An additional set of vertical posts toward the rear of the frame allows for an integrated "Power and Cable Manager" (PCM) bracket welded into each side of the frame, providing a highly configurable mounting area for PDUs, power cables, and network cables. The PCM is actually recessed into the frame to allow for an additional half-inch of room for cable management. All of these features are packed into a 24in wide cabinet with sizes ranging from 42ru to 48ru. The T6 has the added benefit of being part of Legrand's Ready-Ship program, in most cases providing a fast delivery that is measured in days not weeks. Contact John Consoli, VP of Sales & Marketing to learn more . "Our T and T6 cabinets are evidence of Legrand CCB's commitment to design and manufacturing solutions that meet or exceed the expectations of our customers. Adding UL listing to the products confirms this commitment. We take great pride in having the most robust cabinet frames in the industry. UL Listing is the proverbial cherry on the cake." John Consoli, VP of Sales & Marketing Legrand Cabinet & Containment. About Legrand and Legrand, North and Central America Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for use in commercial, industrial, and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, Legrand is pursuing its strategy of profitable and sustainable growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offeringsincluding connected products stemming from Legrand's global Eliot (Electricity and IoT) program. Legrand is one of the most sustainable companies in the world, as ranked by the Corporate Knights, and is committed to achieving carbon, water, and waste reductions in its operations, deepening its community relationships, and continuously improving the environmental profile of its products. Legrand reported sales of around $7.1 billion (USD) in 2018. Legrand has a strong presence in North and Central America, with a portfolio of well-known market brands and product lines. Legrand is listed on Euronext Paris and is a component stock of indexes including the CAC40, www.legrand.us . Betsey Rogers Public Relations BridgeView Marketing 603-821-0809 [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b31c2941-e48a-4f79-9ec8-2ed35167c8f6 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Seven years ago when Eitan Benzaquen first walked through the doors at Hillcrest School, the environment was nothing short of toxic. An alternative school that serves 75 to 120 of Kenosha Unified School Districts most traumatized students, he knew the environment had to change. Staff, too, were traumatized working to serve students who have faced issues of violence, drug abuse, bullying and mental illness day in and day out. But, Benzaquen believes everyone deserves a chance, and his work in helping to transform a school culture through trauma-informed care along with the success of other special needs programs has earned him the states Secondary School Principal of the Year Award. The association of Wisconsin School Administrators bestowed him the honor in an announcement Tuesday. Through lots of work and togetherness, we changed our mindset and our practices to help our students and staff to create and support an environment where student and staff feel safe and cared for, he said in an application reviewed by the awards committee. Instead of saying dont do this or that, we say whats going on and how can I help? Once the student problem is solved, student is de-escalated, we work on making them better at presenting their problem. Since implementing and maintaining trauma-sensitive best practices, the school has seen increases in academic achievement. In its first year, half of the students saw academic growth in literacy, and one-third saw some growth in math. Excitingly, since then, two-thirds of any student that steps into our doors grows in both literacy and numeracy, he said. In awarding him, the association noted that he has led the way in changing mindsets and practices to create a supportive environment in which students feel safe and problems get solved, according to a media release. Changes implemented The successful practices implemented at Hillcrest include an after-school homework club, a modified course curriculum, counselor and intervention specialist support, family fun nights, case management services, weekly progress reports and aggression replacement therapy. Hired to lead Hillcrest in 2013, Benzaquen and his staff have collaborated with the district, Community Impact Programs and the states Department of Children and Family Services. We do it together. We find our purpose together. We know and feel our shared commitment to saving our students; we learn and teach each other, he said. The association noted that such efforts have transformed Hillcrests environment into one where students truly learn and thrive, according to the release. The school administrators association, along with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Association of School Board and the Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association comprised a committee that selected Benzaquen for the award. Kohl award Named a Principal Leader earlier this year, the Herb Kohl Foundation recognized him for setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character, and creating a climate that best serves students, families, staff and community. The Kohl recognition served as the committees basis for honoring him as high school principal of the year. Eitan Benzaquen is a humble leader who credits staff, students, families and supporters for the success of his school because he believes in the power of a family environment, said Sue Savaglio-Jarvis, superintendent of the Kenosha Unified School District. He models collaboration for his staff and students, and they emulate his style in return. He is an amazing individual who goes above and beyond to ensure that his school community is valued and appreciated. Together, they achieve great things, one day at a time. Thank you to everyone who has helped me on this journey, Benzequen said. It is a real honor to work in KUSD. A big thank you to the students, staff, families and partners that support Hillcrest and KUSD. It was awesome to hear such great news in these tough times. Thanks again. Benzaquen was previously an associate principal at Stoughton High School and a teacher and fill-in principal at Milwaukees Riverside High School. He began his career as a special education teacher in 2001 and was previously nominated for the Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year Award in 2013. Mr. Benzaquen exemplifies what it means to serve as a dedicated school leader who takes on all challenges using a creative and multifaceted approach, said Jim Lynch, the associations executive director. At Hillcrest School, he has brought students, educators and families together in support of shared goals to challenge the status quo and provide a more positive, healthier learning environment for students who need it most. We are very pleased to announce Mr. Benzaquen as our 2020 Principal of the Year, an award that is truly well deserved. Hillcrests mission On Hillcrests website, he explains that the school is one that gives students the educational opportunities that challenge them to achieve excellence, maximize their unique talents and abilities, prepare them to face the demands of the future, be literate, and contributing members of society. In furthering Hillcrests mission for student success, he said all staff share the responsibility as advocates for the values of high performance, eliminating marginalization and disproportionality. They promote successful practices that nurture a positive and proactive community environment that prepares students for college and careers. The reviewing committee recognized the emphasis Benzaquen placed on building leadership by empowering staff in an alternative education environment that self-identifies as a shared leadership learning community. Every year, for example, staff members attend a state or national alternative education conference and present what they learn to each other. Of the work that has been done, however, Benzaquen said he is proudest of the students transformation. I am most proud of our student achievement in behavior. Through excellent programs and the trauma-sensitive environment built at Hillcrest, we see such remarkable student and family positive behavior growth, he said. He said, oftentimes, society places an emphasis on student achievement on academics only. We believe at Hillcrest that building and maintaining relationships, and learning to respect and care for one another are as, or more important, than academic achievement, he said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. By now, the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic is all anyone has on their minds. Whether its terrifying you or making you more conscious of your health or habits, its impacting everyone. And having to social distance and self-quarantine can be pretty dull and depressing at times. The new normal that feels very alien to all of us urged Gal Gadot to make a video that she presumably hoped would spread joy and hope through the masses. Instead, it irked a lot more people. Gal Gadot at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 09, 2020 | David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Gal Gadot got a ton of celebrities together to sing Imagine for positivitys sake On March 18, Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot posted an IGTV video on Instagram, where she talked about being on day 6 of self-quarantine. She said that were all in this together with the pandemic going on, and that she was inspired by a video of an Italian man playing John Lennons Imagine on his balcony. So, she gathered several celebrities and created her own Imagine moment. For about 2 minutes, she and others start to sing the famous Lennon tune. Shes joined by Mark Ruffalo, Amy Adams, Natalie Portman, Jimmy Fallon, and Pedro Pascal. And thats not even all. Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, and many more show up at some point too. The internet, as a whole, is tired of these celebrity antics in times of crisis While this was sprung out of a moment of philosophical inspiration from Gadot, the internet did not take kindly to it. She got Imagine trending on Twitter, but not with the gratitude and joy that the Italian videos of singing balconies brought. Writer and producer Josh Gondelman tweeted, No politician can unify people in the way that the Imagine video seems to have united every single person against it. And New York Times op-ed writer Charlie Warzel pointed out, these are hard times. we have to look out for each other. so pls stop tweeting the celebrities atonally singing imagine into my feed. Lastly, Kristin Chirico, of BuzzFeeds Ladylike, summed it up with, I dont wanna hear any more celebs tell me that its gonna be OK. Like yeah its gonna be OK for YOU. no offense but aside from the actual virus, this is one of the worst things to result from the pandemic https://t.co/1LDkQT7SbV Bolu Babalola (@BeeBabs) March 19, 2020 us: celebrities should help out during this time by donating to those in need since theyre so wealthy celebrities: pic.twitter.com/GSebdnpIgC (@phntmthread) March 19, 2020 Rich celebrities keep sending their thoughts and prayers like money cant be sent digitally. Najma Sharif (@overdramatique) March 19, 2020 It came off as tone-deaf when theres not much action behind this We are one gesture. Sure, some might find the hope and beauty in it, but overall the internet just finds it cringe-worthy. Other celebrities are doing more than just singing songs to boost spirits While Gadots addition to the celebrity coronavirus discourse is nowhere near as bad as Vanessa Hudgens rant, its not as helpful as some others either. On March 13, Lizzo led a mass meditation session for her followers with the mantra, Fear does not exist in my body. Fear does not exist in my home. Love exists in my body. Love exists in my home. She called on everyone to be vigilant and mindful, leading people through their anxiety. Indya Moore, who plays Angel on Pose, is donating money directly to individuals who are hurting. In addition to rappers Lil Nas X and Megan Thee Stallion, these celebrities are sending actual monetary aid to people who are seriously struggling because of this pandemic and nation-wide shutdown. Thats the biggest issue here. People arent pissed off that Gadot and her famous friends are singing a John Lennon song. Its the fact that it is tone-deaf in a time of crisis with this COVID-19 pandemic. Theyll easily be fine, as they have money and big houses to isolate in. And as weve seen, they also have an extremely easy time getting tested, whereas the average American cannot. The amount of testing per million people in this country is drastically behind countries. So yeah, maybe listening to your favorite song will boost your mood. But pushing for policies and giving monetary aid to others will help more. Donald Trump cosied up to his friends in the oil industry on Thursday as his administration said it was seeking $3bn from Congress to top up the countrys strategic petroleum reserves, potentially propping up US oil producers after crude prices crashed globally. President Trump had directed the Energy Department last week to fill the United States' emergency stash of crude oil to the top, over objections from congressional Democrats who said he was favouring climate-damaging fossil fuels and the profits of oil giants. Trump said on Thursday that plummeting crude prices benefited US consumers filling up their cars. But on the other hand, it hurts a great industry, and a very powerful industry, Mr Trump told reporters. The Trump team were apparently fielding calls from pals in the energy sector last week who were "extremely upset about oil prices" and also fearful of "talk about the government instituting some sort of paid sick-leave policy", Vanity Fair reported. The US would seek to buy 30 million barrels of US-produced crude initially and a total of 77 million barrels eventually, Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said on Thursday. Because the price is so low, the US will use less taxpayer money to fill up the reserves. But the question is whether, with everything else thats going on, its a good idea to spend $2 billion of taxpayer money, said John MacWilliams, senior fellow at Columbia Universitys Center on Global Energy Policy. I would be targeting high unemployment, he said. Were in a global health and economic crisis and Trump wants to bail out, you guessed it, the oil industry, tweeted Greenpeace. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had earlier suggested spending as much as $20 billion in supporting the oil industry. Lets go out and buy. Fill up the reserve, Mnuchin said in a Fox Business Network interview. A group of House Democrats wrote to Trump on Tuesday, warning against further funding for the fossil fuel industry. Diverting public funds to bail out this industry will do nothing to stop the spread of this deadly virus or provide relief to those in need, lawmakers wrote in a letter spearheaded by Democrat Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan of California. A bailout tells the American public that fossil fuel investors can rely on U.S. taxpayers to cover their bills when the industrys corporate executives risky investments dont pan out. West Texas crude prices fell below $21 a barrel Wednesday after oil producers Russia and Saudi Arabia stepped up pumping, threatening the market share of U.S. oil, and as the coronavirus moved the world toward recession and tamped-down consumer demand for energy. Brouillette told reporters Thursday that the move was about filling up the countrys 713.5 million barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a time of cheap oil, not about throwing U.S. oil producers a lifeline in rough markets. The reserves are stashed underground in Texas and Louisiana. Its a common-sense move. Everyone whos done any personal investment knows you do your best to buy low and sell high, Brouillette said. Brouillette also denied the United States was intervening against market forces to boost U.S. oil prices. Pointing to Russia and Saudi Arabias surge of production, he said the purpose of the nations strategic oil reserves is to mitigate this type of disruption. Though the oil industrys major trade association, the American Petroleum Institute, says it does not want a government bailout, some in the industry are pushing for embargoes or tariffs. Harold Hamm, executive chairman of Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, asked the Commerce Department to investigate what he contends is illegal dumping of below-cost crude oil onto the market by Saudi Arabia and Russia. He also asked for an embargo, hoping that would halt some of the flow of cheap oil onto the market, at least in the U.S., saying the two countries are trying to put Americas shale oil drillers out of business. Its unfortunate that both of these countries chose - and this was an action they thought about - this particular time, while we have this global pandemic, to do something like this, Hamm said. Hamm has close ties to Trump, having donated to Trumps campaign and served on a team of economic advisers. Trump said Thursday that Saudi Arabia and Russia were in a fight on oil prices and output. And at the appropriate time, Ill get involved, he said. He did not say how. Congress has to approve the money for the administrations petroleum buy. The administration must overcome opposition from some Democratic lawmakers. The US has been selling down some of its reserves, so filling the reserves back up when oil is cheap makes sense, said Ryan Fitzmaurice, energy strategist at Rabobank. But it won't have much impact on the imbalance of supply and demand because Saudi Arabia is ready to ramp up production by 3 million barrels per day next month. It's not going to change the balance too much, and the Saudis are going to increase supply by far much more than we can buy, Fitzmaurice said. The Congress on Thursday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk and not pontificate, claiming that he was violating the law by attending Parliament despite his government urging citizens above 65 years to remain indoors by invoking the Epidemic Act. Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister is exposing MPs and thousands of people to the spread of coronavirus by allowing continuation of the Parliament session, which he termed "farcical". He alleged that the only reason of Parliament was functioning because the BJP government was awaiting the outcome of the Madhya Pradesh assembly crisis, where Congress has been asked to hold a floor test by Friday. "The coronavirus pandemic is posing a grave threat globally to the health of the citizens and the economies of countries. The country and world is united in wake of this pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, must walk the talk, and not pontificate. "The government has evoked the Epidemic Act and asked citizens above 65 to stay indoors. Urge the PM to respect and not violate the law by insisting the farcical Parliament session to continue. He, his ministers and other leaders above 65 years would be violators of the law," Sharma said. The Congress leader said if the government has come out with guidelines to say that no person above 65 years should be exposed, he should at least respect the government guidelines himself as the prime minister, his ministers and MPs are above 65 years of age. "Section 144 has been promulgated and states locked down, then why is Parliament allowed to function. The reason is not due to conviction towards parliamentary democracy, but because they are awaiting the outcome of the Madhya Pradesh floor test," he said. The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh to hold a floor test by Friday. Another Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill tweeted, "BJP government issues advisory for people above 65 to stay at home. Majority MPs esp Rajya Sabha are above 65, including PM, so why is Parliament still functioning? Very sure after MP floor test Parliament will be adjourned sine die. BJP puts above preventive health measures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Beirut, March 19 : The Arab region could lose over 1.7 million jobs due to the coronavirus crisis and the service sector would be the most affected, a UN report said. The area is losing jobs "at an alarming rate" due to the drastic measures adopted to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the report issued by the Beirut-based Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia said on Wednesday. In the UN's first economic assessment to this area, the international organization estimates that the Arab region's GDP will fall by at least $42 billion in 2020, reports Efe news. However, it warned that the loss could be higher due to low oil prices and the dramatic slowdown of economies caused by "the closure of public institutions and private sector enterprises starting mid-March". The unemployment rate will increase by 1.2 percentage points, with the service sector as the most affected due to the social distancing, according to the report. "We are under a global health threat which may alter the world as we know it... But we can start to assess our economic losses and find ways to mitigate them," ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti said. The coronavirus prompted a "significant decline" in oil prices, which cost the region "nearly $11 billion in net oil revenues between January and mid-March 2020", the organization said, warning that the loss could increase over the upcoming weeks. The decline of oil prices and stock markets around the world due to the novel virus led Saudi Arabia to ask OPEC+ to cut production by 1.5 million barrel per day when the existing deal ends by 31 March. Russia opposed the proposal, triggering an oil pricing war between the two countries. Amid this war, Saudi Arabia has changed its stance and has been seeking prices fall. The World Bank warned that both falling oil prices and the coronavirus outbreak have left the Middle East and North Africa more exposed compared to other regions. At least 17 Arab countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the World Health Organization. Since the beginning of the month, the region's countries have implemented several measures such as flight suspensions, closure of public spaces and institutions and a curfew in extreme cases. Qatar is currently the most affected Middle Eastern country since it has reported 439 cases, followed by Bahrain (256). Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) The catastrophic potential is painful to consider: State models show that 60,000 homeless people could be hit by the novel coronavirus, with up to 20% of them needing hospitalization. That would mean California would need 12,000 hospital beds just for those living on the streets a formidable task for a state that is already struggling to find extra capacity to manage the pandemic before it's too late and hospitals become overwhelmed by too many patients. "That creates a deep point of anxiety for the existing population, but moreover for our healthcare delivery system," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday evening. With 108,000 people living outdoors in California, many older, with weakened immune systems and preexisting conditions, Newsom and state health officials are dramatically stepping up efforts to curtail what was the state's biggest crisis before the novel coronavirus hit: tens of thousands of people living in street encampments. Now, two catastrophes are colliding with appalling speed and consequence. A homeless man sleeps on the Main Street bridge in downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times ) People experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19, Newsom said. Helping these residents is critical to protecting public health, flattening the curve and slowing the spread of COVID-19. To help accomplish that, Newsom on Wednesday announced $150 million in emergency funding to quickly move homeless people indoors an action meant to protect both a vulnerable population and a medical system at risk of being overwhelmed. The governor said $100 million in funding will go directly to local jurisdictions including Los Angeles to boost shelter capacity and increase emergency housing. An additional $50 million will be aimed at buying travel trailers and leasing hotels, motels and other facilities in an effort to provide space for those without homes to practice social distancing or be quarantined if they test positive for the virus or have symptoms of COVID-19. With social distancing now the focus of the state's coronavirus strategy and about 108,000 Californians living on the street, homeless encampments present a significant problem for containing the spread of the disease. Homeless people are at especially high risk for serious cases because they often have underlying health conditions and live in settings where proper sanitation, including hand washing, is difficult. Story continues The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have released guidelines for handling the coronavirus in encampments and shelters, but cities and counties have largely been slow to act. Health experts are worried about what effect the pandemic would have on healthcare systems if it expands into the homeless population. Some fear that if the coronavirus hits encampments or shelters, it could travel quickly and fiercely as has been seen in other vulnerable populations, such as seniors living in nursing homes. With hospitals already bracing for overflow numbers of COVID-19 patients, an outbreak in an encampment could be devastating. Newsom said the state has identified more than 950 lodging facilities across California that are appropriate for homeless housing and added that the list is being distributed to counties. The state also is attempting to gain access to some of those properties on its own: On Tuesday, Newsom announced that two hotels near Oakland International Airport had been leased, providing a total of 393 rooms that would be under the control of Alameda County. "The governor's action today provides a big boost to our urgent efforts to stop coronavirus from spreading among vulnerable members of our homeless population," said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, co-chair of Newsom's statewide task force on homelessness. "We'll use it to quickly expand our sheltering capacity, provide emergency services and isolate the sick." Newsom also announced that the state had purchased more than 1,300 trailers from the federal government and private vendors to provide quarantine sites. Those trailers will be deployed to California's largest urban centers if shelters are at capacity and have people who are sick or positive for the coronavirus. "California is deploying massive resources to get these vulnerable residents safely into shelter, removing regulatory barriers and securing trailers and hotels to provide immediate housing options for those most at risk," Newsom said in a statement. The governor also signed an executive order Wednesday that streamlines how counties and cities can spend homeless dollars during the pandemic and suspends some regulations for building shelters and homeless facilities with the emergency funds. In a separate action Monday, he authorized local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slow foreclosures and protect against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by the outbreak and its economic effects. On Wednesday, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a new plan to provide shelters for older homeless people, who are most at risk of dying of COVID-19. In addition, L.A. has already moved to increase access to sanitation stations and supplies. San Francisco has taken similar action. But, in planning for what an outbreak would mean, many service providers and people living on the streets say it's not enough. The number of homeless people 62 and older in Los Angeles County has grown by 8% in recent years, according to the latest point-in-time count. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. Tirupati, March 19 : Authorities in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday announced closure of Tirumala's famous Balaji temple for devotees as part of the precautionary measures to contain spread of Covid-19. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of India's richest temple, shut down the ghat road leading towards hill shrine. Devotees heading towards the temple were turned back. The move was taken hours after a devotee from Maharashtra showed suspected symptoms of Covid-19 and was sent to a hospital in Tirupati. Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Alla Nani announced in Amaravati that all major temples would remain shut till March 31. He, however, said the regular rituals would be performed but devotees would not be allowed to have darshan. He said major mosques and churches across the state would also remain shut to prevent public congregation. He said the priests could conduct the rituals. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Fewer existing houses will be acquired by Kilkenny County Council for its own housing stock this year with targets exceeded last year, and a shift in national policy directing funding elsewhere. With 1,988 currently on the housing list here, the issue has caused concern for local councillors, some of whom have also said lack of services in certain areas is hampering new housing provision. At a recent meeting of the councils housing SPC, senior executive officer Martin Mullally said that acquisitions had been an integral part of housing delivery. However, at national level, the fund for acquisitions is reducing, and it will be far less this year. Council policy has been to consider acquisitions where there is an area of demand, and priority is generally given to towns and villages where there are no constructions projects under way. It has also proven a useful strategy in areas where there is no further capacity for water and/or sewage to construct, and if a special need exists that the council cannot meet within its own stock. Cllr Fitzpatrick said it was "out there that the Department have told the council it cant purchase". He asked if that meant the council could not buy a house that day. The housing section is trying to house people with their hands tied behind their backs, he said. Mr Mullally confirmed the council had exceeded its targets: There will be some acquisitions but it will not be at the same level as last year, he said. Director of services for housing Mary Mulholland said the council had gone significantly over target, and had already a number of properties in the acquisition pipeline before there was any mention of targets. Ms Mulholland said there was evidence that if the council were to buy a house in a certain area, it could interfere with the market. She said it was important not to interfere with peoples chances of accessing properties at a reasonable rate. Where there are other interested parties we take ourselves out and dont engage in bidding so that we dont interfere with any buyers particularly first-time buyers, she said. Cllr Fitzpatrick also accused Irish Water of creating more problems by not facilitating more water servives/provision. In Castlecomer, until one is found, we cant build houses, he said. They are now holding up the housing of people who are crying out for housing. Responding to this, Ms Mulholland said this was not an issue with the ongoing housing development in Castlecomer. Cllr Fitzpatrick agreed existing developments were fine, but said potential developers were getting letters saying they cannot build due to capacity issues. YEREVAN. Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: As it is known, according to the tradition established last year, the authorities have stipulated in the budget of 2020 that, in addition to salaries, high-ranking state officials, MPs will receive bonuses of at least 30% per month. Yesterday we learned that they had decided to transfer the April bonuses to the fund set up to fight against the coronavirus. This is done to alleviate public discontent. At this stage, when everyone is suffering, continuing the tradition of giving bonuses from the state budget would be a reason for a public uprising. It should be reminded that the CC [Constitutional] and RA Presidents Hrayr Tovmasyan and Armen Sarkissian also decided to direct their salary of this month to the fund, where as of yesterday, more than 45 million drams were transferred. Sadiq Khan has criticised Donald Trump for describing Covid-19 as the 'Chinese Virus'. (Getty) Sadiq Khan has hit out at Donald Trumps use of the term Chinese virus when talking about coronavirus. Trump has been accused of putting Asian Americans at risk of retaliation by using the term, despite growing reports they are facing virus-related discrimination. Speaking to the London Assembly on Thursday morning, the London Mayor called Trump a disgrace for persisting with his use of the phrase and said the president risks denigrating minorities and dividing communities. Despite the criticism, Trump has refused to back down. Cases of coronavirus across the globe. (PA) Asked why he keeps calling the coronavirus the "Chinese virus" when scientists say the disease does not respect borders and is not caused by ethnicity, Trump told reporters at the White House that he does not consider it a racist remark. "It's not racist at all," Trump said, adding that he calls it the "Chinese virus" because he wants to be accurate. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world Fact-checker: The number of Covid-19 cases in your local area Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu He indicated his terminology was a warranted pushback to Chinese officials who have been suggesting the US military might have introduced the virus to Wuhan, the Chinese city where it was first reported in late 2019. Trump added: China had tried to say at one point maybe they stopped now that it was caused by American soldiers. "That can't happen. It's not going to happen, not as long as I'm president. It comes from China. Beijing has complained, but Trump administration officials continue to link the virus to China. The president was asked whether using a term like "Chinese virus" puts Asian-Americans at risk. He replied: No, not at all. Not at all. I think they probably would agree with it 100%. It comes from China." After the news conference, the White House defended the president's language, saying that previous epidemics, such as the Spanish flu and West Nile Virus, were named after geographic locations. They labelled the controversy a "fake media outrage". Since coronavirus infections started appearing in the US in January, Asian-Americans have shared stories ranging from minor aggression to blatant attacks from people blaming them for the pandemic, which has killed more than 130 people in the United States. American retail giant, Walmart, has always expressed its commitment towards India through its support to the large Indian MSME community from which it sources not just for its cash & carry and ecommerce (Flipkart) businesses, but also for its global outsourcing arm that supplies to the US, Canada, UK, Mexico, Central America and other developed markets. Its e-commerce arm, Flipkart, itself has over 200,000 MSMEs on its platform. The American retailer's (which is trying hard to be part of the 1.3 billion Indian consumption story) most recent initiative is the Walmart Vridhhi Supplier Development Program, which aims to empower 50,000 small and medium manufacturers in the next five years. Speaking to Business Today, Nittin Dutt, Senior Vice-President (Merchandising Operations), Walmart India, says, "We are already working with MSMEs for our various businesses. Through Vriddhi, the thought is to provide a platform to develop and build their capabilities so that they could pursue larger opportunities with Walmart ." Dutt says that he and his team have been travelling through the country to MSME clusters such as Kundali and Khurja, identifying entrepreneurs and offering them training on basic elements of financial management , operations management, how to build a portfolio and also market it. "If somebody owns a small textile manufacturing facility or there is a glassware manufacturer, our aim would be to train them to be able to scale up their business and also be relevant for our large global supply chain in Bangalore." Walmart, says Dutt, is in the process of setting up 25 training centres in MSME clusters across the country. The Walmart senior management is known to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US last year and briefed him about their MSME empowerment programme in India. "The focus is to increase exports from MSMEs by training them to become globally competent," says Rajneesh Kumar, SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group. While Vriddhi seeks to make MSMEs equipped to do business at a global level, Walmart has also announced a pilot blockchain technology for end to end traceability of shrimps from Andhra Pradesh to select Sam's Club (Walmart's membership-only warehouse clubs) locations in the US. "So, this project actually helps the farmers and entrepreneurs to strengthen the shrimp supply chain and promote India as a preferred source for seafood," explains Prameela Mallaiah, Director (India Hub Lead), Walmart Global Sourcing. Flipkart's fashion arm, Myntra, is among the most popular online fashion destinations in India, and a significant proportion of the Myntra merchandise are local brands. Walmart has recently launched Myntra in Canada and is also planning to offer an omni-channel experience with the launch of Myntra physical stores. "So, we are doing our bit to see how we can take local to global within our own entities and how we could delight our customers worldwide. Apart from that, we have a lot of supplier stories where they've grown with us. There are hundreds of MSMEs who not just service us but also service a lot of other well-known retailers. So, we do not really develop a supplier just to hold on to them but also help them to spread their wings," says Mallaiah. Also read: TCS overtakes RIL to become most valued firm Also read: YES Bank-Rana Kapoor case: Anil Ambani appears before ED Medical personnel at work in the intensive care unit of the hospital of Brescia, Italy, on March 19, 2020. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP) Were Not Counting Bodies Anymore, Says Nurse in Italy Italy's COVID-19 Death Count Jumps to 3,405 A nurse working on the frontline of Italys COVID-19 outbreak warned that exhausted healthcare workers cant keep up as the death toll mounts. Were working in a state of very high stress and tension, said Daniela Confalonieri, a nurse in a hospital in Milan, near the contagion epicenter Lombardy, on Thursday. Psychological tension has gone through the roof, she told Reuters, as she wore protective gear and described how overburdened staff are no longer able to keep track of the dead. Its unimaginable, she said. We Cant Contain the Situation Italian health officials said that 427 people have died from the new CCP virus in the past 24 hours, its second-worst death toll in as many days, according to officials in a state-run ANSA report on Thursday. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Italys worst-hit region is Lombardy, the heavily populated area around the financial capital Milan. Unfortunately we cant contain the situation in Lombardy, Confalonieri said. Theres a high level of contagion and were not even counting the dead any more. Confalonieri said staff at the Milan hospital were working in a situation of total emergency as co-workers who tested positive for the virus had left the facility severely understaffed. Look at the news thats coming out of Italy and take note of what the situation is like, she said. Its unimaginable. While the virus has begun spreading rapidly across Europe, Italy remains the second most heavily affected country in the world after China, where the illness first emerged, and the rising number of deaths has shown no sign of slowing. Italy has been under lockdown since March 9, in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. The government has ordered restaurants, bars, and most shops to shut down until March 25. It has also shut schools and universities and told everyone to stay at home unless absolutely necessary until April 3. A woman places an Italian flag that reads everything will be alright on her apartment balcony as part of a flashmob organized to raise morale during Italys CCP virus crisis, in Milan, Italy, on March 16, 2020. (Daniele Mascolo/Reuters) I do not know if the measures will be extended beyond April 3. We will make a decision based on the numbers and events. I cannot rule it out. We will see in the coming days, said Infrastructure Minister Paola De Micheli. The head of welfare in Lombardy said even tougher curbs might be needed to halt the trend. Either the curve goes down by Sunday or we will probably have to consider adopting even more rigid measures, Giulio Gallera told 7 Gold TV. Lombardy has previously signaled it wants to shut down all businesses, including production lines, and idle the public transport system to try to extinguish the outbreak. According to The Associated Press, Italy has reported more than 40,000 infections. Reuters contributed to this report. A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) after the opening bell of the trading session in New York, U.S., March 13, 2020. Call it part of the grand blame game: Markets are down big, so it must be someone's fault. Exchange traded funds. High-frequency traders. Short sellers. In Europe, they have already figured out whose fault it is: Short sellers! In the past week, several European countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Greece--have banned short selling in various forms. On Tuesday, France, Italy and Belgium said they would ban short selling for the day. Spain went further: The Spanish regulator on Monday said its ban for all Spanish stocks would last for a month, and maybe longer. The regulator said the action has been taken "due to the extreme volatility taking hold of European securities markets ... and the risk of disorderly trading taking place in the following weeks." The results? Markets keep dropping. Spain is down 4% this week. France down 7%. Greece down 5%. That's no surprise, says Ihor Dusaniwsky, who monitors short selling at S3 Partners. A short selling ban, although possibly psychologically advantageous, "would have pretty much no effect on the market volatility or pricing but may have an impact on liquidity," he said. It's understandable, Dusaniwsky told me in a telephone interview, that the Europeans would want to blame short sellers, but it won't work. There's a raft of academic papers that also indicate it doesn't work. One 2016 European study of bans on short sales found "financial institutions whose stocks were banned experienced greater increases in the probability of default and volatility than un-banned ones, and these increases were larger for more vulnerable financial institutions." Another fallacy: Short selling is somehow overwhelming the U.S. markets. Again, not true, says Dusaniwsky. "We've calculated the change in shares for U.S. traded equities and ETFs and the number is relatively small compared to overall trading volumes," Dusaniwsky tells me. How small? Overall equity and ETF short interest is $826 billion in the month of March, he said. This month, there has been $65.8 billion of new short selling in securities and $13.0 billion of short covering in securities. On a net basis, that's $52.8 billion of additional short selling. That sounds like a lot, but it isn't: Dusaniwsky estimates there has been nearly $10 trillion worth of stock that has been traded in March in the U.S. markets, so the amount of new shorts created and indeed the total short interest is a tiny portion of trading activity. Why? The big institutional players have been reducing overall leverage, and that includes short selling. If it's not short sellers causing all this chaos, then who is it? "Overall, the vast proportion of selling activity in the market has been long selling and not short selling," Dusawnisky said. It's obvious: A large part of the trading community has reduced the size of their positions. A lot of people have been rushing for the exits, with not a lot of buyers. Here in the United States, there have recently been calls to bring back the old uptick rule, which prevented traders from shorting on a downtick and was abandoned in 2008. Those calls are also misguided, Dusawnisky said. The old rule was abandoned for a reason: "It was a pain to enforce, a pain to execute, and it really had no efficacy." It did not stop people from short selling, it only slowed the process a bit: "You are not going to stop short selling. There are always upticks. A stock does not print down all day long." An alternative uptick rule was instituted in 2010. The rule is triggered when an individual stock price falls at least 10% in one day, and then short selling is only permitted on a downtick. The restriction applies for the remainder of the trading day and the following day. In the past two weeks, hundreds of individual stocks triggered the short sale rule. They could not be shorted on a downtick, some for days. It didn't stop them from dropping, either. One final point: Dusawnisky does not believe institutional players will stay out of the market forever. When the market bottoms, they will again increase their exposure. That means much heavier long positions, as well as short positions. Thursday, March 19th, 2020 (8:24 am) - Score 4,277 The Government of Jersey (English Channel Island) and Digital Jersey, an economic development agency and industry association, has reached an agreement with local telecoms operators (JT, Sure and Homenet) that will see all full fibre broadband lines on the island being speed boosted to symmetrical 1Gbps at no extra cost. The local stated-owned ISP JT (Jersey Telecom) completed the deployment of a new 1Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband ISP network on the English Channel Island of Jersey in mid-2018, which followed a six year and c.40m build project to cover around 40,000 homes and 5,000 businesses. At the start of this year JT also took another leap by doing something extraordinary. The operator harnessed their new full-fibre network to deliver an increase to minimum broadband speeds from 250Mbps an already impressive speed to set as a minimum and turbo charged it to 500Mbps (50Mbps upload) for all subscribers. The latest pledge goes significantly beyond even that and applies to several operators. The idea is to support home-working and home-isolating as Islanders adapt to the measures being put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This arrangement will last for as long as the current COVID-19 measures remain in place unless otherwise agreed by all parties, said the statement. CEO of Digital Jersey, Tony Moretta, said: These are challenging times and it is great to see the industry work together to facilitate the introduction of these higher broadband speeds. With our 100% fibre network, Jersey is in the unique position of being able to easily support all the services required for both remote working and living for the entire population. We will continue to work with Government and industry to ensure both businesses and consumers have the technology they need. The work to increase speeds will take place over the course of the next two weeks, although the Tariffs paid by broadband subscribers will not change. We should point out that not all ISPs appear to offer a truly unlimited usage allowance like youd see as standard across the United Kingdom. For example, customers of JT are only able to benefit from unlimited usage between midnight and 8am, while outside of that there are usage allowances of 20GB, 100GB or 300GB (restrictive figures to have on such a fast full fibre network). BNET, the newly-created independent service provider in Bahrain responsible for the countrys planned national next generation broadband network, will use BearingPoint//Beyonds Infonova BSS solution as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), to power the BSS and OSS systems for its forthcoming nationwide fiber broadband network. BNET was launched in October as a completely new and independent wholesale broadband provider by Batelco, Bahrains largest telecoms operator. BNETs purpose is to provide next generation wholesale fiber broadband connectivity to all licensed telecom operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Bahrain including Batelco itself. It will also provide broadband services to large enterprise customers in the kingdom. BNET chose BearingPoint//Beyonds solution as the enablement platform for its wholesale business thanks to the truly cloud-native, SaaS delivery model, built on AWS, which allows BNET to focus squarely on its business. Importantly, with Infonova BSS, BNET is able to meet its fast approaching go live date scheduled for May. The AWS cloud-hosted SaaS model will reduce BNETs Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and provides valuable auto-scaling capabilities and rapid agile delivery that can accommodate future growth. BNET will use BearingPoint//Beyonds automated platform to power a range of BSS and OSS functions including billing, charging, order fulfilment and management, and service activation. As part of the agreement, network inventory specialists CROSS Network Intelligence (CNI) will provide network inventory and service assurance solution to BNET. The unique, multi-tenant capabilities of Infonova BSS can also be extended and used by BNETs ISP and enterprise customers as a digital innovation and monetisation solution. Commenting on the agreement, BNET chief executive officer Mohamed Bubashait said: Signing with BearingPoint//Beyond and selection of SaaS is part of our strategy to adopt the latest digital technology in operating the national network, and as per the technical indicators published by leading technical institutes in the telecom sector, cloud technology is the future of the business world. AWS provides the most implemented cloud solution in the world, hence adopting this technology is in line with our long term strategic goals to provide a solid quality national broadband network, with high speeds and competitive prices that enable operators to provide internet products and services to its customers that are value added and provide creative solutions, he continued. The BNET network is a key part of Bahrains fourth National Telecommunication Plan (NTP4) to grow and diversify Bahrains telecoms sector. The plan includes rolling out fiber broadband connectivity to 100 per cent of businesses and 95 per cent of households across Bahrain. NTP4 aims to provide internet access speeds of at least 100Mbps for up to 95 per cent of homes and 1Gbps for all government and business entities. The BearingPoint//Beyond platforms multi-tenancy and ecosystem orchestration capabilities offer BNET the potential to launch new revenue-generating offerings in the future including reselling hosted BSS capabilities to other service providers in the country. BNETs planned fiber broadband network is a visionary endeavour that demonstrates Bahrains commitment to providing next generation connectivity to its citizens and businesses, said Angus Ward, CEO of BearingPoint//Beyond. The combination of AWSs highly secure, highly scalable, feature-rich cloud capabilities with the flexibility, agility and advanced functionality of BearingPoint//Beyonds cloud-native Infonova SaaS platform is compelling for operators everywhere who want to modernise their operations and transform their businesses. - TradeArabia News Service By Alwyn Scott and Kate Duguid NEW YORK, March 19 (Reuters) - From airlines and cruise lines to retailers and energy companies, investors are fleeing large pockets of the corporate credit market, worried that the coronavirus pandemic will lead to bankruptcies, defaults and credit rating downgrades. The premium investors demanded to hold riskier junk-rated credit rose to 904 basis points over safer Treasury securities on Wednesday, its highest level since 2011, according to the ICE/BofA high-yield index. The premium for safer investment-grade credit rose to its highest since 2009, at 303 basis points over Treasuries, based on the ICE/BofA investment-grade index. The risk premium for both has roughly tripled since the start of the year. With liquidity rapidly drying up in short-term funding markets and more companies drawing down on their credit lines, the Federal Reserve has taken a raft of measures over the past week to ease the strain, including urging banks to use its discount window and providing cash through the commercial paper markets. The unabated rise in corporate borrowing costs, however, shows that strains in the financial system remain. Airlines, auto suppliers, apparel, gaming, lodging and leisure are among the sectors that will be most affected in the short term, according to credit ratings agency Moody's Investors Service Inc. Under its baseline scenario, Moody's expects the coronavirus outbreak to negatively affect around 16% of North American companies. Under its worst-case scenario that number would jump to 45% The costs to insure billions of dollars in debt of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, American Airlines Group Inc and other companies have also soared, as investors fret that slowing growth could overwhelm the companies' ability to repay debt. These credit default swap (CDS) prices provide a kind of heat map showing the perceived credit risk from the travel bans and halted business activity that the pandemic has triggered. Some economists said this week that the global economy is already in a recession, and credit ratings of Boeing Co and several airlines have been lowered. Story continues CDS prices of Royal Caribbean have jumped 1,312% in the past month to 1,040 basis points, according to IHS Markit. Carnival Corp was at 655 basis points on Wednesday, up 1,164% from a month ago. That compares with a 205% increase in an index of 125 investment-grade companies over the same period. The cruise industry has been hit especially hard after the virus spread via several ships leading to passenger quarantines. Royal Caribbean and Carnival did not immediately respond to requests for comment. American Airlines Group Inc CDS prices were at 1016.407 basis points Wednesday, up 622% from a month ago. Levels of 1,000 points or more indicate default fears, said Bill Zox, chief investment officer for fixed income and a portfolio manager at Diamond Hill Capital Management in Columbus, Ohio. "American Airlines' credit spreads suggest that it is at risk of default," said Zox. "They do have significant liquidity and unencumbered assets but this is a brutal environment." Delta Air Lines Inc CDS prices jumped 672% in the last month to 502.124 basis points on Wednesday, according to IHS Markit. By that measure, it is the safest credit risk of the major U.S. carriers. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The major U.S. airlines and Boeing sought tens of billions of dollars in government aid this week. BOEING, GE Boeing and General Electric Co are affected by exposure to falling demand for jetliners and engines, which are likely to stay low even after the virus subsides. Analysts expect airlines to defer plane orders while they try to rebuild their financial strength. Boeing's CDS price hit 490 basis points on Wednesday, up 736%, from four weeks ago, according to IHS Markit. The rise also reflected Boeing's exposure to billions of dollars in costs from the grounding of its 737 MAX aircraft a year ago. GE's CDS prices were up 370% at 267.75 basis points on Wednesday, compared with a month ago. More than two-thirds of GE's revenue comes from its commercial jet engine business, which is the sole engine maker for the 737 MAX. GE also has $91 billion in debt, with $13.35 billion of bonds due this year, and expects a net cash outflow in the first quarter. To be sure, both companies have substantial cash and other assets on hand. Boeing recently drew a $13.8 billion loan. GE has $35 billion in credit it can tap and expects to receive a $20 billion cash infusion this month from the sale of its biopharma business. Boeing's current CDS prices are higher than those it hit during the financial crisis, but GE's are not, Zox said. GE has since sold most of GE Capital, the finance unit that nearly sank the company during the financial crisis. GE Capital's CDS reached 733 basis points in March 2009, Zox said. A GE spokeswoman noted the company's significant cash assets on its balance sheet. "We have a strong liquidity position with more than $17 billion at GE Industrial, nearly $19 billion at GE Capital, and access to more than $35 billion of available credit facilities," she said. On Monday, Standard & Poors cut Boeing's credit rating to BBB from A-minus, saying it now expects cash outflow of as much as $12 billion this year, with an inflow in 2022. S&P said Boeing remains on watch for further cuts due to weak cash flow and "effects related to the coronavirus." Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Alwyn Scott and Kate Duguid in New York; editing by Greg Roumeliotis and Leslie Adler) Analysis | 11 January 2022 | News Why or why not: The dilemma for startup investors There have been tremors within the startup community worldwide with the latest Theranos scandal. Though startu...Read more Leading Irish dental practice The James Clinic has unveiled a new-look online presence as it seeks to take its business to a new level of professionalism and patient care. It comes as the clinic has been recognised as a top dentist in Ireland. The practice, which operates three clinics in Enfield, Co Meath; Mullingar, Co Westmeath; and Ferbane, Co Offaly was founded and is run by Dr James Hiney, who was educated at Trinity College Dublin and also has an honorary clinical and teaching fellowship at the prestigious Warwick Medical School in England. Currently, the practice's three locations are experiencing record levels of patient numbers, many of whom come for the kind of personal attention and care the clinics have become renowned for, said Hiney. And they are not just making appointments for the usual kind of dental treatments such as fillings, extractions, root canals, orthodontics, cleaning and more but to get what Hiney describes as a "smile makeover." This is because The James Clinic has emerged as a leader in cosmetic dentistry procedures in Ireland, accepting patients from all over, including in Co Kildare. "Today, dentistry is no longer just about having procedures done when you're in urgent need, like when you have pain from a toothache," Hiney said. "And while traditional dental services, including emergency care, are at the heart of what we do, now there's growing demand among people who want to correct their teeth so that they're happy with the way they look. "In the meantime, weve undergone a website makeover, and our site is now packed with all kinds of information, including a unique Knowledge Base with informative articles by us on all kinds of dental procedures. You can read-up before you come, so you will know what to expect." A Crowning Achievement A smile makeover involves James Clinic patients having everything from professional teeth whitening done to dental bonding, which involves using a type of resin to fix cracks and chips in teeth and also to fill in gaps between them. The latter is a quick and painless procedure that's done in one appointment, while teeth whitening requires a trip to a James Clinic to have a mould made of a person's teeth and into which whitening solution is poured this is done over the course of one or two weeks at home. At the upper level of smile transformations are dental veneers and crowns. Both are made from porcelain and correct teeth by making them uniform and the shade of white that patients want. Veneers are thin slices of porcelain that are placed over the teeth while crowns encase them like a shell; both are hard-wearing and designed to last for many years, and they are resistant to the usual stains caused by foods and drinks. The revolutionary aspect of The James Clinic's cosmetic dentistry services is that it's all done on-site and you can have crowns or veneers made and fitted in one appointment. This compares to over a week or more with previous procedures, as a mould would have to be made and the patient would have to wear a temporary prosthesis until the veneers or crowns were made by an external company. The James Clinic has the technology in place at all its practices, including scanning camera, software and a milling machine, to do it all in one place, and quickly. This also serves to drive down the cost and has made cheap cosmetic dentistry available to everyone in Co Kildare. Rising Dental Star Demonstrating The James Clinic's upward trajectory, the practice was a finalist in the Practice of the Year category at this year's Irish Dentistry Awards, held in Dublin at the end of February. "It was a huge honour to be nominated for these awards, which recognise excellence in dentistry in Ireland," Hiney said. "It was an amazing way to start the year and comes at a time when our clinics are doing better than ever and we are rapidly moving forward." Among the clinics' highly skilled and popular dentists are Dr Seif Mohamed, who was a lecturer at Trinity College Dublin; Dr Joanne Mohammed, who was born in Turkey and raised in Mullingar; Dr Mohammed Alsewadi, a Jordanian who completed his studies in Cork; and Dr Maurice Treacy, who works with both The James Clinic and Dublin Dental University Hospital. Now, people in Co Kildare seeking the very best in dental procedures and care as well as transforming their smile have a progressive dentist they can depend on. Human Rights Watch (HRW) is calling on Azerbaijan to free at least five journalists and bloggers who it says have been imprisoned on politically motivated charges. The New York-based human rights watchdog made the call on March 18, the day after Azerbaijani authorities released investigative reporter Afqan Muxtarli from prison. Calling the move "a rare bit of good news" from Azerbaijan, HRW said in a statement that at least five other journalists and bloggers -- Polad Aslanov, Fuad Ahmadli, Ziya Asadli, Araz Guliyev, and Elcin Ismayilli -- continue to languish in the Caucasus state's jails after publicly criticizing the authorities. It urged Azerbaijani authorities to release them and "allow them to report freely and without undue interference." The group noted that other journalists "continue to face arbitrary and disproportionate travel bans," including investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova, who was jailed from December 2014 to May 2016. On March 17, a Baku court ordered Muxtarli's early release from prison and allowed him to fly to Germany, where he reunited with his wife and daughter. In May 2017, Muxtarli was abducted in Georgia, where he was living in exile, fearing political persecution in Azerbaijan. He resurfaced in custody in Azerbaijan, where he faced what human rights groups called politically motivated charges of illegal border crossing, smuggling, and violently resisting arrest. Muxtarli was sentenced in January 2018 to six years in prison in a case that was condemned by the international community. The journalist developed serious health complications in prison and did not receive adequate medical care, according to HRW. Georgian authorities have opened an investigation into the abduction and suspended a number of counterintelligence and border police officials. However, HRW said the probe remained inconclusive. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 18) The World Bank has provided the country a loan of $100 million to help fight the coronavirus disease pandemic, the Department of Finance said Wednesday. The DOF said the amount is a fast-track loan which the country can receive in a matter of weeks. The loan will enable the Department of Health to procure more personal protective equipment for health workers and testing materials, it added. The country is also eligible for a waiver for the first year of commitment fees. On March 3, the World Bank said it prepared a $12 billion financial package called the COVID-19 Fast Track Facility" to assist countries in their fight against the disease officially known as COVID-19. The Asian Development Bank also gave a $3-million grant to the Philippine government on March 13 for the purchase of medical supplies and delivery of health care services, among other needs. President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly assured the public in his earlier speeches that the government has enough money to contain the spread of COVID-19 which to date has infected at least 193 people in the Philippines, including a DOH director, and killed 14 others. Duterte declared a nationwide state of calamity on Tuesday, allowing the national and local government units to access their quick response funds. The president has also placed Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine which laid down strict controls on the movement of people outside their homes. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation also said it will release 30 billion to accredited hospitals. The amount is three-months worth of claims and will be charged to future claims. Big business companies such as SM Group have also stepped up in assisting the public by donating supplies. San Miguel Corporation announced that it is producing ethyl alcohol in its liquor plant which it will distribute for free to hospitals and LGUs. As for testing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the public will not have to pay to get tested but currently, the available kits remain limited. The country has since been receiving donations of thousands of testing kits from China and South Korea. Chinese billionaire Jack Ma also contributed 50,000 test kits through Senator Manny Pacquiaos foundation. The University of the Philippines also developed its own kits which the DOH is still validating. The DOF said 3.1 billion has been set aside to purchase more COVID-19 test kits. There is also a need for more facilities to conduct the tests. For now, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City is the only facility in the country equipped to execute clinical tests for COVID-19, which caused delays in the release of results. However, DOH said soon four more hospitals - one in Davao, Cebu, Benguet and Manila - will start testing as well. Amid calls for mass testing, the DOH maintains thousands have already been tested for the disease, but adds that with the limited supplies and facilities currently available, priority must be given to the elderly, those with pre-existing medical conditions and those showing severe symptoms. New Delhi: Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modis address to the nation on Coronavirus pandemic was midway through, Janata curfew started appearing in top Google searches in India. In his speech, Modi announced that there would be a nation-wide Janata curfew from 7am to 9pm on Sunday. "This Sunday, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow the 'janata curfew'. In this period no one should come out of their homes or in their society or building," he said. The curfew is to ensure that people stay inside their homes and avoid social contact as much as possible as health experts have been suggesting the same to control the community spread of the Coronavirus infection. Google trends showed that Mizoram and Goa are searching the most for 'Janta Curfew'. What is Janata Curfew? On Sunday, there will be a restriction on the movement of people from 7 am to 9pm. Explaining the curfew, Modi said this would mean that people will impose the curfew on themselves to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To ensure that the curfew is observed effectively, Modi also suggested to at least call 10 people every day and inform them about the 'Janata curfew'. Asking people to avoid all sorts of non-essential outings, he said that people must follow social distancing. The number of COVID-19 cases in India has spiked to 173, while four people have succumbed to the infection. Meanwhile, the government also announced to ban all international flights from March 22. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2020) - Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSXV: PUC) ("Pancon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-brokered private placement by issuing 37,500,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.08 per Unit for gross proceeds of $3,000,000 (the "Financing"). Pancon President and CEO, Layton Croft, stated: "We recently executed our Option Agreement to explore the former Brewer Gold Mine in South Carolina, USA. With the closing of this timely financing we now have funds to commence our Brewer exploration program. In light of business implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have agreed with the Brewer Receiver to extend the initial option term of the Brewer Option Agreement (as per the Company's March 2, 2020 news release), from 18 months to 20 months. We have adjusted our business planning accordingly, and Pancon's top priority is the health and safety of our employees, contractors, suppliers and the community. Still, we firmly believe that the gold sector generally, and our Brewer gold project in particular, is and will continue to be a superior investment opportunity in light of the rapidly changing economic environment." Each Unit is comprised of one common share ("Common Share") in the capital of the Company and one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of $0.12 until the earlier of: (i) the date that is five (5) years following the date of issuance; or (ii) in the event that the daily volume weighted average price (or closing bid price on days when there are no trades) of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is at least $0.25 per Common Share for a minimum of twenty (20) consecutive trading days, the Company may provide written notice to the Purchaser requiring the Purchaser to exercise the Warrants within twenty (20) days following the date of delivery of such written notice. All securities issued under the Financing will be subject to a four-month and one day statutory hold period. The gross proceeds from the Financing will be used by the Company for exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties and for general corporate and working capital purposes. All dollar figures above are in Canadian dollars. Story continues About Pancon Pancon is a Canadian junior mining company focused on exploring the prolific and underexplored Carolina Slate Belt in South Carolina, USA. In January 2020, Pancon won the exclusive right to explore the former Brewer Gold Mine. Between 1987-1995, Brewer produced 178,000 ounces of oxide gold from open pits that extended to 50-metre depths, where copper and gold-rich sulphides were exposed but could not be processed by the oxide heap leach processing facility. Brewer is a high sulphidation system driven by a sub-volcanic intrusive and possibly containing a large copper-gold porphyry system at depth, as indicated by: widely known prospective geology, including diatreme breccias; associated high sulphidation alteration; gold and copper mineralization; and geophysics (Schmidt, R.G., 1978, The Potential for Porphyry Copper-Molybdenum Deposits in the Eastern United States, U.S. Geological Survey). Pancon's 100%-owned Jefferson Gold Project surrounds the former Brewer Gold Mine, and both Jefferson and Brewer are located 12 km along trend northeast from the producing Haile Gold Mine, which produced 131,819 ounces of gold in 2018. In addition, Pancon has four nickel-copper-cobalt exploration projects in Northern Ontario, surrounding or near producing or former mines. For further information, please contact: Layton Croft, President & CEO or Jeanny So, Manager, External Relations E: info@panconresources.com T: +1.647.202.0994 For additional information please visit our new website at www.panconresources.com and our Twitter feed: @PanconResources. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53535 WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of New York House members tonight urged President Donald Trump to declare the state a disaster area, freeing up more federal money and resources to fight coronavirus. The 14 members of Congress led by Reps. John Katko and Anthony Brindisi told Trump in a letter that New York needs immediate help dealing with about 2,400 cases of COVID-19. The surge in patients means New York has filled up about 80 percent of hospital intensive care unit beds, the House members said. Although resources have been deployed within New York state to increase testing capabilities and increase the availability of telehealth services, the states ability to respond effectively is already facing significant strains as confirmed cases rise exponentially, the letter said. Katko, R-Camillus, said he spoke Wednesday night with the Federal Emergency Management Agencys regional director to discuss New Yorks urgent need for federal help. Trump on Wednesday authorized sending the U.S. Navy hospital ship Comfort to New York City with 1,000 beds to help relieve pressure on the citys hospitals. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he spoke with Trump about the hospital ship and requested federal help to set up mobile hospitals in New York. Cuomo earlier this week requested that Trump declare the state a major disaster area. The designation would allow FEMA to use its personnel and resources to help provide New York with medical supplies that are in high demand such as face masks, gloves and surgical gowns. FEMA is also discussing how it can help states set up coronavirus testing centers. New York has more confirmed coronavirus cases than any state in the nation. The members of Congress also asked Trump to waive a federal requirement that states pay a portion of disaster costs. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS A county-by-county map of cases, deaths in New York State Central NY cancellations, closings list due to coronavirus pandemic (updated list) Out of work because of the coronavirus? How to quickly apply for unemployment benefits We all have a part to play in stopping coronavirus (Editorial) Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 The University of California is debating whether to continue using the SAT exam for admissions decisions. (Mario Tama / Getty Images ) As University of California regents prepare to discuss Thursday whether to drop SAT and ACT test scores as an admission requirement, a new research paper is likely to deepen the sharp disagreement over the value of standardized tests in predicting college performance. The new analysis strongly rejects a key conclusion of a highly anticipated report by a UC Academic Senate task force, which recommended continued use of the SAT and ACT tests for now despite growing legal and political pressure to drop them. Opponents of the tests say they unfairly discriminate on the basis of race, income and parent education levels. The task force's preliminary findings concluded that the tests may actually help boost enrollment of disadvantaged students and better predict college performance than high school grades. But such claims are "spurious," based on a fundamental error of omitting student demographics in the prediction model, according to the new paper, released Wednesday by Saul Geiser, senior associate at the UC Berkeley Center for Studies in Higher Education. When demographics such as family income and parent education level are included in the prediction model, the results reverse and high school grades are actually shown to be more influential than the SAT or ACT, according to Geiser's analysis, which was based on data presented in an appendix to the task force report. Test scores are much more closely correlated with family income and education than high school grades, he said. His conclusion parallels similar findings in numerous other studies and underscores the need, he said, to drop the tests because the cost to disadvantaged students outweighs any limited benefit in helping UC campuses decide who will succeed if admitted. "The task force should go back to the drawing board," Geiser said, "and provide the UC community with more realistic estimates" of the value of the tests. Geiser's findings are likely to fuel the heated debate over whether the UC system should drop the tests a decision that will reshape the national standardized testing landscape because of the size and global stature of the public research university system. The UC's nine undergraduate campuses are deluged with applications from more than 172,000 freshmen, almost all of whom are required to submit SAT or ACT test scores. Story continues The UC Board of Regents will discuss the issue Thursday but not vote on whether to keep or drop the tests until at least May. Chair John A. Perez, Vice Chair Cecilia Estolano and Regent Eloy Ortiz Oakley have expressed deep skepticism about the tests. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ and UC Provost Michael Brown also have voiced support for dropping the tests. But UC San Diego officials told the task force they oppose eliminating the tests because they help winnow 99,000 applications annually and assist the campus in selecting a diverse class. UCLA said dropping the tests would cause a greater reliance on grades a challenge, officials said, because the campus receives 10,000 applications each year from students with 4.0 GPAs or higher. The UC Academic Senate task force members stood by their work. "What can I say? Saul unfortunately is wrong," said Li Cai, a UCLA professor who directs the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing. Cai said the task force analyses "very much included the purportedly omitted demographic variables, through a more transparent means." He said task force members chose to use a different and simpler model than did Geiser so the public would more easily understand their findings. He also said Geiser's model did not reflect how admissions decisions are actually made at UC campuses. Admissions officers compensate for the discriminatory impact of SAT and ACT scores by discounting their weight while increasing emphasis on grades in application reviews of underserved students, the report found. Among students with SAT scores of 1,000 the 40th percentile half of Latinos were admitted compared to less than one-third of whites, the task force found. The report found similar advantages for students who are low-income and the first in their families to attend college. Those findings, however, were challenged by another expert, Jesse Rothstein, a UC Berkeley professor of public policy and economics. "The task force report got a lot of things wrong about the SAT," Rothstein said. "In particular, it overstates the value of SAT scores for predicting student success in college, and has no basis for its conclusion that UC admissions 'compensate' for test score gaps between groups." In any case, the fundamental issue giving all students an equitable shot at UC admission so the state's diversity is fully represented won't be settled by a "horse race" between SAT scores and high school grades, said Julian Betts, a UC San Diego economics professor and task force member. That's because the report found that three-fourths of the gap in UC enrollment of underrepresented students is rooted in high school preparation namely, their lower rates of completing a prescribed sequence of college-prep courses required for UC admission, Betts said. The remaining gap is tied more to differences in high school GPA than SAT scores, he said. "The upshot is that if UC overnight dropped the SAT requirement, it would do very little to improve diversity," Betts said. "But at the same time, within any student socioeconomic group, UC would be admitting students less well prepared to succeed. This would not serve the students or the public well." In other findings, the task force recommended continued research into making the SAT and ACT optional, as more than 1,000 colleges and universities have done. In the long run, the report recommended that UC develop its own admissions test but noted that process could take nine years. Some task force members believe that time frame is too long and supported setting a sunset date for use of the standardized tests but narrowly lost a vote to do so. The Academic Senate is circulating the preliminary report among its members all tenured and tenure-track faculty for review and plans to submit a final report to UC President Janet Napolitano next month. She's been feeling more confident than ever following her divorce from 59-year-old actor Doug Hutchinson. And Courtney Stodden mixed glamour with safety on Wednesday, teaming her sultry thigh-split dress with a coronavirus mask and a pair of washing up gloves. The star, 25, ensured all eyes were on her when she stepped out to run errands in Los Angeles, putting on a sultry display in her plunging navy dress. Stepping out: Courtney Stodden mixed glamour with safety on Wednesday, teaming her sultry thigh-split dress with a coronavirus mask and a pair of washing up gloves when she stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday Courtney's floral print number was teamed with a pair of peep toe heels and a Louis Vuitton bag. She styled her platinum blonde locks in loose waves and opted for a full face of make-up to pop to the store. Ensuring the global health crisis didn't affect her confidence, she Courtney recently posed nude for International Women's Day. Putting her best foot forward: The star, 25, ensured all eyes were on her when she stepped out to run errands The star stripped down Sunday in a series of now-deleted photos she posted to Instagram, captioned: 'Happy international womens day.' She seemed to channel the Dixie Chicks' May 2003 cover of Rolling Stones, which was a response to the backlash they received over criticizing then President George W Bush. Stodden scribed names of various empowering women on her body, including Halsey, Demi Lovato, Rose McGowan and her personal hero Marilyn Monroe. Malala is a Pakistani advocate for female education, as well as the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Women supporting women: Last week Courtney paid tribute to Malala, Maya Angelou and Dylan Farrow, writing their names on her naked body for International Women's Day Baring all: The 25-year-old stripped down Sunday in a series of photos she posted to Instagram, originally captioned: 'Happy international womens day' Iconic women: Stodden scribed names of various empowering women on her body, including Halsey, Demi Lovato, Rose McGowan and her personal hero Marilyn Monroe Deleted: The above photos have since been deleted from both Instagram and Twitter, leaving only this one on her feed, with an updated caption Angelou was a famed poet and civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X before her death in 2014. Farrow has become a prominent member of the #MeToo movement, having accused adoptive father Woody Allen of sexual assault when she was only seven. In 2018, Stodden shared her own #MeToo experience on The Tomorrow Show, revealing she was sexually abused twice when she was 19. It happened while she and then husband Doug Hutchison, 59, were on a break, having infamously tied the knot when she was only 16. Paying tribute: She seemed to channel the Dixie Chicks' May 2003 cover of Rolling Stones, which was a response to the backlash they received over criticizing then President George W Bush Young leader: Malala is a Pakistani advocate for female education, as well as the youngest Nobel Prize laureate Poetic justice: Angelou was a famed poet and civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X before her death in 2014 Taking a stand: Farrow has become a prominent member of the #MeToo movement, having accused adoptive father Woody Allen of sexual assault when she was only seven The couple recently finalized their divorce in January, three years after they separated. She confirmed the news last week in an Instagram post, sharing a photo of Hutchison kissing her on the cheek. Stodden wrote: 'I look back at this picture and feel absolutely taken advantage of. Ive been scared to even speak up about feeling groomed or being verbally abused during the almost 10 year marriage... 'Because I was a child and he was 50 when we married but Im a woman now and its time for me to put my big girl pants on and speak on this matter.' The Mumbai Police's Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Thursday urged visa applicants to avoid visiting its office till April 15 in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The FRRO office, situated at the police's Special Branch Building on Badruddin Tayyabji Marg, usually witnesses a heavy footfall of people. The FRRO has urged people approaching it for visa- related services, including registration, extension and Overseas Citizens of India, to avoid visiting the office, an official said. Foreign nationals can contact the office through email frromumbai@nic.in or call on 02222620446 for any query or grievance, he said. They should also go through Covid-19 travel advisories for the same, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Albany, N.Y. New York is implementing further restrictions on how many people can come to work in person in the state. Companies must now reduce their in-person workforces by 75 percent, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today. He had announced a mandatory reduction of 50 percent yesterday, but made todays change in response to the continued spread of the coronavirus. The limit on in-person workforces could drop further if needed, Cuomo said. Essential businesses will be exempt from the restriction. They include: Shipping firms and other essential services such as trash collection and mail Media Warehousing businesses Grocery and food production companies Pharmacies Health care providers Utilities and other essential infrastructure like transportation Banks and related financial institutions Essential manufacturing Groups that provide services to disadvantaged populations Construction Other industries critical to the supply chain You can read the full order and list of exemptions online. The order is from yesterday and does not include the new 75 percent reduction, but the updated rule is likely to be similar. The order also says any business can be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from Empire State Development, New Yorks lead economic development agency. The new restrictions go into effect Friday at 8 p.m., the order says. The state now has over 4,100 confirmed cases of coronavirus, nearly double Wednesdays total. Cuomo has said all of the actions the state has taken on businesses are meant to slow the spread of the virus to avoid overwhelming New Yorks hospital system as long as possible. In addition to the limits on in-office personnel, the state closed numerous businesses entirely in the last week. Gyms, casinos and movie theaters were closed Monday. Bars and restaurant dining rooms also shut down, but can continue takeout. Yesterday, Cuomo added malls, bowling alleys and amusement parks to the list of mandatory closures. Cuomo is also asking all businesses to allow employees to work from home, regardless of whether theyre required to do so. The governor has said more closures and business restrictions could be coming. He has noted that Italy eventually reached the point where the only businesses open were pharmacies and grocery stores. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Thousands of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm CNY hospitals; what needs to be done now How a carton of eggs led to 2 acts of kindness at CNY Wegmans amid coronavirus panic Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Brasilia, Brazil Fri, March 20, 2020 01:18 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0b495 2 World Brazil,border-areas,lockdown,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,health-issues,health-concerns Free Brazil on Thursday announced it was closing its land borders for 15 days to nearly all its neighbors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A ministerial decree said it was blocking entry "by road or land" from all neighboring countries, with the exception of Uruguay to the south. It shut its border with Venezuela on Tuesday. Other South American countries, such as Colombia, Chile and Argentina, have taken more drastic measures in recent days, completely closing their land, sea and air borders. Senior Brazilian officials, such as the Chamber of Deputies speaker Rodrigo Maia, had called for a total border shutdown. The decree, which comes into immediate effect, prohibits entry to foreigners from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guyana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru and Suriname." The restrictions do not apply to Brazilian nationals or to foreigners residing in the country. Trucks carrying goods and people on humanitarian missions are allowed to continue to enter Brazil. Brazil said a separate decree would be issued later about the border with Uruguay. Latin America's largest country, with a population of 210 million, has so far registered 428 cases of the coronavirus, with four deaths. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order On measures for protection of the health of population and strengthening the fight against coronavirus infection, as part of which a Fund to Support Fight Against Coronavirus will be established. In accordance with the decree, the Fund to Support Fight Against Coronavirus will be established. The "Procedure for the formation, management and use of the funds to support the fight against coronavirus" is being approved. The goal of the Fund is to curb the spread of coronavirus in Azerbaijan and render financial support for the measures which are taken to combat the virus. The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to resolve other issues arising from this decree. Some 20 million manat ($11 million) has been initially allocated to the Fund from the Presidential Reserve Fund, envisaged in the Azerbaijani state budget for 2020, to take appropriate measures to curb the spread of coronavirus upon President Aliyevs decree. The Ministry of Finance was instructed to ensure funds in the amount specified in the first part of this decree. To deflect from its responsibility for the coronavirus, China has been playing the "it's your fault, not my fault" game. The mainstream media instantly grabbed hold of this idea. They started saying it's racist to call a virus that originated in Wuhan, China, the "Wuhan Virus" or the "Chinese Virus." Not only has Trump refused to play along, but he's used a Chinese philosophical concept to take his stand. Confucius, China's greatest philosopher, was once asked what he would do if he became governor. He said he would "rectify the name." Nowadays, we generally understand the principle to mean bringing clarity to the world, and ensuring good governance, by calling things by their proper name: If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant; if what is said is not what is meant, then what must be done remains undone; if this remains undone, morals and art will deteriorate; if justice goes astray, the people will stand about in helpless confusion. Hence there must be no arbitrariness in what is said. This matters above everything. Confucius is the anti-Orwell. Trump intuitively understands the rectification principle and is now using this Chinese philosophy against China. The moment the Chinese began to blame America for the coronavirus, Trump began to call the virus the "Chinese Virus." The press went mad. Celia Vega, an ABC reporter, seemed to pluck racial attacks out of thin air to challenge Trump on his word choice. Although it was a mean and stupid question, Trump answered it, because it gave him the opportunity to explain why "Chinese Virus" is an accurate phrase, not a racist one. Trump also made it plain that he will defend America's honor and the honor of the American military: President Trump asked again why he uses the phrase Chinese Virus: It comes from China, I want to be accurate pic.twitter.com/bOt1HJSfRa ALX (@alx) March 18, 2020 VEGA: Why do you keep calling this the Chinese virus, there are reports of dozens of incidents of bias against Chinese Americans in this country. Your own aide, Secretary Azar says he does not use this term. He says ethnicity does not cause the virus. Why do you keep using this? A lot of people think its racist. TRUMP: Because it comes from China. Its not racist at all. No, not at all. It comes from China, thats why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate. VEGA: And no concerns about Chinese Americans in this country? The aides behind you, are you comfortable with this term? TRUMP: I have great love for all of the people from our country but, as you know, China tried to say at one point, maybe they stopped now, that it was caused by American soldiers. That cant happen. Thats not gonna happen, not as long as Im president. It comes from China. When another reporter asked Trump about blaming the Chinese for the virus, Trump showed that he was open-minded about supporting Tom Cotton in the latter's bid to "punish" China: REPORTER: In talking about China, you've been very clear about who you think is to blame or where the origin to blame of this virus is or TRUMP: Not think. No, no. Not think. I know who ... where it came from. I don't know if you'd say China is to blame. Certainly, we didn't get an early run on it. It would have been helpful if we knew about it earlier. But it comes from China. And it's not a question about that. Nobody is questioning that. REPORTER: Senator Cotton is saying that they should be "punished" in so many words for inflicting this on the American people. Do you feel that way about it? TRUMP: Well, I have a lot of respect for Tom Cotton, and I know what exactly what he's been saying. And there are those people who say that, so we'll see what happens. One of the things Trump's supporters like best about him is the fact that he doesn't have the politician's habit of hiding behind weasel words. He's a straight shooter and calls things by their rightful names. Confucius would be proud, and China should be worried. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riza Roidila Mufti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 16:12 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206be985d 1 Business perum-perindo,fisheries,octopus,Japan,exports,Trade,coronavirus,COVID-19,business Free State-owned fishery company Perum Perindo is set to export 15 tons of octopus to Japan to boost its revenue as trade activities weaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perum Perindo operational director Arief Goentoro said Thursday that the fishery products would be exported to an unidentified company in Japan, making them the third batch of octopus exports to the same firm. The first and the second batch were sent in November 2019 and February 2020. In every batch, Perindo has shipped 15 tons of octopus sourced from 100 fishermen in the Natuna regency off the northwest coast of Borneo. This octopus is the product of our fish processing unit [UPI] in Natuna. From Natuna, the octopus is shipped to Jakarta before getting exported to Japan, said Arief on Thursday. The octopus will be exported in April to Japan through Nizam Zachman fishery port in North Jakarta. One container of octopus is valued at US$ 75,150. State-owned fishery company Perum Perindo staffs load octopus for exports to Japan at the Nizam Zachman fishery port in North Jakarta in this undated photo. (Perum Perindo/Handout) Arief said the octopus export to Japan was part of a collaboration between the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, the Natuna regional government and Perum Perindo. Octopus is among Indonesias aquaculture products favored by the international market. Since 2017, fishery products from the fish processing unit in Natuna, under Perum Perindo assistance, has been exported to several countries, such as Singapore and Japan. Apart from octopus, other exported products from the Natuna fish processing unit are snapper, anggoli and kurisi. Read also: Government looks to revamp fisheries policies in Natuna Perum Perindo recorded $4.45 million export transaction value with Japan in 2018, with 298.7 tons in marine products shipped. Japan is one of Perum Perindos biggest shipment destinations apart from the United States and the Middle East, in addition to European countries. The export activities are expected to help Perum Perindo reach its revenue target of Rp 1.05 trillion, aiming to produce 28,500 fish and other sea products. Of the total production target, most are expected to come from the companys trade line at 25,003 tons, 2,013 tons from its fishing line and 1,484 tons from its cultivation line. (roi) WALKER, MI -- A well-known pet foundation is making it a little more affordable to add a furry quarantine companion. Bissell Pet Foundation is hosting an emergency Empty the Shelters pet adoption event from now through March 25 at more than two dozen participating shelters and rescues across Michigan. During this time, fees for pets that are viewed and applied for online will be reduced to $25. After the application is submitted, rescue and shelter staff will then work to schedule an in-person appointment to finalize the adoption. A full list of participating shelters and rescues, as well as links to view their individual animals, is available at https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/2020/03/18/virus-assistance/. The event comes at a time when many shelters are restricting public access to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Many shelters have already been forced to eliminate all foot traffic in their facilities, so overcrowding is becoming a real issue, said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. Organizations are scrambling to find fosters to take pets in during this desperate time and they need our help. Thats why BPF will also reduce fees for foster-to-adopt cases. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say they do not have evidence that pets can spread coronavirus. Some participating shelters include the Kent County Animal Shelter, Genesee County Animal Control, Capital Area Humane Society, the Humane Society of Midland County and the Muskegon Humane Society. If you are able to bring a pet into your home, now is a perfect time, Bissell said. People wishing to donate to Bissell Pet Foundation can do so by going to www.bissellpetfoundation.org/donate. On Wednesday, March 18, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan now has more than 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. Hours earlier, Michigan recorded its first death from coronavirus. Read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Michigan Treasury extends tax deadline for businesses struggling during coronavirus pandemic No positive case of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has been reported so far in Madhya Pradesh, where bus services from the capital city to Rajasthan and Maharashtra will be suspended from March 21 to prevent spread of the deadly disease, officials said on Thursday. So far, swab samples of 43 persons were sent for coronavirus testing, said a health department officer. Of these, reports of 29 persons came out negative, while test details of the remaining 14 are awaited, additional director, health department, Dr Veena Sinha said. Sinha said as many as 12,032 people with a travel history to the coronavirus-affected countries have been screened in the state so far. Of these, 541 persons are under home quarantine at present, while the 14-day observation period of 382 others has come to an end, she said. Madhya Pradesh has not recorded a single positive case of the coronavirus so far. Sinha said a call centre with phone number 104 has been activated in the state for providing information and guidance on the infection. Till now, 1,764 calls have been attended on the dedicated number, she added. Meanwhile, a government order said on Thursday that bus services between Bhopal and cities in Maharashtra and Rajasthan would be suspended from March 21 to March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak. The order was issued by Bhopals Divisional Commissioner Kalpana Shrivastava Maharashtra has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases (nearly 50) in the country so far. The MP government has already ordered closure of schools, cinema halls, museums and other establishments in the state to prevent spread of the infection. On Wednesday, the government had suspended bus services from Indore to cities in Maharashtra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China is increasing financial and management support for provincial governments in their fight against the coronavirus outbreak, including efforts by local authorities to relieve pressure on cash-strapped businesses. The Financial Stability and Development Committee (FSDC), which coordinates the activities of financial regulators and the central bank, has opened eight new provincial-level offices in an attempt to better coordinate virus response efforts on behalf of the State Council, China's cabinet. One of the main jobs of the new FSDC branches, which will be located in the provincial-level authorities of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Tianjin, Guangdong, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu and as well as the northern autonomous region of Inner Mongolia, will be to ensure that banks are taking the steps necessary to boost lending to small businesses. Chaired by Vice-Premier Liu He, who is in charge of finance as top economic adviser to President Xi Jinping, the FSDC will use the new branches to ensure the rapid implementation of the government's programme to increase bank lending to support the economy. The FSDC was created in 2017 to safeguard the stability of China's financial system after loopholes in financial regulations allowed manufacturing companies and other firms that were not traditional banks to engage in massive risky lending activities " the so-called shadow banking system. Shadow banking has since been largely dismantled, but many small private-sector businesses relied on it to help finance their operations, presenting a new problem for Beijing as it tries to support economic growth in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. Private firms were already struggling to gain access to credit before the virus outbreak dealt a hammer blow to smaller businesses. Beijing has tried to shovel large sums of money into the banking system to boost lending to smaller firms, with the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the nation's central bank, providing 800 billion yuan (US$114 billion) in extra funds to banks in February, and another 550 billion yuan this week after cutting the amount of reserves banks were required to hold. Story continues In addition, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission has encouraged banks to delay repayments and interest due on loans for firms whose businesses have been heavily affected by the outbreak, and encouraged bigger risk tolerance in bank lending to small businesses. S&P Global Ratings warned in a recent research report that the coronavirus could be a stress test on China's banking sector, with commercial banks' bad loan ratio rising to 6.0 per cent, more than triple the level at the end of last year. "We fully understand that the [non-performing loan] ratio could rise a certain amount owing to the epidemic," the banking regulator said in an online statement a week ago. "But the impact on the economy and finance should be short lived ... There's no reason for the bad loan ratio to rise significantly." Qu Qiang, a researcher with Renmin University's international monetary institute, said loan exposure in the most affected sectors, such travel, catering and hospitality, is low and many businesses are now recovering as the outbreak is moving towards an end in China. "Its impact has been larger on people's livelihoods than on financial stability," he said. "As the coordination mechanism suggests, the government has sufficient experience and tools to deal with potential financial problems." This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. PRISTINA -- A partner in Kosovos ruling coalition says it will seek a no-confidence vote in parliament against the government, potentially engulfing the small Balkan nation into a political crisis even as it battles along with the rest of the world to curtail the coronavirus pandemic. Isa Mustafa, the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), said on March 18 that the motion will be filed after the dismissal earlier in the day of Interior Minister Agim Veliu, purportedly for spreading "panic" about coronavirus after he backed a presidential call for a state of emergency over the pandemic. But Mustafa added that the dismissal was also related to the differences between the coalition partners over whether a 100 percent tariff on goods from neighbor and rival Serbia should be lifted. Late on March 17, President Hashim Thaci signed a decree on declaring a state of emergency over the coronavirus crisis. It has been sent to Kosovos parliament, which has 48 hours to either accept or reject the move. Prime Minister Albin Kurti has rejected calls for a state of emergency, saying it would cause unnecessary panic. He fired Veliu on March 18, just hours after Veliu said he supported the call, accusing him of spreading "panic." "At this time, when the entire public administration is making the utmost efforts to minimize the damage caused by the coronavirus, the heads of central institutions, including those in the government cabinet, need to prove maturity both in decision-making and in making statements," Kurti said in his announcement about firing Veliu. Veliu is from the LDK, which is in a fragile coalition with Kurti's Self-Determination party. LDK leader Mustafa gave Kurti until the end of the week to annul the decision to dismiss Veliu and take a decision to abolish the tariffs on Serbian imports. Pristina is under huge pressure from the European Union and the United States to revoke the 100 percent import tariff it imposed against Serbia in November 2018. The tariff came in response to Belgrade's diplomatic campaign to encourage some of the 110-plus countries that have recognized Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008 to reverse their position. Since taking power, Kurti has resisted removing the tariff and instead has suggested a partial lifting -- something rejected by Thaci as well as the United States, Kosovos most important ally. Richard Grenell, the U.S. special envoy to Kosovo and Serbia, said in a tweet on February 27, that the partial lifting was not enough, calling it a half measure. The LDK had said it would quit the government if the tariff was not "revoked unconditionally." Despite the political maneuvering, Kurti said that I still say today that we have LDK as a partner. We want to have the LDK in the ruling coalition." The LDK would need approval from a majority of deputies in the 120-member parliament, where Kurti has only 29 seats, to bring down the government. Kosovo says it has confirmed 20 cases of the coronavirus since the first infected person was discovered on March 13. Most cases concern people who had traveled to nearby Italy or had been in contact with others who had been to Italy. With reporting by AFP and Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that by no means does he consider himself to be a tsar. In his TASS interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin", the head of state asserted that a tsar merely issues orders, while the president works every day. Putin confessed it had never occurred to him that his stay at the helm of power would last so long. "I never thought that I would wind up here," he said. About the possibility of dropping out of the race at some point, the president said he felt "responsible for what is going on, and for what will happen in the future." The head of state said that in 2008, he did not have the slightest idea that in four years time he would occupy the presidential office again, although he did not exclude that possibility altogether. At the start of the Democratic primaries, Bernie Sanders, the candidate with essentially socialist leanings, seemed to some to pose a real threat to the future of the US and capitalism itself. That is how he was portrayed in conservative circles and even in the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, because he was the forerunner in several primaries around the country. However, by Super Tuesday, on 3 March, Sanders star began to dim after losing several states which voted for his opponent, Joe Biden. Just as those who were worried that Sanders would take the lead from Biden began to breathe easier, the country was struck by an even more serious threat the Covid-19 pandemic. US President Donald Trump, who at first dismissed the dangers of the outbreak, took a series of decisions that revealed palpable fear of a threat that has an unpredictable impact in the coming few weeks. The coronavirus threat is a two-sided sword of opportunity for Democratic candidates and Trump, who will be contesting the presidential race against either Sanders or Biden in November. Much will depend on how each of the three takes advantage of public panic over the potentially deadly, highly contagious outbreak. Both Biden and Sanders criticised Trump during their debate Sunday night, slamming his slow reaction and public health measures taken. Biden described Trumps decision to ban flights from Europe as hasty and taken for political reasons to serve his presidential campaign primarily, while Sanders took the opportunity to shine a bright spotlight on his agenda of providing comprehensive and free healthcare for all citizens. Trumps campaign attacked Biden and described his criticism of the travel ban as Bidens lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of the American people, and focus on promoting his partys general ideals. Trumps team ignored Sanders altogether, perhaps because Trump would like to see Sanders win the Democratic nomination, because he believes Sanders is an easier candidate to defeat. He may see Biden as a more formidable adversary if he wins the Democratic nomination. As well as the health risks, Covid-19 is a critical issue for the Democratic candidates and Trump. The Democratic Party was forced to hold the Sanders-Biden debate in a television studio without an audience due to social distancing measures, deflating this important encounter in a country where debates in front of a live audience play a key role in deciding winners. Trump is also worried that Covid-19 threatens to erase his most prized economic achievements, such as slashing unemployment and recalibrating the trade balance with China and the EU to reduce the US deficit in the long term. Experts believe the pandemic will subside as temperatures warm up and by summer Covid-19 will not have much impact on electoral campaigns. The question remains, however: can the Democratic Party decide on its presidential nominee before July when the Democratic National Convention is held? So far, the results of the primaries show Biden moving boldly towards winning the nomination after taking 14 out of 20 states this month. Sanders, however, is unwilling to relent and withdraw from the race at a time when the party needs to close ranks to ensure Trump is defeated, or at least to make it very difficult for him to return to the White House for a second term. Although it admits that Sanders chances of winning the party nomination are diminishing, Sanders campaign is trying to convince his supporters that he can continue to battle on. Faiz Shaker, Sanders campaign manager, believes it is premature to talk about Sanders withdrawing from the race. Shaker dismissed his bosss recent losses, saying that the results have fluctuated since the beginning, and even Biden had a rough start in the first three primaries before his recent comeback. Also, that two candidates who withdrew, Amy Klobuchar and Kamala Harris, were at the forefront in opinion poll forecasts, but eventually lost ground. Biden is doing his best not to strongly criticise Sanders in the hope that the latter will realise it is in the interest of the Democratic Party and the United States to close ranks quickly behind Biden to improve his chances of defeating Trump. Meanwhile, Trumps campaign believes the economic impact of Covid-19 poses a more serious threat to his re-election than Bidens surge so far. If Trump succeeds in re-stimulating the economy by cutting taxes and pumping more funds into infrastructure spending, then his chances of defeating Biden are certain. *A version of this article appears in print in the 19 March, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: If Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election, we would not know about the enormously complex attempted coup she undertook, with a vast cast of characters, to defeat Donald Trump as a candidate and then unseat him once he was elected president. Only because she lost do we now know a great deal about all that. We know that Hillary commissioned and paid for the vaunted "dossier," that she hired Fusion GPS to deliver opposition research that would take candidate Trump out of the running. We know that bad actors in the FBI (James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Pete Strzok, et al.); at the DOJ (Sally Yates, Rod Rosenstein, Bruce Ohr, et al.); and at the CIA (John Brennan) and James Clapper at the DNI all coordinated with each other to destroy Trump by wholly fraudulent means. Thanks to the wisdom of the voters, we now know all about their crimes against this country. Numerous books have been published by intrepid actual journalists who have laid out what happened in tremendous detail. Hopefully, when A.G. Bill Barr and prosecutor John Durham release their report, we will be privy to all the details of the whole sordid story of the most venal political scandal in American history. One thing is clear: there are a slew of people who need to be indicted for their crimes, beginning with Hillary Clinton and her team of political assassins. But had she been elected, we would know none of what these operatives at the highest levels of our government had set out to do because they feared an outsider in their oh, so exclusive club of unscrupulous, self-appointed elites. If HRC had won the election, we would still to this day be the handmaiden of China, for she would never have challenged the Chinese as President Trump has. They would still be stealing from us, plotting against us, taking advantage of us as they have for decades. They would not be paying the tariffs Trump has imposed upon them. We would have unrestricted illegal immigration on our southern border, and the unemployment of blacks, Latinos and women would not be at the lowest levels in history. We would be continuing to allow Iran to weaponize its nuclear program with assistance from Russia and China. We would not be energy-independent, as a President Clinton would have shuttered all coal mines, blocked any and all pipelines, and put a stop to fracking all the things Joe Biden has dutifully promised to do if elected. In short, Clinton would be sitting pretty with all her thug pals, but the rest of us would be chopped liver by now. Her crowd cares about power, not people; about their own wealth, not the working families who make the nation run. She would have put millions of people out of work by now and happily rationalized the job losses as necessary to abate climate change. And who knows what pandemonium she might have incited in Syria and Afghanistan? She is the warmonger; Trump is the pacifist. And now there is this Wuhan Virus. Like all flu viruses, it is deadly for some, the oldest among us with other exacerbating medical conditions, far less fatal than some types of flu but more easily transmitted; most who get it will survive. If HRC were president, chances are that our media would barely mention it but for the deaths in the rest of the world, since the deaths here have been far, far less than any typical flu season. That could change, but Trump on Jan. 31 banned planes from China landing here; he bought some time to get up to speed, to assemble a team of experts that are managing this crisis very well. As everyone surely knows by now, when the H1N1 flu struck in 2009, Obama ignored it for six months, until a thousand Americans had died and 300K were hospitalized. In the end, eighteen thousand Americans died! There was no panic, no hoarding, no quarantine, no banning restaurants from serving customers, etc. There was certainly no blaming Obama for not paying attention to what was a very lethal flu epidemic. If HRC were president today, the media would not be blaming her for its spread nor would they be fanning the flames of panic. They would be giving her credit for the fact that there are so few deaths here in comparison to other nations. They would be protecting her and finding ways to blame Republicans for the deaths across the globe. Consider how they rallied to deflect from her any blame, which she surely deserved, for the conflagration in Benghazi. If she were the president at this moment in time, there would be no mass hysteria, no attempt by the left to destroy a thriving economy and attempt to bring about a recession. But if she had been elected, we would not have a thriving economy. We would be chugging along with virtually no growth and high unemployment as we did under Obama. There is a market for alternative fiction. That is why Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was such a hit film; it provided an alternative ending to a true event that was a satisfying bit of fiction. But imagining an alternative ending to the 2016 election, if HRC's scheme to destroy Donald Trump had succeeded, this country would continue to be in decline and Clinton Inc. would be "managing" the said decline like Obama so happily claimed to do. Obama meant to and did seek to bring America down a few pegs; he dislikes this country and could not stop apologizing for our prosperity. Hillary just wanted to run it in order to get richer and richer. Both of them and the so-superior in-crowd to which they belong loathe the rest of us. We are like gnats on a piece of fruit to them. President Trump, wealthy before he ran, and having no need to use his office for personal gain, hasn't. He donates his salary and his businesses are all in a blind trust. He clearly loves the country and has revitalized it in countless ways. That is why they hate him so. He has achieved what they have promised for decades but never really tried to accomplish. What Trump has done for American blacks and Hispanics is extraordinary which is why Blexit is a real thing, thanks to the glorious Candace Owens. So is Brandon Straka's WalkAway (from the Democrat Party) movement. The numbers of young people fed up with the Democratic Party is growing exponentially for good reasons. For example, when Obama took over the student loan program, it gave the colleges free rein to hike tuitions which they did. And those loans? Impervious to bankruptcy. It's a despicable scam, perpetrated by Obama on all college-bound young people but Obama's pals are getting very rich from that takeover. Do they care that they are saddling young people with a lifetime of debt? Not one bit. Hillary would have ramped it up to enrich her friends. The national frenzy over this virus, another in a centuries-long line of nasty bugs, should not be happening but it is. The left is positively exuberant that another agent of attack they can use to besiege the president has been dropped in their laps. They've grabbed the ball and are running with it to the point of sheer idiocy. Each press conference is plagued by questions about the politically correct language with which to name the disease! Do these not-journalists realize how ridiculous they sound to the rest of us? No, they do not. They think they are the left's gifted agents of destruction but they are most certainly insuring President Trump's re-election. That is the upside of this black swan event. The media have so shamed themselves that the whole nation is waking up to their duplicity. Having watched the Democrat campaign devolve to a choice between the sadly mentally-challenged Biden and communist Sanders, it is dawning on all of America except the radical regressives and never-Trumpers that we are blessed to have President Trump in the White House at this moment in time. He is the right man for this nation right now. He is our Winston Churchill; HRC would have been our Neville Chamberlain. A moment of conjuring what Clinton would have subjected this country to is enough to make most of us eternally grateful for the good sense of those American voters who elected Donald Trump. Caricature by DonkeyHotey via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, said that the government has started working on coordinated efforts that were called for during the SAARC conference. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated that steps had already been taken to follow up on the agreed proposals and were already attempting to meet specific requirements meted to India by member nations. READ: Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases Soar Over 180, PM Modi To Address The Nation At 8 Pm SAARC proposals being followed "We are moving very fast on most of the proposals and announcements. The emergency fund is already up and running and we have received many requests from other SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, shoe covers, gloves, disinfectants, and other items," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on March 15, addressed a SAARC video conference to share each other efforts and issues as the seven countries battle the pandemic. The video conference was led by PM Modi and was attended by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Maldives President Ibrahim Solih, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's assistant - Dr Zafar Mirza. PM Modi highlighted the SAARC's ancient ties and said that 'we must work and succeed together'. READ: Maharashtra Orders Police Action On People Stepping Out Despite 'Home Quarantine' Stamps Nearly 170 confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in India with four reported deaths. Multiple states across the country have taken up measures to contain the spread of the virus, including shutting down schools, universities, malls and other places where a large number of people can gather. Firms have also implemented work from home so as to not expose the employees to the virus. The Union government on Thursday announced that no international flight will be allowed to land in the country for a week from March 22 The Ministry of External Affairs has also appointed an additional secretary level rank official as nodal officer to coordinate efforts at the global level regarding the spread of COVID-19. READ: IMPORTANT: ICSE Class 10 & 12 Board Exams Postponed Till Further Notice Amid Coronavirus Globally, around 8,000 people have died due to Coronavirus, with the epicentre being China. The virus has infected around 2,19,000 people globally and has now spread to North America, South America, Europe, New Zealand, and more than 100 other countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has initiated a Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund for individuals, philanthropies and businesses to contribute to the effort to respond to the pandemic. The funds will help to send essential supplies such as personal protective equipment to frontline health workers, Enable all countries to track and detect the disease by boosting laboratory capacity through training and equipment, ensure health workers and communities everywhere have access to the latest science-based information to protect themselves, prevent infection and care for those in need, and accelerate efforts to fast-track the discovery and development of lifesaving vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. READ: MASSIVE: Modi Government Announces Stringent Measures To Combat Coronavirus; List Here The chatbot market has limitless potential as most customer and prospect interactions can benefit from the use of an automated assistant. As consumers get used to Alexa, Siri and Google voice solutions, they will also feel more comfortable communicating with AI-driven solutions from the companies the communicate with. Enter ADA, the company just closed a $44 million in a Series B funding round led by Accel, with participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, FirstMark, Version One, Leaders Fund and Burst Capital. Ada helps business leaders such as AirAsia, Mailchimp, Shopify, Telus, Upwork and Zoom reduce costs and increase satisfaction across more than 30 million personalized customer conversations annually via an AI chatbot built on its ACX platform. ACX stands for automated customer interaction the company is branding itself with this moniker to differentiate itself from other chatbot vendors. You may recall our recent interview with Maddy Martin of Smith.ai her company provides a virtual receptionist which also includes an AI-driven chatbot. We saw here at the Future of Work Expo part of the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW in Florida. She explained how chatbot tech can help companies by allowing them to focus on what they do rather than customer interaction. Ada will use the investment to scale its platform, deepen its AI leadership and provide enhanced functionality across traditional business silos, including helping organizations optimize operations by benchmarking efficiency gains against customer satisfaction. Adas platform gives business users and non-technical users the ability to improve, tweak and enhance AI capabilities through a no-code drag-and-drop interface to deliver best-in-class results. Ben Fletcher, partner at Accel Although AI gets thrown around a lot in the enterprise, we are focused on companies offering solutions that are driving real business value, and Ada is doing exactly that. Ada is breaking through the crowded market of chatbots to define a new category of automated customer experience that can manage far greater customer inquiry volumes while delivering some of the strongest customer satisfaction scores weve seen, said Ben Fletcher, partner at Accel. By uniting automation, personalization, speedy implementation and a no-code platform for non-technical users, Ada delivers compelling value thats rapidly attracted blue-chip customers around the world. Ada is an impressive testament to the tremendous AI innovation and leadership going on outside of Silicon Valley in Canada and beyond. As we face a new era of economic uncertainty, Ada is uniquely positioned to help companies strengthen customer relationships and deliver impressive long-term value even as they may face limited resources. Adas applied AI uses machine learning to increase accuracy over time and strengthen the performance of all Ada customers chatbots. With customers in industries from fintech and retail to telecom and software, Ada can train the chatbot to understand and address topics specific to each business while getting up and running in weeks, not months. A proprietary Natural Language Understanding engine enables the chatbot to comprehend meaning and context without perfectly constructed sentences, allowing it to navigate around jargon, typos, spelling errors and more than 100 different languages. The company says their technology has reduced customer wait time up to 98 percent, solved more than 70 percent of customer inquiries instantly and achieved customer satisfaction scores of 90 percent. Mike Murchison, co-founder and CEO of Ada Our founding team spent over a year in the trenches of customer support and saw firsthand that existing solutions just couldnt scale in the face of soaring ticket volumes and sky-high customer expectations, said Mike Murchison, co-founder and CEO of Ada. We designed Ada to help customer service teams take advantage of all the benefits of automation without sacrificing the personalized touches that are so essential to winning loyal, long-term customers. Ada will use this investment to lead the next phase of this market, extending our best-in-class AI with the aim of delivering personalized experiences across all customer properties, while providing more tools to help businesses better calibrate their customer service strategy and optimize their bottom line. What Ada has going for them is the number of interactions they are involved in. AI and ML need data to improve and the more interactions they are involved in 30 million a year and counting, the better they do. This is truly the definition of the Future of Work. If you found this article interesting, we invite you to join us at the worlds only Future of Work Expo collocated with the ITEXPO #TechSuperShow, June 22-25, 2021 in Miami, Florida. Join others with $25B+ in IT buying power who plan 2021 budgets! Including 3,500+ resellers! A unique experience with a collocated SD-WAN Expo, AIOps Expo and MSP Expo These findings should have a significant impact on future vaccination strategies and pave the way for new treatments of an underperforming or over-reacting immune system. The results of this research are published in Cell Stem Cell on March 12, 2020. Stem cells in our bodies act as reservoirs of cells that divide to produce new stem cells, as well as a myriad of different types of specialized cells, required to secure tissue renewal and function. Commonly called "blood stem cells," the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are nestled in the bone marrow, the soft tissue that is in the center of large bones such as the hips or thighs. Their role is to renew the repertoire of blood cells, including cells of the immune system which are crucial to fight infections and other diseases. Until a decade ago, the dogma was that HSCs were unspecialized cells, blind to external signals such as infections. Only their specialized daughter cells would sense these signals and activate an immune response. But work from Prof. Michael Sieweke's laboratory and others over the past years has proven this dogma wrong and shown that HSCs can actually sense external factors to specifically produce subtypes of immune cells "on demand" to fight an infection. Beyond their role in an emergency immune response, the question remained as to the function of HSCs in responding to repeated infectious episodes. The immune system is known to have a memory that allows it to better respond to returning infectious agents. The present study now establishes a central role for blood stem cells in this memory. "We discovered that HSCs could drive a more rapid and efficient immune response if they had previously been exposed to LPS, a bacterial molecule that mimics infection," said Dr. Sandrine Sarrazin, Inserm researcher and senior-author of the publication. Prof. Michael Sieweke, Humboldt Professor at TU Dresden, CNRS Research Director and last author of the publication, explained how they found the memory was stored within the cells: "The first exposure to LPS causes marks to be deposited on the DNA of the stem cells, right around genes that are important for an immune response. Much like bookmarks, the marks on the DNA ensure that these genes are easily found, accessible and activated for a rapid response if a second infection by a similar agent was to come." The authors further explored how the memory was inscribed on the DNA, and found C/EBP? to be the major actor, describing a new function for this factor, which is also important for emergency immune responses. Together, these findings should lead to improvements in tuning the immune system or better vaccination strategies. "The ability of the immune system to keep track of previous infections and respond more efficiently the second time they are encountered is the founding principle of vaccines. Now that we understand how blood stem cells book mark immune response circuits, we should be able to optimize immunization strategies to broaden the protection to infectious agents. It could also more generally lead to new ways to boost the immune response when it underperforms or turn it off when it overreacts," concluded Prof. Michael Sieweke. The research group of Prof. Michael Sieweke works at the interface of immunology and stem cell research. The scientists focus on the study of hematopoietic stem cells and macrophages, long-lived mature cells of the immune system that fulfil an important role in tissue regeneration. In 2018, Prof. Michael Sieweke received the most valuable research award in Germany: the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, which brings top international researchers to German universities. In addition to his position as Research Director at the Centre for Immunology at the University of Marseille Luminy, he now acts as Deputy Director at the Center for Regenerative Therapies at TU Dresden (CRTD). CRTD is academic home for scientists from more than 30 nations. Their mission is to discover the principles of cell and tissue regeneration and leveraging this for recognition, treatment and reversal of diseases. The CRTD links the bench to the clinic, scientists to clinicians to pool expertise in stem cells, developmental biology, gene-editing and regeneration towards innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, hematological diseases such as leukaemia, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, retina and bone diseases. Notary, QC, Broker Products; Developments in Warehouse, Agency, eClosing, and Capital Markets Ive started investing in stocks: beef, chicken, and vegetable. One day I hope to be a bouillonaire. There might be a few less bouilonaires owning PennyMac stock after yesterday. If you want to know what the market thinks of lenders/investors/servicers, public companies like PennyMac are a bellwether. And its price was down yesterday over 40 percent at one point. (Take a gander at the one month graph; CRT exposure? HUD suspending foreclosures for 60 days, impacting servicers?) Impac has suffered a similar fate, down more than 50 percent from earlier this month. Any lender with servicing rights, well, good luck. In the primary markets, retail organizations with branch networks are shutting down the branches and requesting LOs work from home or common areas. Lenders everywhere are keeping their work from home staff apprised of developments. For example, LendUS CEO Rob Hirt sent out this video discussing the companys policy and procedure moves, the latest on the LendUS family, and how it is navigating the effects of the coronavirus. Other good news? Ive worn the same set of sweats for three days in a row now. And Ive stopped shaving my legs! Lender Products and Services Are you ready for VA IRRRL and purchase opportunities in this market? Considering VA mortgage lending for the first time? Join Freedom Mortgage Wholesale for our final live webinar primer on VA mortgage products and origination processes. Plus, learn more about the recently enacted Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which has provided new mortgage benefits for jumbo borrowers, active duty Purple Heart recipients, and more. Freedom Mortgage is a leading VA lender and our Wholesale Channels No Down Payment VA Jumbo program enables eligible jumbo borrowers to exceed published FHFA county loan limits without a down payment requirement! No jumbo overlays or loan limits! Sign up for a VA Mortgage Product & Process Primer on 3/20. Informative Research (IR) announced earlier this month its integration with Blend where lenders will be able to order IRs TriMerge Credit Report and SoftQual solutions directly on the digital platform. Our goal at Informative Research is to get our clients as close to a true digital loan process as possible, stated Matthew Orlando, Head of Client Success and Strategy at IR. Our integrations ensure that lenders can speed up the process, so integrating with Blend is a huge step for offering that improved digital experience. Through Blend, users can order Informative Researchs comprehensive TriMerge Credit Report, along with SoftQual, which will be available soon. SoftQual is IRs pre-qualification solution that lets lenders pull a soft inquiry on an applicants credit report before pulling a hard inquiry. Through prequalification, lenders can save up to 70% on upfront credit costs and avoid getting their leads poached. Read more about the integration here! With COVID-19 and higher than usual loan volume, whats going on with mobile notaries? According to Marc Trachtenberg at Silk Title Co., notaries and attorneys they work with have been proactive putting safety first by calling borrowers before arriving to explain steps they will be taking to ensure a safe closing experience. So far, we see the majority of closings being completed as scheduled. We are receiving more phone calls though from lending executives asking about steps they can take now to convert to digital closings by switching to RONs and eClosings, said Trachtenberg. Definitely a good time to consider options. For questions, you can email marc@silktitleco.com. Ellie Mae and Optimal Blue recently announced the expansion of their strategic partnership to include collaboration on multiple next-generation, API-based integrations between the Ellie Mae Digital Lending Platform and Optimal Blues Marketplace Platform. With their mutual focus on creating a seamless, end-to-end workflow between lenders and investors, Optimal Blues unrivaled Hedge Analytics and Loan Trading solutions now join Optimal Blues Product & Pricing as recommended solutions in the Ellie Mae Marketplace. Initiatives are already underway to enable a completely automated data and document exchange between lender and investor clients. The companies plan to collaborate on these new integrations and efficient workflow improvements throughout 2020 to create the most comprehensive, end-to-end offering for the mortgage industry. ARMCO is presenting a live webinar: Understand Your Loan Quality, Control It and Convey It - How Leading Consumer Lenders Are Leveraging Quality Control Automation to Achieve Optimal Loan Quality. In response to the recent global pandemic, conference cancellations and mass transition to a remote work environment, ARMCO has scheduled a live webinar targeting Consumer Bankers encapsulating all major Quality Control topics we planned on covering at the CBA Live conference which was recently postponed. Why QC is critical in todays volatile market conditions, the importance of loan quality across multiple product lines, and how to achieve loan quality through QC automation. We are in challenging times. The spread of Coronavirus mixed with the current low rate environment has caused a groundswell of uncertainty in the mortgage industry. Some lenders are better prepared for this than others. At QLMS, their team members are all working from home practicing social distancing to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. What is truly amazing about that is it has gone on without any disruptions or changes in service for its partners and their clients. QLMS is not turning away partners or their clients due to capacity issues. If anything, it understands that rates may dip again and QLMS is extremely prepared to handle any surge in volume. Click HERE to become stronger together with QLMS and join a lender who is ready to jump over any hurdle that comes its way. At Finance of America Mortgage we provide our Chief Xperience Officers, or CXOs, with the tools they need to succeed, including: an industry leading technological platform, products that fit our borrowers' needs, and an arsenal of educational and marketing materials at your fingers tips.We are creating a complete Two-X Platform for our CXOs. Weve invested tens of millions into a new proprietary suite of tools, including websites, CRM, POS, and more. This advanced suite of technologies allows us to execute our usual services, even in the face of todays challenging and unprecedented circumstances. Our loan process is transparent, mobile, and instant for every Finance of America Mortgage employee who touches that customer. And for the entrepreneur in you, Finance of America Mortgage believes in providing you with the autonomy you need to succeed in your own way. Click HERE to learn more. Digital transformation can sound overwhelming, but in practice, it doesn't have to be. Join Bob Meara (Celent), Eric Somers (BMO Harris Bank), and Alden Seabolt (Blend) for the CBA webinar "Leveraging digital transformation to nail customer acquisition." They'll demystify what it means to transform your organization with strategies that support seamless customer onboarding experiences. Sign up here. Corporate Shifts As always, questions regarding polices and procedures should be directed to the companies involved. That said There are certainly shifts in warehouse lending. For example, recently Texas Capital Bank shut off refinances. And in a separate incident, UWM has decided to discontinue our relationship with Independent Financial AKA Goldome. We are working on winding down our relationship with them over the next 45-90 days. We will fund all loans in the pipeline with them until May 31st, 2020 to not harm our clients. UWM will continue to support all other warehouse providers and our Correspondent partners. If you are in need of a different warehouse provider please feel free to reach out to me or my team and we will assist you in finding one. Simmons Bank, First Funding, Coastal States Bank and others are all great partners that we feel good working with for the long term. Andrew Liput with Secure Insight sent, Today I read a title binder with new language included: The Company reserves the right to raise exceptions and requirements or determine that it will not issue a title policy based upon the details of the transaction, a review of the closing documents, and changes in recording and title searching capabilities resulting from the COVID-19 virus. This language raises serious questions whether a lender will be able to obtain a timely title insurance policy to complete a loan file for sale into the secondary market. Also without a marked-up binder or some other proof, a lender will not be certain what is insured and what is omitted from coverage. The language is very broad and is not simply focused on recording delays. It implies that any defect at closing in documents, in the transaction, in the suspicion and sole determination of the title company, could result in NO POLICY ISSUED. Lenders need to educate themselves regarding this change and the title industry needs to be clearer about when they might determine not to issue a policy. On the topic of remote notarization, David Burner, Strategic Planning and Partnership Manager with Notarize, sent, MISMO's RON workgroup developed industry standards for compliant remote online notarization (RON). This group of industry stakeholders that included lenders, Fannie/Freddie, title agents & underwriters, notaries, vendors like Notarize and anyone else with a stake in making sure eClosings are done properly & safely. Within those standards are requirements around 'credential analysis' to prevent fraudulent IDs from being used. Software is used to identify if an ID is real or fake before the signer can join the audio/video session with the notary. Prior to that process is knowledge-based authentication (KBA) challenge questions that are based on the signer's unique experiences. Borrowers are required to answer these questions correctly within 2 minutes, such as past addresses or the make/model of a car you financed a decade ago! Finally, all RON transactions require a full, uninterrupted audio/video record of the signing process. Potential fraudsters would have to commit their crime while being recorded. It'd be like robbing a bank vault while staring at the camera the entire time. MISMO's RON workgroup went out of their way to solicit feedback for over a year while these standards were being developed, and I would encourage everyone to read them here. Thank you, David. No More Foreclosures (in the near term) The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the coronavirus national emergency. The foreclosure and eviction suspension applies to homeowners with an Enterprise-backed single-family mortgage. Earlier this month, FHFA announced that the Enterprises would provide payment forbearance to borrowers impacted by the coronavirus. Forbearance allows for a mortgage payment to be suspended for up to 12 months due to hardship caused by the coronavirus. Dont forget that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is suspending all evictions and foreclosures on HUD-backed properties until the end of April. Impact on big Ginnie servicers? The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) also announced it was directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend all foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days for homeowners with mortgages backed by the GSEs. Additionally, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released servicing announcements outlining notable updates to the GSEs forbearance plan. The GSEs are working with mortgage servicers to ensure that borrowers are granted assistance during this time, and updated forbearance guidelines will outline specific measures that will be taken to ensure that borrowers receive adequate support during this time. The program also allows servicers to evaluate a borrowers situation based on updated criteria as it relates to determining hardships related to COVID-19. Capital Markets Optimal Blue recently co-authored an article with Andrew Davidson & Co., Inc. (AD&Co), a leading provider of risk analytics and consulting for residential lending and MBS, titled Market Volatility and the Anatomy of Mortgage Rates. This timely article examines mortgage market pricing dynamics and how they have been impacted by the recent extreme market volatility spurred by the global impact of COVID-19. These are unprecedented times and the mortgage industry is no exception: record low rates, record high volume, overflowing pipelines, and the challenges of processing and closing a loan under tight restrictions on social interactions. Things are moving extremely fast! Explore how quickly changing behaviors, market volatility, and lender capacities are all driving the dynamics of primary market mortgage rates and their determining factors. A third of my emails yesterday were price changes for the worse from nearly every lender and investor. Current coupon MBS prices were down two points when theyre usually up or down .125 or .250. Not 2.00! Why? Despite the Federal Reserves moves on Sunday, the market remains illiquid. Typical MBS investors arent buying, and there is no demand. The basic tenets of supply and demand say that with lots of supply and limited demand, prices have to sink to find buyer interest. No one knows quite what is going on, or when it will end, certainly enforcing why lenders are pricing conservatively as nobody wants to lose money for their company with this volatility. Speaking of volatility, the 10-year yield shot up another 27 bps yesterday to close the day at 1.27 percent as U.S. Treasury securities, and MBS, dropped pricewise for the second consecutive day. There was selling pressure even though equities had another bad day that featured a midday volatility halt. The selling was driven by a belief that the fiscal standing of the U.S. will look much worse once all planned spending measures are enacted. Administration officials provided some details about the plans, which call for $50 billion in funds for the airline industry, $300 billion for small businesses, $150 billion relief for other distressed sectors, and two rounds of direct payments that will total $500 billion. Both the treasury and MBS markets challenged the Fed efforts to restore liquidity to these sectors (including another $6.2 billion in MBS purchases yesterday) making it only a matter a time before the Fed considers increasing the current asset purchase programs. Economic news, pre-coronavirus, means little compared to more recent news. And one hopes that Central Banks around the world consider this. Weve already seen central bank decisions from the Bank of Japan, the Swiss National Bank, and Norges Bank. The U.S. calendar is also underway with the Q4 current account balance ($109.8 billion, as expected), weekly jobless claims (281k, up 70k!), and the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey for March (down over 49 to -12.4). Later this morning brings February Leading Indicators, a $12 billion auction of reopened 10-year TIPS, and the Desk of the NY Fed $5 billion of Uniform Mortgage Backed Securities (UMBS). We begin today with Agency MBS prices worse .5 and the 10-year yielding 1.14 percent after weekly jobless claims and Philly Fed came out. Employment and Promotions 2019 was a year for the record books for 100% employee-owned USA Mortgage, Missouris largest home lender since 2014. The St. Louis-headquartered firm generated $2.45 billion in loan volume, a 41% increase over the $1.74 billion it posted in 2018. According to CoreLogic, Inc. analytics, the record-setting performance vaulted USA into the Top 100 lenders in the U.S. The St. Louis Business Journal recently took this behind-the-scenes look at the factors powering the rise of the company which now has 91 locations in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. With more than 700 employees, USA offers cutting-edge marketing and technology, a strong benefits package, an extensive portfolio of loan products and a spirited can do corporate culture. USA also has a charitable arm, DAS Gives, which in 2019 donated $130,000+ to charities important to team members. Seeking entrepreneurial advancement? Reach out today to USA Mortgage at joinus@USA-Mortgage.com. Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. announced the promotions of Brandi Hume to SVP of Risk Management and Hollie Wylie to VP of Compliance. Congratulations to both! Sen. Hawley Calls for International Investigation of Chinese Communist Partys Role in Suppressing Truth About CCP Virus WASHINGTONSen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is in only his second year as a U.S. senator and, at 40, he is the youngest member of the worlds greatest deliberative body, but none of that keeps him from having a high profile in Washingtonand in Beijing. The latest illustration of Hawleys impact is a tweet he circulated March 18 calling for a full, international investigation of #China Communist Partys actions that helped turn #coronavirus #COVID19 into a global pandemic and #China needs to be prepared to pay other countries for the havoc the CCP has unleashed. The Missouri Republican was responding to Lachlan Markay, an investigative journalist with the Daily Beast, who said that a Wuhan lab that identified COVID-19 as a highly contagious pathogen in late December was ordered by local officials to stop tests and destroy samples. Beijing is now scrambling to censor the story. The CCP virus, or novel coronavirus, has to date spread to virtually every country in the world and has caused at least 9,989 deaths, including 174 in the United States, according to the latest available data. China, with a reported 3,245 deaths, Italy with 3,405, and Iran with 1,284, are the nations hit hardest by the disease, which to date has taken its heaviest toll among the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Hawley is often in the headlines on issues involving China. Last week, he closely questioned witnesses during a Senate hearing on the dangers to Americans of the current extreme dependence by the United States on drugs and medical supplies such as surgical masks and ventilators made in China. Hawley earlier had introduced the Medical Supply Chain Security Act of 2020 that authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require manufacturers to report imminent or forecasted shortages of life-saving or life-sustaining medical devices to the FDA just as they currently do for pharmaceutical drugs. The measure also allows the FDA to expedite the review of essential medical devices that require pre-market approval, and gives the agency new authority to compile information from manufacturers on their operations. The information to be compiled includes sourcing of component parts, sourcing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, use of any scarce raw materials, and any other details the FDA deems relevant to assess the security of the U.S. medical product supply chain. The measure is needed, according to Hawley, because the United States has become almost totally dependent upon China for more than 150 drugs, including antibiotics, generics, and branded products. In October 2019, at the height of massive demonstrations by hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens demanding protection of their civil liberties against abuses by mainland China, Hawley flew there, spoke to multiple leaders of the protests, and posted a video on Twitter talking about his support for the movement. That video resulted in a clash with the CCPs chosen Hong Kong official, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who accused Hawley of being totally irresponsible and making unfounded accusations about a police state. Other actions by Hawley that target China include a measure he co-sponsored with Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) that bars the TikTok app from being used on any federal computer. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company that includes Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members on its board, and it is required by law to share user data with Beijing, Hawley said in a statement. The company even admitted it collects user data while their app is running in the background including the messages people send, pictures they share, their keystrokes and location data, you name it. As many of our federal agencies have already recognized, TikTok is a major security risk to the United States, and it has no place on government devices. The measure followed from a Senate hearing Hawley chaired in which he opened the proceeding by noting that TikTok was the most downloaded app of 2019 and now has more teen users than Facebook. The federal departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State, as well as the Transportation Security Administration have banned use of TikTok, but other government agencies have not. This is a major national security issue for the American people, Hawley said. Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc. An Australian tourist, 36, has died from suspected coronavirus in a remote town in Iceland. The man died shortly after presenting to a medical clinic in Husavik, in the nation's north, local media reported. His grieving wife remains in isolation after also testing positive to COVID-19, authorities said. The man, who has not been named, is the first suspected death from the coronavirus in Iceland, a country which has already experienced 330 cases. The Australian man died in the town of Husavik, in the remote north of Iceland Iceland is increasingly a tourist destination and Husavik is considered the 'whale watching capital' of the country (stock image, above) Icelanders have flooded social media with tributes to provide his widow with messages of support, with more than 10,000 people joining a Facebook page. 'Whilst the widow may be physically alone, Icelanders are keen to show that their thoughts are with her in this painful time,' a blogger said. The widow has issued her 'heartfelt thanks'. Authorities initially said they didn't believe the man died as a result of COVID-19, as his symptoms were not typical of the virus. We feel for you and wanted to let you know that you are not alone here in our frozen land of volcanoes and earthquakes A post from locals in Iceland, letting the grieving widow knowing they are thinking of her But while the cause remains under investigation, doctors told local media they now believe the man most likely died from the coronavirus. 'The man is likely to have died from COVID-19,' surgeon general Alma Moller said on Thursday, local time, according to the newspaper Morgunblai. The man was believed to have suffered pneumonia, Ms Moller told reporters. Clinical staff who came into contact with the man are being quarantined and the medical centre itself is being disinfected, reports said. Officials are tracing any contacts the couple had while travelling the country. The tourists were in Husavik, a town of about 2,307 people in the nation's north, more than 400km away from the capital, Reykjavik The stunning Godafoss waterfalls in the nation's north are a common stop for tourists CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement The country, which has increasingly become a tourist destination in recent years, has reported 330 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Like Australia and the UK, the Icelandic government has announced restrictions on public events and gatherings due to the pandemic. Shaky Bay, which Husavik sits on, is known as the country's 'whale capital' and is a popular location for adventurous sight-seers. For the first time in history, the Australian government this week issued advice urging the country's nationals not to travel. Australia's official death toll for the disease stands at seven as of Friday morning, after an 81-year-old New South Wales woman died last night. Daily Mail Australia approached the Icelandic Consulate in Sydney and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is providing consular assistance to the man's family. The assistance is being provided through the Australian Embassy in Denmark and the Canadian Embassy in Iceland. UNODC co-organizes meeting on securing postal services to address the opioid crisis Image: iStock / koya79 Vienna (Austria), 18 March 2020 Opioids are the mainstay drugs for chronic pain management, but at the same time, if misused, they present great harm to the health of users. The largest seizures of synthetic opioids at the global level in 2017 were of tramadol, reaching a record 125 tons. Postal security is key to preventing illegal trafficking, including trafficking of tramadol and other synthetic opioids. At a side event held during the 63rd Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, together with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Public Safety Canada, therefore discussed ways to make the global supply chain safer from illegal drugs, especially synthetic opioids. Through its Opioid Strategy, UNODC is leading the global response to the opioid crisis. To coordinate the international response, the strategy ensures collaboration with several existing UNODC programmes, as well as other international organizations. During the event on March 4, experts from the UPU Postal Security Programme, UPU Postal security Group, UNODC/WCO/ICAO Container Control Programme, UNODC CRIMJUST programme, and Public Safety Canada shared their know-how and presented solutions to help Member States to make postal services and postal workers more secure from the threats posed by trafficking in synthetic opioids. Speaking at the event, Chris Callahan, Chair UPU Postal Security Group, stated that the Universal Postal Union sets standards for the exchange of the international mail. The main mission is to protect the employees, its customers and assets and to safeguard mails from fraud, theft and misuse. Mr. Callahan noted that when it comes to addressing the illegal trafficking of synthetic opioids the key to promote information sharing and training through workshops for employees, so that the relevant knowledge and experience is transferred to the relevant national authorities. Currently, the UPU is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and customs operators to ensure knowledge sharing on the benefits of using Electronic Advanced Data (EAD) in the customs sector, which include, among others, risk assessment and reducing manual interventions. According to Dawn Wilkes, UPU Postal Security Programme Manager, the UPU Postal Technology Centre (PTC) has developed many applications in efforts to assist postal offices and their customs operators to capture and utilize EAD. Ms. Wilkes stated that within the Customs Declaration System, created by UPU PTC to capture data from the postal operator and exchange with customs operators, there are multiple ways to assist identifying items of interest, the most relevant being the Security Alert feature. The partnership with the Universal Postal Union is important for the success of the UNODC Opioid Strategy, especially when it comes to addressing synthetic opioids trafficking. The UPUs made an important contribution to the Postal Security Module of UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs, which is a web-based platform with a wide range of electronic resources that offer innovative and practical tools on how to approach challenges related to synthetic drugs and particularly opioids. The UNODC CRIMJUST programme, one of the implementing partners of the UNODC Opioid Strategy, is currently developing guidelines for profiling synthetic opioid and for providing forensic evidence in synthetic opioids cases. Both guidelines will help enhance the control of mail parcels used for drug trafficking and the capacity of judiciary systems to prosecute synthetic opioid cases. During their presentations, the speakers also emphasised the benefits of inter-agency collaboration and the necessity of developing an efficient postal tracking system. As Asma Fakhri, Programme Management Officer and UNODC Opioid Strategy Coordinator noted, UNODC Opioid Strategy is looking forward to the joint activities around the world to help strengthen law enforcement and judiciary in responding to those challenges that are posed by synthetic drugs and, in particular, synthetic opioids. Further Information UNODC Opioid Strategy United Nations Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs UNODC Opioid Strategy - Impact Story in Nigeria #1 UNODC Opioid Strategy - Impact Story in Nigeria #2 Responding to global opioid crisis, UNODC launches strategy to protect public health Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Psychological Association of the Philippines issued Thursday a set of recommendations for when the threat of the COVID-19 outbreak starts to weigh on Filipinos' mental welfare. "Feeling worried and anxious is an expected reaction to the current crisis. It is normal to worry about our health and that of our loved ones, our work and finances. There are ways to lessen our stress and anxiety so that we can better care for ourselves and our family members," the group said. Follow proper health guidelines. PAP said the public should take concrete steps to follow the recommendations of the Department of Health and other local agencies, such as frequent handwashing, disinfecting objects and surfaces, practicing correct coughing and sneezing, staying home, and practicing social distancing. Limit social media usage. "Heavy consumption of news and social media can increase distress and anxiety," PAP said. Exposure to news and social media should be limited to only specific hours or times of the day, the group recommended. Adopt a regular routine. Adopting a regular routine at home or at work gives one a sense of purpose and order to his or her day, PAP said. Set aside time to do things that you enjoy. Watching a favorite show, engaging in hobbies, listening to your favorite songs, dancing, praying, or doing other things that make you feel good can lessen your distress, PAP noted. Stay connected to others. "Stay connected to others and to valued social groups even in the midst of social distancing," the group said. Videos and other online tools are a few ways to check in on each other and share emotional support. Practice empathy and compassion. "One should find ways to contribute to those who need the most support in this crisis," PAP said. This could be in the form of buying basic needs for persons who live alone, the elderly, or the disabled; providing medical supplies and personal protective gear to health workers and hospitals. Agencies are also seeking monetary and in-kind donations to supply these needs. Seek additional support. Seeking mental health or counseling services might help those who find it difficult to cope with the crisis. While face-to-face interventions are currently discouraged, online assistance is still available. "If you are having trouble sleeping, eating, or doing anything to help yourself or others in your household. Inquire with mental health care providers for assistance or online / tele-counseling services," PAP said. To date, COVID-19 cases in the Philippines have soared to 202, with deaths rising to 17. Seven patients have recovered. Globally, those who have fallen sick because of the virus have reached over 218,000, with more than 8,800 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 global tracker. Over 84,100 have recovered. The Health Department earlier said that most of those who recovered and were discharged from the hospitals exhibited mild symptoms and did not have underlying medical conditions. Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) will continue in operation under additional strict protocols. This decision is motivated by the need to maintain employment and incomes for people working in the industry, and on the basis of being able to achieve and maintain all HSE advice and instructions. Since last Friday, five race meetings in Ireland have been held behind closed doors with access to the racecourse limited to a number of key personnel such as stable staff, jockeys and trainers, and strict protocols around social distancing and sanitisation. These meetings were subsequently reviewed by the HRI board and more measures have been implemented in response. These new measures include: There will be no evening meetings and no double meetings - this will reduce the draw on medical resources, a principal concern for larger racing jurisdictions with multiple meetings every day. A maximum of one meeting per day to reduce impact on resources.# Jockeys weights to increase by 2lb from Friday, on the Flat and in National Hunt - all racecourse saunas are closed. No owners permitted to attend race meetings. No overseas runners will be permitted for the time being in Irish races. A maximum of 30-minute intervals between races to assist social distancing. Nicky Hartery, Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland outlined that these are unprecedented and sombre times and we are seeking the best ways to support the racing community and industry throughout what lies ahead. Health and welfare of employees and industry participants is the prime consideration and within that context, we have introduced protocols which can allow racing to continue and thousands of families who rely on the sector to maintain a livelihood. This will be kept under review on a daily basis and we are also planning measures for reprogramming fixtures as it becomes required. Changes to the programme will be separately announced." All previously outlined measures are still in place as HRI will continue to comply with the government issued directives surrounding social distancing and HSE health and welfare guidelines. by Shafique Khokhar The Catholic organisation suspends all its activities to prevent contagion. Pakistan has 302 confirmed cases. In Punjab, university hostels have been turned into quarantine centres. Church calls for prayers for the sick and for the discovery of an effective vaccine. Lahore (AsiaNews) The National Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan (CBCP) has issued a statement calling on the faithful to continue praying and fasting during Lent to beat the coronavirus. The Catholic organisation, chaired by Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, who also heads the CBCP, has called on people not to underestimate the power of the virus which, is growing globally and also in Pakistan. The statement goes on to urge the almighty and merciful God to give hope as well as strength, comfort and healing to everyone. As of today, some 302 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the country, with 734 people in hospital suspected of having the virus, and two deaths. The archbishop urges the faithful to pray for the sick and for the discovery of an effective vaccine to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. He also calls on all Pakistanis to cooperate with the government, act responsibly by staying at home, respect the safety distance between people, and heed all other measures to protect yourselves from the proliferation of the contagion. The Commission is really worried about the outbreak of this virus." For this reason, it suspended all its activities "in order to cooperate with the authorities and play a responsible role in prevention. It welcomes the efforts by Punjab province to contain the virus and convert university hostels into quarantine centres. Provincial authorities are enforcing Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows them to suspend or limit any activity in the public interest for a given period. In the past 20 years, there have been deadly epidemics such as SARS and MERS, and now the most lethal: Covid-19, said Archbishop Arshad. This has spread virulently to several places, causing despair even in the most powerful countries. The international impact of this viral attack is deadly. In many countries, the economy is taking a severe blow. Tourism is in trouble, markets are faltering. The crisis is one of humanity's most difficult challenges. Harvey Waterfield died after suffering a single stab wound to the back. (SWNS) This is the first picture of an amazing 19-year-old boy who died after he was fatally knifed in the back. Harvey Waterfield was found badly wounded in the Russells Hall area of Dudley, West Midlands, just before 7pm on Monday. Despite desperate attempts by members of the public to save the teenager, he died at the scene from a single stab wound. Three teenage boys, aged 15, 16 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of murder alongside a 20-year-old man. Harvey Waterfield was found badly wounded in the Russells Hall area of Dudley on Monday. (SWNS) Harveys heartbroken family have paid tribute to their amazing son and brother. In a statement, they said: "As a family we are devastated at the loss of our son Harvey. "He was an amazing son and brother and words cant possibly explain how we are all feeling. Read more: UK very close to breakthrough coronavirus immunity test "If anyone has any information about what happened to him please come forward and tell the police. "We ask for some level of privacy as we deal with this tragic event." Following the arrests of four people detective chief inspector Jim Munro, of West Midlands Police, said: While we now have four people in custody we are still appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident to get in contact with us. Harvey Waterfield died at the scene from a single stab wound. (SWNS) Dudley police commander, chief superintendent Sally Bourner, added: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Harvey at this sad time. Violence has no place in our community and neighbourhood team officers have been providing reassurance in the local area. Read more: Poll reveals young people more likely to be panic buying that pensioners More broadly we are working hard with partners as a top priority to tackle violence in our borough. This is a fast moving investigation and I would urge anyone with information to do the right thing and get in touch as we work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. Angus Beaumont, 15, was stabbed in the chest on Friday A heartbroken mother whose teenage son was allegedly murdered by two 14-year-old boys has called for them to be tried as adults. Angus Beaumont, 15, was leaving McDonald's at Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, around 8.10pm on Friday when he was set upon by three teenage boys and stabbed in the chest. The teenager was rushed to Redcliffe Hospital but died a short time later. His mother Michelle Liddle has started a petition calling for harsher punishments for accused criminals aged 14 and over. 'The aim of this petition is to get these offenders tried as adults. They have taken an amazing and beautiful boy's life and they deserve the harshest penalty as possible,' Ms Liddle wrote. 'There are too many kids walking around on our streets on bail after committing crimes. They don't learn and continue doing the same thing until they hurt someone. 'Enough is enough! These laws HAVE to be changed. These teens are out of control and the government isn't putting a stop to it! We need to band together and make a difference.' The teenager (pictured) was rushed to Redcliffe Hospital but unfortunately died a short time later On Sunday police arrested two 14-year-old boys and charged each of them with one count of murder and one of attempted armed robbery. They are still searching for the third accomplice. In a statement to The Sunday Mail, Angus's parents Michelle and Ben Beaumont said they wanted justice for their 'best mate.' 'Words can't express the feelings we have. We don't wish this on anybody and only now have memories,' they said. 'Angus Richard Beaumont We love you so much and will always cherish our time together. Love Mum and Dad.' On Saturday teenagers gathered near where Angus was killed to pay their respects. Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Hogan said 'it's very difficult to understand what the motivation is. It would appear it's unprovoked.' 'The family is devastated. They've lost their 15-year-old son.' GLENS FALLS Glens Falls Hospital, the VA and medical offices have gotten numerous chances this week to test their systems for evaluating patients, protecting medical providers and disinfecting rooms. They have all dealt with patients with suspected coronavirus infections all of which have so far proven to be false alarms. Practicing safety under those forgiving circumstances could prove invaluable in coming days. Glens Falls Hospital is getting ready for a possible surge in patients, with nine patients who might have the new coronavirus. The Veterans Affairs clinic in Glens Falls also got a scare Thursday morning when a person with virus symptoms came into the office, rather than calling first and being seen outside. The patient is an unconfirmed case, according to the VA. The patient has been tested but the test results may not come back until Friday. Medical offices ask all patients to call ahead if they have symptoms that include a fever, dry cough or trouble breathing. Medical providers can examine and treat the patient in a parking lot, for example, to avoid spreading the virus. Generally, an exam room must be so thoroughly cleaned that it can take an hour to remove any possibility of the virus. But doctors have ordered tests for many people on the grounds that they had the symptoms (which can also describe the flu, a cold or other viruses). To reduce emergency department visits, the hospital opened three outdoor testing sites. That worked: Emergency department visits have fallen sharply and 457 people have been tested in less than three days. Warren County still has only one person who tested positive. But the false alarms have allowed everyone to test their systems for evaluating patients, protecting medical providers and disinfecting rooms. The hospital is also deferring all surgeries that can be safely postponed, which has opened up beds for use in a possible surge. To reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, all of the hospitals primary care clinics and medical centers are now able to offer telehealth, in which patients use a phone or video-conferencing to meet with a doctor. Many ailments can be diagnosed in that way, with the medical provider sending a prescription to the patients nearest pharmacy without anyone meeting in person. The hospital has also taken stock of its ventilators and is preparing to acquire more if needed. The hospital has 30 far more than a typical rural hospital. Some hospitals in upstate New York have reported having only two. The hospital is also able to get more ventilators from training sites, it reported. Ventilators are used to keep a patient breathing by forcing oxygen into their lungs. A percentage of people who contract the new coronavirus including younger, healthy people will need a ventilator for a couple of weeks before recovering. But without a ventilator, they could die. Acquiring enough of the machines has been a major focus for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has asked the federal government for help. He has estimated that statewide there are only about 10% as many ventilators as would be needed if everyone gets sick at once. Thats one reason why people have been asked to stay home. If they do not spread the virus, it will progress more slowly and not overwhelm hospital resources. In addition to ventilators, Glens Falls Hospital currently has seven negative pressure rooms. Those rooms are used to isolate contagious patients. It has the capacity to create additional negative pressure rooms if needed. While it is using some of those rooms now, the hospital did not have any patients with the virus as of Wednesday night. At the time of this writing there are no patients being treated for COVID-19 in the hospital, spokesman Ray Agnew said in an email. At the time of this writing, nine admitted patients were being investigated for the possibility of COVID-19. Those patients are all being cared for with the same precautions as a patient who has the virus. So far, none of the suspected patients admitted to the hospital has tested positive. Hospital officials are working hard to keep employees from getting the virus, while also conserving protective gear. While the state said last week that masks must not be conserved after being used with a patient who has the virus, the Centers for Disease Control have been more pragmatic. Recently, they advised using a scarf, if nothing else is available. The hospital is training staff to doff masks and gowns for reuse, while also looking for alternate suppliers for more equipment. We routinely test our staff on the use of personal protective equipment and recently have stepped this up to ensure they appropriately use their protection, Agnew said, adding that trainers are making rounds on every shift to teach employees. Strict adherence to respiratory and hand hygiene practices and active monitoring of staff for symptoms is also in place, Agnew said. But he added that it is inevitable that a health worker will contract the virus. When that happens, the worker will be placed in quarantine and those who were within contact of that person will monitor themselves twice a day for fever, cough and shortness of breath. He noted that hospital workers are just as careful when treating a patient who has the flu. We are very familiar with this approach to the care of contagious patients, he said. It is our job and our responsibility to care for our patients regardless of their needs and to do so thoroughly and compassionately, and to ensure that our staff is protected to treat any condition. Essex, Warren and Washington still have only one positive case. The number of cases in Saratoga County was 21 as of Thursday afternoon and is growing rapidly as the virus spreads through the community. A large cluster is in Clifton Park. You can reach Kathleen Moore at 742-3247 or kmoore@poststar.com. Follow her on Twitter @ByKathleenMoore or at her blog on www.poststar.com. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A plague of locusts will be coming to pox Africa and in the Middle East. This would be a repetition of what happened 30-years ago. It can be likened to the coronavirus pandemic as it will acquire biblical proportions. There will be interference caused by travel limitations and in-country gatherings for training to deal with the locust threat, according to Rome-based Senior Locust Forecasting Officer Keith Cressman last Monday. Cressman is part of the Locust Watch, which is a division of the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization. Its job is to assist in times of emergency as countries facing locust hordes and desert borne invasion that threaten them. Alarm bells are clanging and the coming locust forecast does not bode well. There is a chance of large swarms that will strike in the Horn of Africa. Cressman has been with the organization for 30-years, who related to the "Times of Israel" last Monday, that it was during the plague of 1987-1989 when the same place was in dire peril. By definition, the Desert Locust is considered as the most destructive pest that is also migratory, which makes large areas vulnerable to them, anywhere in the world, as in the Locust Watch Website. These insects were first described in the Book of Exodus when these destructive insects swarmed large areas. According to biblical sources, they consumed any crop, forage and ate more than their size, as they went about. It is not just one locust but as millions which will swarm the desert. These huge swarms are insatiable which has a consumption similar to that of 35,000 people in one day. So, these swarms are destructive and mobile that just increases the threat. Breeding grounds in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia will produce a horde or plague of locusts that will endanger food security and livelihoods in the coming crop season. Also read: Coronavirus: Can It Be Transmitted via Air-Conditioning Outlets and Ducts? Locust Watch monitor field data, information and reports in real time to assess its effects to certain countries. All the information is a combo of analysis of sensing (satellite) imagery, weather data and forecasts, plus historic date stored in our geographic information system that includes a data base of the 1930s. All these speculation is based on institutional memory and the experience of Cressman. This event may indicate a trying year ahead in the current outlook. He added that in early 2020, the Desert Locust sitrep is already bad, with a climate that will encourage the locust hordes to breed in East Africa, Southwest Asia, and near the Red Sea, according to website sources. Furthermore, he added to the Times of Israel, "It is always very difficult to find and treat all infestations, and this is the nature and challenge of managing Desert Locust." Limitations due to the coronavirus contagion might prevent timely intervention and treatment. Cressman added that the plague of locusts will not affect all places in the Middle East, he said that the locust swarms will not hit Israel or their crops. Related article: How Coronavirus Infection Starts in the Body, Leading to Death @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Karl Stefanovic's ex-wife, Cassandra Thorburn, has urged for schools to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. The 49-year-old journalist encouraged other parents to 'fight' to keep their children in school because it is their last semblance of 'normal' life. 'School is the only norm children have right now. If schools close they will be robbed of the last of their "normal",' she wrote on Instagram on Thursday. 'Fight for our children's right to be educated': Karl Stefanovic's ex-wife, Cassandra Thorburn, has urged for schools to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic Cassandra listed the reasons why she thought closing schools would 'rob' students of a year of their education, including the fact many parents don't have the resources to adequately home school their children. 'They will lose daily in-person contact with their peers, something teens need in their lives,' she added. But Cassandra agreed that children should be prohibited from taking part in sport because this poses an unnecessary risk to the community. Routine: The 49-year-old journalist encouraged parents to 'fight' to keep their kids in school because it is their last semblance of 'normal' life. She also shared this photo of a school desk 'But I don't believe we should take away their access to an education. Support small businesses... and fight for our children's right to be educated,' she concluded. Globally there have been more than 181,000 cases of coronavirus, with the death toll already surpassing 7,000. As of Thursday morning, there are 568 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia. Splitsville: Cassandra separated from Karl Stefanovic, the host of Channel Nine's Today show, in mid-2016. They share three children together. Pictured in Sydney on June 16, 2012 Karl and Cassandra, who separated in 2016 after 21 years of marriage, are parents to sons Jackson, 20, and River, 12, and daughter Ava, 14. She recently spoke of her emotional turmoil following their marriage breakdown on the podcast Divorce Story: Surviving Separation. 'You get yourself out the door with the kids to go to school... I had children, they had to go to school,' she said, recalling the months after their split. 'You get them there. I would literally crawl to the back door and lie on the floor until it was time to pick them up again.' (Photo : Screenshot from: Zoom Official Website) (Photo : Screenshot from: 9to5Google Official Website) (Photo : Screenshot from: 9to5Google Official Website) (Photo : Screenshot from: 9to5Google Official Website) (Photo : Screenshot from: 9to5Google Official Website) Thanks to the Coronavirus or COVID-19--there is a surge in video conferencing, making most applications struggle to keep up with one another. In fact, the most popular one has been besieged with negative reviews worldwide on the Play Store. Read Also: GAME CHANGER! Lynk Has Made it Possible to Send Text Messages from Space to Normal Phones on Earth May Start OfferingLimited Service Soon Zoom's ratings have completely tanked Before all the complaints emerge, Zoom had established a good reputation. It is proud to tell the world it scores a 4.4-star rating with a massive number of happy customers on Android. However, for those employees forced working from home and students with no choice but to study in their homes, Zoom's application can't seem to take control of the surge and now receiving negative reviews on the Play Store. Currently, many users are having problems with connection, and other complaints have left Zoom in shambles, leaving their 4-star reputation behind. So, what could be the problem? Zoom is now facing a lot of problems with the sudden surge. They need to act fast in resolving issues like optimizing software, updating physical hardware capacity, and also enhancing network resources to keep up. Overall, the impact of the coronavirus forcing everyone to stay at home adds on the list of problems that applications like Zoom will be experiencing. People are now relying on these apps to stay connected with everyone. So far, internet connection is still holding everything like glue, but the added load to these apps will grow more every day, expecting to downgrade services live video conferencing or even the world wide web. Though Zoom is on 2.4-star run on the Play Store, they are, however, on a roll on the iOS App Store, having 4.6 stars on ratings. This could mean that there might be issues with the Android version that does not affect the iOS version or that Apple had frozen Zoom's rating on the App Store after detecting a great incursion and flow of negative results. According to 9to5Google, most of these 1-star low-ratings come from students who are just honestly annoyed even to be using this app in the first place. Hence, the 1-star after 1-star rating. Google has presumably made a move to fix these negative reviews that aren't even actual complaints. Another reason could be that the downvoting of the app on Android is planned by students to get the app kicked out of the Play Store--this issue occurred to one app in China. On a lighter note, Google has started to delete a bunch of 1-star reviews off of Zoom from the Play Store. Though, it still isn't clear whether or not this was an automated mechanism or just an act of moderation from the Play Store team. Zoom has regained a few points but still remains quite lower on the rating standpoint than ever before. Read Also: Just Like the Real Thing! Remarkable Has Redsigned Their Paper Tablet That Replicates Real Pen and Paper! 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Actor Radhika Apte has made it back to London, amid strict border restrictions and immigration checks because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Radhika is married to London-based musician Benedict Taylor. Sharing about her experiences on Instagram, Radhika wrote, For all the many msgs I received from friends and colleagues with concern and curiosity. Im back in London safely. There was no issue at immigration. It was rather empty and had a wonderful chat with them! The Heathrow express was literally empty and barely anyone at Paddington either. Thats all for now! Thank you for all msgs xx. The actor added, BA flight was full! (though two days ago when I went to India from London it was empty.) More ps. The immigration officers had no information to share regarding UK closing borders yet. Radhikas post has been liked over 100000 times. Actor Sayani Gupta wrote in the comments section, Be safe. Sending love. Another person wrote, Take care, both Benedict and you! On Wednesday, actor Sonam Kapoor had also detailed her immigration experience from the UK to India. Anand and I are back in Delhi, we are in our room. We just want to thank everybody at the airport and everybody who was on flight. It was very smooth, very responsibly done; in fact, when we leaving London, there was no screening, there was nothing. Anand and I were in massive shock that there wasnt... Also read: Sonam Kapoor compares UK and Indias response to coronavirus as she flies back home, says our govt is doing its best Sonam added, I just want to say that it is incredible the way the authorities are handling the situation. Its very commendable and laudable. Total coronavirus cases across the world recently crossed 200000, including 169 in India and over 2500 in the UK. Follow @htshowbiz for more A parliamentary panel has expressed concern on the possible implication of the coronavirus outbreak on import of electronic goods in India, which is heavily reliant on China for our supply. In its report, the standing committee on information technology headed by Shashi Tharoor has noted that India had reserves for just a few weeks and the ministry should quickly carry out a comprehensive evaluation and work on a contingency plan to mitigate any adverse effect. The ministry of IT, asked if the manufacturing shutdown in China due to the coronavirus outbreak would affect availability of electronics goods, said the impact will depend on the severity and persistence of coronavirus. The ministry also said India is dependent on China for about 37% of its requirements, most of it goes into manufacture of sub-assemblies and final products. At present, it has been ascertained from the industry associations and major manufacturing companies that sufficient inventory is available for the next few weeks. Steps are being taken to explore sources of import of such components from other countries, said the ministry. The committee noted that India was too dependent on imports of electronic goods from China. Too much dependency on a single country for sourcing electronics goods is a cause for concern, the committee noted. Electronic goods imports into India from China stood at Rs 1,48,555 crore or 55% of Indias total hardware imports in 2015-16. This increased to Rs 2,06,086 crore in 2017-18 before coming down to Rs 1,59,165 crore in 2018-19. The committee recommended that the government carry out a review of the short to medium term impact of the outbreak in China on the electronics hardware sector in India. In the long-term, the committee advised the government to encourage industry to broad base sourcing of electronics hardware imports and promote indigenous production at the same time in order to reduce dependency on a single market/geographical region so that any unforeseen event such as the coronavirus outbreak in China do not cause any large-scale shortage of inventory in Indian market, the committee noted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Although not universally acclaimed on its release, Dogs In Space has gained cult status for capturing so brilliantly the mayhem of that time; Hutchence and Post were pinups for many growing up in the 1980s and `90s. Loosely based on one of writer/director Richard Lowensteins share houses, the film has a documentary element, capturing the hilarity, chaos, humanity and tragedy of a world that revolved around relationships, partying, rock'n'roll and heroin. Her role in Dogs In Space was a defining one, the film capturing a slice of Melbourne's punk scene in the late 1970s. Post starred as Anna, a nurse, and girlfriend of Sam, a fledgling rock star, played by Michael Hutchence. She brings a lightness and a tenderness to his world, trying to keep things together in a rapidly spiralling reality. Australian actor Saskia Post, best known for her leading role in Dogs In Space, died this week from complications due to a congenital heart issue. She was 59. "Almost as much as Michael, she personified the film," says Richard Lowenstein. "She was quite amazing on that front, luminous in that role." Casting Anna was difficult, he says, in part because she was based on a real person; he also wanted an actor who knew the world the film depicted. "Having Ken Loach amibitions in my early life, I wasted a lot of time looking for people in the post-punk subculture." Ultimately, there was no question Post was the one for the role, he says; her effect on camera was clear. "Does the camera like this person, not because they're pretty or handsome, but because there's an intelligence that comes out on camera, there's a humanity you can see in the eyes." The chemistry apparent between Hutchence and Post was undeniable, Lowenstein says. "She has a strength and a screen presence. There's a lot of talking and no one's listening [in the film]... the emotional and inner acting rather than how you say your lines, with Saskia it was fantastic. She was not only a great actress but she really lit up the cinema screen. It's a great shame that Australian cinema didn't have more roles for her." Her acting work post Dogs was sporadic: she had parts in the movies Bliss, the 1985 film based on Peter Careys novel, and in 1991 as a waitress in Proof. In one memorable scene in the latter, Hugo Weaving's character deliberately spills a glass of red wine on the table to get her attention. App 2 This service and technology gives our talented workforce and business leaders the peace-of-mind they deserve with digital leadership through various business cycles. Our goal is always to become an integral part of a company providing many levels of value filling the talent gap." TECKpert Announces Phase I of Technical Remote Hiring Platform The latest solutions for both remote workers and the companies who need them. Miami-based tech company, TECKpert, launches Phase I of their newest platform to provide staff augmentation services through a mobile app available in iOS and Android. In development for the last six months, this is TECKperts solution to effectively manage a remote digital workforce and recruit digital talent across the country in both times of retraction, as well as, growth. The TECKpert app allows remote workers to enter in their profile including their education, skills, experience and work preferences. Each person is vetted by TECKpert workforce managers. After a thorough assessment of a companys unique staffing and technological needs, this database makes it possible to very quickly and effectively pair the right team members with the right project. Needs range from helping teams transition to working-from-home, to managing current projects not missing deadlines during crunch time, web and mobile application development, system integrations, and full staff augmentation of entire departments giving companies the resources needed to implement business continuity and growth strategies. Using our proven workflows and processes, the app features, like task tracking, timesheets, and payroll, facilitate ease-of-use and transparency. TECKperts CEO, Adrian Esquivel, said about the latest in the new digital platform, This service and technology gives our talented workforce and business leaders the peace-of-mind they deserve with digital leadership through various business cycles. Our goal is always to become an integral part of a company providing many levels of value filling the talent gap. In anticipation of the workforce needs of the future, we are able to say that we are prepared and ready to help. About: TECKpert provides design, development, marketing and staff augmentation solutions for businesses and clients of all sizes. We build innovative digital solutions for clients from all industries, including healthcare, finance, government, legal and real estate. As award-winning, long-time developers, creators and strategists, we understand what it takes to achieve success in the new economyand we know how to identify the talent that will bolster your own teams capabilities. As you look to grow your capabilities and your digital presence, look to TECKpert. We are your digital partners. For more information on TECKpert, visit https://teckpert.com. Contact: Mary Bargagliotti Senior Marketing Associate - Available for interview 786-393-5826 ext 118 mbargagliotti@teckpert.com The National Conference suspended on Thursday all its political activities in Kashmir in the wake of the first positive case of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the Valley. The NC requested party activists to lend help to the administration in spreading awareness about proper sanitation and social-distancing guidelines. "In view of a positive COVID-19 case in Kashmir, all JKNC gatherings are hereby suspended," a party spokesperson said here. "Colleagues and workers are requested not to hold any outreach activity for the time being. Party's central office, Nawa-e-Subah, premises will be only open for urgent work." The spokesperson asked party leaders and activists to avoid visiting the residence of NC president Farooq Abdullah, who was released from an over seven-month detention last week. "We are overwhelmed with the large number of people visiting Dr Farooq sahib's residence," the spokesperson said. "However, as he is a kidney-transplant recipient and on immunosuppressants, so all colleagues are requested to avoid visiting his residence for the time being amid the COVID-19 risk. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Bankers Association, Community Bankers Association of Illinois, and Illinois Credit Union League collectively represent your Illinois depository institutions, including commercial banks, thrift institutions, and credit unions. Our industry, and our trade groups, understand the importance of stable and uninterrupted delivery of important financial services, such as access to money and credit, during this time of crisis. Depository institutions throughout Illinois remain open for business, and they will continue to be available to meet your financial needs. State and federal regulations require financial institutions to be prepared for situations like pandemics, with tested and proven business continuity plans and procedures that ensure they continue to serve our communities through difficult times. The well-being of small businesses and consumers in our local communities are top of mind for our financial professionals across Illinois. Our industry stands ready and able throughout the state to assist our customers through the financial hardships they may encounter in the coming weeks. We want you to know that our employees' and customers' safety are paramount. While you may notice slight changes at your local bank, thrift, or credit union branch, such as drive-through only access, limited hours, or the need to schedule an appointment, rest assured that your Illinois financial institutions will continue working to provide uninterrupted services to meet your financial needs. And please remember, many financial institutions now offer robust remote-access technologies, including mobile banking, telephone banking, and ATMs. Our retail safety measures are designed to protect the health of our employees and customers, while providing continuous access to your financial resources. And know that even in uncertain economic times like now, all state and federally chartered depository institutions maintain ample deposit insurance covering at least $250,000 per person to ensure the security of your funds at all our institutions. Opening new and expanding existing sources of credit for small businesses and consumers are equally high priorities. We are in constant contact with federal, state and local officials to strategize on how best to coordinate available public and private financial resources, and we are exploring all possible options for expanding access to credit, together with our regulators and other government agencies. Customers should watch for service announcements from their financial institution and monitor their institution's website for updates. "Illinois banks and credit unions remain strong, resilient and willing to step up to meet the needs of Illinois residents during this difficult time. We continue to be in constant communication with our financial institutions to work on ways to best help Illinoisans during this time." Deborah Hagan, Secretary, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation "Illinois banks and thrifts remain strong and stand ready to help their communities any way they can. We are proud of the many steps our banking industry has been taking and will continue to take to protect the physical and financial welfare of Illinois citizens." Linda Koch, President and CEO, Illinois Bankers Association. "Community bankers regularly assist customers who are facing unforeseen economic hardships. Whether it's a pandemic, layoff, strike or other unexpected personal economic emergencies, community bankers will always work with customers, be they individuals, small businesses, farmers or local governments, to find ways to weather the storm together." Kraig Lounsberry, President, Community Bankers Association of Illinois. "Illinois credit unions stand ready to assist our members and the communities we serve during this unprecedented time. As trusted financial partners, credit unions remain committed to offering unique solutions to ensure the financial well-being of all Illinoisans through this period of uncertainty." Tom Kane, President and CEO, Illinois Credit Union League. SOURCE Illinois Bankers Association Insurance Commissioner Ricard Lara speaks in Sonora View Photo Sacramento, CA In the wake of COVID-19 related financial challenges, state officials are asking insurers to grant customers a grace period. On Wednesday, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a notice in response to the federal and state health emergency declarations in place with the aim of preventing insurers from canceling insurance policies for the next 60 days. He specifically asked all insurance companies to give their customers at least that amount of a grace period to pay their premiums. In the notice, Lara stated, The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and emergency public health measures by state and local leaders are contributing to widespread interruptions and loss of income for many California consumers and businesses. This request is directed to all admitted and nonadmitted insurance companies that provide any insurance coverage in California including, life, health, auto, property, casualty, and other types of insurance. In addition, to protect the safety of workers and customers, Lara is requesting that all insurance agents, brokers, and other licensees who accept premium payments on behalf of insurers take steps giving customers the ability to provide prompt payments through alternate methods such as online, eliminating the need for in-person payment methods. Now is the time to come together to help consumers weather this unprecedented period of uncertainty, and that includes helping policyholders maintain their insurance coverage if they are unable to pay their premiums, Lara pointed out. We must do everything we can to ensure that consumers and their families maintain insurance coverage protection during this public health pandemic. In light of a request enacted Monday by the states Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for state law enforcement to exercise discretion for 60 days regarding driver license and vehicle registration expirations, the commissioner issued a related notice specifically to all automobile insurers, producers, and other licensees transacting automobile insurance in California. in order to help at-risk populations, including seniors and those with underlying conditions, avoid visiting DMV field offices over the next 60 days, the notice requests them through May 15 to refrain from using policyholders drivers license or vehicle registration expiration dates. It specifically asks that expiration dates not considered in determining a drivers ability to secure and maintain auto insurance coverage or remain eligible for a Good Driver discount, nor to determine eligibility for a California Low-Cost Automobile policy or impact the rates charged to any driver. As Lara put it, Californians should not have to worry about driving with an expired license or losing their insurance coverage and driver discounts during this extraordinarily challenging time. Chile's President Sebastian Pinera declared a "state of catastrophe" Wednesday over the coronavirus outbreak, while Cuba recorded its first death and a slew of countries announced nighttime curfews as Latin America's lockdown widened. In Brazil a minister in President Jair Bolsonaro's government tested positive for the virus, while five Venezuelan inmates died in a prison break-out after family visits were banned. A 61-year-old Italian tourist was the first person to die in Cuba of the COVID-19 disease, the health ministry said. The Italian arrived in Cuba on March 9. Unlike many Latin American countries, Cuba -- which relies on tourism revenue -- has not closed its borders, nor does it have quarantine obligations even for people arriving from the worst affected countries. Earlier on Wednesday, Cuba allowed a British cruise ship carrying five infected people and more than 50 others showing flu-like symptoms to dock on the island. It had been turned away by both the Bahamas and Barbados. The more than 1,000 passengers and crew aboard were being repatriated to Britain on Wednesday evening. "We are very grateful to the Cuban government for swiftly enabling this operation," said British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab. In Santiago, Pinera said he'd declared a "constitutional state of exception for a catastrophe" for 90 days in Chile. He said it would help protect hospitals and health centers, ease transport of patients, medical personnel and medical supplies, and aid implementation of quarantines and food distribution. "The armed forces will be able to act as true health forces, collaborating with all the officials in our health system," said Pinera. The measure also allows Pinera to restrict freedom of movement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Keerthi Harish and Kuek Jia Yao (The Jakarta Post) New York Fri, March 20 2020 Amid current, fragmented efforts to fight COVID-19, the need for greater global leadership by the World Health Organization is clear and pressing. Over the course of COVID-19s spread, political disagreements between countries have belied fundamental cracks in an ideal coordinated interstate response. These fault lines have manifested in various recent episodes. For example, various American officials have repeatedly emphasized the Chinese origins of COVID-19, referring to it as the Wuhan virus. Some Chinese officials have insinuated that the virus in fact originated in the United States, with such playground banter having even risen to the highest levels of government. In another case, Japans quarantine of all travelers from South Korea was met with accusations of undue discrimination by the South Korean government. The resulting diplomatic kerfuffle has drawn in long standing bilateral economic tensions. The conflation of public health issues with politics and national interests is unnecessary and dangerous for two reasons. First, it shifts national and global leaderships focus away from a coordinated approach. Thus far, information about COVID-19 and its spread have largely come from an empirical, or wait and see approach. The handling of such similar problems across borders presents opportunities for the adaptation of policy and public health best practices that would benefit the international community. Given the rapidly-evolving nature of this pandemic, transparency remains crucial. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Coronavirus hits Danish fishing industry March 18,2020 | Source: FiskerForum The Danish Fishermens Association PO (DFPO) has welcomed government initiatives for small and medium-sized businesses and has stated that it fully supports the governments efforts to take Denmark through the crisis. Coronavirus affects us all in the fisheries sector, both as individuals and as a food industry, said DFPO chairman Svend-Erik Andersen. We all have a shared responsibility to help prevent and limit the spread of Coronavirus. As a heavily export-oriented industry, Danish fishing is affected by the Coronavirus crisis, with the measures necessary to limiting the outbreak in Denmark and across the EU having consequences in flattening demand for seafood from the restaurant trade. Prices at auction have fallen and this could have further far-reaching consequences. We all in the Danish fishing sector need to closely monitor developments at fish auctions and on our usual markets. Many fishermen are being squeezed financially as a result of the situation. We therefore welcome the latest government initiatives to help businesses, not least the latest initiatives in relation to SMEs, he said, commenting that proposals to put back VAT and tax payments will help the industrys liquidity. We need all measures that can mitigate the negative market effects of Coronavirus. These can help in the short term. Then, hopefully before too long, we can regain market stability, Svend-Erik Andersen said. There is still a need for the high-quality, healthy fish that Danish fishermen bring ashore. FiskerForum.com Theme(s): Others. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 02:36:30|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close by Sanaa Kamal RAMALLAH, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The recent rise in the value of the U.S. dollar has adversely affected the Palestinian, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19, Palestinian analysts said. Palestinian economists told Xinhua in separate statements that the U.S. dollar rise comes because of the crash of the global financial markets as well as the plunge of the oil prices. The instability of the global markets amid the spread of COVID-19 prompts investors to sell out stocks and prefer to hold cash, thus increasing the demand for the U.S. dollar, they said. Nour Abu al-Rub, a West Bank-based economist, believed that the appreciation of the U.S. dollar would negatively affect all political, economic and social life in Palestine. Palestine depends on foreign aid and receives money in U.S. dollar while all its banking transactions are in Israeli shekel, said Abu al-Rub, noting the value fluctuation of the two currencies will contribute significantly to the instability of the Palestinian economy. The current situation threatens to weaken the purchasing power in the markets, and will further depress the Palestinian demands, he explained. On March 5, the Palestinian Authority declared a state of emergency for one month right after the first COVID-19 case was discovered in the district of Bethlehem. Palestine so far has recorded 47 cases of coronavirus, according to Ibrahim Melhem, the Palestinian government's spokesman. Because of the emergency state in Palestine, the markets, factories, and all purchasing operations have stopped, Omar Shaban, an economist from the Gaza Strip, told Xinhua. "All Palestinian merchants make their purchases in U.S. dollar, but they sell their goods in Israeli shekel, so they will have to raise prices significantly to avoid losses," Shaban said. He predicted that the U.S. dollar would stay at a high rate in the near future until the control of the spread of the coronavirus in the world. Palestinian markets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have witnessed a remarkable increase in the prices of goods since the outbreak of the coronavirus, especially after the rise of the U.S. dollar against the Israeli shekel in the past few days. "All customers will not buy anything (if the prices are too high) and I will lose," said Mohammed Youssef, a West Bank-based clothing merchant, told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 18:32:38|Editor: Wang Yamei Video Player Close ACCRA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Ghana has recorded anther two new COVID-19 cases, which has brought the total number of infection cases to 9, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo disclosed here Thursday. The president said this during a prayer meeting with the heads of some Christian churches at the presidency. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) also confirmed the increased cases, adding that the cases involved a 56-year-old Ghanaian male who had traveled back home from a trip to Britain about a week earlier and a 33-year-old who had returned from a conference in the United Arab Emirates. The cases are all under treatment and in stable conditions, while contact tracing continues, said the GHS. On contact tracing, a total of 399 contacts have been identified and are being followed up. In a related development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced the death of three Ghanaians in Europe from the COVID-19 pandemic. An already difficult situation for many families has become more complicated with the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Funeral homes were advised Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cancel or postpone for the next eight weeks any services with more than 50 people in attendance. The White House released guidelines the same day, advising people to avoid until March 31 any gatherings of more than 10 people. Gov. J.B. Pritzker followed up Tuesday with an executive order that prohibited gatherings of 50 people or more. That limit went into effect Wednesday. Jon F. Cody, funeral director and owner of Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home and Crematory, described the situation for funeral homes as fluid. Changes to address the virus began weeks ago, he said, but the stricter guidelines and restrictions only came into place during a roughly 24-hour period starting Monday. Were kind of on the front lines of this, Cody said. Not just because were dealing with situations where were in and out of hospitals and nursing homes but also because were dealing with a lot of public. Cody expects the size of gatherings allowed in Illinois to shrink in coming days, possibly to just 10 or 20 people, he said, adding that the Illinois Funeral Directors Association already has recommended canceling all gatherings of 10 or more people. That leaves funeral homes to balance their need to take precautions with their purpose of helping families mourn. Greg May, co-owner of Williamson Funeral Home, said he reminds families about the risks involved to themselves, their friends and family, and the public if they opt to have public services or include a receiving line during which visitors may try to physically comfort those who are mourning in their services. This is a difficult time made more difficult by the pandemic conditions that were dealing with as a country, May said. I remind the people that not only are they maybe putting themselves at risk theyre putting the public that would like to attend that service at risk, as well. Families that had planned public services for this week have been understanding and revised their plans to make their services private, family affairs, May said. The CDC suggested that funeral homes could live-stream funeral services to reach people who wish to view the service while still complying with the guidelines. Families can request that services be webcast on Williamsons website for those who cannot attend, May said. Buchanan & Cody is planning to record services and upload them to its website, Cody said. While Buchanan & Cody is looking into live-streaming, getting recordings uploaded in a timely fashion will be its main goal, he said. There is no evidence to suggest that there is a risk if one attends a funeral or visitation for someone who died of COVID-19, but the CDC recommends that people still refrain from touching the deceased. The body of someone who died of the virus should not be a public health issue if handled properly, May said, though he suggested that those attending such a service keep their distance from the deceased. Universal safety measures embalmers take in caring for a body should keep them safe, May said. Justin Daws, president of Daws Family Funeral Home, said in a statement that the companys funeral homes in west-central Illinois will inform the families they serve about the laws regulating gatherings and plan accordingly. The Catholic Diocese of Springfield said Wednesday that it will continue to offer funerals services but only private services limited to immediate family members. A public memorial Mass can be scheduled at a later date, once the restrictions have been lifted, the diocese said. Washington, March 19 : Mario Diaz-Balart, a ninth-term Florida Republican, said that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first American Congressman to contract the virus. In a statement on Wednesday, Diaz-Balart, 58, said he began to develop symptoms on March 14, just hours after he left the House floor for a vote on a coronavirus response bill, a Politico news report said. More than 400 members of Congress also voted during the early-Saturday session. "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better," Diaz-Balart said in the statement. "However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times." Also on Wednesday, Democrat Representative from Utah Ben McAdams announced that he has tested positive for the virus which has so far infected over 8,700 people in the US and killed more than 130 others. McAdams, 45, also said his symptoms began mildly on the night of March 14, after he had returned to Utah. He immediately began self-quarantining on the advice of his doctor, said the Politico news report. "My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing and I remained self-quarantined," McAdams said in a statement. "On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test. Today I learned that I tested positive." Meanwhile, Congress Representative Drew Ferguson said on Wednesday night that the House doctor had advised him to self-quarantine until March 27 because he "was in contact with a member of Congress on March 13th that has since tested positive for COVID-19". House minority whip, Representative Steve Scalise, said on Wednesday that he, too, would self-quarantine because he had held an "extended meeting" with Diaz-Balart late last week. Scalise is now the highest-ranking US lawmaker to self-quarantine. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. California has prepared for worst case scenarios as the coronavirus pandemic heightens, including the possibility of enacting martial law. Governor Gavin Newsom said during a press conference on Tuesday he would consider implementing martial law if it was necessary to curb the novel virus. We have the ability to do martial law ... if we feel the necessity, he said. Issuing martial law would be an unprecedented move rarely used by officials in US history. If enacted, it would temporarily replace civil rule with military authority. The precedent for martial law in the US states certain civil liberties may be suspended, such as the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, freedom of association, and freedom of movement, according to a legal journal. The president and Congress have the power to enact martial law for the entire country. State governors also have the power to enact martial law if its in their states constitution. Previous examples of martial law used include after World War II, specifically following the bombing of Pearl Harbour, when the state of Hawaii was held under martial law from 1941 to 1944. President Abraham Lincoln also used martial law during the Civil War to temporarily suspend habeas corpus, which is the right to a trial before imprisonment. California considering the possibility of using martial law on Tuesday comes just two days after the governor said he had no current plans for the measure. If you want to establish a framework of martial law, which is ultimate authority and enforcement, we have the capacity to do that, but we are not feeling at this moment that is a necessity, Mr Newsom said. California Governor Gavin Newsom said martial law could be enacted across the state if he thinks its a "necessity" (AP) In recent days, California has seen a surge on Covid-19 cases with at least 751 people infected with the virus and 13 deaths. To combat the spread, the state has prepared its 415 hospitals for the expected increase in patients in the coming weeks. The state currently has 88,000 beds available and expects to be short about 20,000 in the worst case scenario, Mr Newsom said. So we had a very candid and a sober if not sobering conversation about where we may be and where we need to go together, Mr Newsom said after the meeting with hospital officials. The good news is none of it surprised any of us. We as a state, working with our system, anticipated much of these needs and have been running plans to address them, he added. This article has been amended to include the exact wording of the final motions that were passed at the AEU sub-branch meeting at Footscray High on March 18, 2020. At least half of the staff at Footscray High Schoolsome 50 teachersvoted yesterday to take action to resign from the Australian Education Union (AEU) if it failed to take immediate, tangible action to safeguard staff and students from the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting and vote at Footscray High took place just hours after the federal Liberal-National Coalition government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with the full backing of all Coalition and Labor Party state and territory governments, declared that there would be no closure of schools in Australia due to its impact on the broader economy. Attempting to blackmail teachers and parents into accepting the potential infection of tens of thousands of people through the school system, Morrison asserted that up to 30 percent of health and emergency workers would have to leave their posts to care for their children in the event of closures, or that at-risk elderly grandparents would have to provide care. Footscray High is a major secondary school in the inner-western, working-class suburbs of Melbourne, Australias second largest city and the capital of the state of Victoria. Four motions were passed. The first stated: That the sub-branch expresses its strong and continued concern at the lack of an adequate response from AEU state and national leadership regarding COVID-19. If the AEU fails to take immediate, tangible action so that ALL state schools are able to adequately safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff and students, then this sub-branch will take action to resign from the AEU. The second resolution advocated that the teachers designated health and safety (HSU) representatives pin the campuses of the school as an unsafe workplace. This resolution stated: The AEU sub branch to recommend the schools OHS representative issue a Health and Safety pin on the Department of Education website, citing the clear health risks to staff and students, given the fundamental lack of financial support from the DET, which has hampered efforts by the school to implement adequate health and safety measures issued by the Department. The third resolution stated: If the DET continue to fail to close schools, that the school implement immediate safety and support measures to assist staff and students who are deemed at high risk of serious infection, such as older staff members (50+), or those in direct contact with the elderly (i.e. caregivers) and staff or students with chronic medical conditions. Such measures could be as follows: Allowing staff at high-risk to immediately work from home (regardless of closure status), without having their sick leave quota affected; Pushing the DET to provide reimbursement of the purchase of items to assist with healthy and safety monitoring, such as: Infra-red thermometer that does not require skin contact, used in Singapore, Hong Kong, and China, in all high-traffic areas (including school) to help monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Hiring a dedicated School Nurse, or allocating a first-aid trained staff member to take on the position. The purchase of hand-sanitiser to be placed in all high transit/contact areas (i.e. classrooms, staff rooms, etc.) Holding an information session (classroom-sized) for students on proper hand-washing procedure, social distancing, etc.) Additional suggestions to be raised and discussed in the Sub-Branch meeting. The meeting overwhelmingly supported a fourth resolution, moved by Will Marshall, a longstanding teacher at the school and member of the Committee For Public Education (CFPE), for the formation of a workplace Committee of Action at Footscray High. The resolution read: Regardless of what the union does, we propose to immediately form an independent action committee of teachers, education support staff and parents. The health and safety of teachers and students cannot be left in the hands of the government, employers or union. The committee will develop a series of measures and demands to combat the spread of the disease, protect students and staff, reaching out to parents and carers to support a common unified campaign of action. Further, these resolutions be circulated to all schools across the state, calling for the urgent establishment of committees of action in every school. Almost 50 teachers at the school also signed an open letter addressed to the Footscray High School leadership, Department of Education and Training and the state and federal government calling for the immediate closure of the schools or dramatic and substantial changes to their operations. The COVID-19 outbreak serves to underscore that workers must take matters into their own hands. The federal and state governments, along with their union collaborators, have only one concern: maintaining the profitability of business in the face of an enveloping global economic crisis. The working class cannot defend any of its democratic and social rights through the framework of the unions. The trade unions have demonstrated over decades that they are not workers organisations, but agencies of the government and corporations. New organisations must be established, starting with rank-and-file committees in every workplace, that are open to all workers, regardless of whether they are union members or not, and whether they are employed on full-time, part-time, casual or contract conditions. The CFPE issued a statement yesterday that should be read, discussed and debated at every school across Australia: Close Australian schools to stave off coronavirus! Form action committees of teachers and school staff! The statement outlined the following policies for consideration by Action Committees that are established at schools and in working-class communities: * For as long as schools and universities remain open, they must become centres of mass coronavirus testing, for children, families, teachers, students, and school workers. * The closure of the countrys school system must be preceded by guarantees of 100 percent income protection for every person who is compelled to stay at home to mind their children. * Free and high-quality computer and internet access must be guaranteed to every family to ensure that accessibility to online learning provisions is not dependent on wealth. Any household without internet access or an individual computer for each student in the home must be provided with these basic rights immediately, without charge. * Publicly-funded psychologists and other health professionals must be made available to children at risk from the disruption and potential trauma of their interrupted education. * Guaranteed income must be provided to all education workers during what could be an extended closure, including all graduate teachers without sick and long service leave, casual relief teachers, all education support staff, and contract staff. The statement asserted the class standpoint that the guiding principle must be that the shutdown of the education system to minimise the spread of the coronavirus is not an individual or a family-based responsibility, but a social responsibility. Socialist policies, starting with working-class control over the banks and major corporations, must be implemented on a world scale. The CFPE and SEP urge all workers to take up the fight for an independent political movement of the working class for international socialism. Teachers and education workers can contact the CFPE via email at cfpe.aus@gmail.com or on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/commforpubliceducation/. The CFPE Twitter account is https://twitter.com/CFPE_Australia. TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (11,721.42, down 963.79 points.) Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Down 15 cents, or 25 per cent, to 45 cents on 44.1 million shares. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Down $1.96, or 15.12 per cent, to $11 on 17.8 million shares. Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE). Energy. Down 49 cents, or 17.75 per cent, to $2.27 on 16.6 million shares. Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down $2.83, or 15.81 per cent, to $15.07 on 15 million shares. Air Canada (TSX:AC). Industrials. Down $3.19, or 19.83 per cent to $12.90 on 14.8 million shares. Whitecap Resources Inc. (TSX:WCP). Energy. Down 15 cents, or 16.13 per cent, to 78 cents on 12.6 million shares. Companies in the news: Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY). Down $9.10 or 10.2 per cent to $80. Canadas big banks are trying to give Canadians more financial breathing room with a slew of measures aimed at helping customers hurt by an outbreak of a novel coronavirus. The Big Six banks Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia and TD Bank Group have banded together to provide support to personal banking customers and small businesses coping with pay disruptions, illness and layoffs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2020. Roots Canada (TSX:ROOT). Down 37 cents or 31.9 per cent to 79 cents. More major Canadian retailers joined the effort to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak by temporarily closing their stores or tweaking operations. Ikea Canada said it was temporarily closing its 14 stores in the country as a precautionary measure. Roots Canada announced it would do the same with its 115 Canadian stores starting Wednesday and ending March 31, when the clothing retailer plans to re-evaluate its decision. Vancouver-based outdoor retailer MEC sent a letter to its co-op members Wednesday announcing it has closed its retail stores effective immediately. Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (TSX:CM). Down $3.22 or 4.3 per cent to $72.20. The chief executive of Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce saw his total compensation last year decline compared with 2018. In a regulatory filing ahead of the banks annual meeting, CIBC says Victor Dodigs total compensation for 2019 was $9 million, down from $10 million in 2018. The bank says Dodig earned a salary of $1 million, $4.8 million in share-based awards, $1.2 million in option-based awards, a cash bonus of $1.5 million, $505,000 in pension value and $2,250 in all other compensation last year. Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B). Down $2.33 or 21.1 per cent to $8.71. Teck Resources Ltd. says it is suspending construction at a copper mine expansion in Chile, affecting about 15,000 workers there, as reaction by South American governments to the COVID-19 outbreak hits home for foreign mining companies. The Vancouver-based miner says work will stop on the US$4.7-billion Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project for an initial two-week period and then be reassessed. Teck is the operator and owns a 60 per cent stake in the project, which is expected to start production in 2021. Transat AT Inc. (TSX:TRZ). Down 13 cents or 2.2 per cent to $5.88. Porter Airlines has joined Transat AT Inc. in moving to suspend all flights as the Canadian government looks to close the border in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Porter said Wednesday it will cancel flights on all 29 of its planes at the close of operations Friday, with plans to resume service June 1. Transat announced it will gradually suspend flights until April 30, halting sales for departures over the next six years for routes to most destinations in Europe and the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2020. Ms. Suwanda, who has no symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, said she decided against getting tested because she wanted to get out of quarantine as soon as possible. They said if you get tested and your results arent back by the end of the 14 days you will not be allowed to leave, Ms. Suwanda said. And they said we dont know how long this is going to take. At quarantine facilities in California and Georgia, people are concerned that the lack of cleanliness and enforcement of protocols like social distancing is only increasing their chances of catching the virus. There are no gloves for passengers, there are no hand-sanitizing stations and each passenger has only one face mask that he or she must reuse for stretches of several days. Some people had no soap in their rooms. People leaned on surfaces and touched counters without cleaning their hands before and after, according to people at military bases in California and Georgia. At the quarantine facility in Georgia, passengers wore the same single-use face mask for nearly a week, said Mark Pace, who was quarantined there and is now home in Florida. [Sign up to get the latest Times coverage from around the globe in our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter.] Michele Smith, 57, an administrative assistant who is quarantined at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, said she had overheard people saying they were going to choose not to be tested so that they could leave as soon as they can, unless they fall so ill that they need to go to the hospital. Thats scary, said Mrs. Smith, who said she and her husband decided to be tested. But on the other hand, the conditions in quarantine are so poor, she said, that she doesnt blame them: You do start to feel like youre in jail. An Australian traveller has told how she fled Peru in a bus cargo hold after the President announced he was closing the borders the next morning. Belinda Cleary's 'trip of a lifetime' to South America was turned on its head this week as the coronavirus crisis spiralled out of control around the world. With just hours to get out before the country went into lockdown, former Daily Mail journalist Ms Cleary, 28, boarded a bus to escape Cusco, Peru for La Paz, Bolivia. But when it broke down, she was instead left with only one option - clamber into the cargo hold of a second, already full bus, or risk being trapped in quarantine. Just like thousands of Australians who are following official advice to return ASAP, Ms Cleary made the trip in order to catch a series of flights home. Ms Cleary tells of her desperate border run ... and how some of her fellow travellers weren't as lucky: The Peruvian president gave just 12 hours notice before he closed the borders, amid fears COVID-19 would rip through the poverty-stricken population. Desperate to get out before the country locked down, I ended up in the cargo hold of a public bus headed for the border. It was a stark contrast to how I spent my days and hours before - hiking through scenic mountains and visiting the now closed world wonder, Machu Pichu. Dire straits: Australian journalist Belinda Cleary (centre) flees Peru with a young German couple, a Mexican man and a Bolivian mother in a bus cargo hold This is the musty cargo hold - crammed with luggage - where Ms Cleary and her companions were forced to cower in a desperate bid to escape Peru for Bolivia before the border shut The escape route: Ms Cleary was fleeing Cusco, a large city in Peru's south, to La Paz, Bolivia, where she hoped to catch a flight that would begin her journey home to Australia Sitting underneath the floor of a bus was a far cry from Ms Cleary's other travels - which included seeing Machu Pichu, one of the seven wonders of the world My new reality hit quickly as I shared some bread in the dark with my new-found friends and fellow escapees. I was sitting on a pile of blankets, next to some suitcases beneath the floor of a long-haul bus, in very close contact with my new friends. There was a young couple from Germany, a Mexican man and a Bolivian mother - all desperate to make the border crossing before it closed indefinitely and we were forced into quarantine. The dimly lit cargo hold was a tight fit for five adults. The air was thick and musty. Sometimes the steamy smell of five bodies in such close quarters was overpowered by the smell of petroleum fumes from the engine just inches from our hidden sanctuary. We didn't set off on our quest to flee the country with the idea of climbing into a dark box suited for suitcases. Dramatic announcement: Peru's President Martin Vizcarra shut the borders and enforced a two-week nationwide lockdown In fact we had all been on the first bus out of Cusco following the president's announcement. The shock news came in the form of a national address, right at dinner time. The president told the nation that strict rules would start from 8am. Borders would be closed for at least two weeks. People were only to leave their homes to go to the supermarket, bank or to help vulnerable family members. I didn't fancy spending two weeks locked in my hotel room, especially when 'two weeks' during a state of emergency could easily turn into 12. Flights had stopped in Cusco for the night which meant the only escape was a ten hour ride on a bus. If we wanted to leave the country we were told to hop in the cargo hold, keep quiet and hope for the best. But our bus broke down two hours out of town. And as more and more oil poured from the back of the engine, our drivers declared we would be sleeping by the side of the road until a mechanic and new bus could arrive. We didn't realise the 'new bus' was an already full bus heading for the border. But the driver explained the panic had been so great people had booked out every bus in the city. If we wanted to leave the country we were told to hop in the cargo hold, keep quiet and hope for the best. Total farce: Ms Cleary's bus broke down as it sped toward the border - with oil leaking all over the ground Get in: Ms Cleary was forced to jump in the cargo hold of a second bus in order to complete her trip Anxious scenes: At the same time, at the airport travellers queued for one of the last flights out of Peru before the border closed Serious situation: Peruvian army officers are seen patrolling outside major western hotels as the country went into lockdown Many of our fellow travellers chose to return to Cusco. Fearing the situation in Bolivia would change quickly and they would be stuck there, in a nation know for huge unrest. A Chinese passenger was denied entry, so our bus rolled away and she was left at the border After six hours in the hold the door opened. It was like seeing light for the first time. We shielded our eyes against the glare and stumbled out of our hiding place to use a bathroom and have some water. Some locals had chosen to get off the bus at this point, so there was room upstairs. Three of us were able to take a seat and the other two sat in the aisle. It would be bad for the driver if customs or police saw us emerging from the boot at the border. As we arrived, six hours after the official cut off, we held our breath, hoping the break down, night on the side of the road and long, airless trip had been worth it. The border officials took our temperatures. Then they let us in. A Chinese passenger was denied entry, so our bus rolled away and she was left at the border. Freedom! Ms Cleary at the land crossing into Bolivia this week. Above, the bus that smuggled her to freedom Happy memories, at least: The COVID-19 crisis brought to an end a once-in-a-lifetime world odyssey for Ms Cleary Her friends decided to come with us and leave their travel buddy alone at the deserted land crossing - not wanting to become stuck themselves. Many people missed the president's announcement. They were out enjoying the nightlife of the now shut-down tourist town. Or they simply didn't know the announcement would be happening, or didn't understand enough Spanish to realise its serious nature. They are now stuck in the developing country, and could be forced to stay in state sanctioned quarantine indefinitely. As for me, my plans went from 'heading to the Amazon' to 'how do I get to Australia when so many airports and countries are closed' in hours. The day after my escape from Peru, Australia issued a notice for residents: come home as soon as possible, if you can. Education Minster Joe McHugh speaks to the media at a briefing about coronavirus (Niall Carson/PA) The Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle orals and practical exams are being cancelled but students will be awarded full marks for them. However, no decision has been made yet about the written exams in June, Education Minister Joe McHugh said today. The school-based orals and practicals were due to take place over a two week period, starting next Monday. Read More But schools will definitely be closed next week as part of the social distancing measures implemented to restrict the spread of Covid-19, and are likely to remain shut until after Easter. Todays announcement means that all students who were due to take part in orals and practicals in the following subjects will be given full marks for this part of the exam: Oral tests in Leaving Certificate Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese. Practical performance tests in Leaving Certificate Music. Practical performance tests in Junior Certificate Music and Home Economics. However, the second phase of practical exams remain as originally scheduled from Monday April 27 to Friday May 8. And no changes were announced for the written exams in the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) scheduled for Wednesday May 6, a range of oral and practical tests in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, along with the first examination in Leaving Certificate Computer Science on Wednesday 27 May, or the final written examinations starting on June 3. Some 126,000 students are due to take the State examinations with 65,190 entered for the Junior Cycle examinations and 61,053 students due to sit the Leaving Cert. Not all subjects have oral and practical components, so the awarding of full marks for a portion of an exam that has been cancelled worth between 20pc and 40pc of all marks, depending on the subject - will raise equity issues, that exam chiefs will have to address. Expand Close Minister for Education Joe McHugh has pledged to continue to reduce the pupil teacher ratio in small schools (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minister for Education Joe McHugh has pledged to continue to reduce the pupil teacher ratio in small schools (Brian Lawless/PA) Minister McHugh also confirmed changes to deadlines for students to complete project work and coursework in a number of subjects. Students were originally scheduled to complete these elements of the State exams between tomorrow, March 20 to Friday April 24, depending on the subject. Students will now be given until Friday May 15 to complete this work. Completion deadlines are extended for the following: Leaving Certificate Computer Science, Physical Education, Technology, Art, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, History, Geography, Religious Education, Politics and Society, Music, Constructions Studies and Home Economics; Junior Cycle Metalwork, Materials Technology Wood, Technology and Religious Education; Junior Cycle Assessment Tasks in English, Irish, Modern languages, Science and Business Studies. All eyes will now move to the what happens the written exams. The Government and State Examinations Commission (SEC) are still hoping that circumstances will allow those to take place. Mr McHugh said today that the Department of Education would continue to work with the SEC to monitor the Covid-19 situation in terms of its potential impact on the other later scheduled components of the state examinations. We will continue to respond at the right time and in the right way, with the impact on our students at the forefront of our minds, Minister McHugh said. He said he knew they were asking a lot of people in order to stem the spread of Covid-19. In response to that I want students and their parents or guardians and teachers to be given flexibility as they work towards the exams. All of Government is hugely grateful for the effort, commitment and energy that students and teachers are putting in to continue education in difficult circumstances. I urge you all to keep up the momentum and focus on preparing for the exams. A man wearing a mask to ward off coronavirus infection stands in the courtyard of a mosque shuttered as part of Malaysias national lockdown, March 18, 2020. A mass Muslim gathering in Indonesia has been cancelled amid fears it could accelerate the spread of novel coronavirus, but thousands of pilgrims have already travelled to the island of Sulawesi where it was due to take place, a local official said Wednesday. The four-day gathering was organized by Tablighi Jamaat, the Muslim missionary movement whose event in Malaysia in late February has been linked to 508 of the countrys 790 infections, as well as COVID-19 cases in other countries. After coordinating with the national police chief and the South Sulawesi regional police chief and Gowa District head all night, the Ijtima Jamaah Tabligh event, which will take place tomorrow, will be officially canceled, South Sulawesi Gov. Nurdin Abdullah said. Although local officials had called for a postponement, the local committee still held the event, so that thousands of participants from a number of regions in Indonesia and hundreds from abroad are already present, Nurdin said in an Instagram post. Police will isolate the participants and take them back to seaports and airports with necessary security, he said, calling for the public to remain calm. An organizer of the event, Arifuddin Saeni, earlier told reporters that participants were still coming. "There are people from Thailand, Arabia, India and the Philippines, Reuters quoted Arifuddin as saying. Local police chief Boy Samlo told BenarNews on Wednesday that he had not issued a permit for the gathering. We are still trying to persuade the organizers to postpone it, he said. Samlo declined to give an estimate for the number of participants, but The Australian newspaper quoted a local official from Gowa Regency as saying that as many as 3,000 pilgrims had already arrived, most of them from around Indonesia. Coronavirus cases in Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam have been traced to the international event held as Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur from Feb. 27 March 1, with participants falling ill after returning home. Autonomy As Malaysia and the Philippines instituted lockdowns and banned group worship, and the World Health Organization appealed for urgent measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in Southeast Asia, sprawling and decentralized Indonesia was taking a different approach. Officials in Jakarta had not issued comments on the events as of Wednesday. Since the fall of autocratic President Suharto in 1998, provincial governments have enjoyed a degree of autonomy in managing their affairs. Up to now, we have not considered planning a lockdown policy, Jokowi said in a statement issued from the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Monday. He urged Indonesians to avoid crowds and practice social distancing. Indonesias death toll from the pandemic jumped to 19 on Wednesday, from seven the previous day, while the number of confirmed cases rose to 227 after the discovery of 55 new infections, officials said. But with mass gatherings cancelled across the globe, amid fears of the pandemic overwhelming hospitals and claiming many lives, about 7,000 people were expected to attend the inauguration Thursday of an archbishop Siprianus Hormat on Flores Island, in predominantly Christian East Nusa Tenggara province. Thousands are expected to attend, [around] 1,800 inside the church and 5,000 outside, Jalemu Ardu Marius, spokesman for the East Nusa Tenggara provincial government, told CNN Indonesia. Thousands gather for prayer In Bangladesh, tens of thousands of devotees attended a massive coronavirus prayer session on Wednesday without seeking permission to hold the public event, police said. Local police chief Tota Miah said some 10,000 Muslims gathered in an open field in Raipur town in southern Bangladesh to pray "healing verses" from the Koran to rid the country of the deadly virus. Organizers claimed the number of worshippers was 25,000. They held the Khatme Shifa prayers after dawn to free the country from the coronavirus, Miah told the news service AFP. The number of positive cases in the country of 168 million people stands at 14, with one death, although some medical experts fear not enough tests were being conducted. Filipino participant died of COVID-19 In the southern Philippines, authorities said they were trying to track down dozens of people who attended the Muslim gathering in Malaysia. But Zia Alonto Adiong, an official of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the effort was stymied by the reluctance of the Health Department in Manila to release the identities of the 17 coronavirus patients who have died thus far. The Health Department said that one casualty, whom it identified as Patient No. 201, had travelled to attend the gathering in Kuala Lumpur. But we cannot cross-check his name to our list because the health department will not release the identity, Adiong said. The patient died Tuesday at a medical center in Marawi City, and was later confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. The global death toll from the pandemic has passed 8,600, with close to 208,000 confirmed cases, according to a tally Wednesday from the World Health Organizations Emergency Dashboard. Recession Predicted In Thailand, the countrys Muslim authority or Sheikhul Islam cancelled Friday group prayer services in and around Bangkok and in government controlled areas around the country. But Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said the nation had no need to impose a lockdown. If we use the word lockdown, it sounds chaotic. We dont want that, Prayuth told reporters. If it reaches that level, and I have to shut down (the country), what about food supplies? How do we live our lives? A prominent economist predicted a recession in Thailand due to COVID-19, as the nation reported its highest number of infections in a single day 35, bringing the total to 212. "The Thai economy at this time, is expected to enter a recession, in technical terms, in the first half of this year, Anusorn Thammajai, a prominent economist, told BenarNews. Growth was definitely negative in the first quarter, with the economy contracting by almost 2%, and growth may continue to be negative in the second quarter," he said. The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged Southeast Asian countries to ramp up measures to combat COVID-19. The situation is evolving rapidly. We need to immediately scale up all efforts to prevent the virus from infecting more people, WHO regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh in a statement. Eight of the 11 countries in the Southeast Asian region have confirmed cases of COVID-19, officials said. More clusters of virus transmission are being confirmed, Singh said. We clearly need to do more, and urgently, she said, warning that some countries were clearly heading toward community transmission of the deadly virus. Tia Asmara in Jakarta, Noah Lee in Kuala Lumpur, Froilan Gallardo and Mark Navales in the Philippines, Pimuk Rakkanam and Nontarat Phaicharoen in Bangkok, and Radio Free Asia, an online news service affiliated with BenarNews, contributed to this report. Veteran and Minority Women Business Owner Annette H. Stevenson joins NVBDC Board Detroit, MI, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leadership is a foundation of the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC). The Board of Directors is elected to help the organization set broad goals, support executive duties and ensure representation is indicative of Veterans helping Veterans. NVBDC was established in 2013 to addresses the growing need to identify and certify both Service Disabled and Veteran Owned Businesses (SD/VOBs) in the corporate marketplace. Keith King, US Army 1969-1971, and an honorably discharged, in-country Vietnam Veteran, Founder and CEO of NVBDC from the start recruited Veterans. NVBDC is proud to welcome Annette Hibbert Stevenson, CPSD, C.P.M., to their Board of Directors. Annette is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of work experience in the personnel/administrative management, procurement and supplier diversity profession. She has worked in various sectors of industry, including Federal and State Government, Corporate America and Non-Profits. NVBDC knows adding Annette to our Board of Directors will have a direct influence on the state of NVBDC (SEE RELATED LINK: "State of NVBDC") and helping Veterans. Annette graduated from Methodist College, in 1982, with a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Military Science. As a rising college senior, Annette received an early reserve officer commission as a Quartermaster Officer. Upon graduation, she received a Regular Army commission in the Adjutant General Corps and served ten years on active duty in various leadership positions. Once retired from the U.S. Army Reserves, Annette went on to work in corporate procurement at SAS for 18 years. SAS Institute is an American multinational developer of analytics software based in Cary, North Carolina. SAS develops and markets a Suite of Analytic Software (SAS), which helps access, manage, analyze and report on data to aid in decision-making. The company is the worlds largest privately held software business, and its software is used by most of the Fortune 500. Annette was the Supplier Diversity Manager at SAS for 13 years. She evolved the SAS Supplier Diversity Program to uphold a proactive business process that embraced the inclusion of diverse suppliers in the supply chain. Story continues Unbeknownst to NVBDC, starting in 2015, Annette was already creating a path to increase awareness of corporate supplier diversity. Annette has proven her leadership and passion for evangelizing supplier diversity with her involvement with growing the SAS supplier diversity program. She led the effort to add Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) to the SAS supplier diversity program. A VOSB company must be at least 51% owned and daily operated by an individual who is a Veteran (SEE RELATED LINK: "NVBDC Recognized as the Authority on Veteran Identification"). Its about Economics and expanding access to opportunities, Annette wrote, and then goes on to explain why Diversity Certification (LINK 3: NVBDC Certification Page (SEE RELATED LINK: NVBDC Certification) is so critical to a corporate purchaser. All of Annettes dedication during her employment with SAS earned her several awards, appointments, and the insight to validate her education in purchasing with earning designations from the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). Included in her accomplishments, she received the prestigious SAS CEO Award of Excellence and the North Carolina Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year, awarded by the U.S. SBA. She was also appointed to serve on the North Carolina Governors Working Group for Veterans, Service Members and their Families. Annette earned a Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) and Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) designation, both recognized as an elite status in the supplier diversity world. All of these accomplishments are directly in line with NVBDC goals and mission, for SD/VOB opportunities, leading to just one of the reasons Annette is the perfect choice for our Board of Directors. After a successful career with SAS Annette went on to explore additional endeavors and opened her own business in 2017: Stevenson Consulting Group, A WOSB and a SDVOSB firm. Stevenson Consulting Group (SVG) focuses on delivering value to customers in the area of Advocacy (promoting inclusion of diverse businesses), Connection (navigating supply chain opportunities) and Empowerment (addressing barriers for diverse businesses). Annette has been a member of the NVBDC Advisory board since 2018 and her business is NVBDC Certified. Annettes involvement with Supplier Diversity Professionals is extensive and her commitment to help Veterans with opportunities to achieve their business goals is exactly the addition NVBDCs Board of Directors needs to fulfil our mission. Our goal is to put together the best-qualified team to advance our initiatives in helping Veterans, said Keith King, CEO, NVBDC. Please join NVBDC in welcoming Annette H. Stevenson to our Board of Directors. NVBDC Mission: The NVBDC is the only Veteran Owned Business Certification organization developed by Veterans, for Veterans. The purpose is to provide a credible and reliable certifying authority for all size businesses ensuring that valid documentation exists of Veteran ownership and control. Any questions or to find out more information on how to get your business certified go to: www.nvbdc.org or contact us at (888)-CERTIFIED FIND US | LIKE US | FOLLOW US | JOIN US: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Rallypoint Attachments Keith King, Founder & CEO National Veteran Business Development Council 888.CERTIFIED kking@nvbdc.org More than two dozen Oregon residents who were passengers on a cruise ship besieged by the new coronavirus are back in the state, after they were held under federal quarantine orders for several days. The Oregon Health Authority said 33 Oregonians have arrived home since last Friday. All were aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship and tested negative for the virus, said Jonathan Modie, a spokesman for the Oregon Health Authority. They agreed to stay home for 14 days to further limit the risk of exposing others to the virus, Modie said. Modie did not say what cities the Oregon residents are from. He said some were tested while still on the ship, and everyone was tested before leaving the military bases where they were evacuated after disembarking the ship. According to a statement from Princess Cruises, there were more than 3,500 people on the Grand Princess, including more than 2,400 guests and 1,111 employees. The cruise line said March 4 that some passengers had started to show signs of respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms and that it would begin testing for the coronavirus. Some of the passengers had been on the ship for a previous voyage to Mexico and planned to stay on the ship for a trip to Hawaii, which was originally scheduled to depart March 7. The trip to Hawaii was cancelled, and the ship circled off the coast of San Francisco for five days while passengers waited for test results. Passengers were quarantined to their rooms until March 9, when the ship was allowed to dock at the Port of Oakland. Passengers who needed medical care were taken off the ship first, and taken to the hospital. Other passengers disembarked and were sent to quarantine at military bases around the country, while employees were tested and quarantined aboard the ship. According to a statement by Princess Cruises, 21 people aboard the ship tested positive, including 19 crew members and two guests. Modie said after getting off the ship, the Oregon residents had been held at three military bases: Travis Air Force Base in Solano County, California, Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego and Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. Oregon residents arrived at airports in Medford, Portland and Redmond. Two Oregonians returned to the state on Friday via state medevac. On Sunday, 22 Oregon residents came back on a plane chartered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nine more residents came back on Monday aboard state medical evacuation flights. Modie said residents were greeted by several state public health workers, volunteers and medics, who welcomed and screened them. He said those returning also got gift baskets, a warm meal and a letter from Governor Kate Brown that addressed Oregons response to the public health crisis. He said because people were in close proximity to each other when they disembarked from the cruise ship and when they were transported to military bases, OHA decided to require all the Oregon residents who had been on the ship to spend 14 days in self-quarantine after they returned to Oregon. The Oregon Health Authority said all the Oregon residents have been asked to monitor their symptoms. These Oregonians have been through a trying and traumatic experience, and our goal at OHA has been to ensure they have everything they need to settle back into their daily lives, the state agency said. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Joseph V. Micallef is a best-selling military history and world affairs author, and keynote speaker. Follow him on Twitter @JosephVMicallef. The Trump administration is following the strategy employed by China and many European Union (EU) members to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the U.S. That strategy, based on encouraging and enforcing "social distancing," is designed to reduce the rate of person-to-person transmission. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that gatherings of 50 or more people be discouraged, and that this policy be followed for the next eight weeks. On Monday, President Donald Trump went one step further and encouraged Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people. That strategy has resulted in the cancellation of professional sporting events, music concerts and scores of other public events, including New York's annual St. Patrick Day's parade. It has also imposed enormous economic costs on the travel, leisure and hospitality industries, and on many retailers and businesses that deal with consumers face-to-face. In addition, more than 34 states have instituted school closures, some for the rest of the year, that cover more than half of all students in the U.S. Many governors have ordered or called for all bars and restaurants to close or have imposed curfews on the citizens of their states. Related: You Can Thank a Military Parade for Social Distancing As of Tuesday, the Pentagon has confirmed that there were 37 confirmed military cases of COVID-19: 18 active-duty service members, three civil servants, 13 dependents and three contractors. In response, the Defense Department has implemented a ban on domestic travel for all service members, civilian employees and their dependents until May 11. In addition, the Pentagon has canceled African Lion 2020, a war game exercise planned in Africa, and announced that Defender-Europe 20 would be substantially revised. The Pentagon has also confirmed that routine deployments will be scaled back, but those in current theaters of active operations, so called hot spots, will continue as needed. Unofficial visits to the Pentagon have also been suspended, and new rules have been imposed on permitted visitors. Containing COVID-19 COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The term coronavirus is often applied, incorrectly, to both terms. There are literally thousands of coronaviruses in nature. Not all of these are harmful to humans. There are more than 200 coronaviruses, for example, associated with just the flu and the common cold. Two previous variants of the coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2004 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, were significantly deadlier than the ones associated with influenza and the common cold. The typical flu has a lethality of between .01% and .05%. That means roughly 100 to 500 people per million people who come down with the flu ultimately die as a result. Many of these deaths are in patients who are old or otherwise already sick. It's always tricky to determine how significant a contributory factor the flu can be, but it is undoubtedly a factor. By comparison, the lethality of COVID-19 has been estimated at anywhere between .5% to as much as 3.5%. Although the current thinking is that, after adjusting for unreported cases, it is likely to be at the lower end of the range. That makes COVID-19 at least 10 times more lethal than the flu, and possibly up to 100 times more lethal. That's a significant increase, even if it is from a relatively low base. What makes SARS-CoV-2 particularly dangerous among coronaviruses is that the virus is most contagious in the early period of infection. That means that, by the time a patient feels sick enough to stay home or seek medical help, they may have already infected scores of other people. Moreover, some patients are completely asymptomatic, which means they can infect others without ever getting sick. It's likely that many people who contract COVID-19 experience it as a mild cold or flu and never report it or seek medical help. If the base of infection is larger, as many medical professionals believe, then the corresponding lethality would be lower. Italy's fatality rate, currently the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in Europe, is estimated at around 3.5%. That high number reflects, in part, the lack of widespread testing in Italy, meaning that many patients who have a mild case are not being counted. Most of the deaths in Italy have been in patients between the ages of 63 and 95 who were suffering from other medical conditions. Italy's population is, on average, substantially older than the U.S. -- a median age of 45 versus 38. American medical authorities readily acknowledge that it is now too late to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. The strategy adopted by the Trump administration, on the advice of the CDC, is to "flatten the curve." In other words, minimize social interaction, i.e. encourage "distancing" to slow down the rate of transmission so that the number of cases referred to hospitals does not overwhelm the medical system. The net effect of that strategy is to create more economic dislocations in the short term, and also extend the length of the epidemic, but to minimize the number of deaths and keep the overall scope of the crisis within the capabilities of the U.S. medical system to manage. An Alternative Strategy COVID-19 is not the first viral epidemic to sweep the world. It certainly is not going to be the last. In the past, the human cost notwithstanding, such epidemics, in their wake, bestowed a degree of immunity on the population at large. The technical term for this phenomenon is called "tribal immunity." Additionally, over time, viruses tend to evolve toward less lethal forms because the more benign variants are more likely to be spread than the more lethal ones. Eventually, a population will build up a significant immunity to the reemergence of that viral pathogen. Initially, the Boris Johnson government in Great Britain had indicated that it was adopting the latter strategy, although it was criticized by the U.K. medical establishment for doing so, and had been accused of putting the minimization of economic impact ahead of minimizing the loss of life. As of Monday, however, the Johnson government was changing course and emphasizing the need for social distancing to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The suggested trade-off between minimizing the economic impact and the loss of life, however, is not a given. The strategy of letting the epidemic run its course in order to bestow tribal immunity may ultimately prove to be both the most effective and the most humane. Currently, we do not have the ability to protect at-risk populations, so social distancing, despite its enormous economic cost, is the only alternative available. Notwithstanding our current response strategy, we need a more workable long-term solution to dealing with such outbreaks. The fact is that the emergence of SARS CoV-2 type viruses will occur again in the future, and that the containment of such viruses will be difficult, especially in a globalized world economy. It is now believed that the first case of COVID-19 appeared in Wuhan in November, and was diagnosed on Nov. 17, 2019. By mid-December, there were 20 confirmed cases, and Chinese authorities had identified several clusters of the disease in Wuhan. China first reported the presence of COVID-19 to the WHO Country Office in China on Dec. 31. By Jan. 6, nearly 60 cases of COVID-19, with seven being in critical condition, had been identified. On Jan. 7, a variant of the coronavirus was identified as the cause of COVID-19. China's Center for Disease Control reported a "novel coronavirus as the causative agent of this outbreak, which is phylogenetically related to the SARS-CoV-1" virus on Jan. 9. The Trump administration moved to ban travel from China on Jan. 30. Initially the administration was roundly condemned for the ban, with critics calling it racist and xenophobic. Since then, Iran, the U.K., Ireland and the EU countries that comprise the Schengen zone have been added. In retrospect, the initial ban helped reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., even if such bans cannot fully insulate America from such diseases. The global spread of COVID-19 was exacerbated by the failure of civil authorities in Wuhan to move faster to contain the virus and by the failure of Beijing to advise medical authorities around the world of its emergence. There have been numerous reports that medical personnel who tried to publicize the emergence of COVID-19 were muzzled by Chinese authorities. On the other hand, even if the Wuhan and Hubel governments had moved faster to contain the virus and Beijing had been more forthcoming with information, the disease likely still would have spread. Given that thousands of people had been infected before the nature of COVID-19 had been understood, as well as the centrality of Chinese-based supply chains in the world economy and the travel associated with those supply chains, the virus would have likely gotten out -- though a slower rate of spread would have given governments more time to react. The COVID-19 crisis will pass, although it will cause extreme, trillion-plus-dollar economic losses in the process. Unfortunately, the relentless speculation by the national media about what future, "what if" steps might be taken, including a nationwide lockdown or ban on all travel, is only exacerbating a difficult situation and feeding public anxieties about the disease. What is needed now, and most certainly in the future, is to address the medical needs of those populations that are most at risk from the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 type viruses and to do so without bringing the rest of the country to a standstill. That means improving our ability to screen incoming arrivals to the U.S., setting up temporary hospitals as needed and to effectively quarantine those populations most at risk. Historically, the American military has played a significant role in curbing pandemic diseases in the U.S. It's time to re-establish that capability. The U.S. also needs to beef up its ability to develop and mass-produce vaccines, even if this is a long-term response to viral disease outbreaks and will not prevent them from occurring. In addition, it is imperative that the U.S. restore its ability to be self-sufficient in the production of critical drugs, antibiotics and medical equipment. This is no longer an issue of economics but one of national security. Dependence on a foreign country, China or any other, for the supply of critical medicines is simply irresponsible. The U.S. cannot simply shut itself off from the rest of the world. The time window in which to react to new, more virulent coronaviruses is too narrow to give much notice or to insulate the U.S. from the consequences. The notion that every time a particularly deadly coronavirus emerges the U.S. should simply shut down its economy, however, is not a practical or a realistic long-term solution. The answer is a more robust capability to respond to such outbreaks so that we can protect at-risk populations while continuing to function nationally. Oh, and a more responsible coverage by the national media wouldn't hurt either. -- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. Times are undoubtedly hard for British Airways, but the carrier has seemingly stepped over the line in a bid to hold on to its bookings amid the coronavirus crisis. The UK's biggest frequent flyer website, Head for Points, has accused the airline of 'deliberately blocking online cash refunds for Avios flight bookings'. That is, trips made using air miles. Editor Rob Burgess wrote on his site that Avios bookings adhere to standard BA rules, which allow full cash refunds for taxes and charges and the return of the Avios points used if the flight is cancelled up to 24 hours before departure. The UK's biggest frequent flyer website, Head for Points, has accused BA of 'deliberately blocking online cash refunds for Avios flight bookings' However, he alleges that this week, when customers have tried to activate these refunds online, they've been automatically directed to an application page for a 'future travel voucher' and not the standard cancellation form. The same problem has not been occurring for customers asking for refunds over the phone. He adds in the piece that the issue has 'dominated' his inbox over the past two days. Rob told MailOnline Travel that the issue is twofold a denial of a legal right and something that impacts passengers with other problems. He said: 'Whether by accident or design, it is not acceptable that British Airways is denying passengers easy access to their legal right to a cash refund on cancelled Avios bookings. 'It is also impacting other passengers who are trying to call BA with genuine travel concerns but who are being delayed because other passengers need to ring to obtain the cash refund they are legally due.' The travel industry is facing a catastrophic loss of profits as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and many who work in it are promoting the hashtag #dontcancelpostpone Gilbert Ott, who runs the God Save The Points flight tips site, also levelled criticism at BA. He wrote: 'No one wants undue harm done to any airlines, but there are boundaries which should not be crossed in any aspect of life, and in my opinion, British Airways has crossed one. They're duping passengers out of refunds when they're due, by pretending it's not an option.' Head For Points published a separate article detailing a workaround to the refund page issue discovered by an 'IT-savvy reader'. Click here for more. When MailOnline put the allegations to BA, it said: 'Customers on cancelled flights can take a voucher for future travel up to a year or a refund.' The travel industry is facing a catastrophic loss of profits as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and many who work in it are promoting the hashtag #dontcancelpostpone. A cleaning-enthusiast who could not find disinfectant wipes in store decided to make her own. UK-based Chantelle Siddons told the Facebook group Hinch Army Cleaning Tips that she decided to make her own version using reusable cleaning clothes and boiled water with diluted disinfectant. Chantelle explained that she used Zoflora because it's pet friendly, once diluted and the treated surface is properly dried. And she said that her invention is a more eco-friendly choice because the wipes can be kept in an air-tight container and reused in order to clean surfaces while supermarkets are being restocked. She was praised for her handy tips by people looking for ways to ensure their homes are hygienically clean at a time where the UK has recorded 1,950 COVID-19 cases, and 72 deaths. UK-based cleaning enthusiast Chantelle Siddons explained how she created home-made disinfecting wipes when she could not find some in store anymore Many Facebook users who had been looking for disinfectant alternatives thanks Chantelle for sharing her idea In her post, which was liked more than 2,500 times and attracted more than 500 comments, Chantelle explained that she used a cap of Zoflora disinfectant and diluted it in 400ml of water to make a cleaning solution to soak the cloths in. She explained: 'I have just been rinsing with hot water when used, and adding back to the box with solution and topping up when needed, as the Zoflora will also disinfect the cloths. 'Reusable and kinder to the environment too.' In subsequent edits to her post, Chantelle noted that Zoflora claims to kill 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria. 'I have made these to clean and disinfect the house, not recommended for hands,' she said. Stick with washing them with soap and water as per the government advice, and singing Happy Birthday twice.' Chantelle explained she diluted from concentrated Zoflora in 400ml of boiling water and poor it on old baby wipes that could be re-used She said the homemade wipes would be ideal for door handles, worktops, remote controls, mobile phones and keyboards, as well as 'all the high traffic areas of your home.' The super cleaner also added she had used baby wipes packs to have a stock of portable wipes that she could take with her in the car, shopping trolley and for children still attending school. She pleaded for people not to panic buy baby wipes and leave a shortage for other parents, and explained she had used an unopened packet left from attending festivals last year. 'Again wipes are robust and won't disintegrate with one use so can be rinsed, reused and added back to the bottom of the pack,' she added. She added she kept the wipes in an air tight container and could top them up with water in order to keep them effective Other cleaning enthusiasts who have been looking for a way to create homemade wipes praised Chantelle for her clever idea and said they'd be doing the same. 'This is so smart. Thanks for the idea. I have an underling condition and freaking I catch it,' said one. 'Omg! Thats so smart!! And way more environmentally friendly, thanks,' said another. 'Great idea for these challenging times,' said another. 'Great idea thanks. My father is on immune suppressants, so extremely vulnerable right now and my mum is asthmatic so they cant get out a lot. I have loads of cloths and Zoflora, so will be making her a tub up,' another replied. Members of the Mrs Hinch community praised Chantelle for her 'smart' idea and said they would be doing the same for themselves and their loved ones The government has advised people to practise social distancing in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK. Panic-buying across the country is intensifying today with supermarkets under mounting pressure are taking drastic rationing action in a bid to deal with the unprecedented demand for goods. Britain's grocery industry has struggled for over a week to keep shelves stocked in the face of stockpiling, which worsened on Tuesday despite weekend appeals for calm from supermarket bosses and politicians. But experts have asked why supermarkets have introduced different limits on certain goods, creating confusion for customers and competition among rivals. Sainsbury's has announced it is closing its in-store bakeries, meat, fish and pizza counters and cafes from tomorrow to free up lorry and warehouse capacity, and to free up more staff to stack shelves. The supermarket will restrict people to only buying three of any single grocery item, in addition to a two-item limit on the most popular goods such as toilet paper and long-life milk which is already in place. From March 23, disabled customers and those over 70 will take priority for online delivery slots. Morrisons plans to create 3,500 new jobs and expand its home delivery operation to help it deal with coronavirus. Aldi became the first UK grocer to introduce rationing, limiting customers to buying four items of any one product during each visit. Tesco followed suit by limiting shoppers to five items, and Asda has introduced a limit of three items while Iceland will only open to elderly, vulnerable and disabled shoppers on Wednesday mornings. Despite the stringent new measures, shelves at a Tesco supermarket in Ely, Cambridgeshire, were stripped bare just two hours after the store opened this morning. By Express News Service VISAKHAPATNAM: Even as 185 students from the Philippines, who were stuck at Kuala Lumpur airport were airlifted, there are still 210 Indians stuck at Kuala Lumpur airport waiting for evacuation. The stranded passengers are facing problem at the airport as there was no dormitory facility beyond immigration point. E Padma, a representative of the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur, who is coordinating with the Indian High Commission there, told Express that the high commission would be arranging food packets for passengers as most of them have run out of money. They are also working out plans for a special flight to airlift the stranded passengers, she said. APNRT Malaysia coordinator Anand said among the Indians at airport 65 are students from the Philippines and others who have come from countries such as Australia to get connecting flights to India. Most of them were unaware of the travel advisory issued on March 17 prohibiting travel to Afghanistan, Malaysia and other places. They were now stuck at the airport. "We are coordinating with the High Commission and Indian government to facilitate their return to India," Anand said. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam district collector V Vinay Chand told Express that the district administration is fully geared up if the stranded Indians are to be airlifted to Visakhapatnam. He said all arrangements such as screening centres, transport vehicles and ambulances will be in place at the airport. He said all 185 students who arrived here on Wednesday have no symptoms of coronavirus and are healthy. They left for their respective destinations, he said. Sources said a special flight is likely to be deployed to evacuate those stranded in Kuala Lumpur. They said Indian High Commission officials are still working whether the flight will be a single destination or multiple destinations. A new Taiwan law bars news media from reporting different kinds of information about suicides, including methods used. Limits on media reporting are aimed at reducing the number of people who try to kill themselves. Taiwan officials say about 7,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 19 attempted suicide in 2018. That number is 19 percent above the world average, notes the islands Ministry of Health and Welfare. Under the new Suicide Prevention Act, newspapers, websites and television stations can be fined up to about $33,000 for showing pictures or videos of suicides. They also can be fined for reporting details of suicide methods or explaining how to buy tools for suicide. Even explaining why an individual might have committed suicide can lead to punishment. The act cleared its public consultation period last week. Taiwans government can now make changes as it wishes or enforce the law in its current form. Wu Chia-yi is with the National Taiwan Universitys College of Medicine. Wu said that suicides normally go up in Taiwan for three months following reports that identify famous people who killed themselves, as well as how and where they died. According to our clinical experience and some of our interaction with patients, we've discovered that the more detailed info, the more influential it is, Wu said. Taiwans four major daily newspapers and many websites currently report on famous people who take their own lives as well as other unusual suicides. The stories may go into great detail. Cedric Alviani heads the East Asia office of the group Reporters Without Borders. He said he understands what Taiwan officials are trying to do. But he thinks the law will limit the media's ability to get the story right. He said, "We perfectly understand that it is their duty to try and bring improvements to the society and address that terrible society problem that is suicide and especially suicide of teenagers, he said. However, the solution they propose...is not a solution. New Zealand is the only place that has a similar law, Alviani added. In that country, the media cannot report a suicide's method without the medical examiners permission. In other places, media companies follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. WHO officials suggest avoiding "explicit description" of methods, details of where people died and "undue repetitions" of suicide stories. Restrictions on suicide reporting could open the door for other kinds of media restrictions, notes Joanna Lei, head of the Chunghua 21st Century research group in Taiwan. "I see this as a social responsibility of the media, Lei said. It should not be legislated. Reporters Without Borders said Taiwan's government should better organize the media and talk to news operations about ethics. Taiwans major media currently take down social media posts if experts ask them to, Wu said. Most newspapers in Taiwan limit their coverage of suicides, but still put major cases on their front pages, said Fang Chun-kai, director of the Suicide Prevention Center at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei. He suggests putting reports about suicide with other society news and away from the days top stories. I'm Ashley Thompson. Ralph Jennings reported on this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his report for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story consultation n. the action of officially discussing something according adv. as stated by or in clinical adj. Related to the treatment of patients info n. short for the word information address v. to speak to a person or group explicit adj. cleared stated and in much detail repetition n. the action of repeating something page n. one side on a piece of paper, commonly in a book or newspaper We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Former California homicide detective Roxane Gruenheid had helped put a murderer behind bars, and yet, there was something about the suspect that nagged at her -- something in his murky past that told her this wasnt the end of his story. It was 2003. The killer, who by then was known to authorities as Curtis Kimball, stunned the court when he suddenly stood up at a pre-trial hearing and announced he wanted to plead guilty to murdering Eunsoon Jun. Jun was a 44-year-old California chemist he had been dating before she disappeared and her dismembered body was found in her Richmond, California, home. Kimball had originally pleaded no contest to a second-degree murder charge. He had also first told police his name was "Larry Vanner," and they knew he had also used the name "Gordon Jenson." PHOTO: Jun was in her mid-40s when she introduced her family to her new boyfriend Larry Vanner, whom authorities later identified as Rasmussen, according to the New Hampshire Department of Justice. (Courtesy of Sang Jun) Gruenheid, a former captain for the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office who is now retired, had helped uncover the body. She couldnt stop thinking about how this man -- a proven liar -- had already served time on child abandonment charges for deserting a little girl he called his 5-year-old daughter Lisa, 15 years prior. I was really centered on the little girl, on Lisa, she said. Like, was this really his daughter? If it's not his daughter, where did he get her? Who did he get her from? She believed Kimballs sudden decision to plead guilty was because he had overheard her telling another investigator in court that she was requesting a paternity test for Lisa, who by 2003 was in her early 20s. I think he believed if he pled guilty ... I would stop investigating that aspect of his past, Gruenheid said. PHOTO: Roxane Gruenheid was a homicide detective at the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. (ABC) She refused to stop pushing for answers. Although she and her fellow investigators knew Kimball had a lengthy criminal record, they wouldnt know the full scope until years later. Eventually, Gruenheid's efforts to uncover Lisas past helped launch new investigations that eventually led police to believe that Kimball, whose real name was Terry Peder Rasmussen, was in fact a prolific serial killer who used multiple aliases for years as he murdered women and children on both coasts. Story continues Investigators referred to him as The Chameleon. The Rasmussen case helped change forensic investigations forever with the introduction of the use of genetic genealogy -- a technique that has helped point to suspects in other major cases, including the Golden State Killer case. Chasing a ghost In 2003, as far as Gruenheid and her team knew, Rasmussens criminal record had started in 1985. He had been arrested in 85 as Curtis Kimball after he was involved in a car accident in Cypress, California, with Lisa in the car with him. He was charged with driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child. He failed to appear in court for these charges, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. By January 1986, authorities said Rasmussen was living with Lisa in an RV park in Scotts Valley, California, where he worked as a handyman under the name Gordon Jenson. Richard and Katherine Decker, an older couple also living in the park, helped care for Lisa and had concerns about her well-being so much so that they tried helping their daughter, who lived in San Bernardino, California, adopt the little girl. Authorities believe Lisa was 4 or 5 years old at the time. The Deckers brought Lisa to Southern California to meet their daughter, but called police after they say Lisa said things that seemed to indicate she had been abused. Eager to finalize the adoption so that she would not be returned to him, the family discovered that Gordon Jenson had fled the RV park in June 1986. When police realized Gordon Jenson was a false identity and fingerprint records from the previous DUI arrest matched him to Curtis Kimball, they issued an arrest warrant. Rasmussen was captured and charged with child abandonment as Curtis Kimball in March 1989. Two months later, he pleaded guilty to child abandonment and received three years in prison. He served less than two and was paroled in October 1990. Then he disappeared again. Authorities said Rasmussen resurfaced in California as Eunsoon Juns new boyfriend -- she introduced him to her family in December 1999, and he told them his name was Larry Vanner, according to authorities. PHOTO: Terry Rasmussen poses as 'Larry Vanner' in an arrest photo from 2002. (New Hampshire Dept. of Justice) When Jun disappeared in 2002, police questioned the man who said his name was Larry Vanner, but his fingerprints records returned a match for Curtis Kimball. By 2003, California authorities knew Kimball, Vanner and Jenson were all aliases for the same man. But it would be another decade before they knew his real name was Terry Rasmussen. Timeline of serial killer Terry Rasmussen's terror in New Hampshire, California A few weeks after Rasmussen pleaded guilty to Juns murder under the name of Kimball, Gruenheid learned the results of Lisas paternity test. I got the call that he was not biologically related to Lisa, and ... that confirmed a lot of what my suspicions were, she said. This guy's a ghost. He doesn't exist prior to his arrest in Cypress. Tracking down Lisas real identity Lisas adoption to the Deckers daughter had fallen through in the 80s because the adoption papers were never signed. Rasmussen fled before signing them and he claimed her biological mother was deceased. Lisa was placed in child protective services in San Bernardino. She was eventually adopted but she grew up believing Gordon Jenson was her father. Gruenheid said she contacted San Bernardino authorities to let them know they had a living Jane Doe child case, meaning a missing child that was still alive. About a week later, Gruenheid said San Bernardino authorities called her back, telling her, Holy moly, we had no idea that this case had even existed. After years of dead ends, Det. Peter Headley of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office got Lisas case in 2013. I had taken a look at using ancestry sites for Lisa's identity. At the time, the database was very small, Headley said. Later on, at the end of 2014, Lisa brought it up to me. I said, Let me look at it again. The databases had grown tremendously. PHOTO: San Bernardino County Sheriffs Deputy Peter Headley is still on the Rasmussen case today. (ABC) Headley said he had Lisa sign up for Ancestry.com first and received two hits on fourth and fifth cousins, which were very distant relatives. Headley said he then reached out to DNAAdoption, a website that helps adoptees identify birth families through their DNA matches, and genetic genealogist Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter responded. The Lisa ... case was actually kind of difficult, because, normally when you're working with adoptees, you have some information, Rae-Venter said. You know where they're born, you have a birth date." In Lisa's case, we had no idea where she was from, she continued. All we had was her DNA. Authorities had estimated Lisa was born around 1981 based on her dental development at the time she was recovered in 1986, Rae-Venter said. So when Rae-Venter started working on the case in 2015, she assumed Lisa was about 35 years old. She also had Lisa do a 23andMe test to narrow down her region of origin, which turned out to be the U.S. and Canada. PHOTO: Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter, an investigative genetic genealogist, got involved in the Rasmussen case through Lisa. (ABC) Meanwhile, Headley reached out to the cousins who matched with Lisa to ask them to submit DNA samples and one of them agreed. Rae-Venter said she also uploaded Lisas DNA profile to two other genealogy databases, FamilyTreeDNA and GEDMatch.com, and asked the cousins Lisa had already matched with to do the same. From there, Rae-Venter said she sculpted various family trees to try to find possible parent or grandparent matches for Lisa. (MORE: Serial killer Terry Rasmussen's victims, known and unknown) As more cousin matches revealed themselves and more agreed to submit their DNA, Lisas family tree began coming into focus. Lisa's cousins became very, very involved, Rae-Venter said. We ended up with over 200 of Lisa's genetic cousins in this project. After thousands and thousands of hours working on the Lisa Project, Rae-Venter said her search ultimately pinpointed a man in New Hampshire named Armand Beaudin. I was contacted one day by my nephew, and he was working with the sheriff's department out in California, Armand Beaudin said. They requested for me to do a DNA [test] and they discovered that I was the actual grandfather. Turns out Beaudins daughter, Denise Beaudin, had been missing for decades. Rae-Venter had figured out Beaudin was Lisas mother. PHOTO: I don't think they're ever going to find her, Denise Beaudins father Armand Beaudin said. There's always that hope, but nothing's definite. (ABC) Once they had confirmed a DNA match from the grandfather that showed Lisa was related to him on her mothers side, Headley called Lisa to give her the news. I called Lisa up to let her know that we knew who she was. She got very quiet, Headley said. I asked her, Do you want to know your name? Then she just very quietly said, Yes. Lisas birth name was Dawn Beaudin. The last time Armand Beaudin said he saw his daughter and granddaughter was around Thanksgiving 1981, when Denise was with her then-boyfriend -- a man named Bob Evans. Dawn was born in 1981, Armand Beaudin said. She was only 5 months old when they left Manchester, [New Hampshire]. Beaudin said Evans announced they were leaving town because they owed people money. PHOTO: In 1981, Denise Beaudin went missing shortly after Thanksgiving with her 6-month-old daughter and her boyfriend, Rasmussen, who she knew as Robert T. Evans, according to the New Hampshire Department of Justice. (Courtesy of Armand Beaudin) I went over [to their house] to invite them here for Christmas, and found out that they were already gone, Beaudin said. The neighbors told me that they had packed ... and just left and I never saw her [again]. When Headley got that information from Armand Beaudin, he said he sent photos to the Manchester police of the man they knew in California as Curtis Kimball/Larry Vanner/Gordon Jenson. Authorities in New Hampshire went to Beaudin to show him Kimballs mugshot. He identified him as Bob Evans. PHOTO: Terry Rasmussen poses as 'Bob Evans' in an arrest photo from 1985. (New Hampshire Dept. of Justice) So our suspect started in 1984 ... as Curtis Kimball, Headley said. Then... we had Gordon Jenson... then he was using Larry Vanner. And now it turns out in the early 1980s back in New Hampshire, he was using Bob Evans. All the same guy, he added. At this point, investigators had connected three mysteries back to the same person. The man who killed Eunsoon Jun also had Lisa, now identified as Dawn Beaudin, with him for a time and he had been with her biological mother, Denise Beaudin, who hadnt been seen since 1981. So in 2016, more than 30 years after Denise Beaudin went missing, New Hampshire authorities opened a missing persons case for the first. She had not been reported missing before then because her father said, we had no idea what to do, or where to go, or which way to turn. And unbeknownst to Gruenheid, Headley and other California authorities at the time, investigators in New Hampshire had been baffled for decades by a complete different, yet strange, cold case: Two barrels each containing two bodies had been found 15 years apart in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire. That case was soon going to get its biggest break in three decades. The Bear Brook murders: Two barrels, four bodies found 15 years apart In 1985, while Curtis Kimball was in California with Lisa, New Hampshire police said a large, rusted blue barrel was found containing the remains of an adult woman about 23 to 33 years old and a female child they believed at that time to be 5 to 11 years old. A second, similar rusted blue barrel was discovered about 100 yards away in 2000. Police said it contained the remains of two female children, one believed to be 2 to 4 years old and the other between 1 to 3 years old. By 2016, none of the four victims nor their killer had been identified, but after the discovery of Lisas real identity, police wondered if the adult victim was Denise Beaudin. New Hampshire authorities knew a man named Bob Evans had been in the state as far back as the late 70s, working as an electrician and handyman. We knew that Bob Evans actually spent a good amount of time on that property where the barrels were found, because he used to fix up and do some electrical work at a camp store that was right there on the property in Bear Brook State Park, said Carol Schweitzer, a supervisor of the Forensic Services Unit at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. PHOTO: One of the barrels New Hampshire state police found in Bear Brook State Park. (New Hampshire State Police) In 2017, New Hampshire authorities held a press conference announcing that Lisas DNA did not match the adult victim, meaning she was not Denise Beaudin. But authorities said they had decided to test Bob Evans DNA with the four bodies found in the barrel, and it had led them to a huge discovery. They know Bob Evans is Gordon Jenson/Larry Vanner. They have his DNA from California, said Billy Jensen, an investigative journalist and the author of the book Chase Darkness With Me. So they test the DNA from the bodies in the barrels in New Hampshire against the DNA that he left in California, and they realize that he's actually related to one of the little girls in the barrel. The child, dubbed by authorities as the middle child because of her age, was Bob Evans biological daughter. She became the key for investigators to tie him to the barrel victims. It's extremely rare to know who the killer is, but not know who the victims are. Usually when that happens, that's serial killer territory, Billy Jensen added. It turned out that the middle child was not related to the other three victims found in the barrels. However, DNA testing had determined that the adult victim was the mother of the other two children. At that point, authorities still didnt know who the barrel victims were, and they wanted to know if Bob Evans was yet another false name or a real name for the same killer. Rae-Venter said she was called upon again, this time to help identify the mystery killer. After a tremendous amount of work, using the same DNA profile mapping techniques -- building out family trees from matches to the killers DNA profile -- she eventually was able to crack it. Law enforcement suspected that there were probably other victims. And so, they really wanted to know who this guy really was and where he was from, she said. [I] determined that he in fact was Terry Rasmussen from Colorado. Rae-Venter said it was the first time that genetic genealogy had been used to help law enforcement solve a criminal case. Terry Rasmussens daughter: Hes a serial killer Rasmussen had died in a California prison of natural causes in 2010, but now that authorities knew his real identity, Headley said they could retrace his whereabouts, piece together a timeline of his life and try to find more victims. What we learn about this guy is that he had what seems to be a pretty conventional life up to a point. He was born out in Colorado, he got married, had four kids, said Jason Moon, a New Hampshire Public Radio reporter and host of the popular Bear Brook podcast, who has been following the case developments for years. In identifying Terry Rasmussen, Barbara Rae-Venter has also, of course, identified his whole family," Moon continued. "And his immediate family doesnt have any idea what kind of news they're about to get." In June 2017, Diane Kloepfer, formerly Diane Rasmussen, was working as a records clerk at a police station in Illinois when she got a call from her mother saying the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit wanted to talk to them. When Kloepfer met with the officers, she said they laid out a sprawling tale about her father, whom she hadnt seen since she was around 6 years old. PHOTO: Diane Kloepfer is one of four biological children Terry Rasmussen fathered in his marriage. (ABC) They had all these other pictures from all the times that he'd been arrested under all these different names, she said. It was him. As she listened to the officers describing what her father had been accused of over the years, Kloepfer said she realized a horrible truth about him. He's a serial killer, she said. That's the first time I've said that. Kloepfer said her father served in the U.S. Navy during the 60s and her parents got married in Hawaii in 1968. The family also moved around when she and her three siblings were young, she said. My mother tells me my father burned my brother with cigarettes, Kloepfer said. Normal people don't do that. Kloepfers mother left Rasmussen and took the kids with her in 1975, shortly after Rasmussen was arrested for aggravated assault, according to New Hampshire authorities. By then, the family was living in Arizona. Kloepfers parents divorce was finalized three years later. I don't know if my mother knew his capacity for violence, Kloepfer said. But I don't believe that she knew about his ability to kill women and children. If my mother wouldn't have left my father, it couldve been me, would have been me, she added. The last time Kloepfer said she saw her father was in December 1975 or 1976 when he showed up at the familys Arizona home unannounced with an unidentified woman. By the late 70s, authorities say Rasmussen turned up in California. Soon after, he was in New Hampshire. The long road to identifying the Bear Brook victims So by 2017, authorities had a much clearer picture of this bicoastal serial killer, but the identities of the four barrel victims in New Hampshire still remained a mystery. It was around mid-October [2017] that I received information that we had a credible tip that may be able to identify at least three of the victims of the barrels, said Det. Sgt. Matthew Koehler of the New Hampshire State Major Crime Unit. One of the interesting dynamics of this case as we went along was ... private citizens taking an intense interest in this one case. While Rae-Venter was working with law enforcement, other amateur sleuths following the Bear Brook murders case had been trying to dig up new information on their own as well. One of those people was Rebekah Heath, a research librarian, who said she became obsessed with the Bear Brook case. She said she listened to Moons Bear Brook podcast and spent hours combing through online message boards with posts about lost loved ones. It's generally something very simple as, I'm looking for my sister. I haven't seen her in 10 years. I'm wondering, this was her last known address, Heath said. But then there are some that are a bit deeper than that, where they haven't seen a loved one for 25 years. I'm really concerned.... You get a variety. PHOTO: Rebekah Heath, a research librarian who said shed become obsessed with the case, helped identify the woman and the two children through her own sleuthing. (ABC) As she looked, Heath said she tried to find posts that matched the information law enforcement had announced about the Bear Brook victims at the 2017 press conference. She said she would get a hunch and chase down a lead, then discard it when the details didnt match up. But one day, she found something that caught her eye. One post in particular was a half-brother looking for his half-sister, Sarah McWaters, and the locations were [in] California, the time frame was around the 70s. She was born [in] 77, she said. Then I noticed that there were other family members of Sarah's mother, who was [named] Marlyse, who were looking for another sister, and I was like, Wait a second, so there's two sisters, it's not just one, Heath continued. That's when I saw [another post about] Marie Vaughn, Sarah's half sister. Heath also looked for Marlyses death certificate, but couldnt find one, meaning she could still be alive or unidentified. There were a bunch of different family members that were all looking for this woman and her two children, Heath said. The ages fitting and then the locations also fitting. I'm like, Oh my goodness, you know what, this seems like something ... I think that this could be them. Heath said she connected with one of the family members posting onto the message board through Facebook and started asking her questions about the girls. And then she just throws in, Oh, and by the way, she married a guy with the last name Rasmussen, Heath said. I was like, Oh my God, it's them. It's them, it's them. This is it. This is it. This is real. Meanwhile, during the time Heath was pouring over online posts, Rae-Venter had come across an article about a new forensic technique that extracted autosomal DNA from rootless hair. Dr. Ed Green, an associate professor of biomolecular engineering at the University of California-Santa Cruz, worked on DNA technology development and his lab had developed the new hair technique. Rae-Venter asked New Hampshire authorities to send hair samples from the Bear Brook victims to Green, who was able to extract autosomal DNA from the victims hair shafts. It turns out that hair is a very, very good capsule for storing DNA. It's insoluble, it doesn't dissolve in water, Green said. The Bear Brook case was the first time anyone had asked us to do anything with law enforcement. After she received the DNA profiles from Greens results, Rae-Venter put DNA profiles for the four victims into genealogy databases and started building family trees for them, just as she had done before for Lisa and Rasmussen. All of a sudden you have two people [Heath and Rae-Venter] ... solving the Bear Brook case at almost the exact same moment. It's unbelievable, but that's what happened, Moon said. Rae-Venter and Heaths hundreds of hours of research paid off. In June 2019, New Hampshire authorities announced they had identified three of the four Bear Brook victims. The adult victim was identified as Marlyse Honeychurch. The oldest child, who was found in the first barrel with her in 1985, was identified as her daughter, Marie Vaughn. The youngest child, who was found in the second barrel in 2000, was identified as her daughter, Sarah McWaters. To this day, the identity of the middle child, who was determined to be Rasmussens biological daughter, remains unidentified. Marlyse was born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1954... She later married, and gave birth to her daughter, Marie, in 1971, said Det. Sgt. Koehler. After Marlyse married her second husband, she gave birth to her daughter Sarah in 1977 Marlyse and her second husband separated in 1978 and ultimately divorced. PHOTO: Marlyse Honeychurch was last seen around Thanksgiving 1978 with her two daughters, Marie and Sarah. (Courtesy of Chris Varbero) By the time Sarah was born, police said Honeychurch and her girls had settled in California. The last time Honeychurchs family saw her was Thanksgiving 1978, when she introduced them to her boyfriend, Terry Rasmussen, at a family gathering in La Puente, California, according to New Hampshire authorities. Honeychurchs siblings said she got into a disagreement with their mother that day and they never saw her or the girls again after that. It tore my mom up She took the blame for her leaving, said Honeychurchs brother, David Salamon. Just hurts that she doesn't know that it wasn't her fault ... that she left with somebody that was gonna be horrible. Salamon said the family tried to find Honeychurch and her daughters for years, but were unsuccessful. It was just a situation where, every time we searched, [we] came to a dead end. Came to a dead end. Came to a dead end, Salamon said. We have looked and searched for over 30 years for them, with no luck. We have never stopped looking. Authorities said they now know Honeychurch and the girls left California at some point and made their way to New Hampshire but were never heard from again. PHOTO: Marie Vaughn was last seen with her mother and sister at a Thanksgiving gathering in 1978. (Courtesy of Chris Varbero) In 1981, Denise Beaudin introduced her family to her boyfriend, Bob Evans, at a family gathering in Manchester, New Hampshire -- about 25 minutes away from the property in Bear Brook State Park where the two barrels were found. Beaudin is still missing to this day. [Rasmussen] was able to insert himself into families, tear those families apart, kill the members that came with him, and then do it all over again in a couple years with a different name and a different family, Moon said. Rasmussen's victims were intimately known to him, and he spent months or years with them at times before murdering them. PHOTO: Sarah L. McWaters was 11 months old when she was last seen with her mother and sister around Thanksgiving of 1978. (Courtesy of Chris Varbero) Honoring Rasmussens victims In November 2019, Honeychurchs family members held a funeral for her and her two daughters. Diane Kloepfer, Rasmussens daughter who helped authorities piece together his past, was invited to attend. While there, she met Honeychurchs family for the first time. I don't know that I ever could make up for my father's sins How do you ever make up for something like that? Kloepfer said. They all said the same thing, that it wasn't my fault... but because of my father they lost their sister and their nieces. The thing that binds us together is this horrible thing that has happened here, but they treated me just like I was their sister, she added. As for the middle child, Rae-Venter said she's hopeful she will be identified soon. PHOTO: 'The Middle Child' was found on May 9, 2000 on private property next to Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, NH. She was 2 to 4 years old at the time of her death, placing her birthdate between 1975-1977. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) Honeychurchs family said they still keep that child in their hearts. We call that other little child, we named her Angel, said Honeychurchs brother David Salamon. And the focus from this day forward should be to find the family of that little girl. If you have any information about these missing cases or others, please call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit its website at www.missingkids.org. For any tips concerning Terry Rasmussen and any unknown victims, please contact please contact Deputy Peter Headley with San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department at pheadley@sbcsd.org or the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit (603)223-3648, ColdCaseUnit@dos.nh.gov How a Jane Doe child case uncovered a serial killer, identified victims and changed the use of DNA forensics originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The macabre milestones keep coming. By Wednesday, Europe had recorded more coronavirus cases and fatalities than China. On Thursday, Italy by itself passed China in reported deaths. While China claims to have lowered its rate of new cases essentially to zero, Europes numbers grow faster each day about 100,000 confirmed infections and 5,000 deaths in all so far suggesting that the worst is yet to come. So how is it that the new disease, Covid-19, has hit harder in Europe, which had weeks of warning that the epidemic was coming, than in China, where the virus originated and where there are twice as many people? To some extent, experts say, Europeans are paying a price for living in open, affluent democracies, where people are used to free movement, easy travel and independent decision-making, and where governments worry about public opinion. Governments arent used to giving harsh orders, and citizens arent used to following them. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 08:07 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb6f66 1 World Indonesia,health,Education,COVID-19,collateral,students,study-abroad,emergency,Foreign-Ministry Free Indonesian PhD student Tengku Munawar, 30, has found himself facing one misfortune after another since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. He had been looking forward to spending time with his family in Japan, having booked his mother and sister tickets to Osaka for Thursday so they could attend his graduation ceremony early next month. Even his brother came to visit him as early as March 9. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the globe, Tengku has had to make do with shelved plans and a more uncertain future, after the Indonesian government urged its jet-setting citizens to return from abroad to avoid more imminent travel restrictions. Having studied in Japan for six years, I had been looking forward to this April graduation ceremony. Of course, I wanted this moment of finally parting with Japan to be special, he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. What can I say? All the plans I made since last year are falling apart because of the virus outbreak. The Japanese government has ordered the closure of schools and has advised workers to work from home something of an anomaly in an otherwise overworked society. Events that would have attracted large masses have also been canceled. That includes my graduation ceremony, said the Osaka University graduate in international public policy. At that time I began to panic, and consulted with the family about their upcoming visit. By mid-March the situation got even worse, with many countries announcing quarantines, he said. Tengku eventually canceled his family trip, and his brother bought himself a flight back to Indonesia on Wednesday. Unfortunately for him, stacks of paperwork from the university and for residence administration prevented Tengku from joining the rest of his family. I really want to go home as soon as possible but I cant, he said. But even if Indonesia has plans to impose a lockdown, I'll be ready. I just hope the coronavirus can be controlled soon. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi advised Indonesian citizens currently traveling abroad to return to Indonesia at the earliest possible time to avoid further travel disruptions. She announced that Indonesia had suspended all visa-on-arrival and other visa-exemption facilities for all countries for a period of one month beginning on Friday. Denial of entry was also expanded to include more countries in Europe, including the Vatican, Span, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where the number of positive virus infections have spiked. As an international student dependent on a scholarship, 25-year-old Vicky Nauli of the UK-based Institute of Development Studies was very confused as to what to do with this new information. "With the Chevening [Scholarship] we cannot go home for more than 30 days, so we don't know what to do, Vicky told the Post on Wednesday. We are pretty much in limbo because no one can guarantee if we can get back [to the UK]. She said her family back home were concerned because the number of cases in the UK was much higher than in Indonesia, which made them believe it was safer to stay with her family. The number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia jumped to 227 with 19 fatalities as of Wednesday, whereas the UK has 1,950 cases and 71 deaths, according to official tallies. Stella Nau, the president of the Indonesian Students Association in the UK (PPI-UK), said some students had decided against returning to Indonesia altogether, even as universities in the UK have canceled classes and advised their students to go home. This is mostly from the advice from our scholarship providers such as Chevening and Endowment Fund for Education [LPDP], which disburses monthly stipends and requires students to remain in the country until the program ends in October, Stella told the Post. Similarly, another Indonesian PhD student said that the Foreign Ministrys advice on Tuesday was a cause for concern, especially for those who worked, studied and lived in different places. Doni Ropawandi, 26, a student at Malaysian National University (UKM), said his plans to present his dissertation next Monday had already been canceled when Malaysian authorities announced a country-wide lockdown earlier this week. Now he is being forced to choose between staying with his wife in Taiwan, returning to Malaysia to complete his studies or going back home to Indonesia. I was actually planning to go back to Indonesia, but the Foreign Ministrys advice got me worried that if I go back and Indonesia decided to impose a lockdown, then Id be stuck, Doni said on Wednesday from Taiwan. He noted that the Taiwanese authorities had raised the warning level for Indonesia, which meant that anyone returning from the country to Taiwan would have to self-quarantine. If he were to choose between the three locations, Doni said he felt more comfortable staying in Taiwan. In a notice published on Monday, the Overseas Indonesian Students Association Alliance (PPI-Dunia) called on all students to coordinate with Indonesian missions in their respective countries of residence and follow the advice of local authorities, echoing a statement Minister Retno said during a recent interview with the Post. We also urge the Indonesian government to act through their missions abroad to oversee the health of students and all Indonesian citizens, and stand ready to provide assistance where it is needed, said Fadlan Muzakki, coordinator of PPI-Dunia. An official from the Foreign Ministry reiterated on Wednesday the foreign ministers advice for Indonesians, urging students to stay put in their study destination to anticipate any possible travel restrictions. On Friday, Retno advised all Indonesians abroad to stay in their countries of residence, giving reassurances that the government has entrusted them to their respective governments. As the coronavirus pandemic has sent millions of New Jerseyians back into their homes and forced restaurants to shutter their dining rooms in an effort to socially distance, one question keeps coming up: is it still safe to order delivery? The answer is a resounding yes, Donald Schaffner, a distinguished professor and extension specialist in food science with expertise in microbial risk assessment and hand washing at Rutgers, told NJ Advance Media. There have been no cases of coronavirus transmitted through food, and he sees little risk in ordering from your favorite pizza parlor. We should be really worried about coronavirus, but we should not be worried about coronavirus in my food, he said. Still, there are some steps you can take to make food delivery even safer. Dont be afraid to order delivery Delivery remains a safe option, and a very good one at that, Schaffner said. Good for you for ordering delivery, because youre practicing social distancing, and thats the most important message, Schaffner said. "Major 'atta boy for even doing it. The risk of contracting coronavirus through food is incredibly low, and theres currently no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through food, the FDA says. If it is on food, itll go through the acid of your stomach and even if it gets through your stomach, this virus is designed to attack your lungs not necessarily your gastrointestinal system, Schaffner said. Ordering cooked or uncooked food doesnt make a difference in how safe the meal is, precisely because the virus will end up in your stomach acid, Schaffner said. Pay with card when you can This goes back to social distancing: paying with a card helps you limit your interaction with the delivery driver, keeping in place good social distancing skills, Schaffner said. Experts recommend staying at least six feet away from others. If youre placing an order over the phone, you can read your card number off to the cashier (ask if they require a tip ahead of time). If youre using an app like Grubhub or Seamless, you can pay and tip all within the app, no need for any cash at all. You can also pay with a card when ordering your groceries or meal kits online. A number of companies are continuing their delivery services in New Jersey during the pandemic. Switch to contactless delivery The odds of catching coronavirus from the food itself are virtually none, but the odds of catching it from the delivery driver could be a little higher. Schaffner says taking advantage of new contactless delivery options is probably a good idea during the pandemic. "It seems a little creepy but in these times, that is best practice, Schaffner said of drop-and-go delivery. You can give the restaurant a heads up when you phone in your order youd like delivery to be contactless, and some apps, like Postmates and Uber Eats, have options in-app to request the driver leave your delivery at the door. Wash your hands before you eat This is good advice in general, but is particularly prudent during the coronavirus outbreak. A thorough, 20-second hand washing is one of the best steps you can take to stay safe, the CDC says. Schaffner recommends washing your hands before you eat, and any time you come back home after leaving your house. If you dont have access to soap and water, you should use hand sanitizer. Make sure to cover all areas of your hands, and rub the sanitizer in until your hands are dry, the CDC says. Take your food out of the container it came in, or wipe that container down Although there is no evidence that says coronavirus is a foodborne illness, its still possible it lives on the outside of the container. Eaters should put their takeout on fresh plates when possible, Schaffner says, and wipe down the outside of the container when not possible. The risk from contracting coronavirus from packaging is low, Schaffner says, because dried sneezes or coughs carry less viral load than fresh sneezes. Take the delivery into your home, carefully take the food out of the packaging, and then before you sit down to eat or stick your finger up your nose, wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer, Schaffner said. Its still OK to share food The risk of spreading the coronavirus through food is so small to begin with, and sharing food with a loved one likely wont change that, Schaffner said. If this is someone youre sharing a bed with, and youre sick, odds are theyre going to get sick too, anyway, Schaffner said, so feel free to ask for a bite if your loved ones meal if it looks tasty. Tip generously Restaurant staffers are still reporting to work every day, some of whom have been tasked with getting delivery and take-out service operations started from scratch in an effort to keep the business running. And even then, sales are way down. Instead of socially distancing, delivery drivers and restaurant workers are keeping things running so those quarantining at home can still have their morning pork roll, egg and cheeses. So remember, tip generously. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Congressman Anthony Brindisi will be self-quarantining after two members of the House of Representatives tested positive for coronavirus. Brindisi released the following statement: Last week, I was in contact with Congressman McAdams who recently tested positive for COVID-19. As a member of Congress and a public servant, keeping our community safe is my top priority. Out of an abundance of caution and on the advice of the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, I will self-quarantine until Friday, March 27, 2020. I am not exhibiting any symptoms and remain in good health. I will be teleworking from my home and will remain in close contact with local, county, state, and federal officials as we coordinate a response to this growing pandemic. I will never stop fighting for Upstate New York and will continue working to ensure our community has the resources we need. I urge everyone to follow guidance from the CDC and other health experts so we can fight this global pandemic." Brindisis offices are closed to visitors but his Utica office can be reached at: 315-732-0713. LONDON As panicked shoppers in Britain empty supermarket shelves and hoard goods amid the coronavirus outbreak, food banks that depend on donations are struggling to stay afloat, and some have been forced to shut down. Vulnerable families who depend on emergency food packages to survive received limited supplies this week as food banks across Britain fell short on items like pasta, tinned vegetables, long-life milk, baby food, diapers and toilet paper. And the winter months, when people in crisis are less likely to meet the basic costs of living, are particularly critical. Its very scary, because everyone is walking around with bags and trolleys full of food stocking up for the next few months, while Im worrying about whether I have enough food to feed the children this week, said Angie Fowler, a mother of three who depends on the Chalk Farm food bank in northern London. If this place closes down, I dont know what well do. We have no backup. CLEVELAND, Ohio Oriana House Inc. in two days has carried out a plan to reduce the population at its facilities by 30 to 40% due to public health risks posed by the novel coronavirus, according to agency officials. The nonprofit, which this week had roughly 800 clients in halfway house and community corrections beds, has worked with local, state and federal officials to release hundreds of people who were considered low-risk to re-offend, executive vice president Bernie Rochford said. That includes clients who were within days of being released to home supervision, and many who already were working jobs in the community, he said. Many of those clients have been placed on home electronic monitors. Oriana House, which runs community corrections and substance use treatment centers across the state, typically has about 600 clients who are monitored electronically and the now has secured enough equipment to monitor 350 additional people, Rochford said. Oriana has formulated plans on a client-by-client basis, he said, and has kept jail and prison officials informed of their release plans. Clients placed in the halfway house by federal prison are harder to release because the process is more onerous, but some clients are being reviewed under policies that allow for compassionate medical release. Family members of a half-dozen Oriana House residents reached out to The Plain Dealer following a story this week about residents in the crowded facility on East 55th Street in Cleveland. Many were concerned about sanitation and that residents were taking public transportation to jobs and chemical dependency meetings and returning to the facility to sleep in dormitories. The daughter of one Oriana House resident contacted The Plain Dealer concerned about her father, who is 62, and has multiple health conditions. Im worried about him, she said. Im worried about everybody there. Her father is a federal inmate who is serving the final months of a one-year sentence. The Plain Dealer is not using her name or her fathers name because another Oriana House client who also was placed there by the federal prison system was sent back to a federal prison facility after talking to a reporter this week. The woman said the facility already has had problems with the spread of bacterial and other infections. Residents arent allowed to use sanitizers that public health officials are recommending to protect from the spread of the virus, she said. My father has a home to come to, a very nice home, she said. She said her father works six days a week and is considered a low risk to re-offend because his was a financial crime. The daughter said her family had contacted the federal Bureau of Prisons residential re-entry management office in Cincinnati and were told a judge would have to sign off on her father getting home, and it wasnt clear how quickly that type of hearing could happen. It is hard because the information keeps changing, she said. Other family members said some residents were still being told they were required to attend chemical dependency meetings, which often had more than 10 other people gathered. Some of the cases present challenges, including ones where a client could be released but does not have an appropriate place to go. We dont want to release someone who would be going to a homeless shelter or a house that is dysfunctional or not safe, she said. As clients are released from residential centers, staff will be shifted to backfill the other programs and ensure people are supervised appropriately, he said. Not all clients will be eligible to be released, he said, including those accused or convicted of sex crimes or violent offenses. Social visits have been stopped for clients who remain, and residential dorms are following a plan from U.S. Army public health officials used to help prevent disease transmission in barracks, which are similar to the residential dorms. Rochford said the biggest challenge for Oriana House is to meet the needs of clients with substance use disorder, including finding ways to continue lifesaving programming, including counseling. He said clinics that provide long-acting Vivitrol shots in Summit, Cuyahoga, Seneca and Washington counties will remain open. My biggest fear is not that crime goes up but that we see people overdosing, he said. The ACLU of Ohio has broadly advocated to Gov. Mike DeWine and state health and prison and jail officials on behalf of incarcerated individuals who could be at increased risk of exposure to the coronavirus, because of the close proximity as well as poor health among inmates. ACLU set up an email hotline earlier this week at covid19@acluohio.org to hear about concerns from people who are incarcerated and their loved ones. Things are constantly changing and we are looking for ways to be helpful, Gary Daniels, Ohio ACLU chief lobbyist said. Particularly for people who are locked up in many different situations. The ACLU is triaging concerns and so far has focused mainly on what it says are serious and widespread problems in Ohios jails, which generally have more issues with health care than prisons because they dont have as much oversight as state and federal prisons, Daniels said. Read more coronavirus coverage: How and where to get tested for coronavirus Childcare centers, parents grapple with tough choices Acts of kindness amid coronavirus pandemic Workers at highest risk Health care workers, whats it like handling coronavirus cases? The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Paris on Thursday appealed to the government to provide relief measures to businesses and borrowers hit by COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The chamber's President Vikramjit Singh Sahney said OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has estimated that dip in global growth may lead to recession, and India is already struggling with an economic slowdown. The outbreak of the virus can deepen the crisis, he said in a statement. "I appeal to the government to provide relief to businesses and borrowers hit by coronavirus disease," Sahney said. "With markets crashing, many sectors of the economy will be hit badly such as tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, trading, auto sector, therefore, government should immediately advise banks for moratorium to the borrowers for three months period on repayment of loans without declaring them defaulters," he added. This is imperative to tackle the cascading impact of slowdown on demand, he said. Precautionary measures of reduced mobility and distancing will have negative impact on demand, income generation, factory output, retail and services, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Federal judge rules in Katy Perrys favor, overturns verdict in lawsuit by Christian artist Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Los Angeles federal judge overturned on Tuesday a jurys verdict that found pop star Katy Perry and her collaborators guilty of copying a Christian rap song for her hit song, Dark Horse. U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder said she did not believe the 2008 Christian hip-hop song Joyful Noise by rapper Marcus Gray was distinctive enough to be in violation of the copyright law as the jury found. It is undisputed in this case, even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to plaintiffs, that the signature elements of the eight-note ostinato in Joyful Noise is not a particularly unique or rare combination, Snyder wrote in her decision. Perry, Lukasz Dr. Luke Gottwald, Capitol Records, and others had been ordered to pay $2.78 million by a California jury for copyright infringement in 2019. They appealed and asked the California courts to overturn the verdict or grant a new trial. Gray, professionally known as Flame, plans to appeal the new ruling. When the jurors returned a unanimous verdict of infringement, I cautioned my clients that we had only finished Round 11 of a 15-round match and that the next round would take place in the court of appeals, Grays attorney, Michael A. Kahn, said in a statement to the Associated Press. We believe the jury was right and will do our best to restore their verdict on appeal. In the initial trial, Gray and his songs co-creators had argued in their lawsuit that Perry's 2013 single Dark Horse, featuring Juicy J, copied the beat of their song "Joyful Noise," featuring Lecrae. At the week-long trial last July, both Perry and Dark Horse producer Dr. Luke insisted they had never heard of "Joyful Noise." Gray argued that his song's success in the niche market went on to have massive success and the defendants may have gotten wind of it at the Grammy Awards or seen it on YouTube or other social media platforms where the song has been streamed millions of times. Todd Decker, a musicologist, broke down the underlying beat in both songs during the trial last summer. While Perry's attorneys argued that the musical pattern is too short and common to be copyright protected, Decker testified that the ostinatos (short melodic phrase repeated throughout a composition) share five or six points of similarity, including pitch, rhythm, texture, pattern of repetition, melodic shape and timbre, or the quality and color of a sound," as reported by Billboard. In the appeal this week, Perrys attorney, Christine Lepera, described the first verdict as a travesty of justice that would greatly affect creativity in the long run. The judgment follows a similar ruling in California, as a federal court handed a similar victory to Led Zeppelin over the 1971 classic Stairway to Heaven. Everyone should know by now: Wash your hands, wash your hands and keep washing your hands to help combat coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends doing so for at least 20 seconds each time. Effective, yes, but all that hand-washing can come at a cost: dry, cracked skin. Alcohol-based formulas and harsh soaps dry out skin after a period of time and can make existing skin conditions worse by stripping the skin of its natural oils, according to the American Skin Association. The right products can make all the difference. As first reported by Yahoo Lifestyle, dermatologist and skincare author Dr. Anjali Mahto posted tips to her Instagram account on how to combat dry skin and dermatitis from excessive hand-washing and hand sanitizers. Make sure you carry a non-fragranced hand cream at all times and get into the habit of moisturizing after washing, Mahto said in the post. Fragrances can potentially worsen dermatitis. So, as a rule of thumb if it smells good, unfortunately you probably want to stay away from it for active hand eczema. These are some of the products Mahto recommended: -- Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($8) -- CeraVe Hand Cream ($10.99) -- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Hand Cream ($14.99) Two other skincare tips Mahto provided are to use an anti-microbial hand wash and to wear a hand mask at bed in the form of cotton gloves. If you dont want to wear gloves while sleeping, there is a lotion called Gloves In A Bottle that creates a pair of invisible gloves. One other very popular hand cream product out there is OKeeffes Working Hands Hand Cream, which is less than $8. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Nicolette Accardi can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips MORE RETAIL AND SHOPPING COVERAGE: Amazons popular tablet for kids is 40% off, if parents need ways to entertain children Supermarkets, pharmacies placing limits on what you can buy. Heres what you need to know. Retail store closings 2020: A list of chains that have closed stores this year Garcetti Raises Citys Emergency Status to Highest Level Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti raised the citys emergency response status on Monday to its highest level due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, and he issued a series of new orders for the city, including delaying payment of parking tickets. Raising the citys emergency status was done to request more assistance from the federal and state governments, as well as a public safety measure to stem the coronavirus spread, Garcetti said. ADVERTISEMENT For two weeks, Los Angeles will not issue tickets during street sweeping hours in residential areas or to people who are helping local institutions. He said the city will also freeze parking fines until June 1. Not all parking enforcement is stopping, Garcetti said, but he said he does want people to save their money for the time being. Metered parking spaces will also continue at businesses, which he said are dependent upon those spaces for the business that can be conducted. We know all Angelenos have had to make huge changes and sacrifices during this period, Garcetti said. Today was the first day that our (Los Angeles Unified School District) schools were closed, and a change in routine like this can be very confusing, for both parents and students. Garcetti said an announcement from the LAUSD is expected later tonight, but people can go to achieve.lausd.net for information relating to school children who are dependent on school meals. Theres also been a tremendous amount of misinformation, Garcetti said, adding that hes heard rumors from friends and family about major closures that have not been announced. There will be no surprises those rumors about a national lockdown are not true, today. ADVERTISEMENT He said people should check with official sources such as the city of Los Angeles websites and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc. told investors that it would have billions of dollars in cash at the end of the year, even in its bleakest estimates about the businesss prospects. Ubers shares soared 38% in New York, the most since the company listed last year. During an analyst call Thursday, Uber said it expects to have $6 billion in cash on hand, along with with a $2 billion debt revolver, at the end of the year. In the worst-case scenario presented, with the new coronavirus causing a more extreme slowdown in the ride-hailing business, the company would have $4 billion in cash reserves plus the revolver, Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi said. In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Thursday, Khosrowshahi reiterated that he believed Uber was well positioned to weather the crisis. He also said that Uber was trying to do its part to bend the curve, a phrase thats become shorthand for managing the spike in Covid-19 cases so that hospitals dont get overwhelmed. The executive, based in San Francisco where residents have been advised to shelter in place, said that while the order was in effect I wouldnt put my kids in an Uber because the governor has specifically asked us to lock down. The companys projections about its cash position were meant to reassure investors that Ubers business could withstand the economic shock caused by global social distancing measures. The pandemic is keeping people in their homes as they attempt to slow the spread of the virus, devastating the ride-hailing business. Khosrowshahi said that Hong Kong, which experienced the coronavirus ahead of the U.S. and Europe, saw trips fall 45% and that the city is now 30% off of its peak. Still Khosrowshahi acknowledged, every city is going to be different. Uber has said it would turn a profit this year, a goal that Khosrowshahi said the company was still aiming for. Were certainly targeting it, he said in the Bloomberg TV interview. But he added, Im much more focused on tomorrow and next week. Story continues Khosrowshahi also said that when the crisis abates, the company would consider making acquisitions. Weve got a great opportunity to be a consolidator, he said. In an email to staff on Wednesday, Khosrowshahi also sought to reassure employees about the companys prospects. We are on incredibly solid financial footing, he wrote in the email, obtained by Bloomberg. We are asset-light and the majority of our costs are variable. He urged staffers to take the plight of drivers seriously, writing, We owe it to the millions of earners who use Uber to be there for them as much as possible. Ubers stock has fallen faster than the rest of the market. The companys value was $35 billion on Thursday. Ubers market capitalization in its initial public offering almost a year ago was more than twice that, at $75.5 billion. But in the email on Wednesday, Khosrowshahi celebrated the companys decision to go public. Even though it was choppy, we raised a huge amount of capital, he wrote, calling it an incredibly important move. Uber had $10 billion of unrestricted cash as of the end of February, the company said. Of that, $1.5 billion is committed to acquisitions that have already been signed. Khosrowshahi also told investors that the company didnt have significant financial covenants that could endanger the companys cash position. We just thought it was important to update you quickly in such a dynamic situation, Khosrowshahi said. (Updates starting in the second paragraph.) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. MIDDLETOWN Ever since gyms were ordered closed Monday, Energy Zone Fitness owner Julie Cranick has been motivating her clients in a novel way and helping herself remain positive under trying conditions in the process. As health officials urge people during the global coronavirus pandemic to stay home, only go out for essentials and, in some cases, self-quarantine, Cranick is livestreaming and recording workouts for all of her classes. She incorporates weights, step decks and trampolines. My clients are like family, Cranick said. Within 24 hours of the mandate, she created a livestream program for members of the 199 Shunpike Road boutique studio in Cromwell. During the pandemic, shes coined the phrase quaranteam. Cranick has since loaned every piece of exercise equipment she owns to clients on the honor system including medicine balls. Members will rotate what they have with others once a week. Im keeping afloat this passion and dream of mine. I dont want it to end. Where theres a will, theres a way. I believe if you follow your heart, you will succeed. These are rules to live by, she added. Members can avail themselves of the streaming service for free, while others pay a $9.99 monthly fee. All exercises have modified versions. Dont be surprised when you see us in Jane Fonda leotards, Cranick said. Later in the week, shell conduct a three-minute dance party during which participants in the studio will let go of their inhibitions. Call 860-874-5104 or email julie@energyzonefitnessct.com for details. Shes so accommodating. Its such a customer-focused brand, said client Sandy Aldieri, a Middletown photographer who owns Perceptions Photography. The amount of work, effort, but mostly compassion for their members, who are home trying to work, care for their children and stay sane, has been tremendous, she said. As for herself, Aldieri has made it a top priority to calm and soothe her clients by sharing resources, calling vendors, and offering support for anyone who needs it. My job is so physical as it is, its a priority for me to stay strong to do it. Mentally, its also challenging, especially now. Its important for me to help my clients get through this. I cant do it without being strong myself, she said. Whats getting me through this are the lessons in humanity that Im seeing. Shes also encouraging clients to check in frequently if they need someone to talk to. Twenty of her jobs were postponed or canceled in the last week, Aldieri said. You get what you give. If you give out good positivity, youll get it back. Mark Sabo, co-owner of Conspiracy restaurant and speakeasy, who also owns the White Dog Cafe on Main Street in Portland, said the livelihood of his eight employees is a top priority. He hasnt laid off anyone. If we dont succeed, our staff will not be able to pay their rent, feed themselves or their children. Its a dire situation. As long as we can pay our rent, we dont care if we make a single dollar. We just need them to be well, Sabo said. Its all about the tips, some of which have been as high as 30 percent to 50 percent per order. Both were able to make a good amount of cash last night, Sabo said. Hes repurposed his two bartenders: one as a delivery person and the other making fresh drink mixes. Ive taken responsibility for providing a life for these folks. Its really serious, Sabo explained. Hes overhauled the entire food menu for takeout even selling add-ins such as toilet paper and turned his spring drink menu, replete with super duper fresh juices and syrups, into his Just the Mixers kits. Each cocktail mix, priced at $4, includes a recipe card. Customers can add alcohol and make their own at home. They are also exploring other options, such as virtual cocktail classes and disc jockey music and tap takeovers. Musicians who perform at the cocktail bar are entirely out of work, he added. Hes set up a Venmo account where customers can tip performers while the concert is streamed live. Thursdays Conspiracy menu was butter-poached lobster and grits, jalapeno Cajun creamy cornmeal grits and smoked gouda. Hes focusing on being able to open one day soon. Well be OK for three months. Once this is done, people are going to come out like crazy, Sabo said. Many have noticed Main Street foot and vehicle traffic is greatly reduced. Last night, there were no cars. It was very quiet. Its surreal. It feels like a disaster movie, he said. Spread Cheese Co. in Main Street Market has temporarily halted weekend and over-the-counter tastings. The plan is to keep the shop open for as long as its safe and permissible to do so. We will continue to educate you on all of our cheeses and gladly cut you whatever you desire fresh off the wheel or block, sisters Lindsey Eberle and Jamie Tomassetti wrote in an email to customers. They are also offering curbside pickup for those placing phone orders. We have a good supply of crackers, dried fruits, olives, salamis, nuts, and other treats that have a very long shelf life, they said. The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce is asking people to fill out an online Connecticut Business Survey. The chamber is also encouraging business owners to share a link to their website on the page. Lets help support our community. Shop local businesses and help shout it out! Amazing things will happen if we just share, the Facebook post read. Gov. Ned Lamont has asked the farmers markets to continue their events, Durham Farmers Market master John Scagnelli said. The governor has waived the gathering limitation, and markets are to be treated akin to grocery stores. He is encouraging everyone to come and support our local people while providing healthy, local ingredients to our community, he said. Saturdays event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the town Green. First Church of Christ on Court Street, which will debut its first online church service Sunday, is providing spiritual nourishment for congregants. This past Sundays service maintained many elements of a regular church service, including an interactive bulletin, Pastor Julia Burkeys recorded welcome, and a musical prayer by Music Minister Shari Lucas, according to a press release. For information, visit firstchurchmiddletown.org or call 860-346-6657. In Middletown, St. John Paul II School has taken the bull by the horns with distance learning, according to Tiffany Ruvolo, director of advancement, communications and marketing. We had a few bumps today, but overall the first day was a success. Inside an immigration court in southern Texas this week, a judge asked one of us to stand at the far end of the courtroom and not submit any documents on behalf of a client, perhaps as a health precaution. Inside a nearby federal court, dozens of migrants were being processed for violating federal immigration law. The coronavirus has paused most of our lives. But for migrants, life under a pandemic looks a lot like life before it: suffering because President Trump has an insatiable appetite for imprisoning migrants. Its time to shut down immigration prisons. Across the country, the federal government locks up tens of thousands of people every day who are suspected of violating immigration law. The Border Patrol crams people into holding cells that resemble large kennels. Immigration and Customs Enforcement runs a network of hundreds of prisons from a county jail north of Boston to an 1,100-bed facility tucked in a southern Texas wildlife refuge. While its good that ICE will stop some immigration enforcement, it should release the detainees in its custody. Another government agency, the Marshals Service, holds thousands more who are being prosecuted for violating criminal immigration law. No matter which agency is in charge, there are only two reasons recognized under U.S. law to confine these people: flight risk or dangerousness. But in this moment, the risks to life and public health that come with imprisoning migrants far outweigh either reason. Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close their physical locations as of 8 p.m. today to slow the spread of COVID-19. Enforcement actions against businesses that dont comply will begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21, according to the governors office. The order, effective immediately and to remain in effect until further notice, states: No person or entity shall operate a place of business in the Commonwealth that is not a life sustaining business regardless of whether the business is open to members of the public. This prohibition does not apply to virtual or telework operations (e.g., work from home), so long as social distancing and other mitigation measures are followed in such operations. Life sustaining businesses may remain open, but they must follow, at a minimum, the social distancing practices and other mitigation measures defined by the Centers for Disease Control to protect workers and patrons. In extenuating circumstances, special exemptions will be granted to businesses that are supplying or servicing health care providers. Food establishments that do carry-out, delivery and drive-through service can continue so long as measures are put in place to keep patrons and workers safe. A list of what are and are not life-sustaining businesses can be found below: To protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians, we need to take more aggressive mitigation actions, said Wolf. This virus is an invisible danger that could be present everywhere. We need to act with the strength we use against any other severe threat. And, we need to act now before the illness spreads more widely. The governor has directed the following state agencies and local officials to enforce the closure orders to the full extent of the law: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Department of Health Department of Agriculture Pennsylvania State Police Local officials, using their resources to enforce closure orders within their jurisdictions Non-compliant businesses or groups that fail or refuse to comply with the order will forfeit their ability to receive any applicable disaster relief and could be subject to other administrative action, according to the governors office. That action could include citations, fines, or license suspensions. In addition, the Department of Health is authorized to prosecute those who fail to comply with health laws, including quarantine, isolation or other disease control measures. Violators are subject to fines or imprisonment. READ MORE: The Department of Community and Economic Development is offering loans to aid businesses impacted by the coronavirus. A list of resources will be posted to the DCED website as they become available. Gov. Wolfs administration also announced the availability of small-business loans for all of Pennsylvania via the U.S. Small Business Administration. (You can find more information about the small-business loans and how to apply by clicking here.) Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the DCED at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov or 1-877-PA-HEALTH, select option 1. The governor had previously encouraged non-life-sustaining businesses to close to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants and bars were already required to stop all dine-in services. --Sign up for PennLives newsletters Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like PennLives business page on Facebook at @PennLiveBusiness India is working on a set of policy measures to combat the economic impact of the fast-spreading coronavirus and that may include some cash transfers to workers in the informal sector, the country's top economic advisor said. The virus, which causes a respiratory disease known as COVID-19, has infected more than 207,800 people and killed over 8,600 people globally, according to the World Health Organization. India has reported at least 151 cases, out of which 14 have recovered and three died, according to the health ministry. Health officials worldwide have urged countries to step up measures that can keep the daily number of reported cases at a level manageable for health-care systems, a concept known as "flattening the curve." Countries like Italy, where the infection is spreading rapidly, are struggling to keep up and medical care facilities are being stretched to their limits. But many of those required actions, such as shutting down public places like shopping malls or banning tourists, are predicted to have an adverse economic impact in service sectors like retail, leisure, and travel. Economic trade-off "There is actually an essential trade-off between flattening the curve, from the health policy perspective, and the consequent impact of that on the economy," Krishnamurthy Subramanian, chief economic advisor to the Indian government, told CNBC's Tanvir Gill. He explained that India anticipates possible disruptions to the supply chain and a decrease in demand that could, in turn, affect businesses. As such, the government is working on both fiscal and monetary measures. "On the fiscal side, (to) try and see if there could be some cash transfers that would be done," Subramanian said. "India has a very large informal sector and the informal sector may be particularly impacted by the lockdown because there are people who don't necessarily have a permanent job." Some experts have estimated that India's informal sectors account for roughly 94% of total employment in the country and contribute about 45% of output. Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian. Mohd Zakir | Hindustan Times | Getty Images Subramanian said the government is also thinking about the banking sector, which is slowly recovering from a major bad debt crisis; New Delhi wants to ensure there is no additional impact of the coronavirus on India's lenders due to a potential slowdown in demand. The Reserve Bank of India this week introduced measures to pump more rupee liquidity into the banking system. What could work in India's favor is the fact that oil prices have plummeted recently, which is expected to lessen the country's oil import bill. Tackling the outbreak PARIS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A batch of medical supplies sent by China to help France fight the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic arrived here at the Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday. This package of medical aid includes protective masks, surgical masks, protective suits and medical gloves, as required by the French side, according to Lu Shaye, China's Ambassador to France. "At the crucial moment when China waged war against the epidemic, France provided us with precious support and assistance," said Lu. "Now France and the whole of Europe are facing the serious challenge of the pandemic, China is ready to provide aid as far as possible." Health and medicine are one of the most dynamic areas of Sino-French scientific and technological cooperation, said the ambassador. He noted that after the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, institutions in China and in France stayed in close contact and jointly conducted research on reagents for rapid diagnosis of the virus. Scientists from both countries are currently conducting feasibility studies on the development of antibody-based drugs. "In early February, French and Chinese experts conducted teleconsultation together. Mr. Alain Merieux, President of Merieux Foundation, provided China with multiple suggestions on diagnosis, treatment and cooperation on vaccine development," Lu said. Chinese scientific research institutions and the Pasteur Institute are actively exploring ways to create a joint Sino-French research fund that will primarily support the development of new drugs as well as research into vaccines against COVID-19, he added. China also invited France to participate in a video conference between China and European countries, dedicated to the presentation of Chinese prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment plans, with a view to sharing experiences and making exchanges with the international community including France. "If France needs it, China is ready to organize remote exchanges and teleconsultations, even to send a team of medical experts to France," said the ambassador. "We are convinced that, as long as China, France and the international community are animated by the idea of community with a shared future for mankind, as long as we lead a united fight side by side, we will certainly succeed in defeating the demon of virus," he concluded. Budget carrier GoAir has decided to withdraw its earlier notification to suspend all flight operations to Mizoram amid the coronavirus scare, officials said. A release issued by the state's information and public relations department said the airline took the call to continue services in Mizoram due to "public appeal". GoAir would continue its operation on the Kolkata- Guwahati-Aizawl sector, the release said. The Wadia Group-promoted carrier on Tuesday said it has suspended all flights to Mizoram from March 19 till April 15 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. It also put on hold the proposed direct flight service between Aizawl and Delhi. "In the light of the suspension order, GoAir has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public for momentarily conveying about the cancellation of scheduled flights," an official said. The state's principal consultant for civil aviation, Wing Commander J Lalhmingliana told PTI that GoAir's latest decision was taken in the interest of passengers, who complained that the abrupt suspension would create a lot of problems as they had booked tickets well in advance. He, however, said the airline is yet to intimate about the launch of direct flights between Aizawl and Delhi. GoAir launched services in Mizoram on October 15, 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 35-year-old Sparta man was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney after being accused of choking a woman during a Feb. 1 disturbance in the town of Little Falls. Matthew W. Fleming was referred for strangulation/suffocation, battery and disorderly conduct. Police responded to a disturbance at a Casper Avenue residence. A witness said Fleming and a woman got into an argument and that Fleming also began yelling at him. The man said he didnt want to get involved in a physical altercation with Fleming and stepped outside. The witness said the argument between Fleming and the woman got louder before he heard cries of help from the woman. The witness said he re-entered the residence to check on the womans well-being. He discovered both were on the floor. The witness said he held Fleming in an attempt to calm him down. Fleming then left the residence. The woman told police that Fleming grabbed her by the neck during the altercation. She said Flemings grip made it difficult for her to breathe but she didnt lose consciousness. As the two went to the ground, the woman said she struck her head on the corner of a wooden piece of furniture. She said Fleming was on top of her when she called for help. Fleming told police that he was taken to the ground by the woman and witness and that the witness threatened to kill him. Fleming acknowledged consuming a 12-pack of Whiteclaw, and a preliminary breath test recorded a blood-alcohol level of .204. The woman was referred for disorderly conduct. In other Monroe County Sheriffs Office news: Tyler Michael Murray, 27, Richland Center, was referred to the district attorney for multiple charges after police responded to a Jan. 28 traffic crash in the town of Wellington. Police received a call from a passerby about a vehicle located in a ditch on Hwy. V shortly before 1:30 a.m.. The passerby said the driver was unresponsive and appeared deceased. When law enforcement arrived, the driver, identified as Murray, was asleep in the vehicle and uninjured. The report says Murray admitted smoking marijuana, and police suspected he was under the influence of multiple illegal substances at the time of the crash. Murray said he was en route to a friends house when he swerved to miss a deer. He couldnt identify the friend or give an address but later said the friends name was Simon. The report says a field sobriety test showed multiple clues of intoxication, and a search of the vehicle found three syringes, a straight razor glued to a piece of plastic, a scale and several empty gem bags. Murray was referred for operating under the influence of a controlled substance, operating after revocation/drunk driving-related, tampering with an ignition interlock device and possession of drug paraphernalia. Leah Jean Bell, 33, Sparta, was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney for drug charges after a Jan. 29 traffic stop in the town of Sparta. Police pulled over a vehicle on Iberia Avenue shortly after 8:30 p.m. for a defective brake lamp. Bell was a passenger in the vehicle and was hesitant to talk with police. The report says she told police she didnt have an identification card and allegedly gave the name of her sister. Police were able to ascertain Bells identity and learned she had an outstanding Department of Corrections warrant. She was placed under arrest and placed in a squad car. The driver was on probation for drug charges, and police summoned a K9 unit to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. After a positive response, police searched the vehicle and allegedly found a small crystal of methamphetamine and cotton swabs that are commonly used to filter injected heroin. All were found in a small cardboard container near the passengers seat. Bell was transported to the Monroe County Jail. During a strip search, jailers reportedly saw two small plastic bags fall from her clothes. She allegedly swallowed the contents of a third bag before jail staff could seize it. Police later determined the bag contained methamphetamine. The two other bags contained methamphetamine residue and prescription suboxone strips. Bell was referred for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, delivering an article to an inmate and obstructing an officer. Jessica Jean Hawes, 36, New Lisbon, was referred to the district attorney for operating after revocation/drunk driving-related, tampering with an ignition interlock device and bail jumping after a Feb. 2 traffic stop in the town of Byron. Police conducted a traffic stop on Hwy. 173 shortly before 3 a.m. after conducting a license plate check. Wesley Alan Harris Campbell, 30, Sparta, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct. A woman said Harris Campbell screamed at her and shoved her during a Jan. 14 altercation at a town of Adrian residence. Tomah Journal editor Steve Rundio can be reached at steve.rundio@lee.net. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. [March 19, 2020] TikTok Partners With Arnold Schwarzenegger's After-School All-Stars to Provide Food and Resources for Families Impacted by COVID-19 LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As schools across the country close, one of the greatest challenges facing many parents is how to feed their children. Millions of students, teachers and families depend on school resources for more than learning. Today, TikTok announced it is partnering with After-School All-Stars (ASAS) to provide critical meal support to those in need. TikTok's $3M donation will enable ASAS, an organization founded by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, to feed families affected by school closings due to COVID-19. Families in 60 cities across the U.S. with ASAS chapters will receive food vouchers and gift cards to be used on food and other essential items through local grocery store partners. "We are all operating in uncertain times, and it's more important now than ever before for both our local and global communities to come together to help those in need," said Vanessa Pappas, General Manager of TikTok U.S. "This pledge to ASAS will help more students get access to meals, safely provided to them, during this crisis. While this alone won't mitigate the impact of the current situation, we hope it can relieve one worry for parents who are balancing social distancing mandates, work and caring for children who can no longer go to school each day." ASAS' distribution of food credits and gift cards will first reach families in highly impacted cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, New Jersey, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and more. The organization is working with local grocery partners including Food Land,Giant, Kroger, Publix, Ralphs, Safeway, Target, and Walmart. These resources will help the communities that have been hit the hardest by the residual impact of the coronavirus pandemic. TikTok will also match up to $1M in employee donations to ASAS to further the organization's ability to provide food for those in need. "During a crisis, improvisation is critical and everyone has to look at new ways to help the most vulnerable," said Arnold Schwarzenegger, former California Governor and Founder of After-School All-Stars. "The After-School All-Stars programs are paused with schools closed, but we remain committed to supporting the 100,000 families we work with year-round. When I founded After-School All-Stars in 1992, the goal was always to support the families who need it the most. I'm grateful to TikTok for their donation which allows us to shift our priorities so our team can safely deliver groceries and gift cards for groceries to the families we help." Schwarzenegger shared additional information about After-School All-Stars and the partnership with TikTok in a video shared to his TikTok page @arnoldschnitzel. Added Ben Paul, President and CEO, After-School All-Stars: "The communities we serve are already very vulnerable, and this situation has further magnified the hardships many families face. This crisis has had a profound impact on millions of people, and I'm heartened by the tremendous generosity, collaboration and creativity that we've seen across communities and industries. I am excited to work with TikTok as we address immediate needs and examine the unique role that technology plays in bringing individuals and communities together." To further support the community, TikTok's online Safety Center, developed in partnership with trusted local health officials, is being regularly updated with information on how people can stay connected and safe during this time. About TikTok TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, Mountain View, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com About After-School All-Stars Founded in 1992 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of school-based, free, comprehensive after-school programs. The organization's mission is to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Every school day, students in under-resourced communities have access to free programs that allow them to increase academic readiness, explore career opportunities, develop regular health and wellness habits, practice visual and performing arts, and build STEM skills. 90,000+ children from 19 U.S. locations benefit: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, North Texas, Orlando, Philadelphia & Camden, San Antonio, South Florida, Tampa Bay, Toledo, Washington D.C., Bay Area and Puget Sound. For more information, visit afterschoolallstars.org #TeamAllStars View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tiktok-partners-with-arnold-schwarzeneggers-after-school-all-stars-to-provide-food-and-resources-for-families-impacted-by-covid-19-301027046.html SOURCE TikTok U.S. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Augmentum Fintech plc ("the Company") 19 March 2020 Change of Auditor The Company announces that the Board has approved the appointment of BDO LLP as the Company's auditor for the financial year ending 31 March 2020. This follows a competitive tender process led by the Company's Audit Committee. The firms who participated included the Company's previous auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. BDO LLP's appointment as auditor to the Company will be proposed to shareholders at the Company's next Annual General Meeting to be held in September 2020. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has ceased to be the Company's auditor and has confirmed to the Company that there are no matters connected with it ceasing to hold office that need to be brought to the attention of the members or creditors of the Company for the purposes of section 519 of the Companies Act 2006. -ENDS- For further information please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP - 020 3 170 8732 The domestic car market is gloomy as people are not making purchases despite the sharp price falls. The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA) reported a 27 percent decrease in the total number of cars sold in the last two months. The sales of cars with less than 9 seats saw the sharp decline, 30 percent, compared with the same period last year. Automobile manufacturers have seen the number of cars sold decreasing by 13,200 because the demand has decreased during Covid-19. As for the cars with less than 9 seats, 25,000 products were sold in the last two months, a decrease of 11,200 products compared with the same period last year. The number of cars imported by Vietnam in the first two months of the year decreased by tens of thousand of products because of Covid-19. Of these, the number of cars from Thailand and Indonesia decreased by 9,800. Some models from the two markets saw a sharp 60 percent decrease. The number of cars imported by Vietnam in the first two months of the year decreased by tens of thousand of products because of Covid-19. Of these, the number of cars from Thailand and Indonesia decreased by 9,800. Some models from the two markets saw a sharp 60 percent decrease. There were 8,000 products from Thailand (- 8,400), and 5,100 products from Indonesia (- 1,400). According to the General Department of Customs (GDC), 14,450 cars arrived in Vietnam in the first two months of the year, or 11,175 products lower than the same period last year. This included 10,600 cars with less than 9 seats, a decrease of 7,154 products. The sharp sales fall was seen in most product lines. As for sedans, the key product line, only 12,200 products were sold, a decrease of 1,600. Toyota Vios remains the best seller with 4,000 cars sold, followed by Accent of Hyundai Thanh Cong (2,900), Hyundai i10 (2,700) and Mitsubishi Xpander (2,200). In addition to the three models, some others also saw good sales (more than 1,000 products sold), namely SantaFe and Tucson of Hyundai, Cerato and Soluto of Kia. Meanwhile, many manufacturers and car importers reported unsatisfactory sales in the last two months. Only 930 Honda CRV imported from Thailand were sold, a decrease of 2,800 products. 211 Rangers were sold, a decrease of 1,900. The third model with unsatisfactory sales was Mazda CX5, a domestically assembled model, with just 800 products sold, decreasing by 2,000 products. In early March 2020, a series of models which are the key products bringing highest turnover to manufacturers, such as Toyota Fortuner, Honda CRV, Ford Everest and Explorer began decreasing in prices. The decreases were between VND30 million and VND270 million. The car market is the favorite of small-size MPVs which are fashionable, reasonable in price and multi-purposed. Xpander of Mitsubishi is leading the market segment with 20,000 products sold in 2019, followed by Innova of Toyota with 12,000 cars sold and Mazda CX5 with 10,200. Mai Lan When will the Vietnamese automobile dream come true? Vietnam still has to import car parts for domestic assembling. As a result, the production cost is high and domestically made products remain less competitive than imports. I derive so, so much glee watching that asshole's hoard being seized and forcefully donated by state officials. Reply Thread Link He should be in jail Reply Parent Thread Link There's a possibility. One of the officials from his state (Tennessee I think?) said that just because he and his brother are begrudgingly cooperating does not mean they are exempt from possible prosecution and the investigation is ongoing. Reply Parent Thread Link Same here. It was beautiful! They should take the money he "earned" as well. Reply Parent Thread Link Right? The thing that kills me is he still thinks he did nothing wrong. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I saw a twitter thread that basically said we will need to social distance for a minimum of fourteen months until a vaccine is ready for everybody Kind of hard to imagine.. Also frustrating not knowing what to believe Reply Thread Link I've seen that too but no one thinks that's sustainable. I've seen lots of suggestions that during that time period we will basically have to readjust to waves of quarantine vs liberty where SOME people come out to work and then when the infections ramp up we have to go back to social isolation, maybe on a city by city basis with travel being highly restricted. It's really tough, honestly no one knows anything right now. I've read a few places there are some promising drugs that help to treat sick patients but those have to go through trials too. Reply Parent Thread Link wow that's really hard to even imagine. people are getting stir crazy even now and it's only been like a week Reply Parent Thread Link Gary Neville has closed his hotels & he will hand them over to the NHS. Not a single member of staff will face redundancies & all will receive full pay Outstanding pic.twitter.com/e286fmiRlI Ben (@BenJolly9) March 18, 2020 Gary Neville offered up some of his hotels(?) to the NHS so they could use them. Reply Thread Link That is actually nuts! Reply Parent Thread Link Glad that asshole hoarder got all his taken. He should have the money he made taken away as well. On a side note, I work for a small local company, and I just got an email saying we're all being laid off for the time being since our clients are all at home. I knew it was coming, but I'm still completely heartbroken. I know I bitched about it a lot, but I loved it so much. I'm really going to miss the doggies I saw everyday for almost two years :( Reply Thread Link if i end up getting sick because dumb fucks can't stay away from swarming the public en masse i'm gonna lose it. i can't work from home assholes, the least you could do is not drag your coughing in my face, touching every retail worker they pass, no concept of personal space asses into a store when there is ZERO chance of us closing anyway. Reply Thread Link today i watched a customer cough into his hands repeatedly and touch the few items on the shelf, and when he asked me for help, he touched my shoulder when he was thanking me, and i wanted to SCREAM at him. Reply Parent Thread Link The same. The store I work at isn't essential but it will be a cold day in hell if they close. I worry if I catch it. I might give it to my mom (who is the range). I wouldn't never forgive myself if that happened. God, yes. No how much you step back, customers keep coming closer and closer into your personal space. Urgh. Reply Parent Thread Link https://instagram.com/p/B94v9ANlRvP I heard that the Red Cross is asking people to donate blood since they are low. The TV Show - "The Resident" donated supplies to an Atlanta hospital.I heard that the Red Cross is asking people to donate blood since they are low. Reply Thread Link I was just thinking about this. Sanctions are fucking dumb and evil. They don't actually stop bad actions by governments. All we're doing is hurting people. Reply Parent Thread Link Norwegian Cruise Line informed employees today they will reduce salaried employees' pay by 20% starting March 30. Company also moving to 4-day work week and will pause 401k matching.https://t.co/u7EKexQfZ0 Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 18, 2020 And this comes after the news that sales were instructed to lie to customers about the virus by saying it couldn't survive in hot weather in order to try to sell Caribbean cruise packages. Some people havent gotten the messageAnd this comes after the news that sales were instructed to lie to customers about the virus by saying it couldn't survive in hot weather in order to try to sell Caribbean cruise packages. Reply Thread Link fuck hoarders. i'm glad assholes are getting what they deserve. my best friend works for rite aid in the pharmacy and i'm glad they're finally allowing the employees to get supplies before they open (they have a limit of two per person on absolutely everything) since before they couldn't buy anything until their shifts were over. on a bright side, researchers and scholars in my field are sharing their textbooks/publications for free and i'm literally in heaven. i finally have free time to be able to read and i'm just going download crazy on everything since i know it'll come in handy in the future if/when grad school starts. i can't go out anyway (immunocompromised) so i know i'm going to be reading like crazy the next few days/weeks. Reply Thread Link on a bright side, researchers and scholars in my field are sharing their textbooks/publications for free and i'm literally in heaven. I've read some optimistic pieces about how working to combat covid is causing international researches to collaborate on an unprecedented level. That part is nice at least. Reply Parent Thread Link i'm super disappointed in the commodification of academia (i'm looking at you academia with your bullshit premium!), but the fact that researchers and scholars are circumventing this issue and just uploading through google docs or big publishers are making works free is amazing. Reply Parent Thread Link i wish i could stay home, but the nature of my job, for the time being at least, i kind of have to go in anyways. It's so weird how many things are closing for an indefinite time. Reply Thread Link I went to the store last night to get a couple of things, and went back again tonight for soup supplies. The meat section is entirely wiped out. The frozen vegetables are gone with the exception of a few ripped open bags. (And unsurprisingly only Tyson chicken strips are left.) It wasn't like that last night at all. People are panicking and moving from store to store. I even saw a line at the store waiting for it to open this morning on my way to work. It's beyond ridiculous that people are acting this way. The diapers are fully wiped out, tissues and paper towels. The funny thing is that no one is buying fucking soap or shampoo. That's untouched. Edited at 2020-03-19 12:46 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link LMAO. Clearly they are not planning on washing that ass. Quite frankly, I'd rather have lots of soap - if you run out of toilet paper you can hop in the shower and wash that ass. Reply Parent Thread Link Ive bought four bottles of soap over the last month thinking it might end up hard to find and apparently I didnt need to worry it lol Reply Parent Thread Link I saw Jimmy Fallon promote this charity ( That's good of Sam.I saw Jimmy Fallon promote this charity ( https://www.feedingamerica.org ). Some food banks are already running out of food for children, so donate if you can. Reply Thread Link WASHINGTON President Trump has spent two years publicly attacking the Federal Reserve and undercutting its chair, Jerome H. Powell. That animosity is making it difficult for Washington to project a united front as it stares down the most significant economic threat since the Great Recession. The Fed has moved at breakneck speed to try to alleviate economic harm from the coronavirus pandemic, which is closing businesses, knocking workers off payrolls and almost surely plunging the economy into a downturn. Within weeks, the central bank has slashed rates to near-zero and enacted many of the programs developed during the 2008 financial crisis. Despite the swift action, investors remain rattled. That pervasive sense of insecurity comes in part as Americans struggle to decipher what kind of coordinated economic response Washington is staging. During the 2008 financial meltdown, Ben S. Bernanke, the Fed chair at the time, seemed to be moving in lock step with the Treasury Secretary and the White House. But that sort of comity has not been emanating from Washington during the current crisis. Instead, Mr. Trump increased his criticism, even threatening to demote Mr. Powell as the crisis coursed through financial markets. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, March 19, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The economy of Cambodia is to suffer the effects of two hard blows in the coming months and years. The first is the European Commission's announced intention to scale back its "Everything But Arms" (EBA) preferential trade arrangement with Cambodia and the second is the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These events are laying bare the structural weaknesses of Cambodia's economy, which is over-reliant on the European Union for market access and on China for production capacity, investment and tourist inflow. Cambodia's most vulnerable citizens, particularly women who work in the garment industry, low-skilled workers and those who have just been lifted from poverty, will feel the brunt of the fallout. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank have each warned policymakers of the precarious state of the "near poor" in Cambodia. According to official estimates, the current poverty rate is below 10 percent (compared to 47.8 percent in 2007). Although the nation has achieved great success in its fight against extreme poverty, more than 70% of Cambodians still live on less than US$3.20 a day. The Royal Government introduced short-term measures in late February of 2020 to help employers sustain their operations, to help workers who have lost their jobs or whose work has been suspended and to support small and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. The Royal Government is to be commended for this. The protection of livelihoods is tantamount to the protection of human rights. The measures include tax holidays, direct support, training programs, customs facilitation and the reduction of government expenditures. For example, owners of factories that suspend production due to a shortage of raw materials will be expected to pay 40% of wages while the government will pay an additional 20%. An enhanced set of reforms and mid to long term measures are to be announced by the government at the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum on April the 1st, 2020. In the interim, The Asian Vision Institute (AVI) wishes to appeal to the government to take the following points into consideration. Measures to support the diversification of markets, of sources of foreign direct investment, of industrial bases and of domestic start-ups and SMEs should be made more visible. To that end, a clear set of key performance indicators (KPI) should be formulated to evaluate and to enhance the performance of line ministries and agencies. Secondly, more robust internal government reforms are needed to address fundamental challenges that existed well before the arrival of the pandemic and the EBA adjustments. These reforms should focus on areas of weakness as outlined by the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" score assessment for Cambodia: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, connecting to the power grid, registering property, obtaining credit, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency and others. More consideration should be given to Cambodia's scoring in the World Economic Forum's "Global Competitiveness Report". Thirdly, additional incentive schemes that target specific industrial sectors should be formulated to support diversification. Finally, regular progress reviews must be conducted to ensure the effective implementation of measures and reforms. Each ministry and line agency should favour a bottom-up approach and take ownership of their technical reforms and measures to enhance and support the economic resilience and competitiveness of Cambodia. Cambodia has enjoyed a period of peace which is unprecedented in her modern history. To make the most of the dividends at hand, it is imperative that measures and reforms be bold, be decisive and be undertaken swiftly, for the good of all. The Asian Vision Institute (AVI) https://www.asianvision.org/ is an independent think tank based in Cambodia. Media Contact: Dr Chheng Kimlong Phone: +855-6121-1800 Email: admin@asianvision.org When the Animal Care Centers of NYC put a call out for applications to its fostering program, it was looking to fill 200 available slots, a spokeswoman for the shelter said. Two thousand people applied. One of the reasons we found that people are unable to adopt pets in New York City is because they are never home, the spokeswoman, Katy Hansen, said. They say it is not fair to the animal, or they are not able to spend enough time with them. But as the global coronavirus outbreak has people preparing to spend more time at home over the coming weeks, some who have decided that they dont want to quarantine alone are choosing to foster a pet for companionship. Most Americans are being told to stay out of bars and restaurants, to steer clear of social gatherings, to work from home and to socially distance themselves from one another to avoid the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus, which has killed more than 9,000 people worldwide. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Judges across Ohio should work together to curtail all but essential services in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the states chief judge said Thursday. Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen OConnor said at Gov. Mike DeWines Thursday news conference that she was working with Ohio lawmakers to pass legislation to provide continuity in emergencies. The need for uniform buy-in and consistency among judges is paramount, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen OConnor said. OConnor, who could not provide a timeline for when such a fix could pass, also stressed that the outright closing of courthouses is not an option. She also encouraged local courts to implement many of the changes that Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has already put in place, including postponing most jury trials, postponing foreclosure proceedings, and expanding the use of video and telephonic conferences. OConnor also announced that the court would provide $4 million in grants to courthouses around the state who do not have the technology to conduct video hearings. Some employees in the Cuyahoga County Justice Center privately expressed concern about being forced to come into the Justice Center as judges continued to hold hearings. At least one courthouse staffer has resigned. The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association on Tuesday issued a call for a halt to all non-essential hearings. Judges around the state have taken vastly different approaches to curtail the number of people coming into their courtrooms since the outbreak happened. Some courts announced they would suspend all pre-trial hearings, while others encouraged some defendants to request continuances. The administrative judges on these courts cannot force the individual judges to comply with their orders. A court spokesman confirmed to cleveland.com this week that Cleveland Municipal Court Administrative Judge Michelle Earley was aware that Judge Pinkey S. Carr held hearings this week for defendants who were free on bond and had issued warrants for some who did not show up, despite the courts website notifying visitors that all such hearings were rescheduled. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge Brendan Sheehan announced Wednesday that, starting Friday, the court would only operate with three judges hearing only cases that have been deemed essential. Other courthouse staff, including court reporters, would be limited beginning on Friday, Sheehan said. Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Tom Heekin wrote a letter signed by several other Cincinnati-area judges asking OConnor to take further measures to make sure there is uniformity across Ohio. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts office issued a legal opinion Wednesday finding that judges could suspend ongoing jury trials and not jeopardize a defendants right to a speedy trial due to a public emergency. The move comes after judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys have held hearings over several days to reduce the number of inmates currently being held in the downtown jail. The population has decreased by nearly 600 inmates, from 1,952 on March 9 to 1,374 on Thursday, as officials scramble to make room in the jail in case a quarantine is needed. More coronavirus coverage Courts across Ohio take uneven approaches in response to coronavirus pandemic Cleveland halfway house resident spoke to a reporter about coronavirus concerns. Then he got hauled back to prison Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judge announces limited number of judges, hearings to go forward amid coronavirus pandemic Cuyahoga County courthouse floor closed for cleaning after defendant says relative tested positive for coronavirus Ohio Supreme Courts chief justice to judges about coronavirus: Closing courthouses and disrupting services is not a plan SPEARFISH | The city of Spearfish continues to take necessary steps with the goal of reducing the spread of the coronavirus. We understand that everyone is managing adjustments at home and work, and helping family members to do the same, Spearfish Mayor Dana Boke said in a press release. At such a time, feeling overwhelmed or anxious is common, and I urge everyone to continue to show your Spearfish spirit even as you practice social distancing. Reach out to your neighbors through email, phone calls, text messages, or social media, to check in and offer encouragement as we do our part to help flatten the curve. The city continues to participate in daily briefings with national, regional, state, and local partners, including Monument Health, the Spearfish School District, and Black Hills State University, and is following the recommended guidelines from the State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Following Gov. Kristi Noems mandate to close public schools for another week, public facilities, including Spearfish City Hall, Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center, Hudson Hall, W.S. Tretheway Pavilion, Snappers Club, and all other rentals will remain closed. Citizens are encouraged to pay their utility bills online or by utilizing the Utility Payment Dropbox outside of City Hall and utilize online and telephone services to conduct any other business they would normally conduct by entering city facilities. Contacts for the various city departments are available at cityofspearfish.com, by clicking on the appropriate department under the Departments header at the top of the homepage, or under the I want to tab, under Contact. Regular board, commission, and council meetings scheduled for the remainder of the month will take place remotely/electronically. People wishing to provide any comments for public hearings, etc., are encouraged to do so in writing, via email, prior to the meeting. In addition, the city is offering day care for children of city employees, Spearfish School District, Black Hills State University and Monument Health staff to ensure that critical employees may continue to work. Members of the Spearfish rec center will be receiving options about their memberships during the time it is closed. The city is also suspending late fees and water shutoffs for utility accounts for those affected by COVID-19. Black Hills State University extended its spring break for a week and is teaching classes online through April 3 to mitigate spread of COVID-19, a decision made by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Students are not required to leave campus during this time, and there are meal options being provided in the student union for those on campus. The Spearfish School District will deploy online learning tools starting on Monday, March 23. Each respective school will be communicating directly with their students and parents with the details and instructions by the weeks end. Also starting Monday, the district will begin distribution of meals for all students to be picked up at various locations in Spearfish. Details of the meal distribution and locations will be sent to parents via the SchoolMessenger service. Many businesses within Spearfish are limiting hours or access, and the public is encouraged to call ahead to a business to find out its hours and whether remote, delivery, or pick-up options are available. People also are encouraged to call ahead to their health-care provider. Monument Health is also posting daily updates on its Facebook page. As of Wednesday, patients and visitors are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms at all locations. There are no disruptions in scheduled clinic appointments at any location at this time, and if that changes, patients will receive a call from their providers office. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath should call their health-care provider before going to a clinic or hospital even if they already have an appointment. In addition, Monument Health has set up a Nurse Triage Line at 800-279-1466 and a web-based screening application, monument.health/COVID, to help screen patients with COVID-19 symptoms. For those who meet the criteria, Monument Health has opened a drive-through testing site for patients who have been pre-screened by telephone beforehand. The site is located at the Monument Health Spearfish Clinic at 1420 N. 10th St. The City will use CivicReady, an electronic mass communication tool through the citys website, as its primary communications tool during the outbreak. The city encourages citizens to sign up for CivicReady at cityofspearfish.com/632/Emergency-Alerts for CivicReady, to receive alerts, and updates will also be posted on the citys homepage, cityofspearfish.com. In addition, the city will utilize Facebook, email, local media, and other communications tools readily available to communicate updates and COVID-19 related news. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the union government on Thursday allegedly for not sending medical kits needed to fight the outbreak of COVID-19, in time. If after death comes the doctor then whats the use of that? Banerjee said, adding that she would request the centre to send the medical kits in time. We have also requested the union government to give permission so that more laboratories could come up in the state. If we dont get the permission now, then whats the use? The state will also ask the Indian Council of Medical Research to issue the guidelines in time. Please dont waste time. Time is running out, she said. The West Bengal government has started equipping all the state-run and private hospitals with ambulances, ventilators and emergency medical kits including masks and personal protective gears to prepare for a contingency in case of a sudden outbreak of COVID-19 in the state. The chief minister said that at least 800 isolation-beds have been prepared in and around Kolkata for the impending emergency situation. This is over and above the isolation beds that have been kept ready in other districts. Till date, one patient, an 18-year-old youth, has been detected with COVID-19 from the state while more than 17,000 people have been kept under isolation at hospitals and home. His parents, the maid, driver and caretaker have all tested negative, a senior health official said. Meanwhile panic gripped Kolkata residents as rumours spread that the local markets could be closing down leading to scarcity of daily essentials and food items. Citizens started hoarding items such as paddy, dal, cooking oil, tea, salt etc. Some online grocery stores said that they would take a week to deliver as there was a heavy rush. Banerjee, however, said the markets will not close down even though there could be some shortage as borders have been closed. Around 1500 2000 trucks are stuck at the Indo-Bangladesh border as they are not being allowed to enter. She also asked officials to ensure that trucks carrying perishable food items should not get stuck at state borders as the rotten items could trigger another disease. We cant afford to have an outbreak of another disease during this time. We are in the second stage of the outbreak. The next two to three weeks are very crucial. The disease has already entered Kolkata, she added. The police commissioners and superintendents of police of districts have been asked to keep a watch and take strict action against anyone spreading rumours. District magistrates should also monitor the situation round-the-clock and ensure that there is no hoarding resulting in artificial scarcity of items. ... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riza Roidila Mufti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 13:35 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd9533 1 Business lion-air-group,Malindo-Air,Wings-Air,Malaysia,lockdown,COVID-19,coronavirus Free Lion Air Group has temporarily suspended its international flights from and to Malaysia from Wednesday until March 31 following the Malaysian governments decision to lock down the country, effectively barring people from crossing its borders to contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. In the Lion Air Group airlines are Kuala Lumpur-based Malindo Air and Jakarta-based Batik Air and Wings Air. This measure is being carried out to support the national movement by the Malaysian government by which people in Malaysia are not allowed to leave the country while the entry of foreign visitors is limited, said Lion Air Group spokesperson Danang Mandala Prihantoro in a statement obtained by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. Danang said the decision to suspend all international flights from and to Malaysia was taken after considering the safety and security of all passengers, cabin crew members and all Lion Air Group staff members amid the global pandemic. Read also: How a 16,000-strong religious gathering led Malaysia to lockdown The COVID-19 coronavirus has infected more than 218,000 people worldwide and caused about 8,800 fatalities. Indonesia reported 227 confirmed cases and 19 deaths as of Wednesday. Danang said the Lion Air Group would notify its passengers and refund their tickets. Passengers would also be given an option to reschedule their flights based on seat availability. Lion Air Group serves at least 10 routes connecting Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia. The flights include Aceh-Penang, Medan-Penang, Jakarta-Penang, Pekanbaru-Malaka, Pekanbaru-Subang, Selangor, Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur, Bandung-Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar-Kuala Lumpur. While it suspends international flights, Lion Air Group will continue its domestic flights within Malaysia and Indonesia. By IANS AYODHYA: Even though a large part of the state is in a shutdown mode owing to the COVID-19 scare, the Yogi Adityanath government is in no mood to tone down the Ram Navmi celebrations which are special this year due to the Supreme Court verdict in favour of Ram temple. The Ram Navmi Mela is scheduled to begin in Ayodhya on March 25 and will conclude on Hanuman Jayanti on April 8. The state government has banned large gatherings and issued an advisory against a congregation of more than 50 people but there is still no word on the Ram Navmi celebrations. The Yogi government is apparently in no mood to let the opportunity of mega celebrations slip away in Ayodhya. However, the VHP, on its own, has decided not to take out Shobha Yatras and Rath Yatras that attract lakhs of devotees. VHP organizational secretary, Ambrish, said that though no processions will be taken out, celebrations will be held as scheduled. "Postponing the event is not an option," he said. He said that meetings of small groups will be held in colonies and villages where leaders will speak about the Ram Janambhoomi movement, role of kar sewaks and will also honour the kar sewaks. Aartis will also be performed in small groups. However, he did not say how small the groups will be. VHP volunteers will go to villages and ensure the saffron flag flies atop the houses of Hindus and also encourage them to conduct religious ceremonies during the celebratory period. Stickers and pictures of the Ram temple model shall be distributed to households for display. Interestingly, while the state government maintains a studied silence on the scale of celebrations, the Ayodhya chief medical officer has raised concerns about the implications of a huge crowd gathering at one place in the prevailing circumstances. Ayodhya chief medical officer Ghanshyam Singh said, "Since it has been advised by the Chief Minister to avoid all gatherings, we are talking to the administrative brass on the threat and risk in holding the Ram Navami Mela this year." He said that it would be impossible to screen a gathering of lakhs of devotees coming to the event. Another medical official further pointed out that it would not be possible to provide masks to all devotees to prevent the virus infection from spreading. District Magistrate Anuj Jha, however, ruled out the possibility of cancelling the event. "We will take all precautions, issue advisory to the devotees but there is no talk of canceling the event," he said. On March 25, the first day of the Chaitra (first month of Hindu calendar) Navratri, the Ram idol will be established inside a bullet-proof, water-proof fibre glass structure that will be 21 feet in length and 15 feet in width. The Ram Navmi Mela, a traditional annual event in Ayodhya, will kick off the same day. On the night of Ram Navmi, the birth of Ram is celebrated at decorated temples. Devotees take a dip in the Saryu and aarti and puja follow. Before shutdowns swept the globe and many were urged -- or mandated -- to stay indoors to stymie coronavirus's spread, Divya Sonti sensed the worst was yet to come. A specialist in public health communications, the 31-year-old encouraged her millennial peers to steer clear of bars and parties -- but says "friends would think I was overreacting." Her age group is considered low-risk if they contract coronavirus -- but today authorities warn younger generations are likely carriers of asymptomatic cases, and could easily infect older or immunocompromised people. Deborah Birx, the White House taskforce coronavirus administrator, said "the millennial generation" could include many more virus carriers than previously thought. She also said COVID-19 -- which has infected at least 210,000 people, leaving more than 8,800 people dead worldwide -- could hit younger people harder than believed, noting reports from France and Italy of serious cases even among 20 and 30-somethings. "We need them to be healthy," Birx said. "I'm not only calling on you to heed what's in the guidance, but to really ensure that each and every one of you are protecting each other." - 'Invincible' - Donald Trump also has pointed to young people, saying "we don't want them gathering. And I see they do gather, including on beaches and including in restaurants." "Young people -- they don't realize, they're feeling invincible," said the 73-year-old president of the United States, which so far has reported more than 9,300 cases with 150 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University count. "Millennial" is often used as a blanket term for all young people, though the Pew Research Center defines it as those born between 1981 and 1996. Those approximately 24 and younger are considered members of Generation Z -- the group most likely to be flying south for spring break beach trips. The Miami Beach mayor, Dan Gelber, warned of "devastating consequences" over the virus and ordered bars and gyms to close this week, telling springbreakers: "You've got to think about the person next to you and even the person you don't know." Shelly Hill, a 21-year-old university student, told AFP she cut short her Miami trip as airlines axe flights. "I'm not really scared of corona, but I feel like it's causing a lot of problems... a lot of stuff is getting shut down," the Atlanta resident said. But "people need to be safe and quarantine, because it is spreading really fast." - 'Stupid and privileged' - A streak of individualism runs through contemporary society, standing out most prominently among youth, according to Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author of "Generation Me." Individualism has led to more equality and less prejudice, she said -- along with a flippant attitude towards rules and less trust in institutions, including science. "All of us have to realize that we're going to have to shift our thinking," she told AFP. "It just might be particularly challenging for a generation that has not ever experienced a culture that needs to be more collectivistic for some really good reasons." Celebrities, like 18-year-old Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande, 26, have urged people to heed COVID-19 warnings. "The 'We will be fine because we're young' mindset is putting people who aren't young and/or healthy in a lot of danger," Grande posted recently. "You sound stupid and privileged and you need to care more about others." "Like now." - 'Fever dream' - Nate Christensen has been laying low at home in New York -- which closed schools and banned gatherings -- for a week with his partner. The nursing student, 30, compared attitudes towards coronavirus to those of climate change: "I think people have a hard time taking something seriously that's not right in their backyard." As America's most populated city began closing up shop over the weekend, Christensen said he "saw a lot of millennials on social media self-isolating -- but many also still going to the gym, going on dates." "Ultimately I don't blame people for wanting to continue living a normal life," he said, criticizing the city's mayor and New York's state governor "for not acting sooner to shutter public life." He said his generation's strength has been savvy use of social media to spread coronavirus risk awareness -- though he said some people on his feeds, especially Trump supporters, are still touting an "invincible approach." "Anyone that has seen what is happening in Italy but still thinks this country will deal with the virus like any flu season is certainly living in an 'American exceptionalism' fever dream," Christensen said. "The virus is about to show just how not great this country truly is." Authorities are urging young people to heed coronavirus warnings even if they don't fear getting sick Tourists enjoy Miami Beach, ignoring recommendations to keep their distance as coronavirus grips the globe Thirty-and-under celebrities including Billie Ellish and Ariana Grande have used their vast influence to push warnings People sit apart on a park bench with a view of Manhattan, as most of New York is shut down in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus Newcomer Lexi Underwood stars in Hulus Little Fires Everywhere Hulus eight-episode limited series, Little Fires Everywhere based on Celeste Ngs best-selling novel stars and is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon (Hello Sunshine) and Kerri Washington (Simpson Street) and written by showrunner Liz Tigelaar. The book and the limited series trace the fallout in a small suburban Ohio community when a single mother (Washington) and her daughter (Lexi Underwood) move into the town and shake things up. Ingenue Lexi Underwood plays Pearl, Mias (Washington) strong-willed daughter, a young woman tired of moving from town-to-town. In her real life, Underwood made a decision early at ten-years-old when she took the stage at the Fords Theater in Washington, D.C., in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol that acting would-be profession. She continued to book jobs including being cast as Young Nala in the Disney Theatrical Productions The Lion King in the North-American Touring Company from January to August 2015 and covered Broadway in the same role. ADVERTISEMENT The up-and-coming triple threat (the actress and musician is also an aspiring director) Lexi Underwood had this to share about working with icon Kerry Washington and maneuvering Hollywood. LOS ANGELES SENTINEL: Hello, Lexi Underwood. LEXI UNDERWOOD: Hello, Lapacazo (did I pronounce it correctly). LAS: Lets get to it. I loved Little Fires Everywhere and I didnt think that I would. LU: Really? The book [Celeste Ng] is a page-turner. I loved it. LAS: Good to know. What made you go after the role of Pearl? ADVERTISEMENT LU: Well, we have a very female production team. The fact that we have two powerful women at the helm of the show, Kerry [Washington] and Reese [Witherspoon] that made it attractive. And then you have Lauren Neustadter of Hello Sunshine and Pilar Savone of Simpson Street. And then we have two female directors, Nzingha Stewart and Lynn Shelton. And then in incredible vision showrunner Liz Tigelaar. It is such an incredible experience to learn from them. And it is very rare. It does not happen often when there is a very female production team. LAS: Well, I believed that you were Mias daughter. LU: Thank you. Well, Ms. Kerry and I wanted to make sure we presented the authenticity of a Black mother and daughter relationship. In the book, there is no race. LAS: Really? LU: Yes, so, I think its truly groundbreaking what we did. Its truly special.n LAS: Did you enjoy the book? LU: I did. I read it in two days during the audition process. I had two auditions. Right after my second audition, I read the book. Its such a compelling story. You dont want to put the book down. I love it. I walked out of the audition room and said, it was the best audition that I ever had. LAS: (laughing) And you snagged the role of Pearl opposite the one, the only Kerry Washington or as you call her, Miss Kerry. LU:(laughing) I did. LAS: Were there scenes that you felt were difficult to film? LU: Yeah, Miss Kerry and I have a lot of arguments, our characters argue because the story is starting to play out. Pearl and Mia have a rocky mother and daughter relationship. LAS: Have you seen all eight episodes of Little Fires Everywhere? LU: I did. I could not stop watching it. Just like the book. LAS: Did you get words of wisdom from Kerry or Reese? Everyone asks this question, I bet. LU: (laughing) They do and yes. Especially Miss Kerry, from the first time we met she immediately took me under her wing with advice on the business side of the industry as well. She helped me select a publicist and she was helping me along the way. She pulled something out of me that I didnt know that I had in me. LAS: Thats major. Expand, please. LU: I walked into Little Fires Everywhere not knowing my full potential but with Miss Kerry helped me find the confidence that I didnt know I had in me. LAS: Is L.A. your home? LU: Its kind of my home right now but I grew up in Washington, DC and I love that city. LAS: Whats next for you? I sense a great maturity in you. LU: Im up for a few projects. There is an exciting announcement coming in a few days and I cant wait to share that with you. LAS: Oh. Well, lets make sure that your P.R.team includes us in the press release distribution. LU: I will tell them for sure. I also opened my own production company and Ive been working on developing some of my own projects. LAS: What is the name of the production company? LU: Its called Ultimate Dreamer Productions. Ultimate dreamer means an audacious visionary and that means that whatever you set your mind to or your heart to you can achieve it. To follow Lexi go to https://www.instagram.com/officiallexiunderwood/?hl=en https://www.hulu.com/series/little-fires-everywhere-bce24897-1a74-48a3-95e8-6cdd530dde4c This phone interview was been edited for length and clarity. Shirley Porter, 78, of Chattanooga went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 18, 2020. Shirley was born on Dec. 10, 1941, in Back Bay, Va., to William T. and Parma L. Holloway. She was the ninth of 10 siblings, five girls and five boys. She was a faithful missionary with Child Evangelism Fellowship for 52 years and she, along with her husband, was co-founder of Tracts, Inc., a worldwide gospel tract ministry in Chattanooga. She was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church and the Fellowship Class. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years, Thomas R. Porter, mother and father, and eight siblings, Thomas, Thelma, J.C., Ethelene, Ann, Marvin, Mildred, and Preston. Left behind to cherish her memory are her two sons, Mark T. Porter and Mike Porter; daughter, Teri (Philip) Kelley; two granddaughters, Christina and April; one great granddaughter, Willow; brother Travis Holloway of Suffolk, Virginia; many cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Shirleys Life will be held on Monday, March 23, at 10 a.m. with Dr. Dale Kidd officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior beginning at 9 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Tennessee Oncology, CHI Memorial, and Hospice of Chattanooga. Memorial contributions may be made to Tracts, Inc., P. O. Box 24782, Chattanooga, Tn. 37422, or Edgewood Baptist Church Mission Fund, 3604 Ringgold Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37412. Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com A Tauranga home based educator is encouraging other providers to take up a free course to become qualified. Charmaine McMenamin is a home-based educator with Creators@Home and although she is already degree-qualified shes encouraging unqualified early childhood education colleagues to take up the opportunity to get their qualifications with Creators. She says getting qualified has given her more insight and knowledge around how to support young children in their learning journey as she has the theoretical knowledge to apply to her teaching practice. I feel privileged to work in a home-based education setting with my young grandchildren and some other local children. Creators Educational Trust and Vision College have launched a new free New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care - Level Four with the first group of students beginning the programme earlier this month. This is in response to the Ministry of Education aspirations to raise the levels of qualifications in the profession. In 2019 the government signalled changes to the ECE sector in its Early Learning Action Plan 2019-2029. When finalised, the strategic plan will require all New Zealand home-based educators to hold or be training towards at least a level four ECE qualification. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority approved 38-week course allows home-based educators anywhere in New Zealand to become fully qualified while still working. During the programme they must be enrolled as home-based educators with Creators@Home, and commit to working with the organisation for at least 18 months. The programme can be done from almost anywhere in the country where Creators@Home visiting teachers are able to visit. Creators Educational Trust chief executive officer David Gibson says the course has been designed to ensure students succeed. The difference between this and other programmes is the high-level of wrap-around support that educators will receive; well be working alongside them every step of the way. It is a flexible programme they can do at their pace, while still working, and the workload is manageable. Once they have completed their study, they will be eligible to access a quality network [which means the opportunity for increased earnings]. For experienced educarers, the programme formalises what they already know and extends their practice. And for those new to the profession, it offers on-the-job training and a step towards a rewarding career working with babies and young children. Creators@Home is a nationwide, non-profit, in-home childcare service with around 350-400 educarers and 800 students on its books across the country. Vision College is a private training establishment with campuses in Hamilton, Christchurch, Auckland and Pukekohe. It has an established early childhood education programme that has been operating for more than a decade. For more information on the New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care - Level Four contact 0800 CREATORS or visit: www.creators.org.nz Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:06:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Senior officials from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Harare City Council participate in the China-Africa Video Conference on COVID-19 in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to actively support and help African countries and regional organizations in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic and jointly safeguarding global public health security, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Thursday. Addressing a press conference, Geng said a video conference held Wednesday between experts and officials from China and African countries on containing the COVID-19 epidemic has achieved good results. Nearly 300 officials and experts from 24 African countries and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention attended the conference, said Geng, adding that during the three and a half hours, Chinese experts detailed the traits and trends of the coronavirus epidemic, shared China's experience in epidemic containment and clinic treatment and answered nearly 50 questions from the African side. The experts of Mali participate in the China-Africa Video Conference on COVID-19 in Bamako, Mali, March 18, 2020. (Chinese Embassy in Mali/Handout via Xinhua) Geng said the African side spoke highly of China's progress in fighting against the coronavirus epidemic and China's significant contributions to safeguarding global public health security. The African side stressed that China's actions provide valuable experience and have built a model for African countries to contain the coronavirus epidemic, he added. "While continuing our fight against the disease at home, China will unreservedly share our experience to contain the epidemic with the African side and continue offering as much help as possible based on African countries' needs to commonly safeguard regional and global public health security," Geng said. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal An employee with the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 on March 12 and is in home isolation, a VA spokesperson said Wednesday. Spokeswoman Paula Aragon told the Journal the facility is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The people who have been in contact with the employee have been notified and are asymptomatic and being monitored, Aragon said. Aragon wouldnt say whether the employee who tested positive was a doctor or other health care worker. But state Department of Health spokesman David Morgan said a VA doctor is among the previously announced Bernalillo County cases. The doctor had contact with a previously announced travel-related case, he said. Morgan said that the doctor has been appropriately isolated and that no patients were put at risk. Aragon said the VA has not encountered any veterans who have tested positive for COVID-19. She said the VA is screening veterans, staff and all others who enter Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center who present with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection. This may lengthen entry times, so patients are advised to allow for that when arriving for their appointments, she said. Aragon said people known to be at risk for a COVID-19 infection will be isolated to prevent the spread to others. The hospital is also limiting visitors to the facility during the outbreak to limit the risk of exposure. Aragon said the medical center is equipped to handle an influx of coronavirus cases. She said the center is offering treatment for veterans. Aragon said testing samples taken on-site from veterans will be processed through the New Mexico Department of Health. Aragon said veterans who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, flu or cold should call the DOH hotline at 855-600-3453 before going to the VA. She said clinical staff will be available to provide care, including nurse advice and triage. The service is available at no cost to veterans enrolled in VA health care. Veterans are also encouraged to call the medical center at 800-465-8262, ext. 5489, or their local community-based outpatient clinic before going in for appointments. Video, telehealth and telephone appointments may be considered. Aragon said the medical center is temporarily not allowing visitors. She said visitors can no longer access the Community Living Centers, Spinal Cord Injury Unit or inpatient units. Aragon said the units are being strictly monitored to protect patients deemed more vulnerable and at higher risk. The only visitation being allowed, she said, will be in compassionate cases. Jamil Walker thought his first home purchase would be in the San Francisco Bay Area. Around two years ago, while living and working there, he came close to buying a condominium under construction. But instead, Mr. Walker, who had previously lived in Brooklyn for 14 years, decided to return to New York. A lot of my peers who dont live in coastal cities bought earlier, he said. I was never sure about where I wanted to plant roots, but I spent my formative years in New York, and it felt like home. Besides, he learned that in New York he could get more for less. Why is it cheaper to buy in Brooklyn than in the Bay Area? he asked himself. It was crazy. [Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com] A year and a half ago, Mr. Walker, now 40, was able to transfer to the New York office of Facebook, where he works in communications. He rented a one-bedroom in a new Long Island City, Queens, building while he went on the hunt. For years, he had been putting every spare dollar into his condo fund. If I got a bonus at work, it went to the condo fund, he said. Friends would say, Lets go on this trip, and I would say, No, I am putting that in my condo fund. I was very disciplined when it came to that account. His Long Island City rental building had a gym and a pool, but his apartment faced a dim inner courtyard, and the neighborhood felt sterile. As nice as those buildings are, it didnt feel like a community, he said. He preferred something smaller and homier. His budget for a one-bedroom condominium was up to $700,000. He wanted a washer-dryer (or at least a hookup), a dishwasher, central air-conditioning, private outdoor space and a good spot for his beloved 43-gallon saltwater fish tank features he was likelier to find in a new building. Mr. Walker enlisted the help of Anthony L. Morris, an associate broker at the Corcoran Group, who was referred by a former boss. Ideally, the unit would be on a top floor. Mr. Walker learned the value of that when he had an upstairs neighbor who exercised at the crack of dawn. He often asked whether the floors in a building were concrete, a question typically met with a noncommittal response: Let me get back to you. (Nobody did.) On multiple occasions, we had the opportunity to go into the apartment above to check the noise, said Mr. Morris, who would stomp around upstairs while Mr. Walker listened from below. If he could hear footsteps, he would cross the unit off his list. Among his choices: Delta Agro Limited, leading Local Manufacturers of antiseptic liquids and soaps has presented items worth thousands of Cedis to the University of Ghana (UG), Legon. The gesture forms part of the company's campaign to fight the coronavirus menace which is engulfing the world, with increasing numbers putting themselves in self-isolation as a response to the growing pandemic. The items included 6, 480pieces of Maram soaps and antiseptic liquid. The Marketing Executive of Delta Agro Limited, Mohammed Al-Roz said "We strongly believe our Antiseptic Liquid and Antibiotic Soap products will go a long way to support the campaign at this needy time. We consider the gesture as our Corporate Social Responsibility towards our homeland Ghana. "We pray and hope that our donation will contribute towards the hygiene and disinfecting of the atmosphere in the good course." Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, expressed gross appreciation for the support and promised to use it in their quest to prevent the deadly ailment. Delta Agro has also extended the same gesture to the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Police Hospital, Ghana Immigration Service, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Jubilee House, 37 Military Hospital and Ghana Deaf Association. Also present for the donation were Feres Gerges, Business Development Manager, and Kennedy Delali Agbekoh, Marketing Officer. In this Oct. 31, 2019 photo, the word "violence" is pasted onto a wall by a group of women in a dark street in Paris. In Paris and cities across France, the signs are everywhere. Kamil Zihnioglu/AP Editor's Note: This story contains some disturbing details about domestic abuse. Social isolation and a looming recession make the coronavirus pandemic an especially dangerous time for abuse victims, experts say. When schools and workplaces close, those who live with their abusers have no escape. The stressful times also increase the likelihood that individuals who tend to be abusive will lash out again. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. One hellish week in 2013, Gabbe Rowland was severely beaten, threatened, tortured, and forcibly injected with heroin by the man she loved. Rowland's abuser, whom she had been with for nearly two years, wouldn't let her see her friends or family and destroyed her phone so she couldn't reach out to anyone for help. The only relief the Cape Cod woman had during that time was the eight hours she was allowed to go to work. "I know that when I was with my abuser and leaving my abuser obviously there wasn't any type of pandemic going on my work was who I turned to when I was ready to leave," Rowland told Insider on Wednesday. "If I was in quarantine, I wouldn't be able to do that. I would have been stuck in a house with him." The coronavirus pandemic has prompted many businesses to close in an effort to halt the spread of the highly contagious illness. Domestic and sexual abuse experts around the US fear that the social isolation, paired with an expected recession, could lead to increased violence toward domestic partners and their children. Gabbe Rowland is a survivor of domestic violence. provided by Gabbe Rowland. With workplaces closing indefinitely, many victims are finding themselves trapped in close quarters with their abusers The coronavirus pandemic and related recommendations for social distancing are forcing many individuals to be at home with their abusers with nowhere to seek relief. Mary J. Ingham is the executive director of the Crisis Intervention Service, which serves domestic violence and trauma survivors in rural Iowa. Story continues She told Insider on Wednesday that the pandemic and looming recession is putting victims who were already in unsafe situations in even more danger. "It feels like everyone is in crisis mode and I really fear for how long that will be," Ingham said. "We have had a few people who were planning to leave an unsafe situation and realized, 'Now isn't the time and I'm going to live with this person for the next 30 days, or 60 days.'" Many survivors the nonprofit serves work in industries that have been directly affected by the pandemic, like restaurants and bars that have been closed, Ingham said. Those individuals are dealing with an increased financial burden, but have also lost the only time that they, or their abuser, was out of the house. The coronavirus pandemic could be especially dangerous for abuse victims quarantining with their abuser. AP photo "We also know that many of the people we work with look forward to when their partners are at work for 8 hours a day. That's time for them to reach out to support, reach out to our agency and other service providers and friends, and that time is being taken away," Ingham said. "So many victims have their every move monitored, so they look forward to work time, and with that eliminated it just adds more and more layers of stress to an already volatile home situation." In addition to the lack of space between victims and their abusers, the stressors of the time also increase the likelihood that individuals will be abusive, according to Laura Palumbo, the spokeswoman the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Knowing that natural disasters, financial fallouts, and other emergency situations tend to correlate with spikes in domestic and sexual violence, and nonprofits around the country are concerned for the future. "The types of stress and anxiety that any sort of emergency situation creates increases the likelihood that an individual might perpetrate abuse," Laura Palumbo, the spokeswoman for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, told Insider. "People who commit abuse, both sex and domestic violence, are more likely to commit those behaviors because of the conditions were are all facing." Rowland mimicked Palumbo's comments. "Even around the Superbowl, abusers energies get so amplified, whether their team is winning or losing (more specifically losing) that they're going to lash out on the people closest to them," she said. "Obviously with the stress of this coronavirus, the closest person that the abuser can lash out on, and will lash out on, is their victim, and now you're quarantined with them." A sign showing support for residents is displayed on a lawn in New Rochelle, N.Y., Wednesday, March 11, 2020. State officials are shuttering several schools and houses of worship for two weeks in the New York City suburb and sending in the National Guard to help with what appears to be the nation's biggest cluster of coronavirus cases, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday. AP Photo/Seth Wenig In addition to offices and restaurants, many schools have also canceled classes during the pandemic, leading to children of an abuser being forced to spend more time in their company. "Now those children are around a more volatile person," Rowland said. Nonprofits are doing as much as they can virtually Ingham said her staff is putting in extra hours in an effort to maintain relationships with their at-risk clients, but those meetings are being done virtually. When trapped at home, it might be difficult for some abuse victims to take a call, so counselors are relying heavily on text messaging to maintain open communication. Staff make sure that their clients are aware of safety measures when communicating by text, like deleting messages after their conversation. Some are also leaving meals on their clients porches. But Ingham is worried that losing face time with their clients, while necessary for social distancing, might be detrimental to the stability of some trauma survivors. Those who face violence may also be reluctant to seek medical or police attention because of the strain on the healthcare system, or their limited resources. "If you are a woman or someone in a gender-based violence situation, these are times when it's very hard to ask for help," YWCA CEO Alejandra Y. Castillo told Insider. Emergency shelters for women were already near capacity. The pandemic has made that worse. The YWCA, which is one of the largest service providers to domestic abuse survivors, is already observing how the pandemic will affect the safety of clients, Castillo said. One of the services that the agency provides is to find housing for abuse victims. "Imagine, under normal circumstances we have shortages of emergency and temporary and long-term shelters for women," Castillo told Insider. "Under these circumstances, we're seeing a very dire situation." The structure of many emergency shelters is "dorm-like" and so ensuring that those densely populated settings stay novel coronavirus-free requires intense screening. When a shelter resident tests positive, nonprofits are left scrambling to find testing and secure safe housing for everyone else who shares a space with them, Castillo said. To prevent exposure to COVID-19, which is highly contagious, nonprofits like YWCA are working to maintain social distancing in their shelters, but that can be especially challenging when even more women are in need of services, Castillo said. In Ohio, where prisons have begun releasing some inmates, the YWCA has been tapped to take in some people who have no safe place to go, Castillo said. "Our DNA, our ethos, has always been that we are a safe place," Castillo said. "We're finding that now, not only addressing the needs of survivors, we're having a whole other vulnerable population at our door." Ingham is also seeing an issue finding shelters for clients in Iowa. Several shelters have already partnered with hotels for overflow housing as their units are at full-capacity. But the hotel rooms are coming at an increased expense to nonprofits that are already strapped for funding. Outside of temporary housing, other access to other social services, including child care, is also limited during the crisis. "Because everyone is focused on the COVID-19 virus, understandably so, some of those basic social support networks completely aren't there," Ingham said. Experts recommend keeping in contact with people who may be at risk for violence during coronavirus pandemic. Feng Li / Staff / Getty Images This is the time for neighbors to stop 'looking through people' The pandemic is a difficult time for everyone. While it's important to continue to practice social distancing, these times also call for increased social outreach from neighbors, experts say. "I think on a level, everyone is trying to balance 'How am I going to balance it all?' But when you add that level of trauma on the base, it's just more stress for people who are already stressed," Ingham said. Palumbo said that while agencies scramble to provide services for those in need, members of their communities should think creatively about how they can maintain connections to people around them. "I think that this is a time where even though we need to be respectful at practicing social distancing, it's also important to try and find opportunities for community connection," Palumbo said. For Ingham, that attitude can be anything from thinking about the needs of the community before panic-buying toilet paper to introducing yourself to a neighbor you see on the street. During the pandemic, it's time to stop "looking through" people, she said. That way, if the person ever does need help, they might know who is approachable. "It's so important that if you are a part of someone's circle of safety and support that they are still feeling connected to you at this time," Palumbo said. As far as being a witness to physical abuse, Rowland recommends a policy of "see something say something." "If you hear an argument that you think is being escalated, just be aware of it," Rowland said. "If things do escalate, call the police." Rowland's abuser, who is now serving a prison sentence and was recently denied parole, rarely "acted out in public," she said. If he did, and someone called the police, she thinks she might not have been happy at the time because she was trapped in a cycle of making excuses for him. "In the end, though, I would have been really grateful because maybe my eyes would have been opened a little sooner," she said. If you, or someone you know, is in danger of domestic abuse, you can reach the US National Domestic Violence Hotline on their website, by phone at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224, or text LOVEIS to 22522. You can also read about domestic violence resources available during the pandemic here. Read the original article on Insider Conventional wisdom dictates that water and oil do not mix--at least for those of us who are not MIT engineers. But a new discovery could soon turn that cliched expression on its head and give oil producers something to cheer about. Scientists at Rice Universitys Brown School of Engineering have successfully demonstrated that microscopic saltwater droplets can emulsify crude oil when done in the right proportions and conditions, something that could have huge ramifications for the shale industry. Understanding how the two seemingly immiscible liquids combine could lead to cheaper enhanced oil recovery (EOR) compared to currently used chemicals and methods is the key here. Chemical and biological engineer Sibani Lisa Biswal and her colleagues have put their time into trying to characterize various rock, water, and crude types to determine what works and what does not. It turns out the magical smart water that could revolutionize the shale industry is cheap and plentiful seawater. More Productive Wells Biswal and her team confirmed that oil wells are more productive when the right salt concentration is carefully matched to both the crude oil and the rock, sandstone or carbonate formation. If you get the three components right, the low-salinity brine is able to create emulsion droplets in the crude oil and also improve the wettability of the rock formation. Rock wettability determines how easily it will release its oil treasures. The scientists smoking gun came from offshore wells in the North Sea. Oil companies there discovered that oil recovery was surprisingly good when they injected seawater, which naturally has low salinity. However, research on the subject has been limited because, as Co-lead author Jin Song has revealed, researchers tend to focus on the effects of brine and ignore those of oil when looking into the effects of low-salinity water. Not all brines will work, though. Related: Oil Plunges As Saudis Boost Exports To Record High In a test involving two brines--one with a quarter of the salinity of seawater and another with high-salinity--on Indiana limestone cores against six crude oils from the Middle East, Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia as well as a seventh sample with added asphaltene, the scientists found that low-salinity enhanced water droplets emulsifying in crude while high-salinity brine actively inhibited the process. The implications could be huge for the industry. The industry standard usually involves using surfactants--aka soap--to loosen oil in a reservoir. But these chemicals can be prohibitively expensive--so much so that drillers will usually prefer to abandon wells when the easily recoverable oil runs out. Unfortunately, doing this can mean leaving as much as 75% of the available oil in the ground. Thankfully, the new findings suggest that by just changing the salt concentration to modify the composition of the brine, you can enjoy the same benefits as using expensive detergents. Related: Giant LNG Projects Face Coronavirus Death Or Delay Brine: The Real Deal In recent years, brine has become the go-to fluid for shale drillers with the new discovery set to add to its growing credentials. While oil- and water--based drilling fluids are effective, they are controversial due to concerns about environmental degradation. Brine, on the other hand, provides manifold benefits including being more environmentally friendly, less corrosive to drilling tools and offers excellent penetration rates in varying rock formations. For instance, water-based muds are likely to cause clay swelling while brine-based ones reduce the chances of this happening. Formate brines--a type of brine commonly used in shale drilling--has excellent properties that make it ideal for horizontal drilling including superior ability to stabilize shale and protect polymers at high temperatures; high lubricity, non-toxic and readily biodegradable. With oil prices so low, every dollar saved can mean the difference between living to see another oil boom or going under. With an ominous prediction by Oilprice.coms Nick Cunningham that the oil price collapse could bankrupt 50% of U.S. shale producers, Biswal and Co. might soon have their hands full. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Patna, March 19 : Amid rumours that coronavirus can spread through poultry products, especially chicken, the business in the state has nearly collapsed. According to an estimate, thousands of crores of rupees have been lost in the state. And with each passing day, the situation is becoming difficult for those who are in the trade. There is a growing fear about defaulting loans and other payments. Ravi Shankar Nath Tiwari, director of the Champaran Agro firm based in Harnatand, West Champaran, said that chickens are produced on a large scale but this time the rumour surrounding the spread of the virus has destroyed all the business. Tiwari said that it costs about Rs 24 to prepare a chick. And with no one buying them, over one lakh chickens were buried in the ground. He said, "It costs about Rs 80 to prepare a broiler chicken, but the sale has stopped because of the rumour. Businessmen started selling each chick for as low as Rs 10-30." Ravindra Singh, chairman of the Hajipur Oval Agrotech Private Limited in Vaishali district, said chickens were being sold at around Rs 35 per piece till January. The sales, however, have came to a halt after February. Singh said that the collapse of the poultry business was also impacting the corn market as the grain made to feed the chicks contains 60 percent corn. He said "Lakhs of people are involved in the poultry business in Bihar. From my company, various kinds of grains are made for feeding the chicks. Usually the quantity produced is around 15,000 tons per month. But, in March the sale was around 1,000 tons only." Naval Prasad, who is associated with the poultry business in Patna, said that till January, two lakh chickens were produced every month, and were sold for Rs 34 to Rs 36 each. "But, now there is no rate, nor is there any buyer. He said that today the situation is that the chicks were being killed and buried in pits after no customers were found. The market has just collapsed," said Prasad. In Arwal, chickens were given free to people after customers did not come for days. The poultry farm owners also do not have the money to get the grains for the chickens and keep them alive. Jitendra Singh, a poultry farm owner in Khokhari village of Arwal, said that his poultry farm still had more than 10,000 chicks and in the absence of customers they were distributing them free of cost. People who are associated with the poultry business said, "Rumour is being spread through the social media that people eating chicken or eggs will get the virus, and due to this people are now avoiding eating chicken. " Indradev Ranjan, the Civil Surgeon in Vaishali, said that it is a rumour. "There is no prohibition to eating chicken, eggs or fish and neither has the government said so. So far, there is no proof of any connection." Subhash Jha, a doctor at the Patna Medical College Hospital, said, "There is no evidence anywhere that eating chicken can spread the virus. But, now as the awareness about the facts is spreading through social media, people have started taking to eating chicken." The Head of State specified that out of the total amount 19 patients are hospitalized and 7 are in ICU connected to mechanical respirators. The health state of 2 seniors (aged: 79 and 96) is delicate, whereas 2 other people have already been discharged. President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday afternoon confirmed that coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have increased to 234 in Peru. #PeruEstaEnNuestrasManos El presidente @MartinVizcarraC y ministros de Estado brindan conferencia de prensa para informar sobre el Estado de Emergencia Nacional. En vivo: https://t.co/rY8ez7rik8 https://t.co/InIVTapw2g Presidente @MartinVizcarraC : La inmovilizacion obligatoria de 8 p.m. a 5 a.m. continuara los dias que restan de la cuarentena. Los ministros del Interior y Defensa nos han informado que el acatamiento de la norma tiene mejoras significativas. pic.twitter.com/tVgHGy4Niq Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Se han detenido a 462 personas y 70 vehiculos. La norma se tiene que cumplir y la @PoliciaPeru hara que se cumpla. Quienes incumplan tendran que asumir las consecuencias de su irresponsabilidad. pic.twitter.com/KYsjZaXGUq [March 19, 2020] Location-based Services (LBS) Industry Projected to Exceed $126 Bn by 2025 - FMCG & E-Commerce Sector Expected to Witness Significant Growth DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Location-based Services Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global location-based services market (hereafter referred to as LBS) was valued at USD 36.2 billion in 2019, and it is expected to reach USD 126.4 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 23.2%, during the period of 2020-2025. The proliferation of smartphone usage is driving the location-based services market. According to a report by the United Nations, nearly 41.5% of the total world population, as of 2019, were smartphone users. With advancements in technology, many industries are willing to adopt new systems, primarily to improve their transportation efficiency. With the advent of cloud and IoT systems, the enterprises now can automate most of their operations. The healthcare sector is also expected to witness a more significant number of applications. The growing IoT applications, devised with healthcare requirements, are expected to contribute to the growth of the market study for the healthcare vertical. For instance, Texas Health saved USD 412,000 using the real-time location-based system. Medical equipment is now easily located and maintained. Generation and storage of data have created further opportunities for the end-users, who can use the data for multiple purposes that include understanding fuel consumption patterns, the efficiency of drivers, position of products, and goods within a supply chain, in warehouse and estimation of best places for the product positioning. This opens opportunities that are limited to the visions of the user's application needs. Furthermore, with the significant ongoing investments for integration of 3D maps applications with smartphones, market players, such as Nokia, Samsung, and other OEMs, are entering this market. Online web services providers, such as Amazon Inc. and Microsoft Corp., among others, have also started offering 3D maps on their platforms. For instance, Parrot, a prominent player providing wireless devices for mobile phones, has positioned its consumer drones, for 3D modeling, mapping, and agricultural uses. These instances are expected to drive market demand across emerging economies during the forecast period. In October 2018, GSMA Global data said that there were more than 9.166 billion mobile connections, including M2M connections and 5.169 billion unique mobile subscribers. With the increased penetration of mobile connectivity, technological advancement in network connectivity and economies of scale have impacted the market positively. Furthermore, many retail companies are already implementing geofencing in their marketing strategy. For instance, Walgreens is usng geofencing to promote customer loyalty by pushing a notification that allows the user to open their app every time they enter the geofenced area. The user can further view promotional offers by looking at their account details. The implementation of geo-marketing in retail is, thus, boosting the market for location-based services. The location-based services currently face tremendous risks from government policies and regulations on consumer privacy. Most of the software application developers are becoming aware of the increasing international privacy laws, as well as industry codes of self-regulation, that govern its usage.Google is planning to implement a new policy change that will require all of the app developers to undergo an approval process before their apps collect the user's location information while running in the background. This policy is applied for all new apps from August 2020 . Key Market Trends FMCG and E-Commerce Sector Expected to Witness Significant Growth North America Expected to Occupy Significant Share Competitive Landscape The location-based services market is fragmented. Ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to be the key trends in the market. The companies are adopting various strategies to expand their customer base and mark their presence in the market. Notable Industry Developments February 2020 - Cisco Meraki launched Phunware location-based services in the Meraki Marketplace. The Meraki Marketplace now provides Phunware, an important channel to thousands of Cisco Meraki customers, across more than 100 countries worldwide, to suit the potential customers and existing clients need for LBS solutions for their network environments, without the risk of deploying unproven technology. - Cisco Meraki launched Phunware location-based services in the Meraki Marketplace. The Meraki Marketplace now provides Phunware, an important channel to thousands of Cisco Meraki customers, across more than 100 countries worldwide, to suit the potential customers and existing clients need for LBS solutions for their network environments, without the risk of deploying unproven technology. October 2019 - Qualcomm Technologies Inc. collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to provide support for India's Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), in select chipset platforms across the company's upcoming portfolio. The solution is built on Qualcomm Technologies' leading foundational inventions in location-based position technology. As part of the updated platforms, the Qualcomm Location Suite supports up to seven satellite constellations concurrently, including the use of all NavIC's operating satellites for more accurate location performance, faster time-to-first-fix (TTFF) position acquisition, and improved robustness of location-based services. Key Topics Covered 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Assumptions 1.2 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Market Drivers 4.2.1 Increasing Applications in the End-user Industries 4.2.2 Increasing Smartphone Consumer Base 4.3 Market Restraints 4.3.1 Security and Privacy of Data 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis 4.5 Industry Value Chain Analysis 5 QUALITATIVE SNAPSHOT 5.1 By Application 5.1.1 Location Based Advertising 5.1.2 Business Intelligence and Analytics 5.1.3 Fleet management 5.1.4 Maps 5.1.5 Social Networking 5.1.6 Other Applications 5.2 By Technology 5.2.1 Satellite 5.2.2 Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) and Enhanced Observed Time Difference of Arrival (E-OTD) 5.2.3 Wi-Fi 5.2.4 A-GPS 5.2.5 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2.6 Other Technologies 6 MARKET SEGMENTATION 6.1 By Location 6.1.1 Indoor 6.1.2 Outdoor 6.2 By Service Type 6.2.1 Professional 6.2.2 Managed 6.3 By End-user Industry 6.3.1 FMCG and E-commerce 6.3.2 Retail 6.3.3 Healthcare 6.3.4 IT and Telecom 6.3.5 Transportation 6.3.6 Other End-user Industries 6.4 Geography 6.4.1 North America 6.4.2 Europe 6.4.3 Asia-Pacific 6.4.4 Latin America 6.4.5 Middle East & Africa 7 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 7.1 Company Profiles 7.1.1 ALE International 7.1.2 Teldio Corporation 7.1.3 Cisco Systems Inc. 7.1.4 Creativity Software Ltd. 7.1.5 DigitalGlobe Inc.(Maxar Technologies ) 7.1.6 Ericsson Inc. 7.1.7 IndoorAtlas Ltd. 7.1.8 Esri Technologies Ltd. 7.1.9 GL Communications Inc. 7.1.10 Google LLC 7.1.11 HERE Global B.V. 7.1.12 HPE Aruba Inc. 7.1.13 IBM Corporation 7.1.14 Intel Corporation 7.1.15 Microsoft Corporation 7.1.16 Qualcomm Technologies Inc. 7.1.17 TeleMapics LLC 8 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS 9 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9mojsy Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/location-based-services-lbs-industry-projected-to-exceed-126-bn-by-2025---fmcg--e-commerce-sector-expected-to-witness-significant-growth-301026746.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The government banned on Thursday all international commercial flights from landing in India for a week starting March 22 and instructed states to enforce work-from-home protocol for all private sector employees, except essential services, as part of a raft of measures aimed at staving off the coronavirus epidemic that has claimed four lives in the country. In an advisory, the Centre also advised children below 10 and citizens above 65 except government servants, medical professionals and public representatives -- to stay at home and not venture out. WATCH | Govt on Coronavirus: Curtailing flights, trains; elderly, kids stay at home Also read: PM Modi, set to address nation on Covid-19, gets a wishlist from Oppn States are being requested to enforce work from home for private sector employees except for those working in emergency/essential services, the statement read. The statement came hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation at 8pm on Thursday. The decision was taken after a meeting of the group of ministers (GOM) formed to monitor the outbreak, including Union civil aviation minister Hardeep Puri, health minister Harsh Vardhan and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Officials at the national aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said about 300 incoming flights will be impacted. The government also suspended all concessional travel on trains and flights, except for students, patients and disabled people. The national transporter at present provides a total of 53 category of concessions out of which only 15 categories can be availed as per the new orders. All group B and C central government employees have been asked to attend office on alternate weeks, with staggered timings. The DGCA had earlier prohibited travel of passengers from the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey, and United Kingdom from March 18 till March 31. India also issued an order expanding compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days for passengers coming from or transiting through the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Amidst the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 virus and increasing number of cases in India, it has become imperative to curtail its spread and protect the most vulnerable group of population i.e people with chronic illness and especially senior citizens. Withdrawal of such concessions is also a part of a wider plan to discourage unnecessary travel by all concerned and hence concessional booking of all tickets have been withdrawn except patients, students and divyangjan [disabled] category for both unreserved and reserved segments, the railway ministry said. The Railways have seen a decline of Rs 454 crore in its earnings over the last week as at least 164 trains have been cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. India is currently grappling with stage 2 of the coronavirus outbreak, with 169 cases and four deaths. The Indian Council of Medical Research has ruled out community transmission where the origin of the infection is not known -- as of Thursday morning. A 24-year-old woman, who had recently returned to Raipur from London, has tested positive for coronavirus, making her the first confirmed case in Chhattisgarh, health officials said on Thursday. The woman and her parents, who reside in the state capital, have been admitted to an isolation ward at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur, they said. "The woman, who studies in London, had returned home via Mumbai airport on March 15. After she complained of cold and cough, her sample was collected for testing on March 17," Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Raipur Dr Karan Peepre told PTI. "Her sample tested positive for the infection late Wednesday evening," he said. After her report was received, she and her parents were immediately admitted to AIIMS and kept under observation in the isolation ward, Dr Peepre said, adding that the condition of the woman was stable. The samples of her parents were also sent for testing and their reports are awaited, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MIDLAND, MI Prosecutors in Midland County have noticed an increase in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19 epidemic hit Michigan. Between Thursday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 18, the Midland County Prosecutors Office has received 12 domestic violence complaints for review. Of those, five were for felony charges. The office has authorized charges in nine of the cases. We would typically average approximately four complaints a week, and this time of year would not normally be a time (such as holidays or very warm weather) where we would expect to see an increase in complaints, said Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks. Both the number and severity of the complaints is very concerning. The same period in 2019 saw the office receive six domestic violence cases for review. Brooks added that some domestic violence experts have indicated the stress thats accompanying the coronavirus pandemic and the social isolation of spending more time with household members could be contributing factors to the rise in domestic violence cases. In times of crisis like this, it is more important than ever to work together to help keep our citizens and employees safe and healthy, Brooks said. In times of added stress, and especially when people are being directed to limit travel as much as possible, this can create unusually difficult situations in the home. Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs do not help the situation. Saginaw County Jail logs show 11 people have been lodged in the jail between March 12 and March 17 on domestic violence charges. Jail logs show there were 11 people lodged on domestic violence charges during the same six-day timeframe in 2019. Domestic violence normally ebbs and flows, said Saginaw County Undersheriff Mike Gomez. It goes up and down. Bay County Jail Administrator Troy A. Stewart said hes not noticed an increase in domestic violence arrests since news of the pandemic broke and events such as Gov. Gretchen Whitmers March 16 prohibition against bars and restaurants serving people in-house. Were a little concerned with people being at home and out of work, but hopefully we dont have a spike in domestic violence, Stewart said. Bay County Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko added she has not noticed any difference in the number of domestic violence cases coming to her office for review since the coronavirus crisis began. Stewart added that authorities are looking for ways to reduce the jail population. The judges have asked for a list of all inmates bonds and their criminal for review, Stewart said. Theyre looking to see if they can allow a bond reduction. Misdemeanor arrests are being assessed on a case-by-case basis to see if the arrested person needs to be held in the jail as well, Stewart added. Gomez said the Saginaw County Jail remains below capacity. Related: Amid coronavirus pandemic judge issues order limiting Bay County court access Saginaw and Bay counties close government buildings but services are still available Michigan at over 100 coronavirus cases, lack of tests still a concern, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Bay County declared in state of emergency due to coronavirus BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Ilkin Seyfaddini Trend: The turnover on sales of goods and services by legal entities through loans provided by international organizations, until 1 July 2020, will not be subjected to taxation, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan held a presentation of the procedure for taxation of projects funded by international financial institutions (IFIs) and foreign government financial organizations (IFIs), as part of the new version of the country's Tax Code. Representatives of international financial institutions (ADB, World Bank, IDB, KOICA, Erasmus and others) and project initiators participated in the event. The participants were informed that the turnover on sales of goods (services) acquired by legal entities through loans (credits) provided by international and foreign government financial organizations under international agreements of Uzbekistan, within the projects approved by international and foreign government financial organizations until July 1, 2020, is not subject to value added tax and excise tax. At the end of the presentation, ministry answered questions from representatives of international financial institutions. --- Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini Retrieval of Katchatheevu only solution for Tamil Nadu's fishermen issue, says Minister March 19,2020 | Source: The Hindu Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar informed the State Legislative Assembly that the Tamil Nadu government was taking legal steps towards this solution. The retrieval of Katchatheevu was the only solution to the fishermen issue and the Tamil Nadu government was taking legal steps towards the solution, Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar informed the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Tamil Nadu government has been taking steps in phases to prevent disputes pertaining to fishermen drifting into Sri Lankan waters. When Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) legislator K.A.M. Muhammed Abubacker (Kadayanallur) raised the issue in the House, Mr. Jayakumar said the State government has been implementing the scheme to roll out tuna long liners cum gillnetter fishing vessels. Contending that fishermen from Tamil Nadu were not deliberately crossing the international maritime border, Mr. Jayakumar said the boats with fishermen on board were drifting into Lankan waters due to wind currents. To Mr. Abubackers suggestion for strengthening fishermen-to-fishermen contacts in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu through a cooperative society, Mr. Jayakumar said a total of three meetings were organised over reducing tensions. The scheme would be implemented over five years, he said. Though Tamil Nadu accepted the Sri Lankan authorities demand for discontinuing usage of certain type of nets for fishing, the Lankan authorities were not for giving time for Tamil Nadu to implement the decision. The Minister indicated any decision could not be implemented within a day. The Minister also said that fishermen in the State were benefiting from the Prime Minister Blue Revolution Scheme. Due to the efforts taken by the AIADMK government, the attacks and shoot-outs on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities have drastically reduced over the past nine years, he underlined. During another debate, intervening DMK MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan (Tiruchendur), Textiles Minister O.S. Manian said attacks on Indian fishermen by Lankan authorities have come down. Iran starts a new year Friday morning March 20, as it leaves behind one of its worst years ever. Iranians on social media have already coined names for the unbelievably destructive year and the opponents of the Islamic regime like to say the end is near. The year started with devastating floods all over the country in March and April affecting millions of Iranians, destroying their homes, schools, businesses and workplaces and ruining the infrastructure that was built over decades, and in some cases centuries before the Islamic Republic. In May 2019, on the anniversary of the United States' pull-out from the nuclear deal, President Donald Trump decided not to renew exemptions for a handful of countries that were still able to buy a limited amount of Irans oil. This was a total let-down for Tehran that seemed to be content with selling around one million barrels of crude per day. As an angry reaction, Iran started to reduce its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the 2015 nuclear deal. In the meantime, Tehran refused to negotiate a new deal in order to eliminate international concerns about its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its destabilizing regional ambitions. This led to further U.S. sanctions and the intensification of the United States' maximum pressure policy against Iran while Europe failed in its attempts to help Iran in its biggest economic crisis that was exacerbated by its inability to export oil and repatriate its revenues as a result of ever-tightening sanctions. Meanwhile, unable to sort out its problems through diplomacy, Iran resorted to measures that endangered the safety of commercial navigation in the Persian Gulf and escalated the tensions in the region to an extremely dangerous level. This adventurism included the downing of a U.S. drone and a missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia's oil establishments as well as attacks on oil tankers in the summer of 2019 while refusing to acknowledge its responsibility for some of these actions. In September, thanks to diplomatic moves by French President Emmanuel Macron, a breakthrough in relations between Iran and the United States seemed within reach ahead of and during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Macron had reportedly worked to broker a deal that would have lifted some of the sanctions. But Iran's President Hassan Rouhani shied away from a telephone meeting with Trump as he lacked authorization from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei who insisted all the sanctions should be lifted before a meeting at any level. Rouhani later explained that he was still ready to talk with Trump, but he had already lost that rare window of opportunity which does not happen every day, and more importantly, he was still not ready for a real give and take. His understanding of negotiation was utterly naive and non-diplomatic. In November, under immense pressure as a result of the sanctions, Tehran decided to increase the price of gasoline and other fuels to make ends meet. However, once again, chaos in decision-making and lack of a proper methodology turned a simple executive decision into a catastrophe. The three-fold price hike and chaos in implementing the decision enraged the people and led to days of protest during which around 1,500 were reported killed by security forces and more than 8,000 arrested. The way the government handled the crisis, did more damage to Rouhani and the Islamic Republic's integrity and legitimacy. But the worst was yet to come. In January, Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in Baghdad during a U.S. strike. Around 60 people were trampled to death during his funeral in Kerman. And when Iran decided to hit the U.S. back with a missile attack on coalition military bases in Iraq, an Iranian anti-aircraft battery shot down a Ukrainian airliner minutes after take-off from the Tehran airport, killing 176 people on board. The controversy and lack of transparency surrounding the development eroded the last remnants of the people's trust in the government. Yet, this was not still the worst that could happen to the government and people of Iran. In January, the city of Qom near Tehran was reportedly infected with coronavirus as a result of a catalogue of causes including lack of transparency, mismanagement and profiteering. But the government allegedly hid the contagion fearing that the resulting shock would affect the anniversary of the revolution on February 1 and the parliament elections on February 21. Officials announced the first coronavirus deaths only two days before the elections and refused to quarantine Qom. By the time the epidemic was acknowledged many had already died in Qom, Kashan, Tehran and Gilan. Within a weak the deadly contagion spread to the rest of the country infecting tens of thousands and killing more than 1,700 and possibly more as of March 19. Analysts in the Iranian media say even after the government told the people about the outbreak, people tended not to take its advices seriously as they no longer trusted the government. In the meantime, several weeks after the start of the outbreak there is still a lot of chaos and ambiguity about who is in charge of disease prevention and control. At one point, Khamenei handed over the matter to the military which promised to control the disease from the day after, but it never happened and no one has heard of the commander who promised disease control by training volunteer militia and using them at hospitals. Medical equipment and hygienic necessities are still scarce, and no one explains where donations by foreign countries including Japan, China and Qatar have ended up. In the meantime, people who do not trust the government are traveling around the country ahead of the New Year, further spreading the virus while criticizing the administration's inefficiency. The year comes to an end early Friday morning, but an end to troubles for Iran is unlikely to appear any time soon as a fifth rider rides alongside the four horsemen of the apocalypse: Critics say it is the horseman of incompetence. Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba have held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fan Xianrong, according to a report on the prime minsters Telegram channel. We have discussed the issues of economic cooperation and the fight of both countries against the coronavirus spread. We share the view of the ambassador that in the wake of the worlds global problem, all countries should consolidate and become one family, Shmyhal said. He thanked the Chinese side for an offering to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. In addition, during the meeting, the parties discussed trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and agreed to resume the work of the Ukrainian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission. Shmyhal also thanked the Chinese side for its continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. iy As the coronavirus outbreak continues and the federal government scrambles to come up with a national plan to keep people safe, governors are stepping up. And health experts have said that their actions, such as shutting down business and calling for self-isolation, have proved crucial at helping contain the outbreak. Governors of states with the most cases, such as Washington's Jay Inslee, New York's Andrew Cuomo and California's Gavin Newsom, made the right decision by enacting these policies, according to John Auerbach, CEO of Trust for America's Health, a public health advocacy group. What to know about Coronavirus: How it started and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus explained What to do if you have symptoms: Coronavirus symptoms Tracking the spread in the US and Worldwide: Coronavirus map "Part of the reason the states and local governors have taken action is because of the recommendations from the federal government have changed rapidly," he said. "They are doing the best job they can, and I think we will see the action they are taking will lead to rapid decreases in the number of cases." Auerbach, formerly the chair of both the Boston and Massachusetts health departments, said one of the most important actions taken by governors and other local leaders has been providing reliable information to the public. PHOTO:Medical assistant Miriam Fuentes gives a patient instructions via at a drive-through COVID-19 coronavirus testing station for University of Washington Medicine patients, March 17, 2020, in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson/AP) Marianne Udow-Phillips, executive director of the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan, said the governors' messages stick with the public in a way those from the federal government may not. "Governors hear directly from health care providers, the local business community, school leaders and citizens at large," she said in an email. "They are deeply attuned to local and statewide impacts." Joshua Epstein, a professor of epidemiology at the NYU School of Global Public Health, stressed that while the states are taking a lead in their regions, it's important that there be consistency with their coronavirus actions. He noted that New York, Connecticut and New Jersey's joint announcement to close non-essential stores was a smart move. Story continues "They don't want people running across state lines to buy goods, and they've worked to keep policies the same," he said. MORE: State public health cuts hamper coronavirus containment: Experts Epstein added that the governors have been smart to not wait or rely on the White House for policy recommendations, because faster responses have been required. "I'm not sure what the benefit has been at this point to communicate with the administration. They've been dismissive up until recently, and haven't stepped up," Epstein said. Previous statements by the president against the governors, specifically Cuomo, Inslee and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, have made that divide between the federal and state governments worse, according to Christina Greer, an associate professor of political science at Fordham University. Political bickering can frustrate citizens and prevent them from receiving useful information. "They need to keep the public aware and what is going on. People don't need inaccurate information," Greer said. PHOTO: Workers in protective suits wait for people to arrive by car as Governor Andrew Cuomo opens the State's First Drive Through COVID-19 Mobile Testing Center at Glen Island Park, in New Rochelle, New York on March 13, 2020. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images) Although Cuomo fired back at Trump earlier in the week, after the president tweeted that the New York governor should "do more," they apparently reached a truce Wednesday. The governor said that he's communicating with the White House and he and the president are working to come up with more concrete plans to help the state, including that the USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship, would be coming to New York. "I told him, 'Look, we are fighting the same war, you have my back and I have yours," Cuomo said at a news conference. MORE: Government response updates: Trump promises 'total victory' in 'war' as Pentagon increases role Auerbach said governors and state officials taking a less combative approach could pay even bigger dividends. "In general, when responding to a pandemic, it is right to keep the eye focused on the steps necessary to protect the public and not become distracted with a political difference," he said. State governors taking lead on coronavirus precautions as federal government works to define plan originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Geneva, March 20 : A United Nations human rights expert has expressed concern about the potential impact of Covid-19 on the Palestinian territory, especially the Gaza Strip, and held that it is Israel's legal duty to prevent its spread there. "The legal duty, anchored in Article 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, requires that Israel, the occupying power, must ensure that all the necessary preventive means available to it are utilised to 'combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics'," said Michael Lynk, UN Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, as per a media statement by the UN Human Rights Commission. All of the responsible authorities - Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas - bear the duty to provide essential health services and apply public health measures throughout this pandemic in a non-discriminatory fashion, he said. He noted that the initial publications to increase awareness about the spread of Covid-19 issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health were almost exclusively in Hebrew, with virtually no information posted in Arabic. T"his serious imbalance is apparently being addressed after protests, but it highlights the importance of ensuring equality of treatment," he said. Lynk, an Associate Professor of Law at Western University in London (Ontario), expressed special concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip. "Its healthcare system was collapsing even before the pandemic. Its stocks of essential drugs are chronically low. Its natural sources of drinkable water are largely contaminated. Its electrical system provides sporadic power. Deep poverty amid appalling socio-economic conditions is prevalent throughout the Strip. "Gaza's population is also a physically more vulnerable population, with malnutrition on the rise, poorly controlled non-communicable diseases, dense living and housing conditions, an elderly population without access to proper nursing care and high smoking rates," he said. While Israel currently has 529 Covid-19 cases, the Palestinian Authority has reported 47 cases of Covid-19 in the West Bank, mostly in Bethlehem. Hamas has not reported any cases in Gaza, which it controls, but has taken some protective measures, such as disinfecting public areas. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Are you a foreign citizen having trouble returning to Hungary from abroad now? Here's some advice offered by the Hungarian Helsinki Committee (HHC) - opinions expressed here are also by HHC. The Hungarian government's communication about who are and who are not allowed to enter Hungary now as borders are closing has left some people confused and worried. The government decrees 41/2020 and 46/2020 on emergency measures, which entered into force on 12 and 17 March, make it clear that "those EEA-nationals who are entitled to permanent residence and are holders of permanent residence cards shall be treated the same way as Hungarian citizens" (Article 8 of gov. decree 41/2020). This means that: - Hungarian citizens are not facing travel restrictions and are allowed to return to Hungary, - all EEA-nationals in possession of a permanent residence card should be allowed to enter Hungary. However, many foreigners have a different status in Hungary and it seems they can be denied entry at the border, or even at an airport trying to board a Budapest-bound flight. You may be encountering difficulties if you are 1. an EU (EEA) citizen who resides in Hungary and has a simple EU registration card, 2. a third-country national who has residence or who is a permanent resident in Hungary. For example, you may be having trouble entering Hungary if you are: A US-citizen CEO of a large multinational company; A German-citizen business owner with EU registration card; A freelancing EU-national who is self-employed in Hungary; A university student from Brazil; An employee at an international organisations or companys global service center. There seems to be a lot of confusion creating very difficult situations. Apparently, misleading information is found in articles that say that as a foreigner you can only enter Hungary if you're travelling together with your Hungarian citizen family members. There is no such thing in the rules. If youre having trouble returning to Hungary, heres what you can do: Contact the Hungarian Consulate in the country you wish to board the plane. You can find all contact details on the website of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry Contact the consular department or on-duty consular officer at the Hungarian Foreign Ministry MFAT Consular Service Phone: +36 1 458 1000 Fax: +36 1 201 7323 E-mail: konz@mfa.gov.hu; taj.konz@mfa.gov.hu Consular Services 24/7 hotline -- free call from Hungary: 06 80 36 80 36 Contact your embassy in Budapest and inform them about your difficulties. Obviously, they cannot grant you entry or change the law but can inform and raise concerns with the Hungarian authorities. This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. Click here to Share Your Story Were doing the best we can, Trump said of Tice at a news briefing on the coronavirus pandemic. So Syria, please work with us. And we would appreciate your letting him out. If you think about what weve done, weve gotten rid of the ISIS caliphate in Syria. Weve done a lot for Syria. . . . So it would be very much appreciated if they would let Austin Tice out. Immediately. Egypts state information service (SIS) in charge of foreign media accreditation has stripped The Guardian of its press credentials and censured the New York Times for publishing false numbers on the Coronavirus in the country. The Guardian local reporter Ruth Michaelson published on March 15, citing Canadian epidemiologists, that the infections of the fast-spreading disease exceeded 19,000, way higher than the 196 cases and six deaths officially reported by the time the article was released. The New York Times Cairo Bureau Chief, Declan Walsh, circulated same figures on Tweeter but later deleted the tweet after a group of Egyptian scientists challenged the figures. The SIS in a statement on Tuesday accused The Guardian and The New York Times of bad faith and plans to harm Egyptian interests. The correspondents rush to promote incorrect data does not justify them relying on an unpublished and scientifically unrecognized study, the SIS said in the statement. Authorities have also taken measure to crackdown on fake news about the disease. In this vein, police reportedly arrested on Tuesday a Muslim Brotherhood member for allegedly publishing false information about the death toll. Wednesday afternoon, four activists, including Booker-shortlisted novelist Ahdaf Soueif, were arrested in downtown Cairo where they staged a demonstration demanding the state to release prisoners over fears of a coronavirus outbreak in the countrys overcrowded jails. The first country to report the COVID-19 in Africa, Egypt as of March 18 confirmed 12 new cases bringing the overall toll to 210 and six fatalities. In a court document submitted last week, former Chief Deputy Rory McKinney and Sheriff Richard Gillette claim a sheriffs office employee who filed a federal wiretapping lawsuit was aware her calls were being recorded. Debbie Nichols, an administrative assistant at the Midland County Sheriffs Office, filed the suit last month against McKinney, Gillette and Midland County. She alleged her phone calls were intercepted and recorded at least 262 times over a three-month period without her consent. In their official answer to Nichols complaint, the defendants claim that because she works in reception, her extension is an authorized recorded line. Plaintiff was informed and aware the phone to which she was assigned was a recorded line for purposes of quality control, public safety, and law enforcement activities, the document states. As a result, the recorded calls on the extension assigned to Plaintiff were periodically reviewed. According to Nichols lawsuit, she filed an Open Records Request in September for an access log of her phone calls. That log allegedly showed her calls were intercepted and recorded 262 times between March and June 2019 by an individual with the username mckinner, who she believes to be McKinney. The log also allegedly showed the user listened to one phone conversation up to 56 times. McKinney and Gillettes response does not deny the accuracy of that log. It states, The data provided by Defendants speak for itself, but Defendants deny Plaintiffs interpretation of the data. Nichols also alleged in the lawsuit that McKinney listened to her phone calls to gather confidential information about her personal life. The suit states that at one point, she contemplated requesting leave to care for a sick family member, but before she submitted the request, an employee told her that McKinney was aware of her plans and had said he would do something about her job if she was gone long. The defendants response denies they monitored calls in furtherance of a conspiracy to use information for their own personal or professional advantage. Their answer also states that any recordings involving Nichols were used in the ordinary course of officer duties. Both the lawsuit and the defendants response state the Texas Rangers investigated the wiretapping allegation. It is not clear if that investigation is ongoing. Nichols is seeking monetary damages for no less than $10,000 on one count and no less than $262,000 on a second count, as well as exemplary damages against McKinney, according to the suit. The released men include political analyst Hassan Nafaa, regime critic Hazem Abdel-Azim, and Shady El-Ghazaly Harb, a leading member of the liberal-oriented Dostour Party. Egypt's state security prosecution released on Thursday 15 members of different political parties and powers pending their trial in different cases, legal sources said. The released are facing trial on charges of spreading false news, supporting and joining an outlawed group, inciting illegal protests and attempting to overthrow of the regime." The released men include political analyst Hassan Nafaa, regime critic Hazem Abdel-Azim, and Shady El-Ghazaly Harb, a leading member of the liberal-oriented Dostour Party. Nafaa was arrested on 25 September 2019 on charges of inciting illegal anti-regime protests on 20 September 2019, as well as "supporting the objectives of a terrorist group." Activists Abdel-Azim and Harb were arrested in May 2018 on charges of spreading false news, joining an outlawed organisation, and inciting the overthrow of the regime. Last October, the general prosecution announced the release of 500 detainees who were arrested in the wake of anti-government protests on 20 September. The announcement followed the release of 200 other detainees a week earlier in September. Search Keywords: Short link: BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 Trend: An information portal www.koronavirusinfo.az has been launched in Azerbaijan to inform the population about coronavirus, Trend reports on March 19. In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection in Azerbaijan, as well as informing and educate the population, the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers has created an information portal. The portal provides general confirmed information about the coronavirus (COVID-19), the current situation in the world, measures taken in Azerbaijan to combat the virus, and operational news. Readers are informed about the rules, instructions and recommendations of the Azerbaijani government on protecting public health. Citizens can receive answers to their questions on the website in an interactive mode. OKLAHOMA CITY, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Feed the Children, an international nonprofit focused on alleviating childhood hunger, is continuing its support for vulnerable children and families across the U.S. and in the 10 countries it serves around the world during the unprecedented Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. "As schools and businesses across the nation close, we are facing a crisis," said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "We know this is a scary time for families, but rest assured we will continue our mission to support those most vulnerable in America and across the globe. That's why we are calling on everyone to practice kindness and give, no matter how big or small, to this important cause." While many city officials, businesses and school districts are making the decisions necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19, millions of families are facing a harsh reality. Families who may have never had to worry about their livelihoods before now have to deal with severe loss of income. Unemployment rates are skyrocketing due to service jobs closing down indefinitely, leaving those laid off wondering how to survive. It is estimated that more than a million workers are expected to lose their jobs by the end of March. How will they put food on the table? Those living paycheck-to-paycheck may not have savings or support systems to help them. With the situation rapidly changing every hour, Feed the Children remains on the ground and continues to supply its community partners with the resources families need. In addition to providing bulk supplies to its partners (like food pantries and soup kitchens), the charity is exploring new ways to deliver much-needed supplies that adhere to current CDC recommendations. For the safety of the community, the nonprofit is working with several community partners throughout the U.S. to deliver boxes of shelf-stable food containing peanut butter, canned vegetables, crackers, bottled water and baby food, as well as boxes of daily hygiene essentials containing lotion, shampoo, laundry detergent, toothpaste and diapers, door-to-door to neighbors who need it most. Community partners are also providing an option for families to drive-thru to pick up supplies and a call-in number to ensure those who are homebound or quarantined receive the items they need. Feed the Children is exploring ways we can get educational resources, including books and school supplies, into the hands of children now. However, the most immediate needs that our partners are prioritizing and trying to meet are requests for food, hygiene items and water. In its international programs, Feed the Children remains focused on the safety of the communities they serve by demonstrating and modeling appropriate public health behaviors such as good handwashing techniques within its Child-Focused Community Development approach. The organization is equipping community leaders with educational resources on proper sanitation practices and how to keep their families safe. Offices within Feed the Children's country programs are assessing program activities based on the spread of COVID-19, and will distribute hygiene kits and meals as needed. Feed the Children is also working side-by-side with multiple corporate partners to make sure families, especially those living below the poverty line, are receiving the necessary food and essentials for everyday life. Herbalife Nutrition has donated $50,000 and Teleperformance has also donated $10,000 to the global nonprofit for its response efforts. Tyson Foods, Niagara Bottling, Clif Bar & Company and KIND Snacks have also donated product to aid families with their daily needs. Many individual donors, as well as corporate and community partners are stepping forward to provide support. However, the need is expected to be ongoing and ever growing. You can help by giving financial gifts to fulfill these needs. Feed the Children is accepting monetary donations to assist communities affected by COVID-19. Every dollar given goes seven times as far to provide food, hope, dignity and comfort. Visit feedthechildren.org to join our efforts. About Feed the Children At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in 10 countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships. Visit feedthechildren.org for more information. SOURCE Feed the Children Related Links http://feedthechildren.org About that Lipinski race: His defeat demonstrated a platform shift that has been shaping up nationally little if any tolerance in the Democratic Party for members who oppose abortion. Lipinski challenger Marie Newman had the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice America. She was a stark contrast to the incumbent, who has called on the Supreme Court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. His votes on abortion legislation made him a pariah with many Democrats, who see the issue as nonnegotiable. The on Wednesday dismissed the plea of Mukesh Singh, one of the four convicts of Nirbhaya case, challenging trial court order which had dismissed his plea seeking quashing of his death penalty claiming he was not in the city when the incident happened on December 16, 2012. Earlier today, the Delhi HC had reserved its order on the petition filed by Mukesh Singh -- challenging the trial court's order dismissing his plea seeking quashing of death penalty claiming that he was not in the city when the crime was committed. Advocate Rahul Mehra, the standing counsel of the state, had opposed the plea and said it is a desperate attempt to stall the execution and that we should not fall prey to this attempt and Mukesh application deserved to be dismissed. "What prevented them to tell about torture if he was facing it in jail. Mukesh could have written a letter to the competent authority about the torture," Mehra submitted. In his plea, filed through advocate ML Sharma, Mukesh has sought to set aside trial court order passed on March 17, which had dismissed the petition. The petitioner said that the trial is the outcome of concealment of vital documents by fixing the petitioner in place of actual accused persons which is liable to be examined within the filed evidence on records. A trial court in Delhi had, on Tuesday, also sent the matter to the Bar Council of India for appropriate sensitization observing that the conduct of the counsel for the convict needs to be brought to notice. This comes as the four convicts in the 2012 case -- Mukesh Singh, Akshay Singh Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- are scheduled to be hanged at 5:30 am on March 20. The case pertains to the brutal gang-rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in the capital. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. Mexico has registered its first death from coronavirus, a 41-year-old diabetic Mexican man whose symptoms began last week, the health ministry said late on Wednesday. No more details were immediately available. Earlier, the Mexican health ministry said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Mexico rose by 27 per cent in the 24 hours through Wednesday afternoon to 118 from 93 a day earlier. Mexico recorded its first case of coronavirus infection on February 28, and concern is growing about the outbreak's potential impact on the country. Mexico registered its first death from coronavirus, a 41-year-old diabetic Mexican man whose symptoms began last week. Pictured: Workers disinfect a metro wagon in Mexico City yesterday Earlier, the Mexican health ministry said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Mexico rose by 27 per cent in the 24 hours through Wednesday afternoon to 118 from 93 a day earlier. Pictured: The scene in Mexico City yesterday The health system is in the midst of what has been a challenging shake-up of drug procurement. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has resisted calls to order public restrictions that could damage the struggling economy, even as the US and Canada toughen up measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus. Earlier in the day, the mayor of Tijuana, the biggest Mexican city on the US border, urged residents to restrict visits to the US to lower the risk of infection. The mayor, Arturo Gonzalez, said residents should not cross into the US unless it was imperative. Gov. Ned Lamont speaks at a press conference at the UConn School of Business Graduate Learning Center in Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2020. Connecticut will move its 2020 primary to June 2 from the originally planned April 28 in response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday. "In coordination with other states and our Secretary of the State, and in an effort to carry out Democracy while keeping public health a top priority, I have decided to move our presidential primary to June 2nd," Lamont tweeted. "I will provide more information later today." Tweet Connecticut, with 60 delegates up for grabs, is the latest state to postpone its primary because of looming threats brought on by the coronavirus, which has roiled markets and infected hundreds of thousands of people globally. The outbreak has upended the 2020 Democratic presidential primary between former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders as they push to take on President Donald Trump in November. The rivals have stopped holding in-person campaign events. Sanders, who has fallen behind Biden in the race for pledged delegates, is now mulling his prospects. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the last female candidate in a field of six, dropped out on Thursday and endorsed Biden. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won Connecticut in 2016 over Sanders. She went on to lose the general election to Trump. Several states have already changed their election schedules as the coronavirus pandemic rages across the United States and paralyzes normal activity. Louisiana and Georgia delayed their planned primaries. Wyoming also canceled the in-person portion of its Democratic caucus. Ohio delayed its in-person primary voting that was supposed to take place Tuesday. Gov. Mike DeWine was blocked by the courts from postponing the primary, but the state's health department intervened, issuing an order to close the polls due to health concerns brought on by the outbreak. Arizona, Florida and Illinois moved forward with Tuesday voting but took extra precautions, emphasizing mail-in ballots and increasing sanitation at polling places. Rhode Island could be next. It is awaiting a decision on whether its primary will be postponed. The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted to postpone the state's primary from April 28 to June 2, but the decision is "pending the Governor signing an emergency order," according to the board's deputy director of elections, Miguel Nunez. Here are the states that have postponed their primaries and their new dates: Georgia (rescheduled to May 19) Connecticut (rescheduled to June 2) Ohio (rescheduled to June 2, pending approval from the courts) Louisiana (rescheduled to June 20) Kentucky (rescheduled to June 23) The Democratic National Committee has so far said it will move forward with its convention in July despite the disruptions. The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to dozens of countries globally, with more than 229,000 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 9,300 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 10,755 cases in the United States and at least 150 deaths, according to the latest tallies. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Madhya Pradesh Assembly speaker NP Prajapati has accepted the resignations of 16 rebel Congress MLAs who are staying in Bengaluru and had sent their resignations on March 10 to the Speaker. "The resignations of all the MLAs who are in Bengaluru and are not willing to come back, and who had submitted their resignation on March 10, have been accepted," Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati said. Speaking about the top court's order to conduct the floor test, Prajapati said: "Legislature is following directions of the judiciary, both are constitutional. The Constitution is silent." Amid the political crisis in Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a floor test in state Assembly to be held on Friday. A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said the floor test would be held by show of hands in accordance with the law and it should be completed by 5 pm on Friday. The development came after 22 Congress MLAs tendered their resignation after Jyotiraditya Scindia, a prominent face of the Congress, resigned and joined the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BAD AXE Four Huron County bridges could possibly be replaced thanks to federal and state funds. The Huron County Board of Commissioners recently gave its support to such replacements proposed by the Huron County Road Commission, which wants to apply for the Federal and Local Bridge Program. The four bridges in question are: The Haist Road Bridge over the Pigeon River in Winsor Township The Hartsell Road Bridge over the East Branch of the Pigeon River in Grant Township The Moore Road Bridge over the East Branch of the Pigeon River in Grant Township The Notter Road Bridge over the Pigeon River in Winsor Township The program would provide both federal and state funds to carry out work on those bridges. Gary Osminski, the countys highway engineer, said the Hartsell and Moore road bridges are safe to cross for cars, buses and trucks, but they cannot carry full-size loads, so they need to be replaced with something wider. Reconstruction of those bridges is estimated to cost $1 million each. "Theyre 80 to 100 years old, Osminski said. Theyre getting to the end of their lives. The Notter and Haist Road bridges are between 20 and 30 years old and only need rehabilitation work done, which would cost about $300,000 each. The road commission has applied for funding for these bridges before through this program, and usually sends an application in every year. Structures that qualify for the program are funded 90-95% by federal or state funds and 5% by local funds. Osminski would consider it lucky if the Huron County Road Commission were to receive some of the funding. Were competing with road commissions across the state, Osminski said. It typically goes to bridges in the worst condition. All applications for bridges must be submitted the Local Bridge Committee by May 1. If Huron County does get funds, work on the bridges will not take place for another three years. In other commissioners news: The commissioners voted to authorize the submission of the Road Commissions grant application for the Lighthouse Park project to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. As part of the application process where a match of public funds is needed, Huron County will provide $144,800, or 40% of the projects total funds, for the project during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The grant application is for $300,000 and the total project cost is estimated to be $361,800. The Lighthouse Park project would add numerous improvements to the park, including a revamped walking path, a new kayak launch, a fish cleaning station, and a playground. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday, closing schools across the state while prohibiting dine-in eating at bars and restaurants. Abbott said the coronavirus knows no geographic boundaries so it cannot be dealt with as a local or regional disaster. Dr. John Hellerstedt, the Health Services Commissioner, declared a public health disaster across the state. "It's an international pandemic," he said at a news conference. Effective Friday at midnight, all schools in Texas must close. The executive order will be in place through April 3 and may be extended. Abbott prohibited social gatherings of groups of 10 or more and ordered bars, restaurants, and gyms to close. However, eateries will be allowed to serve customers through drive-thru, pick-up and delivery options. Visitors will not be allowed at nursing homes, retirement homes or long-term care facilities. The governor reported more than 140 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across 27 counties in Texas. He attributed at least three deaths in the state to the virus. "This executive order is not a shelter-in-place order," Abbott said, noting that essential businesses and critical infrastructure will remain open. In San Antonio, the number of confirmed cases has climbed to at least 25. A dozen of the cases are related to travel or close contact with one of those travelers. The remaining 13 are under investigation. None so far has resulted from community spread, meaning they were transmitted from person to person within a community rather than being acquired from outside the community. From March 18, 5 p.m. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a fourth emergency declaration Wednesday, ordering non-essential businesses to close amid the coronavirus pandemic. Confirmed cases rose to 25 according to information released by the Metropolitan Health District at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The declaration goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday and will last seven days unless extended by the City Council. The city's restaurants, bars, gyms and other commercial businesses (listed below) must shut their doors as officials seek to stop the spread of the virus. Pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and other essential businesses will remain open. Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers through drive-thru, delivery and pick-up orders. CANCELED EVENTS: San Antonio events canceled or postponed due to coronavirus "We will get through this and we will get through this together," Nirenberg said. The mayor noted that there is no curfew in place but asked people to stay home as much as possible, especially during nighttime hours. The mayor's emergency order earlier this week, which restricted gatherings to no more than 50 people, did not apply to bars and restaurants. Officials have confirmed 25 cases of COVID-19 in the San Antonio area. The Metropolitan Health District has tested a total of 135 people according to information released in a public update on the city's web site. On Wednesday, University Health System announced that a nurse and second resident physician had tested positive for COVID-19 following travel exposure. Both are isolated at home and officials are working to locate those who were potentially exposed. The following facilities are closed temporarily: - Restaurants, including microbrewery, micro-distilleries or wineries (The establishments must close dining rooms but may offer take-out, drive-thru, or delivery) - Bars - Lounges - Nightclubs - Taverns - Private clubs - Gyms or health studios - Indoor commercial amusement businesses - Bowling alleys - Bingo parlors - Theaters The following facilities are exempt from the declaration: These facilities are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing. - San Antonio International Airport - Public or private schools or child care facilities - Places of worship - Funeral homes - Museums (so long as visitors are generally not within arms length of one another for extended periods) - Spaces where 50 or more persons may be in transit or waiting for transit, such as bus stops - Office spaces - Hotels - Residential buildings - Grocery stores, shopping malls, outdoor markets or other retail establishments Watch the news conference below: By PTI NEW DELHI: India's largest firm Reliance Industries has initiated work-from-home for its staff while keeping open consumer-facing businesses of the hospital, retail stores and telecom with a minimum workforce amid an increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country. Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will hold a meeting almost every third day to take stock of the impact of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak on his employees and business, officials said. Precautions have been taken at Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai and its refining and petchem complex in Jamnagar, they said adding that the production unit in Patalganga and the retail outlets are also following standard sanitation and hygiene processes. CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES ABOUT CORONAVIRUS The oil-to-telecom conglomerate initiated a work from the home protocol for its employees across the country and overseas in response to the evolving Covid-19 situation. This protocol will be effective until March 31. It, however, will maintain minimum strength at the workplace to ensure business continuity. Reliance Industries (RIL) joins a host of Indian companies that have ordered work-from-home to prevent their employees from being infected by the virus. ALSO READ: Ford asks 10,000 employees in India to work from home Reached for comments, RIL spokesperson said: "the company has migrated to an 'Agile Work From Home' protocol that encourages all employees to work from home and to utilise all productivity and digital tools at their disposal to maximise productivity." The staff has been advised to communicate more often among each other than on normal days and to stay connected over Outlook, MS Teams and enterprise platforms as well as the company's other internal platforms. "However, considering the public requirements in such an unprecedented situation, RIL will continue to provide all essential services to the citizens and will keep open its main retail grocery stores, its telecom connectivity services, the hospital and any other essential services required for public or business continuity," the spokesperson said. For the essential services, RIL would deploy about 10 per cent of its staff on a rotation basis. The firm is providing health safety training to all its essential staff through frequent advisories and communication, the spokesperson said adding the company will also reimburse app taxi fare for such staff for work-related commute during this period so as to reduce pressure on public transport. ALSO READ: Volvo Car India asks all employees to work from home amidst Coronavirus "The company lauds the 'ownership mindset' of employees and, while it understands the need for some staff to be physically present for business-critical functions, it assures them that their safety at the workplace is the company's highest priority and all standards of sanitation and hygiene have been implemented including its entire emergency response infrastructure in a ready state," the spokesperson said. In an advisory to employees, RIL executive director Hital R Meswani said the work-from-home starts from Wednesday. "We encourage everyone to work from home. In case the nature of your work is such that it cannot be performed from home then you may be required to come to the office," he wrote. ALSO READ: Tata Motors asks staff in office-based roles to work from home amid COVID-19 outbreak "In addition, we will maintain minimum strength at the workplace to ensure business continuity." "We are all in this unprecedented situation together as one Reliance family. We trust that our values of One Team and Ownership Mindset drive every judgment you make in the best interest of everyone around you," he added. "Let us support each other, stay calm, and tide over this challenge together." RIL will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate its response mechanisms on a real-time basis. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 11:35:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced Thursday it has decided to arrest Xu Guang, former vice governor of central China's Henan Province, for suspected bribe-taking. The National Supervisory Commission (NSC) has completed the investigation into Xu's case and handed it over to prosecuting agencies, the SPP said. The Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the NSC announced last month that Xu had been expelled from the party and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento on Feb. 27 about California's response to the coronavirus. (Randall Benton / Associated Press) Some local governments in California are halting their responses to public records requests as they deal with staffing restrictions caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The city of Fresno suspended "immediate responses" to public records requests on Tuesday after the city declared a state of emergency, according to an email from the city attorney's office. The city will resume responding to requests once the emergency declaration ends. In the Bay Area, the city of San Leandro is closed to the public and only staffing "essential employees" because of a shelter-in-place order from Alameda County, according to an email from the city manager's office. The city will need an additional 45 days to respond to records requests after the order is lifted, the email said. And the city clerk's office in Fremont told a journalist this week it would not be able to accept public records requests until its offices reopened following an emergency declaration there. Reporters across the country are seeing more and more of this: government agencies indefinitely delaying public records requests because of #coronavirus #COVID19 #FOIA I've seen: Dallas Fresno Hawaii And now Fremont, CA Journos: where else have you received a similar response? pic.twitter.com/1lBzX1n25r Matt Drange (@mattdrange) March 19, 2020 David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, said he had also heard of similar issues in the Northern California cities of Los Altos and Martinez. Story continues He said that emergency declarations at the state and local levels made no mention of allowing governments to ignore California's open records law. "While Im totally sympathetic to staffing and other issues cities may now be facing, and understand that slower responses to public records requests may be required, the fact remains that the California Public Records Act is still the law of the land," Snyder said. The coronavirus emergency makes the state's open records law "more important now than it has been in a very long time," he said. The public has a need and a right to see and understand the inner workings of their government, especially when that government is taking the extreme measures it is now taking," Snyder said. "Government power is at its apex in a crisis, and so is the risk that the government will abuse that power. Transparency provides a crucial check on that possibility." Most local governments in the state are still providing records and updates to requests from the public and media, Snyder said. The Los Angeles Police Department is accepting and processing requests as usual, according to spokesman Josh Rubenstein. One of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in self-isolation over coronavirus. Aisha Buhari, the first lady, who disclosed this in a series of tweets, said although her daughter did not show any symptoms of the virus, she went into self-isolation after returning from the UK. The first lady did not disclose the identity of the daughter in isolation. Good afternoon Nigerians, Earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19. Based on the advice of the Hon. Minister Of Health , Presidential Task force on COVID 19 and that of NCDC, She is on Self Isolation, not because she displayed any symptoms of the Covid-19, she tweeted. Please I urge all parents to do the same if possible as prevention is better than cure. Similarly, I have shut down my office for two weeks with immediate effect while essential staff can work from home as a result of some Staff who recently returned from the UK . Lets keep following the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, which encourages maintaining social distancing, high hygiene culture through regular washing of hands with soaps and sanitizers. Lets adopt preventive measures and ensure the safety of our families and that of General public. We will overcome the Covid-19 pandemic if we all take the necessary precautions at the same time ! God bless you all. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria Flag of Nigeria! Gaming company Razer is converting some of its manufacturing lines to make face masks and aid in the coronavirus fight. Razer making face masks to aid coronavirus fight Company CEO Min-Liang Tan took to Twitter to announce Razers role in the coronavirus effort. Over the past few days, our designers and engineers have been working 24-hour shifts to convert some of our existing manufacturing lines to produce surgical masks so that we can donate them to countries around the world, Min-Liang said in his sizable thread. Min-Liang says that Razer is donating its phone production lines. Additionally, the company intends to produce 1 million face masks to donate to the coronavirus fight in China, where the COVID-19 disease is most lethal. The disease itself started in the Hubei province of Wuhan, China, back in December. China is the largest victim of the coronavirus pandemic, with more deaths there than anywhere else (including South Korea and Italy). Advertisement Razer just made a 5G router that doubles as a wireless hotspot for gamers, so its no stranger to making products outside of phones when it has to. Face masks are in short supply Razers efforts are commendable in light of the current face mask supply shortage. Photos from China of citizens wearing face masks are all across the globe. Medical experts are discouraging TV watchers on local news shows from buying them. Doctors want citizens to leave face masks for medical personnel and those who are sick. Face masks are important as doctors and nurses use them when performing medical procedures on or with patients. In the event of a major shortage or outage, doctors and nurses cant protect themselves against coronavirus. Advertisement Face masks are a good idea for those who think they might have COVID-19. Alongside a mask shortage, there are also few coronavirus testing supplies in the US. The latest count from the presidential cabinet yesterday is that 1300 people have been tested for coronavirus. With such a huge upswing of coronavirus infections in Washington state, for example, theres simply no way to tell how many individuals are sick with COVID-19. The Razer CEO says that Razer intends to service face masks not only in China, but also in other countries where Razer offices are. This emergency conversion of some of our lines and donation of masks is the first step of many that @Razer will take, Min-Liang says, a sign that more contribution from Razer is expected in the coming days, weeks, and months. Face masks and coronavirus Face masks are one go-to source, alongside gloves, as means of personal protection for global citizens, but face masks cannot truly prevent infection. Doctors say that other activities, such as washing ones hands and practicing generally good hygiene, are ways to stave off a coronavirus infection. Face masks are six times more expensive to acquire now than before the outbreak. Advertisement Gloves, like face masks, are also in short supply, as is hand sanitizer. With little sign of the virus slowing down, US President Donald Trump is telling Americans to stay inside and socially distance themselves by self-quarantining at home, sick or not. To avoid potential infection, citizens should limit themselves to gatherings of 10 people or less. [March 19, 2020] Alliance Data Provides Update On Current Impact of COVID-19 COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced a conference call will be held on Tuesday, March 24 at 4:00 PM to discuss the following update on the current impact of COVID-19. Ralph Andretta, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Data, commented, "Alliance Data has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our associates, our clients and our financial flexibility. With safety as our priority, the team has implemented work from home protocols across virtually the entire organization where feasible and has staggered shifts to accommodate our workforce and client needs. These actions and the customer-centric culture at Alliance Data have enabled us to continue to work effectively for our partners and our customers and maintain contractual service commitments. Additionally, we remain in close coordination with our clients to assist them in navigating through these difficult times. "It is too early to assess the full impact of the pandemic on our business, but we are well prepared for difficult times ahead. Given the current environment, we have stressed-tested our business and are confident that we have capital and liquidity to sustain and invest in our business through this period. We have substantial cash on hand, and significant liquidity reserves and low-cost borrowing capacity at both our bank subsidiaries and parent company. Also, actions taken late last year resulted in approximately $150 million of incremental savings as we entered 2020, considerably increasing our earnings power, and we continue to evaluate further areas in which we can reduce our costs, while maintaining our high levels of service. We expect to have greater visibility on the evolving impact of COVID-19 on expected full-year 2020 results at the time of our first quarter earnings conference call. "Alliance Data emerged from 9/11, the financial crisis of 2008 and numerous natural disasters as a stronger, leaner competitor. Our business model is resilient and has weathered considerable pressures. Our management team is highly experienced, and our portfolio is better positioned today from a risk standpoint than during previous crisis situations. Our operational strength and financial flexibility enable us to support our clients' needs both today and in the future, and we continue to plan on making strategic investments in the business as appropriate," Mr. Andretta concluded. Conference Call The Alliance Data conference call will be hosted on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The call will be available via the Internet at www.alliancedata.com. Please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary software. If you are unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available. The telephone numbers and code needed to access the replay will be posted on our website. About Alliance Data Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500, FORTUNE 500 and FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Alliance Data consists of businesses that together employ over 8,000 associates at more than 50 locations worldwide. Alliance Data's card services business is a provider of market-leading private label, co-brand, and business credit card programs. LoyaltyOne owns and operates the AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada's most recognized loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers. More information about Alliance Data can be found at www.AllianceData.com. Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "likely," "may," "should" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding, and the guidance we give with respect to, our anticipated operating or financial results, completion of strategic initiatives, future dividend declarations, and future economic conditions, including, but not limited to, fluctuation in currency exchange rates, market conditions and COVID-19 impacts related to relief measures for impacted borrowers and depositors, labor shortages due to quarantine, reduction in demand from clients, supply chain disruption for our reward suppliers and disruptions in the airline or travel industries. We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise. Contacts: Investors/Analysts Tiffany Louder Alliance Data 214-494-3048 [email protected] Media Shelley Whiddon Alliance Data 214-494-3811 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alliance-data-provides-update-on-current-impact-of-covid-19-301027203.html SOURCE Alliance Data Systems Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] When I was a prosecutor in Australia, I personally argued for the denial of pretrial release on countless occasions. Pretrial release was mostly presumed, so in each case I had to make an argument. Prosecution objections to release include things like numerous previous charges for failing to appear in court, threats of witness intimidation, or a serious history of domestic violence that directly threatened a victim's safety. But never on my watch was a defendant incarcerated pretrial because they were too poor to pay bail. This is because Australia, like most of the rest of the common law world (including Britain and New Zealand), has never had a cash bail system. Last year, New York finally started to address mass incarceration by joining places like New Jersey, Alaska and the city of San Francisco in abolishing cash bail. The partisan backlash to this genuine progress has been truly mind-boggling. Law and order lobby groups are hell-bent on winding back the progress that we made, threatening blood in the streets. Putting a price tag on liberty is being passed off as some kind of safety measure. But in reality, the ability to pay your way out of jail has never had anything to do with dangerousness. All cash bail does is create a two-speed justice system, where people with means get better treatment than people without. Rich defendants are infamously no less dangerous than poor defendants. Worse than the economic injustice, the practical effects of cash bail trickle all the way through the justice system and compound poverty. Pre-trial incarceration, even for a few days, statistically increases the likelihood of re-arrest because people often lose everything their job, their home, their children, their access to services and their stability. People who are incarcerated pre-trial are also eventually more likely to be sentenced more harshly, meaning that you're punished several times over for the crime of being poor. But that is not the reason for the law and order lobby's backlash against New York's bail reform. The reason for the backlash is simple: police and district attorneys will now have to actually prove a person's guilt to get a conviction. The vast majority of cases - 97 percent are plea bargained and never go to trial. Under the cash bail system, if you were stuck in jail because you couldn't afford to bail out, the only way you could be freed was to plead guilty even if you didn't commit the crime. Therefore, if a person is languishing in jail, they are more likely to plead guilty, which directly contributes to wrongful convictions: In 2018, 32 percent of exoneration cases were originally guilty pleas. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. That number might finally start to change if we take away the prosecution's coercive bargaining chip of offering freedom in exchange for your confession. The cash bail system was a blight on the justice system. Black and brown people were impacted much more than white people, and people died tragically preventable deaths in county jails, especially through medical negligence and suicide. With this bail reform, more accused people (who are legally innocent until proven guilty) can safely go back to their children, homes, and jobs while they defend their case and they are less likely to plead to crimes they did not commit out of pure desperation. The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other nation. If you are serious about ending mass incarceration, you have to put fewer people in, let more people out, or both. It's going to take real political courage to stay the course of reform, but the only way to make progress is to keep moving forward. The Distilled Spirits Council and the American Distilled Spirits Association sent a letter to Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday afternoon urging him to reconsider his decision to close all of the Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. Those closures took place at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Both organizations argued in the letter that other control states including Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia have implemented what they called innovative alternatives to protect consumers and employees while maintaining operations and encouraged the governor to explore similar options. They pointed out that Pennsylvania at this point is the only state to close down all of its stores that provide consumers with access to distilled spirits products. In the meantime, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) confirmed Wednesday night that it was beginning to assess the need to board up any Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores that are deemed at-risk. Several around the state already have had boards put up as a precautionary measure. Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) is urging the state government to consider giving rental assistance to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. REIWA President Damian Collins said the potential impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on jobs and businesses might put a dent in the budgets of many Australians. Collins said the federal government's economic assistance and the WA's $607m package will be a big help to the Australians who are affected by the outbreak. "While these stimulus packages will help keep people in jobs, we urge the state government to consider introducing rental assistance in their next stimulus for those who find themselves out of work," Collins said. The state government has already declared a state of emergency as the number of diagnosed cases continues to rise. Aside from the assistance from the state government, Collins said banks and landlord insurers should commit to ensure both tenants and landlords feels safe and secure. In the same way, Colins also urged landlords to be considerate of their tenants. "The coronavirus outbreak is a tough time for everyone, and we strongly encourage landlords to be understanding with rental payments during this time of uncertainty," he said. "It is possible that people may start to fear eviction or even homelessness, but we want to stress that there is already legislation in place to stop landlords from evicting tenants during time of hardship." Hebei Couple Encounters Bureaucratic Hurdle Video #1: The city of Tianmen in Hubei Province was locked down the day after Wuhan was put under quarantine. Mr. and Mrs. Liu are both from Hebei. They have been trapped in Tianmen due to stringent travel rules that make it difficult for them to leave the city. Mr. Liu: Tianmen requires a special permit for traveling outside Hubei. Those who need to leave the province must first obtain proof of their destination from the local authorities there. People have complained about this rule on social media. Local governments in other provinces dont require this type of documentation. My wife, for example, has a back-to-work notice from the local health department. Shes needed during the epidemic to monitor body temperature at checkpoints. But shes not allowed to leave Tianmen unless she can provide documentation from the local authorities. This travel permit stuff has become a hurdle for us. This procedure is unjustified. The rules are very strict for us in the city, even dogs cant go out of the compounds. Local officials know this. We have been trapped here for so long. Video #2: Ms. Li grew up in Xinjiang. She went to Tianmen from Kunshan, Jiangsu province to handle family affairs prior to the Chinese New Year. She is now trapped in Tianmen. Her mother has been on medication for stroke and the supply is running low. Ms. Li is stressed out because she has no source of income and has various loans to pay off. Ms. Li: Healthy people are stranded in Hubei, not being able to go back to where they should be. This is a huge problem. What problem? We have been stranded for more than 40 days. Many of us have no source of income and we racked up debt that we cant pay off. Were under great pressure. I hope the government can differentiate the healthy people from the infected. There are many solutions. Why do we have to be trapped for so long? All people are trapped here for so long. It is mind boggling. Honestly, I tweeted because I cant stand it anymore. I felt there were other people feeling hopeless because of issues related to the epidemic. There were people talking about their problems in the chat room. I have not really seen anyone committing suicide. But there were people talking about it. Im a food blogger on Weibo. I make tutorials. Now Im stuck here, there is no way to work. In fact, our company is relatively alright. But they wont like it if I post things about the epidemic on my Weibo account. So I use my personal account to post question about the epidemic. But I hope more people can see it. Im constantly calling 12345 (mayors hotline), both Hubei and Jiangsu. I want to go back to Jiangsu but I have to pay a quarantine fee. I am very clear about the fee now. In Shanghai, it is 150 yuan ($21.57) a day, 340 yuan ($48.90) in Kunshan, Jiangsu, and about 1000 yuan ($143.84) in Zhejiang. The high quarantine fees makes me wonder if the government is just taking advantage of the people. What was the initial idea behind it? The local authorities could have just separated the healthy people from those who are infected by the virus. But this countermeasure is too expensive. Many people cannot afford it. Theres no money to be made by staying at home. You know what it means. This year I came back for setting the tombstone for my father. My mother wanted to return to Xinjiang on February 14, but is also trapped here. My mother is also struggling. She is on medication for early stages of stroke. Once the medicine is gone, the consequences are unthinkable. This is a serious issue. Now I just want to say that Hubei and Wuhan cannot be judged by one standard. I am not talking about regional discrimination. Wuhan is a severely affected area. It should not be hard if the government can gradually lift the quarantine according to the risk level. In terms of Tianmen alone, no one is allowed to leave the city. You must go to the petition bureau and go through some formalities to get permission to leave. But local authorities would try to dissuade you. Plus, you risk getting infected while waiting in line and being in close contact with other people at the petition bureau. Tianmens epidemic prevention headquarters will not let you leave. They wont let us leave until there are documents from the province. The political dynamics of Washington in recent years have been like an 80s aerobics routine: full of thrashing and contortions, but with little actual movement. An endless succession of pseudo-bombshells, frenzied two-week scandals, and Twitter rampages created a jaded intensity the perfect spectacle for the smartphone era. But the past ten days or so have undone that exhaustion-through-microtitillation. Now, things are moving fast, so fast that perhaps no one understands whats really been done, let alone where were going. On cable news, some talking heads try doggedly to slip back into the accustomed pattern, as though whether we call COVID-19 the Chinese virus is really the most pressing issue facing the country. And thats understandable; the feuds we know might be more comforting than challenges unsolved. Its hard to say what this change will ultimately mean, in part because we dont know exactly how high coronaviruss ultimate costs in both lives and GDP will be, how long it will last, or what eventual steps the United States will take to face it. However, some possible consequences stand out. U.S. politics will likely not be the same. So much money will be spent, and the federal government is taking such sweeping action across a host of sectors, from banking to medical licensing to industrial production. Federal power often grows during times of crisis, and this case is no exception. The United States is experiencing perhaps the most extensive exercise of (relatively) coordinated state power since the Second World War. Even the aftermath of 9/11 seems restrained in comparison. Across the country, states and municipalities are closing down businesses, shuttering schools, and imposing curfews for extended periods. A raft of subsidies, low-interest loans, and other supports seems in the offing for American businesses, and that crucial injection of capital may come with certain strings. For instance, some in Congress have called for making aid to some businesses contingent on relocating supply chains to the United States. If the other policy aims are bundled into various relief efforts, that could have long-lasting implications for American economic policies and political dynamics. The absence of policy strings could also be a cause for disruption. After all, the frustrations resulting from the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis including the lack of reforms to end Too Big to Fail have helped fuel the unrest of pre-COVID politics. Story continues The coronavirus crisis may be jostling existing political coalitions. It has perhaps dispelled the totem of austerity that has hung over Republican politics (or at least political rhetoric) for so long. While Republican presidents from Reagan onward have long expressed an indifference to balanced budgets in governing, the GOP response to this crisis has by and large avoided even a pro forma expression about the importance of fiscal responsibility. Instead, the Trump White House, Senators Mitt Romney and Josh Hawley, and others have called for just cutting a check to American families. High neoliberalism already had a preexisting health condition, and this global pandemic may be fatal for it. World trade as a percentage of global GDP peaked in 2008, after which the financial crisis made it plummet. It has climbed closer to that historic high, but the coronavirus outbreak seems likely to send that number downward again. Harder borders are springing up around the world, with even free-movement havens such as the Schengen Area being divided. For the moment, at least, coronavirus has severely curtailed the free movement of goods and people that is at the heart of many neoliberal dreams. In recent years, defenders of the neoliberal order have taken to venting their anger at the political factions that have sprung up in response to neoliberal dislocations populists, nationalists, Brexiteers, and, of course, Donald Trump. Yet these political actors have gained a foothold precisely because of the tensions that neoliberalism heightened: the economic frustrations of a financializing economy, the disruptions of mass migration, the polarization between the professional classes and blue-collar workers, and so forth. In the United States and elsewhere, the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted some of the choices entailed in the current iteration of globalization. The risk of real shortages for medical supplies has done more to convince policymakers of the importance of domestic industrial production than a thousand white papers have. Moreover, this outbreak has renewed the tensions between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China. Donald Trumps election signified a shift toward an increased hawkishness toward China, but this trend has accelerated, prompted in part by the Chinese leadership who have spread the false claim that the United States and not Wuhan was the origin of COVID-19. Many analysts already saw American dependence on the PRC for many key goods as a threat to the continued ability of the United States to engage in great-power politics, but this view has gained increased currency over the past month. There is a chance that the coronavirus outbreak could end up being a relatively minor disturbance to the geopolitical status quo, an urgent blip after which the world returns, eventually, to business as usual. However, the effects of this global pandemic could also help solidify some correction to the current model of globalization. This correction need not be a Cold War 2.0, or a replay of the great disintegration that happened during the First World War, in which great-power competition unleashed a torrent of mayhem and misery. Countries might hold out a place for trade and migration while also placing a new emphasis on their internal social and economic infrastructures. The United States, for instance, could simultaneously engage in a more energetic form of industrial policy while also trading with nations across the globe (as countries such as South Korea and China already do). A more robust effort to renew the American industrial base and working class might actually help prevent a radical global retrenchment; a United States with a stronger internal infrastructure could better meet its international commitments. Until we find out, we will sit in our quarantined homes, watching and waiting to see what the future holds. More from National Review A man went to extraordinary lengths to protect himself from the coronavirus as he wore face-mask and hula-hoop on his commute. Footage shows the Australian walking down Erskine Street in Dubbo, in the New South Wales Central West suited up to protect himself from becoming infected. The video was captured by Twitter user Jake Smith on Tuesday who said it's 'not the sort of thing you'd see every day out here.' The video comes 24 hours after the introduction of tough regulations by the federal government on Wednesday around social distancing and public gatherings. Footage of a man in a full body protective suit was captured by Twitter User Jake Smith in Dubbo, New South Wales on Tuesday who said it's 'not the sort of thing you'd see every day out here' Smith said he was a 'bit taken back to see such drastic measures being taken in a regional area.' Dubbo has a population of 38,392 as of June 2018, according to the latest Census. A spokesperson for the Western New South Wales local health district confirmed there have been five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region, however none of these were in Dubbo. Dubbo Regional Council Manager of Corporate image and communications Andrew Parsons told the Daily Liberal they're monitoring the situation but all council services are still operating. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'We'd like to say it's business at normal but it's not business as normal because we're not working in normal times or conditions.' He told residents to keep a 'calm head and respectful head' as the situation escalates. This comes after announcements by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday for a ban on all non-essential indoor gatherings of greater than 100 people. The measure was coupled with instructions around strict social distancing, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres from other people. Six people have died in Australia, five of those in New South Wales as a result of coronavirus, with 267 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state as of 11am on Wednesday. SYDNEY/BERLIN (Reuters) - Airline industry turmoil deepened on Thursday as Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) told most of its 30,000 staff to take leave and Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) said the industry may not survive without state aid if the coronavirus pandemic lasted a long time. The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization called on governments to ensure cargo operations are not disrupted to maintain the availability of critical medicine and equipment such as ventilators and masks that will help reduce the spread of virus. The spread of the coronavirus has placed the entire global economy and our company as well in an unprecedented state of emergency, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said in a statement. At present, no one can foresee the consequences. His comments echo other industry executives who have called for state support now that passenger operations are collapsing at an unprecedented rate as governments curb travel drastically and demand slumps. Lufthansa said it had parked 700 of the groups 763 aircraft and its executive board would take a 20% pay cut. The company, which also owns Swiss International, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, said last week it was speaking to governments of countries where its units are based about possible aid. Shares in U.S. airlines fell sharply on Wednesday after Washington proposed a rescue package of $50 billion in loans, but no grants as the industry had requested, to help address the financial impact from crisis. The Trump administrations lending proposal would require airlines to maintain a certain amount of service and limit increases in executive pay until the loans are repaid. Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) said on Wednesday it would park more than 600 jets, cut corporate pay by as much as a half, and scale back flying by more than 70% until demand begins to recover. American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) in a memo to staff rebuffed criticism that it had rewarded its shareholders with too many dividends and stock buybacks in better times, leaving it with less cash to manage the crisis. Unfortunately, this is no ordinary rainy day, said Nate Gatten, Americans senior vice president global government affairs. These are extraordinary circumstances, and additional support is necessary to protect jobs and ensure that the flying public can continue to rely on our industry after the crisis ends. In Australia, Qantas said it would cut all international flights and two-thirds of its 30,000 workers would need to take paid or unpaid leave. The Australian government is banning the arrival of non-citizens and non-residents starting Friday. GOVERNMENT RELIEF Several governments have started to act. Government sources in India told Reuters that the government was planning a rescue package of up to $1.6 billion to aid carriers battered by coronavirus. Taiwans Transport ministry said on Thursday it was inviting its airlines to submit capital requirements and financial plans with the view to giving them assistance, such as rolling over loans and providing operating funds. New Zealand on Thursday outlined the first tranche of a NZ$600 million ($344 million) aviation relief package. The New Zealand government on Thursday said it would shut its borders to those who were not citizens or residents. Air New Zealand Ltd (AIR.NZ), which on Monday announced plans to maintain a bare-bones international flying schedule, expects to make further changes now, chief revenue officer Cam Wallace said on Twitter. Other carriers taking measures to survive include easyJet PLC (EZJ.L). The budget carrier and its U.K. pilot union signed an agreement to minimize the risk of pilot layoffs in Britain over the next 18 months, including a pay freeze and asking all crew to take unpaid leave for three months, according to a memo seen by Reuters. State-owned Emirates is also asking pilots and crew to take unpaid leave and rival Qatar Airways laid off about 200 staff. Kate Langbroek has revealed that a second person in her 'immediate circle' has been diagnosed with coronavirus in the Italian city of Bologna, where she has been living with her family since early 2019. The Australian radio presenter, 54, is now in day 16 of lockdown with her husband, Peter Allen Lewis, and their four children, Lewis, Sunday, Artie and Jan. She told her Instagram followers on Wednesday that the father of one of her children's friends had tested positive for COVID-19. Scroll down for video Closing in: Kate Langbroek has revealed that a second person in her 'immediate circle' has been diagnosed with coronavirus in the Italian city of Bologna, where she has been living with her family since early 2019. Pictured with her husband, Peter Allen Lewis Fortunately, schools have been closed in Italy for some time, which means Kate's family won't have been exposed to the virus from this person. Kate shared a text message she had received from the wife of the infected man, which read: 'Hallo to everyone. My son has already told his friends that my husband has caught Covid. He is at the hospital but he is doing fine. 'I just wanted to share the news with you all personally.' Pandemic: The Australian radio presenter, 54, is now in day 16 of lockdown with her husband, Peter Allen Lewis, and their four children, Lewis, Sunday, Artie and Jan 'He is at the hospital': Kate told her Instagram followers on Wednesday that the father of one of her children's friends had tested positive for COVID-19. She shared this text message she'd received from the wife of the infected man Kate explained this was the second case of COVID-19 in her 'immediate circle', after her yoga instructor was hospitalised with the virus. It comes after she hit back at an Internet troll who mocked her for moving overseas with her family before the coronavirus pandemic. The troll wrote: 'GREAT DECISION TO GO TO ITALY! I WONDER WHO DROVE THAT DECISION! #KARMA LOL. 'Let's spend 12 months in ITALY, that's a great idea for a lifestyle change. How's that working for you? In hindsight? Lol.' Worrying development: Kate explained this was the second case of COVID-19 in her 'immediate circle', after her yoga instructor was hospitalised with the virus 'GREAT DECISION TO GO TO ITALY!' It comes after Kate hit back at an Internet troll who mocked her for moving overseas with her family before the coronavirus pandemic Taking a stand: The mother-of-four, who relocated to Italy a full year before COVID-19 arrived in Europe, replied: 'Are you insane? Or just nasty?' The mother-of-four, who relocated to Italy a full year before COVID-19 arrived in Europe, replied: 'Are you insane? Or just nasty?' Kate lives in Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, which has become a ghost city amid the global health crisis. She has documented her experience on Instagram, sharing confronting photos of abandoned streets and empty churches, as well as describing some of the restrictions being enforced in public spaces. Quarantine: On Thursday, Kate shared this photo of her family dinner from day 16 of lockdown Abandoned: Kate lives in Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, which has become a ghost city amid the global health crisis A city in lockdown: She has documented her experience on Instagram, sharing confronting photos of abandoned streets and empty churches, as well as describing some of the restrictions being enforced in public spaces Meanwhile, she has been home schooling her children in recent weeks due to the nationwide closure of education facilities. The family relocated to Italy in January 2019 for what was supposed to be a 'gap year' but they have since extended their stay for another 12 months. Italy has now overtaken China as the country with the most coronavirus deaths after suffering 427 more fatalities, taking the total number to 3,405. Staying put: Kate has been home schooling her children in recent weeks due to the nationwide closure of education facilities Expat life: The family relocated to Italy in January 2019 for what was supposed to be a 'gap year' but they have since extended their stay for another 12 months The country is in the middle of an unprecedented national lockdown that will be extended beyond the April 3 deadline, according to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December and has since spread to more than 200,000 people worldwide, and killed almost 10,000. It was recognised as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11. Terrifying: Italy has now overtaken China as the country with the most coronavirus deaths after suffering 427 more fatalities, taking the total number to 3,405 That statement to the law school, a copy of which The Gazette has obtained, said in part that Walter was disrespectful, unable to complete her work and that "her mental stability was questionable." In a statement to The Gazette, Berst said that her client was absolutely not mentally unstable and that there was no basis for Harada to have raised that as a concern. Harada had threatened Walter with blackballing her law school application back in 2017, Berst said. But until the formal complaint against Harada was made public in January, Walter did not know Harada had followed through, the attorney said. Walter graduated magna cum laude from Rocky Mountain College in December 2018. While she was denied admission at the Montana law school, her attorney said she was admitted at the two other schools where she applied, which were the University of Idaho and the University of North Dakota law schools. Todd also criticized Haradas explanation for having permitted an endorsement by the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee to remain on her campaign Facebook page, despite rules prohibiting judges from accepting partisan endorsements. The number of COVID-19 cases has reached 169, with three deaths. Bishops urge people to avoid panic and blind violence". A patient commits suicide by jumping from the seventh floor of a hospital. Two students were attacked because for allegedly testing positive. Priests and believers are to follow certain guidelines during the Easter Triduum. New Delhi (AsiaNews) The North East India Regional Bishops Council (NEIRBC) issued a set of guidelines to contain the spread of coronavirus following a two-day meeting at the pastoral centre in Dibrugarh, Assam. According to the instructions, Catholics are dispensed from attending Sunday Mass and are urged to avoid gatherings, doing the sign of peace, kissing the crucifix or using a single towel to wash the feet on Holy Thursday; however, churches will remain open for individual worshippers who want to pray. NEIRBC spokesman Fr Felix Anthony said that Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati, who heads the Council, has made an appeal to Catholic believers, parishes and the wider community. For a start, on behalf of the Council, the prelate is urging people to follow the guidelines and instructions of their respective States to contain the spread of the pandemic. Above all, people are urged to comply with health regulations and take the necessary precautions to avoid panic, as fear is more dangerous than the virus itself. In at least one case, fear has led to a death. A man who tested positive to COVID-19 took his own life by jumping from the seventh floor of a Delhi hospital after he was sent there by airport authorities. At present, the number of positive cases in India has risen to 169, with three deaths. The government has called on Indians to stay at home as much as possible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak to the nation tonight. Fear also takes the form of blind violence sparked by suspicion and rumours, which the bishops condemn, Fr Anthony said. Such reactions are reportedly behind an incident near the North Campus of the University of Delhi, where six men attacked two students from north-eastern India for allegedly carrying the coronavirus. To counter this, the bishops have appealed for peace and an end to discrimination against people from this region at such a critical time. According to NEIRBC guidelines, water stoops must also be emptied and holy communion should be given in the hand. In some parishes, the local pastors are issuing guidelines for Easter Triduum celebrations. On Holy Thursday, priests will use disposable wipes, not the same towel to wash feet; on Good Friday the faithful must avoid kissing the cross, and must instead bow before Christ the Redeemer. The NEIRBC also asks priests to avoid physical contact when they pray at a sick person's bedside or when they receive offerings. The Council has also called on health experts to engage in educational outreach to help people maintain proper health standards, recognise the symptoms of the virus, and prevent infection. In the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, the Ganga-Aarti at the 'Har Ki Pauri' Ghat in Haridwar will be live-streamed for the devotees. This comes after the Haridwar District Magistrate, C Ravishankar issued an order prohibiting the entry of visitors to the Ganga Aarti until March 31 as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. It has been advised by the government to avoid large public gatherings. Central and state governments have taken several precautionary measures in order to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday issued an order allowing government employees to work from home from March 19 till March 24. However, the order does not apply to employees of health, police, transport, food and water supply, electricity and sanitation departments. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the tally to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected with the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. No fatality has been reported in the last 24 hours in the country. According to data, Maharashtra continues to have the highest number of cases among all states with 45 postive cases including three foreign nationals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ITHACA, N.Y. - New Cornell University research is producing a more accurate historical timeline for the occupation of Native American sites in upstate New York, based on radiocarbon dating of organic materials and statistical modeling. The results from the study of a dozen sites in the Mohawk Valley were recently published in the online journal PLoS ONE by Sturt Manning, professor of classical archaeology; and John Hart, curator in the research and collections division of the New York State Museum in Albany. The findings, Manning said, are helping to refine our understanding of the social, political and economic history of the Mohawk Valley region at the time of early European intervention. The work is part of the Dating Iroquoia Project, involving researchers from Cornell, the University of Georgia and the New York State Museum, and supported by the National Science Foundation. The new paper continues and expands upon research on four Iroquoian (Wendat) sites in southern Ontario, published by the project team in 2018. Using similar radiocarbon dating and statistical analysis methods, the 2018 findings also impacted timelines of Iroquoian history and European contact. "The Mohawk case was chosen because it is an iconic series of indigenous sites and was subject to one of the first big dating efforts in the 1990s," said Manning. "We have now examined a southern Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) case as well as a northern Iroquois (Wendat) case, and we again find that the previous dating scheme is flawed and needs revision." The Mohawk and Hudson river valleys were key inland routes for Europeans entering the region from the coast in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Colonization of the new world enriched Europe - Manning has described this period as "the beginning of the globalized world" - but brought disease and genocide to indigenous peoples, and their history during this time is often viewed in terms of trade and migration. The standard timeline created for historical narratives of indigenous settlement, Manning noted, has largely been based on the presence or absence of types of European trade goods - e.g., metal items or glass beads. Belying this Eurocentric colonial lens, trade practices differed from one native community to another, and not all of them accepted contact with, or goods from, European settlers. To clarify the origins of metal goods found in the upstate New York settlements, the team used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis to determine whether copper artifacts were of native or European origin. They then also re-assessed the dates of the sites using radiocarbon dating coupled with Bayesian statistical analysis. Bayesian analysis, Manning explained, is "a statistical method that integrates prior knowledge in order to better define the probability parameters around a question or unknown. In this case, archaeological and ethno-historic information was combined with data from a large set of radiocarbon dates in order to estimate occupation dates for a set of Mohawk villages across the 13th to early 17th centuries." The focus was on the period from the late 15th to the early 17th century, he said, or "the long 16th century of change in the northeast." The results "add to a growing appreciation of the interregional variations in the circulation and adoption patterns of European goods in northeastern North America in the 16th to earlier 17th centuries," Manning said. In previous indigenous site studies, where artifacts indicated trade interactions, researchers might assume "that trade goods were equally available, and wanted, all over the region," and that different indigenous groups shared common trade practices, he said. Direct radiocarbon dating of organic matter, such as maize kernels, tests those assumptions and removes the colonial lens, allowing an independent timeframe for historical narratives, Manning said. At several major Iroquois sites lacking close European connections, independent radiocarbon studies indicate substantially different date ranges from the previous estimates based on trade goods. "The re-dating of a number of Iroquoian sites also raises questions about the social, political and economic history of indigenous communities from the 14th to the 17th centuries," Manning said. "For example ... a shift to larger and fortified communities, and evidence of increased conflict," was previously thought to have occurred around the mid-15th century. But the radiocarbon findings from some larger sites in Ontario and their cultivated maize fields - 2,000 acres or more in some instances - date the sites from the mid-16th to the start of the 17th century, he said. "However, as this New York state study shows, other areas had their own and differing trajectories. Thus with direct dating we start to see real, lived, histories of communities, and not some imposed generic assessment," Manning said. "The emerging new and independent timeframe for northeast North America will now form the basis of a wider indigenous history," Manning said, "free from a Eurocentric bias, with several past assumptions open for an overdue rethink." ### Cornell University has dedicated television and audio studios available for media interviews supporting full HD, ISDN and web-based platforms. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has been the victim of plenty of rumors among the negativity, the media have accused her of changing Prince Harry for the worse. While Prince Harry and Meghans exit from the royal family will help to quiet that scrutiny, there are still critics who believe shes at fault for a number of things, with one royal expert claiming shes turned Harry into an awful, sad man. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince Harry and Meghan are done with their royal duties In January, the Sussexes announced their bombshell plan to take a step back from their royal duties and Queen Elizabeth gave her blessing. In order to leave the family, however, Prince Harry and Meghan had to give up their HRH titles and no longer receive public funding. The queen shared her support of their decision in a statement at the time. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life, she said, in part. Prince Harry later remarked during a speech how their decision was not one that was made lightly and that the move was necessary to protect his family and finally escape the constant public and media scrutiny. One royal expert thinks Meghan has been acting and changed Harry Royal photographer Arthur Edwards shared his inside perspective on Meghan and how he believes that the duchess may have been acting while in her royal role. She is an actress and for the first year I thought she was wonderful. I thought she was a great ambassador for the country. I now realize it was acting, he explained to Dan Wootton on talkRADIO. He added, She turned Harry into this dour, awful, sad man. When Wootton asked, So you think Meghan was acting when she first took on the royal role?, Edwards shared, I think she was playing a very good part. They say Meghan gets what Meghan wants but Ill tell you this, shes lost the love of the British public and shes got to work very hard to get that back. It feels like Meghan had made her mind up, Wootton noted, adding, Nothing was going to keep her in the UK in the end. Whats next for Harry and Meghan? The photographer and host further discussed what might be next for the Sussexes, with Edwards sharing, And you wonder what it is in America thats drawn her there whether shes had an offer of a big film. He continued, I wouldnt be surprised because any producer that would put her in a film would sell a lot of tickets because we would all want to go and see it. While there may be acting opportunities for Meghan and the couple can enjoy a life out of the spotlight, Edwards believes that Prince Harry will miss his old life. I personally think that he will come back and whether she comes or not, I dont know, Edwards shared. He will miss it so much. Hell miss his own family and hell miss this country, he added. Far From Home unveils the first gameplay teaser for their sci-fi, action-survival game coming to Steam Early Access in 2022 and later to consoles. President Trump speaks during a news briefing with members of the coronavirus task force at the White House on Wednesday. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) It seemed for a moment that the challenge of leading a nation through a global pandemic might have tempered President Trump's worst impulses to settle scores, blame others and promote his own political fortunes. Then he said Wednesday that he was invoking the Defense Production Act to help fight our war against the Chinese virus. His choice of words was not a faux pas. Trump has been using the provocative term regularly even though he's been criticized for it (and maybe even because he has been), suggesting that China is the villain behind America's predicament rather than a victim of the same outbreak. It put a sour spin on what was an otherwise important announcement about the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic. The nation is facing a critical shortage of needed medical supplies and equipment, from ventilators to swabs. By wisely invoking the wartime powers law, Trump enabled the federal government to order manufacturers to produce these vital goods. Ironically, the Defense Protection Act is necessary in part because of Trumps imprudent fixation on China. His trade war placed tariffs on a vast array of Chinese-made products, including things we really need right now, such as medical equipment and protective gear for healthcare providers. As a result, China shifted its focus to other countries, and its sales to the U.S. slumped. But instead of engaging in introspection about how his policies might have played a role in the shortage, not to mention in the United States' delayed response to the outbreak, the president as usual tried to shift blame elsewhere. When asked by a reporter why he continued to refer to the coronavirus in terms that offended Chinese officials, Trump responded petulantly, Because it comes from China. Thats why," adding that Chinese officials shouldn't have said the outbreak was caused by an American soldier. No, they shouldn't have; there's absolutely no evidence to suggest that. Nevertheless, its rich to hear Trump complain about the conspiracy theory, given that he routinely trades in disinformation, legitimizing crackpot ideas while raising suspicions about objective facts. The war of words between the two countries comes at a time when, like it or not, the U.S. needs China more than ever. Not just for producing so many products on which we depend, but for the knowledge gained by virtue of suffering through the first outbreak. We need all the data and all the help we can get right now about what worked and what didn't to prepare for the expected onslaught of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Trump, to put it mildly, doesn't play well with other countries; his America first policy leans more toward barring immigrants, building walls and alienating traditional allies. But this crisis, like the climate crisis and other global challenges, is a reminder that we can't sequester ourselves from the rest of the world and its problems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation today to talk about the steps taken by the government and civil intiatives that need to be taken to fight coronavirus. In his address, PM Modi urged the people to observe janta curfew - a self-imposed curfew by the public, for the public - on March 22 between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm. He also assured that the government is taking steps to ensure sufficient supply of essential goods and there is no need for panic buying. PM Modi also announced COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force that will take decisions regarding the economic implications of coronavirus after consulting with the stakeholders. The Prime Minister urged Indians to avoid coming out of homes as much as possible. "I also urge senior citizens of over 65 years to not step outside their homes in the next few weeks," said PM Modi. He asked people to applaud people to applaud the doctors, sanitary workers, government officials and others who are still at the frontline in these times of epidemic. PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday evening. After the meeting, the PMO announced that the PM would address the nation on Thursday at 8:00 pm. Also Read: 10 questions on coronavirus India expects PM Modi to answer tonight Also Read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Fourth COVID-19 death recorded in Punjab, toll rises to 4 Follow live updates from PM Narendra Modi's speech on BusinessToday.In: 9.15 pm: Janta Curfew will lead to loss of livelihood: Congress leader Sanjay Jha 8.32 pm: Protect ourselves, protect then nation, protect the world, says PM Modi. 8.31 pm: Contribute to the fight against coronavirus, says PM Modi. 8.31 pm: Prioritise protecting youself from coronavirus, says PM Modi. 8.27 pm: Steps taken to ensure supply of essential items; don't go for panic buying, says PM Modi. 8.26 pm: I would request employers to not cut the wages of those who can't come to work, says PM Modi 8.26 pm: Coronavirus pandemic has affected the middle class, lower middle class and the poor, says PM Modi 8.25 pm: PM Modi announces COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force. 8.23 pm: Coronavirus pandemic is affecting the economy, says PM Modi. 8.22 pm: Don't burden hospitals, take advice from doctors on the phone, says PM Modi 8.21 pm: On March 22, 5:00 pm, we should extend gratitude towards those who are fulfilling their duties in these times, says PM Modi. 8.20 pm: All outdoor services can't be called common anymore. Those who work outdoors are doing a service to the nation, says PM Modi. 8.18 pm: Urge state governments to take initiative for janta curfew, says PM Modi. 8.18 pm: This janta curfew will help us prepare for coming hardships, says PM Modi. 8.18 pm: You can also call 10 people and make them aware about the janata curfew: PM Modi. 8.18 pm: This janata curfew on March 22 will help us acquaint ourselves with self-isolation, says PM Modi. 8.17 pm: I urge citizens to observe janata curfew on March 22 from 7am to 9pm: PM Modi. 8.15 pm: PM Modi proposes Janata curfew - by janata, for janata. 8.15 pm: It is possible that our senior generations are not fully aware of the situation: PM Modi. 8.14 pm: I also urge senior citizens of over 65 years to not step outside their homes in the next few weeks, says PM Modi. 8.13 pm: Social distancing in times of coronavirus extremely important and effective, says PM Modi. 8.11 pm: I urge you to step outside only when it is of extreme importance for the next few weeks, says PM Modi. 8.10 pm: Work from home as much as possible, says PM Modi 8:07 pm: We must follow all instructions of authorities to ensure we are not infected and also pledge to protect othera from getting infected, says PM Modi. 8:07 pm: We need to be determined and patient, says PM Modi. 8:07 pm: In a country like India with 130 crore population the threat of coronavirus is not common, says PM Modi. 8.05 pm: Every Indian needs to be vigilant, says PM Modi. 8.05 pm: I want some of your time in the coming weeks, says PM Modi 8:05 pm: Indian govt is fully monitoring the pandemic, says PM Modi. 8:01 pm: Coronavirus affects more countries than previous two world wars, says PM Narendra Modi. 8:00 pm: PM Narendra Modi will address the nation shortly. He said that while cases in India appeared on the lower side, it would be a mistake to think that the country is safe from the pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country at 8 pm today. It had earlier been announced that he would talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. As of March 19, 180 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in the country and four people have lost their lives. Incorrect to think that coronavirus is not a threat PM Modi started by acknowledging the difficult time the whole world is going through and said that not even the world wars affected so many people at the same time. He said that while cases in India appeared on the lower side, it would be a mistake to think that the country is safe from the pandemic. In other countries as well, cases first started as a trickle and then increased exponentially. Modi acknowledged that for a developing country with a large population, Coronavirus presents an especially difficult challenge. To combat it, health advisories such as social distancing must be followed as this contributes to lower levels of community transmission. Stay at home and work from home, if possible The PM said that in the coming weeks, the country needs to practice restraint. Only those providing essential services, or ones in extenuating circumstances, should leave their homes. Specifically, those over 60 should avoid going out and remain indoors which is where they will be the safest. He requests the country to observe Janta Curfew or peoples curfew on Sunday, March 22. Modi urged everyone to stay indoors between 7 am and 9 pm on this day to show that the country was ready to do the needful to limit the pandemic. Modi urged all those listening to inform at least 10 other people about the curfew so that it is more successfully implemented. Those involved in providing essential services such as doctors, nurses, police and media would still go to work - as they continuously have been during this difficult time. To commemorate their efforts and acknowledge their indispensable contribution to the country, the public is requested to clap their hands and ring bells from their balconies or windows at 5 pm on Sunday, March 22. Further, high-income families and those employing other people were urged to not cut salaries and dissuaded against layoffs. Do not panic buy, and do not inundate hospitals He also said that at times like these, the medical and public health infrastructure is stretched - so it is advisable to not visit your doctor for routine checkups in the immediate future. Unless it is an emergency, do not visit hospitals. If you can, contact your family physician on the phone for guidance instead. Visiting hospitals right now may expose you to other infections. The PM said that activities such as hoarding and bulk buying put a strain on the supply of essential commodities and makes them harder to procure for those who need them. He assured that there will be no shortage of essentials to ease the fears of the public and to discourage hoarding. Under the leadership of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a COVID-19 economic recovery task force will be instituted to help combat the economic fallout of the pandemic. The PM closed by urging solidarity and determination in navigating the challenging times ahead. For more tips, read our article on Coronavirus Infection: Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment. Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health. As testing capabilities ramp up, coronavirus infection totals continue to climb at an exponential rate in the United States as government authorities at the federal, state and local levels are still implementing extreme measures in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus, which has now killed more than 9,000 people worldwide. The U.S. had surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 by Thursday morning, according to data by Johns Hopkins University, with more than 4,000 reported in New York state. As of the most recent update from the California Department of Public Health, the state confirmed 598 positive cases and 13 deaths as of 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Johns Hopkins map, as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, tracked more than 850 cases and 16 deaths in California. In unprecedented measures designed to flatten the growth curve of the virus and keep infection totals to a rate that healthcare systems can manage, a number of California counties have put mandatory "shelter-in-place" orders in effect, so far mainly in the Bay Area. That means that as of early Thursday, more than 9 million Californians -- close to 25 percent of the state's population -- have been told to stay home except for essential reasons such as grocery shopping. Businesses deemed nonessential have been temporarily shuttered. An enormous number of events and large gatherings throughout the state and the nation, from college graduation ceremonies to concerts and music festival to all major sports, have ceased almost completely. California needs swabs, masks and ventilators, Newsom says Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said California's lack of swabs, a key element in coronavirus testing kits, is halting the ability to expand drive-up test sites. Widespread, easily accessible testing is viewed as a critical step in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Newsom said he spoke with President Donald Trump on Tuesday and the president promised the state more swabs. Newsom has repeatedly said he has no criticism for Trump's coronavirus response. Yet his state is still waiting on needed equipment from the federal government to run tests and prepare its medical system for a surge in new patients -- equipment the Democratic governor says he's been requesting for weeks. In addition to swabs, Newsom says the state relies on the federal government to provide more chemical reagents to actually run the tests. California has called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for more ventilators, protective glasses, masks and gowns. In a Wednesday news conference, Newsom described desperate hospital officials asking seamstresses in Los Angeles' garment district to sew more masks, buying swimming goggles for medical workers and running to hardware stores for gloves. "We certainly are going to need more support," Newsom said. Latest closures: DMV driving tests, more shopping centers The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday all walk-in visits and all driving tests are suspended for at least the next 30 days, starting Thursday. This means DMV offices statewide will turn away anyone who comes in without an appointment. They also shortened their hours, which had been extended due to customers seeking Real ID licenses ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline. Going forward, DMV offices will be open for appointments only on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The decision came as both DMV customers and employees complained the agency isn't doing enough to protect people from the spread of COVID-19. Jump, the red, shareable e-bicycles and scooters popular on the Sacramento grid, is suspending service in that market to curb COVID-19 spread, parent company Uber announced late Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, the Folsom Premium Outlets became the second major Sacramento-area shopping center, after Arden Fair mall, to shut down due to the pandemic. The outlets will close through March 29. The Westfield Galleria at Roseville in an update Thursday morning announced that most of its stores are temporarily closed, but that some retailers "may still be open so that 'essential' retail remains in operation for customers." Mall officials asked customers to check the galleria's website for those stores and their hours, but to also confirm with the individual stores directly. What does sheltering in place mean? Which counties are doing it? Yolo County on Wednesday joined 10 Bay Area jurisdictions in legally mandating a "shelter-in-place" order, becoming the first in the four-county Sacramento region to do so. San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties gave the order Monday; Monterey, Sonoma and San Benito counties did the same Tuesday; and Yolo County and the city of Fresno did so Wednesday. Ventura County on Tuesday issued a shelter-in-place for older residents only, the Los Angeles Times reports. Sacramento and Placer county leaders have strongly urged residents to follow a "stay-at-home" directive, but the order was not a legal mandate as of Thursday morning. Yolo's order, which is similar to those in place in the Bay Area, "limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs," the county said in a statement. Violation is a misdemeanor, the order states. The order defines "essential" activities to include those related to health and safety; shopping for food or other necessary supplies; outdoor activities such as walking, hiking or running so long as social distancing is maintained; and traveling to or from work at an essential business which include grocery stores, health care, "essential infrastructure," gas stations, banks and several others. It also calls for all Yolo County residents to "shelter at their place of residence" and "at all times as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person" except those within their household. Yolo County spokeswoman Jenny Tan said health officials have talked with law enforcement officials and asked them to educate people they approach who are violating the order, only taking enforcement action against "egregious" violations. Supermarkets respond to supply issues, apparent hoarding West Sacramento-headquartered Raley's, one of Northern California's predominant supermarket chains, is working with suppliers to prioritize restocking shelves, Raley's CEO Keith Knopf said in a statement posted on the company's website. Until demand returns to normal, Knopf says Raley's has a limit of two-per-family on some items, including milk, eggs, water, fresh-packaged chicken and paper products. Raley's is also is mass hiring personal shoppers to meet the extreme demands and the company is reaching out to business partners, such as hotel and restaurants, to provide their temporarily displaced employees work opportunities, Knopf said. Wendy Gutshall, a spokeswoman for Safeway, said that that chain is asking customers to respect quantity limits of select, high-demand items such as hand sanitizers and household cleaners. Gutshall urged customers to check with their local store about specific stock levels and purchase limits, and noted that some stores have adjusted business hours to give employees time to restock and sanitize stores. Save Mart is trying to hire nearly 1,000 employees throughout California and northern Nevada due to increasing demands. Spokeswoman Victoria Castro told The Sacramento Bee on Wednesday that the Modesto-based company has "a steady stream of products coming in from our warehouses." Where do the coronavirus numbers stand? By 7 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, a map and data maintained by Johns Hopkins University showed more than 229,000 global cases of the coronavirus and over 9,300 deaths. While 81,000 of those cases are in mainland China, the rate of confirmed, reported cases there has slowed considerably. Italy, with nearly 36,000 infections and almost 3,000 deaths, is quickly approaching China's death toll of 3,100 and is considered the current epicenter of coronavirus activity. The United States had more than 9,400 COVID-19 cases as of Thursday morning, according to Johns Hopkins, fewer than Iran (more than 18,000), Spain (17,000) and Germany (14,000) but surpassing France (9,000) and South Korea (just over 8,500). Johns Hopkins now tallies more than 150 deaths across the United States, with 68 in Washington state, 20 in New York and 16 in California. Reminder: What is COVID-19? How is it spread? Coronavirus is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The CDC says it's possible to catch the disease COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it, and then touching your own face, "but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads." Symptoms of the virus that causes COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, which may occur two days to two weeks after exposure. Most develop only mild symptoms, but some people develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal. The disease is especially dangerous to the elderly and others with weaker immune systems. Sacramento Bee reporters Rosalio Ahumada, Cathie Anderson, Tony Bizjak, Sophia Bollag, Dale Kasler, Andrew Sheeler and Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks; and McClatchyDC reporter Michael Wilner contributed to this report. Editor's Note: Because of the health implications of the COVID-19 virus, this article is being made available free to all online readers. If you'd like to join us in supporting the mission of local journalism, please visit napavalleyregister.com/members/join/. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ford's Portside Anchor Makes Splash for First Time Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200318-05 Release Date: 3/18/2020 4:03:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ruben Reed, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducted an inaugural anchoring evolution during its independent steaming event on March 15. It was the first time Ford conducted the evolution using its portside anchor. he successful port anchoring will allow greater flexibility for Ford in future sea and anchor evolutions, accommodating various sea conditions with additional maneuverability. "Everyone in the forecastle to the bridge watch team who participated did an excellent job," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Hinkley, Ford's First Lieutenant. "The communication was great and it gave our team a chance to remain proficient on a complex evolution such as this." Deck department is the team responsible for maintaining and operating the anchor and its chain in the ship's forecastle. During an anchoring evolution, deck department utilizes nearly a dozen Sailors to stand watches to include a safety observer, riggers, brakemen, and phone talkers who communicate with the teams in the pilot house. "With the few times we've done this evolution we couldn't have asked for better teamwork from everyone," said Hinkley. "The bridge team did an outstanding job communicating with our team in the forecastle when we were in the right position to drop the anchor." Before the anchor can be dropped, deck department Sailors make the anchors ready for letting go by disengaging the wildcat from the anchor windlass and removing the chain stoppers from the chain. Together with the officer of the deck and members of Ford's navigation department, the bridge watch team calculates wind and sea conditions then drives the ship over the anchor drop point, and communicates with deck department in the forecastle to release the anchor. Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Dunn, one of Ford's operations officers, stood as the officer of the deck during the evolution and noted the effective communication between Sailors across the ship. "Communication between the Sailors in the forecastle were clear and improved everyone's situational awareness as we all learned more about the operations of the windlass on the port side anchor system," said Dunn. "Deck department communicated to us on the bridge and we were able to respond thanks to effective communication and alertness of our bridge watch team." Ford is the only aircraft carrier in service to own 15 ton light weight anchors, Nimitz-class aircraft carriers operate 30 ton anchors. Ford's anchor chain is also three and a half inches in diameter compared to the four and three quarters diameter of Nimitz-class carriers. These differences highlight the necessity of training and focus with everyone from the newest Sailors to the most experienced officers when conducting anchoring evolutions. "We have to conduct these evolutions to maintain or proficiency and remain up to date on our qualifications," said Chief Warrant Officer Steven Sturm, Ford's ship's boatswain. "Those qualifications cover multiple watch stations and even more Sailors including new check-ins, officers of the deck, safety observers and even senior officers." Ford now has two tested anchors ready for all sea and anchor evolutions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") has been monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and the potential impact at B2Gold's operations since mid-February and, as such, has put measures in place and introduced additional precautionary steps to manage and respond to the risks associated with COVID-19 to ensure the safety of our employees and surrounding communities where we work while continuing to operate. All B2Gold corporate personnel travel has been restricted to absolute minimum requirements and employees in the corporate offices have been encouraged to work remotely. At each of our mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, and at our development project in Colombia, we have implemented several control measures for dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19. These include pre-screening for symptoms and travel history with possible COVID-19 exposure of any employees, visitors and contractors (site personnel) prior to any travel to or from a site and isolation, where necessary, from the general site population. Each site has implemented restrictions and isolation procedures that are particular to each region's situation and response capabilities. Procedures continue to evolve according to the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control guidelines as more becomes known about the virus. The Company is regularly monitoring the situation and following local and national health authority requirements and recommendations. A critical care specialist has been consulting the Company on the guidelines and global implementation. To date, B2Gold has not experienced any incidents related to COVID-19 at its sites or corporate offices and continues to operate all mine facilities and is proceeding with its projects as previously planned. The mill expansion and solar facility projects at the Fekola Mine in Mali are still projected for completion in the third quarter of 2020, the Gramalote Project in Colombia continues to drill off the Inferred Mineral Resource and progress its feasibility study, and development of the underground mine at Otjikoto in Namibia is moving forward. The Company does not expect material delays in the current schedules, but will continue to monitor the situation, seek advice from specialists where required and adjust plans, if necessary, to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. B2Gold continues to engage with local stakeholders to prevent the virus from entering the communities around our operations. Education programs are being put into place to protect the communities by promoting hygienic practices and limit social interactions in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. About B2Gold Corp. B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including Mali and Colombia. In 2020, B2Gold forecasts consolidated gold production of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. "Clive T. Johnson" President & Chief Executive Officer For more information on B2Gold, please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact: Ian MacLean Katie Bromley Vice President, Investor Relations Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations +1 604-681-8371 +1 604-681-8371 [email protected] [email protected] The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance; statements regarding activities or achievements of B2Gold including, without limitation: consolidated gold production of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces in 2020. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the outcome of the ongoing tax assessment by the Colombian Tax Office (DIAN) in respect of the Gramalote property; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors relating to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. SOURCE B2Gold Corp. China on Thursday said it was ready to share its experience of epidemic prevention with New Delhi as the coronavirus pandemic looks to grip India and it announces aggressive containment measures against it. The Chinese foreign ministry said it could help with both the control and diagnosis of the spread of the disease in India. Saying it admires and appreciates the support from the Indian society in its fight against the novel coronavirus or Covid-19 crisis, the ministry added that China guarantees the health and safety of Indian citizens in China. Beijing made the overture to New Delhi on a day when China reported zero domestic transmissions for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak started, emerging from the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and then blowing up into a pandemic within several weeks. It was a change of tact from Beijing, which less than a month before had seemingly delayed the third Indian relief-evacuation flight to and from the outbreak epicentre Wuhan following New Delhis decision to ban the export of protective clothing to all countries including China in January. China is ready to continue to share its experience in epidemic prevention and control and diagnosis and treatment with the Indian side, and will provide further support and assistance within its capacity according to the needs of the Indian side, the Chinese foreign ministry told HT in a statement. China and India, the only two major countries with more than 1 billion people, face common challenges in public health, the statement said. At the peak of the outbreak in February, China was reporting thousands of new cases of infection and hundreds of deaths in a day. That number has dramatically fallen, the Chinese government says because of the stringent measures it took to contain the disease in Hubei while it is spreading like wildfire globally. At present, the new outbreak of pneumonia in many parts of the world, the epidemic prevention situation is grim. The foreign ministry said the Chinese embassy in New Delhi was in contact with health authorities in India to keep New Delhi informed about the evolving coronavirus outbreak situation in China. The Chinese embassy in India has established a contact mechanism with the Indian health authorities to keep the Indian side informed of the situation and progress in a timely manner, the statement said. India was one of the first countries to issue travel advisories and put in place a surveillance system at airports for travellers coming in from China in January. Since the outbreak of the new pneumonia, China and India have actively conducted communication and cooperation on epidemic prevention and control, the statement said. It added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a letter of condolence to President Xi Jinping on the crisis, and foreign minister S Jaishankar had a telephone conversation with state councilor and foreign minister, Wang Yi on it. The Indian side has also provided medical supplies to China. We admire and appreciate the support from all sectors of the Indian society for Chinas anti-epidemic efforts in various ways, the foreign ministry said. The Indian government had sent 15 tons of medical supplies to China on an Indian Air Force flight that also took back about a 100 Indians from Wuhan and Hubei on its way back in the last week of February. The Indian medical assistance to China comprised masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment. This assistance has been provided in the wake the Corona virus (Covid 19) outbreak in China and the request by China to provide supplies such as masks and medical equipment, an Indian government statement had then said. Earlier in February, New Delhi evacuated more than 300 Indians in two special Air India flights from Wuhan. Spur Oil No. 7 BP, a gas station in London, Kentucky, decided to cut the price of its unleaded gasoline to 99 cents on Wednesday as a way to help the community in tough times. The surprise sale spurred customers to pack the station's parking lot and spill into the road as they waited to fill up. Once word spread, the gas quickly sold out. Gas Buddy Media Relations rep and Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan tweeted this morning that the Kentucky gas station listed a price of $0.99. Without context, it would seem that the insanely low price could be the result of the recent economic downturn amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and that's part of it, but the cheap gas is a bit deeper than that. According to the Gas Buddy app, other gas stations near this specific Spur Oil are listing unleaded for $1.39 at Liberty gas, $1.79 at Circle K, $1.85 at a different BP, $1.85 at Sunoco, and so on. Spur Oil is doing this as a way to help others and create a positive moment in a time when they are few and far between. According to local station WYMT, a note posted at the station read: During this DIFFICULT time, we would like to give back to our COMMUNITY by offering LOWER FUEL PRICES at .99 cents for UNLEADED, as long as we can. At this time, we are ONLY offering this price at our #7 location in Laurel County. #Kentucky Strong #ShopLocal #GiveBack. Autoblog tried to call Spur Oil No. 7 BP this morning, but the lady who answered simply said, "Everybody's real busy right now," and hung up. We're sure she's right. According to Gas Buddy data, several states across the United States have averages below $2, but none of them are anywhere near $1. The cheapest state is Oklahoma with an average price of $1.77, while Kentucky has an average price of $1.92. Only California and Hawaii remain more expensive than $3, with average prices of $3.26 and $3.43, respectively. Spur Oil has not determined just how long it will continue the sale. For more information on the story, watch the video report on WYMT. Story continues In 2018 I wrote about DISEASE X that the World Health Organization claimed was a priority. An infectious disease expert said the world must prepared for the next deadly flu pandemic that is predicted to kill 200 million and the infectious disease industry needed $7.5 billion to prevent it. Well, they never got paid off, so in mafia fashion, DISEASE X just arrived. What just happened to America? Im writing for many Americans who want someone to cogently put into words to what Americans are experiencing and seeing with their own eyes. I recall as a young man peering at photos in Life Magazine of Russian people standing in a long line for food, and there was little or no meat beneath the refrigerated glass case. I read that by scarcity of food, the people were controlled, kept from rebelling against their government. I woke up today, Monday, March 16, to the same scarcity scenes I recalled from my youth. I wondered what America had just become. America is said to be facing a coronavirus that is not as virulent or deadly than the seasonal influenza virus this flu season, yet the nation is being placed in quarantine and the national guard is said to be readying for urban lockdown. All this onerous social and economic control over a worst-case scenario that predicts millions of coronavirus deaths in the U.S., which is not likely to ever happen, that is, unless the sun doesnt shine come spring. Placement of sun lamps in elder-care facilities would remedy a lot of excess disease in winter months, not just coronavirus. The idea of allowing disease to infectious disease to occur, albeit only to result in mortal consequences in a small segment of the population, and then enforce quarantines to halt the spread of what amounts to sun deprivation disease is a total misdirection in health care. No need to hoard The government cop-out is that there is no need to hoard necessities. But tell that to people who have lived through similar scenarios overseas. Order them to stay indoors for two weeks and just how would they have enough necessities to survive without stocking up for what initially was said was going to be an 8-week quarantine. Going through the motions of a contrived viral epidemic just for the sake of political posturing is the current state of our polarized country. What will get a political party elected come November reigns over what is the best course health-wise. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Refuse to lockdown the country in quarantine and every death will be blamed on political inaction. But there will be a steep price to pay. In 2009 I wrote: Recall the swine flu scare of 1976. In a politically charged atmosphere where Gerald Ford was seeking election to the Presidency, the swine flu suddenly appeared at a military base. A vaccine was produced and millions of Americans were vaccinated. But the vaccine was worse than the disease, causing hundreds of cases of Guillain Barre syndrome and a few deaths. In a replay of the past, the White House is directly involved in promoting the H1N1 2009 swine flu vaccine. The federal government will use federal funds to pay off schools to administer vaccines, promote vaccination via highway billboards and TV advertisements, and conduct military-style mass inoculations in such rapid fashion that if side effects occur, it will be too late. The masses will have been vaccinated already. Over $9 billion has been allotted by the federal government to develop and deliver an unproven and experimental flu vaccine. Dont be a guinea pig for the government. And when the federal government needs to hide a flu epidemic linked to a hot lot vaccine, they can do that too. The fact that modern medicine has induced the public to be sun-phobic to avoid skin cancers comes at the price of weakened immunity. Will the real America ever return? America just may never revert back to the country it was just a few days ago. And all the kings horses and all the kings men couldnt put humpty together again. People are not going to just snap out of their fear of person-to-person contact after a coerced 15-day quarantine and go right back to dining out, sending their kids back to public school, and going with grandma to church on Sunday, with no regard for what just happened. We will see if the 75+ year-olds even decide to go back to church and many housewives may just opt to have groceries delivered and out of necessity, cook food at home in an effort to try and catch up financially after a 15-day quarantine. And why not keep the kids at home to school them? School administrators are thinking of cancelling the remaining school year. The battle to prolong the life of octogenarians by a few months At the moment political leaders around the world are willing to destroy whole economies to prolong the life of 80-year-olds by a few months. In Italy where hundreds of deaths are being reported daily, of 105 patients who were said to have died of the virus, the average age was 81 and there were only 2 deaths under age 50. Two-thirds had pre-existing conditions. According to a long-term study of Italians (2006-2014), 29.9% were heavy drinkers and 26% of these heavy drinkers also smoke tobacco. About 1 in 4 Italians over age 65 already have some form of lung disease. All the quarantines in an effort to prolong the life of winos and tobacco smokers over age 80 for a short time. In China, deaths attributed to the Wuhan coronavirus epidemic were largely among 80+ year-olds. In China, 68% of men are smokers and 46% drink alcohol. Unexpected threat And you thought the real threat to American liberty would come from China, or left-wing progressives, or socialists, or the Supreme Court, or even the military-industrial complex, but you would have never guessed a government bureaucracy called the Centers for Disease Control. By issuance of worst case scenarios, the wool could be pulled over our leaders eyes. Boredom predicted And of course, what does a bored nation do with no sporting events for diversion? Why it watches television, a propagandist politicians dream. Keep the stage lights on. This is political theatre with the gravest of consequences. FAKE INFLUENZA DATA BY YEAR U.S. These are known to be over-inflated numbers issued by the Centers for Disease Control In reality, less than 1000 Americans die of the flu each year. Senator Enagi may have plans of going into solar importation directly or by proxy, hence his request to ban generator use . Senator Enagi, Sir, propose a bill that will make it compulsory to probe the power sector and audit NNPC . Propose a bill that will stop ex-governors who are senators from getting all rights as ex governors and still get salaries as senators The news of the proposed bill by Senator Bima Muhammadu Enagi of All Progressive Congress (APC) Niger South last week to ban the sell and the use of generators in Nigeria was a shock that got many Nigerians really upset. He added in his proposed bill that sellers and users should be jailed not less than 10 years. According to the Senators explanation of the narrow proposed bill, if the it is passed, it will help to curtail the menace of environmental pollution and help facilitate the improvement of the power sector. I am speechless. Is Senator Enagi not aware that the generator business flourishing is as a result of the governments failure to provide electricity for the people? Government should play her role well by providing steady power supply for us and we will see who will be interested in generators. Anyway, while I will thank the senator for thinking about the environment, it is equally obligatory to let him know like many Nigerians that I was highly very disappointed at his proposed bill and see his bill as very dishonest, provocative, shallow and laughable. The bill is not different from the suppressive bill of hate speech equally proposed by his counterpart also from Niger State. I appeal to other senators, all well meaning Nigerians and our pressmen to help so that the socket of the life support of this bill that is still in incubator could be collectively plugged out immediately and now for it to die quickly. I can vividly remember that when Buhari and APC were campaigning in 2014 prior to the 2015 election, Babatunde Fashola had been widely quoted to have said that any responsible government would fix Nigerias electricity problem within six months, and that the best thing to do would be to vote out Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the then president, Goodluck Jonathan. APC, President Buhari and Fashola are today still in power and over five years have gone since they came to power, what happened to their promises? Why do Nigerians still experience epileptic power supply after billions of dollars spent in that sector, and even in some areas they do not get light for months but would still be exploitatively asked to pay electric bills for light they never saw and used? Why? Though in 2018 it was equally reported that Fashola denied ever making the statement attributed to him and challenged all to prove him wrong with evidence. But why did he not deny the statement in 2014 but waited till 2018 when the campaign of the next election was close? This same government was also reported to have promised to equal naira to one dollar. Why does exchange rate of a dollar today fluctuates between 350 and 400 naira? Meanwhile when they made the electoral promise naira was exchanged then between 180, 190 and 200 to one dollar. At least this very promise has not been denied. The people of this same government promised security for Nigerians and to end Boko Haram. Have they defeated Boko Haram? Are we all secured? What are they telling us about their promises? It is on record that in the history of this country that the lives of Nigerians have never been massacred like it is witnessed on daily basis today - in exception of the time of the Nigerian Biafra war. It is an equally known fact that this very government is clueless on how to tackle Boko Haram, acts confused, full of propaganda and lies. President Buhari told us before he was elected in 2015 that fuel subsidy was a fraud. But in 2019 according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a reputable accounting firm, Buharis government spent over N2.3 trillion in subsidies in three years - N1.12 trillion and N1. 2 trillion on electricity and fuel subsides respectively - and the government has again budgeted N450 billion for petroleum subsidy in 2020. The essence of the above references on the governments promises and failures is to inform Senator Enagi that his proposal was a misplaced priority and that he misfired. Hypocrites perhaps surround him as that is the normal case with many Nigerian politicians, thus he may not know that this very federal government of today is a big failure. Obasanjos government was accused by many - that included President Buhari - of spending $16 billion dollars in electricity without giving Nigerians light, whether that was true or not I dont know. Consequently Senator Enagi, Sir, please kindly propose a bill that will make it compulsory for private auditors and investigators to be constituted and be allowed to investigate all monies mapped out for electricity projects under President Buharis government and beyond and how they were used. Because genuine Nigerians would be very happy to know why all these years of spending billions of dollars in the power sector that Nigerians are still without constant electricity like it is in Ghana. Again Senator Enagi, Sir, propose a bill that should contract private auditors to audit the account of NNPC and allow independent investigators to investigate why our refineries cannot be repaired and new one cannot be built. We want to know those sabotaging the efforts of the government. Are those people invisible? Why cant Nigeria build refineries, and why have we spent trillions in oil subsidy? Some people close to those in authority are feeding fat at the expense of our collective pains and misfortune. Nigeria is really terrible. In a country where successive governments continued to fail in the midst of plenty to provide basic amenities - health/social care, electricity, motorable roads, drinkable water and qualitative education failed to pay senior citizens their pension rights and workers their salaries as when due, sometimes they are even owed up to four, six or eight months, how fair is it that ex-governors get their own entitlements and at the same time receive salaries as senators? Therefore Senator Enagi, Sir, please dont forget to include in your new proposal a bill that will stop the rape and the cruel injustice against Nigerians. Let there be a bill that will henceforth stop ex-governors from getting pensions money, allocation of houses, changing or buying of new cars, health and house maintenance allowances all from government and still receive millions of naira salaries and other incentives as senators. Let the law be that an ex-governor who contested an election as a senator and won seizes immediately to receive the benefits that go with a former governor at the time he/she is sworn in as a senator. Nigerians are brutally raped continuously by the political class and we the ordinary Nigerians are in pains. But for how long shall the same ordinary Nigerians continue to stupidly defend and support evil against themselves because of political affiliations, ethnic/religious backgrounds or myopic selfish interests? When will they know that a good road does not recognize whether the plier is an APC or PDP etc. or even an apolitical person? Senator Enagi, Sir, you are trying to dump the failure of the government with your proposal on the doorsteps of ordinary Nigerians because you feel that we cant do anything. You know that when you make the right bill proposal that will end the hostage we are in in the power sector that it will definitely not go through but the cabals who have gripped Nigeria in jugular and if you pressure to make it to come through that it will not go down well with the hijackers of the sector (the big head criminals) who will surely come after you. You are consciously aware of this, and as such you are scared and proposed a bill that was not for the best interest of Nigerians. In consideration of Nigerians intuitive way of lives, my instinct tells me that this bill was not sincerely conceived, and it could not be completely wrong to suspect that Senator Enagi had perhaps had plans of going into the solar energy business, and wants to make way for the business to flourish. Nigeria bleeds and Nigerians are in pains. May God help us. Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen writes from Vienna, Austria. +436607369050 (WhatsApp messages only) [email protected] The Oxford researchers modeled the use of phone tracking and alerts to affect the spread of the coronavirus and found that such a system could be helpful even if it was not universally adopted and the location data was not always precise. A majority of people in an area would need to be using it, but not everyone. In effect, it could instantaneously replicate a weeks worth of contact tracing, the researchers said. The system could glean detailed location data from a variety of sources including Bluetooth beacons, nearby Wi-Fi networks, GPS and cell towers. If someone had a positive test result and had agreed to use the app, the result would be added to the system by the N.H.S. Anyone within a certain radius in recent days might receive an alert, although many aspects of the app, including the exact method of notification, are still being worked out. It is unclear whether the app would work without the other surveillance and control measures used in China and Singapore, or whether the location technology is sufficiently accurate. Although the Chinese app gathered location data, it is not known how it was used; China also keeps a national database of flights, trains and hotel stays, and it required people to have bar codes on their apps scanned at health checkpoints. The country also looked into using location data from cell towers but found it was too imprecise to help with contact tracing. Data from known checkpoints, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is much more precise. Plans for the British app are moving as rapidly as possible, said Matthew Gould, the chief executive of NHSX, a government unit that handles technology policy for the National Health System. There is no official timeline for the pilot program or an eventual rollout. Scientists caution that an app cannot replace social distancing measures already underway around the world. Instead, it may allow some people to come out of isolation after a first wave of the coronavirus subsides. The app would be different from potential tools being discussed in the United States, where technology companies have been speaking with the White House about using location data for public health surveillance, perhaps anticipating where serious outbreaks might occur. The discussions were first reported by The Washington Post. Separately, at Facebook, scientists are analyzing location data about compliance with social distancing recommendations in various countries, according to a person familiar with the analysis. The information comes from Facebooks private vault of location data collected by the companys apps, the person said. CAIRO As part of extensive diplomatic actions to shore up support for Egypt in the Nile dam dispute, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry has toured seven Arab capitals Amman, Muscat, Baghdad, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City and Manama since March 7. He also went on a European tour that included Belgium and France on March 11, in addition to another tour of the African continent on March 17 to Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Congo, South Sudan and Niger. Meanwhile, a delegation from the Foreign Ministry covered a number of other Arab countries including Tunisia, Algeria and Mauritania on March 15. Shoukrys tours carried a single message from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to the Arab and European region to mobilize positions in support of the Egyptian stance against Ethiopias failure to sign the comprehensive agreement to fill and operate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which was reached under US auspices during meetings that took place within four months, from November 2019 to February 2020. During his tour, Shoukry also sought to explain what happened during the negotiation process that continued with the Ethiopian side since March 2015 after the signing of the Agreement on Declaration of Principles, as well as the consequences and repercussions that may result from any unilateral Ethiopian decision to fill the GERD without signing the agreement with Egypt and Sudan. Shoukrys Arab tour, which targeted most of the Gulf states active in the Arab and African regions, came after the Arab Foreign Ministers Council backed Egypts historical rights in the waters of the Nile, against the ongoing Ethiopian refusal to sign the agreement. This also comes amid Ethiopian media escalation against Cairo and its adherence to the Washington agreement, which Ethiopia believes to be inconsiderate of its interests. This Egyptian diplomatic action came within a comprehensive plan agreed upon by the Egyptian Cabinet during an extended meeting of the Higher Committee for Nile Water, which includes several steps to protect Egyptian water interests and Egypt's rights in the Nile waters. The committee is in permanent session to take the necessary measures, a March 8 Cabinet statement read. A government official who attended the meeting of the Higher Committee for Nile Water told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Egypt will not return to negotiations regarding the technical parameters or points that have been agreed upon during Washingtons [negotiation] rounds on how to fill and operate the GERD. He added, Any attempts [by Ethiopia] to gain more time and impose a fait accompli policy by starting to store water in the GERD without signing an agreement with Egypt and Sudan will have dire consequences for peace and security in the region. The official noted, Egypt has adopted a policy of patience and goodwill ever since negotiations with Ethiopia began in 2011. Even now, we still invite Ethiopia to sign the agreement and respect the principles of international law. Speaking about the Egyptian action plan, the official said, We have several scenarios that started with Shoukrys intensive diplomatic action at the regional and international levels to fully clarify the picture according to the minutes of the Washington meetings and the previous discussions that spanned since 2011, as well as warn against the consequences of Ethiopias continued reluctance to sign the agreement. Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Ati revealed in a television interview March 10 a major problem Egypt is facing when it comes to negotiations with the Ethiopian side, saying, Ethiopians have a problem in adhering to an agreement and making any pledges not to harm Egypt's interests in clear legal wording. In October 2019, Ethiopian media reports revealed downsizing the GERDs energy capacity after reducing the number of turbines from 16 to 13 to lower the cost as the Ethiopian government faced financial issues. Abdel Ati explained the hard-line Ethiopian stances in the negotiations with what he called the Ethiopian administrations dilemma in the inability to face problems with its people, and accusing Egypt of hindering development. Commenting on the reason why Ethiopia failed to sign the Washington agreement, he said, Either there is no political will or it is unable to make a decision. Speaking about the expected results of the Egyptian diplomatic action, Hani Raslan, the head of the Nile Basin Studies Unit at Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor, I do not expect immediate results in terms of announcing specific positions. But the importance of these diplomatic steps lies in explaining the dimensions of the Egyptian position while Ethiopia is promoting false notions and distorting the facts of what really happened during the negotiation rounds. In an interview with Al Jazeera March 12, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew accused Egypt of distorting the facts and misleading the Egyptian people, saying, They are pushing the Egyptian people to confront their neighbors, and seeking to launch malicious and misleading propaganda in the Arab world is not a sin but rather an act of cruelty. Raslan noted, The minutes of the tripartite meetings that took place since Ethiopia started building the GERD in 2011 until the recent Washington meetings are enough to reveal the facts of what happened in these negotiations and show the scheming party that wants to dodge its responsibilities, in reference to Ethiopia. He added, After neutral international parties like the US and the World Bank supervised the talks, Ethiopia no longer has any reason to accuse Egypt and engage in more malicious propaganda after it refused to sign a fair and balanced agreement under the auspices of both the US and the World Bank. Raslan stressed, Ethiopias insistence on controlling the Nile will have catastrophic repercussions in the future, pointing out that Egyptian action is still dependent on international positions and what the US could offer after the Ethiopian withdrawal. Ayman Shabana, professor of political science at the Institute of African Studies and Research (affiliated with Cairo University), stressed the importance of Shoukrys diplomatic tours, saying to Al-Monitor, After the negotiations reached a dead end, each side is trying to mobilize the international parties to clarify its stance, especially since technicians no longer had room to negotiate once more and had to leave it up to politicians. Shabana added, The Arab Gulf still has something to offer by pressing for reaching understandings. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have great economic weight in Ethiopia, being the most important trading partners. At the same time, there are strategic interests linking them to Egypt in many issues such as the Iranian, Yemeni, Syrian and Libyan dossiers. Amid Egyptian attempts for popular and international mobilization to clarify its position, Egyptian rights in the Nile waters remain subject to a decisive presidential intervention prior to Ethiopias initial storage in the GERD by July 2020. Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi took oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. He was nominated to the Upper House by President Ram Nath Kovind. He has been allotted seat number 131 in the House. Members of Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) opposed Gogois appointment and walked out of the Rajya Sabha. The Communist Party of India, DMK and MDMK also joined the protest. Justice Gogoi was nominated on March 16, four months after his retirement in November 2019. Justice Gogois nomination to the Rajya Sabha has not found favour with retired Supreme Court judges like justices Madan Lokur, AK Patnaik and Kurian Joseph who have spoken out against it. But Gogoi has defended his nomination, saying that he accepted the offer because of his conviction that the legislature and judiciary must work together for nation-building. Watch | Amid uproar, former CJI Ranjan Gogoi takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP; opposition walks out My presence in Parliament will be an opportunity to project the views of the judiciary before the legislature and vice versa, he said. He added he had given the nomination a considerable thought before agreeing to take accept it. Gogoi is the first former CJI to become a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. He is also the second CJI to become a Rajya Sabha MP after justice Ranganath Misra, who was elected as a Congress lawmaker from Odisha. Justice Misra, however, became a Rajya Sabha member in 1998, nearly seven years after his retirement from the Supreme Court. Also read: Accepted Rajya Sabha seat for better cohesion says Ranjan Gogoi During Gogois term, several key cases came up for the hearing including the allegations against the government about procedural flaws in the procurement of Rafale jets, and the controversy over the governments decision to transfer Central Bureau of Investigation director Alok Verma before the end of his term. Gogois most significant judgment was in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, where he led a bench which granted the disputed land in Ayodhya to the Hindu parties, paving the way for the construction of the Ram Temple, a key political agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by activist Madhu Kishwar against Gogois nomination. Kishwar says that the nomination gives it the colour of a political appointment and casts a shadow of doubt on the credibility of the judgments delivered by the Supreme Court under Gogoi. File Photo: Traders work on the floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange. (Photo: Getty Images) Philippine shares plunged by nearly 25 percent on Thursday only moments after the Manila stock exchange resumed trade following a two-day trading suspension prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Southeast Asian nation was the first in the world to indefinitely suspend trading after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered more than half of its population to stay home for the next month. Manila's bourse had suspended operations "until further notice" in response but quickly recalled its order and reopened the market on Thursday after the government exempted it from the lockdown. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 24 percent from Monday's close just seconds after the opening bell, triggering a 15-minute trading halt. It was the largest fall on record for the benchmark, Bloomberg reported. "We were kind of expecting that the market would open quite low, especially after a two-day halt in trading," exchange president Ramon Monzon said. Monzon said he was in talks with Philippine regulators to implement new measures to stem market volatility, which could include additional intraday trading suspensions. The index pared back losses in later morning trade and was down 11.9 percent shortly before the lunch break. The Philippines has recorded 202 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 17 deaths. -- Bloomberg News contributed to this story -- Eurovision fans are demanding Iceland be crowned the winner of the song contest as its 'banging tune' has become a huge hit online after the event was axed amid the coronavirus pandemic. The country's entry by band Dai Freyr with their song Think About Things has wracked up millions of views on YouTube and was hotly tipped to win before it was announced the song contest was cancelled yesterday. It would have been the first time Iceland's had taken the crown or hosted the contest, because it is currently the only Nordic country that's yet to win. Many are now calling it the 'official winner', with over 1,400 people signing a petition to give the country the title by default. Eurovision fans are demanding Iceland be crowned the winner of the song contest with their 'banging tune' Dai Freyr and their song Think About Things Fans are flooding social media with praise for the song, with one commenting: 'No Eurovision this year, think we've all just collectively decided Iceland won and we didn't have to turn it off when Israel came on. Win win.' One tweeted: 'Iceland was the unofficial winner of Eurovision 2020 then.' 'Eurovision is moved to 2021,' another wrote, 'This year's contestants are welcome to reapply but rules stipulate they can't use this year's songs, so this magnificent Iceland effort is the great lost winner.' 'V Thankful for Iceland's Eurovision song which is giving me life,' another added. Many fans have flooded Twitter with their love for the 'fabulous entry' by Iceland, who have never won the contest before Another wrote: 'Been listening to Iceland's Eurovision entry on repeat, you're welcome.' Another added: 'Glad to see other people on Twitter are noticing Iceland's fabulous entry that would have been performed during this year's Eurovision. 'It deserves recognition. It is so good.' Dai Freyr's video for the song has wracked up over 3 million views since it was uploaded a month ago on YouTube, with hundreds commenting on the funky tune. Over 1,400 people have signed a petition on Change.org to award Iceland's entry the crown 'by default' Meanwhile over 1,400 people have signed a petition on Change.org to have the song officially named the winner by default. Stuart Newman, who launched the campaign, commented: 'Everybody knows Iceland would have walked it easily - it is officially "a banging tune" - so lets all pull together to get the organisers to symbolically award the 2020 title to Iceland.' The annual singing contest - due to take place in Rotterdam this May - was cancelled yesterday as a response to the global crisis, with organisers 'in conversation with the City of Rotterdam regarding the hosting of the contest in 2021'. Eurovision announced yesterday that this year's song contest was due to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic The decision, taken by the show's producers European Broadcasting Union, was announced on Twitter on Wednesday. James Newman, 28 - who is the brother of Love Me Again hitmaker John Newman - was due to represent the UK at Eurovision Song Contest 2020 with the song My Last Breath. The UK has only won the singing talent contest five times in the competition's 63 years, and it's been over 20 years since the country was victorious, with Katrina and the Waves bringing home the last win in 1997. The Brihanmumbai Municipal corporation (BMC) on Thursday ordered the closure of shops on different roads of the city on alternate days till further orders in view of COVID-19 pandemic. In exercise of the power conferred under section 2,3 and 4 of the Epidemic Disease Act 1897, the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of BMC has ordered the closure of shops on alternate days of the week in Prabhadevi, Worli and Lower Parel in order to avoid crowding and implement social distancing. All shops and establishments with the exception of medical stores, grocery shops, fuel stations and banks will be covered in this order. The shops and establishments on the south-bound roads in Prabhadevi, Worli and Lower Parel will be closed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The north-bound roads will be closed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The BMC has also ordered that any person who fails to implement the closure orders will be liable for penal action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, raising the number of infected people to 169 in the country. Three people have died due to COVID-19 in the country so far. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected by the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stocks in Asia bounced back Thursday after the European Central Bank launched an emergency plan to buy bonds in what one analyst said could be a "game changer" for the coronavirus-wracked eurozone. Japan's Nikkei-225 led the gains, opening more than two per cent higher as the from Europe brightened sentiment despite another black day on Wall Street. The broader TOPIX index in Japan climbed even faster, nearly three percent up in early exchanges after the surprise announcement by the ECB of a 750-billion-euro (USD 820 billion) scheme to purchase government and corporate bonds. The so-called Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme is temporary and will be halted when the coronavirus crisis is judged to be over "but in any case not before the end of the year", the ECB said. "Extraordinary times require extraordinary action. There are no limits to our commitment to the euro," ECB chief Christine Lagarde tweeted. Those comments echoed the words of her predecessor Mario Draghi, whose pledge to do "whatever it takes" to preserve the eurozone was seen as a turning point in the region's sovereign debt crisis. The ECB's latest medicine could be "a game changer for the euro area economy and credit markets" if accompanied by fiscal action from eurozone governments, said Pictet Wealth Management strategist Frederik Ducrozet. And only an hour or so after the ECB announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron stepped in to call for exactly that. "It is up to us European states to be ready through budgetary interventions and greater financial solidarity within the eurozone," tweeted Macron. Australian markets also notched up small gains as traders awaited similar emergency moves by the country's central bank later Thursday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hipsters At The Pitch Play COVID-19 Meme Game Novel corona virus memes remind us that life means nothing lol Using satire to cope with dark and difficult times is nothing new in our society, even as far back as the Great Depression satire was used in radio shows by entertainers like Will Rogers. However, the Internet has made sharing absurd and satirical thoughts and images extremely easy. Custody Fights Could Intensify During Coronavirus Crisis COVID-19 outbreak creates complications with court-ordered visitation THEY CAN GO OUTSIDE WITHOUT HAVING NEIGHBORS RUNNING UP TO THEM. ALAN: IF THERE'S ONE THING MARSHMELLO THE CAT AND HIS FAMILY REALLY LOVE, IT'S THAT QUIET COUNTRY LIVING. THERE'S STILL A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY CAN SAFELY DO HERE. Hometown Star Shines KCK native, actor Eric Stonestreet donates 200,000 meals to KC's Harvesters by: Makenzie Koch Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Thousands of meals will soon be coming local families in need thanks to KCK native Eric Stonestreet. The actor announced Wednesday that he's donating 200,000 meals to Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City. Local Healthcare Keeps Rolling Mobile nurses help Kansas City homeless during COVID-19 outbreak IS WORKING TONIGHT TO MAKE SURE THE HOMELESS AREN'T LEFT BEHIND. RIGHT, AND I WANT TO SHOW YOU THESE ARE THICKER. ALAN: IT'S A MISSION THAT JUST BECAME A LITTLE MO COMPLICATED, BUT ALSO A LOT MORE IMPORTANT. Hottie Paris Poses In Solitude Paris Hilton posts pinup images where she models kinky boots Paris Hilton is a powerhouse brand that cannot stop chugging. And so on Wednesday the 39-year-old blonde model and actress was at it again as she shared three new images to Instagram where she was promoting Juicy. The DJ looked sensational in a black leotard with over-the-knee boots and a choker as she posed up a storm for photographer Brendan Forbes. New Rules Reemerge Old School Cold War Playbook The Defense Production Act, explained As the United States ramps up its coronavirus response, President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he will be invoking the Defense Production Act, or DPA, in order to provide necessary medical equipment to treat patients. BERNIE DROPS F-BOMB!!! Sanders responds angrily to reporter when asked about his campaign: 'I'm dealing with a f**king global crisis' Bernie Sanders has a decision to make about his campaign now that his path to the Democratic presidential nomination has effectively closed and the coronavirus pandemic has thrown into question the timing of future primary elections. Hollywood Star Attacks Against Prez Trump Terminology Lana Condor accuses Trump of endangering Asians over coronavirus: 'You should be ashamed' Lana Condor is calling out President Trump for repeatedly calling COVID-19 the "Chinese Virus." The Vietnamese-born American actress ( X-Men: Apocalpyse, To All the Boys I've Loved Before) slammed the president on Twitter for seemingly trying to get Americans to associate the pandemic that's now spread worldwide with people from China. Italia Under Siege Hospitals at Italy's coronavirus epicenter could 'soon' be unable to help new patients; death rate reaches record high Hospitals in Italy's Lombardy, the epicenter of the country's coronvirus outbreak, are reaching the point where they may not be able to treat any new cases of the virus, as Italy's death toll rises at a record rate. Bread Rising To Occasion Farm to Market Bread Co. Expands Production and Donates Bread to Meet Area Needs in Kansas City Farm to Market Bread Co. is baking more bread each day to better serve Kansas City as businesses and the community adapt to the global pandemic. "We want to be a source of stability and community. What we're focused on doing right now is helping to feed people in KC," says Farm to Market vice president John Friend. Old School Help Needed Essential services for vulnerable populations already affected by COVID-19 KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Self-isolation won't be easy for anybody. But for senior citizens who rely on volunteer-based organizations to fulfill their daily needs, self-isolation could be a real challenge. Rough Weather Chance Today Your Storm Track 5 Daily Forecast Today is a StormTrack5 Weather Alert Day. We are tracking a 90% chance for showers and storms, some could be strong today. Hottie Paris has been on the pop culture scene for a minute and right now she inspires this Thursday glimpse at pop culture, community news and info from across the nation and round the world . . .is the #TBT song of the day and this is thefor right now . . . US Naval Hospital Ship to Deploy to New York City By Margaret Besheer March 18, 2020 The U.S. Navy will dispatch a 1,000-bed hospital ship to New York Harbor to assist the country's largest city with its coronavirus response. "It is an extraordinary step, obviously. It's literally a floating hospital, and it will add capacity," New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters Wednesday. The state of New York has 2,382 confirmed cases of the virus, the most in the United States. It has increased its testing capacity to 15,000 per day and expects the numbers to continue to rise. About 23% of positive cases are hospitalized. The governor said 108 patients had recovered and had been discharged from hospitals. Cuomo said he and President Donald Trump were "fighting the same war" and were in the same trench. The governor said he had spoken with Trump, who will authorize the USNS Comfort to deploy to New York. In addition to 1,000 beds, it also is equipped with operating rooms. Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have been saying for days that New York's hospital system could quickly become overwhelmed as the number of cases increases. They are seeking ways to create more beds and bring on more health care workers, including urging recently retired health care professionals to return to work. "We cannot build new hospitals in 45 days," Cuomo said. "The federal government can be extremely helpful here. And we need the federal government's help." At a news conference in Washington, the president confirmed he would be sending the hospital ship to New York, and he praised the governor for his efforts. The tone of the exchange between the Republican U.S. president and the Democratic governor was a radical change from just two days ago, when they were criticizing each other on Twitter. New measures The governor also announced new measures for the state of 19.5 million residents. Cuomo said he would sign an executive order mandating nonessential businesses to have no more than half of their workforce performing their duties outside their homes. This shift to telework is intended to get people off the streets and slow the spread of the coronavirus. Several businesses will be exempt, including grocery stores, pharmacies and shipping companies. Other steps taken this week have included shifting all bars and restaurants to only carry out and delivery service and limiting all gatherings to fewer than 50 people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A couple who abandoned their cruise plans due to the coronavirus crisis recreated the holiday - from the comfort of their living room. Dave and Norma Trill, both 74, from Melbourne, were due to go on a 10-day Royal Caribbean cruise around the Pacific islands to celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary. But when they decided it was best to cancel, they refused to let their spirits sink. Instead, they threw on their bathrobes, relaxed on their armchairs with glasses of wine and put a video of a gently undulating seascape on their TV - as the next best thing. Dave and Norma Trill, from Melbourne, recreated their abandoned cruise in their living room. A video of the scene, posted by their daughter on Twitter, has gone viral A clip of the DIY 'cruise' was filmed by the couple's daughter Jane, who posted it on Twitter, writing: 'Cruise cancelled? No problem.' It shows them looking out at the water on their TV screen as they clink their wine glasses, while their grandson makes a foghorn noise in the background. The couple's grandson provides some foghorn noises on the video The video has now gone viral, with thousands of views on social media. Jane told MailOnline Travel: 'They were supposed to be going on a 10-day cruise around the Pacific islands next week, but unfortunately they made the difficult choice to cancel due to the coronavirus. 'I had an idea that if I put a video up of water on their TV and they dress as though they would on their cruise, they might not feel so disappointed as they were really looking forward to going to celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary. 'Needless to say, we all had a chuckle over making the quick video. My son even provided the ship noise using his phone while I recorded.' Those watching the hilarious video on Twitter were impressed with the couple for trying to overcome their disappointment, with Lorne Crabtree writing: 'I love this!' Cheryl Moore also responded, saying: 'Hilarious! Thanks for sharing!' While Jazzy J tweeted: 'A unique idea. I love it. It looks just like as if they are looking off the balcony. Beautiful.' According to Cruise Passenger, the couple are now planning a sequel. Watch this space. Royal Caribbean halted all its cruise operations worldwide shortly after the video was posted. It plans to resume operations on April 11. BJP MP and dermatologist Pritam Munde said in Lok Sabha that she uses ayurvedic toothpaste for treating pimples as it has clove oil. Participating in a discussion on the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, Munde said she did not use allopathy cream for treating pimples. "I use toothpaste as it has clove oil," she said, adding "I know my doctor friends will criticise me for saying this." Munde, who represents Maharashtra's Beed in Lok Sabha, is an MD in Dermatology. During the discussion on the Bill, several MPs from Kerala, including C Thomas of the KC(M), N K Premachandran of the RSP and ET Md Basheer of the IUML, asked the government to focus on the state as it is the "pioneer" in ayurveda. Basheer said that the bill has ignored Kerala. Anto Antony of the Congress demanded setting up of an institute of ayurveda in Kerala. Premachandran said that an institute of herbal medicinal plants should be set up in Kerala. Amol Kolhe of the NCP said that there is a demand for increasing research and development in the sector. He said that several ayurvedic institutes are there in Maharashtra, Kerala and West Bengal and the government should focus on these states also. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Upper Allen Township police arrested three New York men Wednesday night after an interstate manhunt triggered by an armed robbery in Maryland. Police said Thursday that the holdup occurred just before 8 p.m. at a Verizon store in Thurmont. They said three robbers forced the employees to the floor at gunpoint and filled two suitcases with merchandise. The getaway car was seen speeding north on Route 15. At 8:20 p.m., Upper Allen police said they found the car abandoned near the park and ride lot at the Winding Hills development. Four suspects were arrested during a search of the area that was aided by witnesses, police said. Three of the men - Luis Filpo, 20; Noah Zayas, 24, and Angel Collazo, 20 - were committed to Cumberland County Prison pending extradition proceedings. The fourth man, Andri Delacruzcruz, 20, was taken to the hospital when he suffered a medical emergency, police said. Airlines are axing flights, small businesses are shutting up shop, large corporations are closing offices and Bondi beachgoers are basking in the autumn sun. At least thats how it appears in a recent photograph taken by photographer Eugene Tan, an iconic Eastern Suburbs lensman who has been shooting daily since 1999. Meanwhile back in Bondi (I shot these 10 minutes ago), the Australian Fine Art Beach Photographer, otherwise known as Aquabumps, captioned the photo, which he posted to Instagram yesterday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by A Q U A B U M P S (@aquabumps) on Mar 17, 2020 at 11:36pm PDT There are fights in our supermarkets for loo paper, in the USA some are queuing at gun shops, most of the world are wearing masks and hiding in their homes, Eugene continued. The vibe in Bondi is very chilled about it all. Its quite busy down hereand theres waves Stay healthy! Eugene ends the post. This met mixed response, with some missing the fact that Eugene was observing, not judging or advocating, making comments like, This post wont age well Im afraid. Others took issue with the beachgoers themselves, with one (apparent) health worker writing: As a health worker this is absolutely devastating to see. We are practicing and preparing for the worst and thinking about decisions we hope we would never have to make. To see a whole bunch of people close to each other, absolutely ignoring so many pleas from health professionals so that our ICUs and EDs are not overwhelmed, and so that we have enough ventilators to support all that need it. Please stop being so selfish. Another wrote: Nice to see Australians taking the Coronavirus so seriously, theyll probably pop into visit grandma on the way home. To which others responded: Sure, it might just blow up in our face very soon but it wont be from people going to the beach. Safer to go for a surf or swim at Bondi then sitting in a pub or a mall. Dear World, If you cant say anything nice about this photo please do not say anything at all. Sincerely, Global sanity. Then came the warnings from overseas: As someone from Californiagive it a few days. Wont look like this. Meanwhile, in Florida, public beaches are closing. Despite (or perhaps because) of all this, the residents of Sydneys Eastern Suburbs are making the most of it before (or in case) our government introduces the same stringent measures currently in place in Spain, Italy, France and the US all countries where its tempting to hit the beach right now too, to soak up the spring sun, but where, in many places, it is not permitted to do so. View this post on Instagram A post shared by A Q U A B U M P S (@aquabumps) on Mar 14, 2020 at 4:58pm PDT According to the Australian Government Department Of Health, across the world there have been more than 204,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 8,400 deaths, while in Australia as at 6.30am on 19 March 2020, there had been 565 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, and 6 deaths. While this is comparatively small, there have been 111 new cases since 6.30am yesterday, and unlike Europe and China we are heading into winter, a time of year the Coronavirus is thought to thrive. Not to mention Sydney has been worst hit of all the Australian capitals. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee is placing limits on organised gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups, including restrictions for indoor and outdoor gatherings. Australians are advised to limit non-essential internal gatherings to fewer than 100 people and outdoor gatherings to fewer than 500 people. While outdoor events, as of now, of less than 500 attendees can proceed, all events should follow these precautions, writes the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. Consider the size of the space, the number of people in it, and how much room people have to move around safely as a general rule, people should be able to keep 1.5 metres apart make hand hygiene products and suitable rubbish bins readily available conduct frequent cleaning and waste disposal Read Next At Rs 65 apiece, Madhu Kapur, wife of the late Ashok Kapur who cofounded Yes Bank with Rana Kapoor, collected Rs 161 crore for the 2.5 crore Yes Bank shares she sold on Wednesday. Kapur couldnt have sold more than 25 percent of her holding as the RBIs three-year lock-in for investors kicked in. Even for that Rs 161 crore, the Kapurs should thank the RBI and the government, which managed to execute an unprecedented rescue to save the bank. Shorn of the unprecedented kind of rescue, which involved half of the private banking industry in the country, including the largest lender, SBI, the value of those 2.5 crore shares would have reduced to a few crores. For a perspective, look at these numbers. At the recent 52-week low of Rs 5.65 apiece, the 2.5 crore shareholding of Kapur would have fetched just Rs 14 crore. In a way, the Kapurs paid the price for holding the family silver for too long, and commitment intact even during the bad times. Remember, had the Kapurs sold the same 2.5 crore shares at the Yes Banks all-time high of Rs 393.85 apiece on August 20, 2018, they would have fetched them nearly Rs 980 crore. But money alone would not do justice to the intertwined saga of the Kapurs and Yes Bank. This is (just) the economic value. I think the struggle is much more, said Shagun Gogia, daughter of Madhu Kapur, to Moneycontrol. The transaction brought down Madhu Kapurs shareholding in the bank to 5.9 percent from 6.87 percent earlier. The irony is striking. Rana Kapoor called his holding in the bank diamonds forever only to sell it later while Ashok Kapurs family held on until the last moment. The Kapurs sold part of their shareholding only after the ownership changed hands at the end of a dramatic rescue deal. Compared with what the shares would have fetched during the giddy periods of Yes Bank, the Kapurs were forced to sell their remaining shares at a throwaway price. A nasty power battle The share sale sums up the rollercoaster ride of the Kapur family. The Yes Bank co-founder, who set up the bank with Rana Kapoor, was killed in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. During the 16 years of Yes Banks journey from inception until its collapse, Ashok Kapurs family has had a strained relationship with Rana Kapoor, the former CEO and MD of the private lender. Not long after Kapurs death, the relations between the Kapoors and Kapurs turned sour. The trust Kapur family had on Rana Kapoor vanished. Matters came to a head when Rana Kapoor refused to give a board seat to Shagun Gogia in Yes Bank, the daughter of Ashok Kapur and Madhu Kapur (sister of Rana Kapoors wife, Bindu Kapoor). Since 2013, Madhu Kapur, who inherited the promoter holding from husband Ashok Kapur, has been fighting a legal battle for the joint nomination right and a board seat for her daughter, Shagun. Kapoor disagreed. He said Shagun didnt have the necessary board experience. This tug of war continued for several years. Finally, in April 2019, the two promoters the Kapurs and Kapoor buried the hatchet and appointed Shagun on the board of Yes Bank. Kapoors conflict with co-founders didnt begin with Ashok Kapurs family. In 2003-04, when Yes Bank got its banking licence, pooling in the money they secured from their holdings in their earlier venture, Rana Kapoor and Ashok Kapur ousted their one-time partner Harkirat Singh. Kapur could not have known that his family would meet a similar fate years later. Fast forward a few years. What a difference a few years make. The dream run of Yes bank ended and it needed a government bailout to stay afloat. Half of Indian banking industry owns the company. And the noose is tightening on Rana Kapoor and his family for allegedly engaging in financial fraud and quid-pro-quo deals. Poetic justice for Ashok Kapurs family and Harkirat Singh? Will prisons become an epicenter for the coronavirus? So many inmates living in such close proximity brings about that concern, which is why the ACLU says it is among those asking Gov. Tom Wolf and the state Department of Corrections to release as many inmates from state prisons as possible. Prisons and jails can be a potential incubator, said Andy Hoover, director of communications for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. The ACLU of Pennsylvania, along with the Amistad Law Project and the Abolitionist Law Center, sent a letter to Wolf asking for the release of inmates who 60 and older or have an illness or condition that would make them more susceptible to the coronavirus. In the letter sent Wednesday, the organizations also outlined a a potential plan for such a release of inmates to help stop the spread. The ACLU said nearly 1,900 of the Department of Corrections approximate 47,000 inmates are over the age of 60, making them among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Releasing them from prison would not only protect the inmates, but it would help prevent the spread of the virus since lawyers, prison staff and corrections officers come in and out of the facilities on a daily basis, they said. The governor does have the power to explore emergency measures and he should take that power to release as many elderly and vulnerable people as quickly and as safely as he can, said ACLU of Pennsylvania criminal justice policy counsel Nyssa Taylor. She said Wolf should consider issuing executive orders to do so, and many of them can be released through a medical furlough system. Inmates who have reached their minimum sentence and have not had infractions while behind bars should have a presumption of parole and be released with waived hearings to help minimize the prison population, Amistad Law Project executive director Kris Henderson argues. The prime directive to people across the country and across the world now is social distancing, said Bret Grote, legal director of the Abolitionist Law Center. This is impossible within jails and prisons. They eat together. They share bathrooms. They go into the yard space at the same time, and there is no privacy, he said, and without a dramatic reduction in population, the illness will spread. Grote added that the governors office and Department of Corrections should consider these measures for every inmate who is over 60 and older or has serious health conditions, including inmates who are serving life in prison. Pennsylvanias death-by-incarceration population is a huge public health liability at this moment, Grote said, adding beyond being a public health issue, its a constitutional one, too. Nobody can be incarcerated in an institution where the condition or a set of conditions deprive them of a basic human need. Those inmates are at risk of harm, which can constitute cruel and unusual punishment, he said. Neither the governors office nor the Department of Corrections could immediately be reached for comment. The DOC has taken measures in recent days, which include canceling prison visitations and enhanced screenings for all employees. In addition to asking for the exploration of emergency measures to release elderly and at-risk inmates, the letter asks the governors office and Department of Corrections to: Mandate those who are processing releases to coordinate with local service providers and public health experts so inmates who may not be able to return have a safe place to go that is accessible to medical facilities. Not release inmates to ICE custody, as detention centers hold the same risks as prisons. Collect and distribute data from criminal legal system agencies and actors who are part of the states coronavirus response to share information and limit the spread of the coronavirus. Grant furloughs to inmates who have home options as part of their sentence. Grand medical furloughs immediately and expedite their processing. Issue executive orders to seek these goals. Here is the letter: Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Flash New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country's borders will be closed to any visitors except citizens and residents from from 11:59 p.m. on March 19 due to COVID-19 concerns. The total number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 28 on Thursday in New Zealand. There was no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand, and all confirmed 28 cases in the country are related to overseas travel, she said, adding the border closure was due to the significant global outbreak. "We need to continue to make further decisions and further restrictions," she added. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will be able to return, and that includes their children and partners, according to the prime minister. On Thursday, eight new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, bringing the total number to 28. The eight cases confirmed on Wednesday were all related to overseas travel. That's an important point as it shows there is no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand, said a statement of the Ministry of Health. Public health staff are investigating the travel history of the cases so as to identify all close contacts and isolate them, it added. Of the eight new cases, one is in hospital, and others are at home and self-isolating. "While it's important to be alert to the increasing numbers of cases, we are expecting more, given the rapidly evolving situation overseas. We will continue to identify, test and isolate to ensure we can stamp COVID-19 out and slow it down," said the ministry's Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield. President Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the Cabinet Room of the White House during a meeting with representatives of American nurses on Wednesday. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump on Wednesday invoked wartime powers that could boost the manufacturing of medical equipment used to fight the coronavirus pandemic, as hospitals braced for a nationwide explosion of infections and Congress rushed to pass emergency legislation to keep the country's economy on life support. The Senate passed a measure already approved by the House to provide free testing and expand sick leave for Americans, and Trump signed it just hours later. With the stock market plummeting and layoffs mounting, lawmakers are already working on the next package of proposals, expected to top $1 trillion, including aid to struggling industries and individual checks to most taxpayers. Trump also ordered a halt to evictions from public housing for those affected by the coronavirus, and to foreclosures for homeowners who have mortgages backed by the federal government. The emergency steps came as the country continues to lock down in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The U.S. restricted its border with Canada and is preparing new limitations on migrants entering from Mexico. The cascading announcements came as the Trump administration faces waves of criticism for moving too slowly and timidly to blunt the pandemic, which originated in China and has since spread around the globe. More than 7,700 infections and 118 deaths have been confirmed in the United States. By signing a declaration under the Defense Production Act, Trump can direct private industries to churn out protective masks and gowns for hospital workers, as well as ventilators needed to keep critically ill patients alive. He said he'll use the powers only if necessary, but healthcare officials have repeatedly warned that stockpiles of medical equipment could be wiped out as coronavirus-related infections mount. Theres never been an instance like this where no matter what you have, its not enough, Trump said at the White House, where he's been leading daily briefings on the pandemic. Trump said the federal government has "massive numbers of ventilators." Vice President Mike Pence pegged the number at 10,000. Experts predict there won't be enough. Story continues The Defense Production Act dates to the Korean War, and more recently it's been used to ensure a steady supply of ballistic material for body armor and armor plating for vehicles. At the news conference where he announced he would invoke the authority, Trump described himself as a "wartime president" and compared the mobilization to fight the coronavirus to World War II. "Now it's our time," he said, recalling how workers in the 1940s slept on factory floors to keep production lines moving for military hardware. "We must sacrifice together because we're all in this together." The coronavirus is primarily a threat to the elderly and those with underlying health problems, but there are new signs that young people remain vulnerable. Dr. Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the federal government's response to the coronavirus, warned Wednesday that "there are concerning reports coming out of France and Italy about some young people getting seriously ill and very seriously ill in the ICUs." She repeated her appeals to young people to stop eating out or gathering in public places, both to keep themselves safe and to avoid spreading the virus to older people. First Lady Melania Trump and top health officials will appear in nationally broadcast public service announcements to talk about how Americans can avoid contracting and spreading the virus, the White House announced Wednesday. The latest legislation approved by the Senate and signed by Trump enacts paid sick leave for more American workers, helping people stay home rather than risk spreading the virus. The measure, the second to be passed by Congress in response to the pandemic, also boosts funding for food programs and unemployment benefits. "There's a great bipartisan effort going on that I haven't really seen before to this extent," Trump said. Thomas Donohue, the chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said his organization "applauds congressional leaders for moving quickly to pass a strong, bipartisan coronavirus response package that will provide immediate relief to American workers and families during this unprecedented time." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said his caucus was continuing to work with the White House on a third stimulus package, which is expected to top $1 trillion. "Republicans hope shortly to have a consolidated position along with the administration," he said. "And then we intend to sit down with our Democratic colleagues and see what we can agree to." McConnell added: "Just how long it will take to get through these steps is unclear. But as everyone knows, we are moving rapidly because the situation demands it." The centerpiece of the third measure would be two rounds of $250-billion payments to Americans to help make up for lost wages and provide some spending money, according to a Treasury Department outline obtained by the Washington Post and others. It's unclear who would be eligible for payments or how much they would be, but some Republican senators have floated $1,000 as a starting point. The Treasury outline includes $300 billion in loans for businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Companies would be eligible as long as they continue paying employees for eight weeks. The federal government would also provide $50 billion in loans to the airline industry, which has seen disruptions to its business greater than after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and an additional $150 billion for other "severely distressed sectors." "We are looking at different numbers," Trump said at the White House briefing. "Everyone seems to want to go big." The numbers are comparable to legislation approved during the Great Recession, when Congress approved a $700-billion bailout for banks in 2008 and an $800-billion stimulus package in 2009. Senate Democrats have already outlined their own proposals totaling $750 billion, including a massive investment in public health infrastructure such as hospital beds and equipment, funding child care for healthcare workers battling the pandemic, and boosting unemployment insurance. Even as Washington scrambles to tackle the coronavirus, the economy continued lurching toward a recession. The stock market has lost virtually all gains since Trump took office more than three years ago, and the country's three largest automakers reportedly decided to pause construction of new vehicles. Restaurants, bookstores and coffee shops are shedding workers as customers followed the government's advice to stay home to avoid contracting the coronavirus, and more layoffs were expected. "There is something much worse about this crisis that we face. I have never sensed a greater sense of uncertainty, a greater fear of the future, of the unknown," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said. "We don't know how long this crisis will last." Times staff writers Noah Bierman, Liam Dillon and Don Lee contributed to this report. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Yerevan is only following its own course, but it doesn't have money for real [military] contracts, Russian political analyst Yevgeny Mikhailov told Trend. He made the remark commenting on the statement of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan made during the official visit of the Armenian delegation to Serbia. The Armenian media disseminated information that one of the topics discussed during the meeting was the possible cooperation of Armenia with Serbia in military sector. Mikhailov believes that there is no need to talk about any military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Serbia so far. Baku receives weapons from many countries, and Azerbaijan's army is much better equipped than that of Armenia. Meanwhile, Serbia does not have the ability to develop the latest defense technology. Even if Serbia supplies Armenia with small arms, there won't be any advantage of Armenia over Azerbaijan, said the expert. In turn, Ukrainian political analyst Oleg Khavich was skeptical about the hypothetical military cooperation between Belgrade and Yerevan. Serbia does not produce modern types of military weapons and equipment, receiving them mainly from Russia - like Armenia. Therefore, I believe that the only promising type of cooperation in this area is the possible participation of the Armenian military in joint Serbian-Russian exercises, which are regularly held in Serbia, as well as the possibility of using the Armenian army of Serbian military training grounds," he told Trend. Meanwhile, Georgy Engelhardt, a researcher at the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said that Baku has been actively developing its own presence in the Balkans, including Serbia for more than ten years, adding that it is no coincidence that a monument to the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, is in the center of Belgrade (Tashmaydan Park). Engelhardt also noted that the period of the coronavirus pandemic in itself does not favor any military-technical cooperation between any countries, as well as between Serbia and Armenia. Moreover, now the Serbian authorities are concerned, first of all, about obtaining medical and sanitary equipment. In my opinion, in March 2020 its impossible to take into account the pandemic for any government in Europe, in principle. For the Serbian government, which just the other day (March 15) introduced emergency situation in the country, this is definitely impossible," the expert added. Speaking about military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Serbia, the expert suggested that it can be talked about individual elements (radars for example), since Belgrade itself purchases weapons systems from large foreign manufacturers. Patna, March 19 : While the government is fully vigilant about coronavirus and is taking all precautionary measures, people are now turning to God to avoid being infected. In order to protect the world from the infection, Havan-pujas are being organised at many places in Patna, while a three-day monolithic recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib has been organised in Sri Harmandirji Sahib gurdwara in Patna. This monolithic recitation began on Wednesday and will end on Friday. The President of the Patna Sahib Management Committee, Avtar Singh said that after the unbroken recitation by the grace of Guru Maharaj, the infection of coronavirus will be eliminated from the whole world. A havan was also organised at M.G. Park in Kankarbagh to avoid the effects of COVID-19. People involved in this event said that many types of herbs were added to the havan material. Meanwhile, a havan yagya was performed on Wednesday at the high school ground in Paliganj for the purpose. Also, a Vishwashanti Yagya-Havan was organised at the Mahamaya temple premises in Juran Chapra in the Brahmaputra police station area in Muzaffarpur district. Acharya Ranjit Narayan Tiwari, who has performed the havan, said that when medicine and prayers stop working then only God's support remains the final option. He said that this havan will not only relieve Muzaffarpur and Bihar, but the world will also get respite from the havoc of coronavirus. Apart from this, in many temples prayers and havans are being performed to prevent the spread of this infectious disease. Meanwhile, 72 coronavirus suspects were tested but no one has been found positive so far. According to the Bihar Health Department, a total of 354 passengers who returned from Corona-affected countries have been placed in isolation since January 25, of which 113 have completed 14 days of isolation. The Bihar government has ordered legal action against the people who are not cooperating in the treatment to avoid the spread of coronavirus. It has also implemented the "Epidemic Disease, COVID-19, Manual 2020" on the recommendation of the health department. (Manoj Pathak can be reached at manoj.p@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tens of thousands of Canadians abroad are starting to worry about how they'll get home, as commercial flights cease in many countries with shuttered borders and they're asking the federal government to do more to help repatriate stranded travellers. The federal government has said Canadians abroad should come home as soon as possible as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads to virtually every country on earth. For an increasing number of people, however, that simply isn't an option. CBC News has heard from dozens of Canadians facing hardship abroad most notably in countries like Ecuador, Morocco, Peru and the Philippines, where virtually all movement, including domestic travel, has come to a standstill as governments work to slow the spread of COVID-19. Many Canadians have said they've had difficulty reaching staff at embassies or consulates charged with helping citizens abroad. Public health restrictions have made in-person visits all but impossible in some places. Emails to Global Affairs Canada have gone unanswered as bureaucrats deal with a crush of correspondence from an untold number of stranded Canadians. Sunwing, a leisure charter airline, has suspended southbound flights to holiday destinations to focus on bringing Canadians home. On Tuesday, their aircraft brought over 500 Canadians home from Honduras, Aruba and Panama countries that have started to close their borders but many others have been left behind. The federal government has said it has no plans to repatriate people from other countries, so some travellers inevitably will be stranded for some time. The federal government said Wednesday it will be working with cell phone providers, like Bell, Rogers and Telus, to send texts to all customers roaming abroad offering further information on consular assistance. Those texts will contain "consular support information and key contact information." But stranded travellers and their families said Wednesday they're looking for more than text messages from their government. Story continues 'Absolutely terrified' Theresa C. said she is "absolutely terrified" for her son John, a 24-year-old Halifax firefighter now stuck in Peru after travelling there to climb Machu Picchu. On Sunday, President Martin Vizcarra issued a 15-day nationwide state of emergency declaration and immediately ordered the borders closed, with nobody allowed in or out. (Theresa did not want to give her last name for fear of jeopardizing her son's safe passage.) John and two of his friends have been confined to a hotel room in Arequipa for days, with soldiers on guard outside the building to enforce martial law in a country that has gone to extreme lengths to slow the spread of COVID-19. The airports there have been shuttered and car traffic is forbidden. She said nothing less than a rescue flight organized by the Canadian government will get her son home. "It is a very, very dire situation there. Militias in the streets, total lockdown on movements. There's no ongoing source of food for them," Theresa told CBC News. "It's a harrowing situation. Canadians are being held captive in an environment where they're under martial law. I'm viscerally terrified for their welfare." Theresa said Canada should follow Israel's example by sending a plane to rescue the many travellers who visit Peru every year. The situation in Peru is different than in other countries, she said, because the military-enforced lockdown was ordered overnight, leaving foreigners no time to get out. Peter Swanson, a lawyer from Vancouver, is another Canadian stuck in Peru. He's in the tourist town of Cusco in the Peruvian Andes. He said the federal government's promise to float $5,000 in emergency loans to Canadians stuck overseas simply isn't helpful at this time. He booked an outbound flight for a weekend departure but it was abruptly cancelled after martial law was declared. "Surely the answer isn't, 'Here's $5,000, do what you can.' That's not going to solve the problem of closed borders. I don't understand why the Canadian government isn't trying to negotiate something with the various governments to allow repatriation flights. I just don't get it," Swanson told CBC News. Supplied by Peter Swanson "I'm not looking for a free ride. I was obviously planning to pay for my return. I'm simply looking to get a flight home," he said, adding there are "rumours" flying around about rescue flights for U.S. and Canadian citizens but there's been no clear communication from authorities. He said he's looking to hear from other Canadians in Peru to get a sense of just how many of them are trapped. "It'd be great if we could get together to tell the government to get a plane down here." 'I just want to get home' Swanson said he's uneasy. "I just want to get home. I have no clue how long I might be here. I don't want to be in a hotel in Peru for a month or two," he said. The situation is equally troubling in Ecuador, a popular destination in South America where people often go to catch ships to visit the Galapagos Islands. As of today, Ecuador has prohibited domestic passenger flights and has announced restrictions on virtually all movement throughout the country, with very limited exceptions. Shane Henry, a superintendent with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, is trying to get his family home to Saskatchewan. His brother Mike, his sister Latasha, his niece Leotina, 5, and nephew Dane, 11, have tried to get out of Ecuador but there just aren't any flights. Henry received a call from Global Affairs this morning and was told Ottawa has no plans to bring his family home on a repatriation flight. He said his family feels alone and forgotten by an embassy in Quito that has shuttered its doors to citizens in need. He said there are dozens of Canadians in the same situation. "They're worried. It's obvious, as her brother, that [Latasha is] quite worried about being stuck in a country like Ecuador. There's violent crime, drug trafficking, the geopolitical situation just isn't [the] best. They really have so few options to get out. The government has effectively left them to fend for themselves in Ecuador.," Henry said. Submitted by Shane Henry Ying Lu is the head of ophthalmology with the Scarborough Health Network in Toronto. She is stranded in Morocco after airlines abruptly cancelled most flights from Casablanca. 'We are totally stranded' She's part of a tour group of 38 others Canadians, including many seniors in their 60s and 70s with multiple medical conditions. She said some in the group are running out of medication and one diabetic needs medical care that isn't readily available in a country that is practically shut down. "We are totally stranded here with everyone trying everything to get out," Lu said. Miguel Morales is also trying to get his daughter and five other Canadians from McGill University's department of earth and planetary sciences out of Morocco. The group has been in Morocco for two weeks as part of a geology project led by Prof. Anthony Williams-Jones. He said Global Affairs Canada has offered little information about a way forward and the embassy in the capital city, Rabat, is closed. He said other countries, like Belgium, have already arranged flights out of the region. "I am disappointed [in] the way Canada has handled the repatriation of citizens abroad. Now is when we citizens want to see our government take the lead and show than in these moments, those who are stranded abroad are not forgotten," Morales told CBC in email. Supplied by Miguel Morales "Nothing has been done so far and that is a sign of weak planning and management from our government in this unusual event." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned Canadians that they may be stranded abroad. "There are three million Canadians at any given moment around the world, living and working, and I think it is just realistic to know that there are some of them who will not be coming home in the coming weeks," Trudeau told reporters Tuesday from self-isolation. "We're working with airlines to try and make sure that as many Canadians as possible, as many Canadians as want to, can come home. This is something all Canadians are expecting of their government and we're going to be doing it." Henry said the prime minister's message was "cryptic" and it's not clear what Ottawa has planned. "I was waiting to hear how we're going to get these international travellers home but, based on the message I got from the embassy this morning, my family is just going to hunker down for the time being," he said. Reliance Group chairman was questioned by the ED for about nine hours on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe against promoter and others, officials said. The industrialist was called again for a similar round of grilling on March 30. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recorded the statement of Ambani (60) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), after he appeared at the central agency's office in Ballard Estate here at around 9:30 am, the officials said, adding that he left the ED office around 7 pm. Ambani was not able to provide much information about the transactions with Yes Bank, along with certain other details of his group companies, as he said he did not remember the details, the officials said. Hence, they said, he was asked to come prepared with documents and information on March 30. A Reliance Group spokesperson said Ambani met ED officials "to clarify on the group's exposure to Yes Bank". "He reiterated that the Reliance Group's entire exposure to is fully secured and transacted in the ordinary course of business. All transactions between the Reliance Group and are in compliance with law and financial regulations," the spokesperson said in a statement. "Mr Ambani also clarified to the agency that the Reliance Group has no direct or indirect exposure to Mr or his wife or daughters, or any entities controlled by Mr or his family," the spokesperson added. The Reliance Group was committed to honouring the repayments of all its borrowings from Yes Bank through its various asset monetisation programmes, the statement said. Ambani, it added, had "assured (ED officials) that the Reliance Group will continue to extend its full support and cooperation to all authorities". Ambani's nine group companies that are reportedly under "stress" are stated to have taken loans adding up to about Rs 12,800 crore from the crisis-ridden bank. On March 6, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told a press conference that the Group, Essel, ILFS, DHFL and Vodafone were among the stressed corporates Yes Bank had an exposure to. The officials said Peter Kerkar of Cox & Kings was also questioned on Thursday. The agency has also sent a second summons to Essel Group chairman and Rajya Sabha MP to appear before it on March 21. Chandra was supposed to appear before the agency on March 18, but skipped it saying he was occupied in the ongoing Parliament session. The action of the agency in the case was initiated soon after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a moratorium on Yes Bank earlier this month, restricting withdrawals to Rs 50,000 per depositor as it raided and arrested Kapoor. Normal banking operations for the bank's customers restarted on Wednesday. The ED has accused Kapoor, his family members and others of laundering "proceeds of crime" worth Rs 4,300 crore by receiving kickbacks in lieu of extending big loans through their bank that allegedly turned non-performing assets (NPAs) subsequently. Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal was also called but did not appear before the agency on Wednesday, stating he was tending to a family member who was not keeping well. While the Essel Group has an alleged unpaid loan of Rs 8,400 crore towards Yes Bank, the loan amount of the Jet Airways is stated to be Rs 550 crore. Indiabulls chairman Sameer Gehlaut has also sent a communication to the agency, stating that he is abroad and not able to travel to India due to the travel and airline restrictions in view of the COVID-19 threat. He was asked to appear before the ED on March 20. Indiabulls is being probed for an instance of mortgaging of a costly property in Delhi to its housing branch for a loan of Rs 685 crore as part of an alleged dubious deal. Indiabulls Housing Ltd (IHFL) said on Thursday till the time Gehlaut joined the probe, it had "already submitted all information and records for the loan". ED officials have said they want to take the probe in the matter forward and hence, questioning and recording of statements of these business heads under the PMLA is essential. As many as 44 companies belonging to 10 large business groups reportedly accounted for bad loans totalling Rs 34,000 crore of Yes Bank. Other companies on the list include Dewan Housing Finance Corporation and Bharat Infra. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that people should not behave irresponsibly if they show coronavirus-like symptoms, amid concern over an 18-year-old COVID-19 patient disregarding advice for medical tests. Expressing disgust over the attitude of the patient and his family members, Banerjee said just because someone belongs to an influential family doesn't mean he will behave in an irresponsible way. The chief minister also instructed the police to take stern action against those spreading fake news in regard to the coronavirus. "We don't support if somebody tries to hide his/her symptoms and don't take precautionary measures. If anyone exhibits any symptom of coronavirus, he should immediately go for test," Banerjee said while addressing a programme here. The 18-year-old man, who returned from England on March 15, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, making it the first confirmed case in the state. His mother, a senior official in the state home department, flouted guidelines set by the health department by not going for a medical checkup immediately after her son landed at the city airport, according to official sources. The woman official was advised by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport authorities to take her son for a checkup at the Beliaghata ID hospital but she did not pay heed to their advise and took her home in the southern part of the city, they said. "We are welcoming those who are coming from abroad, but not their ailments. I don't support if someone avoids the test just because he belongs to an influential family. I don't support the act of visiting shopping malls while carrying the virus which may infect people. I don't support the casual behaviour of going to a park and exposing people to infection," Banerjee said. The chief minister also cautioned against deliberate attempts to spread irresponsible and unverified news "by some news channels". "If someone is infected with the virus abroad and arrives here, how can you say he has been infected here? Technically that is not true. Just because a development has taken place in late evening hours can you interpret it in your own way?" she asked. "Those who are coming (from outside) please get tested and keep yourself isolated for a period of 15-27 days," Banerjee said. Banerjee said her government will introduce a new roster for state employees so that they can come early and leave at 4 pm to avoid peak hour rush in buses and trains. "For the interest of the employees we will also facilitate online medical leave application to be addressed to the chief secretary via the concerned departmental head," the chief minister said. Banerjee said this was not the time to do politics and asserted that despite having differences with New Delhi on political issues, her government is fighting the coronavirus outbreak together with the Centre. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has denied reports that he contradicted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Reports, after the Finance Minister went to Parliament on Tuesday, indicated that the $100 million devoted by President Akufo-Addo to fight coronavirus pandemic is not yet available. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress(NDC) has accused President Akufo-Addo of deceit after reports that the money he claimed was available was actually yet to come. However, during Wednesdays edition of Peace FM's morning show Kokrokoo, the Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baako Jnr. disclosed that the Finance Minister debunked making those claims in a telephone conversation. "I called the Finance Minister for his side of the story . . . and (he said) as far as he is concerned, he did not tell the House that Ghana is incapable of mobilizing it or the money is non-existence," he added. Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This story originally was printed on March 29-30, 1929, in the Winona Republican-Herald, a predecessor of the Winona Daily News. Eau Claire, Wis. (AP) John Sather, Eau Claire detective, announced today that Louis Munson, 42, Eleva farmer held under observation at the Mendota asylum since December, had confessed that he killed his brother, Harold Munson, two years ago. Munson did it, the detectives said they were told, because God had ordered me to, and because he wanted his brothers farm and also wanted to marry a school teacher. Sather and two Eleva men went to the asylum and there obtained the confession. The mans brother was found slain in a drain ditch at the rear of his home where he lived alone, May 27, 1927. Louis lived on an adjoining farm. In the opinion of the hospital staff at the Mendota asylum where he has been confined since Dec. 20 last year, Munson is criminally insane and should be confined for life in the hospital for criminally insane at Waupun. Recommendations to this effect are expected to be made soon to the state board of control of Wisconsin. At Independence, J.A. Markham, district attorney, said today that as long as Louis Munson was in the charge of the state board of control and believed by the board to be insane, there was no action that could be taken by the district attorney, but that if he is ever declared sane, murder charges will be brought against him. Chose Bible way Dissatisfied with the results of the original investigation; the town board engaged the services of an Eau Claire detective, John Sather, who after long investigation fixed the blame on Louis Munson and had him placed in the Mendota Institution. There he made a confession one day to Mr. Sather and two Eleva men, John Emmerson and George Tollefson, that he had a dream in which God told him to kill his brother by fire, gun or iron rod, which he said was the Bible way. He said he chose the iron rod. Louis admitted that one reason he wanted to kill his brother was that he could get the latters farm and marry a young school teacher of Eleva. Munsons confession that he killed his brother, because God had commanded, his brother was a beast, and was deformed and should be off the earth, is expected to clear away all suspicion from all on whom suspicion has fallen in the two-year investigation of the crime during which three of the murdered mans neighbors were arrested, but released after questioning. Inquest held The inquest immediately following the murder was in charge of Coroner J. E. Rhode of Whitehall but no verdict was handed down by the jury, which gave much time to the investigation of the case. Louis Munson, who has now confessed the crime, was also questioned by the jury and also later by the investigators. He said on the morning of May 25, 1927, at 6 oclock, he was standing on a hill overlooking the home of his brother and saw three men running after him. He knew, he said, his brother was being harmed, judging by the noise he heard, but did not offer any help and did not inform anyone because he thought he would be blamed for it. It was on the basis of this statement that three neighbors of the slain man were later arrested, but released when it was found that no evidence existed against them connecting them with the crime. Suspicion also fell on others in and near the neighborhood and the village of Eleva, and it was for this reason that the people of the village wanted the uncertainty cleared up and remove any lingering suspicious that the guilt lay anywhere else but where it belonged. First blamed Klan According to Mr. Sather, Munson just before admitting his crime blamed the Ku Klux Klan for the murder. Then be admitted that his story of seeing three men chasing his brother was false and that he himself had killed his brother. He then told why and how he did it. When Munson was on the witness stand before the jury of inquest, he said that he and his slain brother had operated their farms, which adjoined each other, together, but they had failed to agree and had divided the property and that each lived alone on his respective farm. Munsons story of the murder act, according to Mr. Sather, went like this: On the morning of May 25, 1927, Louis Munson, who lived alone on a farm near that of his brothers, called at the latters house and when Harold came to the door partly dressed, he (Louis) struck him over the head with an iron bar. He said his brother did not fall until he had hit him over the head three times. Asked what became of the iron, Munson said he threw it away and it is now in the hands of God. Goes to barn singing Munson told in his confession how he returned to his own house after committing the murder and was in his barn singing when Halversen (a neighbor) came to his place to put in a foundation for his milk machine. Louis said he came near asking Halvorsen if he had seen anything unusual around his brothers house as he passed, as it was then less than an hour since he had given the latter what proved his death blow, but be refrained from doing so. Ed Hanson, member of a road crew on Highway 93, found the body. Hanson was walking through the Munson yard when he noticed two feet apparently sticking up out of the ground a short distance from the rear of Munsons new bungalow home. A closer investigation revealed the body of Munson lying in a ditch partly overgrown with grass. The body was lying face downward. Later a closer investigation by the authorities showed that Munsons skull had been crushed in with some heavy instrument. Sand found in the murdered mans windpipe and nostrils indicated that he had fallen face downward in the ditch, in a helpless condition, and had died a short time afterward. Blood found on the walls of the north side of his house near the door where the attack occurred indicated he had made a desperate struggle to get to his feet This was later corroborated by John Oien and Clarence Hanson of Chimney Rock, who driving past Munsons house about 6:30 oclock that morning this was some time after the attack by Louis saw Harold standing with his head against the wall of the house. As their glimpse of him was only a momentary one, they paid little or no attention to it for it appeared as though he was fumbling with the lock on that side of the house. Evidently, then, Harold was not dead when his brother had felled him the third time, as he confessed, but had managed to get up after his assailant had departed and stumbled over into the ditch where he died. Other bloodstains wore found by county authorities on the door of the silo. Munson was said to have cashed a check for $125 the day before the crime and one theory was that of robbery. A coroners inquest was held several days later but no arrests were immediately made. Several weeks later the board of supervisors of Trempealeau County offered a reward for any information leading to a solution of the murder mystery, but until Louis Munsons confession, none was forthcoming. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Elsewhere in these pages those with expertise in the field of healthcare provide analysis and advice on getting through the coronavirus outbreak. Let me address some of its economic consequences here. It is now clear Ireland and the rest of the world is suffering an unprecedented shock. The most obvious manifestation so far is the dramatic increase in unemployment already under way, caused by so many businesses having to wind down or shut down entirely. The Irish Government, those in the rest of Europe and leaders across the world are mobilising all relevant branches of their states in a way that has historically happened only in time of major war. The biggest economic stimulus of all time is being unleashed. There is almost universal consensus among economists that massively increasing state spending is the appropriate reaction to the emergency. As private spending contracts by an unprecedented amount, the State will need to intervene in an unprecedented way. As the Taoiseach said on Tuesday night, this will leave a massive bill, but that bill is worth paying. Above all else, it is worth paying to save as many lives as possible. It is also worth paying to keep people at work and businesses in existence. It is rightly and frequently said that everyone has a part to play in the health emergency. Everyone who is in a position to do so should play their part in sustaining the economy, for the benefit of all. There have been some suggestions, including by normally sensible people, that payments of all kinds should be frozen and that we all need to cut back on our spending. This is absolutely wrong. Doing so would kill off more businesses, thus causing even higher unemployment than is already inevitable. Economies resemble human bodies in some ways. Just as bodies require oxygen to flow to every cell, economies require spending to get to every business. If the oxygen supply to a human body is restricted, cells begin to die. If businesses are starved of cash, they start dying off too. If more business can't pay their employees and suppliers, even more unemployment will be the result. For those with the jobs and incomes, the most important message is to keep spending - buy groceries, buy things online, pay bills and support businesses with your custom. That will get oxygen to businesses and preserve jobs. And many people will have the wherewithal to spend. No matter how bad the crisis becomes, most people will still be working. Consider some facts. When the crisis hit, there were 2.35 million people at work in the Republic. That is up by almost half a million since 2012, the low point of the slump that followed the property crash. Much of these gains will be reversed very quickly - but hopefully temporarily - in the days and weeks ahead. Many of the 180,000 people at work in the hospitality industry as of the end of last year will be out of work by now, or soon. A chunk of the 300,000 employed in retail will likely be laid off too. But even if employment fell back to 2012 levels, that would still mean 1.9 million people in the economy at work and earning. Those who are fortunate enough to be in that group, and who feel confident they will remain part of that group, should keep spending. Their spending will be like oxygen to many gasping businesses. Public sector and private sector people who can work from home should avoid the worst of the jobs shock. Employment in health and social care, which stood at almost 300,000 at the end of last year, will rise sharply. Ireland's big manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices will add to payrolls to meet the massive increase in global demand the health emergency brings. There is also likely to be significant extra demand for workers in online retail and the delivery business. The Irish economy was in great shape before the virus struck. If it can be controlled, a quick bounce-back is possible. Let us hope that happens. Let us also hope the only European Union institution which really matters in this crisis will do its job. Unfortunately, there are worrying signs that it may not. Governments will have to write many IOUs in a very short time to fund extra spending. It may be necessary for the European Central Bank to take on some of these. If it does not, some governments may not be able to respond to the health emergency and the economic slump. Having one governmental institution lend money to another is not a good idea. Right now, it may be the least bad one. Thus far, there has not been total and explicit clarity from all of the 25 members of the ECB's governing council that concerns about lending to government, which were valid until just days ago, must be put to one side. Indeed, only yesterday one of that group of 25, the president of the Austrian central bank, Michael Holzmann, told a newspaper in his country that the ECB was approaching the limits of what it could do to support the eurozone economy. The statement, which was not just technically incorrect (and corrected later in the day), was reckless and damaging. It caused borrowing costs for governments such as Italy's to rise yesterday morning. It follows a similarly corrected comment by the president of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, last week. That two members of the 25-member committee which decides on ECB actions have made such comments in the teeth of such an emergency has raised fears among those who lend to governments that they will not be repaid. All members of the ECB's governing council have a duty to European citizens to do all in their power to fight the virus and its effects. They need to be clear and explicit that they will fulfil their duty. They need to do so now. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday warned of a worsening coronavirus crisis in the country and urging the Centre to allow private hospitals to conduct tests for the virus affliction to ensure its access to all the people. Calling for a national level fight against the pandemic on a war footing, Singh said he will take up the issue of testing by private hospitals and labs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during the latter's proposed video conference with all chief ministers. The chief minister also suggested to the Centre to distribute its over 20 million food stocks, stored in Punjab godowns, among the poor whose earnings have been hit due to coronavirus outbreak. With the number of coronavirus cases increasing, the Centre has to consider reviewing its policy, stressed the CM, making it clear that he did not agree with the current policy of the government of India in this regard. Given the fact that Punjab has private labs in all its major cities, it is not logical for a suspected coronavirus patient to have to travel to Chandigarh or some other distant place to get himself tested from a government facility only, said Singh, adding that only in case of doubt should such a person be required to go elsewhere for a second test. Singh was speaking at a conclave to mark the third anniversary of his government, according to a government release here. Insisting that he is not a pessimist, he said the way things are going around the world, it is obvious that India has to be prepared for the worst. The coronavirus has just entered India and the problem is likely to escalate in line with the its rising graph in other countries, he said, adding, We have to be prepared in every way. The suggestion came even as Punjab reported the death of a 70-year-old man who had arrived from Germany via Italy on March 7, and had proceeded to the state the same day. He was a known case of diabetes and hypertension, and was confirmed as a coronavirus positive case on Wednesday, said the release. The CM also suggested that the Centre should allow the food stocks currently stored in Punjab godowns to be distributed to the poor whose earnings have been impacted due to the coronavirus outbreak instead of letting them rot in the storage areas. Since the stocks belonged to the Government of India, it was in their purview to take a decision in this regard, he said, adding that the 20 million tonnes of food grains that Food Corporation of India (FCI) yet to be lifted from godowns could be put to better use by feeding the people not just in Punjab but wherever needed. Such a move would be a life saver for the people of India in the current crisis, he added. On the issue of congregations at gurdwaras and other religious places, the CM said he has already requested religious heads to limit gatherings to under 50 and to appeal to the devotees from their podiums not to gather in large numbers. He was hopeful that the religious heads would support the move, said Singh, adding that the government was not harassing people but was trying to save lives. With respect to the problem of pollution, which is found to aggravate the coronavirus disease, the CM said his government was doing its best to manage stubble burning but the Centre has to step in with the requisite support. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 289 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Gold slightly rises in price North Korea says it successfully tested another hypersonic missile OSCE calls on Azerbaijan, Armenia to refrain from the use of force Oil is trading without a single dynamic US State Department welcomes announcement on CSTO forces withdrawal from Kazakhstan Newspaper: Ex-ministers are summoned to Hayastan All Armenian Fund parliamentary inquiry committee MOD: Armenia soldiers dead body found at midnight after Azerbaijan provocation Newspaper: Casualties of Armenia PM Pashinyan's 'era of peace' What are health risks of toothpaste? US concerned about EastMed natural gas pipeline project Giant fish sold at auction for over 16 million yen Mourinho invites Ndombele to Roma Xavi: Match with Real can be turning point for our team German Marshall Fund: It Is not too early to think about political change in Turkey Armenian Foreign Ministry: We call on Azerbaijani authorities to refrain from provocations Vaccination may prolong menstrual cycle Armenia's Geghamasar community head: The situation is stable now Queen Elizabeth II's favorite fast food revealed Human Rights Defender: Azerbaijani troops open fire on Armenian sovereign territory World Economic Forum: Cybersecurity and space pose new risks to the global economy Porto midfielder to move Roma Defense Ministry confirms Armenian side has 2 victims Satanovsky on sending Armenian servicemen to Kazakhstan Unofficial data: 2 servicemen killed as a result of Azerbaijan provocation CSTO and Kazakh Defense Ministry developing plan WHO thinks it's too early to consider COVID-19 pandemic Fabio Cannavaro refuses to lead the Polish team European Commission to require Poland to pay fine of nearly EUR 70 million White House announces $308 million humanitarian aid for Afghanistan Vahan Bichakhchyan starts training with Pogon Erdogan angry at minister after efforts to strengthen lira failed Armenian FM has phone call with US Assistant Secretary of State India imposes one-week quarantine even for vaccinated tourists Armenian ex-president expresses condolences on poet Razmik Davoyan's death Traction Programme to showcase 8 startups during the Digital Demo Day Azerbaijan uses artillery and UAVs, 3 Armenian soldiers wounded NEWS.am daily digest: 11.01.22 Antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination transmitted through breast milk Austrian Chancellor confirms plan for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in February Armen Sarkissian and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discuss situation in Kazakhstan The Morning Show renewed for a third season Gulf, Iran and Turkey FMs to visit China 20 pregnant women with COVID-19 die in Azerbaijan in year Armenia hands over wanted US citizen to United States Economy ministry: Organizing of accommodation and public catering increased by 61.1% in Armenia Armenia parliament speaker expresses condolences on European Parliament President death Azerbaijan opens fire toward Armenia village sector, one soldier wounded Shoigu: CSTO peacekeepers deployed in Kazakhstan thanks to Syrian and Karabakh experience Netflix shows teaser of Kanye West's documentary Azerbaijan official pledges to remove Armenian toponyms from Google Maps UN offers two plans to help Afghans totaling $ 5 billion in 2022 Salah says he is not asking for crazy stuff Armenia attorney general travels to Moscow on working visit Azerbaijan MOD blames Armenian side for soldiers death Dollar drops in Armenia PSG show interest in Ronaldo Drake becomes most popular rapper on Instagram Shirak Province captives families hold protest outside Armenia government building Rolls-Royce sales rise to record high in 2021 Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis directed gun at Armenia residents car in which his wife, 3-year-old child were ANCA urges President Biden and Congress to hold Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable for war crimes Serbia's Orthodox Patriarch tests positive for COVID-19 Cadiz fire head coach Brothers, sisters of 2020 Artsakh war military casualties to get compensation in lieu of their deceased parents Gucci honors year of tiger with new incredible collection Deltacron: New danger or laboratory error? Turkish authorities sanction arrest of 33 suspected FETO ties Copper rises in price Erdogan's spokesman, Biden's adviser discuss Armenian-Turkish relations Armenia deputy defense minister: No one can rule out border tension at any moment New commander elected of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh Dybala, model girlfriend pose topless in photoshoot Armenia official: Those 100 soldiers absence will not assume any change in terms of border tension Real arrive in Saudi Arabia Millionaire Robert Durst dies aged 78 Turkey national team footballer dies in car accident Reuters: Over 1.13 million cases of COVID-19 detected in US per day Great Armenian poet Razmik Davoyan dies 2 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Deputy PM Matevosyan: About 1,190 subvention programs implemented in Armenia from 2018 to 2021 243 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia MP: It would be right to put pressure on Azerbaijanis to remove their firing positions Oil is getting more expensive Humayun Saeed to star as Dodi Fayed Nearly 10,000 people detained in Kazakhstan in connection with riots Djokovic holds closed training session in Melbourne Tokayev: CSTO peacekeepers will pull out from Kazakhstan within 10 days US man is successfully transplanted animal heart for first time Newspaper: Armenia businessmen pay customs duties to Azerbaijanis to go to Iran Netflix announces production of The Witcher season 3 European Parliament speaker David Sassoli dies Alikhan Smailov appointed Kazakhstan Prime Minister Newspaper: Health minister makes decision full of contradictions in terms of Covid-related restrictions in Armenia Newspaper: Armenia authorities once again showed their being unprincipled, worthless, opposition MP says Germany teacher who had cannibalism fantasies is sentenced to life in prison FA Cup: Man United eliminate Aston Villa Israel's military and other security services undergo largest rearmament in years Spain PM calls for a debate to consider COVID-19 endemic disease Barcelona's striker resumes training half a year later By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged India to ensure supplies of essential items to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, amid rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the region. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui made the remarks at the weekly media interaction which was held online due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. "Pakistan urges India to lift the blockade in the region in order to obtain full information on affected people and provision of essential items and medical supplies to the affected people," she said. Pakistan's coronavirus cases sharply rose to 448 on Thursday, as the military said that measures are being taken to make the armed forces' medical facilities available for an "extreme emergency" situation. On Afghanistan, Farooqui said Pakistan hoped to see the implementation of the US-Taliban peace deal that would lead to the Intra-Afghan negotiations. ALSO READ| Coronavirus cases in Pakistan rise to 453 as armed forces ready medical facilities for 'emergency' "Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. We hope after the peace agreement in Doha on February 29, 2020 all sides will move towards intra-afghan negotiations to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan," she said. She said that the dates for next meeting under Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity mechanism were still under discussion. To a question, she said that the Pakistani pilgrims were allowed to return from Iran after putting in place requisite infrastructure on our side of the border. Farooqui also said that Pakistan and China always stood by each other particularly in challenging times and during the recent visit of President Arif Alvi, letters of exchange were signed between the two countries, aimed at building capacity and address the challenges posed by COVID-19 in Pakistan. MR. MARKET RUINS PREZ TRUMP'S BRAGGING POINT!!! The entire Trump stock rally is gone: Dow erases all its gains since Donald Trump took office The Trump stock rally, which at its peak a month ago was robust and seemingly unending, has completely evaporated. Double Dose Of Relief??? Trump administration seeks 2 rounds of checks to Americans in massive coronavirus response The White House is moving forward with a proposed $1 trillion coronavirus package that would infuse Americans' bank accounts with two rounds of direct cash payments. The Trump administration is seeking $250 billion in payments to Americans starting April 6, followed by another $250 billion cash payment round beginning May 18, according to the working draft of the plan obtained by Fox Business Network. Fairfax & Claycomo Stop Work Ford, GM to shut down production in North America due to coronavirus concerns Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler, are shutting down North American production because of the coronavirus. The decision impacts thousands of Ford and GM workers in the Kansas City metro.There are around 9,000 auto workers in the metro between the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Ford Claycomo plant. Perfect Village Helps Out Prairie Village church putting food items out for those struggling Asbury United Methodist Church SOURCE: Asbury United Methodist Church Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, said it set up shelves of nonperishable food items outside the main church entrance for anyone struggling to get food during the coronavirus outbreak.The church said it is accepting donations of soup, pasta, and other nonperishable food items for those in need. Feeding The NextGen Kansas City districts providing meals to students during closures With schools closed in the Kansas City metro - some for the rest of the year - local school districts are working to continue providing meals for students during the coronavirus pandemic. The Shawnee Mission School District, which will close all school buildings for the rest of the year under an order Tuesday from Kansas Gov. Double Talk After EPIC Layoff Numbers Scare Economists U.S. 'will not have' unemployment rate of 20 percent, Mnuchin says The U.S. will not see unemployment levels of 20 percent, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin clarified Wednesday, just one day after issuing a stark warning about the economic effects of the coronavirus if Congress did not agree on the White House stimulus package. Kansas City Resources For Emergency Assistance Unemployed in KC? Here's a list of resources Photo by Masaaki Komori It is rough out there. It's not so great in here either. Everyone needs a little help right now. So in working with some local businesses, we've put together some very handy links and resources for those of you whose jobs have been affected by the COVID-19 fallout. The political blame game in the midst of a pandemic might mot be as important as confronting the reality: The Trump Economic boom has now been erased by COVID-19. Kansas City and the nation now confront a recession. Here are a few links from "many sides" of the debate along with local resources . . .Developing . . . Health authorities in Rajasthan's Alwar district have issued a notice to a doctor couple, who are suspected to have been infected by the novel coronavirus, for travelling abroad without approval and resuming work after their return ignoring the advisory and protocol, officials said. The couple, an eye surgeon and his gynaecologist wife, work at the state-run Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Alwar and were on leave from March 2-12 for "urgent work". "The couple did not inform that they travelled abroad during the leave duration. A notice has been served to give explanation," said Sunil Chauhan, the principal medical officer of the hospital. Officials said the couple visited Singapore and conducted surgery after resuming duty. Chauhan said the couple are among the coronavirus suspects who had a history of travelling abroad. They are now under home isolation. Their swab samples have been taken for testing and the report is awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five former health ministers in Iran have urged the government to limit inter-city travel and close non-essential businesses in order to reduce the pace of coronavirus infections in the country. The former ministers, who are all medical doctors by profession, in a letter to President Hassan Rouhani have argued that one month after the start of the epidemic, The trend of the disease and its consequences continue to show an upward trajectory and it has not declined in any part of the country. In their letter, published by Fars news agency, the former ministers spoke of dozens of people dying in Iran daily, with incalculable losses and have warned the government that the disease must be controlled. They urged the government to take fundamental steps and reduce contact between those infected and healthy people. Limiting movement of people, holiday trips, shtting non-essential businesses and big shopping centers are necessary, they argued. As medical professional the former ministers tell the government that immediately and for a period of two weeks all non-essential activities must stop. They tell Rouhani that if the government does not heed their advice, it would be putting peoples lives at risk. President Rouhani and other officials have resisted quarantines and have only urged people to take precautions. Critics say that if the government from the very beginning has quarantines some hotspots, such as the religious city of Qom, COVID-19 would not have quickly spread throughout the country. One reason for the government' reluctance to restrict non-essential activities might be its desire to maintain as much economic activity as possible, given the country's dire financial situation. As more and more countries throughout Asia and Europe start to close borders with the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of abating, thousands of Vietnamese citizens are rushing home. Passengers returning from European and Southeast Asian countries waiting at a cordoned off area at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, waiting to be transferred to concentrated quarantine locations. An estimated 6,000 Vietnamese living or studying in Southeast Asia and a further 1,000 from European countries were expected to land in airports across the country on March 18, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. Among the 999 Vietnamese citizens returning from Europe, 325 will be touching down from the UK, France and Germany, three countries where the pandemic is raging with increasing numbers of cases and deaths that have forced governments to implement unprecedented restrictions and lockdown measures. There will also be 96 foreigners from outside the UK and Schengen zone. The Government placed a ban on entry of tourists coming from the two areas four days ago. As many as 78 flights expected to be carrying 5,711 Vietnamese passengers returning from ASEAN countries will be arriving on Wednesday too. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is scheduled to receive 22 flights with 1,623 passengers, while Da Nang Airport will welcome seven flights with 342 passengers. Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to receive 43 flights with 3,159 passengers on board. Cam Ranh Airport in Khanh Hoa province and Lien Khuong Airport in Lam Dong province will receive two flights transporting 220 and 159 passengers, respectively. Can Tho Airport and Phu Quoc Airport (Kien Giang) will receive one flight each carrying 129 and 79 passengers, respectively. To Tu Ha, deputy director of Noi Bai International Airport, said the procedures for passengers from high-risk regions had become more time-consuming than usual as more stringent measures were in place to prevent the spread of the acute respiratory disease in Vietnam. All entrants would need to fill out compulsory health declaration forms, have clinical samples taken by health workers, and be transported to designated concentrated quarantine sites for visitors from virus-hit regions. The Hanoi Centre for Disease Control, Noi Bai border police and related authorities had beefed up personnel to deal with the surge of passengers, but overloading would be inevitable during peak hours when many flights landed simultaneously, Ha said, urging for understanding on the part of passengers. While they are waiting for procedures to be completed, at noon or in the evening, Noi Bai has arranged free meals and drinks for passengers if necessary, Ha said. All passengers need to stay informed of the rules and regulations during this time to ensure safety for themselves and their families, and to contribute to the concerted efforts made by the Vietnamese Government and public to fight the pandemic, Ha said. Passengers were asked to refrain from uncooperative behaviour towards law enforcement authorities. They should also follow notices and instructions on flight information boards, added the airport official. The transport ministry has recommended Vietnamese nationals overseas to really consider their return trips to Vietnam as immigration rules had tightened and countries could unilaterally halt or change flights with little notice. Health officials have also advised against air travel as airports and planes were fertile grounds for virus transmission. However, if Vietnamese nationals truly wished to return home, the Government would provide all necessary means to repatriate them. The Vietnamese Government has discontinued issuing visas for foreigners for the next 30 days starting March 18. It has also required that all arrivals from ASEAN countries or transiting via ASEAN countries within 14 days prior to entry to Vietnam be sent to concentrated quarantine sites./. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:30:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, March 19 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official said on Thursday that the number of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has surged by 25 percent annually since Donald Trump became U.S. president in 2017, official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. "The settlements' increase is part of Trump and (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's annexation plans," said Saeb Erekat, secretary general of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, in a press statement published by WAFA. "While they are violating the international law, they deny the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," he added. Erekat, also Palestinian chief negotiator for three decades, called for the international community to "protect the possibility of making just and comprehensive peace based on the international law." Last November, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Washington no longer considers the Israeli settlements in the West Bank inconsistent with international law. By Jamie Freed and Tracy Rucinski LONDON/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia and Taiwan joined governments offering financial aid to airlines, while authorities in Europe rushed on Wednesday to agree steps to rescue carriers which have had to park planes and cut jobs as the coronavirus puts the brake on travel. The scramble to bail out carriers came as Italy once again rescued Alitalia, with Rome taking control of the airline and shelving a sale process for the perennially loss-making carrier. European Union transport ministers discussed potential help following calls from the airline sector for urgent tax relief to avoid multiple bankruptcies. Norway's government held talks with Norwegian Air executives after the struggling airline called for financial backing similar to that given to regional counterpart SAS by Denmark and Sweden. In the United States, airlines have asked Washington for $50 billion in grants and loans, plus tens of billions in tax relief. Sector executives are due to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Wednesday. Planemaker Boeing Co has called on the U.S. government to provide at least $60 billion in access to liquidity, including loan guarantees, for the aerospace manufacturing industry as airlines halt deliveries and new orders to conserve cash. Airbus has also signaled some government support may be needed if the coronavirus crisis lasts for several months, three people familiar with the matter said. The Australian government said it would refund and waive charges to airlines such as domestic air traffic control fees worth A$715 million ($430 million), including A$159 million up front, as it advised citizens against all foreign travel. Taiwan's civil aviation regulator said that its airlines could apply for subsidies and loans backdated to Jan. 15. CASH CRUNCH The outbreak of the flu-like virus has wiped 41%, or $157 billion, off the share value of the world's 116 listed airlines, with many using up their cash so fast they can now cover less than two months of expenses, a Reuters analysis showed. Story continues The International Air Transport Association (IATA) representing the sector said $200 billion in government support could be needed worldwide. Airlines have been forced to take drastic measures to cut their costs. Emirates and El Al Israel Airlines asked staff to take unpaid leave, and Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will suspend flights to major Southeast Asian and European destinations. U.S. airlines are seeking to quickly reduce their workforces through unpaid leave of up to 12 months with medical benefits or early retirement packages in a sign carriers do not expect a quick rebound. Trump said on Tuesday that travel restrictions within the United States are being considered, which would be a further blow to its domestic carriers. PASSENGER NUMBERS PLUNGE Global passenger numbers are expected to fall by as much as 30% this year with a full recovery not likely until 2022 or 2023, S&P Global Ratings said. "At the risk of being alarmist, the airline industry is on the brink of collapse as governments are quarantining large portions of their populations and closing off borders," Cowen analyst Helane Becker told clients. The situation has worsened for airlines this week as governments have tightened travel restrictions. United Airlines Holdings Inc said it would cut 60% of its capacity in April, including 85% of its international flights. Air New Zealand Ltd on Wednesday suspended trading in its shares for another two days to assess the financial implications of deep capacity cuts announced on Monday. "This is going to be quite tough as we forecast the volumes that we are looking at over the next few months," CEO Greg Foran said in a video sent to reporters. (Reporting by Jamie Freed and Tracy Ruckinski, additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington, Patturaja Murugaboopathy in Bengaluru and Ben Blanchard in Taipei; editing by Jason Neely, Josephine Mason and Keith Weir) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:06:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LHASA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Lhaba was born into a poor family of nine in the county of Dinggye, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Since he could remember, the family depended on merely 0.3 hectares of land and a dozen cows and sheep to live. "We struggled to make ends meet by eating the barley reaped from the fields," said Lhaba, 32. "It's impossible to make a fortune from the land or herding." Lhaba had his own fun as a herdsman, even in poverty. "I would dance on the grassland when I was herding," he said. "Sometimes I was so into it that I forgot to look after the cows and sheep." Little did Lhaba know that he would become an internet celebrity in China with his distinctive Tibetan dancing skills. Currently, his account has drawn more than 700,000 followers and about six million likes on video-sharing app Douyin, also known as TikTok. From a herdsman to a star, Lhaba's story combined luck, friendship, and most importantly, his passion for dancing. VENTURING OUT After struggling in poverty for many years, Lhaba decided to go out of his home county and work in a big city, as many of his fellow villagers had improved their lives by doing the same. In early 2018, Lhaba went to the regional capital Lhasa and started working at a construction site, earning 3,000 yuan (424 U.S. dollars) a month. The high work intensity was exhausting, and sometimes he was burned out. "My best relaxation tip was dancing in the Zongchop Lukhang Park every week," Lhaba said. "Dancing has always been a huge part of my life." The park is right behind the iconic Potala Palace and is a favorite place for Lhasa residents on weekends. The park often features a variety of Tibetan opera performances and Tibetan dance shows. Lhaba, a huge fan of Tibetan dancing, became a frequent visitor to the park and often busted his dance moves out in front of crowds. Compared with local people's dancing skills, Lhaba's moves were more freestyle and had more "swag." His smile while dancing made him popular among local residents. "He may have grown up in a poor family, but he never complains," said Lhaba's friend Ngawang. "He has a sunny disposition; he is kind and humble, and he spreads positive energy around." Ngawang is a friend Lhaba made in the park. They had a lot in common, and soon, the friends decided to start a business together. Before the 2019 Tibetan New Year, they rented a store in Lhasa and started selling Tibetan desserts. In less than two months, they made more than 20,000 yuan. DANCING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT But the fervor only lasted a while because the desserts were only popular during Tibetan New Year. Just when Lhaba was considering what to do next, his dancing videos suddenly became viral on the social media tool WeChat. A local resident suggested that Lhaba upload his videos on TikTok. "You will become an online celebrity for sure; trust me." Lhaba did not know much about TikTok. So he asked his friend to register him an account and uploaded videos of his daily life as well as his dancing. Clicks on the dancing videos skyrocketed, and within half a year, his followers exceeded 700,000. "I never knew I could draw so much attention," he said. "I did not know that I would become famous through the park, dance moves and a smartphone." With so many views, many commercial companies and endorsements began to contact him. In the past year, he was able to visit a lot of places he had never been to in Tibet. Lhaba also performed in the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan, making about 10,000 yuan for each performance on average. "Everything happened so fast, and it feels like a dream," he said. "I am the luckiest man in the world; I had an opportunity, and I grasped it. That's it." Lhaba's biggest wish now is to go back to his hometown for a visit. "My life has changed so much these days, but I still miss the beautiful grassland." Former Bachelor star Lisa Hyde recently returned home from an island getaway in the Maldives with her boyfriend, Damon Collina. Now in self-isolation in her Sydney home as a precaution against the coronavirus , the couple have been reunited with their nine-month-old baby daughter Myja-Jae. But on Thursday, the 32-year-old mother revealed on her Instagram stories that she has no food left in her beachside home in Bronte. 'Pretending we're on Survivor!' The Bachelor's Lisa Hyde (pictured) says she has no food in self-isolation with her baby, Myja-Jae (pictured), and boyfriend after a trip to the Maldives trip 'It's mummy and daddy that will starve because they can't leave the house,' Lisa told her daughter. 'We have no food. Who wants to bring me some food? I'm starving. Might just go on a detox and lose some weight. Bring us food please!' 'Pretending we're on Survivor and can't eat for 14 days haha,' she captioned the post. 'We have no food. Who wants to bring me some food? I'm starving. Might just go on a detox and lose some weight. Bring us food please!' Lisa said on her Instagram story on Thursday VIP treatment: The cafe's owner Ninos (left) delivered the meal personally, which consisted of two coffees (right), two acai bowls and smashed avocado on toast Lisa explained that they were making do with the limited amount of food at home, but they were in most need of coffee. She then tagged her local health cafe chain Bare Naked Bowls and made an order via Instagram stories, despite delivery being available on Deliveroo and Menulog. 'Bare Naked Bowls, if you would like to drop off two almond lattes, you know where we live! Because we're in your store everyday,' she said. 'Bring your EFTPOS machine, we'll pay you when you get here. Oh! Maybe even an acai bowl!' In the next clip, Lisa said she had started a tab with the cafe and they were delivering her brunch to her doorstep. A self-isolation brunch: Lisa and her boyfriend Damon Collina had acai bowls (left) and avocado on toast (right) for breakfast The cafe's owner Ninos delivered the meal personally, which consisted of two coffees, two acai bowls and smashed avocado on toast. Another one of Lisa's friends had already brought supplies for Myja-Jae, meaning she didn't have to worry about shopping for baby foods. All overseas arrivals in Australia are required to self-quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. In Australia, there have been 636 cases of COVID-19 and six deaths. JEFFERSON CITY The number of new COVID-19 cases rose to 28 Thursday, up from 24 the day before, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's administration said. No details were made available about the new cases during an afternoon press briefing outside Parson's office. Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams said notifications about the new cases were still being made. No deaths from the coronavirus were reported, leaving the state with one fatality from the disease, a Boone County resident older than 60 who had traveled abroad. Parson defended his decision to not call for more aggressive restrictions on school and business closings, saying he understands as a former small business owner how hard it would be to have the government force a shutdown. "Making decisions like that is easier said than done," Parson said. "I know how hard it can be to make a payroll." At the same time, he noted that even without a direct order, all school districts in Missouri are now closed at least temporarily as a way to slow the spread of the outbreak. The announcement came as state government scrambled to respond to the growing number of cases. Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams are the first lawmakers in Congress known to have become infected. Two members of the United States House representatives, Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Ben McAdams of Utah, said they had each tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the first lawmakers in Congress known to have become infected. Diaz-Balart, a Republican, said in a statement he had been self-quarantining in Washington since voting on Friday on the floor of the House of Representatives. He said he had not returned home to South Florida because his wifes pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk. The 58-year-old Diaz-Balart said he developed a fever and headache on Saturday evening and was notified a short while ago that he tested positive. McAdams said in a statement from West Jordan, Utah, that he had developed mild cold-like symptoms on Saturday evening after returning from Washington and isolated himself at home on Sunday. He and Diaz-Balart participated in House voting on a coronavirus response bill that went until late on Friday. McAdamss symptoms got worse and he took a test at a clinic on Tuesday on his doctors instruction. He learned on Wednesday that he had tested positive, the 45-year-old Democrat said. US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart speaking in the Little Havana neighbourhood in Miami, Florida, the United States [File: Joe Skipper/Reuters] [Daylife] The implications for Capitol Hill were not immediately clear. The news came as the US Senate passed legislation providing over $100bn in emergency spending for free coronavirus testing, paid sick leave and expanded safety-net benefits. With the United States slow to roll out mass testing for the virus which has spread rapidly to become a global pandemic some health officials have feared the number of known cases lags far behind reality. Nearly 9,000 cases of the novel coronavirus have been reported in the US, more than 3,000 of them in New York state, according to state health departments. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday urged Congress to move quickly to pass a $1 trillion economic relief measure by early next week, saying he expects bipartisan support for the bill to get cash payments to Americans during the crisis. Mnuchin, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the federal government was focused on being able to provide liquidity to companies and had no problem issuing more debt, but that it expected loans to businesses to be paid back. Congress is taking up its third legislative package to address the pandemic, which has caused widespread economic disruption. Lawmakers already have passed a $105bn plan to limit the damage from the outbreak through free testing, paid sick leave and expanded safety-net spending, as well as an $8.3bn measure to combat the spread of the pathogen and develop vaccines. Trump has signed both into law. Were going to get through this, Mnuchin said. This is not the financial crisis that will go on for years. Wuhan in central Chinas Hubei Province has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 (Chinatopix/AP) China has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 in the virus epicentre Wuhan or in the surrounding Hubei province, officials said. Wuhan had previously reported thousands of new cases of coronavirus infection daily, overwhelming its health care system. The countrys health ministry said early on Thursday that results over the past 24 hours showed 34 new cases, all detected in people arriving from abroad. Eight new deaths were reported, all in Wuhan. Of those new cases of infection, 21 were in Beijing, nine in the southern manufacturing centre Guangdong, two in Shanghai and one each in coastal Zhejiang and Heilongjing in the far north-east. China has only just begun loosening strict travel restrictions within the country, but has stepped-up 14-day quarantine regulations on those arriving in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere from overseas, amid expectations of a new influx of students and others returning home. The country has now recorded a total of 80,928 confirmed virus cases with 3,245 deaths. Another 70,420 people have been released from hospital and 7,263 remain in treatment. (PA Graphics) Earlier, US President Donald Trump invoked the Defence Production Act of 1950 to steer industrial output and overcome shortages of face masks, ventilators and other supplies as hospitals braced for an expected onslaught of cases. The invocation came as Republican Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida announced that he was the first member of Congress to test positive for the virus. Other members of Congress have self-quarantined, but none have reported positive test results. Prior to invoking the emergency measure, Mr Trump insisted that calling Covid-19 the Chinese virus would not put Asian Americans at risk of retaliation, despite growing reports they are facing virus-related discrimination. Since coronavirus infections started appearing in the United States in January, Asian Americans have shared stories ranging from minor aggression to blatant attacks from people blaming them for the pandemic, which has killed more than 130 people in the United States. Even before cities began shutting down all restaurants to stop the spread of the virus, Chinese restaurant owners were already experiencing steep declines in business because of racial stigma. Asked why he keeps calling the coronavirus the Chinese virus when scientists say the disease does not respect borders and is not caused by ethnicity, President Trump told reporters at the White House that he does not consider it a racist remark. Its not racist at all, President Trump said, adding that he calls it the Chinese virus because he wants to be accurate. He indicated his terminology was a warranted push-back to Chinese officials who have been suggesting the US military might have introduced the virus to Wuhan, the Chinese city where it was first reported in late 2019. It's not racist at allDonald Trump China had tried to say at one point maybe they stopped now that it was caused by American soldiers, President Trump said. That cant happen. Its not going to happen, not as long as Im president. It comes from China. Beijing has complained, but Trump administration officials continue to link the virus to China. Mr Trump was asked whether using a term like Chinese virus puts Asian Americans at risk. No, not at all. Not at all, he replied. I think they probably would agree with it 100%. It comes from China. After the news conference, the White House defended the presidents language, saying that previous epidemics, such as the Spanish flu and West Nile Virus, were named after geographic locations. They labelled the controversy a fake media outrage. Meanwhile, the economic fall-out from the crisis continues to grow amid reports that Detroits Big Three car manufacturers are shutting down their factories across North America, while on Wall Street stocks slumped again and the Dow lost more than 1,300 points. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has closed the country's borders to all but residents and citizens to stop the spread of coronavirus. 'We need to continue to make further decisions and further restrictions,' she said during the announcement on Thursday. The ban will be in place for planes landing in New Zealand after 11.59pm on Thursday. She said the more than 600,000 New Zealanders living in Australia should stay and not travel. 'While we do not have community transmission, it is in Australia. It is in everyone's interest that they stay put,' she said. Ms Ardern said all cases of coronavirus in the country had come from overseas, and had not been transmitted between people in New Zealand. Only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents - and their children and partners - will be able to enter the country. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) has closed the country's borders to all but residents and citizens to stop the spread of coronavirus Ms Ardern said there will be exemptions for specific people including health professionals. 'I'm not willing to have risks here and that's why we're making this decision,' she said. There are 28 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New Zealand. Ms Ardern had discussed closing the borders with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, who issued a similar ban at the same time. From 9pm on Friday night, only Australian residents and citizens will be allowed to enter. 'We will be resolving to move to a position where a travel ban will be placed on all non- residents, non- Australian citizens coming to Australia, and that will be in place from 9pm tomorrow evening,' Mr Morrison said on Thursday. 'For Australians, of course, they will be able to return and they will be subject, as they already are, to 14 days of isolation upon arrival back in Australia.' The Prime Minister said he has made the move because most of Australia's coronavirus cases have come in from abroad. 'Now, the reason for this decision is consistent with the decision we have a ready made on the issue and that is now we have about 80 per cent of the cases we have in Australia that either results of someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had eight direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas,' he said. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speak to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 'So, the overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported. 'Measures we have put in place have obviously put an impact on that and this is a further measure now that that can be further enhanced. 'I want to thank Qantas also, you are offering to work with us to make sure they maintain flights from particular parts of the world that can assist Australians to return to Australia and we will be working closely with them, and those Australians who are overseas, we have been encouraging them to return to Australia. 'Those in remote parts of the world, that can prove challenging but for those in other places, it is our intention to ensure we can maintain flights to enable them to come home as soon as possible.' Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 13:10 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd291d 1 National Ganjar-Pranowo,Central-Java,Semarang,COVID-19,coronavirus-mask-rush,mask Free A new mask factory will be built in Brebes, Central Java, while alcohol production in Wonogiri will be increased to produce more hand sanitizer to curb the spread of COVID-19, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has announced. We should follow the South Korean government's example [and increase mask production]. This is our chance to be an independent nation, he said. Besides masks, another essential product needed in handling COVID-19 is alcohol, as it is a major component of hand sanitizer. Ganjar said Central Java only had one company that produced alcohol but the company was willing to increase production. "It will produce up to 3 million liters. We need hand sanitizer but there is a limited supply. Ganjar also acknowledged that the province still lacked personal protective equipment. When I had an online meeting with regents and mayors in Central Java on Tuesday, they said all hospitals lacked personal protective equipment such as safety shoes, respirators and protective clothing, he said. "We will ask more companies to produce more personal protective equipment. As of Thursday morning, Indonesia has reported 227 confirmed COVID-19 cases.(aly) The timeframe: I got the entrepreneurial bug about a year ago and started brainstorming side-gig ideas. The idea for Coffee Fruit Bar came about in August and we have been selling online since April. Side hustle: Coffee Fruit Bar, where we take the natural, unused part of the coffee fruit and upcycle it into a raw, vegan energy bar. The coffee fruit is sourced direct from micro-lot coffee farms in Colombia and combined by hand (mine) with other functional ingredients to form the environmentally friendly health bar. Not only does it taste delicious, it is also incredibly good for you due to coffee fruits having a high level of antioxidants higher even than acai. It contains very low caffeine, less than green tea. We have, however, noticed a "pick-up" when consuming the product, which we believe may be linked to the coffee fruit's contribution to BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is a protein in the brain. It has the potential to increase mental clarity, improve mood and more. Loading The reason: My partner Vanessa Murillo Vargas and I launched this side hustle after a number of trips to Colombia, where we witnessed the vast amount of waste caused by coffee processing. The coffee fruit itself amounts to more than 10 billion kilos of waste a year. This waste is a logistical nightmare for coffee farmers and causes serious harm to the surrounding environment. After some late-night tinkering in the kitchen with the coffee fruit extract, we came up with a raw energy bar that tasted unreal. Once we learnt more about the health benefits of the coffee fruit, we immediately began giving out samples to friends and colleagues and the side hustle was born. The money: Coffee Fruit Bar is still in its early stages, although we have been getting some great traction selling our bars online through our website. We have also had some luck locking in a few wholesale stockists around Brisbane. We recently won the "Greater Bank: Great to Greater" side hustle competition, which gave us a crucial $5000 as well as mentorship for the business. Transferable skills: My current main job as a civil engineer has brought some much-needed project management experience to the side hustle. Cash-flow, procurement and planning are day-to-day activities for me in civil engineering, and these skills have been vital in helping to get the business going. If I was starting from scratch I would: I dont believe I would change much, although I would start gathering feedback about the product earlier. I would also chase the advice of friends, family and colleagues sooner asking them about the product and our business plan, to inform direction. Major international banks and private equity (PE) houses have been reducing their exposure to Africa in the past few years, but, thankfully for the continents startups, not everyone is retreating. While commercial lenders appear nervous and PE fundraising in Africa fell to $2.7 billion in 2018 from $4.5 billion in 2015, some development finance institutions have stepped in to fill some of the gap, perhaps none more so that the UKs CDC. The enthusiasm of the UKs development finance agency was evident in January, when it handed $19.2 million to Verod Capital and $20 million to Adiwale Partners to invest in local SMEs in West Africa. CDC has quietly developed into one of the biggest investors in Africa and these deals are typical of its approach, providing capital for smaller funds to seek out opportunities on the ground. Also in January, it handed 25 million to Mediterrania Capital Partners III in North Africa and $15m to Lagos and Nairobi-based TLcoms TIDE Africa Fund. Such commitments sit within a massive portfolio. CDC has stakes in at least 600 different companies across 34 countries, from Algeria to Zimbabwe. Last year it committed $1.4 billion around Africa and it has earmarked $2 billion more for the next two years. But its model is different from traditional PE. For one thing, it is under no pressure to exit deals quickly. The sort of thing that drives most private equity funds to be very short term doesnt apply to us, says CDC chief executive Nick ODonohoe. We dont have a requirement to pay dividends or raise a new fund. We really are the archetypal patient investor. To illustrate that, he points to Ugandas DFCU bank. CDC first invested in the business in 1964 and only sold its stake in December last year. NIck O Donohoe, chief executive for CDC UK Story continues CDC is a wholly owned agency of the UK Department for International Development (DfID), the much higher-profile government arm, particularly in global development. DfID sets out CDCs investment policy and appoints its chairman and some directors, but CDC is responsible for its own day-to-day operations including its investment decisions. The finance agency was founded in 1948 as the Colonial Development Corporation and has evolved into one of Africas true long-term investors. By the end of 2018 52% of CDCs investment portfolio was based in Africa. Being able to take a long-term approach is useful given the limitations of local PE markets. Africa doesnt lend itself to the shorter timeframes that most traditional PE firms have, says ODonohoe. Thats one of the reasons the PE industry has struggled. Its difficult to find attractive investments to begin and very difficult to exit them because you dont have developed local capital markets. In another sense the Ugandan DFCU bank deal is not so typical anymore though. Rather than making direct investments, CDC often commits money via other routes. It tends to provide funds to support small to medium-sized businesses through trade finance deals with local banks or through specialist funds. CDCs influence is increasingly felt in an African finance space thats been underserved by international investors who have typically focused on fossil fuel energy, mining and large infrastructure projects. However more local and international venture capital and private equity investors are jumping on board the nascent but fast-expanding innovation and tech-led sectors across the continent. Some of these firms are being backed by CDC. The deals announced in January are a good example. TLcom, for instance, has backed early-stage businesses like logistics firm Kobo360, software developer Andela and online marketplace Twiga Foods. It invests $500,000 to $10 million per venturea critical segment of the funding scene. UK trade commissioner for Africa Emma Wade-Smith says If you want 5 million its hard, but there are options out there. If you want less than 5 million its really hard, because what options are there? By investing in other investors, CDC helps to bridge that funding gap. Another part of the strategy is encouraging banks to lend to local businesses. At the recent UK Africa Investment Summit in London, CDC announced a $100 million trade finance loan for South Africas Absa Bank to support SMEs and entrepreneurs in seven countries. That came on top of a $75 million trade finance deal with Absa in October. Countries need a robust, well-capitalized financial system and so we provide a lot of funding through banks, through debt, loan facilities, trade finance, supply chain finance, says ODonohoe. Not everyone approves of CDCs approach though. Last year a review by the UKs Independent Commission for Aid Impact concluded CDCs performance was unsatisfactory in most areas. It said CDC did not do enough to maximize the impact of its investments, struggled to find viable direct investment deals and needed to take a more active role in the management of its investments. CDC accepted the findings and said it was addressing the issues raised. It was more dismissive of a report from Global Justice Now (GJN) in February this year, which claimed CDC was prioritizing profit over fighting poverty and should scrap its fund of funds strategy. It seems bizarre and risky to hand over the accountability to a third party to then be making the decision on how that money is invested, says Daniel Willis, GJNs policy and campaigns manager. Communities affected by these investments find it very difficult to know where to target their complaints because there are so many actors involved. In response to the report, CDC said GJN had a philosophical opposition to the use of the private sector in alleviating poverty and we disagree with that view. Others accept the role of the private sector but still question CDCs approach. At a hearing of the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee on Mar. 11, Lord Mendelsohn, said there were tremendous concerns about private equity in Africa, while also acknowledging there is no example where a country can escape poverty without a vibrant private sector. In response, CDCs general counsel Colin Buckley said for purposes of efficiency the minimum size of direct investment CDC can make from London is about $20 million, so PE funds are a critical tool. What an investment fund is for us is a local team who believe they have insights into their country, their markets, he said. Without investment funds and without banks we would not be able to reach these SMEs, these micro enterprises that largely make up the economies we talk about. There are other controversies. ODonohoe says it avoids investments in extractive industries, although the UK government recently told parliament CDC has 38 investments relating to fossil fuels. There is also an ongoing bias towards countries with historical links to the UK unsurprising given CDCs origins. But ODonohoe says it has a broader outlook today. We dont exclude any country but if you dont have basic rule of law, were not going to be in there, he says. There is an emerging group of countries that are becoming much more investible. They have introduced stability into their macroeconomic policies but also they are trying much harder to make it easier for companies to do business. Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana: these countries are really focused on enabling the private sector. One useful test of CDCs investment strategy will be whether the relationship between Africa and international businesses changes over time. We want Africa to be seen as a growth opportunity, rather than just a place where you go to buy natural resources, says ODonohoe. Where there is growth, there is almost always private equity looking for opportunities. Sign up to the Quartz Africa Weekly Brief here for news and analysis on African business, tech and innovation in your inbox Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: The Muslim refugees in India can now document their life stories in a comic book, thanks to two Delhi-based non-profits. New Delhi, India Rohingya refugees in India can now document their life stories in a comic book, thanks to a collaborative effort by two non-government organisations based in the capital New Delhi. The comic titled Rendered Stateless Not Voiceless was put together by World Comics India, a collective that promotes comics as a communication and empowerment tool for the marginalised section of society. The idea was formed as a collaboration between the Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (RHRI) and World Comics India, driven by the idea that a comic book can be used as a medium to give a voice to the voiceless. The goal of this project was to help Rohingya refugees document their life stories back in Myanmar as well as their current struggle for survival in India Sharad Sharma, founder of World Comics India There are almost 70 stories narrated and sketched by participants themselves including myself. The idea is to create awareness of our life stories with first-hand stories shared by the participants, Ali Johar, education coordinator at RHRI, told Al Jazeera. As most of the Rohingya refugees have no way of sharing their stories, the book gives them a platform to share them, as well as have ownership of their own stories in the book, Johar, 25, told Al Jazeera. Sanjida Begum pictured left putting up a poster of her comic: We will return on our own [Tasnim Nazeer/Al Jazeera] According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are currently 17,500 Rohingya registered as refugees in India. However, the real figure could be higher, with Indian media putting the figure at about 40,000. Threat of deportation Indias Hindu nationalist government, which views Muslim-majority Rohingya as illegal immigrants and a security threat, has pledged to deport them back to Myanmar where they faced persecution. New Delhi maintains good relations with Naypyidaw. UN investigators said in September 2019 that Rohingya remaining in Myanmar faced serious risk of genocide. Johar, a Rohingya Muslim himself, stays with his family in Kalindi Kunj with other refugees after fleeing Myanmar in August 2012, and now helps refugees at the camp sketch their life stories into comics. Here in India we have refugees who have no rights but one thing that people cannot deny is our education and our ability to learn, Johar further said. Johar says two days of training and guidance is all that is required for people to begin sketching. The two organisations are also planning to implement the initiative at India level and train young Rohingya refugees to create grassroot comics, he said. Rabi Alam, 14, pictured left. Rohingya participants reading storyboards of their comics [Tasnim Nazeer/Al Jazeera] The initiative was launched last month at a settlement of Rohingya refugees in Kalindi Kunj, south of Indias capital. The Kalindi Kunj camp, which was set up by a non-government organisation in 2012, currently houses approximately 226 Rohingya refugees who have fled persecution from Myanmar. More than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, fled Myanmar in a bid to escape a brutal military campaign launched in August 2017. The UN has documented the killings, mass rapes, brutal beatings, arson and disappearances committed by Myanmar forces during the assault. The UN and rights organisations have accused Myanmar of ethnically cleansing Rohingya from northern Rakhine state. In total, 1.2 million Rohingya have been forced to seek shelter in neighbouring Bangladesh. Feel empowered now Many Rohingya refugees live in crowded settlements with limited access to basic human needs such as safe water, shelter, electricity and hygienic facilities. I had no interest in drawing before attending the two-day comic session but then I was able to narrate my story of how me and my family had to flee Myanmar. I now feel empowered now that I have found a way to share my stories through comics, Rabi Alom, 14, told Al Jazeera. Rohingya refugees both young and old get the chance to see their comics printed out in the book and get a poster of them holding it. These posters can be seen displayed on tents in the Kalindi Kunj camp in New Delhi. The goal of this project was to help Rohingya refugees document their life stories back in Myanmar as well as their current struggle for survival in India, Sharad Sharma, founder of World Comics India, told Al Jazeera. Although a good number of media reports have been published on their living conditions in India, there are no instances when they themselves were provided with an opportunity to express their concerns. Sharma further said: Telling your life story to others no doubt is a healing process by itself, but what makes this process more interesting is when the same thing is done with the help of a medium like grassroots comics. The initiative has given a rare opportunity for Rohingya to express their thoughts through art. I love drawing now that I have learned how to create a comic, I feel I can tell any story. I am now able to share my dreams with the world, Asmat Ullah, 12, told Al Jazeera. HCL has taken up safety measures and has assured its staff about their safety after an employee from the company's Noida facility was tested positive for the coronavirus. The employee infected with COVID-19 had developed a mild cough and was asked by the doctors to practice self-isolation for the past 14 days, as per information published by HCL in a circular issued to all its employees. "We understand that this will worry you, and can assure you that we have completed the necessary checks and procedures that follow such an incident," read the circular, according to Moneycontrol. The circular further stated that all the necessary protocols of sanitization and contact tracing are being followed by the company. HCL has invoked a COVID-19 contingency plan, according to the news website. This plan involves asking employees to work from a remote location or to work from home, this has been done to aid social distancing in the region. According to HCL all the employees of the company working the Noida facility are in good health. It also said that the health of all the employees is being continuously monitored. HCl has asked all the employees to remain calm and follow the recommended hygiene procedures. "We will continue to take all precautions and measures to ensure your safety," it added. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India has now reached 172. Three people have already died because of the coronavirus. Across the world, around 2,10,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. Over 8,900 lives have already been lost due to the deadly virus. Also Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Woman with has travel history to UK tests positive in Chandigarh; tally rises to 170 Also Read: Deadly novel coronavirus can exist in air for hours and for days on surfaces, says study While educational institutions and public parks have already been shut on the orders of the government authorities, many commercial complexes have voluntarily opted for its closure. (Image: News18 Marathi) Karnataka to undertake Triaging: What does it mean and how do you pronounce it Delhi to ease restrictions, if Covid cases come down in next 2-3 days: Health Minister Lata Mangeshkar health update: Doctor says,'She in ICU with Covid-19 and pneumonia, will be under observation' Coronavirus: Work from home, staggered working hours for central govt employees India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 19: The centre has ordered its employees to work from home in a staggered manner - 50 per cent of Group B and C employees will attend office while the rest will log in from their homes - as part of its measures to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Working hours of those employees scheduled to attend office on each day will also be staggered, a government notification said. "All Heads of Departments (HoDs) are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first week, HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office or use their own transport to travel to the offices," the notification said. The staggered working hours consist of the following three time slots: 9 am to 5.30 pm, 9.30 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 6.30 pm. Coronavirus: After Italy, Gurgaon residents chant 'Gayatri Mantra' from balconies Officials working from home have been asked to be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times, the government has said, adding that they must also be prepared to attend office in case of an emergency. "The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigency of work," it said. These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19, the ministry said. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) may issue similar instructions regarding financial institutions and public sector undertakings, it said. The decision came after the Personnel Ministry on Tuesday asked all central government departments to take precautionary measures. "Discourage, to the maximum extent, entry of visitors in the office complex. Routine issue of visitor/temporary passes should be suspended with immediate effect. Only those visitors who have proper permission of the officer who they want to meet, should be allowed after being properly screened," it had said. All government departments were asked to install thermal scanners as feasible as well as mandatorily place hand sanitisers at the entrances of government buildings. "Those found having flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc.," the ministry had said. It said meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. All departments were asked to avoid non-essential official travel of its staff, undertake essential correspondence on official email and avoid sending files and documents to other offices, to the extent possible, and facilitate delivery and receipt of postal documents at the entry points of the office buildings as far as practicable. "Close all gyms/recreation centres/creches located in government buildings. Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces," the ministry said. The order advised the leave sanctioning authorities to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure. "Advise all employees who are at higher risk, i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The ministries/departments may take care not to expose such employees to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public," the ministry had said in a communique to all the ministries. New Delhi, March 19 : In a major development amid the ongoing Madhya Pradesh political crisis, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the floor test in the Legislative Assembly be held on Friday and the proceedings be completed before 5 p.m. The floor test will be done by show of hands, it said. A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justice Hemant Gupta said the test is essential to the political uncertainty in the state. The bench also directed the Karnataka DGP to provide security to 16 rebel Congress MLAs who may want to attend the floor test. "Voting would be by show of hands. Will be videographed and live telecast if possible," said the top court. Young Adults Up to 1 in 5 COVID-19 Hospitalizations in the US Up to one out of five patients hospitalized in the United States due to the COVID-19 disease are between the ages of 20 and 44, according to a new federal study. Older people represent many of the deaths from the new CCP virus, which causes the disease, but the analysis of 4,226 patients from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows 20 percent of those confirmed as requiring hospitalization were aged 20 to 44. Another 18 percent were between the ages of 45 and 54 while 17 percent were aged 55 to 64. More than one-third, or 35 percent, were 65 or older, and less than one percent were among persons 19 or younger. The percentages were listed as fixed totals in the report but in a table they were listed as ranges, with 14.3 to 20.8 percent of the 20-44 cohort requiring hospitalization. The ranges were listed because of missing data for some of the cases, such as hospitalization status and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Among the 121 patients known to have been admitted to an ICU, 55 percent were among those 65 or older, 36 percent were adults between the ages of 45 and 64 and 12 percent were among people between the ages of 20 to 44. That equaled 2 to 4 percent of those who required hospitalization among the younger group. No ICU admissions or deaths were reported among people 19 or younger. Among the 44 known deaths, 35 were among adults 65 or older. Nine were among those between the ages of 20 and 64. The findings demonstrate that severe illness leading to hospitalization, including admission to an ICU or even death, can occur in adults of any age with COVID-19, the CDC stated. A stretcher is moved from an AMR ambulance to the Life Care Center of Kirkland where one associate and one resident were diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Feb. 29, 2020. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images) Still, older people are more at risk of serious cases and death, the agency added. The report came on the same day that Dr. Deborah Birx, response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said there were concerning reports coming out of France and Italy about some young people getting seriously ill, and very seriously ill in the ICUs. We think part of this may be that people heeded the early data coming out of China and coming out of South Korea that the elderly or those with preexisting medical conditions were at particular risk. It may have been that the millennial generation, our largest generation, our future generation that will carry us through for the next multiple decades, there may be a disproportional number of infections among that group. And so even if its a rare occurrence, it may be seen more frequently in that group and be evident now, she added. Birx called on millennials to avoid large gatherings, saying young people can become infected in the groups before spreading the new CCP virus to older people or those with underlying health conditions and cause them to have a disastrous outcome. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. President Donald Trump, prompted to expand on Birxs comments, noted that young people continue to gather in places like beaches and restaurants because they seem to feel invincible. I dont know if you felt invincible when you were very young, but they are feeling that way, but they dont realize that they can be carrying lots of bad things home to grandmother and grandfather and even their parents, he said. So we want them to heed the advice. We mean the advice. And I think its getting through. According to research published in the journal Pediatrics (Sexual Orientation and Suicide Attempt Disparities Among US Adolescents: 2009 2017), the number of high school students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning has doubled in recent years. Despite this increased visibility, and to our shame, sexual minority students are still over three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. We have an opportunity to make a difference though. According to lead study author Julia Raifman, prior research shows a correlation between public policies, LGBQ suicide attempts and mental health: Policies and institutions play important roles in shaping mental health disparities. With increasing numbers of national and state policies restricting sexual minority rights and linked to worse mental health, sexual minority mental health disparities may grow. At the same time, policies around nondiscrimination, antibullying, and inclusive education policies may support sexual minority health. In one 2017 study, Raifman and colleagues found a 7% reduction in suicide attempts by students in states that legalized same-sex marriage prior to Jan. 1, 2015, compared to no reduction in states that didnt. A general view shows clear waters of the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge in Venice on March 18, 2020, as a result of the stoppage of motorboat traffic, following the country's lockdown within the new coronavirus crisis. ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images Italy has been on lockdown in an attempt to prevent the further spread of coronavirus, which has infected more than 35,000 people nationwide. As people stay home, Venice's canals are finally clear. The canals' bottoms can be seen clearly, and photos from Venice and nearby Burano show fish and seaweed in the canals. The office of Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told CNN that the waters were clearer because less boat traffic means the sediment stays at the bottom of the canals. He said the country's water pollution has not decreased, but air quality has improved since the city went on lockdown earlier in March. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Venice's canals have turned clear, thanks to the stoppage of motorboat traffic while the country is on lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. Italy is currently on lockdown as residents try to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has infected more than 35,000 people in the country and caused more than 2,500 deaths. The country is one of the hardest-hit in the world. On Wednesday, it reported 475 new deaths, the most of any nation yet. And while the city is generally bustling with tourists riding gondolas and going from island to island on water taxis and motorboats, Venice, much like the rest of Italy, is now quiet. Photos taken across Venice show seaweed on the canals' bottoms, while photos of the nearby island of Burano show fish and swans in the water. The office of Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said marine life has long lived in the canals, though less boat traffic means it's more visible. "The water now looks clearer because there is less traffic on the canals, allowing the sediment to stay at the bottom," a spokesman told CNN. "It's because there is less boat traffic that usually brings sediment to the top of the water's surface." Here's a look at what the canals look like now that Italy is on lockdown. Story continues Venice is a tourist hotspot in Italy, and the canals are usually filled with boat traffic. A group of scuba divers from Venice's gondolier association collect waste from the lagoon city's canals as part of a clean-up operation in Venice in December 2019. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri But since Italy went on lockdown to prevent COVID-19 from spreading further, Venice's canals have been quiet. A general view shows clear waters of the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge in Venice on March 18, 2020, as a result of the stoppage of motorboat traffic, following the country's lockdown within the new coronavirus crisis. ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images A spokesman for Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said that sediment has finally been able to settle at the bottom of the canals, making the water clearer. A view shows clearer waters by a gondola in a Venice canal on March 17, 2020 as a result of the stoppage of motorboat traffic, following the country's lockdown within the new coronavirus crisis. ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images Source: CNN Boat traffic usually makes sediment in the water move toward the top, making the water appear more cloudy. Seaweed in clear waters in Venice on March 18, 2020. ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images Source: CNN The mayor's spokesman said Venice's water pollution has not decreased, but air quality has improved since the city went on lockdown earlier in March. Clear waters in Venice REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri Source: CNN "The air, however, is less polluted since there are less vaporetti and boat traffic than usual because of the restricted movement of residents," the spokesman said. Clear waters in Venice REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri Source: CNN New data from the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-5p satellite has shown that the air over Italy has improved since the lockdown. Clear waters in Venice. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri Source: New York Post The mayor's spokesman said marine life has always lived in the canals, and thanks to the clear waters, residents are now seeing fish and seaweed. Clear waters in Venice REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri Source: CNN Before the lockdown, Italy was facing over-tourism problems, and last year faced record-breaking flooding. venice floods A woman wades through water during a high tide of 1.44 meters (4.72 feet), in St. Mark's Square, in Venice, Italy, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019. Luigi Costantini/AP Source: CNN, Insider Read the original article on Insider The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to convene a special session on Friday for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. A bench, headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, also ordered video recording and possible live streaming of the Assembly proceedings when the Kamal Nath-led Congress government undertakes the floor test. The bench, also comprising Justice Hemant Gupta, directed the police chiefs of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to provide security to the 16 rebel Congress MLAs if they choose to appear in assembly for trust vote. The bench also ordered that the assembly will have a single point agenda of the floor test and no hindrance is to be created for anyone. It asked the state assembly secretary to ensure that there is no breach of law and order. Earlier in the day the apex court suggested that the Speaker should interact with the rebel Congress MLAs through video link or the court can appoint an observer to allay the fear that the legislators are in captivity. However, the Speaker refused to accept the proposal. The bench said it can create conditions to ensure that "exercise of volition" of the rebel MLAs is "truly voluntary". "We can appoint an observer to Bengaluru or some other place so that the rebel MLAs can connect with the Speaker through video conferencing after which he can decide," the bench said. It also asked the Speaker whether any inquiry was made on the resignation of the rebel MLAs and what decision has he taken on them. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker, said the day court begins to give time-bound direction to the Speaker, it will be constitutionally problematic. The counsel appearing for Governor Lalji Tandon told the bench that Nath was "sitting aside" in the turn of events and it is the Speaker who is "leading the political battle" in court. The bench asked all the parties as to how does the decision of a Speaker in matters of resignation and disqualification of MLAs affect the floor test. It said the constitutional principle which emerges is that there is no restraint on trust vote because of resignation or disqualification being pending before the Speaker. It said, therefore, the court will have to flip around and see whether the Governor acted beyond the powers vested in him. During the hearing, the bench said that if the government loses the majority when the assembly was not in session, then Governor has the power to direct the Speaker to summon the Assembly. "What happens when the assembly prorogues and the government loses its majority, then the Governor can call the Assembly," the bench said. Singhvi said the Governor has very limited power with regard to functioning of the Assembly and he can only summon, prorogue and dissolve the House, but he cannot intervene into the functioning of assembly which falls under the purview of the Speaker. The Governor cannot ask the Speaker that you should do this, you should not do this, it is beyond his power, he said. However, he added, the Governor has the right to summon the House but it cannot decide the functioning of the House. The plea filed by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and nine BJP lawmakers was moved in the top court just after the Speaker cited coronavirus concerns and adjourned the House till March 26 without taking the floor test apparently defying the directions of Governor Lalji Tandon. On Saturday night, Tandon wrote to Nath asking him to seek trust vote in the Assembly soon after the Governor's address on Monday, saying his government was in minority. After the Speaker accepted the resignation of six Congress MLAs on Saturday, the party now has 108 legislators. These include 16 rebel legislators who have also put in their papers but their resignations are yet to be accepted. The Bharatiya Janata Party has 107 seats in the House, which now has an effective strength of 222, with the majority mark being 112. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell Plc will temporarily suspend construction activities on a multi-billion dollar ethane cracker being constructed along the Ohio River in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, amid concerns about coronavirus spreading, the company said in a statement late Wednesday. Some local officials have called for construction to be stopped to limit the potential spread of the novel coronavirus, due to the large number of workers on the project. "In the days ahead we will install additional mitigation measures aligned with CDC guidance," Shell said in a statement. "Once complete, we will consider a phased ramp-up that allows for the continuation of safe, responsible construction activities." (Reporting By Jessica Resnick-Ault; Editing b Alistair Bell) A video of penguins wandering about the The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago during the shutdown went viral this week (no pun intended). In Connecticut, our penguins are still in their designated area, but you can watch the ones at Mystic Aquarium thanks to a live stream. They also have cameras on their beluga whales. On Facebook, the aquarium staff is posting live videos regularly as well. Over at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, all eyes are on their red pandas via a life feed (watch below). And on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., the zoo is live on Facebook with videos of different animals. Note: The panda is shy so you may not see it on camera. The zoo is also launching an academic program by producing video lesson plans "to help fill in for students whose schools have been closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak," according to a release. The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk launched a similar Facebook program with live Q&As with staff as well as streaming IMAX movies. On March 17, The Maritime Aquarium began offering live Q&As with members of its Animal-Husbandry team at 3 p.m. each day on the Aquariums Facebook page. "Each session will mainly focus on an animal or topic shown via recorded video, but questions can be about any related Aquarium subject," a release states. Questions can be submitted any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. via the Aquariums social-media pages Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and then live on Facebook during the 3 p.m. Watch Party webcast. We very strongly feel the need to make our resources available to our guests, members and schools, even though we are required to be apart, Aquarium spokesman Dave Sigworth said in a release. The Q&A sessions will assure viewers that our operations remain robust, while also re-establishing the close community we are so proud to be part of and to support. Greeting the coming Iranian New Year the Islamic Republic Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has released a video message saying the lesson he has learned from fighting the deadly coronavirus outbreak calls for the need to "reconstruct the system of governance" and to engage in "capacity building" for non-governmental organizations (NGOs.) "Let me honestly tell you that fighting against coronavirus and [U.S.] sanctions requires mental cleansing on our part. Combating coronavirus taught us the necessity of renewing our method of governance," Zarif reiterated on the occasion of Nowruz, March 20. Last December, an outspoken member of the Majles (parliament), Ms. Parvaneh Salahshouri, had attacked the system of Islamic governance in Iran, denouncing it as a "wild and rogue dictatorship." In her speech Salahshouri had asserted that the concentration of power in "unelected bodies" in Iran was destroying the "republican nature of the system". Salahshouri also blasted the existence of parallel and even multiple parallel entities that rule alongside the elected bodies and said parallel entities "get away with not taking responsibility" for their actions. Furthermore, she bitterly criticized Iran's rulers for not seeing how much ordinary people suffer and failing to adjust their policies to address deep-rooted problems. However, similar warnings and criticism have always fallen on deaf ears in the clergy-dominated Iran and Salahshouri was later summoned by the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Organization. Zarif's insistence on building capacity for non-governmental organizations comes as the Islamic Republic has severely suppressed all NGOs in recent years, and instead has propped up regime-linked groups camouflaged as independent advocating groups and associations. As recently as last September, 260 political and civil rights activists inside Iran lamented in a statement that pressure on social rights activists had intensified, and many protesters were sentenced to unbelievably long jail terms. Ironically, all these pressures on Iranian activists have been exerted or supported by President Hassan Rouhani's administration and his cabinet ministers, including Mohammad Javad Zarif. In the meantime, Zarif has grabbed the chance to lash out at Washington for the sanctions it has imposed on the Islamic Republic. Zarif claimed that Washingtons sanctions are the sole cause of hampering Tehran's ability to fight the spread of coronavirus, making Iran more vulnerable than other countries. "My country is among the hardest hit by the coronavirus," Zarif said, according to the Islamic Republic's official news agency, IRNA. "We are now learning how to better confront it--- sadly, a huge part of the danger Iranians face is due to the restrictions unjustly imposed on them by the United States government," Zarif claimed. Responding to similar claims and accusations, Washington says that the Islamic Republic is using the sanctions as an excuse for its shortcomings and failures. It also insists that medical necessities and food are not sanctioned. Some Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and IRGC Commander Hossein Salami have insisted that the outbreak could have been part of a biological attack against Iran, but they failed to explain why it started in China, and why most countries including the United States are also affected. On Friday, March 13, U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, responded to Khamenei's comment, saying, "As Khamenei knows, the best biological defense would've been to tell the Iranian people the truth about the Wuhan virus when it spread to Iran from China. Instead, he kept [IRGC-controlled] Mahan Air flights coming and going to the epicenter in China and jailed those who spoke out." Pompeo was referring to an increasing number of arrests among journalists, social media activists and provincial health officials for disseminating information about Coronavirus fatalities. T he techsperts have said it: Covid-19 could be a watershed moment for working from home. Handshakes are out, remote working is in and conferences have been culled from calendars in-person, anyway. So how do you have a meeting amid the mayhem of the biggest health crisis for a generation? From virtual boardrooms to video call etiquette, this is how London is connecting in the lockdown. Zoom is the new boardroom Its now offensive if you dont put Zoom details on a calendar invite, says an employee at one private bank. As of this week, 100 per cent of the companys face-to-face meetings have been moved to the cloud-based video conferencing app, which the bank and its clients have been using for a while but has really come into its own as Londons lockdown gets underway. California-founded Zoom is the second most downloaded business app on the UKs App Store nearly 600,000 people downloaded it on Sunday alone and CFO Kelly Steckelberg told Yahoo Finance this week that its meeting minutes were up significantly since the end of January. Its now the chosen platform for press conferences, university lectures, climate change rallies and birthday parties thanks to its sleek, social-media-like interface (like Instagram, it features filters and backgrounds) and ease of use: you can be dropped into a call with up to 100 people by simply clicking on a link. Research analysts say that its simply a hotter brand than older rivals like Skype and FaceTime. Last week Zoom execs lifted the 40-minute limit it imposes on free meetings with more than two participants and designers are working on new features to feed the working-from-home surge, such as filters that frame your face in better lighting. Conference clans Banks, law firms and startups might be the Zoom evangelists but across the capital, conference call tribes are emerging. Staff at the Department for International Development, Islington tech startup Engine B and consultancy firm EY all use Microsofts video conferencing platform Teams, which beat out Zoom on the UK App Store (its site went down on Monday as the capitals remote working surge took hold), while Google is naturally using its own conferencing platform Hangouts for meetings and job interviews, as is consultancy giant PwC. The premium version offering calls with up to 250 participants has now been made free until July to help companies cope with the crisis. Platforms including Google Hangout and Microsoft Teams are in high demand for businesses / Getty Images Apples FaceTime, Skype for Business and Ciscos Webex are among other popular conferencing platforms. Downloads for alternative WFH apps are rocketing: Mural for virtual whiteboards, Trello for collaborative lists, Google Drive for storing assets, Calendly for scheduling and Slack for messaging (mural.co; trello.com; drive.google.com; calendly.com; slack.com). If you havent sent a gif on the office Slack channel, are you even WFH? Tech-iquette Slack is the new normal for office chatter but fresh platforms bring fresh rules. The biggest tip from workers at Slack HQ? Custom statuses. Our co-workers can no longer see when were away from our desks, so we set a custom status to let everyone know that weve stepped away, or that were offline, or on calls and maybe slow to respond, the sites new coronavirus remote working guide explains. Statuses can be set to automatically expire so set your at lunch to disappear after an hour. Gene Villeneuve, CRO of remote working firm Tehama, also warns not to multitask during Zoom meetings. Its tempting to check emails or Twitter because youre still at your desk rather than a conference, he told Business Insider, but resist the urge. Clasp your hands under the desk instead. Face up to video Across London, the message for video calls is clear: keep your cameras on. Weve been told its more personal, says an employee at consulting firm Arcadis. It feels like were in work, says another banking employee, quoting a meeting from the company's chief executive this week. He was saying we need to ask each other how our weekends were so we dont lose over-the-desk chat. PwC has also told staff to keep their cameras on to maintain connectivity, as has learning platform Degreed because it helps with non-verbal communication, and the science agrees. Employees are being encouraged to keep their webcams on for work conference calls / Getty Images/iStockphoto A recent study from Harvard Business Review found keeping the camera on is the best thing you can do when working from home. Video makes people feel more engaged because it allows team members to see each others emotions and reactions, which immediately humanises the room, it writes. Facial expressions matter. Digital dress codes Twitter is inevitably awash with PJ-day! memes but for most companies, the virtual dress code is smart-casual whether company policy before or not. Its quite funny not seeing everyone in a suit and tie, says one banking employee, whos relieved to be let off the old PJ-bottoms-and-a-suit technique for daily Zoom meetings. I would expect people to keep our smart/casual dress code for video calls, insists Becky Simms, chief executive of SEO agency Reflect Digital. Others are relishing the dress-down approach: I actually found it nice to see my colleagues casually dressed in their home environment, says Aisling Gray, head of communications at job site Rest Less, insisting it has a sense of bringing [them] closer together. Deepak Shukla, founder of Shoreditch SEO firm Pearl Lemon, says he understands that work norms go out of the window when the nation is in survival mode. I wouldnt be disappointed or offended if someone turned up in PJs on a call. There is, of course a line, as one viral Tweet reminded us all last week. Just got an email from a prof: As a reminder, you are required to wear clothes during Zoom meetings. Green screens An unexpected upside of self-isolation? With all the extra time on my hands my hair and make-up is impeccable! says Lou-Lou Mason, a communications manager at Engine B. But for those without the time to spend on contouring tutorials, the talk on Twitter is all about Zooms touch up my appearance button just the wonder toggle you need for that early-morning video call with the boss. But what to have as your background? If you dont have time to curate your wall art or style your bookshelves (you will by the time the crisis is over), Zoom has a higher-tech solution: a custom background option which lets you set your virtual green screen to anything from an office (nostalgic) to moving countryside as though youre on a romantic train journey. One suggestion on Twitter? A mountain of loo rolls. E-breaks Going into out-of-office mode is no excuse to ditch water-cooler chatter. In fact, tea breaks and desk gossip are essential for keeping spirits high in times of self-isolation, says chief executive of event company Spacebase Julian Jost. Hes encouraging his team to over-communicate over WhatsApp, Slack and Microsoft Meet while at home. Chairman of BusinessesForSale.com Marcus Markou has introduced a digital tea at three session every afternoon we all login at three and work together for an hour and people can just chat or mute (he takes requests for the background soundtrack) while director of Boxed Out PR Hayley Smith has digitised office socials, too. Zoom meet-ups online whine and wine evenings and virtual silent discos are all on part of the social calendar. We all tune in together as we dance around our homes like madmen, she explains. Love Island 2018 star Dr Alex George has given Good Morning Britain viewers an insight into working on the NHS frontline during the coronavirus pandemic. The reality star, who returned to his career as an A&E doctor in November 2018, appeared on ITV's GMB on Thursday morning to beg viewers to adhere to social isolation advice and not go to pubs, clubs and bars. Alex, 30, told presenters Adil Ray and Ranvir Singh that people need to take the pandemic seriously as he has seen first hand how some people suffering from the virus are having to use ventilators. Working hard: Love Island 2018 star Dr Alex George has given Good Morning Britain viewers an insight into working on the NHS frontline during the coronavirus pandemic Alex, who works at University Hospital Lewisham hospital in London, said: 'Patients who are becoming very unwell are requiring a lot of help and support. He pleaded with viewers not to go out unnecessarily, explaining: 'We're seeing that number grow.' 'Please take it seriously, especially when it comes to our advice when comes to self-isolation, not going to pubs, clubs and bars. It really makes a difference and ultimately, will save lives.' Dr Alex has been providing daily updates on life in the NHS during the global crisis, posting advice on his social media pages and giving interviews. Pleading: The reality star, who returned to his career as an A&E doctor in November 2018, appeared on ITV's GMB on Thursday to beg viewers to adhere to social isolation advice On Wednesday the doctor said in an update that staff at hospitals were working seven days a week and the 'pressure is on' if more people had to be admitted to wards. Alex told The Sun: 'I've been testing around eight patients a shift - and the NHS can easily cope with that level, but if we start seeing 50 or 60 a day, the pressure will be on. 'The protective gear we have to wear at the moment adds to the queues at A&E. 'Before seeing each patient I have to put on a gown, fit a mask and visor and double glove as well as the thorough hand-washing routine.' Advice: Alex, 30, told presenters Adil Ray and Ranvir Singh that people need to take the pandemic seriously as he has seen first hand how some people suffering from the virus Dr Alex went on to say the NHS 'simply couldn't cope' if four in five people got COVID-19, but could if it was one in five. The former reality star said there is only one isolation room for infectious diseases at the hospital he works at with only one bed in it. If the number cases of coronavirus rises, they will have to quarantine entire wards. And Alex said while it was good the government would delve into funds to offer more help, the shortage of staff and those working full time at the moment would cause problems in the long run. Insight: Dr Alex has given a detailed account of what it is like to work for the NHS during the coronavirus crisis Dr Alex returned to his job as a doctor five months after appearing on the 2018 series of popular ITV2 dating show Love Island. Posting on Instagram in November 2018, he explained: 'Love Island was the experience of a lifetime, but ever since I left the villa I've genuinely missed working for the NHS. 'That's why this week, I'm going back to A&E. I trained for years for the opportunity to help people, and I can't wait to get back to doing what I love.' In the U.S., Airlines for America, a trade group for the biggest U.S. passenger and cargo carriers, is asking the federal government for $29 billion in grants, up to another $29 billion in loans, and at least two years of tax relief. However, the package has met with opposition from some Senate Republicans who say they oppose corporate bailouts, and from Democrats who want to put conditions such as consumer protections in any deal. Thyroid function tests include, TSH test, T4 test, T3 test, FT3, FT4, and anti-thyroid antibody test, also called the thyroid peroxidase antibody test (TPOab). Thyroid function tests are done for various thyroid conditions such as goiter, thyroiditis, Graves disease, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule, thyroid storm. These conditions can be treated further by surgery, anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, external radiation, thyroid hormone tablets, and recombinant human TSH. Request Free PDF Research Report Brochure @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/3521 India thyroid function test market is estimated to account for US$ 44.5 Mn in terms of value in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 58.9 Mn by the end of 2027. India Thyroid Function Test Market: Drivers High prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension is expected to propel growth of India thyroid function test market over the forecast period. For instance, in March 2019, the study Prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in India: a cross-sectional observational study, reported that the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus + hypertension was 24.8%, 33.5%, and 28.9%, respectively. India Thyroid Function Test Market: Opportunities There is an untapped opportunity in India, which might be the key to increase in sales of thyroid function test kits. People are less aware of thyroid conditions and symptoms due to less access to healthcare facilities and thus less diagnosis. Development in healthcare infrastructure can aid in overcoming the issue and offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in India thyroid function test market. Browse Press Release: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/press-release/india-thyroid-function-test-market-2843 India Thyroid Function Test Market: Restraints Current thyroid function tests only measure the total or free T4 and/or T3 and TSH serum concentrations in peripheral blood. These tests fail to measure the effect of T4 or T3 serum on different specic target tissues, which is expected to hamper growth of India thyroid function test market. Key Takeaways: The TSH segment in India thyroid function test market was valued at US$ 27.2 Mn in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 37.4 Mn by 2027 at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. Increasing prevalence of hyperthyroidism is expected to support growth of the segment over the forecast period. According to Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2017, prevalence of hypothyroidism in India is reported to be around 10.9% Hospitals segment in India thyroid function test market was valued at US$ 24.0 in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 33.2 Mn by 2027 at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. Factors such as increasing healthcare investment, and reimbursement facilities is expected to support growth of the segment. Patients often visit nearby hospitals in order to carry out different thyroid function tests which is supporting growth of the market. Market Trends Growing healthcare sector is also expected to contribute to growth of the market. For instance, according to India Brand Equity Foundation, the healthcare sector in India is expected to reach US$ 280 billion by 2020. Electrochemiluminescence techniques can be used to determine trimester-specific reference ranges for total tetraiodothyronin, free T4, total triiodothyronin and thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) in pregnant women in Basrah. FREE SAMPLE COPY OF INDIA THYROID FUNCTION TEST MARKET ANALYSIS Research Report- Global forecast till 2027 @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/3521 Regulations The IVDs are further classified into Non-Notified (Non-Critical) and Notified kits (Critical care) According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, from April 2020, all medical devices sold in India will be treated as drugs and would be regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 India Thyroid Function Test Market: Competitive Landscape Major players operating in India thyroid function test market include Merck (Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.), Abbott Laboratories, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, and bioMerieux. India Thyroid Function Test Market: Key Developments Major players in the market are focused on adopting partnership and collaboration strategies to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in June 2018, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics collaborated with the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to access UCI research in innovative diagnostic platforms, life sciences applications, devices, and data analytics. Direct Purchase the India Thyroid Function Test Market Report at @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/3521 Segmentation By Test Type TSH T3 T4 FT3 FT4 By End User Clinics Research Organizations Diagnostics Laboratories Hospitals About Coherent Market Insights: Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity. Contact Us: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com U.S. Office: Name: Mr. Shah Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, # 3200 Seattle, WA 98154, U.S. US : +1-206-701-6702 UK : +44-020-8133-4027 JAPAN : +050-5539-1737 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The tens of thousands of transit workers who keep New York City moving are calling on the MTA to better protect them during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Two New York City transit unions -- ATU Local 726 and TWU Local 100 -- have asked the MTA to implement additional protective measures and provide coronavirus testing for transit workers risking their health to keep the citys mass transit system up and running. ATU Local 726, representing the operators and mechanics responsible for running Staten Islands local and express bus service, penned a letter to MTA New York City Transit on Tuesday, requesting a host of safety precautions and service modifications to better protect its union members. Notwithstanding the tremendous public health risks that the virus poses to each and every one of us, the members of ATU Local 726 continue to come to work in the face of this tremendous uncertainty in order to provide safe and reliable public transportation to our fellow citizens, emergency responders and healthcare workers, who still need to travel and commute to work, wrote ATU Local 726 President Danny Cassella. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** The union has requested that the MTA implement the follow four precautions and modifications, effective immediately: Suspend fare collection due to the fare boxs proximity to the driver preventing social distancing between riders and drivers. Require all passengers to board through the rear door. Erect a six-foot perimeter/boundary around drivers to ensure social distancing. Allow drivers to limit bus capacity to 50%. This is an extraordinary crisis, and the Union does not make these requests lightly, Cassella wrote. Given that it appears people can become infected and remain symptomatic but still spread the virus to others, the membership of the Union believes the above recommendations are not only important for their health, but for the riding public, as well." The MTA said that the safety of its employees is the agencys top priority, and that it will review the requests provided by ATU Local 726. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated bus operators and join a grateful city in thanking them for helping to keep New York City moving safely as we provide essential service for health care professionals, first responders, fellow transit workers and other critical personnel, according to an MTA spokesperson. The safety of our employees and customers is our top priority; were following the guidance of health authorities, and working closely with our labor partners, as we adapt and refine our response to this quickly emerging and changing situation. We will review these requests carefully and be in touch with our ATU partners, the spokesperson continued. TWU Local 100, representing over 40,000 bus and subway workers throughout the city, called on the MTA Tuesday to administer testing to any transit workers that are presumptively positive or have worked in areas where medical experts say they should be tested. We are on the front-lines and they want to keep us on the front-lines so hospital workers, nursing home staff, first-responders and others can get to their critical jobs, said Local 100 President Tony Utano. According to the union, while no members had tested positive as of Tuesday evening, several workers have experienced symptoms, self-quarantined and are awaiting test results. Its absolutely vital that we do everything we can to identify any transit workers who are infected so they can be isolated and prevent them to every extent possible from spreading the illness to the co-workers and the public," Utano said. The union has also demanded that the MTA set up a 1-800 number for transit workers to call and speak with medically-trained professionals regarding any health concerns. Additionally, the union is requesting a number for transit workers to call to report a lack of hand sanitizer at their facilities. In response to the demands from TWU Local 100, MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye said the agency is working non-stop to ensure the safety of its workers while following guidance from health experts to limit the spread of the virus throughout the citys transit system. The MTA is working around the clock to protect the health and safety of our brave employees who are moving New Yorks medical professionals, childcare workers, first responders and essential personnel during this challenging time. We are following the guidance of the New York State Department of Health, CDC and public health officials to help contain the spread of the virus," Foye said. As testing continues to ramp up, we expect to see additional cases of employees with cases of COVID-19. The MTA is working diligently to identify any colleagues who came in close contact with employees who are confirmed to have COVID-19, send them home to self-quarantine, provide access to testing as directed by a doctor, and immediately disinfect the workplace as per protocol, he continued. MTA REQUESTS FEDERAL BAILOUT With the spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) keeping commuters home from work, the MTA is turning to the federal government to help offset the losses associated with declining ridership, as first reported in the New York Times. On Tuesday, the MTA penned a letter to the states congressional delegation seeking a $4 billion federal bailout to compensate for dwindling ridership amid increased cleaning costs, according to the report. To this point, the MTA has not announced plans to reduce service in response to declining ridership. CLEANING PROCEDURES The MTAs mass transit divisions -- New York City Transit, MTA Bus, Access-A-Ride, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North -- are adhering to enhanced cleaning protocols using products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently touched station surfaces like turnstiles, handrails and MetroCard vending machines will now be disinfected twice a day, as opposed to the originally announced once-daily cleanings. The agencys full fleet of trains, cars and buses will continue to undergo full sanitization every 72 hours or less. This includes 472 stations throughout the subway system, 21 stations along Staten Island Railway, 124 stations and terminals along Long Island Rail Road and 101 stations throughout Metro-Norths New York territory, as well as 6,714 New York City Transit subway cars, 64 Staten Island Railway cars, 1,100 Long Island Rail Road and Metro-Norths cars, 5,700 buses and 1,341 dedicated Access-A-Ride vans. The agency continues to deploy health guidance public service announcements (PSAs) both in stations and on trains and buses. The PSAs complement existing advisories that have been deployed on 3,600 subway screens, 2,000 bus screens, 550 railroad screens and at 84 subway station street entrances. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders With restaurant dine-in option halted, Uber Eats waives delivery fees MTA continuing to monitor service levels as coronavirus spreads Amazon warns of slower deliveries, depleted stock amid coronavirus Rumor of a mandated national quarantine is untrue and unfounded, White House says S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Coronavirus: NYC bars, restaurants limited to takeout and delivery Lees Tavern to temporarily shut its doors amid coronavirus outbreak Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus court scale-down: No new jury trials starting Monday; other appearances to be limited With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries Liberias oldest church, the Providence Baptist Church, has become the first in the country to suspend prayer services in the wake of coronavirus. The church in the capital, Monrovia, was established in 1821 by freed black slaves from the US. It was at the church 26 years later that Liberia was formed becoming Africas first republic. Liberias Front Page Africa newspaper quotes a pastoral letter informing the churchs congregation that services may resume on 24 March, depending on the situation. The country, which dealt with a deadly Ebola outbreak several years ago, has two recorded cases of Covid-19. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Vietnamese airlines will halt operations on many international air routes on upcoming days amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Noi Bai International Airport's staff guide passengers to quarantine areas National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on March 19 announced that it will stop flights between Vietnam and ASEAN countries of Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, starting from March 21. The carriers services between Vietnam and the UK and Japan will be suspended as from March 23. Meanwhile, its flights departing from Vietnam bound for Germany and Australia will be halted from March 24, and those departing from those two countries for Vietnam will be halted from the next day. Jetstar Pacific also announced the suspension of its international flights until April 30. Similarly, budget airline Vietjet Air will suspend its flights from/to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia starting from March 20. The suspension is projected to last until the end of April, but will depend on COVID-19 situation. However, Vietjet Air has yet to make decision on its routes between Vietnam and Taiwan, Japan and India. Vietnams newest carrier Bamboo Airways said the air route connecting Hanoi and Prague of the Czech Republic, which was initially planned to be launched on March 29, will be delayed to April 26 due to impact of the COVID-19. The airlines international flights have been suspended. Representatives of the airlines said passengers of the affected flights during the COVID-19 outbreak would be able to change their departure date and destinations to later dates free of charge when the outbreak is under control. Earlier, Vietnamese airlines had suspended flights from/to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, France, Russia and Malaysia in the face of the COVID-19. Starting from March 19, passengers with travel history to epidemic-hit areas arriving in Noi Bai International Airport will be sent straight to concentrated quarantine facilities and have their samples taken there, in a bid to reduce overloading at the airport. Vietnam Airlines suspends all intl flights amid COVID-19 outbreak browser not support iframe. Specifically, its flights to and from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar will be halted from March 21. Meanwhile, flights to and from the UK and Japan will be suspended from March 23, and others to Germany and Australia from March 24. Earlier, the carrier temporarily stopped flights between Vietnam and China, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), the Republic of Korea, France, Russia, Malaysia and Taiwan (China). Passengers buying tickets for international flights before March 25 will be eligible for changing their itineraries or flight dates for free. VNA Mi Tierra may have closed its dining room for only the second time in its 80-year history, but the Mexican restaurant is still searching for ways to serve the community. La Familia Cortez, the family that owns the popular downtown Mexican restaurant, is selling fresh produce, meats and other home essentials in the parking lot of Mi Tierra after the restaurant was forced to close by local government officials on Wednesday. The closure of bars and restaurants is to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. A 103-year-old woman in Iran has recovered from the coronavirus disease, state media reports. There have been overwhelming reports of elderly people being mostly at risk of the disease. The unnamed woman had been hospitalised in the central city of Semnan for about a week, IRNA news agency said. Read Also: BREAKING: Lagos Confirms Four New Cases Of Coronavirus However, she was discharged after making a complete recovery, Semnan University of Medical Sciences head Navid Danayi was quoted as saying by IRNA late Tuesday. The woman was said to be the second elderly patient in Iran to survive the disease. The other was a 91-year-old man from Kerman, in the southeast of Iran, the news agency said. After being sick for three days, he recovered on Monday despite having pre-existing medical conditions including high blood pressure and asthma, it added. Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea have agreed on the establishment of a Special Zone for Joint Exploration to explore and develop cross-border oil & gas reserves believed to be in the blocks bordering each countrys maritime zone. The decision was taken during a meeting this week in Malabo between H.E. Osvaldo Abreu, Minister of Public Works, Infrastructures, Natural Resources and Environment of Sao Tome and Principe and H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea. It notably follows several cooperation agreements signed last year during the official visit of President Evaristo Carvalho to Equatorial Guinea, which notably included joint oil exploration in the countries maritime zone. Both ministers discussed plans to expedite joint exploration efforts in the blocks within their maritime zone, and expect operations to start as early as October 2020. Sao Tome and Principe is also set to benefit from Equatorial Guineas experience in the hydrocarbons sector, especially when it comes to offshore oil & gas exploration, production and monetization. In this regard, Equatorial Guinea has agreed to select students from Sao Tome and Principe to study oil-related courses in the country. Sao Tome and Principe is believed to be an upcoming frontier when it comes to oil & gas. It has already attracted several international players in its blocks, including Galp Energia, operator of block 6 and Kosmos Energy, operator of block 11. International major Shell also participates in both blocks with a 20% and 30% stakes respectively. At the beginning of the year, Galp announced that it would be drilling its first well in block 6 by the end of this year following seismic surveys conducted since 2017. In its ambition to open up a new petroleum frontier in African waters, Sao Tome and Principe hopes to rely on the expertise of its African neighbours. The country shares another joint area with Nigeria, Africas biggest oil producer, which resulted in the signing of a treaty in February 2001. As we have seen in other parts of Africa, energy cooperation between neighbours on the continent can unlock tremendous value for African nations. Senegal and Mauritania for instance have signed an agreement of intergovernmental cooperation in 2018, paving the way for BP to take final investment decision on developing the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas field, located on the maritime border between both countries. The Gulf of Guinea holds similar potential for joint exploration and development between Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea, but also Cameroon and Nigeria. Hopes are high that the ongoing cooperation and dialogue between Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea will pave the way for additional joint development efforts in the region. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 17:26 | All, Japan A Japanese man was sentenced on Thursday to 16 years in prison for physical abuse that led to the death of his 10-year-old daughter. Yuichiro Kurihara, 42, was found guilty of causing the death of his daughter Mia in January last year by depriving her of sleep and nutrition at their family home in Noda, Chiba Prefecture, with the court defining the abuse as "inconceivably insidious and appalling." "(The case) surpasses previous incidents in its maliciousness," said Presiding Judge Iwao Maeda. Mia was used as an "outlet" for Kurihara's "irrational frustration," he said. Furthermore, "the defendant bore all responsibility" for making intervention difficult by applying pressure to the welfare center staff who tried to help the girl, Maeda added. Prosecutors had sought an 18-year prison term for Kurihara, who expressed no emotion for most of the proceeding. He bowed to the presiding judge and the prosecutors afterward. During his trial at the Chiba District Court, Kurihara expressed remorse and admitted to assaulting Mia but denied many of the accusations against him. The court found him guilty on all charges of fatal child abuse during Thursday's ruling, calling his testimony "unreliable." "They don't match the circumstances," Maeda said of Kurihara's denials. "You're selecting the most convenient parts (of the events) and defining them as truth." Kurihara forced her to stand in the bathroom while showering Mia with cold water at some point between Jan. 22 and 24, 2019, according to the ruling. A video on Kurihara's cellphone showed Mia bent over and begging for help as he continuously reproached her. In the first trial proceeding in February, Kurihara denied the allegations, saying, "I never starved her or weakened her. Neither did I keep her standing, or shower her with cold water." His defense lawyer had also argued that the death was a result of excessive discipline and that Kurihara did not abuse her on a daily basis. Kurihara had faced charges of physically abusing Mia from December 2018 to January 2019 and beating his 33-year-old wife, Nagisa. His wife was sentenced last June to 30 months in prison, suspended for five years with probation, for complicity in her husband's treatment of their daughter. When handing down the ruling on the woman, the court said it was difficult for her to resist her husband's will due to his abuse and her mental condition. "(Mia) was very kind and thoughtful, and loved by everyone," she said during the trial. "(Kurihara) may not have liked her strong sense of justice." Mia and the family relocated from the mother's hometown of Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, to the father's in Noda in July 2017 when she was 8 years old. According to the prosecution, the abuse began immediately after they moved. In November 2017, Mia wrote in a school questionnaire that she was being bullied by her father and was subsequently taken into protective custody for seven weeks. However, a local education board was found to have given a copy of Mia's questionnaire to Kurihara, who stated her claims were "lies." After her period in protective custody ended, with a welfare center approving her return to her parents, there were no visits to her home by officials of either the center or the school to check on how she was being treated. Related coverage: Abusive father charged with causing death of young daughter Mother of child abuse victim says father gave daughter "hell" Girl in fatal case sent home from welfare despite signs of dad's sex abuse A was on Thursday told that no legal remedies of any of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case were pending in any of the courts. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana was informed by the public prosecutor that second mercy pleas of two convicts, Akshay Kumar Singh and Pawan Gupta, were not entertained and were rejected on the ground that the first one was entertained and considered on merit. Three of the four convicts had on Wednesday moved a seeking stay on their death penalty, saying the second mercy plea of one of them was still pending. On March 5, a trial court had issued fresh death warrants for March 20 at 5.30 am, as the date for the execution of convicts Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31). (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the country under virtual lockdown thanks to the Covid-19 crisis, Kilglass Gaels GAA Club and the local community in Roscommon have come up with a novel way of keeping their community in touch with each other by forming a community What'sApp group. The App, very popular with teams and clubs, is usually kept to small groups but Kilglass Gaels have taken it a step further with a plan to keep their community in contact with each other during these difficult days. All you have to do to join the WhatsApp group is contact Niall at (087) 764 0679 and he will add you to the group. If you need any assistance, contact the numbers at the end of the article. In a message to the community, Kilglass Gaels say "The community now has an active whatsapp group with over 40 volunteers from all over the parish ready to assist in whatever way they can. There isnt a road or byroad that we havent a volunteer close by to help if needed. "People need not sit in fear but take heed to the precautions and guidelines that have been issued by the government and the HSE. And if you carry out these precautions and adhere to the guidelines then you will be in a good position to see this out safely. Also only listen to credible sources for information and dont believe everything you hear unless its from a factual or credible source. "I understand a lot of people are not on Facebook that may need to avail of this service. So I would ask those of you who are to pass on the numbers below to the people that may need them. "Finally if anyone needs assistance or help call or message one of the numbers below and they will carry out whatever tasking is asked of them either themselves or from the volunteers in the group. "Again as a community we will continue to do what we always do in hard times and that is to look after each other." The numbers to contact to join the Kilglass Community WhatsApp group are as follows: Ultan Flynn: 087 652 1930 Brian Hall: 087 935 4731 Tommy Cox: (Slatta) 087 787 2957 Adrian Duffy: 087 995 0210 Ger Donoghue: 086 410 7198 Joe Rogers: 087 236 5453 Fintan Cruse: 087 916 4659 MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected a fine of over one lakh rupees from more than 100 people for spitting in the open as part of its measures to contain the further spread of deadly coronavirus. "Fine of Rs 1,07,000 collected from 107 people for spitting in the open. 46 people were also given a warning," BMC said. On March 18, BMC from its official Twitter handle had in reply to a tweet posted: "Spitting in public space will attract a fine of Rs. 1,000 or detention u/s 189 IPC. While we do our best to ensure that no such activity takes place in the city, a little cooperation from Mumbaikars in these difficult times will help us go a long way in our fight against Coronavirus." #SecondLineOfDefence#MatThukoNa We & Mumbaikars are watching! Our teams will be on look out for those who spit in public, & put the city at risk. Its sad that our teams have to watch, catch & collect fine for such things in Mumbai. 1+ Lac collected today!#NaToCorona https://t.co/VLx2iy1aJT pic.twitter.com/nzfov6Lf0e Mumbai, BMC (@mybmc) March 18, 2020 Meanwhile, two women had tested positive for coronavirus in Mumbai metropolitan region on Thursday, taking the number of such cases in Maharashtra to 47, officials said. While one woman had returned from the UK, another one had come back from Dubai, they said. "A 22-year-old woman from Mumbai tested positive for Covid-19. She had returned from the UK. Another woman, a resident of Ulhas Nagar, had returned from Dubai. She is 49- year-old," an official said. With this, the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has climbed to 47, the official added. Authorities in Italy have arrested a couple for breaching coronavirus quarantine rules after they were caught having sex inside a car. The couple, a 23-year-old Egyptian man and a 40-year-old Tunisian woman were caught in the act by a police officer on the outskirts of Milan on Monday. Police say the roadside fling happened on a road in Mecenate near Milan which has been heavily hit by the coronavirus outbreak. According to news agency ANSA, the pair were accused of ignoring a quarantine rule which bans two people from being in the front or back of a vehicle together. It wasn't revealed if the couple will face further action, but Italian authorities are keeping an eye on all road vehicles in order to enforce a ban on travel. Italy currently has 31,506 cases of coronavirus with 2,503 deaths. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Sen. Cotton and Rep. Gallagher Introduce Bill to Cut US Dependency on China for Key Drugs Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) announced plans to introduce a bill to reduce U.S. dependence on China manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Called the Protecting our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from China Act, it is to be introduced on March 19, according to a release. A March 18 joint statement (pdf) from Cotton and Gallagher reads: After China covered up the spread of the China virus which lead to a global pandemic, a Chinese Communist Party organization asserted that Beijing could announce strategic control over medical products and ban exports to the United States. Then, the United States will be caught in the ocean of viruses.' The key restrictions outlined in the bill would go into effect in 2022, making the United States more resilient in the face of future pandemics. Its a forward-looking measure to cut dependency on other countries for supplies of key pharmaceuticals that could be used to prevent or treat infections. Specifically, the bill will track active pharmaceutical ingredients through an FDA registry and prohibit pharmaceutical purchases from China and products with active pharmaceutical ingredients created in China. It will also create transparency in the supply chain by instituting a country-of-origin label of all imported drugs, and provide economic incentives for manufacturing drugs and medical equipment in the United States. Global Emergency The move to introduce the bill comes amid a growing number of infections in the United States of the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus as the CCP virus due to the Chinese Communist Partys initial coverup and mismanagement of the outbreak, which helped the virus spread across China and become a global pandemic. According to a March 19 Johns Hopkins tally, the United States has 11,274 confirmed cases of the disease and 157 deaths. Washington state accounts for 68 of the COVID-19 deaths, followed by New York state with 21, and California with 16. Experts have long called for more decoupling between the United States and China in the area of strategic supplies. Rosemary Gibson, a senior adviser at the Hastings Center, a bioethics research institute, told The Epoch Times previously that the CCP virus outbreak exposes Americas dangerous overreliance on other countries for lifesaving medicines. This is a giant wake-up call, she said. During a testimony in July 2019 at a hearing by the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission, Gibson provided details of the depletion of parts of the United States pharmaceutical industrial base. The U.S. can no longer make generic antibiotics. Because the U.S. has allowed the industrial base to wither, the U.S. cannot produce generic antibiotics for childrens ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sexually-transmitted diseases, Lyme disease, superbugs, and other infections that are threats to human life. We cannot make the generic antibiotics for anthrax exposure, she told lawmakers. CCP Virus Hell On March 4, Chinese state-run outlet Xinhua re-published a blog post titled, With justice on our side, the world should thank China. Now the United States is in turmoil. More and more states have declared a state of emergency, while the whole country is extremely short on medical supply. A coronavirus epidemic is almost inevitable, the article stated. It went on to say that U.S. reliance on supply chains in China proves that the former needs the latter to contain the virus. Most facial masks in the U.S. market are made and imported from China. The majority of medicine in the U.S. is imported from other countries. If China bans exports to the United States, the latter will enter into hell caused by the coronavirus. Cotton and Gallaghers initiative seeks to de-risk this supply chain. The Chinese Communist Party has threatened to cut off Americas access to vital drugs in the midst of a pandemic caused by its own failures. Its time to pull Americas supply chains for life-saving medicine out of China and make the CCP pay for contributing to this global emergency, Cotton said in a release. The Chinese Communist Partys outrageous threats to withhold lifesaving drugs from the U.S. endangers public health and should open our eyes to our dangerous over-reliance on China in our medical supply chain, said Gallagher in the same release. This is a national security imperative that to many Americans, is a matter of life and death. Its past time for us to develop an aggressive plan to move critical pharmaceutical supply chains away from China. Process Has Already Started On March 3, the Trump administrations Coronavirus Task Force met with representatives of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies at the White House. Trump said steps were already being taken to mitigate the public health risks of reliance on other countries for key drugs and equipment. The coronavirus shows the importance of bringing manufacturing back to America so that we are producing, at home, the medicines and equipment and everything else that we need to protect the publics health, Trump said. That process has already started. We want to make certain things at home. We want to be doing our manufacturing at home. Its not only done in China, Trump said. A lot of places make our different drugs and things that we need so badly. Trade expert Alan Tonelson praised the Trump administrations efforts to reshore strategic manufacturing capacity. A U.S. economy heavily reliant on vital medicines and their ingredients from an increasingly hostile and secretive China is a devastating indictment of pre-Trump national security and public health policy, Tonelson told The Epoch Times in an email. But the purely economic effects shouldnt be overlooked either, as globalist leaders also encouraged the buildup of China as a huge global manufacturing hub, and thereby exposed Americans to the risk of shortages and other supply chain risks in a wide variety of critical products. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) recently said in a statement that the nations hospitals face a serious shortage of personal protective equipment for staff and infected patients, including gowns, gloves, face shields, surgical masks, and N95 respirators. On March 18, Trump announced he was invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to expand the supply of resources available to deal with the outbreak. The DPA allows the president to direct the production of private sector firms of critical manufactured goods to meet urgent national security needs. South Africa: State of Disaster regulations gazetted With government having declared a national state of disaster amid the COVID-19 virus outbreak, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has gazetted regulations aimed at containing the spread. This comes after the Minister in recent days consulted her colleagues in Cabinet and the relevant stakeholders, in terms of section 3 of the Disaster Management Act. The regulations will outline rules that need to be adhered to by the general public. The regulations pertaining to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) deal, among others, with the release of resources and the prevention and prohibition of gatherings. They also deal with the release of resources such as human resources, stores, equipment, ships, aircraft platforms, vehicles and facilities when available. [This is to ensure] the delivery of essential services, as may be required, to prevent, limit, contain, combat and manage the spread of the virus, the regulations state. Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited and prevented in order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the regulations state. According to the regulations, people suspected of having contracted the virus, or who has been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID19, may not refuse consent for a medical examination, prophylaxis, treatment, isolation and quarantine. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is expected to identify and make available sites to be used as isolation and quarantine facilities as the need arises. The regulations reiterate that schools and partial care facilities have to be closed by 18 March 2020 until 15 April 2020, after which, the period may be extended for the duration of the national state of disaster. The regulations also include the suspensions of all visits by members of the public to Correctional Centres, Remand Detention Facilities, Holding Cells, Military Detention Facilities, and Department of Social Development facilities, including Child and Youth Care Centres, shelters, One Stop Centres, and Treatment Centres. These visits are suspended for a period of 30 days from the date of publication of this Notice, which period may be extended up to the duration of the national state of disaster. The regulations also set a limit on the sale, dispensing or transportation of alcoholic beverages. All registered or licensed on-consumption liquor premises which can accommodate, including taverns, restaurants and clubs, must be closed with immediate effect, or must be limited to accommodate no more than 50 persons: Provided that adequate space is available and that all directions in respect of hygienic conditions and limitation of exposure of persons with the COVID-19 virus are adhered to, the regulations state. Regarding Emergency Procurement Procedures, the Minister in the regulations says these should be subject to the Public Finance Management Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, regulations. According to the regulations, people could be imprisoned six months or fined for spreading fake news about the COVID-19. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. UPDATE (3/20): The Wolf Administration has modified the list to include laundromats under life-sustaining businesses, and issued guidelines say animal shelters and kennels can stay open if they so choose. In a news conference Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf said the legislature is working on $60 million in loans for businesses, and places that feel they should be allowed to remain open can apply for a waiver. First, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf told nonessential businesses to close to slow the new coronavirus. Now, its an order. The latest version of the Pennsylvania statewide shutdown was announced Thursday as Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to shut down or face penalties beginning Friday as COVID-19 spreads. What is a life-sustaining business? Whats left open, whats closed in Pennsylvania? In short, you will still be able to get groceries, including beer. And restaurants will still be open for take-out orders only. But you wont be able to go to a department store or bar. Daycares will be closed. The Wolf administration spelled out its guidelines in an online list broken down by industry and sector. LIFE-SUSTAINING BUSINESS These kinds of businesses will stay open: Crop production, including grain, vegetable and fruit farming and greenhouses. Animal production, including cattle, hog and poultry farming. Fishing, hunting and trapping. Oil and gas extraction. Food and beverage manufacturing. Paper manufacturing. Chemical manufacturing, except paint and adhesives. Plastics and rubber manufacturing. Cement manufacturing. Iron, steel and aluminum manufacturing. Machine manufacturing for agriculture, construction, mining, commercial and service industry, ventilation/heating/air conditioning/commercial refrigeration and engines. Manufacturing of electrical components and navigational instruments. Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing. Wholesalers of motor vehicle parts and supplies, commercial equipment, metal and mineral, electrical, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment, machinery equipment. Wholesalers of paper products, drugs, groceries, farm products, chemical and petroleum, beer, wine and distilled beverages. Auto parts and tire stores. Grocery stores. Beer distributors. Gas stations. Convenience stores. Laundromats. Electronic shopping and mail-order houses. Most forms of transportation: Air, rail, water, truck, transit (except charter buses and sightseeing operations), and related support activities. Pipelines for oil, gas and other products. Postal service and other couriers. Warehousing and storage. All electric, water and sewer utilities. Newspaper, periodical and book publishers. Radio and television broadcasting, cable, telecommunications and satellite carriers. Data-processing, hosting and related information services. Banks and credit agencies. Rentals and leasing services. Scientific research and development. Facilities support services, investigation and security and service to buildings and dwellings. Waste management and remediation. All health care and social assistance, except child day care. Residential-only RV parks and rooming and boarding houses. Restaurants takeout only. Repair and maintenance services for cars, electronic equipment, personal and household goods and commercial machinery and equipment. Death care services. Religious, grantmaking, social advocacy and civic organizations. NON-LIFE-SUSTAINING BUSINESS These kinds of businesses must close: Forestry and logging. Mining. Construction. Tobacco manufacturing. Textile, apparel, leather and wood manufacturing. Printing and related activities. Clay, glass, lime and other nonmetallic manufacturing. Foundries. All fabricated metal product, industrial machine or metalworking machinery manufacturing. Computer and communications equipment manufacturing. All manufacturing of electrical equipment, appliances, transportation equipment and furniture. Furniture, home furnishings and lumber wholesalers. Apparel wholesalers. Car dealers. Furniture and home furnishing stores. Specialty food stores. Stores selling clothing, shoes, jewelry, sporting goods, hobbies, music, books and other department stores. Florists, office supply and stationary or gift stores. Vending machine operators and direct-selling establishments. Charter buses and sightseeing tours. Software publishers. Video and sound-recording industries. Telecommunications resellers. Securities, commodities and other financial investments. Insurance carriers and related activities. Funds, trusts and other financial activities. Real estate. Professional services including legal, accounting, architectural, computer systems design and management, scientific and technical consulting. Office administrative, employment and travel services. Educational service, including all elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. Child day care. All forms of performing arts, spectator sports, museums and related industries. Traveler accommodations (except residential-only RV parks and rooming and boarding houses). Bars. Personal care services including barbershops, beauty salons, gyms and yoga studios. Dry-cleaning and laundry services, except laundromats. Business, professional, labor, political or similar organizations. If youre not sure how your business is affected, consult the governors business list. Pennsylvania is working with state and federal partners to offer emergency loans to small businesses and nonprofits hurt financially by the coronavirus. Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you may have been exposed or exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19 fever, cough and shortness of breath contact your healthcare provider. For more information on the coronavirus, consult your state health department at www.nj.gov/health and the CDC website. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. In some ways, it felt like business as usual at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday. Parsnips, carrots and heirloom potatoes crowded tables at Weiser Family Farms. A scattering of shoppers wore masks; others wore bandannas over their faces. Fragrant kumquats and mandarins from Garcia Organic Farms resembled vivid orange gemstones. All the vendors wore disposable gloves; some stands erected improvised barriers to distance sellers from buyers. Posted signs ask customers to maintain social distancing at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times) Its been slower today, said Kevin Yasutomi, who operates Pico Rivera-based Yasutomi Farm with his 60-year-old mother, Ruriko. But were still getting used to all the changes at this point. Those changes, implemented late last week under guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, were significant: no prepared foods, no sampling, a minimum of 10 feet between booths, increased hand-washing stations, and no direct exchange of money between customers and vendors who were handling fruits and vegetables. A majority of vendors sold produce portioned and packaged in plastic bags to reduce exposure. Amanda Broder-Hahn of Windrose Farms said she was conflicted about selling at the market she had herbs and fennel to sell but was worried about the people on her side of the table. A shopper uses a plastic bag to cover their hand at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times) There was a statistic a few years ago that said 80% of small farmers in America are over 50 years old, she said. Thats a huge part of our community that is vulnerable right now. At the request of market management, some elderly vendors made the decision not to attend, including Windrose Farms Bill and Barbara Spencer. Bill and I are both in our 70s, which makes us a high-risk group, wrote Barbara Spencer in an email to The Times. The food we and our fellow farmers grow is so vital to people, even more today, but being prudent was also an important choice for everyone at Windrose. Foot traffic was lighter than usual at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, though vendors remained busy. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times) Posted signs implored customers to maintain social distancing of at least six feet at all times. Jaclyn Rivera-Krouse and Christine Pagtalunan, two of the markets managers, patrolled aisles vigilantly, dispersing small groups as they formed. Story continues Paul Wysocan, a Westwood resident and market regular, said while the distancing policies seemed surreal, his shopping experience was relatively close to normal. It was a relief to see that everything was available. Ive been impressed with how well-coordinated its been with all thats been going on, Tony Ayala of Friends Ranch said. Some of the other markets Ive sold at this week, people werent as good about respecting the social distance. After markets were suspended in Culver City, Beverly Hills and Torrance, there was concern Santa Monica and other farmers markets would meet the same fate. Ayala was happy to learn that L.A. County had designated outdoor farmers markets essential to the public, kept open to ensure fresh food is available. I feel its much safer to shop here than in some of the supermarkets that are so crowded, he said, unpacking a box of pale green Pinkerton avocados. Here you have the open air, and theres room to spread out. Steve Murray Jr., a sixth-generation grower at Murray Family Farms in Bakersfield, said customers bought more than usual at the downtown Santa Monica market on Saturday, but he expected sales to level out once stockpiling subsided. Murray is concerned about his upcoming cherry harvest: The almost-ripe fruit needs to be picked quickly over the next few weeks and the availability of seasonal labor is limited. Im not sure how were going to get the manpower, he said, adjusting his ivory-colored cowboy hat. As farmers chatted among themselves about what the coming weeks would look like, all were consistent in saying there would be little to no interruption in their supply. Trees were full of fruit; trucks and vans would still be stocked and sent. Romeo Coleman of Coleman Farms said that wholesale orders from L.A. restaurants, the bulk of his business, had dropped by 80% this week. He didnt expect that number to improve in the weeks ahead. If were going to get through this, its going to be from people shopping at the market, he said, looking over crates of purple-flecked lettuce stacked near his truck. Other farms are shifting their model entirely. County Line Harvest in the Coachella Valley partnered with L.A. restaurants and bakeries to launch a CSA program that would distribute and deliver produce directly to subscribers; farm employee Danielle Mantua said they had 500 orders in its first few days. Lia Skoblov, a Santa Monica resident who lived through food shortages in the Soviet Union during the 1990s, was there to shop for her elderly parents. She said she was concerned about price gouging and panic buying before arriving at the market. Thankfully, she said, she found neither just the beets and greens she needed to prepare that evenings dinner. Today my father has Parkinsons disease and dementia, and lives in a skilled nursing facility. Even before Covid-19, it was a struggle for people to act as if his life was still worth protecting. They speak about him in the past tense, using language like no quality of life. The term useless eater hangs just beyond whats said aloud. I am terrified of how Covid-19 will hit him, and everyone I care for with dementia in my hospice program. As a disabled, Jewish, second-generation Holocaust survivor, the words useless eater are practically in my DNA. I can taste the tang of them in my mouth as I read the news, in the bitterness of Italys policies, in this countrys callous health care, in affluent people refusing to listen to sick and disabled voices and stay home when they can afford to, in the dismissive internet comments that only the sick and old need to worry, so who cares? My cells remember other things, too. That to survive illness and trauma, whether individual or communal, we need one another, including strangers. When my father was two years old, hiding from Nazis in a Christian foster home, he developed a loud case of whooping cough. He was dropped unceremoniously at the doors of a Belgian nunnery. These women nursed him back to health, and returned him a few months later, fully recovered. I wish I knew their names. These faceless women to whom I owe my existence, who cared for him, bathed him, changed him, powdered him. In this moment, one of the best ways you can show up and save the lives of fellow human beings is by withdrawing physically. Staying away from other people contradicts our image of what saving lives looks like. We are used to heroes rushing in. But disabled and sick people already know that stillness can be caring. We know that immune systems are fragile things, and homes cant always be left. Rest is disability justice, and right now it is one of our most powerful tools to keep one another alive. I have spent years of my life rarely leaving home. Being stuck at home due to illness often sucks, but sometimes it is other things, too. Calm. The kinds of connection that can only come from profound slowness, from borrowing down instead of stretching out. Even as we withdraw physically, our emotional and spiritual need for others has never been more visible. I already knew that we needed one another in intimate ways that go beyond the capacity of our bodies to connect. Disabled people are experts in deep, luscious intimacy without touch. We are used to being creative. As the Disability Justice performance project Sins Invalid says, We love like barnacles, sticking to one another wherever, and however we can. Jewish mysticism holds that the letters of a Torah scroll are black fire on the white fire of the parchment. In this moment, we must find a way to make the spaces between us holy. In this pandemic it is the white fire that will hold our abundant love, our exquisite care, and our unwavering belief that each of our lives is worth saving. A collection of 60 essays from this series is now available in book, e-book and audiobook form: About Us: Essays From the Disability Series of The New York Times, edited by Peter Catapano and Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, published by Liveright. Elliot Kukla is a rabbi at the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center in San Francisco. He is at work on a book about being chronically ill in a time of planetary crisis. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Scientist Doireann Loughlin- Waldron picutred showing Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar (l) and health minister Simon Harris a computer graph when they visited the National Virus Refrence Laboratory in Dublin Ireland today 18 March 2020, where testing for Covid-19 takes place. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/EPA-EFE POOL PIC Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told his Fine Gael colleagues that schools could be closed until May. During a teleconference call with his parliamentary party, Mr Varadkar said he expected school closures to extend beyond March 29. The Taoiseachs comments came after Education Minister Joe McHugh announced the Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle orals and practical exams are being cancelled. The Minister has yet to make a decision about the written exams in June. Read More In a statement tonight, Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon said the Taoiseach told TDs The restrictions on schools opening could be extended into April or May. The Fine Gael President said there will be big increases in positive cases over coming days with increased testing taking place across the country. He said all of Government was pulling together on fighting the virus. He said the benefits of social distancing may not be seen for five to ten days, he added. Mr Heydon also said the party agreed to continue talks with other political parties on forming a new government. The move clears the way for more formal talks with Fianna Fail. Read More The two hour phone meeting also heard Fine Gael will lead the rebuilding of the Irish economy again as the country enters an extremely hard time, Mr Heydon said. Party members found the meeting to be very useful where the Leader, ministers, and backbenchers shared experiences and solutions from around the country, hearing of the impact of the virus in terms of health, society and economy, he added. The Taoiseach also told the meeting there could be a need for an emergency budget to introduce more emergency financial measures to tackle the Coronavirus. However, he said a new government would have to be in place before an emergency budget could be voted on. Tanaiste Simon Coveney told party members he believed almost all European airlines will be grounded in the coming days. Sources at the meeting said they were taken aback by the briefing on the virus from senior ministers. Mr Varadkar also spoke with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson this evening. Both leaders agreed on the need to keep in contact and align their actions as much as possible. "The Prime Minister outlined the steps he announced yesterday to close the schools. The Taoiseach welcomed this decision which had brought a greater closeness between the position in Ireland and Northern Ireland," a government statement read. "They also discussed developments in Europe and internationally and agreed on the importance of close co-operation in the context of the operation of the common travel area between Britain and Ireland." Earlier today, Education Minister Mr McHugh announced the cancellation of oral and practical exams. The school-based orals and practicals were due to take place over a two week period, starting next Monday. It means that all students who were due to take part in orals and practicals in the following subjects will be given full marks for this part of the exam: Oral tests in Leaving Certificate Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese. Practical performance tests in Leaving Certificate Music. Practical performance tests in Junior Certificate Music and Home Economics. However, the second phase of practical exams remain as originally scheduled from Monday April 27 to Friday May 8. And no changes were announced for the written exams in the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) scheduled for Wednesday May 6, a range of oral and practical tests in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, along with the first examination in Leaving Certificate Computer Science on Wednesday 27 May, or the final written examinations starting on June BBC Director-General Lord Hall has not ruled out a further delay to the end of the free licence fee for over-75s. The universal benefit was due to end on June 1 but was pushed back until August 1 as a result of coronavirus. Asked whether it could be delayed further if the crisis is not over by then, Lord Hall told Radio 4's Today programme: 'The board met on Sunday to take that decision, to put the implementation off until August, and the phrase is 'under review'. 'I think on all of this ... we must just keep doing what we think is right each day and keep everything under review.' It comes as millions of the elderly and most vulnerable will need to 'shield' themselves from social contact and stay at home for three months from this weekend. Only those on pension credit were set to continue to receive free TV licences from June 1 after the corporation took on responsibility for funding the benefit. Lord Hall told Radio 4's Today programme the withdrawing of the free license fees for over-75s was 'under review' and it could be pushed even further back past August BBC Broadcasting House in London is pictured in January. The BBC has delayed the scrapping free TV licences for over-75s to help the elderly deal with coronavirus But on Monday, the BBC made the decision to delay the end of free licences. BBC chairman Sir David Clementi said: 'The BBC board has decided to delay changes to over-75s licence fees. We are in exceptional circumstances. 'Now is not the right time. We are fully focused on delivering our services to the public at this difficult time.' It comes after Age UK said pensioners would want to 'see and hear' what political and NHS leaders are saying to the country during this 'national crisis'. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Monday: 'I am pleased the BBC has worked with us and agreed to delay their licence fee changes for over 75s from coming in and will keep this under review. 'It will be welcome news to millions of older people who now don't need to worry about their TV licence during this challenging period. 'It is right that the BBC have recognised the exceptional circumstances posed by the coronavirus outbreak and the need for the whole country to pull together in the national effort.' What do the TV licence fee changes mean for the over-75s and how does the pension credit requirement work? More than three million people aged over-75 will have to pay for their TV licence when a new scheme comes into effect later this year. Here are some questions answered: - What are the changes? From August 1, 2020, around 3.7 million households which previously received a free licence will have to pay for one. Although Lord Hall today said the date could extended past August. At the moment all over-75s receive a free TV licence but from August, only those households with a member who receives pension credit will be eligible. Those found to be ineligible for a free licence will have to pay 157.50 a year for a colour television and 52 a year for a black and white television. The date for the new policy was initially scheduled to be June 1, but this has now been today pushed back to August 1 due to the coronavirus outbreak. - Who will this affect? The changes will affect all over-75s who do not receive pension credit. Even if they previously had a free TV licence, they will have to buy one from August 1. - Why is this happening? The Government-funded scheme to provide all households with people over 75 with a free TV licence comes to an end this year. The Government has legislated that it is the BBC's responsibility to decide on any future scheme and to pay for it. Following a public consultation, the BBC decided that means-testing pensioners and giving free licences only to those on pension credit is the fairest way. The BBC said if it had to fund licences for all over-75s, it would have meant unprecedented closures, including the end of BBC Two, BBC Four, the BBC News Channel, the BBC Scotland channel, Radio 5 Live, and a number of local radio stations, as well as other cuts and reductions. - What happens now? TV Licensing had said they would be writing to all free over-75 licence holders before May 31 to let them know how they may be affected and what they will need to do. Face-to-face assistance will be provided for older people through an outreach programme delivered by specially trained customer care field staff and the size of the TV Licensing customer support call centre will also be increased. TV Licensing has also launched a free telephone information line where older customers and their relatives can access recorded information on the new policy and advice to customers by calling 0800 232 1382. Information and frequently asked questions can also be found on the TV Licensing website, tvl.co.uk/age. TV Licensing will also be developing a new pay as you go payment scheme especially for customers who will need to pay for their licence from August 2020. This scheme will let customers spread the cost of their licence in fortnightly or monthly payments to make it easier to pay. Advertisement Responding to Monday's announcement, Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: 'We welcome the BBC's decision to allow free TV licences for over-75s to continue during this health emergency as a victory for common sense. 'Unfortunately many over-75s will have already received a letter suggesting they get their Pension Credit letters photocopied at the local library or corner shop. 'This runs counter to the public health message the Government seems likely to be giving older people very soon about staying at home to reduce their risk of infection, so it's important older people are informed that there's no need for them to take this action for now. 'While today's decision is warmly welcome, we do question whether a delay of just eight weeks will be anything like long enough. We will be monitoring the situation closely and continuing to liaise with Government and the BBC over this period. 'The aim must be to ensure that no older person is exposed to the risk of infection as a result of the introduction of a new TV licence scheme. If the experts are right and the virus will continue to be a threat for many months to come, a pause until 1st August will be a lot shorter than needed.' Last night, the charity had called for the new scheme to be 'halted immediately and stopped until the end of 2020', adding that TV will be key for them to get 'precious input from the outside world.' It said while there was a 'strong case' for keeping all the free TV licences at any time, the situation older people find themselves in at the moment, as a result of the virus, was 'of a different order entirely'. Age UK said the over-75s face the prospect of having to 'stay mostly or entirely at home for weeks at a time' to stay safe from the virus, with many of their social activities being cancelled and visits restricted. It said many of these are not online either. It added that in these circumstances older people will be 'even more reliant on their TV' than normal. It also pointed out that the BBC has been inviting those on pension credit to get a photocopy of a letter showing they receive pension credit. Age UK said the letter suggested going to a corner shop or a library to do this. Age UK said this and the prospect of staff from Capita, the company the BBC contracts to oversee licence fee enforcement, visiting the elderly to help them adjust to the new rules, would both place over 75s at 'greater risk' of getting the virus. It comes as an ambassador for the charity, actress Miriam Margolyes branded the plans to drastically scale back free TV licences for over 75s as 'utter nonsense'. Speaking a campaign video for the charity she said: 'The plan for free TV licences to be scrapped for the over 75s is utter nonsense. It's vindictive, political hard play. I think it's outrageous and must be fought.' She added: 'The Government and the BBC are at loggerheads at the moment and the piggy-in-the-middle are the pensioners. 'The people over 75 are being punished, they are suddenly being asked, in June, it's really close, to decide whether they are going to have a television or not. 'Those very people are being targeted. I think it's disgraceful and I think it is a Government responsibility to care for its old people.' In a separate comment she said: 'The BBC and the Government have to find a way forward that puts older people's fears to rest and allows their TV licences to stay free.' The charity said the increase in the TV licence fee, to 157.50 from April 1, and the launch of a public consultation on whether TV licence fee evasion should be decriminalised, 'has done nothing to make the position better for the over-75s'. Millions of elderly and most vulnerable will need to 'shield' themselves from social contact Millions of the elderly and most vulnerable will need to 'shield' themselves from social contact and stay at home for three months from this weekend. Boris Johnson acknowledged that 'drastic action' was required to quell the spread of the deadly coronavirus which has killed 55 and infected more than 1,500 throughout the country. By the weekend, those with the most serious conditions will be advised to take steps to ensure they are 'largely shielded from social contact' for around 12 weeks. Public Health England describes the most vulnerable as the elderly and those with underlying health problems, however, today's advice stopped short of defining explicitly who needs to stay at home. It comes after ministers were earlier on Monday slammed for providing 'conflicting advice' to the elderly and those who need to self-isolate during the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. As the advice was stepped up, thousands of thoughtful Britons have taken to social media to offer help to vulnerable neighbours. Offers of help poured in on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Reddit amid fears for the frail and elderly, who are at greatest risk of serious illness as a result of Covid-19. Advertisement A previous Conservative government handed over responsibility for free TV licences to the BBC in 2015. A joint statement from the BBC and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport today said: 'The BBC and the Government have been discussing the national Coronavirus situation. 'Changes to the TV licence for people aged over 75 had been due to come into effect on June 1. But during this time we do not want anyone to be worried about any potential change. 'The BBC's priority over the coming period will be to do everything we can to serve the nation at this uniquely challenging time. 'As the national broadcaster, the BBC has a vital role to play in supplying information to the public in the weeks and months ahead. 'Recognising the exceptional circumstances, the BBC Board has therefore decided to change the start date of the new policy. 'Our current plan is to now bring it into place on August 1. We will of course keep the issue under review as the situation continues to evolve.' In 2015, the Government and the BBC reached a settlement which meant that the broadcaster had to find savings of 800 million by 2021/22. It also saw the broadcaster commit to taking on responsibility for the funding of free licences for the over-75s. MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have said the next round of negotiations between the Government and the BBC should agree a funding formula that maintains free TV licences for all over-75s, specifically recommending that the Government set out proposals for how it could support this measure in future, alongside the commitment that had been made by the BBC. Actress Miriam Margolyes (pictured on the BBC's Graham Norton Show in January) has branded the plans to drastically scale back free TV licences for over 75s as 'utter nonsense' Millions of the elderly and most vulnerable will need to 'shield' themselves from social contact and stay at home for three months from this weekend, Downing Street announced today. Boris Johnson acknowledged that 'drastic action' was required to quell the spread of the deadly coronavirus which has killed 55 and infected more than 1,500 throughout the country. By the weekend, those with the most serious conditions will be advised to take steps to ensure they are 'largely shielded from social contact' for around 12 weeks. Public Health England describes the most vulnerable as the elderly and those with underlying health problems, however, today's advice stopped short of defining explicitly who needs to stay at home. It comes after ministers were earlier on Monday slammed for providing 'conflicting advice' to the elderly and those who need to self-isolate during the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. Ministers were on Monday accused of issuing 'conflicting' advice to older people over the need to 'self-isolate' during a coronavirus outbreak. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday that the length of time such people will need to 'stay self-isolated, stay at home to protect themselves is a very big ask'. But Transport Secretary Grant Shapps seemed to strike a different tone on Monday. He said it was 'quite likely' that the rule could be in place for months, but added: 'It is the case that people will be able to go out and walk the dog. It's about being sensible but not mixing in crowds.'. Charities warned that many pensioners would be confused about what they were being asked to do after claims over the weekend that they should stay at home for up to four months. Meanwhile, the Scottish authorities have insisted there is no problem with the elderly having visitors, as long as they are not displaying symptoms. "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!" In October, I spent two weeks on a Trafalgar tour to Southeast Asia, where we visited Vietnam and Cambodia, with stops in Seoul, Korea, and Shanghai, China. Hanoi, Vietnam, has a population of more than 9 million people; and over 5 million motor bikes. In Hanoi, we visited the Hoa Lo prison that housed John McCain during the Vietnam war. "Hanoi Hilton" was the prison nickname used by American GIs. Part of the prison is now a museum, and the rest has been made into apartments and shops. Vietnam has the biggest rubber tree plantations in Southeast Asia. Rice crops are grown three times a year in fresh water, and pineapple grows best in salt water. Other common crops are papaya, coconut, grapes, kiwi, bananas and strawberries. Vietnam is also the producer of Akoya cultured pearls. Many pearl and oyster farms are located along Halong Bay in northern Vietnam. On a wooden boat, we visited Halong Bay, Vietnam, the home of many floating fishing villages. The one village we saw included a floating school, grocery store, fish markets and floating family households. Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, is the second largest city in Vietnam, with over 8 million people living there. The city was deserted ... empty ... after the war. With borrowed money from other countries, they were able to rebuild. Today, Vietnam has far surpassed the U.S. with the construction of beautiful buildings, bridges and parks. A huge new bridge, built eight years ago, is named the "Golden Gate Bridge." Disneyland is planning to build a theme park in Ho Chi Minh in the future. ADVERTISEMENT A flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, Cambodia, brought us to another world, and to another big city with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants. Most of the people speak English in Cambodia. Starting in third grade, students are taught English one hour per week. Of great interest in Siem Reap was touring the Angkor Wat temple, built in the first half of the 12th century on 400 acres. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple complex, and is the largest religious monument in the world. The carved hallways were built out of huge stones, hauled in by elephants. Our tour group comprised of 10 people: two from Australia, four from Canada and four from the U.S. One young guy, 20-year-old Jose, was the life of the party. His passion was eating, and he had recently won a lobster-eating contest in his home town. His hope was to eat snake meat while in Vietnam. So one noon, our tour guide arranged for such a meal at a local restaurant. The live snake was brought to the table. The head was removed, and as part of a ritual, Jose was required to drink the blood from the snake's liver. From there, the snake was taken to the kitchen to be prepared. When served, the meat had been ground like our hamburger and cooked with crushed peanuts and chili peppers. The meal cost Jose $50, and we could all sample some ... but not me! The same restaurant also served pig-ear salad and stir-fried frogs. The last morning of our stay in Siem Reap, we heard fireworks. The hotel employee told us they were set off to honor someone who had just died, or for a funeral. "Quiet Village" is the name of their cemeteries ... no one ever argues in a cemetery! Vietnam and Cambodia were very interesting and beautiful countries to visit, but it was extremely hot and humid while we were there. I had lots of bad hair days! No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until they come home and rest their head on their old, familiar pillow! "To travel is to live." ADVERTISEMENT US Treasury, IRS Publish Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Amid COVID-19 Outbreak The U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on March 18 published guidance on how individuals and corporations can defer tax payments until mid-July, a measure announced by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in response to the outbreak of the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Under the measures, the tax payment deadline for most Americans has been extended by 90 days with no penalties or interest, to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Treasury and the IRS said in a statement that while the April 15 filing deadline will remain in place, individuals and corporations will be able to postpone the deadline for certain tax payments to July 15. The measure will keep about $300 billion of additional liquidity in the economy, they said in a statement. Individuals and other non-corporate tax filers would be able to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax, including for self-employment taxes, until the July deadline, while corporate taxpayers could defer up to $10 million in tax payments. In their guidance (pdf), the Treasury Department and the IRS state that the $1 million of federal income tax applies to both individuals filing for returns and married couples filing joint returns. They also noted that individuals can request a six-month extension to file returns from the IRS, as is the case every year. We encourage those Americans who can file their taxes to continue to file their taxes on April 15 because for many Americans, you will get tax refunds and we dont want you to lose out on those tax refunds, Mnuchin said. We want you to make sure you get them. The tax relief is for federal returns only. Individual states will have to decide on when residents should pay their taxes. The delay is also for individuals who owe $1 million or less and corporations that owe $10 million and less, according to the Treasury secretary. We are going to use all the tools we have, he said. And what tools we dont have, were going to go to Congress. The move drew praise from some members of Congress. This action takes one burden off the backs of taxpayers, who are first and foremost trying to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, said Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) in a statement. The president and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Barry Melancon, meanwhile said he believes the measure does not go far enough. Unfortunately, this important payment relief does not apply to the filing of tax returns, he said in a press release. The concern and confusion related to coronavirus is causing cities across the country to shut businesses down, and Treasurys recent decisions do not reflect the real-world difficulties tax practitioners and their clients are experiencing. Given the current environment, this extension process is impossible for many taxpayers. Treasury must act immediately by extending the April 15th filing deadline and providing more clarity on the details of recent relief actions. Jack Phillips and Reuters contributed to this report. Leon Neal/Getty Images Burger Kings U.S. restaurants will soon begin offering two free kids meals per adult meal, said Jose Cil, Chief Executive Officer of parent company Restaurant Brands International Inc. The offer is for food ordered online or through Burger Kings mobile-phone app, Cil said in an interview Tuesday. The executive spoke after an earlier conference call with President Trump and restaurant industry leaders. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN) today announced Company readiness plans amongst the current business dynamics. Highlights include: Increased bleach production to meet demand Redundant plant capabilities to ensure business continuity in critical areas of our Water Treatment group to serve drinking water and wastewater needs of the many municipalities we support Increased inventory positions, where needed, to meet customer demands across all areas of the business, including agriculture, crop production and fertilizers Working with suppliers to ensure business continuity Implementation of stringent procedures and practices to minimize potential spread of COVID-19 Providing work from home opportunities where possible, flexibility with our leave policies, and working to do whatever it takes to support our valued employees in these busy times Daily Management meeting to address any issues that arise At Hawkins, employee and customer safety is always a priority, regardless of the situation. We supply businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate, and we impact millions of people across the United States every day, including through providing the products needed to maintain safe drinking water, and ingredients essential for large-scale food, pharmaceutical and other health product manufacturing and nutrition products needed to support our critical infrastructure, said Patrick Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer and President. Patrick Hawkins continued, Our products are used in essential products every day and we will do all we can to support our stakeholders. We are confident that we can continue to serve our many customers effectively and efficiently as we embrace these ever-changing times. As we wrap up our fiscal year-end on March 29th, we continue to manage our strong balance sheet to ensure future stability by further payments to reduce our debt levels. Stay Healthy. About Hawkins, Inc. Story continues Hawkins, Inc. distributes, blends and manufactures bulk and specialty chemicals and other health and nutrition products for its customers in a wide variety of industries. Headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota, and with 42 facilities in 19 states, the Company creates value for its customers through superb customer service and support, quality products and personalized applications. Forward-Looking Statements Various remarks in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include those relating to the impact of the acquisition and other investments on our business operations and financial condition. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections, and our beliefs and assumptions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms, including anticipate, believe, can, could, expect, intend, may, predict, should, or will or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those contained in forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the impact and severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, changes in demand and customer requirements or processes for our products, interruptions in production including those resulting from hazards, transportation limitations or other extraordinary events outside our control that may negatively impact our business or the supply chains in which we participate. Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect future financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, as updated from time to time in amendments and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Investors should take such risks into account when making investment decisions. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our managements view only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. #### Contact: Jeffrey P. Oldenkamp Chief Financial Officer 612/331-6910 Jeff.Oldenkamp@HawkinsInc.com President Donald Trump conducts a news conference with members of his Coronavirus Task Force in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on March 19, 2020. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Trump Draws Praise From Critics for Response to COVID-19 Pandemic President Donald Trump has earned praise from critics during the COVID-19 crisis, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The Trump administrations response to the CCP virus has earned criticism for bungling early attempts at testing suspected patients. But his ordering the closing of the country to people from China and many of the administrations recent efforts have drawn praise, even from unexpected quarters. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Cuomo has spoken frequently with Trump and his team and took time to praise the president and his administration twice this week during press conferences. I can tell you that hes fully engaged on trying to help New York. Hes being very creative and very energetic, and I thank him for his partnership, Cuomo told reporters on Thursday. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks to the media and tours a newly opened drive through COVID-19 mobile testing center in New Rochelle, New York, on March 13, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Customers sort their shopping outside a Costco store in New York City on March 19, 2020. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) Trumps actions are evidence that the president is committed to helping New Yorkers, he said on Wednesday. His team has been on it. I know a team when theyre on it and I know a team when theyre not on it. His team has been on it. Theyve been responsive late at night, early in the morning, and theyve thus far been doing everything that they can do, Cuomo added. Gavin Newsom, Californias governor and one of Trumps harshest critics, has also praised the president. Asked about his discussion with Trump concerning the Grand Princess, a cruise ship with confirmed COVID-19 cases that was off the coast of California earlier this month, Newsom said Trump said everything I could have hoped for. And we had a very long conversation and every single thing he said, they followed through on, Newsom added. Newsom told reporters that he spoke with Trump on the phone on March 17 and the president was aware more swabs were needed for virus testing. California Gov. Gavin Newsom gives an update to the states response to the coronavirus, at the Governors Office of Emergency Services in Rancho Cordova Calif. on March 17, 2020. At right is California Health and Human Services Agency Director Dr. Mark Ghaly. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo) A medical worker assists a passenger from the Princess Cruises Grand Princess cruise ship before boarding a charter plane at Oakland International Airport in Calif., on March 10, 2020. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Not only is he on top of it, but theyre securing and beginning the process of distributing those swabs, Newsom said hours later. The Trump administrations response to the virus drew accolades from members of Congress who usually oppose nearly everything he does. After Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced officials were looking at sending checks to Americans immediately, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) shared video of the announcement and told supporters such a move would empower people to make [the] best decisions for themselves and their families. Omar responded to the administrations suspending mortgage foreclosures and invoking the Defense Production Act. Politics aside, this is incredible and the right response in this critical time, she said. Trump, meanwhile, has largely avoided his usual broadsides, though he has lobbed criticism at Cuomo and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. Trump has also offered praise for both Cuomo and Newsom. Gov. Newsom has been very generous in his words, and Im being generous to him, too, because were all working together very well, Trump said at the White House this week. And I think a lot of very positive things have taken place. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita and Ardila Syakriah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 16:50 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bf2de5 1 National informal-sector,blue-collar,factory-worker,low-income-people,urban-poor,UPC,JRMK,cash-aid Free Doris Sianturi, 40, a street vendor from North Jakartas district of Pademangan, has stayed home for the last five days. The place where he usually works, the Ancol Dreamland amusement park, has been shut down by the Jakarta administration for two weeks to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Most of Doris working life has been spent in the amusement park complex, selling toys and accessories, he said. The father of two is now struggling to find a place to sell his wares. What can we do? Its a disaster. Even if I choose to sell, where? Other places are just the same [closed], he said, adding that it was rare for a man his age to find a new job. On Friday, the provincial administration closed tourist sites in Jakarta, including the National Monument (Monas) and the Ragunan Zoo. It also suspended the citys weekly car-free day for two weeks. The administration has urged people to limit movement and to avoid crowds to use social distancing to contain the spread of the virus. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called on the public to practice social distancing and work from home. As a result, the streets of Jakarta have become unusually empty, affecting the income of street vendors. As of Wednesday, the central government had confirmed 227 cases of the COVID-19 and 19 deaths nationwide, including 12 in Jakarta. The number continues to rise rapidly. As of Thursday morning, the Jakarta administration alone had reported 17 deaths and 208 cases. Doris is a lower-income Jakartan whose livelihood has been affected by the outbreak, but he has yet to get any aid from the government. Informal street vendors, factory workers and the urban poor community are particularly vulnerable to the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, Doris is a member of the Ancol Vendors Cooperative, and the cooperative itself is a member of the larger Urban Poor Linkage (JRMK) network and the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC). Security guards patrol Ancol Dreamland on Saturday following Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan's order to close the amusement park to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak. (Antara/Aditya Pradana Putra) Gugun Muhammad, a community organizer for the UPC, said the organization was preparing a proposal for the regional administration on the distribution of affordable food to communities whose incomes have been impacted by the social distancing policy. We hope that affordable staple foods can be distributed to the residents that do not have a KJP [Jakarta Smart Card]. Our goal is to help low-income residents get adequate supplies during periods like this, he told the Post. The UPC, with help from its partners in other cities, distributes free herbal drinks and hand sanitizer for the people within their network. The Indonesia Disaster Awareness Movement (Graisena), an NGO based in Cirebon, West Java, provides aid for families whose breadwinners have experienced an interruption to their livelihoods as a result of coronavirus treatment or isolation. The organization is ready to pay the families expenses for basic needs until the end of the pandemic. Graisena chairman Agung Firmansyah explained that each of the families would receive Rp 20,000 (US$1.30) per day for each family member for a period of 14 days the length of the quarantine with a maximum allowance for 45 days of isolation. This initiative came as we feel concerned about the breadwinners who have tested positive for or are suspected of having COVID-19. If they are isolated, who will guarantee the daily needs of their families during their absence? he said, adding that the funds came from the merchandise sales of Graisenas community partners and other donations. In another part of Jakarta, the House of Humanitarian Solidarity of Jakarta, an NGO led by former Jesuit priest and activist Sandyawan Sumardi is providing help as well. Starting on March 23, the organization will provide free, healthy food and masks to underprivileged communities in Jakarta. The food comes from donations from more affluent people, Sandyawan said. The organization will distribute the food in about five underprivileged areas to limit crowds at their headquarters in East Jakarta. Sandyawan acknowledged that the organization was having difficulty finding masks. For the time being, it was making its own masks. We hope that there will be one or two companies that will make donations, he said. Meanwhile, the Congress Alliance of Indonesian Labor Unions (KASBI) is teaching its members to maintain their health and stay vigilant during the coronavirus pandemic. We are monitoring [our members] to ensure they do not experience termination of employment [PHK] and to ensure their rights are fulfilled, said KASBI chairman Nining Elitos. The Federation of Factory Workers has also urged the government to think about those who have to keep working in factories and sit close to each other despite the Presidents social distancing suggestion. The federation asked the government to promise that workers would not lose their income if they had to stay home because of COVID-19. The Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) is now focusing on Indonesian workers in three places abroad, namely Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. The SBMI has delivered masks to help protect migrant workers from the virus. We have cooperated with local governments in Indonesia to send about 100,000 masks to our migrant workers overseas, said SBMI chairman Hariyanto. The organization is developing pilot projects to educate returning workers about financial management at the village level. Calls for the government to impose a lockdown are mounting amid a spike in cases. A 2018 law requires the central government to provide for peoples basic needs if a lockdown is imposed. Low-income households would be the worst-hit by a lockdown given that most have not been able to put money aside for emergencies, Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) researcher Eko Listiyanto said. The government must disburse direct and indirect assistance to informal workers by making use of existing data from the government-funded Family Hope Program (PKH), he said. Doris has some emergency savings but only enough for a maximum of two weeks. If [the shutdown] is more than two weeks, I must find other ways to fulfill my familys needs, he said. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered students to remain out of college classrooms through April 28. The order to cancel in-person classes on college campuses is Browns latest action to quell the spread of the coronavirus, which has so far killed three people in Oregon and sickened dozens more. Browns order, issued late Wednesday, comes one day after she K-12 schools shut during the same time period. In her order aimed at colleges, Brown directed schools to deliver classes online. I understand there are seniors getting ready to graduate this spring," Brown said in a prepared statement, "and I want to assure them that our universities and community colleges are working hard to make sure they can get their diplomas. Some colleges have implemented more extreme measures than those ordered by Brown. Portland State announced Wednesday that it would cancel all in-person classes and switch the entire spring semester online. The governor said operations on college campuses should be limited to critical functions, such as housing and feeding the students who are still living in dorms. Ben Cannon, director of Oregons Higher Education Coordinating Commission, said colleges will work to continue their educational missions during this extraordinarily hard time. Shifting almost entirely to remote delivery will help ensure that Oregons colleges and universities can continue to prepare thousands of students with degrees and certificates they are working so hard to achieve," Cannon said. -- Molly Young myoung@oregonian.com The man arrested for sexually assaulting a teenage girl A 60-year-old man, Baba Sarah has been arrested by security operatives for impregnating a 16-year-old girl identified as Peace. It was gathered that Peace who stays with her grandfather at Idowu Dada Street, Ogudu, Lagos, ran away after she was caught sexually abusing a little boy and absconded from home to prevent being beaten, but a week later, she was tracked down to Irawo and taken home. It was during beating and interrogation that she allegedly revealed how Baba Sarah used to rape her and always touched her whenever her grandpa sends her to charge phone at his house. She further disclosed that the culprit always gives her N500 so as not to tell anyone. She confirmed that Baba Sarah is responsible for her pregnancy. The suspect has since been handed over to the police at Area H police station, Ogudu. En la cuadra 28 de la Av. El corregidor en La Molina tambien se sumaron a los aplausos en el #Dia3 del #EstadodeEmergencia https://t.co/NMj0jqvQTa Video: Adela Aguirre pic.twitter.com/NVgVjPuktC Being your own boss can mean missing out on benefits that many employees get on the job: paid leave when you're sick or caring for a family member. That is scheduled to change under an emergency law enacted Wednesday that would provide financial relief for a broad swath of people affected by the novel coronavirus, including people who are self-employed. And a few states already offer paid leave programs that can help consultants, gig workers and other self-employed people in times like these. But they won't provide immediate help for those who haven't yet signed up. Provisions in the law signed by President Donald Trump only hours after it got final approval from the Senate would not directly give self-employed people paid leave if they or their families are hit by the virus or their kids can't go to school because of it. But it would provide a refundable tax credit to help make up for the lost income. Advocates for self-employed people welcome the proposed changes. "Self-employed people don't always get the coverage they need," said John Arensmeyer, CEO of the Small Business Majority, an advocacy group for small businesses, including self-employed entrepreneurs. "We're very glad that a number of the federal proposals address them." Three states California, New York and Washington - offer paid family and medical leave benefit programs that self-employed people can opt into, said Vasu Reddy, a senior policy counsel at the National Partnership for Women & Families, an advocacy group. These plans generally replace some portion of people's income if they can't work because of an illness or injury that's not related to their job, or if they have to care for an ill family member, among other things. Participants generally pay regular premiums to be part of the plan. A number of other states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, and the District of Columbia are setting up family and medical leave programs that will cover self-employed individuals, Vasu said. The district will begin paying benefits in July, while the others take effect in subsequent years. The requirements of these programs vary by state, but people aren't generally eligible to collect benefits immediately after signing up. The programs, therefore, won't help people who seek to join now, while their lives are being upended by the coronavirus. Aruna Lee is one of them. Lee makes and sells several types of kimchi and salsa at San Francisco farmers markets, health food stores and through a grocery delivery service. With restaurants closed and people ordered to stay in as the coronavirus sweeps the city, they're cooking more at home and driving demand for Lee's Volcano Kimchi products, she said. If she became sick with the coronavirus, she would be in trouble. "I am basically a one-woman operation," Lee said. "I do the production, sales, delivery, communications, accounting, everything. If I get sick, there is no Volcano Kimchi. I would have to suspend business until I recover." But she has not joined California's benefits program. In California, self-employed workers enrolled in the program who are sick or quarantined with COVID-19 or those who are caring for a family member affected by the virus can file a disability insurance claim to replace part of their lost income. Weekly benefits range from $50 to $1,300. But in order to collect benefits, self-employed people or an employer must have paid into the program for at least five to 18 months, according to information from the state. They also have to be aware of the benefits in the first place. Lee said she had no idea such a program existed in California. Not surprising, said Reddy, since the state hasn't done much outreach. "There was a really low awareness of the program until very recently," she said. Self-employed people in all parts of the country can buy a private disability insurance policy, but they typically have a three-month waiting period after someone becomes ill or injured before policies begin to pay out, said Carol Harnett, a health and disability consultant in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. "The challenge of being a gig worker, freelancer, or consultant is we are so focused on making our business work that we don't plan all that well for times when we can't work," Harnett said. The latest federal relief law part of a package of measures designed to help stimulate the economy and aid consumers following the havoc from the coronavirus outbreak - could provide much-needed financial support during this uncertain time to the roughly 16 million people who are self-employed in the United States. The law passed Wednesday will make self-employed people who are unable to work or telework because of COVID-19 eligible for a tax credit equal to up to 10 days this year of lost self-employment income, up to $511 per day, if they are subject to a government quarantine, advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine or have symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking a diagnosis. If they're caring for someone who is similarly quarantined or are caring for their child whose school has closed, or if their child care provider is unavailable because of COVID-19, they could receive a credit of two-thirds of their lost income, up to $200 per day, for up to 50 days. Consumer advocates say that the third legislative package aimed at mitigating the economic effects of the novel coronavirus, which is being drafted, should speed up reimbursements for lost income for self-employed people and small businesses. "These businesses are struggling financially now, and may not be able to wait for a quarterly tax credit for relief," said Reddy. In the meantime, companies such as Google and Microsoft have announced that they'll pay vendors and other hourly workers even if they're unable to do their jobs because the businesses are closed. Self-proclaimed Married At First Sight 'villain' Michael Goonan unleashed on a radio host during a live interview on Thursday before angrily hanging up the phone. He reacted badly to a question about his secret kiss with Hayley Vernon and the fact their rendezvous may have been caught on camera. When Hit FM Mid North Coast presenter Jason 'Bodge' Bodger said he'd seen the video in question, Michael launched a scathing attack. Angry man: Self-proclaimed Married At First Sight 'villain' Michael Goonan unleashed on a radio host during a live interview on Thursday before angrily hanging up the phone Michael said he hadn't seen the video, but Bodge claimed he'd been shown it by another MAFS participant, Vanessa Romito. The company director, 28, then started getting confrontational, saying: 'I had another guy from radio try to do this to me yesterday.' Michael called Bodge a 'Kyle Sandilands wannabe' and accused him of 'sharing needles' with Hayley. Caught out: He reacted badly to a question about his secret kiss with Hayley Vernon (pictured) and the fact their rendezvous may have been caught on camera Hayley was previously addicted to crystal meth but has never been a heroin user. Michael said: 'Mate, the only reason you'd have that video, let me tell you, Jason from Adelaide, the only reason you'd have that video is because you probably were hanging out with...' 'It wouldn't surprise me that you'd be hanging out with Hayley sharing needles! Probably in Elizabeth [a working class suburb of Adelaide]. Let me give you the hot tip, that would not surprise me at all if you had!' Clash: When Hit FM Mid North Coast presenter Jason 'Bodge' Bodger (left) said he'd seen the video in question, Michael launched a scathing attack 'You can go absolutely do one!' he added, before hanging up. Bodge then called Michael a 'dog' who only had money because of his parents' successful business. 'What a piece of work What a whiny little b**ch,' he added. The truth: Michael will face the music on Married At First Sight next week when Vanessa Romito (pictured) returns to the experiment with video evidence he cheated with Hayley Michael will face the music on Married At First Sight next week when Vanessa returns to the experiment with video evidence he cheated with Hayley. So far, he has insisted he was 'too drunk' to remember what happened - and his 'wife' Stacey Hampton has believed him. Married At First Sight continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine NEW YORK (AP) Bank of America is slashing the amount it charges customers when they spend more than they have in their accounts and plans to eliminate entirely its fees for bounced checks. Customers are being notified that Administrative Suspension hearings will be offered by telephone or paper, not in-person. Service centers reopen Monday, in-person customer service will be restricted, by appointment only, to new driver licenses, issuing identification cards. To make an appointment, customers can use the Driver License Guide at wisconsindmv.gov/dlguide to begin the paperwork and submit it electronically. Customers with questions may call Driver Services at 608-264-7447. In this season of coronavirus scare, some politicians have found the word with enormous public-connect nowadays very handy for derision of opponents or their standpoints they want to show as harmful. In the two Telugu states particularly, the coronavirus expression has become quite popular among the politicians, starting right from Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. During the assembly debate on the COVID-19 situation in the state last week, Rao has called the Congress party as the gravest corona(virus) that was inflicted upon the nation". For latest updates on Coronavirus outbreak, click here In the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and his predecessor Chandrababu Naidu are being routinely labelled as a virus by their rivals. Corona(virus) is devastating China but is surpassed by the YSRCP virus here wrecking Andhra Pradesh, Naidu tweeted on February 8 pointing to the industry-investors situation. On March 1, the day the first positive case was reported from Telangana, TDP leader Buddha Venkanna tweeted that instead of Covid-19, Scientists have prioritized a cure for Jagans personality disorder. Former MLA Vangalapudi Anitha assured that the virus would keep away from the state scared of the YSRCP. YSRCP is also acerbic in its retorts. China has corona(virus); AP has a virus called Chandranna which ruined the state, said YSRCP MLA Gudivada Amarnath. Chandrababu has transmitted his virus to the State Election Commission, said another YSRCP MLA Jogi Ramesh, referring to the commissions Sunday decision deferring local body polls by six weeks. YSRCP convinced of a massive victory is furious with the SEC called. COVID-19 is also a reference point in Madhya Pradesh political pandemonium. The Congress CM Kamal Nath said that Coronavirus has been inflicted upon politics, in an apparent reference to the BJPs Jyotiraditya Scindia move. BJPs friend turned foe Shiv Senas mouthpiece Saamana too has likened the MP events as a spread of virus. A political virus trying to destabilize governments of opposition parties by engineering defections is also causing havoc in the country. This virus was seen working in Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Karnataka and other states. However, it proved ineffective in Maharashtra, the magazine said. Some more Chief Ministers are using the virus for political attacks. Earlier this month as COVID-19 cases were being reported from more states, West Bengals Mamata Banerjee while addressing a rally has reportedly accused the Narendra Modi government as spreading panic to divert attention from Delhi riots. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan called a circular from the Centre asking Itlay etc. returnees to prove they are Covid-19 negative as uncivilized. (Newser) In 2018, a British tabloid said Johnny Depp lost the top of his middle finger after in the middle of an "alcohol and drug-addled rage" against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2015, before their divorce. Depp says that's not true, and is suing News Group Newspapers, publisher of the Sun, over the article, the BBC reports. Depp says Heard threw a glass bottle at him, fracturing his finger, after he asked her to sign a post-nuptial agreement but Heardwho is giving evidence in support of the Sunsays Depp was coming off a three-day bender when he grabbed her and ripped off her nightgown, pushed her into a ping-pong table, slammed her against a countertop and choked her during an Australian vacation, and "severely injured his finger, cutting off the top" while smashing a telephone against a wall, NGN's lawyer says. story continues below The lawyer also says Depp's version of the story was undermined by texts he sent his doctor after the fight. Page Six says those texts were heard during a preliminary hearing Wednesday: "I cut the top of my middle finger off What should I do!?? Except, of course, go to a hospital. Im so embarrassed for jumping into anything with her F--- THE WORLD!!! JD," reads one. The second, 12 days later: "Thank you for everything. I have chopped off my left middle finger as a reminder that I should never cut my finger off again!! I love you, brother. Johnny." Among those writing statements of support for Depp are Penelope Cruz and Winona Ryder, who told the court they were shocked at the articles depicting Depp as violent. At another hearing Friday, it will be determined whether a two-week trial will start Monday. (Read more Johnny Depp stories.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: German Embassy in Azerbaijan has suspended issuing visas due to threat of spreading COVID-19, Trend reports referring to the embassy's official Facebook page on March 19. "Due to the same concerns the embassy suspended issuance of visas and work of the consular section," the embassy said. Azerbaijan is one of the countries affected by the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The country's official structures are applying necessary measures to prevent any possible exposure of coronavirus. Azerbaijan has also imported necessary medical equipment to carry out coronavirus tests. Azerbaijan's official structures have also set up quarantine centers in the country's districts, which would allow to react faster to the possible outbreak due to joint borders. Azerbaijan shares border with Iran, where coronavirus is currently spreading rapidly. As a contribution to international efforts to prevent the risk of the spread of coronavirus infection, Azerbaijan's government provided voluntary financial assistance worth $5 million to the COVID-19 Fund as part of the WHO Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP). On March 7 World Health Organization officially thanked Azerbaijan for its financial contribution to the global COVID-19 response. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 15:03:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MALE, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives government on Thursday announced that all citizens arriving from foreign countries will be kept in isolation for 14 days. Maldives' Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that all citizens arriving from countries that are exempt from temporary travel restrictions will be kept in home-quarantine for 14 days starting Thursday. However, citizens arriving from the United States will be kept in a government arranged isolation facility for 14 days, the HPA said. The HPA instructed all state institutions to implement the order and requested the public to comply with the new regulations. Maldives has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has declared a State of Public Health Emergency. The joyful days of January when Huntsville International Airport was voted the nations best small airport seem a faint memory these days as the coronavirus pandemic has devastated Americas airline industry. The Huntsville airport, the states second-busiest, said Wednesday it forecasts losses between $7-10 million over the next three months after sharp declines in passenger traffic and its residual effects. Those losses will only increase, the airport said, as long as the coronavirus essentially shuts down the country. Alabamas largest airport in Birmingham has also seen fewer passengers. Data from Mobile Regional Airport was not immediately available Wednesday. The bottom line hits for Alabama airports are to be expected as airlines asked Congress on Wednesday for a $60 billion bailout because of plummeting traffic and no end in sight as the nation is urged to stay home in a fight to keep from spreading the deadly virus. In Huntsville, the abrupt halt in Department of Defense travel has been a gut punch for the airport -- which counts about 70 percent of its passengers as business travelers. And passengers from Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal have been so numerous over the years that it has been blamed in part for higher airfares at the airport over the years. At this time, Huntsville International Airport is projecting that we will lose 75 percent of expected revenue in the next 3 months alone, Jana Kuner, Huntsville International Airport Public Relations Manager, said in a press release. "That is a $7-10 million revenue loss in just a matter of 3 months and this loss will continue to grow the longer the pandemic lasts. "Because of these projections adjustments have been made to operations and our organization is acting in a mission critical mode. This means reducing expenses while also continuing to operate the airport as efficiently as possible. We have three top priorities: The safety of our employees and passengers; continuing to serve this community; and preserving jobs." At Alabama's busiest airport, passenger traffic is down about 23 percent at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport so far in March compared to last year, according to Candace O'Neil, the airport's manager of PR and marketing. Spring break travel is expected to be "considerably lower" that typical numbers, O'Neil said in an email. The Birmingham airport's food and beverage operator as well as the retail operator reported revenue to be down an estimated 40 percent and due to the downturn in traffic, some restaurants and retail stores have temporarily closed. Parking is down 22 percent at the Birmingham airport as well while rental car companies are reporting a 50 percent drop in bookings over the same time period in 2019. Bleak as those numbers are in Birmingham, it's even worse in Huntsville. Last week, the airport reported a 30 percent drop in parking revenue and this week, it's down 86 percent over last week. Passenger counts at TSA checkpoints are also down about 65 to 70 percent this week in Huntsville. According to the press release from Huntsville, commercial airports across the country are expected to lose at least $8.7 billion this year, according to Airport Council International North America. Kuner said ACI-NA has asked Congress for $10 billion in emergency assistance to protect airport losses. This is because operational expenses for the airports have continued even as we have seen drastic reductions in passengers traveling through and therefore revenue, Kuner said in the statement. The airport cant cease operation or close the facility so our costs continue and without assistance during this time of extreme economic stress the outlook will be dire. In addition to continued operational costs, HSV has even received requests from one carrier to not adjust fees and to hold invoices for monies already owed to the airport. In essence, we are taking a hit on both sides so help is not just needed, but necessary. Due to the state of emergency because of Coronavirus, many theatres and orchestras decided to stream their live performances that are held behind closed doors. Find the best concerts, plays and musicals from Hungary and other European locations being broadcasted live over the next week on the Internet. In March: Musicians of the Budapest Festival Orchestra will hold Quarantine Soirees every day to provide the audience with a musical experience even in the absence of major orchestral concerts. The online chamber concerts are broadcast from the band's rehearsal room. The Quarantine Soirees can be viewed on the band's website and on the band's Facebook page at 7:45 pm. 20 March: Although not live, the Budafok Dohnanyi Orchestra will make its March 13 concert at the Budafok Concert Night on their YouTube channel on March 20. 22 March: The Budafok Dohnanyi Orchestra broadcasts a Beethoven concert with Jozsef Balog from the Music Academy. This will also be available on their YouTube channel starting at 11am. 23 March: Daniel Ali Lugosi, the first winner of the Virtuoso TV Classical Music Talent Show, gives a solo concert at BMC. This will be followed on the Facebook page of Virtuozok. Others: Watch more broadcasting on TV channel M5: 17 March, 9:50 pm: Performance of Katona Jozsef Theater 'Nora - Christmas at Helmerek' 21 March, 9:30 pm: International Circus Festival 22 March, 10 am: Eiffel Workshop's Rebirth Gala Palace of Arts: Given the state of emergency, Palace of Arts opened its media library, where more than 100 concerts, performances and literary evenings are available in HD-quality without registration. +1 New York Metropolitan Opera: The New York Metropolitan Opera is launching a Nightly Met Opera Streams, a free series of encore Live in HD presentations streamed on the company website during the coronavirus closure. All Nightly Met Opera Streams will begin at 7:30pm EDT and will remain available via the homepage of metopera.org for 20 hours. Find the schedule for the first week of streams here. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, responses from state and local government continue to evolve. In a March 19 press conference, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced an extension of the state of emergency for another 30 days, a step that will affect every facet of Hoosier life. Originally set to expire April 5, the health state of emergency now will continue into May. This [pandemic] has rocked Hoosiers worlds, Holcomb said. These are not actions we wanted to take; they are actions we had to take. Indiana schools will be closed until at least May 1. Holcomb and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick said this date may be revised to extend through the end of the academic school year if the risks of COVID-19 still persist. While students are at home, McCormick urged them to continue e-learning. McCormick also reassured the roughly 75,000 high school seniors in the state that the goal is to make sure they graduate on time. If students in K-12 are able to return to the classroom this year, all-state mandated assessments, including Common Core and ISTEP, will be cancelled. McCormick said she is requesting waivers from the U.S. Department of Education. We want to make sure that time spent in the classroom is focused on instruction, Holcomb said. While having children home from school may put additional strain on working parents, Holcomb has issued several executive orders intended to protect Hoosier families from losing their homes and utilities. Holcomb passed an executive order earlier this month temporarily prohibiting evictions and foreclosures. An extension was made to prohibit providers of gas, electric, broadband, water and wastewater services discontinuing service to any customer during this pandemic. The state will interpret unemployment laws to cover as many Hoosiers in need as possible. According to Holcomb, 22,583 Indiana residents have filed for unemployment since March 16. To put that in perspective, as of March 15 of this year, Indiana had an unemployment rate of 3.1%, five points lower than the national average. There are currently 56 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indiana. However, as the number of tests being conducted increases, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box expects the number of confirmed cases to increase, as well. As we increase the number of tests analyzed each day, Box said in a press release, no one should be caught off guard that the number of positive cases will increase. This will help us know where community spread is occuring in Indiana and help us mobilize resources in affected areas. Holcomb said the states COVID-19 task force will continue to assess the needs of Hoosiers and take further steps if necessary. To keep up with the latest news on COVID-19 in Indiana, visit https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/. For full summary of the changes from the most recent executive order affects, visit https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper. Amid a time of "sadness and anxiety" in the world due to the deadly coronavirus outbreak, UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that the festival of Nowruz brings harmony and celebration of common humanity. In his message on the occasion of International Day of Nowruz, observed on March 21, Secretary-General Guterres said every year, Nowruz is marked as a day of new beginnings, when "we step into a new year with hope and joy. We celebrate the renewal of nature and the first day of spring." This year however, spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the globe has brought anxiety, pain, suffering and deaths. The coronavirus outbreak, which first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year, has killed 8,809 people and infected 218,631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. "This year, for many, Nowruz comes at a time of sadness and anxiety. The COVID-19 is casting a shadow around the world, including the regions that mark this ancient festival," Guterres said as he expressed his deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and best wishes to all who have been affected. "I hope the festival of Nowruz will provide a welcome break to relax and spend time with close family, enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons, and to remember and celebrate our common humanity," Guterres said. Underlining the importance of renewal during Nowruz, the UN chief said "as you mark its arrival with fire, special dishes, green shoots and other rituals, I hope you will find a shared sense of friendship and harmony with nature. The International Day of Nowruz was proclaimed in 2010 by the General Assembly and India has been co-sponsoring the commemoration at the world body along with Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Nowruz, which marks the first day of spring and the renewal of nature, is celebrated by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A person who recently returned from Spain was admitted to the isolation ward of a state-run hospital in West Bengal's Siliguri with coronavirus-like symptoms, officials said on Thursday. With this, the total number of persons admitted to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital with coronavirus- like symptoms rose to seven, they said. "The swab and blood samples of the Spain returnee have been sent for tests and reports are awaited. We are trying to track the persons with whom he came in contact with," a senior official of the hospital said. Meanwhile, two female students of a dental college in Kolkata have been admitted to the isolation ward of Beliaghata ID and BG Hospital with coronavirus-like symptoms, a health department official said. "One of the students had returned from Kochi in Kerala while the other is her roommate. Their swab and blood samples have been collected and sent for tests," he said. Another 14 students who had gone to Kochi to attend a conference have been home quarantined, the official said. An 18-year-old man, who recently returned from the UK, tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, making it the first case in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With one more person testing positive on Thursday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Maharashtra rose to 49, which included a patient who died in Mumbai earlier this week. A statement from the health department in the evening said that a person from Ahmednagar district who had returned from Dubai was the latest to test positive. However, his wife tested negative for the virus, it added. Earlier in the day, two women tested positive for coronavirus in the Mumbai metropolitan region. "A 22-year-old woman from Mumbai tested positive for Covid-19. She had returned from the UK. Another woman, a resident of Ulhas Nagar, had returned from Dubai. She is 49- year-old," an official said. As per the health department's statement, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area near Pune has 11 confirmed patients while Mumbai has nine. One patient died in the state capital two days ago. Pune has reported eight patients while four have tested positive in Nagpur. Navi Mumbai, Kalyan and Yavatmal have three patients each while one case each has been confirmed from Raigad, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Aurangabad and Ratnagiri while Ahmednagar has reported two cases. Seventy-eight people are currently admitted in hospital quarantines across Maharashtra. Lab reports of 971 people have tested negative. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 13:46:40|Editor: zyl Video Player Close CANBERRA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- All non-residents will be banned from entering Australia as COVID-19 is spreading globally, according to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday afternoon. To be effective from Friday night, the ban followed declaration of an unprecedented human biosecurity emergency on Wednesday. Australian citizens will be able to return, but will be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation. According to the Department of Health of the Australian government, there have been 565 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 6:30 a.m. local time Thursday, a 24 percent increase from the day before. Of those cases, 259, or 45 percent, were considered to be overseas acquired. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:53:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHONGQING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality said Thursday it has donated medical supplies to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Iran to assist the countries' fight against the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The municipal foreign affairs office said the first batch of 35,000 masks were donated to Seoul and Jeollanam-do of ROK, while the second batch of 200,000 medical masks and N95 protective masks worth 2.4 million yuan (339,400 U.S. dollars) were donated to Incheon, Busan and Daegu in ROK as well as Shiraz in Iran. Chongqing has cleared of all COVID-19 cases in the city before registering a total of 576 confirmed cases including six deaths. The office said the city has received nearly 10 million yuan worth of assistance from the international community in the fight against the epidemic, including cash, masks, protective clothing and other items. The office said Chongqing is determined to work together with the international community to fight the epidemic. It plans to provide material assistance to Japan and Singapore in the future. Advertisement All staff who work in Britain's food supply chain will be designated as key workers and have access to childcare during the coronavirus crisis, Food Secretary George Eustice suggested today amid wider confusion about who will be eligible for the help. All schools in the UK will shut as of tomorrow afternoon but children of key workers will still be looked after to enable their parents to continue to work. Boris Johnson said NHS workers, police officers and supermarket delivery drivers will all be eligible for the childcare provision but the government is yet to publish a planned full list of key worker professions having said it will be published today. Mr Eustice gave a clear hint to the House of Commons earlier today that people who work in food industries will be included. He said: 'The Prime Minister made reference yesterday to the importance of those working in the food retail sector, in particular. 'Later today, the government will announce jobs defined as key workers, but I can assure [you] that we fully recognise that over 25 per cent of staff generally working in the food supply chain have children of school age, and that will be reflected when the list is published.' His comments came after Mr Johnson's pledge to provide the childcare descended into chaos and confusion as parents who are helping to keep the country running were apparently rejected from the emergency scheme as the number of coronavirus deaths in the UK hit 144. Parents now potentially face six months with their children at home while desperately trying to juggle their jobs. And amid growing chaos in Britain's schools students whose GCSE and A-Levels exams have been axed fear teachers could give them disappointing grades based on their mock results and coursework because so many traditionally 'cram' ahead of final tests in May and June. Headteachers and nursery managers across the UK were today taking a roll call of all people who believe they need a place for their child or children while they keep working over the coming months. But schools are using their social media accounts to warn parents that couples must both be key workers to be eligible. If not, one will be expected to stay at home with the children, potentially until September at the earliest. Single parents who work in the NHS or for the police, for example, will get a place. One social worker parent tried to register their child for an emergency school place in south-west London today only to be refused because their partner does not have a public sector job. She told MailOnline: 'Children's parents at our school are being told only the children with two key workers parents can send their children in - it's absolutely outrageous. Teenage boys walk to a bus stop in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, as all schools close tomorrow for months but a promise to keep the children of key workers in classrooms throughout the crisis descended into chaos today Highfield St. Matthew's C.E. Primary School in Wigan has given the same message to their parents - and say proof both people are key workers will be needed Who are the key workers whose children could still be sent to school during the coronavirus crisis? The Government is yet to confirm who will be classified as a key worker whose children will be given a place in school or nursery during the coronavirus crisis. But these are the groups likely to be included: All NHS staff including non-medical staff; Teachers and nursery staff All police officers, PCSOs and majority of the civilian police staff; Firefighters; Prison officers and most prison staff Probation Service staff Social workers Council planners and environmental health staff Most Ministry of Defence staff Highway Agency road traffic officers Delivery drivers Advertisement 'Half of them are part time or shift workers therefore the full time earning parent then needs to be at home with their children so the key workers can go out to work and save lives. Are those non-key working parents businesses going to support them to be at home with full time pay to keep them afloat - I doubt it'. St Mary's Catholic School in Harborne, Birmingham, tweeted: 'We will be closing to the vast majority of children from Friday. You will be aware that schools have been asked to accommodate those families where BOTH parents/carers are "key workers". 'If only one parent is a key worker, the Government expects the other parent to be responsible for the care of their child/children'. The same warning has been shared by several other schools across the UK, MailOnline can reveal. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said today that any NHS worker from medics to cleaners and administration staff will have a school place for any child to keep the health service running. But many parents are still waiting to hear if they are going to be given key worker status and growing concerns about how families will cope financially. One NHS work parent told MailOnline: 'I'm terrified about how we will manage it as a family. My partner cannot work while looking after our children at home so we look like we will lose half our monthly income overnight'. She added: 'It's not ideal for anyone, but many high-paid people in the NHS such as consultants, surgeons and senior management already have nannies or stay-at-home partners - but most of us don't and have no idea how we'll cope'. Headteacher Sue Tadman comforts a parent as she talks with them outside of Greenfields Junior School in Hartley Wintney today as teachers, students and parents are all in limbo Pupils enter Westminster City School in London with all UK schools due to close by the end of tomorrow - if they haven't already Parents, teachers and nursery staff have also claimed that non key workers will be expected to care for their children at home Parents are today demanding clarity on how their children will be fairly graded without GCSE and A-Level exams this year as Gavin Williamson failed to give any details but admitted schools could be closed until September because of coronavirus. How could GCSE and A-Level students be graded and will it fair? Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said the Government will work with schools, colleges and exams regulator Ofqual 'to ensure children get the qualifications they need'. In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday, Mr Williamson said guidance will be issued on Friday about how pupils unable to sit their exams due to school closures will get their grades. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), told the PA news agency: 'We are waiting for details from Ofqual about how GCSEs and A-levels will be assessed and grades awarded in lieu of exams. 'However, we expect that it will be based on teacher assessment supported by evidence of internal assessment that has already taken place such as mock exams, and that this will be submitted to the exam boards which will then check submissions to ensure consistency and fairness and award grades accordingly. 'The vast majority of teachers endeavour to give accurate assessments, but the decision to suspend school and college performance tables this year will remove any incentive to do otherwise. 'There will clearly need to be an appeal procedure if candidates feel they have been disadvantaged, and inevitably a great many questions remain about how all of this will work. 'We can assure the public that everything possible will be done to support students at this worrying time.' Advertisement The Education Secretary has warned parents they should 'assume' their children will be at home 'for a considerable amount of time' when asked if the academic year is over until the Autumn when all schools close their gates on Friday. All schools in England will close on Friday along with those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the UK with London's Mayor Sadiq Khan saying only 'critical workers' should use the Tube and supermarkets emptied by shoppers queuing through the night to buy household goods. Mr Williamson has confirmed there will be no SATs, GCSE or A-Level exams this year but has only said children will be graded only to say their path to work, sixth form or university will not be impeded - not how they will be graded. He said: 'I've got to be absolutely honest with you here, any sort of route that we go down is not as good as having a proper set of exams. This isn't something that any education secretary would want to be making a decision on'. When pushed on the plan on how grades will be awarded he said: 'That will be coming out tomorrow' as talks with universities and schools continue. He also revealed that anyone who works for the NHS, including office staff and cleaners, will get a place in a school for their children so they can remain in work. Children and parents have been told anecdotally that teacher assessment and mock results would form the basis of grades but with many students traditionally 'cramming' for exams at the last minute there are concerns they may not get accurately graded or have a proper right to appeal. As millions of working parents face the extraordinary prospect of having school-age children at home for six months - and students had their exams cancelled, it has emerged: Q&A: No lessons... so now what happens to my children? By James Tozer When will schools close? Schools in England will close to most pupils tomorrow afternoon, although many are already shut or are only teaching certain year groups due to teacher shortages caused by staff selfisolating. In addition, most boarding schools are already sending pupils home for fear of an outbreak. Schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will close by the end of the week if they haven't already done so. Whose children will still be able to attend school? Children whose parents are classed as 'key workers', who would not otherwise be able to do their jobs, will be able to attend some schools, which will remain open with a skeleton staff. Examples include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers. Children classed as 'vulnerable' such as those who have a social worker will also be able to attend. What happens to those who are not eligible? There will be confusion for parents as individual schools work out what they can offer using technology. Many aim to provide online tuition, and ministers say they are working with the BBC to provide learning resources. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned working parents that children should not be looked after by elderly grandparents who are among those most at risk from coronavirus. How long will the mass closure go on for? Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said only that schools would be closed 'until further notice' although those catering for key workers will remain open over the Easter break. The Prime Minister said that the aim was to reopen them again 'as fast as we can'. In reality, any effort to reopen schools is dependent on the success of the campaign against the coronavirus. What happens to school meals? Children eligible for free meals will receive them at those schools which remain open via a national voucher system. Details of the scheme have yet to be confirmed but ministers say it will be in place 'as soon as possible'. Why has the Government decided to close schools? Its medical advisers say that while children themselves are not at special risk, the move will curb the spread of the outbreak by further reducing social contact across society. In addition, high rates of teacher illness and staff self-isolating with a cough or high temperature now means that schools are increasingly unable to continue as normal anyway. Why was this decision not made sooner? Until today, ministers have resisted mounting pressure to follow other European countries which have already closed schools. They had insisted that shutting them would put unacceptable pressure on the NHS and other public services as parents were forced to take time off work, without significantly curbing the spread of the outbreak. What about nurseries, colleges and universities? Ministers say they are 'expecting' early years providers, sixth form and further education colleges to close, as well as private schools. Many universities have already moved lectures online. What does it mean for SATS, GCSEs and A-levels? They have been cancelled, with Mr Williamson saying 'we will not go ahead with assessments or exams'. League tables will not be published this year. How will grades be allocated? The Prime Minister insisted grades would be allocated 'fairly' but full details are yet to be outlined. However grades for GCSEs and A-levels are expected to be based on existing assessment evidence, such as teachers' grade predictions, with an appeal system in case of disputes. What will be the impact on university admissions? Plans are still being drawn up, but experts predicted the process could be turned into 'one big unconditional offer'. Last night admissions service Ucas said only that it would be 'providing further guidance... as soon as possible'. Ucas chiefs said they would be 'working through the implications'. Advertisement Universities could be forced to honour all offers to students, even if their teachers lower their final grades based on coursework and classwork; Nurseries asking parents to keep paying fees even though children at home to ensure they don't go bust; A final list of who will be classified as a key workers will be published today - but schools warn only couples where both parents are key workers will be guaranteed a place in school or nursery for their child; Gavin Williamson insists no child who would usually be eligible for the free meals should go without while their school is closed or they are self-isolating with voucher system proposed; NQT teachers could be allowed straight into work in the Autumn to ease the crisis of staff are in isolation; Pupils have been left devastated and confused after this year's GCSE and A-level exams were scrapped because of coronavirus. Children and parents were told teacher assessment and mock results would form the basis of grades but it was unclear how this would work in practice. Boris Johnson vowed students' academic careers would not be 'impeded'. Mr Williamson said guidance will be issued on Friday about how pupils unable to sit their exams due to school closures will get their grades. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday morning, Universities UK chief executive Alistair Jarvis said: 'If an appropriate way can be found to assess students, perhaps a combination of teacher assessments and assignment works that's already done, then awards could be granted this summer. This would allow students to get their grades and the university admission process to go ahead this summer.' Asked whether students who have already been offered a place at university could get it as an unconditional offer, Mr Jarvis said: 'That is possible, that would be a good option to immediately remove the uncertainty for students.' The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Government would be prepared to waive the newly-qualified teacher status to ensure new teachers currently in training can enter the classroom in September. During an interview with Sky News, he was asked whether - for trainee teachers who will not have had the required classroom time by September - the Government would be prepared to waive the newly-qualified teacher status. Mr Williamson said: 'We will be prepared to waive that, we will be working with teacher training establishments in order to do this. 'We're also starting to roll out something called the Early Career Framework which in a number of regions will be starting the next academic year and right across the country the following year to make sure new teachers are supported'. Boris Johnson vowed students' academic careers would not be 'impeded' - but the Prime Minister declined to go into detail about exactly how they would be assessed. He stressed: 'It will be done fairly and in order to protect their interests.' Scores of pupils protested online, saying mock results did not reflect the progress they made in revision. One student wrote: 'How can we possibly get awarded A-level grades when we can't sit our exams and prove what we're worthy of getting. Mocks don't reflect our capabilities and I think most Year 13s are devastated right now.' Many parents are in despair about how they will look after their children for the next six months and hold down their jobs - while key workers in the NHS, the police and other vital services are in the dark about who will care for their children while they remain working. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced school closures across the UK but promised the children of NHS and police workers and supermarket delivery drivers would still be able to attend, as would vulnerable children. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday, Mr Williamson said there will be a 'proper and fair system' of appeal for students who are unhappy with the results they are given as GCSEs and A-levels are cancelled. He said: 'We will be doing everything we can do to make sure they get their results in August as they will be hoping to, but we can't predict as to how they are going to unfold. 'It is absolutely vital for me for those children who have put so much work into all their learning over these years working up to their GCSEs and A-levels to get their results, but also making sure that we have a proper and fair system if they dispute that, if they are not content with it, there is some mechanism for them to have redress.' Gavin Williamson today admitted schools could now be closed until September at the earliest because of coronavirus but gave no detail about how GCSE and A-Levels students will be graded without any exams All exams in the UK will be axed but it is not yet clear how children will be graded and how the system will be kept fair including the system of appeals Universities UK chief executive Alistair Jarvis said: 'If an appropriate way can be found to assess students, perhaps a combination of teacher assessments and assignment works that's already done, then awards could be granted this summer. 'This would allow students to get their grades and the university admission process to go ahead this summer.' It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock tables the Emergency Coronavirus Bill setting out measures aimed at slowing the spread and supporting the NHS and workers. The legislation will be presented as the Army prepares to help out in the crisis and Londoners face the prospect of greater restrictions, with the capital suffering a faster spread of Covid-19. So far, 137 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK and tens of thousands of people are thought to be infected. Mr Williamson said the Government stands ready to take the 'incredibly tough decisions' needed to slow the spread of the virus. He said there are currently no plans to shut down bars and restaurants and order people off the streets, but ministers will be guided by the scientific evidence. Earlier, former prime minister Gordon Brown urged people to come together. He said: 'This is a global problem - it's not just a national problem - it needs global action and not simply national action. 'We've had too much of America first, India first, China first, we have had too much of this populist nationalism. 'We're finding that we're connected whether we like it or not, we're finding that we depend on each other whether we like it or not, and I think people have got to put aside the differences they have and international co-operation is absolutely vital to this.' He also urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to do 'considerably more' to protect people's jobs by the weekend. Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'He says he'll do more but the package should be out now to avoid redundancies being forced upon companies over the next day or two. 'I think a lot of company directors will be looking at the moment to how many staff they are going to shed in the next few days, next few weeks. 'And I think we need to step in now with building the confidence that we can keep people in work or keep people on short-term in work, and have an arrangement with people where they take some holidays but at the same time they are going to have income protection. 'If families don't have income protection there's lots of other consequences: people try to work if they are sick, people put themselves at risk.' Meanwhile, English schools will shut their gates on Friday until further notice, as will nurseries, colleges and childminders. GCSEs and A-levels in both England and Wales will be cancelled - although the Prime Minister said there are plans for students to receive qualifications. In Scotland and Wales, all schools will close by Friday. A decision on whether exams will sit in Scotland has not yet been taken. Schools in Northern Ireland will also shut and it is expected pupils will not sit summer exams. Mr Johnson has said measures taken so far are helping slow the spread of the virus, but he has not ruled out tougher measures being enforced down the line. The PM has also not ruled out stricter controls being imposed on London ahead of the rest of the country. Transport for London has announced up to 40 Tube stations will be closed on Thursday and a reduced service will run on the rails from Friday. London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned Londoners they should not be travelling unless they 'really, really have to', but he insisted the network must remain open to aid front-line health workers. Elsewhere, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said he will lead a national broadcast as the Church of England responds to the challenge of becoming a 'different sort of church'. In China, no new cases transmitted between people in the country have been reported for the first time since the virus emerged there in late December. But cases have been reported from travellers returning home to China. London has THREE TIMES more coronavirus cases than any other region in the UK (so how many patients have been struck down in YOUR borough?) London has three times more cases of the killer coronavirus than any other region in the UK, according to official statistics. More than 900 cases have already been confirmed in the capital, with the boroughs of Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth the worst affected. In comparison, fewer than 300 people have been struck down in the second worst hit region, the South East. London makes up more than a third of the UK's infection toll, which has already seen 2,626 cases confirmed by health officials. It comes as Boris Johnson today said the capital home to almost 9million people will not face being locked down this week, after fears had been growing that travel around and in or out of the city would be stopped. Despite London being the epicentre of the UK's escalating crisis, the worst affected single authority in England is Hampshire. Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth are the areas of London with the most coronavirus cases. London is, in turn, the area of Britain with the most combined cases London has three times more cases of the killer coronavirus than any other region in the UK London is the epicentre of the UK's escalating coronavirus crisis. However, the worst affected authority in England is Hampshire (pictured). Southwark, Westminster, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea are within the 10 hardest hit coronavirus spots in the UK Pressure if building on the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to completely shut London down in order to prevent more cases. Pictured, travellers on the London Underground today More than 900 cases stretch across the city of 9million people, with Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth the most affected. Pictured, a man wearing a mask at London Bridge today THE 20 AREAS IN ENGLAND WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CORONAVIRUS CASES Hampshire (77 cases) Southwark (70) Westminster (68) Lambeth (61) Wandsworth (59) Kensington and Chelsea (55) Hertfordshire (50) Brent (45) Ealing (42) Harrow (40) Surrey (39) Sheffield (36) Cumbria (34) Merton (34) Oxfordshire (34) Bromley (32) Croydon (32) Camden (30) Hackney and City of London (29) Haringey (29) Advertisement London has been described as the 'superspreader city' and the engine of the UK's coronavirus outbreak after the total number of deaths doubled from 16 to 33 in 24 hours yesterday it is now 37. Southwark, Westminster, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea are among the 10 hardest hit areas in the UK, each reporting more than 50 cases. Outside of the capital, the rural counties of Hampshire (77 cases), Hertfordshire (50), and Surrey (39) are facing growing clusters. They are all within South East England, which has so far reported 18 COVID-19 deaths. A large number of authorities have recorded fewer than 10 cases, including Wiltshire, Bradford, and the London suburbs of Kingston and Richmond. Just four authorities Middlesbrough, North East Lincolnshire, Rutland and Telford and Wrekin have yet to record their first case. Officials have admitted their testing figures do not show the true scale of the outbreak in the UK and claimed tens of thousands of patients could already be infected. The Government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said the best estimate was to assume there was 1,000 cases for every death. Health chiefs yesterday revealed 33 more patients had died, up from the 16 recorded the day before. It means 104 fatalities have now been confirmed in the UK. Using the Government's maths, this could mean there are around 100,000 cases in the UK. Mr Khan criticised Londoners who were refusing to follow the official guidance on social distancing and were still travelling around the city. Pictured, commuters on a busy tube today London's cases make up more than a third of the total across the UK, where 2,626 people were recorded as of 9am on March 18. Pictured, a man wearing a mask on the tube today A commuter wears a mask whilst walking across London Bridge into the City of London during the morning rush hour today In the centre of the capital streets are largely empty as people stay away amid the spread of coronavirus. Pictured is Parliament Square The PM has called for people who live in London to pay special attention to government's advice on isolation and social distancing, as the city is ahead of the rest of the country in terms of transmission speed. He has refused to rule out the possibility of 'further and faster measures' to control the spread of the virus on the busy streets of the capital. LONDON WILL NOT BE LOCKED DOWN, BORIS JOHNSON CONFIRMS London will not be cut off from the rest of the country despite facing a tougher lockdown within days amid fears it is driving the UK's coronavirus outbreak. Downing Street insisted there is 'zero prospect' of trains in and out of the capital being axed, and there are 'no plans' to shut down the Tube system, although services have been pared back. The PM's spokesman also insisted it is 'not true' that only one person from each household will be allowed to leave their homes. However, the nine million inhabitants of the capital are set for tighter restrictions on their movements - with signs the government will urge people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. Contingency plans are believed to be in place for police to guard shops and helicopters to airdrop food, although sources insisted that is not happening at this stage in the unfolding crisis. Camp beds and food stocks were seen being moved into Downing Street today, in more evidence that Boris Johnson and his aides are bunkering down for the situation to escalate. The PM fueled speculation about the fate of the capital last night by vowing he will not hesitate to go 'further and faster' to control the spread of the deadly virus. He said 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Health minister Nadine Dorries has vented her fury at images of still-busy bars and cafes in the capital, tweeting: 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' Tube services in the capital are already being downgraded, with 40 stations shutting. Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to travel only if they 'really, really have to'. In a desperate plea to residents, he said: 'I want to see more Londoners following the expert advice.' It comes as military chiefs are putting up to 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britain's streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic. Reservists have also been told they must be read to join a 'Covid support force'. Some 150 soldiers are undergoing fast-track training on how to drive oxygen tankers around the country in order to supply hospitals. Advertisement He said 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some Londoners do not appear to be following Government advice to socially distance themselves and are still taking themselves to bustling pubs, clubs and restaurants. People have been told not to travel unless they have to, but there are concerns about the number of people continuing to commute to work on public transport. As a result, the London Underground will run with reduced services 'until further notice', with up to 40 stations that do not interchange with other lines closed. It is likely services will be scaled back further, the Mayor Sadiq Khan said. 'I want to be clear now that the frequency of services is likely to continue to reduce, potentially very significantly, over the days and weeks ahead,' Mr Khan said. 'We will do this in a way that makes sure essential workers can still get around and we will not reduce service levels so that the remaining trains and buses are crowded.' Mr Khan criticised Londoners who were refusing to follow the official guidance on social distancing and were still travelling around the city. In a direct message to the capital's residents, he said: 'I can't say this clearly enough: people should not be travelling by any means unless they absolutely must. 'The scientific advice on this is very clear: Londoners should be avoiding social interaction unless absolutely necessary and this includes avoiding using the transport network. 'I want to see more Londoners following the expert advice, which means it's critical that we see far fewer Londoners using our transport network than is currently the case.' London is on the verge of following the example of other cities around the world which have been raged by the virus and gone into so -called lockdown as a result. The Army has put 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britain's streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic. However, police are said to be concerned that draconian measures would be unenforceable and could even lead to public disorder. Labour former prime minister and chancellor Gordon Brown said today the scale of the crisis now facing the country is 'unprecedented'. He said the aggressive measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, particularly in London, were necessary. 'I think people have got to accept that at certain points, as we've done before, we bring in the Army to help us in certain respects. 'I'm not advocating greater legal sanctions but I am advocating using all the resources of this country.' Projecting Airpower: JSTARS join aircraft utilizing PSAB to modernize employment for future By Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing / Published March 18, 2020 PRINCE SULTAN AIR BASE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (AFNS) -- Since its revitalization as a host for U.S. forces in 2019, Prince Sultan Air Base has evolved to provide needed operational depth in the Middle East. Led by the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, PSAB has transformed into a major hub of support for U.S. Central Command's projection of decisive airpower and deterrence throughout the region. In doing so, PSAB has supported a variety of combat aircraft including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and the F-35A Lightning II. Now, with its recent support of the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (Sentry), the installation is not only a staging point for smaller aircraft but it is also helping modernize the tactics and employment of the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. "PSAB isn't just an operating base for F-16s or F-15Es anymore," said Brig. Gen. John Walker, 378th AEW commander. "This base is currently leading the charge in providing key operational depth for all airframes in CENTCOM's area of responsibility." This past week, members of the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) assigned to the 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, forward deployed to PSAB in order to improve its employment capability in the region. The rapid deployment and agile combat employment exercise, which ran from March 8-10 provided the aircrew and its maintainers a unique operating wrinkle to an aircraft which has primarily operated from a more established location for the previous 18 years. "Most of our aircrews have never worked to employ forces as quickly as we are asking them," said Maj. John Miller, 7th EACCS Detachment commander. "In today's Air Force, we need to expand our lethality through innovation in processes and flexibility in employment. This is our first step toward that with this particular airframe." According to Miller, this exercise affords his aircrews the opportunity to train in conducting a rapid deployment to an austere environment. "Adding agility is key for us when speaking about an aircraft not historically known for its flexibility," Miller said. "We are proving that we can truly operate anywhere to support our men and women conducting critical operations on the ground." The JSTARS is a joint U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army program that detects, tracks and classifies vehicles in all conditions deep behind enemy lines by using a multi-mode side looking radar. The system evolved from Army and Air Force programs to develop, detect, locate and attack enemy armor at ranges beyond the forward area of troops. During their exercise, members of the JSTARS team were able to work with their Royal Saudi air force coalition partners and members of the 378th AEW to project capability from PSAB. "We are pushing the way we employ this airframe to new heights," said Maj. Tyler Lohrenz, 7th EACCS. "This isn't an exercise we conduct every day. It tests our ability to provide vital support to our coalition forces on the ground, while also preparing our aircrew for an increase in scope and capability of our own aircraft and mission in the future." The JSTARS' exercise at PSAB shows CENTCOM's adjustments to increase survivability and deterrence capabilities in the region. Additionally, increasing U.S. forces' interoperability with coalition partners provides more reason to operate from this key operating location. "PSAB will continue to operate and evolve to conduct the missions necessary to stabilize the region," Walker said. "Malign actors need to know that as long as there is a need for U.S. Forces here, the men and women of PSAB will meet the challenges presented in defense of our coalition partners and our joint brothers on the ground." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Preparations for the hanging of four 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder convicts are complete in the Tihar Jail ahead of the 5 Out of the four convicts, Mukesh Singh and Vinay Sharma had dinner on Thursday and only Mukesh's family came to meet him, Tihar officials said. Sources said that hours before their execution, all four accused - Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh - have started behaving hysterically. While Vinay Sharma was speaking incoherently, Pawan hurled abuses at the prison staff, sources said. Pawan also refused to take dinner. So did Akshay Thakur. The four convicts have been placed separately in four different cells under tight security. Meanwhile, a poster has been put outside Tihar Jail ahead of execution. The four convicts, along with two others including Ram Singh and a juvenile, had raped and brutally tortured a 23-year-old paramedic student on a moving bus in south Delhi on the night of December 16, 2012. The victim, who was accompanied by her friend, was thrown out of the bus. Thirteen days later, the victim succumbed to her injuries on December 29 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. The juvenile was sent to a reform facility and released after three years. On January 7, a Delhi court issued a death warrant against all four convicts for their hanging on January 22. But the hanging could not take place. Their hanging was also fixed for February 1 and March 3. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country`s bilateral trade with China will not stop amid the coronavirus pandemic, it was reported on Thursday. He made the remarks in an interview to China`s state-run Global Times newspaper, reports The Express Tribune. While speaking about the impact of the pandemic on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Qureshi expressed hope saying that despite a temporary hindrance, the future of the multi-billion dollar project was very bright not only for both the countries but for the entire region as well. China has shared its experience in combating the deadly coronavirus with Pakistan and has sent teams to assess the situation. Beijing has also provided testing kits in thousands, the top diplomat remarked. Qureshi along with President Arif Alvi, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar and senior officials reached Beijing on Monday on a two-day visit to convey support and solidarity of Pakistan to the government and the people of China in the efforts to contain the spread. During the visit, both the sides also signed a number of memorandums of understanding and handing-over certificates of donated vaccine refrigeration equipment, emergency humanitarian materials for epidemic response and emergency materials of epidemic control. After their return to Pakistan, Alvi, Qureshi and Umar tested negative for the disease. China, where the virus first emerged in the city of Wuhan last December, has so far reported 80,928 confirmed cases with 3,245 deaths. Pakistan has confirmed two deaths and more than 300 cases. The bank was worth over Rs 80,000 crore as recently as September 2017. The lender had grown at breakneck speed, helped perhaps by Rana Kapoor's reputation as a banker, willing to aggressively write checks. Sachin P Mampatta reports. IMAGE: Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor being taken to court in Mumbai after being arrested by the enforcement directorate for alleged money laundering charges. Photograph: PTI Photo When Rana Kapoor, bespectacled and casually attired, arrived for enforcement directorate questioning at the agency's Ballard Estate office in south Mumbai, he seemed a far cry from the hard-driving executive that made YES Bank one of India's largest banking players since it began operations in 2003. Kapoor had worked with Rabo India Finance at the time, and was slated to only be a co-promoter director; not head the bank. The bank had appointed Korn Ferry, an executive search firm, to find its first chief. Discussions within the promoter group finally resulted in the decision that Rana Kapoor should become managing director and chief executive officer. Ashok Kapur, the other co-founder, was to be chairman. Kapoor put in his papers at Rabo, which began its own search for a new chief executive. His beginnings at Bank of America and other foreign bank stints, including one at ANZ Grindlays's Investment Bank, and his US education had raised questions as to why he would let go of a comfortable post at a foreign bank for something new. He answered in two words: 'Entrepreneurial joy'. This joy had him working at his office as torrential rain swept Mumbai in July 2005. He cleared his desk of pending papers ahead of a board meeting. Ultimately, the board meeting itself was postponed as two key board members could not join amid the chaos in the city, which happened around the time the company was listed. The listing itself could scarcely have gone better. The first trade for the stock was for fifty shares at a price of Rs 65. This was a 44 per cent gain over the issue price. Subsequent gains saw it enter the National Stock Exchange's Nifty 50 index, a benchmark comprised some of India's largest and well-known companies, and then in the 30-stock BSE Sensex. The bank was worth over Rs 80,000 crore as recently as September 2017. The lender had grown at breakneck speed in the intervening years, helped perhaps by Rana Kapoor's reputation as a banker, willing to aggressively write checks. He reportedly had successfully got his money back from some promoters even when other banks struggled, but it did not always work. Ultimately, it proved too much with the Reserve Bank reportedly growing unhappy with the bank's practices. Its market capitalisation plummeted to Rs 4,132 crore on the BSE after news of the government's decision to supersede the bank's board and impose a moratorium. Depositors began lining up to withdraw cash. They had been told that they can't take out more than Rs 50,000 until the bank's issues are resolved. Analysts have pointed out that the bank had lent out too much money to industrialists who didn't seem to be in a position to give it back. And it didn't have enough capital to cover these advances either. The ED arrested Kapoor, alleging that the Kapoor family had taken kickbacks from companies that the bank lent money to. The recent quarters had been a desperate attempt to get additional funding by the new CEO, Ravneet Gill, who came from Deutsche Bank after Kapoor was sacked by the RBI. Names of multiple investors had done the rounds, but nothing materialised. Kapoor's aggressive lending practices didn't help in building confidence in the bank. Advances had grown in double-digits for the longest time. It only began to show signs of slowing down in 2019. The last quarter for which the data is available shows that advances shrunk 6.1 per cent year-on-year as the bank grew increasingly tight-fisted. Quarterly net profit had been falling since a year before, with losses in every quarter from September 2018. The gross non-performing assets ratio, or bad loans as a percentage of total loans given out, rose from 1.6 per cent then to 7.4 per cent in September 2019. Depositors, interestingly, may have acted presciently -- total deposits of the bank shrank for the first time in September 2019. The bank has delayed announcing its December 2019 quarter numbers, which doesn't portend well. Kapoor's shares were sold after lender-invoked pledges got triggered. He was reduced to holding only 900 shares worth Rs 60,000, according to a November 2019 news report. He had, in a September 2018 social media post, said he would never sell his shares, comparing them to diamonds he would pass on to future generations. Ultimately, he was out of the bank as both the head and significant shareholder. There were other issues, too, in YES Bank's journey. This included a dispute with the late co-founder Ashok Kapur's wife Madhu Kapur over board representation, which turned bitter. The Bombay high court had ultimately ruled in her favour. There were rumours of a truce between the two promoter families, but the stock price didn't show any traction. This was even as the RBI was also reportedly unhappy with the way that divergences were handled at the bank, and declined to let Rana Kapoor continue as its head. Early advertisements for the institution showed a banker saying 'yes' to an entrepreneur looking for funds. Business Standard had asked Rana Kapoor before operations began, why his venture was called YES Bank. 'It is positive and has a reliable and trustworthy feel to it,' he had said. Investors and the depositors lining up outside outlets may now feel otherwise. A fit-and-healthy mother who filmed herself struggling to breathe as she warned of the dangers of coronavirus has said it felt like having 'glass in her lungs'. Tara Jane Langston, 39, told of how every breath is a battle but she is now out of intensive care and recovering well. The mother-of-two was rushed to hospital by ambulance last Friday and eventually diagnosed with Covid-19 on Sunday. Tara Jane Langston, 39, who is now recovering, filmed herself with her phone in the intensive care unit at Hillingdon Hospital in west London. She said every breath is a 'battle' Ms Langston had filmed herself with her phone in the intensive care unit at Hillingdon Hospital in west London pleading with others to take the deadly COVID-19 seriously. Gasping for breath and coughing, she made the harrowing video the following day and sent it as a Whatsapp message to her colleagues warning them to take care. She had been unwell all of last week after initially being diagnosed with a chest infection and given antibiotics, which she took alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol. Ms Langston, a waitress, now believes the ibuprofen may have exacerbated the virus, which kept her at Hillingdon Hospital in west London for the last week. She told MailOnline this evening: 'Its like having glass in your lungs, its hard to explain, but every breath is a battle. Its absolutely horrible and I wouldnt want to go through anything like this ever again. Id been ill for about five days before I was taken to hospital in an ambulance. 'Id originally been diagnosed with a chest infection and given antibiotics and advised to take ibuprofen and paracetamol. I was taking about eight ibuprofen a day and they now think that that exacerbated the problem. When I was taken into intensive care they originally planned to sedate me and keep me in intubation because my body had gone through it all for the best part of a week and I was shattered. Fortunately I was kept awake but needed six litres of oxygen. Now that Im improving Im on one litre. Ms Langston is now recovering from her ordeal after catching the virus, which has infected 2,695 people and killed 137 in Britain alone. Pictured: Mother-of-two Ms Langston before she tested positive for the coronavirus last week The shocking video, which went viral on social media, appeared to show it is not just the elderly or those with underlying health conditions who are at risk. Speaking to the camera Ms Langston says: 'I'm in the intensive care unit and I can't breathe without this. They've had to sew that into my artery. I've got a cannula, another cannula and a catheter. I'm actually ten times better than what I was before. I've lost count of the days. 'If anyone still smokes, put the cigarettes down because I'm telling you now you need your f***ing lungs and, please, none of you take any chances, I mean it, because if it gets really bad than you're going to end up here. My body is fighting this so once again don't take any chances.' Ms Langston, from north west London, was initially seen by doctors nearly 11 days ago when she started feeling unwell after a trip to Krakow in Poland with husband Richard and their two daughters. She took a cab to Hillingdon Hospital where she was diagnosed with a chest infection and given antibiotics. Her health, however, deteriorated throughout last week and she was rushed by ambulance back to hospital where she was this time diagnosed with pneumonia. Ms Langston was then tested for the coronavirus and the results came back positive on Sunday, prompting her to be rushed into intensive care. She said that she wanted to show that it is not just the elderly or those with underlying health conditions who are at risk. She was rushed to hospital last Friday and tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. In the footage, she pleaded with others to take the deadly COVID-19 seriously Ms Langston said: There were two other patients with me in the ICU, both of who were being intubated. One was quite a large man who Id say was about late 50s or early 60s and the other was a lady roughly the same age. So these were not elderly people. That was my reasoning behind doing that video was to warn that younger people are susceptible too. Its quite surreal being in the ICU, the nurses are covered head to toe but they are literally working non-stop and have been brilliant. They are actually running out of face masks. One nurse came into my room the other day with a sort of plastic sheeting covering her face, it looked like the sort of clear plastic wrapper flowers come in. I just worry that when this virus starts getting worse theyre going to be swamped. Ms Langston said that she has watched in dismay clips of commuters still cramming into tube trains and drinkers packing out pubs, refusing to heed the advice of the government to stay home. She said that becoming infected had changed her viewpoint, explaining: People have to realise that they need to self-isolate, its the only way. Believe me. I can understand their mind-set because I had that attitude before of "its a load of nonsense, its just being all hyped up" before I got this I wasnt one to buy into all the hysteria. But then I got the coronavirus and I never again want to experience anything like it because it was a deeply unpleasant experience. Thats why I filmed myself in the ICU and sent it to my work mates because they were supposed to be all meeting up for a training event and I wanted to tell them not to go as it wasnt worth the risk. Theyd be better off staying at home self-isolating. Whatever restrictions the government has now been put in place should have been done two weeks ago I believe. My story should be a warning to others you need to take this seriously. Ms Langstons husband Richard, 34, earlier told MailOnline they had returned from Poland on February 26 and had visited Auschwitz, where there were people from all over the world. But he said she could have contracted the virus from going to the gym, adding: Shes out of intensive care now and is making good progress. We just want her back at home. (Natural News) Being able to track the spread of disease outbreaks is an important step in keeping them under control. Now, a new weapon has entered the fray that can give public health officials and pest control companies alike a birds eye view of how these diseases are spreading satellites. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been working with foreign governments and World Health Organization (WHO) to help track the spread of mosquito-borne infectious diseases such as malaria. Outbreaks of these diseases can spread quite easily thanks to mosquitoes being airborne carriers, unlike other disease-carrying pests such a rats. As part of the program, NASA has helped set up an early warning system in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, which uses satellite data to catch impending outbreaks. In addition, the agency is integrating its satellite observations into a South America-based statistical model to combat mosquito-borne diseases in Peru. Tracking ideal mosquito breeding grounds To forecast whether or not an outbreak of malaria may be imminent, NASA is using the satellites to monitor whether or not the environment in certain regions is conducive to the spread of mosquitoes. These regions are usually those that are warm and wet, making them ideal mosquito breeding grounds. Using data from the satellites, health officials involved can monitor temperature, soil moisture and precipitation in these regions across the globe, including the ones where NASA is involved in, in Myanmar and Peru. Satellites tell only part of the story To get the full picture of how a malarial outbreak occurred or may occur, satellite data isnt enough. NASA researchers admit that they still need population data to fully understand the spread of the disease. Malaria symptoms dont often appear until several weeks after a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito. If that person travels frequently, they may show the symptoms of malaria in one location, even though they were actually bitten somewhere else. In Peru, NASA researchers and Peruvian officials draw on observations on precipitation, as well as the movement of people before an outbreak. This information is then fed into detailed statistical models, including one developed by William Pan, of the Duke University Global Health Institute, and Ben Zaitchik, of the Johns Hopkins University Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Using the data from these, the health officials then deploy preventive measures, such as bed nets and indoor sprays, in the regions where the disease is most likely to break out. (Related: Mosquito begone: 5 Natural ingredients that work as a mosquito repellent.) In Myamnar, a satellite-based malaria-forecasting system makes use of Landsat satellites to identify bodies of water that may potentially be mosquito breeding grounds. The data from these satellites is then fed, alongside other observations, into the Myanmar Malaria Early Warning System (MMEWS), a system developed by Tatiana Loboda, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland Department of Geography. MMEWS doesnt observe entire regions, however. Instead, it looks for changes to particular areas, and also takes into consideration population density, socioeconomic status and military conflict occurring in these areas. Combining satellite data with other sources for dynamic monitoring The projects in Myanmar and Peru demonstrate how combining satellite data with other observations can make for effective early warning systems against malaria. However, what theyve achieved only scratches the surface of satellite datas potential in helping predict outbreaks of the diseases and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Already, Lobodas MMEWS project is combining the data from satellite remote sensing with medical surveys and mosquito observations in an effort to learn more about the role that land cover and land use may play in determining how suitable a certain habitat is for mosquitoes. Using this, she hopes to create a system that would allow for the dynamic monitoring of regions at risk of malaria. Sources include: Space.com Science.NASA.gov Aleks Markovic and Ivan Sarakula officially ended their romance in February. After splitting on Married At First Sight in November, the couple got back together a month later but broke up for good just after Valentine's Day. Daily Mail Australia understands it was Ivan's decision to call time on their relationship. It's over! Married At First Sight's Aleks Markovic and Ivan Sarakula ended their relationship in February. Pictured on their wedding day, which was filmed on September 12 A source told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday: 'It was Ivan's decision to end things and he dumped Aleks out of the blue. He didn't want to be with her anymore. 'She was blindsided and is still upset. The rest of the cast are so confused, but Aleks and Ivan are respecting each other's privacy and keeping things to themselves.' Ivan and Aleks quit the show this week in scenes that were filmed in November. On and off: After leaving the experiment in November, the couple got back together a month later but broke up for good just after Valentine's Day. Pictured on January 14 Heartbreak: 'It was Ivan's decision to end things and he dumped Aleks. She was blindsided and is still upset by the whole thing,' a source told Daily Mail Australia. Pictured on January 14 After leaving the experiment, Ivan flew to Perth to celebrate New Year's Eve with Aleks and they officially got back together. They returned as a couple for the show's reunion, which was filmed in Sydney on January 15, but broke up five weeks later Aleks declined to comment and Ivan is yet to respond. Sad end: Ivan and Aleks quit the show this week in scenes that were filmed in November Reunited: Despite quitting the show, Ivan and Aleks returned as a couple for the cast reunion, which was filmed in Sydney on January 15 (pictured). However, they broke up five weeks later Since their split last month, Aleks has remained in Perth with her family while Ivan has been partying in Sydney and Melbourne with his co-stars. Ivan joined Mikey Pembroke, David Cannon, Jonethen Musulin and Steve Burley for a joint appearance at Melbourne nightclub Billboard Saturdays on March 14. He had previously attended the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras with Mikey. Life goes on: Since their split last month, Aleks has remained in Perth with her family while Ivan has been partying in Sydney and Melbourne with his co-stars. Pictured with Mikey Pembroke Regulatory News: Getlink (Paris:GET) announced on 18 March 2020 that on 17 March 2020 it had made available to the public and filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (the French financial market regulator) the 2019 Universal Registration Document (URD), under number D.20-0138. Getlink is continuing its preparations for its new corporate governance structure. The Board of Directors has announced the implementation, on 1 July 2020, of the separation of the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. This new structure is linked to the gradual rotation of the members of the Board of Directors. On 4 March 2020, Getlink announced the proposed appointment of two new independent directors at the shareholders' General Meeting on 30 April 2020. As part of the implementation of this new governance structure, the Board of Directors has decided to remove the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer and accordingly has terminated the role of the current Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gauthey, with effect from 15 March 2020; he will resume his employment contract as a chief operating officer. The remuneration due or paid in respect of the 2019 financial year and the remuneration due for 2020 in respect of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer's term of office are set out in the 2019 Universal Registration Document, which refers to the absence of a termination payment and the absence of a non-competition clause related to the end of the term of office of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Getlink's Combined General Meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 30 April 2020 at 10:00 a.m (CET). The notice of meeting, published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires on 4 March 2020, listed the ways of taking part in the meeting; these will need to be altered in the changing context of the coronavirus (covid-19) epidemic and the fight to stop it spreading. Given the exceptional situation related to Coronavirus, the holding of the General Meeting could be restricted by decisions of the public authorities or for safety reasons. More precise information will be communicated on the Company's website nearer the time. Getlink invites shareholders to plan ahead and make use of the remote voting methods available from now onwards in order to take part in the General Meeting. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005209/en/ Contacts: Getlink For UK media enquiries John Keefe on 44 (0) 1303 284491 Email: press@getlinkgroup.com For other media enquiries Anne-Laure Descleves on +33(0)1 4098 0467 For investor enquiries Jean-Baptiste Roussille on +33 (0)1 40 98 04 81 Emailjean-baptiste.roussille@getlinkgroup.com Michael Schuller on +44 (0) 1303 288749 Email:Michael.schuller@getlinkgroup.com AUCKLAND, New Zealand Australia and New Zealand announced Thursday they're closing their borders to foreign travelers in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Details: Australian Prime Minster Scott Morrison told a news conference that, effective 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Time Friday, all non-citizens and non-residents would be barred from entering the country. Australians can still return from overseas, but they must self-isolate for 14 days. In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters the same measures would be introduced in the country at 11:59pm local time Thursday. Travelers on planes when the ban comes into effect in New Zealand would still be allowed to enter. On Monday, the president of Peru declared a state of emergency as a result of COVID-19. It closed its borders and limited residents to only leave their quarantine for food and medicine. Police patrol the streets, ensuring no one disobeys the order. My girlfriend and I were quick to act when we heard about the impending closures. We caught a midnight bus to Lima in an attempt to flee before borders officially closed. As we waited for nine hours in line at the airport desperately trying to catch the last flight out of the city, all we could think was Why wont the embassy answer us? Now, three days later, its become increasingly evident we wont be hearing from them. The Peruvian government announced on Tuesday that foreigners would be allowed to leave the country, though their home countries would need to organize the departure. We had registered this trip with the consulate months before embarking like many of the 300 or more Canadians trapped alongside us. Despite taking this precaution, we never received contact from the embassy that Peru had declared a state of emergency. By the time the government advised us to seek out commercial means of travel, we had already been in line at the airport for six hours, desperately trying to buy a flight home as prices skyrocketed. The United States, Mexico and Israel didnt hesitate. Many citizens have been contacted and told that they will be returned safely to their homes as quick as possible. Why cant Canada organize a similar system? Canadians stuck in Peru are panicked, posting various theories and plans to escape, but our government has not been receptive. Other than a few automated emails, we have received no information, no guidance. Three days later, we have finally accepted it: We are on our own. Other countries who havent organized flights out have at least been in daily contact with their citizens. One of these examples is Ireland, which doesnt even have an embassy in Lima, but has been in daily contact with its residents from the consulate in Santiago, Chile. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would be helping more than three million Canadians return home. But not by co-ordinating exit strategies by giving a loan. The reality is there are no commercial flights permitted. For most stranded Canadians, its not a matter of us not being able to afford flights. Its the fact that there are no flights at all. We need the government to co-ordinate our exit or at least let us know what is being done. It was my understanding that this was the role of an embassy. Despite our pleas for some form of guidance, we are completely aware we are the lucky ones. We have an apartment where we can stay in Lima for the two-week quarantine period hoping it remains two weeks. We are in a nice neighbourhood with a grocery store nearby. But there are Canadians who have messaged us who are trapped in the Amazon and have heard nothing from the Canadian government. Transportation between cities in Peru is completely halted and these citizens may be trapped for months if the government does not act. What we are asking the government for is not its financial help, its pity or its assurances of aid. We just want answers. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un acknowledged that his country lacks modern medical facilities and called for urgent improvements, state media said Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un acknowledged that his country lacks modern medical facilities and called for urgent improvements, state media said Wednesday, in a rare assessment of the North's health care system that comes amid worries about the coronavirus in the impoverished country. Outside experts say a coronavirus epidemic in the North could be devastating due its chronic lack of medical supplies and outdated health care infrastructure. Kim's comments were made during a ceremony Tuesday marking the start of construction on a new hospital. North Korea has engaged in an intense campaign to guard against the new virus, though it has steadfastly maintained that no one has been sickened, a claim many foreign experts doubt. During a groundbreaking ceremony for a modern general hospital" in Pyongyang, the capital, Kim said it's crucial for the state's efforts to be directed "to prop up the field of public health, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency. It cited Kim as saying the construction must be completed before October's 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. Kim said the ruling party decided on building the hospital during a key party meeting in late December and was working to have it finished in the shortest time. In an unusual admission on a troubled state system, Kim also said, Frankly speaking, our party ... criticized in a heart-aching manner the fact that there is not a modern medical and health care facility even in our capital city, according to KCNA. Kim appears to be using the hospital construction to burnish his image as a leader caring about public livelihoods at a time when his country is grappling with international sanctions amid stalled nuclear diplomacy with the United States, said Ahn Kyung-su, head of the Seoul-based private Research Center of DPRK Health and Welfare. He said North Korea has several modern general hospitals in Pyongyang but an analysis of construction drawings for the new hospital shown in KCNA photos suggested it would be the most sophisticated hospital in North Korea when it's built. In a report to the World Health Organisation, North Korea said it had 135 general and other major hospitals throughout the country as of 2017, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. Some observers said North Korea may have hurried the hospital's construction since China reported the first cases of the new disease in December. While the new coronavirus can be deadly, particularly for the elderly and people with other health problems, for most people it causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. Some feel no symptoms at all and the vast majority of people recover. Kim's attendance at the hospital ceremony also confirmed that he returned to Pyongyang after supervising artillery firing exercises on North Korea's east coast. His visits to the rural coastal areas had prompted outside speculation that he may have been trying to avoid the virus. North Korea clearly stated the date for the groundbreaking ceremony was 17 March, and that clearly showed Chairman Kim Jong Un is back to Pyongyang and is governing state affairs normally, said Kim Dong-yub, an analyst at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies. North Korea banned foreign tourists, delayed the school year and quarantined hundreds of foreigners and thousands of locals to avoid the virus that has spread worldwide. Last week, KCNA described authorities inspecting and disinfecting vehicles, vessels and goods at border areas and ports and said some imports remained sealed for 10 days before being handed over to recipients. Groups that monitor North Korea from South Korea, say the country has had cases of infection with the new coronavirus as well as fatalities. Some experts say the Kim government considers public disclosure of those cases harmful to its tight grip on power. The chief of the 28,500 US troops in South Korea said last week that he was fairly certain North Korea has not been spared from the virus. Army General Robert Abrams noted that the North had halted military training for a month, essentially putting its troops in a lockdown, but has since resumed training exercises and flying. Earlier this month, Kim Jong-un sent a letter to South Korea's president to express condolences over the soaring coronavirus outbreak in the South. Kim's letter was delivered a day after his powerful younger sister insulted and criticized Seoul. Some experts speculated that the development suggested that Kim was aiming to throw South Korea off balance before asking for coronavirus-related aid items such as test kits. About 290 foreigners who were quarantined in North Korea have been released, including some diplomats who were flown to Vladivostok, Russia, on a special North Korean flight. It wasn't immediately known whether North Korea plans another flight. CORONAVIRUS - Here Be Dragons, 'Hic Sunt Dracones' Bob Moriarty of 321gold explains why he believes the world is in uncharted waters. We have sailed off the map of the known world into totally uncharted waters. No one, including me, knows exactly where we are or where we are headed. But hic sunt dracones is an excellent warning, here be dragons. If I was still flying and needed to give a brief to my passengers, I'd be saying, "I have some good news and some bad news. First the bad news. We have flown off the edge of my maps and we are totally lost without a clue as to where we are." "On the other hand, we are making great groundspeed." The coronavirus continues to spread out of control. The best guess that I have been able to find about how many people would die came from the guy who led the fight against the SARS virus. This professor believes as many as 60% of the people in the world could catch the virus. According to him 45 million people in the world could die. Best guesses say that somewhere between 40 and 100 million people died of the Spanish Flu a hundred years ago. But it was a world with a third the population of today.57 million or so people die. After all, everyone is going to die of something. So adding on an additional 45 million is hardly the end of the world. Unless of course you happen to be one of those 45 million or related to them. The real killer is going to be the knock-on effects of the virus and not many people are discussing them. That's because we are off the map and in uncharted waters where frankly governments fear to swim. Health care is going to be rationed. At some point if you are in the higher risk categories you will be sent home to die. We don't have the hospital beds or ventilators for all those who might need them. In Italy in one area, if you were over 60 you were out of luck. And I don't know anyone in the US yet talking about it but we have the most expensive medical care in the world. Who is going to pay the hundreds of billions of dollars for emergency care? Hospitals will be packed with virus patients and for anyone else suffering from anything else, going to the hospital will be a death sentence. According to the gurus, 59% of Americans can't find $1000 to cope with an emergency. When vast segments of business are simply shut down for weeks or months, how are people going to pay their bills, much less cope with an emergency? Look for property crime to explode higher. Locks keep out honest people, not crooks. And with the police now stealing more from Americans than the burglars do, whom are you going to go to? In San Francisco the police don't even want to report property crime unless it's over $1000. That's called a license to steal. What happens when the virus hits the street people in LA and San Francisco and Portland? Who is going to pay? Well before the virus became big news, it was obvious to a lot of serious financial writers, including me, that the financial system was about to blow sky high. I started predicting the crash over a year ago. The Fed postponed it by flooding the financial system with cash starting in late September but the flood has become a tidal wave lately. Behind the curtain something very serious is happening but they don't toss $5.5 trillion into the coffee and donut fund for nothing. I believe the banking system is about to break on a permanent basis. Most of the people I read seem to think pumping money by central banks can solve the financial problems but let me remind my readers that the central banks pumping unlimited money into the system is what caused the problem. When you have too much debt, you cannot solve your debt problem with even more debt. In 2007 the financial problem went back to subprime lending. Today out of control borrowing and spending by corporations will drown the banking world with defaults. We will have to have a jubilee and figure out how to go back to honest money. You cannot have an honest financial system or honest government without honest money. The virus is not the cause of our financial problems or crime issues or stupidity in government. Face it folks, people go to work for the government because they are too lazy to work and too nervous to steal. The founding fathers would be astonished at the circus of clowns we have running government today. All debt gets paid. It gets paid either by the borrower or by the lender but all debt gets paid. We have the biggest crisis in US and perhaps world history. We can only hope real leadership stands up, speaks out and takes charge. The alternative is too dreadful to consider. Bob Moriarty President: 321gold Archives 321gold Bob and Barb Moriarty brought 321gold.com to the Internet almost 16 years ago. They later added 321energy.com to cover oil, natural gas, gasoline, coal, solar, wind and nuclear energy. Both sites feature articles, editorial opinions, pricing figures and updates on current events affecting both sectors. Previously, Moriarty was a Marine F-4B and O-1 pilot with more than 832 missions in Vietnam. He holds 14 international aviation records. Disclosure: 1) Bob Moriarty: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: None. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector. 2) The following companies mentioned are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Wheaton Precious Metals. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports (including members of their household) own securities of Newmont Goldcorp, Franco-Nevada and Royal Gold, companies mentioned in this article. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. A Northern Territory MP has called for coronavirus stimulus payments to be delayed over fears residents will travel into cities to spend the money and increase the risk of infection. The federal government earlier this week unveiled a $17.6billion stimulus package to support jobs and businesses that would include a $750 handout to welfare recipients. But Independent MP Scott McConnell said there are concerns the money will prompt people from remote communities to use the money to buy alcohol in urban areas such as Darwin or Alice Springs and put them at risk of contracting the disease. MP Scott McConnell (pictured left) has called for stimulus payments to be suspended in the Northern Territory The MP said there are concerns people from remote communities will use the money to buy alcohol in urban areas such as Darwin or Alice Springs and put them at risk of infection 'I know a lot of people will do the right thing with the payments and spend them on food or clothing or other things, we do need to acknowledge that in the Northern Territory we do have an issue with these types of stimulus payments being turned into alcohol and other damaging drugs,' he told Sky News. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'I am very concerned that a number of people could be interested in coming to urban centres to engage in activities that are not good for their health or welfare and then being stuck in town and exposed to greater risk at this time of the coronavirus.' There are no known coronavirus cases in the Territory's disadvantaged remote indigenous communities, which are home to nearly 60,000 people. NT deputy chief health officer Dianne Stephens said she was confident there weren't any other than the one reported case in the Territory, because of the work being done to contain it. Mr McConnell said efforts are being made to isolate communities to control further spread. 'So the idea of people coming to town and then returning to home communities is exactly the sort of thing were looking to avoid,' he added. 'My suggestion at the moment would be to suspend these payments in the Northern Territory at this time. The already deficit- and debt-laden Northern Territory government announced its own $65million stimulus plan in addition to that of the federal government. It has also committed to freezing all fees and charges until July 2021, including electricity and water bills and car registration. People of all ages are getting very sick Testing rules are being bent for A-listers No new local infections in China Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage No, Covid-19 does not spare the young Its clear that older people and those with health problems are most at risk of dying because of the coronavirus but that doesnt mean younger people who catch it wont become gravely ill. Many already have. Adults between 20 and 54 make up almost two-fifths of the people being hospitalized in the U.S. with the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Twenty percent are under 44 millennials, more or less. And nearly half of the most severe cases the ones who land in intensive care are younger than 65, the agency found. The figures come from a study of the first 2,500 cases reported in the U.S. (the tally is now over 10,000). Even children especially babies and preschoolers can sometimes become seriously ill, though they are the least likely to do so; its not yet clear why. Director General of General Statistic Office of Viet Nam (GSO) Nguyen Bich Lam talks about the importance of improving labour productivity for the countrys development. Nguyen Bich Lam. How do you rate actual labour productivity in Viet Nam now? And how has improved labour productivity contributed to socio-economic development? From 2016-19, Viet Nam's economy created a new impetus for the development process, of which labour productivity must be mentioned. With impressive economic growth of 7.02 per cent last year, Viet Nam's labour productivity at current prices has reached VN110.4 million (US$4,791) per labourer, an increase of VN25.9 million compared to 2016, equivalent to $940. According to the purchasing power parity (PPP) of 2011, Viet Nam's labour productivity in 2019 reached $11,757, an increase of $1,766. In recent years, Viet Nam's labour productivity has increased in both value and speed, making important contributions to the country's socio-economic development. Last year, labour productivity increased 6.2 per cent over the previous year, the year with the highest labour productivity growth from 2016-19, making us one of the countries with the highest labour productivity growth rate in the region. Despite improvements, Viet Nam's labour productivity is still considered low compared to other countries in the region and around the world. Why? In terms of PPP, Viet Nam's labour productivity from 2011-19 increased an average of 4.87 per cent a year, higher than the average of Singapore at 1.4 per cent, Malaysia at 2 per cent, Thailand at 3.2 per cent, Indonesia at 3.6 per cent and the Philippines at 4.3 per cent. As a result, Viet Nam closed the gap between ASEAN countries with higher development levels. In 2011, labour productivity in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia was higher than Viet Nam's, respectively 17.6 times, 6.3 times, 2.9 times and 2.4 times. By 2019, this relative distance decreased to 13.1 times, 5.1 times, 2.6 times and 2.2 times, respectively. According to PPP 2011, Viet Nam's labour productivity in 2019 was only 7.6 per cent of Singapore's, 19.5 per cent of Malaysias, 37.9 per cent of Thailands, 45.6 per cent of Indonesias and 56.9 per cent of the Philippines, and only higher than Cambodia's by 1.6 times. This shows that Viet Nam's economy will face huge challenges in the future to be able to catch up with other countries. Although Viet Nam's labour productivity has improved much in recent years, it is still low and has a considerable distance from other countries in the region. Some of the main reasons leading to this situation are due to the small size of our economy and slow economic restructuring. In addition, although the process of economic and labour restructuring has gained positive achievements, it is still slow. The quality of human resources is limited. Labour restructuring is happening relatively fast but the labour force in agriculture, forestry and fishery is still large. The majority of labourers in these sectors are unskilled and seasonal with unstable jobs, resulting in low added value and low labour productivity. Would you elaborate more about the limited human resources? The quality of human resources in Viet Nam is indeed limited. This is clearly reflected in the low rate of trained labour, unreasonable training structure, shortage of highly skilled labour and the big gap between vocational education and labour market demands. The proportion of trained workers aged from 15 working in the economy has been increasing year by year, but only reached 22.8 per cent in 2019. In addition, the sense of teamwork and foreign language skills to expand international integration in the trend of globalisation and participation in global links is still limited. These are major barriers to improve labour productivity. The business sector has not really been the driving force for increasing labour productivity. Domestic enterprises have not participated deeply and have not been able to connect to the global value chains of large transnational corporations, so they have not taken advantage of knowledge, technology, management skills or flexibility to grasp and meet new market demands. In addition, the equitisation process of State enterprises is still slow while the allocation of resources of State enterprises is limited. One of the other causes is outdated equipment and technology. Most businesses, especially private ones, have low levels of science and technology and innovation. Many businesses are using old, outdated technology, lagging behind two to three generations compared to the world. What solutions has the GSO proposed to improve labour productivity in the future? Improving labour productivity is the shortest way to help the economy develop rapidly, sustainably and catch up with the development levels of other countries in the region. This needs the participation of all levels, sectors and society to raise awareness. Accordingly, a number of key tasks to be undertaken are to promote stronger reforms of institutional foundations, including human resources to be allocated and used most effectively. In addition, the Government must develop a national strategy for the development of tech enterprises, giving priority to developing digital and high-tech enterprises in designing, creating and manufacturing in Viet Nam. It is necessary to develop and implement strategies to improve labour productivity based on knowledge and technology, focusing on investment for improving science and technology capacity, innovation, and the application of advanced and modern technology in production and business management. In addition, restructuring agriculture must be associated with new rural style development, restructuring plant and livestock structure in accordance with reality, the market and adaptation to climate change. At the same time, we need to enhance the application of scientific advances, especially biotechnology, to develop industries for agriculture, and attract enterprises to invest in rural areas to quickly shift agricultural labour to the higher-yield industrial and service sectors. The Government needs to establish an incentive mechanism to attract talented experts and managers to Viet Nam. Labour productivity is strongly connected to the education, capacity, skills and expertise of workers. VNS Socio-economic situation remains stable despite COVID-19 outbreak: PM Despite difficulties resulting from the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Vietnams socio-economic situation in February basically remained stable, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Hero Electronix, a part of the Hero Group, today announced the acquisition of Test & Verification Solutions (T & VS), a leading provider of chip design services. The acquisition was made through Tessolve, a Hero Electronix venture and a leading engineering solutions company. The acquisition provides strong impetus to Tessolve's chip design offering taking its overall company strength to over 2,000 engineers and firmly cements Tessolve as a leading end-to-end provider of semiconductor engineering services. Founded in 2008 in UK by Mike Bartley, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the design verification domain; T & VS is a leading provider of Design Verification solutions to semiconductor companies having steadily expanded its offerings into Design for Test (DFT) and Embedded Software with a 400+ team across multiple markets including UK, India, Japan, US and Singapore. T & VS is the fifth acquisition by Tessolve in the past 4 years. Complementing its aggressive approach in growing the capabilities organically, these strategic acquisitions have put Tessolve in a unique position to offer a comprehensive spectrum of services to semiconductor companies. The acquisition adds a strong team and capability depth in a critical area like chip design and expands Tessolve's presence into the UK and Japan markets. Commenting on the acquisition P. Raja Manickam, CEO, Tessolve said: "We are excited to welcome the T & VS team. The addition of T & VS talent and technologies will enable us to provide more integrated and optimized chip design solutions. Design verification and validation is an important phase in the design and production cycle of every semiconductor product and accelerates taking products to market." Nikhil Rajpal, CEO, Hero Electronix said: "This is the largest acquisition by Tessolve till date and a critical addition in building Tessolve into the largest semiconductor engineering services player in the world. The acquisition reaffirms our commitment to keep expanding our team and capabilities to service all engineering requirements of a semiconductor company." Mike Bartley, CEO and Founder, T & VS said: "We are extremely delighted and proud to be part of the Hero Electronix and Tessolve family. Tessolve has a global footprint with deep relationships and the most extensive capabilities in semiconductor engineering. It is a unique opportunity for the entire team at T & VS to integrate and aspire for larger opportunities both individually and collectively as a team." Previous acquisitions by Tessolve 1. TES DST: July 2016 2. Spectrum Integrated: August 2017 3. Test lab of Lynxemi Pte.: August 2017 4. Analog design of Analog Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd.: November 2017 This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hemostat is used in both minor as well as major surgeries, but primarily in cardiac, orthopedic cases, where there is extensive blood flow when incisions are made. Hemostats are also used in emergency surgeries, amputations, excision, and other surgeries. India hemostat market is estimated to account for US$ 63.1 Mn in terms of value in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 105.1 Mn by the end of 2027. Free Download PDF Research Report Brochure @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/3524 (**Note: Free Sample with TOC, Graph, Charts) India Hemostat Market: Drivers Increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities and surge in healthcare expenditure is expected to propel growth of India hemostat market over the forecast period. For instance, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the number of government hospitals in India increased from 35,416 in 2017 to 37, 725 in 2018. India Hemostat Market: Opportunities Growing medical tourism is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in India hemostat market. For instance, according to India Brand Equity Foundations January 2019 release, the estimated Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India on medical purpose during the years 2015, 2016, and 2017 were 2,33,918, 4,27,014, and 4,95,056 respectively. India Hemostat Market: Restraints Low doctor-patient ratio is expected to hinder growth of the market. For instance, according to World Health Organizations data updated in April 2019, in India, there is one government doctor for every 10,189 people or a deficit of 600,000 doctors, and the nurse: patient ratio is 1:483. Browse Press Release: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/press-release/india-hemostat-market-2846 Key Takeaways: Mechanical hemostat held dominant position in India hemostat market in 2018, accounting for 88.8% share in terms of value, followed by 2027. Mechanical hemostat is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period as it is the primary hemostatic technique employed in the hospitals. Mechanical hemostatic techniques such as use of sutures, staples, and ligating clips is cost effective. The surgeries segment held dominant position in India hemostat market in 2018, accounting for 63.1% share in terms of value, followed by trauma cases, respectively. Increasing number of surgical procedures, both, domestic as well as for international patients is expected to support growth of the segment over the forecast period. For instance, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), performed ~0.2 million surgeries in 2018. The hospitals segment held dominant position in India hemostat market in 2018, accounting for 40.9% share in terms of value, followed by ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics, respectively. Factors such as increasing healthcare investment, and reimbursement facilities is expected to support growth of the segment. For instance, the Government of India has approved the continuation of National Health Mission with a budget of US$ 4.40 billion under the Union Budget 2019-20. Moreover, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) the largest government funded healthcare program targeting more than 500 million beneficiaries has been allocated US$ 887.04 million under the Union Budget 2019-20. Purchase this Report (Price 4500 USD for Single-User License) @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/3524 Market Trends Local manufactures are focused on expanding their business in developed markets. For instance, in March 2018, Axio Biosolutions Private Limited, a medical device manufacturer based in India, received the U.S. FDA clearance for Axiostat chitosan hemostatic dressing. Players in the market are adopting online distribution channels to enhance their market share. For instance, Ethicon Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, offers Ethicon Surgicel absorbable hemostat and other products on various e-commerce platforms. India Hemostat Market: Competitive Landscape Major players operating in India hemostat market include, Ethicon Inc., Aegis Lifesciences. Eucare Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd., Baxter International, Axio Biosolutions Private Limited, and Mil Laboratories. India Hemostat Market: Key Developments Players in the market are focused on expanding their manufacturing facilities. For instance, in April 2019, Axio Biosolutions Private Limited expanded its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gujarat Pharma Techno Park in Ahmedabad, India. Major players in the market are focused on adopting M&A strategies to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in March 2018, Baxter International closed the US$ 153 million acquisition of hemostat and sealant assets from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Additional information on such research findings can be availed at @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/3524 Segmentation By Product Form Mechanical Flowable By Product Base Gelatin Cellulose By Application Surgeries Trauma Cases By End User Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers Clinics About Coherent Market Insights: Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity. Contact Us: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com U.S. Office: Name: Mr. Shah Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, # 3200 Seattle, WA 98154, U.S. US : +1-206-701-6702 UK : +44-020-8133-4027 JAPAN : +050-5539-1737 Milind Lakkad, who has completed just nine months as chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services company, has to pay attention to scores of issues every day. One issue of late has been the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus. It is not an easy task considering that TCS operations are spread across 46 countries and its 4.46 lakh-employee base is made up of people from 146 nationalities. The company has asked its employees to work from home and has created core groups to address their issues. The grim news notwithstanding, the IT giant's focus has been to make each employee a "Happy TCSer" for which it drives four key behaviours - follow your passion, stay hungry, commit to lifelong learning and thrive together. "Learning is ubiquitous in TCS. Formal and informal learning opportunities are available to everyone. Our state-of-the-art learning ecosystem enables our associates to follow their passion, embrace continuous learning and consistently deliver high performance. Internal digital platforms such as Fresco Play gamify and encourage anytime, anywhere learning," says Lakkad. The company feels this is important as, considering the increase in focus on local hiring, there is an urgent need to build a "One TCS" culture globally. That is why TCS learning programmes are rolled out globally and employees are encouraged to learn new technologies, work with new customers and stay relevant. "The culture of lifelong learning and innovation has given TCS the ability to cycle through technology and business model changes," says Lakkad. For example, it has reskilled 3.3 lakh employees in digital technologies. "The idea is that you should be able to learn things quickly, through nano courses, learn through nano videos (20 minutes), apply your knowledge, and move on to learning the next thing. We have virtual labs and an online playground for hands-on practise," says Lakkad. TCS recently started an initiative called Linking Learning with Careers, under which it links learning performance with job performance to help employees decide their career path. "The framework helps us identify top talent across different experience levels and provides them with opportunities for accelerated career and leadership positions," says Lakkad. TCS provides opportunities at different employee levels and enables differentiated career and compensation paths for those who excel at learning and do well in internal assessments and work performance. In formative years, learning is more prescriptive and aimed at helping employees develop core skills and become full stack developers. At the mid level, they choose roles and career paths - whether they want to work on cloud architecture, security architecture, data science or emerging roles. At this level, learning is more subscription-based, and aimed at transforming leaders into specialists. The company also has more experiential programmes based on soft skills for stakeholders at the customer front. "One must stay hungry, demonstrate the desire to learn something new and learn something different.The people who demonstrate this behaviour will continue to grow and drive their career growth by following their passion," says Lakkad. Then there is the internal Digital Capability Assessment Test, offered to those with up to three years of experience. This gives employees an opportunity to move to higher roles. In many cases, after clearing the test, employees have been able to command double the compensation. As a policy, TCS emphasises customer centricity, giving equal importance to associate empathy. "We believe these are two sides of the same coin. We have implemented the 'Full-Stack' HR concept to build on the emotional connect we have with our people," says Lakkad. Full-stack HR professionals offer the full spectrum of employee solutions - be it onboarding or talent development or grievance redressal. There is one dedicated full-stack HR professional for 500 employees. "Empathy has to be established. It will build through emotional connect, continuous connect and understanding the person, and not just getting the task done," says Lakkad. The TCS Connect The company has conceptualised Workforce 4.0 to rekindle the organisational ethos of pride, hunger and agility. The initiative is aimed at creating a sense of belonging among TCSers, says Lakkad. Another initiative is Recoginising Contextual Masters, built on an understanding that some employees acquire deep knowledge of the customers business and deliver exponential value. TCS has selected 3,500 contextual masters and shared their stories across internal social network platforms. Another programme, Inspire to Lead, is for first-level supervisors, about 20,000 of whom have attended the programme. In the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT), a national-level examination to qualify for campus hiring, those who perform exceptionally well in the online test also get an opportunity to take a shot at a digital skills-based examination, one of the toughest in the industry. Over 40,000 job offers have been made on the basis of NQT results in FY20. Gamified Hiring allows candidates to demonstrate skills. The latest TCS CodeVita, the flagship global coding contest, saw more than 2,00,000 registrations worldwide. The initiatives are showing results. Attrition in FY19 was 11.3 per cent as against the industry average of 15-20 per cent. TCS is among the largest private sector employers of women - 36.3 per cent employees (over 1,63,000) are women. "Our initiatives for women revolve around four pillars: sensitisation and awareness, lifecycle management, grooming and development and networking and affiliations. We have customised these initiatives so that they appeal to women in different stages of their lives at personal and professional levels," says Lakkad. The policies for women employees include maternity leave, special maternity leave and adoption and childcare leave. "In addition, we also run programmes such as Women Discussion Circles and Workplace Parents Group to help women through mentoring, counselling and parenting workshops," says Lakkad. The retention rate for women who go on maternity leave is 99 per cent, he adds. TCS also has a women leadership programme, iExcel, which grooms women in middle and senior levels to become leaders. It helps women employees interact with top executives within and outside TCS. The executives also act as role models and mentors. So far, over 600 women have participated in the programme. Under another programme, Network to Win, or nWin, TCS assigns mentors to women employees at junior levels. TCS has been recognised as the Global Top Employer for the fifth consecutive year by the Netherlands-based Top Employers Institute. It is also the Number One Top Employer in three regions - Europe, MEA and APAC. In country-wise rankings, it was ranked as the best employer in 11 countries - Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the UK and the US - and among the top three employers in eight other countries. @nevinjl 11K Shares Share These are interesting times. Our schools are shut down. Transportation halted. Businesses shuttered. Public spaces abandoned. Cities locked down. Stock markets crashing. It is the greatest disruption to life we have faced since 9/11, and this will last much longer. Its not hyperbole to say that we are on a wartime footing, and every aspect of life has been affected by this battle with COVID-19. A national emergency has been declared, and many are making sacrifices to help stem the spread. Our soldiers in this battle are our first responders, paramedics, nurses, and doctors who are caring for patients in this time, all while exposing themselves to great risk. While healthcare providers, by and large, would run into a burning building to save someone because thats the way we are wired, it is time for society to recognize these sacrifices and offer hazard pay for those who are willing to continue doing their job while jeopardizing the health and well-being of themselves and their families. Hazard pay is a form of compensation granted to staff members who have been requested to remain and report for work in duty stations where very hazardous conditions exist. There are many jobs in which exposing oneself to increased danger results in increased compensation. There has been a pretty penny paid to government security contractors such as Blackwater (now Academi) to compensate ex-military personnel for taking dangerous assignments that put their lives at risk. Rightfully so, how much is ones life worth? Now we are facing an illness that has brought new meaning to the term occupational hazard for so many providing care and seeking to preserve the life and health of others. Before COVID-19 made its way to the U.S., it took the lives of several doctors including, tragically, the Chinese physician who was the first to raise the alarm about the virus. Now there are at least two emergency physicians in the U.S. who have become ill and are in critical condition. Certainly, personal protective equipment (PPE) lowers the risk of transmission, but never to zero. The sad state of current affairs, however, is that PPE is having to be rationed because many hospitals are running out of this basic necessity in the midst of the crisis. Before COVID-19 commandeered the headlines, the media narrative regarding the rising price of healthcare often portrayed physicians as the root cause of the exorbitant costs. Nevermind that some of these sources were often disguised special interests of the insurance lobby. The insurance industrys war on physician salaries placed patients in the cross-fire of the balanced billing battle that was nearing resolution with insurance-friendly legislation prior to this pandemic. This battle has already decreased insurance reimbursement to thousands of emergency providers across the country, and no doubt, caused staffing cut-backs that are inevitable in any industry grappling with decreased revenue. I hope and pray that we have the resources to take care of those insurance executives or legislators when they need us. Though not nearly to the level of insurance industry CEOs, frontline providers are generally compensated fairly. Deservedly so given the great training and responsibilities that come along with the job. The calculus has changed, however, and now those of us on the frontlines of the coronavirus front must ask ourselves, how much is it worth to place my life in danger? What is the potential cost to the health and long term provision of our families? I think most will answer the call regardless, but we as a society should recognize the potential sacrifice being made and consider the value we place on the lives of our healthcare soldiers on the frontlines of this war. Josh McKinney is an emergency physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Coronavirus 1) Schools to shut from Friday as crisis grows Schools across the UK will close from Friday as the government ramps up efforts to curtail the spread of coronavirus. Announcing the decision Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said there would be exceptions for children of key workers in the National Health Service and police, delivery drivers and for vulnerable pupils. Nurseries and private schools would follow the guidance, he said. Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing simultaneously to Mr Williamsons announcement, prime minister Boris Johnson said schools were being closed to exert further downward pressure on the upward curve of the diseases spread. As part of the move, GCSE and A-level exams will not take place as planned in May and June. FT Emergency grades to replace tests under first nationwide closure in history The Times Closures to remain for quite a considerable time, Williamson warns Daily Express Kids on free meals will get help if schools shut The Sun Boris is a legend to all kids for life! Daily Mail Latest advice HM Government >Yesterday: Coronavirus 2) Jenrick takes the lead on planning for lockdown of London Boris Johnson has asked government departments to draw up plans for a lockdown of London to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The Cabinet Office has written to departments asking for recommendations about restrictions, how they could be implemented and how to ensure compliance. The measures, which are being described as a shielding plan for London, could be introduced as soon as next week and see businesses closed and restrictions placed on travel. Robert Jenrick, the housing minister, is taking the lead on the policy. Under new emergency powers the government will be able to close premises and restrict or prohibit events and gatherings including halting cars, buses, trains and planes. The Times Around a third of English cases identified in Greater London Daily Express Superspreader city Daily Mail Up to 40 London Underground stations to shut from today Daily Telegraph Johnson: We will rule nothing out The Sun Only one person allowed to leave home at a time FT Plans will enforce the closure of restaurants, bars, pubs and cinemas Daily Telegraph Khan savaged over false claim London Tube completely safe Daily Express More: Government has 24 hours to save Britains pubs, industry warns The Sun Curbs on social life could be relaxed by early summer The Times >Today: Shaun Bailey in Local Government: Our communities are capable of greatness when we pull together Coronavirus 3) Wallace announces new military force to aid in emergency Ten thousand troops are on standby to combat coronavirus with plans to run hotels as hospitals and man roadblocks if required. The new Covid Support Force, made up of Regular and Reserve units, could be doubled to 20,000 if necessary, the Defence Secretary has announced. Although no requests have so far been made from other Whitehall departments, the MoD says it is ready to backfill police in counter-terrorism tasks as well as routine duties such as roadblocks The Telegraph understands soldiers and local authorities are also being prepared to work with people suffering emotional distress during self-isolation, amid official concern over the mental toll it could take on those already facing challenging circumstances. Daily Telegraph Army gets ready to drive oxygen tankers to hospitals The Times Troops could set up makeshift hospitals in vacant hotels FT Soldiers ready to set up emergency morgues Daily Express UK death toll hits 104, with confirmed cases up to 2,226 The Sun Daily fatality rate doubles Daily Mail Coronavirus 4) Government announces three-month freeze on evictions The government has announced a three-month ban on evictions in an effort to protect renters during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Landlords will be prevented from initiating court proceedings to evict tenants from social or private rented accommodation. The measure forms part of emergency legislation to fight the virus. The government had faced criticism for announcing a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners on Tuesday, without equivalent measures for renters. The payment holiday will be extended to people with buy-to-let mortgages whose tenants are affected by the virus, the government said yesterday. The relief period will last three months but could be extended. When it ends landlords and tenants will be expected to work together to establish an affordable repayment plan, the government said. The Times Ministers promise more help for workers and renters FT Crisis could cost 25m jobs if workers are left unprotected The Times Government considers universal basic income Daily Telegraph Controversial IR35 tax reforms postponed for a year FT More: Sunaks plan under fire as pound crashes to 35-year low Daily Telegraph Prince William launches the National Emergency Trusts appeal Daily Mail Shapps discusses rescue package with UK airlines The Guardian ECB to launch 750bn bond-buying programme FT >Today: Asheem Singh in Comment: Coming as a consequence of the virus. The new aim of Economic Security over and above poverty, inequality or GDP >Yesterday: Coronavirus 5) Allister Heath: Coronavirus is leading Great Britain towards economic Armageddon This recession is due to a unique supply-side and liquidity shock caused by the Governments entirely right and proper decision to shut down much of the economy to reduce social contact and save tens or hundreds of thousands of lives. The parallel with a defensive, total war is stark: if the recession is allowed to run its course, huge swathes of Britains physical, financial and human capital could be destroyed, for almost random reasons. Ordinary economic cycles can have a rejuvenating effect: they trigger creative destruction which shuts down bad investments, liquidates inefficient firms and reallocates resources to growth industries. Lehman Brothers deserved to go bust. But not this time: there is nothing cleansing about this recession. There is nothing creative about the nihilistic destruction it is wreaking. Daily Telegraph This crisis is a boon for big government Gerard Baker, The Times Johnson says its war, but his response is laughably inadequate Aditya Chakrabortty, The Guardian UBI is an affordable and feasible response to coronavirus Daniel Susskind, FT Our mean welfare system is failing to deliver Jenni Russell, The Times Whatever the virus kills, it wont be globalism David Aaronovitch, The Times More: At war, Britons can be trusted to do the right thing Robert Tombs, Daily Telegraph We mustnt allow officialdom to steal everyday liberties Tim Worstall, The Times Defeating Covid-19 could need a wartime coalition government Martin Kettle, The Guardian This country has gone through far worse Virginia Blackburn, Daily Express Johnson is having to play catch-up Rod Liddle, The Sun Coronavirus hasnt killed online dating quite the opposite Poorna Bell, Daily Telegraph >Today: ToryDiary: The prospect seems remote. But is National Government on its way? >Yesterday: Ryan Bournes column: The upside-world of virus economics. And why we free marketeers must adapt our usual ways of thinking. Coronavirus 6) UK to increase COVID-19 testing to 25,000 a day Boris Johnson has said he hopes to ramp up coronavirus testing in the UK to 25,000 a day within a month. Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, the prime minister said the number of tests would be increased so that frontline National Health Service workers in particular could be screened for the disease. We are prioritising NHS staff for the obvious reason that we want them to be able to look after everybody else with confidence that they are not transmitting the disease, Mr Johnson said during a session of prime ministers questions. The government is hoping to increase the number of tests being done to 25,000 a day within four weeks, while the goal for next week is to reach 10,000 a day. About 7,500 tests are being done each day in the UK, with the majority carried out on people who have been hospitalised for serious conditions. FT Were close to test that reveals whos immune, says Johnson The Times Doctors fear they will die on front line without hazmats suits The Sun British scientists say clinical tests of a possible treatment will begin next week Daily Mail Overseas: China reports no new local cases as more countries tighten borders FT Putin being protected around the clock Daily Mail War leader Trump to treat coronavirus on 1,000-room hospital ships The Times Australia closes the border: Non-residents are banned from entering Daily Mail Comment: How sick we cant test nurses and doctors Ian Birrell, Daily Mail >Yesterday: Coronavirus 7) Labour MPs alarmed at Covid-19 laws being passed without vote Labour MPs have expressed concern at the possibility of sweeping emergency powers to tackle coronavirus being put into force for two years without a Commons vote, with some saying such measures should face regular review. The comments will place pressure on the Labour leadership over how to respond to emergency legislation, amid speculation that the party will allow it to pass in the Commons without any vote being held. The legislation had been expected to be tabled on Thursday, but is now believed to be due on Monday. The laws, some details of which were announced on Tuesday evening, include medical-related measures such as allowing recently retired or nearly qualified nurses, midwives or paramedics to work in the NHS, with protection given against negligence claims. The Guardian Sturgeon blames crisis after dropping independence referendum call Daily Telegraph BBC announces coronavirus wartime mode revamp Daily Mail Grimstone named UK investment minister Gerry Grimstone, who has held senior positions at Barclays bank and fund manager Standard Life Aberdeen, has been appointed the UKs investment minister ahead of a crucial period where the government will need to sell the country outside the EU. The role replaces the trade minister position that had been held by Ian Livingston, former BT boss, and media executive Rona Fairhead. His remit will be to encourage investment into the UK from overseas institutions and sovereign wealth funds, and opening up new markets for trade. Sir Gerry, one of the Citys best-known figures, will also help push the governments agenda around levelling up the UK regions by bringing investment from overseas into key infrastructure projects that will probably cost tens of billions over the next decade. FT Troubles veteran accuses ministers of letting him down again An army veteran facing prosecution over a fatal shooting in the Troubles said he had been let down by the government after it unveiled limited measures to stop vexatious claims against former soldiers. Dennis Hutchings, 79, who was in the Life Guards Regiment, is due to stand trial over the death of a man in Co Tyrone in 1974. He criticised legislation introduced in the Commons yesterday that will stop unfair prosecutions of former soldiers over actions in overseas operations but does not cover domestic territories, such as Northern Ireland Ministers have announced a triple lock including a presumption against criminal prosecution five years after an alleged crime. This can be overridden only with compelling new evidence and the attorney-general must consent. The Times Ulster veterans set to get legal guarantee they wont face any more court witch-hunts The Sun Ex-servicemen to be told within months whether they face historic prosecutions Daily Telegraph Home Office ignorance led to Windrush scandal, says report The Home Offices treatment of immigrants who arrived from the Caribbean on the Windrush was consistent with some elements of the definition of institutional racism, a review has found. The Times has been told that the report, which is being published today, concludes that the Home Office demonstrated institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness. Wendy Williams, one of Her Majestys inspectors of constabulary, stops short of making a definitive finding that the department was institutionally racist over the way it dealt with those who came from the West Indies after the Second World War to help to rebuild the country. Her report says that successive governments tightened immigration controls with a disregard for the Windrush generation. Ministers and officials failed to heed warning signs and were too slow to act. The Times Patel to apologise Daily Telegraph Salmond trial: accuser kept quiet at meeting about sex allegation One of the complainants in the Alex Salmond trial attended a meeting with his former chief of staff and Nicola Sturgeon to discuss allegations of sexual misconduct against the former first minister, a court has been told. Geoff Aberdein, who worked closely with Mr Salmond, told the High Court in Edinburgh about a meeting two years ago at Ms Sturgeons office in the Scottish parliament, when the woman had not made him aware of any alleged assault by the former SNP leader. Mr Aberdein said that he had had two meetings with the woman and at the second she told him there were two retrospective complaints about Mr Salmond. Gordon Jackson, QC, for the defence, said: Was there ever at any time from her the slightest hint that she was making a complaint about Alex Salmonds behaviour? Mr Aberdein said: Never. The Times Sturgeon met accuser in March 2018 FT News in Brief: Newman was a sore loser, famously refusing to concede on election night, saying I would like Mr. Lipinski to have a very painful evening, so we are going to wait. But although she was beaten, she was unbowed. In a matter of weeks after her loss, she said, she began volunteering for other campaigns in the district, phone-banking, canvassing and serving as a candidate surrogate. This allowed her to use her professional skills to learn how better to reach the voters who had just narrowly rejected her. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:42:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on March 1, 2020 shows medical supplies, including masks, gloves and protective suits, donated to Italy by Lishui City, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua) "Bigotry against people of Asian descent is unacceptable, un-American, & harmful to our COVID-19 response efforts," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The recent re-labeling of the novel coronavirus with xenophobic undertones by some U.S. politicians to stigmatize China has drawn widespread criticism. As the international community works together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a few American politicians are shifting blame to China for the virus' spread by recasting it as a "Chinese virus" or "foreign virus." Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization's health emergencies program, warned on Wednesday against using the phrase "Chinese virus," saying that "Viruses know no borders, and they don't care about your ethnicity, the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank." "So it's really important we be careful in the language we use," Ryan said at a news conference in Geneva, giving an example of the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009. The pandemic "originated in North America and we didn't call it the North American flu," he said, calling for solidarity and joint efforts of all countries. Dr. Michael Ryan (L), executive director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Program, addresses a press conference, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 18, 2020. (Photo by Chen Junxia/Xinhua) Ryan was echoed by co-founder of Microsoft Corporation Bill Gates, who wrote on Wednesday in an Ask Me Anything session on the American social news platform Reddit that "we should not call this the Chinese virus." The tally of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 220,000 and spans at least 160 countries and regions, according to the latest statistics from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. With the world facing an escalating challenge from the disease, "it's also an unprecedented opportunity to come together as one against a common enemy," the WHO wrote on its Twitter feed on Wednesday. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday refuted the White House's racist remarks on Twitter, saying that "coronavirus does not discriminate." "Bigotry against people of Asian descent is unacceptable, un-American, & harmful to our COVID-19 response efforts," the Massachusetts lawmaker wrote. Screenshots of the tweets mentioned in the article. U.S. Representative Lois Frankel said on Twitter Wednesday that she was "disappointed, but unsurprised" at the White House's decision to use xenophobic language during this global pandemic. She urged the government to promote international cooperation instead of racism to combat the disease. Public Policy Committee Chairman of the Committee of 100 Charlie Woo said in a statement that any attempt to ascribe the virus to one culture, ethnicity or country can only hinder the global effort to combat the epidemic. "This crisis requires science, facts and clear language, not fear-mongering, finger-pointing and xenophobia by our public servants," the statement said, quoted by the New York Times. John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a non-profit legal aid organization, told NBC Asian America that the U.S. administration's words could have negative repercussions. The usage of such racist terms has "led to a noticeable incline in hate incidents that we are seeing," Yang was quoted by the NBC report. "I do think that there is a correlation," he added. The monitor shows the scene of the video conference attended by Chinese and Italian experts in Shanghai, east China, on March 16, 2020. Shanghai medical experts on Monday held a video conference with their Italian peers, sharing their experience on prevention and control measures, medical treatment and scientific research related to the coronavirus epidemic. (Photo by Wang Xiang/Xinhua) "Rather than making mockery of the Chinese nation or calling the virus 'made in China', the world must learn from the miraculous measures China has adopted to defeat this invisible enemy," said Yasir Masood, former director of media and publications at the Center of Excellence of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Pakistani political and international relations analyst believed that such smearing tactics against China or any other country in these depressing times are not conducive to global harmony. Epidemics have taken millions of lives throughout history and can wreak havoc at a moment's notice, Masoon said, adding "epidemics and natural disasters have no boundaries and they do not announce their arrival." China has achieved great success in its fight against COVID-19, and now it is extending help to other countries to defeat this pandemic, he said. Experts adjust the lab equipment for the COVID-19 nucleic acid test in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 15, 2020. A Chinese team of seven health experts is providing guidance and medical assistance to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in Iraq. (Xinhua) "In this difficult time of confusion and dismay, the world must work collaboratively to end this pandemic rather than tossing political rhetoric," he added. Regarding the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan, the analyst said the country has a lot to learn from the exemplary steps taken by China to defeat the virus. Masood, who was in China when the disease broke out in Wuhan, said the government's efforts to raise awareness by calling on the public to be socially responsible to stem the virus' spread is commendable. "The sterilization of public places and collective quarantine were strictly adopted in the country and the suspected cases were taken care of," he said. Praising the Chinese government and its people for their resilience, discipline, and unity during the outbreak, he said China's measures could be followed. Photo credit: The Nation According to The Nation, more than twenty government officials of Yobe State Government last week travelled to United Arab Emirate, UAE amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Their journey abroad has sparked apprehension in the state as residents of Damaturu has called for their quarantine in Lagos or Abuja before they arrive Damaturu and other parts of the state. Some of the people who spoke to our correspondent in Damaturu worried why the officials decided to embark on a foreign trip at this time that everyone is trying to minimize the importation and spread of the COVID-19 in the country. Most of the people who spoke on condition of anonymity called on the isolation and quarantine of the officials on their return before they get back to Damaturu for fear of contracting the virus. But the Commissioner for Health in Yobe State, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana said his State Emergency Operation team of COVID-19 is in constant contact with all the officials telling them what to do and what not to do so as to take precautionary measures against contracting the virus. The Nation reports that over twenty officials of Yobe State Government including a selected number Commissioners, Special Advisers, members of the State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, directors in the state civil service among others travel to the United Arab Emirate(DUBAI) to attend an international workshop. According to the Commissioner, all the officials will be treated like any other traveler coming into the country based on the Federal Government travel advisory. The National Travel Advisory is applicable to any person coming into the country and all the measures that will be taken at the airport is applicable to them (the Yobe officials). The advisory has clearly stated what needs to be done. If you are coming from certain countries you need to be quarantined and so on and so forth. Once they are coming back into the country, right from entry, everything will be sorted out from there, Dr. Gana explained. He also added that; Dubai is not one of the countries of concern as at now. But as they come in, they will be given a form to fill and do other necessary things before they leave the airport. On whether he has advised the state government concerning the return of the officials back to the state, Dr. Gana said; Since we are operating within the guidelines of the Federal Government, I cannot offer a different advise from the measures that the Federal Government is taking on the COVID 19 issue. Dont forget, Yobe cannot be treated in isolation. But what I want the people to know is that we are in contact with them. We told them what they need to do and what they ought not do while they are staying in Dubai, and when they are coming back all the needful will be done at the point of entry, he said. As at Tuesday, the UAE announced 15 new cases of the virus which brought the number of cases to 113. The Yobe officials are expected to be back to Nigeria today. The latest advisory by the health ministry says that all children under 10 years of age should remain at home. The latest advisory by the health ministry says that all children under 10 years of age should remain at home. Similarly, anyone over 65 (excluding government employees, medical professionals and public representatives) is advised to stay home unless they need to step out for medical assistance. States have been requested to enforce work from home for private-sector employees - where possible - except those working in emergency/essential services. Additionally, starting March 22, no scheduled international commercial flights will be permitted to land in India for a week. Railways will be suspending all concessional travel, except for students, patients and divyang category passengers. Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Delhi Arwind Kejriwal announced in a separate press briefing that gathering of over 20 will be banned in the Capital. Earlier, the restriction was on gatherings of over 50. All schools, colleges and universities will remain shut for students as well as teachers until March 31. All board exams are postponed and will be scheduled for after March 31. Read on for more takeaways from the press briefing by the Union health ministry on the evening of 19 March: 1. ICMR has tested 826 samples to check for community transmission of the COVID-19 virus in India. Is this enough? In answer to this question, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Luv Aggarwal said that the 826 samples for testing community transmission had been randomly selected in a statistically sound process. Further, he added, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will continue the testing and screening process to "understand how the virus is behaving within the community in the country". 2. Is India going into lockdown? Luv Aggarwal said: Lockdown would be the wrong word for the situation at the moment. He explained that the key is to maintain social distance right now and work together as a community to ensure the safety of everyone. The Central and state governments are advising on best practices to control the spread of the infections. That said, international flights will not be allowed to land in India from 22-28 March midnight. In addition to this, hospitals have been asked to minimize non-urgent hospitalisation and elective surgeries. And though modes of mass transportation like Metros and rails will continue to ply, there is a directive to decrease the frequency and manage crowds effectively to ensure a safe distance between commuters. 3. Will private labs be allowed to test for COVID-19 infection? The process of adding private labs to the list of testing centres is ongoing. Identification of labs that have the capabilities required for COVID-19 testing has been done and ICMR will provide all support for them to be able to function optimally, according to Aggarwal. 4. Does India have enough doctors and trained staff to deal with this challenge? Experts from All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are guiding all the patients in the country via a 24/7 call centre. Anyone who has been confirmed of the infection can call and get advice on their current treatment plan. In addition to this, Luv Aggarwal said that India has an adequate number of pulmonologists and further, these respiratory-system experts have adequate technical support to deal with the COVID-19 challenge. 5. Are we able to effectively track patients and monitor their condition? There is a clearly defined protocol for tracing contacts of the confirmed patients and it is being followed. If they have travelled in India, their contacts are being traced in each and every city they visited. 6. What is being done to ensure safe public transport? When it comes to public transport, it was said action is being taken to manage the crowd, disinfect areas and to maintain a proper distance between passengers. On the other hand, the frequency may also be reduced to encourage social distancing. 7. How many Indians have died of COVID-19 infection? The death of an Indian national in Iran has been confirmed. The elderly patient takes the death toll to four Indians - in India and abroad. 8. Do we have enough masks to ride out this challenge? The import of N95 masks was suspended and remains suspended. That said, Luv Aggarwal added, there are sufficient masks available at the moment and an officer has been assigned to each state to coordinate efforts and communicate any requirements. 9. Have the Indians in Iran been evacuated? 201 Indians have been evacuated from Iran and taken to an Army facility in Jaisalmer. They will be under quarantine for 14 days starting from their arrival. On March 21, a Dreamliner will travel to Rome to bring back Indians from Italy. 10. How can we be sure there is no community transmission? Understanding community transmission is important, Luv Aggarwal said. When a new case is confirmed and youre able to track the point of exposure, it is considered local transmission. Once the infection starts spreading so rapidly that youre unable to trace the route of transmission, it turns into community transmission. As of now, there are no signs of community transmission in India. While asking for volunteers to come forward, Luv Aggarwal said community dialogue is essential. Knowledge about symptoms and precautions is power at this time and misinformation should be shut down and not entertained. The situation is evolving daily. New measures may be introduced and we need to be ready for them even if they are on the more cautious side. The country needs to fight this together. For more tips, read our article on Coronavirus Infection: Symptoms, types, diagnosis and treatment. Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health. New Delhi/Tehran, March 19 : One Indian national has died of Covid-19 in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. This is the first confirmed death of an Indian national outside the country due to the coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan city of China. A government official confirmed about the death of the Indian national in Iran. Out of the 276 Indians infected by coronavirus outside the country, 255 are in Iran. So far, the Modi government has brought back 590 Indians from the country. "The Indians infected with coronavirus in Iran have been segregated and are being taken care of by the government's health care teams. We believe they will recover and we will bring them back," a senior MEA official said. Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, said the nationals in Iran include about 1,100 pilgrims mainly from Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra. There are also nearly 300 students primarily from J&K, about 1,000 fishermen from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, and others who are on a long-term stay in Iran for pursuing their livelihood and religious studies. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) WASHINGTON The head of the National Counterterrorism Center and his deputy are abruptly leaving as the Trump administration considers a significant downsizing of an agency created in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Russell Travers, a career intelligence official who helped launch the NCTC after the terrorist attacks by al Qaeda in New York and Washington in 2001, was ousted amid a hiring freeze instituted by the acting director of national intelligence, Richard Grenell, said two former officials who spoke to people involved in the matter. Travers was seen as resisting potential personnel cuts, the former officials said. Peter Hall, the NCTC deputy, was sent back to his home agency, the National Security Agency, the former officials said. Their departures were first reported by The Washington Post. The NCTC, which has around 900 employees, is part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Many of its officers and analysts are detailed from other agencies. The DNI confirmed in a statement that the two men were leaving. Image: Richard Grenell (Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa via AP file) "We are grateful for Acting Director Russ Travers' many years of service to the American people. Russ told Acting Director Grenell he wanted to retire, and that he did not want another assignment," the statement said. The NCTC's role is to synthesize and analyze intelligence about terrorism collected by the CIA, the FBI, the National Security Agency and various other sources. While the CIA can look only at information about foreign terrorists, the NCTC has access to intelligence on both foreigners and Americans, although its treatment of information about U.S. citizens is subject to privacy rules. The CIA and the FBI have their own terrorism analysts. With the threat from al Qaeda and related forces much diminished, some inside the intelligence community believe the time has come to shrink the agency. Others say it could play a leading role in stepping up scrutiny of far-right extremist groups. Story continues On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Christopher Miller, a Pentagon special operations and counterterrorism official, as permanent director of the NCTC. The job was filled by retired Navy Adm. Joseph Maguire until he moved into the role of acting DNI, and Travers then became acting director of the NCTC. Trump fired Maguire as acting DNI after an aide told lawmakers during an election security briefing that Russia was interfering in the 2020 election with a clear preference for Trump. Trump then brought in Grenell, who has no intelligence experience, to be acting DNI. He then nominated Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, whose nomination last year fell apart amid questions over his qualifications. "A/DNI Grenell and ODNI leadership have been discussing the many reform recommendations previously made by former directors. Our hope is that these reforms will posture NCTC to lead the counterterrorism mission into the future," the DNI statement says. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics The debate about whether to shrink the NCTC has been ongoing for years, some former officials said. "The NCTC has long been a looked at as the most viable place to downsize," said Katrina Mulligan, a former DNI official. "That's in part because the strategic landscape has shifted a lot. ... These conversations certainly pre-date this administration." Even so, Mulligan said, "this feels very retaliatory and is likely to have a chilling effect within the embattled intelligence community." TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese automakers on Wednesday said they would temporarily close more vehicle plants in Europe and Asia as the spread of the coronavirus prompts countries to instruct non-essential businesses to suspend operations. A growing number of global automakers have been shuttering plants in Europe and beyond as the COVID-19 outbreak prompts governments to impose commuting restrictions, leaving companies bracing for supply chain disruptions. Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> said it had stopped operations at plants in Britain and Poland from Wednesday, while its Czech site would be halted on Thursday. Operations at its Turkey site would be suspended from Saturday. Nissan Motor Co <7201.T> said it had stopped output at its two plants in Spain and its plant in Britain, while Honda Motor Co <7267.T> said it was temporarily closing all its dealerships in Italy, which is experiencing big daily increases in virus infections. Toyota said its plant in the Philippines has stopped operations through mid-April, while its plant in Malaysia will be closed from next Monday through the end of March. Honda had also suspended production in both countries. Earlier on Wednesday, Volkswagen AG , which said it would suspend production at its European plants for 10 days, warned that the spreading virus would disrupt its supply chain. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all said that operations in North America, one of their biggest production bases, remained in operation at the moment even as governments in the United States and Canada have been implementing more movement restrictions to curb an increase in virus infections. (Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu; Editing by Alex Richardson and David Evans) COLUMBIA, S.C. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard suspended her presidential campaign on Thursday, ending a long-shot effort that saw her feuding with Hillary Clinton and raising fears among Democrats that she would mount a third-party 2020 bid. In an email and a video posted to Twitter, Gabbard offered her full support to former Vice President Joe Biden, saying its clear that Democratic primary voters have chosen him to take on President Trump in November. Noting their political differences, Gabbard said she respected Biden and had confidence in the motivations of his campaign effort. Although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart, and hes motivated by his love for our country and the American people, Gabbard said. Im confident that he will lead our country, guided by the spirit of aloha respect and compassion, and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart. As the coronavirus outbreak continues, Gabbard, a military veteran and a major in the Army National Guard, said she would focus on her continued service, including military experience, should it be needed. I feel that the best way I can be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and well-being of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress, and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated, said Gabbard, who served two tours of duty in the Middle East. During her candidacy, Gabbard appeared often on Fox News Channel and angered fellow Democrats by voting present on the articles of impeachment against Trump. Gabbard attracted a sizable following in New Hampshire, where she frequently campaigned ahead of the states February primary. Some past supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the state warmed to her campaign over time, and she espoused a similar outsider approach to Sanders 2016 run, which she supported. She was also part of what once was a historically diverse Democratic field and the last of a half-dozen female candidates to depart the race. The 38-year-old American Samoans campaign website described her as the first Hindu to run for president and first practicing Hindu in Congress. And as one of the youngest candidates in the field, Gabbard outlasted senators and governors who came into the large Democratic primary race with higher profiles. Although she failed to qualify for any stage past the fifth debate, in November, Gabbard was awarded two delegates once voting began, according to the Associated Press count, both in the March 2 contest in her native American Samoa. Yet Gabbards 2020 campaign was also quick to attract questions from voters. The congresswoman has faced backlash for her 2017 meeting in Syria with Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose government has been accused of chemical weapons attacks against its own citizens. And with a primary challenge looming, she announced in October she would not run for re-election to her Hawaii congressional seat. Gabbards decision became public shortly after a public feud with Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee. In a podcast interview, Clinton appeared to call her the favorite of the Russians and said she believed Republicans have got their eye on somebody whos currently in the Democratic primary and are grooming her to be the third-party candidate. Gabbard responded by calling Clinton the personification of the rot that has sickened the Democratic Party for so long. Meg Kinnard is an Associated Press writer. The new President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde adds her signature to an oversize euro banknote at the ECB in Frankfurt, Germany, on 27 November 2019. (Michael Probst/AP) The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced plans to extend a 750bn (684bn, $835bn) lifeline to Europes businesses and governments to keep them solvent during the coronavirus crisis. The ECB said late on Wednesday it would launch a new programme dubbed the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP). PEPP will allow the central bank to buy up public and private sector securities on flexible terms effectively offering 750bn to governments and businesses across Europe who need support. The Governing Council of the ECB is committed to playing its role in supporting all citizens of the euro area through this extremely challenging time, the central bank said in a statement. To that end, the ECB will ensure that all sectors of the economy can benefit from supportive financing conditions that enable them to absorb this shock. This applies equally to families, firms, banks and governments. PEPP will last until at least the end of the year and could stretch beyond if the coronavirus crisis is not over by then. The total capital available could also be extended, the ECB said. The current 750bn set aside equates to between 6-7% of eurozone GDP, according to Deutsche Bank. The Governing Council will do everything necessary within its mandate, the ECB said. The Governing Council is fully prepared to increase the size of its asset purchase programmes and adjust their composition, by as much as necessary and for as long as needed. It will explore all options and all contingencies to support the economy through this shock. PEPP comes on top of 120bn of additional bond purchases announced by the ECB just last week in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Read more: European stocks gain after ECB announces stimulus package The new programme comes as governments and central banks around the world rush to put in place emergency measures to support the global economy. UBS said on Tuesday stimulus measures totalling around 0.9% of global GDP had been announced by governments. Story continues Deutsche Bank warned on Wednesday that the world is facing a severe recession in 2020, with quarterly falls in GDP on a scale not seen since World War II. Businesses have been forced to shut due to Covid-19 lockdowns, demand is plummeting in industries like travel, and the stock market has been in free fall. The program itself is a gigantic prop for core Europe to help it move through the hole in revenue that has started to gap and likely take down some small companies, said Sebastien Galy, a senior macro strategist at Nordea Bank. PEPP also follows what many saw as a bungling week for the ECB. Comments made by new ECB President Christine Lagarde on the difference between German and Italian bond yields sparked a sell-off in European government bonds, as investors fretted over a potential repeat of the 2012 eurozone debt crisis. The ECB subsequently tried to walk back the comments and signify that the ECB would stand behind all eurozone nations at their time of need, but the damage had been done. Carsten Brzeski, chief eurozone economist and global head of macro at Dutch bank ING, said the last seven days had been a disaster for the ECB. The fact that the Eurozone has finally come to terms with the magnitude of the crisis should cushion the downswing and is an important prerequisite for a swift rebound, Brzeski said. But he added: In the short run, financial markets and the economy will still depend on how the pandemic and with it the preventive government measures to tackle it evolve. This will be the main determinant for the depth of the recession. MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday expressed serious concern over non-payment of nearly Rs six lakh crore dues to micro and small industries by government and private undertakings, and said the Centre is working on an action plan to ensure the payments within three months. Responding to a discussion on the working of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Rajya Sabha, Gadkari also announced that the government will revamp khadi and village industries within three months and make it more export oriented. The minister said all banks -- scheduled, private, cooperative and NBFC -- are now allowed to lend money to the MSME sector and all loans sanctioned and disbursed under various schemes will be monitored through a central portal in his ministry. "Government undertakings procure products but do not pay for three-four months. MSMEs are on the verge of collapse. Passing a legislation is easy.... There are 20,000-22,000 cases. As per my estimates, big industrialists, state government, central government undertakings owe Rs 5.5 lakh crore to Rs 6 lakh crore to small industries," Gadkari said. "This is a serious situation. We are in discussion with the Finance Ministry and we will find out some solution to it.... We have to give their payments within three months," he added. While six lakh industries have been restructured under the RBI-appointed UK Sinha committee on MSMEs, the minister said, a proposal to create a "Fund of Funds" of Rs 10,000 crore has been approved by the Finance Ministry and the Cabinet nod will be sought on it. In addition, the Finance Ministry has approved a proposal for a "Distressed Asset Fund" of Rs 10,000 crore and the Ministry will send it for the Cabinet nod, he added. On the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the minister said he will revamp it in three months and the commission will be strengthened professionally. The ministry will appoint a financial consultant to study and suggest methods to strengthen KVIC. "A three-member committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary will be set up and we will revamp KVIC in three months and make it export oriented," the minister said. Acknowledging challenges faced by the sector, Gadkari said the government believed in turning "challenges into opportunities." Earlier funding under MSME was limited to only scheduled banks but now all banks, NBFCs and cooperative banks can lend to them. About credit flow in MSME, he said by February 2020, Rs 50,532 crore has been disbursed in 50,532 loans sanctioned. Due to a number of steps to promote khadi, sale of its products has increased to about Rs 4,500 crore this fiscal as against Rs 3,215 crore in the previous fiscal, he said. To promote MSMEs, the ministry has created a "Bank of Ideas" and a ranking system for states will be approved. Highlighting the sector's achievement, the minister said there are 6.3 crore units which produce about 8,000 products and employ over 12 crore people. The MSME sector accounts for 33 per cent of the manufacturing output and 45 per cent of the total exports of the country, he said. On some members' concern over decline in budget for the sector, he said the Ministry's budget allocation has grown to Rs 7,572.20 crore in 2020-21 from Rs 3,007.42 crore in 2015- 16. Under Prime Minister Employment Generation programme, in the current year, 58,000 units have been approved so far with subsidy of Rs 1,712 crore. The minister added that after review of non-sanction of loans with bank officials, "almost 22,000 proposals are to be disbursed in March 2020." He added that banks had rejected 11 per cent proposals, saying it fell out of service area and another 11 per cent as targets were reached. Emphasizing the need for setting up clusters, the minister said that the government is providing Rs 5 crore grant for setting up such clusters involving 500 persons which can boost local economy. Earlier, Congress member Jairam Ramesh suggested that those not making payments above Rs 1 crore to MSMEs should be "named and shamed" by putting a defaulters list on the website. Lauding Gadkari for "non-toxic brand of politics" and "dynamism", the senior Congress leader praised the minister and expressed faith in his ability to revamp the sector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aussie producer FISHER has today dropped the first of two upcoming tracks from EP 'Freaks'. The title track of the EP, which is out now, has been in Fisher's sets for a while, with clips shared on social media dating back to 2018. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) State museums and schools are temporarily closed; restaurants, bars and gyms in Anchorage are shuttered for the rest of March and fans are urged not to fly to Nome for the end of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. These are among the responses to concerns with the new coronavirus in Alaska. 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. Three people have tested positive in Alaska. Here is a round up of other virus related changes. CRUISE SHIP Holland Ameri... Georgia Fowler and her new boyfriend Nathan Dalah were spotted heading home from a swim at Bondi Beach on Wednesday, the same day the Victoria's Secret model urged her followers to self-isolate amid the coronavirus crisis. The 27-year-old beauty shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, suggesting that followers 'stay in' and 'appreciate just being home with our families'. 'I'm so grateful to be here self-distancing with my loved ones,' she wrote. 'I hope we can use this time to reset and appreciate just being home with our families': Georgia Fowler and her new beau Nathan Dalah took a break from self-isolation on Wednesday by enjoying a dip at Bondi Beach... the same day the model urged fans to 'stay in' amid coronavirus crisis 'I hope we can use this time to reset, grow ourselves, get creative and appreciate just being home with our families,' she added. 'Let's call our grandparents, stay in and be kind and considerate to the world and its people.' Georgia said she would be taking an 'enforced' holiday despite struggling to 'stay still' because of her jet-setting career. 'I'm so grateful to be here self-distancing with my loved ones': The 27-year-old beauty shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, suggesting that followers 'stay in' and 'appreciate just being home with our families' 'My job requires constant travel and I'm definitely not great at staying still, but I'm trying to look at it positively and enjoy an enforced holiday with my loved ones in one of my favourite places,' the New Zealand-born star explained. She added: 'As this all passes and we bring our local communities together, I hope we will really appreciate the simplicities we take for granted, like each other, our freedom and most importantly our health.' Just hours after the post, Georgia smiled as she strolled home following a dip at the popular beach. She wore a black bikini and tracksuit pants. 'Let's stay in and be kind and considerate to the world and its people': Just hours after the post, Georgia smiled as she strolled home following a dip at the popular beach. She wore a black bikini and tracksuit pants Meanwhile, her shirtless boyfriend - Australian restaurateur Nathan Dalah - flaunted his rippling six-pack as he scurried to keep up with his partner. Nathan, 27, is one of the co-founders of popular Australian poke chain Fish Bowl, which recently announced it would remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, but only for takeaway and delivery. BAFTA-winning actor Imelda Staunton has claimed that she would never get plastic surgery because she doesn't want to 'inject herself with poison.' The 64-year-old British actress, who has starred in a series of films - including evil Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter, explained that she wouldn't consider getting botox in 'a million years'- adding people spend too much time looking at themselves. 'I wouldn't consider it for myself, not in a million years,' she said to Woman's Weekly, speaking of cosmetic surgery. 'You read about poor people having Botox go wrong and think, "well what the bloody hell were you doing" Why would you inject yourself with poison?' Imelda said as an actor, she has never had to rely on her looks - and added it has paid off the older she gets. Pictured: Imelda in the film, Vera Drake She continued: 'And why are we spending so much time looking at ourselves?' The London-born actor is perhaps best known for Vera Drake, which saw her scoop several awards including a BAFTA. She went on to say she feels lucky because she has never had to 'rely on her looks.' 'I'm a character actor and have never had to rely on my looks,' she explained. 'That has paid off the older I get.' Imelda explained that she relies on beauty sleep to maintain her appearance and would have 72 hours a night if she could. Pictured: Imelda with her husband Jim Carter and daughter, Bessie Carter The mother-of-one revealed that she relies on beauty sleep to maintain her appearance. She commented: 'I b*****y love sleep. If I could have 72 hours a night I would.' Imelda, who is married to Jim Carter, 71, one of the stars of Downton Abbey, caused controversy last month by complaining about noisy, food eating theatregoers. She argued that crisps and drinks were unnecessary in theatres and complained that people seemed unable to stay away from food for a small period of time. [March 19, 2020] LGBTQ Advocacy Groups Sue Trump's HHS for Refusing to Enforce Anti-Discrimination Rules, Leaving Community Especially Vulnerable Amid COVID-19 Pandemic New York, NY, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, three organizations serving vulnerable populations Family Equality, True Colors United, and SAGE sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its unlawful November 2019 announcement that it would stop enforcing anti-discrimination protections against federal grantees that deny services to, or otherwise discriminate against, individuals. The administration's unlawful action endangers already vulnerable populations, especially as the country confronts the coronavirus pandemic. Todays lawsuit was filed by Democracy Forward and Lambda Legal. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread rapidly throughout the U.S., LGBTQ individuals of all ages are left vulnerable by the Trump administrations illegal action, which implicitly permits discrimination when providing critical services. This unlawful federal abandonment of the LGBTQ community is particularly dangerous now, and could have catastrophic, even deadly consequences. This license to discriminate could facilitate denial of services, such as home-delivered meals, access to shelters, and fostering a homeless child. Now, because of the Trump administration's decision to no longer enforce these non-discrimination protections: Students experiencing homelessness are susceptible to discrimination as they seek shelter through HHS Runaway and Homeless Program, at a time when colleges and universities have shut down housingto help halt the spread of COVID-19. Federally funded foster care agencies can refuse to place children with families because of a prospective host family's sexual orientation or gender identity, limiting the pool of potential homes for kids who need them. Child welfare agencies and homelessness service providers can engage in abusive and discriminatory practices, including verbal and physical abuse, conversion therapy, and forcing LGBTQ youth to accept services that deny their sexual orientation or gender identity. A federally funded adult daycare provider could put a sign on the door saying, No Trans People May Enter. Entities administering falls prevention grants could choose to serve only straight people at risk of falling. LGBTQ older adults are now vulnerable to providers that subject them to harassment or refuse to offer services, such as home delivered meals, on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, at a time wen senior centers are shutting down in major metropolitan centers to help combat the spread of COVID-19. The Rev. Stan J. Sloan, CEO of Family Equality. This action runs counter to HHS mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans and instead places the well-being of millions of vulnerable LGBTQ Americans at risk. As a result, Family Equality joins with our friends at True Colors United and SAGE to ask that the court overturn this illegal and discriminatory HHS action. Family Equality takes no pleasure in suing HHS rather, we wish the federal government were responsive to the needs of vulnerable LGBTQ Americans but under the circumstances we have no choice but to ask the courts to intervene to ensure LGBTQ people are afforded the protections we deserve. The Federal Government has a duty to protect the most vulnerable among us especially with regard to our youth. By abdicating its responsibility to protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination in accessing critical programs, HHS commits a grave violation against the people it exists to serve, says Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO of True Colors United. LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their straight and cisgender peers. Transgender youth are at especially high risk and face unique types of discrimination and trauma while experiencing homelessness. Young people should never have to fear discrimination or violence in seeking services, and we must not fail them by rolling back the very policies meant to protect them. Now more than ever, we see the critical role that the federal government must play to protect the most vulnerable and at-risk members of society, said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. Ensuring that all older people have access to critical aging services and supports free from discrimination is vital for the health and well-being of LGBT elders. This is not the time for the Trump administration to eviscerate the rights of LGBT older people. In suing the Trump administration, SAGE and LGBT elders are stating that we refuse to be invisible and we will have our day in court. The Trump administration's unlawful abandonment of anti-discrimination protections signals to federal grantees that they can freely discriminate without repercussion, said Democracy Forward Executive Director Anne Harkavy. Especially now, we are proud to stand alongside our partners to protect vulnerable people from the Trump administrations decision to subsidize discrimination with taxpayer dollars. We are suing the Trump Administration because of its cruel effort to make it easier for HHS grant recipients to discriminate against LGBTQ youth, families, and older people, in ways that put their lives at risk, said Puneet Cheema, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal. At any moment, but especially at a time of a global pandemic, it is callous to expose already vulnerable populations to discrimination, and allow them to be denied basic, critical services. The federal government should be making sure everyone who receives HHS grant funding does not deny LGBTQ people access to critical, life-saving services like health care, housing and child welfare services, instead of inviting discrimination, as they do here. Access to HHS-funded, grantee-provided services, such as home delivered meals and emergency shelters, are a high priority for LGBTQ people, many of whom may be at heightened risk for COVID-19. The Trump administrations unlawful refusal to uphold nondiscrimination rules, and its systemic abandonment of civil rights protections, puts these at-risk communities in greater danger. HHS administers approximately $500 billion in federal grants. Following the landmark Supreme Court rulings in U.S. v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges, HHS aligned its regulations to explicitly protect the constitutional rights of LGBTQ people and to prohibit discrimination in HHS grant-funded programs. In November 2019, HHS proposed new rules to weaken the non-discrimination protections in a broad range of HHS-funded programs. Simultaneously, HHS announced that it would no longer enforce its current anti-discrimination protections that govern HHS grants. Todays complaint charges that HHS violated the law by not providing the public any notice or an opportunity to comment on its refusal to uphold nondiscrimination rules. The case was filed on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Christina DaCosta SAGE 917-553-3328 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON Free coronavirus testing is coming to Texas, along with a big boost in Medicaid funding, unemployment insurance for those without work during the pandemic and paid sick leave for up to 3 million Texans. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a $104 billion relief package aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and slowing its havoc on the economy after it easily cleared the Senate on a 90-8 vote. The House of Representatives passed the measure over the weekend. Both Texas senators and all but six members of Congress from Texas all Republicans voted for the legislation, which was the result of lengthy negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox While lawmakers say the aid is urgently needed and has been for days as it lingered in Congress they also agree it doesn't go nearly far enough, with many pointing to the paid sick leave provision that omits much of the workforce, among other things. Lawmakers are now crafting an economic stimulus package that could cost up to $1 trillion. The Trump administration and many in Congress are calling for it to include a stipend from the federal government paid directly to some Americans. I think we already are on a war footing, and weve got to beat this virus, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said. I just think this is an extraordinary emergency, and we ought to consider everything that would solve the problem, including things I wouldn't ordinarily agree to doing. For subscribers: Economists see frightening days, even years, ahead from coronavirus crisis The bill that passed Congress on Wednesday expands family leave, provides meals for the elderly and children, waives work-search requirements for unemployment benefits and more. It also increases the federal matching rate for Medicaid, which could send an extra $2.5 billion to Texas alone, if left in place through the end of the year, according to estimates by the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. It offers free COVID-19 testing for all Americans, though testing still remains unavailable to many. Cornyn said he expects that to change soon. The number of testing kits available is going to dramatically increase very quickly like by the end of this week, because theres an all hands on deck moment here in terms of producing testing, he said. Lawmakers are describing it as the second of three steps Congress is taking in combating the virus, though more action could follow. The first was an $8.3 billion bill that Trump signed earlier this month to reimburse states for costs such as caring for and quarantining patients from cruise ships at military facilities in San Antonio and jumpstart work on vaccines. Next up is the stimulus package, which could include bailouts for industries, including airlines and oil and gas. For subscribers: Texas coronavirus testing capacity to rise to 20K kits per week, Abbott says But the latest bill to make it through Congress has some big gaps. As much as 40 percent of the Texas workforce 4.3 million workers lacks paid sick leave, according to at least one study, done in March 2017 by the Institute for Womens Policy Research. Some of the nations biggest employers and those employing low-income and hourly workers seen most at risk, such as fast food chains, grocery stores and other big retailers dont offer paid leave now. The legislation only requires companies with fewer than 500 employees to offer two weeks of paid sick leave. It allows the U.S. Department of Labor to exempt some companies with fewer than 50 employees, as well. That leaves out many Texas employees. Just over 3 million work for the companies that would be required to offer leave, though many of them likely already provide that benefit. For subscribers: Plastic surgery and private jets: How some of Houstons rich are weathering coronavirus Republicans pushed back on the paid sick leave provision with some, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of San Antonio, saying their offices had been flooded by calls and letters from businesses and industry groups warning it could wreak havoc on them. Businesses have to front the cost and would be reimbursed by the government under the new requirements, which are temporary. This is literally the worst time in memory to pile more costs on small businesses, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, unless we back it up with major assistance. McConnell said the Senate is working on a far bolder package that would include an historic injection of liquidity and access to credit for businesses. And while some Democrats had hoped the next package would expand sick leave to all workers, lawmakers appear to be quickly moving on to other matters and are instead looking at sending checks directly to many Americans. The most expensive and maybe in the end the most significant help we could do is provide in this third bill those expedited payments to folks who are out of work, Cornyn said. For subscribers: Even Texas Republicans are on board with government checks for coronavirus Nearly all agree stipends are the next step. This is about promoting the general welfare, and it is something thats constitutional and its expected in a time of crisis like this, U.S. Rep. Al Green, a Houston Democrat, said. This is what the government is for. The stipend idea has received a warm reception even from conservative Texas Republicans, including U.S. Reps. Roy of San Antonio and Dan Crenshaw of Houston. Who gets those checks and how much they might be is another matter. I will be pushing for cash payments to every American adult in the amount of $3,000 and $1,500 per child, which will total approximately $800 billion, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee tweeted. The White House has floated sending as much as $2,000 to many Americans, depending on their income. Republicans have stressed the payments need to be targeted. This is not a blank check, Cornyn said. I think it should have conditions, and it should get the money to people who are not receiving income now. ben.wermund@chron.com UAB Ignitis Grupe, (hereinafter the Company) identification code 301844044, registered office placed at Zveju str. 14, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. The total nominal value of issued bonds 600 000 000 EUR; ISIN codes XS1646530565; XS1853999313. The Company informs that on 18th March 2020 the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter - the Government) adopted the resolution (hereinafter the Resolution) approving the conversion of UAB Ignitis Grupe from a private limited liability company (UAB) into a public limited liability company (AB). Also the Government in the Resolution agreed that, after the conversion of UAB Ignitis Grupe, the share capital of the public limited liability company shall be increased by additional contributions by issuing new ordinary registered uncertificated shares. This would be done for the purpose of implementing the initial public offering of the public limited liability company. During this procedure, publicly distributed shares of the public limited liability company shall be in the amount that after the increase of the share capital of the public limited liability company and the public distribution of shares the State shall own not less than 2/3 of the shares and votes at the General Meeting of Shareholders of the public limited liability company. The Resolution of the Government provides that the decision regarding the increase of the share capital should be taken by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter - the Ministry of Finance), which administrates shares owned by the State in the Company. In addition, we inform that the Security Commission for the Coordination of Protection of Objects of National Security (hereinafter Commission) on 16th March 2020 also approved the conversion of UAB Ignitis Grupe. The draft of the Resolution to the Government and the request for the Commission was submitted by the Ministry of Finance, that initiated the adoption of decisions in accordance with the procedure established by the legal acts in respect of which the Company would be ordered to implement the initial public offering of the Companys shares by issuing a new share issue. The recommendations to initiate such decisions for the Ministry of Finance were concluded by the working group, which assessed the alternatives of long-term financing of the Company and the Company informed about these recommendations in the notification of material event on 28th February 2020 ( link ). It was another beautiful day in Orange Beach Wednesday as hundreds of tanned and toned spring breakers congregated under the shadow of the Perdido Pass Bridge, as they had done over the previous couple of weeks. Thousands more lounged along Alabamas private and public access beaches, while the rest of us desperately scoured grocery stores for toilet paper and questioned if six feet really is enough social distance. But this beach, as every decal in the parking lot said, is the Salt Life. Things are different here. Music blared from huge speakers while the future humans of this country, danced, hugged, wrestled, and flipped into the sea from the base of the 30-year old bridge - a senior among this crowd. Some of the excitable youths even laid down and appeared still for a few brief moments. Coronavirus in NY: Whats open, whats closed? Restaurants, stores, banks, malls, mail delivery, DMV, gyms, schools And while it was mostly a wholesome scene of bright bikinis and young men who definitely skipped leg day, the annual gathering comes during what is being widely described as one of the gravest health crises facing not just this country but the entire world. But not at this beach. The only corona here is the one Im drinking, said Scotty Grier, who was enjoying the day with his girlfriend and friends. Its no worse than other flu viruses. Bird flu and swine flu killed more. Its a way for the government to trick people. Young people today have the immune system of an Ox, he helpfully added. Beam me up Scotty. Despite growing fears over coronavirus, spring break kids in Orange Beach, Alabama, are carrying on life as normal. Posted by al.com on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon told AL.com Tuesday he would like to close the public access beaches to ensure his community remains unaffected. However, Governor Kay Ivey has so far resisted those calls. She said during a press conference that closing the beaches was being considered. Nearby, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft is ordering the citys public beaches be closed effective 7 a.m. on Friday. President Donald Trump recently suggested limiting gatherings to 10 people or less, in the hope of stopping the rapid spread of the virus, also known as Covid-19. Not here. Until the beaches are closed, the Chaco-wearing younguns will continue to mingle and high-five unabated. One clearly intoxicated person, who looked like a young and less successful Eminem, shouted f**k the police as law enforcement went by in their vehicles. And then one young African American kid laughed as he said black men cant get no virus. Idris Elba might say otherwise. For most, it was just another glorious spring break day. Some hid booze in flasks and passed around other nefarious items between little grasping hands. You know, young people stuff. 9 Alabama Spring Break But it wasnt as if the crisis had passed them by completely. Snapchat and Instagram have been showing news clips and offering handy links to the Center for Disease Control website. They knew that hundreds of thousands had been infected and thousands had died. Many were talking about it openly. It was on their minds. So why arent these kids overly concerned? Im kinda concerned but I guess we dont really understand the repercussions of what were doing, said Samuel Melton, who when confronted with his own self-awareness of the issue said Im selfish, I know. He also promised he wasnt going to visit his grandparents until this pesky virus was gone. The hot gossip on the beach was that a woman who was visiting Orange Beach from Texas had tested positive, which had unfortunately created mild xenophobia among the crowd. I think the best way to deal with it is people who arent from here shouldnt come, said Riley Meyer, whose friends nodded emphatically in agreement. We dont have it so dont bring it here. Plus, its dormant in teens so well all be fine. AL.com was unable to verify if the woman mentioned existed or had coronavirus. Marley Burgess said if the authorities wanted to contain it they should have kept them in school. That would have contained it better than allowing us to come to the beach, she said. Im not really worried about it, but my parents are. When AL.com went live on Facebook earlier in the day other spring breakers spoke candidly about what they thought of the current crisis. I think Ive got a good immune system, said one 18-year-old kid, while his friend said that he was not concerned about getting sick but was more concerned about getting old people sick. Another person said he would only be concerned if someone started coughing. A hospital worker said that he had spoken to his colleagues and doctors who said that if he does get sick it will only last three days. Youre gonna be less sick if you got the flu at my age, 20. If young people really are the future, as wise people keep telling the world, then we may as well all head to the beach and walk directly into the sea to never return. But actually dont do that. Heres a helpful guide of how to keep yourself safe. Lets call it the soap life. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Freebie: National Aquarium will livestream exhibits during shutdown No gigs. No money. CNY musician deals with suddenly open calendar uomo signs bill to guarantee paid leave for New Yorkers in quarantine Syracuse Law prof: Move class online ... but do it right 2 pro baseball players from CNY make different plans as coronavirus puts careers on hold A former GAA star who was investigated by the PSNI for a possible hate crime after shouting abuse at a loyalist band has been given a police caution, it has emerged. Greg McCartan, who was an All-Star for Down, was captured on a video, later posted on social media, appearing to shout "up the Ra" and "black b******s" at Pride of the Hill flute band during a parade in Newcastle last September. In a tweet posted at the time which referenced the video, Mr McCartan said: "So much culture on show tonight throughout Ireland. Glad I played my part." In a subsequent tweet in response to a fellow Twitter user, asking if he was the person heard chanting, he posted: "Lolz yup." The original video was then deleted and before deactivating his Twitter account, Mr McCartan posted an apology to those who took offence at his tweet. He wrote: "Lesson learned should never have happened. Alcohol no excuse." Police yesterday issued a statement confirming that a 49-old-man interviewed as part of its investigation had received a police caution for "doing a provocative act". A PSNI spokesperson explained the move had been made on recommendation of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). However, DUP MLA Jim Wells has described the decision as "appalling", and one which will "cause anger throughout the unionist community in south Down". "It was only the discipline and restraint shown by the band and the parade marshals that prevented his behaviour leading to a major incident," he said. Mr Wells said he is seeking a meeting with the PSNI and PPS to discuss the matter further. In a statement the PPS said that in this case a police caution was considered the "most appropriate" decision, adding it will remain on an individual's criminal record for five years. "We are happy to engage with Mr Wells to explain our decision in more detail," the statement added. Pharmacies around France saw an initial rush of panic-buying begin to subside on Wednesday, the first full day of nationwide confinement to slow the spread of Covid-19. Now pharmacists are digging in for the next phase of the pandemic. No hand sanitiser. No masks. Please maintain a distance of one metre between people. Some of the messages printed or handwritten on plain white paper taped to windows of pharmacies in eastern Paris. Staff in these locations saw an spike in the number of shoppers that began with President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of school closures last Thursday and peaked with Monday's announcement of full confinement. People were really scared. It was like they were preparing for war, says pharmacist Sylvain Pernet. They seemed to me to become a little selfish, like they wanted to take all the medicine home. Pernet says he had 3,000 customers between Friday and Monday, a period that usually draws 1,200 people. Two thirds of them were asking about hand sanitiser and masks, neither of which medical professionals say are essential to protect from the new coronavirus. But since the confinement measures came into affect on Tuesday, customer behaviour has calmed. It seems to be normal. We don't have people coming for hand cream or cosmetics, he says. In the line, they are respecting the one metre between each other. I think it's because they are scared. Pharmacies affected across France Pharmacies in the capital were not alone industry officials reported similar rushes in many of the 22,000 chemists across the country. It was worst in the areas most affected by Covid-19, namely in eastern France, the Paris region and Brittany, says Pierre Beguerie, president of the dispensaries section of France's Order of Pharmacists. Monday and the morning on Tuesday were very difficult, but the situation has returned to normal since the confinement came into effect. Everywhere the demand soared for hand sanitiser and face masks, and pharmacists reported they will be unable to meet demands for some time. Deliveries are either delayed or reduced, because the laboratories cannot keep up, says Andre Habib, manager of another eastern Paris pharmacy, whose most recent stocks vanished in a matter of hours. France's government has requisitioned face masks for medical staff and fixed prices on hand sanitiser, and pharmacists have sought to reassure customers neither product is indispensable for prevention. At home, a mask is useless, Habib says. When people go shopping, if they stay at the right distance from others, they risk nothing. But people are hysterical. Everyone wants a mask. Pharmacists unworried about shortages France's government has authorised pharmacies to make their own hand sanitiser, but there are shortages of alcoholic solution and plastic flasks, many of which are made in China. But pharmacists say the shortages do not carry any serious implications for public health. The worrying thing would be a shortage of medicine, but there is no such shortage, Begurie says. Hand gels are not indispensable. People can take the same precautions with regular hand-washing. And now that people are outside less, there is less need. Slightly more disconcerting in the recent rush was a demand for paracetemol, a common painkiller, prompting the government to authorise sales of one box per customer, two if they showed symptoms. We've seen irrational and impulsive behaviour, with people asking for three, four, five boxes, says Begurie. Pharmacies on the frontline As the Covid-19 epidemic continues, pharmacies will remain open as one of the locations that residents are allowed to visit for essential needs, a fact underlying the importance and sensitivity of their role. Many pharmacists felt forgotten during the panic, Begurie says. They are health professionals on the frontline, they must be considered as such. We need to put into place lasting measures of protection. Pernet has set a limit of five customers in his pharmacy at any one time and is considering measures to keep customers at least a metre from staff. I think we will have less people now, but maybe more and more contaminated people, he says, adding the number one advice to customers remains the same. We try to explain to everybody that they have to stay home, he says. We repeat that a thousand times a day. [March 19, 2020] The Business Architecture Guild Announces Guild Academic Program SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business Architecture Guild, a global not-for-profit industry association for business architecture, today announced the Guild Academic Program, a new offering designed for universities seeking to embed business architecture into their curriculum, student mindset and professional career path. It also represents a significant step forward towards building understanding and advocacy for the business architecture discipline worldwide from an academic perspective. A proven discipline, the foundation for business transformation and critical link between strategy and execution, business architecture is fast becoing a requirement for executive teams. The Guild Academic Program was created to help universities prepare next-gen leaders with the skills, business architecture knowledge and credentials needed to stay ahead of disruption, navigate change and drive strategy execution. Now open for expansion, the Guild Academic Program currently includes the Pennsylvania State University, an early beta tester of the program. As stated by Dr. Brian Cameron, Associate Dean for Professional Graduate Programs in the Smeal School of Business at Pennsylvania State University, "We're seeing great interest in our graduate certificate in business architecture at Penn State and are encouraged by the diversity of types and sizes of organizations that are starting or expanding business architecture practices today." The Guild Academic Program provides an opportunity for mutual benefits and collaboration between universities worldwide and the Business Architecture Guild. As part of the program, the Business Architecture Guild provides its body of knowledge, reference models and related resources to participating universities to further the discipline, pursue joint research efforts and enable future business leaders to harness the power of business architecture across a variety of industries. To learn more or if you represent a university and would like to join the program, visit https://www.businessarchitectureguild.org/general/custom.asp?page=academic. About the Business Architecture Guild The Business Architecture Guild is an international, not-for-profit, member-based association that provides valuable resources to business architecture practitioners and others interested in the field. The Business Architecture Guild is the source of A Guide to the Business Architecture Body of Knowledge (BIZBOK Guide) and exclusive provider of the Certified Business Architect certification program. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-business-architecture-guild-announces-guild-academic-program-301026688.html SOURCE The Business Architecture Guild [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] An unfamiliar side of the work of the great American modernist Romare Bearden is the subject of an exceptional exhibition on view (by appointment) and online at DC Moore Gallery: the improvisational abstract paintings he made from 1958 to around 1962. Bearden (1911-88) is best known for his indelible figurative collage depictions of African-American life in all its quotidian richness, strength and struggle. These efforts, arguably his greatest, even took some artistic revenge. Made of fragments of cutup magazine images, their angular figures and faces in particular pushed Cubism back toward its primary source, African sculpture. Bearden developed his new collages in the early 1960s and unveiled them at the New York gallery Cordier & Ekstrom in solo shows in 1964 and 1967. They were almost instantly acclaimed. They were both formally innovative and fraught with the signal event of their era: the civil rights movement. These magnificent collages preoccupied Bearden for the rest of his life and have tended to overshadow the rest of his multifaceted career. This point is made by a single Bearden work: the powerful but little-known The Visitation (1941), acquired in 2014 by the Museum of Modern Art, and currently on view. (MoMA also has a gorgeous abstract Bearden, The Silent Valley of the Sunrise, from 1959, acquired in 1960 but not on view.) In the wake of the break-up of two Orthodox weddings in Lakewood by police earlier this week, Gov. Phil Murphy said the state intends to aggressively enforce restrictions on large gatherings a ban sparked by the spreading coronavirus outbreak. It is time to cut the crap, Murphy said, echoing the language of a reporters question at Thursdays daily briefing on current coronavirus situation in New Jersey. Referring to the widely reported incident involving the nuptials in Lakewood on Tuesday, the governor said we simply cannot have this. We have got to ensure compliance, no matter what the circumstances are. Restrictions on gatherings larger than 50 people, mandated under a governors executive order, has to be enforced, Murphy said. It will be enforced aggressively. Officers in Lakewood had responded to the separate wedding celebrations one at Fountain Ballroom on Vassar Avenue and the other at Lake Terrace on Oak Street and told venue staff that gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, said Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith. The workers and guests then dispersed. Meanwhile, rumors spreading through the Orthodox community yesterday have suggested as many as 40 now may have coronavirus a claim that state officials said they could not corroborate. We dont have any insight on that, said the governor of the claim, reported on a local website. There was a rumor that 100 people were exposed. We cannot confirm that. Murphy added theres an enormous amount going around on social media. Often, he said, its not tied down to the actual facts. Ocean County health officials did not have updated numbers out of Lakewood at mid-afternoon. The most recent official health department numbers show four people have so far tested positively for COVID-19 in Lakewood. Lakewood Mayor Raymond Coles, who saw the same report of 40 individuals allegedly testing positive for coronavirus, did not know how many have been infected. But he said he is sure the numbers are being skewed downward because of the lack of widespread testing, both in his town and statewide. I dont know how were going to know the actual numbers. Its scary, he said. The densely populated township, marked by a booming Orthodox community and a large Latino and black population, is the most populous township in Ocean County. Coles, in reference to the weddings, said people must take heed of the danger from potential exposure. Nobodys going to hate you for not going to that wedding, he said. Orthodox community leaders say all of the 200 synagogues and 130 yeshivas in the township have shut down prayer services or have limited them to small groups. MORE: Keeping up with coronavirus in N.J.: First, dont panic. Our newsletter might help. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Payton Guion may be reached at PGuion@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaytonGuion. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. The Uttar Pradesh government is trying to get the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) approval for four institutes in the state to conduct novel coronavirus tests, state Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh said on Thursday. As of now, only the King George Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has the approval for testing COVID-19 cases, the minister said during a visit to Gautam Buddh Nagar. "We are working on a war footing to deal with the situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak. We have a virology lab in Gorakhpur, and facilities in Aligarh, Banaras Hindu University and PGI (Lucknow)... We are trying to procures machines and get accreditation from the ICMR so that these facilities can conduct for these places," the minister told reporters. Samples from Gautam Buddh Nagar and some other places in western Uttar Pradesh go to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi for testing, he said. According to the Union health ministry data, the number of novel coronavirus cases in the country rose to 173 on Thursday, which includes four deaths reported from Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh has recorded COVID-19 cases, which including one foreigner. Earlier in the day, the state health minister inspected the 300-bedded quarantine facility at a hostel in Gautam Buddh Nagar University in Greater Noida. That aside, there is a 200 bed quarantine centre at the newly constructed district hospital in Noida Sector 39 to house any person needing quarantine facility, local officials said. So far, four people have tested positive for the novel coronvirus in Noida. Three of them are Noida residents, while one lives in Delhi, the officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (17) Syracuse, N.Y. No one knows exactly when it will hit or how big it will be, but a wave of novel coronavirus cases will almost certainly crash into Onondaga County hospitals over the next six months to a year. This is going to be bad, said Brian Leydet, an epidemiology and infectious diseases professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. We need to get beds and people available to take care of the critical patients we know are to come. The timing is uncertain, but the impact is inevitable, health officials say. Local hospitals are mobilizing for what could be thousands of patients sickened by the virus streaming in over a short period, threatening to overwhelm the number of beds and the staff to watch over them. Its not just beds and nurses: Ventilators, the expensive machines that can keep patients alive while their lungs recover from the assault of the virus, could be in such high demand that patients who have trouble breathing wont get them. Increasing this crucial hospital capacity has been an essential element of the public response to the pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been sounding the alarm for more than a week, saying the state might need an additional 50,000 hospital beds to deal with the crisis. But its unclear what the Syracuse authorities are doing to respond to the crisis. Two of Syracuses three hospitals, Upstate and Crouse, declined to answer questions for this story. County Executive Ryan McMahons daily briefings, unlike Cuomos, have offered no details on the problem, and the county did not make its emergency management director available for an interview. So, its difficult to know what decisions are being made or delayed on the problem. What we do know is that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, are skyrocketing in New York state. Confirmed cases have more than tripled since Sunday to more than 2,300, with most of those in New York City and Westchester County. The numbers are much smaller in Onondaga County, but the trajectory is similar: The county went from two to six confirmed cases in two days. We are still at the waters edge, but things wont stay the way they are, said Ron Lagoe, executive director of the Hospital Executive Council, a Syracuse hospital planning group. A 20% hospitalization rate Even with the drastic measures already in place closing schools and colleges, forcing people to work from home, isolating the sick coronavirus cases are expected to far outstrip what hospitals can cope with. No one knows how many people will get the coronavirus, but about 20% of them are likely to end up in the hospital, according to Cuomo. Extrapolating from his statewide projections, Onondaga County could need a 1,000 or more additional hospital beds to accommodate the biggest surge of virus cases. Syracuse hospitals Crouse, St. Josephs and Upstates two campuses have about 1,800 licensed beds, according to a recent county Health Department report. That doesnt mean all of those beds are in use, though. If theres not enough staff to serve the patient, a bed sits empty. More important, 400 to 600 of those new beds would need to be high-level critical care beds, equipped with ventilators and equipment to give medication intravenously. St. Josephs Health can provide 60 of those critical care beds now, and could work to provide more, the hospitals emergency manager said. Upstate declined to discuss its response to the crisis, and Crouse did not return phone calls. Those are beds just for patients with COVID-19; it doesnt include people who need to be hospitalized for the flu, cancer and other diseases. Heres another analysis of the potential shortfall of beds: According to a Harvard University study reported on the news website ProPublica, nearly 70,000 people could be infected with coronavirus over the course of a year in whats called the Syracuse referral area, which contains 1.1 million people in 11 counties. That assumes 8% of all adults will need hospitalization for an average of 12 days. That scenario would especially overwhelm intensive care units. The study said the Syracuse referral area has about 77 ICU beds open at any given time, but would need 500 at the peak of the epidemic. Estimates by Lagoe and St. Josephs, relying on projections from a separate study, were similar to that. Most beds already full Syracuse-area hospitals generally dont have a lot of empty beds, said Thomas Dennison, a former professor of public health at Syracuse University who has served on boards of several local health care groups. Our hospitals are often full, Dennison said. We have ambulances on rotation because intensive care is often full, and you have to be diverted to another hospital. Hospitals are already taking steps to free up beds for COVID-19 patients. Upstate and Crouse hospitals are canceling elective surgeries. That can free up 25% of hospital beds, Dennison said. Another way to empty a hospital bed is to send patients to a lower level of care, such as a nursing home or home health care. Nascentia Health, the areas largest home healthcare agency, is preparing to serve more patients, said Chief Clinical Officer Andrea Lazarek-LaQuay. The company just bought 100 tablets so patients who dont need constant care can have blood pressure and blood sugar levels monitored remotely, freeing up home health aides to check in on sicker people, Lazarek-LaQuay said. If needed, St. Josephs can add second beds in most private emergency rooms, said Joseph Bick, the hospitals head of emergency management and disaster preparedness. Of the 54 emergency rooms, 42 have a second head wall, which provides oxygen and other essential services. Anywhere we have one of those, we can put a stretcher or bed and have a modern hospital bed, he said. While St. Josephs is not canceling elective surgeries yet, Bick said the hospital can increase its bed capacity by 25% with existing staff. Cuomo estimates that the pandemic could start overwhelming hospitals in late April. While its not clear when that might happen in Central New York, Bick said hospitals will have weeks to prepare. Hospitals can add beds, but cant put patients in them unless theres enough staff to care for them. There are a number of ways to increase staffing, including having existing nurses and other staff work longer hours. For patients moved from hospitals into lower levels of care, nurses could be diverted from non-essential programs, such as maternal and child health, Dennison said. You can also bring back retired nurses and physicians, he said. Dennison said his wife, who is retired but still licensed to practice, has told St. Josephs shes ready to come back if needed. The other two hospitals have said little about their plans. Dr. Robert Corona, CEO of Upstate University Hospital, said Upstate is considering many options to expand capacity, but its premature to publicly disclose them. Crouse Hospital officials did not respond to requests for information about its plans. Lack of ventilators The biggest problem facing hospitals might not be beds, but a shortage of ventilators for the sickest patients whose lungs are overwhelmed by the virus. The Society of Critical Care Medicine projects that 960,000 coronavirus patients in the U.S. may need to be put on a ventilator, but the country has only 200,000. New York would have enough respirators during a moderate pandemic, according to a 2015 state Department of Health report, the most recent figures available. In a severe pandemic, however, like the one that occurred in 1918, New York hospitals could have a shortfall of 16,000 ventilators, even with the 1,750 ventilators the state had stockpiled. In the event of an overwhelming burden on the health care system," the report said, "New York will not have sufficient ventilators to meet critical care needs despite its emergency stockpile. Bick said St. Josephs has enough ventilators for those 60 additional critical care beds, and is trying to get more, including some from the stockpiles. We have looked at purchasing more, and I know there have been in the past stockpiled ventilators for just this scenario, he said. President Trump has invoked a Korean War-era law to increase production of masks, ventilators and respirators. Its not clear how many new ventilators could be made, or if theyll be ready in time for the height of the epidemic. Onondaga County emergency planners are also working on providing more beds and temporary hospital space should current hospitals get overwhelmed. County Executive Ryan McMahon said he did not anticipate any new construction, but the county could convert some facilities, which he did not name. We have plans under way for that right now, McMahon said. I think we know what we want to do. We just have to make sure they meet all the regs. During the H1N1 swine outbreak in 2009, public health officials considered diverting patients to the state fairgrounds. Fair Director Troy Waffner said hes unaware of any state plans to use the fairgrounds as a site to respond to the pandemic. After the World Trade Center terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, plans were made to convert a fighter jet hangar at Hancock Field into a triage center in the event some of the casualties from the attack were sent here for medical care. That was never necessary. Staff writers James Mulder and Tim Knauss contributed to this report MORE ON THE CORONAVIRUS Hyderabad, March 20 : The number of positive Covid-19 cases in Telangana rose to 16 on Thursday as three more persons tested positive for the dreaded virus. Within couple of hours after announcing the 14th positive case, the health department declared on Thursday night that two persons who recently returned from London have also tested positive. Earlier, the officials said that a man, who had travelled from Dubai to Hyderabad on March 14 and developed symptoms of Covid-19 on March 17, has tested positive. His contacts were traced and they have been put under home quarantine. The authorities are waiting for the details of the other passengers on the flight. A total of 51 samples were tested on Thursday. Officials said the state has so far tested 498 samples. Universal screening of all international passengers is being done at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The health personnel screened 711 passengers on Thursday, taking the total number of passengers screened to 71,256. As many as 310 persons have completed the 28-day observation period. The number of persons in home quarantine is put at 711. Out of the 16 persons who have tested positive so far, eight are Indonesian nationals. The state has been reporting a positive case every day since Saturday. Eight persons, including seven Indonesians, had tested positive on Wednesday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) UAPA cases in India: 32.18 per cent dip in number of arrests between 2019 & 2020 Coronavirus: Indian carriers may ground 150 planes, set to lose USD 600 million India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: All Indian airlines will report significant losses in the first quarter of this year and may initially ground around 150 planes as the shock from the coronavirus pandemic will be "far deeper and much longer", according to a report. Aviation advisory firm CAPA India on Wednesday said consolidated losses are estimated to be in the range of USD 500-600 million for the quarter, excluding Air India. In a report, it said that some airlines may choose to temporarily shut down their operations by design on the basis that demand is so low that such action would result in reduced losses than if they continue to operate. As per the report, even before COVID-19 (coronavirus) appeared on the scene, most Indian carriers already had very strained balance sheets and almost no liquidity. 103 year old woman from Iran survives coronavirus "This latest shock will once again expose the vulnerability of India's aviation system as happened during the fuel price spike in 2008. But on that occasion the shock was short-lived, even if its impact reverberated for several years. This time, the shock itself will be far deeper and much longer," it said. In the wake of significant reduction in services, the report said Indian carriers might initially ground around 150 aircraft, and the number is expected to increase as more domestic operations are curtailed over the coming weeks. At present, the combined fleet of six major domestic carriers stands at around 650 planes. "If the decline in traffic continues to be severe, the majority of the fleet could be grounded by April," it noted. While noting that it does not want to be "alarmist," CAPA India said the situation continues to deteriorate. In India, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 151 on Wednesday. Close to 8,000 deaths have been reported worldwide due to the pandemic and many countries, including India, have imposed travel restrictions. Against this backdrop, Air India and IndiGo have cancelled some of their international flights while GoAir has temporarily suspended its overseas services. CAPA India noted that all Indian airlines would report significant losses in the first quarter even with oil prices at around USD 30 per barrel. "At an industry level, consolidated losses are estimated to be in the range of USD 500-600 mn for the quarter (excluding Air India). However, these are very preliminary estimates and are subject to further downward revision. 820 samples test negative, no evidence of community spread of coronavirus "In the absence of serious and meaningful government intervention, such an outcome could lead to several Indian airlines shutting down operations by May or June due to a lack of cash," it said. Further, the report flagged the possibility of retrenchments in the domestic airlines industry. Reduced scale of operations could impact the requirement for around 30 per cent of airline staff and up to 50 per cent of ground handing staff. For the first couple of months, this could potentially be handled through mandatory leave and leave-without-pay initiatives for 1-2 months. But should the situation continue beyond a few weeks, it would quickly result in short-term retrenchment, it added. "By extension, the reduced scale of operations could impact the requirement for around 30 per cent of airline staff and up to 5 per cent of ground handing staff. "... An extended downturn will inevitably lead to significant redundancies," it added. In case the severity of the coronavirus outbreak increases, CAPA India said that regardless of any fiscal concessions and support that the government might offer, most airlines would have to shrink their operations, and the more vulnerable carriers may shutdown. Further, the report said that yield in the first two weeks of this month are down by 12-15 per cent, and could deteriorate by 25 per cent or more in the coming weeks. Generally, yield refers to average fare paid per passenger. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:47 [IST] Yes Bank on Thursday said that India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised rating watch on the bank's long-term issuer rating of 'IND BB-' to rating watch evolving (RWE) from rating watch negative (RWN) New Delhi: Yes Bank on Thursday said that India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised rating watch on the bank's long-term issuer rating of 'IND BB-' to rating watch evolving (RWE) from rating watch negative (RWN). The RWE indicates the possibility of the ratings being either upgraded, downgraded or affirmed. "Ind-Ra has revised the rating watch on Yes Bank Ltd's long-term issuer rating of 'IND BB-' to RWE from RWN," Yes Bank said in a filing to the BSE. The revision of the rating watch follows the systemic support Yes Bank has received recently, in terms of both equity and liquidity, from the new set of investors and the regulator for its reconstruction. It also considers the pressure that could show up on the liabilities once the regulator-imposed moratorium is lifted. Ind-Ra had downgraded the bank's ratings and maintained them on RWN on 6 March, 2020; in the agency's opinion, the temporary regulator-imposed moratorium resulted in the bank not being able to follow through with settlement and transaction requests, the filing said. Subsequently, the bank declared its third-quarter results. Its gross non-performing assets (NPAs) increased to 18.87 percent in 3QFY20 from 7.39 percent in 2QFY20 while its net NPAs grew to 5.97 percent from 4.35 percent. "This implies the additional recognition of Rs 230 billion as non-performing till the time of publishing the 3QFY20 results and not just end-December 2019. Including this, the total stressed book including non-fund limits to the same accounts is about Rs 490 billion," the filing said. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had put a restriction on the lender on 5 March, under which the bank''s customers were allowed to withdraw up to Rs 50,000 till 3 April. The government notified the Yes Bank reconstruction scheme last week. Its employees are now working remotely but the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX) reports that all duties and responsibilities, including policy processing and fee collections, continue to be met. SLTX said it enacted a work-from-home policy for staff members in adherence to the societal precautions prescribed to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SLTX has also suspended all business travel throughout this period. Additionally, meetings will no longer be held in person and will be conducted using videoconference or teleconference services. Staff members will be available by telephone or email to answer questions and support business operations. While many surplus lines agents and brokers already use electronic methods to file surplus lines policies and pay stamping fees, SLTX is encouraging those brokers and agents who have typically completed surplus lines filing and payment processes by mail to use electronic means. Physical mail sent to SLTX will still be retrieved and processed, but there may be brief delays while we work through the logistics of this new process. SLTX said it is committed to maintaining the integrity of the Texas surplus lines market and will continue to assist agents and brokers with surplus lines policy filings during this uncertain time. Topics COVID-19 Agencies Texas Excess Surplus Sinduja Jane By Express News Service CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu confirmed its third case of COVID-19 with a 21-year-old student testing positive for the disease on Thursday. The student from Dublin in Ireland was screened upon arrival in Chennai on March 17, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said on Twitter. #coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Yday18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing yday,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH. Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020 "He was screened and home quarantined. Yesterday, he reported to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital with symptoms. His samples were sent for testing and today it was confirmed that he is positive. The patient is stable in isolation," he added. A senior health department official told Express that the patient was a resident of Virugambakkam in Chennai. He was doing his MBA in Dublin. "When he returned to Chennai via Abu Dhabi he was asymptomatic. He had come around midnight," the official said. "After going home, he developed symptoms in the evening. He reported to the GH." The official added that total 14 of his contacts had been traced and placed under quarantine. These included his friends and members of his family. The patient had travelled from the airport to his home on his friend's bike. ALSO READ| COVID-19: Weekly markets to be shut in Tamil Nadu; supermarkets, grocery stores to remain open Second Patient travelled by Tamil Nadu Express: Health officials Tamil Nadu recorded its second case of COVID-19 on Wednesday when a 20-year-old man from Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh tested positive. He is undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Regarding the second patient, the official said that 41 of his contacts had been traced so far. This included his seven roommates, neighbours and staff at the salon at which he was employed. Seven of the close people have been quarantined at a government facility in Poonamallee. The rest are under home quarantine. "We also notified the Union Health Ministry about his travel history as he came from Delhi. The patient travelled from Delhi to Chennai on the Tamil Nadu Express and reached Chennai on March 12," the official said. The first person to test positive for COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu was a 45-year-old man from Kancheepuram. He had arrived in Chennai from Oman on February 28 and had tested positive on March 7. On Wednesday, Vijayabaskar said he had been discharged from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital after treatment and would be under home quarantine for two weeks. ALSO READ| Southern Railways cancels various trains in Tamil Nadu due to COVID-19 outbreak Third testing facility in Chennai coming up at Stanley Medical College Hospital: Health Minister Health minister C Vijayabaskar on Thursday said that efforts were underway to set up a COVID-19 testing facility at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital. He was speaking to reporters at the hospital. Chennai already has two testing centres: one at King Institute and the other at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Milan, Italy Thu, March 19, 2020 07:40 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb4f22 2 Sports Fiorentina,Serie-A,soccer,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,health Free Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso revealed on Wednesday ten members of the Italian outfit have tested positive for coronavirus, with three in hospital. "The situation is worsening, in the club we have about ten people affected by this unfortunate disease, three members of staff are in hospital," Commisso told Sky Sport Italia from the United States. Players infected include Italian forward Patrick Cutrone, Argentine German Pezzella and Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic. As a result the Tuscany side have launched a fundraiser to help city hospitals with former France midfielder Franck Ribery donating 50,000 euros (US$54,000). "I want to thank Ribery for his donation," said Commisso. "We've started well, we've already raised 420,000 euros with a target of 500,000." Serie A rivals Brescia also confirmed two employees had tested positive for COVID-19 which has killed nearly 3,000 people in Italy. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more The Supreme Court on Friday has dismissed the petition of death row convict Pawan Gupta against the rejection of his mercy plea by the President and seeking a stay on execution. The verdict paved the way for the four convicts' execution as per schedule on Friday. A three-judge Bench of Justice R Banumathi, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice AS Bopanna, observed that consistent view of this court is that scope for review of President's decision in mercy petitions is very limited. The top court stated in its order that the petitioner is not right in contending that the plea of juvenility has not been finally considered by the courts. It was duly considered and rejected by the courts, SC observed. It also stated that the alleged torture in prison if any cannot be ground for judicial review of executive decision under Article 72. We dismiss this petition warranting any judicial review of the decision by President rejecting his mercy plea, the top court stated. Advocate AP Singh, while appearing for convict Pawan, showed to court school certificate, school register, and attendance register of Pawan claiming he was juvenile at the time of the crime. However, Justice Bhushan said these documents were already filed by him before the trial court, High court and in the SLP in Supreme Court. Justice Bhushan stated told Singh that he is effectively asking to review the judgment. Interest of justice can't be something which can be reopened anytime, Justice Bhushan stated. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raises objection on AP Singh's arguments. He submitted an updated chart of hearings and petitions. The Solicitor General said AP Singh has raised this plea before the trial court which rejected it on merits, High Court has dismissed the plea and then SLP and review plea was dismissed. AP Singh again raised the argument that Pawan Gupta's FIR against Mandoli jail is pending, his statement should be recorded before he is hanged. "Pawan received 14 stitches on his head. What type of human rights?" he said. During the hearing, AP Singh also said, "I know they will be hanged but can it (execution) be stayed for two-three days to record (convict Pawan's) statement." Singh also urged the top court to allow family members of convicts to meet them for last time 5-10 minutes. On this, the Supreme Court stated that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will look into it if it's permitted. Mehta later stated that jail rules don't permit it and it's painful for both sides. The top court later refused to pass any order in this regard and leave the matter the Solicitor General. Singh also urged the top court to allow Akshay's eight-year-old child to meet him. However, Supreme Court stated that it is better for the child not to see this. All four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh - are scheduled to be hanged at 5:30 am today. The case pertains to the brutal gang-rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in the capital. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. (the "Company" or "HAWKEYE") (TSXV:HAWK)(Frankfurt:HGT) (ISIN: CA42016R3027; WKN: A12A61): announces that subsequent to a news release dated January 31, 2020 (news release No. 341-2020), the Company announces the receipt of all assay results from ALS Global Ltd. for the 2019 drill program at the McBride Property. Results will be released upon compilation and interpretation by HAWKEYE's qualified person (QP). During the 2019 drill program, Hawkeye drilled a 703.17 metre deep vertical hole in an attempt to test what is known as the western anomaly, one of two chargeability highs identified on the Property in a ground-based Induced Polarization (IP) survey performed by Dias Geophysics during August and September, 2019. The other anomaly, known as the northern anomaly, was not drilled in the 2019 campaign due to the onset of severe winter conditions. It coincides with an airborne magnetic high, with a 2 km long Cu-Au geochemical trend, and with grab samples returning up to 5.18 g/t Au and 1.89% Cu. Qualified Person Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the McBride Property QP, Andrew Mitchell, B.Sc., P. Geo., a senior geologist with C.J. Greig & Associates and a qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. About HAWKEYE HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. is a junior mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Company's precious and base metals properties are located in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwest BC, in the world-class Barkerville gold camp, and on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. HAWKEYE's corporate mandate is to build strong asset growth and shareholder value through the acquisition of low-cost, high-potential opportunities with discovery potential, and to manage its business in an environmentally responsible manner while contributing to the local community and economy. HAWKEYE GOLD & DIAMOND INC. Per: "Greg Neeld" President & CEO Vancouver: (778) 379-5393 Email: greg@hawkeyegold.com Web Site: www.hawkeyegold.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future events. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our industry, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. SOURCE: HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581667/HAWKEYE-Receives-McBride-Property-Assay-Results New Mexicans hankering for food from their favorite restaurants this week amid the turmoil being caused by COVID-19 shouldnt despair. Yes, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Health Department Secretary Kathy Kunkel ordered eateries to close their dining rooms Wednesday as one of several protective measures meant to slow the spread of the virus. But many New Mexico restaurants and breweries are offering takeout and delivery services. The rule of the thumb is to call before you go. Dions Pizza, for one, is now offering delivery through DoorDash to residents who live within five miles of a Dions location a first for the New Mexico company. Mauna Doak, who owns and operates three Subways in the Albuquerque Metro area, said she encourages New Mexicans call ahead or check restaurants websites to find out what theyre offering her stores, for example, are still open and still serving food. Weve been really working hard to be able to at least do delivery and takeout, said Doak, whose shops are offering delivery through several different apps. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Federal authorities arrested the operators of a Colorado funeral home accused of selling body parts or entire bodies without the consent of families. Megan Hess, 43, and her mother, 66-year-old Shirley Koch, were arrested Tuesday and charged with six counts of mail fraud and three counts of illegal transportation of hazardous materials, The Daily Sentinel reports. Hess and Koch appeared in court in Grand Junction and entered not guilty pleas, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. They were represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender, which does not comment on cases. The women operated the Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in Montrose. A grand jury indictment said that from 2010 through 2018, Hess and Koch purported to provide burial and cremation services, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. The women offered to cremate bodies and provide the remains to families at a cost of $1,000 or more, authorities said, but many of the cremations never occurred. Hess created a nonprofit organization in 2009 called Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation as a body-broker service doing business as Donor Services, authorities said. In at least dozens of instances, Hess and Koch did not follow family wishes, and neither discussed nor obtained authorization for Donor Services to transfer decedents bodies or body parts to third parties, the justice department said. Hess and Koch shipped bodies and body parts that tested positive for, or belonged to people who died from, infectious diseases including Hepatitis B and C, and HIV, after certifying to buyers the remains were disease-free, authorities said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. LEAWOOD, Kan., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- m.Care, the leading telehealth and remote patient engagement provider, announced today its COVID-19 Patient Monitoring Plan and other enhancements to its m.Care connected health platform. Working closely with healthcare providers, the platform is available for all health system patient populations: healthy, ill and at-risk. m.Care already powers the virtual care programs for many healthcare systems, hospitals, clinics and care providers, including the world's first virtual hospital, Mercy Virtual in St. Louis, Missouri. m.Care President Steve Hendrix "During these extraordinary times, the need to provide telehealth to every individual has arrived. Especially today, as we focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19, remote access to healthcare is vital," m.Care President Steve Hendrix said. "This is an important tool, and indeed a right, for each individual to have access to care without the fear or inconvenience of needing to travel to a hospital, clinic, or urgent care facility for an evaluation or testing. With the m.Care platform, healthcare systems can provide 24/7 access for all patients. This can be especially valuable for critical and chronic care patient populations, who can be monitored and cared for at home." "Specific to COVID-19, patients have access to online surveys to assess risk. They have access to real-time information about preventive care, symptoms, and best practices to avoid spreading the virus. For at-risk or sick individuals, monitoring equipment can be provided for round the clock care. HIPAA-compliant video calls with a patient's healthcare provider enable instant evaluations, conversations and assessments." "Along with our healthcare system partners, we are empowering everyone with access and information, the ability to be remotely diagnosed and assigned treatment...all without having to travel and expose oneself to crowds, hospital waiting rooms, doors handles and bathrooms," Hendrix continued. For healthcare providers and systems who feel the implementation process would take a long time and be cumbersome, Mr. Hendrix explains how m.Care can rapidly deploy its platform for an entire population. "Patient registration is quick, easy, and provides instant access to key platform components for newly onboarded individuals. The mobile platform is accessed through both IOS and Android devices, and our highly skilled technical team can provide an out of the box solution, for speed to market, and integrate with the hospital's EMR over time." To contact m.Care and discuss telehealth solutions for your healthcare organization, call 888.99m.Care (888.996.2273) and email [email protected]. https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcare-technology https://www.facebook.com/mCareVirtual/ https://twitter.com/mCareVirtual Media Contact: Steve Hendrix 913.269.6452 [email protected] SOURCE m.Care Representative Image While people started adopting social distancing as a measure to slow the spread of coronavirus, app-based cab services providers like Ola, Uber and Meru have dropped fares after demand for such services dropped nearly nearly 50 percent over the last two weeks, ET Tech has reported. India has reported 166 COVID-19 cases so far, including foreign nationals. Of these, 15 people have been cured while three have died. The central and state governments have urged people to avoid non-essential traveling. Also, the Centre has temporarily banned entry of passengers from 36 countries to India. All this has affected the ridership of online cab service providers. The situation has come as a double whammy for drivers working for such platforms as they are completing fewer rides each day and also earning less on each trip they complete, said the report. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Coronavirus LIVE updates Asked about the ongoing condition, a senior Ola executive told the publication that they understand the dire situation in which the drivers are in and hope things normalise soon. However, the ride-hailing firm has not yet taken any measures to aid driver earnings, the official was quoted as saying. Another ride-hailing platform Uber has tweaked its global policy as it would now compensate drivers for up to 14 days of sick leave in case they are placed under quarantine, said the report. The business of Meru has dropped 25-30 percent in the past few days, said the report citing Neeraj Gupta, the founder and CEO of Meru Mobility. Also read | New COVID-19 test can give result in 30 minutes, Oxford scientists claim The firm has reduced fares by a flat 40 percent on the Meru app, with fares starting as low as Rs 39, said Gupta. Meanwhile, bike taxi provider Rapido said its ridership had not dropped as it did not serve too many white-collared workers. In talks with the publication, Aravind Sanka, the co-founder and CEO of Rapido, said his platform is mostly used by blue-collared workers, who did not have the luxury to work from home. Also read | Health ministry uses Ayushman Bharat scheme in fight against COVID-19 The ridership of Bounce and Vogo, the two players in the scooter rental space that started their operations in Bengaluru, have also seen only 10-15 percent drop. Yulu, which operates in the cycles and two-wheeler electric vehicles rental space, also said that its business had been impacted by under 10 percent, added the report. The Broadwater County Board of Health has ordered the closure of many bars, restaurants, casinos and churches in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order, which was scheduled to take effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday, exempts establishments that provide drive-thru, delivery or pickup services. Child care facilities are also exempt. The closures will remain in effect for 15 days, at which point Broadwater County health officials will reassess the situation. Health officials and county commissioners said during a Wednesday meeting, which was attended by about 60 people, that federal and state guidelines and recommendations are broad. They said Wednesday's meeting gave them the opportunity to hear from the community on how best to implement Broadwater County-specific guidelines. "We do not want to stifle our businesses, and it's vital that our local businesses are able to continue providing food to the community," Broadwater Sanitarian Shawn Rowland said during the meeting. "This is a dynamic situation. We could be back here tomorrow with a whole new set of guidelines, but we have to start somewhere." There was some discussion about churches being allowed to remain open, but the order was eventually amended to include them. "It's sad, but I think there are other ways for people to practice their faith for a couple of weeks," County Public Health Nurse Teresa Monson said. County Commissioner Darrel Folkvord, who sits on the county's health board, said the decision was not an easy one. "This is a tough decision and one not made lightly," Folkvord said. "We understand the impact to local business, but we have to look out for the public's safety." Broadwater Health Center Patient Care Technician Elliot Cole said containment efforts should be an urgent priority and that with current resources, particularly ventilators, "one or two" patients can receive great care. But if the number of infected county residents spikes, the local facilities will quickly have difficulties keeping up. Broadwater County joins a growing list of Montana jurisdictions that have ordered the temporary closure of dine-in food and beverage establishments, including Lewis and Clark, Butte-Silver Bow, Yellowstone, Missoula and Gallatin counties. "If Townsend doesn't follow through with this, we're dropping the ball," Monson said. "We're a little bit behind the ball to begin with." Monson said the one confirmed case in the county, a man in his 50s, and two county residents currently "under investigation" are quarantined and being checked on daily. Monson also said Broadwater County has only six COVID-19 test kits at its disposal and about "five or six" have already been tested to date. The state has opened a phone line at 1-888-333-0461 for people with questions or concerns about the virus in Montana. There's also an email address, covid19info@mt.gov, and website at covid19.mt.gov. The closure of pubs because of the Coronavirus has come as this sector of the property market was beginning to see a revival, not alone in Dublin and some major urban centres but also in some rural areas. Before the virus the Society of Chartered Surveyors 'Commercial Property Review & Outlook 2020' surveyed members and they forecast that prices for rural pubs and pubs in rural villages could increase by 5pc this year. This would follow increases in a number of sectors of the pubs market in 2019. After years in the doldrums, SCSI members had reported increases of 10pc in the capital values of secondary pubs in provincial towns during 2019. Pubs in a range of other sectors, including principal towns as well as prime roadhouses, increased by 5pc in 2019. Restaurant values nationally also increased by 5pc in 2019. Edward McAuley, head of practice and policy at SCSI, admitted surprise at such optimistic forecasts as even earlier this year they seemed counter-intuitive. "Those agents who expressed a view believed that the largest increases might be seen among good quality pubs in areas with a high tourist footfall," he added. Indeed the turnaround in the pub trade was also reflected in a recent Geodirectory survey. As many as 107 bars were added to its database during the 10 years to the end of 2019 bringing the total to almost 3,600. It found that Dublin, with 89 new bars, accounted for 83pc of the bars added in Geodirectory's study area, followed by Kildare, Meath, Wicklow and Louth with 51 units. Co Cork added 11 premises and Kilkenny five. However, sharp falls were seen in counties Galway (26), Limerick (20) and Waterford (three) over the 10 years. The SCSI survey also noted that the performance of this sector continued to be shaped by changing legislation and the tightening of rules regarding drink-driving across all parts of Ireland. "Aside from pubs in larger towns the trade in licensed premises has been decimated for somewhere between the last five and seven years," an SCSI member said. On the positive side values held up for pubs which focused more on food or attracting tourists to compensate for falling levels of drinking. While the immediate outlook for the trade looks bad, one would presume that Irish people will embrace their pubs even more when they celebrate the resumption of social contact in post Covid-19 society. An interesting test of the market will be the sale of Becky Morgan's pub on Grand Canal Street Lower, Dublin 2. When launched on the market in February, agents CBRE quoted 1.3m for the purpose-built three-storey over basement premises. It reports good interest from prospective purchasers and CBRE's John Ryan expects to invite best bids in the coming weeks. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has canceled all routine long-stay visa appointments from Thursday in response to the coronavirus epidemic, it said in a press release Wednesday. That will stop Koreans going to work or study in the U.S. for extended periods, but tourist visit of up to 90 days are still possible under a visa waiver. The suspension affects interviews for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for students, company employees and workers with offers of employment. However, if applicants "have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately," the embassy will make an exception. The embassy "will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but [is] unable to provide a specific date at this time," it added. NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League March 18, 2020 NEW YORK, March 18, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the latest developments regarding the controversy that has embroiled Rep. Rashida Tlaib (we are thankful to CNSNews.com for its reporting on this ongoing issue): Rep. Rashida Tlaib is now trying to walk back an obscene assault she made on the sensibilities of religious Americans. Here is how this controversy unfolded. On March 16, I wrote to the ten members of the House Ethics Committee asking them to issue a letter of reprimand to Tlaib for her unprovoked attack on members of virtually every faith community; we also listed her email address asking our followers to contact her. On March 15, Tlaib retweeted a post by activist David Hogg from the previous day saying, "Don't let this administration address COVID-19 like our national gun violence epidemic. F**k a National day of prayer, we need immediate comprehensive action." Now Tlaib, knowing that we have asked her colleagues to sanction her, and having been stung with an avalanche of criticism, is trying to diminish what she said. After she was hit by the Catholic League response earlier in the day on March 16, she tweeted the following that evening: "Let me be clear as someone who has been praying through this all & as someone who attended the National Prayer Breakfast. My retweet was not to be an attack on prayer. It was to bring attention to the need for meaningful action to combat this public health crisis." Let me be clear, Rep. Tlaib: You are fooling no one. You not only have a record of offending people, your anti-Semitic comments have mobilized friends of mine like Rabbi Aryeh Spero to hold a sit-in at Rep. Nancy Pelosi's congressional office to protest your bigotry (and that of your fellow "Squad" member, Rep. Ilhan Omar). Your record of hate speech is incontestable. You say your retweet "was not an attack on prayer." How lame. What you manifestly chose to do is attack the one day when Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Mormons, Muslims, and others come together in a national day of prayer. Your point was to insult us. Mission accomplished. President Trump, whom you previously assaulted with your filthy comments, is working with Republicans and Democrats "to combat this public health crisis." And guess what? They are able to do so without resorting to the kind of vile remarks you made about religious Americans. You deserve to be reprimanded. Indeed, you need to be called out by members of both chambers. Contact: Rashida.tlaib@mail.house.gov CHICAGO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Agricultural Lubricants Market by Type (Mineral Oil, Synthetic, and Bio-based), Application (Engines, Gears & Transmission, Hydraulics, Greasing, and Implements), Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA) - Global Forecast To 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Agricultural Lubricants Market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2020 to USD 3.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2020 to 2025. Rising farm mechanization around the world is driving the growth of the agricultural lubricants market. The decrease in the agricultural labor force in both, developed and emerging nations has led to an increase in the use of farm machinery such as tractors and combines, thereby increasing the demand for lubricants used for such machinery. Download PDF Download: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=262710114 Browse in-depth TOC on "Agricultural Lubricants Market" 173 - Tables 31 - Figures 193 - Pages View Detailed Table of Content Here: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/agricultural-lubricant-market-262710114.html The mineral oil segment is projected to lead the agricultural lubricants market in terms of both, value and volume from 2020 to 2025. Based on type, the mineral oil agricultural lubricants segment accounted for the largest share of the agricultural lubricants market in 2019 in terms of both, value and volume. Low costs and easy availability of mineral oil lubricants are driving the growth of this segment. These lubricants are produced in large quantities due to high demand for different types of agricultural equipment. Despite the gradual shift from mineral oil lubricants to synthetic and bio-based lubricants, the agricultural sector is expected to continue to utilize high volumes of mineral oil lubricants because of their low cost. The engines application segment is projected to lead the agricultural lubricants market in terms of both, value and volume during the forecast period. Based on application, the engines application segment led the agricultural lubricants market in 2019 in terms of both value and volume. The growth of this segment is majorly driven by the Asia Pacific and Europe regions. Asian countries such as China and India are increasing mechanization on farms to speed up agricultural processes and meet the rapidly rising demand for food. For instance, according to data provided by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog in 2018, half of the Indian population will become urban by 2050, and the agricultural workforce is estimated to decline from 54.6% in 2011 to 25.7 % by 2050. This declining agricultural workforce supports the cause of farm mechanization, thereby contributing to the growth of the agricultural lubricants market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=262710114 Engines of farm tractors require lubrication as part of their routine maintenance. These diesel engines need to be lubricated with engine oils once or twice a year to ensure smooth functioning, provide wear protection, and enhance performance at extremely high or low temperatures. The agricultural lubricants market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in terms of both, value and volume during the forecast period. The agricultural lubricants market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in terms of both, value and volume from 2020 to 2025. China, India, and Japan are the key countries contributing to the increased demand for agricultural lubricants in this region. Factors such as expanding agribusinesses and growing farm mechanization have increased the demand for agricultural lubricants in this region. Key players such as Exxon Mobil Corporation (US), Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Netherlands), Chevron Corporation (US), Total SA (France), BP plc (UK), FUCHS PETROLUB SE (Germany), Phillips 66 (US), Exol Lubricants Limited (UK), Witham Oil & Paint Ltd (UK), Rymax Lubricants (Netherlands), Repsol SA (Spain), Cougar Lubricants International Ltd (UK), Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. (US), Pennine Lubricants Limited (UK), Frontier Performance Lubricants, Inc. (US), and Unil Lubricants (Belgium) have adopted expansions, joint ventures, acquisitions, new product launches, agreements, partnerships, contracts, and divestments as their strategies. Browse Adjacent Markets: Bulk Chemicals and Inorganics Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Lubricants Market by Base Oil (Mineral Oil, Synthetic Oil, Bio-based Oil), Product Type (Engine Oil, Hydraulic Fluid, Metalworking Fluid), Application (Transportation and Industrial Lubricants), Region-Global Forecast to 2024 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/lubricants-market-182046896.html Industrial Lubricants Market by Base Oil (Mineral Oil, Synthetic Oil, Bio-based Oil), Product Type (Hydraulic Fluid, Metalworking Fluid), End-use Industry (Construction, Metal & Mining, Power Generation, Food Processing), Region-Global Forecast to 2024 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/industrial-lubricants-market-84594070.html Mining Lubricants Market by End-use Industry (Coal Mining, Iron Ore Mining, Bauxite Mining, Rare Earth Mineral Mining, Precious Metals Mining), Type (Mineral Oil Lubricants, Synthetic Lubricants), and Region-Global Forecast to 2022 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/mining-lubricant-market-178929657.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. 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Contact: Mr. Sanjay Gupta MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/agricultural-lubricant-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/agricultural-lubricant.asp Logo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of telecom player Bharti Infratel cracked up to 19 percent in morning trade on BSE on March 19, a day after the Supreme Court of India refused to offer any further relief to the telecom companies with regards to the AGR dues. Shares of Bharti Airtel fell up to 11 percent but those of Vodafone Idea jumped up to 7 percent in morning trade on BSE. Hearing the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plea in the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) case, a bench of the Supreme Court of India on March 18 held that no further objections to its orders would be allowed against payable dues. Most brokerages think that the telecom sector is moving towards a duopoly structure and Airtel and Reliance Jio are well-placed for this. Let's take a look at what the top brokerage think for the sector: Credit Suisse Global brokerage firm Credit Suisse said that SC's rejection of self-assessment of AGR dues is particularly negative for Vodafone Idea and the company's sustenance would remain under cloud without significant liquidity infusion. On the other hand, Bharti Airtel would emerge as a key beneficiary of further market consolidation in a two-player scenario, Credit Suisse added. The brokerage maintained its preference for Bharti Airtel and said its fair value could be Rs 622. Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley is of the view that AGR issue could create a duopoly structure and Airtel and Reliance Jio are well placed for this. "Due to strong balance sheets they could gain market share," Morgan Stanley said. The global financial firm added that the bear case for Infratel increases if tenancy deletions from Vodafone Idea accelerate. "Vodafone Ideas FY21 ARPU would need to be Rs 235 to be FCF break-even. The company's debt-to-EBITDA ratio is 30 times after building in total AGR liabilities," Morgan Stanley said. Airtel's debt-to-EBITDA ratio is comfortable even after assuming AGR liabilities and despite correction, Morgan Stanley sees limited positive catalysts for Bharti Infratel. Motilal Oswal Financial Services The brokerage highlighted that Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will now have to pay the entire AGR liability toward license and SUC charges of Rs 44,000 crore and Rs Rs 58,000 crore instead of Rs 34,300 crore and Rs 44,200 crore, respectively, provisioned in Q2FY20 and the recent self-assessment figures of Rs 13,000 crore and Rs 21,000 crore. The brokerage, however, added that in a slight relief to telcos, the SC after two weeks will hear the DoT's proposal for a staggered payment of AGR dues by telcos over a period of 20 years at an 8 percent MCLR rate. "In our view, Bharti should weather this storm through its recent fundraise. A duopoly market will likely benefit it (along with RJio) with incremental EBITDA potential of Rs 10000 crore in FY22 even after building in-network cost increase with blue-sky EBITDA of nearly Rs 55000 crore (on pre-Ind-AS 116)," Motilal said. ICICI Securities In ICICI Sec's view, the DOT demand turns out to be much higher than provisioned by Bharti and Vodafone Idea at Rs 44000 crore and Rs 58300 crore, respectively. "The only marginal positive is that the court has agreed to hear DOT plea for a rescue plan for telecom after two weeks," said the brokerage. "Our analysis of the worst-case scenario of the Supreme Court rejecting rescue plan (though low probability), Bharti has cash close to AGR balance dues, while Vodafone Idea will struggle. Bharti Airtel is our preferred pick in the telecom sector," ICICI Sec said. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. The Ukrainian capital has risen by 22 places in the ranking of the worlds most expensive cities, according to findings of the latest Worldwide Cost of Living 2020. Ukraines capital, Kiev [Kyiv], rises by 22 places in the overall rankings, to 86th, partly owing to the countrys record grain harvest in 2019, which boosted export earnings, leading to a strengthening of the Ukrainian hryvnya against the US dollar, reads the document released by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). According to the survey, prices in Kiev are being boosted by rising demand following a string of increases to the minimum wage in recent years. In the ranking, prices in all cities are compared with New York City. The price index is set at 100 points. Kyiv's index rose by six points over a year, to 58 (the higher this indicator, the higher the prices). According to the survey, the top ten most expensive cities in the world include Singapore, Hong Kong, Osaka, New York, Paris, Zurich, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Geneva. At the bottom of the ranking are Damascus, Tashkent, Almaty, Buenos Aires, Karachi, Caracas, Lusaka, Chennai, Bangalore and New Delhi. iy Kolkata (West Bengal)[India], Mar 18 (ANI): Calcutta High Court has set aside the notice issued to a Polish student Kamil Siedcynski at Jadavpur University, asking him to leave the country immediately. He was issued notice by the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of Union Home Ministry after he reportedly participated in rallies against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Kolkata. Kamil is a student of Comparative Literature student at the University. The notice was issued by the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and was asked to leave the country immediately. Protests had erupted in various parts of the country against the amended law which grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and came to India before 2015. (ANI) "ALOM is extraordinarily proud that key leaders Lisa Dolan and Fiona Lowbridge have been recognized as SDCE Supply Chain Pros to Know for collaborative partnership with our clients," ALOM President & CEO Hannah Kain Three senior women of the ALOM leadership team have been recognized as 2020 Supply Chain Pros to Know by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. They are President and CEO Hannah Kain, Vice President Supply Chain Strategy Lisa Dolan, and Vice President of Client Success Fiona Lowbridge. This is the sixth time that Kain has received the award, the fifth for Dolan, and the first for Lowbridge. The Pros to Know Awards recognize supply chain professionals for implementing innovative supply chain initiatives that advance industry performance levels and solve strategic challenges of todays business climate. ALOM works with many of the worlds most trusted brands, and believes in hiring world-class staff to manage their supply chain. In these uncertain times, having premier domain expertise is an invaluable asset and reflects ALOMs commitment to supply chain excellence. ALOM is extraordinarily proud that key leaders Lisa Dolan and Fiona Lowbridge have been recognized as SDCE Supply Chain Pros to Know for collaborative partnership with our clients. Thanks to their expertise and vision, they are implementing new solutions that enable our clients supply chain to perform flawlessly, Kain said. Both are committed to maintaining the highest levels of corporate social responsibility throughout our operations. Each lives out these principals in the solutions she offers clients and by actively mentoring other professionals in our industry. About ALOMs winners: ALOM President and CEO Hannah Kain has in the last year advanced her leadership role in the industry by spearheading data-driven business intelligence and capacity growth initiatives to enhance supply chain visibility and mitigate the challenges of global trade uncertainty. Kain introduced ALOM BI providing clients with real-time data-driven supply chain performance dashboards that track KPI achievement. She also continued a two-year service expansion strategy culminating with the September 2019 opening of ALOMs new 260,000 square-foot production and fulfillment center in Indianapolis, IN. This milestone followed the 110,000 square-foot company headquarters expansion in Fremont, CA and the opening its EMEA headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2018. Lisa Dolan, VP of Supply Chain Strategy, conceptualizes and implements new solutions for ALOM clients to solve real-world supply chain challenges amidst increasingly complex and fast-changing technology advancements and end-user service expectations. For example, in 2019 Lisa worked closely with an ALOM automotive client to launch a new, never previously attempted program for vehicle owners to self-update navigation system map data without going through the dealer channel. Dolan worked with ALOM and client technologists to engineer a process for car owners to access, purchase and download data. Lisa also planned the launch strategy which kicked-off with a direct mail campaign to over one million car owners. Fiona Lowbridge, VP of Client Success, is an integral member of the ALOM operations management team responsible for client satisfaction, developing supplier relationships and ensuring that all stakeholder objectives are being achieved. In 2019 ALOM on-boarded a high volume of new client programs. For one new customer with a fast launch window she oversaw assembly process improvements that reduced production time and achieved 100% on-time shipping; leading to new business with 3X order volumes. The supply chain profession is ever-changing, with transformative technologies and evolutionary best practices driving greater efficiencies and innovations for companies. At the heart of it all are supply chain professionals. Supply & Demand Chain Executive congratulates the 2020 Pros to Know recipients who are setting the bar for supply chain excellence, says John R. Yuva, editor-in-chief for Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Supply & Demand Chain Executive received more than 500 entries for the 2020 Pros to Know Awards. Supply & Demand Chain Executives website at http://www.sdcexec.com offers the full list of all of the 2020 Pros to Know and Practitioner Pros winners. About Supply & Demand Chain Executive Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. Visit it on the web at http://www.SDCExec.com. About ALOM ALOM is a global supply chain management services and solutions provider serving as a partner to its Fortune 500 customers in the technology, automotive, government, medical, telecommunications, and utility/energy sectors. Headquartered in Fremont, CA, its expert team of strategists, technology engineers, and supply chain specialists operate globally from 19 locations. ALOM supply chain service offerings include procurement, eCommerce, inventory, assembly, digital media duplication, print management, fulfillment, IT and visibility tools, logistics management, and operations. ALOM is proud to deliver its customers products and services impeccably, enrich the end-user experience, and uphold their brand reputations. http://www.alom.com Prudential Plc, the UK insurer besieged by activist investor Third Point, has agreed to acquire a bancassurance partnership in Thailand from FWD Group Ltd. in a 24.5 billion baht ($753 million) deal. Prudentials Thai unit will buy the exclusive rights from FWD to sell life insurance products through TMB Bank Pcl, the Thai lender said in an exchange filing on Thursday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg report. The initial term for the partnership is 15 years and Prudential will pay in two installments, with 12 billion baht due next month, according to a separate statement by the UK insurer. TMB, backed by ING Groep NV, had been exploring options for its existing bancassurance partnerships following a planned merger with Thanachart Bank Pcl that will create the countrys sixth-largest lender. Alternatives included renewing the partnership with FWD or finding a new partner, Bloomberg News reported in November. For FWD, a sale of its partnership with TMB would ease potential antitrust concerns after the Hong Kong-based company last year agreed to pay about $3 billion for the life insurance operations of Thailands Siam Commercial Bank Pcl in its biggest acquisition. FWD will receive 20 billion baht for the TMB contract, according to its statement. Concurrently with the SCB Life acquisition, FWD agreed its own 15-year bancassurance partnership with SCB, Thailands second largest bank by market capitalization. [Editors note: Swiss Re is a long-term backer of FWD, which announced in 2013 that it would receive US$425 million from the reinsurer]. Third Point, which is run by Dan Loeb, in February announced it had built a stake of just under 5% in Prudential, and wanted the firm to separate its Asia business from Jackson National Life Insurance. The activist investor said such move would eliminate nearly 200 million pounds ($233 million) of duplicate costs. The insurer this month said it was preparing to list a minority stake in the U.S. business. There will be a nine-month transition period in which TMB will continue to sell FWD products, while it will onboard products by Prudential, the filing said. Prudential will fund the deal with a mixture of its existing resources in Asia and potentially through new debt. Shares of TMB Bank rose 1.4% as of 3:14 p.m. in Bangkok. Prudential slumped 10.7% in Hong Kong, while Hang Seng Index fell 2.6%. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acted as financial adviser to TMB, while HSBC Holdings Plc advised Prudential, the people said. Photograph: The Prudential Plc logo is displayed on a banner atop a building in Hong Kong, China, on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Photo credit: Anthony Kwan/Bloomberg. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Mergers Chinese Police Tries To Stop Netizens From Spreading the Truth About the CCP Pandemic Hi, my name is Tatiana Darzi and welcome to Epoch Times Exclusive. Id like to share a couple of videos recently trending online regarding the situation in China with the novel coronavirus. A video taken in Guangdong Province shows police standing in front of someones doorway, demanding the residents to not spread information about the novel Coronavirus online. The Chinese regime doesnt want the truth to be spread to the rest of the world. So, it sends the police force to censor and intimidate civilians speaking out about this. 25-year-old, Li Zehua, is a former TV host with Chinese State Television, CCTV. He recorded himself being chased by an intelligence officer who was driving a vehicle that wasnt a police car. He later live streamed himself informing the officers and the viewers that he refuses to be silenced by the CCP and is determined to speak the truth. He goes on to explain that speaking the truth doesnt mean he wants to overthrow the government. He states hes been a good citizen and hasnt broken any laws, he also mentions that the young people in China know nothing about the truth and the real history of their country. Soon after, the police are seen walking into his apartment to arrest him. No one has heard from him since February 26. The CCP actively cracks down on freedom of speech, and it isnt unusual for dissidents to get arrested and in many cases, never to be heard from again. A man was returning to China when two women briefly stopped him to inform him of the coronavirus outbreak. The women tell him that what CCTV has published is fake and that the epidemic has become widespread in China. He doesnt seem to be fazed by this. He says that he trusts what the Chinese State Media publishes, and then leaves. The amount of disinformation by the Chinese Communist Party is extremely dangerous to the people living in China and for the rest of us living abroad. If it were up to the CCP, they wouldve never told us about the outbreak. But since the news was spreading about as fast as the virus had spread, they had no other choice but to admit to it. Its thanks to those brave people who do care about the wellbeing of others, who dared to inform us about the novel coronavirus, and fully understand that by doing so, the CCP will retaliate against them. Thank you for joining me today in this Epoch Times Exclusive. Dont forget to Like, Subscribe, but most of all Share this program with friends and family to keep them informed. See you next time! Read the original article here. Raipur, March 19 : A young woman with a travel history to London has tested positive for coronavirus infection in Chhattisgarh, the first such case in the state, Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo confirmed on Thursday. "It is important that people stay alert and careful. Try to avoid meeting people, avoid gatherings," Deo told the media here. Sources in the Health Department said that the woman hailing from Raipur had returned to India from London with her family. After she fell ill, a Health Department team sent her blood sample for testing on March 17. The woman was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences here after virus infection was confirmed on Wednesday. The woman has been kept in isolation ward and her family members are also undergoing medical examination. The woman's co-travellers in the plane are also being tracked, the sources said. --IANS hindi-dpb /tsb A man has been detained after carrying five women on his electric bike while zooming down a street in China. Pictures shared by police show that none of them was wearing a face mask as they squeezed onto the tiny vehicle in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. The city's health officials have urged people to keep at least one metre (3.3 feet) of distance from others in restaurants to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Many public facilities, such as libraries, have also urged residents to follow the rule. A picture released by the police shows the man carrying five women on his electric bike while travelling in the city of Dongguan in Guangdong Province. He has been detained by police Police launched an investigation into the case after a video of the event (left) had gone viral. The cyclist (right) was dubbed 'the most successful man in Dongguan' by social media users In defiance of the social-distancing pleas, the cyclist whizzed through downtown with five female companions, whom he claimed he had just met in a shop. Police launched an investigation into the case on Monday after a video of the event had gone viral. The cyclist was dubbed 'the most successful man in Dongguan' by social media users. Officers found four of the women at a noodle shop at 8:30pm on the same night before catching the cyclist and the last passenger in front of a fast-food chain 20 minutes later. The five passengers were also taken into police custody, pending further investigation The man, known by his surname Luo, claimed that he had met the five women in an ice cream shop and they had insisted that he carry them on his moped to collect some items. He told the city's traffic police that he was forced to give them a lift. Luo was detained on suspicion of riding without a license, overloading the vehicle, riding without a helmet and using an illegal electric bike. The five passengers were also taken into police custody, pending further investigation. Italy's lockdown will have to be extended beyond the current end-date of April 3, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Thursday as its daily death toll spiked. Speaking to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Conte said measures taken to close schools and universities and to restrict movement throughout Italy would have to be prolonged. "The total blockade will go on," Conte said. "The measures taken, both the closure of (public) activities and the ones concerning schools, can only be extended," he told the paper. Conte's comments confirm speculation that the government would extend its current national lockdown further as the coronavirus outbreak in Italy worsens. Under the lockdown rules, people can only leave their homes to get food or medicines (grocery stores and pharmacies are the only stores that remain open), or to perform other essential services or to go to work. Most shops had been forced to close until March 25 but that deadline also looks set to be extended. However, Italy's interior ministry said Wednesday that 43,000 people been caught breaking the lockdown rules in the first week of controls, with a million people being checked since March 11, when most public places closed. Italy's tally of coronavirus cases and deaths jumped Wednesday; 2,978 have now died from coronavirus in Italy, 475 more than Tuesday. The data, from Italy's Civil Protection agency and corroborated by a tally by Johns Hopkins University, marked a record increase in the number of daily deaths. On Tuesday, there had been 345 more deaths from the previous day. The total number of confirmed cases across the country also continues to rise dramatically; as of Wednesday, 35,713 people in Italy had tested positive for coronavirus (this number includes deaths and those that have recovered from the disease). The number of infections was up 2,648 from Tuesday. Hospitals in Italy's Lombardy, the epicenter of the country's coronvirus outbreak, are reaching the point where they may not be able to treat any new cases of the virus. History is not altogether clear to what Harold Wilson was specifically referring to when he may or may not have even said that a week is a long time in politics. So it is up to us to dare to assume that this, the much-referred to long week in British politics, may at the time have felt even shorter than the one thats not yet over, right here in early 2020. It is scarcely even a full week since the national conversation principally concerned whether Rishi Sunaks Budget did or didnt break the fiscal rules as set in the Conservative Party manifesto, and here we are, rushing through emergency legislation to allow the government to arrest old age pensioners for the crime of going to the shops. These emergency powers, as outlined in the coronavirus bill, are like nothing thats ever been seen before, certainly not in a hundred years or more. But then, neither is the coronavirus. Naturally, these new powers contain within them the power for the government to grant itself more powers, like a sort of megalomaniac version of using one of your three wishes to wish for infinite wishes. But no one need worry, because theyre only meant to last two years, and this sort of thing never, ever goes wrong. Whoever could have foreseen, for example, when those planes hit those buildings on that awful sunny September morning, that seven years later, most of the Icelandic population would be posting pictures of themselves on Facebook holding up signs saying I am not a terrorist. Why? Well, the anti-terror powers the Labour government saw fit to grant itself, in response to the threat of Al Qaeda in 2001, would be deployed by Gordon Brown in 2008, as a means to rescue British savers money from collapsing Icelandic banks. Who can blame him, in a way? They were desperate times. Desperate measures were required. But it is scant exaggeration to say that every time a government gives itself rights it would not be permitted under normal circumstances, it never quite gives them up again. At Boris Johnsons most recent press conference, he spoke of the medium- to long-term prognosis of the nation in dealing with this outbreak. In 12 weeks, he said, some semblance of normality will have returned. People who have had the coronavirus, and so built up some kind of resistance to it, will be able to return to work. There will be hundreds of thousands of such people, millions. And yet these people will step out again, into a world in which the government will be able to detain anyone suspected of having Covid-19, fine them for refusing to be tested for it, and to force potentially infected people to isolate, to stop them from travelling and seeing other people. Such rights and powers make sense now while the supermarkets are empty and a country, indeed a world, braces for impact from a force it doesnt understand and is too frightened even to fully consider. But there are no sensible voices who dont think Covid-19 will be with us for anything less than a year, and more likely longer than that. In some senses, it will be with us for good, even though its potency will have diminished, perhaps to little more than a common cold. Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Show all 20 1 /20 Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Top: Nabi Younes market, Mosul Bottom: Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Grand Mosque, Mecca Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Nabi Younes market, Mosul Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Basra Grand Mosque, Iraq Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Taj Mahal hotel, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Dubai Mall, UAE Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Gateway of India, Mumbai Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Victoria Memorial, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sidon, Lebanon Reuters The Labour Party has requested for the powers to require parliamentary reapproval every six months. But that request is not expected to be passed. It will merely require the government to unilaterally reapprove it every two. It will, in other words, not be all that long before you can be detained for catching a cold. At that point, the best you can hope for is that you trust your government to act responsibly. That it wouldnt, say, play fast and loose with the law for its own ends. It wouldnt, for example, seek to shut down parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit. It wouldnt restrict access to briefings to a select pool of approved journalists. It wouldnt be trying to shut down the BBC, and take a flamethrower to the independence of the judiciary. No British government, certainly not in recent times, has been so brazen in using whatever power it can get hold of to do as it pleases. We will have to hope that government our government uses these new, and terrifying powers, judiciously. Hope, frankly, is not enough. Its about getting back to normal in times that are anything but. Giant Company president Nick Bertram talked to PennLive opinion editor Joyce Davis on Facebook Live Thursday, and he said they are working hard to keep the shelves stocked amid the coronavirus. Trucks are coming in all the time, our distribution centers are humming, he said. But the products cant stay on the shelves. What we are seeing with empty shelves is a case of panic buying, he said, adding Giant and all other grocery stores are still working to help to ease that panic. Thats normal and natural when something threatens you, he said. Its up to us as leaders in the industry to make it clear that the supply chain is continuing. Giant has already reduced its hours 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to doubled down on stocking shelves and cleaning overnight. They are also dedicating the first hour of each day set aside for senior citizen shoppers. They are also hiring temporary, part-time workers. He said he is proud of his team of about 3,200 employees. If anything has been proven to me over the last few days, they are heroes and heroines," he said. They are extraordinary." But in these uncertain times, do we have to worry about grocery stores still being here? Giant is always going to be here, no matter what, he said. Were going to be around for our communities. Thats what they expect from us, and thats what weve always done. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. PUBLICANS claim insurers are refusing to pay out on claims for what is called business interruption after they were forced to close due to the Covid-19 crisis. Some publicans say they would have used the pay-outs to fund wages for staff during the closure period. The Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) have slammed insurers who they claim are refusing to honour the business interruption cover on their polices. The representative bodies say they have received confirmation from Allianz and FBD, two of the largest providers of business interruption cover to pubs, that they will not be providing this cover. The Licensed Vintners Association represents Dublin publicans, and the Vintners Federation represents publicans in the rest of the country. The representative bodies for the publicans called on the Government to immediately engage with the Irish insurance industry on this matter. Chief executive of the LVA Donall OKeeffe said: This is a disgraceful decision by the two insurance providers. At a time of national crisis, with the pub sector on its knees, these insurers have spurned us in our time of need and are refusing to play their part in this emergency situation. He said members had hoped to use the payments they would receive under their business interruption cover to continue to pay some or all of their staff. During this critical time that would not only help thousands of pub employees and their families, but it would also be in the national interest as it will reduce the demand for social welfare payments. VFI chief executive Padraig Cribben accused the insurers of hiding between two arguments at present. Firstly that the decision taken by the pubs to close was not mandated by law and, secondly,that this crisis represents a force majeure event. And Brokers Ireland called on the Government to convene a meeting of insurance company chief executives to explore an industry-wide response to the Covid-19 crisis. Director of general insurance at the organisation Cathie Shannon said many businesses have business interruption insurance. But the wording on policies can vary. An effort should be made to bring clarity to the situation for policyholders and to explore all possible means to address the unprecedented situation that many people, particularly businesses, now find themselves in, she said. Both FBD and Allianz have been contacted for a comment, but have yet to respond. Gandhinagar, March 19 : The first of the two coronavirus positive cases in Gujarat is a male who had returned from Mecca with his 11-member family, many of who live in Rajkot, Surat and Valsad. The health authorities have started tracing the history of all the family members, and the people they must have come in contact with in the past 10-12 days. The 31-year-old coronavirus positive person from Rajkot had been on a pilgrimage to Mecca with his family. They returned to India on March 8 and took the train to Gujarat. Many of the family members unboarded the train at Valsad and also at Surat. "After this person's samples tested positive on Wednesday, we have started tracing all the persons coming in contact with him as well as his family," Jayanti Ravi, Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), told IANS. According to sources, 17 people have been identified and isolated. On Thursday, the family doctor who initially treated the coronavirus carrier for first 4-5 days was quarantined, sources said. "The doctor as well as his family are under observation. Around 12-15 people who came in touch with him during this time have come forward. They have been isolated by the authorities," said a source from Rajkot. "We appeal to all, anybody who has returned from abroad, and even if he/she is your closest relative, should be strictly isolated by the family. Even if someone finds any foreign returnee loitering around, he/she should immediately inform the health authorities. "Because the international passengers get mingled with other passengers at the airport terminals as there are no segregation about their departure countries, from where they are coming. So we need to be extra cautious," Ravi said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) One employee and one resident of two different nursing homes in Jefferson County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Alabama Nursing Home Association. Our association is aware that two of our member nursing homes in Jefferson County reported positive COVID-19 diagnoses," said Brandon Farmer, president of the Alabama Nursing Home Association. One involves a nursing home resident, and the other involves an employee. Both are receiving the medical care they need and are isolated from others. We hope both will make a full recovery. A nurse who worked as Aspire Cahaba River was one of the positive cases. The facility, located in Vestavia Hills, released its own statement. According to the facility, the nurse began feeling unwell on Monday and received a positive test result Wednesday. This nurse and her coworkers with whom she spends substantial amounts of time were asked to go home and self-isolate," said spokeswoman Madolyn Kirby. "Although this nurse who tested positive was not responsible for primary care of our residents, Aspire Cahaba River is enacting the required protocols to help ensure the safety of our residents and our employees. The other positive case occurred in a resident of Plantation Manor in McCalla, according to a statement. The person was sent to the hospital for evaluation and tested positive Wednesday for COVID-19. After receiving the diagnosis, we immediately contacted the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Jefferson County Department of Health and began implementing additional protocols to help ensure the safety of our residents and employees, the statement said. We started testing of all employees and residents for COVID-19 as soon as testing kits arrived on Thursday. While testing continues, protective protocols remain in place, and access to our facility is restricted in accordance with federal healthcare guidelines. Only visits that are medically necessary or related to hospice will be allowed, and then only under restricted conditions. John Matson, spokesman for the Alabama Nursing Home Association, said most nursing homes have already reduced or eliminated visitation as directed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We knew we would have cases diagnosed at some point, Matson said. Nursing homes take care of 25,000 people in Alabama every day, and 30,000 people in the state work in nursing homes. So given those numbers, we knew it was inevitable." Older people are at high risk of death from COVID-19. At one facility in Seattle, 35 people have died after becoming infected with the virus. On Monday, Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson issued an order banning almost all nursing home visits, except in end-of-life cases. Today, Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris extended that order to the rest of the state. Matson said nursing homes across the state have been vigilant in trying to reduce the possibility of transmission. Now that cases have been detected, they have followed precautions to prevent other residents from and workers from catching the illness. We started educating our member nursing homes weeks ago, Matson said. Our strategy all along has been prevention. Updated 5:04 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2020. Karnataka to undertake Triaging: What does it mean and how do you pronounce it Delhi to ease restrictions, if Covid cases come down in next 2-3 days: Health Minister Lata Mangeshkar health update: Doctor says,'She in ICU with Covid-19 and pneumonia, will be under observation' Coronavirus: What is Janta Curfew on March 22? India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Mar 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday appealed all Indians to follow 'Janta Curfew' on 22nd March, from 7 am to 9pm. In the view of coronavirus outbreak which has affected over 100 countries across the world, Modi called for 'Janta curfew' on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of house. "On March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow the Janta Curfew," PM Narendra Modi said. At 5 pm, all the citizens are requested to encourage the people working in essential services (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, municipal staff, armed forces, airport staff), working in the times of coronavirus, by clapping and ringing their bells. He also said, "If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent." The PM also requested the people of the nation to try and stay at home for the next few weeks as much as possible and not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. He also specially requested senior citizen above the age of 60 years to not leave their homes. Experts are optimistic about industrial property development prospects in Vietnam, given the countrys rapid integration and improving investment climate. The industrial property market has large development potential in the context that Viet Nam was integrating rapidly into the global economy and becoming an attractive destination for foreign investment. Photo haiquanonline.com.vn Economic expert Le Xuan Nghia said that Viet Nam was part of a number of free trade deals, which together with the Governments open policies, made Viet Nam an increasingly attractive destination to foreign investors. Despite a fall in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in February when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) started to become serious, the potential for industrial land development was huge in the long term, Nghia said. Statistics from the Foreign Investment Agency showed that Viet Nam attracted US$5.3 billion worth of registered FDI in January, up 180 percent over the same month in 2019, but only $1.1 billion in February. Nghia said that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the property segment would only be in the short term as the Government was taking bold measures to control the pandemic. Nghia said that it was the time for investors and businesses to prepare to make breakthroughs when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. He predicted that Viet Nam would see a strong recovery in production and consumption after the pandemic. John Campbell, head of Industrial Services at Savills Vietnam, in an interview with Kinh Te & Do Thi newspaper, said that free trade agreements (FTAs) were making Viet Nam an attractive destination for FDI inflow, especially the European Union Viet Nam FTA (EVFTA). He said that many investors were confident the EVFTA would accelerate investment in production in Viet Nam, which would also push up the development of the industrial property segment. He predicted an increase in demand for industrial property from European producers in the next two years, adding that the penetration of European producers into Viet Nam would increase competition in the quality and prices of industrial property. At the moment, the COVID-19 pandemic was causing worries about labour shortages and disruptions to supply chains, and its impacts on the global economy would be significant, he said. Still, Campbell remained positive about the development of the industrial property segment in the next two years. We need some time for the industrial property market to get back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen Hong Van from JLL Viet Nam said. Mirae Asset Securities Viet Nam in a recent report forecast that the industrial property market would face more difficulties in 2020, but that there was significant potential for development. The difficulty would come from the FDI sector which was forecast to see falls in exports due to the impacts of the global slowdown. However, this segment would see increase in supplies, partly due to the conversion of land leased by rubber companies, estimated at more than 7,000 hectares, into industrial land, the company pointed out. The company cited statistics that there were 326 industrial zones throughout the country with a total area of more than 95,500 hectares, more than 65,500 hectares of which were industrial land. In addition, more than 13,000 hectares of industrial zones in the northern region and 18,000 hectares in the southern region would be put into operation soon. VNS How EVFTA, coronavirus affects Vietnam industrial property? The coronavirus outbreak will certainly have an effect on the global economy in the coming months. Vietnam, with its proximity and close trade and supply relationships with China, is no exception. Beer company BrewDog is now making alcohol hand gel and sanitizers at its distillery in Scotland, in a bid to help with stock during shortage around the world as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread. The company announced this in an Instagram post. The sanitizer is called BrewDog Punk Sanitizer. BrewDog is a multinational brewery and pub chain based in Ellon, Scotland. That is perhaps why the bottles of the Punk Sanitizer proudly say, brewed in Ellon. Incidentally, the company will be sending these sanitizers to local charities and communities rather than selling these online or in stores. Say hello to Punk Sanitiser. To help with the shortages, we have just started working on making hand sanitiser at our distillery in Scotland. We are determined to do everything we can to try and help as many people as possible stay safe. It's time to keep it clean, the company said in the Instagram post. The sanitizer line gets its name from BrewDog's popular Punk IPA craft beer. Earlier, Pernod Ricard USA, which makes Absolut Vodka, Avion Tequila and Kahlua brands of alcohol also said it will now be making hand sanitizers at all its manufacturing facilities, which will then be donated instead of being sold. Our company is proud to support the efforts of the Administration and communities across the country in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, said Ann Mukherjee, CEO of Pernod Ricard North America. The The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States has also said that it is in consultation with the industry to find ways to help reduce the hand sanitizer shortages in the country, and around the world. Medical authorities around the world are recommending generous use of hand sanitizers to protect yourselves against the Coronavirus. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective. Similarly, Swedish based The Absolut Company has also said it is also helping with the hand sanitizer shortage. This was announced by the companys communication manager Paula Eriksson on Twitter saying that Absolut wants to contribute to the production of hand sanitizers. Absolut is owned by French conglomerate Pernod Ricard. Luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, also known as LVMH is also producing hand sanitizers at manufacturing facilities for the Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy brands. They say these hand sanitizers will be delivered directly to the health authorities for use in hospitals in France. Donatella Versace and her daughter Allegra have donated 200,000 Euros to Milans San Raffaele hospital as it treats patients with the Coronavirus. In times like this, it is important to be united and support however we can to help all those who are in the front lines, fighting every day to save hundreds of lives," the designer wrote in a post on Instagram. It has also been reported that Prada's co-CEOs Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada and chairman Carlo Mazzi have donated two intensive care and resuscitation units each to Milan hospitals Vittore Buzzi, Sacco and San Raffaele. Italy has been one of worst hit countries, registering the highest ever single day death toll in the past 24 hours. OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM, AEM.TO) said that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut or at any of its global operations. The company noted that it has decided to send home its Nunavut based work force from the Meliadine and Meadowbank operations as well as the exploration projects for a period of four weeks. All Nunavummiut workers currently on site will be returned home and those that are currently off-site will not return. The company stated that the employees will continue to receive their remuneration during this period. In addition, Agnico Eagle will be meeting with its Nunavut contractors to discuss similar measures involving their Nunavummiut workers. Agnico Eagle plans to continue operations at both Meliadine and Meadowbank with the remaining workforce. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Torontos medical officer of health is encouraging all non-essential businesses like hair and nail salons as well as clothing stores to close immediately as city officials urge social distancing to combat the growing COVID-19 outbreak. The recommendation from Dr. Eileen de Villa came Thursday during a regular public briefing at city hall. It follows the province declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday and shuttering bars, nightclubs, theatres and dine-in service at restaurants. Im still hearing from many people around our city that there are still a number of non-essential businesses that continue to keep their doors open, she said. If we want to be successful in protecting ourselves, our families, and our community against this virus, we have to take social distancing even more seriously. As of 1 p.m. Thursday, De Villa reported 128 cases in Toronto with 11 people in hospital. She said Toronto does have to concern itself with the possibility of an uptick in cases with the return of people who travelled during March break. She gave the example of salons and clothing shops, but said her recommendation applies to all non-essential businesses. De Villa said shops providing food and medicine are essential. When asked about malls, she noted those locations often have food takeout and some have grocery stores and pharmacies. The statement is not an order to close, but a recommendation. She said in public health practice, seeking voluntary compliance is usually more effective when people come to the same conclusion and agree with the treatment of their own accord. But businesses could risk future orders or fines if they choose not to close, she said. Its always possible orders could be coming for closures of additional businesses, she said. De Villa praised the positive adjustments shes heard people are making offering free online fitness classes, hosting virtual dinner parties and posting childrens artwork in windows to cheer neighbours. These are examples of the resilience and creativity of our city, she said. She reminded residents that staying physically active and getting outdoors for a walk or run is important, but gatherings in groups is still discouraged. De Villa made a plea to residents on Wednesday to take social distancing seriously cancelling dinner plans with friends, working from home and limiting trips outside the home to only those needed to get food and medication. Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, who is heading the citys emergency operations centre, said the citys public hotline for COVID-19 is seeing an incredibly high volume of calls and that many of the questions being asked can be addressed by first visiting the citys website. Pegg said the TTCs WheelTrans reservation system has been overburdened with calls from non-WheelTrans customers asking for transport to assessment centres. He also reminded residents to not call 911 unless it is an emergency. Additional city services have also been suspended. Yard waste is no longer being collected and should be removed from the curb until further notice, Pegg said. Long-term care homes run by the city continue to operate, but are not allowing visitors. All Toronto Police service locations are closed to the public and criminal record checks must be submitted online. Vulnerable sector screening can only be done by appointment on an urgent basis by calling 416-808-8244 or emailing referencecheckprogram@torontopolice.on.ca. Pegg also said the city is staffed to handle any local flooding, and downed branches and wires because of expected rainfall and wind gusts on Friday. The coronavirus impact could render 3.8 crore people jobless, which is around 70 percent of the total workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector, according to a grouping New Delhi: The coronavirus impact could render 3.8 crore people jobless, which is around 70 percent of the total workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector, according to a grouping. The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) also said there should be a support fund for twelve months to support basic salaries with "direct transfer" to the affected tourism employees. "As a result of this pandemic, the Indian tourism industry is looking at pan India bankruptcies, closure of businesses and mass unemployment," FAITH said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is believed that around 70 percent out of a total 5.5 crore workforce could get unemployed, which is around 3.8 crore people. This effect of job losses and layoffs has already begun throughout the country, it added. The figure is for direct as well as indirect jobs. "A large percentage of total tourism business activity of India, which is estimated at $28 billion+ in forex and upwards of Rs 2 lakh crore in domestic tourism activity will be at economic risk throughout the year. Thus, in excess of Rs 5 lakh crore of the direct tourism industry and almost double that of total economic activity is at risk," the letter said. With declining revenues, almost all tourism businesses are running out of working capital. However, with the responsibility of staff and payment of their salaries, EMIs to service, advance tax, PF, ESIC, GST, excise and other state levies, bank guarantees, security deposits, this industry needs your support now more than ever, it added. "We request you for a twelve-month moratorium on our EMIs of principal and interest payments on loans and working capital from Financial Institutions (both banking & non-banking)," the letter said. Additionally, FAITH requested the prime minister for doubling working capital limits on interest-free and collateral-free terms. This will prevent all tourism businesses from going bankrupt, it added. "Sir, additionally to prevent insolvency, we request you for a deferment for 12 months of all statutory dues whether GST, Advance Tax payments, PF, ESIC, customs duties at the central government level or at any state government level the excise fees, levies, taxes, power & water charges, bank guarantees & security deposits and deferment of all renewals, across the tourism, travel, hospitality & aviation industry," the letter said. FAITH also requested the prime minister to set up a support fund for twelve months on the lines of MNREGA to support basic salaries with 'direct transfer' to affected tourism employees, it added. "TCS (tax collected at source) on travel has been proposed in Finance Bill 2020 to be levied from April 1, 2020, and we request that it should not be introduced as it will displace business from India to overseas, which will lead to shutting down businesses of most Indian tourism companies," the letter said. It also requested a complete GST Tax Holiday for the tourism, travel and hospitality industry for a period of 12 months. The letter requested the prime minister to, "set up...a national tourism task force of all relevant ministries of the central government along with the ministry of tourism and chief secretaries of State governments and industry stakeholders to meet regularly to fast-track all tourism investment approvals." By Kim Jae-heun E-Mart CEO Lee Gap-su E-Mart will not request Moody's Investors Service withdraw its Ba1 corporate family rating (CFR). "We've not heard anything about E-Mart requesting us to withdraw their CFR and even if they did, we couldn't speak about it before a public disclosure," a Moody's official said. An E-Mart official also said the company has no plan to request the credit rating's withdrawal. "We are not reviewing the option to raise objection to Moody's credit rating internally and we have no plan to do so in the future," an E-mart official said. Last month, Moody's assigned a Ba1 CFR to E-Mart and withdrew its Baa3 issuer rating. It also maintained its negative outlook. A Ba1 rating is considered non-investment grade. Yoo Wan-hee, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, said the rating change was driven by a significant weakening in E-Mart's profitability and financial leverage last year. The credit officer added he predicts such factors will not improve in the next two years as E-Mart faces ongoing challenges in its main supermarket business and as its capital spending remains elevated. Expectations were that E-Mart would ask Moody's to withdraw its downgraded rating following Lotte Shopping's request on Wednesday. On Jan. 21, Moody's downgraded its outlook for the country's leading retailor by revenue to negative from stable. By PTI MUMBAI: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday that police have been asked to take action against those who violate the mandatory quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak in the state. Instances of persons, many of them with recent travel-history to a foreign country, ignoring the advice of home isolation have come to light in the last few days. "There have been complaints of people who are under a mandatory quarantine period violating the norms and going out in public. I have asked the police to initiate action against them under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897," the minister said. "There have been instances of people running away from the quarantine facility or not staying at home even after being asked by the health department officials," he said. "The people returning from foreign tours are put under mandatory quarantine as a precaution. But there have been reports of people flouting quarantine which poses a serious threat to the health of other people," he added. Earlier, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Health Minister Rajesh Tope had stated that the government does not wish to initiate punitive action against anyone, but travellers returning from abroad should abide by quarantine norms on their own. Most of the confirmed Covid-19 patients in Maharashtra have returned from a foreign country. Those who have travelled abroad recently should stay in home isolation for at least 14 days even if they do not have any symptoms of the disease, the government has said. Three laboratories in Maharashtra, which are currently burdened with the task of testing samples of suspected novel coronavirus patients, are analysing samples not only from the state, but also from the neighbouring regions. Of these three facilities, the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) is a global referral laboratory, which gets samples even from SAARC countries for confirmation of various types of infections, including coronavirus, a senior official said on Thursday. "Global referral means its reports are considered valid even in other countries," he said. Apart from the NIV, one lab is currently being operated at the Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) in Nagpur and the other one at Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai. "All these labs are meant not only to cater to particular geographies. They are supposed to carry out tests as per the requirement, and samples can come from any corner of the country," he said. "Several samples of Indians stranded in Iran were flown back to India and taken to the NIV for confirmation. Once the reports were out, medication was administered to them," he said, adding that samples from Maldives were also tested. Testing period for coronavirus detection is six hours, he said. When asked about the Nagpur-based lab and the areas it covers, he said, "Samples from Vidarbha region as well as samples from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are sent to this facility." Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope had said on Wednesday in Pune that around 10 new labs would be set up in the state in the coming days for testing samples of suspected coronavirus patients. "Sample testing kits will be made available. The central government has approved 10 lakh new kits for all the labs in the country," he said. Talking about the possibiliy of private labs being used for sample testing, the minister had said, "As per the new advisory, private labs have been allowed, but the government will not bear any of their expenses." The proposed laboratories in Maharashtra will include two each in B J Medical College in Pune and Mumbai's Haffkine Institute, and one each in Mumbai's J J Hospital, in Aurangabad, Dhule, Miraj and Solapur, he had said. It wasnt too long ago that royal family members were cracking jokes about coronavirus, but now in just one week, everything is different. Cases of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom have skyrocketed, forcing businesses to close, schools to cancel, and the government urging citizens to stay home to help stop the spread of the virus. Everyone is worried about elderly relatives and those with compromised immune systems. That group includes the 93-year-old reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth. The queen reluctantly canceled scheduled appearances for the next few weeks and left Buckingham Palace for Windsor Castle, though multiple news outlets reported that was a normal part of her routine, coronavirus or not. Now one royal commentator claims that Prince Harry is worried about his elderly grandmother, too. As he should be. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry | Julian Simmonds WPA Pool / Getty Images Prince Harry is physically and emotionally distant from his family After making the announcement that he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex were planning to step down as senior royals and embark on their own path apart from the royal family, things have been tense between Prince Harry and his grandmother, the queen. The two met for a private lunch to discuss matters, but that doesnt necessarily mean her confidence in him was restored. And now Harry is dealing with the isolation of his own making coupled with social distancing from a continent away as he, Meghan, and Archie hunker down in Canada. Hes rightfully worried about his elderly grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip | Jeff Spicer/Getty Images Coronavirus is still a huge mystery in the medical community, but there are a few things we know. Chief among these is how it affects certain vulnerable groups of people, including senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems. The queen and her 98-year-old husband Prince Philip fall squarely into that group. [Harry] is using their social media group chat more than ever but what he really wants to do is return home simply because he is worried about his family and more so his aged grandparents the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, U.K.-based broadcaster Neil Sean told Fox News. A source told Sean that Harry is feeling alone in his new environment, especially during this global health crisis. Prince Harry may be realizing the lasting consequences of Megxit Prince Harry | Chris Jackson Pool/Getty Images Theres nothing like a worldwide pandemic to make you realize whats truly important in life: health, safety, and family. Its true that Prince Harry has the family he chose close by his side right now. But after spending a lifetime as Prince Williams brother and an integral part of the royal family, its only natural for him to be missing the comfort of the home hes always known. Lets not forget he remains part of the British royal family and with that comes commitment, Sean said, according to Fox News. He really would like to be at home and help in any way he can but knows he cant just now. Would Harry return to the United Kingdom if the queen asked him to? Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth | Julian Simmonds WPA Pool / Getty Images At this point, theres not much action Queen Elizabeth can take to support citizens besides being a strong leader and keeping morale high. And thats something even Prince Harry could help with. But would he? I truly believe that if Harry was requested back to the U.K. to support his subjects and the British people in this very trying time for the world he would not hesitate, Sean predicted. But the offer has to come from the royal family. He is far too stubborn to make the first move and it remains to be seen for now who will crack first. Its unclear how the coronavirus pandemic will pan out. Its even less obvious what will happen between Prince Harry and the royal family. But this global concern could be a significant catalyst for how Harry and Meghan treat their family in the future. Description GIS 19 March 2020: Mauritius will go in lockdown for two weeks, as from 06 00 hrs tomorrow morning, as the number of Covid-19 cases rose to seven. Consequently, to tackle to spread of Covid-19, employees will not go to work as from tomorrow, except those who are part of the essential services like the Police Force, medical services, and fire and rescue services, amongst others. In a televised address to the nation, tonight, Prime Minister Jugnauth recalled that the lockdown decision has been taken after an urgent Cabinet meeting held, today, in an effort to reduce the impact of the coronavirus. With the aim to limit the spread of the virus, the Prime Minister urged the citizens to stay at home. He cautioned that economic activities and transport services will be reduced to the strict minimum. However, businesses like banks, supermarkets, shops, bakeries and pharmacies will operate normally. An additional list of businesses which will be allowed to run will be subsequently communicated to the public. Mr Juganuth called on the population to respect the instructions given by the authorities and to practice social distancing. Solidarity and collaboration of one and all are important in these hard times, he added. He reassured employees of the formal sector that they will neither lose their jobs or salaries. Government, he stated, will do its best to preserve jobs and ensure that foodstuffs and medicines are available for everyone. Speaking about his meeting, today, with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Arvin Boolell, the Prime Minister stated that they have both agreed that these exceptional circumstances require stringent measures like the lockdown. The Prime Minister also thanked the health personnel for their dedication, professionalism and wonderful work. HOUSTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PSS Industrial Group ("PSSI" or the "Company"), a leading specialty distributor serving a diverse base of customers in the energy industry, today announced that Robert Workman has been named Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective immediately. Robert Workman was President, CEO & Director of DistributionNOW (NYSE: DNOW) from 2014 to 2019, a spinoff that he led of the Distribution Services business unit at National Oilwell Varco. Previously, Mr. Workman was most recently Group President, Distribution & Transmission, at NOV, a company with whom he started as a warehouseman in 1990. During his tenure as a President at NOV, he grew revenue 10-fold to over $5 billion, while also increasing EBIT by almost three times that growth rate. He also expanded the business to include over 5,000 employees, 300 service centers and 20 countries over that same period. Throughout his career, Robert has led dozens of domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, including well known distributors such as Wilson Supply and CE Franklin, based in Houston, Texas, USA and Calgary, Alberta, Canada, respectively. "Robert is the right person at the right time to lead PSSI into the future, given his track record of success across a range of management roles and direct experience in all end markets in which PSSI operates upstream, midstream, downstream, and industrial critical to the continued success of PSSI," said Jim Underhill, PSSI's Executive Chairman, who will be transitioning to Non-Executive Chairman. "Robert's ability to drive results, focus on innovation, dedication to employees and customers, and steadfast focus on delivering value to shareholders are just part of what makes Robert a dynamic and transformative leader. His extensive experience in M&A will also be valuable given our completion of a dozen transactions in the past nine years, with additional opportunities ahead of us. On behalf of the Board, we look forward to working closely with Robert as chief executive officer and welcome him to the PSSI family." "I am very excited to be joining PSSI and working alongside the exceptional management team to drive growth and deliver value to all stakeholders," said Robert Workman. "Given PSSI's unmatched product portfolio breadth and depth, we have a unique opportunity to advance PSSI's market position while strengthening customer relationships." "We are pleased to have Robert at the helm as Chief Executive Officer," said Nicholas Semeniuk, Vice President, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division. "Robert is a proven leader with a unique skillset and breadth of industry knowledge that will be invaluable to PSSI. This is a pivotal time for PSSI, and we look forward to working with Robert to build on the Company's positive momentum." About PSS Industrial Group Headquartered in Houston, Texas, PSS Industrial Group is a portfolio company of West Street Energy Partners, a private equity fund focused on natural resources and energy investments, managed by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division. PSS Industrial Group was formed with the merger of Pipeline Supply & Service and Industrial Air Tool. The combined group is a leading value added distributor serving a diverse base of customers in the energy industry. See http://pssigroup.com/ for more details. Media Contact: Prosek Partners Brian Schaffer / Kristen Duarte 646.818.9229 / 646.818.9074 [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE PSS Industrial Group Related Links http://www.pssigroup.com Youre sort of floating out there in a vast nothingness, Mr. Worden told Smithsonian magazine, and the only thing you can see and touch and grab a hold of is the spacecraft. . . . I had trained so well that it didnt take me any time to do what I had to do, and everything worked out okay, and when I was all done, I thought, Gee, I wish I had found something so that I could have been out there a little longer. A patient who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died in a hospital in Northern Ireland. The patient was elderly, had an underlying medical condition and was being treated in a hospital in the greater Belfast area. Health Minister Robin Swann said: I want to express my deep sadness at this death and send my condolences to the patients family and friends. It is, of course, essential that we respect their privacy at this sad time. "I would once again appeal to everyone to play their part in fighting the spread of this virus. First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill have expressed sympathy following the first death of a person in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for Covid-19. First Minister Arlene Foster said: This is a sad day for Northern Ireland. Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of the patient who has died. And we are immeasurably grateful to our health service staff who cared for this person. This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus. Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill said: At the heart of this is a person who has lost their life to Covid-19. While we knew this day would come, it doesnt make it any less devastating for the loved ones of that individual. I offer them my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. I also pay tribute to our amazing health workers who are doing everything they can to provide the best possible care for people in the most difficult circumstances. This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives. An analysis of the genomes of SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19 disease, and related coronaviruses found no evidence that the virus was made in a laboratory or otherwise engineered. Since the first reports of novel pneumonia COVID-19 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, there has been considerable discussion on the origin of the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2. Also known as 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans. SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe disease, whereas HKU1, NL63, OC43 and 229E are associated with mild symptoms. Shortly after the epidemic began, Chinese scientists sequenced the genome of SARS-CoV-2 and made the data available to researchers worldwide. Dr. Kristian Andersen from the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Scripps Research Institute and colleagues used this sequencing data to explore the origins and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by focusing in on several tell-tale features of the virus. By comparing the available genome sequence data for known coronavirus strains, we can firmly determine that SARS-CoV-2 originated through natural processes, Dr. Andersen said. The researchers analyzed the genetic template for spike proteins, armatures on the outside of the virus that it uses to grab and penetrate the outer walls of human and animal cells. More specifically, they focused on two important features of the spike protein: the receptor-binding domain (RBD), a kind of grappling hook that grips onto host cells, and the cleavage site, a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells. They found that the RBD portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins had evolved to effectively target a molecular feature on the outside of human cells called ACE2, a receptor involved in regulating blood pressure. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was so effective at binding the human cells, in fact, that the scientists concluded it was the result of natural selection and not the product of genetic engineering. This evidence for natural evolution was supported by data on SARS-CoV-2s molecular structure. If someone were seeking to engineer a new coronavirus as a pathogen, they would have constructed it from the backbone of a virus known to cause illness. But the scientists found that the SARS-CoV-2 backbone differed substantially from those of already known coronaviruses and mostly resembled related viruses found in bats and pangolins. These two features of the virus, the mutations in the RBD portion of the spike protein and its distinct backbone, rules out laboratory manipulation as a potential origin for SARS-CoV-2, Dr. Andersen said. Based on their genomic sequencing analysis, the team concluded that the most likely origins for SARS-CoV-2 followed one of two possible scenarios. In one scenario, the virus evolved to its current pathogenic state through natural selection in a non-human host and then jumped to humans. This is how previous coronavirus outbreaks have emerged, with humans contracting the virus after direct exposure to civets (SARS) and camels (MERS). The researchers proposed bats as the most likely reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 as it is very similar to a bat coronavirus. There are no documented cases of direct bat-human transmission, however, suggesting that an intermediate host was likely involved between bats and humans. In this scenario, both of the distinctive features of SARS-CoV-2s spike protein the RBD portion that binds to cells and the cleavage site that opens the virus up would have evolved to their current state prior to entering humans. In this case, the current epidemic would probably have emerged rapidly as soon as humans were infected, as the virus would have already evolved the features that make it pathogenic and able to spread between people. In the other proposed scenario, a non-pathogenic version of the virus jumped from an animal host into humans and then evolved to its current pathogenic state within the human population. For instance, some coronaviruses from pangolins, armadillo-like mammals found in Asia and Africa, have an RBD structure very similar to that of SARS-CoV-2. A coronavirus from a pangolin could possibly have been transmitted to a human, either directly or through an intermediary host such as civets or ferrets. Then the other distinct spike protein characteristic of SARS-CoV-2, the cleavage site, could have evolved within a human host, possibly via limited undetected circulation in the human population prior to the beginning of the epidemic. The study authors found that the SARS-CoV-2 cleavage site, appears similar to the cleavage sites of strains of bird flu that has been shown to transmit easily between people. SARS-CoV-2 could have evolved such a virulent cleavage site in human cells and soon kicked off the current epidemic, as the coronavirus would possibly have become far more capable of spreading between people. It is difficult if not impossible to know at this point which of the scenarios is most likely, said co-author Dr. Andrew Rambaut, a researcher in the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Edinburgh. If the SARS-CoV-2 entered humans in its current pathogenic form from an animal source, it raises the probability of future outbreaks, as the illness-causing strain of the virus could still be circulating in the animal population and might once again jump into humans. The chances are lower of a non-pathogenic coronavirus entering the human population and then evolving properties similar to SARS-CoV-2. The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine. _____ K.G. Andersen et al. The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. Nat Med, published March 17, 2020; doi: 10.1038/s41591-020-0820-9 Wahoo has launched its Kickr Bike in the UK, as people look for ways to cycle and exercise during social distancing. The bike costs 3,000 more than most outdoor cycles and is intended to precisely replicate the experience of riding outdoors without leaving the house. Wahoo launched the indoor training kit last year, but until now it has only been available in the US, and customers who ordered it there reported long waits as the company created more stock. Now UK customers are able to pre-order it, with orders being sent out from next week. Until now, indoor cycling training has largely relied on trainers made by companies like Wahoo, hooked up to existing, outdoor bikes. Users cycle while staying stationary, while the smart trainer provides resistance for them to work against and measures how much power they are putting out. The data on how fast the user is cycling can then be fed to apps such as Trainer Road or Zwift, which allow users to train indoors or simulate outdoor bike rides without moving. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty The Wahoo Kickr Bike and competitors from companies like Tacx allow users to pay not to use their outdoor bike at all, instead offering a bike made only for cycling indoors and with training apps. It is supposed to precisely simulate the feel of riding outdoors, and includes technology such as virtual gear levers and the ability to simulate grades, with the bike moving up and down as riders take on virtual hills. The release comes as a variety of companies look to seize on the new interest in exercising indoors, as people are kept away from gyms and outdoor workouts as part of social distancing measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. Training company Tonal, for instance, which offers a $3,000 machine for strength training at home, told Business Insider that sales have tripled in the last week. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 00:24:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top securities regulator said Thursday it has given the green light to the trading of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) futures and options. The trading of LPG futures will be launched on the Dalian Commodity Exchange starting from March 30, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said in a statement. Trading of the futures and options will help provide enterprises with price signals and effective risk management tools, and will boost the steady and sound operation of the sector. The CSRC has asked the exchange to make full preparations to ensure the steady operation of the trading. China is currently the world's largest importer and consumer of LPG, an important type of clean energy and raw chemical materials, according to the statement. eye-on-india Coronavirus pandemic| Here is a list of the exams postponed in India CBSE, ICSE, ISC as well as JEE Mains have been postponed to a date later than March 31. NEET (UG) 2020 is still on schedule for May 3. An apartment building opposite Shah Rukh Khan's residence in Mumbai, Mannat, caught fire on Thursday morning. A 20 year old girl was killed and another woman severely injured in the fire that broke out in the top floor of the residential building at around 7:30 AM. Firefighters rushed to the Sea Spring Apartment, a sea-facing apartment diagonally opposite to Shah Rukh Khan's bungalow in Bandstand Bandra, when a fire was noticed early in the morning. They retrieved the body of a resident, who was declared dead when brought to the hospital. Another woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, having suffered 90% burn injuries. "After being alerted, the fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and doused the blaze in some time. Two women were later rescued from the flat and were immediately rushed to the nearby Bhabha hospital," said an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The cause of fire is not known yet. Shah Rukh has been living in Mannat since 2001. His mansion, which overlooks the Arabian sea, is visited by a large number of tourists and fans on a daily basis. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE! Inside Pics From Shah Rukh Khan's First House In Mumbai; A Resident Shares Memories ALSO READ: All You Need To Know About Shah Rukh Khan's Next Film As A Producer! ALSO READ: Gauri Khan Thinks Her Husband Shah Rukh Khan Will Take To Designing Some Day LANSING, MI -- The Michigan coronavirus price-gouging hotline has logged more than 800 fraud complaints or tips in nine days, including nearly 600 since Monday, Attorney General Dana Nessels office says. The latest phone scam involves callers offering a COVID-19 test kits, so long as the mark prepays, the AGs Office said in a statement issued Thursday, March 19. Pre-paying for products that never arrive is only one method scammers will use to rob people of their hard-earned money or to steal personal information from unsuspecting victims, Nessel said. We may start to see more scams related to COVID-19, and I urge Michiganders to remain vigilant. We must not fall victim to these predatory practices. Another fraud involves callers spoofing" phone numbers of local health departments, including the Ionia County Health Department, and requesting Medicaid or Medicare identification numbers for billing purposes, the AGs Office said. Incoming calls to the local health department are then jamming up phone lines and delaying official business in responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the AGs Office said. Nessels office on Tuesday sent a cease-and-desist letter to the home improvement chain Menards after AGs Office investigators said they found evidence of price hikes, sometimes doubling of the retail cost, on high-demand bleach and 3M face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Reports began coming in about Menards early last week, per the Attorney Generals office, including one from a customer at the South Haven location. In other instances, tipsters reported seeing face masks that cost $10 each, cases of water for $35 and bottles of hand sanitizer for $60. In response to a high influx of price-gouging tips, Nessel extended hotline hours to 11 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. While the usual hours of operation for the hotline are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, Nessel is extending hours to 7 p.m. through Friday and adding Saturday and Sunday shifts from noon to 5 p.m. I am exceptionally proud of the teamwork displayed by the dedicated staff in the Attorney Generals office and the collaborative culture demonstrated by all of our state departments and agencies, Nessel said. Supporting each other in times like this public health emergency is what we should be doing, not grossly inflating the price of essential products or attempting to scam one another. "We will investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who break the law to ensure Michiganders are not taken advantage of during this crisis. Michigan residents can report suspected violations of the Consumer Protection Act online or by calling 877-765-8388. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan Coronavirus has closed liquor stores in other states, but Michiganders will likely still have alcohol access As coronavirus closures abound, here are 10 things still open in Michigan Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures An Alabama location of a popular fried chicken franchise is joining area restaurants to feed children who no longer have access to school meals during extended closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. On March 18, Guss World Famous Fried Chicken in downtown Birmingham will provide free bagged lunches to children 18 and under. The restaurant made the announcement on social media. In an effort to assist families that rely on school lunches to provide for their children, we will be handing out free bag lunches tomorrow (Thursday) to all children 18 & under. There will be no obligation for the parent or guardian to purchase any items whatsoever. Restaurant owner Lockwood Griffin says the lunch giveaway will be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the meals will include a piece of chicken and a side. We really wanted these kids in Birmingham to have a meal, he told AL.com. Griffin, who owns the Gus fried chicken locations in Birmingham and Oxford, Miss., says other restaurants in the franchise, including some in California, have also given lunches to children. He says the franchise recognized that it needed to be helpful. The restaurant chain plans to evaluate the response and may offer the lunches again, depending on the need and the amount of time schools around the country are shut down. Gus World Famous Fried Chicken is one of several restaurants in the Birmingham area offering takeout and delivery after the Jefferson County Health Department prohibited bars, restaurants, and breweries in the county from allowing on-premise consumption until March 24th. Schools around Alabama have also been providing meals for children aged 18 and under during the closings. In nearly all cases, the child does not have to be enrolled in a public school in the district in order to receive a meal. Most of these meal sites are drive-through, and the children must be present in the car in order for school officials to give out the meals. Guss World Famous Fried Chicken is located in The Battery in downtown Birmingham at 2201 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233. Read the full post below: TORONTO - Looking for a way to help amid an outbreak of the novel coronavirus sweeping across Canada, Toronto-based Spirit of York Distillery Co. didn't have to go very far. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/3/2020 (664 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Spirit of York Head Distiller Mark Harrop (left) and founder Gerry Guitor pose with bottles of distillery-made hand sanitizer in Toronto on Wednesday March 18, 2020. With an outbreak of the novel coronavirus sweeping across Canada, Toronto-based Spirit of York Distillery Co. had an urge to do something to help, so they looked no further than the company's production facility. Instead of pumping out its usual vodkas and gins, the company decided to make something Canadians have been emptying from store shelves: hand sanitizer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn TORONTO - Looking for a way to help amid an outbreak of the novel coronavirus sweeping across Canada, Toronto-based Spirit of York Distillery Co. didn't have to go very far. Instead of its usual vodkas and gins, the company decided to shift its Toronto production facility toward something Canadians have been emptying from store shelves: hand sanitizer. "It's just trying to do a small part to help everyone through this crisis, said Spirit of York president Gerry Guitor. The pivot Guitor made places him among a growing group of Canadian businesses that are producing new merchandise, stocking different products or changing up the services they offer to meet the needsof a country grappling with a global health emergency. The distillery is preparing to sell at least 1,000 bottles of sanitizer starting Thursday, with bottles priced at $2.95 to cover costs. For those who cant afford it or who are over 65, Guitor will waive the fee. All the proceeds will go to local food banks to support community members that have limited access to food or are unable to leave their homes. At least 550 Canadians have been infected with the virus known as COVID-19 and the number is steadily climbing. The situation has created unprecedented demand for groceries, toilet paper, and products and services that are delivered, leaving companies clamouring for additional inventory and staff. Like Spirit of York, Geoff Dillons Small Batch Distillers saw the situation emerging and started producing hygiene products too. "We were sitting around here with an empty store and a building full of alcohol, so we thought what can we do?" the founder of the Beamsville, Ont., said by phone, as he readied the bottling line to go. The company sourced some aloe, so they made a big basket of hand sanitizer and gave it away on Friday, prompting plenty of people to come forward and offer time and supplies. Now it's working on more hand sanitizer and on full-size bottles of disinfectant with a 65 per cent alcohol content. Dillon's was prioritizing getting the items to first-responders and essential service providers. It will offer the remainder to the general public later, but there will be a maximum of one bottle of disinfectant per person. It decided not to charge people. The demand is so high that Dillon said, "we are just using alcohol bottles that were sitting in our warehouse, but we are going to run out of those shortly." In Quebec, Mandy's Gourmet Salads was also eager to help. The salad chain, which has locations in the Montreal area, closed its dining rooms to help stop the spread of the virus. It is still open for takeout, delivery and has added a new concept for the brand: groceries. "I actually went into our neighbourhood grocery store and they didn't have any oat milk or almond milk and we carry amazing oat milk at Mandy's, so I went and stocked up and a friend of mine actually was just laughing to me that she should get all her groceries at Mandy's," said company co-founder Rebecca Wolfe. Within no time, Wolfe and her sister and co-founder Mandy Wolfe had baskets of avocados and containers of oat milk out for sale. They worked with their suppliers so they could begin on Wednesday selling tomatoes, cucumbers, granny smith apples, mock chicken, almond milk, lettuce, salad dressing and hot sauces. Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Matthew Stepanic hit the road with his corgi Bob for a new and free delivery service for the Glass Bookshop store he co-owns. "We were thinking people are choosing to self isolate and we should encourage that behaviour as much as possible, so that's when we started offering the book deliveries," he said. Over the weekend they got a dozen orders, but once their store closed that number quadrupled. "When you're alone and you're just scrolling through Netflix, a new book is a different type of comfort in trying times and we wanted to be able to provide that," he said. Executives at some of the country's largest enterprises are also thinking about helping by pivoting their businesses, hinted Ontario Premier Doug Ford. "I've also heard from the automotive part manufacturing association. They've offered their support," he said. "Ontario factories have offered to alter their production. They have the tools to make important health equipment and they're ready to help." Christine Elliott, the province's health minister, later went on to say parts makers are looking to retool in order to make ventilators. Elliot and Ford's remarks come after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson eyed auto brands Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce and Honda as a way to get more ventilators made. France looked to Dior and Givenchy producer LVMH to swap production lines to make hand sanitizer for health workers and apparel brand Zara's owner Inditex will manufacture hospital masks and gowns for Spain. That doesn't mean making a pivot is easy. Spirit of York's Guitor said his company not only had to teach itself how to concoct a different product, but also had to find hydrogen peroxide, which was elusive, and track down 140 mL sanitizer bottles with a plastic top. Still, he believes even more businesses should rise to the occasion. "We're just a small distillery in Toronto trying to make our way, but imagine if the big guys would do that and would send a message," he said. With a file from Allison Jones in Toronto This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2020. As panic buyers empty supermarket shelves across the world, are the agricultural workers who fill them being protected? Turin, Italy As Italys north struggles to contain the spread of coronavirus, fears are growing in the south for thousands of migrant workers, mostly from Africa, who pick fruit and vegetables for a pittance and live in overcrowded tent camps and shantytowns. The health infrastructure in the south is not as advanced as that in the north, and a vast infection outbreak could be devastating. Coronavirus cases have steadily increased also in other regions in Italy over the past weeks, said public health expert Nino Cartabellotta. There is a delay of around five days compared with the north, although we are witnessing the same growth curve across the country. In the north, foreign farm workers hailing from Eastern Europe have returned to their home countries, choosing to risk poverty over disease, and there are no new arrivals. But fruit pickers in the south are stuck in camps, often lacking water and electricity and facing exploitation. Italy is not alone. Migrant workers are exploited across the European Union, forced to work endless hours and denied minimum wage or safety equipment, research by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows. Now, the coronavirus pandemic endangers them further. In 2016, Coldiretti, a farmers group, estimated that there were around 120,000 migrant workers in Italy, mostly from Africa and Eastern Europe. Some 2,500 African crop pickers work in Calabrias Gioia Tauro plain, a farming hot spot in the south known for tangerines, oranges, olives and kiwis and for being an infamous mafia stronghold. Agricultural employers often work by the caporalato, an illegal employment system in which labourers are exploited for little pay. Two weeks ago, the region had no known coronavirus cases. Today, there are at least 169. Last summer, the largest shantytown in the plain was shut down. Italian civil defence built a new camp with running water and electricity a few metres away from the old informal settlement, but equipped it with just 500 beds. This tent camp was eventually sanitised on Sunday, after repeated calls from humanitarian associations and the towns mayor. Although hygiene conditions are better than in the nearby slums, strongly advised social distancing measures are almost impossible to implement. A migrant agricultural worker walks in the former shantytown of San Ferdinando, near the infamous Rosarno mafia stronghold. The informal settlement was shut down in 2019, but similar camps have recently emerged in the area [File: Elisa Oddone/Al Jazeera] After the old shantytown was evacuated, its residents were not provided alternative housing, save for a small tent camp, forcing many to look for new improvised shelters somewhere else. In the neighbouring towns of Taurianova and Rizziconi, two overcrowded slums hosting 200 people each have emerged. Migrants live in shacks built from cardboard, wood, plastic and scrap metal. Potable water and electricity are nowhere to be found. Workers build makeshift toilets or simply relieve themselves in the fields. This requires an immediate intervention from the authorities to put these people in a condition of safety and dignity, Francesco Piobbichi, who works with Mediterranean Hope FCEI, a project run by Italys Evangelical Church Federation, told Al Jazeera. These workers are key to fill supermarkets shelves with fresh fruits and vegetables. We cannot deny them protection amid the emergency. Our protracted attempt of dismantling the slums now needs a drastic acceleration. We are telling the civil defence, the government and regional councils they need to provide these workers with a housing solution as soon as possible to avoid the spread of the infection. There are some 35,000 empty houses in the agricultural plain. Aid agencies say that instead of investing in more camps, workers should be allowed to use these homes. Hand sanitiser has been distributed at settlements, said Andrea Tripodi, mayor of San Ferdinando, adding he also managed to secure gloves and finalised the purchase of cameras with a thermal scanning system to quickly identify people with a fever one of the coronavirus symptoms. We certainly need more measures and other devices amid this health emergency, also to prevent social tension from rising, Tripodi said. We are doing everything we can. We are also collecting soaps and shampoos to distribute among the workers. But we are left alone. Aid groups, meanwhile, are busy raising awareness. But it is really complex to explain to them that they need to wash their hands for about 25 seconds when they lack water in their settlements because the prefecture dismantled their camps illegal connection, Piobbichi said, adding that the current nationwide lockdown restricts the movement of both aid workers and migrants. In the southern province of Foggia, 500 kilometres north of Gioia Tauro, thousands pick tomatoes, olives, asparagus, artichokes and grapes in the countrys largest agricultural plain. The situation has become a race against the clock, said Alessandro Verona, a health worker with the humanitarian group INTERSOS. We are expecting a peak of the pandemic in Apulia towards the end of the month or beginning of the next. Apulia has more than 200 infected patients. But like in Calabria, no infection has yet been confirmed among the migrant workers. We are making blanket prevention activities across all settlements. We have reached around 500 people so far. Still, this is not enough. In many of these settlements, water shortages are common and in emergencies people resort to farm water. The only efficient prevention measure is to take these people out of the ghettos as soon as possible, especially from the most crowded ones. If not, we will face an unmanageable situation. But only the government and the institutions are capable of such a thing, Verona said. Workers are seen in Localita Torretta Antonacci, ex-shantytown of Rignano. Thousands live here during the harvest seasons [Elisa Oddone/Al Jazeera] In southern Campania, migrant workers are still gathering near large roundabouts of busy roads to meet their bosses. The region has now more than 650 infected patients. Jean dHainaut, cultural mediator with the anti-exploitation Dedalus cooperative, said among the people his association supports, many are waiting for their asylum requests to be completed meaning they lack a residency permit and cannot access basic healthcare. Italy grants residency permits to migrant workers possessing contracts. But lengthy bureaucratic processes mean permits frequently arrive late, often towards their expiration. This process has been suspended amid the pandemic. In November 2018, Italy passed the so-called migration and security decree drafted by former Italian interior minister and far-right League party leader, Matteo Salvini a move that pushed hundreds of vulnerable asylum seekers onto streets. The document cracked down on asylum rights by abolishing the humanitarian protection a residence permit issued for those who do not qualify for refugee status or subsidiary protection but were deemed as vulnerable. Over 90 percent of the people we meet at the roundabouts hail from Africas sub-Saharan countries. We are talking about a couple of hundred of workers, though numbers are difficult to pin down precisely, dHainaut says. We have been distributing a safety kit among workers for the past couple of years, he says. This has now turned to be very useful as it includes gloves, paper-made protective clothing and protective masks. The agency has decided to remain on the street to keep offering its services to the migrant workers whose daily job means survival. Last Thursday, I only saw around 20 people waiting for recruiters. The information campaign has been successful. Still, demand for workers has also decreased. Ive asked the municipality to help distribute food, d Hainaut. This would further limit peoples presence on the street. Id feel more reassured to tell workers to stay home while providing them with something to eat. Antonello Mangano contributed reporting. Three large supermarket chains with multiple stores in the Charleston area are adopting early shopping hours for older Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. Bi-Lo, part of Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, is setting aside 8-9 a.m. Monday through Friday for senior shoppers while Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix and North Carolina-based Lowes Foods will offer the service 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting March 24. Pharmacies at Bi-Lo and Publix also will open early as well, respectively. Senior shopping hours at Bi-Lo and Publix apply to those 65 and over, according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Meanwhile, Whole Foods will allow those 60-plus to shop one hour before stores open to the general public. For its stores in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, that means they can shop at 7 a.m. each day. Stores open at 8 a.m. to the public. Discount retailer Dollar General announced earlier this week it is allowing senior citizens, who are most vulnerable to the COVID-19 disease, to shop during the first hour every day. The shops generally open about 8 a.m. Additionally, Bi-Lo is reaching out to those workers who lost their jobs in the restaurant, hotel or tourism sectors to offer them employment through "expeditiously hiring." Check with stores or go online to apply. Publix is hiring as well. To apply go to www.publix.jobs. Walmart, too, said it will hire 150,000 people in the U.S. through the end of May, with 3,400 of them in South Carolina.To apply, go to Walmartcareers.com or text jobs to 240240 to get started. The Arkansas-based retail giant also is paying out $365 million in cash bonuses to all hourly employees hired as of March 1. The checks go out April 2. In addition, the retailer will pay out $180 million in quarterly bonuses one month early. Publix said the time set aside for seniors will allow them to shop without large crowds present. Whole Foods echoed those remarks. "We understand there are customers for whom shopping may be extra difficult right now, so we are pleased to offer them this dedicated time in our stores to shop at their own pace," Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous said. Latest temporary closings Charleston City Market Dick's Sporting Goods La-Z-Boy Wild Blue Ropes Reinvented Upscale Resale Floor & Decor (closes Saturday, open for pickups only) Note: Most retailers are closed during the outbreak so check with individual stores before venturing out. Closings can run through the end of March or into April as they stand now. Donations Bank of America: $100 million for various health, food and education efforts affected by virus Walmart and Walmart Foundation: $25 million to front-line efforts to control virus Southeastern Grocers Gives Foundation: $250,000 to Feeding America and its various food bank members Rumours over coronavirus led to arrest of a Madhya Pradesh trader Kamlesh Sahu from Narasinghpur district on Thursday. Police says it all started with a banter between a cement trader and his cousin sister, both residents of Gotegaon town in Narsinghpur district, that led to police action and medical examination of the trader. The trader who returned from Goa after attending a marriage recently told his cousin on Wednesday that he was suffering from cold and cough and intended to spread among others too. His sister asked him to consult a doctor in view of coronavirus outbreak, but he refused. According to police, concerned over his health, the traders cousin informed his parents who also advised the youth to get medically examined. The youth denied having any health problems but the parents still sought district administrations help to get him examined. The police team took the trader to the hospital on Thursday leading to rumours in the town that he was infected with Coronavirus. A police officer who didnt want to be named said, It is newly appointed chief secretary of the state Gopal Reddy who saw the message on social media and instructed Narsinghpur district administration on Thursday to take immediate action in this regard. Police station in-charge Prabhat Shukla said, This is true that it all started with banter between the trader and his cousin sister. We took the trader to the hospital where he was found medically fit. We arrested the accused Kamlesh Sahu under section 151 (arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences) of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). We took the trader to task for irresponsible behavior at a time when the virus is causing havoc and people are scared. This is the first arrest in Madhya Pradesh since Coronavirus spread on rumours related to the same, according to police. Meanwhile, a girl from Wuhan in China who was admitted to JP hospital, the district hospital in Bhopal, after she was spotted at Habibganj police station was discharged on Wednesday leading to another rumour that she had left the hospital against medical advice. A police officer said, Several hotels had refused to give a room to the girl since she is a citizen of China. She was seen at Habibganj railway station from where she was taken to JP Hospital on Tuesday. Civil surgeon of JP Hospital Dr Alka Pargania said, The girl was found medically fit. She had to catch a train in the morning on Wednesday. Hence, she was allowed to leave the hospital in the morning. Additional director in directorate of health services, Madhya Pradesh government, Sapna M Lovanshi said, There is no positive case of Covid-19 in Madhya Pradesh so far or any case regarding anyone escaping from any hospital or quarantine centre. I think its time for us to turn to this, Portman said Thursday, noting his support for a similar House proposal two decades ago: At the time we didnt have, frankly, the electronic communications we have today. Now, we do. We have the ability to do it in a secure way, an encrypted way, in a way that would protect the fundamental right to vote. Authorities in Hyderabad have started door-to-door screening of persons who travelled to other countries since February this year. Foreign nationals, who arrived in India during this period are also being screened. According to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials, the civic body workers have started door-to-door screening. Their addresses are being traced with the help of their passports and the officials are approaching them and conducting thermal screening to ensure that COVID-19 doesn't spread in the state, the officials stated. If anybody is found symptomatic to coronavirus, they are being sent to government hospitals for further treatment. This exercise is being conducted in all the wards of GHMC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This is an opinion column. Many people know the famous words of Charles Morgan Jr.. How, on the day after the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham he stood before a downtown civic club and pointed the finger of blame at himself, at everyone and every institution that sat quietly by as evil was allowed to fester. Who is really guilty? he asked. Every person in this community who has in any way contributed during the past several years to the popularity of hatred, is at least as guilty, or more so, than the demented fool who threw that bomb. It was famous, and damning, and the reaction so intense that Morgan had to leave town. Which turned out ok. He went on to become the first director of the ACLUs Southern Regional Office, where he led great wins for voting and constitutional rights. But his famous Birmingham words arent the ones I want to talk about here, as the coronavirus threatens our lives and lifestyles. In fact, until this week Id never heard the words he wrote in an eight-page memo to prospective ACLU employees in the late 60s. They are classic Morgan, honest and brutal and elegant and penetrating, saying far more than the sum of the letters and syllables. In some ways this memo seems a relic from an ancient time. In others it is as relevant as ever in a world where people committed to healing the sick and feeding the hungry and protecting the vulnerable do profound and important work. I think of them when I read Morgans 50-year-old warnings to his own prospective employees, a dozen reasons why they should stop and turn and run to other jobs that might be more comfortable or comforting: This office was not created to benefit those who work in it. It was created for the benefit of those who do not work in it. Morgan told those looking for social fulfillment to look elsewhere, along with those consumed with causes ranging from Vietnam to hair length and the all-pervasive prime right to smoke the country to its knees. The job of ensuring voting and other constitutional rights was important, and the focus narrow: You should not work here if you expect deferential treatment or in times of crisis and deadline more than a sometimes-civil hello and often uncivil insistence that you produce quality work. You should not work here if you expect every work order to be accompanied by an explanation of importance. You should not work here if you expect public recognition. You should not work here if you think that your time or feelings or moods are even remotely as important to this office as the rights of those persons whom we represent... You should not work here unless you know full well that you may be required to work and work accurately and steadfastly for more than 36 hours without sleep. You may believe what you want regarding economic and political systems and philosophy, but for your own sake -- and most importantly to me, my sake -- dont bother to take this job unless you believe that democracy and the courts have half a chance to work. You may be attractive or unattractive, male or female, homosexual or heterosexual, religious or irreligious, happy or unhappy, white or black or yellow or brown, a smoker, dropper, drunk, nymphomaniac or satyr or all of the above and that is your business -- as long as you dont break the law here or somewhere else while on the job and as long as your differences do not interfere with your work in this office. What interferes with the work in this office is determined by me. Morgan ended this long memo on the bottom half of the eighth and final page with reasons why some fools might actually want to come to work for him. It wasnt about the benefits, which he claimed he did not understand and the office manager could explain. But there were other rewards: 1. The work we do here and across the South is more important than the work done in any other office in America. 2. Changing the society -- simply making the constitutional system work -- is of crucial and urgent importance. You will be part of the work that goes into that change. 3. We hate to lose (and when we do happiness does not abound) and perhaps work with those who hate to lose is refreshing. 4. We havent given up on the country and its constitution; we havent lost faith in ourselves and our ability; we havent lost faith in the abilities of those with whom we work. I cant help but think now of all those people with a dozen reasons to turn away from their jobs today, the long hours or low pay or risk or demanding bosses and inconvenience. I cant help but think of those who tend the infected and assure the panicked. I cant help but think of those who keep the country moving and alive in a hundred different ways with a thousand different struggles. Im sure those workers have thought about the reasons to turn away, even if they didnt have somebody like Morgan to lay it all out in black and white. But they stay for other reasons. For pay and benefits, of course, which they need and the office manager can explain. But mostly, in so many fields, they stay because they feel it is important, and meaningful. If they do not see it every day I hope they see it now. We do. So please remember, as clearly as Morgan put it on page 8:. Your jobs are important. You are changing the world or your community in your own way. Because you refuse to lose. And you have not given up on the country or the people in it, and most of all yourselves. You have faith in yourselves, and we have not lost faith in you. John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is a columnist for AL.com. His column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register, Birmingham Magazine and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. The U.S. Army announced Wednesday it is adjusting the rotation schedule for the service's National Training Center to allow units to support the response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. For now, the adjustment specifically affects the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, a Washington Army National Guard unit that has been made "available to the governor of Washington state to respond to the current situation there," according to a news release. The 81st SBCT was scheduled to conduct its month-long rotation at NTC during the month of May, according to Army spokeswoman Cheryle Rivas. Right now it's unclear when the 81st will go to NTC, Rivas said. "Department of the Army senior leaders are analyzing different options to determine how best to ensure that the 81st SBCT has the premiere collective training opportunity that a Combat Training Center provides," Rivas said in a statement. Currently, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, Colorado is set to conduct its rotation to NTC in June, Rivas said. Despite the adjustment, the Army will continue to meet readiness requirements, Lt. Gen. Charles Flynn, deputy chief of staff of Operations, Plans and Training, said in a news release. "Although we are adjusting the training calendar, the Army Combat Training Centers (CTC) will continue to focus on improving unit readiness by providing highly realistic, stressful, joint and combined-arms training across the full spectrum of conflict," Flynn said. Related: At National Training Center, Soldiers Now Train for What They Dread: A Fair Fight The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California; Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Joint Multinational Readiness Center at Hohenfels, Germany, hold brigade-level training exercises for armored brigade combat teams, infantry brigade combat teams and Stryker brigade combat teams and are a key measurement for the service's combat readiness. The CTCs have transitioned from mission-rehearsal exercises designed for tours in Iraq and Afghanistan to decisive-action rotations to prepare units for combat against near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia. At NTC, combat units are forced to operate in a battlespace the size of Rhode Island against formidable opposing forces equipped with armored vehicles, artillery, drones and helicopters. The rapid pace of operations is designed to test even the best units' ability to adapt as they try to seize key terrain and defend against enemy counterattacks. The Army's fiscal 2021 budget request will fund 24 CTC rotations for the active force and four rotations for the National Guard and Reserves. "The Army will continue to reevaluate the situation as conditions change, and the protection of the health and safety of our soldiers and their families will remain the Army's top priority," the release states. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Read More: Headed to the Army's National Training Center? Here's What You Need to Know The Central government has stepped up its efforts to contain the novel coronavirus with various ministries working in full force to tackle the situation. Heres a look at how various ministeries and government bodies have issued regulations and measure to battle the Covid-19 crisis. Ministry of Home Affairs The ministry has asked all paramilitary forces to get into a battle mode and plan ahead to combat the virus. According to the latest guidelines issued by the government, the director-generals of various paramilitary forces have been instructed to cancel all non-essential leaves of the personnel to avoid their risk of contracting the virus during travel. Also read: Your guide to staying safe from Covid-19 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare The ministry has banned travellers from member countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey. The move will last until March 31. It has also introduced compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days for passengers coming/transiting from Kuwait, the UAE, Oman and Qatar. Existing visas, - other than diplomatic, official UN/international organisations, employment, project visas- stand suspended till April 2020. Ministry of Railways The ministry has decided to set up a six-member Covid-19 response team at the Centre comprising executive directors from the Railways Board. On Wednesday, Railways cancelled 99 trains due to low occupancy amid coronavirus outbreak, taking the total number of cancelled trains to 184. Ministry of Civil Aviation Airport authorities have been directed to stagger the flights from Covid-19 affected areas to ensure smooth screening of passengers. After getting a clearance from the immigration desk, the passports of the passengers will be retained and will be returned only after they clear one of the five screening counters at the Delhi airport. Those without any risk factor will be sent home for quarantine while others will be offered hotel/government quarantine facilities. Ministry of Tourism Hotels, especially those where cases of Covid-19 have been found, have been directed to ask all potential guests for a history of travel or stay in any of the countries affected by coronavirus. Hotels have been directed to provide hand sanitisers to all guests and mask to those who develop any symptoms. In case a guest develops symptoms within 14 days of arrival, the hotel authorities are directed to contact the Emergency Control Room and call for an ambulance. Over 160 people have been infected by coronavirus in India. Three people in the country have been killed while 15 have been recovered. Nearly 200,000 people have been infected by Covid-19 across the world. The virus has killed over 8,000 people worldwide. The number of coronavirus cases in Worcester has increased to five, city officials announced Thursday during their daily news briefing on COVID-19. The total was one more than the city announced on Wednesday. The number overall in Worcester County jumped to 14 on Thursday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health. The number of confirmed cases in the state is at 328 - a increase of 72 from Wednesdays total. City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. said the effects of coronavirus in Worcester are more than the five confirmed cases as some of the 14 confirmed cases in Worcester County work in the city. As more testing becomes available, Augustus said, he expects there will be more cases in the area. Were expecting those numbers to continue to grow, Augustus said. The city also announced a shelter program thats aimed at helping Worcesters homeless population that will begin on Friday. Our goal for this is to provide a safe and healthy environment for one of our most vulnerable populations, Augustus said. Satellite shelters will be launched across the city that will house no more than 25 people to stay within the restrictions issued by Gov. Charlie Baker. Augustus also said the city is looking into creating satellite hospitals in anticipation of large numbers of people needing medical attention during the coronavirus pandemic. Regarding the satellite shelters for Worcesters homeless population, North High School will open on Friday. On Saturday, Worcester Technical High School will open and house an additional 25 people. Over the weekend and into next week, the city plans to open two more buildings - Ascension Church on 44 Vernon St. and St. Johns Church on 44 Temple St. Between the four locations, they will house a combine 100 individuals. Each site will have around the clock police presence for security, food distribution, city staff and medical personnel. Augustus said the city is partnering with Richie Gonzalez, from Net of Compassion, for operating the sites. This really is important," Augustus said. "We understand many of our homeless population, because of underlining conditions, are a vulnerable population. We need to help them to be able to comply with the best advice and guidance that health professionals are providing. Related Content: For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Peter Comensoli doesnt like the phrase social distancing. The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne understands that physically, we need to keep our distance to slow the spread of the virus. He also believes that, as a community, this is a time to draw closer to those in need. If you are socially distancing, it leads to personal distancing, to hunkering down in your own little corner and leaving everyone else to fight it out as best they can, he says. This is the absolute heart of the Christian calling; how might I go out to people, in safe but creative ways, so that people dont feel isolated and alone. Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli. Credit:AAP It is a calling and also a dilemma for those who provide services to our old and homeless, our lonely and disadvantaged, those for whom the threat from COVID-19 is compounded by a public health response that further isolates those at greatest risk of infection. This virus is a killer. So too are loneliness and neglect. Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Conny Lennenberg describes weighing the risk of one against the other as a devilish balance. The easiest thing would be to say what is the risk, she says. It is about seeing the risks which are less visible; sending all these vulnerable people into their homes without being able to make sure they are OK. At the height of an outbreak, the simplest of considerations - knocking on a door to see if someone is all right or might like a cup of tea - becomes fraught. Advertisement St Vincent de Paul has cancelled all home visits until further notice to protect its volunteers, who are mostly aged above 70 and at high risk of fatal infection. Toby OConnor, the chief executive of the charitys national council, said the decision was difficult but necessary. On the one hand our folk are there to assist. On the other hand, we have a duty to them, for their own health and wellbeing, and to ensure we dont become carriers of the virus to other vulnerable people. At St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne, the Angels have been grounded by the virus. These are the 300-odd volunteers, some retired doctors and nurses, who help newly arrived patients find their way within the labyrinth of buildings, deliver books from the library and provide massages to geriatric patients. Margaret Stewart, the hospitals mission executive director, says these volunteers are the soul of a hospital that caters to the Indigenous, the drug addicted, the homeless and the mentally ill. They are also too old, on average, to safely keep turning up to work. At the top end of Melbournes Bourke Street, Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle runs the Magpie Nest, a kitchen, shelter and meeting place for homeless people. The nest caters to about 500 people a day. Since the outbreak of the virus, Nottle and his staff have been driven by a single imperative: to keep the place going through the outbreak. Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle and Trevor Wulf check on a diner at Melbourne's Magpie Nest. Credit:Justin McManus The kitchen has switched its cutlery and crockery for disposable plates and forks and Nottle is gently encouraging people who have other places to go to do so, to keep the numbers down. Trevor Wulf, a once homeless man who now works at the Magpie Nest as a cleaner, says a lot of clients are anxious about what will happen next. They ask a lot of questions we cant answer, he says. Advertisement On the morning The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald visit the Bourke Street kitchen, Nottle has an email in his phone from Victorias Chief Medical Officer declaring the Magpie Nest an essential service. This is a godsend. It means the centre can continue to host gatherings of more than 100 people. It also means staff should be able to source the protective clothing they need to deliver meals to clients who, because of the virus, are staying away from the kitchen. For the past few weeks, the kitchen has been preparing a double batch with every cook and freezing half the food for future deliveries. On Wednesday night in Melbourne, meals were being delivered around the city to the regular haunts of rough sleepers and known squats. Nottle says, although the meals are great, they are not the most important thing. Pope Francis delivers his blessing from inside the Apostolic Library at the Vatican on Sunday. Credit:Vatican News People can survive without the food. The food is a vehicle for us to provide social interaction, which is the thing that is missing for so many people. Pope Francis, in an address earlier this week to a deserted St Peters Square, praised the creativity of priests who had found novel ways of reaching people in Italys northern region of Lombardy, the epicentre of the European pandemic. He described them as priests with apostolic zeal who understand that in times of pandemic, you shouldnt be Don Abbondio. This is a reference to a notoriously craven priest in a popular Italian novel. Archbishop Comensoli says that as Australia confronts the coronavirus crisis, creativity and courage are required. When we become fearful we tend to move towards that which will protect our own. My task as a Christian is to find ways of encouraging people to go out to one another in support and care. There are heaps and heaps of people who are doing that. The Melbourne Archdiocese, in discussions with health officials, is seeking to train and equip a small number of priests, perhaps 10 to 20, to administer to those infected with COVID-19. This would involve priests in hazmat suits and masks visiting patients at home and in hospital isolation units. Advertisement The church has also moved to reduce the risk of infection within its congregations. St Francis, Victorias oldest Catholic church, was closed at the start of the week to protect the health of its elderly clerics. On Wednesday night, the four Victorian bishops agreed to suspend all public celebrations of mass including next month's Easter service, the most significant event on the Christian calendar. The Uniting Church and Australian Federation of Islamic Councils have announced similar steps, with the AFIC declaring a suspension of all Friday prayers at mosques and large prayer centres. Netty Horton, the chief executive of CatholicCare, has spent the week conducting an audit of all services provided by her agency to decide which are essential and which can be shelved. She says it is inevitable, as the crisis worsens, that some services will be withheld from people who need them. It is going to exacerbate an already lonely situation for people. Some of our most vulnerable people are going to be the least protected and potentially, the least aware of the things they need to do. Until now, COVID-19 has been a disease of the relatively well off, with those infected returning from overseas business trips, expensive holidays and high powered political meetings. That will change now that the virus is spreading within the community. Are we prepared to look after our most vulnerable through this crisis? Lennenberg says the early signs, particularly in our supermarket aisles, are troubling. When we looked at the bushfires we saw the best of the Australian community. People came out with compassion and empathy and wanted to help each other. We are seeing some of that in relation to the coronavirus. We are also seeing the other side, which is people being concerned about me. Advertisement The police detected the woman waking near the house where she was supposed to stay upon the arrival from Ukraine Girl in a mask, quarantine Open source An incident occurred in Budva, Montenegro where Ukrainian citizen breached the quarantine and left the house. Vijesti reported that on Thursday, March 19. The police found the woman next to the house where she was supposed to stay upon the arrival from Ukraine. The law wnforcers opened the case on disobeying healthcare authority order on combating a dangerous disease, which is a violation of Montenegrin Criminal Code. Previously, the inspection department of the sanitary inspection unit ruled that the Ukrainian would have to stay indoors. Currently, the overall number of those infected with coronavirus in Montenegro makes eight people. Earlier, we reported that another case of coronavirus infection was observed in the Kyiv region. This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv Regional State Administration. "The second case of coronavirus disease has been confirmed in the Kyiv region. This is a woman who is a family member of the first patient in the Kyiv region. At present, their condition is estimated by doctors as moderate," the report reads. Five people, suspected of coronavirus, were hospitalized in the area. Two people were found in Bila Tserkva, two more in Kyiv-Sviatoshynskyi district and one in Brovary (not confirmed). The woman is related to Ukrainian MP Serhiy Shakhov who was diagnosed with Covid-2019 on March 18. The MP is now under self-isolation, he gets a due treatment. Viruses are extremely tiny (80-300 nanometers) non-living inert beings. Almost a speck. They come into existence only when inside the cell of a carrier animal or human. Here, they hijack the hosts cellular machinery to reproduce millions of their copies. Once they have reproduced and their mission accomplished, these viruses break free by killing the host cell to infect neighbouring cells and repeat the cycle. This is unlike the bacteria, which can divide by themselves. And come to think of it, the viruses have brought the planet to a grinding halt and caused the unthinkable today. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause respiratory tract infections. The current variant strain (SARS-Cov-2), is a relative of SARS virus (SARS-CoV) which caused the epidemic in 2002. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes the Covid-19 infection the name given to denote the epidemic breakout in the year 2019. Each time I follow up on the live tickers to see the statistics, the numbers make me numb and uncertain of our collective future. On March 17, 2020, Italy registered 349 coronavirus fatalities in a single day and 2,158 total deaths so far. Globally, nearly 8,000 people have died because of the virus as of March 19, 2020. According to research, the fatality is way higher than the numbers given by the World Health Organization. As per the statistical analysis by Tomas Pueyo, if France claims 1,400 cases, the numbers on the ground could range between 24,000 to 1,40,000. And this makes the case as to why countries should proactively take up extreme measures to contain the contagion. Countries responding to the pandemic As in case of any new animal to human transition of virus (zoonotic disease), it is difficult for doctors to determine if they are observing a novel strain of the virus. If reports are to be believed, the 55-year-old Hubei resident, who contracted coronavirus on November 17, 2019, could have been the 'Patient Zero'. The whistle-blower doctor Li Wenliang, who wrote on social media about the possibility of an outbreak, was summoned and admonished by Wuhan police for "making false comments on the Internet". He later died after contracting the Covid-19 infection. Although China was criticised initially for its slow response, the country soon resorted to extreme measures to minimise the spread. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Image of Coronavirus ( represented in orange here). (Photo: NIAID-Rocky Mountain Laboratories) Italy seems to be ground zero for the coronavirus spread in Europe. Italian hospitals are running at 200 per cent capacity, and are already reporting lack of beds and ICUs. This is affecting the routine functioning of hospitals and clinics, which cannot deal with patients coming in to be treated for other ailments. Another ethical issue that the doctors are facing is to choose between patients to provide intensive care and ventilation facilities. This is based on the chances of survival implying that a younger patient will have a higher chance of getting intensive treatment. When the first time my Italian friends told me this as speculation, it was hard to imagine. Barely two days later, this was reality. In Italy, the entire country is under lockdown and only one person from each family can visit stores to buy groceries. Aerial footage with deserted roads appears surreal and straight out of apocalypse movies. Italys coronavirus victims face death alone, and the local priest in the village of Zogno has decided to ring the death knell just once a day, to keep from ringing it all day long. An Italian newspaper printed 10 pages of obituaries, as the death rates do not die down. The situation in many countries only seems to be aggravating. According to Public Health England (PHE) briefing, as many as 80 per cent of the population is expected to be infected with Covid-19 in the next 12 months, and up to 15 per cent (7.9 million people) may require hospitalisation. UKs response has been surprisingly callous, where they were counting on herd immunity. This is a strategy that counts on letting a large number of people (60 per cent of the population) catch the disease and hence develop immunity to it, to stop the virus spreading. This will soon prove to be disastrous. Though, geographically separate from Europe, the UK is fairly connected owing to many Europeans living in the country. Also, dense cohabitation in many parts like London can spread the contagion. Despite these real risks, it was only on March 16, 2020, that the UK decided to implement a lockdown until March 31 akin to Italy. Singapore has been setting examples of epidemic preparedness for other nations. (Photo from Singapore Changi Airport: Reuters) Due to their history with the SARS epidemic, Hong Kong and Singapore defied initial WHO orders and upped travel restrictions as early as February 1, 2020. These countries are setting examples of epidemic preparedness for other nations. Due to its proximity to Europe, Israel has been proactively taking measures to contain the infection. Banks, pharmacies, supermarkets and public transportation remains operative so far, as compared to the complete lockdown in Italy and Spain, but the restrictions might get tighter. My friend who flew from Switzerland has been under two-weeks home quarantine as a precautionary measure. The same is the case with over a lakh people who flew back to Israel from various countries. Israel has developed mobile apps to track Covid-19 positive patients to minimise the spread. A few days ago, a person who defied quarantine was arrested in Tel Aviv by Israeli Police. India in stage I/II Indias response to the situation has been commendable from the start, in terms of containment. When reports of a high incidence of pneumonia from China came through, surveillance at airports was intensified, especially for those returning from China. The first case was reported on January 30, 2020, in Kerala. Just to give a comparative outlook, Ohio in the USA got the test kits on March 5, 2020. The three cases in Kasargode, Thrissur and Allepey were put into quarantine and all the patients subsequently recovered. The second wave of positive cases came to light on March 5 with a group of Italian tourists. The tourists and people who came in contact with them have since been receiving treatments and are under quarantine. Indian government airlifted 645 Indians as early as January 31 and February 1, 2020, from the worst-affected Wuhan Province in China and placed them in quarantine in Delhi before releasing them. India has been sending medical staff to the worst-affected countries including Italy and Iran in recent times. Here in Israel, we are continuously been updated on emails and WhatsApp groups by the Indian Embassy on the continuously changing situation. An empty Corso Umberto street, on the sixth day of an unprecedented lockdown in Italy, imposed to slow the outbreak of coronavirus in Naples. (Photo: Reuters) Media has been abuzz on India testing very few people per million population, as compared to other countries. And these concerns are genuine too. To understand it better, the current testing is limited to people with travel history (Stage I) and people who came in contact with those (Stage II). Mass gatherings are cancelled and there is awareness being spread among the people. The problem is only the symptomatic carriers are being checked due to current limitations of being able to conduct only 6,000 tests per day. However, more test kits are being procured. The potent virus No one is spared by the virus, irrespective of gender, geography, caste or economic class. From American actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson to Canadian President Justin Trudeaus wife Sophie Trudeau, all have tested positive for the virus. And the virus seems very resilient too. Recent research established that the virus can stay as aerosol (droplets in the air) for hours and on surfaces for days. Another recent study showed that the virus tested positive in stool samples of 10 patients, even though the nasopharyngeal tests were negative. This demonstrates the potential of faecal transmission of the virus beyond it spreading through contact and transmission through the air. Face masks should be worn by everyone. Regular detergents and hand sanitisers are good enough to break/dissolve the virus structure. Expensive detergents with antibiotics will not do anything different from their basic counterparts. Antibiotics kill bacteria and not viruses. As for sanitisers, at least 60 per cent alcohol content is necessary to break the virus apart. DIY sanitisers that are made at home should be disregarded. The same applies to the media channels/ organisations spreading such news and risking the health of millions. (Source: CDC, WHO) Mild symptoms following the viral infection include dry cough, fever with shortness of breath and diarrhoea. Roughly two to five per cent cases are fatal, which progress from pneumonia-like symptoms to multiorgan failure. At risk are those with compromised immune systems including the elderly, or those with co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer or hypertension. There were times when our parents asked us to be home on time when we were growing up. Now, the tables have reversed and we should request our parents and grandparents to quarantine themselves as much as possible to safeguard their health from the viral threat. Asymptomatic carriers On average it takes two to 14 days for the symptoms to appear. During this stage, the person is an asymptomatic carrier that is, the person is not showing full-blown symptoms but is transmitting the virus nonetheless. It is almost like the 2011 movie Contagion is playing out in the real world. It is trending on Netflix and can be a good reference to understand the transmissions globally. Malayalam movie Virus can also be enlightening. After all, Kerala braved Nipah virus which has a fatality rate of 40-75 per cent against two to four per cent for Covid-19 infection. While South Korea is testing everyone, Italy is testing only the people with symptoms. The scary part is that the age group of 20 to 29 years do not show any symptoms and appear fine. However, they are transmitting the disease in large numbers. Hence social distancing for two weeks can help contain the spread to a large extent. Governments are doing their best, but personal responsibility and sensibility is the need of the hour. South Korean soldiers in protective gear make their way while they disinfect buildings downtown, following the rise in confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Daegu, South Korea on March 15, 2020. (Photo: Reuters) The case of Patient 31 from South Korea gives a deeper understanding, makes one realise the gravity of the situation and the need for social distancing. The patient travelled to crowded places in capital Seoul, met with an accident on February 6, 2020, in Daegu, admitted herself to Saeronan Hospital, attended the Shincheonji Church services on February 9, 2020, and February 16, 2020. Despite being advised by doctors to test herself for Covid-19, the woman went for a buffet with a friend in a hotel on February 15, and it was only by February 17 when her symptoms worsened that she got herself tested. The results were positive and she was identified as Patient 31 on February 18, 2020. In just a few days, there were hundreds of people from the hospital (119 cases), Shincheonji Church (2,418 cases), and the hotel who were tested positive. The woman became responsible for 80 per cent of the total cases in South Korea. No vaccine and no cure Currently, there are no vaccines for prevention nor FDA-approved drugs for treatment. The first vaccine trial began on March 16, 2020, based on Modernas messenger RNA vaccine 70 days after the genetic makeup of the coronavirus was released. Another antiviral drug developed by Gilead Science is soon going to trials on infected patients with severe infection. This is a great scientific leap compared to how pandemics like the plague or Spanish flu panned out just a century ago. In the meantime, people working from home or under isolation have become creative. Be it workouts at home, or like my friend in quarantine who is taking his singing skills seriously. Remember, Isaac Newton also worked from home during a pandemic and ended up discovering gravity. Let us not be South Koreas Patient 31. Let us help contain the contagion. Also read: How PM Modi scored with COVIDiplomacy Stephen Booth is Head of the Britain in the World Project at Policy Exchange. This week, leaders across Europe announced a step-change in their response to the coronavirus pandemic. We are at war, declared Emmanuel Macron in a televised address to the nation on Monday. France is now in lockdown for an initial period of 15 days, with only the most essential movement permitted. Angela Merkel announced similar measures in Germany. Tourist travel has been banned and bars, theatres, museums, cinemas and non-essential shops have also been closed. The UK has also brought in new public guidance following evidence that the virus is spreading more quickly, particularly in London, than initially thought. The UKs approach has been questioned for appearing to lack the urgency of some countries but others, such as the Netherlands and Sweden have adopted a similar strategy. Rather than a full lockdown, the focus has been on managing the caseload facing healthcare systems by imposing the measures scientific advisors believe to be sustainable and most likely to suppress the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, the EU is trying to restore a sense of coordination to the European response after witnessing a raft of individual national measures. Several EU states the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Spain unilaterally closed or partially closed their borders to non-nationals. Long queues have formed at Polands border with Germany, with reports of lorries facing tailbacks of up to 40 kilometres. Several countries, including Germany, have also imposed bans on the export of medical equipment, including to other EU states. These countries are within their rights to pursue a national course, since the EU treaties grant a great deal of leeway over matters of public health or in a national emergency. However, the European Commission has introduced EU-wide measures in an effort to persuade governments not to impose such controls on their fellow member states. This includes a 30-day travel ban on non-EU nationals entering the Schengen passport-free area and a six-week ban on the export of key medical equipment outside the bloc, which only can be overridden by government authorisation. This is not only an urgent global public health crisis. The economic implications of the measures adopted by governments across the globe will be immense and the economy will need life support. The UK has adopted Mario Draghis pledge, made during the height of the eurozone crisis, to do whatever it takes. France and Spain have also unveiled emergency packages including direct payments to employees as well as loans and guarantees for companies to mitigate the impact of quarantining measures on demand across the economy. The concern, however, is that certain members of the eurozone will need more help. In Italy, the European country hit hardest by the virus, yields on government bonds have already risen as the crisis weighs on its economy and adds to its already sizeable sovereign debt. Debate is already underway about how the eurozones bailout fund and the various instruments open the European Central Bank might play a role in ensuring adequate access to financing. Many Italians felt abandoned by the EU during the eurozone and refugee crises, helping to launch anti-establishment parties into government. Can the EU afford a repeat over this crisis? It is understandable that the short-term measures taken by governments have been rather uncoordinated. Ultimately, above all, they are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their own citizens. However, it is increasingly clear that we will be dealing with this crisis for the long haul and therefore it is important that there is a coordinated international response. While the fiscal response of governments may be turning free market thinking upside down, as Ryan Bourne described on this site yesterday, the UK should continue to make the argument for free trade to ensure that medical equipment gets to where it is needed. According to experts at the Word Bank, seven countries account for 70 per cent of world exports of ventilators for artificial respiration. If export bans become the norm, global supply will be reduced and prices will increase for everyone, affecting the poorest countries the most. Clearly current demand is unprecedented but protectionism can be self-defeating. Hamilton Medical, the Swiss-based global market leader in the manufacture of ventilators, is reportedly facing supply bottlenecks because Romania recently classified a required component as a medical device, restricting its export. Keeping markets open is essential to provide confidence to foreign companies willing to invest in producing this equipment. Inevitably, the impact of the pandemic on the Brexit negotiations is becoming a live issue. Given the scale of the current crisis, understandably the government is now focused on little else but battling the virus. However, there are two distinct questions that arise. Firstly, will the economic impact of the pandemic alter the type of future relationship the UK might seek with the EU? It is difficult to see why this would be the case. Secondly, what logistical impact will there be on the process? The answer to this second question could yet have a bearing on whether the UK and EU consider extending the transition, which is currently due to end on 31 December 2020. The UK is expected to publish its preferred draft trade agreement text soon, but this weeks round of talks has been postponed and both sides are exploring whether video-conferencing can be used for future negotiating rounds. Undoubtedly, some officials will be able to use technology to continue working on Brexit, and progress on reaching a deal could well be made this year. Indeed, the crisis might impress on politicians the need to find a way through. However, the bigger challenge is likely to be implementing whatever results from this years talks, be it a Canada-style deal or Australia-style no deal. Both outcomes will require intensive cooperation between UK and EU governments and the private sector to ready new systems and processes at a time when there are much bigger issues at stake. Extending the transition would be politically tricky. The government points out that the current deadline is enshrined in law. There would also need to be another discussion about money. Nevertheless, an extension in the new circumstances we find ourselves in would be very different from the extension proposed by many at the very outset of this process. We have left the EU. If talks on the future relationship are effectively paused, with the UK and EU focusing their attention elsewhere, an extension would provide more of a reset than extra time, which might have been used as negotiating leverage. Ultimately, the battle against the virus is now the primary concern and a decision on transition does not need to be taken right now. However, the question of a delay is likely to return sooner rather than later. Panic-buying shoppers camped overnight to be the first in line to grab highly sought-after necessities at a brand new and fully stocked Costco as the coronavirus chaos continues. There were extraordinary scenes as hundreds of eager shoppers patiently queued for hours for the giant warehouse's grand opening at Perth Airport on Thursday. Many well-prepared shoppers donned face masks and hazmat suits to protect themselves from the deadly virus while others bought their own deck chairs to sit out the wait for Western Australia's first Costco to open. A woman who brought her dog along with the shopping trip checks out the fully-stocked fridges in Western Australia's first Costco, which opened in Perth on Thursday Costco shoppers teamed up to stock up on jumbo packs of toilet paper, which were limited to one pack per customer to ensure stocks didn't run out Well-prepared shoppers donning face masks were geared up for their first trip to Costco Shoppers were lined up with empty trolleys, ready to hit the Costco aisles for the first time Police were called in to help staff control the massive crowds as long queues snaked around the store and into the car park, forcing Costco opted to open the doors at 7.30am- half an hour earlier than scheduled. Almost everyone had highly sought-after toilet paper on their shopping list. They were in luck with shelves packed with jumbo packs of the basic necessity that's been missing from supermarket shelves for the last three weeks. Customers were restricted to one pack of 24 rolls per person to ensure stocks didn't run low. Mince was also a popular item on the shopping lists as were boxes of surface wipes and iced doughnut cakes. Maree Strika came to the grand opening to buy toilet paper and walked out with a $299 bear This shopper couldn't believe her luck when she came across the boxes of surface wipes Police were at the new Perth Airport store opening to help control the massive crowds There were no scenes of the usual stampedes for toilet paper at the fully-stocked Costco Costco shoppers stocked up on mince, which have been in low supply on supermarket shelves The Costco Perth Fans Facebook page has racked up more than 1000 likes since it was established three weeks ago. The Costco chaos in Perth was a repeat of similar scenes on the other side of the country in Sydney on Wednesday, where staff used megaphones and back-up from police to control queues at Casula in the city's south Costco now has 12 stores across Australia following Thursday's opening in Perth. It costs Costco members $60 per year to shop at the multinational wholesaler, which established in 1976 in the US. With supermarket stocks in short supply recent, mince was on everyone's shopping list The new store at Perth opened half an hour early due to the growing crowds (pictured) Shoppers continue to ignore Prime Minister Scott Morrison calls for calm as they continued their panic-buying sprees across the nation on Thursday. He described the widespread panic-buying craze as 'unAustralian'. 'Stop hoarding. I can't be more blunt about it. Stop it,' he said when he addressed the nation on Wednesday It's not sensible, it's not helpful and I've got to say it's been one of the most disappointing things I've seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis. 'That is not who we are as a people. It is not necessary. It is not something that people should be doing. Forget toilet paper, this Costo Perth customer was delighted to find an iced doughnut cake Some Perth shoppers brought their own deck chairs after arriving before dawn on Thursday Coronavirus outbreak: India's death toll rose to 4 on Thursday after a 72-year-old man died of novel coronavirus infection in Punjab. The man had recently returned from Germany via Italy. He died at a hospital in Punjab's Nawanshahr district after complaining of severe chest pain. His samples also tested positive for COVID-19. The Central government has asked 50 per cent of its staff to work from home, while other 50 per cent will attend office. The government has also urged the government employees to resort to staggered working hours. Earlier, the famous Mumbai Dabbawallas have suspended tiffin delivery services till March 31 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. The tiffin carriers which are considered to be the lifeline of Mumbai will stop the services from Friday till March 31. Meanwhile, two more women with travel history abroad have been tested positive in the city taking the total cases in Maharashtra to 49. While a 22-year old tested positive for novel coronavirus in Mumbai, another woman, 49, also has been confirmed COVID-19 positive in Ulhasnagar. Both had recently travelled toforeign countries. Globally,the number has climbed up to 2,19,032 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 8,953 deaths. China, Italy, Iran are leading the chart with over 7,300 deaths collectively. Italy alone reported 475 deaths on Wednesday. ALSO READ:Aviation sector to report over Rs 8,200 crore losses in just three months Check all the latest updates on coronavirus outbreak on BusinessToday.In live blog 11.12 pm: Government bans export of ventilators, surgical/disposable masks with immediate effect. 9:30 pm: MEA assigns 48 officers region-wise across world to tackle COVID19 queries Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a functional helpline for coordination on COVID-19, which has been functioning 24x7 at South Block. The telephone numbers of the Control Room are 1800118797 (toll free), +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104 and +91-11-23017905, Fax number - +91-11-23018158 and email : covid19@mea.gov.in. 9:20 pm: Malls, shopping complexes ordered to close in Bhopal In wake of the coronavirus scare, all malls, shopping complexes are ordered to close in Bhopal. However, grocery/kirana stores inside shopping malls will be open to maintain supply of essential commodities. 9:10 pm: "PM's eloquent and passionate plea for 'Janata Curfew' this Sunday and the humble and firm request to exercise "resole and restraint" to fight this global pandemic will certainly go a long way in preparing the people to manage this crisis," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. "The PM has set the stage for more action to follow. The Covid- 19 Task Force under the FM's leadership can be expected to come out with concrete proposals very soon," he said. 9:00 pm: BJP President JP Nadda appealed to 18 crore BJP workers and supporters to ensure that suggestions given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be implemented in letter and spirit. I assure the PM that BJP will play a positive role in fight against coronavirus, he reportedly said. 8:50 pm: Uttarakhand reports two more coronavirus cases Two trainees at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy have tested positive for coronavirus. Both the trainees were part of a team that went to Spain and had recently returned, said Uttarakhand Additional Health Secretary, Yugal Kishore Pant. 8:40 pm: Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India rises to 173, including 25 foreigners. Maharashtra has the highest number of cases at 44. Total number of confirmed #coronavirus cases in India rises to 173 (including 25 foreigners). Maharashtra has the highest number of cases at 44. https://t.co/UQRdOnk3H8 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 8:35 pm: Thermal screening at Pune Railway Station, Highway Deepak Mhaisekar, Divisional Commissioner of Pune, said that thermal screening will start from today at Pune Railway Stations, Expressway and Mumbai-Pune Highway. Apart from food and essentials nothing will be allowed for delivery at home, he said. 8:30 pm: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan chaired eights high-level meeting of group of ministers on COVID 19. The ministers had detailed deliberation on prevention and management of coronavirus in the country. Also Read: PM Modi speech Live updates: Janta curfew this Sunday; don't step out, says PM Coronavirus challenge not normal, says PM Modi PM Modi said the coronavirus challenge is not normal. It has spread alarmingly. But, he adds, the government is "completely prepared to tackle it." My countrymen have never disappointed me whenever I have asked something from you. In the face of the acute crisis arising out of Corona virus, I want to ask for the next few weeks of yours, says PM Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi: I request the countrymen to avoid visiting hospitals for routine check ups. If you have appointment for any non-essential surgery, please postpone for one month. We should keep in mind that pressure should not come on hospitals. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/mQt5aIIMD3 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 He said that citizens curfew is going to be challenging, but this is the time to test the preparedness of India against coronavirus. 8:02 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation said that Indian govt is fully monitoring the pandemic. "I urge everyone, in the coming weeks, only step out of your houses if it is absolutely necessary. As far as it is possible, work from home," he said. 8:00 pm: Union Minister Dr Harshvardhan chaired a high level meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) to discuss measures to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus, which has claimed four lives across the country so far. 7.23 pm: Over 90 Indian transit passengers stranded in Singapore due to coronavirus travel restrictions in India are on their way home, informed Indian High Commission in Singapore. Indian High Commission in Singapore: Over 90 Indian transit passengers stranded in Singapore due to travel restrictions in India are on their way home. Quick response from Indian Government to permit them to return; High Commission officers at airport to assist them #coronaviruspic.twitter.com/t0cfBVTHID ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 7.17 pm: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has decided to close the Balaji temple for devotees in view of the coronavirus outbreak. Arrangements are being made to complete prayers of the devotees who are already at the temple. However, all ritual services will be performed by temple priests as usual. Andhra Pradesh: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has decided to close the Balaji temple for devotees. Arrangements are being made to complete prayers of the devotees who are already at the temple. However, all ritual services will be performed by temple priests as usual #coronaviruspic.twitter.com/3gM1kHQ2yC ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 7.12 pm: Sports bodies advised against holding any sports events, including competitions or selection trials, till April 15 by Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 7.07 pm: Scheduled international commercial banned from landing in India for one week starting March 22. 7.06 pm: Coronavirus: Mobile numbers of quarantined people to be provided to Mumbai Police MCGM has taken a decision to share mobile numbers of people in quarantine with Mumbai police so that their movement can be tracked on daily basis. Any non-compliance by the concerned person will be dealt very strictly by the police department. 7.03 pm: Coronavirus update: Find test centres, treatment facilities on MapmyIndia MapmyIndia and the Move app will now enable you to view, locate & reach nearby coronavirus testing labs, isolation and treatment facilities - both government and non-government. Users can see and add photos and reviews of amenities and hygiene in these places, helping other users with critical and updated information on the condition of each facility. 6.59 pm: Government of Himachal Pradesh has banned entry of both domestic and foreign tourists in the state till further notice. 6.56 pm: Coronavirus update: Grocery stores in Udhampur to begin home delivery DM Udhampur Dr Piyush Singla ordered closure of all shops/business units except essential supplies units like fruits,vegetables,chemists, grocery and dairy. Grocery retailers have been directed to immediately start home delivery of orders. The mechanism of home delivery was finalised after long discussions with various stakeholders. No gathering outside and inside the grocery shops shall be allowed. 6.45 pm: Coronavirus news: China reports no new domestic cases for first time since outbreak began China on Thursday reported no new domestic transmissions of coronavirus for the first time since the deadly virus surfaced three months ago, achieving a milestone in its battle against the pandemic that has brought the country to a grinding halt and caused an unprecedented global health crisis. While no domestic cases were reported, Wuhan, where the outbreak began, still has 6,636 people in hospitals including 1,809 in severe condition and 465 in critical condition, local health commission said. China now faces a greater threat of infections of imported cases, which jumped by 34 on Wednesday with large number of Chinese and foreigners arriving back to join their duties. 6.30 pm: Haryana to Shut down agricultural, vegetable markets till March 31 6.15 pm: Rough skies ahead for Indian aviation As per global aviation consultancy CAPA, Indian private domestic carriers are expected to post consolidated losses of up to $600 million (Rs 4,500 crore) in just one quarter. This doesn't include Air India's expected losses which controls 11.6 per cent domestic market share, and 51.88 per cent in the international segment (among domestic carriers) along with its subsidiary Air India Express. According to some estimates, Air India earns over Rs 1,230 crore a month from international operations. Since the coronavirus outbreak, the national carrier has nearly suspended all of its international flights which would lead to a loss of an estimated Rs 3,700 crore over three months. These losses will be on the back of curtailed flight schedules, slide in new bookings, large-scale cancellations, and rescheduling of flights in the wake of coronavirus. 6.07 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: All restaurants to be shut down; take away, home delivery to continue, says Arvind Kejriwal Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that all restaurants in Delhi will be shut down but take away, home delivery will continue as usual. Kejriwal also urged all residents of the national capital to say indoors. He added that all educational institutions, will remain shut till the situation normalises. "10 confirmed cases have so far been reported in Delhi. Of which, two have been cured. We have 768 beds for quarantine purposes, of which 57 are occupied. We have 550 isolation beds," the Delhi CM said. 5.55 pm: Coronavirus outbreak: Trade with China will not stop, says Pakistan minister Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Thursday that trade with China will not stop in the view of COVID-19 pandemic. He said it during an interview to the China's Global Times during his recent visit to Beijing, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan. "The two great nations [China and Pakistan] have maintained transport and trade links despite outbreak of virus," he said. 5.45 pm: Coronavirus: Govt asks persons above 65, children below 10 to stay at home The government on Thursday issued an advisory and said that persons above 65 years of age have been asked to stay at home, except for government servants and medical professionals. Children below 10 years of age are also asked to stay indoors. Railways and aviation sector will suspend all concessional travel, except students, patients and handicapable people. All states are also being advised to enforce work from home (WFH) for private sector employees. 5.38 pm: Coronavirus latest news: Govt bans international flights to land in India from March 22 for a week The government on Thursday said that no scheduled international commercial airline will be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. Meanwhile, persons above 65 years of age have been asked to stay at home, except for government servants and medical professionals. Children below 10 years of age are also asked to stay indoors. Railways and aviation sector will suspend all concessional travel, except students, patients and handicapable people. All states are also being advised to enforce work from home (WFH) for private sector employees. 5.26 pm: Coronavirus news: Global death toll crosses 9,000 The global death toll from novel coronavirus as topped 9,000 as the countries and governments battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. 5.16 pm: Coronavirus outbreak news: Fourth COVID-19 death reported in Punjab, India's death toll rises to 4 India's death toll rose to 4 on Thursday after a 72-year-old man died of novel coronavirus infection in Punjab. The man had recently returned from Germany via Italy. He died at a hospital in Punjab's Nawanshahr district after complaining of severe chest pain. His samples also tested positive for COVID-19. 5.00 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: Organiser of anti-CAA protest in Jahangirpuri tests COVID-19 positive An organiser of an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest in Delhi's Jahangirpuri has tested positive for novel coronavirus. His sister had recently returned from Saudi Arabia had also been confirmed for COVID-19 infection. The organiser met his sister On March 13 after she arrived in Delhi and then headed to the protest site. He is at Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi. His sister is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. 4.44 pm: Coronavirus in India news: Pubs in Bengaluru to lose licence if they defy govt order to shut operations Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Thursday that all the pubs and bars in Bengaluru will lose their licence if they still defy government's order to shut operations in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic. Talking to India Today, Dr. Sudhakar said, "Pubs cannot be open. If they are open, then the Home Ministry, DGP and Commissioner are responsible. We are going to take a serious action on it." 4.32 pm: Coronavirus in Mumbai: Mass gatherings at St. Michael's Church suspended till April The authorities in Mumbai have temporarily suspended mass gatherings at St. Michael's Church till April 1 as a preventive measure in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. Mumbai: Mass gatherings suspended at St. Michael's Church in Mahim till 1st April, in view of #Coronavirus. #Maharashtrapic.twitter.com/0i8k8YJzv3 - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 4.22 pm: Coronavirus Maharashtra news: 3 Dombivali residents in Mumbai tested COVID-19 positive The authorities in central suburbs of Mumbai at Kalyan-Dombivali carried out a massive examination drive of nearly 17,000 residents in the area and found out that three residents were tested positive for novel coronavirus. 4.10 pm: Coronavirus in Uttarakhand: All Nainital hotels to remain shut till March 31 All hotels in Nainital, Uttarakhand will remain shut from March 21 to March 31 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare in India. 4.00 pm: Coronavirus in India news: SpiceJet temporarily suspends international operations till April 30 SpiceJet has shut its international operations temporarily from March 21 till April 30 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare worldwide. The airline said in a statement that the operations will resume as soon as the ongoing situation normalises. "We are forced to temporarily suspend majority of our international operations from March 21 till April 30. We will resume the suspended flights as soon as the situation normalises," SpiceJet said in its statement. SpiceJet: We are forced to temporarily suspend majority of our international operations from March 21 till April 30. We will resume the suspended flights as soon as the situation normalises. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/A7MMs8tOii - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 3.56 pm: Coronavirus in J&K: Devotees/pilgrims' entry in religious places barred till March 31 Kathua district magistrate in Jammu & Kashmir has barred the entry of worshipers/devotees/pilgrims in the religious places till March 31. "Religious leaders may, however, continue to follow the norms of prayers," the order reads. 3.45 pm: Coronavirus outbreak news: Punjab govt to close public transport from March 20 The Punjab government has announced that it will close all public transport systems from midnight of Friday (March 20) to control the spread of COVID-19. 3.30 pm: Coronavirus latest news: PM Modi to hold meeting with all state CMS on Friday Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with the chief ministers of all states on Friday at 4 pm, via video conferencing. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope: Chief Ministers of all the states as well as State Health Ministers will talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow at 4 pm, through video conferencing. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/fnaoiTh1pJ - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 3.15 PM: All sports organisations and their affiliate units are advised against holding any sports events including competitions or selection trials till April 15, 2020. 3.14 PM: Coronavirus scare in Chandigarh Apart from Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Trauma&Medicine Dept, all other depts in hospitals to remain closed till 31st March. Sports complexes will also remain closed till 31st March: Manoj Parida, Adviser to Administrator Department of Public Relations, Chandigarh. 3.00 PM: Panchayat Bhavan and Park View Hotel will be now available for quarantine facilities, says Manoj Parida, Adviser to the Administrator Department of Public Relations, Chandigarh. 2.50 PM: The Manali Hoteliers Association says it has been decided that after three days, all activities should be stopped till March 31 in view of coronavirus. All members are advised not to entertain bookings till March 31, says the body. 2.40 PM:Govt asks 50 per cent staff towork from home DOPT issues further instructions to all head of department (HOD) to ensure that 50 per cent of group B and Group C in their offices. Employees are required to attend office everyday and the remaining 50 cent staff should be instructed to work from home. All HODs are advised to bring a weekly roster of duty for group B and Group C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. 2.30 PM: The number of buyers in Patna has been increasing gradually for the last two to three days. People are afraid over caronavirus outbreak. Stockist say the supply chain is normal and there is no shortage of goods. The Patna administration has also ordered the closure of all malls and shopping centres. 2.26 pm: Coronavirus in Gujarat: Authorities shut Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad till March 29 Authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat have shut Gandhi Ashram for visitors till March 29 in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic. 2.23 pm: Coronavirus in India: IndiGo cuts salaries of employees Budget carrier IndiGo has asked its employees to take 10-20% salary cuts and has also grounded around 16 planes out of its total fleet of 260. The airline took the decision as it grapples with the impact of COVID-19 on domestic and international flight operations. Read more here:Coronavirus impact: IndiGo grounds 16 planes; staff to take 10-20% salary cuts 2.15 pm: Coronavirus latest news: 110 new COVID-19 cases reported in Malaysia; total reaches 900 Malaysia on Thursday reported 110 new COVID-19 cases. With this the total number of novel coronavirus cases has climbed to 900. The health ministry said that most of the new cases were linked to a religious gathering at a mosque, which was attended by 16,000 people. 2.06 pm: Coronavirus outbreak news: Russia reports first COVID-19 death Russia on Thursday said that a 79-year-old woman with underlying health issues and tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away from Pneumonia. This is the country's first confirmed death from novel coronavirus. Russia so far has reported 147 cases of COVID-19. 1.58 pm: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Total COVID-19 positive cases rise to 49 The total number of novel coronavirus positive cases have climbed to 49 in Maharashtra, Rajesh Top, State Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare said. Two patients who have been tested positive for #Coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai: Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare https://t.co/pT1AYXb2vG - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 1.48 pm: Coronavirus latest news: 'Game of Thrones' star Indira Varma tests positive for COVID-19 'Game of Thrones' star Indira Verma took to Instagram on Wednesday and said that she has tested positive for COVID-19. Varma who played the role of Ellaria Sand in hugely successful HBO series said in her Instagram post, "it's not nice. Stay safe and healthy and be kind to you're fellow people." Her diagnosis came two days after her 'Game of Thrones' co-star Kristofer Hivju said that he tested positive for novel coronavirus infection. 1.43 pm: Coronavirus in India: UGC directs universities to postpone exams The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed all universities and affiliated colleges on Thursday to defer exams till March 31st in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. It also directed the universities to suspend the evaluation work during the period. "All universities and affiliated colleges should postpone exams till March 31 and suspend evaluation work. Further schedule should be decided following a review of the situation," the commission said in an order. 1.28 pm: Coronavirus in UP: Two more COVID-19 positive cases confirmed Two people have bees tested positive for novel coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh (UP). With this the total number of cases have increased to 19 in the state. Two more persons have tested positive for #Coronavirus in Lucknow, taking the total number of cases to 5. All the patients are stable: Sudhir Singh, COVID-19 isolation ward in-charge, King George's Medical University pic.twitter.com/OoJ5RhjZuf - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2020 1.18 pm: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Mumbai Dabbawallas suspend tiffin delivery service till March 31 The famous Mumbai Dabbawallas have suspended tiffin delivery services till March 31 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. The tiffin carriers which are considered to be the lifeline of Mumbai will stop the services from Friday till March 31. Meanwhile, two more women with travel history abroad have been tested positive in the city taking the total cases in Maharashtra to 47. 1.07 pm: Coronavirus latest news: 6 passengers deboarded from Saurashtra Express at Borivali station 6 passengers who had recently returned from Singapore and have 'home quarantine stamp' on thei hands, were deboarded from Saurashtra Express at Borivali Railway station on Thursday, said Public Relations Officer (PRO), Western Railway. 12.58 pm: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Don't step out of your homes, Uddhav Thackeray tells the state people Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has advised the people in the state not to step out of their homes in the view of novel coronavirus situation. 12.45 pm: Coronavirus latest news: RBI initiates work from home The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday directed its central office employees to work from home. The apex bank has taken the step in line with the administrative order by Mumbai government. It said that all urgent meetings to ensure financial stability will be done via video conferencing. 12.30 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: Police Commissioner issues advisory to residents in the national capital Delhi Police commissioner S N Shrivastava on Thursday issues an advisory to the residents in the national capital. Here is the written advisory. 12.16 pm: Coronavirus in India news: Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh Two new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India on Thursday with on each in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh, PTI reported. The new case in Karnataka has taken the total toll in the state to 15. Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh case is the state's first novel coronavirus case. A 24-year-old woman who tested positive for the deadly virus had returned to Raipur from London on Sunday. 12.10 pm: Coronavirus in India news: One employee in HCL Noida tested COVID-19 positive HCL Technologies said in a statement on Thursday that an employee from its Noida office has been tested positive for novel coronavirus. "One employee from our Noida office has tested positive for #Coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel. Our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols," the company said in a statement. Read More here: HCL employee tests positive; firm asks staff to work from home 12.05 pm: Coronavirus outbreak: Australia bars non-residents from entering country Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday that all non-citizens and non-residents would be barred from entering the country from 9 pm Friday. Over 600 COVID-19 infections and six deaths have been recorded in Australia so far. 11.57 am: Coronavirus outreak news: 2 immigration officers at Kolkata Airport quarantined Two immigration officers at Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport have been asked to go a 12-day home quarantine. Both of them were at the immigration counter during the clearance process of the 18-year-old youth who has tested positive for novel coronavirus. 11.53 am: Coronavirus news: First cases reported in Chandigarh; patient had returned from London The first case of COVID-19 has been reported in Chandigarh. The patient is a young woman who had recently returned from London. Read more here: Coronavirus in Chandigarh: First case reported; patient returned from London 11.42 am: Coronavirus in India news: Indigo likely to take tough decisions in next few days Indigo said on Thursday that the economic environment in aviation sector has become worse in the wake of spread of novel coronavirus and the airline will take drastic decisions which are likely over the next week. Read more here:Coronavirus fallout: IndiGo senior official says drastic decisions likely over the next week 11.30 am: Coronavirus latest news: 2 doctors booked for coronavirus cure claim in Maharashtra Cases have been filed against two doctors in Vasai and Nala Sopara of Maharashtra for putting up hoardings outside their clinics, with claims to have a cure for COVID-19. 11.15 am: Coronavirus news: No cancellation fee for cancelled trains, says Railways The Indian Railways said on Thursday that no cancellation fee will be charged for 155 trains cancelled. Moreover, passengers will also get 100% refund, PTI reported. 11.00 am: Coronavirus latest news: ICSE board postpones class 10, 12 exams till March 31 The ICSE board on Thursday deferred class 10 and 12th exams in the wake of COVID-19 threat, officials said. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Chief Executive Gerry Arathoon said that the examinations have been deferred till March 31.He had earlier said on Wednesday that the examinations will be held as per the schedule after the CBSE made the announcement that it has postponed exams till March 31. 10.54 am: Coronavirus latest news: Two new isolation wards to be set up in Noida Two new isolation wards will be set in Noida in the wake of increase in novel coronavirus cases being reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar. In view of the COVID-19 cases reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar, two new isolation wards will be set up at Asian Institute of Medical Science in Sector 40 and Mitra Hospital in Sector 35 in Noida: District Magistrate Gautam Buddha Nagar #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/O7nsaH1Nnx - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2020 10.48 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Second COVID-19 positive cases in Andhra Pradesh The second COVID-19 positive case was reported in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, taking the total to two. A person who returned to the state from England on March 15 has been confirmed positive for novel coronavirus. 10.44 am: Coronavirus in J&K: Authorities impose restrictions in Srinagar Srinagar authorities on Thursday imposed restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first COVID-19 positive case in Kashmir came to light. The authorities sealed the area within 300 metre radius from the house of 67-year-old novel coronavirus patient in Khanyar, officials said. 10.31am: Coronavirus outbreak: Railways cancel 168 trains Indian Railways has cancelled 168 trains due to low occupancy. Check list here. Indian Railways has cancelled 168 trains due to low occupancy in view of COVID19, from 20th March to 31st March. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/PHaQxCj2Wy - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 10.24 am: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Two more test positive for COVID-19, toll reaches 47 Two more people have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection on Thursday in Maharashtra. Both are women, while a 22-year old tested positive for novel coronavirus in Mumbai, another woman, 49, also has been confirmed COVID-19 positive in Ulhasnagar. Both had recently travelled to foreign countries. 10.17 am: Coronavirus in India news: Iskcon Temple shut in Noida The Iskcon temple in Sector 33 of Noida has been shut for devotees till March 31 in the view of novel coronavirus pandemic. Noida: ISKCON Temples (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in Sector 33 closed for devotees from today till 31st March. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/qT7BVKEWcT - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2020 10.16 am: Coronavirus in Chennai: 50 international, 34 domestic flights cancelled Over 50 international and 34 domestic flights have been cancelled at Chennai Airport on Thursday, ANI reported. 10.15 am: Coronavirus: Asian shares continue to fall after latest Wall Street tumble Asian shares failed to maintain their opening gains on Thursday and dropped further after the latest selloff on Wall Street. Sensex slumps by 2045.75 points, currently at 26,823.76. https://t.co/u99bvI4Sne - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 10.06 am: Coronavirus updates: Why is govt refusing to take a logical step of a lockdown: P Chidambaram Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram questioned the government on Thursday on why it is not locking down all its towns and cities. Taking to Twitter Chidambaram said, "Even after we have witnessed what is happening in Italy, Iran and Spain, why is the government refusing to take the logical step of a lockdown?" "After WHO Director General's statement yesterday, there should be no hesitation in ordering an immediate lockdown of all our towns and cities for 2-4 weeks," he added. After WHO Director General's statement yesterday, there should be no hesitation in ordering an immediate lockdown of all our towns and cities for 2-4 weeks. - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 19, 2020 Some states that are ahead of the central government should go ahead and lockdown their towns and cities. - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 19, 2020 9.50 am: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Inferior quality sanitisers worth Rs 25 lakh seized in Mumbai The Food and Drugs Administration officials on Wednesday carried out a raid at a hand sanitiser manufacturing unit in Nahur and confiscated inferior quality sanitisers worth Rs 25 lakh, officials said. The unit was manufacturing sanitisers illegally. The sanitisers were also being exported without any license and permits. 9.40 am: Coronavirus update: People in Nagpur exercise on streets after gyms shut People in Nagpur assembled on the streets to exercise after all the gyms in Maharashtra are closed due to novel coronavirus. Hardeep Bhatia, a local says, "We are building our immunity system by exercising." Maharashtra: People in Nagpur gathered on the streets to exercise after all the gyms in the state are shut due to #Coronavirus. Hardeep Bhatia, a local says, "We are building our immunity system by exercising." pic.twitter.com/ROvowxMP4J - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 9.28 am: Coronavirus news: Authorities impose restrictions in Jammu The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) administration has imposed restrictions on the assembly of pilgrims, people at religious places under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005. 9.16 am: Coronavirus in Kashmir: Valley records its first COVID-19 case The Kashmir valley recorded its first novel coronavirus positive case in Srinagar, mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation Junaid Azim Mattu said. "I have been informed a short while ago that #Srinagar has had its first positive case for #Covid2019. It's a congested area in the city interiors. We have to be transparent to convey the gravity of the challenge and also seek serious measures and responsible behaviour," he said in a series of tweets. #COVID-19 # Jammu & Kashmir First positive case in Kashmir- Khanyar, Srinagar. History of foreign travel. Arrived on 16/3/2020. Put in Isolation. Surveillance started in 300m area. Request all to cooperate. Also Immediately self report any symptoms@diprjk@HealthMedicalE1 - Rohit Kansal (@kansalrohit69) March 18, 2020 9.00AM: Qatar Airways lays off staff Qatar Airways unexpectedly laid off about 200 Filipino staff in Qatar this week as the coronavirus outbreak forces the Middle East airline to slash flights, Philippine Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello told Reuters on Wednesday."Our labour attache is under strict instructions to determine what is the real cause of the decision of management to retrench them on the basis of redundancy," he told Reuters. 8.58 AM: Two members of US Congress Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams have tested positive for COVID-19. 8.56AM: Allahabad High Court directs the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, all District Magistrates of the state and financial institutions not to proceed with any recovery or demolition till 6th April in wake of coronavirus crisis. 8.54AM: A complete breakdown was announced in 2 KM radius of a religious place in Karimnagar after an Indonesian who visited the town tested positive for coronavirus. Every house in the densely populated locality will be screened and quarantined today. 8.51AM: Safdarjung Hospital has decided to cancel all elective surgeries in view of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. 8.49 AM: IIT-Delhi asks students to vacate the hostels All remaining students (except international students & students with special needs) are requested to vacate the hostels at the earliest. Hostels will function with skeleton staff and packed food will be provided for remaining students, says the institute. 8.40AM: The highly contagious novel coronavirus that has exploded into a global pandemic can remain viable and infectious in droplets in the air for hours and on surfaces up to days, according to a new study that should offer guidance to help people avoid contracting the respiratory illness called COVID-19. 8.35 AM: The coronavirus outbreak hammered Brazil on Wednesday, crushing local markets, infecting more members of the country's political elite and prompting loud protests against President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the mounting crisis. 8.30 AM: The coronavirus outbreak hammered Brazil on Wednesday, crushing local markets, infecting more members of the country's political elite and prompting loud protests against President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the mounting crisis. - Reuters 8.20AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 pm, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID19 and the efforts to combat it. 8.10AM: Precautionary measures required to be taken by all educational institutions and examination boards All ongoing examinations may be rescheduled after 31st March 2020,this would include CBSE NIOS as also University examinations. All evaluation work may be rescheduled after 31st March, this would include evaluation work of CBSE, NIOS as also University exams. Since JEE mains may require travel by examinees to different towns and the dates may clash with rescheduled CBSE and other board exams therefore, JEE mains should be rescheduled and new date of JEE mains will be announced on 31st March after reassessment of situation All educational institutions and examination boards have been requested to maintain regular communication with the students and teachers through electronic means and keep them fully informed so that there is no anxiety amongst the students, teacher and parents. All Institutions have also been requested to notify helpline numbers/emails which student can access for their queries. Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' has appealed to all the students, teachers and parents not to panic as MHRD is committed to ensure safety and security of students as also the maintenance of academic calendar and all possible steps will be taken in this regard. 8.00AM: Ministry of HRD has issued directions to UGC, AICTE, NTA, NIOS, CBSE , NCTE and all autonomous organisations under the Ministry for the postponement of all the examinations till 31st March, 2020 as a precautionary measure in the wake of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These steps have been taken to ensure safety and security of students who are appearing in various examinations, as also that of their teachers and parents. 7.50 AM: All AMU examinations including the exams of schools maintained by Aligarh Muslim University are postponed till 2nd April. 7.47 AM: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (T-3) on the intervening night of 18th & 19th March, to take stock of preparedness in view of COVID19. 7.45 AM: A 23-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19. She has travel history to the United Kingdom. - ANI 7.30AM: Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar has issued order prohibiting the entry of visitors to Ganga Aarti site at Har-ki-Pauri till 31st March. However, the Aarti will continue to be held and will be live-streamed for devotees. For many investors, the main point of stock picking is to generate higher returns than the overall market. But its virtually certain that sometimes you will buy stocks that fall short of the market average returns. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term China Flavors and Fragrances Company Limited (HKG:3318) shareholders, since the share price is down 48% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return of around -8.5%. And the ride hasn't got any smoother in recent times over the last year, with the price 48% lower in that time. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 12% in the last 90 days. Of course, this share price action may well have been influenced by the 17% decline in the broader market, throughout the period. View our latest analysis for China Flavors and Fragrances While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. Although the share price is down over three years, China Flavors and Fragrances actually managed to grow EPS by 2.5% per year in that time. Given the share price reaction, one might suspect that EPS is not a good guide to the business performance during the period (perhaps due to a one-off loss or gain). Alternatively, growth expectations may have been unreasonable in the past. It looks to us like the market was probably too optimistic around growth three years ago. However, taking a look at other business metrics might shed a bit more light on the share price action. We note that, in three years, revenue has actually grown at a 12% annual rate, so that doesn't seem to be a reason to sell shares. It's probably worth investigating China Flavors and Fragrances further; while we may be missing something on this analysis, there might also be an opportunity. Story continues You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). SEHK:3318 Income Statement, March 19th 2020 It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. That said, we think earnings and revenue growth trends are even more important factors to consider. If you are thinking of buying or selling China Flavors and Fragrances stock, you should check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, China Flavors and Fragrances's TSR for the last 3 years was -46%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 21% in the twelve months, China Flavors and Fragrances shareholders did even worse, losing 47% (even including dividends) . Having said that, it's inevitable that some stocks will be oversold in a falling market. The key is to keep your eyes on the fundamental developments. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 0.5% per year over five years. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for China Flavors and Fragrances (of which 1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) you should know about. If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on HK exchanges. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Iran has released a detained US military veteran from custody due to unspecified medical reasons under the condition that he remains in the country, State Department Secretary Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Thursday. Michael White had been held in the country since 2018 before he was released this week on medical furlough. In a statement, Mr Pompeo said the veteran had been wrongfully detained by the Iranian regime as he served a 13-year prison sentence. His release on humanitarian grounds was conditioned upon him staying in Iran, the secretary of state said. More follows COLUMBIA South Carolina's public health agency gained access to $45 million to combat the coronavirus pandemic following a unanimous vote Thursday in the House. Gov. Henry McMaster immediately signed it, after House Speaker Jay Lucas and Senate President Harvey Peeler walked together to give it him personally. The Republican governor thanked the chambers' leaders for sending it to him "in record time," just one week after he sent them a letter requesting the measure. The Senate passed it unanimously Tuesday. The law gives the state Department of Health and Environmental Control immediate access to $45 million from reserves and sets up an account that legislators could put more money in as needed. Asked whether it would be enough, Lucas said, "Given the spread of the disease, probably not." The $45 million is in addition to the $9 million already allocated by the federal government. The state could also dip into another state reserve account specifically for health care expenses. Still, he said, "theres going to have to be more money well have to put toward this crisis." House Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith called the bill a first step in a long process. "Money will not be an issue and there will be no expenses spared in protecting the lives of South Carolinians," the Sumter Republican said to applause from his colleagues. Nine members voted from the chamber's balcony, an unprecedented move that required a unanimous vote to give them that permission. They sat rows and seats apart to practice the social distancing urged by public health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Peeler said the Senate will not meet next week, though he will call senators back if needed to deal with the crisis. "We are going to punch and counterpunch until we knock this thing out," said the Gaffney Republican. "Were putting partisan bickering aside. This is the health and safety of our citizens." Lucas said the House won't be back for at least two weeks. The House was already slated to take this week off after passing its budget proposal but came back for the limited session. "I applaud your sense of duty in coming back today. Some did with trepidation, but you came," Lucas, R-Hartsville, told his colleagues. Only five of the chamber's 124 members did not attend. The votes came just one week after the House passed its $10 billion spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1, which became moot within a few days. It included $213 million to give every teacher a $3,000 raise, $100 million to repair secondary highways, $48 million to freeze college tuition, and $128 million to give most taxpayers a $100 credit. That proposal counted on an additional $1.8 billion, from a combination of projected economic growth and revenue that came into state coffers over projections last year. How much of that will be wiped out by the escalating number of closures, both voluntary and forced, is unknown. With no one knowing when life will get back to some semblance of normal, the state's fiscal experts are entering unchartered territory. Legislative leaders declined to say what they'd be willing to cut. But one thing's certain: "The Senate's going to have to rewrite the budget," Lucas said. Coronavirus deaths in US reach 110 as virus spreads to all 50 states Iran Press TV Wednesday, 18 March 2020 6:10 AM At least 110 people have died from the new coronavirus in the United States, and the total number of known infections has surged past 6,400 as the contagions spreads to all 50 states. The greatest number of deaths is in Washington state in the West Coast, where there were 50 deaths, followed by New York state in the East Coast with 12 deaths. The governor of West Virginia said on Tuesday that the state has reported its first positive case of coronavirus, meaning all 50 US states now have confirmed cases. "We knew it was coming. We've prepared for this and we shouldn't panic. We should be cautious and we should be concerned, but we should not panic," Governor Jim Justice said in a televised address. Globally, there are more than 197,490 coronavirus cases and more than 7,940 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. After initially playing down the threat, President Donald Trump's tone on the pandemic has changed dramatically over the past few days. The Trump administration pressed Congress on Tuesday to approve a $1 trillion stimulus package to blunt the economic pain from the coronavirus outbreak. The stimulus package includes $1,000 direct payments to individual Americans and $50 billion for hard-hit airlines facing bankruptcy. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Tuesday that Washington is sending checks to Americans amid the economic recession, adding that the initiative would take effect in the next two weeks. "You can think of this as something like business interruption payments for the American workers," Mnuchin told reporters at the White House. "Although the president likes the idea of the payroll tax holiday we're looking at sending checks to Americans immediately And I mean, now in the next two weeks." Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence said the White House might either direct the US military to establish field hospitals in virus hot zones if state governors request or enlist the Army Corps of Engineers to add capacity to existing hospitals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MARCH 18, 2020 Earlier today, the U.S. Census Bureau announced a two-week suspension of 2020 Census field operations to help protect the American public and our employees from the coronavirus outbreak. Today, the Census Bureau is also making temporary adjustments to operations at two Census Bureau facilities in Jeffersonville, Indiana: the National Processing Center and Paper Data Capture Center East. For the next two weeks, until April 1, these two facilities will transition to the minimum number of on-site staff necessary to continue operations. These temporary adjustments will help protect the health and safety of our employees in Jeffersonville as they continue to process 2020 Census responses from all around the country. The Census Bureau continues to evaluate all 2020 Census operations and is incorporating guidance from federal, state and local health authorities. Should any additional adjustments need to be made, the Census Bureau will communicate these changes broadly and promptly. As of this morning, more than eleven million households have responded. America is stepping up to shape our future and ensure families and communities are counted. Once again, the American public is strongly encouraged to respond online to the 2020 Census at 2020Census.gov. Households can also respond by calling the phone number provided in their invitation or by mail once they receive a paper form. With the flexibility and support of the American people, we will achieve a complete and accurate 2020 Census count. It has never been easier to respond to the census and the 2020 Census will count everyone accurately. ### New Delhi, March 19 : As the number of deaths from novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the globe crosses 7,000 and many Indians are stranded in various foreign countries, several opposition leaders raised the issue in the Lok Sabha on Thursday seeking government's action over the issue to evacuate them. Some of the MPs sought for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the House over the COVID-19 pandemic and some demanded that a social media initiative should be started by the government to dispel rumours being spread. Congress leader of House Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised the issue soon after the Question Hour in the Lower House ended, requesting the government to "take serious step" in this direction. "People coming from America are allowed to take flight from there but they are being denied boarding in Indian flights who tell them that these have been cancelled. So, where those people will go? What will they do? Where will they live? How will they come? We will have to see over the issue," Chowdhury said. "Lakhs of people are stranded in foreign countries due to the spread of coronavirus. Several Indians are stranded across the world from Iran to Italy and Italy to America. I urge the government to take serious step in this direction." Trinamool Congress's Sudip Bandyopadhyay said corona issue has shaken the whole world. "We are not out of it. Today, Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) will address the nation which we have heard. It is requested that the Prime Minister should address the House. BJP's former ally Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut raised the issue of 58 students who are stranded at Singapore. "All the stranded Indians are medical students who study in the Philippines. They came to Malaysia and then were put in Singapore. This is the third day and they have been facing problems continuously. I urge the government that it should not send those students, including 25 female, back to Malaysia from Singapore airport, and arrange for their evacuation." The Indian government suspended air travel to and from the Philippines, following which the students got stuck at the Singapore airport, the MP said, adding External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar on Wednesday assured for immediate rescue but no arrangement to evacuate them had been made till Wednesday night. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's Dayanidhi Maran said that the issue of coronavirus is serious and the government is taking stern steps which is being appreciated across the world but why these partiality towards the Parliament of India. "Are these are not the citizens of India?" Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, meanwhile, interrupted and stopped Maran to speak on that issue. Independent MP from Mandya in Karnataka, Sumatha Ambareesh, a film actress, demanded that the government should start a social media initiative to dispel rumours being spread related to coronavirus which have infected over 150 people across Indian with three deaths so far. Originated in China's Wuhan city in December last year, the deadly virus has killed over 7,000 people and infected more than 1.50 lakh globally. The Centre has so far evacuated several stranded Indians from China, Italy and other countries. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Ms. Gabbard, 38, announced late last year that she would not seek re-election to Congress in the fall. She campaigned for president on a noninterventionist foreign policy, denouncing regime-change wars and the idea of the United States as the worlds police. She said her own deployments she served two tours of duty in the Middle East as a member of the National Guard had taught her the costs of war firsthand. We should be coming to other leaders in other countries with respect, building a relationship based on cooperation rather than with, you know, a police baton, she said last year. Her unorthodox platform, a mix of noninterventionist foreign policy, liberal social policy and libertarian leanings on issues like drug decriminalization, attracted support from an unusual array of public backers. Alt-right internet stars, white nationalists, libertarian activists and some of the biggest boosters of Mr. Trump heaped praise on Ms. Gabbard. Many Democrats were far more skeptical of her effort, at a loss to explain her frequent appearances on Fox News, favorable coverage in Russian state media and an ideology that both argued for getting out of foreign wars and refused to strongly condemn some autocratic leaders. A public fight with Hillary Clinton brought attention and fund-raising dollars, keeping Ms. Gabbard on the primary debate stage and attracting some support from independent and Republican voters, particularly in libertarian-leaning New Hampshire. Ms. Gabbard was once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, even as she sometimes defied it. Her progressive economics and noninterventionist foreign policy seemed like obvious attractions for Democrats, her military resume gave her extra credibility, and she broke barriers as the first Hindu and the first American Samoan elected to Congress. So it was not surprising when she entered the presidential race last January, even though no sitting representative has been elected president in 140 years. An Ohio woman accused of killing her 11-year-old son and leaving his body in a Mississippi hotel room was arrested Wednesday in New Orleans, police said. IMAGE: Latina Marie Oates (Mississippi Department of Public Safety) Latina Marie Oates, 33, of Powell, Ohio, was arrested at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, Tommy Cox, police chief of Laurel, Mississippi, told NBC News. Oates has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Joshua Oates. At the time of her arrest, she was with her two other children, Justin Lamar Oates and Mark Anthony Oates, ages 6 and 9, Cox said in a telephone interview Thursday. The children were in "good condition" and are being cared for by child welfare authorities in New Orleans, Cox said. He added that police have contacted family members in Ohio, who are coming to retrieve them. Cox declined to say how Joshua died, but he described the scene in the hotel room in the south Mississippi town as "disturbing." An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday. "It was one of the worst homicide crime scenes I've ever seen," Cox said. "I've been doing this 25 years, and this was disturbing." Police in Mississippi and Louisiana had issued bulletins warning that the children had been taken by their mother and were "believed to be in imminent danger" after hotel staff discovered Joshua's body. Oates was booked into the Jones County Jail on Wednesday night and had her initial appearance Thursday afternoon in Laurel Municipal Court, where she was denied bond, according to Cox. The chief said that Oates did not have a lawyer but that one would likely be appointed in the coming days. Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi took oath as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday amid walkout from the Opposition parties who were opposed to his nomination. They will welcome me very soon. There are no critics, Gogoi told reporters as he left Parliament premises after taking oath as an MP of the Upper House. Members of Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) opposed Gogois appointment and walked out of the Rajya Sabha. The Communist Party of India, DMK and MDMK also joined the protest. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad had welcomed Gogoi in the Rajya Sabha. Also read: Accepted Rajya Sabha seat for better cohesion: Ranjan Gogoi Justice Gogoi was nominated by President Ram Nath Kovind on March 16, four months after his retirement in November 2019. He had served as the 46th Chief Justice of India from October 3, 2018, to November 17, 2019. Watch | Amid uproar, former CJI Ranjan Gogoi takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP; opposition walks out Justice Gogois nomination to the Rajya Sabha has not found favour with retired Supreme Court judges like justices Madan Lokur, AK Patnaik and Kurian Joseph who have spoken out against it. But Gogoi has defended his nomination, saying that he accepted the offer because of his conviction that the legislature and judiciary must work together for nation-building. My presence in Parliament will be an opportunity to project the views of the judiciary before the legislature and vice versa, he said. He added he had given the nomination a considerable thought before agreeing to take accept it. Also read: Petition in SC against ex-CJI Gogois Rajya Sabha nomination Gogoi is the first former CJI to become a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. He is also the second CJI to become a Rajya Sabha MP after justice Ranganath Misra, who was elected as a Congress lawmaker from Odisha. Justice Misra, however, became a Rajya Sabha member in 1998, nearly seven years after his retirement from the Supreme Court. The new man in Hope Hicks' life, Goldman Sachs executive Jim Donovan, comes with family baggage, DailyMail.com can reveal, just as her previous lover, White House Secretary Rob Porter. JDonovan, 53, a father-of-four, and the former White House communications director have been pictured together by DailyMail.com repeatedly over the past three months. But as with her previous lover Porter, her relationship with Donovan could prove complicated not least of all because of his ex-wife Christina, 48, and their four children. In 2005 Donovan's own father dragged him to court claiming his son had hired a Russian hitman to kill him. Hope Hicks and Jim Donovan were first spotted canoodling in DC in January, then in LA in February and then again since her move back to D.C. last week where they picked up take-out. He lost the leg brace but was still on crutches Donovan's father, MIT professor John Donovan, dragged him to court in Massachusetts where he claimed his son had hired a Russian hitman to kill him in 2005 Donovan's father John, 78, a former MIT professor and millionaire tech entrepreneur, had been embroiled in a long-running dispute with Donovan and his siblings over a trust fund worth hundreds of millions and 68-acre estate in Long Shore, Massachusetts. In a drama worthy of a true crime movie, John Donovan falsely accused his son of hiring a hitman to kill him. In court, Jim Donovan testified that his father called him a demon, and said he should be careful because he had young children and a lot to lose. The father warned: 'I will ruin you,' Jim Donovan said. John was found to have shot himself in the stomach and filing a false police report. Relations soured further after Donovan and his siblings attempted to take control of property put in trust for them by their father. John went on to accuse Donovan of laundering $180million through unlawful trading of restricted stock but he was cleared by Goldman Sachs after testifying against his father in court in 2007. In October 2016, the pair returned to court again following the death of Donovan's brother John Jr, this time in a dispute over land he had owned jointly with his father. According to records held by the Suffolk County Probate and Family court, the case was finally closed the following October. Despite his troubled family life, Donovan's career has proved hugely successful with the 53-year-old instrumental in building up Goldman's private wealth management unit. Records held in Warrenton, Virginia, show that James Donovan filed for divorce against his wife Christina on January 23, 2019 Massachusetts native Donovan, 53, has four children, two girls and two boys, with estranged wife Christina, 48, a physical therapist. The family is pictured here together in a photo posted in February, 2018. They are members of the Piedmont Fox Hounds Hunt Club in Upperville, Virginia Hope Hicks is in love again - and spent a weekend last month with Donovan in Los Angeles, DailyMailTV can exclusively reveal. The former Trump aide, who is due to return to the White House this month, enjoyed a string of romantic outings with him (pictured together in January) On the weekend of February 21, Donovan paid her a visit in LA, turning up on crutches and in a leg brace (pictured). He was all smiles with his younger girlfriend as they went for dinner with friends at Mr Chow Donovan appears to be one of the reasons for the cross-country move with the pair first spotted canoodling in D.C. in January. They were seen at salad joint Sweetgreen in March after she returned to the capital One of his clients was Bain Capital, a private equity firm set up by Mitt Romney who later hired Donovan as an adviser during his 2012 presidential campaign. He later went on to work on Jeb Bush's failed 2016 attempt to become the Republican presidential nominee, but was nominated for the number two job at the Treasury by President Trump the following year. Two months after his nomination, Donovan pulled out citing family concerns. In a statement released at the time, he said: 'I am deeply honored by President Trump's decision to nominate me as Deputy Secretary of the U.S Department of the Treasury. 'However at this time, I want to focus on my family, and I can no longer accept it. I hope to be able to serve this administration in the future and fully support President Trump and Secretary Steven Mnuchin's ongoing work to reform the tax system and the U.S economy.' Donovan is a father of two sons and two daughters with hsi ex-wife Christina, 48. Records held in Fauquier County Circuit Court in Warrenton, Virginia, show that Donovan filed for divorce against Christina on January 23, 2019. But the judge sealed all documents in the case including the date when the divorce was finalized. Donovan's physical therapist ex is thought to be living in the former family home in Upperville, Virgina. During their marriage, the pair were known for their philanthropy even setting up a joint foundation to fund cancer research. Both are also members of the Piedmont Fox Hounds hunt club and are pictured riding to hounds with their children in a photo posted on Christi's Facebook page in February 2018. Like Hicks herself, both Donovan and Christina are keen on fitness. She has been photographed swimming and is known to be a runner. Along with his role at Goldman Sachs, where he has worked since 1993, Donovan is an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia where he teaches corporate strategy and team management. The pair spent their nights at Hicks' apartment with neither emerging until the following morning when the 31-year-old was seen strolling up to her local branch of WholeFoods to pick up breakfast. Soon afterwards, Donovan was seen jumping in a luxury car outside her apartment block which took him to LAX where he boarded a flight bound for D.C. (pictured) John accused Donovan of laundering $180million through unlawful trading of restricted stock but he was cleared by Goldman Sachs after testifying against his father in court in 2007 Hicks' return to the White House has been welcomed by insiders, among them her replacement as Director of Communications, Stephanie Grisham Donovan has been multiple times with Hicks over the past three months and even flew down to Los Angeles for a weekend just before she moved back to DC. During the romantic break, the pair were spotted enjoying a double date with friends at Beverly Hills institution Mr. Chow and venturing out to Malibu for a three-hour lunch at Nobu. Hicks is used to dealing with men with baggage after dating Rob Porter, 42, who had a girlfriend when he hooked up with Hicks and was forced to resign after DailyMail.com revealed his alleged history of domestic abuse Since Hicks' return to DC last week, she has been staying at his $5,000-a-month apartment in the capital's upscale Georgetown neighborhood while setting up her new home. DailyMail.com has approached Donovan for comment. Hicks had put romance on the backburner during her 18-month stint in Los Angeles, although last month Vanity Fair claimed she had had a fling with a producer that foundered over their political differences. In February 2018, DailyMail.com broke the news of Hicks relationship with the then White House staff secretary Porter with the couple pictured canoodling in the back of a cab in DC. Porter, 42, had a girlfriend when he first hooked up with the 31-year-old and DailyMail.com later revealed his history of alleged domestic abuse - with both of his ex-wives claiming he had hit and belittled them during their marriages. Porter, then 38, had been living with a willowy blonde political appointee but the pair split around Thanksgiving 2017 after she discovered suggestive text messages between him and Hicks. Rumors about their relationship began after they were spotted at a DC church on January 7 praying together despite coming from different religions. Utah-native Porter is Mormon, while Connecticut-born Hicks is Roman Catholic. The relationship continued after both left the White House in Spring 2018 following revelations about Porter's alleged record of domestic abuse, with the pair spotted working out together in New York. But the romance came to an end after Hicks left DC for the West Coast to take up a lucrative job with FOX in Los Angeles. Police have registered an offence against noted actor Vikram Gokhale and two others for allegedly duping 14 people in a land deal in Pune district, an official said on Thursday. The two other accused were identified as Jayant Mhalgi and Sujata Mhalgi, the official said on Wednesday. One Jayant Bhairat had lodged a complaint with Paud Police Station in Mulshi taluka of Pune district, he added. In his complaint, Bhairat alleged that the trio had cheated him and others in connection with a project called Girivan, promoted by Sujata Farms Pvt Ltd. Senior inspector Ashok Dhumal said the complainant alleged that despite the sale deed, he has not yet received the possession of the land. The complainant also said that the firm had misrepresented the project as government approved, he said. The complaint named Gokhale as the chairman of the firm and the Mhalgis as its directors, Dhumal said. "Based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered against them. But we are verifying the facts and further action will be taken after investigation," Dhumal said. When contacted, Gokhale said the allegation against him was completely "baseless and misleading". "I have already tendered my resignation from the company," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 13:51:55|Editor: zyl Video Player Close KINSHASA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has unveiled several prevention and control measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. Apart from strengthening border security, the government has announced a suspension of flights from all high-risk countries, which will take place this Friday. Cargo planes, ships and other means of freight transport will be authorized to enter the DRC territory, with personnel on board going through examination. President Felix Tshisekedi has also ordered the closure of schools, universities, official and private higher institutes. Suspension of all gatherings is also imposed for the next four weeks starting Thursday. "I call on the government to take all measures to preserve our already fragile economy, in particular to prevent the shortage of stocks on the market," said Tshisekedi, urging the Congolese to keep a cool head in the face of the epidemic and follow the instructions of scientific personnel. The DRC has registered a total of 14 cases in about a week since its first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 10. Summoned by members of parliament on Tuesday, Jean-Jacques Muyembe, coordinator of the Ebola response and head of the main biomedical laboratory of the DRC, expressed concerns about the DRC's capacity to fight COVID-19. On Wednesday, the Congolese health ministry received medical equipment kits out of the 66 tons of medical equipment offered by China to the DRC to fight the virus. After I left the JVP in 1984, I lost contact with comrade Saman. However, after being forced into exile in Australia, I visited Sri Lanka in the latter part of the nineties. Comrade Saman insisted that I come back to Sri Lanka and continue the politics we have been advocating at the time. Comrade Saman Wagaarachchi had joined the JVP in early 1977 while we were still being held incarcerated for our role in the April 1971 uprising. Later I heard that he had supported strike action taken by the workers of Galle Harbour and the Ceylon Cement Corporation site in Galle. My association with comrade Samans family commenced during the Galle bye-election held in December 1979. Since then comrade Saman and his family became strong supporters of the JVP and comrade Saman became a full-time activist. He was active in the Socialist Workers' Union. Comrade Upatissa Gamanayaka was its secretary. Comrade Saman also assisted in the activities of the Society for Socialist Culture, his main contribution being to organise poets and writers in an affiliated group. Comrade Saman was the editor of a pamphlet of poetry we published at that time. I can recollect leading artistes such as Monika Ruwanpathirana, Rathna Sri Wijesinghe and Ven Wilegoda Ariyadeva Thero making contributions to it. He supported multifarious activities associated with training and organising the performances of 'Songs of Liberation' ( ). His sister, comrade Samanmalee Wagaarachchi was a member of the group of vocalists, until the show was banned for the third time in early 1983. Comrade Saman was also involved in our attempt to produce the drama 'Not a Withered Flower' ( ). The drama was based on the real-life story of comrade Premawathi Manamperi. The government appointed Public Performance Board set up to scrutinize such drama productions, banned it during its very first performance. The reason being that the leaders of the UNP, in particular Mr R Premadasa had been opportunistically using a distorted version of comrade Manamperi's life story for their political gain. Comrade Saman was a close confidante of comrades Rohana Wijeweera and Upatissa Gamanayake. Sometime towards the end of 1981 and at the initiative of comrade Prins Gunasekera, comrade Rohana had held a discussion with Mr Maithripala Senanayaka, who was the leader of the breakaway faction of the SLFP led by Mrs Sirima Banadaranaike. As a result of this discussion, comrades Wijeweera and Gamanayake had organised a group led by comrade Saman (to the best of my recollection), to sabotage the rally held by the SLFP after the breakaway faction left the party. Mrs Bandaranaike was to address this rally. Gampaha Police had arrested some of the JVP cadres, including comrade Saman, who had been involved in this incident. They had been severely tortured, particularly comrade Saman. The Police had hung him from a rafter and beaten him. Some members of the politbureau did not even know that such a decision to sabotage the SLFP rally had been taken, organised and implemented. The same evening, comrade Gamanayake rang me and asked me to do what was needed for getting those arrested to be released on bail. I remember being pretty upset about this whole incident and having a heated argument with comrade Gamanayake about it. The Police had remanded those arrested at the Mahara maximum security prison. I visited them the next day and was able to get them released on bail sometime later. After I left the JVP in 1984, I lost contact with comrade Saman. However, after being forced into exile in Australia, I visited Sri Lanka in the latter part of the nineties. Comrade Saman insisted that I come back to Sri Lanka and continue the politics we have been advocating at the time. However, I had lost my Sri Lankan citizenship and several applications to the government for my dual citizenship had been disregarded. So, I didn't have a chance of returning to Sri Lanka to stay there on a permanent basis. Later on, Saman abandoned left politics to an extent, to become a close associate of Mr Anura Bandaranaike and the SLFP. Thereafter, he gradually moved closer to the leadership of the UNP. This was a time when members of the ruling political class were unscrupulously using their political status and authority for personal and financial gain, but Saman was never a self-centred person. His political focus was to always serve the interests of the common people the best way he thought he could, without seeking personal gain. In spite of our political differences, we were able to work together as friends on several issues associated with human and democratic rights of the people. During the elections we worked together on a broad platform of defending those rights and the principles and practice of good governance. During this period, he was a leading figure in the campaign for media freedom and agitated against the murder and forced disappearance of journalists. In the early 1990s it was a well-known fact that comrade Saman played a prominent role in organising protests against the abduction and murder of a well-known television news anchor. the late Richard de Zoysa by a death squad linked to the then government. Our last contact was about a month ago, but he did not mention about his illness. I assumed he was all right but regret that I did not have the opportunity to talk to him about his illness. As friends and comrades who traversed the same political path until we went on our own ways, we were able to work together on many important political issues. I respect and admire his empathy towards humanity. At this moment we bid him goodbye, I salute him for his strong contribution towards social progress. Chitra joins me in offering heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives and friends. Samans memory will be held safe in the hearts of many for a long time to come. Goodbye, our dear friend! Lionel and Chitra Bopage Melbourne, Australia New Delhi/UNI: As India intensified efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) on Thursday announced further strengthening of its 24x7 control rooms to ensure smooth coordination and redressal of specific queries from the people. At a special media briefing on Covid-19, Additional Secretary and Coordinator for Covid-19, Mr Dammu Ravi said the control room attended to about 1355 calls and 522 e-mails since the evening of March 17. He said that on an average the control room was getting 400 mails and 1,000 calls daily. He added that 25-30 people were working on 8-hour shifts but their strength was being augmented. Describing the Coronavirus situation in Iran "very severe'', he said India has evacuated 590 people from there. Indians infected with Coronavirus in Iran have been segregated and taken care of. "We believe they will recover and we will bring them back,'' he added. Mr Ravi said that work has already begun on the steps announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his video conferencing with SAARC leaders on Sunday. The Prime Minister had announced setting up of an emergency fund of US $ 10 million for SAARC nations. Requests worth one million dollar have been received from SAARC nations and supplies of gloves, shoe covers, masks and other essentials have been made to Bhutan and Maldives, he informed. MEA's official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that cooperation among SAARC member nations was being done in a coordinated way and the health experts would be coming together through video conferencing in a week. He said that regional and global cooperation was the need of the hour to contain and control the spread of Coronavirus and the Prime Minister's SAARC initiative was to bring the member countries together on one platform to pool together their efforts and share their best practices. Mr Ravi said that travel restrictions were temporary and the advise to all Indians, including students, abroad was to stay put where ever they are as there was no need to panic. Out of 380 samples of Indians, who had gone to the Indian Embassy, only four had tested positive, he said. He said that the situation was evolving with each passing day and the strategy was being reviewed and monitored at the highest level in the government. The global pandemic that has resulted from the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) initial coverup of the COVID-19 outbreak should serve as a wake-up call for Western governments dealing with the regime, a China expert and rights activist said. Benedict Rogers, a UK human rights activist and founder of nonprofit Hong Kong Watch, told The Epoch Times that the crisis should prompt countries to review their relations with the Chinese regime, because we would not have a global pandemic if the Chinese authorities had listened to doctors in Wuhan instead of silencing, repressing, and punishing them. The global coronavirus pandemic should be a wake-up call for the world, and especially Western governments and multilateral organizations such as the WHO [World Health Organization], who have naively kowtowed to the Chinese regime and blindly trusted this regime that is manifestly based on lies and repression, Rogers said in an email. The CCP virus, which causes COVID-19, originated from the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. Despite being aware of the severity of the outbreak, Chinese authorities suppressed vital information about the disease and silenced doctors who tried to draw attention to the situation. As a result of the Chinese regimes initial coverup, the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, has spread to more than 100 countries, infected more than 100,000 people, and killed thousands outside of China. In Europe, where the outbreak is most severe outside of Chinaparticularly in Italy, Germany, Spain, and Francecountries should reassess their ties with the regime after they deal with the crisis, said Charles Parton, a former British diplomat stationed in China and a senior associate at UK-based think tank Royal United Services Institute. At that time, it is important that those making policy are aware of the facts and how the CCP put politics above people in the early stages of its reaction to COVID-19, Parton said in an email. He added that the task of European governments would be to stress that for the sake of the worlds future ability to deal with such threats, the CCP has to allow more transparency and truth to shine forth. Economic Ties In the past year, European countries have been weighing a tougher stance toward the regime, driven by Beijings unfair trade practices, Chinese acquisitions in critical sectors, and its failure to open its markets to European companies in the same way that Europe has done for Chinese firms. The executive arm of the EU called Beijing a strategic rival in a March 2019 report on EUChina relations. The EU also hopes to reach a deal with the regime to address unfair investment practices, although those efforts appear to be on hold as an EUChina summit scheduled for the end of March has reportedly been postponed due to the pandemic. Amid this push for a more balanced trade relationship, European countries also found themselves grappling with how not to antagonize their major trading partner. In closed-door meetings, member state officials vent their frustration about China, but at the end of the day, short-term opportunism prevails, Jonathan Holslag, professor of international politics at the Free University of Brussels and special adviser to the first vice president of the European Commission, told The Diplomat in January. We are all being pressured by Chinese diplomats to accept [Chinese telecom giant] Huawei, scared that European companies that invested in China could suffer from trade tensions, but we still keep sending delegation after delegation to China to pursue business opportunities. These competing interests were exemplified during Chinese leader Xi Jinpings visit to France last March, Holslag said. The one day, [French President] Emmanuel Macron calls [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel and the [EU] Commission president to meet President Xi Jinping together in Paris. The next day, he desperately tries to sell Airbus planes [to China], he said. The professor noted that the same applied to Germany. Companies like Volkswagen, BASF, and BMW shape the China agenda much more than long-term strategic concerns or the national interest, he said. China is Germanys largest trading partner. As of 2019, Chinese businesses accounted for 7 percent of German private sectors total income. Over 5,000 German companies have invested in over 8,000 projects in China, while over 2,000 Chinese companies have invested in Germany. Other European countries have also welcomed Chinese investments. In 2018, Portugal became the first European country to sign up to Beijings infrastructure investment plan, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road). This was followed by Italy last year, which became the first G-7 nation to join. BRI, a project aimed to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe through a network of railways, ports, and roads, has been criticized for saddling developing countries with debt burdens they cannot repay. Meanwhile, the United States worries that the plan is also designed to strengthen Chinas military influence and spread technologies capable of spying on the West. The regime has also made inroads into Spain. Chinese firms in 2016 acquired two Spanish engineering firms Aritex and Eptisa, which was part of Beijings global drive to dominate high-tech sectors, as dictated by its national industrial plan Made in China 2025, which serves as a blueprint for China to become a tech manufacturing powerhouse. Also, in June 2017, Chinas state-owned shipping company COSCO bought majority stakes in Noatum Port Holdings, the operator of two container terminals in the ports of Valencia and Bilbao, illustrating Beijings hopes to pull Spain into its BRI paradigm. Noatum is Spains largest maritime terminal operator. Meanwhile, many European countries are in the midst of deciding whether to include Huawei technology in their 5G rollouts. While the United States has warned its European allies that doing so would pose national security risks, Chinese officials have exerted pressure on some countries to accept Huawei or face retaliation. The UK in January announced that it would allow Huawei in non-core parts of its 5G network. According to Reuters, France is poised to make a similar decision. In neighboring Germany, Merkels ruling coalition has stopped short of banning Huawei, but favors imposing tougher rules on vendors. Seek Truth From Facts Since the virus spread across the world, the Chinese regime has launched significant efforts to portray itself as a global leader in fighting the virus, while deflecting attention away from its mishandling of the outbreak. The CCP will be exerting great efforts through its external propaganda machinery to ensure that foreign governments adopt its narrative of success and working on behalf of the world to combat COVID-19, Parton said. Beijing has sent teams of medical experts to Italy and Spain, while Chinese state media has lauded Beijings provision of medical aid, such as masks and protective gear, to other hard-hit countries. Some of the supplies sent to Italy, however, were not donations, but rather exports of goods for purchase. Parton said countries should combat such propaganda efforts by proverbially seeking truth from facts, and demanding more transparency from the CCP. We should talk to the Chinese government about its experience and we should try to work together to draw up lessons for the future for all of us, he said. Rogers said European countries ought to alert the world to the fact that the Chinese regime is to blame for this pandemic. The Chinese regime is the problem, not the solution, he said. From The Epoch Times The Bay Areas usually booming hotel industry has been brought to its knees in the two weeks since the coronavirus erupted across the region, and at least eight hotels have closed temporarily. Occupancy rates in San Francisco have plunged from more than 80% two weeks ago to below 10% at some hotels, said Kevin Carroll, CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco, which represents owners and operators. A city shelter-in-place order designated hotels as residences, meaning they can continue to operate even as most businesses close. But the plunge in both tourism and business travel has led to an unprecedented number of temporary closures. The W San Francisco, Suites at Fishermans Wharf, Harbor Court, Hotel G, Hotel Drisco, Inn at the Opera and the Donatello, along with the Oceano Hotel & Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor, all confirmed to The Chronicle that they have closed and are not accepting new reservations. The hotels plan to reopen between April 8, when the current orders are set to expire, and May 1. The Zeppelin, Zelos and Zephyr hotels in San Francisco remain open for current guests but are not taking new bookings. Carroll said numerous other hotels are considering closures. The drop in business has led to a heavy human toll, with thousands of San Francisco hotel workers laid off in the past two weeks, including members of Unite Here Local 2. The national Unite Here union said its 300,000 members, which also include casino, food service and transit workers, could see a loss of up to 90% of jobs nationwide. Teamsters Local Union 856, whose members work at hotel front desks, offices and concierge services, has 700 of its 1,000 members out of work, said Rudy Gonzalez, executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council. The hotel industry employed an estimated 25,000 people in the city before the coronavirus outbreak, according to the city controller. Room rates have fallen sharply, with online listings for a number of hotels under $100 per night. San Francisco hotels had routinely charged $300 per night and sometimes more than $500 during particularly busy conferences. Now Playing: Here is what you need to know about the coronavirus. Video: Manjula Varghese I definitely think that this coronavirus pandemic will be worse than 9/11 and 2008 for the hospitality industry, said Holden Lim, president of Hospitality Link International, a hotel brokerage. Asia was still cranking in 2009 during the Great Recession. On the other hand, the coronavirus pandemic is global, and many countries have shut down their economies. Travel throughout the whole world has been sharply reduced, he said. Marriott, the biggest global hotel chain, said it expects to furlough tens of thousands of workers around the world, which would eliminate their hourly pay but allow them to retain health benefits. That could intensify another battle between Marriott and labor unions, following a 2018 strike across the U.S. that saw Unite Here win higher wages and medical benefits. Unite Here Local 2 is meeting with employers across the city and calling on business to do right by their workers during this pandemic, Anand Singh, president of the local, said in a statement. Marriott, which operates the W hotel and more than three dozen others in the Bay Area, didnt respond to a request for comment. The drop in hotel revenue will also hit the citys budget by reducing its income from a 14% occupancy tax. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes City Controller Ben Rosenfield estimated last week that overall city tax losses could be in the tens of millions of dollars from the coronavirus, a projection that came before a restrictive shelter-in-place order that closed all nonessential businesses. On Tuesday, the nationwide hotel industry asked for a $150 billion bailout from the federal government, including $100 billion to retain workers and $50 billion to pay off debt. The industry warned this week that half of the countrys hotels could close, eliminating an estimated 3.9 million jobs. The global calamity is also threatening one of the largest hotel sales in history, the $5.8 billion purchase of 15 U.S. hotels by South Koreas Mirae Asset Global Investment from Chinas Anbang Insurance Group, Bloomberg reported. Lenders are hesitating to fund the deal because of the coronvirus pandemic, according to Bloomberg. The sale would include the 1,200-room Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, one of the citys biggest hotels, and the Four Seasons Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto. Anbang declined to comment. Mirae didnt respond to a request for comment. With hotels emptying, San Francisco city officials are now in talks to use them to help shelter people who need to be quarantined, Carroll said. Lim of Hospitality Link International said that unlike other global crises, the coronavirus epidemics way of spreading makes hotels particularly vulnerable to a drop in business. There is also the fear factor where no one knows whether the person who checks you in, the person you are with in the elevator, the housekeeper that cleans your room, and the surfaces that you are touching in your guest room are infected with the coronavirus, he said. Chronicle staff writers Michael Cabanatuan, Mallory Moench, J.D. Morris and Shwanika Narayan contributed to this report. Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday (March 19) announced shutting of all restaurants with immediate effect, but exempted takeaways and home delivery. He said, "All restaurants are closing from today. Takeaway and home delivery will be allowed keeping in view the fact that many people depend on outside food," while addressing a press conference. The Delhi CM said, "Not more than 20 people will be allowed to gather at any place for social, cultural, religious, academics, seminars, conferences purposes in the state." According to Kejriwal, stamping will be done on those who have been quarantined after cases were found that people are not following the orders, adding "There is no need to panic, but we need to take preventive steps." "We have 768 beds for quarantine purposes, of which 57 are occupied," said Kejriwal. Kejriwal also said that people coming from abroad and have been asked to be in quarantine are being stamped at the airport, adding "As there are instances of such people fleeing home, we have started stamping people who have been asked to remain in home quarantine upon their arrival in India." He further said that if such persons don`t keep themselves in quarantine, then the government will be forced to arrest them and lodge FIR against them. Notably, a total of 169 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the country, while 4 persons have died from the deadly disease. New Delhi, March 19 : For over seven days four suspected cases of COVID-19 roamed carefree in one of Uttar Pradesh's largest private dental institute, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, while the administration slept. However, on Thursday panic ran riot through the campus as these four people started showing symptoms of the infection and had to be taken away in an ambulance. According to the doctor who treated these suspected cases in the campus, these students had not shown any symptoms for about seven days, but on Thursday, symptoms like cold, cough and fever started to show up. The patients were taken to district hospital in Moradabad for further treatment and tests. Speaking to IANS, faculty and students of the institute who requested anonymity, said these four suspected cases were part of an eight member team who had returned from Kerala after a 10-day visit from March 2 to 12. "These members had flown to Cochin for an international dental conference, but were never tested on their return," a student told IANS. The university administration confirmed the same. "They are not suspected cases, they have just shown symptoms of the infection, and whether they are infected or not will be decided only after the district hospital's report," the doctor added. The Additional Chief Medical Officer of Moradabad district, B.K. Premi said the district administration has received the news and doing the needful. "Have received information and now will do the needful," Premi said. However, ever since the case emerged, the university has sprung into action as they took record of every person who came into contact of these students during these days. The administration has also informed them to be ready for screenings and tests if the requirement arrives. (Rohan Agarwal can be contacted at Rohan.a@ians.in ) They've been inseparable since falling in love last year, and Lily Allen and David Harbour have revealed their delight at being together during the coronavirus pandemic. David, 44, was shooting his hit Netflix show Stranger Things in Atlanta, but after the set was shut down earlier this week he jumped on a plane from his New York home to the UK to spend time with Lily, 34. Going live on Instagram on Wednesday night, the couple cosied up in bed as they discussed marriage rumours, past lovers and drug use with their fans. Together: David Harbour and Lily Allen have revealed their delight at being together during the coronavirus pandemic after the actor left his New York home to travel to the UK The two lovebirds admitted they were experiencing 'Love in a Covid Climate' as they pretended to have a long distance chat on Instagram before surprising fans when Lily burst into David's room and snuggled up in bed with him. 'Welcome to the boudoir, this is where the magic happens,' David declared. David, who plays Jim Hopper in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, admitted it was a 'really bad situation' for his mental health 'to be quarantined alone' in New York and so he decided to travel to be with his girlfriend. The two read out comments from fans and playfully chatted about their work, with David poking fun at Lily's popstar status while calling her his 'wife'. Reunited: Going live on Instagram on Wednesday night, the couple cosied up in bed as they discussed marriage rumours, past lovers and drug use with their fans After Lily suggested that her album No Shame had sold just 5000 copies, David laughed, and she explained: 'I'm serious. That's how bad things are these days. You think you married a popstar? You didn't.' Realising what she said, she hastily added: 'Not that we're married. We're not married, I just want to make sure you know.' David then exclaimed: 'But she is my wife.' And Lily who has been dating David since September and has recently been sporting a diamond ring on her engagement finger conceded: 'Yes we do pretend.' Lily then called David 'rude' when he talked about her previous sexual partners. Jokes: The two lovebirds pretended to have a long distance chat on Instagram before surprising fans when Lily burst into David's room and snuggled up in bed with him Lily said: 'You don't like my song Everything To Feel Something because it opens up with something like 'I'm gonna let you f*** me.' And I'm your girlfriend so you don't like the idea of that.' David replied: 'No its fine. I know that I'm not the first! You had a life before me. I mean we're not all high school sweethearts are we? We've had lives before. I don't think it's that complicated.' During their cosy chat David revealed he'd flown over to the U.K. from New York after being told that Stranger Things Four had been delayed due to coronavirus. Shut down: During their cosy chat David revealed he'd flown over to the U.K. from New York after being told that Stranger Things Four had been delayed due to coronavirus He said: 'I got an email from the producers saying we're shutting down for a couple of weeks. We don't know what any of this means. My hope is we get it up and running as soon as possible but I also suggested to Lily that season four should be animated' 'My publisher also sent me an email saying Black Widow had been postponed and I think I replied "shocker." Wouldn't it be fun if we all could just stream it but that's above my pay grade.' When someone suggested Lily go on a 'ganja tour' and David interpreted that as her 'getting high', she looked upset and said: 'I don't do that anymore.' Lily, who also revealed she's planning album number five, with its working title of 'ten men' then added that Spotify should pay artists more now that they can't go on tour. Having fun: After Lily suggested that her album No Shame had sold just 5000 copies, David laughed, and she explained: 'I'm serious. You think you married a popstar? You didn't' (Lily pictured at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival on March 11) She said: 'I feel like Spotify are going to start needing to pay artists a bit better because we're not going to tour our music so we're going to have to be paid for our actual music.' As she admitted that she needed to sign to a new music label, Lily also revealed that she had cooked David a roast chicken dinner after he'd unsuccessfully tried to boil peas by himself during quarantine. She laughed: 'Anyway look we're back together for now. David doesn't do any washing up so that might change. I'm very happy to have him here and we are going to watch some movies now.' Turkey confirms 2nd death, 191 cases in virus outbreak According to the Health Ministry's statement, the latest fatality was a 61-year-old man. Turkey on Wednesday confirmed its second death from coronavirus. "MEASURES ARE MANDATORY" "We have lost a 61-year-old male patient. I wish Allah's mercy upon him," said the country's Health Minister Fahrettin Koca in a tweet. Meanwhile, 93 new cases were confirmed, raising the tally to 191 in the country, he said. The health minister reiterated that preventive measures to avert the outbreak, such as staying at home and avoiding public gatherings, should be taken seriously. "The tests concluded today show that the measures are mandatory," he said. Ghana has so far disallowed 30 foreign nationals from entering the country as it enforces travel restrictions on people coming from countries with more than 200 confirmed cases of the COVID-19. They include 24 Chinese, two Italians, two Australians, a German and a Nigerian. Twenty-six of them were refused to disembark at the Kotoka International Airport while the remaining four were not allowed entry at the Aflao Border Post. For instance, on Tuesday, March 17, the Aflao Border Post refused entry to a Nigerian and checks by the health authorities revealed that he had returned from Korea four days ago, while two Australians and one German were also refused entry at the same border post. Mr Laud Ofori Affrifah, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration in-charge of Operations and Command Posts, announced this at a news briefing in Accra on Wednesday, to provide update on enforcement of the travel advisory directive. Government on Sunday, March 15, issued a travel advisory directive that people coming from countries with a record of 200 or more COVID-19 confirmed cases would not be allowed entry into Ghana. Mr Ofori Affrifah said the Immigration Service started enforcing the travel advisory directive at exactly 1300 hours on Tuesday, March 17, and advised its controllers at the countrys 45 points of entry to enforce the ban strictly. We are only admitting foreigners who are coming back and have resident permit. Even with that, their details are being taken and shared with the Ghana Health Service response team, he said. The airline industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as passenger inflow into Ghana has drastically reduced. Mr Ofori Affrifah said: The British Airline that normally brings about 350 passengers into the country this time around brought only 140. KLM that brings about 450 daily brought in 128; Air Portugal that brings 150 dropped to only 12 passengers; Kenyan Airways that brings 120 passengers daily brought 56; and the Emirates Airlines that brings 380 dropped to 174. Today, the passenger inflow reduced especially Kenyan Airways, which brought in 26, Emirates 93, South African Airlines 36 and all these passengers are mostly Ghanaians. Then the Ethiopia Airlines brought in 128 as against 250. Mr Ofori Affrifah said the Abidjan Airport, Wednesday morning, was closed due to a tarmac problem therefore all flights were diverted to Ghana but those flights were refused landing at the Kotoka International Airport because of the travel restriction directive. He said: With One Ethiopia Airline that landed without permission, the passengers were not allowed to disembark and so they were refuelled to continue on their journey. Today, there was an incident on South African flight. We do not know the status yet, but a Ghanaian female who complained of dizziness on arrival was referred to the health authorities. Mr Ofori Affrifah said the travel ban was in full force to prevent community spread of the virus and safeguard the lives of all Ghanaians. Ghana has, so far, recorded seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 after testing 143 suspected cases. The Government has earmarked $100 million for preparedness and response plan, which would be used for the construction of critical health facilities, procuring materials and supplies as well as for public education. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (18) Career advancements will be postponed for more than 159,500 sailors and officers as the Navy cancels selection boards, advancement exams and Reserve drill weekends to try to stem the spread of the dangerous novel coronavirus. The Navy is suspending all active-duty and Reserve advancement selection boards scheduled to meet on or after March 24, manpower officials announced Thursday. The delays will affect all promotion, advancement, milestone and other selection boards. The decision was the latest made to "protect the health and safety of our force," Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John Nowell Jr. said in a service-wide message. The boards are postponed until further notice, he added. Navy officials announced earlier in the week that Reserve drill weekends and advancement exams would also be temporarily halted. The moves will lead to promotion delays for more than a third of the Navy's active-duty and Reserve forces. Related: Navy Eases Up on Grooming Standards to Limit Virus Exposure "COVID-19 mitigation efforts affect the advancement processes of more than 159,500 sailors," Cmdr. James Stockman, a spokesman for Naval Education and Training Command, told Military.com. Navy leaders say postponing advancement exams, selection boards and other events is necessary to stop large-group gatherings, cut down on unnecessary travel, and allow personnel to keep safe distances from one another -- all of which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say are necessary to reduce the spread of the virus. Holding selection boards would require members to travel to Millington, Tennessee, where the groups convene, a Navy news release announcing the cancellations states. Once there, sailors could be required to work in large groups. That was also a factor for advancement exams, Stockman said. While the number of sailors taking the advancement exam in the same room varies by command, in some fleet-concentrated areas, such as San Diego or Norfolk, Virginia, there could be up to 1,000 people testing in the same location, he said. Delaying advancement exams is an unprecedented move for the Navy. Stockman said the service has never before implemented fleet-wide rescheduling of the tests. Nowell said he is committed to ensuring no sailors are harmed by the selection board delays. That includes new policies to ensure that retroactive dates of rank can be set and allowances for back pay made, if necessary, the news release states. Once the coronavirus risk is lowered and boards can proceed, Nowell said the rescheduled dates will generally follow the originally planned order. All the same rules about who's eligible for consideration before the original boards will still apply, Nowell added. No additional candidates will be considered. Some smaller selection boards might meet virtually, the chief of naval personnel added. While there's no online version of advancement exams, Stockman said the Navy is aggressively pursuing them. "A pilot for a high stakes [Navy-Wide Advancement Examination] online exam is being explored for 2021," he said. "However, an E-4 through E-6 advancement cycle includes 90,000 Sailors, so the venues for online testing would still result in group gatherings." The Navy also relaxed grooming standards as a result of the virus to help cut down the number of haircuts needed; delayed fitness tests; and canceled boot camp and Officer Candidate School graduations. The service had at least eight coronavirus cases as of Wednesday. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Read more: A Soldier Compared Coronavirus Quarantine to Prison. Pentagon Vows to 'Do Better' Smart TVs have driven the demand for the overall TV market in India. Shipments of TVs in India grew 15% annually. Non-smart TV grew by 7% YoY in 2019. TV shipment in India grew 15% annually, bringing the total number of units shipped in 2019 to 15 million as per a Counterpoint report. The growth is primarily driven by the budget smart TV segment. 32-inch TVs are leading this segment, available at affordable prices. Highlighting the Indian TV market growth, Senior Analyst, Karn Chauhan notes, India is one of the largest markets in the world with more than 200 million potential TV households and is still underpenetrated which makes India a more attractive growth market for the entire TV and content value chain. The growing number of smartphone users in India is also driving a need for Smart TV as users look to continue their streaming content consumption on the bigger screens when at home. The broader broadband penetration in the home will further drive the overall smart TV usage. Though affordability and value for money are the key growth drivers. The new crop of brands such as Xiaomi, TCL and others are tapping their existing relationships with e-commerce channels such as Flipkart, Amazon, etc to successfully distribute the TVs affordably with a direct-to-consumer model. Commenting on the competitive landscape, Research Analyst, Debasish Jana, shared, Samsung continues to lead the overall TV market but the emerging smart TV segment is being cornered by the newer players. Smart TV was the fastest-growing segment, up 25% YoY. The smart TV market in India was mostly driven by brands like Xiaomi, Samsung and emerging tail brands such as TCL, Vu and others, which are leveraging their growing channel presence both online and offline to target the new users and upgrade users. Non-smart TV grew by 7% YoY in 2019. While Samsung, LG, Sony are experiencing a YoY decrease in their non-smart TV business, brands like BPL, Sansui and others are still banking on the non-smart TV segment that mainly caters to the rural market, B2B segment or a second bedroom TV in many cases. Mr. Jana, further added, Brands like Xiaomi, TCL, VU have been expanding over the last few years taking on incumbents such as Samsung. LG, Sony, and Panasonic. Furthermore, 2019 was marked by the entry of smartphone brands such as Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus with their Smart TVs looking to build a connected device story complementing their smartphone devices. These new-age brands from Xiaomi to OnePlus are offering high specifications, some unique features at highly affordable price-points targeting urban users via e-commerce channels. This has led to some serious price-cuts by competition during the year to match the value proposition from these Chinese brands leveraging the cost-effective e-commerce channels. The Counterpoint report breaks down the performance of TV brands in India as follows. Samsung recorded a 6% YoY growth in 2019. This growth is mostly coming from its smart TV portfolio which saw 5% YoY growth and includes N5000, N7000, R5000 and R7000 models. In the Rs 50,000 and above price segment, Samsung leads the market with a 40% market share. Its non-smart business, however, declined. Xiaomi is the leader in the smart TV segment with 40% YoY growth in 2019. This growth was driven by the popular models, such as Mi TV 4A, 4A Pro and 4C Pro series TV in both 32 and 43-inch sizes. LGs share has taken a hit due to lower than expected performance in the non-smart TV market. For LG, 32- and 43-inch TVs performed well in 2019 with models like LJ573D, LK526B, LM560B, LK616B, etc. LG is growing strongly in the sub Rs 30,000 segment. In 2019, LG introduced its Nano cell Smart TV with ThinQ AI technology in India. Sonys overall TV shipments declined 14% YoY. Smart TVs, on the other hand, helped Sony keep some of its markets with 3% YoY growth. The X80G, X90G and A8F series became quite popular for Sony this year. TCL made 110% YoY growth this year. Its Smart TV business grew even more with a 186% YoY increase thanks to its affordable smart TVs such as S6500, P6 and P8 series. Other brands like Kodak and Thomson made an impressive 40% YoY growth in the market while VU and BPL have recorded 16 and 35% growth respectively. LED TVs still account for more than 90% of the market in India, OLED and QLED TV the remaining 10%. Android is leading the Smart TV market when it comes to the operating system (OS) with a 30% market followed by Samsung and LGs homegrown TV platforms Tizen and WebOS respectively. The Indian smartphone market is dominated by Android and that may influence consumer's Smart TV purchase decisions. The report concludes by saying that with the popularity of OTT platforms and robust Internet connectivity, the Smart TV market will continue to grow in India. The budget-oriented Smart TV sector will dominate the market as the majority of Indians are likely to taste the water with less costly Smart TV before making any high-value purchase decision. The quality of budget Smart TVs in India has also seen improvement. 2018 and 2019 were populated with Android Smart TVs running on AOSP (Android Open Source Platform). AOSP isn't the best experience when it comes to a Smart TV experience but brands like Xiaomi, TCL, iFFALCON, and more moved quickly to offer users an Android TV experience. LGs WebOS and Samsungs Tizen also saw presence in the budget segment. A lot of these budget TVs offer 4K resolution along with HDR support, but the HDR performance of these TVs has been lacklustre. With TVs like the Nokia TV and recently announced Kodak TV offering 400 nits of brightness and Dolby Vision support, HDR capabilities of these budget HDR TVs will get better, making it tougher for most to invest in a flagship TV. NEW YORK (AP) Fox News Channels Tucker Carlson says he felt a moral obligation to meet with President Donald Trump and warn him personally about the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic. Carlson told Vanity Fair that I didn't feel it was my role but was convinced by his wife to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on March 7. Two nights later on his Fox show, he issued a pointed warning to viewers to prepare for the coming storm. It speaks to both Fox News' influence with the president and his supporters that a cable news host was able to contact the White House and successfully request the two-hour meeting. Carlson drove to the president's resort from his Florida home, ironically on the day some guests at Mar-a-Lago were exposed to the virus. He declined a request to speak to The Associated Press about it on Wednesday, and the White House had no comment on a private meeting. Carlson had sounded the alarm about the coronavirus on his show earlier than this month. On Jan. 28, he criticized the media for spending more time on the impeachment trial than the virus and, on Feb. 3, told viewers that you should be concerned. Yet his blunt March 9 commentary was eye-opening, particularly in how it contrasted with attitudes expressed by some Fox colleagues. At the same time as he was talking, Trish Regan on the sister Fox Business Network was denouncing the coronavirus impeachment scam, suggesting the stories were an attempt to attack the president. Four days later, Fox shelved her show. People you know will get sick, Carlson said that night. Some may die. This is real. That's the point of this script to tell you that. Carlson said the nation's leaders haven't helped citizens take it seriously, criticizing liberals for saying it was racist to refer to The Chinese Coronavirus words displayed on the screen behind him. If we're being honest, the other side has not been especially helpful, either, Carlson said. People you trust people you probably voted for have spent weeks minimizing what is clearly a very serious problem. It's just partisan politics, they say, calm down. In the end this is just like the flu and people die of that every year." It's not, he said, noting that the death rate for the coronavirus was much higher. He named no names. His fellow Fox News host, Sean Hannity, has repeatedly brought up seasonal flu in connection with the coronavirus, to the point where Dr. Anthony Fauci implored him last week not to ignore the new disease's lethality. Most people who get the coronavirus have only mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover. Fox confirmed that Carlson has not been tested for the disease and hasn't experienced any symptoms. Carlson told Vanity Fair that he told Trump exactly what I've said on TV, that this could be really bad. He hasn't talked about his meeting on television and wanted to keep it a secret, although it was revealed in a story by The New York Times. After weeks of trying to downplay the risk of the coronavirus, Trump has taken a more urgent tone in recent days and led daily briefings with federal leaders about developments. I think a lot of people around him, and I mean broadly around him particularly Republican members on Capitol Hill, in leadership, too were determined to pretend this wasn't happening, he told the magazine. I felt I had to do it, even though I suspected on some level it would probably hurt me if I did it. I could just feel a sense of real danger, Carlson says about going to Mar-a-Lago to warn Trump about the coronavirus. I just had a really, really strong one that I couldnt shake and I have to do this https://t.co/BKNrT5SP4f VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) March 18, 2020 Carlson said it's hard to tell a straightforward story at a time people see most everything through a partisan or ideological lens. Polls have shown Democrats to be more concerned about the coronavirus than Republicans. It's hard to get people's attention if you know you're saying something that they suspect is political propaganda, he said. It's something people have worried about for a long time what if there's a crisis, and no one will believe the coverage? Well, okay, that's where we are. He said a lot of people are to blame for that, including probably me. With two new positive cases, the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) jumped to 18 on Thursday, said a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official. Dasksha Shah, deputy director of BMC's health services, said a 22-year-old woman from T-ward in Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19, along with a 47-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar in adjoining Thane district. "The woman from T-ward has returned from London on March 15 and was hospitalised on March 18," she said, adding the Ulhasnagar woman returned from Dubai on March 4 and was hospitalised on March 17. "All their close contacts will be traced and will be tested for coronavirus," said Shah. According to the BMC, of the 18 COVID-19 positive cases, nine, including the 64-year-old man who died on March 17, are from Mumbai, while the remaining nine are from other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The region comprises Mumbai and parts of the adjoining Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts. Till Wednesday, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region had 16 COVID-19 cases. Shah said on March 19, a total of 106 new suspected coronavirus cases were admitted at Kasturba Hospital and Trauma care hospital. At present, 109 people are admitted at quarantine facilities, including 96 at Seven Hills Hospital of the BMC, she said. According to the BMC, the condition of two COVID-19 patients is critical. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) Elmar Gasimov met with a delegation led by Ciscos Executive Director for Azerbaijan Ramil Eyyubov. Director of AzNext Samed Abbasov also attended the meeting. The guests first visited the BHOS campus and got acquainted with the conditions created there. Elmar Gasimov informed the delegation about the purposeful work that have been carried out over the past few years in areas such as the informatization of management in the education system, the development of ICT infrastructure, and the application of e-learning technologies. The rector noted that particular importance is being attached to the development of cooperation between public and private structures in this direction. At the meeting, opportunities for expanding cooperation between BHOS and Cisco were discussed. It was noted that Azerbaijan is closely cooperating with Cisco in the field of education and that a modern educational platform has been created in several educational institutions based on the solutions proposed by the company. Ciscos Executive Director for Azerbaijan Ramil Eyyubov, in turn, noted that Cisco is a world leader in the field of information technology and that the company is interested in cooperation with Baku Higher Oil School, a leading educational institution in Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects for further cooperation, as well as issues related to implementation of joint projects, creation of a Cybersecurity Center in Higher School, providing support to students in the realization of their startup ideas, expansion of the activities of the Innovations & Research Centre, development of distance learning. At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed. The memorandum provides for conducting trainings for BHOS students and teachers by specialists from Cisco, organization of joint research and development activities, conducting educational seminars on practical implementation of educational programs in the field of information and communication technologies, creation of opportunities for demonstrating innovative solutions using Ciscos technologies and innovative products, cooperation in the application of new technologies in education. Note that Cisco Networking Academy was created under Baku Higher Oil School for specialists who want to improve their knowledge and skills in the field of information technology and students who are interested in this field. Lessons at the Academy are taught by certified professionals in accordance with Ciscos international program. Cisco Networking Academy offers courses in the following areas: Network technologies (CCNA, CCNP) Security and cybersecurity Internet of things (IoT) Programming Also, upon completion of trainings, students can take international exams to obtain the status of Cisco Certified Network Specialist (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Students gain practical skills during their training in the laboratory of the Academy. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has fought to keep schools and universities open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are increasingly closing themselves down as students test positive to the virus. St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie, on the Mid North Coast of NSW, is the latest to temporarily close, after a 'member of the school community' tested positive to coronavirus on Thursday. 'In the interest of student and staff safety, the school will be closed on Friday 20 March. All families should have received an email with this information,' a school update said. 'We will keep our parents and community informed with updates as to when the campus will re-open.' St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie, on the Mid North Coast of NSW, said they would shut on Friday after a member of the school's community tested positive to coronavirus UNSW announced they would cease in-person classes from Friday (pictured) The announcement came as the University of New South Wales (UNSW) announced it would cancel in-person classes from Friday. On Tuesday, UNSW said a student had contracted the deadly illness. 'The student attended a 3-hour EDST6922 class from 5-8pm on Monday 9 March at Matthews 308 on our Kensington campus,' the university said in a statement. 'They exhibited mild symptoms while on campus, and did not attend the campus after the Monday lecture.' University of Technology Sydney shut for one-week on Tuesday, while the University of Sydney said they would also cease face-to-face teaching on campus on Monday. Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said the health committee advising governments strongly believed keeping schools open was the best thing to protect the community. 'It will be hard for schools, but it would be much, much, much harder for society if the schools were closed,' he said. It comes as the cases of COVID-19 in Australia surge past 700, with six deaths. 'What you do, you've got to keep doing for the next six months,' the prime minister told Sky News when addressing school closures. Students across Australia are being encouraged to carry on going to school (pictured, a school in Cobargo in January) Why the medical experts say schools MUST stay open Medical experts have advised the Australian government that for the good of the country, schools must stay open. - If schools were to close, it would force essential health staff to stay home - This would lead to 30 per cent drop in healthcare workers - Children who have caught coronavirus have not done so in schools - Kids are far more likely to contract it at home or elsewhere - This means children are safer in school - Even if kids do get it, they have mild or no symptoms - It would have dire consequences for the already embattled economy, leaving thousands of workers forced to care for kids Advertisement 'Shut them down, they won't open again. And that means your children will miss what is effectively a whole year of their education. 'Now if there's not a good health reason to do that and risk the child's education or cause them rather significant economic cost...you should keep the schools open. 'And that's why I've formed such a strong view on this.' He insisted social distancing and proper hand sanitation was enough to keep children and families safe. Several other affected countries, including America and areas of the UK, have shut down schools and universities. Epping Boy's High School was the first in Australia to shut after a Year 11 student contracted COVID-19 when the local outbreak first began. The school, in Sydney's north-west, was shut for one-day on March 6. Officials confirmed the teenage boy's mother works alongside a doctor at Ryde Hospital who was struck down by the illness. Willoughby Girls High School, less than 20 minutes drive from Epping, was closed on March 9 and 10 after a student tested positive to the virus. In the Blue Mountains, Katoomba High School was also forced to briefly open close their classrooms before opening on Monday. 'As you are aware, a member of the Katoomba High School community was diagnosed with COVID-19,' a Department of Education statement read. 'We thank the school community for their support while we worked with NSW Health to ensure the school is ready for staff and students to return in a safe and healthy environment.' Toorak Primary School in Melbourne's inner southeast was closed for at least 24 hours on Tuesday after a teacher was confirmed as being infected. Some private schools in Victoria - including Ballarat Grammar, Carey Baptist Grammar School, Loreto Mandeville Hall, St Kevin's and Yeshiva-Beth Rivkah College - have temporarily shut their gates. University graduations across the country have been cancelled as the government bans indoor events with more than 100 people (stock image) The government has banned non-essential indoor gatherings with more than 100 people. It does not affect public transport, airports, medical facilities, supermarkets and shopping centres, parliaments, courts or jails. Office buildings, factories, construction or mining sites, schools, universities, childcare facilities and hotels are also exempt. But people should practice social distancing in all these areas, keeping a space of 1.5 metres between themselves and others. 'Every citizen now has to think about every interaction they have with another person during the day,' Prof Murphy said. 'No more hand-shaking. No more hugging except in your family ... No more scant attention to hand hygiene.' Strict rules around visitors at aged care facilities are also now in place, barring anyone who has recently travelled, sick people, children except in exceptional circumstances, and from May 1 anyone who hasn't had a flu vaccination. Mr Morrison spoke with private education sector representatives on Wednesday, after meeting with premiers and chief ministers who run the public systems on Tuesday night. The National Catholic Education Commission says it will stick to the government's advice. 'I appreciate that, despite this advice some parents have chosen to keep their children at home, or have special circumstances to consider,' executive director Jacinta Collins said. 'While this is an uncertain period for our communities, it is important that we remain calm and alert as we monitor this health risk, and for our families and staff to be well informed about the health advice and protocols to reduce this risk.' Sydney's Epping Boys High School was briefly closed after a 16-year-old student tested positive to COVID-19 The Independent Education Union has been inundated with calls from anxious teachers worried about how to implement social distancing and questioning leave entitlements and hygiene practices. In Victoria, where some schools have already closed, the state government has launched a new Learning From Home website with resources in case schools get shut down. The website will be continuously updated and made available to Independent and Catholic schools. The state's Education Minister James Merlino wrote to teachers and parents on Thursday to announce extended and additional cleaning in all schools through to the end of term, focusing on 'high touch points'. 'This will involve increased disinfectant and detailed cleaning of the common touch points, including washbasins, all entry and exit points and shared surfaces including chairs and desks,' he said. UTS announced they would close for one-week from Tuesday due to COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Kevin Bates of the Queensland Teachers Union acknowledged teachers were anxious, but backed the government call to keep schools open for now. 'What we have to do here is work together as a community,' he told Nine on Thursday. 'We're seeing all sorts of concerns being raised, they need to be dealt with they can't just be ignored. 'But at the end of the day, the best medical advice available needs to be followed, whether that's to keep schools open or to close them.' WA Secondary School Executives Association president Armando Giglia told AAP the absentee rate at high schools was currently around 15-20 per cent, double the usual rate. The State School Teachers' Union of WA is calling for action to protect the health of staff and students, including a significant increase in cleaning hours, and swift re-stocking of soap and hand sanitiser. The unions said it expected any teacher in a high-risk group, either due to age or underlying health conditions, would be allowed to take leave or work from home. The issue became more urgent late Wednesday, after Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida, and Ben McAdams, Democrat of Utah, disclosed that they had fallen ill after voting on the House floor early Saturday, and later tested positive for the virus. Between them, the two could have transmitted the virus to colleagues, many of whom are older. Congresss attending physician was called in to trace their contacts. In. Person. Voting. Should. Be. Reconsidered, Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Democrat of Florida, wrote on Twitter late Wednesday. For the safety of our communities, during this emergency, we must be able to legislate from our districts. Congress has eschewed its usual voting rules before in times of national emergency, using unanimous consent, for instance, to enact urgent health relief measures to fight the Spanish influenza in the fall of 1918 when many members were either sick or scattered across the country. But the House and Senate have never allowed a member to cast a recorded vote from anywhere but inside their chambers, and any changes could be challenged on legal grounds. It is that tradition that Ms. Pelosi and other senior lawmakers, many of them in their 70s and 80s, had in mind as they have forcefully shut down talk of voting from afar even as public health officials warned that their demographic was the most at risk. Instead, they have suggested limiting the number of members on the floor, among other precautions. Proponents of the changes argued they could be the best way to set an example for millions of constituents around the country who are being told not to travel or congregate in groups larger than 10, as well as to provide continuity at a time when more lawmakers are likely to grow sick or unable to travel. Stuck at home doing nothing, and you're waiting to watch a good show that keeps you hooked? Arshad Warsi starrer Asur is the new psychological thriller show that everyone is raving about at the moment. It has palpable suspense and lot of twists and turns! The gripping saga is already being hailed as the masterpiece. It's total binge-worthy, if you haven't watched it already. Voot Starring Barun Sobti (of Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon fame) and Arshad Warsi in lead roles, the show revolves around CBI's forensics team who is on a mission to catch a serial-killer. The killer, who thinks of himself of as an Asur, is surprisingly always a step ahead of them. ALWAYS! "The mythological and psychological blend is so unique and keeps you on the edge of your seat literally!", writes a Twitter user. Voot The cat and mouse game keeps you hooked! If you're also working from home and have a lot of free time on your hands, give Asur a try, because people are loving it so much that they are already demanding a season 2. Not only the performances, the writing of the show is also worth an applause. #AsurOnVoot is hands down the best webseries this year. Absolutely Brilliant writing and performances from everyone!! Especially @BarunSobtiSays And my favorite @ArshadWarsi #Asur deserves all the hype and praises!! @tansworld @writergaurav thanks for giving us this experience!! RCBian Forever!!! (@MdImad9) March 18, 2020 I'm not a fan of Indian web series but this is sthng else. It's a masterpiece which needs to be on Netflix just for it's global reach. A top-notch pyschological thriller with thought provoking and intriguing story line followed by unforgettable performances. #Asur A must watch. pic.twitter.com/Laoz2gijOG Gojesh. (@iamrajesh0) March 14, 2020 I must have seen atleast 100 series by now.. and I must say #Asur is no doubt in my Top 5. @ArshadWarsi.#voot #vootselect pic.twitter.com/cNY4mrYPnT Alok kr Chaubey (@alokc198) March 16, 2020 Brilliant performance by everyone and mind blowing script. #ASUR @ArshadWarsi you nailed again https://t.co/lumqbgixzl Vikas Padale (@VikasPadale) March 14, 2020 @ArshadWarsi @BarunSobtiSays @VootSelect What a Master piece ...Really happy to see such strong story with superb acting by all..blown away ...I think Asur part 2 is on the way... Congratulations once again Ronak Mehta (@ironakmehta) March 15, 2020 Why is nobody even talking about brilliantly made web series #Asur? Streaming only on @justvoot Don't miss this gem.. weekend done right.. (@sooraj_rao) March 15, 2020 In a word #Asur is Mindbogglingly amazing the scriptwriter deserves all the accolades fr writing such brilliant script. The actors r terrific & every1 did justice to thr character! The mystical elements keep u on edge & glued nd u cant stop until u r done wid te whole series! pic.twitter.com/j0sPuU9H4e EverydayIRabbaVe (@ananya_sobti) March 15, 2020 #asur is definitely worth a binge watch on @VootSelect. Thriller, good vs evil, excellent performance by all actors. 9.4 on IMDB right now.@GOURAVGR will eagerly wait for season 2. Mayur Padale (@mayurpadale) March 15, 2020 And Barun, it goes without saying, amazing performance once again. Always proud of ur choices. I'm not fan of web series but watched it becoz of u. Now I'm educated about #Asur becoz of u. u r Nikhil Nair in real life as well. Imparting knowledge to people. Tq 4 choosing this. pic.twitter.com/pbGyQNkaBB Fairy Lights (@xxjazzzzxx) March 15, 2020 Highly recommend #Asur it is such an intelligent web series. Must say the makers of this series have done their research really well. The mythological and psychological blend is so unique and keeps you on the edge of your seat literally! Loved the bg score as well (@ragzxx) March 12, 2020 Created by Gaurav Shukla, the show is being hailed by people! Find here a list of upcoming web series of 2020 which are going to be released soon. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Coronavirus-hit Health Minister Nadine Dorries today said she had lost all sense of taste and smell as a result of her battle with the deadly disease. The 62-year-old, who was the first MP to be diagnosed with Covid-19, said she can only tell the difference between warm and cold and nothing else. The Mid Bedfordshire MP, who has been quarantined at her home with her mother - who was visiting for a birthday party - since a positive test last week, is on the mend however. She also revealed that her 84-year-old mother has now returned to her own home and was 'struggling to understand what all the fuss is about'. Ms Dorries tweeted: 'A side effect of #coronavirus for me is the fact that I have lost 100% of taste and smell. Absolutely zero of both, so weird. 'Eating and drinking warm or cold that's all I can tell. No point in putting a tea bag in the water.' March 4: Nadine was last on the floor of the Commons last Wednesday and is likely to have been carrying coronavirus then and didn't know it The MP is pictured here with her 84-year-old mother, in 2018, who she admitted she was worried about after she came down with a cough Nadine Dorries said she had lost all taste and smell as a result of the virus. But she added that her mother had now returned home She added: 'Thank you so much for questions about mum. She is struggling to understand what all the fuss is about. 'She is back home and emailed at 7am to say she had cut back the hydrangeas and was washing her nets today She was down and out for 24 hrs and then looked after me! 'When she left she thanked me for her lovely birthday party and all her lovely presents, especially the #COVID19.' Her comments come hours after she blasted 'selfish' Londoners today for ignoring pleas to work from home in a bit to slow the spread of the contagion. She hit out at the capital's residents, accusing many of using cafes and coffee shops to work instead self-isolating away from other people. It came after Boris Johnson hinted the capital's nine million population could face a total lockdown within days amid fears the 'superspreader city' is the engine of the UK's coronavirus outbreak, after the daily death rate doubled to 33 in 24 hours. Commuters have shared pictures of crowded tube trains and platforms as services are cut back as London grinds to a halt. Nadine Dorries, 62, hit out at the capital's residents, accusing many of using cafes and coffee shops to work instead self-isolating away from other people Nadine Dorries was with Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel at Downing Street on January 8 Ms Dorries, the Mid Bedfordshire MP and a novellist, said: 'People in London are working in cafes, not at home. 'One cafe owner tells me that takings have shot up to over double usual daily amount. 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' The Army has put 20,000 troops on standby as the Prime Minister refused to rule out the possibility of further and faster measures to control the spread of the virus on the busy streets of the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the country. He said ruthless enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in London more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. Mayor Sadiq Khan told Londoners to 'stop travelling and avoid social interaction today', despite commuters who still have to get into work being forced to cram onto packed Tubes after services were cut. London Underground said nine stations were already shut this morning with a further 31 set to follow later today as the Mayor urged people not to travel 'by any means, unless they really, really have to'. Commuters have shared pictures of crowded tube trains and platforms as services are cut back as London grinds to a halt A busy Green Park station in London this morning (left) as passengers were forced to cram into carriages (right) after services were cut The former nurse, who is recovering from her brush with coronavirus, took to Twitter to voice her frustration But with thousands of commuters unable to work from home still going into work, many were left standing cheek by jowl on trains that are still running in an obvious infringement of guidelines to stand six feet apart. Stations which do not interchange with other lines could be closed, while the Waterloo and City line and Night Tube services will not run from Friday. Buses in the capital will be reduced and people are being urged 'not to use public transport for anything other than essential journeys'. Ms Dorries sparked panic in parliament when she was diagnosed with the virus. Officials were tracing everyone she has been in contact with since contracting the virus, including MPs. As a former nurse, Mrs Dorries has played a key role in drawing up plans to tackle the virus. She met hundreds of people last week, including a large number of MPs, and attended a conference outside Westminster. On Thursday she attended a Downing Street event hosted by Mr Johnson to mark International Women's Day. She started feeling ill on March 6 as she was signing a statutory instrument that declared coronavirus to be a 'notifiable disease', enabling companies to obtain insurance cover. The health minister held the surgery in her Mid Bedfordshire constituency on Saturday. Over the weekend she experienced the 'classic symptoms' of the disease a dry cough, high temperature and 'vice-like' pain in her chest. Kate Osborne highlighted the official advice to stay at home for seven days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough On Monday, a Labour backbencher announced she had become the second British MP to contract coronavirus as another 16 self-isolated themselves. Jarrow's Kate Osborne made the announcement on Twitter as Parliament began to take steps to operate with fewer politicians present. The Government has indicated that it wants the Commons to remain open with emergency legislation expected to be introduced on Thursday to give authorities more powers to deal with the pandemic. Ms Osborne, who has only been an MP since December, said her positive diagnosis came 'following a period of self-isolation and subsequent testing.' 'I will continue to self isolate until I have fought off the illness, but in the mean time I would encourage everyone to band together and support the most vulnerable in our communities,' she said. Labour is now running a one-line whip, the lightest form of party vote discipline, allowing its politicians to stay away from the green benches if necessary. The Conservatives are expected to follow suit with a tacit agreement seemingly in place to avoid confrontations over legislation at a time of national emergency as much as possible. A senior Labour source played down the prospect huge numbers of MPs will stay away, but said they are ensuring politicians 'arent forced to vote on things that obviously dont seem as important as before coronavirus'. The source said: 'The country wants a grown-up approach on this.' Labour wants to 'ensure that the Govt is held to account but in a way which reflects the circumstances we are in'. Some commuters were still struggling into work in London today despite speculation that the lockdown could be tightened A tent next to St Thomas's Hospital in central London today as the authorities move to increase capacity for the crisis Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Streatham in south London, became the latest MP to announce she was self-isolating this morning, having come down with coronavirus-like symptoms at the weekend. Both she and Ms Osborne highlighted the official advice to stay at home for seven days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. Ms Osborne, who worked for Royal Mail for the last 25 years, was elected to represent Jarrow in the 2019 election. She said she was still contactable and urged constituents to email either her or and her staff. Her diagnosis comes after Ms Dorries confirmed she had tested positive for the virus last week. And Cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said on Friday that she has tested negative for the virus, but would stay at home for seven days as a precaution. CBSE board examinations for classes 10 and 12, national open school exam and the joint entrance exam (JEE), which are conducted as an admission process to IITs, were cancelled as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 151 CBSE board examinations for classes 10 and 12, national open school exam and the joint entrance exam (JEE), which are conducted as an admission process to IITs, were cancelled as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 151 on Wednesday. The CBSE exams in India and abroad have been postponed and the situation will be reassessed on 31 March. Re-examinations for North East candidates will also be rescheduled. Ongoing evaluation of board exam papers has also been postponed. Supervisors can reschedule the evaluation to 1 April, Economic Times reported. "Since JEE main may require travel by examinees and the dates may clash with rescheduled CBSE and other board exams, therefore JEE main should be rescheduled and new dates of the JEE mains will be announced on 31 March after reassessment of the situation," stated the order issued by the HRD secretary Amit Khare. "While maintenance of academic calendar and exam schedule is important, equally important is safety and security of students who are appearing in various examinations as also of their teachers and parents," the order, accessed by LiveMint said. Meanwhile, ICSE chief Gerry Arathoon told PTI that exams for students of classes 10 and 12 to be held till 31 March have been postponed. While students till class 8 will be promoted without examinations in Uttar Pradesh, all other examinations in the state have been deferred till 2 April. Schools and colleges are shut in Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Ladakh till 31 March and till 14 April in Jharkhand. The Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh governments have also ordered shut schools and colleges. Here is a list of the states where schools have been shut: Examinations for classes 10 and 12 under the Maharashtra state board will be held as per schedule, but exams for classes 1 to 9 will be postponed. Teachers have been allowed to conduct the evaluation of answer sheets for ICSE and ISC exams from home. Exams for students of all classes till class 8 have been cancelled in Goa. Assam has shut schools and cancelled exams till 29 March. Primary schools in Tamil Nadu will remain closed till 31 March. Karnataka has postponed exams for students of classes 7 to 9, but there has been no change in SSLC dates. Schools in Madhya Pradesh have been ordered shut. Some private schools in Pune have decided to promote students upto class 6 without any exams. Uttar Pradesh Board has decided to halt the evaluation process for the recently concluded UP Board 10th and 12th exams until 2 April. Aligarh Muslim University has cancelled all school examinations to be held between 22 March and 29 March. Semester exams would continue as per the schedule. The following universities have modified their exam schedule: Odisha Higher Education Department postponed all exams, except for the final semester/annual exams. IIM Indore has suspended classes and exams. IIT Kanpur has suspended classes and exams till 29 March. Nagpur University has postponed exams. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has cancelled exams for all the classes at its institutes based in Pune. Delhi University has suspended regular classes, teachers have been given the work from home option. Here are the recruitment exams impacted by the coronavirus outbreak: All the interviews of the services selection board have been cancelled by the Indian Army. The Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are also probably going to cancel SSB interviews. ITBP Constable Recruitment Exam postponed. RBI Assistant Main Exam postponed to 29 March. Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has postponed recruitment exams. Delhi Higher Judicial Services Main 2019 Exam has been postponed. Kerala PSC has postponed recruitment exams. With inputs from agencies Parents have been left outraged after an exclusive private school cancelled its Year 12 formal but refused to do the same for an annual ball. The Anglican Church Grammar School, in East Brisbane, told parents yesterday that the senior formal had been scrapped over coronavirus fears. The private boys' school, which costs parents $23,000 a year, was set to host the Year 12 dance on April 2. Parents have accused the school of putting fundraising before students by cancelling the formal but not the annual ball. 'The school is putting profit before the boys' rite of passage and the formal should be held instead of the ball,' a furious mother told The Courier-Mail. The Anglican Church Grammar School denied the allegations made by parents. The school's headmaster, Dr Alan Campbell, said: 'Year 12 students routinely attend and enjoy both events, with the ball a larger event for both boys and parents. Neither the ball or the formal are profit-generating events.' The exclusive Anglican Church Grammar School (pictured) in East Brisbane cancelled its Year 12 formal over coronavirus fears but is postponing an annual ball for later this year Facebook posts and a collective petition are now pressuring the school to shut down the ball in favour of the Year 12 formal. The campaigning mum said: 'We understand coronavirus is serious but we expected the formal to be postponed not cancelled outright with no room for discussion.' Many parents have also appealed the decision to Church Grammar School's head of senior school Rod Olsen. Mr Olsen emailed parents on Wednesday to inform them that the 2020 senior formal was cancelled over COVID-19 fears. The email read: 'We appreciate this will cause great disappointment, however based on current government advice against large gatherings it would not be in the best interests of the boys and their guests to proceed with this event.' He said that the ball was a rescheduling priority and would be taking place later in term 3 or 4. The email encouraged all the seniors and their parents to attend the event. Both public and private high schools across the country have been forced to postpone their senior formals amid the coronavirus crisis. By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman and Samsung group leader, Lee Jae-yong visited its display manufacturing facilities in Asan, South Chungcheong Province to highlight Samsung's group-wide efforts to respond to the ongoing crisis posed by COVID-19, Samsung said, Thursday. Specifically, the vice chairman inspected Samsung Display's quantum dot technology-powered display panels, in which the consumer electronics giant is betting big to retain technological competitiveness as the world's leading display maker. Lee's visit to the plant in the regional city was aimed at ensuring the implementation of Samsung's future business strategy as the global economy is facing growing uncertainty as the virus spreads, Samsung said. "Unexpected internal and external variables are putting pressure on Samsung but we should not stop," Lee said during his visit, according to a statement from Samsung. "We need wisdom that can help us look beyond the crisis." The vice chairman was accompanied by Kim Ki-nam, vice chairman and CEO of Samsung's device solutions division; Samsung Display CEO Lee Dong-hoon; and Kwak Jin-oh, head of the Display Research Center of Samsung Display. Since the virus outbreak, the Samsung leader has been strengthening his on-site management to offer encouragement to the firm's staff to overcome the crisis. Earlier this month, Lee visited Samsung's smartphone plant in Gumi, a southeastern city which was hit severely by the coronavirus. Samsung had to shut down the Gumi plant for 3 days after employees there tested positive for the virus. Samsung has been working on improving its capability in quantum dot display technology while the company has been struggling to hold its place in the highly competitive display market due to the rise of Chinese rivals. Quantum dot is a next-generation display technology which refers to a semiconductor nanostructure that improves display's brightness, increases visibility and lowers power consumption. Nicaragua's opposition parties on Tuesday broadened their coalition against the government of President Daniel Ortega to include right-wing parties and former Contra rebels ahead of elections set for next year. Shortly afterward, riot police deployed in several parts of the capital to break up a series of lightning anti-government protests by opposition supporters. Opposition demonstrators shout slogans as they wave Nicaraguan flags during a protest outside the Divina Misericordia church in Managua / AFP Police assaulted protesters and journalists as they broke up a demonstration at Metrocentro shopping plaza in central Managua and outside a Catholic church in the city. "About a hundred police officers went to the Metrocentro shopping center, beating and pushing everyone," said an AFP photographer whose camera was damaged. Several people were arrested. Police also attacked a protest at the Divine Mercy church, according to Willy Narvaez, a reporter with Channel 10 private TV, who said the tires of his car were deliberately punctured. "There were patrols full of riot police and people dressed in civilian clothes operating with the government," he said. Protester Oscar Rosales told a human rights NGO he had been briefly arrested at the scene and "kicked in the ribs." Opposition protesters with a Nicaraguan flag face off against riot police inside the Metrocentro Shopping Mall in downtown Managua / AFP "They took me for about 15 minutes, they put a rifle in my mouth and told me there were going to kill me." The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said on Twitter it was "aware of a police operation to prevent" protests, adding that opposition leaders' homes had been placed under surveillance. - United front - Officials from seven parties formally signed the agreement forming a "national coalition" against leftist Ortega's 13-year rule. Riot police are deployed during an opposition protest at the Metrocentro mall in Managua / AFP "These seven organizations are taking the initial step of shaping the National Coalition to rebuild democracy," according to a statement read by one of the leaders, former political prisoner Yubrank Suazo. The ruling Sandinista party has not ruled out the possibility of Ortega standing for a fourth consecutive term. Critics accuse Ortega -- a former rebel hero who has been in power since 2007 -- of running a repressive dictatorship whose crackdown on protests in 2018 left at least 300 people dead, according to rights groups. Members of Nicaragua's new National Coalition cheer as opposition parties sign a formal agreement to join forces to defeat leftist President Daniel Ortega in elections set for next year / AFP The demonstrations, initially over a social security scheme, broadened into a nationwide protest against the rule of Ortega, who also led Nicaragua in the 1980s. "It was a rebellion against the collapse of social security, corruption, the abuse of power and nepotism," the new coalition said in a statement. The coalition includes prominent opposition groups including the Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy (ACJD) and the Blue and White National Unit (UNAB), which emerged after the 2018 anti-government protests. It also includes a peasant movement formed to fight a canal project, as well as the Yatama indigenous party. The Nicaraguan Democratic Force, a group of Contra ex-combatants who fought Ortega's Sandinistas in the 1980s, has also joined the coalition to oust him. An opposition demonstrator is arrested by a police officer during a protest at the Metrocentro mall in Managua / AFP "Today is a historic day because we have signed a firm commitment of unity -- it is the birth certificate of the National Coalition," said opposition leader Carlos Tunnermann. He said "the doors are open" for other parties to join forces with the coalition. "We are waiting for you with open arms because right now, what this country is asking for is unity," he said. Ortega's wife Rosario Murillo, who is also vice-president, blasted the opposition for its "insolence and criminal machinations" in a statement on Monday. Statins are widely used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease and related deaths, but can they also help guard against heart damage caused by certain breast cancer therapies? New research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session Together with World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.20/WCC) suggests the answer may be yes. Chemotherapies with anthracycline, as well as the targeted cancer medicine trastuzumab, are commonly used to treat breast cancer. Separate research estimates that nearly 1 out of 4 women with early stage breast cancer will receive anthracycline or trastuzumab, but these same lifesaving treatments are also known to be toxic to the heart and, in some cases, can trigger heart failure--a serious condition that affects the heart's ability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. In some women, reduced heart function can occur within months of initiating cancer therapy. To date, there has been limited evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of large-scale use of cardioprotective medications for patients with early stage breast cancer. Angiotensin antagonists and beta blockers have only shown modest cardioprotective effects in clinical trials, and these medicines are sometimes poorly tolerated in this population given their side effects of fatigue and dizziness, which many patients already have from their cancer therapies or the cancer itself. Our results suggest that taking statins is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing heart failure requiring hospital-based care among women with early stage breast cancer who received one of these cancer therapies." David Bobrowski, medical student at the University of Toronto, Canada and the study's lead author In fact, compared with women who were not on a statin before undergoing cancer treatment, women who were taking statins while receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab had significantly lower risk of developing heart failure, 58% and 66% respectively over the median five-year follow-up period. "Our research expands on earlier, smaller studies. If these associations are confirmed in a prospective trial, this will represent an important step forward to optimize cancer outcomes by decreasing the trade-off of long-term cardiac disease or related deaths," Bobrowski said, adding that this study is the largest to examine the role that statins might play in protecting against treatment-related heart failure and the first to show risk lowering in women receiving trastuzumab with or without anthracycline at a population level. This population-based study analyzed the medical records of 2,545 anthracycline-treated women and 1,345 trastuzumab-treated women aged 66 years or older without a history of heart failure who were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 2007 and 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Of these, 953 anthracycline-treated women and 568 trastuzumab-treated women were deemed to be taking statins. Statin use was based on whether women were prescribed a statin within a year of starting their cancer treatment, but researchers were not able to validate whether the women actually took the statin. For the analysis, researchers then matched these women in a 1-1 ratio with similar women who were not using a statin, resulting in 723 pairs of anthracycline-treated women and 399 pairs of trastuzumab-treated women (median age 69 and 71 years, respectively). Unlike most previous studies that focused on declines in left ventricle function (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart) as an indicator of heart failure, Bobrowski and his team looked at clinically overt heart failure, defined as a woman presenting to the emergency department or being admitted to the hospital with heart failure. The risk of heart failure-related hospital visits was significantly lower with statin exposure. "Declines in left ventricle function can be predictive of heart failure, but overt heart failure gives a more clear-cut outcome that carries more relevance to cancer patients and their physicians," Bobrowski said. "The findings provide impetus for future prospective trials to determine whether initiating a statin before receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy or trastuzumab can effectively prevent cardiotoxic events." Statins have effects that go beyond lowering cholesterol, including reducing oxidative stress and the production of free radicals in heart cells, which Bobrowski said is compatible with clinicians' understanding of how these cancer therapies induce cardiotoxicity. Moreover, because there is often an overlap of risk factors between cancer and cardiovascular disease, including diabetes and obesity, many of these patients may also benefit from statin therapy based on current guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, aside from skin cancers. It's estimated that 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. "While death rates have been declining, largely due to earlier detection and improving treatments, we now know many women will later develop heart disease," Bobrowski said. "It's a bit of a double-edged sword; cardiovascular disease is the leading and competing cause of death among older early stage breast cancer survivors." Hello old stock. Myself and Hoggy flew down to Nice yesterday to look at a new forty-footer. (Thats a yacht.) Unfortunately The Hogster got arrested for trying to buy 10,000 face masks off a gorgeous undercover cop, an absolute stunner, 10 out of 10. I had a bit more luck on the stunner front and ended up going home with a very open-minded woman from Cannes. Long story short, we woke up this morning to find France in lockdown, so now Im living with her. The problem is she has no English and my only bit of French is voulez-vous couchez avec moi, which I cant use any more because to honest, Im wrecked. Could you recommend an app to learn some French? Reggie, Blackrock Road, any chance youd tell my wife Marjorie that the NCT is due on the Jag? None. My next door neighbour is fluent in French, I shouted over the fence at her from a distance of two metres or more and told her your story. She said, that sounds tough, I shared a house in college with this girl with only a couple words of English. I said, where was she from. She said, Thurles. Howre oo goin on. Herself is up the walls with anxiety about running out of jacks roll because she stayed in a B&B in Killorglin once, and all they had was old copies of The Kerryman. Our supermarket has a dedicated shopping time for senior citizens, at 9am. So, wasnt I sent off down with a big list. Things were going very well until I got to the wine aisle and this fella says, you do realise we cant sell alcohol until 10:30? To which I replied, you do realise we cant watch Maura and Daithi unless were completely off our heads on cheap Merlot? So like, can you get on to Simon Coveney or someone and tell them there is no point allowing OAPs into a supermarket if we cant buy booze? Dan Paddy Andy, outside Dunmanway. I had similar issue myself! I was in our local supermarket (not one of the Germans, Im better than that) at 9:30 am yesterday and the girl said Id have to wait to buy booze. I said, fine, Ill wait. She said, what are you going to do for the next hour. I said, imagine My Conor at home minding the kids. Its red hot on our WhatsApp group Douglas Road Stunners Who are Better at Home Schooling Than You. Orla_WhiteRangeRover changed her online name to Orla_JustATeacherNow and shared a video of her four year old twins learning beginners Japanese. FiFi_MojitosBitches countered with a clip of her teaching Applied Maths to 18-month-old Hugo, which deserved to win Best Comedy in A Foreign Language because she barely got the points for Arts. Im trying to come up with a killer response but my kids are as thick as the man from Carrigaline. (They take after their father.) What would be a good thing to video with my two? Jenni, Douglas Road. My friend Tina is a teacher, we dont bother inviting her on expensive girls-away weekends in case she gets embarrassed. I rang her there and said what measures are you taking during online classes with your students? She said three measures of tonic to one of gin, the time just flies by really. Now listen up Paddy. I am the patron of The Royal Society of Wealthy English People Who Like Taking Advice from Foreigners. We continue to hold meetings because it doesnt breach the ban on gatherings of over 500 people. (Were still good if it lowers it to 100.) We watched the speech by your man Leo on Patricks Day and have decided that now seems like a very good time to move to Ireland. Could you send a boat to evacuate us, Dunkirk style? LordEdmund DServant-Shagger, London and large chunks of Wales, unfortunately. I asked my Posh Cousin. She said, not a chance we could take English people now, were still avoiding those back from Cheltenham in case we catch the you know what? I said, coronavirus? She said, no, stupidity. Im writing to you on behalf of Sundays Well Swingers, our slogan is Where neighbours become more than good friends. We used to be a bridge club until someone brought three bottles of Jagermeister to our Christmas party last year and things got out of hand. (Or in hand, says you.) The coronavirus lockdown is terrifying for many of us, because the thought of spending two months alone with our spouses is a nightmare, particularly since most of us married for money. So, were thinking of running a draw, randomly matching up couples who will then live with each other until the lockdown is over. Would you MC this draw, online obviously, thered be a handy little fee for you at the end of it? Peig, Sundays Well, we love the way you pretend to hate rich people. I love the way you believe Im pretending. This lockdown is going to make things difficult for a lot of couples. I told my Conor we needed to start social distancing. He said, theres no way I can give you sexual pleasure from two metres away. I said, thats not what you claim on your Tinder profile. #Boastful A man is due in court in Dublin later this morning charged in connection with the seizure of firearms in Tallaght on St.Patrick's night. Four shotguns and a revolver were discovered when gardai on a routine patrol stopped a car for speeding. The first two Covid-19 cases have arrived in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, according to local government officials. A newlywed couple from Sydney, Australia arrived on Wednesday on their honeymoon and were immediately placed in quarantine after showing symptoms of the disease. The couple tested positive, according to a statement released by the local government, and are now in isolation. All schools, public and private, will be shut as of Thursday evening, according to official decree, while boarding schools will remain open until Friday. This situation requires calm and responsibility. Each of us must strictly apply the prevention and safety instructions, says the statement, adding that there is a crisis unit in place that is putting together safety measures to protect all New Caledonians. Local media Nouvelle Caledonie reports that former president of the Congress of New Caledonia, politician Thierry Santa, will speak to islanders on Thursday morning to unveil a plan of action. At least three cases in Tahiti French Polynesia representative in the French National Assembly, Maina Sage, was the first person in the territory to contract the virus, according to officials. She tested positive on 10 March after returning from Paris. She had come into contact with French Culture Minister Franck Riester, who also has the virus. Read also: Record-breaking flight to block coronavirus spread Meanwhile, Air Tahiti-Nui, the airline serving French Polynesia's largest island, broke passenger flight distance records last weekend, flying 15,715 kilometres from Papeete, Tahiti to Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport in one 16-hour flight. The airline was obliged to do so after US travel restrictions were imposed on all flights. The flight path normally includes a stopover at Los Angeles. International passengers transiting through the US must disembark and proceed through federal Customs and Border Protection before getting back on board. Flight TN064 did not stop, leaving Papeete at 0300 hours local time and arriving in Paris at 0630 local time on 15 March. The twin-engine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner broke the record for the number of kilometres travelled, and was able to do so because the flight was not full and did not have to refuel. French Polynesia is part of France, so TN064 also qualifies as the world's longest domestic flight. Air France has announced the suspension of all flights from Paris to Papeete between 28 March and 3 May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said airline crew should report to the CDC any traveler who has had a fever for more than 48 hours or has a fever and one of the following symptoms - cough, difficulty breathing or an obviously unwell appearance. Any such passengers should be moved as far away as possible from other passengers and crew, ideally by at least 6 feet - the maximum distance that virus-studded droplets from a person's cough or sneeze can travel before falling to the ground. The flight crew should then offer a face mask if available and if the passenger can tolerate it. If not available, the sick person should be asked to cover their mouth and nose with tissues when coughing and sneezing, the CDC said. In past pandemics, flight crews were not always aware of federal guidelines. During the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, flight attendants did not follow those guidelines on a number of flights taken by Los Angeles Times journalists; some crew members said they had no masks to offer. This coronavirus can be given to other people through the saliva of an infected person being coughed or sneezed into the wet areas of a person's face, like the eyes, nose or mouth. It can also be transmitted through a person using their hands to touch an infected surface, like droplets of saliva coughed onto a seatback pocket, and then touching their face with their unwashed fingers. Go out of homes only if essential: PM Modi Call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the Janta Curfew': PM Modi US approves anti-malarial drug for use against coronavirus: Trump PM Modi likely to hold video conference with CMs to discuss coronavirus Patient suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is seen in an intensive care unit at the Oglio Po hospital in Cremona. (Photo: Reuters) The number of novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 173 on Thursday. The pandemic, described as an "unprecedented threat" by the WHO director general Tedros Adhanom, has now affected over 2,00,000 people around the world and caused 8,000 deaths globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday at 8 PM during which he talked about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. In the 30-minutes television address, the Prime Minister started by highlighting the gravity of the situation - that coronavirus disease Covid-19 has affected more people than the two World Wars. Here are the live updates on coronavirus: GLEN CARBON For about six weeks this winter, residents and visitors who had general business with the village had to enter at the rear of village hall instead of via the main doors. The halls main entrance closed the day after Christmas to allow construction crews to update the administration office, which was 30 years old. Jamie Bowden, village administrator, explained the rationale for the work, which was completed around Feb. 21. We did it to make the area ADA-compliant, to make it safer for our residents and employees and the area now has more workspace, he said. He said the project cost $80,000 and includes a new key card system for employees and a doorway into the administration and finance offices. Formerly, there was a waiting area with chairs, some magazines, a counter for two staff members and a hinged door that granted employees access to the waiting area. Now, customers enter the room and are greeted by a partition with windows that replaces the counter and Dutch door. One window and counter are lower because they are designed to be used by those who are in wheelchairs. More Information Coronavirus and Glen Carbon - What residents should know The village board of trustees will continue meeting every second and fourth Tuesday each month and those meetings will be livestreamed on Facebook, which can also be accessed from the village's website homepage. The Glen Carbon Senior/Community Center is closed for all group activities and events. Persons that have reserved the center will be contacted by phone regarding their reservation. At this time, transportation services will continue. To pay utility bills, residents can visit www.glen-carbon.il.us, call 1-833-264-1119, use the drop box at village hall, or via mail. All disconnections for water services for all customers are suspended. The order remains in effect until May 1. Residents are still responsible for paying utility bills. To protect employees and the general public, the village is no longer accepting in-person payments at village hall. Trash pickups will stay on the same schedule. Republic Services has developed contingency plans in the event of significant staffing shortages. For landlords, no occupancy permits will be issued at this time. On-site rental inspections will only be conducted at the request of a tenant if they deem an issue is a life-safety concern. See More Collapse Bowden said customers retain access to the utility and billing clerks while those clerks have an added measure of safety with the partition and windows. He added that the village finance department is in the process of moving upstairs and finance director Scott Borror will move into a nearby office. The waiting area with chairs was retained but it has been upgraded with a wall-mounted flatscreen monitor that features informational items for residents to view on slides, similar to items on the villages website. This project is just the first step in a village hall upgrade. The next step will be to look at the village board room for ADA compliance and safety upgrades, Bowden said. This is contingent on available funding and budgets in the future. READ: Coronavirus and Glen Carbon What to know Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at (618) 659-5735 On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom starkly admitted that few, if any, public schools would likely reopen before the summer break, as illnesses caused by the COVID-19 virus threaten to swamp the Golden States hospitals and drain its fiscal reserves. That prospect of losing nearly three months of instructional time, if not more has systems like the Napa Valley Unified School District scrambling for a new strategy to keep thousands of students on track without classrooms and without face-to-face contact with teachers or counselors. It also has thrown into question the plans of numerous children, teenagers and their families from the final steps to graduation and college to whether two elementary schools set to permanently close in June can get a ceremonial send-off. While state officials have not formally told NVUSD that completing the 2019-20 academic year is impossible, all direction we are getting from the state (Department of Education) seems to be supporting that districts should be preparing for a longer-term closure, Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti said Wednesday. The district, which educates more than 16,000 students in Napa, American Canyon and Yountville, canceled classes March 13 and is not currently slated to reopen schools until April 13 five days after the tentative end of a Napa County stay-home order that was to begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday. NVUSD is anticipating a potential longer-term closure and moving from what was a short-term strategy to a potential long-term strategy, so we can continue to fulfill our obligations and promises to educate our kids in a new environment, in this uncharted territory, she said. In a news conference Tuesday, Newsom said nearly 99% of the states kindergarten-12th-grade schools already were shuttered for periods generally ranging from two to five weeks. With classroom education at a standstill, California has applied for a federal waiver that means children would not have to face academic tests once they eventually return to school, he said. We think it is totally inappropriate for kids to worry about coming back and being tested, said Newsom. While an exemption from standardized testing would remove one worry for NVUSD, Mucetti said a shutdown lasting the entire spring will require building a much more extensive remote-learning system than the one quickly assembled by teachers late last week intended only to tide students over into spring break in early April. Since the closing of all campuses, NVUSD has relied on a combination of online learning for students with home internet access and paper learning packets for those without. But for a shutdown lasting months, Mucetti predicted the district will need to rethink every aspect of its learn-from-home practices, especially making online access and devices as widely available as possible for the fullest range of needs. Theres an implication around access to technology, an implication around how to support families whose students are English learners, an implication about how to provide special education services effectively, she said of a potential retooling, which would be guided by the districts instructional and business divisions. Shortly after Newsoms warning of an extended school shutdown, California education and health officials offered guidelines for teachers to assist children with online learning, while offering free access to learning tools. It also offered guidelines for how to distribute free meals, a service NVUSD began offering Tuesday by providing weekday grab-and-go meals at two Napa campuses and American Canyon Middle School. Many of the shuttered schools may be used to provide child care during the coronavirus emergency, Newsom said. But Mucetti cautioned local parents not to expect a wholesale conversion of idled school buildings into day-care centers both due to social distancing requirements and a need to prioritize those parents who needs child care services most urgently. Any use of campuses for child care would be done in partnership with local community organizations and Napa County Health and Human Services, and likely would cater to parents working in emergency services and other jobs allowed to continue during the shelter-at-home order, according to Mucetti. Providing child care at a time when residents are supposed to remain well separated to avoid spreading the disease brings its own challenges, Newsom said. Those caregivers will want to have personally protective gear, make sure social distancing is practiced, make sure that we not just secure the sites but make sure that theyre healthy, he said. Another more pressing uncertainty for Napa educators, according to Mucetti, will be how to ensure students are equipped to advance to the next grade in August and particularly whether the graduating Class of 2020 can fulfill their learning requirements and get transcripts in time for the start of college in the fall. When youre talking about 10 weeks of instruction leading to graduation, we (still) have to lay out firm expectations, she said. Well look at other school districts in California, because were not alone here; all the districts in California are having to figure out how to do that. In addition to the high school graduations left in limbo, it remains unclear what if any ceremonies will mark the end of the Mt. George and Yountville elementary schools. NVUSDs board voted in October to wind down both campuses, which have the smallest enrollments among local K-5 schools, when the current academic year ends in June. Mucetti suggested the Napa school district may look into rescheduling end-of-year ceremonies or finding alternatives should the county continue curbing larger audiences to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Our priority is the safety and health and security of our students, she said. We wont do anything that puts those things at risk; thats priority No. 1. Events like those not happening are a huge disappointment to the community, and if its safe to hold graduations, then of course we want to honor those events. But there is no way we will put students, families or staff in a position where their health or safety is compromised. Editors note: Because of the health implications of the COVID-19 virus, this article is being made available free to all online readers. If youd like to join us in supporting the mission of local journalism, please visit napavalleyregister.com/members/join/. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. You can reach Howard Yune at 707-256-2214 or hyune@napanews.com. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Jose K Joseph By Express News Service TIRUCHY: With India imposing restrictions on the entry of passengers from Malaysia due to COVID-19, the decision has affected the return trips of several Malaysian citizens currently in Tamil Nadu. Officials from the Malaysian embassy on Wednesday reached Tiruchy International Airport (TIA) and collected details of their citizens who planned return trips from Tiruchy. Sources said about 70 Malaysian citizens are currently in Tiruchy. The officials assured they would make alternative travel arrangements on Thursday. Meanwhile, several passengers raised concerns about the ongoing situation. When the Government of India announced visa restrictions (March 14), we contacted airline officials. They told us flight operations were as usual and that there was no restriction. Now, they are saying flight operations are likely to resume in April. Who would pay for our accommodation till then?, said A Ilangeswari, a senior citizen. Some passengers felt airlines should have informed them of the developments. We came to know of the flight cancellations only when we reached here on Tuesday. If flights are cancelled, airlines have to make alternative arrangements. They should also communicate this to passengers, said P Radhakrishnan. Airline sources said the cancellations were due to restrictions imposed by the government. We do not know when the government would relax the restrictions. Therefore, we are unable to give any assurance to passengers. We have already explained our situation to the embassy officials. They would take up this issue with the government and make necessary travel arrangements for the affected passengers, an airline source said. Most of us have given our details to embassy officials. We hope they would arrange special flights via Chennai or Delhi, a passenger said. Meanwhile, TIA wore a deserted look on Wednesday due to the cancellation of five daily flights to Malaysia. Sri Lankas Civil Aviation Authority has announced all its international airports would remain closed from March 19 to 25. Therefore, the two Colombo flights from Tiruchy would remain suspended from tomorrow. These cancellations have affected the travel sectors badly. We are unable to give assurance to the affected passengers as several countries are coming up with restrictions, a major travel agent in the city said. 19.03.2020 LISTEN Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) had postponed their National Executive Council (NEC) elections scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 sine die. GNASSM successfully commenced the electioneering with Zonal Executive Elections on Tuesday, February 04 and District Executive Elections on February 18, 2020, resulting in Thirty-nine (39) Zonal Branches and Two Hundred & Sixty-seven (267) Elected Zonal Executives & Ten (10) District Associations and Eighty-three (83) Elected District Executives respectively. On preparation for the NEC election, ETMT sanctioned for onward submission, the Fourteen (14) Candidates and Two Hundred & Twenty-four (224) member Electoral College, to the Electoral Commission of Ghana to print the Voters Register and the Notice of Poll. According to Chairman of the Election Transition Management Team (ETMT), Chairman Frank Osei aka. DeNero, the election will not come off as scheduled so as to conform to the social distancing advisory. The government has announced that we cannot have a gathering of more than 25 people, therefore we have postponed it until further notice, he said at an emergency ETMT meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Kumasi. Chairman DeNero further explained that ETMT is aware that the current national executive council of GNASSM had overstayed their mandate since being elected into office on March 08, 2011, for a 4-year tenure; therefore the need for NEC election cannot be over-emphasized in these turbulence regulatory frameworks of the small scale mining sector. He continued that Electoral Commission needs at least Eight (8) days prior notice for organizing and conducting the election, therefore ETMT agreed-upon to announce a new date for the election Fourteen (14) days after the review and lifting of Covid 19 outbreak embargo. In conclusion, ETMT wishes to bring to the notice of all stakeholders, especially the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Resources Commission, Ghana Standards Authority, Solidaridad WA & National Coalition on Mining) on this postponement and to be informed on new date accordingly. London braces for lockdown as Tube stations to close amid Covid-19 crisis London is braced for a lockdown to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the city, where the deadly disease is spreading faster than anywhere else in the UK. Up to 40 Tube stations will be shut down across the capital from Thursday, in a move designed restrict travel but allow key workers to make essential journeys. Meanwhile, some 20,000 troops are on standby to help fight the Covid-19 crisis as the Government prepares to ramp up measures further and faster. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would be quite wrong to not leave open the option of imposing stricter lockdown measures on London than on the rest of the country. Emergency virus legislation after PM announces closure of schools Health Secretary Matt Hancock will today table the Emergency Coronavirus Bill that sets out measures aimed at slowing the spread and supporting the NHS and workers in the Commons. The emergency legislation comes after the Prime Minister announced the closure of schools and cancellation of exams across the UK. Thomas Cook collapse will cost taxpayer 156 million - watchdog Taxpayers will fork out at least 156 million due to the collapse of Thomas Cook, a report by the Whitehall spending watchdog has found. The National Audit Office said the Department for Transport (DfT) has agreed to pay an estimated 83 million towards the total cost of repatriating the travel giant's customers who were not covered by the Atol scheme. Other Government costs include 58 million in redundancy and related payments to Thomas Cook's former employees, and at least 15 million for liquidating the business. The NAO added that "the final cost may not be known for some time", partly due to invoices for repatriation costs still being received. Long-awaited Windrush scandal probe findings to be published The long-awaited investigation into the failings that led to the Windrush scandal is to be published. The independent review, commissioned after people with a right to live in the UK were wrongfully detained or deported to the Caribbean, will be made public later today. Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams, the report's author, handed the Windrush Lessons Learned review to the Home Office yesterday. She urged Home Secretary Priti Patel to release the report as soon as possible. Fish had fingers 380 million years ago A fish that lived some 380 million years ago was equipped with the first known fingers, scientists have found. The discovery of the creatures fossil has rewritten the story of the origins of the human hand and has been hailed as the missing evolutionary link explaining how four-legged vertebrates climbed from the seas on to land. On this day... 721 BC: The first recorded eclipse was observed by the Babylonians, according to the Greek astronomer Ptolemy. 1834: The six 'Tolpuddle Martyrs', who fought the decline of agricultural wages, were sentenced to seven years' transportation to Tasmania. Public outcry had them released after two years. 1920: The US Senate rejected for a second time the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles and prevented the US joining the League of Nations, fearing they would have to go to war again if another member state was invaded. 1932: Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened. It was the world's longest single-span arch bridge. 1976: Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon announced their separation after 16 years of marriage. 1986: Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Her engagement ring was a ruby surrounded by 10 diamonds. 1988: Two British soldiers who blundered into an IRA funeral cortege in West Belfast were killed by a lynch mob. Beijing, March 19 : Amid the rapid spread of coronavirus cases around the globe, researchers have found that diarrhea was a prominent symptom among up to half of patients with COVID-19 during the outbreak in Wuhan, China. The study, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, conducted by the researchers from the Wuhan Medical Treatment Expert Group for COVID-19. According to the researchers, nearly half of COVID-19 patients enrolled in the study conducted in the Hubei province of China presented digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and anorexia, and cited it as their chief complaint. "Doctors should recognise that digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, may be a presenting feature of COVID-19, and that the index of suspicion may need to be raised earlier in at-risk patients presenting with digestive symptoms rather than waiting for respiratory symptoms to emerge," the researchers said. Patients involved in the study presented to three hospitals from January 18 to February 28. All patients were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and were analyzed for clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and treatment. Data were followed up until March 5. Overall, data from 204 patients were analysed for the current study, according to the researchers. The average age was 54.9 years old. In total, 48.5 per cent presented to the hospital with digestive symptoms as their chief complaint. The study also revealed that patients with digestive symptoms had a longer gap between the onset of symptoms and hospital admission than patients presenting only respiratory symptoms and were less likely to be cured and discharged than those without digestive symptoms. Patients who experienced digestive symptoms had a variety of manifestations, including anorexia (83.8 per cent), diarrhea (29.3 per cent), vomiting (0.08 per cent), and abdominal pain (0.4 per cent), the study said. According to the researchers, as the severity of the disease increased, digestive symptoms became more pronounced. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) : The second positive case of coronavirus was on Thursday reported in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total to two. A person who returned to the state from England on March 15 tested positive for the deadly virus, the state Health Department has said. "The youngster has been admitted to an isolation ward in RIMS at Ongole and his condition is stable," the department said in a release. The youngster, who left London on March 12, reached Ongole on March 15 and was admitted to the government hospital after he complained of fever, cough and cold. His blood sample was sent to the virology lab in Tirupati where it tested positive. On March 12, another person who returned to his native Nellore from Italy was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in AP. He is currently in isolation in the government hospital in Nellore. According to Special Chief Secretary (Health) K S Jawahar Reddy, the department has said the blood sample of the first confirmed case in the state would be tested again after the end of the 14-day period and discharged. Of the total 109 samples sent for examination, 94 tested negative. While two were positive, result of the remaining 13 was awaited, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic presidential contender Tulsi Gabbard ended her 2020 campaign on Thursday and said she will support Joe Biden for the partys nomination. The Hawaii congresswoman said Super Tuesdays primary results showed that Democratic primary voters have chosen former vice president Joe Biden to take on President Trump in the general election. I know Vice President Biden and his wife and am grateful to have called his son Beau, who also served in the National Guard, a friend, Gabbard wrote in a letter to supporters. Although I may not agree with the Vice President on every issue, I know that he has a good heart and is motivated by his love for our country and the American people. Im confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha respect and compassion and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart. Gabbard, 38, announced her presidential bid in January of last year and remained in the race in recent weeks despite anemic polling numbers, disappointing results in most of the state primaries so far, and a failure to qualify for several of the recent Democratic debates. Biden regained his front runner status over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, his sole Democratic challenger left in the race, after sweeping southern states on Southern Tuesday. The former vice president went on to win several other state primary elections, including Florida, Illinois, and Arizona on Tuesday. Gabbard added a word of encouragement to Americans amid the coronavirus pandemic that continues to spread in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and three U.S. territories and which has bludgeoned large sectors of the economy. Our nation is facing an unprecedented global crisis that highlights the inextricable bonds of humanity, and how foreign policy and domestic policy are inseparable. We are all in this together and we must all rise to meet this moment in service to our country and our fellow man, she said. More from National Review The World Health Organization Ukraine has donated the second set of the test kits for COVID-19 to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. "World Health Organization Ukraine has donated the second set of the test kits for COVID-19 to the Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The set is designed for approximately 5,000 reactions, which is enough to diagnose more than 1,600 people," the Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine posted on Facebook. As reported, fourteen cases of Covid-19 infection have been confirmed in Ukraine, two of them were lethal. Since March 12, the lockdown regime has been introduced in Ukraine due to the threat of epidemic of coronavirus infection and to prevent its spread. It will last for three weeks - until April 3. ol The leading hospitality union in the US expects 80% to 90% of its 300,000 members will be unemployed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Unite Here's prediction impacts mostly women, who make up the organization's ranks and work in hotels, airports and casinos, all which already have been hard hit from a drop in business and closings related to the deadly outbreak. Union officials say hospitality industry workers are facing an unprecedented crisis and that members of Congress and the White House need to put workers at the center of any rescue packages. The leading hospitality union in the US expects 80% to 90% of its 300,000 members will be unemployed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Pictured is a Boston hotel property operated by Mariott, which is laying off thousands of employees Union president D. Taylor panned an emergency paid leave bill passed Saturday by the US House of Representatives as 'completely ridiculous,' charging that it has huge carve-outs and doesn't go far enough to help workers Taylor also criticized President Trump's plan to send Americans up to two $1,000 checks as also insufficient Union president D. Taylor panned an emergency paid leave bill passed Saturday by the US House of Representatives as 'completely ridiculous,' charging that it has huge carve-outs and doesn't go far enough to help workers, Huffington Post reports. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday he also said President Trump's plan to send Americans up to two $1,000 checks as also insufficient since the amounts barely cover rent costs in most large cities. The coronavirus has infected thousands around the globe. In the US, the flu-like virus also known as COVID-19, has been confirmed in 9,012 cases and blamed for at least 146 known deaths. The US has 9,414 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for 152 deaths in the states How the coronavirus has escalated in the US since the first case was confirmed in January 'They've met with the titans of industry and that's great. But we all know what we face right now,' Taylor said, referring to members of Congress and the White House. 'I'm very worried that the American worker is not at the table, just American industry.' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has reportedly warned that the US could see an unemployment rate of 20 per cent as the coronavirus plunges the economy into a recession. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has reportedly warned that the US could see an unemployment rate of 20 per cent as the coronavirus plunges the economy into a recession On Tuesday, it was revealed that a global recession has already begun due to the spread of COVID-19 as major companies begin laying off employees worldwide and a fifth of US workers say that they have already lost wages due to the crisis. Airlines, hotel companies and the gaming industries have appealed to the federal government for assistance, with the White House reportedly considering aid, including low- or zero-interest loans and tax payment deferrals. Taylor said that bailouts need to make sure they take into account increased unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, money for food stamps and housing, as well as guarantees on continued health care for workers who lose their jobs. 'We need to get workers bailed out and secure,' he said. The union pointed out significant business declines that have impacted its membership, especially on the West Coast, where some of the first known outbreaks began. In San Francisco, many hotels where union members work saw occupancy rates drop down to a stunning 10 per cent. In Seattle and Portland, between 4,000 and 4,500 of the union's 5,500 members are already out of work. The union has 60,000 workers in Las Vegas, where the entire gaming industry has been shut down, and the numbers get worse every day, Unite Here leaders said. The union has 60,000 workers in Las Vegas, where the entire gaming industry has been shut down, and the numbers get worse every day, Unite Here leaders said Showgirls Tatiana Vaske, 21, (right) and Yasmeen Rubin, 25, (left) said they used to make $600 a day in tips for posing for pictures with tourists, but saw earnings drop to $150 due to the coronavirus Casino operations in the Nevada gambling mecca closed Monday, followed by MGM Resorts International's hotel operations. The company with properties including the Bellagio, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay said on Sunday that it will not take reservations prior to May 1. The impacts of the virus were even felt by Las Vegas exotic dancers, who claimed they gave lap dances to clients with strict orders to not touch back. Showgirls Tatiana Vaske, 21, and Yasmeen Rubin, 25, told DailyMail.com that since the virus pandemic, their daily earnings have also taken a hit. They said they used to pull in about $600 a day in tips for posing for pictures with tourists, now they are lucky to make $150. But still, they said they aren't too concerned about catching the virus from customers. 'I think I have a better chance of winning the lottery than catching coronavirus,' Vaske said. 'I'm more worried about putting food on my table and paying rent.' Unite Here praised Wynn Resorts, Disney and other companies that have vowed to pay employees while out of work, and were critical of employers like Marriott, which is furloughing workers but not making similar guarantees on pay. Mnuchin previously said that he hoped the government's stimulus plan would help laid-off hotel workers as it was announced that the Marriott group was going to furloughing workers. Marriott- which has 130,00 employees in the US - would be furloughing a large chunk of them as it was forced to close properties. 'The social safety net is no net,' Erik Van Rossum, president of Unite Here Local 8 in Seattle said. 'The holes are so big that people are falling through.' Another significant blow to hospitality workers came in the restaurant industry, when Union Square Hospitality Group, the New York City restaurant giant, laid off 2,000 workers, or 80 percent of the company's workforce. Famed restaurateur Danny Meyer's company put the layoffs into effect on Wednesday morning 'due to a near-complete elimination of revenue,' the company told the New York Times. Islamabad, March 19 (IANS) Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi have tested negative for the novel coronavirus upon their return from China. "Chinese authorities have formally informed the Foreign Office that President Arif Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Planning Minister Asad Umar and other members have cleared the corona test," Dawn news quoted the Foreign Office as saying on Wednesday. President Alvi had visited China from March 16-17 for expressing Pakistan's solidarity with the Chinese government in its efforts to contain and deal with the spread of COVID-19. He was accompanied on the trip by Qureshi, Umar and senior officials. President Alvi and his delegation had embarked on the visit after clearing the COVID-19 test and again underwent tests after completing the tour. "Their blood samples and swabs were taken at the end of the visit and today they have been cleared after the tests," the FO said. Earlier, Qureshi had self-quarantined himself for five days after the trip. He had told a televised press conference that he was self-quarantining himself on experts' advice for the sake of all those around him. Pakistan has so far reported two coronavirus deaths with 299 confirmed cases. --IANS ksk/ Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has ended her 2020 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, among the last-standing candidates in the race aiming to make her long-shot bid for the White house. She has endorsed Joe Biden, who has emerged as the likely nominee to face Donald Trump in November, in support of "his quest to bring our country together", she told supporters on Thursday. Her withdrawal leaves just the former vice president and Bernie Sanders as the remaining contenders for the nomination after Ms Gabbard's disappointing finishes in early primary elections, in which she ultimately garnered just two delegates. Though she supported the Vermont senator in his 2016 bid, she said the most-recent round of primary elections on Tuesday make it "clear" that voters have chosen Mr Biden as the party's nominee. She said: "Although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know he has a good heart ... I'm confident he will lead our country guided by the spirit of 'aloha,' respect and compassion, and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart." A series of controversies and remarks had singled out the Iraq War veteran from the field, from answering for past anti-LGBT+ stances and a 2017 meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to her clashes with Kamala Harris and former nominee Hillary Clinton, who labelled the congresswoman a "Russian asset" aiming to spoil the election to favour the incumbent. Ms Gabbard later sued her for defamation. Ms Gabbard also frustrated fellow Democrats by marking herself "present" in the president's articles impeachment in Congress. Among the youngest candidates in the 2020 race, the 38-year-old American Samoan had described herself as "the first Hindu to run for president and first practising Hindu" in Congress, shaping an unprecedented field of nominees. Democratic primaries: Who won where? Show all 27 1 /27 Democratic primaries: Who won where? Democratic primaries: Who won where? Arizona: Biden wins Joe Biden: 39 delegates Bernie Sanders: 28 delegates Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Alabama: Biden wins Joe Biden: 41 delegates Bernie Sanders: 7 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 1 delegate Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? Arkansas: Biden wins Joe Biden: 17 delegates Bernie Sanders: 9 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 5 delegates AFP/Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? California: Sanders wins Bernie Sanders: 179 delegates Joe Biden: 127 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 15 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 5 delegates AP Democratic primaries: Who won where? Colorado: Sanders wins Bernie Sanders: 20 delegates Joe Biden: 9 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 9 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 1 delegate AFP/Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Florida: Biden wins Joe Biden: 152 delegates Bernie Sanders: 53 delegates Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Idaho: Biden wins Joe Biden: 11 delegates Bernie Sanders: 9 delegates EPA Democratic primaries: Who won where? Illinois: Biden wins Joe Biden: 95 delegates Bernie Sanders: 59 delegates AFP Democratic primaries: Who won where? Iowa: Buttigieg wins Pete Buttigieg: 14 delegates Bernie Sanders: 12 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 8 delegates Joe Biden: 6 delegates Amy Klobuchar: 1 delegates Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? Maine: Biden wins Joe Biden: 11 delegates Bernie Sanders: 9 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 4 delegates AFP/Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Massachussetts: Biden wins Joe Biden: 37 delegates Bernie Sanders: 29 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 25 delegates AP Democratic primaries: Who won where? Michigan: Biden wins Joe Biden: 72 delegates Bernie Sanders: 52 delegates Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Minnesota: Biden wins Joe Biden: 38 delegates Bernie Sanders: 27 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 10 delegates Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? Mississippi: Biden wins Joe Biden: 34 delegates Bernie Sanders: 2 delegates AFP via Getty Images Democratic primaries: Who won where? Missouri: Biden wins Joe Biden: 44 delegates Bernie Sanders: 24 delegates AP Democratic primaries: Who won where? Nevada: Sanders wins Bernie Sanders: 24 delegates Joe Biden: 9 delegates Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? New Hampshire: Sanders/Buttigieg tie Bernie Sanders: 9 delegates Pete Buttigieg: 9 delegates Amy Klobuchar: 6 delegates EPA Democratic primaries: Who won where? North Carolina: Biden wins Joe Biden: 66 delegates Bernie Sanders: 36 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 2 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 2 delegates AFP/Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? North Dakota: Sanders wins Bernie Sanders: 8 delegates Joe Biden: 6 delegates Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Oklahoma: Biden wins Joe Biden: 21 delegates Bernie Sanders: 13 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 2 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 1 delegate Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? Florida: Biden wins Joe Biden: 152 delegates Bernie Sanders: 53 delegates Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Tennessee: Biden wins Joe Biden: 33 delegates Bernie Sanders: 18 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 10 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 1 delegate Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? Texas: Biden wins Joe Biden: 111 delegates Bernie Sanders: 102 delegates Michael Bloomberg: 10 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 5 delegates Reuters Democratic primaries: Who won where? Utah: Sanders wins Bernie Sanders: 12 delegates Joe Biden: 2 delegate Michael Bloomberg: 2 delegates AFP/Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Vermont: Sanders wins Bernie Sanders: 11 delegates Joe Biden: 5 delegates AP Democratic primaries: Who won where? Virginia: Biden wins Joe Biden: 66 delegates Bernie Sanders: 31 delegates Elizabeth Warren: 2 delegates AFP/Getty Democratic primaries: Who won where? Washington: Biden wins Joe Biden: 46 delegates Bernie Sanders: 43 delegates AP She had not qualified for a Democratic debate since November, but she remained resolute on the trail, hoping to make dents in New Hampshire and Nevada, relying on her anti-interventionist foreign policy platform and criticism of the party's establishment she had hoped to root out with her candidacy. Ms Gabbard previously had ruled out making a third-party run. Instead, in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and its "unprecedented global crisis", she will "continue to work for the health and well-being of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated." A UK workforce is needed to help farms harvest crops following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on seasonal labour travelling from abroad. Travel restrictions and tighter border controls around the world are having a major impact on the number of people willing or able to travel during the outbreak. With the soft fruit-picking season due to get fully underway in April, labour specialists HOPS are now inviting British people to apply for jobs picking and packing fruit and veg. The paid positions could provide an income for students, job seekers and anyone who has been laid off work due to the impact of Covid-19, such as those working in hospitality and catering. The organisation is also working with the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) to help gather support from the YFC community and has launched a #YFCRuralSupport campaign to find applicants. HOPS Operations Director, Sarah Boparan said farmers urgently need a UK labour force who can help harvest crops to feed the nation. "At a time when international travel is restricted and people are panic buying due to the Coronavirus, it is crucial that growers can provide enough British produce to our supermarkets and local shops," he said. As the peak season for soft fruit picking gets underway, HOPS are calling on British workers to help support the industry in jobs that are usually filled by EU workers. We are aware that there are many people facing sustained periods away from their usual employment or studies and HOPS can offer paid positions for those who are willing to work. Interested applicants will be asked to complete an online application form after they have reviewed the information about the work involved. Successful applicants will receive training on the farm. To apply for a position on one of HOPS farms in the UK, complete the online form. Krishna Shroff, sister of actor Tiger Shroff and daughter of Jackie Shroff, has shared a romantic picture with boyfriend Eban Hyams from their Mizoram vacation. The two returned to Mumbai on Wednesday night and were spotted wearing masks at the airport. Sharing the loved-up picture, she wrote, Phawts, Mizoram... Youve been beautiful. Two months of travelling, meeting great people along the way, and seeing + doing some amazing things comes to an end today. #blessed. See you soon, Mumbai! Krishna can be seen putting a peck on Ebans cheek as they pose in a hotel balcony under the night sky with the well-lit hills in the background. The picture has been liked by her close friend and Tigers rumoured girlfriend Disha Patani. Several of her friends and fans, however, showed concern for them amid coronavirus outbreak. Designer Monica Dogra wrote, Be safe darlin! Xo. A fan wrote, Travel safe. Many also showered the couple with love. Wooooooooo thts called love bless u both n this is perfect match, commented a fan. The Shroffs recently lost their pet cat and mourned her loss on social media. Sharing a picture of the bundle of fur, Krishna wrote, My handsome little fur baby... You were the most gentle, loving, and pure soul Ive ever known. Thank you for choosing us in this lifetime. I love you forever. RIP, little angel. Tiger and Disha had also shared their grief on Instagram. Also read: Disco Dancer 2.0: Tiger Shroff sets dance floor on fire, fan says wish Mithun Chakraborty made appearance Meanwhile, Tiger saw the release of his new dance video on Wednesday. Titled Disco Dancer 2.0, the song has Tiger channelling Mithun Chakraborty on the dance floor in a bare-chested look. The song has been sung by Benny Dayal and directed and choreographed by Bosco Leslie Martis, with music by Salim-Sulaiman. Tigers latest release Baaghi 3 was hit by the coronavirus outbreak in its second week. After an opening of Rs 17 crore, it went on to collect Rs 87.50 crore in its first week. Soon after, cinema halls were shut down in several states including Delhi, Kerala and the Jammu region. Follow @htshowbiz for more ALABAMA Gov. Kay Ivey issued statewide shutdowns of all beaches, child care facilities, dine-in restaurants and other services effective 5pm March 19. All public schools are closed until April 6. This extended previous rules closing day cares, senior centers and on-site restaurant dining across six counties and banning public gatherings of more than 25 people across the state. ALASKA Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced March 16 that state-run libraries, museums and archives will be closed through the end of March. Schools are closed to students until March 30. Anchorage banned dine-in service from 5pm Match 18 until March 31. Theaters, gyms and bingo halls closed through March 31. The mayor of Anchorage signed the order Monday closing gyms and entertainment venues and barring restaurants, bars and other establishments from offering dine-in service to the public through the rest of March. ARIZONA All schools closed through March 27. Arizonas Country Thunder music festival scheduled for April 16-19 in Florence is postponed. Visitors banned in most hospitals and clinics. Gov. Doug Ducey ordered the shutdown of bars and dine-in options in counties affected by the coronavirus. The action came after several Arizona cities including Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe and Flagstaff had issued their own bans. ARKANSAS Arkansas' schools will remain closed through April 17 and sit-down service at all restaurants and bars were banned from March 20. All schools closed from Tuesday. Arkansas casinos, gyms and other non-essential businesses also closed. Mayor Frank Scott issued a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. from March 18 in Little Rock. PENNSYLVANIA All liquor stores and licensee service centers will close indefinitely at 9pm on Tuesday. Gov Tom Wolf extended the shutdown to the entire state of Pennsylvania on Monday bar essential services. A new list was released March 20 citing the 'life-sustaining' businesses that may continue operating during the shutdown: All sectors of the natural resource and mining industry, dry cleaning and laundromats, specialty food stores, insurance carriers, agencies, and brokerages, and accounting and tax preparation services. Barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo shops, and similar services will shut from 8pm on March 21. LOUISIANA All bars, nightclubs, casinos, movie theaters, gyms and health clubs will be closed until April 13. Restaurants may open for take-out options only. Governor John Bel Edwards said the new restrictions take effect Tuesday and will last until April 13. Public gatherings of 50 people or more will be banned. No one will be allowed to eat onsite at a restaurant. In heavily Catholic New Orleans and in Baton Rouge, church leaders announced cancellation of masses until further notice. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has been postponed. CONNECTICUT Gatherings of more than 50 people banned. Bars and restaurants shut indefinitely for dine-in customers. Clubs, bars, cinemas, gyms shut indefinitely. Hospitals across the state are restricting visitation, and some, including UConn Health in Farmington, have announced the indefinite postponement of elective surgeries. Barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo shops, and similar services will shut from 8pm on March 21. MASSACHUSETTS Gatherings of more than 25 people banned. Bars and restaurants to offer take-out only until April 7. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is shutting down construction sites across the city. Walsh also announced all branches of the Boston Public Library will close. NEW JERSEY Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all non-essential retail businesses close their stores and all residents to stay home on March 21. This exempts essential workers such as those in healthcare and food. All weddings and parties are banned. This marked an extension on previous measures which included: Barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo shops, and similar services to shut from 8pm on March 21. Hoboken residents ordered to isolate at home for a week from March 17. Curfew from 8pm 5am; gatherings of more than 50 people banned; bars and restaurants shut indefinitely for dine-in customers, but can offer take-out. Clubs, bars, cinemas and gyms shut indefinitely. Indoor malls, amusement centers, public and private schools, colleges and universities closed. NEW YORK Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a new order on March 20 that 100 percent of non-essential workers must stay home, upping the rule from 75 percent. The only workforces that are excluded are grocery stores, pharmacies, certain government workers and news organizations. People can go outside but are urged to stay indoors as much as possible. Bars and restaurants shut indefinitely for dine-in customers, but can offer take-out. Clubs, bars, cinemas and gyms shut indefinitely. Barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo shops, and similar services shut from 8pm on March 21. New York City - Eateries could only accept takeout and delivery orders. Mayor Bill de Blasio also ordered nightclubs, movie theaters and other entertainment venues closed. New York City announced its public school district, the nation's largest, will be closed starting Monday, joining most of the rest of the country. New Rochelle - one mile containment area set up. ILLINOIS Bars and restaurants shut to dine-in customers until March 30. The Governor of Illinois announced a stay at home order on March 20, ordering people to only go out for exercise, to the grocery store, to seek medical care or to pick up take-out from restaurants that have stayed open. The shutdown of Illinois elementary and high schools will be extended through at least April 7. KENTUCKY Bars and restaurants shut to dine-in customers until March 30. The Democratic governors of Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington on Monday all ordered the full or partial closure of certain categories of businesses. OHIO Bars and restaurants shut to dine-in customers, but can offer take-out. Ohio marked St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday with no parades and no primary election over fears of the coronavirus. Health Director Dr. Amy Acton issued an order late Monday shutting down polls Tuesday. Youngstown State University and Capital University in Columbus were among those announcing the cancellation of May commencement ceremonies, saying they couldn't comply with restrictions severely limiting the size of gatherings. Ohio's Roman Catholic bishops suspended all publicly celebrated Masses through Easter on April 12, extending an earlier suspension of services through Palm Sunday one week earlier. OKLAHOMA Public schools closed at least until April 6. Oklahoma's governor declared a statewide emergency Sunday evening. The Oklahoma Legislature approved sweeping changes to the state's Open Meeting Act on Tuesday to allow government bodies to meet via teleconference. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt both ordered the immediate shutdown of bars, while restaurants can serve only take-out orders. Similar measures were also imposed in Stillwater and Norman, including orders that theaters, gyms and amusement facilities must also close. Officials with the Remington Park horse track in Oklahoma City said it was closing to the general public and races would be held without spectators. The archbishop of Oklahoma City announced Tuesday that all public masses and liturgies at Catholic churches in the archdiocese of Oklahoma City would be canceled through Easter Sunday, April 12. MICHIGAN Bars and restaurants shut to dine-in customers indefinitely, but can offer take-out. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has banned more than 50 people in a gathering at a time. Whitmer issued a sweeping order Monday banning dine-in customers at restaurants and closing all bars, movie theaters, gyms and other sports facilities to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The measure was to last through March. Besides those restrictions, all Michigan schools are closed. WASHINGTON Restaurants and bars ordered to shut temporarily. Gatherings of more than 50 people banned for at least two weeks. MINNESOTA Dine-in restaurants and bars ordered to shut through March 27 beginning Tuesday evening. Gov. Tim Walz ordered bars and restaurants across Minnesota to temporarily close to customers who dine in. Delivery and curbside takeout services may continue to operate. The temporary closure also applies to other places of public amusement, including theaters, museums, fitness centers and community clubs. Affected businesses must close by 5 p.m. Tuesday. While the governor's order runs through March 27, he said he'll likely end up extending it. Supermarkets, pharmacies and other retailers are not affected. OREGON Gatherings of more than 25 people banned. Restaurants and bars allowed to offer take-out only. Gov. Kate Brown on Monday banned on-site consumption at bars and restaurants around the state for at least four weeks in a bid to slow the spread of the new coronavirus and said gatherings will be limited to 25 people or fewer. Restaurants can still offer takeout or delivery, she said at a news conference. Gov. Kate Brown announced an extension of her previous statewide school closure order to combat the spread of coronavirus, saying now schools will be shuttered until at least April 28. Only essential medical and emergency personnel can visit residents of long-term care facilities statewide, except for residents who are in the end stages of life. CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued an unprecedented statewide 'stay at home order' directing the state's 40 million residents to hunker down in their homes for the foreseeable future effective immediately. This was an extension of the shelter in place rule already issued across parts of the state, including San Francisco, and Palm Springs. Disneyland closed to the public. 'Few if any' California schools will reopen before summer break, Gov. Gavin Newsom said. Los Angeles extended its citywide ban on restaurants until at least April 19, from the previous order until March 31. WASHINGTON D.C. Restaurants, bars and clubs to shut down by 10pm Monday, with take-out and delivery still available until April 1. Health clubs, spas, massage parlors and theaters to shut down. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a state of emergency. Organizers of the popular Cherry Blossom festival, which was scheduled to begin March 20, announced that several events would be postponed. Officials recommended that all 'non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions,' be postponed or canceled through the end of March. Georgetown University joined the growing list of higher-learning institutions to cancel in-person classes. MARYLAND Bars and restaurants shut indefinitely for dine-in customers, but can offer take-out. Clubs, bars, cinemas and gyms shut indefinitely. FLORIDA In Florida, Walt Disney World and Universal-Orlando closed Sunday night for the rest of the month, joining their already closed California siblings. Farther south, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale closed their beaches, where thousands of college spring breakers flocked. All bars and nightclubs are set to close. Officials in Clearwater Beach, Naples voted to close the beach by Monday March 23, while others along the Gulf Coast in Florida's southwest communities are also being closed. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an order limiting parties on beaches to 10 people per group, but after Spring Breakers flouted the rules, said stricter control will be rolled out. All movie theatres, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades, gymnasiums, fitness studios and beaches were shut in Broward County and Palm Beach County from March 20. All restaurant dining areas and gyms in the state shut March 20 with immediate effect. Restaurants can offer take-out and delivery orders. All hotels in Florida Keys closed down March 20. NEVADA Casinos throughout Nevada were closed Wednesday, along with other nonessential businesses, under an order from Gov. Steve Sisolak. All public, private and charter K-12 schools in the state will be closed Monday until at least April 6 in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Monthlong closure of non-essential businesses like bars, movie theaters and gyms. Restaurants must shutter their dining rooms and only offer takeout or delivery. COLORADO Colorado's 12,000 bars and restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery orders under a 30-day ban on gatherings of 50 people as the state expands testing to try to brake the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Jared Polis said Monday. Polis also announced the closure of all theaters, gyms and casinos until further notice. Vail Resorts said it will keep its North American resorts closed for the rest of the ski season. People arrested for low-level crimes will no longer be booked into jail. INDIANA Bars, nightclubs and restaurants closed for dine-in with and takeout allowed until the end of March. Honda said Wednesday that it will shut down plants in North America, including one in Greensburg. RHODE ISLAND All restaurants, bars, coffee shops shut down for dine in until March 30. Drive-thru and delivery services remain open. The Rhode Island Statehouse will be closed to visitors and certain popular government services will be curtailed. The popular, downtown Providence Place Mall will be shut down. Catholic churches in Rhode Island are suspending Mass services. VERMONT Bars and restaurants can only serve takeout from Tuesday night. All pre-K-12 schools in Vermont must close no later than Tuesday DELAWARE Gov. John Carney directed that restaurants and bars in Delaware restrict their operations to take-out, drive-thru and delivery services. GEORGIA All public schools and universities closed. A large outdoor music festival in Atlanta has been postponed until fall. Organizers of the Shaky Knees Festival on Wednesday said the event featuring headliners the Black Keys, the Strokes and Smashing Pumpkins is now set for Oct. 16 to 18. HAWAII Visitors asked to postpone their island vacations for at least the next 30 days. Directive that all bars and clubs close and that restaurants shift to serving food through drive-through, takeout and delivery service. Gatherings to be limited to a maximum of 10 people. The National Park Service said the Pearl Harbor National Memorial has closed temporarily. IDAHO Gov. Brad Little said state is adopting federal guidelines that include avoiding social gatherings of more than 10 people. The guidelines also call for not eating or drinking in bars, restaurants and food courts, but to use drive-thru or pickup options. Little also recommended avoiding discretionary travel and shopping. Boise: State of emergency declared Monday, city buildings closed with the exception of the Boise Airport IOWA Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters and casinos to close for two weeks. Also bans events of more than 10 people, including parades, festivals, conventions and fundraisers, in line with federal recommendations. KANSAS Kansas State University to teach remotely. In Kansas, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday banned public gatherings of 50 or more people for the next two months. All of the state's K-12 schools to close and to move lessons online for the rest of the spring semester. MAINE Maine's largest city, Portland, declared an emergency and adopted a curfew to prevent the spread of the virus on St. Patrick's Day. The curfew applies to establishments where groups gather all day Tuesday and from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. L.L. Bean is closing all of its retail stores across the country, including its flagship store in Freeport, Maine, to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The North Haven Select Board voted Sunday to ban visitors and seasonal residents immediately to prevent the spread of the coronavirus to the Penobscot Bay island, where there have been no cases yet. A growing number of municipalities declared emergencies and imposed curfews. MISSISSIPPI Casinos, public universities and school districts closed until further notice. Mississippi legislators are suspending their work until at least April 1. MISSOURI Restaurants, bars and movie theaters ordered shut for 15 days in Kansas City metro from Tuesday MONTANA Public schools closed for two weeks. Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Butte and Helena restrict restaurant openings. NEBRASKA Omaha bars and restaurants limited to 10 and under patrons. The Douglas County Board of Health issued an order limiting gatherings within the county, which includes Omaha, to no more than 10 people. The order also says that a venue must be large enough for all people in any gathering to be at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart from each other. The order is effective through April 30. NEW HAMPSHIRE Restaurants will be restricted to take-out, schools are shut down and large public gatherings are being banned in an effort to contain the coronavirus in New Hampshire. New Hampshire's directive, which extends until April 7, also will ban public gatherings of 50 people or more. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and affiliated hospitals are no longer allowing visitors. NEW MEXICO Restaurants and bars to operate at 50 per cent capacity; tables must not seat more than six people, and must be separated by at least six feet. NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is ordering all restaurants and bars be closed to dine-in patrons. Cooper's office announced he would issue a new executive order directing the closings effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The establishments can continue to offer takeout and delivery. NORTH DAKOTA No mandated closing of restaurants and bars. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order closing schools across the state for one week beginning Monday. PUERTO RICO Two-week closure for the majority of businesses; 9pm overnight curfew through March 30. Puerto Rico Secretary of State Elmer Roman said at a press conference on Monday that no one is allowed to go to the beach. On Sunday, Gov. Wanda Vazquez ordered a two-week closure of nonessential government offices and commercial businesses except for gas stations and those in the food, health and finance sectors. Puerto Rico also cancelled major events, including an Ironman race scheduled for this past weekend. SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston banned gatherings of more than 50 people outside of stores and private offices. Columbia restricted businesses to no more than half their legal occupancy and won't allow more than six people to sit at a restaurant table. Schools closed from Monday SOUTH DAKOTA No current plans to close restaurants or bars. The governor signed a state of emergency order last week, requesting public schools to close and ordering non-essential state employees to work from home. South Dakota public universities announced on Monday that all classes will move online next week after an extended spring break. TENNESSEE All bars closed in Nashville; restuarants ordered to operate at no more than 50 per cent capacity. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Monday asked schools to close, exhorted people to avoid crowded bars TEXAS Austin joined other major cities statewide in closing bars and restaurant dining rooms to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas Capitol in Austin also will be closed to the public. SXSW canceled. The University of Texas System on Tuesday instructed its eight academic campuses to, effective immediately, move all classes online for the rest of the spring semester and postponed graduation ceremonies until the fall. El Paso closed its bars and ordered restaurant capacities cut in half. Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough ordered the island city's bars and restaurants to close, as well as all public amusement venues, including museums, the Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens. Houston has also enacted restrictions on bars, clubs and restaurant US VIRGIN ISLANDS State of emergency declared All public schools closed for at least three weeks from Wednesday UTAH Salt Lake City shuts restaurants to dine in customers and bars; take out continues. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert ordered statewide dine-in closures at restaurants, bars and other eateries while health officials in the national parks hot spot of Moab halted new overnight tourists. Authorities also closed restaurants, except for takeout, and other public places like theaters and gyms in Grand, Carbon and Emery Counties. VIRGINIA Gov. Ralph Northam bans public gatherings of more than 100 people. All K-12 schools to close through at least March 27. WEST VIRGINIA So far, West Virginia has just one coronavirus case. WISCONSIN Bans on 50 people or more gatherings; bars and restaurants limiting customers. Gov. Tony Evers ordered that child care settings have no more than 10 staffers and 50 children present at the same time. WYOMING Dine in customers banned at restaurants and bars. Airlines are wrapping up winter-season flights to Jackson Hole weeks earlier than usual. The resort and two others in northwest Wyoming Grand Targhee resort and Snow King Resort have shut down early. Former Kazakh state nuclear company head Mukhtar Dzhakishev, whose conviction on corruption charges in 2010 was criticized by many as politically motivated, has been released from prison. Dzhakishev on March 19 left the prison in the northeastern city of Semei after a Kazakh court on March 3 granted him an early release. The court ruled that Dzhakishev will not be allowed to leave the country and will live under parole-like restrictions until his 14-year term is over. Observers and human rights organizations widely consider Dzhakishev a political prisoner. Dozens of his supporters greeted him outside the prison. The former tycoon, who has served about 11 years of his sentence, has complained of health issues. Dzhakishev's supporters and international human rights organizations have urged Kazakh authorities to release him since his arrest in 2009. In March 2018, the Helsinki Committee Norway and the France-based Association for Human Rights in Central Asia called on then-President Nursultan Nazarbaev to release Dzhakishev on humanitarian grounds because because he had a number of health issues. In 2015, the UN Human Rights Committee asked the Kazakh authorities to annul Dzhakishevs conviction and release him immediately. It said that his right to a fair and public trial, to have contact with his lawyers, and to be treated humanely had been violated. Human rights groups in Kazakhstan also called Dzhakishev a political prisoner. Some government critics believe that he was imprisoned because he was a close friend of Mukhtar Ablyazov, a self-exiled former banker and opposition politician, who has been living in the European Union since 2009, the year when Dzhakishev was arrested. Many in Kazakhstan hoped that after Nazarbaev's sudden resignation in March last year, Dzhakishev would be paroled. Nazarbaev, 79, had been president since before Kazakhstan became independent in 1991. He continues to play a crucial role in the countrys political life as the leader of the ruling Nur-Otan party and the chairman for life of the countrys powerful Security Council. Nazarbaev also holds the title of elbasy, or leader of the nation. On February 29, Kazakhstan's current President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev said in an interview with online magazine Informburo.kz that he was "confident that the decision on the next early release request by Dzhakishev will be fair." Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:30:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TOKYO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) on Thursday said it put into commission a new Aegis-equipped destroyer as it sets about bolstering its fleet. Named "Maya," the destroyer is the newest member to join the fleet and also its most technically advanced, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The destroyer has an upgraded anti-ballistic missile interceptor system, which is the result of a joint developmental collaboration between Japan and the United States, sources close to the matter said. The new destroyer is capable of intercepting short-to-intermediate-range missiles using the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor, they added. The vessel also has improved maneuvering capabilities and provides wider cover for intercepting missiles than its predecessors, the MSDF said. The MSDF also explained the new destroyer is equipped with a "Cooperative Engagement Capability" system which can accurately determine the position of missiles and aircraft and share this information with other militaries. The "Maya" was handed over by Japan Marine United Corp. to Japan's defense ministry at a ceremony in Yokohama close Tokyo. The destroyer, to be deployed at the MSDF's base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, cost 172 billion yen (1.6 billion U.S. dollars) to build. According to Japan's Defense Minister Taro Kono, the "Maya," weighing 8,200 tons and measuring 170 meters in length, will be the fleet's front-runner in terms of missile air defense capabilities. "I expect the ship to lead our comprehensive missile air defense capabilities," Kono said of the country's seventh Aegis destroyer, while abroad the new missile intercepting vessel at the handover ceremony. Japan plans to add an eighth Aegis-equipped destroyer, the "Haguro," to its fleet in March 2021, the defense ministry has said. On the very first page of The Boy From the Woods, we meet the decidedly off-beat central character of this gripping thriller. A 1986 newspaper report reveals that two hikers found a feral boy living alone and foraging for himself in the New Jersey mountains. He is about eight years old, can speak, but has no memory of who he is or how he came to be alone. Thirty years later, having been absorbed into the system and fostered by two good people, Wilde, as he is called, is quite literally a genius, but has always been a loner, even if he is a graduate of West Point and a decorated army special forces veteran. He lives alone in the woods outside the town he grew up in, working as a private investigator. He is approached by his 17-year-old godson Matthew Crimstein, the grandson of Wilde's long-time mentor, successful criminal lawyer and feisty TV host Hester Crimstein, a tiny woman but a force of nature who has appeared peripherally in a number of recent Coben thrillers. Matthew, whose deceased father was a close friend to Wilde, tells him he is worried about Naomi Pine, a bullied classmate who has gone missing, Wilde springs into action. His investigations stir up quite a hornets' nest, linking Naomi to the oddly named Crash Maynard, whose mega-wealthy parents, TV producer Dash Maynard and his wife Dot, are unaware of their son's mean streak. Dash is a close friend of reality TV star Rusty Eggers, a presidential hopeful running a far-right presidential campaign that would actually trump Trump. Wilde finds Naomi, but a week later she disappears again, followed a couple of days later by Crash. Then a severed finger turns up, with a ransom note demanding that Dash hands over incriminating videotapes of Rusty Eggers that the kidnappers insist, despite his vehement denials, he possesses. The scene is set for a satisfying denouement which is followed by a sweetly sentimental coda that fortunately escapes being cloying. With more than 75 million books in print and translated into 42 languages, Harlan Coben is one of America's most successful contemporary thriller writers. The secret of his success? Coben sets his hook deep very early on with a killer premise and then relentlessly reels in his readers as his deftly plotted tale ratchets up the tension and action to a violent, cathartic and ultimately satisfying climax. Each new novel is a textbook lesson in thriller writing. Most recently Coben has successfully moved into film, forging a massive deal with Netflix that sees the American streaming giant taking options of 14 of Coben's books and first refusal on any stand-alone TV ideas he may have. He has, as a police blotter might put it, 'previous' in this area. In 2006, his book Tell No One was filmed by former showjumper-turned-poster boy of French cinema, Guillaume Canet. It was a massive hit and won four Cesar Awards in 2007, What impressed Coben was that Canet involved him in every stage of the process of pre-production and filming, something unthinkably alien to the Hollywood machine. It was exactly the same for the recent nail-bitingly tense eight-episode Netflix adaptation of his 2015 novel, The Stranger, set in England with a cast that includes Richard Armitage, Dervla Kirwan, Jennifer Saunders and Siobhan Finneran. He was on top of everything, from casting to dialogue, acting as a co-producer, while his 25-year-old daughter Charlotte wrote Episode 5. Interestingly, all Coben's film credits so far are in Europe, perhaps because his books travel so well. There have been three English adaptations, three French and a forthcoming Spanish production El Inocente, a Polish Netflix adaptation of his 2007 novel The Woods and Julia Roberts is apparently currently making Coben's Fool Me Once. Talk about flavour of the month, but Coben's hugely immersive books and movies should come with a danger of addiction warning. Video of the Day In next week's Review, Harlan Coben talks to Darragh McManus A Windsor, Ont. man who became stuck in Morocco after travelling there for vacation two weeks ago says he's been informed by doctors that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Rakan Aloran posted a video to his Facebook page on March 18, stating he was in a hospital in Tangiers after being tested for the virus. "I just got my test results back for COVID-19 and I tested positive," Aloran said in a video. "I'm spending my second night in the Moroccan hospital quarantined. I spent my whole time here. I cannot get out." Watch: Rakan Aloran shares his COVID-19 experience Aloran told CBC News he hasn't actually seen the test results with his own eyes, and is asking for the paperwork. He was told by his doctor that he was doing "very well" and had no fever. Aloran landed in Tangiers, Morocco for vacation. Then, he said, the whole world basically just stopped. He said his first flight back to Canada was supposed to be March 18, the earliest flight he could find. After booking it, despite the cost and it being a long flight, it was cancelled. The Moroccan government suspended all flights in and out of the country. South Korea and the United States have signed a $60 billion bilateral currency swap agreement, Seoul's central bank said Thursday, a move expected to relieve liquidity crunch caused by the global spread of the new coronavirus. The $60 billion arrangement will be in place for at least six months. "The Bank of Korea (BOK) plans to immediately supply U.S. banknotes it secures via the currency swap arrangement and this is expected to help stabilize the local foreign exchange market that is showing a rapid change in the exchange rate due to a recent shortage of dollars," the BOK said in a press release. The Korean won fell by 40 won to close at 1,285.70 won against the U.S. greenback Thursday, the lowest in over a decade as investors rush to the hard currency, deemed a safer asset. The latest currency swap line marked the second of its kind to be signed with the United States, according to the BOK. The first South Korea-U.S. arrangement, signed in October 2008, was originally set to expire after six months, but was twice extended until February 2010. The arrangement helped bring the won-dollar exchange rate to 1,170 won per dollar in February 2010 from 1,468 won per dollar at its start in October 2008, the BOK said. South Korea currently has bilateral currency swap arrangements with eight countries, including Australia, Canada and China. They, together with a multilateral arrangement involving the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, are worth more than $193 billion, according to the BOK. "The Bank of Korea will continue to work for the stabilization of the financial market through cooperation with the central banks of major countries," it said. Early this week, South Korea took a series of steps to funnel more liquidity into the financial system and its economy amid the deepening global market rout and economic impact. In particular, the country's financial authorities raised a cap on foreign currency forward positions for local banks to 50 percent of their equity capital, from the current 40 percent, in an effort to ease dollar shortage in the capital market. South Korea, hit by the growing outbreak of COVID-19, has announced an extra budget worth 11.7 trillion won to help the economy chug along. The central bank also cut its policy rate by half a percentage point to a record low of 0.75 percent. (Yonhap) Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) today released its regular weekly Net Asset Value ("NAV") and performance returns on its website, https://www.pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/weekly-navs/. The NAV and returns were computed as of the close of business on Tuesday, 17 March 2020. PSH NAV per share as of close of business on 17 March 2020 was 25.19 USD 20.85 GBP and year-to-date performance was -6.5%. Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft). Performance is presented on a net-of-fees basis and reflects the deduction of, among other expenses: management fees, brokerage commissions, administrative fees and accrued performance fees, if any. The performance figure includes the reinvestment of all dividends, interest and capital gains. Depending on the timing of a specific investment, net performance for an individual investor may vary from the net performance as stated herein. Net performance is a geometrically linked time weighted calculation. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. All investments involve risk including the loss of principal. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200318005809/en/ Contacts: Media Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Qantas will also respond to any request from the government for emergency transportation for ex-pat Australians wishing to travel home and some strategic transport links, though it is expected that most Australians will heed the government's warnings and will choose to travel home before the end of March. The sweeping measures came after the federal government announced a $715 million mini-bailout for the aviation sector on Wednesday, which includes the waiving of certain fees and levies associated with air travel. Qantas has a $4 billion annual wage bill. Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce told reporters on Thursday that Qantas would reassess its position in April. "We will have to assess then whether to dig further deeper, or to put capacity back on," he said. "This is a terrible day," Mr Joyce said. "I never thought as CEO I would have to stand down two thirds of our people... and there may even be more. "This is the biggest crisis aviation has ever been through." Asked whether the airline would ask for more support from the government in addition to the levy waiver, Mr Joyce pointed to Qantas' "really strong balance sheet. We have a strong cash balance and an investment grade rating." "We'll be okay financially," he said. "Airlines will go under in this region, Qantas will not be one of them. We're doing everything we can to make sure we're the last man standing." Airlines will go under in this region, Qantas will not be one of them. We're doing everything we can to make sure we're the last man standing. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce Qantas rival Virgin Australia has already cut capacity as it bats off speculation that it is in severe financial strife. Virgin Australia on Wednesday grounded its entire international fleet and is running a slimmed down domestic service. In regards to the stand-down of thousands of staff, Mr Joyce said that amid the restrictions on international travel the airline did not have enough financial capacity to pay its staff while it wasn't flying planes. "For many, a period of unpaid leave will be inevitable," Mr Joyce said, adding the airline was "having constructive dialogue with the unions". Pilots, cabin crew, baggage handlers and workers within Qantas's lounges will be hit hard by the mass stand-down of staff. All Qantas chairmans' lounges will be shut and there will be a consolidation of other lounges and all international lounges will close. The Qantas announcement today amounts to workers bailing out the airline. TWU national secretary Michael Kaine Qantas said it was working with Woolworths to see if any of the supermarket's additional temporary employment positions could be made available for stood-down airline staff, particularly baggage handlers which could aid the supermarket's ramped up restocking program. Stood-down staff who took temporary employment would not place their future employment at Qantas in jeopardy. The airline will also delay the payment of its dividend from April 9 until September 1, and senior executives and the board will take a 100 per cent pay cut until at least the end of the financial year, up from 30 per cent earlier, joining the chairman and CEO in taking no pay. More than 150 aircraft will be temporarily grounded by Qantas's capacity cuts. This includes all of the airline's A380s, 747s and B787-9s and Jetstars B787-8s. Discussions are progressing with airports and government about parking for these aircraft. Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine slammed Qantas decision. "The brunt of this crisis has been pushed into workers," Mr Kaine said. "When this crisis is over, Qantas will have leave balances of zero or less," Mr Kaine said. "We are robbing from the future of airline workers who have built this airline and this industry." He called on the Morrison government to step in with financial support for all affected workers. RACINE, Wisconsin, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, SC Johnson today announced it is furthering its efforts to fight the spread and impact of the virus by committing $5 million in products and cash to support urgent public needs and those on the front lines. The announcement builds on the $2 million the company has donated to date, including $1 million to the CDC Foundation's Emergency Response Fund, and other donations to efforts around the world in China, Italy and the U.K. The company continues to assess ways to address the needs of people around the world. "I am incredibly proud of all the people of SC Johnson who are committed to providing support to those around the world dealing with this crisis and experiencing its impact firsthand," said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. "From medical professionals and first responders to school children, we hope this commitment will help provide some relief." Recognizing that first responders are working around the clock to provide essential services, SC Johnson is teaming with the CDC Foundation to deliver care packages for police, fire and medical personnel. The care packages, which will include cleaning and disinfectant products made by SC Johnson, will be delivered in an initial wave of 20,000 in conjunction with the CDC Foundation in areas across the U.S. "We thank SC Johnson for this generous donation that will ensure those on the front lines of this health threat receive support," said Judy Monroe, MD, President and CEO of the CDC Foundation. "It's critical to have a broad spectrum of resources as this pandemic expands." Additionally, SC Johnson is supporting critical health care needs across Europe, Asia and Latin America to help protect families against the spread of COVID-19 through cash and product donations, as well as educational programs. SC Johnson is also providing resources to help mitigate the demand the outbreak is placing on community services in its hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. This donation will help support the local medical response to COVID-19, as well as provide meals, snacks and books to school children throughout the area. Care packages will also be distributed to local first responders. These efforts will be provided in partnership with the Racine Unified School District, the Racine Family YMCA and Ascension All Saints Hospital. The outbreak is taking a particular toll on the most vulnerable in society, with an increased strain placed on homeless shelters and food pantries. To help The Salvation Army Racine Food Pantry, Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO), Racine County Food Bank and Kingdom Manna Food Pantry, SC Johnson is donating $25,000 to each of these organizations enabling them to serve those in need. For more information on how to help protect your family, please visit www.scjohnson.com/covid19 and the CDC's website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/. See SC Johnson's announcement and additional communications on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/620114/SC_Johnson_Logo.jpg LIMERICK is facing a war time-like crisis over the global Covid-19 pandemic, with the first crucial testing centre now in operation on the outskirts of the city. There is just one facility in Limerick, but this is expected to change quickly as the demand for testing increases manifold in the coming days and weeks. There are 366 cases nationwide, and Limerick has the third highest number with 14 patients, according to new Department of Health figures. But despite the advice of the countrys most respected healthcare professionals and the Government, a number of Limerick pubs are still serving drink to the public, putting members in a West Limerick community at risk. The shocking revelation has left this community appalled, TD Niall Collins claimed this week. A number of local sources have also confirmed this to be the case. It's understood while the front of the bars are closed, customers are being asked to access the rear of the buildings. A lot of members of the public have contacted me that a number of pubs in the west have remained open the last couple of days. People have been drinking excessively and not adhering to the distance separation public health advice. When I speak to An Garda Siochana, they don't have the powers to close these pubs. They can only remind the publicans of the advice. Read also: Limerick has third highest number of coronavirus cases in Ireland The Fianna Fail TD said that it was really scandalous disregard for the wider community, adding that there has been an influx of people who do not live there for most of the year. As the HSE is expecting to receive in the region of 30,000 test kits to deal with increasing demand, three test centres are now in operation in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. These centres can only be accessed by appointment, and people without an appointment will be turned away. Any GP can make an electronic referral to the HSEs Healthlink system, after which people will be contacted for an appointment, which could be for a number of days. The HSE also a Mid-West helpline for those who may be a close or casual contact of a confirmed case. The helpline (1890 300046), which is run by a team of 12 staff, is already at high capacity, fielding in the region of 1,000 calls per day, it is understood. And due to the outbreak in Ireland, the vast majority of all outpatient appointments and elective surgeries in public hospitals across the Mid-West have now been postponed, except for crucial and time-sensitive operations. The HSE has indicated that individual hotels may be asked to provide services, Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, president of the Irish Hotels Federation confirmed this Wednesday. I am not personally aware of any hotels that have made any such arrangement, she said and she confirmed that her own family hotel, Woodlands House Hotel had not made any agreement. Any services required from a hotel, she explained, would most likely involve providing accommodation for frontline workers or for nursing home residents and would not be for Covid-19 patients. The pandemic has also exposed a many businesses to financial uncertainty, due to an abysmal decline in trade, and it is reported that up to 100,000 workers could lose their jobs in the coming weeks. The council is now calling on businesses experiencing difficulty in paying rates to contact them, and has suspended all legal proceedings during the outbreak period. A spokesperson has said that a range of supports are available, including small and medium business scheme, tourism sector support scheme, alongside a number of Government packages. Meanwhile, Government TD Kieran ODonnell has called on the Government for a national relief programme for businesses that have been impacted. This is a war time-like situation and the measures taken have to reflect this reality. We will come through this and it is very important, that the necessary supports are in place to come through the emergency period and thereafter that people can get back to work as fast as possible, Deputy ODonnell stated this Wednesday. In County Limerick, instead of catering for large numbers of customers on St Patrick's Day, publican Catherine Reardon spent much of Tuesday doing a deep clean of her pub near Lough Gur. The family-run premises has been operating since 1944 and Catherine says the decision to close on Sunday night is extremely disappointing. "We have no plan, we just closed on Sunday night and we can't reopen for two weeks," she told the Limerick Leader adding that the restaurant at the premises is continuing to provide take-away meals for customers. "They can come in, pick them up and just go," she said. "I have no income coming in, it's that simple and we are just doing takeaways for anyone who wants them and there is nothing else we can do until this blows over," she said. "Normally, St Patrick's Day would be a very busy day for us and we had nothing. There wasn't much I could do and, in fact, what we are doing at the moment is giving everywhere a real deep clean in the hope that if we open in two weeks time that we will able to continue business but I'm not so sure we will open in two weeks time," said Catherine. "If if goes on longer than it too weeks it could be difficult to reopen. Just doing the takeaway meals we are way down on what we would be normally doing so it is a big concern for us," added the public who had three part-time workers up to the closure, she told the Limerick Leader. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 04:13:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on world leaders to offer an urgent and coordinated response to this global crisis caused by COVID-19. "I call on world leaders to come together and offer an urgent and coordinated response to this global crisis," the UN chief said at a press conference via video-link while all UN staff members are required to telecommute so as to mitigate the spread of the virus at UN headquarters in New York. The secretary-general said that "many countries have exceeded the capacity to care for even mild cases in dedicated health facilities, with many unable to respond to the enormous needs of the elderly. Even in the wealthiest countries, we see health systems buckling under pressure." "Health spending must be scaled up right away to meet urgent needs and the surge in demand - expanding testing, bolstering facilities, supporting health care workers, and ensuring adequate supplies - with full respect for human rights and without stigma," he said. "It has been proven that the virus can be contained. It must be contained," the secretary-general noted. "If we let the virus spread like wildfire - especially in the most vulnerable regions of the world - it would kill millions of people." Guterres stressed that "we need to immediately move away from a situation where each country is undertaking its own health strategies to one that ensures, in full transparency, a coordinated global response, including helping countries that are less prepared to tackle the crisis." "Governments must give the strongest support to the multilateral effort to fight the virus, led by the World Health Organization, whose appeals must be fully met," he said. "The health catastrophe makes clear that we are only as strong as the weakest health system." The UN chief also called on the international community to focus on the social impact of the virus and the economic response and recovery. "Unlike the 2008 financial crisis, injecting capital in the financial sector alone is not the answer. This is not a banking crisis - indeed banks must be part of the solution," said the secretary-general. "And it is not an ordinary shock in supply and demand; it is a shock to society as a whole," the UN chief noted. "The liquidity of the financial system must be guaranteed, and banks must use their resilience to support their customers," he said. "Let's not forget this is essentially a human crisis." The secretary-general said that focus must be on people, especially the most vulnerable, low-wage workers, small and medium enterprises. "That means wage support, insurance, social protection, preventing bankruptcies and job loss." "That also means designing fiscal and monetary responses to ensure that the burden does not fall on those who can least afford it," he added. "The recovery must not come on the backs of the poorest - and we cannot create a legion of new poor," said the UN chief. "We need to get resources directly in the hands of people. A number of countries are taking up social protection initiatives such as cash transfers and universal income. We need to take it to the next level to ensure support reaches those entirely dependent on the informal economy and countries less able to respond," he added. The UN chief hailed G20 leaders' efforts to protect their own citizens and economies by waiving interest payments. "We must apply that same logic to the most vulnerable countries in our global village and alleviate their debt burden," he said. "Across the board, we need a commitment to ensure adequate financial facilities to support countries in difficulties. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international financial institutions play a key role," Guterres said. "We are facing a global health crisis unlike any in the 75-year history of the United Nations - one that is spreading human suffering, infecting the global economy and upending people's lives," said the UN chief. Noting that a global recession - perhaps of record dimensions - is a "near certainty," the secretary-general said that the International Labour Organization has just reported that workers around the world could lose as much as 3.4 trillion U.S. dollars in income by the end of this year. Guterres was also concerned about a possible "human crisis" as a result of the wide spread of the virus. "Our human family is stressed and the social fabric is being torn. People are suffering, sick and scared," he said. Stressing that current responses at the country level will not address the global scale and complexity of the crisis, Guterres said that "this is a moment that demands coordinated, decisive, and innovative policy action from the world's leading economies." "My central message is clear: we are in an unprecedented situation and the normal rules no longer apply. We cannot resort to the usual tools in such unusual times," he said. The secretary-general also asked attention be given to women and children and other vulnerable people, as the women are "disproportionally carrying the burden at home and in the wider economy" and children are also "paying a heavy price." Recalling the mission of the United Nations, Guterres said that "we have a framework for action - the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We must keep our promises for people and planet." "The United Nations - and our global network of country offices - will support all governments to ensure that the global economy and the people we serve emerge stronger from this crisis," he added. In this regard, "global solidarity is not only a moral imperative, it is in everyone's interests," said the UN chief. Police have arrested multiple suspects following an investigation into a shooting that occurred last month at a residence on Sixth Street. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/3/2020 (663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Police have arrested multiple suspects following an investigation into a shooting that occurred last month at a residence on Sixth Street. The ongoing investigation into the shooting, which occurred on Feb.26 at a residence in the 300 block of Sixth Street, led police to information regarding separate incidents involving some of the same suspects. The first incident allegedly occurred several days prior to the shooting, when two suspects broke into an apartment in the 300 block of Sixth Street and confronted the homeowner as well as several guests while armed with a knife and a handgun. The suspects were known to the female homeowner. The suspects allegedly forced the woman to leave with them, threatening to harm everyone else present if she did not comply. They took her to a separate residence where they reportedly assaulted her and threaten to shoot her if she tried to leave. The woman was eventually able to leave the residence the following morning. In the early morning hours of Feb. 26, one of the same suspects, a 25-year-old man, allegedly returned to the apartment armed with a taser. He again threatened the same woman, stating if she didnt go with him he would harm her and others in the home. (SUBMITTED) Police searched residences in the 1000 block of 10th Street, the 600 block of 16th Street and a rural residence where they located four rifles, one loaded shotgun, approximately 100 rounds of various ammunition, two air rifles, one CO2 handgun, bear mace, Canadian currency and just under one kilogram of cocaine as well as two kilograms of benzocaine. The woman left with the suspect, but was able to break free and run away. Following her escape, the 25-year-old suspect returned to the residence with three others and allegedly broke into a separate apartment in the same building. One of the suspects was armed with a sawed-off shotgun, another was armed with a machete, the third suspect was wearing a ski mask and carrying a taser and the fourth was armed with a baton. A struggle ensued and one of the two male victims was shot before he was able to escape. The suspects fled the apartment following the shooting. On March 4, the same woman that had previously been forced to leave her home with the suspects was at a separate Brandon residence with friends. The same 25-year-old suspect allegedly entered the home with another suspect, both of which were carrying handguns and treated everyone present and again the woman was forced to leave. This time she was taken to a rural residence. The following day, the suspect brought her back to Brandon to yet another residence before she was finally allowed to leave. On March 15, police arrested two men in relation to the incidents at the residence on Sixth Street, including the 25-year-old suspect. SUBMITTED Police searched residences in the 1000 block of 10th Street, the 600 block of 16th Street and a rural residence where they located four rifles, one loaded shotgun, approximately 100 rounds of various ammunition, two air rifles, one CO2 handgun, bear mace, Canadian currency and just under one kilogram of cocaine as well as two kilograms of benzocaine. Upon their arrest, police found a loaded CO2 handgun. Police continued to investigate these incidents, which led to officers executing three separate search warrants on Wednesday. Police searched residences in the 1000 block of 10th Street, the 600 block of 16th Street and a rural residence where they located four rifles, one loaded shotgun, approximately 100 rounds of various ammunition, two air rifles, one CO2 handgun, bear mace, Canadian currency and just under one kilogram of cocaine as well as two kilograms of benzocaine. The 25-year-old man allegedly involved in each incident is facing 29 charges, including a variety of weapons and firearms related offences, break and enter to commit, discharge firearm to endanger life, forcible confinement and assault cause bodily harm. A 21-year-old man is facing 13 charges, including a variety of weapons and firearms related offences in addition to break and enter to commit. A 26-year-old man is facing 14 charges, including a variety of weapons and firearms related offences in addition to break and enter to commit. A 22-year-old man is facing 14 charges, including a variety of weapons and firearms related offences, break and enter to commit, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime. A 40-year-old man is facing 12 charges, including a variety of weapons and firearms related offences and forcible confinement. This investigation remains ongoing. The Brandon Sun STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that indoor portions of all shopping malls will have to temporarily close their doors, the Staten Island Mall said on its website that it will close Thursday night. The move by Cuomo is yet another effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Together we will reduce density and slow the spread of coronavirus, the governor wrote on Twitter. However, the New Springville Mall, which will close Thursday at 8 p.m., notes on its website that stores with exterior entrances may remain open and hours will vary. Following Governor Cuomos Executive Order No. 202.5 (the Order), the common area portions of Staten Island Mall will temporarily cease operations as of 8 p.m. on March 19, 2020, the Mall wrote on its website. Accordingly, restaurants and other stores located within the Mall, which maintain external entrances separate from a general Mall entrance, may remain open for operating hours and for takeout or food delivery services. All entrances and exits to the Malls indoor common areas must remain closed to the public. We expect all tenants to comply. We are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic and will provide further updates via our website. We appreciate the understanding and support of the community during this challenging time. Mall officials said they will soon provide a list of what stores will be open. Cuomos decision came in collaboration with three other states, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey, and it is an expansion of the executive order the governor signed earlier this week to limit gatherings to 50 people. It is critical that we remain on the same page as our neighboring states, and so far we are the only region in the country partnering to create uniform, regional density reduction policies that prevent state shopping,' Cuomo said. Earlier Wednesday, Cuomo also announced that he will sign an executive order that only permits 50% of a companys employees to show up to work at any given time. This more stringent workplace regulation comes on the heels of a ban on in-restaurant dining and closure of all bars. Also, gatherings of 50 or more people have been previously banned. In addition, the state Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that will ensure all New Yorkers have paid leave if they are subject to mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The actions taken today will provide relief to workers who are being affected by this growing pandemic, said Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore), co-sponsor of the bill. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** On Thursday, the first drive-through testing center for coronavirus in New York City opened for business in Ocean Breeze. Testing will be by appointment only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the parking lot of South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Ave., Rep. Max Rose (Staten Island/Brooklyn) said in a post on Twitter. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER Chinese officials say they have seen the dawn of an end to the coronavirus epidemic, after the country reported zero new cases of local infection for the first time since the outbreak began. Figures for Wednesday showed there were no new cases at all in Wuhan or the wider Hubei province, where the virus now known as Covid-19 is believed to have first transmitted among humans. Authorities warned the risk was still not over, though, as 34 cases all imported from abroad were reported in other provinces. They included 21 in Beijing and nine in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong. There were also eight new deaths on Wednesday, according to the National Health Commission. bringing the country to a total of 80,928 cases and 3,245 deaths. Nonetheless, the lack of new local transmissions in Hubei was hailed as a major landmark in the global fight to contain the disease. Today we have seen the dawn after so many days of hard effort, said Jiao Yahui, a senior inspector at the National Health Commission. Li Yang, an official from Hubeis Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, told a news conference that the threat of Covid-19 had not been eliminated and infection risk still persists, at both community and clinic levels. Wuhan has been under a strict lockdown since January, and remains cut off with only those with special permission allowed to travel in or out. Officials are moving to loosen travel restrictions, but only inside the surrounding province of Hubei where most checkpoints will be taken down. The lockdown in Wuhan will be lifted only if no additional cases are reported for two consecutive weeks, something which could happen as early as next month, Li Lanjuan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told local media. A local medical worker bids farewell to a medical worker from Jiangsu at Wuhan Railway Station, as the medical team from Jiangsu leaves the city (Reuters) But attention in China and across Asia is increasingly turning from stopping local spread to preventing new cases from arriving abroad. China is even assisting governments in Europe sending medical supplies to France, for example, returning a favour done by Paris a few weeks ago. Alarmed by the 21 new cases arriving in Beijing a record number the Chinese aviation authority said it had appointed 12 airport companies to assist in diverting international arrivals away from the capital. A state media report on the announcement did not elaborate which cities the traffic would be diverted to, but the measure is designed to help with effective screening of passengers and isolation of infected travellers. Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Show all 20 1 /20 Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Top: Nabi Younes market, Mosul Bottom: Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Grand Mosque, Mecca Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Nabi Younes market, Mosul Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Basra Grand Mosque, Iraq Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Taj Mahal hotel, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Dubai Mall, UAE Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Gateway of India, Mumbai Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Victoria Memorial, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sidon, Lebanon Reuters In Japan, there were only three new infection cases on Wednesday, and the governor of the worst-hit Hokkaido province announced the end of a state of emergency. From the 20th we move to a new stage to overcome the crisis, Naomichi Suzuki told reporters. While mass gatherings are still effectively banned, an expert panel on the virus outbreak was expected to recommend that some schools be reopened and sporting events resumed. Koji Wada, a member of the panel, told Reuters that there are some areas where almost all the patients have been identified in the past two weeks ... So in those areas, its OK to reopen schools, even now. Singapore reported 47 new cases on Wednesday, but of those 33 were imported including 30 returning Singapore residents, taking the countrys total to 313. The imported cases had travelled to European countries including the UK, Turkey, France, Germany, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland, as well as India, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US. South Korea, which has been widely praised for its handling of the outbreak through aggressive testing measures, has reduced its rate of new infections to double digits in recent days. On Wednesday, that jumped to 152 new cases. At the peak of its outbreak, it was reporting upwards of 850 new cases a day. Bank of America's chief U.S. economist has said that the country is officially in a coronavirus recession, while others are warning that the downturn could eventually rival the scale of the Great Depression. In a note to clients on Thursday, Bank of America economist Michelle Meyer said the U.S. economy is in a 'deep plunge' brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic. 'We are officially declaring that the economy has fallen into a recession ... joining the rest of the world, and it is a deep plunge,' Meyer wrote, according to CNBC. 'Jobs will be lost, wealth will be destroyed and confidence depressed.' 'When it comes to the policy response, there should be no upper bound for the size of stimulus, in our view,' she reportedly wrote. Visitors to the Department of Labor are turned away at the door by personnel due to closures over coronavirus concerns, Wednesday in New York. Applications for jobless benefits are surging in some states as coronavirus concerns shake the U.S. economy Volunteers at Hook Hall prepare care packages for scores of suddenly unemployed restaurant and hospitality workers in Washington, DC on Thursday November 16, 1930: A 'soup kitchen' in Chicago is opened for the hungry and homeless by gangster Al Capone during the Great Depression. Now one economist says that extended coronavirus lockdowns could trigger economic calamity as bad, or worse The company expects the unemployment rate, around 3.6 percent as of January, to nearly double, with roughly 1 million jobs lost each month of the second quarter for a total of 3.5 million. What is the difference between a market crash and a recession? Stock markets are ultimately predictions about the real economy. Share prices move up and down as investors adjust their predictions about companies' future profits. The economy itself is measured by total productivity and output, or GDP. A recession is typically defined as negative GDP growth for two consecutive quarters. While a market crash can predict a recession, it doesn't always. Often the stock market declines without any subsequent dip in the real economy. In rare cases, however, a severe market crash can actually cause a recession, if consumers and businesses reduce their spending in response to falling asset values. Because it is predictive, the stock market usually starts rising again before a recession officially ends. Advertisement The note predicted that economy would 'collapse' in the second quarter, shrinking by 12 percent, and for annual GDP to be down 0.8 percent. Meyer did add that while 'the decline is severe, we believe it will be fairly short lived.' However, if draconian containment measures remain in place for long, such as the 18-month scenario forecasted by some experts, the economic damage could be severe and long-lasting. Kevin Hassett, the Trump administration's former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, told CNN on Thursday that if everyone stays home for six months, 'it is like a Great Depression.' Hassett said the April jobs report will be 'the worst jobs number you ever saw.' Unemployment claims already spiked in the latest weekly data released on Thursday. In the week ending March 14, the number of people seeking unemployment aid soared by 70,000 to 281,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That figure is still low historically, but it may soon surpass the record high of 650,000 in January 2009. An employee of Junior's Restaurant, right, picks up her final paycheck on Thursday in Brooklyn. The restaurant company has laid off 650 of 850 employees A worker in Las Vegas cleans a pedestrian overpass near the Excalibur and Mandalay Bay hotel-casinos after Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak shut down all nonessential businesses Tens of thousands of laid-off workers have already flooded state unemployment websites across the country to apply for jobless benefits, crashing the websites in a half-dozen states. In Ohio, more than 48,000 people applied for jobless benefits just this Monday and Tuesday. That's up from 1,825 in the same two days the prior week. And in neighboring Pennsylvania, about 70,000 people sought unemployment aid on Tuesday, six times the total for the entire previous week. A flood of claims has crashed unemployment claims websites in New York, New Jersey and states across the nation. Layoffs are rippling through many companies, large and small. Each one means less income for those out of work, forcing them to cut spending, which can push still other businesses to cut jobs. Marriott International said Tuesday it has begun to furlough tens of thousands of employees. Furloughs are essentially temporary layoffs. Furloughed workers can receive unemployment benefits. The three major American automakers are temporarily shutting their North American factories, idling 150,000 workers. So are Toyota and Honda. Smaller companies have shut their doors with little time to prepare. Restaurants, bars, movie theaters, gyms, and other firms have been ordered to close by states and cities. IKEA is shutting all 50 of its US stores, as it becomes the latest business casualty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Empty trolleys are stored in front of a closed IKEA store. IKEA is shutting all 50 of its US stores, as it becomes the latest business casualty of coronavirus The world's biggest furniture brand announced the news Thursday, as experts warned that US businesses will lay off millions of Americans over the next few months. The travel industry is at risk of being particularly devastated, with airlines grounding planes and hotels increasingly empty. The U.S. Travel Association predicts that 4.6 million jobs in the industry could be lost, which by itself would push the unemployment rate to 6.3%, from its current level of 3.5%. Jon Bortz, CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, which owns 54 hotels in major cities including New York, San Francisco and Seattle, said occupancy levels have dropped into the single digits. The company has laid off more than 4,000 of its 8,000 employees, and is likely to let go another 2,000 by the end of March, he said. 'We are looking at closing the doors at more than half of our properties,' he said. Industries call on Trump to send federal relief Several industries have called on the government to provide federal relief to help keep them afloat. Fast food giants, restaurants, hoteliers and airlines have all met with the president to urge for assistance as the outbreak derails their industries. President Trump signed a multi-billion dollar coronavirus bailout bill into law late Wednesday. The total package of around $1 trillion would provide checks to Americans who have been affected by the virus. It will also provide support for small businesses and big companies, including including a $50 billion package to support the airline industry. Trump said Wednesday that airlines would be 'No. 1' to receive government relief during the pandemic. Airlines had made repeated calls for a $50 billion assistance package but for half to be paid directly so they can access it right away. The Senate is expected to unveil a third coronavirus economic relief package on Thursday, which is expected to focus on providing relief for Americans suffering fallout from the outbreak and bailouts for big businesses in the airline and hospitality industry. The number of coronavirus cases in the US has dramatically increased in the last two weeks Trump 'is considering issuing ultra-long 50-year bonds' to fund $1.3 trillion stimulus package The Trump administration is reportedly considering issuing ultra-long bonds to finance a $1.3 trillion fiscal stimulus plan. President Donald Trump's advisers are considering issuing both 50-year and 25-year bonds as they seek financing for additional federal debt with the lowest cost to taxpayers, several people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News. The sources said that White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow likes the idea, and that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has overcome initial skepticism and warmed up to the notion. The Treasury yield curve steepened initially on the report that the administration is revisiting the idea of selling ultra long-term debt. The gap between 2- and 10-year yields widened from about 60 basis points to as much as about 66 basis points before reversing much of the move. Advertisement The National Restaurant Association penned a letter to the president asking for association's request includes creation of a $145 billion Restaurant and Foodservice Industry Recovery Fund to provide immediate liquidity to operators, $100 billion of federally-backed business interruption insurance and $135 million of disaster unemployment assistance. 'As an industry that is based on welcoming everyone through our doors, we are uniquely affected by mandates that keep us from serving our customers,' the letter said. 'Without aggressive and immediate action from the federal government, many restaurants that are a staple of local communities will simply never resume service.' The letter also asked for $45 billion of loans, $35 billion for federal community block grants for disaster help and tax relief. Lucknow, March 19 : Muslim clerics have issued a special advisory for the community, asking them to avoid going to mosques for Friday prayers and offer 'namaaz' in their homes or in small groups. The advisory, issued on Wednesday evening, was shared with the media and also asked children and the elderly to not visit mosques for prayers till the coronavirus scare ebbs and to pray in their homes. Those with flu symptoms, including cough and cold and fever, have also been asked to pray at home instead of mosques. Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, Imam of Eidgah, who chaired a meeting of several clerics on Wednesday evening, said, "Imams of the various mosques have also been requested to keep the Khutba (speech) delivered before or after the Friday prayers, short so that the time spent outside of the house and within the mosque is reduced. There will also be special prayers held in the mosques for eradication of the contagious disease and for health of all people in the world." The cleric has also requested mosques not to hold community programmes or seminars within their premises for the time being, as a precautionary measure. Apart from the directives to the Imams, mosques and devotees, the cleric also held a meeting with heads from other religions, including the Gurudwara Prabhandak committee chief R. S. Bagga and Father Donald from the Catholic Diocese of Lucknow and representatives of the Sindhi, Jain and Hindu communities. In a memorandum signed by all the religious leaders, members expressed concern over the cases of COVID-19, and also asked people not to be fearful of the virus but to fight it by taking preventive measures of hygiene and protocols set up by the government. Benjamin De Simone cant talk. He cant walk. He cant stand on his own. But he can go to school. The 21-year-old, born with a brain deformation, is in his final year at a private Essex County academy where public schools send students with special education needs they cant accommodate. There, the school nurse carefully handled Benjamins feeding tube, and a team of specialists provided physical, occupational and speech therapy. Then the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. The spread of the potentially fatal disease has forced a statewide closure of schools and a shift to home instruction. Now, Benjamins West Orange family worries his critical support services will be abandoned for weeks, if not months, while he waits at home. Im terrified, said Joanne De Simone, Benjamins mother. I cant replicate what an entire team of people can do for him. Like Benjamin, more than 200,000 New Jersey students who require special education services are stuck at home with no easy access to the aides and specialists who typically interact with them. Services theyre required to receive, such as therapy and counseling, wont necessarily be made up, according to state rules. During home instruction days, schools must provide special education and related services identified in each students Individualized Education Program to the greatest extent possible, according to the state Department of Education. But those services might not be possible given social distancing recommendations and state restrictions on tele-therapy, school leaders say. Whether any of the support is made up later will be determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the state. Students IEP teams, which includes their parents, will meet after schools reopen to make those decisions, the state said. Until then, parents worry their children will be left behind in the unprecedented scramble to move more than 2,500 schools to remote learning, said John Rue, a special education attorney. The concern that we have is that in the chaos or in the paying attention to the big picture which is all good there are voices that dont get heard, Rue said. Stressful on a good day Benjamin isnt the only one in his house with special needs. His younger brother Sebastian, 17, is autistic and typically gets group counseling at West Orange High School as part of his IEP. Theres no way to replicate that at home, Joanne De Simone said. Shes worried about everything. Her sons education. Their health. Her familys finances if her husband, who works in the film industry, misses paychecks. Its stressful on a good day, she said. But she doesnt blame the schools. Nobody has all the answers during a pandemic, she said. New Jersey school administrators, along with the state Department of Education, have spent the past two weeks in a mad dash to execute a scenario that seemed only theoretical until the moment it wasnt. Online learning plans. Mass laptop distribution. Schedules for school lunch pickups. All were at the forefront while the state was pretty much creating a new educational system, as state Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet described the frenzy. But a gap in therapy and counseling can be especially detrimental to students who need special education. Every one of those students has their own IEP that calls for necessary services, usually offered by specialists who meet one-on-one or for group therapy at the school. This is probably by far and away the most complicated of all the issues before the (education) department, said David Hespe, a former state education commissioner under Gov. Chris Christie. There is no playbook At CTC Academy in Oakland, many students cant speak or walk. Some may never have the dexterity to hold a pencil. Most students at the school a private school where public schools send their most vulnerable students have their own aides during class and receive multiple forms of therapy, executive director Ken Berger said. The school sent academic instructional packets home for parents, and teachers and therapists will make regular phone calls to offer support. But since the state doesnt allow tele-therapy for special education, the school cant completely fulfill IEP requirements, Berger said. Here is the bottom line for us and I think for a lot of schools out there: We are doing everything possible to try to support the students and their families in this time," Berger said. That is what we are doing. That is our North Star. That is what our focus is on. Other schools have offered to send staff to students homes, said Gerard Thiers, executive director of ASAH, a group representing schools for students with significant disabilities. But families are reluctant to have visitors for health reasons, he said. Services could potentially be made up in the summer, though many students with special education needs are already enrolled in extended school years that continue deep into the summer, he said. There are no easy answers to parents questions. There is no playbook for this. It has never happened, Thiers said. "But we are working together every day to figure it out so our students feel safe and continue to learn. Benjamins mother said she knows schools are trying. Still, she worries that students will lose services their parents pushed so hard for them to receive. What happens to everything you fought for, and now all of the sudden you are getting wiped out? Joanne De Simone said. How does that work? How is that fair? Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Two members of the United States Congress -- Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams -- said on Wednesday that they have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Both the lawmakers said they began developing symptoms of the disease on Saturday evening (local time), less than 24 hours after they voted for the coronavirus relief package at the US House of Representatives, the Washington Post reported. Following the development, three lawmakers -- Republican Congressmen Steve Scalise, Drew Ferguson, and Ann Wagner -- have so far announced they would be self-quarantining. In a statement, 58-year-old Diaz-Balart said he is now "feeling much better" and is self-quarantined at his Washington apartment. "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times," Diaz-Balart said. Over 7000 people have tested positive for novel coronavirus in the United States, while 100 have died of the infection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) What my room will look like post-quarantine Photo: Universal Pictures/YouTube Mere months after the release of Cats single-human-handedly made the case for why its still fun to go see a movie in a crowded theater, preventative measures against the spread of coronavirus made the mere thought of shouting-along to a film in the company of others a distant (forgive us) memory. But as if it had some sort of Jellicle sixth sense, Universal made Cats available for digital purchase on March 17, right as people around the world were settling into their new socially distanced routines, in serious need of something to stream. While some have been drawn to watching relevant pandemic films like Contagion, others simply want comfort shows. Cats is neither: too bizarre to have any tether to the real world, and too horrific to qualify as a comfort to anyone. Still, we rewatched Cats at home, alone, on a laptop, with no sing-alongs or hooting crowds. And well say this: Cats hits different when youve been quarantined for a week. In isolation, youll catch more than a few disturbing moments that went unnoticed before. For example: Castle on a cloud? Honey, there is a cat skull on a cloud. Adding to our list of things these cats are smaller than, somehow: a fish. When Nanny from Muppet Babies throws Baby Victoria onto the street, you can see a vaudeville sign in the background that says Cheshire (like a cat!) and another big neon sign that says WAKE UP AND DREAM! The two of which, combined, seem to suggest that Victoria is either our white rabbit ushering us into an Alice in Wonderland world of trippy confusion, or that Tom Hooper is aware that what hes doing is akin to a night terror. This is the loading wheel on the MacBook they give you in Hell. In whatever year Cats was meant to take place, AF1s definitely didnt exist yet. The line between which cats deserve shoes and which are saddled with homunculus feet only gets hairier as Cats goes on. Us, inviting you over to eat out of the toilet. (Thats code for watch Cats.) The spooky graveyard scene in Cats is just a made-up holiday by the Dutch-angles industry to sell more Dutch angles. This has big Come play with us twins vibes, only freakier, because they both look like Splice from Splice. Blink and youll miss it: When Jennyanydots scratches her cat-taint (purrineum?) the camera has mercy and cuts to the back of her head, where for a brief millisecond, she looks like live-action Garfield from the Bill Murray Garfield. Which is also a terrible movie by any measure, but oh God, better than this. Could the Berlioz soap tin be a reference to Cats feline musical predecessor, The Aristocats? The tom-kittens in that film wore little bows around their necks, just like the mice in this Cats scene, and were named Toulouse and Berlioz. I didnt have to look that up. That is a fact that lives in my brain, where other things like math should be. And this must be a reference to Fritz the Cat, right? Imagine if Tom Hooper made Fantine yeet away on all fours after singing I Dreamed a Dream. We should be outraged for J.Hud. We should be taking to the streets. Everyone freaks out about Judi Denchs fourth-wall-penetrating address at the end of the movie, but no one seems to have noticed the moment when James Corden stares down the barrel of the lens and says the name of the movie. Powerful. Skimbleshanks appears for the first time at the 40-minute, 30-second mark, in case youre looking for him in the background, a game fittingly known as Trainspotting. We think hes fondling a tap shoe? Old Deuteronomy with the handwashing hygiene PSA. She definitely doesnt take her ring off when she handwashes for 20 seconds; she doesnt even take it off to film Cats. mlam mlam mlam myam Where were you when you realized Mr. Mistoffeleess wand is a pencil? Another small detail we missed in the theater because we couldnt hear it over the constant, rapturous applause: When Skimble says you wont be bothered by mice, a little white mouse-child runs away and squeaks Skimble! No! Skimbleshanks did a tight pirouette into the sky and disappeared into a puff of smoke, and still people call this movie things other than good. Put your coat back on, sir, youre scaring the children. FREE! HIM! The lyric not long ago, this phenomenal cat produced seven kittens right out of a hat imbued us with the awesome, terrible knowledge that Mr. Mistoffelees does indeed fuck. Also, this is the last we see of the mice children, because they die? Not sure if we fully processed the flying Fantasia instruments the first time around. Bustopher Joness twinning boyfriend is known as simply the Maitre D, according to the Cats Fandom Wiki. He is a meek cat that follows Bustopher Jones around. Here, they enjoy a celebratory shrimp because the wicked Macavity has been trapped on a roof or something. Awful, just awful. She is singing about potted grouse and salmon paste. We dont know if these are types of old-timey cat food or just standard English cuisine. The copious lip-smacking from Munkustrap and Mistoffelees is particularly repulsive. Cats dont belong in balloons. In yet another effort to curb the spread of misinformation around COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will once again go live on TikTok. WHO received an overwhelming response on March 17 and will be hosting an additional live stream on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 pm Indian Standard Time. WHO joined TikTok late last month and already has over 610.4K followers and 3.7 million likes. The idea behind joining TikTok was to provide everyone with reliable and timely public health advice!. The verified account has posted 14 videos till now, of which, some includes #safehandchallenge, FACT: The new #coronavirus can be transmitted in areas with hot & humid climates, seven simple steps to protect from #covid19, and more TikTok has partnered with WHO to create an informational page on TikTok that provides trustworthy information, offers tips on staying safe and preventing the spread of the virus, and dispels myths around COVID-19. Beyond the library of information WHO offers users on the in-app landing page, which also serves as a valuable resource for the community by using its TikTok account to create videos that provide users critical and informed medical information and tips. "At TikTok we're focused on supporting our users by providing accurate information and resources from public health officials, as well as continued support, encouragement, and uplifting videos that our community share with each other during this challenging time," says press statement issued by TikTok. Recently declared as a pandemic, the WHO website explains COVID-19 as an infectious disease caused by a new virus that had not been previously identified in humans. The virus causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia. The new coronavirus spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. One can protect themselves by washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the face. Over the last three months, Coronavirus has spread to 176 countries and territories. There have been 8,982 deaths due to COVID-19, over 2,20,206 cases across the world, of which 85,769 recovered. The confirmed number of coronavirus positive cases in India has increased to 180 after fresh cases emerged from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Chattisgarh. However, the country is taking all precautions such as shutting down schools and colleges, adopting work from home practice for organisations, closing public museums and monuments, and more till March 31 to avoid the spread of coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Govt asks 50% of staff to work from home Also read: WhatsApp launches coronavirus information hub, donates $1 mn for fact-checking Siare Engineering, Italy's largest manufacturer of hospital ventilators, has turned to Italian automakers Ferrari and Fiat to investigate the possibility that the automakers might help produce more of the live-saving machines that are urgently needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The Italian government has asked Siare to increase ventilator production from 160 per month to 500 as the country's death toll has surpassed 3,400 and is climbing rapidly. "We're talking to Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari and Marelli to try to understand if they can lend us a hand in this process for the electronics part," Gianluca Preziosa, Siare's chief executive said in an interview quoted by Reuters, adding that the car companies' expertise in electronics and pneumatics could make them ideal partners. Preziosa said that another advantage of partnering with carmakers was their purchasing power, making them more likely to obtain parts that his small firm was struggling to secure amid coronavirus-related disruption to global supply chains. A spokesman for Exor, parent of both FCA and Ferrari, said that meetings with Siare had taken place on Thursday to study the feasibility of the idea and that a decision was expected in the coming hours. Two main options were being considered: either to help Siare engineer a capacity increase at its plant, with the support of technicians provided by FCA and Ferrari, or outsource production of ventilator parts to the carmakers' facilities. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Ferrari would be ready to start manufacturing ventilator parts in its famous Maranello headquarters, which lies close to the Siare factory, but that the luxury carmaker had yet to make a final decision. Automakers worldwide are being drafted for ventilator duty. In addition to Ford and GM making plans with the U.S. government; British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaching out to Ford, Honda and Rolls-Royce; and an Elon Musk tweeted offer to build ventilators "if there is a shortage," other automakers and aerospace companies are joining in. In Europe, three groups have formed. Story continues Meggitt, which builds components including oxygen systems for civil aerospace and military fighter programs, is leading one consortium alongside engineers GKN, Thales and Renishaw. The other two teams are being led by carmakers McLaren, which is looking at how to design a simple version of a ventilator, and Nissan, which is working with others to support existing ventilator producers. Ventilators, which move air in and out of the lungs, could be the difference between life and death for coronavirus patients suffering breathing difficulties. But getting new production up to speed will not be easy, some in the manufacturing industry said. Precision milling and 3D printing techniques could help manufacture complex parts," said Rene-Christopher Wollmann, program and platform director at Automobili Pininfarina, which uses virtual design software to build electric hypercars. "But this depends on how much know-how existing manufacturers (of ventilators) are prepared to share about the design of such a machine," he added. "Another bottleneck will be assembling such machines under conditions which are adequate for the medical industry." European aerospace group Airbus is working across its processes to see if its 3D printing or production facilities can be of use. Reuters contributed to this report. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) The Tippecanoe County Health Department announced Thursday that a person within the county has been diagnosed as "presumptive positive" for COVID-19. The person recently traveled to Paris and is currently at IU Health Arnett Hospital. The Indiana State Department of Health reported 17 new cases of coronavirus Thursday. It comes a day after another Tippecanoe County resident, not currently in the county, was diagnosed. As we reported, health leaders said that person is being held in Orange County, Florida and was traveling there. Dr. Jeremy Adler said they last were in Tippecanoe County March 10. Thursday's announcement by the ISDH brings the total number of cases up to 56 in Indiana with two deaths. Owen and Wayne counties are also showing their first cases of the disease. So far, the state has tested 380 people for coronavirus. That's 187 more than Wednesday. The ISDH reports the new numbers daily at 10 a.m. Gov. Eric Holcomb is expected to give a news conference at 1 p.m. News 18 will broadcast it on-air and online. The Tippecanoe County Health Department will also hold a news conference at 12:30 p.m. News 18 will also be there. Click here for the latest numbers. A presumptive positive case means the patient has tested positive at local labs. Samples will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation. Mount Greylock Sends Budget With Slightly Smaller Ask to Member Towns WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. In the midst of an uncertain season for local schools, the Mount Greylock Regional School District offered a bit of good news to taxpayers at its fiscal year 2021 budget hearing: a spending plan that meets the district's needs, provides for a slight increase in staffing and delivers a smaller hit to local budgets. Just days before the district was forced to close its schools' doors to students because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, school officials presented the budget at a lightly attended hearing in the meeting room of the middle-high school. The bottom line for member towns Lanesborough and Williamstown is that voters at spring's annual town meetings will be asked to contribute less to the schools in FY21. In Lanesborough, that means a reduction of $7,414, from $5.77 million to $5.76 million, a change of .13 percent. In Williamstown, the delta is smaller, just $341 or .003 percent of a total assessment of $12.1 million. But in both cases, the change is in the right direction for town budgets. The total school spending plan (operating and capital budgets) is up by $317,165, a change of 1.3 percent. That is driven by the operating side of the budget, which is up by $398,734; the planned capital outlay in FY21 is actually down by $81,569. But the increase in the operating budget is offset by increases in a number of other revenue sources not related to property taxes in the member towns. The district anticipates: a $94,990 increase (11 percent) in tuition income, primarily from sending towns Hancock and New Ashford; a $106,689 increase (37 percent) in Chapter 71 Transportation Aid from the commonwealth; and a $79,954 increase (19 percent) from grant income. There also are increases in the anticipated income from circuit breaker funding, Chapter 70 aid and regionalization aid as well as a $40,000 (7.3 percent) hike in transfers from the district's School Choice account. All the increases cover the rise in the operating budget -- an increase that helps the district institute the program improvements that were the main focus of the budget hearing. The district's three principals addressed the changes in their buildings for the coming academic year. Lanesborough Elementary will be making technology upgrades, including a move to get its teachers on uniform electronic devices, Nolan Pratt said. The preK-6 school also will start installing smart boards in the classrooms, though Pratt said he and his team are still evaluating which technology will work best. The FY21 LES budget includes a $58,000 allocation in the new line item of instructional hardware. It also includes a $32,500 allocation for a new part-time social worker at Lanesborough. "Right now, our school adjustment counselor does a lot of testing and has a hard time meeting the emotional needs of students," Pratt said. At Williamstown Elementary, some of the increased spending in FY21 is due to a change in the school's schedule. For years, the school has dismissed pupils at 1:30 on Wednesday afternoon, and the teachers have used that hour and a half each week for professional development. With the advent of regionalization, the schedules at both the district's elementary schools will be unified beginning with the 2021-22 academic year. "With the changing Wednesday schedule there will be a full day of classes for all students," WES Principal Joelle Brookner said. "That has some tradeoffs contractually, so we will increase the art teacher position, currently a .8 [FTE] position, to 1.0." Williamstown also will be adding .5 full time equivalent funding to its custodial staff, helping drive the custodial wage line in the budget to $171,718, an increase of $36,593, or 27 percent. And it will add a full-time math interventionist, helping increase the Special Education teacher salary line by $105,409 (30.4 percent). "For a number of years, we've had a full-time reading specialist, so now we'll have that with math," Brookner said. WES also will be investing $10,000 more (44 percent) in textbooks, echoing a budget priority at the middle-high school. "The idea of attending to diversity and inclusivity and the desire to create cultural competency has pushed Mount Greylock to look at the texts it offers, particularly in the humanities," Principal Mary MacDonald said. "We've been looking at fiction and nonfiction texts that reflect that." Mount Greylock also is looking to add more support social emotional learning programs for students and faculty, and it will increase staffing in its performing arts/music faculty from the current 1.8 FTE to two full-time positions, MacDonald said. Mount Greylock's budget also includes a new $10,000 line item for "field maintenance-restoration." "We came up with a nice, organic fields maintenance plan that's cost-effective," said Tim Sears, the district's director of buildings and grounds. "The turf is really hard. We couldn't even get a screwdriver into it. We're hoping that we can get that up to about 10 inches of nice, soft turf in the next few years." The Alameda County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that it has released more than 300 inmates from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin as a safety measure in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Sheriff Gregory Ahern said in a phone interview that he took that action at the request of Alameda County Presiding Judge Tara Desautels, Public Defender Brendon Woods and District Attorney Nancy O'Malley. Ahern said 247 inmates were approved for early release after their sentences were modified and another 67 inmates were released by the court on their own recognizance. Ahern said his office will continue to release inmates when it's feasible while still protecting the public's safety. He said the inmates who've been released were relatively low-level offenders. The release of the 314 inmates reduces the number of inmates at Santa Rita to 2,401, according to sheriff's officials. Ahern said he has directed police departments in Alameda County to only bring serious offenders to Santa Rita to be booked so that the jail doesn't get too crowded. He said in discussions with police chiefs in the county, he has told them to issue misdemeanor citations in the field when it's feasible. But Ahern said, "All felony suspects are still being booked into Santa Rita." Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said Ahern's directive resulted in only 46 new inmates being booked into Santa Rita on Wednesday, which he said is much fewer than the normal level of about 100 inmates a day. Kelly said an additional 14 new inmates had been booked as of 1 p.m. Thursday. Ahern said deputies who normally work at Alameda County courthouses that are now closed because of COVID-19 have been reassigned to work at Santa Rita. He said deputies who work at the jail have been placed on mandatory overtime because of the coronavirus so the reassignment of the courthouse deputies has reduced the strain on jail deputies. Referring to the coronavirus pandemic, Ahern said, "We're all very apprehensive and the effect on our lives is very pronounced. But my deputies have responded to every request and I couldn't be more proud of them." Kelly said no one in the sheriff's office has tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Mayor Andy Berke said Thursday he was directing that dining service inside restaurants and bars close temporarily. He also directed the closure of fitness centers and gyms. The mayor said, "As you have seen, the threat posed by the coronavirus grows more serious with every passing day. The guidance we have received from the CDC and the White House dictates in no uncertain terms that any public gathering of almost any size may be hazardous. Every piece of available data we have says that social distancing is the only way to slow the spread. We're making a lot of painful choices to keep Chattanoogans healthy and make sure that our local hospital systems do not become completely overwhelmed. "Today, I made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily close dining service in restaurants and bars across Chattanooga. Gyms and fitness centers in the city limits will be closed as well. My thoughts are with the many bartenders, servers, cooks, janitors, and other hourly wage workers who rely on these jobs to make ends meet. These are among the hardest working people in our city and also most impacted by everything that's going on. "I hope that you will keep all of them in your thoughts and do what you can to support these establishments while they remain closed. Buy a gift card. Order takeout or delivery. Make a donation to the United Way of Greater Chattanooga's COVID-19 Community Response & Relief. Stay healthy yourself so that you can help these places rebound when they reopen. Our office will do everything we can to connect our small business owners and workers with resources to help get them through this difficult time. If you need help or know someone who does, click here to get started. "If you want a meaningful way to help with our response to COVID-19, I hope you'll join me in making some calls to our senior citizens. Older adults have a higher risk of developing serious illness from the spread of the virus, but there are actions that they can take to stay healthy. Please help us keep them informed by joining a virtual phone bank. It's fun, easy, and makes a huge difference in the lives of our seniors. Click here for more information about how to get involved. "This week, the City of Chattanooga is making additional changes to our employee policies to encourage more of our workers to remain home. Remember, public access and activities at our YFD Centers, library branches, and Eastgate Senior Center remain suspended for now. "Over the last several days, I've spent time speaking with members of our faith community about ways that they can help, small business owners about the support that we can offer them, and members of our Council on Livability & Aging on how seniors can be kept safe. I'll be reaching out to local hospital leadership, major employers, and many others in the days and weeks ahead. "Keep checking connect.chattanooga.gov/covid to stay informed about how we're dealing with COVID-19. I appreciate everything you're doing to help us contain the spread of this dangerous disease." Here is Mayor Berke's emergency proclamation and order: CITY OF CHATTANOOGA CIVIL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AND ORDER BY MAYOR ANDY BERKE EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-02 WHEREAS, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory illness that appears to occur through respiratory transmission and presents with similar symptoms to those of influenza; and WHEREAS, as of March 18, 2020, COVID-19 has spread throughout China and to 150 other countries and territories, including 7,038 cases and 97 deaths within the United States; and WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that all states and territories implement aggressive measures to slow and contain transmission of COVID-19 in the United States; and WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern related to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared that a public health emergency exists nationwide as a result of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States; and WHEREAS, as of March 18, 2020, there were 98 positive tests in Tennessee and three (3) Hamilton County residents have tested presumptively positive for COVTD-19; and WHEREAS, implementation of basic precautions of infection control and prevention, including staying at home when ill and practicing respiratory and hand hygiene, are necessary to slow or prevent the spread ofCOVID-19; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a communicable disease with significant morbidity and mortality, and presents a severe danger to public health; and WHEREAS, pursuant to City of Chattanooga Charter, Article 2.1, the City of Chattanooga has the power by ordinance to make regulations to secure the general health of the inhabitants, and to prevent, abate and remove nuisances, and to make regulations to prevent the introduction of contagious disease in the City; to make quarantine laws for that purpose, and to enforce same within the corporate limits and within the City's police jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Tennessee Code Ann. 38-9-102 the Mayor may proclaim in writing the existence of a civil emergency as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. 38-9-101, which will be filed with the clerk of the municipality; and WHEREAS, after proclamation of a civil emergency, the Mayor, in the interest of public safety and welfare, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. 38-9-104, may order the closure of certain establishments and issue such orders as are necessary for the protection of life and property due to the current civil emergency and WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020 the Governor signed and caused the Great Seal of the State of Tennessee to be affixed to Executive Order No. 14 declaring that a state of emergency exists to facilitate the response to COVID-19. NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor of the City of Chattanooga, by virtue of Tennessee Statutes and the City Charter, does hereby proclaim that a public health civil emergency exists in the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In order to respond to this civil emergency, the Mayor issues the following orders for the City of Chattanooga: Section 1. In response to this civil emergency, the Mayor finds it is necessary to advise people in Chattanooga, Tennessee who have traveled to an area for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued Warning Level 3 or Alert Level 2 Travel Health Notice, or have been in close contact with a person who has traveled to such an area, and who develop symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of such travel or close contact, that they should immediately contact their health care provider and self-isolate until advised otherwise. Section 2. Based upon the proclaimed civil emergency, the Mayor Orders those establishments whose primary business is alcohol service or food service (other than pick-up, delivery, or drive-through service) within the City of Chattanooga to close for on-site consumption, effective at midnight on March 19, 2020 and shall remain in effect until this Order is withdrawn. Nothing in this order shall be intended to prevent pick-up, delivery, or drive-through service. Section 3. Based upon the proclaimed civil emergency, the Mayor Orders all gyms and exercise and fitness facilities within the City of Chattanooga to close effective at midnight on March 19, 2020 and shall remain in effect until this Order is withdrawn. Section 4. The Building Official, the Chattanooga Police Department and the Chattanooga Fire Marshall are authorized by this Order to enforce and close those businesses in violation of this Civil Emergency Order in our City until this Order is withdrawn. Issued this 19th day of March 2020, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. 38-9-101, et seq. and 58-8-104 and 58-2-110 (3) by the Mayor of the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is not yet the appropriate time for President Muhammadu Buhari to adress Nigerians on the coronavirus pandemic, the information minister, Lai Mohammed, suggested on Wednesday. Mr Mohammed told journalists that Mr Buhari will address the nation at the appropriate time. When it is appropriate, Mr President will address the nation, he said. But, I think what you want to hear from Mr President are the kind of things we are telling you. This is not to preempt or second guess Mr President, I think he will do the needful, Mr Mohammed said at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday. The FEC meeting was presided by Mr Buhari. Following the confirmation of new cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19), Nigerians have been calling on the president to address the nation. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand that the president address the country on the coronavirus and the countrys level of preparedness. Is @NGRPresident @MBuhari in hiding? What kind of morbid silence is this from the leader of a country that is experiencing a ratcheting up of health crisis? @NigeriaGov put the President in front of cameras to speak to his Citizens NOW. Leadership is not personal comfort, a former minister Oby Ezekwesili wrote on Twitter. I asked again.. Do Nigerians have a president? If yes.. Do other nations remind their president to talk in situations like this?.. Let not keep calling on what is not existing, another Nigerian, MJ, wrote on Twitter. The Senate also passed a resolution Wednesday calling on Mr Buhari to address the nation. In many countries of the world, such as the U.S., UK, France, Italy, Ghana and South Africa, leaders are addressing their citizens and assuring them of efforts to limit the impact of the coronavirus. COVID 19 Nigeria has recorded eight cases as of Wednesday afternoon. A six-weeks-old baby is among the latest case. No one has died of the virus in Nigeria, where reported cases are lower in comparison to South Africa with 116 confirmed cases as of Wednesday morning. However, more cases might be expected from the country as contact tracing has been intensified to get the people who have been in contact with the confirmed cases. As of Thursday, the World Health Organization said Africa has recorded 17 deaths in the last 24 hours. While Africa was among the last continent to report cases of the virus, cases are beginning to spread throughout the continent as 33 countries have reported at least a case of the disease. The UN health agency said so far, there have been 633 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 33 African countries leading to 17 deaths. Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, the Gambia, Mauritius and Zambia have announced first cases. Travel restrictions Amidst public pressure, the Buhari administration announced restrictions on countries with more than 1,000 cases of coronavirus. The countries include China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland. The administration has also raised a task force on the virus that would give updates and recommend policy directives on containing the virus. A 44-year-old Gurgaon resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Haryana, an official said on Wednesday. In Haryana, there are 17 cases, which include 14 foreigners, according to Union health ministry data. "A resident of Gurgaon has tested positive for the coronavirus," said state Director General of Health Suraj Bhan Kamboj on Wednesday evening. The man's samples were collected at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi and they were found positive for the coronavirus infection. The patient was admitted at the hospital on March 9, he said. The 44-year-old man is the second confirmed case of coronavirus from Haryana, Kamboj said. Earlier, a 29-year old woman from Gurgaon had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and her condition is stable. So far, samples of 91 persons have been taken in Haryana, out of which reports of 68 have tested negative so far, according to a media bulletin issued by the Haryana government. The bulletin said so far, a total of 3,589 patients have been put under home isolation, and 43 isolated at hospitals. The state government has already ordered closure of all schools, colleges and universities in the state till March 31. The Haryana government on Wednesday decided to close anganwadi centres across the state with immediate effect till March 31. During this period, the anganwadi workers and helpers will come to the centres to perform record maintenance, cleaning and create awareness through home visits about maintaining hygiene to tackle the virus, said a government statement. In Punjab, samples of 117 persons have been taken so far, out of which, 112 tested negative. There is one positive case for coronavirus infection in the state, the media bulletin said. It said a total of 1,298 persons have been put under home surveillance and eight under hospital surveillance. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Mumbai Dabbawalas suspend tiffin delivery services till March 31 Also read: Coronavirus: Andhra Pradesh reports second case, infected returned from UK Two men with alleged links to a rival bikie gang have been charged with the murders of Gold Coast bikie and father Shane Ross, and his friend car enthusiast Cameron Martin. On October 18, Mr Martin, 47, died when his Mercedes-Benz sedan veered off the road and hit a tree on Tallebudgera Creek Road in Tallebudgera about 9.15pm. Cameron Martin (right) was a car enthusiast and keen jet skier. He died less than two kilometres from where his friend Shane Ross (left) was found dead several days later. Credit:Facebook Police said there was more to the car crash than met the eye, with the victim suffering a gunshot wound to the chest before his car slammed into the tree. His friend and Comanchero member, Mr Ross, 36, was found dead in bushland days later near the Pacific Highway and Tallebudgera Creek Road at Tallebudgera. He had been shot in the head. LOWER SALFORD A request to rezone part of one tract and make changes to the zoning rules affecting another tract allows different things to be built on the properties, but isnt the final step in the process, Lower Salford Townships attorney Jim Garrity said at the March 4 hearing on the rezoning request. The rezoning does not give the applicant a building permit. Not even close, Garrity said. Additional land development reviews, at which point specific details of the plans would be reviewed, would have to be done before the plans receive final approval, he said. Both tracts 12.34 acres at Oak Drive and Harleysville Pike (Route 113) and 43.24 acres on Maple Avenue are owned by Metropolitan Development Group. In November of 2018, requested zoning changes to allow 87 townhouses on the Oak Drive property and 46 twin homes on the Maple Avenue were turned down by the Lower Salford Township Board of Supervisors following opposition from residents. Metropolitan subsequently submitted plans for uses allowed under the existing zoning, including things such as group living facilities, office space, a day care and car wash, but said it would first meet with the township planning commission and residents to try to work out other options. That led to the new request to rezone 27.063 acres of the Maple Avenue tract from its existing Administrative Office zoning to Medium Density Residential, matching the zoning for the rest of the tract. Under that plan, 48 single family homes would be built and 19.9 acres of open space adjacent to the neighboring Alderfer Park would be donated to the township, Scott Mill of Van Cleef Engineering, said. The existing Office Limited Commercial zoning for the Oak Drive property remains, but a change was requested to allow duplex and triplex homes in the OLC district. The plan is for 62 two-story townhouses, Mill said. The plans to build homes on the properties will generate less traffic and create less impervious surface and provide more open space than building the uses allowed without the zoning change, Mill said. Theres a strong market for new homes in that area, Joe Morrissey, president of Foxlane Homes, the proposed builder, said. The four-bedroom single homes with two car garages are expected to be priced in the $500,000 to $600,000 range, he said. The three-bedroom townhouses are expected to be $350,000 to the low $400,000s, he said. Trails in the development will connect with Alderfer Park and the surrounding neighborhood, he said. In answer to board member Chris Canavans questions, Rob Gundlach Jr., Metropolitans attorney, said the company voluntarily had a declaration recorded that if the zoning change is approved there would not be more than the number of homes in the current plans. More detailed engineering could decrease the number of homes, Canavan said. We are not guaranteeing a certain number of lots by any action we take tonight, Canavan said. Board Chairman Doug Gifford said the new plans are the result of residents, the developer and the planning commission working together. This whole process started off I think on the wrong foot and somehow wound up on the right foot, he said. I for one appreciate everyones efforts to get to where we got to now, Gifford said. Board member Doug Johnson also lauded the compromises made by the developer, township and the citizens group. Had not those people been willing to consider compromises, we wouldnt be here tonight but because they were, it gives us the opportunity to at least be able to say yes or no to the present proposal, Johnson said. To my way of thinking, thats how governments supposed to work, and perhaps Washington could learn something from seeing how the process worked here to get to this point. I hope so. Board member Kevin Shelly said he appreciates the open space and the developers having reached out to the residents in making the plans, but wasnt convinced the change benefited the community. The rezoning was approved by a 4-1 tally, with Shelly casting the dissenting vote. Richard J. Fugo, 72, of Plymouth Meeting, an ophthalmologist who gave his medical practice in Norristown a personal quality, died Saturday, March 14, of cancer at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. In 1985, after earning a medical degree in Italy, he created the Fugo Eye Institute on West Fornance Street in Norristown. A general ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, he treated glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye infections, floaters, and eye injuries. All are typically found in senior citizens. Dr. Fugo was committed to maintaining a personal tone in his practice. He knew his patients by name and liked to play Frank Sinatras music in the background while doing examinations and discussing eye conditions. His patients loved it, said his wife, Marie. He was known for spending time with patients, treating several generations of the same family, and interacting with his staff as if they were an extended family. Many of his patients had been in his practice for over 20 years, the family said in a statement. As a result, they were saddened to learn that he was retiring in December 2019. But Dr. Fugo planned ahead to ensure a smooth hand-off, asking fellow ophthalmologist Steven Nissman to take over his patients. He was very concerned about his patients. He wanted to retire knowing his patients were taken care of, Nissman said. Also a solo practitioner, Nissman agreed to carry on Dr. Fugos style of delivering eye care. The medical industry has changed in the last generation, Nissman said. He wanted his patients to have the same experience with the doctor, one on one. Born in Norristown, Dr. Fugo was raised in Bridgeport by his parents, first-generation Italian Americans Alfred and Elsie Denick Fugo. Three aunts were also important in his life. Dr. Fugo always had a passion for books and science. While attending Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown, he won awards at science fairs and scholarships for academic excellence, especially in his senior year. He then earned a bachelors degree in biology at the University of Pittsburgh, a masters degree in biology at Villanova University, and a Ph.D. in human physiology at Thomas Jefferson Medical College. In 1979, he earned a medical degree from the University of Bologna. He spent six of his most treasured years living abroad with his wife, connecting with his heritage, and making lifelong friends, the family said in a statement. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Fugo was the chief editor of medical journals. He lectured at conferences, published articles on eye care, and coauthored a medical textbook called Ocular Applications of the Fugo Blade. The Fugo Blade, a cutting device that he invented, uses high-energy laser pulses to ionize molecules on the ocular surface and inside the eye without damaging nearby tissue. In his spare time, he enjoyed a plate of home-cooked pasta, listening to Sinatra or the Three Tenors, having coffee with friends, doing home handyman projects, reading medical textbooks, and spending time with family at a vacation home by the Chesapeake Bay. Besides his wife, he is survived by daughters Jennifer Fugo and Nicole Fugo Zibelman; two granddaughters; a brother; and a sister. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, funeral services will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to Einstein Montgomery Hospice, 1330 Powell St., Suite 100, Norristown, Pa. 19401. The Cumberland County commissioners signed a formal Declaration of Disaster Emergency Tuesday afternoon relating to the coronavirus pandemic, with the county now operating only with essential employees and limited public access to county facilities. The declaration authorizes the countys Department of Public Safety to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the effects of this disaster, and comes simultaneously with the Pennsylvania Department of Healths announcement of five more presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in Cumberland County, bringing the total to 10. The county is operating with only essential employees, defined as those essential to the health and safety of county residents or those essential to the operation of the business of the county. The declaration also gives leeway to county staff to purchase supplies, employ temporary workers and enter deals with vendors to address the pandemic, without going through the usual legal procedures. Necessary actions can be taken as if the same were ordered and directed by the commissioners themselves, according to the declaration. The county is also requesting that the public not enter any county facilities, including the county courthouse in Carlisle, with the exception of legal proceedings ordered by the president judge of the county, Edward Guido. The courthouse and county facilities will be fully closed March 18 and 19, after which the commissioners said they will provide an update on operations. The declaration follows county directives last week suspending visitation to the county prison and nursing home, with certain exceptions for attorneys at the prison and end-of-life events at the nursing home. The county has also moved a number of operations to online-only in the past several days, such as the Recorder of Deeds, and mandated the use of video teleconferencing for social services such as the domestic relations office and others. Email Naomi Creason at ncreason@cumberlink.com or follow her on Twitter @SentinelCreason Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Naomi Creason Managing Editor Managing Editor at The Sentinel. Follow Naomi Creason Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today School districts should brace for a precipitous drop in state K-12 aid next year because of the coronaviruss widespread impact on the economyand they should start preparing now, funding experts warn. For districts, this is going to be a double whammy, said Jonathan Travers, a partner with Education Resource Strategies, which consults with urban districts chief financial officers and advocates for more equitable spending. Theres uncertainty on the revenue side as far as how much state aid districts are going to get and, on the expense side, weve got to figure out how to respond to this new world. Districts need to begin planning for a new reality. A slowdown or recession would most dramatically impact Americas impoverished and academically struggling districts where property values are low, and districts are heavily reliant on state aid. And with most schools shut down across the country and legislatures rushing to complete business, the chill is already beginning. See Also: Coronavirus and Schools School funding advocates in a number of states described an anxious past couple of days as they have raced to spare initiatives to raise teachers pay, overhaul school funding formulas, and reduce class sizes. Theres already talk of dramatically lowering the anticipated revenue and that would create problems for us going forward, said Mark Tallman, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards. The states governor has the authority, in the case of a recession, to slash away at school funding. Tennessees Republican Gov. Bill Lee this week cut in half the amount of money he wants to set aside for teacher pay raises and then got rid of a $250 million proposal to provide mental health services in schools. He instead set aside that money in the states emergency fund. We are now likely embarking on a recession caused by this rare health pandemic, Tennessees finance Commissioner Stuart McWhorter told the states legislature this week. Marylands legislature, which raced to approve legislation this week before adjourning its session early, added a clause to an ambitious school funding overhaul that would pull all new funding in the case of a recession. And Wisconsins legislature cancelled a special session in which Democratic Gov. Tony Evers planned to pitch an ambitious plan to spend more on special education. The legislature basically gaveled in and out of the special session and refused to take up his education package, said Heather DuBois Bourenane, who oversees the Wisconsin Public Education Network, a school funding advocacy organization. Were struggling even to know where to advocate because who do we askand for whatthe bar keeps moving every day. For states that are operating on a biannual budget such as Texas or North Dakota, fiscal experts warn cuts next legislative session will be even deeper. They also warn legislatures could reconvene this summer in special sessions to make changes and potentially enact cuts to their budgets. Costs Will Pile Up Districts have been sacked in recent weeks with unexpected costs associated with the coronavirus: delivering meals to students, setting up makeshift child-care centers, and purchasing distance learning materials for students. Those costs are expected to rise next year when studentsmany emotionally traumatized and behind academicallyreturn to school. Any substitute teacher or transportation savings districts might gain by shaving off weeks or months of the school year will be outstripped by new intervention and counseling costs, experts warn. States are going to take a massive hit, predicted Marguerite Roza, a Georgetown University school finance expert. School districts will be fine through the end of the school year. But next year is going to be a come-to-Jesus moment. At the beginning of this years legislative session, states were flush with cash. Unemployment was at a record low, income tax revenue had finally rebounded, and states had started collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in online sales tax revenue after a years-long court battle. School districts have waited on the sidelines for years while states after the Great Recession built up their rainy-day funds, capped property taxes and gave tax breaks to corporations to spur back the economy. Public school advocates in January set out with ambitious requests, in hopes that with the surplus dollars and the economy doing so well, legislators during an election year, would spend big on public schools, an action thats taken on political steam since 2018 when tens of thousands of teachers went on strike. But then the coronavirus hit. If you asked most states in January, they wouldve said, Our budget picture is looking pretty good, said Josh Goodman, a senior officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts who has analyzed the impact the coronavirus could have on state budgets. Fast forward two months and the situation looks dramatically different. Goodman said any prediction on the impact of the virus spread is speculative because analysts dont know the course of the epidemic or how that will translate in the economy. Analysts will be able to get a better sense of how much revenue they can expect to lose at the end of this month or next month when tax receipts start coming in. But earlier this week, several state legislatures called on their budget officers to make some early predictions. In New York, for example, Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli told Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a letter that the state could lose anywhere between $4 billion to $7 billion in revenue next year. Fiscal experts also warn that a surge in health insurance claims because of the coronavirus will likely increase states Medicaid costs, lowering the amount of money states have available to spend on schools. In addition, a global oil price war could lower the amount of K-12 revenue states like New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas spend on their schools. Cushioning the Blow It remains unclear how far the federal government will go to help K-12 deal with the coronavirus on the fiscal front. A proposal by the Trump administration would provide $100 million in emergency aid to K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. By way of contrast, Americas public school system spends more than $700 billion a year, and garners almost half its aid from states. Stacey Mazer, the acting executive director of the National Association of State Budget Officers pointed out that some states may be able to withstand a recession better than others and mitigate cuts to their K-12 budget because many have giant rainy-day funds. Other states wont be so lucky. The impact is going to vary based on how much cash states have on hand and the duration of this crisis, Mazer said. At the same time, some states will have particular challenges when it comes to revenue. Earlier this week, Nevada shut down its casinos, forcing the layoffs of tens of thousands of workers. More than half the states budget comes from sales tax revenue and a gambling tax the state levies on its casinos. We really are the hot zone for this, said Educate Nevada Now spokeswoman Michelle Alejandra Booth. We are really concerned about how our schools will bounce back from this. Chronic medicine shortages are likely to last for weeks, after panic buyers stripped the nation's chemist shelves of medications like children's Panadol, Nurofen and asthma medicines just as the cold and flu season begins. The shortages have sparked fears young children could wind up in emergency departments, creating further burdens on a health system that is already coping with coronavirus pandemic. Panic buyers have sparked a widespread shortage of children's Panadol. The Australian Medical Association's ethics and medico-legal committee chair, South Australian GP Chris Moy, said the children's Panadol shortage was of particular concern, given the drug's usefulness in reducing fevers in very young children. Associate Professor Steven Tong, an infectious-disease physician at the Peter Doherty Institute, agreed that paracetamol was a highly effective tool for temperature management. ELKO City of Elko authorities are not the only ones with questions about the coronavirus business closure directives issued Tuesday night by Gov. Steve Sisolak. Las Vegas police say theyre not responding to calls for services from people reporting businesses that are not abiding by the directive to close, The Nevada Independent reported Thursday. The agency said in a statement to the press on Thursday that the decision came due to the amount of requests. The department also said enforcing Sisolaks guidelines would require an executive order which has not been made available to LVMPD at the time of this request, the Independent reported. The situation is different in Reno, where the City is threatening action against businesses that defy the order. Reno officials sent out a notice late Wednesday saying they have authority to enforce the moratorium through fines of up to $1,000 a day, suspension or revocation of a business license, or a misdemeanor citation, the Independent reported. Elko City Council members discussed the issue of enforcement when they met in an emergency session Wednesday, the morning after Sisolak announced his coronavirus closures. City Manager Curtis Calder told the council an emergency declaration was needed in case the City had to address any changes in collective bargaining agreements due to the governors order. He also said people were wanting direction from the City as to what constitutes an essential business and whether the City would enforce business closures. My position right now would be Im not going to direct any of our law enforcement personnel to go close businesses because thats not our order, thats the State of Nevadas order, Calder said. Police Chief Ty Trouten told the council that police are limited as to what they could do. We dont want to be out penalizing businesses that are going to be suffering hardships as it is, pursuant to the statewide order, he said. The Elko City Council declared an emergency based on the governors order. The motion offered by Councilwoman Mandy Simons said the City would not define what businesses are considered essential or nonessential. Some business owners interpreted that unanimous action by the council as a license to decide whether to remain open or to close. Calder later told the Elko Daily Free Press that the councils action should not be considered a loophole allowing businesses to stay open. Mayor Reece Keener reported Thursday afternoon that he and Mayor Pro-tem Robert Schmidtlein had contacted businesses that remained open. We received confirmation from each of the businesses that they will all have their bar/in-dining operations suspended by tomorrow at latest, Keener said. Most of them are already in compliance today (Thursday). The governor has released a more comprehensive list of business that are supposed to be closed under his directive. It includes schools, casinos, restaurants (dine in) and cafeterias (pick-up/delivery/drive-through still allowed), bars and pubs, wineries and breweries, strip clubs and brothels, concert venues, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums, large conference rooms and meeting halls, coffee shops, gyms, community and recreation centers, health clubs, yoga, barre and spin facilities, shopping malls and other retail facilities, excluding pharmacies, and salons, including barber shops, beauty, tanning, and waxing hair salons, plus nail salons and spas. Three Sussex County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials announced on Wednesday. They are the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Sussex, a mostly-rural county in northwestern New Jersey that is home to 141,000 people. The three county residents live in Vernon, Sparta and Frankford. County health officials notified the local mayors and provided basic information, but not names, and are working to identify any individuals who came into contact with the residents. Vernon Mayor Howard Burrell told NJ Advance Media the resident in his town is a 53-year-old man who has been in self-quarantine for seven days. Burrell said he was told by the countys health officer, James McDonald, that the man works outside of Sussex County and was sent home last week, along with his co-workers, after a colleague tested positive for the coronavirus. Vernon is the most populated municipality in Sussex, with 22,000 residents. In Sparta, where 18,000 live, Mayor Jerry Murphy said a 60-year-old male was diagnosed. Murphy said he was told the man had extremely limited exposure to anybody else and knew enough to isolate himself. Murphy said he was told how the man might have contracted the virus, but that it would be improper in his view to publicly disclose it. You give people enough clues, theyll put two and two together," Murphy said. Frankford Mayor Chris Carney said he was told only that the person in his township is a 34-year-old woman. Frankford is home to 5,300. There were 427 known coronavirus cases in New Jersey as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, including 5 deaths. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The World Health Organisation (WHO), as far as I can remember, has clearly issued an advisory to the world asking them to steer clear of social gatherings as a precaution to prevent Coronavirus from spreading any further. Following which, 'self-isolation' became the norm. However, it seems like some locals in Nagpur, Maharashtra did not get the memo. Well, most gyms and fitness centres across the country have been closed to avoid human contact as much as possible, but a particular few Nagpur gym-freaks have taken to the streets as their perfect place to workout. ANI shared the pictures of some of these people who, clearly, dont understand the meaning of self-quarantine. Maharashtra: People in Nagpur gathered on the streets to exercise after all the gyms in the state are shut due to #Coronavirus. Hardeep Bhatia, a local says, We are building our immunity system by exercising, the Tweet read. Maharashtra: People in Nagpur gathered on the streets to exercise after all the gyms in the state are shut due to #Coronavirus. Hardeep Bhatia, a local says, "We are building our immunity system by exercising." pic.twitter.com/ROvowxMP4J ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Well, social media users are severely irked by this and are appealing to them to stay indoors, at least for the sake of others, if not theirs. Exercise indoors and in isolation. There are other ways and means to improve immunity than honking on kettle bells Tanya (@UrbanRangoli) March 19, 2020 Btcd yahi bhakchodi nahi karni h bolke toh gym band kiya h Mask (@Mr_LoLwa) March 19, 2020 Thoda dimag ka exercise Kar lo be... Acha time hai!!! The_Muffin_Man (@MuffinMan_78) March 19, 2020 Purpose of shutting down gyms was to avoid gathering of people at one place. Wasn't the ban pointless because now the people are getting gathered on streets. Devika (@Dayweekaa) March 19, 2020 Desh ko Corona se nahi, inn jaise namoono se precaution ki jaroorat hai Tum ghar baith jao, desh ki immunity waise hi badh jayegi Dilip Jain (@dilipjain1979) March 19, 2020 Chutiye aadmi inko jail me band karo Mayur N. Magadalwar (@Imma7ur) March 19, 2020 As a precautionary measure to contain the virus from spreading in the National capital, all educational institutions including schools and colleges, museums, gym, swimming pools, and theatres have been closed till 31st March. In fact, several of Indias multinational companies have also shut down their workspaces and have advised employees to work from home. But, seems like a certain section of people are throwing caution to the wind just to stay fit. If these people really want to work out, they can simply take tips from Bollywood celebs who are exercising at home. Well, here's hoping someone gives them the ability to understand the deadly consequences of the virus and they stay put in their home. HAMILTON The coronavirus has crept into the township. Hamilton officials said Wednesday that two residents tested positive for the coronavirus, the first cases in New Jerseys ninth-largest municipality. The township learned of the development at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Mayor Jeff Martin announced the positive cases during a radio appearance. The two patients are a 48-year-old man and 28-year-old woman. Both are isolated at home, the township said, as local health officials work to get in touch with anyone who was in contact with the two patients in the three days since they showed symptoms of the respiratory illness. The township said its also awaiting results on a number of others who were tested for COVID-19. Monitoring 20 others. Theyve been instructed to self-quarantine to avoid potentially further spreading COVID-19 if results come back positive, which can take between three to five days to get results. We knew it was a matter of when not if that wed get positive cases in Hamilton, Martin told The Trentonian. Unfortunately, today was the day when we got the positive tests. Our health department was prepared and ready for when that day came. This is a very scary, unsettling time. The unknown is causing a lot of understandable anxiety for people, many who are positive or may be positive, and dont even know theyre carrying it. Martin said the township would release any more information it could about the patients when its available. The township said in a statement that anyone under self-isolation is to monitor their symptoms in case they get worse. It is recommended that people take their temperature with a thermometer at least two times a day. If the symptoms become worse, the individual is to inform their healthcare provider. Mercer County has at least 15 positive cases of the illness. Of the ones known, one is in Trenton, two in Lawrence, as least four in Princeton and one in Pennington. The Trentonian is attempting to track down more information about the remaining patients and where they live. Over the weekend, Hamilton officials identified another person associated with Mercer Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. Sources told The Trentonian that the individual is a teacher who lives in Toms River in Ocean County. Kimberly J. Schneider, Superintendent of Schools for the Mercer County Special Services District, sent out a letter that said a limited number of students and staff have potentially had close contact with the presumptive positive individual. Martin said the health department screened and was monitoring those who came into contact with the teacher. A new poll shows nearly 19% of Americans have been laid off from their jobs or have experienced a reduction in their work hours as a result of measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The survey, conducted by The Marist Poll, found that the proportion affected grew for lower-income households, with 25% of those making less than $50,000 a year reporting that they had been let go or had been scheduled for reduced hours. The same poll found that about 56% of Americans still consider the coronavirus outbreak a real threat, while 38% said it was blown out of proportion. Travel and hospitality industries have been hit the most. Severe drops in demand, quarantine measures and various other travel restrictions are expected to spread across virtually the entire economy. So far, though, restaurants, bars, hotels and airlines are among the hardest-hit sectors. In the travel industry alone, a report by the U.S. Travel Association is projecting 4.6 million jobs lost this year. A decline of 31% for the entire year is expected. This includes a 75% drop in revenue over the next two months and continued losses over the rest of the year reaching $355 billion, the report said. The only hope for many is to latch onto jobs that are actually soaring, such as online shopping and delivery. Amazon says it will hire 100,000 workers to assist with online deliveries in the U.S. and raise their minimum pay to at least $17 an hour through April. The company invited people who have been laid off, including those in the restaurant and travel industries, to apply. "We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back," the companys statement said. Meanwhile, Kroger, the supermarket chain, also has "immediate positions available ... across our retail stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers.' As for the government, it is considering sending most American adults a check for $1,000-or more as part of efforts to stimulate the economy and help workers whose jobs have been disrupted. That would cost $250 billion, according to some estimates. In 2008, just before the financial crisis in 2008, the George W. Bush administration passed a $168 billion stimulus plan and checks were sent to taxpayers. The Bush administration sent $600 checks to individuals, $1,200 to married couples and an additional $300 per child. However, the stimulus failed to produce the expected long-term results since only 20% of the money sent was spent. Related: Is It Time To Buy The Blood On The Streets? The Trump administration aims to deploy nearly $1 trillion in aid in the coming weeks to prop up the U.S. economy. The package, currently under the negotiation, would provide $50 billion for the hard-hit airline industry and $250 billion for small business support. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned that without action the coronavirus pandemic could drive up U.S. unemployment to 20%. This unemployment rate would leave more than 32 million Americans out of a job. The stock market, economy and employment affected by Coronavirus could be a big blow for Trumps re-election bid. He has made the growing economy, record stock market numbers and low unemployment the focal points of his re-election bid. A Gallup poll from early February showed that Trump's approval on the economy is 63%, the highest approval rating for any president in the last two decades. A historically low unemployment rate and stock-market record highs have together been a particular boost for Trump and his 2020 election campaign. His overall job approval rating in those same polls has been just 44%, down from the 49% he earned as the Senate prepared to acquit him in his impeachment trial. A recent ABC News poll found that 54% of Americans disapprove of the way the president is handling the response to the coronavirus crisis. The polls results come after the White House spent weeks downplaying the coronavirus threat to the country. By Josh Owens for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: But many of the people who cause problems are likely the ones who could benefit from a long-term city partnership with a mental health service provider. A 16-year-old giant panda has been captured on camera nursing her twin cubs right after giving birth to them. The rare footage shows the mother bear, nicknamed Fuwa or the 'lucky doll', lovingly holding the baby pandas and licking them on Tuesday at a breeding centre in China. The twins are both male and healthy. They weighed 159.8 grams (0.35 pounds) and 119.5 grams (0.26 pounds) respectively. A 16-year-old giant panda has been captured on camera giving birth to her twin panda cubs The rare footage on Tuesday shows the mother, Fuwa the 'lucky doll', lovingly holding the baby pandas and licking them in her arms at the Chengdu Research and Breeding Base in China The healthy male twins, 159.8 grams (0.35 pounds) and 119.5 grams (0.26 pounds) respectively. They were also the world's first captive-bred twin panda of the new decade The cubs are the world's first set of panda twins to be born in captivity this year, according to the Chengdu Research and Breeding Base of Giant Panda in southeastern China. 'This is the fifth time Fuwa has become a mother,' said Wu Kongju, a researcher at the centre. 'It is very rare for pandas to give birth in spring. She is turning 17 this year and now has eight babies.' 'It is also rare for Fuwa to show this much affection towards her babies. We are very glad,' Ms Wu added. The research team made a swift response to the coronavirus outbreak which started in January, according to the panda centre. The staff stored a large amount of bamboo to ensure a sufficient supply of food for the pandas. They also closely monitored activities of the animals as spring is a mating season for giant pandas. 'This is the fifth time for Fuwa to become a mother,' said Wu Kongju, a researcher at the centre. 'It is very rare to give birth in spring. She is turning 17 this year and now has eight babies' 'It is also rare for Fuwa to show this much affection towards her babies. We are very glad,' Ms Wu added. The picture shows one of the twin panda babies which were born on Tuesday The research team made a swift response to the coronavirus outbreak which started in January, according to the panda centre. Two staff members are seen taking care of the cubs It comes as China's health ministry today claimed the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had no new cases of the deadly contagion which has ripped across the globe. The ministry said Thursday that results over the past 24 hours showed 34 new cases, all detected in people arriving from abroad. In the central province of Hubei, there were eight new deaths, with the provincial capital Wuhan accounting for six of the fatalities. China's health ministry today claimed the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had no new cases of the deadly contagion which has ripped across the globe. The picture shows medical staff treating a patient at a hospital in Wuhan Two medics are seen bidding a farewell after medical teams from across China began leaving Wuhan this week after the number of new coronavirus infections dropped in the country Of the 34 imported infections, Beijing accounted for 21 cases, a daily record for the city. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,928, including 3,245 deaths. Wuhan, a city of 11 million and the capital of central Hubei province, has been locked down since the Lunar New Year festival in mid-January, and remains the only city still designated as 'high-risk' in the province and subject to strict travel bans. Meanwhile, more than 224,00 cases have been detected globally, with 9,249 dead. Italy has recorded the highest one-day official coronavirus death toll yesterday since the first case was detected in China late last year. There are 2,695 confirmed cases and 137 deaths in the UK. Boris Johnson has hinted London could face a total lockdown within days amid fears the 'superspreader city' is the engine of the UK's coronavirus outbreak. The Prime Minister refused to rule out the possibility of 'further and faster measures' to control the spread of the virus on the busy streets of the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the country. A commuter is seen wearing a protective face mask on a crowded train at Clapham North underground station as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world [March 19, 2020] Alyce Unveils The State of Swag Survey Report 2020: Findings Showcase Usage Shift, Waste and New Approach Needed Alyce, the AI-powered gifting platform that's making sales and marketing outreach personal at scale, today announced the findings from its State of SWAG Report 2020. The survey conducted with marketers and HR professionals at B2B companies highlights a shift in how swag is being used, increased challenges to managing swag programs, concern over waste, and a growing need for greater attribution. Key findings revealed the majority of companies plan to increase their swag spend this year, investing an average of over $226k annually in swag between inventory, services, and software. Enterprise companies of over 1,000 employees are predicted to spend over $700,000 on average with a dedicated focus on the following: Events Engaging Customers, Prospects, Investors Employee Recognition Programs Cancellation of Conferences and Events Highlights Need for a Shift in How Swag is Managed "With the recent cancellations of major industry conferences and growing restrictions on travel, a major shift in the way swag is managed for events is underway. Based on the survey, marketers are spending a ton of money every year on swag in particular, and recent news has especially highlighted how that process is broken," said Greg Segall, CEO of Alyce. Companies Struggling with Managing Swag Turn to Software Also of interest from the report was the challenge of managing swag inventory, with over three-quarters of respondents noting they store and manage swag in their office, with over half of respondents indicating they need to manage 3 or more swag vendors. Because of the primary challenges associated with managing sag in-house and coordinating with multiple vendors, particularly the cost, time and hassle associated with it, companies are turning to software solutions to help manage their swag program, provide greater choices for individuals to choose from, streamline processes, and deliver better personal experiences to recipients. Over one-third of companies surveyed indicated they are turning to software today and spending over $30k annually to do so. Focus on Lower-Cost Items Not Delivering Ultimate Business Goal A majority of companies indicated that low-cost items are preferred for events due to the fact that these items are easier to buy, pack, ship, and manage at an event. Respondents typically viewed their swag as an inexpensive way to create awareness, acting as a loss leader or minimum form of entry to establish a relationship. These attitudes stem from the underlying problem that attribution and ROI is difficult, if not impossible, to track attribution or measure. Though attitudes are changing. "Don't order Swag just to have something at your booth. Think through the purpose it will serve and what you want people to use it for. Follow that journey all the way back to the airport. Will they leave your swag in the hotel room or bring it home? If they'd leave it, don't bother with it," said Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, Director of Community Engagement at MarketingProfs. "Every experience you create and gift you give is an expression of your company's brand and values. Swag may seem insignificant or mere table stakes, but consumers and employees are judging it and, by extension, your business," said Nina Butler, Director of Demand Generation, Alyce. "Leveraged wisely, branded products can represent a real differentiator for your company and a smart way to build loyalty with your audience." Download the full State of Swag Survey Report 2020 which contains additional insight and commentary from industry-leading marketers here. http://bit.ly/swag-study-2020 About the Survey This survey was conducted informally by Alyce and Ignite Research. The survey was conducted by over 185 B2B professionals in Marketing and Human Resources, and respondents were not required to answer each question. About Alyce Alyce is an AI-powered gifting platform that helps sales, marketing, and customer success teams create personal bonds with everyone they do business with through one-to-one gifting. Alyce bridges the physical and digital marketing worlds to help enterprises better engage prospects, customers, and employees while delivering measurable results. Alyce is a venture-backed, privately held company headquartered in Boston, MA. Learn more at www.alyce.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005324/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ottawa, Canada -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- Sarah Verville and Louis Verville are a team of a brother and his sister from Canada, and they are working on an inspiring documentary project about the creation of a school in Uganda. This sustainable school for Uganda's children in need will welcome everyone from around the world with a dream of changing the world. To make this how-to-do documentary film, Sarah and Louis have recently launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to raise funds and support for this project. "Our ultimate goal is to create a great how-to-do documentary and be able to fund a school with this crowdfunding campaign." Said Sarah Verville, while introducing this project to the Kickstarter community. "In this documentary film, we will show every step of the process, as the documentary will show how easy it is to create an independent school in Uganda and make a positive change." She added. The Kickstarter Campaign is located on the web at www.kickstarter.com/projects/790356759/documenting-school-creation-in-uganda and the goal of this Kickstarter campaign is to raise a sum of US$ 25,102. Furthermore, Sarah and her brother are offering a wide range of rewards for the backers with worldwide shipping, and more details are available on the Kickstarter campaign page of the project. About Canadian brother and sister Sarah and Louis Verville are a team of Canadian brother and sister, who are determined to change the world, starting with Africa. They are making a how-to-do documentary film that will demonstrate how easy it is to set up a school in Uganda. For every $25,000 USD received, an independent school of 125 students can be set up. Furthermore, the brother and sister are currently raising funds and support for this inspiring cause on Kickstarter, and they are welcoming backers. Contact: Contact Person: Sarah Verville Company: Documenting school creation in Uganda Country: Canada Phone: 8198067274 Email: sarah-rose-1@hotmail.com Website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/790356759/documenting-school-creation-in-uganda The Ministry of External Affairs in response to a question in the Lok Sabha revealed that 255 Indians in Iran, 12 in United Arab Emirates, five in Italy and one each in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda and Sri Lanka have tested positive for COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan city of China. The government provided 15 tonnes of medical assistance comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment to China on February 26. The aid included one lakh surgical masks, five lakh pairs of surgical gloves, 75 infusion pumps, 30 enteral feeding pumps, 21 defibrillator 21 and 4000 N-95 masks. Since March 13, the government has suspended all existing visas, except those related to diplomatic, official, UN and international organizations, employment and projects till April 15. Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is also suspended. OCI card holders already in India have been allowed to stay in India as long as they want. Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid and can apply for an extension or conversion. In addition to visa restrictions, passengers traveling from or visited Italy or Republic of Korea, are required to provide a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of the two countries. The requirement has been in place since March 10, 2020 and will be lifted after cases of COVID-19 subside. All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after February 15, are required to be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This has come into effect from March 13 at the port of departure. All international passengers entering into India are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form in duplicate including personal particulars i.e. phone number and address in India and undergo universal health screening at the designated health counters at all points of entry. --IANS aat/in Large rainforests are extremely important ecosystems on our planet. They are home to a large number of animal and plant species, and they absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps preserve the balance of the air we breathe. This also helps constrain global warming. Given the immense value they hold, the fact that rainforests are constantly under threat by human activity is extremely sad. It is considered that more than half of the trees on our planet have been cut down by humans through history. Nowadays, deforestation is mostly done through farming, mining, and excessive development. Experts believe that rainforests could disappear entirely within the next 100 years if we do not change the way we treat them. We divide the largest rainforests into two types: tropical rainforests and temperate rainforests. Tropical rainforests are located near the equator, have a warm, wet climate, are evergreen, and the rainfall in them is consistent. They cover only 6% of our planet's surface, although 80% of the documented animal species are living there. Temperate rainforests are humid forests that can be found on mountain ranges, spreading much further south and north than tropical rainforests. The biggest rainforests in the world are a sight to behold, and we will talk about the biggest ones in this article. 7. Kinabalu National Park This rainforest makes up the first national park in Malaysia. This rainforest makes up the first national park in Malaysia. It was established in 1964 and can be found on the west coast of Sabah. This forest got its name from Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain on the island of Borneo. Many people visit this park every day, especially rock climbers, meaning there should be plenty of ways to get there. As usual, using a tour is the preferred method, but if you are feeling especially adventurous, you can explore other ways to get there and create a unique experience for yourself. 6. Tongass National Forest The Tongass national forest is the biggest national forest in the US, found in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass national forest is the biggest national forest in the US, found in Southeast Alaska. It covers an area of around 17 million acres and is home to a large number of endangered plant and animal species. Along the shores, we can find marine mammals, while inside the forest, the brown bears and wolves reign supreme as the main predators. Visiting this rainforest is easier than most, with plenty of ways to experience its beauties. Some of those include hiking through glaciers or using a canoe to paddle through different routes. 5. Southeast Asian Rainforest This rainforest is spread across the continent of Asia, covering Cambodia, Laos, and the Malay Peninsula. This rainforest is spread across the continent of Asia, covering Cambodia, Laos, and the Malay Peninsula. The Southeast Asian rainforest used to be bigger but was tragically destroyed by deforestation. The deforestation eradicated a large number of tree species that could be found in this rainforest, while many others have been endangered. It is well known for being the residence of many rare animal species, including some reptiles and amphibians. Some of the more interesting species living there are the king cobra, Bengal tiger, Cave nectar bats, and many others. As with other rainforests, joining a tour seems to be the way to go if you wish to visit this particular rainforest. 4. Daintree Rainforest The main river of the Daintree rainforest is the Daintree River, and it also includes the Daintree National Park. Another tropical rainforest on the list, but this one can be found in Australia, on the northeast coast of Queensland. The main river of the Daintree rainforest is the Daintree River, and it also includes the Daintree National Park. If you are wondering why everything seems to share the name Daintree, the reason is simple - Richard Daintree was a famous Australian geologist and photographer. Some of the earliest plants to have existed on our planet can be found in this rainforest, such as Lycopsida and Psilotopsida, to name a few. Not only that, but there is also a large number of animals here that are almost impossible to find anywhere else. Getting to the Daintree rainforest is not that hard; there are plenty of options that will take you there, including a ferry. 3. Valdivian Temperate Rainforest This rainforest is known to be extremely foggy and humid, but some interesting species live there. On the west coast of South America, covering parts of Chile and Argentina, we can find the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest. This rainforest is known to be extremely foggy and humid, but some interesting species live there. There are beautiful 150-foot tall trees and rare plants in the Valdivian rainforest, and since it is on the coast, you can witness ice sheets and glaciers as well. This rainforest got its name from the city of Valdivia in Southern Chile, and it is often referred to as the Selva Valdiviana. Getting to the Valdivian rainforest is most accessible from Santiago, the capital of Chile, and there are plenty of options that will get you there safely, including a train ride or a bus. 2. Congo Rainforest The world's second-largest rainforest, the Congo rainforest, is found in central Africa, covering a large part of Northern Congo. The world's second-largest rainforest, the Congo rainforest, is found in central Africa, covering a large part of Northern Congo. The Congo river passes through this rainforest, and it is the second-largest river in the world, by volume. Even though it is mostly situated in Northern Congo, the Congo rainforest also covers parts of Angola, Cameroon, Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. This rainforest also features a large number of different plant and animal species, including gorillas, forest elephants, and lions. Visiting this rainforest is also recommended by using a tour company, preferably by finding one in the Republic of Congo. 1. Amazon Rainforest The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest. The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest. It spreads across the majority of the Amazon Basin in South America and runs through Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana. However, the majority of rainforest is placed in Brazil. It is estimated that we can find 16,000 different tree species in the Amazon rainforest. When it comes to other plants, animals, and insects, the numbers are even more impressive. The number of plant species is estimated to be in the tens of thousands, while the number of mammals and birds is somewhere around 2,000 different species. The especially interesting thing is that there is still a large number of undiscovered species. The easiest way to visit the Amazon rainforest is by taking a tour from one of the countries it passes through, like Brazil. A tour is advised since going through the rainforest can be dangerous, with predatory creatures running around and the possibility of contracting a disease such as malaria or yellow fever. Concurs repetat pentru selectarea unei companii sociologice, care sa efectueze un studiu tematic "Barometrul opiniei publice in domeniul schimbarilor climatice" Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the markets pullback has been severe and the recent measures to help blunt the impact havent restored investors confidence. The S&P 500 tumbled 5.18% today and closed nearly 30% below its recent record peak. However, the fact that the S&P 500 has fallen sharply in a matter of a couple of weeks is bound to get some analysts thinking that now might be a good time to start bottom-fishing for bargains in the stock market. Stocks whose valuations might not have been deemed attractive enough for Buy recommendations from the analyst fraternity before the crisis, now fit the bill. In fact, amidst all the market turmoil, investment banker RBC Capital has thrown the hat in with recent upgrades. We ran three stocks which recently gotten the thumbs-up from RBC through TipRanks database to see whether the Street agrees with this newly positive outlook. So which three stocks is RBC re-evaluating right now? Lets take a closer look. CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD) Cyber security company Crowdstrike has only been on the market since June, when it began trading for $63.50 per share. The stock is currently selling for $39, a drop of nearly 40%. However, RBC's Matthew Hedberg believes CrowdStrike is the type of disruptive growth asset with strong fundamentals to own. Putting his money where his mouth is, Hedberg boosted CRWDs rating up from Perform to Outperform, along with a price target of $67. Should the figure be attained, gains of 76% will be heading investors way. (To watch Hedbergs track record, click here) The company was formed in 2011 to address what it claimed legacy cyber security lacked: Iron safe protection for customers against modern cyber-attacks. To solve this problem the companys unique approach involves providing customers with two main tools: Lightweight intelligent software (the agent) that runs efficiently in the background, alongside CrowdStrikes Threat Graph database, located in the cloud, and which gathers data from the agents running across all operations using the software. This system provides extra protection, as with every new data point added, the network effect makes the Threat Graph grow stronger. Story continues Hedberg is impressed with the platform, and noted, We view CrowdStrike as a prime land-and-expand model benefiting from the SaaS delivery and ability to rapidly add more modules with no extra configuration or consulting needed. The long-term power of the install base of more than 5,500 customers should continue to lead to strong net expansion rates as the company cross-sells additional seats (endpoints) and modules With shares of CRWD trading at ~8.9x EV/CY21E (a discount vs. hyper-growth SaaS peers at 12.4x), significant deceleration baked into sell-side estimates and shares -60% from its highs, we view valuation as compelling relative to growth. Looking at the consensus breakdown, 7 Buys and 2 Holds coalesce into a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target is $66.89, and could provide upside of 73%, should the target be reached over the coming months. (See CrowdStrike stock analysis on TipRanks) Masonite International (DOOR) Lets leave the CRWD behind and open the DOOR on Masonite. The Tampa, Florida, based company is a leading global manufacturer and merchandiser of commercial and residential doors. The company takes its name from its founder, engineer and inventor William H. Mason, who developed a better way to incorporate wood in building materials, the result of which was engineered wood named, you guessed it, Masonite. Following a market beating performance in 2019, the stock has tumbled 44% this year. However, RBCs Michael Dahl believes the recent sell-off have created a better risk/ reward opportunity. Dahl commented, We believe that DOOR's relatively low levels of leverage should help the stock in the current environment and allow the business to better weather a potential downturn in the US housing market, making it more favorably positioned to capitalize on the rebound., we expect that recent US price increases will largely hold, the company has relatively less European exposure than peers, doors are a smaller-ticket item, and we believe the 30% decline in the stock from peak accounts for near-term risk. As a result, Dahl upgraded his rating on DOOR from Perform to Outperform, yet on account of coronovirus fears on the housing market, reduces his price target from $85 to $75. Still, the potential upside is a strong 87%. (To watch Dahls track record, click here) Does the Street want to walk through this DOOR? Apparently so. With 7 Buys and a single Hold, Masonite receives a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target of $94.88, presents investors with possible upside of a sky scraping 106%. (See Masonite stock analysis on TipRanks) Mercer International (MERC) Closing out list, we have Mercer International, a supplier of pulp known as NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft). The small cap hasnt provided investors with much to cheer about this year, shedding 38% along the way. That said, RBCs Paul Quinn believes Mercers high quality assets put the company in a favorable position. According to the 5-star analyst, Mercers NBSK mills are some of the highest quality in North America and Europe. Furthermore, the companys old-world business is set to benefit from the availability of low-cost salvage wood which can provide Mercer with material tailwinds." The global pulp market is also set to benefit from economic activity ramping up again in China. The far east powerhouse is Mercers largest pulp market, and despite the significant downturn since the coronavirus outbreak, pulp prices have remained stable. While we do not anticipate higher prices, we do not think prices could move much lower, especially as low as Mercers current valuation implies. Quinn said. It's not surprising, then, why Quinn upgraded Mercer from Perform to Outperform, while reiterating his $10 price target. The implication for investors? upside of 32%. (To watch Quinns track record, click here) The analyst concluded, Mercers share price has declined materially over the last year, driven by the historic decline in pulp prices. Under more normal conditions, we think that pulp prices would have room to fall as the economy slowed; however, we think most of the excess has already been squeezed out of the industry. Given capacity reductions and limited additions, we think that the future looks brighter for pulp Mercer has significant leverage to higher NBSK prices and we believe the company is well positioned to serve Chinas growing pulp needs in the medium to long term. In addition to Quinns Buy rating, 2 additional Holds add up to a Moderate Buy consensus rating for Mercer. Importantly, the average price is $11.33 and implies a possible addition of 49% over the next 12 months. (See MERC stock analysis on TipRanks) TWIN FALLS Two Twin Falls firefighters and an undisclosed number of Magic Valley Paramedics were exposed to a patient who later tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, the city said in a Thursday statement. The exposure happened at a medical call Sunday, the city said. The fire department employees seem to be in good spirits and are not exhibiting any symptoms. In an abundance of caution and according to the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control, the firefighters and paramedics are self-isolating. It is not believed any other firefighters or anyone else was exposed, the city said. Exposure is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or longer without protective clothing or equipment. The only positive COVID-19 test in Twin Falls County so far was announced Wednesday. That patient is a man in his 80s who is recovering well at home after being briefly hospitalized, the South Central Health District said. The Twin Falls Fire Department is continuously reviewing protocol for responding to emergency calls, and it may make additional changes to protect firefighters and the public against the spread of COVID-19. Also on Thursday, the health district said a COVID-19 patient who was diagnosed Wednesday is the first community spread case in the state. The patient had not traveled out of state and did not have contact with any other known COVID-19 patient. The US government has imposed yet another round of punishing economic sanctions against Iran, as the country confronts one of the worst outbreaks of the global coronavirus pandemic on the planet. The new measures are aimed at crippling exports by Irans petrochemical industry to tighten the noose on the countrys crumbling economy and starve the population into submission in the hope of effecting regime change. Now Washington is counting not only on hunger, but also death from the deadly new virus. On Wednesday, the Iranian government announced that the death toll had reached 1,135 people out of 17,161 cases of infection. This marks the third highest number of deathsafter China and Italyand the highest mortality rate from the disease in the world. As in the US, there are strong suspicions that the official number of infections represents a severe underestimation of the real scope of the diseases spread. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the new round of sanctions Tuesday in a thuggish address to a State Department press conference. He claimed the export of petrochemical products had been targeted because its revenues could enable the Iranian regimes violent behavior and fund terror and other destabilizing activities, such as the recent rocket attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces located at Camp Taji in Iraq. Tehran, capital of Iran (Photo: wikipedia.org) Dismissing global demands that Washington lift its maximum pressure sanctions regime against Iran in the face of the massive humanitarian and worldwide public health crisis provoked by the spread of the coronavirus in the country, Pompeo insisted, The United States will continue to fully enforce our sanctions. He went further, blaming China for the spread of the Wuhan virusa phase promoted by the American far right in an attempt to stigmatize China and foment xenophobiaand the Iranian government for its spread into Iran. Pompeo charged that senior Iranians lied about the Wuhan virus outbreak for weeks, adding: The Iranian leadership is trying to avoid responsibility for their grossly incompetent and deadly governments. The Wuhan virus is a killer and the Iranian regime is an accomplice. On these grounds, one would have to indict the Trump administration as an even more criminal accomplice, given the US presidents continuing denials from late January through February that the coronavirus posed any threat to the American public and his accusing of those who claimed it did of perpetrating a hoax. There is no doubt that Irans bourgeois-clerical government failed to alert the public to the threat of the coronavirus and institute polices of quarantine when the first deaths were reported on February 19 in Qom, Irans seventh-largest city and a holy site for Shia Muslims. Among its considerations was an election scheduled for February 21. With Nowruz, the Persian New Year, coming on Friday, the government has still refrained from imposing strict measures of quarantine. There are reports that roads have been blocked from Tehran to the north, and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a rare religious ruling barring unnecessary trips. Teams were also dispatched to screen travelers leaving major cities. Meanwhile, the government has released another 85,000 prisoners, on top of 70,000 set free earlier this month in an attempt to prevent the prisons becoming centers for the spread of the virus. This accounts for the overwhelming majority of Irans prison population. Clashes were reported between hardline religious factions and police at Shia shrines in Qom that had been closed by order of the government because of their serving as source of the virus spread. An Iranian medical doctor speaking on state television Tuesday warned that if the population followed the governments instructions to eliminate unnecessary travel and observed other health guidelines, the death toll could be kept down to 12,000. If they did not, she said, as many as 3.5 million people could die. There is no question, however, that the sanctions regime imposed by the United States after the Trump administration unilaterally abrogated the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and the major powers has left Iran ill-equipped to confront the onslaught of the coronavirus. Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned on Twitter Tuesday that US sanctions had drained Irans economic resources, impairing ability to fight #COVID19. These punitive measures, he added, literally kill innocents. Addressing world governments, he stated in relation to the US sanctions, It is immoral to observe them; doing so has never saved anyone from future US wrath. Zarif added that Iran suffers from a severe shortage of protective masks, coronavirus testing kits and medical ventilators. Iranian care personnel are courageously battling COVID-19 on the frontlines. Their efforts are stymied by vast shortages caused by restrictions on our peoples access to medicine/equipment, he said. Washington has responded by claiming it is willing to provide humanitarian aid to Iran. This is nothing but hypocrisy. The sanctions regime has prevented Iran from obtaining medicines needed to keep patients suffering from cancer and other diseases alive, not to mention receiving the supplies it needs to confront the coronavirus. The US Treasury Department has gone after companies selling medical supplies to Iran, while the Iranian Central Bank has been blacklisted as a terrorist entity, making it impossible for Tehran to conduct normal transactions on the world markets. China on Monday denounced the US sanctions as immoral and demanded that they be lifted. Russia condemned the US blockade against Iran as inhuman and said that the sanctions were preventing Iran from countering the spread of the coronavirus. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, meanwhile, told the Associated Press that it was time to lift the US sanctions and that the coronavirus crisis was a classic example of where humanitarian considerations should outweigh geopolitical interests. Iran has made an appeal to the International Monetary Fund for $5 billion in emergency funding to combat the virus. While the IMF has set up a $50 billion fund for this purpose, it is unlikely that it will release the money to Tehran. A similar request from Venezuela, which has also been subjected to a US maximum pressure campaign, was denied by the fund, which is largely controlled by Washington. A top administration official told CNN Tuesday that, This is Irans Chernobyl, referring to the nuclear meltdown in Ukraine that preceded the Stalinist bureaucracys dissolution of the Soviet Union. The clear implication is that Washington is salivating over the prospect that a devastating spread and mass death toll from the coronavirus in Iran can advance its goal of regime change. Washingtons preparations for military confrontation with Iran, meanwhile, continue unabated. For the first time since 2012, the Pentagon has deployed two aircraft carrier-led strike groups in the Persian Gulf region. US military officials are blaming Iran for rocket attacks that have killed and wounded US and other coalition troops at the Iraqs al-Taji base north of Baghdad. The Pentagon has responded to these attacks with airstrikes that have killed both members of the Kataib Hezbollah Shia militia and members of the Iraqi governments regular security forces. It was assumed that the rocket attacks were carried out in retaliation for the January 3 US drone assassination strike that killed both Gen. Qassem Suleimani, one of the most senior officials in the Iranian government, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of Kataib Hezbollah and deputy commander of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which constitutes part of Iraqs armed forces. The chief of the US Central Command, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, described Kataib Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy group, suggesting that any attacks on US troops in Iraq were the work of Tehran, despite the overwhelming popular hostility of the Iraqi population to the continued US military occupation and the demand of the Iraqi Parliament that all US and other foreign troops be expelled from the country. General McKenzie also told a Senate panel last week that the coronavirus crisis could lead the Iranian leadership to launch military attacks. This warning only expressed the Pentagons own calculations that the public health disaster in Iran could create more favorable conditions for a US war of aggression. The number of novel coronavirus cases is changing quickly. A real-time tracking map shows us just how quickly. The map from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering follows coronavirus cases across the world. The dashboard collects data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chinese website DXY, which aggregates data from China's National Health Commission and the CCDC. The results populate a worldwide view of coronavirus cases in real time. App Users: Click Here See the map here The clickable map pinpoints regions where patients have been diagnosed with coronavirus -- the more cases in a region, the larger its dot on the map (right now, the largest dot belongs to the Hubei Province, where the outbreak originated). The map tracks deaths, too, in total and by city. Lauren Gardner, director of the Center for Systems Science and Engineering and a civil engineering professor at Johns Hopkins, said the map isn't just a resource for the public -- health officials can download the data, which will inform research on the coronavirus in the future. 'We built this dashboard because we think it is important for the public to have an understanding of the outbreak situation as it unfolds with transparent data sources,' she said. 'For the research community, this data will become more valuable as we continue to collect it over time.' The CDC regularly updates its map of confirmed coronavirus cases, too, though it shows cases by country rather than by region or city. Bigg Boss Malayalam 2 is currently in its 74th day with just 4 weeks left for the finale. Well, as per the show's production company, Endemol Shine India's Facebook post announcing a voluntary suspension of all administrative and production departments in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, it is apparent that the Malayalam show might end its journey this week. Going by the comments on the post, the telecasting channel has received severe backlash from the netizens. Most of the comments have called the channel biased for being unfair with Rajith Kumar who was ousted from the show for rubbing chilli on Reshma Rajan's eyes. The professor was seen apologising to her, her family and the audience, and walking down the stage with disappointment on his last day on the show.To add more complications to the situation mini-screen actor Manoj Nair has been banned by the channel for supporting Rajith Kumar. The actor had revealed about it during a live video in which he apologised to the channel for making a public statement. Earlier he and his family were seen supporting the professor and later got disappointed with his exit from the show. The comment section of the video has been pouring in with support for the actor and criticism for the channel. Some expressed that the channel is cheating the same people who had made the channel well-liked, while others stated that they would stop watching the channel which doesn't do justice. Bigg Boss Malayalam 2 To Go Off Air Due To Coronavirus? A video purporting to show a subway passenger licking his finger and then wiping it on a handrail has sparked outrage in Hong Kong. The viral video appears to show the man removing his face mask before bringing his hand to his mouth and licking it on the MTR train yesterday. He then rubbed his finger against the red pole. The man, a hedge fund manager, has apologised to the public. But he claimed he made the video as a joke and insisted he had pretended to stick his finger into his mouth. The video shows the Hong Kong resident removing his mask before bringing his hand to his mouth and licking it on the MTR train yesterday. He then rubbed his finger against the handrail The passenger, a hedge fund manager, posted on his Facebook page last night to 'publicly apologise to the people of Hong Kong for my actions'. He said the clip was a 'parody video' The picture shows passengers wearing protective face masks on the subway in Hong Kong The passenger, named Joel Werner, claimed he had shared the 'parody video' among a handful of friends before it got posted onto social media. The 43-year-old posted on his Facebook page last night to 'publicly apologise to the people of Hong Kong for my actions.' 'I made sure to use hand sanitiser both before and after I touched the pole, and also wiped the pole with hand sanitiser to ensure the safety of other passengers,' Mr Werner added. 'Please be assured that it was not my intention to cause any concern or harm to any member of the public.' He made the video to show his friends how easy it would be to spread fake news amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Werner told the local press. He said decided to make the video after watching another trending clip, which purported to show an American soldier spreading the virus on the metro in Wuhan. The clip later turned out to be filmed in Belgium. Two Chinese residents are caught deliberately spitting phlegm at lift buttons Two Chinese men have been caught on camera spitting phlegm at lift buttons at a residential complex in the eastern city Jinan. CCTV footage shows two residents entering the lift separately before spitting at the control board within the same week. The video sparked outrage after being shared in a group chat among the local residents. Police have been called to investigate the incident, according to Chinese media. Advertisement Mr Werner first shared his video on a private Whatsapp group chat before it was forwarded by someone else and attracted tens of thousands of views on social media. 'I'm terrified. It's been spread all over,' Mr Werner told the South China Morning Post. 'I manage other people's money. How embarrassing is this? He insisted that he did not actually put his fingers in his mouth and that there was a second video which showed him disinfecting the handrail. 'I feel like a victim of a crime. Its very upsetting,' he said. The railway company, MTR Corporation, filed a police report against Mr Werner after the video sparked outrage on social media. 'Such so-called pranks should be punished,' one commenter said. Another one wrote: 'Your idiotic action is offensive, especially in this delicate moment.' Another passenger was arrested last week for licking his hand and wiping it on a handrail on the Belgian subway, forcing the train to be taken off service and disinfected. The unidentified man, who appears intoxicated, can be seen removing his mask before bringing his hand to his mouth and licking it. He then brings his right hand up to the vertical rail and grips it, before rubbing it along the bar. Some commuters were still struggling into work in London today despite speculation that the lockdown could be tightened The novel coronavirus can be passed on from person to person via a cough or sneeze. This strain is considered highly contagious. Nearly 220,000 people have been infected with the deadly disease globally and it has claimed at least 8,942 lives. The death toll in the UK has risen up to 104, with a total of 2,626 cases as London faces plunging deeper into lockdown within days. Plans are believed to be in place for police to guard shops and helicopters to airdrop food, although sources insisted that is not happening at this stage in the unfolding crisis. Speculation has been raging about the fate of London after Boris Johnson vowed he would not hesitate to go 'further and faster' to control the spread of the deadly virus. A member of the public is swabbed at a drive through Coronavirus testing site, set up in a car park in Wolverhampton Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) The Hague, Netherlands Fri, March 20, 2020 00:53 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0a09f 2 World Netherlands,Dutch,Minister,health,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,novel-coronavirus Free The Dutch medical care minister resigned on Thursday after collapsing from what he said was exhaustion during a debate in parliament on the coronavirus outbreak. Bruno Bruins, whose responsibilities included dealing with the pandemic, fainted while standing at a lectern in parliament on Wednesday night and had to be helped to his feet. "The king has granted this resignation in the most honorable manner... with gratitude for the many and important services rendered" by Bruins, said a royal palace statement. Bruins had said on Wednesday that he had "suffered from faintness from exhaustion and intensive weeks", but that he was feeling better and would return to work. The government of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been under pressure over what critics called an initially slow response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Rutte has since ordered schools, bars and restaurants shut to respond to the crisis. The Netherlands has reported 2,460 cases including 76 deaths. The prime minister went to a supermarket on Thursday to promise Dutch people that there would be no shortages of one key commodity: toilet paper. "We have enough... we can all poop for ten years," Rutte said. Constance Hall (pictured) has revealed how the coronavirus has caused a ripple effect on her life, including her marriage Mummy blogger Constance Hall has revealed how the coronavirus pandemic has caused a ripple effect on her life, including her marriage. The Perth mother-of-seven, 36, took a swipe at her husband Denim Cooke on social media after he 'accused' her of 'unnecessary panicking'. 'I don't know if my marriage is strong enough to survive this virus,' she said to more than 1.3 million followers in her Facebook group. 'If I get told I'm panicking because I'm simply preparing to feed and care for a house full of humans when the food is unavailable I'll scream. 'If one more man tells me that I'm neurotic, anxious or stressing out over nothing or panicking when really all I'm doing is what my brain wants me to do, stay aware of potential dangers so I can avoid them where possible. 'Maybe instead of accusing me of unnecessary panicking my husband could thank me and my sophisticated brain for keeping his children safe and prepared.' The Perth mother-of-seven, 36, took a swipe at her husband Denim Cooke on social media after he 'accused' her of 'unnecessary panicking' (pictured together) The outspoken author said she has been suffering from asthma since she was a child so she relies heavily on Ventolin medication. But in recent weeks, pharmacies right across Australia have been forced to limit the sales of inhalers as concerned patients stock up amid the coronavirus crisis. 'Today I was told that no chemists in town have Ventolin. The woman who works at the chemist snuck me an emergency one when she found out how often I'm using mine,' Ms Hall said. 'If I didn't get a Ventolin I'd be in hospital for sure. It's not the virus I'm worried about, it's everything that's falling down around it. 'The interesting thing about this virus is that it's not the kids I'm worried about, it's not my husband or any of the other people we are used to putting in front of ourselves. This time it's me.' Ms Hall - who has asthma - said she's also concerned about the Ventolin shortage because she has been relying on the essential medication since she was a child Ms Hall said she was hospitalised several times as a kid but she 'always responded well' to the essential medication. 'I haven't had a serious attack since I was 20 and it's never been something I worry about, I do however rely on medication,' she said. 'The family isn't used to me being worried about me. It feels weird to them. But what happens if I go down? The only person who would drop everything to help me is my mum and I can't risk her.' She suggested the COVID-19 outbreak could be a 'nice wake up call' to her family. 'Maybe this is a nice wake up call to the rest of the family. Mums are not indestructible, we are not put on this world to serve our families,' Ms Hall said. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks during a press briefing with the coronavirus task force at the White House on Tuesday. Read more Americans now have three more months to pay -- and file -- their taxes, as of Fridays announcement by the U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Tax filers now have until July 15 to pay their 2019 tax bills. Individuals can defer up to $1 million of tax liability while corporations get an extension on up to $10 million, Mnuchin said at a news conference earlier this week. All you have to do is file your taxes, he said. Youll automatically not get charged interest and penalties. However, Mnuchin suggested that Americans should stick to the original deadline, if possible. We encourage those Americans who can file their taxes to continue to file their taxes on April 15, because for many Americans, you will get tax refunds, Mnuchin said. The payment and filing extension, which affects millions of taxpayers, is part of the Trump administrations effort to curb the brutal economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. If you defer payments on your income taxes for up to 90 days after the April 15 filing deadline, any interest or penalties will be waived. Last year, of the tax returns processed, more than 73% of Americans received refunds, with the average amount totaling $2,725. Alan Gubernick, a partner with St. Clair CPA Solutions accounting firm in Conshohocken, is advising clients to try to file as soon as possible -- especially if theyre owed a refund. What about estimated 2020 payments for individuals and businesses? Also delayed until July 15. For those receiving or applying for unemployment, benefits are not taxable for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but Delaware does tax unemployment, he said. Again, if youre due a refund, theres no reason to wait. File your taxes now, said Eric Bronnenkant, the head of tax at online financial advisor Betterment. Drucker & Scaccetti accounting firm set up a COVID-19 information page, with a link at this online address: https://www.taxwarriors.com/en-us/covid-19-tax-resource-center-. The American Institute of CPAs president and CEO, Barry Melancon earlier this week criticized the lack of a delay in filing. Unfortunately, this important payment relief does not apply to the filing of tax returns. The concern and confusion related to coronavirus is causing cities across the country to shut businesses down, and Treasurys recent decisions do not reflect the real-world difficulties tax practitioners and their clients are experiencing. Its impossible for every taxpayer and their tax adviser to prepare returns in this environment, he added. "Even the simple process of filing an extension form requires calculations based on data and information from the taxpayer. Given the current environment, this extension process is impossible for many taxpayers. Treasury must act immediately by extending the April 15th filing deadline and providing more clarity on the details of recent relief actions. Temple/VITA In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fox School of Business has moved its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program online. The program will now be facilitated through the use of Zoom Video Communications technology and TUsafesend, a resource that makes it easy to securely send and receive files from within and outside the university. A news release with more details can be viewed here. Churches in Odisha have decided to temporarily suspend all activities as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus outbreak. The Odia Baptist Church in Cuttack, one of the largest in the state, and the Church of Christ in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday decided to put all activities, including Sunday mass, on hold till March 31. The Odia Baptist Church (CNI) in Berhampur and Baptist churches in Khurda and Jatni also took similar decisions. Lal Mohan Roul, president of Odia Baptist Church in Cuttack said, "We can understand the seriousness of the situation and extend our full cooperation to the administration." Church of Christ secretary Paresh Das said social distancing is the key to prevent the spread of coronavirus. "During church worship, hundreds of people assemble to pray. In such a situation, it is difficult to ensure social distancing. "The Church Board, in consultation with other stakeholders, decided to suspend all activities till March 31 after which the decision will be reviewed," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government could suspend operations at airports under the coronavirus bill. (TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images) Individual freedoms could be restricted under proposed new powers set out in the governments emergency coronavirus bill. Downing Street said the purpose of the bill, published on Thursday, is to allow the government to manage a coronavirus pandemic reiterating the point that 80% of the UK population could be infected. Dozens of measures have been proposed in the bill, with health secretary Matt Hancock saying they are proportionate to the threat we face. They will last for up to two years if and when the bill becomes law. It is expected to be fast-tracked through Parliament next week. Here are three of the measures in the bill that could restrict individual freedoms. Enforced screening for people deemed infectious In its explanation of the bill, the government made clear it understands the vast majority of people who have or may have coronavirus will comply with relevant public health advice. This includes calling the NHS 111 service and going into self-isolation for two weeks if showing coronavirus symptoms. Nonetheless, it has laid out measures which would provide police, public health officers and immigration officers with powers to force people suspected of being infectious to undergo screening and assessment for coronavirus. Failure to comply could result in a 1,000 fine. Banning mass gatherings and events Boris Johnson, when announcing drastic new measures on Monday to restrict the spread of coronavirus, withdrew the support of emergency workers for mass gatherings without actually banning them. The new bill would give the government power to ban or restrict such events and gatherings. It could also close premises. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world Fact-checker: The number of Covid-19 cases in your local area Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu This measure could be deployed if it is deemed to prevent, protect or control transmission of coronavirus. Story continues Failure to comply could result in a fine, though the bill doesnt specify how much this could be. Shutdown of airports and train stations Freedom to travel at airports, international rail terminals and seaports could be taken away if coronavirus leads to insufficient Border Force officers available to maintain border security. This means travel from such ports could be suspended for up to six hours. This could then be extended for another six hours, and then further periods of 12 hours if there still isnt sufficient border security. However, the government said there is a high threshold for the use of the power and that all reasonably practicable measures to mitigate the risk must be used before it is enforced. Coronavirus: Who should stay home and for how long? Details added (first version posted on 13:15) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: Azerbaijan is joining another international agreement, Trend reports on March 19 referring to the Azerbaijani parliament. For this purpose, the bill "On joining the Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports" was submitted to Azerbaijani parliament. The bill was discussed at the meetings of the parliamentary committees and recommended for adoption at the plenary meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament. The agreement was signed at a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok on November 7, 2013. The document envisages development of dry ports within the national programs, laws and regulations. Such issues as signing, ratification, approval, accession, entering of the document into force have been stipulated here. The document also includes the clauses envisaging the establishment of working groups on dry ports, amendments within the fulfilment of the agreement, the procedure for making changes and amending the main content of the document, withdrawal from the agreement and other issues. One of the biggest hurdles for America in its fight against the growing COVID-19 pandemic is a massive shortage of tests to diagnose for the virus. To help in the battle, one of the nations leading at-home lab testing companies, Everlywell, has developed an in-home test for COVID-19 that also utilizes telehealth consultations with board-certified physicians. According to Everlywell, the tests will cost $135, with the company receiving no profit from sales. Consumers simply collect a sample in the comfort of their homes, preventing potential exposure to themselves and the rest of the public. The samples are overnighted to a certified laboratory for analysis. Within 48 hours, results are made available online, and if positive, free telehealth consultations are provided. The tests will be available starting Monday, March 23, and Everlywell will initially have 30,000 collection kits ready. The company has been constantly working with independent labs to scale up infrastructure to handle up to 250,000 tests weekly and are also reaching out to government and public health officials to decrease the $135 cost even further. Press release: Everlywell announces Monday launch of solution to get tested and diagnosed for COVID-19 from home Link: Everlywell website As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Stranded Australian tourists are trying to raise US$300,000 (A$525,000) to charter a plane to escape Peru after the nation shut its borders against coronavirus. More than 170 Australians were trapped in the South American country on Sunday when President Martin Vizcarra issued a 15-day nationwide state of emergency and border closure. The shutdown included the cancellation of all commercial international flights into the country of 32 million people. Hundreds of people were stranded in Peru after the South American nation suddenly shut its borders on Sunday after declaring a state of emergency due to coronavirus Victorian woman Emily Jennings is one of more than 170 Australians trapped in Peru. She has started a GoFundMe page to charter a private jet to evacuate 190 people to the US Officials have imposed night curfews and are also restricting the movement of people across provinces including on trains and buses. Peru had 145 confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday morning, BNO News reported. Victorian women Emily Jennings and Serena Horg started a crowdfunding page to try to raise enough money to hire a charter jet to get them from Peru to the USA. 'Peru shut its travel borders on Monday the 16th of March with little to no notice, and left hundreds of people stranded with no information as to how long we'd be stuck here,' Ms Jennings wrote on GoFundMe. 'But today a ray of hope was given to us. The Peru government has given humanitarian flight clearance to anyone needing to travel back to their home country, but we have to organise the plane ourselves.' Ms Jennings said the pair had secured a private charter jet that would cost US$289,000 to evacuate 190 people to Dallas, Texas. With each person paying US$1000 for a ticket, she said the plane would be affordable if all those who promised to help would kick in US$50. Psychologist Shweta Tanna found Peru in lockdown is another Australian stranded in Peru Ms Tanna found Peru in lockdown when she returned from a hiking trip to the city of Huaraz north of the capital Lima on Sunday. Travel between provinces has also been restricted 'If we don't get the numbers needed your wonderful and generous donations will help cover the gap,' Ms Jennings wrote. 'The rest I am covering from what is left of my savings/house deposit money. But I don't mind, no amount of money is worth more than being back on Australian soil with my children in my arms.' As of Friday morning, 55 people had donated to the fundraiser which had collected US$3640 of its US$300,000 total. Perth father-of-three Darrell Cruse was also stranded in Peru where he went to visit the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. He cut his holiday short and booked a flight home Tuesday but it was a day too late for the lockdown and was cancelled. 'I only found out about the lockdown late on Sunday and only had until midnight Monday to get out of the country, but due to the high amount of people being stuck in Cusco, by the time I tried to book a new flight there were none left,' he told Nine. 'I don't want to be here and now feeling all alone in a strange place. I can't communicate because I can't speak Spanish which is making it hard.' Psychologist Shweta Tanna, 35, a joint Australian and UK citizen, found Peru in lockdown when she returned from a hiking trip to the city of Huaraz north of the capital Lima on Sunday. She said the Australian Government should be doing more to help. The UK embassy emailed to tell her they were trying to charter a flight for British citizens but warned it would cost up to $6200 each, Nine News reported. US President Donald Trump has said he would send in the US military to evacuate more than 1400 US citizens also trapped in Peru. Ms Jennings (right) says she is desperate to get out of Peru Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Friday that her office is working with the Peruvian government, airlines and businesses to try to get the stranded Australians out. 'There are two businesses in particular that are looking at what is possible in terms of charters, and were also talking to our own airlines - to Qantas and to Virgin, but to Qantas in particular - about what they are able to do as well,' she told Radio 2GB on Friday morning. Ms Payne said the Australians were not all in the capital, Lima, but in various parts of Peru which complicated matters due to the domestic movement restrictions. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Thursday it's trying to get permission to enable an Australian tour company to offer a commercial departure for Australians trapped in Peru, Nine News reported. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued it's highest level of alert on Wednesday warning Australians not to travel anywhere. The warning advised those already abroad to return to Australia as soon as possible on commercial flights as they may not be able to come home later as more countries shut their borders to prevent the rapid spread of coronavirus. Worldwide there were 243,737 coronavirus cases and 10,007 deaths as of Friday morning according to BNO News which has been tracking the virus since early January. Mainland China had 80,928 cases, Italy 41,035 cases, Iran had 18,407 and Spain 17,963 while the US had 11,597. The Montgomery Independent School District has announced it will provide free meals for all community children age 18 and younger from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. starting March 23. The meals will be provided at Lincoln Elementary School at 700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Montgomery. The children must be present in the car and will receive one breakfast and one meal per day. Cars will need to pull up through the front entrance of Lincoln Elementary and proceed through the bus drop off area, district information stated. For the safety of everyone, please remain in your cars at all time. Food will be delivered curbside. Food service continues Under a new resolution passed during Tuesdays emergency school board meeting has authorized the district to continue food services during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Superintendent Beau Rees said the school district does not currently participate in the summer feeding program for students through the Texas Department of Agriculture, which he said is a federal reimbursement program. This approval allows the district to file an application and begin the process to get approved. We can then use that umbrella to offer meals to our students who qualify for free and reduce lunches during this time that we are out, Rees said during Tuesdays meeting. Rees said the board could spend local money or join the program for the federal reimbursement. Ive seen a couple of things that come out yesterday and last night that broaden the scope of that program substantially to allow you to feed more children than just folks that qualify based on that, Rees said Tuesday. This would give us a chance to go ahead and file the application and get the ball rolling as opposed to have another board meeting to do that. The district has the option to continue the program, including in the summer. The nearly 218-mile district has 9,025 students enrolled in 10 campuses, of which 24.1 percent of the total students enrolled are considered economically disadvantaged. We have about 25 percent of our children that do come from homes of poverty and qualify for free or reduced lunch, Rees said. We have been able to work with the county food bank and different things over the years. We have a lot of super volunteers and churches that already do summer feeding and backpack programs for the weekends and for extended things like Spring Break. This would allow us to do it if we chose to but the main thing this allows us to feed now if we are out these three weeks or who knows the next two months, Rees added. The district and board considered and discussed the costs and time frame, Rees expects the district to front the expense, which would include ordering supplies or food supplies, and paying for the people to be there. The discussion included mention of rate comparisons and other cost associations with the program, such as whether to pay an employee the same rate or more if required to come in. While the district does not know all of the exact rules on that at this time, Rees said it could return to the board for further discussion on it and may use examples from other events, such as Hurricane Harvey when employees in law enforcement worked overtime, which a board suggested would be like a hazard-type of pay. He does know for sure that food costs would be reimbursed. The rules would require the district hold the program at a campus that would have a larger percentage of children that utilize the program already, which is why the district looked at Lincoln Elementary. Rees said the cafeteria would not be opened but instead the drive could be opened, and prepacked meals could be picked up curbside. The facility would have the capacity if for whatever reason we ended up with a prolonged amount of time, lets say through June if we ended up with more and more students that needed the service, we could still do all of it out of there, Rees said. The district and board shared it runs a good surplus in the food service area and do not think cost will be an issue for the district at all. With our funding being consistent already, Montgomery ISD Board Member Trey Kirby said. Our budget is not changing We are already funded for this, so it really doesnt set us back anyway because we have that in our budget already for lunches. Community effort Once the dust and disinfectant settle, some board members said they would be interested in asking if there is a way to extend some sort of service or project to the community and if that is something that other districts do. Im not saying Im advocating for it now, but I would at least like to ask the question, if we dont mind, Montgomery ISD Board Member Matt Fuller said. Rees said there has been some internal discussion towards that and the district plans to bring information back to the board and what it would entail. The only difference at this time would be if the district paid for it and offered it would the district offer the $2 lunch for students to pick up. The backpack program is continuing at this point, Rees said and added that counseling staff immediately worked to ensure the program was set up for students in need of food and to have additional food supplied over Spring Break, including repacking to add two additional days. The school district works with different churches and organizations on the program and there have been no discussions of it ending, he said. I think we should do it whether we get the funding or not, Montgomery ISD Board Member Jim Dossey said referring to the reimbursement. Rees confirmed he has given the direction to the food service department at this time to get ready to roll and get meals started next week whether the district is in the program or not. Lets file the paperwork to get in the program and we will settle up when the dust clears, but I know that the board would not want any of our kids going hungry during this, Rees said. We are moving to make sure that doesnt happen. mellsworth@hcnonline.com Portugal's president declared a state of emergency on Wednesday granting authorities exceptional powers to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus. The measure allows the government to place temporary limits on civil liberties, such as freedom of movement and the right to protest, and grants it special powers, including requisitioning private property. It also means the government can fix prices and stipulate what goods are manufactured, and the armed forces can be deployed to enforce the measures. Portugal currently has a total of 642 cases of the new virus, with two deaths. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Worldwide, more than 185,000 people have been infected and more than 7,300 have died. Over 80,000 have recovered, most of them in China. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 13:52:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANAGUA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Nicaragua confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, said Vice President Rosario Murillo. The patient is a 40-year-old Nicaraguan man who recently returned from a trip to Panama, Murillo said on national television. The man went to hospital after symptoms such as fever and dry cough and tested positive for the COVID-19, Murillo added. The patient is now in stable condition, she said, adding that health authorities are closely monitoring those who have had close contact or traveled with the patient. The government has applied all preventive measures and urged people to remain calm, said the vice president. Dr Debanjan Banerjee By We have perhaps never wondered why the distance between two hospital beds, or two first-class flight seats is always three feet. It is a standard distance for public health safety to prevent spread of droplet infection by coughing or sneezing. As the global Covid-19 pandemic spreads with over 2,00,000 affected and 8,200 succumbing to the illness worldwide, India has seen the number of cases increasing each day with multiple states affected. Various states are initiating a shutdown as the next two weeks are crucial for preventing community transmission of the virus. Chaos, panic and anxiety are rampant as people stock up on food and other daily supplies, fearing isolation. Hand sanitisers and face masks have been declared as essential commodities by the government, though they are unavailable almost everywhere. Our own hospital is facing a shortage of these essentials for surgeries and other procedures, as patients keep demanding free supplies. Busy roads and airports stay deserted most of the time, with people avoiding crowds and public gatherings. Further fear has arisen due to the suspicion that a few suspected cases have defied quarantine and travelled to other places. Each day, the helplines and laboratories are flooded with calls and requests for Covid-19 diagnostic testing. The sales of antibiotics and cough syrups have spiked over the counter and certain stocks are likely to get depleted soon. Though the situation in Chinas Wuhan has relatively stabilised with new cases touching single digits for the first time since the outbreak began, the rest of the world is currently in the viral grip. Amidst all this panic, there is a plethora of information about Dos and Donts related to Covid-19 that keep circulating each moment on various social and digital platforms. A lot of them are genuine, some speculative and some myths, though at times of crisis, people tend to follow all of them alike. Considering the repeated doubts and questions that I have faced from my friends, relatives and patients since India reported its first Covid-19 case, I chose to put down the main precautions of safety. The two main strategies to prevent and contain Covid-19 infection are fairly simple: 1. Social distancing: Worldwide, WHO and CDC have been recommending this for the last two months, though the world has started to pay heed to this warning only of late. This has been the first precaution mentioned by any epidemiologist and infectious-disease expert that I have come across. Symptomatic (coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever) or not, its better to maintain some distance (at least 2-3 feet) between individuals during any communication or interaction. As mentioned before, the hospital beds, flight seats or ideal public sitting arrangements are designed based on this social distancing, so that the infection does not spread. Physical contact is better avoided. The Indian greeting of namaste comes handy in such situations. The other arm of this precaution is to refrain from any unnecessary travel, public gatherings or crowded places. Be it malls, theatres, airports, cafes, pubs, etc., all these sites can lead to overcrowding with the potential droplet spread of the virus. The states are closing down these places, mainly due to this reason. 2. Hand and respiratory hygiene: There has been a lot of hue and cry over alcohol-based hand sanitisers. They are convenient to carry and use. However simple soaps that generate more lather are perhaps the most effective. The fat in the lather dissolves the viral coat, killing it. Its important that hands are sanitised on both sides for some time (at least 30 seconds), with a liberal amount of sanitiser or soap. Dettol and Savlon are ineffective. Hands need to be cleaned before having food, after touching any exposed external surface and especially after returning from outside. Hand hygiene also includes not touching any part of the face (eyes, nose, mouth, ears), especially when hands are not cleansed. Covering the face fully while coughing or sneezing is vital to prevent the virus from spreading in air. Though I see literal agitation over face masks, especially N95 respirator masks, the CDC guidelines clearly mention that it is not necessary, unless you are working in a hospital set-up or caring for an infected/suspected case of Covid-19. The virus is smaller than the face mask pores. However, it might prevent unwanted touching of our faces. If at all needed, they can be used in public gatherings, like airports and in the vicinity of hospitals. Most importantly, there is no need to panic. Covid-19 is not fatal! More than 82,000 people around the world have recovered. Extremes of age, pre-existing ill-health and immune-compromised conditions increase the risk. Also, having a cold is not the same as Covid-19. The administration is doing its best to contain the outbreak. Unwarranted discussion and anxiety will only add to the existing public chaos. Besides public health, Covid-19 has also hijacked social media, continuing its top spot in all forwards, memes and messages. Please stay away from misinformation and senseless forwards. The WHO and CDC websites are fairly simple and lucid to follow for authentic information. If you have breathing trouble, sore dry throat, fever and cough for more than 7-10 days, please seek medical help. Further, if isolation is advised, please cooperate and follow the same. It is of prime importance to control the spread. Testing for Covid-19 has standard protocols and the physicians will inform you, if needed. Let us make others aware of these simple precautionary measures and follow them for the greater good. Dr Debanjan Banerjee MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru Email: dr.djan88@gmail.com GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help a New Jersey family devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. Three members of the Fusco family have died in the last week and several other remain hospitalized. Grace Fusco, 73, of Freehold, died Wednesday night at CentraState Medical Center in Monmouth County. One of her 11 children, Carmine Fusco, died Wednesday morning at St. Lukes University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and another, Rita Fusco-Jackson, died last week at CentraState. These deaths are connected to the first known New Jersey death from COVID-19, horse trainer John Brennan from Little Ferry, state health officials said. Gov. Phil Murphy offered his condolences to the family on Thursday. God rest their souls, Murphy said at a coronavirus briefing in Trenton, while announcing the total New Jersey cases has surged to 742. Other members of the Fusco family are in quarantine. In all, 19 members of the family, including spouses and kids, have been tested, according to Elizabeth Fusco, another of Graces daughters who remains quarantined. The daughter of another Fusco family member hospitalized with the virus has launched a GoFundMe campaign. My self-employed father has contracted COVID-19, and due to the pneumonia developed as a symptom of this virus, has been intubated and quarantined, along with several of my aunts, uncles, and grandmother who have all been diagnosed with the virus as well, organizer Rebecca Malone wrote on the GoFundMe page. My fathers eldest sister unfortunately passed away of complications while being treated at the hospital. Malone said she is one of those in quarantine, unable to work or leave her home. The fundraiser had collected more than $5,000 toward a $15,000 goal as of early Thursday afternoon. Another GoFundMe created for the family indicates six family members were admitted to CentraState with severe symptoms on March 10. This is a family that always cared and was there for others and now they need us to be there for them, according to fundraiser organizer Allen Zak. All money raised will be donated to the family for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and future hardship. The Fusco family needs your thoughts and prayers during these hard times and any amount of donation would be greatly appreciated. Zak described himself as a family friend of Elizabeth Fusco. Shes become like a second mom to me and Im just trying to be there for her, he said in a phone call. His effort had collected nearly $15,000 toward a goal of $50,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The toll from COVID-19 continues to climb around the state. New Jersey has reported 742 coronavirus infections and nine deaths, while more than 10,500 infections have been reported nationwide, with 152 deaths across the United States. Globally, more than 207,000 are infected with the virus and more than 8,600 have died, the World Health Organization reports. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. From March 17 onwards, a host of restaurants in Mumbai and Delhi started sending out mailers to customers saying they will be temporarily closed due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Simultaneously, a similar message was passed on to staff: Expect a pay cut. To curtail the spread of COVID-19, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) had issued an advisory earlier this week asking eateries to shut down. There have been 180 reported positive COVID-19 cases in India. The move could directly impact the 7.3 million people (according to the NRAI Food Services Report 2019) employed across restaurants in India. Here, about 3.7 million people are employed by the organised sector, with the rest by the unorganised sector. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Initial estimates suggest that the around 70,000-80,000 employees could be impacted, which could be in the form of salary cuts or/and job cuts for staff. At a Udipi food chain in Mumbai, which is unusually empty for a weekday, the manager looks irritated by the fact that out of the five waiters, only two have turned up. Two of the kitchen staff are absent too. We are barely doing any business. How can I afford to pay salaries? Anyway, the workers have also started staying away. Certainty, I will have to cut their pay and let go off a few, said the manager. Eating out has become a taboo with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Patrons are worried about catching an infection by dining out while the restaurant staff themselves are opting to stay away. On an immediate basis, a 15-day pay cut could be implemented for the shop-floor workers as well as management teams. Human resource personnel told Moneycontrol that hospitality/restaurant business owners have already started initiating staff rationalisation plans. Higher the number of days that restaurants remain shut, the worse it could get. Jobs will be cut across all levels, but kitchen and ground staff would be the worst hit, said the head of recruitment at a mid-size HR firm. Anurag Katriar, President, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), told Moneycontrol that there will certainly be pay cuts in the near future. The nature of our industry is such that fixed expenses are fairly high and hence I cannot rule out the possibility of job losses right now. We have issued an advisory to restaurants to shut temporarily in lieu of employee safety. Lakhs of employees travel by public transport everyday, endangering their lives and also that of customers, Katriar added. However, he added that employees staying home also come with challenges of how to keep companies (restaurants) afloat. Katriar said he is aware about industry players asking staff to either opt for paid leave or go on leave without pay. Salary cuts are happening. A larger salary cut impact will be at the corporate offices since this is where employees are paid high compensation, he added. In this industry, the organised segment comprises standalone restaurants as well as food chains. The standalone market has a share of 75 percent with an estimated size of Rs 1.10 lakh crore in FY19. NRAI Food Services Report 2019 pegged the industry market size at Rs 4.24 lakh crore in FY19. This is projected to touch Rs 5.99 lakh crore by FY23. Follow our LIVE coronavirus coverage here Using data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a team of astronomers has found striking orbital geometries in circumbinary protoplanetary disks. Their findings appear in the Astrophysical Journal. In the last two decades, thousands of planets have been found orbiting stars other than our Sun. Some of these planets orbit two stars, just like Luke Skywalkers home Tatooine. Planets are born in protoplanetary disks but most of the disks studied so far orbit single stars. Tatooine exoplanets form in disks around binary stars, so-called circumbinary disks. Orbits of binary stars can warp and tilt the disk around them, resulting in a circumbinary disk misaligned relative to the orbital plane of its host stars. With our study, we wanted to learn more about the typical geometries of circumbinary disks, said Dr. Ian Czekala, an astronomer at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Czekala and colleagues used ALMA data to determine the degree of alignment of 19 protoplanetary disks around binary stars. They compared the ALMA data of the circumbinary disks with the dozen Tatooine planets that have been found with NASAs Kepler space telescope. To their surprise, the researchers found that the degree to which binary stars and their circumbinary disks are misaligned is strongly dependent on the orbital period of the host stars. The shorter the orbital period of the binary star, the more likely it is to host a disk in line with its orbit. However, binaries with periods longer than a month typically host misaligned disks. We see a clear overlap between the small disks, orbiting compact binaries, and the circumbinary planets found with the Kepler mission, Dr. Czekala said. Because the primary Kepler mission lasted 4 years, astronomers were only able to discover planets around binary stars that orbit each other in fewer than 40 days. And all of these planets were aligned with their host star orbits. A lingering mystery was whether there might be many misaligned planets that Kepler would have a hard time finding. With our study, we now know that there likely isnt a large population of misaligned planets that Kepler missed, since circumbinary disks around tight binary stars are also typically aligned with their stellar hosts, Dr. Czekala said. Still, based on this finding, the astronomers conclude that misaligned planets around wide binary stars should be out there and that it would be an exciting population to search for with other exoplanet-finding methods like direct imaging and microlensing. _____ Ian Czekala et al. 2020. The Degree of Alignment between Circumbinary Disks and Their Binary Hosts. ApJ 883, 22; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ab287b Yesterday, Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., wrote a letter to President Trump imploring him to "prioritize the expeditious delivery of broadband to rural areas."As reported by Yellowhammer News , Aderholt complimented the Trump administration on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic thus far, but urged the president to move on the rural broadband issue."I applaud your strong leadership through this national emergency as your administration works to change the trajectory of COVID-19 and slow its spread, and simply ask that you not forget rural Americans who are forced to face the consequences of the digital divide as new containment measures are implemented," Aderholt wrote in the letter.Earlier this week on an episode of the radio program, Aderholt suggested that despite the fact that emergency initiatives will significantly increase U.S. debt, money cannot be an issue when it comes to the government's efforts to help fight the effects of the novel coronavirus, as reported by conservative news outlet Breitbart "This is sort of like in a time of war," Aderholt said on the radio program. "You don't worry about pinching pennies if you think you might lose the war."Aderholt also said on the radio that bipartisanship is one of the positive things that has come out of the coronavirus outbreak.However, despite the need for Americans to work together, business and political interests could still delay rural broadband expansion in some situations.reports today that 14 applications for Alabama's state broadband grant program, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), have been formally disputed Earlier this year, Alabama released a new map indicating the areas of the state that lack broadband availability, as well as areas that don't meet the definition of "unserved" and places with active broadband projects. The map was created by ADECA and has given stakeholders a new way of seeing the broadband problem in the state.Im just saying that if you look at the map you really get an understanding of how were losing our people and were losing it to other areas of our state, said Alabama state Rep. Debbie Wood, according to. If you look to the north, its almost covered with internet access. We need to make sure that the money is being spread to 67 counties. It cannot just go to one area. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 12:24:19|Editor: zh Video Player Close SEOUL, March 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korean stocks triggered trading halt on Thursday after plunging over 8 percent amid rising worry about the COVID-19 outbreak across the world. The bourse operator issued a circuit breaker on both the benchmark Kospi and the small-cap Kosdag at 12:05 p.m. local time to suspend trading for 20 minutes. It is issued when stocks drop over 8 percent for more than a minute. The Kospi tumbled 129.69 points, or 8.15 percent, to trade at 1,461.51 at the time. The Kosdaq plummeted 40.33 points, or 8.31 percent, to quote at 444.81. It was the second time that the circuit breaker was activated both in the Kospi and the Kosdaq in a single day. The latest issuance was made on March 13. At 11:50 a.m. local time, a sidecar was activated in the Kospi to halt computer-programmed trading for five minutes. It is imposed when stock futures fluctuate more than 5 percent for at least a minute. The local financial market showed steep fluctuations recently amid growing fears that the COVID-19 spread across Europe and the United States may drive the global economy into a recession. Foreign investors dumped domestic shares as well as the local currency as risk-off sentiment deepened. The won/dollar exchange rate jumped 37.3 won to 1,283.0 won per dollar as of 11:56 a.m. local time, after surging to 1,297.5 won earlier in the day. It was the first time in over 10 and a half years since July 2009 that the exchange rate topped 1,290 won. Swiss top-flight outfit FC Sion have terminated the contracts of former Arsenal pair Alex Song and Johan Djourou, as well as of seven of their team-mates, due to the coronavirus pandemic, local media reported on Thursday. The nine players refused the temporary unemployment terms offered by the club with the Super League postponed until April 30 due to the ongoing outbreak, Swiss news agency ATS claimed. Sion's president Christian Constantin has decided to rip up the deals immediately after the players rejected his measures including less training and a salary cap. Ex-Switzerland international Djourou and former Cameroon midfielder Song are joined by Pajtim Kasami, Ermir Lenjani, Xavier Kouassi, Seydou Doumbia, Mickael Facchinetti, Christian Zock, Birama Ndoye in leaving the two-time Swiss champions. Switzerland has registered some 3,800 cases of coronavirus, including 33 deaths making the small Alpine country of 8.5 million people one of the hardest-hit by the pandemic compared to its population size. Alex Song played 209 games for Arsenal People who use drugs alone, without a friend to monitor them, are at a much higher risk of fatally overdosing. Its a risk that holds true even in an age of social distancing and self-isolation. Read more One of the central tenets of harm reduction measures that encourage people in addiction to use drugs as safely as possible, so they can remain alive until ready for treatment is to avoid isolation. People who use drugs alone, without a friend to monitor them, are at a much higher risk of fatally overdosing. Its a risk that holds true even in an age of social distancing just one more complication that the coronavirus pandemic has visited on health-care workers who are trying to serve vulnerable populations. That includes the staff and the clients at Prevention Point Philadelphia, the Kensington public health organization thats been forced to limit its services to avoid the spread of disease. All we can do is inform people of their risk of overdose, and potentially a heightened risk if theyre alone," said Silvana Mazzella, Prevention Points associate executive director. To try to be more safe, we are getting people extra naloxone [the overdose reversal drug] to potentially use on others. Were really trying to just ramp up peoples awareness of their risk and ways to be safe. In recent days, harm reduction organizations around the world have issued tip sheets for drug users on how to stay safe amid a global pandemic. A tip sheet released by the national Harm Reduction Coalition and Vital Strategies, the organization coordinating with the Bloomberg Foundation to reduce overdoses in Pennsylvania, advised people who are using drugs alone to avoid overdoses by stocking up on fentanyl testing strips and injecting drugs slowly to test their potency. Those who use drugs with other people should have naloxone on hand and make plans to help each other in the event of an overdose, because emergency services might be strapped dealing with COVID-19 cases. The coalition is also advising people who use drugs to avoid sharing syringes, cigarettes, pipes, and devices to snort drugs; to wash their hands after buying drugs and before preparing them; and to try to steer clear of such services as needle exchanges if theyre sick, instead asking for a delivery or for a friend to pick them up. Mazzella said Prevention Point is working to educate clients about how to keep themselves safe. People are taking it surprisingly well, she said. We definitely saw a little bit less foot traffic around the building, and there are about 50 fewer people here for services. There are some people that are not aware and not too concerned; some of our older participants and more medically fragile participants are. At a table outside Prevention Point on Tuesday, volunteers conducted needle exchanges, then urged people to disperse. If youve got your works, you need to move down the street, one worker said, though no one seemed to listen. People stood on the sidewalk and spilling into the street, smoking cigarettes and chatting in groups. Antione James, 46, has been homeless and living on the street since he returned from prison in 2018. He spoke with a reporter after using the shower facilities at the Catholic Worker Free Clinic in Kensington. James said he finds the nations response to the coronavirus a little overzealous, if confidence-inspiring. Personally, though, hes feeling at a loss, because he isnt sure when hell be able to get back into Prevention Point. I was going there to see a counselor and a therapist, and now thats been thrown off," he said. I havent been there for two weeks, and Im not sure when Ill go back. About 15,000 people a year get services at Prevention Point, which deploys mobile syringe exchanges around the city and offers health care, medication-assisted treatment, and other services. Many of the centers clients sleep outside and are in precarious health. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the organization has halted some services that draw large crowds to the office, including the drop-in center, where people living rough can rest and get a meal inside. Essential programs such as the syringe exchange, mail services, public bathrooms, addiction treatment, and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C will remain open, although the medication-assisted treatment program is not accepting new clients for the time being. We typically have 400 people coming in here, and being in extremely close quarters," Mazzella said. "Were doing services from the door, and the mobile units. It was a hard decision to come by, but the reality is that [the staff] may be in the subset of people that dont necessarily become symptomatic or sick, but could potentially make medically fragile people extremely sick. Mazzella said she was also worried about supplies for clients running low as the pandemic continues. The organization has stocked up on syringes, naloxone and other harm-reduction supplies. Its also created an Amazon wish list and is asking for donations of nonperishable items and clothing, including underwear, socks, and undershirts, that will help clients on the street maintain better hygiene. Prevention Point also runs two low-barrier shelters on Kensington Avenue, designed for people in addiction who may not be ready to stop using drugs, and is working to maintain good stores of supplies for those residents. So far, the response from supporters has been encouraging, Mazzella said: The wish list just went up on the weekend, and we got almost an entire room full of donations. The call for humanitarian truce in Libya in view of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak launched earlier this week was not heeded as the Libyan capital woke up Wednesday under heavy fighting between the GNA forces and Haftars loyalists. Four civilians died Wednesday when forces aligned with rebel Gen. Khalifa Haftar launched rocket attacks on capital Tripoli, the seat of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). The victims include three children of the same family. They were killed in the first attack in southern Tripolis Ain Zara suburb, according to the GNA Health Ministry, Turkish news agency Anadolu reports. The fourth victim, a woman, was killed later in Tripolis Bab Bin Ghashir district when a rocket struck her car, also wounding her daughter and niece, according to a statement by the GNAs Volcano of Rage Operation. UNISMIL and international partners have called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to declare an immediate humanitarian cessation of hostilities as well as a halt to the continuing transfer of all military equipment and personnel into Libya, in order to allow local authorities to rapidly respond to the unprecedented public health challenge posed by COVID-19. UNSMIL added that while it continues its efforts in facilitating an inter-Libyan dialogue on the political, military and economic tracks, it urged all parties in Libya to take the bold step in unifying their efforts in facing this pandemic. COVID-19 has no affiliation and breaks through all frontlines, it said, and called on all Libyans to join forces immediately before it is too late to face this overwhelming, fast-spreading threat, which requires consolidating all resources and efforts for the prevention, awareness and treatment of possible victims. Tripoli has been since April last year targeted by Haftar forces in an attempt to flash out the GNA, accused of being controlled by Muslim Brotherhood and terror groups. More than 1,000 people have been killed in the confrontations. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced. The two sides are backed by foreign countries which are vying to take control of oil-rich country. Haftar is backed by Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, France and Egypt while the GNA is endorsed by Turkey, Qatar and Italy. China to donate 100,000 more COVID-19 test kits to Philippines MANILA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China has decided to donate 100,000 more test kits and other urgently-needed medical supplies to the Philippines to help the southeast Asian country fight COVID-19 spread. Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said Wednesday the assistance includes another 100,000 test kits, 100,000 surgical masks, 10,000 N95 masks, and 10,000 sets of personal protective equipment. China donated 2,000 test kits to the Philippines on Monday. "The Chinese people stands ready to help their Philippine brothers and sisters to go through this difficult time," Huang said in a statement. "Thank you, my brother," Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin tweeted after he was informed of the new donations. The Philippines now has 202 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 17 deaths. The department of health said that seven patients have recovered from the viral disease. Session to Focus on Sharing Ideas for Healthcare Organizations Trying to Navigate the Coronavirus Pandemic ROCHESTER, Mich., March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OptimizeRx Corp. (OPRX), a leading provider of digital health solutions for life science companies and payers, will host an online discussion on how to navigate the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with clinical leaders at Microsoft, Massachusetts General Hospital and from the global medical technology company, BD. The conversation is part of OptimizeRxs initiative to facilitate industry collaboration to help stop the spread of the virus. The panel will be moderated by Rebecca Love, MSN, RN and VP of customer strategy and engagement for OptimizeRx. She will be joined by Molly McCarthy MBA, BSN, Microsofts national director for U.S. Health and chief nursing officer; Kelly Robke MBA, MS, RN, VP of clinical thought leadership at BD; and Hiyam Nadel MBA, BSN, director of the Center of Innovations in Care Delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Topic: Learning Together: Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic This webinar is designed to share the knowledge, insight and expertise of these leading nurse executives as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Connected by their nursing backgrounds and representing three different healthcare verticals (hospitals, healthcare technology and medical devices), this unique panel will provide a valuable opportunity for participants to learn and engage. Date: Thursday, March 19 Time: 3:00 p.m. ET The webinar is free and open to anyone in the industry and will provide an opportunity to communicate directly with the panelists. Over the coming weeks, OptimizeRx plans to host a series of crucial conversations connecting various healthcare stakeholders to drive innovation, collaboration and education. Register today at www.optimizerx.com/webinars . For more information about OptimizeRxs webinar sessions, contact media relations at (754) 245-7070 or malejandra@optimizerx.com . Story continues About OptimizeRx OptimizeRx (OPRX), a digital health company, connects pharmaceutical companies to patients and providers, offering greater affordability, adherence and brand awareness at the point-of-care. As the nations largest digital platform connecting life sciences to the point-of-care, OptimizeRx provides a direct channel for pharma companies, payers, medtech, and medical associations to communicate with healthcare providers right within their workflow and also directly to patients. The cloud-based solution supports patient adherence to medications and better healthcare outcomes with real-time access to financial assistance, prior authorization, education and critical clinical information. OptimizeRx provides more than half of the ambulatory patient market with access to these benefits through leading EHR platforms like Allscripts, Amazing Charts and Quest, and directly via its mobile communications platform and digital therapeutics SaaS platform. For more information, follow the company on Twitter , LinkedIn or visit www.OptimizeRx.com . Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the definition of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such as in section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements should not be used to make an investment decision. The words 'estimate,' 'possible' and 'seeking' and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date the statement was made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted, or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward-looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition, and other material risks. OptimizeRx Contact Doug Baker, CFO Tel (248) 651-6568 x807 dbaker@optimizerx.com Media Relations Contact Maira Alejandra, Media Relations Manager Tel (754) 245-7070 malejandra@optimizerx.com For those just entering the lifestyle, a few suggestions: Take a break every three hours, and every time you see that "next episode" countdown, do some squats or sit-ups. Try to multi-task, but if you're going to offer your opinion on what you're watching, confine those tasks to something non-distracting, such as folding laundry or sorting everyone's sock drawer. (When I stopped being a TV critic, my children couldn't understand why they suddenly had no matched socks.) And if you are going to snack, put the snacks in a bowl if you bring the whole bag or carton in, you're done for. Former Labour shadow minister Kate Osamor was let off with a warning by the standards watchdog today after threatening to attack a journalist after her son was convicted of drugs offences. The Edmonton MP threatened to 'come down here with a bat and smashed your face in' after a Times reporter came to her 700,000 home in November 2018 following the conviction of Ishmael Osamor. The astonishing exchange was captured on body cameras at the time by police officers who were at the scene. She later quit as shadow international development secretary after it was revealed she has used her official House of Commons notepaper to write a letter to the court begging for leniency for her son. He was convicted of having 2,500 of class A and B drugs at the Bestival music festival in September 2017. At the time he she employed him as her chief of staff on a salary of up to 43,835 year, with a parliamentary pass allowing him access to the heart of Westminster. But today the standards committee ordered that despite agreeing she had brought Parliament into disrepute she need only make a written apology to the Commonns. They ruled that having to resign her frontbench role was enough of a punishment. In their report, published today, they claimed the threat to attack the journalist was merely 'a hot-blooded reaction to a difficult personal situation', after she claimed she had been the victim of 'media harassment'. 'Although the language used by Ms Osamor to the journalist on 30 November 2018 was extreme and highly regrettable, we believe that the strain and pressure she was under as a result of a long period of continuous scrutiny of her family affairs should be taken into account,' they ruled. 'So should the wider context of threats and abuse which she and her staff experienced over a number of months prior to this incident.' The Edmonton MP threatened to 'come down here with a bat and smashed your face in' after a Times reporter came to her 700,000 home in November 2018 following the conviction of Ishmael Osamor (pictured with his mother) He was convicted of having 2,500 of class A and B drugs at the Bestival music festival in September 2017 The haul included 30.89g of ecstasy, enough to make around 250 pills, 5.7g of ketamine, which might produce up to 100 hits, 7.5 grams of cocaine and a small amount of cannabis, according to court documents They also excused her use of the notepaper, saying: 'As the Clerk of the Journals observed, the inappropriate use of House-supplied stationery was ''at the milder end of inappropriate because the text of the letter itself is clearly in a personal capacity and does not pretend to any parliamentary authority''. 'It is worth emphasising that there is nothing wrong in itself in supplying a character reference to a sentencing hearing. 'Ms Osamor, as she now accepts, should not have done so on stationery bearing the crowned portcullis, but we note that there might be other circumstances in which a Member might properly use such stationery to supply a character reference for one of the staff in their parliamentary office.' The Edmonton MP, 51, resigned from her role as Labour's international development spokesman in December 2018 after it emerged she had falsely claimed she did not know about her son's case. She had said she was unaware of his arrest until after he was sentenced the previous October. However, she had written to the judge to plead for a short sentence. Mr Osamor stood down as a Labour councillor in Haringey, north London, following his guilty plea to charges of possession to supply class A and class B drugs. The haul included 30.89g of ecstasy, enough to make around 250 pills, 5.7g of ketamine, which might produce up to 100 hits, 7.5 grams of cocaine and a small amount of cannabis, according to court documents. In her evidence to the standards watchdog's investigation, Ms Osamor claimed reporters 'were camped outside her house, photographed her son on his way to and from the house, and door-stepped her 80-year-old mother'. She also objected to pictures of her home being taken and published on safety grounds. Aggravated burglaries have reached a 10-year high in some suburbs in Melbourne's inner-east, with Victoria's year-on-year crime rate rising for the first time since 2016. Police and the state government released Victoria's 2019 crime statistics on Thursday, revealing the state's overall crime rate rose 2.6 per cent, with 8137 recorded offences per 100,000 people. There were a total of 536,690 crimes recorded across the state last year, 24,304 more than the year before. "So what's driven the increase ... overwhelmingly its theft," Police Minister Lisa Neville said. Northern Ireland has recorded the first death of a patient with coronavirus. Stormonts Department of Health said the patient, who died in hospital in the greater Belfast area, was elderly and had an underlying health condition. A total of 68 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the region. In the Irish Republic, 366 people have tested positive and two people have died. Northern Irelands Health Minister Robin Swann said: I want to express my deep sadness at this death and send my condolences to the patients family and friends. It is, of course, essential that we respect their privacy at this sad time. I would once again appeal to everyone to play their part in fighting the spread of this virus. Stormonts leaders First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill also expressed sympathy. Mrs Foster said: This is a sad day for Northern Ireland. Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of the patient who has died. And we are immeasurably grateful to our health service staff who cared for this person. This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus. Ms ONeill said: At the heart of this is a person who has lost their life to Covid-19. While we knew this day would come, it doesnt make it any less devastating for the loved ones of that individual. I offer them my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. I also pay tribute to our amazing health workers who are doing everything they can to provide the best possible care for people in the most difficult circumstances. This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Work has begun on the development of a landmark new 15-storey office building in Cork docklands which is due for completion in 2021. Known as The Prism Building, it is Tower Holdings Group's first development in Cork city and is located on the city island at the edge of the expanding new docklands regeneration area. Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Ann Doherty, chief executive of Cork City Council, said: "We are delighted to see work begin on what will be an iconic building for the city centre. "Cork is going through a period of unprecedented economic development and investment with up to 1bn of office, hotel and apartment developments under way in the city centre." Taking its inspiration from the famous Flatiron Building in New York City, USA, The Prism is designed by the Cork-based team of Reddy Architecture + Urbanism and will be a first of its kind in Ireland. Positioned on a triangular shaped brownfield derelict site and with a footprint of only 310 square metres, the crystalline, light-filled tower will offer 60,000 sq ft of grade A, own-floor office space with panoramic views over the city. The building will be one of the first office buildings in Ireland to comply with the new stringent NZEB energy efficiency regulations. Tower Holdings is led by Kevin O'Sullivan and the firm also has plans for other high rise projects in the city, including apartments. An English businessman is allegedly in a blind panic after contacting coronavirus, but hes worried less about his health than about the circumstances in which he contacted the novel virus. The unnamed man, who is reportedly in his late 30s, had told his wife that he was going on a business trip within the UK, when he really set off to Italy on a romantic vacation with his mistress. His deceit was perfect, but the only thing he couldnt plan for was the coronavirus epidemic in Italy. When he returned home, he started exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, and tests confirmed that he had indeed been infected. He told his wife that he was infected domestically, but is concerned that his extramarital affair may be exposed. Photo: sciencefreak/Pixabay This patient is the talk of public health officials, a source close to the case told The Sun. His case would be funny if it wasnt quite so serious. The man confessed what hed been up to in Italy, and that his wife has no idea. She thinks he just picked up the disease on his business trip away. According to the British tabloid, the unnamed businessman admitted to doctors that he had traveled to Italy with his mistress, but has so far refused to identify her, for fear of having their affair exposed. Meanwhile, his wife, who only knows that he has Covid-19, has isolated herself in their lavish home in northern England. He thought he had the perfect alibi to carry out his affair, but hadnt reckoned on the coronavirus meltdown,the anonymous source added. The patient is just relieved he got home before flights were canceled that would have taken some explaining. Hes in a blind panic, but more about his adultery being exposed rather than his health. CNBC's Jim Cramer said Thursday that whatever happens on the other side of the coronavirus crisis CEOs should not benefit more than their employees. "I like anything that protects the workers," Cramer said on "Squawk on the Street." "We cannot have the fat cats make money at the expense of the workers." The "Mad Money" host was lamenting the moral hazards of the 2008 financial crisis, when companies got bailouts and chief executives got incentives as many workers lost their jobs. "We can't keep doing this because CEOs made out like bandits," Cramer said. "What we have to do is take a look at ... who the highest paid people are and tell them, 'Look, you can get this first lien,' but ... your salary is going to go to the workers.'" Cramer was railing against the same things billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has been hammering home this week. On CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday, Cuban said, "Whatever we do in a bailout, make sure that every worker is compensated and treated equally in that the executives don't get rewarded extra to stick around because they got nowhere else to go." Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and a "Shark Tank" investor, said bailed out companies should not be allowed to ever buy back their stocks again. "Not now. Not a year from now. Not 20 years from now. Not ever," he said. "Because effectively you're spending taxpayer money to buyback stock and to me that's just the wrong way to do that." Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank." Wisconsin regulators have ordered the states utilities not to disconnect residential service during the ongoing public health emergency. The Public Service Commission has also ordered gas, electric and water utilities to make reasonable attempts to reconnect service to any occupied dwellings that have been disconnected. As of Friday there were 1,481 customers in the state whose gas and electric services had been disconnected for nonpayment. Wisconsins winter moratorium on gas and electric service disconnection, which would normally expire April 15, has been extended until the crisis has passed. The announcement comes a day after Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency to beef up the states response to an outbreak of the COVID-19 illness. The Citizens Utility Board, which represents the interests of residential and small-business customers, praised the move, which it said will help Wisconsin residents get through the crisis while following public health guidelines, which seek to limit person-to-person contact. There will be ripple effects in economic activity, particularly in the service sector, that could lead Wisconsinites to stay home or employers to schedule folks to work shorter or fewer shifts, said CUB executive director Tom Content, and those steps could lead to reduced household income. Meanwhile the states largest utilities say they are taking steps to slow the spread of the virus, such as limiting personal contacts and visits to critical work areas such as control centers and power plants. All say they have plans in place to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of widespread workforce disruptions, though none provided specifics. The Edison Electric Institute, the national trade association for investor-owned utilities, said in some pandemic situations utilities may have to rely on contractors or other outside vendors to maintain service. Because of the widespread nature of a pandemic, companies may not be able to depend on the traditional mutual assistance programs that help companies restore service after natural disasters and weather events, according to an EEI memo on pandemic planning. "While we are accustomed to preparing for storms and seasonal viruses, such as the flu, we recognize this situation is different and changing quickly," said Cindy Tomlinson, manager of external communications for Alliant Energy. Tomlinson said the Madison-based utility has postponed all "non-essential" work and taking steps to minimize personal contact, including suspending commercial air travel, limiting in person meetings with third parties and requiring employees to wear gloves and maintain a six-foot distance when entering customers' homes. Alliant CEO John Larsen sent a letter Friday informing customers of the actions. Madison Gas and Electric is encouraging employees to minimize personal contact and to follow federal health guidance, said spokeswoman Kaya Freiman. We have plans in place to ensure we can continue to serve our customers and fulfill our responsibility to provide them with safe and reliable service," Freiman said. We Energies, the states largest utility company, is monitoring the spread of the virus, said spokesman Brandon Conway. At this point, we have emphasized the need for our field crews to avoid close contact with large groups and with people who are sick, Conway said. Were also asking our managers to restrict all but essential travel and communicate needed information via video conference and teleconference. Xcel Energy is working to protect its employees health and has plans in place to ensure essential positions are staffed, said spokeswoman Christine Ouellette. At Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse meetings are being held by phone, conferences have been canceled or rescheduled and facility tours stopped, said spokeswoman Katie Thomson. Anne Rodriguez, spokeswoman for WPPI, which provides energy to 51 municipal utilities, said the Sun Prairie nonprofit has taken general precautions, such as restricting access to essential areas, limiting personal contact and allowing employees who can to work from home. Rodriguez said WPPI, which does not operate any of its own power plants, has continuity plans and technology in place to carry out essential business remotely. The Madison Water Utility is closing its offices to the public starting Monday in a move designed to protect critical employees. Spokeswoman Amy Barrilleaux said the utility has emergency plans in place to ensure water service is not interrupted. Barrilleaux said some customers have expressed concern about the safety of tap water, but there is no evidence that the virus is a waterborne pathogen. The utility adds chlorine, a disinfectant, to all water pumped through the system. Falling demand? Based on whats happened in Italy, some analysts expect electricity demand to fall as schools and businesses close. Bloomberg News reports that Italys peak demand on Monday, when the government announced nationwide restrictions on movement and gatherings, was down almost 6% from the previous week. MISO, the organization that operates the bulk electric grid in Wisconsin and much of the Midwest, is monitoring the impacts of school and business closures, said spokeswoman Allison Bermudez. "We do not anticipate any significant impacts to system operations," Bermudez said. We Energies and Xcel said they are evaluating the potential for lower demand but said it is too early to predict the impact on revenues. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 n95 mask Romeo Ranoco/Reuters The U.S. government recently sent emergency face masks to several states and cities to help first responders combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, all the masks were expired, the New York Times reported. The specialized masks, called filtering facepiece respirators, can be less effective if the materials degrade over time, damaging the seal that protects wearers from airborne particles. However, the CDC has advised that even expired respirators may offer more protection that standard surgical masks, improvised materials, or nothing at all. Most people, aside from medical professionals and first responders, should rely on hand-washing and social distancing to stay healthy, experts say. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Healthcare workers responding to the rise of COVID-19 cases across the U.S. are facing an unprecedented shortage of equipment, particularly the specialized face masks used to protect medical staff from infection while working with patients. The federal government recently shipped out thousands of the masks to help but many of them are past their expiration date for effective use, according to new reporting from the New York Times. Still, the masks called N95 filtering facepiece respirators may still offer protection against the coronavirus even after their expiration date, according to experts. "N95 masks really don't expire in terms of their functionality. The only part that is subject to damage over time are the elastic bands that attach the mask to the user's face, which can be damaged by sunlight," Dr. John Balmes, professor of environmental health science at Berkeley Public Health, told Business Insider in an email. The specialized masks create a seal to protect wearers, but that can be damaged over time as materials degrade The key to figuring out whether the masks are still usable is the special seal that distinguishes filtering respirators from other protective face wear. Story continues A surgical mask can block large particles, including saliva, to protect both the wearer and surrounding people. However, the loose fit can leave room for smaller particles to get through. The seal on the N95 prevents this if worn properly, which is why even small variables such as facial hair can prevent the masks from working correctly. Over time, parts of the mask can wear out depending on how it is stored. The straps are made from a plastic and rubber polymer, which can expand or contract when exposed to heat or cold. This can affect the fit of the mask and prevent proper sealing, according to the CDC. Expired masks can still provide protection If properly stored, masks should still be safe to use, according to Balmes. "If the masks are stored in a dark, dry place, they should be OK to use. The filter material is inert," he said. "At this critical time, N95 masks should definitely be used past the expiration date." The CDC has tested samples of masks past their expiration date and found many of them were still effective at providing better protection than surgical masks, improvised face coverings like bandanas, or nothing at all. In response to widespread shortages of medical supplies, the CDC issued new guidelines to help prevent infection as efficiently as possible with limited supplies. According to the guidelines, users should manually check expired masks for any visible damage to the straps, nose piece or other pieces, and check the seal. If any problems are found, the respirator should be thrown away. If not, the mask can offer some protection, but should only be used in emergencies. Healthcare workers are already being asked to reuse the masks or use them for long periods of times in some cases, Business Insider previously reported, which the CDC has noted can be risky. The CDC and other government agencies have also said that N95 masks are not for use by the general public, as they're in high demand by medical professionals who routinely face close contacted with infected individuals. Instead, it is more effective for the public to prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding crowds and practicing good hygiene habits like frequent hand-washing when it is necessary to be in public spaces. Read more: People may need to work from home and limit socializing for more than a year until a coronavirus vaccine is available, researchers say The Pentagon is making up to 5 million masks available for the coronavirus fight All the different types of face masks, and who should wear them during the coronavirus outbreak Read the original article on Business Insider Chandigarh One of the oldest paddy varieties, PUSA-44, cultivated on at least 1/6 (16%) of the total area under the crop in Punjab will soon not be grown. The Centres department of agriculture research has asked Punjab to stop cultivating the variety, grown for around 40 years, from the upcoming kharif season. The Centre has also directed state procurement agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) not to procure the paddy variety after harvest. The greater quantity of biomass (stubble) that the variety produces is said to have prompted the decision at a meeting that the central department held for in-situ (at its original place, without transport) management of paddy stubble. PUSA-44 is a 130-day crop, which is sown early, before the onset of monsoon leading to more consumption of ground water. It also matures late, leaving a short window for wheat sowing in the rabi season. In Punjab, 77 lakh acre is under paddy and in the 2019 season, the PUSA-44 variety was sown over 13 lakh acre. The variety, on an average, is seven inches taller than other indigenous varieties of our university and produces 15-20% more biomass (stubble), leading to severe environment degradation, when burnt after harvest, said Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) vice-chancellor BS Dhillon. Dhillon added he was all for discontinuing PUSA-44, as there were better varieties such as PR-126 and PR-121 (of PAU) which mature in the much shorter time of 100-110 days. Farmers have a different perspective. We, as researchers, have to consider all aspects. PUSA-44 is water guzzler. What would farmers grow when there is no water left under our farms, said Dhillon, adding that stopping stubble burning remained a challenge. Punjab agriculture secretary Kahan Singh Pannu said the government would examine the issue. Farmers view Farmers claim the variety gives a yield of 2-3 quintal per acre more than other varieties. Farmers in a distress scenario would never like to lose yield, even if it is 2-3 quintal more, said BS Rajewal, president, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU). It gives a good yield, rice millers like it because of good output, low brokerage, low discolouration. All other varieties of PAU do not match it, Rajewal said, claiming that the PAU had never recommended the oldest variety grown in the state. He also claimed that the variety was grown over large areas under different names and procured as well under varying names. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Cherry Hill Public Schools employees distribute Chromebook computers for students to use while schools are closed at the Malberg Administration Building in Cherry Hill, N.J., on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Schools across the region are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more As school districts from Lower Merion to Cherry Hill prepared to give students Chromebooks this week, Shaxi Ortiz picked up worksheets and reading materials from a Camden elementary school for her two daughters. I only have one computer, said Ortiz, as she left the Wiggins School on Tuesday with Shaxielys, a second grader, and Jeanielys, a kindergartner. If they both need to go online, what would I do? Across the nation, school districts are facing the unprecedented challenge of educating millions of children at home in isolation while communities work to stem the spread of the coronavirus a mission that is laying bare the divide between wealthy and poorer districts. The digital divide is something we struggle with, said Katrina McCombs, superintendent in Camden, where a survey found only 30% of families in the nearly 6,000-student district have internet access and electronic devices for each student. The shutdown has just exacerbated the inequalities. In some communities, children are getting laptops and their teachers are posting videos of lessons, giving assignments and responding to students questions and messages. In others, students are being asked to pick up packets of schoolwork, largely to navigate themselves or with parents. This is when the inequity between funding and resources for districts becomes the most prevalent," said Mark DiRocco, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. Late Tuesday, the Philadelphia School District had directed teachers not to offer remote instruction, suggesting that wouldnt ensure equity for all students. District officials cited guidance from the state and federal education departments that said they cannot provide instruction to some students unless all students can access it. As we all know, some of our students have special instructional needs, some lack access to a computer, and some will have responsibility for taking care of younger siblings or older relatives while their parents are at work," Naomi Wyatt, the superintendents chief of staff, and Malika Savoy-Brooks, the chief academic support officer, wrote in a memo to principals. But after the policy was made public, the district clarified that stance Wednesday, saying Philadelphias public school teachers could offer optional, online lessons for students as long as those who cant or dont participate are not penalized. Wherever possible, if a teacher can be available for communication with his or her students, we encourage them to do that, said district spokesperson Monica Lewis. While school districts are trying to ensure that all students are treated equally, not providing any education to students means the neediest will fall further behind, said Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education, a research group at the University of Washington Bothell. She noted Seattle public schools also cited unequal access as a reason they are not providing digital learning during the coronavirus crisis. "Theres really good intention there, Lake said, but providing some learning would be "better than nothing. Districts with low-income students like Philadelphia are going to need us to bring everything weve got to the problem of making sure theyve got access to learning. READ MORE: Gov. Wolf proposed more money for public schools, but districts say math just doesnt add up Other districts arent facing the same dilemma. In Radnor, school leaders on Thursday will launch an all-online instructional program, with students expected to complete five days of assignments and stay in touch with teachers. Lower Merion began remote learning Wednesday and will be slowly expanding in terms of the classes" for high school students and setting up schedules, Superintendent Robert Copeland told school board members during a Monday night meeting conducted by phone. In Phoenixville, the school district asked parents to ensure they can log into Canvas, a digital learning platform, to prepare for online learning that began Wednesday. The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District promised to email elementary school parents by 2 p.m. each day to ensure their children are participating in distance learning activities. Cherry Hill gave out 700 Chromebooks earlier this week and plans to distribute another 700 Thursday for families with multiple students. Everybody should be easily connected," said spokesperson Barbara Wilson. Liza Rodriguez said she was surprised when her daughter, Jeilani, 12, a sixth grader at Pennsauken Middle School, came home without a Chromebook. The family does not have internet access or an electronic device. What are they supposed to do if they dont have a computer? said Rodriguez, 39. She said her daughter typically goes to the library to do homework, but those are closed. Like many districts, Pennsauken provided students with homework instruction packets. A district official said all materials accommodated students without internet access. READ MORE: How area schools are planning to instruct thousands of students in the event of long-term coronavirus closures In Philadelphia, about 5,000 educational packets were picked up by families Tuesday, according to city Managing Director Brian Abernathy. Roughly 130,000 Philadelphia students are enrolled in district-run schools; an additional 70,000 in the city attend district-funded charter schools. Packets dont work for all students, said Kristyn McCrohan, a seventh-grade math teacher at Mayfair Elementary. She had been posting optional lessons online and was among the educators confused Wednesday by the districts directive not to provide remote instruction. The packets dont help our [English-language learners] and our special-education students, she said. New Jersey districts are required to provide instruction during the closure. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has told its school districts they are not, but if they do, they must ensure full access to learning for all students. The Upper Darby School District put its online learning plan for students on hold earlier this week in light of the guidance. Late Wednesday, the district said it would move forward with a nonmandatory educational opportunities plan that students could access online. Id like to provide the best online education with our teachers and staff that we can, said Superintendent Dan McGarry in a phone interview Tuesday. But we know theres an equity issue, we know theres an access issue" not just around computers, which the district plans to provide to families, but around English language and special education services, McGarry said. In a community like ours, we cant just send packets of education and say Learn on your own, " he said. Rick Levis, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, said this week that we recognize that schools and their students and families have questions. He said the department would be continuing to update guidance to districts. Before the shutdown, Kate Conroys students at Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia were reading Othello. Conroy, a student teacher, and her colleagues made the text available online. They were also recording themselves acting out various parts and will eventually edit the clips together and post them on Instagram. But theyre not sure how many students will even be able to access the text or the performance. We told kids: If you cant get online, then you cant. Well make sure you dont get punished, Conroy said. It feels like there is no good solution for our kids. She is spending the coronavirus break babysitting kids from a suburban preschool where she used to work and sees stark differences in the resources available. These kids are 5, from a private preschool in New Jersey," Conroy said, "and they have assignments on Google Classroom. Staff writers Laura McCrystal and Anna Orso contributed to this article. Three teachers from India have made it to the top 50 shortlist unveiled in London on Thursday for the annual USD 1-million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2020, held in partnership with UNESCO. Citizenship teacher Shuvajit Payne from Shiksha Niketan Barefoot College in Rajasthan, primary school teacher Ranjitsinh Disale from Zilla Parishad Primary School in Paritewadi, Solapur, Maharashtra, and computer science teacher Vineeta Garg from SRDAV Public School in Delhi were selected from over 12,000 nominations and applications across 140 countries. "It's like a dream. My students and I are very happy to have made it to the top 50. Our hard work has paid off," said Ranjitsinh Disale, credited as an innovator for using technology to improve primary with his project of QR Coded Text Books linking up video and audio content in different languages and dialects. "I believe the recognition that this prize offers to an individual fuels motivation. It also puts their work under a spotlight. Moreover, being in the network of 50 educators who are on the shortlist opens up a lot of possibilities through exchange of ideas and learning," said Shuvajit Payne. Payne is the Head of at Barefoot College, responsible for the curriculum and operations of 50 informal community schools addressing the needs of rural India. Now in its sixth year, the Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. It has now partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to closely tie in with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 providing a quality for every child. Now, more than ever, in a world of competing priorities, governments throughout the world must invest in teachers to meet their commitments to deliver universal quality education by 2030, said Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO. The top 50 shortlisted teachers will be whittled down to 10 finalists by a Prize Committee, with that result set to be announced in June 2020. The winner of the 2020 prize is scheduled to be announced at a ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London on October 12. Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation and the Global Teacher Prize, said: The Global Teacher Prize will start this new decade with renewed purpose and energy, moving the prize ceremony around the world, spreading the message deeper into new host countries, and making the prize's reputation live up to its name as a true global celebration of teachers. As the home of the Varkey Foundation and a great global city we're proud to announce that London is the first of our new host cities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 2,000 passengers and crew are temporarily locked down on a ship at a Melbourne dock while they undergo coronavirus screenings. The Golden Princess has docked at Station Pier at Port Melbourne, but disembarkation has been delayed until the ship receives clearance from Victorian health authorities. 'The advice that I have is that there are a number of passengers who are unwell,' Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told reporters. 'It's not believed that it is COVID-19 related, that is the medical advice that I have received.' More than 2,000 passengers and crew on the Golden Princess are temporarily locked down in Port Melbourne while they undergo coronavirus screenings Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said there are a number of people who are 'unwell' but it is not believed to be coronavirus related, according to medical advice Ms Mikakos added if a test is positive, the normal contact-tracing procedures will be done. 'They will be treated in the exact same way as if they've arrived from an international aeroplane,' Ms Mikakos said. 'They will be required to engage in 14 days of quarantine and if is anyone is in fact positive, they will be assessed whether they require medical treatment - they will be moved to a hospital if that's required.' CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement A sign announcing the delay is on the pier. The 2,210 passengers left Melbourne on March 10 on a scheduled 13-night cruise to New Zealand. But their trip was cut short when Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ban on cruise ships from foreign ports arriving in Australia. Golden Princess said their ship arrived in Melbourne on Thursday in accordance with the Australian government's arrangements for cruise ships to return and disembark guests at the ports where the cruises began. 'Victoria Health wants guests to remain on the ship until the screening has been completed, and the results are known,' a statement from Golden Princess says. 'We have informed guests in an announcement on board that we realise this development is disappointing and unexpected but we will support health authorities because, like us, they are leaving nothing to chance when it comes to protecting public health.' The screenings could take several hours and only the guests being screened are expected to stay in their cabins. Friends and relatives of passengers are waiting on the pier. Damien Bourke arrived to see the boat dock about 5am and has waited on two friends since. 'My friend rang me and said somebody got tested and they are going to wait until possibly 3pm before they can get off the boat,' Mr Bourke told AAP. Crew from Southern Cross Portering, meanwhile, await instructions outside the ship. One staffer, who did not want to be named, said there is 'no clue of what they have to do'. Some passengers have been seen walking around the ship, on their phones. Several other Princess cruise liners have been affected by the coronavirus, including Diamond Princess, which was locked down in Japan, as well as the Grand Princess in the US. Congress accused the government of seeking call data records of mobile users in Delhi and nine states, saying this was a breach of citizens' privacy and an attempt to 'convert India into a surveillance state' New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday accused the government of seeking call data records of millions of mobile users in Delhi and nine states, saying this was a breach of citizens' privacy and an attempt to "convert India into a surveillance state". Congress' senior spokesperson Anand Sharma, who is also the deputy leader of the party in Rajya Sabha, said the party MPs raised the matter, which is in clear violation of existing guidelines and rules, in the Upper House. "This is a clear violation of the existing guidelines and rules, and also breaches the privacy of citizens concerned," he said. "We are concerned that by these actions, India is being converted into a surveillance state. What has happened and what continues to happen, is illegal and in violation of law," he added. Sharma said in 2013 when call data records issue of then leader of opposition Arun Jaitley came up, the then government issued very firm guidelines that those records can only be sought in specific cases on an order from the home secretary and also by superintendents of police, following the order that law enforcement agencies can use it and the cellular operators will make it available to them. However, they have to inform each specific case to the district magistrates concerned, he said. "Therefore, we have demanded that all these orders of the home secretary, which has authorised the government to do so, the telecom department and the orders of the district magistrates, which have been taken by the superintendents of police, should be placed in the House," the Congress leader said. "We are not satisfied with the answer given. What the minister has said actually is in violation of the guideline and the law, when it concerns to Indian citizen's privacy, as laid down by the Supreme Court also," Sharma said. Regulatory News: ENGIE EPS (Paris:EPS): 2019 revenues up 29% versus last year; pipeline up 127%, but Project Backlog decreasing by 18% compared to the 2018 backlog update of June 2019. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is impacting both the industrial operations of ENGIE EPS and its short-term business prospects and it is still too early to assess its full impact. As the situation continues to unfold, the primary concern of ENGIE EPS remains the health of our employees and their families. ENGIE EPS has decided not to confirm its 2020 revenue guidance announced in June 2019 and, given the current highly volatile circumstances, cannot commit to an alternative 2020 target. As for the 2022 revenue target also announced in June 2019, ENGIE EPS will update if necessary this guidance once the COVID-19 situation has been overcome. ENGIE EPS, together with ENGIE as its majority shareholder and industrial partner, remains committed to the implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan. 2019 KEY FIGURES Revenues and Other Income amount to 20.2 million as of 31 December 2019, up 29% compared to the previous year. This growth is mainly due to the early results under the Long Term Strategic Plan for "Giga Storage" with utility-scale storage and solar plus storage projects, and "Industrial Solutions" with microgrids and storage systems. Worth highlighting are, respectively, the successful deployment of the Sol De Insurgentes project in Mexico and the commissioning of the microgrid in Lifou, New Caledonia. In addition, during 2019, significant progress was made in the construction of the project in Comoros and for the storage solution for the Leini power plant, as well as for the commissioning of the third stage of our microgrid in Somaliland. On the other hand, Project Backlog as of today amounts to 29.5 million, down 18% compared to the revised Project Backlog communicated on 21 June 2019 (44% if compared to the initial one communicated on 14 March 2019). The decrease in Project Backlog is driven by the reduction in order intake due to several significant projects that have been either delayed or not awarded. Pipeline is up 127% over the same period, reaching 686 million. This Pipeline includes the project in Guam (US) where ENGIE has been selected as successful bidder for the construction of two Solar-plus-Storage projects under a 20-year power purchase agreement by the Power Authority of Guam (GPA) and where ENGIE EPS is the exclusive storage solution provider. Review of the appeal lodged by another bidder, final approval and formal contract award by the relevant authorities1 are underway. The appeal review process has however been put on hold due to COVID-19 cases in Guam. We therefore expect further delays for this project to enter the Backlog and we do not have sufficient visibility at present. The Pipeline features prominently other Giga Storage projects where ENGIE is the bidding entity and ENGIE EPS is the exclusive storage solution provider. ________________________ 1 The Consolidated Commission on Utilities, the Guam Public Utilities Commission and the GPA. Gross margin stands at 26.5%, compared to 30% in 2018, mainly due to the lower margins of the project in Mexico, which however represents an iconic project brought by ENGIE and accounts for more than 60% of the FY2019 revenues. Personnel costs increased by 53% reaching 6.7 million compared to 4.4 million in 2018. This is in line with the Long Term Strategic Plan, which envisaged that ENGIE EPS would strengthen its workforce in order to obtain the necessary foundation to execute the new plan over the long-term horizon. In this respect, today ENGIE EPS has 115 employees, from 15 nationalities, 1/3 of which with a PhD or an MBA. R&D investments amounted to 3.1 million, including expenses and capitalized amounts, stable compared to last year (3.2 million). These investments represent 15% of consolidated revenues, confirming once more the strong commitment of ENGIE EPS to R&D and innovation. Other Operating Expenses increased by 41% amounting to 2.3 million, compared to 1.6 million in 2018. This is mainly due to the growth of ENGIE EPS' structure, necessary to support business growth, in line with the Long Term Strategic Plan. EBITDA represents a loss of 5.7 million in 2019 (-5.3 million net of the impact of shutdown of non-core activities) compared to a 4.6 million loss in 2018, due to lower gross margins and the increase in operating expenses which more than offset the increase in revenues. EBIT as at 31 December 2019 stands at -15.1 million (-11.6 million net of the shutdown of non-core activities) compared with -11.9 million for the previous year. In line with the refocusing under the Long Term Strategic Plan, during 2019 a series of actions were carried out in order to discontinue all non-core activities in particular the hydrogen business line and the related production capacity which generated impairments for 2.4 million and provisions for 1.1 million. Those costs were one-offs related to the implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan. Net Result as of 31 December 2019 decreased by 68% compared to 2018, from -8.7 million to -14.6 million (-11.1 million net of the shutdown of non-core activities). Net Financial Position at the end of 2019 decreased to -8.1 million compared to 6.8 million on 31 December 2018. The Group obtained a 22.5 million facility from Societe Generale, with the support of ENGIE, in order to fund its working capital needs, R&D and capex investments, of which 12.5 million were drawn down in 2019. BACKLOG AND PIPELINE HIGHLIGHTS In the context of its Long Term Strategic Plan, ENGIE EPS implemented a refocused strategy restructuring the organization around three product lines: (i) Giga Storage, with utility-scale storage and large solar plus storage projects, (ii) Industrial Solutions, with microgrids and storage systems, and (iii) e-Mobility, with innovative charging stations, typically Vehicle to Grid (V2G), and special charging devices leveraging on the ENGIE EPS intellectual property portfolio. As iconic references included into the Pipeline and the Project Backlog, as well as early results of the implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan, it is worth highlighting: in the Giga Storage product line, ENGIE EPS is shortlisted in two bids worth in aggregate more than 300 million and 1.6 GWh, for projects expected to be online by 2023; product line, ENGIE EPS is shortlisted in two bids worth in aggregate more than 300 million and 1.6 GWh, for projects expected to be online by 2023; in the Industrial Solutions product line, ENGIE EPS secured its first microgrid in the USA and is well positioned to secure a second project in New Caledonia; and product line, ENGIE EPS secured its first microgrid in the USA and is well positioned to secure a second project in New Caledonia; and in the eMobility product line, ENGIE EPS secured a framework for a broad European distribution of the Easy Wallbox, setting the production capacity up to 50,000 units in the next 18 months and the largest V2G pilot project in the world, both announced on 26 February 2019. 2020 REVENUE GUIDANCE On 21 June 2019, ENGIE EPS announced a revised revenue guidance of 40m for 2020 and 100m for 2022. It also presented an indicative ambition for 2025 of 400m of revenues in its Long Term Strategic Plan. While the Pipeline is expected to generate revenues in 2021 onwards, the 2020 guidance rested mainly on projects moving from the opportunity pool to the Pipeline, then to the Backlog no later than 2019, and eventually generating revenues in 2020. As described above, some projects were not awarded to ENGIE, like the tender for new capacity in France, certain others are being delayed (in the US and Pacific islands), others have not materialized for ENGIE EPS, like the tenders in India and North Africa or a role of turnkey provider for large industrial projects that ENGIE EPS had planned in the e-mobility sector. In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak is heavily impacting both the industrial operations of ENGIE EPS and its short-term business prospects. ENGIE EPS' operations and the majority of the supply chain are based in Italy, the country currently at the epicenter of the European outbreak. The Italian government imposed the most drastic steps yet by any country except China to contain surging numbers of COVID-19 cases, placing almost immediately the region of Lombardy (where ENGIE EPS has two industrial premises) and more than a dozen other provinces in neighboring regions under quarantine on March 8. Restrictions were extended to the entire country on March 10, and then turned into a lockdown. In addition, travel restrictions all over the world are limiting the ability to ENGIE EPS to materialize its project development effort, particularly in large tender processes. As the situation continues to unfold, ENGIE EPS is not currently in a position to quantify the adverse impact, the related consequences for our supply chain and construction sites worldwide (Italy, Mexico, California, Singapore, Comoros, and Greece), nor the scenarios for our projects under development (Europe, South Africa, Middle East, US and Pacific Islands). As a consequence, the different scenarios for 2020 revenue recognition, presented by the management and analyzed by the Board of Directors held on 19 March 2020, are subject to significant volatility. All of the above certainly impacts ENGIE EPS' 2020 guidance and ripples through the timing of the implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan beyond 2020. In the longer run, ENGIE EPS, together with ENGIE as its majority shareholder and industrial partner, remains fully committed to the Long Term strategic Plan and its 2025 400 million revenue indicative ambition, bearing in mind that delivering this plan will require an improvement of the current economic environment highly penalized by the global Coronavirus pandemic. Further, the successful implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan is significantly predicated upon (i) ENGIE EPS and ENGIE prioritizing efforts and resource allocation on the markets where storage is most promising, e.g. with favourable regulation and already announced tenders for which both groups have a competitive hedge, (ii) ENGIE supporting ENGIE EPS in projects that make sense for both companies, and (iii) both partners being successful in winning and executing projects. In this context, and following a discussion at the Board of Directors on 19 March 2020, ENGIE EPS has decided not to confirm its 2020 revenue guidance and not to commit to an alternative target for 2020, as well as to update if necessary the 2022 guidance once the COVID-19 situation has been overcome The investor conference call is scheduled on 20 March 2020 at 8:00am, dial-in and the presentation will be available in the new corporate website: engie-eps.com/financial-calendar About ENGIE EPS ENGIE EPS is an industrial player within the ENGIE group that develops technologies to revolutionize the paradigm shift in the global energy system towards renewable energy sources and electric mobility. Listed on Euronext Paris (EPS: FP), ENGIE EPS is listed in the CAC Mid Small and the CAC All-Tradable financial indices. Its registered office is in Paris and conducts its research, development and manufacturing in Italy. For more information: www.engie-eps.com About ENGIE Our Group is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. In response to the urgency of climate change, our ambition is to become the world leader in the zero-carbon transition "as a service" for our customers, in particular global companies and local authorities. We rely on our key activities (renewable energy, gas, services) to offer competitive turnkey solutions. With our 160,000 employees, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are a community of Imaginative Builders, committed every day to more harmonious progress. Turnover in 2019: EUR 64.1 billion. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo Eiris World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120, France 20, CAC 40 Governance). Forward looking statement This release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not undertakings as to the future performance of ENGIE EPS. Although ENGIE EPS considers that such statements are based on reasonable expectations and assumptions at the date of publication of this release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual performance to differ from those indicated or implied in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include without limitation those explained or identified in the public documents filed by ENGIE EPS with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the ENGIE EPS (ex EPS) Registration Document filed with the AMF on 30 April 2019 (under number R.19-020). Investors and ENGIE EPS shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realized they may have a significant unfavorable impact on ENGIE EPS. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the verbs or terms "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "build- up", "under discussion" or "potential customer", "should" or "will", "projects", "backlog" or "pipeline" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear throughout this announcement and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the ENGIE EPS' intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the ENGIE EPS' results of business development, operations, financial position, prospects, financing strategies, expectations for product design and development, regulatory applications and approvals, reimbursement arrangements, costs of sales and market penetration. In addition, even if the ENGIE EPS' results of operations, financial position and growth, and the development of the markets and the industry in which ENGIE EPS operates, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. The forward-looking statements herein speak only at the date of this announcement. ENGIE EPS does not have the obligation and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. 1.1 Consolidated Income Statement CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (amounts in Euro) 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 Revenues 19.684.041 15.540.960 Other Income 520.770 119.721 TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER INCOME 20.204.810 15.660.681 Cost of goods sold (14.857.163) (10.983.399) GROSS MARGIN FROM SALES 5.347.646,92 4.677.282,29 on Revenues 26,5% 29,9% Personnel costs (6.667.126) (4.352.366) Other operating expenses (2.316.539) (1.647.802) Other costs for R&D and industrial operations (2.094.303) (3.279.710) EBITDA excluding Stock Option and Incentive Plans expenses (1) (5.730.321) (4.602.596) Amortization and depreciation (2.985.304) (1.655.407) Impairment and write down (3.592.049) (289.038) Non recurring income and expenses and Integration costs (1.573.472) (2.627.433) Stock options and Incentive plans (1.206.490) (2.723.817) EBIT (15.087.635) (11.898.290) Net financial income and expenses (312.219) (692.014) Revaluation of European Investment Bank warrants liabilities (IFRS 2) and other impacts of EIB loan prepayment 0 3.777.134 Income Taxes 755.570 78.532 NET INCOME (LOSS) (14.644.285) (8.734.637,72) Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent company (14.644.285) (8.734.638) Non-controlling interests 0 0 Basic earnings per share (1,15) (0,83) Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 12.766.860 10.525.521 Diluted earnings per share (1,15) (0,83) (1) EBITDA excluding Stock Option and Incentive Plans expenses is not defined by IFRS. It is defined in notes 3.8 and 4.6 of Consolidated Financial Statement. 1.2 Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (amounts in Euro) 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 NET INCOME (LOSS) (14.644.285) (8.734.638) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations and other differences (4.517) (156) Actuarial gain and (losses) on employee benefits (123.021) (43.733) Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax (127.538) (43.889) Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax (14.771.823) (8.778.527) Attributable to Equity holders of the parent company (14.771.823) (8.778.527) 1.3 Consolidated Balance Sheet ASSETS (amounts in Euro) 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 Property, plant and equipment 3.097.589 1.294.653 Intangible assets 6.979.216 7.986.470 Investments in entities accounted using the equity method 996 996 Other non current financial assets 143.346 143.227 TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 10.221.147 9.425.346 Trade and other receivables 19.077.189 8.164.968 Inventories 2.985.948 3.052.853 Other current assets 4.680.548 1.981.965 Current financial assets 428.201 350.000 Cash and cash equivalent 6.431.376 10.860.527 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 33.603.262 24.410.314 TOTAL ASSETS 43.824.409 33.835.660 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES (amounts in Euro) 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 Issued capital 2.553.372 2.553.372 Share premium 48.147.696 48.843.750 Other Reserves 4.586.787 4.932.184 Retained Earnings (38.306.765) (30.296.289) Profit (Loss) for the period before Revaluation of European Investment Bank warrants liabilities (IFRS 2) (14.644.285) (12.511.771) Total Equity before European Investment Bank variation (IFRS 2) 2.336.804 13.521.244 Revaluation of European Investment Bank warrants liabilities (IFRS 2) Impact on Net Profit 0 3.777.134 TOTAL EQUITY 2.336.804 17.298.378 Severance indemnity reserve and Employees' benefits 4.825.619 4.226.240 Non current financial liabilities 13.254.905 1.810.167 Other non current liabilities 1.631.591 0 Non current deferred tax liabilities 16.494 16.494 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 19.728.609 6.052.901 Trade payables 15.962.964 5.513.949 Other current liabilities 4.518.758 2.709.845 Current financial liabilities 1.277.274 2.240.696 Income tax payable 0 19.892 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 21.758.996 10.484.381 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 43.824.409 33.835.660 1.4 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (amounts in Euro) Share Capital Premium Reserve Stock Option and Warrants plan reserve Other Reserves Retained Earnings (Losses) Profit (Loss) for the period Total Equity before European Investment Bank variation (IFRS 2) Revaluation of European Investment Bank warrants liabilities (IFRS 2) and other impacts of EIB loan prepayment TOTAL EQUITY Net Equity as of 31 December 2017 1.687.925 19.451.395 6.604.909 (173.645) (20.198.389) (5.923.291) 1.448.905 (3.086.219) (1.637.314) IFRS 15 first time adoption as at 1 January 2018 (1.074.563) (1.074.563) (1.074.563) Previous year result allocation (9.009.510) 5.923.291 (3.086.219) 3.086.219 Stock option and warrants (1.453.787) (1.453.787) (1.453.787) Shareholder's capital increase 865.446 29.392.355 30.257.801 30.257.801 Other movements (1.560) (13.671) (15.231) (15.231) Loss for the period (12.511.771) (12.511.771) 3.777.134 (8.734.638) Total comprehensive income (43.733) (156) (43.889) (43.889) Net Equity as of 31 December 2018 2.553.372 48.843.750 5.151.122 (218.938) (30.296.289) (12.511.771) 13.521.245 3.777.134 17.298.379 Previous year result allocation (27.704) (8.706.934) 12.511.771 3.777.134 (3.777.134) Stock option and warrants (181.831) (181.831) (181.831) Shareholder's capital increase Other movements (696.054) (12.828) 700.882 (8.000) (8.000) Loss for the period (14.644.285) (14.644.285) (14.644.285) Total comprehensive income (123.021) (4.517) (127.538) (127.538) Net Equity as of 31 December 2019 2.553.372 48.147.696 4.969.291 (382.492) (38.306.857) (14.644.285) 2.336.725 2.336.725 1.5 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows CASH FLOW STATEMENT (amounts in Euro) 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 Net Income or Loss (14.644.285) (8.734.638) Non-cash adjustment to reconcile profit before tax to net cash flows (357.655) Revaluation of European Investment Bank warrants liabilities (IFRS 2) and other impacts of EIB loan prepayment 0 (3.777.134) Amortisation and depreciation 2.985.304 1.655.407 Impairment and write down 3.592.049 289.038 Stock option and incentive plans impact 1.206.489 (1.466.296) Defined Benefit Plan 599.379 443.411 Non-cash variation in bank debts 528.048 488.338 Working capital adjustments Decrease (increase) in tax assets 221 719.544 Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables and prepayments (13.689.123) (4.362.766) Decrease (increase) in inventories 66.905 1.780.617 Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables 6.925.288 3.224.791 Increase (decrease) in SARs Liability 0 0 Increase (decrease) in non current assets and liabilities 107.590 2.686.501 Net cash flows from operating activities (12.322.135) (7.410.842) Investments Net Decrease (Increase) in intangible assets 433.625 (3.137.602) Net Decrease (Increase) in tangible assets (276.528) (780.971) Net Decrease (Increase) due to IFRS 16 FTA (2.175.922) 0 Net cash flows from investments activities (2.018.826) (3.918.573) Financing Increase (decrease) in bank debts 9.953.268 (12.304.402) Shareholders cash injection 0 30.257.801 Investments in company accounted for using the equity method 0 (996) IFRS 16 Impact (41.460) Net cash flows from financing activities 9.911.808 17.952.403 EPS S.A. net cash and cash equivalent at Period Beginning Net cash and cash equivalent at the beginning of the period 10.860.527 4.237.540 NET CASH FLOW FOR THE PERIOD (4.429.153) 6.622.988 NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 6.431.375 10.860.527 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005696/en/ Contacts: PRESS eps@imagebuilding.it INVESTOR RELATIONS ir@engie-eps.com Government agencies are under pressure to deliver a quality of customer experience (CX) comparable to the commercial sector, prompting investment in technologies that support more responsive services, increased transparency and improved customer satisfaction. However, while businesses can measure return on CX investment through sales revenue and customer churn metrics, government agencies lack similar success indicators. This makes ROI analysis less straightforward -- but no less important. Office of Management and Budget guidance from 2018 called for agencies to invest in call center experience improvements. Section 280 highlights ease and simplicity, efficiency and quality of service in call center engagements, as well as the helpfulness of agents, as key areas of focus. Most significantly, it draws a direct link between federal call centers and securing the confidence and trust of the American public in government at large. And, with trust at a near-historic 17% low, every opportunity for positive contact counts. The scope of opportunity The government provides a range of services through its agencies call centers, covering benefits and loans to health care, Social Security, taxes and use of parks or historical sites. Some call centers operate during agency office hours, while others run 24/7, employing hundreds of agent shift-workers and handling upwards of 500,000 interactions per year. Some operations rarely see change, while others must quickly scale to handle public concern around a national incident, such as health services handling questions on the coronavirus. Throughout all contact center environments, however, runs one common element: data. Ease, simplicity and quality Artificial intelligence is a technology that thrives in data-rich environments. AI can act in several ways during a caller engagement to provide simpler and more natural, or frictionless, interactions that build confidence and trust. Its ability to act on natural-language voice prompts supports better call routing to the correct human agent. It can also deliver relevant and timely customer information in advance of -- and during -- the call, to help the agent give the most appropriate advice as well as pick up on action prompts, such as send form, confirm by email or book appointment so that tasks are completed quickly and with minimal human involvement. For example, a federal employee reporting an accident in a fleet vehicle might need to talk to a human agent about the incident, but in the background an AI bot can commission a tow truck and arrange for a replacement vehicle. The agent has time to engage with the caller to provide better quality support while the bot handles scheduling and logistics. However, a customer seeking pension advice may want to be able to talk through a range of complex options with an empathic expert -- a feature that an AI-driven bot simply cannot, at least for the moment, provide. Bots can, though, identify when a customers frustrations are increasing. Raised voices or longer pauses in conversation can indicate anger, prompting the AI bot to flag a potential issue to a supervisor or to identify when to bring an agent onto a call during a process-led transaction. Efficiency and cost Whilst the federal mandate focuses on investment in the ease, simplicity and quality of service of call centers, AI has most the impact on improving agent efficiency and reducing costs. Our experience with government and commercial centers suggests that, on average, one in five calls can be handled without human interaction. AI-driven bots can provide a simple, efficient experience for administrative tasks such as updating an address, resetting a password or requesting a loan form. This frees agents from 20% of call handling to be more productive elsewhere, and spend time on delivering a better quality experience where they are needed most. There is further scope for handling process-driven parts of more complex conversations too. For example, AI can gather early-stage information and verify callers before handing them over to an agent to continue the interaction. Agents receive a briefing from the bot that combines new information received along with historical background, allowing them to join the call fully informed and equipped to deliver a helpful and more efficient service. So efficient, if fact, that organizations we have worked with estimate AI lowers the average cost per call dramatically from $8.50 to less than $2.50, delivering significant operational savings. Longer-term opportunities As voice-based AI continues to mature, it will unlock opportunities to introduce more sophisticated services. With a strong culture of training and support among agency staff as a foundation, AI bots will progress from the routine queries to a more predictive approach that taps intelligent logic, allowing them to ask, for example, Are you calling about your recent benefits claim? By aggregating current and historical information available on the customer, and continually learning from trends and refinements, AI-based systems will gradually learn to identify why customers are calling and enable government call center agents to present a smarter, more intuitive service. Building confidence and trust in the governments ability to deliver services has a foundation in the wide-ranging opportunities of AI to unlock new levels of ease, efficiency and quality of service to improve citizens everyday contact with the nations call centers. Taken altogether, it's a strong case for investment in AI across the nations government call centers. Coronavirus: Egypt, evening closures of bars, restaurants Prime minister says from 7 p.m. also shopping centres (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, MARCH 19 - Egypt announced on Thursday it will block evening and nighttime commercial and recreational activities until the end of March due to the coronavirus. The MENA news agency, citing Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, said the closure regards "restaurants, bars, cafes, casinos, night clubs and shopping centres from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through March 31". Pharmacies, bread shops, grocery stores and supermarkets will remain open, said the website of Egyptian daily Al-Ahram. The Egyptian health ministry announced on Wednesday evening that there are 210 cases of coronavirus in the country, and six people have died, said the website Egypt Independent on Thursday. The evening closure of bars, restaurants, and shopping centres begins Thursday, said the website Sada al Balad, citing the government announcement. It recalled that on Monday the Egyptian government decreed that beginning Thursday all international flights from the country's airports would be suspended until March 31. Home delivery of restaurant meals is still permitted and is not a part of the evening ban.(ANSAmed). MARIGOT:--- On Wednesday evening, there are two confirmed cases in Saint-Martin, one more than the day before and still two cases in Saint-Barth, said the prefecture in a press release. "In Saint-Martin, it is a 40-year-old person living on the island, returning from a trip to France (Paris). His state of health was not considered worrying, home confinement instructions were communicated to him, "said the prefecture. Adaptation of the screening strategy We have moved from a strategy of identifying the entry of the virus into our territory to a strategy of identifying the most severe cases. The screening and patient management strategy is based on national recommendations. Given the circulation of the virus in the archipelago, the proposal to screen patients with signs of COVID-19 is being adapted. This strategy incorporates the following main principles: - Systematic screening of hospitalized people - Screening of people at risk following a medical evaluation - Screening of professionals essential to continuity of service for the population - Screening by sentinel doctors of people showing signs in the city to assess the spread of the epidemic in the population Systematic screening for the entire population would not bring benefit to people with mild forms and would put the laboratory, by a massive influx of examinations, in difficulty, potentially causing delays in treatment for severe cases. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Ritchie Bros. continues to deliver results for sellers and buyers VANCOUVER, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - With limitations on large gatherings around much of the world, Ritchie Bros. is leveraging the full power of its online technologies to continue its equipment auctions while maintaining the safety of its customers and employees. Early returns have been very positive, with record bidder registrations and solid pricing. "The safety of our customers and employees has driven our strategy every step of the way," said Ann Fandozzi, Chief Executive Officer, Ritchie Bros. "We are here for customers in good times and bad and have a multitude of ways we can deliver results. Right now, we are limiting or eliminating onsite attendance in accordance with local restrictions and promoting online participation. This week in Columbus, OH, we held an online-only event with a live auctioneer; in France we held our auction strictly through our Timed Auction system; and in Sacramento, in accordance with local authorities, we allowed a limited number of onsite bidders, while the majority participated online. For every one of these events we saw a record number of bidders. We are also selling thousands of items every week through our online marketplaces IronPlanet, GovPlanet, and Marketplace-E." Ritchie Bros.' online registrations in March are up 25% year over year, while its mobile app users have increased 90%. "I'll admit, I was a little worried about the Columbus auction changing to online-only, but true to form, Ritchie Bros. exceeded my expectations and the results for my items were great," said Jim Prince, Owner of Prince Pipeline Integrity. "Thank you, Ritchie Bros. for caring about the safety of your customers while continuing to do what you do best." Columbus, OH March 17 18, 2020 A record 5,800+ people from 51 countries registered to bid on the 2,400+ items sold in Ritchie Bros.' Columbus, OH auction. Leading up to the sale, web traffic was at a record highup 45% from the same auction in 2019. Approximately 60% of the items sold in the auction were sold to out-of-state buyers from as far away as Poland, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Sales highlights in the two-day auction included a 2015 Caterpillar D6T XL crawler tractor that sold for US$220,000 and a 2019 Volvo VNL64T670 sleeper truck tractor that sold for US$91,000. St. Aubin sur Gaillon March 17 18, 2020 A record 1,900+ people from 76 countries registered to bid on the 2,600+ items sold in Ritchie Bros.' auction in St. Aubin sur Gaillon, France. Approximately 60% of the assets were sold to buyers from outside the country, from as far away as Australia, Vietnam, and the United States. Sales highlights included a 2016 Caterpillar 320EL hydraulic excavator for 83,000 (US$92,694) and a 2013 Manitou MRT2150 Plus 4x4x4 telescopic forklift that sold for 80,000 (US$89,344). Sacramento, CA March 18, 2020 More than 6,400 people from 54 countries registered for Ritchie Bros.' auction in Sacramento, CA this week25% more bidders than the same auction last year and a record high for the site. Approximately 64% of the equipment in the auction was sold to buyers from California. Sales highlights in the auction included a 2015 Caterpillar D6N LGP dozer that sold for US$142,500 and a 2017 John Deere 160G LC hydraulic excavator that sold for US$125,000. Ritchie Bros. has more than 60,000 items scheduled to sell its upcoming live and online events. For more information about upcoming events, visit rbauction.com and/or IronPlanet.com. About Ritchie Bros.: Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is a global asset management and disposition company, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used heavy equipment, trucks and other assets. Operating in a number of sectors, including construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, mining, and forestry, the company's selling channels include: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the world's largest industrial auctioneer offers live auction events with online bidding; IronPlanet, an online marketplace with featured weekly auctions and providing the exclusive IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification; Marketplace-E, a controlled marketplace offering multiple price and timing options; Mascus, a leading European online equipment listing service; and Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty, offering privately negotiated sales. The company's suite of multichannel sales solutions also includes Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions, a complete end-to-end asset management and disposition system. Ritchie Bros. also offers sector-specific solutions including GovPlanet, TruckPlanet, and Kruse Energy, plus equipment financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. For more information about Ritchie Bros., visit RitchieBros.com. Photos and video for embedding in media stories are available at rbauction.com/media. SOURCE Ritchie Bros. AN Offaly councillor has slammed fake news this week, pointing out that websites disseminating incorrect claims and advice about Covid-19 are "disgraceful and evil." "There is an awful lot of fake news on the internet and on Facebook," said Cllr John Clendennen. "Many of us see them for what they are and treat them with a pinch of salt, but many people don't. These fake stories are increasing mental harm, anxiety and fear in our communties." He urged people to get their information from the experts. "When it comes to Covid-19 advice I would urge people to only follow the advice from three organisations - the HSE, the World Health Organisation and the government of Ireland. I would also urge people to limit their social media exposure because too much exposure to social media during this very difficult time is making people more anxious and fearful." He urged people to switch off from the constant newscycle for periods of time and go for a walk or read a book. Cllr Clendennen is also a member of the Vintners Federation of Ireland and he said the VFI willingly asked its members to close their pubs during the crisis. "This was willingly undertaken for the greater good by the pubs of Offaly." The councillor said he didn't know of one pub which isn't complying with the order to shut one's doors to the public. "People rely on pubs for a very important social outlet. There is no doubt this will impact on some people's mental wellbeing, but obviously this was the only course of action open to us." Hindi News National Corona Virus: Indian Students Stuck At Manila Airport, They Send Message For Help To Indian Embassy 100 , 2 - /. , 72 - - 100 , , , 32 , , - 1 : 10 45 : 8 : The Bangladesh government on Thursday approved a low-cost kit, developed by a private health research institute, to detect novel coronavirus cases in a mass scale, amidst reports of crisis of equipment in the country for such tests. "We have issued a NOC (No Objection Certificate) to import raw materials to prepare the kits," a spokesman of Bangladesh's Drug Administration said. The Gonoshasthaya Kendra, which developed the kit, had applied for clearance for import of raw materials. "The government today gave approval to the coronavirus-detection kits and we have already started the process to import the raw materials required," the organisation's founder, Zafrullah Chowdhury, was quoted as saying by the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency. "We will start full-scale production in two weeks," he said, adding that each kit would cost Tk 300-Tk 350 (USD 3.54-USD 4.13). According to Gonoshasthaya experts, the kit can examine samples to detect Covid-19 as fast as in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the authorities on Thursday tightened travel restrictions in popular tourist destinations. Health Minister Zahid Maleque said the government would lock down the most vulnerable areas if the coronavirus outbreak worsened. With four new COVID-19 cases reported on Thursday, the total number of coronavirus cases rose to 17, including one death. Experts opine there is a risk of spread of the disease due to lack of appropriate protection measures, particularly for doctors, staff and patients in hospitals. Meanwhile, a huge venue for an annual Muslim congregation is being converted as a mass quarantine centre on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka. The government has already closed all schools banned all social, religious, political and cultural rallies for an indefinite period. The Supreme Court on Thursday barred police and jail authorities to produce prisoners and suspects in courts for legal proceedings in view of the growing coronavirus infection. L: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern looks on during a press conference in Wellington, New Zealand on March 17, 2020. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) R: Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends the meeting of the Council of Australian Governments meeting in Sydney, Australia on March 13, 2020. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images) Australia, New Zealand Ban All Foreigners, Non-Residents From Entry Amid CCP Virus Outbreak Australia and New Zealand are banning all non-citizens and non-residents from entering their respective countries due to CCP virus concerns. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement has allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Thursday afternoon that the travel ban will go into effect at 9 p.m. on Friday. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that its ban will be effective at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Australian citizens and their direct family members will still be allowed to enter the country but will have to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days. Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Morrison said that about 80 percent of CCP virus cases in Australia are either the results of someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. So, the overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported, Morrison added. Measures we have put in place have obviously put an impact on that and this is a further measure now that can be further enhanced. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pointed out that all of the 28 confirmed CCP virus cases in the country are related to overseas travel. Ardern told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are canceling flights. We will not tolerate risk at our borders, Ardern said on Thursday. She added that borders will still be open for freight and cargo. Morrison said that New Zealands travel ban doesnt apply to Australians living in New Zealand as New Zealand residents. Equally for New Zealanders living in Australia as Australian residents, these are the same rules that apply in both countries, he added. Recently, the two countries announced that all international arrivals would have to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days. Reuters contributed to this report. Local Grocers & Retailers Reduce Hours; Regional Malls Closing Shopping centers around the region are closing down, some by order and others out of caution in the wake of the novel coronovirus pandemic. Lee Prime Outlets is closed until March 29. TJMaxx/HomeGoods/Marshalls stores are closed globally for two weeks, along with the companies' online ordering and distribution centers. Dick's Sporting Goods and related stores are closed until April 2 but online ordering and curbside pickup are available between 9 and 6 daily. The Holyoke Mall was ordered closed by Mayor Alex Morse on Tuesday along with other retailers in the city with the exception of grocers and pharmacies. Governors in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey have ordered the closure of all indoor portions of businesses such as malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys. Gov. Cuomo in New York has made this effective Thursday, March 19, at 8 p.m. and includes Crossgates and Colonie malls. Massachusetts has NOT made closures mandatory; local officials and/or store owners and mangers are making these decisions at this time. Large stores remaining open have reduced their hours and some have set aside shopping hours for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 such as the elderly, immuno-compromised and, in some stores, first-responders. Target will close at 9 p.m. daily and reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday for vulnerable patrons. Stop & Shop will be open 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 a.m. for vulnerable patrons. Salad bar is closed. Price Chopper/Market 32 will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and at 6 a.m. for vulnerable patrons. Big Y will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and at 7 a.m. for vulnerable patrons. Soup and self-serve bars are closed; prepackaged foods still available. Walmart is open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please check with your local store, which may have different hours. Aldi is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily but some stores may vary those hours to allow for cleaning and stocking. Guido's Fresh Marketplace will open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday, March 22, and at 9 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays for vulnerable patrons. It will no longer accept product returns. Ocean State Job Lots has not done a chain-wide change in hours but is limiting patron purchases on certain essential items such as cleaning and personal care. Adam's Hometown Markets has reserved 7 to 8 a.m. for vulnerable patrons and first-responders. Hannaford has suspended its online Hannaford To Go service until April. A number of these retailers have noted on their websites that there is a scarcity of certain products and that they are trying to fill their shelves as fast as possible. Please do not hoard products to ensure everyone can get what they need. Many smaller stores have also reduced hours or closed so call ahead or check their websites for more information. Houston natural gas pipeline operator Targa Resources is cutting nearly one-third of its budget for new projects amid record low commodity prices. In a Wednesday afternoon statement, Targa reported that the company is cutting $400 million from its 2020 capital expenditure budget. Specializing in natural gas gathering pipelines that move natural gas from oil wells to processing plants and larger pipelines, the company plans to spend between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion on new projects this year. The new figures mark a 32 percent drop from the company's previously announced budget. Targa also reduced its first quarter dividend from 91 cents per share down to 10 cent per share, a move that is expected sting stockholders but save the company an estimated $755 million that will be used to pay down debt. In this uncertain environment, where we are dealing with the combination of significantly lower commodity prices and lower expected activity levels given recent producer actions, compounded by the evolving impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, we believe that the prudent decision for Targa is to move swiftly in utilizing levers available to us to strengthen our balance sheet," Targa Resources CEO Matthew Meloy said in a statement. Midstream Moves: Kinder Morgan orders employees to work from home Targa made the announcement at a time when many exploration and production companies are cutting their drilling budgets in response to rapidly falling oil prices. A showdown between Russia and Saudi Arabia has created a global supply glut while the coronavirus outbreak has lowered global demand. West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed trading at $20.37 per barrel on Wednesday afternoon, a price not seen since Feb. 2002. Natural gas on Louisiana's Henry Hub is trading at a four-year low of $1.63 per million British thermal units. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Houston, Targa has nearly 2,700 employees across the United States. With more than 28,900 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines in shale plays across the United States, the company posted a $334 million loss on $8.7 billion of revenue in 2019. Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox Harvey Weinstein, having shuttled between a Rikers Island infirmary and Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital for a heart condition, is now in a maximum-security prison in upstate New York to begin serving his 23-year sentence for sexual assault. The disgraced movie producer, who turns 68 on Thursday, won't be eligible for parole until Nov. 9, 2039, according to the state's Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. To its advocates, telemedicine is the perfect remedy for a pandemic. They see it as the ideal way to literally bridge the gap between providing the sick with treatment for coronavirus as well as other ailments and the long-term need to keep doctors and nurses physically apart from potentially infectious patients. Yet even as some long-standing obstacles to telemedicine fall rapidly, others remain stubbornly in place. While the Trump administration this week lifted national restrictions on the use of telemedicine by Medicare, the new policy did not apply to care provided by community health centers, which serve 81,000 elderly residents in Pennsylvania. And Pennsylvania remains one of perhaps only 10 states that does not require private insurers to cover telehealth programs. Legislation to do that has been hung up in large part due to opposition from foes of abortion, wary such programs would offer women morning after drugs by phone. The insurance industry has also raised questions about the measure in the past, though a trade group leader said Wednesday it now supports current legislation. READ MORE: Why is healthcare data innovation so slow in coming? In this region, at least two leading hospital systems Jefferson Health and Penn Medicine suggest those seeking help for coronavirus contact the systems telehealth programs. When people do call in, however, each program demands that they pay a $49 fee. "Thats ridiculous. Thats a huge barrier, said Mariana Chilton, a professor of public health at Drexel University A lot of people who are poor dont have credit cards. With the pandemic as a driver, telemedicine is having a moment now. On Tuesday, federal officials dropped restrictions that had limited Medicare telehealth programs largely to rural areas. Medicare, the vast health-care program for the nations elderly, said Tuesday that the relaxed rules would stay in effect as long as the pandemic lasts. Coverage is to be retroactive to March 6, the date Congress passed and President Trump signed an emergency $8.3 billion anti-virus spending bill. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf, on the same day as the federal Medicare decision, removed the states restrictions on using telemedicine in Medicaid, the state-directed government insurer for low-income patients. Wolfs Human Services agency even said telemedicine was now the preferred method of delivering health care. READ MORE: How can employers improve healthcare access for workers? Consider worksite clinics | Opinion Dr. Judd Hollander, who directs Jefferson Healths JeffConnect program, said Wednesday that the number of people seeking help through the program has gone up 20-fold since the virus surfaced. Just on Tuesday, he said JeffConnect teams of physicians and staff provided medical guidance remotely to 1,200 people. The growth has been strong, too, at Penn Medicines OnDemand program, which only opened up to the public recently. The number of OnDemand patients assisted daily has more than tripled since the pandemic broke, the hospital says. Until coronavirus, Jeffersons Hollander said, no insurer would pay for JeffConnect charges. Since then, he said, Everyone has changed or is changing and covering the telemedicine bills. (Samuel Marshall, president of the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, a trade group for insurers, said he was surprised to hear that, saying he thought most plans had been paying for telehealth coverage.) Under telehealth programs, people talk with their doctors and staff by phone or online by Skype and share medical information via internet. Crucially, said Kathy Wimberley, director of the federally funded Midatlantic Telehealth Resource Center, this can spare people from visiting doctors in their medical offices or making trips to emergency rooms and hospitals. READ MORE: Social distancing can strain mental health. Heres how you can protect yourself. Telehealth program, she said, can help stem the spread of the virus and also address long-standing medical issues. We are also hearing from all over the country that people are afraid to go to their heath-care providers for their normal services, Wimberly said. As the pandemic grows, she said, one of the major concerns is, Are we going to overload the system? We really want to save the emergency rooms and the bed space for the people who are seriously ill. The help goes two ways, she noted. Unless contact is minimized, she said, health-care workers get sick as well. And then they get taken out of commission. Cheri Rinehart , president of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, said she welcomed Trumps decision to permit telemedicine for Medicare patients, of which there are 1.6 million in Pennsylvania, or one out of every eight residents. It is a very sweeping change and an important one in responding to the epidemic and something that was advocated long before COVID-19, she said, using the term for the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus. It was just a very difficult one to get through government." READ MORE: Pa. eases take-home restrictions on meds for people in opioid recovery to reduce clinic crowds That said, Rinehart said she was distressed that the Medicare change left untouched patients served though the states more than 300 community health centers. There are more than 60 such facilities in Philadelphia, including seven medical centers operated by the city Department of Public Health, and 11 in the four Pennsylvania counties surrounding the city. At the centers, she said, staffer faced a troubling dilemma they could prepare to reach out by telephone to low-income patients, but not elderly ones. As she put it, They are operationalizing for Medicaid, but cant do it for Medicare. James Garrow, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Public Health Department, said the city is providing telemedical help to seniors anyway. The city health centers are already implementing telephonic virtual visits for our Medicare patients since older adults are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications, he said in a statement Wednesday. We are hopeful that rules will be changed to allow reimbursement for these Medicare visits. READ MORE: Philadelphia among first to try ambulance Medicare program that diverts patients to non-hospitals Government-paid insurance aside, Pennsylvania can also find it difficult to obtain coverage for telemedicine in the private insurance market. Unlike most other states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania has not adopted a so-called telehealth parity law requiring insurers to cover all medical procedures that can be provided by phone if they cover them in the hospital. In Harrisburg, a bill to require telemedicine coverage overwhelmingly passed the state Senate in the last two sessions, but has run into trouble in the lower chamber. At a hearing in 2018, Marshall, of the Insurance Federation, said his group opposed the mandate in its current form, saying it would force insurers to treat equally all hospital telemedicine programs. Theyre not all exactly the same," he said then. "Some have much better telemedicine programs than others. On Wednesday, Marshall said his group supports a newer measure to mandate coverage that passed the state Senate in October by a 47-1 vote. However, the bill was amended in the state House to forbid telemedicine programs from offering patients a drug that can end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. State Rep. Kathy Rapp, cochair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, said Wednesday that restrictions made sense. I think its a huge risk for women to receive abortion through telemedicine, to be told to go home and expel or abort their child on their own without being in a facility, she said. I just dont believe this is a good way to practice medicine. READ MORE: President Trumps budget plan could cut Medicaid and Medicare health services. Heres how. Dr. Hollander, the emergency-medicine specialist who heads JeffConnect, has lobbied in Harrisburg for an insurer mandate. Pennsylvania, he said Wednesday, is one of the few [states] that have not gotten their act together on that. Without some legislative fix, it leaves it to each insurance payer to do what it wants to do. As for JeffConnects $49 fee, Hollander said he hoped insured patients could be reimbursed by their health plans. As for those without insurance or even a credit card, he noted that Jefferson Health provided care for the poor at emergency and urgent-care facilities. At the same time, he said Jefferson alone could not subsidize care. Unfortunately, that is a problem we cannot solve, he said. Staff writer Sarah Gantz contributed to this article. Renee Tucci makes a flower installation at the park in Rittenhouse Square on Wednesday. A group of local florists came together to give away flowers to members of the public that would have been otherwise used for events that were cancelled due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Read more On a bright day during a dark time, florists brought a dose of unexpected wonder to Rittenhouse Square on Wednesday by giving away a thousand flowers to strangers and decorating around the square with a thousand more. The flowers beautiful but fleeting could not be saved for the weddings and events they were intended to brighten, which have been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus. But these blossoms had life and could still bring joy, so florists Katie Robinson and Kerry Fabrizio decided to share them with the people of Philadelphia. We just want to make people smile, said Robinson. But they did so much more. As unsuspecting pedestrians many of whom were out combating cabin fever turned the corner and saw thousands of roses, daises, tulips, and lilies strewn across the ground at the 19th Street entrance to the park, they were overcome with emotion. For a brief moment, it was like being in The Wizard of Oz when everything changes from black-and-white to color. These are gorgeous flowers! Holy smokes almighty. Thank God for flowers! said one passerby who bore a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. Like many small business owners, Robinson, 39, owner of DFW Event Design in Bensalem, and Fabrizio, 34, owner of Fabufloras in Center City, have been hit hard by the cancellations and closures. But instead of letting it keep them down, they wanted to bring others up. So they reached out to their wholesalers to ask if theyd be willing to donate the unused flowers. The women also contacted six decorators to help them create stunning arrangements for the park on site. The first truck of flowers arrived shortly after 11 a.m., with the next one close behind. Bouquets of free flowers for passersby were placed in buckets just outside of the square, while Fabrizio and Robinson laid out a tarp inside the park, where they set up the flowers for decorating. Everyone did their best to practice social distancing. Steve Pepper, 66, a resident of the neighborhood, was on a video call with his daughter when he stumbled upon the giveaway. He turned his phone to the flowers for her to see. This is a beautiful gesture and a pleasant surprise," he said. I might as well indulge. Kayleigh OKeeffe, 29, who lives near the square, picked up a bouquet of magenta flowers. She wasnt sure what kind they were, but it didnt really matter. Amid a dark news cycle, she found light in those flowers. Still, she couldnt help but think of whom they were originally intended for. These are the most bittersweet flowers, OKeeffe said. Postal worker Dee Burney of Southwest Philly was walking her route when someone told her they were giving away flowers at the park, so she made a quick detour. This is so great, Burney said. It puts a bright spot on a crazy moment. Word of the flower giveaway spread quickly. Doormen came out from their condo buildings and construction workers came from nearby work sites to pick up flowers for their wives or girlfriends. One woman picked up a bouquet for herself, so she could paint the blossoms while stuck inside her home. When told they were free, she asked if she could donate money. Fabrizio and Robinson told her just to pay it forward. READ MORE: Fun things to do while everythings closed during the coronavirus outbreak Within 30 minutes, all of the giveaway flowers were gone, but people kept approaching Robinson and Fabrizio as they worked on the displays for the park, asking if there were still more flowers for the taking. They all went so quickly, Fabrizio said. It feels great. As Robinson, Fabrizio, and the decorators spread out around the park, setting up large, intricate arrangements in the flower pots at the entrances and at the fountain, life around them at one of Phillys most popular public spots went on as normal. Almost. Bells from the Church of the Holy Trinity still chimed on the hour; twentysomethings practiced yoga on the grass; toddlers tumbled toward the goat statute; people with their entire lives in a few plastic bags slept on park benches; a businessman sat on a ledge, smoking a cigar; dogs in sweater vests greeted each other with kisses, blissfully unaware of the concept of social distancing; three women crocheted together in a half circle; a man read the latest headlines about a worldwide pandemic in the newspaper; and two guys ate pizza steaks while listening to a broadcast about the coronavirus on a battery-operated transistor radio with a bent antenna. The park was busy. And so were peoples minds. The florists hoped that just for a moment, their work might calm the latter. Hotels in Budapest will probably close this week, due to measures introduced in response to the coronavirus crisis, and because room occupancy is tending towards zero, Hotel and Restaurant Association president Tamas Flesh told Portfolio. It makes no business sense to operate these hotels further and protecting employees is the first priority, he added. He said hotels outside of Budapest may follow with a few days delay. Flesh observed that hotels might reallocate their workforce, or cut working hours and pay in order to retain their employees, who will be needed after the crisis. He forecast that hotels will not reopen for three months. As tourism employs 400,000 people in Hungary, employers and the government should work together to find solutions, he said. Mumbai, March 19 : Two women, both with history of foreign travel have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of positive cases in Maharashtra to 47, here on Thursday. The afflicted are a 49-year-old from Ulhasnagar town in Thane who had travelled to Dubai, and a 22-year old from Mumbai who had visited the UK. They were under isolation since past few days and their test reports came positive on Thursday, officials said. They are currently undergoing treatment at isolation wards in Mumbai as the state government and city civic administration grapples with the mega-challenge of keeping crowds away to keep the virus at bay. On Tuesday, COVID-19 claimed it's first victim in the state after a 63-year-old man with a history of travel to Dubai, passed away in Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital. His wife and son who also tested positive are currently under treatment in the same hospital. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Honolulu: Two cruise ships wont be allowed to disembark in Honolulu after being turned away by other ports, even with no positive cases of coronavirus on either vessel, officials said wednesday. State and cruise line officials previously said passengers would disembark at Honolulu Harbor. However, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is running for president, said during a telephone town hall Wednesday that the state Department of Transportation made the difficult, but correct, decision to only allow the Maasdam and Norwegian Jewel cruise vessels to come into port solely to take on fuel and resupply, in Honolulu Harbor. The Maasdam, operated by Holland America Line, had its port call canceled in Hilo and is set to arrive Friday to Honolulu Harbor, state officials said. It has 842 guests and 542 crew members. Norwegian Cruise Line said one of its vessels that was turned away by Fiji and New Zealand is expected to arrive to Honolulu on Sunday. The Norwegian Jewel, with about 1,700 passengers, refueled in American Samoa but was not allowed to disembark at the Port of Pago Pago. The cruise lines didnt immediately comment on Hawaiis reversal. New measures to seal borders to reduce the spread of the coronavirus have left some cruise ships stranded as local governments deny permission to disembark. Two vessels were rerouted to Miami after they were turned away from their home port in Puerto Rico, even with no reports of infections. Authorities in Argentina, Chile and Brazil placed ships on quarantine after reports of positive coronavirus tests. The Cruise lines international association said about 40 ships with 90,000 passengers were at sea when President Donald Trump announced a ban last week that restricts travel by many foreigners to the U.S. As many as 12 medical students from Karnataka are left to fend for themselves in the Philippines after the university shut doors following the Covid-19 outbreak. The stranded are: Prateek R Bidari, a native of Nittur in Harihar taluk of Davangere district; Nischith, Chandana and Nikitha of Chitradurga district; Rakshath of sira in Tumakuru district; Jitendra, Manthan and Meghana of Bengaluru; Nithesh of Haveri; Manoj of Gadag; Aditya of Belagavi and Anushree of Shivamogga. For latest updates on coronavirus outbreak, click here The students had arrived in the Philippines capital Manila two months back to pursue their MBBS course at University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, Las Pinas. Four female students were living in a flat while other eight male students in two flats. The students have been told not to venture out of their flats. The Filipino authorities have declared holiday for schools, colleges and universities following the Covid-19 outbreak. Most of the students from other countries have left or leaving. The team of 12 students from Karnataka had booked their return tickets for Monday. But the flight was cancelled forcing them to indoors. Read: PM Narendra Modi calls for 'Janta Curfew' on March 22 Manjunath, uncle of Prateek whos stranded at Manila, told DH, Since there are no direct flights to India from Philippines, they have to come via Malaysia or Sri Lanka. There are many Chinese nationals in the Philippines. The Covid-19 cases in the island nation is on the rise. Fortunately, all students from Karnataka are hale and healthy so far, but they are forced to stay indoors. We are worried about their well-being, Manjunath said. He urged the Centre and the state government to make arrangements to airlift the stranded students to India. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. By Soumitra S. Bhuyan The sudden influx of COVID-19 patients will add tremendous pressure to the U.S. healthcare system. With the rate of spread of COVID-19 in the last two weeks, the United States will soon run out of hospital beds and personal protective equipment, including protective face masks among health care providers. In the last few days, there may be more than 60 cases of COVID-19 positive infections among U.S. health care providers, and many more are undergoing quarantine from exposures. Berkshire Medical Center, a private, non-profit 302-bed community teaching hospital in Pittsfield, Massachusetts affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, quarantined 160 employees after possible exposure from a COVID-19 patient. Even without an outbreak like this, the United States has a shortage of healthcare providers. A 2019 study by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) suggests, the U.S. would need an additional 95,900 doctors immediately if health care use patterns were equalized across race, insurance coverage, and geographic location. Another recent nationwide survey in the wake of the outbreak reveals that the vast majority of U.S. hospitals and health care facilities are not prepared to handle and contain cases of COVID-19. The plight of healthcare providers in the United States is similar to those in China, and the situation in Italy is not much different. The question remains for the U.S. health policymakers and hospital administrators: What are the lessons from the outbreaks in China and Italy? For decades, America has debated telemedicine. Despite the obvious benefits of telehealth services, including reducing cost and greater convenience, it is not used significantly in the United States. A 2019 survey estimated that only 8% of Americans received telehealth service with a doctor, while 66% of the respondents were willing to use telehealth. Only 15% of U.S. doctors worked in practices that used telemedicine for patient interactions, such as diagnosing or treating patients, following up with patients, or managing patients with chronic conditions. Two significant barriers to the adoption of telehealth services are reimbursement and lack of awareness among patients. The Trump administration recently announced the expansion of telehealth services by lifting the restrictions of Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services. Deregulating telehealth during this crisis time is the right move. It will expand the capacity of our health care system and protect our vulnerable healthcare workers. A 2019 report from AAMC on physician supply and demand suggest that about 42% of U.S. physicians are over 55 years, 27% are between the ages of 55 and 64, and 15% of physicians are older than 65 years. These older physicians with a higher risk of contracting the virus can continue to provide care through telehealth services, without reducing the number of patients they treat. Italy recently recalled retired doctors to help fight the outbreak. If the U.S. needs to follow Italys path to recall retired physicians to see more patients, the telehealth platforms will play a crucial role. As the federal government is considering lifting the restriction for doctors to practice across state lines, telehealth will add capacity for distressed communities. Telehealth will also limit healthcare workers exposure to the virus, considering the low supply of personal protective equipment. Since the COVID-19 outbreak started in Wuhan province, millions of Chinese coronavirus patients were triaged and treated by telemedicine clinic providers. Health authorities in major cities like Shanghai, Changsha, and Wuhan developed online apps, powered by artificial intelligence, for self-screening of COVID-19. Users receive an instant personalized recommendation about their infection risks. PingAn Group, one of Chinas largest health insurance providers, reported a five- to 10-fold increase in the use of online registration and consultation. U.S. healthcare providers are also seeing an increasing volume of telehealth online patient visits. Lessons learned from China also suggest we can leverage telehealth for community outreach and to detect community-based transmissions. People undergoing self-isolation in their homes will further need psychological counseling and clinical support. All aspects of U.S. society are going through rapid changes during the COVID-19 outbreak. The national call to "flatten the curve" by social distancing underscores the need to strengthen telehealth services. We will win the battle against this virus. Telehealth will stay with a promise to make health care cheaper and accessible to everyone in the United States. Soumitra S. Bhuyan is an assistant professor of Health Administration at Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and a faculty associate at Rutgers Urban & Civics Informatics Lab at Rutgers University. Dr. Bhuyan is also serving as Associate Editor of E-health at British Medical Journal Global Health. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Riverdale is known for its murder and mystery, but it also finds different ways to showcase its musical talent every season. Much of the cast, including Camila Mendes and Ashleigh Murray, sing on the show. However, as it turns out, the series resident heartthrob, KJ Apa, isnt really thrilled with Archies singing. KJ Apa | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Archies been singing on Riverdale since season 1 From the very first season of Riverdale, fans have been watching Archie (KJ Apa) strum his guitar and sing heartfelt ballads. In the second episode of the series, he sings Betty (Lili Reinhart) a little love song he wrote during lunch outside in the schoolyard. In fact, much of Archies story arc in season 1 had to do with his music. He asks Josie (Ashleigh Murray) and the Pussy Cats to help him with his songs. And he sings a sweet duet with Val (Hayley Law), who really inspires him to find his voice. In episode 8, Archie takes to the stage and performs a solo in front of the entire school. KJ Apa is real-life a musician If Archie looks like a natural with a guitar, its because KJ Apa can really play. In fact, at the age of 14, the New Zealand native released his own instrumental rock album called The Third Room. In the albums description, Apa is called the Guitar Prodigy from Down Under, and it details how he began winning music competitions at the age of 13. My name is Keneti James FitzGerald Apa, Im 14 years old and this is my debut album, Apa wrote in the albums description. It all started three years ago when I heard a mate playing Hotel California. I immediately knew that I wanted to be the best guitarist in the world. I still do! Now at the age of 22, Apa has his own band called Legend (previously named The Good Town Boys) with Riverdale co-star, Rob Raco (who played Joaquin). In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, the actor opened up about his music. Heres the thing everyone asks about the band, but we dont have music ready to put out into the world yet, he told the outlet. Weve recorded some music, who knows if its any good, but I love it. Im Legends biggest fan. I believe in the music, Im proud of the music, and I cant wait for it to come out, so people can hear it. Its a huge rock and roll album that I recorded with my friends solely because I like playing that kind of music. New Zealand Herald Why KJ Apa doesnt like singing on Riverdale In his new film, I Still Believe, Apa plays Christian rock musician Jeremy Camp and performs his songs. But while promoting the movie, the actor told MTV he isnt really comfortable singing, and would rather just play his guitar. People just keep forcing me to sing in all these projects, said Apa. Riverdale is a perfect example of Im a musician. But am I particularly enjoying the musical aspects of the project that Im doing? Not really. I have to do it. Its clear that Apa is an extremely talented guitarist who takes his music seriously. He may not enjoy singing on the show, but for Riverdale fans, its always a treat to see Archie perform. Typically when I am on a conference call and my 5-year-old son is home, I do everything I can to minimize his potential disruptions. Snack, check. Bathroom, check. And, lets be honest, iPad, check. I pray the office door will not open and trigger me to split my brain to respond to his request as quickly as possible while also staying focused on my colleagues discussion. Tuesday was different. Instead of living in fear of his distractions, I invited him to pop into my video call to wish my colleagues a happy St. Patricks Day. I thought it would help to lighten the mood as we all shelter in place in response to the coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of millions of people around the world. It is a stressful and uncertain time. It has, and will continue to, profoundly shape the nature of work as millions of Americans are conducting business from home (if they are fortunate enough to be able to continue their employment remotely). At the same time, it may also be a wake-up call that many American employers and their employees desperately need. The vast majority of American employers have created and perpetuated the fallacy that family or personal lives should not interfere with our work responsibilities. This is evidenced by subpar policies, or often the absence of policies, around managing personal health and the care of family members. The coronavirus, however, is intensely challenging this belief system. For the millions who have been thrust into working from home, they can no longer neatly fit their work and family roles into separate spheres. It is a time when professional and personal identities, responsibilities and physical spaces are integrating whether it is your preference or not. While many of us are scrambling to figure out how we will do our paid jobs virtually, home-school our children and maintain our personal health, there are some potential benefits that may emerge. Our employers may be forced to be more compassionate and understanding of the many roles we are trying to manage outside of work. We may learn to be more transparent with our colleagues about the challenges we are facing as people, not just as employees. We may value the unexpected opportunity to eat lunch and play with our children or virtually connect with loved ones. We may prioritize self-care and the importance of going for (socially distant) walks during the day. Sheltering in place is the necessary and socially responsible thing to do during this time. I take comfort living in San Francisco, a city that is working hard to educate the community on the seriousness of this public health issue. While the future is filled with uncertainty, I am hopeful that employers across the country will reevaluate existing norms and policies in an effort to recognize and care for their employees as people people who are striving to enjoy full and multifaceted lives. Courtney Masterson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of San Franciscos School of Management, where she teaches and conducts research on work and well-being. She is a wife, mother and member of the San Francisco community. In case you came across a press release claiming that the government has declared restricted movement, beware the claim is false. The fake news was debunked by government of Indias press information bureaus (PIB) Fact Check Twitter handle. Claim: A Press Release regarding movement restriction is widely getting circulated on #WhatsApp claiming to be of Government of India. No such Press Release has been issued by @PMOIndia, the agency tweeted. Along with that, they also shared the image of the fake press release. On the image, it says that the document is issued by National Security Council, Prime Ministers Office on March 18, 2020. The press release further details six points and some of the points are: #1 Government has declared restricted movement order from March 18- 31. #2 The Security Council had a coordinated meeting with other government agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the order. #3 The order came into effect from March 18 midnight and everyone is required to obey all regulations stipulated by the authorities. Take a look at the tweet: Claim: A Press Release regarding movement restriction is widely getting circulated on #WhatsApp claiming to be of Government of India.#PIBFactCheck: No such Press Release has been issued by @PMOIndia. pic.twitter.com/6CQOJUhSpG PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 19, 2020 The image also have the words Not from India boldly written on it. Also, in the sixth point a phone number - 03-8888 2010 - for National Operations Administration Center is mentioned. The number is not of India but Malaysia. Malaysia recently issued a restricted order movement to deal with coronavirus crisis. During his control order speech, the Malaysian Prime Minister mentioned the same number. Its has also been mentioned in a tweet by the countrys trade ministry. Earlier in February, another fake news regarding coronavirus outbreak was debunked by PIB. Many were claiming that COVID-19 could be cured with just one bowl of freshly boiled garlic water. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has brought 33 Ukrainians, who could not come back to motherland from Austria amid shutting of the borders, to the Boryspil airport. A special-purpose plane, on behalf of the head of state, went to Vienna to evacuate Ukrainian citizens, including 18 women, five children and the elderly people. "Before boarding the plane, passengers were examined by the doctors, a screening was conducted for detecting symptoms of possible coronavirus disease. People without symptoms of flu were admitted on board. Doctors will also examine passengers upon arrival in Kyiv," reads the statement. Upon returning home, evacuated citizens will undergo 14-day self-isolation, for the violation of which liability is foreseen. People without flu symptoms and with a negative COVID-19 test result will be sent to home quarantine. Global Healthcare Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market: Snapshot The healthcare regulatory affairs outsourcing market is experiencing significant growth owing to services to Clinical Research Organizations. The rising number of patent expirations along with growing costs of research and development activities are the primary factors influencing the growth of the global healthcare regulatory affairs outsourcing market. Healthcare and biopharmaceutical organizations are likely to team up with numerous outsourcing companies for getting their drugs and devices approved in the global market. The approval time of a drug or device is a time taking process, is expensive, and is also a documentation centric procedure. Request a Sample Copy of the Healthcare Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market Research Report: @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=77 As a result of the above, the service providers have been shifting their focus to outsource healthcare regulatory activities for reducing costs and focusing on core competencies. These type of regulatory service providers provide several other services as well such as pharmacovigilance, medical writing, and clinical trials to biotech and many different countries. However, the market is expected to be inhibited by the high fluctuations in price along with hidden expenses in the regulatory services delivered by diverse Clinical Research Organizations. Furthermore, high risks pertaining to organizational information security is likely to challenge the productivity of the healthcare regulatory affairs outsourcing market. The service providers of healthcare regulatory affairs outsourcing can gain lucrative growth opportunities from emerging economies in Latin America and Asia Pacific owing to the developing infrastructure of these regions and investments in developing healthcare technologies. Global Healthcare Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market: Overview Regulatory policies are implemented to ensure that companies comply with certain standards of functioning in relation to their businesses. These policies or regulatory affairs in the healthcare industry are aimed at safeguarding the public health and welfare by ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical and healthcare products. An increasing number of healthcare companies lately are outsourcing their regulatory functions to focus on their core competencies instead. Furthermore, due to the advent of an increasing number of drugs in the clinical development process, regulatory affair outsourcing is gaining more importance in the healthcare sector. TMR Research, in its new report studies the prevalent prospects for the market. Based on in-depth analysis and exhaustive information obtained through proven research methodologies it also presents refined outlook for the market between 2017 and 2025. Request TOC of the Report for more Industry Insights @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=77 Global Healthcare Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market: Trends and Opportunities An increasing number of healthcare institutes and pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing regulatory affairs to save cost and capitalize on expertise available with the contract research organizations (CROs). Outsourcing healthcare regulatory affairs provides these organizations with the time and resource to focus on their core competencies, which is the chief driver of the global healthcare regulatory affairs outsourcing market. Currently, regulatory support is available for almost every process across clinical trials such as medical report writing, manufacturing and controls (CMC), data management, regulatory chemistry, country regulatory affairs, labeling and liaison, and regulatory strategy. One of the primary benefits of outsourcing regulatory affairs is cost effectiveness. Outsourcing non-core activities to experts can help companies focus more on their marketing and research and development activities. Hence in the long run companies can benefit from optimized reimbursements, product approval, and increased market share and productivity. Spurred by these factors, the global healthcare regulatory outsourcing market is poised to exhibit strong growth over the forecast period. Global Healthcare Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market: Regional Outlook Regionally, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World constitute the key market segments. Among these, North America emerged dominant as the U.S. held lead in the global healthcare regulatory affairs outsourcing market. Europe trailed North America as leading healthcare institutes therein increased their focus on reducing investment cost and capitalize on the availability of cheap labor. Besides this, the rising concentration on the optimum utilization of resources and gain from accelerated focus on faster product approval. Owing to the high costs involved in clinical development procedures in developed nations, the emerging countries are more preferred for regulatory affairs outsourcing in the healthcare sector. Asia Pacific for instance is exhibiting impressive CAGR and is fast emerging as a lucrative market for regulatory affairs outsourcing. The growth of Asia Pacific market is spurred due to the availability of a large pool of skilled labor at an affordable price and the increasing number of pharmaceutical companies intending to focus on their core competencies. Global Healthcare Regulatory Affairs Outsourcing Market: Vendor Landscape Various companies around the world offer comprehensive knowledge in managing healthcare regulatory affairs. These companies mainly intend to help firms overcome challenges and accelerate clinical processes. Some of the leading players in the market identified by the report are Covance Group Ltd., Parexel International Corporation, Pharmaceutical Product Development, Medelis, Inc., Quintiles Transnational Holdings, Inc., Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., KAI Research, Inc., Medpace, Inc., and ICON Plc. The report conducts SWOT analysis on several of these market players to gauge determine their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis also provides insights into the opportunities and threats that potentially lay ahead for these companies over the course of the forecast period. Check Discount at: https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=77 About TMR Research: TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends. Contact: TMR Research, 3739 Balboa St # 1097, San Francisco, CA 94121 United States Tel: +1-415-520-1050 Website : TMR Research Visit Blog : https://tmrresearchblog.com/ As many sit at home in self-quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak, Bollywood celebrities are sharing ideas about how they can make the best use of their time at home. All from Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt to Ayushmann Khurrana have picked up their favourite hobbies as all shoots and film releases stand cancelled to stem the spread the of Covid-19. While Salman Khan has returned to sketching, Alia is using her time to read and Arjun is banking on the movies he has on his bucket list. Here are some of the brilliant ideas fielded by Bollywood celebs for those self-isolating: 1. Salman Khan takes up sketching Salman Khan is back to what he loves -- charcoal sketches and painting. The actor shared a video in which he draws a sketch of a man and woman and said, The way we dress -- this is perhaps the best thing our culture has ever done. Salman Khan makes a sketch, Katrina Kaif plays a guitar at home. 2. Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal turn work from home to workout at home Several actors including Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal and Rakul Preet Singh have been working out at home as gyms remained shut all across Mumbai. Katrina even shared a series of workout videos, complete with instructions, for her fans to remain fit even without a gym or a trainer. Rakuls picture from her yoga at home is nothing less than inspirational. 3. Deepika leads the way to maintain productivity at home Deepika has started a series of pictures from her productivity at home in the times of Covid-19. She earlier gave a sneak-peek into her wardrobe cleaning session, which was recently followed by a picture from her self-care routine. She promises to come up with many more ideas in the coming days. Deepika Padukone massaging her face and Rakul Preet Singh practising yoga. 4. Alia Bhatt has all the time to read Alia took a birthday break at a resort with her sister and few friends and is now home in self-quarantine. She recently posted a picture as she sat to finish reading a book. 5. Katrina takes up singing Besides focusing on her fitness routine, Katrina has also been working on her musical skills. The actor has shared a glimpse of herself playing a guitar and will soon be releasing her home-made music video. Ayushmann Khurranas family paints together. 6. Ayushmann Khurrana is painting with wife, kids Ayushmann, who has been working round the year for back to back releases, is making up for lost time with his kids. He sat to paint with his wife Tahira Kashyap, son Virajveer and daughter Varushka and shared their works of art on social media. The actor, who played a gay man in his latest release -- Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, made a gender fluid painting during their joint art at home session. Kareena Kapoor enjoying carrot porridge, Arjun Kapoor watching Hera Pheri at home. 7. Relish home-cooked desserts like Kareena Kapoor As shoot for all films and shows have bee cancelled, a few actors are taking it as a break to binge on their favourite delicacies without worrying about piling a few kgs. A look at Kareena relishing gajar ka halwa is enough to make her followers to head to the kitchen and cook up their favourite dish during their self-isolation. Also read: Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas on day 8 of self-isolation: Our lives have turned upside down, it feels like out of a movie, but its not 8. Arjun Kapoor binge watches movies Arjun Kapoor has taken the most followed route of binge-watching movies in self-quarantine. He had even shared a glimpse of all the blue-ray movies stacked up in his cabinet which will prove to be his saviour for next two weeks. Kangana Ranaut with her nephew, Akshay Kumar with daughter Nitara, Tusshar Kapoor with son Laksshya. 9. Spend time with family Kangana is back to Manali whereas Sonam Kapoor has flown from London to spend time with her family but only after serving her time in self-quarantine. Neha Dhupia has also gone to live with her mother and Radhika Apte has wrapped up her work to spend time with husband Benedict in London. 10. Spend time with kids like Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit Akshay Kumar would have been busy with the promotions of his film Sooryavanshi, which was scheduled to release on March 24 but has been postponed indefinitely. The actor is now chatting away his time with daughter Nitara as his writer wife Twinkle Khanna struggles to keep the little one entertained at home. Twinkle had earlier shared a picture from her reading session with Nitara. Madhuri Dixit and Ayushmann are also spending quality time with their kids at home as schools remain shut in various states. Follow @htshowbiz for more Heart-warming footage has captured the moment a former rough sleeper is told he's been given a restaurant by his boss - after spending weeks homeless on the streets. Senegal-born Modou Diagne, 26, left Tenerife seven years ago aged 18 and came to the UK with just 200 to his name in search of a better life for himself and his family. But with nowhere to live the dad-of-one was forced to sleep rough on the streets of Glasgow for two weeks until he was taken in by a homeless charity and given sheltered accommodation. As Modou didn't speak any English, he struggled to find a job for more than a year but was given the chance of a lifetime when he responded to an online advert for a kitchen porter advert at Glasgow bistro 111 by Nico two months later in March 2013. Seven years on and now head chef, Modou was gifted the restaurant by owner Nico Simeone on Friday so he could focus on his other chain of restaurants and told it will now become 111 by Modou. An emotional video, secretly captured after Modou was told to come to head office for what he thought was a staff meeting, shows the moment he breaks down in tears at the news. Modou said: 'Living on the streets wasn't great. I just wanted a better life, that's what I came here for. Modou Diagne, 26, has been given his own restaurant by his boss Nico, who took him on as a kitchen porter in 2013 after he became homeless on the streets of Glasgow 'I was just the same as all the other hundreds of rough sleepers you see every day and I just wanted to make some money. 'I'd been applying continuously for months and I saw the job ad online - I applied within three minutes of it going live. 'I just wanted a better life for me and my family and to make some money. 'When I was told the restaurant was mine I didn't know it was coming - I just couldn't believe it. The Senegal-born dad-of-one left Tenerife seven years ago and came to the UK with just 200 to his name in search of a better life for himself and his family 'I was so happy, you can see from the video how happy I was. 'I've been here from the start and I was struggling at first but I was there for him, six days a week and cancelling holidays. 'Me and Nico are very close, he's like family to me.' 111 by Nico is a chain of bistro cafes set up by Nico, who grew up in Glasgow, in 2015. Within two months of him starting the job, Nico began to train Modou in kitchen hygiene and how to hold a knife before eventually the basics of cooking. Within two months of him starting the job, Nico began to train Modou in kitchen hygiene and how to hold a knife before eventually the basics of cooking (pictured together in the bistro) Modou, who left Senegal as a child and grew up in Spain, was able to save enough money working at 111 to move into a hostel and get off the streets. Modou, whose dream had originally been to become a car mechanic, said the job has changed his life. It has helped him achieve his dream of renting his own two-bedroom house with wife, Chan, 20 and their 17-month-old son Ibrahima, in Glasgow. Modou said: 'Having a house of my own was one of my goals. 'This opportunity to own a restaurant is completely life-changing for myself and my family back home. 'Having moved here in 2013, I would never have dreamed that I would be in this position seven years later. Nico decided to give his restaurant to Modou to focus on expanding his other chain of bistros and says Modou's unbelievable work ethic 'I called my parents and they were so happy and proud of me. 'My hard work has paid off but more so, this is a really special to me as Nico is like a brother. 'I am more than ready for this next chapter at 111 and I look forward to showing everyone in the industry what we can do here at 111 by Modou.' Nico decided to give his restaurant to Modou to focus on expanding his other chain of bistros and says Modou's unbelievable work ethic, respect and positive attitude to work reassured him he was leaving the business in safe hands. Nico, 30, added: 'The time feels right, for both myself and Modou. 'This has been a personal dream of mine since meeting Modou in 2014, not only getting to know him as a close colleague, but he has become like family to me. 'There is no one I trust more to hand the reins to than Modou. 'This is Modou's time to write his own story in the industry, and I will always be there to offer guidance and support when he needs it. 'Modou is ready to begin his next challenge so as one chapter comes to an end for me at 111, another opens for Modou and I am really excited about it.' Thomas Cook collapsed in September 2019. (Getty) Taxpayers will foot a bill of 156m ($185m) for the collapse of travel company Thomas Cook in September last year, a report by the Whitehall spending watchdog has found. The Department for Transport (DfT) will pay an estimated 83m towards the total cost of bringing stranded customers who were not Atol-protected back to the UK, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The taxpayer will also cover 58m in redundancy costs and related payments to Thomas Cooks former workers, and at least 15m for the liquidation of the business. The final cost may not be known for some time, partly because invoices for repatriation costs are still being received, the NAO said. Read more: UK government apologises for Thomas Cook refund delays Thomas Cook was the worlds oldest travel company before it collapsed last year after struggling with debts of 1.7bn and a weak bookings market. The company had been struggling for several years and there was anger after the collapse that executives made 20m in pay and bonuses in the five years leading up to the companys failure. The collapse left 150,000 customers stranded, leading to the biggest ever peacetime repatriation effort led by the government. The DfT instructed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly all stranded customers back to the UK on a total of 746 flights from 54 airports. This included an estimated 83,000 whose holidays did not have with Atol protection, which meant they were not automatically entitled to be repatriated free of charge. The DfT said at the time that those passengers were flown back by the government based on its assessment that Thomas Cook customers were at risk of significant disruption and cost to return to the UK. Read more: Virgin Atlantic asks staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave The cost of reimbursing those travellers is now being covered by taxpayers. Labour MP Meg Hillier, who chairs the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said lessons need to be learnt and future risks understood. Story continues The repatriation looks set to cost the taxpayer 83m and there are other costs associated with insolvency of at least 73m. Government looks set to foot the bill, with industry off the hook. The resources to cover other airlines going bust is now very limited. New regulations are urgently required. The PAC report warned taxpayers may face further bills if another large travel company were to go into liquidation in the near future as the government has agreed to support the fund that covers Atol-protected passengers if it runs out of money. Read more: Coronavirus pushes flagging Flybe into collapse The Atol (Air Travel Organisers Licence) scheme is a UK financial protection scheme run by the CAA which protects most air package holidays sold by travel businesses based in the UK and some flight bookings. The CAA warned that the cost to the fund that covers Atol-protected passengers for the Thomas Cook repatriation and refunds will be 481m and there will be relatively limited resources left once all payments have been made. The government announced plans for new airline insolvency legislation in December last year. This would allow collapsing companies to keep their planes flying long enough to bring passengers home. Thomas Cooks demise led to 9,000 jobs being lost. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18 Trend: Chairperson of the Azerbaijani parliament Sahiba Gafarova signed on March 18 an order on measures in the Azerbaijani parliament in connection with the fight against COVID-19, the implementation of which is considered necessary, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani parliament. The holding of meetings of the committees and commissions of the parliament, the Office and the Department of Affairs of the Azerbaijani parliament is temporarily suspended, while management is carried out only via telephone (intercom system), internet and mobile communication. The business trips and trips abroad of MPs and employees of the Azerbaijani parliament are temporarily suspended. The Department for Work with Documents and Citizens Requests of the Office of the Azerbaijani parliament has been instructed to temporarily suspend the reception of citizens. Without direct communication with voters in constituencies, assistants to Azerbaijani MPs will receive their appeals via internet and by phone. The head of the Office of the Azerbaijani parliament and the head of the Department of Affairs of the Azerbaijani parliament have been instructed to apply preferential working conditions for women with a young child (children). If employees or members of their families have symptoms of respiratory illness, malaise and other similar symptoms, they must inform the management, and they must be advised not to go to work until they completely recover. The staff of the Office and the Department of Affairs of the Azerbaijani parliament must not leave their rooms during the working day and not to contact with other people without special need. The staff of the Office and the Department of Affairs of the Azerbaijani parliament must take precautions against the spread of the virus and follow the advice of doctors and sanitary-hygienic rules. The medical center of the Azerbaijani parliament has been instructed to carry out enlightenment in the Azerbaijani parliament to prevent the spread of the virus. All technical personnel of the Azerbaijani parliaments Department of Affairs must undergo the medical checkup once a day. All vehicles on the balance of the fleet of the Azerbaijani parliament must be disinfected once a day. The Azerbaijani parliaments Department of Affairs must ensure the availability of antiseptic agents in the corridors of all the administrative buildings of the parliament and renew them daily. Control over the implementation of measures envisaged upon the order was entrusted to the head of the Office of the Azerbaijani parliament and the head of the Azerbaijani parliaments Department of Affairs. Addepar, a Mountain View, Calif.-based technology platform for wealth management, raised $40m in funding by WestCap Group. The investment was led by Laurence Tosi (L.T.), a member of Addepars Board of Directors for the past two years as well as WestCaps founder and managing partner, and by Scott Ganeles, senior partner at WestCap. The company intends to use the funds to continue investing in research and development, market expansion and building out of its platform. Led by CEO Eric Poirier, Addepar provides a cloud-based wealth management platform that specializes in data aggregation, analytics and reporting for even the most complex investment portfolios. The platform aggregates portfolio, market and client data all in one place. It provides asset owners and advisors a clear financial picture at every level, allowing them to make more informed and timely investment decisions. Addepar works with hundreds of financial advisors, family offices and large financial institutions that manage data for over $1.7 trillion of assets on the companys platform. The company also has offices in New York City and Salt Lake City. FinSMEs 19/03/2020 Photo: Ajay Suresh/Flickr Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in New York City. Navy hospital ship to head to New York harbor The Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort will be dispatched to New York City, as coronavirus cases almost doubled, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday. Read the full story on Bloomberg. New York City weighs turning hotels into hospitals New York City is working with the hospitality industry to possibly convert entire hotels into hospitals for patients without coronavirus in an effort to increase capacity at medical facilities as the outbreak grows. Read the full story on The Wall Street Journal. Lawsuit alleges abuse of power in business dispute between NYPD captain and retired Staten Island officer The New York City Law Department, in an unusual move, informed Capt. Anthony Iemmiti that he was on his own in a legal shootout with former officer Stephen Garzone a nasty fight where the captain is accused of repeatedly using his badge to harass the ex-officer. Read the full story on New York Daily News. If you're isolated at home, watch these performances From Joe's Pub in New York City to the Vienna State Opera, audiences can livestream a myriad of shows from across the globe without jeopardizing anyone's health during this unusual moment of social isolation. Read the full story on PBS NewsHour. James Beard Foundation honors Sylvia Casares The James Beard Foundation is inviting Houston celebrity chef Sylvia Casares to showcase her cuisine at the James Beard House in New York City, with the date to be determined. The invitation is one of the most coveted honors in the food industry. Read the full story on Houston Press. This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Arik Air has announced the suspension of all its flights to destinations in Ghana, Liberia and Senegal following the pandemic nature of the deadly coronavirus. This was made known in a statement by the chief executive officer of the airline, Roy Ilegbodu. Statement below: The safety and well-being of our personnel and valued customers are paramount at this critical time. We do not want to take chances and this is why we have taken this decision, Read Also: Coronavirus: When Is Buhari Going To Address Us Comedian Ali Baba After the declaration of coronavirus as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the management of Arik carried out a careful analysis of the virus. We apologize to customers whose travel plans may have been affected by the suspension of flights and promise to mitigate the effects by ensuring a prompt refund of tickets. Affected persons were advised to contact the airline. Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) formally makes Philip (Matt Smith) a British prince in Season 2 of Netflix's biographical drama "The Crown." (Robert Viglasky / Netflix) Netflix on Thursday said it would reduce its impact on European internet traffic for 30 days, after a European Union official said a streaming surge caused by the coronavirus scare could strain the region's internet capacity. The Los Gatos-based streamer said it made the decision following discussions between CEO Reed Hastings and Commissioner Thierry Breton over the "extraordinary challenges raised by the coronavirus." Netflix said it would reduce its bit rates, or the bits per second, to transmit video streams onto screens. "We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25% while also ensuring a good quality service for our members," Netflix said in a statement. The push comes as Internet and cellular providers are requesting additional bandwidth as more people are streaming video at home amid the rapid spread of coronavirus. Some are increasing the amount of time they are watching shows and movies on streaming apps like Roku, while others are using business apps such as Zoom to conduct meetings and attend classes. On Wednesday, Breton suggested on Twitter that streams could be switched to standard definition when high-definition was not necessary. "To beat #COVID19, we #StayAtHome," Breton tweeted on Wednesday. "Teleworking & streaming help a lot but infrastructures might be in strain." The reduction in bit rates applies to Netflix users in Europe. The company will work with Internet service providers and governments around the world and apply these changes if needed elsewhere, said a source close to Netflix who was not authorized to comment. Netflix customers in Europe will continue to receive Full HD and 4K streams if they subscribe to those plans, the person said. Some subscribers may see a perceptible visual difference in quality but others may not, and factors that will determine this include what networks they use to access the internet and the device they use to view Netflix, the source said. Watch as Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim hosts his daily virtual town hall to discuss the coronavirus epidemic and what the city is doing to help residents cope. For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here. CNN anchor Jake Tapper's frustrated reaction to a video clip of the Embarcadero made some noise Tuesday evening, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed appeared on CNN's "The Situation Room" Wednesday to respond to Tapper's concerns. The clip in question showed a number of individuals jogging and walking on the first day of the city's shelter-in-place order. Tapper called the clip "kind of enraging," stating, "We see a bunch of people who are not social distancing. they're holding hands and walking down the street ... The people of San Francisco I shouldn't say the people, many people in San Francisco have clearly not gotten the message." Many pointed out that the usually well-populated stretch was not indicative of the Bay Area's quarantine efforts as a whole, and the people holding hands presumably live together, making true "social distancing" impossible in those cases. Breed said as much to CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday afternoon after she was asked whether the shelter-in-place order prohibits people from going outside and exercising. "People in San Francisco are definitely permitted to go out, to run, to exercise, to ride bikes, this is not about a vacation," she said. "If people are in the same household, they do not necessarily need to keep the same distance from members of their household; it would be impossible for them to do that. I think ultimately, it's not a fair assessment to say people are just out and about and not necessarily following the social distancing protocols we put into place, because they are. You see the buses are empty, you see the roads are empty, you see people are doing everything they can to comply." Blitzer then asked Breed what activities are actually prohibited during the shelter-in-place order, and Breed cited "places we've already closed" such as hair salons, nail salons and retail stores. "We want you to only go out if absolutely necessary for essential services," she said after maintaining that going out for a walk or a jog is acceptable. "The ultimate goal is to prevent people from contacting one another that could lead to the spread of the virus." You can watch both segments in the video above. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here. Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting H ome is Brixton, born and bred. Bus, Tube or taxi? Taxi. And a smoking vehicle at that. A smoking taxi. Best meal youve had? New Tings, Acre lane, Brixton. Caribbean. Chicken soup, then Ill bang the sweet chilli chicken bites with white rice, mac and cheese. And coleslaw. Favourite shops? HQ Barbers in Brixton. And Cliffs [barbers] on Acre Lane. The man is tight, hell never let you off nothing, but hes still mandem. Where would you recommend for a first date? Just a walk around central London. Where? Anywhere, man. South Bank. Just walk, talk and get to know each other. What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? Weed would be legalised. Everywhere: not just in London. Who do you call when you want to have fun? Ghooostbusters! Ha, haaaaaa! Sorry, you set that one up for me. Who do I call when I want to have fun? Well mate, sorry to say, but I dont get to have fun, because my employers, they treat me like a prostitute. So when I got the time Im just asking for help Ive been trying to escape for months. Favourite pub? The Duke Of Edinburgh, Ferndale Road. Good vibes. And its my local. If you could buy any building, which would it be? Brixton Town Hall. Then turn it into Judgement Yard. Where do you work out? Muscle Base Gym in Enfield. Mixed marital arts. Muay Thai. Ju-jitsu. And appreciating women doing deadlifts. Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you? Dont vomit in my cab, you fat bastard. Who is the most iconic Londoner? Could be me, to be honest. Could be me. Yeah. Either me or Boris Johnson [laughs out loud for a long time]. Ever had a run-in with a London police officer? Ah mate, Ive had a lot One time me and my mates were drunk and decided to race each other down Leicester Square. The police came over and thought we were fighting and that, but we were all out of our nuts, so we told the police to be judges and watch our races. So they blocked off pedestrians while we raced. Whats your biggest extravagance? Id say jewellery. Ive got a couple of nice pieces. Family cuts: from princes, kings and queens. What makes someone a Londoner? A Londoner is a multicultural person. London is the only place in England where there is so much diversity. London is a dialect of many cultures: Asian culture, Jamaican culture, Russian culture, Albanian culture, all rolled into one. You know the NutriBullet blenders? Londons like a NutriBullet of cultures. What are you up to at the moment? My book. Its basically just a motivational book, and a short autobiography, really. Its very enlightening, its insightful. And most importantly its a hundred per cent real G s***. New Delhi: CISCE has decided to postpone the ICSE Class 10 Board Exam and ISC Class 12 Board Exam 2020 that were going to be held from March 19 to March 31, 2020. The board has taken this decision due to the outbreak of dangerous COVID-19 virus that is spreading all over the world. Students who were going to appear for the ICSE and ISC Board exam 2020 from March 19 to March 31 need to contact their respective schools for more details. ICSE Board Exam 2020 Postponed Meanwhile, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released a press release at its official website, i.e. cisce.org regarding the postponement of ICSE and ISC Board Exams 2020. According to the press release, the ICSE Board Exam 2020 from March 19 to March 30 and ISC Board Exam 2020 from March 19 to March 31 are postponed amid the outbreak of Coronavirus. The ICSE Board will release the new exam dates in due course of time. Other than this, the ICSE Board has asked school heads to inform school teachers, parents and students about the news of ICSE Board exams 2020 postponement immediately. Also Read: Coronavirus Pandemic | CBSE Postpones Class 10, 12 Board Exams, To Be Rescheduled After March 31 CBSE Board Exam 2020 Postponed Earlier, CBSE Postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2020 that were scheduled to be held from March 19 to March 31, 2020 due to the dangerous outbreak of Coronavirus that is spreading across the globe. The MHRD has ordered CBSE to postpone all Board Exams 200 till March 31. The board will release new dates in due course of time. Students and parents can also click below and read the official notification released by CISCE regarding postponement of ICSE and ISC Board Exam 2020. ICSE and ISC Board Exam 2020 Postponement Notification 2020 Direct Link Metro Manila (CNN Philippines March 19) The founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines says their group is not keen on the government's offer of a ceasefire in the middle of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19. In a statement, Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, said the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday is "premature, if not insincere and false." Sison added there was "no clear basis" for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines the CPP's negotiating arm to reciprocate the declaration. "The NDFP is not assured and satisfied that the reciprocal unilateral ceasefires are based on national unity against COVID-19, the appropriate solution of the pandemic as a medical problem and protection of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, including workers, health workers, those with any serious ailments and the political prisoners," Sison said Wednesday. Unless they are assured otherwise, the NDFP would be inclined to believe the unilateral ceasefire is a mere "psywar trick," he added. Duterte frst pushed the idea of a ceasefire in a speech on March 16 where he said, "'Wag ninyo munang galawin ang mga sundalo. Ano muna tayo, ceasefire lang. Ceasefire muna tayo. Ako na ang nanghihingi," Duterte said. [Translation: Do not attack soldiers for now. Let's have a ceasefire. I am the one asking.] "Kindly give me that... if you really want that we will be at all times on talking terms, in this time of crisis," he added. Sison had said the proposal would be seriously studied by the NDFP, which represents the rebels in peace negotiations. Meanwhile, CPP said its armed wing New Peoples Army has begun to carry out a mass campaign against COVID-19. Ceasefire or not, NPA Red fighters have already been directed to step up efforts to render social, economic, medical and public health services to the people, said CPP in a statement. CPP said that units of NPA are working with local health committees. Further, CPP said that it will issue its own unilateral ceasefire declaration, when conditions or negotiations warrant such. At the moment, all units of the NPA are advised to remain on alert even with Dutertes ceasefire declaration, added the rebel group. The unilateral ceasefire took effect Thursday, and will stay in place until April 15. "The President has directed the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to cease and desist from carrying out offensive military and police operations during the ceasefire period," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement. Duterte walked away from peace talks with communist rebels in 2017 as both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations. The two sides have been considering returning to the negotiating table, but Duterte and Sison could not agree on contentious issues, including the venue for the meetings. The document on the Suspension of Offensive Military and Police Operations will be issued soon, Panelo said. CNN Philippines' David Santos and Pia Garcia contributed to this report. The acrylonitrile styrene acrylate market is expected to grow by USD 94.22 million during 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request latest free sample report of 2020-2024 This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005594/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate Market 2019-2023 (Graphic: Business Wire) Developing countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico will contribute significantly to the global acrylonitrile styrene acrylate market. An increase in the consumption of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate from the automobile, construction, and home appliances industries will have a positive impact on the market. The emergence of China and India as hubs of the construction, and automobile industries in APAC will drive the adoption of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate. Moreover, the vast consumer base and the increasing purchasing power parity in the region have led to a rapid increase in investments in the construction and automotive segments which will further propel the demand for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate during the forecast period. To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download latest free sample report of 2020-2024: https://technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR31325 As per Technavio, the increasing demand from additive manufacturing will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2019-2023. Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate Market: Increasing Demand from Additive Manufacturing Owing to its high weather resistance, impact strength, and durability, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate is used in the production of automotive prototypes, electrical housings and brackets, and sporting goods. In January 2019, Shanghai Construction Group opened its first 3D printed pedestrian bridge made of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate composite materials in Shanghai. The use of additive manufacturing in the production of complex geometries to produce prototypes for various industries will drive the global acrylonitrile styrene acrylate market during the forecast period. "Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate exhibits better performance and efficiency than other styrene copolymers and is thus used in various end-user industries. It also offers high surface quality, better impact strength, and UV resistance, making it suitable for various exterior applications such as window profiling and siding. Due to such varied benefits, the market for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the acrylonitrile styrene acrylate market by application (automotive, consumer electronics, construction, and others) and geographic Landscape (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America). APAC will offer maximum growth opportunities for companies in the acrylonitrile styrene acrylate market. The rapid growth of end-user industries such as automobile, construction, and home appliances will positively influence the growth of the acrylonitrile styrene acrylate market in the region. Initiatives from several governments in the region towards the growth of the construction industry will also lead to an increase in the demand for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate in APAC. Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request latest free sample report of 2020-2024 Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005594/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ (Newser) The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has touched the royals. The Palace of Monaco announced Thursday that Prince Albert has tested positive, the AP reports. Albert, the son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, is the reigning monarch of the French Riviera principality. The palace says there's little concern for the 62-year-old's health and that he plans to work from home at the palace. Some on Twitter were noting that on March 10, Albert attended a charity summit also attended by Britain's Prince Charles. (Read more coronavirus stories.) Public information and notices about COVID-19 coronavirus will be organized in a new website launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office Wednesday. The website, www.covid19.ca.gov, will highlight health and financial resources, public service announcements from the state Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke and a toolkit for volunteer and service opportunities. "The state is mobilizing at every level to proactively and aggressively protect the health and well-being of Californians, but we cannot fight this outbreak alone," Newsom said in a news release. "We need the participation and support of every Californian, and that's why we're providing recent, relevant and reliable information." Facebook and Instagram are providing $1 million in advertising for the state to promote the new public safety campaign and website, according to Newsom's office. Social media posts will include messaging such as, "Your actions save lives." As of Wednesday, 10 Bay Area counties are under a three-week shelter-in-place order. This includes San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Solano and Napa counties. All nonessential businesses are closed under the shelter-in-place orders, with hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, laundromats and take-out restaurants among the establishments remaining open. According to the state Department of Public Health, there are 598 cases of coronavirus and 13 deaths in California as of Tuesday evening. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A 65-year-old man has been charged in Rusk County with sexual assault of a child. Rusk County court records show Raymond Clark has been charged with first degree sexual assault of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16, two charges of child enticement and two charges of felony intimidation of a victim. The criminal complaint says in December of 2017 a Ladysmith Police Officer was dispatched for a sexual assault case. The victim told law enforcement of multiple sexual encounters that occurred. Clark's next court appearance is scheduled for April 7. The political drama following Jyotiraditya Scindias leaving the Congress for the BJP with 22 MLAs has brought the Kamal Nath government on the verge of being booted out. Speaker Prajapati had asked 16 MLAs to convince him in person they had not been coerced into resigning their membership of the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. Beleaguered Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said he has the numbers and will not take a floor test. In a TV interview, he challenged the BJP to move a no-confidence motion against his government if they were confident of the end result. He claimed the rebel MLAs, currently in Bengaluru, will say whatever suits their present in this aspect. He maintained that his government will not fall in the TV interview. The Congress has maintained that the trust vote will have no bearing until the resignations of the MLAs are taken into account. In almost an answer to the Madhya Pradesh Congress, the Supreme Court bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said Governor Lalji Tandon could ask the government to hold a trust vote when the assembly is not in session. This, the apex court said should be the case if the government has lost its majority on which the Governor is bound to take note of it. Hearing the BJP request for a floor test immediately, the apex court said if the Governor canot ask the Speaker to hold the floor test that would allow a government in minority to continue. Also Read: Coronavirus: PM Narendra Modi to address nation tomorrow at 8 pm The Kamal Nath government has been in the doldrums ever since Gwalior royal Jyotiraditya Scindia switched loyalties to the BJP a day after Holi along with a 22-strong group of MLAs, who submitted their resignation last week. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati has not taken all the resignations and said barring 6 MLAs, he called on the rest to meet him and confirm their decision. The rebel MLAs have not taken up the Speakers demand since they claimed that the Kamal Nath-led government will coerce them into withdrawing their resignation. To prevent such forcing, the rebel MLAs have sought protection. On Justice Chandrachuds suggestion of holding such a meeting over video conference with a court-appointed observer, the Speaker sought 2 weeks to decide but reiterated through his counsel that the MLAs should return to the state. On hearing of the Speakers request for 2-weeks time, the SC judge said such a long time would enable horse-trading and would defeat efforts to prove the majority as soon as possible. The current situation in Madhya Pradesh is such that the Congress has 108 MLAs without the 6 whose resignations have been accepted. The rebel 16 MLAs are also included in the 108 MLAs, the BJP has 107 MLAs. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App UMC General Conference aimed at ending debate on LGBT issues postponed over coronavirus concerns Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The United Methodist Church General Conference, the global policy-making gathering for the denomination, has been postponed due to concerns about spreading the coronavirus. Held every four years, the UMC General Conference was originally scheduled to take place May 5-15 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. UMC spokeswoman Diane Degnan directed The Christian Post to a statement by the Executive Committee of the Commission on the General Conference released on Wednesday. According to the executive committee, the General Conference will be postponed due to the Convention Center restricting events through May 10 to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This followed recommendations by the Minnesota Department of Health, Gov. Tim Walz, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to postpone or cancel events involving more than 50 people. Commission Chair Kim Simpson explained in the statement that the decision was expected and that they intend to move forward with new plans as quickly as possible. Our focus in this moment is not solely on the gathering of the General Conference for the work we have been called to do, but is on the individuals, families, churches and communities around the world whose lives are being impacted by this pandemic, stated Simpson. We recognize the struggle to deal with the physical, emotional and spiritual needs which come with the unknown. We are confident that local United Methodist churches will be finding new ways to be in community with their neighbors and meet their evolving needs. The commissions decision to postpone the General Conference came days after the UMC Council of Bishops sent them a letter requesting postponement. Newly imposed international travel restrictions to the U.S. are making it more difficult for our Central Conference delegates, explained the letter, sent out last Friday. Consideration must also be given to the grave risk resulting from international travel and meeting in a very large gathering with the potential spread of the virus when we are together. This years General Conference planned to address possible legislation aimed at splitting the denomination over its longstanding internal debate on homosexuality. For several years, progressive United Methodists have tried to change the denomination's official stance that homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching. While their efforts have always failed, they have taken to increasingly resisting UMC rules against same-sex marriage and the ordination of noncelibate homosexual clergy. The most notable proposal advanced to General Conference was known as the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation, which would, among other things, allocate $25 million for Methodists who adhere to biblical sexual ethics to vote to leave the UMC and create their own denomination. The Philippines Conference Cavite, the Sierra Leone Conference, and the Michigan Annual Conference each voted to send the Protocol to General Conference, with the Philippines and Sierra Leone also expressing their endorsement of the plan. Unlike the two international conferences that acted before the March 7 vote in Albion, The Michigan Conference did not endorse the Protocol, explained the Michigan regional body. The single motion brought by the delegation for action by the Special Session was to send the petition entitled 'Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation and Restructuring' (BOD New 2556) to the 2020 General Conference. As coronavirus is spreading rapidly and has already infected more than 170 people in India, the iconic dabbawalas in Mumbai will be suspending their tiffin services from March 20 to March 31. The dabbawalas in Mumbai serve at least two lakh people across the city, but due to coronavirus scare, the union has decided to suspend all their services till the end of this month. The lunchbox delivery service is expected to resume from April 1. Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in the country. In a bid to contain the spread of the virus, Maharashtra has even shut down all educational institutions and several offices have also asked employees to work from home. Several public places including temples have also been closed as a precautionary measure to avoid massive gatherings. READ: Mumbai: BMC Collects Over Rs 1 Lakh Fine From People Found Spitting In Open Earlier this week, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that all malls except grocery stores which sell commodities of day-to-day need to be closed in view of coronavirus, while addressing a press conference in Mumbai. The government announced that all educational institutes including public and private schools and colleges will remain shut till 31 March in view of the rise in Coronavirus cases in the state. READ: Mumbai BJP Wing Organizes Yagna To Free Country From Coronavirus Pandemic Coronavirus outbreak The government has stated that all exams of standard 10 & 12 and university courses will continue according to the schedule but postponed all exams up to Class 9. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act declaring the Coronavirus as an epidemic - declaring all gyms, swimming pools, malls, theatres, pubs shut in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, Pimpri-Chinchwad till March 31. As of date, the total number of positive cases in India has risen to 185, with three deaths in the country. India has suspended all visas, barring for a few categories such as diplomatic and employment apart from keeping in abeyance the visa-free travel facility to OCI cardholders till April 15. India has also closed the India-Pakistan border and restricted passenger movement at the border with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. READ: No More Standing In Mumbai's BEST Buses; 50% Attendance In Maha Govt Offices Amid COVID-19 READ: Coronavirus: Howrah-Mumbai Duronto, Other Express Trains Cancelled A Union County ShopRite closed for several hours on Wednesday after a person with flu-like symptoms went shopping, police said. The Springfield store, located on Morris Turnpike, was temporarily closed Wednesday afternoon after one of the shoppers presented flu-like symptoms, Springfield Police said on Facebook. The shopper was taken to a nearby hospital, and the symptoms were not found to meet the criteria for COVID-19, police said. ShopRite has since reopened, the store said on Facebook. The safety and security of our store associates and shoppers is always our top priority and we appreciate the level of caution that was taken by the first responders onsite as these are certainly unprecedented times, the store said. Symptoms of the common flu and the novel coronavirus are similar, but not the same. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, the CDC says. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include confusion, bluish lips, and chest pain. They usually develop two days to two weeks after exposure. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and headaches, the CDC says. Some people, particularly children, will have vomiting and diarrhea with the flu as well. Coronavirus symptoms Police urged residents to take precautions against the novel coronavirus, including staying home if you are sick and contacting a doctor. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, everyone in the community is urged to practice social distancing guidelines and take all basic precautions to keep themselves safe and healthy, police said. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of being ill should stay home and avoid all contact with others to prevent additional spread of illness, and contact their doctor for further guidance. A number of New Jersey grocery stores are offering special hours for senior citizens and those at a high risk of coronavirus. The Springfield ShopRite will hold those hours from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily. If you do not feel well enough to venture out to the grocery store, there are a number of grocery and meal delivery options, as well as take-out from local restaurants. Coronavirus cannot be transmitted through food, the CDC says, so ordering in remains a safe option. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Indian citizens to dedicate a few weeks to fight coronavirus and asked them to use their resolve and patience as tools to contain and combat the infection that has claimed over 8,000 lives globally including four in India. Modi said it was wrong to assume that India will escape the impact of a crisis that has led to such devastating impact across the world even in developed economies. Coronavirus outbreak: Full coverage Indian citizens need to strengthen their resolve and patience to fight coronavirus by following government guidelines and to ensure that we dont get infected and save others from getting infected. the PM said. The second desired attribute of patience will help us maintain social distancing to avoid crowds, he said. He also proposed a Janata curfew to be self imposed on March 22, when people should refrain from going out unnecessarily. The experience of this one day Janata curfew will help immensely in the future, he said. Modi said the crisis that has plunged the entire humanity into trouble had shown a pattern of sudden explosion in worst-hit countries which is worrying. For the past days, there is a sentiment building that we are saved from this global pandemic. This thought is not right and we need to be alert and be on guard, the PM said. He added that till now, science has not been able to find a distinct solution for coronavirus and a vaccine has not been developed yet, therefore it is natural to worry. The coronavirus outbreak has infected 173 people in India and claimed four lives. PM Modis televised address comes hours after the government banned all international flights for a week. The decision was an effort to ensure that the highly contagious coronavirus, or Covid-19, does not move to the next stage of community transmission. Over the past couple of weeks, the government has consistently scaled up its testing and quarantine facilities to prepare for the worst-case scenario when coronavirus moves into the community transmission stage. Two bushfires that broke out Wednesday in Beijing's northern suburbs of Yanqing and Pinggu have been put out, with cleanup work currently underway, local authorities said. The first fire broke out at 4:33 p.m. Wednesday on a mountain in Yanqing. More than 600 firefighters rushed to the scene to fight the blaze, and as of 8:30 p.m., the fire was put out and the site was brought under control. In the city's northeastern suburb of Pinggu, some 300 firefighting personnel and 37 fire engines were sent by the municipal fire corps after another forest fire broke out at around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday. The fire had been brought under control as of 10:40 p.m. No casualties been reported in the two fires. Grace Curran packs a takeout order for Deni Ershtukaev at Republique on La Brea, a restaurant that would normally be packed with dine-in customers. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Thanks to the new coronavirus, our plans for the future, once so clear and reasonable, now seem hazy and improbable. Who knows when our kids will go back to school, or when we will return to the office? Nobody can say how long dine-in restaurants will remain closed, or when we can finally meet friends for a much-needed drink. When can we pray with our congregations again? Throw a birthday party? Go to the movies? And how long can we live with all this uncertainty and not lose our collective minds? It is very disorienting, said Alison Holman , a health psychologist at UC Irvine. Its like reality isnt reality right now. Life will return to normal, someday. But the end of this liminal time feels a long way off. The social distancing measures we are all taking avoiding crowds, staying at least 6 feet away from anyone we dont live with are not expected to end any time soon. With City Hall closed to the public, Los Angeles residents watch a livestream of a City Council meeting from a tent outside. Seats are spread out to facilitate social distancing. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) In a new report , researchers at Imperial College London said we may need to continue these behaviors until a vaccine becomes available. Experts say thats probably 12 to 18 months down the road. While its possible that these interventions could be relaxed earlier, they would have to be put back in place if case numbers were to rebound, the authors of the report said. Dr. Jay Butler , deputy director for infectious disease at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said there are many variables that will determine how long it will take for the pandemic to run its course. Still, he acknowledged that the most models suggest it will not abate for another year at least. That forecast is hard to stomach. Can we really live in this heightened state of anxiety for the next 12 months? LOS ANGELES, CALIF. -- FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020: HOPICS outreach nurse Kenya Smith sprays sanitizer inside a van before going out to look for homeless people as part of the outreach program in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 13, 2020. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) (Brian van der Brug/Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) Our brains are wired to plan for the future, and when that future becomes difficult to imagine, it can take a significant toll on our mental health, Holman said. If you sense that you dont have a future, you dont have hope, she said. Holman's research has found that when people experience traumatic events like fires or mass shootings, their perception of time slows down. In addition, they become so focused on the present that the past and future seem to slip away. Story continues Her work also revealed that people who are less oriented toward the future also have a higher sense of distress that can make them become depressed or anxious. Signs notify customers of limitations on high-demand products at Gelson's Market in Manhattan Beach. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) But there is something that can help: Connecting with friends and family. She found that people who received social support in the two months after 9/11 were much more future-oriented on the one-year anniversary of the event than those who did not. Staying connected is a way to stay grounded, she said. It keeps you from being pulled into a state of sheer anxiety. Moviegoers skip the theater and watch a flick at the Paramount Drive-In instead. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Vaile Wright , a director of clinical research at the American Psychological Assn., said that while we may not like this new reality we find ourselves in, we can learn to accept it as part of a process called habituation. Wright describes habituation as an adaptive quality because your body recognizes it cant stay in a heightened sense of arousal forever. You will start to adapt and it will become less arousing, she said. When and if that might happen, however, depends on each individual. The benefit of habituation is that it allows people to redirect their emotional energy away from fighting reality and toward managing it. If you accept that this is how it is going to be for a period of time, then you can use your resources for self-care and taking care of people in your life, she said. A sign warning travelers not to shake hands is seen at an information desk at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) To make it through the coronavirus crisis, she also recommends focusing on the positives: That the vast majority of people recover from COVID-19, that some countries have managed to slow the virus spread, and that these painful social distancing measures are ultimately about protecting others who may be more vulnerable than we are. It is a very altruistic thing to do, she said. Rheeda Walker, director of the Culture, Risk, and Resilience Lab at the University of Houston in Texas, said it is also important to be intentional about how you talk to yourself during this time of rapid change and uncertainty. Lets say you have kids at home, she said. On the one hand you can say, I cant get my job done with these little people in my house.' Or you can say, This is what it is, now how do I make this work.' UCLA student Kiera Laney, 20, attends a class online in her dorm room on campus. All classes have been moved to online only. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) It won't be easy, she added, so dont beat yourself up if your early attempts to adjust to life in a pandemic aren't entirely smooth. We may have to experiment a bit," Walker said. "Just because it doesn't work doesnt mean nothing is going to work, so you continue to experiment and figure out what works. The UK benefit system is facing "catastrophe," the woman who helped design the welfare mitigations package in Northern Ireland has warned. Professor Eileen Evason chairs the Northern Ireland Welfare Reform Mitigations Working Group. She warned that as the coronavirus wreaks havoc with the business community, the welfare system will struggle to cope with an influx of people trying to access the system. "We are facing a catastrophe, for individuals and families across the UK because unlike other countries in the EU we are going into all of this with a benefit system that has been absolutely shredded over the last 10 years," she said. "This is really very, very bad. We are going to rely on bits and pieces that are less reliable than others. She said that if a person was ill or self-isolating there was statutory sick pay which was available to employees but not the self-employed, who are earning over 118 a week. "That cuts a lot of people out and it's worth only 94 a week." She said: "The difficulty with this is it is paid by employers and of course the employers themselves may be going under and then it gets very complicated. "Secondly, for people who have become unemployed as a result we have the contributory jobseekers allowance. That's again for employees, self-employed left out, it's 73 a week for six months. "73 a week is not going to pay for the groceries for a family. So that is the solid stuff we have .. but it's not solid, it's totally inadequate." She continued: "Therefore to help plug all the gaps, to help self employed and employed, ill, unemployed whatever. To help plug the gaps with people's living expenses and their housing costs government is relying on universal credit. "You can claim this if you are self-employed or unemployed. They have made a few tweaks but nevertheless this is the main source of support. "This is the new benefit that's been coming in over the last year or so across the UK, it has caused hardship, confusion and difficulty and it seems to be our only defence unless the government comes up with something else quick. "Universal credit is an ungenerous, means tested benefit. It is not payable for the first five weeks. So there are loans but there are still gaps in the help and support available." She said there were also difficulties in applying for the benefit online and administrative issues. "In Northern Ireland we have a slight advantage," she continued, "because we did things a bit different with regard to welfare reform. "We have two provisions which are the discretionary support scheme - that's really for exceptional circumstances and things like that. "We also have a thing called the universal credit contingency fund. But I am not entirely sure how this will operate. "People will need skilled advice and I expect all the advice centres are just overwhelmed." The Department of Communities has established a financial support service available at 0800 587 2750 (Freephone) or 0800 587 2751 (textphone for customers with hearing difficulties). Information is also available from the department here: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/covid-19-service-updates The troubles for Rs 166 lakh crore banking sector are far from over. A few months ago when bank non- performing assets (NPAs) declined from its peak of over 10 per cent of the advances and profitability returned, the telecom AGR (adjusted gross revenue) liability and the Yes Bank debacle hit them hard both in terms of sentiment and loss in market valuations. The Covid-19 pandemic was like a bold from the blue. Over the last seven years, the banks had braved the first of its kind balance sheet clean up with RBI's asset quality review for stressed loans. The demonetisation in 2016 disrupted their focus and business in the interim. The GST came as a shocker as many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) got wiped out and the banks were forced to restructure many of the loans to MSMEs. Another path-breaking change, the Insolvency and bankruptcy code (IBC), created a huge provisioning pressure in their books with realisation still a work in progress. We analyse how prepared the banking sector is to weather the Covid-19 storm, which is playing out in full force globally as we speak: Public sector banks in consolidation mode The government move to consolidate 27-odd public sector banks (PSBs) into 10 large banks is currently taking place when the Covid-19 is creating yet another direct disruption in sectors such as travel, transportation, tourism, hospitality and trade etc. The anchor banks such as Union Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Bank and Canara Bank are in the process of branch and people rationalisation , technology integration and stressed loan strategy etc. The two other large PSBs - Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank Ltd - have challenges of their own. The Bank of Baroda, which merged Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank into itself , has seen the complete exit of leadership, which was hired to create a template for other PSBs to follow. Similarly, the new promoter LIC in IDBI Bank has pumped in capital of over Rs 35,000 crore to revive the bank. Also read: Coronavirus impact: bank merger taking place through video conference meetings Half a dozen weak banks under RBI's PCA A dozen banks were under the RBI's prompt corrective action (PCA) but half of them released because of merger of PSBs and the additional capital provided by the government. There hasn't been any material improvement in their profitability or NPAs to send them out of PCA. In fact, half a dozen banks are still very weak to restart the lending business. IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank , UCO Bank , Central Bank of India and Laxmi Vilas Bank are currently under the RBI's monitoring with restricted lending. Private sector banks not out of the woods For long it was PSBs that shared all the blame for poor corporate governance and leadership, but now private sector's weak links are also exposed. Chanda Kochhar and Rana Kapoor came under the scanner of investigating agencies for corruption charges or violating the service rules. Similarly , the growing NPAs in their book showed the bad lending practices. Currently, the leadership at large private banks is stabilising with a new strategy in place. The largest private bank, the HDFC Bank, will see a leadership transition by the year-end whereas IndusInd Bank has announced the name of insider Sumant Kathpalia to take over from Romesh Sobti as the MD&CEO by the month-end. Many private banks are in the process of capital raising. In fact, the equity dilution will be higher now as their valuation has fallen big time over the last one month. Loss of trust in the banking entities For the first time in many decades , a private sector bank saw a moratorium being imposed by the RBI. A moratorium by the regulator is the last resort as PCA framework is available to nurse the bank back on health. Yes Bank's balance size of over Rs 3 lakh crore was enough to create panic in the market. The debacle of multi-state cooperative bank Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) Bank and Yes Bank have once again raised the trust issue in the banking industry. The government, on its part, has also raised the deposit insurance limit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per depositor per bank. In fact , the banks in India are well capitalised with the exception of few but the recent debacle has done the damage by jolting the small depositors' trust in the banking industry. Also read: Fall of an ace banker! Who's Rana Kapoor, the brain behind YES Bank The IBC is a path-breaking law for the banking sector as it is creating a deterrent in the market for defaulters. But the new code is yet to see faster resolution of cases. The banks have made all the NPA provisioning in the books , but the recovery is still far away. While the NCLT courts are flooded with cases, there is lack of interest from buyers especially global distressed funds because of too many amendments in a short period of time and legal challenges at every stage. The buyers are probably waiting for clearer signals from the economy, which is on a downhill journey. Clearly, the banks are not in the best of shape to take a large hit from Covid-19 impacted industries. The banks will certainly need some relaxation from the RBI on asset classification and liquidity support to deal with the crisis. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Mumbai Dabbawalas suspend tiffin delivery services till March 31 The Indian Rupee has hit hard due to the looming coronavirus fears as stock market continues to plunge and global economy stares at an eventual slump. In early trade today, Rupee plunged 70 paise to 74.96 against US dollar as investors fretted over the sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country and its impact on the economy. According to Health Ministry data, coronavirus cases have touched 169 in the country. Traders said there is a sense of anxiety among investors as they see the global as well as domestic economy plunging into a deep crisis due to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that has killed nearly 9,000 and sickened lakhs of people around the globe. The steep decline in domestic equities and sustained foreign fund outflows further dampened the sentiment, they said. Thursday morning, the Rupee opened on a weak note at 74.96 at the interbank forex market, down 70 paise over its last close. The Indian currency later slipped past 75 per dollar amid coronavirus uncertainty and traded 85 paise or 1.15 per cent lower at 75.11 per USD. The local unit had settled at 74.26 against the US dollar on Wednesday. "The local unit has a crucial support around 74.50 levels and any break past that will further weaken the rupee. The larger trend continues to be weak for the domestic currency, given the economic blow from the coronavirus outbreak," Sugandha Sachdeva VP-Metals, Energy & Currency Research, Religare Broking told news agency PTI. The 75-figure hold psychological importance. It was in August of 2018 that the currency had breached the 70 mark for the first time. Coronavirus has already impacted hospitals and healthcare professionals across the US, with states like California and New York expressing concern about hospital bed shortages if the rapid progression of the virus doesn't decrease. A new interactive map shows what an influx of patients could look like for hospitals across the country depending on the percentage of the population that's infected by the novel virus. The data also shows how impact on the hospitals can decrease if measures like social distancing are put in place to help "flatten the curve". ProPublica created the map based on new data and hospital capacity recorded by the Harvard Global Health Institute. Three potential scenarios were studied: if the people infected reaches 20, 40, or 60 per cent and if these infections occurred over six, 12, or 18 months. If 20 per cent of the population becomes infected with Covid-19 in six months, which is a "conservative" scenario, hospital beds in a vast majority of the US will be at capacity, with 50 per cent of the country experiencing twice the number of patients compared to available beds. Even in the best-case scenario where 20 per cent of the population becomes infected over 18 months, an estimated 95 per cent of hospital beds will be filled. The situation only gets worse if 40 per cent of the population is infected in six months, which ProPublica dubs a more "moderate' situation people could expect. In this case, more than a fifth of those cases would need hospitalisation, based on data from other countries. At 40 per cent infected, a vast majority of hospitals would need at least twice the number of hospital beds. In the worst-case scenario, where 60 per cent of the population would be infected in just six months, hospitals across the US could need seven times the amount of available beds depending on the location. "Our model gives hospital leaders and policy makers a clear sense of when they will hit capacity and strategic information on how to prepare for rising numbers of patients," Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, told ProPublica. "If people wonder 'Why am I social distancing?' and 'Why am I isolating myself?' this data makes that real. People should look at this data and make sure their community has a plan." Related video: President Donald Trump updates the country on the coronavirus, as experts warn Covid-19 patients could seriously overwhelm hospitals (Propublica) Dr Jha led the research team to develop this analysis. The data assumes each hospitalised patient will require an estimated 12 days in the hospital, based on data from China. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has warned about problems New York state could face with a lack of beds available. "When we're going to have a real problem is when cases hit their apex and descend on the healthcare system and we will not have enough hospital beds," Mr Cuomo said on Tuesday. Currently, the state has 53,000 hospital beds and 3,000 ICU beds. The number of coronavirus cases in New York is anticipated to peak in 45 days, at which point an estimated 55,000 to 110,000 patients could be hospitalised and 18,600 to 37,200 could need an ICU bed in the state alone, according to experts. California is also estimating it will be short about 20,000 hospital beds in the worst-case scenario. The state has 88,000 hospital beds total that are available to treat Covid-19 patients. Epidemiologists estimate between 40 to 70 per cent of the population across the US could become infected in the coming months. Cases in the US topped 10,000 with 10,755 infected, which makes up less than one per cent of the population, and 154 people have died from the virus, according to Johns Hopkins. But experts believe positive cases are significantly higher than reported, and will continue to climb, due to an increase in testing. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is working to loosen regulations and help breweries struggling with drastically reduced business after government-mandated closures implemented to help stanch the spread of COVID-19. Many breweries have begun to-go offerings for customers, filling growlers and selling packaged beer to those who stop into taprooms or brewpubs. Others have pursued home delivery, and the OLCC is fast-tracking applications to adjust brewery licenses and allow same-day delivery. Additionally, the OLCC board is meeting Thursday and will discuss and vote on some temporary relaxation of regulations, said Bryant Haley, a compliance specialist with the OLCC. Tony Roberts, the co-executive director of the Oregon Brewers Guild, said breweries are seeing the OLCC turn around applications in less than an hour. And the agency has also loosened application rules and is allowing email applications, whereas previously only fax or mail was accepted. We spoke to the OLCC Monday morning, and they responded immediately and started to approve requests, Roberts said. They are really trying to help out here. One of those breweries is Little Beast Brewing. After laying off six employees from their Southeast Division Street taproom Monday, owners Charles Porter and Brenda Crow were searching for a way to keep their brewery staff employed. Delivering beer directly to customers homes was the answer. Getting set up was surprisingly simple. The Oregon Brewers Guild sent out a newsletter giving us resources on how to apply for delivery with the OLCC, Crow said. I happened to be nearby, so I was there 20 minutes later, handed in an application, and by the time I got back to the brewery it was already approved. The brewery asked the company that helps with their bottle club to add a delivery button to their homepage, divvied up their existing beer stock and split up 20 Portland ZIP codes among their small team. Meanwhile, the brewery already known for its mixed-culture farmhouse ales shifted production toward more long-process beers, less perishable brews that spend anywhere from two to four months in barrels before being bottled for sale. With about 10 orders received in the 24 hours since the launch, delivery hasnt exactly been blowing up the website, Crow said. But Little Beast does have one other important outlet for sales: local grocery stores, which remain open as an essential business even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues its spread. But the easing of delivery regulations doesnt necessarily create a smooth road. Insurance on delivery is ridiculously expensive, said Tom Cook, owner of Portlands Von Ebert Brewing. Its like the addition of thousands of dollars, so what Im trying to figure out is, can I do a temporary situation or does it have to be a year. Were looking through the details of, how can we make this work and work through some of the hurdles I didnt expect, said Cook, who wants to make sure if something bad happened while we were at a delivery that wed done the right thing. Cook said he has had to let most of his staff go, and the employees are eligible for unemployment. He says when the coronavirus crisis ends, all our team members will be reinstated, and well get back rolling. Von Ebert has severely limited production right now, Cook said, and instead is focusing on getting as much of its beer from fermentation tanks into cans. Draft sales have essentially gone to zero, but the can sales are actually fairly healthy, he said. Were fighting the good fight, he said. Were making the best out of it. -- Andre Meunier Subscribe to Andres text service and get ongoing alerts about beer releases and news from the Portland and Oregon beer scene. And check out Andres beer reviews on Untappd, where hes andremeunier13, and follow him on Instagram, where hes @oregonianbeerguy. Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. More beer coverage: Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 04:28:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Shiite politician Adnan al-Zurfi has been named Iraq's prime minister-designate to go through the tough task of forming the new government amid divisions among political parties over his nomination for the post. On Tuesday, Iraqi President Barham Salih officially handed al-Zurfi, who is seen as a moderate Shiite voice with good ties with the West, the challenging mission of forming an interim government to prepare for early elections. Naming al-Zurfi for the post came amid tough wrangling of political parties over power and the ongoing anti-government protests that both resulted in the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi late last year, as well as the apology of the former Prime Mnister-designate Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi. A few days before his nomination for the post, al-Zurfi tweeted that the upcoming Iraqi government will face four serious challenges, one of which is the external challenge -- Iraq's relations with the international community and the U.S.-led international coalition. Other challenges include over five months of anti-government protests and the need to meet the demonstrators' demands, the financial crisis due to the dip of crude oil prices, lack of non-oil resources and the exacerbation of unemployment, as well as the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. However, al-Zurfi's road to form a new cabinet is not paved with flowers because he has to go into tough negotiations with the political blocs which are in deep division over his nomination to the prime minister post. Raed Abbas, professor of media at al-Mustansriyah University in Baghdad, said to win the prime minister post, al-Zurfi will have to gain the support of the political blocs to approve his cabinet in the parliament. It is difficult to go through negotiations into the political balances because all the parliamentary political blocs are ready to protect their own gains, which they processed through what is known as power-sharing agreements during the years after 2003. "None of them (political blocs) is willing to lose their gains, and the difficulty lies in the fact that al-Zurfi will have to put in his calculations how to keep the balances of interests of the political blocs. Otherwise his cabinet will not pass in the parliament," the professor told Xinhua. Al-Zurfi, 54, can guarantee the pass of his cabinet in the parliament if he accepts the political balances, which includes dividing the control of the government ministries in accordance with a quota system among the political parties, Abbas said. If al-Zurfi insists to appoint competent and impartial ministers without the interference of the political parties in order to curb the widespread corruption in the country, "his cabinet will not pass and will meet the fate of his predecessor Allawi," he added. Al-Zurfi will have to be accepted by the demonstrators who have been protesting in the streets for more than five months. They frequently announced that they refuse any politician who had participated in the previous political process to be named as the next prime minister. However, the professor said a substantial change has occurred in the Iraqi scene, as the protesters will not agree to another failure of appointing a new PM-designate as they see that staying in protest sites without a result would be a waste of time. For his part, Ibrahim al-Ameri, a political expert and teacher of politics at the University of Baghdad, said that Salih on Tuesday named al-Zurfi as prime minister-designate after the Shiite political blocs failed to name a candidate for the post due to weeks of political division. The Shiite political blocs have the traditional right to name the prime minister. According the post-2003 power-sharing system, the president should be from the Kurds, the speaker from the Sunnis, and the prime minister from the Shiites. Hours after al-Zurfi's nomination, major Shiite blocs lined up to reject him, among which are the leading blocs of Iran-backed al-Fatih Coalition, headed by Hadi al-Ameri, and the State of Law, led by Nuri al-Maliki. Al-Ameri pointed out that the Iran-backed Shiite parties look at al-Zurfi as close to the United States, as he is an Iraq-U.S. dual national. He is seen as a comparatively secular figure despite his degree of Shiite religious study in Najaf. Al-Zurfi's nomination came one day after the deadline of 15 days set by the Iraqi constitution for political blocs to nominate a candidate for the post of prime minister-designate to the president. Under the Iraqi constitution, the prime minister-designate has 30 days to put together a cabinet and present it to the parliament for approval, and the parliament must approve the government program and each individual minister in separate absolute majority votes. Census Bureau Continues to Rely on Media Controlled by Chinese Regime in Outreach Effort The decision by the U.S. Census Bureau to stop using Beijings official mouthpiece China Central Television (CCTV) in publicizing the upcoming 2020 Census to the Chinese-American community has not quelled controversy over the actions of the Bureau, which continues to avoid using Chinese-language outlets critical of the Chinese regime. Since publishing an article on Jan. 21 describing how the Census Bureau was relying on Chinas state-owned CCTV and other Chinese media controlled by the regime, The Epoch Times has found that the Census Bureau is still using U.S. taxpayers money to hire several media outlets controlled by the Chinese regime, including a newspaper called The China Press (Qiaobao). The China Press is generally recognized as one of the Chinese regimes leading mouthpieces in the United States. The 2020 Census is currently in partnership with the offices of The China Press in Boston, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, and Texas. The China Press has a long history of ties to the Chinese regime. The Jamestown Foundation published a report titled How Chinas Government Is Attempting To Control Chinese Media in America on Nov. 21 2001. The report states: The China Press is directly controlled by the Chinese government. The paper is characterized by its substantial and timely news reports from Mainland China. It represents the voice and views of Chinas Communist government. According to a November 2018 report published by Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution, The China Press is owned by the Asian Culture and Media Group, which is controlled by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The Hoover report states that The China Press is the flagship pro-PRC [Peoples Republic of China] newspaper published in the United States. The 200-page-long Hoover report, titled Chinese Influence and American Interests, documents the extent of Chinas influence operations inside the United States. Through a brief online search, The Epoch Times has found the following recent articles as examples of the work done by The China Press. 1) On Oct. 9, 2019, The China Press published a report titled (in Chinese) Chinas Anti-Terrorism Office Criticized the U.S. Government for Interfering with Xinjiang Affairs, Claimed No Human Rights Issues in Xinjiang. This report was the Chinese regimes response to U.S. government sanctions against Chinas human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. On Oct. 7, 2019, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that 28 Chinese organizations were being put on the U.S. blacklist due to concerns about their role targeting Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the autonomous region of Xinjiang in China. Most of these organizations are police offices in Xinjiang. The China Press report states in Chinese: Xinjiang entirely has none of the human rights issues that it was accused of by the U.S. government. The accusations are only excuses used by the U.S. government to interfere with Chinas domestic affairs. The article also stated that Chinas Uyghur policies are supported by 25 million Uyghurs living in the Xinjiang region, and criticized the U.S. government for using double standards on anti-terrorism policy. 2) On May 10, 2019, The China Press published an article stating that the Chinese concept of human rights would influence the world. The article was titled (in Chinese) Chinas 70 Years Human Rights Forum, Chinas Concept Influences the World. It states that China was one of the countries that contributed to the original drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and that China is leading the United Nations in using the new Chinese concept of human rights. One of the authors who drafted the original document of the UDHR was from Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China. While todays Chinese regime does not recognize the existence of the Republic of China, The China Press article took the credit for the regime for a Taiwanese helping draft the original UDHR. The article also states that China wants to use Chinas ideas, strategies, wisdom, actions, and contributions to push international changes in the concepts of human rights. 3) On Jan. 29, 2020, The China Press published an article criticizing the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Tibetan Policy and Support Act (HR 4331). The bill states that if Chinese officials interfere in the process of recognizing a successor or reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, they will be subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act. The Global Magnitsky Act is U.S. legislation that allows the U.S. executive branch to impose sanctions and visa bans on people anywhere in the world who have violated human rights or committed significant corruption. The China Press article criticized HR 4331 for interfering with Chinas domestic affairs. It claimed that the religions in Tibet enjoy harmony and that people living in Tibet support the Chinese regimes policies. 4) On Sept. 22, 2019, The China Press published an article about a Chinese regime white paper that stated that Chinese people are living happy lives, which is their biggest human right. 5) Last year, during the months of the Hong Kong protests, The China Press provided a large number of articles to spread Beijings propaganda smearing the prodemocracy protests, including reports on the violence of the protesters, the secret visits of the Western representatives helping organize the anti-government riots, and so on. In the last 20 years, the Chinese regime has been making increasing efforts to infiltrate the media landscape of the Western world. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published a report in 2019 titled Chinas Pursuit of a New World Media Order, which states: China has been going to great lengths for the last decade to establish a new world media order under its control, with the aim of deterring and preventing any criticism of itself. The RSF report also states: Beijing has gained control of most of the leading Chinese diaspora media. China has also developed its own media outlets such as Qiaobao [The China Press] in the United States to help disseminate its viewpoint in the diaspora. While relying on The China Press and other Chinese state-owned media as its outreach partners, the 2020 Census has rejected proposals from Chinese-language media outlets, including The Epoch Times and NTD TV, that are critical of the Chinese regime. The Epoch Times asked the 2020 Census for explanations of their decisions about choosing media outreach partners, but received no response by press time. The Epoch Times also asked the 2020 Census media team partners for their explanations, and received the following answers: TDW+Co, a 2020 Census media partner that is responsible for evaluating proposals from Chinese-language media, sent an email stating that only media with American tax ID were selected, and no China-owned media were selected. The response from TDW+Co did not explain why American media controlled by the Chinese regime, such as The China Press, were selected. YMLY&R, another 2020 Census media partner in charge of 2020 Census outreach effort, stated in its email response that it follows Federal Acquisition Regulations, and selected media based on their ability to effectively reach key audience such as hard-to-count communities, but did not explain why several major media critical of Chinese regime were not selected. Nurses screen patients for COVID-19 testing at a drive-up location outside Medstar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland, on March 17, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Maryland Announces First COVID-19 Death, Travel Restrictions Maryland on Thursday announced the first death in the state from the COVID-19 disease, which is caused by the new CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. The first death in Maryland was a Prince Georges County resident in his 60s with an underlying health condition. With no known travel history, officials believe he was infected through community transmission, or through someone he came into contact with, Gov. Larry Hogan said at a press conference. Unfortunately, we are only at the beginning of this crisis. And while this is the first death here in Maryland, unfortunately it will not be the last, he said. The state has confirmed 107 COVID-19 cases as of Thursday morning, an 88 percent increase in the past 48 hours. That includes the first child with the illness in Maryland, a 5-year-old Howard County resident. Hogan announced some travel restrictions, including the barring from Baltimore-Washington International Airport of anyone except for ticketed passengers and badged airport employees. The only exception is for people assisting disabled passengers. Police will be enforcing the policy. People descend down the Bethesda Metro train station escalator at commuter rush iin Bethesda, Maryland, on March 16, 2020. (Tom Brenner/Reuters) People are also barred from taking public transportation, including the MARC train, the metro, and buses, unless theyre an emergency worker, a medical provider, or work at a job essential to the supply chain. Hogan also announced an amended executive order prohibiting any events of more than 10 people in close proximity and ordered the closure of shopping malls later Thursday. Despite repeated warnings for weeks, and despite the rapid escalation of the new illness, some people are treating this like a vacation or a spring break, with parties and cookouts and large gatherings at some of our parks, Hogan admonished. Let me be clearif you are engaged in this type of activity, you are in violation of state law, and you are endangering the lives of your fellow Marylanders. Hogan later softened his tone, praising residents who have shown compassion and generosity during the crisis. This truly is one of the most daunting challenges that our state has ever faced. But sometimes, the worst times have a way of bringing out the very best in people. And Marylanders are a shining example of that, Hogan said. Distillers in the state are producing hundreds of bottles of hand sanitizer, Hogan said. Businesses have been donating respirator masks to the government. And residents in areas are forming groups to deliver food to the elderly, who are supposed to stay at home amid the pandemic. He encouraged people to reach out and help their neighbors. Some opportunities are listed at this website. Bigg Boss Kannada 5 winner and musician Chandan Shetty recently tied the knot with former BB co-contestant and long-time girlfriend Niveditha Gowda in a grand ceremony in Mysore. The lovely couple walked down the aisle on February 26 in the presence of their family members and friends. This was followed by the duo taking off to the Netherlands for their honeymoon. However, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world, Chandan and Niveditha cancelled their honeymoon trip midway and decided to return India. In a recent interview, the newly-wed couple opened up about the decision to return whilst slamming a few media reports that said they had been to Italy. Chandan said, "The trip to the Netherlands was really good. We had been there on March 1. After staying there for three days, we were planning to leave for Paris. But two days after reaching there, we learned that Paris affected by Corona scare. So we cancelled the trip to Paris. I am talking about March 3. Nobody was wearing a mask and worried about Corona there. Even there were not strict measures followed in the Airport. We cancelled the trip and immediately returned to India. We landing in India on March 6. When we returned to Bangalore, checking was already started at the airport." On being quizzed about media reports speculating that they had been to Italy, he replied, "I feel someone has intentionally created false news. We have not been to Italy. I don't why they are spreading rumours without having any proof. It might be a mischievous act, which has become common for us. We haven't gone to Italy. We only went to the Netherlands and returned to Bangalore." (sic) Niveditha Gowda too spoke about their honeymoon experience and added, "The trip was good because there was no panic when we went there. So it was really nice and we had a good time there. When it broke out in Paris, we took a decision that we should return to India. Safety is very important and matters a lot. We have come back. But we can go back on the trip when everything is cleared. However, we should give first priority to our health." ALSO READ: Pictures: Niveditha Gowda And Chandan Shetty Dazzle At Their Wedding Reception! ALSO READ: Chandan Shetty & Niveditha Gowda Wedding Pictures Are Out! The Couple Look Picture Perfect Washington (AFP) - The United States on Thursday hailed the release of its citizens in Iran and Lebanon as the coronavirus pandemic heightened global fears for prisoners' health. The United States also pressed Venezuela to free dual nationals detained from oil company Citgo and President Donald Trump held out hope for Austin Tice, a journalist missing in war-ravaged Syria since 2012. In two very different cases, Iran transferred a US veteran who had apparently gone to the rival nation to see a woman he met online, while Lebanon handed over a naturalized American accused of abusing prisoners as part of a pro-Israel militia. US Navy veteran Michael White was given in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad to a team from Switzerland, which represents US interests in the absence of diplomatic relations, and flown to the capital Tehran, the State Department said. "The United States will continue to work for Michael's full release as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. White was detained in July 2018 and later sentenced to at least 10 years in prison on charges that he insulted Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and posted anti-regime remarks on social media under a pseudonym. Mark Zaid, a lawyer for White, said that he was granted furlough due to pre-existing conditions and voiced hope White would be allowed to leave Iran. White's family has said that he suffered from cancer and that Iranian doctors removed a melanoma from his back. - Virus creates 'urgency' - Iran is one of the countries worst hit by the COVID-19 coronavirus, with a death toll of nearly 1,300, and has ordered the temporary release of some 70,000 prisoners. "We recognize the urgency of the situation," said Brian Hook, the US pointman on Iran, who spoke to White by telephone and found him to be in "good spirits." "The fact that the regime has released so many people from jail is an admission by the regime of their concern," Hook told reporters. Story continues Iran this week also freed for two weeks Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian dual national who worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the media organization's philanthropic arm. Iran, which does not recognize dual nationality, is still holding US citizens Siamak Namazi, who was convicted of charges that include espionage and collaboration with the US government, his father Baquer and environmental expert Morad Tahbaz. Iran in December freed Xiyue Wang, a US academic, in an exchange for scientist Massoud Soleimani and said it was open to further swaps. - Lebanon cooperates over militia veteran - David Schenker, the top US diplomat for the Middle East, said that coronavirus concerns also hastened efforts to free Amer al-Fakhoury from Lebanon. The former member of the pro-Israel South Lebanon Army "was compromised and at risk" as he had lymphoma, Schenker said. Trump said that Lebanon cooperated in the release of Fakhoury, who was detained on his return to the country in September. "We've been working very hard to get him freed. He's finally able to have his entire family at his side," Trump told reporters. Witnesses accuse Fakhoury of ordering or personally taking part in beatings of thousands of inmates as a warden of Khiyam prison, set up by the mostly Christian militia after Israel invaded southern Lebanon to create a buffer zone. Schenker disputed accounts of Fakhoury's involvement, saying his name did not come up in previous prosecutions of militia members and charging that some in Lebanon wanted to use the US citizen's detention as a bargaining chip. A Lebanese judiciary official said Fakhoury had been released on Monday after a military court ruled there was a statute of limitations for his alleged crimes. A security source later told AFP that Fakhoury left the country in a helicopter from the US embassy. The embassy did not comment on the report. Trump separately voiced hope for the release of Tice, a freelance photojournalist covering Syria's brutal civil war who disappeared after being detained at a checkpoint near Damascus on August 14, 2012. "If he's alive, we would like to get him back," Trump told reporters. "We're working very hard with Syria to get him out," he said. "We hope the Syrian government will do that. As Southeast Texas businesses and schools shut down amid the coronavirus threat, local law enforcement agencies are bracing for the unfamiliar. Departments that are used to dealing with natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms are entering new territory with a pandemic. Ive never dealt with something like this in my lifetime, Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll said. Im going to hate saying this. Give me a hurricane and I can deal with it. I know there is a finite end to it. We have the punch list for a hurricane. We wrote the punch list. Carroll said his department is not yet taking extra precautions. Were continuing to monitor everything that is going on in the general public, he said. As of right now, we do not have any confirmed cases that I know of. These are strange times that we are living in. All we can do is try to gain information from credible sources, dont panic and try to be level-headed in our decision-making and use logic instead of emotion. Carroll said his department will move in the next few days to have more officers on patrol to combat a potential rise in domestic crime with people quarantined to their homes. Nine months from now, were going to have a lot of (baby) deliveries, or a lot of divorces, he said. We are probably going to pull officers out of other functions, such as detectives, and putting them on the streets. The VPD chief said he does not expect an increase in property crimes that are usually associated with juveniles being out of school because of the presence of property owners who are also being self-quarantined. What we are seeing is the standard across the industry is determining if the crime is in progress, is the suspect there or is there any evidence to gather. That is what is determining if departments are doing a telephone report or sending an officer. The police chief said his department hasnt moved to screening officers yet. I dont think its going to be far before it starts happening, he said. We also dont have the supplies in place. To take someones temperature, you have to have a lot of thermometers. That is something we are monitoring. On Tuesday, Orange County Judge John Gothia issued a disaster declaration for the county which includes a 24-hour curfew for minors. We are to educate first and then cite, Carroll said when asked about how his department will deal with minors who break the curfew. In nice terms, well tell them to get heir butts home. Im old. I was once a kid. You dont want to be zero tolerance. The kid that is a sacker at Market Basket, they are a part of our essential services. These kids are living in these times, too. We have to show them some compassion, too. Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens said residents who see teens gathering can call the sheriffs office and a deputy will educate the family on the curfew. Its OK. This is still America, she said. They can still go outside and walk their dogs or whatever. We just dont want them all going to the park or have teens going to the mall. Last week, the Jefferson County jail canceled all visitations. Were trying to keep that population as sterile as possible, Stephens said. There is no way for us to determine if someone visiting has the virus. We want to keep the inmate population healthy and our employees. Ive got to have people to watch the inmate population. Stephens also asked local police departments to not bring people charged with Class C misdemeanors to the jail. Were just being vigilant about being cleaner than we normally are, she said. The Lumberton Police Department has changed some of its usual protocols. Residents will not be allowed to go into the station to fill out police reports depending on the weather, LPDs Chief Danny Sullins said. Were going to have them go back out to their car and our officer is going to respond to the front of the PD in his car, he said. Were not going to bring any arrested persons in the PD. We have a holding cell at the station. They would stay in the cell while we do our paperwork. Were not bringing anyone to the police station unless it is an extreme case. LPD is also suspending courtesy fingerprinting, usually conducted for handgun licenses. Were trying to reduce our exposure, Sullins said. Beaumont Police Capt. Jason Plunkett said BPD is not currently taking extra precautions other than following the Centers for Disease Controls recommendations about sanitizing equipment and vehicles. Plunkett said the department is treating the juvenile 24-hour curfew the same way they treat the juvenile curfew that was already in place. Our protocol dictates that once you have (the juveniles) you have to return them to parents or guardians, he said. chris.moore@beaumontenterprise.com Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton seemed to ignore each other at the Commonwealth Day service. The event marked Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harrys final joint public appearance before their exit becomes official. Although it looked like Meghan and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, barely said anything to each other, one royal exit believes they may have interacted more during Commonwealth Day. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, and Kate Middleton | Phil Harris WPA Pool/Getty Images Kate Middleton seemingly ignores the Sussexes Meghan and Harry took part in a slew of royal engagements before making their final appearance for the cameras at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. All of the high-ranking members of the royal family were in attendance, setting the Sussexes up for a big reunion. But fans were very disappointed when Meghan and Harry barely interacted with their royal counterparts. Not only were they left out of Queen Elizabeths grand procession, but they only exchanged brief greetings with William and Kate during the service. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle sat behind Prince William & Kate Middleton at their final royal event. But despite speculation, there is a VERY valid reason for the arrangement. https://t.co/ZfjNoyHDl2 pic.twitter.com/lytfTJwONB E! News (@enews) March 9, 2020 When the Cambridges were shown to their seats, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry seemingly said hello to the couple, who did not gesture back. According to Express, royal expert Maggie Rulli thought the royals missed an opportunity to show a sense of unity, especially in light of recent events. The moment a lot of people are talking about is where they had the chance to have the optics of unity, Rulli shared. A lot of the younger royals were sitting together and it appears in this moment Meghan sort of mouths hello to William and Kate who are sitting nearby to them and it appears no one gestures back. That said, there is a chance that the couples interacted more than what fans witnessed on the live broadcast. Did Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton interact more at Commonwealth Day? Royal expert Omid Scobie noted that everyone was watching a live feed during the event and that the cameras were not always focused on Meghan and Harry. It is entirely possible that the Cambridges and Sussexes interacted more, the cameras just didnt capture it. I think we need to point out that we are going off a live feed from inside the Abbey that didnt remain on the couples at all times, Scobie explained. So as much as I would like to talk about it definitely there is always the chance that something took place when the camera wasnt on them. Scobie admitted that the moment that was featured in the live feed seemed like a frosty reception, something the royals probably wanted to avoid at all costs. For reference, Kate and Meghan exchanged a warm kiss on the cheek during last years Commonwealth Day service. HEGXIT MEGXIT News Kate Middleton Is More Popular In Canada Than Meghan Markle Showbiz Cheat Sheet https://t.co/cIUlfmz64I #HEGXIT #MEGXIT pic.twitter.com/r1v041n0Py #HEGXIT Newsfeed: Harry and Meghan (@HEGXIT) March 16, 2020 Regardless of what happened when the cameras were not rolling, Scobie believes the royals missed a huge opportunity to show the world that everything is okay between the Cambridges and the Sussexes. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to Canada, where they are expected to remain until their exit becomes official on March 31. At that time, the pair will cease using their royal titles and will be spending most of their time in North America. Prince Harry leans on his wife for support Body language experts have also examined the footage from the Commonwealth Day service and believe that Harry was showing clear signs of stress and tension throughout the event. According to Mirror, expert Judi James argued that Harry was very tense when he and Meghan Markle arrived at Westminster Abbey and often touched his wedding ring for comfort. When he arrived, the minute he and Meghan had to drop hands, he immediately reached for his wedding ring which is a self comfort, James stated. Even when she was beside him after they had stopped holding hands, he was missing her, needing her support. A royal source is speaking out about Kate Middleton and Prince William's reunion with Meghan Markle & Prince Harry, and why Duchess Kate looked uncharacteristically glum https://t.co/Br8kKq2vyC JustJared.com (@JustJared) March 11, 2020 Like other royal experts, James thought the greeting between the Sussexes and the Cambridges was very odd. Although she thought Harry and Kate exchanged a warm smile, the Duke of Sussex was more rigid when his attention turned to William. Prior to Meghan and Harrys exit, there were a plethora of rumors about Harry and William feuding. Their relationship has certainly been strained at times, and Harrys decision to leave the royal family probably didnt smooth things over between the brothers. Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth fight before her wedding Speaking of feuds, a recently unearthed report claims that Meghan and Queen Elizabeth got into a huge fight prior to her 2018 wedding. According to Express, an insider said that Queen Elizabeth denied Meghans request to wear a certain tiara for her wedding. Harry was reportedly very angry when he heard the news and Queen Elizabeth quickly put her foot down. Meghan had her heart set on this tiara with emeralds in it and Prince Harry hit the roof when they were told it was impossible for her to wear it, the source shared. There was a very heated exchange that prompted the Queen to speak to Harry. She said: Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets what tiara shes given by me. Don't expect a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Cambridges anytime soon! https://t.co/nV2RT0ktFp Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) March 11, 2020 Meghan and Harry tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony in the spring of 2018. Before her relationship with Harry, the former Suits star married Trevor Engelson, whom she divorced in 2013. Despite all the drama surrounding their final engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not commented on their interaction with William and Kate. Queen Elizabeth will re-examine the move in 12 months, though the chances of them returning to the monarchy is regrettably slim. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya and Aman Rochman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Malang Fri, March 20, 2020 11:03 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bff7fc 1 National coronavirus,COVID-19,doctors,nurse,nurses,Adam-Malik-Hospital,Jokowi Free On a Friday night several nurses were seen sitting on the floor of an intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital in Jakarta. Near the ICU were the isolation rooms. Breathing behind a N-95 mask inside a hazmat suit for hours is hard but it is their only options as it is they who spend most time with patients suffering from the highly contagious coronavirus disease COVID-19. It takes 20 minutes simply to put on a hazmat suit so after preparing the isolation room for the patient we decide to just wait in the hall, one of the nurses, Laras, not her real name, explained. She said that since the beginning of March, when President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced the first two confirmed cases of COVID-19, she had seen more and more patients with COVID-19 going through the ICU ward and nurses were working harder and more cautiously than on their normal days. She said they rested only for a quick bite and then work again. A hospital staffer walks past the isolation building at Sulianti Saroso Infection Hospital on March 2. (JP/Seto Wardhana) Doctors and nurses, especially in cities reporting suspected and confirmed cases, are working longer hours and are worried about the health of themselves and family members. On March 12, a COVID-19 patient, a 37-year-old woman, died in Sulianti Saroso Hospital. The government did not acknowledge that she was actually a nurse. The Jakarta Post's sources, however, have confirmed that the patient was a nurse who had contact with a COVID-19 patient in another hospital in Jakarta. President Jokowi, in his speech on Thursday, a week after the nurse died in Jakarta, personally thanked nurses and doctors. "I give my thanks and highest appreciation to doctors, nurses and all hospital workers who are working hard, full of dedication in serving the patients who are infected by COVID-19," he said. More than checking on their condition, assisting the doctors and ensuring that the patients get proper medication Laras said that the patients in the isolation thanked the nurses for also just being there as friends to talk to as they had been quarantined for days, some for weeks, in the isolation room with no contact with other humans. I always make sure that I talk with them. It is hard for them being sick, locked up like that and away from their family. Nurses are the ones who spend most of the time with them so we try our best to talk with them during our visit, about anything, Laras, who requested anonymity for professional reasons, told the Post on Thursday. Laras who has been working as a nurse for years said that she had experienced two bad outbreaks during her career: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and bird flu in the early 2000s. COVID-19 was the worst, she said, in particular because the government did not make it clear to the medical workers whether they were treating a positive patient or not. During the bird flu I knew exactly which patients were confirmed positive with the disease. The data was always there and it really helped us. But now there is no data. We do not really know who the suspected COVID-19 patients are or who are the positive ones. It makes me really worried. So as a result, we are being asked to treat all of them in the ICU room as patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, Laras said. Every time I put on my hazmat suit and prepare myself to enter the isolation room and the ICU room I always wonder Am I doing it right, am I wearing the goggles right. Is the suit fitting properly, am I really protected? Laras said. Health workers wearing protective gear take part in an exercise in handling a suspected patient at Sanglah hopital in Denpasar, Bali, on Feb. 12. (AFP/SONNY TUMBELAKA) Two nurses in Sanglah Hospital in Bali have been placed in isolation after having contact with a COVID-19 patient. Going home from work is another story. Laras said she had told some relatives that she would not visit their houses in the near future. Im worried that I might bring the virus. Especially when most cases are asymptomatic, " she said. Laras said nurses who had family were worried every single day that they would spread the virus to their spouses and children. Some of them are sleeping in different rooms from other family members throughout the entire outbreak. Long hours, lack of protection In a state-owned hospital in Tasikmalaya, West Java, medical personnel have been forced to wear disposable plastic raincoats when transporting patients under observation for COVID-19. The Saiful Anwar Hospital (RSSA) in Malang, East Java, even had to ask their local tailor to make their own hazmat suits. The hospital has treated two positive COVID-19 patients. One of them died recently. "Our hospital has had a hard time in providing hazmat and protective equipment for our medical workers, Syaifulah Asmiragani said on Wednesday To solve the problems Syaifulah said the hospital decided to reduce other medical procedures such as surgery. The hazmat and protective equipment will be prioritized for urgent cases only, such as COVID-19, he said. Ungki Agus Setiawan, a doctor and a member of the medical team handling COVID-19 patients at RSSA Malang, said that even his 10 years experience of working with infectious diseases could not prepare him for the pandemic. This is a new disease, and its highly contagious, and there is still no medicine or vaccine for this. Of course, we are afraid, we are also humans. But this is all for the health and safety of the community. We work like soldiers with high discipline to reduce any mistakes, but we also have to be ready for all the risks, Ungki told the media on Wednesday. When asked about his family Ungki went silent for a while, his eyes glistened with tears, before he replied. The point is we are still fighting to treat COVID-19 patients until they get healthy. If not us, who else will do it? he said. At Graha Kedoya Hospital in West Jakarta 80-year-old lung specialist Handoko Gunawans was reported to be ill after working until 3 a.m. and tending to COVID-19-positive patients. His family, however, have told the press that Handoko is getting better and has tested negative for COVID-19. 'Protect them' The spokesperson for Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, North Sumatra, Rosario Dorothy Simanjuntak, said that hundreds of medical personnel in the hospital were dedicated to COVID-19 given the heavy volume of patients related to the novel coronavirus. She said sometimes the team members had little time to rest. "They work overtime due to the high number of COVID-19 patients in this hospital," she said on Thursday. As of Thursday, the hospital had treated 10 patients related to COVID-19. On Wednesday, they reported the first death of a confirmed coronavirus patient. The Indonesian Nurses Association (PPNI) chairman, Harif Fadhillah, said that nurses across the nation reported to him that they were worried that they will not be protected when they treat patients with COVID-19. Harif said that while the standard procedure decreed that medical workers had to protect themselves using hazmat suits, gloves, goggles and masks when they have contact with COVID-19 patients, implementation in the field was not that easy. How can they protect themselves if they dont have enough equipment? I havent heard complaints from nurses in the referral hospitals but nurses from nonreferral hospitals have reported them. Not all COVID-19 patients went directly to referral hospitals, they sometimes visit other health facilities too, and nurses should be protected too, Harif told the Post on Thursday. Meanwhile, Nurul Nadia, a public health expert from the Center for Indonesia's Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), said that as the nation now faced community transmission of COVID-19 it was important for the government to protect all medical workers, not only those in referral hospitals. The government needs to provide all medical workers in all health facilities with detailed standard procedures on how to handle patients, because they dont know whether the patients that come to them are infected with coronavirus or not. The protocol for medical workers is still too general, she said. Executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia Usman Hamid has also urged the government to be more serious in protecting medical workers. Usman said the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) had reported a lack of protective equipment, especially hazmat suits, for medical workers amid the pandemic. As the front-line staff in handling this COVID-19, medical workers are the most vulnerable group because they are exposed to patients in health facilities. The fact that that many of them have been infected is proof that the government is not protecting them well. This is dangerous for medical workers, patients, their families, relatives and the community. The government must publish protocols on protection for medical workers, Usman said in a release on Wednesday. Apriadi Gunawan contributed to this story from Medan, North Sumatra What's the difference between prosperity theology and the Gospel? Pastors weigh in Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Two Christian leaders recently highlighted some of the key differences between Gospel benefits and prosperity theology, stressing that Jesus is not simply a delivery system of blessing but that He is the very blessing every person desires. In a video posted on the Gospel Coalition website, Glen Scrivener, director of the evangelistic ministry Speak Life, said the underlying problem with prosperity theology is that it treats Jesus as though He is the delivery system for a bunch of blessings. I think the problem [with prosperity theology] is whenever you unpack the Gospel as giving you a package of blessings at the end of all things, as though Jesus is the root toward what you really want, as though Hes the mechanism, Hes the delivery system that actually gives you what you want, Scrivener said. One type of prosperity theology promises that if an individual gets Jesus, they have access to benefits such as better skin, better teeth, a boyfriend or a girlfriend. But the other, more insidious type of prosperity theology says, Get Jesus, and then youll get eternal fire insurance. The real problem is, once again, treating Jesus as though He is the delivery system for a bunch of blessings that are apart from Him, he said. Scrivener referenced Sinclair Fergusons book, The Whole Christ, which says that the problem with our Gospel presentations is that we talk about every blessing through Jesus when we should preach every blessing in Jesus. So offering Christ Himself to people, Scrivener explained. Therefore, youre not promised health and wealth and prosperity. What you are promised is Jesus Himself. We really need to have a good doctrine of union with Christ and be far more Christ-centered in what we offer. Were not just offering health and wealth, and were not just offering fire insurance. Were offering Jesus Himself, he stressed. Evangelist and author Sam Chan added that Christians should focus on union with Jesus not earthly benefits when sharing the Gospel. When we preach it that way, theres this incredible prosperity in knowing Jesus, he said. The climactic blessing is shalom; its peace. On one side, Christians have a tendency to shortchange the Gospel, Chan said. Yet, on the other side, because of our reaction against prosperity theology, were too scared to say 'theres a blessing in knowing Jesus. Chan referenced John Stotts book The Cross of Christ. In the book, Stott says, Union with Christ is the foundational blessing. Justification and forgiveness of sins, thats the center blessing. But the cream on top of the pudding is adoption, its relationship, its shalom. By and large, life works better with Jesus, he said, adding that the book of Proverbs has advice for a better marriage, friendships, finances, and health. So by and large, Christians will have a wisdom, he said. Maybe what we should promise isnt prosperity blessings on health, wealth, and whatever, but youll have wisdom, youll have a way of life that just works. The prosperity gospel teaches in part that believers have a right to the blessings of health and wealth. Such blessings can be obtained through positive confessions of faith and the "sowing of seeds" through the faithful payments of tithes and offerings. A 2018 study from LifeWay Research found that about a third of Protestant churchgoers say their congregation teaches that God will bless them if they donate money. Additionally, two-thirds say God wants them to prosper. One in four say they have to do something for God to receive material blessings in return. Costi Hinn, nephew of famous prosperity teacher and faith-healer Benny Hinn, warned that two natural outcomes of the prosperity gospel are false hope and fear. False hope and fear are probably the two biggest products, he said. You got the false hope part, we all understand that when it comes to the prosperity gospel, but the other one, the fear of God or fear is, you know, even if Im waiting on getting my miracle, Im staying under the anointed umbrella and the protection of this anointed man or woman of God, by submitting to them and giving my money. The pastor, who famously rejected the teaching of his "Uncle Benny" after working alongside him for years, likened the prosperity gospel to a Ponzi scheme, adding: Either way, whether youre just wanting a miracle, or youre just wanting to stay protected while you wait for your miracle, you got to pay to play. While millions of ignorant people are deceived by the health and wealth theology, others eagerly latch onto the message of comfort because its comfortable, Costi Hinn said. A message that says, Im going to be blessed, and my kids arent going to have cancer, and nobodys going to be sick. I mean, that is something that every person wants, we naturally seek comfort. We dont want pain, he said. Watch the full video below: Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:57:33|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine finance secretary on Thursday thanked Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma for donating 500,000 face masks to the Philippines to help in its efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez thanked Ma for his "generosity and desire" to help the Philippines in the fight against the viral disease which has so far infected 217 people and claimed the lives of 17 in the country. "Thank you very much, Jack. This is very, very much needed here, and I will tell President (Rodrigo Duterte) right away of your generosity and your desire to help," Dominguez told Ma during their telephone conversation on Wednesday. According to Dominguez, Ma has committed to begin delivery of the 500,000 masks either later this week or early next week through the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Foundation. Dominguez further said that Ma also provided a downloadable electronic handbook that could help Philippine doctors, nurses, and other health workers remain safe and avoid infection while treating COVID-19 patients. Out of the 217 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, eight patients have so far recovered from the contagious disease. The Philippines is grappling with an increasing number of local COVID-19 transmission. The Philippine government is implementing drastic measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, imposing "mandatory home quarantine" to keep people off the streets. President Donald Trump emphatically blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic Thursday, and again made a point of using the term "Chinese virus." "The world is paying a very big price for that they did," Trump said, referring to his claim that Chinese officials did not fully share information sooner about the coronavirus outbreak after it began in China. "It could have been stopped right where it came from, China," Trump said at a White House news conference. He argued that American officials would have been able to act faster if China's government had fully shared information about the outbreak, which began around the city of Wuhan. "It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier," the president said. Asked if there would be repercussions for China given his view of how that country handled the outbreak, Trump said, "I don't want to comment on that right now." Two months ago, Trump praised China's response to the coronavirus, saying that country "has been working very hard" to contain the virus, and writing in a tweet that, "the United states greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency." Tweet But in recent days, Trump has repeatedly called the coronavirus the "Chinese virus," and did so again at the beginning of his news conference. Photos of the sheet of paper containing remarks that Trump read from at the beginning of the event reveal that someone with handwriting similar to Trump's had crossed out the word "Corona," and wrote the word "Chinese" above it. The word "Virus" appeared right after that word. A home cook has shared her simple recipe for the 'easiest kind of bread you can make' - as coronavirus continues to sweep the globe and people are unable to get their hands on food staples like bread and milk in the supermarkets. The woman posted on Facebook, where she said you only need five ingredients to make your own delicious 'Navajo flatbread'. 'This is the easiest kind of bread you can make, you can eat it plain, add herbs or dust with cinnamon and sugar,' she wrote. 'Bread shortage? This serves six people.' A home cook has shared her simple recipe for the 'easiest kind of bread you can make' (pictured: her Navajo flatbread) - as coronavirus continues to sweep the globe First of all, the woman said you need to mix two cups of flour together with one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of salt. 'Mix the dry ingredients together and add most of the water and oil, adding water until it has the consistency of tacky pizza dough,' she said. Once you've done this, you should 'knead' the mix for a few minutes, and then let it sit and rest in a greased bowl for somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes. How to make the 'easiest' bread ever INGREDIENTS 2 cups flour 1 - 1 1/4 cup of lukewarm water 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 tablespoon oil METHOD 1. Mix dry ingredients together and add most of the water and oil, adding water until it has the consistency of tacky pizza dough. 2. Knead for a few minutes. 3. Let it rest in a greased bowl for 30- 60 minutes. 4. Divide into 6 pieces and roll out on a floured until it is as thin as tortillas. 5. Cook in a pre-heated frying pan until golden brown spots appear then flip, cooking until done> 6. Top with herbs, cinnamon and sugar after brushing it with butter. Advertisement Once it has been rested, divide it into six pieces and roll it out on a floured surface until it has the thickness of tortillas. 'Cook in a pre-heated frying pan until golden brown spots appear and then flip, cooking until it's done,' she said. 'This can be made ahead and kept under a flour towel or frozen for later use.' When you want to eat it, you can either brush it with herbs, cinnamon, sugar or butter. The woman wasn't the only one with a DIY recipe for make your own bread, as another woman shared her recipe for the 'best bread ever' (pictured) The woman wasn't the only one with a DIY recipe for make your own bread. Another woman posted on Facebook to share her 'best bread ever' recipe. 'Don't panic if you can't find bread in the shops, just make your own in the slow cooker,' she wrote. 'This is literally the BEST bread recipe ever.' To make it, all you need is 1/2 a cup of warm water, two cups of warm milk, two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1-3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of active dry yeast, 6 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking powder. 'Grab a big bowl, and stir the 1/2 cup of warm water, 1-3 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of yeast,' she said. 'Wait for five minutes (no longer - mine went all over the place the first time) - it should be frothy on the top. 'While you're waiting, warm two cups of milk and two tablespoons of butter in the microwave.' How to make the 'best bread ever' INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup warm water 2 cups of warm milk 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter 1-3 tablespoons of sugar (add more if you like sweeter bread) 3 tablespoons of active dry yeast (conservative side) 6 cups of whole wheat flour (or 3 cups whole wheat & 3 cups all-purpose flour) 2 teaspoons of salt 1 teaspoon of baking powder METHOD 1. Grab a big bowl, and stir the 1/2 cup of warm water, 1 (or more) tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of yeast. 2. Wait for 5 minutes it should be frothy on the top. While you're waiting, warm 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in microwave. 3. Next, add milk and butter to yeast mixture. 4. Using a standing mixer slowly add the 6 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. 5. Mix and knead the dough. 6. Line your slow cooker with cooking (baking) paper and place in your round ball of dough. It will rise in the slow cooker as it heats through. Cook on high power for 2-2.5 hours. 7. Start checking at every 7-10 minutes until top is sponge-y but springs back and no moisture on the top. The bottom should be a nice brown colour as well as the sides. Advertisement After this, she said you should add milk and butter to the yeast mixer and use a standing mixer to slowly add the six cups of flour, two teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking powder. 'Mix and knead the dough. Line your slow cooker with baking paper and place in your round ball of dough,' she said - adding that it will rise in the slow cooker as it heats through. 'Cook on high power for two to 2.5 hours,' she said. 'Start checking every 7-10 minutes until the top is spongey but springs back and there is no moisture on the top. 'The bottom should be a nice brown colour as well as the sides,' she said. How to make white homemade bread INGREDIENTS 14g active yeast (approx 3 level tsp or 2 premeasured sachets) The woman's recipe for the 'best bread ever' requires a slow cooker 3 tbsp white sugar Two 2/3 cups lukewarm water 1 heaped tsp salt 7 cups of bakers flour (I use Defiance 5kg bakers flour from woolies for $10) 3 tbsp margarine/butter (I use 1kg Table Spread from woolies for $1.60) Optional - 1 heaped tsp of Wallabys Bread Improver (makes the bread a bit fluffier inside) METHOD 1. Dissolve sugar and yeast in lukewarm water in a large bowl. Stir in softened margarine/butter, salt and 2 cups of the flour. 2. Stir in remaining flour half a cup at a time beating well after each addition. 3. When dough has pulled together, turn it out on a floured surface and knead until elastic for about 8 minutes. It is normal for the dough to be very sticky at first so dip hands in flour and sprinkle flour onto the dough ball as needed. 4. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in bowl and turn and cover in oil. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise till almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes. 5. Deflate the dough and turn it out into a light floured surface. Separate the loaves into 3 equal loaf logs. 6. Place the loaves into lightly oiled pans (it should fill the pan about 2/3 of the way up). Cover the pans with a damp cloth until it expand so the pan is full and generously rounded out of the top of pan, about 30 minutes. 7. Preheat the oven to 190C and bake for 30 minute or until loaf is dark golden on top. The loaf should sound hollow when you tap the bottom of it. Advertisement A woman has shared her recipe for delicious homemade bread (pictured) to Facebook and said it costs her just 71 cents per loaf Others have also shared their homemade bread recipes - and revealed how they save $297 each year by getting creative in the kitchen as opposed to visiting the shops. 'Making my own bread saves me $2.29 off the brand of bread I used to buy. This saves my family $297 per year on bread and to me store bought doesn't compare to how great this bread tastes,' one woman wrote on Facebook. She said: 'This recipe make three loaves in the Mint brand 21.5cm loaf pan sold at Woolies and its currently on sale for $4.20 each. Other loaf pan sizes may vary and therefore how many loaves you get out of this recipe mixture may vary.' Authorities in Srinagar on Thursday announced restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first positive case of coronavirus in Kashmir has been detected. The area within 300 metre radius from the house of the 67-year-old COVID-19 patient in Khanyar locality has been sealed, officials said. Deputy commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said restrictions on the movement and assembly of people was to prevent the spread of the virus. "The restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases," he tweeted and urged people to cooperate. Chaudhary also urged all the people, who might have come in contact with the coronavirus positive patient after her return from SaudiArabia on Monday, to report at the nearest health facility or contact thecontrol room. "It's important that people who come in contact with coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to nearest health facility or our 247 control room," he added. The deputy commissioner warned against any rumour mongering about coronavirus. "Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let's act like responsible citizens. Every information and advisory will be shared officially," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retailers that have remained open as concerns around the spread of the novel coronavirus increase are either succumbing to pressure to shut their doors or explaining why they should be considered an essential service. Right now, we are focused on how we can continue to serve our communities in this time of need, while also being part of the solution, said Canadian Tire Corp. CEO Greg Hicks in an open letter to customers Thursday. The company announced it would close its non-essential retail banners in Canada starting Friday until April 2. That includes its 402 SportChek stores and 380 Marks outlets, according to its most recent quarterly report for the period up to Dec. 28, 2019. It will continue to pay its full- and part-time employees during the closure. However, its namesake Canadian Tire stores will stay open with reduced hours. Our Canadian Tire retail stores are doing everything they can to deliver on the essential products Canadians need, said Hicks. We are committed to doing our best to continue helping you navigate through this challenge, and this includes providing the essential products. Canadian Tire stores, which totalled 667 locations as of the companys last financial filing, sell cleaning supplies and toilet paper both of which have been in hot demand as shoppers stocked up in a buying frenzy in recent days. Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. also defended its decision to keep its stores open, but with reduced hours. The company operates 276 stores and 17 distribution centres in the country as of March 10 this year, according to its website. Customers have told the company they need help creating new sleeping arrangements in their homes as they house elderly relatives or create self-isolation areas for those they live with, said CEO Dave Friesema in an emailed statement Wednesday. Sleep Country is trying to help customers while keeping its stores safe with hygiene and sanitization measures, he said. We are following government guidelines and will adjust our policies as necessary, said Friesema. The situation is fluid and we are on high alert buy we remain ready and willing to take care of our customers during one of the most uncertain times of our lives. Canadians are also facing technology needs amid the pandemic, said Best Buy Canada in a statement from its CEO to customers, with people requiring products to help them run a small business, shift from an office to their home, educate their children outside of school as well as store and prepare meals. The company will remain open, but is shortening store hours starting Thursday and limiting the number of people allowed in a store. It has closed its mobile stores, located in malls, temporarily. The company has more than 175 stores across the country, according to its website. Best Buy wont make any employees work if they feel uncomfortable doing so, and will pay employees who require sick leave or time to arrange childcare, said Corie Barry, chief executive. We are in a difficult time and find ourselves in unchartered waters. Other companies decided to close altogether. TJX Companies Inc., which operates about 500 stores across its Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls brands in Canada, announced it would close its stores globally for the next two weeks. It is also closing its online business, distribution centres and offices. Birks Group Inc. announced it would close its stores starting Wednesday until at least April 1. The closures have ramped up in recent days with major, national chains and small, independent businesses halting operations. This past week, Ikea Canada, Roots Canada, MEC, Hudsons Bay Co. and others have said they would temporarily close stores. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:CTC.A, TSX:ZZZ, TSX:ROOT) The first case of coronavirus has been reported in Chandigarh. The patient, a young woman, had returned from London on Sunday. She was tested positive for COVID-19 in the week after. The 23-year old showed symptoms on Monday and was tested for the virus. She is now in quarantine at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32. With the new case, the total tally of coronavirus cases in India has reached 172. Three people have died, while 14 have been discharged. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has reported its second case. Maharashtra has, meanwhile, reported a surge in cases, leading to the total number to 47 in the state. Two women were reported positive in the state. They both had history of travel to foreign countries. "A 22-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai; has travel history to United Kingdom. One more person, a 49-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar tested positive today; has travel history to Dubai. Total number of positive cases reaches 47 in state," said the Health Ministry. The first case of coronavirus was detected in Wuhan. COVID-19 has infected over 2 lakh people worldwide and has led to the deaths of more than 8,000 people. Governments across the world are in a war-footing. International flights have been cancelled and borders closed. The impact of coronavirus has been felt across the globe economically. As many as 168 trains have been cancelled in India due to low occupancy. The Indian Railways said that 63 per cent of tickets were cancelled in the month of March as the fear of coronavirus has kept passengers away from the national transporter. Additionally, ICSE and CBSE exams have been postponed till March 31. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation this evening on the coronavirus outbreak in India and the government's efforts to combat it. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: ICSE board defers class 10, 12 exams till March 31 Also read: Govt wants people to stop cash transaction to prevent coronavirus Two weddings in New Jersey were broken up by police Tuesday night as state officials continued to warn against large gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak. Officers responded to the separate celebrations in Lakewood one at Fountain Ballroom on Vassar Avenue and the other at Lake Terrace on Oak Street around 8 p.m. and told venue staff that gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. The workers and attendees then dispersed, he said. We stress that the public do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by obeying the guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey and encourage cleaning your hands often, staying home if your sick, covering coughs and sneezes, consider wearing a face mask if you arent feeling well, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and practice social distancing, Staffordsmith said. The events exemplify the challenge of convincing people to follow local and state public health restrictions aimed at helping stop the spread of the fast-moving virus, law enforcement officers said. On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy banned gatherings of more than 50 people and has urged residents not to treat the situation like an extended spring break. The Trump administration has said gatherings should be limited to 10 people. Lakewood police plan to strictly enforce Murphys order in the coming weeks and are sending reminders to venues throughout town about size limits, Staffordsmith said. Mayor Raymond Coles said the township attorney is researching whether any local ordinances would allow officials to enact a temporary penalty for fine against those who hold large gatherings amid the pandemic. Youd hope you wouldnt have to with everything going on in the news, Coles said. But if we stop this thing from spreading now, then we can get back to our lives more quickly... We need to respect the restrictions." Still, Coles said he sympathizes for those forced to cancel or postpone weddings that are often planned months in advance. He said both venues thought Murphys restrictions on gatherings had not yet gone into effect. Neither venue immediately responded to a request for comment. The state rules will also greatly disrupt the large Orthodox community in Lakewood, where gatherings play a big part of everyday life and the religion, Coles said. Two-thirds of the townships 100,000 residents are Orthodox. In a letter to the Lakewood Scoop, local doctor Robert Shanik said on Wednesday that no religious leaders should be meeting with students during the outbreak and suggested all learning be done over the phone. And all of the 200 synagogues and 130 yeshivas in the township have shut down prayer services or limited them to small groups, according to Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg, spokesman for the local Jewish communal organization Lakewood Vaad. Shiva, the Jewish ritual in which mourners pay condolences to the family of a deceased person at their home, is also being done by phone, he said. This is a very concentrated close-knit community. Many day-to-day activities and religious customs are done in group settings, so its a bit of a learning curve, Weisberg said. But an incident here or there should not reflect the community. There were three reported coronavirus cases in Ocean County as of Tuesday afternoon. Kanu Sarda By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to convene a special session on March 20 for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. After a day-long hearing, a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said that voting will be by show of hands and if possible should be videographed. In the submissions extending over two days we have heard the senior counsels. Congress has assailed the communication of the Governor to order a floor test while the other side has supported it. The state of uncertainty in the state of MP must be resolved by ordering floor test as per the precedent, the court-ordered. The court also asked Karnataka DGP to provide security to rebel 16 MLAs who want to participate in the floor test tomorrow. Representing BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Mukul Rohatgi told the bench that, The Congress has been giving false information to the court. At this, Justice Chandrachud said, Can the Governor assume they have resigned and direct for a floor test? Is it within the power of a Governor to act on the basis of this presumption? Rohatgi also told the bench that whether the Speaker accepts the resignation or not, these MLAs do not want to join their club and said, Powers of a Governor isn't subject to whether the house is in session or not. We did not move a no-confidence motion since voting is preceded by a discussion and it can take two weeks. Everyday is important, invitation to horse-trading. Every minute that this government that is there is unconstitutional. Have you heard of a CM making 3 new districts heads when the matter is pending before this court? All kinds of appointments are being made. There must be an immediate floor test, Rohatgi added. New Delhi, March 19 : Without taking business tycoon and Rajya Sabha member Subhash Chandra name in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman of the House M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday directed the members not to exploit the name of the House to avoid probe by law enforcement agencies. The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra to join the investigation on March 18 in a money laundering case in the Yes Bank probe. As many as 44 companies belonging to 10 large business groups reportedly accounted for bad loans of Rs 34,000 crore of Yes Bank. But Chandra, a Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana, did not appear before the probing agency citing the ongoing Budget session. Without taking Essel Group chairman's name, Naidu said: "I would like to make a mention that no member of the House should avoid appearing before any investigation agency." The chairman said when members are called to join the probe, they cite the "reason of the House duty". Naidu pointed that as a lawmaker, one is bound to respect law and the legal procedure. "It is for all in all cases. You can only inform that the House is in session and seek further date, but you cannot avoid the law enforcement agencies' summons or notices," he said. The Chairman's remarks came after BJP member Vijay Goel said said, "The recent crisis in Yes bank and a moratorium imposed by the Reserve Bank of India highlight the need of urgent corporate governance reforms in India." He said the financial crisis at private banks had put hard-earned money of lakhs of people at risk. "In the past we have seen changes in board of ICICI and Axis banks before the Maharashtra cooperative bank scam case surfaced. It is now known that the government has come up with a restructuring scheme for Yes Bank. We need to take urgent steps to ensure that banks do not go insolvent because of various reasons," said Goel. On Wednesday, Chandra did not appear before the ED citing the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. He has asked for another date for questioning after the Budget session. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Turkish Airlines has decided to temporarily suspend all flights from Turkey to Turkmenistan until April 2, 2020, Trend reports with reference to Turkmenportal Information Portal. During last month, Turkish Airlines canceled flights to Italy, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, South Korea and other countries. Flights from Ashgabat to Istanbul are operated by the Turkmen airlines. On the way back they are landing in the city of Turkmenabat for sanitary check-up. Turkmenistan reportedly remains a coronavirus-free country. The Turkmen officials said they are taking all the necessary measures in accordance with the recommendation of the World Health Organization to prevent a possible spread of the disease within the country's borders. No disease or suspected coronovirus has been detected in Turkmenistan. The head of the country also said that he is taking all necessary actions in accordance with the recommendations of the world health organization and taking into account national legislation to prevent the spread of the virus in the country. Meanwhile, the Turkmen Airlines cancelled a number of flights, including those to Russia, Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi (India), Beijing (China). The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 8,800. Over 218,000 people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 84,000 people have reportedly recovered. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. Several countries are working on a vaccine against the new virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is in self-isolation for precautionary reasons after visiting family abroad. He is the first member of the government to self-isolate as the confirmed numbers of cases continues to rise across the country. The Irish Examiner can reveal that he has been in self-isolation for almost a week. His officials said that the minister had "not been in direct physical contact with any colleagues". Emergency measures were agreed today to ban evictions and rent rises as the number of people contracting the virus continues to rise across the country. However, Mr Murphy did not attend Cabinet where those new rules were discussed. Cabinet members met in a different room than their usual one in government buildings and sat apart, with their names on designated seats. Mr Murphy later appeared on a TV news bulletin by video link. His spokesman has confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the minister is in self-quarantine. He is, as a precaution. He is keeping a full work schedule like many across the country. The spokesman added that Mr Murphy had been in self-isolation since last Friday. The HSE is advising people with virus symptoms, similar to the flu, to remain in self-isolation for up to two weeks before seeking a test. Health authorities are also asking people who may be vulnerable to self-isolate where necessary. The minister's spokesman said he had not been tested for the virus. The spokesman said the minister is self-isolating as a precaution after coming back from visiting family abroad. In a statement to the Irish Examiner, he added: "He traveled before any travel advice was issued. He has maintained a full work schedule via phone and teleconference like many across the country at the moment. He has not been in direct physical contact with any colleagues." However, one Cabinet member has confirmed this evening that senior ministers had not been told Mr Murphy is in self-isolation for precautionary reasons. "I didn't know. We weren't told anything. I must send him a text," said a member. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] This was a request that Winston Lee had never heard before in his 12 years of teaching. Lee is a history teacher at Letcher County Central High School in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Last month, scrawled on the bottom of a test about World War II, was a note from one of his top students asking, "If you could, can you give my bonus points to whoever scores the lowest?" The student had earned five bonus points by participating in an exam review. He received a 94 percent on the test, and instead of bumping him up to an A+, Lee gave those points to a classmate who needed them to pass. Not all students are "great test takers or in a comfortable situation at home that allows them to focus on studying," Lee told Good Morning America. "I feel really great that it helped this student from 58 points to passing." The student who asked to have his points donated had no idea who would end up benefiting from his good deed all that mattered to him was that he helped someone. "He is the type of kid that would often show compassion in the classroom," Lee said. More stories from theweek.com Lindsey Graham is reportedly trying to talk Trump out of coronavirus relief checks for Americans FDA clarifies that no drugs are approved to treat COVID-19 after Trump names 2 contenders Trump administration asks states to delay releasing unemployment numbers Tuolumne County Animal Control View Photo Jamestown, CA Precautionary measures are being taken by Tuolumne County Animal Control to limit exposure to COVID-19. The office, located at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown, is closed until further notice halting all in person pet adoptions until further notice. Other services are being provided but on a limited basis. Animal Control officials released this statement regarding the move: While there are no confirmed cases in Tuolumne County at this time, in response to the COVID-19, the acting Tuolumne County Health Officer, Dr. Eric Sergienko has recommended social distancing of 6 feet. Due to the limited space at the Tuolumne County Animal Control Office, we will be taking the following precautionary measures to limit exposure of COVID-19. All precautionary measures will remain in place until further notice due to the rapidly changing circumstances. Tuolumne County Animal Control doors will remain closed; however, we will still be providing services to the public needing assistance via phone appointments. Our services will be limited to the following: 1. Emergency services pertaining to: negligence, animal emergency medical services such as injured strays and wildlife, dangerous or vicious animals, potential rabid animals, animal bites, and quarantines. 2. Assistance of stray animals: all strays must be reported via phone to our shelter and will be taken in case by case. Our officer team will arrange to meet citizens to receive stray dogs. Any stray cats must be made by appointment only. We will not allow drop-offs of stray animals without prior arrangement. 3. Returning of owned animals or quarantines: must be done by appointment only. 4. Dog Licensing: will be done by mail in only. Please call our office if you need a license and we can assist you with the mail-in procedure. 5. Adoptions: walk-ins to observe animals will not be done until further notice. We will be posting available animals via Facebook and on Petharbor.com. If you are interested in an available pet for adoption, please call our office. 6. Humane euthanasias for owned animals will be done by appointments only. 7. Surrender of owned animal will not be done until further notice. These precautionary measures are necessary to ensure that Tuolumne County Animal Control is taking all the precautions possible to reduce foot-traffic, and to encourage everyone to limit their exposure to potential COVID-19 infection. Tuolumne County Animal Control can be contacted via phone: Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm at 209-694-2730. For after hours, or weekend emergencies please call the Tuolumne County Sheriffs Department at 209-533-5815 BOGOTA, March 16 (Reuters) - Colombia will close its borders from Tuesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus and will keep them shut until May 30, President Ivan Duque said on Monday. The Andean country currently has 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which has infected over 174,100 and killed nearly 6,700 worldwide, according to a recent Reuters tally. (Reporting by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Sandra Maler) The University Health Network is teaming up with the 211 help line and a social service agency to help those impacted by the virus stay on their feet financially as the economic implications of COVID-19 play out. UHN, a hospital network and health research organization in Toronto, is collaborating with 211, an Ontario telephone helpline and website that gives information about and referrals to the provinces government, community, social and health-related services, along with West Neighbourhood House, a social services organization in the city. Those with COVID-19 symptoms or who suspect they may be infected and show up at emergency wards within UHNs network or at the COVID-19 screening centre at Toronto Western will get information about the services. People will be referred to 211 through a handout sheet that asks if they are having money problems, mental health concerns and questions about accessing Employment Insurance, for example. (UHN launched a separate program earlier this week in which a team within the network is helping connect volunteers in Toronto with vulnerable seniors at Toronto Community Housing to get the latter delivered groceries, medication and other essentials). Regarding the latest initiative, Dr. Andrew Boozary, executive director, health and social policy at University Health Network, says as the virus spreads and people are affected its becoming more and more clear we cant disentangle the economic crisis from the public health crisis. Its clear our most marginalized patients are going to be the ones affected the most. This is where the health-care and community sector need to work closer together than ever before on these pieces for our patients, Boozary said in an interview Thursday. Karen Milligan, executive director of Ontario 211 Services, said 211 and UHN have been speaking for some time about how to team up in the area of social medicine. When COVID-19 popped up the conversations restarted in earnest, Milligan said. There are social needs associated with people coming into emergency wards, whether its sickness or the thousands who will be laid off from businesses closing, or self-isolation measures especially by those with mental health issues ... These are the issues 211 is set up to (assist) people with, Milligan said. We want to use our channels, out expertise, our inventory of services to ensure people can connect with these services, she added Aside from the 211 service referrals, UHN and its partners will also be connecting patients and users of the network to West Neighbourhood House, which Boozary said has one of the most robust financial empowerment models in the city. He called West Neighbourhood House an incredible community agency in Toronto when it comes to services such as getting supports from a financial counsellor for issues such as seeking deferrals for tax payments owed. The government is rolling out a massive $82-billion COVID-19 emergency relief plan and the agencies UHN has partnered with can help patients identify which funds theyre entitled to and how to access them, said Boozary, who has also led initiatives on affordable housing and homelessness for UHN. Someone who might benefit could be a young person who lost their part-time job due to a shutdown and needs to find out how to get financial assistance, he said. Were trying to ensure the economic and income blow our patients are experiencing, that we can mitigate that as best as we can, he went on to say, referring to COVID-19 collaboration. We all believe and know that income is a major determinant of health. The economic consequences are almost certainly going to be huge and significant. Anyone who walks through the doors of UHN, this virus is the cause of a lot of agony and its not going to go away anytime soon, Boozary said. The push is part of UHNs social medicine approach, and UHN hopes to continue to help people through 211 and Toronto hospitals beyond the wake of the virus. A lorry traffic jam is seen near the German-Polish border in Frankfurt/Oder during the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Germany, March 19, 2020. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke Restrictions imposed by some European Union countries at their borders with other members of the bloc in response to the coronavirus outbreak are disrupting food supplies, representatives of the industry and farmers said on Thursday. More than a dozen EU countries have tightened or even shut borders that are usually open and uncontrolled, in response to the spreading epidemic. Because of these measures, "delays and disruption at country borders have been observed for the delivery of certain agricultural and manufactured products, as well as packaging materials," a joint statement, signed by trade associations representing EU farmers, food traders and the European food and drink industry, said. They also warned of potential labour shortages in the food industry as the sector relies on workers moving across the bloc. To try to avoid shortages of essential goods, food and medicines, EU leaders on Tuesday backed a proposal from the European Commission, the EU executive, to establish fast-track lanes at their countries' frontiers, but they did not agree to keep internal borders open. The industry said that was not enough. "We welcome the recent Commission guidelines on border management as a good first step. Despite these guidelines, however, we continue to face severe disruptions," they said. They urged EU countries and institutions to prepare contingency plans for possible shortages of workers. "Given that the agri-food supply chain is highly integrated and operating across borders, any blocks of supply and workers will inevitably disrupt business. Our ability to provide food for all will depend on the preservation of the EU Single Market," the statement said. It was signed by FoodDrinkEurope, the trading body for the European food manufacturing industry, Copa and Cogeca, which represents farmers, and CELCAA, the EU umbrella association for trading companies in the food and commodities sectors. IFA President Tim Cullinan said that farmers and everybody involved in the sector needs to fully observe all HSE protocols and do everything they can to minimise risk, so we can keep processors, co-op stores and marts operating. It is particularly important that farmers attending marts follow all the guidelines strictly, he said. I want to thank the staff in the co-op stores, marts and the processing sector, as well as hauliers, and others that are working hard to keep the food supply chain moving, he said. It is important that the EU has recognised the importance of keeping essential goods such as food supplies, including livestock, moving across Europe, he said. Farmers empathise with other small businesses in our community experiencing business closures and job losses. We are fortunate that we can keep our sector operating and we must follow all guidelines fully, he said. [March 19, 2020] Enverus Helps Steer Energy Companies Enduring Market Challenges AUSTIN, Texas, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Enverus announces the launch of timely insights to help energy investors and operators address current, tumultuous market conditions. With a combined 40 years of data and energy insight, the Enverus and RS Energy Group (RSEG) analyst teams have dedicated a publicly-available source for data science-backed research and market education as companies scramble to navigate a response to COVID-19 and the crude price collapse. Visit Enverus.com/managing-the-energy-market to stay informed of the latest market conditions. Users will be able to use this "home base" to gain clarity into fundamental market drivers with access to exclusive research, webinars, videos, links to news stories, a live Map of the Market and other resources. This single source of energy intel will be updated regularly with constructive, relevant information and will remain active for as long as the market volatility continue. "The energy market needs critical insights now more than ever. If you're following oil and gas, or even the broader markets, you are being bombarded with information and trying to determine what's really happening. Between the coronavirus pandemic causing a hit to demand and the Saudi Arabia-Russia price war, one of the biggest fears is the unknown," said Jeff Hughes, CEO of Enverus. "Our position is that we are in it with our customers and we will demonstrate this by delivering value at every opportunity possible to help clients get through these challenging times." "The combination of highly-technical teams at Enverus and RS Energy Group allows us to provide a unique depth of analysis," Hughes continued. "We realize we have an obligation to the industry we serve to lead the path as a resource for data-driven knowledge, so that's exactly what we are doing." "Together with Enverus, we have some of the strongest, most knowledgeable resources, capabilities and technologies to help the industry right now," said Manuj Nikhanj, co-President of Enverus Oil & Gas Analytics. "The future may be a bit uncertain, but the industry knows that digitalization is critical for survival and future sustainability. Providing access to this kind of real-time insight is how we can do our part to help the industry weather the storm." Enverus continues to provide additional value to its existing clients and is committed to further investments into its world-class solutions to drive increased optimization and efficiency across the industry. Enverus acquired RS Energy Group in February 2020. Together, the two companies are focused on developing leading technology and innovative solutions across the energy value chain. About Enverus Enverus is the leading data, software, and insights company focused on the energy industry. Through its SaaS platform, Enverus provides innovative technologies and predictive/prescriptive analytics, empowering customers to navigate the future. Enverus' solutions deliver value across upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, enabling the industry to be more collaborative, efficient and competitive. With more than 1,300 employees across the globe, the Company's solutions are sold to more than 6,000 customers across 50 countries. Enverus is a portfolio company of Genstar Capital and brings together the technology of Drillinginfo, RS Energy Group, PLS, 1Derrick, MineralSoft, Midland Map Co., MarketView, DataGenic Group, PRT, Oildex, Cortex, Red Dog Systems and RigData as one company. Creating the future of energy together. Learn more at enverus.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enverus-helps-steer-energy-companies-enduring-market-challenges-301026900.html SOURCE Enverus [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CHICAGO (March 19, 2020) -- Frailty measurements have become increasingly important in assessing surgical risk in patients with mitral valve disease, and research published online today in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery shows that frailty plays a significant role in outcomes following mitral valve procedures. "Frailty correlates with mortality and length of hospital stay, as well as with more readmissions after mitral valve surgery. Underappreciated is the effect that frailty has on readmission burden after surgical interventions," said Amit Iyengar, MD, MSE, from Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Iyengar and colleagues from Penn Medicine, examined data from the National Readmissions Database (NRD)--an archive that includes discharge information from hospitals across more than 20 states and is helpful in estimating immediate outcomes after surgery. The researchers identified 102,114 adult patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery between 2010 and 2014. After various exclusion criteria were applied, 50,410 patients composed the final study group. Among these patients, frailty was present in 7.9%. The researchers found that frail patients were more likely to experience complications after surgery (76.7% vs. 46.6%), be discharged to a destination other than home (49.8% vs. 20.5%), be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days (27% vs. 19.8%), and experience in-hospital mortality (11.6% vs. 3.9%). In addition, the length of initial hospital stay was significantly longer among frail patients, with 23 days for frail patients vs. 9 days for non-frail patients. Overall, the study showed that readmission was approximately 30% for frail patients (most often for heart failure) and 20% for non-frail patients, and the cost of hospitalization was nearly double for frail patients--$91,081 vs. $47,899. He said this study suggests that frailty screening may help better risk-stratify patients before mitral valve surgery because frailty compromises the body's ability to cope with stressors such as surgery; yet clear/definitive standards for evaluating and treating frailty before surgery do not exist. Frailty sometimes is measured by a patient's grip strength, weight, activity level, and walking test results. "Frailty is a hot topic and we feel confident that with further study and discussion among surgeons, we as a community can arrive at a consensus method for assessing frailty that could then be adopted widely," said Dr. Iyengar. In the meantime, surgeons have done an "excellent job" of incorporating this relatively new concept of frailty into their work-ups and discussions with patients before surgery, noted Dr. Iyengar. "Careful consideration of frailty is an important step in preoperative risk assessment and shared decision-making for patients with mitral valve disease. Frailty should be part of the discussions between patients, cardiologists, and surgeons regarding what to expect from mitral valve surgery, what the risks of surgery might be, and how to counsel patients and families before and after surgery," he said. ### Iyengar A, Goel N, Kelly JJ, Han J, Brown CR, Khurshan F, Chen Z, and Desai N. Effects of Frailty on Outcomes and 30-day Readmissions After Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement. DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.10.087. Find comprehensive medical information presented for patients by leading experts in cardiothoracic surgery on the STS Patient Website (ctsurgerypatients.org). For a copy of The Annals article, contact Jennifer Bagley at 312-202-5865 or jbagley@sts.org. Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing 7,500 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society's mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery is the official journal of STS and the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association. It has an impact factor of 3.919. H-E-B shoppers will notice a difference at checkout lanes starting soon as the grocer begins to install protective partitions in its stores to ensure social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, H-E-B has experienced an influx of shoppers worried about the virus. Houston stores were the first to have the shields installed, and the protective measure will be rolled out in all stores in the coming days to keep customers and employees safe during transactions, H-E-B told mySA.com. Mr. Bidens campaign said it was beginning to build a team to conduct a vigorous vetting process. Some close to the campaign say the team is in the early stages of compiling a list of potential running mates and then will vet them. Beyond his own experience as Barack Obamas vice president, Mr. Biden has a deep bench of aides to consult. One of his closest advisers, Ron Klain, helped do vice-presidential vetting for Al Gore in 2000. Mitt Romney cut his campaigns list of about 80 potential running mates to 20 in early April 2012. By late July, the list had been narrowed to five men, after the one woman under serious consideration, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, declined the campaigns invitation to be vetted. (Mr. Romney eventually chose Representative Paul Ryan.) Donald Trumps 2016 vetting process was less streamlined, but among those he interviewed during his search was Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa. Mrs. Clinton started with a list of 40 possible candidates, which was narrowed to nine who underwent a process of serious vetting, an interview and a campaign appearance with the candidate. While she considered a number of women to be vice president, only Ms. Warren advanced to the final stages of the process. For Mr. Biden, 77, a much younger woman could assuage concerns about his age and critiques about a primary process that started with the most diverse field in history and ended with two white men. Mr. Bidens campaign hopes the early announcement that he would select a woman will give his operation a shot of enthusiasm from voters, even as the presidential election heads into a deep freeze because of the coronavirus. On Thursday, his campaign sent a fund-raising appeal asking supporters to commit to standing with Mr. Biden and his future female running mate. By announcing he will pick a woman, Mr. Biden is aiming to give his ticket a modern-day balance in a party focused on issues of racial and gender representation. Past nominees have chosen running mates who provided geographic diversity (Lloyd Bentsen in 1988) or offered the promise of winning a key state (Mr. Ryan, from Wisconsin, in 2012). Mr. Obama, just four years into his Senate term, chose Mr. Biden in 2008 to ease concerns about his own relative lack of experience and help appeal to white working-class voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the nation on March 19, appealed to the people to observe a 'Janata Curfew' or public curfew on March 22 as a measure to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus. "This Sunday, on March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all citizens are required to follow Janata Curfew," PM Modi said, requesting people to self-impose this restriction. During the Janata Curfew, no one should venture out on the streets, except for people associated with essential services. The prime minister also appealed to the state governments, NSS, NCC and other civil societies to help comply with the Janata Curfew. He asked people to call up ten others and inform them about the curfew, asking them to observe it on the coming Sunday. Realising that the curfew will be a challenge, PM Modi said, that at 5 pm on Sunday, "let's celebrate those who have successfully helped in curtailing the pandemic, by coming out in your balconies, singing songs, clapping, etc". PM Modi added that this is also the time to test the preparedness of India against a pandemic such as the coronavirus. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show At least 173 cases, including 25 foreigners, of COVID-19, have been reported in India. In addition, the death toll has risen to four. Many states, including Maharashtra, where the highest number of cases have been reported in India, as well as the national capital Delhi, have asked all schools, colleges, gyms to close down. Most domestic carriers have suspended their international operations. Besides, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has announced that no international commercial plane will be allowed to disembark passengers foreigners or Indians on the Indian soil after 01:30 am on March 23. Follow our LIVE coronavirus coverage here Married At First Sight star Zoe Hendrix has admitted this week that she's 'genuinely worried' about the coronavirus pandemic. The single mother said on Thursday that she now regrets not 'stocking up' after the pasta shelves at her local supermarket were stripped bare by panicked buyers. Zoe shared a picture of the grocery aisle on her Instagram story, which showed there was barely anything left. 'Now I'm genuinely worried': MAFS star and single mother Zoe Hendrix said she regrets not 'stocking up' as the pasta shelves at her supermarket become empty amid the coronavirus pandemic 'I didn't stock up... and now I'm genuinely worried,' Zoe mused. Earlier this week, the former reality star said she couldn't believe that people were buying and hoarding toilet paper. 'Can we please, please, please go back to the Australia that rallied around with donations, love and support during the recent bushfire devastation, instead of this selfish toiler paper hoarding bulls**t?' she wrote on social media. Shocked: Earlier this week, the former reality star said she couldn't believe that people were buying and hoarding toilet paper She added in part of her post: 'Bad time to start toilet training?' Zoe rose to fame on the first season of Married At First Sight back in 2015, where she 'married' Alex Garner. The pair split in early 2018, but share daughter Harper Rose, three, and continue to co-parent. Family: Zoe rose to fame on the first season of Married At First Sight back in 2015, where she 'married' Alex Garner. The pair split in early 2018, but share daughter Harper Rose, three, and continue to co-parent Honest: In January last year, the pair spoke to NW about their split. Zoe said raising a child as a single mother is 'really hard' In January last year, the pair spoke to NW about their split. Zoe said raising a child as a single mother is 'really hard.' 'I mean motherhood is hard, so I think single motherhood takes a real adjustment. I'm giving myself time to adjust to it,' she said. She added about co-parenting: 'It's hard having to deal with a break-up when you have to see them three times a week. But we do put Harper first and we ensure she has everything she needs.' As of Thursday, there are 636 confirmed cases of coronavirus and six deaths. The month of Ramadan has always been a time for Muslims to reflect on those less fortunate than themselves. As Covid-19 sweeps the globe, this holy month is particularly so. This year Ramadan falls in April, and will be immensely challenging. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has called for the suspension of mosque congregations, while the British Board of Scholars and Imams (BBSI) has advised people to perform daily prayers at home. In many cases, this will mean omitting certain prayers such as Tarawih, usually prayed in pairs yet at this time, the health of the community is paramount. My family and I always Iook forward to Ramadan; yet we know it will be different this year. There will be no large Iftar (fast-breaking) meals with friends and family, no communal gathering for Ramadan prayers. But it is not only Muslims whose worship will be affected by Covid-19 in April. Next month will see celebrations from most of the worlds major religions restricted, be that Easter mass, Passover seders, Hindu Rama Navami or Sikh festival Vaisakhi festivities. Yet people of faith have always found ways of continuing to observe at times of crisis. In fact, such times can be an opportunity to assess what is important in life, and help other people in whatever way we can. As the Liberal Democrat peer Navnit Dholakia puts it: Regardless of faith, let us all see this crisis for all communities coming together, whether its a neighbourhood watch group, small groups of people, volunteers and charities reaching out; we all have a role to work together for an antidote of compassion, understanding and altruism. Ramadan is also a month of giving and sharing so let us all ensure that in this difficult time we care for all our communities which make our diverse society the envy of the world. A core principle of Islam is helping our fellow human beings. During the coronavirus outbreak, there are many ways we can practice this, whether that be donating to foodbanks, supporting local businesses or checking up on our neighbours. Growing up in Rochester, one of only a couple of Muslim children in my primary school, I remember my mother packing my Easter basket with food. My classmates baskets included baked beans, soup tins and bread; mine included samosas, biryani and roti. The aroma from my basket in the Cathedral did seem to attract a lot of friends. This year my family, friends, neighbours and I will be following public health guidance, and packing our Ramadan baskets with non-perishable essentials and long-lasting perishables, including soap, long-life milk, pasta, tissues, canned soup, dried fruit, rice, stock cubes and spices. Crises can bring out the worst in human nature yet it can bring out the best, too. Regardless of faith, let us channel the spirit of Ramadan to consider those in need. Let us all look out for our friends, family and allvulnerable people at this difficult time, so that we can make it through together. Rabina Khan is a Liberal Democrat councillor in Shadwell Ward. CLEVELAND, Ohio A 21-year-old man was found shot to death in a field early Thursday, police said. Dearius Lee of Cleveland was shot several times in the head and body, according to police and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. No arrests have been made in the case. Lee was found dead bout 9:30 a.m. in a field on East 123rd Street between St. Clair and Gray avenues in the citys Glenville neighborhood. Witnesses told police they heard gunfire between 8 and 10 p.m. Wednesday but did not call 911. Police did not say who found the body. Read more from cleveland.com: Man shot to death in Clevelands Euclid-Green neighborhood Cuyahoga County courthouse floor closed for cleaning after defendant says relative tested positive for coronavirus Amish bishop Sam Mullet, who orchestrated beard-cutting attacks in Ohio, wants out of halfway house because of coronavirus Man charged in slaying of Cleveland man shot 12 times in store parking lot A group of local physicians were not happy about the lack of protections put in place to protect the community against coronavirus (COVID-19). So, they wrote their local representatives about it. A letter that ultimately had the support of 53 physicians was sent to city, county and business leaders Wednesday night and again Thursday, urging the city and county to proactively protect Midland residents from the threat of coronavirus, even before a positive test is confirmed. The physicians signed the letter also sent to the Reporter-Telegram -- that states Midland should follow recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, the National Institutes for Health and The Presidents Coronavirus Guidelines for America to decrease the likelihood that our local health-care system will be overwhelmed. Those recommendations include avoid social gatherings in groups more than 10 people, the closing of bars, restaurants, food courts, gyms and venues where people congregate in states with evidence of community transmission including Texas -- and avoiding discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits. The letter happened one day after Mayor Patrick Payton announced a disaster declaration has been put into place that will among other things limit gatherings for any event, common endeavor or business operation to less than 50 persons or less, except for certain circumstances. As it turned out, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday afternoon took sweeping action to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus across Texas, closing restaurants and schools, among other things, according to a Texas Tribune report. During a news conference at the state Capitol, according to the Tribune report, Abbott announced an executive order that will limit social gatherings to 10 people, prohibit eating and drinking at restaurants and bars while still allowing takeout, close gyms, ban people from visiting nursing homes except for critical care and temporarily close schools. The executive order is effective midnight Friday through midnight April 3, Abbott said. Abbott's announcement, it is noted in the article, is a remarkable shift after he spent days deferring to local officials on virus-related issues such as business and school closures. The following is the letter sent out to city and county officials Wednesday night and again Thursday. March 19, 2020 Mayor Payton, Midland City Council members, Midland County Officials, Midland Reporter Telegram and local community / business leaders: We, a concerned group of local physicians, urge the City and County to proactively protect Midland residents from the threat of COVID-19 BEFORE a positive test is confirmed. Additionally, strict compliance with the latest national recommendations provided by the CDC, NIH and The Presidents Coronavirus Guidelines for America would greatly decrease the likelihood that our local healthcare system will be overwhelmed. We need to ACCELERATE community response to these guidelines. These guidelines include the following actions: -Avoid social gatherings in groups of MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE. --In states with evidence of community transmission (Texas), bars, restaurants, food courts, gyms and other indoor and outdoor venues where groups of people congregate SHOULD BE CLOSED. --Work or engage in schooling FROM HOME whenever possible. --Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts USE DRIVE THRU, PICKUP, OR DELIVERY OPTIONS. --AVOID DISCRETIONARY TRAVEL, shopping trips, and social visits. --DO NOT VISIT nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. (whitehouse.gov, cdc.gov) Testing has been limited throughout the nation. Waiting on a positive test places Midlanders in harms way. The world has seen in Italy what happens when governments delay action. We provide care to thousands upon thousands of West Texans and our first priority is their health; therefore, we are asking the same from our City and County. In the name of public health, Dr. Summer Merritt and supported by: Dr. Melissa Alworth, Dr. Russell Akin, Dr. Mohammad Azad, Dr. Parker Bassett, Dr. Terry Beck, Dr. Dario Beltran, Dr. Kevin Benson, Dr. Michael Caglia, Dr. Ahmed Casey, Dr. Anand Cholia, Dr. Leslie Chupp, Dr. Douglas Colson, Dr. Daniel Copeland, Dr. Jess Dalehite, Dr. Manisha Desai, Dr. Ben Doke, Dr. John Dorman, Dr. Michael Dragun, Dr. Jeffrey Durgin, Dr. Marshall Early, Dr. Larry Edwards, Dr. Donald Floyd, Dr. John Foster, Dr. Timothy Gutierrez, Dr. Tom Hinton, Dr. Russell Van Husen, Dr. Ron Ingram, Dr. Premila Singh Johnson, Dr. Greg Keck, Dr. William Klingensmith, Dr. Gage Leisman, Dr. Leela Lella, Dr. Ronica McBrayer, Dr. Frank McGehee, Dr. Casery Mraz, Dr. Sari Nabulsi, Dr. Govind Patel, Dr. Mrunal Patel, Dr. Padmaja Patel, Dr. Vikram Patel, Dr. John Peterson, Dr. Fritz Phillips, Dr. Anjana Rastogi, Dr. Coby Robins, Dr. Wayne Sager, Dr. Charles Sponsel, Dr. Reagan Viney Stike, Dr. Clyde Watson, Dr. James Welsh, Dr. Miguel Wolbert, Dr. Barbara Wood, Dr. Beverly Yee Panaji, March 19 : Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday accepted the #SafeHandsChallenge, a social media awareness campaign to promote precautionary measures against COVID-19, thrown to him by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani. "I accept the #SafeHandsChallenge Smt. @smritiirani ji. Let's ensure that we take all precautions to stop the spread of #COVID19. I further nominate Shri @mansukhmandviya, Shri @Dev_Fadnavis, Shri @rameshmashelkar, Shri @rajeev_mp, Shri @NSawaikar," Sawant tweeted on Thursday, nominating former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and state BJP General Secretary Narendra Sawaikar among others to take up the challenge. In the short video, Sawant is seen washing his hands with soap, one of the key precautionary measures, recommended by global health authorities to keep the coronavirus at bay. State BJP chief Sadanand Shet Tanavade also released a similar video earlier on Thursday. Church of the Highlands opens coronavirus testing site to help up to 500 people daily Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The multi-campus Church of the Highlands in Alabama says it will begin offering drive-through coronavirus testing at its Grandview campus starting Tuesday, even for people who can't afford to pay for it. In partnership with Assurance Scientific and the Christ Health Center, Alabama residents who have either been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms such as a cough or fever can receive testing at the Church of the Highlands campus on Grandview Parkway. In a statement on its a website, Alabamas largest church said the test site will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be operated in consultation with the Jefferson County Department of Health. Testing will be limited to 500 people per day to best allocate resources. Testing resources are scarce nationally and are limited to those experiencing symptoms of cough or fever or persons who have had direct in-person exposure to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, a Church of the Highlands Facebook post reads. Please help protect these resources by not presenting if you are not certain you need to be tested. Test results will be made available within 72 hours. Those who come for testing will be asked pre-screening questions to see if they qualify for the test. In the interest of public health, all persons must remain in their vehicles with their windows rolled-up, a joint press release from the Christ Health Center and Church of the Highlands explains. As you are presenting for possible contagious disease, no restroom facilities will be available. The release explains that anyone coming for COVID-19 testing is declaring that they should self-quarantine until such time you receive a negative COVID-19 test result. Those who are tested at the site will be billed through their insurance provider, whether that be a major insurance carrier or Medicare or Medicaid. Church of the Highlands, Assurance Scientific and Christ Health Center have also created a fund to cover the cost of anyone who does not have insurance so that no one will be turned away for inability to pay. The statement on the churchs website advises older adults and those with chronic medical conditions to avoid crowds. Church of the Highlands Senior Pastor Chris Hodges preached his sermon on Sunday, much like many other pastors across the United States, to an empty room with thousands watching at home. Its a whole lot more than whether we have a church service or not, Hodges said at the start of his sermon. Our church is not a service, our church has a service. This is really one small part of who we are as a church. Hodges said that church representatives have been meeting with local health officials and mayors to figure out how the church can serve our communities in every way we can. If you have hope, listen to me, our city needs us right now, Hodges said. The people around us need us right now and people are discouraged. They think the sky is falling. This is serious, make no mistake about it. This is a global pandemic. Its a serious issue. We are going to survive this. I know we are. Church of the Highlands launched Grandview as its 14th campus after purchasing the former Cahaba Grand Conference Center in 2016. Church of the Highlands is not the only church serving as a coronavirus testing site. Another is the multicampus Biltmore Church in Asheville, North Carolina, which is holding drive-through testing at its campus in Arden operated by Buncombe County Health and Human Services. The testing will be available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or based on the availability of supplies, according to The Ashville Citizen-Times. Much like in Alabama, testing at Biltmore Church will only be for those who have come in contact with someone with coronavirus or are exhibiting symptoms. As of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control reported 3,487 cases of coronavirus in the U.S. and 68 related deaths. The virus has been reported in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The average age of death from the new coronavirus is 80. Virus Outbreak Kenya A man sprays disinfectant to sanitize a public bus against the spread of the new coronavirus, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya Thursday, March 19, 2020. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough and the vast majority recover in 2-6 weeks but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health issues, the virus that causes COVID-19 can result in more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo) JOHANNESBURG (AP) More African countries closed their borders Thursday as the coronavirus local spread threatened to turn the continent of 1.3 billion people into an alarming new front for the pandemic. Africa is seeing an extremely rapid evolution," the World Health Organization's regional chief, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, told reporters. Thirty-six of Africas 54 countries now have cases, with the total over 720. Chad and Niger announced their first cases Thursday. The first case in sub-Saharan Africa was announced Feb. 28, less than three weeks ago. Moeti said she did not believe that large numbers of infected people are going undetected but acknowledged a shortage of testing kits. Forty-three countries have testing capability, up from two when the outbreak began. By Monday, countries will have 60,000 testing kits. The WHO regional chief also expressed concern about travel restrictions and their impact on the ability to deliver needed resources. The WHO is considering humanitarian corridors, Moeti said. But many African nations were taking their cue from China and other countries by sharply restricting travel. On Thursday, Senegal closed its airspace. Angola and Cameroon shut air, land and sea borders. Rwanda blocked all commercial flights for a month. The island nation of Mauritius closed its border after announcing its first case. Some people in other countries clamored for their governments to block flights, too. To stop this virus once and for all is to stop any flight that will land to (Nairobis international airport). Let them stop, said Uhuru Evans, a bus driver in the capital of Kenya, East Africas economic hub. He offered hand sanitizer to passengers as they boarded. Since it was announced that it has reached Kenya, I am refusing to take customers to the airport, said Peter Muteru, a taxi driver. It has reached a point where I carry only people I know. South Africa, where the number of cases jumped to 150 from 116, said it would install a new fence on both sides of its main border post with economically shattered Zimbabwe to keep infected people from crossing into either country undetected. South Africa has the most cases in sub-Saharan Africa. Zimbabwe has reported none. Story continues "We must protect our citizens and fellow Africans," Public Works Minister Patricia de Lille said. The new fence will stretch some 12 miles (19 kilometers) on either side. Some African nations also began cracking down on alcohol sales to help prevent the coronavirus spread among crowds of patrons. South Africa said all places that sell alcohol for drinking on site must close from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni declared that drunkards sit close to one another. They speak with saliva coming out of their mouth. They are a danger to themselves. Elsewhere, Mauritania announced a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and closed restaurants and cafes, another trend likely to spread on the continent. And the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. John Nkengasong, warned that simply being tested shouldn't end anyone's concerns. If you are tested today, it doesnt mean you arent infected tomorrow, he told reporters. Meanwhile, a day after the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia issued a security alert about reports of attacks on foreigners accused of having the virus, that countrys government appealed for calm. COVID-19 is not related to any country or nationality, the office of Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. It is a test against all humanity. Hours later, the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon said Americans and other foreigners in the major cities of Yaounde and Douala reported verbal and online harassment, stone throwing and banging on vehicles occupied by expatriates. ___ Moses Ndungu in Nairobi, Kenya; Elias Meseret in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Ahmed Mohamed Salem in Nouakchott, Mauritania contributed. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images On March 18, President Donald Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act into law. The legislation is an emergency intervention to provide paid leave and other support to millions of workers sidelined by school closures, quarantines and caregiving. An obvious question youre probably wondering is, How will it affect me? The bad news is that the law does not provide blanket coverage for all workers. Instead, its a confusing mess legislative Swiss cheese, full of exceptions and gradations that affect whether you are covered, for how long and how much pay you can expect to receive. I study employment law and have combed through the bill to make sense of it. The law also provides emergency funding for unemployment insurance and subsidizes some employer health care premiums, but my focus here is on the core elements pertaining to sick and family leave. Heres what I learned. Small, medium or large To figure out whether you are covered, the first thing youll need to answer is how many people work at your company. If your employer has 500 or more workers, it is excluded from the new law. Instead, workers at those companies will need to rely on any remaining sick leave benefits available under company policy or state law. Several states, including New York, California and Washington, are also considering emergency legislation tied to the coronavirus pandemic and may offer some relief for workers at these bigger companies. These workers can also make use of the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, which provides for unpaid leave if the employee or a family member falls seriously ill. In addition, some large employers have made new accommodations for their workers. Walmart, the nations largest employer, for example, has extended its sick leave benefits for hourly workers. And coffee chain Starbucks expanded its existing sick leave policy to provide paid leave of up to 26 weeks if an employee contracts COVID-19 and is unable to return to work. Story continues If your company employs fewer than 500 people, you should be covered by the new law. But theres another exception: Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can make use of a hardship exemption if providing leave might put them out of business. School closures Assuming your company is covered, the amount of leave available and how much workers can expect to get paid will depend on the reason you arent able to report to work or do your job remotely. Heres where it gets really complicated. If you are stuck at home due to the closure of a childs school or day care, you will be eligible for leave under two separate parts of the new law paid sick leave and family and medical leave. Congress seems to have structured the law to allow working parents sidelined by a school closure to use both forms of leave at once. Parents would request up to 12 weeks of leave as family and medical leave for a school closure. But since this part of the law doesnt offer pay until the third week, parents could use the new sick leave provisions to receive income for the first two weeks. Whether youre using sick or family leave, you can expect to receive two-thirds of your usual pay, or up to US$200 per day. The money would come directly from your employer who will be reimbursed by tax credits. Alternatively, people could use the sick leave for the first two weeks and then take 12 weeks under family leave, for a total of 14 weeks, but that would include two weeks that are unpaid. If you have any available vacation or sick pay under your companys policy, you may want to use that first since it typically provides full pay. What happens if you get sick Workers who are directly affected by the new coronavirus can expect more generous income replacement but only briefly. If you are under government-ordered quarantine or isolation, self-isolating at the instruction of a health care provider or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis, you can make use of the new federal sick leave law for up to two weeks. During this time, you should receive your usual pay, capped at $511 per day. If you become seriously ill beyond two weeks, the new law does not offer additional paid leave. However, you may be eligible to take another 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act. This covers only companies with more than 50 people and workers employed there for longer than 12 months. During this time, your job is protected, but you may be required to use any accrued sick leave or vacation available under company policy. The rules are similar if you are caring for someone who is under government-ordered quarantine or isolation or has been ordered to self-isolate by a health care provider. The only difference is that your income would be only two-thirds of your usual pay, capped at $200 a day, for two weeks. And again, if you are caring for a family member who becomes seriously ill, you may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the 1993 act without losing your job. In normal times, legislation like this would have been considered broad and ambitious, but as the crisis deepens, its exclusions will likely leave vulnerable workers exposed. With another stimulus bill in the works, Congress will have another chance to help Americans whose lives have been turned upside down by this pandemic. [You need to understand the coronavirus pandemic, and we can help. Read our newsletter.] This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Read more: Elizabeth C. Tippett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. (Natural News) Authorities have arrested a Texas man after he was found to have lied about having the coronavirus (COVID-19) on social media. The man, identified by the police as Michael Lane Brandin, 23, said in a Facebook post that he tested positive at Tyler County Hospital on Friday. The post has since been deleted. Brandin, in a comment on his post, also said that he was told by doctors and staff at Tyler County that the virus had become airborne, Texas police said in a statement. According to the police, Brandins post caused panic, with people clogging both the hospital and Tyler County authorities phone lines, asking about the supposed COVID-19 case in their community. He turned himself over to authorities after County Judge Jacques Blanchette issued an arrest warrant. He was jailed on a $1,000 bond. Brandin was charged with a case of false alarm or report, according to the police, a class A misdemeanor. As reported by KJAS-TV, Brandin allegedly told investigators that he made the post as a social experiment, with his point being that not everything one reads online can be believed. Tyler District Attorney Lucas Babin posted earlier this week on Facebook that such claims could be a criminal offense. Knowingly communicating, initiating, or circulating a false report/false alarm of COVID-19 that one *knows is false or baseless* and that would ordinarily cause action by an official or interrupt the occupation of any place of assembly, can be a criminal offense in the State of Texas, Babin posted. Brandins prank and subsequent arrest happened just as the state ramped up its efforts to combat the coronavirus. Texas currently has 95 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, before spreading to other parts of the globe. (Related: Coronavirus spreads to NYC, Texas, New Jersey, Tennessee and Nevada as epidemic sweeps across America) As reported by the Texas Tribune, while the largest numbers of cases have mostly been centered in the Houston area in North Texas and at a federal quarantine site in San Antonio, all five of the states most densely-populated urban areas have confirmed cases. At least three Texans deaths have been linked to COVID-19 as the state experiences a public health disaster, the Texas Tribune reported. According to Texas authorities, the number of positive tests is expected to increase exponentially. Youre going to see an exponential increase in the number of people testing positive on a daily basis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a press conference Monday, adding that he expects testing for the new coronavirus in the state to ramp up to 10,000 weekly As of March 17, 1,264 Texans have been tested for COVID-19, Abbott said. Testing, however, will prioritize front-line health care workers, the Texas Department of State Health Services said. If we lose the health care providers to COVID-19, were not gonna have anybody to care for all these people, John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner, said. Aside from an increase in testing for the coronavirus, Texas authorities have also ordered the closure of the states schools, as well as the cancellation of events that are seen to attract large groups of people. Texans are also now being told to practice social distancing and to work from home if possible. In addition, food establishments such as restaurants have been told to prohibit in-person dining and instead, focus on take-outs and deliveries, while nonessential businesses such as bars and clubs have been told to close. As of this writing, there are 218,809 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 8,810 have been confirmed dead. In the U.S., 9,410 are currently infected, while 147 have died. Stay informed on the coronavirus outbreak by reading Pandemic.news. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk KJAS.com Fox4News.com TexasTribune.org 1 TexasTribune.org 2 During a press conference on March 16, President Donald Trump mentioned that he is discussing options with Canada and Mexico to temporarily close the borders. The administration believes that such a measure is necessary in order for the United States healthcare system to focus on its citizens. The Law Behind It The officials are looking into implementing 42 USC 265 which allows the Surgeon General to prohibit, in whole or in part, the entry of any property or person from certain countries to minimize danger to the United States. Though it is the first time that the statute will be put in practice, the government has taken a large risk by implementing it to both the northern and southern border. The said policy will empower the Border Patrol Officers to capture migrants in entry ports without processing. Migrants may be returned to Mexico to reduce the number of immigrants in the Border Patrol's detention center. ALSO READ: US-Mexico Border Situation Exposes Crowd to COVID-19 Officials reiterated that closing the borders will not interrupt legal commercial trades between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Furthermore, individuals with a work permit will still be allowed to enter the border at any time. The Health Condition at the Border It is a fact that the current health condition on the southern border is poor. Children died in 2019 due to flu-like symptoms without proper healthcare provided. As of today, Border Patrol Officers who encounter immigrants with flu-like symptoms are either referred to the local health office or CDC. The CDC also requires all persons within the US border who meets the CDC Covid-19 travel history to undergo additional screenings. Remain in Mexico Policy Since this is the first instance that the government is using the 42 USC 265 policy, the implementation of the policy has raised a couple of questions from the public and its officials. The most intriguing question is how it will affect the "Remain in Mexico" policy they currently implement. As of March 11, the Supreme Court has agreed that the administration continues with the "Remain in Mexico" policy which allows the immigrants to stay in Mexico while waiting for their hearing. Trump Administration waits for the court to decide whether a court appeal is needed or not. Coronavirus and Its Effect The pandemic caused by coronavirus is the primary reason why President Trump is making brave moves today. The administration believes that by closing the borders, they will be able to limit the spread of the virus and keep the healthcare system focus on their citizens. READ MORE: COVID-19 May Carry Lifetime Effects, Says Research Aside from closing its borders, the US government has also reinforced social distancing and has offered taxpayers relief as the world face such a challenge. Additional measures are implemented per state to help combat Covid-19. As of today, there are 8,700 Covid-19 cases in the United States with a total count of 97 deaths recorded. The World Health Organization suggests all individuals who had travel history in affected countries and those who were exposed to them to have themselves tested for coronavirus. Also, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms may reach out to their local health centers or better yet, do a 14-day self-quarantine. PARMA, Ohio An staff member at an elementary school with Parma City Schools has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, the district confirms. A statement posted on the districts website says the unidentified staff member works at John Muir Elementary School. There currently are 38 confirmed cases of the virus in Cuyahoga County and 88 cases statewide. The employee is recovering at home, the statement says. This unfortunately may not be our only case, as community spread is a growing issue in our area due to the nature of COVID-19, the statement says. We have contacted a specialized cleaning service to supplement the efforts of our regular staff members and will deploy them to John Muir at their soonest availability. Parma schools, along with all other schools in the state, currently are closed until April 2, although state officials said Wednesday they expect to extend the closure. More related content on cleveland.com: 88 people in Ohio have tested positive coronavirus: Gov. Mike DeWines Wednesday, March 18 coronavirus briefing Shelter-in-place orders during coronavirus pandemic: What are they and will Ohio have one? Ohio Department of Health wont have immediate coronavirus recovery figures, citing testing shortages No, you cant test for coronavirus by holding your breath or stop it by drinking water: Debunking COVID-19 myths Ohio offers coronavirus pandemic daycare licenses for health care and emergency service workers kids West Side Market to remain open during coronavirus closings, begin taking call-ahead and pick-up orders Senate passes coronavirus relief bill as Ohio legislators seek more aid for workers and businesses Cuyahoga County asking non-essential medical providers to donate protective gear to help combat the coronavirus Barry John has played British bureaucrat many times in his life but he will always live in public memory as the implacable boss of Massey, the eager-to-please babu, in the film, Massey Sahib (1985), set in British India. There are exactly 26 rupees and six annas in the public works account. Do you know what that means? There is no money for the road! he tells Massey with a bark intended to make his subordinate come up with a solution to the problem. However, to see Barry Johns acting, or take the full measure of his contribution to the performing arts in India, you have to see him not on film but on stage. In 1993, the British-born Indian theatre director and actor was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. The Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards, has just announced that he is the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award this year. Theatre directors, Vijaya Mehta and Mahesh Elkuchwar, have been past awardees. In the Delhi of the 1970s, Barry found his groove and his milieu. You could say he built it, not an easy thing to do in a city that since the 1960s had given itself over to the epic spectacles staged by the great Ebrahim Alkazi of the National School of Drama (NSD) in the Indian tradition. Yatrik was one of Delhis oldest theatre groups. Barry joined it and then left it to found the Theatre Action Group (TAG) in 1973. His emphasis: experimental Western texts rather than the canon. For example, instead of Shakespeares Macbeth, TAG would do Charles Marowitzs A Macbeth with not one but three Macbeths! Vidyun Singh, a core member, and Sunit Tandon, who has been active in the Delhi theatre scene since the 1970s, say the plays Barry put up, such as Equus, Amadeus and Jesus Christ Superstar, were stellar productions. His direction of his actors was non-interventionist. A glance here or a glance there, when he spoke, it was almost cathartic, says Tandon. The inside joke was that his silences spoke more than his words. Actor Adil Hussain, who worked with Barry during his first year as a student at the NSD, says the best part about his teaching was that he rarely spoke. How was that helpful? We put up Mantos Toba Tek Singh and we would ask him a question and he would not answer it unless it was really important. He let us find our truths. All his ambitions are for the stage, points out Vidyun Singh. The films have been incidental and he has done his share of odd roles such as playing a hippie, happy to seduce people coming to the Himalayas for hash in M Cream (2012) or a forest ranger in Corbett of Kumaon (1986). Thats quite the opposite of Tom Alter, who, by his own admission, had gone to Bombay not to be a theatre artist but a film star as big as Rajesh Khanna. Not everybody could and Barry John understood this. With Barrys training, even if you didnt get to play the romantic hero, you could still deliver a performance in a mainstream movie, says actor and theatre director, Meeta Vasisht. I think the strength of Barrys training may have been that he was one of the teachers who enabled actors who came from either too westernised a background or small towns or villages where language accents reflect the roots of the soil to find a middle ground that would allow them to work in Hindi theatre (and thereafter in Hindi films). His mentorship has been instrumental in building both ends of the Bollywood alternative: Bollywoods ultimate outlier, its unconventional superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, and the powerhouse, Manoj Bajpayee. His school, which past students have described almost as a school of life, was one of the key schools that prepared those interested in acting, for a life of performance and pressure. On the website of his acting studio, there are videos in which Barry appears, Buddha-like, giving advice: There is no such thing as a natural actor. Its not difficult but it isnt easy. Barry John, the success story... few people in the fraternity have been surprised by this. In a nearly 50-year-long career in India, he created his niche through hard work. Only very occasionally, he says, do I see myself as an angrez; I am really local maal (locally made). DIRECTORS CHOICE Beginnings: Born in 1946 in Coventry, UK, Barry John is, since 2012, an Indian citizen. He is the founder-director of Theatre Action Group (1973), one of the early theatre groups of Delhi. In 2007, he moved to Mumbai to open his acting school, the Barry John Acting Studio. Students: Shah Rukh Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, Freida Pinto, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor. Filmography: Gandhi, Miss Beattys Children, Tamas, Massey Sahib, Raj Se Swaraj, Corbett of Kumaon, Himalaya Darshan, Chittagong. Many of these roles were seemingly simple single scene appearances, but for a beginner they were nerve-wracking enough. Yes, in those days, they were the only types of role on offer: white face = British Raj character, says Barry John. My own British accent is working-class Midlands and to speak posh has always been a problem. In Massey Sahib, the director, Pradip Krishan, was quite finicky about my having a clipped, upper class Brit accent, even to the point of it affecting the Hindi dialogues that I spoke. It is true that some of my discomfort with doing such roles grew out of my conviction that they were not very nice or well-behaved or ethical people at all. On being a natural actor, director: I do believe that there are natural actors and directors. By that I dont mean that they were born actors and directors, but they have an approach to the work that is easy, friendly and natural. Both are on an honest search for the truth; not about being clever, radical or sensational in any way, says Barry John. Theatre heroes: His favourite Indian play is Mahesh Elkunchwars Viraasat. Sophocles Oedipus Rex, Shakespeares King Lear and Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot are other favourites. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tiny particles composed of metals and semiconductors could serve as light sources in components of future optical computers, as they are able to precisely localize and extremely amplify incident laser light. A team from Germany and Sweden led by Prof. Dr. Christoph Lienau and Dr. Jin-Hui Zhong from the University of Oldenburg has now explained for the first time how this process works. The study is published in the current issue of the journal Nature Communications. For their study, the team produced hybrid nanomaterials that combine the optical properties of metals and semiconductors. The starting point of the study were sponge-like gold particles with a diameter of several hundred billionths of a metre (nanometres) and pores with a size of around ten nanometres. The material scientists Dr. Dong Wang and Prof. Dr. Peter Schaaf from the Technical University of Ilmenau fabricated these nanosponges and further used advanced nanofabrication techniques to coat the sponges and infiltrate their tiny pores with a thin layer of the semiconductor zinc oxide. The particles are capable of changing the colour of an optical light beam. For example, if they are irradiated with the light of a red laser, they might emit blue laser light, which has a shorter wavelength. The emitted colour depends on the properties of the material. "Creating such so-called nonlinear optical materials with nanoscale dimensions is one of the grand challenges in current optics research," Lienau reports. In future optical computers, which might use light instead of electrons for calculations, such nanoparticles could serve as tiny light sources. "You could call such particles nanolasers," adds Zhong, who together with Dr. Jan Vogelsang from Lund University is the lead author of the study. Possible applications include ultrafast optical switches or transistors. In order to elucidate how nanomaterials convert light of one colour into another, team members led by Prof. Dr. Anne L'Huillier and Prof. Dr. Anders Mikkelsen from Lund University in Sweden used a special microscopic method, ultrafast photoemission electron microscopy. Combining extremely short flashes of light with an electron microscope, they were able to directly show that light is efficiently concentrated in the nanopores - an important prerequisite for its future application. Prof. Dr. Erich Runge, a physicist from the Technical University of Ilmenau, simulated the properties of the material with theoretical models. As the team reports, nanoparticles composed of metals and semiconductors probably offer new opportunities for adjusting the properties of the emitted light. "Our study provides fundamental new insights into how hybrid metal-semiconductor nanostructures amplify light," says Zhong. In addition, the observations could help develop materials with even better optical properties. The research group "Ultrafast Nano-Optics" at the University of Oldenburg headed by Prof. Dr. Christoph Lienau specializes in studying processes in the nanoworld with particularly high spatial and temporal resolution. The physicists have already achieved several significant breakthroughs in this field. Only recently, they developed a metallic superlens made of gold with previously unattained optical resolution. ### Enhanced measures to curb the coronavirus outbreak will significantly curtail fundamental freedoms in Britain but can be legally justified, MPs have said. Parliaments Joint Committee on Human Rights said it would be thoroughly scrutinising new laws and action taken by authorities. Some measures could significantly curtail individual rights, MPs wrote in a briefing paper issued on Thursday. There are other practical and economic impacts on individuals who cannot work due to self-isolating, or due to sickness some of these measures will affect certain groups more significantly than others. There may be difficulties in ensuring access to essential services and supplies. However, the positive obligations in Article 2 [of the] European Convention on Human Rights [the right to life] also arguably require the government to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk to life posed by this outbreak. It came as the government formally announced details of an Emergency Coronavirus Bill setting out measures aimed at slowing the spread and supporting the NHS and workers. Police have already been given new powers to detain anyone with suspected symptoms and force them to undergo testing or be quarantined, although senior officers insisted they would not be used willy nilly. Amid rumours of a nationwide lockdown, Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said the government was ready to take incredibly tough decisions but had no immediate plans to shut down restaurants or force people off the streets. The Joint Committee on Human Rights said any action must comply with both international law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but added: An emergency disease outbreak will often be an adequate justification for taking exceptional measures provided that such measures are justified and proportionate in the circumstances. Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Show all 15 1 /15 Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK The usually busy Royal Mile in Edinburgh is empty as people stay away from public areas amid the coronavirus outbreak on 13 March Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Ho bart's Amusement Arcade in Westward Ho!, Devon is offering toilet roll and soap as prizes in grabber machines Rob Braddick/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK An empty platform at Farringdon Station in London the morning after the Prime Minister said that Covid-19 "is the worst public health crisis for a generation" PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Shopkeepers Asiyah Javed and husband Jawad from Day Today Express, in Stenhousemuir, Falkirk are giving away facemasks, antibacterial hand wash and cleaning wipes to the elderly in a bid to stop the spread of Coronavirus Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A usually busy street in Cambridge is empty as people stay away from public areas amid the coronavirus outbreak on 2 March James Linsell-Clark/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A hand sanitiser dispenser is seen inside the stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on 8 March Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Maaya Indian Kitchen in Milton Keynes is offerig customers a free roll of toilet paper with every takeaway order SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Oliver Cooper[L], was sent home from school for selling spurts of handsanitiser to fellow pupils at 50p a time. He poses with mum Jenny Tompkins by their home in Leeds Ashley Pemberton/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Empty toilet paper shelves at a supermarket in London on 12 March EPA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A member of the public is swabbed at a drive through Coronavirus testing site set up in a car park in Wolverhampton Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A passenger wears a protective face mask as she travels on a bus in the City of London AFP/Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A Southampton fan wears a face mask before the match against Newcastle United on 7 March Reuters Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A loudspeaker placed in grounds of St Mary's Catholic Church in Broughattin, Dundalk, County Louth ahead of funeral mass later this morning. The loudspeaker has been placed in the grounds after the Catholic Archdiocese said that funerals and weddings should not exceed 100 attendees within the church building PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A hand sanitising station set up outside Cheltenham Racecourse during day four of the Cheltenham Festival on 13 March PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK People wearing protective face masks walk across London Bridge on 11 March AFP/Getty It said the government can legally derogate from the ECHR if there is a public emergency threatening the life of the nation and already has extensive legal powers under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Harriet Harman, chair of the JCHR, said: Times of national crisis call for strong and decisive leadership. However, at this time, it is also vitally important that checks and balances are in place to ensure that human rights are not disregarded, and that people remain fully protected under the law. The committee will be thoroughly scrutinising the measures taken and any proposed legislation. The government needs to protect the right to life and at the same time consider the impact on human rights as it strives to protect the country in this unprecedented time. The committee said quarantine and self-isolation had an impact on the right to liberty and right to life, while a potential ban on public gatherings affected freedom of assembly and association, and school closures hit the right to education. Restricting peoples ability to work has a disproportionate impact on the self-employed and other groups, while the impact on small businesses engages the right to peaceful enjoyment of ones possessions. The committee said that any future moves to prioritise or ration healthcare must be justifiable and non-discriminatory, and that the prevention of timely funerals could violate freedom of religion. Members said the government must consider the wellbeing of people held in prisons, immigration detention centres and mental health units, as well as the right to justice after new trials of more than three days were stopped. The committee warned that homeless people and those in temporary accommodation will find it difficult to comply with any formal instruction to self-isolate. It called for evidence to be submitted on the steps taken to ensure the governments plans comply with human rights and to address the impact on groups that will be disproportionately affected by emergency measures. Coronavirus cases in Brazil have spiked rapidly in the last 36 hours with a top minister in the government testing positive for the disease. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre on March 19 confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus. Davi Alcolumbre through a tweet informed that after testing negative in his first examination he tested again on March 18 and the results came out to be positive. Davi has placed himself under self-isolation at his home as advised by the Ministry of Health in Brazil. Read: Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro Tests Negative For Coronavirus For The Second Time Depois do meu primeiro exame ao novo coronavirus dar negativo, refiz o procedimento, que nesta quarta-feira (18) resultou positivo para Covid-19. Estou bem, sem sintomas severos, e sigo em isolamento domiciliar, conforme determina o Ministerio da Saude e a OMS. Davi Alcolumbre (@davialcolumbre) March 18, 2020 Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on March 17 also underwent a second test for coronavirus after he tested negative for the first one on March 13. The second test came after it was discovered that Jair Bolsonaro had come in contact with people who have contracted the virus. Brazil on March 17 recorded its first coronavirus fatality after health authorities in Sao Paulo announced that a 62-year-old man with underlying medical conditions had succumbed to his death at a city hospital. Read: Facebook Fixes Bug That Marked Legitimate Coronavirus-related Posts As Spam The city of Sao Paulo and the state of Rio de Janeiro announced a state of emergency and shut down all public places. Two of Rio's main tourist attractions, Christ the Redeemer statue and the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain also shut down in order to prevent the spread of the virus, mayor Bruno Covas told reporters. Read: Australia: Cafe Offers Coffee In Exchange Of Toilet Papers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak Coronavirus outbreak According to reports, there are currently 523 active cases in Brazil, of which 18 remain under critical condition, while 2 have been treated successfully. Brazil has so far logged in 529 coronavirus cases, which till Yesterday was 343, an increase of whopping 54 per cent. As per the data, so far four people have lost their lives in the largest country in South America. The COVID-19 has claimed more than 8,900 lives across the world and has infected over 2,19,000 people globally since it first broke out in December 2019. China is the most affected country in the world as experts believe that the virus originated from a seafood market in Wuhan city, the epicentre of the disease, where animals were reportedly being traded illegally. Italy, Iran and Spain are the most affected countries outside mainland China, where, as of March 17 the combined death toll stands at 4,751. Read: IMF Rejects Maduro's Loan Request For Fighting Coronavirus Outbreak In Venezuela OXFORD, England, March 18, 2020 /CNW/ -- After more than one week of evidence, a federal jury in Delaware found in favour of Oxford Nanopore and invalidated all four patents asserted by Pacific Biosciences ("PacBio") in this litigation. This outcome follows positive outcomes for Oxford Nanopore in previous proceedings. Dr Gordon Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore, said: "We are pleased that the jury recognized that it is Oxford Nanopore, with the help of our collaborators across the globe and as part of the thriving nanopore community of users, who are the true innovators in the field of nanopore sequencing." Dr. Sanghera added: "We will continue to deliver innovative sequencing technology to our customers, who are using the technology to make a profound, positive impact on society. " A full press release from Oxford Nanopore can be found at https://nanoporetech.com/about-us/news/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-updates. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1084702/Oxford_Nanopore_Technologies_Logo.jpg SOURCE Oxford Nanopore Technologies For further information: Zoe McDougall, [email protected], 07973792520 Airbnb is fielding "significant" interest from investors even as the coronavirus crisis hits the travel and hospitality industry especially hard, two sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. Airbnb is in "listen mode" as it considers raising money during what it believes could be a good opportunity, one of the sources said. Another source said the company is in a position to weather the outbreak, but is in discussions to raise. The amount of a new funding round and a new valuation for Airbnb are still being discussed. Airbnb declined to comment. Airbnb already has plenty of funds with $3 billion in cash and $1 billion in credit, CNBC is told. The company has raised a total of $4.4 billion so far, according to Pitchbook. The company has seen interest from venture capitalists, private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds, according to the sources. Early Airbnb investor Ron Conway confirmed to CNBC that he's been referring calls to the company, including from several large and sophisticated investors. "Those investors are calling me saying, I hope Airbnb is raising right now because if they are, I want a seat at the table," Conway told CNBC. "A lot of them are ones that went through the dotcom crash with me back in 1999 and 2000. They're the same people who were very wise and invested in companies like Google, Amazon and Apple. They're saying, coming out of this downturn, it's going to be companies like Airbnb that will be huge huge market performers." Conway said he didn't know what valuation the offers would be looking at or whether Airbnb will accept a new round of funds, though he said the extra cash could be used to help it out of the downturn. Conway said Airbnb is more "nimble" than other travel companies like Expedia and Booking and will be able to "weather the storm." "I would highly expect that they would use some very good market technique to gain market share coming out of this," Conway said. "Their growth rate was already much higher than their competitors. Now, everyone in the travel industry is reeling but Airbnb, with that management team, will be much more nimble coming out of this trauma." A fundraising round for Airbnb would buck the trend of VC deals simmering down as the markets plunge on coronavirus fears. Investors told CNBC they predict fundraising rounds generally stalling and reaching less eye-popping valuations. One source said about a dozen "high quality private companies" are fielding interest from investors despite the turmoil in public markets. It's still unclear how a fundraising round could impact the company's plans to go public. Airbnb had said it planned to debut this year but the economic shift resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown that possibility in question again. CEO Brian Chesky told CNBC's Jim Cramer last year that the company was not in a rush to go public because "We don't need to raise money." Employees at Airbnb had put pressure on the company to go public as their valuable stock options are set to start expiring toward the end of the year, The New York Times previously reported. For the same reason, Airbnb could choose to pursue a direct listing over an initial public offering, meaning it would not need to sell new shares to public market investors. The company has not yet made a decision about an IPO or direct listing, according to one of the sources familiar with the situation. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are lead underwriters for the company. -CNBC's Laura Batchelor contributed to this report. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. WATCH: How US coronavirus travel restrictions could affect airline, hospitality industries Advertisement New York City has recorded 1664 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day, taking the total number to 3615. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the shocking statistic in a press conference held Thursday afternoon, with the official number soaring by over 1000 in the hours since state Governor Andrew Cuomo updated the public earlier in the morning. He later told CNN that the city will run out of medical supplies in between two and three weeks if infections continue at the current rate. New York City has requested 15,000 ventilators, three million N95 masks, 50 million surgical masks and 25 million gowns, gloves and coveralls. 'I said very clearly that for the month of March, we have the supplies that we need, the city has very strong reserves of the kind of supplies that I talked about... [But] it is going into April that I'm worried about. I don't have the perfect day for you, we're assessing all the time but it is a day, two weeks from now or three weeks from now where we must, by then, have had a very substantial resupply.' In his press conference de Blasio earlier stated: 'We're seeing an explosion of cases here in New York City,' , adding that the numbers were 'very, very painful' to learn about. The Mayor announced that 22 city residents have now died in relation to coronavirus, and 169 others remain in intensive care. Chillingly, nearly half of all New York City residents who have tested positive to coronavirus are under the age of 50. In his press conference, de Blasio also acknowledged that there was a 'widespread community spread' in all five boroughs - but acknowledged there was cluster of cases in Brooklyn, particularly in the Borough Park neighborhood. More than 1000 cases have been confirmed in Brooklyn alone- up from the 157 that were recorded just 48 hours ago. New York City now has more coronavirus cases than the entirety of the United Kingdom, which recorded 2626 cases as of Thursday evening. New York City's staggering numbers account for more than quarter of the 14,306 cases in United States. On Thursday evening, New York state has recorded a total of 4152 cases, and is by far the worst affected state in the entire country. Washington, with 1026 confirmed coronavirus cases is the second worst affected. New York City has recorded 1664 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day, taking the total number to 3615 Hospital personnel are pictured at a coronavirus screening tent outside the Brooklyn Hospital Center on Thursday One New Yorker braved the subway on Thursday, despite the explosion in coronavirus cases The usually bustling Chinatown neighborhood in Manhattan was nearly deserted Thursday Mayor de Blasio also confirmed that an inmate at Rikers Island prison had tested positive for COVID-19, and several other prisoners were exhibiting symptoms. City officials have been fearful of the highly contagious coronavirus spreading through its prison systems, meaning that guards and other jail staff could be severely affected. Meanwhile on Thursday morning, state Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered 75 per cent of non essential workers to now stay at home. That was up from 50 per cent Wednesday. Cuomo also announced mortgage payments would be waived for 90 days for those in financial difficulties. Comparing the pandemic to September 11, 2001, when more than 3,000 people lost their lives in a terror attack, Cuomo said the coronavirus 'came out of the blue' and 'changed your perspective on the world safety'. Warning younger people to stay home, he added: 'It's a moment that changes your whole life. The stress, the emotion is just incredible and rightly so. 'It reminds me of 9/11 where one moment which was inconceivable changed everything. It is hard living your life when there is a question mark that big. It's not just you, it has changed everything.' New Yorkers (pictured wearing a mask) have been told this week to prepare to hunker down in place as the city continues its fight against the coronavirus A pedestrian walks on Wall St., as concerns about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) keep more people at home, in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday There was no one at Time's Square on Monday as people stayed at home and the city braced for shut down Throughout its 35-year existence, the folk music collective Grup Yorum has become one of the most iconic and popular groups of its kind in Turkey. With its rotating cast of members, they have played massive concerts throughout the country and abroad while enjoying consistently strong album sales. The group's defiant left-wing stance has resulted in no small amount of persecution over the years, culminating in an outright ban of its concerts by the ruling Justice and Development Party, which has not allowed the band to perform since 2016, and has jailed a number of its members on dubious terror charges. A cultural center linked to the group in the Istanbul neighborhood of Okmeydani has been raided more than 10 times in recent years, and Grup Yorum's instruments have been destroyed in the process. The government claims that Grup Yorum is linked to the banned leftist militant group, the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), which is officially designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. Two of Grup Yorum's members, Helin Bolek and Ibrahim Gokcek, have been on a death fast for more than 250 days, a hunger strike in opposition to the government's targeting of the group, which the members vow will continue until they die unless their demands are met. These include the ban on the group's concerts being lifted, the jailed members being released and for the legal cases against the musicians to be dropped. On March 11, Bolek and Gokcek were forcibly detained and hospitalized. Photos of the musicians surfaced showing them looking frail and gaunt in their hospital beds. In a speech in parliament earlier this month, pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party deputy Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu said that Bolek was approaching death and that Gokcek was so thin that his ribs could be counted and that his physical and mental capabilities had decreased substantially. No one can silence Grup Yorum. Its either victory or death, said Gokcek after being taken to the hospital. Bolek and Gokcek were discharged on March 17. Even prior to the coronavirus pandemic that has swept the news cycle in Turkey, the Grup Yorum hunger strikers and their struggle was mostly relegated to urgent tweets, online posts and the pages of the few opposition newspapers left in the country, mainly ignored amid a period of geopolitical strife and heightened tensions between Ankara and Moscow following the killing of 33 soldiers in the Syrian rebel-controlled province of Idlib in late February. However, Grup Yorum carries significant cultural clout in the context of modern Turkish music, which makes their plight even more grim, another reminder of the sweeping crackdown on dissidents that has intensified in the past several years, which will surely continue to be buried under the coronavirus outbreak and its dominance of the domestic and international media. In spite of their clear and open leftist views, Grup Yorum was never a marginal group. On the contrary, they are a group that has played in front of hundreds of thousands of people in many countries and has sold hundreds of thousands of albums, Murat Meric, music writer and radio host, told Al-Monitor. Grup Yorum chose to be a group of the people. They were always on the side of the oppressed, those who had experienced cruelty, and those engaged in resistance, and they gave them strength with their songs. While they were active, they made history in the country with their songs and they shared the voices of those who couldn't be heard with millions of people. Their albums always sold well and their concerts were the most crowded in Turkish history, Meric added. The group is part of a long history of protest music that spans centuries in these lands, Meric explained, carrying on the legacy of outspoken folk musicians like Asik Mahzuni Serif and Asik Ihsani, while combining the spirit of resistance of 16th-century Alevi poet Pir Sultan Abdal with the sounds of baglama legend Ruhi Su. (The baglama, also referred to as the saz, is a stringed musical instrument.) In 2012, they shared the stage with Zulfu Livaneli, a popular musician, author and politician and former parliamentarian who placed third in the hotly contested 1994 Istanbul elections, where five candidates received between 12% and 25% of the vote. The winner, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, clinched 25% to Livaneli's 20%, a race the latter may have won had another center-left candidate who came in fifth with 12% of the vote not chosen to run. The government using baseless terror charges to target outspoken opponents is a common tactic, and Grup Yorum is among the victims of this approach. However, in spite of efforts to demonize the group, they are unlikely to corrode the formidable legacy or the culture of resistance it has built over the past three decades. This is precisely why the Grup Yorum members are on a death fast: to sing their songs, perform their concerts, be able to freely travel inside their country and continue their cultural activities. Their demands are that simple, Meric said. Thursday, March 19th, 2020 (12:02 am) - Score 24,910 The UK Governments new legally-binding Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband supplied by ISPs BT and KCOM will tomorrow go live. The aim is to ensure that anybody living in a digitally disadvantaged area can request a minimum download speed of at least 10Mbps (1Mbps upload), but there are caveats. Universal Service Obligations (USO) are designed to set a minimum expected performance level and thus the old obligation (here), which has been in place since 2003, only enables you to request a basic telephone service, which must also be capable of delivering data rates that are sufficient to permit functional internet access. In practice this could technically be satisfied by a dialup (narrowband) connection but all that is changing. At present fixed line superfast broadband (24Mbps+) ISP networks are estimated to cover more than 96% of premises across the United Kingdom and by the end of 2020 this could rise to around 97-98%. The focus of this new USO is thus primarily on helping to cater for those in the final 1-2% (around 155,000 premises currently fall into this category, if you include 4G services, or 610,000 premises if you only look at fixed broadband). Crucially the new USO is NOT an automatic upgrade, which means it will give people the legal right to request a 10Mbps+ connection from a supporting ISP but such premises will not be eligible for a USO connection if they are included in a publicly funded broadband rollout plan within the next 12 months. On top of that anybody who requests such a service might be left to wait awhile before its actually delivered. Ofcom states the maximum time that consumers should have to wait to receive a connection is one year from the request date (the regulator expects ISPs to be quicker than this, provided it doesnt result in disproportionate costs being incurred details below). NOTE: The USO is set at 10Mbps+ but many of those who benefit from it should get even faster speeds. 10Mbps USO Specification * A minimum download sync speed of at least 10Mbps (Megabits per second). * A minimum upload sync speed of at least 1Mbps. * A medium response time with end-to-end latency of no more than 200ms for speech applications (this rules out Satellite). * A maximum sharing between customers (contention ratio) of 50:1. * A minimum data allowance of 100GB. * A technology neutral design (can be delivered via a mix of fibre based and / or wireless solutions). * BT/KCOM will have 30 days to make an assessment about whether or not a consumer is eligible for the USO after request. * BT must deliver every USO connection as quickly as possible and deliver at least 80% of connections within 12 months, 95% within 18 months, and 99% within 24 months of the confirmed USO order (intended to help manage the expected rush of early requests). KCOM must deliver a USO connection as quickly as possible and no later than 12 months after someone places their order, unless there are exceptional circumstances that make it more difficult. * The USO must adopt uniform pricing (i.e. cost the same no matter where you live), with a maximum cap of 45 inc. VAT a month. People who only have access to a service priced over 45 per month will also have the right to request a USO connection. * The UK Government stipulated in its legislation (Digital Economy Act 2017) that the definition of the USO speed should be reviewed when at least 75% of premises in the UK subscribe to a broadband service that provides a download speed of at least 30Mbps (were around 50-60% today). The USO is to be funded by the industry (e.g. ISPs) via a Universal Service Fund (USF), have a cost threshold of 3,400 (i.e. you may have to help pay for it if the cost per property goes above this or forget the USO try something else) and support a form of demand aggregation (i.e. multiple properties can be used to bring the cost down by considering predicted take-up). NOTE: The 3,400 cost threshold is the same level as existed under the old USO. On that last point, Ofcom states that where network infrastructure can be shared, build costs should also be shared between premises to determine whether the cost of provision to an individual premises would fall below 3,400. Using the regulators own example, if a cabinet served 100 premises and the cost of deploying FTTC was 100K, then Ofcoms forecast take-up of 70% would mean that the cost of upgrading that cabinet could be just 1,429 for each premise (note: other technologies, such as FTTP and 4G, can also be used). The regulators analysis of this 3,400 threshold suggested that it could enable coverage for up to 99.8% per cent of UK premises. Previous estimates from Ofcom and the BSG have noted that the 10Mbps USO could cost anything from around 200m and all the way up to 1bn (here), depending upon its design and technology choice. We suspect it may be even less than 200m given the somewhat watered down approach now being taken. Ofcom appears to have largely accepted an argument from BT (EE), which said that the majority of the USO could be delivered via a 4G based wireless broadband (mobile broadband) connection. Likewise KCOM should have no trouble catering for the USO within their East Yorkshire and Hull network because this is now almost entirely reached by FTTP. The above leaves around 155,000 premises and BT has suggested that 110,000 of those may be too expensive to reach via the USO (likely to need more public subsidy/vouchers or something like Openreachs co-funded Community Fibre Partnerships), which suggests that fixed line FTTC/P fibre broadband technologies may only end up catering for a very small portion overall. Closing Thoughts on the USO At this point some may ask why only BT and KCOM the two designated Universal Service Providers (USP) are delivering the USO. The reality here is that other ISPs have largely rejected any notion of taking on such a significant legal and financial burden (here). Others will of course also complain that 10Mbps is a fairly weak minimum, although the costs would rise significantly for a faster obligation (consumers end up paying). A faster USO might also risk creating market distortions or enabling BT to rebuild a monopoly position, which could disrupt investment and alternative networks. Lest we forget that the faster the USO, the harder it is to deliver and thus the longer the likely wait before roll-out. Those arguing for a full fibre USO would similarly do well to consider how many years and how many billions it might take before related requests could even be delivered (the industry would never agree to fund that by itself). A careful balance is needed to weigh against these risks and hence the 10Mbps was chosen, although many would agree that 10Mbps is quite weak and we look forward to the day when Ofcom reviews this speed. Similarly the decision to allow highly variable 4G services to cater for most of the USO has perhaps watered it down a little too far. The big question now is whether, come tomorrow, we start seeing a rush of early requests that swamp existing resources. On the other hand theres an expected issue of awareness and whether or not consumers will understand the what, where and how of making a USO request in the first place. So far those who have contacted BTs sales staff about the USO have not been given any guidance on how to request it (most staff didnt even know it existed), so we hope a clear process will be introduced tomorrow. Ofcom informed us that BT will also be writing to potentially eligible households to make them aware of the USO and offer advice on next steps, which is expected to be complemented by advice on their website (the regulator will also upload advice). UPDATE 20th March 2020 (9am) BTs website now appears to have a page live for the USO https://www.bt.com/broadband/USO. Just a warning though, dont expect BTs customer support lines to be much help, many of their agents still seem to lack awareness of it and in some cases are giving people the run-around to different departments that are equally hopeless. We expected better, theyve had plenty of time to prepare. Likewise some people who should be eligible, due to receiving sub-10Mbps speeds, are being told theyre not (if you already get close to 10Mbps then this may be an issue of estimation vs different real-world experience). Clearly theres some work left to do. UPDATE 20th March 2020 (10:12am) A Spokesperson for Ofcom just told ISPreview.co.uk: The scheme is now open and people can apply. However, due to the ongoing situation with the outbreak of coronavirus, Im sure you can understand that providers resources are under significant demand at the moment. We are therefore advising people to visit the dedicated USO information on BT/KCOMs websites in the first instance, where possible, rather than calling the providers call centres. UPDATE 21st March 2020 We spent what little spare time we had on Friday trying to check through a number of complaints about the USO checker on BTs website and confirm some of the issues, which alongside Thinkbroadband weve now been able to do. Most of the issues so far have tended to centre around three key problems (see below). The first thing well say is that BTs plans for the USO appear to have been dented, particularly on the support (staffing) front, by the COVID-19 situation. Nevertheless BT are aware of some of these issues, but right now the advice is to be patient as we are not in normal times (the fix may take longer). On the other hand some criticism is justified since the USO has been coming for a long time (plenty of window for development), while COVID-19 is only very recent, so we dont fully accept their excuse on this front. Nevertheless we have had some feedback from BT, although were not certain if its directly quotable and thus Ive paraphrased it in to a shorter response below (while also giving our own opinion). Key Issues with BTs USO (Website) Checker 1. Some people are being told to get a 4G (mobile broadband) solution when in reality the mobile signal or local mobile capacity from all operators (especially EE) in their area makes actually attaining a 4G signal in the first place impossible or extremely difficult. Even if they can, receiving 10Mbps+ may be a forlorn hope. BTs Position: The operator said they use a 4G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution for the USO, which they said may not result in the same service as that received via a 4G mobile handset / mobile phone signal (i.e. a proper FWA approach is where they install an external antenna on your home, which may indeed result in a better outcome EE have been doing this for awhile). BT says that the best approach may be to follow through with the process, get the mobile router and see how it goes. The operator adds that, in the event that it does not deliver, then customers can return the product if they arent happy with it or, better yet, ask for an external antennae, which may further improve the service. We dont know what happens if neither helps. In our view the big problem here is that none of this is made very clear via BTs checker. Consumers need to know what theyd actually be getting and what the processes are. This should be an easy fix with a bit of extra text and some pictures of the hardware. Equally the very inclusion of highly variable 4G technology was always bound to cause issue like this. 2. Some people, who in the real-world can only receive sync speeds a few Megabits below 10Mbps (via best technology available to them), are being told that they cant benefit from the USO, which magically estimates their line as able to deliver better than 10Mbps. Sadly no option to request a manual review is given to these individuals. BTs Position: The operator acknowledges that some issues like this were always going to occur due to the highly variable nature of older copper line broadband solutions, which can also be impacted by poor home wiring and various other factors that arent always easy to pin down. Edge cases those lines closer to the USO level are most likely to run into problems here. For Edge cases BT suggests consumers go through a technical check process with their existing ISP first to ensure that the line isnt faulty (we suspect quite a few ISPs will shun this at the first hurdle, unless a real fault is clearly identified; this could also risk additional costs from engineer visits if no issue can be found). If problems still persist and the synch speed is still a marginal issue in terms of 10Mbs, then we are happy to discuss this further with the customer, said BT. In our view there is again a lack of clear information on the checker to help people through cases like this. Likewise some of the complaints weve seen on this one have been more than mere edge cases (a few people have reported speeds well below 10Mbps in the real-world and still get denied the option of a USO). Upload speed also seems to have been entirely overlooked in this, even though 1Mbps is mandated. A better process is needed to support such cases, although it will be difficult, but they should have access to enough data to determine whether a line is at least within a fair range of eligibility, even if it may not at first appear be quite hitting the mark. 3. The checker failing to recognise that alternative network (altnet) operators exist and thus unnecessarily recommending USO solutions (e.g. 4G mobile), when a better network is available. BTs Position: The operator claimed they dont generally have access to altnet coverage data, particularly at individual premise level, and thus this is not referenced. Only if a customer cant get 10Mbs with BT will they be referred to the broadband USO Helpdesk. Once there, a few specialist agents for the USO have access to a specific Ofcom database which has the information about altnets. In our view (ISPr), and that of TBB, this is not made clear enough in the messaging on BTs USO site (theres no mention of altnets at all) and indeed this is the website that most people will end up using. We arent saying that BT needs to promote other ISPs but they do at least need to be confirming in clear text (not small or hidden print) that they arent able to check the availability of alternative networks. Ideally Ofcom and BT should be coming up with a generally better solution where altnets are concerned (we feared this might be an issue back when the USO was first being designed). At present it does feel a bit like the USO is being treated as an afterthought, but we are pleased to see that BT have recognised some of the early problems. The operator asks for patience as they attempt to resolve the issues, so if anybody is affected by these problems then it might be worth coming back in a few weeks or months to try again. Italy has overtaken China as the country with the most coronavirus-related deaths in the world after reporting 3,405 fatalities from the Covid-19 pandemic. In a stark illustration of how Europe has become the new epicentre of the pandemic, Italian officials reported 427 additional deaths on the same day Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus was first identified, recorded no new infections. UN and Italian health authorities have cited a variety of reasons for Italy's toll, most notably its large elderly population, which is the second oldest in the world. The vast majority of people who have died in Italy - 87 per cent, as of Thursday - have been older than 70 years old. Italy, with its population of 60 million people, has now recorded about 150 more deaths than China, which has a population of more than 1 billion. The Chinese government has used draconian lockdowns to control its outbreak and stop the spread of Covid-19. On Thursday, a visiting Chinese Red Cross team criticised the failure of some Italians to properly quarantine themselves and take national lockdown measures seriously. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a virologist at Germany's Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, said Italy's high death rate could be explained in part by the almost total breakdown of the health system in some areas. "That's what happens when the health system collapses," he said. On a visit to the northern city of Milan, the head of a Chinese Red Cross delegation helping advise Italy said he was shocked to see so many people walking around, using public transportation and eating out. Thursday marked the first time since 20 January that Wuhan showed no new locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, a sign of how China's strict measures have been effective for containing the virus. Additional reporting by AP In normal times, consumers might embrace plummeting gasoline prices as a major boost for family budgets. But with the coronavirus wreaking havoc on peoples daily lives and the economy now teetering on a recession, local consumers say falling pump prices, while welcome, are significantly overshadowed by the unprecedented crisis now gripping New Mexico and the rest of the nation. I like the price being down, but the whole economy is coming down along with it, Alejandra Perez said as she pumped regular unleaded for $1.78 a gallon Monday at Sams Club on North Renaissance NE in central Albuquerque. I dont like that. Its scary to see prices like this with everything were going through now. Across the street at Costco, Richard Deichsel said the $1.67 a gallon he paid for regular unleaded is little compensation for the damage being done to the states oil and gas industry. I think its sad, personally, Deichsel said. This situation is weighing heavily on the oil business. Its going to put a lot of people out of work. Price war at play Indeed, the coronavirus is one of the principal causes for plummeting gas prices, as demand for fuel shrinks across the nation and the globe in the face of travel bans, quarantines and businesses closures and slowdowns. Prices have been steadily declining since the coronavirus first appeared in China in early January, chopping nearly 20 cents a gallon off the national average for regular unleaded by early March. Since last week, however, prices have spiraled downward because negotiations broke down between Russia and members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries over proposed production cuts to ease the world oil glut caused by the coronavirus. Now, Russia and Saudi Arabia are locked in a price war, with both countries planning to flood the market with freshly pumped petroleum once their current price stabilization agreement expires March 31. With the threat of massive oversupply looming and the coronavirus pandemic shutting down economies around the world, oil prices have crashed to their lowest levels since 2016, when the industry was mired in a two-year downturn. Prices for U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate hit $26.80 a barrel on Tuesday, down from nearly $60 a barrel in early January and $41.28 on March 6, just before the Russia-Saudi Arabia price war began. Prices collapsing Gasoline prices, in turn, are now in free fall because crude oil prices make up about 60% of what consumers pay at the pump. The national average for regular unleaded slid to $2.16 on Monday, down from nearly $2.60 in early January, according to AAA. Market analysts project national prices falling below $2 a gallon by the end of March, AAA Texas/New Mexico spokesman Joshua Zuber told the Journal. Its tough to tell what will happen, because were in a situation weve never seen before with both the coronavirus and disagreements between Russia and OPEC pushing oil prices down. As we get into April, analysts expect oil prices to plummet even more, pushing gas prices further down. In New Mexico, the statewide average for regular unleaded hit $2.09 a gallon Tuesday, according to Boston-based GasBuddy, which tracks gasoline prices nationwide. And in Albuquerque, the average is even lower, said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. It crossed under $2 a gallon on Tuesday, DeHaan told the Journal. Its selling at $1.99 a gallon in some places, and as low as $1.59 in others. As prices decline, consumer savings mount. The typical consumer pumps gas for a 14-gallon tank, according to AAA. With the average price for regular unleaded now at $2.09 a gallon, most New Mexico consumers are already saving about $5 on every fill-up compared with early January, when gas sold at $2.44 a gallon. Nationwide, motorists are spending about $820 million a day on gasoline at current prices, DeHaan said. Thats about $133 million less than a year ago, when consumers spent about $953 million per day. With prices falling almost daily, GasBuddy says consumers should shop around for the best deal. Many consumers pull in at the first low-priced station they see, DeHaan said. But theres almost a 60-cent spread between the highest and lowest prices in Albuquerque. Driver reactions Some local consumers say price declines are considerably cutting their travel expenses. Karla Blair, a construction and capital projects manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory, said she drives about 1,000 miles a week to commute from Albuquerque to Los Alamos. She filled up at $1.78 a gallon Monday at Sams Club in the Renaissance business park. Thats great, Blair said. It will shave about a third of my weekly cost for gas. Alfred Desiderio, a silversmith who commutes from Grants to Albuquerque every day, filled up at $1.82 a gallon for regular unleaded Monday at Murphy Express, 2707 Carlisle NE. It helps a lot, Desiderio said. Im saving pretty well because of it. Others, however, said the coronavirus is causing far more hardship than the help they get from low gas prices. Rosa Reyes filled her Chevy Traverse at the Valero station at 712 Camino del Pueblo in Bernalillo at $1.67 a gallon Tuesday, saving about $10 for the fill-up compared with a few months ago. But Reyes, who cleans hotel rooms in Albuquerque with her sister, said both of their weekly shifts were just cut from 40 hours to 18. The gas prices help, but they just reduced our shifts and we have less money now, Reyes said. We dont know what to do. Were scared, but not by the coronavirus by the economy. Post offices will remain open with measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Many post offices around the country will have extended opening hours including opening at 8am on Friday for collection of pension payments. An arrangement for vulnerable people to appoint a Temporary Agent for the collection of payments has also been introduced. When collecting a payment, a Temporary Agent must produce the recipient's card as issued by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) as well as their own valid photo ID. To become a Temporary Agent, the recipient must complete the required form which is available from the Post Office or can be downloaded here. In the event that a Postmaster needs to self-isolate, arrangements will be made for payments to temporarily be available in a nearby post office. The Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) General Secretary Ned OHara said that the number of customers in the premises at any one time will be limited to comply with social distancing. "The IPU also understands that the Department of Social Protection is working with An Post and will shortly announce new service arrangements to support social distancing. Hand sanitisers are being installed in all Post Offices as they become available and health and safety notices on social distancing are being placed in queuing areas." [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] A Bergen County corrections officer who works at the Bergen County Jail tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting seven other officers he had contact with to self-quarantine. The Bergen County Sheriffs Office corrections officer, whose name was not released, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, said Derek Sands, spokesman for the office, which manages the jail. The infected corrections officer went to his doctor after having symptoms and was tested there, said Sands. He was told to self-quarantine for 14 days. Although showing no symptoms, seven other corrections officers who had contact with the man who tested positive were also made to self-quarantine. Medical staff at the jail, which also houses ICE detainees, were monitoring inmates who might have had contact with the officer. On average, about 250 ICE detainees and 300 county inmates are housed in the jail. We were able to determine that no detainees were exposed, said Sands. At this time no detainees or inmates have displayed any symptoms of COVID-19. Bergen County had 195 cases of the states 742 as of Thursday, the most of any New Jersey county. The county jail has added safeguards like distributing hand sanitizer and soap and cleaning the facility with bleach cleaner, along with a rotational out-of-cell schedule to promote social-distancing, said Sheriff Anthony Cureton. Additionally, inmates are screened to see if they had visited a county impacted by the virus, he said. The fact of the matter is, inmates and detainees are less likely to contract COVID-19 than the general public since the jail is a self-contained environment, Cureton said in a statement. But advocates for inmates and detainees are concerned that outbreaks within the confines of a jail would be a brush fire, impossible to contain in often cramped and unsanitary facilities. ICE has an abysmal track record protecting the health of detainees, said Deyanira Aldana, community organizer for Make the Road New Jersey, an immigration rights organization. With the confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Bergen County jail, we urge all county-run detention centers and the Newark ICE Field office to immediately address the unique threat which COVID-19 represents for those detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and to push for the release of all individuals detained in ICE custody here in New Jersey. Make the Road New Jersey previously demanded ICE release its detainees at the Essex County Correctional Facility after an employee at the privately-run Elizabeth detention center was tested for the coronavirus. At the Essex County Correctional Facility, immigrant detainees organized a hunger strike to attempt to be released amidst fears of an outbreak. Many of the detainees said they would rather be released and potentially become ill or even die as long as they were with their families. Many feared their relatives dying from the virus without being able to say goodbye. ICE detains around 2,000 immigrants in New Jersey in total between their private detention center in Elizabeth and the three county jails in Bergen, Essex and Hudson County that it has contracts with. On Wednesday, a Fanwood police officer tested positive for coronavirus. The officer lives outside of Union County and the Westfield Regional Health Department determined the officers interaction with the public was minimal, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr said. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Chinas health leadership have announced they have found the Japanese-developed anti-influenza drug, Avigan, to be effective in treating coronavirus patients. Zhang Xinmin, Chinas director of the National Center for Biotechnology Development confirmed that the Avigan (Favipiravir) drug was found to be effective in two clinical trials completed in Wuhan and Shenzhen involving 320 patients. During a conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Zhang said the medicine worked for coronavirus-related symptoms including pneumonia and had no obvious side effects. It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment, Zhang told reporters. Patients who were given the medicine in Shenzhen turned negative for the virus after four days of therapy, compared with a median of 11 days for those who were not treated with the drug, public broadcaster NHK said. In addition, X-rays confirmed improvements in lung condition in about 91% of the patients who were treated with favipiravir, compared to 62% or those without the drug. The director said he formally recommended the use of this medicine as a way to treat the COVID-19 disease, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to Zhang, a Chinese pharmaceutical company has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration to mass-produce the medication and ensure a stable supply. Ever since the coronavirus broke out from Wuhan in China almost 200,000 have been infected and 7,900 have died from the disease. SCHENECTADY While most people are hunkering down during the novel coronavirus pandemic, quite a few appear to be arming up. "You ever watch those old Westerns and the tumbleweeds are floating through?" said Craig Serafini, owner of Upstate Guns & Ammo in Schenectady. "Well, that's not what's happening here." Serafini said he's seen between a 500 percent to 1,000 percent increase in foot traffic in his State Street gun shop since it became apparent that the new coronavirus was spreading in the United States. "It is something astronomical," Serafini said. "Something unbelievable I don't have words to express how unusual it is." Just as toilet paper, pasta and cleaning supplies are being snatched from grocery stores nationwide, guns and ammunition are also in high demand as cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, continue popping up around the United States. Here are the latest cancellations and postponements. For a detailed map, check out The Times Unions New York Coronavirus Tracker To get regular updates on our coverage, sign up for our coronavirus newsletter. Specific data on the size of the sales spike will not be available until next month. But already this year, background checks are up considerably over last year. According to data from the FBI, just over 5.5 million background checks were conducted in January and February combined. Many of the customers Serafini is seeing are first-time gun buyers who say they want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. "Theyre absolutely afraid that they have to defend themselves and their families and are just preparing to protect themselves if the worst thing in the world happens," he said. But Serafini said several customers have expressed a deeper worry. He said he's seen several Asian customers who think they are being blamed for the virus. "Some of them have expressed they have some fears that people are going to blame them or have already blamed them for coronavirus, which is as outlandish as is conceivable," Serafini said."It's really sad that were in that mental state." Serafini recommends shotguns for those interested in home defense. However, the run on guns is making it less of a choice of what the customer wants. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "At this point, it's a matter of what we have," he said. Serafini said his arrangements with his firearms distributors will have him well-stocked going forward. But, he acknowledged that manufacturers typically forecast an anticipation of demand three months ahead of time before anybody knew that life in America as we know it would change. They'll have some catching up to do, he said. Jane Havens, owner of Calamity Jane's Firearms and Fine Shoes in Hudson Falls, said when she was in Las Vegas last week, she visited a few gun stores who were hit hard by a rush of customers. She hasn't seen much of an influx but said that's likely not the case in bigger cities. "I dont think it's as frantic up here as it is in other parts, because were sporting enthusiasts to begin with," she said. Now, she's worried that more hunters won't be buying ammunition and supplies because of concerns that the hunting season will be canceled. "I just hope for everybodys safety and that everyone is cautious and healthy," Havens said. "We will get through this." Associated Press contributed to this story Michael.Williams@timesunion.com Almost 50 teachers at a Melbourne high school have put their names to an open letter calling on the Andrews government to immediately close the school or make "dramatic and substantial" changes to protect staff and students from coronavirus. The letter, signed by 45 Footscray High School teachers and staff, criticises the state and federal governments for what they say is a failure to ensure their health and wellbeing. "While most other staff, including university teaching staff, across every non-essential or [non] healthcare-based workplace in Australia have been encouraged to work from home, teachers and students are being caused unnecessary stress, pressure and risk by being obliged to continue to attend school daily," the letter reads. "[That's] despite such action leading to exposure to literally hundreds of people at close quarters on a static basis." JACKSON, MI Pollys Country Market is creating a plan so the elderly can still get their groceries during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Starting Friday, March 20, four store locations will offer senior-only hours daily from 6 to 7:30 a.m. for those 60 years old and older. They are: 1821 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson. 11301 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn. 1255 S. Main St., Chelsea. 1535 W. Maumee St., Adrian. The presidents team appealed to grocers to try to do something to accommodate the seniors because of health concerns, Pollys Country Market President Sean Kennedy said. We actually had been contacted by several individuals requesting that we do it. Additionally, the Lenawee Department on Aging and Jackson County Department on Aging asked the Kennedy family to create senior hours, Kennedy said. Senior citizens are among the high-risk category for COVID-19, the disease caused by novel coronavirus. The time frame for seniors is based largely on what the Kennedy family saw other grocery stores doing. Stores not offering senior hours open at 7 a.m., which is their regular opening time. The Adrian, Chelsea and Brooklyn stores are the only locations in those communities, but the Spring Arbor Road location was selected as the most central of the four Jackson Pollys Country Markets. Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan While people have asked for other store locations to offer senior hours, Kennedy said it depends on manpower and the need for it. Currently, he is uncertain as to when or if trucks are coming in with more supplies due to the high demand as people fill their freezers and pantries. All Pollys Country Markets now close at 10 p.m. Not only does this give associates more time to clean and restock, but it allows for them to be moved from the late shift to help during the day, Kennedy said. As of Tuesday, March 17, Kennedy said stores are calming down a little more than previous days. During this time, he said he has seen his associates and customers become more understanding. If on Fourth of July or Christmas we have a line, people are complaining, Kennedy said. Now people are on their best behavior and when things are overcrowded, you dont normally see their best behavior. The senior hours will continue through the end of March and be evaluated based on the spread of COVID-19. Kennedy is asking for people to respect the senior hours so the elderlys needs can be met. Were going down uncharted waters, Kennedy said. I dont want our people having to be law enforcement. We are banking on people to be cooperative and respect our elders. Jackson restaurants offer takeout amid coronavirus executive order to stop dine-in service Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti restaurants offer takeout amid state-ordered closures due to coronavirus For full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/ PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus. A YOUNG Limerick man died after he was shot in the back of the head while attending a family wedding, his inquest has heard. The inquest into the death of Robert Sheehan was officially opened at Limerick Coroners Court last week more than seven years after his killing. The 21-year-old, who was from Moyross died after he was shot outside a hotel in Bunratty in the early hours of September 2, 2012. Addressing relatives of Mr Sheehan, including his mother Majella, coroner John McNamara indicated that gardai were seeking an adjournment of the inquest as investigations into the murder are ongoing. He advised them that while he could open the inquest, there were restrictions as to what evidence he could hear. He added that he could not conclude the inquest given the garda application which was formally made by Inspector Liz Kennedy who said it remains a live investigation. Legally, I am precluded from doing so once the application is made, he said adding that he prohibited from disclosing certain information to anybody as it had the potential to hinder of impact the garda investigation. During the brief hearing, Mr McNamara then proceeded to read the findings of a post mortem report into the record. He said the post mortem was carried out by the then deputy state pathologist, Dr Khalid Jabbar, who found that Mr Sheehan had died as a result of a penetrating gunshot wound to the back of the head. No further evidence was heard with the coroner reiterating what that he did not want to jeopardise the garda investigation. When asked by Mr Sheehans family, he confirmed that the inquest may be adjourned again. It can be adjourned effectively on an ongoing basis until the State concludes its investigation and confirms it is at an end, he said commenting that it is possible new evidence could emerge ten years down the line. Apologising for the delay in opening the inquest, Mr McNamara told members of Mr Sheehans family that he was not the relevant coroner at the time and that there was a note on the file when he was appointed to the role. The inquest was formally adjourned to September when the State will be asked to give an update regarding the investigation. The opening of the inquest means the death of Robert Sheehan will now be officially registered. While there have been a number of arrests in relation to the murder of the 21-year-old, nobody has ever been charged with his murder and the chief suspect is understood to be living in the UK. Gardai at Shannon are investigating the murder. Karnataka to undertake Triaging: What does it mean and how do you pronounce it Delhi to ease restrictions, if Covid cases come down in next 2-3 days: Health Minister Lata Mangeshkar health update: Doctor says,'She in ICU with Covid-19 and pneumonia, will be under observation' Coronavirus: North Korea admits lack of modern medical system International oi-Vicky Nanjappa Seoul, Mar 19: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un acknowledged that his country lacks modern medical facilities and called for urgent improvements, state media said Wednesday, in a rare assessment of the North's health care system that comes amid worries about the coronavirus in the impoverished country. Outside experts say a coronavirus epidemic in the North could be devastating due its chronic lack of medical supplies and outdated health care infrastructure. Kim's comments were made during a ceremony Tuesday marking the start of construction on a new hospital. North Korea has engaged in an intense campaign to guard against the new virus, though it has steadfastly maintained that no one has been sickened, a claim many foreign experts doubt. During a groundbreaking ceremony for a modern general hospital" in Pyongyang, the capital, Kim said it's crucial for the state's efforts to be directed "to prop up the field of public health, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA. Coronavirus: Large gatherings, expeditions suspended by NDA It cited Kim as saying the construction must be completed before October's 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. Kim said the ruling party decided on building the hospital during a key party meeting in late December and was working to have it finished in the shortest time. In an unusual admission on a troubled state system, Kim also said, Frankly speaking, our party ... criticized in a heart-aching manner the fact that there is not a modern medical and health care facility even in our capital city, according to KCNA. Kim appears to be using the hospital construction to burnish his image as a leader caring about public livelihoods at a time when his country is grappling with international sanctions amid stalled nuclear diplomacy with the United States, said Ahn Kyung-su, head of the Seoul-based private Research Center of DPRK Health and Welfare. He said North Korea has several modern general hospitals in Pyongyang but an analysis of construction drawings for the new hospital shown in KCNA photos suggested it would be the most sophisticated hospital in North Korea when it's built. In a report to the World Health Organization, North Korea said it had 135 general and other major hospitals throughout the country as of 2017, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. Suspected coronavirus patient jumps to death from Safdarjung hospital building Some observers said North Korea may have hurried the hospital's construction since China reported the first cases of the new disease in December. While the new coronavirus can be deadly, particularly for the elderly and people with other health problems, for most people it causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. Some feel no symptoms at all and the vast majority of people recover. Kim's attendance at the hospital ceremony also confirmed that he returned to Pyongyang after supervising artillery firing exercises on North Korea's east coast. His visits to the rural coastal areas had prompted outside speculation that he may have been trying to avoid the virus. North Korea clearly stated the date for the groundbreaking ceremony was March 17, and that clearly showed Chairman Kim Jong Un is back to Pyongyang and is governing state affairs normally, said Kim Dong-yub, an analyst at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies. North Korea banned foreign tourists, delayed the school year and quarantined hundreds of foreigners and thousands of locals to avoid the virus that has spread worldwide. Last week, KCNA described authorities inspecting and disinfecting vehicles, vessels and goods at border areas and ports and said some imports remained sealed for 10 days before being handed over to recipients. Groups that monitor North Korea from South Korea, say the country has had cases of infection with the new coronavirus as well as fatalities. Some experts say the Kim government considers public disclosure of those cases harmful to its tight grip on power. The chief of the 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea said last week that he was fairly certain North Korea has not been spared from the virus. Army Gen. Robert Abrams noted that the North had halted military training for a month, essentially putting its troops in a lockdown, but has since resumed training exercises and flying. Earlier this month, Kim Jong Un sent a letter to South Korea's president to express condolences over the soaring coronavirus outbreak in the South. Kim's letter was delivered a day after his powerful younger sister insulted and criticized Seoul. Some experts speculated that the development suggested that Kim was aiming to throw South Korea off balance before asking for coronavirus-related aid items such as test kits. About 290 foreigners who were quarantined in North Korea have been released, including some diplomats who were flown to Vladivostok, Russia, on a special North Korean flight. It wasn't immediately known whether North Korea plans another flight. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:04 [IST] Subscriber content preview Much will depend on how swiftly and aggressively the Federal Reserve, Congress and the Trump administration deliver financial aid to tens of millions of economic victims. By PAUL WISEMAN AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON No one knows how long it will last or how much it will hurt. But the U.S. economy is either sliding into a recession for the first time since 2009 or is already in one a sudden victim of the coronavirus outbreak. The vast changes deemed necessary to defeat the virus people and companies no longer engaging with each other are bringing everyday business to a halt and likely delivering a death blow to the longest economic expansion on record. . . . Paris, Amsterdam, March 19, 2020 Press release Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield confirms strong liquidity position Restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus currently limit the operations of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield ("URW" or the "Group") in several of its markets, as announced on March 16, 2020 (available at urw.com). Since then, further restrictions have been added in France and Germany and the Group's US centres will also be substantially closed for the time being. The duration and extent of the situation and its impact on the Group's earnings remain uncertain. In light of this evolving situation, URW has taken all precautionary measures needed to ensure its access to liquidity. The Group now has 10.2 Bn in cash on hand and undrawn credit lines,which provides it with the liquidity needed to cover all expected funding needseven under an extreme "stress test" scenario. As noted in the release of March 16, 2020, the Group has also implemented a programme to actively reduce non-staff expenses, defer non-essential capital expenditure and make use of any relevant facilities or arrangements provided by the various national authorities to assist companies through the crisis. The Group is already prepared to increase the scope of these measures if the crisis were to persist for an extended period. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Samuel Warwood Maarten Otte +33 1 76 77 58 02 Maarten.otte@urw.com Media Relations Tiphaine Bannelier-Suderie +33 1 76 77 57 94 Tiphaine.Bannelier-Suderie@urw.com About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is the premier global developer and operator of Flagship destinations, with a portfolio valued at 65.3 Bn as at December 31, 2019, of which 86% in retail, 6% in offices, 5% in convention & exhibition venues and 3% in services. Currently, the Group owns and operates 90 shopping centres, including 55 Flagships in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. Its centres welcome 1.2 billion visits per year. Present on 2 continents and in 12 countries, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield provides a unique platform for retailers and brand events, and offers an exceptional and constantly renewed experience for customers. With the support of its 3,600 professionals and an unparalleled track-record and know-how, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ideally positioned to generate superior value and develop world-class projects. The Group has a development pipeline of 8.3 Bn. Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield distinguishes itself by its Better Places 2030 agenda, that sets its ambition to create better places that respect the highest environmental standards and contribute to better cities. Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Euronext ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor's and from an A2 rating from Moody's. For more information, please visit www.urw.com Visit our Media Library at https://mediacentre.urw.com Follow the Group updates on Twitter @urw_group , Linkedin @Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Instagram @urw_group Access the URW 2018 report at https://report.urw.com/2018/ Attachment New Jerseys first government-run drive-thru coronavirus testing site is set to open Friday at 8 a.m. at Bergen Community College in Paramus, and officials are expecting long lines. Its one of two testing sites the state is working to open with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The other will be at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. An exact opening date for that testing site has not been set yet, though officials hope it will open next week. Also, a third state-run testing site is being discussed for South Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday during a radio interview. We dont have a specific place or date, Murphy said on KYW 1060-AM in Philadelphia. That is something were focused on. I want one set up in South Jersey as soon as we can. The testing sites will be run by the state in a partnership with FEMA Region II, the state Department of Health, the New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey National Guard. Other testing sites have been set up in New Jersey by hospitals and medical groups, including at Atlantic Health System in Morris Township, two in Secaucus and another at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. During his daily coronavirus briefing Thursday, Murphy asked people to be patient at the newly opened state testing site because weve never done this before" and theres pent-up demand. Hopefully well get this executed as smoothly as possible, he said. Heres what you need to know about the Bergen Community College COVID-19 testing site: Where is the drive-thru testing site? The Bergen Community College testing site is located at 400 Paramus Road in Paramus on the campus of the college in parking lots B & C. When will the drive-thru coronavirus testing site open? The testing site will be open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning Friday, March 20. Do I need to bring anything? Bring a picture ID to prove you are a New Jersey resident. IDs will be checked. Who can be tested? Test seekers will be screened on-site. Only those people who have symptoms a fever (99.6F or above), shortness of breath and a cough will be tested. Asymptomatic people will be turned away. The worried well should not be coming to Bergen County tomorrow morning, Col. Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. To waste a testing kit on somebody whos just worried is not gonna benefit us. Do you need a physicians order to be tested? No, you dont need a doctors note to be tested but if you have one, bring it. If you dont have a physicians order you can still be tested if youre showing symptoms. How much will it cost? Testing is free and will be covered by the federal government or your personal health insurance company. Bring your insurance card if you have one. How many tests are available? FEMA provided both Bergen and Holmdel each with 2,500 tests. They will be replenished weekly. How long will test results take to come back? Results will be available within 2 to 5 days of collection, Chris Neuwirth, an assistant state health commissioner, said. The specimens will be taken to a contracted laboratory twice a day. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook. MONTREALA woman who says her grandmother was the first Quebecer to die of COVID-19 has published an impassioned plea urging people to follow recommendations of public health officials. In a message posted to Facebook on behalf of the family, Bibianne Lavallee said Mariette Tremblay, 82, was a caring woman who was loved by all. We didnt have a chance to save Grandma. But you have the chance to make a difference now that we know; now that we know the damage caused by this pandemic, she wrote. Everything must be done to prevent human tragedies like the one we are experiencing from continuing to multiply. We want the death of my grandmother, the first victim in Quebec of COVID-19, to help save lives. Quebec officials reported the provinces first COVID-19 death Wednesday, saying the victim was an elderly woman from the Lanaudiere region who lived in a seniors residence and had come into contact with people who recently travelled. Authorities have not disclosed the womans identity. Attempts to reach the family Thursday were unsuccessful, and it was not possible to independently verify the account published on Facebook. The statement asks Quebecers to show a civic spirit and stay at home to prevent COVID-19 from spreading a message that was reinforced Thursday by officials in Quebec City, who advised against travel within the province. When you look at the figures by region in terms of the percentage of the total population of these regions, you see some regions are more affected, some are less affected, Premier Francois Legault told a Quebec City briefing. The hope is to stop the novel coronavirus from spreading into regions that so far have been largely spared, he said. Quebec reported 121 confirmed cases Thursday, up from 94 on Wednesday, with seven people currently hospitalized. There are cases in 11 of 17 administrative regions across the province. Legault said theres no need in the short-term to seal off a region, but he noted it has been done elsewhere to successfully reduce the spread. In the Facebook posting, the family said Tremblay was lucid, but suffered from respiratory problems. When the virus struck, they said, she was vulnerable. It happened before Quebec began taking exceptional measures to combat the spread of the virus, the statement said. Unfortunately, by the time all of the measures were announced and taken, it was too late to spare my grandmother, Lavallee wrote. When her diagnosis was announced, she was already doomed. Legault repeated a message Thursday to those 70 and older to listen to authorities and stay inside. Its not time to be in shopping centres. Its not the time to go spend an hour at the restaurant with friends, Legault said, evoking an old song by Quebec crooner Jean-Pierre Ferland, Envoye a maison, which translates as Sent Home. Thats where you should be, Legault said He encouraged people to go out for walks, but not to gather. Legault also encouraged younger people to call their parents and grandparents and check in by phone. I want to come back to what I told young people, but it applies to everyone: Its not a good idea to have dinners with seven, eight people ... no gatherings, even inside homes. Also Thursday, Orthodox Jewish synagogues took a difficult decision to close their doors in Quebec the first time in their history in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. In a statement, the synagogues said they agreed that Legaults request Wednesday that all places of worship close was a necessary measure. Read more about: The death has occurred of Jimmy (Snr.) Airey, of Abbeyvale, Corbally Formerly of St. Brendans Street, St. Marys Park and Martin McGuire Limited, Dock Road. Jimmy died peacefully at home. Beloved husband of the late Lily. Sadly missed by his loving children Connie, John, Tim, Jimmy (Jnr.) and Catherine, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Rest in Peace Reposing at Griffins Funeral Home, Johns Gate on Friday, March 20 from 5pm. Removal to St. Marys Church, Athlunkard Street at 6.30pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday, March 21 at 10am. Funeral after to Mount. St. Lawrence Cemetery. Covid19: In line with directives and good practice, it is strongly recommended that any person with respiratory illness and other vulnerable members of society not attend funerals or public gatherings. You may if you wish submit your condolences by phone to 061-415000 within office hours or email through info@griffinfunerals.com anytime. The death has occurred of Seamus Costello, of Clontemple, Ballingarry Peacefully on March 19, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Josie, sons, daughters, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace Arriving for 12 noon Requiem Mass at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Ballingarry this Saturday, March 21. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Donations, if desired, to the Milford Care Team. Family flowers only. House private please Covid-19; In line with the directives, it is strongly recommended that we observe social distancing, refrain from hand shaking, signing condolence books. The death has occurred of John Daly Of Cratloekeel, Cratloe and Limerick Following an accident. Dearly loved son of Linda and Sean and cherished twin brother of Claire. Sadly missed by his extended family and large circle of friends. May He Rest in Peace Reposing at St. John's Church, Cratloe, Friday, March 20 from 6pm to 8pm, followed by prayers. Requiem Mass Saturday, March 21 at 11.30am with Funeral afterwards to Craughan Cemetery, Cratloe. The death has occurred of Mary Dempsey (nee Grace) Of Ballingear, Portroe, Nenagh, Tipperary, Tinahely, Wicklow and Limerick Mary Grace Dempsey, formerly of Ballingear, Portroe, Nenagh and Boca Ranton, Florida. Peacefully, at St. Vincent's University Hospital. Beloved wife of the late Paul, daughter of the late Michael and Bridie, and sister of the late Kathleen, John and Patrick. Loving sister of Carmel Kinsella (Tinahely), Sr. Joan Grace (Mount St. Vincent Convent, Limerick) and Michael Grace (Castleconnell). Deeply regretted by her loving sisters, brother, sisters-in-law Patricia and Ann, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family, relatives and friends. Funeral arriving to St. Mary's Church, Portroe, Nenagh, on Friday for 5.30pm Reception prayers. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am with burial afterwards in Burgess Cemetery. Memorial Service to be held at a later date. In line with government indoor directives, restrictions will apply at the Church for Reception Prayers and Funeral Mass. Outdoor directives will apply at the Church grounds and Cemetery. The death has occurred of John Gibbons, of Greenfields, Rosbrien and Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo John died, after a long illness, at University Hospital Limerick. Beloved husband of the late Kitty and brother of the late Pat, Austin, Kevin (Skip) and Florrie. Sadly missed by his loving son Gerry, daughter Tonette, sister Angela, daughter-in-law Yvette, son-in-law Con, grandchildren Neil, Tony and Emer, other relatives & friends. Rest in Peace A private funeral is taking place, there will be a memorial Mass at a further date. Covid-19: In line with directives and good practice, it is strongly recommended that any person with respiratory illness and other vulnerable members of society not attend funerals or public gatherings. You may if you wish submit your condolences by phone to 061-415000 within office hours or email through info@griffinfunerals.com anytime. The death has occurred of Tessie Murphy of Coolready, O'Briens Bridge Coolready, OBriens Bridge and and Milbrae Nursing Home, Newport, Co Tipperary. Died at the University Hospital Limerick peacefully on the March 19, 2020. Deeply regretted by her loving sisters Breeda and Noreen, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace Funeral confined to family and relatives only. Reposing at Meehans Funeral Home, Castleconnell on Friday, March 20, from 7pm with removal at 8pm to St. Josephs Church, Castleconnell. Requiem Mass on Saturday, March 21 at 11.30am. Burial afterwards in Stradbally Cemetery, Castleconnell. The death has occurred of Bill (William) Norris of Cloncrippa, Feenagh, Limerick Peacefully at Milford Hospice. Beloved husband of Joan. Much loved father of Edel, Muriel and John. Predeceased by his son Michael. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Jade, Joe, John and Billy, son-in-law Mike and John's partner Nichola, sisters Mary and Ann brother Tony, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace Due to the current government guidelines surrounding Covid 19, Billy's family wish to hold a private funeral. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice. The death has occurred of Nora Dorothy (Dot) Ryan (nee Palmer), of Doon East, Doon On March 19, 2020, peacefully at home. Sadly missed by her loving sons Stephen and Tony, daughters Norah and Olive, sisters Gertie and Olive, sisters-in-law Kay and Bee, grandchildren Trevor, Simon, Rebecca, Victoria, Amelie and Dylan, great-grandchildren TJ and Alex, sons-in-law Mattie and Martin, daughter-in-law Betty, nieces, nephews, relatives, the Sweeney Family, neighbours and friends. Rest in peace Reposing at her residence Doon East, Friday evening from 5pm until 8pm. Arriving in St. Patricks Church, Doon Saturday morning for Requiem Mass at 11.30am and burial afterwards in the local cemetery. Due to the National Guidelines regarding Covid-19, funeral is restricted to family only inside the church The death has occurred of Bernard Daly Of Bishops Street Peacefully, at Milford Care Centre. Very deeply regretted by his loving wife Audrey, daughters Sharon, Dawn and Audrey, sons Darren, Bernard, Adrian, Kevin and Aaron, 15 grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters Hilda, Isobel and Edel, brothers Patsy, Ray and Eamon, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. May he rest in peace Removal to St. Mary's Church, Athlunkard Street, Friday, March 20 for 1pm Mass followed by private cremation. Mass restricted to fand close friends. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre. Covid-19: In line with directives and good practice, it is strongly recommended that any person with respiratory illness and other vulnerable members of society, not attend funerals or public gatherings. You may if you wish submit your condolences by phone to 061-410744, or you can email through info@crossfuneralhomes.com at anytime. The death has occurred of Mary Harnett (nee O'Sullivan) of Croagh Sadly missed by her husband Johnny, son Gearoid (Ger), daughters Maura and Edel, brother Liam, sisters Caitriona and Margaret, grandchildren Eoin, Brian, Paul, Maree, Gerard and John, sons-in-law Turlough and Ger, sisters-in-law Breeda, Agnes and Sr. Nora, brother-in-law Joe, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. May she rest in peace Reposing at St John The Baptist Church, Croagh, this Friday, March 20, from 6pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday at 11am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family and close friends are only requested to attend her funeral Mass but all are welcome to attend burial, bearing in mind Covid 19 Guidelines. A memorial Mass to celebrate Mary's life will take place at a later date. The death has occurred of Kay (Catherine) Judge (nee Dowling) Of Aylmer Park, Naas, Kildare and Newcastle West Formerly of Boreen Lusk B&B, Sallins Road, Naas, Co. Kildare and Newcastle West Peacefully, following a short illness, on March 18 at St. Vincents Hospital, Dublin, in the presence of her loving children. Beloved wife of the late Brian, adoring mother of Clodagh, Annmarie, Siobhan and the late Lorraine. So greatly missed by all who loved her. Daughters; sons-in-law Gus, Chris, and Ken; grandchildren Noah, Odhran, Ruairi, Rachel, Oliver and Megan; Sisters Patricia, Liz, Noeline and Colette, brother James, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and her many friends. Predeceased by her sisters Brigid, Mary, Pauline and brother Patrick. May Kay rest in peace Given the exceptional climate, and to protect the welfare of everyone who knew Mam, a private Funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please send condolences in the traditional manner. We hope to be able to stream the funeral live on the church webcam and will update details later. We will have a celebration of Mams life at a later date and would greatly appreciate your presence at that time. House private at all times please. Family flowers only please. The family thank you for your co-operation, understanding and support during this sensitive time. The death has occurred of Seamus McCormack, of Carnane, Fedamore and Garryowen Formerly of Kilmurry Avenue, Garryowen, Limerick Peacefully, at University Hospital, Limerick. Predeceased by his parents James and Norah, brother Eamon. Very deeply regretted by his sisters Annemarie (Shinney) and Bridie (Guerin), aunt Madeline (Peril), uncle Patrick (McCormack), nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, brother-in-law Tommy (Shinney), other relatives and friends. May he rest in peace Removal on Friday, March 20 to St. John the Baptist Church, Fedamore, arriving at 6pm. Requiem Mass Saturday, March 21 at 12 noon wth Funeral afterwards to Fedamore (new) Cemetery. Church restricted to Family and close friends. COVID-19: In line with directives and good practice, it is strongly recommended that any person with respiratory illness and other vulnerable members of society, not attend funerals or public gatherings. You may if you wish submit your condolences by phone to 061-410744, or you can email through info@crossfuneralhomes.com at anytime. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 01:20:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close FRANKFURT, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Central Bank (ECB) on Wednesday night announced an emergency bond-buying program of 750 billion euros (800 billion U.S. dollars) to counter the coronavirus risks. Dubbed the "Pandemic Emergency Purchase Program" (PEPP), it shows determination at European level to battle the current crisis and has been welcomed by policymakers and experts. The temporary asset purchase program of private and public sector securities will last until the end of 2020. The ECB has unveiled plans of a 120-billion-euro asset purchase program last Thursday as part of a comprehensive policy response to coronavirus. "Extraordinary times require extraordinary action. There are no limits to our commitment to the euro. We are determined to use the full potential of our tools, within our mandate," ECB President Christine Lagarde tweeted following Wednesday's announcement. Details of the ECB Governing Council decisions showed that the central bank has switched on "emergency mode" and taken into account as many contingencies as possible. It waived the eligibility requirements for Greek government bonds and, for the first time, included non-financial commercial papers in its list of eligible assets for purchases. The central bank also said it will consider revising some self-imposed limits should they hamper the action that the ECB is required to take in order to fulfil its mandate. WIDELY WELCOMED The latest ECB decisions were welcomed by Charles Michel, president of the European Council. "Europe is pursuing a forceful economic response to the #CoronaCrisis. No efforts will be spared to contain #COVID19 and shield our economies from further damage," Michel tweeted. "Total support for the exceptional measures taken by the ECB last night," French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Thursday, adding that "it is up to our European states to do their bit, through our fiscal measures and greater financial solidarity within the eurozone." Greek Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said on Twitter that as much as 12 billion euros of Greek bonds are now eligible for purchase, which could bring liquidity to the real economy. It is the first time since 2015 that Greece is able to participate in the ECB's quantitative easing program, he said. The ECB's loud and clear response was also welcomed by experts, as many have been waiting for strong action at European level to alleviate the current crisis. Janis Emmanouilidis, director of studies at the European Policy Centre in Brussels, called it "a great move" that "shows courage and determination." This is exactly what is needed to help stop the situation from spiraling out of control and allows the bloc's 27 members to apply adequate and coordinated fiscal measures to do "whatever it takes" to cushion the economic effects of COVID-19, Emmanouilidis said. "The coronavirus crisis threatens to set off a major financial and debt crisis. The ECB is trying by all means to back up the corona containment policy and buy time," said German economist Friedrich Heinemann at the economic research center ZEW. "Just as in the euro debt crisis of 2012, Europe's central bank is again proving to be capable of acting responsibly in view of a looming major systemic crisis and European politics still being in a state of shock," Heinemann said. ACT QUICKLY As of Wednesday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Europe had surpassed 80,000. Researchers have painted a gloomy picture for the eurozone economy as many countries move to halt public life and introduce stricter border controls, causing difficulties for big companies and small businesses alike. Deutsche Bank economists said on Wednesday that they forecast a severe global recession occurring in the first half of 2020, with aggregate demand in the eurozone plunging in the second quarter by 24 percent. Economists at the German research institute IfW Kiel said on Thursday that they had to lower previous economic forecasts due to the recent developments, expecting Germany's gross domestic product (GDP) to decline by between 4.5 percent and nine percent in 2020, depending on whether the current "lockdown" lasts until the end of April or the end of July. The Berlin-based German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) noted in a statement on Thursday that the current crisis "should be countered quickly and massively." "Politicians should now continue to act decisively: build bridges with liquidity aid and short-time work compensation, declare readiness for a significant impetus for demand and organize coordination between the governments," said Claus Michelsen, head of forecasting and economic policy at the DIW. Sascha Steffen, professor of finance at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday that "the success of the ECB and the way they use the funds depend a lot on the fiscal actions that different governments are taking in the eurozone." It is not only important to make sure that sufficient funds are available, but that the funds could quickly reach the people on the street, the households and businesses that are being affected, he stressed. Burma Civilians Killed, Wounded by Landmines in Southern Myanmar An ethnic Mon man who lost a leg in a landmine blast in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region on March 11 is treated at a hospital in Ye Township, Mon State. / Nai Aung Naing / Facebook An ethnic Mon man was killed in a landmine blast in Bee Ree, in Mon States Ye Township, on Thursday in an area that has seen fighting between Mon and Karen rebels, according to local sources. Nai Kaing Rot Mon, an official in Bee Ree and a member of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that the man stepped on the landmine and died as he was being taken back home. He stepped on the landmine while he and his friend were going fishing, he said. Bee Ree had been largely free of landmine incidents after the NMSP signed a ceasefire with the Myanmar army in 1995. However, the number of blasts starting rising again after Mon and Karen rebels began fighting each other in the area early this year, leaving a number of local people injured, according to the NMSP. The landmine was planted in a road and was likely targeted at NMSP vehicles but instead killed a local civilian, according to Nai Kaing Rot Mon. On March 11, two local ethnic Mon each lost a leg in separate landmine explosions in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region. One man was going to fix a water pipe in an area of jungle near his village when he stepped on a mine. Another man stepped on a mine while walking towards his rubber plantation. Landmines are becoming an increasing problem for ethnic Mon civilians, especially in the Yebyu area, which includes disputed territory claimed by both Mon and Karen rebels. Local people have accused the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) of planting the landmines, but the claim is difficult to prove due to a lack of witnesses, Nai Kaing Rot Mon said. Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, vice chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU), told The Irrawaddy, Our liaison office told us they do not know who did it. They were investigating whether any of our soldiers are based in the area. The area is some distance [from our area] and our troops were not engaged in movements there. We have communicated with liaison office from NMSP as part of the investigation. Five local people stepped on landmines last year, according to the deputy speaker of the Mon State parliament, Nai Aung Naing Oo. We need to find out whether the problem was the result of a personal conflict, or between the armed groups, because only local people are being hurt. We strongly condemn this action, whoever did it, Nai Aung Naing Oo said. They should sit down together. If it was an armed conflict or a territorial dispute, they should sit down and talk to each other, he said. It was a landmine without an owner. We have a duty to find out who did it, said Ashin Okkansa, a senior Mon Buddhist monk. If no one investigates this, local people will continue to suffer from landmines, he said. He asked the government, the Mon and Karen ethnic armed groups, and political parties to help protect local ethnic Mon from landmines. In response to the incidents in which two Mon men lost legs in mine blasts in Yebyu on March 11, the NMSP issued a statement on March 16 saying that both the KNU and NMSP have a duty to take care of local people and ensure they are able to travel to and from work safely, even though no one has yet been able to determine who planted the landmines. We have informed our people that we will try to find a solution by getting both sides to meet, the statement said. Both the KNU and NMSP have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the Myanmar government. Leaders of the groups met once last year to discuss ways of cooperating to end the planting of landmines in the Yebyu area. Despite agreeing to meet again, they have not done so. You may also like these stories: Mob Attacks Homes of Illegal Money Syndicate Operators in Mon State Ten Dead, Dozens Missing in Landslides in Myanmars Mon State Authorities in Pakistan closed shrines of Sufi saints in the capital, Islamabad, and elsewhere while access to museums, archaeological, and tourist sites were banned as confirmed coronavirus cases jumped to 301, mostly in pilgrims returning from Iran. Two Pakistanis who had returned from Saudi Arabia and Dubai became the country's first victims when they died on March 18 in the northwest. Schools have already been shut in Pakistan. Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly pilgrims, have been placed into quarantine in recent weeks at the Taftan border crossing in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan after returning from Iran, one of the world's worst affected countries. Pakistani authorities on March 19 plan to quarantine hundreds more pilgrims who returned from Iran. These pilgrims will be kept at isolated buildings in central Pakistan for 14 days. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters San Antonio Express-News /File photo Though schools are closed for the next few weeks, students can still reach their counselors through hotlines the district has set up for the duration of the closures. With the COVID-19 outbreak canceling large gatherings and otherwise keeping people at home, students and their families are feeling more stress than usual. Beginning Monday, North East Independent School District students can call phone lines between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to talk to counselors about their concerns. A small Italian company has used 3D printing technology to quickly produce oxygen valves to treat some coronavirus patients. Italy has been battling the worlds largest number of cases of the new coronavirus outside of China. Cristian Fracassi founded and heads the Italian start-up company Isinnova. He told the Reuters news agency that he heard about a shortage of the valves at a hospital near the northern city of Brescia. The area has had an explosion of coronavirus cases. The devices are called Venturi valves. They are named after 18th century Italian physicist Giovanni Battista. The devices are used to connect patient masks to oxygen equipment. The oxygen masks are used to treat patients suffering from breathing problems. Fracassi, a 36-year-old engineer, said the hospital was in serious need of the valves. The devices are impossible to find at the moment, he said. He added that the fast-spreading virus was simply preventing current production from meeting the growing demand. He decided to offer the services of his companys 3D printing equipment and of his 14 employees to help ease the shortage. When we heard about the shortage, we got in touch with the hospital immediately. We printed some prototypes, the hospital tested them and told us they worked, Fracassi said. So we printed 100 valves and I delivered them personally. The companys team was able to effectively copy the valves using a 3D printer at the company headquarters in Milan. The company produces a series of technology products. They include high-tech luggage for Italian designer Gucci and a special paint developed to survive temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Fracassi told Reuters it cost his company very little to produce the plastic valves, which weigh around 20 grams each. Im not going to charge the hospital, he said. It was the least I could do to help doctors and nurses who work all day long to save human lives. The company's quick action to help coronavirus patients was praised by Italys Minister of Innovation Technology Digitalization, Paola Pisano. In a Twitter message, she thanked Fracassi and his employees for supplying the valves. She also published a picture of the freshly made 3D devices. At least 10 hospital patients had used the new valves as of March 14, reported Massimo Temporelli, the president and co-founder of Italys FabLab. The organization creates technology-based solutions for companies. It has worked with Isinnova in the past. In a Facebook post, Fracassi said he did not want to be called a hero or a genius for the actions he took. Sure, people were going to die, but we only did our duty, he wrote. Fracassi added that refusing to act after learning of the need could have likely resulted in more patient deaths. In the message, Fracassi said the company does not plan to profit from its valve production and will only use its designs and manufacturing methods to help those currently in need. He added: Let's focus on the real heroes, those who save lives, who work 16-hour hospital shifts, and are day and night next to the sick, and praise them. Im Bryan Lynn. Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English, with additional information coming from Facebook, Twitter and online sources. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - Volunteers Produce 3D Printed Valves for Italian Coronavirus Patients Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story printing n. the process of producing writing, images or other material by using a machine valve n. piece of equipment used to open and close the flow of liquid or gas mask n. a covering for the face prototype n. the first model of something new that can be developed in the future deliver v. take goods from one place to another luggage n. bags and cases used by travelers genius n. a person who is extremely intelligent of very good at doing something focus v. to turn ones attention to something shift n. a period of work at a workplace The world is "paying a big price" for China hiding the initial information on the deadly coronavirus, US President said on Thursday, ramping up his charges that Beijing is responsible for the current global public health crisis due to the pandemic. "It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier. It could have been contained to that one area in China where it started," Trump told reporters at a White House press conference. The pandemic has sickened more than 210,300 people in at least 145 countries and over 9,000 people have died, more than half of them outside China, where the epidemic first began in the city of Wuhan. "The world is paying a big price for what they (China) did and the world is paying a very big price for not letting them (information about coronavirus) come out," Trump said. The president was responding to a question on a critical tweet by his National Security Council (NSC) against the Chinese government. The NSC had tweeted that the Chinese Communist Party suppressed initial reports on the and punished doctors, causing Chinese and experts to miss critical opportunities to prevent a global pandemic. "Everybody knows that. We all know that. As far as believing what they're putting out now I hope it's true. Who knows but I hope it's true. I really do," Trump said. "If people would have known about it, it could have been stopped in place. It could have been stopped right where it came from China, if we would have known about it, if they would have known about it. But now the whole world almost is inflicted with this horrible virus and it's too bad," he said. He, however, refrained from commenting on whether there would be any repercussion against China. According to various reports, Dr Li Wenliang, a 29-year-old whistle-blower who later died of COVID-19, was warned by local police when he first wrote about the virus on social media on December 31. BILLINGS Wildlife advocates on Wednesday asked a U.S. judge to force the government into deciding if the snow-loving wolverine should be federally protected as the rare predator becomes vulnerable to a warming planet. The request comes in a lawsuit filed in Montana almost four years after U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ordered wildlife officials to take swift action to protect the animal. Wolverines, also known as "mountain devils." need deep snows to den. Scientists warn such habitat could shrink as the Earth heats up. Once found throughout the Rocky Mountains and in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, wolverines were wiped out across most of the U.S. by the 1930s following unregulated trapping and poisoning campaigns. An estimated 250 to 300 wolverines survive in remote areas of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state, according to wildlife officials. Populations also are in Canada and Alaska. Wednesday's lawsuit was filed by attorneys for the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and more than a half dozen other groups. The case was assigned to Christensen. In the judge's April 2016 order, he chastised government officials for rejecting the views of many of its own scientists when it decided not to protect wolverines in 2014. The judge declared in his order that "the time is now" to protect a species "squarely in the path of climate change." But in a Feb. 28 letter to an attorney for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, a senior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official said "the court did not set a time frame" for a decision. A final determination on whether the wolverine should be protected is expected by late summer 2020, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Assistant Director Gina Shultz said in the letter to Earthjustice attorney Amanda Galvan. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Two strangers approach a man named George on the streets of San Francisco. George, one of them says, would you yourself participate in a program of inter-protoplasm flow? George doesnt hesitate. If I needed it, I guess I would, he says. One of the strangers, earnestly impressing on George the seriousness of that commitment, elaborates: If you knew that you were going to have all of your lets face it your insides taken out or sucked out of you and in return you were going to have the insides of another person placed into the interior of your body, either the insides of one other person or many other people, would you participate in such a program? George again affirms, Yes, if I needed it. Only when the two try to get him to accompany them to a lab, right then and there, to have the procedure done does George balk. The two ersatz medical experts were Mal Sharpe and Jim Coyle, and the exchange, immortalized in an audio track, took place in the early 1960s, one of countless pranks the pair sprung on unsuspecting passers-by decades before Impractical Jokers and present-day late-night hosts thought of working similar comedic territory. Google has stopped upgrading its Chrome browser and its Chrome OS operating system because of the COVID-19 pandemic and has not said when it would resume refreshing either. "Due to adjusted work schedules at this time, we are pausing upcoming Chrome and Chrome OS releases," Google said in a short statement posted Wednesday to its Chrome releases blog. "Our primary objectives are to ensure they continue to be stable, secure, and work reliably for anyone who depends on them. We'll continue to prioritize any updates related to security, which will be included in Chrome 80." The "adjusted work schedule" clearly referred to the disruption caused by the pandemic, including a six-county "shelter-in-place" order for California's Bay Area. Google's headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., 39 miles southwest of San Francisco, is located in Santa Clara County, one of the six under lockdown. On March 10, Google recommended that all North American employees work from home. According to a now-outdated Chrome release schedule, Google was supposed to upgrade the browser to version 81 on Tuesday, March 17. Chrome OS was to shift to version 81 on March 24. Google had both on a metronomic schedule that delivered new features every six to eight weeks. Also on Wednesday, Google updated Chrome 80 the version that debuted Feb. 4 to build 80.0.3987.149, which contained fixes for 13 security vulnerabilities. The nine that Google called out in a separate post were all rated as "High," the second-most-serious threat ranking in a four-step scoring system. Only one of the nine noted a bug bounty amount $8,500 and five other bug listings said that a cash reward would be determined later. Four of the nine described vulnerabilities were reported to Google by Yue Mo of the San Francisco-based Semmle Security Research Team. Three of the remainder were discovered by members of Google's own Project Zero group. Google did not offer a timetable for resuming Chrome and Chrome OS upgrades. The next in the two product series were slated to release April 28 (Chrome) and May 5 (Chrome OS). It was unclear if the Chromium project had also paused, although code commits were still landing Wednesday. If the Google-led, open-source Chromium did halt new work, then Chrome (and the other browsers that rely on Chromium) would not be able to progress in any case. Microsoft, which in January released a revamped Edge built atop Chromium, may have to follow Google's lead and limit its browser to security updates, too. James Jordan has revealed that his critically-ill father, Alan, is finally out of hospital after suffering a stroke and seizure last week. The former Strictly professional, 41, took to Twitter on Thursday to thank fans for their support after 'the most stressful time of his life'. James tweeted: 'In a world which is very scary right now we've had some personal good news. My dad has finally come out of hospital. Update: James Jordan has revealed that his critically-ill father, Alan, is finally out of hospital after suffering a stroke and seizure last week (pictured on GMB in 2019) 'He's not quite there yet but I'm sure he will continue to get better. Once again I thank you for all your prayers and messages [heart emoji] #StaySafe #LoveToYouAll.' James also shared a sweet message from celebrity hairdresser, Phil Smith, who said: 'I sat next to your dad many years ago at strictly..he told me he was you dad..He was so proud of you. Glad he's on the mend..' It comes after the Dancing On Ice 2019 winner shared a sobering post on Tuesday about the difficulties of juggling a newborn with caring for his critically-ill father amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Grateful: The former Strictly professional, 41, took to Twitter on Thursday to thank fans for their support after 'the most stressful time of his life' Sweet: James tweeted: 'In a world which is very scary right now we've had some personal good news. My dad has finally come out of hospital,' (James pictured on Sunday) Support: James also shared a sweet message from celebrity hairdresser, Phil Smith, who said: 'I sat next to your dad many years ago at strictly..he told me he was you dad..He was so proud of you. Glad he's on the mend..' James' father Alan was admitted to hospital last week after suffering a stroke, one month after James welcomed his first child with wife Ola Jordan. The TV personality confessed he was struggling to cope during what had been the 'most stressful time of his life'. Taking to Twitter on Monday, James wrote: 'Trying to juggle a new born with wife who is still recovering, my dad in hospital and the coronavirus. 'I would like to think I'm a strong person but I'm going to admit it's the most stressful time of my life. 'I'm still thinking of all of you! We must all stay safe AND #BeKind'. Over the weekend, James updated his concern followers about what was going on with his father. Stress: It comes after the Dancing On Ice 2019 winner shared a sobering post on Tuesday about the difficulties of juggling a newborn baby (pictured) with caring for his critically-ill father amid the global coronavirus pandemic Taking to Twitter on Monday, James wrote: 'I would like to think I'm a strong person but I'm going to admit it's the most stressful time of my life' He wrote: 'Thank you for all your amazing messages and prayers. So much love in the world at this scary difficult time. I will be forever grateful. 'My dad is slowly getting better everyday. Now we just need to find out what is wrong with his brain.' Last Thursday, James revealed his father had been rushed to hospital. 'Dad is doing much better': Over the weekend, James updated his concern followers about what was going on with his father He wrote: 'Hi guys I've been in hospital since 7.30 this morning where my hero and dad was rushed in after having a stroke and seizures. 'Sitting with him now and I'm asking if you could all say a little prayer for him. I'm not ready to lose him. #LoveMyDad'. James' wife Ola replied to the post with a number of red heart emojis. Later in the day, James updated fans as he said their 'prayers had worked' and his father was making progress. Devastating: The former Strictly pro took to Twitter to share his heartache, asking fans to pray for his dad (pictured with wife Ola in September) James tweeted: 'Well that was the longest day of my life. 'Stayed with my dad until they told me I had to go which broke my heart to leave him alone Your prayers are working as he is stable now.... 'I'm praying tomorrow I see a big improvement Thank you for your prayers #ILoveMyDaddy'. Family: James updated fans on his father's progress after revealing he had been rushed into hospital James was born in Gillingham, Kent and grew up in the Medway area. His mum Sharon worked in a bank, while his father Alan worked as a site manager for a power station. Last month, Ola, 37, and James become parents for the first time after the former Strictly Come Dancing star gave birth to a baby girl. The professional dancer and her husband of almost 17 years announced the happy news via Instagram. The new mother shared a sweet snap holding her little one's hand, and gushed in the caption: 'She's here and she is perfect.' James also took to Instagram to share a snap of their baby girl, as he held onto her feet and said: 'I'm the happiest man in the world.' Parents: Last month, Ola, 37, and James become parents for the first time after the former Strictly Come Dancing star gave birth to a baby girl (pictured in January) Sweet: The professional dancer and her husband of almost 17 years announced the happy news via Instagram The couple, who have been together for 20 years, announced they were expecting their first child in September 2019 after a painful three-year battle with infertility. The television personality pair underwent IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and Ola fell pregnant during their first round. Prior to conceiving, Ola said: 'I would love to be a mum with all my heart and I just thought it would happen naturally. Bundle of joy: The couple announced they were expecting a baby girl in December, and said their little one was 'dancing' in Ola's 12-week scan 'I guess I just thought like most women that I could choose when the time was right for me.' James added: 'We had some tests and it looks like IVF will be our best chance of conceiving.' The TV personalities previously admitted the stress of going through three years of trying to have a baby has made them 'stronger' than ever. Speaking during an appearing on Loose Women in January, James said: 'My parents didn't even know it took us three years [to conceive], it made them teary. You don't want to worry them.' Ola said: 'We used to laugh it off, but after a while, you think, 'How much can you practice?' 'People guessed [that there was an issue] it was our fault because we kept saying that we wanted to have babies, so people kept asking.' James continued: 'We've been with each other for 20 years. We have a strong relationship. It was upsetting. I broke down in front of everyone when I was on Dancing On Ice when they brought it up.' The four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case are set to be hanged early Friday morning with the Delhi High Court clearing the decks for their execution by dismissing their plea seeking a stay on it. In a hearing, which went post midnight, a bench comprising justices Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula, refused to grant any relief to Akshay Kumar, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma and rejected their petition, saying it was devoid of merits. While dismissing the plea, the bench said pending petitions of the convicts in various fora is untenable in law as a ground to stay execution. The high court in its order also said the plea of juvenility of Pawan had been raised all the way up to the Supreme Court and was rejected each time and, therefore, it cannot be agitated in the present case. Advocate A P Singh, counsel for the convicts, told media persons outside the court that "the system was against them". "Execution of the four convicts had become a prestige issue," Singh said, adding "their execution will not end rapes". The mother of the victim, Nirbhaya, welcomed the high court order. Lawyers for Nirbhaya's parents said they believe the convicts would be moving the Supreme Court and they will remain stationed outside it till the hanging is confirmed. During the late night hearing, the bench said delay in filing mercy plea by the convicts shows there is a conspiracy and that someone is playing with the system. It also said there has been gross delay in filing mercy plea and requested the counsel appearing for the convicts to present a substantial legal point instead of wasting time. The lawyer urged the court to defer hanging by 3-4 days so that he can address his case. However, the bench said this is the fourth death warrant in the matter and there has already been "gross delay" on the part of the convicts. "You have to make out a case for stay. We cannot grant stay of execution without you making out a good case for it. Such a casual approach by you. "At 11'o clock we are saying please come to the point. You are not coming to the point," the bench said. It further added that there was no foundation in the plea. "There is very limited time now, so if you have a legal point come to it. Or you can carry on till the cows come home," the bench said and added that at 5.30 am the plea would become infructuous. "We are very close to the time when your clients will meet God. Don't waste it," the bench said. On March 5, the court had issued fresh death warrants for March 20 at 5.30 am, as the date for the execution of Mukesh (32), Pawan (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31). When hearing commenced, the bench said the petition on behalf of the three convicts lacked material particulars like affidavits and memo (list) of parties which are essential components of a plea. The lawyer of the convicts claimed that the material particulars were missing due to paucity of time as he was running from trial court to the Supreme Court and then the high court. To this, the bench said only in India courts are so accessible as the convicts have moved the trial court, the Supreme Court and the high court on the same day. At the outset, the court said that pendency of a divorce plea of convict Akshay Kumar Singh's wife was not relevant to stay his execution. It also said that the Supreme Court has already held that the pending divorce plea was no longer relevant. The bench added that the apex court's judgement confirming death sentence has attained finality and the court cannot sit and review over it. "We cannot say death warrant cannot be implemented because divorce plea of Akshay's wife is pending," the bench said. Three of the four death row convicts, Akshay, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma moved the high court in the evening challenging the trial court order declining to stay their execution. They, along with Mukesh Singh, are scheduled to be hanged at 5.30 am on Friday. A 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang raped and savagely assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16, 2012. She died after a fortnight. Six people, including the four convicts and a juvenile, were named as accused. Ram Singh, the sixth accused, allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail days after the trial began in the case. The juvenile was released in 2015 after spending three years in a correctional home. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mariel (Cuba) (AFP) - A British cruise ship that was turned away from Barbados and the Bahamas over coronavirus infections docked in Cuba on Wednesday. The MS Braemar has more than 1,000 people aboard including five confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 50 people in isolation due to showing flu-like symptoms. The ship operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and carrying 682 passengers and 381 crew docked at 7:00 am (1100 GMT) in the Mariel industrial port 45 kilometers (30 miles) west of the capital Havana, AFP reporters at the scene said. Cuba's government had agreed to allow the ship to dock for "humanitarian reasons." "We are very grateful to the Cuban government for swiftly enabling this operation and for their close co-operation to make sure it could be successful," said British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab. After disembarking, the passengers and crew will be taken to Havana's Jose Marti international airport before they are transported to Britain in four planes. "We've applied all the measures for a secure, hospitable and rapid transfer of the ship's passengers and crew," foreign ministry head of press, Juan Antonio Fernandez said on Tuesday. According to the Fred Olsen internet page, those that have contracted the virus and those displaying flu-like symptoms, alongside their families, will be repatriated on a separate flight with "medical professionals available." On arrival they will be obliged to "self-isolate for 14 days." "Any guests who are considered not to be well enough to fly will be offered support and medical treatment in Cuba," the UK-based but Norwegian-owned company added. Cuba has recorded just seven coronavirus cases but unlike much of the rest of Latin America has so far kept its borders open. The Caribbean island nation is largely reliant on tourism revenue. The Pakistan Army on Thursday violated ceasefire by opening fire and shelling mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, a defence spokesperson said. The unprovoked shelling and firing started around 10.45 am from across the border in Degwar sector and the Indian Army promptly retaliated, the spokesperson said. He said the cross-border firing was continuing when last reports were received but there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side. This is for the fifth consecutive day that Pakistan violated ceasefire along the LoC in Poonch district. In the past four days, Pakistan has targeted Shahpur, Kirni, Qasba, Mankote and Mendhar sectors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Michelle Fitzpatrick and Tom Barfield (Agence France-Presse) Berlin, Germany Thu, March 19, 2020 09:45 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bc5ba0 2 World Germany,Angela-Merkel,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,SARS-CoV-2,pandemic,health,infectious-diseases,infection Free Germany is facing its biggest challenge "since the Second World War" in the fight against the coronavirus, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday, in what observers called a "final warning" for citizens to heed sweeping confinement measures. In a dramatic television appeal, Merkel said everyone played a part in slowing down a pandemic that has raced across the globe and triggered unprecedented peace-time lockdowns. "The situation is serious. Take it seriously. Not since German reunification, no, not since the Second World War has our country faced a challenge that depends so much on our collective solidarity," she said. Although her 15 years in office have been marked by blows like the financial crisis, the 2015 refugee crisis and Brexit, the veteran leader has never taken to the airwaves to address citizens directly outside of traditional New Year's greetings. "I truly believe we can succeed in this task, if all citizens truly understand their own tasks," Merkel said. German authorities have shut down schools, many businesses and public spaces in recent days in increasingly desperate attempts to stem the spread of the virus. The country has, however, stopped short of ordering people to stay home, in contrast to tougher restrictions introduced in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain. Instead, Germans have continued to go outside to enjoy the spring sunshine and socialize, even holding "corona parties". Although Merkel did not announce any tougher measures in her speech, she said that could change at any time. Broadcaster NTV joined several German newspapers in describing the address as Merkel's "final warning" to avoid mandatory lockdowns. The best-selling Bild tabloid called it a "historic" and stirring speech that marked a change in tone for the "usually so sober chancellor". More border checks Merkel, who hails from Germany's former communist East, said she understood how hard it was to give up "hard-fought rights" like freedom of movement and travel. Such decisions were never taken lightly in a democracy, she said, and could only be temporary. "But they are necessary right now to save lives." Europe's top economy on Monday introduced strict checks on its land frontiers with France, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland, allowing through only cross-border commuters and delivery trucks. The German interior ministry expanded those restrictions on Wednesday evening to include European air and sea traffic. Starting immediately, there will be checks on flights arriving from Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Luxembourg, as well as on ships arriving from Denmark. Those with "an urgent reason for travel and professional commuters" will be asked to show documentation to justify their arrival, the ministry said in a statement, while others will be denied entry. Hotels as hospitals Merkel's speech echoed that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who in a somber address on Monday likened the outbreak to war. Germany is among the countries worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with latest figures showing 12 deaths and 8,198 confirmed cases on Wednesday, a jump of 1,042 from the previous day. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for public health warned there could be 10 million cases within two to three months if people do not avoid contact. "Germany has an excellent health system," Merkel said, thanking doctors and other medical workers "on the front line". Nevertheless, "even our hospitals will be overwhelmed if too many patients are brought in with serious symptoms of the coronavirus in a short time", the conservative leader added. The government earlier Wednesday said it planned to ramp up intensive care capabilities. Federal and state officials separately announced they could commandeer spaces like hotels and rehabilitation centers to treat people with milder symptoms. In her speech, Merkel reiterated that Berlin "will do everything it can to cushion the economic impact and preserve jobs" and discouraged citizens from hoarding. "Even if some shelves are emptied on one day, they will be replenished," she promised, adding her thanks to those working in the food industry. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detain a man during an operation in Escondido on July 8, 2019. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) To the editor: Well, I feel so much safer knowing that an undocumented immigrant who had a DUI in 2015 is finally getting his due thanks to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's continued operations even as a pandemic rages. No matter that the man's wife and kids may go hungry because the breadwinner is gone. No matter that he may come down with COVID-19 while in custody and then go on to infect others when he's released or deported. I mean, as the ICE officer said, these are criminals who may hurt others similar to what ICE is doing to this man's family. Barry Davis, Agoura Hills .. To the editor: I find this to be utterly obscene. We are a declared sanctuary state, and ICE has become a rogue agency as opposed to a legitimate law enforcement body. They have arrested people in hospitals, of all places. Gov. Gavin Newsom and California law enforcement agencies should have the power to remove ICE from the state. It is not welcome here. And, the agency itself should be disbanded. Sally Helmerich, Sylmar .. To the editor: The L.A. Times reports ICE officers have access to N95 masks to protect them from exposure to the coronavirus. Many front-line hospital workers do not have such access. So, what is more important, continuing to deport criminal immigrants, or ensuring the safety of those trying to maintain our, and their, health? Bruce N. Miller, Playa del Rey By PTI SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking the immediate restoration of high-speed 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir. "As you are aware, the first case of coronavirus was detected in Kashmir yesterday which has resulted in authorities locking down large parts of the valley," Abdullah, who was last week released from seven-month-long detention, said in a letter to the prime minister. The NC president said businesses and students have already been hit hard by the shutdown after August 5, 2019, and are again suffering because of these restrictions. "The people are being advised to work/study from home, but this is impossible with 2G internet speed and limited fixed-line internet penetration. I would, therefore, request you to restore 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest to ease the suffering of the people," he said in the letter. The chorus for the restoration of high-speed 4G internet services on mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir has grown in the wake of the detection of the first case of coronavirus in the valley. Internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year, hours before the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370. While the 2G services on postpaid mobile phones and Broadband and leased-line services were restored months later, the 4G services continued to remain suspended. The government in a recent order said the low-speed internet will continue in the Union Territory till March 26 "in the interests of sovereignty and integrity" of the country. The chorus for the restoration of high-speed 4G internet services on mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir has grown following the detection of the first case of coronavirus in the valley. Several people, including Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti, have called for the restoration of the services to help raise awareness about the virus. "World's battling coronavirus but J&K admin still unrelenting & refuses to lift the inhuman ban on 4G. In times of COVID pandemic, access to Internet & info is a necessity not a privilege. Are Kashmiri lives so cheap? (sic)," Iltija wrote on her mother's Twitter handle. She has been using the former chief minister's Twitter account since Mehbooba was detained on August 4 last year. The government in a recent order said the low-speed internet will continue in the union territory till 26 March "in the interest of sovereignty and integrity" of the country. Mattu on Wednesday said the Kashmir Valley recorded its first positive case for novel coronavirus in Srinagar. The Srinagar mayor has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting that 4G Internet services be restored in J-K. Mattu said the move would help minimize the impact of the spread of the virus. People in the valley said the high-speed internet was not a luxury anymore, but a necessity in view of the virus outbreak across the world and have demanded its immediate restoration. "The administration in J-K must realise how important high-speed Internet can be at this time. People need to know the information in real-time so that they prepare and pre-empt their actions against the spread of this virus," Shuja-ul-Haq, president of Kashmir Press Club, said. The residents in the valley said the world was looking up, on internet, for information to curb the spread the virus, so it was high time for the authorities to restore the high-speed data services on mobile phones. "With the growing fear of coronavirus in Kashmir, the world advances towards the virtual world to curb misinformation and increase awareness among people. Isn't it high time to restore 4G in Kashmir?" Wani Shahid, a resident asked. "It is high time now that the authorities take a decision on restoration of 4G internet in the valley," another resident, Sardar Nasir Ali khan said. The Kashmiris appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister to intervene in the matter. "It is a humble request to the PM and HM to restore 4G in Kashmir as soon as possible keeping in view the vulnerability of coronavirus. "Less people are aware of this pandemic here and restoring 4G will help," Rayees Ahmad said. Rameez Nazir said it was the high-time to restore 4G services in the valley in order to allow people to work from home. Many Twitter users criticised the authorities for posting the awareness videos on social media, saying the low-data speeds do not help their cause. "Authorities in #Kashmir are posting videos on Twitter about preventive measures during the pandemic. But on the other hand, they put restrictions on the internet those who run this system are a combination of arrogant and ignorant that makes them lethal #Restore4GinKashmir," a user Aanis Bhat wrote. Another user, Shazia Bakshi, said the only tool for communication in times of social distancing was being denied to the people of J-K. "Internet is perceived to be a bigger threat to #Kashmiris than #Coronavirus !! At a time when #SocialDistancing is a way to survive this apocalypse, the ONLY tool for communication, knowledge, connectivity, information, work et al is being denied to us! Shame! #Restore4GinKashmir (sic)," she wrote on Twitter. "In this tough time when life is battling to fight deadly disease of #coronavirus worldwide people are informed and educated against the safeties, but unfortunately this government is not restoring the main medium of communication which is Internet in Kashmir. #Restore4GinKashmir," Basharat Gul Hassan, another user wrote. A student Nayeem Dar said the students were the suffering the most due to the restrictions on the internet speed. "If JK administration really cares about the people of Kashmir, then 4G restoration should be their first priority. Being a student myself, I know we suffer the most," he said. Internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year, hours before the Centre announced the abrogation of provisions of Article 370. While the 2G services on postpaid mobile phones and broadband and lease-line services were restored months later, the 4G services continued to remain suspended. Authorities in Kashmir on Thursday quarantined 78 people, who arrived here from Leh in Ladakh union territory, for suspected novel coronavirus infection, officials said. The two-week quarantine has been made mandatory for all persons coming to Kashmir from Ladakh. "Seventy-eight passengers arriving from Leh have been quarantined at a designated facility on the outskirts of Srinagar. Medical and logistics teams have been deployed," Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said in a tweet. The officer requested the families of those quarantined to not visit the facility as it was not allowed. "We will take care (of them)," he added. The authorities on Wednesday placed 81 people who returned from Leh by an Air India Flight in isolation. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 03:22:13|Editor: zyl Video Player Close British Prime Minster Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions, in London, Britain on March 18, 2020. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua) LONDON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister indicated Wednesday night that he is sticking to the timetable that will see Britain and European Union (EU) end the Brexit transition period at the end of this year. Currently, Britain and the EU are involved in talks to reach a permanent trade deal to come into force when a transition period ends by Dec. 31 of 2020. Asked by an MP on whether he "recognizes the inevitable" and will extend the post-Brexit transition period, Johnson said: "There is legislation in place and I have no intention of changing it." His response came after trade talks between the two sides were put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak. That fueled speculation that with Europe in the grip of a pandemic, Britain may have to seek extending its links to Brussels beyond Dec. 31. T he Summertime Ball is the latest London event to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. The event, which is hosted annually by Capital, will no longer be going ahead on June 6. Capital revealed it had made the decision to cancel the event before tickets went on sale to the public, saying in a statement: Weve taken the difficult decision to cancel Capitals Summertime Ball 2020. Were gutted to do this and we havent taken the decision lightly but its best to do this now before putting any tickets on sale. Well be returning to the brand new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next year with an even bigger show. Last year the Summertime Ball took place at Wembley Stadium, with more than 80,000 music fans attending the event. The likes of Jonas Brothers, Maroon 5, Halsey, Mark Ronson, Anne-Marie and Jess Glynne and Rita Ora all performed in 2019. Australians should ration their internet use as the country's broadband network struggles to cope with a surge in people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. Telstra CEO Andy Penn said while workplaces have high-capacity fibre networks, homes rely on network infrastructure not normally used to such high demand. He called on households to work together in managing their internet usage and decide who will be using the family broadband connection at any one time. Australians working from home should be rationing their internet usage to ease pressure on the National Broadband Network, Telstra's CEO has warned (stock image) 'When we're in the office or at work or at school or university, generally speaking we're operating in an environment where they've got dedicated high-capacity fibre networks for those organisations,' Mr Penn told ABC's 7.30. 'When we all move to work from home we then have to move to the NBN and the mobile network.' The NBN has increased its capacity by 40 per cent to meet demand placed on the system by an increase in Australians working from home. Mr Penn said there were multiple ways remote workers could help on their end to ease pressure on the NBN. 'Think about when the kids are studying at home and parents are working from home,' he said. 'Maybe don't try and all use the internet at the same time and mitigate the extent to which you're doing that. Telstra CEO Andy Penn (pictured) said while workplaces have high-capacity fibre networks, homes rely on network infrastructure not normally used to such high demand 'If you want to watch a movie, maybe think about downloading it overnight rather than streaming it live - some of those practical things.' The NBN has been plagued with criticism during the rollout of the new multi-technology network over the past decade. The past week has also seen Australians struggling to use their wi-fi connection for work purposes take to social media to voice their frustrations. There are more than 450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and five people have died as debate continues to rage around what people should or shouldn't take Pedestrians walk past an official medical advice advertisement by the Australian Federal Government on Wednesday The past week has seen Australians struggling to use their wi-fi connection for work purposes take to social media to voice their frustrations 'The NBN doesnt even work properly on a normal day, how is it supposed to survive when everyone in Australia is isolated in their houses trying to work from home/watch Netflix while quarantined,' one person wrote. 'How stupid is this, I actually work from home full time and now cant due to the poor service by @NBN_Australia,' another added. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Telecommunications companies are meanwhile preparing for boost in daytime traffic as more Australians work from home because of coronavirus. Communications Minister Paul Fletcher on Monday held a teleconference with senior executives of NBN Co, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, TPG and Vocus. The companies have set up a working group to share information with each around issues emerging from the virus, such as engineering, security and operations. "Our telcos are quickly responding to the evolving challenges of COVID-19 and have in place business continuity plans to continue to deliver vital telecommunications services," Mr Fletcher said. The companies are bracing from the increase in network traffic after Italy reported a 26 per cent increase in fixed line peak hour network traffic because of more people working from home. The telcos are also awaiting advice from the government on how to protect technicians against customers that are self-isolating. The death of three inmates at the Satu Mare Penitentiary was recorded following a fire in one of the cells, the National Administration of Prisons (ANP) informed on Wednesday evening. "In order to extinguish the fire, resulting from a spontaneous protest of ten inmates staying in the same cell, support was immediately requested from ISU [Emergency Situations Inspectorate] crews. At the same time, SMURD [Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication] crews were also on the scene to grant first aid to the persons involved. Despite the prompt intervention, the incident saw the death of three inmates, while two received medical aid. The other five persons detained in the same cell are out of harm's way," ANP mentions in a release sent to AGERPRES. According to ANP, in view of preventing any risk situations generated by the smoke provoked by the fire, the entire detainment section was evacuated. "We emphasize that it was not necessary to grant first aid to the persons housed in the other detainment sections, their state of mind being adequate. Furthermore, no correctional officers on duty were harmed," the release mentions. ANP also says the fire started immediately after evening call, "procedure during which the inmates invoked no complaints." The incident was notified to the judge supervising detainment, demarches being currently made to notify the relevant prosecutors. The causes and circumstances of the incident will be established by the judiciary authorities in charge with investigation, the release also shows. Ten or 20 years from now, by the time the current crisis has hardened into a cautionary tale about the dangers of governmental incompetence, I imagine we'll look back on US President Donald Trump's Rose Garden news conference of Friday, March 13, as the moment that finally shattered the world's faith in America. What broke me, at least, was the spectacular smallness on display how, in the span of about an hour that afternoon, the illusion of American can-do greatness shrivelled like a frightened turtle right before our eyes. Trump had been disastrously late to lead the fight against the coronavirus, but the United States is often a laggard in times of global turmoil. Now, facing a moment of maximum peril for his country and for the wider world, Trump might have embraced an opportunity for some good old-fashioned American shock and awe. Given his vast powers over land and sea and space, a near-limitless treasury and the untapped reserves of American ingenuity, the only question was which mountain the president would aim to move first. We'll look back on Donald Trump's Rose Garden news conference of Friday, March 13, as the moment that finally shattered the world's faith in America. Credit:Bloomberg Would he commit the federal government to building hospitals to treat the masses sickened by the virus, the way China did? Would he command a warlike mobilisation to rush into production the supplies and equipment needed to weather the crisis not just tests for the virus but also protective gear and hospital ventilators? Would he promise a frightened nation that it had nothing to fear, because, as ever, its mighty government would rush in to protect its weary people? Litchfield Distillery in Litchfield, Conn. has ceased normal production of its spirits to instead provide a public service: free disinfectant alcohol spray. When hand sanitizer started flying of the shelves due to coronavirus, Litchfield Distillery partner Jack Baker said it made sense for his company to take action. "Our industry makes high proof spirits and there became a public need for it; it automatically made sense to offer it to the public," he said. Baker said additives normally found in commercial hand sanitizers, like aloe, are not readily available, "but we have the alcohol part," so they decided to make a spray The spray is not officially approved as a healthcare or sanitation product, but the CDC recommends 60 percent alcohol solutions to kills germs, and Litchfield's spray is 130 proof. Baker said the distillery is giving out the spray to healthcare workers, shelters and soup kitchens. He said many people are also calling about it and "a constant stream of people" is coming into the distillery looking for a bottle of the spray. "When people walk in and say 'I have an 80-year-old dad who's in chemo,'" we give them a bottle. Baker said he's not sure how the pandemic will affect normal business at the distillery. Restaurants and bars are closed, which make up the bulk of their business. But on the other hand, liquor stores are doing well. Regardless, Baker said their main priority is public service, and he believes any company who can offer a public service right now is "obligated to do so." "We stopped normal production to focus on what's needed in community," he said. Litchfield isn't the only distillery thinking this way. Eight Oaks Farm Distillery in Pennsylvania has also temporarily converted its operation into a production line for hand sanitizer, according to the Associated Press. The family-owned distillery plans to dramatically boost production this week and distribute the bottles to charities as well as offer them at farmers markets where it sells its spirits and through its website. Other distilleries including Green Mountain Distillers in Vermont, Durham Distillery in North Carolina and Smugglers Notch Distillery, also in Vermont, are doing the same. I know I have a unique opportunity to help out a little bit and keep my staff employed, Jeremy Elliott, co-owner of Smugglers Notch Distillery told the Associated Press. As Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao clocked 10 years in the industry on Thursday, the actor shared an emotional note, thanking all the co-actors, directors, producers, writers and the audience across the world. The 35-year-old actor took to Instagram to celebrate the 10-year journey in Bollywood. He shared a post in which he captured the characters played by him in the glorious period. He captioned the post as "It's been 10 years for me in the industry. A dream that I saw in my hometown as a kid and to actually see it coming alive is nothing but blessings. Big thanks to all my Co-actors, directors, producers, writers & technicians & Many thanks to YOU, the audience and cinema lovers all across the world. It wouldn't have been possible without ur love & support. Thank you my KarmaBhoomi #Mumbai. It's just a humble beginning for me. I'll always try to push my boundaries and to entertain you and engage you with my work." Rajkummar shared the emotional note as he thanked the Co-actors, directors, producers, writers, technicians, the audience and cinema lovers who have showered their love over the years. Meanwhile, Rao who was last seen in 'Made in China' along with Mouni Roy and Paresh Rawal, has got a number of projects in the pipeline. His upcoming projects include, 'Ludo', 'Roohi Afzana', Netflix's adaptation of 'The White Tiger', 'Chhalaang', and 'Badhaai Do'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday rejected the impression that there would be any stoppage of trade with China in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Qureshi made the comments during an interview to the China's Global Times during his recent visit to Beijing, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. "The two great nations (China and Pakistan) have maintained transport and trade links despite outbreak of virus," he said. About the impact of the pandemic on the construction of the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the foreign Minister said there was a temporary dip. He, however, expressed hope that the CPEC future is very bright not only for both the countries but for the entire region. China has shared its experience in combating the deadly coronavirus with Pakistan and has sent teams to assess the situation, he said, adding that the country has also provided testing kits in thousands. Qureshi along with President Dr Arif Alvi visited China earlier this week to convey support and solidarity of Pakistan to the government and the people of China in the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cautioning people against any complacency in dealing with COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid emphasis on individual "determination" and "restraint through social distancing" in fighting the global pandemic and called for "Janta curfew" on Sunday to prepare for challenges of the future. Addressing the nation, Modi said that the government has decided to constitute an Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to ensure that steps are taken to deal with economic difficulties caused by the threat of the spread of coronavirus were effectively implemented. He urged people not to resort to panic-buying and assured that the government was working to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities. He also urged people to stay at home and work from home to the extent possible and not to go to hospitals for routine checkups. He called upon the people to express their gratitude at 5 pm during Janata curfew to people who were working tirelessly in medical and service-oriented professions in the time of difficulty. In his televised address which lasted about 30 minutes, the Prime Minister said the best way to deal with COVID-19 was self-protection as there was no known cure of the disease which has spread to a large number of countries. He said that 130 crore people of the country had fought with determination to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the last two months and taken necessary precautions. "But for some time, it is appearing that we are away from crisis and everything is alright. This thinking of feeling assured about a global pandemic is not right. It is very essential for every Indian to stay alert," he said. Modi said that people have never disappointed him whenever he has asked for something and it is their blessing due to which efforts are successful. "I have come today to ask for something. I need a few weeks of yours, I need your time," he said. The Prime Minister said science has not been able to find a cure to the pandemic and there is no vaccine available. "It is natural that concerns will grow in this situation," he said. Noting that some countries have seen almost an explosion of coronavirus cases after a few initial days, he said, "Indian government is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of coronavirus." Modi said that the impact of coronavirus is visible in big and developed countries and it will be wrong to assume that India will not be impacted. "Hence two things are needed to fight the pandemic - determination and restraint," he said. "Today 130 crore Indians will have to further strengthen their resolve that they will follow their duties as citizens and follow directions of central and state governments to check the spread of the pandemic," he said. "We have to resolve that we will protect ourselves from getting affected and protect others also. In such global pandemic, only one mantra works - we are healthy, the world is healthy. Today when there is no cure to the disease, it is very essential to keep oneself healthy. To protect oneself from the disease and to stay healthy restraint is necessary and the way of restraint is to not be part of the crowd, to try not to come out of the home. Today what is being described as social distancing is very essential in the time of coronavirus global pandemic," Modi added. Modi urged people not to step out of their homes for the next few weeks unless it is very essential. "To the extent possible, do your work whether it is related to business or office from home," he said. He said that senior citizens, people above 65 years in age should not step out of their houses for the next few weeks. Modi recalled that there were blackouts during wars in the past and papers were pasted on windows so that light does not go out. He said people also kept a vigil. "Today, I am seeking one more support from every citizen. It is Janta Curfew - a curfew for the people and imposed by people themselves," he said. The Prime Minister said that coming Sunday on March 22, people should follow Janta curfew from 7 am to 9 pm. "Our this effort on March 22 will be a symbol of our restraint and following our duty in the interest of the nation. The success of Janta Curfew, its experience will prepare us for future challenges," he said. The Prime Minister said every person should try and phone 10 other people to inform them of Janta Curfew and ways to protect oneself from coronavirus. "The Janta Curfew will be like a test for us and the country. It is time to see and test how India is prepared to fight the global pandemic," he said. The Prime Minister said he needs one more cooperation from people on March 22 during Janta curfew and asked people to express their gratitude to lakhs of people were working at airports, hospitals and performing duties related to transportation and sanitation. He said government employees, police and media were also doing their duties in service of others even though they face the risk of being infected. "I want that on March 22, we express our gratitude to them. At 5 pm on Sunday, we should stand on doors, balconies, windows of our homes and express our gratitude for five minutes," he said, adding that people can do so by clapping or ringing bells. He said the local administrations all over the country should sound sirens at 5 pm. Noting that the country's tradition was of service, he urged people to fully express their feelings of gratitude. He said at this time of difficulty, people will also have to keep in mind that the pressure on essential services and hospitals is growing by the day and appealed to them not to go to hospitals for routine check-ups. Modi said the committee under the Finance Minister has been constituted to deal with economic challenges posed by the pandemic. "This task force will ensure that whatever steps are taken to tide over economic difficulties are implemented effectively," he said. Noting that the middle class, lower-middle class and the poor sections had been economically impacted by the coronavirus, Modi appealed to industrialists and those in the high-income group to take care of economic interests of those who work for them. Asking people not to go for hoarding or resort to "panic buying", he said all steps are being taken that there is no shortage of essentials such as milk, food products and medicines. He said every citizen has for the past two months considered the difficulty as his own difficulty and done whatever he could for the country and society. "I have faith that in the coming days, you will continue to discharge your responsibilities," the Prime Minister said, adding that difficulties come and rumours are also sought to be spread. Referring to Navratri which starts next week, he said it was a festival to worship "shakti" and wished that the country moves ahead with full power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MIDDLETOWN The first case of coronavirus in Middlesex County is not in Middletown, Mayor Ben Florsheim confirmed Wednesday evening. Its unclear which municipality reported the persons positive test. Since Tuesday, 28 more Connecticut residents tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 96, according to Gov. Ned Lamont, who spoke at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The statewide breakdown as of Wednesday afternoon was: Fairfield County, 69; Hartford County, 11; Litchfield County, five; Middlesex County, one, and New Haven County, 10. In Middletown, Maryellen Shukerow, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, has been running on very little sleep and her cellphone has been ringing constantly. During the unfolding coronavirus pandemic now beginning to affect Connecticut residents, shes scaled back volunteers except those who are tried and true and willing to come in. My job is to keep everyone safe, and myself safe, and I know how to do that. In this environment, I dont think any of us are safe, so Im taking every precaution, Shukerow said. Its tough. Its stressful for my staff, most of whom are working remotely. Im trying to keep everyone, especially my part-time staff, financially whole, so Im deploying them [to the Amazing Grace food pantry] so they can get their hours. That way everybody stays whole in their paycheck, Shukerow explained. For families and individuals with little means, free nonperishables are a vital and sometimes only source of sustenance. With stepped-up operations to help the citys most vulnerable population, Shukerow is handling operations as widely and smoothly as possible. Dining Services Manager Lisa Magee-Corvo was stationed just inside the soup kitchen, meeting people at the door after they cleaned their hands with sanitizer. She was wearing a mask, and handing out corned beef and cabbage dinners with Irish soda bread, left over from Tuesday. Bags for home were filled with a few items: cookies, chocolate milk, a bag of pretzels, cold-cut sandwiches for dinner and utensils. One per person is allowed. Because events are being canceled throughout the area, organizers, including the Knights of Columbus, have been dropping off all their food. Were trying to make sure people dont gather. When they wait in line for food, I say, Spread out. No hugging, Magee-Corvo said cheerily to one pair. You guys have got to stay away from each other. I would love to put out coffee. I would love to put out pastries (both are available normally throughout the day at the soup kitchen). Coffee isnt a necessity right now, because it encourages people to congregate and talk. One thing staff are discouraging donors from doing is showing up and handing out food directly to people outside. That was wonderful and beautiful, but its defeating what were trying to do here, Magee-Corvo said. So far, so good. Right now we have enough food, Shukerow said. St. Vincents will also be delivering food to the Eddy Shelter and YMCA so residents can stay where they are instead of having to come downtown. People using the warming center are allowed entry at 9 p.m. and must leave by 7:30 a.m. Theres no food, however, so Shuckerow is having staff pick up hot meals for dinner. The provider community were working hard to get people into shelters and housed, she said. The Department of Housing is releasing a large amount of Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing dollars. On the first day of reduced hours at Amazing Grace, 235 boxes of food were ready to go, albeit with fewer items than usual. Im giving up what I have. It is the best we have: veggies, meat, a dessert, cheese, said Shuckerow, who is urging people who can to donate nonperishable items as soon as they can so service can continue uninterrupted. Every day, Shukerow is misting the entire pantry and soup kitchen: spraying a microscopic microbial disinfectant on every hard surface it hits. Ill push a button tonight. Ill cover all the things. In five minutes, it hits every surface, and it gets the air clean. The pantry is the largest pantry provider served by the Connecticut Food Bank. Although Amazing Grace serves some families outside Middletown, the 900 city families who frequent the pantry take priority now. Soon, more people will be laid off. Were going to have to address this, Shukerow said. Shes working in conjunction with the mayors office and Middlesex United Way. I need two things from this community: donation checks and food. I need as much as I can get to keep this rolling, Shuckerow said. Theyre pleased to have the service available in the community and not a single complaint today. It was so nice. I was expecting to do some triage in the line, Peter Keast of St. Vincents said at Amazing Grace. Order for one, please, one volunteer said, indicating she needed someone to grab a box of food. In all, 50 families were served by noon Wednesday. Keast expected between 100 to 150 individuals to stop by before closing a higher than normal number. The soup kitchen, at 617 Main St., is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations needed include hygiene items, mayonnaise, sliced lunch meats, boxed grits, oatmeal and sliced cheese. The pantry at 16 Stack St. is hoping to receive donations of spaghetti sauce, tuna, soups, peanut butter, canned fruit, vegetables and beans, dried beans, pasta, and more. It is open Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school district is holding a grab-and-go food site at Macdonough Elementary School, 66 Spring St.; Bielefield, 70 Maynard St.; Spencer, 207 Westfield St.; Snow, 299 Wadsworth St.; and Woodrow Wilson Middle School, 1 Wildermans Way, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. In an unusual move, Middletown Police Chief William McKenna took to the departments Facebook page Wednesday to speak to residents. Essential staff and emergency workers are being urged to be mindful of undue exposures, and practice social distancing. For those of you who have remained home, or away from the downtown part of Middletown, the buildings are still standing, the leaves are still blowing on the trees and if/when we do run into someone on Main St., they are friendly and continue to keep their spirits up, McKenna said. Whats going on in the community Jerrys Pizza on South Main Street is getting creative with its takeout menu with pizza kits, with fresh dough, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese and grated mozzarella. Do something fun with your little ones or even try it out for yourself! $10. [Owner Carmela Schiano] will even give you a few cooking tips, according to the restaurants Facebook post. There have been a few local Facebook groups set up where people are exchanging information and sharing observances and questions, including Whats Happening in Middletown (Connecticut), Parents of Middletown CT Students and SHOUT IT OUT!, to support local business owners. In the spirit of St. Patricks Day, seven young female Irish step dancers stopped by Mazzotta Place in the North End Tuesday for an impromptu performance accompanied by music. Parents in the North End can avail themselves of the Little Free Library on the corner of Prospect and Grand streets, which has Legos, new books and games. Donations are also welcome. Access Health CT is holding open enrollment for the uninsured during a special period through April 2. For information, call 855-365-2428 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit http://bit.ly/2UgCJfh. Also, the business tax deadline has been extended, according to House Democrats. For information, visit the citys website cityofmiddletown.com. Ben Florsheim for Mayor on Facebook and portal.ct.gov/coronavirus. China and Cambodia bucked the global trend of event cancellations this week by starting joint military exercises as a way to show the world they're over the coronavirus outbreak and getting friendlier despite apprehension in other countries. The two old friends that often chafe against neighboring Vietnam and the United States began their fourth annual joint military drill on Sunday. The activities in Cambodia's Kampot province will focus on humanitarian rescue work and counterterrorism work before ending April 1, the Chinese official Xinhua News agency reported. China and its military weaker counterpart are holding their "Dragon Gold 2020" drills amid a global wave of event cancellations to stop the spread of COVID-19, the deadly diseases caused by the coronavirus. China reports more cases than any other country, about 80,000, since the virus was discovered there in December. But new cases have slowed to near none this month. Officials in Beijing hope to show the world they are reemerging now politically and economically after the outbreak, which is still spreading in Western countries, while Cambodia wants to show solidarity so it can get more Chinese aid, analysts say. "This is a way of China saying that things are getting back to normal," said Alan Chong, associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "I think China wanted to put the COVID-19 virus behind it. There's every reason to shore up regime legitimacy as soon as possible." Hospitals are struggling to find enough doctors, nurses and other health care workers to care for mounting numbers of critically ill coronavirus patients. The staffing problems are on top of the equipment problems the lack of ICU beds, ventilators, and masks and other protective equipment needed to prevent the healers from becoming patients. Hospitals are taking extraordinary measures to bulk up the workforce, from calling on retirees for help to assigning medical students to answer the phones. The Trump administration on Wednesday announced new rules that would let doctors practice across state lines, without going through layers of recertification and licensing. And CMS is releasing recommendations on limiting non-essential elective procedures, which will also free up personnel and resources although hospitals, which rely on some revenue-producing elective procedures, raised alarms over the weekend over how to define elective care. They will not only preserve equipment, but it also allows doctors and nurses to help those that are on the front lines, said CMS Administrator Seema Verma at a White House press briefing Wednesday. The VA is also preparing to help bolster the civilian health care system. But the numbers of physicians is finite and older ones, as well as those with their own health conditions, are at risk from Covid-19. The problem is compounded by the infectious nature of the disease, which is exposing dozens of frontline workers who need to self quarantine if they have the virus. Some have already fallen ill. Dozens of frontline caregivers in the United States have been exposed, wrote two Harvard University medical students Adam Beckman and Suhas Gondi and Yale University health policy expert Howard Forman on the Health Affairs blog Wednesday. This trend will accelerate in the coming weeks and months, as health care workers increasingly come into contact with patients with Covid-19 and shortages of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) worsen. Story continues Hospitals will have to figure out how to steer any surging workforce, who should concentrate on coronavirus patients and who should take care of people who still come in with other serious diseases and injuries. And some community physicians, who may not have been in an ICU since their training but want to lend a hand, say they havent gotten a lot of guidance. Hospitals are taking a sweeping look at how they can boost their staff and already retired doctors have offered step up if they can easily renew their licenses and admitting privileges. Its all hands on deck especially well-educated clinical hands, said Nancy Foster, the American Hospital Associations vice president for quality and patient safety policy. She said some hospitals have reached out to medical and nursing schools asking who can offer extra hands. Widespread school closures have also created problems for medical workers as well as other hospital personnel including food service and the crews who more than ever who have to clean and disinfect with kids now at home with no one else to take care of them. Some facilities are creating on-site child care facilities and also subsidizing these services, as the AHA and Americas Essential Hospitals call on more dollars from Congress to help. As they start closing schools down it creates downward pressure on the availability of staff, said Alan Levine, CEO of Ballad Health, which has more than 20 hospitals serving rural Tennessee and Virginia. We lose some of our nurses and health care manpower. The Association of American Medical Colleges called on med schools to bar students from their clinical work with patients for two weeks and some students are instead performing telehealth screenings or babysitting the children of doctors and nurses, so they can go to work. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo addresses a regional summit of governors on public health issues around cannabis and vaping, Thursday Oct. 17, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) Meanwhile, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is asking medical, nursing and public health schools for detailed information on how many students and staff could pitch in, and what their specialties are. At Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, staffing is the primary concern. They have two coronavirus teams of six staff each and contingency plans for freeing up more staff, while also working with the other hospitals in the city on how to manage an influx of patients. Some doctors say they are ready to help even if they arent pulmonologists or ICU doctors, they can still care for patients, freeing up colleagues to concentrate on the pandemic. But its not at all clear that hospitals have figured out how exactly to pull these levers. The American Nurses Association suggested that nurses with inactive licenses, school nurses and senior nursing students can take on roles like helping out at drive-thru testing sites or long-term care facilities. Rural areas havent been hit as hard yet as their urban counterparts in places like New York, the Seattle area, and parts of California. But they already are seeing boosts in patients and workforce shortages. Their hospitals are already very lean, and a lot of the physicians are older, meaning they have their own coronavirus risks. And 48 percent of rural hospitals operate on a loss, according to the National Rural Health Association, making any surge in patients particularly difficult. In a small rural hospital, each employee wears several different hats, and if you lose just one of those, its like youre losing a couple different employees, and soon the facility will be unable to function, said Maggie Elehwany, the association's government affairs and policy vice president. For instance: In Indiana, one rural health member relayed to the national association that two staff members are quarantined, while the hospital is running low on money. They have four EMS personnel on staff, and are unsure how they would make up for the staffing loss if those front line workers have to self isolate. But worries over the fast-moving coronavirus dont stop at staffing shortages. Were actually rather desperate for help right now, said Cassie Sauer, president and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association, where one of the most severe outbreaks is taking place. Were asking the navy to send a Navy Ship up here from San Diego a medical ship were asking for field hospitals, were asking for the National Guard, were asking for a release of the national strategic stockpile for PPE. President Donald Trump did deploy two hospital ships on Wednesday though not necessarily to Seattle. Shortages of personal protective equipment, bed capacity and key lifesaving equipment are mounting as more and more confirmed coronavirus cases crop up around the country. Washington State Hospital Association is calling on other industries, such as dentists, veterinarians and even automakers, to share their supplies of personal protective equipment. Levine said Ballad Health ordered more ventilators, but estimates they will take eight to 10 weeks to arrive. Italy bought them up, he said. Hes considering reopening one shuttered hospital as a Covid-19 hub but will have to staff it. The Ohio Hospital Association is talking to local nursing homes about using an empty wing or a building to treat non-coronavirus patients safely, freeing up hospital rooms for Covid-19 patients. They may even turn to floors of hotels for the less seriously ill patients. University of California San Francisco has converted a floor of its largest facility, which has 600 beds, to an environment that can house coronavirus patients. The hospital has about two weeks of personal masks, gowns and gloves on hand, and is treating about 40 per day and testing about 100 more. Trump on Wednesday invoked the Defense Production Act, which puts the economy on a wartime footing against the virus. The VA is also preparing to share both medical personnel and equipment to shore up a civilian health care system about to face unprecedented demands. But theres still uncertainty for how much further the health care system will be pushed and if itll reach a breaking point. I think theres a lot we dont know and I know that there are folks out there modeling scenarios, Beth Feldpush, the senior vice president of policy and advocacy at Americas Essential Hospitals. Debra Kahn, Susannah Luthi and Alice Miranda Ollstein contributed. Researchers have identified the oldest fossil of a modern bird yet found, dating from the age of dinosaurs, a finding that may shed more light on avian evolution, and help understand how birds survived the extinction event which killed most large ancient reptiles. The fossil, described in the journal Nature, is nicknamed the 'Wonderchicken', and includes a nearly complete skull, hidden inside pieces of rock. According to the researchers, including those from the University of Cambridge in the UK, the fossil dates from less than one million years before the asteroid impact which eliminated all large dinosaurs. They said the 'Wonderchicken' fossil was found in a limestone quarry near the Belgian-Dutch border, making it the first modern bird from the age of dinosaurs found in the northern hemisphere. The scientists believe the new fossil may help clarify why birds survived this mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period about 66 million years ago, while the giant dinosaurs did not. Based on the finding, the scientists suggested that the 'Wonderchicken' is close to the last common ancestor of modern chickens and ducks. The study noted that the fossil did not look like that of a bird on first glance, with only a few small leg bone fragments poking out from a piece of rock the size of a deck of cards. Using high-resolution X-ray CT scans, the researchers then peered through the rock to see what was lying beneath the surface. Just one millimetre beneath the rock, they said they found a nearly complete 66.7-million-year-old bird skull. "The moment I first saw what was beneath the rock was the most exciting moment of my scientific career," said study co-author Daniel Field from the University of Cambridge. Field described the skull as a kind of 'mash-up' of a chicken and a duck. "This is one of the best-preserved fossil bird skulls of any age, from anywhere in the world," Field said. According to the scientists, the skull, despite its age, is clearly recognisable as a modern bird. They said it combines many features common to the group in the animal kingdom, called Galloanserae, that includes modern day chickens and ducks. "The origins of living bird diversity are shrouded in mystery -- other than knowing that modern birds arose at some point towards the end of the age of dinosaurs, we have very little fossil evidence of them until after the asteroid hit," said Albert Chen, another co-author of the study from Cambridge. "This fossil provides our earliest direct glimpse of what modern birds were like during the initial stages of their evolutionary history," Chen said. While the scientists colloquially refer to the fossil as the Wonderchicken, they have given it the name of Asteriornis, in reference to Asteria -- the Greek Titan goddess of falling stars. "We thought it was an appropriate name for a creature that lived just before the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact," said study co-author Daniel Ksepka from the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, US. "In Greek mythology, Asteria transforms herself into a quail, and we believe Asteriornis was close to the common ancestor that today includes quails, as well as chickens and ducks," Ksepka said. The researchers added that late Cretaceous fossil record of birds from Europe is extremely sparse, making the current finding more significant. "The discovery of Asteriornis provides some of the first evidence that Europe was a key area in the early evolutionary history of modern birds," said John Jagt, another co-author of the study from the Natuurhistorische Museum Maastricht in the Netherlands. According to Field, the fossil reveals that that early on, at least some modern birds were fairly small-bodied, ground-dwelling birds that lived near the seashore. "Asteriornis now gives us a search image for future fossil discoveries -- hopefully it ushers in a new era of fossil finds that help clarify how, when and where modern birds first evolved," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced on Thursday to close down Wagah border with India for two weeks as the number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 341. The interior ministry through a notification said that it closed the key border point with India "for an initial period of two weeks (14 days) with immediate effect". It said the measure was taken to "prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of both countries." Pakistan's western border with Iran and Afghanistan had already been closed to curb the spread of the deadly virus which had infected people in more than 150 countries. Meanwhile, more coronavirus cases were reported in Pakistan as the number of patients in Balochistan province rose to 45 and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 34. FOLLOW COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES HERE Another 211 patients were in worst-hit Sindh, 33 in Punjab, 15 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 2 in Islamabad and 1 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. So far two people have died due to the novel coronavirus in Pakistan. Pakistan was taking measures to stop the spread of the infection and lately religious affairs minister Noor ul Haq Qadri said that training programs for Haj pilgrims were suspended as part of the preventive measure. In Karachi, which is one of worst-hit areas, Christian leaders suspended Church services. The Foreign Office announced to hold indirect press conference as a precautionary measure to control the spread of coronavirus. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that reporters can submit questions through email and answers will be published on the ministry's website. Updated at 2:41 on March 19, 2020: Toyota announced Thursday afternoon that the planned two-day shutdown of its production facilities across North America, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Huntsville, would be extended through April 3. Originally, the suspension was planned for March 23-24. It will still begin on March 23 but continue through April 3. Production will resume on April 6. Employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits during the shutdown. Original story: One of Huntsvilles largest employers will shut down briefly next week in response to the coronavirus pandemic while one of the states largest economic developments is still moving forward. Toyota, which has one of its largest engine manufacturers located in Huntsville, will suspend operations at all of its automobile and components plants in North America March 23-24 before resuming work March 25. Employees will continue to be paid during the brief shutdown. Toyota said its service department depots and vehicle logistics centers will continue operation. The Huntsville motor plant employs about 1,300 people and produces about 670,000 engines each year. That number will grow to 900,000 engines and 450 employees with an ongoing expansion of the plant scheduled to be completed next year that will eclipse the $1 billion investment mark since the plant opened in 2003. The two-day Toyota shutdown marks the third company in Alabamas auto industry to take a break because of the coronavirus. Honda is halting work at its auto manufacturing plant in Lincoln in east Alabama for six days next week while Hyundai in Montgomery has closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. "This action is being taken to help ensure the health and safety of our employees, and due to an anticipated decline in market demand related to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Toyota said in a statement Wednesday. "We will conduct a thorough cleaning at all of our manufacturing facilities during the shutdown. This also will allow Toyota employees to prepare and adjust family plans in relation to regional directives to close schools. The safety and security of our employees, stakeholders and community are a top priority and we will continue to monitor the situation and take action in a timely manner." Meanwhile, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA also located in Huntsville is moving ahead with construction of its $1.6 billion plant scheduled to open next year. The plant will ultimately employ 4,000 people At this time there has been no identified impact to plant construction timelines or start of production identified in relation to the global occurrence of COVID-19, MTMUS said in a statement to AL.com on Tuesday. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing continues to monitor the status and impact of COVID-19 and we will continue to act in a timely manner and base our decisions on the guidance we receive from the authorities. A UCLA student celebrates with a classmate during a graduation ceremony. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) UCLA will cancel traditional graduation ceremonies and hold them remotely to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Chancellor Gene Block announced Wednesday. "As we all work to limit the spread of COVID-19, it has become increasingly clear that we will not be able to gather in person for spring 2020 commencement ceremonies, so the College commencement, doctoral hooding ceremony and all campus graduation ceremonies will be adapted to be virtual events," Block said in a message to the campus community. The announcement devastated many seniors, who said they feel robbed of the joyous capstone to their college journey. Already, students are circulating at least three petitions signed by thousands of people urging UCLA officials to reverse what they regard as a premature decision, said Victoria Solkovits, a student leader and senior majoring in political science and human biology and society. Solkovits said she and her family and friends have been crying ever since they learned of the decision on Twitter early Wednesday evening. "Devastated, confused, angry are the kind of emotions that me and a lot of my classmates are going through," Solkovits said. "We understand public health and public safety ... but commencement is truly one of the most memorable events in our lives. So I think we're all pretty astounded that they would think that this was the right decision at this time." UCLA's decision follows a similar announcement last week by UC Irvine, which was the first of nine University of California undergraduate campuses to cancel in-person graduation events. The campus, like scores of colleges and universities across the country, has moved to online learning and strongly encouraged students to return home and stay there to avoid possible exposure to the infectious disease in dorms and dining halls. UCLA will continue remote instruction and a suspension of all large gatherings through the end of spring quarter. Story continues Block said UCLA College, whose commencement is the largest, will hold an "engaging" virtual ceremony on June 12. The name of the keynote speaker will be announced soon, he said. He said the difficult decision to cancel traditional graduation ceremonies was "driven entirely by our desire to protect the health and safety of our community, which includes all of the family and friends who would have joined us at our commencement ceremonies. "Please remember that, even for an event as momentous as commencement, the day does not define the journey," he said. "Even when we are apart, we remain deeply connected as Bruins." Solkovits, however, said such comments seemed to discount the importance of the ceremonies to students and their families. To walk across a stage in cap and gown with thousands of fellow Bruins, celebrating their accomplishments and cheering each other on, is a moment she has long dreamed of, she said. "For a lot of us, this is a group journey," she said. "Our families have been with us through it and this is a moment we were all hoping for together. It feels like it's being ripped away." A 65-YEAR-OLD Filipino male confined in a private hospital in Mandaue City was the first positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Cebu, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed Wednesday, March 18, 2020. DOH 7 Director Jaime Bernadas confirmed the report, adding that the patient was on his way to recovery. He is about to be discharged, he said. Hopefully, he can share his experience with us. Bernadas said the patient had no history of travel outside the country. However, he had traveled in different cities of Mindanao and Manila in the past two months before he was confined in Chong Hua Hospital in Mandaue City. Mandaue City now has one confirmed case of a patient infected with Covid-19. It still has 37 patients under investigation (PUI) and 64 persons under monitoring. Meeting On the same day, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan met inside the office of Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino. They coordinated their efforts in the fight against Covid-19, and they discussed the procurement of personal protective equipment for the medical frontliners. In his Facebook post, Cortes called all Mandauehanons to cooperate in the fight against Covid-19, urging them to follow curfew, social distancing and personal hygiene. The local officials urged Cebuanos not to panic. Quarantine Two of the 35 mayors in Cebu who attended a recent assembly in Manila have subjected themselves to home quarantine. Garcia said the local chief executives took the initiative after Baliwag, Bulacan Mayor Ferdie Estrella tested positive for the new coronavirus. Estella was one of the attendees of the assembly participated in by mayors in the country. Chong Huas statement The Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue management released a statement on its Facebook page, saying it established a containment section for all PUIs. However, it said that exposure to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) cannot be totally avoided. Story continues Upon exposure to eventually confirmed cases, mandatory quarantine of its healthcare staff for the required period would have to be strictly followed. Mandaue patient Bernadas could not remember when the Mandaue patient was admitted, saying it could have been either March 6 or March 7. The test was taken either on March 10 or March 11, he said. The patient, he said, was already considered a PUI upon his admission to the hospital. Asked whether he would suggest a total lockdown in Cebu, Bernadas said it would be up to the local government units to implement it. New Covid-19 cases The DOH also announced 15 new cases of Covid-19 Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 202 nationwide. It showed that three of the new cases (PH190, PH192, PH193) have been admitted at the San Juan Medical Center, while one (PH189) is at Mandaluyong City Medical Center. The DOH has yet to release the profiles of the new confirmed cases. The health department also announced Wednesday three new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 17. The DOH said the three all died on March 17. The mortalities include PH201, a 58-year-old Filipino male from Lanao del Sur who had traveled to Malaysia before he died at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center; PH57, a 65-year-old Filipino male from Pasig City who had traveled to London before he died at The Medical City-Ortigas; and PH160, an 86-year-old Filipino female from San Juan City with no travel history or exposure to a known Covid-19 case and who expired at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan. Aside from the deaths and new positive cases, the DOH announced three new recoveries Wednesday, bringing the total number of patients who recovered from Covid-19 to seven. (WBS with reports from LMY, RTF, KFD, JJL & PAC) RALEIGH, N.C., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertical IQ, a Raleigh-based industry intelligence firm that helps thousands of professionals who advise small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has created a new webpage that publishes expert research on how the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is affecting specific industries and sectors of the economy. The page, www.verticaliq.com/covid-19 , does not require a Vertical IQ login to access and is available to the public. The Vertical IQ research team will regularly update this page with the latest insights on industries affected by COVID-19. Examples of industries included on this feature page are Amusement Parks & Arcades, Convention & Trade Show Management, Medical & Imaging Labs, Restaurants, and more. "This COVID-19-related industry intelligence is invaluable to organizations in several ways," says Bobby Martin, CEO and co-founder of Vertical IQ. "We decided to publish this research at no cost to help organizations of all types understand the virus' impact on businesses. This way, advisors are better able to help these businesses navigate through this challenging time." Martin notes that this type of focused industry intelligence is valuable for a variety of professionals including accountants, attorneys, bankers, financial advisors, media, and more. He encourages these advisors to share the knowledge they obtain on the Vertical IQ webpage with their customers and prospects to build trust, deepen relationships and win more business. "For example, if you're a banker, you can use this COVID-19-related industry intelligence to help track how specific loans and concentrations of loans may affect your bank," says Martin. "Also, with many businesses shut down, meeting payroll and other working capital requirements will be difficult. Having this critical insight at your fingertips is an efficient way to see how other similar businesses are being impacted." Bill Walker, Vertical IQ co-founder and executive vice president in charge of research, also notes the importance of getting accurate information. "Rather than learning about industries in bits and pieces or from unreliable sources, we knew it was important for people to get information from an experienced industry intelligence partner written for those that advise small and medium-sized businesses. That was the impetus for delivering this intelligence and making it free of charge." This Vertical IQ COVID-19 content is free for public use, and the information may be shared. For the convenience of Vertical IQ's customers, each Coronavirus update is also included in the Vertical IQ platform as a Quarterly Update within the impacted industries. Visit www.verticaliq.com/covid-19 to learn more about the affected industries. To learn more about Vertical IQ or to request a demo, visit www.verticaliq.com . About Vertical IQ Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Vertical IQ is an innovative industry intelligence solution that helps prepare bankers, accountants and other advisors of all types who advise small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With actionable content covering more than 500 unique industries, as well as 325 economic/industry reports for cities across the U.S., Vertical IQ quickly turns its users into industry experts, helping them land new business and retain existing customers. Vertical IQ's Industry Intelligence has been incorporated into the successful relationship management processes of organizations of all sizes. Learn more at www.verticaliq.com . SOURCE Vertical IQ Related Links http://www.verticaliq.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Thu, March 19, 2020 16:13 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bea4be 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,outbreak,Kuala-Lumpur,religious-gathering,North-Sumatra,Medan,isolation Free A person from Langkat regency, North Sumatra who recently attended a mass religious gathering in Kuala Lumpur has been placed under surveillance for COVID-19 in an isolation ward at Adam Malik Hospital in Medan. The patient, who lives in Hinai district, was among 350 people from the province to attend the event in the Malaysian capital. The gathering was held from Feb. 28 to March 1 and attended by around 16,000 people from several countries, including Indonesia. Langkat regional secretary Indra Salahuddin said the administration had recorded 30 people that had attended the gathering. Apart from the one placed in isolation, eight others had been ordered to self-quarantine in their homes. "These people just returned on March 15," Indra told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. The North Sumatra administration ordered local administrations to trace 350 residents across the province who recently returned from the Kuala Lumpur gathering. They were placed in observation in an effort to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further. Read also: How a 16,000-strong religious gathering led Malaysia to lockdown Adam Malik Hospital spokesperson Rosario Dorothy Simanjuntak confirmed that the patient had been placed in an isolation room. The spokesperson, however, refused to reveal the patients identity and origin. She added that the number of patients under surveillance for COVID-19 at the hospital had reached 10 as of Thursday afternoon. Authorities of Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia have been tracking thousands of their citizens believed to have been potentially exposed to the coronavirus at the religious event on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. A number of Brunei and Singapore nationals had been tested positive of COVID-19 after attending the event. At least three Indonesians also test positive for the disease. More than 600 Indonesians attended the large gathering, 350 of whom came from North Sumatra. (aly) U.S. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol March 17, 2020 in Washington, DC. The plan unveiled on Thursday by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., among other Democrats, goes much further than the Trump administration's approach of waiving interest on federal student loans during the national emergency. Senate Democrats are proposing that the federal government cancel student loan payments throughout the coronavirus outbreak and forgive at least $10,000 of the debt for each borrower. "Families and student loan borrowers desperately need our help right now and we're only just at the beginning of the devastating economic impact of this crisis," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a statement. In addition to the suspension of student loan payments and $10,000 in student debt forgiveness, the proposal calls for halting the garnishment of wages, tax refunds and Social Security benefits for past-due borrowers. Consumer advocates were quick to applaud the proposal. "The bold measures proposed by Senators Schumer, Murray, Brown and Warren are necessary to shield borrowers from the government's draconian collection powers and to ensure that Americans devastated by the financial crisis are able to dig out in the months ahead," said Persis Yu, the director of the Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project at the National Consumer Law Center. More from Personal Finance: Here's where to put emergency funds now These financial moves can help you prepare for a recession What the Fed cutting interest rates to zero means for you Plans to forgive student debt have been gaining traction on the left. As a candidate for president, Warren proposed cancelling up to $50,000 per borrower, and candidate Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has called for wiping out all $1.7 trillion of the country's outstanding education debt. How has the pandemic impacted your ability to repay your student loans? Email me: Annie.Nova@Nbcuni.com Ukrainians wearing face masks look at the latest news on a phone in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Ukrainian authorities ruled to close public places except food markets, pharmacies and gas stations starting from Tuesday in Kyiv and other regions, and restrict the use of public transport from Kyiv to other Ukrainian cities. Read more ROME The Chinese city where the coronavirus first took hold reported no new homegrown cases Thursday, while the death toll in Italy was poised to overtake that of China in a dramatic illustration of how the outbreak has pivoted toward Europe and the United States. The worldwide death toll crept toward 10,000 as the total number of infections topped 220,000, including nearly 85,000 people who had recovered. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe pleaded for people to keep their distance from one another to avoid spreading the virus, even as the crisis pushed them to seek comfort. When you love someone, you should avoid taking them in your arms, he said in parliament. It's counterintuitive, and it's painful; the psychological consequences, the way we are living, are very disturbing but it's what we must do. Italy, a country of 60 million, registered 2,978 deaths Wednesday after another 475 people died. Given that Italy has been averaging more than 350 deaths a day since March 15, it's likely to overtake Chinas 3,249 dead in a country of 1.4 billion when Thursdays figures are released at days end. U.N. and Italian health authorities have cited a variety of reasons for Italys high toll, key among them its large elderly population that is particularly susceptible to developing serious complications from the virus. Italy has the worlds second oldest population after Japans and the vast majority of Italys dead 87% were over age 70. The American death toll rose to 149, primarily elderly people. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a virologist at Germany's Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, said Italy's high death rate could be explained in part by the almost total collapse of the health system in some parts. "And then people die who wouldn't have died with timely intervention," he said. That's what happens when the health system collapses. On a visit to the northern city of Milan, the head of a Chinese Red Cross delegation helping advise Italy on the crisis said he was shocked to see so many people walking around the city, using public transportation, eating out in hotels and not taking other precautions. Yang Huichuan said that Wuhan only saw its infections peak after a month of a strictly enforced lockdown. Right now we need to stop all economic activity and we need to stop the mobility of people, he said. All people should be staying at home in quarantine. A total of 222,642 cases have been reported worldwide, with 9,115 deaths and 84,506 recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Aside from the elderly and the sick, most people only have mild or moderate symptoms, like a fever or cough. Spain has been the hardest hit European country after Italy, and in Madrid a four-star hotel began operating as a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients. The director of the group that runs the Ayre GH Colon hotel tweeted: 365 rooms more to help win the war. The Madrid Hotel Business Association says it has placed 40 hotels with room for 9,000 people at the service of the Madrid region, which has near half of Spain's some 17,000 cases so far. In London, home to almost 9 million, the government urged people to stay off public transportation as authorities considered imposing tougher travel restrictions. The British supermarket chain Sainsbury's reserved the first hour of shopping for vulnerable customers, one of many such efforts around the world. Jim Gibson, 72, of southeast London, said he found most of his groceries there in a relatively trauma-free experience. But he fretted that he hadn't been able to get the medicine he needed for his wife and himself, and expressed concerns that Britain's Conservative government had been too slow in ramping up tests for the virus. You can't go on ignoring World Health Organization guidelines if they're wrong, who the hell is right? he said. Let's have no shilly-shallying. In a high-profile case, Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator for its future relationship with Britain after Brexit, said he had been infected with the coronavirus. "I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team," the 69-year-old Barnier said in a tweet. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together. Thursday marked the first time the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged late last year, showed no new numbers since Jan. 20. The news offered a rare glimmer of hope and perhaps a lesson in the strict measures needed to halt its spread. Wuhan once was the place where thousands lay sick or dying in hurriedly constructed hospitals. But Chinese authorities said Thursday that all 34 new cases recorded over the previous day had been imported from abroad. Today, we have seen the dawn after so many days of hard effort, said Jiao Yahui, a senior inspector at the National Health Commission. Wuhan has been under a strict lockdown since January. While China did not report any new cases in Wuhan or Hubei province, it did record eight additional deaths. European stock markets were up only slightly after losses in Asia despite a massive 750 billion-euro stimulus package announced overnight by the European Central Bank. Oil dropped below $21 a barrel Wednesday for the first time since 2002, and rose slightly Thursday to $23. The United Nations warned that the crisis could lead to the loss of nearly 25 million jobs around the world. More borders shut, leaving tens of thousands of tourists wondering how they would get home. In the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand shut out tourists, allowing only citizens and residents to return, while Fiji reported its first virus case, a worrying development in a region with poor healthcare. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei planned to pardon 10,000 more prisoners among them an unknown number of political detainees to combat the coronavirus. The country, where more than 1,100 people have already died from the virus, has already released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave. In Austria, the western province of Tyrol put 279 municipalities under quarantine in light of a large number of infections there, banning anyone from leaving towns or villages except to go to work. The U.S. and Canada both closed their borders to all but essential travel and U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to assert extraordinary powers to immediately turn back to Mexico anyone who crosses over the southern border illegally. Russia and Mexico each reported their first death from the virus. Mexico closed its popular spring equinox visits to the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan. In the U.S., Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler, along with Honda and Toyota, said they will shut all of their factories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The closing of Detroit's Big Three alone will idle about 150,000 workers. The U.S. has reported more than 9,400 coronavirus cases and at least 149 deaths, about half of them in Washington state, where dozens in a suburban Seattle nursing home have died. Scientists believe the true number of people infected in the United States is higher than reported because many mild cases may have gone unrecognized and the U.S saw delays in ramping up testing. Rising reported from Berlin. Perry reported from Wellington, New Zealand. Associated Press reporters around the world contributed. The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. South Africans must take note of new travel restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the outbreak a national disaster and announced a series of stringent restrictions for international and local travel to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes a ban on foreign nationals travelling from high-risk countries like Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, United States, UK, and China into South Africa. South African citizens who have visited high-risk countries from the middle of February onwards must also present themselves for testing and will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, even if they show no symptoms of the virus. Additionally, several medium-risk regions were identified, including Portugal, Singapore, and Hong Kong. People who have travelled to medium-risk countries will undergo high-intensity screening upon entry to the country. The government has also discouraged all non-essential domestic travel, especially via air, taxi, rail, or bus. MyBroadband spoke to local travel agencies about what South African travellers should expect as airports and authorities intensify screening processes. More time at the airport Increased surveillance, screening, and testing measures have been implemented at OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka international airports. This means that clearing security checks before entering the airport terminal will take more time. Flight Centre Travel Group Middle East and Africa MD Andrew Stark advised travellers to be prepared for this delay. Allow for additional time at airports and ports of entry, locally and abroad, as strict health screening is being performed at airports worldwide, Stark said. Travelstart has noted that international travellers from Asia will be particularly affected. Enhanced temperature screenings will take place for all international travellers from China. These screenings will detect if a passenger shows symptoms of a fever, Travelstart explained. If an alert is raised, the passenger will need to provide the authorities with a detailed travel history and a medical examination at the airports health facility, it added. Passengers with a potential infection will enter quarantine before being sent to a designated hospital. Delay Dont cancel Although South Africans arent explicitly banned from travelling internationally, travel agency The Boyz strongly advised against travelling to high-risk countries. Many destination countries have their own bans in effect. Most are on total lockdown, The Boyz said. The best course of action for travellers is to postpone trips to high-risk areas, rather than abandoning plans altogether. If you have already booked or are holding a booking, check the possibilities of implementing a date change rather than cancelling. Cancelling a booking costs much more than doing a date change, The Boyz stated. Flight Centre advised customers to contact its agents for assistance in this regard. Our travel experts have the latest information on cancellation and rebooking policies, and can assist customers with rescheduling their travel. It recommended that travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of the destination. It is essential that you look to official sources of information in these uncertain times and do not share or act on information that has not been verified by an expert. Now read: Coronavirus scam warning in South Africa In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Rajasthan University on Thursday postponed all the exams until March 31, 2020. The decision is taken in the larger interest of students health and well being. An official notification issued by the varsity, said that all the exams scheduled between March 19 to 31, 2020, are being postponed. The fresh dates of the examination will be announced shortly on the official website of the Rajasthan university. As a measure to contain the coronavirus spread, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has also issued a press statement asking all universities to reschedule their examination after March 31, 2020. Coastal tanker with 190 immigrants grounds in Cyclades, no injuries A coastal tanker with 190 immigrants, mainly young men and 3 crew, ran aground on the island of Kea in the Greek Cyclades on the morning of March 16. We are not done looking for those responsible. This was the warning given by the Head of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) Supt Roger Alexander yesterday during the Beyond the Tape TV programme on TV6. Earlier in the day, Alexander was part of several units which went searching for kidnap victim Mattie Maraj in the eastern division. By Gillian Sarjeant-Allen Nearly $10,000. Thats how much just one of our entrepreneurs has lost in less than two days due to canceled events resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization that primarily serves under-resourced small and microbusinesses across New Jersey, we are seeing first-hand how hard these entrepreneurs are being hit. Small and microbusinesses are the lifeblood of local economies, and we cannot afford to lose them. Not only do they account for 60% to 80% of all U.S. jobs, but they often provide critical services to their communities from education and healthcare to food services and culture. Their tax dollars also provide services that everyone in the community benefits from like schools, security, infrastructure, and sanitation. At Rising Tide Capital, 71% of our entrepreneurs are women, 93% are people of color, and 80% are low-to-moderate income. Their businesses operate across industries but one unifying factor is that their margin of error is almost nonexistent, especially in comparison with their mid-to-large-sized counterparts. The economic disruption resulting from COVID-19 is substantially impacting small businesses finances, daily operations, and service capabilities. These negative side effects will also trickle into their homes, and impact how they provide for their families. From the loss of contracts associated with canceled events, to the suspension of retail operations, to restaurant closures, small and microbusinesses are bearing the brunt of the economic fallout from this crisis. While our policymakers are working hard to protect our small businesses, there are plenty of opportunities for us all to do our part to support our local entrepreneurs. Here are five simple but impactful ways you can support your local small business community: Many restaurants are fulfilling take-out orders, which is still an ethical choice while social distancing given that the virus is not likely to be spread through cooked food. Many restaurant apps now have a hands-free delivery option or you can always call to request contact-free delivery as well. You can take advantage of your local shops and businesses online platforms to purchase goods and services or pre-purchase gift cards. Consider purchasing these as early birthday or anniversary presents. Also, consider surprising a friend or family member, who is self-quarantining and feeling isolated, with a gift from their favorite local store. If you need to go out to shop, please consider shopping with locally owned businesses rather than large chains. And if you do order in, consider tipping a little extra for their extraordinary work during this unprecedented crisis. Keep your memberships at fitness or activity centers active, and subscribe to their online classes or services. Additionally, if youre able, continue to pay your at-home service providers such as babysitters, cleaners, or dog walkers. Follow your favorite local business on social media and sign up for their email list for updates and further opportunities to help support them. We are doing our best to equip our community of entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to weather the storm, but it is critical that we each do our part to ensure the survival of our small businesses and their employees. The best way to do this is to be as thoughtful as possible with where we invest our dollars. Providing infusions of cash through purchases, no matter how small, can help to support your local businesses and communities during these challenging times. We have a responsibility to help each other, and each of us has more power than we realize. We are all interconnected. It is going to take all of us. As we have many times before, New Jersey residents will get through this crisis together. Gillian Sarjeant-Allen is the executive director of Rising Tide Capital, a non-profit organization based in Jersey City that equips under-resourced entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to achieve self-sufficiency, thrive, and deliver value to their communities. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Georgias presidential primary election has been postponed, according to a press release from the Secretary of States Office. The election, originally scheduled for March 24, will now be held May 19, the date of elections for local and state offices. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia Thu, March 19, 2020 13:33 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd89b5 4 Inforial Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo has instructed Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Minister Abdul Halim Iskandar to safeguard the implementation of the Dana Desa programs padat karya tunai (manpower-intensive projects financed in cash by village funds). Referring to the Presidents direction, the minister has taken concrete steps by issuing a circular letter regarding the upgrading and control of village funds for the 2020 budget. Through the circular, the villages that have received the first phase of disbursed funds are to utilize the funds for self-managed manpower-intensive activities. We target members of poor families, the unemployed and partially unemployed and other marginal communities to access jobs under which they are paid directly everyday. This way, they can use the wage to meet the needs of their family life, he said in Jakarta on March 18. He also said that villages that completely prepared a village budget but had yet to receive the funds and had yet to start the manpower-intensive projects were asked to revise their budget by taking into account theactivities of the first phase of the projects, which are financed in cash. Villages that have yet to complete the preparation of the budget must complete it soon and include the activities []by March 31, 2020 at the latest, he asserted. The village funds, worth Rp 72 trillion, are disbursed through three phases. The first phase comprises 40 percent of the funds, followed by 40 percent and 20 percent for phasestwo and three respectively. The first phase of fund disbursement began in January. The minister said he would continue to monitor and intensively watch over the disbursement and utilization of the village funds, which he explained could help soften the blow from global economic shock. The village funds for the manpower-intensive projects financed in cash are a solution for the villages to survive the current unfavorable economic situation. A stable economic situation for villages will help stabilize the economic situation nationally because the majority of our people live in rural areas, he said. According to him, the village funds can nowbe disbursed more quickly, unlike in previous years, as they no longer go through the Regional Public Treasury Account (RKUD). The funds now are directly disbursed through the National Public Treasury Account (RKUN) to the village account. The quick process aims to enable villages to implement the village funds-financed programs, which are manpower-intensive in nature and financed in cash, he said. The Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Ministry conducted a review and revisedthe budget execution list (DIPA) to shift part of the budget to activities that directly relateto the needs of the public. This can be done as a follow up step in response to the Presidents instruction, which was addressed in a limited working meeting on March 16. We continue to communicate daily with the villages to monitor the disbursement of funds and the utilization of the funds, especially in regard to the [] manpower-intensive activities [and in] mapping and assisting villages dealing with COVID-19, he remarked. Port St. Joe, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - March 17, 2020) - Han Tang Technologies, Inc. (OTC Pink: HTTI) announced today it has closed a stock exchange agreement to buy 100% of the outstanding common shares of R Squared Technologies, Inc., ("R2"), a technology company that has developed the SENTINELTM a man portable communication network between wired and Wi-Fi enabled devices to operate within a secure network. It can be used for both defense and emergency management applications. The SENTINELTM provides an immediate command and control network and provides a communication solution in response to a variety of adverse circumstances, including severe weather, natural disasters, power outages or even a hostile attack. The SENTINELTM was conceived in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the earthquakes in Haiti and Northern Italy, as well as the subsequent horrific flooding events in both Louisiana, North Carolina, Texas and Florida, to address the disastrous breakdown in emergency response communications. All these events demonstrated the need for mobile communication systems at the local and the first response levels. The inability to communicate in all these disasters resulted in chaos and the additional loss of life. As a result, the SENTINELTM was designed and is ready for production. SENTINELTM was developed to create a "Communication Network" to immediately establish a command and control network at the epicenter of a disaster or need. R2's wholly owned subsidiary Skyborne Technology a designer and developer of manned and unmanned next generation aviation systems has opened its new manufacturing facility in Gulf County, FL. The company chose the area specifically to have access to employ manned and unmanned aircraft pilots, skilled manufacturing labor for composites, aircraft aluminum and high bullet proof fabrics. As part of opening of the new manufacturing facility, Skyborne Technology will unveil their Airship and Drone technology to begin testing their aviation products for target markets such as Agriculture Assessment, Communications, Education, Defense, Border Security, Health, Natural Disasters, Policing and Traffic Control. Story continues The terms of the acquisition are as follows, in exchange for 100% of the R2 Shares and R2 Assumed Notes of $4,813,760, HTTI shall issue to the R2 Shareholders on a pro rata basis the following shares of Preferred Series B and Series C in an aggregate of Nineteen Million Eight Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand (19,867,000) of Series B Preferred Stock, an aggregate of Fifteen Million Nine Hundred Thousand (15,900,000) Series C Preferred Stock the Issuable Shares shall be convertible in the aggregate into a number of shares of HTTI Common Stock representing approximately 95% of the shares of HTTI Common Stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis immediately prior to conversion, subject to adjustment as described in the Series B and Series C Certificates of Designation. In exchange for the retirement of $2,275,215 in assumed notes will issue an aggregate of Four Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand and Four Hundred and Thirty (4,550,430) Series D Preferred Stock convertible into HTTI common stock convertible at $.50 a share with a 6% coupon as described in the Series D Certificates of Designation. In addition, HTTI shall issue two classes of warrants, 500,000 of warrants with a cashless exercise and 1,000,000 of cash warrants exercisable into common shares at $1.00 per share. Michael Lawson has been appointed as CEO and has 32-years serving as Chairman, CEO and President of public /private companies. Additionally, he has an extensive executive level operational background in both international aerospace and advertising industry. He helped film with his aerospace Team the first commercial space ad for Pepsi followed by the Pizza Hut delivery to the International Space station to just name a few global marketing projects. William and Michael have both previously negotiated airship advertising commercial contract(s) and awarded contracts with the US military and Security Agencies for both Drone and Airship. Their combined talents in utilizing Airships and Drones for advertising, military, environmental, communication, agriculture and other applications will open new opportunities for HTTI and our technology partners. William Robinson, ('Billy") has been appointed as Chairman/President/CFO has 33-years serving as Chairman, CEO and CFO of several public/private companies. Additionally, he has an extensive executive level operational background in manufacturing, aerospace and technology. He led the company that received the first approval for a commercial drone to fly in US airspace. He has initiated and completed multiple public and private transactions assisted with the sale, merger, funding and IPOs. Prior, Mr. Robinson held management positions at Paine Webber initiating two IPOs and served as a vice president of Prudential Securities, Inc. with series 7, 6 and 65 license (inactive). Mr. Robinson studied Business and Finance at Oklahoma University, Northeastern State University and Northeastern A & M University. "We are excited about the growth for HTTI and our subsidiaries and look forward to expanding the employment opportunities for the Gulf County Region and the State of Florida. Our current business model targets disaster relief, border protection, communication, public safety, environmental research, distance learning, medical and other vertical markets globally," stated Michael Lawson, CEO. "Our combination with HTTI gives new financing options and expands the awareness of the company. Further, we are currently completing the financial filings to have HTTI back in good standings with the OTC expeditiously. Our combined technologies fill an immediate need in both the US and abroad," stated Billy Robinson, President. About Han Tang Technology, Inc. Han Tang Technology, Inc., (OTC Pink: HTTI) is a Research and Development holding company with a focus on Communication Aerospace and Environmental Solutions. Researchers at HTTI are actively engaged in solving transformative problems for the government and commercial clients. We are working on a wide range of topics including but not limited to advanced communication, Airship and Drone Technology and low altitude analysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion, new energy processes, biomass conversion, energy efficiency crop and mining management. About R Squared Technologies, Inc. R Squared Technologies, Inc., ("R2"), a technology company that has developed the SENTINEL a man portable communication network between wired and Wi-Fi enabled devices within a secure network. It can be used for both defense and emergency management applications. The SENTINEL provides an immediate command and control network and provides a communication solution in response to a variety of adverse circumstances, including severe weather, natural disasters, power outages or even a hostile attack. About Skyborne Technology, Inc. R Squared's wholly owned subsidiary Skyborne Airship technology has significant investments in research & development of Intellectual Property and proprietary designs. In areas covering semi-rigid airship design, reverse-ballonet technology, mooring and hybrid propulsion that has competitive advantages for both its Spherical and Cylinder Class airship designs. Skyborne has a manufacturing facility in Wewahitchka, Florida and recently acquired the airport in Port St. Joe, Florida for manned and unmanned operations. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable US securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, where applicable and the state of the capital markets. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact: (OTC Pink: HTTI) Billy Robinson, President 504-722-7402 billy@skybornetechnology.com www.skybornetechnology.com Deborah Cheek, Communications Director 850-588-1747 deborah@skybornetechnology.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53487 Long-distance train and bus services could be halted to curb the spread of the coronavirus if the government follows the advice of the nations top health officials. However, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee an emergency group made up of the states' chief health officers and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy also advised the nation's new coronavirus cabinet that the overall number of trains, trams and bus services may need to go up to thin out commuter crowds. Commuter numbers are thinning out on suburban services. Credit:AAP Public transport is considered an "essential service" and is exempt from the rules that ban indoor gatherings of more than 100 people across the country. The Victorian government has continued running the state's public transport network as normal, with school students, workers and other commuters relying on it to get around. Advertisement The Environment Secretary today ruled out enforcing social distancing measures in supermarkets, claiming it would be 'counterproductive', despite fears queues of shoppers are 'undoubtedly adding to the spread of coronavirus'. Panic-buyers formed queues outside supermarkets up and down the country from 6am this morning and stripped shelves bare by 9am, as retailers enforced strict rationing measures to deal with a surge in panic-buying. Supermarkets could also draft in police officers to guard stores if London goes into lockdown, amid frenzied scenes which have scene panic-buyers fighting over goods. Industry sources claim stockpiling could lead to 'riots' if further rationing measures are imposed, and have reportedly asked for police back-up to ensure workers are kept safe. Boris Johnson has urged shoppers to be 'responsible' as they head out to buy essential items. The PM said: 'We've got good supply chains and farms, theres no reason for shops to be empty. 'Everyone understands why people are buying stuff - we're being advised to stay at home if we have symptoms. 'However, please be reasonable in your shopping and be considerate of other shoppers as you do it. At a Sainsbury's in Guildford, shoppers were ignoring pleas to allow senior citizens to shop in the first hour of opening, with one man banging his trolley on the door as elderly shoppers were inside. Elderly shoppers were also faced with empty shelves at stores in Surrey and Kent by 9am today, and one pensioner said it was 'bedlam' as toilet roll sold out within 15 minutes at a Sainsbury's in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The Environment Secretary today insisted there was no shortage of food across the UK but claimed the problem instead was panic-buying. George Eustice pleaded for an end to the chaos as told the Commons: 'There isn't a shortage of food, the challenge that we've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more.' He also confirmed that retail staff would be considered 'key workers' - so that their children can still go to school even after many are closed down from tomorrow. As supermarkets struggled with panic buying into a second week, on another day of major developments in the coronavirus outbreak: The Environment Secretary insisted there was 'no food shortage' as he urged people to stop panic-buying The British Retail Consortium suggested police officers could be drafted in to help patrol supermarkets Delivery drivers and retail workers were made key workers by the government Many supermarkets, including Morrisons, Waitrose and the Co-Op are hiring extra delivery drivers Britain's coronavirus death toll rose to 137 as Scotland's individual fatality toll doubled overnight Kent, before 9am: Heartbreaking images taken this morning so a shopper struggling to get anything on her list at a Tesco superstore in Kent - before 9am Wandsworth: Empty shelves in a Tesco Local in Wandsworth, London with no fresh fruit or vegetables this morning An outraged social media user shared this image from Facebook, though it is unclear when and where it was taken. It appears to show a paramedic stuck in the middle of empty aisles, with the caption: 'Most of us who work for the NHS can't shop at normal times and then are left with this when stockpilers take it all. What kind of community is this?' Northwich, 8am: A shopper got the last pack of toilet rolls at Sainsbury's in Northwich today. A queue of approximately 600 pensioners formed before the market opened at 7am as the shop opened specially for the elderly Watford, 8am: People queuing outside a Costco store in Watford, north west London this morning Nottingham, 7am: Customers queue to pay for their shopping in an ASDA supermarket in West Bridgford, Nottingham Shoppers could only look at the empty shelves in despair at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Richmond, Surrey How supermarkets could revert to online only shopping and policing the aisles in bid to stop panic buying Police : The British Retail Consortium has suggested that retailers could work with the police to protect their staff and customers Shop online : Experts have suggested that stores limit people to shopping online, as the Co-Op, Morrisons and Waitrose hire more delivery drivers WWII Ration cards : Another option is to issue ration cards that get stamped or scanned when you buy items. This would prevent people being able to flout rationing restrictions by simply returning later or going to a different shop on the same day. Dr Andrew Hughes from the ANU College of Business and Economics told Daily Mail Australia: 'We have seen rationing work in Australia recently when supermarkets asked people to show their driving licenses to buy baby formula last year.' Ban on new customers : Ocado has suspended new sign-ups as demand for the online supermarket outstripped its supply ten times. Advertisement Andrew Opie, from the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Retailers across the country are working closely with police and other partners to keep retail sites running as smoothly as possible. 'Even when circumstances are difficult, retailers are well-versed in providing effective security measures. It is essential that customers are considerate of the millions of shopworkers who are working incredibly hard to get shelves restocked. 'Any forms of abusive or violent behaviour will not be tolerated and retailers will continue to work with the police to protect their staff and customers.' 'It is vital that police forces prioritise the safety of those who are working to meet the needs of an entire country. Anyone found to be abusing staff or customers should be met with the full force of the law.' And an industry source told The Telegraph: 'There is real concern over the safety of shop workers, especially if they are forced to ration items to customers. 'There have already been some unpleasant incidents around the country, but nobody wants to see matters escalate into a situation where there are riots and general civil disobedience.' While there have been some unpleasant incidents around the UK footage emerged of customers at an Asda branch in Croydon, who had to be pulled apart by staff members after they started to fight over toilet roll. Two women started to fight over the products - which have been in short supply in the UK. A cashier had to intervene in order to stop them. Despite disorder like this being seen in supermarkets a spokesman for Number 10 said: 'Maintenance of public order is the responsibility of the police, and there are no plans to use military personnel for public order during the coronavirus pandemic.' A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs Council said no national decision had yet been made on providing staffing at supermarkets. Mr Eustice argued the enforcement of social distancing in supermarkets would result in people being 'huddled together' outside. He also allayed fears that vulnerable members of the public who are self-isolating would be left without essential goods and suggested seasonal workers could be hired on farms in the absence of workers unable to travel from other countries. Supermarkets in the UK have yet to clarify how they intend to enforce rationing, with shoppers hoping it will become clearer in the next few days. In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned panic-buyers could face stringent measures, including police brought in to monitor shops as experts suggested using WWII-style rationing cards. One Australia chain, IGA Broadford, said it will only serve customers who can prove they live locally. Panic-buying Brits spend an extra 60 million on stockpiling Percentage increase in panic buying essentials during the week ending March 7th compared to same week in 2019. Children's medicine - up 124.1 per cent Adult analgesics - up 102.5 per cent Bath & Shower products - up 95.6 per cent Household cleaners - up 94.8 per cent Facial Tissue - up 90.9 per cent UHT milk - up 90.7 per cent Toilet tissue - up 87.9 per cent Cough, cold and flu cures - up 79.4 per cent Pasta - 74.0 per cent Canned meat - up 73.1 per cent Ambient soup - 61.1 per cent Canned pasta - up 60.0 per cent B&M said sales of Pot Noodle have surged 610% and pasta sales have risen 828% over the past week as shoppers continue to stockpile ambient and dried food. It also reported a 301% increase in toilet roll sales and 1200% increase in sales of hand wash. Advertisement This comes amid a spike in coronavirus cases across the country, with 137 deaths. Panic-buying Brits spent an extra 60 million on stockpiling in the first week of March alone - including an additional 17 million on toilet roll alone, almost twice as much as the same week a year earlier. The data, from industry analysts Nielsen Scantrack for trade 'bible' The Grocer shows spending on the 12 most popular stockpiling products rose to 124 million in the week ending March 7, up from 66 million for the same products 12 months earlier. Sales of children's medicines rose 124 per cent year on year to 2.5 million and sales of toilet rolls spiked from 20 million to 37.6 million. Waitrose, which is part of John Lewis Partnership, has announced a three-item limit on certain products and a limit of two packets of toilet roll. The retail group said it is also launching a protected shopping period for the elderly and vulnerable at Waitrose, which will be each store's first opening hour from Friday. Waitrose cafes and rotisseries will be temporarily shut to help stores cope with increased demand in other areas. Meanwhile, value retailer B&M said sales of Pot Noodle have surged 610% and pasta sales have risen 828% over the past week as shoppers continue to stockpile ambient and dried food. It also reported a 301% increase in toilet roll sales and 1200% increase in sales of hand wash. Speaking at Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions, Mr Eustice said: 'There isn't a shortage of food; the challenge that we've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more. 'That's why we have taken steps including setting aside delivery curfews so that lorries can run around the clock, relaxing driver hours to ensure the deliveries can take place more frequently and we are in discussions with other Government colleagues in MHCLG around other support that we would deliver locally to get food to those who are self isolating.' Clapham Junction: Early morning shoppers at an Asda superstore in Clapham Junction, south west London today Mere hours after the store had opened in Clapham, it was cleared of most goods and fresh produce Ocado stops new customers signing up as it struggles to cope with demand Britain's biggest online-only supermarket, Ocado, has stopped new customers from signing up as the business is overwhelmed by orders from people staying indoors to avoid the coronavirus pandemic. The retailer said it will be out of action until March 21 due to 'a simply staggering amount of traffic' as the number of confirmed UK coronavirus cases rises had risen dramatically, with 137 deaths. All supermarkets now face a major upswing in demand. Most are still taking online orders but they will not be delivered for up to three weeks. Ocado has had temporarily shut down its website to give itself breathing space amid 'unprecedented strain' as orders streamed in from new and old customers. Ocado has closed down access to its website until Saturday as it struggles to deal with demand due to stockpiling, and shoppers will not be able to edit an existing order or book a new delivery for the next few days. Advertisement He added he was in 'daily' talks about food banks and helping families in food poverty, who are now facing an 'immediate emergency.' He said: 'We are also, in Government, working on specific proposals to help the most vulnerable, those with clinical problems, to ensure that we can get food to them, should they be self-isolating.' Shadow local government minister Jim McMahon said supermarket workers had 'shown themselves to be the heroes of retail, making sure that people get fed and get the food that they need', and urged MPs to ensure retail staff were on a list of key workers so they could continue to work if they have children of school age. Mr Eustice added: 'Later today, the Government will be announcing those jobs defined as key workers. 'But I can assure him we fully recognise that over 25% of staff generally working in the food supply chain have children of school age, that's recognised and something that will be reflected when that list is published.' But Labour's Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) warned: 'Supermarket queues are undoubtedly adding to the spread of the coronavirus, not least because of a lack of social distancing.' He also accused ministers of lacking urgency in their response, adding: 'People need to see a much greater sense of urgency. 'This needs to be tackled to prevent the spread within supermarkets. 'Will he today, with Cabinet colleagues, implement and enforce social distancing in supermarkets to reduce the spread in that part of society?' Mr Eustice replied in the Commons: 'We will not do that measure. 'It was something that was done in Italy, with a restriction on the number of people in stores and what they found was they just had hundreds of people huddled together at the entrance to the store and it's counterproductive.' Retailers have also stressed there is plenty of food in the supply chain but shoppers need to act responsibly to ensure everyone can get what they need, particularly the most vulnerable who may find regular shopping difficult. No shortage here! Downing Street receives delivery of HUNDREDS of toilet rolls as shoppers scramble to find some across the country Toilet rolls and kitchen rolls are delivered to Downing Street in London A lorry was seen delivery a haul of toilet rolls to Downing Street today, as panicked shoppers up and down the country struggled to find any in supermarkets. The HGV dropped off the crate of toilet rolls and paper towels shortly after the Environment Secretary told the Commons the problem 'was not supply but people purchasing more.' Speaking at Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions, Mr Eustice said: 'There isn't a shortage of food; the challenge that we've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more.' Writing in the Daily Mail this week, former home secretary David Blunkett voiced concerns over the elderly who were stuck in isolation and unable to obtain vital supplied. He wrote: 'Just as people have begun to stockpile toilet rolls for no reason, an irrational notion could spread among the public that older people are being ordered to stay inside not for their own protection but because they present some imaginary risk to younger people.' Advertisement North Sheen, 8am: 'Silver hour' at a Sainsbury's in North Sheen in Richmond, London this morning Shoppers queuing outside a Sainsbury's in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, which was hosting an elderly-only hour this morning A Sainsbury's in London also saw large queues of people outside this morning as supermarkets took measures to ration certain products Older shoppers walked past empty shelves that had stocked toilet roll at a Sainsbury's in Norwich today What is competition law and why would it be abolished because of coronavirus? The Competition Act 1998 (the Act) prohibits anti-competitive agreements between businesses. At the moment competition laws effectively prohibit supermarkets from working together. Under these rules, supermarkets must not: Agree to fix prices or terms of trade, for example agreeing price rises with competitors Agree to limit production to reduce competition Carve up markets or customers, for example agreeing with a competitor that you will bid for one contract and they will take another Discriminate between customers, for example charging different prices or imposing different terms where there is no difference in the circumstances of supply The Environment Secretary today confirmed he was in discussions with supermarkets around competition law and,w'ill take whatever action is necessary to ensure they can jointly plan their approach to the matters.' Advertisement Conservative former environment secretary Theresa Villiers said: 'Getting home deliveries to potentially millions of self-isolating households is a massive logistical exercise. 'Is it time for the Government to think about further intervention but also, I'm afraid, the suspension of competition law rules so retailers and haulage companies can work together to meet this huge national challenge?' Mr Eustice responded: '(Ms Villiers) make a very important point and that's why, earlier this week, we had a detailed workshop with both retailers and food processors to identify what they would like to do and what changes to competition law we would need to consider and implement, and we are working on that right now.' On the availability of seasonal workers to assist farming, Mr Eustice said: 'If there is disruption to people visiting the UK as a result of restrictions put in place or general concern in other countries, that may have an impact on the number of seasonal workers coming here from countries such as Bulgaria. 'We're working with industry and the National Farmers' Union to assess this, and we'll be working on proposals to address this before May and June, which is when it's likely to present itself as an issue.' On the availability of seasonal workers to assist farming, Mr Eustice said: 'If there is disruption to people visiting the UK as a result of restrictions put in place or general concern in other countries, that may have an impact on the number of seasonal workers coming here from countries such as Bulgaria. 'We're working with industry and the National Farmers' Union to assess this, and we'll be working on proposals to address this before May and June, which is when it's likely to present itself as an issue.' As items such as fresh produce continue to be purchased as soon as they hit the shelves, one toilet roll today had to be cordoned off at a Tesco store in Bury St Edmunds. Shocking footage showed shop assistants closing off the area the toilet roll would usually be on, while people peered over the barriers to try and see what was available. One witness said old people shopping in the store 'looked lost' as many continued to purchase more than they needed to. It was claimed that some people were sending their children through the check outs with items in order to stock up on more. People were seen waiting behind a cordon in a Tesco in Bury St Edmunds (left) as they wait to be handed packs of toilet roll (right) Richmond Sainsbury's has been stripped off ready meals, meat and fresh produce already today A Tesco Extra in Mansfield at 3.30am this morning, as supermarkets struggled to keep up with the dramatic increase in demand Sainsbury's Fulham saw a queue at 8:30am after the allocated time for elderly and vulnerable shoppers had finished huge queue forms stretching around the car park at 7am this morning as people line up waiting for the Sainsbury supermarket in Newcastle's east end to open People queue to shop at Sainsbury's supermarket in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Britain's biggest online-only supermarket, Ocado, has stopped new customers from signing up as the business is overwhelmed by orders from people staying indoors to avoid the coronavirus pandemic The majority of Britain's worst-hit areas are all boroughs of London but Hampshire is the local authority with the most cases SUPERMARKETS REACT TO CORONAVIRUS CRISIS Tesco Storewide restriction of only 3 items per customer on every product line, and removing multi-buy promotions Limit for key products; disinfectants, hand sanitisers, long life milk, tinned vegetables and pasta. It was forced to take its mobile app offline temporarily due to high demand on Tuesday, and announced it would be reducing the hours of all of its 24-hour stores to 6am to 10pm. To help free up slots for the more vulnerable, elderly customers and those who are self-isolating, are encouraging customers who shop online or choose Click+Collect for their grocery home shopping, to prioritise shopping in-store where possible Prioritise one hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 9-10am for elderly shoppers Waitrose Waitrose, which is part of John Lewis Partnership, has announced a three-item limit on certain products and a limit of two packets of toilet roll. The retail group said it is also launching a protected shopping period for the elderly and vulnerable at Waitrose, which will be each store's first opening hour from Friday. Waitrose cafes and rotisseries will be temporarily shut to help stores cope with increased demand in other areas. The company also launched a 1 million community support fund to be distributed by Waitrose shops to local communities. The supermarket also said it was drafting in 1,200 staff 'and growing' from sister retailer John Lewis to help it cope with demand. Morrisons Rationed purchases on 1,250 items. Limit of 2 per customer for toilet rolls, tissues, hand sanitisers; 4 for baby milk formula, bars of soap, handwash; 6 for bleach and other cleaners. Shoppers seeking a Morrisons home delivery have been instructed to tell the store if they are self-isolating so goods can be left on the doorstep. Creating 3,500 jobs to meet surging demand for its home delivery service. Recruiting 2,500 pickers and drivers while hiring about 1,000 people to work in distribution centres. Plans for new call centre for those without access to online shopping, plus the launch of a new range of simple-to-order food parcels from next Monday. Asda Restricting all customers to buying up to three items on all food, toiletries and cleaning products. The limit will not apply to fresh fruit/vegetables. Close cafes and pizza counters to free space and staff to help keep shelves fully stocked. Temporarily reduced opening hours of all its 24-hour stores, so they will be closed between 12am and 6am each day for re-stocking. Sainsbury's Limiting shoppers to three items. A cap of two is going to be imposed on the most popular items, such as toilet roll, soap and UHT milk. 600 stores will only open to the elderly and vulnerable for the first hour of trading on Thursday, but will open for an hour longer so other shoppers do not miss out. Meat, fish and pizza counters and cafes are being closed from Thursday to free up lorry and warehouse capacity, as well as shelf-stacking time, for essential items to be replenished. From Monday, 23 March, online customers who are over 70 years of age or have a disability will have priority access to online delivery slots. Iceland Hand sanitisers and some cleaning products, four per person, online Supermarkets allowed elderly customers exclusive use of the shop between 9am and 11am before the general public were allowed in. The scheme, which will run every Wednesday until further notice, has been rolled out at Iceland stores across the country. In Boots, bottles of children's paracetamol Calpol were being sold at only one at a time. Co-op Limit of 2 per customer on essentials including hand sanitiser, soap, antibacterial wipes, toilet/kitchen roll, tinned goods, pasta, rice, Long Life milk, sugar, baby items. Creating 5,000 store-based posts which will provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis. Simplifying its recruitment process so successful candidates can start work within days. Permanent jobs will also be on offer at the Co-op's 2,600 stores across the country. Aldi Limit of 4 units for every product from milk and bread to baked beans. Aldi has not announced any varied opening times for older customers, but they have donated 250,000 to Age UK. Lidl Quantities may be restricted to 6 per customer. Ocado Limit of 2 for antibacterial handwash, hand sanitiser, antibacterial cleaning sprays and wipes, tissues, toilet roll and kitchen roll. Marks and Spencer M&S has announced that it will be opening its stores at specific times just for NHS and emergency services personnel Advertisement Tesco and Sainsbury's are limiting customers to only buying three or any grocery item, while Asda and Morrisons are restricting purchases across 1,250 regularly-bought lines. Britain's biggest online-only supermarket, Ocado, has stopped new customers from signing up as the business is overwhelmed by orders from people staying indoors to avoid the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, several supermarkets have introduced shopping hours exclusively for the elderly at the start of the day. The biggest chains were dramatically stepping up rationing measures yesterday amid the stockpiling as millions prepare for weeks of home quarantine. The demand has also led to angry scenes as people battled over household essentials. Queues of traffic built up on the approach to the Sainsbury's store near Guildford in Surrey, filling the car park before it had even opened. Staff opened the doors at 6.35am instead of 7am, with one man banging his trolley into the front door. And there were traffic jams around Sainsbury's in Ely as the store set aside the first hour of shopping for elderly and vulnerable customers - with an ambulance on standby in the car park. One pensioner said it was 'bedlam' as toilet roll sold out within 15 minutes. The shopworkers' union Usdaw has appealed to people not to intimidate staff at supermarkets and other stores during the current crisis. Companies have tried to reassure people that enough stock is being delivered every night, urging everyone to shop normally rather than panic buy. But the appeals have failed to stop people turning up at supermarkets before they even open, or to prevent them buying more than they need. There have also been reports of shoppers pushing two trolleys around supermarkets. Stores are imposing strict limits on the purchase of essentials from baby formula and nappies to paracetamol, hand sanitisers, cleaning products, tinned food, long life milk, pasta and toilet rolls. And, yesterday, the country's biggest supermarkets, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's, went much further with new limits of three items across all food and grocery products. It came as Ocado last night shut down its website and app after being swamped with orders. Customers will not be able to book a new delivery or edit existing orders until Saturday, at the earliest. Supermarkets have held emergency talks with police forces to ensure urgent help amid concerns that aggressive shoppers have left staff in tears and fearing for their safety. The incidents raise worries the country could see the emergence of food riots that were controversially predicted at the beginning of the crisis. Waitrose has set a maximum cap of between two and 12 items across as many as 400 products. And Morrisons, which has seen a 15 per cent rise in sales in the past two weeks, is putting a cap on purchases across 1,200 products. These include a limit of four per customer for packs of baby milk formula. Similar restrictions are being imposed by other retailers. Aldi is not allowing people to buy more than four of any product line. Restrictions are also being applied to online orders amid a surge in demand for home deliveries. The rush to buy provisions online means some firms do not have delivery slots available for up to six weeks. The British Retail Consortium said stores were talking to the police about how to cope with any violence. Its director of food and sustainability, Andrew Opie, said: 'Retailers are well versed in providing effective security measures. We will continue to work with police to protect customers and employees.' The extension of rationing is part of a much wider effort by the supermarkets to ensure they maintain the nation's food supplies. For example, Tesco and Asda are ending 24 hour opening at hundreds of outlets to allow staff time to re-stock shelves through the night. And some, such as Iceland, are setting aside one hour at the beginning of the day for older customers, who fear contamination, to shop in peace without any pushing and shoving. M&S has also announced that it will be opening its stores at specific times just for NHS and emergency services personnel. The Co-op, meanwhile, is to create 5,000 store-based posts which will provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis. The retail giant said it is simplifying its recruitment process so successful candidates can start work within days. Permanent jobs will also be on offer at the Co-op's 2,600 stores across the country. Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food, said: 'The Co-op has a critical role to play in supporting our members, customers and colleagues, as well as the local communities that our stores sit at the heart of. 'Whilst our store and depot colleagues are working around the clock to ensure people have the essentials they need, we are all too aware that many people working in bars, pubs and restaurants are currently out of work. 'It makes perfect sense for us to try and temporarily absorb part of this highly skilled and talented workforce who are so adept at delivering great customer service, as we work together to feed the nation. 'We're talking to a large number of organisations whose workforces have been affected by this situation. 'To anyone in this position who is looking for a job in one of our stores, our message is simple - please get in touch now. We've made the application process quicker than ever and hope to have new colleagues on the ground within a day or two. 'What we need now is genuine, tangible co-operation as we look to support the wider economy and help the nation overcome this challenging period.' The Co-op added that staff in business support roles who are not currently working in stores or distribution centres are being encouraged to 'lend-a-hand' in their local branches to help replenish shelves. Earlier this week the Co-op also announced measures to combat holiday hunger in pupils caused by unplanned school closures. Around 6,500 students across 25 Co-op Academy Schools who currently have free school meals will be given a 20 voucher for every week that schools remain shut. Shoppers queued around the car park as they waited to get inside Costco in Watford today Items that are now selling out, and subsequently being rations, at supermarkets up and down the country, include long-life milk, cleaning fluids, toilet rolls and pasta Customers queue to pay for their shopping today in an Asda supermarket in West Bridgford, Nottingham Elderly people wait for a Sainsbury's supermarket in Hertford to open to stock up on essentials today Older customers queue outside a Sainsbury's in Leamington Spa today for a so-called 'silver hour' The proportion of Britons who admit to hoarding essentials has risen from one in ten to one in four over the past two weeks. Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe, said: 'We have enough food coming into the system, but are limiting sales so that it stays on shelves for longer and can be bought by a larger numbers of customers.' In other safety measures, supermarkets are asking customers to stop using cash, which can carry the virus, and pay by card or smartphone to protect staff at the tills. There was a queue of hundreds of shoppers outside a Sainsbury's this morning in Norwich, Cheshire In other safety measures, supermarkets are asking customers to stop using cash, which can carry the virus. Pictured are queues outside Sainsbury's in Leamington Spa Retailers have stressed there is plenty of food but shoppers need to act responsibly to ensure everyone can get what they need. Pictured are shoppers outside a London Sainsbury's today Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fistra Janrio Tandirerung (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 10:35 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bc8eca 3 Opinion COVID-19,doctors,nurse,coronavirus,health-worker Free Over the past few months, people`s energy, emotion and attention have been increasingly focused on the novel coronavirus outbreak, which is now officially a pandemic. However, since the first case of COVID-19 was documented in late December 2019, we have been too busy dealing with where the next infection will emerge, deaths connected to the virus, panic buying, news, the prospect of a lockdown and social distancing. Inevitably, we have neglected the crucial role played by health professionals. The presence of health professionals is an important parameter and immense component to coping with large-scale epidemics, yet they are usually taken for granted. Being on the frontline, health professionals are at high risk. As in this pandemic, despite possessing far more knowledge and skills than the layman, they are constantly exposed to infected individuals and the virus itself. Therefore, they are among the most vulnerable to getting infected. Read also: COVID-19 hero: 80-year-old doctor in spotlight for fighting coronavirus on front line Reports have it that a nurse at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta died last week of COVID-19 infection after a contact with a patient who had tested positive for the virus. Neither the government nor the hospital management have confirmed the news. In Denpasar, Bali, two nurses have been isolated after showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection. They previously had contact with Case 25, who died of the virus on March 11. The health professionals however continue working, despite the many industries closing indefinitely, the increasing number of countries announcing limited or national lockdowns, and the offices, schools and universities switching to remote work and distance learning. For health workers, pandemic or not, they should always be around to provide prime health care for those in need. This is why we take them for granted, even in times of a pandemic when their workloads and physical and psychological stress levels may become extremely exhausting and overwhelming. Long before COVID-19 emerged, dealing with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, dengue fever, typhoid and HIV/AIDS had been comparatively easy for Indonesias health workers. Their responsibilities also include handling catastrophic diseases that have caused far more deaths than COVID-19, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. They continue to perform their noble duty to save people`s lives, while risking their own. Therefore, President Joko Jokowi Widodo`s appeal to Indonesian people to work, learn and worship at home does not apply to health professionals. During this pandemic, the potentially excessive workload will make doctors, nurses and other health workers prone to chronic fatigue, which may result in dire health consequences, including death. The physicians Mei Zhongming and Li Wenliang are recent examples of health professionals who died while devoting their lives to saving people from COVID-19 in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the infection was first detected. A young medical professional, Peng Yinhua, 29, who had reportedly planned to marry on Feb. 1, died after treatment for COVID-19. The issues plaguing Indonesias health system, such as financing problems, overworked and underpaid health professionals, distrust of health workers and disparities in health service quality between urban and rural areas, will likely make the fight against COVID-19 tougher, especially in remote areas. Read also: RNI awaits Health Ministry's authorization to import 500,000 COVID-19 rapid testing kits from China The inability of health centers in Indonesia to independently perform definitive diagnostic procedures has been a major constraint, as definitive diagnosis can only be carried out at a limited number of centers around the country. Such a situation will result in delayed detection of new COVID-19 cases, which also means delayed patient management. Many hospitals in Indonesia also lack sufficient equipment and devices, especially ventilators to support COVID-19 patients experiencing respiratory failure. Officials in Tasikmalaya, West Java, confirmed that suspected patients were being transferred by health workers and others who only wore plastic rain coats instead of the standard personal protective equipment. Despite the numerous challenges and constraints in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals are still committed to their work. COVID-19 patients need their real care, which can never be delivered online or replaced with a long-distance approach, as is being adopted by schools. Therefore, let`s show respect and honor these health workers, who are bravely risking their safety and their lives for others. They need continued support, so that they may perform their duties and serve better. Trust them and listen to their professional advice to ensure you stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government also needs to show appreciation and support by providing proper and sufficient equipment and devices to improve the performance of all our health workers. Their work hours should also be better regulated to help avoid the kind of exhaustion seen in other countries, which has led to even more victims of the pandemic. ______ Physician at RSUD Lakipadada Tana Toraja General Hospital Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Australian journalist Lauren Ferri has opened up on her daunting experience in a coronavirus clinic. The 23-year-old returned from Thailand with a mild cold and what followed next was a terrifying four-hour interrogation and a nervous wait for results. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four hours in a silent room with 50 other sick people, an interrogation about my travels and darting glares every time I coughed. I never thought spending two weeks soaking up the sun and dancing in sweaty nightclubs in Thailand could land me in a hospital waiting room in Australia. For weeks I had read about and reported on the horror illness that had been taking over countries such as Italy, but it wasn't until I had been tested that I realised how seriously this pandemic needs to be taken. Days after returning to Sydney I developed symptoms of a cold - but like any other millennial I assumed I was run down due to lack of sleep and a stuffy airplane ride. For weeks I had read about and reported on the horror illness that had been taking over countries such as Italy, but it wasn't until I had been tested that I realised how seriously this pandemic needs to be taken At the coronavirus clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney's inner west, patients are told to sit 1.5 metres away from each other After being sent home from the office with a severe headache and sore throat, and having just returned from a country with a 'moderate risk', I thought it might be best to get myself tested for coronavirus. Although I am 23 years old and completely healthy, I suffer from asthma so thought it was best to get cleared. For peace of mind I called my local GP, explained my symptoms and said I had recently returned from Thailand. The medical centre refused to see me and I was told to go to the coronavirus clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at Camperdown in Sydney's inner west. 'Just warning you it's a walk-in clinic, so there will probably be a bit of a wait,' the receptionist said. Walking into the coronavirus clinic was probably the first time the severity of what had been going on hit me. I was told to sanitise my hands, put on a facemask and fill out an emergency form while seated 1.5metres away from the 50 people waiting before me. As each new person was sent into triage every ten minutes, the rest of us waiting in line were moved forward to sit in the chairs places strategically around the room. Over the next three hours boredom set in and my biggest worry moved from catching the virus to whether my phone battery was going to last the evening. I became increasingly aware of the judgmental looks I was getting from the people around me every time I coughed. After three hours of waiting I was finally called into triage where my temperature and heart rate were taken and I was asked what symptoms I was experiencing. Shortly after the quick assessment I was then taken into a room where I was asked: 'What brings you into the clinic today?' I explained I had symptoms of a head cold and had returned from Thailand within the past week. This is when the interrogation started. For 15 minutes I was asked about every detail about my trip - my flight numbers, which airports I transited through, my Contiki booking number, where in Thailand I travelled and how I got to each destination. It was an agonising four hours of waiting as my phone battery was falling below 10 per cent Once I waited for three hours I was sent into Triage (pictured) before interviewed and had my swabs taken They also asked about where I had been since being back in Australia, which trains I had been catching to and from work, how many shifts I completed, exactly what train I caught when going down to Wollongong. The nurses took down the name and contact numbers of my housemates, my grandfather, my work, and anyone else I had been in contact with. I also had to tell them about every single public place I had visited from restaurants to bars to the local supermarket. The nurses also explained my results could take anywhere from 24-72 hours to come through and I would need to completely self-isolate until then. Self-isolation means having absolutely no contact with anyone, wearing a mask if in the same room as other people and not sharing a bathroom. As I live in a sharehouse this just wasn't possible, so I was offered the opportunity to stay in hospital. Luckily my parents only live 90 minutes away in Wollongong and the rest of the family were on holidays of their own, so I was able to drive myself down and self-isolate. After question time I was sent out to wait in triage yet again for about half an hour until I was taken into another room. After waiting almost four hours I was sent into a room with four chairs (pictured) were I was to wait until a nurse called me to have my swabs taken In this room there were four chairs were we were set to wait until another nurse took me into a small room where I had my swabs taken. There was one swab for the back of the throat and one that went up my nose. Once these were completed I was given a nice little gift bag with hand sanitiser and face masks before I was sent on my way. I left the clinic about 7pm on Monday evening and had to entertain myself until I got my results - which I was told may not be until Thursday at the latest. While I love a good few hours watching Netflix on the couch, being forced to stay inside was the opposite of fun. Luckily I got my negative results on Wednesday at 11am and was able to go out into the world again. It was a relief knowing I didn't contract the horror illness that I had spent hours writing about and agonising over. The guilt I was feeling seeing my grandfather, my co-workers and my housemates was gone. However, it showed me how seriously this pandemic needs to be taken. 1.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard A congressman from the northernmost state in the Union told seniors last week they had nothing to worry about coronavirus infecting them, calling such concerns overblown during an event last week. They call it the coronavirus. I call it the beer virus. How do you like that? Rep. Don Young, a Republican from Alaska, said on Friday. Young tried to reassure seniors there was nothing to worry over, appealing to them because, as he put it, Im one of you. Young is 86 years old. I still say we have to as a nation and state go forth with everyday activities, Young said, thwarting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing during the diseases spread. Don Young dismisses "beer virus," tells seniors to "go forth with everyday activities" https://t.co/OYbeQL4JHy pic.twitter.com/sdFafIuLkG The Hill (@thehill) March 19, 2020 Young also told those in attendance that coronavirus is not nearly as deadly as the other viruses we have. However, thats a misleading statement: while more people get the flu, and thus more in terms of raw numbers die from it than do coronavirus, those who catch the flu actually have a smaller chance of dying than do those who get infected with COVID-19. The rate of death for those who catch the flu is around 0.1 percent. The rate of those dying from coronavirus is closer to 3 percent, if they contract the disease. Perhaps to further demonstrate his indifference to the disease, Young opted out of voting on a paid medical leave bill passed by Congress this week. According to Newsweek, Young decided it was more important for him to attend a National Rifle Association meeting in his home state than to vote on the package. Alaska Rep. Don Young, who called coronavirus the "beer virus," attended NRA fundraiser after skipping House COVID-19 relief fund votehttps://t.co/YKa0yoGPdR Adrienne Cobb (@ImagineWorldas1) March 19, 2020 President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after it reached his desk. Young has made other controversial statements and actions in the past. He has a nasty habit, for example, of physically pushing female reporters, and hes also made headlines in the past for snidely remarking that wolves could help with Alaskas homeless population problems. Rakesh Sinha, a Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, is moving a private members resolution, urging the government to bring an amendment to drop the word socialism from the Preamble to the Constitution. The resolution that has been included in the list of business for Friday, says the word socialism was inserted in the Constitution by the 42nd constitutional amendment act in 1976 when the Emergency was imposed and fundamental rights were suspended. During emergency the opposition parties MPs were imprisoned and the 42nd amendment was in acted without wide ranging discussion, the resolution says. Though socialism and secularism were not part of the preamble adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly, they were later added. Explaining the reason for moving this resolution Sinha said Indian constitution has egalitarian provisions. Even during the constituent assembly debates Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had contested the use of the word socialist, the entire constituent assembly agreed therefore there was no need to use the word. It was inserted in the Preamble as a political gimmick during emergency to divert the attention of people and under pressure from the former Soviet Union, he said. Claiming that the word is redundant, Sinha said the Congress party over time kept shifting its political policy; in 1948 it supported a socialistic pattern then it moved to democratic socialism. Finally it settled for mixed economy and welfare state. Economic Policy cannot be orthodox there has to be space for it to evolve; it has to be based on time, context, requirement of people. Just like in the era of globalisation we cannot follow the policies of the 1950s and 60s of protectionism, he said. Sinha said with interventions such as the passage of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code that seeks to consolidate the existing framework by creating a single law for insolvency and bankruptcy, the Narendra Modi government is reversing the erosion of the welfare state which happened during the UPA era. In his submission, the MP has stated India has a long tradition of an egalitarian society and collective conscience of India endorses quality in all spheres of life; Indias Constitution is replete of mechanism to remove inequality. The Constitution also empowers both state and central government to formulate flexible policies to address the ideas in the sound in the Constitution, the resolution says. Commenting on the resolution, CPIs D Raja said, If the word socialist is redundant and society is indeed egalitarian then why does the Modi government use slogans like Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas? As per Rajya Sabha rules, a member other than a minister who wishes to move a resolution on a day allotted for private members resolutions, has to give a notice to that effect at least two days before the date of draw of lot. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a mega rally in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, on Wednesday, amid the outbreak of coronavirus. ... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a mega rally in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, on Wednesday, amid the outbreak of coronavirus. Since Nigeria recorded its first case in February, this is the first time that different measures were put in place to check the spread of the virus. Nigeria confirmed five fresh cases on Wednesday and the governments of Ogun and Lagos banned gatherings of more than 50 persons. Governors of the north-west also announced shutting down of schools from Monday but in Oyo state, a mammoth crowd trooped to the rally attended by Bode George, a former vice-chairman of the party (south-west), Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, and Seyi Makinde, his Oyo counterpart. Below are pictures. To the annoyance of some shareholders, Tianjin Port Development Holdings (HKG:3382) shares are down a considerable 32% in the last month. That drop has capped off a tough year for shareholders, with the share price down 47% in that time. All else being equal, a share price drop should make a stock more attractive to potential investors. While the market sentiment towards a stock is very changeable, in the long run, the share price will tend to move in the same direction as earnings per share. The implication here is that long term investors have an opportunity when expectations of a company are too low. One way to gauge market expectations of a stock is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). A high P/E ratio means that investors have a high expectation about future growth, while a low P/E ratio means they have low expectations about future growth. View our latest analysis for Tianjin Port Development Holdings How Does Tianjin Port Development Holdings's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? Tianjin Port Development Holdings's P/E of 9.24 indicates some degree of optimism towards the stock. You can see in the image below that the average P/E (6.3) for companies in the infrastructure industry is lower than Tianjin Port Development Holdings's P/E. SEHK:3382 Price Estimation Relative to Market, March 19th 2020 Its relatively high P/E ratio indicates that Tianjin Port Development Holdings shareholders think it will perform better than other companies in its industry classification. Shareholders are clearly optimistic, but the future is always uncertain. So further research is always essential. I often monitor director buying and selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios When earnings fall, the 'E' decreases, over time. That means unless the share price falls, the P/E will increase in a few years. Then, a higher P/E might scare off shareholders, pushing the share price down. Tianjin Port Development Holdings saw earnings per share decrease by 55% last year. And EPS is down 16% a year, over the last 5 years. This growth rate might warrant a below average P/E ratio. Story continues Don't Forget: The P/E Does Not Account For Debt or Bank Deposits The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. So it won't reflect the advantage of cash, or disadvantage of debt. In theory, a company can lower its future P/E ratio by using cash or debt to invest in growth. Spending on growth might be good or bad a few years later, but the point is that the P/E ratio does not account for the option (or lack thereof). So What Does Tianjin Port Development Holdings's Balance Sheet Tell Us? Net debt totals a substantial 131% of Tianjin Port Development Holdings's market cap. This level of debt justifies a relatively low P/E, so remain cognizant of the debt, if you're comparing it to other stocks. The Bottom Line On Tianjin Port Development Holdings's P/E Ratio Tianjin Port Development Holdings has a P/E of 9.2. That's around the same as the average in the HK market, which is 8.6. With meaningful debt, and no earnings per share growth last year, even an average P/E indicates that the market a significant improvement from the business. What can be absolutely certain is that the market has become more pessimistic about Tianjin Port Development Holdings over the last month, with the P/E ratio falling from 13.5 back then to 9.2 today. For those who prefer invest in growth, this stock apparently offers limited promise, but the deep value investors may find the pessimism around this stock enticing. Investors should be looking to buy stocks that the market is wrong about. If the reality for a company is better than it expects, you can make money by buying and holding for the long term. We don't have analyst forecasts, but shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. You might be able to find a better buy than Tianjin Port Development Holdings. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings). If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. COLUMBUS, Ohio--State and local authorities have moved quickly to educate Ohioans about coronavirus and set up telephone hotlines to field calls from potentially infected people. But so far, such coronavirus services have made limited accommodations for languages other than English, making it difficult for a large number of Ohioans to obtain reliable updates about the virus and find out what they need to do if they show symptoms of the disease. The so-called plan to react for emergencies like this one, obviously they have forgotten people speak different languages, said Josue Vicente, executive director of the Ohio Hispanic Coalition. This is a failure in the system. State officials and activists say they are working to address the gap. As of 2018, an estimated 69,062 Ohio households (out of about 4.69 million total) were limited-English-speaking households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Almost 24,000 of those limited-English households spoke Spanish, followed by 6,246 who speak Russian, Polish, or another Slavic language; 6,241 Chinese speakers; 5,227 Arabic speakers; 4,393 German speakers; 2,190 French, Haitian or Cajun speakers; and 1,386 Vietnamese speakers, among others. Like most Ohioans, Vicente said Spanish speakers in the state have heard the basics of how to stop the spread of coronavirus, such as washing hands frequently, coughing into your sleeve, and not touching your face. But what non-English speakers need to know now, he said, is what to do if they feel sick and worry they might have contracted the coronavirus. My community needs specific information if they have symptoms, where they need to go for treatment, or where can they go for testing, Vicente said. While health authorities have advised people who show symptoms to contact their doctor before going to a hospital, many non-English speakers dont have a doctor, he said. While the state of Ohio and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have posted coronavirus instructions online (including in Spanish), many Latinos in Ohio have limited Internet access, as they rely on phones instead of laptops. Coronavirus hotlines When calling the states main coronavirus telephone helpline at 1-833-427-5634, run by the Ohio Department of Health, people are welcomed by an English-only recording offering instructions, information, and options. If non-English speakers remain on the line, they are connected with a call-center staffer. While most staffers only speak English, they can transfer calls from Spanish speakers to one of four call-center employees who are fluent in Spanish, according to Breann Almos, a spokeswoman for Gov. Mike DeWines office. If none of the four can be reached, the call-center staffer will seek to take a message so one of them can call back later, Almos said. For any callers speaking another language, she said, call-center workers will try to call back soon with an interpreter provided by the state of Ohio, which has interpreters available in more than 140 languages. Cuyahoga County also has a coronavirus hotline, at 855-711-3035, but there are no operators who are fluent in any language besides English, said Cuyahoga County Board of Health spokesman Kevin Brennan. Brennan said non-English speakers can use an interpreter through an app called LanguageLine, which costs $3.95 per minute for audio calls. He also suggested that such people could get help from their church, school, or a community organization. The inability to field calls in languages besides English was a matter of expediency, according to Brennan. We needed to get this thing up as soon as possible, he said. County officials are looking at what they can do to offer coronavirus help in different languages, he said. How to get information For Spanish speakers, at least, some efforts are being taken by state officials and activists to make more coronavirus-related information available. The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission has set up a webpage with links to information about coronavirus in Spanish. In addition, Lilleana Cavanaugh, the commissions executive director, intends to soon hold daily call-ins for Spanish speakers to go over what happened during that days gubernatorial press briefing, Almos said. The Ohio Hispanic Coalition posts Facebook videos in Spanish on a regular basis with the latest coronavirus news and information, as Facebook can be accessed more easily on phones than webpages, VIncente said. State officials hope to have some of the most clicked-on resources on the Ohio Department of Healths coronavirus website available in a number of other languages by the end of this week, Almos said. Read more Ohio coronavirus coverage: Ohio businesses, nonprofits hurt by coronavirus crisis can now receive up to $2M in federal disaster loans To relieve coronavirus pressure on hospital ERs, Ohio Medicaid is expanding telemedicine: Gov. Mike DeWines Thursday, March 19 briefing 119 cases of confirmed coronavirus in Ohio: Department of Health update for Thursday, March 19 Gov. Mike DeWine deploys Ohio National Guard to help distribute food during coronavirus crisis Seeing ads for a coronavirus cure? Ignore them, says Ohio AG Dave Yost NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday (March 19, 2020) ordered a floor test to be held in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly for the Kamal Nath government on Friday (March 20, 2020) amid the political crisis in the Congress-led state. The Supreme Court passed the order while hearing the petition filed by former Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan and others to hold a floor test in the state Assembly. The apex court bench said, "The session of the MP assembly that has been deferred shall be reconvened on March 20. A single agenda for the assembly -- to hold floor test on March 20. Citing by show of hands." The top court also directed that the proceedings before assembly have to be video-graphed and live telecast of the same. All authorities to ensure that there is no breach of law and order, the top court said. Reading out its verdict on the MP political crisis state, the SC observed, "In the submissions extending over 2 days we have heard the senior counsel. Congress has assailed the communication of the Governor to order a floor test while the other side has supported it. The state of uncertainty in the state of MP must be resolved by ordering floor test as per the precedent." The Kamal Nath-led government had plunged into crisis after Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, after which 22 MLAs loyal to him resigned in Madhya Pradesh last week. The BJP sensing an opportunity demanded a floor test in the assembly. The Speaker had earlier accepted the resignations of six of the 22 MLAs, bringing down the effective strength of the House to 222 and the new majority mark at 112. The opposition BJP has 107 MLAs. After the MP assembly was adjourned on Monday till March 26, the BJP petitioned the Supreme Court seeking a direction from it for an early floor test. Ukraine, along with the active continuation of the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the opening of the new Extended Fund Facility (EFF), is also holding consultations with the IMF on the possible receiving financing through the $50 billion rapid-disbursing emergency financing facilities announced by the IMF for low income and emerging markets suffering from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Yakiv Smolii has said. "The results of the negotiations will be in the coming weeks," the National Bank's press service said, citing him on Thursday as he met online on March 18. Smolii said that the National Bank is in continuous cooperation with all public authorities and foreign colleagues, in particular, there is direct contact with the European Central Bank. As reported, early March the IMF announced its readiness to make available about $50 billion through its rapid-disbursing emergency financing facilities for low income and emerging market countries that could potentially seek support. This week, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that the IMF is ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus. With the coronavirus pandemic putting countries around the world on lockdown and social distancing becoming the norm, the world's wealthiest are resorting to extreme measures to try and avoid catching COVID-19. Dodging public transportation like trains and commercial flights in favor of private cars and privately chartered jets, the USs richest citizens are also quarantining themselves in second homes - and even eyeing up disaster bunkers. From the Hamptons influx to $1 million bunkers designed to survive a nuclear catastrophe, heres how the 1% is dealing with the pandemic. $5 million luxury 'survival' bunkers Then, there are options for the very wealthy. Larry Hall, developer and owner of Survival Condo Projects, offers a luxury safe haven that can be sealed off from the outside world as the pandemic worsens. Weve seen a spike in inquiries and there is a difference in the calls. People are more serious, and most of them specifically mention that they are worried about the coronavirus, Hall told us. We usually have to do some level of sales effort to get people to come here for a tour, and now the clients seem to have an urgency. Most have acknowledged that they were familiar with our bunkers prior to this latest threat and that they were interested before, but the coronavirus has made it more of a priority, Hall said of the former Atlas missile silo infrastructure that can support between 36 and 70 people for more than 5 years. In addition to asking about the units available (half-floor, full-floor and penthouse accommodations) and the price point ($1.5 - $4.5 million), Hall also noted that some are so eager to purchase a bunker, they arent even waiting to take a tour first. Just last week we had a client ask for a video of a half-floor unit on Tuesday, then we worked on the contract for Wednesday and Thursday, and closed on Friday - without the buyer having physically been here to see the unit, he said. Private travel With commercial flights making social-distancing an impossible task, those who have the means are turning to private charter aircraft. In terms of short-term inquiries, it is very busy indeed, said Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly, who noted a 50 - 60% increase compared to last March. Routes are very varied, including shorter flights within Europe and the US, and longer transatlantic and transcontinental flights, he said. Victor Private Jets But seeking out a private jet doesnt come without its own set of concerns. Availability of private charter aircraft is an issue at the moment with travel bans and border restrictions increasingly in place, Twidell told us. Plus, [with] the additional demand, it is proving more challenging to source aircraft in some cases, he said, adding that his company is also seeing an increase in travel cancelations as plans change quickly. Second-home influxes In NYC, the citys elite have flocked to their summer homes in the Hudson Valley, Vermont and Long Island a bit earlier. In particular, the Hamptons, which usually considers Memorial Day weekend as the start of its season, is filling up. We have definitely experienced an uptick in business from Manhattanites and their families who have their second homes here and are in the Hamptons isolating, said Keith Davis, founder and owner of popular cafe, Golden Pear, which has locations in Southampton, Bridgehampton and East Hampton. We started to see a lot of our Manhattan customers that we typically dont see this time of year coming out last Friday, Davis explained, adding that new restrictions imposed by New York limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery only may change the number of customers. We were seeing people come in to have their breakfast, lunch or dinner and sitting in the cafe, but as of Monday at 8pm, well be doing takeout, he said, adding that even areas like the Hamptons arent exempt from the problems facing businesses and the food service industry in particular. The state government on Thursday restricted the entry of passenger buses coming from other states into Chhattisgarh with immediate effect. "Operation of all passenger vehicles with All India Tourist Permit has also been stopped till further orders," the government said. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel earlier today said that Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in Raipur and all other municipal corporation areas in the state to prohibit large gatherings in order to contain the spread of coronavirus. So far, a total of 169 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A female patient with symptoms related to coronavirus was admitted in an isolation ward at Chest Diseases Hospital, here. Reports said the sexagenarian lady from Chadoora area of central Kashmirs Budgam district, who had returned to Kashmir from Saudi Arabia on March 16 after performing Umrah (mini Hajj), developed some symptoms related to COVID-19. One lady from Gund, Chadoora developed fever and cough symptoms after arriving from Saudi Arabia on March 16. She approached Sub-district hospital Chadoora today morning. We communicated to higher authorities and referred her to chest disease hospital Srinagar so that she would be quarantine properly, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Chadoora, said. Follow live updates of coronavirus cases here Sources said the lady was screened at the time of her arrival at Srinagar airport and the result was negative. She returned on the same day when another lady from Khanyar (Srinagar), who was tested positive on Wednesday, arrived. Nothing is clear of as of now, they said. Meanwhile, a day after the first positive case of coronavirus was reported in Kashmir, nearly two dozen medical teams conducted house-to-house inspections in Khanyar area of old city Srinagar, where the positive case hails from. The medical teams went to all houses within 300-meter radius surrounding the house of the infected person and conducted relevant investigations to ascertain whether someone had come into contact with her, an official spokesperson said. He said that the entire area has been put under lockdown in efforts to prevent and contain the spread of the infection in the area and the district. 356 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period and, so far, only four cases have been tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus, 3146 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance while as 2337 persons are under home quarantine. Persons who are in hospital quarantine stand at 34 and 419 persons are under home surveillance. Further, the bulletin said that 156 samples have been sent for testing, of which 144 tested as negative and only four cases have tested positive, so far while as reports of eight cases are awaited till March 19. Pakistan cannot afford a lockdown amid Coronavirus outbreak as the countrys economic situation is not the same as that of Europe, a Pakistani news channel quoted Sindh Governor Imran Ismail as saying on Thursday. After observing the preparedness at Karachi airport, the Sindh Governor told the local media that poor people and daily wage workers will be affected if cities are put under lockdown. Prime Minister Imran is monitoring the situation on a daily basis. There is no confusion between provinces and federation, added Imran Ismail. He added that Pakistan can overcome Coronavirus by following the precautionary measures announced by the government. He advised the nation to avoid all kinds of gatherings to restrict the spread of the pandemic. READ | Pakistan Records Two Deaths From Coronavirus As Confirmed Cases Rise To 301 Coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan The Health Department of Sindh confirmed three more positive cases of COVID-19 virus in the province on Thursday. The new cases have taken the total number of Coronavirus positive cases in Singh to 211. The Sindh province is the worst-hit regions of Pakistan. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan had risen to 301 with two confirmed deaths. The deceased persons belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Mardan and Hangu regions. Meanwhile, more coronavirus cases were reported in Pakistan as the number of patients in Balochistan province rose to 45 and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 34. 33 in Punjab, 15 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 2 in Islamabad and 1 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. READ | 29 Indians Return From Dubai Via Pakistan Pakistan is taking measures to stop the spread of the infection and lately religious affairs minister Noor ul Haq Qadri said that training programs for Haj pilgrims were suspended as part of the preventive measures. In Karachi, which is also one of the worst-hit areas, Christian leaders suspended Church services. The Foreign office announced to hold an indirect press conference as a precautionary measure to control the spread of Coronavirus. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that reporters can submit questions through email and answers will be published on the ministry's website. READ | 'They Misused It': India Slams Pak For Raising Kashmir Issue During SAARC Video-conference' READ | Pakistan Closes Wagha Border With India For Two Weeks Amid Coronavirus Scare More than an investigation, the Mueller probe was the wellspring of a political narrative. That becomes clearer as time goes by and more information ekes out . . . such as new confirmation that, months before Mueller was appointed in May 2017, it was already well understood in Justice Department circles that there was no case of criminal collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Never was that made more obvious than by the Justice Departments quiet announcement late Monday, under the five-alarm noise of the coronavirus scare, that it has dropped the special counsels indictment of Russian companies an outcome I predicted here at National Review nearly two years ago. A little refresher is in order. As detailed here many times, one of the biggest problems confronting those weaving the collusion tale was the inability to prove that Russia hacked the Democratic email accounts. As Ball of Collusion outlines, thats not the only fundamental problem. There is also the fact that the Democratic emails, in which Hillary Clinton was not an active correspondent, did not actually hurt her campaign at all certainly not the way her own email scandal did (a scandal for which there was no way to blame Moscow). There is also the dearth of evidence that the Trump campaign was even aware of, much less complicit in, Kremlin intelligence operations. Still, very basically, it would be impossible to prove that Trump had conspired in Russias hacking unless prosecutors could first establish that Russia had done the hacking. Let me repeat something else I said several times: This is not to say that Russia is innocent. Again, I accept the intelligence agencies conclusion on this point (though a number of others, including some former U.S. intelligence officials, do not). But the point is that Mueller could never have proved it beyond a reasonable doubt under courtroom due-process standards. Any competent defense lawyer would have had a field day with the Obama Justice Departments failure to have the FBI take possession and conduct its own forensic examination of the servers that were hacked. And what fun defense counsel would have had with DOJs delegation of that rudimentary investigative task to a DNC contractor with close ties to the Clinton campaign. (Yes, the forensic conclusions blaming Russia were paid for by the same folks who brought you the famously dodgy Steele dossier.) Story continues Speaking of dodgy, recall that Team Mueller and the Justice Department dodged every case that would have called for proving Russias cyber theft. Even when they indicted WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange, the very Ground Zero of collusion, they resisted charging him with the Russian hacking scheme. Given that prosecutors and the FBI spent years investigating the president of the United States for this crime of the century, it should seem astonishing that they passed on charging the guy theyve told us is the central conspirator with this crime. But you werent astonished if you were reading National Review . . . because you knew they were not going to charge any crime that called for proving Russias culpability in court. Their evidence is shaky and, if there were ever an acquittal, the Trump-Russia political narrative would be kaput, while the Putin regime celebrated a huge propaganda coup. So why did Team Mueller publicly file an indictment against Russians? Because they figured it was a freebie. The prosecutors assumed that they would never have to . . . you know . . . prove the case. The Russian defendants were in Russia. There was no way Putin would ever extradite them for an American criminal trial. The prosecutors knew that. What they wrote was not meant to be a real indictment. It was meant to be a press release. It was meant to be what Team Mueller was best at: the spinning of a narrative. I explained it this way at the time: When prosecutors are serious about nabbing law-breakers who are at large, they do not file an indictment publicly. That would just induce the offenders to flee to or remain in their safe havens. Instead, prosecutors file their indictment under seal, ask the court to issue arrest warrants, and quietly go about the business of locating and apprehending the defendants charged. In the Russia case, however, the indictment was filed publicly even though the defendants are at large. That is because the Justice Department and the special counsel know the Russians will stay safely in Russia. Muellers allegations will never be tested in court. That makes his indictment more a political statement than a charging instrument. To the extent there are questions about whether Russia truly meddled in the election, the special counsel wants to end that discussion. It all seemed so well choreographed. The indictment was, of course, reported as gospel-truth by the anti-Trump media the same folks who tell you, whenever a Democrat is charged with a crime, that an indictment is merely an allegation, that nothing is proven until its proven in court. Alas, Team Mueller made a mistake. A reckless bet, the kind made by people under the misimpression that they are playing with the houses money. To quote from my column nearly two years ago: [Team Mueller] charged not only Russian individuals but three Russian businesses. A business doesnt have the same risks as a person. A business cant be thrown in jail. And while members of Muellers prosecutorial stable have a history of putting real businesses out of business, a business that is run by a Putin crony and serves as a front for Kremlin operations is not too worried about that either. Since they had no concerns about being imprisoned or bankrupted by prosecution and fines, there was nothing to discourage these businesses from doing what Team Mueller blithely assumed no Russian defendant would ever do: retaining lawyers to show up in federal court, demanding the trial to which American law entitled the companies, and demanding all the discovery to which American due process guaranteed them access. It was a debacle. First, the prosecutors tried to get the case and all pretrial discovery postponed on the ground that the businesses in question, Concord Management and Concord Consulting (each controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a food-supply oligarch said to be a Putin crony), had not been properly served with the indictment. This was absurd. Service of process is the way you get a business to come to court; these businesses were already in court, demanding to proceed with the prosecution that Team Mueller had chosen to start. The businesses then pressed the government to provide them with all the evidence and other discovery the law requires prosecutors to disclose. Team Mueller countered that they couldnt do that because it would harm national security. Thats ridiculous. Imagine if I were prosecuting a mafia hitman and refused to make discovery, reasoning that the mafia might find out whats in my files. The judge would hold me in contempt, or dismiss the case or both. As a prosecutor, if youre worried that the security implications of disclosure are too great a risk, you dont charge the case. But if you file charges, there is no getting around disclosure obligations. Being forced to make disclosure did not go well for Team Mueller and his Justice Department successors. As they had to concede, there was no evidence that the Russians who carried out the troll farm scheme were directed by the Russian government. Stopping short of such an allegation, the indictment claimed the defendants were backed by Prigozhin which was quite the comedown from the Justice Departments drum-beating about Russias information warfare. Moreover, as the trial judge groused, the troll-farm indictment was difficult to follow. Team Muellers evidence was not even strong enough to allege that the defendants were actual Russian agents. Prosecutors thus crafted, shall we say, a creative theory: The defendants had defrauded the United States by failing to disclose their Russian identities and affiliations, which purportedly undermined the ability of U.S. bureaucracies to maintain a registry of foreign agents and enforce the campaign-finance laws. Except . . . it was unclear that the defendants had a legal duty to report information in the first place. How do you establish the criminality of concealment if there is no requirement to disclose? Finally, despite all the huffing and puffing about Russias purportedly massive effort to influence the election through social-media ads, the grudgingly surrendered discovery indicated that many of the ads violated no American laws and cost pennies. Assuming for arguments sake that at least some of the candidate ads and rallies fell under Federal Election Commission reporting requirements, the defense contended that total expenditures for such activities amounted to less than $5,000. With the judge trying to push the case to trial this spring, the possibility of humiliation loomed. This past Monday, when no one was watching, the Justice Department finally inevitably pulled the plug. The cases against the companies were dropped. The sympathetic New York Times reported the prosecutors fig leaf: The defense was weaponizing the case to gain access to delicate information. Its the kind of claim the Times would ridicule were the paper not so invested in the Trump-Russia narrative. In point of fact, the defendants were demanding the legal right to discovery that Muellers prosecutors automatically (if unwittingly) triggered when they decided to file an indictment. Not to say, I told you so (of course not!), this is exactly what these columns said would happen. From nearly two years ago: The surest way to put an end to this unwelcome turn of events would be to dismiss the indictment or at least drop the charges against the three businesses so Prigozhin and the Kremlin cant use them to force Muellers hand [i.e., to compel discovery]. Of course, that would be very embarrassing. But as all prosecutors are taught from their first day on the job: Never indict a case unless you are prepared to try the case. There is no exception for indictments that are really meant to be political theater. More from National Review Residents in Zhangjiang combating coronavirus By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-03-19 13:37 With the worldwide spread of the COVID-19, people coming to Shanghai from countries hit hard by the pandemic have to undergo a fourteen-day quarantine. In Zhangjiang, Pudong New Area, both Chinese and foreign residents are doing their bit in protecting the city they live in and combating the coronavirus. (A multilingual poster) A volunteer couple Recently, a couple came to Bibo Road Neighborhood Committee, volunteering to help the community workers. Lothar Sysk, a corporate executive from Germany, and his Chinese wife Yu, have been caring about the pandemic since the very beginning of its outbreak in Wuhan. Yu is a Wuhan native, and her younger sister and brother-in-law are both chief physicians fighting on the frontline in Wuhan. Her brother has also donated a lot of medical supplies and called on others to join him. In Shanghai, Lothar and Yu have also been moved by the ordinary workers in their own neighborhood, including the community physicians and cleaners. Since I like cooking, why not use my cooking technique to show my gratitude to all those fighting against the coronavirus, though it is a small thing? Lothar thought to himself. After some discussion with his wife, he decided to make some German meatballs. (Lothar sends meatballs to a cleaner.) The couple bought the ingredients from the internet. The next day, Lothar spent 5-6 hours making the meatballs and sent them to the security guards, property management staff and cleaners in the residential area. (Lothar on the left) The next day, Lothar and his wife showed up at the gate of a residential area, with a forehead thermometer and entry passes in hand. The first time, Lothar volunteered for 1.5 hours, during which he could not drink water, take off his face mask or go to the washroom. Feeling how tiring the work is, he still wanted to continue his volunteer work so that the community staff could have a rest. Sometimes what we have done, however small it is, may give others energy and make them feel warm or happy. That is our purpose, said Lothar, who has been living in Shanghai for over a decade. I also want to show my contribution to the country who gave me a place for living, place for work and a family. Returning residents Good to be back, some foreign residents said to their neighborhood committee staff. Though some of them have to go through home quarantine for 14 days, they are always cared for. Shi Ying, who works in the City Classic neighborhood committee, is in charge of more than 3,000 households. As of March 15, 22 expats have been under home quarantine. Each time Shi and her colleagues received a returnee, they formed a WeChat group, including the expat and their family or friend, for timely communication and response. (A chat group in Shi Yings WeChat) The expat families are very polite. They send us greetings every day. Many of them say that it is good to be back, said Shi with a happy smile. She said she can understand most of the messages with the help of the translation function of WeChat. I will keep their messages. They are also a precious memory for me. After the epidemic is over, Id like to invite these expat families to participate in our communitys cultural activities. Considerate and responsive translation team I never thought my major would come in handy at this time, said Sun Nana, who was a Korean major at college. She is a worker in the Tomson Beautiful Space neighborhood committee. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, she was dispatched to a translation team in Zhangjiang government to help the South Korean residents. Aside from translating materials and guidelines into the Korean language, she also has to record the residents body temperatures twice a day and try to help them get over any difficulties in their daily lives. Sometimes, Sun has to wear a protective outfit and goes to a quarantined expats home with the community doctors, who check their body condition and ask them to sign a commitment letter of self-quarantine. Sometimes, the translation team, especially males, has to be on standby for 24 hours a day to pick up returned expats from the airport. Though some South Korean residents can speak Mandarin, they still rely on Sun to help them. Suns presence may relive their anxiety to some extent as she can speak Korean. Once Sun received a call from a South Korean, who called to check whether she was on duty the next day and what he had to do after getting off the plane. I will arrive in Shanghai tomorrow. Will you be at work? the man asked. Dont worry. I will be here, said Sun. Kim Taeyon, a sophomore at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, came back to Shanghai from Seoul on March 2. On the first day of his arrival, he came across some hardship when getting back home, as his Mandarin is not very good. Then the community workers friended him via WeChat to keep in touch. Kim was told that he can contact the community workers and the translator any time he needs help. That was a relief to the young man. Also he has been cared for by his university. Having been parted from his Chinese girlfriend for almost two months, Kim said he wanted to see her once his 14-day quarantine was over. The centrist Blue and White party, whose chairman, the former army chief Benny Gantz, is seeking to form a government and succeed Mr. Netanyahu as prime minister, said it would seek the Supreme Courts intervention on Thursday to try to reconvene the Parliament. Every day that goes by without Mr. Gantzs party in charge of Parliament is a win for Mr. Netanyahu, because Mr. Gantz has a limited time to form a government and needs to apply legislative pressure on Mr. Netanyahu to have a chance of forging a coalition. The Supreme Court weighed in later Thursday on a separate issue: the use of cellphone data to track citizens as part of the effort to fight the virus. The court ruled that if Parliament has not established the relevant oversight committees by Tuesday, the authorities will be barred from continuing to use the security agencys trove of cellphone metadata to find people who should be quarantined. Mr. Netanyahu announced new restrictions on Thursday, ordering Israelis to stay in their homes except when buying groceries and medicine. The convoy protesters said the police were doing all they could to frustrate them, first by ticketing motorists for driving too slowly, then by demanding to conduct roadside inspections, and then by closing the main highway into Jerusalem to all traffic. Shahar Argaman, a reserve brigadier general who joined the convoy at the urging of a group of fellow veterans of the Israeli Special Forces, said that officers had accused them of interfering with traffic even though the convoy had been in a single right-hand lane and three other lanes were empty. Indian automobile manufacturers were never known for giving importance on vehicle safety, for Indian buyers were always inclined towards pricing and mileage. However, the past couple of years have been tremendous for vehicle safety as makers like volvo have inspired Indian carmakers. Tata Motors, for instance, is now making Global NCAP 5-star rated cars and so is Mahindra. This push from automakers have made people rethink about priorities. But have you ever wondered from where did safety in car begin? From seat belts to Electronic Stability Control, car safety has come a long way since the first automobiles were developed during the 19th century. In fact, car safety is as old as the automobile itself. The first recorded fatality involving a vehicle happened in 1869 when Mary Ward, an Anglo-Irish scientist, was killed when she fell under the wheels of an experimental steam car built by her cousins. Its likely that this event spurred authorities to adopt vehicle and road safety measures to protect not only drivers but also pedestrians. Here is a timeline how car safety has evolved over time:- Brake Systems Since the earliest automobiles in the 19th century, brake systems have been used, and they have continued to evolve ever since, from early drum brakes to modern day discs. The earliest brake system consisted only of wooden blocks and a single lever used by the driver to apply the brake. Mechanical drum brakes were developed at the beginning of the 20th century, and these were followed by expanding internal show brakes, which was the first brake system to be fixed inside the vehicles frame. This was followed in 1922 by the four-wheel hydraulic brake system. This system used fluids to transfer force to the brake show when the pedal was pressed. Arrival of crucial safety devices By the 1930s, more safety devices were included in the production of cars, such as laminated glass windshields. In 1934, the first barrier crash test was performed, while a back-up brake system was invented by Hudson Terraplane in 1936, while the first turn signals were launched by Buick in 1937. A 1937 Hudson Terraplane. (Image: Hyundai) Introduction of seat belts American manufacturer Tucker built the worlds first padded dashboard in 1947, while Swedish manufacturers developed proto-seat belts in the form of a safety cage in 1949, although the simple two-point design had been around since the early 1900s. The Scandinavian country made seat belts standard in 1958 and was also responsible for developing the three-point seat belt. Resembling a Y-shape, the three-point belt is effective in dispersing the energy of the moving body (over chest, pelvis and shoulders) during a collision. These became standard equipment in cars in 1970. The first optional headrests for the front seat of cars arrived in 1959, while padded dashboards were introduced to the first production cars in 1960. Evolution of Airbags First conceived in the 1950s, airbags were introduced in the 1970s but took a while to take off as they didnt work well in conjunction with the newly-required lap belt. It reappeared in some German cars in 1981, when it was used in conjunction with a three-point seat belt. Although the first electronic sensors to set off airbags in the case of an accident were introduced as far back as 1968, it wasnt until the early 1990s that lower-end cars started to include driver airbags, and side-impact airbags appeared towards the end of the decade. Airbags became mandatory in all vehicles in 1998. Hyundai new panoramic sunroof airbag. (Image: Hyundai) Anti-Locking Braking Systems The earliest braking system applied pressure only to the rear wheels. In the case of an emergency, the cars back wheels would lock up, causing the car to swerve and slide dangerously to a halt. Todays anti-locking brakes (ABS) were first developed for aircraft to prevent wheels from locking when landing. ABS were first used in cars in the 1970s, before becoming standard in the late 1980s. ABS detects the rotational speed of the vehicles individual wheels and releases hydraulic fluid if the wheel is rotating too slowly. This provides steering control when braking on wet and slippery surfaces. Electronic Stability Control First used in 1983 before becoming standard in vehicle production in the early 1990s, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) assists drivers when they undertake corning manoeuvres by detecting any loss of traction and effectively applying brakes to individual wheels. This ensures better handling and vehicle stability in unexpected road conditions or difficult terrains. Autonomous safety features In the past few years, advanced autonomous safety features have become firm fixtures of modern cars. The first autonomous brake system, which senses stationary traffic before warning drivers and priming the brakes to stop, was introduced in 2008. The 2010s has seen a range of new active safety and driving assistance features. These include features such as Lane Keeping Assist, which sends visual and audio alerts to help drivers stay in their lane, while Lane Departure Warning System alerts drivers with clear visual and sound warnings if their car begins to drift outside of its intended lane without a warning signal. Meanwhile, Driver Attention Warning continuously monitors and analyses driving patterns through data inputs such as the steering angle, steering torque and vehicle position in the traffic lane. Muslims head to the site of a mass gathering that was cancelled because of COVID-19 fears in Indonesias South Sulawesi province, March 19, 2020. About 8,000 people who had planned to attend an international gathering organized by a Muslim group were quarantined Thursday in Indonesias South Sulawesi province after the event was cancelled amid fears of the spread of COVID-19. The move came as Indonesias death rate from novel coronavirus infections hit 25, the highest in Southeast Asia, and President Joko Jokowi Widodo ordered his government to ramp up testing. The religious event which drew participants from across Indonesia and countries including Malaysia, Pakistan and India was cancelled hours before opening, despite reports that hundreds of infections in eight countries had been traced to a similar gathering in Malaysia in February. The gathering was to run through Sunday in South Sulawesis Gowa Regency, but the local government cancelled it at the last minute following public outcry. Ali Yubra Kamaruddin, a spokesman for the Muslim missionary group sponsoring the event, Tablighi Jamaat, said about 8,000 pilgrims who had already arrived were being quarantined. We have provided an isolation place away from local people and medical personnel to monitor their health, he told BenarNews. Considering the circumstances, we decided to cancel the event. Participants who have not arrived have been asked not to come. Regional police spokesman Ibrahim Tompo said security forces were guarding the location to prevent the pilgrims from leaving it. Meanwhile, 411 foreigners from nine countries had been quarantined at a hotel and would be allowed to leave based on their ticket travel dates, the Associated Press reported, citing the local governor, Nurdin Abdullah. Indonesians would face a 14-day compulsory quarantine upon returning to their homes. A similar event organized by Tablighi Jamaat at the Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur in late February had been linked to 579 of Malaysias 900 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday. In addition, cases traced to the gathering have been confirmed in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. 1,500 attend ordination On Thursday, President Joko Jokowi Widodo called for more coronavirus testing as officials announced that six more people had died from COVID-19, making Indonesias death toll of 25 the highest in Southeast Asia. Indonesia now has 309 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Health Ministry spokesman Achmad Yurianto said, after 82 more people tested positive, the nations biggest jump in infections a single day. COVID-19 has infected more than 227,000 people and killed more than 9,300 worldwide, according to the latest figures compiled by infectious-disease experts at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. But even as the Muslim gathering was cancelled, about 1,500 people attended the ordination of a new Catholic archbishop on Indonesias Flores island in the mainly Christian province of East Nusa Tenggara on Thursday, officials said. Provincial spokesman Samuel Pakereng said those who attended had their temperatures checked and were given hand sanitizer. Doni Munardo, the head of the Indonesia COVID-19 task force, had asked church officials to postpone the ceremony, according to CNN Indonesia. Please delay the inauguration ceremony of the archbishop of Ruteng, for humanitarian reasons, he said in text message seen by reporters on Thursday. Mass coronavirus tests Also on Thursday, Jokowi ordered his government to ramp up COVID-19 testing. Immediately carry out rapid tests with greater coverage to be able to detect early those people with COVID-19, Jokowi said in a video conference with ministers and other officials. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said up to 27 trillion rupiah ($1.7 billion) has been set aside to help support efforts to eradicate the coronavirus. The handling of COVID-19 will be a top priority and funding can come from money intended for programs that are of lesser priority, she told reporters. The funds will be used to buy personal protective equipment for medical personnel, disinfectants, and test kits, and to improve the capacity of hospitals, she said. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said a military plane would be deployed to transport medical supplies from the Chinese city of Shanghai. The supplies include disposable masks, N95 masks, PPE (personal protective equipment), gloves, goggles, protective shoes and thermometers, Prabowo spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said. Jokowi ordered vacant towers used to house athletes during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta be converted into a quarantine facility for up to 2,000 COVID-19 patients. The president also revealed that he has not been infected. My wife Iriana and I took COVID-19 tests four days ago and the test results are negative, praise be to God, Jokowi told reporters. Jokowi and cabinet ministers took the tests after Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi contracted the coronavirus and was hospitalized last week. Ronna Nirmala in Jakarta contributed to this report. Beef trade in the United Kingdom has got off to a strong start this year, recording growth in exports of fresh and frozen beef, new figures show. UK exports saw a significant increase in January, totalling 11,300 tonnes, almost 20% more than in the previous year, according to the AHDB. Felicity Rusk, dairy and livestock analyst, said this comes after December data recorded comparatively smaller growth (5%). Shipments to all major export destinations increased in January. Exports to Ireland, the largest export destination increased by 13%, to 3,500 tonnes. Shipments to Hong Kong (+300 tonnes), the Philippines (+250 tonnes) and the Netherlands (+350 tonnes) all recorded year-on-year increases in volumes. Exports also increased in value terms, although not to the same magnitude. In January, exports of fresh and frozen beef totalled 38.7 million, 11% more than in the same month in the previous year. Ms Rusk said this is due to a 7% decline in the average export unit price. While average unit prices continue to track below last year, the annual change has reduced in recent months. An uplift in shipments was also recorded in offal and processed beef products. Offal exports increased by 9% on the year, to 4,150 tonnes. Meanwhile, exports of beef products increased by 11% to 700 tonnes. In contrast, UK imports of fresh and frozen beef decline by 14% in January compared to the previous year, to 19,200 tonnes. This mirrors the trend seen throughout most of last year. This equated to a value of 72.7 million, 18% less than in the previous year, Ms Rusk explained. Shipments from Ireland, the largest supplier of beef to the UK, fell by 12% to 14,800 tonnes. Imports also recorded a drop from Poland (-200 tonnes), Germany (-150 tonnes) and the Netherlands (-50 tonnes). Imports of offal and processed beef products also recorded a decline in volume terms. Offal imports totalled 1,800 tonnes, 23% less than in the previous year, while imports of processed beef products fell by a quarter, to total 4,900 tonnes. JEROMESVILLE, Ohio The Hillsdale FFA agriculture sales team placed eighth at the state contest in Marysville, March 10. The team consisted of Shawna Barr, Zoey McBride, Megan Schwendeman and Lauren Ohl. Individually, McBride placed 20th, Barr placed 34th, Ohl placed 45th and Schwendeman placed 61st. Clay Schoen, Schwendman and Baylea Baldner-Wise competed in sub districts and district speaking events Feb. 12 and 18. At sub districts, Schwendman received first in prepared public speaking, Schoen received second in extemporaneous public speaking and Baldner-Wise received first in creed speaking. At the district contest, Baldner-Wise received fourth, Schwendeman received third, and Schoen received second, letting him move on to the state contest March 7 and received fifth in his heat. SULLIVAN, Ohio Ohio FFA has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to create a statewide Community Clunker Clean Up. Ohio FFA chapters, including the Black River FFA chapter, are working to clean up communities by removing and donating used farm equipment and vehicles to benefit the charity. The Ohio FFA chapter that secures the most donations, of at least five vehicles, will receive a $10,000 prize. To support the Black River FFA, community members can call 800-332-8201 to schedule a convenient pick up of the used vehicle or equipment and use the promotional code OH0028 to ensure the donation is associated with the local FFA chapter. Each vehicle donated on average provides enough funding to allow a family with an ill or injured child to stay for a week at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. For questions about Black Rivers Community Clunker Clean up, contact choward@blrv.org or 419-736-3303. This year, 10 members of the participated in the state Greenhand event Feb. 25. Overall the team earned 30th out of 143 teams and 2,471 individuals. Kennadi Fusco, Leigha Cleary, Jacob Mennell, Aden Macfarlane, Jeffery Czarny, Karissa Long, Piper Neff, Zoey Bungard, Andrew Grove and Jacob Reif competed. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered financial institutions to temporarily suspend business and residential evictions to help those financially affected by the spread of the coronavirus. The executive order signed by Kelly says it will allow Kansans to retain their homes and businesses to avoid immediate danger to their health, safety and welfare. Financial institutions were ordered to suspend initiating mortgage foreclosure or judicial proceedings and commercial or residential evictions until May 1. We understand that this pandemic is creating unprecedented challenges for people across the state, Kelly said in a statement. Kansas families need our support and my administration is committed to doing everything it can to make sure that Kansans can stay in their homes and businesses. Kelly did not announce the order Tuesday but said in her statement that her office consults with the Kansas Attorney General before issuing any executive orders. Her office said that Kelly issued the order under her power when declaring an emergency to take actions necessary to promote and secure the safety of the civilian population. House Financial Institutions Committee Chairman Jim Kelly, an Independence Republican and a veteran banker, said the measure is a look good order because banks were likely to avoid starting foreclosures. I would say in a period like this, they would be really reluctant to do it anyway, he said. You never generally get your money back, and you would really like to work it out. So I think at this time, with all of the shutdowns, employer shutdowns, I would be really surprised if Kansas banks were going to wholesale start foreclosures. The order came a day after Kelly ordered all of the states K-12 schools to close and to move lessons online for the rest of the spring semester. On Monday, she banned all gatherings of 50 or more people. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas doubled on Tuesday to at least 18, with one death. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Kansas CHICAGO - Concern among Americans that they or a loved one will be infected by the coronavirus rose dramatically in the past month, with two-thirds of the country now saying theyre at least somewhat concerned about contracting the COVID-19 illness. Thats up from less than half who said so in February. Still, a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that about 3 in 10 Americans say theyre not worried at all about the coronavirus. And while the survey found that most say theyre taking at least some actions to prevent the disease from spreading, experts say it also shows the country is not doing all of whats needed to reduce infections, such as cancelling travel. Some set of people is still going about their daily lives, and that needs to change pretty rapidly, said Caroline Pearson, a senior vice-president at NORC at the University of Chicago and a health policy expert. Now they need to do the hard things, not just the easy things that dont disrupt their life. The poll found that younger adults have greater concerns about the coronavirus than older Americans, with 43% of adults under 30 being very worried, compared with 21% of those age 60 and over. Pearson said that may be because younger people are more likely to feel uncertain about jobs or health insurance or to worry about older family members like parents or grandparents. That disparity by age does not match the threat posed by the virus. Deaths to date in the U.S. mirror the experience in other countries, with about 4 out of 5 fatalities occurring in people 65 and older, and no deaths in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the poll found that about 3 in 10 Americans say theyre highly worried about the illness, about the same number are unconcerned with 7% saying they were not taking any of the prevention measures asked about in the poll, including more frequent hand washing or staying away from large groups. Thats a red flag for Libby Richards, a Purdue University nursing professor who teaches courses on population health. We do need that 33% to change if were going to keep this under control as much as possible, Richards said, adding that maybe that 7% of people are already excellent hand washers, but I doubt it. The survey found that about 9 in 10 Americans say theyre washing their hands more frequently, roughly 7 in 10 are avoiding large groups and about 6 in 10 are avoiding touching their faces. Older Americans are especially likely to say theyre avoiding large groups, with 77% saying theyve done that in response to the coronavirus. Public health officials have urged people to do their part to slow the spread of the virus before hospitals and other health facilities are overwhelmed. Schools and sporting events have been cancelled, and restaurants and Las Vegas casinos closed. President Donald Trumps administration said Monday that people should avoid social gatherings with groups of more than 10 people. But of those who had travel plans in the next few months, a minority 22% of those who had domestic travel plans and 41% of those with international travel plans say theyve cancelled them. About another 3 in 10 of each group say theyve considered cancelling, while the rest are still planning to travel. On Saturday, Trump expanded European travel restrictions due to the global pandemic, telling Americans, If you dont have to travel, I wouldnt do it. The CDC has advised that travellers are more likely to get infected if they go to a destination where the virus is spreading and in crowded settings such as airports. The poll was conducted March 12-16, when information about the virus was changing rapidly, as was the Trump administrations reaction to it. Trump declared the pandemic a national emergency on March 13, making up to $50 billion available for local and state governments to respond to the crisis, and announced a range of executive actions aimed at expanding testing for the virus. The administration also started work on a $1 trillion aid and stimulus plan. Richards said shes hopeful the numbers of Americans worried about the coronavirus would be higher in a poll conducted entirely after Trump declared the national emergency. Still, she said shes been troubled by people who dont seem to be taking the warnings seriously, including those shes seen in images of crowded Florida beaches. For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. It can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, for some people, especially older adults and those with existing health problems. Most people recover those with mild illness in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks, according to the World Health Organization. ___ Swanson reported from Washington. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,003 adults was conducted March 12-16 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points. ___ Online: AP-NORC Center: http://www.apnorc.org/. Pakistan's coronavirus cases sharply rose to 381 on Thursday, as the military said that measures are being taken to make the armed forces' medical facilities available for an "extreme emergency" situation. Pakistan on Wednesday reported its first two casualties due to the coronavirus that has spread to more than 160 countries, killing over 9,000 people. On Thursday, maximum new cases were recorded in Punjab where the number of infected people rose to 78 from 33. Balochistan was the next where the number rose from 23 to 45. But the worst-hit Sindh province was still on the top with 217 confirmed cases, while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had 23, Gilgit-Baltistan 15, Islamabad 2 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir one. Army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told the media that army was fully geared up to support the civil administration in fighting coronavirus. "Medical facilities of armed forces will be available in case of emergency," he said. Pakistan also announced on Thursday to close down Wagah border with India for two weeks. The interior ministry through a notification said that it closed the key border point with India "for an initial period of two weeks (14 days) with immediate effect". It said the measure was taken to "prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of both countries." Pakistan's western border with Iran and Afghanistan had already been closed to curb the spread of the deadly virus. "Pakistan was taking measures to stop the spread of the infection," the Prime Minister's Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told the media. He said that Pakistan would learn from China's experience. "Our doctors will be trained by Chinese doctors through video conferences," he said. Mirza asked people to practice social distancing which will help to reduce the infections. Religious affairs minister Noor ul Haq Qadri said that training programs for Haj pilgrims were suspended as part of the preventive measure. In Karachi, which is one of worst-hit areas, Christian leaders suspended Church services. The Foreign Office announced to hold indirect press conference as a precautionary measure to control the spread of coronavirus. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that reporters can submit questions through email and answers will be published on the ministry's website. Majority of Pakistan's COVID-19 cases are linked to those who went on pilgrimage to Iran, one of the countries hardest-hit by the disease, while less than half a dozen are locally transmitted. Pakistan shares a 960-kilometre border with Iran, with the main crossing point at Taftan in Balochistan province. The Taftan border has been closed since March 16, but thousands of Pakistan Shia pilgrims who were visiting religious sites in Iran have been allowed to return subject to two weeks' quarantine. The federal government has banned public gatherings, closed all educational institutions until April 5 and cancelled Pakistan Day parade on March 23. It also limited international flights operations to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mortarboards wont be flying at the University of Oregon this year. One of the states largest public universities on Thursday announced it has canceled commencement ceremonies, citing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus that has so far been confirmed to have affected 88 Oregonians and killed three. University officials made the announcement on Twitter. Pacific University in Forest Grove also announced it will not hold a traditional commencement ceremony. The cancelation includes the university-wide ceremony at Matthew Knight Arena and the annual grad parade on 13th Avenue. University officials said potential graduates will receive information about alternative celebrations in the coming weeks. The University of Oregon had previously canceled all events through April 30. Campus tours were canceled through April 18. Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday ordered the states public colleges and universities to cancel in-person classes until April 28. She urged officials across Oregons institutions of higher education to instead offer online classes. The University of Oregon and Oregon State University had previously mandated professors to conduct finals online following Browns previous order demanding Oregonians limit gatherings to groups of 25 people or fewer. Oregon State hasnt canceled its traditional commencement ceremony but a spokesman told The Oregonian/OregonLive: We continue to evaluate a variety of options for our commencement ceremonies on our Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses. At Portland State, the commencement website as of Thursday night said ceremonies are scheduled to go on as planned. KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 23:02 | World, All, Coronavirus Vietnam has informed its ASEAN peers that a leaders' summit to be hosted by it will be postponed from April to late June due to the spread of the new coronavirus, a diplomatic source said Thursday. Vietnam, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, plans to host the meeting in the seaside resort of Danang. As Southeast Asian nations scramble to contain the spread of the virus, speculation was rife that the summit would have to be postponed. A special U.S.-ASEAN summit originally scheduled for mid-March in Las Vegas has also been postponed as the virus spread globally. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Related coverage: Singapore imposes 14-day self-isolation on arrivals from 12 nations Malaysia lockdown over coronavirus spurs workers' rush to Singapore Japan businesses hit by lack of Chinese trainees amid coronavirus outbreak I am a 22-year-old student currently in my penultimate year of a degree in English Literature and History at Trinity College Dublin. I'm from Cork, but have lived away from home for the past three years - an experience which has equipped me with a certain independence. But the events of the past week, my time in Trinity grinding to a halt and being forced to suddenly move back to Cork, have reminded me that I never really fully appreciated the freedom of student life in Dublin. Although the coronavirus has featured in the media since January - and was on my radar as something I should potentially worry about - it was only two weeks ago that I truly understood the dangerous reality as the virus arrived in Dublin. The first case of the virus in Trinity was detected on Thursday, March 5. I felt as if Covid-19 had burrowed into our small college community, possibly infecting hundreds along the way and provoking a wave of unease to sweep through the Trinity population. Some students wondered whether summer exams would still be held in the RDS. Others hoped for a short extension on upcoming essays and final-year dissertations. No one, I don't think, foresaw the manner in which our academic year would be cut short, our studies shifted online and our social lives reduced to interactions through a screen. In the course of a mere week, my priorities and expectations have changed dramatically. A fortnight ago, I worried about doing well in my exams. Now here I am sitting in the Cork countryside, keeping a careful distance from vulnerable family members and attempting to maintain some semblance of structure and daily routine. As well as feeling anxious about the potentially devastating effect of Covid-19, there is a feeling of loss. As superficial as it may sound, I am mourning the life I had painstakingly built for myself in Dublin - one in which I had achieved a sense of self that was inherently linked with the independence of living away from home. I cooked my own meals and did a weekly grocery shop. I met friends for lunch and drinks, sometimes staying out ridiculously late. I had a part-time job and was involved in numerous extracurricular activities. When I first got back home to Cork, I felt as if that process of personal growth had abruptly stopped and been replaced by the imperative of focusing on the health crisis at hand. It is understandable, of course, that it would be. Now I am dependent on occasional lifts from my parents if I want to go anyhwere. I eat what everyone else is eating and my mother does the groceries. There is a good chance I will not meet my college friends for weeks. A pandemic is not the time to sit around moping about an identity crisis. That said, I think many will agree that the last number of days have shown the importance of treating oneself and others with kindness. The hustle and bustle of my metropolitan life in Dublin has been replaced by country walks, evenings spent drinking tea and phone calls with friends. In place of the quiet haven that is the Trinity Library, my mornings and afternoons are spent in my childhood bedroom, reading e-books and trying to come to terms with the experience of attending lectures through a screen. I most likely would have faltered in this effort by now if it weren't for the resourcefulness and trojan efforts of my professors, many of whom were previously unfamiliar with online teaching methods, but have taken the adjustment in their stride over the space of a few days. I am thinking especially of all the students I know in similar positions. Some of my friends have volatile home environments. Others do not have a place to study. Many are currently experiencing intense loneliness, frustration and fear. Although I too am afraid, I have found solace over the past week in the smallest things. A video call and a virtual 'hug' with my 80-year-old grandmother, the sound of the birds when I awake in the morning, time finally spent tidying my childhood bedroom - a task I had put off for the past three years. In the midst of uncertainty, I suppose, the small things must become the big things. As we begin a period of social distancing and isolation, we've asked three writers to document their experiences. Today, it's the turn of Grainne Sexton, a student in Trinity College. Follow her journey in the Irish Independent in the days and weeks ahead. Health authorities have warned that Spain does not have the resources to diagnose all cases of the novel coronavirus. The regional government of Madrid, which has been hardest hit by the pandemic, raised the alarm last Thursday, and the national Health Minister Salvador confirmed the problem on Tuesday. Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts, said on Tuesday that it was a logistics issue and maintained the problem would be resolved within two or three days. We cannot stop this pandemic if we dont know who is infected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization According to sources consulted by EL PAIS, the lack of testing could hamper the efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which has so far left 13,716 people infected and 598 people dead in Spain. While the lockdown implemented on Saturday by the Spanish government has mitigated the problem, completing as many tests as possible has proven to be key to slowing the spread of the outbreak in countries such as Germany and South Korea, with 15,000 tests done every day at the height of the crisis in the latter country. Isolation reduces the circulation of the virus, but knowing who is infected continues to be important, said the head of a microbiology unit at a large public hospital. Every diagnosis is a chain of infections that does not reach a senior center. It avoids hospitalizations and, ultimately, deaths. Hospitals and scientific associations have warned about the need to complete more tests. On February 26, the same day the first locally transmitted case of coronavirus was diagnosed in Spain, the leaders of Spains large public hospitals told EL PAIS that they had informed the Health Ministry that more tests had to be done, and as soon as possible. The system was not prepared The [healthcare] system was not prepared for the seriousness of what was coming, said the head of the infectious disease department of a hospital in Spains southern region of Andalusia. Up until at least a week ago, we werent able to do a PCR [a diagnostic test] for coronavirus without asking for authorization. I could order a PCR for the flu, but not for the coronavirus. Four medical associations (clinical microbiologists, intensivists, internists and emergency physicians) sent a letter to the Health Ministry on March 9, which stated that adopting the necessary measures to guarantee the early identification (and isolation) of the highest number of cases must be considered a top priority, and highlighted the need to strengthen Spains diagnostic strategy and capability. The problem was that at the time the Health Ministry and the regional government did not have much margin to respond quickly, said the source from Andalusia. Everything was designed to confront a limited number of cases and laboratories were not equipped with the resources to deal with a possible exponential rise in demand. Nor were the logistics of collecting thousands of tests from home taken into account. A researcher performs a PCR test at the Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology in Madrid. ULY MARTIN The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made it clear on Monday that testing for the coronavirus was key to tackling the crisis. We cannot stop this pandemic if we dont know who is infected, he said at a public briefing. We have a simple message for all countries: Test, test, test. Test every suspected case. If they test positive, isolate them and find out who they have been in contact with two days before they developed symptoms and test those people, too. The WHO recommends that even people who show no symptoms should be tested, but this measure has not been included in Spains current guidelines, which state that diagnostic tests for coronavirus will not be routinely performed on contacts of patients. Despite this discrepancy, Fernando Simon maintained on Tuesday that the WHO recommendations are the same ones that Spain has been following for some time. PCR tests Microbiologists in Spanish hospitals have been using a diagnostic test called Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify coronavirus cases. The semi-automatic testing kits are not, however, available at all health centers. The PCR identifies whether the genetic code of the virus, which was published by Chinese scientists in mid-January, is present in a patients sample. In an ideal situation, where one test is analyzed at a time, it would take a laboratory four-and-a-half hours to receive a result. But because many samples are being analyzed at once, the process takes between six and six-and-a-half hours. In large hospitals in Madrid, between 200 and 400 test results are being processed every day, according to Rafael Canton, the head of microbiology at the Ramon y Cajal hospital. We would like to test everyone but with the diagnostic capability and number of kits we have, that is not possible. Its not viable, he said. Many of the PCR diagnostic kits are made in other countries but there are biotechnology companies with production plants in Spain. CerTest, for instance, is located in San Mateo de Gallego, in the northeastern province of Zaragoza. The company makes 40,000 tests a day, but Spain has only done 30,000 since the beginning of the crisis. As much as we would like to, there are no supplies of the other components that are needed, like the extraction kits, said Nelson Fernandes, the director general of CerTest, who explained that these kits are not made in Spain. Other items such as swabs and the liquid used to transport the sample have also begun to run out. Faster testing A faster method to test for the novel coronavirus is set to be rolled out this week in a bid to identify mild cases. Simon explained on Wednesday that this is likely to increase substantially the number of coronavirus infections in Spain. br/> The Health Ministry, however, did not specifically clarify what the new method involved or how it differs from the PRC test. Other countries have begun using serological testing which is much faster, but as Simon admitted, also much less accurate. Since the coronavirus outbreak escalated two weeks ago, tests have only been done on serious cases, especially vulnerable people, and health workers with symptoms. English version by Melissa Kitson. The Ashanti Regional Immigration Command is in the process to repatriate 20 Nigerians who were arrested by its officers at Juaso in the Asante Akim South District. The Niger nationals were screened by health officials in the Ashanti Region after residents at Juaso raised concerns in the wake of concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic. One of the deputies at the Public Relations Unit of the Ashanti Regional Immigration Command, Bernice Amponsah speaking to Citi News indicated that the suspects were arrested upon a tip-off by residents of Juaso who feared the foreigners may be carrying the coronavirus. On 17th March 2020, around 15:30 hours the Konongo Municipal Immigration Command referred 20 Nigeriens to the Ashanti Regional Command. They were made up of 8 females and 11 males and 1 infant. They were referred to us from the Ashanti Akyem South Municipality through the Ashanti Akyem police and to the Konongo immigration. Ongoing investigations revealed that they came from Sunyani to sell their local herbal medicines. Residents, however, raised alarm following fears of the recent outbreak and the spread of the coronavirus. The Immigration Command also indicated that out of the number, only four had travel documents which did not even permit them to work or stay in Ghana. She also added that they were being detained because their activity was in contradiction to the law which demands that the sale of Medicine must be permitted by the Food and Drugs Authority. Only four of them were able to produce their travel certificates, the remaining 16 had only Nigerien identity cards. The intelligence and enforcement section of Ashanti Regional Immigration Command has generated an identification album for the rest to identify them as Nigeriens and all the suspects have been screened by the regional health directorate. They are still detained here because it is the responsibility of immigration to handle foreign nationals, they had no travel certificates and even the 4 who had did not permit them to work in Ghana. Meanwhile, they had no certificates from the Food and Drugs Authority or the Ghana Standards Board to sell the kinds of medicine they were selling to the residents that is why they are still detained here. The Ghana Immigration Service added that the suspects were going through a process to be sent back to their country. As I speak to you, there are directives to process them for repatriation. Upon screening, the four of them who had the travel certificates are still kept here because they are all being processed for repatriation. The certificates they had on them does not permit them to sell or to work in Ghana and those who had the identity cards, by law it does not give them entry because it is not a travel document. Finally, appreciation was extended to the residents of Juaso for reporting the foreigners to the right authorities, they also encouraged the general public to report any foreign national whom they may suspect of foul play to the Ghana Immigration Service. We are using this opportunity to thank the residents of Juaso for reporting these nationals to the right authorities and we also use this opportunity to appeal to citizens that if they see any foreigners and suspect any foul play or suspicions, they should report immediately to the Ghana immigration service. ---citinewsroom WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi said today he will self-quarantine at his home after he was in close contact with one of two congressmen to test positive for COVID-19. Brindisi, D-Utica, said he did not have any symptoms of the new coronavirus. He was in contact with Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, last week. McAdams, 45, revealed Wednesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 after developing symptoms on Saturday. Out of an abundance of caution and on the advice of the attending physician of the United States Congress, I will self-quarantine until Friday, March 27, 2020, Brindisi said. Brindisi told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that he had several meetings with McAdams last week. The two are members of the House Blue Dog Coalition, a caucus of moderate Democrats. Brindisi, 41, said he will continue to telework from his home in Utica until March 27. His offices in Washington, D.C., and Utica are closed to visitors. Brindisi said he will go forward with a previously planned telephone town hall meeting about coronavirus at 5:30 p.m. today. McAdams and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Florida, are the first two members of Congress to test positive for COVID-19. Diaz-Balart said he began to develop symptoms Saturday, hours after leaving the House floor. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Thousands of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm CNY hospitals; what needs to be done now How a carton of eggs led to 2 acts of kindness at CNY Wegmans amid coronavirus panic Katko, Brindisi urge President Trump to declare NY a disaster area due to coronavirus Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. A University of Oklahoma-led study shows that grasshopper numbers have declined over 30% in a Kansas grassland preserve over the past two decades. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), the paper, "Nutrient dilution and climate cycles underlie declines in a dominant herbivore," reveals a new potent and potentially widespread threat to Earth's plant feeders: the dilution of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium in the plants themselves due to increasing levels of atmospheric CO 2 . Ellen Welti, of the Geographical Ecology Group in the Department of Biology at OU, led the collaboration of ecologists from OU, the University of Illinois and Kansas State University in this National Science Foundation-funded study. Grasshoppers are abundant consumers in grasslands -- a habitat that covers more than 30% of Earth's land mass and is the source of the majority of human crops. The same decline in plant quality revealed by Welti and her colleagues has recently raised alarms about the global human food supply. "This decline in plant nutrient concentration poses a challenge for all animals that consume plants, including humans," Welti said. The OU-based study adds to the growing evidence that some insect groups are declining in abundance. Such long-term data are rare but are a primary function of the National Science Foundation's LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) sites, including Konza Prairie -- a large protected tallgrass prairie reserve in northeast Kansas that provided the study's key data. "One surprise was that grasshopper abundances in this large native tallgrass prairie reserve are declining," Welti said. "This grassland appears to be a stable and prime habitat for grasshoppers and yet even here, we are seeing 2% annual declines." The grasshoppers have been surveyed at Konza for approaching 30 years, providing a rare and detailed breakdown of this important group of insects. advertisement The study is unique, not only in the length of the record, but in the sophisticated set of mathematical tools Welti and her colleagues implemented to account for two drivers of grasshopper populations. "I used tools developed by geologists to look at orbital cycles, to identify cyclic patterns and understand how climate oscillations such as El Nino that may shape grasshopper abundances," Welti said. Michael Kaspari, George Lynn Cross Research Professor in the OU College of Arts and Sciences, was the study's senior author. "Where some folks look at these data -- with their wide yearly swings in grasshopper numbers -- and see only noise, Dr. Welti had the tools and the insight to reveal the music in the data," Kaspari said. "That music consisted of five-year cycles in precipitation and temperature that drove changes in grasshopper numbers, as well as the plants they feed on." Welti and her colleagues' second discovery -- that plant quality is declining even as plant growth has nearly doubled -- highlights the paradoxical nature of nutrient dilution. advertisement "The greenhouse gas CO 2 is heating the Earth and acidifying its oceans, but it is also the main ingredient in the sugars, starches, and cellulose of plants," Kaspari said. "When we pump the atmosphere full of CO 2 , we build more plants. But, with no additional nutrients to fertilize them, the nutritional value of each bite is diluted. Mouthful by mouthful, the prairie provides less and less food to the grasshoppers. Hence, their decline." This new cause of insect declines is particularly problematic. "The mechanism of grasshopper declines that we propose in this study -- declining plant quality with increasing atmospheric CO 2 -- is expected to be global in scope and pose the largest challenge to herbivores. It is notable that a large number of previous studies documenting insect declines were on another herbivorous group (butterflies and moths), but few of these papers identified a mechanism causing declines," Welti said. The worldwide increase in CO 2 highlights a potential worldwide threat to the largest group of animals: its plant feeders. Schools in Yemen are closed and flights are suspended and other restrictions are being enforced in fears of coronavirus spread. In Yemen, a country already struggling with a five-year war is now preparing for the battle against coronavirus. Despite the absence of any coronavirus cases in Sanaa, or elsewhere in Yemen, the government has suspended flights to and from Sanaa International Airport for two weeks and ordered the closure of schools and colleges to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Al Jazeeras Mohammed al-Attab reports from the capital, Sanaa. Parliament has adopted on Thursday President Klaus Iohannis' decree on the establishment of the state of emergency on Romania's territory for a 30-day period. Chamber of Deputies Speaker Marcel Ciolacu announced that the decision to approve the measure adopted by Romania's President on the establishment of the state of emergency on the entire territory of Romania was unanimously approved. MPs cast their votes remotely, through an electronic system. Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for placing travel restr... Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for placing travel restrictions on some countries, following the outbreak of Coronavirus. Recall that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha had announced travel ban on 13 countries to limit spread of the virus. Countries affected inlcude: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, United States of America, Norway, United Kingdom, Netherlands & Switzerland. However, Fani-Kayode also urged the Federal Government to shut down public schools and institutions over reports of the disease in some states. In a tweet, the former Minister, who is a fierce critic of Buhari wrote: I commend the FG for imposing a travel ban on 13 countries as a consequence of COVID-19. With reports that more possible cases are emerging in places like Katsina they should also consider closing all public schools and public institutions until further notice. If we do not call it the Chinese virus, what on earth do you want us to call it? That is precisely what it is: the CHINESE virus! This is so because it came from China! All this political correctness has to stop! @realDonaldTrump was right, and he has said it as it is! Open source Two cases of Chinese coronavirus have been confirmed in Dnipropetrovsk region. The press service of local regional administration reported that on March 19. Both infected persons are now under medical surveillance. They recently returned from abroad; they now feel fine, and their health condition is stable. Currently, the medics work with those who contacted the infected people. Recently, Ukrainian MP Serhiy Shakhov spoke to the press and shared the story how he got infected with the Chinese coronavirus. He also confirmed his wife's diagnosis. This and more became known during the video briefing that he held on his Facebook page. "Three days that I spent in Switzerland - that's from March 7 till March 10 in the evening do not leave such opportunity (to get infected, - 112 International). How come the virus can mutate over three days? At first, they said the incubation period was 14 days; and now it took three days to get things done. I got infected in Ukraine, and I have no doubts about that", Shakhov said. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared the Queen's message urging the country to come together amid the coronavirus crisis. The Queen assured the nation that the Royal Family is ready to 'play its part' in beating the deadly disease in a message released earlier today, adding: 'Our nation's history has been forged by communities coming together.' Her message paid tribute to medical practitioners, scientists and the emergency and public services who are fighting the pandemic, and stressed we all have a 'vitally important part to play as individuals' - today and in the coming months. Meghan and Harry spectacularly quit as senior members of the royal family in January, but the sharing of Her Majesty's message seems to be a show of unity in trying times. The powerful statement of support was also shared on the Kensington Royal Instagram account by Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Queen assured Brits the Royal Family is ready to 'play its part' in beating the deadly disease in a message released earlier today Earlier today the monarch was seen leaving Buckingham Palace with her faithful Dorgi on her lap as she headed to Windsor Castle for Easter a week earlier than planned, ahead of the anticipated lockdown of London. The 93-year-old was joined there by Prince Philip, 98, who was helicoptered from Wood Farm in Sandringham. Last month, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted an extraordinary statement on their website claiming that the Queen does not own the word royal across the world, after they were forced to drop their 'Sussex Royal' brand. Meghan and Harry spectacularly quit as senior members of the royal family in January, but the sharing of Her Majesty's message seems to a show of unity in trying times. They are pictured at the Commonwealth Day Service last week The statement struck a more hostile tone in some sections, and said that neither the government nor the Queen herself own the word 'royal' internationally - but they would nonetheless stop using the title. The statement read: 'While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word "Royal" overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use "Sussex Royal" or any iteration of the word "Royal" in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.' It comes as the couples seem to be staying permanently in North America, with sources claiming they want to raise baby Archie away from the spotlight in the UK. The Queen was seen leaving Buckingham Palace with her corgi-dachshund mix, who is called Candy, on her lap as she headed to Windsor Castle to join Prince Philip Earlier today royal experts suggested Prince William could step in to cover her commitments as part of a coronavirus crisis plan - due to second-in-line Prince Charles also being over 70 and facing a potential four month period of self-isolation. Her Majesty glanced out of the window next to the corgi-dachshund mix, who is called Candy, as she sat in the back of her official car for the 50-minute journey to Berkshire. Reports say the Duke of Edinburgh joined her a week early to match her revised schedule, as she prepares to wait out the coronavirus crisis away from London, where tighter restrictions are expected within days amid fears it's driving the UK's coronavirus outbreak. The Queen looked well as she travelled in the back of an official car to Windsor earlier today The Queen attended her last engagement in London yesterday, a private audience with two senior officers from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Yesterday, the Queen greeted Captain Angus Essenhigh, the new Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy warship HMS Queen Elizabeth, and his predecessor Commodore Steven Moorhouse. There were no handshakes, just bows from the captain and the commodore, as they met and chatted with the monarch in the private audience room of the Queen's London home. Earlier today royal experts told FEMAIL that Prince William (pictured with Kate Middleton) could soon take a more senior role in the Royal Family during the coronavirus pandemic, should the Queen and Prince Charles have to go into isolation. It is also possible that Princess Beatrice, who is ninth-in-line to the throne, may be appointed a Counsellor of State during these uncertain times The Queen was today seen leaving Buckingham Palace as she left for Windsor Castle a week early than usual to spend time in self-isolation over Easter ITV's royal editor Chris Ship took to Twitter this afternoon explaining Prince Philip had been helicoptered from Wood Farm in Sandringham to Windsor to be with the Queen for Easter. London braced for potential 'lockdown' The nine-million inhabitants of the capital are set for tighter restrictions on their movements - with signs the government will urge people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. Contingency plans are believed to be in place for police to guard shops and helicopters to airdrop food, although sources insisted that is not happening at this stage in the unfolding crisis. Camp beds and food stocks were seen being moved into Downing Street today, in more evidence that Boris Johnson and his aides are bunkering down for the situation to escalate. The PM fuelled speculation about the fate of the capital last night by vowing he will not hesitate to go 'further and faster' to control the spread of the deadly virus. He said 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in London more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. But Downing Street insisted there is 'zero' prospect' of trains in and out of the capital being axed, and there are 'no plans' to shut down the Tube system, although services have been pared back. The PM's spokesman also insisted it is 'not true' that only one person from each household will be allowed to leave their homes. Health minister Nadine Dorries has vented her fury at images of still-busy bars and cafes in the capital, tweeting: 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' Tube services in the capital are already being downgraded, with 40 stations shutting. Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to travel only if they 'really, really have to'. In a desperate plea to residents, he said: 'I want to see more Londoners following the expert advice.' Four more deaths have today been confirmed in the UK, taking the total number of fatalities on British soil to 108. One was in Northern Ireland and three in Scotland, while England has yet to give its daily update. Advertisement 'He had always planned to be with her and was moved to Windsor a week earlier to match the Queens revised schedule,' he wrote. 'She arrived there this afternoon.' The Duke of Edinburgh was last pictured in January being driven onto the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where the Queen spends her winter break, for a shoot. Prince Philip remained in Sandringham while recuperating from a four-day stay in hospital over the festive period, where he was treated for a pre-existing medical condition. He had been admitted to the King Edward VII's hospital in central London for a few days as a precautionary measure, and for observation, after a period of poor health which saw him battling a 'flu-like' illness for weeks and suffering a 'bad fall'. Earlier today royal experts told FEMAIL that Prince William could soon take a more senior role in the Royal Family during the coronavirus pandemic, should the Queen and Prince Charles have to go into isolation. This week Health Secretary Matt Hancock said people over the age of 70 will be told to self-isolate, even if they do not have symptoms, in a bid to stem the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable in society. Given the Prince of Wales, 71, and Her Majesty, 93, are within this age group, as third-in-line to the throne the Duke of Cambridge may be required to provide a 'physical presence' of the monarchy. Nigel Cawthorne, author of Call Me Diana: Princess Diana on Herself, told FEMAIL: 'It is entirely sensible for Prince William to act as placeholder for the Queen. 'There has to be a physical presence to the monarchy, not just a virtual one. He's third-in-line to the throne and in robust health like his brother, and COVID-19 is unlikely to be any serious threat for him or his wife or children. He will do a great job.' Royal commentator Robert Jobson also told FEMAIL it is the 'natural thing to happen' for the Duke of Cambridge to act as placeholder for his grandmother. And Grant Harrold, who was a royal butler between 2004 and 2011, explained: 'It is possible that if the Queen and the Prince of Wales are in isolation, then Prince William as second-in-line would take a more active role during this period.' Kevin Holt wants American shoppers to know one thing: Youll get your toilet paper. You just might not get the soft, four-ply type you love. Holt is the chief executive officer of the U.S. arm of European grocer Ahold Delhaize NV, which operates the Stop & Shop, Food Lion and Hannaford chains as well as the Peapod online supermarket. Hes on the front line of the food industrys coronavirus restocking effort, working around the clock with suppliers, trade associations and the federal government to ensure theres enough essential items amid consumers panicked stockpiling. Ive never seen anything like it, Holt said by phone Tuesday. And with restaurants in New York and other regions now closing, purveyors of fresh food like Ahold could see even more demand. Were entering the unknown. U.S. retailers have established protocols for just about any crisis: Hurricanes, credit crunches, even active shooters. But Holt admits theres no game plan for the coronavirus, which has forced executives to flex finely-tuned supply chains, soothe harried employees, and all the while ponder how shopping could forever change in the aftermath. In the short term, with supply and demand of items like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and toilet paper still out of whack, Ahold and its suppliers have agreed to reduce the variety of items available in certain categories. That allows manufacturers to focus on making more of just a few core products, and simplifies the replenishment process on the retailers end. That will simplify our stocking, he said. This is not just about our supply chain. Its about all supply chains. Holt has made other, less perceptible changes across his 1,995 U.S. stores. In addition to cleaning checkouts and shopping carts more often, hes removed some of the clutter in aisles, to help customers maintain some social distance. Hes adding staff and trucking routes. Hes also reduced orders of a few products combs, say, or light bulbs that arent in danger of being hoarded. On the employee-benefits side, hes looking at accelerating the accrual of sick days so new associates can access them sooner. Final decisions on benefits will be made locally by each individual store banner, however. Finally, hes talking with economists and other experts to try and figure out which shopping habits, adopted in haste to cope with the crisis, might prove to be lasting behaviours. One likely scenario is an accelerated adoption of online grocery, which today only commands about five per cent of the roughly $800 billion (U.S.) market. A March 13 survey from Gordon Haskett Research Advisors found that of those who bought groceries online, 41 per cent were doing so for the first time. I do think e-commerce will get a bump out of this that will be lasting, Holt said. A Barclays analyst estimates that between $61 billion and $118 billion in food sales will shift from restaurants to at-home during the second quarter of 2020. Beyond the shift to online grocery shopping, Holt isnt sure how shopping patterns will change, but hes sure that things wont be the same once the United States gets past the pandemic. He recalls his grandmother, who came of age during the Great Depression and never wanted to throw anything away. Events like that are lasting, he said. The coronavirus is something Ive never seen in retail. Nikki Haley, the Indian-American former US ambassador to the UN, has joined President Donald Trump on criticising China for the handling of the deadly coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 8,000 people globally and spread to nearly 157 countries. The deadly coronavirus outbreak, which first emerged in China's Wuhan city last year, has killed 8,809 people and infected 21,8631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. The United States now has at least 8,736 cases of the coronavirus and 149 deaths, according to state and local health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New York is by far the worst-hit state, with more than 2,900 cases. Washington is next, with 1,187 cases "China is now trying to create a narrative that it's an example of how to handle this crisis when in fact its early actions led to the virus spreading around the globe," 48-year-old Haley said in a tweet. Haley referred to a study which has indicated that if Chinese authorities had acted three weeks earlier than they did, the number of coronavirus cases could have been reduced by 95 per cent and its geographic spread limited. The National Security Council of the White House alleged that the Chinese Communist Party suppressed initial reports on the Chinese virus and punished doctors and journalists, causing Chinese and international experts to miss critical opportunities to prevent a global pandemic. In China, a total of 80,928 cases and 3,245 deaths have been reported so far, according to the National Health Commission. The country on Thursday reported no new locally transmitted coronavirus cases for the first time since the the pandemic began late last year, marking a major turning point in the global battle to contain COVID-19. Haley's tweet came hours after Trump said that China did not inform the international community in time about the virus. "I don't know if you'd say China is to blame. Certainly, we didn't get an early run on it. It would have been helpful if we knew about it earlier. But it comes from China, and there's not a question about that. Nobody is questioning that," Trump said. Over the past few days there has been a war of word between the US and China on coronavirus. "It's not racist at all... It comes from China. That's why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate, Trump told reporters at a White House conference. "I have great love for all of the people from our country. But, as you know, China tried to say at one point -- maybe they stopped now -- that it was caused by American soldiers. That can't happen. It's not going to happen -- not as long as I'm President. It comes from China," he said in response to a question. Republcian Senator John Cornyn said that China is to be blamed for the coronavirus. "China is to be blame because the culture where people eat bats and snakes and dogs and things like that, these viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and that's why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, MERS, the Swine Flu," he said. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus opposed such a view. "Senator Cornyn's comments are disgusting. Disparaging an entire ethnic group and culture like this is bigotry, plain and simple. Blaming Chinese people en masse for the spread of this disease is the exact same bigoted line that was used to justify the Chinese Exclusion Act over a century ago," she said. "Over the past few days, Trump has repeatedly labelled this pandemic as the 'Chinese virus,' and his loyal Republican followers have come to his defence in increasingly hateful terms. Their words are inciting racism and violence against Asian Americans in the United States," Chu said. Trump using the phrase 'Chinese Virus' violates guidance issued by the World Health Organisation and the promises by members of Trump's own administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield, to refrain from using that term precisely to describe COVID-19 because it incites blame, racism, and hatred towards Asian Americans, putting them at risk for prejudice and violence, alleged a group of four US lawmakers in a joint statement. The lawmakers are Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chairwoman Judy Chu, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Karen Bass, and Congressional Native American Caucus Co-Chair Deb Haaland. "The name of the virus causing the crisis in America and around the world is the 2019 novel coronavirus or COVID-19 for short. It has a name. But Republicans, from President Trump on down, have insisted on creating and using alternatives such as the Chinese' or Wuhan' virus. This is dangerous and they know it," they said. But by telling people who to blame, they are telling people who to fear and who to hate. Unfortunately, we have already seen how this bigotry has impacted Asian Americans across the country who are facing increased prejudice and violence, the four Congressmen said. By doing that, the lawmakers said, the Republicans are putting American lives at risk. Conversely. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MercyOne North Iowa has opened a COVID-19 testing site at the North Iowa Event Center. "Due to a limited number of test kits available, we are only testing people who meet specific criteria from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Phone screens are required prior to coming to the mobile testing site," said Dr. Teresa Mock, senior vice president MercyOne Medical Group North Iowa."We are implementing a mobile testing location to keep possible positive cases away from other sick people. If youre having mild symptoms, please self-isolate and recover at home regardless if its for a cold, flu or COVID-19. Data shows 80% of cases are considered mild." The drive-through clinic is only available to those who have been screened and referred. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The hours and days of operation may be adjusted to reflect need. MercyOne North Iowa advises against going to the Emergency Department if you have symptoms of illness. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, call the COVID-19 call center at 641-494-3543, 641-494-3546 or 641-494-3547. The nurse will instruct you on the best next steps for your care and whether you qualify for testing, based on your symptoms. COVID-19 testing will not be performed in the MercyOne North Iowa Emergency Department. Unless you are emergently ill, please stay at your home and call the COVID-19 call center to evaluate your need for testing. On weekends or after 4:30 p.m. call MercyOne Family Healthline at 641-428-7777. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has the novel coronavirus that is sweeping the globe, he announced on Thursday. "I tested positive yesterday for Covid-19. I'm as well as I can be, strictly confined to my home," the 69-year-old Frenchman said in a video posted on his Twitter account. "I'm fine, morale is good," the former French foreign minister added, speaking from France, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus. "I naturally am following all instructions, as does my team. My message to all those who are affected or currently isolated: we will get through this together!" Speaking in front of a well-stocked bookshelf and dressed in a sweater, Barnier expressed "solidarity" with "the many families affected by this disease" and "respect for all caregivers, who are doing a great job". Messages of support poured in from across Europe as well as Britain, where former UK Brexit minister Steve Barclay called for his speedy recovery. "You, your teams and all our European friends are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Courage!" Barclay wrote in French on Twitter. Barnier's boss, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, also sent best wishes, wishing him a swift recovery. The revelation came after the EU and Britain were forced to cancel this week's post-Brexit trade talks because of the outbreak. Officials had been discussing plans for a videoconference instead of face-to-face talks in London, but abandoned this stage of the talks altogether on Monday. Britain left the European Union on January 31 but both sides agreed a transition until the end of 2020, to allow them to negotiate a new partnership. Brussels had already warned that the timetable was too tight and delays from coronavirus have sparked calls in London for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask for more time. This would be a major turnaround for the British government, which has promised to fully leave the EU by the end of the year come what may. The EU has published a draft of its intentions for the talks that has exposed deep divisions between the two sides. The proposal would ensure Britain does not diverge far from EU rules on state aid and environmental, labour and quality standards. But Johnson's government says it wants a simple free trade agreement between "sovereign equals" and is prepared to sacrifice access to the EU market in exchange for the freedom to write its own laws. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday (March 19,2020) will resume hearing on the Madhya Pradesh political crisis. On Wednesday, the top court ruled that it will not interfere in the way of the legislature to decide who enjoys the trust. The bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said its primary duty is to independently verify whether the 16 dissident MLAs holed up in Karnataka are being held captive or have they gone there as per their will. It also asked the lawyers to assist it on the modalities of ensuring that the lawmakers have free access to the assembly and get to exercise their choice. "Let there be free and unrestrained exercise of their choice. We are not going to come in the way of the legislature to decide who enjoys the trust of the legislature. We do know that these 16 (MLAs) tilt the balance in one way or the other... If they choose to come, they should have free, unhindered and uninterrupted access to the assembly," the court said. It was hearing the petitions filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking the trust vote in Madhya Pradesh. The BJP had claimed in its petition that after the resignation of 22 MLAs, the Kamal Nath government has come in minority and demanded a floor test to prove their majority while the Congress argued that its MLAs were held captive in Bengaluru. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh Congress had told the apex court that a probe is needed on the resignation letters of its rebel MLAs submitted by BJP leaders to the Speaker of the state Assembly. Meanwhile, veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh who is in Bengaluru to meet with the dissenting MLAs was denied permission by the local police and in protest he sat on dharna outside the resort where the legislators have been put up. Singh and other Congress leaders like Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar, Madhya Pradesh Congress leaders Sajjan Singh Verma and Kantilal Bhuria were taken into preventive custody. The Kamal Nath-led government plunged into crisis after Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, after which 22 MLAs loyal to him resigned in Madhya Pradesh last week. The BJP sensing an opportunity, demanded a floor test in the assembly. The Speaker has accepted the resignations of six of the 22 MLAs, bringing down the effective strength of the House to 222 and the new majority mark at 112. The opposition BJP has 107 MLAs. After the MP assembly was adjourned on Monday till March 26, the BJP petitioned the Supreme Court seeking a direction from it for an early floor test. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:56:48|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Around 640 COVID-19 cases have been reported in 34 African countries so far, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed on Thursday. Speaking to journalists, John Nkengasong, Africa CDC Director, said,"In Africa we now have around 640 COVID-19 confirmed cases coming from 34 countries." "The death count in Africa is currently 16 from five countries. Those 16 deaths are distributed among Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco and Sudan," said the Africa CDC Director. Nkengasong said the number of African countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 has dramatically increased in less than a week, a testament to the dangerous nature of the pandemic. "Over the weekend the continent tipped over and as we now know over 34 countries have reported coronavirus infection," he said. Nkengasong further said Africa CDC is focusing on a three-pillar strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the continent. "Our first strategy is aimed at prevention, the second pillar of strategy is preventing death and the third pillar is preventing social harm," he said. Nkengasong also said Africa CDC is facilitating mass testing across the continent as part of a comprehensive plan to fight the spread of the virus. "By next Monday we would have rolled out 60,000 tests to African countries." "Our continental strategy is aimed at three key things: cooperation, collaboration and communication across member states," said Nkengasong. The African Union, through it's Africa CDC, has already activated its Emergency Operations Center and its Incident Management System (IMS) for the COVID-19 outbreak on January 27. The Africa CDC had also developed its third Incident Action Plan that covers the period from March 16 to April 15. Panaji, March 19 : Goa airport authorities on Thursday denied rumours about a flight-full of patients infected with coronavirus from Iran landing in the coastal state. The clarification on the Dabolim International Airport's official Twitter handle comes in the wake of social media reports regarding the flight. "It has come to notice that in a news item, claim is made of an aircraft bringing the COVID-19 patients from Iran to Goa. It's categorically said that no such flight plan or scheduled slot allocation has been approved by this office," the tweet read. Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat said: "The South Goa Collector has categorically told me that there are no plans of any such flight landing in Goa. I appeal to the residents of Vasco and surrounding areas not to panic. Let us all take precautions." Many companies are coming up with their own ways to tackle coronavirus. A BJP spokesperson and founder of an online merchandise called Tshirtbhaiya, Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga, has come up with a unique initiative of sending two masks free with every order they deliver. He wrote on Twitter that the initiative is supposed to #FightCOVID19. He went on to urge Amazon, Flipkart and other e-commerce websites to join this initiative and send free masks with all orders and help India fight coronavirus.' We started this initiative to #FightCOVID19 . I also request @amazonIN @Flipkart @myntra & other E-Commerce websites to Join this initiative and send Free Masks with all Orders and Help India to fight against Chorona Virus #COVID2019india https://t.co/fFzc7Ouard Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) March 18, 2020 When the first case of coronavirus was detected in Delhi people rushed to buy hand sanitisers and masks which led to a surge in the prices. However, the government promised to keep a check on such activities and even busted a group with 5000 fake hand sanitisers in Gurugram. Meanwhile hope continues to grow as there are organisations working towards making sure that people don't run out of essentials. ANI Across Gurugram, RWAs have joined hands with NGOs to setup camps which are offering respiratory masks and hand sanitisers at subsidised rates. They are also trying to spread more and more awareness about it. The drug control department team had earlier seized 3.5 lakh masks and 2,500 bottles of hand sanitisers from almost 70 shops. These seized products were then sold at 40 stores on 20% discount so that the matter of shortage could be addressed. ANI The Kerala government, too, is taking help from prisoners to solve the problem of mask shortage. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted: In light of the shortage, directions were given to engage the prisons in the State in manufacturing masks. It has commenced on a war footing basis. Today, the Prison officials of Thiruvananthapuram Jail have handed over the first batch. #COVID19 | Solving The Mask Problem In light of the shortage, directions were given to engage the prisons in the State in manufacturing masks. It has commenced on a war footing basis. Today, the Prison officials of Thiruvananthapuram Jail have handed over the first batch. pic.twitter.com/QKgHWqYNOg Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) March 14, 2020 The state is also seeking to increase the supply of hand sanitisers through the Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (KSDP), which is set to produce 10 lakh bottles of hand sanitisers. Even in Bihar, hundreds of inmates of Bihar's Muzaffarpur Central Jail and other jails have voluntarily started making masks to protect against coronavirus infection. Most inmates are working for more than the prescribed time slots in the prison. NHMU helps students impacted by school closures with Research Quest Live The Natural History Museum of Utah is now offering an interactive version of its award-winning free online education program, Research Quest, to students throughout Utah and the country. Research Quest Live allows for students to have live sessions with professional educators from the Natural History Museum of Utah while schools are closed. The museum is offering this free program weekdays at 9:30a.m. for at least the next two weeks and will adjust the schedule as needed. Archived versions of each class are available for use by kids anytime. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, most states have closed public schools and an estimated forty million K-12 students are at home. With parents now looking to fill regular school hours with education for kids, online resources are in higher demand than ever, and the museum is prepared with numerous classes through Research Quest Live. With the new live version debut on March 17, the museum has already tracked more than 200 households across the country opting-in to the free program. "When signups reached 100 in just two days, we realized that Research Quest Live was meeting a very timely need," said Madlyn Larson, director of education initiatives at The Natural History Museum of Utah. "Now that we've launched the new live version, Research Quest has not only given students a way to learn, but it's helping keep the museum involved in the community. We have an incredible opportunity to still showcase our collections and research while utilizing our inhouse scientists to advance critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills." The inaugural live class featured the museum's school programs manager and former educator, Tracey Collins, who facilitated an investigation that 'digs' into the mysteries of Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, part of Jurassic National Monument in Emery County, Utah. Archived versions of the classes are available shortly after each class ends. "The live stream aspect was way cool," said Jennifer Treadway of Olympus Cove, whose sixth- and eighth-grader were early participants. "The class was really clear, and I like that it used real scientific terms. My kids wrote down their own observations quickly, and were definitely surprised when the teacher's list was so much longer. They said, 'Wow, I didn't notice that.' I've looked at a lot of resources over the past couple of days. The interactive piece is a clear benefit." Immediately following the courses, participants received a feedback form, and the Research Quest team of educators, technologists, and museum leadership, plans to incorporate feedback into upcoming Research Quest Live offerings. "The overwhelming response to Research Quest Live tells us that this is a welcome resource," said Jason Cryan, the museum's new executive director. "Anything we can do to help kids -- along with their parents and teachers -- during this uncertain time is a worthwhile effort. We're deeply committed to supporting families and schools with high-quality museum content as they work to develop new online education plans." NHMU is making Research Quest Live available with the help of longtime partners at the Utah Education Network and Social Good Software. Other online museum content is seeing increased attention too. Traffic to NHMU's blog increased this week over last by 206 percent, with nearly to 5,000 unique page views from around the world. The Natural History Museum of Utah's YouTube channel is also a great source of high-quality educational content, and provided access to the Research Quest Live stream. The Research Quest team plans to launch at least seven additional investigations in the next 18 months, with the support of grants and generous private funders. ### First envisioned in 2014 by a coalition of teachers and learning specialists, as well as scientific and digital experts, and made possible with the invaluable support of generous funders, the first Research Quest module, consisting of three investigations, debuted in Utah schools in January of 2016. Since then, 500 teachers and their students have logged in more than 140,000 times and have used the resource in their classrooms to help meet a range of education standards including advance critical thinking. Research Quest is made possible with generous support from the Joseph and Evelyn Rosenblatt Charitable Fund and the IJ and Jeanne Wagner Foundation. Their ongoing support, combined with a generous grant from the Utah Department of Workforce Services' Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership program, funding from the Utah State Legislature's Informal Science Education Enhancement program, and a grant from the National Science Foundation, has allowed Research Quest to become a valued teaching resource for teachers and students throughout Utah and in states nationwide. To learn more and sign up for Research Quest Live, visit https:/ / nhmu. utah. edu/ RQ-Live . This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. On Thursday at 7 a.m., Hoda Kotb welcomed viewers to NBCs Today show, as she does every weekday morning. This time, however, she was alone at the desk, without her co-anchor. We are so happy you are with us this morning, and like a lot of you, we are all kind of adjusting to our temporary new normal, she said. Im in Studio 1A. Savannah Guthrie, you are ? Ms. Guthrie appeared on half of the screen. At home, she said. At home once again. For a second straight day after reporting cold symptoms, Ms. Guthrie was broadcasting from a basement in upstate New York. The three-second delay separating Ms. Kotbs question and Ms. Guthries reply gave the impression that she could have been thousands of miles away. Even in bad times, viewers depend on the feel-good presence of Today, CBS This Morning and ABCs Good Morning America. But as New York City, where they are taped, became a hot spot for the coronavirus, the programs were challenged to keep up their usual good cheer and show-must-go-on spirit. My Kitchen Rules star Manu Feildel has discovered his gravy sachets are one of the few products Australians aren't stockpiling amid the coronavirus pandemic. The celebrity chef, 46, tried to spruik his signature sauce when he noticed there were still plenty of packets of it in the rows of barren shelves at his local Woolworths on Thursday evening. Despite customers clearing out the fresh meat section, they didn't appear to be interested in his gourmet sauce. 'You know guys how much I love my sauce,' Manu said in an Instagram video of his trip to the shops. Panning over to the near empty shelves, he added: 'So we can do a little bit of lamb. And lot of sauce. Yum!' The My Kitchen Rules judge expressed his surprise in the caption, before urging fans to 'be kind'. Plenty to go around! Manu Feildel discovered his gravy sachets were one of the few products Australians weren't stockpiling amid the coronavirus pandemic Saucy! The celebrity chef, 46, tried to spruik his signature sauce when he noticed there were still plenty of packets of it in the rows of barren shelves at his local Woolworths on Thursday evening 'Popping to the shops to grab some dinner after work is a little harder at the moment, empty shelves everywhere!' he wrote. 'Be kind to each other and only buy what you need (and I always need sauce) that way there will be enough for everyone when they need it,' he added. Manu's new show Plate of Origin was set to begin filming this month, but there will likely be set backs due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, the French figure recently suggested MKR show-runners should put the low-rating cooking program on hiatus. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph earlier this month, he said: 'We have got Big Brother coming back, and how long was it rested for?' 'Empty shelves everywhere!' The celebrity chef, 46, noticed the rows of barren shelves in his local Woolworths as he 'popped to the shops' after work to pick up ingredients for dinner on Thursday 'Four years or whatever and it is coming back, good. Maybe a rest,' he continued. 'It has been 11 years, it has been a good run, we cant whinge about that. Like anything, people get bored. We tried to reinvent the wheel with a new format.' Big Brother last aired on Channel Nine in 2014 and has since been picked up six years later by a different network. Countries across continent take drastic steps to fight coronavirus amid warnings number of infections is likely higher. From imposing travel bans to prohibiting mass gatherings and shutting down schools, governments across Africa are increasingly adopting sweeping measures in a bid to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. The emergency moves come amid a worrying rise in the number of infections registered in recent days across the continent after weeks of relatively few reported cases. As of March 19, 33 African countries had reported more than 600 cases and 17 deaths due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. More than 40 people have recovered. But Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Ethiopian director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), said on Wednesday that the number of cases in the continent was likely higher and urged African countries to wake up to the increasing threat. The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today, he said. His warnings came as Nigeria, the continents most populous country, barred entry to arrivals from 13 badly-hit countries. A host of other African countries have taken similar measures especially in relation to travel from Europe, the current epicentre of the pandemic and enforced mandatory quarantine of passengers from affected regions (find out more about travel restrictions here). Volunteers provide soap and water for participants at a run in Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, to wash their hands in a fight against the new coronavirus [Mulugeta Ayene/AP Photo] What about those who cant access water? First detected in China late last year, the new coronavirus has rapidly swept through the globe, prompting the WHO earlier this month to declare the outbreak a pandemic. The wide and rapid rise in the number of cased prompted countries around the world to close borders, place citizens under lockdown and promote social distancing measures in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. While COVID-19 so far has no known treatment regiment, experts recommend a series of actions that can minimise the risk of infection, including the frequent and thorough washing of hands with soap and water. Heeding the WHOs calls, the presidents of Senegal and Rwanda, Macky Sall and Paul Kagame, have taken part in the agencys #SafeHands social media campaign to show proper hand-washing practices. Other African leaders including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Liberian counterpart, George Weah, have urged their citizens to avoid handshakes and use alternative greetings. Almost from the onset of the health emergency, the WHO had warned of the risk that COVID-19 could spread to countries with weaker health systems, including in sub-Saharan Africa, where poor sanitation facilities, the proliferation of informal economy and urban crowding pose additional challenges in the efforts to combat the highly infectious disease. Sensitisation in rural and informal settings is inadequate, Kenyan epidemiologist Nelly Yatich said.Also, you are telling people to wash their hands, but what about those that dont have access to water? How do you do social distancing in an informal settlement? James, a resident of Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, described the challenging situation. Many people are cramped together in small spaces, he said. A lack of water is the norm, so washing hands is another issue. Also, people here live hand-to-mouth, they have to go to work regardless of what symptoms they are showing. Schools shut, gatherings banned Alongside the recently imposed travel bans, countries such as Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania are among those to have closed educational facilities. Most countries, including Botswana, Ghana and Ethiopia, have placed a ban on sporting events. Other nations such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Ghana have also banned gatherings at places of worship. In Kenya, which has so far registered seven cases, the government has urged employers to facilitate work from home for their staff and called on people to make cashless transactions. Some parts of the country like Makueni County have suspended market days while authorities in Mombasa County have ordered nightclubs to remain shut for 30 days. Yatich said 35 isolation centres have been set up in the country but noted that they are inadequately equipped, leaving healthcare workers already lacking enough protective gear and training at risk. A healthcare worker in Kenyas capital, Nairobi, who asked to remain anonymous, said she and her colleagues were terrified of contracting the virus, citing lack of water and sanitisers in the hospital she works at. Long-standing challenges In neighbouring Somalia, Minister of Health Fawziya Abikar Nur on Monday announced the countrys first case, a Somali national who had returned from China. The news heightened concerns over Somalias ability to cope with a potential outbreak. Three decades of conflict, ongoing security challenges and under-resourced public health programmes means that managing a crisis of the scale of the COVID19 pandemic could leave this emerging yet fragile state crippled, Hodan Ali, a Mogadishu-based family nurse practitioner, said. But even in countries with no confirmed cases, such as Zimbabwe, concerns linger. The government in Harare on Tuesday declared a national crisis over COVID-19, but some local residents complained about the authorities response amid long-standing grievances over a deepening economic crisis and lack of basic services. Some businesses are encouraging people to work from home but we have 18-hour power cuts here, said Mishek Chirwa, an IT consultant in Zimbabwes capital. The government has failed to do enough. We also have a water crisis, all these present multiple challenges. Meanwhile, the rise in the number of coronavirus cases appears to go hand-in-hand with a surge in myths and misinformation surrounding it, complicating even further the efforts to contain the crisis. In Kenya, authorities this week arrested 10 people at a medical spa that allegedly advertised fake coronavirus testing kits. From fast-moving myths to an avalanche of news #coronavirus has dominated the conversation online and off. Weve put a handy guide and answered your most-asked questions: https://t.co/lH6F8IduFo#COVID19 A thread pic.twitter.com/pe5FEDN0LC Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 16, 2020 Cautious optimism Still, experts expressed confidence that the lessons learned from previous health emergencies, including the devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016 that killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa, will help in the fight against the new coronavirus. Ebola may be different to COVID-19, however, the continent has experience, a source at the Congolese Ministry of Health said. Welearned about the importance of prevention, the need to mitigate false information. 200316053216529 Ugandan physician Sabrina Kitaka agreed. Uganda has managed Ebola and Marburg, so we have trust in our systems, she said. Ngozi Erondu, associate fellow of the Global Health Programme at Chatham House, also singled out as positive developments the establishment of institutions such as the Africa Centre for Disease Control and an increase in the continents laboratory capacity according to her, at least 20 countries have COVID-19 testing facilities. Prevention of a large outbreak rests on containment of imported cases and trying to stop community transmission, Erondu said. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, said Nigeria has strengthened its surveillance detection and response capacity, adding that as the epidemiology of the disease is changing rapidly, so is our response. One of the strongest improvements we have seen when compared to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014, is the coordination and support from WHO AFRO, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and the West African Health Organizations, he added. In Senegal, meanwhile, one of the few sub-Saharan African countries to have registered local transmission, professor Moussa Seydi, head of the infectious diseases department at Fann Hospital, expressed hope that a combination of laboratory capacity, government directives and the population adhering to guidelines would result in the country being able to deal with the virus. Well get through this Still, worries ranging from the ability of strained healthcare systems to handle a severe outbreak to challenges over childcare during school closures, as well as the effect of the restrictions on those in the informal economy and the consequences of the pandemic on economies across the continent, play on peoples mind. Against all this, the drastic measures announced in recent days prompted scenes of panic-buying in some countries on the continent, similar to what happened in many other parts of the world. We have seen people frantically purchasing items, said Rose Arunga, a supervisor at a Nairobi supermarket. Authorities took action against one supermarket which increased prices of sanitisers. In the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, architect Tagreed Abdin said the new coronavirus is what everyone is talking about. While some pharmacies have been hiking up prices of masks and sanitiser, there have also been heart-warming stories about some distributing these for free, he added. However, in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, one of the three countries ravaged by Ebola some five years ago, store owner Joshua Sneh said things were much calmer. Well get through this, he said. U.S. sanctions impair Iran's ability to fight COVID-19: Iranian FM People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:02, March 18, 2020 TEHRAN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday said U.S. "unlawful" anti-Iran sanctions have impaired its ability to combat the coronavirus outbreak. "Unlawful U.S. sanctions (have) drained Iran's economic resources, impairing its ability to fight COVID-19," Zarif said on Twitter. The sanctions "literally kill innocents," he wrote. "Join the growing global campaign to disregard U.S. sanctions on Iran," Zarif added. China on Monday urged the United States to lift sanctions on Iran immediately, amid the country's struggle to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. "Continued sanction on Iran is against humanitarianism and hampers Iran's epidemic response & delivery of humanitarian aid by the UN and other organizations," China's Foreign Ministry said in a tweet. Iran is among the countries which have been severely hit by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GUATEMALA CITY (AP) Guatemala announced Tuesday that it was suspending incoming flights carrying immigrants and asylum seekers sent by the United States, citing concerns over the global coronavirus pandemic. The measure covered two flights of Guatemalan deportees scheduled for the day, as well as indefinitely suspending flights carrying people from other Central American nations who were being sent to Guatemala under an asylum cooperation agreement with the United States that is part of Washingtons broader crackdown on immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Starting today all flights of returnees under the (agreement with Washington) are suspended for the duration of the state of calamity, Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo said. In the case of deported Guatemalans, Brolo said it was a precautionary measure until health protocols can be put in place to transport people to their hometowns, since public transportation has been shut down. The ministry said U.S. authorities are increasing health checks of people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody to guarantee that no returnee is sent with symptoms related to COVID-19 or coronavirus, and Brolo said deportees would undergo four or five such examinations. Guatemala, which has reported one fatality from the new coronavirus and five other confirmed cases, has closed its borders to foreigners, though the constitution protects Guatemalans right of entry. Most people who come down with the disease have relatively mild symptoms, but it can be deadly for some, especially the elderly and those with underlying health problems. Most people infected with the virus recover in a matter of weeks. Tens of thousands of people from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years seeking asylum or fleeing poverty. ICE typically operates several flights weekly returning Guatemalans who are being deported. The Trump administration has in recent months has flown 939 migrants from El Salvador and Honduras to Guatemala as well, through the asylum cooperative agreement signed in July. Under the accord, the U.S. can require Salvadorans and Hondurans who cross its southern border to seek asylum in Guatemala instead. The vast majority have chosen to return to their home countries rather than request refuge in Guatemala, which is also has high numbers of would-be immigrants and asylum seekers fleeing the country. Story continues The Trump administration says flying people from other countries to Guatemala is critical to discouraging people from leaving the region and trying to enter the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union and other American civil rights groups have sued to stop the agreement and similar deals the U.S. has reached with El Salvador and Honduras. ___ Associated Press writer Nomaan Merchant contributed from Houston. SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribal government leaders of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Campo Kumeyaay Nation, Jamul Indian Village, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians today jointly announced that they are temporarily closing their casinos amid concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) beginning on Friday, March 20 at noon through the end of the month. The Tribes are united in this decision to close for the health and well-being of the community, their guests and approximately 9,000 employees. Despite this closure, it is their hope that they can continue to provide emergency services for their respective communities. As uncertainty escalates, the Tribes have determined this is the best course of action. They are following the COVID-19 outbreak as it progresses and will take further necessary precautions as their Tribal governments deem necessary. SOURCE Barona Band of Mission Indians; Campo Kumeyaay Nation; Jamul Indian Village; Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians STREET enhancement works on O'Connor Square are nearing completion, That was the word from Senior Executive Engineer John Connelly at last Thursday's Tullamore Municipal District meeting. There are some paving works to be completed at the Library and trees are to be planted over the next few days, he said. Meanwhile the pedestrian bridge linking Main Street and the Bridge Centre car park opened last month. Surface dressing, from High Street to the Harbour Street junction is due to take place this week and the final phase will be the upper part of Colmcille Street. Councillor Sean O'Brien welcomed the pedestrian bridge adding it will help development in that area. He said he was hearing a lot of compliments regarding O'Connor Square. ''There were big delays with Irish Water getting involved and that caused a lot of confusion but as it progresses people are seeing a lot of improvements in the town.'' He asked when the one-way system will be lifted on Harbour Street? Councillor Neil Feighery complemented John Connelly, Joe Dooley and all the team. ''It's great to hear the feedback from the public regarding O'Connor Square. When the planting goes in it will make a huge difference,'' he said. In relation to the resurfacing and paving from William Street bar to Durrow Lane he added, ''we want to allay fears that it won't drag on like it did before Christmas.'' Cllr Feighery, complimented traders. They have shown ''such forbearance.'' Councillor Danny Owens, asked what are the plans to link O'Connor Square to Church Street. ''If that was to take place it would really open up the town,'' he said. Replying, John Connelly said there is a long standing intention to do that link, Councillor Ken Smollen also congratulated John Connelly saying it is ''an improvement to the town.'' There are some issues and ''we can only hope they will be ironed out when the work is finished,'' he said. Councillor Declan Harvey asked why there were diggers outside Boots and Roselawn. He added ''there were diggers on O'Moore Street the other night and no notice was given to residents.'' Responding, John Connelly said the digger outside of Boots was in relation to an Eircom chamber. He said the council was putting in a pedestrian crossing at Roselawn and the works on O'Moore Street was in relation to the gas networks. In the next two weeks there will be more road closures as resurfacing work takes place which will happen one side at a time. ''We will be living with that for a couple of weeks'', said Mr Connelly. Director of Services, Tom Shanahan acknowledge the ''forbearance and cooperation of everybody.'' He said the launch of National Spring Clean Week will take place from O'Connor Square. Connecticuts attorney general is accusing Amazon of failing to police its websites for illegal markups of merchandise, while reiterating a request for residents to report price gouging to his office. Attorney General William Tong wants information from Amazon regarding efforts to detect and combat price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic as worded in a Thursday warning from his office, noting any such instances are illegal following an emergency declaration last week by Gov. Ned Lamont. As part of his request, Tong demanded Amazon turn over the names of any state residents or businesses whom the company has determined to be profiteering at the expense of buyers during the coronavirus emergency. And the attorney general wants details on Amazons policies for monitoring abuses on its websites, both before and after the emergency declaration. Tongs complaint came as Amazon confirmed Thursday what it believes to be the first diagnosis of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in its employee population, with a warehouse worker in New York City contracting the virus. Tong indicated his office has sent similar letters to other unnamed Connecticut retailers, while singling out Amazon publicly for its market heft and noting a Fair Pricing Policy did not appear to be curbing abuses by some sellers using its platform. With the size of its market share, Amazon plays a crucial role in deterring price gouging, and assisting law enforcement in bringing predatory sellers to account, said Kim McGee, assistant attorney general in Tongs office, in the letter to Amazon. The attorney generals office explained an Amazon shopper complained of being charged $400 in shipment fees for two boxes of face masks sold for less than $100 by a seller using the Amazon handle VictoryZ, one of more than 130 complaints by consumers who say they were overcharged in stores or online for basic supplies like disinfectants, hand sanitizers and toilet paper. The company is among the states larger employers, both through its subsidiary chain Whole Foods Market, as well as its website distribution centers in North Haven and Wallingford, with another planned for Stratford at last report. Last month, Amazon opened its first retail store in Connecticut, an Amazon 4-star outlet at the new SoNo Collection mall in South Norwalk. Connecticut malls have been ordered to close as Lamont looks to limit mass gatherings during the outbreak. Price gouging complaints can be filed online at www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint. Ken Dixon contributed to this report. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman CLEVELAND, Ohio As coronavirus cases skyrocket internationally, healthcare experts have raised alarms about the availability of life-support devices used to treat patients with the most severe symptoms. The massive surge of coronavirus cases worldwide has resulted in ventilator shortages in other countries. In Italy, doctors are forced to choose which patients will get access to ventilators. Doctors are now prioritizing younger patients who have a higher likelihood of recovery, according to The Atlantic. Ventilators serve a critical function by helping people who suffer from a critical illness that affects the respiratory system, such as COVID-19, or during surgery. Ohio reported 88 confirmed cases of the coronavirus by Wednesday afternoon, with only 26 requiring hospitalization. The state is miles away from a scenario where a ventilator shortage becomes an issue. But even if the number of cases increases over the coming weeks and months, government officials and healthcare experts said Ohio is well-positioned for a spike in patients who may require a ventilator. "I do feel we are well-prepared," said Cleveland Clinic pulmonologist Dr. Wayne Tsuang. "As someone who practices medicine in an ICU, I feel we are well-supported and well-supplied." Doctors in Northeast Ohio said they feel the state is ready for an inevitable rise in coronavirus cases. They noted that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other officials took decisive steps to try to limit the spread of the virus and lessen the stress on the healthcare system. "Every day, people are working long hours to make sure we are as prepared and as ready as we can possibly be," Dr. Sherrie D. Williams, a pulmonary, sleep and critical care physician at MetroHealth. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he was invoking the Defense Production Act to mobilize U.S. businesses against the outbreak. Under the act, Trump could force companies to produce materials like ventilators and other medical supplies. How does a ventilator work? Typically, the lungs operate as whats known as a negative-pressure system. Oxygen is sucked into a persons lungs as the pressure in their chest drops below the atmospheric pressure. The lungs then expel carbon dioxide. Ventilators are positive-pressure machines. A doctor inserts a breathing tube into a person's windpipe, and the ventilator pushes air into the lungs to make them expand. It then deflates the lungs and removes the carbon dioxide. Ventilators essentially act as crutches for the lungs, helping them do their job, Tsuang said. "When the lungs are sick and not working at full capacity, the ventilator will support the lungs and therefore support the patient," he said. How many ventilators are there in Northeast Ohio? There are at least 1,000 ventilators at the three largest healthcare systems in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Clinic has 550, University Hospitals has 429, and MetroHealth has 70, spokespersons for each healthcare system said. The Center for Health Affairs, an agency that helps hospitals in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties improve their emergency preparedness, is not concerned about the number of ventilators in Northeast Ohio. "I can tell you there is not a ventilator issue here or in the rest of Ohio. The supplies are adequate," said Lisa Anderson, the center's senior vice president of member services. The Center for Health Affairs acts as a sourcing entity if hospitals need more supplies amid natural or human-made disasters. Still, it does not track the number of ventilators in the area, Anderson said. Hospitals or healthcare systems can alert the center if they need more ventilators. How many ventilators will we need? That all depends on the effectiveness of Ohios efforts to flatten the curve to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Measures like banning mass gatherings and closing schools, bars, and restaurant dining areas are intended to create social distancing and limit the chance of one person passing the virus to someone else. Dr. Amy Acton, the director of Ohio's Department of Health, said Tuesday at a Statehouse briefing that statistical models suggest such efforts could reduce the surge of patients into hospitals by up to two-thirds. Some U.S. government officials and healthcare systems have been hesitant to provide details about the number of ventilators they have on-hand. Anderson guessed they might be trying to avoid causing people to panic and keep them from reverse-engineering a vision of a shortage. Anderson said Ohios efforts to flatten the curve would help because not all coronavirus patients will need to be hospitalized and on a ventilator at the same time. How many ventilators are there elsewhere in the U.S.? Last month, a Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins report estimated U.S. healthcare facilities had approximately 160,000 ventilators in 2010, the most recent year for which data is publicly available. The CDC's Strategic National Stockpile also stores at least another 8,900 ventilators, the report says. Alex Azar, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, declined on Sunday to provide a current number of ventilators in the stockpile, citing national security concerns. Of the 160,000 ventilators in the U.S., approximately 62,000 are "full-featured" mechanical ventilators, according to the Johns Hopkins report. Of those, roughly 28,900 can treat children and neonatal patients. The other 98,000 ventilators are not full-featured, but can be used to provide primary care during an emergency, the Johns Hopkins report says. What's the difference between a "full-featured" ventilator and a basic one? There are many types and models of ventilators, but they all perform the same essential function of helping a patient breathe, doctors said. Tsuang likened the different kinds of ventilators to different types of cars. "There are different models of cars, and there are different ages of cars. But fundamentally, every car is going to get you from point A to point B," he said. Ventilators are checked and maintained regularly, so having to use an older model would not be an issue if the number of coronavirus cases spiked in Northeast Ohio, Tsuang said. Newer types of ventilators might have updated features, such as computerized graphics, but the older versions are still sufficient, said Dr. Rana Hejal, the director of University Hospitals medical ICU. For the majority of people, you dont need all of those functions," Hejal said. "Even if you have basic ventilators, you will be able to save peoples lives with them. Williams compared them to smartphones, which have added features like cameras and internet access but still serve the fundamental function of making phone calls. We may have newer [ventilator] models with the latest graphics and fancy features, but the older models will do the job, Williams said. Can I make my own? Anderson noted that only the most severe COVID-19 case would need a ventilator. Other equipment, such as less-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, could be used for patients that have milder cases of the virus. Ventilators are not the only answer for people who have respiratory issues, Anderson said. There are other tools that can be used. Doctors strongly advise against any alternative measures, like cobbling together a makeshift ventilator at home. Household objects that blow air, like bicycle pumps, do not filter carbon dioxide out of a persons lungs. Ventilators are finely-tuned machines, and registered respiratory therapists are constantly monitoring them to make sure theyre functioning correctly for a patient. Tsuang illustrated why they shouldnt be simulated at home by revisiting his analogy that different types of ventilators are like different models of cars. I would never try to build a car on my own and drive it on public streets, he said. Can we get more ventilators? Typically, if an Ohio healthcare facility needs to make an emergency request for ventilators from the CDCs Strategic National Stockpile, it must notify its countys health department and emergency management agency. The request is passed on to the governor for approval before moving to the CDC and U.S. Department of Public Health, according to a report from the science journal Respiratory Care. In times of crisis, though, the request for ventilators from the Strategic National Stockpile can be initiated at the federal level. Trump told U.S. governors during a conference call Monday that states should try getting [equipment] yourselves rather than ask the federal government, according to a report in The New York Times. He suggested it would be more direct for states to seek ventilators, respirators and other equipment on their own, but said the federal government would back states requests, according to the report. Ventilator makers could also ramp up production. One manufacturer in Washington state told Forbes that it could increase production five-fold over the next three or fourth months, but was waiting on the federal government to place an order. It's unclear how Trump's decision Wednesday to invoke the Defense Production Act will affect the production of ventilators in the U.S. Ohio officials said Tuesday that the state has already requested and received a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the CDC's stockpile. They did not say whether the state has requested any additional ventilators. Gov. Mike DeWine said the state is taking every precaution and implementing measures to prevent the number of available ventilators from becoming an issue. No one can guarantee anything, DeWine said during Tuesdays Statehouse news conference. This is a huge, huge crisis. But what we can tell you is were planning ahead, and doing everything that we can. Hejal said the leadership of DeWine and other government officials, couple with the quality of Northeast Ohios healthcare systems, has the region well-position to deal with the coronavirus. I believe we are far better prepared than anybody else, she said. In his first address to the nation after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) globally and in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the challenge posed by a condition for which there is no cure or vaccine yet, stressed on the importance of self-isolation and social distancing, and reassured the country that his government was taking step to protect Indians health as well as livelihoods. Modi said there was no room for complacency, appealed to citizens to display commitment and called for a peoples curfew on Sunday, March 22, where citizens would stay home as both a symbolic message of Indias determination and a test-case to prepare for future challenges. I want a few weeks of yours, he told the nation. The curfew, the Prime Minister added, should be supplemented with a public expression of gratitude to those staffing essential services at 5pm on that day. The speech came on a day India announced a ban on all commercial international flights into the country from March 22, effectively cutting itself off from the world; stricter work-from-home measures; and an appeal to the elderly and children to stay home. The PMs address combined an appraisal of the current situation and messages of reassurance, placed the onus on citizens to play their part in battling the pandemic. While supporting the idea of the peoples curfew, many Opposition parties the speech for what it termed as silence on the governments plans and strategies to deal with the crisis. In his address, the PM also acknowledged the growing economic distress and announced that a high-level task force has been mandated to minimise distress; and appealed to employers to be sensitive to those who could not come to work. He also assured citizens of the supply of essentials, urged them to avoid panic buying and not get swayed by misinformation. The PM began by addressing the scale of the crisis. When there is a natural crisis, usually, a few countries or a few states get affected. But this time, the challenge is truly global, affecting all of humanity. Even in the first or the second World War, not as many countries got affected as have got affected by coronavirus. He pointed out that science had not yet found a way to deal with the pandemic; and vaccines had not been developed yet to insulate people from it. Modi also highlighted that examples from across the world showed that coronavirus cases suddenly spiked in certain countries, and given that this was happening in the developed world, to think that India would remain unaffected was inaccurate. While giving credit to Indian citizens for having battled the disease and taking necessary precautions over the past two months, the PM said that an environment was being created where people thought they were somehow insulated from the crisis. This complacency is not good. Citizens have to be alert. They have to be prepared...If you think that you are fine, that nothing will happen, that you may go to markets and move around on roads, and will remain unaffected, it is not correct. By doing this, you are doing an injustice to yourself and to your loved ones. The PM also made a personal appeal to citizens. Whenever I have asked you for something, you have never disappointed me. Today, I have come to ask for something. I need a few weeks of your life. In this period, the PM sought, first, a commitment from citizens to abide by their duties, to follow the directives of the central and state governments, and to stay healthy and keep others around them healthy. This, in turn, required what the PM called the second condition restraint. This meant avoiding crowds, avoiding markets, and staying and working from home unless it was absolutely imperative to step out. Social distancing is very necessary and effective. In particular, he appealed to senior citizens above the age of 65 to not step out of their homes at all. It was then that the PM made a significant announcement and what observers saw as a possible template for the future in the case Covid-19 spreads. On March 22, I appeal to citizens to have a peoples curfew, which is by the people, and for the people. From 7am to 9pm, no one will get out of their homes, no one will be on the streets..Practice self-restraint this will be symbolic of our determination. The experience of March 22 will also prepare us for future challenges. The PM asked state governments to help enforce the peoples curfew; he also asked civil society organisations to spread the message about it; and he asked citizens to call ten people each every day, till Sunday, and tell them about it. This will be a test. Are we ready for it? It is time to see whether we are prepared. The PM said that, on the same day, in the evening at 5pm, people should come out to their doors, to their balconies, and in front of their windows, and clap using hands and plates, and ring bells to show their appreciation for those who had continued to serve in these difficult times, at the risk of getting infected themselves. This would include doctors, nurses, hospital staff, housekeeping staff, airlines staff, government servants, police personnel, media persons, railways, bus, auto-rickshaw, and home delivery people, among others. The PM also appealed to citizens to skip their routine checks ups and postpone non-essential surgeries in order to avoid adding pressure on to the health system. Given the rising economic impact of Covid-19 markets have crashed, businesses have scaled down operations, supply chains have got affected, demand has dipped, and there is a possibility of an increase in unemployment and further dip in growth rates the PM also announced that a Covid-19 economic response task force, led by the finance minister, would come up with measures to minimise the economic distress. He also made two specific appeals with regard to the economy and everyday life. The first was to citizens to avoid panic buying, with the reassurance that the government was taking all measures to ensure the supply of essentials. The second was to traders and high-income earners to show their humanity and sensitivity and take care of those who worked with them, understand if they were unable to come to work, and empathise that they too had families to sustain and preserve their health. The Oppositions response was mixed. The Congress said that it would support the PMs appeal for a peoples curfew and stand by the government in its efforts to tackle Covid-19. We will help spread the word on preventive measures and also help with any emergency services. We will also organise any emergency services if needed, Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken told reporters. He added that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to flag the issue and its urgency on February 12. Maken urged the government to test more people. We also urge that all staff assisting with tests and checks should be provided adequate personal protection equipment, he added. Others were more critical. Derek O Brien of the Trinamool Congress said they wanted to hear more about short/medium term solutions, preventive measures, people screened and tested, augmentation of testing and treatment facilities, funds for fighting, the support for the states, and a cohesive action plan between the Centre and States. Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said it was unfortunate that the PM had not spelt out anything about the governments preparation and actions taken to help people fight the coronavirus pandemic. Apart from the symbolism that PM proposed, what is the government doing to mitigate the crisis faced by the majority of India that cannot work from home and survive on their daily earnings? Commenting on the PMs idea of the peoples curfew, Anurag Agarwal, director, Institute of Genomics and Integrated Biology, said that social distancing was the only way to prevent the spread of the disease and that this could be done by physically staying apart or through lockdowns. Lockdowns have to be considered carefully because there are other consequences economic, maintenance of essential services, and social panic. But this trial run is a good idea, we all get to experience what a lockdown would be like and it will be on a Sunday when it doesnt really impact peoples work. On a Monday, it will be different. He added that it would prepare people in case the government needed to do local lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus if there is community transmission. Highest travel warning announced for U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand ROC Central News Agency 03/18/2020 07:09 PM Taipei, March 18 (CNA) Taiwan will impose its highest Level 3 travel warning on the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand starting Thursday, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Wednesday, though the effects of the move will be largely superseded by a separate policy mandating 14-day home quarantine for all arriving travelers. At a press briefing, the CECC said the Level 3 warning urges people to avoid non-essential travel to the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, due to increased risks posed by the coronavirus disease COVID-19, which has spread at a community level in all four countries. Under the warning, people arriving from travel to, or airport transit through, the countries will be required to home quarantine for 14 days, the CECC said. While the CECC separately announced Wednesday that it will mandate 14-day home quarantine for all arriving travelers, and ban the entry of foreign nationals, with some exceptions, the designation of a Level 3 warning prohibits returning travelers from seeking specified government benefits. Under a policy announced Monday, people who make unnecessary trips to a country or region after it has been placed under a Level 3 warning will be unable to apply for the government's NT$1,000 (US$33) daily home quarantine subsidy. The restriction comes in response to "a small number of people who intentionally traveled abroad in order to claim" the subsidy, the CECC said in a press release. As of Wednesday, the CECC had applied Level 3 travel warnings to 97 countries and one region, including virtually all of Asia and Europe. Prior to Wednesday's announcement, only three U.S. states -- Washington, New York and California -- had been under a Level 3 warning, while the remainder of the U.S. was under a Level 2 alert, and Canada, Australia and New Zealand were under a Level 1 watch. (By Chen Wei-ting and Matthew Mazzetta) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address To All the Boys Ive Loved Before star Lana Condor has condemned Donald Trump over his Chinese Virus tweets. The US president has begun referring to coronavirus as the Chinese virus in his Twitter posts and in public appearances, after previously referring to it as coronavirus. It has since sparked criticism that the use of the new name is racist in origin. Health officials have condemned the term, adding that coronavirus, or Covid-19, is already a global pandemic. On Twitter, Condor slammed Trump for potentially endangering people as a result of his words. You have no idea the ramifications your racist words and actions have on the Asian-American community, Condor wrote. You simply cannot even fathom the danger you are putting our community in. How dare you. You should be ashamed of yourself. You call yourself a leader? You know what leaders do? They LEAD by setting good examples and ACTION. Something weve yet to see you do. You need to take notes on Chinese billionaire Jack Ma who is ACTUALLY leading by donating tests and millions of masks to AMERICA because you havent. Please. Be Better. So we arent afraid to leave our house in fear someone will verbally or physically abuse us because of your xenophobia. The White House previously refuted claims of racism in a statement defending Trumps words. It read: Spanish Flu. West Nile Virus. Zika. Ebola. All named for places. Before the medias fake outrage, even CNN called it Chinese Coronavirus. Those trying to divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis. There have been a number of reports of Asian-Americans being harassed or assaulted across the United States since the coronavirus pandemic began. Is IDS France SAS (EPA:MLIDS) a good dividend stock? How can we tell? Dividend paying companies with growing earnings can be highly rewarding in the long term. On the other hand, investors have been known to buy a stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations. With a six-year payment history and a 8.6% yield, many investors probably find IDS France SAS intriguing. It sure looks interesting on these metrics - but there's always more to the story . Some simple analysis can offer a lot of insights when buying a company for its dividend, and we'll go through this below. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis ENXTPA:MLIDS Historical Dividend Yield, March 18th 2020 Payout ratios Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. As a result, we should always investigate whether a company can afford its dividend, measured as a percentage of a company's net income after tax. In the last year, IDS France SAS paid out of its profit as dividends. This is a middling range that strikes a nice balance between paying dividends to shareholders, and retaining enough earnings to invest in future growth. One of the risks is that management reinvests the retained capital poorly instead of paying a higher dividend. We update our data on IDS France SAS every 24 hours, so you can always get our latest analysis of its financial health, here. Dividend Volatility Before buying a stock for its income, we want to see if the dividends have been stable in the past, and if the company has a track record of maintaining its dividend. IDS France SAS has been paying a dividend for the past six years. Although it has been paying a dividend for several years now, the dividend has been cut at least once, and we're cautious about the consistency of its dividend across a full economic cycle. Its most recent annual dividend was 0.06 per share, effectively flat on its first payment six years ago. Story continues It's good to see some dividend growth, but the dividend has been cut at least once, and the size of the cut would eliminate most of the growth, anyway. We're not that enthused by this. Conclusion Dividend investors should always want to know if a) a company's dividends are affordable, b) if there is a track record of consistent payments, and c) if the dividend is capable of growing. We're glad to see IDS France SAS has a low payout ratio, as this suggests earnings are being reinvested in the business. Unfortunately, the company has not been able to generate earnings growth, and cut its dividend at least once in the past. In summary, we're unenthused by IDS France SAS as a dividend stock. It's not that we think it is a bad company; it simply falls short of our criteria in some key areas. Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is to one to which is more unpredictable. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. To that end, IDS France SAS has 4 warning signs (and 1 which shouldn't be ignored) we think you should know about. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of dividend stocks yielding above 3%. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. On Tuesday, a 77-year-old man who was living at an assisted living facility in Broward County died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that is particularly dangerous for older adults. A day later, it was announced that 19 nursing homes or assisted living facilities across the state also had suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Given Florida demographics, those were consequential events. Florida is the second-grayest state in the country, with more than a fifth of its population aged 65 and older. Roughly 170,000 Floridians live in elder care residential facilities. This is an important issue for every state, every community, but theres almost nowhere in America where its more important than Florida, said Dave Bruns, communication manager at AARP Florida. Among the people on the front lines caring for the states most vulnerable population are the nurses and certified nursing assistants who staff Floridas nursing homes, hospices, and long-term care facilities. As a group, their responsibilities include providing nursing care as well as help with eating, bathing, dressing, physical transfer and more. Now, theyll also be responsible for helping keep a pandemic at bay. Many will earn around $11 an hour for their efforts, the average pay for certified nursing assistants in the state. We are talking about literally backbreaking work, said Dequasia Canales, a vice-president at 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare union in Florida. And its going to get more challenging. STAFFING ISSUES As COVID-19 spreads, keeping a full staff will be one of the most pressing issues healthcare facilities will face, experts say. Thats because caregivers who come in contact with infected patients are ordered to self-quarantine and taken off the job, restricting the labor pool even as demand for care grows. (Sheltering staff is important: healthcare workers themselves are almost always hit hard in times of pandemic). Story continues But despite legally-mandated minimum staffing requirements, nursing homes and elder care operations nationwide had already been facing personnel crunches and high turnover before the arrival of the new coronavirus, raising questions over the industrys ability to weather the crisis. We cant keep up, said Kristen Knapp, a spokeswoman for the Florida Health Care Association which represents nursing homes. We have more seniors than we have caregivers, and thats a challenge. An outside view of Atria Willow Wood in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health announced two deaths at the assisted living facility in Broward, one of which was confirmed to have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Margalie Williams, a CNA who works two jobs at two different Miami-area nursing homes to make ends meet, agrees. She says caregivers sometimes have to look after up to 18 patients in a shift. The staffing problem is the no. 1 problem we have, she said. At the end of the day, its the patients who end up suffering. Losing staff to sickness or quarantine, according to Canales, would be devastating. We cant say, Oh, Im sorry, I cant feed you today even though your hands are too shaky and weak and you cant feed yourself because, you know, we have two people out sick, she added. The work will still have to be done. The industry will have to find a way to fill in the gaps. Another union representative, Jude Derisme, says that concerns over inadequate supplies of protective wear are on the minds of workers and could accentuate a potential staffing shortage. (There are reports that facilities dont have fully-stocked supplies of N95 respirator masks, which protect from airborne diseases). If there is even word of an infection inside a facility, people would be afraid to show up knowing that they could get infected because they feel like they dont have the proper gear to protect themselves, he said. You could have a situation where people will stop coming to work because they will be afraid to come to work. Theyre afraid they are not going to have the supplies and therefore might get exposed. Pilar Carvajal is the CEO of Innovation Senior Management, a Miami Beach-based company that operates six assisted living and elder care facilities across the state. Because of her companys size and purchasing power, Carvajal says getting needed supplies isnt a big problem though staff at one property recently made its own sanitizer by mixing alcohol and aloe while waiting for a shipment to be delivered. We are going to be getting the [N95 masks] and those masks I have told my staff are to be under lock and key when they arrive, because they are so valuable at this point, she said. This is the kind of stuff I would have never thought in my life I would have to deal with. The challenge of maintaining adequate staffing levels is on her mind. We already had a staffing crisis. It was a difficult situation. We had to bring in staffing agencies and even some of those staffing agencies had trouble staffing us, she said. Now, if our staff gets sick we have to send them home, and that is going to add additional pressure to the staff that is in place. Its going to be a very difficult situation, one that I think weve never encountered before, ever. Because of precautions taken to contain COVID-19, a potentially reduced staff would have a bigger than normal workload. That includes checking the temperatures of all persons going into the facilities, to make sure anyone with a fever doesnt step inside the premises, and compensating for the lack of family visitors, who have recently been banned from all Florida nursing homes. We hear from AARP members who have loved ones in skilled nursing facilities, and very often those people that we are hearing from are in the habit of visiting nursing homes every day to help their loved ones eat, for example, said Bruns. And very often its quite difficult for staff to have the same rapport with the nursing home residents that their loved ones do. Without a doubt, not having visitors is going to be more work for staffers, added Derisme. An additional complication: some folks like Williams work at more than one facility, which puts them in contact with different groups of residents. Should they be exposed with the virus and have to stay home, their absence from work would be widely felt. Were working with our staff and identifying lists of where else they work. We have staff that dont just work for us, said Carvajal. They work at other properties, so we are getting lists and if there is an issue, which weve already identified in Broward, we have to figure out if we have staff that work there. If so, we would not allow them to come to work here. Its just really gotten quite complicated very, very quickly. The pressure of work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic can take a toll. Its very tough psychologically. Workers are afraid of the virus, theres tension there, said Derisme. Weve heard of employees getting into altercations fighting over masks, over supplies. And the underlying cause is fear. CHILDCARE NEEDS COMPLICATE STAFFING Along with all other front line health care workers, nursing home employees are facing a childcare quandary as schools close around the country, as they have already done in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Given the lack of childcare benefits at many healthcare facilities, parents who work in the sector could find themselves compelled to stay home. Necessary school closings are prudent precautions for public health, but they are added elements of pressure for South Florida healthcare workers, Dale Elwart, Florida Regional Director for 1199SEIU, wrote in a statement. If our healthcare workers have children home from school it could reduce this key workforce at the greatest time of need to protect the well-being of patients and the general public. Carvajal has already seen school closure disrupt operations at her facilities. Now we are living with staff showing up with kids in some cases to the property saying What am I supposed to do with them? Theyre out of school, and I need to come to work, she said. Were having to consider potentially mock day care centers to a certain degree. Its all just compounding, she said. Its one thing compounding on top of the other on top of the other. CONTINGENCY PLANS Knapp, from the Florida Health Care Association, says facilities are making plans to fill in staffing gaps if there are coronavirus-related reductions. We are asking our facilities to develop contingency plans, and what they will do if either their workers are sick, and they cant come to work or they have childcare challenges, she said. In past crises, most of them hurricane-related, facilities have been able to temporarily bring in workers from nearby states, but that might not be an option this time around. In a hurricane traditionally you have an end point in time, and you also only might have a specific area thats impacted, Knapp said. But this is a completely different situation because you may not have the ability to do that if theres an impact in Georgia, in Alabama in other southern states with the virus. Potential solutions include turning to per-diem workers or making staff already in place put in longer hours. Maybe were looking at just asking staff to work longer shifts, said Knapp. Per-diem workers can rattle patients, Canales says. Per-diem workers are temporary; they dont have the type of relationship or connection with some of these patients, she said. And if you have a resident with Alzheimers or dementia who has a hard time identifying people, constantly throwing strangers into their environment is a total and complete disruption. PUSH FOR PAID LEAVE An irony in elder care, as some inside the industry point out, is that caregivers have little access to care themselves. Theres no paid sick leave in our industry. Nothing, Carvajal said. Its funny. We are in health care, but we do not as an industry broadly offer health benefits or paid leave. . . . Extended time off paid is unheard of in our industry. Canales would like to see that change, especially in a time of crisis. If any of our members end up being part of the population who are at risk, and they have to be quarantined, we are asking our employers to make sure that they are getting the proper care, quarantine and compensation while that happens, she said. A lot of workplaces have attendance policies, and we dont want our members to suffer any negative disciplinary action because they are homesick as a result of trying to carry out their duties in a healthcare facility. According to Canales, workers cant afford to be off, and they cant afford to be sick. She added: We would want folks to try to think about their short term needs and the long term health of the community. We really think that employers who are being more willing and flexible to work with us can help beef up the immunity that our communities need. Carvajal is wary of the push to extend paid leave: What happens to us and our staffing needs? she said. Knapp echoed that sentiment, noting that employers have more pressing needs to address. I think thats a good discussion that needs to be had but first and foremost we want to make sure we keep this virus from getting into our nursing homes, she said. The priority right now is to try to mitigate the spread of the virus. Thats really first and foremost our top priority. Added Carvajal: Its all very scary to be perfectly honest. We are hoping for the best, and we are preparing for the worst. But I dont think we even know what the worst would be in this case. BERLIN, March 18 (Reuters) - Germany's Economy Ministry said on Wednesday that export licenses for the export of protective equipment to Italy, Switzerland and Austria had been issued, including for 400,000 protective masks to go to Italy. The move came after Berlin said on Saturday that, in agreement with the European Commission, it was amending a decree issued earlier this month that required a government agency to approve exports of protective equipment such as masks, goggles and gloves. Under the amendment, the government agency concerned, BAFA, can approve in advance exports of protective equipment, for example, "to counteract a threat to the vital needs in a member state of the European Union", the ministry said. Germany's ambassador in Vienna also tweeted that the German government had approved the export of protective equipment to Austrian hospitals. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke Writing by Paul Carrel Editing by Michael Nienaber) Camp Lemonnier, Americas largest military base in Africa, is located on the south-west side of the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. It is a strategic stronghold of the US militarys anti-terror efforts and control of the Middle East and North Africa. The picture shows an American military transport aircraft carrying US marines at the base. By Fang Chen Foreign media reported on March 10 that US Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Commander of the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM), said that the US must strengthen its influence in Africa to have an edge over Russia and other countries in their competition in the region. The US Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced that it would deploy the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (1st SFAB) to Africa to replace elements of an infantry brigade from the 101st Airborne Division, which will come back for combat training. This move, an important step by the Pentagon to implement the White Houses new Africa strategy, has a strong competitive touch featuring the Cold War mindset and has captured close attention of the international community. US changes Africa strategy by cutting troops, raising efficiency, focusing on major-country competition After Donald Trump assumed office as the new president in 2017, Americas global strategy has shown substantial changes under the America first principle. The National Defense Strategy issued in January 2018 concluded that major-country competition is more important than counter-terrorism. It officially named countries including Russia its main rivals and vowed to review Americas combat operations and military investments worldwide according to the latest priorities to cope with the threats to its national interests. Against such a background, Americas Africa strategy has seen dramatic adjustments. The US put forth the new Africa strategy at the end of 2018, which basically continued the post-Cold War practices of the previous administrations in economy and trade, counter-terrorism and aid, although the containment of Russias influence in Africa, instead of counter-terrorism, became the top priority and central goal. When then US National Security Adviser Bolton gave a speech at the Heritage Foundation in December 2018, he said the fast-expanding economic and military influence of countries like Russia in Africa posed a significant threat to US national security interests, so countering such threats would be USs top strategic goal in the region. In May 2019, the US Defense Secretary Mark Esper emphasized that the Pentagons top priority is directing its military resources against Russia and other countries. Guided by this principle, the US claimed that African armies will be the mainstay of anti-terror combats on the continent, while the US and its partners will only provide training, equipment, and consulting services. This means Washingtons anti-terror deployments in Africa will see fewer troops but higher efficiency and shift from tactical support to regional advice, training, and intelligence sharing. It will maintain the military presence in countries like Somali and Djibouti and continue to provide military training and assistant operations for them. The new US Africa strategy will lead to hindered economic development and worsening security situation in Africa The new US Africa strategy consists of several parts - economic and trade policies centered on the so-called Prosper Africa, aid policies oriented toward value output, and military policies focused on the shift of main anti-terror forces on the African continent. The overall strategy, intended to serve America first, is strongly characterized by major-country competition and will exert adverse effects on Africas peace and development. Already standing at a disadvantage in the economic and trade cooperation with the US, Africa will also fall prey to the major-country game. The true purpose of Prosper Africa is to Prosper America through Africa as the continent can supply massive amounts of natural resources for the superpower, whereas the products supplied by the US may very well be more than what the African market can digest. Meanwhile, to counterbalance Russias influence in Africa, the US will provide more aid to African countries located at strategic positions and endowed with strategic resources, so as to reinforce its local influence. The intensified competition between Washington and Moscow in Africa will expose local economic development to many uncertainties. The adjustment of Americas military policy in Africa will worsen the security situation in the region. In recent years, the extremist organization Islamic State (IS) has begun to move to Africa after losing their camps in Iraq and Syria, and the influx of large numbers of extremists has turned the continent into a high-risk hotbed for terrorism, posing a grave threat to regional security. While African anti-terror forces are already strained, Washingtons adjustment of its Africa strategy is bound to cause security vacuums in the region and aggravate the local security situation, making the so-called Prosper Africa plan nothing but building castles in the air. Has community transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak begun in India? It may well have, but we wouldnt know because we are not testing enough people, say experts. Community transmission began in India two to three weeks ago, around the same time as other countries. India is not an exception to the way the virus behaves. We just havent tested a representative sample that the countrys population of 1.34 billion demands, said Ramanan Laxminayanan, director and senior fellow at Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy. Community transmission occurs when a person with no travel history to a Covid-19-affected country or known contact with a confirmed case tests positive for the disease. It indicates undiagnosed and often asymptomatic people are unknowingly causing infection, which makes it difficult to break the chain of transmission. India must re-evaluate its strategy and test more people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as the country has reported 151 confirmed Covid-19 cases and three deaths to date. Also Watch | Coronavirus | PM Modis speech, Goa hoax, India vaccine plan: Top 10 updates The situation is evolving rapidly. We need to scale up emergency response mechanisms to engage with people; find, isolate, test more cases and trace every contact; ready our hospitals and protect and train health workers, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director, WHO South-east Asia Region. To detect an invisible epidemic, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which is entrusted with the responsibility of preventing new cases, is randomly testing around 2,000 samples of patients, who are suffering from severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), including severe pneumonia. But 2,000 is too small a sample, say experts. Unless you test, you wont know. Enough testing is not happening. In the initial phase of the epidemic, there are very few cases. But once it begins, its spreads like wildfire. So testing more people holds the key. Take the example of Italy and South Korea, it is very clear that the east Asian nation tested and did better. Enough surveillance is not happening, we should test all cases of SARI in all our hospitals, especially cases of patients on ventilator support, said a senior public health expert, who didnt wish to be named. Since December, when it was first identified, the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease has infected around 205,000 people, and killed at least 8,200 people. Italy has confirmed over 31,000 cases and more than 2,500 deaths since January 30, when the first case was reported in the European nation. Though South Korea reported its first deaths on January 20, mass testing helped it keep the count of infections down 8,300 with 81 deaths. ICMR maintained that there is no community spread in India yet. Testing patients admitted in intensive care units may be a risky proposition amid reports of suspected cases evading quarantine and isolation. Whats more people having mild disease and asymptomatic people unknowingly spreading infection in the community, say experts. If 80% people have mild disease, testing only 5% patients does not work because the rest will be moving around infecting more people, as it happened in China, Italy and the US, said the senior public health expert. All SARI cases must be tested, both in the public and private sector. We need the private sector on board to step up testing and treatment to encourage people to come forward especially the middle class, which doesnt prefer government hospitals to get diagnosed. Making Covid-19 notifiable will ensure there is no under-reporting, he added. Random testing of the free-living population is what is needed. We need to test people in hospital OPDs [Out Patient Departments] and ask people with mild symptoms to stay quarantined at home and treat the sick in isolation to save the patient, stop infection and get a handle on the invisible epidemic. If testing is not stepped up immediately, it will be too late, warned Ramanan. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Management Board of JSC OlainFarm decided to make changes in the Management Board of Latvijas aptieka Ltd. by appointing Marina Serpova, whose professional experience in business management and financial management will contribute to achieving the company's goals, as a Member of the Management Board. JSC OlainFarm is gradually improving the activities of its subsidiaries and is gradually moving towards the signing of the OlainFarm Group agreement. The current members of the Management Board of Latvijas aptieka Ltd. will continue to perform their duties as usual with the new Management Board structure. Marina Serpova has two degrees - technical and financial. She has 18 years of experience as a CFO, as well as in corporate and financial management in various sectors in Latvia and also abroad. Until now, Serpova has developed important skills in financial and accounting matters, team leadership and motivation. Serpova does not own any JSC OlainFarm shares. "The goal of OlainFarm is to further strengthen the quality of our subsidiaries and move towards uniform management practices across the group. We are on the way to concluding a group agreement in order to ensure proper and joint management. Our goal is to guide the OlainFarm Group towards further sustainable development in line with modern risk management and our ambitious goals of becoming one of the TOP10 pharmaceutical companies. I highly value the OlainFarm Group's corporate team and I am convinced that the knowledge provided by a new team member is valuable for further successful development," emphasizes Milana Belevica, member of the Management Board of JSC OlainFarm. Last year 68 pharmacies were operating in 20 Latvian cities within the Latvijas aptieka Ltd. network of pharmacies owned by JSC OlainFarm. According to preliminary financial data during the entire 2019, Latvijas aptieka sales amounted to EUR 26.1 million, demonstrating an 8% increase in comparison to 2018. JSC Olainfarm is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Latvia with more than 45 years of experience in production of medication and chemical and pharmaceutical products. A basic principle of the company's operations is to produce reliable and effective top -quality products for Latvia and the rest of the world. Products made by the Group are being exported to more than 60 countries of the world, including the Baltics, Russia, other CIS, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Italy on Thursday overtook China in the death toll from the Covid-19 outbreak, new data on the outbreak from worldometers.info has shown. Italys death toll rose to 3,405 by Thursday evening, surpassing the total number of deaths so far registered in China. In the last 24 hours, Italy recorded 427 new deaths and 5,332 new cases. Thursdays figure was lower than the day before, when 475 people died from the disease. The Civil Protection Agency said that the number of cases in Italy rose to 41,035 from 35,713, up 14.9 percent, a faster rate of growth than seen over the last three days. Italy has been on total lockdown and the number of deaths is attributed to the large number of adult population in the country. While the number of confirmed cases is just about half of that reported in China where the disease originated, Italy is not yet out of the woods as it is still reporting new cases. The government had stepped up efforts to contain the outbreak by closing schools, shutting down cities and imposing strict border controls. Countries across the world are also following similar paths to either avert an outbreak or control the spread of the virus. READ ALSO: As of Thursday 18:25 GMT, about 237,000 people have now been confirmed with the coronavirus and 9,835 deaths globally. But over 86,000 people have recovered from COVID-19, according to data from worldometers.info. Africa In Africa, new cases have continued to increase. Although the region has seen a significant increase in confirmed cases recently, there are still fewer cases than in other parts of the world. Twelve countries in the African region are now experiencing local transmission. As of Thursday evening, 737 confirmed cases with 17 deaths and 67 recovered cases have been reported in 33 countries in the continent. Nigeria reported four new cases, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 12. Two of these cases have been successfully treated and discharged. No death has yet been recorded. Call to action The World Health Organisations Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, had, however, warned that the continent should be prepared for more cases. He said the continent should learn from other continents to manage the pandemic. Also, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said the rapid evolution of Covid-19 in Africa is deeply worrisome and a clear signal for action, She said it is crucial that governments prevent local transmission from evolving into a worst case scenario of widespread sustained community transmission. Such a scenario will present a major challenge to countries with weak health systems, she said. Africa can learn from the experiences of other countries which have seen a sharp decline in Covid-19 cases through rapidly scaling up testing, isolating cases and meticulously tracking contacts, said Ms Moeti. By Chris Prentice WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators are considering giving banks additional regulatory points for lending to mid- to low-income Americans hurt by the coronavirus, as they seek to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, an official within a banking agency told Reuters. The federal banking agencies are exploring a number of tools to get credit to American individuals and businesses amid worries the havoc wreaked by the coronavirus could see millions of lower-income Americans lose their jobs, sending them into default on auto loans, mortgages and credit card debt. Among the measures under discussion is a plan to offer additional regulatory credits - bonus points - to lenders via the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), a critical fair-lending law which dictates a range of regulatory scores for banks. The 1977 law tries to encourage lending to low- and moderate-income Americans by rating banks on, among other measures, how effectively they meet the credit needs of those communities. Banks strive hard to secure a good rating, since falling short can result in banking regulators dramatically curtailing their businesses, including by preventing them from doing mergers and acquisitions, or from opening new branches. The measures could see banks get extra credit if they can show they assisted low-income borrowers suffering as a result of the virus by extending new credit, the official said. The official said they are also considering pushing banks for leniency around repayments of loans for homes and automobiles. "This crisis is tailor-made for how the CRA could be used or repurposed to put money where its needed," said one lobbyist who has been pushing for the move. The Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency declined to comment. On Friday, the regulators urged banks in a statement to go easy on borrowers, but did not identify specific measures they would take to encourage lending. Story continues Such measures are typically used in localized areas in response to natural disasters such as flooding or hurricanes, but regulators believe they could also be applied to the nationwide disruption caused by the virus outbreak. After 2017's Hurricane Maria caused widespread damage and displaced many in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, federal banking regulators said they would give "favorable consideration" to any community development activities by banks that went toward revitalization throughout the nation, not just in the immediate local community. (Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Michelle Price, Lisa Shumaker and Tom Brown) By Azernews By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan has discovered a new oil field with over 60 million tons of crude, the state oil company SOCAR told local media on March 19. The oil field named Karabakh was discovered by SOCAR and Norwegian Equinor company in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, 120 kilometres east of Baku. It has an estimated 60 million tons of oil reserves, meaning that the approximate value of the oil field is more than 10 billion dollars in today's price (24,53$) of "Azeri Light" oil brand of Azerbaijan. The drilling of the first appraisal well on the Karabakh field began on December 23, 2019. SOCAR's CDC drilling company drilled this well with Dada Gorgud floating drilling rig at a depth of 180 meters. Productive layers of the deposit are located at the depth of 3.4 km. According to preliminary estimates, the volume of oil and gas discovered in the field is sufficient for its economic development. The Karabakh field is the first oil field discovered during our independence. Preliminary estimated geological reserves of the field are more than 60 million tons of oil, SOCARs president Rovnag Abdullayev said. Successful, safe and timely delivery of the valuation well to the project depth is a result of the joint efforts of SOCAR and the Equinor company, SOCAR president added. Rovnaq Abdullayev noted: Development of the Karabakh field will be a significant contribution to Azerbaijan's oil revenues. Reflection of Karabakh in the field name, the heart of our homeland, is particularly proud. It should also be noted that Karabakh as a promising offshore structure was discovered in 1959 as a result of seismic exploration, specified in 1984, and its oil and gas potential was confirmed in 1997-1998 thanks to exploration drilling. The bed is located 120 km to the east of Baku at a depth of 150-200 meters of the open sea. The consortium led by Caspian International Petroleum Company (CIPCO) drilled three exploration wells in accordance with the Karabakh Production Sharing Agreement signed in 1995. Two wells have confirmed that the southeastern part of the structure is saturated with gas, and one well in the western part of the structure is found to be saturated with oil and gas. The agreement was abolished in 1999 as an economically ineffective project. In May 2018, SOCAR Karabakh and Equinor signed a Risk Service Agreement on the development of the Karabakh oil field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. According to the agreement, the companies have an equal share. SOCAR and Statoil (Equinor) have been cooperating on a number of important projects since 1994, including the Azeri-Chirag and Derinsulu Gunashli (ACG) oil field development project. An unidentified mother and child walk in front of Tilden Middle School where families of Philadelphia students had the opportunity to pick up packed breakfast and lunch meals during the two-week school closure. Monday, March 16, 2020. Read more The case against our antiquated education model unfolded this week in Philadelphia. Monday: All Pennsylvania schools close, by order of Gov. Tom Wolf. Tuesday: Bureaucrats at the Philadelphia School District tell teachers to halt remote instruction due to equity concerns. Wednesday: Said bureaucrats backtrack after much-deserved public shaming, saying that remote learning is fine, but it cant be mandatory. So now, kids can learn, but they wont get credited or graded for any work. These pronouncements are troubling. To deny any child access to education for any reason is a human rights violation. Holding one child back to advance another is nonfeasance. And that should be a nonstarter for the 21st century. The Philadelphia public school system has many dedicated teachers who are not only committed to their students education but to their overall well-being. Amid this unprecedented crisis, they were working to find solutions for their particular classrooms. Rather than empowering teachers, the bureaucracy did what all bureaucracies do impeded innovation and fast solutions. The pandemic of 2020 shows us that the public school system is ill-equipped to take us into the 21st century. Its not just about solving this crisis today but about solving the crises that appear every day. The Philadelphia School District loses too many children to a failed system. Lets stop this and get progressive about education. We need to stop viewing public education as just brick-and-mortar public schools. Instead, public funds should be put toward parental control. Parents then, not school boards or bureaucrats, could decide if district, charter, cyber, or private schools were best addressing their childs needs and be able to direct money accordingly. This would make district schools be more flexible in empowering teachers to do what is best for the communities their schools serve. Administrators would be forced to be responsive to their market. District schools can take a more progressive approach during this crisis by looking to the free markets. This is America, the most generous nation on earth since humanity started taking measure. Have Phillys school leaders asked Amazon, Google, Apple, or even our home-grown Comcast to help Philly schools find ways to provide access to technology to educate all students regardless of income? Services such as Google Classroom, and Udemy are made for these occasions, and indeed theyve offered their software for free for schools to use. Internet access can be donated, or old-fashioned paper books and worksheets can be delivered. Now is the time for the Philadelphia School District to embrace innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. Getting through this crisis wont change this fact: Our current, antiquated education model was unprepared and unable to provide simple digital alternatives in the age of the digital revolution to the thousands of digital natives in low-income communities. If you are unprepared and unable to serve those children for the 21st century, you dont deserve to have a monopoly on education at all. Jennifer Stefano is a vice president and chief innovation officer at The Commonwealth Foundation and vice chair of Broad + Liberty. As the coronavirus outbreak threatens to bring U.S. economic activity to a grinding halt, American businesses are jockeying for a financial lifeline from the administration of President Donald Trump. The below have asked Washington, D.C., or state lawmakers for aid to offset the economic fallout of the coronavirus. Restaurants A restaurant in Washington Heights prepares for new restrictive measures to only offer take-out or delivery in an effort to combat coronavirus. Dan Mangan | CNBC A U.S. restaurant trade group on Wednesday asked the White House and Congressional leaders for a $455 billion aid package, saying that the industry could shed nearly half of its 15.6 million jobs and at least a quarter of its annual sales because of the coronavirus outbreak. The group, the Washington, D.C.-based National Restaurant Association, said restaurants could take a $225 billion sales hit in the next three months, a quarter of their projected total sales of $899 billion. Hotel, travel industry American hotel and travel industry executives met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss a potential $250 billion aid package, as thousands of hotel workers began furloughs due to the fast-spreading coronavirus. The requested package would consist of $150 billion in direct aid for the hotel sector and $100 billion for related travel companies, including convention businesses, industry executives said on a call after the meeting with Trump, who made his fortune in real estate and hotels. U.S. Conference of Mayors The U.S. Conference of Mayors has asked Congress for $250 billion in localized aid to help cities stop the spread of the coronavirus, including through resources for public health departments, supporting small businesses and addressing food insecurity, according to a statement on their website. Boeing Boeing on Tuesday called for a $60 billion bailout in access to public and private liquidity, including loan guarantees, for the struggling U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry, which faces huge losses from the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. planemaker has told lawmakers it needs significant government support to meet liquidity needs and it cannot raise that in current market conditions, people briefed on the matter said. Airline industry Major U.S. airlines sought a government bailout of more than $50 billion in the wake of the steep falloff in U.S. travel demand sparked by the coronavirus outbreak. Airlines for America, the trade group representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and others, said the industry needs $25 billion in grants, $25 billion in loans and significant tax relief to survive. They also seek tax relief that could be worth tens of billions of dollars through the end of at least 2021. They also seek a package of $8 billion, equally divided in grants and loans for cargo carriers. Native American gaming industry The Native American gaming industry on Tuesday requested $18 billion in U.S. federal aid as it shut casinos that are the sole source of commercial revenue for dozens of tribes in a bid to slow the coronavirus epidemic. Tribal governments will be unable to provide health and education services and will default on loans unless they get federal support to make up for lost casino money, the National Indian Gaming Association said in a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The United States' roughly 460 Indian casinos are in the process of closing given the threat of coronavirus to tribal members and many non-Native American employees. Airports U.S. airports are seeking $10 billion in U.S. government assistance to help offset losses incurred by the sharp drop in travel due to coronavirus, two people briefed on the matter said. Amtrak An Amtrak train sits idleat Penn Station in New York. Stan Honda | AFP | Getty Images U.S. railroad Amtrak said on Monday that the passenger rail service and its state partners need $1 billion in government assistance after a dramatic decline in travel because of the coronavirus outbreak. Amtrak said bookings had plunged 50% since the outbreak. Tennessee Distillers Guild Dangerous Thayer to State St. Walkway? Question Corner: March 2020 by Tim Athan From the March, 2020 issue Q. Who, if anyone, is responsible for maintaining the small walkway from the rear of the Thayer St. parking structure to State St.? Hundreds of people daily, myself included, use this narrow passageway-families and most everyone else departing the car park for Ann Arbor shopping, dining, the State Theatre, etc. The walkway has been narrowed in the past by a tall metal fence that reduces the width to three feet or so, walking further hampered by a lineup of large, smelly plastic garbage bins, and broken, uneven pavement that remains dangerously covered with ice and snow in winter, and inches of standing water after heavy rains. It seems that some oversight and attention to this desirable connective "avenue" to the heart of Ann Arbor are necessary and would be greatly appreciated by so many of us. A. The U-M parking structure's back door exits onto a pedestrian alley that runs north-south from Washington St. to the parking lot at the Bell Tower Hotel (now fenced off after problems with vandalism). The east-west connection to State St. is owned by the Taste of India's landlord. The restaurant uses it as a utility area for trash cans. The landlord had locked the walkway at State St., but a city fire inspector disallowed that. Taste of India has reported the paving problems to the landlord, and repairs are planned for the spring. Got a question? Email question@aaobserver.com. [Originally published in March, 2020.] Another person has died and 191 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the country. A woman in the east of the country is the third person with coronavirus to die. The total number of cases is now 557 in the Republic of Ireland. Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said: I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this patient. It is too early to see any impact of our social distancing measures. This data underscores the importance of younger people to rigorously follow public health advice and social distancing measures. As of midnight on Tuesday, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said that 31% of the 350 cases known about then had been hospitalised, while 2%, or seven cases, were admitted to intensive care. Of the 350 cases, 55% are male and 43% are female, with 26 clusters They revealed that 84 cases are associated with Healthcare workers, 28 of whom are associated with foreign travel. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 172, followed by Cork (62) and Limerick (14). Community transmission accounts for 35% of those for whom transmission status is known while local transmission or close contact accounts for 21% and travel abroad accounts for 43%. Seventy-one are still being investigated. Dr Holohan said the median age of people with Covid-19 here is 43. He said: For the most part, this is a youngish profile of people with this infection. We know for the most part, this disease has milder and less severe symptoms in the younger cohort. He said the increased number of confirmed cases is partly down to the rise in testing over the last couple of days. He said the full effects of measures such as closing schools and implementing social distancing may take several days to show in the results. Dr Holohan said Ireland will begin to see the impact of social distancing measures in the next two or three weeks. The cases we have seen diagnosed today and in the past 24 hours are cases were people who would have been infected and exposed before we brought in the measures. As we move to the days further past the weekend, we will be watching the figures and as we pass the end of the month, we should see an impact of social distancing in two or three weeks. We are already seeing in our everyday lives very significant changes in how society is operating and crowds are absent from the streets and from our schools, and gatherings are not happening. I think we have seen high compliance when it comes to social distancing measures and the advice we have given. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] NIAGARA FALLS, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. (TSXV:EHT) ("EHT") is pleased to announce an update on its Food for the North initiative with Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario. EHT, working with the research team at Canadore College, has completed the first 30 days of the growing from seed of various micro-greens and vegetables in our Grow Unit located in North Bay. The results of the grow from seed has been very impressive (please see attached link). These results demonstrate how our Grow Unit's ability to control the environment allows plants to grow at optimum rates. They also show that First Nation communities and other smaller communities in the North can grow fresh micro-greens and vegetables for their people who reside there. EHT is working with the Federal and various Provincial Governments at the moment on a pilot program for up to 10 Grow Units to be located in remote towns and reserves. Each Unit will be approximately 5000 square feet and will sell for approximately $1.2M depending on location; EHT expects to make a 30% margin on each Unit. As contracts are placed, EHT will update the market. John Gamble, CEO of EHT, commented that "We are very proud of our products and having independent research confirming our results backs up all the work we have done over the last several months." Please see attached link: Click Here Now! About EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies EHT delivers proprietary, turn-key energy solutions which are intelligent, bankable and sustainable. EHT's expertise includes the development of its ENERTEC module structures with full integration of smart energy solutions. Using a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger than traditional wood or steel structural insulated panels, EHT provides exceptional thermal energy efficiency in modular homes, cold storage facilities, residential/commercial out buildings and emergency/temporary shelters. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. In addition to traditional support to established electrical networks, ENERTEC buildings excel where no electrical grid exists. About ENERTEC The EHT advanced ENERTEC Modular Wall and Roof System uses a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger and more energy efficient than traditional wood or steel structures providing the highest ratings for energy efficiency. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. After installation, each structure can be furnished and finished to meet the customer's requirements including siding, tile, kitchens and bathrooms or segregated commercial rooms. The finished wall product can be shipped on pallets and delivered via rail, truck or water in standard formats. At the core of the ENERTEC product line is the ENERTEC Embedded Solar Roof Module. Solar cells can be embedded in a proprietary fire proof skin resulting in substantial cost savings by eliminating heavy glass panels and aluminum racking required for traditional solar panels. Two barriers to greater adoption of solar energy are weight limitations of the roof on which solar panels could be deployed and onerous shipping and labour costs. A lighter product at a better price point will open a larger market for solar due to the faster return of capital investment especially for rural and remote users looking to go off-grid. Furthermore, the entire EHT embedded solar roof becomes a massive solar panel capable of producing significantly more energy than the home requires, allowing the structure to then become an important source of power for the local micro grid or large battery storage systems. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information relating to sales of the products (the "Opportunities") involves risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, for the Opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although EHT believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information on the Opportunities outlined in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. EHT disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: John Gamble Director (289) 488-1699 jgamble@ehthybrid.com info@ehthybrid.com Website: www.ehthybrid.com SOURCE: EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581539/EnerDynamic-Updates-Food-for-the-North-Program Burma NLDs Bid to End Myanmar Militarys Constitutional Grip on National Security Voted Down NLD lawmakers cast their ballots on constitutional amendments on March 10 in the Union Parliament in Naypyitaw. / Thiha Lwin / The Irrawaddy YANGONConstitutional amendment proposals by Myanmars ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) that would have ended the defense services absolute authority over all national armed forces, as well as its exclusive role in safeguarding the country, were voted down in Parliament on Thursday. Like the partys previous attempts to limit the militarys important role in politics and special privileges granted under the charter, the proposals failed to receive the required support of more than 75 percent of lawmakers. The NLD sought to revoke Article 338, which states, All the armed forces in the Union shall be under the command of the Defense Services, and Article 339, which states, The Defense Services shall lead in safeguarding the Union against all internal and external dangers. The latter can be interpreted as giving the institution sole, undiluted power in this sphere. Article 338 is one of the most controversial constitutional articles, and one that pro-democracy activists have long targeted for amendment. They want to see the Police Department administered by its own ministry controlled by the civilian government. Currently, the department is under the Home Affairs Ministry, whose minister is an army general appointed by the commander-in-chief. Both proposals received 407 votes, accounting for about 63 percent of lawmakers. The Union Parliament voted on proposed amendments, additions and/or repeals of 14 provisions of the Constitution on Thursday. All were rejected except for an amendment to Article 344. The approved amendment to Article 344, proposed by the NLD, will change a Burmese-language reference to disabled military officers. It brings to four the number of charter amendments approved after nearly two weeks of balloting. Also rejected were a number of the NLDs civil rights-related proposals, which sought to end forced labor under any circumstances, including hard labor imposed as a punishment on duly convicted criminals, and to ensure that no person shall be held in custody for more than 24 hours without the remand of a competent magistrate. Another NLD proposal to change the minimum support required to submit a complaint seeking the removal of a lawmaker also failed to pass. The party sought to raise the required support from 1 percent to 20 percent of voters in the lawmakers constituency. Surprisingly, a proposal submitted jointly by the USDP and the military to allow the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union to determine whether measures taken by Union-level agencies are in conformity with the Constitution received only 30 votes in favorthe least amount of support for an amendment proposal since lawmakers began voting on the charter amendments on March 10. Friday will be the last day of parliamentary voting on constitutional amendments. As of Thursday, only four amendmentsnone of which involve political reformshad received the required support of more than 75 percent of MPs. NLD lawmakers have acknowledged that while the party knew its charter change efforts chances of success were slim, it had not anticipated the rejection of almost all of its proposed amendments, including even changes to some of the language in certain provisions. NLD Upper House lawmaker Dr Myat Nyana Soe said that as long as those who oppose genuine reforms sit in Parliament, reform, development and peace would continue to elude Myanmar. Nonetheless, we will continue to push for charter reform in the next Parliament [after this years election], he said. Additional reporting by Thiha Lwin in Naypyitaw You may also like these stories: India's largest firm Reliance Industries has initiated work-from-home for its staff while keeping open consumer-facing businesses of hospital, retail stores and telecom with a minimum workforce amid increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country. IMAGE: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani addresses the Bengal Global Business Summit 2019 in Kolkata on February 7, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo. Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will hold a meeting almost every third day to take stock of the impact of novel coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak on his employees and business, officials said. Precautions have been taken at Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai and its refining and pet-chem complex in Jamnagar, they said, adding that the production unit in Patalganga and the retail outlets are also following standard sanitation and hygiene processes. The oil-to-telecom conglomerate initiated a work from home protocol for its employees across the country and overseas in response to the evolving covid-19 situation. This protocol will be effective until March 31. It, however, will maintain minimum strength at the workplace to ensure business continuity. Reliance Industries (RIL) joins a host of Indian companies that have ordered work-from-home to prevent their employees from being infected by the virus. Reached for comments, RIL spokesperson said: "The company has migrated to an 'Agile Work From Home' protocol that encourages all employees to work from home and to utilise all productivity and digital tools at their disposal to maximise productivity." The staff has been advised to communicate more often among each other than on normal days and to stay connected over Outlook, MS Teams and enterprise platforms as well as the company's other internal platforms. "However, considering the public requirements in such an unprecedented situation, RIL will continue to provide all essential services to the citizens and will keep open its main retail grocery stores, its telecom connectivity services, the hospital and any other essential services required for public or business continuity," the spokesperson said. For the essential services, RIL would deploy about 10 per cent of its staff on a rotation basis. The firm is providing health safety training to all its essential staff through frequent advisories and communication, the spokesperson said, adding that the company will also reimburse app taxi fare for such staff for work-related commute during this period so as to reduce pressure on public transport. "The company lauds the 'ownership mindset' of employees and, while it understands the need for some staff to be physically present for business-critical functions, it assures them that their safety at the workplace is the company's highest priority and all standards of sanitation and hygiene have been implemented including its entire emergency response infrastructure in a ready state," the spokesperson said. In an advisory to employees, RIL executive director Hital R Meswani said the work-from-home starts from Wednesday. "We encourage everyone to work from home. In case the nature of your work is such that it cannot be performed from home then you may be required to come to the office," he wrote. "In addition, we will maintain minimum strength at the workplace to ensure business continuity." "We are all in this unprecedented situation together as one Reliance family. We trust that our values of One Team and Ownership Mindset drive every judgement you make in the best interest of everyone around you," he added. "Let us support each other, stay calm, and tide over this challenge together." RIL will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate its response mechanisms on a real-time basis. Two days after Russia and Turkey agreed to cease-fire details for the Idlib de-escalation zone, the first Russian-Turkish military patrol took place along the M4 highway March 15. As part of the preparations for the joint Russian-Turkish patrol of the M4 highway, engineering reconnaissance of the patrol route was carried out in the Saraqeb area, said Rear Adm. Oleg Zhuravlev, the head of the Russian center for reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria. On the Russian side, the joint patrol involved a military police platoon on three armored vehicles: an armored personnel carrier and Tiger and Typhoon all-terrain vehicles. The Turkish side deployed three Kirpi armored vehicles. The patrolling mission was arranged by the joint Russian-Turkish coordination center. A special communication channel continues to operate between the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria and the Turkish military. The patrol took about half an hour. Today the first joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place on the section of the M4 highway in the Idlib de-escalation zone. It went along a shortened route for security reasons. Joint patrolling should not only ensure the safe movement of civilians along the vital arterial road of Syria, but also become a guarantee to prevent the armed conflict's recurrence in the region, a representative of the Russian military police informed the press immediately after the patrol. On March 5, the presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adopted the Additional Protocol to the Memorandum on Stabilization of the Situation in the Idlib De-Escalation Area that provides joint Russian-Turkish patrolling along the M4 from the village of Trumba to the village of Ain al-Havr. The first patrol was supposed to go along a shortened route from Trumba to the city of Arikh. The rest of M4 is unsafe for Russian and Turkish military convoys to pass through as it is under control of the terrorist groups Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP). Earlier, HTS leader al-Julani said he didn't recognize the Russian-Turkish agreements because Russia can't be trusted as guarantor as it works with the regime. However, even this shortened route was disrupted by opposition from both local civilians and representatives of the pro-Turkish Syrian National Army/National Front for Liberation (SNA/NFL), who staged mass protests and blocked the patrol's movement. Local sources who spoke with Al-Monitor not for attribution said the residents of the area along with fighters of some SNA/NFL groups believe that the joint patrols are a first step in the surrender these areas to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. As the locals noted, the distrust of Turkey on part of some pro-Turkish forces and Idlib-based civilians may stem from leaked Russian military maps that show areas to the south of the security corridor along the M4 highway that are controlled by the opposition as being subject to eventual transfer to the Assad regime. Although there was no indication of such a thing in the Additional Protocol to the Idlib Memorandum, multiple sources in Moscow with knowledge of the situation confirmed to Al-Monitor that the areas south of the M4 highway are to be transferred to Assads control in accordance with Russian-Turkish accords. This seems logical: If a security zone is created along the M4, the fate of the opposition forces based there will be sealed, cut off by the Russian control zone from the rest of Idlib, which is held by other opposition groups north of the M4. Thus, regardless of success or failure of the M4 patrols, the Russian side along with Assads forces will be ready to launch another military operation in Idlib south of the M4 that would lead to actual deployment of the Syrian government forces to the highway and the creation of a security zone along it to the south. There is no other way to take control of the area south of M4, since the opposition and HTS are unlikely to agree to leave the region without a fight. The Russians and Turks think Assad could try to advance to capture other areas in the Idlib province as he's vowed to bring "every inch" of Syria under government control. However, the implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreements.will not relieve the Turkish side of responsibility for creating its own security zone north of M4. Ankara currently has the equivalent of a mechanized infantry in Idlib that may exceed the number of militants in radical groups. Therefore, the Turkish side now has many more opportunities to influence HTS than it did after signing of the 2018 Sochi Memorandum. Turkish inaction can no longer be justified and there could be a new round of confrontation between Ankara and Damascus and, by extension, Moscow. Nevertheless, even limited joint patrols may spark some optimism that this time all the agreements between Moscow and Ankara will be implemented. Turkey was able to force the HTS militants to leave the first patrol zone between Arikh and Trumba. Now these areas have come under the control of the SNA/NFL forces and the Turkish military and are open for joint patrolling. Perhaps the Turkish troops will be able to gradually open other sections of the route where the HTS and TIP militants are still operating. However, as noted above, Turkeys problems may arise not so much with the radicals but with local residents and even some units of the SNA/NFL loyal to Ankara. By Akbar Mammadov Today is the 26th anniversary of the terrorist act committed at 20 Yanvar (January) station of the Baku metropolitan area on March 19, 1994. As a result of this bombed attack, 14 civilians lost their lives and 49 were injured with different wounds according to Azerbaijan's Supreme Court. The court proved that the terror act was prepared by Armenian special services, and committed by the members of the separatist Lezghin organization of Sadval. It was determined that the same activists of the separatist Sadval organization had been to Armenia several times since 1992, and this countrys National Security Headquarters closely engaged in forming, financing and arming of this organization. In April-May of 1992, 30 Azerbaijani citizens, underwent special terrorist-sabotage preparation at a training base located in the Lusakert settlement of Nairi region in Armenia. During the investigation, it was identified that saboteur had planned to make explosions in Bakus Nizami cinema, the Republic palace and Baku Lamp Plant along with 20 Yanvar metro station, following the instruction. The first attack, a suicide bombing, occurred on Saturday, March 19 at the "20 January" metro station at 13:00 local time. The time bomb planted under a seat in the head railroad car detonated when it stopped at the station, killing the immediate perpetrator Oktay Gurbanov. The lead railroad car was destroyed and the station's roof partially collapsed. Among the victims was Azerbaijani jazzman Rafig Babayev, whose workplace was near the station. The work of Baku Metro was temporarily suspended. It should be noted that this terrorist act was just the first of a series of terrorist incidents against civilians in Baku Metro in 1994. Thus, after 20 Yanvar terrorist attack in Baku, the second explosion occurred the place between the 28 May and Ganjlik metro stations. As a result of the second attack, 13 people lost were killed and 42 were injured. Being accused in the commitment of the explosion in 20 Yanvar metro station, 30 members of the Sadval separatist organization, underwent special terrorist-provocative training in Armenia, were charged with imprisonment. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has started to assess the need to board up any Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores that are deemed at-risk in the wake of the statewide closures Tuesday night due to the coronavirus pandemic. A spokesperson said Wednesday that it will review locations on a store-to-store basis. One already seen boarded up is located in Kline Plaza in Harrisburg, and the PLCB confirmed tonight that several others across the state have had work done to protect them. We evaluating our locations on a case-by-case basis for precaution to protect and secure our stores during these unprecedented times, the spokesperson said. Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday night ordered the closures pf Pennsylvanias 600 state-owned liquor stores, effective 9 p.m. Tuesday, prompting a large volume of business over the final 36 hours of business after that declaration. The PLCB that day also informed licensees that public health officials are encouraging all restaurants and bars, including social clubs and non-essential retailers, to close in an effort to mitigate the COVID-19 public health crisis. Finally, late this afternoon the PLCB followed up with a warning that all retail licensees, clubs, permittees, and producers must cease the sale of food and alcohol for on-premises consumption, effective at 8 p.m. today and until further notice. If they dont, they risk a citation, a license suspension and even closure by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. -- Other PennLive coronavirus stories Where are Pennsylvanias coronavirus cases? Map, details on known cases as of March 18, 2020 Two Australian scientists believe they have found the cure for coronavirus Gov. Tom Wolf on Pa.'s first coronavirus death: We need to work together if we want to save lives. Gov. Tom Wolf on Pa.'s first coronavirus death: We need to work together if we want to save lives. Coronavirus numbers for Pa.: hospital beds, ventilators, possible death rate, etc. Salvation Army Harrisburg changes how it distributes food boxes due to coronarivus pandemic Stocks fall again, Trump bump vanishes as coronavirus fears slam markets Twenty thousand British soldiers have been placed in readiness today to help civilian authorities deal with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation. Members of the Army Reserve are among those being put on high readiness to help the police and other emergency services as the full brunt of the pandemic hits. But Downing Street moved to dispel the idea that armed soldiers in the Covid Support Force would be used to keep order on the streets of cities like London. No 10 said that although soldiers would be deployed on the street 'as and if they are required' there were no plans for them to replace police in dealing with unrest. Instead it is thought they will help to guard sites to free up officers, as well as driving oxygen tankers and boosting hospital capacity with extra medics. The most vital personnel are likely to be put in quarantine in UK bases until they are needed and all those overseas will have their holiday time cancelled. No 10 said that although soldiers would be deployed on the street 'as and if they are required' there were no plans for them to replace police in dealing with unrest Members of the Household Cavalry stand guard at a nearly-empty Horse Guards in London today Defence Secretary Ben Wallace praised the service's 'unique flexibility' as up to 20,000 troops prepare to be deployed in Britain's streets, hospitals and other key sites. Mr Wallace is pictured arriving in Downing Street on Tuesday But ministers were warned today that deploying military personnel to support public services is 'risky'. Elizabeth Braw, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said the tasks which troops would be expected to carry out were 'not their speciality' and 'essentially a distraction' from their normal duties. 'With something like this, it is not exactly clear how the armed forces can support and more importantly we have to consider that they may be needed elsewhere,' she said. 'We can't take for granted that we will only have a virus outbreak. What if there is another contingency, and I think that is the danger in relying on the armed forces. 'To always assume that they will always be available to help with these kinds of duties that are not their speciality and are essentially a distraction from their speciality is risky.' There are fears that as the virus outbreak escalates, vital emergency service workers will need military back-up to deliver basic needs. A total of 150 personnel will begin urgent training from Monday so they are able to drive oxygen tankers to the NHS if a gap emerges. Announcing the plans last night, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.' Major General Charlie Stickland, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, added: 'Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our Reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance. 'The Covid Support Force, potentially drawing upon our highly skilled scientists or oxygen tanker drivers, will form part of a whole force effort to support the country.' The Army will also backfill key areas, including replacing police officers, border guards, prison officers and medics under plans code-named Operation Broadshare. The military is preparing for all scenarios, as it would do in any emergency. In a most-likely scenario, thousands of military medics, including doctors, nurses and combat medics, will be deployed to help hospitals. But the military could also be used to help expand hospital bed capacity. This could see troops using hotels, barracks, or erecting Army field hospitals near key locations to help cope with the rising numbers of infected people. One option that has not been ruled out is using a navy hospital ship which supported operations to curb the Ebola outbreak. At any one time there are some 10,000 troops on standby in the UK to help with a crisis. But the number of those at high readiness will be increased to between 15,000 and 20,000 so there are more personnel available to support public services. Measures have been taken to enable the call out of reservists, should they be required to join the response effort to help deliver public services. Defence scientists at Porton Down are also working to understand the virus and help tackle its spread. The military is also helping with ongoing repatriation flights from countries overseas. On top of this, the Ministry of Defence is looking to supply the NHS with as many of its 35 ventilators as possible. Mass gatherings in St Michael's Church at Mahim in Mumbai have been suspended till March 31 in the wake coronavirus outbreak, one of its members said on Thursday. Thousands of people gather at the Mahim Church for Sunday and Wednesday masses. But Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, has exempted Catholics from attending churches till March 31, an active member of the Mahim Church, Rita D'Sa, told PTI on Thursday. "Hence, mass gatherings on Wednesdays and Sundays have been suspended at St Michael's Church till March 31 and prayers on both these dayswould be streamed on YouTube. Three weeks later, we will take a review of the situation," she said. The devotees have been asked not to gather at the church and instead follow the YouTube link for Wednesday and Sunday prayers, D'Sa said. On other days, devotees can visit the church as there are no gatherings, she added. The archbishop has exempted all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Bombay from attending the Sunday masses till March 31, she said, adding that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also asked everyone to cooperate in the fight against coronavirus. Cardinal Gracias, in an official communique issued on Tuesday, had urged those having fever or cough or anyone over the age of 60 and vulnerable to contracting coronavirus, to stay away from masses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The words tragic and sad have been said numerous times in court to describe the slaying of an innocent 67-year-old bystander in a gang-related shooting in New Brighton two years ago. As it turns out, the utter randomness of Frances Williams killing was even more ironic than originally thought. On Wednesday, it was revealed at the sentencing of the third and final defendant tried and convicted in the case that Williams was his mothers friend. West Brighton resident Jaleel Hewitt told the city Probation Department that shocking detail in a pre-sentencing interview. This is breaking me, he told interviewers. But state Supreme Court Justice William E. Garnett told Hewitt, 27, he couldnt escape responsibility for his role in Williams death. Garnett sentenced the defendant as a second-felony offender, to five to 10 years behind bars on his conviction for second-degree conspiracy in the case. When victims, having no role in the underlying criminal motive, are taken from us the loss is magnified and rendered even more tragic, said the judge. Last month, a jury convicted Hewitt of conspiracy and criminal facilitation for his role in the events that led to Williams fatal shooting on July 10, 2018. Affectionately known as Miss Franny, the victim was standing at a bus stop on Jersey Street near Pauw Street when she was hit shortly after noon. West Brighton resident Isaiah Kelson, 23, one of Tarts co-defendants, was firing at a fleeing gang rival he spotted on the street when his bullet struck the victim. Prosecutors said Kelson, and others, including Hewitt and fellow West Brighton resident Marquise Tart, 26, sought to avenge their friend Robert Craigwell, 26, who was fatally mowed down by a van in St. George, less than an hour before Williams was slain. Members of a rival New Brighton crew were in the van, said prosecutors. Prosecutors said Hewitt and Tart were riding in Hewitts car and followed Kelson and two other men, who were in another car, from West Brighton into New Brighton looking for a foe to attack. After the shooting, Tart disposed of the clothes which Kelson and a cooperating witness, who had also fired shots, were wearing, said prosecutors. Hewitt was the third defendant sentenced in the case. Last Thursday, Garnett sentenced Kelson, who was convicted of second-degree murder, criminal weapon possession and other charges, to 35 years to life in prison. The judge sentenced Tart on Tuesday to six to 12 years behind bars. Tart was convicted of the same crimes as Hewitt, plus hindering prosecution and evidence tampering. Neither Hewitt nor Tart was charged with murder. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon has called Williams death a tragedy for all of Staten Island. After the defendants convictions, he said the verdict speaks volumes to the fact that violent and harmful acts will not be tolerated and those who commit them and endanger innocent lives will be punished. Hewitts sentencing was conducted in near-empty courthouse, due to concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Assistant District Attorney Andrew Botelho recommended a prison term of at least eight to 16 years. He may not have pulled the trigger that day, but he shares responsibility for the events that unfolded resulting in the death of Frances Williams, said Botelho. Specifically, after Craigwell was killed, Hewitt, who had witnessed the aftermath, circled and hunted for prey to retaliate against while driving his car through the opposition neighborhood, said Botelho. He provided backup and additional muscle to Kelson both before and after the murder, said Botelho, who, along with Assistant District Attorneys Adam Silberlight and Arda Ozdinc prosecuted the case. Convicted of a felony drug charge in Georgia just three months before Williams shooting, Hewitt was given multiple opportunities to turn his life around, said Botelho. However, Mr. Hewitt has been unable to distance himself from this villainous behavior, the prosecutor said. Defense lawyer Mario Romano sought the minimum of 54 months to nine years. Prior to trial, Hewitt had rejected prosecutors offer to plead guilty to fourth-degree conspiracy in exchange for a prison sentence of 18 months to three years. Everything in this case as it applies to Mr. Hewitt is theory; its speculation, said Romano. To say he tracked and hunted is an absolute falsehood. Romano said there was no evidence of extended communication between the people in Hewitts car and those in Kelsons car as one would expect in a conspiracy. Hewitt was driving home to West Brighton from St. George when he passed Kelsons car, turned around and followed it, said Romano. Three minutes later, Kelson and a cooperating witness spied a gang rival on the street, jumped out of their car and fired at him, with one of Kelsons bullets hitting Williams. Hewitts car wasnt on the block when Kelson began shooting. In terms of planning, in terms of aiding, I have a client who feels terrible about Miss Frannys death, he said. Moreover, Hewitt told the Probation Department his passing Kelsons car on the street was a coincidence, said Romano. Hewitt was garbed in a white dress shirt and tan pants. Asked if he wanted to address the court, he shook his head. Thats all I have to say right there, he said referring to his Probation Department interview. Besides the conspiracy prison term, Garnett sentenced Hewitt to four to eight years for the criminal facilitation conviction. The sentences will run concurrently. Hewitt will appeal, said Romano. SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodruff Sawyer , one of the largest insurance brokerages and risk advisory firms in the US, congratulates our client Stitch Fix and co-defendants Roku and Blue Apron as well as law firm Wilson Sonsini on yesterday's victory in the Delaware Supreme Court. The casethe appeal of Sciabacucchi vs Salzbergdeals a blow to shareholders attempting to sue companies in multiple jurisdictions, especially recent IPOs, by limiting suits to federal court. In yesterday's decision, the Delaware Supreme court in Sciabacucchi held that Delaware companies have the ability to put in the charter documents provisions requiring that shareholders bring securities class action suits against IPO companies in federal court onlyinstead of both federal and state court. Ever since the US Supreme Court's March 2018 decision in Cyan, there has been a dramatic escalation in the number of suits brought against IPO companies in state court, a trend Woodruff Sawyer has tracked as part of the D&O Databox , Woodruff Sawyer's proprietary database of D&O litigation. The result of this increase in litigation frequency and severity has been a dramatic and unprecedented escalation in the price of D&O insurance for IPOs, on average more than quadrupling in the last few years. "Everyone understands that shareholders have to be able to sue companies that make misrepresentations in registration statements," observes Woodruff Sawyer partner Lauri Floresca, "but there is no reason for devastatingly expensive duplicative litigation. The entire business community was looking for a solution and the provisions at issue in Sciabacucchi turned out to be that solution." Woodruff Sawyer partner Priya Huskins notes, "What's at stake is the cost of doing an IPO. Before this historic win, IPO companies had no way to stop duplicative securities class action suits brought against them in both state and federal court. The result has been the quadrupling of D&O insurance prices for IPO companies in the last few years. The Delaware Supreme Court today affirmed that Delaware companies have the right to insist that these cases only be brought in federal court." The funding for this appeal was organized by Woodruff Sawyer. Participants in the funding group included insurance carriers and two insurance brokers. "This is a terrific example of a business community rallying around a cause for the sake of their clients and our economy," says Woodruff Sawyer CEO Andy Barrengos. "None of the defendants had any underlying litigation and the Delaware case was a purely facial challenge. The defendants could have saved themselves time and trouble by merely accepting the original chancery court decision. Instead, the defendants were willing to pursue the appeal because it was the right thing to do. Recognizing this, the funding group stepped up to pay for the work that Wilson Sonsini did so well. Without the funding, we couldn't have the victory we just won today." About Woodruff Sawyer As one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the US, Woodruff Sawyer protects the people and assets of more than 4,000 companies. We provide expert counsel and fierce advocacy to protect clients against their most critical risks in property and casualty, management liability, cyber liability, employee benefits, and personal wealth management. An active partner of Assurex Global and International Benefits Network, we provide expertise and customized solutions where clients need it, with headquarters in San Francisco, offices throughout the US, and global reach on six continents. For more information, call 844.972.6326, or visit woodruffsawyer.com . SOURCE Woodruff Sawyer Related Links http://www.wsandco.com What Is Climate Change? Is It Different From Global Warming? Climate change is actually not a new phenomenon. Scientists have been studying the connection between human activity and the effect on the climate since the 1800s, although it took until the 1950s to find evidence suggesting a link. Since then, the amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases) in the atmosphere have steadily increased, taking a sharp jump in the late 1980s when the summer of 1988 became the warmest on record. (There have been many records broken since then.) But climate change is not a synonym for global warming. The term global warming entered the lexicon in the 1950s, but didnt become a common buzzword until a few decades later when more people started taking notice of a warming climate. Except climate change encompasses a greater realm than just rising temperatures. Trapped gases also affect sea-level rise, animal habitats, biodiversity and weather patterns. For example, Texas severe winter storms in February 2021 demonstrate how the climate isnt merely warming. Why Is Climate Change Important? Why Does It Matter? Marc Guitard / Moment / Getty Images Despite efforts from forward thinkers such as SpaceX Founder Elon Musk to colonize Mars, Earth remains our home for the foreseeable future, and the more human activity negatively impacts the climate, the less habitable it will become. Its estimated that Earth has already warmed about one degree Celsius, or two degrees Fahrenheit, since the start of the Industrial Revolution around the 1750s, although climate change tracking didnt start until the late 1800s. That warming number may not sound like much, but this increase has already resulted in more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts and winter storms, to name some examples. Environmental Impacts Then theres biodiversity loss, another fallout of climate change thats threatening rainforests and coral reefs and accelerating species extinction. Take rainforests, which act as natural carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But as rampant deforestation is occurring everywhere from Brazils Amazon to Borneo, fewer trees mean that rainforests are becoming carbon sources, emitting more carbon than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, coral reefs are dying as warming ocean temperatures trigger bleaching events, which cause corals to reject algae, their main food and life source. Fewer trees, coral reefs and other habitats also equate to fewer species. Known as the sixth mass extinction, a 2019 UN report revealed that up to a million plant and animal species could become extinct within decades. Human Impact It can be easy to overlook climate change in day-to-day life, or even realize that climate change is behind it. Notice theres yet another romaine lettuce recall due to E. Coli? Research suggests that E. Coli bacteria are becoming more common in our food sources as it adapts to climate change. Cant find your favorite brand of coffee beans anymore? Or that the price has doubled? Climate change is affecting that too. Climate change is also worsening air quality and seasonal allergies, along with polluting tap water. Not least, many preliminary studies have also drawn a line between climate change and the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that is still gripping much of the world. Future pandemics are likely to happen more frequently until the root causes, such as deforestation, are addressed. Speaking of larger-scale issues, global water scarcity is already happening more frequently. The Caribbean is facing water shortages due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall; Australias dams may run dry by 2022 as severe wildfires increase and Cape Town, South Africa has already faced running out of water. As touched upon earlier, its one thing to be inconvenienced by a lack of romaine lettuce for a couple of weeks or higher coffee bean prices, but reports warn how climate change will continue to threaten global food security, to the point of triggering a worldwide food crisis if temperatures surpass two degrees Celsius. Many of these factors are already contributing to climate migration, forcing large numbers of people to relocate to other parts of the world in search of better living conditions. Unless more immediate, drastic action is taken to combat climate change, future generations will have to contend with worst-case scenario projections by the end of the 21st century, not limited to coastal cities going underwater, including Miami; lethal heat levels from South Asia to Central Africa; and more frequent extreme weather events involving hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, droughts, floods, blizzards and more. Whats Happening and Why? Fiddlers Ferry power station in Warrington, UK. Chris Conway / Moment / Getty Images The Earths temperature has largely remained stable until industrial times and the introduction of greenhouse gases. These gases have forced the atmosphere to retain heat, as evidenced by rising global temperatures. As the planet grows warmer, glaciers melt faster, sea levels rise, severe flooding increases and droughts and extreme weather events become more deadly. The Greenhouse Effect In the late 1800s, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius studied the connection between the amount of atmospheric carbon and its ability to warm and cool the Earth, and while his initial calculations suggested extreme warming as carbon increased, researchers didnt start to take human-induced climate change seriously until the late 20th century. But proof of human-led climate change can be traced to the 1850s, and satellites are among the ways that scientists have been tracking increased greenhouse gases and their climate impact in more recent years. Climate researchers have also documented warmer oceans, ocean acidification, shrinking ice sheets, decreased snow amounts and extreme weather as among the events resulting from greenhouse gases heating the planet. Numerous factors contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, known as the greenhouse effect. One of the biggest causes involve burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, to power everything from cars to daily energy needs (electricity, heat). From 1970-2011, fossil fuels have comprised 78 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Big Ag is another greenhouse contributor, particularly beef production, with the industry adding 10 percent in 2019. This is attributed to clearing land for crops and grazing and growing feed, along with methane produced by cows themselves. In the U.S. alone, Americans consumed 27.3 billion pounds of beef in 2019. Then theres rampant deforestation occurring everywhere from the Amazon to Borneo. A 2021 study from Rainforest Foundation Norway found that two-thirds of the worlds rainforests have already been destroyed or degraded. In Brazil, deforestation reached a 12-year-high in 2020 under right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. As it stands, reports predict that the Amazon rainforest will collapse by 2064. Rainforests are important carbon sinks, meaning the trees capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere. As rainforests collapse, the remaining trees will begin emitting more greenhouse gases than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, a recent study revealed that abandoned oil and gas wells are leaking more methane than previously believed, with U.S. wells contributing up to 20 percent of annual methane emissions. Not least is the cement industry. Cement is heavily used throughout the global construction industry, and accounts for around eight percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Natural Climate Change Granted, natural climate change exists as well, and can be traced throughout history, from solar radiation triggering the Ice Ages to the asteroid strike that rapidly raised global temperatures and eliminated dinosaurs and many other species in the process. Other sources of natural climate change impacts include volcano eruptions, ocean currents and orbital changes, but these sources generally have smaller and shorter-term environmental impacts. How We Can Combat Climate Change Participant holding a sign at the climate march on Sept. 20, 2020, in Manhattan. A coalition of climate, Indigenous and racial justice groups gathered at Columbus Circle to kick off Climate Week with the Climate Justice Through Racial Justice march. Erik McGregor / LightRocket / Getty Images While the latest studies and numbers can often feel discouraging about societys ability to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening, theres still time to take action. As a Society In 2015 at COP 21 in Paris, 197 countries came together to sign the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty agreeing to limit global warming in this century to two degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels; its believed that the planet has warmed one degree Celsius since 1750. Studies show that staying within the two-degree range will prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. Achieving this goal requires participating parties to drastically slash greenhouse gas emissions sooner rather than later. However, there have already been numerous setbacks since then, from former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in 2020 to world leaders, such as China, the worlds biggest polluter, failing to enact aggressive climate action plans. Yet many of the treaty participants have been slow to implement changes, putting the world on track to hit 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century even if the initial goals are met. However, its worth noting that U.S. President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021, and pledged to cut greenhouse gases in half by 2030. Then theres the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals that were commonly used in air-conditioning, refrigeration and aerosols. Recent studies show that parts of the ozone are recovering, proving that a unified commitment to combatting climate change issues does make a difference. On a smaller scale, carbon offset initiatives allow companies and individuals to invest in environmental programs that offset the amount of carbon thats produced through work or lifestyle. For example, major companies (and carbon emitters) such as United Airlines and Shell have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in part by participating in carbon offset programs that remove carbon from the atmosphere. The problem is that these companies are still producing high levels of fossil fuel emissions. While individuals can make a small impact through carbon offsets, the greater responsibility lies with carbon-emitting corporations to find and implement greener energy alternatives. This translates to car companies producing electric instead of gas vehicles or airlines exploring alternative fuel sources. It also requires major companies to rely more on solar and wind energy for their energy needs. In Our Own Lives While its up to corporations to do the heavy lifting of carbon reduction, that doesnt mean individuals cant make a difference. Adopting a vegan lifestyle, using public transportation, switching to an electric car and becoming a more conscious consumer are all ways to help combat climate change. Veganism Consuming meat relies on clearing land for crops and animals, while raising and killing livestock contributes to about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization. By comparison, choosing a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas footprints by as much as 70 percent, especially when choosing local produce and products. Public Transportation Riding public trains, subways, buses, trams, ferries and other types of public transportation is another easy way to lower your carbon footprint, considering that gas-powered vehicles contribute 95 percent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Electric Vehicles Electric cars and trucks have come down in price as more manufacturers enter the field, and these produce far lower emissions than their gas counterparts. Hybrid vehicles are another good alternative for lowering individual emission contributions. Conscious Consumption Buying locally produced food and items is another way to maintain a lower carbon footprint, as the products arent shipped or driven long distances. Supporting small companies that are committed to sustainability is another option, especially when it comes to clothes. Fast fashion has become a popular option thanks to its price point, but often comes at the expense of the environment and can involve unethical overseas labor practices. Not least, plastic saturates every corner of the consumer market, but its possible to find non-plastic alternatives with a little research, from reusable produce bags to baby bottles. Climate Activism Those interested in becoming even more involved can join local climate action organizations. Popular groups include the Sunrise Movement, Fridays for Future, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club, to name a few. Voting, volunteering, calling local representatives and participating in climate marches are additional ways to raise your voice. Takeaway Its taken centuries to reach a climate tipping point, with just a matter of decades left to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. But theres still hope of controlling a warming climate as long as individuals, companies and nations make an immediate concerted effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. As the world already experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid unified response can make all the difference. Meredith Rosenberg is a senior editor at EcoWatch. She holds a Masters from the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in NYC and a B.A. from Temple University in Philadelphia. The White House defended its record, saying it responded to the 2019 exercise with an executive order to improve the availability and quality of flu vaccines, and that it moved early this year to increase funding for the Department of Health and Human Services program that focuses on global pandemic threats. Any suggestion that President Trump did not take the threat of COVID-19 seriously is false, said Judd Deere, a White House spokesman. But officials have declined to say why the administration was so slow to roll out broad testing or to move faster, as the simulations all indicated it should, to urge social distancing and school closings. Asked at his news briefing on Thursday about the governments preparedness, Mr. Trump responded: Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or epidemic of this proportion. Nobody has ever seen anything like this before. The work done over the past five years, however, demonstrates that the government had considerable knowledge about the risks of a pandemic and accurately predicted the very types of problems Mr. Trump is now scrambling belatedly to address. Crimson Contagion, the exercise conducted last year in Washington and 12 states including New York and Illinois, showed that federal agencies under Mr. Trump continued the Obama-era effort to think ahead about a pandemic. But the planning and thinking happened many layers down in the bureaucracy. The knowledge and sense of urgency about the peril appear never to have gotten sufficient attention at the highest level of the executive branch or from Congress, leaving the nation with funding shortfalls, equipment shortages and disorganization within and among various branches and levels of government. IDnow publishes "Quick Guide to Electronic Signatures" MUNICH, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IDnow (www.idnow.io), the provider of Identity Verification-as-a-Service solutions, provides guidance on eSign products for digital contract signing. From this, IDnow is meeting the current high demand for digitilisation solutions. Many companies are currently restructuring existing manual processes. IDnow's "Quick Guide to Electronic Signatures" provides an overview of requirements for a wide range of applications and industries. Digital signatures such as IDnow eSign make it possible to conclude contracts online in a few minutes without the need for additional hardware. Instead of the required handwritten signature, a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is created, which has the same legal value. In addition to high conversion rates, maximum security and legal conformity, the electronic signature also offers numerous advantages for the end user. They can conclude a contract within a few minutes, be geographically flexible and without direct, physical contact with an employee, and, use the corresponding service immediately. For example, a loan application can be concluded in a few short moments without being harboured by location or direct contact limitations. The credit marketplace auxmoney has been offering its customers this service for several years now. "With IDnow eSign, we create a completely digital application process for our customers producing a seamless journey on a singular device. From the credit application to the conclusion of the contract, all steps can be carried out digitally. This way, the whole process becomes faster and easier for more and more people", says Arie Wilder, COO auxmoney More information is available in the "IDnow Quick Guide to Electronic Signatures". Download here: https://info.idnow.io/rs/262-BHQ-875/images/IDnow-Quick-Guide-to-Electronic-Signatures-20200319.pdf About IDnow With its Identity Verification-as-a-Service (IVaaS) platform, IDnow has set out to make the connected world a safer place. IDnow's unmanipulable identity verification is used across industries conducting online customer interactions that require a high degree of security. IDnow uses artificial intelligence to check all security features on ID documents and can therefore reliably identify forged documents. Potentially, the identities of more than 7 billion customers from 193 different countries can be verified in real-time. In addition to safety, the focus is also on an uncomplicated application for the customer. With five out of five stars on the Trustpilot customer rating portal, the technology is particularly user-friendly. IDnow covers a wide range of use cases both in regulated sectors in Europe and for completely new digital business models worldwide. The platform allows the identity flow to be adapted to different regional, legal and business requirements on a per use case basis. IDnow is supported by venture capital investors Corsair Capital, BayBG, Seventure Partner, G+D Ventures and Jet A as well as a consortium of renowned business angels. Its portfolio of over 250 customers includes leading international companies from various industries such as Bank of Scotland, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, eventim, Raisin (Weltsparen), Sixt, solarisBank, Telefonica Deutschland, UBS, Western Union and wirecard as well as fintechs such as Fidor, N26, smava, and wefox. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/882614/IDnow_Logo.jpg Press contact: Christina Schwinning press@idnow.io +49 89-41324-6054 President Donald Trump claimed Thursday that 'nobody' knew there would be a pandemic and said he could not explain reports of a shortage of medical equipment as an October government simulation was disclosed that foreshadowed some of the crises that have ensued with the coronavirus. Trump was pressed repeatedly during a press briefing on the coronavirus Thursday about looming shortages of hospital beds and equipment, as front-line caregivers are reporting a lack of masks to deal with patients. 'I cannot explain the gap. I am hearing good things on the ground,' Trump said. 'They had to ramp up they had an obsolete system a system simultaneously that was not meant for this. It wasn't meant for this. Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or an epidemic of this portion. Nobody's ever seen anything like this before,' Trump said. ''I cannot explain the gap,' said President Trump when asked why front line hospital workers were experiencing equipment shortages Amid the mounting needs, the administration is dispatching Navy hospital ships, looking to convert facilities, and set up mobile hospitals. Trump was deliberately vague on whether he had ordered companies to produce more gear using defense powers. 'I can tell you that what we are doing is we are working with local governments, with states' governors even mayors on getting them to be able to get what they need. And the system is starting to work out very well,' Trump said. 'But we had to break a system like breaking an egg. Because the system we had was obsolete and did not work. And that was the system we inherited. Now we have something that's been very good and certainly going to be great for the future, too.' Trump made his comments where he repeatedly attacked the media as 'fake news' and even joked about removing reporters he doesn't like under the social isolation procedures employed in the White House briefing room. 'If we find that we need something, we will do that. Wou don't know what we have done,' Trump said response to a question about equipment. 'You don't know if we've invoked it or what's been ordered,' he said, of a defense powers authority. 'I can only tell you that as an example masks, nobody ever heard of the number of masks that's been ordered. They are being made now and many are available now. But people i think in the media don't know that,' he said. All 50 states have reported cases of coronavirus, with New York, Washington and California badly hit Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a tour of the 'secretary's operation center' following coronavirus task force meeting at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, U.S., February 27, 2020 The U.S. Strategic National Stockpile was started in 1999 to prepare for certain threats to national security. It includes about $8 billion worth of vaccines, medicine, protective gear, ventilators and other kinds of medical equipment 'Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or an epidemic of this portion' An October simulation forecast how a pandemic might play out The draft ran a simulation for the 'Crimson Contagion' The simulation tracked the spread of a respiratory disease 'Governors are supposed to get it. The states are suppose to get it. But w'ere helping the states. Look for years they bought them and now all of a sudden they're coming to the federal government. He bristled at suggestions the administration wasn't prepared. 'When you say I was not prepared, I was the first to do the ban and other countries are following what I did. The media did not acknowledge it. They know it is true but they don't want to write about it.' He was referring to the decision to block travel with China after the emergence of what he calls the 'China virus.' Soon after he spoke, the New York Times released a draft report marked as not for distribution that the Trump administration in October had run a simulation of what would happen in a respiratory virus pandemic like the one identified just two months later. 'Confusion emerged as state governments began to turn in large numbers to Washington for help to address shortages of antiviral medications, personal protective equipment, and ventilators . Then states started to submit requests to different branches of the federal government, leading to bureaucratic chaos,' according to the draft report. The number of coronavirus cases in the US has dramatically increased in the last two weeks Vice President Mike Pence told reporters Thursday that the administration has located 'tens of thousands' of ventilators that can be used to help victims of the coronavirus who need to be hospitalized. Pence spoke alongside President Trump amid criticism that the U.S. health system is dramatically short of critical supplies amid the outbreak. The nation has an estimated 62,000 ventilators, but could be dramatically short amid a crush of hospitalizations. Health officials are warning of a dangerous shortage of ventilators in hospitals across the United States that are bracing for an influx in coronavirus patients. The shortage also applies to masks, gowns, and other equipment, including specialized N95 masks that can protect caregivers from the virus. The World Health Organization has urged all countries to 'optimize the availability' of lung ventilation equipment, which are essential in treating critically-ill patients with COVID-19 by assisting or replacing breathing functions and pumping oxygen into the blood to keep organs functioning. (Newser) With the coronavirus pandemic receding in China but surging elsewhere, Beijing is taking tough measures to avoid an imported second wave of infections. A Massachusetts resident who allegedly concealed her symptoms before taking a March 12 Air China flight to Beijing is being investigated for "impeding prevention of infectious disease," which carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison, the Los Angeles Times reports. Authorities say the 37-year-old woman took fever-reducing medications before flying from Massachusetts to Los Angeles and then to Beijing. She told a flight attendant she was feeling unwell and was moved to a quarantine zone at the back of the aircraft, but lied about having taking medication and failed to disclose that her husband and son were with her, officials say. story continues below The woman tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Beijing. FiercePharma reports that the woman, surnamed Li, is a Chinese citizen and a permanent resident of Massachusetts. She is believed to be a Biogen employee who, along with dozens of others, was infected at a company leadership conference late last month. Chinese authorities say she told them that she started showing symptoms on March 1 and saw a doctor on March 3. According to officials, she requested a coronavirus test three times after a chest scan showed signs of lung infection but was rejected. She has been hospitalized and her husband, who also tested positive for COVID-19, is under observation. Authorities say 59 people who were on her flights have been identified as being at risk of infection. (Read more coronavirus stories.) After agreeing to terms with a plethora of free agents during the legal tampering window, the Buffalo Bills were pretty quiet during the official start of free agency. One move made by the team was signing Taiwan Jones to a one-year deal. Jones is no stranger to Buffalo after previously spending two seasons with the team (2017-2018). He is also no stranger to the team after ending the Bills season last year with a big catch and run in overtime for the Houston Texans. Here are three thoughts and a grade on the signing. 1. Can Jones find a way into the Bills running back competition? Its possible, but seems unlikely. Jones has never logged more than 16 carries in a season. Jones turns 32 in July so its doubtful that he will suddenly be looked upon to help carry the load. There are still plenty of free agents on the market and many mid-round picks who could be added to the roster to complement Devin Singletary. 2. How will Jones contribute? Special teams play. Buffalo has already shown that they are looking to improve their special teams unit in free agency by signing Tyler Matakevich. Jones will also help in that area. Jones was Buffalos special teams captain in 2018. 3. Not a Carolina connection, but... Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane do not hesitate to sign players that they are familiar with. McDermott and Beane both know what he brings to the table on the field and that Jones will be a good locker room presence. Grade: B- At this point in Jones career, there is not much upside to his game from an offensive standpoint. That said, he will likely be a key special teams contributor and its doubtful that the Bills had to break the bank for Jones services. READ MORE AFC East is Buffalo Bills division to lose, says NFL Network reporters and analysts 4 things to know about new Buffalo Bills RB Taiwan Jones 5 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills signing DT Vernon Butler 5 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills signing DL Quinton Jefferson Stefon Diggs reacts to viral video of Bills Mafia dad breaking news of trade to son (Watch) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. It will be three weeks before the floating hospital, the USNS Comfort, will reach New York Harbor, according to a report. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that President Trump made the decision to send the vessel, which contains about 1,000 beds, to New York City. Its literally a floating hospital, which will add capacity, and the president said that he will dispatch that immediately, Cuomo said. According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the ship is currently in Norfolk, Virginia, for maintenance. The Navy has been asked to expedite the work. However, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, assistant to the defense secretary for public affairs, said it could take a little while before the repairs will be complete. The floating hospital will be used for non-coronavirus patients, freeing up the hospitals for those with COVID-19. Right now, what we are trying to do is make sure we have a range of options available to meet the requests that may come to us from [the Department of Health and Human Services] and from communities, Hoffman said. There are a number of deployable medical units at the DOD, including Air Force Expeditionary Medical System units; the Armys Combat Support Hospitals and Navy Expeditionary Medical Facilities that could all be used to provide the 1,000 beds. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) joined with fellow New York Congress members Jose E. Serrano (D-the Bronx), Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island), and Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn/Queens/Manhattan) in a letter Tuesday calling on the president to deploy the vessel. On Wednesday, Rose applauded the presidents decision to deploy the ship, which, in addition to its beds, contains operating rooms, laboratories and oxygen-producing plants. When the Comfort will arrive has not been disclosed. Getting ahead of the crisis and increasing capacity and hospital beds is vitally needed. The 1,000 beds, labs and additional resources aboard this ship will be a huge help in our efforts, Rose said. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper told Fox News on Tuesday that the federal government will be engaging the Army Corps of Engineers, which Cuomo has also requested to help construct emergency hospitals. TORONTO, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Gold Corp. (TSX-V:CVB) (Compass or the Company) places the safety and wellbeing of its employees and contractors as its highest priority. In light of the global concern about coronavirus (COVID-19), the Company has implemented a detailed program of health and safety protocols to protect personnel while ensuring the safe operation of the Company. In Mali, access to the Companys Bamako office as well as to all areas in the field has been strictly controlled with health screening in place for visitors, employees, and contractors. Everyone entering the office is being registered, their temperature is taken, and they are using the hand sanitizers and handwashing facilities provided. While the relatively remote location of Compasss field operations and the fact that the majority of those working there are from Mali and West Africa somewhat mitigates the risk of infection coming from outside the region, the same health and safety protocols have also been implemented in all field camp areas and throughout the Companys Sikasso Property operations in southern Mali. Dr. Madani Diallo, Compasss Exploration Manager, and a non-executive director, said, At this point, there have been no reported cases of coronavirus infection in Mali, but we are constantly monitoring the situation. I was working here during the brief Ebola outbreak six years ago, and the government has already applied the same measures on all points of entry to the country, which limited the spread of that disease, including medical screening and hand washing for everyone. As we know that the situation could change at any time, we remain vigilant, but we are confident that we are doing what is necessary to protect our people. Although no COVID-19 cases have yet been diagnosed in Mali, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, with the advice of the Superior Council of National Defense and their scientific and health advisors, has recently decided to close all schools, bars, and night clubs, as well as to restrict passenger flights from affected countries and to prohibit meetings of more than 50 people. Compasss North American management team, which has always tended to work remotely, continues to do so. Appropriate health and safety protocols are being applied in the rare event that visits to the Toronto office are necessary. EXPLORATION PROGRAM CONTINUES As previously announced, Compass is aggressively advancing a more than 13,000-metre, fully-financed drilling program designed to test several drill targets across multiple permit areas on its Sikasso Property, including the Farabakoura Trend. Compass has not seen any impact on any of its administrative or exploration activities. Bedrock drilling is currently underway at the Tarabala prospect on the highly-prospective Sankarani permit, and results will be reported as they become available in April. The Company also has a sufficient inventory of supplies and equipment, and both the drilling contractor and the assay lab in Bamako are expected to function as usual for the foreseeable future. The drilling crew is also expected to remain on-site and continue working until the current program has been completed. Noted Larry Phillips, Compasss President and CEO, We are not underestimating the seriousness of this situation, and our Board and management are watching closely for any evidence that could increase the risk to any of our employees or contractors. In the meantime, our operations are proceeding without interruption, and we look forward to seeing our current exploration program completed on time and on budget. About Compass Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX- V. Through the 2017 acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in three sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 867 km2. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several multi-million-ounce gold projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Komana. The Companys Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Madani Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, is conducting the current exploration program. They are examining numerous anomalies first noted in Dr. Archibalds August 2017 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali. ForwardLooking Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Companys planned exploration work and management appointments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such information. The statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking information except as required by applicable law. For further information please contact: Compass Gold Corporation Compass Gold Corporation Larry Phillips Pres. & CEO Greg Taylor Dir. Investor Relations & Corporate Communications lphillips@compassgoldcorp.com gtaylor@compassgoldcorp.com T: +1 416-648-4767 T: +1 416-605-5120 Website: www.compassgoldcorp.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, on March 8, 2020. Associated Press Russia is aggressively exploiting the confusion and panic in Western countries over the coronavirus pandemic, a new report by the European Union's foreign policy analysis service has found. The report has not been made public, but was described to Business Insider by an intelligence official based in Belgium who tracks Russian operations. "The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in Western countries ... in line with the Kremlin's broader strategy of attempting to subvert European societies," the report said, according to Reuters. The disinformation is coming in the form of country-specific messaging by social media bots that press on existing tensions in the targeted area's society, the intelligence official said. For example, when Spain saw a spike in cases, European officials saw bot armies spreading Spanish-language posts that discussed separatist movements in Catalonia and ethnic tensions, the official said. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Russian disinformation operations are aggressively exploiting confusion and panic over the global coronavirus pandemic, the European Union's foreign policy analysis service warned in an internal report. The report, dated March 16, was produced by the EU's European External Action Service (EEAS) and described to Business Insider by an intelligence official in Brussels who tracks Russian operations. Reuters on Wednesday also quoted the document warning that Russian operations which include mass postings on social media by Kremlin-controlled bots were underway. "The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in Western countries ... in line with the Kremlin's broader strategy of attempting to subvert European societies," according to the report. The intelligence official, who cannot be named because of the sensitive nature of their work, confirmed Reuters' description and said the goal of the operations was to sow panic and discord in Western societies. Story continues An employee wearing a protective face mask disinfects a subway train in Moscow, Russia, on March 16, 2020. Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters People in the US and across Europe have resorted to panic buying goods, governments around the world have urged citizens to dramatically reduce social interaction, and hospitals are preparing to be overrun with critical cases. "The Russian operations are exactly what we have seen in the past when they've used a mix of conspiracy theories, false news items and [the] exploitation of racial, ethnic or even class tensions to sow discord," the official said. "The only ideology involved is usually to press on existing tensions in the targeted area's society. A perfect example was, as cases spiked in Spain, we saw bot armies beginning to spread Spanish-language posts on social media that pushed theories about American responsibility but also using tensions over the Catalonian separatist movements to claim the government was going to ignore one ethnic group in favor of another." The EEAS report is said to list 80 examples of disinformation stretching from Spain to Ukraine, and to note that the 12th-most retweeted source of Spanish-language news in Spani had been from Russia's state-funded RT Spain network. RT has been repeatedly accused of not only parroting Russian intelligence and political positions, but also of being an incubator producing controversial or misleading information that is then shared by automated bots on social media in attempts to go viral. "We expect this to be an ongoing problem because time and time again, the Russians have brazenly conducted these operations as we saw in the US election and the Brexit debate without facing any serious repercussions, despite being blatantly caught in the act time and time again," the official added. People waiting to enter a Costco in Hawaii. Many people have turned to panic buying in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters/Duane Tanouye US officials started warning of an information operation crisis from Russian sources in late February. "Russia's intent is to sow discord and undermine US institutions and alliances from within, including through covert and coercive malign influence campaigns," said Philip Reeker, the acting assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, told Agence France-Presse at the time. "By spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response," Reeker said. As of Wednesday, more than 200,000 people around the world have been infected with the novel coronavirus, and more than 8,200 have died. The number is expected to grow exponentially as more people are tested for the disease. Read the original article on Business Insider The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta, one of the four convicts in the 2012 Delhi Gang rape against a January 20 judgment of the top court which had dismissed his claim of juvenility. A six-judge bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, turned down Guptas plea as well as his request for oral hearing of the petition. The application for oral hearing is rejected. We have gone through the Curative Petition and the relevant documents. In our opinion, no case is made out within the parameters indicated in the decision of this Court in Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra & Another, reported in 2002 (4) SCC 388. Hence, the Curative Petition is dismissed, the order said. A curative petition is the last judicial resort available to a litigant for redressal of grievances. It is a remedy established by the Supreme Court through its judgment in the Rupa Asok Hurra v Ashok Hurra case and is decided by the judges in-chamber. The apex court bench headed by justice R Banumathi, on January 20, had dismissed Guptas petition in which he had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of commission of offence in December 2012. A review petition against the January 20 judgment was dismissed on January 31. Earlier, the Delhi high court had rejected his claim on December 19 last year after which he moved the Supreme Court in appeal. The apex court in its January 20 judgment noted that Gupta had raised the plea of juvenility earlier too during the trial and in subsequent appeals before the Delhi high court and the Supreme Court. Guptas claim of juvenility was rejected by the Metropolitan Magistrate in 2013, the Delhi high court in 2014 and the Supreme Court in 2018. Despite the same, he had filed a fresh plea before the Delhi high court in 2019 raising the same ground. The Supreme Court had, on January 20, said that though, as per the Juvenile Justice Act, a plea regarding age of accused can be raised at any stage of the case, it cannot be raised repeatedly after it was rejected once. once a convict has chosen to take the plea of juvenility before the learned Magistrate, High Court and also before the Supreme Court and the said plea has been rejected up to the Supreme Court, the petitioner cannot be allowed to reagitate the plea of juvenility by filing fresh application under Section 7A of the JJ Act, the order said. If a person is less than 18 years, the person will be tried as a juvenile under the Juvenile Justice Act and will consequently, escape serious punishment. One of the six people arrested for the 2012 gang rape and murder of the paramedic had tried as a juvenile and was sent to a correction home for three years before he was released. Four accused - Pawan (25), Vinay Sharma (26), Mukesh Kumar (32) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) - were convicted and sentenced to death in a trial that was completed within a year of the horrific crime. They are scheduled to be hanged on Friday at 5.30 AM. Tuolumne County Public Health Department View Photo Sonora, CA Tuolumne County Health officials released the Wednesday update that provides testing numbers while noting that there is still no confirmed case in the county. Below is the latest information provided by the county: *Tuolumne County testing numbers include only those routed through Public Health to a Public Health Laboratory and those reported through the State infectious disease reporting system. The numbers do not necessarily include those routed through a commercial laboratory. All positive cases must be reported to Public Health. The most recent updates are here. Local Activations & Declarations: PUBLIC HEALTH COVID-19 CALL CENTER: Public Health has activated a call center that will go live on 3/18/20 at 9 a.m. The call center will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The call center phone number is 209-533-7440. We still encourage community members to call the Adventist Health COVID-19 Advice Line at 844-542-8840 with questions or concerns about visiting an Adventist Health clinic or hospital, but phone calls with other questions or concerns may be made to the Public Health COVID-19 Call Center. The Public Health Department has activated its Department Operations Center (DOC) to most effectively respond to the COVID-19 incident, including communication and coordination with our federal, state, and local partners. Dr. Eric Sergienko, acting Tuolumne County Health Officer, has declared a local health emergency in order to enhance the effectiveness of the response to COVID-19, to seek and utilize mutual aid, potentially obtain reimbursement, and ensure that the Countys public health professionals and providers have all necessary resources to provide quality care and keep our community safe. Dr. Sergienko issued a revised Health Officer Order on 3/17/20 (applicable until 4/30/20) regarding gatherings (summarized in Mass Gatherings section below). The Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors, declared a local state of emergency on 3/17/20. COVID-19 Testing: Testing is being conducted at the discretion of health care providers in the community, based on their clinical assessment and current recommended guidance Tests that will be conducted through the Public Health laboratory system are coordinated with our Public Health Department Testing is available through Quest laboratories with a health care providers order. These tests are not required to be communicated through the Public Health Department, but our local providers are strongly encouraged to do so Any positive test result must be reported to the Public Health Department Community Agency Updates: We would like to include relevant updates from agencies that serve the community (e.g., the Senior Center is closed but they are offering drive-through lunch pick-up). Please submit updates to PHPIO@co.tuolumne.ca.us by noon each day for your update to be included in this daily email update. Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) ATCAA has made some changes to their services as reported here. ATCAA has made some changes to their services as reported here. Area 12 Agency on Aging A12AA has closed their office for in-person services but will continue to be available by phone during normal business hours. All HICAP appointments will be conducted by phone. Please see the attached announcement. A12AA has closed their office for in-person services but will continue to be available by phone during normal business hours. All HICAP appointments will be conducted by phone. Please see the attached announcement. Behavioral Health Lambert Center closed until further notice Enrichment Center some programs (e.g., Adult Education, Small Group Support, etc.) have been canceled until further notice. Hours and locations of other programs have been adjusted. For more information, visit the following Facebook pages: Tuolumne County Behavioral Health, Tuolumne County Enrichment Center, and The David Lambert Community Drop-In Center The 24-hour crisis phone line is: 209-533-7000 or toll free 800-630-1130 Libraries The Groveland and Twain Harte Branch Libraries are closed but the Tuolumne and Sonora library remain open. All library programs (e.g., book clubs, story times, etc.) have been canceled. Please see the attached letter. Senior Center The Senior Center at 540 Greenley Road will be closed until further notice The Senior Center will have meals available for pick-up only at 540 Greenley Road in Sonora. Lunches will be made available to current Intake Congregate Clients and by reservation only. Current lunch participants who would like to reserve a lunch should call 209-533-2622 by 9 a.m. that morning For more information, visit: http://www.sierraseniorproviders.org/ The Meals on Wheels Program is continuing service as usual The Sonora, Jamestown, and Groveland Congregate lunch sites have ceased on-site serving Mass Gatherings: Per the 3/17/20 Tuolumne County Health Officer Order (applicable until 4/30/20): All events that have more than 50 participants shall be canceled or postponed to such a time as this Health Officers Order has lapsed All events that may have fewer than 50 participants where it is not feasible to maintain social distances of six feet shall be canceled or postponed to such a time as this Health Officers Order has lapsed Gatherings for those who are at high risk of severe illness, such as those older than 65, those with existing heart or lung disease, and those with diabetes, shall not exceed more than ten participants who are at high risk Issuance of assemblage permits and facility use permits shall be canceled View the CDPH Guidance for Gatherings, here. Schools: The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools announced on 3/18/20 that County schools will extend their closure through April 13, 2020, with the anticipated return to classrooms on April 14 th , depending on guidance from the Governor, CDE, and the State Department of Health. View the full announcement here: https://www.tcsos.us/wp-content/uploads/Extended-School-Closures-03_18_2020.pdf , depending on guidance from the Governor, CDE, and the State Department of Health. View the full announcement here: https://www.tcsos.us/wp-content/uploads/Extended-School-Closures-03_18_2020.pdf The School Districts of Tuolumne County are working with their Community Partners to help deliver meals to families of school-age students (0-18). Please visit the following page to see how each district is distributing food to families: https://www.tcsos.us/newsroom/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-meal-distribution/ Private school closure is at school administrator discretion Please view the CDPH COVID-19 Schools guidance here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/School%20Guidance_ADA%20Compliant_FINAL.pdf COVID-19 Guidance Highlights: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has their guidance documents available in one place: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx Food, Beverage, Other Services: Bars, wineries, breweries, and pubs should be closed, except for venues that are currently authorized to provide off sale beer and wine to be consumed off-premises Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining, and should be open only to drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options For the full guidance, click here. Self-Isolation for Older Adults (age 65 and older) and Those Who Have Elevated Risk Remain at home until further guidance is issued Continue with outdoor activities Practice social distancing, both in and outside the home Stay in touch with others by phone, email, or other online tools Identify family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who can provide support Have supplies on hand Have a plan for if you get sick Practice hand washing Use respiratory etiquette Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs For the full guidance, click here. What You Can Do: Practice everyday preventive actions to stay healthy Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or with hand sanitizer of soap is not available Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth If you are ill, stay home. If other family members are ill, including children, keep them home. Practice social distancing: put more space between yourself and others. About 6 feet is good, if you can Avoid contact with people who are sick Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects often with soap and water or household cleaners. Dont forget your cell phone Per the Presidents Coronavirus Guidelines: If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (e.g., a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people Per the Presidents Coronavirus Guidelines: If you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of coronavirus: Work or engage in schools from home whenever possible If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work. Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people Avoid eating and drinking in restaurants and food courts use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits Practice good hygiene Those visiting Tuolumne County from counties that have Shelter-in-Place orders should, at a minimum, self-monitor with twice daily symptoms checks, including taking a temperature, if possible. These individuals should also limit their travel. To learn about COVID-19 symptoms, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider. If you have symptoms or get sick: Stay home, unless you need to seek medical care Stay away from other people, pets, and animals. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if available. Call ahead before visiting your doctor, clinic, or hospital Wear a face mask to avoid spreading germs Cover your cough with a tissue and immediately throw it in the trash, or cough into your bent elbow. Wash your hands after using a tissue. Wash your hands often and avoid sharing personal items Please see the CDC recommendations here. Stay Informed: We intend to provide these updates each weekday until further notice, and on weekends if warranted Stay tuned to the Public Health website https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/250/Public-Health Follow Public Health on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tuolumnecountypublichealth Visit the new CDPH COVID-19 website: https://www.covid19.ca.gov/ Visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Wyoming Business Tips for March 23-29 A weekly look at issues facing Wyoming business owners and entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming. By Jill Kline, state director, Wyoming SBDC Network Continuity is important for every stage of business. Wyoming now has several confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases, and things are changing quickly. The SBDC Network, as part of our emergency preparedness strategies for businesses, is ready to strategize with entrepreneurs statewide to develop individualized plans to keep their businesses running as smoothly as possible. COVID-19 will, if it hasnt already, affect your business in some manner -- everything from employees staying home sick, daycare accessibility, vendors unable to fill orders and/or customers uncertain if they should shop. Your business can prepare. Protect Yourself and Your Employees -- Do what you can to stay healthy. Follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. If youre not well, how can you run your business? -- Work from home and allow employees to do the same, if possible. -- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. -- Encourage sick personnel to stay home and self-quarantine as advised by their physician. Protect Your Customers -- Communicate regularly with your customers. Reassure your customers that you are taking steps to protect their health, such as properly cleaning your business at regular intervals and requiring sick employees to stay home. -- Use phone conversations and video conferencing to meet with customers. -- Offer hand sanitizer near your businesss entrance and at cash registers. Protect Your Business -- Talk to your banker as soon as possible to plan short-term financing options if you are worried about your business finances during a potential downturn. -- Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses in Wyoming that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. -- Look into delivery or pickup opportunities for your customers. -- Develop a plan for employees to continue working on other projects and business-related duties in the event that your business is closed due to the pandemic. This will reduce the risk of losing employees to other businesses as they look for work. Wyoming SBDC Network staff is located throughout the state and are capable and able to meet with you virtually over the phone or through web conferencing to assist with your questions. We offer confidential, no-cost technical assistance to help create a strategy specific to your business needs. To contact your local adviser and to access more resources related to COVID-19, visit our website at www.wyomingsbdc.org/covid19 The Wyoming SBDC Network offers no-cost advising and technical assistance to help Wyoming entrepreneurs think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. In 2019 alone, the Wyoming SBDC Network helped Wyoming entrepreneurs start 108 new businesses; create or save 3,402 jobs; and bring a capital impact of more than $24 million to the state. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY 82071-3922. A photo of Donald Trump's notes from his Thursday press briefing shows his script had been amended so the term 'corona virus' read 'Chinese virus' - as the president doubled down on his use of the term which critics have branded racist. During the speech, Trump repeated his argument that China is to blame for the original spread of the virus, which has claimed thousands of lives around the world. But he has faced criticism for calling it a 'Chinese virus', as the deadly disease is now a global pandemic. The photo was revealed by Jabin Botsford, a Washington Post photographer, who tweeted the image Thursday afternoon. 'Close up of President @realdonaldtrump notes is seen where he crossed out "Corona" and replaced it with "Chinese" Virus as he speaks with his coronavirus task force today at the White House,' Botsford wrote. 'We continue our relentless effort to defeat the Chinese virus,' Trump announced after he entered the White House briefing room. Scroll down for video A photo (above) of President Donald Trump's notes during his Thursday press briefing showed a line drawn through 'corona' and replaced with 'Chinese' The photo (pictured) was revealed by Jabin Botsford, a Washington Post photographer, who tweeted the image Thursday afternoon China has been criticized for not sharing enough information about the disease early on in the crisis. 'Certainly the world is paying a big price for what they did, and the world is playing a very big price for not letting them come out. Everybody knows that, we all know that,' the president said. On Thursday, China, for the first time, reported no new coronavirus cases from the day before, which was seen as a positive sign in their battle against the disease. There have been concerns, however, that the information may not be accurate. In response, Trump said: 'As far as believing what they are putting out now, I hope it's true. Who knows? But I hope it's true, I really do.' Over the past few days, Trump has defended his use of the term 'China virus,' saying Wednesday 'it's not racist at all'. In wake of Trump's usage of the term, China expelled journalists from three major American news outlets. Trump told reporters at the White House that he used the description because the virus originated in the Wuhan province of China. 'It's not racist at all. It comes from China, that's why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate,' he said during a press briefing. Weijia Jiang, a correspondent for CBS News,has claimed that a White House official referred to coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' right to her face on Tuesday morning And he argued he wasn't being racist to any Asian Americans with the term. 'I have a great love for all the people from our country, but as you know, China tried to say at one point that - maybe they've stopped now - that it was caused by American soldiers. That can't happen. It's not going to happen. Not as long as I'm president. It comes from China,' he said. Trump was referring to the Chinese officials who have pushed a conspiracy theory that the American military brought the coronavirus to their shores. Medical experts believe the disease originated in a meat market in Wuhan where exotic animals were butchered. And while Trump argued the coronavirus came from China, he said he doesn't believe Beijing inflicted it on America but added Chinese officials could have issued an earlier warning. 'No, I dont believe they are inflicting I think they could have given us a lot earlier notice,' he said. He also did not condemn a White House official who called the disease the 'Kung flu' and said he wasn't worried about Asian Americans being put at risk in the wake of such rhetoric. Weijia Jiang, a reporter for CBS News, claimed on Tuesday that a White House official referred to coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' right to her face. Jiang was born in China and raised in West Virginia. Trump has also used the term in a series of tweets this week. 'I will be having a news conference today to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus!' the president wrote. Trump (pictured on Thursday) has also used the term in a series of tweets this week 'I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the borders from China - against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!' he added. The president appeared to be pushing back at reports his response to the pandemic has taken on a more serious tone in recent days. Trump has been criticized for minimizing the disease in its early days but told reporters on Tuesday he's 'always' taken it seriously. 'I've always known this is a real - this is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic,' he said during a press briefing on the virus. Since Trump began using the term, China has taken retaliatory measures against the United States. Officials there announced on Tuesday Beijing would expel American journalists working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. 'I'm not happy to see it. I have my own disputes with all three of those media groups. I think you know that very well. I don't like seeing it at all, I'm not happy about that at all,' Trump said Wednesday of the expelled journalists. The United State also has expelled Chinese journalists. Last month, the Trump administration posed limits on the number of Chinese citizens who can work in the US for five state-run Chinese news outlets that are seen as propaganda machines. The limits by the White House - capping the number of Chinese journalists at 100 - will force about 60 Chinese reporters from the United States. Medical workers in protective suits attend to novel coronavirus patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a designated hospital in Wuhan, China Chinese officials are floating the conspiracy that those in the US Army brought coronavirus to China during the Military World Games in Wuhan in October 2019 After Trump tweeted on Monday about the 'China virus,' Beijing, the next day, demanded 'the US side correct the mistake immediately and halt its groundless accusations'. The president said he only started referring to the virus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, in that way after Beijing blamed the US military for bringing the disease to its shores. 'Well China was putting out information, which was false, that our military gave this to them. That was false,' Trump said during a briefing in the White House press room. 'And rather than having an argument, I said I have to call it where it came from. It did come from China.' 'So I think it's a very accurate term,' he continued. 'But, no, I didn't appreciate the fact that China was saying that our military gave it to them. Our military did not give it to anybody.' There are more than 14,000 cases of the coronavirus in the US with 211 deaths When a reporter said the term 'Chinese Virus' has a stigma around it that is seen as racist, Trump pushed back. 'No, I don't think so. No,' he said, flipping the switch: 'I think saying that our military gave it to them creates a stigma.' Scientists suspect that the virus first came to humans at a meat market in Wuhan that butchered exotic animals. While COVID-19 -- the disease caused by the virus - has largely come under control in China, it has killed thousands of people around the world and severely disrupted daily life in Western countries. New Delhi: Owing to the deadly coronavirus outbreak, star couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal have decided to postpone their wedding, which was scheduled for April. In a statement released by them on Thursday, Richa and Ali said that due to the pandemic, they have pushed their impending wedding to later this year. Richa and Ali were to tie the knot in April end and last month, the couple had applied for marriage registration in Mumbai. Given the current scenario and the unfortunate turn of events owing to the COVID-19 pandemic globally, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal have decided to postpone their wedding functions to the later half of 2020 tentatively. They wish for everyone to be healthy and safe and at no cost would want their friends, families and well wishers to be affected, the the actors' spokesperson said in the statement. Richa and Ali co-starred together in 2013 film Fukrey and have been dating for over four years now. On the work front, Richa, who was last seen in Panga, has Shakeela and Bholi Punjaban in the line-up. Meanwhile, Ali is looking forward to the release of Mirzapur 2, a web-series. Unveiling a series of policies meant to mitigate the threat of COVID-19, President Donald Trump also sought to respond to criticism that his administration has been slow to deal with what is now a worldwide pandemic. In particular, the president defended his administration on the issue of insufficient testing resources and what experts say is a looming shortage of medical equipment and personnel. His argument? No one saw this coming. "It snuck up on us," Trump said at a March 18 media briefing. Later, he added that the virus is "a very unforeseen thing." Trump has repeated that idea often lately. But the claim doesn't square with the evidence. Public health researchers have warned for years about the threat of a pandemic. And members of the Trump administration have been sounding the alarm for months now even while, just earlier this month, Trump was still comparing the virus's severity to the flu, and arguing that it "will go away" if people "stay calm." We contacted the White House, which declined to comment on the record. Meanwhile, independent experts told us this claim is deeply misleading. The coronavirus itself Both in Washington, D.C., and internationally, health officials had been warning about the dangers posed by COVID-19 since at least January, with some early signals going back to December, when the illness emerged in the Wuhan province of China. Those warnings continued into February, well before the White House began taking serious steps to increase testing and treatment efforts - a delay that experts said has significantly undermined the national response. Indeed, by mid-January, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told the president that the virus which had already spread through China - could pose a threat domestically, too, according to reporting by The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico. Then, by the end of the month, Azar declared it a "public health emergency" in the United States. According to the Times report, Dr. Robert Redfield, who heads the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had also by that point realized "that it had a great ability to go global." "The alarm was sounded in January," said Jennifer Kates, a global health expert at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "This wasn't a surprise." (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.) At that point, researchers told us, decisive and widespread federal action could have made a big difference. But publicly, Trump was still comparing the coronavirus to the flu, downplaying the risk on Twitter and television, and declaring repeatedly that the new virus was under control. Warnings from others continued. On Feb. 25, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, who runs CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, also highlighted the risk the virus would pose. And of course, the coronavirus warnings didn't come only from Washington. On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization declared the virus a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern," citing its rapid spread since December, when it emerged in China. In doing so, "we were alerting all countries of a very real threat of international spread," said Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson. By Feb. 24, WHO had told reporters that the virus had a real risk of becoming a global pandemic, and warned that all countries should be prepared. The weeks-long gaps between those warnings and federal efforts to actually test for coronavirus, and to treat it, matter greatly, Kates said. "It was very visible what was happening and what measures we should be taking," she told us. Had the White House acted earlier, in particular by stepping up efforts to test for the virus and isolate cases immediately, the virus might not have spread as quickly, global health experts said. The ongoing efforts to "socially distance" even people without symptoms which have large economic and health downsides, are less effective and less enforceable, researchers told us - wouldn't be as necessary as they are now. "Delays of days here matter. When we start throwing away weeks, we really change what's possible," said Christopher Mores, a global health professor at George Washington University. "If we had done a little more of anything, we would find ourselves in a better situation than where we are right now." Pandemic preparedness Specialists in public health and national security had been warning for years about a looming pandemic and noting that the United States wasn't adequately prepared for the devastation it could wreak on both citizens' health and the economy. The only details missing were what pandemic and when precisely it would strike. "Public health experts have been shouting that a major pandemic is likely and, in fact, is the greatest security threat we face," said Lawrence Gostin, a law professor at Georgetown University who studies public health law. As for claims that something like COVID-19 "snuck up on us" or was "very unforeseen"? "It is simply astonishing and simply untrue," he said. Researchers pointed us to countless reports - including some by government officials that highlighted the threat of a pandemic. In May 2018, researchers at Johns Hopkins University put out a paper warning that respiratory viruses posed a "global catastrophic biological risk." In particular, the researchers warned about RNA viruses - viruses made up of the traditionally single-stranded ribonucleic acid that also cause illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, hepatitis C and polio. Their warning wasn't off: COVID-19 is indeed a respiratory illness caused by an RNA virus, from the same specific viral family that is, the coronavirus family - as SARS and MERS. Then, in October 2019, the World Economic Forum, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation hosted an event to discuss how public and private interests would have to respond in the event of a pandemic. That was only one of many such "simulations" run by health experts concerned about how the U.S. would respond to a looming pandemic threat. "Experts agree that it is only a matter of time before one of these epidemics becomes global a pandemic with potentially catastrophic consequences," read the event description. And months later, in January 2019 more than a year before the president's advisers sounded the coronavirus alarm - the topic of a global pandemic emerged again, in a report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. "We assess that the United States and the world will remain vulnerable to the next flu pandemic or large-scale outbreak of a contagious disease that could lead to massive rates of death and disability, severely affect the world economy, strain international resources, and increase calls on the United States for support," reads the report. In fact, the report suggested animal-to-human transmission as a source for the next major pandemic which, experts say, is how COVID-19 emerged. And, finally, reporting from Politico shows that, when Trump entered office, members of the Obama administration warned about the threat of a looming viral pandemic - and noted that, if it occurred, the nation didn't have the medical resources to handle it. "Many people saw this coming, although, of course, it was not known exactly when," said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. Put another way: Experts have been talking about the need for pandemic preparedness, Mores recalled, for at least as long as he has been studying global health. He's been in the field for 25 years. Our ruling President Donald Trump said COVID-19 "snuck up on us," and was "a very unforeseen thing." In fact, the president heard warnings about this specific virus from his advisers and the global health community for months. And public health and national security experts had been highlighting the risks for even longer about the threat of some kind of pandemic even if the details weren't yet known. Indeed, it is because of Trump's slow response to the pandemic that "social distancing" is now required on such a large scale. Earlier, more focused testing and sequestering of people with the virus could have mitigated some of the response now required, experts told us. Trump's claim is incorrect and flies in the face of years' worth of evidence. We rate it Pants on Fire. More than 35 years after a young mother was found raped a murdered on New Year's Day, police in Florida announced the arrest of a man believed to be her killer, who they say was identified thanks to DNA evidence from a discarded cigarette and a genealogy website. Pensacola detectives apprehended 57-year-old Daniel Wells on Wednesday and charged him with the slaying of Tonya McKinley, 23, whose body was found partially nude before dawn on January 1, 1985. McKinley, who had an 18-month-old son waiting for her at home at the time, had been strangled and sexually assaulted, according to the Pensacola News Journal. 'This was a case that spanned three generations of detectives,' said Pensacola police Capt. Chuck Mallett, who led the cold-case investigation. 'I know it took a long time, but it was one of those cases we never gave up on.' Daniel Wells, 57 (left), was arrested in Florida on Wednesday and charged with murder and sexual battery of 23-year-old Tonya McKinley (right) on New Year's Day 1985 McKinley had last been seen at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola at about 1.30am New Year's Day. Her partially nude body was found four hours later in an empty lot by a family taking their dog to the emergency vet. No suspects had been publicly identified since and police found no DNA matches. But over the last two years, police departments have begun running profiles of DNA left behind at old murders and sexual assaults against online databases where genealogy hobbyists and others post their DNA profiles in hopes of finding long-lost relatives. At the time of her death on New Year's Day 1985, McKinley's 18-month-old son was waiting for her at home (pictured) When detectives find DNA that suggests someone is related to the killer or rapist, they make a family tree of that person looking for male relatives who lived near where the attack took place. If they find a possible hit, detectives surreptitiously follow the suspect until he discards a coffee cup, piece of gum or something else that would have his DNA. They recover and test the item, hoping for a match. Police say that's what happened here: DNA recovered from the scene was run through an open-source genealogy database, which identified several distant relatives of the suspect and allowed investigators to build a family tree. Eventually, they zeroed in on Wells, followed him and collected a discarded cigarette butt of his, which they say Wells matched DNA of McKinley's killer collected at the crime scene more than three decades ago. McKinley's partially nude body was found in an empty lot by a family taking their dog to the veterinarian He is being held at the Escambia County Jail without bond, charged with first-degree murder and sexual battery. 'Today, the evil that took Tonya from her friends and family was arrested for her brutal murder,' the Pensacola Police Department posted on Facebook announcing Wells' arrest. 'The reasons why this happened, how evil crossed Tonyas path, may never be answered and in the end may not be important. What is important is that no one forgot Tonya. For thirty-five years. Her family did not forget. Her friends did not forget. Her son did not forget. And the Pensacola Police Department did not forget. You may now rest in peace Tonya Ethridge McKinley.' The News Journal said Wells had two arrests within three years of McKinley's death: one for battery and the other for soliciting a prostitute. He pleaded no contest to the battery charge. McKinley's son, Timothy Davidson Jr., is now in his mid-30s. He told the News Journal he was happy to learn of the arrest. 'My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life,' Davidson said. '(Wells) got to live his life the last 35 years. He got to have a family. He got to be around his children ... and all those years he was out there, knowing what he did. He was carrying it around with him and he was never going to tell anyone what he did. He wasn't going to ever just say what he did on his own. 'Nothing could ever make up for losing my mom, but at least now we know what happened to her.' People in the community come out to vote at the poll stations in Bensalem High School for Bucks County special election on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Despite the countless requests from Governor Wolf and other officials, a few people came out to vote during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more Absentee ballots dont require in-person contact with other people. Perfect for a public health crisis. But should every Pennsylvania voter be required to cast a ballot by mail with no polling places, no voting machines, and no election day as the state has known it? Maybe, some elections officials and voting rights advocates say. Not because they want to, or as a matter of voting reform, but because they say running a normal election is all but impossible during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to postponing the primary election currently scheduled for April 28, they say, that time should be used to prepare for an election done entirely by mail. I believe it should be pushed back a month and do an all mail-in, said Deborah Olivieri, elections director in Berks County. Postpone this thing and run the whole thing by mail-in ballot, said Forrest K. Lehman, elections director in Lycoming County. What makes the most sense right now, given the situation we all find ourselves in, is to at a minimum move the date, right?" said Lee Soltysiak, Montgomery Countys chief operating officer and clerk of its elections board. "And No. 2, frankly, consider seriously whether the election should be an all-mail-in election. Gov. Tom Wolf has said state officials are considering whether to move the date of the primary election, and county elections officials are pleading with the state to do so. Its unclear whether the governor has the power to unilaterally make such a decision. Moving to a universal vote-by-mail system, though, would be an even more difficult move, both logistically and culturally, and the idea has elections administrators and activists divided. Its a massive change, they say, and doing it in one fell swoop leaves no room for error. Elections workers would have to suddenly conduct an entirely new type of election, and voters would have to know whats going on and be willing to vote by mail. The all-mail election, to me, is the nuclear option, said Jeffrey W. Greenburg, elections director in Mercer County. Could we do it? I dont know, maybe. One reason voting entirely by mail seems like a solution is that Pennsylvania has already made dramatic changes to absentee voting. READ MORE: Evictions, student loans, PSSAs, and more: What Pa. lawmakers are proposing in response to the coronavirus After years of restricting absentee ballots to only those voters who were unable to cast votes in person, the state last year enacted a law allowing any voter to vote by mail without needing to provide a reason. That already had elections administrators worried, because they had to implement new rules and prepare for something neither they nor their voters had seen before. How many ballots should they print? How many envelopes should they buy? If the answer, suddenly, is to prepare enough for every voter in the state, counties will need to buy a lot of new materials, along with machines to open the envelopes and scanners to read the ballots. Theyll also need to make sure that people dont vote twice, that signatures match whats on file, that votes are tallied on time, and that ballots are kept secure. Going to all-mail voting is not flipping a switch. It is a very complex administrative, technological change, said David J. Becker, head of the Center for Election Innovation and Research in Washington. And in places where its been successful, that success has come after years of working with elections officials between the state and county level, building processes, buying proper technology, and, very important, educating and acculturating the electorate to mail-in voting. Some states, including Colorado and Oregon, conduct elections entirely by mail, and others, including Arizona, are moving in that direction. But even if the logistical challenges could be solved such as Congress or the state legislature in Harrisburg allocating emergency election funding the issue is voters and voting culture, Becker said. Not a single election has been conducted under Pennsylvanias new rules. Under the more restrictive old rules, only about 5% percent of ballots cast were absentee. Under the new system, elections officials had predicted an initial jump to between 15% and 25%. Thats a long way from 100%. READ MORE: A special election in Bucks County wont be delayed because of coronavirus, judge rules There is a very, very strong culture that people go vote in person at their precinct on Election Day. That is where the vast majority of people vote, Becker said. This could have an effect on the makeup of the electorate, this could have an effect on turnout, and even if it doesnt, it certainly could have an effect on a voters ability to have a ballot counted. Voting rights advocates have also expressed concern over the disproportionate impact of a move to vote-by-mail. Beckers research has shown that racial and ethnic minorities tend to vote in person at higher rates than white voters. Put all those concerns together and youre going to end up really regretting it if Pennsylvania moves immediately to an entirely vote-by-mail model, Becker said. Plus, in some counties, new voting machines are set to be used for the first time in the April 28 primary. If those machines are used for the first time in November, with its much larger turnout, the potential is high for confusion, long lines, and even disenfranchisement for some voters. Were not going to have any chance to work out kinks before what will truly be a monumental election for this country and for the state, said Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther. To not have machines that we have a dry run with is frightening. (Photo : REUTERS/Amir Cohen) A dockworker wearing a mask works at port, during the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Ashdod, Israel March 18, 2020. Picture taken March 18, 2020. (Photo : REUTERS/Ciro De Luca) A man walks in the deserted town centre of Amalfi as Italy remains under a nationwide lockdown in a government decree that orders Italians to stay at home, Italy, March 19, 2020. As countries worldwide scramble to control the unexpectedly spreading coronavirus, authorities are installing location or considering a number tracking and surveillance technologies that test the limits of personal privacy. The technologies include the whole thing from revealing the places of people through their phones to facial-recognition that can recognize who may have contracted with people who tested positive for the virus. United States government sought tech giants help The push is in a component being coordinated by a task force running at the side of the White House and tech giants --- including Google, Facebook, and Amazon.Com Inc. The task-force discussions related to the White House and tech businesses were reported earlier this week. Other efforts are focused on grass-roots, with tech agencies pitching state groups and governments. ALSO READ: It's Two Against 1! Silicon Valley Joins Forces White House to Fight Coronavirus Tech and authorities officers are struggling to find a balance between deploying generation and preserving patients' facts-especially medical data-safe. Some privacy advocates fear that little has been disclosed on what is being deliberate or implemented. Technology executives spent tons of an hour-long meeting Sunday, according to the Wall Street Journal. Both parties discussed ways to tune hospital-bed availability throughout the united states the usage of geolocation data. The Wall Steet report also tackled how the records can be aggregated so that personal statistics of cellphone users wouldn't be shared. It isn't clear which companies could deal with that form of tracking. Other nations have already deployed location-tracking systems and different tech answers to fighting the pandemic. However, many such efforts should run afoul of U.S. privateness laws. In China, telecommunications businesses helped the government track and touch folks that had traveled through Hubei province during the early days of the virus. Location data was funneled to China's National Health Commission, allowing them to re-create its approaches to know virus carriers and avoid misinformation in social media. Jon Crowcroft, the FluPhone app developer responsible for tracking the flu in the United Kingdom., said using anonymized data to track COVID-19 is possible. Crowcroft told Wired that official health agencies could use the app to populate anonymized map data, which might help reduce transmission. The application, according to Crowcroft, would allow researchers to find out how long the virus survives on a surface, what fraction of the population are asymptomatic carriers, and where to target critical medical resources. ALSO READ: Is Coronavirus Airborne? Not Quite As Scientist Claims Prevailing Winds From Outer Space Are Spreading the Disease A report from DailyMail said Facebook and Google are exploring ways to use the data in tracking and slowing the spread of coronavirus as part of the venture-force discussions. Facebook is already sharing disease-migration maps to help fight the spread of coronavirus, a company spokesperson said. ALSO READ: Bug Alert! Facebook Marks Legitimate Coronavirus News Articles As Spam Data privacy sector expressed concern over the issue The government should legally request location data from telecom companies or Google, which has access to more-precise data, said Al Gidari, data privacy director at Stanford Law School. These records can't typically be launched without user consent or a court docket order. However, the government has broader authority to request such facts within the event of an emergency. He told DailyMail. "I don't think anybody would dispute that that is an emergency," he said. Camber Systems, a location-monitoring startup founded by former U.S. officials, said it leverages "records, gadget mastering and artificial intelligence" in manipulating transportation and infrastructure. The company hopes to work with the nation and local organizations to apply their records. Ian Allen, Camber's chief executive, told WSJ in an interview: "How do we put in the policy framework, so we're not South Korea or China or Israel if we're to leverage commercial technology to save lives?" Some privacy advocates fear that the disaster of the moment should create a brand-new paradigm. Adam Schwartz, a senior attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an advocacy employer for civil liberties and technology, said governments must be transparent on the tools they're using. The discussion yet to be adopted by any corporation. However, the tech companies hope the move would be useful in "contact tracing"-figuring out who else might have been with someone acknowledged to have the virus. Palantir is working with the CDC on information series and facts integration associated with disease monitoring, according to a person familiar with the company, During the cholera outbreak in Haiti in 2010, the CDC used Palantir to "display the scenario and inform their reaction efforts," according to a white paper later published with the aid of Palantir. The agency's era allowed government analysts to "explore text messages" among Haitians and a text platform built by using an outdoor technology employer. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A person who returned to the state from England on 15 March tested positive for the deadly virus, the state Health Department has said Amaravati: The second positive case of coronavirus was on Thursday reported in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total to two. A person who returned to the state from England on 15 March tested positive for the deadly virus, the state Health Department has said. "The youngster has been admitted to an isolation ward in RIMS at Ongole and his condition is stable," the department said in a release. The youngster, who left London on 12 March, reached Ongole on 15 March and was admitted to the government hospital after he complained of fever, cough and cold. His blood sample was sent to the virology lab in Tirupati where it tested positive. On 12 March, another person who returned to his native Nellore from Italy was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh. He is currently in isolation in the government hospital in Nellore. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak According to Special Chief Secretary (Health) KS Jawahar Reddy, the department has said the blood sample of the first confirmed case in the state would be tested again after the end of the 14-day period and discharged. Of the total 109 samples sent for examination, 94 tested negative. While two were positive, result of the remaining 13 was awaited, he added. Social media giants such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit, Twitter, and YoutTube have, for the first time, joined hands to fight the spread of fake news on their platforms. They have issued a joint statement. What is the situation like? With the world coming under the threat of the novel coronavirus, causing COVID-19 infection that has affected over 214,000 people worldwide and killed nearly nine thousand globally, there is widespread panic. The World Health Organization (WHO) last week declared the infection as a pandemic. Fear has given rise to people sharing information on social media platforms. Not all of this information is true say experts, and fake news has only intensified the panic. Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (green) heavily infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (purple), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID What did they say? They wrote, We are working closely together on COVID-19 response efforts. Were helping millions of people stay connected while also jointly combating fraud and misinformation about the virus, elevating authoritative content on our platforms, and sharing critical updates in coordination with government healthcare agencies around the world. We invite other companies to join us as we work to keep our communities healthy and safe. The statement, released online, is signed by Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube. The fight against disinformation/infodemic Last week the United States Chief Technology Officer Michael Michael Kratsios held a meeting of the representatives from major technology companies to coordinate the efforts related to combating COVID-19. One of the agenda of this remote meeting was to fight misinformation spread over the internet. The White House has also asked Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, IBM, Cisco, as well as Twitter to help it fight the spread of misinformation. The World Health Organizations director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had addressed a press conference at the Munich Security Conference on February 15th, way before the disease had been declared a pandemic. In his address, he had said, Were not just fighting an epidemic; were fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous. LinkedIn & Reddit LinkedIn spokespersons have reported that there are links provided on their website that lead users to sites where the news is authentic and trustworthy. Spokespersons from Twitter also said they are taking steps, which include reviewing the Twitter rules in the context of COVID-19 and considering how they may need to evolve to account for new account behavior. Reddit said that communities that provide hoax news and misinformation in their blogs might be quarantined themselves and their posts removed from search results. They would also warn the users about the fake news, they reported. Google & Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp Sundar Pichai, the Google CEO, has published two blogs this month that speak about a screening site called Verily in California. Google is cleaning up the Play Store to allow users to download apps that can provide them with better information. Those with the most useful information would flash an SOS. For the United States government, Google is also making an information site to help prevent misinformation. Facebook, too is showing information cards regarding the authenticity of news about COVID-19, and both Instagram and Facebook have provided links that take the user to authentic sites such as the government health authorities or the World Health Organization. Facebook is also using artificial intelligence to screen for bullying, fake news, and abuse on its pages. The AI has also blocked some innocent feeds, said the officials. Facebook has taken some concrete steps to provide correct information, including supporting fact-checkers and connecting local news organizations. They are limiting harmful content and also have banned ads for medical masks after the acute shortage of surgical and N95 protective masks. People in a panic have scrambled to buy the masks leading to this shortage. Exploitative ads also been banned by Facebook. Facebook has generated $20 million in donations and matched it to support the relief funds for COVID-19. It is showing more free ads to support health organizations across the world and also working with the industry partners to amp up the response efforts. Facebook is helping people stay connected over WhatsApp and keeping the platforms safe and clean of misinformation, said their site. Facebook has also announced this week they are awarding $100 million in cash grants as well as ad credits for thirty thousand small businesses from thirty different nations. This will help these businesses with the economic impact of this pandemic said their statement. Much of these grants will be in cash, they said. The Pentagon was one of the first government agencies to put in place "social distancing" and quarantine requirements to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, but local commanders may not be getting the message as some service members are saying that they don't feel safe. In recent weeks health care professionals have stressed to Americans the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that one way to prevent the spread of the virus is to use social distancing to keep individuals to maintain a distance of 6 feet from each other. Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis. Defense Secretary Mark Esper began using social distancing in his regular staff meetings on March 9. But it appears Esper's example is not being applied correctly or consistently in some military units. MORE: How the US military is being utilized in responding to coronavirus When the first of two sailors about the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer tested positive for the virus this past weekend, dozens of the ship's senior enlisted sailors and officers were gathered to hear about social distancing. But a sailor told ProPublica that instead of meeting in an outdoor location where the 80 sailors could maintain a 6-foot separation, they spent 30 minutes in an indoor room, separated by 2 to 4 feet, much less than the distance recommended by the CDC. PHOTO: \Sailors aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) take the navy-wide E-5 advancement exam. (Jessica Hattell/US Navy) "Definitely not enough room to maintain appropriate distance," the unidentified sailor told ProPublica. "People are wondering why we gathered in a room contradictory to CDC guidance." A Navy spokesman confirmed the meeting to ProPublica but would not comment on whether it violated the CDC's guidelines. In a statement, the spokesman said that Navy commanders have been told "to the largest extent possible to implement social distancing," including avoiding large gatherings and maintaining a 6-foot space from other sailors when possible. Story continues There are now at least four confirmed cases of COVID-19 among sailors assigned to Navy ships. However, each of those ships is currently in port in either California or Washington. There are no confirmed cases among sailors on ships that are underway -- ships the Navy Surgeon General referred to on Thursday as "self-quarantined ... units." Because there is not yet a way for sailors to be tested for COVID-19 while at sea, tests are sent to nearby DOD labs around the world. During that time, the sailor being tested lives isolated in separate quarters. Additionally, the Navy screens any individual boarding a ship, and the ships themselves are mandated to spend at least 14 days at sea between port calls. MORE: Concerns over preparedness mount as VA hospitals brace for new coronavirus wave Under additional rules implemented by the Pentagon last week, service members returning from elevated-risk areas should self-quarantine for 14 days, but some soldiers returning from Afghanistan report having a different experience. A soldier texted the Daily Beast to say that he and fellow soldiers were being quarantined at Fort Bliss, Texas, in group settings. Unlike cruise ship passengers who were being quarantined in individual quarters, the soldier said he was sharing a room with two other soldiers. The soldier said they are not allowed to leave their quarters at all and though they are not being tested for the virus, medics stop by once a day to take the service members' temperatures. PHOTO: Soldiers stationed on U.S. Army Garrison Casey conduct pre-screening processes on individuals awaiting entry to the base, USAG-Casey, Dongducheon, Republic of Korea, Feb. 26, 2020. (Amber I. Smith/US Army) The Pentagon's top spokesman told reporters Thursday that Esper had been made aware of the situation at Fort Bliss. He described Esper's reaction as "we can do better and we need to do better." The commander at Fort Bliss spoke with the quarantined soldiers and addressed their concerns. "They're looking to make some changes such as setting up for more time for people to be outside of the rooms and being able to travel around," said Hoffman. He added that similar quarantine situations at other bases would also be addressed. "We appreciate the members who are either affected by this outbreak, either through the infections, their families' infections and even these individuals who are being quarantined," said Hoffman. "We owe it to them and we're going to look into it and try to do better." ABC News' Elizabeth McLaughlin contributed to this report. What to know about coronavirus: How it started and how to protect yourself: coronavirus explained What to do if you have symptoms: coronavirus symptoms Tracking the spread in the US and Worldwide: coronavirus map Some US troops complain social distancing, quarantines not being applied correctly originally appeared on abcnews.go.com CLERMONT A Columbia County woman was arrested this week, accused of having nearly three dozen malnourished animals on her property, according to New York State Police. Andrea Nussinow, 57, faces 35 counts of misdemeanor animal abuse, authorities said. Police acting on a tip executed a search warrant on her Nevis Road home in January, where they found a variety of allegedly neglected cows, sheep, horses, goats, cats and a donkey. The animals were seized and taken in by various organizations and individuals, authorities said. Nussinow was arrested Tuesday and released. She's due in court May 20. ABC/Randy HolmesThe COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has forced restaurants, bars and other venues to close, leaving the employees who work there stuck without a steady income. With that in mind, Florida Georgia Line is doing their part to offer financial assistance to the 117 staff members of their downtown Nashville restaurant, FGL House. On Instagram, the country superstar duo announced plans to pay each FGL house worker $1,000 to help keep them afloat while the venue is closed. In total, theyve allotted $117,000 to financial assistance for their employees. The pair explained that they got the idea after Dierks Bentley made the same $1,000 commitment to each employee of his own venue, Whiskey Row. Quite honestly, you inspired us, man, band mate Tyler Hubbard says in the video, addressing Dierks directly. And were gonna follow suit. Were gonna take your lead, and were gonna do the same thing. Tyler goes on to say that he and his band mate, Brian Kelley, are grateful for all the staff that keep FGL House running, adding that it wasnt too long ago that the duo was working hourly wages and depending on tips for their income. We really hope this helps out in a time of need, he adds. We very vividly remember what its like to be in the service industry. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. A woman who does not mind her photograph being published, but who prefers not to have her name in the paper, shows the plastic gloves she is wearing while she grocery shops on South Street in Philadelphia, March 18, 2020. Read more The federal government came a tiny bit closer this week to stating that person-to-person contact, not contaminated surfaces, is the real coronavirus infection threat. Although still frustratingly short on certainty, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website now states, in headline-size type, The virus spreads easily between people. And it adds a new heading: The virus does not spread easily in other ways" among them, from touching surfaces or objects. So if you are still disinfecting every item that comes into your home, whether you continue is still up to you. But the agency still is very definite on the importance of social distancing, hand-washing, and mask wearing. Why is it so hard to be sure about surfaces and coronavirus? Its complicated. Back in March, we spoke with scientists who published an eyebrow-raising report that the novel coronavirus can live for 24 hours on cardboard, and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. It can, but the details are more complicated, according to scientists who published the research behind those figures. The short version: Levels of the virus drop dramatically within a few hours, the authors wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine. The key is what scientists refer to as a virus half-life, or rate of decay: how much time it takes for half the microbes in a given sample to die. When the scientists placed virus-laden droplets on plastic, they found that half of the virus was gone after about seven hours. Half of what remained was gone after another seven hours, and so on. By the end of Day Two, there was less than 1/100 of the original amount, and after three days the remnants were barely detectable. For stainless steel, the half-life for the virus was five or six hours, and for cardboard it was even shorter: less than four hours. The surface on which the virus had the shortest duration was copper, which has long been known for its antimicrobial properties. When droplets were placed on the reddish metal, half of the virus died off within 45 minutes. So what matters is how much virus is there to begin with, said Princeton University researcher Dylan H. Morris, one of the study authors. The more viruses deposited on a surface, the greater the amount that will be left when half of them have decayed. READ MORE: Why the coronavirus and most other viruses have no cure Had researchers used bigger or more droplets, they would have detected some viruses remaining on plastic after more than three days, in theory. The absolute time until virus is undetectable depends upon how much virus you initially put there, said Morris, a Ph.D candidate in ecology and evolutionary biology. The findings should offer some reassurance to those concerned about touching their mail, said Gregory A. Poland, a vaccine researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., who was not involved with the study. Generally, the smaller the exposure to a virus, the less likely it will develop into a full-blown infection, Poland told Minnesota Public Radio on a call-in show broadcast nationally Wednesday. And when a virus is exposed to sunlight and warmer temperatures, as might be likely with mail, it is likely to decay even faster than what the scientists found in their indoor experiment, he said. The fact that you could identify a virus on a surface does not mean it is necessarily infectious, he said. Still, it cant hurt to wash your hands after taking groceries out of the bag, opening a newly delivered envelope, or retrieving the newspaper. Soap and water does the job. Morris and his fellow researchers also compared the viability of the new coronavirus on various surfaces with that of a different kind of coronavirus the one that caused the SARS epidemic from 2002 to 2003. The results were similar, though the SARS virus decayed more quickly than the new virus did on cardboard. The research team, which also included members from National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UCLA, plans a more comprehensive follow-up study: analyzing the hardiness of the new coronavirus at varying levels of temperature and humidity, as well as comparing it with the flu. The goal of the first paper was speed, given the rapid growth of the outbreak, Morris said. For this paper, we wanted to just move as fast as we could while still getting reliable data," Morris said. "We knew people needed to know this for things like hospital and environmental safety models. Thirty persons who recently returned to West Bengal's Nadia district from Ajmer in Rajasthan and other places were home quarantined on Thursday, officials said. The 30 persons, hailing from various gram panchayat areas in Haringhata block, were placed under home isolation as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, BDO Krishna Gopal Dhara said. Meanwhile, district health officials said 31 more persons have been detected who came in contact with the father of the lone COVID-19 patient in the state and home quarantined. With this, a total of 38 people who came in contact with the COVID-19 patient's father, a doctor by profession, have been put in home isolation in Nadia district, they said. On the other hand, a woman has been admitted to the isolation ward of the Kalyani JNM Hospital with mild flu after she came in contact with her friend who recently returned from China, the medical facility's superintendent Abhijit Mukherjee said. "The woman, who spent time with her friend who returned from China, has been kept under observation," he said. However, a video claiming that a positive COVID-19 case has been found at the hospital is fake and a complaint has been lodged with the Cyber Cell, Mukherjee added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States is temporarily suspending the movement of new soldiers into Afghanistan as a way of protecting them from the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. Army General Scott Miller said in a March 19 statement that the move may mean that some of the troops already on the ground in Afghanistan may have their deployments extended to ensure the NATO-led Resolute Support mission continues. To preserve our currently healthy force, Resolute Support is making the necessary adjustments to temporarily pause personnel movement into the theater, he said. We are closely monitoring, continually assessing and adjusting our operations so we can continue to protect the national interests of the NATO allies and partners here in Afghanistan, he added. About 1,500 troops and civilians who recently arrived in Afghanistan have been quarantined, Miller said, stressing this was purely a precautionary measure and not because they are sick. Earlier thismonth the United States began reducing its troops presence in Afghanistan as part of the peace deal signed last month with the Taliban. A Muslim family has cancelled the wedding program which was supposed to be held on March 23 in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The family resides in Balaganj area of Lucknow. They took the decision of cancellation of the dinner program after distributing 700 cards for the marriage function. They made a voluntary effort to cancel the program in the wake of the coronavirus scare and are informing the invitees via WhatsApp and phone about this. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, raising the number of infected people to 169 in the country. Three people have died due to COVID-19 in the country so far. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected by the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Photo : REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton) An Apple store employee informs people that the store is closed, after further cases of coronavirus were confirmed in New York, in Manhasset, New York, U.S., March 16, 2020. (Photo : Apple Official Webpage | via Tiziana Celine) New iPad Pro (Photo : Apple Official Webpage | via Tiziana Celine) New Apple MacBook Air This coronavirus hasn't stopped the world's largest consumer electronics company from releasing its new items. On Wednesday, Mar. 18. Apple has unveiled a brand-new iPad Pro and MacBook Air. Apple has additionally unveiled a brand new Magic Keyboard for its new laptop-like tablet. The tech giant says items will be available for order starting today and in shops beginning next week. The new iPad Pro and the also-introduced MacBook Air are only a few of the numerous Apple products that rumors suggest are coming in 2020 - if not the first half of the year. New iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard unveiled The new A12Z Bionic chip in the iPad Pro gives the "highest overall performance ever in an iPad." There's an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, along Apple's Neural Engine. You'll additionally get 10-hours of battery existence and LTE that's 60 percent faster. The Magic Keyboard, according to 9to5Mac, has a "floating design with smooth angle adjustment," which mimics a regular computer keyboard. This keyboard attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro, which allows it to adjust as much as 130 degrees. The accessory makes use of Apple's scissor-switch mechanism and is backlit as well. iPadOS 13.4, that will launched on Mar. 24, includes full trackpad assistance for the first time. Apple says that it hasn't genuinely copied the trackpad experience from macOS, but rather wholly "reimagined" it for iPad. There's additionally a brand new LiDAR camera array at the back. Apple says this LiDar Scanner measures the gap to surrounding gadgets as much as 5 meters away. The new camera arrays on the iPad Pro comes with a 12MP Wide digicam, in addition to a 10MP Ultra Wide digital camera. Apple has also upgraded the microphone system. The iPad Pro now capabilities five "studio-quality" microphones that capture "extraordinary clean audio." ALSO READ: Best Apple Products that will Convince you to Get One of Them on Amazon New MacBook Air 'quietly' reintroduced The Verge reported Apple 'silently' introduced a revamped MacBook Air with an improved "Magic Keyboard" like the Pro to ditch the controversial butterfly mechanism of the previous-technology model. The feature has the same 1mm of keyboard travel and inverted-T arrow keys like of the 16-inch Pro. ALSO READ: Unlike Hand Sanitizers and Alcohols, These Best Keyboard Cover Protectors For Macbook Are Still Available in Amazon Now! The new Air additionally gives double the performance, Apple told The Verge, featuring 10th-gen Intel Ice Lake processors (Y-series) up to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7. As it now uses Intel Iris Plus Graphics, the laptop gives you an 80 percent improved graphics performance. The feature comes with twice the storage than the prior machine - now starting with 256GB. You can upgrade it also as much as 2TB. It doesn't include the same tremendous audio system because of the 16-inch MacBook Pro. However, Apple says this year's Air has improved its stereo speakers. There's also a three-mic array inside for improved voice capture. A little bit of normal amid a pandemic Although its retail stores are closed in the US for an indefinite period, customers can order the brand new models through its online store. Apple makes the most of its cash flow from its iPhone sellouts, which accounted for 61 percent of sales in the third quarter of 2019. However, the organization said its iPhone delivery will be "temporarily constrained" due to coronavirus. So well-received updates to iPad tablets and MacBooks, which contributed 14 percent to revenue remaining quarter, could help shore up its income amid a global financial downtown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Real Estate, LLC announces May 7, 2020 as the managed bid deadline for the sale of 194 acres of development land located along I-35 north of Austin in Georgetown, Texas. Immediately available are three parcels totaling 17 acres; however, additional prime parcels are also available. Georgetown is located 25 miles north of downtown Austin. Having grown 56% since 2010 with over 74,000 residents to date, Georgetown has become one of the nation's top ten fastest-growing cities. Through a combination of affordable housing, low cost of living and proximity to major employers, Georgetown provides a sustainable environment for its new and current residents, as well as a fertile environment for businesses to thrive. The development tracts are located near large retail amenities, including Round Rock Premium Outlets, Wolf Ranch Town Center and University Oaks Shopping Center. Situated along I-35 between Georgetown and Round Rock, these parcels are also in proximity to major attractions including Round Rock Sport's Center, Kalahari Resort and Dell Diamond. I-35 provides a traffic count of over 157,000 vehicles per day and is expected to increase once the Inner Loop extension (Southwest Bypass) is completed in the coming weeks. To the east, the property is bordered by FM1460 (A. W. Grimes Blvd.), which serves as a major north/south corridor connecting Round Rock and Georgetown, boasting nearly 11,000 vehicles per day. The sites are also near North Austin's major employers including the Dell headquarters (13,000 employees), Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (800 employees), and Seton Medical Center Williamson (450 employees), as well as five universities, including Texas State University Round Rock, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Austin Community College, Southwestern University and Temple College.This offering represents a prime opportunity for industrial, retail, multifamily and hospitality developers to invest in one of the nation's fastest-growing, sought-after corridors. Jeff Azuse, senior vice president at Hilco Real Estate, stated, "These development parcels are located within one of the hottest markets in the nation and provide an incredible opportunity for a variety of developers to get in on the action." He continued, "These sites represent the largest interstate development parcel available anywhere in Central Texas and provide a variety of potential future uses, parcel sizes, and accessibility characteristics that should make this property very interesting to developers, investors and end users alike." Steve Madura, senior vice president at Hilco Real Estate added, "Due to the extreme volatility of the stock market in recent days, investors are seeking alternative opportunities that provide a safe haven from the current global uncertaintyand real estate, especially land located in the path of development, has historically provided the long-term stability and diversification investors seek. As such, we expect an overwhelming response to this offering." The bid deadline is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2020. Bids must be delivered to the offices of Hilco Real Estate on or before 5:00 p.m. (CT) on the day of the deadline to be considered. Interested buyers should review the detailed sale terms for requirements in order to participate in the sale process available on Hilco's website. For further information, please contact Steve Madura at (847) 504-2478 or [email protected]. Bids may be submitted via mail to the following address: Hilco Real Estate, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 320, Northbrook, IL 60062, or via email to [email protected]. For further information on the property, an explanation of the sale process, sale terms or to obtain access to property due diligence documents, please visit HilcoRealEstate.com or call (855) 755-2300. About Hilco Real Estate Hilco Real Estate ("HRE"), a Hilco Global company (HilcoGlobal.com), is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois (USA). HRE is a national provider of strategic real estate disposition services. Acting as an agent or principal, HRE uses its experience to advise and execute strategies to assist clients in deriving the maximum value from their real estate assets. By leveraging multi-faceted sales strategies and techniques, aggressive repositioning and restructuring experience, a vast and motivated network of buyers and sellers, and substantial access to capital, HRE exceeds expectations even in the most complex transactions. Media Contact: Gary Epstein Hilco Global Office: (847) 418-2712 Mobile: (847) 323-4943 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hilco Real Estate Related Links http://www.hilcoglobal.com Judiciary spokesman says almost half of those being pardoned before Persian New Year are security-related prisoners. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon 10,000 prisoners including political detainees to mark the Iranian new year on Friday, according to state television. Those who will be pardoned will not return to jail almost half of those security-related prisoners will be pardoned as well, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told state TV on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Esmaili said Iran had temporarily freed about 85,000 people from jail, including political prisoners, in response to the coronavirus epidemic. A large number of prisoners who have been temporarily freed do not need to return to jail after the leaders pardon, Esmaili said. The unprecedented point is that the pardon also includes the security-related prisoners with less than five-year jail sentences, Esmaili said. Esmaili did not say whether it would include British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was allowed temporary release on Tuesday. Zaghari-Ratcliffe was jailed for five years in 2016. Iran said it had 189,500 people in prison, according to a report that the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman, submitted to the Human Rights Council in January. They are believed to include hundreds arrested during or after anti-government protests in November. The coronavirus outbreak has prompted calls from the United Nations and the United States for political prisoners, including dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, to be released from Irans overcrowded jails. Washington has warned Iran that it would hold the Tehran government directly responsible for the deaths of any jailed Americans. Irans elite Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners over recent years, including citizens of the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, Austria, France, Sweden, the Netherlands and Lebanon. Tehran denies it holds people on political ground and has mainly accused foreign prisoners of espionage. In June 2019, Iran released Nizar Zakka, a Lebanese businessman with US permanent residency, after four years in prison. Last year, Iran also released Xiyue Wang, a US citizen who had been held for three years on spying charges. Rights activists have accused Iran of arresting a number of dual nationals to try to win concessions from other countries a charge the Islamic Republic has regularly dismissed. Tehran has called for the release of about several dozen Iranians held in US prisons, mostly for violating sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme. Frictions have risen between longtime foes Iran and the US since 2018 when Washington quit Irans nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Tehrans economy. Tehran has since gradually scaled back its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal, under which most sanctions on the country were lifted in exchange for Tehran curbing its sensitive nuclear work. The coronavirus has canceled events across the globe, but the outbreak is not stopping the US from regaining its human spaceflight launch capabilities. NASA and spacex officially announced plans to send the first American astronauts aboard an American rocket to the International Space Station in mid-May - the first time since 2011. The space station has been accessible to astronauts only through the purchase of seats on Russian capsules launched from Kazakhstan. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch Crew Dragon, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley aboard the spacecraft, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Scroll down for video NASA and SpaceX officially announced plans to send the first American astronauts aboard an American rocket to the International Space Station in mid-May - the first time since 2011. Pictured is the Crew Dragon set to take the men to the ISS NASA said it is 'proactively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves.' 'The agency will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the agency's chief health and medical officer and communicate any updates that may impact mission planning.' The launch is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which has partnered with the American aerospace industry. 'The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the space station, which will allow for additional research time and will increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity's testbed for exploration,' explained NASA. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley (right) are two of the four set to launch aboard Crew Dragon, but will be the first to board the craft this year. The official announcements comes a week after SpaceX's president and COO Gwynne Shotwell revealed the California company is 'gunning for May' to fly astronauts aboard its Crew Dragon to the International Space Station. Shotwell noted that NASA astronauts set to take the craft are currently in training by should be ready to go in two months. The Commercial Crew Program will not position SpaceX as a front runner for space travel, but will also return human spaceflight capability to the US a feat that has not been done in a decade. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are two of the four set to launch aboard Crew Dragon, but will be the first to board the craft this year. After Crew Dragon's demonstration mission with crew is complete, Victor Glover and Mike Hopkins will be the first two NASA astronauts to launch aboard Crew Dragon to the International Space Station (ISS) for a long-duration mission. The Commercial Crew Program to the International Space Station (pictured) will not position SpaceX as a frontrunner for space travel, but will also return human spaceflight capability to the US a feat that has not been done in a decade Shotwell also explained that SpaceX has plans to reuse the Crew Dragon capsules when sending crew into space. Altogether, SpaceX has reused three of the earlier versions of the capsule, called Cargo Dragon, to deliver payloads to the ISS. 'Working date for SpaceX's Demo-2 launch is May 7,' tweeted Berger. 'Dragon is in good shape. Launch date is fluid and mission may move into late April, or push later into May depending on a number of variables not hardware related. No final decision yet on duration.' News of the expected launch date follows an successful test of the craft's launch abort system last month. During the test, the craft launched into high-altitude and the boosters were exploded while the capsule was aborted at high-velocity - the most stressful point of the launch. NASA's commercial crew program manager said at the time that the launch abort test was 'our last open milestone' before sending astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken to the International Space Station. The capsule has gone through ups and downs throughout the past several years. In April last year, an explosion engulfed the empty capsule in fire and smoke. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, pictured with an illustration of the Crew Dragon capsule, has long sought to bring Crew Dragon back to form after an explosion derailed progress last April The incident was set off by a leaking component and completely destroyed the capsule - a glitch that has contributed to SpaceX's delayed timeline for Crew Dragon, which it's developing for NASA As SpaceX works to get its Crew Dragon operational the company is working to reach a similar milestone in a test of its other craft, Starship. The company hopes to fly its Starship rocket 12 miles into the air and then land it back on the ground, upright. The test, which the company filed a permit with the FCC for, could take place as soon as mid-March. Once the the capsule will be cleared for launching astronauts but also eventually clear the way for civilian space tourism. SPACEX CREW DRAGON CAPSULE MEASURES 20FT AND CAN CARRY 7 ASTRONAUTS AT A TIME The March 2 test, the first launch of U.S. astronauts from U.S. soil in eight years, will inform the system design and operations (Artist's impression) The capsule measures about 20 feet tall by 12 feet in diameter, and will carry up to 7 astronauts at a time. The Crew Dragon features an advanced emergency escape system (which was tested earlier this year) to swiftly carry astronauts to safety if something were to go wrong, experiencing about the same G-forces as a ride at Disneyland. It also has an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that provides a comfortable and safe environment for crew members. Crew Dragon's displays will provide real-time information on the state of the spacecraft's capabilities, showing everything from Dragon's position in space, to possible destinations, to the environment on board. Those CRS-2 Dragon missions will use 'propulsive' landings, where the capsule lands on a landing pad using its SuperDraco thrusters rather than splashing down in the ocean. That will allow NASA faster access to the cargo returned by those spacecraft, and also build up experience for propulsive landings of crewed Dragon spacecraft. Advertisement Amid the rising number of coronavirus-infected patients in the country, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday (March 19) urged the Centre to order an "immediate lockdown of all our towns and cities for 2-4 weeks" in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus in the country. Chidambaram was referring to World Health Organisation (WHO) statement in which all countries were urged to "isolate, test and treat every suspected case" and work over time to trace every possible contact made by suspected coronavirus patients. "After WHO Director General's statement yesterday, there should be no hesitation in ordering an immediate lockdown of all our towns and cities for 2-4 weeks," Chidambaram said. "Even after we have witnessed what is happening in Italy, Iran and Spain, why is the government refusing to take the logical step of a lockdown?" he asked, adding, "Some states that are ahead of the centre should lock down their towns and cities," he added. Notably, Italy, Iran and Spain are among the worst-hit countries by the coronavirus outside China, which is the epicentre of the deadly virus. "Since ICMR's (Indian Council of Medical Research) random sample testing has revealed that there is no community transmission (Stage 3) so far, this is the moment to announce a temporary lockdown and contain the disease at Stage 2," Chidambaram noted. There are 169 confirmed cases of coronavirus in India and three people have lost their lives due to the virus. Maharashtra and Kerala are the two worst-affected states, with 42 and 25 cases, respectively. The government has also sealed international borders and suspended incoming visas from affected countries. State governments have shut down schools, malls, cinemas, gyms and swimming pools in order to stop the gatherings of people. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) A study led by Filipino scientists from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine is now underway to understand the transmission patterns of the coronavirus disease in the country, the Department of Science and Technology said Thursday. The DOST-funded research seeks to assist the countrys policymakers in creating better and evidence-based strategies to control the COVID-19 , the department said. The study led by Dr. Mayan Lumandas of RITM aims to gather data on the transmission dynamics, secondary infection rate, the speed of spread and frequency of fatality among the countrys symptomatic COVID-19 patients and their close contacts. These pieces of information could help in improving the current government efforts on case isolation, contact tracing, and infection control and prevention, the DOST said. The DOST is also supporting three other studies to contain the viral illness, including the development of local COVID-19 testing kits, which may be commercially available in two to three weeks once they get approval from the World Health Organization. People could catch the viral disease through the air, but only if they are in medical facilities, the Department of Health said Wednesday, citing the result of a preliminary research on the virus. DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire has said that the consensus now is people could acquire the respiratory infection, which mostly affects older people and individuals who have preexisting medical conditions, through droplets from the nose or mouth when people infected with COVID-19 cough or sneeze. The Philippines has 202 COVID-19 cases, including 17 deaths and seven recovered patients as of Wednesday. The number of COVID-19 cases globally is nearing 220,000, with over 8,800 deaths, mostly in China, according to the tracker from the John Hopkins University. Empty chairs and tables sit outside the usually bustling student union at Stanford University. (Philip Pacheco / Getty Images) At 5 p.m. Wednesday, hundreds of students were forced to leave Stanford University, an effort by one of California's most prestigious academic institutions to stem the coronavirus outbreak and adhere to Santa Clara County rules banning gatherings of more than 50 people. Universities across California and the United States are taking similar precautions, creating hardships for students who are homeless, don't have safe places to shelter or have immunocompromised relatives at home. On Tuesday evening, the University of San Diego told residential students to move out of their dorms by late Wednesday, four days ahead of schedule. "To date, only 1,100 of our 2,600 students in our residence halls have relocated," the private Catholic university said in a message that evening to the college community. On Wednesday, only a few students were spotted on campus at Stanford. Tresidder Memorial Union was devoid of students, as was White Memorial Plaza, where hundreds of students would typically be riding their bicycles, walking in small groups or lolling under trees to read and study. "It's eerily quiet," said Tiffany Cartagena, a junior from Gainesville, Fla. "It's depressing." Standing in front of Norcliffe Hall, she and her boyfriend, Jonah Price, stopped to chat with a visitor while packing Price's car. Cartagena said she had taken everything out of her dorm room, assuming she won't be returning this spring. The news of a forced departure came suddenly and, students say, confusingly. "They've said we'll come back on May 15," Cartagena said. "But the way things are looking, I'm not sure I believe it." Across the state, colleges and universities are grappling with whether to let students stay in campus housing or send them home. Campus officials want to downsize their densely populated dorms and classrooms to protect against the risk of spreading the infectious disease. That is especially true in Santa Clara County, where six people have died of the virus, with 175 confirmed infections, as of Wednesday evening. Story continues But as they are evacuated, some students may lack access to shelter, food, Wi-Fi or a safe place to call home. The University of Californias nine undergraduate campuses plan to keep dormitories and dining facilities open to students who need them although they are urging those who can to safely go home. UC Merced, where two-thirds of its 8,800 students are from low-income families, has told all students who need to stay that they are welcome to do so, and it plans to continue its basic needs services, such as food and rent assistance. The campus also has emergency funds available for needy students those who lose jobs, for instance and has offered loaner laptops and wireless hot spots to help with online learning. UCLA also will continue to serve its students on campus as needed. But all dining halls and quick-service restaurants have become to-go operations with meals served in takeout containers. We recognize that university housing could be a students permanent home, and not all students can leave, campus spokesman Ricardo Vazquez said. Some private institutions such as Stanford and Pomona College have responded somewhat differently, requiring students to leave campus unless their petition or application is approved. Though student protests over the issue have roiled Pomona, the process has unfolded more smoothly at neighboring Claremont McKenna College, a fellow member of the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges. Among 1,184 Claremont McKenna students living in campus housing, about 200 petitioned to stay and about 85 received approval to do so. That included all international student applicants, who face potential health risks and visa problems if they leave the country, said Dianna Graves, assistant vice president and dean of students. Graves said the top concern of those who petitioned to stay involved technology. The college was able to meet those needs by providing enhanced internet and data plans, loaner laptops and iPads, connections via virtual private network and other services, Graves said. At Pepperdine University in Malibu, about 1,000 students requested permission to continue living on campus. About 200 will do so, more than half of them international students. University officials were able to help the other students get home safely by providing financial support from donor gifts for flights and gas or a safe place to live temporarily, said Connie Horton, vice president for student affairs. At Pomona, school officials said in a statement that they are working with students around the clock to help find housing and travel options for the move off-campus. The school says it will continue to pay student employees, help cover travel costs, offer Wi-Fi hot spots and laptops, and provide room and board refunds for students, moves that other private colleges have made nationwide. But some say those efforts fall short of addressing the outbreak response's effect on students who must return home and come from poverty, abuse or other risky situations. And they say school officials have not offered them clear communication and guidance. Student advocates with the group FLI Scholars, the acronym for first-generation and low-income students at Pomona College, surveyed 135 students who petitioned to stay. The self-reported data indicate that 70% were denied, they said. School officials did not respond to questions about how many students had applied to stay and how many were accepted or rejected. In their letter to students, officials said that they would not be able to accommodate every student who requests to stay on campus while also doing our part to limit the spread of the virus. For their part, Stanford University officials declined to provide information on the number of students staying or the number of those who applied to stay but were rejected. Hoover Tower looms on a quiet morning at Stanford University. (Philip Pacheco / Getty Images) Ernest Miranda, senior director of media relations at Stanford, said university officials regretted being unable to accommodate everyone and are now "working with students to address their particular needs and concerns." He noted accommodations were made primarily for international students who could not return home because of travel restrictions and students who faced severe hardships, such as homelessness, food insecurity or abuse, if they returned home. For senior Kiara Dunbar, going home creates problems not just for her but also for her family. "My campus job is my only source of income at the moment," she wrote in an email to the university. "Without it, I become a financial burden. I am on full financial aid for a reason." In addition, according to many students, Stanford will be readjusting student financial aid, arguing that costs are reduced when students live off campus. "When I'm here (at school), I have full aid," tweeted Kelsie Wysong, a senior at Stanford. "When I go home, I wont have a job like I did in high school to offset the costs of me living at home. This creates a financial burden to my family." Stanford's Miranda said the university is "adjusting spring quarter financial aid packages to reflect reduced housing expenses" for students not living on campus. Groups such as the student-organized Stanford Mutual Aid and Stanford student government have jumped in to help students, providing them with grocery and Uber gift cards, said William Shan, a sophomore and a member of the newly sprung Stanford Mutual Aid. Shan's group has begun a matching program allowing alumni, faculty and Stanford-area community members to provide support for students in need. It offers students financial aid, a couch to live on, a spare bedroom or even a suitcase, said Shan, who is at home, quarantined in his bedroom in San Jose. So far, the groups have collectively provided more than $100,000 to help students in need, Shan said. "We're really in a position of privilege," said Jeffrey Rodriguez, a senior from Lakeside, who works six jobs to support himself and his family. He said he recognizes he and his fellow students are in a unique position. At Pomona College, Marie Tano, 21, thought she had found a sanctuary when she arrived to study from a small town in Georgia. For the first time, she didnt have to worry about money, her food was taken care of, and she had access to healthcare, therapy and support to do well in school. Yet Pomona rejected her petition to stay on campus, which she hopes the school will reconsider. For now, shes making plans to stay with alumni in Los Angeles. Going home to Georgia is not an option, she said. Her father is older, and she worries about making him sick. She also has a history of health problems, and her doctors and therapists are near campus. She questions how a school with significant resources cannot accommodate more students. The school has made me feel like a burden, she said. This is a school with a $2-billion endowment. Kindly permit me to congratulate you for all that you are doing to liberate the masses of Ghana from exploitation, abject poverty, slavery and misery. As I congratulate you, I would like to encourage you to do more for the total liberation of the majority poor of Ghana from exploitation, abject poverty, slavery and misery. It is an undeniable fact that Ghana has all that it takes to be a country where each and everyone has access to at least the basic necessities of life. By God's grace, Ghana is 63 years old but unfortunately, majority of our people are still wallowing in abject poverty, slavery and misery. The question on the lips of the masses of Ghana is: Inspite of our abundant human and natural resources, why is it that majority of Ghanaians are lacking the basic necessities of life such as, portable drinking water, decent toilet facilities, decent class rooms with decent tables and chairs, good roads and what have you? when our Lord Jesus Christ says in the Bible that the poor shall always be with us, I strongly believe that he is not advocating for material poverty, neither is he interested in seeing people wallowing in abject poverty. Our Lord Jesus Christ made the above famous statement because of excessive selfishness and greediness in the world. If we do well to love our neighbour as ourselves and do away with excessive selfishness and greediness, there will be no materially poor person in Ghana. The main driving force or factor that brings about wholistic human development is money. Even if the sitting President and his Finance Minister are truly Angels, and they do not have money, there is no way they can provide social amenities to Ghanaians. And this is the main reason why someone has composed a song that says, 'Sika ye mogya( money is blood ). Indeed, without money, we are doomed. Therefore, whatever money comes to the state coffers, for the development of Ghana, it is our civic responsibility to make sure that those who are in- charge of Ghana's money, use it in such a way that, nobody lacks the basic necessities of life. Ghana has all that it takes to be a super power. But today, which institution in Ghana is responsible for directly putting our ruling governments on their toes on behalf of all Ghanaians, to use Ghana's money in such a way that nobody lacks the basic necessities of life? Which institution is responsible for directly holding the ruling government accountable on behalf of the citizenry? Who is responsible for protecting the public purse? It appears Ghana has nobody to directly hold the ruling government accountable, protect Ghana's purse and putting the ruling government on its toes to use Ghana's money in such a way that nobody lacks the basic necessities of life. Hence, the masses are defenceless and so since the overthrow of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkuromah, day in and day out, the masses of Ghana, are inflicted with exploitation, abject poverty, slavery and misery. The masses have no Saviour, except their God, what a pity! When a political party is in opposition, it speaks with angelic voice, but as soon as it comes to power, majority of its leading members eat Ghana with their two hands, as if Ghana will be no more in five minutes time. Mother Ghana, is bleeding profusely and majority of her children are inflicted with exploitation, abject poverty, slavery and misery, because, nobody and no institution, has the courage to ask the ruling government to account for every pesewa that it received on behalf of Ghana before the next election. And so Ghana's money is used in such a way that inspite of our huge resources, majority of Ghanaians have become slaves in their own country. When the Auditor General presents its annual report to Ghanaians, who takes it serious? In view of Ghana's 'defenceless' I would like to appeal to all our Civil Society Organizations to come together to form National Coalition for protecting Ghana's purse and directly holding the ruling government accountable so as to help liberate the suffering masses from naked exploitation, abject poverty, slavery and misery, because unity is strength. Do well to have your branches in all the district capitals. Set up a foundation to support your work and I believe the masses will support you and they will be very grateful to you. Thanks. Rev. Fr. James Ignatius Yaw Amponsah [email protected] A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on March 18. The new edition includes articles: First Vice-President: Azerbaijan mobilized to fight COVID-19, Government replaces State Security Service with three new agencies, Karabakhs Azerbaijani community: Armenia refuses to negotiate, Baku hosts Second Global Engineering Symposium etc. AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. Sen. John Barrasso joined several U.S. officials in drafting a letter to Saudi Arabias crown prince, urging him to stabilize increasingly volatile global oil markets. Sent to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, the letter referenced the coronavirus pandemic and depressed oil prices caused by Saudi Arabias current spat with Russian producers. The dispute over oil has hit the U.S., the worlds leading shale producer, particularly hard. A copy of the letter was obtained by the Star-Tribune. Senior Saudi government leaders have repeatedly told American officials, including us, that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a force for stability in global markets, the letter stated. Recent Saudi actions have called this role into question. We urge the Kingdom to assert constructive leadership in stabilizing the world economy by calming economic anxiety in the oil and gas sector at a time when countries around the world are addressing the pandemic. The fall in oil prices has been of particular concern for Wyoming policymakers who, earlier this month, were informed that for every dollar drop in the price of oil, the state loses roughly $12 million in revenues. Over the past several weeks, the price has dropped precipitously. Brent Crude, an international benchmark for oil prices, reached below $27 a barrel Wednesday. Thats down from over $67 per barrel at the beginning of this year. If sustained, the impacts of a price war on Wyomings budget could be even worse, the states budget director Don Richards told state lawmakers in a presentation on the budget March 9. It could be even worse and I dont mean to gloom-and-doom but we havent taken into account sales tax, he said at the time. Are we going to see a hit on tourism this summer, are we going to see substantially less pipe being purchased in the oil patch for the next year, two years? These are all additive hits. What happened? As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia advised OPEC to cut back on oil production by 1.5 million barrels per day in early March in its initial attempt to help global oil markets rebound from the COVID-19 outbreak. Cutting the supply of oil can sometimes help buoy prices. But Russia, the third-largest producer of oil, did not agree to OPECs plan to curb production. (Russia is not a member of the organization.) In response, Saudi Arabia, which had previously seen its relationship warming with Russia, slashed oil prices and ramped up oil production instead. The two countries continue to joust, with Saudi Arabia vowing to keep up its oil production. Whats more, a production agreement between OPEC and other big oil producers will expire April 1. If members decline to extend it, countries wont be required to make output cuts. The collateral damage from this dispute has largely landed on the doorsteps of American shale producers, especially independent ones, many unable to continue drilling when oil prices have plunged too low. The demand destruction resulting from the coronavirus combined with Saudi Arabia and Russia increasing supply has left global energy markets in unchartered territory, Chief Economist Dean Foreman with the American Petroleum Institute said in a statement Thursday. Those impacts were likely intentional, energy expert Randolph Bell wrote in a blog post last week. Bell is the director of the Atlantic Councils Global Energy Center, a nonpartisan think tank focused on international energy security. The move may have been in part an effort to punish U.S. shale producers over U.S. sanctions on Russias Nord Stream 2 pipeline into eastern Europe (sanctions that Barrasso played a leading role in passing). In addition, looming U.S. sanctions on the Russian drilling firm Rosneft, which has sped up operations in Venezuela against the wishes of President Donald Trump, could also be at play in the conflict over oil. Russias economy has faced increasing challenges amid slow growth, and now lagging oil prices, that has contributed to a lagging gross domestic product. This could be the countrys weakness as the price war continues, Bell said during an Atlantic Council press call last week. I think this is the fact that would really disturb (president Vladimir) Putin eventually, he said of the potential decline in GDP. But it will take time. University of Wyoming economist Chuck Mason recommended taking the geopolitical tit-for-tat between Russia and Saudi Arabia with a grain of salt, though. I think Saudi Arabia and Russia are not nearly as important in crude markets as we would like to think they are, Mason told the Star-Tribune on Monday. There are lots of other sources of supply. What the price drop does make clear is that demand for crude has a heavy hand in shaping international oil markets. Right now this is kind of a scary time for people, who in the end are the users of petroleum products, he added. When people get scared they hunker down. Whats next? Meanwhile, Congress and the Trump administration have worked to mitigate the worst impacts on U.S. producers, including a potential bailout for shale producers tied to coronavirus relief. Trump has also been eyeing a large-scale purchase of 77 million barrels of oil to fill the nations Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to raise prices. While the Oval Office has insisted it can do so without congressional approval, the $2.5 billion needed to make the purchase would need to be appropriated from somewhere a move only Congress can make. In the meantime, Barrasso and his Republican colleagues have been trying to resolve the issue politically, through Saudi Arabia. In an interview Wednesday, Barrasso told the Star-Tribune he had a conference call earlier in the day with the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, laying it on the line, in regards to the current price wars impact on American producers. The ambassador has seen the letter, and now the crown prince has seen it, he told the Star-Tribune on Wednesday afternoon. We have their attention, and now its time for action. Follow the latest on Wyomings energy industry at @camillereports Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Nick Reynolds Politics Reporter Nick Reynolds covers state politics and policy. A native of Central New York, he has spent his career covering governments big and small, and several Congressional campaigns. He graduated from the State University of New York at Brockport in 2015. Follow Nick Reynolds Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 11:36:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- In Paris, Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of L'Oreal Group, holds a daily telephone conversation with his team in China, as the French cosmetic giant's China unit has gradually resumed operations. With the reopening of L'Oreal China's headquarters and Research and Innovation Center in Shanghai as well as its plant in Suzhou, Agon expressed confidence that the situation in China will "improve pretty quickly and maybe even more quickly than we thought before." Meanwhile, as the coronavirus has spread to more countries around the globe, there are mounting worries about a disruption to global supply chains. Against this backdrop, the resumption of production in China, known as the world's factory, bears global significance. BACK TO BUSINESS Wearing a mask and white coat, Gao Yu is not a hospital doctor, but a cosmetic formulator in the laboratories of the L'Oreal China Research and Innovation Center in Shanghai. After returning to Shanghai from her hometown, Gao had been self-isolated for two weeks, during which time she worked from home until returning to the office in early February, like many of her colleagues working for L'Oreal China's factories, distribution center and beauty stores. Fabrice Megarbane, president and CEO of L'Oreal China, said the safety of the company's employees is its "utmost responsibility and priority." Before the reopening of its facilities in Shanghai, local authorities coordinated with nearby residential communities and buildings. After its doors reopened, L'Oreal adopted an online and offline strategy. Sales staff now disinfect the hands of every customer who enters their stores, while other protective measures are also in place. Ying Yongyi, national chief makeup artist for Shu Uemura China, a brand under L'Oreal, showcases beauty products on the video-sharing app Douyin, known as TikTok outside of China. "When customers watch the live stream and get interested in the product, they can place an order directly online," he said. This new business approach saves customers' a trip to a physical store and eliminates potential virus spread. Like L'Oreal China, as China's vice industry minister Xin Guobin said on Friday, outside of Hubei Province, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China, over 95 percent of major industrial enterprises have resumed operation, while around 60 percent of small and medium firms have also gone back to work. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was encouraged by the resumption of some production in China, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said earlier this month. STABLE SUPPLY In the Indian city of Mumbai, electrical technician Vinoth Kumar breathed a sigh of relief when he received an email confirming some train parts had been delivered from China. Line 1 of the Navi Mumbai metro, with its eight-train fleet supplied by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. (CRRC ZELC), is due to open in October. Kumar, working with the India unit of the Chinese manufacturer, has been debugging the metro system with his Indian and Chinese colleagues. However, after the unexpected COVID-19 outbreak, they had begun to fret about the supply of components. In Zhuzhou, a central Chinese city known for its expertise in rail transit equipment, Liu Ying, deputy director of the CRRC ZELC's Project Management Center, also faced similar challenges, posed by a shortage of personnel, a lack of transport facilities, and a delay in the supply of materials. Around China, labor shortages, disrupted transportation, tight cash flows, as well as a lack of raw materials and epidemic control supplies, are the main barriers for the industrial chain to run at full tilt, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. To keep supplies available for overseas projects, the company has formulated a catch-up plan for production amid the outbreak, monitoring daily progress with various departments and suppliers, Liu said, adding that about 95 percent of its employees have now returned to work. Ding Ci, technical manager of the company's India's unit, said that the Chinese headquarters worked diligently to ensure a continuous supply of parts, "dispelling our Indian partners' worries about the impact of the epidemic." "All work is proceeding as normal," Ding said. "I think there is no problem with any rolling stock," Kumar said, adding that "as for this virus, there is no impact (on the project)." It is widely believed that the COVID-19 pandemic is a stress test for China's resilience in the global supply chain. In the case of the Mumbai metro project, Kumar said, "I am 100 percent confident in the supply of trains from CRRC ZELC in China." CHINESE CONTRIBUTION As global supply chains became disrupted by the epidemic, such remarks as "decoupling" supply chains from China also appeared. However, "I think in some sectors, companies are so dependent on China. There's no such thing as shifting the supply chain," Nicholas Lardy, senior fellow at the Washington D.C.-based Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua in a recent interview. "China is such a huge producer of automobile parts, for example, that go into production in Europe, North America, Japan, (South) Korea. That's not going to be replaced quickly," said the veteran expert on Chinese economy. Amid the epidemic, Japanese automaker Toyota plans to build a new electric vehicle plant in Tianjin with its Chinese partner FAW Group. Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook said recently that since the infection rates in China have dramatically declined, all Apple stores in the country have reopened, while also announcing that the tech giant would close all its stores outside of China until March 27 in response to the spread of the coronavirus. And, as Agon said, "the advantage now of China is not just a question of cost. It's a question of talent, creativity and innovation." For example, U.S. coffee giant Starbucks last week announced a plan to build a coffee innovation park in eastern China, the largest manufacturing investment outside the United States by the world's leading coffee chain. According to a State Council executive meeting chaired by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on March 10, China will step up efforts to strengthen international cooperation, with measures such as increasing international freight flights, in a bid to maintain the smooth flow of the global supply chain. Thanks to the concerted efforts, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on March 12, with firm determination and strong resilience, China will both overcome the epidemic and restore economic order in a rapid manner. This not only serves the interests of the Chinese people, but also represents an important contribution to the world, he added. (Xinhua reporters Xu Yongchun in Paris, Zhou Rui in Shanghai, Zhang Xingjun in Mumbai and Su Xiaozhou in Changsha also contributed to the story.) Chile declared a state of catastrophe and delayed a constitutional referendum while several countries announced nighttime curfews as Latin America expanded its coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday. The Chilean measures were set to last for 90 days and would help protect the countrys hospitals and medical personnel, said President Sebastian Pinera. The armed forces will be able to act as true health forces, collaborating with all the officials in our health system, he added of a provision that allowed military members to participate in the relief efforts. The measure also allows restrictions on freedom of movement.- In a later TV interview, he said it would be prudent to delay a referendum on changing Chiles dictatorship-era constitution until September. News that a minister in Brazil had tested positive for the virus came as the Sao Paulo stock exchange was suspended for the sixth time in eight sessions after plummeting more than 10 percent. National Security Minister Augusto Heleno is the latest official to be diagnosed with COVID-19 following a state visit to the US. Sixteen people who accompanied Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have now tested positive for the virus, although he and his American counterpart Donald Trump tested negative. Brazil has confirmed 529 coronavirus cases and four deaths the highest in Latin America, with more than 1,200 cases across the continent. The regional death toll rose to 14 after Costa Rica reported its first COVID-19 fatality. Five others were killed in a mass prison breakout after Venezuelan authorities banned family visits to prevent possible contagion, Zulia state governor Omar Prieto said. Cruise docks in Cuba A 61-year-old Italian tourist became the first person to die of the disease in Cuba, the health ministry said. Cuba relies on tourism revenue and has bucked the regional trend in keeping its borders open without strict quarantine measures for visitors. Earlier on Wednesday, Cuba allowed a British cruise ship carrying five infected people and more than 50 others showing flu-like symptoms to dock on the island. It had been turned away by both the Bahamas and Barbados. More than 1,000 passengers and crew aboard the vessel were being repatriated to Britain on Wednesday evening. We are very grateful to the Cuban government for swiftly enabling this operation, said British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab. El Salvadors status as one of the few remaining countries in the hemisphere without a COVID-19 case came to an end on Wednesday. President Nayib Bukele said the unidentified patient had been isolated. Markets elsewhere in the region continued their slide, with Buenos Aires nearly 15 percent down and Colombia announcing an emergency $15 billion economic package. SOURCE: AFP When Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex got engaged in November 2017, they seemed ready to embark on a new era with the British royal family. Though Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge had long-since been beloved, the Sussexes brought a new type of interest to the royal family. Meghan was already fairly well-known from her acting work, her lifestyle blog, The Tig, and her activism. Since she is an American and a woman of color, people who had long-ignored the royal family as a white and archaic institution, were eager to see what the duchess would do in her new role. Unfortunately, the Duchess of Sussexs time in the royal family would prove to be shortlived. In January 2020, about six-months short of their two-year wedding anniversary, the Sussexes decided to resign from their royal roles for a more private and peaceful life. But what happened? Meghan Markle was never accepted as a member of the British royal family Though many of the senior royals like and admired Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, they put the monarchy above all else. Therefore, when she was being bullied and harassed in the press, no one spoke up for her publically except for Prince Harry. This is such a racist country, Alibhai-Brown told Vanity Fair. In America racism is not qualitatively better, but at least nobody denies that theres racism. In some ways, it is more difficult for those of us people of color who live here, because it is insidious and hidden, and people dont want to talk about it or accept it. Megxit was the only way their marriage would survive. I just thought, Well done. Youre taking the only step you can take in order to save yourself and your baby and find your own happinessI think its a brave and bold and important decision. Perhaps if the royals were able to take a firm stand instead of soldiering on, things might have turned out differently. Meghan Markle was shocked by royal life Prince Harry has been candid about how challenging things had been for him and the duchess. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly, he said during a speech at a dinner for his charity, Sentebale. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I havent always got it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. In fact, royal life was not at all what the duchess expected, especially since she gave up her career and life as she knew it. To say they were crushed is an understatement, Omid Scobie, Bazaar.coms royal editor. [Megxits] a decision that the couple still feel wasnt necessary, but also wasnt a surprise, given the lack of support they received as they were relentlessly attacked by sections of the British press with almost daily mistruths and hateful commentary. They knew something had to change, but they also didnt want to stop supporting the queen. One cant help but wonder if things might have been different if a family member or two had stood up for them during the darkest times. Some people are convinced Meghan Markle grew bored of royal life Everyone has an opinion about Megxit, including comedian David Spade. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Spade quipped that the duchess found royal life too dull. I feel like she gets swept off her feet like the dream, he said. She goes over to England and she has this crazy wedding and shes literally royalty but then it gets a little mundane and shes like, All right, lets head back to LA. I think the fun part was over and now she sort of got a little bored. Amazon AMZN is leaving no stone unturned to bolster initiatives to help the society in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. This is evident from the company owned Whole Foods Market grocery chains latest move. Notably, under this move, Whole Foods stores will dedicate an entire hour to serve only senior citizens in an attempt to keep them safe from crowd as they are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. In the United States and Canada, the stores are opening one hour prior to their usual opening time and catering to customers aged 60 year or above. This special facility is available for the customers in the U.K. who are aged 70 years or beyond. With the latest move, the company strives to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection further. Moreover, the move is likely to help the company in managing the coronavirus-induced panic shopping crowd, thus delivering better shopping experience to customers. This, in turn, will allow Whole Foods stores to attract customers. Consequently, this will drive the companys performance and instill investor optimism in this challenging situation. Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus Amazon Joins the Pack With this initiative, Amazon also joins other retailers which are also setting aside time for senior citizens in order to mitigate the risk of them contracting COVID-19 infection. Walmart WMT has recently rolled out an hour-long senior shopping event on every Tuesday, which will start from Mar 24 and last till Apr 28. The event will be hosted across over 5,000 Walmart stores in the United States one-hour prior to opening for the general customers. Further, Target TGT has also dedicated the first hour of operation every Wednesday to the senior customers aged above 65 years across more than 1,800 stores. Additionally, Albertsons and its owned Safeway have designated 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday across their stores for senior customers and other vulnerable customers. Meanwhile, Kroger KR is reportedly running trials to open its stores for a stipulated time for senior citizens in a bid to support them in this pandemic. Given the abovementioned facts, we note that retail competition is intensifying despite the coronavirus scare on account of increasing rate of shopping. Amazons Growing Endeavors Nevertheless, the e-commerce giants strengthening initiatives to combat COVID-19 remain noteworthy. Apart from the senior citizen move, the company has recently taken an initiative to bolster its Same-Day Delivery program by making same-day delivery service available in the cities of Philadelphia, Phoenix, Orlando and Dallas for Prime members. Further, the company has built mini-fulfillment centers, which are first of their kind buildings. Notably, the new facilities are located closer to customers, which is likely to help Amazon to reduce the number of hours taken to deliver orders via same-day delivery services. Additionally, Whole Foods stores are closing two hours early in order to sanitize the stores and restock the shelves. Further, the company will continue to deliver Prime orders from these stores during these two hours. Also, the companys delivery drivers have been asked to sanitize the delivery vans everyday before going out for delivery. We believe all these endeavors will continue to drive customer momentum and strengthen competitive position against other retailers. Currently, Amazon carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Breakout Biotech Stocks with Triple-Digit Profit Potential The biotech sector is projected to surge beyond $775 billion by 2024 as scientists develop treatments for thousands of diseases. Theyre also finding ways to edit the human genome to literally erase our vulnerability to these diseases. Zacks has just released Century of Biology: 7 Biotech Stocks to Buy Right Now to help investors profit from 7 stocks poised for outperformance. Our recent biotech recommendations have produced gains of +50%, +83% and +164% in as little as 2 months. The stocks in this report could perform even better. See these 7 breakthrough stocks now>> Click to get this free report Target Corporation (TGT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Kroger Co. (KR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Copper Bottom Craft Distillery near Daytona Beach, Florida, usually draws customers for its tours and spirits sampling, but its now attracting people for a different type of alcohol the antiseptic kind. On Wednesday, the family-owned business began producing hand sanitizer and giving it away for free to anyone bringing in their own bottles. Word of the offer spread on social media, and by 6 p.m. they had given away 20 gallons, mostly in 4-ounce pours. Customers included representatives from a sheriffs office and a fire department. There were obstetricians, medical clinic workers, school teachers and service industry professionals. Were just trying to spread some goodwill, said Jenni Craig, who owns the business with her husband, Jeremy, and his parents. This is a crazy time going on right now, and we want to do what we can to help. Copper Bottom Craft Distillery owner Jeremy Craig fills a small bottle with hand sanitizer while his wife and co-owner Jenni Craig looks on, Wednesday March 18, 2020 as the Holly Hill, Florida, distillers use some of their product to make hand sanitizer and give it away to those in the community during the Coronavirus outbreak. Jeremy Craig, who serves as the head distiller, got the idea after watching hand sanitizer disappear from store shelves amid the coronavirus outbreak. When aloe and ingredients fit for homemade germ killers dwindled as well, the Craigs saw an opportunity to give back to the community that has kept them afloat. Beside a row of craft rum and vodka taps, Jeremy Craig on Wednesday stirred a vat of his potent but undrinkable craft hand sanitizer. Its a blend of 190-proof alcohol, water and the thickening agent xanthan gum. He then squeezed it into customers empty bottles with a large syringe. Among the first in line was Jenlyn Fisher, a Port Orange preschool owner seeking sanitizer for her school. She also purchased a bottle of rum while she waited. I want to support people who are supporting the community, Fisher said. Several guests followed her lead. One woman offered snack-size bags of chips for hungry helpers. Other guests purchased T-shirts or donated cash. Tracie Young of Daytona Beach brought extra empty bottles to share with others. I just want to make sure everybody has a little bit, said Young, who got sanitizer for her air conditioning companys service technicians. We can all make it through together. Story continues Jessica Monroe, a Holly Hill mother of two, offered to deliver bottles of the sanitizing solution to assisted-living facilities and at-risk residents. Ill need the help eventually, as well, she said. We need to help those who are very scared right now. The positive atmosphere stood in stark contrast to headlines about hoarding and images of consumers pushing shopping carts piled high with toilet paper. Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte called the efforts of local retailers that have donated food and supplies the definition of paying it forward. Copper Bottom Craft Distillery owner Jeremy Craig, laughs while he fills small bottles with hand sanitizer, Wednesday March 18, 2020 as the Holly Hill, Florida, distillers use some of their product to make hand sanitizer and give it away to those in the community during the Coronavirus outbreak. This is an absolutely wonderful and generous offer for the business owners at Copper Bottom to put the needs of the community in front of their own at the time its needed most, Forte said, noting that the Craigs, too, have been impacted by the coronavirus-induced economic downturn. The Craigs will continue to offer hand sanitizer during business hours 12 to 7 p.m. through Saturday while supplies last. To keep it going, they asked for donations of white table sugar, xanthan gum and 4-ounce bottles. Were gonna keep making it as long as we have supplies, Jenni Craig said. Copper Bottom Craft Distillery is at 998 N. Beach St. in Holly Hill. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Craft distillery making hand sanitizer for community amid COVID-19. In the most aggressive statewide move yet to combat the coronavirus pandemic in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday that limits social gatherings to no more than 10 people, closes all schools, shuts down bars and restricts restaurants. The orders came as Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt declared a public health disaster, the first in more than 100 years, and called COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, the greatest public health challenge in living memory. Effective midnight Friday until at least April 3, the orders also end most visitation at nursing homes and assisted living facilities and effectively close gyms and massage parlors. While they ban sit-down dining and drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts, Abbott said he highly encouraged the use of drive-thru and delivery options. Offices may remain open, he said, but employers should encourage work-from-home when possible. The orders do not affect churches and funeral homes, although Abbott said he recommended keeping funeral services under 10 people, maintaining social distance between attendees or hosting it virtually online. Speaking at the Texas Capitol, Abbott emphasized that this is not a shelter-in-place and will not stop Texans from making essential trips to the grocery store or banks. Live updates: Map of coronavirus cases across Texas We are doing this now, today, so that we can get back to business as usual more quickly, Abbott said, noting the strength Texans have shown in previous disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. No one responds to challenges better than Texans. So lets muster our traditional Texas spirit and together defeat COVID-19. Abbott took action days after at least 20 states and territories across the U.S. had adopted restrictions on bars and restaurants; schools had already been shut down in 43 states and territories, according to the National Governors Association. In the absence of statewide guidance, many Texas cities and school districts had issued their own closures, creating a patchwork response. Abbott had previously clung to the viewpoint that those decisions should be left to local authorities and handled on a case-by case basis even after President Donald Trump recommended Monday that Americans quit gathering in groups of 10 or more. Then, on Wednesday, after receiving incessant questions from Texans on social media and reporters at news conferences, Abbott hinted that he had changed his mind when he teased an announcement Thursday and asked for input from local officials. More Information The text of Gov. Abbott's executive orders Order No. 1: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. Order No. 2: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order. Order No. 3: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Order No. 4: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close. See More Collapse For subscribers: Taking a bath in virus soup. Texas drivers license centers drew crowds Wednesday But as the number of coronavirus cases in the state skyrocketed from when Abbott declared a state of disaster to this week, he said he decided to make the directives in light of the public health emergency. The traditional model that we have employed in the state of Texas for such a long time so effectively does not apply to this invisible disease that knows no geographic and no jurisdictional boundaries, Abbott said. It threatens the lives of our fellow Americans across the entire country. Abbotts spokesman, John Wittman, said the effective date of the orders was set for a day out to give schools and businesses time to prepare to shut down. The orders will be enforced by state regulatory and law enforcement agencies; for example, Abbott said during a televised town hall on Thursday, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has the authority to shut down establishments that dont comply. He added that the public can call the local health department to report violations. The type of restrictions in Abbotts order can seem like an overreaction, but its important to launch extreme measures as soon as possible when fighting such a disease that spreads quickly and is difficult to detect, said Rebecca Fischer, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Texas A&M University Public Health. I, and others within my field, like to see all of this happening at once, so big measures from the beginning, Fischer said. The only way to stop a disease thats propagated in the community in this way is to be in front of it. Such policies can be a difficult sell because the idea of social distancing is not as familiar to the public as health precautions such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs, and because they disrupt everyday lives, Fischer said. The reality is that we are going to see a lot more cases, Fischer said. The number of new cases per day will continue to increase. How quickly that increases and how far out that peak happens depends on individual members in their community doing their part. Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was pleased to see the state follow suit with measures that the city and Harris County had already implemented, eliminating the issue of people traveling between counties and spreading infection. It has to be unified in order to be meaningful and impactful, Turner said. That uniformity will benefit all of us, whether youre in rural Texas or urban Houston. State Rep. Chris Turner, House Democratic Caucus chair, showed his support for Abbotts action. All Texans need to follow these directives in order to slow the spread of #COVID19 and best protect the public health, Turner wrote on Twitter. The statewide public health emergency declared Friday gives the state quarantine authority, Abbott said. We dont want to exercise that quarantine authority right now because we want to depend upon the responsibility that all Texans will show, he said. If Texans are irresponsible in their behavior, though, there are more tools where we can be more aggressive only if needed. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also spoke at the news conference and said he has received many questions from Texans about when all of this will end. The sooner all Texans come together to follow these executive orders to make the personal sacrifice the sooner normalcy can return, Patrick said. It really is up to 29 million Texans to really step up and be the front line in this fight. Staff writer Dylan McGuinness contributed to this report. taylor.goldenstein@chron.com DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Soil Amendments Market by Type (Organic and Inorganic), Soil Type (Loam, Clay, Silt, and Sand), Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, and Oilseeds & Pulses), Form (Dry and Liquid), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global soil amendments market is estimated at USD 2.94 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7%, to reach USD 4.88 billion by 2025. This report segments the soil amendments market, on the basis of type, crop type, soil type, form, and region. In terms of insights, this research report focuses on various levels of analyses - competitive landscape, patent analysis, and company profiles - which together comprise and discuss the basic views on the emerging & high-growth segments of the soil amendments market, the high-growth regions, countries, government initiatives, market disruption, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. The soil amendments market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2020 to 2025 Factors such as the changing climatic conditions, growing concerns regarding soil health, and the rising demand for high-value crops are projected to drive the growth of this market. The incorporation of soil amendments into fertilizer formulation provides growth opportunities for manufacturers in the soil amendments market. However, the supply of adulterated and low-quality products is projected to inhibit the growth of the market. The organic segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period Soil amendments are classified into two broad categories, namely, organic and inorganic soil amendments. Organic soil amendments are sourced from natural materials, while inorganic soil amendments are either mined or man-made. The application of organic matter as a key substrate for agricultural crops and beneficial microorganisms is gaining the interest of plant pathologists, agronomists, regulators, and growers. These organic inputs provide vigor and nutrients to the soil, leading to a considerable change in the root environment, which is appropriate for the survival of crops and the proliferation of microorganisms. Moreover, the increasing shift toward organic farming, awareness about soil health quality, and promotion by governments to use organic amendments are factors that offer major growth opportunities for organic soil amendment manufacturers in the market. The fruits & vegetables segment is projected account for the largest market share during the forecast period By crop type, the soil amendments market is segmented as cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and other crop types. The dominance of the fruits & vegetables segment is attributed to the increasing consumption of soil amendments for these crops, particularly in the Asia Pacific and North American countries. The use of soil amendments on fruits and vegetables helps to increase the organic content of the soil and enhances the root growth. The soils treated with soil amendments, when used for floriculture in greenhouses and nursery crops, show an effective increase in water-holding capacity, thereby reducing the continuous need for irrigation. Due to these factors, the segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. North America held the largest share in the soil amendments market for the fruits & vegetables segment, majorly due to the high production of crops, including tomatoes, potatoes, grapes, and pepper. The liquid segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period By form, the soil amendments market is segmented into liquid and dry. The liquid form is projected to remain the most popular technique among farmers due to its effectiveness in the application of soil amendments and associated benefits, such as high application capability and efficacy rate over dry forms. In addition, liquid biofertilizer dosages are ten-times less as compared to dry (carrier-based powder) biofertilizers and require few labors for its application, which encourages its global acceptance. The North America market is estimated to account for the largest market share due to the rise in consumption of organic foods and shift toward sustainable. The presence of the increasing number of industrial sites, landfills, large & small mining sites, and superfund sites has led to the contamination and degradation of soil in the North American region. This results in a loss of productivity of crops, as degraded soils are deficient of organic content and nutrient. This is a major factor that is projected to encourage the use of soil amendments in North American countries, such as the US, Canada, and Mexico. Key Topics Covered 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Overview of the Soil Amendments Market 4.2 Soil Amendments Market, By Type 4.3 North America: Soil Amendments Market, By Crop Type and Key Countries 4.4 Soil Amendments Market, By Soil Type and Region 4.5 Soil Amendments Market: Major Regional Submarkets 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Macroeconomic Indicators 5.2.1 Rise in Organic Farm Area 5.2.2 Decline in Arable Land 5.3 Market Dynamics 5.3.1 Drivers 5.3.1.1 Easier Availability of Humic Substances as Raw Materials 5.3.1.2 Strong Market Demand From Organic Food Products and High-Value Crops 5.3.1.3 Initiatives By Government Agencies to Promote the Use of Organic Amendments 5.3.1.4 Growing Awareness About Soil Health Management 5.3.2 Restraints 5.3.2.1 Supply of Adulterated and Low-Quality Products 5.3.2.2 Short Shelf Life of Soil Amendments 5.3.3 Opportunities 5.3.3.1 Incorporation of Soil Amendments Into Fertilizer Formulations 5.3.4 Challenges 5.3.4.1 Lack of Awareness Among Farmers 5.4 Patent Analysis 6 Soil Amendments Market, By Type 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Organic 6.2.1 Polysaccharide Derivatives 6.2.1.1 Europe Dominated the Polysaccharide Derivatives Segment 6.2.2 Humic Acid 6.2.2.1 Cheaper Source of Humic Acid Reduces the Cost of Soil Amendments 6.2.3 Biofertilizers 6.2.3.1 Rise in Soil Pollution and Soil Degradation Drives the Soil Amendments Market 6.3 Inorganic Soil Amendments 6.3.1 Gypsum 6.3.1.1 Ability to Improve Water Infiltration and Enhance Acidic Soils to Drive the Demand for Gypsum as Soil Amendments 6.3.2 Other Inorganic Types 7 Soil Amendments Market, By Crop Type 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Fruits & Vegetables 7.2.1 Organic Soil Amendments are Highly Preferred for the Cultivation of Fruits & Vegetables 7.3 Cereals & Grains 7.3.1 Application of Soil Amendments on Cereal Crops to Improve Its Productivity By Enhancing Soil Properties 7.4 Oilseeds & Pulses 7.4.1 High Demand for Biofertilizers to Drive the Growth of the Oilseeds & Pulses Segment 7.5 Other Crop Types 8 Soil Amendments Market, By Soil Type 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Sand 8.2.1 Compost are Highly Preferred for Application in Sandy Soils 8.3 Clay 8.3.1 Organic Soil Amendments are Used on Clay Soils to Loosen the Soil Texture and Improve Drainage 8.4 Silt 8.4.1 Application of Limestone Balances the PH of Silt Soil 8.5 Loam 8.5.1 High Fertility of Loamy Soil to Increase the Cultivation of High-Value Crops 9 Soil Amendments Market, By Form 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Liquid 9.2.1 High Efficacy Rate to Drive the Demand for Liquid Soil Amendments 9.3 Dry 9.3.1 Improved Shelf Life to Provide Better Opportunities for Dry Soil Amendments 10 Soil Amendments Market, By Region 10.1 Introduction 10.2 North America 10.2.1 US 10.2.1.1 Reclamation of Abandoned Mines Land to Drive the Market for Soil Amendments in the US 10.2.2 Canada 10.2.2.1 Degrading Soil Quality of Prairies in Canada to Increase the Demand for Organic Soil Amendments 10.2.3 Mexico 10.2.3.1 Soil Degradation Due to Metal Contamination to Drive the Soil Amendments Market in Mexico 10.3 Europe 10.3.1 France 10.3.1.1 Adoption of Organic Farming Practices to Drive the Market Growth for Soil Amendments 10.3.2 Germany 10.3.2.1 Increase in Awareness About Soil Health Management to Drive the Growth of the Soil Amendments Market 10.3.3 Russia 10.3.3.1 Increase in the Degradation of Soil Quality to Drive the Growth of the Soil Amendments Market 10.3.4 Spain 10.3.4.1 Poor Structural Conditions of Soils to Encourage the Demand for Soil Amendments 10.3.5 UK 10.3.5.1 Adoption of Intensive Farming has LED to Higher Usage of Soil Amendments 10.3.6 Rest of Europe 10.4 Asia Pacific 10.4.1 China 10.4.1.1 Growing Need to Reduce Soil Erosion Drives the Demand for Organic Soil Amendments in the Chinese Market 10.4.2 India 10.4.2.1 Rise in Demand for High-Value Crops to Encourage the Utilization of Soil Amendments 10.4.3 Japan 10.4.3.1 Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices to Drive the Growth of the Japanese Soil Amendments Market 10.4.4 Australia 10.4.4.1 Increase in Preference for Organic Food has Encouraged the Adoption of Organic Soil Amendments 10.4.5 Rest of Asia Pacific 10.5 South America 10.5.1 Brazil 10.5.1.1 Reduction in Organic Matter in Soils to Increase the Demand for Organic Soil Amendment Products in Brazil 10.5.2 Argentina 10.5.2.1 Organic Amendments Dominated the Soil Amendments Market in Argentina 105 10.5.3 Rest of South America 10.6 Rest of the World (RoW) 10.6.1 South Africa 10.6.1.1 The Increasing Risk of Soil Erosion and A Decrease in Agricultural Land to Drive the Market Growth 10.6.2 Turkey 10.6.2.1 Overgrazing and Soil Erosion to Drive the Soil Amendments Market in Turkey 10.6.3 Others in RoW 11 Competitive Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Competitive Leadership Mapping 11.2.1 Visionary Leaders 11.2.2 Innovators 11.2.3 Dynamic Differentiators 11.2.4 Emerging Companies 11.3 Competitive Scenario 11.3.1 New Product Launches 11.3.2 Expansions 11.3.3 Mergers & Acquisitions 11.3.4 Partnerships & Agreements 12 Company Profiles (Business Overview, Products Offered, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, and Right to Win) 12.1 BASF SE 12.2 UPL 12.3 FMC Corporation 12.4 Nufarm 12.5 Adama 12.6 Evonik Industries AG 12.7 Bayer 12.8 Novozymes A/S 12.9 Agrinos 12.10 T.Stanes & Company 12.11 Lallemand Inc. 12.12 SA Lime & Gypsum 12.13 Timac Agro 12.14 Biosoil Farms 12.15 Profile Products LLC 12.16 The Fertrell Company 12.17 Haifa Group 12.18 Symborg 12.19 Soil Technologies Corporation 12.20 Delbon For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bp0h0e Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com A man who said he wanted to scatter the coronavirus after testing positive earlier this month has died from the disease. The 57-year-old man from Japan was diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 4 and ignored advice to stay at home from health officials and instead went out drinking Gamagori, a city in Aichi Prefecture, according to Kyodo News. Local authorities confirmed the mans death, saying he died in a hospital in central Japan on Wednesday. Kyodo News reported the man developed pneumonia after contracting the virus and he was also suffering from cancer. On March 4 (local time) the unidentified man tested positive for the coronavirus and told his family he was going to go out and scatter the virus before heading out to a izakaya pub and hostess bar, according to Reuters. At one of the venues the man went he sung karaoke and put his arm around a female employee, according to Kyodo News. A man went out to two bars after testing positive for the coronavirus to spread the virus. Source: Getty Images At both establishments the man went to he eventually told staff he had tested positive for COVID-19, prompting a staff member at one of the bars to contact a local health authority, South China Morning Post reported. Before authorities could get to the scene, the man had already left in a taxi. The following day the man was hospitalised and on March 13 a woman who worked at one of the bars tested positive for the virus. Reports of the unidentified mans night out on the town angered people online according to the South China Morning Post. Employees have had their livelihoods snatched away. This is nothing but terrorism. I want him to be severely punished, the owner of the karaoke bar reportedly said. According to Reuters, an Aichi official said in principle all people who return a positive test for the virus are hospitalised, unless there are no beds available, in that case they are asked to stay at home. Story continues A Japanese-style hotel in Gamogori in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, which decided to end business after going broke amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Source: Kyodo via AP Images Aichi's 125 cases represent the second-highest number among Japan's 47 prefectures, according to public broadcaster NHK, as it has been hit hard by a cluster of cases linked to an elderly day care facility in the capital, Nagoya. As of Wednesday morning, Japan had 29 deaths and 868 coronavirus cases, excluding those from a cruise ship that was quarantined near Tokyo last month and returnees on chartered flights from China, NHK's tally shows. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. AUSTIN, Texas Closing schools to combat the spread of the coronavirus is having a sweeping impact on an annual rite of spring: the standardized tests that are dreaded by millions of students and teachers alike. Several states have canceled standardized testing for this academic year as they face school closures that could last weeks or months. The tests were scheduled to begin in early April in many states. While thats easing the burden on students and teachers, its also creating problems. The federal government requires states to perform annual standardized assessments under the Every Student Succeeds Act. And education groups warn that moving classes online wont deliver equitable learning across states, school districts and even within classrooms. Several states have asked U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to waive those requirements. The department has said states can apply for a waiver on a case-by-case basis, but no blanket waiver has been announced. In a recent advisory to schools, the department said it generally doesnt grant broad waivers from the assessments that provide valuable information for parents, teachers and schools. But it said it would consider a targeted waiver for schools badly hit by the current extraordinary circumstances. Its time for Betsy DeVos to do the right thing on behalf of our students and waive statewide assessments, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday. When our kids get back to school, our number one priority must be ensuring they have the resources they need to get back on track. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday canceled the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness tests for about 3.5 million students. More than half of the states 1,200 school districts, including the largest in Dallas and Houston and Austin, are facing prolonged school closures. That was a relief for Lisa Ivy, a 16-year science teacher in Round Rock, Texas, whose fifth-grade daughter had been facing a STAAR test to determine if she would advance to middle school. I watch the anxiety created by these tests, as a teacher and a mom, Ivy said. Her daughter knew what was at stake and was getting nervous that school closures would disrupt the final weeks of learning and review before the critical exam. Watching her get scared about it was crazy, Ivy said. I feel like schools didnt want to cancel because we had STAAR test. In Washington state, where schools are closed statewide until at least April 24, Gov. Jay Inslee canceled standardized testing. In Ohio, where schools are scheduled to be closed for several weeks, Gov. Mike DeWine said: If we cant have testing this year, we will not have testing this year. The world will not come to an end. The Texas test is a high-stakes assessment that starts in third grade and can stop poor-performing students from advancing to the next grade level or even graduating high school. Test scores are also used to evaluate teachers. While Abbotts office said some districts may still want evaluations this year to collect learning data, the Texas State Teachers Association heralded the decision to say theyre not required. With this health crisis, educators, students, parents and their families need to be dedicated to keeping their families safe. Thats stressful enough without having to worry about a standardized test to advance or graduate, TSTA spokesman Clay Robison said. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with preexisting health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild cases recover in about two weeks, while others could take three to six weeks to get well. School districts are grappling with developing online learning for students. Education groups say that creates a problem for standardized testing as students may not have equal access to learning and lessons outside the classroom. Its inherently inequitable, said Noelle Ellerson Ng, associate executive director for advocacy and governance for the American Association of School Administrators. No school district can guarantee students have access to online learning, Ellerson Ng said. Some live in homes where mom and dad can work from home and have the ability to get them through it. Others have parents who will have to go to work and make that the priority. Its a burden parents shouldnt have to feel or schools should be held accountable for. Maggie Brown, a 12-year-old sixth-grader in Austin, Texas, said she wasnt worried about passing the STAAR this year but that she and her group of friends were glad it was canceled. She remembers the stress it put on students trying to advance out of elementary school. I got about 40 texts from my friends in the first hour after it was canceled. My phone was blowing up, Brown said. Im glad we didnt have to go from online learning to taking the STAAR. The class environment is important to getting ready for the test. Mississippi, Georgia and Texas are among more than a dozen states that use standardized test result in rating systems that grade schools and districts on an A-F scale. In Mississippi, where schools Superintendent Carey Wright has called for eliminating standardized testing this year, that could mean teachers in high-performing schools wont be eligible for bonuses of up to $2,000. It also could influence which school districts are eligible for state takeovers and where charter schools are allowed to open. Thats similar to Georgia, where testing accounts not only for 20% of a students grade in eight high school courses. It also factors into how the state selects low-performing schools for special academic aid. Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods has said only that hes suspending testing, but his staff says school closures mean testing is unrealistic when the school year ends in May. Matt Jones, Woods chief of staff, said calling off tests during the coronavirus outbreak shows theres more to school than high achievement on tests. I think it proves that testing is not the sole focus, Jones said. We want to make sure these decisions are student-centered. ___ Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta and David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Georgia is Ready To Declare Emergency Situation Any Time - GeorgianJournal As a result of the rapid spread of the new coronavirus, students at the University of South Carolina will not resume in-person classes for the remainder of the semester, and traditional May graduation ceremonies will be postponed. The Thursday afternoon announcement comes after Gov. Henry McMaster announced that all public K-12 schools, colleges and universities would close statewide due to the spreading coronavirus. USC had already decided to extend its spring break and pivot to online learning, which will start as planned on Monday. Online learning will continue through the completion of final exams in May. This applies to all satellite institutions across the university's system: Columbia, Aiken, Beaufort, Upstate, Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter and Union. The university is "committed to and actively exploring options for rescheduled in-person ceremonies when it is safe to host them," according to a news release. The decision on commencement ceremonies will not affect students' ability to complete their degrees. The decision to postpone May graduation ceremonies and in-person classes was made in conjunction with state health officials and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "I realize that these actions will be deeply disappointing to our students, particularly those who are about to graduate and were looking forward to a final semester on campus, President Bob Caslen said in a statement. The coronavirus presents a serious risk to public health, and we must take these actions in order to best protect our students, faculty and staff." Students previously granted permission to live on campus will be allowed to stay, but all other students must schedule a time to pick up their belongings from the campus' residence halls at a later date. For courses that typically require hands-on, experiential learning, instructors are working to develop alternative methods of instruction. INTRODUCTION: Ezza Ezekuna people otherwise known as Ezza people are descendants of the first son of Ekumenyi - the progenitor of Unwuekumenyi whose biological and foster children constitute Abakaliki bloc of Ebonyi State. Ezza people's ancestral home is Onueke in Ebonyi State even though strong biblical, ethnographic and socio-cultural evidences link Ezza people's descent to Gad, the son of Jacob otherwise known as Israel! For instance, just like Israel, Ezza is made up of twelve tribes. In 1st Chronicles 12:9, Ezza [Ezer] people were ranked first among the tribes that helped David in the wilderness of Ziklag to overcome King Saul's army. The description of Ezza [Ezer] warriors in 1st Chronicles 12:8 as "mighty men of valour, ... whose faces were like faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" is apt for both past and present generations. The people of Ezza Ezekuna remain the largest single family unit in Nigeria. THE MARTYRS AND HEROES OF THE COMMON GOOD: Ezza Ezekuna people are mighty men of valour, honour and integrity: However, the distinguishing character of Ezza Ezekuna people is that their energy and valour are justice and equity-oriented; and have always been used to defend the weak and promote the common good. Beyond the scriptural references cited above to support Ezza people's positive use of their strength, contemporary historical records like the reports of the colonial British Intelligence Officer in charge of the jurisdiction covering the area now known as Ebonyi State, Mr. G.B.G. Chapman, abound in local archives. The encounter of Ezza Ezekuna warriors in the jungles of Ezzaegu and Umuhuali in the 1850s; the endearingly solicited interventions of Ezza Ezekuna people to protect Ezillo people from blood-sucking external aggressors in the dawn of the 20th century; as well as the sinew-exerting wars Ezza people fought to protect Effium people from imminent annihilation in 1928 were properly recorded and all constitute the immutable and incontrovertible history of Ezza Ezekuna people's sacrificial deployment of their gifts of industry and valour to their traditionally avowed pursuit of the common good. It suffices that the security and preservation of most minority groups in Ebonyi and other contagious states were purchased with the blood of Ezza Ezekuna martyrs at the consideration of portions of the saved land which were perpetually transferred to Ezza people. This was how Ezza Ezekuna people who were never marauders at any point in history came to live in great numbers in all the senatorial districts of Ebonyi State; and even in Enugu, Benue, Ondo, Crossriver, Anambra, Lagos and other states. Unlike some other major tribes in Ebonyi State and elsewhere, Ezza Ezekuna people have no history of aggressive invasion or conquest: This, given their strength and ubiquity, is instructive and it is a compelling proof that Ezza Ezekuna people are warm and peaceful people. At the border areas where parts of the saved land were usually transferred absolutely to Ezza people, they live there and serve as bastions of security for the rest of the community. EZZA EZEKUNA AND EBONYI STATE CREATION PROJECT: Beyond the various forms of persecution collectively suffered by Ebonyi people during the agitation for the creation of Ebonyi State, the only martyr of the struggle for the creation of Ebonyi State, Monday Umanyi, was from Ezza Ezekuna. He was killed by anti-Ebonyi elements for mentioning Ebonyi State at a time it was "felonious" to do so. The highest individual donor at the fund-raising of the Movement for the Creation of Ebonyi State, Chief Samuel Okohu; and the man who submitted the formal request for the creation of Ebonyi State at the National Assembly, Sen. Offiah Nwali, were all from Ezza Ezekuna. When Ebonyi State was finally created, a large chunk of Ezza Ezekuna land from Unwuezeokohu through Unwuogharu to Amuzu formed part of the state capital. THE BEGINNING OF ENVY: As the rule of might petered out, giving way to civilization which reduced aggression and the need for peace missions, Ezza Ezekuna people diverted their gift of valour to positive industries like agriculture, trade and services; and to the pursuit of the common good of the people. God prospered them beyond expectations: The first black man to obtain a doctorate degree (Ph.D) in Computer and Analytical Studies from Harvard University and the richest Abakaliki man were all from Ezza Ezekuna. Their number and spread were also potential advantages. All these put together qualified Ezza Ezekuna people as the most enterprising people of Abakaliki bloc. However, before the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996, the positive industry of Ezza Ezekuna people and the progress they made had attracted mountains of envy for them both individually and collectively. THE BALKANIZATION OF EZZA EZEKUNA: The 1997 constituency creation exercise was used to balkanize Ezza Ezekuna people: Ezza South was unequally yoked together with Ikwo who were their traditional allies in Ezzikwo division. Because of Ezza-Effium people in Ohaukwu, the old Ishielu division was balkanized and Ohaukwu merged with Ebonyi LGA to become another federal constituency in Ebonyi North senatorial district while Ezza North and Ishielu formed another federal constituency in Ebonyi Central. So, instead of Ezza North/Ezza South and Ishielu/Ohaukwu federal constituencies, we have Ikwo /Ezza South; Ezza North/Ishielu; and Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituencies. In the State constituency creation, Ezza South was left as a single constituency. In the creation of Electoral Wards, Ezza North and Ezza South had 11 wards apiece; all Ezza-Effium people with a population greater than that of some Local Government Areas were squeezed into two out of the 5 wards of Effium in Ohaukwu LGA while the rest of the wards were assigned to indigenous families. All Ezza people in Ezzaegu were lumped into four electoral wards. Ezza Ezekuna people in Ebonyi South at Abaomege and Ukawu had a total of 3 wards created for them. The great populations of Ezza Ezekuna people in Umuhuali, Ntezi and Ezillo and Ivo had polling units only. The meaning of this manner of constituency/ward delineation for Ezza Ezekuna people becomes clearer in the face of the fact that politics is a game of number. This exercise of fragmentation was done to diffuse the otherwise Domino impact of Ezza Ezekuna voting strength and drastically reduce the weight of Ezza voice as well as Ezza people's ration at the patrimonial dinning table. THE PERSECUTION OF EZZA EZEKUNA: In 1999, the chaperones of democracy in Ebonyi State were swayed by expedient sentiments into using military jackboot menaces and other regimental body languages to scheme Ezza Ezekuna people who effectively and efficiently invested their resources, energy and blood in the preservation of Ebonyi people and in Ebonyi State creation project out of the main power game. A man from the minorities of Ebonyi North district emerged the pioneer elected Governor of Ebonyi State. This was against African cultural protocol which held the elders and first-borns in high regard and treated them as first in everything except where the first born has either sold his birthright like Esau in the Bible or committed an abominable crime! Between 1999 and 2003, Ezza Ezekuna people formed a wall of protection for the pioneer civilian administration, protecting it from the distractions of Abuja Group and propped it up for the second term election; yet, a bill for the creation of autonomous communities for Ebonyi people was denied assent because Ezza Ezekuna people in the diaspora of Ebonyi State would have benefited from it. However, by executive fiat, that same administration created autonomous community for Amuda people who were traditional tenants of Ezza Ezekuna people. In 2002, attempts were made to eject Ezza Ezekuna people from Effium, but it was vehemently resisted. Ebonyi State Government white paper on the report of the panel of inquiry on the crisis in Effium Autonomous Community dated October, 2004 literarily "amended" the Nigerian constitution in order to confer undue disadvantages on Ezza-Effium people, but judicial and constitutional developments have overtaken the white paper. From 2003, government apparatuses were frantically used to divide every major tribes of Ebonyi State. It succeeded beyond target in other places and failed in Ezza Ezekuna because of the strong cultural ties of the people. Two artificial political groups - Ezza Ezekuna Consultative Forum and Ezza Ezekuna General Assembly - were created and; supported with funds; government patronages and promises of successorship; and pitted against each other. In 2007, a time Former President Obasanjo had made Nigeria's democracy compliant with positive cultural norms and usages in a brand of democracy captioned "Home-grown democracy", a Congo-trained economist from Ikwo, the younger brother of Ezza Ezekuna, emerged Governor of Ebonyi State. The error of the extraneous military chaperones of civil rule in 1999 was repeated. At the commencement of biometric data capturing voters registration exercise, insufficient and faulty machines were deployed to Ezza Ezekuna areas. Where the machines miraculously functioned, they were withdrawn without explanation. The result was that no sincere attempt was made to register the voting population of Ezza Ezekuna between 2007 and 2015. Through deft use of state apparatuses, Ezza people in diaspora communities of Ebonyi State were barred from contesting elections into both the state legislature and council chairmanship positions between 2007 and 2015. The case of Ishielu West state constituency was a typical political miracle attributable to God almighty as well as the collective resilience of Ezza Ezekuna people; and not to any mortal man. In 2008, a dispute over the location of a pay-phone booth between two teenagers was allowed to fester into a full-blown war between Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo people wherein the government of Ebonyi State literarily went into the trenches against one of the parties to the dispute. The high-point of the persecution of Ezza Ezekuna people at this historical point was the arrest and detention of only Ezza people, including their traditional rulers and professionals, over a war in which there were casualties on both sides! Ezza-Ezillo people were chased out of their homes. The persecution of Ezza Ezekuna people in this era was so tense that men of conscience like Dr. Hyginus Nwokwu openly confronted the alter ego of the administration in an open-air political rally at the risk of their lives, limbs and gainful engagements. No meaningful developmental project was executed in Ezza land within this period by the government which used propaganda machinery to label and stigmatize Ezza people as cannibals and people bereft of integrity, humane emotions and so undeserving of trust, love and human relations. THE DAWN OF RELIEF: The high-level emotions and sentiments which heralded the 2015 power game provided yet another room for the persecuted and but courageously resilient people of Ezza Ezekuna to demonstrate their commitment to the common good of Ebonyi State. Ezza people stood strong insisting that power must shift to Ebonyi South so as to equitably complete the cycle of power. Their protest votes helped sink the ship of brazen inequity in Ebonyi State. The emergence of the third civilian administration in Ebonyi State was a watershed marking a new dawn of freedom and relief for all Ebonyians including the persecuted people of Ezza Ezekuna. The gates of prisons were flung open to readmit the innocent traditional rulers, professionals and youths of Ezza Ezekuna to freedom. The negative labels were yanked off the people of Ezza Ezekuna while the propaganda machineries against them were dismantled with regimental dispatch. With the withdrawal of government machineries from the theatre of Ezillo by the new sheriff, hostilities ceased. A committee of clergymen was empaneled to study the remote and immediate causes of hostilities between Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo people and advise government on how to reconcile the parties and restore peace in Ezillo on permanent terms. In the end, the proper status of Ezza-Ezillo people as co-owners of Ezzilo land was established and declared; Izzo autonomous community was created for Ezza-Ezillo people; a land area yet to be effectively occupied by Ezza-Ezillo people was mapped out for their resettlement; and peace has been restored to the extent that inter-community marriages involving Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo people have been celebrated. Since 2015, the process of re-admission of Ezza people into the pinnacle of social acceptance has been on. Meaningful projects like roads and the pulverization plant have been done in Ezza land; Ezza Ezekuna people have been appointed into sensitive positions with one charged with driving the flagship radical infrastructural revolution of the administration; and two Ezza Ezekuna sons in the diaspora of Ebonyi State - Hon. Chinedu Awo from Ezza Effium and Hon. Arinze Chukwu from Ezza Ntezi - have been elected into Ebonyi State Legislature and are currently serving their terms. It is instructive that in all these positions of public trust, Ezza Ezekuna sons and daughters have proved their mettles as people of goodwill and positive industry through diligent and dispassionate discharge of their duties. CONCLUSION: This assemblage of verifiable incontrovertible facts and time-tested antecedents of the great people of Ezza Ezekuna became necessary to refresh our memories and set the records straight in the face of the deluge of lies and fabrications bothering on blackmail which are daily peddled by some political speculators ahead of the far away 2023 power game. The truth is that the people of Ezza Ezekuna have truly earned the profile of the unsung martyrs and heroes of Ebonyi commongood. If one will not sing this great people, one should eschew any attempt to disparage them for the obvious reasons that such act is futile, uncharitable and smacks of bad faith. POST SCRIPT: Those behind the smear campaign against the most accessible and flamboyant senator from Ebonyi State as well as the media war between Izhi Tehu Foundation and Izzi Development Association are advised to desist from such acts which are condemnable. It is trite that we are better together in Ebonyi State and one can still run one's political campaigns without casting aspersions on real or imagined political adversaries. Above all, the fact that the 2023 General Elections timetable has not been published by INEC and the political parties implies that this period is for governance and not for political campaigns. 138 Shares Share Dear Mr. President, I write to you now to congratulate you. You are at the cusp of a moment that historians will note catapulted you into one of the great chapters of the American story. Your name will forever be listed among the great men of the ages. The businessman turned TV star turned chief of the greatest battle against the most feared pandemic of the age. The man who was not afraid to rise to his moment. They will see the day in March of 2020 when you realized mistakes had been made thus far, but put aside those false-starts to rally a fearful and divided nation. Your shuttering of schools will be hailed as a tough but critical measure, stopping children with minor symptoms from spreading the infection like wildfire to the millions of Americans at risk for serious illness. Your distribution of disaster assistance to partially employed and furloughed well people to make sure school children at home have food and other assistance will be considered masterful. Your mobilization of military and federal forces to rapidly build structures on and adjacent to hospitals will triple effective bed capacity in weeks to months, saving thousands of lives. Those soldiers will then provide the extra hands and security to allow clinicians to multiply their effective presence several times over, saving countless people and bringing order to an early chaos. Your rapid analysis of the oxygen and ventilator supply chains will be a brilliant insight into what few knew would be a bottleneck of care. It will allow stateside and local manufacturers of other equipment to rapidly turn out production and delivery of simple and innovative ventilators, breathing machines, and oxygen concentrators. Historians and critics alike will call this your Apollo 13 moment; bold, imaginative, and just in time. Lessons learned during these innovations will reduce the cost and size of these devices for a generation to come, and serve as a safeguard against future more dangerous pandemics. Youll pivot almost overnight to address the lack of testing capacity and the flawed testing strategies that hampered early response to the pandemic. You will realize that clinicians and hospitals are better off if they know a critically ill patient has COVID-19. But you will also recognize that a haphazard patchwork of testing well people unduly ties up needed resources and provides little benefit to individuals or the community. Instead, you will institute daily surveillance testing across the country (for example, testing 100 healthcare providers, 100 well people with flu-like symptoms, and 100 people with no symptoms) to understand the size and scope of the outbreak and guide policy with accurate data to make rational and effective decisions. Your about-face from focusing on ineffective tools to buoy the economy to rational pandemic interventions will initially rattle some, but economists will universally rave at your prescience; what could reassure the markets more than the most powerful man in the world taking the bull head-on? After addressing the clear and present danger and minimizing the harm from it, the economy will rally, and the people will know who to credit. Firefighters, police, and EMS will appreciate it when you recognize their vital and yet risky link with hospital emergency departments. Your rapid development of expert recommendations on the provision of care during disaster status, and federal human resource assistance to back it up, will allow fires to be put out and police to respond for the most serious of events despite an untenable volume of work. Future leaders will marvel that you used your iron will and business acumen to shatter bureaucrat inertia in yes-men and yes-women who gum the works in every institution. Your empowering of federal and local operational experts and your phone-calls directly to the clinical leaders in major institutions across the country will empower the people on the frontline to cut through red tape and poor institutional insight, to mobilize for their battle. You will work with and against when necessary regulators, unions, and other agencies, because you recognize that in war, these peace-time institutions may not serve the beneficence of the people. Thanks to your example, these institutions will evolve their own mandates to ensure they retain the ability to respond appropriately in future extraordinary events. Mr. President, well done. As a physician, father, and citizen in the greatest country on earth, I thank you deeply in advance for rising to your moment. Dale Cotton is an emergency medicine physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com The government may close restaurants and cafes in Georgia - GeorgianJournal Shainu Mohan By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the past few weeks, 31-year-old Sarfaraz Ansaris wife has been reiterating over the phone to stay safe and take care of himself. In turn, he assures her that sanitisers have become his close companion. About 2,500 kilometres away from his home in Giridih district of Jharkhand, Sarfaraz has been fighting two battles -- one for life and another for livelihood. As per statistics, there are around 25 lakh migrant labourers in the state. While several are fleeing the state owing to the Covid-19 scare, many are trying to uplift their spirit and remain in the city to provide a living for their families residing miles away. Ansaris wife is disturbed by the news reports on the rising number of cases in the district. But, for Sarfaraz, moving away from Thiruvananthapuram is unthinkable as he has three mouths to feed at home. Moreover, even if he returns to Giridih and acquires a job, the pay would be a quarter of his current salary. His colleagues and he receive food thrice a day from the restaurant they work at. If the government decides to close eateries and provision stores, I have no choice but return home, he says. For Manzoor, Kerala is the promised land and working here means ensuring a good education for his four children in Jharkhand. Though his family is concerned, he doesnt think it is advisable to leave the state. I may get a good job if I return to Jharkhand. However, a smooth life isnt guaranteed, he says. Affected sectors Several sectors including construction have been affected due to fleeing migrant labourers. Member of the National Governing Council of CREDAI S N Reghuchandran Nair said the state is extremely dependent on migrant labourers. If there is a mass exodus of migrant labourers, the state, especially the construction industry, will be the most affected. Around 15 to 16 lakh migrant labourers are working in the construction sector. Now, we have stepped up hygiene at construction sites. If any of them gets affected by the virus, the situation will worsen as they live in camps, he said. Meanwhile, many major development projects have suffered a blow due to the unavailability of sufficient labourers. Several projects that have already been issued work orders such as the construction of bus stops and installation of water kiosks have been hit owing to the shortage of labourers, said an official with the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL). Here is a look at local news from mid-Michigan, as the coronavirus grips the state. On Thursday, March 19, state officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Isabella County. Watch here for the latest updates from the ongoing outbreak: The economy must function in this period, especially in the key sectors, Prime Minister Ludovic Orban emphasized on Thursday, further requesting companies to take protection measures for employees and showed that all state institutions must function at maximum capacity. "The economy must function, especially in key points, in the energy domain, the utilities delivery domain, the public services, all the state institutions must function at maximum capacity, the medical area, all the area of supply for the population, the entire commercial area must function at full capacity, to ensure normal supply conditions, in order to ensure the delivery of all services, all utilities for functioning. As such, I request all companies to take measures to protect employees," Orban said. He added that the Government has been watching carefully, since the start of the epidemic, all developments and has taken measures. "We keep the same mobilization and we are prepared, depending on the developments, to take any measures to protect the health of the population. In the coming period, I requested of the Minister of Health, the Minister of Interior and the other ministers involved a better mobilization, a strengthening of the capacities of the public health directorates. I must tell you we found public health directorates in near clinical death - a small number of employees, neglected by the governments before us - and we disposed measures to strengthen the capacity of the public health directorates: the employment of staff, be them residents, or medics, from the school network, or personnel from other entities, who have the capacity to conduct activities, for example, from county health insurance authorities. Furthermore, possibly, doctors working in hospitals which are not in the front line in the fight against the coronavirus," said Ludovic Orban. According to him, the number of epidemiologists will also be increased. "We have raised and we will constantly raise the number of epidemiologists who are involved in the investigations carried out, because the speed by which the epidemiological investigations are conducted, when a person is confirmed positive, and the speed to adopt the measures influence the reduction in the spread of the virus in the community," Orban said. The head of the executive emphasized that he asked the MAI to take powerful measures to ensure the respect of home isolation and quarantine. "I requested the Minister of Interior, especially since taking over the Local Police, to take powerful measures to ensure the respect of home isolation and quarantine, if it's necessary even through mobile gendarme teams to go and check in person in as many localities the way in which home isolation is respected and, together with the representatives of the local administration, with the mayor, with the employees of the mayoralty, on the basis of existing situations, take all the measures necessary, including drastic punishment measures, either through fines, or through the opening of criminal cases," said the Prime Minister. Another major objective is preparing hospitals to ensure treatment conditions as best as possible if the number of persons infected increases. "We are gradually preparing hospitals, depending on the level of spread, so that we increase the treatment capacity in all hospitals that have the possibility and conditions to treat patients," the Prime Minister indicated. "I'm used to being the only girl on the track." A commanding performance in very challenging conditions, fell just shy of overall victory for Gray Leadbetter in the recent Arctic Derby Dash at Eagle River, Wisconsin. The 15-year old female driving phenom posted the fastest time in practice and finished first in her heat race. As the Arctic name implies, it was supposed to be a test of driving skill on ice and snow, but unseasonably warm weather played havoc with track conditions as the temperature hit 46 degrees for the final race. The multi-turn course with its high banking and big jump, turned into a quagmire of ice, snow, slush and water. In the final, Gray got a great start and quickly built a lead of several car lengths. It should have been an insurmountable lead, but unfortunately, a yellow flag for an incident on the track brought the rest of the field to her rear bumper. When racing resumed, she held the lead until there were just three laps remaining. In the sloppy, ever changing conditions, Gray got bogged down in a turn and a competitor was able to get by her. She pushed hard, but Gray had to settle for the second step on the podium. It is a testament to her driving ability that this young woman from the southern state of North Carolina could travel to Wisconsin and come so very close to winning it all in the ice, snow and slush. Its also worth noting that Gray was the only young woman competing against 21 young men. Im used to being the only girl on the track, said Gray. I didnt even realize it until I was looking over the results at the end. But any young man that watched Gray from behind all weekend shouldnt feel too bad. Gray started racing motorcycles at just 3 years of age. Now, at the tender age of 15, she has 12 years of serious racing experience. Last year, she made her professional debut in the American Rallycross Series driving for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing of Indycar fame. Naturally, she was the only young woman in that series, as well and was competing against drivers with Indy 500 experience. Pretty heady stuff for a young woman of just 14 years old at the time. The Arctic Derby Dash is part of the Monster Energy King of the Elements SXS Series that is the brainchild of racer Johnny Greaves. The series runs several events throughout the Midwest, providing competitors with the unique challenge of competing on snow and ice, dirt short course, cross country and circle track with jokers, jumps and unexpected twists and turns. You can expect to see Gray in her Yamaha YXZ1000 competing throughout the year. That means it could be a very long season for some of the boys. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities visit http://www.grayleadbetter.com Photos: Harlan Foley Details added (first version posted on 20:32) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: The Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers regularly informs the public about the preventive measures against coronavirus COVID-19, as well as the medical check-up and control over individuals suspected of being infected with coronavirus, Trend reports referring to the joint statement of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers and the Prosecutor Generals Office. The statement was made after Azerbaijani citizen Ulviyya Muradova (Ulviyya Alovlu) was issued a warning regarding the spread of coronavirus-related information on social networks. Thus, as a result of investigation conducted by the Azerbaijani Prosecutor Generals Office, it was revealed that Ulviyya Muradova posted on her Facebook page false information about the allegedly large-scale spread of coronavirus in the country, the statement said. Moreover, Muradova also used in her posts expressions casting a shadow on the purposeful steps of the state agencies to combat the pandemic, misleading the public and causing concern among people, the statement said. As a result, Muradova was summoned to the Prosecutor General's Office. In accordance with the requirements of the Azerbaijani law "On the Prosecutor's Office", Muradova was officially warned that if she continues to deliberately disseminate illegal information misleading the public, sowing panic among people for the sake of sensation and without verification of information, then more severe measures prescribed by legislation, including criminal prosecution, will be taken, the statement said. In the current situation worldwide, citizens and the media outlets are required to show maximum responsibility and comprehensively support the measures which are taken by the state, the statement said. The most severe measures will be taken towards the media outlets, as well as users of social networks deliberately disseminating misleading information. Photo: ABC Much like you can measure the age of a tree by its rings, you can track the spread of the coronavirus in America by watching The View. On March 11, which was exactly one week and also somehow six years ago, The View was one of the first shows we saw air without an in-studio audience, a fact that was pointed out by Whoopi Goldberg enthusiastically greeting rows and rows of empty chairs. Then, on March 13, The View aired a pretaped episode where Joy Behar announced that she was leaving the show to quarantine against the virus, because shes in a higher-risk group. Now Whoopis working from home, and like so many first-time remote workers under social distancing, she doesnt seem to know that theres a mute feature on Zoom. On a March 18 episode, as Abby Huntsman was describing the measures shes taking, buying gift cards to every cafe in my neighborhood to support small businesses during the pandemic, a cell phone started to ring something that would be part of the average cacophony of daytime TV if it werent for Meghan McCain shooting a confused, upset reaction across the room (to the empty audience, we must remind you). Things dissolve even further when Whoopi actually, apparently, picks up the call, answering, Hello? as though if she whispered quietly enough or covered her mouth a bit, we wouldnt all be able to hear her on live TV. did.... whoopi just answer her phone pic.twitter.com/mlNCCdpRXg Deja The View (@dejatheviewpod) March 18, 2020 In another clip from the episode, The Views usual everyone talking over each other is shown to be a tad less effective when one persons on speakerphone. During an argument over trade with China, Meghan McCain said, I cant tell whos yelling at me right now, first, even as Sunny Hostin ceded the floor to Whoopi, who from her quarantine feed shot back with panache, No, no, no ones yelling. Im just trying to make sure you can hear me. this is the most chaotic episode yet pic.twitter.com/UkmWU6H5pi Deja The View (@dejatheviewpod) March 18, 2020 Even when shes out of the studio entirely, Whoopi will have the floor, forever and always. I am a fifth-generation farmer. Spring weather arrived in Connecticut early, and since February the landscape has been greening and tree buds swelling. St. Patricks Day saw daffodils bursting and forsythia turning yellow several weeks early! Today I am in the field walking our barnyard hillside with a pail of fescue, flinging the grass seed into the calm morning air, watching it fall into the tiny fissures that crisscross like a spider web over the slightly frozen surface of the land. Frost cracking. My father showed me how; as did his father show him, and so on back nearly two centuries. Spring showers and alternate freezing and thawing will sprout the seed; the young grass will protect the steep slopes of spruce and fir Christmas trees from erosion. This use of dwarf fescue was the result of scientific research at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station the first station in America. Along with UConn Cooperative Extension, our citizens are given valuable information to protect our environment. Science and education are investments we should all appreciate. Walking across the land, I marvel at the boulders that seem to breach the former cow pasture, now tree plantation, like whales in the sea. They vary between shades of gray, brown, black and tan while others sport stripes of white quartz or flecks of mica sparkling in the sun. Undisturbed for centuries, many of the rocks are covered with intricate patterns of lichens. Where shade or moisture is abundant, colonies of verdant moss are also clinging to the rocks. We might describe this colorful scene as Connecticut coral. A very large and special boulder, the size of an elephant, has awed seven generations of Jones children who see in it a giant frog with gaping mouth Be good or the Frog Monster will get you in the night! By mid-morning, my legs are tiring and the warm sun beckons me to pause on a bench of Connecticut granite set into the hillside. The bench is a gift from the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers to honor my father, Philip, one of the association founders in 1960. The granite is a bit rough, but warm and comfortable in the sun. The sky is beyond blue and a small flock of bluebirds is stunning as they alight on the blue spruce trees around me. A pair of red-tailed hawks soars over the distant hayfields searching for their breakfast mouse. Appreciating the mornings beauty keeps me still while fond memories fill my head. One hundred yards to my right is an old European larch, having reached its mature height of 90 feet. Philip planted it as a seedling in 1947. Now it will grow no taller and is vulnerable to stormy winds that batter its limbs. But for now, the tree survives and holds a special spot in the landscape. For me the tree is a poignant reminder that life is finite; since I, too, was born in 1947. Other memorable trees nearby are the pair of ancient lightning oaks under which in July 1952, 10 of our herd of 30 milking cows were electrocuted in a thunderstorm. My grandfather found them at sunrise on a Sunday morning, after only 20 were waiting at the barn for milking. To my left is a vigorous three-foot Colorado blue spruce planted by Gov. Dan Malloy during a farm visit three springs ago. Although he turned down an invitation to join the planting crew, this single tree is thriving. Further down the slope is the weathered historic farm barn, first built in the 1860s. The foundation was split from granite boulders and hauled down the hillside by my great-great grandpas team of oxen. A new addition was added in 1944 delayed 12 years by the Great Depression. Five generations, including myself, cared for dairy cows in that barn until the herd was sold in 1966. Today, folks enjoy gathering in the historic structure to taste the terroir of the wines produced on the farm by my son, Jamie. Near the barn and in the distance are many acres of vibrant vineyards, recently hand pruned and ready to burst their buds. From the bench, I stretch my legs to rest on the granite wellstone placed to protect the pure waters that gravity fed the cattle and my family for a century. I stood up from the bench that honors my father, Philip. My mind was overwhelmed with the beauty of the hills, trees, vineyards, rocks and rills. And interwoven with this land of natural beauty came thoughts of all the humanity family, friends, workers, scientists, political leaders, educators, artists, artisans and guests that have found this small corner of the earth to be a special and sacred place. Gazing through the sunlight, I felt the trickle of a tear slipping down my cheek, and saw it fall onto my fathers bench. I remembered his birthday, Oct. 16, 1918, at the nascent Griffin Hospital in Derby. It was during the peak of the Spanish Flu pandemic which claimed so many lives in the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut and around the globe. Baby Philip and his mother, Joan, were not allowed to leave the hospital for three weeks. With love and care, mother and son were safe. Years later, she was known to remark of the ordeal, best vacation of my life! Philip grew to become a Christmas tree pioneer and member of the Connecticut General Assembly. He lived a life of love and service to Connecticut, lasting a few weeks short of 97 years. Terry Jones is a Shelton farmer. He serves as vice president of the Board of Control at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, and board member at CT Working Lands Alliance, the Valley Community Foundation and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. Africa's largest innovation incubator, CcHub, will offer funding and engineering support to tech projects aimed at curbing COVID-19 and its social and economic impact. The Lagos and Nairobi based organization posted an open application on its website this week, CcHub CEO Bosun Tijani told TechCrunch on a call. CcHub will provide $5,000 to $100,000 funding blocks to companies with COVID-19 related projects covering last-mile communication, support for the infected and the most vulnerable, production of essential medical supplies and support for disrupted food supply-chains. The organization, and its iHub affiliate, will also open up engineering support and resources from its CcHub Design Lab to funded companies, according to Tijani. He noted that established startups that want to create COVID-19 related projects on the side of their core-business can apply. The initiative stems from concerns Africa could be less prepared than other regions in dealing with an outbreak of the virus that has spread in China, Europe and the U.S. and is wreaking economic havoc globally. Tijani hopes CcHub can employ its network and resources to limit the spread and damage of COVID-19 in Africa. The Lagos based innovation-space acquired Kenya's iHub in 2019, bringing together two of Africas most powerful tech hubs by membership networks, VC, volume of programs, startups incubated and global visibility. "Quite a number of African countries, if they get to the level of Italy or the UK, I don't think the system... is resilient enough to provide support to something like that," Tijani said. Reported cases in major population countries, such as Kenya and Nigeria, were in single digits as late as last week, but those numbers are spiking. By the World Health Organization's latest stats Wednesday there were 463 COVID-19 cases in Africa and 10 confirmed deaths related to the virus. Governments are taking action. South Africa, which has the second-largest reported COVID-19 outbreak on the continent, declared a national disaster this week, banned public gatherings and announced travel restrictions on the U.S. and U.K. Kenya has also imposed its own travel and crowd restrictions. Story continues Only two cases have been recorded in Nigeria, but CcHub's Tijani fears the actual scenario for the West African country and Kenya could be much worse. CcHub CEO Bosun Tijani1 "I think Lagos and Nigeria are in denial. Some governments in Africa are taking action, but the focus in Africa has been relying on port of entry [measures], which isn't reliable because...I suspect it's already here...people may not have symptoms yet," said Tijani. If there is a rapid outbreak, he fears it will overwhelm a number of sectors in countries such as Nigeria and Kenya. "We don't have the health systems to contain it. We don't have the the welfare system that can work for the most vulnerable, such as elderly... we don't manufacture most of these medical supplies and our food [supply-chain] is not reliable," Tijani added. Addressing these pending challenges related to COVID-19 in Africa is what CcHub hopes to support in its latest open call to fund projects. The innovation incubator isn't the only tech player on the continent shifting to respond to a possible crisis as a result of the coronavirus. Pan-African on-demand trucking logistics company Kobo360 has asked employees who can work remotely to do so in Ghana and Nigeria, according to the Chief Strategy Officer Kagure Wamunyu. The Goldman Sachs backed startup is also planning contingencies to ensure supply-chain continuity, should COVID-19 disrupt business and mobility in its markets. In Kenya, the country is turning to its leading mobile-money product, M-Pesa, to reduce the the chances of an outbreak. Safaricom waived transaction fees on the app this week to increase digital-payments use and lower the risk of spreading the COVID-19 through physical handling of cash. Vietnam Airlines will halt all of its international flights until the end of April, the national carrier said on Thursday. The airline will suspend flights to and from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar from Saturday. Services to and from the UK and Japan will cease next Monday. Flights to Germany and Australia will stop on Tuesday next week while services from there to Vietnam will halt one day later.. Vietnam Airlines has already suspended flights between Vietnam and mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, France, Russia, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The flag carrier cited COVID-19 and many countries closing their borders as the reasons for the suspension, which will be in place until the end of April 30. Affected passengers will be allowed to change their flight schedule without paying any fee or being subject to any condition if they have their tickets issued before March 25, the airline said. Vietnam requires that arrivals from countries where there is a major COVID-19 outbreak and from the U.S., European countries, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) be sent to quarantine camps for 14 days the incubation period of the novel coronavirus. The Southeast Asian country has confirmed 76 COVID-19 cases so far, with 16 having fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital. Among the cases being treated, 22 are foreigners, including 13 Britons, one Irishman, two Germans, one from the Czech Republic, one Latvian, one U.S. citizen, and three French nationals. Vietnam treats locals for free while charging foreign patients a fee for their treatment, though they are exempt from testing and isolation expenses. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Australians could be subject to wartime food rationing if coronavirus panic-buying continues, the government has warned. Scott Morrison lashed out at 'hoarders' who are stock-piling food during the pandemic, saying their behaviour was 'un-Australian'. The hysteria has seen supermarket shelves stripped of toilet paper, pasta, rice and frozen food, as well as tinned and other dried goods. If it continues, the government could be forced to bring in enforced buying limits using its new emergency powers, designed to stop a nationwide shutdown. A man pictured with 10 packets of toilet paper piled into a trolley at a Woolworths store as shoppers scrambled to get their hands on the product (pictured) 'I would at first appeal to Australians to do the right thing,' Mr Morrison said as he addressed the nation on Wednesday. WHAT COULD BE RATIONED? During the Second World War, Australians were subject to rationing. This included clothing, sugar, tea, butter and meat. Each adult was allocated 500g of butter and 1kg of sugar per fortnight, and around 200g of meat every week. Given the escalating coronavirus crisis, it is likely other types of items would also be restricted. This could include soap, toilet paper, rice and pasta, as well as painkillers. Advertisement 'Obviously, there are measures that could be moved towards if we had to do it, but, to be honest, I'd be very disappointed if we had to. 'I think Australians are better than that.' The measures referred to are understood to be part of the National Co-ordination Mechanism (NCM) This special measure was triggered on March 5 in response to growing fears about the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, which started in China in December. While usually such buying limits would only be recommendations, by declaring a biosecurity emergency on Wednesday the government can now enforce such rules. 'Stop hoarding. I can't be more blunt about it. Stop it,' Mr Morrison said of the shopping panic. 'That is not who we are as a people. It is not necessary. It is not something that people should be doing. A zero tolerance sign was placed outside Woolworths in Sunbury (pictured) after reports of staff being abused by irate customers Supermarket shelves across the country have been cleared out as people rush to stockpile on items (pictured on Monday) WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW EMERGENCY POWERS? The National Co-ordination Mechanism was enacted on March 5, and now has even more sweeping powers after COVID-19 was declared a biosecurity emergency on Wednesday. It means the NCD can bring in policies designed to keep Australians safe, and includes control over education, public safety, policing, banking, transport, food and agriculture. Advertisement 'It's ridiculous. It's un-Australian, and it must stop, and I would ask people to do the right thing by each other in getting a handle on these sorts of practices.' Russell Zimmerman, director of the Australian Retailers Association, told the Australian that shops would 'have to work with' any government buying limits. 'No one wants it to reach that stage (but) the government has to make these decisions in the best interest of the nation,' he said. 'When you walk into a supermarket and you see half the stuff missing off the shelves, you get knots in your stomach and panic, thinking what you want wont be there next time.' Large crowds of elderly people are seen outside Woolworths in Sunbury on Tuesday (pictured) Poll Is Australia doing enough to prevent the spread of CORONAVIRUS? Yes No Is Australia doing enough to prevent the spread of CORONAVIRUS? Yes 860 votes No 2944 votes Now share your opinion He also praised Queensland's decision to bring in delivery curfews to ensure shelves are properly stocked. Similar measures are also being considered in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. Mr Morrison has reassured the public the government was putting in place 'scalable and sustainable measures' and bulk-buying was unnecessary. He also asked people to stop 'abusing staff' after footage emerged online of customers verbally attacking supermarket employees because they couldn't locate goods. Panic-buying has caused stress and frustration amongst elderly shoppers, many of whom find it difficult to make frequent visits to supermarkets for essential goods. Australia's major supermarket chains also banded together on Wednesday to plead with customers to be considerate of each other and treat staff members respectfully. Supermarkets have warehouses full of food, but are struggling to stock the shelves in a timely fashion because of panicked shoppers stock-piling food (stock image) Panic buying has resulted in supermarkets left stripped of toilet paper, pasta, rice and frozen food, as well as tinned and other dried goods (pictured is empty shelves in Melbourne) Aldi, Coles, IGA and Woolworth said they were doing everything they could to get as much produce on the shelves as possible, often under difficult circumstances. 'So we ask you to please be considerate in the way you shop,' they said in a joint statement. 'We understand your concerns, but if you buy only what you need and stick to the product limits it helps everyone, especially the elderly and people with disability.' Supermarkets have been forced to introduce buying limits on items due to the surge in demand for goods. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Woolworths issued tougher restrictions on Wednesday announcing customers will only be able to purchase two items from any single category from most packaged products. Items exempt from the policy include fruit and vegetables, seafood and meat (excluding mince) as well as deli, bakery items, canned fish and dairy products, which cannot be hoarded due to near-term use-by dates. One-pack limits are still in place for toilet paper, baby wipes, antibacterial wipes, paper towels, napkins and rice. Coles added chilled white milk, including plant-based non-dairy & goats milk, sugar, UHT long-life milk, canned tomatoes, and liquid soap to its list of restricted items on Wednesday. The four mayors of the towns that make up The Wildwoods are asking people to avoid coming to the island due to the coronavirus pandemic, with one mayor suggesting shutting the bridges to non-permanent residents. The statement came hours after Cape May County announced Wednesday a man from New York City tested positive for the coronavirus after visiting a medical facility within the county. The man is currently self-quarantining and is being monitored by the countys health department. On Tuesday, Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton suggested visitors who live outside of the county should stay away for two weeks. In the Wednesday joint statement, the mayors asked people who are not permanent residents to avoid going to the The Wildwoods, also known as of Five Mile Island. The mayors said that while they can support the population during the summer months, the lack of available resources during the slower winter months would put a strain on emergency personnel and essential shopping locations such as supermarkets. In the statement, Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera suggested stopping incoming traffic onto the island unless people were year-round residents. It is in the best interest of the Wildwoods, as well as the second homeowners of the Wildwoods and Cape May County, for everyone to stay home at their primary residences, rather than debilitating all supplies and infrastructure on our island during this state of emergency, Cabrera said in the statement. This is simply a matter of human compassion. I prefer access to Cape May County and the Wildwoods bridges temporarily closed unless living here year-round, employed on the island, or caring for a senior or person needing assistance. West Wildwood Mayor Christopher Fox said he understood the strain the influx of people would have on the File Mile Island, and North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello noted that because its March, most of the businesses on the island are either operating with mandatory closures, or operating on restricted hours, and limited staff and goods. Rosenello added the barrier island could not support an expedient and drastic increase in population during this time of the year. City of Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron said the show of unity among the four city leaders should display the urgency of the situation. We as the mayors of all four towns, which have been through multiple major coastal storms that required evacuations, understand how debilitating emergencies can be on our barrier island, which is why we are stressing our second homeowners to stay home, rather than relocating to the Wildwoods during the COVID-19 outbreak, Byron said in the statement. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. WSU Commencement Postponed, Events Canceled through May 10 March 18, 2020 OGDEN, Utah The Utah System of Higher Education, in consultation with university presidents, announced the postponement of Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies at all institutions, including Weber State University. Weber State has begun looking for a date after the current public health crisis passes when we can gather in person, preferably, but virtually if necessary, to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. The university will announce the date and details as soon as possible. Many of us consider commencement the most important event we hold on campus, said WSU President Brad Mortensen. I know this news is disappointing to us all, but especially our students who were looking forward to celebrating this incredible milestone at the end of their educational journey. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced us to alter many of our lives and activities. We will continue to work as a united Weber State family to help each other be successful in the days and weeks ahead. Despite this change, diplomas will arrive in the mail once final grades have been submitted and degrees have been processed. Most students can expect their diplomas to arrive in the mail two to four weeks from the grade submission deadline of April 28. Events Canceled through May 10 Heeding the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health departments, the university is also canceling all WSU events scheduled through May 10. This cancelation may be extended, depending on public health recommendations. Facilities Closed to Public To further extend our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as of March 18 at 6 p.m., access to all Weber State University buildings, with the exception of the residence halls, is limited to faculty and staff, as we continue to adhere to social-distancing protocols. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to closely abide by all of the federal coronavirus guidelines during this national emergency. In particular, students should refrain from visiting campus or congregating in groups of 10 or more. The 600-plus students who are currently living on campus will continue to receive services and support. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Getty Images The Illinois National Guard and the Illinois Department of Military Affairs are taking precautions to limit the exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus, including temporary closures, curtailments and different work options for both federal and state employees. We are balancing the need to reduce risk with the need to continue operations that are vital to our state and federal missions, said Brig. Gen. Richard Neely, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. We will retain the core of what we do. We will respond to the needs of the state. We will continue to fight our nations wars. We have a no-fail contract with the citizens of Illinois and the United States of America. We have their sacred trust. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- U.S. school districts may be flagged as over-identifying students of color as having disabilities when other factors, such as achievement gaps, may explain these disparities, according to new Penn State research published in Exceptional Children. Federal legislation and regulations require U.S. school districts to monitor whether students of color are overrepresented in special education. School districts reporting overrepresentation that exceeds pre-specified risk ratio thresholds are required to take corrective action including reallocating up to 15 percent of their federal funding for special education. Earlier work led to the belief that U.S. school districts were systemically over-identifying students as having disabilities based on their race or ethnicity. According to Paul Morgan, Harry and Marion Eberly Fellow, professor of education and demography, and director of Penn State's Center for Educational Disparities, new work is now consistently finding that students of color are less likely, on average, to be identified as having disabilities than similarly situated students who are white. "We sought to extend this knowledge base by expanding our analysis to include black-to-white and Hispanic-to-white student achievement gaps, as well as other variables measured at the district level for several thousand districts nationwide, as alternative explanatory factors for the reported risk ratios," said Morgan. The research team used data sets from the U.S. Department of Education, the Civil Rights Data Collection survey on student enrollment, services, and outcomes, and the new Stanford Education Data archive that includes school district-level mathematics and reading achievement scores. They analyzed about 2,000 districts with black students and white students, and about 2,500 districts with Hispanic students and white students. "In many U.S. school districts, the lack of racial diversity in student enrollment makes it difficult to conduct this type of analysis," said Morgan. After merging the data sets, the researchers found that the larger a district's black or Hispanic-to-white achievement gap, the larger a district's black or Hispanic-to-white risk ratio. Statistical control for district-level achievement gaps indicated that, on average, black and Hispanic students were less likely to be receiving special education than white students. "This provides further evidence in the debate regarding whether non-white students are overrepresented in special education due to systemic bias," Morgan said. "While inappropriate over-identification may sometimes be occurring, our analyses of district-level data suggests that the greater representation of black or Hispanic students in special education is largely explained by black or Hispanic students being more likely to experiencing academic difficulties. U.S. school districts may be attempting to provide students experiencing academic difficulties with greater academic supports, including through special education. " The researchers were able to demonstrate a method that can be used to identify U.S. school districts where significant disproportionality is occurring that is not explained by achievement gaps. This method could be used by state and federal authorities to better monitor for U.S. districts for significant disproportionality based on race or ethnicity. "Doing so would provide a more methodologically and substantively justifiable method for identifying school districts where significant disproportionality based on race or ethnicity may be occurring, and where further civil rights investigations may be warranted," Morgan said. ### Other researchers on the project were George Farkas, distinguished professor of education, University of California, Irvine; and Marianne Hillemeier, professor emerita of health policy and administration; Cynthia Mitchell, researcher analyst and programmer; and Adrienne Woods, postdoctoral research scholar in educational policy, all at Penn State. Funding was provided by Penn State's Center for Educational Disparities Research, part of the Social Science Research Institute; an infrastructure grant to Penn State's Population Research Institute; and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Petrol pumps in Chandigarh saw long queues on Thursday as residents went to fill up their vehicles amid rumours of a lockdown in the city. Grocery stores also remained busy throughout the day with people ignoring social distancing advisories as they stocked up on essentials. Chandigarh petroleum dealers association general secretary Amandeep Singh said that rumour mongering had led to this stockpiling. The Prime Minister was to give an address at 8pm which had the people worried that petrol pumps may be shut. He added that the rush started around 5pm and went on till 7:30pm, with petrol pumps earning almost 30% more than its daily average despite going through a lean period due to the Covid-19 outbreak. NO EFFECT AT MOHALI PETROL PUMPS This effect, however, wasnt seen in Mohali. Mohali petroleum dealers association president Ashwinder Mongia confirmed that it was business as usual at the pumps in Mohali, which continues on the lower side due to social isolation by Mohali amid the Covid-19 outbreak. RUSH DUE TO FAKE NEWS: GROCERS Grocers in the city also reported long lines. Chandigarh grain market association president Ram Karan Gupta, a wholesaler, said, Due to fake news on WhatsApp, many people were convinced that the city would go into lockdown from Friday and markets will be shut. However, this is all misinformation and markets will remain open. He added that the grain market remained crowded throughout the day and many retailers had to come to him a second time in the day to stock up on essentials like atta, pulses and biscuits. THOSE SPREADING FAKE NEWS TO FACE CYBER CASE The Chandigarh police issued a statement that anyone found spreading or circulating misinformation or fake news from unauthorised sources on social media regarding COVID-19 will be booked under cyber laws. The orders were issued by authorities citing that posts on social media create panic and unrest. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has described Russian President Vladimir Putin's ongoing visit to Crimea as "Russia's cynical and ostentatious negligence of universally recognized principles and international law." "The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is resolutely protesting against another uncoordinated with Ukraine visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Ukrainian temporarily occupied territory by Russia, that is, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which began on March 18, 2020," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Ukraine views this visit, as well as all previous uncoordinated with Ukraine visits by Russian public officials to the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol as a blatant violation of Ukraine's state sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian side and as Russia's cynical and brazen disregard of universally recognized principles and regulations of international law, including the UN Charter, UN General Assembly resolutions, and Russia's commitments in line with bilateral and multilateral agreements, whose parties are Ukraine and Russia," the Foreign Ministry said. "Crimea and Sevastopol are and will remain an integral part of Ukraine's sovereign territory. No trips by Russian public officials to the occupied peninsula, as well as illegal construction of the so-called Crimean Bridge, are not indicators of modifying the status of these Ukrainian administrative entities which is stipulated in the Ukrainian Constitution and recognized by the international community," the Foreign Ministry said. The protest note was filed with the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with Putin's visit to "the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," the statement said. Richard L. Hasen, Chancellor's Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, is one of the nations leading experts on election law and campaign finance regulation. In a powerful new book,, he underscores that the one of the most important outcomes from the 2020 election will be that it has been conducted in such a way that all sides accept the results.In, Hasen identifies four areas that can strain the election process to its limits: voter suppression, incompetence, dirty tricks and incendiary rhetoric. The book is rich with lessons learned and red flags for all stakeholders in the coming election, from voters, journalists and social media to those who actually administer elections.Hasen talked withabout the steps election officials can take to reduce the potential for abuses and disruptions during the 2020 election.I'm not a political polling expert, so I can just go by my own reading of what others have said, which is that there's a very good chance that the presidential race comes down to a few key states in the Electoral College. We know that the last time that happened, it came down to just 10,000 or so votes in one of the closest states, Wisconsin. There's certainly a real risk that it could be very close. I think that election officials have to prepare as though its going to be both a very high turnout election, and also a very close election.Especially now, with the focus on the coronavirus, the need for contingency planning has to be at the top of the list. Local election officials need to have detailed plan B's, in case of poll closures or in case of disruptions like power outages, some kind of natural disaster or some human activity to try to disrupt the elections.To the extent possible, whatever plans are put in place should be announced in advance so that no one could claim that rules were being adopted, or put in place for political reasons. This kind of advanced planning and transparency is really one of the most important things that an election official can do to help ensure that people are confident that when rules need to be changed to deal with outside forces that, it's being done in a fair way.There are a number of principles that come into play in elections. One that the Supreme Court has put forward is the idea that you don't want lots of changes in the rules just before the election, certainly court-ordered changes. That's why I think we're seeing a lot more litigation this time earlier on in the cycle over various election rules in a way to try to avoid what I've called the Purcell principle . Its based on a United States Supreme Court case called Purcell v Gonzales, which said the courts need to be very wary of making last-minute changes. You will continue to see more litigation earlier in the election cycle in order to get the rules in place and get the legal standards in place well before the actual election.Another principle that is very important in terms of thinking about running elections is idea that you're treating people equally in terms of their access to the ballot. The Supreme Court and other courts have made it clear that you can't treat some groups of voters better than others. If in one part of the state voters having a difficult time voting because of long lines and in other parts of the state it's easy, that raises some constitutional concerns.I do think that there is a concern that having police in uniform at polling stations might intimidate or deter certain voters from coming to the polling place. Certainly, there's a role for police to play in the event that there are threats of violence. You might have to call on law enforcement to protect voters, but the very presence of police officers at polling places has been seen in the past as an attempt to intimidate and keep people away from polling places in minority communities. I think that jurisdictions need to be very careful in making sure that polling places are not only safe, but that they are welcoming to voters from diverse backgrounds.The main concerns there are attempts to put up barriers that make it harder for people to register, or to stay registered, and to actually vote. While it's important to have good list maintenance, really aggressive voter purges that potentially remove eligible voters from voting rolls are another thing. Its kind of odd to think that people lose their constitutional rights if they choose not to exercise them for a few years. There are steps that could be taken that would be useful in lowering the chances that list maintenance will lead to disenfranchisement.I think election officials need to be careful in terms of how they engage in this activity and they're doing that in a much better way now for the most part. There's a new interstate cooperative, a clearing house of voter registration information called ERIC [the Electronic Registration Information Center], which has made it easier to ensure that states are sharing information about voter registration.It's important for states to ensure that once voters are registered, the procedures that are used in polling places to ensure that identity is checked, if that's required under state law, that poll workers are adequately trained as to what the rules are. One of the problems we've seen is confusion not only among voters, but also among poll workers as to what's required.In some states, for example, you might be able to sign an affidavit rather than provide a piece of paper to verify your identity. Adequate poll worker training has got to be at the top of the things that the list in terms of avoiding problems of voter suppression.When you have intentional efforts to make it harder for people to register and vote for no good reason, the usual recourse is going to state or federal court. Peer pressure from other states doesn't really do the job. That's why I think we've seen a lot more litigation against certain actors who've shown some kind of history of not using fair rules in how they're administering the election. I think the courts have been good about protecting voting rights.I certainly think that there's a role for election officials to play in educating the public about the voting process and encouraging people to register, to vote, encouraging them to observe the processes and to ask questions. They can make information available to the media so that information can be further disseminated to the public.These days, it's important for local election officials to have a social media presence, to be able to be responsive to people when there are complaints or issues and when there are hiccups, to explain in real time what's being done about them. There are certainly steps that could be taken proactively by government officials to make sure that they are a direct source of reliable information, especially given that we know sometimes unreliable information is being pushed out this way.There are potential problems at each level of election administration. I've mentioned poll worker training being a major source of problems. In Detroit in 2016, for example, we saw that poll workers were so inadequately trained in how they ran their election processes that it was impossible to conduct a recount of those election systems. We've had problems with county election administrators who have failed in basic tasks such as being able to conduct recounts within the timeframe set by state law. We've had secretaries of state and other chief election officers of states that have had problems with running secure voter registration databases.What's important is that there's adequate training and adequate resources. Its hard to get an adequate budget for election administration in a lot of places. I think that there's not enough focus at the county level on how important election administration processes are until there's a problem.Everyone's fear of not being the next Iowa caucus or Florida 2000 is what helps to motivate people to make sure that at each level in the process that there's adequate training and professionalization of election procedures.Well, ideally you don't want to roll out your brand-new election systems in such a high-stakes election as a presidential election. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time to push changes through and so we are going to have a significant number of jurisdictions that are adopting new rules. It's really important for the procedures and any changes to be properly vetted, and for there to be enough practice to make sure that things are going to work adequately, and that the new systems are going to be able to handle the expected high turnout in the upcoming election.Its also important to ensure that there are backup plans in the event that the new rules or technology fail. What's the plan B going to be? So again, continuously planning is really important for these kinds of questions.California has passed a law regulating deep fakes, as has Texas. This technology is really new and the danger of trying to regulate synthetic audio or video is the risk that it's going to infringe on First Amendment rights. I think a lot of this regulation needs to happen not at the level of government, which is subject to the First Amendment, but through pressure on social media, companies like Facebook to take steps to ensure that people are not being manipulated by false audio and false video.I do think that the social media companies, including Facebook, are very attentive to this question and they're looking for ways to try to deal in real time with the risks that these processes play to people's ability to obtain reliable information about elections. One of the biggest risks of this kind of manipulated audio or video is not the risk that people are necessarily going to be taken in by the false information, but that they're going to tend to doubt reliable information. Voter are going to doubt their abilities to be able to separate truth from fiction, and I think that raises a different kind of problem in terms of voter competence.The most important thing for election administrators to do is to push out alternative, reliable information. For example, if local election administrators can be verified on Twitter or Facebook as speaking as government officials, that can help to send a signal to both the social media companies and to readers that a system is in place to get out reliable information. Voters can look for reliable information rather than being taken in by false or misleading information coming from outside sources.We can look to 2016 but, of course, that's fighting the last war. We can expect misinformation, attempts to probe voter registration databases, attempted hacking into election systems.I think we need to think more broadly about what might happen in 2020. One of the concerns I raised inis an attack on the electrical grid in a Democratic city in a swing state and how much havoc something like that could wreak.When you're thinking about election security, you need to think not just about the election system itself, but about all of the government infrastructure that goes into supporting the entire process of getting people to the polls and getting them able to cast their ballots.Democracy depends on voters accepting the results of the election as fair, and losers agreeing to fight another day. To the extent that people start believing that elections are stolen or rigged, that creates issues of concern for the legitimacy of the process itself.Theres not much that you can do as an election official to stop people from using incendiary rhetoric. But the more that you can do to have a fair and transparent process, the fewer people are going to be taken in by this kind of language because you'll be able to point to objective ways of demonstrating that the election was conducted fairly.Really, the solution to the rhetoric is not other rhetoric, but instead a fair and well-run election process.One of the top things on my list of suggestions for the media is that they educate the public about the fact that good election administration means that counting takes time, especially in a high-turnout election where there are lots of absentee ballots coming in. It might be days, or in the case of California, even weeks before we get final results in an election. People need to be patient and they need to see that not as a flaw in the system, but as another safeguard in the system.I don't expect that that kind of change would happen anytime in the near future. We have a very long tradition of this country of de-centralized election administration.I was recently running a conference and one of the points that one of the speakers made is that it's hard for the local election administrator to go up against the Chinese army. Some of the threats and challenges that election administrators face are international in scope. Some of the problems require a kind of national response, and so a uniformity makes a lot of sense.Hardening of the election infrastructure is somewhat easier if we're using a single system rather than using a multiplicity of systems across eight or 9,000 different election jurisdictions. I think that's one of the reasons why a nationalization of elections would make sense as a public policy matter. As I said, I don't expect that to happen anytime in the near future, but I do think that more cooperation between, federal, state and local authorities, and uniformity in how elections are administered, would be a helpful form of protection against outside interference.People are very concerned about the upcoming election and they're concerned that we will not have a peaceful transition of power, that we will not have losers accepting the election results in November. The depth with which people have anxiety about this is he was even higher than what I expected.In thinking about this from the perspective of local election officials, it just underlines the need for there to be transparency and clearly set rules so that more people will have confidence that the way the system is being administered is in a fair and easily understandable way.GoverningGoverning The UKs oil and gas industry has called on the government to help the sector as it faces three separate challenges, that could see production plummet. Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) highlighted coronavirus, gas prices being halved and the sinking oil price as threats to the industry. Boss Deirdre Michie highlighted the need for key skills in the sector to be maintained in the face of uncertainty and requested urgent meetings with ministers to establish a response to coronavirus. The offshore oil and gas sector is part of the UKs critical infrastructure, providing the secure and affordable energy the country needs and is a key contributor to the economy in terms of supporting hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs, businesses and our wider economic contribution, she said. In its new business outlook report, OGUK warned production could fall to the lowest level since 2016. Thats a third below previous forecasts and could give firms negative cash flow this year. There could also be a 20-30 percent reduction in capital expenditure across the industry this year. OGUK said supporting the sector is key to the UKs future energy supply. Michie also warned the industrys supply chain is particularly exposed. A volatile picture Natural gas prices have halved in the past year and the oil price is at a 30 year low. It is currently trading at around $30 a barrel. This has been caused by the coronavirus and the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. The pandemic has led to wide-ranging travel bans including from the EU to the US. Several major airlines have either cancelled flights or ran them far below capacity. This has been at the same time as the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. At a meeting earlier this month, OPEC and Russia, known as OPEC+, could not agree with an oil supply strategy. Related: Is $10 Oil On The Horizon? Saudi Arabia and its allies including the UAE have dramatically increased oil supply. At this time innovative thinking, partnerships and meaningful collaboration will be required to help as many as possible to weather the storm, said Ross Dornan, OGUK market intelligence manager. Analysts have suggested this could lead to the price of oil reaching as low as $20 a barrel. This is because the Saudi strategy is likely to continue for some time. By CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Brihanmumbai Municipal corporation, along with the help of Mumbai police, is going to track the movement of the travellers who have been advised home quarantine using mobile GPS. After facing several cases of violation of 14-day- long home quarantine, city authorities, in a joint meeting on Thursday, decided to track the movement of home quarantine people. We have collected mobile numbers of all the people, who have been advised home quarantine after screening them at the airport, said a senior BMC official, adding they are going to share their numbers with the police for tracking their locations using mobile GPS. The civic authorities have started stamping as home quarantine on the forearms of the people arriving from abroad after undergoing mandatory screening process at the airport, but since the past few days several cases of violations of home quarantine have come to fore in the city. Till Thursday evening, Mumbai had 1,383 people, who have been advised home quarantine. Highlighting that home quarantine people should avoid public transport and travel by private vehicles, BMC executive health director Padmaja Keskar said such persons are expected to act "responsibly" and avoid meeting people outside. "If they need any help we can help them in arranging private vehicles and they can also stay in our quarantine facility or hotels," Keskar said. On Thursday, Western Railway de-boarded over 15 passengers from three trains, including six people from Saurashtra Express at Borivali station, according to railway officers. Also four engineering students from Germany were de- boarded at Palghar station on Wednesday, they said. The Mumbai Police are keeping a strict vigil on the people, who have been advised home quarantine and will also track them through GPS, said a senior official. "We are keeping watch on the home quarantined people along with the BMC and on receiving complaints against them we will take suitable action against them," he said. The home quarantined people should follow the guidelines issued by the authorities, he said, adding if anybody complaints against them, police can register an offence under section 188 of IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant). Another police officer said they are going to take action against the violators. A Mumbai police spokesperson said the civic body is going to implement the move as a precautionary measure, but police will help them in it for the safety of people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coronation Street's Alison King stocked up on food on Wednesday as it was revealed the soap would cut down to two shows a week amid the coronavirus crisis. The actress, 47, cut a casual figure as she headed to Tesco in Cheshire to do a food shop. Alison, who plays Carla Connor in the soap, looked sporty in a green padded coat which she layered over a pink hoodie and black leggings. Hitting the shops: Coronation Street's Alison King stocked up on food on Wednesday as it was revealed the soap would cut down to two shows a week amid the coronavirus crisis The soap star teamed the look with Nike trainers, black sunglasses and a cross-body bag. After perusing the isles for food, Alison headed to her black Land Rover Freelander to put her hoard of shopping in the boot. Alison, like many others up and down Britain, have been hitting the food shops as more people are forced to work from home or go into self isolation as COVID-19 sweeps across the country. Stocking up: The actress, 47, cut a casual figure as she headed to Tesco in Cheshire to do a food shop Casually-clad: Alison looked sporty in a green padded coat which she layered over a pink hoodie and black leggings The number of people positively diagnosed hit 2,626, up from 1,950 on Wednesday. A total of 56,221 people now have been tested. ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale are also reducing their number of weekly episodes in a bid to ration shows they've already filmed. A statement from the broadcaster on Wednesday said: 'The continued transmission of both soaps is a priority to all of us at ITV and to our audiences who enjoy the shows. Whilst carefully adhering to the latest health advice from the Government and Public Health England, our production teams are continuing to film episodes in Manchester and Leeds. Sporty: The soap star teamed the look with Nike trainers, black sunglasses and a cross-body bag 'With this change of transmission pattern it will ensure we have great new soap episodes coming to air every weekday night until at least the early summer.' ITV also confirmed members of the cast aged over 70s are being written out over coronavirus pandemic as bosses 'adhere to all government guidelines.' The much-loved ITV soap has seven cast members who are over 70 and who have been advised to stay at home while writers work to remove them from plots going forward. These include William Roache, 87 (who plays Ken Barlow), Sue Nicholls, 76 (Audrey Roberts), Barbara Knox, 86 (Rita Sullivan), Malcolm Hebden, 80 (Norris Cole), Maureen Lipman, 73 (Evelyn Plummer), Rula Lenska, 72 (Claudia Colby) and Paul Copley, 75 (Arthur Medwin). Some of them may still appear regularly until mid-May, in scenes that were filmed before the Covid-19 outbreak forced the government to implement draconian measures. A Coronation Street spokeswoman told The Mirror: 'With regards to over 70s we will be adhering to all government guidelines and following the appropriate steps.' New Delhi, March 19 : Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Thursday made it clear that there was no finding of local transmission of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in India so far but didn't rule out the possibility, suggesting to adopt precautions. "There are no findings of local transmission (of coronavirus) in India, but there is a possibility. The disease entered into India from those who came here from outside the country. So, we should be aware and alert," Choubey said inside the Parliament premises. His response came after the Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday declared that India has not yet seen community transmission of coronavirus and that the disease continues to be in stage 2 (local transmission). The Minister also stressed on the need of consumption of sunlight between 11 a.m. to 12 noon, saying it will not only increase the immunity because it is a source of vitamin-D and also helps in killing virus. Choubey said that the government has been issuing new advisories and taking all necessary steps to stop the spread of the disease which so far has affected more than 141 Indians across the country with three deaths. He said that the affected people are being kept under quarantine facility and some are getting relief and some are confined. Advising to adopt precautionary measures to deal with the infection, the MP from Bihar's Buxer, said people should avoid gathering, wash their hands before doing any work and maintain a distance of almost one metre while sneezing. "There is a need to spread such kind of awareness among people to fight coronavirus. There are various dos and don'ts. We have issued many advisories regarding the infection." A total of 184 confirmed cases have been reported positive in India that includes 141 Indians and 25 foreigners. Of the total, 15 have been cured so far and three have died. The novel coronavirus originated in China's Wuhan city in December last year and has killed over 7,000 people and infected more than 1.50 lakh globally. China remains the worst-hit with 3,189 deaths and 80,824 confirmed cases of infection. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) While many essential services throughout Alabama have been halted, the Levite Jewish Community Center knows life doesnt stop for those on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. That is why the JCC has created two opportunities where medical professionals and other families in need can find childcare and meals. Since the center is closed to the public until further notice due to the outbreak, children between the ages of 5-12 will have plenty of room to play and roam during its Operation Cares: Camp which will be open today and Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Parents can pre-register for the camp by visiting the JCCS website. Through Operation Cares: Kitchen, families and children who rely on breakfast and lunch programs at school can also grab a meal today and Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The JCC is located at 3960 Montclair Road in Birmingham. JCC Marketing Director Katie Hausman said showing compassion for one another during a time of such confusion and chaos can be a powerful act. In Judaism, we say Tikun Olam which means repairing the world, Hausman said. For us, this is how we can help right now. The camp is only available for medical professionals children. Hausman said the JCC has summer camps for children every year. So it wasnt hard to get the resources together to create a camp for medical professionals within a couple of days. It was important to create this resource quickly. Many JCC members work in the medical field, Hausman said. So, it was easy to see the yawning need for childcare. As soon as schools started closing, people started saying, Well, what do I do? I have to go to work and they cant go to school. Hausman said. We want to be able to allow these people to go back to work. To adhere to the Centers of Disease Control and Preventions guidelines of social distancing, the camp is only accepting 50 who will then be split up into groups of 10 or 12. The camp cost $30 per child per day, but Hausman said healthcare workers who are facing financial hardships can contact camp director Tina Weldon at tweldon@bhamjcc.org to work things out. We dont want kids staying in unsafe situations because of a familys inability to pay, Hausman said. Hausman doesnt know how the camp and lunch program will look like next week. Life in Alabama is changing day-by-day, if not hour-by-hour because of the pandemic. But she said the JCC will stay up-to-date on the coronavirus and will decide every three days whether or not they will continue to provide the camp. Hausman believes their efforts and the efforts of others who are helping those in need is starting the foundation of something great for the communities. Many local restaurants and the Mountain Brook School District has donated meals, milk, fruits and veggies to the JCC for the camp. Counselors who werent originally a part of JCCs summer camp have volunteered their time to watch the kids. Banding together as a community is not only going to help us get through this, but also be able to recover from this afterword, Hausman said. The coronavirus is out there. Some will get it. Some of us will not. So for me, the big question is, Whats on the other side of this for us? Being a helpful part of this community is just going to make us stronger on the other side. Nurses screen patients for COVID-19 testing at a drive-up location outside Medstar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland, on March 17, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Sacramento County Issues Order to Stay Inside Other Than Essential Activities Sacramento County, California, which includes the state capital of the same name, issued a stay at home order directing its population of 1.5 million people to remain at their place of residence except for essential activities amid the growing pandemic. The legal order doesnt call it a shelter in place, which was implemented by other California cities including San Francisco and Fresno to deal with the spread of the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. However, with community transmission, we must protect the most vulnerable from exposure to this virus, Sacramento County said in a statement on Thursday. Starting at 11:59 p.m. on March 19, all individuals living in the county to stay at their place of residence except for essential activities, according to the order. The legal order limits activity, travel, and business functions to only the most essential needs and is intended to protect those most vulnerable to the disease, slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, and preserve local healthcare capacity, the county wrote. Residents only can leave their homes for essential activities, essential governmental functions, or essential businesses, the order stated. It defines essential activities as shopping for groceries, medical supplies, or other necessary supplies. They can also visit health care professionals, provide work for essential services or products, and care for a family member or pet at another household. Officials allow people to engage in outdoor activities such as running, biking, walking, and hiking as long as they engage in social distancing. People now cannot attend private gatherings of more than six non-relatives in a home or another residential area. Meanwhile, social distancing should be practiced at all times at such gatherings, the order said. The steps we have taken have brought us to the day where we must issue a legal Public Health Order in Sacramento County. We know we have far more assumed positive cases than we have tests. As testing capacity increases, the number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases is expected to increase, said Dr. Peter Beilenson in a statement. On Wednesday, the Yolo County Public Health Officer issued a similar county-wide order. Six Bay Area counties including San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Alameda asked residents to stay indoors earlier this week, and Fresno did the same on Wednesday night. World Health Organization praises 'incredible strength and courage' of Italy's healthcare workers. Italy's doctors and nurses fighting the Coronavirus outbreak are "working miracles", according to the World Health Organization's emergency department chief Mike Ryan, reports Italian news agency ANSA. "The number of patients who have gone into intensive care and have been saved by doctors and nurses in Italy is a miracle" - said Ryan - who praised the "incredible strength and courage" of Italy's healthcare workers. Ryan's comments came on 18 March when Italy recorded the highest one-day death toll of any country affected by the Covid-19 pandemic: 475 deaths, taking Italy's total number of fatalities to almost 3,000. A total of 4,025 people in Italy have recovered from Coronavirus, according to the latest statistics released late on 18 March by the country's civil protection authorities. Photo Corriere della Sera NEW YORK (AP) Mayor Bill de Blasio said New York City residents should be prepared for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order within days, though the states governor immediately knocked that down, saying people werent about to be confined to their homes due to coronavirus. State officials scrambled to bring more hospital beds online as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state rose above 2,300 on Wednesday. And a mass transit agency serving millions of passengers in New York and Connecticut said it was facing a financial calamity. The latest coronavirus developments in New York: SHELTER IN PLACE? New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday that residents of the nations largest city should be prepared for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order within days, a remark that raised alarm and prompted the state's governor two hours later to squelch the notion that a lockdown was imminent. De Blasio stressed that no decision had been made yet, but that he wants city and state officials to make one within 48 hours, given the fast spread of the coronavirus. "New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order, de Blasio said at a news briefing. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo threw cold water on the idea two hours later in an interview on cable news station NY1. The Democrat said the city didn't have the power to make such a declaration and any such order if it didn't cover the entire region would prompt people to flee. "Theres not going to be any 'you must stay in your house,' because, again, that will just cause people to go somewhere else, and that will be counterproductive," Cuomo said. There is not going to be any quarantine, no one is going to lock you in your home. No one is going to tell you you can't leave the city. That is not going to happen, he said. Such an order would represent a dramatic escalation of restrictions on the city of more than 8 million. Officials in six San Francisco Bay-area counties took that step with a shelter-in-place order that went into effect Tuesday. That order requires residents to venture outside only for food, medicine or exercise for three weeks. Cuomo had earlier said more restrictions on business would come first. De Blasio acknowledged such an order was not without challenges, especially for people who have lost paychecks because businesses are closed. A shelter in place begs a lot of questions, he said What is going to happen with folks who have no money? How are they going to get food? How are they going to get medicines? De Blasio said if people were ordered to stay home, he could use city police to enforce a "monitoring system that made sense" but didn't elaborate, saying details were still being explored. We have never been here before," he said. "I have never heard of anything like this in the history of New York City. ___ PUBLIC TRANSIT CRISIS The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it is facing a financial calamity as ridership on subways and commuter rail lines has nose-dived as people stay home to avoid coronavirus. MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye on Tuesday sent a letter to the states congressional delegation, saying ridership on New York City subways was down by 60%. The commuter rails were even worse down 90% on Metro-North Railroad and 67% on the Long Island Rail Road. Foye said the projected losses to the MTA from running trains with few fare-paying passengers would be more than $4 billion by the end of the year and asked the delegation for help in getting that amount in federal aid. ___ HOSPITAL BEDS NEEDED Cuomo said Tuesday that demand for hospital beds could outstrip current capacity by tens of thousands the coronavirus outbreak reaches an expected peak in New York in 45 days. Cuomo revealed the projections as confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus statewide shot up to more than 1,300. Confirmed cases nearly doubled by Wednesday morning to 2,382 with more than 500 hospitalizations. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover. State and city officials are taking extraordinary efforts to avoid a worst-case scenario. New York has jointly ordered the closings of bars, restaurants, gyms and other businesses with New Jersey and Connecticut. Cuomo said the states could coordinate on more limitations. Officials are also scrambling to increase the number of hospital beds in New York. Right now it has 53,000 beds, of which 3,000 are in intensive care units. Based on the current rate of spread, the state needs 18,600 to 37,200 intensive care beds, Cuomo said. The numbers are daunting, he said. Cuomo said the state also will need more ventilators to treat severe cases. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - All criminal jury trials scheduled between March 23, 2020, and April 22, 2020, will be postponed. Butte County court officials requested the temporary suspension of jury trials and Wednesday received approval through an Emergency Order of the Chief Justice. All locations of the Butte County Superior Court will remain open at this time because the Court provides "essential public functions," but in-person access to courthouses will be limited. Access to the courthouse is limited to only those individuals who have business with the court. If you need to file documents with the clerk's office you need to use the dropbox. Filing remains available through electronic (e-filing) or in the mail. In-person self-help services are limited to retraining order or other emergency orders. All other self-help services are available online or via telephone. Access to attend a courtroom is limited to actual parties to a matter or individuals with a duty toward a matter on the calendar that day. Such individuals include the prosecutor, plaintiff attorney, defense counsel, defendants, victims or a member of the victims family or a victim advocate, investigator, law enforcement, a county or state employee, a member of a Native American tribe in a dependency or a guardianship proceeding, or other people who have a legal obligation toward the proceeding, including media. The Butte County Sheriff's Office is enforcing this order to ensure a safe facility for the protection of the public and court employees. The Sheriff may allow others into the courthouse or courtroom if the situation warrants. Those people seated inside a courtroom will be required to sit at least one seat apart from anyone else. Anyone demonstrating obvious signs of illness will be required to leave the courthouse. To find out more you can CLICK HERE for messages from courthouse staff. Court Executive Officer Kimberly Flener told Action News Now that the request to the Chief Justice was for jury trial temporary suspension until May 15, but the order was only granted through Apr. 22, 2020. Flener said many of the court's services are online, like payments of fines, fees, and citations. She said there are also a lot of self-help services available online at their website. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the courthouses. Parties are being rescheduled if illness is an issue. Appearance in court by phone is sometimes being allowed at this time, said Flener. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said their office doors remain open at this time. When asked how the trial continuances will impact his department he said, "This summer will be madness. Continuances are the bane of our existence." Ramsey said the District Attorney's Office is understaffed. There are normally 30 attorneys. Right now, he said, there are 24. One new Deputy D.A. was just hired, but recruitment has been difficult since the Camp Fire, said Ramsey. He said the difficulty in finding housing in the area is hampering his ability to fill positions. For continuing coverage on coronavirus, CLICK HERE PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 17:45:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 447 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BOCA RATON, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Boca Raton, Florida based Center for Information Security Awareness (CFISA) is pleased to announce that their online security awareness training program has been certified by the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). Those who are interested in learning more about CFISA and the training it provides can view the company's Facebook page for more information.CFISA is proud to announce that, in accordance with Texas Government Code, Section 2054.519, the Texas Department of Information Resources has reviewed the company's training program and determined that it meets the required criteria for state and local government employees' training. CFISA's Security Awareness Program is now added to the list of certified training programs, which can be found on the Department of Information Resources website.The Texas Department of Information Resources certifies cybersecurity training programs with consultation from the Texas Cybersecurity council. The training programs, in accordance with the Texas Government Code Section 2054.519(b), have to focus on several important factors, such as forming information security habits and procedures that protect information resources as well as teaching best practices for detecting, assessing, reporting and addressing information security threats.Texas' current training requirements rule that annual training must be completed by June 14, 2020, by employees of state and local agencies. Interested parties can learn more about the state's legislation at the DIR website.Michael Levin, founder, and CEO of the Center for Information Security Awareness says, "It doesn't matter how many automated methods you have to detect and prevent a breach of your organization's security, you aren't totally safe until you know that your employees have the knowhow to act in ways that boost your security instead of creating weak spots. With the CFISA Security Awareness Program, you can teach your employees what real threats look like and how to respond to them. At CFISA, we understand that the real path to total data security starts at the human level, and that's how we approach all of our training programs. With this new certification, we are now able to help more organizations keep their data and systems safe." Those who want to learn more about CFISA and the various services they provide can find more information on the company's website. Additionally, the company encourages interested parties to contact CFISA directly via email or phone. Alternatively, the company can be reached through the contact form on their website. CFISA also maintains a presence on Facebook where they frequently post updates, share information and communicate with the members of their community.For more information about CFISA, contact the company here:CFISAMichael Levin - CEO & Founder(561) 325-6050mlevin@ cfisa.org PO Box 810961, Boca Raton, FL, 33481SOURCE: CFISA President Donald Trump said he could intervene in an oil-price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia that has left U.S. oil drillers reeling. For now though, low prices are akin to a tax cut for American consumers, he said. Speaking in Washington at a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic, Trump said he would take action in the oil dispute at the appropriate time. Crude prices rebounded from an 18-year low as Trump made the comments and signs of stress from oils collapse emerged in the Middle East. We have a lot of power over the situation, and were trying to find some kind of a medium ground, Trump said. The U.S. shale industry has found itself caught in the middle of a fight over market share between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Talks between the two countries about cutting back production as the coronavirus outbreak saps global demand fell apart earlier this month, triggering an all-out price war that has sent oil futures plunging. Its very devastating to Russia, because the whole economy is based on that, and they have the lowest prices in decades, Trump said. I would say its very bad for Saudi Arabia, he said. But theyre in a fight, theyre in a fight on price, theyre in a fight on output. At the appropriate time Ill get involved. Trump is facing growing calls from lawmakers to help the domestic oil industry -- which is scaling back operations and is threatened with a wave of bankruptcies -- as his officials adopt a tougher rhetoric against those they see as responsible. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette characterized the price war as an intentional disruption to world oil markets by foreign actors, in a statement Thursday where he outlined plans to buy as many as 77 million barrels to fill up the nations emergency stockpile. The administrations plan to aid struggling American shale drillers involves buying as much as $3 billion worth of oil, starting with domestic producers who employ 5,000 people or less. Trump supporter and shale billionaire Harold Hamm, who said last week he would file a complaint against Saudi Arabia for illegal dumping of crude, said Thursday that Senator James Inhofe has asked the Department of Commerce to begin a probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. And North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer went as far as to call on Trump to ban crude imports from Russia, Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members in response to their recent action to distort energy markets when demand is already weak. Oil industry leaders have urged the Trump administration to find a diplomatic solution. The American Exploration and Production Council said in a March 12 letter that it needs Trumps help in ensuring restoration of a functioning, stable, global market for oil. And the head of the American Petroleum Institute, Mike Sommers, also has encouraged the president to engage with Saudi Arabia and Russia to ensure markets arent oversupplied. BarcelonaThe situation is appalling and suppliers are setting eye-watering prices for respirators of questionable standards. Sources from Catalonias Ministry of the Interior have complained to this newspaper that the Catalan administration has been experiencing supply issues since Monday, when manufacturers began handing over their stock to Spains Guardia Civil in accordance with the new decree that authorises the Spanish government to seize respirators and decide on their use. The masks and respirators are being confiscated not only in factories outside Catalonia and at airport customs, but also from plants and factories in Catalonia where the supplies were earmarked for Catalan hospitals. This was also the main complaint from the Catalan governments spokesperson, Meritxell Budo, who spoke at a Procicat press conference and stated that the Spanish authorities are seizing hospital supplies that were intended for hospitals in Catalonia and she urged Pedro Sanchezs government to offer an explanation. Alba Verges, the Catalan Health Minister, remarked that we cannot understand how they can seize a batch of supplies that was ready for shipping and claim that Madrid is taking over from now on. In a time of crisis, you must let people do their job. She went on to explain that some suppliers have been told to halt deliveries and report their existing stock. The Spanish governments emergency coordinator, Fernando Simon, explained that the health ministry is allocating the supplies to the regions that need them most, but they are all being catered for. On the subject of the recentralisation of the distribution of medical supplies, Simon argued that the seizures and redirection of deliveries will be offset by new deliveries. The Catalan Minister of the Interior, Miquel Buch, declared that he is awaiting instructions from the Spanish government about the lockdown on Catalonias Odena region and he insisted that a full lockdown is needed for Catalonia as a whole. Buch explained that his government had initially requested a lockdown along the perimeter but now that we have been put on level two, what is needed is a total lockdown of the general public, with only a few exceptions made in the event of an emergency. Buch noted that he had requested the total lockdown too long ago. This lockdown is not about politics or borders. It was necessary to protect the Catalan people. Speaking about the deployment of Spanish troops ordered by PM Sanchez, Buch said that Catalonia does not need the [Spanish] army and he argued that the Catalan police force and local constabularies will uphold the law. Buch reported that the Catalan police have responded to 3,252 incidents connected with the COVID-19 crisis. They have stopped 237 vehicles and pressed charges against 485 people. Six business premises have been shut down. Health Minister Alba Verges spoke in support of the new mobile app and said that it is a very easy tool that will provide a great deal of information and will be used to make enquiries from home, thus giving the public health system some breathing space. She praised the solidarity of private hospitals that have donated medical supplies to public hospitals and she claimed that the public are behaving in an exemplary manner. Tehran, March 19 : Iranians Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the US was responsible for the "destructive ramifications" of its unilateral sanctions against Iran as the country was fighting against the coronavirus pandemic. "At a time when we, Iranians, normally celebrate Nowruz, our New Year concurrent with the arrival of spring, we are faced with multiple and historic challenges," Xinhua news agency quoted Zarif as saying said in a video on Twitter on Wednesday. "My country is among the hardest-hit by the coronavirus," he said, adding: "Iran, today, is the most intensely sanctioned country in history, not in line with UN decisions but contrary to them." The Minister noted that the economic siege imposed by the US on Iran impedes all the legitimate trade and deprives the Iranians of their own resources, the ones necessary to address the needs of Iranians, including their health and livelihoods. "Even amid this pandemic, the US government has vengefully refused to lift its unlawful and collective punishment, making it virtually impossible for us to even buy medicine and medical equipment," he said. He also criticized some other countries for what he called their compliance with the US pressures against Iran. "The bigger tragedy is that many companies and countries who officially opposed these sanctions have chosen to comply with them, perhaps in hopes of avoiding the future wrath of the US despite President Trump time and again proving that this is just wishful thinking," he said. Earlier in the day, Zarif called for international pressure on the US to lift its sanctions against the country, official IRNA news agency reported. Zarif urged the US' "illegal, inhuman and unilateral sanctions against Iran" should be removed as the country was struggling to stem the pandemic. Also, Iranian ambassador to Britain, Hamid Baeidinejad, on Wednesday said: "In a letter to UK media, we requested them to urgently increase international awareness regarding inhuman nature of U.S. sanctions impeding Iran to mobilize all its resources to fight novel coronavirus." "The US must stop terrorizing Iranian people and countries should disregard sanctions," Baeidinejad tweeted. One of the worst-hit countries outside China, Iran has so far reported 17,361 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 1,135 deaths. While some county courts have already shut down in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an order to close all courts statewide to the general public for at least two weeks. According to the statement from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, all proceedings, including trial and intermedia appellate courts, are closed to the public for non-essential functions through at least April 3. This includes all magisterial district courts, Philadelphia Municipal Court and Pittsburgh Municipal Court Arraignment Division, the AOPC said. Because of these closures, all deadlines and time calculations related to court cases and other judicial business have been suspended, the AOPC said. For emergency proceedings, the AOPC is encouraging judicial offices to use advance communication technology to conduct the hearings. Essential functions in the Courts of Common Pleas include: Emergency bail review and habeas corpus hearings; Gagnon 1 hearings; Bench warrant hearings pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 150; Juvenile delinquency detention; Juvenile emergency shelter and detention hearings; Temporary protection from abuse hearings; Emergency petitions for child custody; Emergency petitions for guardianship; Civil mental health reviews (50 P.S. 302) Any pleadings or motions relating to public health concerns and involving immediate and irreparable harm; and Any other function deemed by a president judge to be essential consistent with constitutional requirements. Jury and non-jury trials are suspended and jurors do not need to report for jury duty on or before April 3, 2020, the AOPC said. The only exception is for currently ongoing trials. For magisterial district courts, Philadelphia Municipal Court, and Pittsburgh Municipal Court, Arraignment Division (minor courts) these are considered essential functions: Preliminary arraignments (bail setting) for bailable cases; Criminal case filings and subsequent processing; Preliminary hearings for incarcerated persons only; Issuance of search warrants; and Emergency protection from abuse petitions. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court also ordered that no eviction, ejectment or other displacement from a residence based on failure to make a payment is allowed. Minor courts should accept payments by mail, electronically or by phone. Some counties, like Dauphin, Lebanon and Cumberland counties had already announced closures and operating procedures for essential hearings. A Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice is under quarantine with his family after testing positive for coronavirus. Read more on PennLive: Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. Africa has lagged behind the global curve for coronavirus infections and deaths, but in recent days there has been an uptick in cases. (Photo: AFP/Michele Spatari) "Africa should wake up," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference in Geneva, pointing out that "in other countries we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point". Africa has lagged behind the global curve for coronavirus infections and deaths, but in the past few days has seen a significant rise in cases. Experts have repeatedly warned about the perils for the continent, given its weak health infrastructure, poverty, conflicts, poor sanitation and urban crowding. Medical authorities in the poor Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced on Wednesday that the number of infections there had risen by seven to 27 - and that one of them a 62-year-old diabetic woman, had died overnight. The country's main opposition party, the Union for Progress and Change (UPC), said in a statement that the victim was its lawmaker Rose-Marie Compaore, the first-vice president of the parliament. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised economy, meanwhile reported a more than one-third jump in cases, with 31 new infections bringing its tally to 116. READ: Coronavirus spreads to 18 African nations, including Kenya and Ethiopia Nearby Zambia announced its first two confirmed cases - a couple that returned to the capital Lusaka from a 10-day holiday in France. As of Wednesday, a tally of reported cases, compiled by AFP, stood at 576 for all of Africa. Of these, 15 cases have been fatal: six in Egypt, five in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso. Those figures are still comparatively small compared to the rest of world - the global death toll has passed 8,000 with more than 200,000 total infections. WHO chief Tedros said sub-Saharan Africa had recorded 233 infections, but warned that the official numbers likely did not reflect the full picture. "Probably we have undetected cases or unreported cases," he said. 'WE LIVE DAY TO DAY' Watching from afar as disaster unfolds in Asia and Europe, some African countries have wasted little time in ordering drastic measures. Air traffic has been particularly hard hit, as many of Africa's initial cases were detected in people who had returned from highly-affected countries in Europe and the Middle East. Some countries, such as Somalia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau and, most recently, the island of Madagascar have moved to stop all flights into their countries. On Wednesday, Cape Verde - a tropical archipelago off Africa's west coast that is heavily dependent on tourism - and the continent's most populous nation, Nigeria, joined other nations in banning flights from the countries most affected by coronavirus. Burkina Faso has ordered the closure of all schools and barred all public and private gatherings until the end of April. There was concern on the unusually quiet streets of the capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday. "It's worrying what is happening with this virus, but we cannot barricade ourselves like developed countries. We lack everything here - we live day to day," said bicycle seller Boureima Baguian. "We cannot, for example, close the big market. If that happens, it's not the coronavirus that will kill us but misery and hunger." South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa's worst-hit country, has banned all cruise ships from its ports. More than 1,700 people are stranded on a liner off Cape Town over fears that some have the virus. It is just the latest blow to tourism across the continent, with coronavirus fears also cancelling sporting, cultural and religious events. 'DISEASE HOT SPOT BELT' A 2016 analysis by the Rand Corporation, a US thinktank, found that of the 25 countries in the world that were most vulnerable to infectious outbreaks, 22 were in Africa - the others were Afghanistan, Yemen and Haiti. The report put the finger on a "disease hot spot belt" extending on a line of countries, running across the southern rim of the Sahara through the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, many of which are struggling with conflicts. "Were a communicable disease to emerge within this chain of countries, it could easily spread across borders in all directions, abetted by high overall vulnerability and a string of weak national health systems along the way," the report warned. Tedros recommended that mass gatherings be avoided, urging Africa to "cut it from the bud, expecting that the worst can happen." "The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today," he added. Its a commonplace that emergencies can bring people together. But the imperative issued right now by experts, governments and businesses seems to suggest the very opposite: The sign that you care is that you engage in social distancing. Rather than looking after others and possibly infecting them the best you can do for society is to look after yourself in digitally connected isolation. And yet it would be wrong to think that the coronavirus outbreak will only reinforce the selfishness from which Western societies already suffer. Like the Spanish flu of 1918 and other previous shared experiences of vulnerability, this pandemic can pave the way for the collective insight that we absolutely need a public infrastructure and not just in health care. The feeling that there is less and less social cohesion in todays democracies is justified. A recent survey in France showed that 35 percent of people think they have absolutely nothing in common with their fellow citizens. Today, the wealthiest are seceding into gated communities; some are even contemplating escapes into outer space or to remote locations (think about the fantasies spun out by Silicon Valley billionaires like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk). Meanwhile, the poorest hardly participate in society at large and certainly not in elections, a trend that has long been clear in the United States, but is now affecting other democracies, too. There are larger reasons behind such trends. After the end of the Cold War, it became ever less obvious for what exactly we need our fellow citizens: with the globalization of supply chains, it seemed that we could do without them as workers; with free trade, we have no need of them as consumers; and, with the shift away from mass conscript armies, we also dont really need them as soldiers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Tamilla Mammadova Trend: Georgia exported 5,742 tons of wine of fresh grapes to Russia in a total amount of $17.6 million in January-February 2020, which is 1,855 tons less compared to January-February 2019, Trend reports referring to Georgian National Statistics Office (Geostat). In the reporting period, Georgia exported 17,617 tons of ferroalloy worth $15.9 million to Russia, having decreased the export of ferroalloy by 1,805 tons. Over the same period last year, 19,422 tons of ferroalloy totaling $21.4 million was exported from Georgia to Russia. Meanwhile, 10,940 tons of natural, mineral and aerated waters not containing added sugar, worth $6.6 million were exported from Georgia to Russia. This is3,284 tons less compared to the same period of 2019. During the reporting period, Georgia exported 863.3 tons of spirituous beverages in the amount of $4.1 million to Russia. During January-February 2019, export of spirituous beverages from Georgia to Russia amounted to 1,148 tons totaling $5.4 million. As reported, Georgia exported 5,174 tons of citrus fruit, fresh or dried worth $4.1 million to Russia. Russia ranks third in Georgias commodity circulation. In January-February 2020, the foreign trade turnover between Georgia and Russia amounted to more than $199.02 million, which is 10.7 percent of the total trade turnover of Georgia. During the reporting period, Georgia exported products worth $60.3 million to the Russian market, which is 11.5 percent of total exports. Meanwhile, Russian imported products worth $138.6 million to the Georgia market, which is 10.4 percent of total exports. --- Follow the author on twitter: @Mila61979356 monstrated new chip-based devices that contain all the optical components necessary for quantum key distribution while increasing real-world security. The fast and cost-effective platform is poised to facilitate implementation of extremely secure data communication that can be used to protect everything from emails to online banking information. Advances in computing technology will soon leave today's methods for encrypting online data vulnerable to eavesdropping. Quantum key distribution offers impenetrable encryption by using the quantum properties of light to generate secure random keys between users for encrypting and decrypting their online data. Although quantum key distribution is compatible with most fiber-optic networks, more robust and less expensive devices are needed to carry out this encryption method outside the lab. In Optica, The Optical Society's (OSA) journal for high-impact research, the researchers report that secure quantum key exchange can be accomplished between two chip-based devices -- measuring just 6 x 2 millimeters -- potentially over a fiber network with links up to 200 kilometers long. "Chip-based devices significantly reduce the barrier for widespread uptake of quantum-secured communication by providing a robust, mass-manufacturable platform," said research team leader Henry Semenenko from the University of Bristol, UK. "In the future, these devices will form part of a standard household connection to the internet that keeps our data secure regardless of advances in computing technology." Reducing size and power needs The new quantum key distribution devices are based on the same semiconductor technology found in every smartphone and computer. Instead of wires to guide electricity, they contain highly complex circuits that control the weak photonic signals of light necessary for quantum key distribution. Nanoscale components in the chips make it possible to drastically reduce the size and power consumption of quantum communication systems while maintaining high-speed performance vital for modern networks. "With its densely packed optical components, our chip-based platform offers a level of precise control and complexity not achievable with alternatives," said Semenenko. "It will allow users to access a secure network with a cost-effective device the same size as the routers we use today to access the internet." The researchers designed the new platform to facilitate citywide networks and drastically reduce the number of connections required between users. "Our platform allows single users to connect to a centralized node that enables secure communication with every other user," said Semenenko. "As quantum networks develop, the centralized node will offer crucial infrastructure that will eventually support more complex communication protocols." Demonstrating the devices The researchers demonstrated their new chip-based devices with a proof of principle experiment in which they emulated a 200-kilometer fiber network at the University of Bristol Quantum Engineering Technology Labs. Using two independent chip devices, they showed that error rates and speed were comparable to state-of-the-art, commercial components. "We showed that these chip-based devices can be used to produce quantum effects even when photons were generated by different devices," said Semenenko. "This is vital for quantum networks where each user will control their own devices that are distributed around a city." The researchers plan to make the system more practical by developing application-specific hardware. They will then use the fiber-optic network in place around the city of Bristol to create a demonstration metropolitan network with many users. ### Paper: H. Semenenko, P. Sibson, A. Hart, M. G. Thompson, J. G. Rarity, C. Erven, "Chip-Based Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution," Optica, 7, 3, 238-242 (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.379679 About Optica Optica is an open-access, journal dedicated to the rapid dissemination of high-impact peer-reviewed research across the entire spectrum of optics and photonics. Published monthly by The Optical Society (OSA), Optica provides a forum for pioneering research to be swiftly accessed by the international community, whether that research is theoretical or experimental, fundamental or applied. Optica maintains a distinguished editorial board of more than 60 associate editors from around the world and is overseen by Editor-in-Chief Prem Kumar, Northwestern University, USA. For more information, visit Optica. About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org. Media Contacts: Aaron Cohen (301) 633-6773 aaroncohenpr@gmail.com Mostly just Macy's workers pace the main floor, around the beauty department, on March 17. Thursday's spike in weekly jobless claims signals just the start of a crush of coronavirus-induced layoffs that could more than double the unemployment rate. Unemployment claims filed with the states last week jumped to 281,000 from 211,000 the week earlier. Economists had expected about 220,000 claims for the week ended March 14, with a bigger spike in the coming week. It was the highest number since Sept. 2, 2017. "It's more than double anything we saw on a percentage basis during the height of the Great Recession, and it's going to get exponentially worse, much as the testing reveals the virus is spreading," said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton. Swonk said the 33% jump in weekly claims is the biggest one week increase ever, aside from temporary disruptions from hurricanes and other natural disasters. It dwarfs the one-week 14% jump during the 2008 financial crisis. Swonk said she now expects unemployment to rapidly rise to 8% from the current half-century low 3.5%. "We're talking about it going up by multiples of the level in weeks to come. We're talking about it doubling, tripling. We could see it up to 600,000 by next week," she said, adding some states are already seeing new claims activity for this week of as high as 40,000. JPMorgan economists expect a swift recession that will take unemployment rate to 6.5% by the middle of the year. Economists have been reassessing their forecasts for the economy and labor market as the U.S. and individual states respond to the outbreak of the coronavirus. New York and other states have shut down all bars and restaurants except for takeouts and deliveries, and many teachers and other employees are out of work as schools and public buildings have closed. Small businesses have been hit hard by the ripple effect, as the sporting games and other activity they support have been shutdown. The White House has proposed a stimulus program of more than $1 trillion that aims to help individuals and businesses. It includes two payments to individuals to help them get by during the spring, expected to be the worst time for the spread of the virus. "This will mark the week the recession began, March 7," said Swonk. "It's only the tip of the iceberg." California, Texas and Washington state saw the largest increases, but other states took action this week to limit social interaction. "It underscores the unique nature of a health-induced crisis where we shut the whole economy down in a matter of weeks, not months or years," Swonk said. Flash China is ready to work with the international community including the United States to jointly tackle the challenge of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday. "Because the infectious disease knows no border, countries should join hands to grapple with it and safeguard the global public health security," Geng told a press briefing. He made the comment in response to media reports that Utah State's legislature and governor Gary Herbert passed a concurrent resolution last week, supporting the Chinese people and their efforts to contain the COVID-19 epidemic. Geng said the move demonstrated the goodwill of the people in Utah State to the Chinese people. He said a number of U.S. states and cities such as California, Indiana, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Maryland, Utah, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Georgia and Hawaii, as well as New York City, Boston and Los Angeles, have expressed their sympathy and support to Chinese provinces and cities since the COVID-19 outbreak. China appreciates the assistance provided by U.S. enterprises, organizations and individuals, Geng said, adding that due to the development of the coronavirus epidemic in the United States, Chinese institutions and organizations also extended a helping hand. Facing the epidemic, the international community should cooperate to tackle challenges and safeguard the interests and welfare of all, he said. 'Coronavirus is not the only emergency, and it is certainly not the only illness people can suffer from. A common man has to face so many other problems every day' Photograph: Sahil Salvi/ Rediff.com IMAGE: An almost empty Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus station. With 15 persons in Mumbai testing positive for coronavirus and one dead in the pandemic, Mumbai's resilient spirit is again being tested by the viral outbreak that has killed thousands across the world. A city that never sleeps or gets bogged down by calamities, Mumbai has braved serial bomb blasts, terror attacks and torrential rains. But Mumbaikars have time and again dusted themselves off and gotten back on their feet to face any challenge. However, coronavirus, which has brought the world to a partial lockdown, has put the city's famed spirit to test again. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Mumbai's BEST buses run with 50 per cent seating capacity to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The city's public transport system, which is its lifeline, wears a near deserted look on Thursday. Spread over 390 km, the suburban railway operates 2,342 train services and ferries over 80 lakh commuters every day. The Mumbai suburban railway is one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the world and the BrihanMumbai Electric Supply Transport, with over 3,500 fleet of buses, keeps the city on its toes. When there were reports that the public transport may be brought to a halt, many Mumbaikars panicked. "Coronavirus is not the only emergency, and it is certainly not the only illness people can suffer from. A common man has to face so many other problems every day," said Sanjana, who works as a domestic help. IMAGE: A view of a closed multiplex at a mall in view of novel coronavirus pandemic in Thane. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI Photo The viral outbreak has hit the average Mumbaikar who relies on the public transport system to reach his workplace. "Daily wagers use public transport and even food is supplied via suburban trains. If the public transport is stopped, what happens to patients who have to travel for medical treatments," said Vijay, who works for a logistics firm in suburban Vile Parle. Cancer patients from across the country travel to Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital for treatment and this will also affect them, he said. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's appeal to avoid non-essential travel has worked, with suburban railway seeing a drastic reduction in the number of passengers since March 18. With government offices planning to work with 50 per cent staff, authorities feel that the suburban traffic will reduce further. IMAGE: Sparse crowd is seen at Dadar market . Photograph: PTI Photo The pandemic has also forced the places of worship in the city to shut their doors. Siddhivinayak Temple has closed, while Mahim Church has suspended mass gatherings and has taken its weekly novena prayers online. Although the masjids haven't stopped their mandatory five-time namaz, the number of people attending the prayers has reduced, with many opting to pray at home. "People have been asked to wash their hands and feet from home instead of doing it at masjids, where even hand sanitisers are made available, said Ezaz Ahmed. Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Mass gatherings in St Michael's Church at Mahim in Mumbai have been suspended till March 31. The biggest gathering during Friday prayers is seen at Minara Masjid at Bhendi Bazaar and Jama Masjid at Crawford Market, he added. Having reported about various happenings in the city for the last several years, for senior journalist Yogesh Trivedi, the coronavirus lockdown is nothing like what he has seen before. After the 1993 serial bomb blasts, the city was back on its feet in 48 hours and the situation wasn't any different after the July 2007 serial train blasts, he said. Even after the 26/11 terror attack, suburban services restarted next day, he added. During the monsoons, when waterlogging brings the city to its knees, people don't stay at home but find other means to reach their workplaces, Trivedi said. Vidyadhar Date, author of the book 'Traffic in the Era of Climate Change, said, "It is surprising that while there is restriction on the movement of ordinary people by public transport, there is no restriction on the movement of cars. This is a clear-cut discrimination." IMAGE: A billboard set up by BMC to raise awareness on the coronavirus outbreak at a bus stop in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo Even in normal times, the government should curb the use of cars, as it is being done in the Western countries to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, said Date, who is also the convener of Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST. With motorists now enjoying more mobility people will be tempted to buy more cars, preferring them to public transport, including the Metro, which desperately needs more commuters, he added. "The crisis created by Covid-19 can teach us a lot. The concept of work from home is gaining ground because of the outbreak and this will reduce the need for travel," he said. Car trips can definitely be reduced this way, thus improving air quality, creating more road space and a better ambience, he added. Having said that, Date observed that the real victims of the Covid-19 crisis were daily wagers, whose livelihood depends on getting to their workplace irrespective of the situation outside. Public transport is much more tolerable now in Mumbai with fewer people travelling for various reasons or working from home, he said. We are in an unprecedented circumstance, said Jennifer Smith, secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Read more This story was produced as part of a joint effort among Spotlight PA, LNP Media Group, PennLive, PA Post, and WITF to cover how Pennsylvania state government is responding to the coronavirus. Sign up for Spotlight PAs newsletter. HARRISBURG In an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, some patients in treatment for opioid use disorder will be able to take home up to a months supply of methadone, state officials announced Wednesday. Methadone is a medication that reduces opioid craving and withdrawal, and is generally delivered in person at a clinic. Individuals can earn take-home doses based on their length of time in treatment. The maximum take-home dose as regulated by state and federal agencies had been 14 days. Nearly 100 methadone providers operate in the state, most serving hundreds of clients, who stand in line or gather in crowded waiting rooms. Such limitations created a high risk for spreading COVID-19, said Jennifer Smith, secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The temporary change allows take-home doses for up to 28 days, and lets physicians make the decision about which patients are ready for increased take-home doses. We are in an unprecedented circumstance, Smith said. We have to ensure our vulnerable population of people continues to have access to medications they need to stay healthy and alive without exposing themselves potentially to the spread of the virus. Pennsylvania was able to make the change after federal guidelines were eased Monday. Its the first of many changes Smith is anticipating in the addiction treatment field. Her agency is scrambling to respond to myriad disruptions caused by COVID-19, from ensuring that treatment facilities maintain proper staffing ratios to allowing telehealth counseling and screening new patients entering facilities. Many providers said increasing the flexibility of take-home medication was a good first step. Liberalizing take-homes is a no-brainer, said Frederic Baurer, president of the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine and medical director of a treatment facility in Philadelphia. Public health concerns demand that we limit everyones exposure and promote social distancing in all areas. In the past, relaxing regulations around methadone raised concerns about abuse or peoples diverting the medications to be sold on the street. But Baurer said the coronavirus alters the risk-to-benefit equation. Without reliable access to medication, people can risk relapse within days, he said. At the same time, many people traveling to methadone clinics have other respiratory or immunodeficiency conditions that can put their health in jeopardy should they contract COVID-19. For Jamie, who lives in Montgomery County, going to her methadone clinic in neighboring Bucks County last week created a lot of anxiety. (She asked that her last name be withheld because her employer and family dont know about the treatment she receives.) I live with my 65-year-old mother and my toddler daughter, she said. I dont want to be carrying any virus back and forth. Jamie started methadone treatment when she got pregnant, and its been a life-saver, she said. Over the years, shes worked up to receiving two take-home doses. But with the outbreak, shell soon receive closer to 10, she said. Thats crucial to allowing her to live safely, she said. I need to be able to work and be a mom and live my life. Jamies clinic has taken other steps to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. It canceled group therapy, moved individual counseling to the phone, and is only allowing seven clients inside the building at a time. Allowing patients to take home more doses protects not only those who visit the facility less frequently, Smith said, but also those who still have to come in for daily doses. Fewer patients at the clinic also decreases the demand on staff, some of whom may have to stay home if theyre sick themselves or caring for a family member, she added. But not all clinics are changing their practices, and the state is not requiring them to do so. Several members of a Facebook group for people with substance use disorder and their family members raised concerns this week about clinics that are not planning to offer longer take-home doses. Smith said the majority of methadone clinics in Pennsylvania have expressed interest in increasing take-home doses, and she expects clinics will begin rolling out the changes by the end of the week. She estimated that hundreds of patients will be affected. Pinnacle Treatment Centers, which owns 13 clinics in Pennsylvania that provide methadone services, estimates that the flexibility will decrease crowds in the facilities by 40% to 50%. Pinnacle is also extending facility hours so patients can stagger their arrival times, and asking patients questions about international travel and symptoms like cough and fever, said Holly Broce, the companys senior vice president of opioid treatment programs. Regan Kelly, president of Northeast Treatment Centers, said the organizations two methadone clinics in Philadelphia which serve about 650 people between them have been preparing since Monday to identify patients who might be eligible for take-home doses of methadone, anticipating that the federal government would relax restrictions around the medication. Kelly said she believes the new policies will be rolled out over the next few days. People who are still using drugs or having significant adjustment problems in treatment may not qualify for a take-home dose, she said. Were trying to be as generous and broad as we can, she said. Earlier this week, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency eased its restrictions on prescribing buprenorphine, another medication to treat opioid use disorder, which often goes by the brand name Suboxone. Previously, physicians were required to do an in-person consultation with the patient before writing a prescription. During the outbreak, that initial consultation can be done virtually. As the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb, Pennsylvania is also preparing for the possibility of delivering methadone to individuals homes if they test positive for COVID-19 and are put into isolation. At this point there is nothing off the table in terms of evaluating it for usefulness, said Smith of the drug and alcohol department. It doesn't mean we will be able to accommodate everything, but I think everyone is willing to be much more flexible. Inquirer staff writer Aubrey Whelan contributed to this article. If you need help finding addiction treatment, call Pennsylvanias Get Help Now hotline at 1-800-662-HELP for free guidance 24 hours a day. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA provides its journalism at no cost to newsrooms across the state as a public good to keep our communities informed and thriving. If you value this service, please give a gift today at spotlightpa.org/donate. Receiving illegal drugs through the mail is clearly a crime but only if there is proof it was done knowingly and intentionally, legal experts say. First-class letters and parcels are protected against search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment, and, as such, cannot be opened without a search warrant, said Julie Kenney, regional spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If there is probable cause to believe the contents of a letter or package violate federal law, postal inspectors can get a search warrant to open it or can ask the sender or recipient for consent to check it, Kenney said. The mail is also checked by drug-sniffing dogs or X-ray machines. Advertisement The question of whether accepting a package of illegal substances through the mail can open someone up to a police search or even criminal charges even if the recipient claims not to know the contents is among the legal issues surrounding a recent raid on a Beach Park home. The homeowner, Paul Brown, said the raid, apparently done in search of evidence of pot-dealing, was unjustified. Advertisement Police say they got the right house, but that the target wasn't home, and they made no arrests. The search warrant was dependent on someone at the house first accepting a package delivery. Brown said the package was addressed to someone named "Oscar," whom he doesn't know. Colin Miller, an associate law professor at the University of South Carolina who edited the latest edition of Illinois Criminal Procedure, said most courts, including those in Illinois, uphold the use of an "anticipatory" warrant, whose execution is triggered by an anticipated action that suggests criminal activity, such as the acceptance of a package containing marijuana. Some appeals courts don't find sufficient probable cause for such a warrant based solely on the delivery of contraband, Miller said, and might require additional evidence. For a conviction, the courts require other evidence, such as statements from a witness, payments, email or other correspondence showing the recipient anticipated the arrival of the illegal drugs. "In cases where people come into possession of contraband but don't know it, the courts have consistently found that not a crime," Miller said, citing a well-established legal principle known as mens rea, meaning "guilty mind" or criminal intent. "Just receiving a package without knowing its contents isn't sufficient to be convicted of a crime." In the case of the Beach Park raid, Miller said that without seeing an investigator's sworn statement describing leads in the case, it's difficult to say whether there was sufficient evidence. Kenney, the postal inspection service spokeswoman, declined to discuss the Beach Park investigation specifically beyond confirming an agency inspector's involvement. However, she said delivery of drugs through the mail seems to be a growing trend in recent years. In fiscal year 2011, the most recent reported, the Postal Inspection Service reported 1,327 arrests and 1,102 convictions in drug cases nationwide. Inspectors seized 31,000 pounds of illegal narcotics and more than $14.6 million in drug trafficking proceeds. Advertisement rmccoppin@tribune.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:57:54|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BRUSSELS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator with the United Kingdom on the latter's withdrawal, said on Twitter on Thursday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. "I am doing well and in good spirits. I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together," tweeted Barnier, whose formal title now is the head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom. President of the European Council Charles Michel wished Barnier a speedy recovery on Twitter. The Series C investment round was led by Eight Roads Ventures and its US-based sister fund, F-Prime Capital, along with Matrix Partners India and Ventureast also participated in the series. FREMONT, CA: An intelligent customer analytics platform, MoEngage has raised $25 Million in Series C funding. The company has also achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Retail Competency. The round was led by Eight Roads Ventures and its US-based sister fund, F-Prime Capital, along with Matrix Partners India and Ventureast also participated in the series. MoEngage will use this funding to deepen relationships in Asia, integrate advanced capabilities into the product mix and scale operations in the USA and Europe. Founder & CEO, MoEngage Inc., Raviteja Dodda says that the latest round of funding will help their firm to reach more brands and strengthen them with the next-generation customer engagement platform built for the mobile-first world that is easier to use, and intelligent. MoEngage tries to centralize three things, including marketing automation, insights, and behavioral analytics, into one platform so that brands can connect with their customers across channels and personalize touch points. Partner at Eight Roads Ventures, Shweta Bhatia, mentioned that the rise of mobile has also increased the complexity of how digital-first and consumer-focused enterprises interact with their users. Now marketers need to seamlessly engage with customers in a personalized and real-time manner across different channels. The AI and automation platform of the company map customer journeys and develops hyper-personalized offers, updates, recommendations, and other communications across mobile, web, email, and SMS. Several global brands around 35 countries use MoEngage to connect with over 400 million monthly active users, and processing more than 65 billion interactions every month. In Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer Report 2019, MoEngage has received the Highest Overall Customer Ratings (4.6/5) and was also featured in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Mobile Marketing Platform twice in a row. Customers of the company include CIMB Bank, Landmark Group, Travelodge, Samsung, McAfee, Vodafone, Future Retail, Deutsche Telekom, Mashreq Bank along with internet-first brands such as Ola, OYO, Bigbasket, and Tokopedia. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Hong Kong is using artificial intelligence (AI)-based remote monitoring system to track the health of COVID-19 patients and detecting symptoms of disease in quarantined people, The Times of India reported. The device named Everion is developed by a Boston-based start-up Biofourmis, founded by an IIT-Chennai alumnus Kuldeep Rajput, the report said. Everion, which includes biosensor, was developed five years ago to monitor heart failure patients. It is worn on the arm and can measure over 20 different biomarkers in real-time like oxygen levels, respiratory patterns, temperature and heart rate. The biosensor used in the device includes a companion smartphone app that asks questions to patients about their symptoms and a web dashboard that doctors use to observe patients, as per the report. The system, which is being administered by the University of Hong Kong, has been reportedly used to monitor 1,000 quarantined people and 100 positive cases in Hong Kong in the past two-and-a-half weeks. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show To track all news updates on the coronavirus pandemic, click here According to Dr David Chung at the University of Hong Kong, the region is facing tough time as it monitor the coronavirus outbreak. In this case, there is a need for round-the-clock touchless monitoring, he said, adding that such unconventional methods would help them in gauging an epidemiological understanding of the virus. The device, with its medical-grade sensors that include optical, temperature, electrodermal, accelerometer and barometer, is helping medical analysts to track progress of the disease in coronavirus-hit patients and detect symptoms in suspected cases of the virus infection, the report added. Hong Kong has reported 192 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far and four deaths, according to the website of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Like most of the rest of the Bay Area, Sonoma and Napa counties are now under shelter-in-place orders, meaning that only essential businesses may remain open as communities work to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Among the types of businesses deemed essential, according to the orders: Hardware stores. Gas stations. Pharmacies. And, yes, vineyards and wineries. Are wineries essential? Few would contend that wine itself is essential, but the counties wine industries argue that the work of farming grapes and producing wine absolutely is. Wineries are essential, said Michael Haney, executive director of the Sonoma County Vintners, first of all because were an ag-based entity. Moreover, he added, the health of the wine industries is inextricable from the economic health of the region: About a quarter of Sonoma County residents are employed by the wine industry, according to his organization; in Napa County, according to the Napa Valley Vintners, that number is closer to one-third. But the shelter-in-place exception presents a thorny question. When vintners and workers want to keep working to earn wages, but might be putting themselves or others at risk by not staying home, whats the right thing to do? Its a tension already familiar to California wine regions, who have faced similar dilemmas in the wake of recent wildfires, when paying workers and keeping small businesses viable can sometimes run up against public safety concerns. The decision, as now, is often left up to individual business owners. The current exception applies only to wine production and vineyard farming, not to tasting rooms. On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom had asked wineries to close tasting rooms the primary source of revenue for many small wineries. His advisory was technically not enforceable, but many wineries complied. Once Sonoma County issued its shelter-in-place order Tuesday night and Napa County did the same Wednesday, all of the regions tasting rooms had to close. John Storey / Special to the Chronicle 2017 In response to the shelter-in-place directive, Morgan Twain-Peterson, owner of Bedrock Wine Co. in Sonoma, told his winery employees to stay home. Luckily its a pretty slow time of year, he said. Weve done all our winter bottling. He acknowledged that the choice would have been more difficult if it were during a busier season, such as the fall harvest, but for now, he figures there is no point in asking his employees to come in. Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa is keeping its vineyard and cellar crews working Mother Nature doesnt slow down, said Hailey Trefethen, the winerys director of special projects but is having fewer people work at a time. On the production side, we have fewer people working each day and are having them work in different parts of the cellar to reduce contact, she said. But we are working more days of the week, so we still keep up on everything. Similar modifications have been made at Frogs Leap Winery in Napa Valley, with the object of keeping all employees in all departments fully compensated for the foreseeable future, said Rory Williams, director of viticulture and winemaking. Anyone who can feasibly work remotely is doing so, including sales and administrative staff. The winery postponed a bottling run and reassigned tasting room staff to new duties, including helping set up virtual tasting experiences. In vineyards, however, this year presents a much longer to-do list than inside the winery. Were pruning all week, said Chuy Ordaz Jr. Under his familys Palo Alto Vineyard Management, he employs 22 vineyard workers to farm 350 acres of grapes throughout Sonoma County. In the coming weeks, he said, his team would need to begin replanting grapevines the optimal time is during the spring and begin suckering (removing unwanted plant growth from the vines). Those tasks might sound trivial, but Ordaz stresses that its necessary if wineries want a viable crop in the fall. The vines are growing, and theyre not gonna stop growing, he said, so if we dont take care of them, wed come back to some big issues like powdery mildew and mold. All of his workers receive paid sick leave, and Ordaz said he has encouraged them all to take it. We tell them they can take a few days off, no problem, he said. So far, they all want to work. He said he is making sure they kept 6 feet apart at all times and encourages frequent handwashing. Ned Hill, owner of La Prenda Vineyard Management, is working with a skeleton crew of 35 workers this week, with just one or two workers at each vineyard that the company oversees. Were keeping everyone very spread out, he said. Work is 100% optional for his workers, he said. Still, he underscored the importance of keeping people working during this uncertain time. Just like any industry, you have to worry that if you cant provide them jobs, will you ever get them back? he said. You dont want to have to lay people off. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Erik Castro / Special To The Chronicle 2014 The essentialness of vineyard work might be easier for many people to grasp than the essentialness of winery work the former is agriculture, the latter a form of manufacturing. Even so, wine grapes are not like broccoli; theyre not sustenance. But Sonoma County Winegrowers president Karissa Kruse said that in Sonoma County, its impossible to distinguish wine grapes from other crops. A lot of our farmers have diversified ag, she said, growing wine grapes alongside apples and vegetables and raising livestock for dairy. Vineyard workers may be safer from the spread of coronavirus than other types of workers. The great news is farming is outdoors, said Kruse. Its easy for people to socially distance. Winery workers, by contrast, work indoors. Still, most of their work is not in close-quarters office space, but rather in spacious, sparsely populated cellars, where its easy to keep 6 feet of distance. Despite asking his workers to stay home, Twain-Peterson said, he understands why the counties are classifying wine as essential. Yes, its a luxury, but we are dealing with a perishable product, he said. Barrels have to be topped their evaporated liquid replaced or else they might oxidize. Tanks have to be gassed, or their contents could develop volatile acidity. If neglected, an entire years worth of product could be ruined in the space of a few weeks. Kruse said she is relieved that her regions farmers can still work during this time. Our elected officials recognize that agriculture plays a huge role in California, she said, and its not a job that you can close or lock up. Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob Banks ready to help during coronavirus pandemic The Island's Treasury Minister says banks are ready to help during the coronavirus pandemic. Alfred Cannan MHK has acknowledged the role the financial sector is prepared to play during the coronavirus pandemic and praised the commitment shown by local banks to support individuals and businesses. Minister Cannan said: It is not just Government that is able to assist in these tough times. Our banks have announced that they are also providing assistance to businesses with loan repayment holidays and working capital assistance. A range of Government measures were announced this week to support businesses and workers. These included the introduction of a National Insurance Holiday for employers in certain sectors, a grant of 3,000 for businesses in certain sectors and the introduction of a new sick pay compensation payments to mitigate the cost of paying employees in self-isolation. She recently moved to Los Angeles after her friends let her down on her 22nd birthday. But Lottie Moss spent time with her older sister Kate amid the current coronavirus crisis and was spotted leaving her sibling's house in London on Wednesday. The model cut a casual figure in a cream tracksuit as she dragged a large pink suitcase to the car. Family: Lottie Moss spent time with her older sister Kate amid the current coronavirus crisis and was spotted leaving her sibling's house in London on Wednesday. Lottie tied her hair up in a high ponytail and opted for comfort on her feet with black fluffy pumps. Earlier in the day she took to Instagram to share a sizzling black and white snap in a cropped T-shirt. The model posed up a storm for the camera as she showcased her abs in the mirror selfie. Casually-clad: The model cut a casual figure in a cream tracksuit as she dragged a large pink suitcase to the car Lottie had previously said that she was glad to be moving out of London after she said her friends had let her down on her 22nd birthday. And it seems as though she is still having some issues as she wrote: 'People suck. And that's facts' on Instagram last week. Back in January, Lottie was left in floods of tears after her 'drunk cling-on' friends ruined her bash just days before her move to LA. Washboard abs: Earlier in the day, Lottie took to Instagram to share a sizzling black and white snap in a cropped T-shirt A source told MailOnline she was left feeling 'lonely and sad' after many of her close friends failed to turn up to the celebration and those who did attend ruined the night after being thrown out of Brown's hotel in London where she is staying. The source also revealed that Lottie has adopted a sober lifestyle ahead of her LA move, which will be for at least two years, and is looking forward to living Stateside and close to her friend Sofia Richie. 'She said she feels totally let down by her friends and questioned if this was the price of fame as it seems some of them were using her for a fun night out. 'Everyone was treated so nicely with free drinks, cake and champagne. Her friends tried to ruin what was meant to be a lovely stay.' Just like her half-sister Kate, Lottie has recently decided to go sober ahead of her two-year move to LA, and she's looking to spending time with her real friends. The source added: 'She's really good friends with Sofia Richie out in LA and shes looking forward to being with real friends who dont let her down. The Federal Ministry of Education is closing all tertiary, secondary and primary schools nationwide over the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country. The ministry said it is part of measures to contain the spread of the virus. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sunny Echono, confirmed this to PREMIUM TIMES Thursday night. He did not, however, clarify whether schools were closing Thursday or Friday or next week. When asked for dates and the duration of the closure, Mr Echono said details would be sent out on Friday. We will send a press release out tomorrow, thank you, he said. The ministry is also ordering the closure of all the 104 Unity Schools in the country from March 26 as a proactive step to prevent the spread of the dreaded coronavirus. Scourge Coronavirus cases have been recorded in about 140 countries and more than 200, 000 persons have been infected, with thousands dead. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on March 11, 2020, declared Covid-19 a pandemic and since then, the spread has worsened and more deaths have occurred. READ ALSO: The spread of the disease has also led to countries locking in millions of their citizens, closing social spaces, locking down entire regions and shutting their doors against travellers from other countries. Currently, Nigeria has 12 cases, although authorities say one of the victims has fully recovered. Now that most states have closed schools in response to the coronavirus, teachers have found themselves planning for remote learning for the foreseeable future, often with a few daysor a few hoursnotice. But what this looks like is different from district to district, and even classroom to classroom. Some teachers have put together physical or virtual packets that they hope will bridge the gap for the few weeks their districts are shut down. Others have been asked to move their entire classroom online, conducting instruction live. Still, many are facing the same questions: How do I make sure that students without internet access get the same resources as students with connectivity at home? Can we create a classroom community virtually? And what do I do when the technology fails? And now, teachers are facing another hurdle: The potential that schools may stay closed longer than originally planned, possibly through the end of the year. On Tuesday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced that schools would shut down through the 2019-20 year . That same day, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a news conference that the schools in his state would most likely stay closed for the rest of the academic year as well (the governor has not shut down schools statewide). See also: Map: Coronavirus and School Closures Anji Williams, a secondary English teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, has already thought about the possibility of having to design more remote assignments. If you think youre going to send kids home with a packet, and thats going to be a substitute for being in a classroom for two weeks, it isnt, she said. Still, she said it was the best option when teachers started planning for a potential shut down earlier last week. She knows, from a survey that the school sent out before the closures, that most of her students have internet access. But a lot of them rely on their phone to connect and have limited data. Theyre not going to have the same options, she said. When the school system announced last Friday that the district was closing, teachers had prepared a set of eight different assignments for each course, Williams said. She also took students to her class library and her school library, so they could stock up on books before they left. Theyve built a level of fluency; theyre enjoying their reading a little more, said said. Thats really hard, cutting that off. Her students have access to her through the schools learning management system. On Tuesday night, she got her first message, from a student who was struggling with the work. Not knowing how often kids will reach out for help, or how much theyll be able to continue doing schoolwork at all, thats really scary, Williams said. And she worries about equity. My students who achieve at a higher academic level are going to benefit more from this. And my students who are struggling are going to lose more time, she said. Williams plans are for mostly asynchronous learning. But teachers in other districts have been asked to hold real-time classes, which they say come with another set of challenges. Teachers are getting up every day, trying to figure out how to teach on platforms they havent been taught how to use, in 24 hours time, said Tyneisha Hamilton, a 5th grade teacher in Henry County schools in Georgia. Her district is using Google tools for remote lessons, she said. On Monday, the districts first day of remote learning, Hamilton logged onto Google Meet for her first class. About half of her students had also joined, but she couldnt see their faces. They had been blocked for privacy reasons. Kids could only reply through the chat. As an educator, if you planned an activity and cant see their faces, how effective is that lesson? Hamilton said. Everyone at the district has been supportive and responsive, especially in fixing technical problems, like helping students and teachers log on, she said. Still, Hamilton had been expecting a different experience. Shes taught online before, tutoring students one-on-one through VIPKid, a Beijing-based company that matches English teachers with kids in China for virtual lessons. That platform allows teachers and students to see each other, Hamilton said. How much am I really teaching you, if I cant see you model? she asked. I Cant Just Pause My Curriculum For other teachers, the process has gone more smoothly. Michael Quist, a high school chemistry and Spanish teacher in Eminence, Ky., put together a week-long packet when he found out on Thursday that his district wouldnt be coming back on Monday. He also uploaded everything onto Google Classroom. All assignments are due on Fridaystudents can progress at their own pace, and then upload their work to the site or take a picture of the completed hard copy. Quist is available by email for questions. So far, things are going pretty well. Ive been surprised about how many are actually taking it really seriously, he said. But Quist acknowledges that he may have a head start when it comes to this kind of instruction. For years, hes taught with a mastery-based approach: Students have a lot of practice working on different projects at different paces, and Quist has experience managing that kind of schedule. Quists school system also supports students in the rural community who have spotty internet accessthey can dispatch WiFi-equipped school buses to key locations in the district, he said. The high school is distributing paper assignments to students without devices or connectivity throughout the week. At the drop of a hat, we were able to go to non-traditional instruction, Quist said. His students are doing remote learning this week, and then will be on spring break for the two weeks following. But after that, the future is less clear. While the Eminence Independent District isnt currently planning to stay closed after spring break, leaders elsewhere in the country have raised the possibility that school may be out for the rest of the year . Thats already a reality in Kansas, where the governor announced Tuesday that all schools in the state would be closed through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Kaitlyn Barker worries about what longer closures would mean for her students. Barker, a 10th grade English/language arts teacher at Avon Community School Corporation in central Indiana, is on her second week of remote teaching. Schools closed earlier this month after a student in the district tested positive for COVID-19. Barker is comfortable with her districts e-learning platform, as shes used it before on snow days and for other short, unexpected closings. But on those days, shed usually do some sort of supplemental activity, like show a short PowerPoint and give a quick quiz, or have students practice for the state standardized tests they take in 10th grade. This, over an extended period of time, is a bit more challenging, Barker said. I cant just pause my curriculum and do something different for a day. Right now, shes working with one class on essay writing. Shes having students write it in chunks and turn them in each day. Shes offered video conferencing to talk about her feedback, but so far, no one has taken her up on it. For another class, shes trying Zoom meetings to talk about the book theyre reading. When you dont have that personal connection, its really hard to have those class discussions that are so important for English, and other subjects as well, Barker said. Shes in communication with her districts special education department about how to make sure students get their accommodations online, and shes given extra time to those who would also be getting it in the classroom. Shes also been contacting parents and messaging students to make sure they know about the assignments, as only about 50 to 75 percent of her students were turning in work when the district first moved to remote learning, she said. The district has been very supportive, Barker said, offering resources and help. Still, she said, its a lot to keep up with, to be honest. Teaching from home might seem fun or relaxing, but its not, Barker said. Oh, you get to stay at home and stay in your pajamas and do work on your computer? But its actually very stressful. Image: Tony Berastegui, 12, left, and his sister Giselle, 9, do their school work at home on the dining room table as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic forced schools to close Monday, March 16, 2020, in Laveen, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Press Release March 19, 2020 Health force should be thoroughly equipped for worst-case coronavirus scenario - De Lima Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has called on the national government to fully equip health authorities and assist local officials to prepare for the worst-case scenario in the event that the coronavirus (COVID 19) infection spreads uncontrollably across the country. In her recent Dispatch from Crame 738, De Lima said that the first order of the day for public health and elected officials should be to prepare the country's health force for the worst-case scenario to stop the further spread of the dreaded coronavirus. "If this disaster is going to be on the same scale as Italy is now undergoing, our medical facilities should be expanded and our health force reassured that they will get all that they will need, both from the government and the private sector," she said. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has killed nearly 9,000 people and infected over 218,000 around the world. In Italy, over 3,000 people have died while 35,713 others have been tested positive for coronavirus infection. In the Philippines where a month-long "enhanced community quarantine" is imposed, health authorities have reported 17 people who died and 202 others have been confirmed to have been infected by coronavirus, many of whom are elderly people. Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire warned that the number of coronavirus cases could reach 75,000 in three months if the government would not take drastic actions to contain and stop the further spread of the virus. Citing WHO studies, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano who sits at the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases claimed that a person with COVID-19 can potentially infect around 100 people if he is not isolated and treated immediately. The lady Senator from Bicol, however, pointed out that for the country's health force to do its job well, the government should first have to secure national borders, especially against passengers coming directly from China. "But as our health force starts to respond to every case of the dreadful disease, we must also make sure that our borders are secure from further infection from the outside, especially China," she said. "Any remaining flights from that country should be completely banned, something that should have been done two months ago when the first signals of a global pandemic began to arise from Wuhan as its residents started to spread the virus throughout the world, even while bodies already started falling in that city," she added. De Lima, who chairs the Senate Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Committee, said that while the Filipino people have to brace themselves for the worst-case situation, the government and the private sector should extend all support necessary to health workers. "[W]e now have to deal with these ourselves. Beyond the checkpoints and the military's praetorian presence in the next 30 days in our lives, we should not lose sight of the more important requirements to combat the virus," she said. "These are: a fully-equipped health force, complete and absolute support to our medical professionals and health workers, and efficient delivery of health and medical logistics to our hospitals, both public and private," she added. More than the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine enforced by police and military personnel, De Lima said well-prepared hospitals would be the last line of defense to treat a possible surge of coronavirus patients, especially among the vulnerable sectors, such as children, elderly and the poor. "The soldiers' bullets cannot kill the virus, only the skill of our doctors and nurses can. Then it is also just a matter of time before the soldiers themselves start getting infected, and that is when we will realize that the real arena of battle in this fight is not out there in the provincial frontiers, but inside our hospitals and our communities. Here, the doctors and health workers will be our soldiers," she said. Federal Government has announced entry restrictions for travelers from the following countries: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha made the announcement at a media briefing today Wednesday March 18th. According to Mustapha, the affected countries are countries with over 1,000 cases domestically. He said the restrictions will take effect from Friday 20 March 2020 for 4 weeks subject to review. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation also announced temporary suspension of visas issued to nationals from these countries. He said Nigerians arriving from these countries will be subjected to supervised isolation for 14 days. He advised all Nigerians to avoid travel to these countries. People wait in line to attend a technology job fair in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 26, 2017. (Lucy Nicholson/File Photo/Reuters) Jobless Claims Jump as CCP Virus Bites Into US Labor Market 'A number of states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs,' the Department of Labor said The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits surged to a 30-month high last week, suggesting a pickup in layoffs as the COVID-19 pandemic undercuts economic activity. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits jumped 70,000 to a seasonally adjusted 281,000 for the week ended March 14, the highest level since September 2017, the Labor Department stated on March 19 (pdf). Data for the prior week was unrevised. Economists polled by XTB had forecast claims would increase to 218,000 in the latest week. The Labor Department attributed the jump in claims to COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus as the CCP virus because of the Chinese Communist Partys initial coverup and mismanagement of the outbreak, which helped the virus to spread across China and become a global pandemic. The Labor Department said in a release that the spike in initial jobless claims is clearly attributable to impacts from the COVID-19 virus. A number of states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs, while many states reported increased layoffs in service-related industries broadly and in the accommodation and food services industries specifically, as well as in the transportation and warehousing industry, whether COVID-19 was identified directly or not, the Labor Department stated. President Donald Trump has been meeting with industry executives to gauge the impact of the virus on the U.S. economy and to determine relief actions. In a March 17 meeting with representatives of the tourism industry, U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow said the travel slowdown could wipe out hundreds of billions in total travel spending and lead to millions of job losses. The numbers are $355 billion is what were going to lose, 4.6 million employees will be out of work, and were predicting unemployment will go to 6.3 percent, he told Trump. So, its nowits serious, Dow said. On March 18, a national restaurant association representing about half a million eateries estimated the hit from COVID-19 to U.S. foodservice sales will be $225 billion, while the full economic impact could be as much as $675 billion. The National Restaurant Association wrote to Trump and congressional leaders on March 18, projecting that in the next three months, the outbreak-related economic fallout could lead to the loss of between 5 and 7 million jobs. We know your industries are among the hardest hit, Trump told the representatives of the tourism industry, which includes restaurants. We are going to come out stronger than ever before. We literally had the strongest economy on earth, Trump said, noting that more than 124 countries have been affected. Unbelievable. In a massive federal effort on March 17, Trump asked Congress to speed emergency checks to Americans, enlisted the military for MASH-like hospitals, and implored ordinary peopleparticularly socially active millennialsto do their part by staying home to stop the spread of the virus. On March 16, Trump signed off on an emergency aid package passed hours earlier in the Senate. The emergency aid package will provide paid sick and family leave for a number of Americans, offer free CCP virus testing, and bolster unemployment insurance. Its the second such aid package this month. Reuters contributed to this report. LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 17, 2020 Tents have been erected at the Saperstein Emergency Center entrance to the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center on the Westwood campus as hospitals are straining under coronavirus but the big wave hasn't hit yet as of March 17, 2020. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) (Al Seib/Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) C.A. Lim woke Friday in her Venice apartment with a fever, dry cough, aching muscles, and a tightness in her chest like a corset she couldnt take off. At a Kaiser urgent care clinic, a physician and an infectious disease specialist told the 33-year-old nonprofit executive that she clearly had COVID-19, but that they couldnt spare a test to confirm the diagnosis because she was not elderly or otherwise a high-risk patient. The doctor encouraged me to reach out to everyone I have been within six feet of within the past 10 days, and let them know I have COVID, Lim recounted in an email. She and her husband immediately quarantined themselves and began calling, texting and emailing friends, colleagues and relatives, ultimately alerting some 60 to 70 people about the potential exposure. Two co-workers she had crossed paths with at a training session in New York subsequently told her they also had come down with the coronavirus, she said. Despite the illness of her associates and the strong opinion of her doctors, Lim is not included in the government tally of confirmed virus cases. Her experience is troublingly common, according to healthcare workers and patients. Due to a shortage of tests, many people identified by their doctors as probably or possibly stricken with COVID-19 are not being reported to authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reserved tests until recently for those who were severely ill and those with direct connections to afflicted regions or individuals, and the tests remain very difficult to obtain. For months, younger and healthier people who had symptoms of the virus have been told they dont qualify for a screening and sent home by medical professionals with varying advice about what precautions to take. The failure to test and quarantine this group is believed to be a major factor in the rapid growth of cases nationwide that has prompted the closures of schools and businesses. While people on ventilators and in intensive care units were tested and their contacts traced, local health agencies were not informed about those with milder symptoms and they were not subject to government monitoring aimed at stopping the spread of the virus. Story continues Widespread testing has allowed some countries like South Korea to contain the epidemic by identifying infected citizens, whether or not they had symptoms, and strictly quarantining them. In L.A. County, which has a population of about 10 million, only about 1,100 people had been tested by Tuesday, though the number is expected to rise rapidly in the coming days as more labs come online, officials say. At least 8,200 people had been tested in California, according to state public health figures released Tuesday. This is good news for all of us, we desperately needed to be able to increase our lab capacity," county health department director Barbara Ferrer said Tuesday. Not every dry cough or fever is COVID-19. The symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the flu and the outbreak began as the US flu season was peaking, making testing even more critical for physicians to identify coronavirus. Dr. Natalie Marino, a family medicine doctor at a Los Angeles County urgent care, said she had seen many patients with symptoms of coronavirus over the last two months, but her clinic did not have access to a single test until this week. The tests simply weren't available. If we had tested more mild people in the community there would have at least been a chance for people to really take this seriously from the beginning, Marino said. I think that wouldve been better than what we know is happening right now. She said she told people she suspected of having the virus to keep themselves at home for at least 14 days, but acknowledged there was no way to enforce their behavior. You are trusting the patient to keep themselves at home ... and at least six feet from elderly family members, she said. Marcia Santini, an emergency room nurse at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, echoed that assessment: Its blind trust, honey, People who showed up at the UCLA ER with a dry cough and a fever in recent weeks were not tested unless they were so ill they needed to be hospitalized. Patients could be screened for the flu, but if the results were negative, providers told them they might have the virus and sent them home with a four-page printout about proper hand-washing and how to manage household tasks while self-quarantining. In Lims case, a Kaiser doctor recorded in her chart that while she did not meet the strict criteria for a test, this patient is high suspicion for local transmission based on presentation and symptoms. Kaiser spokesman Terry Kanakri said that unfortunately the health provider was unable to say how many other untested patients were suspected of having the virus. In a statement, Kaiser said while it only reported positive tests to the local public health officials, untested patients with COVID-19 symptoms are told to self-isolate at home, and they are monitored virtually. Health authorities seem to know little about these patients. Asked if they are tracking cases where a medical professional believes an untested person had coronavirus, a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health said in a statement that the department does not collect information on a providers clinical decision on whether or not to test a patient. Lim said she has not left her 500-square-foot studio apartment since receiving the diagnosis and stays on the other side of the room from her husband, who doctors said was probably positive but asymptomatic. We just have to do this weird little dance where we trade places if we need to be in the others space, she explained. Her husband emerges only briefly to walk their toy poodles, wearing a mask and staying within 40 feet of the apartment. For others, that level of isolation hasnt been possible. One L.A. mother, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said her doctor told her March 3 that he suspected her high fever and pneumonia were coronavirus. He told her to self-quarantine while waiting for the public health department to test her. But despite making a million calls to a bunch of different people, she was never tested. Last week, her doctor told her she didnt qualify and there was nothing he could do. As the days drew on, she struggled to avoid family members whom she lives with, including her school-age child, and ultimately feared she might have passed the virus to her childs classmates. If there are more cases like mine, these are the reasons this is spreading so much, she said. Times staff writer Emily Baumgaertner contributed to this report. A Malawi national quarantined at the Beitbridge District coronavirus management centre on Wednesday after showing high temperature is still awaiting results, while his 19 compatriots who were on the same bus were taken by Government officials to the next border. Health officials here moved swiftly to quarantine the man who exhibited signs of a fever and had a history of coughing. Specimens were sent for further laboratory tests to Harare, with results expected in 24 hours. Nineteen of his countrymen, who were travelling with him on a Munorurama bus, and not a Munhenzva bus as reported earlier, were screened and escorted to the next border because they did not present any signs of illness. The 19 were escorted by Government officials in several vehicles to ensure they did not have contact with anyone until they cross the border into Malawi. The detained man was in transit from Northern Cape in South Africa to Malawi via Zimbabwe. The standard precautions came into effect as the health team swung into action and he was taken in for tests after 5pm. District medical officer, Dr Lenos Samhere said they had conducted all the necessary tests and sent specimens for further tests. Currently, the man has been isolated and in a stable condition. We have since collected his specimens for testing, he said. He encouraged people to practice standard measures, among them personal hygiene and avoiding crowded places to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. Dr Samhere said Mimosa Mine was now working with the Government to upgrade the port health facilities at Beitbridge Border Post where screening of all travellers was mandatory. There is construction work that is going on within the border and this will come with all the facilities we would need for a port health centre. Mimosa Mine was helping upgrade the current port health facilities, which were expected to be complete by the end of yesterday. The Beitbridge team had asked for additional staff. Canada is closing its borders to non-citizens except for U.S. citizens at the moment, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trudeau announced the border closing at a press conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday. "We can still slow the spread of this virus." Among those also exempted are permanent residents, immediate family of Canadian citizens, aircrew, and diplomats. The ban does not affect the shipment of goods into Canada. Trudeau's declaration came after the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed a ban on non-essential, incoming foreign travel for one month in the European Union. The prime minister declared the move from outside his residence where he is self-isolating. He stopped short of calls to close the Canadian-U.S. border, an act that allows expanding Hollywood film and TV production to continue north of the border. According to a federal government source in Ottawa, Canada and the United States are in talks regarding the details of a proposed mutual ban on non-essential travel between the two countries. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to disclose details of ongoing negotiation. Canada and the U.S. are currently working on a joint statement. Trudeau called the barring a "significant step" that aims to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. He said the government was acting on the advice of public health officials. In response, President Donald Trump tweeted, "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic." "Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!" Also Read: Coronavirus Scare: Cops in Masks and Hazmat Medics Seen Outside Buckingham Palace "We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents," according to Trudeau. According to Trudeau, the exemption for U.S. citizens was warranted because of the level of integration of the two countries' economies. Further investigation is required into whether the Canadian-U.S. border may eventually have to be shut down. "We are not ruling out any measures. But we will take necessary measures when they become necessary." Canada and the U.S. are anxious to arrest the spread of COVID-19 without hindering the crucial flow of trade and commerce in both directions over the Canada-U.S. border. Trudeau began self-isolating after his wife tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The exemption for U.S. citizens immediately raised some questions and concerns that COVID-19 could spread between the two countries. On Tuesday, the European Union said it would close its external borders to non-citizens due to COVID-19. The border between the United States and Canada is the world's longest border between two neighboring countries. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freedland declared at a press conference the potentially huge effect of closing the border. "Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border." Related Article: Coronavirus Positive Elders in Italy Left to Die As Number of Infections Rise @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mouli Mareedu By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Covid-19 is undoubtedly one of the deadliest diseases that mankind has ever seen and one that continues to drastically affect the lives and livelihood of people across the globe. But there seems to be at least one positive effect the Coronavirus is having, bringing relief to the residents as well as the police from the seasonal crime in the State.If the State police officials are to be believed, the graph of crime rate has been witnessing a downward trend for the last few days in Hyderabad and rest of the State. As soon as summer sets in, the notorious inter-state gangs start operating, committing robberies and thefts as well as indulging in chain snatchings. But the police said that these gangs have not been active in the last few days. Fearing the spread of Coronavirus, these inter-state gangs seems to have kept their plans on hold this summer, a top police official told Express. We have a reason to believe that the members of these gangs are afraid of Coronavirus and are not committing any offences. Due to virus threat, many families are also staying indoors, cancelling their summer vacations. That is another reason why the gangs which specialise in robberies of locked houses are not active, the official said. Another officer said that no major crime took place in Hyderabad and in the districts in the last few days . Corona scare could be the only answer for these criminals to stay away. These criminals too seems to be worried over contracting the infection, he said.However, there is a flip side to the crime scene in times of Corona. There is no drop in cybercrimes. Maybe because they dont have to fear the virus, he added. Meanwhile, Hyderabad, which is notorious for its traffic snarls, is now breathing easy with less traffic as people are staying indoors. At major junctions, traffic is moving smoothly much to the delight of those who venture out of their homes. As cinema theatres, museums, parks and other public places are closed, people are forced to stay home. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 23:02:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SINGAPORE, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Keppel Corporation Limited (Keppel) announced here Thursday to roll out a comprehensive package worth more than 4.2 million SG dollars (around 3 million U.S. dollars) to help the Singapore community weather COVID-19. The package will be funded by voluntary contributions from the Keppel Group's directors, senior management and staff, with dollar-for-dollar matching contributions from Keppel Corporation. This comes after the Company's earlier donation of over 900,000 SG dollars (around 640 thousand U.S. dollars) to support Singapore and international efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, Keppel said in a press release. Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Keppel Corporation, said "Through this package, we will provide support to the communities most affected by the pandemic, including healthcare workers and patients, lower income families, as well as Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)." A total of more than 4.2 million SG dollars is expected to be raised. Of the total, about 3.5 million will be used to support lower income households through rebates given by Keppel's subsidiary companies Keppel Electric, mobile service provider M1 and City Gas. More than 40,000 households are expected to benefit. A further 300,000 SG dollars will be donated to The Courage Fund to support communities affected by COVID-19, bringing Keppel's total contribution to the fund to 600,000 SG dollars. The rest 400,000 SG dollars will be earmarked to support Keppel's frontline contract staff, such as cleaners and security personnel, and to help the company's SME suppliers by improving payment terms to ease their cash flow pressure. SACRAMENTO California is spending the first $150 million of its emergency coronavirus funding on slowing the spread of the disease among the homeless population. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday sending $100 million to local governments for shelter support and emergency housing. The state will use the other $50 million to buy 1,309 travel trailers and to lease hotel and motels rooms to quarantine homeless people who show symptoms of coronavirus. The first two leases are for hotels in Alameda County, including 393 rooms in Oakland. On a Facebook livestream, Newsom said the trailers and hotel rooms would address the needs of the most vulnerable on the streets and sidewalks by bringing people inside with a door, a key and a lock, with as much supportive services as we can provide. The money is from a $1.1 billion package approved by the Legislature this week to expand health care and homelessness services and school and child care cleaning during the coronavirus outbreak. Newsom touted several other new orders during the livestream, including one easing regulations on mass layoffs by businesses and another suspending standardized testing in public schools for the year. The governor said Tuesday that he does not expect most California schools, nearly all of which have closed, to reopen before the summer break. A shortage of hospital capacity to treat coronavirus patients in California is a serious concern, Newsom said during the livestream. He said his administration has run models in which as many as 20% of residents ultimately need hospitalization, which would leave the state short by nearly 20,000 beds. The state has acquired two additional hospitals to help close that gap, one in Northern California and one in Southern California, which the governor plans to formally announce on Friday. Many hospitals are also running low on supplies, Newsom said, and California has requested a massive amount of supplies from our federal partners. The governor said he had spoken with hospitals that are buying gloves from hardware and grocery stories, purchasing swim goggles because they do not have enough protective glasses, and even contracting with seamstresses in Los Angeles garment district to make masks. Thats not acceptable under these circumstances, Newsom said. We certainly are going to need more support, he said. Were trying to pull on that support everywhere we can. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff The first death of a coronavirus patients has been recorded in Northern Ireland (Ben Birchall/PA) The coronavirus outbreak could see up to 15,000 deaths in Northern Ireland in a worst case nightmare scenario, the regions health minister has warned. As the first death in the region was reported, Robin Swann spelled out how bad the situation could be if all social distancing measures and hand hygiene steps failed. He earlier told a Stormont media briefing that 9,000 people could die in the outbreak, as he warned of a surge of biblical proportions. That figure is based on a 50% infection rate and applying the observed worldwide mortality rate of 1% so 9,000 deaths among the 900,000 people infected. The minister later told PA Media that if 80% of the population (1.5 million) was infected his departments worst case planning scenario then the death toll would be much higher. Mr Swann told PA: If we fail as a community to take the necessary action to slow down the transmission of the virus, up to 80% of the Northern Ireland population could be infected during this pandemic. If all the public health advice is ignored, in a worst case nightmare scenario and with a fatality rate of 1%, then that could mean up to 14,000-15,000 lives lost. Stormont health minister Robin Swann has warned there could be up to 1,500 coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland. (PA) Mr Swann said the figures highlighted the importance of people taking the advice on social distancing seriously. So the steps that were asking you to take about social distancing, about staying at home, about hand washing these arent light requests, these are things that can pull down the number of deaths, they can pull them down significantly, he said. Earlier, Mr Swann announced his surge plan which will run to mid-April which includes maximising staff numbers by deploying final-year medical students and prioritising essential services. He said the health service is becoming unrecognisable. Health Minister details first phase of health service surge plan measures to deal with growing transmission of Covid-19.https://t.co/VFzXtNXFYm Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 19, 2020 Thursday saw confirmation of the first Covid-19 related death in Northern Ireland. The Department of Health said the patient, who died in hospital in the Greater Belfast area, was elderly and had an underlying health condition. First Minister Arlene Foster described it as a sad day for Northern Ireland. A total of 77 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the region. In the Irish Republic, 557 people have tested positive and three have died. Under the surge plan announced by Mr Swann, increased testing will be available to frontline health and social care staff, ensuring that they can continue to deliver vital services. (PA Graphics) Allowing third-year nursing and midwifery students within the last six months of qualifying to be deployed will provide support of up to 880 senior nursing and midwifery students. All health trusts have identified specific wards to provide extra bed capacity for coronavirus patients and some 40 additional mechanical ventilators have been ordered, taking the total available in Northern Ireland to 179 by the end of March. Renewing his plea to the public to practise social distancing, Mr Swann said the measures could potentially reduce the peak by some 50% and cut deaths by up to a third. Health Minister Robin Swann (Liam McBurney/PA) Planning assumptions also indicate that 8% of infected people will require hospitalisation, 0.7% will require critical care, and 1% will die although these figures will vary highly depending on age and other health factors, he said. There is no doubt that these measures come at a cost. They will be difficult for people to stick to. They will have significant social and economic impacts. But they will save lives. We all must continue to rigidly follow the advice on hand-washing and catch it, bin it, kill it when we cough or sneeze and use a tissue. I cannot emphasise this enough. This will help keep more of our family members, neighbours and friends well and by doing so reduce pressures on our health service. As I have already stated publicly, doing the right thing is essential if the health and social care system is to get through this. Mr Swann also issued a thank you to staff in the health and social care sector for their work so far. I am proud of you and I commit to giving you my full support in the days and months ahead, he said. The words thank you seem woefully inadequate in the circumstances but they still need to be said on behalf of everyone across our society. First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms Foster, speaking at Thursday evenings press conference, outlined the Executives robust approach to coronavirus. She said it included increasing the health and social care workforce, reducing administration and paperwork required and new powers to deal with events and mass gatherings. There was also mention of a raft of measures aimed at supporting people and these include support to the food industry to guarantee food supplies. Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill urged the public to follow advice to fight the virus. Social distancing isnt easy, staying apart isnt easy but its necessary, she said. Hand washing, it sounds very, very simple, but it kills the virus. These actions do work and will reduce the deaths by up to a third. We are facing the greatest test of our community in our generation. The United States believes Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military personnel in the course of its military operations in Syria, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, saying that Washington continued to offer support to its Nato ally Turkey. Speaking at a news conference at the State Department, Mr Pompeo did not specify where or during which incident the Turkish soldiers were killed. It was the first time Washington has directly pointed its finger at Moscow over the death of Turkish soldiers. "We believe Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military personnel in the course of their military operations, and we stand with our Nato ally Turkey and we continue to consider additional measures to support Turkey and to end the violence in Idlib and in Syria more broadly," he said. Last month, an air strike that Ankara said was carried out by the Syrian government forces killed at least 34 Turkish soldiers, the deadliest attack on the Turkish army in nearly 30 years. The attack came after Russia-backed Syrian government forces had intensified their campaign to retake Idlib, the last rebel-held stronghold in the country. That prompted Turkey, which backs some rebels looking to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to mount a counter-offensive to repel their advances. Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in Syria's war, agreed on March 5 to halt hostilities in the country's north-west after a recent escalation of violence displaced nearly a million people and brought the two sides close to confrontation. The ceasefire has largely held since then. Regina woman Sydney Harrison is grateful to be home after a mad dash onto a flight from Argentina, but not every Saskatchewan resident abroad is eager to hop on a plane at this point. For now, Saskatoon's Emaan Arslan is staying put in Islamabad, Pakistan, petrified at the thought of flying. Those mixed reactions are partially in response to a plea from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said on Monday that "if you're abroad, it's time for you to come home." But they're also in response to the unique circumstances of the countries the two women travelled to. Harrison, who is now back home in Regina, caught the last United Airlines flight from Buenos Aires on Monday night, with only 10 minutes to spare, before the airline began a 30-day suspension of international flights. "It was just relief," she said of the feeling when her flight landing. Harrison had been out on what should have been a three-day hike when Trudeau delivered his message for Canadians abroad. She and her friends returned within a day, and with airlines impossible to reach by phone, they raced to the airport to book whatever flights they could. "You could just feel the panic and people en masse running around, and it was pretty crazy," Harrison said. In spite of the language barrier between Harrison and the Spanish-speaking employees at the airport, they scrambled to get her and her friends on the plane. They ended up holding the plane just so they could get on. "I just couldn't believe it. It almost felt like a dream still until I got home and actually got some real sleep," Harrison said. Fear of flight Arslan, on the other hand, said her scheduled flight out of Islamabad at the end of April is in limbo. Prices for flights right now at more than double the $800 flight she had scheduled are prohibitive for her. She said the masses of people, and the confined spaces in airports and on airplanes, are among the biggest fears she has as cases of coronavirus in Pakistan have nearly doubled since Tuesday. Story continues "I'm scared to travel," Arsland said. "My fear is an exposure at an airport, in the flights, at the airports during my connections," she said. "This is kind of social interaction too. Obviously, you're interacting with people. I don't know. I'm confused and scared." Her long-term fear is that her permanent residency in Canada expires in May, and she's not sure if she'll be flying home before then. She is calling on the federal government to extend permanent residencies, which Pakistan has already done. "Are they going to allow me afterwards to enter in Canada as the nasty situation [calms] down?" Arslan said. CBC reached out to Immigration Canada to inquire about what will happen to permanent residents in Arslan's situation, but has not yet received a response. Arslan said she is "fine" with staying in Islamabad longer than she'd originally planned. She has been away from Canada since early December and is planning on starting a family with her husband, who applied to immigrate to Canada two years ago but has not yet been approved. Still, she has a home, banking, a vehicle, a career and a life back in Saskatoon that she worries she won't easily be able to return to if the federal government doesn't act now. Permanent residency reapplications can take a long time for approval, she said. There are now eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Athens-Clarke County, as confirmed by the Georgia Department of Public Health at noon Thursday. The first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in ACC were announced Sunday. New York City has surpassed 2,000 coronavirus-positive cases, surpassing Washington state in the number of those infected. The new numbers in New York state were revealed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during his daily press conference, with the official saying he now orders all nonessential jobs to reduce their workforce by 75 per cent who come into the office. These jobs are now mandated to have a maximum of 25 per cent in the office as opposed to working from home. In New York state, there are 4,152 people infected and 2,469 come from New York City. Death toll also increased with 21 people dying from the virus, an increase of one person from yesterday. A huge jump in numbers, with 1,769 new cases, is partly due to the state aggressively testing nearly 8,000 people on Wednesday night to determine how the virus is spreading. Washington state, which has been the epicentre of the virus in the US, was surpassed by both New York City and New York. The number of cases in Washington state remain at a confirmed 1,187 infected, as of Thursday morning. Mr Cuomo said he expects tens of thousands of cases will be determined across the state in the coming days. One goal Mr Cuomo and other New York officials are focusing on is reducing the density in New York state and New York City to prevent the virus from infecting more people. Measures are in place including the closure of bars, restaurants, gyms, and community venues. Reducing the workforce at nonessential jobs was also mandated. New York also banned social gatherings of 50 people or more, while the Trump administration advises for people to avoid gathering of 10 people or more across the nation. All of these measures are working to flatten the curve so Covid-19 does not overwhelm the healthcare industry in the coming weeks. New York state has more than 50,000 hospital beds currently to help those infected. But the state anticipates it will need more beds for Covid-19 patients. Mr Cuomo met with the Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday to discuss building field hospitals in the state. In the US, the number of coronavirus cases has topped 10,000 with 10,767 infected and 160 deaths. New York: The whereabouts of Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend and longtime business associate of Jeffrey Epstein, has been largely a mystery since the registered sex offender was arrested last summer on sex trafficking charges. But Maxwell has surfaced with a lawsuit against Epstein's estate, saying the financier, who died last year, had promised to pay her legal fees for any claims from the dozens of women who say she helped him recruit them to give him massages when they were teenagers. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in New York in 2005. Credit:Getty Images Maxwell brought her suit in Superior Court in the US Virgin Islands, where Epstein's estate is being probated. The suit was filed on Friday, but not docketed until late on Tuesday, US time. The lawsuit was a rare public movement by Maxwell, who has kept a low profile since Epstein's death in August in federal custody. She remains a central figure in the investigation by federal prosecutors in Manhattan who are looking into associates of Epstein. Investigators are trying to determine who may have assisted him in recruiting young girls and women to be sexually abused and who may have moved money to further his efforts. EAST ALTON The St. Louis Regional Airport remains open and operating, according to its director Dave Miller. A moratorium on foreign nations coming into the U.S. remains in place, he said. The airports usage varies, up to 70 flights a day. Other than corporate aircraft utilizing WestStar Aviation which employs more than 500 people the airport also services privately-owned domestic aircraft. Some corporate jets come and go, and some I know are domestic, Miller said. Theres no moratorium on foreign aircraft leaving the airport to Egypt, or Malta, or wherever it may be going. The Federal Aviation Administration-controlled airport has no restriction for instrument approaches. Its control tower is manned by one controller at a time. While WestStar Aviation conducts maintenance of foreign and domestic aircraft, there is no customs operation at the airport in general. All incoming overseas aircraft must clear at an U.S. port of entry, such as Miami or Dallas, Miller said. These aircraft are checked at points of entry by personnel, including undergoing an agricultural inspection, before those even come to the airport in East Alton, Miller said. He said his greater concern now is how to hold in-person board meetings amid COVID-19 concerns. The airport board is maintaining its on-site meetings, including Thursdays public meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the airports administration building. Board chairman Wendell Ross one of three appointees by Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler gave airport board members the option to use electronic media for Thursdays meeting. On Wednesday, officials reported a man in his 30s who had traveled out of the country was the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Madison County. Officials said the man self-quarantined himself when he noticed symptoms; authorities have not announced where he lives. Ross has told airport board members Thursdays meeting must be set up for 6 feet of space between people, with hand sanitizer available. The typical airport board meeting includes Miller, seven board members and the boards attorney sitting around a U-shaped table. Two recording personnel sit at a table more than 6 feet away, but near three rows of about 10 closely-spaced chairs for the public. Miller said an electronic media procedure will be set up for those leery of physically attending Thursdays meeting. On Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker suspended Illinois Open Meetings Act provision requiring members of a public body to be physically present through April 9. He also ordered bars and restaurants not to offer in-house dining. At the airport, that has forced the High Flyers Grille owned by Paul and Erin Ventimiglia to temporarily close. The couple also owns Tonys in Alton and the Charcoal House Tavern in Jerseyville. The biggest downfall that I see is with the restaurants closing, Miller said. That doesnt bode well with High Flyers. Servers and staff have no work to do, he said. So what are we going to for all those people when it comes to making money and they work for tips? Thatll be tough to take. Miller noted some aircraft coming to WestStar for repair or maintenance might be at the East Alton facility for just 24 to 48 hours. Other aircraft have been there for up to eight months. We are anticipating an FAA inspection sometime the first half of April, but they may declare for inspectors stay in, not to go out in public, Miller said. Were looking forward to that inspection, but it may not happen. Marc Thiessen argues that the Wuhan coronavirus should be forever linked to [China], the regime that facilitated its spread. Hes right. Ill let him explain: We are in the midst of a pandemic lockdown today because the Chinese Communist regime cared more about suppressing information than suppressing a virus. Doctors in Wuhan knew in December that the coronavirus was capable of human-to-human transmission because medical workers were getting sick. But as late as Jan. 15, the head of Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention declared on state television that the risk of human-to-human transmission is low. On Jan. 18, weeks after President Xi Jinping had taken charge of the response, authorities allowed a Lunar New Year banquet to go forward in Wuhan where tens of thousands of families shared food and then let millions travel out of Wuhan, allowing the disease to spread across the world. It was not until Jan. 23 that the Chinese government enacted a quarantine in Wuhan. If the regime had taken action as soon as human-to-human transmission was detected, it might have contained the virus and prevented a global pandemic. Instead, Chinese officials punished doctors for trying to warn the public and suppressed information that might have saved lives. According to the Times of London, Chinese doctors who had identified the pathogen in early December received a gag order from Chinas National Health Commission with instructions to stop tests, destroy samples and suppress the news. (Emphasis added) Here is a portion of the Sunday Times of London article to which Thiessen refers: Chinese laboratories identified a mystery virus as a highly infectious new pathogen by late December last year, but they were ordered to stop tests, destroy samples and suppress the news, a Chinese media outlet has revealed. A regional health official in Wuhan, centre of the outbreak, demanded the destruction of the lab samples that established the cause of unexplained viral pneumonia on January 1. China did not acknowledge there was human-to-human transmission until more than three weeks later. The detailed revelations by Caixin Global, a respected independent publication, provide the clearest evidence yet of the scale of the cover-up in the crucial early weeks when the opportunity was lost to control the outbreak. Censors have been rapidly deleting the report from the Chinese internet. Caixin reported that several genomics companies sequenced the coronavirus by December 27 from samples from patients who had fallen sick in Wuhan. There was a striking similarity between the new virus and the Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus that killed nearly 800 people in 2002-3. But the news was shared with only a small group of medics and party officials. The laboratory findings were relayed to officials in Beijing at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). The information should have alerted national health chiefs to a looming crisis, but on January 3, the National Health Commission, Chinas top medical authority, issued its own gagging orders. Laboratories were told not to release any information and to hand over or destroy the samples. When a CDC team was sent to Wuhan on January 8, it was deliberately not informed that medical staff had already been infected by patients a clear confirmation that the disease was contagious. (Emphasis added) It was entirely predictable that the Red Chinese would respond as they did. As Thiessen says: This is what totalitarian regimes do. First, they lie to themselves, and then, they lie to the world. The system creates such fear that people are terrified to report bad news up the chain, causing authoritarian blindness. Then, when those at the top finally discover the truth, they try to cover it up because leaders who abuse their people are less concerned with saving lives than making sure the world does not discover the deadly inefficiency of their system. Thiessen draws an additional lesson from Chinas response to its coronavirus and the devastating consequences to the world: The ongoing pandemic should serve as a reminder of the lesson that President George W. Bush tried to teach us after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: What happens thousands of miles away in a foreign land can affect us here at home. Both viruses and virulent ideologies fester in the fever swamps of totalitarianism and then emerge to kill us in our cities and our streets. Two decades ago, it was a terrorist attack; today, it is a once-in-a-generation pathogen. But in both cases, the lack of freedom in a distant land created conditions that allowed an unprecedented threat to grow, bringing death and destruction to our country. What Bush called the freedom agenda is out of vogue today. But we can now see that caring about freedom is putting America first, because how China treats its people affects the health and security of the American people. I think Thiessen is right, again. Freedom abroad is in Americas interests. This doesnt mean that every foreign intervention we might undertake in the name of freedom is wise. (No one advocates invading China, to cite an extreme example.) It doesnt even mean, necessarily, that all of President Bushs interventions were wise or worth sustaining. It does mean that the internal affairs of nations all over the world matter to America. We should not regard them with indifference. Schools in Italy are likely to remain closed beyond April 3, Italys Education Minister said on Thursday, as the government attempts to further limit contact among citizens to curb the coronavirus outbreak. As Prime Minister (Giuseppe) Conte said, I think we are going towards an extension of the April 3 deadline, Lucia Azzolina told SkyTG24. Schools and universities were closed on March 5. Azzolina said schools would reopen only when there would be certainty of absolute safety, adding that the end of the school year would depend on how well online lessons would go in coming weeks. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders bumped elbows before Sunday night's Democratic presidential debate. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Vice President Joe Biden have recently come together to share ideas on how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, told The Washington Post this week that senior aides on the two campaigns had discussed both campaign-level and policy responses to the virus. A Biden campaign aide also told The Post that the campaign had decided to stop attacking Sanders, with the Vermont progressive reportedly thinking about dropping out of the race. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Vice President Joe Biden are still technically battling it out in the Democratic presidential primary, but the two candidates have recently come together to share ideas on how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, told The Washington Post this week that the two camps "have been in regular contact at a senior level" to confer over how the virus is affecting their campaigns "as well as to discuss both Vice President Biden's and Senator Sanders' ideas on policy responses to the virus." She went on: "While the two campaigns obviously have their differences, they are working together to try to promote the health and safety of their teams, those who interact with the campaigns, and the American people." Sanders has proposed a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package double the spending allocated by the bill that Trump signed into law Wednesday night. The more progressive relief plan would send $2,000 to every American each month and provide free healthcare to all in the form of "Medicare for All." By contrast, Biden's coronavirus response proposal would cover only Americans' healthcare costs related to the virus. "In terms of potential deaths and the impact on our economy, the crisis we face from coronavirus is on the scale of a major war, and we must act accordingly," Sanders said in a Tuesday-night speech. "We must guarantee that everyone who needs care can get it for free, and ensure that all workers continue to receive paychecks so they can make ends meet." Story continues A Biden campaign aide also told The Post that the campaign had decided to stop attacking Sanders with the Vermont progressive reportedly thinking about dropping out of the race. Sanders' campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, released a statement on Wednesday morning, after the senator lost primaries in Florida, Arizona, and Illinois, saying there was "no sugarcoating" his candidate's losses. But Shakir argued that while Sanders was "losing the battle over electability" to Biden, he had "won the battle of ideas." Sanders will most likely attempt to pressure Biden to adopt some of those ideas in his general-election bid against President Donald Trump. Shakir said the candidate and his wife, Jane Sanders, were consulting with supporters in their home state of Vermont to "assess the path forward for our campaign." Sanders hit the ground running in a series of early primary and caucus states as the campaign season kicked off, but he failed to pick up momentum on Super Tuesday, and subsequently lost key delegate-rich states like Michigan and Florida to Biden, all but closing his path to the nomination. Read the original article on Business Insider Shipments of TVs in India have grown 15% annually to reach the highest-ever 15 million units in 2019, according to Counterpoints TV Tracker service. The analyst said that India was one of the largest markets in the world with more than 200 million potential TV households and that it was still under-penetrated making the country a more attractive growth market for the entire TV and content value chain.Growth was found to be mainly driven by budget smart TVs with 32-inch TVs the leading segment and penetrating sub-US$150 price bands. The analysis highlighted that the growing number of smartphone users in India is also driving a need for Smart TV as users look to continue their streaming content consumption on the bigger screens when at home. While Samsung headed the overall TV segment, Xiaomi was the leader in the smart TV segment with 40% YoY growth in 2019.Non-smart TV shipments grew by 7% on an annual basis by the end of 2019. While Samsung, LG, Sony were experiencing a year-on-year decrease in their non-smart TV business, the study showed that brands such as BPL and Sansui were relying on the non-smart TV segment that mainly caters to the rural market, B2B segment or a second bedroom TV in many cases.In terms of leading display technologies, LED TVs accounted for more than 90% of the smart TV market in India, with OLED and QLED TV forming the remainder. Android led the smart TV market in terms of operating system (OS) with a 30% market followed by Samsung and LGs homegrown TV platforms Tizen and WebOS respectively.The analyst predicted that going forward, with the popularity of OTT platforms and robust Internet connectivity, the smart TV market would continue to grow in India. It also forecast that the budget-oriented smart TV sector would dominate the market as the majority of Indians were likely to buy cheaper smart TV before making any high-value purchase decision.Commenting on the competitive landscape and the study, Counterpoint research analyst, Debasish Jana, said: Samsung continues to lead the overall TV market but the emerging smart TV segment is being cornered by the newer players. Smart TV was the fastest-growing segment up 25% year-on-year. The smart TV market in India was mostly driven by brands like Xiaomi, Samsung and emerging tail brands such as TCL, Vu and others, which are leveraging their growing channel presence both online and offline to target the new users and upgrade users. Flash A batch of medical supplies sent by China to help France fight the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic arrived in Paris at the Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday. This package of medical aid includes protective masks, surgical masks, protective suits and medical gloves, as required by the French side, according to Lu Shaye, China's Ambassador to France. "At the crucial moment when China waged war against the epidemic, France provided us with precious support and assistance," said Lu. "Now France and the whole of Europe are facing the serious challenge of the pandemic, China is ready to provide aid as far as possible." Health and medicine are one of the most dynamic areas of Sino-French scientific and technological cooperation, said the ambassador. He noted that after the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, institutions in China and in France stayed in close contact and jointly conducted research on reagents for rapid diagnosis of the virus. Scientists from both countries are currently conducting feasibility studies on the development of antibody-based drugs. "In early February, French and Chinese experts conducted teleconsultation together. Mr. Alain Merieux, President of Merieux Foundation, provided China with multiple suggestions on diagnosis, treatment and cooperation on vaccine development," Lu said. Chinese scientific research institutions and the Pasteur Institute are actively exploring ways to create a joint Sino-French research fund that will primarily support the development of new drugs as well as research into vaccines against COVID-19, he added. China also invited France to participate in a video conference between China and European countries, dedicated to the presentation of Chinese prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment plans, with a view to sharing experiences and making exchanges with the international community including France. "If France needs it, China is ready to organize remote exchanges and teleconsultations, even to send a team of medical experts to France," said the ambassador. "We are convinced that, as long as China, France and the international community are animated by the idea of community with a shared future for mankind, as long as we lead a united fight side by side, we will certainly succeed in defeating the demon of virus," he concluded. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., speaks about Cuba during the House Republicans weekly news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in reaction to Bernie Sanders recent comments about Cuba. Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives have become the first members of Congress to test positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. On Wednesday, both Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, and Utah Democrat Ben McAdams announced they were in self-quarantine after testing positive. At least 10 other members of Congress also announced on Wednesday and Thursday that they were in self-quarantine as a precaution because of exposure to people who have tested positive, many of whom had contact with Diaz-Balart and McAdams. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, announced earlier in the week that he was in self-quarantine "because I came into contact last week with a Coloradan who later tested positive for #COVID19." On Wednesday night, a spokesman for Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who had been in self-quarantine after having flu-like symptoms, said McDaniel tested negative for COVID-19. President Donald Trump's outgoing chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, was in self-isolation in South Carolina as of Tuesday after having contact with his niece, whose results of a coronavirus test were pending. Diaz-Balart said in a statement, "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better." "However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus," Diaz-Balart said. House and Senate leaders plan to postpone four special elections scheduled for the end of the month, and will pass legislation on Monday to give cities and towns increased flexibility to delay local elections planned for the spring and allow voting by mail. Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo both announced Thursday afternoon that they would take up an elections bill on Monday. The step comes as the calls from candidates and voting access advocates to delay certain deadlines, including signature gathering requirements, have mounted in light of government orders for people to keep their distance from one another to slow the spread of coronavirus. "The ability to hold elections is fundamental to the continued functioning of our democracy. We are also aware that we must protect the health and safety of the public during this unprecedented global pandemic," Spilka said in a statement. "As such, the Senate has determined that moving forward with traditional elections at this time would put our voters, election workers, volunteers and others in our cities and towns at excessive risk." The sentiment expressed by Spilka stands in sharp contrast to that put forward just days ago by Secretary of State William Galvin, the states chief elections officer, who said he believes that Massachusetts could still safely conduct in-person voting. "If it's a true crisis, we're certainly not going to force people to choose between their health and voting, but we don't think we're there right now," Galvin said Tuesday. Spilka said the legislation would give cities and towns flexibility with regard to local elections this spring, including the ability to temporarily postpone elections. She said it would also ensure that voters had expanded absentee and mail-in voting options. DeLeo, in a separate statement, said the House would also take up the legislation on Monday. "Due to the COVID19 pandemic and in an effort to protect public health, the House plans to take up legislation on Monday to allow cities and towns to postpone municipal elections," DeLeo said. Both DeLeo and Spilka are also planning to reschedule special elections scheduled for March 31 to fill two vacant seats in the House and two seats in the Senate. Spilka said the Senate also plans to make absentee ballots or mail-in options available for voters in those special elections under the state of emergency declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not a decision we take lightly as we seek to balance the need for representation for our legislative districts with the very real risks to our residents, Spilka said. It was unclear for how long leaders in either branch planned to delay those elections. A Senate official said talks about when to reschedule were ongoing. Galvin last week proposed legislation seeking emergency powers to respond to cases of natural disaster or emergency, including the authority to postpone elections, move polling locations or extend ballot access deadlines. A number of candidates, including members of the states Congressional delegation and the Republican running for U.S. Senate Kevin OConnor, whose 86-year-old father has been hospitalized with COVID-19, have been calling on leaders to extended the signature gathering deadlines. While its unclear if the legislation the House and Senate will take up Monday will address that issue, Quentin Palfrey, the chair of the Voter Protection Corps, said it should. You shouldnt be forcing people to choose between what they need to do to get on the ballot and what they need to do to keep themselves and their volunteers safe, Palfrey said. Palfrey, who ran for lieutenant governor in 2018, was pleased to hear the Legislature would be taking up a voting bill next week. "I think it's great. In particular, the increase of early voting and absentee and mail voting options is definitely the direction we should be heading in during this public health emergency," he said. His and other groups, including Common Cause Massachusetts, the ACLU and MassVote, also believe now would be a good time to implement election-day voter registration. Advocates say the coronavirus outbreak could make it difficult for some people to keep their voter registrations up to date. "I'm thrilled the state went to automatic voter registration, but there are still too many people who get disenfranchised because of the registration cut-off and people should be allowed to register and vote on election day," Palfrey said. "It doesn't increase fraud and does increase the ability of a lot of people to participate." We should do it now, he said. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Related Content: She's self-isolating and urging her fans to do the same as the coronavirus pandemic worsens. And on Wednesday, Kylie Jenner shared with her Instagram followers that she got used to staying home all the time while expecting her daughter Stormi. 'I'm on day 8. My pregnancy prepared me for this, I didn't leave the house for months,' the reality star, 22, said. Quarantine: She's self-isolating as the coronavirus pandemic worsens. And Kylie Jenner shared with her fans she got used to staying home all the time while expecting daughter Stormi Staying home; 'I'm on day 8. My pregnancy prepared me for this, I didn't leave the house for months,' the reality star, 22, posted on her Instagram Story on Wednesday After falling pregnant by rapper Travis Scott in 2017, Kylie took extensive measures to conceal her growing baby bump. She hid it with baggy clothing in Instagram snaps and kept out of the public eye as much as possible throughout the end of 2017 and the start of 2018. She only confirmed her pregnancy when she announced the news that she had given birth to a baby girl on February 1, 2018. The youngest daughter of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Momager Kris Jenner has been staying put at her Hidden Hills mansion as the COVID-19 outbreak spreads but is using social media to encourage her followers to practice social distancing. Giving advice: The youngest daughter of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Momager Kris Jenner is using social media to encourage her followers to practice social distancing The Coronavirus grows more serious every day. The Surgeon General Jerome Adams warned on Wednesday that it could take longer than 15 days to slow the spread of coronavirus but that Americans must 'pitch in' and do their part by self-isolating. Adams appeared on NBC's Today to make the plea, a day after President Trump issued a 15-day set of guidelines to people to work from home where possible and practice social distancing. Millions have heeded the advice and are avoiding going out. Some, like in cities where the pandemic spreading the quickest, are calling for harsher action, like a two-week national shutdown to force people indoors. There has not been a clear cut answer on how long Americans will have to continue living in this current state of crisis. Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday to clarify on the groups exposure to YES Bank, and sought more time from the agency to provide further clarifications on some specific queries. The probe agency has asked him to appear again on March 30. Ambani had been called by the ED in connection with an ongoing money laundering case against YES Bank co-founder Rana Kapoor. Ambani was asked to furnish some important details which are crucial for the case, said an ED official. ADAG is amongst the largest borrower of the bank, with ... Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) President Rodrigo Duterte will address local officials amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, his spokesman said Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo did not give further details except that the address will begin soon and will be aired as recorded. The President met with the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases earlier Thursday evening. The President met with the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases earlier Thursday evening. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was not physically present in the meeting since he is under home quarantine. Duque is currently working from home, the Department of Health confirmed Thursday, as they await the results of his COVID-19 test. The country's health chief is currently not exhibiting red-flag symptoms of COVID-19 infection, Health spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire said, but he has asthma and hypertension. Earlier, a DOH director tested positive for COVID-19. Duterte presided over the task force meeting again, three days after he approved its resolution to place the entire Luzon under "enhanced community quarantine." The task force has been meeting this week and updating the public with the guidelines as the government restricts movement in the island region to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Philippines now has 217 COVID-19 cases, with 17 deaths and seven recoveries. To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who exhibit virus symptoms. Game of Thrones actress Indira Varma had also revealed that she was tested for coronavirus recently. Soon after Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju revealed on Instagram that he has tested positive for coronavirus, his GOT co-stars took to the comments section to wish him a speedy recovery. Hivju played the character of Tormund Giantsbane in the popular TV series. John Bradley, who played Samwell Tarley, was one of the first to wish him speedy recovery, posting, "Oh mate. Sending my love to you all. Get well." Nathalie Emmanuel, who essayed the role of Missandei, wrote, "Sending lots of love," while Liam Cunningham, who played the role of the Onion Knight Davos Seaworth, wrote, "Get Well soon my friend. Get well soon" wrote Bella Ramsey, who enacted the role of Lady Lyanna Mormont. On 17 March, Hivju had shared a lengthy post on Instagram alongside a selfie, writing, "Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus. My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes." Here is Hivju's post The actor further asked fans to practice caution and urged them to be careful in the fight against coronavirus. Wash your hands, keep 1,5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading. Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals, he wrote. Hivju is not the only GoT actor to have tested positive. Indira Varma, who played the role of Ellaria Sand, recently revealed that she has contracted coronavirus. What we did in Chicago is we bought buildings that made sense and were appropriate based on our mission, Jones said. Im not saying that Atlanta Housing is going to buy every building that comes up for sale in Atlanta, but those are some options to preserve affordable housing. On March 18, it was officially announced that Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-2019 coronavirus. As of now, there are ongoing negotiations on holding it in Rotterdam in 2021. Despite all the confusion with the event organizing, it is already known that the folk-band Go_A will represent Ukraine at Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. According to UA: Suspilne, there will be no additional national selection. "If nothing changes in the life of the Go_A band and they are ready to perform on the Eurovision stage next year, we will contribute to it. This also applies to the preparation for the song contest and other organizational issues," the chairman of the board of UA: Suspilne Movlennia Zurab Alasania said. As we reported earlier, the European Union will close the border for all minor travels due to the coronavirus pandemic. Particularly, the priority at the EU borders will be given to the transport necessary for the support of the continuity of the economy. (For the latest China news, Please follow People's Daily on Twitter and Facebook Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 4:00PM by Claudio Alves Once upon a time, long before she was an Academy Award-nominated director and screenwriter, Greta Gerwig was the acting princess of mumblecore. Along with the Duplass brothers and Joe Swanberg, she helped solidify the identity of that often-maligned subgenre, full of naturalistic dialogue and very little in the ways of storytelling. The actress quickly transcended the limitations of mumblecore and became a starlet of the independent American cinema from 2010 to 2016, starring in such gems as Damsels in Distress, Jackie and 20th Century Women. Among her more frequent collaborators, Noah Baumbach stood out. She was his muse and he knew how to capture her talents like no other. Or was it the other way around? In any case, their first collaboration marked a turning point in both their careers. We're talking about Greenberg, which celebrates 10 years today The sixth feature of Noah Baumbach marked the only time he wrote a script with his then-wife Jennifer Jason Leigh. Thanks to the autobiographical nature of the director's most recent works, Greenberg's legacy tends to be somewhat clouded by gossipy interest; Leigh filed for divorce later that year and Gerwig would become Baumbach's romantic partner. Even the way both actresses are shot gains a different quality nowadays. Gerwig is loved by the camera in all her awkward glory, while Leigh is chilly in her mystery but fascinating in her prickliness. Greenberg is also Baumbach's most Los Angeles focused piece (yes, more than Marriage Story). The film is entirely set within the sunny metropolis and is beautifully shot by Harris Savides. It tells the story of two very different sorts of damaged people. One of them, Florence, is an efficient personal assistant that's helping her employer prepare for a family trip to Vietnam. During the vacation, his carpenter brother will be staying in his house, taking care of the family pet and hopefully building him a doghouse in the backyard. He's Roger Greenberg and he's an acerbic little thing, thorny and abrasive. An all-around asshole, in other words. In Florence and Roger, Greta Gerwig and Ben Stiller find two of the best roles of their careers, breathing life into this astringent character study disguised as cringe comedy. While she's cripplingly self-aware, always apologizing and remarking upon her faults, he's arrogance given human shape. His stares are intense and there's always a complaint or two in the tip of his tongue. Whatever humor the film may produce out of these two poor souls comes in a jagged form, ugly and uncomfortably mordant. More importantly, it feels real and authentic, born out of two difficult personalities that the filmmakers never try to sugarcoat. In many ways, Greenberg is a deeply unpleasant portrait of insufferable idiots. However, there's a streak of delicate humanity running through the film's organism. Baumbach may know his characters aren't well-adjusted people, but he loves them just the same. He also allows the actors to find the idiosyncrasies that make the narrative sing. The film's structure may seem simpler than those of Baumbach's previous works, but Greenberg is a daring exercise in tone, humor, and drama. It ushered in a run of films made by a more mature director that still managed to feel spritelier than before, more formally precise and affectionate too. Part of that quality comes from Gerwig. While Jennifer Jason Leigh was Baumbach's principal collaborator in writing Greenberg, Gerwig's presence in front of the camera brings new dimensions to the director's oeuvre. It's easy to imagine a version of Greenberg that's too smothered by the misanthropy of its male protagonist, for instance. Thankfully, Gerwig's Florence is always there to counterbalance Stiller's vinegary characterization. She's sweet to a fault and projects a sense of emotional openness that fights against the potential cynicism of the premise. Gerwig brought a different kind of cinematic honesty to Baumbach's films. Even after they stopped working on the same projects, her influence persists. In their three features (this, Frances Ha and Mistress America), it's impossible not to see the contributions of Gerwig, this new artist helping the older director create new refreshing art. Such is her influence and impact, that we should consider these films as much hers as his. The notion of directors as the only filmmakers worthy of being called auteurs is always troubling, but never more than when we denote such a great impact on the part of an actress and screenwriter like Greta Gerwig. In that regard, the duality of artist and muse becomes porous and difficult to parse out, both roles intermingling in many mutative possibilities. Perhaps, then, we should call Baumbach Gerwig's muse. He's the fascinating personality that she reflected and refracted with her art, materializing a celluloid impression of his spirit. Even before Lady Bird and Little Women, Greta Gerwig was an auteur. By PTI LONDON: As a sign of the mounting chaos over panic buying amid the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, an elderly Sikh man was filmed being shoved out of a supermarket in east London after an altercation with the employees. The unnamed man can be seen in the recording, which was widely shared on social media on Wednesday, being pushed out of the Iceland store in Ilford after an argument with members of the staff. He is repeatedly seen saying that a staff member had pushed him. "You pushed me," the elderly man is seen saying, before staff members demand that he should "get out" of the store. The source of the film footage remains unclear but many on social media responded with anger and sided with the older customer, criticising the Iceland staff for using violence against an elderly man. "This is not the time for Iceland staff to be assaulting elderly customers! We are in a national crisis and older people are struggling the most," wrote one. The incident comes as supermarkets across the UK took action this week to try and curb the increasing panic buying and stockpiling among customers, as the government began imposing strict quarantine measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak. The official death toll in Britain from the virus reached 104 on Wednesday, up from 71 the previous day, with London the epicentre of the outbreak. Iceland is among the stores that announced early opening hours for the elderly, said to be in the high risk category and therefore being asked to strictly self-isolate. The company said that while it was not a company policy, it was allowing individual stores to decide how best to meet the needs of shoppers in their local areas. Supermarkets have also collectively called on customers to be "considerate" as images of supermarket shelves being stripped of goods being widely shared online. "In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need," said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The emptying of shelves has led some supermarkets to limit the sale of certain products, such as toilet paper, pasta and canned goods. Some have restrictions in place for customers to buy a maximum of four of each item, while others are limited to buying no more than five of certain goods such as anti-bacterial gels or long-life milk. A beauty therapist has made more than $100,000 in just seven days through her online skincare business despite a very volatile Australian economy. Kayla Houlihan, 30, from Geelong, Victoria, held a 30-hour sale on her cruelty-free brand Tribe Skincare last week and it became her 'biggest week' of business since her launch in 2018. The young entrepreneur was selling one product every 10 seconds and credits a spike in online shopping for the successful week of business. 'I have seen a lot of businesses struggling at the moment with all the changes caused by COVID-19. Fortunately for ecommerce brands, online sales are thriving,' Ms Houlihan told FEMAIL. Kayla Houlihan, 30, from Geelong, Victoria, held a 30-hour sale on her cruelty-free brand Tribe Skincare last week and it became her 'biggest week' of business since her launch in 2018 'While Australia isn't in complete isolation or lockdown yet, a lot of people are choosing to stay home. We are in a very fortunate position to be able to take their orders online and send them directly to their front doors.' Ms Houlihan, whose business is a popular choice for many Australian celebrities and reality stars, said customers were stocking up on skincare essentials like the brand's 'Clean Me! Balm Cleanser' and 'Scrub Me! Exfoliant' and the 'warehouse was just about emptied out'. 'We are super fortunate that all our skincare and mineral makeup is made here in Australia so we have been able to restock most products quickly,' she said. 'The 'Chill Out! Hydrating Mask' was super popular too. I think with everything going on, we all need some self-care more than ever.' Ms Houlihan said it's been 'inspiring' to see businesses 'getting creative and adapting their services to ride out the tough times'. Kayla has built an impressive social media base thanks to lucrative partnerships with some of Australia's leading influencers, including Tully Smyth (pictured) 'We are super fortunate that all our skincare and mineral makeup is made here in Australia so we have been able to restock most products quickly,' she said 'A lot of restaurants are now offering takeaway and delivery services and I have seen gyms offering online group classes,' she said. 'It's so important to continue to support your favourite small businesses during these uncertain times.' It's not the first time Ms Houlihan has seen a spike in sales of her natural products after selling more than 465 bottles of her $58 Protect Me! Day Moisturiser with SPF30 in one day in late 2019. Made with natural ingredients including zinc oxide, which protects against harmful solar rays that burn and age skin, the moisturiser claims to leave your face hydrated and silky with a non-greasy, matte finish, making it perfect for use as a makeup base. The sunscreen is made with all-natural ingredients and large quantities of purified zinc, something Kayla believes sets it apart from other offerings. 'Australians associate zinc with the thick white paste that we were forced to wear as kids,' she told FEMAIL at the time. 'Zinc offers incredible protection from the harsh Aussie sun, but we needed to create something really wearable. 'By using smaller particles of zinc set in a luxe, silky and mattifying formula, we have created a one-step routine for Aussies in the morning, with their daily moisturiser, sun protection and makeup-base all in one.' "Fake news about the virus spread much faster than the virus itself," Zelensky said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the nation not to trust fake news about coronavirus and opt for official sources of information of government bodies. "Fake news about the virus spread much faster than the virus itself," Zelensky said in a televised address on Wednesday. "Boogeyman stories about 400,000 coronavirus patients in Ukraine are lies," the president added, urging all Ukrainians to trust only the official sources of information official pages of the Ministry of Health, the Government, the Verkhovna Rada, and the Presidential Office in social networks. Read alsoUkraine's confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 16 According to UNIAN, on March 11, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic of the novel coronavirus. On March 16, the Cabinet of Ministers, following the instructions of the President of Ukraine, decided to restrict passenger traffic in Ukraine to prevent the spread of the disease. According to the relevant decree, from March 18 to April 3, a ban on railway, air, and bus intercity and interregional passenger traffic was introduced in Ukraine. It is also prohibited to transport more than 10 passengers simultaneously in trams, trolleybuses and motor vehicles, and buses buses on regular city routes. To date, 16 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Ukraine, two of which were lethal. Click here for the March 20 update The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported there were 185 positive cases of coronavirus in the state as of noon, March 19, 2020. Here is the locator map and details of the known cases. Municipality maps, when available, are below the overall state map. If you are unable to view the map below, please click this link. This post and map will be updated throughout the day as additional details on cases are released by individual counties. Please note that starting March 16, the state has changed how it labeled cases from confirmed positive and presumed positive to either negative or positive. Adams County A person from the county, whose age or gender was not released, has been diagnosed. Allegheny County Two adults from Pittsburgh, who live in the same household. One is in their 70s and the other is in their 60s. Both are in isolation at home. An adult in their 60s is in isolation at home. An adult in their 60s is hospitalized at Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills. Three people over the age of 18 have been diagnosed. Two were exposed during international travel, the third was exposed during domestic travel. They are in isolation at home. Nine additional people from this county have been diagnosed. Beaver County An unknown person from this county has been diagnosed. Peter Carbone, superintendent of Aliquippa School District, indicated that the person is from Aliquippa. A second person from this county has been diagnosed. Berks County A person from the county, whose age or gender was not released, has been diagnosed. Bucks County Two adults who live in the same household, who attended an out-of-state gathering and were exposed to the virus. Both are in isolation at home. An adult, who had been in contact with the affected cardiologist from Montgomery County. They are in isolation at home. An adult, who recently traveled to Spain, is in isolation at home. Eight additional people from this county have been diagnosed. Chester County The county is maintaining a coronavirus database site. All information below has been pulled from it. EAST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP: Two cases have been reported - a 20-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man, both who had exposure to someone with the virus. EAST MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP: Two cases have been reported - A 51-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, both who had exposure to someone with the virus. MALVERN: A 33-year-old woman, who was exposed during travel. NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP: A 30-year-old man who had exposure to someone with the virus. WEST CHESTER: Two cases have been reported - a 44-year-old man who was exposed during travel and a 34-year-old man who had exposure to someone with the virus. WEST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP: A 56-year-old woman who had exposure to someone with the virus. WILLISTON TOWNSHIP: A 38-year-old man who had exposure to someone with the virus. Cumberland County Two adults and a child were diagnosed. Their ages and gender have not been released. Eight additional people from the county, whose ages or gender were not released, have been diagnosed. Delaware County An adult woman, who recently returned from a conference in Boston. She was treated at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland. An adult man, who is employed at George W. Hill Correctional Facility. He contracted it from his son, a police officer who had tested positive for the disease in Montgomery County. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, 34 people including 11 inmates have been quarantined. Twelve other people from the county, whose ages or gender was not released, were diagnosed. Lackawanna County Two people from the county, whose ages or gender were not released, have been diagnosed. Lancaster County One person is being treated at Lancaster General Hospital. A second case has also been diagnosed in the county. Lebanon County A person is in isolation at home after receiving outpatient treatment at Lebanon VA Medical Center. Lehigh County An adult from Bethlehem, who works for the Lehigh Valley Health Network. They are in isolation at home. Luzerne County An adult from the county, who was diagnosed after traveling, is in isolation at home. Monroe County The person, whose age or gender was not released by officials, is hospitalized. A second person, whose age or gender was not released by officials, is hospitalized after contact with a previously diagnosed Pennsylvania patient. A child, whose age or gender was not release by officials 12 additional people from this county have been diagnosed. Their ages and gender have not been released. Montgomery County CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP: A 70-year-old woman is hospitalized at a Philadelphia hospital. Two other residents, ages 61 and 72, have been diagnosed. COLLEGEVILLE: A 45-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, who both had contact with a previously identified person in Montgomery County with the virus. They are in isolation at home. CONSHOHOCKEN: 58-year-old woman, who had contact with a previously identified person in Montgomery County with the virus. She is in isolation at home. DOUGLASS TOWNSHIP: A 38-year-old has been diagnosed. EAST NORRITON TOWNSHIP: Two residents, both 37-year-old, have been diagnosed. LIMERICK TOWNSHIP: A 50-year-old has been diagnosed. LOWER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP: Two women between the ages of 18 and 54 have been diagnosed. The teen is a student at Germantown Academy. Both live in the same household and they are in isolation at home. LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP: Nine residents have been diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 69. They include: An adult man and woman who reside in the same household. Both are in isolation at home. A 58-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman who traveled within the US to an affected area. They are in isolation at home A fourth-grade teacher at Cynwyd Elementary School. The teacher is in isolation at home. A 46-year-old woman who is in isolation at home. A 57-year-old woman who is in isolation at home. LOWER MORELAND TOWNSHIP: Four residents between the ages of 20 and 52 have been diagnosed. LOWER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP: A 51-year-old man has been hospitalized. LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP: Ten people have been diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 75. They include: A 31-year-old woman who had contact with a previously identified case. She is in isolation at home. (Source) A 42-year-old who had contact with a previously identified case. She is in isolation at home. (Source) A 67-year-old man who is in isolation at home. (Source) LOWER SALFORD TOWNSHIP: A 39-year-old who had traveled throughout the United States is in isolation at home. (Source) MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP: A 59-year-old man, who is hospitalized. NEW HANOVER TOWNSHIP: A 2-year-old child has been diagnosed. PERIKOMEN TOWNSHIP: Three people have been diagnosed. They include: A 35-year-old police officer, works in Lower Providence Township. Officials believe he contracted it from a pediatrician at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphias location in King of Prussia. He is in isolation at home. A 34-year-old, who is in unknown condition. A 44-year-old woman who is in isolation at home. ROYSFORD: A 1-year-old boy has been hospitalized. SKIPPACK TOWNSHIP: There are three cases so far in Skippack Township. They include: A 35-year-old man, who had contact with a previously identified person in Montgomery County with the virus. He is in isolation at home; A 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the same household. The man had contact with a previously identified person in Montgomery County with the virus, and the woman caught it from the man. They are in isolation at home. SPRINGFIELD: A 35-year-old man, who is in isolation at home. UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP: Two people have been diagnosed. One, a 62-year-old woman, is hospitalized at the University of Pennsylvania. The second, a cardiologist, is in critical condition at the University of Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that more than 20 patients and 17 workers were exposed to the doctor. UPPER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP: A 72-year-old woman has been hospitalized. Officials say its the first case of community spread in the county. WORCESTER TOWNSHIP: Four people have been diagnosed between the ages of 43 and 77. Northampton County Carmine Fusco, a 55-year-old horse trainer from Bath, is the first person from Pennsylvania to die from COVID-19. He passed away on March 18. Fusco was hospitalized at St. Lukes Bethlehem Township campus. Philadelphia County A man in his 50s from Philadelphia, who had traveled to an international location affected by the virus. He is in isolation at home. A female in her 50s from Philadelphia, who had close contact with the male above. She is in isolation at home. A person from Philadelphia, age and gender unknown, who had traveled to an international location affected by the virus. They are in isolation at home. 31 additional people from the county, whose age or gender have not been not released, have been diagnosed. Pike County An adult resident is in isolation at home. Two people from the county, whose age or gender were not released, has been diagnosed. Washington County An adult from the county, whose age or gender was not released, has been diagnosed. Two people from the county, whose age or gender were not released, has been diagnosed. Wayne County An adult man who traveled extensively in Europe was treated March 4 at Carbondale Family Health Center. He is in isolation. Westmoreland County Two people from the county, whose age or gender was not released, were been diagnosed. York County Two people from the county, whose age or gender was not released, were been diagnosed. PLEASE NOTE: Additional details about the location of the cases and the ages of those affected have been included whenever possible. State officials are invoking a 1955 law in choosing to release only the county and whether or not theyre an adult. Any information beyond this is provided by the individual counties to the press. RACINE When Jessica MacPhail was nearing college graduation, working in libraries was nowhere on her radar. After years of working in service jobs and at a publishing house, the 21-year-old, about to marry and start her career, thought she might go into publishing. I didnt know there was such a job until a few weeks before I graduated from college and my dean told me, You know you should really go to library school. And I said, Library school? MacPhail said. The minute he said it I knew it was what I wanted to do. After 44 years of library experience, almost 21 of those with the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., Library Director MacPhail announced she plans to retire this summer. Its been a blast, she said. Im going to miss coming in and seeing all these books every day. And for all you kids out there, this is a wonderful career. I learn something new every day, sometimes multiple times a day. In a press release announcing her retirement, Tracy Austin, president of the Racine Public Library Board of Trustees, said MacPhail has been, a great asset to our community. The Racine Public Library Board of Trustees takes great honor in having worked with a person of such great professional status and one who embodies the love of this community, Austin wrote. MacPhail has entrusted the Board of Trustees and the impending new executive director with the words uttered by the Honorable Peter B. Nelson at the dedication of the Racine Public Library in 1897: This should indeed in every sense of the word be a public library. Here there can be no distinctions. No class, no creed can prevent any person who so desires meeting either king or nobleman, statesman or philosopher, poet or critic. Encapsulating, as Director of Racines Public Library, Jessica MacPhail created a library that was open and welcoming for the entire community, Austin wrote. The very creative and diverse programming offered opportunities to learn educationally and culturally. Her leadership and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Ready for the next chapter One of MacPhails accomplishments, which she sees as a highlight of her career, was aligning Racine's library with the Lakeshores Library System, a consortium of other libraries in Racine, Walworth, Kenosha and Rock counties. Before that, libraries had to call one another and the librarians would manually check a card catalog to see if they had a specific title. Uploading all those titles onto a shared system has made more resources available to each library. In addition to the expansion of resources, MacPhail said shes seen the role of libraries themselves expand. We have become not just a collection of books but a community transformer, she said. People meet here, they talk about ideas here, they come back out into the community energized and with the tools to change things. MacPhail herself has been an active agent in those changes. During her career she co-created the Inclusive Services Assessment and Guide for Wisconsin Public Libraries, chaired the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium Digital Steering Committee and has served as the Federal Relations Advocate and chair of the Legislative and Library Development Committee as a member of the Wisconsin Library Association. She is also the treasurer of Coming Together Racine, an organization with a mission to dismantle racism, sponsors a weekly antiracism book club and was a former President of the Rotary Club of Downtown Racine. More recently, she has been part of the process of drafting a long-range plan for the director. She didnt want to disclose what is in the plan before it is ready for release, but she felt that when it is in place, it will be the right time to turn the leadership of the library over to someone new. When the long range plan comes out, itll be a real attractor for a new director, she said. As for whats next for her, like so many other things, that is up in the air. I wish you had asked me that last month I had planned a trip to Europe, MacPhail said. The magic eight ball says, Unclear. I think we need to get through this (coronavirus) crisis and then Ill make my plans. The library is taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis that forced it to close its doors by undergoing renovations, including installation of a book sorting machine, which will open up time for librarians to do other tasks. The machine is expected to be up and running, sorting books for around 50 libraries, starting next month. That will be really exciting, MacPhail said. We are understaffed and we have so many projects and things we want to be doing. Along with her trip to Europe, also on hold were her plans to see Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones in concert. Both concerts were cancelled due to COVID-19, but once the crisis passes, she plans to pick those plans right back up. MacPhail describes herself as a classic rock and blues fan and even wrote a book, Yesterdays Papers: The Rolling Stones in Print, 1963-1984. There will be music concerts in my future, she said. Austin stated that the library board will start the process of finding MacPhails successor. MacPhail plans to step down on July 6. Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New Jersey is less than a week into its experiment with virtual school days, but state lawmakers are already prepared to make them a staple of future emergency situations. The state Senate on Wednesday passed a bipartisan bill (3813) allowing remote school days to count toward the required 180-day school calendar if the governor declares a state of emergency and schools are closed for more than three consecutive days. Virtual learning would also count if schools are closed for more than three consecutive days for a public health emergency or because of an order from health officials, according to the bill. The state Assembly passed the bill Monday. Now it heads to Gov. Phil Murphys desk. Whether were talking about the coronavirus or something else, this measure is important in helping schools develop a plan to navigate any major emergency that comes their way, said Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, D-Camden, one the bills sponsors. The states largest teachers union said it supports the proposal because it limits virtual school days to true emergency situations. Even when every student has access, remote instruction is not as effective or productive as in-person instruction, said Steve Baker, spokesman for the New Jersey Education Association. It should be seen as a last resort in a true emergency like we face now, not as an easy substitute for more ordinary school closures. Murphy this week ordered all schools to shut down for at least two weeks in an attempt to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The state is counting home instruction days toward the 180-day school year, breaking its precedent from prior weather emergencies. The state previously would not count virtual learning days unless the schools doors were open and teachers were in their classrooms. Assemblyman John Burzichelli, D-Gloucester, said he is comfortable with what hes heard so far about remote school days. Some districts are asking students to complete tasks online, while others sent home packets of worksheets. More than 115,000 teachers and about 1.4 millions students are continuing instruction from home. We are feeling our way through this with good intentions, so we will get there and a lot will be learned from this, said Burzichelli, the main sponsor of the bill. I think a lot of things will be changed in how we do business when all this concludes. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. People are being urged not to stockpile medicines as pressure on the sector increases amid the coronavirus pandemic. Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), which represents the owners of Scotland's network of around 1,250 community pharmacies, said its members are facing a tidal wave of demand due to the outbreak. As a result, CPS has asked people to only buy the medicines and supplies that they need, and that if they have symptoms of infection to ask someone else to collect essential medicines wherever possible. CPS also said that the coronavirus may impact the way pharmacies operate, with measures such as restricted access and social distancing being considered. The organisation has written to members of the Scottish parliament to ask for their help in relating the message to the public. Matt Barclay, director of operations at CPS, said: Covid-19 has brought unprecedented pressure on the pharmacy network at this time to continue to supply life-saving medicines to population of Scotland. As more and more GP surgeries close their doors and move to virtual consultations only, people are understandably turning to community pharmacy for support. Barclay added that while teams are committed to helping their communities, the pharmacies need help to protect them and maintain the supply of medicines, services and advice for those who really need it. So far the response from the network has been inspiring as pharmacies deal with greater volumes of requests from the public who are concerned about themselves, friends and family, Barclay said. This is a worrying time. There is an overwhelming amount of information and equal parts misinformation out there and pharmacy teams are providing advice and supplying medicines, keeping people well as close to home as possible and away from other healthcare settings like hospitals. He added that to keep pharmacies open and providing essential services for as long as possible, owners and teams might have to operate a little differently. Physical access to pharmacies may be restricted, methods to ensure appropriate social distancing may be put in place and delivery services will undergo some changes as well as demand from those self-isolating increases, Barclay explained. The move follows a series of new measures introduced at supermarkets after many consumers have been panic-buying and stockpiling essential food and household items. Iceland and Lidl and Tesco in Ireland are among the supermarkets to introduce a dedicated hour at stores specifically for the elderly and people who are vulnerable to do their shopping. Elsewhere, Asda and Sainsburys have started restricting the number of items people can buy in one go. I mentioned last week that we had put limits on a very small number of products. Following feedback from our customers and from our store colleagues, we have decided to put restrictions on a larger number of products, Mike Coupe, CEO of Sainsburys said in a statement. From tomorrow, 18 March, customers will be able to buy a maximum of three of any grocery product and a maximum of two on the most popular products including toilet paper, soap and UHT milk. LEBANON, Ore. -- Coronavirus testing is now complete at the Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon, the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs said. All 151 residents have been tested, and there are no new positive results. No tests are pending. Earlier in the month, fourteen residents and one employee tested positive for coronavirus. The residents are being cared for following established protocols. The staff member was sent home when syptoms appeared and has remained in isolation. While completion of the resident testing is an important milestone, it is only one phase in this process. Our concerns remain with our 14 honored residents who are presumptive positive, and with our hard-working staff who are ensuring they receive the best possible care," said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. Major Chinese home-grown aircraft, including the C919 large passenger jet, AG600 large amphibious aircraft and Y-20 large transport aircraft, have managed to conduct test flights and operations despite the novel coronavirus epidemic. On March 5, the No. 105 C919 aircraft began its first test flight this year at Nanchang Yaohu Airport in east Chinas Jiangxi province. Before that, the C919 trunk airliner had taxied on the airports wetland runway. C919 large passenger jet (Photo/Xinhua) Six C919 jets are conducting test flights in Shanghai, Yanliang, Dongying and Nanchang, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), its manufacturer. COMAC has resumed work and production in an orderly manner while strongly implementing prevention and control measures amid the epidemic. Data shows that 1,015 orders for the jet had already been received from 29 customers by the end of June 2018. Meanwhile, Chinas independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft, which will be mainly used for maritime rescue and forest fire fighting, is expected to make its maiden flight from sea this year. AG600 amphibious aircraft (Photo/Xinhua) To mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak on these tasks, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. and its Zhuhai base in south Chinas Guangdong province decided to organize a guarantee team to conduct related work in Jingmen, central Chinas Hubei province, where the amphibious aircraft made its maiden flight from water. On March 12, a team of 15 key staff arrived in Jingmen, and will spare no efforts in preparing for the AG600s maiden flight from water. The countrys domestically developed Y-20 large transport aircraft have played a vital role in the fight against the epidemic in Wuhan, epicenter of the outbreak. A Y-20 plane, China's homegrown large transport aircraft, taking off from an airport. [File Photo: Xinhua] On Feb. 13 and 17, the Y-20 transport aircraft of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force sent a large number of medics and supplies to the city. The Y-20 has made 10 flights, the first time that this large strategic airlifter has participated in non-combat operations, said Zhang Tianxiang, an official with the Central Military Commission at a recent press conference. The United States on Thursday slapped sanctions on five United Arab Emirates-based companies, accusing them of having collectively purchased hundreds of thousands of metric tons of petroleum products from Iran last year. The move was the latest sign that Washington is showing no signs of backing away from squeezing Irans economy, even as the Islamic Republic struggles to battle the coronavirus outbreak. The US Department of the Treasury alleged in a statement that money from the oil purchases has been used by Iran to support malign activities throughout the Middle East, including the support for terrorist groups, and that at least three of the blacklisted UAE companies falsified documents to conceal the Iranian origin of the petroleum products they purchased. The announcement, which followed the blacklisting of Chinese and South African companies earlier this week over Iran oil trade, is the latest indication that Washington is not easing its campaign of choking off Irans ability to export its oil a major source of revenue for the Islamic Republic despite appeals from China and others to do so on humanitarian grounds as Iran battles the coronavirus outbreak. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 18,400 in Iran, where the death toll from the disease is fast approaching 1,300, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Last week, Tehran asked the International Monetary Fund for $5bn in emergency funding to fight the outbreak. The Trump Administration will continue to target and isolate those who support the Iranian regime and remains committed to facilitating humanitarian trade and assistance in support of the Iranian people, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. The US maximum pressure campaign of successive rounds of sanctions kicked off in 2918 after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal Iran struck with six major world powers. Washington is trying to force Tehran back to the negotiation table by squeezing it economically. The five companies blacklisted by the US Treasury on Thursday include Petro Grand FZE, Alphabet International DMCC, Swissol Trade DMCC, Alam Althrwa General Trading LLC and Alwaneo LLC Co. All of them are accused by the US of buying the petroleum products in 2019 from the National Iranian Oil Company for delivery to the United Arab Emirates. Thursdays round of sanctions freezes any US-held assets of the companies and generally bar Americans from doing business with them. YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations informs that on March 19, as of 08:30, some roads are closed and difficult to pass in Armenia. The ministry told Armenpress that the roads leading to the Amberd Fortress and Lake Kari will remain closed for uncertain time. Gyumri-Bavra highway (only for trucks), Ashotsk-Amasia road and the roads of Spitak town are difficult to pass. Kapan-Sisian-Goris highway and Aragats region are partly covered with clear ice. The Georgian side reported that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is closed for all types of vehicles. Drivers are urged to use snow tires. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Washtenaw County health officials believe COVID-19 is now spreading within the community, as several new cases have been confirmed in people with no history of travel. The Washtenaw County Health Department reported Thursday, March 19, seven additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by novel coronavirus, bringing the total case count to 14, and doubling the countys previous total. The health department believes the virus was spread locally, as five of the new cases had no known contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or recent travel, officials said. The other two cases had recent history of domestic travel. All cases are in adults. The health department has been working with the individuals to identify and notify close contacts. The health department is not announcing evidence of community spread to cause panic, but to reinforce that people should be taking all recommended prevention measures, officials said. Evidence of community spread means we will change how we respond to local cases, especially as the number of tests increases every day, Washtenaw County Health Officer Jimena Loveluck said in a written statement. But, we must remember this is exactly why we have community mitigation strategies and unprecedented restrictions in place. Our collective goal remains to slow the spread of cases as much as possible. Together, we can do this. Take every possible opportunity to practice prevention and social distancing. Believing the disease is now likely being spread within the community, the Washtenaw County Health Department will no longer name public low-risk exposure locations, officials said. Assume the possibility for infection exists, as it does with many common illnesses. Most people will recover at home without medical care, Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, Washtenaw County Health Department medical director, said. Isolating at home if youre sick and contacting your health care provider by phone for guidance will help prevent additional spread and make the best possible use of critical health care resources. As of Wednesday afternoon, 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by Michigan health officials since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency March 10. The first COVID-19 death in Michigan, a man in his 50s, was reported Wednesday at a Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County. Whitmer has ordered the temporary closure of all K-12 schools, as well as dine-in restaurants, bars, theaters and any other large public gathering until the end of March. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Cringe-pop star and internet sensation Pooja Jain aka Dhinchak Pooja is back with a new song. Hoga Na Corona aims to spread awareness about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The video begins with her visiting a man wearing a white lab coat, stethoscope, surgical mask and sunglasses indoors for some bizarre reason. She asks him, Mere babu ne khana khaya (Has my sweetheart had lunch)? His responds with a cough ad she shuts the door in his face. The scene then changes to her rapping about fighting coronavirus and taking preventive measures, as men and women in lab coats and surgical masks do an uncoordinated jig behind her. Interestingly, the sick doctor from the first scene is among the background dancers in this scene. Pooja advises the listeners to wash hands, sleep early (?), maintain distance from people, avoid foreign travel and wear masks, among other things. The aim is to keep coronavirus at bay, but who will protect the listeners from the bleeding ears they will inevitably get after listening to the atrocious song? Watch the video at your own risk: Pooja came in the spotlight in 2017 with her song Selfie Maine Le Li Aaj, which garnered millions of views on YouTube. She followed it up with songs like Swag Wali Topi and Dilon Ka Shooter, which were also hugely popular on the video-streaming platform. Her viral fame landed her a spot in Bigg Boss 11, where she entered as a wild card contestant. However, her stint on the reality show did not last long. Also see: Ananya Panday says Student Of The Year 2 director Punit Malhotra is the reason she is single. Watch video Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in India have risen to at least 173, with the death toll rising to four - one in Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra and Punjab each. Across the world, the virus has infected more than 2,00,000 people and claimed lives of over 8,000. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The provinces Legal Aid lawyers will not be going to court until further notice due to unsafe work conditions, according to an email sent Thursday evening by the head of Legal Aid Ontario. This difficult decision has been made because LAO is unable to confirm that courthouses are undergoing proper cleaning and sanitization, according to the email from David Field. Legal Aid lawyers are posted in courthouses across the province to conduct bail hearings and provide free legal assistance to low-income accused persons. As of this week, Ontario courts have reduced operations to run bail courts and trials for accused who are in custody. Efforts have been made to conduct many bail hearings by video and in some cases audio, however, in-person hearings, often for recently arrested accused, continue. Earlier on Thursday, Legal Aid staff lawyers were told by Legal Aid Ontario not to come to work at the College Park courthouse in downtown Toronto after complaints about sanitation and screening measures. Private lawyers paid by Legal Aid Ontario to act as duty counsel continued to provide services on Thursday but that will stop Friday, according to the email from Field. A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General said, enhanced cleaning of key areas in courthouses began Thursday morning and will continue three times a day for the foreseeable future. It has also been providing hand sanitizer to the courts, a spokesperson said. The Criminal Lawyers Association will also stop providing volunteer lawyers in court on Friday, and is calling for an organized shutdown on in-person court appearances as it advocates for Ontario courts to work remotely. We have called repeatedly for the reduction of the courts to the base minimum and a remote system to be put in place and we asked that ten days ago and governments dont work as fast as we would like, John Struthers, president of the Criminal Lawyers Association, said Thursday early evening. A near shutdown of all the courts is needed to protect the health and well-being of the court reporters, and the clerks, and the judges and the staff and crown attorneys who need a voice because they are going to court every day and putting their face on the line, he said. We can put a bookmark on this and come back in three weeks, theres nothing more important than peoples health. In an interview, Daniel Lerner, a lawyer who has been working as a duty counsel at College Park, said he was left extremely concerned Wednesday after two recently arrested people showing symptoms of COVID-19 were brought to the courthouse for a bail hearing. The accused had been charged with property offences and were released on a bail with no money required. Lerner said the man was sweating, had a fever, had difficulty breathing and was coughing. He also said hed been near people in isolation for COVID-19, Lerner said. The man was provided with a mask, but his co-accused was not, Lerner said. Rather than being brought up into the courtroom, the two people instead appeared in court from a video suite in the courthouse cells. Lerner said the video suite was set to be used again for healthy prisoners prior to being disinfected before concerns were raised. After they were bailed, the two people were released into the courthouse with no directions or instructions about what they are supposed to do, Lerner said. They obtained their property, waited outside the clerks window for paperwork and took a public elevator to leave, with no precautions taken, Lerner said. Lerner said the handling of the accused posed a risk not only to sureties, court staff and the public at the courthouse, but also elevated the potential for a devastating outbreak in the provinces jails. Dana Fisher, the union representative for duty counsel in Ontario, said concerns about cleaning, a lack of hand sanitizer and inadequate social distancing are coming in from courthouses across the province. She said she is concerned that entire courthouses will end up being shut down in the future because the safety measures in place now are not strict enough. Fisher said that in addition to sanitizing and cleaning there has to be a much bigger shift to working remotely and an evaluation of which cases really require a bail hearing and sureties. We are operating in very different times, she said. But we are still saying bring your family and loved ones into the court building. In an email, a Legal Aid Ontario spokesperson said they will continue to find ways to support clients and work with the courts and the Ministry of the Attorney General on virtual courts. Actor Rajinikanth on Thursday took to Twitter to commend the work done by the government in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak in the country. He wished for more people to join hands with the authorities to combat the spread of the virus. The government is doing a commendable job of dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. I strongly feel more people should join hands with the authorities to ensure that the virus doesnt spread more, he tweeted. Highlighting the fact that peoples livelihood is affected during this difficult phase, Rajinikanth appealed to the state government to provide financial relief. He requested the state to consider his appeal. On the work front, Rajinikanth is currently shooting for Tamil film Annaatthe, which is being directed by Siva of Veeram and Viswasam fame. The project, which will see Rajinikanth play a caring brother, marks his maiden collaboration with director Siva, best known for helming Veeram and Viswasam. Tipped to be a rural drama and bankrolled by Sun Pictures, Annaatthe also stars Keerthy Suresh, Meena and Khushbhu in key roles. It was officially launched last December in Chennai in a low-key affair. The film, which has music by D. Imman, is already confirmed as Diwali 2020 release. Also see: Ananya Panday says Student Of The Year 2 director Punit Malhotra is the reason she is single. Watch video Speculation is rife that Rajinikanth will team up with director Lokesh Kanagaraj next, for a Tamil project, which will be bankrolled by Kamal Haasan. The film is expected to be officially launched in April. Rajinikanth was last seen playing an angry cop out to avenge his daughters death in Darbar, which was directed by AR Murugadoss. The film featured Prateik Babbar, Nivetha Thomas and Yogi Babu in crucial roles. While Anirudh Ravichander had composed the music, Santosh Sivan cranked the camera. The 70-year-old veteran actor recently featured on Discovery Channels show Into the Wild with British adventurer Bear Grylls. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more There were 4,521,480,071 Internet users as of Dec. 1, 2019. A month later it was closer to 5 billion users. A decade ago there were fewer than a billion social network users. Thats worldwide. That user growth has been a leading indicator of the rise of alternative social networking platforms. Marketers and consumers are always on the lookout for the newest thing with which to engage. For consumers, its social outreach and sharing. For marketers its commerce and sharing. So, the scale of whats available to consumers in both social and retail platforms is huge and more and more alternative platforms are on the way. Its all because of consumers online behavior. Welcome to the marketing Mbius strip: Growth in consumer online activity leads to increased expectations, which leads to newer alternative social and retail platforms built to meet those expectations, which increases consumer activity, which leads to more frequent online activity accompanied by increased expectations, which leads to. . . well, you get the point. Youre probably living the point right now. This behavior and the experiential nature of consumers social and retail behaviors have become more and more commonplace, along with increased expectations. Depending upon the category youre looking at, consumer expectations grow within a range of 18 percent to 25 percent a year. Brands, only manage to keep up by about 5 percent to 7 percent, which leaves a really big gap between what those 4 billion-plus Internet users expect and what brands actually are able to deliver. One thing that hasnt changed is the fact that nature abhors a vacuum. Empty space is unnatural and needs to be filled. Thats physics. The need for more and more platforms so that consumers are able to meet their ever-expanding expectations? Thats marketing. New, alternative platforms are created to try to meet those ever-growing expectations, but expectations are like an oil spill. A spill in one place does not remain isolated. It spreads from one category to another, and thus new expectations beget newer expectations, and online social and online retail have begun to intermingle. Shoppable Social Strategies Consumers live online. They shop online. They share online. They learn online. What theyve shared and learned and what has become part-and-parcel of their lives is that they have access to virtually everything. Now! When they have questions, they search. However, expectations are such that they actually dont want to search for something when they see it online. They want to be able to tap on an image and have access to it. Now! Where is it? Whats in it? What products are those? What clothes are those people wearing? How much do they cost? Where can I find it? They want whats become known as shoppable posts. Tap on an image and know everything about it. Thats what they expect and now, or very soon. Core business-to-consumer platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and business-to-business platforms like LinkedIn, are not meeting consumer expectations, but all of them are adopting or currently developing shoppable strategies to make them more competitive with the likes of Amazon and Jd.com. Yes, the addition of more pay-to-play platforms means engagement will be more problematic. Alternative e-commerce platforms like TikTok will allow brands more easily to engage consumers who already are migrating or planning to migrate from older platforms that dont meet their expectations to newer alternatives that do. A D V E R T I S E M E N T One thing consistent throughout marketing history is that you dont want to disappoint your consumer. These days, the abundance of options means consumers are not likely to give social or retail sites that disappoint them another chance. Why should they? Their expectations will force them to seek out competitive options on alternative platforms or force brands to offer shoppable content experiences to their consumers across every touchpoint the brand uses to engage the consumer. In a maturing digital/online/social/retail marketplace, tech companies are working very hard to make everything more transactional. Shoppable posts become the off-ramp for having to shop in a store. Social E-Commerce Synergy TikToks ads have a shop now button connected to user-generated content that redirects users to a microsite. Instagram introduced a program that allows retailers with the Shopify network to embed point-of-sales items in their posts. Tap on an item, the price comes up. Tap on a price, more product information comes up. Tap on the link, and you just shopped! Ninety-two percent of recently polled Pinterest users felt the platform helped them make purchasing decisions. Over the past two years, all the major players have been creating formats allowing online users to make purchases in the creative itself. Thats even if they werent initially online to shop, but just to share. From a retail perspective, analytics should be able to point the way to prioritizing the products retailers want to make shoppable. Its also going to necessitate finding ways to blend social and retail seamlessly, because the truth is that most of whats out there and what engages consumers is broader (and less specific) than retail alone. Today, engagement is about awareness and emotion, and awareness and emotion form the doorway for making something desired and thus, eminently sociable sharable and shoppable. The idea of shoppable posts gives consumers the opportunity to buy immediately. Five years ago, marketers might have suggested that consumers would need time to get used to the idea of shopping on mobile devices. With more than 85 percent of U.S. shoppers making purchases online, its a given. With expectations also a given, it will be the tap-on-your-platform-of-choice trend for the foreseeable future. New platforms able to accommodate the entire sales process or at the very least facilitate the sales process will have an added advantage of providing visitation and advertising efficacy. While this is a very big trend and an even bigger idea, brands should start small. Retailers should start with their own social networking efforts and websites. Remember those 4 billion-plus online consumers? With the continuing growth of social media and e-commerce, synergy between the two is going to be massive. That fusion will be the next big thing for social media, particularly for the new social networking platforms coming down the road. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Native integration will make it easy for consumers to tag and shop products, and will make finding product pages easier, more instinctive, and more immediate all of which promises to make online experiences more relevant, more engaging, more customizable, and more profitable for more shoppable ads. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Benny Mawel and Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura/Pekanbaru Thu, March 19, 2020 20:38 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0333d 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,outbreak,pandemic,Papua,Airport,seaport,work-from-home Free The Papuan Peoples Assembly (MRP) called on provincial administrations to close off entry to Papua in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We have agreed to ask the Papua governor to write to President Joko Widodo [Jokowi] to suspend air and sea travel to Papua for 14 days or even a month, in order to protect Papua residents and the indigenous community, MRP chairman Timotius Murib told The Jakarta Post in Jayapura on Thursday. The assembly has sent a letter to authorities in Papua, including the governor, regional legislative council, police and the Cenderawasih Military Command (Kodam). Read also: More than 12,000 flights canceled in two months over virus fears, says Angkasa Pura I The Papua provincial administration declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, ordering all civil servants to work from home for two weeks. Timotius, however, criticized the policy. It wont help us much if people from regions affected by COVID-19 keep coming to Papua. He urged authorities to close all airports and sea ports, or the government would face more problems in the future as Papua was lacking medical staff and health facilities. Who guarantees that Papuans will get adequate health services? If the government is not ready to provide that, its better to close access to Papua completely, said Timotius. As of Thursday, Indonesian authorities had logged 309 cases of COVID-19. Of the total cases, 25 had died. In Papua alone, 322 people are under general monitoring while five others are under surveillance for COVID-19, Papua Health Agency secretary Silwanus Sumule said. The five patients under surveillance show symptoms of fever and cough. We have sent their samples to Jakarta for laboratory testing and are waiting for the results, said Silwanus. Read also: COVID-19: Jayawijaya cancels Baliem Valley Cultural Festival as health precaution Of the five patients, two are being treated in Merauke General Hospital, while the others are being treated in Biak Numfor General Hospital, Jayapura General Hospital and Dian Harapan General Hospital in Jayapura. In Pekanbaru, Riau, on the island of Sumatra, a 63-year-old man has tested positive for COVID-19. He is currently being treated in Arifin Achmad General Hospital. The patient flew back from Malaysia two weeks ago. He was admitted into the hospital on March 13 and was confirmed positive for COVID-19 today, Riau Health Agency head Mimi Yuliani Nazir said on Wednesday evening. She said the agency was waiting for laboratory results of nine other potential COVID-19 patients. (aly) GRAND RAPIDS, MI As Kevin Farhat watched job losses grow amid the coronavirus pandemic, the owner of the Garage Bar and Grill wanted to find a way to help. He found the answer in his kitchen. Thanks to his business partners and a generous group of donors, his restaurant starting Friday, March 20 will be offering 100 free meals a day to laid off workers for the next 30 days. We're all in this together, so we all should find ways to help our friends and neighbors," he said. "For Garage Bar, we felt that cooking up some of our homemade items and giving away for free is our way of pitching in." Those wishing to take advantage of the offer can do so by calling the restaurant, starting at 10 a.m. Each caller can order up to four meals. Menu items include burgers, chicken tenders, fries and more. Anyone who has been laid off qualifies. The bars phone number is (616) 454-0321. Farhat said his workers wont ask patrons for proof they were laid off. Instead, hes leaving it up to the honor system. If a guy shows up in a suite and Porsche and wants a free meal, thats on him, he quipped. The global economy has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. In West Michigan, some of the most public layoffs have been in the food and beverage industry. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an order to close bars and restaurants to all but delivery and take-out orders. Garage Bar and Grill, located at 819 Ottawa Ave. NW, was opened in 2014 by Max Benedict, Dave Levitt and Brad Rosely of Third Coast Development. Farhat said the original idea was to offer 25 free meals per day, but the number grew to 100 after additional sponsors stepped up to lend a hand. That includes Mercantile Bank, Pioneer Construction, Car City, Custer Office, Century Flooring, EatGR, Leadco and an anonymous family. "Our goal was just to get this idea off the ground and provide some relief to those in need, said Levitt, of Third Coast Development. "But as soon as we mentioned this to other local business owners, it really took off." Farhat declined to say how much money it will cost to provide the free meals or how much funding the various sponsors provided. Lets just say thousands of dollars, he said. The free meals will not only benefit the community, it will also enable Garage Bar and Grill to keep its staff of 22 employees in place, Farhat said. Employees who would normally wait tables and serve meals will help field orders for the meals, box the food up and hand it over to patrons. Its nowhere near the money they were making, I guarantee that, he said of his employees. But it at least helps them a little bit. PREVENTION TIPS Read more: Art Van liquidation suspended due to coronavirus outbreak North Kent Connects drive-up food pantry sees surge in families amid coronavirus outbreak Scammers impersonate health departments as Michigan deals with coronavirus NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lateral Flow Assay market worldwide is projected to grow by US$3.8 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 7.4%. Kits & Reagents, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 7.7%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$5.7 Billion by the year 2025, Kits & Reagents will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798984/?utm_source=PRN - Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 6.2% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$130.9 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$111.9 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Kits & Reagents will reach a market size of US$288 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 11% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$1 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies. - Competitors identified in this market include, among others, Abbott Laboratories, Inc. Alere, Inc. Becton, Dickinson and Company bioMerieux SA Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Danaher Corporation F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Hologic, Inc. Johnson & Johnson PerkinElmer, Inc. Qiagen NV Quidel Corporation Siemens AG Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798984/?utm_source=PRN I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. MARKET OVERVIEW Global Competitor Market Shares Lateral Flow Assay Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2019 & 2025 Lateral Flow Assays - A Prelude Lateral Flow Assays Market Set to Witness Rapid Growth 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Expanding Aging Population and Increase in Chronic Diseases to Drive the Demand for Lateral Flow Assays Growing Use of Home-based Lateral Flow Assay Devices Rising Popularity of Point-of-care Testing Digitalized Lateral Flow Assays to Revolutionize the Healthcare Space Lateral Flow Assays to Aid in Precision Diagnostics Innovations to Drive Market Growth Growing Demand for Lateral Flow Assays in Food Safety Product Launches 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: Lateral Flow Assay Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 2: Lateral Flow Assay Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 3: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 4: Kits & Reagents (Product) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 5: Kits & Reagents (Product) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 6: Kits & Reagents (Product) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 7: Lateral Flow Readers (Product) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 8: Lateral Flow Readers (Product) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 9: Lateral Flow Readers (Product) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 10: Clinical Testing (Application) Global Market Estimates & Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 11: Clinical Testing (Application) Retrospective Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 12: Clinical Testing (Application) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 13: Drug Development & Quality Testing (Application) Worldwide Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 14: Drug Development & Quality Testing (Application) Global Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 15: Drug Development & Quality Testing (Application) Distribution of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 16: Veterinary Diagnostics (Application) Demand Potential Worldwide in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 17: Veterinary Diagnostics (Application) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 18: Veterinary Diagnostics (Application) Share Breakdown Review by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 19: Food Safety & Environmental Safety (Application) Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2018 through 2025 Table 20: Food Safety & Environmental Safety (Application) Analysis of Historic Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2009 to 2017 Table 21: Food Safety & Environmental Safety (Application) Global Market Share Distribution by Region/Country for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 22: Hospitals and Clinics (End-Use Industry) Global Opportunity Assessment in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 23: Hospitals and Clinics (End-Use Industry) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 24: Hospitals and Clinics (End-Use Industry) Percentage Share Breakdown of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 25: Diagnostic Laboratories (End-Use Industry) Worldwide Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 26: Diagnostic Laboratories (End-Use Industry) Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 27: Diagnostic Laboratories (End-Use Industry) Market Share Shift across Key Geographies: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 28: Home Care (End-Use Industry) Global Market Estimates & Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 29: Home Care (End-Use Industry) Retrospective Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 30: Home Care (End-Use Industry) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 31: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies (End-Use Industry) Demand Potential Worldwide in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 32: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies (End-Use Industry) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 33: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies (End-Use Industry) Share Breakdown Review by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 34: Other End-Use Industries (End-Use Industry) Worldwide Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 35: Other End-Use Industries (End-Use Industry) Global Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 36: Other End-Use Industries (End-Use Industry) Distribution of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 III. MARKET ANALYSIS GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Lateral Flow Assay Market Share (in %) by Company: 2019 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 37: United States Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 38: Lateral Flow Assay Market in the United States by Product: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 39: United States Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 40: United States Lateral Flow Assay Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 41: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Demand Patterns in the United States by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 42: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown in the United States by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 43: United States Lateral Flow Assay Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 44: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Demand Patterns in the United States by End-Use Industry in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 45: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown in the United States by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 CANADA Table 46: Canadian Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 47: Canadian Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review by Product in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 48: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Product for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 49: Canadian Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 50: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for 2009-2017 Table 51: Canadian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 52: Canadian Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 53: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for 2009-2017 Table 54: Canadian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 JAPAN Table 55: Japanese Market for Lateral Flow Assay: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 56: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2009-2017 Table 57: Japanese Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 58: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 59: Japanese Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 60: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in Japan by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 61: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 62: Japanese Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 63: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in Japan by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 CHINA Table 64: Chinese Lateral Flow Assay Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 65: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in China in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 66: Chinese Lateral Flow Assay Market by Product: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 67: Chinese Demand for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 68: Lateral Flow Assay Market Review in China in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 69: Chinese Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 70: Chinese Demand for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 71: Lateral Flow Assay Market Review in China in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 72: Chinese Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Lateral Flow Assay Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 73: European Lateral Flow Assay Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 74: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017 Table 75: European Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 76: European Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018-2025 Table 77: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Europe in US$ Million by Product: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 78: European Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 79: European Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 80: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2009-2017 Table 81: European Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 82: European Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 83: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2009-2017 Table 84: European Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 FRANCE Table 85: Lateral Flow Assay Market in France by Product: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 86: French Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 87: French Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 88: Lateral Flow Assay Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 89: French Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 90: French Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 91: Lateral Flow Assay Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 92: French Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 93: French Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use Industry for 2009, 2019, and 2025 GERMANY Table 94: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 95: German Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 96: German Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 97: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025 Table 98: German Lateral Flow Assay Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 99: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in Germany by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 100: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2018-2025 Table 101: German Lateral Flow Assay Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 102: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in Germany by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ITALY Table 103: Italian Lateral Flow Assay Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 104: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 105: Italian Lateral Flow Assay Market by Product: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 106: Italian Demand for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 107: Lateral Flow Assay Market Review in Italy in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 108: Italian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 109: Italian Demand for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 110: Lateral Flow Assay Market Review in Italy in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 111: Italian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 UNITED KINGDOM Table 112: United Kingdom Market for Lateral Flow Assay: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 113: Lateral Flow Assay Market in the United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2009-2017 Table 114: United Kingdom Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 115: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 116: United Kingdom Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 117: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 118: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 119: United Kingdom Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 120: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 SPAIN Table 121: Spanish Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 122: Spanish Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review by Product in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 123: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Spain: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Product for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 124: Spanish Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 125: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Spain: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for 2009-2017 Table 126: Spanish Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 127: Spanish Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 128: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Spain: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for 2009-2017 Table 129: Spanish Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 RUSSIA Table 130: Russian Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 131: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Russia by Product: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 132: Russian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 133: Russian Lateral Flow Assay Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 134: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Demand Patterns in Russia by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 135: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown in Russia by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 136: Russian Lateral Flow Assay Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 137: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Demand Patterns in Russia by End-Use Industry in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 138: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown in Russia by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF EUROPE Table 139: Rest of Europe Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018-2025 Table 140: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Product: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 141: Rest of Europe Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 142: Rest of Europe Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 143: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Rest of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2009-2017 Table 144: Rest of Europe Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 145: Rest of Europe Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 146: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Rest of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2009-2017 Table 147: Rest of Europe Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 148: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 149: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Asia-Pacific: Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017 Table 150: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 151: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Asia-Pacific by Product: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 152: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 153: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 154: Lateral Flow Assay Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 155: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 156: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 157: Lateral Flow Assay Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 158: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 159: Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use Industry for 2009, 2019, and 2025 AUSTRALIA Table 160: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Australia: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 161: Australian Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 162: Australian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 163: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Australia: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025 Table 164: Australian Lateral Flow Assay Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 165: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in Australia by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 166: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Australia: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2018-2025 Table 167: Australian Lateral Flow Assay Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 168: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in Australia by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 INDIA Table 169: Indian Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 170: Indian Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review by Product in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 171: Lateral Flow Assay Market in India: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Product for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 172: Indian Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 173: Lateral Flow Assay Market in India: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for 2009-2017 Table 174: Indian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 175: Indian Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 176: Lateral Flow Assay Market in India: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for 2009-2017 Table 177: Indian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 SOUTH KOREA Table 178: Lateral Flow Assay Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 179: South Korean Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 180: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 181: Lateral Flow Assay Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025 Table 182: South Korean Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 183: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 184: Lateral Flow Assay Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2018-2025 Table 185: South Korean Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 186: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in South Korea by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC Table 187: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Lateral Flow Assay: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 188: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Rest of Asia-Pacific: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2009-2017 Table 189: Rest of Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 190: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 191: Rest of Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 192: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in Rest of Asia-Pacific by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 193: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 194: Rest of Asia-Pacific Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 195: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in Rest of Asia-Pacific by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 LATIN AMERICA Table 196: Latin American Lateral Flow Assay Market Trends by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018-2025 Table 197: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Latin America in US$ Million by Region/Country: A Historic Perspective for the Period 2009-2017 Table 198: Latin American Lateral Flow Assay Market Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 199: Latin American Lateral Flow Assay Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 200: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in Latin America in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 201: Latin American Lateral Flow Assay Market by Product: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 202: Latin American Demand for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 203: Lateral Flow Assay Market Review in Latin America in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 204: Latin American Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 205: Latin American Demand for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 206: Lateral Flow Assay Market Review in Latin America in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 207: Latin American Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ARGENTINA Table 208: Argentinean Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018-2025 Table 209: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Argentina in US$ Million by Product: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 210: Argentinean Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 211: Argentinean Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 212: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Argentina: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2009-2017 Table 213: Argentinean Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 214: Argentinean Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 215: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Argentina: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2009-2017 Table 216: Argentinean Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 BRAZIL Table 217: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Brazil by Product: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 218: Brazilian Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 219: Brazilian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 220: Lateral Flow Assay Quantitative Demand Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 221: Brazilian Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 222: Brazilian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 223: Lateral Flow Assay Quantitative Demand Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 224: Brazilian Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 225: Brazilian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use Industry for 2009, 2019, and 2025 MEXICO Table 226: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Mexico: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 227: Mexican Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Product: 2009-2017 Table 228: Mexican Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 229: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Mexico: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025 Table 230: Mexican Lateral Flow Assay Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 231: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in Mexico by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 232: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Mexico: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2018-2025 Table 233: Mexican Lateral Flow Assay Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 234: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Distribution in Mexico by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF LATIN AMERICA Table 235: Rest of Latin America Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 236: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Rest of Latin America by Product: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 237: Rest of Latin America Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 238: Rest of Latin America Lateral Flow Assay Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 239: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 240: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown in Rest of Latin America by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 241: Rest of Latin America Lateral Flow Assay Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 242: Lateral Flow Assay Historic Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America by End-Use Industry in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 243: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown in Rest of Latin America by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 MIDDLE EAST Table 244: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 245: Lateral Flow Assay Market in the Middle East by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 246: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 247: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018 to 2025 Table 248: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Historic Market by Product in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 249: Lateral Flow Assay Market in the Middle East: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Product for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 250: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 251: Lateral Flow Assay Market in the Middle East: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for 2009-2017 Table 252: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 253: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 254: Lateral Flow Assay Market in the Middle East: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for 2009-2017 Table 255: The Middle East Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 IRAN Table 256: Iranian Market for Lateral Flow Assay: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2018-2025 Table 257: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Iran: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Product for the Period 2009-2017 Table 258: Iranian Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 259: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025 Table 260: Iranian Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017 Table 261: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in Iran by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 262: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Lateral Flow Assay in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 263: Iranian Lateral Flow Assay Market in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 264: Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Shift in Iran by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ISRAEL Table 265: Israeli Lateral Flow Assay Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Product: 2018-2025 Table 266: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Israel in US$ Million by Product: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 267: Israeli Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Breakdown by Product: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 268: Israeli Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2018-2025 Table 269: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Israel: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2009-2017 Table 270: Israeli Lateral Flow Assay Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 271: Israeli Lateral Flow Assay Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 272: Lateral Flow Assay Market in Israel: Summarization Please contact our Customer Support Center to get the complet Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798984/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links www.reportlinker.com TipRanks There are thousands of publicly traded companies out there, and they all send out a range of signals that investors must learn to interpret. Parsing these signals is essential for investing success, and having a clear strategy, based on reliable market indicators, often makes the difference between gaining or losing in the market. One of the clearest signals that retail investors can follow is the buying patterns of corporate insiders. These are the company officers who hold high positions CEO DENVER, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sababa Health Group Outcomes and Analytics, Benefit LLC (SABABA) offers support to employers and employees dealing with COVID-19. SABABA is an established telehealth network of behavioral health clinicians that specializes in working with employers to meet the needs of their workforce through targeted telebehavioral health programs. SABABA helps employees to be emotionally healthy at work and in the case of injury, return to work faster. SABABA announced today the offering of a special webinar series for employers to address the rapidly changing needs of their workforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This offering is being provided at a significantly reduced rate to businesses of any size. SABABA's webinar focuses on reducing fear and anxiety by providing tactics everyone can use to stay safe, cope with the uncertainty, stay connected, and take back control of their lives. This webinar Restoring Normal in an Unprecedented Time and all support services are provided by licensed clinical behavioral therapists and directly addresses the stresses workers are experiencing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The targeted program offers clear, concrete skills to combat the negative cycle of fear and anxiety. This program promotes wellness and provides strategies that can be taken to keep employees healthy. For most employees, the information gained in the webinar will help them through this difficult time. Others may benefit more from one or more of SABABA's additional support resources. SABABA can provide a combination of in-depth groups or individual sessions to help your organization meet the more unique needs identified in your workforce. SABABA works with employers to create a unique support system for their employees. Targeted individual therapy sessions are available and SABABA works with the company to tailor these offerings to meet the needs. For more information go to SABABAhealth.com or contact SABABA's clinical director [email protected] SOURCE SABABA Health Group NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Domio, the apartment-hotel hospitality company, is offering free housing over the next two weeks in Miami, Chicago, and Nashville to medical professionals and first responders that are bravely leading the fight against COVID-19. "In the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus, we want to thank medical professionals who are guiding us through these unprecedented times," said Jay Roberts, CEO of Domio. "At Domio, we are proud to open our hearts - and doors - to offer our spaces to these heroes who are selflessly protecting our communities and loved ones against this terrible virus." Medical professionals and first responders who are in need of accommodations are encouraged to share their story on how they are helping to make a difference by emailing [email protected] and include their name, specific location needed, and requested dates of travel (up to 5 nights). Due to limited capacity, Domio will do their best to accommodate the most immediate needs. The full terms and conditions of this offer can be viewed at staydomio.com/heretohelp. Domio, the New York-based, boutique and apartment-hotel hospitality brand startup was founded three years ago in August 2016. Domio operates in 10 U.S. markets, most recently expanding its footprint in key flagship cities, including: Miami, Chicago, and New Orleans. Domio's apartment-hotel rooms are two to five times larger than the average size of U.S. hotel rooms, making the cost about 25 percent less than traditional hotels. For more information on Domio, please visit staydomio.com. About Domio Domio is a modern hospitality brand, elevating the way people travel through a curated end-to-end experience. Our upscale apartment style and boutique hotels provide livable spaces created for connecting with friends and family. From our locally-inspired designs, and neighborhood partnerships, to our tech-powered in-room experiences and 24/7 customer support, guests feel like homeanywhere in the world. To book, or for more information on Domio, visit staydomio.com, or follow the brand on Instagram (@Domio). Media Contact: Hawkins International PR (512) 461-2501 [email protected] SOURCE Domio Related Links https://www.staydomio.com Fighting back: Eir, headed up by CEO Carolan Lennon, is to remove data limits on one of its mobile packages to support businesses A number of tech and telecoms companies are set to cut prices and hand out cash as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Eir is to remove data limits on at least one of its mobile packages during the pandemic, while Facebook is reportedly giving almost 1,000 to every one of its 45,000 workers worldwide, including several thousand staff in Dublin. "We hope that this small gesture will go some way toward helping businesses through this challenging time," said an Eir spokesman, in response to a query from Independent.ie. The Eir Business 'Performance' package is now moving from 20GB to "unlimited" data. "With no-limits data, you can use your mobile as a Wi-Fi hotspot worry-free to work from anywhere. This plan also includes unlimited international calls and texts within and between Ireland, Europe, USA and Canada." Facebook is reportedly to give all of its 45,000 workers, including up to 3,500 Irish staff, a one-off bonus payment of almost 1,000 to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic. The company will also give a maximum review performance to all workers for the first six-month period of 2020, meaning higher bonuses on top of pay. The move was first reported by The Information in the US. A Facebook Ireland spokesperson declined to respond to the news. However, it is unclear whether the gesture by Facebook will be passed on to the company's contractors or agency workers, which make up a substantial portion of its workforce in Dublin. Last week, the online office software firm Zoho announced it would offer a 'work from home' suite of apps and services for free until July. The online teleconferencing firm Zoom is also offering its services free to some educational institutions. In the US, mobile, telephone and broadband operators have come together to pledge not to charge late fees or terminate accounts during the coronavirus outbreak. A spokesman for Eir said that the company is restricted on changing other service costs as it must confer with telecoms regulator ComReg before it adjusts pricing levels. YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia on the birthday anniversary, the PMs Office told Armenpress. Accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes on your birthday. The friendly relations between Armenia and Georgia are based on rich historical traditions and today as well are distinguished with mutual trust and a deep feeling of mutual respect. I highly value our personal relations. I am confident that with joint efforts we will be able to use the entire potential of the bilateral cooperation to raise our relations to a qualitatively new level. I wish you new achievements in your important and responsible position and success to all your programs aimed at regional development and stability, and welfare and progress to the friendly Georgian people. Once again congratulations on your birthday. I wish good luck, good health and happiness to you and your family, the Armenian PM said in his congratulatory letter. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO is scaling down military exercises in Europe to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but alliance missions are continuing, including the drawdown of the U.S.-led force in Afghanistan following a peace agreement last month. "Some of our exercises have been modified or canceled ... but our forces remain ready," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a video news conference. The U.S. Army has already announced a halt to movement of military personnel from the United States to Europe and said it plans to scale down its Defender Europe 20 exercises, billed as NATO's biggest war games in Europe since the Cold War. Stoltenberg encouraged NATO countries to maintain their military spending despite the economic shock of the virus outbreak, because of the role the military can play in helping to fight it. "We see that in many allied countries, the armed forces are providing support," Stoltenberg said, citing logistics, border security, military hospitals and other medical support. Stoltenberg said there had been no reports of infections of the disease among members of NATO's military mission in Afghanistan and that troops would continue to come home as agreed under a U.S. peace deal with the Taliban last month. The head of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan said on Thursday that there was a temporary pause in new troops moving into the country, however. U.S. General Scott Miller said that additionally, 1,500 service members, civilians and contractors who arrived within the past week would be staying in screening facilities as a precaution. Germany said on Tuesday its troops going in and out of Afghanistan from Germany would be quarantined for 14 days to avoid the virus spreading into military operations. NATO's train-and-advise mission in Afghanistan will draw down to around 12,000 personnel from 16,000 over the next 135 days, Stoltenberg said, although he said this would depend on the Taliban continuing to reduce violence. NATO is taking preventative measures across all its operations, including regularly taking the temperatures of its personnel, officials have said. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Peter Graff and Sonya Hepinstall) WASHINGTON Rep. Andy Kim is self-quarantining for two weeks after having direct contact with a fellow House Democrat who later tested positive for the coronavirus. Kim, D-3rd Dist., made the announcement on Thursday, a day after Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, said he had come down with COVID-19. The two first-term lawmakers spent time together Friday as they waited long into the night for House Democratic leaders and aides to President Donald Trump to negotiate an $8.3 billion package of aid to help Americans hurt by the coronavirus. The health of our community must be our top priority, so Ive decided to self-quarantine, and I want to strongly encourage anyone in a similar situation to take the same action, Kim said. The House passed the bill early Saturday morning. The Senate cleared the measure Wednesday and Trump signed the legislation into law a few hours later. McAdams said he first felt sick Saturday evening after returning from Washington, and was tested for the virus on Tuesday. He is one of two House members who have the virus. The other is Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla. Earlier this week, Kim closed his Washington office indefinitely after a staff member working for Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., tested positive for covid-19. Both Kim and Schweikert have offices on the same floor of the Longworth House Office Building near the U.S. Capitol. The House is on recess this week. < Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. New Delhi, March 19 : The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking to help the hospitality industry given the large scale cancellation in wake of coronavirus outbreak and India cancelling all tourism visas. "Sir, you are our Prime Minister and the entire tourism industry is looking up to you to lead us out of this hour of darkness," wrote the federation. They have requested for a twelve months moratorium on EMIs of principle and interest payments on loans and working capital from Financial Institutions (both banking & non-banking). Additionally, they have sought for doubling of their working capital limits and on interest free & collateral free terms. This, they say, will prevent all our tourism businesses "from going bankrupt". "Sir, additionally to prevent insolvency, we request you for a deferment for twelve months of all statutory dues whether GST, Advance Tax payments, PF, ESIC, customs duties at the Central Government level or at any state government level the excise fees, levies, taxes, power & water charges, bank guarantees & security deposits and deferment of all renewals, across the tourism, travel, hospitality & aviation industry," they urged with Modi. There has been job losses and predicted to grow over the coming weeks due to the outbreak. Hence, the federation has asked for a support fund for twelve months on the lines of MNREGA to support basic salaries with 'direct transfer' to affected tourism employees. What's more? The FAITH has even asked not to introduce Finance Bill 2020 which they claim will result in business from India to overseas, which "will lead to shutting down businesses of most Indian tourism companies". For revival, they have also asked for a request a complete GST Tax Holiday for the Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Industry for a period of twelve months. The long list of demands goes on. "Sir, we request you to grant a 200% weighted exemption for twelve months on expenses to Indian corporates to hold exhibitions, conferences and incentive trips in India. This will be a big shot in the arm and will help revitalise the industry," read the letter accessed by IANS. Calling him the 'ambassador' of the industry, the federation made this SOS plea to PM Modi. "Sir as a result of this pandemic, Indian Tourism industry is looking at pan India bankruptcies, closure of businesses and mass unemployment. It is believed that around 70% out of a total estimated workforce of 5.5 crores (direct and indirect) could get unemployed (~ 3.8 crores). This effect of job losses and layoffs has already begun throughout the country...," reasoned the PM. The pandemic has indeed given a blow to the industry. But will PM Modi listen in to these long lists of demands to steer out the exasperated industry from this tough time? Well, the federation is keeping its fingers crossed. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration is intensifying its abusive and violent crackdown on immigrants. Even as the virus has spread to every state in the country, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has continued immigration raids, targeted arrests, and deportations. In addition, the Trump administration is now reportedly turning back all migrants crossing the US-Mexico borderin blatant defiance of international lawunder the pretense of containing the spread of the pandemic. As part of an initiative called Operation Palladium, hundreds of additional ICE officers are being deployed in unmarked cars to sanctuary cities, those cities that, due to public pressure stemming from sizable immigrant populations, restrain their local police from fully complying with ICE agents deportation requests. The operation began last month just as the coronavirus outbreak was getting under way and will reportedly continue through the end of the year. On Wednesday, ICE announced that it would carry out mission critical arrests until the threat from COVID-19 was over. Detention facility in McAllen, Texas, Sunday, June 17, 2018 (Photo US Customs and Border Protection). Some of the targeted cities include Boston, New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit, New Orleans, and Atlanta. Many of these major cities are currently under or are considering shelter in place orders because of the rampant spread of the virus. ICE is using the pandemic as a means to ramp up its efforts. The New York Times reports that the goal of Operation Palladium is to arrest as many undocumented immigrants as possible and to flood the streets. ICE officials told the Los Angeles Times that precautionary measures may be taken due to the outbreak of the virus; however, the precautionary measures referred to are, of course, not for the immigrants but rather to protect the ICE officers. Most precincts have issued agents masks and hand sanitizer. Dozens of local and national papers are reporting that ICE officers have been stalking individuals as long as 12 hours a day in order to arrest them outside their homes or places of work. There have been a slew of arrests in the last two weeks alone: In Denver, Colorado, ICE arrested two people on Friday, March 13. One of the arrests was a woman who was on her way to pick up her children. Her kids had to find out what happened from a neighbor after they found their mothers car nearby, the Denver Post reported. In Scranton, Pennsylvania, ICE arrested a man as he left a hospital emergency room on Monday. There have been at least six raids by immigration officials in El Paso County in the past two weeks according to Fernando Garcia, the executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a group of ICE officers in collaboration with local law enforcement raided at least two homes on Wednesday morning before arresting three young men from Guatemala. In February, a man in Brooklyn was brought out of a hospital in handcuffs after ICE agents Tasered and shot his girlfriends unarmed son. The intensified ICE activity has prompted concerns among advocacy groups that the approximately 11 million undocumented workers and youth currently living in the US may avoid seeking medical treatment amidst the pandemic due to fear of deportation. According to ICEs website, hospitals and other medical treatment facilities are supposed to be sensitive locations, meaning they are largely exempt from actions of immigration enforcement. However, a spokesperson for ICE did not rule out the possibility, saying arrests at hospitals would only take place under extraordinary circumstances. For those who remain in detention facilities, no measures have been taken to guarantee their protection. Due to the horrific conditions and the extremely close quarters, all the detention facilities and prisons in the US are at high risk of becoming epicenters of the pandemic. The experience in China with prison systems gives an indication of the possible catastrophic results if no measures are taken. By late February, Chinese prisons were reporting more than 500 cases spreading across at least four prison facilities in three provinces. The American criminal legal system holds almost 2.3 million people in prisons, jails, detention centers and psychiatric hospitals. Eduardo Canales, founder of the South Texas Human Rights Center, told the WSWS, The Trump administration may try to argue that being held in the detention jails is similar to quarantine and therefore safer for migrants, but this is just not true. Detention facilities have a host of correctional staff, vendors, health care workers, and visitors, constantly coming and going, all of whom could potentially introduce the virus. If measures are not taken now, health officials are warning that it is not a matter of if but when jails and prisons will become major epicentersa stark warning for a country that jails nearly 25 percent of the worlds prison population. Canales went on to note his deep concern for the immigrant population both inside and outside the detention facilities: The continuing of the ICE raids under these circumstances shows the complete inhumanity and cruelty of the whole system. Trump, and even more so [senior advisor] Stephen Miller, are hell bent on eradicating foreigners from the US. It shows once again the brutal character of ICE. Canales also pointed to the criminal role the Obama administration played in beefing up the border patrol and filling immigrant detention centers under his administration, paving the way for Trump. What we are dealing with is a humanitarian crisis. ... For those immigrants in detention facilities, they are facing a double whammyit is double terrorism. They are, first of all, apprehended and then subject to horrible conditions, and they may contract this virus. Amidst the growing pandemic, the usually awful conditions in the detention centers have become much more severe. Representatives from RAICES, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, who spoke with the WSWS, have heard from detainees in Karnes Detention Center in Texas that they are not being provided the most basic necessities, such as hand sanitizer. One statement from a Karnes detainee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provided to WSWS reporters, reads: Here at this detention center, we do not have access to hand sanitizer or masks, or anything else that could protect as we are all stuck together in close quarters. The officials here have not said anything to us about what is happening outside, or any extra precautions that we should take. It continues, We are scared because nobody will tell us anything, and we fear that nobody will take care of us. We are scared because we dont know how to protect ourselves, nobody will share anything with us. I fear that many people could die without the proper healthcare. If we were released, we would be able to live with family and friends and help slow the spread of the virus. Gabriela Domenzain, senior immigration advisor at Brooklyn Defender Services, described the situation in a statement on March 18: We know that on any given day, immigrants in detention are mistreated and that their access to medical attention is abysmal. And now, its even worse. Our clients are being denied soap, hand-sanitizer, and even basic information as to the existence of this pandemic and how to avoid contagion. Brooklyn Defender Services has joined the advocacy community in New York State to ask that ICE release our clients under safe conditions, but theyve refused. Her statement ended by stating COVID-19 knows no borders or prison walls and its in our country and our clients interest to ensure that everyone is allowed to protect themselves and keep safe during this time. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-18 05:27:09|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close A photographer takes photos of police officers during curfew in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, on March 18, 2020. Serbian elders were banned outside movement starting from Wednesday, while all citizens were prevented from leaving their homes overnight, the government decided on Tuesday. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said that all other citizens had to stay home between 8 pm and 5 am disregarding their age, excluding people on assignments and employees in the third shift. (Photo by Nemanja Cabric/Xinhua) BELGRADE, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Serbian elders will be banned outside movement starting from Wednesday, while all citizens will be prevented from leaving their homes overnight, the government decided on Tuesday. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic explained the decision at a press conference, saying that "difficult decisions aim to protect the health of citizens". Citizens older than 65 in cities, and 70 in rural areas will no longer be allowed to go out at all, Vucic confirmed. Moreover, he said that all other citizens will have to stay home between 8 pm and 5 am disregarding their age, excluding people on assignments and employees in the third shift. "New, rigorous measures have been taken to combat the spread of coronavirus in our country," Vucic warned, adding that Serbia faces "incredible challenges". He pointed out that people haven't invested enough discipline in previous measures and recommendations, and that the curfew is necessary to reduce the level of vulnerability and risk to population. "We have made unpopular decisions, but both will mean protecting people's lives, as well as making it clear that we care about preserving human lives in our country, the right of our parents, our retirees to have a future," Vucic said. So far, Serbia has 72 confirmed COVID-19 cases, out of 374 tested samples. Previously, Serbia closed schools and border crossings. No foreigners are allowed to enter, while Serbian people who wish to enter will have to stay 14 to 28 days in quarantine. After Vucic's appeal for China's help, first testing kits arrived recently, with more medicinal aid as well as doctors from China expected to arrive in the following days. INDIANAPOLIS Seventeen new coronavirus infection cases have been confirmed around Indiana, jumping the states total to 56, health officials said Thursday. Also on Thursday, WNDU.com reported a local disaster emergency has been declared by St. Joseph County and South Bend leaders. "Beginning at 2 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, only essential travel will be allowed. That includes going to and from work, going to the grocery store, picking up prescriptions, visiting a doctor's office, dropping kids off at daycare, picking up food and traveling for emergencies," the news station reported. The virus causing COVID-19 illnesses has now been identified in 22 of Indianas 92 counties, the Indiana State Department of Health reported. Eight of the new cases are in Indianapolis, with others confirmed among residents of Howard, Lake, Owen, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Wayne counties. Indiana has recorded two COVID-19 deaths, one each in Marion and Johnson counties. Gov. Eric Holcomb and the state health commissioner planned a Thursday afternoon news conference to discuss the states virus response. Recovery of $1 mln from Russian restaurateur, his partner upheld RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 11:35 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal against a lower court order to recover about 69 million rubles ($1 million) jointly from the Tavern Taras Bulba restaurant chain owner Yury Beloivan and ex-director of City limited liability company Olga Ponomareva, according to court records. The appeal has been lodged by Ponomareva. In early December, the Moscow Commercial Court granted a Federal Tax Services claim to collect the money from Beloivan and Ponomareva. This is not the first ruling against Beloivan in favor the tax authority. In late November, the Moscow District Commercial Court upheld a ruling on recovery of nearly 164 million rubles (about $2.6 million at current exchange rate) from Beloivan in favor of the Federal Tax Service. The businessman therefore lost a cassation appeal against rulings of the Moscow Commercial Court of March 7, 2019 and the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals of late July. In April, a Beloivan and Anastasia Ivanova, the head of the company, were also ordered to pay 76.4 million rubles (about $1.2 million) to the tax authority. In July, Moscows Basmanny District Court passed a 2-year prison sentence on Beloivan as part of the tax evasion case. Investigators claimed that between January 2011 and March 2014, Beloivan failed to disclose the income effective principal in tax bills and stripped a taxation base to evade the payment of taxes from his 8 Tavern Taras Bulba restaurants. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, he concealed over 650 million rubles in taxes (over $10 million). The Moscow City Court in early October reduced his sentence from 24 to 21 months. In early November, Moscows Preobrazhensky District Court released him from serving sentence because of his illness. First developed in the late 18th century at the intersection of River Road and todays Wisconsin Avenue, Tenleytown is Washingtons second-oldest community. It was named after John Tennally, whose tavern was at its heart. Tennallytown eventually became Tenleytown. The once-rural village served as a home to Union forces protecting Washington in the Civil War before undergoing commercial and residential growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when the streetcar connected it to downtown Washington and it began to develop into the bustling area it is today. HOLYOKE Soon, families picking up grab-and-go meals from the Holyoke public schools might also get a reminder that they need to respond to Census2020. We are looking for a way, even if its not staffed, to set up a table at the food pickups, said Michael Moriarty, executive director of OneHolyoke Community Development Corp. Hes one of the countless local officials across the country who have had to rethink plans to get the word out about the all-important decennial headcount. Families with young children are the hardest to count, Moriarty said. Families in schools where there is poverty are the hardest to count. We just need to get the word out and to tell people to go do it. Western Massachusetts isnt expected to grow very much from the last census in 2020. If the count shows a decline in population, it could jeopardize the regions federal funding and representation in Congress. OneHolyoke received two grants totaling $25,000 $15,000 from the Massachusetts secretary of states Complete Count program and $10,000 from the Massachusetts Census Equity Fund to boost census participation. The money was to have paid people who would work face-to-face with people, especially people in groups demographers know are less likely to participate in the census. But none of that is happening now with gatherings banned, schools closed and college students a major piece of the population for many Massachusetts communities gone home early due to coronavirus. We have been spending months planning outreach strategies that involve engaging people in person, said Patrick B. Beaudry, manager of public affairs for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which coordinates Complete Count efforts up and down the valley. Having street teams, organizing events. And all that is not possible. Also impossible is the idea of sending enumerators census takers door to door. On Wednesday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it is suspending all field activities until April 1. The stakes are high. Population counts from the census determine how many members of the House of Representatives the state sends to Washington and where the legislative lines are drawn. It also determines districts for state lawmakers. Each year the federal government distributes $675 billion to states based on census data. Springfield, for instance, needs to keep its population count above 150,000 to be eligible for some federal programs. Springfield had 153,000 people in 2010. The first mailer, an invitation to go to census2020.gov and fill out the questionnaire online, should have arrived in mailboxes this past weekend, March 13 or March 14. The letter has a code in it that makes filing out the form easier, but is not necessary, according to the Census Bureau. Households that fail to respond get a follow-up mailed questionnaire, then a visit from the census enumerators if that mailed questionnaire isnt returned. This is the first year the census is being done online. It can also be done by phone. Its a stroke of luck, Beaudry said. You can respond to the census without touching an envelope and without talking to a person. Moriarty said One Holyoke is using its social media to push the census, figuring folks have more screen time now that they are shut inside. Almost 1 in 5 parents of young children think they should leave their young child off the census or are unsure. Get the word out that Big or small, count them all! #2020Census #CountAllKids Posted by OneHolyoke CDC on Wednesday, 18 March 2020 The Urban League of Springfield had all sorts of outreach planned, said Henry M. Thomas III, president and CEO of the group. It even planned a job fair for potential census workers and wanted to open its new computer learning center so people without computers at home could go online and fill out the form. "All that is on hold," Thomas said Wednesday. Thomas said he still has access to the airwaves of Springfield Technical Community Colleges radio station, WTCC 90.7 FM, and he plans to use shows there to talk about the census. Debra OMalley, spokeswoman for Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, said she knew of no other organization in the state using school lunch distribution points to talk about the census. But its a good idea, she said. Besides young families, OMalley said college students living away from home in off-campus housing is the big issue. Students away from home at school are to be counted where they live for most of the year, meaning at school, she said. They are here most the year, using the roads, the water, the sewer infrastructure, she said. Their presence here creates the need the census is designed to address. Colleges know how many students are normally in campus housing. Census takers generally canvass off-campus neighborhoods at the tail end of the spring semester. But now the students are mostly at home, sent away after campus shutdowns. OMalley said Galvin wants the Census Bureau to allow Massachusetts to submit administrative records from the colleges concerning off-campus housing as a substitute for an actual headcount. Its a huge issue for Western Mass., OMalley said, citing college towns like Amherst and Westfield. Its an issue in Boston neighborhoods like Allston and Brighton as well, she said. Beaudry said it doesnt matter if the students get their mail elsewhere, are claimed as dependents on their parents taxes or vote elsewhere. And it doesnt really matter that those students had planned to move out in May. They are really a representation of who will follow them as transient college students, he said. They represent all the students who will fill those buildings over the next 10 years, and we need to have resources for them. So its really important that we get that count right, he said. Related Content: The country has declared a nationwide quarantine, which will last until April 3. Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko says the ministry urges Ukrainians to comply with quarantine measures introduced across the country and stay at home to counter the spread of coronavirus. "Keep calm, and most importantly fulfill the quarantine conditions, that is, stay at home. Let's walk this path together, as a team," he said in a video address posted on Facebook on March 19. According to Liashko, there is a lot of misinformation in the media, where facts are being manipulated. In this regard, the ministry urges to verify information about the coronavirus and refer to reliable sources only. "We now need to keep our heads cool and hearts warm. In no case it is vice versa. The authorities have put in place all preventive measures and developed the required algorithms. Healthcare workers know how to act. Trust them," he said. Read alsoZelensky refutes "boogeyman stories" about 400,000 coronavirus cases in Ukraine "Ukrainians, please, consider and share every message very responsibly and critically. The panic virus is much more severe than coronavirus," the official added. As UNIAN reported earlier, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus was recorded late December 2019 in the most populous city of Central China, Wuhan. The World Health Organization recognized it as a global emergency, describing it as a multi-cell epidemic. To date, 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Ukraine, two of which are lethal. The country has declared a nationwide quarantine, which will last until April 3. Donald Trump at a press conference: Getty After weeks ago appearing unaware that vaccine testing can take years, Donald Trump on Thursday announced efforts to accelerate drugs to treat coronavirus and allow more Americans to access them but his comments were again contradicted by one of his top public health experts. Though vague, the president said he hopes Americans can go back to their typical lives "very soon" as much of the country is in a virtual lock down as the number of virus cases has doubled in two days to over 10,000. "You'll be able to tell a lot in a week or so," he said without explaining why. One major reason appeared his confidence in a drug already on the market to treat but not cure or prevent the sometimes-deadly novel virus. "Immediate, like, as fast as we can get it," Mr Trump described the new treatment push, adding he is moving to clear "red tape" to allow drugs already cleared by US federal agencies to counter other ailments and also to obtain medicines made in other countries to lessen the deadly bug's severity. One is called Hydroxychloroquine, which Mr Trump described as a common drug used to treat Malaria. The US Food and Drug Administration has worked to approve it much faster than normal to treat COVID-19, he said, saying it "won't kill anybody" even though it is a "very powerful drug" that has already "shown very, very encouraging early results." It will be issued by doctors as a prescription, the president said. But then he turned the White House briefing room microphone over to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, who told a slightly different story, marking just the latest time during the outbreak and subsequent national shut down that the president has said one thing and a top federal health official has said another or something similar, but also very different. Such has been the case on a myriad issues during the former reality television host and New York businessman's term in the White House. Story continues Putting some process around Mr Trump's vague timeline, Mr Hahn explained that the Malaria drug will be tested for treating COVID-19 "in a very large clinical trial." "That is a drug that the president has directed us to take a closer look at as to whether an expanded use approach to that could be done to actually see if that benefits patients," said Mr Hahn, adding: "And, again, we want to do that in the setting of a clinical trial, a large pragmatic clinical trial, to actually gather that information and answer the question that needs to be ... asked and answered." The FDA boss also said his agency and others continued work on a vaccine for the novel virus, but echoed his public health colleagues by saying that might be "a year away." In recent weeks, Mr Trump has contradicted his public health team by making comments that suggested he thought a vaccine could be developed, tested and deployed in just a few months. At one point, one of his top health aides, Anthony Fauci, had to break into a Cabinet Room meeting with drug manufacturers to correct the president by telling him a development-to-deployment vaccine effort could take over a year. As he has on the scope and severity of the coronavirus, Mr Trump on Thursday sounded a new tone on a possible vaccine. "You have to have long tests," the president told reporters, to make sure once the drug "goes into someone's body, it's not going to cause destruction [or] do bad things." Meantime, the president said he would approve any provisions added to a coming economic stimulus bill to restrict any monies companies receive from it to go to stock buy-backs. White House officials and lawmakers want those funds to help employees. He also said he did not make a final implementation of his powers under the Defence Production Act to allow the federal government to obtain critical medical equipment and supplies because he would prefer for states to make those purchases. "We're not a shipping agent," the president said of the federal government Read more Trump calls on Syria to release US journalist Austin Tice US senate passes bill with free coronavirus testing, paid sick leave Trump's market gains nearly entirely erased by Covid-19 crash 'Heed the advice': Trump health expert with blunt coronavirus warning Jeff Remington didnt try to claim the credit Thursday when asked how he felt about being on the short list of hopefuls for a Global Teacher Prize worth $1 million. Instead, the Palmyra Area Middle School science teacher said hes humbled and grateful, to be tapped with 49 other educators worldwide as a candidate for that 2020 honor to be bestowed by The Varney Foundation. As I look back over 33-plus years in education, it is a family of mentors in my life that have created this opportunity and I have strived to pay that kind mentorship forward, Remington said. Remington is one of five U.S. teachers to make the semi-final for the award, which The Varney Foundation offers in connection with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, better known as UNESCO. He is the only Pennsylvania educator on Varneys list, which was compiled from more than 12,000 nominations from 140 countries. If he wins, it will be his first international honor. Remington already has received numerous teaching awards from the state and federal governments, including a 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching. His talents have soared far beyond the classroom as well. As The Varney Foundation noted, Remington and his wife Helen helped create and sustain science and technology classrooms in St. Marc, Haiti, and he has been an advocate for decreasing the digital divide that exists between developed and underdeveloped nations, the foundation said. Jeff has also provided STEM/STREAM training for the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates and created STEMonstrations for NASA and the International Space Station. So, what will he do if he wins that $1 million? I would ramp up our Palmyra-Haiti Technology project to create a STEM workforce development center in Haiti to decrease the digital divide in Haiti and to help bolster their economy from within, Remington said. Thats the stuff that keeps him motivated as a teacher. Although this time of COVID-19 which is upon us now seems unique, it is the benefit of citizens to have been educated and our scientists and leaders to have been educated that helps us navigate this, Remington said. Even though we are in extraordinary times, education always remains the key to navigating life and improving the quality of our life, our health, and the economy, he added. It is the root impact of education that keeps me very motivated. We all are now appreciating the value of education much more through this current global event. The next step in the Global Teacher process is for the 50-name roster to be pared to a list of 10 finalists. The winner of the prize will be announced in October during a ceremony at the Natural Science Museum in London, England. FILE PHOTO: Kindergartens, schools and public buildings remain closed in the North-Rhine Westphalian district of Heinsberg after a positive coronavirus case was confirmed in a local hospital By Elvira Pollina and Douglas Busvine MILAN/BERLIN (Reuters) - Mobile carriers are sharing data with the health authorities in Italy, Germany and Austria, helping to fight coronavirus by monitoring whether people are complying with curbs on movement while at the same time respecting Europe's privacy laws. The data, which are anonymous and aggregated, make it possible to map concentrations and movements of customers in 'hot zones' where COVID-19 has taken hold. That is less invasive than the approach taken by countries like China, Taiwan and South Korea, which use smartphone location readings to trace the contacts of individuals who have tested positive or to enforce quarantine orders. In Germany, where schools and restaurants are closing and people have been told to work at home if they can, the data donated by Deutsche Telekom offer insights into whether people are complying, health czar Lothar Wieler said. "If people remain as mobile as they were until a week ago, it will be difficult to contain the virus," Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institute, said on Wednesday. Germany is entering the epidemic's exponential phase, Wieler added, warning that without progress in reducing person-to-person contacts, as many as 10 million people could be infected in two or three months. However, privacy advocates are skeptical about whether sharing customer data is useful or proportionate, even in a time of crisis. One said that, if people know their phones are being tracked, they will just leave them at home. "I strongly doubt the value of sharing such customer information," said opposition Greens lawmaker Tabea Roessner. ITALY, AUSTRIA In Italy, mobile carriers Telecom Italia, Vodafone and WindTre have offered authorities aggregated data to monitor people's movements. The Lombardy region is using the data to see how many people are observing a strict lockdown. Movements exceeding 300-500 meters (yards) are down by around 60% since Feb. 21, when the first case was discovered in the Codogno area, the data show. Story continues "Wherever technically possible, and legally permissible, Vodafone will be willing to assist governments in developing insights based on large, anonymized datasets," CEO Nick Read said. Austria imposed a regional lockdown after coronavirus spread among ski tourists in Tyrol who, as they headed home, have spread the infection across central and northern Europe. A1 Telekom Austria Group, the country's largest mobile phone company, is sharing results from a motion analysis application developed by Invenium, a spin-off from the Graz University of Technology that it has backed. The tool is compliant with EU privacy rulebook the General Data Protection Regulation, which restricts the processing of sensitive personal data without its owner's explicit consent. Invenium analyses how flows of people affect traffic congestion or how busy a tourist site will get, said co-founder Michael Cik, but its technology is equally applicable to assessing the effectiveness of measures to reduce social contact or movement that seek to contain an epidemic. Austrian campaigner Max Schrems, who has fought a series of legal battles over Facebook's privacy practices, had his doubts. "As long as the data is properly anonymized this is clearly legal," he told Reuters. "But to be honest, in Austria you just have to look out of the window to see that people stay home." (This story corrects paragraph 12 to show Austria imposed a regional lockdown; fixes company name in paragraph 13) (Writing by Douglas Busvine; Additional reporting by Nadine Schimroszik and Paul Sandle; Editing by Gareth Jones and David Goodman) Connecticuts confirmed cases of COVID-19 reached 159 on Thursday, and the states second and third deaths coincided with more business closures for a state running out of ways to limit face-to-face interaction and possible transmission of the virus. Gov. Ned Lamont announced the third death, of a elderly New Canaan man, in a news release at about 6:15 p.m. On Wednesday, another New Canaan man died. Only New London County is untouched by reported COVID-19 infections. Early Thursday evening, House leaders announced in an email that a member of the House majority has been diagnosed with COVID-19. In an email later in the evening to her colleagues, first-term Rep.Jane Garibay, a Democrat whose district includes Windsor and Windsor Locks, said she has tested positive, and looked forward to eventually getting back to work with her fellow legislators. I wanted to let you know that I am self quarantining and resting comfortably at home, she wrote. Mayors of the states largest cities banned gatherings of more than 10 people, while unemployment claims soared to over 56,000 for the week. Expanding on a previous executive order, Lamont told barber and tattoo shops, as well as hair and nail salons, to join shopping malls, gyms and recreational facilities in a full shutdown. He also expanded on a previous order protecting the shutoff of utilities to now include businesses as well as residential customers. During another day of fast-moving public events, Lamont, in a Farmington bio-medical lab that will soon test 150 samples a day for the coronavirus, said the second COVID-19 fatality was a New Canaan man who had been a great friend of his late father. So I know what people are feeling everyday, Lamont said in a 24-minute, technology-marred video news conference Thursday morning in the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine on the UConn Health Center campus. This is a disease that gets more real in a very personal way. Lamont provided no further information about the second deceased victim, identified as 91-year-old William Pike, who had been treated in Norwalk Hospital. * The governor and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced that the presidential primary will be moved from April 28 to June 2 because of the pandemic. * In an afternoon conference call with 2,000 business owners, Lamont said he is developing a bridge-loan program to help them out. * The Department of Consumer Protection announced that restaurants could sell alcoholic beverages with take out and delivered meals, and in a lifeline to bars, they may now sell beverages in sealed containers for take-out, like package stores. * Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of the Bridgewater Associates hedge fund in Westport, said on CNBC that the firms funds are down 20 percent and nationally, businesses could lose $4 trillion in the economic damage from the virus. * State leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties agreed that local town committees can skip the usual gatherings to decide on national delegates and town committee races, and move to telephone or video conferencing for their spring selection gatherings. More Information County by county cases of COVID-19 Fairfield - 102 Hartford - 18 Litchfield - 7 Middlesex - 3 New Haven - 23 Tolland - 4 Windham - 2 New London - 0 Total - 159 * Source: CT Department of Public Health, 5 p.m. Thursday See More Collapse * The mayors of New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport and Hamden issued emergency orders prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 individuals, sharply reducing the maximum of 50 ordered earlier in the week by the governor. * The state Departing of Banking on Thursday asked mortgage lenders to work with homeowners in what has already become the worst economic collapse since the bursting of the housing bubble that set off the Great Recession. Not since 2008 have we seen such strains on our economy and on the household finances of hardworking Connecticut families, said Commissioner Jorge Perez, asking them to help lenders cope with the possible loss of jobs or income because of the coronavirus. Perez asked lenders to consider waiving late fees and offering payment deferment options. The success of this effort and the ability for borrowers to benefit will be limited if employees, agents or other third parties of the servicers are not familiar or are not able to inform borrowers about possible accommodations, Perez said in a statement. * As some state courthouses were closed to limit services to one building in each of the 13 state judicial districts, Karen Jarmoc, executive director of CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said that counselors are prepared to help victims navigate their court appearances. We are working hard to ensure help and services to victims of domestic violence through a primarily remote platform, Jarmoc said Thursday. Advocates are available to assist at arraignments and with help in obtaining a restraining order. People can link to the website, or call (888) 774-2900. * State housing officials ordered changes to the states rental assistance programs and have freed up $735,000 to help families leave shelters and find permanent housing, including money for 200 elderly homeless to move to hotel rooms as part of a collaboration to create homes as well as potential isolation and quarantine space for the vulnerable homeless. * More than 1,000 participants in the state's Energy Conservation Loan program are allowed to delay their payments for three months. KDixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT The Centre on Wednesday issued a gazette notification for the adaptation of 37 central laws in the Concurrent List for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The gazette notification, issued by the Union Home Ministrys Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs, comes into force with immediate effect. It contains the 37 central laws including the representation of people act, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, the protection of human rights act, the prevention of corruption act and the Indian Penal Code among others. On February 26, the Cabinet gave its nod to issue an order which will allow 37 central laws in the Concurrent List to be implemented in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Last August, the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370 provisions for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union territories. The new territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh came into being on October 31, 2019. An official statement later said all the central laws, applicable to the whole of India except the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir before October 31, 2019 are now applicable to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir from October 31, 2019. ...It is necessary to adapt the central laws made under the Concurrent List, with required modifications and amendments, for ensuring administrative effectiveness and smooth transition with respect to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir thereby removing any ambiguity in their application in line with the Constitution of India, it had said. A bill to empower the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise public debates for political candidates has scaled second reading at the Senate. This includes candidates of political parties running for the offices of president, vice president, governors and deputy governors. The bill was first introduced in the Senate in November 2019 and is sponsored by Buhari Abdulfatai (Oyo North). It seeks to amend the Electoral Act to give INEC these powers. Leading the debate, Mr Abdulfatai said the bill, if passed, will strengthen Nigerias democracy and bring it in conformity with the practice of other renowned democracies of the world. He said the exposure made possible by mandatory political debate will definitely save the country from electing a tyrant. The legislation, he said, will be used to sample the candidates knowledge on a wide range of issues, like a detailed analysis of how they intend to drive the economy, foreign, health and education policies among others. He highlighted that the election debate will serve as a national job interview for the candidates as it gives them the opportunity to speak on a wide range of issues. This gives the people an opportunity, through their representatives in the National Assembly, to ask the ministerial nominees varieties of questions in order to test their knowledge on a wide range of issues and for Nigerians (to) have (the) opportunity to assess their to-be ministers at their screening in the Senate. Their responses inform the president on their appropriate designation after confirmation. If the ministers that will work under the President, as well as the State Commissioners, can be adequately assessed by their respective legislative assembly before appointment, it is logically imperative for the president and governors who shoulder more responsibilities to be adequately assessed through a formal national debate, he said. The debate While lawmakers took turns to support the bill, a few argued that an independent body be charged with such responsibility. Ibrahim Oloriegbe (APC, Kwara) stressed the need for electorates to test the ability of the candidates. The best way to test ones ability is to have them answer questions, he explained. He also noted that in past elections, parties without potential attend such debates. He also said the law, if signed, should be made mandatory. Adeola Olamilekan said in a time where everybody wants to be something in Nigeria but barely know about the country, the bill is simply letting Nigerians know their candidates. On his part, Barau Jibrin said the debate should be made optional. He explained that if the debate is made mandatory and a candidate ignores it, the case could be taken to court and the said candidate will be at risk of losing his candidacy. I think it should be optional. Aishatu Dahiru (APC, Adamawa) noted that Nigerias electoral umpire is dependent on the federal government for funding. She said such responsibility should be given to an independent body. The task of producing good candidates already lies with the political party. I think an independent group like the Nigerian Election Debate Group should be given this responsibility. Smart Adeyemi (APC, Kogi West) said the media and Nigeria Labour Congress should organise and conduct such debates. Advertisements READ ALSO: The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on INEC for further legislative work. Many Nigerians have described the bill as timely, judging from the events of the last elections. In the build-up of the last general elections, a presidential debate was organised by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria. However, candidates of major political parties like President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party failed to show up for the debate. Crowded work spaces, limited access to paid sick days, and confusion over quarantine leave. Those are the conditions described to the Star by three workers at Amazon warehouses in the GTA conditions that one employee is concerned could raise broader health risks, as demand for online deliveries surges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A petition began circulating late Tuesday night calling on the international delivery giant Amazon to ramp up safety measures at its Toronto-area fulfilment centres. Social distancing is nearly impossible in a facility of hundreds to thousands of employees, the petition spearheaded by the Brampton-based Warehouse Workers Centre says. Because the number of orders to be fulfilled has drastically increased as people stay home, warehouse workers are putting in 50 hours a week or more. This is unsustainable and needs to stop. In response to specific questions about health and safety in GTA warehouses, an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement that the company was going to great lengths to keep the buildings extremely clean and help employees practise important precautions such as social distancing and other measures. Those who dont want to come to work are welcome to use paid and unpaid time off options and we support them in doing so, the spokesperson added. We believe direct communication is the best avenue to discuss feedback, and our teams on-site are speaking directly with employees to hear their questions and discuss options that are available in this ever-changing environment. The company is also increasing pay for Canadian employees by $2 an hour. The Star spoke to two employees at an Amazon fulfilment centre in the GTA on the condition of anonymity, since both feared reprisal for speaking to the media. They said they were deeply concerned about health and safety at a warehouse that employs around 2,000 people. The two employees said lunch rooms were packed last week and daily departmental meetings of 200 or more employees continued despite public health guidance on how to limit the spread of COVID-19. Late last week, Ontarios chief medical officer called for an immediate suspension of gatherings of 250 or more people. One worker said they were concerned the conditions posted broader health risks. Its not even just about the employees that work there, they told the Star. A third employee at a separate Amazon fulfilment centre said departmental meetings at their GTA-area facility continued until this Monday, and were only cancelled Tuesday. The worker shared photos with the Star of the warehouses lunchroom packed with at least 200 workers Monday, and employees working in close proximity on the warehouse floor Tuesday. They were offering a lot of voluntary time off up until a week and a half ago, now theyre offering extra (over) time, the employee said. Basically I think the place should close or reduce hours. In a general press release issued earlier this week, Amazon said it had implemented a number of preventative health measures and enhanced our daily cleaning procedures and are implementing additional nightly cleaning. Amazon has several fulfilment centres in the GTA, and employs around 10,000 people across the country. All three employees interviewed by the Star expressed concern that workers had not been provided with masks. In the photos shared with the Star, workers did not appear to be wearing masks on the warehouse floor. Amazon said it provides masks to employees who fall ill and need to go home. (The World Health Organization recommends using a mask if you are caring for sick relatives or are coughing or sneezing. Public Health Ontario currently only recommends the use of masks for those who are self isolating or are caring for someone with coronavirus. ) An employee at one Amazon facility said extra Lysol wipes were available to workers. To cope with surging demand, two employees said their facility had recently hired more white badge or temporary staff who do not have paid sick days. Blue badge, or permanent warehouse employees, accrue 40 hours or four work days, they work 10-hour shifts of paid sick time off a year. We havent even gotten that because it accumulates slowly, one employee told the Star. If Amazon workers dont have fully paid leave, it means they cant feed their families or pay their bills. This means that workers either come in sick, or isolate themselves without pay, the petition says. Amazons press release said it was continuing to educate employees on (Centers for Disease Control) guidance for maintaining healthy habits, and are offering flexibility for employees who need to stay home, plus paid time off for those who are diagnosed with the virus. Although Amazon has offered quarantined workers two weeks paid leave, two employees interviewed by the Star said they hadnt been told whether that applied to workers who should self-isolate based on public health guidelines. The Star viewed employee group chats and internal emails in which workers raised concerns with each other and management. One message urged fellow workers not to go to work, especially in areas where they were packed like sardines. Everyone is scared, says another message. The press release Amazon issued this week said the company is opening 100,000 new roles to support people relying on Amazons service in this stressful time. It did not say how many new roles have been created in Canada. We deeply value our employees and partners around the world as they continue to come to work and serve the people in their communities in a way that very few can delivering critical supplies directly to the doorsteps of people who need them, an Amazon spokesperson told the Star. Gagandeep Kaur, a postal worker and organizer with the Warehouse Workers Centre in Brampton, said additional hiring may meet consumer demand but was the opposite of official guidance about the importance of social distancing. As customers we only interact with the platform, but the labour that goes into delivering the package tends to be hidden, said Alessandro Delfanti, who studies digital labour and is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga. We should really pay attention ... Its a very physical job, with hundreds of people concentrated in one single workplace. The warehouse sector employs almost 30,000 people in the GTA and is essential to the countrys supply chain management. But the work is often low-wage or precarious. The median hourly wage for a warehouse worker in Toronto was $18.39 in 2018, and only 12 per cent of employees in the sector are unionized. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers recently set up the Warehouse Workers Centre in Brampton to offer training and support. (The meeting space is currently closed due to COVID-19 concerns). Warehouses in general, the jobs are not very high paying jobs, said Kaur. (Premier) Doug Ford has come out and said you wont be losing your job if you are in quarantine or if you are not well, and you dont need a sick note. But what about the workers who cannot really afford to stay home? In a letter to the Ford government Tuesday, Ontario Federation of Labour head Patty Coates called on the province to offer 21 paid sick days, including 14 paid days of quarantine leave, to all workers. A similar petition to the one launched in Toronto by the Warehouse Workers Centre has already circulated in the United States and Europe calling on Amazon to take more precautions at its fulfilment centres. Three Amazon workers have tested positive for COVID-19 in Spain, according to local news reports, and one in Italy. The Star interviewed a worker at the Castel San Giovanni fulfilment centre in Italy; the worker said Amazon employees there are calling for a strike over health and safety concerns. The worker, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisal but provided proof of employment with Amazon, said he believed the companys warehouses should be processing orders for essential goods only. And he urged Toronto workers to put their own health first having watched COVID-19 devastate his home region in Italy. Youre about three weeks behind the spreading of the virus compared to (Italy) he said. I hope in Canada it doesnt get as bad as it did here. Read more about: MOSCOW, March 19 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the coronavirus by phone on Thursday and agreed to deepen cooperation on developing pharmaceuticals, the Kremlin said. Putin praised China's efforts in preventing the spread of the virus which emerged in China late last year, the Kremlin said in a readout of the phone call. (Writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Andrey Ostroukh) WASHINGTON The lines were about 50 deep at the census job fair U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford hosted recently in his Nevada district. In St. Louis, about 125 job seekers, including retirees, showed up last month for the recruitment fair Rep. Lacy Clay of Missouri held at a historically black college. Dozens filled out applications to be a census worker in Selma, Alabama, where U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell set up job stations at a community college. Every one of us has been doing our best to try to make sure that people know that these opportunities are out there, said Horsford, who heads the Congressional Black Caucus Census Task Force. Census bureau officials aim to hire 500,000 workers by late May to help knock on doors and reach millions of Americans who haven't filled out the 2020 census, a survey that determines how much federal funding local communities receive and how many seats they have in the House. But with much of the nation on shutdown to ward off the spread of the coronavirus, federal officials and community groups are cancelling census job fairs and other in-person events. Instead, they are turning to social media to urge job seekers to stay home and apply online. Some lawmakers and civil rights leaders warn that might not be enough, however, and millions of Americans could go uncounted if the government is unable to hire the staff it needs. Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford, a Democrat and head of the Congressional Black Caucus Census Task Force, showed the toolkit he has given to caucus members. "Its a real to how-to-get-it-done guide, he said. Horsford and other caucus members held a press conference in January to talk about an emergency meeting of black leaders they were hosting to discuss the pressing issues of Census and voting. The Census Bureau announced Wednesday it was suspending its field operations until April 1 because of the outbreak. Officials didn't explain what the suspension would look like. Derrick Johnson, president of the national NAACP, said hes concerned the Trump administrations slow response to the pandemic could hurt communities of color, who already are undercounted. It is impacting all of our governing functions, including the census, he said. We are in a very gray area, so we dont know what to expect. An army of census takers is expected to knock on doors across the U.S. from May to July to get people who didnt respond to fill out the survey. Job candidates can apply online for the positions through the end of May. Story continues Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in the Washington, D.C. studios of USA TODAY Federal officials said the newly hired workers will now be trained virtually and will be told to minimize contact when they go door to door to avoid spreading and getting coronavirus. In addition to electronic tablets to record the number of people in households, they will be equipped with hand sanitizer. Meanwhile, census officials are ramping up their campaign to get people to respond to the decennial headcount well in advance so fewer workers have to be sent to households. The census began mailing notices to households last week asking residents to respond by mail, phone or online. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail all without having to meet a census taker, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a recent statement. What is the census and how is it used? What you need to know about the 2020 census Coronavirus, explained: COVID-19 is spreading in the US. Here's everything to know, from symptoms to how to protect yourself Census officials said they were on track to meet their hiring goals before many states and cities over the weekend began recommending against large gatherings, such as job fairs. By Saturday, census officials said they had reached their goal of more than 2.6 million applicants. Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former staff director of the U.S. House of Representatives census oversight sub-committee, said shes encouraged the bureau has met its goal as peak operations start to unfold. But there is still uncertainly as to whether the bureau will be able to hire and retain enough qualified census takers to collect information from households that didnt respond on their own, she said. Rushing to hire census workers in time For months, the Census Bureau has teamed with community groups, civil rights organizations and even congressional lawmakers for its national job recruitment effort. Sewell, a Democrat from Alabama, worked with census officials to host two job fairs last month in her district and had planned to do two more this month. Her office had also partnered with the local sheriffs department to offer onsite finger printing - a job requirement. Were trying to make it easy, to simplify the hiring, said Sewell, adding that its important in hard-to-count areas that the people who are knocking on these doors are from those communities. But the job fair planned for Birmingham this month has been canceled, and instead Sewell is focusing on dealing with the coronavirus in her state. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., joins other Democrats at a press conference March 5, 2020 at the U.S. Capitol to push for a response to the 2020 Census. Horsford said job recruitment was a top issue when he met earlier this month with Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham. He said the agency hopes to hire as many as 10,000 people in Nevada, including 5,000 workers in his district. Horsford's district is home to communities that have historically been undercounted, including Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and African Americans. Making sure that every one of our communities receive the outreach necessary has been a big priority for us, he said. Census officials aim to hire locals in part because they know the neighborhoods and when they knock on doors theres a chance the person may know the worker, said Michael Cook, a spokesman. He said thats better than someone swooping into the community and asking for information. Census 2020: How groups are 'pulling out all the stops' to accurately count people of color Advocates agree. We want people who look like people on the reservation doing the job, said Mathew Tomaskin of the Yakama Nation, which is based in Washington state. Clay, the congressman from Missouri, said he was excited to see more than 100 people show at a job fair he held at Harris-Stowe State University, a historically black college in St. Louis. The fair was advertised in public service announcements and other places, including the local black weekly, the St. Louis American. Clay said caucus members are putting in the effort so their communities "feel a part of it and you get the buy-in from average citizens. Community groups and lawmakers learned the hard lessons of not doing enough in 2010 and are ramping up their efforts this time, Clay said. Census officials said they undercounted 1.5 million blacks and Hispanics in 2010. Thats why Im all in, said Clay, who has been featured in videos and PSAs to promote the census. Coronavirus could scare off potential census workers But the unprecedented challenge of stopping the spread of the coronavirus could now make it harder for the federal government to hire census workers. Some candidates might be turned off by potentially exposing themselves to risk. The Census Bureau may also lose out on workers who dont have child care options, said Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University. Millions of students are at home because of the coronavirus. He said some who might have applied for those jobs may have schoolchildren. Now theyre a ton of families that no longer have the options of working because theyre home with kids, Hicks said. A lot of that casual employment options are going to go away. And during an outbreak, he said, some people are going to be less excited about going to door to door. On the other hand, it might be easier for the Census Bureau to find people than it was two weeks ago, with some people, including many in the restaurant business, no longer working, Hicks said. This sort of eases the tight labor markets everywhere at a time when we do need those census workers, he said. Its not a happy story, but this is not a catastrophe for the census. Adam Matza of Asheville, North Carolina, said he got a call Tuesday from a census recruiter discussing a job that paid $19 an hour. Matza had filled out an application online last November so he said he was surprised to get the call. Its when he asked about the protocol to protect workers against the coronavirus that really shocked him. I asked what about the safety of folks like me who come to work for you, not to mention the public, and they had no answer for that, Matza said. They said theyre operating as though theres no virus ...Thats not really good enough for me. The irresponsibility in that is just astounding. Matza, who owns Magic Ears, an audio company, worked for a public relations firm in 2010 that did census outreach for Haitian and African American communities in Broward County, Florida. He figured working for census this time would fit in with his schedule and he could use the extra part-time work. I get that theyre all figuring it out on the fly, even though you hoped that theyd be more prepared, Matza said. With low unemployment rates, the agency has already had to compete for workers, trying to entice them with better pay, flexible hours and even a sense of civic responsibility. Census workers will be paid $13.50 an hour and up to as much as $30 depending on the city. Get daily COVID-19 updates in your inbox: Sign up for Coronavirus Watch today Eudora Johnson, a census recruiting manager for D.C., said it hasnt been hard to get people to apply once they learned about the importance of the census. There are still a lot of people who live in D.C. that do not know about the census and do not know about our job opportunities, unfortunately, said Johnson, whose goal is to recruit nearly 10,000 applicants. Johnson has been working with local partners, including governments, churches, small businesses and community groups to tap potential workers. She said it helped that the census raised the local hourly rate from $20.50 to $22.50. Some workers can earn $27.50. When they hear about the pay rate, theyre like, Oh yeah. Im ready to sign up, she said. Census Bureau officials unveiled plans earlier this year to among other things hire thousands of workers to go door to door to get residents to respond to the 2020 Census. Democrats concerned about census workers' safety, reliance on internet Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, said she has raised concerns about the safety of census workers. Harris is also worried that without enough census workers, communities of color may be undercounted again. I believe theres been a conscious attempt by this administration to feed and prey on peoples distrust and to convince them to continually distrust to the point people feel their vote doesnt matter and that being counted for the census doesnt matter, she said. Sewell, the Alabama congresswoman, said she's also concerned about the reliance on the internet for job applications and responses from households. Many communities in Sewell's district are rural and dont have broadband. Thats a barrier if you dont have access to internet, she said. Sen. Doug Jones, a Democrat from Alabama, predicted the coronavirus crisis will impact every part of the government, including the census. Right now, however, the focus is on stopping its spread, he said. People dont need to be going door to door, dont need to be knocking on doors and doing things right now until we get a handle on this, he said. Theres going to be long-term census implications that we will deal with, but right now we need to face the challenges right at hand. Contributing: Mackensy Lunsford, Asheville Citizen Times This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus, Census 2020: How COVID-19 is affecting count, job seekers A pair of young girls have given handwritten thank you notes to supermarket staff facing the brunt of the coronavirus frenzy. George Georgievski said he took his two girls Kiara, eight, and Anela, ten, to supermarkets in Geelong when they told him they wanted to thank the hard-working staff. In the heartwarming footage the two girls can be see with beaming smiles before presenting the busy staff with a thank you note complete with an Easter Egg. George Georgievski said he took his two girls Kiara, eight, and Anela, ten, to supermarkets in Geelong when they told him they wanted to thank the hard-working staff While some appeared unsure how to react to the gesture one worker could be seen immediately breaking into a smile and thanking Anela and Kiara. Mr Georgievski told Daily Mail Australia the girls decided to make the letters after they became concerned with verbal and physical attacks on supermarket staff as panic buyers raided stores in alarming numbers. 'My girls asked questions like "why is the poor lady being yelled at? Why did that supermarket worker get attacked?" And they wanted to do something about it,' he said. Mr Georgievski said his girls were becoming increasingly concerned with verbal and physical attacks and retail workers and began writing notes to the staff The proud dad said this two girls were determined to help in whatever way they could and finally came up with the idea on Wednesday night. 'Last night they said "let's go say thank you to the workers so they don't feel so terrible" and they spent an hour writing about 50 thank you notes.' 'On the top they sticky tapped their own Easter Eggs, they gave up their own Easter Eggs I couldn't believe it.' While some appeared unsure how to react to the gesture one worker could be seen immediately breaking into a smile and thanking Anela and Kiara They then travelled to their local supermarkets at Coles, Woolsworths and Aldi and handed out the letters and plan to hand out even more. 'The staff were so blown away so we are going to do it again tonight at our IGA as well because my girls want to keep spreading the love.' Mr Georgievski said the gesture had not only brough happiness to the staff but also given comfort to his daughters that they may be inspiring others to be kinder to supermarket workers. 'It's supposed to be us adults setting an example but I think they have actually set the example for the adults this time,' he said. Myer has released an urgent warning for shoppers after a staff member contracted coronavirus. A concession employee at the Castle Hill store, in Sydney's north-west, tested positive to COVID-19, the department store said on Thursday. 'With the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers being our priority, we enacted our COVID-19 Plan and closed the store immediately as a safety precaution,' Myer said. Myer have released an urgent warning for shoppers after a staff member contracted coronavirus 'During this time, we will commence a full sanitisation of the store, and isolate all associated team members.' The warning impacts shoppers who visited the store between March 11 and 17. If they develop symptoms or have concerns, Myer urges them to phone the Coronavirus Health Information Line. 'Although the store Is temporarily closed, customers can still shop at Myer using our online store,' Myer said. 'We will continue to keep you updated. Thank you for your understanding during this time.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday afternoon announced Australia would shut their borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement From 9pm on Friday night, only Australian permanent residents and citizens will be allowed to enter the country. Mr Morrison said he made the drastic move because 80 per cent of Australia's 636 coronavirus cases have come in from abroad. Six people are in intensive care with COVID-19 in New South Wales, where there are 307 confirmed cases of infection. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was important for people to 'maintain social distancing'. Outdoor gatherings across the country have been limited to fewer than 500 people and indoor to less than 100. You have been told to wash your hands many times a day to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus. You have been told to avoid touching your face. But, you also should try to keep clean the device that you may be using now more than ever your phone. Scientific studies have shown that the virus can live for two to three days on materials like plastic and stainless steel. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cleaning all high-touch surfaces every day. These include things we touch and come into contact will all day long, like phones, keyboards and computers. But it is important to be careful. If you do not clean your phone in the right way, it can get damaged. Here are some things not to do when disinfecting your phone: Do not spray cleaners directly on the phone. Do not put the phone into any cleaning liquids. Do not use devices that use forced air, which are often used to clean computer keyboards Avoid rubbing your phone with rough materials that could make small cuts on it. So, what should you do? Start by turning off the phone and unplugging any wires. You want to make sure your phone is not charging when you clean it. Below are some suggested ways to clean your phone. With any of these suggestions, be sure not to get the phone wet. You can use Clorox wipes or wipes with 70 percent alcohol. You can buy these products at a store and wipe down your phone. iPhone manufacturer Apple has warned against using household cleaners on its phones, and says that when using wipes, do so gently. AT&T recommends pushing out any liquid from disinfectant wipes before using them on a phone. It says paper cloths work too. You can spray them with disinfectant and then use the cloth to clean the phone. Again, do not spray the phone itself. You can also use a soft fabric to clean the phone. Some examples are microfiber cleaning cloths or ones used to clean camera lenses and eyeglasses. Google suggests cleaning your phone with a cloth that has been lightly covered in soap and water, as long as you are careful not to get moisture in the phone. Samsung, the worlds biggest phone manufacturer, says it is offering something new: A free phone-sanitizing service involving UV light. The service will be offered at some U.S.-based Samsung stores and service centers. It will expand to other countries in the coming weeks. Cleaning your phone is one of many measures public health officials are recommending to try to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Most patients experience only mild or moderate sickness. However, older people and those with existing health conditions are more likely to develop more severe illness. Im Ashley Thompson. Tali Arbel wrote this story for the Associated Press. Anne Ball wrote it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. How are you keeping away from coronavirus germs? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story keyboard n. the set of keys that are used for a computer or typewriter moisture n. a small amount of a liquid, like water that makes something wet or moist spray n. liquid that is forced out of a container in a stream of very small drops unplug v. to disconnect something, like a phone or television from an electrical source by removing its plug wipe n. a small wet cloth used for cleaning disinfectant n. a chemical substance that is used to kill harmful germs and bacteria microfiber n. cloth made from very small synthetic fibers In a dramatic bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Los Angeles County and city officials announced new orders Thursday that severely restrict public movements. The Los Angeles County order requires all indoor malls, shopping centers, playgrounds and nonessential retail businesses to close and prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people in enclosed spaces. The city of Los Angeles order is much more restrictive. It requires all nonessential businesses to close, with companies able to operate only through work-at-home arrangements. The order also bans all public gatherings of any size outside homes. All businesses, including museums, malls, retail stores, for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations, must stop operations that require workers to be present in person, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. No public and private gatherings of any size that would occur outside of a single home will be allowed, with clear exceptions. Garcetti said residents should leave home only for essential activities and needs, including getting food; caring for a relative, friend or child; getting necessary healthcare; or going for a walk in the neighborhood. Nobody is locked down, and we encourage you not to be locked, Garcetti said. This is not 'shelter in place' like a school shooting, this is stay at home because youre safer at home. And the only people who should be leaving home and going out are those whose jobs are critical to the safety, the health and security of the city, as well as the economy of recovery for us and the nation during this crisis. Essential businesses include grocery stores, food banks and outdoor farmers markets; schools and child care; businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged people; gas stations; banks and financial institutions; hardware stores; plumbers and electricians; healthcare operators and facilities; transportation services; and residential facilities. Story continues But these businesses must comply with the order's social distancing and hygiene requirements, including providing access to hand-washing facilities with soap and water or with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Barbara Ferrer, director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, said at Thursday evening's news conference that there is the potential for "many, many people" to become infected in a county of more than 10 million people. "We must slow the number of new cases we have we must," Ferrer said. "Without slowing the number of new cases, we will for sure overwhelm not only our healthcare system" but also other essential services. Under the city's order, officials said, residents are permitted to: Go to the grocery store; Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities; Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first); Take a walk, ride your bike and be in nature for exercise just keep at least six feet between you and others in the community; Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary; Help someone to get necessary supplies. Residents are not allowed to: Go to work unless providing essential services as defined by the order; Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need; Maintain less than six feet of distance from others when you go out; Travel to or from a job outside the city, unless to perform essential activities; Travel to or from a vacation home outside the city; Visit loved ones in a hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility. These are considered essential services: City/county government services Healthcare providers Food and grocery service Hardware stores and nurseries Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, custodial/janitorial workers, handyman services, funeral home workers and morticians, moving services, HVAC installers, carpenters, landscapers, gardeners, property managers, private security personnel and others who provide services to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of properties and other essential activities Banks Organizations and businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals (including gang prevention and intervention and domestic violence agencies) Laundromats/laundry service Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, podcasts and other media services Educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions provided that social distancing of six feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible The county order prohibits all indoor public and private gatherings and all outdoor public and private events within a confined space, where at least 10 people are expected to be in attendance at the same time. Additionally, anyone who organizes a gathering of up to nine people must ensure guests practice social distancing, staying at least six feet apart. Organizers also must post signs near the gathering's entryway that tell people not to attend if they're sick. It's also required that guests have access to either soap and water to wash their hands or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. This latest order enforces a simple fact: With this disease spreading, you are safer at home," L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement. "Everyone can still get the food and supplies they need but by staying at home right now, you are not only keeping yourself as safe as possible, you are helping make it safer for the grocery store workers, healthcare workers, first responders and transit workers we are depending on to be in public. At the news conference, the cities of Long Beach and Pasadena released similar orders. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia urged residents to follow the public health orders, which are effective at 11:59 p.m. Thursday and remain in effect until April 19. "This is a serious step, and I think all of us realize we are in a serious health crisis," Garcia said. Shortly after the announcement, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all Californians to stay at home, marking the first mandatory restrictions placed on the lives of all 40 million residents in the states fight against the novel coronavirus. L.A. County sees increase in cases A man with an underlying medical condition became the second person to die of the coronavirus in Los Angeles County, officials announced Thursday, and the total number of confirmed cases rose by 40 overnight to 230. The man who died was between 30 and 50 years old, county health officials said at a news conference. Two of the new cases are in Long Beach, which now has 12 confirmed cases, the Long Beach Public Health Department said. Three people there have recovered from the virus and 130 people are being monitored, officials said. Laboratory testing for the coronavirus is increasing but remains limited, Ferrer said. Seven labs are serving the county, and they have multiple sites where they are testing specimens, she said. Almost 1,700 people had been tested in L.A. County as of Wednesday, Ferrer said. Of those people tested through the county Public Health Laboratory, about 21% have tested positive. Of those tested through commercial labs, about 10% have tested positive, she said. As she announced the new cases, Ferrer urged residents to get serious about limiting contact with others. Because COVID-19 is widespread, as a general rule of thumb, you should assume that you may be infected and that others around you may be infected and therefore act accordingly, she said. Take every precaution possible to avoid infecting others and avoid becoming infected. Thats the goal of social distancing. Many Californians isolated in their homes have watched as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise daily. As of Thursday evening, the state has at least 1,001 cases and 19 deaths, compared with 157 cases and three deaths the week before. About 12,000 people in the state are self-monitoring for symptoms. Sacramento County has 45 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has had three people die of complications from the virus that causes the disease. San Francisco officials said Thursday that the city is adding 2,500 new shelter spaces for the homeless and 3,500 hotel rooms for people who need to quarantine but have no place to do so. Many of the hotel rooms will go to people who live in single-occupancy hotels with shared bathrooms and kitchens. The amount of new spaces and rooms is based on estimates from public health officials about what will be needed. Those numbers could increase. San Francisco has about 8,000 homeless people. The city will open pop up shelters to ensure social distancing, and isolate homeless individuals who have tested positive but do not require hospitalization, officials said Thursday. Trent Rhorer, executive director of San Franciscos Department of Human Services, said the city expects to have leases for 500 rooms by the end of the week, and hotels with more than 2,000 rooms have expressed interest in leasing. He said the city was in the process of securing food and staffing for those in isolation. In addition to the 3,500 rooms for isolation, the city will lease rooms for first responders. We dont want healthcare workers on the front line to go home and potentially infect others, he said. Dr. Grant Colfax, San Franciscos director of public health, said the city is trying to free up space in the hospitals for when the disease surges. He said residents may go out for fresh air with members of their households but should remain six feet away from others. People who are 60 or older, have chronic health conditions or are sick should stay home altogether, he said. He said the city has already hired an additional 70 new nurses and expects to hire scores more this weekend at a job fair. Today we have 70 confirmed cases, he said, and that number will continue to rise. In Riverside County, a vendor who performed work at a Rancho Mirage skilled nursing facility tested positive for the coronavirus, county health officials said Thursday. The woman in her 30s, who contracted with the Rancho Mirage Health and Rehabilitation Center, was in isolation at home and expected to recover. A former resident of the facility had previously been diagnosed with the virus and died earlier in the week. The county Public Health Department tested 140 employees and vendors and 94 residents, and results are continuing to come in, officials said. In addition to the woman, county reported five other new cases of the coronavirus for a total of 22. Thirteen are in the Coachella Valley, four are in western Riverside County and three are in the southwestern portion of the county, officials said. Kern County announced its first three cases of the coronavirus in county residents Thursday. Public health officials were investigating how the people were exposed to the virus and tracking any contact with others they may have had, the county Public Health Services Department said in a news release. Fresno County reported its third case of the virus Wednesday evening: a person who was recovering in isolation at home. Officials said they think the case is travel-related. And Tulare County announced two more cases Thursday, bringing its total to seven. One of the new cases is a person between 18 and 24, and officials aren't sure how that patient contracted the virus. The other, a person between 25 and 40, is believed to have caught it during travel, officials said. Both were tested at Kaweah Delta Medical Center. Tulare County had reported two other new cases Wednesday night. One is a person between 18 and 25 who had traveled to Europe and self-quarantined after returning home, officials said. That patient was continuing to recover at home, and two contacts had been told to self-quarantine. The other case was a person over 65 believed to have contracted the virus through direct contact with another infected person, health officials said in a news release. Newsom on Wednesday evening said the state has asked the Department of Defense to deploy the Navys Mercy hospital ship and two mobile hospitals to California to help care for the expected surge in hospitalizations of residents stricken by the coronavirus. He put the California National Guard on alert Tuesday. The governor said the state is working to expand available hospital beds by roughly 20,000, the number needed if more than half of Californians come down with the coronavirus. Newsom's order falls short of activating California's National Guard force of roughly 22,000, and he emphasized that the state often relies on the Guard's assistance in times of disaster and crisis, especially in response to wildfires and earthquakes. Thats just one scenario plan. Theres others that are more modest. Some may, some cases may be more extreme, Newsom said Wednesday evening during a Facebook Live broadcast. When youre looking at getting an additional [19,000] to 20,000 beds in your system, you have to look at your existing surge capacity within the healthcare delivery system, and you have to look at procuring additional assets. The state estimates that surge capacity in Californias existing hospital system could accommodate 10,000 patients. If requests for the military medical assistance are granted, California should be close to reaching the 20,000-bed threshold, Newsom said. In the meantime, Newsom has ordered residents to stay in their homes to help stem the spread of the virus. Those who do venture out often find long lines and supermarket shelves stripped of cleaning supplies, toilet paper and other essential goods as shoppers continue panic buying across the state. Newsom said the National Guard troops would, in part, "make sure food delivery is happening appropriately" and ensure that customers do not overreact at stores. "We want to make sure people know that their security is top of mind," he said during a Tuesday briefing on the state's response to the outbreak. Ronald Fong, president of the California Grocers Assn., said markets are struggling to restock shelves because so many customers are buying an overabundance of food and supplies. He urged customers to return to their normal grocery shopping routine, saying there is no shortage of food or necessities such as toilet paper just an overwhelmed supply chain to the stores. "The grocery stores are what the governor has deemed an essential service," Fong said. "Grocery stores are going to stay open. But we cannot keep up with a shopping pattern that customers have adopted by overbuying." Newsom said National Guard troops would also assist local governments, but he did not offer specifics about their potential roles. "The reality is cities can only do so much, and when you are not capable of doing a little bit more, and it becomes regionalized, that's the appropriate role of the state of California," Newsom said. "We just want folks to know we're leaning in a little bit more aggressively in that space as well." Gov. Pete Wilson deployed the Guard after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when troops patrolled streets and enforced a nighttime curfew. Earlier this month, a California National Guard helicopter delivered supplies to the Grand Princess cruise ship when it was held off the San Francisco coast until some of the passengers and crew could be tested for the coronavirus. The ship eventually docked in Oakland. More than 20 states have already called in their National Guard troops in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said the department is considering activating National Guard units, the reserves and the Navy's hospital ships to assist with stemming the outbreak. Schools Campuses are closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but school and learning is still in session. While we are in very unique circumstances at this time, we are still providing education to our students, State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said. School is not out, but we are finding a different way to deliver it. Nearly all schools across the state have shut down, and many districts have announced weeks-long closures. But Newsom on Tuesday evening said schools are likely to remain closed even longer perhaps for the remainder of the academic year, a disruption to the education of 6.1 million students. Newsom stuck to that position in a Wednesday update, although state and local school officials stressed that no official directive has been issued. But the quick-moving developments have sent volunteers and educators scrambling to establish online coursework, meals and other support services for their many students in need. Social distancing At least 16 counties, most in the Bay Area , as well as the city of Palm Springs have ordered all residents to stay at home as much as possible. On Wednesday, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, San Luis Obispo, Solano and Yolo counties joined Sonoma, San Benito, Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Santa Cruz counties, which previously had given shelter-in-place orders. This is already a painful situation for many families and businesses. And make no mistake about it, its going to get worse before it gets better, state Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) said at a news conference. But this is an opportunity to move in the right direction, to flatten the curve. In Ventura County, health officials announced a shelter-in-place order Tuesday that applies only to older residents. In total, about 20% of the states population is under shelter-in-place orders. By Azernews By Akbar Mammadov Today is the 26th anniversary of the terrorist act committed at 20 Yanvar (January) station of the Baku metropolitan area on March 19, 1994. As a result of this bombed attack, 14 civilians lost their lives and 49 were injured with different wounds according to Azerbaijan's Supreme Court. The court proved that the terror act was prepared by Armenian special services, and committed by the members of the separatist Lezghin organization of Sadval. It was determined that the same activists of the separatist Sadval organization had been to Armenia several times since 1992, and this countrys National Security Headquarters closely engaged in forming, financing and arming of this organization. In April-May of 1992, 30 Azerbaijani citizens, underwent special terrorist-sabotage preparation at a training base located in the Lusakert settlement of Nairi region in Armenia. During the investigation, it was identified that saboteur had planned to make explosions in Bakus Nizami cinema, the Republic palace and Baku Lamp Plant along with 20 Yanvar metro station, following the instruction. The first attack, a suicide bombing, occurred on Saturday, March 19 at the "20 January" metro station at 13:00 local time. The time bomb planted under a seat in the head railroad car detonated when it stopped at the station, killing the immediate perpetrator Oktay Gurbanov. The lead railroad car was destroyed and the station's roof partially collapsed. Among the victims was Azerbaijani jazzman Rafig Babayev, whose workplace was near the station. The work of Baku Metro was temporarily suspended. It should be noted that this terrorist act was just the first of a series of terrorist incidents against civilians in Baku Metro in 1994. Thus, after 20 Yanvar terrorist attack in Baku, the second explosion occurred the place between the 28 May and Ganjlik metro stations. As a result of the second attack, 13 people lost were killed and 42 were injured. Being accused in the commitment of the explosion in 20 Yanvar metro station, 30 members of the Sadval separatist organization, underwent special terrorist-provocative training in Armenia, were charged with imprisonment. An independent physician who works as a healthcare provider at Lancaster General Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to hospital employees. It is believed that the virus was transmitted through a community setting, Penn Medicine said in the letter. The physician is in self-isolation at home and following all precautions recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We have determined that some Lancaster General Hospital employees and patients were exposed to the provider while the provider was on duty at the hospital, Penn Medicine said. Exposed staff members have been given instructions for self-monitoring and how to prevent other potential exposure to the virus. Affected patients and their families have been notified, as recommended by the Department of Health. We are all aware that these COVID-19 exposures will occur, and that all hospitals will need to deal with these issues as this pandemic evolves, Penn Medicine said. It is important that everyone conform to CDC guidelines in their professional and personal lives especially social distancing and refraining from non-essential travel or excursions outside home or work - to minimize risk to themselves and to others, including our patients. The hospital is will also be starting daily temperature screenings at its facilities and is asking that staff do not come to work if they have fever or respiratory symptoms. If you are sick, you risk the safety of our patients and your colleagues," Penn Medicine reminded employees. This week, many local hospitals reported having patients that have tested positive for coronavirus. Read more on PennLive: Improving success of giraffe translocations Giraffes that are being translocated for conservation purposes should be moved in groups that contain at least 30 females and 3 males to ensure long-term population success. In two new studies, an international team of researchers identifies the ideal composition of a group to be moved and provides guidelines for all aspects of the translocation process, including decision-making and planning, transportation and monitoring of animals, and evaluation of success. Giraffe populations declined by 40% between 1985 and 2015, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This led the IUCN to classify the species as vulnerable -- likely to become endangered unless circumstances change -- and some subspecies as endangered -- likely to become extinct in the immediate future. "Translocations have been used as a conservation strategy to establish new populations, augment small or declining populations, or re-introduce the species to previously occupied areas," said Derek E. Lee, associate research professor of biology at Penn State and leader of the research team. "Translocations could be an important conservation tool for giraffes, but until now, there has been little guidance about how best to plan, implement, or report them." The researchers used a modeling technique called a population viability analysis to determine the ideal size and sex distribution of a newly established population. They simulated a variety of scenarios to project long-term viability and genetic diversity -- which can buffer a population against disease and environmental change -- of founding populations. The researchers deemed a translocation scenario a success if there was a 95% probability that the population continued for 100 years while maintaining most of the original genetic diversity. They report their results in a paper published Feb. 27 in the journal Endangered Species Research. A founding population of 30 females and 3 males resulted in long-term population viability, but to maintain more than 95% of the genetic diversity of the source population, groups of 50 females and 5 males are recommended. More females are required than males, because females, unlike males, provide care to young and are an important element of giraffe social structure. "Small numbers of founders with fewer than ten females can appear to be successful in the first decades due to short-term population growth, but are not successful in the long-term," said Lee. "Small groups can suffer from inbreeding depression, and they are more likely to lose genetic diversity due to random events in the first years after translocation." Because giraffes are physically difficult to move, they are often translocated as juveniles, which have higher rates of mortality than adults. A larger founding population can also buffer against the loss of young individuals. "Most giraffe translocations in the past have moved too few animals to ensure the successful establishment of new population," said Lee. "Our recommendation of 30 to 50 females should greatly increase the success rate of future translocations that adhere to these rules." The researchers provide additional guidelines about the translocation process in a paper published March 2 in the African Journal of Ecology. They reviewed documented cases of giraffe translocation and considered published accounts of giraffe biology and ecology as well as their personal experience. The researchers describe how to set translocation goals and assess risk, including to the giraffes being moved, to the source population whose numbers are being reduced, and to other species--including humans--in the area of introduction. They explore how to select individuals and assess suitability of the new site and discuss how to transport animals, which the researchers stress should be performed by experts. "Ongoing monitoring of the translocated population, adaptive management of the population, and documentation of the entire translocation process are also crucial, both for long-term success of the population and to improve future efforts," said Lee. ### In addition to Lee, the research team includes Elmar Fienieg at the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria in the Netherlands, Cock Van Oosterhout at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, Zoe Muller at the University of Bristol (first author of the review paper) in the United Kingdom, Megan Strauss at the Wild Nature Institute, Kerryn Carter at Elephant Connection in Zambia, and Ciska Scheijen and Francois Deacon at the University of the Free State in South Africa. This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. How this ISIS operative from Mangaluru lured her victims and converted them to Islam Pak sent arms into Punjab through 8 sorties of drones: NIA India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against 9 Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists in connection with the Punjab drones case. It may be recalled that several drones had been sent into Punjab from Pakistan with arms and ammunition last year. It was further revealed that the accused smuggled consignments of arms, ammunition, explosives and fake Indian currency from Pakistan. The drones were used to send in these items and the NIA said that this was done in a bid to revive terrorism in Punjab. They were also planning on executing a big terror incident so as to create an atmosphere of disharmony, communal tension and instability in Punjab and other states in India. Quardrocopter drones seized by NIA in case relating to MLAs killing The investigation further revealed that the consignments were sent through a total of 8 sorties of drones between August and September 2019. Further investigations are on. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 7:29 [IST] Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 18:01 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bfa322 4 National Maruf-Amin,COVID-19,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus-in-Indonesia,outbreak-in-Indonesia,BRIN,health-ministry,vaccine Free The government has initiated research to produce a vaccine for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), involving the collaboration of relevant ministries and institutions, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has said. Weve started discussing [the research], because [the virus] has become a threat. We keep trying to develop our own vaccine for every threat that emerges. Thats why weve initiated research, Maruf said in a statement on Thursday as quoted by Antara. The research on the vaccine was carried out under the coordination of the National Research Agency (BRIN) in cooperation with the Health Ministry and other relevant state-owned enterprises, including pharmaceutical firms, he said. The public should not expect a vaccine to be available anytime soon, however, as the research would take a considerable amount of time to complete, Maruf said. Read also: Doctors map body's COVID-19 immune response: Study In the meantime, the government would keep implementing public health protocols as established by the World Health Organization (WHO), he added. The production of a vaccine takes time. Thats why we will not just wait for the vaccine to be completed but also take measures in accordance with WHOs protocols in mitigating this pandemic, Maruf said. Meanwhile, Airlangga University in Surabaya, East Java has prepared a research proposal for the production of a COVID-19 vaccine. Airlangga University rector Mohammad Nasih said the universitys Institute of Tropical Diseases had acquired six COVID-19-positive samples and was awaiting research authorization from the Health Ministrys Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes). Its going to be a lengthy process but we are optimistic that with Balitbangkes authorization well be able to develop a vaccine, Mohammad said. Read also: Germany says virus vaccine research not for sale President Joko Jokowi Widodo previously instructed his subordinates to perform rapid tests for COVID-19 across the country in a bid to accelerate detection of the disease. Rapid tests are easier to perform than regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and can detect COVID-19 cases quicker. Indonesia's death toll from the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 has risen to 25 on Thursday, as the government announced that the number of infected people had reached 309. (rfa) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:58:56|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Police officers wearing masks check vehicles in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 19, 2020. Malaysia on Thursday announced 110 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 900, said the Health Ministry. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia on Thursday announced 110 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 900, said the Health Ministry. Of the new cases, 63 had been traced to a large scale religious event held in the capital of Kuala Lumpur from late February to early March, Health Minister Adham Baba said in a statement. A total of 75 cases had been cured and discharged, while 20 were currently being held in intensive care and in need of assisted breathing. Adham also advised those staying at home to take care of their health including ensuring their food stocks were suitable to prevent food poisoning while those with chronic illnesses to take their medication regularly. The government started implementation of the "movement control order" including closing shops and schools as well as imposing travel bans, calling for residents to stay at home in an effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. NASA and SpaceX issued a media accreditation invitation on Wednesday for their Demonstration Mission 2 (aka Demo-2) commercial crew launch the first in the commercial crew program that will carry actual astronauts to space. The invite includes the current proposed timeframe for the mission, listed as no "no earlier than mid-to-late May." Reports from earlier in the year had pegged the launch window for May, with the possibility that SpaceX and NASA could move that to as early as April, or as late as June, depending on the preparedness of the spacecraft and crew. SpaceX was reportedly early on readying the Crew Dragon spacecraft that would be flying the mission, but NASA also changed the mission parameters to include a longer stay at the International Space Station for the crew going up on the demo mission, astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley. This will be the first time ever that astronauts fly aboard a SpaceX spacecraft, and the first crewed mission for the commercial crew program, through which NASA is working with private company launch operators to return human spaceflight capabilities to American soil. All current astronaut transportation to and from the International Space Station is accomplished through a partnership with Russia's Roscosmos space agency, which flies crews using its Soyuz spacecraft. So far, NASA and SpaceX haven't seemed to be anticipating much of a change to the timing of their first crewed Dragon mission in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This invitation from NASA is the most detailed confirmation yet that the mission is still on as of right now, and tracking towards a launch window that seems unchanged from plans prior to the implementation of strict social distancing and isolation measures as the COVID-19 epidemic flared across the U.S. NASA recently moved all of its facilities to a 'Stage 3' state of contingency operation, which means all employees are on mandatory telework unless they're required to be physically present in office for mission-related activity. NASA's Ames facility has been escalated to Stage 4, because of the 'shelter-in-place' order in effect in the California county in which it resides, which means that the facility is closed and only telework is permitted. In the invitation issued to media today, NASA says that it's "proactively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves" and will "communicate any updates that may impact mission planing or media access, as they become available." The agency is also taking extra precautions to protect the health of Hurley and Behnken, in addition to standard isolation procedures already in place to prevent them from getting sick ahead of a spaceflight mission. In view of the rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address the nation at 8 pm over issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi chaired a meeting with senior officials to review the ongoing efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic in India. So far, India has over 170 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and has reported three deaths. PM Shri @narendramodi will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 18, 2020 READ | 'For A Healthier Planet...': PM Modi Thanks All For Suggesting Ways To Fight COVID-19 In the meeting, PM Modi emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities, and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the novel Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next. "Ways to further strengthen India's preparedness (over Coronavirus) were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities," an official statement from the PMO after the review meeting said. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others, the statement read. READ | Sitaram Yechury Questions PM Modi's Slated Address To Nation On Coronavirus Coronavirus crisis in India As of date, the total number of positive cases in India has soared over 170, including foreign nationals. The maximum cases of the virus have been reported in Maharashtra and Kerala. A third death was reported in India on Tuesday in Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital. Earlier, two deaths were reported in Kalaburgi and West Delhi. The Centre has strongly advised Indians to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. The government is also monitoring all suspected cases and has issued preventive advisories. Earlier on Saturday, the Central government decided to treat the deadly virus as a "notified disaster", and has since issued even more advisories and travel restrictions. READ | PM Modi To Address The Nation On Thursday At 8 Pm Over Coronavirus Pandemic COVID-19 affected over 170 countries First detected in Wuhan in December 2019, COVID-19- the novel Coronavirus has affected nearly 173 countries in the world and one international conveyance-- the Diamond Princess cruise ship harboured in Yokohama, Japan. Presently, there are around 219,345 confirmed cases of COVID-19 which has led to the death of around 8,969 people. As there is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to treat COVID-19 yet, countries have been grappling with all possible mechanisms to contain its scope. So far, China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran have witnessed the most number of confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus. READ | PM Modi Chairs Review Meeting On Coronavirus Preparedness As Cases Top 169 This months unprecedented oil crash has sent shockwaves through the entire energy industry and beyond. Its even gotten to industries that, in theory should be dancing on oils grave, but, in reality could be going down with it. Biofuels markets across the world are reeling from the oil crash this week, from Brazil to Malaysia. In Brazil, the corn ethanol industry has been a historically resilient one. It withstood a downward currency spiral, economic malaise, a jump in raw-material costs and political upheaval, said a report earlier this week from Bloomberg Green, a new multiplatform editorial brand focused on climate change news, analysis, and solutions which debuted in January. Now one of Brazils booming industries has finally met the foe that could take it down: the oil crash. It may seem counterintuitive that the oil crash would negatively impact biofuel, which in many cases is its direct competition. This is especially true in Brazil, where most drivers have flex-fuel vehicles, which means that their car could just as easily run on biofuel as it could on traditional gasoline. But most biofuel is blended in with regular gasoline or diesel, and low energy prices are causing turmoil across the board. Margins for the grain-based biofuel have already turned negative in Goias state, where a third of the nations plants are based, said Bloomberg Green, paraphrasing the words of Matheus Costa, an analyst at INTL FCStone. And the worst is yet to come if energy prices stay as low as they are now. Another industry expert, Guilherme Nolasco, president Unem, told Bloomberg Green that as many as 60 per cent of planned expansion projects could be scrapped. Meanwhile, in Asia, things are looking similarly grim for the biofuel sector for all the same reasons. Crudes nosedive erases any chance of discretionary blending of palm oil with diesel, and drastically inflates the cost of government mandates, reported Bloombergs main platform in a separate story last week. Biofuels, such as a blend of diesel with palm, need to be attractively priced compared with fossil fuels to encourage consumption, and that often requires subsidies. Related: WTI Rallies 22% In Panic Stricken Markets Last Monday, the Brent crude benchmark plummeted by a devastating near 25 per cent. This spelled out big problems for palm oils ability to compete. While oil has since recovered a bit after the initial shock (although its nowhere near where it was before the crash) palm oil is still about US$200 a tonne more expensive than gasoil, as diesel is also known, the widest premium in more than three years. This will have grave impacts on the demand for biofuel in Indonesia and Malaysia. This crash is an abrupt change of pace for global biofuels markets, which have been in a huge upswing as of late. In Brazil, money had been flooding into the sector as companies like Cargill Inc worked to increase capacity amid roaring demand for renewable fuel. Production is high and was set to get much, mucher higher. Earlier in 2020, FCStone predicted corn-ethanol output in the upcoming 2020-2021 season would jump to 2.5 billion litres. That would have been up more than 16-fold from about 150 million litres just five years ago. But is a slowdown in biofuel production really an environmental tragedy? As Bloombergs Crude oils crash jeopardises Asias cleaner fuel ambitions headline would suggest, some are seeing this as a major step back in the effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions. But the sustainability of biofuel is much more complicated than that. Palm oils track record in Indonesia and Malaysia is not a particularly positive one, where it is responsible for devastating amounts of deforestation and damage to important natural habitats. The situation in Brazil is not much better, where monocropping of corn, sugarcane, and soy, all of which are used for Brazilian biofuels, each contribute to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the earths lungs. While reducing consumption of fossil fuels is all well and good, its a moot point if doing so is cutting down some of the most important sites of carbon sequestration that we have. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: An Environmental group has secured permission from the High Court to challenge An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for a development consisting of over 650 apartments in Raheny in Dublin. The challenge has been brought by John Conway and the Louth Environmental Group NGO against An Bord Pleanala's decision of February 13 last to allow Crekav Trading GP Ltd develop a strategic housing development on lands east of St Paul's College, Sybil Hill Road in Raheny. The proposed development consists of 657 apartments, in nine blocks ranging in height between five and nine storeys and a creche. The lands in question were the subject of a previous planning application by Crekav, which is part of the Marlet Group. The applicants claim the decision to grant permission is flawed on several grounds. In their action against the board Mr Conway and the NGO, represented by Stephen Dodd SC, claim that the board erred in law by failing to a conduct an appropriate assessment of the proposed development in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive on habitats and birds. They claim that inadequate evaluations carried out by the board on the developments potential impact on various species of birds including curlews, oystercatchers and the light bellied Brent goose. The board's decision is also flawed on the grounds the development contravenes the Dublin City development plan in relation to building heights, which it claims parts of the proposed development exceed, and zoning. The planning application was made directly by the developer to An Bord Pleanala under a fast-track process for large housing projects, bypassing the local authority. In April 2018, the board granted Crekav permission for 104 houses and 432 apartments on the St Pauls College site. That decision was also the subject of a High Court challenge. Those proceedings, brought by various parties including local residents and Mr Conway and Louth Environmental Group, were resolved after the board accepted it made an error in its decision to grant permission. Crekav made a fresh application to the board in respect of lands. It sought to build more apartments on the site, and no houses. At the High Court on Thursday Mr Justice Denis McDonald, who is the judge assigned to consider applications to fast track challenges concerning strategic infrastructure developments, said he was satisfied to grant Mr Conway and the NGO permission to bring their action. In the proceedings against the board the applicants seek an order quashing the board's decision to grant permission. The applicants also seek various declarations including that the decision challenged was unlawful, that it does not constitute a strategic housing development, and was made in material contravention of the 2016-2022 Dublin City Development Plan regarding the height of buildings. They further seek declarations that the board in granting permission acted contrary to EU Directives, including the Habitats Directive and the Directive concerning European Impact Assessments. Crekav is a notice party to the proceedings. The application was granted by the judge on an ex-parte basis, where only one side was present in court. After making certain directions in the action the judge adjourned the matter to a date in late April. The students, who arrived from Bangladesh at Srinagar International Airport on Thursday, have been quarantined at pre-designated locations by the district administration, after police dispersed their parents who were protesting against the quarantine process. These students were to be quarantined as a precautionary measure in view of the spread of COVID-19 according to the directions of District Magistrate Budgam. The medical authorities at Srinagar International Airport had requested these students to cooperate for the said quarantine process to which they did not agree and started to protest, breaking windows or glass panes of Srinagar International Airport arrival area. At the same time parents of these students also started a protest outside the arrival terminal of the Airport. The airport authority and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) then called in local police for resolving the issue. "The police party along with magistrate reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesters, but they did not budge and continued with vandalism. Therefore, the police party on the directions of the magistrate, using all restraint, dispersed the protestors," the Kashmir Police said. Students were later sent for quarantine at pre-designated locations by the district administration. Police have urged all the members of society to cooperate with it in order to curb the coronavirus outbreak. The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India stands at 167, including 25 foreigners. Four deaths (1 each) in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra," said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a statement. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected with the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Six people, including two traders and a middleman, have been arrested in connection with a case involving the theft of data storage devices worth Rs 50 lakh from a warehouse, police said here on Thursday. The incident had taken place on January 21 in Rajnagar. SSP Kalanidhi Naithani said one of the accused, Arun, had left the job at the Agarwal and Sons warehouse and started driving a cab. Due to a financial crunch, he along with his friend Maneesh hatched a plan to steal memory cards and pen drives from the godown. Maneesh shared the plan with his boss Bharat Agarwal, who actively participated in the theft, providing them with a car and gas cutter, the SSP said. After cutting the shutter, they took away the memory cards and pen drives. The stolen goods were concealed in Bharat Agarwal's house located in a Rajendra Nagar colony. They sold a part of the stolen items with the help of middleman Manoj to Suarabh Gupta (Meerut) and Ashwani Khanna of Ghaziabad, both are the retailers of mobile accessories, Naithani said. The SSP said memory cards and pen drives worth Rs 35 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh in cash, gas cutter and the car used in the commission of the crime were seized from them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) First COVID-19 related death in Mexico, positive cases increase Mexico City, Mexico The Secretary of Health has reported the first death of a person in Mexico with COVID-19. The agency said the 41-year-old victim had diabetes and showed symptoms of coronavirus since March 9. Arturo Herrera, head of the agency explained the victim was a 41-year-old man who was infected with coronavirus at a concert he attended with his wife in Mexico City March 3 and that he he had no history of having traveled abroad. He died in a Mexico City hospital. Today in Mexico the first person died with #COVID19. His symptoms started on March 9. He suffered from diabetes. The Secretary of Health expresses their condolences to his relatives. Rest in peace , wrote SSalud on social media. Increased Cases in Quintana Roo Alejandra Aguirre Health Secretary of Quintana Roo, announced that there are now six positive cases of COVID-19 in the state. As of March 18, 2020, we have 62 suspected cases of which 39 are negative, 17 are under study and we have six positives, she said. She added that they are monitoring people who had contact with the six infected. She asked the public to remain well informed and to carry out all prevention protocols. Increased Cases in Mexico There are currently 118 cases of COVID-19 in Mexico. The general director of Epidemiology, Jose Luis Alomia reported that 314 are suspects and 787 have been ruled out. Of that total, 59 percent are men and 41 percent are women. Chuck Blount /Staff Restaurants across the state, including San Antonio, can now offer alcohol with food delivery orders after Gov. Greg Abbott issued a waiver Wednesday to support the hard-hit service industry during the coronavirus pandemic. The waiver allows restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with food purchases including beer, wine and mixed drinks. Abbott also directed the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to waive provisions which would allow manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcohol to repurchase or sell back an unopened product. Semafone Extends PCI DSS Certification Geographically and Across Product Lines to Provide Customers and Partners the Highest Levels of Security in Omnichannel Payments Semafone, the leading provider of data security and compliance solutions for call and contact centers, announced that it has achieved global certification under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for its omnichannel digital payments solution, Cardprotect Relay+. The company has also extended its PCI DSS certification for its flagship solution for telephone-based payments, Cardprotect Voice+, across the whole of North America. By further bolstering its already rigorous data security standards with these new certifications, Semafone delivers the strongest levels of security in multichannel payments processes to both its customers and partners. Semafone's designation as a Level 1 Service Provider for both voice and omnichannel digital payments is the highest level of certification available from the PCI Security Standards Council. Semafone has also been named on the Visa Global Registry of Service Providers demonstrating its ability to adhere to strict, updated and ongoing PCI DSS compliance, while upholding a strong defense against cardholder data compromise by supporting secure technologies such as point-to-point encryption and tokenization. This replaces the previous Visa merchant agent status and provides Semafone customers with ongoing confidence that data security is a top priority. In addition, the company's continued certification with the globally recognized ISO 27001:2013 standard for information security management systems makes Semafone one of the few IT security vendors to attain such a comprehensive set of externally verified data security certifications. "By certifying our company and both our voice and omnichannel payment solutions with the most rigorous security standards available across the globe, we continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to data security best practices; achieving the highest level of certification from the PCI Security Standards Council across all channels," said Gary E. Barnett, Chief Executive Officer, Semafone. "We lead by example as we help our customers implement secure and PCI DSS compliant payment processes to help protect their customers' sensitive data." With these certifications, Semafone continues to provide call and contact centers with unmatched customer data protection by securely and easily accepting card-not-present (CNP) payments across any digital or telephone-based channel. Semafone's industry-leading Cardprotect Voice+ and Cardprotect Relay+ solutions enable businesses to accept payments while ensuring that their customers' sensitive payment data and personally identifiable information (PII) is securely routed directly to the payment service provider (PSP). Because the data never enters the merchant businesses' network infrastructure, the risk of a brand-damaging data breach or fraud occurring is significantly reduced and PCI DSS compliance is dramatically simplified. With more than 5,000 data breaches exposing nearly 8 billion sensitive records in 2019, and the total cost of a data breach averaging $8.2 million for U.S. companies, it is now more important than ever for organizations to have the highest levels of data security to protect their customers' PII. "In addition to helping strengthen data security, by achieving these certifications, we also help our customers and partners reduce the number of PCI DSS requirements that they must validate against," said Barnett. "This provides a frictionless customer experience and eases the compliance process, saving our customers and partners extensive time and effort." For more information about Semafone's solutions and applicable certifications, please visit https://semafone.com/semafone-solutions/. About Semafone Semafone provides pure cloud, hybrid cloud and on-premises solutions to contact centers and all businesses accepting payments; enabling them to collect personal data securely across all channels including the telephone, webchat, social media, email SMS, QR codes and more.?Semafone's patented data capture method collects sensitive information such as payment card or bank details and social security numbers directly?from the customer for processing. This prevents personal data from entering the business and IT infrastructure, which protects against the risk of fraud and the associated reputational damage, ensuring compliance with industry regulations such as PCI DSS.?Semafone's suite of solutions create a seamless, omnichannel experience that increases sales conversion rates and boosts customer loyalty, while at the same time simplifying compliance. The company was founded in 2009 and now supports customers in 26 countries on five continents. Semafone is vertically agnostic and its extensive customer base includes companies such as?Aviva Canada, Amica Mutual Insurance, British Sky Broadcasting, Pethealth, Rogers Communications, Santander, Sutter Health and TVG. Major investors of Semafone include?Octopus Ventures?and?BGF (Business Growth Fund). Semafone has achieved the leading security and payment certifications: ISO 27001:2013, PA-DSS certification for its Cardprotect Voice+ payment solution, is a PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider and has been named on the Visa Global Registry of Service Providers. To learn more, visit?www.semafone.com?and follow us on?LinkedIn,?Twitter?and?Facebook.? View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005103/en/ Contacts: Sarah Bergen RH Strategic 619-361-1297 Semafone@rhstrategic.com A two-alarm blaze in Worcester early Thursday morning injured a firefighter and displaced more than a dozen residents, officials said. The fire started at a three-story home at 51 Harlem St. around 3 a.m. Thirty-five firefighters responded to the scene, and the blaze was brought under control within roughly 30 minutes, according to Worcester Deputy Fire Chief Martin Dyer. It was a decent fire. The front porches were all on fire, and it extended into the attic," Dyer told MassLive. That extended into the living spaces. A firefighter was treated on scene for minor injuries, according to Dyer. He was being treated on the scene. I dont believe he was taken to the hospital," the deputy chief said. Very minor injuries. The American Red Cross is assisting the approximately 20 displaced residents in finding housing, according to the deputy chief. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, he said. WASHINGTON -- Progress appears to be being made on President Trumps goal to get checks into the bank accounts of millions of Americans as the spread of the COVID-19 virus continues to threaten the economy. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday a plan is being discussed that would provide $1,000 per adult and $500 per child so that a family of two parents and two children would receive $3,000, according to the Associated Press. The checks would be direct deposited into bank accounts and those checks could start going out in the next three weeks. Mnuchin went on to say another deposit for the same amount could go out six weeks after the first round of checks if necessary. The amount per home will depend on the number of people in the home. Thats a lot of money for hard-working Americans, Mnuchin said. Officials have said the funds in the $500 billion stimulus package will not be available to the wealthy and amounts per home could also be determined by income levels. Earlier in the week, Mnuchin addressed the press to say President Trump ordered him to find a way to get money to Americans quickly so they can have a better handle on the possible financial issues facing them. Bars, restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and other public gathering places have been ordered closed in places around the country leading to Americans being without a job or on limited hours. The stimulus plan still needs to be approved by Congress before Trump can approve it. It is unknown if a formal proposal will be voted on Thursday. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. READ MORE Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that a woman infected with the Coronavirus has recovered, becoming the second patient to recover in Morocco since the announcement of the first case of contamination with Covid -19 on march 2. The patient, resident of Casablanca, was the first to contract the disease within Morocco rather than abroad. She had been infected through contact with her husband, said the director of epidemiology at the Ministry of Health Mohamed El Youbi. The medical and clinical tests confirmed the patients recovery, he said. Todays recovery is the second of its kind in Morocco. The first patient who tested positive for COVID-19 in Morocco recovered and was discharged from hospital on March 13. Two COVID-19 patients have died in Morocco. These two patients, an 89-year old woman in Casablanca, and a 75-year old man in Sale, Rabats twin city, had underlying health conditions that hampered their response to treatment. As of Thursday noon, the number of cases stood at 61. India evacuates thousands of its nationals from COVID-19 epicentres The Ministry of External Affairs has arranged for flights to bring back stranded Indian nationals from COVID-19 affected countries, starting from China where the outbreak of the novel coronavirus started. It continues to bring Indian nationals home, working hand in hand with Indian High Commissions, airline industry and officials in several countries. India works because countless Indians do, tweeted Minister of Home Affairs S Jaishankar putting into perspective Indias valiant efforts against COVID-19 in a nutshell. India works because countless Indians do. Night or day, rain or shine. Went tonight to meet our immigration, health, security and airport officials @DelhiAirport who are responding to #COVID challenge. pic.twitter.com/mfMb5wZGcG Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 17, 2020 Indians onboard Diamond Princess Cruise Ship Indian nationals on board quarantined ship Diamond Princess Cruise were also extended a helping hand by the MEA. We are in touch with shipping company & US authorities regarding welfare of the Indian crew on Grand Princess. The crew is required to undergo mandatory quarantine. We are extending all necessary assistance & will facilitate their return to India on completion of the quarantine. Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) March 17, 2020 All Indian nationals on board Diamond Princess Cruise ship have since been brought back to India and will go through the mandatory quarantine period as per WHO guidelines India in Philippines Hundreds of Indians studying in the Philippines, found themselves stranded in the islands amidst the coronavirus outbreak. The Philippines had given outsiders 72 hours to get off the islands before lockdown was initiated, even as India banned entry of people from the Philippines and other high risk countries. The 72 hour embargo by President Duterte was later lifted. PRESS RELEASE 18 March 2020 Foreign nationals, balikbayans, OFWs, may now depart PH during community quarantine period MANILA, PhilippinesBureau of Immigration (BI) officials have announced the lifting of the 72-hour travel period for.. READ FULL: https://t.co/suSzwxUR6d DOTrPH (@DOTrPH) March 18, 2020 Students rushed to catch the earliest flight and managed to get out of the Philippines but got stranded in Kuala Lumpur airport due to the Movement Control Order which had been imposed in Malaysia. By then the Centre had banned the entry of flights from Malaysia as well, in order to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. #CoronaVirusUpdate:#COVID19 In continuation of the travel advisory issued on 11th March, 2020 and 16th March, 2020, the following additional advisory is issued:https://t.co/TOdC3v64H3#SwasthaBharat#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/tFB3N7SaNJ Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 17, 2020 The stranded students took to social media, asking the Indian government to rescue them. Several of them reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India and the Indian High Commission Malaysia as well. India in Malaysia Minister of Home Affairs S Jaishankar tweeted that flights had been arranged to fly the close to 300 students back to India, in his response to the trending requests . Appreciate the difficult situation of Indian students and other passengers waiting in transit at Kuala Lumpur airport. We have now approved @AirAsia flights for you to Delhi and Vizag. These are tough times and you should understand the precautions. Please contact the airline. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 17, 2020 The students were soon tweeting their thanks to the MEA, having landed in India even as the Indian High Commission in Malaysia thanked Air Asia and all officials involved in getting the students home. Thanks @AirAsia for flying out 405 stranded Indians transiting thru KLIA in Spl flights to Delhi and Vizag today. Kudos to @hcikl officials for working tirelessly since yesterday to make it happen.@MalaysiaMFA @PMOIndia @MEAIndia https://t.co/sngfWGA5PO India in Malaysia (@hcikl) March 18, 2020 India in UK Indians in UK whose visas are expiring but are unable to leave are also being helped as updated in a couple of tweets by the Indian High Commission UK. High Commission is working with both the Indian and UK authorities to address concerns of the Indians citizens living in the UK. All Indians citizens may register with us so that updates may be shared by email. @RuchiGhanashyam @CGI_Bghm@IndiaInScotlandhttps://t.co/czfklJk33p India in the UK (@HCI_London) March 17, 2020 UK authorities are working on guidance for Indians in the UK whose visas are due to expire but are currently unable to leave. Indian nationals in the UK should continue to follow the advice of the NHS and Public Health England.@RuchiGhanashyam @CGI_Bghm @IndiaInScotland India in the UK (@HCI_London) March 18, 2020 India in Italy A couple of weeks earlier Italy had become the new epicentre of COVID-19. Close to 1.6 lakh Indians live and work in Italy apart from around 3,800 students who study there in various universities. Embassy officials met Indian students stranded at Rome airport and briefed them about measures being taken by GOI to help them@MEAINDIA@DrSjaishankar@harshvshringla pic.twitter.com/JWamS2AU7Z India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 12, 2020 Their evacuation got delayed due to the heavy pressure on the Italian medical infrastructure due to the meteoric rise in cases in Italy. The Indian government then sent its own medical team to facilitate mandatory testing of Indian nationals for COVID-19 at the embassy, before clearing them for the flight back home. Pleasure to welcome the medical team at the Embassy in Rome. Gearing up for the testing which starts this afternoon and will proceed through the weekend @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @harshvshringla pic.twitter.com/ldHYhhhzjG India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 13, 2020 And work continues this morning with students lining up for COVID19 tests at the Embassy. Tnx to the medical team, emb staff & student volunteers helping in this process. Tnx to Italian authorities 4 facilitating despite lockdown of city @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @harshvshringla pic.twitter.com/X00IBwPtSW India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 14, 2020 To help Indian students stranded at airport,Embassy is providing accommodation and food. They have been tested by medical team and will be able to return to India after receiving their reports.All necessary assistance is being provided. @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @harshvshringla pic.twitter.com/8aFoCXnEvM India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 14, 2020 The medical team from India worked diligently to complete the tests and send the swabs in to await the results and reports. The Indian medical team at work for the third and final day in Rome @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @harshvshringla pic.twitter.com/pHHwb0QmM1 India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 16, 2020 We thank the medical team from India for their dedication & commitment to help the Indian students in Italy @MEAIndiahttps://t.co/pvVTdHZ4vm via @YouTube India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 17, 2020 Even as many have flown back from Italy there are still more than 300 students in Rome and other areas waiting to fly back home to India. Their swab tests have been taken over the weekend and reports are awaited. We have explained to them what the next steps would be. We assure the students that the Embassy is committed to ensuring their safe return. (2/3) @DrSJaishankar @MOS_MEA @MEAIndia @harshvshringla India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) March 17, 2020 India in Iran In Iran many Indian pilgrims were stranded even as the country leap-frogged to the top three position by logging in thousands of confirmed coronavirus cases earlier this month. The pilgrims as well as other Indian nationals were flown back home by the MEA and Indian High Commission Iran as seen through a series of tweets: Fourth batch of 53 Indians - 52 students and a teacher - has arrived from Tehran and Shiraz, #Iran. With this, a total of 389 Indians have returned to India from Iran. Thank the efforts of the team @India_in_Iran and Iranian authorities. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 15, 2020 The number of positive cases of coronavirus in India is at 151, which includes 25 foreign nationals and 126 Indians, according to the health ministry's website. Every year, we would stay glued to social media waiting for the red carpet images from the Met Gala to pour in. The Met Ball is a significant style extravaganza which sets key red carpet trends, which impact the global fashion industry. However, this year in the wake of the Corona Virus pandemic, a chairman of the Gala since 1995, Anna Wintour postponed the event after much contemplation. The first gala was held in 1948 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, to encourage donations from New Yorks high society. The theme of the Mets Costume Exhibition changes every year. While the last years theme - Camp: Notes on Fashion was all about toasting exaggerated stylistic interpretations, this years theme, About Time: Fashion and Duration is partly inspired by Virginia Woolf and the theories of the French philosopher Henri Bergson. Deepika Padukone wearing a structural princess gown by Zac Posen at Met Gala (Below)Priyanka Chopra Jonas went for a a frothy gray Dior haute couture number as she walked on the red carpet with Nick Jonas last year. (ANI) Priyanka Chopra Jonas went for a a frothy gray Dior haute couture number as she walked on the red carpet with Nick Jonas last year. (REUTERS) ALSO READ: Kim Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone: Heres a look at some of the most iconic looks at the now postponed Met Gala This years ball which was slated to be held on May 4 has been given no later date. As the gala stands postponed now, ones keen to know how it would affect the future of fashion? This pandemic will slow down every industrial sector possible. The stock exchanges all over the world have crashed and will further go downhill. The supply chain of the fashion industry will be massively affected... from procurement of fabric, to manufacture, transportation, your lead times, everything. Trends however will pick up since they were as a guiding factor even before the met gala. I see post world war trends coming back to the runway in the future. (that is if we dont all die.), says designer Anand Bhushan. Seconding this, designer Nachiket Barve says that it is time of survival and safety which is why a significant event like this lost focus. The focus has shifted to lack of supplied, people suffering and the state of our economy. This is not the time for celebrations, people are fighting got survival and safety has become priority right now. I also feel Cannes Film Festival is unlikely to take place in May this year. Shopping or trends is the last thing on ones mind right now, where will they wear it even if they buy it? So it is ethically wrong to have these events till the crisis is resolved, concludes Barve. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two cruise ships that were turned away by other ports are headed to Honolulu, but passengers wont be allowed to disembark. Officials say there are no cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, on either vessel. NTD refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. It was previously planned that passengers would disembark in Honolulu. Officials now say the ships will only refuel and resupply and then continue on to another destination. Holland America Lines Maasdam is scheduled to arrive on March 20. The Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to arrive on Sunday, March 22. New measures to seal borders to reduce the spread of the CCP virus have left some cruise ships stranded. The cruise lines didnt immediately comment on Hawaiis reversal. Other Cruise Ships Several cruise ships were stranded at sea, some with confirmed virus cases on board, as the pandemic expands around the globe. Some ships have been denied port, leaving them to anchor off the coast of a country. Other cruises have docked with quarantined passengers aboard. Three cruise ships have confirmed cases of virus on board: the MS Braemar, Silver Shadow, and Silver Explorer. Here is the status of the cruise ships in limbo that we know of. MS Braemar Status: Docked in Cuba, passengers in isolation. A British-operated cruise ship left stranded in the Caribbean when people aboard became sick with virus has finally docked in Cuba after a fraught search for a port that would accept it. The MS Braemar arrived in Mariel, west of Havana, early on Wednesday, with passengers expected to be transferred to airplanes for transport home to the UK on the same day. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, which operates the vessel, confirmed four aircraft had landed in Cuba ready for the rescue operation. The first flight was set to depart at 6 p.m. local time. The news follows a frantic few days in which the MS Braemar searched for a place to dock, following refusals from several ports in the Caribbean. Five people aboard the cruise ship tested positive for the virus, according to a statement from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. A further 28 passengers and 27 crew members, including a doctor, are in isolation after displaying symptoms. The number has been rising over the past few days. There are 682 travelers and 381 crew members on board. Silver Shadow Status: Docked in Brazil, passengers in isolation. A Canadian passenger tested positive for virus on March 14 on the Silver Shadow, which is docked off the port of Recife in Brazil, according to Brazils state news agency Agencia Brasil. Royal Caribbean confirmed the case on the Silver Shadow on Sunday. Two guests aboard the Silver Shadow have been medically disembarked in Recife, Brazil, and one has tested positive for COVID-19, Royal Caribbean said in a statement. The ships 609 passengers have been in isolation since March 13 when a passenger showed symptoms similar to the CCP virus, Agencia Brasil said on March 14. One of the passengers who disembarked, a 78-year-old man from Canada, had a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. He was sent to a private hospital in the city. Silver Explorer Status: Docked in Chile, one passenger tested positive. The Silver Explorer docked in Castro, Chile, on March 14 after a passenger tested positive for virus, Chiles Health Minister Jaime Manalich said during a press conference in Santiago. An 83-year-old British man is in good condition and being treated at the Coyhaique Hospital after testing positive, Manalich said. Royal Caribbean, which owns the Silver Explorer, confirmed the case on Sunday. One guest aboard the Silver Explorer has been medically disembarked in Castro, Chile, also testing positive for the virus, the statement said. The cruise ship is carrying 111 passengers and 120 crew members, according to Chilean officials. Golden Princess Status: Cleared to set sail for Australia. While no one has tested positive for virus on the Golden Princess anchored off New Zealand, at least three passengers have been quarantined by the ships doctor, according to local health officials. One passenger developed symptoms similar to the CCP virus and was being treated as a suspected case, according to the Canterbury District Health Board. Two other passengers had contact with a confirmed case in the past two weeks. The ship is anchored in Akaroa Harbor near Christchurch so there could be precautionary health testing of guests who traveled on an international flight from Los Angeles, Princess Cruises said in a statement to CNN. The flight had a passenger who later tested positive for coronavirus in Australia. The cruise line said the airline passenger who tested positive has never been on board its ship. The passenger with respiratory symptoms tested negative for coronavirus, Princess Cruises told CNN on Sunday. The Golden Princess was cleared to leave and set sail for Australia. We have also apologized to guests that this means that the remainder of their New Zealand itinerary has been canceled, the cruise liner said in a statement to CNN. Passengers have not been allowed to disembark the ship. The Golden Princess departed Melbourne on March 10 for a 13-day voyage, Princess Cruises said. Pacific Princess Status: At sea in the Indian Ocean, heading to Fremantle, Australia, but docking rights uncertain. Pacific Princess, owned by Princess Cruises, departed in January for its 111 day around the world voyage. According to passenger CJ Hayden, no one on board has COVID-19 symptoms, but the ships trajectory has become increasingly uncertain as ports are closing. Hayden tells CNN the last time the ship successfully docked at a port was on March 3, in Exmouth, Western Australia. Since then, stopovers at Bali, Singapore, and Phuket were canceled, due to fears over the CCP virus. The Pacific Princess was later refused entry by Sri Lanka while en route. We were allowed to dock at a commercial port for fuel, food, and water but no one could get on or off. Their workers and ours wore masks and stayed apart, says Hayden. The ship was refused at the Seychelles, and abandoned its subsequent trek to Zanzibar, as more ports started to close. Hayden says the ship is currently heading to Fremantle, Australia, due to arrive March 21. But Australia has closed ports to cruise ships, so this destination remains uncertain. The CNN Wire and The Associated Press contributed to this report. MP Speaker accepts resignation of 16 rebel Congress MLAs ahead of floor test India pti-PTI Bhopal, Mar 19: Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati accepted the resignation of the remaining 16 MLAs loyal to former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on late Thursday night. The development comes hours after the Supreme Court directed to hold a floor test in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly by 5 pm on Friday. "I have accepted the resignation of the 16 MLAs who have filed petition in the Supreme Court. Based on what they have stated there, I am accepting resignation of these 16 MLAs also," Prajapati told reporters. The Speaker had earlier accepted the resignations of six ministers who had resigned from their membership. Pembrolizumab shows promise for some advanced, hard-to-treat rare cancers HOUSTON -- A study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated acceptable toxicity and anti-tumor activity in patients with four types of advanced, hard-to-treat rare cancers. Study findings were published in the March 17 online issue of the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. The open-label, Phase II study followed 127 patients who had advanced rare cancers: squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (cSCC), carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP), adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), and paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma. Patients received 200 milligrams of the immunotherapy treatment pembrolizumab administered every three weeks between August 2016 and July 2018. All patients had tumors that had progressed on standard therapies. "Our findings that pembrolizumab has a favorable toxicity profile and anti-tumor activity in patients with these rare cancers supports further evaluation in these populations," said Aung Naing, M.D., associate professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics. "Finding solutions for treatment is vital given that patients with advanced rare cancers have poor prognosis and few treatment options." Rare cancers are defined by the American Cancer Society as those with an incidence of fewer than six cases per 100,000 people per year. CUP is a type of cancer in which the primary cancer site is not always known, but has spread to other areas within the body, while ACC occurs when malignant cells form in the outer layer of the adrenal glands. Paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma are tumors formed in nerve-like cells near the adrenal glands (pheochromocytomas) and near blood vessels or nerves in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. cSCC is the second most common type of skin cancer and is treatable in early stages, but harder to treat if in advanced stages. The primary objective of the study was to find the proportion of patients who were alive and progression-free (non-progression rate) at 27 weeks on treatment with pembrolizumab. The median non-progression rate at that time was 28% for 127 patients with advanced rare cancers. Complete response, partial response or stable disease after four months was observed in 38% of the patients. Non-progression rates for each cancer group were: 36% for cSCC, 33% for CUP, 31% for ACC, and 43% for paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 52% of patients, with the most common side effects being fatigue and rash, with six deaths reported that were unrelated to treatment. "Studies such as this one are key since rare cancers collectively accounted for 13% of all new cancer diagnoses and 25% of all cancer-related deaths in adults in 2017," said Naing. "The five-year survival rate is 15% to 20% lower than for more common cancers. The poor outcomes associated with rare cancers have been attributed to difficulty or delay in diagnosis, limited access to centers with expertise such as MD Anderson, and limited therapeutic options." Naing added that, despite the significant burden and aggressive nature of these diseases, research that could lead to development and approval of new therapies are few. However, MD Anderson has the patient volume and research resources that uniquely positions its researchers to conduct this work. "Findings from our study support further investigation to confirm the clinical activity of pembrolizumab in advanced rare cancers, and to identify immune signatures predictive of response to treatment,"said Naing. ### MD Anderson study team participants included Funda Meric-Bernstam, M.D.; Bettzy Stephen, M.B.B.S.; Daniel Karp, M.D.; Jordi Rodon Ahnert, M.D.; Sarina Piha-Paul, M.D.; Saria Khan; Jeane Painter, Ph.D.; Abdulrahman Abonofal, M.D.; Jing Gong, M.D.; Anas Alshawa, M.D.; Lacey McQuinn; Mingxuan Xu, Ph.D.; Vivek Subbiah, M.D.; David Hong, M.D.; Shubham Pant, M.D.; Timothy Yap, M.D.; Apostolia Tsimberidou, M.D.; Ecaterina Ileana Dumbrava, M.D.; Filip Janku, M.D.; and Siqing Fu, M.D., all of the Department of Investigational Therapeutics; Rivka Colen, M.D.; and Sara Ahmed, M.D., of the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging; Camilo Jimenez, M.D.; and Mouhammed Habra, M.D., of the Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders; Kanwal Raghav, M.D.; and Gauri Varadhachary, M.D., of the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology; Renata Ferrarotto, M.D., of the Department of Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology; Shi-Ming Tu, M.D.; Matthew Campbell, M.D.; and Nizar Tannir, M.D., of the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology; Linghua Wang, Ph.D., of the Department of Genomic Medicine; Sharjeel Sabir, M.D., of the Department of Interventional Radiology; Coya Tapia, M.D., of the Department of Translational Molecular Pathology; Chantale Bernatchez, Ph.D., of the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology; Michael Frumovitz, M.D., of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine; Vinod Ravi, M.D., of the Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology; and Kenneth Hess, Ph.D., of the Department of Biostatistics. Other participating institutions included Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and R. Simon Consulting, Potomac, Md. Mercke Sharp &Dohme Corp, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.; the National Institutes of Health (P30CA016672) and MD Anderson's Molecular Evaluation and/or Biopsy Related Support Program funded the study. Naing reports research support and non-financial support from Mercke Sharp & Dohme Corp. About MD Anderson The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The institution's sole mission is to end cancer for patients and their families around the world. MD Anderson is one of only 51 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). MD Anderson is ranked No.1 for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" survey. It has ranked as one of the nation's top two hospitals for cancer care since the survey began in 1990, and has ranked first 15 times in the last 18 years. MD Anderson receives a cancer center support grant from the NCI of the National Institutes of Health (P30 CA016672). This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. CALGARY, Alberta, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cordy Oilfield Services Inc. (Cordy or the Company) (TSX VENTURE: CKK) is pleased to announce that, further to its March 10, 2020 news release, it has completed its acquisition of the assets and business of Platinum North Resources Ltd. (Platinum North) and Heart River Holdings (2011) Ltd. (the Acquisition) Cordy is pleased to confirm the appointment of Craig Heitrich as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Craig was most recently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Platinum North and brings with him a depth of experience and customer relationships. Despite the challenging times in the market and in our communities today, Cordy remains excited that in completing the Acquisition we have expanded our reach and capacity and further advanced our platform for delivering high quality, responsive environmental stewardship. In addition, the Company will proceed with the consolidation of its issued and outstanding Common Shares, previously approved by Shareholders, on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for five (5) pre-consolidation Common Shares. The consolidation is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange and Shareholders will receive further communication and instructions in due course. Additional information on Cordy is available on our website www.cordy.ca or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . For general information, please contact: Darrick Evong Chief Executive Officer IR@cordy.ca Phone: (403) 262-7667 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Pritzker said that although the federal government is setting up drive-thru testing operations in other states, that is not yet happening in Illinois. Instead, were having our National Guard be part of efforts to help hospitals and other health care centers stand up those drive-thru capabilities. So, well be using the National Guard to assist other health care workers in that endeavor. Your Meal Delivery Guide During COVID-19 Times 11 Meal Delivery Services to Get You Through Life If Youre Avoiding the Stores The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Meal delivery services have been popular for a while now thats nothing new. What is new is the inability to go out and pick up groceries on the way home from work or after brunch on the weekend like we are used to. Recent restrictions, increased social distancing and the urging to just cancel everything has led us to be confined to our homes unsure what to do about food for the foreseeable future. Sure, essentials are still being stocked at Amazon warehouses around the country and across the world, but good luck getting them delivered as quickly as they used to come. But if you were ahead of the curve and have already stocked up on toilet paper and paper towels, all thats left is food, and we are going to need a lot of it. RELATED: Meal Kits for Every Type of Cook in Your Life Home isolation is quickly becoming our new reality. San Francisco has been hit with a recent Shelter-In-Place order, and New York City looks like it may face a similar fate. Other cities and countries have already seen a sharp spike in convenient food services via mail and courier as much as 80 percent. You better believe as Americans who demand convenience, we will see the same. One company has already seen a rapid influx in orders and is pulling all its levers of power to meet demand. "During these tough times, Freshly is committed to its mission to protect the health and safety of our employees and our customers, Freshly CEO and co-founder Mike Wystrach explains. So this got us to thinking If this is becoming the new normalat least for a whileits time to start figuring out which meal delivery services will best suit our needs, our tastes and most importantly, our increasing social distancing-induced demands. HelloFresh Why we love it: HelloFresh has the widest variety of meal options of any service on our list. Menu items explain if they are quick to make, require little clean up and if the calorie count is below average. In the dark days ahead, it will be nice to see the bright green box saying Hello when you open the door. How its handling COVID-19: According to a HelloFresh spokesperson: The health and well-being of our customers and employees is our highest priority. All HelloFresh facilities have the highest level of food safety certification and we follow a rigorous process to maintain the safety and quality of our meal kits. We have implemented additional safety measures such as more frequent handwashing and sanitation of our facilities along with limited access to our production site. Can you still order: According to a HelloFresh spokesperson: We have prepared for a variety of scenarios, some of which include planning for fluctuations in demand. There are currently no disruptions to our service and we're working very closely with our network of suppliers and partners to ensure we keep delivering fresh and reliable meals to our customers. How much does it cost: Meals start at $7.49 and weekly delivery starts at $53.94 plus shipping. Read our full review here. Available at HelloFresh.com Purple Carrot Why we love it: There is no scrolling through delicious-looking menu items only to find they are full of meat. This is a fully plant-based food with excellent nutritional information right on the site. Purple Carrot offers incredibly delicious and satisfying options for every meal of the day. Maybe making meatless Mondays fun and filling will help you stick with it once youre back to your normal routine. How its handling COVID-19: According to Founder and CEO Andy Levitt: "Purple Carrot has been seeing a sharp increase in demand for our plant-based meal kits since COVID-19 has been shifting consumer behavior. Our fulfillment centers are in full swing while utilizing best practices for health and safety for both our employees and our products. Can you still order: According to Levitt: Our operations teams are working closely to ensure we can source the right volume of ingredients to meet the growing demand. We anticipate this demand for our meal kits to continue, and are happy to be able to provide some level of comfort and joy to those confined to their homes and struggling to operate in this new reality. How much does it cost: Meals start at $9.99 and weekly delivery starts at $51.94 with free shipping. $25 off your first box. Available at PurpleCarrot.com Blue Apron Why we love it: Arguably the most recognized meal delivery on our list (have you listened to any podcast commercial lately?), Blue Apron is the OG when it comes to meal delivery. With chef-created meals that are all perfectly portioned out, you dont have to worry about some box assuming you already have the garlic or olive oil. Whats better? You can set up wine delivery to accompany your meal (which is probably more important now than ever before, right?). How its handling COVID-19: According to Blue Apron President and CEO Linda Findley Kozlowski: Well be diligently monitoring COVID-19 and continuing to follow the guidance provided by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] , and local health agencies in the communities in which we operate. Our fulfillment center associates follow rigorous personal sanitation steps prior to interacting with any ingredients we send to your home. The nature of our product allows us to have insight into every aspect of our supply chain, as well as knowledge of where our ingredients are coming from and going. In addition to being FDA-regulated, we also hold an additional food safety certification from the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety Code, widely considered to be one of the most rigorous and comprehensive food safety standards in the world. Can you still order: According to Kozlowski: We are not aware of any disruption to our supply chain to date as a result of coronavirus. We believe that home cooking is important now more than ever, and our intent is to continue delivering our customers fresh, delicious meals right to their door. How much does it cost: Meals start at $8.99 and weekly delivery starts at $59.94 with free shipping. Read our full review here. Available at BlueApron.com Territory Foods Why we love it: These fresh meals are pre-made which makes WFH life way easy and are from a network of local chefs in each of its regions to create healthy, delicious recipes which means we can do something to help support local talent. Add to that all Territory Foods lack gluten or added sugar and offer options for keto, paleo and plant-based eaters and you have the healthy-meets-lazy mans meal service of choice. How its handling COVID-19: According to TerritoryFoods.com: Safety is our No. 1 priority, simply put. We follow the highest sanitary standards and all FDA Food Code regulated public health requirements. Weve also ramped up reinforcement of our employee hygiene practices and increased cleaning and sanitizing procedures, especially during production, distribution and delivery. To make sure were serving you at the highest level, were continually monitoring updates from health agencies like the CDC and WHO [World Health Organization]. Can you still order: Territory Foods is continuing to serve each of its regions during the COVID-19 outbreak. The deadline to place an order for the following week is Thursday at 11:59pm. According to TerritoryFoods.com: Were proud to continue offering delivery directly to your door touch-free and no trips to the grocery store needed. Rest assured that we are working closely with our delivery partners to ensure we take all measures to reduce any exposure risks. How much does it cost: Meals start at $10.95 and weekly delivery starts at $21.90 plus shipping. Available at TerritoryFoods.com Sun Basket Why we love it: Unique sorting and a focus on animal welfare allow Sun Basket to stand out from the rest. Looking for quick meals only? More in the mood to focus paleo? Sun Basket offers 10 different meal plans including paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, gluten-free and more. If being stuck inside has you using up all those frozen veggies and all you need is humanely- and pasture-raised, antibiotic-free proteins, Sun Basket is uniquely positioned to let you load up on that, and only that, this week or every week without worry. How its handling COVID-19: According to Sun Basket SVP of Growth Vanessa Meyers: We are closely monitoring the developing situation around COVID-19, and are following best practices set in place by the CDC, WHO, FDA and local authorities. We are continuing to deliver Sun Basket meals with exceptional quality and care to ensure that we adhere to our already strict standard operating procedures. Can you still order: According to Meyers: Sun Basket is proud to provide customers nationwide with healthy meals delivered straight to their doorstep, and we look forward to welcoming new consumers to our service at a time that is convenient for them. We are currently not experiencing delays or issues related to inventory or delivery, and we are working closely with our carrier partners to ensure deliveries remain reliable and consistent. We are still delivering in shelter in place cities such as San Francisco as the order does allow for food delivery. Sun Basket deliveries are always no-contact, delivered by our network of professional national carriers. How much does it cost: Meals start at $10.99 and weekly delivery starts at $65.94 plus shipping. $35 off first box. Available at SunBasket.com Top Chef Meals Why we love it: Top Chef Meals was established as a way to aid the founders aging father. The goal was to deliver made-to-order, customizable chef-prepared meals nationwide that arrive frozen and can be heated up in no time. One of the company's core group of customers is the elderly a group that is at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 who deserve the most help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while isolated. But bonus? The company also offers meals catered specifically to children. How its handling COVID-19: According to a Top Chef Meals spokesperson: Longtime experts in the catering and food business, the team at Top Chef Meals continues to take health and food safety measures for its employees, kitchen staff and white glove servers, very seriously. We also trained our entire staff on best practices to keep our customers and staff safe from contamination. With a bigger staff in place, we are ready to do our best to be a resource for people looking for healthy pre-cooked meals they can enjoy in the comfort of their homes. Can you still order: According to a Top Chef Meals spokesperson: Top Chef Meals has seen a 30 percent increase in orders. Definitely not the uptick expected nor would hope for, given the global negative impact it is having on us all. A couple weeks ago, we took the initiative and started reaching out to hiring agencies to get qualified applicants with kitchen and packing experience so that when the time came, we'd be ready for the demand we might see from the COVID-19 pandemic. How much does it cost: Meals start at $6.95 and most popular weekly delivery is $89.50 with free shipping. Available at TopChefMeals.com Home Chef Why we love it: Home Chef actually assumes you like cooking (which as much as it might surprise some people, a lot of millennials actually do). Recipes are listed on site or available for download, regardless if you are buying its food or not. Home Chef just wants you to enjoy cooking, and it tries to make it easier by sending you everything you need to do it. How its handling COVID-19: According to HomeChef.com: We are committed to Good Manufacturing Practices [GMP] in all of our facilities, which includes regular and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of our facilities and equipment, requiring employees to wash hands regularly and wear gloves, and requiring employees to stay home when sick. In response to current events, we are increasing sanitation frequency in our offices and production facilities and are encouraging employees to use CDC best practices in and outside of work. Can you still order: According to a Home Chef Senior Manager, Public Relations and Social Media Maris Callahan: "We are working hard to be there for all of our customers at this challenging time. Due to unprecedented demand, we are sold out of meals for order on HomeChef.com for the week of March 23, but will have increased volumes for the following weeks. Meal kits will also be available in Kroger stores. How much does it cost: Meals start at $6.99 and weekly delivery starts at $59.70 plus shipping. Use this meal code for a hefty discount. Available at HomeChef.com Freshly Why we love it: These are arguably the biggest pre-made meals on the list and judging by how often we see these boxes outside our neighbors doors, one of the most popular options among city-dwellers. How its handling COVID-19: According to Freshly Co-Founder and CEO Mike Wystrach: During these tough times, Freshly is committed to its mission to protect the health and safety of our employees and our customers. As listed on the Freshly website: Given the recent outbreak, we are taking precautionary measures to reeducate our chefs and kitchen employees on [GMP] via retraining sessions. In addition, all employees suffering from known, infectious diseases must be symptom-free for 14 days to return to our kitchen. Can you still order: According to Wystrach: We have seen an exponential surge of orders not only from our active customers but a 10x increase from users who had lapsed an expected behavior within our business when customers skip for a few weeks and come back. Our teams and facilities are working around the clock, 24/7 to deliver fully prepared meals across the country to our existing customers while gradually opening up new capacity for net new demand. Our existing users will continue to get a Freshly box every week thats our No. 1 priority and focus. For any net new customer who is trying to become a first time subscriber, we have a waitlist of three to four weeks. We are building and adding new capacity in our facilities to manage this exponential surge in demand. How much does it cost: Meals start at $9.99 and weekly delivery starts at $47.96 plus shipping. Read our full review here. Available at Freshly.com Daily Harvest Why we love it: Maybe the easiest possible way to eat. Open smoothie. Blend smoothie. Drink smoothie. That was great as far as we were concerned, but Daily Harvest has had great soup and bowl options for a while now that are also so easy a child could do it (sounds like a new project for the kids if you ask us). How its handling COVID-19: According to a Daily Harvest spokesperson: Daily Harvest has always had strict procedures in our production kitchens, which include strict health and hygiene programs. [WHO, FDA and CDC] have confirmed that there is no known risk to food safety in any ingredient supply chain and that applies to us, too. Can you still order: According to a Daily Harvest spokesperson: We have doubled up on our inventory so our customers have what they need in their freezer during this unprecedented time of uncertainty. While there may be disruptions we cannot control down the line, we are confident we are working through as many scenarios as we can imagine to ensure that youll get your nourishing food when you need it most. How much does it cost: Meals start at $6.99 and weekly delivery starts at $69.75 plus shipping. $20 off your first order. Read our full review here. Available at Daily-Harvest.com Hungryroot Why we love it: It was what got us cooking and healthy before all this mess started. Its easy, but still fun. Its cooking, but still fast. Its delicious, but still healthy. Were loyal, what can we say? Plus, the FAQ page has the most robust list of resources weve seen. How its handling COVID-19: According to Hungryroot.com: Were actively monitoring and addressing COVID-19 (coronavirus), and will continue to [update Support.Hungryroot.com]. Were enforcing heightened adherence to our rigorous food and safety standards, as well as increasing sanitation measures across all our facilities. As always, our supply chain includes fewer touchpoints than traditional grocery, and all your food will continue to come directly from a manufacturer, to our facilities, to your doorstep. Can you still order: According to Hungryroot.com: Our operations team has been working with our growers and suppliers to make sure we can continue delivering your food each week. [If you need to change your address for delivery], you can ... until noon EST (9 a.m. PST) the Thursday before your next delivery date. How much does it cost: Pricing plans average from $60 to $100 per week and orders over $70 receive free shipping. Read about our editors personal experience with Hungryroot here. Available at Hungryroot.com Misfits Market Why we love it: Sometimes you just need some ugly produce in your life to make a delicious meal. With all the canned beans and rice weve stocked up on, having an infusion of fresh fruits and vegetables might actually be what gets us through this thing. How its handling COVID-19: According to MisfitsMarket.com: Misfits Market strictly adheres to GMP, industry standards that maintain quality products. Among them is ensuring that disposable aprons, hairnets, beard nets (if applicable), sleeves and gloves are worn at all times by employees when working with food or packing. As always, well continue to be diligent with our sanitation, constantly cleaning our refrigerated facility during and after shifts and sanitizing frequently. According to a company press release: "[Misfits Market] plans to hire 100 Production Associates in its warehouse to meet rising demand among customers in the 24 states the company serves. Additionally, Misfits Market is temporarily increasing this position's hourly pay from $13 to $16, and providing free lunch daily for all on-site employees in the coming weeks." Can you still order: According to MisfitsMarket.com: We dont anticipate any disruptions to our supply chain or deliveries. That said, were realistic and aware that were just one piece of a larger system. Well be in constant contact with our suppliers and third-party shippers to respond immediately should anything change, then let you know exactly what to expect. We've seen reports of price gouging and items flying off the shelves at supermarkets. Rest assured that we are taking steps to responsibly maintain our inventory. We also recently made it possible to get multiple quantities of select Marketplace items in each box so you can have more of your favorites on hand. How much does it cost: Boxes start at $22 for weekly delivery plus shipping. Available at MisfitsMarket.com Keep checking back to AskMens meal delivery coverage for coronavirus-related updates on availability. You Might Also Dig: AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. Lucknow, March 19 : Two more coronavirus cases tested positive in Lucknow on Thursday, taking the number of patients to five in Lucknow and 18 in Uttar Pradesh. Dr Sudhir Singh, in-charge of the COVID-19 isolation ward at King George's Medical University, said, "Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Lucknow, taking the total number of cases to 5. All the patients are stable." Among the new patients who have tested positive, one is form Lucknow who had recently visited London. The other is a resident of Lakhimpur district and had returned from Turkey. On Wednesday, it was reported that a 25-year-old junior resident doctor, who came in contact with two patients undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at the King George's Medical University, had tested positive for the virus. A hospital spokesperson had said that the doctor had been quarantined and was being treated. "A woman from Canada and one of her relatives, who came in contact with her, are undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at an isolation ward at KGMU. A 25-year-old junior resident doctor had taken the samples of these patients. Suddenly, some symptoms were seen in him and he was tested at the university laboratory, where he was found to be coronavirus positive," KGMU spokesperson Dr Sudhir Singh said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Albertas long-suffering oil industry is on life support because of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemicand things will get worse before they get better, Premier Jason Kenney told media as quoted by CBC. "We must begin to prepare ourselves for a time of adversity unlike any we have seen since the 1930s in this province," the Premier said. Canadas chief oil province has not been spared its share of the rising number of people infected with Covid-19 but on top of the pandemic, Alberta is also reeling from the blow that Saudi Arabia dealt oil producers by declaring it will raise oil production from next month, aiming for more than 12 million bpd and, possibly, up to 13 million bpd if it succeeds in boosting its production capacity. Earlier this month, Kenney said the Albertan government was preparing a low-interest credit package for the struggling oil industry to mitigate the worst consequences of the latest price collapse. "We are potentially looking at setting up a credit facility that would allow for access to credit at lower rates of interest for highly distressed companies," the provinces Premier said. Related: Dow Jones Erases All Gains Under Trump, Drops Below 20,000 Yesterday, the Western Canadian Select oil benchmark sank to the lowest on record, at $7.63 per barrel, down by nearly $5 from Tuesday. As a result, oil company shares also sank, triggering heavy trading, which in turn activated the Toronto Exchanges circuit breakers that switch on at a share price change of more than 7 percent, CBC New reported. Despite the ominous signs, the Albertan government appeared quite optimistic about the energy sector when it released its budget plan for 2020-2023 last month. In the document, the government said it expected more oil pipelines to come online in the province during this year and next. It also expected oil sands production to increase, while the gap between West Texas Intermediate and Canadian crude narrows. At the time, the Alberta government expected the average for WTI during fiscal 2020-21 to be $58 a barrel, rising to $63 in fiscal 2021-22. Now all bets are off, with WTI trading lower than $25 a barrel. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A health care provider in Linn County has been diagnosed with the new coronavirus, local health officials said Wednesday, signaling yet another turn in Oregons corner of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The person does not work at the state veterans nursing home in Lebanon, which has 14 elderly residents infected with the disease, half of them over 90 years old. The Oregon Health Authority would not say what kind of health care provider the person is or where they work. Doctors, nurses and other professionals in the medical field are at particular risk of catching the disease because their jobs bring them into close contact with sick people. A diagnosis also could be a danger because people in the profession interact closely with others. The Linn County Department of Health Services released no other information about the health care provider who tested positive. Anyone who has come into contact with the person will be notified, the department said in a news release. Linn County is the site of the states first and so far only senior care home to have residents diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition to the residents there who are sick, an employee at the facility has also tested positive. -- Fedor Zarkhin fzarkhin@oregonian.com desk: 503-294-7674|cell: 971-373-2905|@fedorzarkhin Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. The Pakistani government has ramped up efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country as cases jumped to 31. Pakistani authorities closed shrines of Sufi saints in the capital and elsewhere and visits to museums, archaeological and tourist sites. Two people who had returned from Saudi Arabia and Dubai became Pakistan's first victims when they died Wednesday in the northwest. It spread panic among those who were not taking infections seriously. Pakistani authorities on Thursday were planning to quarantine hundreds of pilgrims who returned from Iran. These pilgrims will be kept at isolated buildings in central Pakistan for two weeks. Pakistan has already shut schools and students have been forced to leave hostels. A mother-of-three accused of murdering a man in a knife attack in a Dublin housing estate has had her case adjourned after a judge was told she was "medically unfit" for court. Christina Anderson (38) is charged with murdering father-of-seven Garreth Kelly (39), who died after he was stabbed on a street in the west of the city last month. Mr Kelly had been trying to start his car to go to work when he sustained fatal wounds. Ms Anderson was remanded in custody in her absence yesterday by Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court. The accused, with an address at Brownsbarn Wood, Kingswood is charged with murdering Mr Kelly last February 25. Yesterday was her third court date on the charge. Defence solicitor Michael Kelleher told Judge Murphy he appeared on behalf of Ms Anderson, who was in custody and not present in court. Garda Sergeant Paul Keane said the case was listed for a book of evidence. Mr Kelleher said there was a note before the court from the Central Mental Hospital. Assessment A prison officer said Ms Anderson was "medically unfit". Judge Murphy noted that the accused had been remanded in her absence on the previous date. She adjourned the case to April 1. A judge has already ordered the accused to be medically and psychiatrically assessed and a separate psychiatric report to be prepared for the court. When the accused first appeared in court last month, Det Sgt Kenny said Ms Anderson made no reply when charged. Ms Anderson sat with her head bowed throughout that first hearing, in which she was flanked by six prison officers. Her husband had been present on the first date and had listened to the proceedings from the back of the court. Mr Kelly, originally from Tallaght but living in Clondalkin, was believed to have been staying with his partner at another house in the Brownsbarn estate at the time of the incident. His car would not start when he came out to go to work at 7am and he was working on the engine when he sustained stab wounds. Albany The note at the door of the Albany County Judicial Center made it clear: Court, barring emergencies, was not in session Thursday for Supreme Court and County Court litigants. The website of the states Unified Court System had a very different message: Court was decidedly happening just a few blocks away at the Court of Claims. The conflicting messages added confusion to a justice system in Albany already coping with a coronavirus pandemic that has afflicted a deputy who has worked in the judicial center. Not even the phone numbers listed for litigants to call for help matched. The sign on the door of the Albany County Judicial Center was titled, "Notice to All Litigants." "In recognition of the conditions and circumstances presented by the Coronavirus," the note said, "our Supreme and County Courts are not presently in regular session. A judge has been designated and is available to entertain emergency applications in both courts. All non-essential matters are administratively adjourned until further notice." The sign added: If you have a scheduled appearance or were directed to attend court on a particular date, you will not be subject to a penalty as a result of your absence. It asked litigants to call (518) 285-8777 with any emergency applications. Nothing on the note mentioned the Court of Claims. Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for the court system, later directed the Times Union to a notice on the systems website: "Thursday, March 19: Albany Supreme, County and Family Consolidated Courts will be held at the Court of Claims, at the Robert Abrams Building for Law & Justice, State Street, Albany. To schedule, or for questions on essential proceedings, call (518)285-8300. To schedule essential proceedings at the Albany, Cohoes and Watervliet City Courts, call (518) 285-8300. For any court related emergencies, call (518) 285-8300 for assistance." The number listed for emergencies was different than the emergency number listed on the note outside the Judicial Center. Chalfen said some information on the note was correct. Litigants, for instance, will not be penalized if they are absent for a scheduled appearance. When asked if the note was believed to come from someone within the court system or elsewhere, Chalfen replied: "Honestly I dont know -- and we are trying to find out." "We are looking into who posted this note," Chalfen said. He said the court system gave notice that emergency matters were being held in the Court of Claims because the Judicial Center was closed for cleaning. A sheriff's deputy assigned to the Judicial Center who tested positive for COVID-19 and has minor symptoms, has been recovering. His diagnosis forced the quarantine of nine other deputies, Sheriff Craig Apple said Wednesday. Chalfen said arraignments were held in Bethlehem and Colonie town courts. Chalfen said he expected the all local, county and Supreme Court happenings to be in the Judicial Center on Friday. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The only activity that took place in the Court of Claims was the case of Anthony Thomas, who is charged with sexually abusing a female stranger near a bus stop in Albany on March 9. The case, which went before Ulster County Judge Keri Savona, was adjourned until Monday, Albany County prosecutors said. "This is still a very fluid situation and protocols are still being established for both short and long term procedures," District Attorney David Soares said in a statement. "We are following recommended guidelines for social distancing, as much as can be possible in the law enforcement setting, with full understanding that due process must be balanced by a healthy process." Albany County Bar Association President Michael McDermott, a veteran lawyer who has worked as a prosecutor and defense attorney and was recently elected to the post, said coronavirus has created an "all hands on deck" situation for the court system. "We are in pretty rough seas and it will take a while for the ship to right itself, but hopefully things will get sorted out soon," McDermott said. "I doubt we will be back to normal for quite some time, but emergency matters will be addressed and less pressing cases will have to wait." Longtime Albany defense attorney Terence L. Kindlon, a Marine and Purple Heart recipient who served in the Vietnam War, offered his own take on Thursday's mix-up. "The signs are a minor, confusing aspect of a major, unprecedented disruption and need to be fixed so that no litigant is harmed or disadvantaged," he told the Times Union. "Having said that, I am certain the obvious problems will be overcome. After five decades of close observation I know that the resourcefulness, experience and pragmatism of the guardians of our systemthe judges, administrators, defense lawyers, prosecutors and our wonderful court personnelwill 'power us through' the current crisis. A soldier would remind us that no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy but we fight on and although it may not always be pretty, since we have the right people in the right places, we will get the job done. " The court system website said a judge in state Supreme Court in Queens tested positive for coronavirus. Court personnel, attorneys and others impacted were being notified and asked to contact their physicians, it said, and the courthouse was "thoroughly deep cleaned and disinfected." At the start of the Court of Appeals session on Tuesday, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore noted the new normal -- she thanked judges, court staff and attorneys in public and private sectors for their service during the crisis. The business of the New York courts will continue during this national public health emergency, DiFiore said. She said the court system would continue to provide essential services to the best of our abilities while safeguarding the health and safety of our workforce, our families and the public. International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tuesday rejected a request from the Nicolas Maduro administration in Venezuela for a $5 billion loan ostensibly to prepare the countrys collapsing health care system to face the COVID-19 crisis. Venezuela is reportedly the first country to make a request for part of the $50 billion made available by the IMF to deal with the virus. With 36 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Venezuela, beginning with travelers from Spain, Europe and through the Colombian border, the outbreak is already spreading across Venezuela, whose economy has shrunk more than two-thirds in seven years under the impact of US sanctions and falling oil prices. The appeal from Caracas refers to the need for thorough, strict and exhaustive controls to protect the Venezuelan people, which reeks more of repressive measures than health care provision. It further pleads: For this reason, we are turning to your honorable organization to request its evaluation about the possibility of authorizing Venezuela a financing line of $5 billion from the emergency fund of Rapid Financing Instrument. This amount would not begin to address the immense needs of Venezuelans under conditions of a collapsing economy, a vast decline in living standards and a breakdown of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, laboratories, clinics, roads, water distribution, agriculture, housing and the energy grid. Thirty-one years after Venezuelas working masses and youth rose up against the IMF austerity diktats of the Carlos Andres Perez government and thousands were massacred by state forces in what became known as the Caracazo, the bourgeois-nationalist chavistas, who channeled this uprising behind their election in 1999 through anti-imperialist slogans, now seek to re-establish ties with the IMF, a key instrument of semi-colonial plundering. The obsequious character of the request, however, does not minimize the criminal response by the IMF, which released a statement within hours indicating: Unfortunately, the Fund is not in a position to consider this request. The agency claims that there is no clarity on whether it recognizes the Maduro administration as legitimate. This response constitutes a continuation and deepening of the murderous policy of US and European imperialism to deprive Venezuelans of trade and resources to overthrow Maduro and install a puppet regime led by the CIA-sponsored activist Juan Guaido. Maduro last Friday announced a state of emergency and instructed the military to manage the crisis and enforce a social quarantine. Flights have been cancelled from abroad, classes and all public events were suspended, while people are being asked to avoid leaving their homes unless it is necessary. Sensitive to the growing opposition to his increasingly authoritarian rule, Maduro cynically declared: Authoritarianism is not compatible with pandemics because it always seek to hide the truth. Nonetheless, doctors have told reporters that they are afraid to speak out. The loan request is only the latest appeal by the Maduro administration for foreign finance and signal to world finance capital that it will defend profit interests. Over its more than two decades of rule, chavismo has denounced the IMF as assassins and robbers, finally kicking out the agency in 2007. This populist and nationalist policy, made possible by a temporary boom in oil prices, was aimed at concealing the bourgeois class character of the government, whose subservience to the same imperialist powers responsible for untold suffering in the country is becoming increasingly apparent. In April 2019, the Center for Economic and Policy Research published a study that estimated that more than 40,000 deaths have been caused by US sanctions against Venezuela in 2017 and 2018. The researchers cite 80,000 people with HIV, 16,000 people with cancer and 4 million with diabetes and hypertension, all groups at higher risk for the coronavirus. The sanctions are depriving Venezuelans of lifesaving medicines, medical equipment, food and other essential imports, the study concluded. Worsening these factors, 2019 oil exports, which account for 99 percent of Venezuelas export revenue, fell one third chiefly due to US sanctions, further depriving the country of the needed foreign currency for essential imports. The fall of oil prices to below $30 a barrel has drastically deepened the countrys crisis. The protracted erosion of the health care system and generalized poverty have increased the vulnerability of the population to infectious diseases and greatly increased the share with pre-conditions. Not only will this increase the morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19, but hospitals are already being overwhelmed with other outbreaks. A Lancet study last year reported that the country, the first to eradicate malaria in 1961, has seen a resurgence of deadly diseases like malaria, Dengue, measles, Zika and Chagas. These burdens to public health, including overloaded morgues that frequently suffer power outages, are compounded by the one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Mario Grijalva, a co-author of the report, told NBC News: The health systems in Venezuela are in a very fragile state. Supplies, medicines, health infrastructures are lacking. So, the logistics to treat these diseases are not working. According to a poll by the NGO Medicos por la Salud, only 35 percent of hospitals have running water and only 53 percent have face masks. There are only 206 intensive care unit beds across the whole country. In the capital Caracas news reports describe long lines in hospitals, nurses carrying buckets of water, a lack of any semblance of protocol to deal with the deadly pandemic and a major rate of abstention among health professionals. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where test kits for the virus, other basic equipment and medicines like insulin are simply unavailable. Moreover, the decision last week by the right-wing Colombian government of president Ivan Duque to shut down its borders with Venezuela will itself be responsible for countless more deaths from various medical conditions. Every day, thousands of Venezuelans cross the border to buy medicines and food, and receive emergency and routine medical treatments. The National Committee of the Socialist Equality Party (US), the US section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) released a statement on March 17 demanding that all sanctions be cancelled. The response of Iran, Venezuela and other countries is being crippled by economic sanctions that prevent them from acquiring basic medical equipment The coronavirus is a global disease that requires a globally coordinated response, it explains. All capitalist governments are being exposed for placing the protection of corporate profits and the enormous wealth of the capitalist ruling class above the lives of the working class. The Bolivarian government in Caracas is pursuing this same fundamental policy. Workers and youth must organize independently of all bourgeois parties and the trade unions, both the pro-Guaido or pro-Maduro factions of the ruling class, and fight for the international mobilization of resources to contain and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19. This struggle must go hand-in-hand with the development of a new leadership in the working class under a socialist and revolutionary program, that is, the building of a Venezuelan section of the ICFI. As the spread of COVID-19 closes businesses and sends workers home without pay, city officials are grappling with the economic threats the virus is making to not just city revenue, but household incomes. Up to 66,000 workers in Jefferson County could suffer layoffs of other loss of income due to business closures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, said Josh Carpenter, director of Birminghams Office of Innovation and Economic Development. With a little more than 500,000 people employed across the county, this means 13 percent of the citys workforce is at risk. About 71 percent of the jobs in seven county Birmingham metro area are consumption-based jobsthose that rely on people leaving their homes and spending money. If people dont spend money, these workers dont get paid. Birmingham is vulnerable because we have a higher concentration of those jobs than in other economies. That's whats concerning me, Carpenter said. There are also 5,997 small businesses in Birmingham. These are businesses of 50 or fewer employees. These nearly 6,000 businesses employ around 47,000 people. To support businesses and employees impacted by coronavirus, the city, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and the Birmingham Business Resource Center have created the Birmingham Strong Fund. On Tuesday, the council approved $1 million for the fund. The council is expected to approve an additional $200,000 for the fund next week. The funds were established to help stabilize employment, stimulate economic vitality and offset losses related to the coronavirus. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham will operate the fund. Within this fund will be two smaller funds. One will be a fund to provide zero-interest, 180-day loans to small businesses. The other fund, a resiliency fund, will pay workers who were laid off due to coronavirus to do essential jobs like setting up testing sites, meal prep and delivery and other labor needs that could arise as the economy and workforce changes during the coronavirus pandemic, Carpenter said. He said the fund will coordinate with both public and private sector to find jobs and fill them. This will be to pay wages for people performing essential tasks to help us get through COVID-19, he said. Workers can expect to be paid $12 an hour. Carpenter is encouraging small businesses hoping to take advantage of the short-term emergency loans and laid-off workers needing employment can find information at bhamstrong.com. He hopes to raise an additional $1.2 million for the fund from the private and philanthropic sector. Those interested in donating to the fund can do so at bhamstrong.com. Impact on Birminghams pockets If residents are feeling the economic squeeze, the city of Birmingham will feel it too. City officials expect to lose $9.2 million in revenue over the next 60 days due to these closures. More than 80 percent of the citys revenue comes from sales and business taxes, making city revenue especially vulnerable of a recession or other economic downturn. If people arent spending and making money, the citys wallet will feel it. The expected loss of revenue over the next 60 days also puts a strain on the city budget, which led the city council to pass a $4 million funding package Tuesday night to meet immediate needs of certain city departments during the coronavirus pandemic. This funding package includes: $50,000 for supplies for first responders $47,000 for supplies for police $450,000 for supplies for public works $2.6M in overtime for police and fire $880,000 for additional technology for city employees to work from home $1 million for the Birmingham Strong Fund to support small businesses The city council also plans to approve an additional $200,000 from the Office of Innovation and Economic Opportunity to be given to the Birmingham Strong Fund. I want to thank the council for working with me to secure the funds for the citys COVID-19 response. This is an important message to the people of Birmingham. Through this funding, we are committed to providing a full response to COVID-19 with our police, fire and public works. Also, we have taken the first important step to launch an economic stimulus plan for our small businesses struggling during this pandemic, Woodfin said Tuesday night. The city will use the general cash fund and investmenta fund where surplus revenue is heldto cover the cost of the $4 million funding package and the expected $9.2 million revenue loss. During Tuesdays city council meeting, Finance Director Lester Smith stressed that the $9.2 million figure is an estimate based on the percentage of revenue lost during the 2008 recession. During that time, the city suffered a loss of about 20 percent of city revenue from sales and business taxes. Just last week, the city council approved spending $7.9 million of the additional revenue collected during the 2019 fiscal year. Those funds include: Mr. Corbett said New Jersey Transit had experienced a dramatic 88 percent reduction in systemwide ridership since March 9. He said revenue had fallen in line with ridership and that the agency expected this precipitous drop to continue as fewer riders to buy monthly passes. New Jersey Transits schedule changes apply only to the agencys trains and affect all lines except for the Atlantic City Rail Line, and do not affect buses or light-rail systems. On weekdays, eight daily runs will be added to the usual weekend schedule on the Morris and Essex line between Dover and Hoboken. Service on the Gladstone branch will be unchanged. Three more correction officers test positive, officials say. The citys Department of Correction confirmed on Thursday that two correction officers and a captain had tested positive for the coronavirus. The announcement came a day after an inmate, a man in his 30s, at the Rikers Island jail complex tested positive, as did a correction officer who was assigned to a security checkpoint there. Eight other inmates who were in contact with the man and had shown symptoms of the virus have been placed in isolation at a Rikers hospital unit. The mayors office is trying to identify Rikers inmates who could be released early in hopes of stemming the viruss spread among the roughly 5,400 people in the citys custody. Mr. de Blasio said on Wednesday that inmates with underlying health conditions could be eligible. On Thursday, the mayor said that the city had identified 40 inmates who could be released, pending the approval of other criminal justice authorities. LIMERICK Labour Councillor Conor Sheehan has called for the council to establish a relief fund for small businesses forced to close due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Cllr Sheehan said: This two-week closure could put many of our small businesses across the city and county into financial difficulty and coronavirus will have a devastating impact on our local economy. We need to see leadership on this from the council as our local businesses are likely to face exceptional pressure on cash flow in the coming months. The fund could be established from the money collected from commercial rates and if the Council needs to pass an emergency budget, so be it, he continued. I would also call on the council to ask the government to temporarily reduce the VAT rate to try and ease the impact of coronavirus on business. There is an onus on councillors and council officials to support our small indigenous businesses as best we can during the coming months. The council is continuing to urge all citizens in Limerick to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. While our public offices may be closed, our staff are continuing to provide essential services to the people of Limerick while others are successfully working remotely from home, said CEO Pat Daly. The council is asking that the public make contact via 061 556000, customerservices@limerick.ie or through the online portal MyLimerick via Limerick.ie. Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kendall Jenner took a break from social distancing to take her purple 1960 Cadillac Eldorado convertible for a spin on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Society Management Model sported sweats as she drove around with her friend since 2016, Fai Khadra. The 28-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian is a sometime musician and older brother of DJ twins SIMIHAZE (Sama and Haya Abu Khadra). Vroom! KUWTK star Kendall Jenner took a break from social distancing to take her purple 1960 Cadillac Eldorado convertible for a spin on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles on Wednesday Getting out of the house: The 24-year-old Society Management Model sported sweats as she drove around with her friend since 2016, Fai Khadra (R) The Calabasas socialite wore her brunette locks in a messy half updo and she wore sunglasses over her make-up free complexion. More than anyone else in her famous family, Kendall has a thing for vintage rides and her purple convertible was marked 'historical vehicle' on the license plate. Jenner later picked up a second passenger, a dark-haired woman resembling her eldest half-sister Kourtney Kardashian. That same day, the Calvin Klein brand ambassador shared a backyard fireside snap of herself admiring the planet Saturn at dawn alongside gal pals Hannah Logan and Skye Savoy. Inseparable: The 28-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian is a sometime musician and older brother of DJ twins SIMIHAZE (Sama and Haya Abu Khadra) Fuss free: The Calabasas socialite wore her brunette locks in a messy half updo and she wore sunglasses over her make-up free complexion Retro: More than anyone else in her famous family, Kendall has a thing for vintage rides and her purple convertible was marked 'historical vehicle' on the license plate Could it be? Jenner later picked up a second passenger, a dark-haired woman resembling her eldest half-sister Kourtney Kardashian (R) The former Fyre Festival spokesmodel - who boasts 171.1M followers - also Instastoried a KUWTK meme of herself captioned 'did you wash your hands' which she wrote 'accurate' over. Last Thursday, Kendall got dragged by Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni after reposting infographics claiming 'the majority of coronavirus cases are mild' and 'the bulk of people recover.' The 32-year-old model-designer wrote: 'Please huge celebrities like @KendallJenner don't underestimate the problem and spread the wrong message, don't make the mistake we did too.' On Tuesday night, Chiara - who's quarantined with her family in Milan - went on to praise Jenner's half-sister Kim Kardashian West for her long post urging people to stay home. Star gazing: That same day, the Calvin Klein brand ambassador shared a backyard fireside snap of herself admiring the planet Saturn at dawn with gal pals Hannah Logan and Skye Savoy 'Accurate': The former Fyre Festival spokesmodel also Instastoried a KUWTK meme of herself captioned 'did you wash your hands' 'Don't underestimate the problem': Last Thursday, Kendall got dragged by Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni after reposting infographics claiming 'the majority of coronavirus cases are mild' and 'the bulk of people recover' 'Good job!' On Tuesday night, the 32-year-old model-designer - who's quarantined with her family in Milan - went on to praise Jenner's half-sister Kim Kardashian West for her long post urging people to stay home As of Wednesday, there have been 35,713 confirmed COVID-19 cases and an eye-popping 2,978 deaths in Italy from the global pandemic. By contrast, California has 751 confirmed cases and 13 deaths, but there have been 7,769 total confirmed cases in the United States (with 118 dead). Catch more of the nepotistically-privileged daughter of Caitlyn & Kris Jenner in the 18th season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which premieres March 26 on E! 'Don't make the mistake we did too!' As of Wednesday, there have been 35,713 confirmed COVID-19 cases and an eye-popping 2,978 deaths in Italy from the global pandemic (Italian patients pictured Tuesday) A terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport was sparse on March 7, 2020, amid growing concerns over the coronavirus. Plummeting air travel is one reason the outbreak is expected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. (Getty Images) The global struggle to slow the spread of the coronavirus has brought with it canceled flights, closed businesses and a quickly escalating economic slowdown that could be devastating to millions. It is also certain to shrink greenhouse gas emissions this year, according to climate scientists. But does that mean we are turning a corner in cutting planet-warming pollution? If history is any indication, no. The slide in emissions will be temporary, experts say. What's more, scientists and environmentalists worry the pandemic will at the same time undermine government and industry's resolve to cut emissions in the long term. Experts are predicting the health crisis will cause global emissions to drop for the first time since 2009, during the Great Recession. But a look back over the decades shows a steady rise in greenhouse gases punctuated by temporary dips caused by economic downturns, including the 2008 global financial crisis and the oil shocks of the 1970s. Pollution bounces back predictably once the economy starts improving again, with the resurgence in industrial activity, travel and consumption more than offsetting any short-lived benefits to the climate. "I wont be celebrating if emissions go down a percent or two because of the coronavirus," said Rob Jackson, an environmental scientist at Stanford University who chairs the Global Carbon Project. "We need sustained declines. Not an anomalous year below average." Global greenhouse gas emissions rose only slightly in 2019, Jackson said, so it wouldn't take a big economic shock to push them downward. NASA and European Space Agency satellites have detected big drops in air pollution concentrations in China and Italy as millions went under lockdown or quarantine to slow the virus. At the same time, there are already some indications industry and regulators want to put the brakes on climate action. Airlines that only months ago were touting efforts to go carbon-neutral to address their rapidly rising emissions are now hit so hard by the slowdown they are warning they will run out of cash without billions in government aid. In Europe, now the epicenter of the pandemic, some airline companies have pushed regulators to delay emissions-cutting policies on account of the coronavirus. The Czech Republic's prime minister urged the European Union to abandon a landmark law seeking net zero carbon emissions to focus instead on battling the outbreak. Story continues "Im concerned about a sustained downturn in the economy and the narrative that we no longer have the luxury of addressing emissions," Jackson said. "That would be devastating. Los Angeles and Long Beach officials, meanwhile, cited the virus-related hit to cargo volumes at the nations largest seaport as one reason for voting to approve only a modest clean-air fee on shipping containers earlier this month. Air quality officials said the $20-per-container fee is too low to make adequate progress cutting greenhouse gas emissions from thousands of diesel trucks that move goods through a complex that comprises Southern Californias largest single source of air pollution. Alex Comisar, a spokesman for L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, said the city-owned port is "not backing down on our environmental goals." "Tariffs have a very real impact on our port, and COVID-19 does add another level of uncertainty that we are already beginning to feel," Comisar said, adding that officials will revisit the fee annually "to closely monitor its economic and environmental impacts, and ensure no ground is lost in the fight against climate change." Some environmentalists are optimistic that social distancing measures being adopted to slow the coronavirus, including a sudden shift to working from home and drastic reductions in air travel, could permanently change people's attitudes about the transformations needed to slow climate change. Well before the virus emerged, there was a growing "fight-shaming" movement and a trend among environmentalists and scientists to reduce their carbon footprint by forgoing travel in favor of virtual meetings and videoconferencing. Martha Dina Arguello, executive director of the environmental health and justice group Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles, said the coronavirus accelerated discussions she and her staff were already having about cutting back on travel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On Thursday, the group's 11 staff members began working remotely, quickly shifting to Zoom and other online meeting and communications platforms. "Im a boomer and Im learning how to use Slack," she said. "We will learn that some habits we can change. But I worry that while my individual footprint is one thing, the practices of the oil industry are another. Will they get out of the way of us doing better climate policies?" "If our national response is to worry more about the economic impacts and buttress the stock market and industry, then it doesnt bode well," she added. There is precedent for environmental concerns being pushed aside during times of crisis, only to be followed by a resurgence in pollution as the economy recovers, as was the case after the 2008 global financial crisis. "After a decrease, you saw carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel and cement bounce back in a major, major way in 2010," said Kelly Levin, a senior associate in the climate program at the World Resources Institute, who worries about the world following a similar trajectory as leaders take urgent, short-term measures to stimulate the economy. "I think theres a huge risk that we could boost activity in traditionally heavy industries," Levin said, though it doesn't have to be that way. "We know that economic interventions, even short-term ones, that are low-carbon can create more jobs and higher productivity. And thats certainly what were going to need." Economic downturns sometimes push in both directions simultaneously, with businesses and governments responding with some economy-boosting measures that hurt the environment and others that promote conservation. That's what happened with the oil crises of the 1970s. "It drove everything from fuel efficiency gains to Alaskan oil production. It transformed our economy," Jackson said. "But the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and '90s and the housing crisis of 2008 pushed us the other way. Housing and banks were in trouble. So companies spent less on the environment. The world's inability to coordinate a response to the coronavirus pandemic also draws clear parallels with international efforts that have repeatedly failed to respond to climate science showing irreversible impacts if global average temperatures rise more than 2 degrees Celsius. The setbacks have grown considerably in recent years as President Trump and other world leaders abandon emissions reduction pledges in favor of fossil fuel-friendly policies. "It may provide an object lesson in what happens when you don't cooperate with other countries," climate activist and 350.org founder Bill McKibben said of the coronavirus, in an email. "A wall can't keep out the COVID microbe, any more than it can knock down a CO2 molecule." Climate change, after all, will continue to threaten to humanity long after COVID-19 fades. A 2018 climate assessment by federal agencies found that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb, economic losses will be in the hundreds of billions annually in some sectors by the end of the century. The report also projects 9,000 Americans will die early each year by centurys end due to extreme heat from climate change if emissions continue to rise. It will be much worse in poor countries. Researchers predict that India could see more than 1 million heat-related deaths a year by 2100 if temperatures rise 4 degrees Celsius. It would be unfortunate if we retreated from climate action for something that may be as short term as the coronavirus," Jackson said. "There will be another coronavirus, there will be another recession, but climate change motors on. We have to deal with it through the ups and downs of the global economy. We have no choice." ALBANY The calls for help from nurses began escalating on March 5, two days before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo would declare a state of emergency as a cluster of people contaminated with COVID-19 emerged in New Rochelle. The downstate city near the Connecticut border would quickly become the state's hardest-hit area. Public health nurses assigned to hospitals and other medical facilities were informed they were urgently needed in Westchester County. Drop everything, they were told, and pack your bag. They were dispatched to a state Health Department command post in New Rochelle, where their principal mission was visiting households to take nasal and throat swabs from those afflicted with symptoms and others suspected of having contact with an infected person. This is an account of one nurse's experience over the past two weeks on that front line. Her name is being withheld, in part, because of concern that she and her family would be ostracized by some who might consider her at risk of having been infected, despite the extraordinary precautions the nurses in the center of that hot zone have taken. Before she traveled to Westchester County, her personal physician had expressed dismay at her decision to volunteer for the duty, she said, but she recited the words of Irish philosopher Edmund Burke: "Evil flourishes when good men do nothing," she told him. "I had to respond." At the command post, the nurses initially underwent a grueling crash course on the proper use of the protective gear and filling out an eight-page questionnaire detailing any health issues, including asthma, that might make them unsuitable for the work or donning the Hepa N95 respirator masks that would prevent them from inhaling any contaminated airborne droplets. On the first day, the process, including being properly fitted for the masks, took more than six hours; by the second day it had been tightened to 45 minutes. Previously: Rensselaer County investigates La Salle student with coronavirus Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage The people driving the nurses included Health Department investigators, emergency medical technicians and state transportation workers. In the initial stages, the testing became difficult. Some residents would not answer the knock of nurses covered in protective gear visits that, in some instances, came after midnight. In at least one instance a woman whose husband was very sick became suspicious and demanded to see identification, which would require the nurse to reach inside her gown and pull it out. She would not let the woman hold it, she said, fearful the ID badge would become contaminated. Another family opened their door but could speak only Spanish, making communication difficult. Some of the nurses would not get back to their hotel within walking distance of the command post until nearly 4 a.m. Despite the fluid situation, the processes were quickly tightened up: Residents would be called before the nurse came so that they would be certain to open the door. Inside each home, the situation would be a mix of seriousness and emotion. Children watched uncertainly as nurses dressed in spacesuit-like outfits dabbed swabs into the noses and throats of their parents, some of them extremely ill. The symptoms coughing, sore throats, high fever and, especially, difficulty breathing appeared more serious than the regular flu. Early rumors flowing through social media sites described shortages of protective gear or drivers not being protected. But the nurse said that information was inaccurate and they were fully stocked and prepared. She said the nurses and drivers also were provided with extra gowns, gloves and face-masks, in case their original outfit had an equipment failure. "At all times after that we had the correct equipment to protect us," she said. "The eye masks they gave us had another pull-down mask. We had double mask protection. We also got red (disposal) bags for biohazardous waste, anti-bacterial wipes for vehicles; we got alcohol-based handwash." One of the testing calls was to the residence of a man who had visited a sick person in a hospital and wore only a surgical mask because he didn't know at that time the hospitalized person was suffering from COVID-19. "It was actually the wrong mask for the coronavirus," the nurse said, "so he had close, extended contact with the patient in that hospital." When the swabs are taken from patients inside their residence, they are placed in a sealed envelope that's then placed inside another box that's placed inside a cooler-like container. Those samples are then driven by troopers and other state workers to the Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany, where more than 22,000 had been processed as of Thursday. People who test positive are informed of the results over the telephone. Initially, the nurse's biohazard suits, which they remove at each residence and place in a red biohazard bag, were being left on people's front lawns or placed in trash receptacles outside the home. Now, many are being instructed to leave the red bags inside the residence, since there would be no additional risk if anyone in the home tests positive for the virus. The teams also were concerned that families would face stigma from their neighbors if the bags were visible "like a scarlet letter," one driver said. One of the most frightening situations unfolding involves people who are asymptomatic in some cases showing no signs of illness, or only symptoms mirroring a mild cold and going on with regular activity: visiting friends, shopping and, sometimes, even going to work at their jobs in health care. "I've seen everything, but this coronavirus screening became one of the most stressful things Ive ever done as a nurse because everybody was still just going about daily lives," she said. "We came across very few exposed people who were not self-quarantining. But when they were exposed they did not know. ... They were part of the spread of the virus, and they never knew it." The nurse, who has worked in various health care facilities including New York City hospitals, said the governor should be commended for the swift action he took earlier this month. "My thought is theres this coronavirus where everyone is being asked by the governor, rightfully so, to stay home and here I am on the front line seeing all of these individuals, prior to any of these safeguards being put into place because nobody knew," she said. "The governor didnt know, the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) didnt know, and the president didnt know how particularly virulent this particular virus would be. Theres nobody to blame. They did what they could as soon as they understood how quickly this could spread." Many of the state's public health nurses, who are in some instances paid less than half of what is being paid to retired nurses who are being called into duty as private contractors, are working shifts that can begin at 7 a.m. and end around midnight. But the toll of the virus on families is palpable even from inside the protective suits. "It's really bad," the nurse said. "There was one young woman that we went to see, she was having such difficulty breathing that a family member brought her to the emergency room and the emergency room had to send her home," the nurse said. "We were able to screen that young woman ... and we could hear it, it was audible. They sent her home with antibiotics and we screened her entire family, which was five people." In one neighborhood, a response team was threatened by a crowd yelling at them to leave, apparently out of fear the people in the protective suits were spreading the contamination. State troopers have since saturated Westchester County and are escorting the two- and three-person teams when needed, the nurse said. She reiterated that in her decades of work as a nurse, she has never seen anything like it. "Every one of them said they're afraid," she said, "and I would state to everyone I went to visit, 'We will get through this together.' " The nurse is scheduled to return to New Rochelle next week. Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2020) - BluMetric Environmental Inc., (TSXV: BLM) ("BluMetric" or the "Corporation") announced today that due to the evolving concerns associated with the coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, BluMetric has organized a conference call (details below) whereby shareholders and interested stakeholders can listen to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for March 25, 2020 at 1 pm. This not a virtual meeting and as such shareholders cannot vote as part of the conference call. BluMetric is urging its shareholders and interested stakeholders to remain at home and not attend the Annual Meeting in person, and for shareholders to instead vote their proxies in advance of the Annual Meeting in order to mitigate risks to the health and safety of the community, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders given the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. The deadline to vote your proxy in advance of the meeting is Monday, March 23, 2020 at 1:00 pm (please see Advance Proxy Voting Instructions below for details). Additionally, the Corporation has filed an Amended Notice of Annual Meeting on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The notice was filed to give notice that the venue for the Annual Meeting will now be TownePlace Suites by Marriott, located at 1251 Maritime Way, Kanata, ON (approximately 2.4 km from the original Annual Meeting location which has been temporarily closed). The Corporation notes that there is no guarantee the new location will remain open as of March 25, 2020. BluMetric will send out a further press release should any additional information or changes be required. Advance Proxy Voting Instructions: Shareholders (registered and non-registered) are reminded that there are a number of voting methods available to them in advance of the meeting as outlined in the "Voting Instructions" section of BluMetric's management proxy circular dated February 21, 2020. For advance voting, registered shareholders can: Submit a proxy over the internet at www.voteproxyonline.com; Submit a proxy by facsimile (1-866-249-7775); or Mail or deliver a completed, dated and signed form of proxy to Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the Corporation's transfer agent). Conference Call Details: Shareholders may use the following information to listen to the Annual Meeting via conference call. Callers will be asked for their name upon dialing into the conference call and to identify whether they are a shareholder. Dial-In Numbers: Toll-Free: 1-866-830-9436 Access Code: 5595896 BluMetric apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. For further information, please contact: Scott MacFabe, CEO BluMetric Environmental Inc. Tel: 613.839.3053 Email: smacfabe@blumetric.ca Vivian Karaiskos, CFO BluMetric Environmental Inc. Tel: 613.839.3053 Email: vkaraiskos@blumetric.ca Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release, including those relating to the Company's quarterly and annual results, future products, opportunities and cost initiatives, strategies, and other statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53631 Dhinesh Kallungal By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Life has been going on smoothly for Akin Raj Antony in the UAE before his private money exchange firm started facing financial issues suddenly. Adding to it, the Arab nation started reporting Covid-19 cases. Akin and his colleagues, who dealt mostly with expatriates daily, started feeling the heat. And the 38-year-old returned to Kerala on March 6. But he encountered an even worse situation in his native Aranattukara in Thrissur. Most people in his neighbourhood, some relatives and friends even, seemed to keep him at arms length despite him telling them that he had no health issues. Things took a turn for the worse last Sunday when a police jeep stopped in front of his house. The officers had come chasing a group of ganja sellers, but people of his native started spreading stories that Akin has Covid-19. His mother too was stopped on her way back from church and asked about Akins condition. Akins is not an isolated case. Many of the Gulf-returnees are being ostracised by society. Unnikrishnan V, who recently came from Qatar, found it so disappointing that he asked his friends and colleagues in Doha to avoid visiting the state now. Theres a trust deficit, he said. Experts feel societys behaviour could become worse if the number of infected people based abroad goes up and they all return to the state. The state is already chalking out a plan to convert vacant buildings and unused facilities into mass isolation wards, but they need to be equipped well and self-sufficient as the patients are sure to face publics apathy. States Nodal Officer for Public Health Emergencies (Corona & H1N1) Dr Amar Fettle told TNIE that the district collectors have been told to ensure proper power connection at all these facilities and keep water and essential items ready. In Thriuvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts, the authorities are looking for spaces close to the airports so that the infected could be moved in there without much delay. MCH uses HIV medicines to treat UK national Kochi: Doctors at Ernakulam Medical College Hospital (MCH), Kalamassery, have started using HIV medicines like Ritonavir and lopinavir in treating Covid-19 since Wednesday. The medicines were given to UK national who was admitted to the hospitals isolation ward on Sunday. The two antiretroviral medicines were used in Jaipur for the first time in the country, said Dr Thomas Mathew, principal of the MCH who is heading the team treating the patient. Mohanan Vaidyar held for fake cure claim Thrissur: A team of health officials raided the natural healing centre at Pattikkad on Wednesday, following a social media post that self-styled medical practitioner Mohanan Vaidyar will consult people and provide remedies for Covid-19. Vaidyar was arrested for spreading false information. The U.S. Department of State recently announced to slash the staff size of five Chinese media outlets in the United States, which is expulsion in all but name. Obviously, the impact of such practice is not limited in the media industry, and is bound to create negative influence and new uncertainties for the relationship between the two countries. The evil intention of the U.S. is clearly presented in its practice, and its easy to tell rights and wrongs. The unreasonable decision of the U.S. runs counter to established international rules, and only reveals the hypocrisy and hegemony of the U.S. administration. Chinese journalists stationed in the U.S. have been strictly abiding by U.S. laws and regulations and carrying out news reporting under the principle of objectivity, fairness, truthfulness and accuracy. Its not the first day for the White House to deal with China, and it knows well how the Chinese work. However, it is still draining its brain to label China. What the U.S. has done has severely violated the normal and legal rights and interests of Chinese journalists carrying out news covers overseas, and damaged the reputation of the Chinese media and journalists. The expulsion was no incident. China-U.S. relations have been generally moving forward over the past 40 years, from limited exchanges at the beginning to the current deep integration in multiple areas. Unfortunately, when a grand mansion of bilateral relations has been built, certain Americans are showing ill mentalities and shifting their efforts to demolishing it. The U.S. is now politicalizing almost everything, and even the normal exchanges in the cultural sector between China and the U.S. are considered a threat by the White House which perfectly explains such ill mentalities. While beating their brains out to contain China-U.S. exchanges, these Americans are acting innocent and posing as victims. For instance, the U.S. is doing everything to cook up the so-called threat of the Chinese media, as if the only super power in the world was fragile theres just too much acting. The attacks on Chinese media are totally groundless, and the expulsion of Chinese journalists is nothing but political oppression. A major reason for the rising disputes and contradictions over China-U.S. relations is the growing Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices of certain Americans. By exaggerating media competition, the U.S. is indeed inciting a competition between American and Chinese modes. It once again used the so-called reciprocity to make its practice sound fairer, but what causes the alienation of the China-U.S. relations is the non- reciprocity in how the two countries view other side development. China has always advocated to develop its relations with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect and shelving differences while seeking common ground, and has never imposed any so-called threat for the survival of the U.S. However, when it turns to the U.S., Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices are always unavoidable, which propels certain Americans to change China. They fan up so-called Chinese challenges and Chinese threats, because they are afraid of their own shadows. Such ill mentalities to create contradictions will only lead to troubles, which not only hurts the interests of both countries, but also threatens the common interests of the world. At present, to effectively manage differences, China and U.S. shall maintain unimpeded communication as much as possible, rather than blocking existing channels and politically burdening their bilateral relations. The U.S. should correct its mistake of expulsing Chinese journalists, and make a responsible choice to ensure the general stability of China-U.S. relations. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy.) The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday, said the delay in the implementation of flight restrictions is to enable airlines put safety measures in place. According to him, 24 hours notice to all airlines is necessary to ensure they know when to position their flights, for safety and security reasons. There is what is called NOTAM Notice To All Airmen. If you want to issue a kind of restrictions like this you give notice more than 24 hours to all airmen so that they will know when to position their flights and for safety and security reasons. For instance if an aircraft has taken off now you cannot ask it to go back mid air, Mr Mohammed said at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting. The meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. Flight restrictions The federal government on Wednesday announced the restrictions of entry into the country for travellers from 13 high-risk Covid-19 countries. The countries are China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, United States of America, Norway, United Kingdom, Netherlands & Switzerland. However, the flight restrictions are only to commence on Saturday, March 21. Each of the countries has over 1,000 cases of the disease, according to the Presidential Task Force on COVID19 which released a statement Wednesday morning. The 12-member committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. The travel restriction is believed to have been made after the government confirmed five new cases of the disease, all in travellers from the UK and the U.S. This brings to eight the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, although one of the earlier three has fully recovered. Restrictions on religious gathering Mr. Mohammed said the presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 will make necessary announcements regarding social distancing at the right time. As it is necessary announcement will be made regarding social distancing, personal hygiene as at when due. But the message is that Nigerians should take ownership of this pandemic and we should self-regulate. A lot of decisions have been taken by other countries which shows that when there is national interest and the safety of people, all other matters pale to insignificance. But we will let you know when such decision will be taken, he said. As many as 100 students who were quarantined in Hyderabad on their arrival from abroad, staged a protest on Thursday against the authorities over lack of facilities. The students quarantined in different government hostels said they are not being provided with adequate water and food. "Around 100 students who had arrived from different countries yesterday to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad were quarantined in government hostels. The authorities didn't even provide us adequate water and food. In all the hostels' basic facilities are missing," said Sai, a student from the UK told ANI. The students present in the protests demanded the authorities to send them back to their homes as they are not experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19. "A few also left from the hostels. Today We have staged a protest and demand to send us to our residences as no one from us is having COVID-19 symptoms," Sai added. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrashekar Rao said people coming from abroad will be home quarantined. Seven more people were tested positive for Covid-19 in Telangana on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 13. All seven people are Indonesian nationals, who had previously travelled from New Delhi to Ramagundem in Telangana. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country reached 169. No fatality has been reported in the last 24 hours in the country. Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tomorrow marks the earliest Spring equinox in more than a century and three planets are combining with our moon to put on a spectacular celestial show. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and a crescent moon will appear very close to each other in the southeastern sky to mark the earliest March equinox in 124 years and is expected to happen at 03:49 GMT (11:49 pm EDT). Mercury will peek above the horizon but it will be very close to the Sun and hard to see. As the month progresses, the planets will continue to come closer together. Scroll down for video Pictured, the night sky as it was seen last night over the sky of Rome. The three planets can be seen around the moon. A similar appearance is expected for tonight in the northern hemisphere The Latin word equinox translates to 'equal night'. There will be exactly 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness everywhere in the world following tonight's equinox Royal Observatory astronomer Dr Ed Bloomer said: 'This year, the northern hemisphere will mark its spring equinox on March 20, at about 3.50am. 'The upcoming equinox marks the start of astronomical spring, and historically keeping an eye on the motions of celestial objects was important for timekeeping. 'In turn, accurate astronomy was vital for farmers, seafarers, religious observations, and indeed anyone who wanted to keep track of things.' Gianluca Masi managed to capture the group from his balcony in Rome while the country is in lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the Virtual telescope Project, he regularly tracks the night sky for celestial events. He writes: 'As you can see, the Waning Moon was showing a beautiful Earthshine, while the three planets were brightly visible: Jupiter showed its four Galilean Moons.' Astronomical spring is different from meteorological spring, which commenced on March 1. The Latin word equinox translates to 'equal night'. Dr Bloomer told PA: 'Equinoxes are commonly thought to mark when the daytime and nighttime periods are the exact same length. 'Unfortunately, that's not actually true, but as a general rule we'll soon begin to notice that the days are longer and the nights are shorter as we head towards the summer months.' Celebrations to mark the spring equinox at Stonehenge have been cancelled by English Heritage, following Government advice on preventing the spread of coronavirus WHAT IS THE SPRING EQUINOX? The spring equinox is formally known as the vernal equinox. It marks the beginning of spring, as told by astronomical movements. The date varies slightly but usually occurs on or around March 20 for the northern hemisphere and around September 22 in the southern hemisphere. The word equinox itself comes from the Latin word aequinoctium'. The equinox marks when the amount of day and night is the same in a day, or equal, hence the name. Advertisement While the precise moment of the upcoming equinox will occur when the Sun is below the horizon in the UK, Dr Bloomer said there are other events skygazers can look forward to in the evening. Dr Bloomer said: 'Venus is clearly visible towards the west it will look like a really bright star and as the Sun sets, the bright star Sirius is almost exactly due south. 'Close by, take the opportunity to have a look at the constellation Orion: as we move through astronomical spring, we'll soon get to the point when it won't be up during the night.' Meanwhile, celebrations to mark the spring equinox at Stonehenge have been cancelled by English Heritage, which manages the site, following Government advice on preventing the spread of coronavirus. The master of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) confirmed a case of Covid-19 in a woman who delivered her child there. Prof Shane Higgins, who is master of the NMH on its current location at Holles Street in Dublin city centre, said, however, that the woman had very mild symptoms and both the mother and baby are healthy and have returned home. "It was a patient that has already gone home with her baby and she was relatively asymptomatic and had a temperature, and was cared for in the hospital, and by the staff the midwives and doctors had come home with their baby," he said. "The mother was was relatively well all through her illness and I think that's one of the features that we're seeing to date with pregnant patients - the majority have very mild illnesses. Mr Higgins said Covid-19 does not increase the risk of miscarriage but may increase the rate of pre-term births. There will be incidents of pregnant women having detrimental cases of Covid-19, but these more worrying cases will be in women with comorbidities - preexisting conditions, he said. Asked by Sean O'Rourke if there is a risk associated with Covid-19 in pregnancy he said: "Pregnancy per se, no. Or at least that's our understanding to date. "But there will be groups of pregnant women - those with comorbidities, heart disease, immunosuppressed patients, patients who might be on medications and make them immunocompromised - those patients would appear to be at a higher risk, but we don't believe as yet that pregnancy itself increases the risk of contracting the illness, or in fact, increasing our worsening the course of the ilness. "The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines would suggest that there's no increased risk of miscarriage, but that the rate of preterm birth might be increased in light of a pyrexial illness "So that's the concern is that women might deliver early but the patient that delivered here the other night was at full term." Mr Higgins said that in an instance that a mother test positive for the coronavirus, it will not necessarily affect the health of her child, but the baby would be tested before being sent home. In order to limit the chances of the virus spreading in the hospital, he also outlined how visitation limitations will be put in place. "What we've asked is if patients are coming to a scheduled visit in the hospital, and it may go that there's an ultrasound scan or something else that they come along - they don't bring their partners. "If we're doing scans on patients we're offering them the opportunity to FaceTime so that the partner who's outside of the hospital or at home can actually view the scan. "If somebody is coming in in labor or is coming in for serious cesarean section, we're allowing them to bring the birth partner with them. "But once the patient has delivered, we're not allowing any postnatal visits from any member of staff or any member of the family, including the birth partner. And if a baby is in the natal unit in our hospital we're asking that only the mother visits the baby." Over 3,000 medical workers dispatched from various Chinese provinces to central Chinas Hubei province, epicenter of the novel coronavirus epidemic, began leaving for home in batches on March 17, the WeChat account of China News Service reported. These medical workers, who belong to more than 40 medical teams, received the highest honors as they made their way to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, with police cars clearing the way and police officers lining up to salute them. Since the onset of the epidemic, medical workers from all over China have rushed to Hubei province to help with the fight against the novel coronavirus there. Now that the epidemic in Wuhan and Hubei is being brought under control, and the number of confirmed cases has plummeted, it is time for these medical workers to bid farewell to the province. At around 10 a.m., the medical team from south Chinas Hainan province arrived at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, where local volunteers had gathered to thank them and see them off. Holding banners with slogans such as You are the loveliest people of the new era and People in Wuhan will always remember you, volunteers lined up outside the airports departure lounge and waved goodbye to each of the medical teams that was about to leave. The medical teams also warmly responded to the cheers from the crowds along the road. Some of the members of the Hainan medical team sang a Hainan folk song that they had sung with their patients in the temporary hospital. Team member Wang Xuelian was one of the many medical workers deeply moved by the scene, as it brought back memories of an extremely difficult but touching experience on Feb.4 at the Fangcang temporary hospital in Wuhans Jianghan district. One day, Wangs protective suit was punctured as she was drawing blood from a patient. The patient immediately told her to stay away to avoid infection, and sought help for her, according to Wang. The local people were very grateful and kind, and gave a great deal of encouragement and support to her and her colleagues, Wang said. Coming from Hainan province, the team members were used to warm weather, and found the cold and humidity of Wuhan difficult to bear. To help them deal with the freezing temperatures, local workers provided them with warmer clothes, such as down apparel. For Wang, the joint efforts with the local people in fighting the epidemic has been unforgettable, as she experienced a whole range of emotions the difficulties upon arrival, the happiness of seeing their patients recover, as well as the pride and excitement they felt when the temporary hospital closed. She also became friends with more than 20 patients. Weve agreed to meet again next year, Wang said. Medical workers from other provinces who helped fight the disease in Hubei were equally emotional as they prepared to leave. Ive been here for 52 days. Though I feel homesick, I feel reluctant to leave now, said Liu Rui, a nurse at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, who cried uncontrollably as she prepared to go back to Tianjin on March 17. I have a strong sentimental attachment to the city and the people, she said, adding that she hopes the city will return to normal soon and that she will come back to see its beautiful cherry blossom next year. The third batch of medical teams from Guizhou province will board the train home on the same afternoon. Before leaving, 60-year-old team leader, Deng Jin, voiced his hope of coming back in the future with his family. The team had rescued over 80 novel coronavirus pneumonia patients at the Fangcang temporary hospital in the Wuhan Sports Center over the past month. CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Boeing Co. (BA) said on Thursday said that Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, has resigned from the board due to her disagreement with the company's request for a government bailout. Early this week, the aerospace company asked the federal government's support of 'a minimum of $60 billion' in government aid to help the industry weather the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. In a statement, Boeing said it was seeking access to public and private liquidity as well as loan guarantees for the aerospace manufacturing industry. Without providing details of a bailout package, President Donald Trump said, 'Boeing got hit hard in many different ways......we'll be helping Boeing.' Boeing welcomed the support of the President and the Administration for the 2.5 million jobs and 17,000 suppliers. Funds would support the health of the broader aviation industry, because much of any liquidity support to the company will be used for payments to suppliers to maintain the health of the supply chain, Boeing said in a statement. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Cloud Rendering Service of iRender was launched on iblender.net to be compatible for blender artist. The site ensures safety when passing through 70 leading antivirus tools in the world HANOI, VIETNAM / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / For the blender artist, creating a 3D product will take a massive amount of time. While rendering, the graphics software will exploit the full power of the resources, the performance of the central processor (CPU), or specialized processor (GPU). Computers can be overloaded if they have to render too complicated parts (too many objects, unreasonable setting indicators, generate too many interactive effects on the structure of materials between objects, ..). Cloud Rendering is a cloud-based technology that is virtualized with the core power of Render Farm, connecting thousands of powerful computers to create a supercomputer with extreme performance. The Cloud Rendering solution is capable of rendering with high performance and in much less time than conventional PCs. Through the application, users can easily handle files that need to be rendered with drag and drop. The software displays very intuitive features for the user. All operations are processed right at their computers without having to remote into other machines to handle them. iRender helps keep track of the render progress with a lot of unique features: Estimating renders time, controlling each given frame, sending report emails when the render is completed. When the deadline is close, people will find it extremely useful to render at the same time. Users can put all the files they need to render into the IRender software and enjoy how it feels to save time simultaneously. iRender has a "unique" feature that is viewing the rendering results before completion. This feature helps you easily visualize how the final product is like. This is an excellent experience for professional 3D creators. Besides, iRender uses the AES data encryption standard recognized by the US government as the current encryption standard. iRender also uses SSL - the world's standard file transfer encryption protocol, so all design files are secure. Story continues There are many other great features from Iblender. If those who are a blender artist or a film editing studio, Cloud Rendering is a reliable option to consider. Now, the company is offering users a $100 free trial immediately for signing up. Click here About the company iRender is a software company based in Vietnam. It is a pioneer in growing cloud rendering solutions. The company is paying particular attention to supporting features for the blender community on platform iBlender.net. They possess a lot of advantages in the cloud computing race. Cloud Rendering solution will automatically calculate and expand machine resources in case the project is too large, and there is no chance for interruption because of a power failure or rendering errors. Contact Info: Name: Dane Email: Send Email Organization: iRender Address: 22 Thanh Cong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Phone: +(84)962-868-890 Website: https://iblender.net/ SOURCE: iRender View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581295/iRender-Introduced-Cloud-Rendering-With-Many-Awesome-Features Karnataka to undertake Triaging: What does it mean and how do you pronounce it Delhi to ease restrictions, if Covid cases come down in next 2-3 days: Health Minister Lata Mangeshkar health update: Doctor says,'She in ICU with Covid-19 and pneumonia, will be under observation' Coronavirus: No foreign flights in India for a week, work-from-home for private sector India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 19: The government banned on Thursday all international flight would be allowed to land in the country from March 22 to 29 and instructed states to enforce work-from-home protocol for all private sector employees, except essential services, in an effort to contain coronavirus. India's decision to stop international flights and isolate itself from overseas visitors follows similar decision taken by governments in Australia and New Zealand to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus. The government had earlier already banned flights from several high-risk nations, including from the European Union, till March 31. Covid-19, which has infected over 2 lakh people across the globe and led to deaths of over 9,000, has been declared a pandemic by the WHO. Finance Minister to lead task force to tackle coronavirus impact: PM Modi The decision to ban all flights was announced soon after the health ministry reported that a patient died of the virus in Punjab on Thursday, making it the fourth death in the country. The total number of cases reported so far is 173. According to sources, the total flight ban was suggested to the government by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Among the other containment measures announced by the government is an advisory to all citizens above 65 and children below 10 years of age to remain at home. The central government has also instituted a work from home policy for its employees. According to an order issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on Thursday, heads of department (HoDs) have been asked to ensure that 50% of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50% staff should be instructed to work from home. This is the shocking moment a man is ejected from his vehicle during a police chase in California but gets up and runs away seemingly unscathed. A surveillance camera from an auto body shop located in Rancho Cucamonga recorded the black hatchback speeding over a sidewalk before it tilted on its side. The vehicle skids a couple of yards ahead before it flipped over a couple of times. Surveillance video from a California car mechanic shop recorded Sunday morning captured the crash The vehicle flipped over several times after speeding over a sidewalk and ejecting the driver Amazingly, the driver was tossed from the car moments before the vehicle landed on its roof. The shocked man was lying on a patch of dirt and rose to his feet. He then ran from the crash site and clumsily fell on the pavement of an adjacent parking lot. The driver somehow managed to get on his feet and run away from the accident site seconds after he crashed his car during a police chase He proceed by getting right up and run down the street before disappearing from the camera. It is unknown if the individual was arrested. DailyMail.com reached out to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department for comment. [March 19, 2020] The Channel Company Presents StorageCraft with XCellence Award at 2020 XChange March Conference StorageCraft, whose mission is to protect all data and ensure its constant availability, announced today that it was honored with the 2020 XCellence Award for Boardroom Execution at this year's XChange conference, hosted by The Channel Company at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005124/en/ Leading solution providers attending the XChange conference selected StorageCraft for this award in appreciation of its innovative products, services and partner programs. This award recognizes StorageCraft's dedication to helping solution providers future-proof their business. At its boardroom sessions, StorageCraft presented on how to win the fight against ransomware. According to the FBI, businesses and individuals lost $3.5 billion to ransomware and other cybercrimes in 20191 - and that's based on reported incidents, meaning the actual number could be much higher. The StorageCraft recovery story resonated with solution providers at XChange because they see recovery as the highest priority within the data protection category. StorageCraft products provide multiple means for recovery from ransomware and other disasters. In particular, StorageCraft ShadowXafe data protection software features StorageCraft VirtualBoot technology-VirtualBoot enables users to perform recoveries onto a virtual platform in milliseconds. ShadowXafe also integrates with StorageCraft Cloud Services, a cloud purpose-built for disaster recovery. Solution providers can replicate backups to StorageCraft Cloud Services, away from encrypting malware, and they can quickly recover data, systems, and even entire networks when a disaster strikes. VirtualBoot is also available with StorageCraft OneXafe, a converged data platform that unifies data protection and scale-out storage. OneXafe also protects data from ransomware with its continuous data protection (CDP) feature: immutable, space-optimized snapshots of data taken every 90 seconds that allow for rapid recovery of lost or damaged fies. New to StorageCraft's line-up, the OneXafe Solo 300 plug-and-play appliance generated significant excitement during XChange boardroom sessions. This appliance streams data directly to StorageCraft Cloud Services to provide business continuity to solution providers' smaller clients with simpler IT environments. The Channel Company's XChange March conference, held this year in San Antonio, Texas, from March 1-3, provided attendees with empowering insight, actionable business strategies and unmatched peer connections. Attendees learn from industry leaders, who present the latest technologies, programs and business models that are enabling solution providers to realize lasting success. Supporting Quotes Shridar Subramanian, CMO at StorageCraft "We're thrilled and honored to be recognized with an XChange XCellence award. Solution providers, who saw at least 20 other vendors tell their stories during boardroom presentations, evaluated all the presentations and chose StorageCraft. Clearly, our message resonated. Kudos to our expert presenters who were in tight alignment and demonstrated stellar teamwork to make XChange was a great event!" Bill Jones, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Events, The Channel Company "XChange draws the IT channel's elite technology vendors-vendors that are devoted to providing forward-thinking technology solutions and business strategies to help solution providers be the most profitable today and in the future. Through their products, programs and services, these vendors have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping solution providers capitalize on market trends and the ever-changing needs of their customers to achieve lasting success. We congratulate StorageCraft and thank all the recipients of 2020 XCellence Awards for their valuable contributions to today's digitally driven channel." To view the full list of 2020 XChange XCellence Award winners, visit https://event.thechannelco.com/xchange-march/awards Follow StorageCraft on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Read the latest data backup and recovery thought leadership articles at the StorageCraft Blog. About StorageCraft Organizations keep their critical information always safe, accessible, and optimized with StorageCraft's data protection, data management and business continuity solutions. StorageCraft's powerful data protection offerings deliver instant, reliable, and complete data recovery and eliminate downtime. Our innovative converged primary and secondary scale-out storage platform, with integrated data protection, solves data growth challenges, is efficient and easy to use for on-premises, cloud-based or hybrid deployments. For more information, visit storagecraft.com. StorageCraft, OneXafe, ShadowXafe, OneSystem and ShadowProtect are trademarks of StorageCraft Technology Corp. Other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright 2020 StorageCraft Technology Corp. All rights reserved. 1 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center's 2019 Internet Crime Report: https://pdf.ic3.gov/2019_IC3Report.pdf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005124/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Nick Klenchik and Karina Wagner had been planning their wedding in Belize during a Caribbean cruise for a year. When the cruise was canceled due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, they had one day to put a new one together. The Central New York couple spent their wedding with around 20 friends and family members at 520 On The Water, a lakeside wedding venue in Sanford, central Florida on Wednesday. We really just wanted to be married, said Wagner. And we were going to find a way to do that. Nick Klenchik and Karina Wagner shifted their wedding plans after their cruise to Belize was canceled due to the coronavirus. Wagner and Klenchik left for Florida from Syracuse on Tuesday of last week. The virus grew more concerning as the week continued, they said, but they held out hope that nothing would get canceled. In the last week, President Trump declared a national emergency due to the virus, the U.S.-Canada border closed to non-essential travel, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended canceling gatherings of 50 people or more. When they initially found out that cruises were canceled from a tweet by President Trump, the couple and their family and friends scrambled to try to secure a venue. Before finding 520 On The Water, they initially booked Paddlefish, a Disney Springs restaurant, which later canceled their reservation due to coronavirus concerns. Nick Klenchik and Karina Wagner had a day to plan their wedding in central Florida after their cruise to Belize was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The couple said everything went smoothly after finally booking 520 On The Water. However, some details were tricky, such as securing a wedding cake, flowers and food vendors, they said. They had a short time to figure out the marriage paperwork and had a family friend officiate the ceremony. I don't think that we could have done it alone without our family being there, said Klenchik. Despite their initial plans crumbling, the couple said the wedding was great. They had initially planned on the ceremony being intimate, said Klenchik, and their family and friends being there was all they needed for a good wedding. Nick Klenchik and Karina Wagner were married at a Central Florida restaurant with about 20 friends and family in attendance. The couples initial honeymoon plans were canceled. Keeping social distancing in mind, they put all future travel plans on hold due to the pandemic. They are hoping to return to Syracuse this weekend. What really mattered most of us is that were all together, and that were married, said Wagner. "While its disappointing that we didnt get exactly what we planned for, we just kept in mind whats important. Thats being together and having each other. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Thousands of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm CNY hospitals; what needs to be done now How a carton of eggs led to 2 acts of kindness at CNY Wegmans amid coronavirus panic Language will not be a barrier in the proposed All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) as the government is thinking of having four zones, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Stating that the government is making efforts to expedite setting up of AIJS, Prasad appealed to stakeholders including all high courts to give up their "traditional and conventional opposition" and support the great judicial reform. Responding to a supplementary query during the Question Hour that whether the government plans to conduct AIJS exams in 29 languages, Prasad said exams for AIJS will be conducted like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does for IAS, IPS and other services. "Whenever there is talk of AIJS, it is raised how Assam people will go to Tamil Nadu. Are not IAS people getting posted in TN? Are not Kerala people going to Bihar? They will pick up language. "But the government thinking is that there will be four categories in the entire country for AIJS so that people from north, south, east and west can come in those clusters. The language will not be a problem," he said and urged all stakeholders to support the great initiative of judicial reform and make it a success. Prasad mentioned that stakeholder consultation process is underway even though the government is making efforts to expedite the process despite opposition from many state governments and high courts. "We are making efforts. It is the commitment of the GoI. Taking the benefit of floor of this house, I would appeal all stakeholders including all HCs that it is a great reform. If we have traditional and conventional opposition, please overcome it and join in this great reform initiative." Asserting that the proposed AIJS will provide good talent pool, the minister said, "When we can have IAS, IPS, IFS, why not the AIJS to be conducted by a proper body like UPSC with merit selection process so that India's judicial service also attract the best talent and proper representation also."The government is having stakeholders consultation. Many states and high courts are on board, many are not. But the government's initiative is on, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NORRISTOWN It wasnt the typical Montgomery County Commissioners meeting Thursday morning as increased precautions were taken amid concerns of COVID-19. Only 10 people were allowed in the meeting room. Those planning to attend the meeting had to get their temperature checked and use hand sanitizer before heading inside. Anyone with a temperature of more than 100.4 degrees, or showing other symptoms of COVID-19 would not be permitted to enter, according to a statement from county officials. Montgomery County Commissioners Valerie Arkoosh, Kenneth Lawrence Jr. and Joe Gale had empty seats between them to create distance. A few chairs were staggered several feet apart in the meeting room. So, obviously things are a little different since last we were here, Arkoosh said. The podium was also equipped with a phone that dialed into a room on a different floor where county staff could speak on other matters. That room also served as overflow for members of the public, however, only one person attended. Acknowledging the effects of the coronavirus on Montgomery County, the commissioners expressed their appreciation for county staff and first responders. Montgomery County reported its first two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 on March 7. The number of cases had increased to 42 as of Wednesday, as the largest outbreak by far in Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, Arkoosh said the county had moved to a community spread model, meaning cases were no longer confined to people who had known direct contact with persons testing positive. This has been a team effort. Everyones been working very hard, Gale said. I would like to give my deep sincere thank you to all of the employees helping us get through this. Arkoosh also touted the countys efficient efforts of setting up emergency processes and systems, and working with our entire community to make sure people are as safe as possible. Lawrence agreed, and said the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety has been working 24/7 since this all started. While there were adjustments to Thursdays meeting, other processes may not change. Lawrence said. We do have an election coming up, and it has not been moved, he said. Pennsylvanias primary election is scheduled for April 28, and Lawrence urged Montgomery County residents to vote by mail. The commissioners did not mention seeking to delay the election, an action that county boards in both Chester and Delaware counties have requested of Gov. Tom Wolf. During the public comment portion of Thursdays meeting, Norristown council member Heather Lewis, who represents the municipalitys second district, addressed county leadership to advocate for the emergency release of vulnerable populations from the prisons and the jails due to COVID-19. She added shed like to see additional inquiries pursued through Wolfs office. Despite these uncertain times, the commissioners also said they appreciated the patience and support of area residents helping their fellow neighbors by offering to go to the grocery store, among other things. Its been an extraordinary outpouring of community spirit, and we will get through this together. I have no doubt about that at all, Arkoosh said. For more information and resources on COVID-19 in Montgomery County, visit montcopa.org/covid-19. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham held a live-streamed press conference today after announcing confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state had reached 28. Her message was clear: Reduction in interactions with others will continue to reduce transmission, and as such, will help prevent further spread of COVID-19. Due to this, new restrictions have been implemented statewide that will begin being enforced Thursday, Mar. 19 until April 10. We talked with the leadership cadre of the Democratic Party of New Mexico as elections loomed and a viral threat emerged here at home. We talked with the leadership cadre of the Democratic Party of New Mexico as elections loomed and a viral threat emerged here at home. Eric Williams Photography Council Watch The Council in March COVID-19, emergency powers and a new councilor Digital transformation has become something of a buzzword in recent years but that doesnt change the fact that technology is now at the heart of every modern business. Having the right IT system in place not only gives your enterprise a base from which to grow and develop it can also give you the edge on the competition. Adopting the right technological infrastructure allows you to work smarter and make data-driven strategic decisions, which will ultimately help you to deliver on your long term goals. So how can you future-proof your companys IT system to make sure that you have all the tools you need to succeed? Conduct a technology needs assessment The first thing any business should do is conduct a technology needs assessment to determine what the gaps are between where your business is and where you want it to be. This means carrying out an audit of your infrastructure, processes and systems to see if they support your current business objectives and your future growth. The aim is to align your IT system with your business strategy to ensure that you have the means to deliver your future business goals and strategic objectives. If you determine that you do need to update your IT system, youll also need to assess how much time and money you can dedicate to this process and which provider will cause the least disruption. Consider the updates that you need to prioritise for success in the short and long term, how this implementation will impact on your current business and what system will deliver the best results within your budget. Look at drivers for change in your industry Are there any potential changes coming down that line that you need to factor into your assessment? Is your industry facing any regulatory changes that will require technology updates? For instance, many businesses improved their systems to accommodate the introduction of GDPR and avoid the potentially crippling penalties that could result from non-compliance. Business demands change rapidly in the digital age so you need to be able to anticipate potential changes and to stay ahead of the curve not to mention your competitors. This also means anticipating changes to your core product or shifts in customer behaviour. So if you have a retail store, you may want to swap a static till for a tablet-based point of sale system. This can allow staff to interact with customers on the floor, refer to a portable product catalogue on their tablets and make a sale from anywhere in the store. Thats just one way that technology can facilitate changes that can drive sales and improve customer satisfaction. To keep up with the needs of today's unpredictable and complex enterprise networks, businesses need a new approach, and software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN) is the perfect technology to enable this. What is SD-WAN and what does this mean for my business? SD-WAN, or software-defined wide area network, is the newest capability in the world of WAN, designed to address the new challenges that your business is facing. The growth of mobile devices, mobile apps and data use are a key reason why businesses must innovate in processes and technology. Unfortunately, IT infrastructures arent always fit for a cloud-centric world where speed, scalability and high-performing applications are a must. SD-WAN allows a fast and agile network that gives you network visibility, enhanced control and all the flexibility you require. It gives you a complete view of your business, helping you to make informed, data-based business decisions in real-time. Software-based enterprise networks also reduce the need for manual interventions, allowing you to adjust and tweak your network use remotely across multiple business branches or to easily prioritise bandwidth to the most critical apps and functions. It allows you to provide Wi-Fi to all your branches and ensures that your employees and customers can enjoy secure, high-speed connectivity across your entire business. Think agile, think flexible Even larger firms are adopting a startup mentality to cope with the pace of change in this digital age. That means choosing cloud-based solutions that can be easily scaled up, being able to quickly adapt your IT suite to accommodate changing business needs, and basing strategic decisions on data and analytics. SD-WAN can support your workforce anywhere in the world at any time. Applications and software can also be accessed from the cloud. A loss of connectivity in one or more location that would once have resulted in lengthy downtime and a potential loss of revenue can now be centrally resolved using the in-house management portal. Vodafone Ireland recently launched a new SD-WAN solution to help Irish businesses future-proof their network, giving them greater control over their network usage with enhanced connectivity and security. As businesses follow a digital transformation agenda, use more cloud-based services and support more remote and flexible working, there will be further demands on their network and connectivity requirements, says Regina Moran, business director with Vodafone Ireland. "Imagine a tool that gives you total visibility of whats happening on your network and also allows you to solve everyday networking issues. Software-defined networks can give businesses the framework for real change and allow them to can take control of their own connectivity needs and demands, embracing the digital future. To learn more about SD-WAN, check out the Vodafone website. Sponsored by BOISE, Idaho, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the situation around Coronavirus continues to unfold, Albertsons Companies 2,200+ stores nationwide are setting aside dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens and other at-risk populations, such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems, who have been advised to avoid leaving home as much as possible. We are sensitive to the fact that everyone wants to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too, said Vivek Sankaran, President and CEO. We are asking our customers to respect these special hours for those who are most at risk in our communities. We thank our customers in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and friends, and in helping us maintain this temporary operations guideline. At a minimum, the company will reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. for those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated. Customers should check their store's hours if they're opening on a different schedule. The companys store hours are being updated continuously on its respective banners websites. For the best information on local store house, please visit the local store's website: Albertsons.com Safeway.com Vons.com Jewelosco.com Acmemarkets.com Shaws.com Starmarket.com Pavilions.com Tomthumb.com Randalls.com Haggen.com Unitedsupermarkets.com Carrshq.com About Albertsons Companies Albertsons Companies, Inc. is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. Albertsons Cos. operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaws, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Christine Wilcox Albertsons Companies 208-395-4163 Christine.Wilcox@albertsons.com Explainable machine learning is a sub-discipline of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning that attempts to summarize how machine learning systems make decisions. Summarizing how machine learning systems make decisions can be helpful for a lot of reasons, like finding data-driven insights, uncovering problems in machine learning systems, facilitating regulatory compliance, and enabling users to appeal or operators to override inevitable wrong decisions. Of course all that sounds great, but explainable machine learning is not yet a perfect science. The reality is there are two major issues with explainable machine learning to keep in mind: Some black-box machine learning systems are probably just too complex to be accurately summarized. Even for machine learning systems that are designed to be interpretable, sometimes the way summary information is presented is still too complicated for business people. (Figure 1 provides an example of machine learning explanations for data scientists.) H2O.ai Figure 1: Explanations created by H2O Driverless AI. These explanations are probably better suited for data scientists than for business users. For issue 1, Im going to assume that you want to use one of the many kinds of glass-box accurate and interpretable machine learning models available today, like monotonic gradient boosting machines in the open source frameworks h2o-3, LightGBM, and XGBoost.1 This article focuses on issue 2 and helping you communicate explainable machine learning results clearly to business decision-makers. Thousands of public sector employees did not receive their wages today. The National Shared Services Office (NSSO) has apologised for the delay. The issue affected accounts which are connected to a number of Departments and Offices. In a statement, the NSSO said it is aware that salary payments due today have not transferred into the bank accounts of employees of your Department/Office. We are working very hard to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency and have the full salary credited to their accounts as soon as possible. The NSSO wish to sincerely apologise to the staff affected. A further update will issue as soon as possible to confirm when payment will be made. Gov. Greg Abbott suspended provisions of the Texas Election Code on Wednesday to allow local governments to postpone their May elections to November, but no decision has been made whether to do that in San Antonio. We havent begun those discussions yet, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a news conference later in the afternoon. Such a move could affect Pre-K 4 SA, whose board successfully persuaded the City Council to call an election in May to keep the renewal of its sales tax off the high-turnout, lengthy ballot in the November general election. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio City Council signs off on May ballot for Pre-K 4 SA sales tax We are aware of the governors proclamation, and will follow the lead of our citys elected officials once they announce what this means for our local elections. As most of the city is adjusting to a temporary new normal, the Pre-K 4 SA team is also adjusting and is focused on supporting our staff, children and families during this difficult time, CEO Sarah Baray said in a written statement. Some suburban cities have regular elections and several school districts have trustee elections and Southside ISD has a $64.7 million bond election that, if approved, would pay for construction of two new elementary schools. School boards in Bexar County typically have a May or November election date specified in their policies. If the May elections were to be postponed, the board would have to vote to make an exception to the policy. Four seats on the Alamo Colleges board of trustees are up for election in May. The 10 candidates include three incumbents and seven challengers, one of which is Connie Prado, the current president of the South San Antonio ISD board of trustees. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases The boards chair, Marcelo Casillas, did not file for re-election, leaving his district 4 seat open to a newcomer. The other single-member districts include districts 2, 4, 8 and 9. Clint Kingsbery, the current member in district 8, is running unopposed. No decision has been made yet about postponing the election. North East Independent School District, the countys second-largest public school district, is also scheduled to hold a board election in May. Five incumbents are running against six challengers. The district is waiting for more guidance from the Bexar County elections department, which conducts the school elections, before making a decision, said spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor. Kirby and Leon Valley are scheduled to elect council members in May, and Selma voters are expected to vote on reauthorizing a -cent sales tax for street maintenance. Bexar County also conducts elections for the three suburbs. Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva Ashley McBride covers several school districts and the Alamo Colleges District in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Ashley.McBride@express-news.net | Twitter: @Ashleynmcb January's inflows represented 0.7% of industry assets, according to the Barclay Fund Flow Indicator published by BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop Solutions. A January trading profit of $6.8 billion brought total hedge fund industry assets to more than $3.26 trillion as January came to a close, up from $3.19 trillion at the end of December. January's industry inflows were fueled largely by hedge funds in the U.S. and its offshore islands, which took in $20.7 billion during the month from investors heartened by a November stock market rally. Data from 7,100 funds (excluding CTAs) in the BarclayHedge database showed hedge funds in Continental Europe, Canada and Latin America adding to the net inflow total. "Heading into a new quarter and a new year, investors' confidence was buoyed by U.S. equity markets' best performance since June," said Sol Waksman, president of BarclayHedge. "An October Fed rate cut and positive data on retail sales and housing starts boosted spirits further. Meanwhile, in Europe, the economic news out of Germany was just good enough to ease investors' recession fears." Over the 12-month period ending in January, the hedge fund industry experienced $64.3 billion in redemptions, 2.2% of industry assets. A $191.6 billion 12-month trading profit brought industry assets to $3.26 trillion as January ended, up from $2.96 trillion a year earlier. Most hedge fund sectors experienced net redemptions over the 12-month period through January, though two bucked the trend. Event Driven funds brought in $32.7 billion, 23.4% of assets, over the period, followed by Balanced (Stocks & Bonds) funds which added $8.3 billion, 2.9% of assets. Sectors with the largest 12-month redemptions included Equity Long/Short funds with $37.7 billion in outflows, 17.9% of assets, Equity Long Bias funds which shed $17.1 billion, 5.3% of assets, and Equity Market Neutral funds which saw outflows of $14.6 billion, 15.6% of assets. The managed futures industry had a different experience in January, reversing December's net inflows with $1.5 billion in redemptions. A $1.0 billion January trading loss left industry assets at $315.7 billion as January ended, down from $318.4 billion a month earlier. "Volatility aside, equity markets had a strong year in 2019, leading some investors to reduce exposure to managed futures," said Waksman. CTA redemptions were the norm in most regions in January, led by funds in the U.S. and its offshore islands which experienced nearly $1.7 billion in redemptions, 0.8% of assets. While managed futures redemptions were the norm in most regions of the world in January, the picture was brighter in the U.K. and its offshore islands where CTAs took in $248.6 million, 0.4% of assets, and in Japan where managed futures funds experienced $21.3 million in inflows, 5.2% of assets. For the 12-months through January, CTA funds experienced $15.6 billion in outflows, 4.4% of assets. A $17.2 billion trading profit over the period contributed to bringing total industry assets to the $315.7 billion figure at the end of January, down from $350.8 billion a year earlier. A Senate bill introduced Thursday takes an intriguing approach to supporting new businesses threatened by the current economic crisis: helping them attract venture capital. The New Business Preservation Act, sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), would provide a one-to-one government match for investments in high-potential, scalable startups outside the traditional VC belts that get a disproportionate amount of funding. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Angus King (I-ME) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), also was submitted separately to the Appropriations Committee for consideration as part of the upcoming stimulus measure. An equity-support program for new businesses represents the next stage of commercializing technology and encouraging innovation. Similar to opportunity zones, it is an effort to pump capital into underserved parts of the country. The bill was conceived late last year but the coronavirus, with its potential to destroy fragile young companies and dry up investment, moved it to the front burner. The $2 billion the legislation allocates is divided into two parts. The larger amount--$1.5 billion--goes to the first group of investments. Another $500 million is for follow-on investments for companies doing well after their first rounds. Eighty percent of funding would be directed to the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest. Returns from exits would be reinvested in the next generation of new businesses, creating a sustainable funding resource. Funds would be allocated to states based on population, with the numbers for California, New York, and Massachusetts reduced to adjust for the concentration of VC money already there. Investments would be made through the private investors. "So this is not Solyndra," says John Dearie, founder and president of the Center for American Entrepreneurship, an advocacy organization for startups and a supporter of the bill. "This is not the federal government picking winners and losers." The Israeli model A decade ago 62 percent of venture capital was concentrated in the greater metro areas of Silicon Valley, Boston-Cambridge, and New York City, according to data from Pitchbook. "Rise of the rest" rhetoric notwithstanding, that number has actually increased to 80 percent. In 2012 Reid Hoffman and Peter Thiel told Forbes that tech startups locating anywhere other than Silicon Valley is a "red flag" in terms of chances they will fulfill their potential. Consequently many promising heartland businesses can't find capital to scale. Or they attract funding but only on condition that they move closer to the funder, which robs their hometowns of jobs and tax receipts. The New Business Preservation Act is modeled on the Yozma program, which was developed by Israel in the late '90s after the collapse of the Soviet Union produced a tidal wave of immigration of Russian Jews--including many scientists and engineers who started businesses. At that time about 98 percent of venture capital was raised and invested in the United States. "Israel wanted to lure American venture capitalists to get on planes and come see for themselves what was going on, then incentivize them to provide the capital these startups needed," Dearie says. The country achieved that by offering a one-to-one match of Israeli government dollars for private VC dollars. "It was a deal American VCs couldn't refuse," Dearie says. "They saw these companies were investable and created the Israeli VC market, which is now incredibly vigorous." By providing matching government funds only when private funds went first, the Yozma program retained the virtues of private initiative and capital but boosted in through government support, says Robert Litan, a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "In this country, the states where venture funding is lacking--namely most 'flyover states' between the coasts--could benefit hugely by replicating Yozma's business model," says Litan. "The proposed bill would do precisely this." Magnets in the middle Attracting investment to the country's middle could set off a virtuous cycle as some of those bets pay off. Companies that scale fast--particularly those with big exits--become high-wattage beacons for other investors and founders. "The academic research shows the importance of a local winner to creating and spawning a local innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem," Dearie says. "This is how Silicon Valley and other innovation centers like Boulder or Austin or Boston developed. The Baltic states became a hotbed of entrepreneurship because of Skype." Syzygy Plasmonics, which makes a chemical reactor powered by light rather than heat, is just the kind of startup the bill is designed to help. CEO Trevor Best co-founded the company in Houston in 2017, raising $6.3 million from local investors, as well as ones based in Boston and Canada. But because he wanted to keep the company close to Rice University, where the technology had been invented, it was hard going. "If this bill was in place it would have been a tremendous amount of non-diluted capital coming along with their investment that would help de-risk it for them," he says. "That would have been huge." The big check barrier A bill like The New Business Preservation Act may help narrow the investment gap but won't eliminate it. That's because Silicon Valley "is driven by the needs of large capital, which are different from the needs of entrepreneurs," says Randy Komisar, a partner at Kleiner Perkins and co-founder of Claris Corp. VCs in tech hubs look for opportunities to write very large checks--likely larger than many heartland startups will need--that may generate very large returns. Komisar suggests the government sweeten the pot by, for example, capping its own returns so participating VCs reap a larger share. "It is about allowing investors to make much higher multiple returns off smaller sums in markets that can't absorb the scale of capital a place like Silicon Valley can," he says. Komisar hopes if the terms are right then coastal investors will eventually see the value. And even if firms don't, individual VCs "may want to go back to Iowa or to Kansas City and may wind up bringing their practice with them," he says. Bhopal, March 20 : With the Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Narmada Prasad Prajapati accepting the resignations of the 16 legislators holed up in Bengaluru, it has become clear the Kamal Nath government will quit on Friday. In a frantic effort to pull off a near impossible win in Friday's floor test, the Congress held three meetings in quick succession till 10.45 p.m.. Would there be a floor test at all? There was no indication of the business list for Saturday's sitting till midnight on Thursday. The Vidhan Sabha Secretariat had kept the proposal for the special session in compliance of Supreme Court directive to begin at 2 p.m. on Friday. The Speaker's approval for the proposal finally came shortly after Thursday midnight. The Chief Minister announced his decision to address a press conference at noon on Saturday. This was a clear indication of an impending resignation during the press conference. After the meeting at the Chief Minister's house, the entire legislature party minus the 16 MLAs holed up in Bengaluru went into another huddle at state cabinet minister Sajjan Singh Verma's house to see if a last-ditch effort could be made to survive. The legal eagles in the party suggested filing a curative petition on Friday before the Supreme Court. Even that seemed unlikely when the Speaker accepted the resignations. The BJP also held frequent meeting till midnight. The party demanded security throughout the route of the buses the resort off Bhopal to the Vidhan Sabha. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the media at 12.40 a.m. that it was for the government to ensure the Supreme Court's orders were enforced in letter and spirit. Chouhan has written letters to the Speaker and the Vidhan sabha Secretary also. The BJP spokespersons continued to address the media persons till after midnight said the Congress government expectedly fell under the weight of its own contradictions. The government took some frantic decisions to appease the MLAs over the past three days. If only half of the work done during the past three days was done in the past 15 months things would not have come to this pass. The Congress Spokesperson blamed the BJP for the money power bringing down a government. Now the strength of the House has been reduced to 206 and The BJP with a strength of 107 has the numbers to stake the claim for formation of the government. The Congress numbers have been reduced to 92. There are four independents and two BSP and one SP member in the House. They could switch loyalty to the BJP. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is pledging to improve the way troops are treated while in coronavirus quarantine after a soldier in Texas reportedly called the situation "the most dysfunctional Army operation I've ever seen." A soldier, referred to by the pseudonym Henry Chinaski by The Daily Beast, told the outlet he has been stuck in a 15-by-15 foot room with three other troops at Fort Bliss since Sunday. The service members just returned from Afghanistan and have been ordered to remain quarantined for two weeks in case they caught the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, while deployed or returning to the States. The group gets two meals a day and a couple bottles of water, The Daily Beast reported Tuesday. The soldier, who has served for 17 years, texted reporters with the outlet about their experience. He said they've gotten no information about what they're supposed to be doing while they wait. "Prisoners receive better care and conditions than that which we are experiencing at Fort Bliss," the soldier told The Daily Beast. "The Army was not prepared, nor equipped to deal with this quarantine instruction and it has been implemented very poorly." Related: Navy Suspends Sailor Fitness Tests as Other Services Eye Changes The situation now has Esper's attention, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters Wednesday. "His response is, 'We can do better, and we need to do better,'" Jonathan Hoffman said. "I know that the commander at Fort Bliss is aware; he has been in contact. My understanding is that he met with all the soldiers who are quarantined and talked through some of their concerns." The soldier at Fort Bliss told The Daily Beast his exercise has been limited to push-ups, sit-ups and lunges in the room. On Tuesday, the service members got 20 minutes of yard time, according to the report. The military is now looking at allowing troops stuck in holding patterns before they're considered to be virus-free more time outside, Hoffman said, and visits to base exchanges, where they can purchase toiletries and other items. "[We're] also looking at other bases that are doing quarantines," Hoffman said. "We're checking to see how they're holding up and doing this, as well. We can do better." As of Wednesday morning, 49 U.S. troops had tested positive for COVID-19. Another 14 Defense Department civilians, 19 dependents and seven contractors also have the virus. Hoffman said every base commander is looking at how the military should handle quarantine situations as a result of The Daily Beast's story. "This is something that's unusual for all these bases to be handling, and they're doing the best they can," he said. "... [But] we owe it to them, and we're going to look into it and try to do better." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Read more: Commissaries Limit Toilet Paper, Other Sales as Shoppers Hoard Supplies Turkey remains faced with a major dilemma on how to proceed in Syria after its latest deal with Russia led to a fragile lull in the rebel stronghold of Idlib but fell short of a lasting solution. Contrasting visions appear to be under discussion in Ankara, calling for choices that could bear on Turkeys foreign policy in the long run. The most crucial provision in the deal with Russia, sealed by the two countries presidents in Moscow on March 5, is perhaps the one regarding the status of southern Idlib. The provision calls for the creation of a security corridor with a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) on either side of the key M4 highway and joint Turkish-Russian patrols along the route to ensure de-escalation. The two sides have divided control over the corridor, with Turkey responsible for the northern side and Russian forces and by implication, the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in charge of the southern section. The first Turkish-Russian joint patrol March 15 was cut short because of locals blocking the road to protest Russia's taking control of the area south of the M4. The patrols could only go 3 kilometers (about 2 miles), failing to reach even the critical town of Nayrab, due to what the Russian Defense Ministry described as provocations" planned by militants. The patrols route was shortened in light of plans made by radical groups not controlled by Turkey, it said. Terrorists sought to use civilians, including women and children, as human shields. Ankara now appears stuck between the demands of Moscow and locals in southern Idlib, manipulated by radical groups linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main group holding sway in Idlib. Of note, despite the cease-fire resulting from the Moscow deal, most Syrian troops have remained in their positions along the front line in southern Idlib, with new troops arriving to replace some of them, and Turkey has continued to reinforce its troops in the region. Local sources contacted by Al-Monitor suggest that Assads forces are highly likely to mount a limited military operation in the coming weeks in a bid to take control of Jabal Zawiya, the mountain dominating the area and most of the fertile Ghab plain, which is currently under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Damascus is apparently trying to persuade Moscow on such a limited offensive on the grounds that the March 5 deal does not allow Turkey to shield rebel groups to the south of the security corridor and Moscow should force Ankara to do something about this. Thus, the future status of the M4 highway and the question of how to tackle the noncompliant radical groups are hanging over the cease-fire like the sword of Damocles. Moscow needs the security corridor along the M4 to protect its military presence in Latakia and the Khmeimim air base from attacks by radical militants, or terrorists as Russia calls them. The security corridor arrangement seems to have placed two liabilities on Ankara. The first is a commitment to take all kind of measures, including military action, against radicals to the north of the M4, who have dismissed the Moscow deal and vowed to continue fighting. The second pertains to Syrians to the south of the M4 who are averse to living under the control of Russia and, therefore, Damascus, which raises the specter of a fresh exodus to the north and then to the Turkish border. Russia seems eager to have Idlib province's territory, but not its inhabitants. It appears that Moscow and the Assad regime want to drive the Sunni opposition groups and their families to the north, which is already happening little by little. The Moscow deal confirmed the Assad forces control of the M5 highway and territories of about 3,000 square kilometers (1,160 square miles) in the east, in addition to a territory of about 800 square kilometers (310 square miles) to the south of the M4, which spans some of Syrias most fertile agricultural fields. As a result, six of the 12 Turkish military observation posts established under the 2018 Sochi accord remain besieged by Syrian forces, even if under Russian protection, including four outposts to the east of the M5 and two in southern Idlib. Ankara has maintained it will keep the bases until there is an ultimate solution in Idlib. Nevertheless, Turkey remains confused on how to proceed in Idlib. Three approaches appear to stand out in Ankara regarding Idlib in particular and Syria in general. The first aims to take advantage of the US-Iran military faceoff in Syria, which has become increasingly evident since the assassination of Irans Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani by US forces in January. According to proponents of this approach, the stalemate in Idlib presents Turkey the opportunity to move away from Russia and Iran and thus strengthen President Donald Trumps hand in advocating for Turkey vis-a-vis Congress and the Pentagon. The idea here is to allow Turkey to rebalance its relationship with Russia, which has devolved into an asymmetric reliance, and pave the way for an extended Turkish military presence in Syria by engaging in military cooperation with the United States and Israel at the expense of moving away from Russia and Iran. Jumping from the Russian-Iranian train to the US-Israeli one in Syria, the argument goes, could help Turkey maintain a longer military presence in Syria. The second approach is based on the idea that one should clear the table with the same partners with which the table was set. Proponents argue that, despite US prodding and offers, Turkey should stay with the Russian-Iranian axis and try to manage the crisis until the ultimate picture takes shape in Idlib in particular and Syria in general. Of note, Iran embroiled in growing tensions with the United States since Soleimanis killing and now in the grips of a severe coronavirus outbreak appears reluctant to strain ties with Turkey for now, even though the leadership of Shiite militias suffered casualties in Turkish drone strikes that targeted Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian groups in western Aleppo in late February and early March. The main argument in this approach is that the United States can never be trusted, given its continuing military collaboration with Syrian Kurdish militants despite long-running Turkish objections. Turkey sees the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the armed outfit that has fought Ankara since 1984 and is recognized as a terrorist group by much of the international community. According to the third perspective, Turkey should follow a policy of balancing between the US-Israeli and Russian-Iranian axes, while using military power on the ground as a coercive diplomatic tool, just as it did in its military campaign in Idlib from Feb. 29 to March 3 in a bid to change the operational balance on the ground. The underlying idea here is that Turkey can rely on its own military capacity to force the United States and Russia to pay regard to Ankaras interests to the east and the west of the Euphrates respectively by projecting military power on the ground. This approach, however, has two essential caveats. First, Turkey is largely deprived of using air power as it lacks control of Syrias airspace. Second, the abilities of the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army in terms of waging ground offensives and keeping territorial control remain dubious. The discussions in Ankara suggest that Turkish decision-makers are edging fast to a moment of truth on Idlib and Syria. The choice they face is not an easy one. Continued alignment with the Russian-Iranian axis dictates reconciliation with Assad in northern Syria, while opting for collaboration with the US-Israeli axis would require Turkey to soften its hard-line stance on the PKK-affiliated YPG. By relying on its own military capacity, meanwhile, it would run the risk of showdowns with Washington, Moscow, Tehran and Damascus on the battlefield. Ankaras decision will bear directly not only on its moves in Idlib, but also on its geostrategic orientation and foreign policy choices in the coming decade. Ankara has been in the grips of soul-searching on its strategic belonging for some time. Its choice between the Russian-Iranian axis and the Western security bloc in the context of Idlib will provide a major clue on where its soul-searching will lead. A server folds napkins while preparing for dinner service at Barclay Prime in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square. Coronavirus has caused a financial crisis for restaurant workers who depend on tips. Read more In the days before restaurants shut down in the Philadelphia region, Cheryl Molle saw the fear from servers who depended on each shift to keep them afloat. So arose the Philly Restaurant Server Relief Fund, which plans to give 10 recipients around $400 a week for four weeks, but the goal, Molle said, is to be able to assist more servers. Molle talked to a range of servers while setting up the Facebook fund requesting donations. Diner servers typically earned around $400 a week, she said, while those at more upscale eateries could earn around $600. Servers are really the only people at restaurants who are paid $2.83 an hour, Molle said Wednesday. To be considered for funding, servers must be full-time and have no other job. Recipients are taken first-come, first-served. Only servers who work in Philadelphia are currently eligible. The fund drive started last Friday. It was an initiative of Molle and fellow activists Venise Whitaker, a constituent service representative for Philadelphia Council President Darrell L. Clarke, and Humphrey Jones, a social worker concentrating on state parole and probation. READ MORE: Gov. Tom Wolf orders all Pennsylvania businesses that arent life-sustaining to close, will enforce order On Sunday, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered restaurants and bars in Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties to shut down dine-in operations, although they could still provide carry-out, delivery, and drive-through service. Dozens of Philadelphia restaurants closures soon followed. Forty-two people immediately submitted applications to the Philly Restaurant Server Relief Fund. It now has more than 160 applicants. Carrie Schweitzer, a server at a restaurant on Grant Avenue in the Northeast, is expecting a $400 check from the Philly Restaurant Server Relief Fund. Thats our biggest godsend, Schweitzer said. Without this fund, Im not even sure Id be able to make it. Scores of other relief funds have sprouted up, largely for food service workers. Baristas from Starbucks, as well as locally owned shops like Ultimo and Elixr, are raising money through Venmo. A fund for Green Line Cafe workers raised $1,400 as of Tuesday through Venmo. The Restaurant Opportunities Center, which advocates for restaurant workers rights, opened its own fund, as did union UNITE HERE, which has seen nearly 80% of its members lose their jobs because of the epidemic. The efforts, which are being run by workers and community members rather than institutions, align with the spirit of mutual aid that has flourished during the pandemic. Hundreds in Philadelphia have signed up on a Google form called Neighbors Helping Neighbors to help community members in need whether it means picking up groceries for an elderly person who cant leave the house or donating money directly with no expectation of payment or a return favor from the person in need. READ MORE: How to help out, or get help, in Philly during coronavirus Tamara Baldwin, a youth organizer in Philadelphia who helped launch the Neighbors Helping Neighbors form, said these relief funds and efforts are a response to the fact that institutions, like the government, have failed people. We know that if we want to see as little casualties as possible, then we have to take those steps on our own and not just sit back and wait for the [Kenney] administration to make decisions for us, said Baldwin, 23, of West Philadelphia. The Kenney administration announced Thursday that city government had partnered with the private sector and philanthropic organizations to launch a PHL COVID-19 fund. The Philly Restaurant Server Relief Fund has raised more than 90% of its $21,000 goal. The goal amount will keep increasing by a couple thousand dollars once the prior goal is nearly reached for two reasons, Molle said. When you reach your goal, people stop donating, she said. And Facebook takes a 2.6% cut from each donation, she said, plus an extra 30 cents each for clearing the transaction and releasing the money to the fund. The largest donation to date is $500, she said, of which Facebook would take $13.30. The smallest contribution has been $5. Facebook hadnt yet cleared donors transactions, Molle said, but hoped the fund would receive the money by Friday. After the shutdown, everyone whos applying said, I dont know how to pay my rent, Molle said. Theyre saying, I dont know how Im going to keep my cell phone on or my utilities on. Ahmad Mitchell, who just started a new job as a line cook at Spice Finch in January, is now, too, among the crowd of restaurant employees out of work. Mitchell, a 19-year-old studying culinary arts at the Community College of Philadelphia, was excited when he started at Spice Finch. It was a high-end Rittenhouse restaurant run by a famous Philly chef, and it paid $13 an hour, a $2 an hour raise from his last job at the fast-casual Honeygrow. He worked 25 to 40 hours in back to back double shifts throughout the weekend. But because of the effects of the coronavirus, hes no longer at Spice Finch. He worked his last shift for the foreseeable future on Sunday. The restaurant gave him some food to help tide him over. An organizer with One Pennsylvania, a worker group hes part of, recommended he apply for unemployment. But he didnt want to be idle: Hes trying to get a job at FedEx right now. READ MORE: Unemployment claims in Pa. and N.J. surge in wake of the coronavirus Mitchell, whos been working since he graduated from Central High School, lives with his parents in the North Philly home where he grew up. His mother is a retired school teacher, and his father works for Philadelphia Gas Works. He helps them pay household bills. But Mitchell said he knew that not everyone was fortunate enough to have support from their family. He hopes the city will set up a relief fund for workers in a crisis like this, especially for workers who live paycheck to paycheck. Its important that the people of Philadelphia dont feel like theyre being abandoned, he said. For workers out of a job in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Molle, Whitaker and Humphrey, the organizers behind the Philly Restaurant Server Relief Fund, have discussed expanding the funds reach into the citys collar counties, but their priority is currently on the city itself. "Philadelphia has such deep poverty compared to other areas just outside Philadelphia," Molle said. "It's more devastating." Servers have applied for unemployment, she said, but even so, the process to receive funds can take up to four weeks. For four weeks, theyre not going to have any income whatsoever, she said. Theyre extremely concerned about how theyre going to survive this. When youre living on day-to-day tips and you can make $60, 70, 80, 100, and all of a sudden you dont have work and youre making $0 a day, its a concern. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked ministries, government agencies, and administrations with coordinating the prevention of discrimination against foreign visitors as the country battles the COVID-19 epidemic. PM Phucs directive is a direct response to recent reports that local hotels and accommodation services have been denying service to foreigners. Photos of businesses displaying signs prohibiting foreigners from entering their premises have been circulating on Vietnamese social media. The directive is intended to quell such activity. In order to enforce the prohibition of such behavior and maintain the image of Vietnam as a safe, friendly, and hospitable tourist destination, the prime minister requested that provincial and municipal administrations review the current situation of foreign tourists in their respective localities. He also asked local administrations to remind organizations or individuals working in the hospitality industry, particularly in tourism hotspots, to comply with the provisions of the Law on Tourism, which prohibits discrimination against tourists. All acts of discrimination and service denial aimed at tourists coming from foreign countries shall be rectified and strictly handled, according to the directive. Complicated situations should be reported immediately to appropriate higher-level agencies for direction. The head of government has also assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to direct and guide localities, tourism businesses, and accommodation establishments on proactively deploying COVID-19 prevention measures, pursuant to the PM's directives and health agencies guidance, in order to help support and create favorable conditions for foreign tourists, ensure their safety, and keep tourism activities organized. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is charged with providing prompt guidance on preventing unwanted incidents and coordinating with the embassies of relevant countries in the process of handling COVID-19 cases, as well as preserving Vietnams international image. The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected over 218,700 people and killed more than 8,900 globally as of Thursday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics. Vietnams COVID-19 tally has soared to 76, with 16 having fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital by February 16. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 08:49 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bbb4f8 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,COVID-19-test,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus-in-Indonesia,Achmad-Yurianto Free The government is mulling the possibility of conducting rapid tests for COVID-19 in laboratories across the country to speed up efforts to detect the spread of the coronavirus. During a meeting with the Health Ministry this morning, we agreed to study the possibility of performing rapid tests across the country as they could provide faster results, Health Ministry Disease Control and Prevention Director General Achmad Yurianto said on Wednesday. Authorities are looking at the plan after other countries also changed their testing methods from regular COVID-19 tests to rapid tests, he said. However, it is still unclear when the rapid testing kits will be available in the country. He explained that rapid tests only required blood serum as a sample, meaning the tests could be performed at all health laboratories across the country. Everyone, whether they have shown COVID-19 symptoms or not, could undergo the test. The testing method is easier to implement, as the regular tests had to be performed in level two biosafety laboratories, as nasal fluids or larynx substances were used as as the main specimens. However, a major drawback to the rapid tests is that they can only be performed if immunoglobulin samples from COVID-19 patients are available. The substances, he said, were needed as a comparison. We also need immunoglobulin samples from people who have been infected with the virus for at least a week, Yurianto said. Without them, the rapid tests would be useless." Indonesia confirmed 55 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to 227. The government also announced there had been 19 fatalities from the disease, higher than the number of recovered patients to date at 11. Yurianto also said on Wednesday that the government had authorized three private clinical laboratory chains that could be used for COVID-19 tests: Siloam, Kalbe Farma and Bunda Group. This is a good news for us, so we can promptly detect any confirmed cases of the disease in the country, he said. Previously, the Jakarta-based Health Research and Development Agency was the only laboratory authorized by the government to conduct COVID-19 tests. As of Tuesday, 12 laboratories were permitted to conduct the tests, as stipulated in Health Ministerial Decree No. 01/2020. (glh) After releasing the jury, Justice Wood said: "It is self-evident (that he is a significant danger to the community) from his record of extreme violence inflicted on so many defenceless and aged members of this community. "This is a case where it seems to me that my hands are tied. I have no alternative than to impose in respect of each offence of murder the maximum sentence available." Justice Wood said that evidence also indicated Glover was able to control his impulses when he chose to. He had carefully chosen his moments, and would not attack if the risks were overwhelming. "It is clear he took whatever time he needed to gratify his desires," he said. "Where the opportunity was less available and where the risks were higher, he retreated as quickly as he went in. "He is a man of extreme cunning and extreme dangerousness who thinks it is appropriate to attack whenever and wherever it suits him and to hold (stay)his hand when it does not. The sentences mean he will be required to spend the rest of his natural life in jail." Justice Wood took into account Glover's guilty plea to the three non-fatal offences, which had been kept from the jury. These were: Olive Cleveland, 81, murdered in Belrose on November 3, 1989 by John Wayne Glover. * Robbery with wounding of Mrs Margaret Todhunter, 83, at Hale Road, Mosman, on January 11, 1989. Glover had been on his way home when he saw Mrs Todhunter in Hale Road. He got o ut of his car, punched her on the head and stole her handbag. For this, Justice Wood sentenced him to a fixed term(without parole) of four years, dating from his arrest last year. * Assault and robbery of Mrs Euphemie Carnie on August 5, 1989, outside the Northhaven retirement village, Lindfield. Glover, who had been working in the area, entered the retirement village and saw Mrs Carnie outside the drive. He punched her in the chest with a clenched fist, knocking her to the ground, then stole her handbag. Justice Wood sentenced him to a fixed term of two years from the time of his arrest. * Wounding, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, Mrs Doris Cox on October 18, 1989. Glover parked outside The Garrison retirement village, Spit Road, Mosman, and saw Mrs Cox walking along the footpath. He walked her down some stairs into the grounds of the village. There, he punched her to the ground and stole her handbag. Justice Wood sentenced him to a fixed term of three years from the time of his arrest. Justice Wood said there were a number of other incidents, involving the molestation of elderly women in nursing homes, to which Glover had admitted. They occurred during the period spanned by the charges brought before the court. The judge said there had been a difference between Dr Rod Milton, who had dismissed the notion of an abnormality of mind that might have led to a partial defence of diminished responsibility, and two psychiatrists called by the defence who said Glover did have an abnormality. "All psychiatrists agreed that the prisoner had some antisocial or narcissistic personality traits," Justice Wood said. But the jury by its verdict had clearly rejected the defence argument that Glover had such a degree of disorder as to constitute an abnormality of mind, which would have been the basis of a finding of manslaughter. Justice Wood said Glover, who was born on November 26, 1932, had a criminal record back to 1947 in the juvenile court in Britain. From 1952, he had convictions for stealing clothing or a handbag. Loading He migrated to Australia in 1956, and was convicted of two counts of larceny in Victoria. In NSW, Glover was convicted in 1958 for stealing from a retail store. In 1962 he was convicted on two counts of assaulting females in Melbourne, two counts of indecent assault, one of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and four counts of larceny. He was put on probation for five years. The assaults on the women in Melbourne appeared to have similarities with the series of offences which brought Glover before the Central Criminal Court On each occasion he had attacked the woman, removed some clothing and had been disturbed before the assault could develop into something more serious. In 1965, Glover was convicted of being unlawfully on premises, and was sentenced to jail. During a typical week, Midland resident Monique Scott works as a teacher on weekdays, and picks up Shipt grocery orders on weekends. She usually spends her morning filling orders, about one every hour. However, this week has not been a typical week. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, new orders for Shipt delivery have increased, low stock levels at stores have caused longer order times, and many Shipt shoppers like Scott are working more hours than before. Although at the same time, many of the customers have been just as understanding of these unique circumstances. Its different some of us Shipt shoppers said we just want to get back to normal, but we dont know what normal will be. So, were just trying to do our best, Scott said. Shipt is grocery delivery service, owned by Target Corporation. Most Midland residents, depending on zip code, can sign up and receive groceries and other items to their doorstep from Meijer, Target and CVS, using Shipt. The way it works is a Shipt shopper receives your order, does the shopping for you, and then delivers your items to your door within a specified time frame. However, because many items at Meijer are low or out-of-stock, such as toilet paper and meat, the Shipt shoppers are in constant communication with their customers to find substitutions that work, and orders are taking longer to fill. We all just need to have patience with everybody in the store and our customers and with shoppers, Scott said. As I say to people, were all in this together so, we have to take our time at the store and just try to have some fun with it even though its not fun. Scotts experience as a Midland-based Shipt shopper this week is not unique. Morgan Stauffer, another shopper, said she typically spends about 30 hours a week filling orders, however now, shes spending the same amount of time but filling less orders. Its very hectic right now. The shoppers cant keep up with the orders that are coming in, She said. There are more orders than there are shoppers right now. Also see: Meijer announces new store hours Another shopper, Greydon Koellmann, said he spent around 40 minutes just in line on Friday. His orders are also taking longer due to low stock and substitutions. Its just kind of our new normal, he said. You just have to expect if a customer wants toilet paper, it may or may not be there. And certain food items as Americans, were so used to having 87 different flavors of Yoplait yogurt, and guess what, you might just get strawberry today, if youre lucky. However, all the shoppers said almost all their customers have been very understanding, which Stauffer said is much appreciated. In addition, she recognized all the Meijer employees who are working their hardest to keep shelves stocked and shopping carts sanitized. They are rocking it out as far as keeping everything cleaned and organized and doing what they can, so it helps us out a lot as well, Stauffer said about the Meijer employees. And, while the Shipt shoppers are putting their own health at risk, they agree they continue to do it not just for the money, but because its their way of helping the community during uncertain times. We all love our job and want to help as many people as we can, Stauffer said. Stores are making changes Its also important to know that bigger box stores are making changes, such as changing hours, limiting the number of certain items and/or implementing extra sanitary practices. On Thursday, Meijer announced it was changing its store hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice. In addition, Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 a.m. Also, this past weekend, Walmart announced it adjusted business hours to allow for more time to clean and take extra precautions. Every Walmart store in the country is now open from just 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Meijer announced on Saturday that it is suspending its services within the store, such as the at the meat counters and deli, in favor of pre-packaging items to sell. Koellmann also said the Meijer employees are working extremely hard to make sure everything is clean. He said they started to take extra precautions, such as adding Xs to the floor for where people should stand in the checkout lines. Grocery delivery Depending where you live in Midland, you can use Shipt delivery service. However, the service comes at a cost. In order to use Shipt, a person must choose from one of two membership options: $8.25/month, billed as $99 annually, or $14/month billed monthly. The latter option might be cheaper for residents who only expect to use the service short-term. Shipt allows users to pick out their groceries and have them delivered by a Shipt shopper who picks out your groceries and brings them to you. Typically, users can get same day delivery in as soon as one hour, and set the drop-off time window. However, currently orders are much more unpredictable. Walmart in Midland offers grocery pickup for free, so customers can order their items online then come into the store and grab what they ordered already packaged together for them. The pickup center is right at the front of the store. Hot food delivery Several local eateries have adapted and are offering takeout and/or delivery for the first time. Proper Taco in downtown Midland posted to its Instagram page that it would be offering delivery to city residents. Other local establishments offering delivery services include Amazing Deli, Basil Thai Bistro, Domino's Pizza, Genji, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Grape Beginnings Winery, Honey Baked Ham, Hungry Howies Pizza, Jet's Pizza, Jimmy Johns, Maru, Pi's Chinese Restaurant, Pizza Dude and Pizza Sams. These businesses are members of the Midland Business Association, which is encouraging the community to patron local businesses during this time of social distancing. Online services for food delivery include DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates, and Instacart. However, participating restaurants and whether drivers are available will vary greatly. Its always a good idea to call ahead or check social media pages for the latest updates on your favorite eateries. Though Senior Services of Midland County has had to scale back several of its services, it has increased its meals on wheels program, which is a meal delivery service for older adults. 3 1 of 3 File photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 File photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 STAMFORD Stamford Town Center is set to close by 8 p.m. Thursday, after the governors of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania jointly ordered Wednesday the temporary shutdown of indoor sections of large shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys. The latest mandate aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic expands on a joint order issued Monday by Connecticut, New York and New Jersey that limits until further notice social and recreational gatherings to a maximum of 50 people. Also Monday, those states prohibited sit-down service for the time being at restaurants and bars and also temporarily closed movie theaters, gyms and casinos. Nama probably failed to get the best price for a batch of loans linked to financier Derek Quinlans boom-era property empire and failed to properly document its processes, according to a damning report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). It is difficult to conclude that Nama secured the best possible price for the sale of the Project Nantes loans, the report said. It also found fault with the sale process, including a decision by Nama not to seek independent valuation advice in line with its own stated best practice. However, the report found no evidence Nama breached the law forbidding sales of loans back to the borrower in relation to the case, saying it simply did not arise. The decision to assess the Project Nantes sale was originally spurred by a suggestion it had been in breach of Section 172 (3) of the Nama Act 2009, which prohibits Nama selling loans or property to a defaulting borrower, or connected party. Nama has insisted it made a profit on a wider series of sales of which the 352m of loans at issue was just one part, and that the sales were connected. The C&AG was asked in 2018 by the Dail Committee of Public Accounts to investigate Namas sale of loans linked to Celtic Tiger era property giant Quinlan Private to a Luxembourg company whose directors included one of the Quinlan groups former senior employees Mark Donnelly. While Mr Donnelly had previously worked for Quinlan Private, he was an employee and never a borrower himself of the loans in question. The sale of 352m of loans to Clairvue-Nantes was part of a bigger tranche of Quinlan-linked loans sold by Nama around the same time. Clairvue-Nantes paid 26.6m for the so-called Project Nantes loans in February 2012. In the Dail in 2018, then Independent TD Mick Wallace queried why the loans had been sold at such a steep discount, in a private transaction. In a conclusion published tonight, the C&AG suggests an extra 29m could have been sought. In the case of the Project Nantes loan sale in January 2012, Nama did not seek current valuations of the loans or of the underlying property collateral, and did not pursue a competitive sales process, it said. The C&AG report found that without a contemporaneous asset valuation and a competitive sales process, there is no basis to conclude that Nama achieved the best possible financial out turn from the sale, although it also noted there is no guarantee that a sale could have been concluded at that higher price. The report found communication of its decision-making around the sale was not properly documented, including stemming from a July 2011 meeting of the Nama board, which approved the process. Nama tonight said the C&AG report confirms that it made an overall profit of 68m on the sale of the Avestus portfolio that the Project Nantes loans were an element of. It said it is Namas position that the Project Nantes price was the best value for the State achievable at that time, and noted the report found there would have been no guarantee that a better outcome could have been achieved if Nama had set a higher target price for these loans. US President Donald Trump charged Thursday that the world is "paying a big price" for China's lack of transparency on the outbreak of the new coronavirus there several months ago. "It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier," Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on the pandemic. "It could have been contained to that one area of China where it started. And certainly the world is paying a big price for what they did. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Beijing and Hong Kong are toughening up their 14-day quarantine restrictions as a second wave of the Beijing and Hong Kong are toughening up their 14-day quarantine restrictions as a second wave of the pandemic returns to China, brought by homecoming citizens and visitors from overseas and threatening to push up infection rates that had been coming under control. "If we do not impose tougher measures at this stage, our previous efforts to prevent the disease from spreading throughout these two months could be completely wasted," Hong Kong Chief Executive For the past five days, China has reported more imported cases than local infections, with the mainland reporting zero domestic cases on Thursday for the first time since the outbreak began. There were 34 new infections, all from overseas. Hong Kong saw 25 new cases on Wednesday, the highest single-day increase, with most of them coming from outside the special administrative region. Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau have all responded with tighter and expanded rules on quarantine, or self-isolation, for arrivals. A week ago Beijing announced all arrivals to the capital must self-isolate at home or in a designated hotel or hostel for 14 days. A few days later, the rules were tightened again, In Hong Kong, from Thursday, all arrivals must undergo a 14-day self-isolation at home followed by two weeks of medical surveillance. Similar measures have been announced by Macau's authorities. Arrivals in Hong Kong are now required to wear an electronic wristband and download an app to monitor their movements. An alert will be sent to the Department of Health and the police if a wristband is broken or the user's smartphone is disconnected or moves away from the quarantine dwelling, according to the government's chief information officer. "The purpose of self-isolation is for individuals who may be infectious to reduce risk to others by minimising contact with others for example, travellers from affected areas," said Dr Clarence Tam, an assistant professor from National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. The standard 14 days of quarantine for Covid-19 is based on the average incubation period of the disease, which is five days, Tam explained. "An individual who hasn't developed symptoms by the 14th day of quarantine has a very low probability of being infected or of posing an infection risk to others," he said. Fang Tianyu, a Beijing student whose Boston high school shut due to the epidemic, returned home last Saturday. He arrived before the latest rules came into effect and has been able to quarantine at home instead of in a designated accommodation. Fang flew with Hainan Airlines and spent around four hours going through border control and health checks at the airport, before he was cleared at a quarantine processing point. He was picked up by his parents and is staying with them. If he could do it again, Fang said, he would choose the now-mandatory option of staying at a hotel to protect his parents. "I think it would have been much more responsible. I have friends who chose to go to a hotel when they could have gone home, because they live with their grandparents," he said. Fang spent his 19th birthday in quarantine, celebrating with a Corona beer and a bowl of dumplings. He joked that quarantine was a great excuse to not socialise with people. Fang said there were guards at his residential complex and neighbours were also watchful. He is required to send his temperature to a community worker every day and the guards bring him deliveries and takeaway food while he is not permitted to leave his apartment. Fang said he was aware of a WeChat group for residents and they had talked about him as the person who had returned from the US. "I'm pretty sure half my residential compound knows that I have come back from a foreign country," he said. Beijing's municipal government has introduced an app called Health Bao, or Health Treasure, which generates a user's status as "red: under centralised observation", "orange: home observation" or "green: normal". There are usually staff in public areas and apartment complexes checking people's status before entry or exit. If they find someone under observation who is not supposed to be outside, staff are directed to call the Centre for Disease Control or the person's residential compound. The app uses data collected by the CDC and various residential compounds in Beijing. While it is not mandatory, it makes the movement of residents within the city more convenient, according to the municipal government. Despite his long wait at Beijing's Capital Airport, Fang said he knew of others who had worse experiences. A friend of his was in mid-air when the rules changed, arriving to an eight-hour wait at the airport. Fang said the greater awareness of the disease in China compared to the US and Canadian airports he travelled through on his way home was clear. No airport staff had been wearing protecting gear in either Boston or Toronto, he said. "Several border control agents in the US got infected, which I think they should have seen coming, because they were at international airports and not wearing protection," Fang said. There have been reports of coronavirus infections among airport staff and TSA agents across the US, including in Atlanta, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. While the mainland and Hong Kong ramp up quarantine and social distancing rules to try and contain the virus, it is now a pandemic and may be here to stay, Tam said. "The prevailing view is that it's unlikely the transmission can be reduced to a level where the virus will not become entrenched in the human population, as was done with Sars." Covid-19Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Tuesday.to remove the option of staying at home, and requiring quarantined arrivals to pay their accommodation costs Your no-panic guide: Modi says India has enough food and ration supplies India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Mar 19: If you've been to grocery store, you've seen the evidence of full-on panic buying. Despite government's repeated requests, the general public is indulging in panic buying sprees across the nation. Several outlets, ranging from neighbourhood grocery stores to upmarket shops and retail chains in shopping malls, people could be seen buying up stocks to tide over possible shortages in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Finance Minister to lead task force to tackle coronavirus impact: PM Modi However, seeking support of Indians in the fight against coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged citizens to not indulge in panic buying and assured that the country has enough food and ration supplies. He also said that people should stay away from rumours. Meanwhile, India has recorded 173 cases of the novel COVID-19 and registered four virus-related deaths. Fresh cases were reported from Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh, and most of the states and UT's imposed restrictions, inching towards partial shutdown in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 21:34 [IST] Kate Middleton was caught weeping in public after a particularly emotional royal engagement. The narrative of the Royal Family has been dramatic nowadays, including Prince Andrew's "car-crash" Newsnight interview, multiple divorces within the Firm and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step down the royal frontline. Middleton has had her work cut out as a peacemaker. A source said the duchess she has taken the news of Megxit badly especially as she was used to seeing Prince Harry as a younger brother, but they have moved to Canada. While the Duchess of Cambridge keeps her composure most of the time, she apparently shed tears when she was visiting East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH). This unearthed 2014 report revealed that Middleton could not contain her emotions upon learning about a mother's loss. Prince William's wife is the patron of several charitable causes and organizations, but she holds a fondness for this one in particular. She has adopted East Anglia's Children's Hospice (EACH) as one of her initial patronages in January 2012 and has rallied for the cause since then. One woman's story, Leigh Smith, struck a chord within Middleton. Smith lost her three-month-old baby from a rare heart condition. "Leigh had sent the Duchess a letter about her late baby Beatrice and had received a personal reply from the royal. Baby Beatrice spent her final days at the Quidenham hospice which EACH replaced with a new facility called The Nook... Throwing her arms around Leigh, Kate called the 33-year-old physiotherapist a 'brave lady' when she met her in person at the launch event." Also Read: Meghan Markle's Estranged Father Has Been Yearning for One Thing, Will Meghan Grant It? Middleton launched The Nook facility in November 2019. The Duchess of Cambridge called the 33-year-old physiotherapist a "brave lady" at the launch event.The two ladies were both emotional at the time. Smith said Middleton sought her out and gave her a hug before she left. "I was getting quite teary-eyed, she had tears in her eyes, and she just said to me, 'You're a very brave lady and again, I'm just so, so sorry'." Reports also emerged that Meghan Markle reportedly made Middleton cry shortly before her wedding. The two duchesses had a tense moment at the royal wedding during May. The bride reportedly exerted pressure on Middleton and her daughter Princess Charlotte and wanted her to wear the best bridesmaid dress, a royal insider said. A source said Middleton was left in tears after the bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte. "Kate had only just given birth to her third child, Prince Louis, and was feeling quite emotional." The two royal wives allegedly don't get along, according to several reports. Prince Harry and Prince William's strained relationship was believed to be one of the biggest factors that led to Harry and Meghan's decision to become independent from the Royal Family, sources revealed. Related Article: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Princess Diana's Handwriting Compared @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The last time Paige Noelck got a cold, it took her out for almost four weeks. The symptoms werent what most people might experience, either: A high heart rate, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. I couldnt do a normal grocery trip to Superstore or something without being in a wheelchair, she said. Noelck has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the heart rate. Every five days she goes to the hospital to get IV therapy, a treatment of lactate and saline that helps combat POTS. But on Sunday, when she and a friend who also has POTS arrived for their treatment, they were put in isolation together to be tested for COVID-19. Since March 11, Noelck, a 24-year-old apprentice service dog trainer who lives in Sherwood Park, Alta., had been increasingly experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, shortness of breath and a slight cough. Two days earlier, her friends father had been put in isolation after returning from a trip. Hospital workers were worried that Noelck and her friend could have COVID-19 which can present as nothing more than a common cold or flu for some, but could be deadly for immunocompromised people like Noelck. At the hospital, Noelck was experiencing tachycardia her heart wouldnt go below 140 beats per minute and she was given four times the usual amount of fluid she receives during treatment. She was also exhausted, and spent most of the day sleeping. Now, Noelck is isolated at home with her fiance, who is showing similar symptoms. She was tested for COVID-19 on Sunday and was told the results would take 24 hours. That got extended because the lab was backed up, she was told the results arrived on Tuesday instead. The results bore good news: Noelck does not have COVID-19. Shes still sick, however, and plans to continue self-isolating until her symptoms go away, and then practice social distancing to avoid contracting the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, she cant go to the hospital for her regular treatments until at least April 9. This means that soon, shell start experiencing the extreme fatigue and weakness caused by POTS, where even a trip up the stairs necessitates taking a rest from the effort. Noelck said she doesnt know how bad her symptoms need to be before she should go back to the hospital, especially with the POTS symptoms added into the mix. It gets exacerbated when Im sick, she said. As she watches the world react to the pandemic from her home, Noelck said shes frustrated by two extremes: Those who are overreacting, and those who arent taking the pandemic seriously enough. I feel like people are panicking too much, she said, pointing out that there are people like herself who need the face masks others are stocking up on she wears those daily during the annual flu season. You dont need a mask if youre not immunocompromised, she said, adding that the mask she normally buys is out of stock until June. And next to the social media posts showing grocery-store shelves empty after panic buying, are photos of crowds across North America, many celebrating St. Patricks Day with little to no regard for physical distance. Noelck said it bothers her to see people not taking the pandemic seriously. When she was at Costco stocking up alongside many other Albertans, she overheard people talking about travelling during the pandemic, telling each other not to worry because they were in good health. Its like, Oh, thanks. Im right over here, she said, adding, They dont really understand herd immunity. Noelck said she hopes people will start to take the pandemic more seriously, and also to think about more than just themselves whether that means only buying one pack of toilet paper or self-isolating for a few weeks. Its not that bad to have to stay in your house for two weeks. A lot of people with chronic illness do that anyways. Read more about: New York, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "North America Superdisintegrants Market to 2027 - Regional Analysis and Forecasts by Type ; Formulation ; Therapeutic Area , and Country" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05875910/?utm_source=GNW Restraining factors, such as pricing pressure on drug manufacturers, are likely to damage the growth of the market in the coming years. On the other hand, growing medical tourism in Mexico is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the North American superdisintegrants market in the coming years. The superdisintegrants are the agents that are mixed in the tablets to intensify the breakup of the tablet into small fragments in aqueous conditions, thereby boosting the release of the drug into the body.In past years superdisintegrants have gained the attention of the pharmaceutical industry as it increases the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the body by raising the absorption of the drug in the body due to which bioavailability of drugs also increases. The superdisintegrant agent is used in tablets and capsules. Generic drugs refer to qualitative and quantitative compositions of active components whose bioequivalence has been demonstrated by suitable bioavailability studies.Cost efficiency is the prominent factor that is driving the acceptance and adoption of generic drugs across the world. For instance, according to the study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences (2015), nearly 50.060.0% of drug use across the world was of generic drugs. Certain benefits such as superior treatment outcomes, cost benefits, and easy availability played a major part in higher consumption of generic medications. Such higher consumption of generic medications is directly correlated to increased manufacturing of drugs. Moreover, increasing popularity of orally disintegrating drugs is likely to drive the usage of superdisintegrants in generic drugs, which will ultimately drive the growth of the global superdisintegrants market during the forecast period. Additionally, majority of the governments across the world are also implementing strategic policies to encourage the use of generic drugs. As generic drugs are cheaper by about 30.080.0%, the government is focusing to increase its adoption with an aim to expand the reach of drugs to every financial class. In 2019, the synthetic superdisintegrants segment accounted for the largest market share in the North America superdisintegrants market.The growth of the synthetic superdisintegrants segment is expected to grow due to the wide consumption of these superdisintegrants in numerous pharmaceutical drug formulations owing to the benefits offered such as efficiency at lesser concentrations as compared to starch and a smaller effect on the compressibility and flow ability of the dosage form. These factors are increasing the demand of synthetic superdisintegrants in the forecast period. In 2019, the tablets segment held the most significant market share of the superdisintegrants market by the formulation.This segment is also anticipated to hold a considerable portion of the market in 2027, owing to the high rate of tablet manufacturing and increasing number of hospital visits are also projected to drive the consumption of tablets. The segment is also anticipated to witness growth at a significant rate during the forecast period. In 2019, the gastrointestinal diseases segment held the most significant market share of the superdisintegrants market by the therapeutic area. This segment is also anticipated to hold a considerable portion of the market in 2027, owing to the high prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions and increasing adoption of OTC drugs for gastrointestinal conditions are anticipated to witness growth at a significant rate during the forecast period. Some of the significant primary and secondary sources for superdisintegrants included in the report are Asociacion Espanola Contra el Cancer (AECC), British Generics Manufacturers Association (BGMA), Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), Canada Foundation of Innovation (CFI) and others. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05875910/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Jonathan Ernst/Reuters An anti-malaria drug has been approved for use in treating coronavirus symptoms, President Donald Trump said Thursdayhowever, officials immediately cautioned that approval for widespread use was still a long way off. The drug Hydroxychloroquine, used on malaria and arthritis patients, will be made available almost immediately to coronavirus patients with a prescription, Trump said during the administrations coronavirus task force briefing on Thursday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has slashed red tape so they could fast track the approval of the drugs new use, he added. It has had very encouraging early results in tests on COVID-19, he said, adding that the coronavirus pandemic was now a medical war. Trump said people would be trying the drug literally within a few days. Almost immediately, however, the FDA cautioned a more measured approach. Stephan Hahn, head of the FDA, said he would not confirm a timeline but, given that the drug was already approved for other usages, researchers had information about possible side effects. He said the initial approval phase was done quickly, but the testing phase was only now getting underway. I want to assure you were working as quickly as we can, I dont want to speculate about a timeline, he said, adding that the FDA was looking at everything thats coming across our desks as possible treatment options for coronavirus. Hahn said the drug would be initially used under compassionate use, which means doctors can ask to use the experimental drug on patients. The FDA can then gather data on its safety and efficacy from doctors ahead of a full-scale approval. We are working expeditiously, he said. He said the president had directed the agency to take a closer look at whether the use of chloroquine could be expanded more widely beyond compassionate use. And again, we want to do that in the setting of a clinical trial, he said, a large, pragmatic clinical trial to actually gather that information and answer the question that needs to be asked and answered. Story continues After Trumps comments, Bloomberg reported that an FDA spokesperson told the news organization that hydroxychloroquine had not yet been specifically approved to help people diagnosed with COVID-19. In a statement posted online Thursday, the FDA said there are no FDA-approved therapeutics or drugs to treat, cure or prevent COVID-19, there are several FDA-approved treatments that may help ease the symptoms from a supportive care perspective. Studies are underway to determine the efficacy of using chloroquine to treat patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 to potentially reduce the duration of symptoms, as well as viral shedding, which can help prevent the spread of disease, the agency said. A study published by Nature on Tuesday found that Hydroxychloroquine, a less toxic derivative of chloroquine, was effective in stopping a COVID-19 infection in vitro. Theres promising information to say that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine may work based on laboratory studies, but that needs to be confirmed with human studies, Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, told The Daily Beast on Thursday. I think the FDA is correct in saying we clearly should study this but we should do it in the setting of a clinical trial to figure out, is this actually working or not in people? Hahn said on Thursday a second drug called remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences, was also in a clinical trial in the U.S. and had been approved for compassionate use by doctors with suitable patients. Gilead said in February that they were expanding clinical trials of the anti-viral drugs possible usage on COVID-19 patients. In a statement, the FDA said innovators were looking into anti-viral drugs that might treat the virus, as well as host targets that may be helpful in reducing lung inflammation and improving lung function in COVID-19 patients. The agency said one drug company had started a clinical trial of an antibody drug and there was interest in evaluating the use of convalescent plasma and hyperimmune globulin, antibody-rich blood products that are taken from blood donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19 and could possibly treat the illness in others. The U.S. has confirmed at least 7,701 COVID-19 cases and 118 deaths, according to the Associated Press latest figures. During Thursdays press conference, Vice President Mike Pence said he had visited manufacturers to ensure that millions of N95 masks and other equipment were in production. Towards the end of the briefing, however, Trump gave into one of his favorite pastimes of complaining about press coverage, reporters, and fake news. It started when a reporter for One America News Network asked the president a question about whether he considers the term Chinese food racist. Before answering, the president complimented OAN for treating him very nicely. The moment became more surreal as the OAN reporter derided major left wing news media, for describing Trump as racist because of his decision to call the coronavirus the Chinese Virus. The moment allowed Trump to return to familiar newspaper complaints about The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post as health fears and the pandemic continue to plague the nation. Theres no chaos in the White House, Trump said. We have unbelievable professionals. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. By Dan Whitcomb LOS ANGELES, March 19 (Reuters) - California's governor on Thursday asked President Donald Trump to send a U.S. Navy hospital ship to the port of Los Angeles "immediately" as the state braces for an expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases over the next eight weeks. Trump said earlier this week the Navy hospital ships Mercy and Comfort would be pressed into service, one on each coast, as healthcare systems become badly strained during the pandemic. But U.S. defense officials have said the ships were not yet ready to sail on the emergency mission, with the Comfort undergoing maintenance in Virginia. CNN reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed U.S. defense official, that the Mercy would be sent from San Diego to the Seattle area, site of one of the nation's worst outbreaks of the respiratory illness that has killed 187 people nationwide and infected more than 11,000 others. "I respectfully request you immediately deploy the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to be stationed at the port of Los Angeles through September 1, 2020, to help decompress our current health care delivery system in the Los Angeles region in response to the COVID-19 outbreak," Newsom said in a letter to Trump. He said Los Angeles, as the nation's second-largest city, would likely be "disproportionately impacted" by the pandemic in the coming weeks. Trump spoke with several state governors by phone on Thursday, saying the federal government would be helping out U.S. auto companies and might consider a relief package for the hospitality industry as well. It was not clear if Newsom, a Democrat in his first term as California's governor, was on that call. In a separate letter sent to U.S. congressional leaders, the California governor asked for additional federal funding for unemployment insurance and social safety net programs and aid to small businesses, schools and universities. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday introduced a $1 trillion-plus package of legislation to provide direct financial help for Americans, relief for small businesses and their employees, steps to stabilize the economy, and support for healthcare professionals and coronavirus patients Newsom said Wednesday that modeling has shown more than 60,000 homeless people could become ill with the coronavirus in California over the next eight weeks, overwhelming hospitals. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Tom Brown) DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "US Split Air Conditioning Market 2019-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The US split air conditioning market is estimated to show modest growth at a CAGR of around 2% during the forecast period. The major driving factors rising the growth of the market include adverse climate change and high disposable income. In 2018, more than 80% of the household population has air conditioners installed in their house. Other factors which contribute to the growth of this market is the rising demand for a commercial building with benefits of packaged air conditioners, rising environmental concerns which demand energy efficient and green ACs. Rising the adoption of smart ACs are expected to create a new opportunity for the market. The market is segmented on the basis of application and refrigerant type. By application, the market is further segmented into residential, commercial, industrial and others. By refrigerant type, the market is segmented into HCFC, HFC, HFO, and natural refrigerant. As per the Montreal Protocol, the country has to shift to HFO and natural refrigerant for their split AC, which will provide a significant market growth to these segments. The US Department of Energy's (DOE) new compliance guidelines aimed to offer the largest energy-saving standard that is impacting the commercial heating and cooling industry. In 2015, the new standards were announced and enforced on January 1, 2018. These standards have changed the development process of commercial rooftop air conditioners, heat pumps and warm-air for low-rise buildings such as retail stores, educational facilities for and mid-level hospitals. New DOE HVAC standards will include the parameters sets for refrigerant use in the US that relate to HVAC certification. In 2017, due to dangerous carbon emissions industry use of hydrofluorocarbons was phased out. DOE HVAC standards also limit the use of the ability ozone-depleting the such as HCFCs, CFCs and now HFCs. The companies which are contributing to the growth of the market include Daikin Industries Ltd., Klimaire Products Inc., LG Electronics Inc., Pioneer International Pty. Ltd., The Whirlpool Corp., Trane Inc., United Technologies Corp., and others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies energy-efficient including new product launch, merger, and acquisition, collaborations with government, funding to the start-ups and technological advancements to stay competitive in the market. Market Segmentation 1. US Air Conditioning Market Research and Analysis by Application 2. US Air Conditioning Market Research and Analysis by Refrigerant Type The Report Covers Comprehensive research methodology of the US Air Conditioning market. This report also includes a detailed and extensive market overview with key analyst insights. An exhaustive analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations. Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the US Air Conditioning market. Insights about market determinants which are stimulating the US Air Conditioning market. Detailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenues. Extensive profiles and recent developments of market players. Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Summary 1.1. Research Methods and Tools 1.2. Market Breakdown 1.2.1. By Segments 2. Market Overview and Insights 2.1. Scope of the Report 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends 2.2.1. Key Findings 2.2.2. Recommendations 2.2.3. Conclusion 2.3. Rules & Regulations 3. Competitive Landscape 3.1. Company Share Analysis 3.2. Key Strategy Analysis 3.3. Key Company Analysis 3.3.1. Overview 3.3.2. Financial Analysis 3.3.3. SWOT Analysis 3.3.4. Recent Developments 4. Market Determinants 4.1. Motivators 4.2. Restraints 4.3. Opportunities 5. Market Segmentation 5.1. US SPLIT AIR CONDITIONING Market by Application 5.1.1. Residential 5.1.2. Commercial 5.1.3. Industrial 5.1.4. Others (Healthcare) 5.2. US SPLIT AIR CONDITIONING Market by Refrigerant Type 5.2.1. HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) 5.2.2. HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) 5.2.3. HFO (Hydrofluro-Olefins) 5.2.4. Natural Refrigerants 6. Company Profiles 6.1. Daikin Industries Ltd. 6.2. Gree Electric Appliances Inc. 6.3. Johnson Controls International PLC 6.4. Klimaire Products Inc. 6.5. LG Electronics Inc. 6.6. Pioneer International Pty. Ltd. 6.7. The Whirlpool Corp. 6.8. Trane Inc. 6.9. United Technologies Corp. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wkv9ld Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Schools would get access to over $100 million in emergency funding to help them deal with the coronavirus as part of a broader March 17 proposal from the Trump administration. The supplemental $100 million for the U.S. Department of Education would be accessible to K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. It would be earmarked for Project SERV , a program that helps schools recover from traumatic events, and could be used to help clean and disinfect affected schools, and assist in counseling and distance learning/online learning costs, according to the proposal. Districts have previously used SERV grants in the aftermath of shootings, community violence, and hurricanes. In addition, schools would get access to $12.5 million in emergency aid at the Department of Health and Human Services Pediatric Environmental Health Specialties Units to provide guidance and outreach on best practies for disinfecting facilities. This aid to schools is part of a $45.8 billion package in supplemental fiscal 2020 funding to help federal agencies respond to the virus. Russ Vought, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote in a letter prefacing the funding request that it is not intended as a broad-based solution to the major economic dislocation wrought by the virus, nor is it the primary means by which the Federal Government plans to address the hardships of families, individuals, and communities who have been touched by the disease. Democrats are seeking $3 billion in coronavirus aid for K-12 schools and institutions of higher education to respond to the virus in a separate funding proposal. Its possible that request from Democrats in Congress could get rolled into a much bigger federal government stimulus to shore up the economy. Separately, the Senate is considering the Families First Coronavirus Response Act . This legislation would ease current restrictions on student access to school meals and provide certain job protections, such as paid leave, for public employees, including teachers. It would also provide certain employment protections for those who are forced to stay home from work in the event of school closures. Photo: Reporters raise their hands to ask a question of President Donald Trump during a White House press briefing with the coronavirus task force March 16, 2020, in Washington. -- AP Photo/Evan Vucci Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa . Madrid: Banging pots and pans from their balconies, thousands of Spaniards under lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic nearly drowned out King Felipe's broadcast address to the nation on Wednesday in protest over a scandal involving his father. Madrid residents bang pots angrily after reports that King Juan Carlos took Saudi kickbacks. Credit:Getty Images Repeating an earlier protest at noon, people in central Madrid, summoned by a call on social media, demanded that former king Juan Carlos, Felipe's father, donate millions he had reportedly received from Saudi Arabia to the struggling health system. "The applause is for those who take care of us. The pans are for the corruption money to go to our health system," leftist movement Mas Pais said in a tweet. Spaniards have also been coming to their balconies to cheer health workers during the lockdown in Europe's second worst-hit country by the virus after Italy. They have been confined to their homes since Saturday for all but essential outings. By Tim McLaughlin BOSTON, March 19 (Reuters) - One of the most aggressive state-run cash pools that regularly trounces the returns of peers and money-market funds with big bets on short-term corporate debt is no longer eager to buy some of the blue-chip names that produce those juicy yields. Before the coronavirus pandemic reverberated around the globe and created a financial panic on Wall Street, the Utah Public Treasurers Investment Fund had about 95% of its $17.5 billion in assets invested in corporate debt and commercial paper issued by blue-chip companies. ExxonMobil Corp, hard hit by a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, accounted for about $638 million, or 3.6% of the fund's assets. Chevron Corp's total was about $8 million, state disclosures show. "We will let those positions roll off," Utah Treasurer David Damschen said Wednesday in an email. "There are no plans to buy into the energy sector at present." Damschen and other state treasurers said they anticipate increased cash demands from their investors, which include small towns and library districts, for example. "The primary concern right now is the unknown length and magnitude of the economic impact to the household and business sectors caused by the virus, the office of Washington state Treasurer Duane Davidson said. "This is different than the (previous) financial crisis where the primary concern was the soundness of the financial system." The U.S. Federal Reserve this week dusted off its playbook from the 2008-2009 financial crisis to prevent the corporate debt market from seizing up. The Fed took the extraordinary step of saying it would prop up the corporate debt market by buying commercial paper directly from banks and large corporations and dish out short-term cash in return. With nearly $300 billion, local government investment pools (LGIPs) across the United States invest the idle taxpayer dollars collected for school districts, small towns and cities in U.S. Treasuries, municipal bonds, bank certificates of deposit and corporates. The pools provide economies of scale that can produce significant savings in money management fees to participants. Story continues Another goal is to stretch taxpayer dollars by generating more income than participants would in money-market funds. New Mexico's $1 billion LGIP has doubled in size over the past five years, with yields that are 15 to 20 basis points more than a similarly structured money fund. Many of the pools follow the same investment rules of money-market funds. Others, like the Utah fund and the Oregon Short-Term Fund, have mandates that allow them to take more risk by allocating a higher percentage of assets toward corporate issues. Over the past several years, corporate debt has juiced the Utah fund's returns, which have ranked the highest or among the highest in the country. In 2019, for example, the fund's average yield of 2.76% was No. 1 among LGIPs, according to research firm Tracs Financial. By contrast, the average money-market fund yield was 1.86%, according to Refinitiv Lipper data. Though highly rated, corporate debt carries more credit risk, and pays higher yields, than bonds issued by the U.S. government and its various agencies. The current yield on Exxon AA-rated commercial paper that matures in early September is 1.4%, compared to 0.08% on a benchmark 6-month U.S. Treasury note. Pete Crane, president of money-market research firm Crane Data, said LGIPs typically are stalwarts in the corporate debt market, though not the biggest buyers. "They are a lot less headline sensitive, and they are much more hungry for yield," Crane said. (Reporting By Tim McLaughlin; Editing by Bernadette Baum) WASHINGTON Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a member of the House of Representatives and the Hawaii National Guard, has ended her presidential campaign. In a video message on Thursday, Gabbard said she'd be supporting former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. "After Tuesday's election, it is clear that Democratic Primary voters have chosen Vice President Joe Biden to be the person who will take on President Trump in the general election," she said. During her time as a candidate, Gabbard struggled to capture attention in a field that included higher-profile contenders and placed distantly in early primary states. At times she had to deal with the remnants of the 2016 election, in which she endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders and abandoned a post with the Democratic Party over concerns about its impartiality. Gabbard had spent much of the beginning of the year campaigning in New Hampshire, which has a notorious independent streak and where voters went to the polls on Feb 11. She finished seventh in the Granite State. The Hawaii congresswoman went on to win two delegates on Super Tuesday in the American Samoa Democratic caucuses. Throughout the campaign she spent $5.3 million, with $2.9 million in ads on Facebook and Google, according to Advertising Analytics. Gabbard filed a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton in January in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan for defamation after Clinton appeared to call Gabbard "a favorite of the Russians" last year. In the lawsuit, Gabbard claims that Clinton made her remarks as "retribution" for the Hawaii congresswoman endorsing Sanders over Clinton in 2016. Let's vote: When are the 2020 presidential election primaries? Democratic presidential hopeful Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, speaks during the fifth Democratic presidential primary debate in Atlanta. During the Thursday video message, Gabbard extended her best wishes to Sanders, his wife Jane, members of his campaign and his supporters "for the work they've done." Sanders is trailing Biden in Democratic delegates. Story continues "I have a great appreciation for Sen. Sanders love for our country and the American people and his sincere desire to improve the lives of all Americans," she said. Gabbard, who has represented Hawaii in the House since 2013, announced her presidential campaign in February 2019. She also serves as a captain in the Hawaii National Guard and was deployed in Iraq, serving in a field medical unit from 2004 to 2005. Gabbard is the first Hindu member of Congress. As a presidential candidate, Gabbard often highlighted her military background. I love our country. It's why I enlisted after 9/11, why I've served as a soldier for over 16 years, deployed twice to the Middle East, and serve in Congress now for almost seven years," Gabbard said during the July Democratic primary debate. Candidates on the issues: A voter's guide to where they stand on health care, gun control and more In August, Gabbard took a two-week absence from her campaign to report for active duty with the Hawaiian Army National Guard in Indonesia. Gabbard, 38, aligned herself in the campaign with the more progressive candidates in the primary field, having supported Sanders for president in 2016. But her past also has drawn criticism from some progressives. More: Tulsi Gabbard: Bashar al-Assad is 'a brutal dictator, just like Saddam Hussein' Gabbard worked for her father's organization, the Alliance for Traditional Marriage, which organized to pass a measure against same-sex marriage in Hawaii and advocated for conversion therapy. She apologized for her past views in January 2019, and again during the first Democratic primary debate later that year. I recently voted for passage of the Equality Act, she said. I held views when I was very young that I no longer hold today. I know that (LGBT servicemen she served with) would give their life for me and I would give my life for them. Gabbards vocal critique of the Obama administrations handling of ISIS critiquing President Obama for not using the term radical Islam, a characterization that aligned her more with Republicans also distanced her from some Democratic goodwill. Gabbard throughout the campaign also tried to appeal to independent voters and Republicans who were dissatisfied with President Donald Trump. This isnt about, well, my partys good and your partys bad, or vice versa, Gabbard said during a campaign event on Jan. 30 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It goes much deeper than that to where weve got to be able to really bring about the vision that our founders had for us: leading a government that is of, by and for the people. Gabbard in January also sued former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for defamation, after Clinton appeared to call Gabbard "a favorite of the Russians" in 2019. In the lawsuit, Gabbard claims that Clinton made her remarks as "retribution" for the Hawaii congresswoman endorsening Sen. Bernie Sanders over Clinton in 2016. Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill said the lawsuit was "ridiculous. According to Google Trends, she was the most searched candidate during both the June and July debates. But after failing to qualify for several subsequent debates, she never gained steam in national or early state polls. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2020 election: Tulsi Gabbard ends her bid for Democratic nomination As part of efforts by several outfits to help fight the COVID -19 through the wide spread and dissemination of information on the preventive measures to the general public, one of the graduate students in University of Ghana, Kojo Danquah launched a project called WUDDAC to complement efforts aimed at reducing risk of contracting COVID-19. As the popular adage goes; Prevention is better than cure. Prevention is the best way to protect people from COVID-19. The WUDDAC is an acronym for: W - Wash your Hands U - Use Alcohol based sanitizers D - Disinfect objects used such as phones D - Don't touch your eyes, nose & mouth A -Avoid shaking hands C - Cover your nose with tissue when sneezing Again, as part of the *WUDDAC Project, Kojo Danquah procured 2500 pieces of Hand Sanitizers for Graduate Students in the University of Ghana, which he and his team have been sharing to the students since last week. Kojo Danquah, a graduate student of University of Ghana is entreating and reminding his colleague students and the general public at large to adhere to the *WUDDAC Preventive measures whiles they continue to use the Hand Sanitizers. The graduate students expressed their profound gratitude to Kojo Danquah, for contemplating such a useful and life saving initiative. Mr. Kojo Danquah, who is the leader of Team KD, is a Master of Public Administration student at the University of Ghana, and a leadership enthusiast, who is widely known for his extensive advocacies on issues on national interest as well as youth empowerment. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, with approximately 50 cases are confirmed in the Houston area, TOMAGWA is temporarily closing its doors and shifting to remote appointments and care for its 3,200 patients. On March 16 TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries, a ministry healthcare clinic for uninsured and low-income individuals in Harris, Waller and Montgomery County, has stopped all onsite patient care services according to a press release. TOMAGWA will now deliver medication through touchless delivery services and will provide house calls for chronically ill patients who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Medical staff wait to take swab samples from people arriving at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi, March 18, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Nine people, four landing in Hanoi and five in HCMC have tested Covid-19 positive, taking the nations total to 85 infections, the Health Ministry confirmed Thursday night. "Patient 77" is a 25-year-old Vietnamese woman who lives in Hanoi's Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District. A Vietnamese student in the U.K., she landed March 17 in Hanoi on Qatar Airways flight QR976. She was quarantined on arrival and her swab samples tested positive for the novel coronavirus. "Patient 78" is a 22-year-old man, another Vietnamese student in the U.K., resides in Hanoi's Bac Tu Liem District. He landed March 17 at the Noi Bai airport on Emirates flight EK394. He tested Covid-19 positive on March 19. Both patients have been quarantined in the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases and their health is stable. "Patient 79" is a 48-year-old woman who resides in Dong Hai District in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu. She'd been living in the U.K. for the last two years. She flew from London to Dubai March 14 on Emirates flight EK4 and landed in HCMC March 15 on Emirates flight EK392. She was asymptomatic for the coronavirus on arrival but was quarantined in Saigon's District 12. On March 16, she had a fever and was sent to the Cu Chi field hospital, where doctors discovered that her lungs were damaged. She tested Covid-19 positive for the first time on March 17 and the second time on March 18. She has been quarantined and is treated at the Cu Chi field hospital. "Patient 80" is the 18-year-old son of "Patient 79". He's also been living in the U.K for two years and accompanied his mother on her return to Vietnam. He too was asymptomatic on arrival but tested positive on March 18. He has been quarantined and is being treated at the same hospital as his mother. "Patient 81" is a 20-year-old man who stays in Konplong District in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. He flew from Paris to Vietnam on Air France flight AF258, landing March 15 in HCMC. Asymptomatic on arrival, he was quarantined in District 12 and tested positive March 19. "Patient 82" is a 16-year-old teen resident of Saigon's District 5. She flew with her mother from London to Dubai on Emirates flight EK30 on March 14. The young girl reached Vietnam March 15 with no symptom and was quarantined in District 12. Her swab samples tested positive March 19. "Patient 83" is a 50-year-old American woman who lives in Saigon's Binh Thanh District. She was on Turkish Airlines flight TK612 that flew from Istanbul and landed March 15. In the 14 days preceding her return to Vietnam, she had visited Phuket in Thailand. She was also asymptomatic upon arrival and quarantined in District 12 before testing positive on March 19. "Patient 84", another Vietnamese student in the U.K, is a 21-year-old young man who lives in Hanoi's Dong Da District. He returned to the Noi Bai airport on Vietnam Airlines flight VN54, landing March 18. He tested positive on March 19. He has been quarantined at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Dong Anh. His health is stable. "Patient 85" is a 20-year-old young man who also studies in the U.K. A resident of Hanoi's Ba Dinh District, he landed at the Noi Bai airport March 18 on Vietnam Airlines flight VN54. He tested positive on March 19 and is being quarantined in the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Dong Anh. His health is stable. The country has recorded 69 novel conoravirus infections since March 6 after going 22 days without any new case. Sixteen earlier patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals. So far, 15 cities and provinces in Vietnam have Covid-19 patients. The Covid-19 pandemic has spread to 177 countries and territories, claiming over 9,300 lives. The US Justice Department ordered the US branch office of Turkish public broadcaster TRT to register as a foreign agent last year, Al-Monitor has learned, a step TRT only took earlier this month. In an Aug. 1, 2019 letter obtained by Al-Monitor, the Justice Department concluded that TRT the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation is engaged in political activities and acts as a publicity agent and as an information-service employee on behalf of the Turkish government. US officials rejected TRT's argument that it is financially and editorially independent, concluding instead that Ankara exercises direction and control of TRT by regulation and oversight, and by controlling its leadership, budget, and content. In particular, the letter points to TRT's own general broadcasting principles, which require it to [c]omply with the State's national security politics, national and economic interest requirements. The registration, the Justice Department letter points out, is not meant to interfere with TRT's content in any way but to ensure that media outlets that purchase its programming, social media outlets that post it and American viewers are fully informed regarding the foreign influence behind the content. A spokesman for the Justice Department made it clear the outlet had little choice but to comply. If an entity declines to register after receiving a determination letter, we would go to court to obtain an injunction compelling them to register, he told Al-Monitor. According to its registration, which Al-Monitor first reported last week, TRT is engaged in political activities as defined by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) through its preparation and dissemination of informational materials via its English-language TRT World channel. The broadcaster launched TRT World in 2015 to provide a 24-hour Turkish perspective on world affairs. TRTs registration comes amid an intensifying push by the Donald Trump administration and Congress to get certain foreign media outlets they view as mouthpieces of foreign governments to register under FARA. And in August 2018, Congress passed national defense legislation that created a new requirement for foreign media outlets to register with the Federal Communications Commission. The only two outlets to do so to date are Turkeys Anadolu Agency and Washington-area MHz News, which distributes content from the English-language service of Qatar-based Al Jazeera as well as Frances FMM (France Medias Monde) and Germanys DW (Deutsche Welle). Click above to read the Justice Department's letter. TRT insists it is funded by public fees and advertising and is financially and editorially independent of the Turkish government. The sole registered agent on the account, Washington bureau chief Tuncay Yurekli, did not respond to a request to comment about whether TRT thought the demand that it register was fair. But in its filing TRT says it is no different than other public broadcasters. Turkish Radio-Television Corporation performs news gathering and reporting activities like those performed by other news and broadcast organizations that are not controlled by foreign governments, the registration filing states. Turkish Radio-Television Corporation engages a team of highly qualified professional journalists, editors and producers. TRT Worlds legal counsel, Efe Poturoglu, emphasized to Al-Monitor that TRTs FARA filings state that it operates as an impartial public economic enterprise and is not owned or controlled by any entity or any person. The Justice Department disagrees, pointing to TRT's reliance on taxes and government grants. The letter requiring registration goes on to detail several instances of what the Justice Department claims are examples of content that consistently mirrors the policy positions expressed by the Government of Turkey, notably TRT's reporting on the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen and his followers, all of which Ankara considers to be terrorists. Hawkish groups have pushed for TRTs registration following Turkeys military incursion against US-backed Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria in October. A good place to start would be to require Turkish and Qatari state-owned media to register as foreign agents, and to conduct public awareness campaigns to expose these governments funding for their media outlets, the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies wrote in a December 2019 report on the Turkey-Qatar axis. The report was authored by Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the Turkish parliament who is now senior director of the foundation's Turkey program, and senior research analyst Varsha Koduvayur. Steven Stalinsky, the executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute, also blasted the outlet in a Washington Post op-ed in November, just weeks after the incursion. In the op-ed, Stalinsky called for American experts and organizations to stop participating in TRT Worlds broadcasts, just as they would decline to appear on Russias RT. Two weeks later, the research institute published an expanded report on TRT World, noting its ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family; the awarding of plaques to three TRT World employees by the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham; and alleged examples of anti-Semitism on TRTs domestic programming. The report also noted that TRT World had not registered as a foreign agent at the time. Updated: March 23, 2020. This article has been updated with information from the US Department of Justice. View of San Ysidro port of entry as few cars enter the US from Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on March 19, 2020. The United States is expected to announce restrictions on travel across the border with Mexico as part of the effort to stem the tide of the coronavirus pandemic, a source familiar with the plan told NBC News. The restrictions are expected to be revealed Friday, according to a report first published by the Reuters news agency, which cited two officials familiar with the matter. The source said that the restrictions on the U.S.-Mexico border would be similar to the agreement with Canada that was announced Wednesday by President Donald Trump. Trump and and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that day said they were temporarily closing their nations' border the longest in the world to non-essential traffic. On Tuesday, the member countries of the European Union agreed to close their external borders to non-citizens in most cases for one month. There have been more than 236,000 cases of coronvirus reported worldwide, with at least 9,790 deaths. In the United States alone, there have been at least 11,238 coronavirus cases, and at least 157 related deaths. Mexico has 118 confirmed cases, and 1 reported death, according to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, which has been tracking the spread of coronavirus, and the related disease of COVID-19. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Seven Middle Eastern countries have suspended all commercial flights due to the fast-spreading new coronavirus, as the aviation industrys largest trade association announced Thursday that airlines in the region have already lost more than $7 billion in revenue. Those losses translate into potentially hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs in the airline industry in the Middle East alone, the International Air Transport Association said. IATA called for emergency aid of up to $200 billion for airlines globally. The Middle East has some 20,000 cases of the virus, with most cases in Iran or linked to travel from Iran. The virus killed another 149 people in the past 24 hours in Iran, pushing the death toll there to 1,284 amid over 18,000 confirmed cases. The government on Thursday joined other countries in ordering all shopping centres closed for two weeks. Only pharmacies, food stores and other necessary supply stores will be open, state media reported. IATA says 16,000 passenger flights have been cancelled in the Middle East since the end of January. A lot of jobs are at risk, economies of the nations are being impacted and airline business in the Middle East is taking a bit hit, Muhammad Albakri, IATAs regional vice-president for Africa and the Middle East, said in a phone conference with reporters. Already, major carriers like Emirates have urged pilots and cabin crew to take unpaid leave. Reports have emerged that Qatar Airways laid off several hundred employees. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus. Job losses in the Middle East have especially far-reaching consequences to the millions of foreign workers who send remittances back home to families in India, Pakistan, the Philippines and eastern European countries. Gulf states like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates rely heavily on foreigners to work as airport support staff, pilots, cleaners and cabin crew. We are suffering, we are struggling. We are bleeding, Albakri said in his most urgent appeal yet to governments to step in and help many of these state-owned airlines by cutting taxes and offering direct financial assistance. IATA represents around 290 airlines worldwide. Since February, Israeli national carrier El Al has laid off 1,000 employees and put another 5,500 on unpaid vacation, almost all of its staff, company spokesman Eitan Atias told the AP. It has reduced its flights from 47 destinations globally to just six: New York, Newark, Paris, London, Toronto and Johannesburg. Separately, Israels Mossad intelligence agency was involved in obtaining thousands of coronavirus testing kits, Health Ministry Director Moshe Bar Siman Tov said. He thanked the Mossad and other security agencies for helping procure important and intact kits. Israeli media had reported that the 100,000 kits apparently came from countries that have no diplomatic relations with Israel. The involvement of the countrys spy agency in the quest to procure the kits signalled the extraordinary lengths Israels government was willing to go to get enough tests. On Thursday, Egypt and Lebanon became the latest two countries in the Middle East to shut down airports and suspend all passenger flights, joining Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco. Sudans transitional government reopened airports for 48 hours only to allow Sudanese stranded abroad to return home and expats to leave the country. Libyas rival governments have also closed airports and border crossings, allowing only humanitarian and cargo flights. Other countries have largely limited or halted all flights and border crossings. Some, such as Iraq and Lebanon, have ordered citizens to stay home to contain the virus. Seventeen doctors, including five former health ministers, urged Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a letter to impose a widespread quarantine to prevent further infections and deaths, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. Albakri said international bookings are down 40% for Mideast airlines and domestic bookings are also similarly impacted. The loss of $7.2 billion in revenue as of March 11 is in comparison to last years revenue at the same time, he said. In Egypt, the Arab worlds most populous country, some 138,000 jobs are immediately at risk and $1 billion in airline revenue has been lost, according to IATA. In Saudi Arabia, which suspended the year-round Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, $3 billion in revenue has been lost in the aviation industry, and more than 140,000 people could lose their jobs. In a telling sign of how long disruptions could last, Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced it was cancelling an entertainment festival scheduled to take place in June and July in the city of Jiddah. Albakri said another 163,000 people are at risk of losing their jobs in the United Arab Emirates, home to the regions biggest carrier Emirates and the worlds busiest airport for international travel in Dubai. The UAEs airlines have absorbed $2.8 billion in base revenue loss, Albakri said. The UAE has not shut its airports but has suspended the entry of all visitors and even its foreign residents who are currently abroad. Only Emirati citizens, who make up about 10% of the population, are allowed to return. The UAE also announced it was suspending all new labour permits until further notice. Meanwhile, Iran also announced Thursday that 10,000 prisoners among them an unknown number of inmates whose cases are political and related to activism or speech would be granted amnesty under a decree by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the occasion of the new year, called Nowruz. The country has already released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave to curb the spread of the virus inside prisons. ___ Karimi reported from Tehran. Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb in Beirut; Munir Ahmed in Islamabad, Pakistan; Noha ElHennawy in Cairo; Samya Kullab in Baghdad; and Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem contributed. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Wirecard and its partner SwissPost offer a complete package including technical integration, payment processing, customs and logistics Chinese consumers can check out with WeChat Pay on the online shops of European merchants Shoppers enjoy a smooth and familiar payment flow The integration meets the needs of a key target audience, leading to significantly increased revenues ASCHHEIM, Germany, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirecard, the global innovation leader for digital financial technology, is further expanding its e-commerce offer for Chinese online shoppers. Thanks to Wirecard, European merchants can integrate the popular payment method WeChat Pay into their online shop in just a few minutes. Chinese customers can now shop online or in the app of these merchants and check out via WeChat Pay. This solution is ideal for European merchants seeking to enter the competitive and growing Chinese e-commerce marketplace. The end-to-end offering also includes logistics and customs support, thanks to SwissPost, as well as consulting and training, so that merchants can get up and running as quickly and effectively as possible. Online merchants that capitalize on this offering will see WeChat Pay integrated into their in-app checkout page. When a user chooses to pay via WeChat Pay, they are redirected to the app or mobile website, where they can easily and quickly carry out the payment. Shoppers can enjoy an even smoother payment flow, and merchants benefit from a simplified integration into their existing e-commerce infrastructure. In addition, the new offering can drive up conversion rates and customer satisfaction for customers in China, where digital payments are commonplace. Wirecard will process all payments and support merchants with the integration, contributing extensive know-how and experience in navigating Chinese payment methods. The company is also offering virtual workshops and marketing support. "As e-commerce continues to boom around the world, it is essential for merchants with global aspirations to offer localized payment methods," commented Christian Reindl, EVP Sales Retail at Wirecard. "Our long-standing experience with Chinese payment methods enables us to support merchants that seek to break into the lucrative Chinese e-commerce market. We are excited to launch this offering and look forward to onboarding even more merchants." For further information, please contact chinapay@wirecard.com About Wirecard: Wirecard (GER:WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment and risk, retail and transaction banking, loyalty and couponing, data analytics and conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, POS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets and holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX and TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Find out more at www.wirecard.com. Wirecard media contact: Wirecard AG Jana Tilz Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363 Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com Three members of the Charlton Fire Department are all under self-quarantine for two weeks after they were exposed to a person who tested positive for coronavirus. Charlton officials declared a state of emergency Wednesday after learning Tuesday about the first case of COVID-19 in the community. The town was notified by the Massachusetts Department of Health about the case. The person is under quarantine and being monitored by health officials. The Charlton Fire Department said Wednesday night that the towns Board of Health agent said three members of the fire department were exposed to a positive COVID-19 patient during a call recently. At the time of the incident, the patient exhibited no signs and symptoms, but later was tested positive, the fire department said. The three staff members were immediately notified and placed under self-quarantine for 14 days, even though they themselves have no confirmed issues. The department, even before being notified of the exposure, took measures to isolate all shifts in a "proverbial vacuum" so that there is no cross contact amongst the four working shifts. The administrative staff has been relocated offsite and is working remotely, the department said. This was done to minimize exposure opportunities running through the department, Charlton fire officials said. Every patient will now receive a surgical mask prior to interacting with EMTs in town. We are also providing additional personal protective equipment for our staff to wear during respiratory calls, the department said. Sanitizing of all apparatus is happening after every response for service. Related Content: Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft is ordering the citys public beaches closed at 7 a.m. on Friday, and the Baldwin County Commission will soon ask Gov. Kay Ivey to do the same at the beaches the state oversees. The mayors order will tentatively last through April 6. The city issued a local state of emergency on Wednesday, which calls on social distancing practices of no more than 10 people at once who cannot keep a distance of at least 6 feet, recommends restaurants offer only take out or drive-thru (online ordering is also recommended), and to consider delays to out-of-state travel. The Baldwin County Commission, during a meeting this morning in Robertsdale, voted to close the public access points to the beaches in the countys unincorporated areas. That includes mostly access points to the beaches in unincorporated Fort Morgan. I hope we are overreacting, said Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood. I dont want to under-react. Its not an easy decision to make. We will overcome. We are Baldwin strong. On Wednesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said she wasnt prepared to order the states access points to the beaches closed. When asked about the possibility of closing beaches to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Ivey said during a news conference that, Certainly, its under consideration. If we decide to do that well announce that at a later date." Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, during a town hall meeting on Tuesday, said it was up to the governor to decide if the public beach access points should be closed off to the public. Among the locations is the popular Perdido Pass. Kennon said that the city saw a 35 to 45% reduction of bookings and cancellations last week amid concerns over the COVID-19 crisis spreading throughout the country. But by Saturday and Sunday, he said that everything reversed and bookings shot up as college students on Spring Break arrived to coastal Alabama. Images of large crowds sunbathing and playing the beaches have unnerved concerned people on social media upset that the beaches remain open while schools and small businesses have been forced to close. In Dauphin Island, Mayor Jeff Collier said the city hasnt officially closed the beaches. But the city has closed off the public parking lots near the beaches by placing barricades to keep people from congregating in large crowds. RELATED: The only corona here is the one Im drinking - Spring break kids mob Alabama beaches despite fears ALSO: Follow our live updates. Find all of our coronavirus stories here. Patrick Kwongs mother came home. Kwong desperately wanted to take his 93-year-old mother out of a Scarborough long-term care home where a staffer tested positive for the COVID-19 virus late last week. He decided if he could get his mom out of the home, he would even move back in with his ex-wife Pj the couple divorced in 1997 so the two of them and one of their daughters could take care of mom, Chui Tai Kwong, at Pjs house in Scarborough. Thursday morning, days after the Tendercare Living Centre on McNicoll Avenue said no to Chui Tai leaving, the centre changed course and allowed her to go home. Im relieved, the whole family is relieved. Its been an intense few days trying to figure this out, Patrick, 66, said in an interview Thursday at his ex-wifes home. The family was enjoying a pleasant morning with his mother shortly after Patrick picked her up from the centre where she has lived for four years. He wanted his mother out because people over 80 are most at risk from the virus. In Washington State, most of the 74 COVID-19 deaths have been seniors at a nursing home in Kirkland, a suburb of Seattle. In B.C., seven people at the Lynn Valley Care Centre, a facility for seniors in North Vancouver, died from the virus. Patricks ex-wife was heavily involved in getting her mother-in-law. She cited the same concerns. They plan to keep her at home as long as it takes the COVID-19 pandemic to pass. She relies on a walker for balance but has no cognitive issues. Because Patrick has power of attorney, he had to sign a waiver agreeing that his mother wont go back to Tendercare while the home is in quarantine. He also must contact the Local Health Integration Unit to ensure her bed will be held if she stays away more than 21 days. The waiver also makes clear he is taking full responsibility for his mother while he cares for her. Its open-ended as far as her return to the home is concerned, Pj said Thursday. The Kwong family is pleased with the care Chui Tai has always received at Tendercare. They say the staff do great work overall, and the facility, which has 254 residents, has been a godsend. But a few weeks ago as the novel coronavirus began to spread in seniors homes, Patrick started thinking about taking his mother out because he believed she was at risk. As the Star reported Saturday, the facility imposed a quarantine on the second floor of the building after a staff person tested positive for the virus Friday. Francis Martis, executive director at Tendercare, told the Star Tuesday that even though Chui Tai was a resident on the third floor and the staff member who tested positive was on the second floor, Chui Tai had visited the second floor dining room and was being quarantined in her room as a precaution until March 25. On Thursday, Martis said he, the homes director of care and a Toronto Public Health official discussed the Kwongs request on a conference call. They decided to release Chui Tai because shes at a low risk of having contracted the virus. The chances are slim she came into contact with the infected person, Martis said Thursday. When asked how decisions are reached concerning when a resident can leave a long-term care facility when theres a positive COVID-19 test, Toronto Public Health said, TPH provides infection prevention and control recommendations and guidance to directors of long-term care homes when there is an infectious disease case, exposure or outbreak in a facility. It is up to the director of a long-term care centre to make a decision about whether a resident can be released. Individuals who have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 14 days, Toronto Public Health added. Sri Lanka on Thursday indefinitely postponed parliamentary elections that were scheduled for next month in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The Chair of the Election Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya, said the polls scheduled for April 25 cannot be held as planned due to the prevailing situation over the coronavirus outbreak in the country The new date will be announced after March 25 and depends on how quickly the virus can be tackled," Deshapriya told reporters. The Election Commission accepted nominations from political parties and independent groups to contest the April 25 election to appoint a new parliament of 225-members. Over 16 million people are eligible to vote. The election was called by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2, six months ahead of the schedule. Since Sri Lanka's detection of its first COVID-19 case two weeks ago, the island nation has been struggling to cope with the growing threat. There are over 50 confirmed cases with over 200 people being hospitalised. The country has closed its international airports and has announced partial lockdown to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. The government on Wednesday imposed a curfew in the Western coastal areas - identified as one of the hotspots where the deadly coronavirus was at risk of spreading. Police said that around 1,500 people had evaded quarantine and they are believed to be in the region. President Rajapaksa refused to order a total lockdown of the country and seemed keen on holding the election as scheduled on April 25 despite growing sentiment to postpone it. He had been hoping the elections would give his party a two-thirds majority in parliament. Special four-day holidays announced last Monday to minimise crowd gathering and to promote social distancing was on Thursday extended until the end of next week. In view of the rising number of the novel coronavirus cases globally, Sri Lanka on Tuesday suspended all international flights arriving in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Representative Image: A man reads a poster carrying messages on symptoms of coronavirus disease inside hospital premises in Kolkata, India March 5, 2020 (Reuters) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More With the coronavirus outbreaking wreaking havoc worldwide, it goes without saying that it has also disruped the workflow of organisations. Due to the prevaiing circumstances, many Indian pharmaceutical companies have asked their sales representatives to work from home. Pharma executives told Moneycontrol that several doctors' associations and hospitals have asked sales representatives to minimise visits or stop them completely. India's largest drug maker Sun Pharma which has field force of 9,500 plus sales representatives covering over 400,000 doctors in every nook and corner of the country, said it is encouraging employees in the field globally to work from home. Track this blog for latest updates on coronavirus outbreak COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show "Use of virtual collaboration tools and digital technology is being adopted and wherever necessary, employees are working on rotation to ensure business continuity," Sun Pharma said in a statement. Mankind Pharma, which has India's largest field force of over 12,000 with deep penetration into small towns, has also taken the same route. "These are extraordinary times, our first priority is towards ensuring safety of our human resources, business will come next," said a top executive on condition of anonymity. Recently, we rolled out several #COVID19 precautionary measures like work from home mandates, so that most of our associates are confined to the safety of their homes. However, we at Cipla are cognizant of larger responsibility to patients. (1/2) Umang Vohra (@Vohra_Umang) March 18, 2020 Cipla is among the companies that has asked its employees to work from home. Its MD & CEO Umang Vohra tweeted: Multinationals like Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) too have asked their employees including sales representatives to work from home. According to McKinsey report it is estimated that there around 300,000-350,000 sales representatives in the country. They constitute about 70-80 percent of the workforce in many organisations. Indian pharmaceutical companies employ thousands of sales representatives - the foot soldiers who knock at the doors of doctors in clinics and hospitals, to promote products and generate prescriptions. The field force are imperative in the Rs 1.4 trillion Indian pharmaceutical market dominated by branded generics, representing more than 80 percent of total sales. Going digital Typically a day of sales representative starts with the daily calls (meetings) with clients or doctors according to the specialty assigned to them. On visiting the doctor, the sales rep pitches the sample and the product. Depending on how the call goes, the 'sale' is made. In other words, the doctor agrees to prescribe the medicine. The representative later verifies with local chemist or distributor whether the doctor is prescribing the medicine or not. The sales representative will update all his meetings in the digital portal of his company. His incentives depend on how many calls he is able to make and the sales outcome for a particular product. The sales representative is also monitored on the quality of interaction he had with the physician. Now with the representatives working from home, companies have asked them to use digital channels to communicate with doctors. Calls on digital channels include telephonic or video calls like Skype as per the convenience of doctors. To be sure, companies have been investing on digital to monitor sales force productivity. This is now coming to their rescue now. The representatives have to make more calls on digital compared to face-to-face calls to doctors, to earn their incentives. The companies however say that the effectiveness of a digital call and traceability is something the industry is still working to figure out. "The digitalisation is still in evolutionary phase," the executive said. Companies say that COVID-19 preventive measures will have bearing on new launches and hiring of sales people in the short term. Manufacturing unaffected The manufacturing operations of pharma companies remain unaffected due to the virus. The companies say that they have specific instruction from the government not to stop manufacturing. "Most of our plants are using infrared thermometers to check temperature of all employees on a daily basis apart from conducting random health checks on the shop floor. Appropriate hygiene and safety measures are implemented along with regular awareness drives for employees to stay safe and healthy, Sun Pharma spokesperson said. "We assess the situation in terms of availability of raw materials, but we haven't stopped manufacturing ," the above executive said. On positive side pharma companies say they are seeing higher sales as people are stocking up on medicines fearing shortages in coming days. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 08:07:21|Editor: Liu Video Player Close Editor's note: The government decree putting Italy under lockdown has been in place since March 10, in a bid to contain the spreading coronavirus. Below is a first-person account from Grandesso Federico, an Italian national residing in Padova, northern Italy, telling his story of meeting with members of the Chinese medical team. by Federico Grandesso PADOVA, Italy, March 18 (Xinhua) -- I started my day with hope, because I will have an opportunity to interview members of the Chinese medical team sent to Italy to aid our battle against the coronavirus. It will be an occasion to explore the collaboration established between China and Italy. My interview took place in the director-general building of the Hospital of Padova and I talked with Sun Shuopeng, leader of the Chinese medical team and Vice President of the Red Cross Society of China. He said that the Chinese team came here because the city is a "portal" of northern Italy, and also because the outbreak is much worse than in southern Italy. "It is important for us to know what is going on in Padova, especially the number of affected people, how the hospital operates and if there are enough medical resources," he said. Yesterday, the team had a very long talk with relevant medical authorities in Padova. Today they came to the hospital. Sun said: "We notice several positive things here in Padova. For one, the city is implementing a strategy similar to what we call in China as 'Four Earlies' -- early detection, early reporting, early isolation and early treatment. Another thing is that the hospital tests all medical staff for the coronavirus. In the intensive care unit, they test for the virus every two days." "Imposing quarantine is good to reduce the traffic of people. It is important that all the stores, except for supermarkets and pharmacies, are closed," Sun said. The Chinese team split into three groups here, some met with epidemiologists and virologists, some visited the intensive care unit, and others had a meeting on mobilizing resources to ensure the safety of the hospital and its staff. Asked about the challenges they noticed in my hometown, Sun said: "We saw big pressure on the hospital. Therefore it is key to avoid importing cases from other areas. It's important to keep these measures. We saw also a deficiency in medical resources, for example masks. It is also important not to squeeze medical resources of other departments of the hospital, not to put stress on the other areas." In order to deal with the lack of hospital beds, Sun suggested two solutions. The first is to shift beds from other departments of the hospital, but this will have a negative effect on other patients. "The second option is, as we did in China, to build mobile cabin hospitals," Sun said. On Wednesday afternoon, the Chinese team is scheduled to have a meeting with regional scientific committee and regional epidemiological experts. Sun said: "First we want to bring here successful experience and measures in China, like mobile hospitals. It is important for the government to keep the isolation measures. It is also important to work with media in order to advocate the health regulation because it is the duty of every citizen to do something in the battle." I learnt that tomorrow the Chinese team will meet the infectious disease department of the hospital, and some team members will go to Pavia while others to Milan, capital of the hardest-hit region of Lombardy. In order to better understand this bilateral cooperation, I also spoke with Giampiero Rupolo, President of the Italian Red Cross Padova Committee. Rupolo said that for the Chinese team, it was of significance to be in Padova, as the main hospital in the region is here. Also, this is the main regional medical hub for the therapies on coronavirus patients. "We had very strong and interesting discussions not only about the virus, the infections and the epidemiological aspects but also about the intensive care treatments and the therapy on patients," he said. Explaining the meaning of the Chinese mission to Italy, Rupolo said the Chinese practice is an "important contribution to the knowledge in the way to fight this infection, for example lockdown of the population, to avoid contacts and to protect doctor and nurses." He added "one interesting element they brought from China is a serum with antibody of the people who already recovered from the virus." Rupolo also told me that the Chinese team's visit to Italy is not only important from the scientific side, but also from the human point of view: to be allied against this major illness is to be allied against a major enemy of the mankind. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 18 March 2020 - In furthering Singapore as the fintech hub of Southeast Asia, Global eTrade Services (GeTS) has announced its partnership with Aspire, a Singapore-based startup with aspirations of being Southeast Asia's SME Neobank leader. The partnership will facilitate easier access for customers, especially SMEs, to trade financing on CALISTA Finance through CALISTA, a global supply chain orchestration platform run by GeTS. CALISTA Finance aims to address the needs of underserved businesses, especially SMEs in Southeast Asia, to improve liquidity and meet other financial needs. By automating the documentation process and harnessing trade data, the know-your-business (KYB), loan approval and disbursal processes will be expedited while also enhancing security. Aspire has been expanding its presence in several Southeast Asian markets. Through CALISTA Finance customers can seamlessly access the Aspire's credit offerings to expand their own businesses in the region too. The company follows partners such as DBS Bank, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), MoolahGo, and Liquid Group, which have already onboarded CALISTA Finance since its launch in December 2019. GeTS is also working to harness data to power up other financiers. Chong Kok Keong CEO of GeTS, said: "We are delighted to have Aspire onboard CALISTA, to integrate the digital and physical aspects of trade financing on a single platform. This partnership will facilitate more convenient access for our customers to trade financing, as part of our vision to make trade more accessible, predictable and easier." "With the same mission to support more small businesses in Southeast Asia, Aspire is excited to be working together with GeTS," said Joel Leong, Co-founder of Aspire. About Global eTrade Services Global eTrade Services (GeTS), a global leading trade platform company, is shaping the future of trade and supply chain with its innovative use of technology and deep G2B and B2B domain expertise. GeTS enables the orchestration of physical logistics, compliance and financial requirements of trade and supply chain seamlessly, smartly and securely, thus powering global trade by making it accessible, predictable and easier to fulfil. The company has linkages to 61 Customs nodes across the world, with more than 175,000 connected parties and conducting more than 24 million transactions annually. Story continues About Aspire Financial Technologies Holding Inc. Aspire serves a new generation of digital-savvy businesses with a mobile-first digital business account across Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Aspire's flagship product, AspireAccount, can be opened online in just a few clicks. The account is free and comes with a credit limit of up to 300k which can be approved in 24 hours. SMEs can then use the credit limit for daily expenses, virtual B2B payment and other tools to help SMEs manage their cash flow. With Aspire, SMEs can access financial services for their business operations anywhere and at any time through their mobile phones. Minority languages suffer from institutional neglect since Indias states, founded on the principle of linguistic nationalism, view these languages with suspicion. The Central Government, on the other hand, saves its focus for English and Hindi, the undeserving recipient of nationwide propagation. On 2 February, the Union Ministry of Culture released data on Central Government funding, from 2017 to 2020, for the six languages deemed classical languages by the Government Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia. This data was released in response to an unstarred question posed in the Lok Sabha by Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena MPs from Maharashtra. As per the Ministrys own data, the bulk of this funding, to the tune of 643.84 crore since 2017, went to Sanskrit. In comparison, during the same period, Tamil was allotted 22.94 crore, 22 times less in comparison. Telugu and Kannada received a paltry 3.06 crore each, while Malayalam and Odia received no funds at all. Most of all this funding went to the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, a government body set up in 1970 for the explicit purpose of promoting Sanskrit. A few weeks later, on 27 February, Marathi Bhasha Din (Marathi Language Day), the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed a resolution recommending the Centre to award Marathi classical language status as well. Clearly, the Lok Sabha question was intended to gauge what material benefits such a development would grant Marathi. Classical Language Tag Although the very label classical carries with it a certain cachet, with connotations of antiquity and literary refinement, it means next to nothing, official classification notwithstanding. The criteria used by the Government are arbitrary, with no basis in linguistic scholarship. Nor are these claims verified by objective linguistic analysis, with calls for inclusion within the list the Maharashtra Legislative Assemblys bizarrely inaccurate claim of Marathi being older than Sanskrit for example preferring empty rhetoric over facts. Once you account for the hollowness of the label, the seemingly unwarranted attention it has attracted over the years makes more sense. Rather than academic validation, this compulsion to secure classical language status boils down to an attempt to secure to two commodities, one tangible, one less so money, and linguistic prestige. Classical Language Funding The question then arises why do languages that already enjoy state funding, as well as official language status, require Central funds in the first place? What institutional privilege do they lack within their own states that drives them to campaign for a meaningless official label? Indeed, their respective states fund them readily, use them widely, develop them, and teach them across their districts. Their visibility and usage are mandated by local language policy. Nowhere do they suffer from lack of funding or presence; if anything their reach has greatly expanded since the establishment of linguistic states in 1956. Kannada, being made mandatory in non-Kannada speaking parts of newly formed Karnataka, is a great example of this. The politicisation of classical language status means that only language communities that can mobilise as voter blocs can effectively put pressure on the Centre. Languages that are not already state languages can hardly muster such support; this leaves marginalised languages to fend for themselves and flounder, with obvious consequences for their growth and prestige. With linguistic prestige, all the tag does is to reinforce the common misconception that an older written tradition grants its language more legitimacy; such a worldview leaves little if any place for non-literary languages that do not enjoy state support, languages that are no less deserving of attention privileging Central funding for languages that make the cut, so to speak. Kannada and Tamil are funded by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu respectively, but what of Tulu or Gondi? Why does Sanskrit, one of the most studied Indian languages, deserve extra funding and not Kurux, one of East Indias most marginalised languages? In addition, most of these minority languages are non-literary, in that while they possess oral literature, they do not have established, robust traditions. Their non-literary character fundamentally disadvantages them in ways written languages dont have to worry about. Classical as a label further privileges writing over oral culture, by creating a high culture characterised by what is perceived as literariness and tradition, in contrast to a low culture that is seen as rustic and unpolished. These perceptions are completely subject, and reflect societys own biases rather than describing something inherent in the traditions themselves. Institutional Neglect Minority languages suffer from institutional neglect since Indias states, founded on the principle of linguistic nationalism, view these languages with suspicion. The Central Government, on the other hand, saves its focus for English and Hindi, the undeserving recipient of nationwide propagation. According to Census data, there are 121 languages spoken in India with over 10,000 speakers, although the actual figures are higher since the Census groups distinct languages as dialects, such as Bhojpuri under Hindi, Badaga under Kannada, and Saurashtra under Gujarati. This classification of distinct language varieties as dialects of larger, more established varieties reflects the neglect they are subjected to they are not even given the dignity of being seen as distinct entities by the state. Most of these languages have a scant online presence, and very little by means of resources. Resources here include linguistic documentation and descriptions, digitized written samples, audio recordings of conversations, audio recordings of oral literature, reference dictionaries, input tools, and more. While this may seem like a lot, all of this and much more exists in abundance for most established languages, including the very languages seeking Central funding. This effectively leaves minority languages in a vacuum; in lieu of institutional support, the development of their language becomes the communitys cross to bear. Even something as fundamental as preparing a dictionary for speakers to reference would be an uphill task. Essentially this means non-government bodies are forced to step in and fill this vacuum. The efforts of the Peoples Linguistic Survey of India, helmed by Ganesh Devy, have been especially noteworthy for their efforts in documenting and bringing light to minority languages, with a focus on Adivasi languages. Devy himself entered this space through his study of Adivasi languages, languages that bear the brunt of some of the worst state neglect. However, as admirable as their endeavours are, why should this vacuum exist in the first place? The sizeable funds earmarked for languages that barely need it could instead be diverted to minority languages. 22.94 crore rupees wouldnt mean much for Tamil, but it would be an absolute game-changer for Tulu or Gondi. Seeing as how Tamil or any other language deemed classical by the government doesnt depend on Central funding, it makes more sense to direct that funding elsewhere, to languages more in need of it. By legitimising such hierarchies, we are essentially funding languages that are already thriving and have large bodies of scholarship, when what we should be focusing on instead is preserving languages that face low linguistic prestige, lack of representation, severe marginalisation, and in some extreme cases actual language death. Redirecting Funds, Energies In addition to enforcing usage of state languages through language policy, linguistic nationalism actively places strain on existing minority language networks, forcing them into more marginalisation than before. Community efforts to assert these languages then becomes an attack on the very principle of a linguistic state, leading to further apathy, or worse, open antipathy. While debates over classical language status might seem far removed from all these issues, they form the most visible manifestation of these disputes over prestige. As taxpayers, our money would be much better served funding the linguistic heritage of communities that dont have the privilege to sustain their own languages, as opposed to funding glorified promotional projects for already widely studied and used languages. State funding should support the marginalised, and not exist as a means to reinforce existing privilege through selection criteria that dont stand up to even basic academic scrutiny. Its time we moved beyond these arbitrary categories that prop up existing biases and exclude genuine linguistic research. Instead, we should support marginalised linguistic communities and their heritage, and bring them into public view, into the mainstream. Karthik Malli is a freelance journalist who writes on the intersection between language, history, and culture Photo: The Canadian Press A robot sprays hydrogen peroxide during a demonstration in a train carriage in Hong Kong. When hospitals need to prep a room for the next coronavirus test, when jetliners discharge their passengers at the gate, when suburbanites start to take sanitary precautions more seriously, the call goes out: Send in the cleaners. These largely unsung workers are often the first line of defence against the global COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfecting homes, offices, medical facilities and public spaces where the novel coronavirus could spread. But the people doing all this cleaning earn low wages, frequently lack sick leave and paid days off, and can be fired with no warning. Amid all that is the constant fear that they could encounter the virus themselves, despite what many say are diligent precautions. Shasmin Lewis, who spends her mornings doing office work for MaidPro in Philadelphia and her afternoons cleaning homes, says her hours have jumped almost 80% to 40 hours a week. She brings her own mask to work even though MaidPro provides both masks and gloves, washes her hands frequently and wears gloves even when dusting. Im very worried, but I plan on staying around until we cant, she said. Not only do her elderly customers need her help, she says, but like countless workers, she has enough savings to support her and two kids for about a month even though she's moving into management. Overall demand for cleaning has been heavy. Airlines, including Delta and Southwest, added disinfecting measures on flights. Amtrak increased the frequency of cleaning services at trains and stations, in some cases on an hourly basis, and is using more disinfectant to wipe down handrails, door knobs and handles. During the first two weeks of March, ads for cleaners were up 75% in the U.S. and 20% in the U.K. compared to a year ago, according to Ziprecruiter, an online job posting site. But thats starting to change as cities across the U.S. and Europe enter lockdown and schools, hotels, restaurants and other businesses shut down. Last week, Zoraida Rodriguez was working overtime to keep the Bernard B. Jacobs theatre clean for well-heeled Broadway enthusiasts. She and other custodial workers were called in early and stayed late to help with deep cleaning, disinfecting door knobs, stair rails and anything else theatregoers might touch. This week, Rodriguez is out of a job. Broadway theatres abruptly closed until at least April 12 and possibly beyond. At least 204 theatres and stadium service workers lost their jobs, according to the Service Employees International Union that represents them. There is no clear answer about whether they would get severance pay or any type of relief. Rodriguez was told to pick up her last paycheque this week. According to a study by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, 82 % of domestic workers dont get paid sick days. Many are afraid if they do stay out sick theyll get fired: about 25% of domestic workers fired from their jobs say it was due to their request to take time off, 22% were fired for actually taking time off, and 20% were discharged for missing work to take care of themselves or a family members. The mean annual wage for maids and housekeepers was $25,570 in 2018, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For janitors and building cleaners it is $26,100 per year. Thats close to the poverty line for a family of four. Technology is also encroaching on their jobs. Hong Kongs subway operator is deploying 20 robots developed with a local biotech startup that spray vapourized hydrogen peroxide to penetrate in the small gaps that are difficult to reach during normal cleaning work on train cars or station facilities. The Westin Houston Medical Center is rolling out two ultraviolet germ-zapping robots to disinfect rooms, saying its the first and only U.S. hotel to do so. Some hospitals are just 24 hours away from running out of protective equipment needed to keep nurses and doctors safe from coronavirus infection, as a leaked email from NHS bosses reveals the health service has already run out of some kit. Across the country doctors and nurses have spoken out about shortages to personal protective equipment (PPE), including visors, masks and gowns, as demand across the country has jumped 2,000 per cent, according to an email to hospitals sent on Wednesday night. One hospital manager spoke to The Independent on Wednesday night saying their hospital was just 24 hours away from running out of equipment. They said: We have not got enough PPE equipment to get through the next 24 hours. Multiple mutual aid requests are now happening across the region to cover immediate issues. They said specialist respirator masks, known as FFP3s, will soon run out nationally and now suppliers are about to start selling the NHS FFP2 masks as thats all we can get. There are no visors left nationally, no long sleeve disposable gowns. This is really serious and needs reporting. Asked what they made of the claims there was enough stock in the country, the hospital boss added: Weve been told for weeks there is stock, there isnt. We have run out of eye protection, long sleeve aprons. We are buying safety goggles from industrial wholesalers to try and get something. Last night I had to ration equipment across four wards, normally one ward would have held 10 times that amount. On Tuesday NHS Englands chief operating officer Amanda Pritchard told MPs on the health select committee that there was enough equipment and shortages were only local issues. In an email, sent to directors of infection control on Wednesday night, NHS England revealed the scale of the difficulties in getting enough supply to hospitals. There are no visors left nationally, no long sleeve disposable gowns. This is really serious and needs reporting Hospital manager The message, seen by The Independent, said demand for protective equipment had increased by 2,000 per cent across the country. It said there were no visors, only goggles now they are coming, they have just been released from pandemic flu batch. It warned that the NHS Supply Chain organisation, which manages logistics for NHS trusts, was now focused on day-to-day supply rather than two weeks so no stockpiling. The email added that back orders for equipment that was out of stock had now been stopped and deliveries of equipment to hospitals were taking place throughout the day. Hospitals were told to prioritise using short shelf life equipment first and hold back on kit that had a longer shelf life. Amid growing speculation that London could be placed into strict lockdown from Friday, the email said: We are working really hard in London to try and unpick the supply chain challenges and ensure better communications around this and I will pass on any information as I receive it. I appreciate that this is really frustrating efforts within your organisations. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the BMA council chair, said: There are limits to the risks to which doctors, indeed all healthcare workers, can reasonably be expected to expose themselves to. Frontline staff must have the proper personal protective equipment if they are treating patients with Covid-19 or suspected to have Covid-19. We are hearing of staff trying to buy masks from DIY stores in desperation because they are not being provided with it by their employers. This is totally unacceptable; healthcare workers should not, and do not, have to expose themselves to high-risk situations without having adequate PPE. The government must find a reliable way to substantially increase the production and distribution of PPE. If any healthcare worker treating someone with Covid-19 was to become ill, or worse, due to a lack of PPE, the consequences will be dire and the impact on patient care catastrophic. The NHS has been contacted for comment. Advertisement Hundreds of people have flocked to Sydney's most famous beach despite the Australian Government advising the public to practice social distancing in a desperate attempt to control the spread of COVID-19. Bondi Beach, in the city's eastern suburbs, was packed with swimmers and sunbathers as they made the most of the sun and 32C heat before cooler weather settles across the country. But the actions of beachgoers splashing in the waves and chatting in groups go against the advice of health authorities who have told people to exercise 'social distancing'. 'Social distancing is important because COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person,' government advice reads. 'So, the more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.' Hundreds of beachgoers flocked to Bondi Beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Thursday A woman sits on the sand at Bondi Beach on Sydney, despite the government urging residents to exercise social distancing Health authorities want people to exercise 'social distancing' measures, such as sitting in the back of a taxi and staying 1.5 metres apart Two women enjoy the warm March weather and sunbathe at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Thursday Beachgoers are seen enjoying a dip at Bondi Icebergs despite recommendations to stay indoors and avoid public gatherings Pictured: Hundreds of people flocked to Sydney's Bondi Beach to enjoy the sun on Thursday While social distancing in public, Australians have been advised to sanitise their hands, make cashless transactions, travel at quiet times and avoid crowds. Social distancing measures also include sitting in the back of a taxi and staying 1.5 metres apart. Swimmers at Bondi Icebergs didn't seem phased by the guidelines as they huddled together by the pool. Others lay less than one-metre apart as they sunbaked on the golden shore. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday announced Australia would shut the borders to non-residents at 9pm on Friday in a desperate attempt to control the coronavirus outbreak. The drastic measure came as the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia surged past 700, with about 80 per cent of those coming in from overseas. Outdoor events with more than 500 people have been banned and indoor gatherings must be less than 100. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia soared to more than 700 on Thursday An Australian flag is seen in front of Sydney's famous Bondi Beach on Thursday Residents went against COVID-19 warnings and hit the waves at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Thursday Three women lie on the sand and sunbathe as Sydney records temperatures above 30C on Thursday Beachgoers enter the crystal blue waters at Sydney's Bondi Beach amid warnings to exercise social distancing A man gives a fellow beachgoer at piggy back while splashing around in the water at Bondi Beach on Thursday The number of coronavirus cases in NSW has jumped above 300, with close to 50 cases believed to be locally transmitted. NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant told reporters on Thursday there were 307 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, up from 267 on Wednesday. Of this number, almost 130 were acquired overseas, including recent returnees from virus-hit areas in Europe, the UK and the US. A further 70 cases remain under investigation. Dr Chant said the initial precautionary approach of hospitalising all confirmed COVID-19 cases had been abandoned as cases rise. 'It's reassuring that many of our cases continue to be mild with currently six patients in intensive care units. Many of our patients are being managed in the community and being managed at home and we are only admitting patients now that require hospital care,' Dr Chant said. One woman distances herself from the crowd and enjoys a book in the sun at Bondi Beach on Thursday One woman covers her face with clothing while tanning under Sydney's sweltering sun on Thursday 'We are following up and we are working in a whole-of-government way to ensure that people are doing the right thing.' Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked NSW residents for adhering to social distancing regulations, alongside the limitation of outdoor gatherings to fewer than 500 people and indoor to fewer than 100. She said she had brought the state agencies into the RFS headquarters - including police, health, transport and education - in order to integrate responses to COVID-19. 'What you see here is the complete integration of police, health, education, transport and many other government agencies working together to provide safety to our citizens but also important information in a timely way,' Ms Berejiklian told reporters on Thursday. Etiquette experts say being polite is crucial even as COVID-19 prompts health authorities to encourage a 1.5-metre space between people. Australians have been encouraged to exercise social distancing and the government has banned outdoor gatherings with more than 500 people Two beachgoers are joined by a dog as they tan from the rocks of Sydney's Bondi Beach on Thursday A woman in a floral one-piece and hat dips her feet in the water at Bondi Beach on Thursday A group of friends lie on a boat and watch other beachgoers frolic in the water Pets joined beachgoers as they enjoyed the sun in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Thursday 'We can social distance in a way that is not offensive, and respectful to others,' Australian Finishing School chief executive officer Amanda King told AAP on Thursday. 'Communicating in a kind, respectful, polite manner.' Eye contact, a head nod and smiling could be greeting solutions. 'Due to this current crisis, rules governing interaction between people are more relevant than ever,' the accredited etiquette expert said. 'We need to be leaders in society with manners and actions around being considerate and polite, for example the grocery store hours for disability and the elderly.' Beachgoers enjoy a dip in the pool at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Thursday By AFP MINSK: Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday denounced "psychosis" over the coronavirus pandemic, warning the panic could be more destructive than the infection itself. "I call this coronavirus nothing but psychosis and I will stand by this," the Belarusian leader said at a government meeting according to his office. "Together we have lived through many psychoses, and we know what they have led to. I'm certain that this is another psychosis that will benefit some and harm others." "I am absolutely sure that we can suffer more from the panic than the virus itself." In power since 1994, the 65-year-old leader this week called on the Belarusians to keep calm and work the land. "The tractor will heal everyone. The fields heal everyone," he has said. He said on Thursday that "excessive quarantining" does not work but promised to test anyone who was in contact with a coronavirus patient. He also urged the government to help some 8,000 Belarusians stuck abroad. The country of 9.4 million people wedged between Russia and the EU has reported 51 confirmed coronavirus cases. Coronavirus: Conister Bank sets 10M to help businesses Conister Bank has set aside 10 million to lend to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. The bank says the will be made available to help local businesses and those impacted by the cancellation of the TT Races. Managing Director, Douglas Grant, commented, I was not surprised to hear the news from the Chief Minister that the TT Festival would be cancelled to minimize the impact of the coronavirus on the Island. But for our tourist industry, this must have been another blow when they are still trying to assess the impact on their businesses after the collapse of Flybe. Mr Grant added, 'I am pleased to announce we have set aside 10 million initially, to lend to Island businesses negatively impacted by this weeks announcement.' We want to make this process as easy as possible so please contact my team by phoning 694694 or applying online at conisterbank.co.im. The painkiller ibuprofen is a popular choice for people suffering from headaches and fevers, two of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus. But amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic, French Health Minister Olivier Veran took to social media to warn patients to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or cortisone because they could possibly aggravate the disease. A recent study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal hypothesized that ibuprofen might boost an enzyme that could facilitate and worsen COVID-19 infections. Veran said people should instead take acetaminophen, better known in the United States by the brand name Tylenol. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization endorsed the recommendation that people should not take ibuprofen. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that while UN health experts are investigating the matter, we recommend using rather paracetamol [acetaminophen], and do not use ibuprofen as a self-medication. But a day later, WHO reversed itself. "Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen, the organization tweeted. Angela L. Rasmussen, Ph.D, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Center for Infection and Immunity, told Healio Primary Care that there is no current evidence that ibuprofen specifically impacts COVID-19 disease severity. According to NPR, Dr. Angela Rogers, a pulmonologist at the Stanford University Medical Center and chairwoman of its intensive care unit's COVID-19 task force, notes, however, that Tylenol is the first choice for patients who are sick enough to be hospitalized for any infection. Those patients face a greater risk of damaging internal organs, including kidneys, and kidney damage can be a side effect of ibuprofen for some patients who use it long-term in higher doses, Rogers said. Acetaminophen also should be used with care. Too much can cause liver damage. Because it is found in hundreds of medications, its possible to overdose without realizing it. Ibuprofen is sold under many brand names, including Advil and Motrin. While it can treat headaches and fever like acetaminophen, it is also beneficial for muscle pulls because it reduces inflammation. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here. --- Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Digital Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Head of the Military Affairs Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, Colonel General Maharram Aliyev, together with the officials of the Defense Ministry, recently visited military units on the line of contact of the Azerbaijani and Armenian armed forces upon the instructions of Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. I would like to stress that positive changes achieved as a result of the successful work which is carried out in the army affected all structures of the Defense Ministry, Maharram Aliyev said in an interview with Trend. The achieved results are obvious and this makes every citizen of the country proud, assistant to the Azerbaijani president added. I would like to stress that all these positive changes have become possible thanks to Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Ilham Aliyevs attention and care towards the process of building the army, which was declared a priority, Maharram Aliyev said. If we talk about social conditions in the army, then according to stereotypes, it is easy to create them, for example, in military units deployed near the capital or big cities. But seeing the conditions created on the line of contact of the troops for the Azerbaijani servicemen protecting the Motherland, regardless of the weather, in front line positions face to face with the enemy, at the height of Lalatepe, liberated during the April battles of 2016, my heart fills with pride, Aliyev said. Thanks to the state care for the military units of the combat zone, the material and technical support issues, as elsewhere, have been indeed resolved at a high level. Excellent conditions for service and accommodation have been created for servicemen. We again witnessed this and are pleased with it. As for the operational situation on the line of contact between the troops and the personnel service, Maharram Aliyev stressed that the operational situation of the army along the front zone is fully controlled by the Azerbaijani army. "Fighting spirit, moral and psychological mood of personnel, combat readiness of units are at the high level, assistant to the Azerbaijani president said. All enemys actions are monitored and the Azerbaijani army is fully prepared to prevent all possible provocations, Maharram Aliyev added. The servicemen correctly assess great significance of the task assigned to them. They are constantly increasing their combat readiness to liberate our lands and successfully fulfill the sacred task of protecting the territorial integrity of the country." Aliyev also touched upon the topics which attracted his attention during the meetings and conversations with military personnel. "It was mainly military patriotism, fighting spirit, loyalty of personnel to the supreme commander-in-chief, military oath, Motherland, Maharram Aliyev said. The conversations also touched on the importance of the work carried out by the state to improve the service and combat conditions of military personnel for which the staff expressed gratitude. Today, the personnel of the Azerbaijani army feels this care and continues to serve the Motherland confidently with responsibility and all their might. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva pay attention, render comprehensive support and are sensitive to the families of military personnel who became martyrs for the sake of the Motherland, military personnel wounded in battles and those who are serving, Maharram Aliyev said. Of course, this increases the responsibility of the personnel, inspires the personnel and strengthens the fighting spirit of our army." Colonel-General Maharram Aliyev also touched upon the issue of Azerbaijans acquisition of modern weapons, ammunition and military equipment. "As far as Azerbaijans economic power is growing, the most modern weapons, ammunition and military equipment are purchased for the army, which greatly increases the combat efficiency of the troops and positively affects the combat readiness, the assistant to the Azerbaijani president added. We witnessed this, being in the front zone, Maharram Aliyev said. Indeed, military units have been provided with the most modern military equipment. Maharram Aliyev added that, being in the zone of hostilities, he visited a number of military units and the front positions. "The officers reports on the service, combat readiness and the operational situation were provided, Aliyev said, pointing to confident behavior, fighting spirit, determination to win, moral and psychological preparation and professionalism of servicemen. History shows that ideological preparation and psychological attitude of servicemen who obey the order to defeat the enemy are the main components of professionalism. While talking with the officers, we were convinced that the leadership of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry is constantly paying attention to the readiness of the troops." Maharram Aliyev emphasized that the ideological work which is carried out in the Azerbaijani army, moral and psychological training, military-patriotic measures aimed at ensuring fighting spirit of personnel serve one purpose - to protect the Motherland from the enemy, liberate the occupied territories and ensure the territorial integrity of the country. While speaking about the servicemen professionalism, I would like to stress that officers, junior command personnel and soldiers are constantly improving their work, do not stop at the achieved success, on the contrary, they are constantly improving their professional level, the assistant to the Azerbaijani president said. The career soldiers have been intensively recruited since 2014 upon the instructions of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. This is one of the indicators of the professional development of the army, the assistant to the Azerbaijani president said. While communicating with the military, career soldiers serving in various positions at the forefront more than five or even ten years, seeing their professionalism, ability and contribution to improving combat readiness, we witness the presidents far-sighted and timely strategy." Maharram Aliyev also said that following the order of the defense minister, the personnel fulfilled the tasks of bringing military equipment to the designated area on alert. "Great combat readiness, professionalism of officers and junior command personnel, such positive qualities as making the right decisions and their exact implementation attracted our attention as a factor creating the basis for the successful implementation of this order, Maharram Aliyev said. After observing the process when the servicemen got up when the alarm was sounded, it is possible to say sincerely that the Azerbaijani army is a single military team with great combat readiness and operating in coordination with various branches of the armed forces, the assistant to the Azerbaijani president said. In conclusion, Maharram Aliyev congratulated the families of martyrs, military vets with damaged health, all the personnel led by the leadership of the Defense Ministry, civilian employees, members of their families and the servicemen in the trenches on Novruz holiday and wished them robust health, longevity, family happiness and new success on service. ABN AMRO announces support measures for clients in response to impact of coronavirus In response to the impact of the coronavirus, ABN AMRO is announcing the following support measures for its clients: ? For a group of some 55,000 Commercial Banking clients with a credit facility of up to 2.5 million euros, payment of interest and principal will be automatically deferred for six months. Interest and principal payments due in April through September will not be collected from these clients; they can make these payments later. Any business that does not need to defer payment is required to inform the bank by 31 March 2020 at the latest. Payment will not be deferred for these clients. ? The above deferral will also be available where possible to Commercial Banking clients with a credit facility exceeding 2.5 million euros. These clients can contact ABN AMRO to discuss the possibilities. ? Two measures are being taken for clients with a personal loan. These measures are intended for self-employed professionals, flexible workers and other clients affected by the coronavirus, possibly with immediate financial consequences: 1. Clients who have a mortgage with ABN AMRO, Florius or Moneyou can request deferral of interest and principal payments for three months. 2. A similar relief measure is possible for clients with a consumer loan with ABN AMRO Retail Banking and ALFAM. This gives these businesses, self-employed people and retail clients extra scope in their liquidity position, which is important because the coronavirus is having an acute impact on the finances of many clients. Fast and efficient support ABN AMRO wants to support its clients in a fast and efficient manner. A comfortable liquidity position is extremely important. Businesses and the self-employed are seeing their turnover dry up with no let-up in costs. Kees van Dijkhuizen, CEO of ABN AMRO: "In these turbulent times, our primary concern is public health. ABN AMRO has also taken measures to minimise the risk of infection for employees and clients. As a bank, we also play an important role in the economy. The coronavirus will inevitably lead to a difficult period for our clients - businesses, self-employed people and retail clients. Where possible, we want to offer fast support. This will give these clients extra scope now and the chance later to get back on their feet quickly." Large government support package ABN AMRO's measures are in addition to a large package of measures offered by the Dutch government. Businesses can apply for additional government-guaranteed loans from their banks, including under the SME credit guarantee scheme. Other parts of the government support package also offer businesses extra liquidity. No deferral needed? Inform the bank Deferral of interest and principal payments is explicitly intended for businesses that need support due to the impact of the coronavirus. Deferral of payment will be implemented automatically for Commercial Banking clients with a credit facility of up to 2.5 million euros. ABN AMRO is doing this to offer fast support to a large group of businesses. Clients in this category that do not need this support are required to inform the bank of this by 31 March at the latest. If they do not do so, payment will be automatically deferred. Further details and conditions of this deferral measure will soon be available on www.abnamro.nl/zakelijk. Businesses will also be able to inform the bank on this website that they do not need support. Commercial Banking clients In principle, all clients served by Commercial Banking and who have a credit facility of up to 2.5 million euros are automatically eligible for deferred payment, with the exception of a number of specific types of financing, such as commercial finance. Loans managed by the Settlement team of the Financial Restructuring & Recovery department are not in scope. A number of specific sectors are being immediately hard hit by the coronavirus. ABN AMRO is exploring the possibilities of offering these sectors as a whole generic support measures that will have an effect in the very short term. Large corporates served by Corporate & Institutional Banking (turnover in excess of 250 million euros) will be offered customised arrangements. Personal loans Clients affected by the coronavirus who have a mortgage with ABN AMRO, Florius or Moneyou can apply for three months' deferral of interest and principal payments. The same applies to clients who have a consumer loan with ABN AMRO Retail Banking and ALFAM. Further details and the conditions of this deferral measure will soon be available on www.abnamro.nl/particulier. Clients can, of course, also get in touch with their contact at the bank or at the subsidiaries mentioned. The total loan portfolio of Commercial Banking is EUR 42.6bn (at FY 2019) of which around 30% reflects client exposures of below < EUR 2.5m. The impact of the Corona virus on the economy, on our clients and on the quality of our loan portfolio is currently uncertain. More information Investor Relations, Dies Donker, +31(0)20-6282282, investorrelations@nl.abnamro.com Press officer, Arien Bikker, + 31(0)20-6288900, pressrelations@nl.abnamro.com This press release is published by ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and contains inside information within the meaning of article 7 (1) to (4) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation). Attachment Pashmina goats, source of the world's most valuable form of cashmere wool, are facing a growing threat from climate change. The goats roam the mountainsides of the Changtang plateau, 14,000 feet above sea level between Tibet and India, an arid landscape covered in seasonal grasses that have traditionally kept the goats fed. The landscape's winter weather has grown unstable in recent years, with the snowy season doubling in length and bringing snowfalls that once brought just a few inches a year, but which have grown as heavy as 48 inches. Pashmina goats (pictured above) are the source of the world's most expensive cashmere wool, which can sell for as much as $2,000 per shawl The heavy snows have quickly killed off much of the grassy mountain plains where the goats would feed, which the added moisture from the snow and the erratic temperature changes have lowered the quality of the animal's wool. While the region had always been cold, with temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the dry mountain air and general lack of moisture were perfectly suited to the goats' fine coats of wool. With growing amounts of moisture in the air and heavy snows brought on by climate change, both the goats and the Changpa people that have traditionally herded them are struggling. Harvesting and processing the fine cashmere wool from the goats supports some 300,000 people across the region, according to a report in the BBC. One pound of raw Pashmina wool can sell for around $20, while a finished shawl can sell for $2,000, the most intricate of which are handwoven on wooden looms and can take several years to complete. The Pashmina goats have traditionally been kept by the Changpa people who herd them across the Changtang plateau between India and Tibet in the Himalayas, over 14,000 feet above sea level The region has traditionally been very dry, with only a few inches of snowfall a year, conditions to which the thin and fine hairs of the Pashmina goat are ideally suited Wool from the Pashmina goats is so desirable because it's unusually thin, between eight and 10 microns wide, or around one-tenth the width of a human hair. The wool is painstakingly harvested by hand in the spring, when the goats begin to shed. The softer and finer wool from the goat's undercoat is then separated from the coarser top layer, and then either sold or processed into woven wear by the Changpa. Climate change has doubled the length of the snowy season in Changpa and increased average snowfall from a few inches a year to more than 48 inches, something that's killed off the grasses the goats depend on for food and brought elevated risk of hypothermia The erratic winter weather has also lowered the quality of the goat's wool and made it harder for the estimated 300,000 people who depend on the cashmere trade to support themselves The first serious signs of trouble for the goats came in 2013, when more than 24,000 Pashmina goats died due to either hypothermia or starvation over the span of two months due to unusually heavy snowfalls. "If the nomads of Ladakh do not produce it then nobody will... so this industry will finish," shopkeeper Irfan Goruu told the AFP. According to Harjeet Singh, an activist with ActionAid International, the changing weather patterns have already begun driving many Changpa to leave the region in search of more hospitable terrain. 'These impacts are driving migration. People are leaving their homes. And we have seen that their livelihoods change, their patterns of life change,' he said. 'Right now at the international level, we talk much more about the economic impacts of climate change. 'But gradually people are realizing that we need to look also at the social, cultural and environmental impacts such as the loss of culture, loss of language, loss of territory and loss of biodiversity.' Alameda County officials on Thursday approved the early release of 247 inmates at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in an effort to beat back the spread of coronavirus and protect a particularly vulnerable population. The move came after 67 additional people awaiting trial in county courts were released on their own recognizance earlier this week. This may not be the last of this push to get people out, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Office, which oversees county jails. Well continue to cite and release people where we know they dont pose a threat to public safety. Kelly said that police throughout Alameda County were making fewer arrests during most of the regions shelter-in-place orders and jail bookings were at unprecedented low levels. The releases, which came after more than 400 people in the Bay Area tested positive for COVID-19, received the blessing of the countys Sheriffs Office, courts, district attorneys office and public defenders office. Those who qualified for release received a low-threat assessment, were convicted for nonviolent and nonsexual offenses, and had served a good portion of their sentence, Kelly said. Most of those released had 45 days or fewer to serve in jail, said Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods. This is an emergency, and everyone needs to rethink their priorities, Woods said. People at the jail are at higher risk of infection because theyre housed so close together. The best way to stop the spread is to release people so they can practice social distancing like the rest of us. The 314 releases reduced the jails average daily population by 12%, from roughly 2,600 inmates to about 2,300. The moves came after mounting calls for jails and prisons to release people at risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus, such as senior prisoners and those with respiratory diseases, as well as those who have little time left to serve. As of Thursday afternoon 19 people in California had died after contracting coronavirus, which is especially dangerous for seniors and people with preexisting health conditions. Last week, public defenders in Alameda County and San Francisco sent letters to jail officials calling for the releases, and elected prosecutors in San Francisco, Contra Costa County and 29 others jurisdictions throughout the U.S. signed a letter in support. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office also started granting early releases, and other Bay Area counties are considering them. San Francisco Sheriff Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said his office is coordinating with the courts in anticipation of the public defender and district attorney stipulating early releases. Now Playing: Here is what you need to know about the coronavirus. Video: Manjula Varghese In a phone interview, Miyamoto said the Sheriffs Office is compiling two lists of people who could qualify for early release those who have 60 days or fewer remaining on their sentences and those who have a high risk of becoming ill. Officials are still compiling the lists, he said, but as of Thursday they have identified about 30 inmates near the end of their sentences and about 20 with health risks. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. No cases have been confirmed or suspected in San Franciscos inmate population or jail staffers, Miyamoto said. His main concern is ensuring all those released have a place to go. Miyamoto said jail officials are working with community partners to prioritize people who may need housing amid the Bay Areas shelter-in-place orders. The last thing we would want to do is release them into a community where there are verified cases of COVID-19 from a community that has no cases of COVID-19 without a place to stay, he said. Sheriffs officials said the composition of San Franciscos jail population is different than other Bay Area counties. Those charged with misdemeanors are typically released within 48 hours of booking unless the courts deem them a public safety risk. Most justice-involved people housed in SF County jail have been booked on or convicted of serious or violent charges, Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Nancy Crowley said in a statement. Miyamoto said the jails population has already shrunk from about 1,100 in February to about 1,000 as of Thursday. He said this is likely because police are conducting fewer arrests and courts are releasing more people to await trial on their own recognizance. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy A third case of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, has been confirmed in the Lubbock area according to the city. The latest case involves a student from Texas Tech University that returned from a trip abroad on Sunday. In a news release, the City of Lubbock stated that the student did not follow procedure put in place by the university, including transportation and a place to stay, while overseas to prohibit the potential spread of the virus. A new advice guide has been launched today to help businesses and workers embrace smarter working practices. The Dublin Chamber Smarter Working Guide, compiled by the business group in consultation with dozens of companies already embracing smarter work practices, provides a step-by-step guide to help overcome many of the barriers and issues typically that may arise with home and remote working. The Chamber said the guide will provide useful guidance for firms particularly small firms trying to adapt to smarter working practices as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. The guide also shows how flexible working can be part of their business into the future. Topics covered in the Dublin Chamber Smarter Working Guide include: The need to set clear key performance indicators; advice on working hours How to get buy in from management The rules around contacting employees out of hours Flexi-time and job-sharing The guide also contains information on workplace flexibility options, steps for implementation, and potential pitfalls. The guide includes case studies from a number of large and small companies, including Ervia and Emovis, offering practical and easily deployable examples of how smarter working can and does work for firms. Dublin Chamber said many companies had been looking at smarter working practices a medium to long term goal. However, Covid-19 has required many organisations to act more immediately as they seek to ensure as close to business as usual as they possibly can. Launching the guide, CEO of Dublin Chamber, Mary Rose Burke said, "Weve been working on the Smarter Working Guide for the past few months. Its timely release should help businesses in dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak. Through member feedback we recognised that smarter working, in all its forms, will be an essential part of the modern world of work." She added, "However, some businesses highlighted the need for a simple guide that they can easily execute. We hope that this will provide help to lots of companies at this very difficult time for them and their staff." Source: www.businessworld.ie Siobhan has urged her followers to take pandemic seriously and to self-isolate Siobhan, from Dublin, took to Twitter to share heartbreak after losing mother, 88 A heartbroken woman has revealed her devastation at having to say goodbye to her 'warrior' mother just days after she tested positive for coronavirus. Siobhan, from Dublin, took to Twitter, to document the moment she found out her 88-year-old mother, who also suffered with asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs - had tested positive for coronavirus. And in a devastating post shared yesterday, she revealed her worst nightmares had come true as she emotionally penned: 'At 15.20 today I said goodbye to a warrior.' 'I could only hold her hand while dressed in a bio-hazard suit with double gloves, and double face shields. She struggled almost to the very end.' Siobhan (pictured), from Ireland, told of her devastation after she tragically lost her mother, 88, just days after she tested positive for coronavirus Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Siobhan (pictured) emotionally penned: 'At 15.20 today I said goodbye to a warrior' In her heartfelt posts, Siobhan warned her followers of the serious nature of the coronavirus pandemic (pictured) On Friday, Siobhan told how her mother had been taken to hospital in an ambulance - adding she was finding it hard to get any information, and no visitors were allowed. She then proceeded to explain how her elderly mother had been moved into an isolation ward in St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, where she was treated for severe infection as she awaited her test results. On Sunday, two days following her mother's admission to hospital, Siobhan added that staff were 'run off their feet' and that she had finally managed to get hold of a doctor - but it was during that call, she received the news she had been dreading. She penned: 'Mother VERY poorly. Tested positive. Im waiting for call re advice on what to do. Im just so upset. Want to cry but cant. Need to stay strong.' On Sunday, Siobhan revealed her mother had tested positive for coronavirus and was feeling 'VERY poorly' (pictured) 'Folks this IS NOT FUNNY. Self-isolate. PLEASE. Dont want to see anyone in same position as me.' Siobhan went on to warn her followers of how serious the coronavirus pandemic is - adding her mum tested positive despite being totally immobile, hadn't left the house in weeks and had only been in contact with her, her brother, his wife, and two carers. She added: 'Hardest part of this is knowing how poorly and vulnerable she is but not being able to see her or hold her hand so difficult to get info.' And in a series of further heartfelt posts as her mother's condition deteriorated, Siobhan admitted she knew it wasn't good when her mum was moved to nearer nurse's stations so they could watch her more closely. 'Im frozen. Cant stop shaking. Think Im in shock,' she wrote, before later adding: 'Im with her holding her hand. Shes really struggling. Please pray that she goes soon & peacefully.' And on Wednesday, Siobhan revealed the devastating news that her mother had tragically lost her battle. She penned: 'Thankfully mum is a peace now but #COVID19 #REALITY means funeral arrangements are pretty much outside our control. No one can pay their respects. Never ever in a million years did I dream a nightmare worse than this.' Facebook / Town of New Fairfield Parks and Recreation STAMFORD The citys Office of Public Safety, along with the Stamford Department of Health, is closely monitoring the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and is in frequent communication with the Centers for Disease Control and the state Department of Public Health. The city has set up an emergency hotline 203-977-8840 about COVID-19 and will have brief recorded information that will be updated as warrante, as had Stamford Hospital 203-276-4111 where health care officials are available to answer questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus 7 days a week from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Here are some of the latest updates and impacts of the new coronavirus on Stamford: Stamford Museum & Nature Center closes Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is closed until further notice beginning Friday, the CEO and executive director announced Thursday afternoon. Our first concern is the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, patrons, and the public we serve. With your generosity, care, and cooperation, we will all get through this challenge together, Melissa H. Mulrooney said in a statement. Essential farm, education, and operations staff will be taking care of Heckscher Farm, HecksherWILD! and the classroom animals. During the closure, the SM&NC Education Team will be running Facebook Live classes at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., beginning Friday. The following Stamford Museum & Nature Center Programs have been cancelled or postponed: Our Art, Nature & Me Pre-School is closed through at least April 13. Wonder Art Parent-Child programs have been rescheduled for June 9-25. March 19: LaRoccas Country Market Wine & Food Pairing is postponed. March 20: Astronomy Night @ the Farmhouse is postponed. March 26: Global Garden Resonant Beauty Opening Reception is canceled. Global Garden Resonant Beauty: A solo exhibition of orchid paintings by Patricia Laspino is postponed. April 3-5; 10-11: Forest Easter Egg Adventure is being reimagined and is rescheduled for Sept. 4-6; 11-12. April 7-9: Take a Hike Week is canceled. cracine@hearstmediact.com Two blood drives in Stamford after cancellation in Greenwich Authorities are asking the public to donate blood to avert a serious shortage caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Two drives will be held in Stamford in coming days, following the recent cancellation of a blood drive at Temple Israel in Greenwich. As the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to impact our communities, we need your help ensuring we have a sufficient blood supply to support hospital patients in our state and across the country, Greenwich police said in a statement. The American Red Cross is working to continue delivering our mission, including the collection of lifesaving blood, but we have had a staggering number of scheduled Red Cross blood drives canceled as more workplaces, college campuses and other venues send people home and encourage social distancing. Disruptions to blood donations can lead to shortages and cause delays in essential medical care. Thousands of blood drives have been canceled nationwide already. These donations are vital for our hospitals to continue having surgeries, providing lifesaving blood to cancer patients and many others. Stamford Mayor David Martin has also included the request from the Red Cross in his daily email blasts to residents. The upcoming drives will be: The SM&NC Education Team will be running Facebook Live classes at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, beginning, Friday, March 20. The following Stamford Museum & Nature Center Programs have been cancelled or postponed: Friday, March 27 at Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court; 7:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 at Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Road; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. rmarchant@greenwichtime.com Mayor shutters all body-care facilities in city Mayor David Martin announced Thursday all Stamford body-care facilities will be closed effective Friday. This includes businesses such as nail salons, beauty parlors, massage parlors, massage therapists, barbershops, hairdressers, cosmetologists, estheticians, and eyelash technicians. These closures are part of preventative measures implemented by the state of Connecticut and city of Stamford to limit unnecessary direct contact between individuals and reduce the risk of spreading the new coronavirus, the mayor said in a statement. cracine@hearstmediact.com Officials: Do not to flush alternatives to toilet paper Mayor David Martins office has warned on the citys website that residents using toilet paper alternatives should not flush them. Paper towels and wet wipes will clog plumbing. Widespread flushing of these products will create severe blockage of sewage infrastructure and may result in ruptured pipes, the posting warns. acarella@stamfordadvocate.com Food bank seek donations The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is asking for assistance. Even before COVID-19, about 11 percent of U.S. households were considered food insecure, meaning they didnt have consistent access to sufficient food, Mayor David Martin said in a statement. COVID-19 will likely dramatically increase this proportion, for many reasons including; lost income and food price rises resulting from stockpiling and supply chain interruptions. The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County said they are already beginning to see how devastating the COVID-19 public health crisis is becoming. The Food Bank is asking for donations of food and money. Make checks payable to: The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County 461 Glenbrook Road Stamford, CT 06906 The mayor said he is chipping in to do his part. I am glad to lead the way on helping the families and children in our community by making a donation of $250, please join me, Martin said. cracine@hearstmediact.com A medical official puts on a face mask in a field hospital in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. Vietnam Wednesday confirmed eight new coronavirus cases three foreigners and five Vietnamese including a 11-year-old boy bringing the national Covid-19 total to 76. "Patient 69" is a 30-year old German man who landed March 13 in Hanoi on flight Aeroflot flight SU290 from Moscow. He had visited several tourist destinations in the capital city from March 13-15. On March 15, he developed a fever and was taken to a local clinic before being transferred to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi's Dong Anh District. "Patient 70" and "Patient 71" are two 19-year-old students, male and female, returning from the U.K. They landed in Hanoi March 16 on Turkish Airlines flight TK164. The students and those whod come in contact them are quarantined at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. "Patient 72" is a 25-year old French woman who landed March 9 in Hanoi. She traveled to the northern province of Ninh Binh before returning to Hanoi on March 15 when she was taken to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. "Patient 73" is an 11-year-old Vietnamese boy who landed March 9 in Hanoi on Vietnam Airlines flight VN54 from London. He went to his house in the northern province of Hai Duong and was quarantined at a medical center there. Test results revealed Wednesday that he was Covid-19 positive. "Patient 74" is a 23-year old Vietnamese man from the northern province of Phu Tho. He landed in Hanoi March 16 on Vietnam Airlines flight VN18 from Paris and was quarantined at the Bac Ninh General Hospital in the eponymous province. "Patient 75" is a 40-year old Vietnamese woman living in District 2, HCMC. She had left HCMC for London on March 4 and returned on March 15 on Vietnam Airlines flight VN50. She has been quarantined at the Cu Chi field hospital in HCMC. "Patient 76" is a 52-year old Frenchman who landed in HCMC on March 10 from France. From then until March 16 he traveled to Can Tho, Hoi An, Hue and Ninh Binh. Health authorities in Ninh Binh Province tested his samples and found they were positive for the novel coronavirus. He is being treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. The flight details for "Patients 72" and "Patient 76" were not available at the time of publishing. All eight patients are in stable condition. The eight additions, making 10 in total for the day, have taken the total number of Covid-19 cases in Vietnam to 76, 60 of which are active. The previous 16 patients have been discharged from hospitals. UPDATE: The state erroneously reported two confirmed cases, one in Genesee County and one in Isabella County, that have been since removed from the state database. The number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus COVID-19 in Michigan dramatically increased with the inclusion of commercial and clinical lab results, reaching 334 on March 19. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 80 cases during its daily update on Wednesday, March 18. State officials said that number did not include more cases found through private testing that has become more available as hospitals begin offering COVID-19 screening. We are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide testing results from hospitals and other entities outside of our state laboratory, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. We knew there were additional people in Michigan with COVID-19 that had not yet been tested. This emphasizes the need to continue to practice social distancing and other community mitigation practices to help slow the spread of this disease. MDHHS is receiving reports from commercial labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics and several clinical labs, including Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the Beaumont Hospital Network, Henry Ford Health System and the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories. There have been 2,499 tests conducted, according to the state, including 744 from hospitals and 148 from commercial labs. MDHHS has performed 1,557 tests as of March 19. There were 203 cases identified by hospitals or universities, and 131 found by MDHHS, with two cases coming from commercial labs. Oakland and Wayne counties continue to record the highest number of confirmed cases. There are 119 confirmed cases in Wayne County as of March 19 -- including 75 in the city of Detroit -- and 105 cases in Oakland County. Macomb County recorded 55 cases. Nineteen of Michigans 83 counties are now home to a resident who has been infected by the coronavirus. The first COVID-19 case was reported on March 10, just over one week ago. Three Michigan residents who tested positive for the coronavirus died on Wednesday, March 18. A man in his 50s with underlying health conditions died at a Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County. Another woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions died at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac. An 81-year-old patient died at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Wednesday. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 10 after the first cases were identified. She has since closed schools, bars, restaurants and other establishments to prevent COVID-19 from spreading further. There have been nearly 10,500 cases of the coronavirus and 150 deaths in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. States with the highest number of cases include Washington, New York, California, New Jersey and Florida. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Many infected people exhibit mild symptoms and dont necessarily need to be tested or treated in-person, as theres currently no known vaccine or cure for the disease. Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan Coronavirus has closed liquor stores in other states, but Michiganders will likely still have alcohol access As coronavirus closures abound, here are 10 things still open in Michigan Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures Lawmakers say lack of paid sick time puts Michigan behind during coronavirus pandemic Michigans governor orders all bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, more to close amid coronavirus outbreak Timeline of coronavirus in Michigan: How did we get here? Detectives say a man was joking around with a shotgun when he shot his 13-year-old cousin Thursday afternoon at a home in an East Central neighborhood. Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said the boy was taken to a hospital, where he died. He said the shooter isnt being charged at this point. The scene is being processed, and warrants are being drafted, Gallegos said. There will be several interviews to follow. Officers responded to the shooting sometime before 2:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Rhode Island NE, near Copper. Upon arrival, they located a 13-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound, Gallegos said. Rescue was called immediately and transported the male to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He said a preliminary investigation revealed the boy was sitting on a couch with family when his cousin came out of a bedroom with a shotgun. Witnesses described the cousin as joking around when he racked a round in the chamber and pointed the gun at the victim and pulled the trigger, Gallegos said. Police cordoned off either end of the street with yellow tape as people gathered outside a home to comfort one another. One woman tightly hugged a crying child at the edge of the driveway while officers spoke to someone in the back of a police vehicle. Last year, there were 37 accidental shootings reported in Albuquerque, up compared with 14 in 2018. Additionally, three suspected accidental shootings in 2019 ended in death. Of those, two cases are being reviewed and the third resulted in prison time for a young man. Far from home, Nini Davlianidze was among the first people on the planet to experience firsthand what life is like under the threat of COVID-19. The 30-year-old Georgian found herself in Wuhan, China, at the start of the coronavirus outbreak that has infected tens of thousands of people around the world and killed thousands. Quarantined in her apartment beginning on January 23, Davlianidze, a consultant for a Chinese firm, shared her thoughts, feelings, and observations about living in Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first identified in December 2019, with RFE/RLs Georgian Service. Over the course of more than 40 days and nights, her remarks in videos and text attracted the attention of Georgians at home and abroad. Georgia itself reported 40 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of March 19, with no deaths. Three days earlier, the South Caucasus country imposed a two-week ban on foreigners entering the country in a bid to stymie the spread of the virus. Davlianidzes first entry came on January 28, days after Wuhan went into lockdown. Below are excerpts from her accounts. January 28, 2020 The quarantine was announced on January 24, so I am not leaving the house. I went out on just one occasion, which coincided with the [Chinese] New Year (January 25) and I was shocked to see that everything was closed. However, whether this was due to the quarantine or not, I dont know. As far as my friends tell me, there are no shortages in the stores. They are going out and buying stuff. The city is in high spirits, people try not to leave their homes. Yesterday, there was another video of people shouting out encouraging messages out of their windows. No panic is palpable, everyone is just trying to be cautious. February 3, 2020 Today is a very quiet and sunny day. From my window I can only see a small part of the street, but it seems like people have started to go out and today there were more of them on the streets than yesterday. They wash the streets every day here, but either so early or so late at night that I am usually asleep when it is being done, and so I only hear the sound of the street-cleaner truck in my sleep. Today, for some reason, the streets were being washed in the afternoon. You know those feel-good videos that circulate on Internet, the ones that mesmerize us and we dont understand what makes us watch them till the end? This street-cleaning was exactly the same sight. Sadly, I did not have enough memory on my phone to record it on video. Sometime in the afternoon they messaged us in our working chat group that, starting from tomorrow, we would be working online. This gave me a happy feeling, as I thought I would have something to do. However, in two minutes they followed it up with a this does not apply to foreigners message. This world does not allow happiness to last, as we all know. For supper, as usual, I had tea and a bun. February 17, 2020 I am so tired today -- emotionally and physically. For the first time since February 2, I left home. I went shopping with a suitcase that can hold about 20 kilograms and a backpack. I filled them both [with goods bought at stores] and was barely able to bring them up back home. There are certainly no big crowds outside, but the streets are not completely empty, there are places where you can see people on the move. A friend of mine lives on the outskirts of Wuhan, and that part is completely locked down. They are only allowed to go out of the building for three hours. There are no such strict measures where I reside. Earlier, my girlfriends messaged me a map, in which infected areas and buildings were marked in red. My neighborhood was not marked at all on that map. Only several neighboring blocks were marked in red. They say there are policemen in the city, however no one has checked on me. Dont know, maybe they are not even aware that someone lives here. The company is renting this building. There are 22 floors; I live on the 20th. February 24, 2020 I've been in quarantine for exactly one month. At first, this quarantine was like a well-deserved vacation weve all dreamed about at least once in our lives -- zero commitments, having enough food and drink, books that weve been planning to read for years, and now finally we can do so, with a cup of hot coffee or tea in our hands. Only a dog or cat is missing to make this fantasy truly idyllic. You can sleep and wake up whenever you want. The only thing you have to worry about is choosing a movie: What to watch today? But soon you realize that you are headed towards depression and all this gives you somewhat of a masochistic feeling of pleasure. You used to think you were an extremely extroverted person, but now you start to realize that youve become the biggest introvert ever. March 12, 2020 I went out for the first time in 25 days today. It felt so good to communicate with people, even to just say hello, that it became very clear once again -- I would never, ever want to end up on a desert island :D In Wuhan, the situation has improved dramatically, with only eight new cases reported today, and hospitals opened specifically for the coronavirus have been closed, giving us hope that we will be able to return to normal life within a month. Unfortunatelythe situation in the rest of the world is deteriorating. I feel very bad for people who are worried about their bank debts because they had to stay home for two weeks. And so, in order not to turn these two weeks into two months, like what happened to me, I urge you to heed the recommendations. WATCH: Five Things To Know About Coronavirus Myths I apologize if I sound too preachy. This is my final letter; I wont be boring you anymore. Thank you to everyone who expressed their love and support to me and apologies to those whom I seem to have irritated. Now I await your diaries; I hope you wont have to write them for too long and they will turn out way more cheerful and interesting than mine was. I love you <3 Note: Restrictions have begun easing in Hubei Province and the mass quarantine centers that had been set up in Wuhan, its capital, to hold infected patients with mild symptoms have closed, according to The New York Times. Chinese authorities said on March 19 that there were no new cases to report in Wuhan or the province. Written by Tony Wesolowsky based on material from RFE/RLs Georgian Service The San Francisco Bay Area took the bold and necessary step of ordering nonessential businesses to shutter and its residents to shelter in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus. It represented welcome collaboration among six counties that dont always find common ground. As the numbers escalated and the stock market kept plunging, even President Trump and his echo-chamber sycophants at Fox News stopped diminishing and mocking the pandemic and began to take the pandemic seriously. An erstwhile hopelessly polarized Congress rallied toward a fiscal relief package. As our editorial noted, Medical experts, including those at the presidents side, say it may take weeks to find out whether distancing measures flatten infection rates. That is sure to worry an anxious nation looking for assurance that such sweeping, life-altering steps will pay off. So the questions Americans are asking How long will it last? How much damage will it inflict? remain elusive as more and more of us retreat inside our homes. One thing seems certain: As with 9/11, it will compel lasting changes in our everday lives. Guest opinions Anxiety and panic: Anxiety drives us to mobilize together, stay clearheaded, and do what is needed for the common good. Panic is highly contagious, throws us into irrational and catastrophic thinking, and drives us to toward lousy human behaviors that can exacerbate our crisis greed, excessive hoarding, stampeding. UCSF psychiatry professor Elissa Epel explains the difference and advice for coping with the pandemic. Listen up, parents: There is not a playbook for parenting during the pandemic, but there are tried-and-true ways to help your child emotionally adjust in high-stress situations, writes Dr. Alexandra Boeving Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist. That long-term challenge: Why arent we treating the climate crisis with the same urgency and personal responsibility as were doing with COVID-19? asks high-school freshman Sarah Goody in a powerful essay. Times of need: Poverty-fighting organizations that educate, employ, house and support people in need, global organizations that defend human rights and fight bigotry and hatred are going to be strapped for resources just as the demand for their services continues to surge. Dont just cancel donate, advises Jennifer Pitts. Letter of the Week Submissions have poured in to the degree that The Chronicle opened up a second opinion page in its Wednesday print edition. Among them were plenty of suggestions on how to live a sheltered life and what to do when you encounter a fellow human being outside your house. Joanne Sandstrom of Oakland had this creative idea: Forget fist bumps and elbow taps. Lets do the hokey-pokey. Thats what its all about. And please check out our other letters of the day responding to this and other matters. You can send us a letter via this form. Where to follow us We have a Twitter channel, Opinion Central (@sfc_opinions). Please add it to your stream. Youll catch our editorials and opinion pieces, as well as our drive-by comments on assorted subjects in the news. Follow me on Twitter: @JohnDiazChron Just a reminder The Chronicles editorials represent the collective judgment of our Editorial Board, which includes the publisher as well as the writers and editors from the opinion team. Our editors and reporters on the news side are not involved in those decisions (including election endorsements). They are charged with reporting fairly and objectively without regard to our editorial positions. It is one of the core values here at Fifth and Mission streets. Opinion Central is a thrice-weekly newsletter from John Diaz, The Chronicles editorial page editor, and the rest of the Editorial Board. Follow along on Twitter: @sfc_opinions WWE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ROB SCHAMBERGER PRESENTING 'NOT BAD CON' ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION KICKING OFF THIS WEEKEND - FULL DETAILS The following press release was issued today: WWE Artist-In-Residence Debuts Not Bad Con, A Free, Virtual Convention Experience Kansas City, MO. With so many comic book conventions and shows being postponed or cancelled, WWE Artist-In-Residence Rob Schamberger is offering a free, virtual alternative: Not Bad Con, which kicks off at 1p Central tomorrow, March 20. Not Bad Con features all of your favorite things about conventions: live art, panels, Q&As, conversation, demonstrations, cosplay, art for sale and more. The virtual convention is a chance for people around the world to still get together, have fun and learn from each other. Were in the middle of a challenging time, and its more important than ever to stay connected, Rob says. I want to give people a chance to escape reality for a bit and deliver a virtual convention experience thats as entertaining and immersive as an in-person show. Heres a sampling of the Not Bad Con schedule: 5p, March 20: Photography Basics From Both Sides of the Lens with Paul Andrews Kansas City-based lifestyle and wedding photographer, Paul Andrews, invites us into his studio for tips to help improve your photos, whether youre the subject or the photographer. Noon, March 21: Paper Toy Fun with Matt Hawkins Artist and musician Matt Hawkins will unveil a tutorial for his newest paper toy, the perfect creative activity for the whole family! 3p, March 21: Keepin It Real Online with Jake Jacobson and Gene Willis Rob and Katy Schamberger will be joined by digital marketing pros Jake Jacobson (vice president, Native Digital) and Gene Willis (Chief Engagement Officer, United Inner City Services), for a live Twitter chat on how to be more authentic online and why it matters. 6:30p, March 21: Rob v. Katy In A LIVE Drink n Draw Give Rob and Katy a prompt and theyll have 10 minutes to draw it. Then, vote on your favorite pictures on Twitter. BYOB! 2p, March 22: Create Your Own Shockmaster Costume This is self-explanatory, right? Grab your glitter! 4p, March 22: Behind the Scenes at Journey Pro Wrestling & How to Support Indie Wrestling Walter Fulbright, co-owner and promoter of Kansas City-based Journey Pro Wrestling, will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at running a wrestling promotion. Plus, hell share some tips for helping indie promotions, especially in these challenging times. Note: All times are Central The fun doesnt stop there! Conversations will be happening all weekend on Twitter and Instagram, giving attendees a chance to get to know each other and share their interests and work. Plus, Rob will be painting Edge v. Randy Orton live throughout #NotBadCon. Youll see progress photos throughout the weekend. Rob will also debut art for sale hourly, plus unveil some special discounts and a gift with purchase. To join in on #NotBadCon, follow Rob at robschamberger on Twitter and Instagram and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/robschamberger1. Visit Robs website for the full Not Bad Con schedule: www.robschamberger.com/NotBadCon2020. If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global biosensors market size is anticipated to reach USD 36.0 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR 9%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Various applications in the medical field, high demand for miniature diagnostic devices, and rapid technological advancements are the key driving factors for the market. Early and precise disease diagnosis is essential for successful prognosis of diseases and survival of patients. In recent years, the demand for simple, disposable, user-friendly, and cost-efficient devices with fast response time has increased extensively leading to increase in the sales of these products, thereby driving the biosensor market. Increase in technological development is expected to be a significant factor for the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in October 2015, Abbott Laboratories launched FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System in Europe. It is intended to be a replacement for blood glucose meters. Moreover, rising applications of thermal biosensors in biomolecular interaction and hybridization analysis, environmental monitoring, and cosmetic analysis are expected to boost market growth. In addition, the development of nano particle based electrochemical biosensors is expected to create opportunities for the key players, thereby driving the market. Further Key Findings from the Study Suggest: On the basis of application, the medical segment dominated the biosensors market in 2019. The device is considered an essential tool in the detection and monitoring of a wide range of medical conditions, such as diabetes and cancer Electrochemical biosensors accounted for the largest market share in 2019 and is anticipated to witness a significant growth over the forecast period owing to the widespread applications for quantification and analysis in biochemical and biological processes On the basis of end use, biosensors in food industry are expected to witness fastest growth over the forecast period owing to the rising pressure from regulatory bodies pertaining to the hygiene standards of the food items where this device plays a vital role for detecting pathogens, allergens, and pesticides in the food items In Asia Pacific, the market is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, closely followed by Latin America owing to increase in awareness regarding biosensors, and constantly improving healthcare facilities in the region Key players in the industry includes AZUR Environmental; Abbott Laboratories; Biosensor BV; Bayer AG; Cranfield Biotechnology Centre; DuPont Biosensor Materials; Ercon, Inc., and Johnson and Johnson. Request a Sample Copy of the Global Biosensors Market Research Report @ www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biosensors-market/request/rs1 Grand View Research has segmented the global biosensors market on the basis of application, technology, end use, and region: Biosensors Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Thermal Electrochemical Piezoelectric Optical Biosensors Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Medical Cholesterol Blood Glucose Blood Gas Analyzer Pregnancy Testing Drug Discovery Infectious Disease Food Toxicity Bioreactor Agriculture Environment Others Biosensors End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Home Healthcare Diagnostics PoC Testing Food Industry Research Laboratories Security and Bio-defense Biosensors Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) North America o U.S. o Canada Europe o U.K. o Germany o France o Italy o Spain o Belgium o Switzerland o Netherlands o Russia o ROE Asia Pacific o Japan o China o South Korea o India o Australia o Indonesia o ROAPAC Latin America o Brazil o Mexico o Argentina o Columbia o ROLATAM Middle East & Africa o South Africa o Saudi Arabia o UAE o Turkey o ROMEA Access full research report on global biosensors market: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biosensors-market STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- No industries are safe from the ever-shifting landscape of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including the banks that Staten Islanders rely on for their financial needs. As the spread of the coronavirus continues to escalate throughout the borough, city, state, country and world, many popular banks are closing select locations, limiting service hours and implementing new policies and procedures to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Heres what you need to know about many of the banks with branches on Staten Island. CLOSING BRANCHES, REDUCING HOURS Many major banks have begun temporarily closing select branch locations amid the growing spread of the coronavirus. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Chase has temporarily closed approximately 20% of the companys branches, though at least one branch remains open within each market served by the bank, according to a Chase spokesperson. The remaining Chase locations will operate under business as usual, according to the company, though hours have been reduced to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We made sure that any branch that had a drive-up window or glass partition teller window were among those that remained open for business, to give us the maximum flexibility to continue to provide critical services to our clients if events warrant, the spokesperson said. Earlier this week, Capital One closed all Capital One Cafes, in addition to a limited number of branches throughout the country. Included in the closed Capital One branches are the two Staten Island branches, located at 386 Forest Ave. and 2083 Hylan Blvd. For branches that remain open, we will primarily serve customers from behind protective glass or through drive-throughs. We believe this is the right step to take to help prevent the spread of the virus, and support the health and well-being of our customers, our associates and our communities, according to the company. TD Bank has announced the closure of nearly a dozen branch locations throughout the United States, including three in New York, although no Staten Island branches are included in the closures. The company has reduced service hours at all locations, and is encouraging customers to use drive-thru banking where available. Locations will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and will be closed on Sundays. All Citibank branch locations remain open for the time being, with no reductions in days or hours announced to this point. Our branches are open with teams ready to serve our clients, according to the company. This is a very fluid, evolving situation, and in the event that we are required to close a branch or we believe its in the best interest of our clients and colleagues, we will do so. Richmond County Savings Bank -- operated by New York Community Banks -- has also maintained all branch locations with no reduced hours. We are here to serve you. Please know that we are here in our branches, but you can also bank with us through online banking, mobile banking and telephone banking, according to the company. Victory State Bank announced Thursday that all late-night hours will be eliminated for the time being, with Saturdays shifted to drive-thru transactions only. Limiting face-to-face contact and social distancing are key components to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Therefore, effective immediately, we will not have late-night hours. We will close at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours will be limited to drive-thru transactions only. There will be no lobby of platform access on Saturdays, said Raffaele Branca, president and CEO of Victory State Bank. ATMS REMAIN STOCKED While some branch locations may close, nearly all major banks have announce that their ATMs will remain operational 24/7 to provide residents with necessary cash. Chase has assured customers that ATMs and open branches will remain stocked with ample amounts of cash to meet the needs of their customers. Chase has enough cash available to meet the needs of our customers, and our vendors continue to service our branches ensuring that ATMs and branches have cash, a company spokesperson said. SAFE DEPOSIT BOX Those looking to access their safe deposit box should contact their individual branch, though many banks are still allowing customers to access them on an appointment-only basis. If you have a safe deposit box and you would like to access it, call us at 1-888-751-9000 or check in at your nearest open TD Bank store and well schedule an appointment for you, according to TD Bank. According to Capital One: Any customer who has a safe deposit box at a branch location will be able to access it. Should they need access during this period, we will make special arrangements for them to do so on an appointment basis. Customers should call the operating branch directly." ENHANCED SANITARY MEASURES Most major banks have ramped up their cleaning protocols and are encouraging customers to use drive-thru and glass-partitioned teller windows to discourage the spread of the virus. Chase banks have increased their cleaning measures, using EPA-approved disinfectants to clean all surfaces, with an emphasis on popular touch points like ATM screens and keypads. Capital One has announced enhanced cleaning procedures and is providing hand sanitizer to employees and customers at all open locations. We are continuing to exercise enhanced deep-cleaning protocols in our open branches and operations centers to maintain a safe environment at locations across our footprint. Extra hand sanitizer is also readily available for associates and customers, according to the company. TD Bank is encouraging all employees to adhere to the guidelines of major health organizations and is providing hand sanitizer at all locations. Were advising all TD Bank employees to follow the health and hygiene guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plus weve sent hand-sanitizing kits to our locations and will continue to send them as needed, according to the company. New York Community Bank -- operator of Richmond County Savings Bank -- is following CDC guidelines and implementing preventative measures in both branch locations and corporate offices, with employees receiving constant status updates and reminders for best health practices. Citibank has also stepped up its ongoing sanitization efforts, with frequent touch points receiving deep cleanings and all locations equipped with hand sanitizer for customers and employees. Weve augmented daily cleaning procedures with the use of stronger disinfectant products on high-touch surfaces, have made hand sanitizer readily available, and are educating branch teams on best practices recommended by the CDC, according to the company. Victory State Bank has advised customers that, while all branches remain open, they may close temporarily to undergo thorough cleaning. While we have not closed selected branches yet, a branch may be closed to facilitate the intensive deep cleaning needed to keep the branch areas as hygienic as practicable, Branca said. SERVICES AVAILABLE ONLINE Nearly all banks are encouraging customers to complete the majority of their banking services online to limit person-to-person interaction and reduce the possibility of viral spread. With many of us staying closer to home, I encourage you to use tools on the Chase Mobile app and chase.com whenever possible, said Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. We strongly encourage our customers to use Capital Ones digital tools and other resources for self-service banking and 24/7 account access. Customers can access accounts online or by using the Capital One Mobile app at their convenience. From there, customers can make payments, view transactions, check balances, find an ATM, and more. Its easier and faster (in most cases) to manage accounts digitally, especially given call time waits may be longer than usual, according to the company website. TD Bank users are encouraged to sign up for Online Banking or use the TD Bank app for your smartphone, available on Android and iOS. Visit the company website to find out what services are available online and through the app. Richmond County Savings Bank users are encouraged to enroll in NYCB Online and download the NYCB Mobile app. These services will enable you to check account balances, view transactions, pay bills, transfer funds as well as send, receive and request money ... and much more. The NYCB Mobile App will also allow you to deposit checks, according to the company website. Citibank users are encouraged to use the Citi Mobile App or visit Citi Online to check balances, make payments, transfer funds, deposit checks, or find the nearest ATM. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders With restaurant dine-in option halted, Uber Eats waives delivery fees MTA continuing to monitor service levels as coronavirus spreads Amazon warns of slower deliveries, depleted stock amid coronavirus Rumor of a mandated national quarantine is untrue and unfounded, White House says S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Coronavirus: NYC bars, restaurants limited to takeout and delivery Lees Tavern to temporarily shut its doors amid coronavirus outbreak Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus court scale-down: No new jury trials starting Monday; other appearances to be limited With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries President Akufo-Addo has acknowledged the healing powers of the Lord Jesus Christ to help the nation fight the spread of the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Addressing some eminent Christian Leaders on Thursday morning at the Jubilee House in Accra, during a prayer breakfast meeting to pray against the Covid-19, President Akufo-Addo said despite his governments measures to curb the spread of the virus, he, as a devout Christian, believed in the healing power of Jesus Christ to combat the deadly disease. I know of the healing power and saving Grace of the Maker of Heaven and Earth, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, because in Him we live, move and have our being, he stated. The President made reference to various Holy Scriptures in the Bible to back his belief in the healing power of God, and cited Proverbs chapter nine verse 10, Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. He also mentioned 2Chronicles chapter seven verse 14, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land. President Akufo-Addo said the Covid-19 pandemic was having a toll on the global economy, which was creating fear and panic throughout the world. He said with the nation recording nine cases as of March 19 and three Ghanaians losing their lives abroad, his government had already instituted a number of measures to ensure that the nation was adequately prepared to combat the spread of the pandemic. President Akufo-Addo mentioned the ban of public gathering such as religious service, funerals, closure of schools, travel restrictions for people coming from countries that had recorded 200 or more confirmed cases of Covid-19, designated isolation and treatment centres at some health facilities, screening of travellers with thermal scanners at the countrys points of entry, among others. He expressed appreciation to the various faith-based organizations for their solidarity with the Government by complying with the Covid-19 directives and urged the Christian community to continue collaborating with the government for improved welfare of the citizenry. I have also put on record my equally deep appreciation of the support offered by the Muslim Clergy, led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the nations political leaders, traditional authorities, great and small, and opinion leaders for the measures taken by the Government, the President said. President Akufo-Addo urged all Ghanaians to continue observing the prescribed social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols to safeguard lives and prevent community spread. The eminent Christian Leaders offered intercessory prayers for the affected persons, the President, the Government, the frontline health workers and the world. In attendance at the Christian prayer breakfast included; Archbishop Nicolas Duncan Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Right Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra Diocese of Catholic Church and Rev. Prof. J.O.Y Mantey, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The rest were; Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, the Founder of Fountain Gate Chapel, Rev. Dr Samuel Asante-Antwi, former General Overseer of the Methodist Church, Dr Joyce Aryee, the Founder of Salt and Light Ministries and Dr Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the Founder of Lighthouse Chapel International. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deadly virus has claimed 8,988 deaths and 220,843 persons infected globally. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday offered more details about a $1 trillion federal stimulus spending package. While exact details are still being hammered out, the package will include $300 billion in small-business loans, $50 billion to help the airline industry and $150 billion for other "severely distressed" industries. The proposal also includes direct payments to U.S. taxpayers, though the exact size of the checks the government will send out is still being negotiated. Two congressmen have tested positive for coronavirus: U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, and U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, a Democrat from Utah. Italys death toll from coronavirus has surpassed Chinas, reaching 3,405 fatalities as of Thursday afternoon. About 3,200 people have been reported dead in China to date. For the first time since the coronavirus crisis began, China reported no new local infections on Thursday. The European Central Bank launched an $820 billion bond-buying program to help mitigate the economic impact of the virus. The U.S. State Department, in its highest-level travel advisory, warned Americans not to travel outside the country and urged Americans abroad to either return to the United States or prepare to shelter in place. Tesla suspended automobile production at its California factory. The United Arab Emirates banned its citizens from leaving the country and restricted resident-visa holders from entering the country. India barred all incoming international flights for a week, and Australia and New Zealand closed their borders to all foreigners. Ohio Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran announced that patients and providers will be allowed to use telemedicine more for medical and mental health services in order to take pressure off emergency rooms. Ohio businesses and nonprofits suffering from the coronavirus crisis are now eligible for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million each from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Gov. Mike DeWine has deployed the Ohio National Guard to help foodbanks around the state. Columbus-based Cameron Mitchell Restaurants closed all 36 of its restaurants in 12 states, laying off 4,500 workers. By the numbers World cases and deaths: 240,119 confirmed cases, 9,819 deaths U.S. cases and deaths: 11,274 confirmed cases, 157 deaths Ohio cases and deaths: 119 confirmed cases, 0 deaths, 33 hospitalizations General information Coronavirus timeline: How the coronavirus spread from cases in China to Ohio in less than three months Coronavirus in Ohio: Department of Health opens call center to field questions, open 7 days a week Ohio is under a state of emergency because of the coronavirus. What does that mean? Coronavirus patients can take a turn for the worse two weeks into the illness, experts say Kids and coronavirus: Children have come down with COVID-19, but usually with milder symptoms Coping with coronavirus: Guide aims to ease fear of pandemic disease MetroHealth Dr. Amy Ray offers helpful coronavirus advice in video Risk/mitigation factors Hypertension could be a leading factor in coronavirus deaths: Heres what to know How will coronavirus affect allergy sufferers? Heres why mitigating the pandemic curve matters What you might not know about using face masks to protect against coronavirus Will the shingles vaccine help me fight coronavirus? No. Heres why Coronavirus update: Virus could live up to 24 hours on cardboard, 3 days on plastic and steel, study says Coronavirus and lungs: How do smoking, vaping, air pollution affect respiratory illnesses? How humidity could help fight coronavirus Hygiene/etiquette Washing your hands: Best public restroom etiquette in the age of coronavirus How to protect yourself from coronavirus: An infocomic goes viral Ohio health department chief regularly cites school study on hand-washing. What does it say? Coping at home Compiling a COVID-19 coronavirus quarantine prep kit: What you should have on hand at home Should I take elderberry supplements to ward off flu, coronavirus? Homemade hand sanitizer to battle coronavirus? Dont use denatured alcohol -- or vodka 10 essential tips to working from home during the coronavirus outbreak Working from home? These 10 must-have items will make the transition easier Comfort TV options you can stream if things get too quiet while working from home Have a back-up plan for pets in case you get sick with coronavirus, Cleveland APL says Coronavirus and food: 5 things to know for novice chefs at home Worried about coronavirus on your food? 165 degrees is universal safe cooking temperature, but not often necessary How to avoid a census worker coming to your door during coronavirus crisis FAQ: Everything you need to know about getting Ohio unemployment amid coronavirus outbreak Travel Could Ohio shut down travel for coronavirus quarantine? Travel in the age of coronavirus: Some Clevelanders cancel trips, others wait and see Closings/cancellations The latest list of coronavirus delays and closings in Ohio for Thursday, March 19, 2020 Dr. Oliver Brooks, center, looks on as healthcare worker Lucy Arias, right, checks a patient, at a for COVID-19 screening station, for fever at Watts Health Center, Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) California continued to see more coronavirus cases and deaths on Thursday. The death toll rose by two to 19, and the total number of cases now stands art 948, according to The Times coronavirus tracker. Nearly 12,000 people in the state are self-monitoring for symptoms. Here is the latest: TESTING: The state saw a 20% increase in testing in just one day as more labs come online. The expanded testing is expected to result in more positive results. More than 16,000 tests have been conducted. RESTRICTIONS: Millions in California are under shelter-in-place restrictions, mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of Northern California. Sacramento imposed strict rules allowing residents to leave their homes only to get medication, visit a doctor or purchase food and other necessary supplies. Individuals are also permitted to attend private gatherings of no more than six nonrelatives in a home. Social distancing should be practiced at all times, including at gatherings, the order states. SCHOOLS: Nearly all campuses are closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but school and learning is still in session. While we are in very unique circumstances at this time, we are still providing education to our students, State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said. School is not out, but we are finding a different way to deliver it. MEDICAL: Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday evening said the state has asked the Department of Defense to deploy the Navys Mercy hospital ship and two mobile hospitals to California to help care for the expected surge of residents stricken by the novel coronavirus who will require hospitalization. The governor said the state is working to expand available hospital beds by roughly 20,000. BREAKDOWNS: The Times tracker, based on figures from the state Department of Public Health, counts 675 cases with the following age breakdown: Age 0-17: 13 18-64: 448 65+: 209 Unknown: 5 Not counting repatriation flights, here is the breakdown of the sources of California coronavirus cases: 97: Travel-related 92: Person to person 181: Community transmission 281: Under investigation Kansas City luxury car dealerships provide free lunches for employees from local food vendors to alleviate the impacts of COVID-19. As the Kansas City community grapples with heightened concerns over COVID-19, Soave Automotive has set out on a mission to aid local businesses and its employees. The automotive group will be paying local food trucks to service its Aristocrat and Kansas City campuses starting today and continuing through April 1. During this time, all dealership employees will be provided with free lunches prepared by local vendors and payed for by Soave Automotive to help combat the economic impacts brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, excess food will also be open to dealership guests upon request and offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. One food truck will be stationed at each location from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each weekday, starting with the Crave Food Truck at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas. The KC BBQ Truck will be posted at the Aristocrat Motors campus in Merriam, KS. From there, the trucks will continue to rotate between the two campuses all the way through the end of the month. Those looking for more information about Soave Automotive Group and its Kansas City dealerships can find contact information for each campus online at the Soave Automotive Group website, http://www.soaveautomotivegroup.com/. Prospective luxury car shoppers can view each campuss current inventory and sales specials online at their individual websites, https://www.aristocratmotors.com/ and https://www.mb-kc.com/. The Aristocrat Motors campus is located at 9400 W 65th Street in Merriam, KS, while the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City dealership can be found at 13851 Madison Ave. in Kansas City, MO. Wyoming Legislature passes bill protecting babies born alive after abortion Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Legislators in Wyoming have passed a bill that requires abortion providers to provide medical assistance to a baby that survives the procedure. Senate File 97, also rendered SF0097, passed the Wyoming House last week in a vote of 44-16, having previously passed the state Senate. Michael Pearlman, communications director for the office of Governor Mark Gordon, told The Christian Post on Wednesday that the governor has not decided what action to take on the bill. The governor is still considering this bill, explained Pearlman. This bill was delivered to him after adjournment of the legislative session, which means he has 15 days to act on it. Also titled Born alive infant-means of care, the bill requires abortion providers to take steps to help a baby that survives an abortion procedure. The commonly accepted means of care that would be rendered to any other infant born alive shall be employed in the treatment of any viable infant aborted alive, reads SF0097. Any physician performing an abortion shall take medically appropriate and reasonable steps to preserve the life and health of an infant born alive. The measure also states that parents of an infant born alive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable for the actions of a physician under this section. Critics of the proposed legislation included the Wyoming chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that the bill was unnecessary in light of other state laws. Our state already has a law prohibiting abortions after viability (except to preserve a woman's life or health), stated the ACLU chapter. Wyoming physicians perform abortions only during the first trimester of pregnancy, no doctor has ever been charged with violating this law. Republican State Senator Cheri Steinmetz, sponsor of the bill, told the Cheyenne-based KGAB last month that she considered the legislation a clarification of existing law. Thats our job in the legislative session: we clarify law all the time, said Steinmetz. Thats what this bill seeks to do. Last month, the U.S. Senate failed to advance a similar bill introduced by Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska known as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Srinagar, March 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Administration imposed restrictions in Srinagar on Thursday in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Shops, offices and business establishments have been closed. Concertina wires have been placed at many spots in the city to prevent the movement of the people. The move comes a day after the first coronavirus positive case was reported in the city. The person belonging to Khanyar in downtown had returned to Srinagar from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah on March 16. "Restrictions imposed in Srinagar city for containment of any likely spread of coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There will be initial problems for a day or so. Administration will ensure effective services and supplies. Please stay home. Contact district control room for any help," Shahid Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar tweeted. "78 passengers from Leh have been quarantined at a designated facility in the outskirts of Srinagar. Medical and logistics teams are deployed. Request families not to visit/crowd there. It's not allowed, we will take care," Choudhary said in another tweet. Meanwhile, the Srinagar administration has urged the residents who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest health facilities or contact control room at 2457552 or 2457543 or 9419028251 or 9419028242 or 9419014723, saying this was urgent. While speaking to IANS, government Spokesperson Rohit Kansal appealed the people to take certain specific measures in the wake of the threat of coronavirus. "Self deceleration, social distancing, isolation and hygiene -- it is important to follow all these measures," Kansal told IANS. Choudhary announced that there will be restrictions on the public transport in Srinagar in the wake of coronavirus. "There will be restrictions on public transport, assembly of people and some other measures in Srinagar from tomorrow. Steps are being taken in view of a positive case detected. Further updates to follow," Shahid Chowdhary tweeted. So far three positive cases have been reported from Jammu, eight in Ladakh and one in the Kashmir Valley. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Gulnara Karimova Sentenced Again For Corruption, Financial Crimes By RFE/RL's Uzbek Service March 18, 2020 Gulnara Karimova, the imprisoned elder daughter of the late Uzbek President Islam Karimov, has received an additional 13 years and four months in prison in the latest court ruling against her and her former associates. Uzbekistan's Supreme Court said on March 18 that Karimova was found guilty of extortion, money laundering, misappropriating the property of others, and financial and other crimes, and sentenced the same day along with five other defendants. Karimova, who has been jailed in Tashkent since March 2019, went on trial for the charges on January 8. Last month she sent a letter to President Shavkat Mirziyoev offering to return $686 million to the country's treasury in exchange for the dismissal of the court case. The Uzbek Prosecutor-General's Office said in August that the new case against Karimova was linked to allegations that she illegally bought state-owned shares of two cement plants that she later sold to foreign businessmen. The 47-year-old Karimova, once seen as a possible successor to her father, has been also tied to money-laundering investigations in Sweden and Switzerland. She was placed under house arrest in Tashkent in 2014 when her father was still alive and ran the country. Karimov died in 2016 and Mirziyoev became his successor soon afterward. In December 2017, Karimova was sentenced to a 10-year prison term but several months later the sentence was reclassified to house arrest and shortened to five years. In March 2019, she was placed in jail for allegedly violating the terms of her house arrest. Also in March 2019, the U.S. Justice Department named Karimova as part of a major international bribery scheme, charging her with conspiracy to violate U.S. foreign corruption laws. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/gulnara- karimova-sentenced-again-for-corruption- financial-crimes/30495071.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following the Samsung Galaxy M21 announcement yesterday, the company has announced yet another Galaxy A series smartphone, the Galaxy A41. This phone has been silently announced in Japan, though it will be available all over the globe. The Samsung Galaxy A41 features a flat display, and is made out of plastic This is a budget smartphone, and it is made out of polycarbonate (plastic). The phone features a thin chin below the display, and a dewdrop display notch. Its bezels are quite thin, actually. The device includes a flat display, with rounded corners. Corners of the phone itself are also rounded, and all the physical keys are placed on the right-hand side of the phone. Advertisement This is an NTT Docomo variant of the Galaxy A41, but the global one will look identical, it just wont have the Docomo branding on the back. Speaking of the back, youll notice three cameras are placed there. Those three cameras are vertically-aligned, and sit in the top-left corner of the phones back. They are a part of the same camera module as an LED flash, and protrude a bit. The phone is IP68 certified for water and dust resistance, in case you were wondering. Its back side is curved on the edges, as you can see in the provided images. Advertisement The phone includes a Super AMOLED display, and expandable storage The phone features a 6.1-inch fullHD+ (2340 x 1080) Infinity-U Super AMOLED display. The phone is fueled by an unnamed octa-core processor, and it includes 4GB of RAM. The Galaxy A41 is equipped with 64GB of storage, and you can expand that storage via a microSD card up to 512GB. The device also includes two SIM card slots, in case you were wondering. A 3,500mAh battery is also included, and it supports 15W fast charging. That battery is not removable. An under-display fingerprint scanner also made the cut. Advertisement A 48-megapixel camera (f/2.0 aperture) is this phones main camera. It is accompanied by an 8-megapixel camera with an f/2.2 aperture ultrawide lens (123-degree lens). The third sensor on the back is a 5-megapixel depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture lens. A 25-megapixel camera (f/2.2 aperture) is included on the front side of the device. Android 10 comes pre-installed on the phone, along with Samsungs One UI 2.0 skin. The phone supports 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, and it does come with an NFC chip. A Type-C USB port is placed on the bottom of the device, while a 3.5mm headphone jack is not included. The Samsung Galaxy A41 comes in Black, White, and Blue colors, at least to Japan. It will become available in June 2020 in the country, exclusively through NTT Docomo, at least for now. We still do not know how much will it cost, but its going to be quite affordable. Airline industry turmoil deepened on Thursday as Qantas Airways Ltd told most of its 30,000 employees to take leave and India prepared a rescue package of up to $1.6 billion to aid carriers battered by coronavirus, government sources said. The U.N.'s International Civil Aviation Organization called on governments to ensure cargo operations were not disrupted to maintain the availability of critical medicine and equipment such as ventilators, masks, and other health and hygiene items that will help reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Passenger operations have ... The coronavirus pandemic continues to cause chaos across the UK and around the world. Heres your morning briefing of everything you may have missed over night. Teachers demand clarity over exams after closure Schools and universities are calling for urgent clarity from the government after it was announced that GSCEs and A-Levels would be cancelled this year. Schools across the UK will close their doors on Friday except to vulnerable pupils or children of key workers. Education secretary Gavin Williamson suggested all children will receive the qualifications they deserve but did not offer details of how. London tube stations closed amid suggestions capital may be placed on lockdown by weekend Some 40 London Underground stations have been shut as the capital attempts to curb the spread of coronavirus. Bus services in the city will also be reduced after Boris Johnson said the virus was spreading faster there than in other parts of the UK. Significantly, when asked if the city may be placed into lockdown to combat the contagion, the prime minister refused to rule anything out. Internet providers report surge in use amid concerns over networks becoming overloaded Vodafone has said it is experiencing a 30 per cent rise in traffic across its UK fixed-line and mobile networks as more people work from home. TalkTalk also said that its daytime network traffic had risen 20 per cent since Monday, according to the BBC. Providers insist they can cope with the increased usage. But European Union commissioner Thierry Breton has suggested TV services could potentially be forced to stream content in low resolution to protect infrastructure. No new cases announced in China for first time since pandemic began The country where Covid-19 originated has said it has gone a day without new cases being reported for the first time since the crisis started in January. Chinas national health commission said on Thursday there were 34 new cases but, crucially, all were found in recent overseas arrivals. In Hubei, the Chinese province at the epicentre of the outbreak, there were no new cases of any kind during Wednesday. Donald Trump signs $100 billion emergency relief fund, as US-Canada border is closed for all but essential journeys The American president has signed a $100 billion aid package into law which will provide for paid sick leave and free testing. The federal aid came as Mr Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to close the US-Canada border to all non-essential travel. Both countries had already issued sweeping travel bans but had maintained exemptions for each other. Italian town reports no new coronavirus infections after successful experiment Vo, near Venice, started a unique trial shortly after the start of the pandemic in Europe. It involved blanket testing the entire northern towns 3,300 population for the virus. Those found to have it were placed under strict quarantine immediately. Despite being at the centre of Italys outbreak, it has now not reported any new cases in almost a week. European Central Bank launches emergency 750 billion coronavirus package The ECB announced the massive measure by saying it would buy up government and company debt across the eurozone. Its president Christine Lagarde tweeted there are no limits to the bank's commitment to the currency. TDT | Manama Bahrain is taking steps to limit the number of people in courthouses by reducing its sessions out of concerns about the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Supreme Judicial Council Vice-President and Cassation Court President announced the decision following a consultative meeting with Bahrain Bar Society. As per the decision, courthouses will postpone cases by two months, starting March 22. The procedures are taken to ensure social distancing as per the guidelines issued to minimise the number of people in courts at once. Court users are advised to review how their specific matters are affected. The decision follows an eleven-point instruction released on Tuesday by HRH the Crown Prince intensifying Bahrains effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. According to Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, over 18,000 cases had been confirmed in 18 countries in the WHOs Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes Pakistan and Afghanistan as well and Middle Eastern and North African states. That includes 1,010 deaths in seven countries. Bahrain has encouraged all to work from home wherever possible while limiting public gathering to 20 people or fewer. It closed all recreational facilities including cinemas and directed restaurants and food outlets to work only as a takeaway, delivery service. All schools and universities are also closed, until further notice, as part of the wide-ranging decisions. Saudi courts postpone cases Saudi Arabias Supreme Judicial Council has also announced postponing hearing starting 16 March 2020, until further notice. The decision, it said, was part of precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of the people. Saudi Courts had also rescheduled or postponed its session during the suspension period. It further said will prioritise cases upon resuming normal functioning and inform parties electronically. Saudi Arabian courts will continue to consider urgent cases or that require immediate decisions. Dubai suspends hearings Reports said that all judicial hearing in Dubai Courts of First Instance, Appeals and Cassation has been adjourned and will consider only urgent matters, criminal cases and appeals involving inmates and detainees. Issuance of certificates and personal status documents like marriage and divorce certificates have been suspended from March 22 to April 16. Dubai Courts will also stop receiving customers in cases and claims services. The dual court system in Bahrain Bahrain has a dual court system, consisting of civil and sharia courts. Sharia courts deal primarily with personal status matters (such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance). Appeals beyond the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal are taken to the Supreme Court of Appeal, which is part of the civil system. The civil court system consists of summary courts and a supreme court. Summary courts of the first instance are located in all communities and include separate urf, civil, and criminal sections. The supreme courts hear appeals from the summary courts. The Supreme Court of Appeal is the highest appellate court in the country. The Supreme Court of Appeal also decides on the constitutionality of laws and regulations. The Students' Federation of India (SFI), on Thursday urged the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary to provide enough masks and hand sanitizers to candidates of ongoing higher secondary examinations. All those associated with the examination process at the centres - students, venue supervisors, invigilators - should be provided with hand sanitizers and masks and the exam centres should be disinfected regularly, the student bodys state unit Secretary, Srijon Bhattacharya, said in a statement. The CPI(M)s student wing also said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to send midday meal to the residences of all students should be carried out fairly and transparently. Enough sanitizers have been provided to different examination centres located across the state and spraying of disinfectants carried regularly, an official of The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary (WBCHSE) said. The Higher Secondary examinations began on March 12 and will continue till March 27. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The increase in the technological advancements, rise in medical tourism and emerging market in regions among the developing countries are expected to be the major drivers of the laboratory freezers market in the forecast period. New York, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the current analysis of Reports and Data, the Laboratory Freezers market was valued at USD 3.23 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 4.71 billion by the year 2026, at a CAGR of 4.8%. Laboratory freezers are essential equipment as they are widely used to store, cool, and keep samples for preservation. Typically, the refrigerators store samples at a temperature of around -5 to 15 degree Celsius while freezers store samples at -25 to -15 degrees Celsius. The cryopreservation is used for samples that need exceptionally low temperatures for preservation. The laboratory refrigerators and freezers also include inbuild special equipment used to conduct experiments. Get FREE Sample Copy with TOC of the Report to understand the structure of the complete report@ https://www.reportsanddata.com/sample-enquiry-form/2641 The global laboratory freezers market is widely driven by technological advancements and improvements in the products. The increased medicals tourism in various regions is also expected to fuel the demand intensely during the forecast period. Moreover, the growing advances in the infrastructure of research laboratories owing to the requirements of various experiments have also propelled the market. Regionally, the North American segment is expected to drive the market due to the presence of major key players in the region. The Asia Pacific region is growing at a higher rate as more blood-related products are used for various causes in the area. Moreover, increasing demand for blood components and blood is towering the global market in developing nations such as India and China. Utilization of advanced technology and technological advancements in refrigerators and freezers has elevated the global market in European countries such as France and Germany. Story continues The freezers and refrigerators release harmful components that are known to deprive the ozone layer. This is one of the major market restraints for the market. Furthermore, functional aspects of the freezer, such as overheating, power consumption as it consumes a lot of energy, and release heat are expected to hamper the market during the forecast period. The high cost of laboratory freezers and Intense pricing pressure on manufacturers could hinder the market growth extensively. Further key findings from the report suggest The increasing research in cryopreservation technology is increasing the demand for the cryopreservation systems. In June 2017, using nanoparticle solutions, scientists could successfully store pig and human tissues in the refrigerators which was not possible previously. Such developments in research is expecting the market to propel widely. The rising demand for biobanks is a crucial factor affecting the market. Various biological researches need samples that are tested for various experiments. These samples stored in the biobanks utilize the freezers and refrigerators like ultra-low temperature freezers that stores specimens of saliva, blood, urine and hair. For instance, Kenya Medical Research institute set up a biobank in Kilifi region. Furthermore, The Kemri-CGMRC (Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast) has nearly 1.8 million biological specimen collected since 1989. In the biobanks, samples are stored in more than 55 freezers with each freezer having a capacity of 40,000 to 50,000 sample storage Companies have launched improved products which have gained the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPAs) ENERGY STAR certification. For instance, Thermo fisher is a company whose Ultra-low temperature freezer from Thermo Scientific TSX Series has received such a certification. These advancements are expected to be contributing factors for the market growth. Key participants include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., EVERmed S.R.L., Arctiko A/S, Panasonic Healthcare Co., Haier Biomedical, Helmer Scientific, VWR Corporation, Philipp Kirsch GmbH, Eppendorf AG, and Biomedical Solutions Inc. BUY NOW (Customized Report Delivered as per Your Specific Requirement)@ https://www.reportsanddata.com/checkout-form/2641 For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data has segmented the Laboratory freezers market on the basis of product, end use and region: Product Outlook (Revenue in Million USD; 20162026) Freezers Plasma Freezers Enzyme Freezers Flammable Material Freezers Shock Freezers Explosion-proof Freezers Undergraduate Laboratory Freezer Ultra-low temperature freezer Refrigerators Chromatography Refrigerators Blood Bank Refrigerators Flammable Material Refrigerators Explosion-proof Refrigerators Pharmacy Undergraduate Refrigerators Cryopreservation Systems End-use Outlook (Revenue in Million USD; 20162026) Academic and Research Institutes Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Blood Banks Hospitals Others To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/laboratory-freezers-market Regional Outlook (Revenue in Million USD; 20162026) North America U.S Canada Europe Germany France UK Spain Italy Rest of the Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil About Reports and Data Reports and Data is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries and help clients make a smarter business decision. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a multiple industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Power, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware about the latest trends existent in the market. Reports and Data has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Contact Us: John Watson Head of Business Development Reports And Data | Web: www.reportsanddata.com Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370 E-mail: sales@reportsanddata.com Three people in California received lifesaving kidney transplants thanks to a unique three-way kidney donation in which three couples, all strangers, donated kidneys to each other. The six surgeries took place in January in side-by-side operating rooms at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, California. "The first donor went into operating room at about 5 a.m. and about 90 minutes later, the first recipient went into another operating room and they donors and recipients continued to follow each other," Dr. Randolph Schaffer, transplant surgeon and director of the living organ donor program at Scripps Green Hospital, told "Good Morning America." "It was two rooms running for much of the day but in the end we had three happy , successful donors and three happy successful transplant recipients." MORE: Emotional video shows teen crying tears of joy as he rings bell signifying he's cancer-free The three couples operated on in those two hospital rooms met for the first time on Jan. 21, when they all returned for their post-surgery checkups. PHOTO: Pictured from left to right are Daniel Quintero, Itzel Diaz, Salvador Ponce, Sandra Ponce, Jessica Lugo and Miles Compton. (Courtesy Sandra Ponce) They exchanged hugs and said thank you to each other for the lifesaving gifts they'd received. "It was amazing, a cool experience," said Jessica Lugo, a kidney recipient. "I really wanted to see who I got this beautiful kidney from." Lugo, 31, of San Diego, California, had been on dialysis for the past five years after being diagnosed with a form of vasculitis that left her kidneys barely functioning. Lugo had been on a kidney waiting list for several years. Her partner, Miles Compton, 33, was not a match for her, but he agreed to be part of a paired exchange in which he would donate his kidney so Lugo could receive a kidney. Compton donated his kidney to Daniel Quintero, a 31-year-old from Riverside, California, who was born with just one kidney that deteriorated in function over time, necessitating a transplant. PHOTO: Pictured from left to right are Miles Compton, Daniel Quintero, Itzel Diaz, Sandra Ponce, Jessica Lugo and Salvador Ponce. (Courtesy Sandra Ponce) Quintero's fiance, Itzel Diaz, could not donate a kidney to Quintero because she was not a match. She was a perfect match though for Sandra Ponce, a 40-year-old mother of four who was diagnosed with lupus nine years ago and had been on dialysis for the past five years. Story continues Diaz donated her healthy kidney to Ponce. In turn, Ponce's husband, Salvador Ponce, donated his healthy kidney to Lugo. MORE: Baby who had 2 open-heart surgeries smiles for 1st time in hospital In all, one half of a couple received a healthy kidney and the other partner donated a kidney to a stranger in order to help. PHOTO: Daniel Quintero and Itzel Diaz are pictured together after undergoing kidney surgeries. (Courtesy Itzel Diaz) Each couple told "GMA" the three-way kidney donation has impacted them greatly, showing the goodness of complete strangers. The night before the surgeries took place, Salvador Ponce said his 10-year-old daughter gave him a goodnight hug and told him, "Dad, you're a good man." "Honestly, we did it, not for selfish reasons, but because we love our significant others," said Salvador Ponce. "The fact that we were all wiling to pair up and donate to someone else who was in need, I think that's what is special." PHOTO: Salvador and Sandra Ponce are pictured together after undergoing kidney surgeries. (Courtesy Sandra Ponce) A kidney paired donation is defined as when "two or more pairs of living donors swapping to make a compatible match," according to the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). Making this particular three-way donation even more unique is the fact that all three couples were local, living only a few hours from each other at most, and all were being treated at the same hospital, Scripps Green Hospital, according to Schaffer. All six of the surgeries were successful, with both the donors and the recipients leaving the hospital after just a few days. The three couples have plans to get together at least once every year to celebrate what they call their "kidney-versary." 3 couples donate kidneys to each other in miracle match originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com The big picture: Just like Microsoft's new console, Sony devoted a lot of effort into making the PlayStation 5 feel like a true generational leap with an exotic silicon architecture and a revamped memory and storage architecture worthy of being called next-gen. Microsoft recently revealed the full specifications and internal design details of its Xbox Series X, and now it's Sony's turn. The latter company has been a bit more secretive with the PlayStation 5, and has only been throwing small teasers like 4K, 120 Hz, and ray tracing support along with backwards compatibility for older games. Just like the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 is powered by an eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at up to 3.5 GHz, paired with a custom AMD GPU that has 36 compute units working at 2.23 Ghz that can deliver 10.28 teraflops of FP32 processing power. The Japanese company says comparisons with the PS4 would be unfair, but something worth noting is that Microsoft's new Xbox will have more compute units for a total of 12 teraflops of peak FP32 processing power. Sony's solution for preventing thermal issues is to use a lower number of compute units that are clocked higher instead of more compute units clocked lower. PlayStation 5 lead architect Mark Cerny explained that this configuration has proven to be more efficient in calculating geometry in most games, and game developers have an easier time filling the lower number of compute units with useful work. The new RDNA 2 GPU compute units have 62 percent higher transistor counts than those of the PlayStation 4, while also running at a much higher clock speed - save for situations when it must drop to stay within the thermal and power envelope. Sony calls this technology "boost," although the way it works is different from similarly named technologies. The way the company describes it is that the PlayStation 5 is designed to achieve a constant performance target regardless of ambient and operating temperatures. This involves some clever power budgeting between the CPU and GPU, which run at variable frequencies to achieve a constant power consumption regardless of workload, as opposed to running at a constant frequency and letting the power vary based on the workload. It also means that developers will have to worry less about power consumption spikes impacting overall performance, an effort that is still going to be required with the Xbox Series X. Sony is essentially saying that it can extract more performance from the GPU despite it looking worse on paper than the one used in the Xbox Series X. The company promises the same 4K 60/120 Hz performance target, which will sometimes require redirecting unused power budget from the CPU to the GPU to push more pixels, while clock speeds will only be dropped two or three percent at most, which is relatively minor. The GPU in the PlayStation 5 has similarities with AMD's upcoming PC GPUs, just like the one in the Xbox Series X. That means it has support for ray tracing accelerated directly through the shaders, and Cerny confidently noted that he's "already seen a PS5 title that is successfully using ray-tracing-based reflections in complex animated scenes with only modest performance costs." Microsoft isn't alone in thinking that next-gen consoles required a rethinking of how memory and storage architecture can be optimized to achieve fast game loading times as well as enabling developers to render complex scenes with large textures more efficiently with no popping or other similar issues. Sony is using a smaller SSD at just 825 GB (versus 1 TB on the Xbox Series X) that achieves much faster transfer speeds thanks to a proprietary, 12-channel architecture. The quoted speed is 5.5 GB per second, which is enough to fill the PlayStation 5's 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM in just a few seconds. The controller uses a four-lane PCI Express 4.0 interface, and has a dedicated decompression block for ZLIB and Kraken data formats that supposedly has the power of nine Zen 2 CPU cores dedicated to this specific I/O task. It also uses a dedicated DMA controller that governs data transfers between the SSD and RAM and removes an additional performance bottleneck. Similar to what Microsoft is doing with the Xbox Series X, Sony also employs a number of tricks that bypass traditional file system limitations, courtesy of two I/O co-processors, a coherency engine, and an on-chip RAM that work together to govern situations that typically bottleneck the GPU, such as when stale data in caches needs to be flushed and the storage subsystem is busy doing other I/O operations. The good news for developers is that they don't need to worry about the nitty-gritty about how all this works, as it all happens without outside intervention. Cerny explained that "you just indicate what data you'd like to read from your original, uncompressed file, and where you'd like to put it, and the whole process of loading it happens invisibly to you and at very high speed." There PlayStation 5 also supports user installation of standard NVMe drives, although Cerny says the company will first have to open up a certification program to ensure you know what drives are compatible before splurging on a 4 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. That's because Sony's implementation offers six priority levels arbitration to developers, as opposed to just two in the NVMe standard specification. So, if you want more internal storage, it won't be quite as fast as the company's proprietary SSD, and on top of that it'll have to physically fit in the available space. Finally, Sony spent a considerable amount of time and engineering effort to improve audio processing. The company says it created something called the Tempest Engine with the specific purpose of delivering unprecedented 3D audio fidelity. It did so by taking the PSVR's bespoke audio chipset that supports "fifty pretty decent sound sources" and designing a new engine that supports hundreds of advanced sound sources. The company's new sound processing unit is also capable of running complex algorithms to achieve accurate sound positioning, and relies upon a custom table tied to every player that's called the Head-Related Transfer Function. The system is based on how human hearing works, and will use a neural network to generate a model that works best for your ear. To that end, the new SPU has equivalent processing power to eight AMD Jaguar APU cores. That said, Cerny says it'll be years before developers will be able to deliver these significant quality improvements for all the different audio setups that everyone has at home. Sony hasn't revealed the looks of the PlayStation 5, and the price remains a nebulous even for the company itself. If the new logo is any indication, the overall design of the new console isn't going to be very different. Based on what industry watchers have said earlier this month, we're going to have to wait at least until the end of this year to find out, mainly because of the many production delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Kevin McCauley Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says a global effort is needed to defeat the coronavirus pandemic. "Every nation has a responsibility to share all of their data, all of their information in as timely and accurate a fashion as they have the ability to do not only because its the right thing to do, but because thats how you save lives for your own people as well," he said during a March 17 press briefing. Donald Trump, who is undergoing a remarkable transformation from downplaying COVID-19 as something that will mysteriously disappear when the weather warms to a self-proclaimed wartime president, undermines Pompeo's call to global action by stubbornly referring to the pandemic as the "Chinese virus," a racist characterization that infuriates the Beijing government and poses a threat to the Chinese-American community. Trump says he calls COVID-19 "the Chinese virus" because the sickness originated in Wuhan. The Chinese government, for its part, did not cover itself with glory in the early stages of the outbreak, denying the seriousness of the pandemic and then devising an over-the-top propaganda campaign portraying the heroic response of patriotic medical workers combatting the disease. The US president's initial slow response to the outbreak mimicked that of China's government. After banning travel from China, Trump wasted more than a month, viewing coronavirus as more of a PR problem than a public emergency. The "Chinese virus" description is just the latest effort by Trump to shift blame for his failed leadership. He would rather see outrage over his use of "Chinese virus" than blowback over the lag in testing for COVID-19, which is why the nation is in the midst of a healthcare crisis. A wartime president would understand that Chinese scientists have the most experience in fighting coronavirus. Beijing now reports no new cases of the virus. A wartime president would reach out to China's government and scientific community, rather than fighting a war of semantics with China. He wouldn't spout utter nonsense like, "We've done a fantastic job," on the same day that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is warning about the potential of a 20 percent unemployment rate. The Wall Street Journal editorialized March 18: "Markets are panicked in part because they sense that our political leaders are more panicked than the public is." Our wartime leader is AWOL. Italy has now surpassed China as the nation with the most COVID-19 deaths. Is Trump now going to refer to COVID-19 as "the Mafia hitman?" Russia may be using the COVID-19 to test some of the disinformation tactics that it plans to unleash during the US presidential election. The European Union reports that pro-Kremlin media are spreading disinformation about coronavirus in a bid to add to the public health crisis, according to the Guardian. Russian media have profiled COVID-19 as a biological weapon developed by the US, UK and China. They also reported that immigrants are responsible for the pandemic and that US pharmaceutical companies are ready to cash in on the disease. Trump should tell his pal, Vladimir Putin, to cut it out. Lithuanian English INVL Asset Management UAB acting as the Management Company (hereinafter the Management Company) of INVL Baltic Real Estate (registered address Gyneju str. 14 Vilnius, Lithuania, identification code 152105644) (hereinafter - the Company) informs that on the initiative and decision of the Management company the General Ordinary Shareholders Meeting of INVL Baltic Real Estate (hereinafter - the Meeting) is to be held on 9th April 2020. The place of the Meeting: the office of INVL Baltic Real Estate, the address Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius. Taking into account the probability that the quarantine announced in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania by Government Resolution No. 207 of 14 March 2020 may be extended to the Meeting Day, the management of the Company strongly urges the Company's shareholders to vote on the agenda items in writing, by filling voting ballot. More information on shareholders' rights and obligations is provided below in this announcement. The Meeting will start at 9 a.m. (registration starts at 8.30 a.m.). The Meetings accounting day 2nd April 2020 (the persons who are shareholders of the Company at the end of accounting day of the General Shareholders Meetingor authorized persons by them, or the persons with whom shareholders concluded the agreements on the disposal of voting right, shall have the right to attend and vote at the General Shareholders Meeting). The day of accounting of rights is 24th April 2020. The total amount of the shares of the Company and the amount of shares granting voting rights during the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting is the same and amounts to 13,150,000 units. Agenda of the Meeting: Presentation of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate consolidated annual report for 2019. Presentation of the independent auditor's report on the financial statements and consolidated annual report of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. Approval of the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2019 of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. Deciding on profit distribution of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. Deciding on the new wording of the Dividend payment policy of the special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate Deciding on Renumeration policy of INVL Asset Management, UAB valid for special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate Deciding on amendment of the Articles of Association of INVL Baltic Real Estate, approval of new wording of the Articles of Association and appointment of the authorized person to sign new wording of the Articles of Association Deciding on termination of the depository service agreement between INVL Baltic Real Estate and AB SEB bankas and conclusion of a new depository service agreement with AB Siauliu bankas. Deciding on buy-back of shares of INVL Baltic Real Estate due to the material change of the Articles of Association and change of the depository services provider Deciding on the main principles of the procedure for buy-back of shares of INVL Baltic Real Estate Draft resolutions of the Meeting: Presentation of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate consolidated annual report for 2019. Shareholders of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate are presented with the consolidated annual report of Baltic Real Estate for 2019 (there is no voting on this issue of agenda). Presentation of the independent auditor's report on the financial statements and consolidated annual report of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. Shareholders of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate are presented with the independent auditor's report on the financial statements and consolidated annual report of INVL Baltic Real Estate (there is no voting on this issue of agenda). Approval of the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2019 of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. To approve the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2019 of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. Resolution regarding profit distribution of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate. To distribute profit of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate as follows: Article (thousand EUR) Retained earnings (loss) at the beginning of the financial year of the reporting period 7.204,0 Net profit (loss) for the financial year 10.627,0 Profit (loss) not recognized in the income statement of the reporting financial year (9,0) Transfers from reserves 3.093,5 Shareholders contributions to cover loss Distributable profit (loss) in total 20.915,5 Profit distribution: (20.914,5) - Profit transfers to the legal reserves (532,0) -Profit transfers to the reserves for own shares acquisition - Profit transfers to other reserves - Profit to be paid as dividends* (20.382,5) - Profit to be paid as annual payments (bonus) and for other purposes Retained earnings (loss) at the end of the financial year 1,0 *1.55 EUR is paid per share. Deciding on the new wording of the Dividend payment policy of the special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate In line with resolutions of special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate General Meeting on agenda item 4 and distributing a more significant dividend for 2019, thereby reducing equity, to approve the new wording of the Dividend Payment Policy of the special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate (attached), replacing the entire text of the Dividend Payment Policy. Deciding on Renumeration policy of INVL Asset Management, UAB valid for special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate Pursuant to Article 37(3) of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, approve the Remuneration Policy of special closed-end type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate by approving the Remuneration Policy for risk - taking employees of the Management Company which is applicable to the Company. Deciding on amendment of the Articles of Association of INVL Baltic Real Estate, approval of new wording of the Articles of Association and appointment of the authorized person to sign new wording of the Articles of Association 7.1. In accordance with the recommendations of the Management Company (attached), to approve the new wording of the Articles of Association of INVL Baltic Real Estate (draft Articles of Association attached), by changing the entire text of the Articles of Association (without further approval of amendment of individual clauses of the Articles of Association). 7.2. To authorize Vytautas Baksinskas (with the right to reauthorize) to sign the new wording of the Articles of Association of INVL Baltic Real Estate, after the permission of the Bank of Lithuania to amend the Articles of Association is received, and to register Articles of Association according to the procedures stated in the legal acts and approved by the General Shareholders Meeting. Deciding on termination of the depository service agreement between INVL Baltic Real Estate and AB SEB bankas and conclusion of a new depository service agreement with AB Siauliu bankas. 8.1. To change the Company's depository service provider from AB SEB bankas (code - 112021238) to AB Siauliu bankas (code - 112025254). 8.2. To terminate (or otherwise terminate) the Company's depository service agreement with AB SEB bankas (code - 112021238). 8.3. To conclude a new depository services agreement of the Company with AB Siauliu bankas (code 112025254) (draft agreement is attached). 8.4. To apply to the Bank of Lithuania for the permission to change the depository service provider of the Company, stating that the decision to change the depository service provider of the Company is effective only with the consent of the Bank of Lithuania. 9. Deciding on buy-back of shares of INVL Baltic Real Estate due to the material change of the Articles of Association and change of the depository services provider 9.1. Given that decisions to change essential provisions of the document of incorporation of the special closed-ended real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate and to change the provider of depository services create an obligation for INVL Baltic Real Estate to buy back shares of the Company from shareholders of the Company who so demand, to establish that if the shareholders of the Company adopt a positive decision on the first and/or second item on the agenda of the Meeting, then a buy-back of shares of INVL Baltic Real Estate from the shareholders of the Company who opposed the mentioned essential changes in the activities of the Company and demanded a share buy-back shall be conducted in keeping with the procedure established by the general meeting of shareholders of the Company, which the Management Company will later elaborate in detail based on the basic principles of share buy-back procedures. Deciding on the main principles of the procedure for buy-back of shares of INVL Baltic Real Estate 10.1. To establish that the buy-back of shares of the special closed-ended real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate, mandatory according to the essential changes in the Companys operational activities, shall be conducted after the Company will pay allocated dividends in resolutions No. 4 in this agenda, in keeping with these provisions: 10.1.1. the purpose of acquisition of shares of the Company is to ensure due implementation of article 155 of the Republic of Lithuania Law on Collective Investment Undertakings; 10.1.2. the maximum number of shares that the Company may buy-back (acquire) is the total number of shares issued by the Company less the number of shares by which essential changes to the instruments of incorporation and/or a change of provider of depository services were approved, or reduced in regard by the number of shares to which shareholders prior to the general meeting of shareholders and in writing waive their right to demand buy-back of their shares on account of essential changes in the activities of the Company; 10.1.3. identification of the shareholders from whom the shares are being repurchased; a) shareholders who prior to the general meeting of shareholders and in writing, waive their right to demand buy-back of their shares on account of essential changes in the activities of the Company, or who approve the essential changes to the companys instruments of incorporation and change of the provider of depository services, shall lose the right to submit the request to buy-back the shares of the Company; b) if shareholders who voted for the decisions determining the obligation to redeem the shares of the Company or waive the right to redeem the shares due to significant changes in the Company's activities, they shall redeem all the losses of the Company, the Management Company and other shareholders; c) if a shareholder votes in favor of one resolution and opposes another resolution, the shareholder shall be entitled to request that all of his shares be repurchased. 10.1.4. the shares repurchased from the shareholders of the Company will be canceled by the decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders; 10.1.5. provided with information about the possibility to express opposition to changes in the articles of association and/or a change of depository services provider, and at the same time to demand the buy-back of shares of the Company which they hold, for: (a) shareholders, whose correspondence addresses are known to the Management Company, shall be, by registered letter, sending notifications to the shareholders correspondence addresses known to the Management Company and announcing the information publicly (shareholders shall be deemed to have received the corresponding personal notifications 10 calendar days after they were sent (unless the Management Company receives confirmation of the delivery of notifications at an earlier date)); (b) shareholders, whose correspondence addresses are not known to the Management Company, the information will be made public (the Shareholders will be deemed to have received the relevant information within 10 calendar days after submission of the information via the Nasdaq Vilnius Information System); 10.1.6. shareholders of the Company shall have the right to express opposition and demand the buy-back of their shares within 4 calendar months, calculated from later of the term specified in paragraph 10.1.5; 10.1.7. funds in exchange of shares submitted for the buy-back will be settled in thirty calendar days after election of the shareholder to submit such shares will become irrevocable (during all such period shareholder will be able to revoke ones election); 10.1.8. shareholders objecting to essential changes to the instruments of incorporation and/or a change of provider of depository services are not required to submit a separate objection, as their corresponding submission of their shares for buy-back shall be considered as their objection to the proposed changes; 10.1.9. the price of the shares being bought back shall be equal to the last net asset value per share of the Company published before Management Company makes a decision provided in paragraph 10.1.12 (Management Company shall decrease amount of dividends per share should dividends are designated by the shareholders after respective net asset value was published); 10.1.10. the number of shares that a shareholder may relinquish to the Company shall be deemed equal to the number of shares of the Company that the shareholder in question held at the end of the accounting day for the shareholders meeting, shareholders who submit more shares of the Company for buy-back than the largest number of shares they hold that can be submitted for buy-back as defined in this section will be required to compensate all the losses of the Company, the Management Company and other shareholders of the Company which arise for that reason; 10.1.11. the Companys shares repurchased by the Company shall be canceled not later than within 12 months after their acquisition by reducing the authorized capital of the Company accordingly; 10.1.12. once the general meeting of shareholders of the Company has approved the proposed decisions and an obligation has arisen for the Company to buy back the shares of the Company of shareholders opposing the decisions or not participating in the meeting or abstaining from voting, the Management Company shall arrange and approve a detailed procedure for the buy-back of the Companys shares, according to which the buy-back of the Companys shares shall be carried out. The decision of the Board of the Management Company will adopt resolution stated in this clause, regarding process of the Companys buy-back of shares only after the following two conditions are met: (i) an independent valuer of the Company's assets will submit a valuation of the Company's assets and (ii) the Company will pay dividends to the Company's shareholders in accordance with Item 4 of the Meeting's agenda. ________ The Board of UAB INVL Asset Management, the Management Company of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate, based on the 103rd and 104th clauses of the current version of the Articles of Association of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate, confirms that changes made in the Company's founding documents submitted for this General Shareholders Meeting are considered as essential and gives its notification to the Meeting (enclosed). The Investment Committee of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate, acting on behalf of the Management Company, in accordance with Clause 126th of the Company's Articles of Association, presents its recommendations and indicates the consequences of the respective decision to the General Shareholders Meeting (enclosed). ________ The documents related to the agenda, draft resolutions on every item of agenda, documents what have to be submitted to the General Shareholders Meeting and other information related to realization of shareholders rights are published on the Companys website www.invlbalticrealestate.lt section For investors, also available in the office of INVL Baltic Real Estate (Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius) during working hours. Taking into account that on the date of this announcement quarantine is in force in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania (and there is no possibility to predict or extend its validity) - we invite shareholders of the Company to give priority to familiarization with the information provided in the Companys website section For Investors. Email for information breinfo @invl.com The shareholders are entitled: (i) to propose to supplement the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting submitting draft resolution on every additional item of agenda or, than there is no need to make a decision - explanation of the shareholder (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes). Proposal to supplement the agenda is submitted in writing sending the proposal by registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company on business hours or by sending proposal to the Company by email breinfo@invl.com (in view of the current quarantine - we invite you to give priority to provide proposals by electronic and (or) by registered mail).The agenda is supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 days before the General Shareholders Meeting. In case the agenda of the Meeting is supplemented, the Company will report on it no later than 10 days before the Meeting in the same way as on convening of the Meeting and (ii) to propose draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting at any time prior to the date of the General Shareholders meeting (in writing, sending the proposal by registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company on business hours or by sending proposal to the Company by email breinfo@invl.com) (in view of the current quarantine - we invite you to give priority to provide proposals by electronic and (or) by registered mail) or in writing during the General Shareholders Meeting (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes); (iii) to submit questions to the Company related to the issues of agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting in advance but no later than 3 business days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting in writing sending the proposal by registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company on business hours or by sending proposal to the Company by email breinfo@invl.com. (in view of the current quarantine - we invite you to give priority to provide proposals by electronic and (or) by registered mail) All answers related to the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting to questions submitted to the Company by the shareholders in advance, are submitted in the General Shareholders Meeting or simultaneously to all shareholders of the Company prior to the General Shareholders Meeting. The company reserves the right to answer to those shareholders of the Company who can be identified and whose questions are not related to the company's confidential information or commercial secrets. Shareholder participating at the General Shareholders Meeting and having the right to vote, must submit documents confirming personal identity. Each shareholder may authorize either a natural or a legal person to participate and to vote on the shareholder's behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. A power of attorney issued by a natural person must be certified by a notary. The representative has the same rights as his represented shareholder at the General Shareholders Meeting. The authorized persons must have documents confirming their personal identity and power of attorney approved in the manner specified by law which must be submitted to the Company no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. A power of attorney issued in a foreign state must be translated into Lithuanian and legalised in the manner established by law. The Company does not establish special form of power of attorney. The persons with whom shareholders concluded the agreements on the disposal of voting right, shall have the right to attend and vote at the General Shareholders Meeting. Shareholder is entitled to issue power of attorney by means of electronic communications for legal or natural persons to participate and to vote on its behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. No notarisation of such authorization is required. The power of attorney issued through electronic communication means must be confirmed by the shareholder with a safe electronic signature developed by safe signature equipment and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the power of attorney issued through the means of electronic communication by e-mail breinfo@invl.com not later than on the last business day before the General Shareholders Meeting. The power of attorney and notification must be issued in writing and could be sent to the Company by electronic communication means, if the transmitted information is secured and the shareholder's identity can be identified. By submitting the notification to the Company the shareholder shall include the Internet address from which it would be possible to download software to verify an Electronic Signature of the shareholder free of charge. The Company is not providing the possibility to attend and vote at the General Shareholders Meeting through electronic means of communication. Taking into account the probability that the quarantine announced in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania by Government Resolution No. 207 of 14 March 2020 may be extended to the Meeting Day, the management of the Company strongly urges the Company's shareholders to vote on the agenda items in writing, by filling voting ballot. Shareholder or its representative may vote in writing by filling general voting bulletin. The form of general voting bulletin is presented at the Company's webpage www.invlbalticrealestate.com section For Investors. If shareholder requests, the Company shall send the general voting bulletin to the requesting shareholder by registered mail or shall deliver it in person against signature no later than 10 days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting free of charge. The filled general voting bulletin must be signed by the shareholder or its authorized representative. Document confirming the right to vote must be added to the general voting bulletin if an authorized person is voting. The filled general voting bulletin must be sent by the registered mail to the Company at Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania no later than the day before of the General Shareholders Meeting, or delivered in person to the representative of the Company until commencement of the General Shareholders Meetings. Ballots will be considered as valid if they are properly filled-in and received by the Company prior the Meeting. The person authorized to provide additional information: Real Estate Fund Manager of Management Company Vytautas Baksinskas E-mail vytautas.baksinskas@invl.com Attachments Sir Patrick Coghlin says there is more need for specific expertise in the NHS After three years of feverish speculation about the RHI debacle, the long-awaited report by Sir Patrick Coghlin finally appeared last Friday, when the retired judge presented his inquiry report in the old Senate Chamber at Stormont. The inquiry was set up in January 2017 and started hearing oral evidence in November 2017, so after three years of forensic interrogation there can be little doubt about the thoroughness of the inquiry. The report runs to three volumes and 656 pages and I suspect few people will read them all. However, many people will have seen the televised launch in which Sir Patrick summarised his findings. It was an impressive presentation that reflected the thoroughness of the inquiry and Sir Patrick's own judicial experience. Those who had been salivating incessantly at the prospect of a political scalp were disappointed, even if they did not admit it. Moreover, the wilder speculation and innuendo that had been circulating in some sections of the media was shown to be untrue. Sir Patrick said unequivocally that corruption was not the cause of the debacle. There had been unacceptable behaviour, but Sir Patrick identified a catalogue of systemic failures that combined to produce the debacle and the strongest criticism was reserved for the civil service and "the system" in general. This was indeed a "perfect storm". Each government department covers a wide and disparate range of areas and all ministers rely heavily on briefing papers, of which they will receive many every day. Those papers are supposed to summarise the key facts and provide an analysis. However, with RHI there was evidence of officials having responsibility for areas that they did not fully understand and of the minister being given briefing papers that had errors and omissions. It is clear that the system was simply not up to the job and that is why the report produced a series of recommendations that would address the systemic shortcomings. The report has been largely overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic and indeed that story will dominate the news for some time to come. Nevertheless, the RHI report must not be allowed to gather dust on an office shelf. It is too important for that and I was especially struck by some words of Sir Patrick at the launch of his report when he said that there was a need for more specialists and more specialist expertise in the public sector. We have too many generalists and not enough specialists. Six weeks ago, I wrote a column in this newspaper in which I highlighted a number of Government debacles in England, Scotland and the Irish Republic. We are not unique. I said that one of the factors was that most civil servants are generalists who move from one area of government to another every few years. This ensures that they have the opportunity to develop a range of generic skills, such as project management, which helps with their career progression. However, it means that there is not enough specialist expertise in the system. I was pleased that the same point was emphasised last week by Sir Patrick. Indeed, it was made by one of the inquiry witnesses back in December 2017 when a senior economist at Stormont told the inquiry that most staff lack specialist expertise for a specific policy area. There are too many generalists and not enough specialists. It may not have mattered so much under direct rule when NIO ministers simply replicated GB policies and there was little local innovation. However, even then I was often frustrated by the lack of specialist knowledge in the system and the constant turnover of civil servants as they moved from one department to another. With the lack of specialists it took officials some time to acquire a general knowledge of their area of work and even then they were not specialists. Moreover it seemed that as soon as they had familiarised themselves with their subject area they were moved on to another area and the process started all over again. We need a thorough review of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Coghlin report provides good evidence of what needs to be put right. If that happens, the money spent on the report will have been well spent. In the latest round of shutterings because of the coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy announced hes ordering all businesses like barber shops and salons in New Jersey to close until further notice, effectively Thursday at 8 p.m., to help prevent the outbreak from spreading further. The executive order is for so-called personal-care businesses that cannot comply with social distancing guidelines, Murphy said during his daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton. That includes barbershops and hair salons, spas, nail and eyelash salons, tattoo parlors and social clubs, the governor said. The news came as Murphy announced New Jersey now has at least 742 known coronavirus cases statewide, including at least nine deaths, as officials reported 312 new positive tests Thursday. Murphy has already instituted sweeping new restrictions in New Jersey to combat the outbreak, including the closure of all public and private schools and the shutdown of casinos, dine-in restaurant service, theaters, gyms, and indoor shopping malls, and a suggested curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. He has also limited public gatherings to no more than 50 people. We are aggressive as any American state in the steps weve taken, Murphy said Thursday. But we reserve the right to each and every day, if not each and every hour, to revisit the steps weve taken and to assess if we should take further steps. A reporter asked Murphy about people who may violate such orders, noting that two weddings in Lakewood were broken up by police Tuesday night despite the restrictions on gatherings. The reporter asked the governor if its time to cut the crap. It is time to cut the crap, Murphy replied. I like the way you put it. We simply cannot have this. He said officials must ensure compliance no matter what it is weddings, funerals, baptisms, you name it. It has to be enforced, it will be enforced aggressively, Murphy said. Were gonna get particularly ornery about this. We mean business. Its not because were trying to be jerks. We just know that if we flatten the curve over here, we will lessen the pressure on the health care system over there and save lives. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. HYDERABAD, India, March 18, 2020 (Morning Star News) Buddhist nationalists in Sri Lanka are disrupting Christian worship based on mistaken notions that churches need prior permission for services, sources said. There is no law requiring registration of worship places in Sri Lanka, but in 2017 the countrys Supreme Court upheld a 2008 circular demanding all newly constructed places of worship obtain prior approval. That circular, issued by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religion Affairs, exempts traditional religions but does not define them, leaving local authorities to discriminate against non-Buddhist faiths and block their right to worship, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Ahmed Shaheed wrote in a Feb. 28 report. Evangelical Christian churches in particular continue to report pressure and harassment by local authorities to close down places of worship because they were not registered, Shaheed reported. Their prayer meetings and worship activities are also routinely denied permission to take place. Moreover, intimidation and attacks against clergy and church members, desecration of evangelical churches and interference with religious activities are also perpetrated by local villagers and Buddhist monks. Sri Lankas religion ministry subsequently ruled that the circular on registration and construction of religious sites applied only to Buddhist facilities, according to the U.S. State Departments latest International Religious Freedom Report. According to some legal experts, however, there is no explicit basis in national law for compulsory registration of places of worship with the state, the report states. At least 57 Protestant churches have been ordered without basis to obtain registration in order to continue worshipping, according to Shaheed, basing figures on his visit Sri Lanka in August 2019. Confusion over the issue gives rise to Buddhist extremists frequently accusing Christians of illegal worship. After a Buddhist mob disrupted worship at a house church in Ihala Yakkura village, North Central Province on Feb. 2, police told a Polonnaruwa District pastor that the church could not worship, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL). The pastor had been invited to speak at the house church. When he returned that evening to visit the Christian family living there, about 50 people led by three Buddhist monks assaulted him and his family as they were leaving, according to the NCEASL report. The pastor was accompanied by his wife, son and eight other Christians, the alliance reported. As they were leaving in their vehicles at around 7 p.m., they found that the road had been blocked with logs and felled trees, the report states. They were accosted by a mob of around 50 individuals including three Buddhist monks who physically assaulted the pastors son and the other Christians, including women, and severely damaged their vehicles. The pastor fled with his family to the Siripura police station to file a complaint, and three Christians were admitted to Polonnaruwa General Hospital for treatment, according to the NCEASL. The next day police placed five alleged assailants in custody, though the monks were not among them. Earlier that day, a mob of about 150 people led by four Buddhist monks had intruded into the village house-church service at about 10:30 a.m., according to the NCEASL. Christian leaders tried to talk peacefully with the Buddhist mob, but the extremists questioned them about holding worship services in the area, and the pastor called the Aralanganwila Police Station, the report states. Eight police officers, including the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Siripura police station, arrived, according to the NCEASL. The mob demanded an end to the worship service and threatened violence if the Christians were allowed to continue, the alliance reported. The OIC, however, allowed the pastor to conclude the service. The police and the mob remained at the premises. When the pastor went to speak to the OIC and mob leaders, the monks attempted to assault him; police restrained them, according to the report. Claiming that Ihala Yakkura was a Buddhist village and that Christian worship would never be tolerated, the monks then demanded that the pastor leave and never return. The pastor said he had been invited by village Christians to lead the service, to which the Buddhist extremists replied that only private worship was allowed, the NCEASL stated. Spewing obscenities, the Buddhist extremists threatened him with violence in the presence of police, according to the report. The OIC then reprimanded the pastor, stating that the pastor needed to register his place of worship and receive approval from the relevant state authorities and the local temple before conducting Christian worship activities in the village, NCEASL reported. He falsely claimed that the activities were illegal. The Ihala Yakkure village officer appointed by the central government, or Grama Niladhari, was part of the mob, and she questioned the pastor about his activities and reprimanded him for failing to obtain her permission to conduct worship in the village, according to the report. She claimed that the pastors activities were illegal and demanded that he refrain from entering the village again, the alliance reported. The pastor made a statement at the Siripura police station at around 12:30 p.m. The OIC reiterated his demand that the pastor cease his religious worship activities and warned him against breaching the peace, NCEASLs report states. The OIC also advised the pastor against entering the village again, considering the threat to his life. Buddhism Supreme Sri Lankas constitution grants the right to manifest ones religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, or teaching, both in public and private, but there are instances where local officials appear to act in concert with nationalist Buddhist organizations, according to the U.S. State Departments international religious freedom report. At the same time, Buddhism is granted the foremost place, in Sri Lankas constitution, which along with some laws commits the government to protect it, according to the report. The Sri Lankan constitution developed a customary law that expressly declares Buddhist supremacy over all other religions, Colombo-based Attorney Raveendran Sumathipalan told Morning Star News. The constitutions Article 9 grants Buddhism the foremost place above all religions and declares that it shall be the duty of the state to protect and foster the Buddhist Sasana (Buddhist Doctrine), she said. Although the main intention behind the customary law was to levy the responsibility on the state to give foremost priority to protect the Buddhist shrines, temples, structures and practices, the Buddhist extremists have in the past and even now been using it to cause communal disharmony, Sumathipalan said. The right to manifest ones belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching of any religion is found in Article 14 (1) (e), she said. The constitution does not imply or mention any religion as superior or inferior, and co-existence is the actual spirit of the constitution, she said. But unfortunately the Buddhist leaders have been endorsing Buddhist supremacy, which has led to fear and insecurity among minorities, Sumathipalan told Morning Star News. In the past nine years of practice at the Constitutional Courts, I have represented Christians in cases where Buddhist monks had subjected them to oppression. It is the nationalistic, racist view adopted by some in the political front to gain the majority Buddhist vote bank. In his report, U.N. Special Rapporteur Shaheed states that freedom of religion is not about tolerance alone but the right of each adherent to be treated equally and to manifest religious belief in private or in public. Failure by the state to take action to address incitement to hatred and violence will allow extremism to escalate and pose serious challenges to peace-building, he said. According to the 2012 census, Buddhists make up 70.1 percent of the population of 22 million, and Christians 8 percent. Sri Lanka ranks 30th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2020 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/? Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Oleksii Liskonih No one expected Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who was a potentially strong candidate to be New York Citys first Latino mayor, to announce in late January that he would drop out of the 2021 mayoral race and retire from politics at the end of his term. In a matter of weeks, Bronx Democratic Party boss Assemblyman Marcos Crespo dropped his own bombshell: after a decade in office, the 39-year-old announced he will no longer seek re-election to the Assembly. Hes now reportedly stepping down as party chair, ending a five-year run that saw the election of the boroughs first female district attorney and a more diverse judicial bench. These imminent departures from top positions in the Bronx have led to many politicos jockeying for the inside track to replace them. Heres an overview of the top candidates: Borough president Before Diaz announced plans to retire from politics, a slew of term-limited members of the New York City Council had made known their intention to run for the top executive post in the Bronx. Many had already gone on the record with the intention of running as far back as last year, since Diaz was also term-limited. Among the leading contenders are: Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson: Gibson, who represents the neighborhoods of Concourse, Highbridge, Mount Eden and University Heights, hopes to replace Diaz in Bronx Borough Hall, emphasizing her experience on both the city and state levels. Gibsons influence in the Assembly replacing her former boss, Aurelia Greene, who went on to become Bronx deputy borough president was limited. She was the prime sponsor of three bills that passed in her four years there, from 2010 through 2013, and then she won election to the City Council in 2013. On the council, Gibson spent years hammering out a deal with city officials over the Jerome Avenue Rezoning, getting the city to provide greater amenities and protections to the affected low-income neighborhoods She was the first woman of color to preside as chair of the councils Public Safety Committee and she could be the first woman of color in fact, the first woman o and the first African-American to serve as Bronx borough president. Councilman Andrew Cohen: The Bronx has not had a white borough president in more than 40 years, since Stanley Simon left office in 1987, but Cohen hopes to end that streak. The 11th Council District lawmaker representing Riverdale, Fieldston and Norwood has publicly expressed interest in running for the office, emphasizing the need to continue the revival of the Bronx, attending various functions and events outside his district for some facetime with prospective constituents. His affiliation with the entrenched Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club in Riverdale can certainly help him win the neighborhood and other northwest sections of the Bronx. But, the Bronx is only 9.3 percent non-Hispanic white, whereas its 29 percent black and 55 percent Latino, according to census data. So any white candidate may be at a disadvantage. Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr.: Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. is on the short list of names to be the next speaker of the New York City Council, yet his name is now being touted for BP by Crespo, according to at least one well-placed source with knowledge of Bronx politics. The boost can surely put him in the front of the line, but lawmakers who spoke to City & State have unanimously and anonymously agreed that serving as speaker, which include controlling the citys purse strings, is a better perch for not only Salamanca, but would allow him to do more for his borough as well. Councilman Fernando Cabrera: It was long rumored that Councilman Fernando Cabrera, representing West Bronx neighborhoods including Fordham and Mt. Hope, would make a run for borough president, even as he mounted a longshot Democratic primary challenge against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. With Cabrera having used the congressional bid to build a base in the East Bronx portion of AOCs Congressional District only to drop out and immediately back centrist Democrat Michelle Caruso-Cabrera the 10-year lawmaker may have an advantage in name recognition. Councilman Andy King: The term-limited councilman may be radioactive right now given his suspension from the Council in October after an internal investigation substantiated claims he abused his office but hes been getting some words of encouragement by constituents to run. On BronxTalk With Gary Axelbank in December 2019, King told Axelbank hell run if the populace demands it so. But with very little political capital left, King is unlikely to win. 85th Assembly District With Crespo announcing his decision not to seek re-election, the seat representing Soundview and Longwood is officially up for grabs this year. But be it coronavirus worrying the masses, Crespos slightly late announcement on the eve of petitioning, or lack of interest in the seat, there only appears one prospective candidate in the running. Kenneth Burgos: Like Crespo, Burgos is a staunch ally of Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr, the borough presidents more conservative father. Burgos currently works for Diaz Sr, handling budget issues for the Soundview lawmaker. And so far, with petitioning ending on April 2 while also hampered by the recent coronavirus, and no one else having opened a recent committee to get petitions or making their intentions to run known, Burgos appears locked to win the seat held by both Crespo and the younger Diaz. Bronx Democratic Party chair One would think that the prospect of running the strongest county party in New York state would produce a long list of candidates breaking down the door to succeed Crespo, but not in this case. Despite the Bronx Democratic County Committees near-unilateral ability to pick judges, the district attorney and some other elected officials, not many candidates have come forth. The unpaid job of running the organization, as most political observers told City & State, is somewhat thankless, as its a great way to upset other politicos or get embroiled in controversy, with little reward. Still, a handful of names have surfaced with many Bronxites believing its now time for a person of Dominican ethnicity to run the organization, given how Dominican-Americans now outnumber Puerto Ricans such as Diaz and Crespo in the Bronx. I believe its going to be difficult not to have a Dominican [as party boss], said one Bronx political source. The decision on who will be Crespos successor will likely come in July, as county rules state it must have its organizational meeting 20 days after a primary in even-numbered years. Among the handful of names are: Assemblywoman Karines Reyes: Crespo personally backed Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, who is of Dominican descent, to run for the seat left vacated by now-state Sen. Luis Sepulveda, giving her a leg-up for such a run. Crespos support and her Dominican background mean that Reyes, a registered nurse, should gain some traction. But hurting Reyes is the fact that she has served in the Assembly for much less time, only since 2019, than her potential rivals. Reyes told City & State she is considering the job, and that shed make the party more progressive. The Bronx Democratic Party has been known for being a boys club and conservative on social issues by the standards of New York City Democrats Crespo did, after all, vote against gay marriage in 2011. Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner: Assemblywoman Latoya Joyners name has bounced around as a possible successor, given her position as County Committee chairwoman, a de facto second-in-command post, making her transition to Crespos position appear seamless. Joyner, like Reyes, would be the first woman to lead the Bronx Democratic Party. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo: A Bronx political insider described Assemblyman Victor Pichardo as a team player with the institutional and legislative knowledge to succeed Crespo. It could take a team player to navigate the slew of different personalities that make up the Bronx political caucus. Pichardo is also Dominican-American. Correction: Due to an editing error, this article originally misidentified Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. in one reference. An open letter to the Presidnet Gotabaya Rajapaksa from Chambers of Commerce We hereby release the contents of the letter addressed to H.E the President on Wednesday 18th March by the following Chambers of Commerce: The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs, The National Chamber of Commerce, , Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Womens Chamber of Industry and Commerce Sri Lanka and Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka. Your Excellency, At the outset we wish to convey our fullest support and appreciation for the timely actions taken by the Government under your able leadership to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. We strongly believe that the measures taken by the Government have and will contribute significantly to prevent the virus spreading at a much faster pace. We are cognizant however, that in spite of the best efforts taken by the Government of Sri Lanka, the risk of further escalation remains alongside the consequential disruption to livelihoods and medium to long term impact to the National Economy. In this context we recommend thatthe following actions be included in the action plan of the Government of Sri Lanka going forward. Immediate: Continue the containment strategy currently in place until Sunday (22nd) and review the need to extend it for a further period thereafter. The strategy should include identification of key hotspots through the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools combined with Big Data Analytics. Further, the strategy should include: - Stoppage of all foreign travel to and from the country virtually shutting down the airport and port for passenger travel. - Suspension of all non-essential business other than those engaged in essential services and in the supply of food, medicine, fuel and banking services. This will compel citizens to stay at home curtailing movements except for essential purposes. Implement a unified and central system for publication of information on the current and future actions. A 24-hour Media response centre should be established to respond to false reports that create fear and concerns among the general public and employees. An update could be provided at a pre-determined time and at 12-hour intervals. In order to ensure that there is no disruption in supply of goods to retail stores with special emphasis on food and medicines, the government should have special procurement measures so that the private sector is able to source from different sources such as economic centres. Special attention should also be given to the smooth running of logistics during the period of containment. Border agencies should provide uninterrupted services albeit with a skeleton staff and maximum precautionary steps taken to ensure their safety. To facilitate this process, customs and border agencies should deploy a less stringent regime with respect to examination checks - for example, reduce referring the cargos to grey line 1 and 2 or red channel and so on. Priority should be given to the facilitation of local production of essential safety items (such as masks, gloves, hand sanitiser liquid) to meet the demand. In this respect, it is recommended that the government waives or relaxes the licensing requirements placed on the importation of raw material required to produce such items. Safety of all employees in essential business services (such as healthcare, pharmacy and retail) be mandated via the compulsory adoption of safety measures including the use of masks, gloves, thermometers. For worst affected industries like Tourism and Construction, the government could consider in consultation with the Banks to look at short term working capital loans to ensure payment of wages etc. The criteria for working capital loans could include demonstration of a certain threshold of orders/business lost due to COVID-19. The working capital loans should be time-bound so as not to have an overall impact on the financial sector and fiscal position of the economy. For the industries affected the most, the government in collaboration with the EPF and ETF could consider a three-month moratorium on EPF and ETF contributions. The safety and well-being of the tourists who are presently in the country should be looked at by the relevant tourist authorities so as to ensure there is no negative impact on the image of the country. Short-term: Government to outline a policy framework with the stipulation of necessary regulatory approvals so that the private sector healthcare providers would be ready to augment the countrys capacity in terms of testing and treatment, when called upon to do so. The Government to consider extending the package of concessions given to SMEs (Debt moratorium, etc) which lapsed on 29th February for companies with a turnover of less than Rs. 750 million, subject to demonstration of being impacted by COVID-19. Activate foreign missions in key markets so that Sri Lankan businesses can seek/access foreign buyers that would be an alternate to imports from countries like China. The missions can also facilitate exports (such as Tea) from Sri Lanka which are held up in ports overseas. Make preparations for the augmentation of Air Freight Capacity into Sri Lanka (including the use of Charter Aircraft where required) to meet the likely surge in demand for the import of raw material for key sectors as production capacities in overseas markets return to normal. Deploy strategic procurement strategies to exploit the sharp fall in global oil prices. The benefit of low oil prices can be translated into targeted benefits to consumers and targeted activities and sectors. Such measures can ease the financial burden on low-income households, companies operating in impacted sectors and in particular SMEs impacted by COVID-19. Accelerate the programs and activities identified by the Task Force for Poverty Eradication and Livelihood Development. The activities/program proposed should include low-income earners and own-account workers (32% of the employed workforce as at 3Q 2019) whose livelihoods are impacted due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Medium-term Establish a committee with representatives across all sectors to strategize Sri Lankas response to the demand slowdown that is expected to take place in key export markets as a result of COVID-19. The committee could also look at opportunistic strategies (to grow exports) in taking advantage of organisations looking to diversify their supply chain and mitigate geographical risk linked to high dependency on countries like China. Initiate a focused programme to access multilateral funds made available to help countries manage with the fallout from COVID-19: a. World Bank Fund through IFC- focus on impact on economies, sustain supply chains, and limit downside risk b. IMF If financial market conditions and the external accounts of Sri Lanka deteriorate further, Sri Lanka could potentially face a Balance of Payment crisis. The IMF has a Rapid Funding Instrument (RFI) for member nations in such emergencies in particular during COVID-19. Increase overtime (OT) limit from current 60 hours to 80 - 90 hours per month for a limited period for industries like apparel when raw materials become available again. It is our belief that above actions if implemented will help to arrest the rapid spread of the virus and help stabilise the economy in the coming weeks and months. As the nation has been roiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are grappling with how to prepare for and move forward with the 2020 elections and safeguard voting rights, while also ensuring public safety. Our constitutional history teaches us that we do not have to choose between our democracy and public health. Our Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy. It broadly guarantees the right to vote, empowers Congress to set the date for electing a new president and our federal representatives, and gives our nations elected representativesboth in Congress and in the statesthe authority to protect voting rights. It provides for the orderly transfer of power from one government to the next. For centuries, its framework has allowed us to protect our democracy even in the midst of deadly crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 200 years, we have held federal elections in the midst of wars and bouts with serious diseases. Whatever the crisis, we have found ways to protect democracy, while maintaining our public safety and security. Rather than postpone or delay crucial elections in which the people sought to select their national leaders, our nation has been committed to ensuring free and fair elections even under periods of great national strain. On Aug. 24, 1814, as voters were getting ready to elect members of Congress, Washington was burning. During the War of 1812, British forces stormed the city, burned the White House, the Capitol, and other important government buildings. President James Madison was forced to flee the city. But as the fighting continued, elections went forward. Through August, and into the fall, individuals cast their ballots for their federal representatives. Advertisement Advertisement The attack on Washington proved short-lived, and a heavy storm helped put out the fires that ravaged the city. Half a century later, in the midst of the Civil War, the nation faced an even greater threat: a bloody civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. After three years of fighting, and even as full-scale warfare continued, the American people had to elect a president to serve for the next four years. As professor Francis Lieber, famous for his Civil War code of war, commented, [i]f we come triumphantly out of this war, with a presidential election in the midst of it, I shall call it the greatest miracle in all the historic course of events. That is what happened. In November 1864, as the battles raged, voters went to the polls, choosing to elect President Abraham Lincoln to a second term. This allowed him to complete the task of winning the war and eradicating chattel slavery. Those who predicted that Lincoln would cancel elections to keep power were proved wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Lincoln argued, our Constitutions promise of democracy was at stake. In the Gettysburg Address Lincoln insisted that the war had to be fought so that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Thus, the election was a necessity, even though the present rebellion brought our republic to a severe test; and a presidential election occurring in regular course during the rebellion added not a little to strain. To help make democratic participation a reality, Northern states allowed soldiers to cast a vote away from home, ensuring that soldiers could still exercise their fundamental right to vote. Lincolns words remind us that we cannot forsake our fundamental democratic principles in times of strain: We cannot have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. The election proved that a peoples government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war. Until that point, Lincoln stressed, it has not been known to the world that this was a possibility. Advertisement Advertisement The precedent Lincoln set has loomed large in the years since. In 1944, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt quashed rumors that the upcoming presidential election might be postponed because of World War II. All these people around town havent read the Constitution. I have, he said. FDR recognized our constitutional commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, even in the midst of worldwide warfare. In 2004, even with memories of the horrors of the attack of 9/11 still fresh, the Bush administration rejected the idea that we should postpone our national elections in the event of a terrorist attack. President George W. Bushs national security advisor, Condoleeza Rice, invoked Lincolns example. Weve had elections in this country when we were at war, even when we were in civil war, she said. And we should have the elections on time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have held federal elections before even in the face of pandemics. In 1918, a midterm election year, Americans went to the polls to exercise their fundamental right to vote, even as the Spanish flu resulted in the death of millions worldwide. Governments devised ways of protecting the public, while maintaining our fundamental constitutional commitment to democratic self-rule. In some places, voters had to disperse and wait at the polls single file; in others, voters and poll workers had to wear masks. Campaigning and election year rallies were undoubtedly affected, but, as one study concluded, in most places the election was held with relatively few complications. The 1918 election, all but forgotten until recent events, shows how we have kept our commitment to our fundamental democratic principles even when battling life-threatening crises. Advertisement Ensuring public health and safety in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 present new and difficult challengeswithout parallel in our lifetimebut, throughout our history, we have refused to give up on our fundamental constitutional commitment to voting rights and democracy when faced with crisis and hardship. Lincolns words still ring true: holding free and fair elections open to all is a necessity because we cannot have free government without elections. Advertisement It wont be easy, but we have to act now to ensure that, come November, all citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote, even as we take precautions to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That means all citizens should have a right to vote by mail. Our election systems will have to work hard over the next eight months to be ready for an election in which millions of voters cast their votes by mail, not in person. But thanks to a slew of reformsno-excuse absentee voting, early voting, and otherswe have a menu of options to increase voting opportunities that were not available during the Spanish flu pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Mail-in voting is already a reality in many states across the country. Prominent election law scholars, activists, and litigators, including Richard Hasen, Dale Ho, and Marc Elias, have demonstrated that we need reforms that nationalize voting by mail and permit any registered voter to cast and have counted an absentee ballot without having to provide an excuse. We also need widespread public education to let all citizens know they have the right to vote by mail and that their vote will be counted just as if they voted at the polls on Election Day. At the same time, those who wish to vote at the polls must be able to do so safely and effectively, which, at a minimum, may require that polling places be properly sanitized and be configured to comport with strict social distancing protocols. Congress, like the states, has clear constitutional authority over the mechanics of federal elections and has broad powers to protect voting rights. Our Constitutions bedrock promise of democracy has been tested by war, disease, and other crises throughout history. Whatever the crisis, our nation has maintained its fundamental commitment to protecting the right to vote. We have done it before, and we must do it again. Older adults are being severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis. So far in the U.S., 31% of cases, 45% of hospitalizations, 53% of intensive care unit admissions, and 80% of deaths associated with coronavirus were among adults older than 65 years old, with the highest percentage of severe outcomes among people 85 years old or older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Thursday. Additionally, dozens of people nationwide who live in nursing homes have died from the disease. Older adults need our support now more than ever, as they are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, said Dr. Alexis Travis, director for the State of Michigan's Aging and Adult Services Agency within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in a news release Thursday. The Aging and Adult Services Agency wants Michiganders to think about how they can step up and help whether its by donating money, volunteering, or calling their older neighbors to make sure they are OK. With this in mind, the State of Michigan has tips to help older adults cope with the crisis: contacting your local Area Agency on Aging to volunteer or donate. Volunteers to deliver meals and make friendly reassurance calls are of highest need; donating items to a local food bank such as shelf-stable, non-perishable food items, personal care items, and household supplies. However, the agency notes that Area Agencies on Aging do not have the capacity to accept donated goods and food; and calling or checking on elderly relatives, neighbors or community members, offering to pick up food or supplies. However, any volunteers should not be in high-risk groups - such as the elderly or with an underlying medical condition - to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus. Copyright 2020 WILX. All rights reserved. Director Clarke Duke made his debut with the movie Arkansas. Actor Liam Hemsworth shared the trailer of the movie a week ago on his Instagram. Liam Hemsworth promoted the film's trailer on his Instagram and urged his fans to watch this upcoming flick when it releases on May 01, 2020, with great enthusiasm. Liam Hemsworth has worked in several movies now including The Hunger Games series. Check out the trailer of the movie below. Also read: Liam Hemsworth's 'The Hunger Games' VS Chris Hemsworth's 'Thor' Series The movie releases on May 01, 2020. The film is going to be released in select theatres, and on Apple, Amazon and on-demand platforms. Clarke Duke is a widely popular American actor, director comedian. He is widely known for his roles in the films Kick-Ass, Sex Drive, and Hot Tub Time Machine. He is also famous for playing Clark Green in The Office. Also read: Liam Hemsworth & Rebel Wilson's Best Scenes From 'Isn't It Romantic'; Watch Arkansas revolves around the lives of Kyle and Swin. They live by the orders of a drug lord in Arkansas named Frog (who is played by Vince Vaughn). They pose as junior park rangers by day and operate as low-tier drug couriers by night under the watchful eye of Frogs henchmen (played by John Malkovich and Vivica Fox). Also read: Liam Hemsworth And Miley Cyrus' Best Moments From The Film 'The Last Song' The film is based on John Brandons best-selling book of the same name. Arkansas explores drug trafficking in the South. The movie involves a lot of drugs, crime, and violence. The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Clarke Duke, Vince Vaughn, John Malkovich, and Vivica Fox in pivotal roles. Also read: Hrithik Roshan Gives Major Summer Goals With His Wide Range Of Sleeveless Outfits; See The movie will tell the story of how a drug deal went downwards and how its consequences are catastrophic. The movie's tagline reads 'Kyle and Swin are working their way to the top...but the top has other plans'. The flick is rated R for its violence, language, drug content, and brief nudity. Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. [March 18, 2020] LIBERTY Dental Plan Announces Expanded Teledentistry for Nevada Medicaid Dental Recipients to Help With Emergency Oral Health Needs To all State of Nevada Medicaid Dental recipients: LIBERTY Dental Plan will assist you with your emergency dental needs. We will help you find a dentist, or, if a dentist is unavailable in your area due to government guidelines restricting non-essential services, we will help you connect with a dentist through our Teledentistry Program so you can get the urgent help you need. Please click on the following link for assistance: https://client.libertydentalplan.com/NVMedicaid For More Information you can call 888-401-1128 LIBERTY Dental Plan of Nevada remains fully operational and continues to monitor federal and state guidance in response to the COVID-19 Virus. We have taken steps to ensure our members, proiders, and workforce are safe and have access to vital information, as well as any assistance needed in providing or accessing emergency dental services. To better serve Nevadans who are experiencing dental pain or a potential dental emergency, LIBERTY announces the expansion of our Teledentistry Program to include all Nevada Medicaid Dental recipients across the State. Serving as an oral healthcare resource during this crisis, LIBERTY will assist recipients throughout the entire State with their emergency dental needs. Our Teledentistry program allows members to use a free mobile app through the convenience of a smartphone or computer to access licensed dentists who are able to perform assessments, write prescriptions if needed, and advise on pain management strategies. In addition to making the app available and expanding the use of the program for all emergencies, LIBERTY will continue to assist members requiring further treatment by finding a local provider. Any member experiencing dental pain or a potential dental emergency should: Start by contacting your dental provider for local assistance and treatment. If your provider is unable to provide support or treatment due to closures, contact LIBERTY's toll-free member hotline 888-401-1128 for navigation to the Teledentistry Program. During normal and after business hours, members can access this service through our call center. During normal and after business hours, members can access this service through our call center. Immediately call 911 if the situation is thought to be life-threatening. Our expanded Teledentistry Program will be available until further notice. LIBERTY will continue to monitor this fluid situation and adjust to support our members and providers as needed. For more information about LIBERTY Dental Plan of Nevada and our Teledentistry Program, please contact Dr. Amy Tongsiri, Dental Director: 888/273-2997 [email protected] About LIBERTY Dental Plan LIBERTY Dental Plan was founded and is led by a dentist and provides full dental administrative services to over 4.5 million members in public and commercial programs in 50 states including approximately 3 million Medicaid members in Nevada, California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200318005806/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] KHARTOUM (Reuters) - The Sudanese prosecutor's office on Tuesday ordered the arrest of former foreign minister Ali Karti for his role in the 1989 coup which brought Omar al-Bashir to power. It said in a statement that Karti's assets would be frozen and that arrest warrants had been issued for five other people, including Omar Suleiman, a former head of a parliamentary chamber and the man believed to have accompanied Bashir to Khartoum, the capital, during the coup. Bashir, who was ousted in April following mass protests against his 30-year rule, has been indicted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague and is facing an arrest warrant over allegations of genocide in Sudans Darfur region. The prosecution's case against Bashir and other members of his regime accused of orchestrating the coup had begun before an assassination attempt targeting Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok last week, which he escaped unscathed. The country's ruling council called the incident a terrorist attack and said Sudan would step up its drive to stamp out Bashir loyalists. While the council has not said who was behind the attack, by reasserting that Bashir loyalists will be firmly dealt with, they have suggested possible links with old regime supporters trying to disrupt a democratic transition. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; Writing by Nadine Awadalla; Editing by Gareth Jones and Leslie Adler) Ghana has recorded the 11th case of the deadly coronavirus today Thursday. Two more cases were recorded in the Ashanti Region. Ministry of Information is yet to provide full details of the latest victim. More soon... A majority of women work in agriculture or in other labour-intensive sectors in the country. Image credit: By CIAT - NP Himachal Pradesh 68Uploaded by mrjohncummings, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30330009 According to a report by Bain & Company and Google, the labour force participation rate (LFPR) of women in India, already amongst the lowest in the world, is taking a further hit as women bear the brunt of the country's unemployment crisis the most. Indias LFPR, which is the share of people in the 16-64 age group who are employed or seeking employment, has seen the sharpest decline in the 15-24 age group. Despite having half of its population in the working-age group, India is the only country which has seen womens workforce participation fall so drastically. As per the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, India ranks a dismal 149th position out of 153 countries on Economic Participation and Opportunity for women. India is way behind sub-Saharan Africa which has four of the top 10 best performers. Gender gap in India is amongst the widest worldwide in the category - India has just closed 35.4 per cent of the gender gap and is just slightly better than Pakistan (32.7 per cent), Yemen 27.3 per cent), Syria (24.9 per cent) and Iraq (22.7 per cent). As per an SDG India-Index Report, 2019-20, the gender wage gap between sectors is also high as much as 50-75 per cent. A large percentage of those in the workforce is in the informal sector with little or no social protection, while agriculture still has the highest share of women. White-collared jobs are out of reach for a majority of women, and more women are employed in labour-intensive or low-paying jobs such as domestic work, agricultural labour and as salespeople. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), there is also a huge disparity between men and womens care responsibilities. While globally, women perform three times as much work as men, in India, women do as much as 10 times more unpaid work than men. The burden of unpaid work falls on women, and as per a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), women spend as much as 352 minutes per day on unpaid work as opposed to men who spend only 52 minutes amongst the least. Story continues There are a number of reasons for the low and declining LFPR among the positive ones are higher education and increase in rural income, however, societal constraints, the burden of family and childcare falling primarily on women, the absence of job opportunities, quality support and assistance and gender wage gaps, have also contributed to this reduced rate. Further, as routine jobs get automated, women are expected to be hit the most. Of around 432 million working-age women in the country, approximately 343 million are not in paid work. This will prove to be a major impediment in the way of India fulfilling its sustainable development goal (SDG) of eliminating gender inequalities by 2030. This also has huge economic implications. With Indias working-age population breaching the 1 billion mark by 2030, the economic potential of around 400 million women will remain untapped. As per a United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) India study, by raising Indias women participation numbers to the same level as men, the countrys GDP could rise by 27 per cent. Opportunities exist Despite the rather dismal picture, the sheer number of women who are employable shows potential. As per the report by Bain & Co in collaboration with Google, titled Women Entrepreneurship in IndiaPowering The Economy With Her, a heightened focus on fostering entrepreneurship among women will help generate employment for around 17 crore people in the next decade. An estimated 13.5 million to 15.7 million women-owned and controlled enterprises are creating direct employment for 22 million to 27 million people in India. Enterprises created and run by women will have strong outcomes as women entrepreneurs are more likely to hire other women and be less influenced by gender stereotypes. By increasing womens participation and enabling female entrepreneurship, women can help make a gradual shift from high fertility, low education and poor health to making more conscious reproductive choices, higher education and better health for self and family, states the report. Further, women entrepreneurs can also foster innovation - as more women set up businesses, they can focus on and cater to areas and needs which may otherwise be overlooked. Currently, most of the ventures are single person owned businesses which have low returns and employment. As per the report, only 17 per cent of women-owned enterprises employ hired workers. This needs to change in order to bring more women into the workforce. The report states that by establishing high growth entrepreneurs with annual revenue or employment growth of more than 20 per cent, enabling willing and ambitious solo and small business owners to scale by providing access to structures knowledge, bringing in more women who are currently not in the workforce, and providing a more financially viable, attractive and aspirational agri-business model, the country can unlock the immense potential that women in the labour force present. For this, the Government should work towards formulating policies that encourage organisations to recruit more women, and which encourage women to set up more business, facing fewer hurdles. In its India@75 road map, the NITI Aayog had suggested that the government should work towards enhancing the female labour force participation to 30 per cent. A concerted, joint effort is needed between the Government and the private sector to ensure that this immense potential is tapped. Mississippi House passes bill banning abortions on the basis of race, sex, genetic abnormality Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill that, if enacted, will ban abortions performed due to an unborn babys race, sex, or possible genetic abnormalities. Known as House Bill 1295, the measure was passed last Thursday by a vote of 79-33, with six abstentions, three voting present, and one vacancy. Sue Liebel, state policy director for the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, celebrated the results of the vote and expected the legislation to ultimately pass. Abortions carried out because of a babys sex, race, or potential disability, such as Down syndrome, is no less than modern-day eugenics, said Liebel in a statement. SBA List is confident these staunch pro-life advocates will continue to champion this bill until it reaches Governor Tate Reeves desk a strongly pro-life governor who will not fail to sign it into law. Also known as the Life Equality Act of 2020, the bill gives an exemption for medical emergencies. Abortions predicated on the presence or presumed presence of genetic abnormalities continue to occur despite the increasingly favorable post-natal outcomes for human beings perceived as handicapped or disabled, explains HB 1295 in part. Pharmaceutical treatments, gene therapies, and prosthetic advances have given formerly handicapped and disabled human beings much greater opportunities for survival and success than ever before. Importantly, surgical intervention now includes the availability of intrauterine surgery. If enacted, an abortion provider found in violation of the law could face as much as 10 years in prison and see their state medical license suspended or possibly revoked. The proposed legislation clarified that any woman upon whom an abortion is performed, induced, or attempted will not be prosecuted for violating the Act. Representative Sonya Williams-Barnes of Gulfport was critical of HB 1295, voting against the bill when it was in a House committee earlier this month. Women should have a right to make a choice for themselves whether they want to have a child or not, stated Williams-Barnes, as reported by the Associated Press. My concern is, you make the woman have the child that has these deficiencies, but yet are you going to give her any medical aid or home care assistance for the child? Last month, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed a preliminary injunction against a Mississippi law banning abortions performed once an unborn baby's heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. The panel opinion referenced an earlier legal decision against a different Mississippi law that banned most abortions performed after 15 weeks gestation. In 2018, Mississippi enacted a law prohibiting abortions, with limited exceptions, after 15 weeks gestational age. A district court enjoined the law, and we recently upheld that injunction, explained the panel opinion. If a ban on abortion after 15 weeks is unconstitutional, then it follows that a ban on abortion at an earlier stage of pregnancy is also unconstitutional. Busting out of Sing Sing has been a dream of inmates since cell doors started clanging shut along the Hudson River in the 1820s. Now there's a plan to usher visitors inside the high walls well known in the past to gangsters, Hollywood stars and prisoners condemned to the electric chair. A museum just beyond the maximum-security prison's watch towers is being planned with a unique feature: a 300-foot-long corridor connecting to the roofless ruins of the original 19th-century cell block inside the walls. Museum-goers would stand at the site of the first cramped cells at this prison "up the river" from New York City and learn about life in the Big House. "It's so much more than just barbed wire and stone walls," said Sean Pica, who was released from the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 2002. "For those of us that lived in these prisons to know that time will be captured, the history will be told, is exciting for the good and for the bad." Pica is a board member of the not-for-profit group planning to open the Sing Sing Prison Museum in 2025. Visitors will learn about incarceration in America and about a lockup that looms large culturally. Infamous inmates who have passed through the gates 30 miles north of New York City include Charles "Lucky" Luciano and "Son of Sam" killer David Berkowitz. There were 614 people who walked the last mile 45 feet, actually to the electric chair here, among them Cold War spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. The prison's forbidding reputation was burnished by Hollywood during its golden age through gangster flicks starring James Cagney and other big stars. This is where Holly Golightly visits Sally Tomato in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and where Robert DeNiro's character was sent to in "Analyze This." The prison's unusual name is commonly attributed to a Native American phrase for "stone upon stone." Associated Press Earthquake shakes Utah, rattling nerves A moderate earthquake Wednesday near Salt Lake City temporarily shut down a major air traffic hub, damaged a spire atop a temple and frightened millions of people already on edge from the coronavirus pandemic. There were no reports of injuries. The 5.7-magnitude quake just after 7 a.m. damaged the spire and statue atop the iconic Salt Lake Temple. Elsewhere, bricks were showered onto sidewalks and a chemical plume was released outside the city. The epicenter was just southwest of Salt Lake City, between the airport and Great Salt Lake. It was felt by about 2.8 million people who were already hunkered down inside their homes to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Many ran outside in panic amid the shaking, which lasted as long as 15 seconds. Planes were diverted from Salt Lake City International Airport and the control tower and concourses were evacuated. Far fewer people than normal were in the airport due to the coronavirus precautions. On a typical travel day, the airport would have had about 24,000 people inside and more making connections. But there were just 9,000 on Wednesday, making an evacuation easier, airport executive director Bill Wyatt said. Associated Press Maggie Griffin, mom of Kathy, dies at 99 Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The mother of comedian Kathy Griffin, who inspired many of the jokes in her famous daughter's standup routines, has died. Maggie Griffin was 99. "My Mom, the one and only, Maggie Griffin, passed away" Tuesday, Kathy Griffin tweeted. "I am gutted. My best friend. I'm shaking. I won't ever be prepared." The sweet, impish and quick-tongued Maggie Griffin was a frequent presence in her daughter's reality show, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," in the early 2000s. More often than not, she was holding a glass of wine. Addressing her fans, the comedian said in her tweet: "I'm so grateful you guys got to be part of her life. You knew her. You loved her. She knew it. "Oh, and OF COURSE she went on St Patrick's Day," Griffin went on, followed by three broken-heart emoji. Griffin revealed on Twitter in January 2019 that her mother had "rapidly fallen into the throes of dementia." - Associated Press Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Kolkata, India Thu, March 19, 2020 16:04 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206be7f12 2 World India,cow,urine,coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,health,SARS-CoV-2,Wuhan-coronavirus,novel-coronavirus,infection,infectious-diseases Free An activist with India's ruling party has been arrested after a volunteer fell ill from drinking cow urine at a party to combat the novel coronavirus, police said Wednesday, as interest grows in home remedies amid the pandemic. Narayan Chatterjee, a Bharatiya Janata Party activist, was arrested by West Bengal state police late Tuesday for "organizing the cow urine consumption event and compelling a civic volunteer to drink cow urine", Kolkata police chief Anuj Sharma told AFP. "The civic volunteer fell sick on Tuesday and lodged a complaint with the police. The BJP activist was arrested on Tuesday night." The president of BJP's West Bengal branch told AFP Chatterjee's arrest was "unfortunate". "India is a democratic country. Everyone has the right to express his opinion," Dilip Ghosh said. "It's unfortunate that Chatterjee was arrested for expressing his opinion organizing the event. We don't know if the civic volunteer was forced to drink cow urine." Many in the Hindu-majority nation of 1.3 billion consider cows sacred and believe drinking cow urine is a panacea for all manner of ailments, from arthritis and asthma to cancer and diabetes. Last week, dozens of Hindu activists held a cow urine party in the capital New Delhi where they staged fire rituals and drank urine from earthen cups in order to fight the COVID-19. Critics have rejected the urine claims as quackery. A milk trader in the same state was arrested Tuesday for selling cow urine and dung and claiming they "would keep the novel coronavirus at bay", senior police officer from Hooghly district Humayan Kabir told AFP. Kabir said the trader, Sheikh Masud, was selling cow urine at 500 Indian rupees (US$6.69) a liter and cow dung at 400 rupees a kilogram Masud, who hung a poster at his shop with the words "Drink cow urine to ward off coronavirus" told police he was inspired to sell the excrement after hearing about the Delhi party. AFP has sought comment from the Ministry of Health on whether cow dung and cow urine are effective in curing COVID-19. The World Health Organization in India has also been contacted for comment over the urine and dung claims. The government said Wednesday there have been 151 positive cases and three deaths from the virus in India, the world's second-most populous country with 1.3 billion people. Most schools, entertainment facilities including cinemas, and even the iconic Taj Mahal have already been closed in India to try and stop the spread of the outbreak. An inmate at the Bexar County Jail tested negative for COVID-19, officials said Thursday. The male inmate had been suffering flu-like symptoms and was immediately isolated in a negative pressure cell at the Adult Detention Center on Tuesday, the department said. On Express-News: Coronavirus in San Antonio: What residents need to know At this time, there are no inmates in custody with COVID-19, though one inmate is being tested after coming in close contact with the University Health Systems physician who tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week, BCSO said. Social distancing is the norm amid the coronavirus outbreak and food and meal delivery apps are making changes to help protect their customers and drivers alike. No-contact drop-off, cleaning supplies for delivery crews, financial relief programs for drivers and suspending fees to restaurants are just some of the measures businesses like Grubhub, Uber Eats, Favor and others have adopted in response to the virus. Here are some of the policies these companies have implemented, and here is a full list of food delivery options in San Antonio. Favor: This Austin-based subsidiary of H-E-B has updated its app to provide an option for drivers to leave orders at the door. The company is also working with restaurant partners by waiving commission fees for new and existing businesses through the end of March completely, not delayed or deferred collections. This automatically applies to locally owned and operated restaurants with five or less locations. The delivery app also now has a Local Favorites category which highlights San Antonio restaurants and those across Texas who needs business. Favor is also financially protecting runners who may be diagnosed with COVID-19 by providing four weeks of financial assistance to eligible runners who are diagnosed or placed in quarantine. Favor is distributing a limited supply of cleaning supplies to drivers to disinfect steering wheels, cellphones, insulated bags and other high-contact objects. Favor is providing up to four weeks of financial assistance to delivery workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or asked to self-quarantine by a public health agency or medical professional. DoorDash: San Francisco-based DoorDash has added a no-contact delivery option. The company is also providing two weeks of financial assistance to drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 or ordered to self-quarantine by a public health official. Grubhub: Grubhub has added a contact-free delivery option found during checkout on its app. Chandice Choi /Associated Press The company is deferring commission fees to independent restaurants impacted during the coronavirus outbreak. Its also created the Grubhub Community Relief Fund in which customers can donate change rounded up at purchase to charitable organizations supporting delivery drivers and restaurants. Postmates: Postmates has rolled out a no-contact delivery option for customers under the delivery options section of its app. The company also has launched a pilot program in the San Francisco area in which Postmates is waiving commission fees to restaurants that apply for relief. Postmates is asking restaurant associations and government agencies interested in participating in the program to email askpmpublicpolicy@postmates.com. Postmates is covering co-pays and other medical expenses related to COVID-19 for its drivers regardless of diagnoses, and providing two weeks paid sick leave for any of those drivers diagnosed with the disease. Uber Eats: Customers can request their food be left outside the door by adding a note in the app when an order is placed. The company is working to provide disinfectants to drivers, although in a statement on its website, Uber Eats noted supplies are limited and it will focus on distributing them in cities most affected by the virus. Drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 or ordered to self-quarantine will receive financial assistance for up to 14 days. Madalyn Mendoza contributed to this report. Paul Stephen is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen Chandigarh, March 19 : Warning of a worsening COVID-19 crisis in the country, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged the government to allow private hospitals and labs to conduct tests in order to ensure access for all the people, even as the state reported its first case of novel coronavirus death. Calling for a national level fight against the pandemic on a war footing, Singh said he would take up the issue of testing by private hospitals and labs with the Prime Minister on Friday during the latter's proposed video conference with all the Chief Ministers. With the number of coronavirus cases increasing, the Centre has to consider reviewing its policy, stressed the Chief Minister, making it clear that he did not agree with the current policy of the government of India in this regard. Given the fact that Punjab had private labs in all the major cities, it was not logical for a corona suspect to have to travel to Chandigarh or some other place to get himself tested from a government facility only, said Amarinder Singh, adding that only in case of doubt should such a person be required to go elsewhere for a second test. The Chief Minister was speaking at a summit conclave to mark the third anniversary of his government. While he was not a pessimist, the way things were happening around the world it was obvious that India had to be prepared for the worst, said Amarinder Singh. The nature of disease was such, he pointed out, adding that coronavirus had just entered India and the problem was likely to escalate, in line with the graph in other countries. "We have to be prepared in every way," he asserted. The Chief Minister suggested that the Centre should allow the food stocks currently stored in Punjab godowns to be distributed to the poor whose earnings were impacted due to the coronavirus outbreak instead of letting them rot in the storage areas. Since the stocks belonged to the government of India, it was in their purview to take a decision in this regard, he said, adding that the 20 million tonnes of food grains that Food Corporation of India (FCI) had yet to lift from the godowns could be put to better use by feeding the people not just in Punjab but wherever needed. Such a move would be a life saver for the people of India in the current crisis, he added. The suggestion came even as Punjab reported the death of a 70-year-old man who had arrived from Germany via Italy at the Delhi airport on March 7, and proceeded to the state the same day. He had diabetes and hypertension, and was confirmed as COVID positive on Wednesday. Underlining the need for strong measures to check the further spread of COVID-19, the Chief Minister said his government had already initiated a series of steps to fight the disease. The state's financial crunch would not be allowed to impact the efforts of his government, said Amarinder Singh, adding that all necessary funds would be made available to ensure adequate testing, isolation and treatment facilities. On the issue of congregations at gurdwaras and other religious places, the Chief Minister said he had already requested the religious heads to limit the gatherings to under 50 and to appeal to the devotees from their podiums not to gather in large numbers. He was hopeful that the religious heads would support the move, said Amarinder Singh, adding that the government was not harassing people but was trying to save lives. With respect to the problem of pollution, which is found to aggravate the corona disease, the Chief Minister said his government was doing its best to manage stubble burning but the Centre had to step in with support. He had already taken up with the central government the demand for Rs 100 per quintal more for famers to manage the paddy straw but had not received a positive response so far, he added. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty today announced details of how the Government would refund employers who temporarily laid-off their employees but are continuing to pay them 203 per week during the current Covid-19 situation. Recently, the Minister announced the implementation of exceptional measures to enable workers who are temporarily laid-off claim a special Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of 203 per week. Refund Scheme At the time the new payment was announced the Minister indicated that the preference of the Government is that the new payment would, as far as possible, be made via employer payrolls. In addition to minimising the demand on the processing capacity of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection this approach would, critically, help maintain the link between employers and workers and make the return to work more seamless. Read also: Up to five cases of coronavirus confirmed in Longford In support of this approach the Minister also stated that the Department would introduce a refund scheme for employers who kept workers on their payroll during the period of a temporary lay-off. The approach to this refund scheme has now been agreed. The Revenue Commissioners has come forward and offered to implement the Refund system on the Departments behalf. The Minister wishes to acknowledge the support of the Revenue Commissioners as it will help speed up the refund process and reduce the need for employers to rely on short-term finance. Under the arrangement developed with Revenue, employers who have to temporarily lay-off staff and who are not in a position to make any wage payment to them, are asked to keep their employees on the payroll and pay them an amount of 203 - the equivalent of the Covid-19 Support Payment. When they submit payroll returns to Revenue via their payroll provider, Revenue will refund the employer the 203. The Minister emphasised: This is a significant departure from our normal approach but meets a critical and immediate demand to address instant income needs of workers who have been temporarily laid off while also allowing them to stay on the employer payroll a reassurance that they will, in all likelihood, have a job to return to. We are very appreciative of the work not just of Revenue but of the cooperation of employers and their payroll providers. In order to ensure workers who have child and adult dependants receive their full entitlements, these individuals will be asked to apply for Jobseekers Benefit via the online portal www.mywelfare.ie. Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payments Update Meanwhile, since its announcement, the Department has received over 50,000 claims from people who have been laid-off for Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payments. This indicates the huge impact that the Covid19 pandemic is having on our economy and on our people. The Minister acknowledges that this is an incredibly difficult time for many people, particularly those people who lose their jobs, even if this loss is temporary. She said: The measures taken already are extraordinary but this is an extraordinary time. There is great uncertainty and much anxiety about what lies ahead. The loss of a job and an income increases this anxiety and stress. We are doing all we can to help people through this anxiety. The new payment we introduced is just one measure and it means that we can get people into payment as quickly as possible. Hopefully this will provide some measure of reassurance to people unfortunate to be laid-off. We are also calling on banks, landlords, utility providers and others to exercise forbearance with regard to payments of mortgages, rent and utility bills. Read also: Latest figures confirm 74 new cases of coronavirus in Ireland The Minister also wishes to record her gratitude for the exceptional work of the staff of her Department. Processing 50,000 claims represents close to two months normal jobseeker claim-load. This was managed in a two day period for a new payment that didnt exist a week ago, on new systems that had to be developed and implemented and on the basis of new legislation that is going before the Oireachtas tomorrow It required a huge commitment and very long hours of work, and I couldnt be prouder of the staff of the Department. Tiger Roll may yet be a Grand National winner again this season as Gordon Elliotts dual Aintree hero features among the entries for next months Irish Grand National. Tiger Roll cannot bid for an unprecedented hat-trick of victories in the worlds most famous steeplechase at Liverpool this year, after it was announced that the race will not take place because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 10-year-old is, however, one of 97 initial contenders for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. Among those who may take him on are high-class stablemate Delta Work, last years winner of the race Burrows Saint, and Magic Of Light second to Tiger Roll at Aintree in 2019. They are joined by a host of others who might otherwise have been heading to Aintree at the start of next month including several British hopefuls, despite the fact horses are currently not permitted to travel from overseas to race in Ireland, one of the stringent measures imposed to allow racing to continue in the country during the coronavirus outbreak. Burrows Saint famously broke multiple champion trainer Willie Mullins long-standing duck in the Irish National, and is in line to return one of 17 possibles from the powerhouse Closutton yard. Mullins great rival Elliott has an even bigger potential team of 24 to choose from, with Delta Work, fifth in last weeks Cheltenham Gold Cup, topping the weights on 11st 10lb, by 2lb from Tiger Roll. Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir winner Milan Native, also representing Elliott and owners Gigginstown House Stud, is already prominent in the sponsors betting too. The highest-rated British entry is Paul Nicholls Galway Plate runner-up Black Corton, 2lb above Jessica Harringtons mare Magic Of Light. Other notable entries include several for top owner JP McManus including one-time Aintree hopefuls such as Nicky Hendersons Ok Corral, Ted Walshs Any Second Now and Kimberlite Candy from Tom Laceys Herefordshire yard. Three COVID-19 cases highlighted as 'high risk' for community spread ROC Central News Agency 03/18/2020 09:44 PM Taipei, March 18 (CNA) Three of the 23 new COVID-19 cases confirmed Wednesday in Taiwan have been identified by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) as being of potential high risk for further community spread of the coronavirus. The CECC earlier Wednesday announced 23 new COVID-19 cases, 21 of which originated overseas, bringing the total number in the country to 100. Among the 23 cases, the CECC singled out three; a French tourist (case 83), a Taiwanese woman returning from Indonesia (case 94), and a Taiwanese female (case 100) who is believed to have contracted the virus locally. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang () told reporters that the French national, a tourist in his 20s, arrived in Taipei on March 12 and visited the city's major tourist sights for days before going to a local hospital on March 16 after developing a fever. He remained in his hotel room from March 16 under "self-health management" and the test results came back positive later that day, Chuang said. He is now under medical treatment in a hospital isolation room. Case 94 is a Taiwanese woman in her 20s who traveled to Bali with her husband from March 6-12, where she developed a sore throat and earache. The woman passed quarantine checks at Taoyuan International Airport because she did not have a fever. Instead of going to work, she spent three days in a hotel from March 12-14 and did not visit a hospital until March 16 after she again developed related symptoms, Chuang noted. Meanwhile, case 100 is a woman in her 20s in southern Taiwan who has no recent overseas travel history but developed a sore throat, coughing and fever on March 12, according to Chuang. The woman visited a clinic that day but the medication did not alleviate her symptoms and she went back to the clinic on March 16 when she was diagnosed with a regular cold. The patient visited a hospital emergency room when she began to have difficulty breathing on March 17 and that was where she tested positive for COVID-19, according to Chuang. The woman's family members have not displayed any COVID-19 symptoms so far, and health authorities are still trying to determine the source of her infection, he noted. CECC head, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (), said health authorities are paying extra attention to these three cases because each individual was free to travel around before being diagnosed. The other 20 cases confirmed Wednesday were sent to hospital for checks not long after they returned to Taiwan or after being in contact with confirmed cases and are unlikely to have infected others locally, according to the CECC. The CECC said it is currently identifying those who had contact with the three individuals in Taiwan and will closely monitor their health in an effort to prevent the further spread of the virus. Also Wednesday, the CECC identified the first three imported cases from the United States. All three are Taiwanese who recently visited New York City. As of Wednesday, 71 of the 100 confirmed cases in the country have been classified as imported, and of the 47 confirmed cases over the last four days, only two are believed to have been infected with the virus locally, according to CECC numbers. (By Chang Ming-hsuan, Wu Hsin-yun, Jeffery Wu and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Molly Brodak, a poet who chronicled the trauma she experienced as the child of a compulsive liar and bank robber in a critically acclaimed memoir, died on March 8 near her home in Atlanta. She was 39. Her husband, Blake Butler, said the cause was suicide and that Ms. Brodak had a history of depression dating to childhood. Before Ms. Brodak published Bandit: A Daughters Memoir in 2016, her poems appeared in publications like Granta, Guernica and Poetry and in a book, A Little Middle of the Night (2010), which won the Iowa Poetry Prize. Many of her poems were spare and mysterious. One of them, In the Morning, Before Anything Bad Happens, reads in part: I know there is a river somewhere, lit, fragrant, golden mist, all that, - whose irrepressible birds cant believe their luck this morning NEW YORK - Michael Avenatti asked Wednesday to be released temporarily from a federal jail, citing a recent bout with pneumonia, a sick cellmate and filthy jail conditions as reasons he is at high risk of getting the coronavirus. In a written submission to a California judge, attorney H. Dean Steward said the lawyer who gained fame representing porn star Stormy Daniels against President Donald Trump should be freed under electronic monitoring and other conditions until the pandemic is over. From Mr. Avenattis perspective, his life not only his liberty is on the line, Steward said, creating a powerful incentive to abide by any release conditions the Court may impose. He said Avenatti, 49, is vulnerable because he had pneumonia six months ago, his cellmate was recently removed with flu-like symptoms including a severe fever and coughing, and because the Metropolitan Correctional Center where he is housed is filthy and cannot protect him. The lawyer said Avenatti told him Wednesday that a second inmate had been removed from his 26-inmate unit with coronavirus symptoms. Steward wrote that the facility is especially dangerous because unsanitary conditions occur in a place where pretrial defendants come from across the world and staff enters and leaves without being screened. He noted that a recent eight-day lockdown at jail was due to a loaded gun brought into the facility by a guard couldnt be located. During the lockdown, Avenatti was confined to his cell with three rats and left inmates without clean water, forced to drink from a sink that often contained brown water. He added that no hand sanitizer was available and guards did not wear masks or gloves. Steward wrote to the judge who revoked Avenattis bail earlier this year after prosecutors complained that he moved money around illegally while on bail. Steward said prosecutors have informed him that they oppose Avenattis release on bail, even with electronic monitoring and restrictions on his access to money. A spokesman for prosecutors declined comment. Avenatti awaits a June sentencing after he was convicted of trying to extort $25 million from sportswear giant Nike. He also faces criminal trials in New York next month and Los Angeles in May. What do malaria and COVID-19 have in common? On the surface, not much. But according to early research, an old malaria drug called chloroquine might also work for the new coronavirus. Could a decades-old malaria drug work to treat COVID-19? Elon Musk seems to think so, recently tweeting that it "might be worth considering chloroquine" for COVID-19. Although data are spare, studies so far seem to back up the billionaire entrepreneurs suggestion. MORE: Inside the frantic race to find a drug to fight coronavirus Chloroquine, or hydroxychloroquine, has been used to treat malaria since 1944. It can be given before exposure to malaria to prevent infection, and it can also be given as treatment afterward. Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite, unlike COVID-19. Nevertheless, laboratory studies show chloroquine is effective at preventing as well as treating the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, a close cousin of COVID-19. Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis. Given chloroquines effectiveness in treating SARS, scientists have investigated if it will be an effective treatment against the new coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. So far, the initial trials are encouraging. "There is evidence that chloroquine is effective when they looked at SARS in vitro with primate cells," said Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonologist and internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "The theory of the experiment with primate cells was that chloroquine could be for preventing viral infection or as a treatment for viral infection after it had occurred. In vitro in these primate cells, there was evidence that viral particles were significantly reduced when chloroquine was used." Both the virus that causes SARS and the virus responsible for COVID-19 belong to the same overarching family of coronaviruses. Researchers in China discovered that the protein spikes on the surface of the COVID-19 virus are similar to the protein spikes found on the surface of the SARS virus. Story continues PHOTO: Medical staff shows on Feb. 26, 2020, at the IHU Mediterranee Infection Institute in Marseille, a packet of Nivaquine, containing chloroquine, a malaria drug that has shown signs of effectiveness against coronavirus, according to a study. (Gerard Julien/AFP via Getty Images) People become infected when those protein spikes bind to special receptors on the outside of human cells. Chloroquine works by interfering with those receptors, which may interfere with the viruss ability to bind to cells. "The way that it worked against SARS was by preventing of the attachment of the virus to the cells. Chloroquine interfered with the attachment to that receptor on the cell membrane surface," Horovitz said. "So its disrupting a lock and key kind of mechanism of attachment." MORE: Simple answers to common questions about coronavirus Researchers in China found that treating patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia with chloroquine may shorten their hospital stay and improve the patients outcome. There are more than 20 ongoing clinical trials in China and more scheduled to start in England, Thailand, South Korea and the United States. Researchers are also exploring whether chloroquine could be used prophylactically -- that is, to prevent infection before it occurs. It is particularly key "for healthcare workers that get sick," noted Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena, director of Global Health at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York. "Prophylaxis is a viable treatment option, at least in theory. It needs to be studied. It could be studied while in use. It is something we need to look at, and as terms of a candidate for preventing disease spread and severity." While the U.S. waits for the results of additional trials and FDA approval, researchers caution that doctors should only prescribe the drug for their patients under a special program that allows exceptions for experimental drugs during public health emergencies, under a framework set up by the World Health Organization. "For the 85% of patients with mild to moderate symptoms that will go home, they dont need this treatment and dont want this treatment its not valuable to them, it doesnt offer any benefit," said Dr. Cioe-Pena. "There could be minimal risk, but still risk. Risk of an allergic reaction is really a risk of a side effect, and they are going to get better anyway." PHOTO: Medical staff shows on Feb. 26, 2020, at the IHU Mediterranee Infection Institute in Marseille, a packet of Nivaquine, containing chloroquine, a malaria drug that has shown signs of effectiveness against coronavirus, according to a study. (Gerard Julien/AFP via Getty Images) Thankfully, the potential side effects of the drug are minimal. "The principle side effects reported were headaches, gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, diarrhea and hair loss, primarily," said Horovitz. In addition, pharmaceutical company Bayer announced Thursday that it is donating 3 million tablets of the drug Resochin (chloroquine phosphate), a product discovered by the company in 1934 that is indicated for prevention and treatment of malaria, to the U.S. government. Resochin also appears to have broad spectrum antiviral properties and effects on the bodys immune response, and new clinical research out of China shows potential for it to treat patients with COVID-19 infection, according to a statement from Bayer. The drug is currently not approved for use in the U.S., but Bayer is working with the appropriate agencies on an Emergency Use Authorization. MORE: How novel coronavirus compares to SARS, MERS and other recent viral outbreaks More encouraging still is that there are several other promising drugs being studied, including the HIV anti-retroviral drug Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) and the anti-Ebola medication remdesivir. In the meantime we should each do our part by engaging in social distancing, self-quarantining and self-isolating when appropriate, to stop the spread of this pandemic. Angela N. Baldwin, M.D., M.P.H., is a pathology resident at Montefiore Health System in the Bronx and a contributor to the ABC News Medical Unit What to know about coronavirus: How it started and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus explained What to do if you have symptoms: Coronavirus symptoms Tracking the spread in the US and Worldwide: Coronavirus map Chloroquine, an old malaria drug, may help treat novel coronavirus, doctors say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Customers could not wait for Andres Santos, an elotero, or corn man, to get to his spot at Figueroa and Avenue 57. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) For the last two decades, Andres Santos life revolved around corn. Each day, he woke before sunrise and spent his early hours shucking, chopping and cleaning dozens of ears of corn in a friend's backyard. Afternoons were spent boiling them in industrial-sized pots in his cramped studio apartment. By nightfall, he loaded his 300-pound cart carrying big tubs of mayo, bags of cotija cheese, bottles of lime juice and powdered chili into a van and drove to the corner of Avenue 57 and Figueroa Street in Highland Park. There, he stood for hours, selling corn on the cob and cups of esquites, a buttery soup of kernels and spicy ingredients. He had legions of hungry devotees. But after 23 years, the humble elotero, or corn man, of Highland Park has hawked his final kernel. Santos, 59, "retired" last month and headed home to Mexico to chase that grandest dream of all: love. He plans to marry his long-distance girlfriend in his homeland and start another food business. Its not my intention to come back, Santos said. I am going with the idea of accomplishing the Mexican dream. Andres Santos boils corn kernels for his esquites. After dumping buckets of corn into industrial sized pots, he adds epazote and chicken broth powder. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Though Santos said he's grateful for the opportunities this country and its people have given him, success always seems a few steps ahead of him. I felt like a donkey chasing a carrot hanging from a string," he said. "You never reach the carrot. The last few years, his meager profits have been halved as Highland Park has undergone dramatic changes that made the former working-class Latino neighborhood synonymous with gentrification. He said he lost his sense of belonging as an influx of wealthier white residents replaced Latinos. Andres Santos cooks white Mexican corn at his apartment in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) And yet, the corn mans final night in Highland Park felt like a retirement party for a celebrity. That night he would learn the community had not forgotten him. Hawking corn certainly wasnt the life Santos, a bespectacled man with thinning salt-and-pepper hair, ever envisioned. He was a college graduate whose family owned a mini market in the central Mexican state of Morelos. Story continues In 1997, Santos left his hometown, fleeing an economic crisis that hit the family market hard. His young daughter and her mother followed. Andres Santos with his daughter Andrea. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In Highland Park, Santos followed the footsteps of his father, who had come to the U.S. in the late 1980s and scraped by, selling corn and raspados, shaved ice, in the neighborhood. His father, Isidro Santos Franco, died of a heart attack at 63 while handing two little girls cups of shaved ice in front of San Pascual Elementary School. Santos recalled how, when he was still in Mexico, he was baffled by his father's decision to be a corn man. He had asked, "How could you sell raspados and elotes in the U.S.?" But when he moved to Highland Park, Santos realized his father was on to something. "It was an extension of our pueblos, of our Mexico," he said. "I didnt feel like a foreigner. For years, Santos had no trouble selling the cobs and esquites, with customers so plentiful. There were several successful eloteros like him. His days ended around 8 p.m. But eventually, he started noticing that Latino-owned businesses were disappearing. They blamed raising rents. Then the other eloteros moved on too. They didnt see a market here anymore, and they went to other places, he said. Mi raza, mis paisanos, they had to leave for a new cycle of life, and Americans arrived, taking their spots. Customers wait in a line wrapping around the Forever 21 on Figueroa, taking photographs with Andres Santos as he prepared the esquites. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Santos tried to keep up with the changes. He shifted his hours, ending his days at 10 p.m. as nightlife boomed. He briefly attempted a new system that allowed him to take credit card payments. He made social media accounts. Nothing seemed to help. He relied on an increasingly small number of loyal, mostly Latino customers for his earnings of about $180 a night, just enough to afford his $850-a-month apartment. And then there were the street vending bans. Around 2008, Santos found himself targeted by a nearby business owner who reported him to Los Angeles authorities. Police officers, who had never bothered him before, arrested him, and he spent two nights in jail. After that, he stopped selling corn for a while. It was something that was traumatic, because in my whole life, I had never been in that situation, he said. I felt very bad. Depressed, humiliated." But eventually, he returned to Avenue 57 and Figueroa. In the years since, L.A. has come to view street vending in a different way. In 2018, it was officially legalized after years of contentious debate. Andres Santos in his apartment in Los Angeles. Now, he's returning to Mexico to start over. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Four years ago, Santos separated from his daughters mother, and he received an unexpected Facebook friend request from a long-ago love, his college girlfriend, Norma. They had dated three decades ago, but he had put his work first and they both moved on. They rekindled their romance from afar. Norma visited him every few months, but he could never risk traveling to see her in Mexico because he was living in the country illegally. I did feel weird, he said. After 33 years, can you imagine, to see someone who you tried with and was your girlfriend? But it was nice. They plan to marry within a few months. Andres Santos and his girlfriend, Norma, at a college graduation celebration. (Andres Santos) The night before his last day selling in Highland Park, Santos who usually prepped 150 to 180 ears of corn a day prepared about 400. A Facebook post announcing his plans to leave had gone viral, and he ran out of corn that night, leaving a long line of customers without food. He didnt want to disappoint them again, so he woke that last day at 4 a.m., this time prepping nearly 600 ears of corn to make esquites, his hands moving swiftly, chopping the ends of each ear of corn before undressing it and brushing it clean. He took a break only to get his hair cut. I have to look presentable, he said. That evening, within minutes of arriving at an Avenue 57 parking lot with his daughter, Andrea Santos, he was surrounded by customers. In foam cups, he plopped three scoops of corn kernels in broth and added mayo, a splash of butter, four spoonfuls of cotija cheese, a dash of chili and a squirt of lime juice. Andrea worked in unison, preparing plastic bags, utensils and cups and taking customers cash. All the while, Santos was showered in compliments, well wishes and honks from the road. A representative for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcettis office handed him a commendation, embossed with the citys seal: "Thank you for providing the Highland Park community with delicious elotes for 23 years. We wish you all the best in the new chapter of your life." There were selfies and hugs. TV cameras rolled and fans chanted, Four more years! Four more years! Sofia Borges and Lawrence Sanchez of Highland Park eat their esquites, corn removed from the cob and prepared with butter, mayonnaise, cheese and hot sauce. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) It makes me sad that youre leaving, said Jorge Quezada, a Highland Park resident. He asked Santos about his secret recipe, to which Santos replied: epazote and chicken broth powder. On the crowded sidewalk, people squeezed by to get past Santos line. Some slowed their step to take a peek at Santos cart, curious about what could possibly be drawing such a large crowd. Is this new? one woman asked before walking away. It must be good, said a man dressed in a crisp white shirt. He walked off too. Its funny, while I was standing in line, you see all these hipsters walking by, Quezada said, clutching a bag of esquites. Kind of snooty, kind of like looking down a bit, like, Why are they buying food from the street? A neighborhood like this, you have to share, he added. I dont think the hipsters are there yet. For them to see so many Latinos, its impeding on their world. Daisy Orozco-Meeker, 28, had been standing in line but was hearing whispers that Santos had run out already. With her friends holding her place, she went to the front of the line to find out if it was true and to leave a tip in case she couldnt buy anything. She also figured she could ask him what cheese he used, because she had always wondered. He just turned around and he gave it to me, said Orozco-Meeker, who has been eating Santos esquites since she was a child. Before leaving, she and her friends found a Sharpie and asked him to sign the bag. When he realized she wanted his autograph, Santos grinned. Andres Santos hugs longtime customer Laura Montiel. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Im going to save this, Orozco-Meeker said, and Im going to frame it. After Santos ran out of food with people still in line many stayed to thank him, hug him, shake his hand. Cars stopped by the curb, asking if they could still order. Youre too late, he told them apologetically. For a moment, realizing what one viral moment did for his business, Santos entertained the idea of staying. Maybe if he did things a little differently and took advantage of social media, all his nights could look like this. Maybe, he thought, it could work. But then he thought of Norma. He laughed. No, that woman would hang me, he said. I cant do this to her again. The Chernobyl Disaster was a nuclear reactor accident that occured in 1986. The reactor itself contained a faulty design, and the operating staff were also undertrained. The result was a series of major faults that led to a steam explosion which spilled radioactivity throughout this area of the Ukraine. The Chernobyl Disaster is considered the worst nuclear disaster in history in terms of both casualties and financial damages. Contents: The Disaster Nuclear Reactors are complex and potentially highly dangerous. As such, strict safety precautions exist in order to ensure the safety of the crew and surrounding areas. Unfortunately in the case of Cheronbyl, several factors - including inexperienced workers, a fault in the safety measures themselves, and an attempt to underplay the incident - lead to a series of events that created this nuclear disaster. The Initial Safety Test Barbed wire fence and radioactive sign on the nuclear chemical power plant's field in Chernobyl. First, a safety test was run on one of the major reactors which simulated an electrical power outage. This was intended to provide training for ensuring reactor cooling occurred despite the outage in the interim between the shut down and the back up generator kicking in. This test had been run previously, but despite the simulations, no solution was found to bridge this power gap and maintain reactor cooling. In essence, the previous tests had failed. This issue was exacerbated by the fact that this test was delayed on the day, and therefore the workers on shift when the test did run were unprepared and ill trained to deal with this scenario. When the reactor power was reduced, as planned, power dropped much lower than anticipated, reaching almost zero. When the operators attempted to restore power, only some returned, meaning the reactor was then left in an extremely unstable condition, a risk which was not explained to the operators, and therefore went unacknowledged. Because they were unaware of how unstable the reactor was, the operators continued with the electrical test as planned. Once the electrical test was finished, the reactor was put into shutdown mode. Due to the unstable nature of the reactor at the time, this shutdown triggered a nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear Chain Reaction A group of visitors in the Control Room of the Reactor number 2 in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Once the nuclear reaction was triggered, there was very little that could be done to stop the inevitable tragedy. Initially, a huge burst of energy was released, followed by two successive explosions. This first explosion was a steam explosion caused by the overheating of the water usually used to cool the reactor, which broke open the reactor core. A second explosion followed immediately after the first, and led to the collapse of the building which housed the reactor. There was then an open-air reactor core fire, which is what released the airborne radioactivity. First Casualties Two plant workers died due to these explosions, and were the first casualties of the event. Radioactivity: Following the fire and the reactor leak, 134 staff members from the plant and emergency crews were taken to hospitals due to their exposure to acute radiation. There were 28 recorded deaths of these individuals within the days and weeks following the disaster. The next few years saw another 14 workers die from suspected radiation-induced cancer. Radiation Levels At The Reactor Site Radiation is so dangerous because it is not only highly toxic, but it lasts and remains in a given area for such a long time. After the explosion, radiation levels in the area were extremely high, and remain a danger still. Ionizing radiation levels at the reactor explosion site were measured at approximately 5.6 roentgens per second, which equals 20,000 roentgens per hour. When calculating lethal versus safe radiation levels, 500 roentgens over the span of five hours is considered to be a deadly exposure level, meaning the rate of 20,000 was well beyond a lethal dosage, and killed several crew members immediately. Abandoned gas masks used during the nuclear disaster in Pripyat. In the case of the Chernobyl disaster, crew members were sent in to contain and clean up the explosion under the assumption that the reactor itself was intact. It is thought that this was mainly due to the fact that radiation readings were so high, the tracking devices could not properly register the roentgens, leading to a false sense of safety. Unfortunately, like with so many aspects of this disaster, when a second reading was taken, reactor workers assumed the readings must be inaccurate, and thus unprotected work continued. As a result, almost all of the crew died within a few weeks of radiation poisoning Evacuation And Death Aerial view of the Chernobyl Disaster Exclusion Zone - The abandoned city of Pripyat near Chernobyl, Ukraine. Because the danger was so underestimated, and the reactor crew members did not believe the reactor itself to be damaged, evacuations were not immediately called for. Within a few hours of the explosion, however, residents of the nearby city of Pripyat were falling ill with severe headaches, violent coughing fits and vomiting. Others indicated a metallic taste in the mouth, indicative to radiation exposure. The reactor itself was located in the Ukraine, but it was run by authorities in Moscow. This caused further complications as the appropriate channels were not notified of the incident in a timely manner, and Ukraine officials were not initially made aware of the potential danger. An abandoned classroom in a school in Pripyat, Ukraine. It took nearly 36 hours from the time of the explosion for the city to be evacuated. By then, over 50 people had been hospitalized for radiation exposure. Initially, the evacuation notice was only for the closest city of Pripyat, which was home to roughly 53,000 people. The citizens were told they would only need to vacate for three days which meant that most residents took only essentials with them, and left much of their possessions behind. Now, over 35 years later, homes remain much as they were left, with family possessions and memories left behind, awaiting a safe return that never came. The following day, evacuation zones were extended to include a 6.2 mile or 10 kilometer radius from the reactor site. This was then further extended by the tenth day post incident to reach a 30 kilometer, or 19 mile area. This evacuated area is now known as The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone. Aftermath Of The Disaster Cleanup Monument in the Park of Chernobyl Heroes in Tver, Russia, dedicated to the hundreds of volunteer who helped with the cleanup after the disaster. Editorial credit: Niccolo Bertoldi / Shutterstock.com The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone is still in effect as of 2021, with no plans to resettle the area. While it is safe to enter the area with protective suits, levels are still high enough that long term exposure remains dangerous. Within the first year of the explosion, some 135,000 residents were permanently evacuated, and the next 15 years saw 350,000 individuals resettled. Because the reactor had exploded, there was a great deal of highly radioactive debris that needed to be cleared from the site. Initially, robots were sent in to clear the area, but the high levels of radiation caused continual electronic failure, and this approach was abandoned. Instead, human workers took shifts intended to be no more than 90 seconds long. These workers physically moved the debris from the roof of the reactor. Safety measures outlined that these workers should only enter the area once, so as to limit radiation exposure, but records indicate some workers performed this task multiple times. Enclosing The Reactor Tourists at the site of the nuclear reactor that caused the disaster in Chernobyl. After the debris was cleared, a sarcophagus was constructed out of composite steel and concrete in order to contain the radioactive material and the remnants of the reactor. This process was dangerous and difficult, as workers safety had to be ensured during this process. Unfortunately, the level of protection and information given to many of these works was not sufficient, and most were exposed to extremely dangerous levels of radiation over time. It is estimated that more than 400 times more radioactive material was released from Chernobyl than the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. This affected roughly 100,000 square kilometres (39,000 sq mi) of land. Fallout reached large areas of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, while air and precipitation born radioactive particles were found in other areas of Europe, most notably in Sweden. Swedens detection of the radioactive particles was in large part what triggered the extended evacuations, and the governments public acknowledgment of the incident, which up until that point had been downplayed. Human Impact Tourists visiting the Chernobyl site waiting in front of the souvenir shop before the tour begins in Pripyat, Ukraine. Editorial credit: Daniele Aloisi / Shutterstock.com 35 years after the disaster, the area around the plant is still unsafe to visit except in very short periods. It is estimated that the area surrounding the reactor will remain uninhabitable for some 20,000 years. Exposure to extreme levels of radiation is most strongly associated with acute radiation syndrome as well as cancer. In the years following the disaster, there have been approximately 5,000 cases of thyroid cancer, resulting in 15 known deaths, and it is thought that some 6,000 children and teens developed thyroid cancer following radiation exposure. Chernobyl related statistics have been much debated and challenged, however, so it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how many individuals were affected by radiation, from fallout to unsafe working conditions and delayed evacuations. Effects On The Environment Wolves in Chernobyl radioactivity region running among abandoned hoses. Like with humans, radiation has a strong and negative impact on the environment. Directly after the incident, four square miles of forest turned red-brown, and trees died out, due to absorption of high levels of radiation. Over time, though, these forests have grown back, and most plant life seems generally unaffected today. In animals, like with humans, thyroid cancer became extremely prevalent and killed off large quantities of livestock as well as wild animals. The first generation of young following the exposure usually had extreme birth defects, or did not survive. Cataracts and albinism were also common. Fish in surrounding waterways and runoff areas were highly contaminated, and were above the estimated safe levels for consumption. Giant catfish in the cooling pond of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. However, despite the initial harsh impact on the flora and fauna post explosion, wildlife in the surrounding area has actually seen a resurgence. In many cases, species which have been declining in population elsewhere in Russia and Europe have flourished due to the absence of human life in the exclusion zone. While the area will remain dangerous to humans for many thousands of years to come, nature has found a way to reclaim the city in the wake of a widely destructive human made disaster. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (TSX: EDR, NYSE: EXK) advises that it has implemented plans to minimize the risks of the COVID-19 virus, both to employees and to the business. To date, there have been no known or suspected cases of COVID-19 reported at any of the Companys work places in Canada, Mexico and Chile. At each site, Endeavour is following government health protocols and is closely monitoring the situation with local health authorities. The Company has posted health advisories to educate employees about the COVID-19 symptoms, best practices to avoid catching the virus, and procedures to follow if symptoms are experienced. Bradford Cooke, Endeavour CEO, commented, During these turbulent times, we are fully committed to reducing the health risk to our employees and any potential disruptions to our business. We will continue to work proactively to protect the health of our employees, local stakeholders and our communities as we navigate the current situation. Endeavour has initiated the following health and business precautions: Encouraging social distancing (minimum 2 meters) and minimizing interpersonal contacts where possible Encouraging regular and thorough hand cleansing Cancelled all non-essential travel in favour of video conferencing At the head office, working from home until further notice At the operations, extra cleaning in common and food service areas At the operations, all workers will be screened for temperature on arrival at the gates Any employees experiencing symptoms and or a temperature of +38*C are immediately sent home to self quarantine and report to the health authority Back-up plans have been created for certain key jobs to ensure continuity of work Educating contractors and suppliers similar to employees Back-up plans if a contractor or supplier cannot perform their duties Increasing critical supplies and spare parts inventories to minimum three months Story continues There have been no business restrictions to date in Mexico and no disruptions to either metal sales or supply chains for the Companys operations. Terronera Prefeasibility Study The Company also announces that it has received an economic summary of the updated pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Terronera silver-gold mine project in Jalisco, Mexico. Significant changes were made to the operations plan, capital and operating costs compared to the previous PFS and as a result, although still positive, the new PFS returned less robust economics compared to the prior PFS. Endeavours new Director of Project Development is conducting a complete review of both studies in order to assess all assumptions and optimize the project design and economics for an internal updated prefeasibility study prior to proceeding to a full independent feasibility study. Endeavour plans to provide a further update of the Terronera Project within the next three months. Bradford Cooke, Endeavour CEO, commented further, The Terronera Project has the potential to become our largest, lowest cost, and longest life mine. Were disappointed the latest draft PFS economics differ from the prior PFS economics. As a result, we have decided to reconceptualize the project using our inhouse expertise so that Terronera can become a model for our future mines. About Endeavour Silver Endeavour Silver Corp. is a mid-tier precious metals mining company that owns and operates three high-grade, underground, silver-gold mines in Mexico. Endeavour is currently advancing the Terronera mine project towards a development decision and exploring its portfolio of exploration and development projects in Mexico and Chile to facilitate its goal to become a premier senior silver producer. Our philosophy of corporate social integrity creates value for all stakeholders. SOURCE Endeavour Silver Corp. Contact Information Galina Meleger, Director Investor Relations Toll free: (877) 685-9775 Tel: (604) 640-4804 Email: gmeleger@edrsilver.com Website: www.edrsilver.com Follow Endeavour Silver on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forwardlooking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding Endeavours anticipated performance in 2020, including production forecasts, cost estimates and metal price estimates, and the timing and results of mine expansion and development and receipt of various permits. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Endeavour and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and Mexico; operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining; metal prices; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Companys title to properties; as well as those factors described in the section risk factors contained in the Companys most recent form 40F/Annual Information Form filed with the S.E.C. and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to: the continued operation of the Companys mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, mining operations will operate and the mining products will be completed in accordance with managements expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. A composite image of me waiting in a very quiet Stansted Airport, and the empty security area. Sinead Baker I flew from London to Dublin on Monday night, and it was a truly eerie experience. London's Stansted Airport was almost entirely deserted, and I had never seen a flight so empty. I flew one day before the UK government advised against non-essential travel abroad, but the impact that the coronavirus was having on European travel was already stark. Only one security line was open, many flights were canceled, and most shops were closed. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The novel coronavirus has created a nightmare for the airline industry, as reduced travel demand and countries shutting their borders means dramatically fewer passengers on flights. I live in London, but decided to fly back to Ireland, where I am from, on Monday night to be with my family in light of the coronavirus. I live alone in London and, with Business Insider's office closed and virtually everyone working from home, I faced the prospect of no human contact for an unknown amount of time. I had been self-isolating for a week before traveling, and booked my flight and flew before the UK issued guidance on travel abroad. I will also not be leaving the house in Ireland, and am distancing myself from my family in the house. I flew from London's Stansted Airport, which was almost entirely deserted, and my flight was the emptiest one I'd ever been on. My experience isn't unusual: So few people are flying and so many flights have been canceled, major airlines on the European continent have been issuing warnings about their future. UK airports have warned that they could close within weeks without government intervention. Here's what my experience was like. I flew from London, where I live and work for Business Insider, to Ireland, where I am from and where my parents live. London Liverpool Street Sinead Baker I chose a late flight at 10 p.m. so I could work a full day and also avoid rush-hour crowds. London's Liverpool Street Station, where I took a train to the airport, was still pretty busy when I arrived at 7 p.m., but less so than normal. Story continues London Liverpool Street Sinead Baker My train was also pretty empty, making it easy to keep my distance from other people. London's Stansted Airport looked much more different. Stansted one of the UK's busiest airports was practically deserted when I arrived. There were almost no passengers or airline staff to be seen. Stansted Coronavirus Sinead Baker My flight was with Ryanair, one of the world's biggest airlines. But they only had a few desks open, and there was almost no one using them. Ryanair coronavirus Sinead Baker The entire departures and security area looked closed, which caused me a second of panic. But it turned out they had only opened one small section of the entrance. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker Only one security scanner was open in the entire airport. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker There wasn't even much of a queue for it: I pretty much got put my bag on the conveyor belt immediately, and no one was queuing behind me. standsted coronavirus Sinead Baker The flight information display system showed a few flights out that night, but many were cancelled. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker The canceled flights were all to Marrakesh, Morocco. Morocco announced it was banning all international passenger flights to and from the country from Sunday onwards, and was operating some "exceptional" flights to take citizens home on Monday. The duty free section was practically empty, and I saw far more airport staff members then I did other travellers. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker Many shops had closed completely for the night. It's not unusual for some shops to close up later in the evening, but there were fewer open than I had ever seen at this time. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker The shops that were open weren't exactly heaving with visitors, either. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker The airport's main seating area was also pretty empty, with those who were there sitting far away from each other. stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker Strangers obviously tend to sit quite far from each other anyway, and I didn't see people taking any other visible precautions, like using sanitizer or going to the bathroom to wash their hands. The airport's biggest screen, which usually shows flight information, was turned off completely. Stansted coronavirus Sinead Baker While it was obviously nice to have no crowding and queues in the airport, the emptiness made the public-health crisis seem much more immediate and stressful. That might have been a good thing, though, helping to ensure that everyone remained careful. Sinead Airport Coronavirus Sinead Baker And yes, I later realized that I was touching my face in this picture which is advised against by health authorities. I washed my hands multiple time during the journey, and used hand sanitizer as well. I didn't wear a mask, though. The CDC does not recommended that healthy people wear them, and to keep them on shop shelves for healthcare professionals, those who are unwell, and those caring for other people. I had checked in a suitcase so all of my liquids were in there except for my small bottle of hand sanitizer for the journey. Sinead coronavirus Sinead Baker My flight wasn't totally empty, but most passengers had entire rows to themselves, and some rows were empty. It was the emptiest I've ever seen this route, which I fly multiple times a year. ryanair coronavirus Sinead Baker The flight crew did not make any reference to the coronavirus, but I noticed the flight attendants wore gloves and collected garbage more often than they usually do. Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, I found no lines at passport control though I have almost never seen them during my late-night journeys home. dublin airport coronavirus Sinead Baker I did, however, notice extra public-health posters and airport workers giving out leaflets and talking to travelers. There were more signs at Dublin than at Stansted. dublin airport coronavirus Sinead Baker Many people I spoke to had similar experiences flying. This is what it was like on an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Edinburgh, Scotland, on Monday evening. Aer Lingus coronavirus Courtesy of Kelly Horn And this it what it was like in London's Gatwick Airport, the UK's second-busiest airport, on Monday evening. Gatwick Airport Courtesy of Kathleen McNamee Now that I am home, I can stay inside the house and keep my distance from my parents. This photo, taken by my dad, shows how close they are willing to get to me right now. Greystones Sean Baker (And yes, I see that I'm touching my face again but I promise I didn't touch my eyes, nose, or mouth!) What the airline industry will do next is not quite clear. Most airlines could be facing bankruptcy, airports in the US and UK are worried about their future, and a huge proportion of flights have been canceled. Dublin airport coronavirus Sinead Baker One influential aviation consulting firm has warned that most of the world's airlines could be bankrupt within two months. US airlines are seeking at least $54 billion from the government to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus, and many airlines are canceling most of their flights. Ryanair, which I flew on, said it could end up grounding its entire fleet. Airports in the US and UK also say they urgently need government help. Read the original article on Business Insider A day after the first positive case of coronavirus was reported in Chandigarh, Panjab University banned entry of outsiders in hostels on its campus on Thursday. The decision was taken in a meeting of a committee chaired by dean students welfare (DSW) Emanual Nahar, which also comprised hostel wardens. Hostel residents have been directed to carry their identity cards at all times. All shops in the hostels have been closed. This comes days after PU restricted the entry of guests and food delivery executives into hostels. The varsity is aware of the current situation. We cannot make compromises and have to take all necessary steps for safety of students and others, Nahar said. It was decided in the meeting that all canteens in hostels will be closed. Employees working in canteens or messes that are closed are not allowed to stay in hostels. Those coming in for duty have been directed to carry identity cards. Moreover, raw salad, vegetables and curt fruits will not be provided to hostel residents. Health check-ups will be conducted by the university health centre and if required, cloth masks will be provided to hostel residents. The order to extend statewide school closures until the end of April could force many parents to stay home from work to care for their children. In response, Oregon Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle took temporary action so parents forced to take time off due to the coronavirus pandemic are protected by the Oregon Family Leave Act. The protections will last through Sept. 13, according to the emergency order implemented Wednesday. No parent should lose their job because of this statewide school closure, Hoyle said. This rule provides clarity to workers and employers during this uncertain period. Although the act protects parents from being penalized for missing work, it does not compensate them for the work hours they miss. According to the temporary order, workers can use any accrued paid time they have. Any Oregonian who works for an employer with more than 25 workers is eligible for the Oregon Family Leave Act, said the Bureau of Labor and Industries, which Hoyle leades. The temporary action comes one day after Gov. Kate Brown ordered all Oregon schools to remain closed through April 28 to slow the spread of coronavirus. Just days before, she had ordered schools to be closed until March 31. The closures are among many drastic measures taken by the governor, as well as other state and local officials. As of Wednesday there were 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oregon. Health officials say thousands more are likely. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A local resident wears a protective face mask on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. George Osodi | Bloomberg | Getty Images Trade disruptions, debt vulnerabilities and a limited scope for monetary policy maneuvers threaten a slew of African economies as the coronavirus pandemic arrives on the continent. The global demand shock and supply chain disruption arising from shutdowns around the world, combined with an oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, threaten to hit frontier and emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa much harder than their major European and Asian counterparts. This is due primarily to "import dependence and weak substitution of input materials, single commodity dependence and labour skills concentration, overstretched debt metrics and limited fiscal capacity, a large immuno-compromised population and weak health infrastructure," according to Irmgard Erasmus, senior financial economist at NKC African Economics. The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) warned last week that the coronavirus crisis posed a serious threat to the continent's already stagnant growth. Oil-exporting nations in particular could lose up to $65 billion in revenues this as crude prices continue to tumble, according to ECA Executive Director Vera Songwe. Speaking at a press conference in Addis Ababa on Friday, Songwe suggested that African nations would require $10.6 billion in unanticipated increases in health spending to curtail the spread of the virus, while on the other hand, revenue losses could lead to unsustainable debt. While risk assets around the world have begun repricing with a vengeance over the past few weeks, uncertainty over the effectiveness of government responses could mean further pain befalls sovereign credit. NKC's terms-of-trade shock vulnerability index indicates that Angola, Gabon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tunisia, Zambia, and Kenya are most prone to debt distress in the event of a prolonged shock, as looks likely to unfold in the case of the coronavirus pandemic. Arrival of COVID-19 South Africa this week declared a national "state of disaster" with cases now at 116 and the economy already in a technical recession, while the poor Sahel state of Burkina Faso reported the subcontinent's first death on Wednesday. The country's main opposition party, the Union for Progress and Reform, issued a statement revealing that the victim was lawmaker Rose-Marie Compaore, the second vice president of the national assembly. Cases have also been confirmed in Eswatini, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea, Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania. NAIROBI, KENYA - 2020/03/18: Commuters make their way into the Nairobi Train Station as a security personnel stands on guard while wearing a face mask as a preventive measure against COVID-19. Kenya has so far recorded seven case of Coronavirus. Dennis Sigwe/SOPA Images On a continent where the majority of countries have fewer than 10 hospital beds per 10,000 people, there are serious concerns about capacity to contain the outbreak if it begins the exponential growth curve seen in Europe and the U.S. of late. A host of African nations, particularly those badly affected by the Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016, have already announced border closures and stringent travel restrictions in a bid to nip the virus in the bud, despite case numbers so far remaining comparatively low. Tweet 1 However, the situation could escalate rapidly if coordinated early containment measures are not successful across the continent, and CSIS Africa Director Judd Devermont highlighted in a tweet Thursday that political parties in Nigeria and Malawi are still holding public mass rallies, despite World Health Organization (WHO) warnings. Fiscal vulnerability NKC's fiscal vulnerability index takes into account health-care infrastructure, the potential of labor supply and mobility disruption due to internal or external quarantine measures (which may threaten the viability of operations), the structure of the debt burden and systemic risk vulnerabilities of the domestic banking sector. "Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, Senegal, and Angola scored poorly in terms of access to healthcare, while Angola in particular was penalized in terms of health expenditure," Erasmus explained. "In addition, the population burden has been taken into account, punishing Ethiopia and Nigeria in particular, and Egypt to a lesser extent. In terms of debt falling due within a one-year period and the overall debt burden, Egypt, Zambia, Ghana, Tunisia, Angola, and Morocco received the worst scores." Lesetja Kganyago, governor of South Africa's central bank, speaks during a news conference following a Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Waldo Swiegers | Bloomberg | Getty Images 19.03.2020 LISTEN President Akufo-Addo, has admonished Ghanaians to seek the intervention of God, in the wake of the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country, whilst observing, at the same time, the enhanced measures announced by government in dealing with the menace. At a prayer breakfast meeting held at Jubilee House, the seat of the nation's presidency, on Thursday, 19th March 2020, President Akufo-Addo expressed his belief that Ghanaians, with their abiding faith in God, will overcome the Coronavirus pandemic, adding that this, too, will pass. With nine (9) confirmed cases of infections, the President told the clergy gathered that the rapid spread of the disease across the world has led Government to institute a number of measures to help ensure that the nation is adequately prepared to combat the spread of the pandemic. These measures included the suspension of all public gatherings, such as funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, and the closing down of all Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools. Prior to announcing this decision, I informed many of you around this table, and I was encouraged by the words of support offered. The aftermath of the announcement also saw a positive, overwhelming acceptance of the measures from all and sundry, including those I could not inform because of the exigencies of time. With the exception of that one incident, yesterday, in North Suntreso, in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, these measures have been adhered to, he said. The President continued, So, on behalf of Government and the people of Ghana, I want to put on record my deep appreciation to you and the entire Christian community across the country for this gesture of solidarity. I am hopeful that the State and the Church will continually find ways to collaborate for the good of Mother Ghana and for the improved welfare of the citizenry. He also put on record his equally deep appreciation of the support offered by the Muslim Clergy, led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the nation's political leaders, traditional authorities, great and small, and opinion leaders, for the measures taken by Government. Whilst outlining the measures put in place by Government to deal with the pandemic, such as the suspension of all public gatherings, including those at night clubs, President Akufo-Addo stressed that as a Christian, a devout one at that, I know of the healing power and saving Grace of the Maker of Heaven and Earth, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, because in Him we live, move and have our being. Quoting the words of Holy Scripture to buttress his statement, in Proverbs 9:10, which says those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You, the President, again, quoted from II Chronicles 7:14, which says if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Reiterating his conviction that 'these are not ordinary times', he noted that in such times, a country whose population is predominantly Christian, must seek the face of the One True God for healing and restoration. So, I, humbly, called you to this prayer meeting for us to join together and pray to Almighty God to protect our nation, heal this land and save us from this pandemic. The President was confident that this morning's prayer, which will be offered in faith, will heal our nation, and will help raise Ghana up. ---citinewsroom Finance Minister Scott Fielding is expected to finally introduce his budget on Thursday more than a week later than he had planned. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/3/2020 (664 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Finance Minister Scott Fielding is expected to finally introduce his budget on Thursday more than a week later than he had planned. The NDP stalled the operations of the legislature for a fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, raising matters of privilege and challenging rulings by the Speaker in a bid to prevent the government from introducing bills. Fielding was set to introduce his budget on March 11, but the NDP blocked it with procedural manoeuvres. NDP Leader Wab Kinew said his party was not targeting the budget so much as some of the approximately 20 bills the government intended to introduce on the same day. He contended the bills would hurt workers, students, schools and families. Under the rules of the Manitoba legislature, bills not introduced by March 18 are not assured of passage by June 1, when the legislature is scheduled to break for the summer. The rules also allow the Opposition to designate five bills of their choice to be held over till the fall. Government house leader Kelvin Goertzen said Wednesday the government intended to introduce the budget on Thursday if it couldn't that day. In an interview Wednesday, Kinew said the Opposition would not stand in the government's way. "We were just trying to hold those bills long enough so Manitobans had a good opportunity to review them" once concern about the pandemic has subsided, he said. Kinew said he hoped the government has used the last week to make adjustments to the budget to deal properly with the coronavirus emergency. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Manitobans will be looking for greater health funding as well as measures to provide them with more financial security, he said. Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont called on the government to announce what investments it will make in health and emergency support for workers and businesses. He said the budget the Progressive Conservatives were about to introduce last week is "effectively obsolete" at this point. While Ottawa announced a support package on Wednesday, the feds cannot go it alone, and the province must do its part, Lamont said, "There are a ton of small businesses and workers... who need to know what's going to happen, and that's not happening right now," he said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca In early trade today, Rupee plunged 70 paise to 74.96 against the US dollar as investors fretted over the sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country and its impact on the economy. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) At 475, Italy Records Highest Coronavirus Death Toll In A Day But 4,000 Have Fully Recovered Agency The coronavirus outbreak is currently the deadliest in Italy where 475 people died in a day due to the novel virus. There are a total of 35,713 confirmed cases in the country, with more than 4,000 having successfully recovered. Read more 2) Coronavirus Will Harm Global Economy Too As It Will Leave Over 25 Million People Jobless BCCL Even as the stock markets crashed and global economy is predicted to tank, a new study by United Nations said the COVID-19 pandemic will significantly increase global unemployment, leaving up to 25 million more people out of work, and will dramatically slash workers' incomes. Read more 3) Risking Others! WB's 1st Covid-19 Patient Used Bureaucrat Mom's Influence To Avoid Isolation BCCL It seems like Indians are yet to realize the magnitude of the coronavirus crisis. Somehow a large section of the population is still convinced that it is not going to affect them. So, they lie about their travel history, ignore warnings and will use their influence to avoid mandatory home isolation. Read more 4) New Rule Will See Travellers Undergo Thermal Screening On Emerging From Aerobridges At Airport AFP To tackle the coronavirus pandemic, India has effectively put plenty of restrictions on travel. Now the new government order will see travellers coming from coronavirus-affected countries go through thermal screening at IGI airport. Read more 5) If Your Office Doesn't Let You Work From Home Amid Coronavirus Scare, Here's What You Should Do BCCL A majority of offices have asked employees to work from home. After all, safety comes first right? Travelling exposes the risk of infection or infecting others and of course being if office makes it risky for everybody. Read more Recently in Syria, a UAV overhead captured a truly unusual encounter between a Syrian army T-72 tank and a Turkish ACV-15 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) based on the American M-113 tracked vehicle. The incident occurred near the contested town of Naryad on February 20th as Turkish forces clashed with Syrian troops in northeastern Syria (Idlib province). The one minute UAV video showed a lone Syrian tank firing shells at some distant buildings. Down the road, behind the T-72, comes the ACV-15, also alone and probably acting as a scout for a larger force advancing to drive the Syrians out of Naryad. The semi-desert area is wide open and, if anyone in the T-72 had been standing up in the turret hatch as a lookout, this bizarre incident would never have occurred as it did. The T-72 weighs about three times as much as the ACV-15 and is armed with a 125mm gun (with a 7.62mm machine-gun adjacent) and a 12.7mm machine-gun on the turret. The ACV-15 only has a 12.7mm machine-gun. With that in mind the Turk ACV-15 speeds in front of the T-72 to get its attention and the T-72 begins moving and turning its turret and 125mm gun around to get a shot at the APC. But the APC gets behind the T-72 which is now gaining more speed to get away from ACV-15 so it can use its 125mm gun. None of the tank crew open the turret hatch to man the 12.7mm machine-gun while the APC has at least one guy standing up manning the machine-gun and apparently shouting instructions to the driver. The APC rams the tank in the side as the turret swings around and this collision may have damaged the gun or the turret because at that point the T-72 speeds off down the road while the APC moves quickly in the opposite direction. This incident explains a lot about what is going on in Syria at the moment. While the Syrian Army has been on the offensive for several years now, it has relied on Iranian (mainly Shia Afghans) and Russian (contractor) mercenaries along with some Russian army special operations troops to carry out the most difficult ground combat tasks. Russia also supplies lots of air support and heavy artillery while the Syrian army now has a rebuilt (by Russia) air force and artillery to also supply firepower. Syrian troops have been fighting for nine years and most of the remaining veterans have moved over to artillery and support units or local defense forces plus training new recruits. There are few new recruits and they are not enthusiastic. Apparently the crew of the T-72 was inexperienced because any well-trained tank crew would have had the commander with his head and shoulders out of the turret observing and supervising the operations of a lone tank. But that 125mm gun is loud and the tank commander stayed inside the tank because he thought he could get away with it. The tank commander may have panicked as well as the Turk APC outmaneuvered and rammed his tank. Since the APC was apparently not armed with ATGM (anti-tank-guided missiles) it was safe for the tank to just run away. While the APC was Turkish the crew was not. Most of the Turkish APCs at the time of this incident were used by Turkish mercenaries belonging to the FSA (Free Syrian Army). These mercenaries are well trained and pretty confident after several years of battlefield success. The FSA was one of the few secular (non-Islamic terrorist) rebel groups and was initially (since 2011) supported by the U.S. and Turkey with training bases in Turkey and Jordan. The FSA were vastly outnumbered by Islamic terrorist, especially ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) rebel groups. The U.S. eventually halted support for the FSA operating out of Jordan. Turkey took over the ones in the north and imposed more discipline and higher training (by Turkish instructors) standards. The Turks also put their 10,000 of so FSA men on the payroll and provided sanctuary and eventual Turkish citizenship for families in Turkey. Until 2020 most of the Turkish troops in northern Syria were FSA, not actual Turkish army forces. The FSA were supplied with Turkish army weapons, vehicles and uniforms with insignia indicating they were FSA, not regular Turkish army. By 2018 the FSA were well-trained veterans and the Turks used them as they would Turk soldiers. The FSA took most of the Turkish casualties in Syria but the wounded were well cared for while the families of the dead received death benefits and were allowed to remain in Turkey. That was enough compensation to keep the FAS going. FSA personnel were Sunni Syrian Arabs and marked for death by the Shia Assads and their Iranian patrons. To make the February 20 incident even more bizarre the UAV taking the video was not Turkish but a quadcopter operated by pro-Turk HTS (an al Qaeda affiliate) Islamic terrorists in Idlib. The current (since 2000) Turkish government is Islamic in outlook and inclined to tolerate or support some Islamic terrorist groups and most of the Islamic terrorists trapped in Idlib, often with their families. Those would like to take refuge in Turkey but the Turks are not that Islamic and wants the Syrian government, the UN or someone to take care of these last remaining Syrian Islamic terrorists without just murdering most of them. That is the method the Russians, Iranians and Syrian government favor. The current fighting in Idlib is about the Syrian government trying to force the issue and the APC versus T-72 incident was part of that. The HTS will cooperate with the FSA and Turks out of self-interest and it was the HTS that distributed the APC versus T-72 video. Tulsi Gabbard announced Thursday that she was suspending her presidential campaign and would support Joe Biden - leaving just Biden and Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic race. 'After Tuesday's election it's clear that Democratic primary voters have chosen Vice President Joe Biden to be the person who will take on President Trump in the general election,' Gabbard said in a video posted to her Twitter account. Gabbard, a congresswoman from Hawaii, told supporters that she knew both Biden and his wife Jill 'and I'm grateful to have called his son, Beau, a friend, who also served in the national guard.' Tulsi Gabbard dropped out of the presidential race Thursday and said she'd support Joe Biden, who is far in the lead for the Democratic nomination Tulsi Gabbard said she knew both Joe and Jill Biden and had been friends with the late Beau Biden, the ex-vice president's son, pointing out they both served in the National Guard Bernie Sanders (left) and Joe Biden (right) are the only two remaining Democrats in the presidential race, but Biden's delegate lead means he's almost locked up the nomination 'Although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know he has a good heart and he's motivated by his love for our country and the American people,' she said. 'I'm confident that he will lead our country with the spirit of aloha - respect and compassion.' 'So today, I'm suspending my presidential candidate and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together,' Gabbard announced. Gabbard, who left a position at the Democratic National Committee in the 2016 cycle so she could openly campaign for Sanders, acknowledged the Vermont senator too. 'I want to extend my best wishes to my friends Sen. Bernie Sanders, his wife Jane, Nina Turner and their many supporters for the work that they've done,' she said. Turner is one of Sanders' top surrogates and is a former state senator from Ohio. 'I have such a great appreciation for Sen. Sanders' love for our country and the American people and his sincere desire to improve the lives of all Americans,' Gabbard added. Gabbard entered Congress in 2013, as the first Hindu woman to serve in the body and the first voting Samoan-American. She fought in the Iraq War as part of a Hawaii National Guard unit, making her the first female combat veteran to ever run for president. She was considered one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party, though became controversial with her decision to quit the DNC to back Sanders during the last presidential cycle. As a veteran, she said she supported him for his reluctance to go to war. Gabbard's decision to stay in the race was a perplexing one as she did little campaigning - though large billboards that said 'TULSI' were positioned through the early primary states. She amassed just two delegates - in comparison to Biden's 1,180 and Sanders' 885. Gabbard suggested it was the 'common enemy' of the coronavirus outbreak that inspired her to drop out. 'I feel that the best way to be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and well-being of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated,' she said. Sanders' mathematical path to the nomination was essentially snuffed out nine days ago when he lost Michigan to Biden - and now he's being asked when he plans to exit the race. On Wednesday, that didn't go over well with the Vermont senator who snapped at a reporter who had asked about his timeframe. 'I'm dealing with a f***ing global crisis!' Sanders said, when asked by CNN's Manu Raju about campaign plans, according to the reporter's tweets. Sanders had returned to Capitol Hill to vote on an economic package that had already passed in the House to help Americans combat the eonomic threat the coronavirus outbreak had brought on. 'Well right now, right now I'm trying to do my best to make sure that we don't have an economic meltdown and that people don't die,' Sanders said to Raju. 'Is that enough for you to keep me busy for today?' As in other countries, some people in Italy downplayed the seriousness of the coronavirus when it was first detected in the country. But after a major outbreak prompted the government to impose lockdown, all that has changed. Now, many Italians are taking to social media to warn the rest of the world to learn from their mistakes before it's too late. Italians from all backgrounds have urged others to stop underestimating a disease which is stretching northern Italy's healthcare system to the limit. "I want to warn you so that you don't face what we are facing here," Italian blogger Marco Cartasegna told his 386,500 followers on Instagram. "Please take advantage of our example and act now to prevent a huge crisis in your countries," he said. "Protect yourselves, I beg you. Don't listen to those who say it's not serious," Italian mother Linda Maresca wrote on Twiitter. While Italy has been battling the outbreak for nearly a month, and now has over 31,000 cases and more than 2,500 victims, other countries have only recently been forced into taking action. France and Spain have recently imposed lockdowns, while Belgium and Germany have ordered their citizens to stay at home, but others like Britain and the US have faced criticism for delaying anti-coronavirus measures. While Italy imposed a localised lockdown immediately after its first deaths, people outside of the "red zone" carried on going to bars and discos, eating meals at crowded restaurants, and hugging and kissing each other despite government advice telling them to limit social contact. As reality hit home, Italians watched in horror as some in other countries shrugged it off as "just a case of the flu" as some in Italy had done weeks earlier. "For other countries affected by COVID-19: Your hospitals won't hold. Your doctors will be exhausted," Twitter user Lylion wrote on Wednesday. The president of the European Commission admitted Wednesday that political leaders in the EU had "underestimated" the magnitude of the danger posed by the coronavirus. "My Italian friends and colleagues (who work abroad) agree", tweeted user David Giovinazzo, who was currently in Italy but said he worked at the EU's diplomatic service in Brussels. "Paradoxically, we feel safer in Italy at the moment," he said. Many of The Local's readers have also commented that they feel safer in Italy than they would back home in the UK or US. Top Italian health expert Nino Cartabellota told The Local in a recent interview that other countries should follow Italy's lead - immediately. The data shows that the majority of European countries are about to face a battle identical to the Italian one. The surge in cases in France, Germany and Spain follows the same trend as in Italy. It's just 7-8 days behind. The more promptly containment measures are implemented, the more effective they are, he added. "Considering this, it's necessary to act immediately, because tomorrow will already be late. Other European countries should learn from Italy's experience - and mistakes. Worried parents have been told government schools won't be providing their children with curriculum work or activities if they are kept at home without advice while the COVID-19 crisis rages. WA Australian Medical Association President Andrew Miller to reduce the school population. Credit:Michele Mossop Although the Department of Education does not keep daily attendance records across the state school system, estimates of how many students have been kept home by their parents range between 15 and 20 per cent of the school population. The number of absent students is expected to rise as confirmed cases of COVID-19 become widespread throughout the state. One school community was told parents "should remain alert, but not alarmed" by the unfolding crisis. A US military veteran imprisoned in Iran was freed Monday for medical reasons on condition that he stay in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Michael White has been transferred for medical examinations to the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Tehran in the absence of diplomatic relations, Pompeo said. "The United States will continue to work for Michael's full release as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran," Pompeo said. White, who spent 13 years in the US Navy, was arrested in July 2018 in the northeastern city of Mashhad while visiting a girlfriend he reportedly met online. He was sentenced the following year to at least 10 years in prison on charges he insulted Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and posted anti-regime remarks on social media under a pseudonym. Pompeo did not reveal the health issues but White has said that he suffered cancer and that Iranian doctors removed a melanoma from his back. Iran has been heavily hit by the global coronavirus pandemic, with a death toll of nearly 1,300. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kevin Nixon/Classic Rock Magazine/Future via Getty ImagesFounding Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway and his wife, Cindy, are visiting Liverpool, U.K., this week, and while in The Beatles' hometown, the couple took the time to send out a positive message via a YouTube video as we all try to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dunaways shot a clip of themselves singing the Fab Four classic "All You Need Is Love" as part of the NJArts.com website's recently launched Songs to See Us Through series. Dennis and Cindy have been staying at the Hard Days Night Hotel's John Lennon suite, which features framed photos of the late Beatle legend, as well as a white baby grand piano like the one Lennon played in the video for his classic song "Imagine." In the clip, Dunaway says, "We've got a song for the coronavirus situation that everybody's in," while his wife adds, "Or basically, just in generalThis works for every day, every year." After singing a bit of "All You Need Is Love," Cindy reminds us, "Don't touch your face," and Dennis adds, "And wash your hands." Dennis currently is playing in the all-star group Blue Coupe, which also features founding Blue Oyster Cult members Albert Bouchard and Joe Bouchard. The band released its third studio album, Eleven Even, in November. The group had been scheduled to take part in the Silja Rock Cruise in Sweden this week, but the event has been postponed until May 18. You can check out a video of Blue Coupe's full performance at the 2019 Sweden Rock Festival this past June on Joe Bouchard's official YouTube channel. The band was joined at the gig by Alice Cooper touring guitarist Ryan Roxie. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 17:33 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bf6f4c 1 National COVID-19,jusuf-kalla,coronavirus,Jokowi,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,COVID-19-rapid-test,COVID-19-test Free Former vice president and chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross Jusuf Kalla criticized the governments slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic and called for mass testing to prevent further spread of the virus. Just like several other countries, our initial response to the outbreak was slow. However, in the last few days the government has understood the problem and is acting based on the proper procedures, he said during an interview on national television show Mata Najwa on Wednesday night. He also urged the government to ramp up its effort to identify the spread of COVID-19 by conducting mass tests on hundreds of thousands of people using rapid test kits. We are way off in terms of conducting COVID-19 tests on the public. Therefore, not many people have tested positive for the disease while there is a huge potential [for further infections], Jusuf said. Indonesia, the fourth-most-populous country in the world, has only tested 1,592 people, which resulted in 309 people being declared positive according to the Health Ministrys latest data. In comparison, South Korea has tested over 290,000 people and identified over 8,000 infections according to Reuters. While the former VP calls for quick action, bureaucratic red-tape has slowed down the import process for 500,000 COVID-19 rapid testing kits from China by state-owned diversified manufacturer PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia. State-Owned Enterprises Ministry spokesman Arya Sinulingga on Wednesday said the company was still waiting for the Health Ministry to give them clearance to import testing kits from China, despite having submitted the import request on March 10. President Joko Jokowi Widodo called for widespread nationwide rapid testing on Thursday, but it is unclear when such tests will be available. (mpr) Lana Condor blasted President Donald Trump on social media Wednesday for continuing to refer to COVID-19 as the 'China virus'. The 22-year-old actress posted a note on her Instagram Story taking on Trump, 73, over his terminology. 'Be better. To wake up to your chaos is truly a nightmare. Please. Be better. To my followers- be safe. I love you,' Lana wrote in the caption for her roughly 9.6 million followers. Be better: Lana Condor, shown earlier this month in Hollywood, criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday for endangering Asians by calling COVID-19 the 'Chinese virus' The Vietnamese-born American actress then addressed Trump, posting: 'You have no idea the ramifications your racist words & actions have on the Asian American community. You simply cannot even fathom the danger you are putting our community in. How dare you. You should be ashamed of yourself. 'You call yourself a leader? You know what leaders do? They LEAD by setting good examples and ACTION. Something we've yet to see you do. You need to take notes on Chinese billionaire Jack Ma who is ACTUALLY leading by donating tests and millions of masks to America, bc you haven't. Please. Be better. So we aren't afraid to leave our house in fear someone will verbally or physically abuse us because of your xenophobia,' the note concluded. Trump has used the terms 'China virus' and 'Chinese virus' on social media lately and defended the usage Wednesday to reporters. He started a press briefing by saying he had 'important developments in our war against the Chinese virus' and told reporters at the White House he used the description because the virus originated in the Wuhan province of China. Press briefing: Trump, shown Wednesday in the White House, has used the terms 'China virus' and 'Chinese virus' on social media lately and defended the usage Wednesday to reporters Be better: Lana in her post urged Trump to 'be better' and challenged his leadership 'It's not racist at all. It comes from China, that's why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate,' he said during a press briefing. Trump insisted that he wasn't being racist to any Asian Americans with the term. 'I have a great love for all the people from our country, but as you know, China tried to say at one point that - maybe they've stopped now - that it was caused by American soldiers. That can't happen. It's not going to happen. Not as long as I'm president. It comes from China,' he said. Not racist: President Donald Trump, shown Wednesday, defended his use of the term 'China virus' to describe the coronavirus, saying 'it's not racist at all' Trump did not say whether he would continue using the phrase when asked, but just minutes later in a meeting with tourism executives, the president again called it the 'Chinese virus.' He said he was talking to the industry leaders about 'what has happened since the Chinese Virus came about.' Lana stars in the To All The Boys I've Loved Before film series that debuted in 2018 on Netflix. She portrays lead character Lara Jean Covey in the franchise that includes a 2020 sequel and a third installment titled To All The Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean. Mumbai: Six Singapore-returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands were de-boarded from the Gujarat-bound Saurashtra Express at Borivali station in Mumbai on Thursday morning, an official said. The six passengers were travelling to Vadodara from Mumbai Central, a spokesperson of the Western Railway said. The incident occurred a day after four Germany- returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands were forced to de-board from Garib Rath Express at Palghar station after their co-passengers raised an alarm. WASHINGTON The coronavirus outbreak threatens to inflict "carnage" on refugees around the world who often live in cramped conditions, lack access to clean water and are in countries with failing or stretched medical systems, humanitarian aid groups say. From Syria to Bangladesh to Uganda, the risk posed to people who have fled war and persecution is potentially dire, and only urgent international action can avert a catastrophe, aid organizations told NBC News. As of Tuesday, only 10 cases had been reported among refugees and displaced persons, and all of those were patients in Germany, according to the U.N. refugee agency. But in the absence of extensive testing at refugee camps in the Middle East, Africa or Asia, it's unclear whether the fast-moving virus has already reached them, medical experts and humanitarian workers said. "We don't know, and that's largely because we haven't done any testing," said Muhammad Zaman, a professor of bioengineering at Boston University. "We need to know how acute the problem is before we come up with an intervention." Image: Iranian firefighters disinfect streets in Tehran to slow the spread of coronavirus on March 13, 2020. (AFP - Getty Images file) Given the fast-moving nature of the epidemic, if COVID-19 hasn't already spread to refugees, it's only a matter of time, Zaman added. Beyond the potentially tragic consequences for refugees, failing to counter the spread of the virus among large refugee communities near the border of Europe or elsewhere could undercut any success in containing the outbreak and enable it to spread further, aid officials said. Experience with the Ebola virus and other outbreaks has shown that governments need to include refugees and displaced persons in their plans to counter epidemics and to ensure that the refugees have the same access to medical treatment, said Andrej Mahecic, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR. "If we keep them safe, it's keeping all of us safe," he told NBC News. Image: Refugees in Lebanon (Mahmoud Zayat / AFP - Getty Images) The UNHCR has issued an initial appeal to governments for $33 million to help provide hygiene kits, protective gear, water sanitation and training for health workers to protect refugees from the coronavirus. Story continues The two main tactics recommended to halt the spread of the virus hand-washing and social distancing are sometimes impossible for refugees to follow at crowded camps. Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that the epidemic could cause devastating consequences at crowded refugee camps and in countries with damaged health care systems. "Millions of conflict-affected people are living in cramped refugee and displacement sites with desperately poor hygiene and sanitation facilities," Egeland said in a statement. "There will also be carnage when the virus reaches parts of Syria, Yemen and Venezuela where hospitals have been demolished and health systems have collapsed. " Refugee advocates are especially concerned about nearly 1 million Syrians who have fled an offensive by Russia and the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad in recent weeks. Many of them are sleeping in bombed-out structures, in tents or out in the open. As coronavirus cases and deaths spike in Iran and rise in Iraq and Lebanon, the Syrians fleeing toward the Turkish border are particularly vulnerable, said Hardin Lang, vice president for programs and policy at Refugees International. The crowded conditions could turn temporary camps into "a tinderbox for the spread of the disease," Lang said. The World Health Organization "is preparing for contagion across Syria," WHO spokesperson Hedinn Halldorsson told NBC News, and the organization has sent testing kits to northwest Syria and other items. The population of northwest Syria is especially vulnerable because of the spread of the epidemic in neighboring countries, porous borders, the damaged health care system and a recent outbreak of H1N1 virus, Halldorsson said. The presence of H1N1 could undermine "timely COVID-19 diagnosis and put an added strain on laboratories," she added. Last week, Doctors Without Borders issued an urgent appeal to evacuate thousands of refugees from "squalid" camps on the Greek island of Lesbos, where it said authorities are not prepared for a potential COVID-19 outbreak. It would be "impossible to contain an outbreak" at the camps on Lesbos and other Greek islands, said Dr. Hilde Vochten, medical coordinator in Greece for Doctors Without Borders. "To this day, we have not seen a credible emergency plan to protect and treat people living there in case of an outbreak." Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak In Yemen, five years of war have pummeled the country's medical system, with hospitals and infrastructure bombed by the Saudi-led coalition or seized by Houthi rebels. As a result, the "response capacity of the health system is all but completely wiped out," said Rayan Koteiche of Physicians for Human Rights. Because of Yemen's broken health sector, the country had a dramatic surge of cholera, a disease that had been virtually eradicated from the planet, in 2017. Given the threat of COVID-19 now spreading across the Middle East, the situation in Yemen is "beyond worrying," Koteiche said. He co-authored a report released Wednesday that documented 120 attacks on medical facilities and health workers by both the Saudi-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels over the past five years. Decisions by governments in recent days to shut national borders also threaten to deprive people fleeing violence and persecution from getting medical treatment or securing food, said Elinor Raikes of the International Rescue Committee. Colombia recently closed its border with Venezuela, and "many Venezuelans who cross the border on a daily basis for food, work and health care are now stranded without access to basic lifesaving needs," Raikes said. Aid groups also worry that the coronavirus will provide ammunition to anti-migrant, anti-refugee political voices that will use it as an excuse to shut the door on people fleeing war and persecution, even though there is no link between the coronavirus and refugees. "We're already concerned about the weaponization of public concern over the COVID-19 by politicians and leaders that are already pushing an agenda to seal borders to deny access to refugees and asylum-seekers. You are already hearing calls to close borders," Lang said. Download the NBC News app for full coverage and alerts about the coronavirus outbreak With global travel increasingly restricted and the virus spreading, international aid organizations face difficult decisions about how many staff members to keep in place. Aid groups usually rotate personnel in and out every few months, but sending staff in now from Western countries where the epidemic has taken root carries the risk of spreading the disease to refugee communities. Refugees International, which is based in Washington, D.C., has decided to suspend travel to refugee camps to avoid any risk of spreading the coronavirus, Lang said. The UNHCR said Tuesday that it has suspended the resettlement of refugees to third countries partly because of the restrictions and uncertainty surrounding international travel and partly out of concern that the refugees could be exposed to the epidemic by flying to other countries. Camden County has banned self-serve beverage and food at all convenience and grocery stores, directing employees at those businesses to dispense the items instead due to coronavirus concerns. County officials issued the directive on Wednesday as four new cases of the coronavirus three in Cherry Hill, one in Pine Hill were announced. Across New Jersey, officials on Wednesday reported at least 427 cases of the coronavirus as the states death toll from the virus increased to five. Two other deaths were reported Wednesday by a Monmouth County family. As this situation continues to evolve, we will continue to update our proactive mitigation measures as necessary to protect the public and stop the spread of this deadly virus, Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said in a statement. In the past week, we have not seen people taking this threat seriously enough. Crowded playgrounds and shoulder-to-shoulder lines pouring coffee at Wawa and 7-Eleven are not acceptable if we are going to get through this, Cappelli said, adding people should be staying home as much as they can." The county self-serve ban includes coffee and cappuccino bars, fountain drinks and soda, roller grills, bakery cases, soup and salad bars, nacho/chili cheese machines, and condiment bars. Retailers may continue to sell food and beverage items. However, an employee must dispense the beverage or food along with any necessary condiments directly to the customer. Gov. Phil Murphy was asked during a radio interview Thursday morning if this might become a statewide directive. Murphy said he hadnt heard of this before but didnt rule it out. Restricting interaction is generally the name of the game, the governor told KYW 1060-AM. "Social distancing is the reason why were gonna be able to get through this. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. An unusual concept for us here in the UK, but it is a genuine concern for communities all over the world with air pollution killing an estimated seven million people every year. A team of Loughborough University computer scientists are hoping to help eradicate this fear with a new artificial intelligence (AI) system they have developed that can predict air pollution levels hours in advance. The technology is novel for a number of reasons, one being that it has the potential to provide new insight into the environmental factors that have significant impacts on air pollution levels. Professor Qinggang Meng and Dr. Baihua Li are leading the project which is focussed on using AI to predict PM2.5 - particulate matter of less than 2.5 microns (106 m) in diameter that is often characterized as reduced visibility in cities and hazy-looking air when levels are high. Particulate matter is a type of air pollutant and it is the pollutant with the strongest evidence for public health concern. This is because the particles are so small they can easily get into the lungs and then the bloodstream, resulting in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory impacts. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, there is understood to be no safe threshold below which no adverse effects would be anticipated. There are systems that already exist that can predict PM2.5 but Loughborough Universitys research looks to take the technology to the next level. The system the researchers have developed is novel for the following aspects: It predicts PM2.5 levels in advance giving predictions for the levels in one hour to several hours time, plus 1-2 days ahead It interprets the various factors and data used for prediction, which could lead to a better understanding of the weather, seasonal and environmental factors that can impact PM2.5 It doesnt just predict one figure; it predicts the PM2.5 level plus a range of values the air pollution reading could fall within known as uncertainty analysis It has the capabilities to be used as an air pollution analysis tool in a carbon credit trading system. The systems uncertainty analysis and ability to understand factors that affect PM2.5 are particularly important as this will allow potential end-users, policymakers and scientists to better understand related causes of PM2.5 and how reliable the prediction is. Dr. Yuanlin Gu is the Research Associate working on the project at Loughborough University. The LU team created the system using machine learning a type of artificial intelligence technology that uses large amounts of data to learn rules and features, so a system can make predictions. The researchers used public historical data on air pollution in Beijing to train and test the algorithms; China was selected as the focus as 145 of 161 Chinese cities have serious air pollution problems. The developed system will now be tested on live data captured by sensors deployed in Shenzhen, China. Prediction uncertainty analysis. The green line is the actual PM2.5 levels measured from a sensor. The blue line is the systems PM2.5 prediction. The red lines outline the probability range the system believes the levels will fall within. The system developed at Loughborough University is part of a wider research project funded by the Newton Fund, which has four partners: Satoshi Systems Ltd, Loughborough University, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, and EEG Smart Intelligent Technology in China. The aim of the project is to explore how carbon can be used as a tradeable commodity to establish a new effective economic leverage for controlling emissions. It is envisaged that cities, regions and factories will be given credits for how much carbon they can emit and if they go over it must buy more credits. Alternatively, if a location falls under its limit, it can sell the surplus credits on the carbon market for a profit. The aim is to integrate Loughborough Universitys PM2.5 prediction model onto an online platform that can be accessed by participants of the carbon trading scheme. This will allow participants to use the system to access real-time, meaningful information on pollution levels that will aid them with designing a trading strategy. Of the research, Professor Meng said: Air pollution is a long-term accumulated challenge faced by the whole world, and especially in many developing countries. The project aims to measure and forecast air quality and pollution levels. We also explore the feasibility of linking the real-time information on carbon emission to end-to-end carbon credit trading, thus dedicating to carbon control and greenhouse gas emission reduction. We hope this research will help lead to cleaner air for the community and improve peoples health in the future. Mr. Saurabh Goyal, CEO of the industry partner Satoshi Systems Ltd, added: The suicide of a young man, who was admitted to Delhis Safdarjung Hospital after flying in from Sydney, even as test results to ascertain whether he had the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) were awaited, is a wake-up call. There has been commentary on safety measures required to deal with the outbreak and the individual, social and institutional actions required. But not enough attention has been paid to the toll the disease and the messaging around it is taking on mental health. Covid-19 is new. Rarely, if ever, in recent history have human beings across the world be in Boston or Bengaluru, Wuhan or Doha, Rome or Seoul experienced a common set of concerns, driven by a single factor. From its roots to its symptoms, from its treatment protocol to a possible cure, uncertainty is rife. This uncertainty is causing fear, anxiety, panic among people about themselves, about their loved ones, about their future. This is coupled with a sense of shame among those who are either suspected or have the infection, because of the stigmatisation of Covid-19 patients. Yes, there are people who could have been more careful; yes, there has been a streak of irresponsibility in those should have followed treatment protocols. But it must be emphasised that a patient who gets infected is not guilty, but is actually a victim. Targeting individuals or families with traces of the case is wrong. Unacceptable racial attacks be it against Chinese-origin Americans in the United States or against people from the Northeast in India is only adding to this sense of vulnerability. Misinformation is not helping. The government must weave in the mental health dimension in the way it approaches Covid-19. There has to be sustained counselling and therapy for patients and suspected cases. There has to be better messaging, which battles the sense of shame associated with Covid-19 and emphasises that social distancing is a temporary measure and patients are not criminals. There has to be kindness and empathy in the way families, neighbours, and communities engage with each other. Only a humane response can help deal with the deeply vulnerable human condition of these times. Now the country is in partial lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, walking is the new social outlet for many. With new social distancing guidelines in place, many events and social gatherings have been cancelled. With that in mind, we've rounded up a selection of excellent hikes and trails, chosen by three expert walkers - authors all - which are particularly good in spring. That means places with the finest bluebell displays, the best newly green woodlands, the most dramatic scenery. The result is 25 great routes across the country. There are trails here for families with toddlers or buggies, for those looking for a good stretch, and for serious hikers wanting to blow the cobwebs out of their hair after the dark winter. Each walk listed includes the distance and the time it takes to complete at a moderate pace, as well as directions to the start point. Most of the routes can be covered without maps, but we have included references to where maps or guides can be found for trickier trails. Of course, the usual rules apply - wear a pair of broken-in shoes or boots, waterproof gear if the weather is looking dodgy, pack a protein snack and water, charge your mobile phone, and always let someone know if you're setting off on one of the more strenuous hikes. And the new rules: try avoid popular spots if you're worried about crowds and want to keep your distance. Here we bring you Munster, Connacht and Ulster. Getting out in the fresh air can help you cope with the coronavirus lockdown. Today we bring you part two of our beautiful land's best spring walks. Compiled by Helen Fairbairn, Adrian Hendroff and John G O'Dwyer Munster 14. Best for nature lovers Where: Lough Avalla Farm Loop, Co Clare. What: A varied outing through an abundance of natural habitats which starts from Mullaghmore Crossroads. Here, a green lane leads towards the Jeuken family organic farm before it dives right into a hazel forest and passes a holy well. Upwards then to spectacular limestone karstlands, which in late spring and summer are a profusion of wild flowers. Fractured limestone benches now lead to a Neolithic burial cairn offering super vistas over the Burren landscape. As the trail gallops east beneath some immense cliffs, your eyes are drawn to the scene-stealing contours of limestone on Mullaghmore - the aptly titled, Queen of the Burren. The route then traverses timeless farmlands before decanting you back at the Jeuken farmyard. Start/Finish: Mullaghmore crossroads. Getting there: From the village of Corofin, take the Kilfenora road, turn right at Killinaboy, pass a school and continue to the trailhead, where there is parking. Level: Easy - ideal for those who enjoy easy rambling. Length/Time: 6km / 2.5 hours. Pack: Fleece and raingear, walking poles are useful; but leave the dog behind - this is a mutt-free route. 15. Best for dramatic views Where: Cnoc na dTobar, Co Kerry. What: If you love spectacular views, this one is for you. The mountain has been a sacred site since pagan times when the ancient Lughnasa Festival was celebrated on its summit. The trail starts near sublime Coonana Harbour and meanders uphill with great views constantly unfolding. The easy-to-follow path is marked by 14 Stations of the Cross, leading to an imposing Celtic cross on the summit. Here, a majestic 360-degree vista radiates over the Atlantic Ocean, Skellig Rocks, Valentia Island, West Cork, Carrauntoohil, the Blasket islands, the Dingle peninsula and back to MacGillycuddy Reeks. Arguably this is Ireland's finest mountaintop viewing point. Descend by your route of ascent. Start / Finish: At the Coonanna car park. Getting there: Leave the N70 Ring of Kerry road to cross the bridge in Cahersiveen. Take the first right and second left, signposted Coonana Harbour. Pass St Fursey's Well and begin from the parking beyond. Level: Hard - best for seasoned walkers. Length / Time: 9km / 3 hours. Pack: Warm clothing, raingear, packed lunch and OS Discovery Sheet 83. Walking poles are useful for descent. 16. Best for pilgrims Where: St Finbarr's Pilgrim Path, Co Cork. What: If you are a fit hillwalker who loves connecting with the past, then one of Ireland's oldest pilgrim trails offers an excellent but strenuous outing that is fully waymarked. Genuinely unforgettable, it offers a huge variety of terrain and many memorable vistas. From Kealkill, the waymarkers lead in fine style first over the lovely viewing point of Knockbreteen Hill, onwards then through the isolated Maughra Valley before gaining the Sheehy Mountain plateau beside lonely Lough Fada. Your piece de resistance comes in the form of a glorious descent into the embrace of the Gougane Barra Valley. Start/Finish: Start at Carriganass Castle, Kealkill, Co Cork, and finish at St Finbarr's Oratory, Gougane Barra. Getting there: From Cork city take the N22 for Macroom. Follow the R585 through Crookstown to Kealkill. Level: Hard - suitable for fit and experienced walkers. Length / Time: 18km / 7 hours. Pack: OS Discovery Map 85 and a compass, as well as warm clothing, raingear, packed lunch, walking poles, mobile phone. 17. Best for strollers and whale watchers Where: Ardmore Cliff Path, Co Waterford. What: An undemanding outing for coastal views that are truly spectacular. There is a genuine sense of reconnecting with history while something new seems to crop up around every corner. Out to sea, there's always the chance of a whale sighting. From the trailhead, walk uphill to the Cliff House Hotel and on past the early Christian church and well of St Declan. Beyond, the cliff-top path meanders spectacularly around Ardmore Head with great declivities falling to the left until the wreck of the Sampson crane ship comes into view. It was lost in a 1988 storm and has now become a visitor attraction. After rounding Ram Head, you will be rewarded with an outrageously photogenic vista over Youghal Bay and the east Cork coastline. Then it's inland to explore St Declan's Monastery. Occupying a striking hilltop setting, the most prominent landmarks are the 30-metre-high round tower and the now roofless cathedral. Afterwards, it is a short ramble downhill to the trailhead. Start / Finish: Ardmore Church, Ardmore village. Getting there: From the N25 (the main Cork to Waterford Road), take the R673 south to Ardmore. Level: Easy - ideal for casual strollers. Length / Time: 4.5 km/ about 1 hour. Pack: A jacket, and OS Discovery Series sheet 82 (you won't really need it though). 18. Best for families Where: The Millennium Stone Loop, Co Tipperary. What: Despite rampant globalisation, there are still places far removed from our tourism honeypots where life moves at a gentler pace and, as such, the Millennium Loop makes a splendid outing for all the family. Your exploration begins from Aherlow House Hotel car park and heads uphill, crossing a public road. Walking arrows now point to the outcrop at Rock an Thorabh offering magnificent views of Tipperary and the Slieve Felim Mountains beyond. Continue to a minor road and turn right to reach the Millennium Stone, which was dug from a nearby hillside and depicts the life of Christ. Then follow the arrows along quiet sylvan trails to the great Galtee Mountain viewing point at Christ the King statue. Return to the hotel along a serene nature trail through sublime mixed woodland. Start / Finish: Aherlow House Hotel, Newtown, Co Tipperary. Getting there: From Tipperary town take the R664 south. After negotiating a couple of hairpin bends, Aherlow House Hotel is signposted right. Level: Suitable for families. Length / Time: 9km/ 3 hours. Pack: A jacket, OS sheet 66. Connacht 19 Best for bluebells and sunsets Where: Lissadell Woods and Strand, Co Sligo. What: A pleasant linear walk along a wooded path running between a road and Drumcliff Bay. The walk is located within the boundary of the Lissadell Estate, which was once owned by the Gore-Booth family. Constance Gore-Booth, better known as Countess Markievicz, was an Irish revolutionary who participated in the 1916 Easter Rising. Two years later, she became the first woman to be elected to the House of Commons at Westminster. The woods here are decorated with a carpet of blue and white when bluebells and wild garlic bloom in the spring. The path later continues along the sheltered Lissadell strand where you can enjoy splendid views south to Knocknarea or photograph a stunning Wild Atlantic Way sunset. Look out for seals bobbing in the bay or barnacle geese flying overhead. Start / Finish: Car park at a lay-by at Lissadell Strand. Getting there: From Sligo, drive northward along the N15 toward Drumcliff. After the village, turn left into a road signposted Carney. From there, turn left at a junction for Lissadell. After around 2km, turn left into a minor lane towards Lissadell Strand. Reach the parking spot after about 1km. Level: Easy - suitable for all. Length /Time: 3km / 1 hour with plenty of time for stops. Pack: Trainers, camera, hot flask and some snacks. 20. Best for moorland and country views Where: Slieve Anierin, Co Leitrim. What: Slieve Anierin is a broad mountain plateau to the east of the massive Lough Allen. The mountain's Irish name, Sliabh an Iarainn or 'mountain of iron' stems from primitive mines in the area celebrated for iron ore and coal. From the post office, follow a small lane with a Yellow Man signpost leading uphill. This leads to a grassy mountain track at an access gate near a concrete plaque. The track later dwindles, but continue to climb until reaching the top of the plateau. Enjoy fine views of cliffs that line up the eastern end of the plateau as you ascend. A dry, clear day helps as the summit area is quite featureless and boggy. A concrete plinth with a rusted metal disc marks the 585-metre top. Extensive views of the Leitrim countryside to the east - best at sunrise - feature prominently during the walk. Look out for white-flowered blackthorn in the spring. Start /Finish: Aghacashel Post Office. Getting there: From Drumshanbo, drive north-east along a minor road for around 8km to reach Aghacashel. There are parking spaces near the post office. Level: Moderate - best for seasoned hikers. Length / Time: 6.5km/3 hours. Pack: Good walking boots, a copy of Adrian Hendroff's 'Donegal, Sligo & Leitrim Guidebook' and a map (OS Discovery Series 26). 21. Best for wildlife Where: Kilronan Castle Woodland Trail, Co Roscommon. What: A lovely walk through Kilronan Forest along the northern shore of Lough Meelagh. Follow red markers along woodland and lakeside paths as far as Doon Point on the western fringes of the lake. Daffodils and bluebells carpet the ground in the spring. Look out for deer, foxes, hares and squirrels in the woods; also birds such as the greenfinch, song thrush, robin, blue tit and sparrowhawk. The lake is idyllic on a clear day or atmospheric with a bit of mist and the sun trying to break through. Kids will like the swans flitting along the water. Start / Finish: Kilronan Castle car park. Getting there: Follow the N4 towards Sligo. Around 6km past Carrick-on-Shannon, turn left into the R285 signposted Knockvicar and Keadew. Reach a junction after around 10km and turn left here toward Ballyfarnon. The entrance into Kilronan Castle is located 1.5km on the left. Level: Easy - ideal for families with kids. Length/Time: 4.5km/1.5 hours. Pack: Comfortable walking shoes and the route description/map on irishtrails.ie or ask at the hotel reception for details. 22. Best for that 'edge of the world' feel Where: Benwee Head, Co Mayo. What: Perhaps the finest stretch of cliff scenery in the country. At 255 metres, it is higher than the Cliffs of Moher. From April, pink sea-thrift can be found lining the cliff-tops. Begin from the Children of Lir sculpture, perched at the top of a beautiful inlet surrounded by 100-metre-high cliffs. Head east, cross a stream and follow the cliff-line (do not step too close to the edge) to reach the 255-metre summit. Descend 1.5km north-east to a cliff-top overlooking a dramatic bay enclosed by an arc of majestic cliffs and the Stags of Broadhaven. From here, retrace your steps back to the start. This can be quite enjoyable as the scenery looks different going in the opposite direction, giving prolonged views of Kid Island (Oilean Mionnan), the Mullet peninsula and Achill Island. Look out for gulls, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes. Start / Finish: Benwee Head 'An Bhinn Bhui' car park. Getting there: From Belmullet, take the R313 then the R314 to Glenamoy. Follow signs north off the R314 from Glenamoy to Carrowteige (signposted An Ceathru Thaidhg as this is Gaeltacht country). Pass through the village, continue straight and uphill at a crossroads about 1km further. Reach a T-junction as the road begins to descend. Turn right and follow a narrow lane north towards a lay-by at the coast. Level: Moderate - suits regular hikers. Length/Time: 7 km / 2.5 hours, but leave time for photo stops. Pack: A camera and map (OS Discovery Series 22). Ulster 23. Best for northern bluebells Where: Portglenone Forest, Co Antrim. What: Though a relatively small woodland at 65 acres, Portglenone is one of the finest places in Northern Ireland to see spring bluebells. It even holds its own Bluebell Festival each year. The broadleaf trees are classified as Ancient Woodland, and this is a remnant of a great primeval forest that once extended to the Sperrin Mountains. As well as bluebells, wild garlic and wood anemone cloak the forest floor. There are several walking paths, but the main route is a circular loop signed by red markers. It follows largely level trails, visits the memorial grove of horticultural hero Augustine Henry, and includes a waterside section along the banks of the River Bann. Start/Finish: At Portglenone Forest car park. Getting there: From the centre of Portglenone, follow the A42 south towards Ballymena. The forest entrance is 1.5km later on the right, and there's a parking charge of 4 per car. Level: Easy - largely flat, unsurfaced woodland paths. Length/Time: 2km / 1 hour. Pack: Your macro lens for close-up shots of the flowers. 24. Best for mountain lakes Where: Urris Lakes Loop, Co Donegal. What: This beautiful hillwalk visits two secluded lakes on the northern slopes of the Urris Hills, on the Inishowen Peninsula. Starting from a remote, sandy beach, the route is fully signed by purple arrows, and follows a series of tracks and paths across open mountainside. An ascent through a broad gully takes you first to Crunlough, a circular gem of a lake tucked beneath rugged and brooding slopes. A rocky ridge then carries you past the long, narrow waters of Lough Fad. There are excellent views throughout, both across the north Donegal coastline and inland to the Derryveagh Mountains. Start/Finish: At Leenankeel Beach parking area. Getting there: From Buncrana, follow Wild Atlantic Way signs north over Mamore Gap. At the bottom of the gap turn left at a crossroads. The beach parking area is on the left after 1km. Level: Moderate to difficult - signed mountain trails with 340m ascent. Length/Time: 7km / 2 hours. Pack: More route details from 'Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: A Walking Guide', by Helen Fairbairn. 25. Best mountain ascent Where: Muckish Mountain, Co Donegal. What: The distinctive, flat-topped form of 667-metre Muckish is a natural icon of north Donegal. The mountain's towering cliffs contain quartzite deposits that were mined commercially until 1955. This route begins at the bottom of the old mine, then follows the former Miners' Track on a precipitous ascent up the rock buttresses. Exposure and loose stones mean care is required throughout. Pass under the lip of the upper quarry basin, then make a sudden exit onto the summit plateau. The summit cairn and trig point lie a short distance north-east, with impressive views encompassing both the wild coastline and surrounding Derryveagh Mountains. Carefully reverse your outward route to return to the start. Start/Finish: A lay-by on the northern side of Muckish. Getting there: From Creeslough village, follow the N56 north. Around 2km later, turn west towards Derryharriff. Keep left over a cattle grid and park in a stony clearing about 80m before the end of this road. Level: Difficult - steep, unsigned mountain paths with 400m ascent. Length/Time: 4.5km / 2 hours. Pack: Your hiking boots and a head for heights. The BJP will play a positive role in fighting against coronavirus, said party president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday. "I appeal to 18 crore BJP workers and supporters to work day in and day out and ensure that suggestions given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be implemented," Nadda told reporters. He also said, "I assure the PM that BJP will play a positive role in the fight against coronavirus." Earlier, the Prime Minister in his address to the nation said that patience and resolve of all Indians are vital in fighting the global pandemic which has wreaked havoc all over the world. While requesting citizens to follow certain measures to ensure the containment of the fast-spreading virus, PM Modi emphasized on the importance of not taking the pandemic lightly and the need to be aware and proactive towards prevention of COVID-19. Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the mantra of "when we are healthy, the world is healthy". He stressed on the importance of following self-imposed norms like 'social distancing'. Requesting citizens to patiently abide by the norm, he urged the need to isolate oneself and come out of the house only if imperative, while trying to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel. He also urged that senior citizens above the age of 60 should not come out of their homes for the coming few weeks. Highlighting the stress on the hospitals, he urged everyone to avoid routine checkups during this time and to extend the date of surgeries scheduled, wherever feasible. The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India stands at 173, including 25 foreigners. Four deaths (one each) have been reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 'The number of commuters reduced by around 25 percent', said Ravinder Bhakar, chief spokesperson of Western Railway Mumbai: The number of commuters on suburban trains of the Western Railway (WR) reduced by more than eight lakh on the day Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to people to avoid non-essential travel in view of the coronavirus outbreak in the state. According to WR, on Tuesday 32.60 lakh passengers travelled on their suburban trains as against 40.75 lakh on Monday (down 8.15 lakhs). "The number of commuters reduced by around 25 percent," said Ravinder Bhakar, chief spokesperson of WR. On Tuesday, Thackeray had appealed to people to avoid train and bus journey if not necessary, while clarifying the government does not want to stop suburban services to contain the coronavirus spread. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak Suburban services are the lifeline of Mumbai and daily over 80 lakh commuters commute by them. Though exact passenger count on Central Railway's suburban trains was not available, a senior official said the number of passengers could have reduced by 7 to 9 lakh on Tuesday. The Maharashtra government on Wednesday decided to reduce public transport commuter count by at least 50 percent as part of measures to avoid crowding and enforce social distancing. An Alabama judge ordered jails in his district to release inmates with bonds of $5,000 or less to relieve crowding because of the coronavirus pandemic but revised the order to leave that up to the discretion of sheriffs and wardens. Circuit Judge Ben Fuller, presiding judge of the circuit that includes Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore counties, issued the order and the revision on Wednesday. Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger said this morning he was compiling a list of inmates who fit the criteria for release and would consult with the judges handling each case before any inmates are released. Sedinger said it was possible a total of about 10 or 12 inmates could be released under the order. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said this morning that in light of the judges amendment to the order, he does not plan to release any inmates except those who show symptoms of possible infection of the coronavirus. Franklin said one inmate was released for that reason before the judges order. Franklin said he immediately called the judge after receiving the initial order. Franklin said it would be poor public policy to release some inmates with bonds as low as $5,000. He said examples would be sex offenders who dont have an approved residence and people waiting on a probate court hearing for mental health issues. Franklin said the jail vacated one of its pods for a deep cleaning and is bringing new inmates into that pod to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. One group was glad the action to remove inmates was being taken. Shay Farley, interim deputy policy officer for the Southeast at the Southern Poverty Law Center Action issued a statement. Circuit Judge Ben Fuller of Autauga County and Sheriff Sam Cochran deserve praise for ordering these releases. COVID-19 poses a serious threat to incarcerated populations throughout Alabama and the United States," Farley said. "All local and state governments, along with the federal government, should be doing everything possible right now to release people held unnecessarily pre-trial, where theyre locked up in close quarters with potential carriers of COVID-19. It is the humane thing to do, and its also in the best interest of public health. Alabamians for Fair Justice had urged the Alabama Department of Corrections and jail administrators across Alabama to immediately develop evidence-based protocols and proactively plan the prevention and management of a COVID-19 outbreak in jails and prisons, according to Farleys statement. The coalition also called for the release of those people most at risk of suffering serious complications or death while incarcerated, according to the statement. Related: Clorox and gloves: Rural Alabama sheriffs, jails still in early stages of coronavirus preparation This story will be updated. By Trend The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) held an extraordinary foreign currency auction with the participation of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), during which Azerbaijani banks acquired $155 million, Trend reports referring to CBA. According to CBA, demand from the banks at the auction increased by 10.4 percent or by $22.9 million compared to the previous auction, reaching $243.7 million. Considering the number of days remaining before the next scheduled auction, as well as with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted currency trading by the banks on weekends, the demand of banks at the auction will be fully provided. The first foreign exchange auction in a long time was held with the participation of SOFAZ on March 10, 2020, during which Azerbaijani banks acquired 323.2 million manat ($190.1 million). CBA began to hold foreign exchange auctions through unilateral sale of foreign currency in competitive conditions since mid-January 2017. In March 2020, it was decided to hold extraordinary foreign exchange auctions in connection with the increased demand of the population for foreign currency amid the failed deal OPEC+ (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), which entailed a sharp decline in oil prices. (1 USD = 1.7 AZN on March 19) --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz In the last three years, 13 notorious criminals were gunned down and 258 people arrested after sustaining bullet injuries in encounters with police in the district, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Muzaffarnagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Yadav told media that Rohit Sandu and Mohammad Shamim were among the criminals who were killed. The criminals carried rewards of Rs 1 lakh each on their heads, he added. During such encounters, 103 police personnel also sustained bullet wounds. Meanwhile, properties of seven gangsters valued at a total of Rs 2.32 crore which was illegally extracted has also been seized under the UP Gangster Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The central government has ordered 50 percent of its employees to work from home amidst the growing coronavirus pandemic. The remaining employees will have to attend office every day. The centre will also establish different time slots for work hours of employees attending office. The Heads of Department (HODs) have to ensure that 50 percent of Group B and Group C employees are attending office every day. The remaining 50 percent of the employees have been instructed to practice work from home. The HODs also have to make a weekly roster of duty for Group B and Group C staff. The HODs have to ask the staff to attend office on alternatives weeks, meaning that an employee will attend office one week and will work from home the next week. The order further stated that the working hours for all staff members who are attending office on a particular day would be staggered. The number of coronavirus cases has increased sharply in the last three weeks. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 166 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in India up till 9:00 am on Thursday. Globally, the number has climbed up to 2,19,032 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 8,953 deaths. Only 14 people have been treated for the coronavirus and discharged from the hospitals, these include the three people who were treated in Kerala last month. So far, three people in the country have died due to the deadly virus, a 64-year-old man in Maharashtra, a 76-year-old man in Karnataka and a 68-year-old woman in the national capital. Also Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Woman with has travel history to UK tests positive in Chandigarh; tally rises to 170 Also Read: Deadly novel coronavirus can exist in air for hours and for days on surfaces, says study Chanel Rion of One America News Network asked President Donald Trump Thursday whether saying Chinese food is racist, and from there, the two moved on into trashing the media. During a press conference on the spread of coronavirus which Trump has been heavily criticized for calling the Chinese virus Rion, who earlier this week cited a conspiracy theory that coronavirus was possibly created in a North Carolina lab, said, Do you consider the term Chinese food racist because its food that originates in China or it has Chinese roots? I dont think its racist at all, said Trump. Also Read: China's State-Run Press Appears to Chastise Trump for Labeling Coronavirus 'Chinese Virus' On that note, Rion went on, major left-wing news media even in this room have teamed up with Chinese Communist Party narratives and theyre claiming youre racist for making these claims about Chinese virus. Is it alarming that major media players, just to oppose you, are consistently siding with foreign state propaganda, Islamic radicals and Latin gangs and cartels? And they work right here at the White House with direct access to you and your team? One America News Reporter Asks Trump If Saying Chinese Food Is Racist Trump went on to attack the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Washington Post saying, I know the truth and people out there in the world, they really dont know the truth. They dont know what it is. Before being hired by right-wing OANN, Rion was most known for her political cartoons, which promoted conspiracy theories about the death of DNC staffer Seth Rich. She sat down for a series of interviews with Rudy Giuliani last year as he publicly defended himself and Trump during the impeachment proceedings. The faces made in the room as @ChanelRion asks Trump: Is it alarming that major media playersare consistently siding with a foreign state propaganda, Islamic radicals, and Latin gangs and cartels and they work right herewith direct access to you and your team? The faces made in the room as @ChanelRion asks Trump: Is it alarming that major media players...are consistently siding with a foreign state propaganda, Islamic radicals, and Latin gangs and cartels and they work right here...with direct access to you and your team? pic.twitter.com/4eW8RHipY5 Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) March 19, 2020 Read original story One America News Reporter Asks Trump If Saying Chinese Food Is Racist At TheWrap Abortion has been decriminalised in New Zealand in a landmark bill that means women will now be able to have the procedure up to 20 weeks into a pregnancy. The legislation, which comes after decades of campaigning by frontline service providers, means abortion is now deemed as healthcare rather than a crime. Andrew Little, New Zealands Justice Minister, said: From now abortions will be rightly treated as a health issue. The previous law required a woman seeking an abortion to go through many hoops. The changes agreed to by parliament will better ensure women get advice and treatment in a more timely way. The public was going to be consulted on the issue in a referendum but the government changed the plan late on Wednesday with the bill passing parliament late on Wednesday by 68 votes to 51. The previous abortion law, which had not been updated for over 40 years, stipulated abortion was an offence and it was only lawful for women to get abortions if two doctors attested to the fact carrying on with the pregnancy would put her mental or physical health in serious jeopardy. But under the new laws, a woman will be able to have an abortion up to 20 weeks into a pregnancy, with advice from her doctor. Abortion within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy has been permitted in England, Wales and Scotland for decades. The legislation was issued by Jacinda Arderns government and is a key part of her legacy with the decriminalisation of abortions being one of her electoral campaign pledges. Marie Stopes launches #SmashAbortionStigma campaign In 2018, New Zealand became the first country in the world to pass legislation allowing victims of domestic abuse 10 days of paid leave from work to allow them to escape their partners abuse. Ms Ardern, who refers to herself as a feminist, made history by bringing her baby daughter into the United Nations assembly hall in September of that year. The world leader, who gave birth while in office, could be seen playing with her three-month-old child before giving a speech at the Nelson Mandela peace summit in New York. Her partner Clarke Gayford held the baby on his lap while Ms Ardern addressed the UNs General Assembly. Madhya Pradesh Speaker NP Prajapati refused to accept Supreme Courts proposal to interact with the rebel Congress MLAs through video link. Senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker, also said that Speaker has the power in deciding whether the government has lost its majority. Governor cannot decide whether govt has lost majority or not, its the House that decides. Governor has only three powers: To summon, prorogue and dissolve the House, Singhvi told the bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta on behalf of Prajapati. The Governor cannot ask the Speaker that you should do this, you should not do this, it is beyond his power, said Singhvi. But the bench said that if the government loses the majority when the Assembly was not in session, then Governor has the power to direct the Speaker to summon the Assembly. What happens when the assembly prorogues and the government loses its majority, then the Governor can call the Assembly, the bench said. The counsel appearing for Governor Lalji Tandon told the bench that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was sitting aside in the turn of events and it is the Speaker who is leading the political battle in court. The judges also asked the Speaker whether any inquiry was made on the resignation of the rebel MLAs and what decision has he taken on them. Singhvi said the day court begins to give time-bound direction to the Speaker, it will be constitutionally problematic. The bench then asked it can create conditions to ensure that exercise of volition of the rebel MLAs is truly voluntary. We can appoint an observer to Bengaluru or some other place so that the rebel MLAs can connect with the Speaker through video conferencing after which he can decide, the bench said. But that proposal was refused. The bench then said that it is not inclined to create a situation by giving two weeks time to the Speaker to decide on the resignations of 16 rebel Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh, as this gap period could become a gold mine for horse-trading. The apex court observed the Madhya Pradesh political crisis has become a national problem, not peculiar to Congress. The crisis was triggered by a resignation of 22 MLAs from the ruling Congress. The Speaker has accepted the resignation of only six. The court is hearing petitions filed by both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on trust vote. While the BJP claims the Kamal Nath government has lost the majority after resignation of 22 MLAs, and is seeking court direction to hold a trust vote, the Congress has said the decision will be taken by the Speaker. The emergency SAARC fund proposed by PM Modi to combat the Coronavirus outbreak has been operationalized, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry also revealed that they have received requests from member countries for assistance. PM Modi on Sunday had initiated a video conference between the SAARC nations. The video conference was attended by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Maldives President Ibrahim Solih, Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's assistant - Dr Zafar Mirza. As of today, over 180 positive cases of the virus have been reported in India. Read: 'SAARC Nations Can Together Mitigate Coronavirus Impact': Pradhan PM pledges $10 Mn for fund Taking the initiative to battle the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), PM Modi had announced setting up of a common 'COVID-19 emergency fund' and pledged $10 million as India's contribution to it, while addressing a SAARC conference to battle COVID-19. Clarifying that any one of the seven nations could withdraw funds to use battle the pandemic, he said that India is also assembling a Rapid action team of doctors at the disposal of the neighbours. Moreover, he said that India can share its Disease Surveillance software with the SAARC countries. "I propose we create a COVID-19 emergency fund. This could be based on a voluntary contribution for all of us. India can start with an initial offer of USD 10 million and any one of us can use this fund for battling COVID19. We are assembling a Rapid action team of doctors in India along with testing kits to be on standby at your disposal if required," he said. Read: PM Modi Leads SAARC Conference On Coronavirus, Shares 'Prepare, Don't Panic' Mantra Read: 'PM Modi Addresses SAARC But Not Own Citizens': Adhir Ranjan On Coronavirus Outbreak PM Modi to address nation at 8pm In view of the rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address the nation at 8 pm over issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi chaired a meeting with senior officials to review the ongoing efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic in India. Read: EXCLUSIVE: No Lockdown Announcement In Prime Minister Modi's Address Tonight Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) Two opposition senators said they have yet to be tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) even after a colleague has tested positive. In separate messages, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said they have been following health protocols set by authorities and have kept themselves under self-quarantine. Pangilinan mentioned the Department of Health's (DOH) advice that only those who have flu symptoms after being exposed to COVID-19 positive persons should undergo testing. The senator said he does not have symptoms, and therefore need not be tested. "DOH (Department of Health) has prescribed protocols that provide that those who have been exposed to COVID positive persons, only those with flu symptoms should be tested. I have no symptoms and so I ought not to be tested. I have however been on self quarantine since Tuesday last week as recommended by the same DOH protocols," he said. Hontiveros, meanwhile, said, "(I) am following health protocols, and under self-quarantine after Sen. Migz (Zubiri) tested positive. (I) am currently not displaying any symptoms." Zubiri told CNN Philippines on March 16 he tested positive for COVID-19. I had a test on Friday. The test (result) came out today. Secretary Duque called me with heartbreaking news na mayroon po akong (I have) COVID-19, Zubiri said. Following Zubiri's admission, Senator Sherwin Win Gatchalian was first to announce that he will undergo self-quarantine after he was informed that he had contact with a COVID-19 patient in the Senate. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Zubiri, Pangilinan, Nancy Binay, Panfilo Lacson, Sonny Angara, Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla, and Lito Lapid all self-quarantined afterwards. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which is related to the virus which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, but is not as deadly, with the fatality rate standing at around three percent. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of patients only experience mild illness and eventually recover. It added that some 14 percent experience severe illness, while five percent were critically ill. The disease is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when people infected with the virus cough or sneeze. To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who show respiratory symptoms. The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday set up a commission to examine the social and educational backwardness of various backward classes people, including dalits, in the Union Territory. Named "J&K Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission", the panel will be headed by Justice (retired) G D Sharma and will have former Indian Foreign Service officer Lal Bharti and serving Indian Police Service officer Munir Ahmed Khan as its members, an official spokesperson said. The commission will examine the social and educational backwardness of various backward classes people besides those of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, he said. To be administered by the Social Welfare Department, the commission will make its final recommendations within a period of two years but submit its first interim report or reports within three months from the date of its constitution or by June 30, whichever is earlier, the spokesperson said, quoting the order. He said the terms of reference of the commission include determining the criteria to be adopted in considering any section of the people in Jammu and Kashmir as socially and educationally backward class. The commission would also have an additional terms of reference for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes which include examining the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989. It would present a report to the government of Jammu and Kashmir which would be examined and sent to the Centre for suitable inclusion or exclusion in the castes and tribes list and modification in it, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YES Bank gets Rs 60k-cr line of credit from RBI to resume operations The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended a credit line of Rs 60,000 crore to YES Bank to ensure that the bank is able to meet its obligations to depositors as it resumed its full-service operations on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the development. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Monday had said the regulator was ready to offer liquidity if required. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Jonathan Wintersteller We want to hire for heart and want people to charge that battlefield with us, said Wintersteller. Just do the right thing by your people and your customers. That builds momentum. Growing up in San Diego, Ive always had a strong appreciation of the military. We wanted to work that into our brand Jonathan Wintersteller spent the past seven years in Northern California, dreaming of one day owning his own home services outfit. Years of hard work through the ranks, along with a job opportunity with home service entrepreneurs Curtis Moore and Jon Diamond, afforded him that chance with Same Day Heating & Air Conditioning, which opened its doors to homeowners last month on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. This is a sort of homecoming for my family, said Wintersteller, who resides with his family in Ramona. Im happy to be here. My wife is happy to be here. This is our home, and always has been. Wintersteller cut his chops in management/operations for various Northern California home service outfits, including Culligan International, Walnut Creek Heating & Air, and One Hour Heating and Air. In 2015, he took on the role of President for Moore Solar / Heating / Cooling, a fast-rising Santa Rosa-based company. He helped grow the company into a regional HVAC powerhouse, as it was featured on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies six years in a row. It expanded its regional footprint in the winter of 2018 into the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. By end of Q4, revenue hit $31 million, a five-year growth margin of 790% from 2013 ($3.1 million). The leadership team of Diamond, Moore and Wintersteller achieved success by bringing their personal values of workmanship and family. They envisioned a loose, fun, but experienced and intelligent team of service technicians and representatives. It wasnt something they always had in their previous jobs as HVAC employees. Its something we wanted for ourselves at other companies, said Diamond. A lot of companies talk about what makes them different from the competition. But we never worked for anyone that lived that. When push came to shove, they made the decision that was best for the house, not for the employee or the customer. The true dedication to fostering a unique work culture that doesnt focus simply on the transactional nature of HVAC repair and replacement -- but instead looks to foster personal relationships with employees and educate customers made Moore a favorite of North Bay homeowners. Theyre hoping the same business model works for Same Day, which promises homeowners no service fee if the team cant get a system fixed the same day of the service call, as well as discounts for seniors and military personnel. We want to hire for heart and want people to charge that battlefield with us, said Wintersteller. Just do the right thing by your people and your customers. That builds momentum. Growing up in San Diego, Ive always had a strong appreciation of the military. We wanted to work that into our brand and reflect it in our offerings. [March 19, 2020] UBS Announces Mandatory Redemption of ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Closed-End Fund ETN Due December 10, 2043 and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Closed-End Fund ETN Series B Due December 10, 2043 UBS Investment Bank today announced that all outstanding notes of the ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Closed-End Fund ETN due December 10, 2043 (Ticker: CEFL) (the "Series A Securities") and the ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Closed-End Fund ETN Series B due December 10, 2043 (Ticker: CEFZ) (the "Series B Securities", and together with the Series A Securities, "the Securities") will be mandatorily redeemed in accordance with the terms of the respective Securities as a result of the occurrence of an Acceleration Upon Minimum Indicative Value on March 18, 2020 (the "Acceleration Date"), triggered as a result of the respective indicative values of the Securities being less than $5.00 on the Acceleration Date. As disclosed in more detail in the prospectus supplements relating to the respective Securities, all outstanding notes will be automatically accelerated and redeemed and holders will be entitled to receive the "Acceleration Amount" calculated in accordance with the terms of the respective Securities. The "Acceleration Measurement Period" for determining the Acceleration Amount for the respective Securities will be the five Trading Days from and including the Acceleration Date. Payment of the Acceleration Amounts will be made on the Acceleration Settlement Date, which is expected to be March 27, 2020. For more information regarding the mandatory redemption, including how the Acceleration Amounts will be determined, see the product supplements and the pricing supplements relating to each of the Securities. The product supplements and pricing supplements for the Securities can be accessed on EDGAR, the SEC (News - Alert) website, at www.sec.gov. For the Series A Securities, the pricing supplement is also available here and the product supplement is also available here. For the Series B Securities, the pricing supplement is also available here and the product supplement is available here. Investors who purchase the Securities at any time prior to delisting for an amount that is greater than the applicable Acceleration Amount that they will receive on the Acceleration Settlement Date (including paying any premium to such Acceleration Amounts, once these amounts have been determined) will suffer a loss on their investment. Furthermore, investors who sell the Securities at any time prior to delisting for an amount that is less than the applicable Acceleration Amount they would have received on the Acceleration Settlement Date (including selling at any discount to such Acceleration Amounts, once these amounts have been determined) will also suffer a loss. In either case, such losses could be significant. Investors will not receive any other compensation or amount for the los of the investment opportunity of holding the Securities. The Series A Securities are one of the series of UBS AG ETRACS Series A ETNs subject to the ongoing voluntary exchange offers commenced by UBS AG on December 9, 2019 pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-234705). As a result of the mandatory redemption of the Series A Securities and Series B Securities described above, the exchange offer with respect to the Series A Securities will be terminated effective as of March 18, 2020 and holders of Series A Securities will no longer be able to participate in the exchange offer with respect to such securities. Series A Securities validly tendered between 5:00 p.m., New York City time on March 17, 2020 and 5:00p.m., New York City time on March 18, 2020 will be promptly returned to holders and will not be exchanged for Series B Securities. Holders of such Series A Securities will receive the Acceleration Amount on the Acceleration Date, as described above. Series A Securities validly tendered between 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 3, 2020 and 4:59 p.m., New York City time, on March 17, 2020 were accepted for exchange by UBS AG in accordance with the terms of the exchange offer and the corresponding Series B Securities will be issued on March 19, 2020. Such Series B Securities are also subject to the mandatory redemption and holders of such Series B Securities will receive the Acceleration Amount on the Acceleration Date. The exchange offers with respect to the other UBS AG ETRACS Series A ETNs remain open in accordance with the terms described in the Prospectus dated December 9, 2019 (the "Exchange Offers Prospectus"). The Exchange Offers Prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in relation to the exchange offers can be accessed on EDGAR, the SEC website, at www.sec.gov. It is also available here. About ETRACS ETRACS ETNs are senior unsecured notes issued by UBS AG, are traded on NYSE Arca (News - Alert), and can be bought and sold through a broker or financial advisor. An investment in ETRACS ETNs is subject to a number of risks, including the risk of loss of some or all of the investor's principal, and is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS AG. Investors are not guaranteed any coupon or distribution amount under the ETNs. We urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks described under "Risk Factors" in the applicable product supplement and pricing supplement for the ETRACS ETN. UBS AG has filed registration statements (including prospectuses and supplements thereto) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offerings of securities to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the relevant prospectuses, along with the applicable pricing supplements and product supplements to understand fully the terms of the securities and other considerations that are important in making a decision about investing in the ETRACS. The applicable offering documents for each ETRACS may be obtained by clicking on the links above. You may also get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The securities related to the offerings are not deposit liabilities and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction. About UBS UBS provides financial advice and solutions to wealthy, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. UBS's strategy is centered on our leading global wealth management business and our premier universal bank in Switzerland, enhanced by Asset Management and the Investment Bank. The bank focuses on businesses that have a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital efficient, and have an attractive long-term structural growth or profitability outlook. UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in more than 50 regions and locations, with about 31% of its employees working in the Americas, 32% in Switzerland, 19% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 18% in Asia Pacific. UBS Group AG employs over 67,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This material is issued by UBS AG and/or any of its subsidiaries and/or any of its affiliates ("UBS"). Products and services mentioned in this material may not be available for residents of certain jurisdictions. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Please consult the restrictions relating to the product or service in question for further information. Activities with respect to US securities are conducted through UBS Securities LLC, a US broker/dealer. Member of SIPC (http://www.sipc.org/). ETRACS ETNs are sold only in conjunction with the relevant offering materials. UBS has filed registration statements (including prospectuses, as supplemented by the applicable pricing supplements and product supplements, for the offerings of the ETRACS ETNs) with the SEC for the offerings to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read these documents and any other documents that UBS has filed with the SEC for more complete information about UBS and the offerings to which this communication relates. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you can request the applicable product supplement and pricing supplement, by calling toll-free (+1-877-387 2275). In the US, securities underwriting, trading and brokerage activities and M&A advisor activities are provided by UBS Securities LLC, a registered broker/dealer that is a wholly owned subsidiary of UBS AG, a member of the New York Stock Exchange and other principal exchanges, and a member of SIPC. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a registered broker/dealer and affiliate of UBS Securities LLC. UBS specifically prohibits the redistribution or reproduction of this material in whole or in part without the prior written permission of UBS and UBS accepts no liability whatsoever for the actions of third parties in this respect. UBS 2020. The key symbol, UBS and ETRACS are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of UBS. Other marks may be trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005362/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for heeding his advice to reduce th... Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for heeding his advice to reduce the pump price of premium motto Spirit, otherwise known as petrol. Atiku had advised the Buhari administration to consider reducing the pump price of petrol He also advised that stamp duty on all types of accounts be temporarily suspended.e In a series of tweets, Atiku had said, I recommend that policies like the stamp duty on all types of accounts be temporarily suspended, until such time as the nations economy has turned the tide in the fight against this virulent scourge. Furthermore, as the landing cost of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, has reduced significantly, it is strongly recommended that the government not absorb the savings, but also pass it on to the Nigerian people by way of reducing the pump price of PMS to reflect the current prevailing market costs. Following the advice from the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019, the Federal Government on Wednesday announced the reduction of petrol price from N145 to N125. The government cited the crash in global oil price due the widespread of the dreaded pandemic, COVID-19 as one of its reasons for taking the action. In a tweet on Wednesday night, Atiku said, The #CoronavirusOutbreak places a huge economic strain on Nigerians, which is why we counselled the FG to reduce the pump price of PMS. I commend the FG for taking this step and I urge that all hands be on deck to rescue Nigeria from the economic downturn of the oil crash. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Interior Department issued a stern warning to Metro Manila officials who violate and challenge the national government's guidelines on the enhanced community quarantine. Interior Department spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said if local government officials defy the rules, such as non-observance of social distancing reminders, they will be slapped with gross negligence or insubordination charges. "Nakikiusap kami sa mayors at barangay officials na huwag na sana tayo makarating sa punto na magsasampa pa ang DILG ng kaso," he said during a Laging Handa briefing. [Translation: We are appealing to the mayors and barangay officials, I hope we do not reach the point that the DILG has to file charges against you.] Despite President Rodrigo Duterte's order to stop all forms of mass transit, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Tuesday ordered the limited mobilization of tricycles in the city to help bring health workers and patients with urgent needs to hospitals. On Wednesday, he once again appealed to the national government to give some consideration and relax transportation limitations for the sake of public health and safety. He said tricycles can only carry a maximum of two passengers. But the Duterte administration is not willing to bend the rules for Pasig City. Malaya said Sotto should explore other options, similar to what other LGUs are implementing, such as borrowing buses from private companies to ferry health workers. He even said that based on their monitoring, nonessential workers are availing of the tricycle service in the city in a time when travel should be prohibited. "Ang hindi ko maintindihan, kung nagagawan ng paraan ng ibang LGU na makagawa ng sistema ng paghahatid ng health workers, bakit hindi magawa ng Pasig? Pasensya na po, Mayor, hindi po namin kayo pwede pagbigyan... If we give an exemption, it defeats the purpose of a quarantine," he said. [Translation: If other LGUs can find ways to bring around the health workers, why can't Pasig do it. Sorry, Mayor, we cannot grant your request. If we grant an exemption, it defeats the purpose of a quarantine. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles earlier said the use of tricycles violates the rule to maintain at least one meter of distance from other people to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19. Malaya asked the neophyte politician to follow all the rules of the nearly month-long enhanced community quarantine implemented in Luzon. "Ito ay hindi lang naman ito ay utos ng Pangulo, ito po ay para sa kapakanan ng inyong constituents. Sana ay gawin natin ito as part of public service. Dito masusubukan ang galing ng ating local government officials," he said. [Translation: This is not just to follow the President's orders, but this is for the well-being of your constituents. Follow the rules as part of public service. This will be the test of the excellence of local government officials.] Pasig City offered the free rental of bikes and free shuttle service to frontline personnel and health workers. Senator Burr has been banging the drum about the importance of public health preparedness for more than 20 years, Burr spokeswoman Caitlin Carroll said. His message has always been, and continues to be, that we must be prepared to protect American lives in the event of a pandemic or bio-attack. Since early February, whether in constituent meetings or open hearings, he has worked to educate the public about the tools and resources our government has to confront the spread of coronavirus. At the same time, he has urged public officials to fully utilize every tool at their disposal in this effort. A long-time activist and father has been identified by friends as the man who died after he reportedly set himself on fire, then was Tasered by Toronto police Tuesday morning. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, activist organization Occupy Canada announced the death of the groups founder, Derek Soberal, a father of two young boys who was known for his long-time involvement in the citys activist circles and for making a documentary about Torontos G20 summit. Right now we are all in shock, as you might well imagine, said the post published to the Facebook group Wednesday. Ontarios police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, is probing the incident that police say began with a call about a man who had set himself on fire near Dundas Street East and Church Street around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. The SIU has not released the mans name, but several friends who spoke to the Star confirmed it was Soberal. According to a source with knowledge of the incident who was not authorized to speak publicly, Soberal set himself on fire near a gas station, then entered, prompting someone inside to douse the flames using a fire extinguisher. The man then ran away toward a nearby convenience store on Jarvis Street and began stabbing himself with a knife, the source said. Police officers at the scene then Tasered him. He was transported by ambulance to hospital, but later died. A video posted to Youtube on Wednesday appears to show the incident as seen from a nearby balcony. In it, a man partially on fire can be seen walking in front of the gas station with his arms outstretched. He then walks back toward the gas station. Sirens can be heard in the distance, then two police cars arrive. As news of Soberals death has spread, distraught friends expressed shock at his sudden death. In an article published on the left-leaning publication Counterpunch Thursday, friend and Toronto street pastor Doug Johnson Hatlem grappled with why Soberal would self-immolate an act Soberal knew to be thoroughly political. Johnson said he believed Soberal may have been pushed over the edge by recent events around the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Johnson, Soberal recorded a 20-minute live Facebook video prior to his death that suggested he had lost touch with reality. There is, however, a deeper reality that remains consistent over ten years and more of Dereks life, Johnson Hatlem wrote. He loved Canada and expected beyond all expectation that it would live up to its ideals of freedom and respect for human rights for all. Friend Jeremy Campbell said he believed Soberals unfortunate ending was more of a political act to draw attention to the dire need to correct the wrongs of society. Campbell first met Soberal during Torontos 2010 G20 summit, which saw the largest mass arrest in Canadian history, Campbell said. He was a very active activist. He was not an arm-chair activist. When he saw a wrong in society, he would get involved to try to help right that wrong, Campbell said. The two had lost touch in recent years, but Campbell was relieved to see Soberal find a partner and start a family he had two young boys. I liked seeing him so happy, he said. I just thought he found some new areas to devote his energy and passion towards. As news of Soberals death spread Wednesday, mourners shared their grief online, including members of the Occupy Canada Facebook group, which has nearly 100,000 members. Derek had a heart 10 times too big for his massive chest and maintained the ethics to match it, read the post announcing Soberals death. I first met Derek at a rally and Ill never forget walking with him leading a crowd of hundreds of people and him casually telling me that all it takes is a microphone to raise the voices of those unheard, wrote Facebook user Charles Simpson. Absolute legend. I am completely taken aback by this, especially at this time, he said. Friend Karyn Greenwood-Graham met Soberal through activism circles, including the group she founded for relatives of people killed in police interactions, Affected Families of Police Homicide. She described Soberal as a supporter of human rights who was passionate about righting wrongs. He supported everybodys human rights. He was so passionate about how the wrong things in the world needed to be righted, she said in an interview Wednesday. He was just amazing. He was feeling the pains of the world, he was feeling that so deeply. He always hugged you so tight, he was such a warm person, truly a caring person, she said. Early Tuesday morning, Soberal posted a photo on his Facebook page of himself, his partner Savannah and his two young sons. If you are considering suicide, there is help. Find a list of local crisis centres at the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Or call 911 or in Ontario call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 As companies and countries around the world battle to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan has announced on Twitter that his company will be helping in a big way. Even though there has been incredible demand for Razer products, Tan said, the company has converted some of its factory lines to make masks instead of mice and keyboards. Tan says the company plans to manufacture and donate up to a million masks to the health authorities of different countries globally beginning with its home base of Singapore. Razer designers and engineers have been working round-the-clock shifts to accommodate the manufacturing shift, Tan said, as the world struggles to keep up with the demand for surgical masks. On Wednesday, President Trump said he had ordered 500 million additional surgical face masks, but supply restraints could keep them at bay for months. Tan didnt offer any details on the style of masks Razer would be making, but were keeping our fingers crossed that they will include RGB lighting weaved into the fibers. All kidding aside, to receive the N95 designation, masks must adhere to the standard regulated by the FDA. It stipulates that masks must be designed to protect both the surgical patient and the operating room personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. Emirates airline has announced it is suspending flights to Ghana from March 20 to May 20,2020 over the Coronavirus outbreak in the world. In a post on social media, the airliner said the move is part of measures to protect its customers and staff. Ghana has confirmed its 7th case of coronavirus, Information minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has announced. It comes two days after four additional cases were confirmed by the government. First two cases of the virus were recorded last Thursday. On Monday, two Italians who were set to enter Ghana were stopped from entering the country. The move is part of Ghanas effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country. Europe is currently the epicentre of the virus with more recent deaths recorded in Italy. There were two Italians who were coming from the epicentre and as soon as we got confirmation of the details, even though they were in the air, we had to make an arrangement at the airport to ensure that they do not get off the aircraft and that they are returned to their originating destination, he told journalists Tuesday. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Ghana has announced it is suspending routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Ghana. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video BAMAKO, Mali - Armed men attacked a Malian army camp in the Gao region in the north, killing at least 29 soldiers, the army said Thursday. The attack on the post in Tarkint also wounded at least five people, said an army spokesman, Lt. Col. Diarran Kone. This is the biggest attack on Malis army in 2020. Though responsibility for the attack has not yet been claimed, it bears the marks of al-Qaida-linked groups in the region. A French-led military operation ousted jihadists from power in northern Mali in 2013, though they dispersed and regrouped. They have also been pushing farther south. Last year saw a surge of deadly assaults on Malis military posts. The extremists add to their weapons stockpile with each raid. The Air Education and Training Command said Wednesday that new Air Force recruits arriving this week at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland will be quarantined for two weeks before they begin training in earnest a first for the service. The command said 668 recruits who arrived Tuesday night will face a 14-day restriction of movement as part of the services mitigation procedures to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The isolated recruits and the ones to follow every week will spend the time preparing for full-scale training, completing administrative tasks and limited training objectives while operating within the parameters of social distancing and small group contact, the AETC said. The Air Force said it has had no coronavirus cases reported among those undergoing basic military training, or BMT. The health of both our trainees and military training instructors is our top priority, said Col. Michael Newsom, who leads basic training as commander of the 737th Training Group at Lackland. Restricting movement and separating our newest recruits from the rest of our BMT population, while still accomplishing training, allows us to keep our airmen safe and keep us ready to continue our mission to train, develop and inspire airmen. The efforts at San Antonios military installations to slow the spread of the virus were ramping up by the day. So far, there have been four COVID-19 cases confirmed at Joint Base San Antonio. The San Antonio Military Health System, which has 240,000 beneficiaries in the area along with military personnel, has suspended in-person routine care at JBSA hospitals and clinics. It has closed dining facilities and food courts there and set up triage tents outside to screen for the coronavirus. Brooke Army Medical Center has delayed elective surgeries, anticipating an increased need for acute patient care, and started drive-thru screening procedures for patients with fever, cough, shortness of breath and other COVID-19 indicators. Orders issued by the Pentagon in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis have come at a dizzying pace, including a six-month postponement of physical training tests through May, using what a defense spokesman called a commanders exemption, partly because many fitness centers now are closed. Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox Another decision canceled on-base and civilian-sponsored band performances, community engagements, base tours and Pentagon visits through May 15. We will continue to support funeral flyovers on a case-by-case basis across the country, said Brig Gen. Ed Thomas, head of Air Force public affairs. The decision to make arriving Air Force recruits wait before starting the 8-week program was unprecedented. It wont affect other operations at Lackland, where technical training students also receive instruction. An estimated 40,000 basic training recruits will graduate this year at Lackland before moving on to new duty stations. Slightly fewer 39,000 became full-fledged airmen in 2019. All inbound basic training students were moved Tuesday night to a Recruit Housing & Training facility on the north end of the base. To help provide social distancing recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than 40 will be housed in large bays that can hold up to 62. Recruits previously assigned to the dorm, one of the oldest on base but recently renovated with a self-contained dining facility, have been moved to other squadron buildings to finish training. Its about a third of a mile from the main basic military training campus, out there on an island by itself, 37th Training Wing spokesman Bob Rubio said. The routines for the newly arrived recruits are being streamlined, with modified procedures for haircuts, uniform issue and meals. On ExpressNews.com: Airmen wear their warrior faces at transformed basic training We have contingency plans in place for new recruits identified through initial health screenings needing isolation, said Maj. Gen. John DeGoes, the 59th Medical Wings commander and the director of the San Antonio Military Health System. Prescreening questionnaires identify symptoms, as well as recent travel exposure. For those recruits who become symptomatic, we have the facilities to provide the right type of care to our airmen. As some defense operations slowed or stopped around the world, including most domestic and overseas travel, the AETC said training continues, deemed mission essential. Pilot and technical training is proceeding at JBSA-Randolph, Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo and Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, among other AETC installations. Local commanders will adjust their flying training schedules in response to the pandemic, said Gen. David Goldfein, the Air Forces chief of staff, adding, I expect each base to actually make a mature, prudent decision on flying hours, and I think its our job as staff and my job as the chief to back them up and give them what they need to execute. Coronavirus-related developments will be monitored on a daily basis to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our airmen and maintain mission readiness, said the AETCs commander, Lt. Gen. Brad Webb. Calm is contagious, he added. Lackland broke with longstanding tradition last Friday and held a basic training graduation ceremony at the Pfingston Reception Center, rather than the bases sprawling parade field. Families and friends of the new airmen had to watch it on the wings Facebook page. Starting this week, the ceremony will shift to Thursdays. The public also has been barred from graduation ceremonies at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. Were also transiting courses where possible to distance learning, said Jose Rodriguez, a spokesman for the command. Where possible, civilian employees are teleworking from home. On ExpressNews.com: Air Force cancels San Antonio basic training graduation parade Historically, disease has killed more soldiers and sailors than combat, including the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed up to 1,000 soldiers a week, but that trend has gone in the other direction as medical care improved over the past century. Lackland, the Air Forces home of basic training since 1956, occasionally has been rocked by a disease outbreak. In 2007, around 700 trainees were put on bed rest, with one later dying at Wilford Hall Medical Center, during an outbreak of adenovirus. The wing grappled with the H1N1 swine flu two years later but used lessons learned to limit confirmed cases to 400. No deaths were recorded. One person died here in a meningitis scare in 1966 that forced the relocation of basic training to Amarillo until 1968, said Gary Boyd, the AETCs historian. That was decades ago, so Im sure it wasnt as challenging as it is today with the numbers of folks and the infrastructure that we have here, said Brig. Gen. Laura Lenderman, commander of Joint Base San Antonio. But thats why were taking the precautions that we are now, because it would be very challenging to pick up and move this training platform to another installation. An international health pandemic has made its way to Chippewa Falls. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Chippewa County was announced Thursday by the Chippewa County Department of Public Health and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The person who contracted the virus is an individual who has recently traveled and likely was exposed to the virus and brought it back to Wisconsin. The individual is under close monitoring by the Health Department and is said to be doing well. We have been preparing for this day, with the help of our community partners. We continue to work closely with DHS and monitor the situation in Chippewa County, Angela Weideman, Chippewa County Public Health director/officer, said. We want to remind the public to be prepared, but do not panic. In the interest of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19, the DHS recommends practicing social distancing by avoiding gatherings of larger than 10 people, limiting in-person contact with others and leaving at least six feet of distance between yourself and individuals and if youre sick to stay home. Practicing good hygiene is also essential during this time. The DHS recommends to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and to use hand sanitizer if you cant readily wash your hands. Finally, the DHS recommends to avoid all non-essential travel, and if you have symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, to call your primary care provider before going in. For more information, contact the Health Department at covid@co.chippewa.wi.us or 715-726-7900. The individual is under close monitoring by the Health Department and is said to be doing well. Karnataka to undertake Triaging: What does it mean and how do you pronounce it 820 samples test negative, no evidence of community spread of coronavirus India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: In a major relief to authorities monitoring coronavirus, all the 820 samples of persons have tested negative. This proves that the community transmission of the disease is yet to manifest itself. The process to collect samples from persons not in the zone of risk of those who have travelled abroad or have been in touch with individuals will however continue. All 820 randomly collected samples have tested negative and do not indicate any community transmission, said a report in the Times of India. We are not exactly ruling out community transmission, but the fact is that these samples have tested negative is reassuring that at the moment there is no evidence to indicate a community outbreak, the report quoting officials said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:07 [IST] (Natural News) Over the years, products with lead have steadily been removed from store shelves as more people become aware about the dangers of lead poisoning. However, K-12 students in California may be ingesting the heavy metal through an unavoidable source their water. In an email to the Environmental Working Group, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) confirmed that 1,166 out of 6,595 schools that participated in a recent test had at least one fountain that served water with more than 5 parts per billion (ppb) of lead. While any level of exposure to lead is unsafe, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that water from school fountains should not exceed 1 ppb of lead. Additionally, many of these schools did not test all their drinking water fountains or faucets of potable water. Parents should be concerned By law, all schools built before 2010 in California were required to test their drinking water for lead contamination by July 1, 2019. Despite the mandate, however, the law does not require schools to test all their fountains and faucets with potable water. State law generally requires that schools have at least one fountain for every 150 students. Most schools are reporting between one and five tests only, so not all schools are testing all their sources of drinking water. One-fifth of all K-12 schools have found at least one faucet on their campus that delivers a dose of lead to the children who use them, stated Susan Little, senior advocate for government affairs for EWG in California. These fountains are placed in areas easily reached by children, and many of the fountains havent been cleared. Parents should be concerned that their children might be drinking lead during recess. As for the sources of the lead, the SWRCB clarified that lead, which rarely ever occurs naturally in the states drinking water sources, may become present in drinking water when water passes through older plumbing fixtures or solder containing lead. Additionally, for the longest time, schools served by a public water system were not required to test their water for lead under the current Lead and Copper rule. Dangers of lead poisoning in children Lead poisoning occurs over an extended period of time as lead builds up in the body over a period of months, or even years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious problems; in large enough does, lead poisoning is fatal. Children under the age of six are some of the most vulnerable individuals to lead poisoning it can cause negative effects on their mental and physical development. In addition to developmental delays and learning difficulties, other signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children include appetite loss, weight loss, irritability, constipation, sluggishness and fatigue. Higher concentrations of lead can also lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, hearing loss and seizures. Lead poisoning can also lead to a compulsive eating disorder called Pica. This is when people, including children, eat nonfood items, such as paint chips. This can be especially dangerous if they eat chips from lead-based paint, which increases the amount of lead in their body. Pica can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia, intestinal infections, intestinal obstruction and mouth and teeth injuries. The lead in the water in Californias schools is just the latest in a long line of troubles with lead poisoning in the United States. In recent years, the city of Flint, Michigan had its own water crisis due to high amounts of lead in its drinking water, prompting the federal government to declare a state of emergency. More recently, another Michigan town, Grand Rapids, has also come into issues with lead, this time from the pervasive use of cheap, lead-based paint on windows throughout the town. Sources include: EWG.org Pediatrics.AAPPublications.org Pennsylvania on Tuesday became the first state to close its 35 interstate highway rest areas, as part of its state of emergency response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. PennDOT shuttered not only the rest area bathroom facilities and buildings but also the parking areas. The state's highways see heavy truck traffic, and the closures drew a swift outcry from long-haul truckers' organizations. American Trucking Association (ATA) president Chris Spear took his objections directly to President Trump, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, and other top federal officials. Local politicians voiced their grievances to the governor. And, of course, there were complaints on social media. The state has now partially relented. The buildings and indoor toilets will remain closed, but several parking areas along I-81, I-80, and I-79 will reopen, allowing tractor-trailer drivers to a safe place to park their rigs overnight. Those locations each will also will have five port-a-potties, which PennDOT says will be cleaned once a day. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is reportedly operating along similarly lines, with port-a-potties rather than indoor toilet facilities, although the Turnpike's convenience stores remain open. Commercial truck stops remain open. Trucking is widely considered to be an essential service, and the need to get supplies to stores after panic buying has cleaned out shelves is an obvious one. Despite the need to scale back on workers staffing such facilities, so far no other state has enacted a state-wide closure of highway rest areas. Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday denounced "psychosis" over the coronavirus pandemic, warning the panic could be more destructive than the infection itself. "I call this coronavirus nothing but psychosis and I will stand by this," the Belarusian leader said at a government meeting according to his office. "Together we have lived through many psychoses, and we know what they have led to. I'm certain that this is another psychosis that will benefit some and harm others." "I am absolutely sure that we can suffer more from the panic than the virus itself." In power since 1994, the 65-year-old leader this week called on the Belarusians to keep calm and work the land. "The tractor will heal everyone. The fields heal everyone," he has said. He said on Thursday that "excessive quarantining" does not work but promised to test anyone who was in contact with a coronavirus patient. He also urged the government to help some 8,000 Belarusians stuck abroad. The country of 9.4 million people wedged between Russia and the EU has reported 51 confirmed coronavirus cases. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mr. Kahn was one of thousands of Jewish refugee children shepherded to Britain between 1938 and 1940 as part of the rescue effort known as the Kindertransport. Later he joined his family in the United States and established himself as an artist in the 1950s. For years he divided his time between studios in New York City and Brattleboro, Vt., where he and his wife, artist Emily Mason, worked while ensconced in a hillside farm. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris pictured with Cillian de Gascun, director of the National Virus Refrence Laboratory Photograph: Aidan Crawley/EPA-EFE POOL PIC The full extent of the grip the coronavirus has on the Republic has been revealed for the first time spreading to 23 counties and infecting one baby. Figures from the Department of Health released last night show another 74 people tested positive yesterday as the overall toll surged to 366, including two deaths. A detailed breakdown revealed worrying trends, including the impact it is having on those caring for the sick with health workers making up one in five of those who fell victim to the infection. A fifth of the 271 infected up to Monday picked it up without knowing the source of the infection, confirming it is now circulating in the community. Six patients have ended up in intensive care units and 84 were hospitalised. Four in 10 were infected abroad and 17pc got the virus from another person who was positive. One in five positive patients is still under investigation. Two-thirds are under 55 years of age and nearly one in four is aged 35-44, signalling how it is hitting young age groups. It comes as 24,000 people have responded to the HSE recruitment drive, including around 1,000 nurses. Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said of the 271 cases notified to Monday, 40pc are male and 59pc female with 23 clusters. Two-thirds of cases are younger than 55 years, with almost one in four aged 35-44 years. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Cork with 48 and Limerick which recorded 14. The figures show an infant under one year of age caught the virus. Four children aged five to 14 years of age have also tested positive. And 28 people between 15 and 24 were also found to be positive. Read More Suspected cases who are referred by their GP for testing are being told they can wait several days for a result. Dr Holohan said: "We need to continue maximising our efforts to interrupt new transmission chains and keep clusters under control." Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe admitted yesterday many more will lose their jobs as more businesses close and collapse. He declined to put a figure on the numbers out of work or confirm staggering numbers of 350,000 to 400,000 which some experts have predicted. Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty confirmed the Government will refund employers who temporarily lay off employees but are continuing to pay them 203 per week during the current pandemic. More than 50,000 laid off workers have already applied for the Government's new emergency pandemic unemployment payment. Health Minister Simon Harris said it is impossible to predict when the Government will start advising older and vulnerable people to remain "cocooned" indoors as was signalled by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Systems are being worked on to ensure they will get food, supplies and be checked on. Older people without family and social support are urged to give their details to their local Garda station where gardai will help out collecting prescriptions and other supports . However, providers said over 800 existing people who receive HSE-funded homecare are choosing to self-isolate - including from their home carers. It is creating a crisis in income for home carers as the HSE will only pay them for the first two days of their client's self-isolation. Mr Harris said for now the advice is "if you're an older person, if you're a person with an underlying medical condition do try and stay at home as much as possible". "Get out and get the exercise, but in general try and stay at home as much as possible." Speaking after a visit to the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) with the Taoiseach, he said the more people are tested, the better the chance of slowing the spread of the virus. He said the NVRL processed 1,000 tests yesterday but people needed to know that it would take a number of days after being referred by their GP to get an appointment to give a swab which would be sent to a lab for analysis. The Naval Service vessels are being deployed to Dublin, Cork and Galway as one-stop-shops to support testing. The vessels will act as support bases for onshore testing centres - with Covid-19 testing staff supported by electricity supplies, accommodation, food preparation, water supplies and even equipment storage on the berthed vessels. LE Samuel Beckett has been assigned to Dublin, LE William Butler Yeats has been assigned to Galway and an as-yet-unknown vessel will be deployed to Cork's upper docks. Testing centres where people will go to give a swab after a GP referral may also include Garda stations, schools and community centres, while Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, has also been offered as a site. The global picture remained grave yesterday with the number of infections reaching 207,518. At least 8,248 people have died across the world as a result of the pandemic, including two in the Republic. Schools in Northern Ireland are to close following advice from public health officials in the UK. Both Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Dublin closed yesterday evening . Penneys also said it is shutting its doors until further notice due to concerns for its employees and customers. But supermarkets have seen a spike in trade as households continue to panic buy. Unemployment in NSW edged higher in February as the coronavirus-induced crisis began to hit the economy and a sharp deterioration in the jobs market is expected in the months ahead. The state's jobless rate lifted a notch to 4.6 per cent last month from 4.5 per cent in January, Bureau of Statistics figures showed. The unemployment rate edged higher in NSW ahead of the coronavirus crisis. While the NSW unemployment rate is lower than all other states there have been signs of weakness in recent months as the state economy absorbed the effects of bushfire, drought and more recently the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. NSW added a modest 1500 jobs in February following a small decline in employment in January. CHICAGO - A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that two-thirds of Americans say theyre at least somewhat concerned they or a loved one will be infected by the coronavirus up from less than half who said so a month ago. Among other finding in the survey, conducted March 12-16 among American adults: Worries about the coronavirus now surpass concerns about the flu. Thirty-one per cent of Americans are very or extremely worried about themselves or someone in their families becoming infected, with another 35% somewhat worried. A month ago, more than half 55% said they were not worried. Concerns about getting the flu decreased over the same period, with 49% now calling themselves at least somewhat worried after 63% said that a month ago. When it comes to news and information about the coronavirus, a majority of Americans 59% say they rely most heavily on traditional news sources like TV, radio and newspapers. But while about 7 in 10 adults age 45 or older say they get most of that information from traditional news sources, only about 4 in 10 of those under age 30 say the same. By contrast, about a quarter of those under age 30 say they get news about it from social media, compared with about 1 in 10 adults overall. Theres a partisan divide in concern about the coronavirus. Thirty-six per cent of Democrats called themselves very worried, compared with 21% of Republicans. Both Democrats and Republicans are more likely to express at least some concern than they were a month ago, when there was little difference in levels of worry. The share who said they were very worried increased only among Democrats. Democrats are also at least somewhat more likely than Republicans to say they are washing their hands more frequently, staying away from large groups and stocking up on cleaning supplies. As the poll was being conducted, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on March 13. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,003 adults was conducted March 12-16 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points ___ Online: AP-NORC Center: http://www.apnorc.org/. NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligent Power Module market worldwide is projected to grow by US$1.3 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 8.6%. Up to 600V, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 8.7%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$1.6 Billion by the year 2025, Up to 600V will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798935/?utm_source=PRN - Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 7.3% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$45.3 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$39.2 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Up to 600V will reach a market size of US$74.2 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 12.7% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$374.1 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies. - Competitors identified in this market include, among others, Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc. Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. Future Electronics Inc. Infineon Technologies AG Mitsubishi Electric Corporation ON Semiconductor Corporation Powerex, Inc. ROHM Co., Ltd. Sanken Electric Co., Ltd. SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG STMicroelectronics NV Vincotech GmbH Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798935/?utm_source=PRN I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. MARKET OVERVIEW Intelligent Power Modules: An Introduction Growth of Electric Vehicles Boosting Demand of Intelligent Power Module EV/HEV & WBG Technologies Booming Power Module Packaging LAPEROS Liquid Crystal Polymer: A New Power Control Unit for Hybrid Vehicle Global Competitor Market Shares Intelligent Power Module Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2019 & 2025 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Automotive Intelligent Power Modules Offers Integrated Solution for Vehicle On-Board Charging Applications 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: Intelligent Power Module Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 2: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2019 VS 2025 Table 3: Up to 600V (Voltage Rating) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Thousand: 2018 to 2025 Table 4: Up to 600V (Voltage Rating) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 5: 1,200V (Voltage Rating) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Thousand: 2018 to 2025 Table 6: 1,200V (Voltage Rating) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2019 VS 2025 Table 7: Above 1,200V (Voltage Rating) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Thousand: 2018 to 2025 Table 8: Above 1,200V (Voltage Rating) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 9: Up to 100A (Current Rating) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Thousand: 2018 to 2025 Table 10: Up to 100A (Current Rating) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 11: 101A-600A (Current Rating) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Thousand: 2018 to 2025 Table 12: 101A-600A (Current Rating) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 13: Above 600A (Current Rating) World Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018 to 2025 Table 14: Above 600A (Current Rating) Market Percentage Share Distribution by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 15: Consumer (Vertical) Global Opportunity Assessment in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 16: Consumer (Vertical) Percentage Share Breakdown of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 17: Industrial (Vertical) Worldwide Sales in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 18: Industrial (Vertical) Market Share Shift across Key Geographies: 2019 VS 2025 III. MARKET ANALYSIS GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Intelligent Power Module Market Share (in %) by Company: 2019 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 19: United States Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 20: United States Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 21: United States Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 22: United States Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 23: United States Intelligent Power Module Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 24: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown in the United States by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 CANADA Table 25: Canadian Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 26: Intelligent Power Module Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Voltage Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 27: Canadian Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 28: Intelligent Power Module Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Current Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 29: Canadian Intelligent Power Module Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 30: Canadian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 JAPAN Table 31: Japanese Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 32: Japanese Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 33: Japanese Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 34: Japanese Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 35: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 36: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Shift in Japan by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 CHINA Table 37: Chinese Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 38: Chinese Intelligent Power Module Market by Voltage Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 39: Chinese Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 40: Chinese Intelligent Power Module Market by Current Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 41: Chinese Demand for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 42: Chinese Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Intelligent Power Module Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 43: European Intelligent Power Module Market Demand Scenario in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 44: European Intelligent Power Module Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 45: European Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018-2025 Table 46: European Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 47: European Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018-2025 Table 48: European Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 49: European Intelligent Power Module Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 50: European Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 FRANCE Table 51: Intelligent Power Module Market in France by Voltage Rating: Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand for the Period 2018-2025 Table 52: French Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 53: Intelligent Power Module Market in France by Current Rating: Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand for the Period 2018-2025 Table 54: French Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 55: Intelligent Power Module Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 56: French Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis: A 7-Year Perspective by Vertical for 2019 and 2025 GERMANY Table 57: Intelligent Power Module Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 58: German Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 59: Intelligent Power Module Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 60: German Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 61: Intelligent Power Module Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical for the Period 2018-2025 Table 62: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in Germany by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 ITALY Table 63: Italian Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 64: Italian Intelligent Power Module Market by Voltage Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 65: Italian Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 66: Italian Intelligent Power Module Market by Current Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 67: Italian Demand for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 68: Italian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 UNITED KINGDOM Table 69: United Kingdom Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 70: United Kingdom Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 71: United Kingdom Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 72: United Kingdom Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 73: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 74: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 SPAIN Table 75: Spanish Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 76: Intelligent Power Module Market in Spain: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Voltage Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 77: Spanish Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 78: Intelligent Power Module Market in Spain: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Current Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 79: Spanish Intelligent Power Module Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 80: Spanish Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 RUSSIA Table 81: Russian Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 82: Russian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 83: Russian Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 84: Russian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 85: Russian Intelligent Power Module Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 86: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown in Russia by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 REST OF EUROPE Table 87: Rest of Europe Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018-2025 Table 88: Rest of Europe Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 89: Rest of Europe Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018-2025 Table 90: Rest of Europe Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 91: Rest of Europe Intelligent Power Module Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 92: Rest of Europe Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 93: Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 94: Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Region/Country: 2019 VS 2025 Table 95: Intelligent Power Module Market in Asia-Pacific by Voltage Rating: Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand for the Period 2018-2025 Table 96: Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 97: Intelligent Power Module Market in Asia-Pacific by Current Rating: Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand for the Period 2018-2025 Table 98: Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 99: Intelligent Power Module Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 100: Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis: A 7-Year Perspective by Vertical for 2019 and 2025 AUSTRALIA Table 101: Intelligent Power Module Market in Australia: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 102: Australian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 103: Intelligent Power Module Market in Australia: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 104: Australian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 105: Intelligent Power Module Market in Australia: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical for the Period 2018-2025 Table 106: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in Australia by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 INDIA Table 107: Indian Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 108: Intelligent Power Module Market in India: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Voltage Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 109: Indian Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 110: Intelligent Power Module Market in India: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Current Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 111: Indian Intelligent Power Module Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 112: Indian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 SOUTH KOREA Table 113: Intelligent Power Module Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 114: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 115: Intelligent Power Module Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 116: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 117: Intelligent Power Module Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Vertical for the Period 2018-2025 Table 118: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC Table 119: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 120: Rest of Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 121: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 122: Rest of Asia-Pacific Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 123: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 124: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Shift in Rest of Asia-Pacific by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 LATIN AMERICA Table 125: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market Trends by Region/Country in US$ Thousand: 2018-2025 Table 126: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2019 and 2025 Table 127: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 128: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market by Voltage Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 129: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 130: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market by Current Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 131: Latin American Demand for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 132: Latin American Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 ARGENTINA Table 133: Argentinean Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018-2025 Table 134: Argentinean Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 135: Argentinean Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018-2025 Table 136: Argentinean Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 137: Argentinean Intelligent Power Module Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 138: Argentinean Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 BRAZIL Table 139: Intelligent Power Module Market in Brazil by Voltage Rating: Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand for the Period 2018-2025 Table 140: Brazilian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 141: Intelligent Power Module Market in Brazil by Current Rating: Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand for the Period 2018-2025 Table 142: Brazilian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 143: Intelligent Power Module Quantitative Demand Analysis in Brazil in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 144: Brazilian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis: A 7-Year Perspective by Vertical for 2019 and 2025 MEXICO Table 145: Intelligent Power Module Market in Mexico: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 146: Mexican Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 147: Intelligent Power Module Market in Mexico: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 148: Mexican Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 149: Intelligent Power Module Market in Mexico: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical for the Period 2018-2025 Table 150: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in Mexico by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 REST OF LATIN AMERICA Table 151: Rest of Latin America Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 152: Rest of Latin America Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 153: Rest of Latin America Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 154: Rest of Latin America Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 155: Rest of Latin America Intelligent Power Module Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 156: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown in Rest of Latin America by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 MIDDLE EAST Table 157: The Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 158: The Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2019 and 2025 Table 159: The Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 160: Intelligent Power Module Market in the Middle East: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Voltage Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 161: The Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 162: Intelligent Power Module Market in the Middle East: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Current Rating for 2019 and 2025 Table 163: The Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 164: The Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 IRAN Table 165: Iranian Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 166: Iranian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 167: Iranian Market for Intelligent Power Module: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 168: Iranian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 169: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 170: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Shift in Iran by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 ISRAEL Table 171: Israeli Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018-2025 Table 172: Israeli Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 173: Israeli Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018-2025 Table 174: Israeli Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 175: Israeli Intelligent Power Module Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018-2025 Table 176: Israeli Intelligent Power Module Market Share Analysis by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 SAUDI ARABIA Table 177: Saudi Arabian Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 178: Saudi Arabian Intelligent Power Module Market by Voltage Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 179: Saudi Arabian Intelligent Power Module Market Growth Prospects in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 180: Saudi Arabian Intelligent Power Module Market by Current Rating: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2019 and 2025 Table 181: Saudi Arabian Demand for Intelligent Power Module in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 182: Saudi Arabian Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Table 183: Intelligent Power Module Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 184: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 185: Intelligent Power Module Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 186: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 187: Intelligent Power Module Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Vertical for the Period 2018-2025 Table 188: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 REST OF MIDDLE EAST Table 189: Intelligent Power Module Market in Rest of Middle East: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 190: Rest of Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 191: Intelligent Power Module Market in Rest of Middle East: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Thousand by Current Rating for the Period 2018-2025 Table 192: Rest of Middle East Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 193: Intelligent Power Module Market in Rest of Middle East: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical for the Period 2018-2025 Table 194: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Distribution in Rest of Middle East by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 AFRICA Table 195: African Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Voltage Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 196: African Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Voltage Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 197: African Intelligent Power Module Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Thousand by Current Rating: 2018 to 2025 Table 198: African Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown by Current Rating: 2019 VS 2025 Table 199: African Intelligent Power Module Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Thousand by Vertical: 2018 to 2025 Table 200: Intelligent Power Module Market Share Breakdown in Africa by Vertical: 2019 VS 2025 IV. COMPETITION FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL, INC. FUJI ELECTRIC FUTURE ELECTRONICS INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ON SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION POWEREX ROHM SEMIKRON ELEKTRONIK GMBH & CO. KG STMICROELECTRONICS NV SANKEN ELECTRIC VINCOTECH GMBH V. CURATED RESEARCH Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798935/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links www.reportlinker.com Mat Kaplan: There are things in the television series, as well as the book, which are going to be disturbing to certain segments of society. I don't think that's anything that's new to you, but it does seem to show a certain level of courage on the part of National Geographic and Fox to have stood behind this program over 3 seasons now. Ann Druyan: That's really true. In fact, in the last 2 seasons, both networks have been my partner. I have produced 26 hours of Cosmos and I'm happy to say that there's never been a moment where they asked me to change a word or an idea throughout those 26 scripts. They have been the best of partners. Every time a new issue of National Geographic arrived when I was a little girl, my mother and I would look through every page. She would read aloud to me and then we read together when I was able. It has an emotional resonance to me that they have been such great partners and that they are distributing the series in so many countries around the world. Mat Kaplan: You know, returning to things like the cosmic calendaryour compression of the universe's history into a single yearit's like returning to an old friend. It takes us back not just to the previous seasons in this incarnation of Cosmos, but back to the beginning and your partnership with Carl. Ann Druyan: The cosmic calendar was Carl's vision. It was part of his lifelong campaign to make the revelations of science as accessible as possible to all of us. Carl came up with that at-a-glance calendar so we could wrap our brains around 13.8 billion years, because we know what a year feels like. The cosmic calendar has been subject to revision since the first Cosmos. Back then, the scientific consensus was that the universe was 18 billion years old. So the universe has become younger. That's the great strength of science: in the face of new evidence science is willing to change its view of anything, as long as the new evidence is stronger than the evidence we had before. Mat Kaplan: Speaking of Carl, it's still thrilling to hear his voice joining Neil deGrasse Tyson's at critical junctures in the show. I mean for those of us who grew up learning from him and trusting him it's wonderful to be able to hear him again. Ann Druyan: I thought it was a good idea to weave Carl's voice throughout the series because that magnificent voice is so tender, truthful, and wise. It adds another dimension to the series. Carl was very prophetic. He was just a human being, but he saw clearly. He used his science to see clearly and to call attention to not only opportunities and wonders, but also looming dangers. I always get a catch in my throatmany times a tearwhen I hear Carl's voice, because it reminds me of his enormous goodness and the beauty of his life. So it just seemed right to have him with Neil in the series. Mat Kaplan: There's so much of that duality of vision in both the book and the TV series. I'm now thinking of your vision of a spectacular 2039 World's Fair that you have in both the book and TV series. You obviously picked 2039 for a very good reason. Could you talk about that? Ann Druyan: Carl grew up with working-class parents, living in a small apartment in Brooklyn back when Brooklyn wasn't the place you wanted to live. When he was 5 years old, they took him to the 1939 New York World's Fair. It was actually Einstein's first words at the opening of the fair that inspired me to write the series and the book. Carl said later that when he went to the fair he was very upset because his parents brought a brown bag lunch. They couldn't afford a dessert or the tchotchkes that were everywhere at the fair, which he desperately wanted. But it was there that he discovered that there was such a thing as the future and that the only way to get to it was science. Neil had a similar experience around the same age. I think he was 6 when he was taken to the 1964 World's Fair on the very same site in Queens. It was right near where I grew up. I was a little bit older than Neil, but I was at that fair almost weekly for the technicolor joy of all the great things we were going to do. Cities of the future were depicted without any slums, or any poverty. Everyone would have what they needed. That was very inspiring to me. And so, in imagining a dream of the near-future, I wanted to create a New York World's Fair of 2039 to show how we could use our science with wisdom to solve the challenges we face and how art and science could combine to create a new Colossus in New York Harbor. I was very lucky to work with Brannon Braga and Karl Walter Lindenlaub and a bunch of brilliant cinematographers and visual effects geniuses. With a cast of a hundred, we created that 2039 World's Fair in which some of the daunting problems that we face now have been dealt with and we're ready to move further out into the cosmos. Mat Kaplan: It really is a wonderful vision. There's another scene that I knew I was going to see, because as you know, I had a delightful conversation with your daughter Sasha Sagan about her really touching and perceptive book, For Small Creatures Such as We. So I wasn't surprised when she showed up in an episode. Would you describe that scene? It must have had special meaning for you. Ann Druyan: Yes, very special meaning. There's a drawing that Carl made at 11 or 12 called The Evolution of Interstellar Flight. And he did it in that little apartment in Brooklyn on what I imagine is a kind of ragged living room rug. It was the unfolding of our exploration of the cosmos as depicted on the newspaper mastheads and headlines of the future and how that would unfold as we moved further and further out into the cosmos. Carl had an extraordinary mother, Rachel, who really was a part of why he became who he became. And even though Sasha was born after Rachel's death and they never met, Carl and I were fascinated by the fact that when she started laughing, she had Rachel's unique laugh. And how could that have happened, you know? It was one of those astonishing things where you realize that maybe it's a little more nature than nurture than you'd like to think. I was imagining that moment when he made that drawing as a child. I imagined Rachel there lovingly looking on. And of course, Sasha was the perfect person to play Rachel and bring her back to life. A Collegeville homeowner who shot an armed intruder last month will not face criminal charges, prosecutors said Thursday. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said the shooting was justified because all necessary elements were met under the legal principle known as the Castle Doctrine: Someone broke into the mans home, the intruder was armed and threatening him, and the homeowner did not provoke the shooting. Robert Pollock, 55, of Schwenksville, broke into the mans home at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 16, according to prosecutors. Pollock forced open the front door and pointed a Smith & Wesson .357-caliber revolver at the homeowner and a woman who was inside. Fearing for his life and the lives of others in the residence, the homeowner shot Pollock with a gun he is permitted to carry, Steele said. Pollock was pronounced dead at the scene, and later tested positive for alcohol and drugs. Steeles office did not identify the shooter, and it was unclear why Pollock had allegedly forced his way into the home. Sudan abolishes Islamist committees formed to confiscate church properties Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Sudans transitional government has abolished committees formed under the Islamist regime of former President Omar al-Bashir that were used to take over church properties. Nasreldin Mofreh, Sudans Minister of Religious Affairs, signed an order last Wednesday requiring the dissolution of church councils that international advocates said legitimized the former governments confiscation of church properties. We are pleased by the Ministers decree, given the role these illegitimate church councils played in the former regimes persecution of Christians and the obstacles they continued to present to churches ability to represent their own interests to the government, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Chairman Tony Perkins, said in a statement. Advocates are hopeful that the move will lead to the return of church oversight to rightful church leaders. After the secession of South Sudan in 2011, Christian communities were left vulnerable to the implementation of a strict Islamic legal code under Bashir's regime. Through the mechanism of church councils, properties were taken from organizations such as the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and the Sudanese Church of Christ. As undue government influence was imposed on the churches, some pastors were arrested for their refusal to give up control of their denominations. Since the Bashir regime was ousted last April, the transitional government has made vows to improve conditions for Christians in the country. According to Morning Star News, a nonprofit devoted to covering the persecution of Christians worldwide, more legal action will be needed to regain some church properties lost under the authority of the abolished committees. But the Rev. Yahia Abdelrahim Nalu, the head of SPEC, called the move a step forward. He told the outlet that most of the problems that occurred in churches affiliated with the two denominations and Pentecostal churches were caused by the church committees. Last November, Mofreh reportedly told an Arabic newspaper that property confiscated by the former government would be returned to churches through court proceedings. By disbanding these church councils, the Sudanese government is returning agency to religious organizations and allowing them to conduct their own affairs. USCIRF Commissioner Anurima Bhargava said in a statement. We hope this decree serves as an important first step in extending full rights to long-persecuted religious minority communities, including the restoration of property seized by the former regime. The order comes two weeks after Perkins and Bhargava traveled to Khartoum where they met with Mofreh and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok among other religious and societal leaders from Feb. 26 to March 1. It was the first USCIRF visit to Sudan after the fall of the Bashir regime. During the trip, Sudanese government leaders conveyed a desire to bring a new era of openness and inclusivity to their country that suffered for 30 years under brutal and autocratic religious repression, according to Perkins. Hamdok and other transitional government officials met with USCIRF in Washington, D.C., during a visit last December. The visit marked the first time in three decades that Sudanese leaders had visited Washington, D.C. The officials shared how they planned to expand religious freedom in a country that is ranked as the seventh-worst in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs World Watch List. During the USCIRF visit in late February and early March, Mofreh and Hamdok affirmed their commitment to improving religious liberty. They pledged to work with the U.S. and other international partners as the country implements additional reforms. This decree confirms our sense that while Sudan has many serious challenges ahead, its transitional leadership is sincere in its promise to implement concrete and meaningful measures to improve religious freedom conditions in the country, Perkins said in a statement. According to Morning Star News, Mofreh has said that he plans to issue another order in the future that would regulate relations between church leaders and government. Prior to the order, the transitional government took some key steps to improve the religious freedom conditions in the country. According to USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie Moore, Sudan finalized a constitutional declaration last year that no longer references Islam as the primary source of law in the country. In addition, the transitional government repealed a public order law that gave police forces broad authority to arrest and punish people for violating religious-based moral teachings. The law enabled punishments such as floggings of women for wearing pants or dancing. The BBC reports that in some cases, stonings and executions occurred. The transitional government also said earlier this year that Bashir and two other ex-government officials responsible for the genocide in Darfur will have to face prosecution at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands. In December, the U.S. State Department removed Sudan from its list of countries of particular concern for egregious religious freedom violations. Sudan is now on the State Departments Special Watch List. Texas colleges are postponing spring commencement and graduation ceremonies in efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. A group of Rice University seniors, however, took matters into their own hands in a moment of uncertainty. Graduating seniors from all 11 of Rices residential colleges many sporting their caps and gowns led processions through campus Friday afternoon. Rice announced last week that the campus would largely close to students and classes would be held online for the rest of the semester. That left commencement up in the air. So within 24 hours, a group of students organized their own impromptu graduation ceremony. I dont know when theres going to be another time for me to be around so many wonderful people who have each imprinted on me and made my Rice experience so hard to leave, senior Gabrielle Falcon told Rice officials. There were flags, printed mock commencement programs, and music from Rices Marching Owl Band as students made what might be their final official walk through the Sallyport an archway that by tradition students pass through once during their matriculation and only again as seniors during their graduation. Faculty and staff, including Rice President David Leebron, and some parents who were on campus came to witness the moment. Some of us were crying because we were happy and sad to leave and to graduate the normal graduation cry, said Ariana Engles, a former student body president and graduating senior. But others were crying because of all the experiences they will miss out on on-campus for the next several weeks, Engles added. Many students at Texas colleges and university face the reality of not having a formal graduation ceremony. CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Stay informed with accurate reporting you can trust Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M University, Baylor University, the University of Texas System, Texas Southern University and the University of St. Thomas in Houston have all announced that spring commencements are postponed or canceled. The decisions came after the White House advised Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. All of these schools have also called for their classes to resume online for the remainder of the semester. St. Thomas President Richard Ludwick announced Wednesday that the college plans to combine the spring and winter graduation commencements into one large ceremony in December that will give graduates a celebration worthy of the hard work they accomplished to get there, he wrote. Students in residence halls at St. Thomas are encouraged to return home or find other accommodations, Ludwick said. When the decision is made for classes to return to campus, sufficient time will be provided so that students can plan accordingly, Ludwick said. Texas Southern decided to cancel its May commencement Wednesday and will announce a rescheduled date soon, said university spokesman Steve Scheffler. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Texas Coronavirus Map: See the latest numbers on our interactive tracker Texas A&M University officials on Tuesday said A&M would postpone its spring graduation ceremonies and will deliver diplomas to graduates through the mail, free of cost. Its also considering hosting in-person ceremony options this summer for May graduates who still want to attend a ceremony. August in-person graduation ceremonies are not expected to be effected as of yet, officials noted. These are very difficult decisions made with careful thought and input from faculty, staff and students, Texas A&M President Michael K. Young said in a statement. Around the world and here in Aggieland, the unprecedented disruption and sprawling impact of the pandemic are unfolding at a precious time for our university graduation, finals, major events. And at the same time, we know that most essential is preserving health and safety and continuing to support ongoing education online. Texas A&M officials are also considering online testing and alternative approaches for assessment of student learning in lieu of in-person final exams. Prairie View A&M President Ruth Simmons announced in a letter Tuesday that the university will postpone its spring commencement until a later date and will scale back events. Simmons also said classes will resume online for the remainder of the semester starting on March 30, but students are allowed to return to their rooms on campus on Monday, March 23. Summer classes at Prairie View A&M are also expected to remain online. Baylor announced Monday that it has postponed its May commencement and will offer spring graduates the opportunity to attend the August ceremony. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: UT president tests negative for COVID-19 after wife tests positive UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken said in a letter Tuesday that all spring commencements will be postponed at the systems eight academic institutions and that online instruction will take the place of in-person and on-campus classes immediately. Commencements will likely be held in the fall, and students scheduled to graduate this spring will receive their diplomas as planned, he wrote. Dining services and on-campus housing will be restricted to students who do not have a suitable alternative. Those who have paid to live in residence halls, for dining plans or other services they cannot use will be reimbursed or credited. UT-Austin President Gregory L. Fenves said Tuesday that UT is resuming classes online starting March 30 and has asked students not to return to campus unless there is a specific need. University of Houston announced via Twitter Tuesday that a decision regarding its upcoming commencement will be made next week, but still reminded students of the April deadline to purchase caps and gowns. Houston Baptist University, San Jacinto College and Lone Star College are also still in discussions about the future of spring commencements, university officials said. Houston Community College officials are discussing alternative options should there be a need to cancel or postpone commencement events. Many students and parents are expressing their dismay over the cancellations on social media. graduating from THE university of texas at austin has been a dream of mine for as long as i could remember, @anasilverio19 wrote on Twitter. coming to terms with the reality that I might not be walking in front of my family is completely breaking my heart. And a mother, @aliciafilley, tweeted: Ive been tough and supportive all along, but just found out my oldest kids twin sons graduation ceremony (at Texas A&M) is canceled and this might be what breaks me. Leebron, the Rice president, said the private Houston college still plans to host a May ceremony for its spring 2020 graduates, but its uncertain whether it will be advisable. Students have been advised to move off campus and classes will resume online starting Monday, March 23 for the rest of the semester. If in early to mid-April it appears not possible to hold the ceremony in May, we will consult with student leaders and schedule an in-person ceremony for the classes of 2020 at the earliest opportunity and with reasonable notice, Leebron said. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Rice University closing campus for semester Rice senior Sahil Patel was one of the Rice graduating seniors who was able to participate in the students organized ceremony. Patel told university officials he was saddened that many of his friends had already left for spring break. There are definitely people that I may or may not ever see again and thats really hard for me to process right now, Patel said. I wasnt even going to walk through the Sallyport today, but I just felt the energy and knew that I would regret it if I didnt, Falcon said. Engles, the former student body president at Rice, said the way the impromptu graduation came together so quickly is a testament to the Rice communitys strength in times of crisis. During her admissions day the day Rice students choose their colleges Engles said the event was flooded out. Since then, Houston has experienced tornadoes in spring 2017, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Tropical storm Imelda last year, and a water main break earlier this year. Now, a worldwide pandemic is keeping us from graduating, Engles said. Engles said had she known that her semester on campus would have been cut short, she would have made more of an effort to be present in classes and to connect with people she made memories with during her time at Rice. Still, Engles said she gives credit to university officials for acting swiftly and still allowing students who might not have another option to stay on campus. This graduation ceremony was a chance to say Hey, we want to have this experience together still. We dont know what the future holds, but we have this moment together, she said. brittany.britto@chron.com Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday sought the support of local body institutions to check the spread of coronavirus in the state, where 24 people including two foreigners, have so far rested positive for the virus and over 25,000 are under surveillance. In a video conference meeting held with local body members and officials across the state, he said an "unusual" situation was prevailing in the state and even a minor lapse would worsen it. Though the present restrictions imposed to check the further spread of the infection would cause some temporary difficulty, everyone should cooperate considering the emergency situation, he added. "The government will make all possible steps to ensure adequate supply of food and medicines. Local body representatives have a significant role to play in ensuring normal life to those under surveillance," Vijayan said. Pointing out the responsibilities of the civic bodies and its members, the Chief Minister said they should initiate special awareness drives among migrant and MNREGA workers who have suffered job loss due to the virus outbreak. Some of those under home surveillance may need counselling and the local body representatives in their respective areas can ensure it, he added. Religious festivals and public functions have been postponed across the state and people have been asked to avoid mass gatherings, including marriages. It is unreasonable not to refund those who have pre- booked marriage halls, he said adding effective intervention of local body authorities is required for this, Vijayan said. Pointing to the isolation and ill-treatment faced by foreign tourists after the virus outbreak, the Chief Minister urged the civic bodies to ensure that they get all necessary support. Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and Local Self-Government Department Minister A C Moideen also took part in the meeting along with Vijayan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2020) - Ely Gold Royalties Inc. (TSXV: ELY) (OTCQB: ELYGF) (FSE: A2JSL0) ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") announced today that a total of 900,000 stock options to purchase Ely Gold common shares have been granted to Consultants of the Company. These stock options are exercisable at $0.57 per share for a period of two years and will vest and become exercisable as to 25% on date of grant and 25% as to three, six and nine months after the date of grant. This stock option grant is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. About Ely Gold Royalties Inc. Ely Gold Royalties Inc. is a Vancouver-based, junior royalty company with development assets focused in Nevada and Quebec. Its current portfolio includes 42 Deeded Royalties and 22 properties optioned to third parties. Ely Gold's royalty portfolio includes producing royalties, fully permitted mines and development projects that are at or near producing mines. The Company is actively seeking opportunities to purchase existing third-party royalties for its portfolio and all the Company's option properties are expected to produce royalties, if exercised. The royalty and option portfolios are currently generating significant revenue. Ely Gold is well positioned with its current portfolio of over 20 available properties to generate additional operating revenue through option and sale agreements. The Company has a proven track record of maximizing the value of its properties through claim consolidation and advancement using its extensive, proprietary data base. All portfolio properties are sold or optioned on a 100% basis, while the Company retains royalty interests. Management believes that due to the Company's ability to generate third-party royalty agreements, its successful strategy of organically creating royalties, its equity portfolio and its current low valuation, Ely Gold offers shareholders a low-risk leverage to the current price of gold and low-cost access to long-term mineral royalties. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Signed "Trey Wasser" Trey Wasser, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Trey Wasser, President & CEO trey@elygoldinc.com 972-803-3087 Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer jjobin@elygoldinc.com 647-964-0292 FORWARD-LOOKING CAUTIONS: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the VEK royalty portfolio and its current Fenelon royalty, including future mineral production prospects and royalty revenue gains, and Company plans for acquisitions of additional royalty interests. These matters are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks of declining precious metals prices, failure of projects in which the Company has an interest may underperform current management forecasts, the Company may not be able to identify suitable new royalty acquisitions, and the political uncertainties and regulatory or legal disputes or changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effect. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53618 OTTAWAMinutes after Justin Trudeau hung up the phone with Donald Trump on Wednesday morning, the U.S. president took to Twitter to share the news: The Canada-U.S. border would close to most travellers. After years of brutal negotiating to keep the border as open as possible, Trudeaus call to Trump sealed a mutual agreement to shut it down to non-essential travel almost immediately. But the decision to strictly limit cross-border traffic actually came Tuesday afternoon, in two phone calls between Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Vice-President Mike Pence. The Star spoke to several Canadian and American officials about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to the extraordinary closure of the worlds largest undefended border. Most spoke on the condition they not be named. As recently as last week, public servants and public health experts were not advising Ottawa to impose any travel restrictions. But the world kind of changed when Trump announced he was banning travel to the U.S. from Europe, said one federal official. Thats what really kicked off all the decision making. So one of the immediate, key decisions we made which we announced on Monday was to ban foreign nationals except the United States. The official said the initial decision to exempt U.S. citizens was based on advice from senior public servants, but also pointed to Freelands comments Tuesday, describing the Canada-U.S. border as a lifeline for the economy and for ensuring Canadian grocery stores and pharmacies remain stocked. Later Tuesday, the Trudeau cabinets COVID-19 committee met. Right after that meeting, Freeland called Pence and told him Canada wanted to bar most U.S citizens. She laid out that we felt that having a restriction on non-essential travel, essentially vacations and tourism, would be important, said one official with direct knowledge of the exchange. Pence immediately reacted positively, but said he needed to have some conversations. Within an hour, Pence phoned back and said the Trump administration agreed. But hammering out the details of how to close the border to most of the hundreds of thousands of people who usually cross it each day without disrupting billions of dollars in cross-border trade that both countries rely on is a more complicated task. On the Canadian side, the key players included Trudeau and Freeland, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Kirsten Hillman, Canadas acting ambassador to in Washington, D.C. They primarily dealt with Pence, who is leading the Trump administrations COVID-19 response, and acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf. The conversation between Freeland and Pence expanded to include the White House and the Prime Ministers Office, senior public servants in both countries, and Blair and Wolf. A lot of work happened overnight between Public Safety and Homeland Security, said one government official. As of Wednesday evening, that work appeared to be ongoing. While both Trudeau and Trump announced the travel restrictions in the morning, neither released the details of the ban, such as who would still be allowed to cross the border, and how the two countries will ensure their vital trade relationship isnt disrupted. Two officials told the Star that as of Wednesday afternoon, the two countries were still hammering out details hours after Trumps tweet. Were still working out some of the bigger details, a senior Canadian official said. Blair told reporters Wednesday that nobody will be permitted to cross the Canada-U.S. border for recreation and tourism, but essential travel will continue unimpeded. Its also important to recognize that Canadians and Americans cross this border every day to do essential work and for other urgent or essential reasons, and these will not be impacted, Blair said. A U.S. State Department official told the Star that no travellers exhibiting symptoms will be allowed to enter Canada, regardless of citizenship. At a news conference Wednesday, Trump said he expects the travel restrictions to remain in place for 30 days, although it was unclear what the president was basing that estimate on. In his own news conference, Trudeau said the measures would remain in effect until both countries determine theyre no longer required. When asked what counts as essential travel, Trump cited the flow of medical goods, military and industrial co-operation. I spoke with the Prime Minister Trudeau, very good relationship obviously between us and our two countries and we both thought it was time, Trump told reporters. Now, its not affecting trade. Its non-essential. Its non-essential crossings. It wont affect trade at all. And it was just something we thought would be good for both countries. While the details of the travel restrictions have yet to be released, the fact that the two countries were able to come to an agreement is already an improvement on the last time the border was closed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, said U.S.-Canada analyst Eric Miller. When you look at how this was executed, it couldnt have been more different than the post-9/11 period, said Miller, a fellow at the Canada Global Affairs Institute. In 2001, it came from an order from the U.S. president that said shut everything down, Miller said. And that included the Canada-U.S. border, and it created lines that were 26 miles long at their max that included everything from travellers trying to get home to auto trucks full of parts. So this process built on, essentially, the trust that has been built over the last two decades. With files from Edward Keenan Read more about: MEDFORD, Ore. Josephine County has joined neighboring Jackson County in declaring a state of emergency as a precaution due to the coronavirus, the Commissioners announced on Thursday. The vote passed 2-0 with Commissioner Dan DeYoung not present. Jackson County Public Health officials hold a press conference after two local residents test positive for COVID-19. Jackson County Public Health officials hold a press conference after two local residents test positive for COVID-19. We do not take the step of declaring an emergency lightly, said Commissioner Darin Fowler, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Doing so affords our emergency services manager and local public health director greater ability to respond to COVID-19. We appreciate everything that is being done to keep everyone in our community safe. While there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Josephine County, public health officials have consistently said that the disease is likely either already present or soon will be. 88 cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state by Thursday morning, with 10,442 cases confirmed nationwide. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners announced their declaration of a state of emergency in the county earlier in the day "in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, prevent the overwhelming of health care providers, and otherwise minimize the risk to public health." The state of emergency in Jackson County is effective March 19th and will expire on May 31st, unless rescinded or extended further. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners have shown leadership and taken an important step to ensure we are ready for whatever comes before us, said County administrator Danny Jordan. This is not designed to cause any panic for the citizens of Jackson County. It is part of the process in preparing. The City of Medford similarly declared a local state of emergency on Monday. The state of emergency authorizes Jackson County to perform several actions, including the following: Emergency procurement of goods and services. Entering into mutual aid agreements between the County and cities within the County or neighboring counties. Enforcing emergency measures to protect the public. Modifying relevant personnel leave, personnel processes or policies, and workplace requirements, assignments, or designations of County employees. Requesting assistance and potential reimbursements from the State of Oregon and any appropriate Federal agency for response and recovery. All rules and orders have "the full force and effect of law" during a declared state of emergency. RELATED: Jackson County employees near strike amid public health vigil for coronavirus The Board of Commissioners is committed to following the steps needed to keep the people of Jackson County safe, said Jackson County board chair Colleen Roberts. We do not know what is ahead but we are in this together. We all need to follow the steps that create a community with a desire to have the least people possible contract the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of Thursday morning, Jackson County still had only two confirmed cases of COVID-19, which public health officials said were travel-related exposures. Both people were self-quarantining at home and reportedly had not been hospitalized. Officials on Thursday warned against anyone looking to illegally profit from the current public health emergency and said the states price-gouging law has been activated. Attorney General Steve Marshall said Alabamas price-gouging laws go into effect when the governor declares a State of Emergency, which Gov. Kay Ivey did March 13 amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The law prohibits the unconscionable pricing of items for sale or rent. According to Marshalls office, they have received just 12 complaints so far, spanning from Boaz to Mobile. Six of those complaints relate to higher prices for toilet tissue, two for cleaning supplies, two for bottled water, and two for food items - flour, soda and beans. Alabamians should be on guard against those who would seek to prey upon them through price gouging of commodities and services for consumption or use as a direct result of the public health emergency, Marshall said. Furthermore, those who seek to profit during this time of emergency through price gouging will be subject to the law. Although what constitutes an unconscionable price is not specifically set forth in state law, a price that is 25 percent or more above the average price charged in the same area within the last 30 days unless the increase can be attributed to a reasonable cost in connection with the rental or sale of the commodity would be considered unconscionable pricing. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 per violation, and those determined to have willfully and continuously violated this law may be prohibited from doing business in Alabama. Alabamians who want to file an illegal price gouging report are encouraged to do so via the Alabama Attorney Generals Consumer Interest Division web link: https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint, or by calling 1-800-392-5658 to receive a form by mail to complete and return. You may also write the Alabama Attorney Generals Office, 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130. In this era of social distancing, faith communities are bringing centuries-old rituals around death and grieving into the 21st century and limiting personal contact even though community support is an important part of these rituals. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/3/2020 (664 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this era of social distancing, faith communities are bringing centuries-old rituals around death and grieving into the 21st century and limiting personal contact even though community support is an important part of these rituals. High-tech solutions like livestreaming funerals and FaceTime family visits allow mourners to pay their respects and offer condolences while respecting protocols prohibiting large gatherings. With that in mind, the family of the man immortalized on the big screen as the iconic Gus Portokalos decided to share his final farewells on small screens across the globe. A private family funeral for Constantine (Gus) Nicholas Vardalos will be livestreamed from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday in order to minimize contact and comply with provincial guidelines discouraging large public gatherings. "After careful consideration regarding the new COVID-19 crisis, and in the interest of the community's health, the family has decided to postpone a memorial service to a later date to be announced," the family wrote in Vardaloss obituary. He died on March 12 at the age of 87. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Michael Vogiatzakis, general manager of Voyage Funeral Home, is setting up live streaming in his funeral home in Winnipeg in order to allow viewings during the social distancing era. Vardalos is the father of actor, screenwriter and producer Nia Vardalos, best known for her 2002 hit movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, based on her own wedding in Winnipeg. Gus Vardalos was portrayed on screen by actor Michael Constantine. Livestreaming offers mourners a chance to participate and gain some closure in a time when health protocols dont allow large groups to congregate, said Mike Vogiatzakis of Voyage Funeral Homes, which is livestreaming Vardaloss funeral. "It probably would have been a massive funeral, so people can watch it live and it will also be on YouTube later," he said, adding livestreaming options will be offered to all families arranging funerals right now. Between social distancing and no gatherings of more than 50 people, Jewish customs around death and grieving are now scaled back to include only family members, said Rena Boroditsky, executive director of the Jewish funeral home Chesed Shel Emes. "We are recommending graveside services with the immediate family only and not having a (community) meal," she said. Instead of shiva visits to the grieving family, Boroditsky suggests using email, FaceTime, and the telephone to express condolences, and conducting prayer services virtually. VINCE BUCCI/GETTY IMAGES Gus Vardalos, left, with daughter, actress Nia Vardalos, centre, and Doreen Vardalos at movie premier in 2004. "All of our burial and funeral and mourning rituals are based in community," she said. "It certainly will impact all of those rituals but it doesnt mean we cant do all we can. "We still honour all the essential parts of the ritual." Muslims also gather for community prayers as part of their death rituals, but with local mosques closed, those prayers will take place graveside or at the funeral home, said Idris Elbakri, board chair of the Manitoba Islamic Association. "Unfortunately, they (the funerals) are going to become very minimal," he said. If possible, Jews and Muslims bury bodies within 24 hours of death. Neither tradition embalms bodies but washes and prepares them according to specific rituals. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chesed Shel Emes Chapel in Winnipeg has closed for construction. Anglicans are encouraged to postpone memorial services for family members if possible or hold small services with only the priest and immediate family attending, said Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft of Diocese of Ruperts Land. The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. "Were not touching caskets, were hands off, but well perform the ceremony," he said, adding that no funeral lunches will be allowed. Anglican church buildings in the diocese were closed as of Monday, March 16. Roman Catholics are also encouraged to scale down funerals, said Archbishop Richard Gagnon, adding Winnipegs Catholic bishops will release new protocols around public gatherings and religious rituals later this week. "To delay the funeral, no, but (we encourage families) to reduce the size of the funeral to comply with health authorities," said Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg. Chesed Shel Emes Main Street location is closed for construction and all body preparation has moved to a dedicated space at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Muslims expect to complete their body washing facility at the Grand Mosque by late spring, and now use facilities at Cropo Funeral Home. brenda@suderman.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 16:44 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bf0e96 1 SE Asia Malaysia,COVID-19,coronavirus,religious-gathering,mosque,Wuhan-coronavirus,malaysia-indonesia Free The Foreign Affairs Ministry has announced that 10 more Indonesian citizens contracted COVID-19 after attending a mass religious gathering in Malaysia. Ministry acting spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah confirmed that the 10 Indonesians had participated in the grand tabligh (large-scale Quran recitation) late last month, bringing the total number of Indonesian citizens who have tested positive in Malaysia to 13. For [the cases in] Malaysia, it is true that they were related to the tabligh gathering, Faizasyah said on Thursday, as quoted by kompas.com. The event was held at the Sri Petaling Jamek Mosque from Feb. 27 to March 1 and was attended by about 16,000 people from various countries, Reuters reported. Malaysia reported 190 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, up from 12 on Friday, with the new cases said to be linked to the gathering. On Monday, the country confirmed 125 new cases, taking its total to 553, with nearly two-thirds of the new cases linked to the Islamic gathering. The Foreign Affairs Ministry reported on Monday that three Indonesian citizens who participated in the Islamic gathering had tested positive for COVID-19 and had been hospitalized in Malaysia since Sunday. There were about 700 Indonesians at the mass gathering, Channel News Asia reported. The Health Ministrys disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, has appealed to Indonesians currently in Malaysia who were present at the event to immediately seek medical help when they have health complaints. (syk) That afternoon, the patient saw the nurse practitioner at her doctors office. She was wheezing and her lung exam was abnormal, the N.P. told her. A rapid flu test was negative. The slower but more reliable test would take a day to come back. In the meantime, the nurse practitioner told her, she probably did have the flu. They couldnt test for the coronavirus; at that time, only patients in the hospital who have a fever, a cough and a possible contact with someone known to be infected qualified for the test. He gave her a prescription for Tamiflu, an inhaler for the wheezing and an anti-nausea medication. That was six days ago. The second flu test sent by the N.P. was also negative. She took the Tamiflu but suspected that her sister was right she probably was infected with coronavirus. She moved into the guest bedroom and tried to avoid passing it on to her husband and children. This is how most of the likely coronavirus infections have gone at this point. Tests are still fairly hard to come by in the United States, and that limitation makes the diagnosis unofficial and therefore uncounted. Patients have what appear to be the typical symptoms of Covid-19: a nonproductive cough, chest tightness, and in some cases some mild gastrointestinal symptoms usually nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In this case, the patient feels a little better now but is still waiting to see if she starts to get worse a week into the infection, as so many in China did. However, not until testing becomes more readily available will the full spectrum of the disease and its symptoms and clinical presentations be recognized here. The very first cases reported in Wuhan, China, were patients sick enough to go to a hospital. Because of the Chinese governments aggressive testing, we know that many more had milder symptoms, and sometimes no symptoms at all. Covid-19 was identified as a new disease so rapidly thanks to a screening program China set in place after their last epidemic, nearly 20 years ago, of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, also caused by a new version of the coronavirus. The program requires hospitals to report patients who have a severe pneumonia that was not found to be caused by any of the known infectious agents. The SARS outbreak arose in Guangdong province in southeastern China and rapidly became a global epidemic in 2002. The official count of that virus was that it infected 8,098 people in 17 countries and resulted in 774 deaths. That early warning system, set in place in the aftermath, allowed China to recognize this new coronavirus that causes Covid-19 after only a handful of patients had gone to the hospital in Wuhan, in December 2019. The US Department of Defense seal is seen on the lecturn in the media briefing room at the Pentagon in Washington, on Dec. 12, 2013. (AFP Photo/Paul J. Richards/via Getty Images) Pence: Defense Department is Ready to Help With Augmenting Hospitals Vice President Mike Pence said the Army Corps of Engineers are on standby to help expand hospital capacity during the current pandemic of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Speaking at a March 17 White House news conference along-side President Donald Trump, the vice president spoke about the situations in which the Defense Department could be called on to help with the health emergency. Earlier in the day, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called for the Corps to help as the states leaders figure out the most effective means to treat those stricken with the virus, including resolving bed shortages. The vice president said that as governors make requests for federal assistance, those requests are processed immediately, and shared with the president. The President directed us to work with the Department of Defense. There are two ways that DoD can be helpful in terms of expanding medical capacity, Pence told reporters. I know the governor of New York has asked us to look at the Army Corps of Engineer which could perhaps renovate existing buildings. Trump said at the briefing that he gave the governors the right to order additional emergency medical supplies directly if they want, knocking-out the bureaucracy. Its very direct but its still always faster to order directly. Pence said that the DoD would help both with medical supplies and augmenting hospitals. There are two different lanes that DOD can provide, in addition to many medical supplies to augment our national reserves. And the President has tasked us to evaluate, make available, and to consider everyevery request from governors for either field hospitals, expanding facilities, or the Army Corps of Engineer that could retrofit existing buildings. The President also has us inventorying what you all would understand as field hospitals, or MASH hospitals, that can be deployed very quickly, Pence said. We spoke with Governor Inslee yesterday in Washington State. We have resources in that part of the country that we can move. Trump added, The Army Corps is very prepared to do as we say, and were looking at where its going. Butand they do call them MASH hospitals, but the field hospitals go up very quickly. Theyrewe have them. We have all of this equipment in stock. Trump emphasized that he is working with Governors from various states, including Cuomo. We think we can have quite a few units up very rapidly. Im going to work with Governor Cuomo. Im going to work with a number of the governors. According to the John Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the hardest hit states are Washington with 50 deaths, New York with 12 deaths, and California with 11 deaths. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is aware of the request made by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) said in a statement to the Epoch Times. USACE is prepared to assist the nation in a time of crisis to the very best of its capabilities, and we are postured to lean forward when an official request is received through the Department of Defense. As a precautionary measure, USACE has begun assessing our capabilities in this area in conjunction with our partners. At this time, however, USACE has not been assigned a COVID-19 support mission. The Army Corps of Engineers is ready, willing and able, the President reiterated. We have to give them to go ahead if we find that its going to be necessary. Nollywood actor and filmmaker Fred Amata have issued a warning to the media to stop calling upcoming actors Veterans. According to Amata, veterans are people who have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian movie industry over a long period of time. Amata, who is the president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, made this known, days after actor Zubby Michaels Criticized the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) organizers over an alleged snub of pillars of Nollywood. Read Also: Actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima Writes Heartfelt Birthday Message To Celebrate Ex-Lover, Fred Amata on His Birthday Zubby, had accused the organizers of the AMVCA organizers of being tribalistic in their choice of awards by ignoring Igbo veteran actors. Speaking in a press conference in Lagos to mark the Directors Guild of Nigeria forthcoming 20 years anniversary celebrations, Amata said; I feel insulted when media people call young actors and directors veterans. How long have they been in Nollywood? What impact have they made in Nollywood? If you call them veterans of Nollywood, what would you call people like Keppy Bassey Ekpeyong or me that have been in the industry for long? Amata asked. The Directors Guild of Nigeria, which was founded by six angry men, will be 20 this year. We will have a three day celebration in Abuja between April 23rd to 25rd. on the first day of the celebration; we have a novelty match between Nollywood personnels and the national house of assembly team. The other two days will be filled with activities, which included bestowing of awards on distinguished individuals such as Former president Goodluck Jonathan, Ooni of Ife and several other dignitaries. Toyota of Lancaster Alternative Fuel Vehicles The Toyota brand has been on the frontlines of developing alternative fuel vehicles for decades, most notably with the Prius hybrid model first produced in the late 1990s. Since then, the Toyota company has expanded the Prius nameplate to multiple model variations, offered hybrid versions of all of their sedan models (Corolla, Camry and Avalon) and many of their SUV models (RAV4 and Highlander), are now set to release their first PHEV model with the Toyota RAV4 Prime later this year and are one of the only vehicle companies to offer a fuel cell electric vehicle with the Toyota Mirai. The Toyota of Lancaster dealership offers a variety of Toyota alternative fuel vehicles to drivers in Los Angeles County. Hybrid and electric vehicles in the Toyota of Lancaster inventory include the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid compact sedan, the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid midsize sedan, the 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid full-size sedan, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid compact SUV, the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid midsize SUV, the 2020 Toyota Prius liftback and the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime liftback. Every new Toyota alternative fuel vehicle at Toyota of Lancaster comes with an Enhanced Hybrid Battery Warranty. This warranty covers 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever is met first). Additional information on hybrid and electric vehicle warranties can be found by browsing through the Toyota of Lancaster alternative fuel vehicle inventory. To learn more about Toyota alternative fuel hybrid, plug-in and fuel cell electric vehicles, drivers in the Los Angeles area, drivers are encouraged to schedule a test drive with an alternative fuel model in stock and to contact the Toyota of Lancaster dealership. The Toyota of Lancaster team can be reached through online messaging on the dealership website, visits to the store, and by phone at the number of 661-948-0731. The Toyota of Lancaster dealership is located at 43301 12th St. W, Lancaster, California 93534. More than 8,500 people are housed in the Harris County jail, and thousands more move through the building and return to their communities each day to keep the criminal justice juggernaut running. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez likens the situation to three massive ships docked in downtown Houston. An outbreak of COVID-19 in this setting could be catastrophic to the region and overwhelm hospitals limited capacity to treat patients. Thats why the sheriff overseeing the third largest jail system in the country is pushing for bold action to avert the potential fallout he is seeking compassionate releases of hundreds of vulnerable people who pose a low risk to public safety. For that to happen, judges would need to sign off. Jails and prisons are fertile ground for the spread of infectious disease, Gonzales said, noting that his staff has worked hard to curb an outbreak by addressing hygiene and health concerns. My nightmare scenario is that an outbreak happens at the county jail. But he said standards implemented in the general community are impossible to follow or hard to do in a jail. Our criminal justice system must become more aggressive in granting compassionate releases, he said. And time is of the essence, he said. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo considers taking steps to mitigate an outbreak at the jail a very high priority, noting this could spread like wildfire at the jail. County officials and judges are discussing the matter and consulting the fine print of statutes that govern such measures to try to assess how to make it happen. Hidalgo also said shes looking at ways to limit the population at the countys juvenile lockup. Were trying to do as much as is feasible and can be done in a safe way to have these people not packed in so close together, she said. Alex Bunin, the chief public defender for the county, said the situation is dire: If you are in jail and and facing charges for a nonviolent crime, that shouldnt be a death sentence because youre going to get cornonavirus. He said county leaders can give the sheriff the authority to release people on misdemeanors. Felony decisions, under normal circumstances, must come from the judges. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg did not respond to requests for comment. Correctional systems around the country have become more aggressive by the hour in attacking the problem, including compassionate releases and limiting arrests to serious offenses. Seattle-area jails took steps to reduce the number of new inmates admitted. Maine officials vacated more than 12,000 outstanding bench warrants for unpaid court fines. Baltimore stopped prosecuting drug possession, prostitution, trespassing and minor crimes such as public urination. Los Angeles County released 600 inmates over two weeks, including some with less than 30 days left on their terms, and Cleveland announced plans to release about 300. After an investigator at Rikers Island died of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and a corrections officer and an inmate came down with the disease, New York Citys Board of Correction on Wednesday called for immediate action to release everyone at high risk of infection and drastically decrease the jail population. Evaluating who would fit the criteria for a compassionate release in Harris County must be a thoughtful and measured task, Gonzalez said. He wants it to be a process driven by science and doctors while considering each persons risk factors to the public. He does not intend to make blanket recommendations about releases. This isnt about just opening up the floodgates, but folks need to keep in mind what happens in the jail can seriously impact our health system. We dont want to get to the point of no return where theres an outbreak, he said. Hed evaluate the jail weighing whether to release qualified people accused of nonviolent offenses, as well as people held in lockup simply because they cant afford costly cash bond. Hed consider qualified inmates 56 or older. Hed assess pregnant women near the end of their term and people with compromised health due to diabetes, cancer, HIV, and heart, lung and kidney conditions. But health conditions alone would not automatically qualify someone as a candidate. Theres a lot of low-hanging fruit, people that seem obvious, he said. His round-the-clock medical team can help stakeholders make decisions that balance public health with public safety. Gonzalez said some judges have been on top of their dockets, working with him to release low-risk defendants, but others have been sluggish. As of Thursdays count, the inmates downtown include 475 people between 56 to 65 and another 80 who are 66 or older. State Sen. John Whitmire, who has been at the forefront on issues for incarcerated populations for decades, said if people have been vetted, screened and profiled, of course they should be released. But he had additional concerns that are usually taken up for re-entry when people are released under normal circumstances. Releases should be a multifaceted process, he said. Officials should assess where people are headed once they leave the facility and be cognizant of their mental health needs and wary about increasing the population of people on the streets. I dont think you can do it arbitrarily. You have to do the very best vetting you can. You cant raise that door and say, Guys, youre now free. If this is to work, public safety has to be our highest priority, and I would suggest health care now is a public safety. Alec Karakatsanis, the lead attorney in the case that challenged Harris Countys misdemeanor bail system, said people presumed innocent are an obvious consideration. There are almost 4,500 presumptively innocent human beings confined in the Harris County jail solely because they cannot pay money bail, he said. The sheriff and local health officials are correct that they need to get thousands of people out of the jail as quickly as possible to prevent widespread outbreak and the deaths of elderly, immunocompromised and otherwise vulnerable human beings. County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who has worked on criminal justice reform for years, said there are smart and safe ways to divert people from jail, keep neighborhoods safe and help reduce the spread of COVD-19. I know there will be a knee-jerk reaction that this is giving people a get out of jail free card, and it is, but to not do so would be to prioritize some sentiment of law and order over what is the biggest public health crisis the county has faced in decades. gabrielle.banks@chron.com To the annoyance of some shareholders, Sprocomm Intelligence (HKG:1401) shares are down a considerable 45% in the last month. Zooming out, the recent drop wiped out a year's worth of gains, with the share price now back where it was a year ago. All else being equal, a share price drop should make a stock more attractive to potential investors. In the long term, share prices tend to follow earnings per share, but in the short term prices bounce around in response to short term factors (which are not always obvious). The implication here is that long term investors have an opportunity when expectations of a company are too low. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). Investors have optimistic expectations of companies with higher P/E ratios, compared to companies with lower P/E ratios. See our latest analysis for Sprocomm Intelligence How Does Sprocomm Intelligence's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? We can tell from its P/E ratio of 5.85 that sentiment around Sprocomm Intelligence isn't particularly high. The image below shows that Sprocomm Intelligence has a lower P/E than the average (7.9) P/E for companies in the tech industry. SEHK:1401 Price Estimation Relative to Market, March 19th 2020 Sprocomm Intelligence's P/E tells us that market participants think it will not fare as well as its peers in the same industry. While current expectations are low, the stock could be undervalued if the situation is better than the market assumes. You should delve deeper. I like to check if company insiders have been buying or selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios When earnings fall, the 'E' decreases, over time. That means even if the current P/E is low, it will increase over time if the share price stays flat. Then, a higher P/E might scare off shareholders, pushing the share price down. Sprocomm Intelligence's earnings per share fell by 67% in the last twelve months. And over the longer term (5 years) earnings per share have decreased 27% annually. This growth rate might warrant a below average P/E ratio. Story continues A Limitation: P/E Ratios Ignore Debt and Cash In The Bank The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. So it won't reflect the advantage of cash, or disadvantage of debt. The exact same company would hypothetically deserve a higher P/E ratio if it had a strong balance sheet, than if it had a weak one with lots of debt, because a cashed up company can spend on growth. Spending on growth might be good or bad a few years later, but the point is that the P/E ratio does not account for the option (or lack thereof). Sprocomm Intelligence's Balance Sheet With net cash of CN232m, Sprocomm Intelligence has a very strong balance sheet, which may be important for its business. Having said that, at 45% of its market capitalization the cash hoard would contribute towards a higher P/E ratio. The Verdict On Sprocomm Intelligence's P/E Ratio Sprocomm Intelligence's P/E is 5.9 which is below average (8.6) in the HK market. Falling earnings per share are likely to be keeping potential buyers away, the healthy balance sheet means the company retains potential for future growth. If that occurs, the current low P/E could prove to be temporary. Given Sprocomm Intelligence's P/E ratio has declined from 10.6 to 5.9 in the last month, we know for sure that the market is more worried about the business today, than it was back then. For those who prefer invest in growth, this stock apparently offers limited promise, but the deep value investors may find the pessimism around this stock enticing. Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. If it is underestimating a company, investors can make money by buying and holding the shares until the market corrects itself. We don't have analyst forecasts, but you could get a better understanding of its growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Of course you might be able to find a better stock than Sprocomm Intelligence. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Texas shot up dramatically Wednesday, the largest single-day increase as enhanced testing capacity begins to provide a fuller picture of the new coronavirus reach here. The number of cases statewide climbed to 186 Wednesday evening, including 55 in the Houston region. COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, also was tied to another Texans death, the third in the state. The 64-year-old Plano man had an underlying medical condition, according to Collin County officials. His positive test came back after he died, they said. The virus previously was connected to the deaths of a 97-year-old man in Matagorda County and a 77-year-old man in Arlington. In all, 140 people in the United States have died of the virus as of early Wednesday evening. Two people in Montgomery County and at least another two in Harris County remained in critical condition on Wednesday. Many of the new cases are believed to have been contracted in the community, as opposed to travel. Those numbers almost certainly will continue to rise this week as local officials aim to boost their testing capacity. Gov. Greg Abbott said the statewide capabilities are expected to expand this week by 15,000 to 20,000 test kits. A total of 1,907 people have been tested for the novel coronavirus in Texas, according to the Department of State Health Services. That number was 1,268 on Tuesday and just 439 on Monday. While San Antonio, Austin and Dallas have set up drive-thru testing sites San Antonio also opened a larger facility inside an arena Wednesday efforts in Houston have been stymied by a delay receiving equipment needed for the medical workers who will staff those sites. Local officials are waiting on the gear from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Rafael Lemaitre, spokesman for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgos office. The county and city have planned four sites in the Greater Houston area, including Katy and Baytown, and Houstons Butler and Delmar stadiums. City and county officials previously have said they hoped to get those sites running by the end of the week, but the continuing delay in the FEMA shipment has made it less clear that they will meet that goal. Officials took to social media Wednesday, asking residents not to show up at those sites yet and emphasized that they only will serve people who have been through a screening process. Were asking folks to not show up to the testing sites until they are up and running, Lemaitre said. Heres a rundown of the new cases reported in the region Wednesday: Houston announced five new cases, including one woman between 20 and 30 years old who has been hospitalized. The womans case, along with two others, were travel-related. The other four patients are men, ranging from their 50s to their 70s. Harris County reported seven new cases, including five believed to have contracted the virus in the community. They include five men and two women, ranging in age from 20s to 80s. Officials did not say what condition those patients were in. Fort Bend County announced two new cases. The positive tests included a woman in her 70s with mild symptoms, and a man in his 60s who was in stable condition at a hospital. The woman had traveled; investigators still are probing how the man contracted the disease. Montgomery County announced two new cases, including a man in his 40s who was quarantined in his home in southwest Montgomery County. He recently traveled to California, according to the countys Public Health District. Later, the county announced a woman in her 60s also had tested positive. She apparently contracted the virus in the community and was isolated at home. Galveston County announced two new cases, bringing its total to four. A man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s were both self-quarantined in their homes. Both recently traveled within the United States, and officials are working to identify how they contracted the virus. Brazoria County reported its third and fourth cases. The former involves a Pearland woman between 50 and 60 years old. Her case is travel-related and was discovered after she went to a Houston emergency room. Later Wednesday, officials also confirmed a positive test for a Manvel-area man between 55 and 65. He is hospitalized in stable condition. Jordan Rubio contributed to this report. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com A man in New York has died of the coronavirus after being sent home from a hospital to self-quarantine, according to a report by the New York Post. Teodosio Torres, 76, was said to have been taken to New York-Presbyterian Queens after showing potential symptoms of coronavirus on Friday. Torres was sent home and was told to self-isolate as doctors waited for his test results, the report said. The results eventually came back positive for Covid-19. However, Torres died Wednesday in his Jackson Heights apartment just after 5.45pm. Torres was said to have two underlying health conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure and had been recovering from a broken hip for two months, police sources told the newspaper. New York City remains in a state of emergency amidst the pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio called for US military assistance as the number of confirmed cases in the CIty doubled overnight. There are now 2,382 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York state, of which 1,871 are in New York City, Andrew Cuomo, announced on Wednesday morning. Across the US, cases of Covid-19 have been detected in all 50 states. Health Minister Robin Swann has detailed the first phase of "health service surge" plans as Northern Ireland continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. It comes following the first death attributed to the virus in Northern Ireland on Thursday. The patient died in hospital in the greater Belfast area and was elderly, with an underlying health condition. There are a total of 77 confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, with nine new cases diagnosed on Thursday. The surge plans are aimed at prioritising essential services and increasing capacity in the health sector. In a written statement to the assembly, Robin Swann said the Northern Ireland health service will soon become "unrecognisable" amid the rapid spread of coronavirus and changes that "would have seemed unthinkable" weeks ago will become the new norm. The plans will cover the immediate period to mid-April. Mr Swann warned that up to 80% of Northern Ireland's population could become infected if public health advice is not followed. There is no doubt that these measures come at a cost. They will be difficult for people to stick to. They will have significant social and economic impacts. But they will save lives Robin Swann "If social distancing and other measures are implemented by the population, with a combined effect they could reduce the peak by some 50% and reduce deaths by up to a third," he said. "Planning assumptions also indicate that 8% of infected people will require hospitalisation, 0.7% will require critical care, and 1% will die although these figures will vary highly depending on age and other health factors. There is no doubt that these measures come at a cost. They will be difficult for people to stick to. They will have significant social and economic impacts. But they will save lives. At a glance: Main elements of COVID-19 surge plan 800 Covid-19 tests per day (up from 200) 40 new ventilators Redeployment of nursing and midwifery students Additional bed capacity in all trust areas Rapid increase in critical care bed provision Testing for frontline health staff Key actions in the surge plans include increasing the number of Covid-19 tests each day to 800, allowing for more frontline health and social care staff to be tested. The Public Health Agency currently has the capacity to carry out 200 tests per day. The number of adult critical care beds will also be increased. Routinely, 88 such beds are used across Northern Ireland - 56 of these for patients requiring a ventilator, and 32 for those who are critically ill but do not require a ventilator. Mr Swann said this figure can be increased by 38 if necessary. In the next two weeks, up to 880 senior nursing and midwifery students will be redeployed to clinical care and final year medical students at Queen's University will be added to the medical register four months earlier in order to help out at Northern Ireland's hospitals. In order to deal with the shortage of ventilators that are expected to be required to treat those in intensive care, 40 additional machines have been ordered, 30 adult units and 10 paediatric units. This will bring the total number of ventilator's in Northern Ireland to 179 by the end of this month. Robin Swann praised health and social care staff dealing with the crisis, stating: "The words thank you seem woefully inadequate in the circumstances but they still need to be said on behalf of everyone across our society. He also appealed to the public, reiterating the need to follow Public Health Agency advice on hand-washing and using tissues when coughing of sneezing. "This will help keep more of our family members, neighbours and friends well and by doing so reduce pressures on our health service," he said. "As I have already stated publicly, doing the right thing is essential if the health and social care system is to get through this. This also includes following all the social distancing guidance to the letter, not just today, tomorrow and next week but throughout the months ahead, for as long as it takes. Other measures detailed in the surge plans include restrictions on the number of hospital visitors and ensuring patients who are well enough are "safely and rapidly" discharged from hospital in order to free up beds. Routine GP work will also be suspended or altered for a number of weeks, with requests for consultations carried out over the phone. Community pharmacies will deliver more prescriptions to households. The surge plans come following the announcement that all schools in Northern Ireland are to close from Monday. Education Minister Peter Weir said only skeleton staff would be employed at some schools in order to accommodate the children of healthcare workers. While the closures will mean no physical exams will be taking place in the coming months, the minister assured students that they will still receive their qualifications. LaSonya at the beach of Jamestown. The pier in the back is the point of no return for the Africans of the small fishing town. 19.03.2020 LISTEN As I meet various Black Americans living or visiting Ghana, I will ask each guest 4 questions regarding their stay in Ghana. Each question is geared to help our international and domestic audience create an experience in Ghana that will be fullfiling and rewarding for everyone involved. We believe this series will help improve Ghana / Black American relations and continue to allow Ghana to be a lighthouse for members of the Diaspora worldwide. Todays spotlight is on LaSonya Burrell of Detroit, MI. LaSonya shared that ever since she was a little girl she always wanted to visit Africa. When she heard of the Year of Return and the slave dungeons, she knew Ghana is where (she) HAD to go. Most Pleasant Surprise Anytime I spoke to people about visiting Africa, they always told me They dont like Us over there. It warmed my soul when I was greated by everyone I encountered with Welcome Home Sister Biggest Disappointment The biggest disappointment for me was not spending an entire day in Jamestown. We only spent a half of day One Positive Tip The tips I would offer is wear your bug spray & drink plenty of water One Tip of Caution The only thing I would caution a person visiting Ghana is to pay attention to your surroundings and have an open mind. Have you or someone you know visited Ghana, and would like to be apart of our on going series "Beyond the Return, Black Americans in Ghana" ? Answer the four questions above and send a high-quality photo of you In Ghana (preferably horizontal. (Only you in the photo, no kids, no pets, no spouse) to my Instagram page www.instagram.com/Rashad_McCrorey and I just may include you next article. We may not be able to use every submission or post your article in a timely manner but we will create as many articles as we can and post them as often as we can Emmerdale viewers were left reeling after Marlon Dingle collapsed suddenly in Thursday night's episode and some reckon he may have the coronavirus. Things have taken a turn for the worse for Marlon (Mark Charnock) after he was questioned by the police over missing charity money. His friend Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) took him out for a drive with Baby Eve to try and get him to relax but he soon said he wasn't feeling well and complained of chest pains. Shock: Emmerdale viewers were left reeling after Marlon Dingle collapsed suddenly in Thursday night's episode and some reckon he may have the coronavirus Marlon started shaking as he clutched his chest and said he was feeling hot. 'I really don't feel well. I ache all over. I keep going hot and cold. Like I can't catch my breathe,' he said. As he grew more panicked, Paddy tried to help Marlon calmed down but then started to fear his friend could be having a heart attack. While the scene was filmed well in advance of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic currently sweeping through the UK, viewers thought Marlon might have come down with the virus. Plot: Things have taken a turn for the worse for Marlon (Mark Charnock) after he was questioned by the police over missing charity money Taking to Twitter, one user said: 'Looks like Marlon might have Coronavirus' while another suggested: 'Coronavirus or heart attack for Marlon?' Another said: 'Do we reckon Marlon's got the coronavirus?' while a fourth agreed, writing: 'Thought Marlon had the coronavirus for a minute'. It comes as ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street are also reducing their number of weekly episodes in a bid to ration shows they've already filmed. Reaction: While the scene was filmed well in advance of the coronavirus epidemic currently sweeping through the UK, viewers thought Marlon might have come down with the virus A statement from the broadcaster on Wednesday said: 'The continued transmission of both soaps is a priority to all of us at ITV and to our audiences who enjoy the shows. Whilst carefully adhering to the latest health advice from the Government and Public Health England, our production teams are continuing to film episodes in Manchester and Leeds. 'With this change of transmission pattern it will ensure we have great new soap episodes coming to air every weekday night until at least the early summer.' ITV also confirmed members of the cast aged over 70s are being written out over coronavirus pandemic as bosses 'adhere to all government guidelines.' Coronation Street has seven cast members who are over 70 and who have been advised to stay at home while writers work to remove them from plots going forward. Scare: Marlon's friend Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) took him out for a drive with Baby Eve to try and get him to relax but he soon said he wasn't feeling well and complained of chest pains Health: 'I really don't feel well. I ache all over. I keep going hot and cold. Like I can't catch my breathe,' he said These include William Roache, 87 (who plays Ken Barlow), Sue Nicholls, 76 (Audrey Roberts), Barbara Knox, 86 (Rita Sullivan), Malcolm Hebden, 80 (Norris Cole), Maureen Lipman, 73 (Evelyn Plummer), Rula Lenska, 72 (Claudia Colby) and Paul Copley, 75 (Arthur Medwin). Some of them may still appear regularly until mid-May, in scenes that were filmed before the Covid-19 outbreak forced the government to implement draconian measures. A Coronation Street spokeswoman told The Mirror: 'With regards to over 70s we will be adhering to all government guidelines and following the appropriate steps.' ITV were also recently forced to postpone The Voice's live semi-final and grand finale amid the pandemic. Meanwhile, ITVBe's popular reality show TOWIE is also said to have delayed filming of the new series in the wake of the virus. One activity the coronavirus pandemic hasnt stopped - spring break. While nearly every facet of life from dining out to attending concerts, school and work have come to a screeching halt, spring breakers were seen earlier this week crowding Florida beaches. Video and images showing young people and teens wading in water, drinking at bars and playing volleyball have gone viral. If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, Im not going to let it stop me from partying, Brady Sluder of Ohio told Reuters in Miami. The party scenes have prompted plenty of criticism from health officials and the public. Florida Sen. Rick Scott urged people to stay away from beaches. Beaches are now turning away the revelers. Get off the beach, I mean unless you can figure out how to be completely isolated from anyone else, he told CNN. Dont take a chance that youre going to be the one to cause your grandparent or your parents or another friend from school to get sick, he added. One question surrounding the outbreak is how to convince young people to heed advice and maintain social distancing. On Wednesday, Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus task force coordinator, expressed concern millennials may be at higher risk of getting ill than initially thought. She cited preliminary reports out of France and Italy where young people have gotten seriously ill. Two spring break revelers hug while partyng in a large crowd on the beach, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Pompano Beach, Fla. As a response to the coronavirus pandemic, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all bars be shut down for 30 days beginning at 5 p.m. and many Florida beaches are turning away spring break crowds urging them to engage in social distancing. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP We are asking every single American, no matter what your generation, from Z and up to X, and millennials in between, to really ensure that youre following these guidelines, she told reporters on Tuesday, according to NPR. We hear every night of people who are not in work, moving that time into bars and other areas of large gatherings. If we continue with that process, we will fail in containing this virus. Among nearly 2,500 of the first coronavirus cases in the U.S., 705 were aged 20 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 15 percent and 20 percent eventually ended up in the hospital, including as many as four percent who needed intensive care. Few died. The idea because Im unlikely to get ill or if I get ill its unlikely to be serious, that concept is both naive and selfish, said Dr. Jessica Ericson, a pediatric infectious disease physician and epidemiologist at Penn State Childrens Hospital in Hershey. READ MORE PENNLIVE STORIES: So much effort, she said, has been placed on convincing people to stay home. So to see people not believing or caring about those messages or applying them, is disappointing. Even if someone does not show serious symptoms, health experts have warned they can still spread the disease to friends, neighbors or relatives. What they really need to be thinking about is am I willing to allow my grandparents death to be my fault, Ericson said. For those like Andrea Grove, a millennial in her early 30s and owner of Elementary Coffee in Harrisburg, its hard to watch people maintaining their normal social routines. She closed the coffee shop on Monday as a precaution to employees and customers. Shes done her part, but now Grove said shes noticed through social media young people still going out with their friends and ignoring the social distancing message. They feel like somehow they are immune and it doesnt pertain to them, she said. Its kind of like anything with the millennials. Normally they are worried about everything, they have so much anxiety. But when it comes to something they could do to help the world, they seem resistant, Grove added. Jo Martin of Harrisburg said her social distancing practices have evolved over the past week. Shes now at the point shes avoiding most social interactions, with exception to outdoor activities such as hiking with friends. People are pressuring each other in a positive way to stay home, Martin said, whether it be cooking, exercising or participating in art or home projects. But I get it this is so surreal and unprecedented. It kind of feels like the world is ending and we are all scared. So we just want to go out and party. You just want to enjoy life, she added. It can be difficult to convince young people, many who think they are invincible, to follow orders. Ericson advises acknowledging to teens and young adults this is a major disappointment but if everyone follows the guidance from officials, the situation could be over a lot quicker. She suggested young people put their low-risk status to good use by getting groceries or doing other errands for your older loved ones to keep them home as much as possible. We are looking at a short term inconvenience to keep our loved ones safe, she added. Noida airport in depth: India to get first net zero emission airport Noida resident tests positive for coronavirus, section 144 imposed India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Noida, Mar 19: A Noida resident who recently returned from Indonesia has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to four here, Gautam Buddh Nagar health officials said. As the administration and local authorities ramped up efforts to prevent the virus from spreading further, the Noida police invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to prohibit mass gatherings like social or political congregations, trade fairs and rallies etc till April 5. "The sample of this person, who lives in Sector 41 of Noida, was taken four days ago and he has tested positive for coronavirus. He has been admitted to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida for treatment," Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargava said in a statement. 820 samples test negative, no evidence of community spread of coronavirus He said the infected person's house and nearby areas are being sanitised and suspected persons put on surveillance. On Tuesday, two persons, residents of Noida's Sector 78 and Sector 100, who recently returned from France, had tested positive for coronavirus, according to officials. They said a resident of Delhi had earlier tested positive for coronavirus in Noida. The Noida police on Wednesday evening said it was using its powers under the CrPC Section 144 to prohibit mass gatherings. "In view of the situation, all social, political, cultural, religious, sports-related events and trade programmes, rallies and demonstrations are being banned till April 5, Additional Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Ashutosh Dwivedi, said. Any information related to any person infected with coronavirus must not be withheld and health officials or hospitals should be informed immediately. Failure to do so would invite legal action under IPC Sections 188, 269 and 270, Dwivedi added. District Magistrate B N Singh said regular tests are being conducted for coronavirus in the district and a new facility has been set up in a Gautam Buddh University hostel to keep suspected patients quarantined there. The hostel in the university has 300 beds and the facility for separately quarantining the suspects for 14 days, as per the standard procedure. After 14 days, if they test negative, they will be discharged but if they test positive, then they will be kept in an isolation ward, Singh added. Coronavirus: North Korea admits lack of modern medical system The administration has already set up an isolation ward with 400 beds at the newly-constructed district hospital in Noida's Sector 39. People can dial 8076623612 or 6396776904 or 0120 2569901 for any query related to coronavirus and also use email dmgbncorona@gmail.com for it, according to officials. All schools and colleges have already been closed while swimming pools, gyms, cinema halls and multiplexes have been ordered to remain shut in the wake of the pandemic. The number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 151 on Wednesday after 14 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Union Health Ministry. Uttar Pradesh alone has recorded 16 such cases, according to officials. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:12 [IST] Elon Musk said Thursday that he will begin diverting resources from SpaceX and Tesla factories in order to build and sell respirators to hospitals in need as they continue to fight back the spreading coronavirus. We will make ventilators if there is a shortage, Musk wrote on Twitter and was immediately met with firm encouragement from actress Patricia Arquette, who responded, Ok, then start. Actress Bette Midler also weighed in, adding, start yesterday! There is a widely reported shortage.globally. And thank you! Tesla makes cars with sophisticated HVAC systems. SpaceX makes spacecraft with life support systems. Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly, Musk noted. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio responded, declaring New York City could be Musks first respirator buyer if the billionaire manages to quickly mass manufacture them. De Blasio said he was reaching out to Musks team directly and added, our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. Were getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help! Musks answer to de Blasio: We will connect with your team to understand potential needs. SpaceX representatives did not immediately return TheWraps request for comment. It remains unclear how soon SpaceX and Tesla could begin producing medical-grade ventilators. Tesla and SpaceX are not the only companies to consider using their manufacturing operations to make medical equipment. Auto makers General Motors and Ford told The Detroit News Wednesday they are in contact with government officials in the United States and United Kingdom and working to find a way to produce the ventilators. Ventilators are necessary to treat severe cases of the coronavirus, which makes it difficult for patients to breathe without aid. We will make ventilators if there is a shortage Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 19, 2020 Read original story Elon Musk Says SpaceX, Tesla Will Sell Respirators to Help Coronavirus Fight At TheWrap President Trump is invoking extraordinary powers to keep "asylum seekers" and all other illegals out of the country. Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump confirmed he's planning to bar entry to migrants illegally crossing the US southern border, including those seeking asylum, in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. "The answer's yes," Trump said at the White House when asked if he was planning to take that step, which he said would come "very soon," adding "probably today." CNN reported on Tuesday that officials are working on a plan to deny entry to all asylum seekers. That may include a plan to return all illegal border crossers without due process. It's the right thing to do, same as shutting down travel with China slowed the spread of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. Illegals have been bringing diseases into the U.S. for years -- remember the enterovirus? -- and proven to be a health hazard to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers. While the coronavirus is not widely spreading in their home countries, the U.S. is protecting itself from otherwise legtimate visitors, such as those with visas from China and Italy. Heck, it's protecting itself by ordering its 320 million nationals to stay in place, a de facto border wall for every citizen. Why illegal border crossers should get any special entry and free-to-travel-about-the-country privileges, based on lax U.S. laws and weak enforcement, is outrageous, given the circumstances now. Travel spreads disease. Illegals don't even have a legitimate right to travel, they especially shouldn't be extended travel privileges in a pandemic. But rest assured the left is beginning to howl: Regulatory News: CARMAT (Paris:ALCAR) (FR0010907956, ALCAR), the designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, notifies its shareholders of how they can log in to and follow the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of March 30, 2020 via Internet. The Company's shareholders are invited to log in via the following link at 10 am CET on March 30, 2020: https://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/wcc/r/2232014-1/9105729AE81D4AA764374641104C8729 this link allows shareholders to preregister for the web conference right away if they so wish; at any time during the presentation, shareholders will be able to send their questions via the web conference platform. These questions will be answered during the Q&A session; the presentation slideshow (in French), visible during the web conference, will also be available on CARMAT's website after the meeting. As indicated in our last press release, online voting will not be possible during the web conference. Shareholders who wish to vote on the resolutions are therefore invited to: either send a proxy to the Company or vote by correspondence by using the voting form available on the CARMAT website, in accordance with the terms indicated in the Notice of Meeting published in the BALO official journal on February 24, 2020. All the documents pertaining to this Shareholders' Meeting are available on request from the Company, and can also be found on its website: go to Investors Documentation Regulated Information and choose Shareholders' Meeting. About CARMAT: the world's most advanced total artificial heart project A credible response to end-stage heart failure: CARMAT aims to eventually provide a response to a major public health issue associated with heart disease, the world's leading cause of death: chronic and acute heart failure. By pursuing the development of its total artificial heart, composed of the implantable bioprosthesis and its portable external power supply system to which it is connected, CARMAT intends to overcome the well-known shortfall in heart transplants for the tens of thousands of people suffering from irreversible end-stage heart failure, the most seriously affected of the 20 million patients with this progressive disease in Europe and the United States. The result of combining two types of unique expertise: the medical expertise of Professor Carpentier, known throughout the world for inventing Carpentier-Edwards heart valves, which are the most used in the world, and the technological expertise of Airbus Group, world aerospace leader. The first physiological artificial heart: given its size, the use of highly biocompatible materials, its unique self-regulation system and its pulsatile nature, the CARMAT total artificial heart could, assuming the clinical trials are successful, potentially save the lives of thousands of patients each year with no risk of rejection and with a good quality of life. A project leader acknowledged at a European level: with the backing of the European Commission, CARMAT has been granted the largest subsidy ever given to an SME by Bpifrance; a total of 33 million. Strongly committed, prestigious founders and shareholders: Matra Defense SAS (subsidiary of the Airbus Group), Professor Alain Carpentier, the Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue, Truffle Capital, a leading European venture capital firm, ALIAD (Air Liquide's venture capital investor), CorNovum (an investment holding company held 50-50 by Bpifrance and the French State), the family offices of Pierre Bastid (Lohas), of Dr. Antonino Ligresti (Sante Holdings S.R.L.), of the Gaspard family (Corely Belgium SPRL and Bratya SPRL) and of M. Pierre-Edouard Sterin (BAD 21 SPRL), Groupe Therabel as well as the thousands of institutional and individual shareholders who have placed their trust in CARMAT. For more information: www.carmatsa.com Name: CARMAT ISIN code: FR0010907956 Ticker: ALCAR DISCLAIMER This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe to, shares in CARMAT ("the Company") in any country. This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to the Company's objectives. Such forward-looking statements are based solely on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management and involve risk and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, whether the Company will be successful in implementing its strategies, whether there will be continued growth in the relevant market and demand for the Company's products, new products or technological developments introduced by competitors, and risks associated with managing growth. The Company's objectives as mentioned in this press release may not be achieved for any of these reasons or due to other risks and uncertainties. No guarantee can be given as to any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements, which are subject to inherent risks, including those described in the Universal registration document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers on March 13, 2020 under number D.20-0126 as well as changes in economic conditions, the financial markets or the markets in which CARMAT operates. In particular, no guarantee can be given concerning the Company's ability to finalize the development, validation and industrialization of the prosthesis and the equipment required for its use, to manufacture the prostheses, satisfy the requirements of the ANSM, enroll patients, obtain satisfactory clinical results, perform the clinical trials and tests required for CE marking and to obtain the CE mark. CARMAT products are currently exclusively used within the framework of clinical trials. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005315/en/ Contacts: CARMAT Stephane Piat Chief Executive Officer Pascale d'Arbonneau Chief Financial Officer Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50 contact@carmatsas.com Alize RP Press Relations Caroline Carmagnol Tel.: +33 6 64 18 99 59 carmat@alizerp.com NewCap Investor Relations Strategic Communication Dusan Oresansky Alexia Faure Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94 carmat@newcap.eu Fifteen litres of sanitisers were also provided to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) for use in the hospital. Professors and students of Kohima Science College at Jotsoma have made hand sanitisers and distributed them free to a hospital and government offices. Sanitisers are one of the essential items to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The santitisers were prepared with isopropyl, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, aloe vera plant extract and distilled water, college authorities said. The principal of the autonomous college Lily Sema said, 760 ml of isopropyl, 41 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 15 ml of glycerin, 2 ml of aloe vera plant extract and 182 ml of distilled water were used for preparing one litre of hand sanitiser. "We prepared the sanitisers by following the WHO specifications," Sema told reporters here on Wednesday. Following a government order asking all offices to provide hand sanitisers to its employees and also reported a shortage of the product in the market, the institute's Chemistry department initially pitched in with the idea of preparing sanitisers for the college staff, the principal said. The santitisers were subsequently distributed to government institutions such as Dordhashan and Regional Centre for Excellence, Music and Performing Arts at Jotsoma on Tuesday, she said. Fifteen litres of sanitisers were also provided to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) for use in the hospital. Expressing appreciation for the "thoughtful" action on the part of the college to make available sanitisers in the wake of novel coronavirus threat, NHAK managing director Dr Thorhusie Katiry in a statement, urged the college to continue with its noble initiative. Meanwhile, the state government has issued notifications against hoarding of masks and hand sanitisers, saying that stern action would be initiated against those found involved in such activities by enforcing the Essential Commodities Act. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel on Thursday issued a formal apology for the Windrush immigration scandal, which wrongly denied the citizenship rights of some Commonwealth citizens brought to Britain to address labour shortages in the wake of World War II. The Indian-origin Cabinet minister said she was "truly sorry" for the terrible injustices and unimaginable suffering of the Windrush generation, which refers to citizens of former British colonies who arrived in the UK before 1973, when the rights of such Commonwealth citizens to live and work in Britain were substantially curtailed. While a large proportion of them were of Jamaican/Caribbean descent who came on the ship Empire Windrush over 70 years ago, Indian and other South Asian immigrants from that era also fall within the categorisation. There is nothing that I can say today which will undo the pain, the suffering and the misery inflicted on the Windrush generation. What I can do, is say that on behalf of this and successive governments: I am truly sorry, she said in a statement to the House of Commons. I am sorry that people's trust has been betrayed There are lessons to learn for the Home Office. But also, society as a whole, said the minister. The statement followed the release of a new Windrush Lessons Learned Review', which highlighted an institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation. The review by Wendy Williams, a UK Inspector of Constabulary, who had called for an unqualified apology to those affected as well as the wider black African-Caribbean community. Her report concluded that there had been a profound institutional failure, which turned thousands of people's lives upside down. Hundreds of Indians have continued to make contact with a taskforce set up by the UK Home Office in the wake of the scandal in 2018 to confirm their British citizenship under the Windrush Scheme. Nearly 800 Indians have been able to confirm their status in the wake of the scandal, a majority of them had arrived in the UK before 1973, when the immigration rules had changed, while the others either arrived later or were a family member of the so-called Windrush generation. Soon after she took over as home secretary last year, Patel had launched a new group called the Windrush Advisory Group to ensure immigrants affected by the scandal are able to access the compensation scheme set by the Home Office. Since these injustices were brought to light, civil servants have used every endeavour to right the wrongs. Giving people their correct status and supporting them in their financial compensation claims, she told Parliament this week. The Windrush Compensation Scheme was launched in April last year to provide payments to eligible individuals who did not have certain documentation to prove their status in the UK and suffered adverse effects on their life as a result. It is open to almost anyone from a Commonwealth country who arrived and settled in the UK before 1973. Certain children and grandchildren of those arriving before 1973 and some close family members may also be eligible to apply. It is also open to anyone from any nationality who has the right to live or work in the UK without any restrictions or is now a British citizen, and arrived in the UK before 31 December 1988. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The expects it will take 12 to 18 months to roll out a vaccine, executives said Thursday, as they jointly pledged to make it available worldwide based on need. Bureaucracy could be slashed to speed up the process -- but the time needed for safety testing could not be compromised, industry chiefs and the Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations told a virtual press conference hosted in Geneva. "We're confident technology will arrest this disease," said IFPMA president David Ricks, the chairman of Eli Lilly and Company. The global death toll has risen to over 9,000 with more than 217,000 confirmed infections, according to an AFP tally based on official sources. "When you think about how many people we will want to vaccinate -- once we have a vaccine -- around the world, we're talking billions, and that's a huge challenge," said David Loew, the executive vice president of Sanofi Pasteur. "We need to ensure the safety. It's going to take 12 to 18 months until you have a registered vaccine on the market." Rajeev Venkayya, president of the Global Vaccines Business Unit at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, said that timeline was "very aggressive but we think it might be feasible". Dozens of clinical trials for vaccines and treatments are under way around the world after the virus's genome was shared by China, where COVID-19 first broke out in December. But industry chiefs said they could not lower the testing standards to get a preventative vaccine on the market more quickly. "You're injecting this into healthy people, so you don't want to have suddenly people getting sick because you are short-cutting," said Loew. "It could also have deleterious effects on other vaccines, if people lose trust in vaccination," he added. "The regulatory authorities are cutting red tape, and that's the way we can accelerate getting to the market quicker." Venkayya added that some, if not most of the testing programmes being run, would fail to produce a viable vaccine. However, the value of running multiple trials simultaneously was that "some will succeed and get across the finish line", he said. Venkayya said the industry would "prioritise access and equity in the distribution" of any effective vaccine. Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer at Johnson and Johnson, said the industry would make sure that any vaccine, wherever it is produced, "will be available" to everyone "who needs it" across the globe. "That's a promise for what we are doing jointly as an industry," he stressed. Stoffels said the problem in reaching solutions was that the virus had new characteristics compared to outbreaks such as SARS. "This virus is extremely transmittable -- and that's what is so new. So it's a new virus which needs new tools, and that's where we have to start from scratch on the research." Meanwhile Ricks said money was not the issue for pharmaceutical giants in finding solutions. "This is not a capital resource problem right now, more of a human resource problem," he said. Ricks said nobody in the industry was talking about how to take the credit and make money out of vaccines and treatments, while public-private partnerships could help share any financial risks. IFPMA director-general Thomas Cueni said the industry was putting on an unprecedented united front to conquer the virus. "We won't rest until we find the solution," he said. COVID-19 started as an unknown disease of the lungs consisting of pneumonia. The virus is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, otherwise called Sars-CoV-2. COVID-19 is the term called for the sickness caused by this virus. (Photo : Pixabay) COVID-19 is so-called because of the coronavirus disease outbreak that started in 2019 and first appeared in Wuhan, China. When it started, it was an unknown disease of the lungs that involves pneumonia. The virus is a "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2," otherwise called Sars-CoV-2. COVID-19, the term used for the sickness caused by this virus. It is now a pandemic as declared by the WHO, or World Health Organization, thus worrying millions of people, including those in the United States. WHO states that around 80% of the infected people do recover from the infection without having to undergo treatment. Roughly only one person out of every six individuals develops severe disease. Almost every case of severe disease caused by Sars-CoV-2 feature symptoms consistent with pneumonia. Respiratory physician, professor, and Royal Australasian College of Physicians president-elect John Wilson says that the COVID-19 can be profiled into four general categories. According to Wilson, the first group include those who do not exhibit symptoms. The second group get infected in their upper respiratory tracts and have cough, fever, and sometimes conjunctivitis and headaches. Individuals with minor symptoms can unknowingly transmit Sars-CoV-2. The third group is the largest, consisting of individuals positive for the disease and get flu-like symptoms. Individuals of the fourth group develop pneumonia and severe illness. Six percent of Wuhan cases had severe illness. Wilson further states the fever and cough result from infection of the air passages. The respiratory tract's lining is injured, developing inflammation and irritating the nerves in the airway lining. As the infection worsens, the virus gets into the area where the air passages end and where gas exchange occurs. The coronavirus causes inflammatory material to pour out to the air sacs. Inflamed air sacs pour out inflammatory cells and fluid to the lungs, causing pneumonia. This prevents oxygen from getting to the blood, cells, and tissues. Expulsion of harmful carbon dioxide is also prevented. According to Wilson, it is severe pneumonia that causes death. Lung Foundation Australia chairperson and respiratory physician Christine Jenkins says that nothing can stop Covid-19 from infecting people. There is currently no established cure aside from palliative treatment. For people with severe illness, treatment involves ventilation and high oxygen maintenance to support the patient's lungs until they recover. Wilson adds that people with viral pneumonia also likely develop secondary bacterial infections; hence, the need to give both antibiotics and anti-viral drugs. He says that COVID-19 pneumonia patients just do not recover, and they die. Jenkins says that most pneumonia cases are due to bacterial infections. In contrast, Wilson says that the COVID-19 pneumonia is particularly severe because it tends to affect the entire lungs. If the infection involves the lung's air sacs, the response of the body is to destroy the pathogen and restrict its replication. Unfortunately, this mechanism is impaired in people with conditions like cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney and heart disease, liver disease, as well as in indigenous people, smokers, babies 12 months old and below, and people above 65. They are susceptible to pneumonia. Jenkins adds that the risk for pneumonia is higher with age because the immune system weakens along with aging. Efforts to contain the spread of the virus include calls for cancellation of events and the closing of schools as well as travel bans between borders. MANISTEE The Manistee Area Public Schools took action with a unanimous vote in a special first-time ever virtual meeting on Thursday afternoon to postpone the May 5 bond election due to the coronavirus. "Why we are here is the the governor (Gretchen Whitmer) has asked everyone that has ballot language for May 5 to consider if their items are not a critical (school non-homestead millage) item to reconsider and remove them from the ballot, and I feel that is good advice," said Superintendent Ron Stoneman. Stoneman said a meeting was held with himself and representatives from their architect, construction firm and public relations firm working on the bond proposal to discuss the matter. "We think overwhelmingly it is a good idea for us to have this resolution and make this recommendation to the board to postpone it," said Stoneman. "These are unprecedented times and circumstances that our community is experiencing right now. Our focus should be on support and helping our community and being a leader in that process." Stoneman stressed that this is just a postponement of the process and not a cancellation. "We can reconvene this need that we have later, and it is our collective administrative recommendation that the board consider it," said Stoneman. The reason for the special meeting on Thursday was Manistee County Clerk Jill Nowak indicated to MAPS officials that if they want it removed from the ballot they must do so by 5 p.m. on Friday. "So we will have to give this signed resolution to the clerk," said Stoneman. "They will also accept a signed resolution by email because they are not accepting people at the Manistee County Courthouse at this time. The plan is (business manager) Howard Vaas will get the board secretary's (Shelley Johnson) signature on this resolution, and he will process the resolution for the clerk." Stoneman said the board will not need to make the decision on if it will be an August election until May. That is the deadline to file for an August election, but they will discuss it at the April meeting which very well could be another virtual meeting. "I think we need to let some weeks go by here and make sure we know more about this overall situation, and I wouldn't recommend that we make that decision at this time," said Stoneman. Board member Paul Wehrmeister felt the move to wait was a good one. "I think that is good decision as there is a lot going on," said Wehrmeister. "We waited this long and want to do it right. We want the public support on it." Stoneman said it is very important to the district, but is not anyway of meeting the standard of critical for operations. The superintendent said he will stay in contact with board members and that they may cancel their March 25 study session. Board members voted unanimously to approve the resolution. Members of the board and others around the state were given special permission until April 15 to hold a virtual meeting by an executive order of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. We are taking every measure we can to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and protect Michigan families, but recognize that public bodies still have an obligation to conduct business as usual, Whitmer said. During this crisis, we must ensure that public officials can do their job to meet the needs of residents, while also ensuring that meetings remain open, accessible and transparent to the public. Under Executive Order 2020-15, public bodies that are subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils, and nonprofit boards, can use telephone- or video- conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis, so long as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public. WATERLOO -- The Sullivan Hartogh Davis Cedar Valley Honor Flight out of Waterloo, scheduled for May 27, will not be rescheduled due to the coronavirus threat. The Honor Flight Network Board of Directors met this week on the matter, and determined that the current mandatory suspension of all Honor Flight trips will be through May 31. In addition, the board will institute a mandatory suspension of all local Honor Flight group gatherings, including in-person fundraisers, in accordance with current CDC guidelines that provide that no more than 10 persons at high risk for COVID-19 be together in a group setting. This additional suspension of group gatherings begins immediately and is in place through May 31. Human insights tech startup UserTesting has landed $100 million in a new round of funding, the company announced Thursday. Subscribe to the Crunchbase Daily UserTestings Human Insight Platform lets companies get feedback from customers on-demand so they can learn more about how to improve customer experiences. Insight Partners led the Series C round, with previous investors Accel, Greenspring and OpenView also participating. UserTesting, which is based in San Francisco, now has more than $148 million in total funding, according to Crunchbase. It last raised $45.5 million in a Series C round led by Accel in January 2015. Customer centricity has evolved from being an aspiration to an expectation, Insight Partners Vice President Rebecca Liu-Doyle said in a statement. Companies across industries are now expected to absorb feedbackon a continuous basisto deliver an ever-improving experience. The new money will be used to expand UserTestings presence in Europe and Asia and speed up product development. Along with the new funding, UserTesting announced Thursday that it acquired Teston, a European startup that provides multilingual experience testing for customer feedback, according to a statement. The acquisition of Teston will help with UserTestings push to expand in Europe. UserTesting opened a European headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland last year. Teston fits nicely within our product portfolio and reinforces our ability to give customers the fastest access to the human perspective, globally, UserTesting CEO Andy MacMillan said in a statement. They have built a playbook for localization that will enable us to serve our customers who wish to get feedback in European languages and beyond. UserTesting also acquired two companies last year, according to Crunchbase. It purchased UserMuse in January 2019 and Truthlab Technologies in October 2019. Teston, which is based in Oslo, Norway, had $2.8 million in seed funding, according to Crunchbase. Illustration Credit: Li-Anne Dias biden wins Illinois Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images; Ruobing Su/Business Insider Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Illinois Democratic primary, handily beating Sen. Bernie Sanders by over 20 percentage points. Several polling places in Chicago's suburbs were held open an extra hour after difficulties earlier in the day, delaying results. Going into Tuesday's primaries, Biden had won 864 pledged delegates to the national convention in July, leading Sanders' 705 delegates. Illinois has 155 delegates up for grabs, and Biden is set to take home a big majority. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Former Vice President Joe Biden decisively won the Illinois Democratic primary. Illinois Democratic primary results: Polls for the Illinois Democratic presidential primary closed at 7 PM Central time (8 PM Eastern), but several polling places in Chicago's suburbs were held open for an extra hour after voting difficulties earlier in the day. We'll have live results and vote totals as they come in. Catch up on live coverage from the primary: The Illinois primary came amid a growing novel coronavirus outbreak. Ohio, which was originally scheduled to hold its primary on Tuesday, postponed its election until June. In Illinois, the Chicago Tribune reported shortages of polling workers and equipment across the city. As of midday, turnout in Chicago was down by 50% from the same time during the 2016 primary, but early voting was far higher than four years before, according to the Tribune. The Illinois State Board of Elections tweeted that turnout was also very low in suburban DuPage county. As of noon Central time, only about 14% of registered voters in the county had either voted in person or by mail-in ballot. After those difficulties, the Cook County Clerk's Office announced that several polling places in Chicago's suburbs would be held open an extra hour, delaying results. Story continues Pre-primary: What's at stake in the primary? Illinois has 155 pledged delegates on the table. 54 of those delegates are proportionally allocated to candidates based on their statewide vote totals, and the remaining 101 are distributed among the state's 18 congressional districts. Among the congressional districts, the biggest prizes are the 1st, 7th, and 9th districts, with eight delegates up for grabs in each. The 1st district covers most of the South Side of Chicago and many of the city's southwestern suburbs, the 7th district includes much of the rest of the city proper and several western suburbs, and the 9th district includes parts of the North Side of Chicago and northern suburbs including Evanston. As in most other states, candidates must earn over the minimum threshold of 15% of the vote in a given district or statewide to earn any delegates. While this was a major factor in earlier primaries when there were still several candidates in the running, now that the race has largely consolidated into a two-way affair between Biden and Sanders, the 15% threshold is likely to play a less important role in Tuesday's elections. This is what the polling said ahead of the Illinois primary: According to Real Clear Politics' average of the latest polling data, Biden held a clear lead in the state, with the intended support of 65.4% of voters to Sanders' 22.6%. Gabbard was polling at 2%. According to FiveThirtyEight's primary election forecast, Biden had a greater than 99% chance of winning the most votes in Illinois. FiveThirtyEight projected that Biden's probable victory will likely translate into winning just over two-thirds of the delegates up for grabs in the state and its congressional districts. Read the original article on Business Insider New York: Reflecting a hunger for information about the coronavirus outbreak, last Thursday's episode of ABC's World News Tonight had more viewers than anything that aired in television's prime time last week. That edition of the David Muir-anchored broadcast reached 10.8 million viewers, slightly more than an original episode of NCIS, the Nielsen company said. Collectively, the ABC, NBC and CBS evening newscasts on Thursday which all air prior to the 8 p.m. start of television's traditional prime time reached 26.3 million people. CBS' 60 Minutes, which featured a Scott Pelley report on how New Rochelle, N.Y., is dealing with its hot spot of infected patients, and the CNN debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders also finished in Nielsen's top five last week. Television networks will be watching closely in the next few weeks to see how viewership is increased by all of the people left housebound by the virus. It's usually the opposite as spring approaches and improving weather send people outdoors and away from their TVs. CBS was the week's most popular network, averaging 6.2 million viewers in prime time. ABC was second with 5.2 million, NBC had 3.7 million, Fox had 3 million, Univision had 1.4 million, ION Television had 1.3 million, Telemundo had 1.1 million and the CW had 700,000. The three news networks dominated cable viewership last week. Fox News Channel averaged 3.54 million viewers in prime time, CNN had 2.85 million, MSNBC had 2.3 million, TBS had 1.13 million and HGTV had 1.12 million. World News Tonight averaged 9.9 million viewers for the week. NBC's Nightly News was second among the evening news programs with 8.5 million viewers and CBS had 6.1 million. Pennsylvania businesses not deemed vital to sustaining life must close by 8 p.m. Thursday, Gov. Tom Wolf said in a remarkable escalation of efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Wolf says some businesses have failed to comply with his request that they close. Enforcement actions against businesses that do not close physical locations will begin at midnight Friday, March 20, Wolf announced. Here is a look at whats considered life-sustaining businesses. Spread of COVID-19 is increasing at an exponential pace, the Democratic governor said in an online address. Pennsylvania saw its first death from the global pandemic Wednesday, a 55-year-old Northampton County man who was one of four members of a single family to die from the disease; the other three deaths occurred in New Jersey. Wolf had previously encouraged non-life-sustaining businesses to close to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants and bars were already required to stop all dine-in services. Enforcement for establishments with a liquor license began at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and enforcement for all other food establishments will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Wolf said. Food establishments can continue to offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service, including alcohol. Pursuant to the Emergency Management Services Code, the governor is granted extraordinary powers upon his declaration of a disaster emergency, such as COVID-19. Among these powers, the governor may control the ingress and egress into the disaster area, the movement of persons, and the occupancy of premises within the disaster area, which has been established to be the entire commonwealth for the COVID-19 disaster emergency. The secretary of health separately is authorized under the law to employ measures necessary for the prevention and suppression of disease. The administration is exercising these powers to temporarily close all non-life-sustaining businesses and dine-in facilities at all restaurants and bars across the commonwealth. Persons must be removed from these premises to cope with the COVID-19 disaster emergency. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in enforcement action that could include citations, fines or license suspensions. Pennsylvania is working with state and federal partners to offer emergency loans to small businesses and nonprofits hurt financially by the coronavirus. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Armenians living in the member states of the European Union, who were infected with the novel coronavirus, feel well. The Office of Armenias High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs keeps in touch with them, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan said during a press conference. Large number of Armenians live in Iran, who also live under state of emergency like the local residents. During this period 85-year-old ethnic Armenian woman died from the novel coronavirus in Iran, she also had health problems. The situation in the Netherlands is satisfactory, but as for those in Italy there is no detailed information. We do not have yet concrete information about the infected Armenians living in other European countries, but are in touch with the communities, he said. Sinanyan said they are receiving many appeals, e-mails, calls from the Diaspora-Armenians requesting information about the return to Armenia. On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, at 17:00. As of now, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is 122, one patient has recovered. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Librarians at Rutgers University and New Jerseys other public universities are calling for the immediate shutdown of their libraries, as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep through the state. While college students have largely been sent home as COVID-19 cases grow, their universities are not closed. Some students who cannot leave are still on campus, including medical students and those taking clinical courses. Many food service workers and anyone classified as essential service personnel are not able to work remotely. And the libraries remain open. We have been arguing with Rutgers management for days about closing the libraries, but can no longer wait, said union vice president Rebecca Givan of the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers at Rutgers, which represents librarians and more than 8,500 other faculty members and graduate students who work at the university. Givan said her members have been asking questions regarding the safety of people who work in the library from the beginning, and complained that promised cleaning supplies have not arrived and that shared computer surfaces are not being sanitized. There are other solutions available for students who might need a laptop to get access to their course work, she said. According to Givan, some librarians who have refused to come to work have been harshly reprimanded. Theres no justification for keeping the libraries open, she said. Theres absolutely no justification. Rutgers officials, in response, said the libraries are critical in the universitys ability to meet the directive in Gov. Phil Murphys executive order mandating all in-person classes at all universities be suspended and converted to online instruction. We understand questions have been raised about the decision to keep Rutgers libraries open to our students. The primary reason the libraries are open is that the libraries are essential to educating our students while the university remains open and operating, said Rutgers spokeswoman Dory Devlin. She said the university libraries, located across all campuses and throughout the state, provide access to the internet through nearly 1,000 computer terminals. "Access to the internet through these computers is essential for students who for economic or other reasons do not have access to the internet in their homes, Devlin said. Union officials representing New Jerseys nine other public institutions of higher education also called for the shutdown of university libraries on their campuses, arguing that all faculty and librarians should be allowed to work from off-campus locations, along with all professional staff. Working remotely should be the default position, and any exceptions should be made on a case-by-case basis, as necessary, to provide services to the few remaining students on each campus, said Tim Haresign, who heads the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, representing over 10,000 employees at Ramapo College, William Paterson University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Kean University, The College of New Jersey, Thomas Edison University, Rowan University, and Stockton University. Haresign, in a letter to the presidents of all nine schools, said that all faculty and librarians should be allowed to work from off-campus locations, along with all professional staff. Working remotely should be the default position, and any exceptions should be made on a case-by-case basis, as necessary, to provide services to the few remaining students on each campus, he said. MORE: Keeping up with coronavirus in N.J.: First, dont panic. Our newsletter might help. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Beijings iconic Summer Palace tourist resort is the home of a huge new ice rink thats opened just ahead of the Winter Olympics. The rink measures 300,000 square meters and consists of two areas designed for different types of activities. The city has opened seven municipal ice rinks and four snow resorts to the public. Since 2014, ice and snow activities in municipal parks have attracted nearly 2 million visitors, according to the Beijing Municipal Administration Center for Parks Jan 11, 2022 07:26 PM The Prime Minister has closed Australia's borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus. From 9pm on Friday night, only Australian permanent residents and citizens will be allowed to enter the country. Scott Morrison said he made the drastic move because 80 per cent of Australia's 636 coronavirus cases have come in from abroad. The ban, which has no end date, is likely to cause chaos for thousands of temporary residents who live and work in Australia, such as people on skilled work visas. If they are overseas on holiday they have one day to return to their lives here. If they are in the country they cannot leave because they will not be able to come back. The ban does not apply to direct family members of permanent residents and citizens. From 9pm on Friday night, only Australian residents and citizens will be allowed to enter. Pictured: Scott Morrison (right) and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg today Announcing the ban, the Prime Minister said: 'We will be resolving to move to a position where a travel ban will be placed on all non-residents, non-Australian citizens coming to Australia, and that will be in place from 9pm tomorrow evening. 'For Australians, of course, they will be able to return and they will be subject, as they already are, to 14 days of isolation upon arrival back in Australia.' CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Explaining the move, the Prime Minister said: 'About 80 per cent of the cases we have in Australia are someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. 'So, the overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported.' Mr Morrison said the world-wide travel ban was an extension of existing bans on people coming from Italy, South Korea, Iran and China. 'Measures we have put in place have obviously put an impact on that and this is a further measure now that that can be further enhanced,' he said. New Zealand has made the same move, also shutting the border to non-residents. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden urged more than 600,000 New Zealanders living in Australia not to go home because that may increase the spread of the virus. Ms Ardern and Mr Morrison consulted each other before agreeing to shut the borders. After Virgin Australia cancelled all international flights, Mr Morrison said national carrier Qantas would continue to repatriate Australians. 'I want to thank Qantas also, who are offering to work with us to make sure they maintain flights from particular parts of the world that can assist Australians to return to Australia and we will be working closely with them, and those Australians who are overseas, we have been encouraging them to return to Australia. Passengers wait to check-in at the departures hall at the international airport in Sydney on March 18 'Those in remote parts of the world, that can prove challenging but for those in other places, it is our intention to ensure we can maintain flights to enable them to come home as soon as possible.' Mr Morrison also slammed food hoarders for the second time in two days. 'I also want to say to Australians that there are no issues with Australians' food supply. What there is an issue with is the behaviour of Australians at supermarkets. 'Frankly there are some Australians not giving Australia a very good name at the moment with their behaviour. 'I understand they're anxious. But for the next six months we need to work together,' he said. New Zealand shuts the border New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has closed the country's borders to all but residents and citizens to stop the spread of coronavirus. 'We need to continue to make further decisions and further restrictions,' she said during the announcement on Thursday. The ban will be in place for planes landing in New Zealand after 11.59pm on Thursday. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) has closed the country's borders to all but residents and citizens to stop the spread of coronavirus She said the more than 600,000 New Zealanders living in Australia should stay and not travel. 'While we do not have community transmission, it is in Australia. It is in everyone's interest that they stay put,' she said. Ms Ardern said all cases of coronavirus in the country had come from overseas, and had not been transmitted between people in New Zealand. Only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents - and their children and partners - will be able to enter the country. Ms Ardern said there will be exemptions for specific people including health professionals. 'I'm not willing to have risks here and that's why we're making this decision,' she said. There are 28 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New Zealand. Advertisement Interest rates cut to a record low of 0.25% as the Australian dollar plummets to lowest in 17 YEARS amid coronavirus panic By Stephen Johnson for Daily Mail Australia The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates to a new record low of 0.25 per cent as the Australian dollar sank close to 55 US cents for the first time in more than 17 years. For the first time ever, the central bank has explicitly signalled it will buy government bonds to inject liquidity into the financial system under a radical policy known as quantitative easing. It is also providing $90billion worth of credit to banks so they lend to small and medium-sized businesses during the coronavirus crisis. The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates to a new record low of 0.25 per cent as the Australian dollar sank close to 55 US cents for the first time in more than 17 years. For the first time ever, the central bank has explicitly signalled it will buy government bonds to inject liquidity into the financial system under a radical policy known as quantitative easing In an uncharacteristic move for a central bank governor, Philip Lowe fronted the media at 4.30pm, Sydney time, after financial markets had closed and delivered an address for the TV cameras on the COVID-19 crisis. 'We are clearly living in extraordinary and challenging times,' Dr Lowe said. 'The coronavirus is first and foremost a very major public health problem. 'But it has also become a major economic problem, which is having deep ramifications for financial systems around the world. 'Understandably, our communities and our financial markets are both having trouble dealing with a rapidly unfolding situation that they have not seen before. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg hailed the RBA's unprecedented measures to 'support Australian jobs and support Australian businesses'. 'Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,' he told reporters in Canberra. 'We are doing what we can to lower the cost of credit.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison also confirmed the government was working with the banks so they don't repossess the homes of borrowers who lost their jobs. 'That's exactly the sort of thing we're working on,' he said. In an uncharacteristic move for a central bank governor, Philip Lowe fronted the media at 4.30pm, Sydney time, after financial markets had closed and delivered an address for the TV cameras on the COVID-19 crisis. 'We are clearly living in extraordinary and challenging times,' Dr Lowe said. The RBA had already reduced the cash rate to 0.5 per cent at its regular meeting this month in a bid to stimulate the economy, as the global COVID-19 pandemic threatens to spark the first recession in 29 years. The central bank met again just two weeks later on Thursday, outside of its usual meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, to announce the cash rate would be cut by another quarter of a percentage point. Dr Lowe acknowledged coronavirus was a threat to the economy. 'The coronavirus is first and foremost a public health issue, but it is also having a very major impact on the economy and the financial system,' he said in a statement on Thursday announcing the rate cut. A cash rate of 0.25 per cent means Australia's official interest rate is just one cut away from being at zero. The Australian dollar bounced on the announcement, jumping from a near 18-year low 55.41 US cents to 55.57 US cents by 2.32pm Sydney time, or two minutes after the RBA announcement. Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe acknowledged coronavirus was a threat to the economy While interest rate cuts usually boost the housing market, real estate data group CoreLogic said the coronavirus outbreak was likely to discourage people from buying a home. 'The current situation of extreme uncertainty and economic fragility makes it difficult to expect housing market activity to lift against the historically low cost of debt,' it said. 'As the coronavirus pandemic broadens, and the probability of an Australian recession increases, consumer confidence is trending lower from an already weak position. 'This will likely weigh on high commitment consumer spending decisions, such as buying or selling a home.' Interest rates have been cut three days after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut its equivalent cash rate by a more dramatic 75 basis points to 0.25 per cent. The US Federal Reserve this week also slashed its target federal funds rate by a full basis point to zero to 0.25 per cent. Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North said quantitative easing, while designed to encourage lending, would do little to stimulate demand as indoor groups of 100 or more people are banned in Australia. 'It may not be the right tool,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'Quantitative easing is about supporting the financial system, it's trying to put liquidity into the system but the real economy isn't working and we're trying to address the wrong problem.' While a weaker Australian dollar makes Australian exports cheaper overseas, it also makes imports like electronics more expensive. Mr North, an economist, said there was a danger of a weaker Australian dollar making imported components for production more expensive. He feared an increase in imported fertiliser prices could make food more expensive and spark a surge in inflation. 'Any raw materials that we bring into the country, for example fertilisers, they're going to be a lot more expensive,' Mr North said. 'The cost of that is going to be a lot higher, it's going to have a series of knock-on effects. So the cost on the economy is dramatic.' New Delhi, March 19 : German audio brand Sennheiser on Thursday launched its two new around-ear Bluetooth headphones HD 450BT and HD 350BT in India. The new closed-back wireless headphones Sennheiser HD 450BT is priced at Rs 14,990 and HD 350BT at Rs 7,490. The headphones aims to offer a 30-hour battery life and instant voice assistant access. The HD 450BT also features active noise cancellation. "At Sennheiser, our focus has always been on innovation and with these new models in our wireless range, we aim to provide consumers an enhanced audio experience every day. We look forward to seeing how our consumers here take to it," Kapil Gulati, Director, Consumer Segment, Sennheiser Electronics India, said in a statement. The headphone comes with the latest wireless technology including Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility and high-quality wireless codec support, including AAC, AptX and AptX low latency for perfect audio synchronization with video. For added versatility, the HD 450BT can also be used in wired mode. They also come with a dedicated voice assistant button which enables voice interaction with Siri or Google Assistant at a touch, while intuitive physical buttons on the earcups make it easy to control music and calls. These products will be available on online platform such as Amazon, Flipkart, company's own website and other leading electronic retail outlets in India. APPEASING HITLER by Tim Bouverie (Vintage 9.99, 512pp) APPEASING HITLER by Tim Bouverie (Vintage 9.99, 512pp) In Foreign news pages of The Times on January 30, 1933, was a report that the President of the German Republic, Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, had asked Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party, to become Chancellor of Germany. I dont fancy that he will be allowed to do much, predicted the Conservative MP Cuthbert Headlam. His hope was shared by many. Memories of World War I were still vivid: Never again was the mantra, and even as Hitlers bellicose intentions became clear, appeasement remained overwhelmingly popular. In this finely researched and gripping account, historian Tim Bouverie analyses the years of indecision, failed diplomacy and political infighting that led once again to world war. AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES by Jonathan Drori (Laurence King 12.99, 240pp) AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES by Jonathan Drori ( Laurence King 12.99, 240pp) When an ancient cedar of Lebanon was struck by lightning near Jonathan Droris childhood home, his father wept and his mother told him a whole world had been contained in that magnificent tree. Droris journey around 80 spectacular trees traces the ancient relationship between humans and the plants that offer us shade, food, clothing, shelter, beauty and much more. Drori provides encounters with such exotica as the upas tree, an Indonesian native once said to be so toxic that even to look at it could be fatal, and the New Caledonian Seve Bleue, whose turquoise sap contains high concentrations of insect-repelling nickel. With fine illustrations by Lucille Clerc, this inspiring book reminds us how much we owe the trees with which we share the planet. THE RUNAWAYS by Fatima Bhutto (Penguin 8.99, 432pp) THE RUNAWAYS by Fatima Bhutto (Penguin 8.99, 432pp) In Karachi, 15-year-old Anita Rose imagines what it would feel like to be one of the elegant ladies for whom her mother works as a cleaner. In Portsmouth, Sunny Jamil and his father, Sulaiman, contemplate Sunnys acceptance letter for a business degree at Portsmouth University. It is a huge moment of triumph for Sulaiman, whose life has been marked by tragedy. In Knightsbridge, 17-year-old Monty is on holiday with his wealthy parents. We are nawabs, Montys father reminds him. These three teenagers are so different, but passion, rebellion and a longing for acceptance brings them together in a brutal joint destiny, as this powerful novel follows them to a jihadi training camp. Its a compassionate and persuasive account of what happens when teenage passions collide with the seductions of radicalism. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- About 1,000 New York medical retirees have answered the call to volunteer in the coronavirus pandemic, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio. Meanwhile, Staten Island Borough President Jame Oddo is among the politicians alerting potential volunteers that the application link has changed for the drive-through testing center for coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ocean Breeze. In an interview on WCBS 880 Radio, the mayor praised the large and swift response from the senior medical community. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** I asked for retired medical personnel to step forward to help us," the mayor said. "In the last 24 hours, 1,000 New Yorkers who are retired medical personnel have volunteered to join the effort to fight coronavirus. I think thats so inspiring. So many people are coming forward to help and thats how were going to beat this back. As of Thursday morning, all retired-medical volunteers for the drive-through testing center in Ocean Breeze are being directed to apply directly to state Department of Health (DOH). That state agency is taking all applications and doing the screening process, according to a Lexey Chandler, press secretary for Oddos office. The application link is https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/retired-health-professional. The first drive-through testing facility in New York City opened on Thursday morning on the grounds of South Beach Psychiatric Center at 777 Seaview Ave. Retired health professionals such as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and physicians, can sign up online to be considered for a volunteer position, Oddo said on Wednesday. Volunteer shifts will be a minimum of two hours in duration and a minimum of six hours of service over the following weeks is required, Oddo said. More than 120 medical professionals from Staten Island University Hospital will volunteer to help the staff at the site as well, according to Dr. Brahim Ardolic, executive director of Staten Island University. Testing will be by appointment only in the parking lot of South Beach Psychiatric Center. Hours of operation will be between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the foreseeable future, Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) posted on Twitter on Wednesday. Cuomo announced the operation two days ago. People can schedule an appointment if: They have been in proximate contact with another person known to be positive They have symptoms and have traveled to China, Iran, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and most European countries (a list can be found here) They are in either mandatory or precautionary quarantine and have symptoms An individual is symptomatic and has not tested positive for any other infection; Those who wish to make an appointment can do so by calling the state Department of Health at 888-364-3065. The test involves a nasal swab that must go all the way up a patients nose. And while experts have said the process can be invasive and uncomfortable, its also simple and quick. A long Q-tip is inserted through the nose to reach whats known as the nasopharyngeal region, from where cells are collected. Testing is open to all New York City residents. Northampton County officials are closing off the courthouse/government center in Easton to the public while they reassess the plan to continue providing the services offered there. County Executive Lamont McClure made the announcement Thursday morning, one day after explaining to lehighvalleylive.com efforts to maintain services but with a reduced staff in the hopes of slowing the spread of coronavirus. Pennsylvania on Wednesday announced its first death from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus that began spreading in December in Wuhan, China, and is now a global pandemic. Gov. Tom Wolf said in an online address the 55-year-old Northampton County resident represents just the first death of what will become many. McClure in a statement Thursday said he has heard reports of other counties that are not open for the publics business directing their residents to Easton for services like processing of marriage licenses and passports. "While we had a sound plan, considering the dictates of social distancing, for serving the residents of Northampton County, it became apparent that we would not be able to safely serve the citizens of Northampton County as well as the citizens of other counties as well," McClure stated. McClure described Northampton County's efforts to keep the courthouse open as having "aggressively implemented a strategy of telecommuting and reducing the workforce to essential employees so that Northampton County residents could have safe access during this time of social distancing to Revenue (the in-person payment of property taxes), Prothonotary (the filing of lawsuits. applying for passports), Wills (marriage licenses, probating wills, child custody), Deeds (recording of deeds, searching titles), and the Criminal Division (the payment of fees, fines costs and restitution to victims of crime)." McClure committed to reassessing that plan and reopening the courthouse "to the citizens of Northampton County as soon as we believe we can do so safely. Thursday nights meeting of Northampton County Council remained open to the public. It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed on YouTube for residents to observe while maintaining social distancing. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness, the CDC says. Symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath appear within two to 14 days of infection and can be mild or lead to serious, potentially deadly complications. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. By Andrea Germanos March 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " -Amnesty International on Wednesday rebuked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over new comments bashing the International Criminal Court and threatening court staffand their family membersinvestigating alleged war crimes committed by United States forces in Afghanistan. Threats against family members of ICC staff who are seeking justice is a new low, even for this administration, said Daniel Balson, Amnesty International USAs advocacy director. Balsons comments came a day a press briefing in which Pompeo told reporters the ICC is a so-called court which is revealing itself to be a nakedly political body. In a decision applauded by human rights advocates, the ICC announced earlier this month that the probewhich includes alleged crimes committed at CIA black sites in Poland, Lithuania, and Romaniacould proceed after the courts Pre-Trial Chamber previously stopped its advancement. The prospect of that probe bristled the Trump administration, which carried out what had previously appeared to be a successful bullying attempt to quash the investigation. With the investigation now having a green light, Pompeo renewed his vocal disdain for the court, calling it an embarrassment. As I said the last time I stood before you, we oppose any effort by the ICC to exercise jurisdiction over U.S. personnel, Pompeo told reporters. We will not tolerate its inappropriate and unjust attempts to investigate or prosecute Americans. Pompeo suggested retaliatory actions would be in store. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter It has recently come to my attention that the chef de cabinet to the prosecutor, Sam Shoamanesh, and the head of jurisdiction, complementarity, and cooperation division, Phakiso Mochochoko, are helping drive ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensoudas effort to use this court to investigate Americans, the secretary of state said. Im examining this information now and considering what the United States next steps ought to be with respect to these individuals and all those who are putting Americans at risk. We want to identify those responsible for this partisan investigation and their family members who may want to travel to the United States or engage in activity thats inconsistent with making sure we protect Americans, he continued. Amnestys Balson, in his statement, said the Trump administration was making clear it had no interest in working towards justice. Instead of pursuing the torturers, the U.S. is condemning the investigators, and even their families, said Balson. And that sends a dangerous message. To refer to the International Criminal Court, a body which for years has worked on addressing the most heinous of crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, as an embarrassment is the real embarrassment, said Balson. Lack of political will to investigate crimes and prosecute those responsible has impeded the ICCs vital work and Secretary Pompeos remarks have only exacerbated this, he added. Perpetrators the world over now have a clear message from the United States: they too may demand impunity when their nationals are accused of the gravest of crimes. The fact that Pompeo is now hovering the possibility of retaliation for the investigation over family of ICC staff is an ominous move, said Balson. If there remained any doubt that the Trump administrations hostility towards the court is fundamentally punitive and callous in nature, he added, these doubts have now been dispelled. " Source " Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 06:22:13|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TIRANA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled on Thursday a seven-point financial assistance plan to help the businesses and employees affected by measures imposed by the government in containing the spread of the coronavirus. Rama said that a total of 370 million U.S. dollars will go to aid health, businesses and the needy. According to the plan, 25 million U.S. dollars will go to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for necessary equipment and materials in support of medical staff. A total of 100 million U.S. dollars will go to big businesses, which are unable to provide wages for their employees as a sovereign guarantee. Sixty-five million U.S. dollars will go to small businesses, the needy and the unemployed. According to the plan, a total of 20 million U.S. dollars will go to the Ministry of Defense for humanitarian operation, whereas 10 million U.S. dollars will go to the government reserve funds for any emergency. Rama declared that all late energy bill payment fees will be waived for businesses and customers, which amounted to 150 million U.S. dollars from state budget. Moreover, he announced the rescheduling of the income tax deadline to the second half of 2020 for businesses with a turnover between 20,000 and 140,000 U.S. dollars. The prime minister said that there will be no salary cuts, except for the Council of Ministers and members of Parliament, who will receive half of their salaries. Rama said the financial assistance plan will come into force on Friday. A growing number of midstate school districts are launching food pick-ups for students, and in some cases all resident children who need the meals while schools are closed, starting as early as this evening. For details about specific programs, such as addresses of pick-up sites and other specific requirements, please refer to the districts website. In most cases, the districts are requiring that the child being serviced be present at the time of pick-up. This list includes those districts that have announced plans thus far. It will be continually updated as more information becomes available. Adams County Gettysburg Area School District: Starting Wednesday, March 18, the district will offer grab and go breakfasts and lunches to all children in the district 18 and under at the Lincoln Elementary School campus. Children must be present. Distribution runs daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays only. On Fridays, the district will offer an additional bag of food for each child for the weekend. There is no advance registration needed. Upper Adams School District: Starting Thursday, March 19th, free meals being provided to our school community will take place between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the side, bus loop at Biglerville Elementary School. Families interested in participating must register by calling (717) 677-7191, extension 2700, or emailing freemeals@upperadams.org. Adult meals are available by request for a cost of $5.00. Cumberland County Big Spring School District: Families were encouraged over the weekend to register for a Tuesday morning distribution of breakfast and lunch bags for students at Newville Elementary School for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; registrations are being taken through 11 a.m. March 19, for a second distribution on Thursday March 20 designed to provide meals for Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Carlisle Area School District: Pick-ups of breakfast and lunch packages for students for the week will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 17 at Hamilton and Mount Holly Springs elementary schools. Families were asked to register for the week by noon today, but some extra bags will be prepared for those who missed that cut-off and are in need. Children being served must be present at pickup. Registrations for the week of March 23 are still being accepted. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN PA. Hover your mouse or tap a county to see the exact number of cases per county. Municipalities, when known, are indicated by a blue pin. Tapping the pin will tell you what we know about the case. Cumberland Valley School District: Starting Wednesday, March 18, will offer bagged meals each day for district students at five drive-thru sites form 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meals will include lunch, a drink, and a breakfast bar for the next morning. Meals will be available via an outdoor drive-thru service. Students must be present during pickup. Distribution sites are: Hampden Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Middlesex Elementary School, Sporting Hill Elementary School, and Cumberland Valley High School. East Pennsboro School District: Meals for the week will be made available for pickup at East Pennsboro Elementary School on Monday, March 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This program is for families with students in the free or reduced price lunch program. Meals are available to any child under age 18 in those households who is a resident of the district, but the child must be present. Mechanicsburg Area School District: Mechanicsburg is offering bagged lunches and breakfasts for all children 18 and younger. PIck-up times are Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Elmwood Academy, rear entrance by gym. Children must be present at pick-up. Shippensburg Area School District: The district has begun distributing bagged breakfast and lunches for all children ages 18 and under. Distributions are taking place from 7 a.m. to noon at both James Burd Elementary School and the Shippensburg Senior High School. Children must be present. West Shore School District: Free bagged meals will be offered for children starting Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27 from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m., each weekday at four designated locations. Lunch for that day and breakfast for the following day will be included in each bag. All children 18 and younger are welcome to participate. As in other systems, children must be present to receive the bagged meals. Distribution sites are: Allen Middle School, kitchen dock area; Hillside Elementary School, near the picnic tables; Newberry Elementary School, near the kitchen and gymnasium doors; and Washington Heights Elementary School, near the stop sign in front of the buildings side entrance. Dauphin County Central Dauphin School District: Drive-through distribution of breakfast and lunch will be distributed each weekday from 8:30 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. at Central Dauphin East High School and Swatara Middle School. This first-come, first-served program is for all resident children in the district ages 18 and under, but children must be present. Harrisburg School District: City schools will offer grab and go breakfast and lunch bags to district students, including pre-k and Head Start participants, daily this week from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the following school buildings: Foose, Rowland, Harrisburg High School, Downey, Camp Curtin and Ben Franklin. Students must be present to get a bag and district officials are asking families with students through grade 4 to try to arrive at 10 a.m.; grades 5-8 at 10:30 a.m.; and high schoolers at 11 a.m. In addition to the student food service, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will hold a supplemental distribution of produce and shelf-stable items for district families on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Lower Dauphin School District: Starting March 24, the district will provide free breakfasts and lunches to any student 18 and under for the extent of this school closure. Pick-ups will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and noon at Lower Dauphin Middle School, East Hanover Elementary School and Londonderry Elementary School. Tuesday pick-ups will provide food for Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday pick-ups will provide food for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Parents / guardians are required to pre-register through the districts Website, and children being served must be present at pick-up. Middletown Area School District: The district has begin distributing free lunches and a snack for breakfast for any child, 18 years and under. Pick-ups are at Fink Elementary School (rear lot), and Middletown Area High School (front drive-up) every weekday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Steelton-Highspire School District: Starting Tuesday, March 17, free grab and go breakfast and lunch bags will be distributed daily to any child 18 and younger. Both meals will be given at the same time, although the breakfast items being provided are intended for the following day. Distributions will run each weekday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the following locations: Memorial Park concession stand in Highspire; and East End Park; Mt. Zion Church; and New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Steelton. Susquehanna Township School District: The school is accepting registrations through midnight Monday March 16 for food service for all resident children through age 18. The pick-up will be from noon through 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Susquehanna Township High School parking lot. Children must be present. Franklin County Chambersburg Area School District: Starting Tuesday, March 17, free lunches will be provided to all district resident children up to age 18 on days school would normally be in session, at the times and locations that follow: 10:45 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. at the Franklin County housing parking lot, 440 W. Washington St.; 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Second Street Park, 448 S. 2nd St.; and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ben Chambers Elementary School parking lot, 481 N. Franklin St. Lebanon County Annville-Cleona School District: Meals will be provided to resident school-aged children starting Wednesday, March 18 through March 27, weekdays only, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. This will take place outside at the front entrance of the Annville-Cleona Secondary School. Food will only be given to children who are present at the distribution. Cornwall-Lebanon School District: Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students in Cornwall-Lebanon starting Tuesday, March 17. The only pick-up location for Tuesday is Union Canal Elementary School, 400 Narrows Drive. If possible, other locations will be added at a later time. Families are asked to fill out an interest form on the districts Website. Palmyra Area School District: Beginning Thursday, March 19th, all caregivers and families may bring children through age 18 to pick-up meals. Lunches will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Pick-ups are scheduled for Northside Elementary School, from 11 a.m. to noon. Perry County West Perry School District: Parents who sign up by noon Thursday on the districts Website will be eligible to pick up bagged lunches for students starting Monday, March 23. Drive-through pick-up sites will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday (two lunches) and Wednesday (three lunches) at Blain Elementary, New Bloomfield Elementary, Carroll Elementary and West Perry Middle Schools. Delivery will be arranged for parents who are unable to pick up lunches, but students must be present during pick up or delivery. Susquenita School District: Meals for students needing lunches are being distributed form the Duncannon Fire Companys Martin Building, 101 Cumberland St., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each weekday. Interested families are asked to contact Heidi Sands via Facebook messenger or by texting 717-903-1463. Delivery will also be available upon request. York County York City Schools: Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, York schools will have carry-out meals available for school-aged children aged 18 and under at Ferguson K-8 buildings rear playground door; Goode K-8 buildings Door 15 at the circle on the side of the building; and William Penn Senior High School Door 15 at the corner of College and Pershing Ave. for all school-aged students 18 and under. A bagged breakfast will be available from 8 to 9 a.m. and a hot take-out lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily during the closure. Meals will only be provided to students who are present. West Shore School District: Free bagged meals will be offered for children starting Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27 from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m., each weekday at four designated locations. Lunch for that day and breakfast for the following day will be included in each bag. All children 18 and younger are welcome to participate. As in other systems, children must be present to receive the bagged meals. Distribution sites are: Allen Middle School, kitchen dock area; Hillside Elementary School, near the picnic tables; Newberry Elementary School, near the kitchen and gymnasium doors; and Washington Heights Elementary School, near the stop sign in front of the buildings side entrance. Much is being made of the fact that Italy an advanced European nation has become the hot zone of coronavirus impact. The implication is that if a first-world country with the equivalent of "Medicare for All" could succumb to the pandemic, it should be really serious for the USA. Right? Wrong! Despite all of the coverage and hype about Italy and COVID-19, some important information about the epidemiology or cause of the virus's impact on Italy is being overlooked or ignored by the mainstream media. As the Times of India reported on March 19 (emphasis added): If there is one country that has suffered the most due to COVID-19 beyond China, it has to be the European country of Italy. But what is the connection between Italy and the novel coronavirus considering the deadly virus is reported to have originated from China? The answer is fashionably simple. The northern part of Italy has been a traditionally prosperous region due to the flourishing fashion and garment industry. Most of the big global brands like Gucci and Prada have their base in this region. With China offering one of the cheapest manufacturing options in the world, it came as little surprise that most of these fashion brands were working with China. A large number of these Italian fashion and garment houses had outsourced their manufacturing to Chinese labour, specifically in Wuhan. Italy also has direct flights from Wuhan and reports suggest over 100,000 Chinese citizens were working in Italian factories. Chinese made a slow and steady move into Italy and many Italian fashion firms are now owned by them as well. As per a news report, there are more than 300,000 Chinese and over 90% of them work in the Italian garment industry. As per reports, there are thousands of small companies that are active in exports. This region is also very interconnected as well. Additionally, northern Italy, it turns out, is the equivalent of a Petri dish for the spread to the general population of a virus like COVID-19 because of the region's unusual demographic makeup. From the Times of India again: Nearly 60% of the population [of Northern Italy] is aged 40 and over, of which about 23% is over 65 years of age. This puts nearly one-fourth of the population at grave risk. Putting the importance of Italy into further perspective, without examining the true cause of the pandemic there, Hollie McKay, in an article on March 18 at Fox News, titled "Worse than war: How coronavirus in Italy proliferated to a breaking point," wrote: Outside of China, [Italy] the illustrious nation of 60.5 million has become the focal point of the outbreak, with the second-highest number of infections. As of Wednesday afternoon, almost 14,500 people were documented to have contracted the disease and almost 3,000 people have already died. The past 24 hours have brought about the country's highest single-day spike in deaths, claiming the lives of over 475 people. More than 2,000 people are hospitalized and in intensive care[.] ... A new report published on the Open Science Framework by researchers at the University of Oxford over the weekend affirmed that Italy bestows one of the oldest populations globally 23.3 percent of citizens are over the age of 65 and many households are multigenerational, either still living under the same roof or close by with frequent large family interactions. "It is becoming clear that the pandemic's progression and impact may be strongly related to the demographic composition of the population," the research paper states. "Specifically, the population age structure." . . . Nonetheless, Italy was one of the first nations to quickly impose a travel ban on all flights from China after detecting its first case of the novel virus on January 29, 2020. The following day, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared a state of emergency for a minimum period of six months. Meanwhile, President Trump after his Jan. 31 executive order restricting travelers from mainland China entering the U.S. two days after the Italian prime minister issued the same order for his country was branded a "racist" and "xenophobe" by leftist critics and leading Democrats. Clearly, POTUS 45 was ahead of the curve on this issue. Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran journalist who writes about politics, media, popular culture, and health care for American Thinker and other publications. Peter's website is http://peter.media. His new YouTube channel is here. Follow Peter on Twitter at @pchowka. ALTON Two local hospitals Alton Memorial Hospital and OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center on Wednesday announced access restrictions to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. AMH is limiting patient and visitor access to the hospital. Visitor hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with entry to the hospital restricted to the Emergency Room and Duncan Wing main hospital entrances. Any patients seeking care in the ER should only use the ER entrance which will remain open 24 hours daily. All other patients and visitors should enter through the Duncan Wing main hospital entrance. AMH will move to overnight restricted access at the ED entrance only at 6 p.m. Both of these entrances will be staffed with medical personnel to screen patients, including temperature checks for anyone wishing to enter the building. Visitors will be limited to one at a time per patient, including the ED, inpatient care units the Intensive Care Unit, clinics, medical offices and outpatient surgery and procedure areas. Two visitors at a time will be permitted in obstetrics and pediatrics. No visitors under 16 will be permitted. Valet service has been discontinued. The Duncan Wing main entrance will be open 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and will be closed on Sunday. Visitors may enter through the Emergency Room entrance. OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center is discouraging all visitors to the hospital and medical group practices at this time. No more than one visitor per patient at a time will be allowed in the patient care areas. Exceptions may be made in certain situations that could include end-of-life care and childbirth. Visitors must be healthy and the hospital recommends people do not visit if they are experiencing signs or symptoms of an influenza-like illness a fever with cough, sore throat or other symptoms such as a runny nose, shortness of breath, chills and vomiting. If you show symptoms, you may be asked to leave, hospital officials said in a news release. Some patient units, clinics, diagnostic service areas and treatment areas may already have additional restrictions to protect patients and the community. OSF noted the health risks from cold and flu remain high; limiting visitors to our hospitalized patients will keep them safe while in our care. While the number of cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are still being identified in our region and state, these restrictions will also serve as a preventative measure for the virus, according to OSF. For more information, people may visit OSFs COVID-19 digital hub at www.osfhealthcare.org/covid19/ or call the 24-hour COVID-19 Nurse Hotline at 833-OSF-KNOW (833-673-5669). As Greece sets rules for refugees to stop infection spreading, NGOs renew calls to clear overcrowded, unhygienic camps. Athens, Greece For most people living in crowded refugee camps on the Greek islands, following the measures recommended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection is just not possible. In the Vial refugee camp on the island of Chios, even if they wanted to, people cannot keep a three-foot distance from someone who is coughing or sneezing, as the World Health Organization suggests. It is also almost impossible to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people a new Greek policy. So far, no coronavirus cases have been reported among refugees and asylum seekers in Greece. But I see fear in everyone because of this new disease called corona, Faramarz Hakimi, a 22-year-old Afghan who lives in Vial, told Al Jazeera via WhatsApp I see frustration on their faces because they cannot do anything. For the past six months, Hakimi has lived in a small hut with plastic tarp walls with his parents and two younger siblings. The walls of his neighbours hut are about two feet away. Earlier this week, Hakimi had a fever and shortness of breath that left him unable to sleep. His mother, father, and sister all became sick with the same symptoms shortly thereafter. Hakimi says he described his illness to the doctors at the camp, and was given antibiotics and painkillers. He does not believe he had COVID-19, but worries about what would happen if he did. They just returned me to my hut. Now do you think if there is someone with coronavirus there is a way to prevent this? To prevent the infection spreading in the camps, the Greek government announced a set of measures to restrict the movement of refugees. For the next 30 days, residents of the island refugee camps will only be able to exit the camp between 7am and 7pm at certain hours to get food or other essential items from nearby towns. Only one member of each family will be able to leave at a time. All visitors and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) are also prohibited from entering the camps for at least 14 days, and new refugee arrivals will be subject to a temperature checks before entering the camp. Protecting public health at any cost, for the benefit of residents on the islands and in camps, is our priority, Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi said. But Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF), along with other NGOs, is calling for the camps to be urgently evacuated to avoid the pandemic spreading through vulnerable communities that already lack basic healthcare. Governments all over the world are telling people to isolate themselves, to stay home, Peter Casaer, MSFs representative on the island of Lesbos, told Al Jazeera. Emphasising the necessity of social distancing and vigilant hygiene, he added: The plan here and the decisions taken for these people is just the contrary. Our country is not an unfenced vineyard Greeces New Democracy government came to power last July. In the summer, Labour Minister Yiannis Vroutsis said asylum seekers and refugees would be forbidden from getting access to the national healthcare system, tweeting: Our country is not an unfenced vineyard. In November, New Democracy overhauled the asylum system, making it more difficult to access. In January, the government opened bids for a floating wall in the middle of the Aegean Sea to deter migrants from crossing. Most controversial was its planned construction of closed migrant detention camps across the Aegean islands a move that was met with weeks of protests and strikes by the islanders. The governments spokesman, Stelios Petsas, later said that the closed camps would allow for health checks needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis similarly linked refugees and migrants to the spread of the virus, announcing even tighter border controls in the interest of public health. An international campaign is beginning, in the languages of the nationalities that come to Greece, said Mitsotakis, with the warning that the country can no longer accept more illegal entries. Greece then published official guidance on the virus in English, French, Russian, Albanian, Arabic and Farsi. Currently, the largest outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus are in Italy and China. The Greek Asylum Service did not respond to Al Jazeeras requests for comment by the time of publication. Asylum seekers living in the Moria camp on Lesbos island produce face masks against coronavirus (COVID-19), on March 15, 2020 [Ayhan Mehmet/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images] I just pray that this virus does not enter the camp, said Hakimi. Because if it comes, the biggest crime will be committed by the EU government because it keeps people in these conditions where there is no safe place for anyone. Asylum seekers are often trapped on the Greek islands for months or years as they wait for their asylum applications to be processed. The camps are all overcrowded. Vial on Chios is one of the smaller camps, and holds more than 6,000 people in a space meant for 1,000. There are a total of 30 toilets and about one shower for every 200 people. Refugees and migrants on the islands are living in dire and crowded conditions, and there are inherent risks to their health, said Boris Cheshirkov, the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Greece. UNHCR has repeatedly alerted about the need to urgently improve living conditions there. Hygiene and sanitation, and access to health services are priority areas, but the overcrowding has been a serious concern for months. Back in Vial, Hakimi worries about his family getting sick, and about the further havoc the coronavirus could bring to the island. Only emptying the camp and moving refugees to a better place than the camp, he says, can prevent the virus from spreading. The Union government recently advised the states to invoke the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. The travesty is that this fossilised 123-year-old Act does not even define what an epidemic is. This one-page, four-section-long, Act is ill-equipped to deal with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Nations such as Australia, Canada, England and the United States (US), over the years have enacted holistic laws to deal with public health emergencies. The Act came into effect on February 4, 1897, to counter the bubonic plague epidemic in Mumbai. The Act was unable to restrict the plague to Mumbai and it soon spread to Bengaluru and other parts. The first section of the Act lays out the title and the extent of the bill; the second section authorises the state and central government to take exceptional measures and prescribe regulations that are to be observed to limit the spread of the disease; the third section specifies penalties for those violating the edict; and the fourth section gives protection under the law to officials and/or persons acting under the Act. The Act is deficient as it fails to even define a dangerous disease, let alone an epidemic. It is silent on the sequestering and the sequencing required for the dissemination of drugs/vaccines and other preventive steps. Neither is there any underlying conception of the principles of human rights that need to be observed during the contingency and emergency measures to be implemented. The punishment prescribed in terms of Section 3 of the Act, that is pari-passu with Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, also needs to be revisited This Section provides for a fine of ~200 and simple imprisonment of one month for violating an order of a public servant. While ~200 is a pittance, imprisonment is an excess. Earlier, the Centre had conceptualised statutes such as the Model Public Health Act of 1955 that was updated in 1987. It was unable to convince states to adopt it since health is a state subject. The National Health Bill, 2009, was similarly targeted at providing an overarching legal framework for the provision of essential public health services by recognising health as a fundamental right. It also provided for a response mechanism for public health emergencies by outlining a collaborative federal framework. However, these did not lead to a legal structure as states considered it an encroachment on their domains. Indias legal framework, therefore, comes up wretchedly short when contrasted with contemporaneous laws that exist elsewhere. In Canada, emergency measures and emergency management at the federal level are governed by the Emergency Act, 1988, and the Emergency Management Act, 2007. Most provinces also have their own health Acts that delineate measures that are to be implemented in case of a health emergency. However, there is a comparatively higher bar for the federal government to take the lead in a health emergency. Hence, most health crises in Canada are handled at the provincial level in coordination with the central government. In Australia, the National Health Security Act, 2007, puts in place processes and structures to pre-empt, prevent and, in an eventuality, deal with national health emergencies, with designated entities providing coordination and oversight at the national level and the provinces applying their own laws, jurisdictional responses and coordination processes. In England, the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act, 1984, was brought into force with the aim of creating specific functions for different authorities in response to a national health emergency. This Act provides for a clear hierarchical chain in which the primary, secondary and tertiary responders need to operate when dealing with a health challenge. Responsibilities are clearly defined in the Act. The Public Health Service Act, 1944, in the US performs a similar function and creates an administrative framework to deal with any public health emergency. It foresees the need for supplemental manpower by creating a reserve corps to augment commissioned corps at short notice. The act was last amended in December 2019. President Donald Trump has now invoked the Defense Production Act 1950 to battle the pandemic. With the bare-bones legislative structure that exists in India, the State will find it hard to find legal backing to lockdown entire cities, forcefully quarantine people, order the temporary closure of businesses, and distribute medicines were the contingency to arise. The manner in which people who have returned from abroad, and are reported as being unwell, are being picked up by police forces is a primitive response to the current situation. One person from Balachour, in my constituency of Anandpur Sahib, tragically committed suicide by jumping off the roof of Safdarjung hospital after he was taken for testing. The stage is set for a gross mismanagement that the country can ill-afford at this juncture. During a discussion on the coronavirus in the Lok Sabha, I had pointed out this legal anomaly, while urging the government to bring about emergency legislation as Parliament is in session to rectify the situation. However, the suggestion, like all other good ones, fell on deaf ears. Once again, I would like to urge the government that public health emergencies, such as the one that the coronavirus situation has created, provide an opportunity to update our laws. Some day, in the not-too-distant future, this legislative and policy gap could become our Achilles heel. Manish Tewari is a lawyer, MP and former Union minister for information and broadcasting The views expressed are personal Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more The coronavirus known as COVID-19 is posing global threats that are challenging businesses worldwide, forcing them to put new policies and practices into place to prepare for and communicate with their workforces. One of the most critically impacted sectors is the technology industry. The virus has disrupted global businesses, forcing many tech company workers to cease travel to infected areas. Tech companies associated with major events such as Mobile World Congress, RSA and Googles Las Vegas sales and marketing event most recently felt some consequences. Many companies in affected areas are straining their tech abilities to have large swaths of their labor forces work remotely. Some businesses are taking steps to prep their employees to work from home. For instance, tech industry companies with direct exposure to China felt the effects in the very early stages of the virus appearance there. Disruptions to iPhone supply lines impacted Apple almost immediately. Closings and slowdowns in China had a nearly immediate impact on Microsofts installation of its Windows software on laptops and Surface tablets. The spread of the virus is affecting tech businesses both large and small that rely on supply chains, conference attendance and transportation in general. The coronavirus outbreak is grinding the tech industry down to a crawl, said Michael Bancroft, cohost of Globalive Medias Beyond Innovation on Bloomberg Television. Weve seen industry conferences like MWC Barcelona and F8 called off due to concerns about the virus spreading, and workers are generally being told not to travel, he told the E-Commerce Times. This crawl is forcing tech companies to rely on telepresence tools to host meetings, which often are less effective than face-to-face meetings for closing sales, Bancroft said. Were also seeing the global supply chain for electronic parts significantly disrupted, and companies like Apple have warned their sales results will falter because they cant get access to parts needed to make their devices, he added. Universal Challenges The coronavirus is presenting new challenges for businesses. It is forcing them to put new policies and practices into place to prepare for and communicate with their workforces. A D V E R T I S E M E N T There is no question that the impact of the coronavirus will continue to be felt 100 percent in the tech space in terms of the work cycle, remote work access and the overall workforce, said Liz Miller, principal analyst at Constellation Research. That said, it could be the technology sector that keeps work flowing in this age of the coronavirus, she told the E-Commerce Times. The impact is being felt in ripples as tech companies are canceling massive user group and thought leadership events, seeing both the opportunity to connect with customers and connect with influencers being lost, Miller said. Spawning New Work Ethics The coronavirus is driving a surge in remote work and opportunities to work from home. This introduces new challenges for businesses that are not used to supporting a remote workforce or even doing the majority of their work digitally, suggested Rita Selvaggi, CEO of ActivTrak. One of the most important things is for employees and employers to understand that were all in this together and have to make remote work productive, she told the E-Commerce Times. Tech company or not, the spreading virus is forcing companies to adapt their procedures and use technology to overcome hurdles. For tech-based companies, that probably will mean scrambling for more equipment, suggested Avani Desai, president of Schellman & Company. With the issues already seen with the supply chain, we are having to order laptops and phones by the bulk in preparing what it is going to look like in the next one-to-three months, she told the E-Commerce Times. The use of telecommuting is expected to increase initially where clients are outside of the U.S., but that trend is likely to continue as the virus spreads within the U.S. as well, Desai said. We are having to balance the need of our client visits and the health of our employees, she noted, adding that conferences and required ongoing trainning in large groups is forcing his workers to find other venues such as online training. Viral Changes Abound To better understand the extent to which COVID-19 is impacting business functions, VoIP phone systems firm 88 conducted a survey in partnership with Dynata. The survey asked businesses how they planned on supporting employees as the situation unfolds. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The results of the research have not yet been made public, but a summary was provided to the E-Commerce Times. The survey polled 483 American consumers with a full-time job. For some 44 percent of respondents, the coronavirus already has impacted the way they do business. Despite the relatively small number of cases reported in the United States, businesses especially those with an international presence have begun to feel the effects. Fifty-five percent of survey participants have canceled travel plans and 50 percent are having fewer meetings with employees, customers and prospects. Eighty-six percent of respondents said their businesses have established and communicated a plan of action for times of crises. Also, 72 percent have reminded employees of behaviors to avoid, and 52 percent have restricted travel. Companies are increasing their reliance on remote work to keep businesses operational, the survey revealed. For instance, 15 percent of respondents said they already were working remotely as a result of the coronavirus. Another 40 percent were increasing their use of video conferencing. Furthermore, 90 percent of respondents said they were either confident or very confident that they would remain productive if asked to work remotely as a result of a crisis. Technology Traffic Overload Global health concerns created by the coronavirus have led to the largest remote workforce in human history. This is creating massive overloads of Internet traffic, as VPN systems are flooded by tens of millions of employees trying to log in, usually across crowded, long-haul public internet lines, according to Aryaka. The company on Tuesday announced a solution for eliminating VPN overloads. Aryakas Secure Remote Access leverages the companys global private backbone and requires no architecture changes by the customer. Most companies offer some type of remote VPN solution, but they were never designed for peak capacity that is, to scale for the present situation when nearly all the employees in a region are working remotely, said Shashi Kiran, chief marketing officer of Aryaka. As a result, local VPN servers are getting overloaded with the number of connections and amount of traffic required to support such a large increase in demand, impacting employee productivity, he said. The company is offering a free VPN concentrator domain license with new qualifying purchases of the Aryaka SmartSecure Remote Access solution. The promotion is valid until April 30 for both new and existing customers. Tech Ahead, Not So Bad High-tech may be the most prepared industry to adapt and survive as the coronavirus continues to spread, said Alexander Kehoe, operations director of Caveni. The actual labor infrastructure of technology companies can make them the best type of industry during any sort of disruption, like a viral outbreak. Despite the obvious concerns over the waves in the financial market causing short term losses, most tech companies have a very robust remote infrastructure in place, Kehoe told the E-Commerce Times. The vast majority of tech companies top talent is fully capable of working while isolated at home. That serves as a significant advantage over many traditional companies. Some short term turmoil might hit tech companies, but their user base, their employees and their products are relatively insulated from any severe consequences, Kehoe said. For example, Amazon may see gains as people stock up on products. Amazons cloud services probably will not be affected at all. All in all, the tech industry will not see too much in terms of overall impact, Kehoe predicted. Tech Firms Face Brand Threats The coronavirus absolutely will impact the tech industry in three key ways, noted Constellation Researchs Miller. First will be its impact on product. With so much of tech today fueled by global workforces, the coronavirus will mean having to manage production, innovation and sales cycles around a pandemic reaction and the long-term health and productivity management of these global teams. Everything from manufacturing to raw materials will be impacted the question will be how long will our supply chains be disrupted in the near term? And how will we minimize impact to the overarching value chain in the long term? she said. The second point of impact is how people actually work, according to Miller. The impact on manufacturing and on making the things that power technology and electronics is only one part of the situation. The industry is seeing a ripple effect in the necessity to shift work styles away from the physical work space to the virtual. This is not like the financial slowdown that caused skyrocketing gas prices and fares during the 2008 global recession. This is a matter of not getting on planes, not coming into the office, and not gathering on a scale that currently ranges from precaution to outright fear, she explained. In the end, we will settle on a new work culture post-coronavirus-outbreak that normalizes a societal pact where if you are sick no matter what the work culture dictates, you work from home. You might not log off completely, but each individual will bear the corporate culture responsibility of NOT being the super spreader [of the virus], Miller said. The third impact affects tech brands. Right now we are in the throes of event disruptions due to major technology players weighing the risks of hosting events versus cancelling them. The biggest so far was the cancellation of Mobile World Congress. That decision impacted mobile technology players and the entire city of Barcelona as well as the financial fortunes of many businesses in the surrounding region. Now user group and influencer conferences are being canceled due to an abundance of caution. This is as much a brand safety decision as it is a public safety one, demanding that new ways to connect, engage and communicate will come into play, Miller said. For example, do you have a hand-shake-free conference? Do you opt in for smaller, more contained, and more intimate dinners and knowledge exchange scenarios? Is a virtual event going to cut it? While the current conversations are revolving around risk, this will eventually shift to conversations led by brand security and business impact, Miller predicted. Can Tech Save Biz From Cyber Onslaught? As businesses take action to protect employees from the health crisis by ceasing travel and implementing remote working plans, they inadvertently are exposing themselves to mass cyberthreats, warned Morten Brgger, CEO of Wire. The coronavirus will be one of the biggest experiments in remote-working history, he told the E-Commerce Times. Companies need to be prepared for the security implications associated with employees working from various locations, often via unsecured WiFi networks. However, for companies its not just about being prepared for a global pandemic. Its also about readiness for the future, Brgger said. Cybercriminals already are exploiting these weaknesses and launching coronavirus-related phishing scams and cyberattacks. Companies need to set up the right framework to prevent any halt in their business operations lest these issues present damage to the economy at large, he added. It is common for cybercriminals to use high-profile, global news stories in their schemes. The coronavirus outbreak is no different. Cybercriminals are using the fear and vulnerability surrounding the event to scam individuals, Brgger explained. It is likely that coronavirus-related email phishing campaigns will continue. In fact 96 percent of all data breaches start with email phishing. On top of this, companies now are requiring employees to work remotely. This will help avoid contamination and further spread of the coronavirus, but it also means that employees are working outside the bounds of secure company perimeters. What to Do Brgger recommends that all companies tech or otherwise take these steps to ward off cyber intrusions: Actor Amitabh Bachchan is in a mood for introspection -- as the spread of coronavirus is changing the way the world has been functioning for several decades, the actor took to social media about how he had never seen Mumbai city, his home for the last several decades, turn this quiet. He wrote: Never before have I seen the city Mumbai, in such complete silence .. suddenly you feel you are the only inhabitant of Mumbai .. be safe be in precaution and remain well .. The manner of speaking could as well make few uncomfortable. T 3474 - Never before have I seen the city Mumbai, in such complete silence .. suddenly you feel you are the only inhabitant of Mumbai .. be safe be in precaution and remain well .. Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 18, 2020 Amitabh later added another tweet, expressing his wonder at how human civilisation was dealing with this virus. He wrote: Never before in my lifetime of 78 years , did I hear the entire human race wish each one of us, with a concerned, common, universal, well meaning, endearing, greeting of BE SAFE ! The Earth civilisation is indeed CIVILISED T 3475 - Never before in my lifetime of 78 years , did I hear the entire human race wish each one of us, with a concerned, common, universal, well meaning, endearing, greeting of 'BE SAFE' ! The Earth civilisation is indeed 'CIVILISED' Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 19, 2020 The actor has been doing his bit is spreading awareness about the deadly virus. On Wednesday, he chose to tell the story of human civilisation. Talking about anthropologist Margaret Mead, he wrote: Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal. Also read: Soni Razdan deletes video of Delhi airport chaos after authorities clarification: The video is an old one He got a home quarantine stamp and shared a picture as well. Apart from sharing messages on what precautions to take, on Sunday, he also cancelled his Sunday meet with fans - a tradition that has happened since 1982. Sharing a picture of himself with, what appeared to be a bandage on his forehead, he has requested his fans not to come to the gates of Jalsa, his Mumbai residence, as he would not come out. A couple of days back he had also shared a funny poem, written and recited in his native Awadhi, to warn his fans about coronavirus. The killer virus, which emerged in Wuhan in China in December, has so far claimed more than 7000 lives globally. As per health officials in India, there are 147 positive cases in India with over 5700 people who have come in contact with positive cases. Follow @htshowbiz for more She's known for being one of the most confident WAGS. But on Thursday, Rebecca Judd got the fright of her life when she found a massive huntsman in her garage. The 36-year-old TV presenter shared a video of the spider crawling along a wall near her Range Rover to Instagram and wrote: 'This is our fourth huntsman this year.' 'I'm so scared!' Rebecca Judd (pictured) revealed she has found a huntsman in her garage for the FOURTH time this year on Thursday In the video, Rebecca zoomed in on the spider sitting in the corner of the room and said: 'Im so pi**ed off, look.' 'It's a huntsman, I can't deal with this right now. I'm just so scared of huntsman,' she explained. She continued: 'If there was a snake crawling around in here, cool no worries but a huntsman, Im like there is no way!' Rebecca's kids, Oscar, eight, Billie, five, and twins Darcy and Tom, three, were also seated in her car while she filmed the spider. 'This is our fourth huntsman this year!' Rebecca shared a video of the spider crawling along a wall near her Range Rover to Instagram Rebecca's post comes after she revealed that she was filming an episode of Channel Nine's Postcards amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping Australia. The mother-of-four uploaded a photo of herself dressed in a figure hugging dress to Instagram while posing inside a trendy Melbourne cafe. 'Filming @9postcards today at @allpressespresso in Collingwood and thought Id post a pic of a fancy outfit,' she wrote in the caption. Busy at work: Rebecca's (pictured) post comes after she revealed she was filming an episode of Channel Nine's Postcards amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping Australia Confirming her plans to go into self-isolation, Rebecca added: 'Because I think Ill be wearing @teamjaggad activewear and trackies A LOT over the next few months.' There are 568 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia as of Thursday morning. Australians will face up to six months of restrictions on their everyday lives as the country bunkers down to battle the disease. Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt. Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Surefire Resources (ASX:SRN) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves. View our latest analysis for Surefire Resources Does Surefire Resources Have A Long Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. As at December 2019, Surefire Resources had cash of AU$559k and no debt. Importantly, its cash burn was AU$1.4m over the trailing twelve months. Therefore, from December 2019 it had roughly 5 months of cash runway. That's a very short cash runway which indicates an imminent need to douse the cash burn or find more funding. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time. ASX:SRN Historical Debt, March 18th 2020 How Is Surefire Resources's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Because Surefire Resources isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. It's possible that the 16% reduction in cash burn over the last year is evidence of management tightening their belts as cash reserves deplete. Admittedly, we're a bit cautious of Surefire Resources due to its lack of significant operating revenues. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth. Story continues How Easily Can Surefire Resources Raise Cash? Even though it has reduced its cash burn recently, shareholders should still consider how easy it would be for Surefire Resources to raise more cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash to drive growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn. Surefire Resources's cash burn of AU$1.4m is about 143% of its AU$942k market capitalisation. That suggests the company may have some funding difficulties, and we'd be very wary of the stock. So, Should We Worry About Surefire Resources's Cash Burn? There are no prizes for guessing that we think Surefire Resources's cash burn is a bit of a worry. In particular, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap suggests it isn't in a good position to keep funding growth. While not as bad as its cash burn relative to its market cap, its cash burn reduction is also a concern, and considering everything mentioned above, we're struggling to find much to be optimistic about. The measures we've considered in this article lead us to believe its cash burn is actually quite concerning, and its weak cash position seems likely to cost shareholders one way or another. On another note, Surefire Resources has 6 warning signs (and 3 which are a bit unpleasant) we think you should know about. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Actor Hina Khan has urged fans to stay at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, suggesting they can utilise the time for focusing on their fitness. She also shared a video where she displayed the correct way of using a face mask. In an Instagram post, Hina shared a video of her training session and wrote,#InItToWinIt #WeShallGetThruThisTogether With the Covid-19 outbreak, for precautionary measures, everything around us is shut.. Gymnasiums, pools, Zumba classes, dance classes everything.. but I pledge to take care of my body.. we can workout at home.. we can eat right and inspire people to not give up on thr bodies.. Fall in love with caring for yourself, Body Mind and Spirit.. Its time to heal, Its time to #SelfCare ...lets exercise and learn new ways of being #WorkOutWithHinaKhan #WorkOutInStyle. Hina has been on a career-high ever since she appeared on the reality show Bigg Boss. She travelled to Cannes where her first film was screened and later worked on a Hollywood project. Talking about the importance of social distancing at these times, Hina told Pinkvilla, Though I understand that in our country many do survive by simply earning their daily wages and go about their livelihood regularly. But these are not Regular times and frankly, we do not know about the Virus completely and that what will be its everlasting effect on a huge populated country like India. So I did a post about a couple of weeks back urging for a complete lockdown. We all know our medical health care system and its functionality, if we can not contain it I fear the repercussions will be unimaginably devastating. So yes, I do support the cancellation of shoots as I know for a fact that hundreds n thousands of people commute for that every single day. In a separate video she posted online, Hina also displayed the correct way of using a facial mask. Well I am not an expert but I had a look at one of the videos released by Professionals.. But I did not share that one and decided to create a video whr I personally am demonstrating same steps and safety measures, so that you all can relate to it and follow the right way on how to wear a basic simple surgical mask.. As a responsible citizen I would also like to convey that this basic mask will not provide you with complete safety from the virus.. while this basic surgical mask may be effective in blocking splashes and large particle droplets but it does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may b transmitted by coughing and sneezing..but sadly majority of the people in our country are using this very basic simple surgical mask..Due to scarcity of masks and lack of awareness people are forced to buy these thin layered disposable masks. She added, This is why I though that I shud atleast help them to wear it the right way.. I wud also like to urge people to opt for N95 respirator masks which seals your nose chin and mouth properly and is a bit more safer thn the basic surgical mask..although its not easily available, you may also go for a simple thick layered padded cloth mask, and you can reuse it, if washed properly with antiseptic and warm water, and if properly ironed.. I also agree to the fact that no matter how efficient a respirator is, it wont eliminate the exposure entirely since this virus progressively crawls through the bronchial tubes and affects our lungs, we have to take precautions by washing hands and wear masks when you step out. Also read: Producers guild creates relief fund for daily wage workers, everyone free to donate but no fixed inflow yet India has reported 169 confirmed reported cases of coronavirus till Thursday morning as cinema halls, malls, schools and colleges have been shut down. Movie shootings have been stalled and film releases have been postponed. Follow @htshowbiz for more Luxury bridalwear, Pronovias Group (based in Catalonia, Spain), is donating wedding dresses to hospital-employed brides-to-be working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group started this program in China at the beginning of this year and has already provided many engaged Chinese nurses and doctors with beautiful wedding gowns. They are now extending their effort to multiple countries worldwide. Do good: Luxury bridalwear, Pronovias Group (based in Catalonia, Spain), is donating wedding dresses to hospital-employed brides-to-be working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic One love: The group started this program in China at the beginning of this year and has already provided many engaged Chinese nurses and doctors with beautiful wedding gowns The company initiative aims to celebrate their extraordinary and selfless dedication to the fight against this global pandemic. Pronovias Group Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo curated 'The Heroes Collection,' a variety of beautiful wedding dresses (ranging in price from $1,000 - $5,000) especially for all hospital employees, from doctors and nurses to janitors and cafeteria staff. She described these workers as 'soldiers, unrelenting in their battle to heal the sick.' She continued: 'it is an honor to show my support and raise awareness for all of these women doing their best to overcome this pandemic. Love will conquer all.' All hospital-employed brides-to-be who assisted in this crisis are eligible for a free gown from until August 31st, 2020. For them: Pronovias Group Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo curated 'The Heroes Collection,' a variety of beautiful wedding dresses especially for all hospital employees, from doctors and nurses to janitors and cafeteria staff Love: All hospital-employed brides-to-be who assisted in this crisis are eligible for a free gown from until August 31st, 2020 Pronovias CEO Amandine Ohayon emphasized how 'grateful [we are] for these heroines in hospitals around the world putting their own life at risk to save others lives relentlessly. She added, 'Donating our wedding dresses to wonderful women is the least we can do to bring happiness and joy to their wedding day, making them look and feel their best.' The luxury label has been dressing Hollywood's elite for decades. Gina Rodriguez, Louise Roe and Katherine Schwarzenegger wore Pronovias gowns on their big day, as did Pippa Middleton, who changed into one of their stunning creations for her wedding reception. Ashley Graham and Irina Shayk are also fans. A-list approved: The luxury label has been dressing Hollywood's elite for decades. From Ashley Graham to Irina Shayk and even Pippa Middleton, who changed into one their stunning gowns for her wedding reception Global outreach: The company initiative aims to celebrate their extraordinary and selfless dedication to the fight against this global pandemic Using the slogan #LoveConquersAll, Pronovias Group wants to share a message of love and selflessness in these times of uncertainty and distress, hoping that, before long, brides will again be able to celebrate their love. The Heroes Collection will be available exclusively in flagship stores. Store locations include: Spain (Barcelona, Madrid -Velazquez, Sevilla), Italy (Rome, Milan), France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille) Portugal (Lisbon), United Kingdom (London), United States (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston), and Mexico (Mexico City). In all Nicole stores in Italy. NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Packaging market worldwide is projected to grow by US$140.6 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 5.5%. Flexible, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 5.4%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$294.3 Billion by the year 2025, Flexible will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799011/?utm_source=PRN - Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 6.5% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$7.1 Billion to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$6.5 Billion worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Flexible will reach a market size of US$22.5 Billion by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 5.2% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$23.7 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies. - Competitors identified in this market include, among others, DowDuPont, Inc. Evergreen Packaging LLC. International Paper Co. Mondi PLC Sidel International AG Smurfit Kappa Group PLC Tetra Pak International SA Weyerhaeuser Company Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799011/?utm_source=PRN I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. MARKET OVERVIEW Global Competitor Market Shares Liquid Packaging Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2019 & 2025 Introduction to Liquid Packaging Global Beverage Packaging Industry: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Category: 2018 and 2025 Market Share of Packaging Products by Industry COMPETITION Top Beverage Packaging Companies 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Trends in Liquid Packaging Turnkey Solutions on Rise Machinery Innovations for Liquid Handling Rise in Demand for Innovative Packaging for Liquids Consumer Interest in Resealable Packaging Drives Demand for Flexible Packaging Emphasis Grows on Sustainable Barrier Coatings for Liquid Packaging e-commerce Unfolds New Opportunities and Challenges for Beverage Industry Manufacturers Turn to Bio-based Packaging for Liquids Spouted Pouches Emerge as a New Trend for Liquid Packaging Insight into Use of Returnable Glass Bottles Convenience Drives Appeal for Pouch Formats Changing Consumer Trend Drive the Demand for Smaller Pack Sizes Competing Materials in the Beverage packaging Industry Companies Discourage the use of Plastics in Alcoholic Beverage Packaging Global Alcoholic Drinks Market 2010-2020 Global Alcohoic Beverages Market by Type: 2010-2020 Trends in Liquid Paperboard Market Global Demand for Liquid Packaging Board by End Use Dairy Industry Witnesses Inclination to Switch from HDPE to PET Global Milk Production: 2015 and 2027 Growing Emphasis on Packaging Sustainability Drives Shift from Plastic to Cartons 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: Liquid Packaging Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 2: Liquid Packaging Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 3: Liquid Packaging Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 4: Flexible (Packaging) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 5: Flexible (Packaging) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 6: Flexible (Packaging) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 7: Rigid (Packaging) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 8: Rigid (Packaging) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 9: Rigid (Packaging) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 10: Polyethylene (Resin) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 11: Polyethylene (Resin) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 12: Polyethylene (Resin) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 13: Polypropylene (Resin) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 14: Polypropylene (Resin) Market Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 15: Polypropylene (Resin) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 16: Polyethylene Terephthalate (Resin) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 17: Polyethylene Terephthalate (Resin) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 18: Polyethylene Terephthalate (Resin) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 19: Other Resins (Resin) World Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018 to 2025 Table 20: Other Resins (Resin) Market Worldwide Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 21: Other Resins (Resin) Market Percentage Share Distribution by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 22: Food & Beverage (End-Use Industry) Global Opportunity Assessment in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 23: Food & Beverage (End-Use Industry) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 24: Food & Beverage (End-Use Industry) Percentage Share Breakdown of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 25: Non Food (End-Use Industry) Worldwide Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 26: Non Food (End-Use Industry) Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 27: Non Food (End-Use Industry) Market Share Shift across Key Geographies: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 28: Industrial (End-Use Industry) Global Market Estimates & Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 29: Industrial (End-Use Industry) Retrospective Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017 Table 30: Industrial (End-Use Industry) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 31: Aseptic Liquid Packaging (Technique) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 32: Aseptic Liquid Packaging (Technique) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 33: Aseptic Liquid Packaging (Technique) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 34: Blow Molding (Technique) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 35: Blow Molding (Technique) Market Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 36: Blow Molding (Technique) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 37: Form Fill Seal Technology (Technique) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025 Table 38: Form Fill Seal Technology (Technique) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017 Table 39: Form Fill Seal Technology (Technique) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 III. MARKET ANALYSIS GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Liquid Packaging Market Share (in %) by Company: 2019 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 40: United States Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Packaging: 2018 to 2025 Table 41: Liquid Packaging Market in the United States by Packaging: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 42: United States Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 43: Liquid Packaging Market in the United States in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 44: Liquid Packaging Historic Demand Patterns in the United States in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 45: United States Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 46: United States Liquid Packaging Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 47: Liquid Packaging Historic Demand Patterns in the United States by End-Use Industry in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 48: Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown in the United States by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 49: United States Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Technique: 2018 to 2025 Table 50: Liquid Packaging Market in the United States by Technique: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017 Table 51: United States Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 CANADA Table 52: Canadian Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Packaging: 2018 to 2025 Table 53: Canadian Liquid Packaging Historic Market Review by Packaging in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 54: Liquid Packaging Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Packaging for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 55: Canadian Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 56: Liquid Packaging Market in Canada: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Resin for the period 2009-2017 Table 57: Canadian Liquid Packaging Market Shares in Percentages by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 58: Canadian Liquid Packaging Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 59: Liquid Packaging Market in Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for 2009-2017 Table 60: Canadian Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 61: Canadian Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Technique: 2018 to 2025 Table 62: Canadian Liquid Packaging Historic Market Review by Technique in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 63: Liquid Packaging Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Technique for 2009, 2019, and 2025 JAPAN Table 64: Japanese Market for Liquid Packaging: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2018-2025 Table 65: Liquid Packaging Market in Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2009-2017 Table 66: Japanese Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 67: Japanese Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 68: Liquid Packaging Demand Patterns in Japan in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 69: Japanese Liquid Packaging Market Share in Percentages by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 70: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Liquid Packaging in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 71: Japanese Liquid Packaging Market in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 72: Liquid Packaging Market Share Shift in Japan by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 73: Japanese Market for Liquid Packaging: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2018-2025 Table 74: Liquid Packaging Market in Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2009-2017 Table 75: Japanese Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 CHINA Table 76: Chinese Liquid Packaging Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2018-2025 Table 77: Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in China in US$ Million by Packaging: 2009-2017 Table 78: Chinese Liquid Packaging Market by Packaging: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 79: Chinese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Liquid Packaging Market in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 80: Liquid Packaging Historic Demand Scenario in China in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 81: Chinese Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 82: Chinese Demand for Liquid Packaging in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 83: Liquid Packaging Market Review in China in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 84: Chinese Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 85: Chinese Liquid Packaging Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2018-2025 Table 86: Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in China in US$ Million by Technique: 2009-2017 Table 87: Chinese Liquid Packaging Market by Technique: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Liquid Packaging Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 88: European Liquid Packaging Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025 Table 89: Liquid Packaging Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017 Table 90: European Liquid Packaging Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 91: European Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Packaging: 2018-2025 Table 92: Liquid Packaging Market in Europe in US$ Million by Packaging: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 93: European Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 94: Liquid Packaging Demand Potential in Europe in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 95: European Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 96: Liquid Packaging Market in Europe : Breakdown of Sales by Resin for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 97: European Liquid Packaging Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 98: Liquid Packaging Market in Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2009-2017 Table 99: European Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 100: European Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Technique: 2018-2025 Table 101: Liquid Packaging Market in Europe in US$ Million by Technique: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 102: European Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 FRANCE Table 103: Liquid Packaging Market in France by Packaging: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 104: French Liquid Packaging Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Packaging: 2009-2017 Table 105: French Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 106: Liquid Packaging Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in France in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 107: French Liquid Packaging Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Resin for the Period 2009-2017 Table 108: French Liquid Packaging Market Share Shift by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 109: Liquid Packaging Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 110: French Liquid Packaging Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 111: French Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use Industry for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 112: Liquid Packaging Market in France by Technique: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 113: French Liquid Packaging Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Technique: 2009-2017 Table 114: French Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 GERMANY Table 115: Liquid Packaging Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2018-2025 Table 116: German Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Packaging: 2009-2017 Table 117: German Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 118: German Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 119: Liquid Packaging Market in Germany: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Resin for the Period 2009-2017 Table 120: German Liquid Packaging Market Share Distribution by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 121: Liquid Packaging Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2018-2025 Table 122: German Liquid Packaging Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 123: Liquid Packaging Market Share Distribution in Germany by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 124: Liquid Packaging Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2018-2025 Table 125: German Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Technique: 2009-2017 Table 126: German Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ITALY Table 127: Italian Liquid Packaging Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2018-2025 Table 128: Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Packaging: 2009-2017 Table 129: Italian Liquid Packaging Market by Packaging: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 130: Italian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Liquid Packaging Market in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 131: Liquid Packaging Historic Demand Scenario in Italy in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 132: Italian Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 133: Italian Demand for Liquid Packaging in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 134: Liquid Packaging Market Review in Italy in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 135: Italian Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 136: Italian Liquid Packaging Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2018-2025 Table 137: Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Technique: 2009-2017 Table 138: Italian Liquid Packaging Market by Technique: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025 UNITED KINGDOM Table 139: United Kingdom Market for Liquid Packaging: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2018-2025 Table 140: Liquid Packaging Market in the United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Packaging for the Period 2009-2017 Table 141: United Kingdom Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 142: United Kingdom Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 143: Liquid Packaging Demand Patterns in the United Kingdom in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 144: United Kingdom Liquid Packaging Market Share in Percentages by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 145: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Liquid Packaging in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 146: United Kingdom Liquid Packaging Market in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 147: Liquid Packaging Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 148: United Kingdom Market for Liquid Packaging: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2018-2025 Table 149: Liquid Packaging Market in the United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Technique for the Period 2009-2017 Table 150: United Kingdom Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF EUROPE Table 151: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Packaging: 2018-2025 Table 152: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Packaging: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 153: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 154: Liquid Packaging Demand Potential in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 155: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Resin: 2009-2017 Table 156: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of Europe: Breakdown of Sales by Resin for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 157: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 158: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for the Period 2009-2017 Table 159: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 160: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Technique: 2018-2025 Table 161: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Technique: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017 Table 162: Rest of Europe Liquid Packaging Market Share Breakdown by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 163: Liquid Packaging Market in Asia-Pacific by Packaging: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 164: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Packaging: 2009-2017 Table 165: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Packaging: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 166: Liquid Packaging Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 167: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Resin for the Period 2009-2017 Table 168: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Market Share Shift by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 169: Liquid Packaging Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018-2025 Table 170: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2009-2017 Table 171: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use Industry for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 172: Liquid Packaging Market in Asia-Pacific by Technique: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2018-2025 Table 173: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Technique: 2009-2017 Table 174: Asia-Pacific Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by Technique: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 REST OF WORLD Table 175: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Packaging: 2018 to 2025 Table 176: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Historic Market Review by Packaging in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 177: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of World: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Packaging for 2009, 2019, and 2025 Table 178: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Resin: 2018-2025 Table 179: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of World: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Resin for the period 2009-2017 Table 180: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Market Shares in Percentages by Resin: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 181: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use Industry: 2018 to 2025 Table 182: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of World: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use Industry for 2009-2017 Table 183: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Market Share Analysis by End-Use Industry: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025 Table 184: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Technique: 2018 to 2025 Table 185: Rest of World Liquid Packaging Historic Market Review by Technique in US$ Million: 2009-2017 Table 186: Liquid Packaging Market in Rest of World: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Technique for 2009, 2019, and 2025 IV. COMPETITION DOWDUPONT EVERGREEN PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL PAPER MONDI PLC SIDEL INTERNATIONAL AG SMURFIT KAPPA GROUP PLC TETRA PAK INTERNATIONAL SA WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY A. SCHULMAN AGROPUR INGREDIENTS AKZO NOBEL N.V ALIMAC SRL AMOCOR LIMITED APRIL GROUP ASIA PULP AND PAPER GROUP BEUCKE & SOHNE GMBH & CO. KG BILLERUDKORSNaS AB BISCHOF + KLEIN GMBH & CO. KG BOBST GROUP SA BOREALIS AG CELLOGRAFICA GEROSA SPA CONSTANTIA FLEXIBLES GROUP GMBH COURSE HERO DS SMITH PLC ECOLEAN AB ELOPAK AS GALLUS FERD. RUESCH AG GLENROY, INC. GOGLIO SPA GREATVIEW ASEPTIC PACKAGING HEDWIN DIVISION OF ZACROS AMERICA IPI SRL KAUFMAN CONTAINER KLABIN SA KRONES AG LEIPA GROUP GMBH LIQUI-BOX CORPORATION LIQUID PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, INC. LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES NV MASSMAN AUTOMATION DESIGNS NAMPAK LTD. NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. PRINTPACK INCORPORATED PROAMPAC LLC REFRESCO GROUP NV ROBERT BOSCH PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY GMBH SEALED AIR CORPORATION SHRI VINAYAK PACKAGING MACHINE PVT. SIG COMBIBLOC GROUP AG SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY STORA ENSO OYJ SUDPACK VERPACKUNGEN GMBH & CO. KG TRI-WALL UFLEX LTD. UNICEP PACKAGING, LLC VIKING MASEK GLOBAL PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES VISY INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY. WESTROCK COMPANY WINPAK LTD. WIPAK OY WIPF AG APACKS DOW INC. ENERCON INDUSTRIES CORPORATION SWISS PAC JONCO INDUSTRIES, INC. LF OF AMERICA CORP. MAKERS NUTRITION, LLC. S.S.P. PACKAGING INDUSTRIES PVT. LTD. OPTIMA PACKAGING GROUP GMBH ABC PACKAGING DIRECT ACTION PAK, INC. ADAM PACK S.A. ADESHWAR CONTAINERS AMERICAN FLEXPACK, INC. ASEPTO - ASEPTIC LIQUID PACKAGING COMPANY ASSEMBLIES UNLIMITED, INC. BERNARD LABORATORIES, INC. CAMVAC LIMITED COMAR,LLC. DANAFLEX CJSC DENISON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. ELITEFILL, LLC. ENTECO GROUP FERD FRAIN INDUSTRIES KRAJCaR PACKAGING, LTD. LIQUID PACKAGING COMPANY MATTPAK, INC. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT MANUFACTURERS, INC. OKLEINER AG FLEXIBLE PACKAGING POLIPAKS SIA QINGDAO LIKANG PACKING CO., LTD. ROYAL CHEMICAL COMPANY SELIG GROUP SEPPASOLUTIONS SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT STM SP. Z O.O. SUN PACKAGING SYSTEMS TRI SECT CORPORATION V. CURATED RESEARCH Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799011/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links www.reportlinker.com The heads of some of WAs biggest blue collar unions have warned sick workers could try to hide symptoms to avoid unpaid quarantine unless employers and the government stepped up with better support. Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA secretary Steve McCartney and Electrical Trades Union WA secretary Peter Carter both agree workers may hide their illness if faced with two weeks' unpaid leave which could potentially worsen coronavirus spread throughout key WA industries. Unions are concerned sick workers may chance their illness if it means losing pay. Credit:Bloomberg Mr McCartney said many contractors throughout WA were not offering any payment for two weeks' quarantine if people developed COVID-like symptoms. He said while he didnt agree with it, when workers in casual or labour hire arrangements came down with an illness and they were struggling to pay bills at home, there was a chance they would risk coming into work to avoid not getting paid. Airplanes of German carrier Lufthansa are parked at the Berlin Schoenefeld airport, Germany, March 16, 2020. Photo: Fabrizio Bensch/ Reuters Germanys Lufthansa is slashing its flight schedule by 95% by 19 April, grounding 700 out of 763 airplanes, as it battens down to try and survive the coronavirus pandemic gripping Europe. Presenting its annual figures in Frankfurt today, Lufthansa chief executive Carstan Spohr said that the coronavirus has placed the entire global economy in an unprecedented state of emergency, and no one can foresee the consequences. The Lufthansa Group, which also includes Swiss, Brussels, and Austrian Airlines, has been in talks with the German government about a potential loan from the KfW state development bank. It also suspended its dividend payment for 2019. The longer this crisis lasts, the more likely it is that the future of aviation cannot be guaranteed without state aid, said Spohr. The German government last week announced that it would offer loans with no upper limit to companies, through the KfW bank. Spohr told Bild newspaper earlier this week that Lufthansa was poised to fly in supplies to Germany if necessary, in what he described as an airbridge. The last time an airbridge was necessary in Germany was in 1948-1949, when the Allies dropped supplies into West Berlin, which was cut off by Soviet forces. We are doing our utmost to help ensure that supply chains for many thousands of businesses do not break down by mobilising additional capacity for air freight transport, said Spohr today. READ MORE: Investor morale dives as the German economy goes on 'red alert' Lufthansa is currently in the process of flying back tens of thousands of Germans, mainly tourists, who are stranded abroad. Foreign minister Heiko Maas said this week that the government has earmarked some 50 million to bring its citizens home. The coronavirus pandemic is likely to financially cripple the worlds airlines, all of whom have already announced drastic capacity cuts of around 80% in the past week or two. In the US, airlines have requested more than $50 bn in government support. Australias Qantas has ordered the bulk of its 3,000-person workforce to take leave. The Italian government is stepping in to bail out national carrier Alitalia. The CAPA Centre for Aviation this week predicted that governments needed to step in and take action, warning that by the end of May 2020, most airlines in the world will be bankrupt. READ MORE: Taxpayers to fork out 156m for Thomas Cook collapse S o youre doing Meat Free Mondays, youve cut down on flights and youd sooner pick up a used syringe than a plastic straw. But theres one really big thing we could do to cut our carbon footprint: not have children. Its a notion even the most ardent eco-warrior feels squeamish discussing. In the BBC documentary 7.7 Billion People And Counting, Sir David Attenborough admitted that it was difficult to even talk about the issue because its a precious biological right to have children. And yet its becoming impossible to ignore the planet-changing effects of our desire to reproduce. The population is expected to rise to 10.9 billion by the end of the century, a figure environmentalists believe is unsustainable. A recent report from The Lancet found it is increasingly unlikely that food systems will cope once the population rises above 10 billion. As a result, a growing number of people are now consciously opting to have fewer children for environmental reasons Prince Harry stated that he and Meghan will have two maximum. A Swedish study in 2017 calculated that having one fewer child equated to a reduction of 58 tonnes of carbon dioxide for each year of a parents life (by comparison, going vegan only reduces it by 0.8 tonnes). With the exception of a few regions, notably sub-Saharan Africa, fertility levels have been falling worldwide in the past two decades, resulting in slowing population growth. But there are those who feel that more drastic action is needed. They are the Birth Strikers, and they believe that having even one child is too many. Last year, US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked her 4.2 million Instagram followers: Is it okay to still have children? Miley Cyrus says that she refuses to have a baby with the world in its current state. Were getting handed a piece-of-s*** planet, and I refuse to hand that down to my child, she told Elle magazine. Until I feel like my kid would live on an earth with fish in the water, Im not bringing in another person to deal with that. Last month a YouGov poll found that one in seven adults aged under 35 who dont want children believes the world has too many people already, with one in 10 saying children would add to climate change pressures. For couples like Radhika Sivarajan and Ajeesh T Vijayan, software engineers based in Hammersmith, the decision not to have children for environmental reasons feels logical. Theyve reached the conclusion that they dont want to add to the population by bringing a child into an uncertain future. Weve been married eight years and its something weve always been on the same page about, says Vijayan, 37. It was a BBC documentary about climate change that we watched a few years ago that crystallised the decision for us. The more we read about the science, the more it seems the right thing to do. If we change our minds in the future, well adopt. The couple are originally from Kerala, India, and say that the social pressure to have children is even more intense back home than it is in the UK. My family is outraged at our decision, says Vijayan. Everyone is shocked by it. Even my rational, scientific friends in the UK are very surprised and think that the purpose of life is to have kids. I recently left a WhatsApp group because I was getting so many questions about it. Sivarajan, 29, says its even worse for women. I call it child-free bingo, ticking off the things people always say to me, like: Youre not a real woman until youve become a mother or Do you need the number for a fertility doctor?. Anna Hughes, 37, from Camberwell, came to the decision not to have children after spending years learning about the man-made effects of climate change. I always assumed Id have kids, but as a teenager I started to realise there are too many people and not enough resources to go around, and at university I started to learn more about environmental issues, she says. People would say to me: Youll change your mind, but if anything Ive become even more convinced. I work for an environmental organisation and I do everything I can to reduce my carbon footprint, from not flying to being vegan to using low-energy light bulbs. Choosing not to have a child has far more impact than any of those. But its a choice that has come with big sacrifices. I had a relationship in my mid-20s and I was totally in love, says Hughes. Although [my boyfriend] knew I didnt want kids, he thought that he could change my mind. He left me after three years to find the mother of his children. I was heartbroken. Im in a relationship at the moment, but if the maternal urge does kick in Im convinced that I will still believe we have to put the planet first. Ive been to see my GP about being sterilised, but its pretty invasive, so for now we use contraception. The argument for limiting the number of children we have is a deeply contentious issue, not least because it calls to mind troubling attempts at population control in the 20th century including Chinas one-child policy, introduced in 1980, and Indias forced sterilisation camps between 1975 and 1977. The debate can often risk straying into eugenics and racism by blaming some poorer countries where families have typically had more children, but whose carbon emissions are much lower than in developed countries. A study by Oregon State University found that a child born in the US would add 9,441 tonnes to the parents carbon emissions compared with 1,384 tonnes in China and 56 tonnes in Bangladesh. Others argue that raising environmentally conscious children and changing your familys habits to be more environmentally friendly is a better way to make change. After all, as every eco-minded couple who want to procreate no doubt tell themselves, theres always the chance that your baby might become the next Greta Thunberg. Id hate young women who would like to have children to feel that they cant because theyve got to save the planet, says Oxford Universitys Professor Sarah Harper, director of the Collen Programme on Fertility, Education and the Environment. There are so many other things you can do. If you have a child, make it a low-consumption child. If you feel concerned about overpopulation, donate to, or volunteer for, an NGO which is helping to empower women around the world to be able to choose how many children theyd like to have. Furthermore, limiting the number of mini-mes we pop out might not actually help that much. A 2014 study from the University of Adelaide concluded that reducing the human population is not a quick fix for environmental problems. Using models, it found that even a worldwide one-child policy would result in a global population of around 7 billion by the end of the century much the same as todays. The study concluded that although reducing population might benefit our great-great-great-great grandchildren, it is not a short-term solution. Instead, society should focus on reducing the carbon footprint we already have, and limiting per-capita consumption. For some, not having children is an act of political protest. Blythe Pepino, 33, a musician from south London, started the movement BirthStrike in 2019 after attending a lecture by Extinction Rebellion. It now has more than 1,000 members who have pledged not to bear children due to the severity of the ecological crisis and the current inaction of governing forces in the face of this existential threat. Having children is a personal and emotional decision; I would need to feel like the severe changes being predicted by the scientific world will be averted to change my mind, says Pepino. We need big changes to agriculture systems, no fossil fuel expansion... But until I see the action, I am not going to have children. A lot of people are having these conversations, but in hushed tones. They feel it is too sad to say out loud. Pepino is at pains to differentiate BirthStrike from the antinatalist movement (which believes that its cruel to bring sentient lives, doomed to suffering and to causing suffering, into the world) and populationism (which advocates for methods of population reduction). BirthStrike is purely for those who feel too terrified by climate breakdown to have kids, she says. We are striking to take a stand in asking the Government to act faster and more deftly in the face of the crisis. The organisation Population Matters campaigns against population growth; its recent Facebook graphic Why Millennials Dont Want Kids, which listed reasons such as, Why would anyone want to raise a child in this broken world? had more than four million views. Population used to be the one thing no one wanted to talk about, but Ive noticed a real shift in the zeitgeist recently, says Robin Maynard, director of Population Matters. Were overcoming the stigma those two words uttered by Prince Harry meant I was doing two days of non-stop interviews. I think its entirely reasonable for these intelligent, informed young people to say: Do I really want to bring a child into this world? Thats the view of Kate Millett, 28, a musician from Southfields, who has been with her boyfriend for seven years. Ive always respected nature, I travel a lot and Ive seen first-hand how the environment has been affected by overpopulation, she says. I do understand when my friends say they cant wait to be parents theres an inbuilt primal need in us to reproduce but I also think that if were aware of whats happening in the world, and the crisis thats upon us, it is surprising that people are willing to bring a child into that world. There are things we will have to remember, because nobody knows how long this will last. Maybe Italy will recover soon. Maybe China escapes from lockdown and a second wave is small. Nobody knows, not really. We need to get away from one another, whether we like it or not. Factories were still open in Ontario on Wednesday, and 70-year-olds lined up in the banks, and there were workers in offices and stores all over. That will seem anachronistic soon, because every day, something recedes further. Remember laughing with friends in bars and restaurants? Remember dropping the kids off at school? Remember sports? Every day, they feel more and more like dispatches from another planet. And that is because, more than anything, they are. Every day is a week, said Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu, and that may be low. There is a testing shortage in Ontario, and due to lab overruns the data is up to four or five days old. In terms of the numbers, we are living in the recent past. We will get further from one another. And to do that, and to survive it, we will have to realize what this is. Its sometimes hard to see (whats happening) when it seems like everythings fine, said Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbias remarkable chief medical officer. Its unclear when well be back to normal. I think well fundamentally change the way we do things until we get a vaccine. A vaccine is expected to be 12 to 18 months away. Its hard to picture how much life has changed. But we need to start seeing this for what it has, so slowly and so rapidly, become. This is like nothing in any of our lifetimes, says Dr. Michael Silverman, the chair of infectious diseases at Westerns Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. Silverman is asthmatic, and has high blood pressure and has five-year-old twins, and he has just finished clinical work. He saw COVID-19 patients. Most of us have family members who are at risk. And since 1918, nobody can really remember something like that. Maybe if youre in your 70s or 80s, you might remember polio summers, when everybody was losing kids who were going swimming, and they would come home paralyzed or dead. We could have a large number of people who are brought to the ICU and are able to be brought through it versus (where) were overwhelmed and anybody over 65 (or) 60 doesnt get a ventilator, because we just dont have enough. Who wants to be in a situation where were making decisions like that? If we push it out (and flatten the curve), the economic damage may be greater, but the number of deaths will be much lower. The U.S Health and Human Services Department commissioned an internal report obtained and published by The New York Times: It assumes a pandemic will last 18 months or more, and could include multiple waves of illness. That mirrors a report from the United Kingdoms Imperial College, whose worst-case assumes there was little done to change things. And as the Stars Kate Allen reports, University of Toronto epidemiologists led by Ashleigh Tuite ran a model to assess how social distancing would impact the surge of hospitalization that could crush an already fragile medical system. The model, which is not yet peer-reviewed, showed that at something short of Italy-like levels of social confinement, two to four weeks of social isolation didnt make a dent. Neither did 10 or 20. Thirty-two weeks did. That is the end of October. It is one scenario. Hopefully, we slow this devil of a virus enough by sticking together, by staying apart. But flattening the curve also means spreading it out, and extending difficult times. The tradeoff is fewer people will die. Some people say, why me? Silverman says. And if you dont love anyone over 55, it probably doesnt affect you. Or even someone a little younger who might have diabetes, or high blood pressure. If you dont know anyone like that, or love anyone like that, or think anyone else should, maybe it doesnt affect you. But most of us care about somebody. So do it for them. My grandmother went through the Russian Revolution and World War II, and she would say, You dont realize you live in a golden country, in a golden time. Theyre not all like this. This is beautiful. Every once in a while bad things happen, really bad things happen. And something really bad is happening. Hopefully well be really aggressive with our interventions, and hopefully itll only be so many months, and only money. Maybe our brains arent ready for this yet. German chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday called this her countrys greatest challenge since the Second World War. French president Emanuel Macron called this war two days ago. Justin Trudeaus $82-billion fiscal relief package was a start. We are going to have to realize we are living through history, and not recent history. So there are things we will have to remember. We will have to remember which governments truly tried to take care of people, and which could get things done. We will have to remember to take care of each other, and ourselves. And we will have to remember how we used to live, because there may be a long way to go to get to the other side. Uncertainty is gripping the nation and its financial markets. Life as we know it is temporarily grinding to a halt. Americans should be prepared to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing, says Dr. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. To slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, large businesses are implementing work-from-home policies and states are closing school systems. We are advised to wash hands regularly, keep our distance, and stay informed and vigilant. We have faced down SARS, Avian Flu and Ebola. Why is this time different? Dr. Lipsitch, Harvards Director of the Center for Communicable Disease explains: New viruses have a temporary but important advantage few or no individuals in the population are immune to them. Old viruses, which have been in the population for longer, operate on a thinner margin most individuals are immune, and theytransmit among the few who arent. The concern is that more than 80 percent of those who contract the virus may have little or no symptoms, making it easy to spread and difficult to identify and contain. Medical systems can be overwhelmed. Countering the rapid spread of disease, however, is our ability to communicate and respond quickly. Brilliant researchers are working relentlessly on finding a cure. Their ability to share data, resources, protocols and discoveries is only a click away. So where are we with a vaccine? Dr. Murray, Harvards Infectious Disease specialist is optimistic. Vaccine development has proceeded at an unprecedented pace. A number of companies and research teams already have candidate vaccines that are either ready or close to ready to trial in humans. Previous crises were financial or political in nature. This invisible enemys reach is widespread and its impact is still unfolding. The uncertainty of its duration leaves our financial systems and businesses scrambling to adjust. The one thing the financial markets do not like is uncertainty. This has made 2,000-point swings on Wall Street commonplace, prompting the Federal Reserve to cut rates, temporarily shut down the market, and buy bonds. Restaurants, retailers, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, travel agencies, malls, museums, concert halls, movie theaters, and so many others are hard hit from mandatory social distancing, travel restrictions, and work and school closures. Many companies and schools are adapting by allowing teleconferencing/home computers for work and learning. What can state government do? Years of anti-growth policies and unfunded liabilities have placed Connecticut in a precarious financial position and may quickly drain the Rainy Day Fund. As the pandemic evolves, state leaders need to act. They should immediately assess any previously enacted legislation that negatively impacts residents and businesses. Tolls, grocery taxes, new payroll taxes and other anti-consumer legislation should be completely off the table. Government actions should include state cost reductions. The administration should re-negotiate state union contracts. Lavish benefits should be brought in line with those of the private sector. Eleven percent wage increases should be rescinded. Connecticuts unfunded pensions needed to be restructured even before the market collapse. Now it should be mandatory. Businesses need all the help they can get to keep the economy afloat. The legislature should therefore: Suspend sales taxes for a period Remove state fees on electric, utility, gas and phone bills Provide free or low interest business loans Rescind or delay implementation of the minimum wage increase Extend state income tax payment deadlines Waive state permit and agency fees Extend unemployment insurance Rescind the 10 percent corporate profit tax. Hartford must stop efforts to create government-run pensions, insurance and healthcare that would further disrupt the private sectors. They need government support, not takeovers. One possible exception could be the creation of a state business continuity insurance fund for small businesses, like restaurants, that are being forced to shut down. The state should also require all private business interruption insurance policies to treat this period as a covered event. Americans are helpful, generous and compassionate people. They always come through when needed. We thank our truckers delivering critical goods, manufacturers producing much-needed products, first responders, and the medical community who are on the front lines in delivering vital services. Politics has no place here. We are all in it together and together we will overcome this and be stronger for it. Toni Boucher, a Wilton resident, is a businesswoman and former state senator and state representative. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday urged citizens not to discriminate against certain nationalities as virus cases rise, after reports of anti-foreigner sentiment in the country. Ethiopia has recorded six cases of the novel coronavirus over the past six days, and the United States embassy on Wednesday said there were a number of reports of verbal and physical harassment of foreigners deemed to be bringing in the virus. "As COVID-19 awareness efforts continue nationally, it is important to note that the virus is not related to any country or nationality," Abiy said in a statement. Abiy was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for reaching out to Ethiopia's rival, Eritrea. "Everyone is equally at risk... Prevention efforts need not be a barrier to our humanity and disposition for compassion. As a global community, we are each other's keepers. Let us not let fear rob us of our humanity." Three of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 are Japanese nationals, one is a British diplomat and two others are Ethiopians. In its security alert, the US embassy said it had received reports of "a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment revolving around the announcement of COVID-19 in Ethiopia." "Reports indicate that foreigners have been attacked with stones, denied transportation services ... being spat on, chased on foot, and been accused of being infected with COVID-19." Africa has lagged behind in confirmed cases of coronavirus, and now has reported over 730 cases across the continent, according to an AFP tally. "Before last Friday 10 countries have reported cases of coronavirus, mostly imported. Over the weekend the continent tipped over and as we now know over 34 countries that have reported coronavirus infection," the director of the African Centre for Disease Control (CDC) John Nkengasong said Thursday. World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday urged Africa to "wake up" and warned the official numbers likely did not reflect the full picture. "Probably we have undetected cases or unreported cases," he said. Experts have repeatedly warned about the perils for the continent, given its weak health infrastructure, poverty, conflicts, poor sanitation and urban crowding. However several nations have taken strict measures, completely banning flights, banning non-residents, shutting schools and blocking mass gatherings. Nkengasong said some 60,000 tests should be rolled out across the continent by Monday. "The three leading countries (Egypt, South Africa, Algeria) were part of the countries that had the first influx of cases. You can see community infection is fast establishing in those countries," he said. Appeal for tolerance: Ethiopia's prime minister and 2019 Nobel peace laureate, Abiy Ahmed PR-Inside.com: 2020-03-19 08:00:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 929 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED BY SDX TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 ("MAR"). ON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE ("RIS"), THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.LONDON, UK / ACCESSIWRE / March 18, 2020 /SDX Energy Plc (AIM:SDX)(OTCPINK:SDXEF), the MENA-focused oil and gas company, is pleased to provide the following update on its drilling operations in Morocco and Egypt.MoroccoThe LMS-2 well (SDX 75% working interest) has been drilled to a measured depth of 1,190 metres, and the Company is pleased to advise that electric logging has shown that a 10.6 metre net gas reservoir with 30.9% porosity has been encountered on prognosis at the base of the H9/Srafen formation. Unlike previous gas discoveries in the south of the acreage, analyses while drilling indicated that the different thermogenic composition of the gas suggests that it is from a new and likely deeper source rock. The well has been cased and completed and, when changes to Covid-19 restrictions make it possible to bring a well testing crew into the country, it will be perforated and tested to determine its potential.EgyptThe SD-12X (Sohbi) well at South Disouq in Egypt (SDX 55% working interest, 100% working interest in this well) has commenced drilling operations.Sohbi is expected to a reach its targeted depth of approximately 2,300 metres in late April and is targeting gross P50 unrisked prospective resources of c.33 bcfe, as estimated by management. Sohbi's primary target is in the same Kafr el Sheikh formation that the Company's existing Ibn Yunus well is already producing from.If successful, the Sohbi well would be tied in during 2021 via a 5.8 kilometre tie-in to the Ibn Yunus-1X location where an existing flow-line connects to the South Disouq Central Processing Facility. On a gross basis, this tie in cost is estimated at US$3.5 million. The 33 bcfe gross P50 unrisked resource targeted by Sohbi would potentially only require one further development well. SDX will drill the Sohbi well at a 100% working interest for an estimated gross dry hole cost of US$2.3 million which will be paid over the coming three months. Under Clause 8.5 of the Joint Operating Agreement, 'Premium to Participate in Exclusive Operations', if the Company's partner elects to participate in the well after a discovery is made, it is required to pay its full share of the well cost, plus a premium of a further 300% of this amount.Mark Reid, CEO of SDX, commented:"We are encouraged with the initial results at LMS-2 in Morocco, however, we require this well to be perforated and tested before we can understand its potential.Sohbi is an exciting well for the Company, targeting the same productive formation we are already producing from in Egypt and if successful, it has the potential to extend the current plateau production of 50 MMscfe/d to 2024.I look forward to providing further updates on both wells and our plan for future drilling in due course.The Company remains well funded with US$11.0 million of cash as at 31 December 2019 and US$7.5 million of debt available in our EBRD credit facility. Furthermore, even at an oil price assumption of $55/bbl, approximately 80% of 2020 and 90% of 2021 forecast cash flows are estimated to come from our fixed price gas businesses in Egypt and Morocco. Given the above, we are positioned strongly to continue to weather the current fall in oil prices." About SDXSDX is an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a principal focus on MENA. In Egypt, SDX has a working interest in three producing assets. In the South Disouq gas field in the Nile Delta, the Company is operator and has a 55% working interest. In the Eastern Desert, adjacent to the Gulf of Suez, the Company has two non-operated oil interests; 50% in North West Gemsa and 50% in Meseda. In Morocco, SDX has a 75% working interest in the Sebou concession, situated in the Gharb Basin. These producing gas assets in Morocco are characterised by exceptionally low operating costs and fixed price gas contracts making them particularly resilient in a low oil price environment. SDX's portfolio also includes high impact exploration opportunities in both Egypt and Morocco.For further information, please see the Company's website at www.sdxenergy.com or the Company's filed documents at www.sedar.com Competent Persons StatementIn accordance with the guidelines of the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange the technical information contained in the announcement has been reviewed and approved by Rob Cook, VP Subsurface of SDX. Dr. Cook has over 25 years of oil and gas industry experience, is the qualified person as defined in the London Stock Exchange's Guidance Note for Mining and Oil and Gas companies. Dr. Cook holds a BSc in Geochemistry and a PhD in Sedimentology from the University of Reading, UK. He is a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society of London (Geol Soc) and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG-11983) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).For further information:SDX Energy PlcMark ReidChief Executive OfficerTel: +44 203 219 5640Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)Callum StewartNicholas RhodesAshton ClanfieldTel: +44 (0) 20 7710 7600Peel Hunt LLP (Joint Broker)Richard CrichtonDavid McKeownCantor Fitzgerald Europe (Joint Broker)David PorterTel: +44 207 7894 7000Camarco (PR)Billy Clegg/Owen Roberts/Violet WilsonTel: +44 203 757 4980Glossary"bcfe"billion cubic feet equivalent"MMscfe/d"million standard cubic feet equivalent per dayForward-Looking InformationCertain statements contained in this p Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the city drafted a shelter in place policy to try to prevent a massive spike of coronavirus cases in the city. In a statement Thursday, Wheeler said city officials are talking with Multnomah County and state authorities, but ultimately he wants Portland to stay ahead of the virus. Gov. Kate Brown told reporters Thursday morning that she doesnt plan to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order, which would prohibit people from leaving their homes for non-essential reasons. The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems on Thursday said it would support a shelter-in-place order. Multnomah County has not publicly stated a position, but county commissioner Sharon Meieran told Willamette Week there should be such a statewide policy in place. County chair Deborah Kafoury told The Portland Tribune that the county is evaluating hour by hour what the next steps should be. CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON: THE LATEST NEWS Wheeler said activities allowed by the citys draft order include going to the grocery store, the doctor or the veterinarians office; traveling to care for a family member or a pet in another household; or picking up food from a restaurant. Social distancing guidelines would still apply. We cannot afford to get caught flat-footed, Wheeler said. Days, or even hours, can make a difference. He didnt say if or when a city policy would be put into place, how it would be enforced or how it would effect people experiencing homelessness. Examples of non-essential activities barred by the order would include going out to browse around an open hardware store or host social gatherings either outside or at home, said Sonia Schmanski, one of Wheelers deputy chiefs of staff. She said she didnt know if the city would implement its own shelter in place order if the governor continues to decline to issue a statewide order, but its on the table. Throughout this event we have looked to our state and county partners to take the lead on social distancing and other public health directives. Schmanski said. We are doing our very best to keep people safe and keep people solvent and we are proud of how our community is coming together. -- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 | @EvertonBailey Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. : river08 (sh), : Boston : [] Newton : Newton : BBS (Thu Mar 19 11:25:03 2020, ) One Furnished bedroom() in 1st floor of brand new construction 2 floor Townhouse, located in quiet and safe neighborhood of Newton. -With two big windows sunny bed room have both central AC and heating. -Have you own bathroom and refrigerator -Share large kitchen with small household family. -The room is furnished -Including all utility -Free WIFI access to high speed internet -Free Washer/dryer in the unit. -Private parking space and plenty free street parking -4 min drive to Mass turnpike, and 20 min drive to downtown Boston, 7 min drive to Newton Center Green line T station. -15 min drive to Harvard sq & 7 min drive to Boston College Newton Campus, -15 min drive to Brandeis University & Bentley College. -2 min walk to 558 express bus stops to downtown Boston -10 min walk to Watertown yard express bus terminal (for Bus 504,502 , 72 and 57) -5 min walk to Stop &Shop supper market/CVS -3 min walk to upper Charles River Reservation Park The room ideally for person working at downtown Boston, Newton, Watertown, Cambridge and Waltham area. Rent: $950 per month including all, is available now ! Prefer clean & quite female professional, student, short term is fine, one Person only. If interest please e-mail: [email protected] or call 617 283-4055 ( ,) shawnh14 -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 146.] Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani on Thursday reached the office of Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with a money laundering case related to Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor and others. The ED had earlier summoned Anil Ambani in connection with the case on Monday, but the Reliance Group Chairman had filed an adjournment plea before the ED following which the date was changed to Thursday. In a statement issued last week, the Reliance Group had denied any links with Kapoor, his family or entities controlled by them. "Reliance Group states it has NIL direct or indirect exposure to Rana Kapoor, former CEO of YES Bank, or his wife or daughters, or any entities controlled by Rana Kapoor or his family. Reliance Group says its entire exposure to Yes Bank is fully secured and transacted in the ordinary course of business," said the statement issued on Wednesday. "Reliance Group is committed to honour repayments of all its borrowings from Yes Bank Ltd through its various asset monetisation programmes which are all at advanced stages," it added. Earlier this month, the ED had arrested Rana Kapoor as he was reportedly not cooperating in the probe. The agency has been granted an extension to keep Kapoor under custody till March 16 by a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) I n these strange times of self-isolation, when most of us are slumped up on the sofa in the same sweatpants weve had on for three days straight, we can all be a little extra grateful for streaming services. UK cinemas have virtually all closed their doors with some places fundamentally changing the way they release movies to the public and film buffs are delving ever deeper into the back catalogues of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to get their fix. Pretty soon, film fans will have exhausted all the big hitters, and theyll be after something a little different. Think positively this is the ideal time to experiment, mix things up and explore. That classic Korean film youve been meaning to get round to watching for months? Stick it on. That ten-part historical documentary series youve always felt too intimidated to start? Nows the time. Film fans can still discover so much from their front rooms. Start by choosing films you might otherwise ignore from foreign cinema to esoteric comedies and strange horrors, these are the underrated gems on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix to try out during self-isolation. Snowpiercer Amazon Prime Video This high-concept thriller helped announce Parasite director and Korean master Bong Joon-Ho to a bigger western audience. Snowpiercer follows a revolt onboard a train, which is carrying the last humans alive on earth in the aftermath of a second ice age. More from Bong Joon-Ho later. Snowpiercer Trailer The Big Sick Amazon Prime Video This alternate take on the classic rom-com tells the story of Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) and Emily (Zoe Kazan), who must learn to deal with adversity and cultural contrasts following Emilys shock health diagnosis. Its beautiful, funny, moving and well worth your time. The Big Sick - Trailer Good Time Netflix The Safdie Brothers anxiety-inducing Uncut Gems is one the most talked about films of the year and quite rightly, its fantastic but their previous film Good Time is just as compelling. Robert Pattinson gives one of the best performances of his career, playing a desperate conman in the aftermath of a botched heist. Good Time - Trailer The Ritual Netflix Horror films following inexperienced groups of travellers into the woods have become a sub-genre all of their own, but The Ritual is better than most. This supernatural horror is intelligently done and genuinely scary in places, with strong performances from the likes of Rafe Spall. The Ritual Trailer Filth Amazon Prime Video James McAvoy throws the kitchen sink at his performance as a troubled and misanthropic detective in this uniquely distressing and compelling drama, featuring all the guts and grime youd expect from an Irvine Welsh adaptation. Filth Trailer Captain Fantastic Netflix This quirkier-than-a-Wes Anderson comedy drama centers around a family who have grown up in isolation, with father Ben (Viggo Mortensen) teaching how to live their lives away from capitalist society. Captain Fantastic Trailer The Miseducation of Cameron Post Netflix Chloe Grace Moretz plays the titular role in this powerful drama. After shes discovered kissing the prom queen, Moretzs character is sent to the gay conversion camp called Gods Promise, where she rallies together with fellow disciples in the face of terrible adversity. The Miseducation Of Cameron Post American Animals Amazon Prime Video This esoteric take on the heist movie centres around the real library robbery at Transylvania University, where a group of students attempted to steal a collection of rare books. The movie cuts from dramatisation to documentary footage, and is well worth exploring. American Animals Trailer Private Life Netflix Private Life is one of the few Hollywood movies of recent times that tackles the subject of middle-aged couples trying to have children. Its sensitive and quietly devastating, featuring the best Paul Giammatti performance in years and a great turn from Kathryn Hahn. Private Life Trailer Okja Netflix We told you Boon Jong-Ho would be back. A genetically-enhanced super pig and a young girl form an unlikely and beautiful friendship in this gem, going head to head with a superfood conglomerate. This Netflix original was dismissed as vegan propaganda by some when it came out in 2017, but its so much more. Okja Trailer Blinded by the Light Amazon Prime Video A love letter to the songs of Bruce Springsteen, based on the memoirs of Sarfraz Manzoor and directed by Bend It Like Beckhams Gurinder Chadha, this movie is a coming-of-age tale that will resonate with most viewers fans of the Boss, or not. Blinded By The Light Trailer Annihilation Netflix This brilliantly weird high-concept sci-fi is one of the best original Netflix movies yet, following cellular biology professor Natalie Portman as she ventures deeper into a mysterious zone called the Shimmer. Think heart of darkness with added aliens. Annihilation Trailer Ingrid Goes West Netflix Take a trip with Aubrey Plazas outsider Ingrid, as she travels to Venice Beach to infiltrate the Insta-fabulous life of her favourite influencer in this dark, oddball comedy. Ingrid Goes West Trailer Booksmart Amazon Prime Video Olivia Wildes directorial debut Booksmart is an inspired comedy and coming-of-age movie, and one of the funniest films of last year. Swots Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) head out for a night of partying, realising theyve forgotten how to have fun during their high school studies. Booksmart Trailer Paris is Burning Netflix This groundbreaking documentary captures the spirit of the trailblazing ball culture of 80s New York, taking us into the lives of the African-American, Latino, gay and transgender communities who made it one of the most influential LGBTQ+ movements of the 20th century. Blue Ruin Netflix Bloodthirsty revenge flick Blue Ruin is a slow-burning delight, and one that might easily go unnoticed on Netflix without an A-list cast to entice viewers. Its a violent and visceral watch at times, but its also a compelling look at human endurance and the impacts of reopening old wounds. Blue Ruin Trailer The Two Popes Netflix Critics including the Standards Charlotte OSullivan tipped this two-hander drama for success at the Oscars a while back. Its gone under the radar slightly since then, and might not have come out on top, but the performances from Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio respectively are electric. The Two Popes Trailer Under the Skin Amazon Prime Video In Scarlett Johanssons impressive, varied and sometimes controversial career, Under the Skin stands out as her strangest movie. Here she plays an alien life form who drives around Scotland in a van seducing men, only for them to meet terrifying, unexpected fates after visiting her apartment. Under The Skin Trailer Atlantics Netflix This Cannes prize-winning debut from filmmaker Mati Diop tackles a challenging subject matter the tragic deaths of migrants at sea in a surprisingly life-affirming way, following a love story at the very edges of human capabilities. Atlantics Trailer Dolemite is my Name Netflix This Netflix drama is a real return to form for Eddie Murphy. Plenty of people were calling for him to be recognised during awards season for his performance as Rudy Ray Moore, the star of blaxploitation films in the 70s. A truly brilliant watch. Dolemite Is My Name Trailer Whats Eating Gilbert Grape Amazon Prime Video This early 90s cult classic follows Johnny Depps young shop clerk in small town America, tasked with looking after his obese mother and mentally impaired younger brother. Theres also one of the first movie performances from Leonardo DiCaprio to look out for. What's Eating Gilbert Grape Trailer Blindspotting Netflix This uniquely styled comedy drama follows a man with just days left on his sentence, whose future is thrown in doubt after witnessing a police shooting. Its much funnier and quirkier than it sounds, trust us. Blindspotting Trailer Cube Amazon Prime Video More high-concept sci-fi, this time in the form of an independent Canadian movie from the 90s, where a group of friends find themselves trapped in a maze of cube-shaped rooms, all booby-trapped and not what they seem. Its bonkers in the best way. The Wife Netflix Glenn Close can count herself unlucky not to have picked up a long-awaited Oscar for her towering performance in this subtle drama, playing a woman who questions everything after her self-obsessed husband received the Nobel Prize. The Wife Trailer The Tale of Princess Kaguya Netflix Netflix users are blessed with the Studio Ghibli back catalogue on demand. Theyre all worth checking out, of course, but while the likes of My Neighbour Totoro get all the praise, 2013s The Tale of Princess Kaguya features some of the studios most breathtaking animation and elegant storytelling, and is one of our top picks. The Tale Of Princess Kaguya Trailer If you'd like to watch one of the films above but aren't signed up to either one of the streaming services, you can do so below. We may earn a commission from the links below, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across the Evening Standard. Amazon Sign up for an Amazon Prime Video free trial here. Netflix New Delhi, March 19 : Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday appealed to defeat coronavirus through 'determination' instead of 'panicking', and suggested that Parliament was being used to do the later. Hitting out at certain opposition leaders, Naqvi said, "Unfortunately, some leaders are asking the Parliament to be shut. We should stand strongly with the country, from Parliament." He added that Parliament cannot be used to spread panic. "We are determined to defeat coronavirus. I think we should not be afraid or make people fear the virus. What we need to do is to defeat the coronavirus with strong determination," said the minister. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself was monitoring the situation and ensuring better facilities are available to Indians. As of Thursday, there are 148 active cases of coronavirus in India and three casualties so far. [March 18, 2020] NASA, SpaceX Invite Media to First Crew Launch to Station from America Since 2011 WASHINGTON, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Media accreditation is open for NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 flight test, which will send two astronauts to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. This mission will be the return of human spaceflight launch capabilities to the United States and the first launch of American astronauts aboard an American rocket and spacecraft since the final space shuttle mission on July 8, 2011. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch Crew Dragon, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley aboard the spacecraft, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA and SpaceX are currently targetig no earlier than mid-to-late May for launch. This second demonstration mission of the Crew Dragon spacecraft is another end-to-end flight test of SpaceX's human spaceflight system, which will include launch, docking, splashdown and recovery operations. It is the final flight test of the system before SpaceX is certified to carry out operational crew flights to and from the space station for NASA. Media accreditation deadlines are as follows: International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by 4 p.m. EDT Friday , April 17. , April 17. U.S. media must apply by 4 p.m. Friday, April 24 . All accreditation requests should be submitted online at: https://media.ksc.nasa.gov NASA is proactively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves. The agency will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the agency's chief health and medical officer and communicate any updates that may impact mission planning or media access, as they become available. For questions about accreditation, please email [email protected]. For other questions, contact Kennedy's newsroom at 321-867-2468. Reporters with special logistics requests for Kennedy, such as space for satellite trucks, trailers, tents, electrical connections or work spaces, must contact Tiffany Fairley at [email protected] by Friday, April 24. NASA's Commercial Crew Program is working with the American aerospace industry through a public-private partnership to launch astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from American soil. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the space station, which will allow for additional research time and will increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity's testbed for exploration. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and eventually to Mars. For launch coverage and more information about the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-spacex-invite-media-to-first-crew-launch-to-station-from-america-since-2011-301026533.html SOURCE NASA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In a bid to control the spread of coronavirus, the government on Thursday announced that no international flights will be allowed to land in India from March 22 for a week. "No commercial aircraft shall land in India after midnight falling between March 21 and March 22 till midnight falling between March 28 and March 29," Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said at a press conference. "These are temporary measures being announced to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus and will be reviewed later," Agarwal added. The government also issued an advisory and said that persons above 65 years of age have been asked to stay at home, except for government servants and medical professionals. Children below 10 years of age are also asked to stay indoors. Besides, Railways and aviation sector will suspend all concessional travel, except students, patients and handicapable people. Meanwhile, all states are also being advised to enforce work from home (WFH) for private sector employees. According to global aviation consultancy CAPA, the private domestic carriers are expected to report consolidated losses of up to $600 million (Rs 4,500 crore) in March quarter due to the curtailed flight schedules, slide in new bookings, large-scale cancellations, and rescheduling of flights in the wake of coronavirus. As of now, the biggest impact has been felt on the international side of the carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir and Vistara. But as the panic of community transmission of Covid-19 grows in India, there's a strong possibility of domestic airlines curtailing their domestic flight schedules as well. Some reports suggest the central government is mulling over $1.6 billion rescue package for the aviation industry, which has been one of the worst affected sectors due to coronavirus. By Chitranjan Kumar Also Read: Aviation sector to report over Rs 8,200 crore losses in just three months Also Read: Coronavirus impact: IndiGo grounds 16 planes; staff to take 10-20% salary cuts Also Read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Fourth COVID-19 death recorded in Punjab, toll rises to 4 STAMFORD As the city and the state ramp up measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Stamford Hospital is readying for an anticipated surge in infection cases. As of Thursday, four patients were being treated for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, said Dr. Rohit Bhalla, senior vice president of clinical affairs and quality for Stamford Health, which includes the hospital and affiliate services. All the patients Thursday were in fair to good condition, Bhalla said, but it is impossible to know how many infections a surge would bring, or when. At this point, the upswing in cases is still unknown, so its hard to predict what the need will be, Bhalla said. We are prepared; our operations are fully in effect. Each day in the U.S., the number of cases increases by the hundreds. More testing is being done, so more people are learning they have COVID-19 and hospitals are scrambling to ensure they are not overwhelmed by the pandemic. Stamford Hospital has 305 beds, and as of Thursday 205 were occupied, Bhalla said. Administrators are figuring out what spaces in the hospital could be converted to rooms that could be used for treating COVID-19 patients, if that should be the need, Bhalla said. Now is an important time to be planning for that, he said. The same goes for staffing, he said. Weve created a labor pool where staff can be repurposed from other areas, Bhalla said. We have ample staff right now but, unfortunately, whether it will be enough cannot be perfectly known. As of Thursday, 30 hospital staff members were quarantined at home, he said. They are doing well; we are monitoring them, Bhalla said. Its most likely they have been exposed via the community family members or contact elsewhere. Theres no verified exposure related to hospitalized patients. In the lexicon of virus language, its called community spread. There are people in the community who are testing positive but are not able to say they traveled to a high-risk area or had contact with a person with known COVID-19, Bhalla said. It is believed that the virus is transmitted mainly by respiratory droplets, and perhaps when someone touches a surface or object that has the virus on it then touches their mouth, nose or eyes, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus can be spread by people who dont know they are infected because they arent yet showing signs of sickness, a process known as asymptomatic transmission, Bhalla said. The challenge now is that public-health authorities have not been able to identify the degree and exact way of asymptomatic transmission, he said. Thats where we need testing very much to expand. To that end, the hospital Monday opened a drive-up clinic on its campus off West Broad Street that collects samples from people with a doctors prescription. The clinic can handle 80 people a day and is operating at capacity, Bhalla said. Those samples are sent to a diagnostic company called Quest, he said. Results take several days. In-patient samples are sent to the state Department of Health; those results are returned within a day. Hospital staff members are tested as part of an employee health service, Bhalla said. We need more testing and more rapid turnaround of results to identify the true pockets of prevalence of the virus, he said. The commercial labs are trying to set up specimen processing sites so they can handle more specimens and, we hope, decrease turnaround time. I think its great that the city wants to get a test site going, too. Mayor David Martin said Thursday that the city will partner with a family practitioner to provide COVID-19 testing at Cummings Beach beginning Friday. Martin has said he wants to ensure that the city has sites ready once testing kits, which are in desperately short supply nationwide, become more available. Martin has said he believes that the demand for tests could reach 10,000 a week. Beyond testing, Stamford shares a need with most other U.S. hospitals, Bhalla said. There is an alarming shortage of masks, gloves, gowns, face shields and other personal protective equipment for health-care workers. Information from other countries has shown that health-care workers are especially at risk of infection. We have an adequate supply, but we are watching it now by the hour, he said. We are looking at situations where masks may not be needed if a patient has a chronic cardiac condition, for example, you do not need a mask going into the room. Certain types of mask can be used for an entire shift, rather than continually be replaced. There is nationwide demand for ventilators needed to treat respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Stamford Hospital has 60 to 70 ventilators that can be used for that purpose, but even there, any support is welcome at this time, Bhalla said. Restocking hospitals wont happen without help from governments and private industry, he said. As the number of infections rises, officials are implementing stricter measures for isolating people to limit spread of the virus. Thursday the city added hairdressers, barber shops, nail salons and similar businesses to the growing list that are closed. The state announced Thursday that the April 28 presidential primary has been postponed until June 2. There have been reports that the infection rate in this area will peak in the next month or two, but that call is too difficult to make, Bhalla said. Its unwise to try to predict that, he said. All we can say at this point is that the number of cases will increase, and we are planning to try to accommodate any increase that may present itself. acarella@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2296. Focus on major markets Anticipating that European consumers will shift from fresh seafood to conveniently packaged and cooked frozen products, Sao Ta Food JSC has focused its resources on these products. After exporting 937 tonnes of shrimp worth US$10.7 million to Europe in February, the companys farms have started raising juvenile shrimp to prepare for the upcoming harvest. Sao Ta Chairman Ho Quoc Luc said the company is trying to balance its three main markets of Europe, Japan and the US in 2020. According to VASEP, the association of seafood exporters and producers, the first quarter of 2020 is not the main harvest season, which falls from April and May onwards.The association stated that the coronavirus outbreak in China has forced many large markets to reduce imports from the worlds second largest economy so this could present an opportunity for Vietnam to increase its exports. It is worth noting that Vietnamese shrimp is seeing great opportunities from the US and EU markets as the US anti-dumping tariffs have been eliminated and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will come into effect this year. The EU and the US are the largest importers of Vietnamese shrimp, accounting for 20.5% and 19.4% of Vietnams total shrimp exports respectively. Under the EVFTA, tariffs on most raw shrimp products will drop from 12-20% to 0% upon its inception while tariffs on processed shrimp will be eliminated after seven years. Enhancing competitiveness Advantages aside, the Department of Export-Import has noted that Vietnam will face greater competition in the global market as other countries are increasing their shrimp farming areas. Furthermore, import countries are tightening requirements regarding quality and safety. This problem is further aggravated as small-scale farming is the biggest bottleneck to Vietnams shrimp sector, making it unable to trace origin and acquire international certificates. The coronavirus outbreak is bound to alter consumption habits, requiring exporters to quickly adapt to the changes. According to VASEP Secretary-General Truong Dinh Hoe, farmers need to keep in close contact with buying agents and processing-exporting companies to learn about demand and quality requirements and then make the right decision to raise shrimp effectively. For their part, firms need to attract more foreign investment, enhance technology and product quality and take part in regional supply chains in order to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the EVFTA. Aware of the opportunities and urgent need to meet new requirements, Vietnamese shrimp companies are making genuine efforts to enhance their production and business capacity. Sao Ta Chairman Ho Quoc Luc said Vietnamese shrimp companies are currently at the top of the world so if the quality is good, there is still room for growth. He added that Sao Ta has considered sustainable development as its foremost target and attached importance to selecting safe and traceable raw shrimp while paying attention to brand development. Viet Uc, another major seafood exporter, has also introduced supports for farmers so that they will adopt good farming practices and make their shrimp products traceable so as to smooth the way for their export to Europe. Vietnam has set a target to export US$10 billion worth of seafood in 2020, of which shrimp account for about US$4-4.2 billion. Joseph Kopser joins the Fetii advisory board to assist in helping Fetii further expand as a successful company IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Fetii has made a name for itself and has had thousands of individuals download and utilize their app. It has differentiated itself from other ride-sharing apps by providing large groups of over 5 to 50 people on-demand rides at the click of a button. As Fetii continues to expand into other states in the United States, it has brought new members onto its advisory board such as Joseph Kopser. Joseph Kopser, not being new to the world of technology and transportation, has joined the Fetii advisory board. The viral success that Fetii has achieved in such a short period of time is what drew his attention and led him to wanting to be a part of the Fetii movement. Joseph Kopser has seen success of his own through a platform he created called RideScout. RideScout was an app that used predictive technology to help its users get around cities through a fast and smart route. The app showed its users transit, taxi, rideshare, carshare, bikeshare, carpool, walking, biking, driving, and parking in one view. It utilized real-time transit departures and traffic integration. The app became so successful that it was acquired by Mercedes Benz in 2014. Today, Mercedes has renamed the app to Moovel. Joseph Kopser plans to use the experience he has in technology and transportation to help with the expansion of Fetii. He is certain that the Fetii app will become just as, if not more successful than RideScout. With the success of Fetii continuing to grow by the day, we can only expect that the addition of Joseph Kopser to the Fetii advisory board will only further the company's success. The Fetii app is currently available to download on the App store and Google Play. Contact Information: Fetii info@fetii.com www.fetii.com SOURCE: Fetii View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581414/Joseph-Kopser-Founder-of-RideScout-Joins-the-Fetii-Advisory-Board Amidst the uncertainty and fear that has taken hold globally as the scope and impact of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, we cannot lose sight that human rights principles are essential to all aspects of this crisis. And already people everywhere are responding in ways that resonate with the universal human rights vision, through compassion, community and putting others first. As many of us hunker down in the safety of our homes, health care, transportation, grocery store, sanitation and other workers head out to ensure that we are supported. More broadly, people are looking out for friends and neighbours, and are refraining from actions that may put others at risk or impede efforts to contain the pandemic. That starts with the simple act of staying home and getting out of the way of the virus. It might be tempting to assume that human rights advocates are preparing to decry that restrictive measures being adopted by governments in Canada and around the world are impermissible, but its not so simple. The necessity for governments to curtail the spread of COVID-19 is itself a crucial human rights responsibility, including upholding the rights to health and to life. Government failure to act decisively would be a grave human rights concern. Clearly, many of the measures being adopted infringe, often onerously, a range of crucial human rights. That includes the rights to education and a livelihood, and to freedom of movement, association and assembly. Rights are being violated by school closures, border closings and travel bans, shutting down restaurants and other businesses, and limitations on gatherings of specified numbers of people. International human rights treaties recognize that governments may need to limit those rights for exceptional reasons, including public health. Those restrictions are not necessarily contrary to upholding human rights. They are part of the human rights package, if done right. There are, nonetheless, vital human rights imperatives that apply. First, the power of governments to encroach upon human rights in a time of emergency is no carte blanche. Restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, legitimate, time-limited and no broader than strictly needed. Very importantly, limits cannot be discriminatory. And certain rights, such as the right to life, the ban on torture and the freedom of religion can never be abridged. Through public transparency, media coverage and political debate we must all be vigilant that restrictions meet those requirements. Second, care must be taken to respond to heightened vulnerability faced by particular communities, be that related to the pandemic itself or restrictions that are put in place. An intersectional gender analysis is crucial. Measures of self-isolation and quarantine may substantially increase the risk of violence and abuse in the home for women and children. Indigenous leaders have noted how devastating a COVID-19 outbreak would be in isolated First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. There are concerns the virus may spread rapidly in jails and immigration detention centres, whose populations are disproportionately made up of Indigenous, Black and other marginalized communities. Border bans may run afoul of international obligations with respect to refugees and migrant workers. The increased risks for people living with disabilities, precariously employed workers and homeless people are all urgently apparent. These and other urgent human rights realities require close attention. Third, international cooperation is essential. With nations everywhere shutting down and looking inward, it has never been as urgent to demonstrate global solidarity. We have the good fortune of living in a country with a sophisticated, publicly funded health-care system. That is not a universal reality. Sharing information, expertise and resources is vital at this time. Fourth, there can be no space for racism. Social media streams have been full of heartbreaking reminders of how easily this happens, including hateful comments in playgrounds and President Trumps frequent labelling of COVID-19 as the Chinese virus. If you hear it, call it out and shut it down. Finally, there will be important long-term human rights work coming out of this crisis. A post-COVID-19 human rights agenda is already starting to emerge, including global health-care reform, gender equality, addressing poverty and inadequate housing, and crucial lessons with respect to the rights of Indigenous peoples, environmental sustainability and the climate crisis. The bottom line? Human rights are our best guide through this crisis, and must be embraced in its aftermath. Police officers in Philadelphia have been ordered to delay arresting suspects for non-violent crimes to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The new, temporary policy calls for people arrested for petty crimes like theft or breaking and entering to be detained, and police can take their information and initiate paperwork. The suspect will be arrested later on a warrant. The policy is meant to minimize the contact Philadelphia police officers make with suspects. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw has ordered police in her department to delay arresting non-violent criminals Philadephia police officers are among the last in the state of Pennsylvania to be ordered to give low-priority to non-violent criminals But Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says that the policy gives individual officers the discretion on who to arrest in what situation. 'Again, it's non-violent crimes; property crimes,' Outlaw said. 'Does someone breaking into a shed require being taken to the detective's division and prosecuted and taken into physical custody? The answer might be no.' 'We had to adjust what we were doing and to what is happening in other places in the criminal justice system,' Outlaw said during a press conference. 'Right now, quite frankly, this is triage.' Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney backs the measure, stressing the idea that officers will still enforce the law in the city. 'Rest assured, this is not decriminalization,' Kenney tweeted on Wednesday. He added: 'It's about protecting officers, residents, & criminal justice system by allowing flexibility for arresting officers.' Additionally, part of the Philadelphia Police Department's social distancing policy will mean officers can no longer ride two per car and must now ride alone. 'These are all things we have to consider and some of these things are possible and some of them aren't,' Outlaw said. 'Now we are looking at logistics. Do we have enough cars to be able to do that? 'We don't have the answer to that right away. But we are in communication every day and if we come across something that does not work, we will go back to the drawing board and try something new.' This policy mirrors similar responses from other departments around the country to reduce the spread of coronavirus among law enforcement officers as well as among prisoners. For example, the Los Angeles County Police Department has reduced its daily arrests from 300 to 60. The county also released 600 prisoners since February. New York City's Legal Aid Society also issued a letter asking the Board of Corrections to lay out a plan of action to lower the risk of inmates from contracting coronavirus. 'Unlike people in free society, incarcerated people have no access to water or soap for hand washing, or capacity to seek physical distance, except with the overt assistance of their jailers', they wrote. And in Baltimore, Mayor Jack Young pleaded with residents to stop the violence. 'We cannot clog up our hospitals and their beds with people that are being shot senselessly because were going to need those beds for people infected with the coronavirus. 'And it could be your mother, your grandmother or one of your relatives. So take that into consideration,' he said. Stephen Starr, whose 41 restaurants are idled, except for limited delivery service during the coronavirus situation. Read more Two major restaurateurs and at least one small operator have agreed to pay 100% of the April health-insurance premiums for employees covered under company-funded plans. Philadelphia-based restaurateur Stephen Starr, who has 6,000 employees in 41 all-but-idled restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, Atlantic City, Washington, and South Florida, and Michael Schulson, who has 1,100 workers at 10 Philadelphia restaurants and a catering division, typically pay a portion of the premiums. Starr declined to specify how many participate in the plans or to provide a dollar amount of the companys contribution. Starrs restaurants include the Continental, Parc, Buddakan, Morimoto, The Love, Barclay Prime, and Dandelion. Schulson, who held the door open to a contribution beyond April, said about a third of his employees at restaurants such as Sampan, Osteria, Double Knot, and Harp & Crown participate. In addition, Schulson and his managers donated leftover food to employees and, with chef Jeff Michaud, intend to cook meals for out-of-work employees out of Giuseppe & Sons kitchen. Both insurance payments are valued well into the six figures. Jon Nodler and Samantha Kincaid, who own Cadence, a BYOB in south Kensington, are also digging deep for their six full-time employees, including cooks and the lead server. Restaurant owners have been caught just as unawares as their employees by the coronavirus shutdowns and are in the same no-income situation for the foreseeable future. While the industry awaits word of relief, Starr and other owners are going to bat for their employees. Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, whose holdings include Zahav, Abe Fisher, and Federal Donuts, said they had sold $25,000 worth of gift cards, the proceeds of which would be shared with the companys approximately 400 hourly employees. Further, the owners said that if $40,000 is raised by sundown Friday, they would match it. Fearless Restaurants (Moshulu, White Dog Cafe, Louie Louie) is taking donations and converting them to supermarket gift cards for their 600 employees. Co-owner Sydney Grims said $3,500 was raised in three hours Wednesday. Yianni Arhontoulis is selling gift cards at Mica, his Chestnut Hill BYOB. Walnut Street Cafe and The Post in University City have started a GoFundMe drive for employees. In New York, Danny Meyer said he would donate his salary from his Union Square Hospitality Group, and his executives would take pay cuts, to help a fund for his workers. Shake Shack employees are not part of this group. Putin signs bill on activities of Russias regional ombudsmen into law Lyudmila Klenko, RAPSI 00:09 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) Russias President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill regulating the activities of human rights commissioners in the countrys regions, which aims to extend their powers and set uniform rules and approaches governing the formation of this institution, into law, according to an official website of legal information. The Federation Council approved the initiative on March 11. Earlier, on March 5, it was adopted by the State Duma. The document establishes the respective legal framework, determines the procedures of complaint handling and cooperation with state bodies and organizations. A regional ombudsman is to be elected by the regional legislatures, the nominations are to be approved by Russias Rights Commissioner. Eligible nominees are to meet such requirements as age at or above 30 (regional legislative authorities are empowered to set the minimal age limit higher, but not more than by 5 years), graduate from a higher education establishment, have previous experience in in the sphere of human rights protection, as well as have unassailable reputation. The ombudsman is to hold the position no more than two consecutive 5-year terms; however, regional legislators may at their discretion set less prolonged terms in office. As Russias Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova noted earlier, the document envisages that regional ombudsmen are empowered to act not only when receiving complaints, but also when informed about massive human rights violations by journalists or on the basis of data from other sources. The human rights commissioners are granted the right to get acquainted with all civil and criminal cases, where court decisions become final, and apprise the power of arguments presented by complainers in order to turn to regulators or oversight agencies asking them to examine such cases. Regional ombudsmen are also empowered to file administrative claims in case they found violations of law and to turn to prosecutors offices asking to investigate alleged violations, or to courts challenging decisions in criminal or civil cases. Complaints are to be submitted to rights commissioners within a year since the date of alleged violation, or the date the complainer becomes aware of such a violation. Ombudsmen are to comply with confidentiality requirements and not disclose any personal information of complainers without their written consent. The bill is authored by a group of senators, including the Chair of the Federation Councils Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrey Klishas. Denver, CO March 19, 2020 Judith Briles, the Book Shepherd, and Richard Rieman, the Audiobook Wizard, will be partnering to bring to writers the ultimate guide to creating audiobooks for independent and self-published authors in a webinar that will cover every aspect of creating an audiobook. This webinar will be conducted on April 4 from 10am-noon. The webinar will go into nearly every aspect of how audiobooks are changing the publishing landscape and how to navigate it. Rieman and Briles will use their expertise in the publishing industry to give authors a peek into the intricacies and importance of producing audiobooks to survive in today's publishing world. From how to avoid predators looking to take advantage of authors, to covering the cost of producing audiobooks through crowdfunding, any author looking to expand their market into audiobooks will have something to gain from this $11 webinar. "For today's author, creating an audiobook is essential," Dr. Briles said. "It's the fastest growing segment of the publishing industry. Wise authors create books in a print format, an e-book format, and now an audiobook format. Richard Rieman is the wizard of creating audiobooks and anyone who attends will discover the power of voice and print together." Everyone that checks in will also receive a free copy of Rieman's book, The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation. Richard Rieman, known in Denver as "The Audiobook Wizard," is an acclaimed authority on indie audiobook publishing. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks and is a 2019 Gold Medal National Ben Franklin Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA) Award Winner for Audiobook Nonfiction, and a 5-time winner of the EVVY Award for audiobook narration and production. Judith Briles has published 37 books and has a lifetime of experience within the publishing industry, having experienced the pitfalls and benefits of both self-publishing and traditional publishing. To register for the webinar, go to www.AuthorU.org and click on the events tab. Press inquiries: Judith Briles, Judith@Briles.com or 303-885-2207 ### Oil surged the most ever in New York as the U.S. president said he could get involved in the standoff between Saudi Arabia and Russia that has rocked crude markets. U.S. futures rose 24% on Thursday, the most since trading began in 1983. Prices are still down almost 60% this year, with the slide accelerating following a failed OPEC+ meeting in early March, after which major producers pledged to pump more in a battle for market share just as the coronavirus crisis crushes demand. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was searching for medium ground in the impasse. Its very devastating to Russia, because the whole economy is based on that, and they have the lowest prices in decades, he said. I would say its very bad for Saudi Arabia. But theyre in a fight, theyre in a fight on price, theyre in a fight on output. At the appropriate time Ill get involved. Trump getting involved was bound to happen with the existential threat to the oil industry, said Walter Zimmermann, chief technical strategist at ICAP Technical Analysis. This rebound may not have a future though unless Saudi and Russia stop digging their heels in. Earlier, the U.S. said it would kick off its commitment to fill its Strategic Petroleum Reserve by buying 30 million barrels of American oil. Signs of stress due to the oil crash are also being revealed in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Canadian oil at a record low and some North Sea fields are becoming uneconomic. Meanwhile, policy makers across the globe are trying to strengthen economies against the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The European Central Bank has unleashed an emergency bond-buying program, and the U.S. Senate cleared the second major bill responding to the outbreak in an attempt to kickstart the economy. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the government might take equity positions as part of corporate rescues. PREVIOUSLY: Oil falls to nearly $24, its lowest price since 2002 Countries are ramping up measures as the global spread of the virus continues to gather pace with the number of confirmed cases in Europe now exceeding China. Italys death count has surged to almost 3,000, while the U.K. imposed tighter controls on movement of people including closing all schools. The Saudis ordered state-run Aramco to keep output at a record high of 12.3 million barrels a day over the coming months. But in a surprise move Thursday, both the kingdom and Iraq cut the rebates on freight costs they give to customers, effectively lifting prices. Despite the prospect of the U.S. intervening in Riyadh and Moscows price battle, fears of severe virus-induced demand destruction loom. I dont think this is over yet, said Bart Melek, head of commodity strategy at TD Securities. Even if the Saudis cut here, it doesnt matter much. We still have some very bad demand numbers because of Covid 19. Demand could fall 10 to 11 million barrels a day. See also: Some Oil in Canada Has Already Tumbled Below $10 a Barrel The higher supply is increasingly taking its toll on the oil markets structure. Brents six-month timespread went to its most bearish since 2009, indicating a big glut. As a result, traders are eyeing lucrative opportunities from storing oil on tankers and hoping to sell it at a profit later. With crudes price weakness getting more entrenched, traders are increasingly trying to assess the impact on U.S. production this year. On Thursday, a barrel of Permian oil was cheaper than a meal at a steakhouse in the regions Midland heartland, a sign that producers are struggling to cover their operating costs. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Gian Battista Zanchi leads a Lenten program in 52 villages. Confessions, visits and catechesis every day. The community that has asked to become Christian followed a three-year spiritual path. The missionaries gift of selfless service surprises those who are not accustomed to gratuity. Dinajpur (AsiaNews) - The residents of four villages in Pimes mission of Suihari, in northern Bangladesh, are preparing for baptism. The first to be baptized will be nine families of Santhal origin from Paskur village, for a total of 52 people. 78-year-old Fr. Gian Battista Zanchi is the former Superior General of the Institute (2001-2013) who returned on a mission to Bangladesh at the end of his second term. He notes "we do not ask them to welcome Christ, it is a free choice, developed within the entire community that has been preparing for a long time, abandoning deep rooted tribal traditions that have lasted for centuries." Fr. Zanchi is parish priest of the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the diocese of Dinajpur, made up of 52 villages with over 5,400 faithful. He continues: "There are really many but luckily we are able to serve everyone". The church compound also houses the Novara Technical School (technical school founded by PIME in 1965), the regional house and the youth hostel. "Unfortunately we were forced to send all the pupils home - reports the missionary - because two days ago the government imposed the closure of the schools until March 31 due to the coronavirus". In Dhaka there are 10 infected people, who have returned from abroad: "We hope and pray that the virus will not also break out here, because we lack everything". The priest says despite the great risk of contagion, we are pushing ahead with the Lenten program until the diocese makes various provisions. We continue with confessions, visits to villages, catechesis ". Fr. Zanchi says the people of the village of Paskur, "will be baptized in late May and not at Easter, because that day the other priest and I, Fr. Joseph Murmu, we will move from village to village to guarantee everyone the liturgy of the Resurrection of Christ. In addition to this, there are other Santhal settlements on the list: Durgadanga (12 families for a total of 45 people, see photo), Damoua (seven families, 33 people) and Koikuri (16 families of 61 members). "They started the path of formation with a permanent catechist, a prayer leader and a nun who is dedicated to them full time". The missionary goes on to describe the process leading to the decision to convert, which only then is accompanied by the spiritual support of the priest. Here it works like this: the whole community presents officially requests to become a Christian community. We support this path because it gives a sense of the entire community that is moving forward. Then the catechetical preparation of the village lasts three years. " The choice to baptize entire communities prevents Christians from being excluded from the rest of the group that opposes conversion. "As in the case of a village - he says - where a boy and another family had decided to become Christians. The young man was the son of the village chief, but I didn't know it. As soon as the father found out that they had converted, he decided to punish his son by removing the water from both houses. He had a hedge built around the houses to segregate them from the rest of the inhabitants. For two years they were forced to collect water in another village two kilometers away. " But then, he continues, an unexpected event happened: "The mother got sick and asked for my help for the hospitalization in Rajshahi, the Sick Assistance Center, previously managed by PIME and now by the sisters of the Child Mary. Here she was treated and healed in 15 days. Back home, she said to her husband: 'Do you know that the patients are treated very well in Rajshahi hospital? There is a church, but nobody has ever forced me to go to mass. The sick arrive and are immediately welcomed with love ". The same night her husband took down the hedge and the following day he said to everyone: 'If you want to become a Christian, I will not object'. Today there are many faithful in that village ". Usually, he highlights, it is always someone who starts the process, because he is intrigued and amazed by the way we work in welcoming, we are at the service of the sick, we accept all requests for help without making any distinction. That person then returns to his village and testifies what he felt and saw. Ours is an announcement, not a constraint, we don't want to 'create' Christians at all costs. It is the gratuitousness of our service that surprises them, the fact that we do not ask for anything in return. I received faith as a gift and I make it a part of it. We teach those who have benefited to selflessly help others. " (A.C.F.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Over 3,900 people have been hospitalized due to coronavirus in Iran's Tehran province, said Anoushiravan Mohseni Bandpei, Tehran's governor, Trend reports citing Mehr news agency. According to Bandpei, 3,500 people at the state hospitals, 400 people have been hospitalized at the Baghiyyatollah al-Azam Military Hospital. Bandpei, added that 600 patients of the total amount are under special care. The governor said that additional controls should be applied in the province to prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to devices that measure body temperature (which are set at the entrances of the cities), various steps must also be taken. Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 17,000 people have been infected, 1135 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 5,700 have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. President Donald Trump said Thursday he directed the Food and Drug Administration to investigate whether an existing drug for malaria can be used to treat the coronavirus. There are no proven therapies for the COVID-19 virus, which has rapidly grown into a pandemic. U.S. health officials say a vaccine ready for public use could take 12 to 18 months. But some scientists have said the anti-malaria drug chloroquine could be a treatment for the virus. It is important "not to provide false hope," FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said at the White House's daily press briefing on the coronavirus. But Trump has "asked us to be aggressive" and "break through exciting, life-saving treatment, and we're doing that at the FDA," Hahn said. The World Health Organization, however, said last month that there is "no proof" the drug is effective in treating the coronavirus. Trump claimed that the U.S. would be able to make the anti-malaria drug available "almost immediately" and that "it's been approved." But multiple outlets reported minutes later that the FDA had not approved chloroquine for use in treating the coronavirus. The FDA did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. The announcement at the briefing Thursday came hours after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the White House's massive economic stimulus proposal would include $500 billion for direct payments to Americans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to address the nation tonight, and hours before that, Congress leader P Chidambaram has tweeted a suggestion. What will the PM announce at 8 pm today? I will be disappointed if the PM did not announce a total lockdown, at least of all towns and cities, for a period of 2-4 weeks. Anything less will be letting down this country, Chidambaram said on Twitter on Thursday afternoon. What will the PM announce at 8 pm today? I will be disappointed if the PM did not announce a total lockdown, at least of all towns and cities, for a period of 2-4 weeks. Anything less will be letting down this country. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 19, 2020 PM Modi will address the nation at 8 pm today in which he will talk about issues relating to coronavirus disease Covid-19 and the efforts to combat it. In a tweet on Wednesday, the PMO said that the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus. Ways to further strengthen Indias preparedness were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities, it said. The prime minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the coronavirus menace. The prime minister also took the opportunity to thank all those at the forefront of the fight against the deadly disease that has take three lives in the country so far and infected 151 people, said another PMO tweet. The total number of coronavirus positive cases in the country has risen to 166 as states imposed stricter restrictions to check its spread. Leaders around the world pushed for more drastic measures to contain the pandemic that has now surpassed 2,00,000 cases and 8,000 deaths globally. SOCIAL Protection Minister Regina Doherty has said projections that between 450,000 and 500,000 could lose their jobs as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic could be accurate. Ms Doherty said that what happened over the course of several months during the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 had now happened over the last three days. She said the Government are looking at everything when asked about the possibility of introducing a universal basic income or a one-off payment to workers of more than 1,000 as has been floated by US President Donald Trump in recent days. Asked about projections that between 450,000 and 500,000 people may find themselves out of work in the coming weeks, Ms Doherty said it could be potentially as drastic as those figures. I mean we havent overused the word unprecedented in the past few days but it has been that," she said. Outlining the numbers who could be affected by the crisis, she said there are 140,000 people employed in the hospitality sector, 54,000 in the accommodation sector and 200,000 in retail. These are just the obvious industries that may have affected but there are other businesses, she said. Every single day there is another industry that I didnt think was going to be affected yesterday is affected today. So the numbers could potentially be as high as people are saying. She was speaking at a press conference on Wednesday where the Government outlined supports available to businesses and employees impacted. Already some 58,000 applications for the special Covid-19 payment for those whose incomes have been impacted have been made, with 43,000 of these processed by the Department of Employment and payments to go out before the end of the week. Ms Doherty also announced that social welfare payments would now be distributed fortnightly rather than every week to ensure that those who still drawn down their money via their local social welfare office do not have to do so as often. She said the Government was going to do absolutely everything we can to ensure whoever needs support [gets it]. Read More Business Minister Heather Humphreys outlined a series of supports for firms impacted by the crisis. She is writing to all 250,000 companies registered with Companies Registration Office to these available supports available and to notify them that all annual returns to the CRO can be filed up to June 30. IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan said conditions are "extremely challenging" for global growth and trade. "As one of the most open economies in the world Ireland cannot escape this impact, Mr Shanahan said. The State's industrial development agency is open for business "albeit virtually, he said. Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said things are moving incredibly quickly and that clients are telling us they are facing serious challenges. She said the food, manufacturing, airline travel, and consumer technology sectors are all being significantly impacted. Oisin Geoghegan from Local Enterprise Offices said some small businesses could access the Covid-19 loan scheme from Microfinance Ireland. If they can show their sales or orders are reduced by 15pc or more small firms can drawn down up to 50,000 with six-month moratorium on repayments and no interest on the first six months. As of March 19, over 16,000 Ukrainians have returned home, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has said. In particular, the largest number of citizens returned from Egypt 14,475 people, according to the ministry's coronavirus page on Facebook. Some 209 Ukrainians returned from Austria, 39 from Azerbaijan, eight from Belgium, 14 from Greece, one from Iran, 123 from Italy, 45 from China, 40 from Cyprus, 74 from Lebanon, 881 from the United Arab Emirates, 84 - from the USA, 14 - from Tanzania, 21 - from Hungary and 56 - from Croatia. The ministry said the numbers represent those who returned to Ukraine from March 15. The ministry earlier reported that 861 Ukrainian citizens are in quarantine abroad and 11 undergoing treatment abroad. Five Ukrainian patients have recovered and one died in Italy on March 13. Distillers in Scotland are using their experience with alcohol production to turn their hands to making sanitiser. Glasgow, United Kingdom Scotlands ability to manufacture (and consume) alcohol such as Scotch whisky may be world-renowned, but Scottish distilleries are today joining the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Responding to a global shortage of hand sanitiser, which has seen barren supermarket shelves across Scotland and the United Kingdom as demand outstripped supply, some Scottish spirit makers have begun a novel form of alcohol production that, just days ago, would have been seen as laughable. This idea was not even 24 hours old, said Andrew Mackenzie, owner of Verdant Spirits, before he decided to switch production from gin to hand sanitiser earlier this week, following requests from local caregivers in Dundee, eastern Scotland. Mackenzie, who makes up one-half of the father-daughter partnership of Verdant Spirits, told Al Jazeera one of the immediate challenges of this abrupt about-turn included sourcing hydrogen peroxide, which he managed to quickly remedy after posting an appeal for the ingredient on Facebook. Having initially launched a crowdfunding campaign in order to cover costs for his emergency venture, he added: The plan at the moment is that we will be producing an initial batch of 400 litres of hand sanitiser this week, which needs to rest for a while, so it will probably be available early next week. Mackenzies efforts to boost local production of these quick-drying alcohol-based gels, which he is supplying to care homes in Dundee, comes at a time when millions of Britons have scrambled to stock up on medicines and foodstuffs as households go into lockdown. Medical experts have been actively encouraging people to keep their hands clean as a way to slow the transmission of the virus which, like influenza, spreads from person to person in close proximity. The first cases of the disease caused by the new coronavirus, COVID-19, often characterised by a new persistent cough and fever, began in Wuhan, China, in December, but rapidly spread to other parts of the globe, such as Europe and the United States. Most people who become infected will recover but fatalities have been recorded, largely among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. In Scotland, other distillation experts have also been looking to extend a helping hand. Fiona Walsh of Redcastle Gin, and Lewis Scothern of Distillutions Micro Distillery, both based in Arbroath, on Scotlands North Sea coast, have joined forces to produce hand gel for their local community. We made our first batch on Friday and we gave it away on Saturday, free of charge, to the locals most in need, Walsh told Al Jazeera. Antibacterial hand sanitiser has been in high demand since the outbreak of coronavirus began [Reuters] Scothern added that he was able to use waste alcohol that would normally be destroyed in order to make more sanitiser over the weekend. Weve been using glycerine as a moisturising aid, some colouring to make it pink and elderflower aroma so that it smells nice, continued Scothern, who described his switch from making spirits to hand gel as crazy. Other challenges for distilleries looking to make sanitiser is the current duty that is required to be paid on the alcohol used in the gels production. Yet, Mackenzie, Walsh and Scothern are determined to do their bit in a time of crisis even if the long-term costs of doing so remain a potential barrier to future production. We have been awarded the contract to produce the gin for the House of Commons, said Mackenzie. Thats where our focus has been for the last few months. But on Monday morning I was told the House of Commons launch was postponed indefinitely [because of COVID-19], which left me feeling pretty flat. And now that he is producing hand sanitiser? Its completely bizarre but its great that we can help, he added. Follow Alasdair Soussi on Twitter: @AlasdairSoussi Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:00:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close File photo of the lander of the Chang'e-4 probe. (Xinhua/China National Space Administration) BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The lander and rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have resumed work for the 16th lunar day on the far side of the moon after "sleeping" during the extremely cold night. Both the lander and rover are in normal working order, the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration said on Thursday. The rover, Yutu-2 or Jade Rabbit-2, has survived more than 400 Earth days and traveled 405.44 meters on the far side of the moon. File photo of the rover Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit-2). (Xinhua/China National Space Administration) The Chang'e-4 probe, launched on Dec. 8, 2018, made the first-ever soft landing on the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon on Jan. 3, 2019. A lunar day equals 14 days on Earth, and a lunar night is the same length. The Chang'e-4 probe switches to dormant mode during the lunar night due to the lack of solar power. Yutu-2 has worked much longer than its three-month design life, becoming the longest-working lunar rover on the moon. The rover has helped scientists unveil the secrets buried deep under the surface on the far side of the moon, enriching human's understanding about the history of celestial collision and volcanic activities and shedding new light on the geological evolution on the moon. The scientific tasks of the Chang'e-4 mission include conducting low-frequency radio astronomical observation, surveying the terrain and landforms, detecting the mineral composition and shallow lunar surface structure and measuring neutron radiation and neutral atoms. The Chang'e-4 mission embodies China's hope to combine wisdom in space exploration with four payloads developed by the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Saudi Arabia. China will continue its lunar exploration program, with the Chang'e-5 lunar probe, weighing about 8.2 tonnes, expected to be launched in 2020 to bring lunar samples weighing 2 kg back to Earth. Telangana Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao on Thursday urged the Centre to take steps for the safe return of Indians stranded at airports in Manila, Rome and other places following cancellation of flights due to coronavirus outbreak. In a tweet, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Indian missions to ensure their return home. "@narendramodi Ji, many distress messages from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Rome, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Kindly have the Indian missions in these countries attend to their basic needs and have them sent home safely," Rama Rao tweeted. Rama Rao, son of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, is the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi's working president. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Wednesday the President of Iran Medical Council said that the number of people infected by coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iran is "definitely" much higher than what the country's Ministry of Health announces. Dr. Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi who heads the licensing and regulatory body for Iranian healthcare professionals also dismissed the authorities' claim that coronavirus infection has reached its peak in the country. The Council is a non-governmental organization and its head is elected by the country's healthcare professionals. "Our colleagues' epidemiological studies indicate that the coronavirus infection rate is still on the rise," he noted and added: "If we manage to increase the period of isolation and staying at home by 15% to 20%, we will pass the peak point sooner, and that could happen in late March. Failing to do so and carrying on our current manner, we might reach the peak point in May or even later". On Monday several official news agencies, including the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that according to governmental authorities Iran had already put the peak point of the epidemic behind. Hours later, the claim was refuted by some officials. On Wednesday, however, President Hassan Rouhani once again insisted that the two provinces of Qom, the epicenter of the deadly virus outbreak, and Gilan which turned into a second hotspot, are already past the peak point of the infection. Dr. Zafarghandi noted: "The data provided by the Ministry of Health is formulated on the basis of the World Health Organization's (WHO) protocols, that is, on the number of patients tested positive. According to Dr. Zafarghandi many patients who are admitted to hospitals on the basis of their CT Scan results and those who stay at home and have not been tested are not included in the official statistics. By gathering data from dispersed official comments by provincial authorities and local news agencies Radio Farda has been able to confirm that at least 1,500 have died of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iran as of March 17. According to the latest official announcement of the Health Ministry on Wednesday the death toll stood at 1135. The government has ordered all schools in England to close on Friday until further notice amid the coronavirus crisis. The announcement was made by education secretary Gavin Williamson in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon, with the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK continuing to rise. It comes after the devolved Scottish and Welsh governments also announced its schools will shut on Friday. Schools in Northern Ireland, meanwhile, closed on Wednesday. Williamson told MPs: The public health benefits of schools remaining open as normal are shifting. It is also clear that schools are increasingly finding it more difficult to continue as normal as illness and self-isolation impacts on staffing levels and pupil attendance. Gavin Williamson announces the school closures in the Commons. (Parliamentlive.tv) After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice. Williamson said the closures will affect all children, except to those of key workers and those who are most vulnerable. The closures will also apply to early years providers, sixth forms, further education colleges, independent schools and boarding schools. It also means exams will not take place in May and June, Williamson told MPs. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world Fact-checker: The number of Covid-19 cases in your local area Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu He added: This is a testing time for the whole nation, but by asking schools to look after the children of key workers [such as NHS staff and delivery drivers] and the most vulnerable, we will directly be saving peoples lives. His Labour counterpart, shadow education secretary Angela Rayner, asked him to guarantee that free school meals will be made available to all those eligible. A child walking to school in London on Wednesday morning. (REUTERS/Hannah McKay) Williamson said: We will be giving the schools the authority and ability to issue vouchers to every child immediately for next week. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the union supports the decision, though he added: The cancellation of GCSE and A-level exams will inevitably cause anxiety to students and we will work closely with Ofqual on ensuring that qualifications are awarded fairly and consistently in lieu of exams. Story continues The priority is now to focus on maintaining provision for vulnerable children and those of key workers. We know that many schools have already drawn up plans to do exactly that and are well ahead of the curve. Downing Street had previously resisted school closures, while insisting at the same time the option remained on the table. Sir Patrick Vallance, Number 10s chief scientific adviser, had told the health and social care committee on Tuesday that while school closures would have an effect, it would be to a lesser extent than the governments other interventions. Sir Patrick pointed out many children could be looked after by grandparents, many of whom would be at a higher risk. How to manage coronavirus anxiety In a bid to fend off COVID-19, Kerala has launched a 'break the chain' campaign, and a video shows commuters sanitising their hands soon after they get off a bus. Reports state that the Health Minister KK Shailaja Teacher inaugurated the mass campaign to sensitise the towards the importance of public and personal hygiene in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. Twitter Hindu Business Line quotes Shailaja as saying that the government has so far been able to contain the spread because of early surveillance and people's support. "We need to evolve personal hygiene as a healthy habit and wash our hands and face after coming into public contact. This can help break the chain of virus infection." Under the 'Break the Chain' campaign, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has installed water taps at public spots such as at the entry and exit gates of the railway stations with hand wash bottles. How decentralised health edu works? See commuters washing their hands after getting down from a bus in #Kerala's Calicut. Bcoz of Kerala govt's #BreakTheChain campaign, grassroot orgs have installed hand wash/sanitisers across public places like mofussil bus stops. #KeralaModel pic.twitter.com/VwrZsRjDpG Nidheesh M K (@mknid) March 18, 2020 It is also urging people to use hand sanitisers when they are outdoors. Sanitisers have also been made available in all offices. According to the Hindu Business Line, the Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (KSDP), a public sector undertaking based in Alappuzha, has begun production of hand sanitisers, to meet growing demands. The immediate target is to produce one lakh bottles in 10 days for the Kerala Medical Services Corporation. As reported by India Today, Kerala has already reported 30 COVID-19 cases and home quarantined 17,743 people so far. Additionally, around 18,472 people are under surveillance, of which 268 are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Twitter The Kerala government has decided to open COVID-19 care homes which can accommodate 5,000 people in isolation near all four airports in the state. "When more people from infected countries arrive in the state, we have to isolate them for minimum of 14 days to break the chain of viral transmission. It's not advisable to home quarantine them as the chances of risks are higher. The district administrations have already identified buildings and we can open such centres if emergency situation demands," Health Minister KK Shailaja Teacher told India Today. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aruna Harjani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 12:57 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd0fb3 1 Art & Culture #art,#culture,#festival,#ritual,#India,#Jakarta,#Navaratri,#craft Free Living far away from her homeland India, Shanthi Seshadri continues the tradition passed on to her by her elders in commemorating her familys culture and traditions. Every year Seshadri celebrates the Navaratri festival prayers of devotion to the three goddesses namely Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati which runs through for nine days. Seshadri hails from Tamil Nadu in the Southside of India. People from this area are known to celebrate the festival differently from the rest of their countrymen in India. This festival was started by our ancestors around 1,000 years ago at the end of the monsoon season. The soil becomes fertile after the rains that the farmers would scoop it and make dolls out of them just for fun, says Seshadri. After a few years, the farmers monetized from their creative soil dolls. They started making gods and goddesses dolls and people would buy and keep in their homes. Later on, they made other dolls like policemen, barbers and so on. Recently, the dolls formed adhered to the latest topics trending in India. The dolls are only available around three weeks before Navaratri festival. Multi-talented: An ardent believer of Lord Krishna, painter Shanthi Seshadri recreates the life story of Krishna in her living room in Jakarta. (Aruna Harjani/-) For Seshadri, it is her mother who buys the dolls for her which are then collected and kept in her home in Jakarta. She has been collecting her dolls for twenty-seven years now, which are placed in a triangle platform. Besides collecting dolls, Seshadri creates a theme using miniature dolls enhanced with Styrofoam, wood and water. Being an artist, I wanted to go beyond collecting dolls. This year, to welcome my grandson, I chose Lord Krishnas life story as my theme, said Seshadri, who last year created a miniature of San Francisco, and the year before that South Africa. Putting Kalinga in the right place: In this scene, Krishna shoos away the multi hooded Kalinga, the ferocious snake who poisoned the Yamuna river with his venom. (Aruna Harjani/-) In the mini-park in her Jakartas home, she portrayed several famous stories of Lord Krishna some of that which is, the birth of Krishna, and how his father Vasudeva carries him through the river to exchange him with another baby to protect him from Kamsa who wanted to kill him. She also highlighted the story of Krishna sitting on a serpents head that was poisoning the Yamuna River. Another one would be Krishna with his friend Sudhama. The latters belief in Krishna made him prosperous thus acquiring material wealth. Seshadri started her Krishna Park by throwing mud on her living room and allowing the mud to dry up. Using bricks and a garbage bag plastic she then made a mini river. The palaces and horses were all hands made using paper-mache. It took her almost forty days to complete her mini-park. Most of the time Seshadri, who is currently the President of India club, invites children from a nearby school to come and see her work. For this year, the kids get to learn the life of Lord Krishna, she says. Navaratri is a vibrant and colorful festival. Every year I invite around 500 people to come to my house to view my creations for the sake of a continuance of our tradition. I serve Prasad (religious food offering) to visitors. (ste) In Britain, Airbus and Rolls-Royce were among those that said they were looking to see what they could practically do to help. Jeremy Townsend, a spokesman for automaker Vauxhall, said: We are keen to assist at Vauxhall Motors Ellesmere Port plant. Once we have more details on the requirements, we will be able to analyze what we can do. Senators Booker and Harris Lead Roundtable Discussion on Issues Concerning African Americans When asked what challenges she and fellow Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) faced as Black candidates during their 2019 run for president, Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) urged everyone in the room to close their eyes. Then, imagine the boy next door and think of a four-letter word phrase that would define mine and Corys campaign, Harris said. You dont have it. It doesnt exist. So, we had to consistently explain who we are as people, and our character. ADVERTISEMENT It seemed quite the metaphor for a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 11. Led by Sens. Harris and Booker, the frank one-hour conversation tackled everything from voter suppression to the Coronavirus. Only journalists of color received an invitation to the event, which included remarks from Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and several others. The senators said they wanted to open the floor to issues that pertain mostly to African Americans. Kaine, who has openly championed the Black Press of America, said he was pleased that the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) was among the news organizations represented. The NNPA is a trade organization of the more than 220 African-American owned newspapers and media companies in the United States. ADVERTISEMENT Harris said the gathering was important, particularly since just 7.5 percent of American journalists are Black, and that was evident as she hit the campaign trail last year. I wish more Blacks were covering me, Harris continued. She noted that while campaigning for president, White journalists proved unfamiliar with her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority or the Divine 9. Another White reporter asked her why she chose to attend Howard University, a historically Black college and university. Howard University is referred to as the Mecca, Harris stated. Schumer said voting rights and protections are among the primary issues facing the country, particularly African Americans. One of the three worst decisions of this Supreme Court was Shelby County vs. Holder, which eliminated a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Schumer noted. Thats because [Chief Justice] John Roberts said theres no longer any racism. Because of the rising crisis that is the coronavirus, the senators each said theyre working diligently to ensure that Blacks and all Americans receive necessary relief. Coronavirus is the news thats driving the country and the world, Schumer proclaimed. Im very worried that the Presidents incompetence and lack of focus are hurting us. He seems more focused on the Stock Market than the supermarket, to quote Stacey Abrams. Schumer added that he hopes that President Trump refrains from attaching fighting the coronavirus to his campaign, thus minimizing the seriousness of the disease by making it a political issue. He needs to put people before corporations and take appropriate steps, Schumer stated. He outlined part of a proposal that hes working on with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Speaker Pelosi and I have called for, and the House will pass, paid sick leave for workers impacted by quarantine orders and not just those who cant work, but if schools are closed, it will apply. Schumer continued. Enhanced unemployment and do it quickly and do it fast. Food security, both in terms of SNAP and for many kids, their best meal is at school. So, we have to figure out a way to get those lunches and breakfast delivered to peoples homes if the kids are not going to school. We also have to have protection for frontline workers, and tests and the administration of tests shouldnt cost anything. Doctors shouldnt be allowed to charge a fee. This is a very important issue. Each of the senators stressed that universal health care is needed in the United States. They promised to work toward such a plan if Democrats can take back the Senate while maintaining control of the House this fall. Schumer, Booker, Harris, and the rest of their colleagues noted the importance of getting their message to journalists of color. This is a time where having a free press is more important than ever before, Booker said. I cant stress the importance of Black journalists and Black journalism, Harris stated. Had Ida B. Wells not been present with her voice and her willingness to speak on the issues of the day, the issues of lynching in America would not have taken on the dialogue it absolutely deserved. She started that discussion in a real way. JET Magazine. Had Emmett Tills mother not trusted Simeon Booker to appropriately tell her story and treat that photograph with dignity, the story of Emmett Till would not have taken on the importance that it did. @StacyBrownMedia @DrBenChavis @KamalaHarris @SenBooker @SenSchumer @timkaine @SenDougJones Someday, underwater robots may so closely mimic creatures like fish that theyll fool not only the real animals themselves but humans as well. That ability could yield information ranging from the health of fish stocks to the location of foreign watercraft. Such robots would need to be fast, efficient, highly maneuverable, and acoustically stealthy. In other words, they would have to be very much like bottlenose dolphins or killer whales. Were interested in developing the next generation of underwater vehicles so were trying to understand how dolphins and whales swim as efficiently as they do, says Keith W. Moored, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics in Lehigh Universitys P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Were studying how these animals are designed and whats beneficial about that design in terms of their swimming performance, or the fluid mechanics of how they swim. Moored is the principal investigator on a paper recently published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface that examined the fluid mechanics of cetacean propulsion by numerically simulating their oscillating tail fins. For the first time, Moore and his team were able to develop a model that could quantitatively predict how the motions of the fin should be tailored to its shape to maximize its efficiency. The research was part of a larger project supported by the Office of Naval Research under its Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative program. The project, which received more than $7 million in funding (with $1 million going to Lehigh) over more than five years, also included the University of Virginia, West Chester University, Princeton University, and Harvard University. The tail fins of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) come in a wide variety of shapes. The way these animals move their fins, or their kinematics, also varies. Some cetaceans may flap their fins at a greater amplitude, or pitch them at a steeper angle. Moored and his team wanted to better understand this interplay between the two variables to determine if tail fin shape was tailored to a specific set of kinematics. Using the shape and kinematic data for five cetacean species (with common names of bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, killer whale, false killer whale, and beluga whale), they ran simulations on each of the species to determine its propulsive efficiency. Then they swapped the data around, for example, running a simulation on the fin shape of a killer whale attached to the kinematics of a dolphin. We ran 25 of these swapped simulations, and we were really surprised, says Moored. The pseudo orca fin shape was always the best, meaning it was the most efficient. It didnt matter what kinematics we gave it. And the beluga whale kinematics were always the best, regardless of which shape it was attached to. We didnt expect that, so we started digging into it more and developed this relatively simplistic model of how efficiency scales with different kinematic and shape variables. The model worked well to capture the data that Moored and his team had already generated, so they extended their data set to examine any resulting trends. They found that their model not only predicted efficiency beyond their data set but also revealed that specific shapes were tailored to specific kinematics. One interesting revelation, says Moored, was the fundamental interplay between circulatory forces and added mass forces that contribute to an animals movement. Circulatory forces are those that generate lift, like with aircraft. A tail thats flapping up and down generates forces just like an aircraft, but it also generates added mass forces that have to do with how fast the fluid is being accelerated, says Moored. In the past, people didnt think those added mass forces were that relevant in cetacean swimming. Its not acknowledged at all in the previous literature. But we found that the accelerations of the fin are integral to predicting the trends of efficiency, and that was fascinating to us. It ultimately gives us a predictive model thats accurate. Without it, wed basically be saying that fin shape doesnt change the efficiency, and thats not true. Having a model that can predict performance based on shape and kinematics provides a basic design equation of sorts for building an underwater robot that performs like a cetacean. To date, these equations havent existed. And the potential for these machines is huge. Fast, efficient, and highly maneuverable fish-shaped robots could help researchers test hypotheses about how the animals swim, and better understand the behavior of fish schools. They could be used to detect submarines and other submersibles. They could also be used to monitor the impact of climate change on fish stock populations. Moored and his team have already moved on and expanded their scaling model to account for a larger range of variables they then validated with experimental data. Ultimately, they want to build a far more predictive model. One that captures the effects of these variables, and can then predict performance for a range of applications. This fish swimming problem is a really exciting problem because its so complicated, he says. Its fascinating to take this chaos of variables and see order in it, to see the structure in it, and to understand whats fundamentally happening. ### About Keith W. Moored Keith W. Moored is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Lehigh University, where he leads the Unsteady Flow Interactions Laboratory. He joined the faculty in 2013 and conducts research at the intersection of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and biology. He is currently a PI on an ONR MURI topic on nontraditional propulsion and received an NSF CAREER award in 2017. He is also affiliated with Lehighs Institute for Functional Materials and Devices (I-FMD). Mooreds research interests are related to bio-fluids and mechanics, bio-inspired engineering, and fluid-structure interactions. He has specific interests in unsteady fluid mechanics, biological flying and swimming, vortex dynamics, fluid instability, multiple-body fluid interactions/boundary interactions, cell motility, active structures, tensegrity structures, and cellular mechanics. He also has related interests in marine hydrokinetic and wind turbines. Moored grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and attended the University of Virginia, where he received a BS in aerospace engineering and a BA in physics (2004). He stayed at UVa to research the principles of bio-inspired propulsion based on the swimming of manta rays for his dissertation, receiving his PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering in 2010. From 2010 to 2013, he was a postdoctoral research associate and lecturer in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University. Additionally, in 2012, he sailed as faculty on Semester at Sea for the Engineering Maymester, a short-term voyage through South and Central America. Related Links: Streets and businesses were practically empty on Thursday in Lisbon, a day after the country declared a state of emergency in response to the new coronavirus. A few residents still had to travel to work and tourists wandered around without much to do. Portugal's president declared a national state of emergency on Wednesday night, granting authorities exceptional powers to help stunt the spread of COVID-19. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the move in a national televised address. The measure allows the government to place temporary limits on civil liberties, such as freedom of movement and the right to protest, and grants it special powers, including requisitioning private property. The government can also fix prices and stipulate what goods are manufactured. The armed forces can be deployed to enforce the measures. Full details on how the government will necessarily enforce this new measure have not yet been confirmed. Portugal on Wednesday reported a total of 642 cases, 194 higher than the previous day, and two deaths. The country has close ties with its neighbour Spain, which is one of the countries most affected by the outbreak. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Worldwide, more than 219,000 people have been infected and more than 8,900 have died. Over 84,000 have recovered, most of them in China. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Markus Makur (The Jakarta Post) Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara Thu, March 19, 2020 13:17 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd3843 1 National COVID-19,novel-coronavirus,coronavirus,East-Nusa-Tenggara,manggarai,Manggarai-raya Free Despite requests to cancel an ordination Mass for Siprianus Hormat, who was named the new bishop of Ruteng, following restrictions on mass gatherings amid the COVID-19 outbreak, organizers pressed ahead with the event in Ruteng district, Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, that was attended by hundreds of people on Thursday. The ordination Mass began at 9 a.m. at the Ruteng Cathedral on Thursday. Manggarai regent Deno Kamelus argued that the event was held under tight health screening with organizers providing hand sanitizer and checking the body temperatures of churchgoers before they entered the premise. He said around 1,500 people attended the event on Thursday. The visitors accounted for only 1 percent of the population of Manggarai Raya. The Manggarai regency administration and the organizers followed the protocols set by the central government, he told The Jakarta Post. He added that the administration would follow the policies set by the central government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Siprianus was ordained to lead the Catholic congregations in Manggarai Raya, which comprises Manggarai, East Manggarai and West Manggarai regencies. The administration decided to go ahead with the event, as it was scheduled months ago, Deno said. The administration and the organizers are also closely monitoring churchgoers from outside Manggarai while they are in Ruteng, he added. Previously, the head of the COVID-19 rapid-response team, Doni Monardo, had asked the Ruteng Archdiocese to postpone the ordination Mass to prevent spreading COVID-19. "We beg you to postpone the event on behalf of humanity," he said in a letter sent to the cardinal and Manggarai regent as quoted from Kompas.com. Doni expressed his concern that COVID-19 carriers could potentially transmit the virus to the elderly and the sick, who are especially vulnerable to the disease. Indonesia has recorded 227 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 13 provinces with 19 fatalities. (trn) LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. and TUCSON, Ariz., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- There are over 30 million children nationwide who rely heavily on school meals for their basic nutrition every day. SchoolFoodHandler.com has developed a first-in-the nation set of Standard Operating Procedures for schools who are now serving breakfasts and lunch in a never before done way. Bart Christian and West Christian "During this period of uncertainty and change school districts nationwide are in uncharted territory. All across the country child nutrition heroes are stepping up to ensure that there are no hungry children in their communities," said Bart Christian, Chairman of the Board of Food Handler Solutions and SchoolFoodHandler.com. He is a nationally recognized speaker with over 25 years in food safety education and has authored two top-selling books along with more than 100 food safety education plans used by K-12 child nutrition departments nationwide. "We recognized there was absolutely no guidance for school districts on these new non-congregate feeding procedures. The moment school closures were first announced we immediately put our team to work so the first day back school districts would have access to the information they needed. All of us at SchoolFoodHandler.com prioritize the health and safety of our community and loved ones above all else," said West Christian, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Operations, who has more than 12 years in the food safety and restaurant market and has performed education sessions across the country. These procedures can be downloaded at http://schoolfoodhandler.com/non-congregate-feeding-k12 In addition, here are 9 quick tips for child nutrition departments to ensure that meals are being served in manner that ensures the health and safety of both their customers and their staff. 1. Be sure all staff, delivery drivers and volunteers are properly trained. A free national, accredited food safety course is available at www.FoodHandlerSolutions.com/coronavirus 2. Use common sense in terms of personal health. Wash your hands throughout the day, stay home if you are sick and sneeze or cough cover your mouth properly. 3. Clean and disinfect every "touch" surface like carts, doorknobs and push bars, faucet and equipment handles to name a few, over and over again during the day. 4. Follow standard operating procedures for Hand Washing, Personal Hygiene, Holding Foods along with Proper Glove Use throughout the day. These are all available at http://schoolfoodhandler.com/non-congregate-feeding-k12 5. If shelf-stable foods are used, be sure to abide by the FIFO rule "First In, First Out" 6. When packing all foods, wear food service gloves. Some people who show no signs of the virus may still be carrying the pathogen. The virus has shown to have an extended life on surfaces. 7. Before serving, it might be a good idea to label meals with a "prep date" and/or "consume by date." This particularly important where shelf-stable foods are not being used. 8. When serving meals to children in their cars or from a delivery vehicle (like a school bus), wear food service gloves at all times even if food is sealed in a container. Wearing gloves will instill confidence that you are doing everything you can to protect the food from possible contamination. Remove gloves if they come into contact with another person or a surface that may not have been disinfected. 9. At the end of the day wash, rinse and sanitize all food contact surfaces and disinfect and sanitize all non-food contact and touch surfaces. "Thank you for this wonderful resource. I appreciate the quick response and the understanding of what is needed before it is even asked for! The fact that you put in the work and offered it up as a free resource to everyone speaks volumes," said Cory Alexander, Child Nutrition Director at Osborn School District in Phoenix, AZ. "Our mission in this fight against COVID-19 is to provide the best tools and education to school districts nationwide. Child nutrition safety is our passion," said Bart Christian. About the Company Food Handler Solutions - www.FoodHandlerSolutions.com / www.SchoolFoodHandler.com - is a food safety training company that provides ANSI Accredited Food Safety Education programs across the United States. Established in 2015, Food Handler Solutions provides training and tracking tools for school and restaurant food handlers. Food Handler Solutions has offices in Tucson, AZ and Laguna Beach, CA. For more information, please call: West Christian at 888-455-6411 or email [email protected] Bart Christian at 520-850-3259 or email [email protected] SOURCE Food Handler Solutions : The Tamil Nadu archeology department has ordered the closure of the famous Dansborg fort in this district till March 31, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The majestic Dansborg fort, a 400-year-old Danish monument, situated at the sea front at Tarangambadi, was built in the year 1620 AD when Tarangambadi became Denmark's chief overseas settlement. The Danes built churches, bungalows for Danish Governors, guest houses and the King and Queen Streets, all near the seashore. With a clean beach and all these monuments, Tarangambadi attracts thousands of tourists every day. To prevent the possible spread of coronavirus, the archeology department has announced that the fort and the archeological museum functioning inside the fort will remain closed till March 31. With the major tourist attraction closed, the Tarangambadibeach wears a deserted look. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Nigerian Air Force has acquired 22 new aircraft in the last four and half years, with another 16 due for delivery soon. Air Force Chief, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar made this known in Ado Ekiti during a visit to Governor Kayode Fayemi. Abubakar said the force has the capacity to ensure the security of all Nigerians. He said the Air Force is expecting an additional Mi-17 helicopter, expected to arrive in April. The Air Force is also expecting the delivery of three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft and 12 Super Tucano attack aircraft. The latter would be delivered to the NAF in November and early 2022. The NAF, working in synergy with other security agencies, will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that Nigerians remain secured, wherever they live in the country, Abubakar said. He said that NAF, in furtherance of President Muhammadu Buharis policy thrust of ensuring the security of all Nigerians, had established 13 new units across the country in the past four and a half years or there about. He said these included Quick Response Groups (QRGs) and Wings (QRWs) as well as Detachments at Ipetu Ijesha in Osun , Gusau in Zamfara State and Owerri in Imo. Other units, he said, were in Daura and Katsina in Katsina State, Gembu in Taraba and Agatu in Benue as well as a Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) at Kerang in Plateau. Abubakar said he came to Ekiti to assess the site for the proposed International Agro-Allied Cargo Airport being developed by the Ekiti Government. He said that he was excited about the Ado-Ekiti Airport project because it would further boost the ability of the NAF to project air power in the South West Zone, since the Service would be able to conduct operations from the Airport. He said the socio-economic benefits of such a project would also have a positive impact on security as many youths would be employed and economic activities would undoubtedly receive a boost. The Air Force Chief assured Governor Fayemi as well as the Government and people of Ekiti of the NAFs support towards the realisation of the project Fayemi, expressed delight to have the the CAS visit Ekiti in what he termed a historic visit. He said that he was delighted by the promptness of Abubakars responses to the requests made concerning the actualisation of the Ekiti Airport Project. MEXICO CITY Another year, another homicide total unseen before in Mexicos modern history as the country struggles to check rising violence. Cartels and other criminal groups that hold sway over large swaths of territory are blamed for much of it, warring with each other and preying on local populations in places where the state, especially local authority, is weak or even in cahoots with the gangs. Heres a look at Mexicos criminal underworld today: THE PLAYERS In its latest National Drug Threat Assessment, published early this year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration lists six Mexican criminal organizations as having significant trafficking impact on the United States: Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, Beltran-Leyva, Juarez, Gulf and the Zetas. But experts say most of the cartels have been splintered into competing factions in recent years, and today only Sinaloa and Jalisco meet the traditional conception of cohesive organizations with a large footprint. There are also other smaller, more local outfits. Sinaloa, long led by notorious kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who is serving a life sentence at a Colorado supermax, is based out of the Pacific coast state of the same name but has a presence in much of the country, sometimes via allied local proxies. Sinaloa survived an apparent power dispute after Guzmans extradition that ended with the capture of cartel figure Damaso Lopez in 2017 and the surrender of his son. Today Guzman associate Ismael El Mayo Zambada and Guzmans sons, known as los Chapitos or the little Chapos, are believed to be firmly in control. Jalisco, based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, is Mexicos fastest rising cartel, aggressively expansionist and not shying away from brazen, brutal tactics such as the October 2019 massacre of 13 police officers in Michoacan or the mass dumping in August of 19 bodies in the same state. CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, is one of the most wanted men by both Mexico and the United States; the latter has offered a $10 million reward for his capture. The DEA says Jalisco is present in at least 24 of Mexicos 32 states. ___ THE CONFLICTS There are turf wars in many states, often between local groups or rival factions of erstwhile allies or even proxies for the big cartels. Jaliscos ambition to expand and subsume smaller groups all over the country is seen as driving much of the conflict. Experts say Jalisco is fighting Sinaloa in places from Tijuana, across from San Diego; to Zacatecas, in central Mexico; to Quintana Roo, home to Cancun and other popular Caribbean resorts. Its fighting Gulf and Zetas splinters in Veracruz, along the Gulf of Mexico. And in states such as Guerrero and Michoacan, against local groups such as Los Viagras. Michoacan has seen some of the most shocking violence so far in 2020, such as the massacre in early February of nine people including four boys at a video arcade. Sinaloa is also in conflict with Juarez remnants and proxies in the border area of the northern states of Chihuahua and Sonora; it was here that three women and six children from the U.S.-Mexican Mormon community were ambushed and shot dead in November along a rural mountain road. Sinaloa is also said to be supporting some local groups in their fights against Jalisco. Zetas and Gulf offshoots are disputing control of the eastern part of Mexicos border with Texas, including the Gulf coast state of Tamaulipas, a key smuggling corridor. Scott Stewart, a vice president and security analyst for global intelligence firm Statfor, said Jalisco has also made a play there including in Reynosa, across from McAllen, Texas. He called the conflict in Reynosa a free-for-all with little likelihood of a single figure emerging to control the plaza anytime soon. ___ THE DRUGS The DEA says Mexican cartels continue to export significant quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl to U.S. markets. According to a February report by Stratfor, synthetics such as meth and fentanyl offer the largest profit margins. Production appears to be exceeding U.S. demand, it said, and cartels have begun looking to ship synthetics to new markets in places like Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Precursor drugs are often imported from China. Stratfor also noted an increase in 2019 in production of concentrated cannabis oil. Often smuggled in buckets, its more compact and easier to move across the border than the huge marijuana bales of old and can be used to make edibles and other products. Most cross-border drug smuggling happens through ports of entry in private vehicles or mixed in with legitimate cargo on tractor-trailer trucks, according to the DEA. Cartels, mostly Sinaloa, employ underground tunnels to California and Arizona. They also use cargo trains, passenger buses, boats and individuals carrying loads in backpacks. The DEA says cartels use light aircraft for drug drops, mostly marijuana. Drone use is currently limited to small loads, though that could change if their carrying capacity is increased. ___ OTHER INTERESTS Cartels and gangs arent just in the business of smuggling drugs and fighting each other. Rather, they have diversified into a range of illegal activities such as extorting businesses Coca-Cola Femsa was forced to shutter a bottling plant in Guerrero in 2018, and last year a Ford dealership in Guanajuato closed after it was shot up. Criminal groups are also involved in kidnapping, people-smuggling and theft of cargo and fuel. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors government has prioritized cracking down on fuel theft and says it has dramatically reduced incidence rates, but that has come with its own unwelcome side effects in Guanajuato, the Santa Rosa gang has turned from fuel theft to extortion. A notable exception, according to security consultant Samuel Gonzalez, who previously headed up the Mexican Attorney Generals Offices now-defunct Special Organized Crime Unit, is the Sinaloa cartel, which he said has basically stuck to the traditional business of moving drugs: They have not wanted to get involved in other areas. ___ TACKLING THE GANGS? Lopez Obrador espouses what he calls hugs not bullets, emphasizing addressing root social causes of criminality such as poverty, inequality and joblessness. Thats at least a rhetorical departure from his two immediate predecessors, the latter of whom launched Mexicos militarized anti-cartel offensive in 2006. Lopez has restructured security forces under a new National Guard, with tens of thousands of troops drawn mostly from police and the armed forces. But immediately upon deployment last year, many Guardsmen were diverted to immigration enforcement following pressure from Washington. Last October saw a security operation in Culiacan, the cradle of the Sinaloa Cartel, that cornered one of El Chapos sons. After gunmen with high-caliber weapons paralyzed the city with gunbattles, blockades and burned vehicles, authorities ordered a retreat and the son was allowed to go free to prevent further loss of life. That decision prompted questions about whether the federal government has a realistic strategy to achieve security. Lopez Obrador, in office since December 2018, says it will take time for his holistic approach to bear fruit. He has also said that white-collar crime such as corruption has done more damage than the cartels. Both gangland violence and corruption are problems that well precede his administration. Since then-President Felipe Calderon launched a militarized anti-cartel offensive in 2006, homicide rates are up more than triple. Mexico recorded 35,588 murders in 2019, the most since comparable records began to be kept in the 1990s, although the rate of increase was 2.7% significantly below recent years. The rule of law is broadly wanting in Mexico over 90% of all crimes go unpunished and many areas lack firm regional control, either by government or a strong gang. Two National Data Centres, one in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and another in Guwahati, Assam, are in the process of being set up, Parliament was informed on Thursday. Outlining the plans for the centre in Bhopal, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Sanjay Dhotre in a written reply in Rajya Sabha said, "a 1,500-rack National Data Centre shall be established in a phased manner including infrastructure for complete operational and management support". Five acres of land in IT-Park, Bhopal, was allotted to National Informatics Centre (NIC) by the Madhya Pradesh government, for establishment of the data centre at Bhopal. "In the first phase of the project, 250-rack state-of-art... Data Centre will be setup with an expansion capability to 500 racks. Subsequent phases shall be taken up later as per the demand," he said. The project execution has commenced and is expected to be completed in two and half years, he said. A National Data Centre has been planned at Guwahati, Assam, he informed. "The establishment of 200-rack National Data Centre in north eastern region is likely to be started soon and is expected to be completed in two and half years," he said. Assam government has already allotted land for the project, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five paramedical students on their way to the Nilgiris on a holiday travel were killed when their vehicle rammed into a cement-laden lorry from behind in Tirupur district early Thursday, police said. The students, part of a group of seven, had started their journey around 3 am to the Nilgiris, popular for its mountain ranges, after the institute they studied in Salem suspended classes due to the coronavirus pandemic. The rest two students suffered serious injuries and have been admitted to a hospital, police said. The accident happened around 6 am near Avanshi area, some 40 km from Coimbatore, when the vehicle the students were travelling dashed into the lorry coming to Coimbatore from Andhra Pradesh. Further details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two women tested positive for coronavirus in Mumbai metropolitan region on Thursday, taking the number of such cases in Maharashtra to 47, officials said. While one woman had returned from the UK, another one had come back from Dubai, they said. "A 22-year-old woman from Mumbai tested positive for Covid-19. She had returned from the UK. Another woman, a resident of Ulhas Nagar, had returned from Dubai. She is 49- year-old," an official said. With this, the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has climbed to 47, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MetService is forecasting changeable weather to continue into the weekend. A front makes its way across the country today and tomorrow, bringing showers to much of New Zealand. The cold front moving across the South Island will drop daytime temperatures below average for this time of year tomorrow and Saturday for many. Places along the southern and eastern areas of the South Island will be as low as 6C below their March average," says MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee. By the end of tomorrow, the front weakens over the North Island but a deep low takes aim at the country for the weekend. Another front associated with the low brings rain to the South Island on Saturday, with heavier falls about western and southern areas of the South Island, and lighter rain in the east, north of Christchurch. Then on Sunday, the North Island will be in line to get rain as the front moves northwards, unlike the weakening front tomorrow the front will be strong enough to produce wet weather for much of the Island. Areas in the upper North Island that are in desperate need of wet weather will be welcoming the news that the front is potentially bringing a band of rain late Sunday and early Monday as the front stalls. "There is still some uncertainty as to which areas will be benefiting the most from the rain band but closer to the end of the weekend, we should have a clearer idea of what is in store." New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta, one of the four death-row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, against the dismissal of his juvenility claim. A six-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana dismissed the plea, saying "no case is made out". "The application for oral hearing is rejected. We have gone through the curative petition and the relevant documents. In our opinion, no case is made out... Hence, the curative petition is dismissed," said the bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, RF Nariman, R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and AS Bopanna. On March 5, a trial court issued fresh black warrants for the execution of all the four convicts in the case - Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31) - in Tihar Jail at 5.30 am on March 20. All the convicts have exhausted their legal remedies and constitutional remedies with the filing of their mercy petitions, which have been rejected by the president. Shares in Aer Lingus owner IAG plunged 9% and Ryanair fell more than 1% as the crisis for international airlines, in the wake of the spread of the Covid-19 virus, deepened. German carrier Lufthansa warned the industry might not survive without state aid if the coronavirus pandemic lasts a long time, and Australias Qantas Airways told most of its 30,000 staff to take leave. Elsewhere, EY has taken control of Connect Airways the holding company of recently collapsed Flybe and Aer Lingus Regional operator Stobart Air with it falling into administration. Stobart Air is now 51% owned by staff and 49% by EY. The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organisation called on governments to ensure cargo operations are not disrupted to maintain the availability of critical medicine and equipment such as ventilators and masks that will help fight the virus. The spread of the coronavirus has placed the entire global economy and our company as well in an unprecedented state of emergency, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said. At present, no one can foresee the consequences. His comments echo other industry executives who have called for state support now that passenger operations are collapsing at an unprecedented rate as governments curb travel drastically and demand slumps. Lufthansa, which has parked 700 of its 763 aircraft, said it did not need state support yet as it slashes costs, but painted a bleak picture for the industry and its suppliers. Mr Spohr said his company was in talks with planemakers Airbus and Boeing about whether to take delivery of aircraft it had ordered, and on payments. We had planned this year to receive a new plane every 10 days - now we dont need any, he said. He predicted the industry would emerge into a different world after the crisis, saying the need for airline partnerships would only become more pressing. Global airlines group IATA has forecast the industry will need up to $200bn (183bn) of state support, piling pressure on governments facing demands from all quarters and a rapid worsening in public finances as economies slump. Shares in US airlines fell sharply after Washington proposed a rescue package of $50bn in loans, but no grants as the industry had requested, to help address the financial impact from crisis. The Trump administrations lending proposal would require airlines to maintain a certain amount of service and limit increases in executive pay until the loans are repaid. India is planning a rescue package of up to $1.6bn to aid carriers battered by coronavirus. New Zealand outlined the first tranche of a NZ$600m aviation relief package, as it announced plans to shut its borders to non-citizens and non-residents. - Additional reporting Reuters Two weddings in Lakewood, NJ, were broken up by police Tuesday night as state officials continued to warn against large gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak. Officers responded to the separate celebrations one at Fountain Ballroom on Vassar Avenue and the other at Lake Terrace on Oak Street around 8 p.m. and told venue staff that gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. The workers and attendees then dispersed, he said. We stress that the public do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by obeying the guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey and encourage cleaning your hands often, staying home if your sick, covering coughs and sneezes, consider wearing a face mask if you arent feeling well, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and practice social distancing, Staffordsmith said. The events exemplify the challenge of convincing people to follow local and state public health restrictions aimed at helping stop the spread of the fast-moving virus, law enforcement officers said. On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy banned gatherings of more than 50 people and has urged residents not to treat the situation like an extended spring break. The Trump administration has said gatherings should be limited to 10 people. Lakewood police plan to strictly enforce Murphys order in the coming weeks and are sending reminders to venues throughout town about size limits, Staffordsmith said. Mayor Raymond Coles said the township attorney is researching whether any local ordinances would allow officials to enact a temporary penalty for fine against those who hold large gatherings amid the pandemic. Youd hope you wouldnt have to with everything going on in the news, Coles said. But if we stop this thing from spreading now, then we can get back to our lives more quickly... We need to respect the restrictions." Still, Coles said he sympathizes for those forced to cancel or postpone weddings that are often planned months in advance. He said both venues thought Murphys restrictions on gatherings had not yet gone into effect. Neither venue immediately responded to a request for comment. The state rules will also greatly disrupt the large Orthodox community in Lakewood, where gatherings play a big part of everyday life and the religion, Coles said. Two-thirds of the townships 100,000 residents are Orthodox. In a letter to the Lakewood Scoop, local doctor Robert Shanik said on Wednesday that no religious leaders should be meeting with students during the outbreak and suggested all learning be done over the phone. And all of the 200 synagogues and 130 yeshivas in the township have shut down prayer services or limited them to small groups, according to Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg, spokesman for the local Jewish communal organization Lakewood Vaad. Shiva, the Jewish ritual in which mourners pay condolences to the family of a deceased person at their home, is also being done by phone, he said. This is a very concentrated close-knit community. Many day-to-day activities and religious customs are done in group settings, so its a bit of a learning curve, Weisberg said. But an incident here or there should not reflect the community. There were three reported coronavirus cases in Ocean County as of Tuesday afternoon. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Find NJ.com on Facebook. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Workers who self-quarantine for coronavirus can sue employer if theyre fired, law professor says Burger King offering free kids meals during coronavirus pandemic Stocks fall another 5%; investors dash for cash amid recession fears Trump invokes emergency authority; Big 3 automakers closing NY begins distributing free hand sanitizer to counties More African countries closed their borders Thursday as the coronavirus' local spread threatened to turn the continent of 1.3 billion people into an alarming new front for the pandemic. About 10 days ago we had about five countries with the virus, WHO's Africa chief Dr. Matshidiso Moeti told reporters. Now 34 of Africa's 54 countries have cases, with the total close to 650. It's an extremely rapid evolution," she said. In fact, the first sub-Saharan Africa case was announced Feb. 28. She said she did not believe that large numbers of infected people are going undetected in Africa. However, she did acknowledge a challenge in the shortage of testing kits. Forty-three countries have testing capability, up from two when the outbreak began. The WHO regional chief also expressed concern about travel restrictions and their impact on the ability to deliver needed resources. The WHO is considering humanitarian corridors, Moeti said. But many African nations were taking their cue from China and other countries by sharply restricting travel. On Thursday, Senegal closed its airspace. Angola and Cameroon shut air, land and sea borders. Rwanda blocked all commercial flights for a month. The island nation of Mauritius closed its border after announcing its first case. Some people in other countries clamored for their governments to block flights, too. To stop this virus once and for all is to stop any flight that will land to (Nairobi's international airport). Let them stop, said Uhuru Evans, a bus driver in the capital of Kenya, East Africa's economic hub. He offered hand sanitizer to passengers as they boarded. Since it was announced that it has reached Kenya, I am refusing to take customers to the airport, said Peter Muteru, a taxi driver. It has reached a point where I carry only people I know. Some African nations also began cracking down on alcohol sales to help prevent the coronavirus' spread. South Africa where the number of cases jumped to 150 from 116 said all places that sell alcohol for drinking on site must close from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. And they must accommodate less than 50 people at a time or close immediately. Authorities have raised concerns about crowded drinking spots in the country with the most cases in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has barred attendance at bars and clubs, calling limiting merry-making a new front in virus prevention. Drunkards sit close to one another. They speak with saliva coming out of their mouth. They are a danger to themselves, he said. While some worried people pushed for testing, the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. John Nkengasong, warned that simply being tested shouldn't end anyone's concerns. If you are tested today, it doesn't mean you aren't infected tomorrow, he told reporters. Meanwhile, a day after the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia issued a security alert about reports of attacks on foreigners accused of having the virus, that country's health minister appealed for calm. COVID-19 is not related to any country or nationality, Lia Tadesse said. It is a test against all humanity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence oversaw the recruitment and training of jihadists from Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Islamic countries to fight against Soviet troops. The Soviet Armys withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, at the end of a decade-long war, was seen as a major victory for jihadi fighters and for the I.S.I., which came to view it as proof that jihad was viable as a military strategy. At the I.S.I.s direction, according to Indian officials as well as Pakistani scholars, jihadi groups in Pakistan shifted their attention to a new, supposedly Islamic cause: liberating Kashmir from Indian rule. Their goal was to embolden Muslim separatists in Kashmir by carrying out terrorist attacks against India. A prominent group assigned to the task was the Harkat-ul-Mujahedeen, and one of its new members in 1989 was a bright 20-year-old son of a government schoolteacher who had graduated from a seminary in Karachi. His name was Masood Azhar. The Harkat-ul-Mujahedeen sent Azhar to train at a camp in Afghanistan. The instructors discovered that his physical capabilities didnt quite match his ideological fervor. Despite being in his early 20s, he was soft around the middle, not quite cut out for the rigors of jihadi boot camp. And so, after he was there for a week and learned the basics of firing a Kalashnikov, the trainers exempted him from the remainder of the 40-day course. Harkat-ul-Mujahedeens leader decided that Azhars talents would be better exploited in producing a monthly magazine on behalf of the organization called Sadai-e-Mujahid (Voice of the Mujahid). With a print run of about 1,000, nearly all of which were distributed free at mosques, the magazine detailed the heroic accomplishments of the mujahedeen in Afghanistan, inspiring a reverence among mosque-goers that translated into a steady stream of new recruits for the group. And the publication of the groups bank account number in each issue helped bring in substantial donations every year. The magazines success quickly propelled Azhar into Harkat-ul-Mujahedeens leadership ranks. He was also proving himself to be a gifted orator. On trips to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Britain, he delivered passionate speeches exhorting audiences at mosques and seminaries to do their part for jihad, which brought funds pouring into the groups coffers. An account of his British tour in the September 1993 issue of Sadai-e-Mujahid describes a series of sermons at mosques across Britain, with titles like Virgins Yearn Badly for Martyrs. By this time, Azhar had begun working directly on the cause in Kashmir, where Indias efforts to crush a popular uprising through brute force were backfiring. Indian soldiers, seen by many in the Kashmir Valley as an occupying force, had been accused of large-scale abuses rape, torture and, in some cases, disappearing men suspected of having links to militant groups. The brutalities left many seething. Azhar visited towns in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (also referred to as Azad Kashmir) to deliver public lectures urging young men to join the fight against Indian security forces across the Line of Control. In 1994, Azhar, using a Portuguese passport, traveled to Srinagar and met with a militant commander in Kashmir named Sajjad Afghani, a veteran of the Soviet-Afghan war. On Feb. 11, Azhar and Afghani were driving back from a meeting when their car ran out of gas. They hailed an auto-rickshaw to get to a gas station, but the vehicle was intercepted at an army checkpoint. Azhar and Afghani were sent to a prison in Jammu whose inmates included several Pakistani and Kashmiri militants. In prison, Azhars preaching quickly gained him a following. A visitor who came to see him regularly was Avinash Mohananey, at the time a senior official in Indias Intelligence Bureau. Last year in New Delhi, I met with Mohananey, who is now retired. He described Azhar as a pleasant conversationalist who was always cooperative. Once, after being slapped by an army official who had come to question him in prison, Azhar complained to Mohananey in language that, at least in Mohananeys view, suggested a desire for self-preservation at odds with Azhars promotion of violent jihad. Even my father has never slapped me, Mohananey recounted Azhar saying. When I heard that, I wondered if it wasnt more a reflection of wounded pride than an indication of cowardice. Over the course of these conversations, Mohananey said, Azhar shared details that enabled Mohananey and his colleagues to learn how terrorist outfits in Pakistan were operating. The groups ran charity organizations that raised money from businesses as well as individuals going door to door to ask people to donate hides from animals sacrificed for the religious festival of Eid, for instance, which were then auctioned. Only a small fraction of the funds raised was used for charity, he explained; a considerable part was spent on recruiting jihadists. Whenever a militant was killed by Indian security forces, Azhar told Mohananey, the organizations leaders would visit the family of the deceased and honor his memory in a public gathering. A physician Abington Hospitals coronavirus testing tent indicates which vehicle they need to visit next with the tray containing the test kit on Tuesday. Read more The coronavirus pandemic took a significant turn in the Philadelphia region on Wednesday, as Montgomery County became the first in the state to announce it would stop tracing how someone caught the virus, acknowledging that it can be passed along just through normal activity. In several cases, officials have been unable to identify the source of the coronavirus, said Val Arkoosh, chair of the county Board of Commissioners. The 42 cases in Montgomery County, including a hospitalized 1-year-old, are by far the most in the state. We are assuming that there is community spread,' Arkoosh said, meaning that you might get it just from normal activity. On a day when the region and most of the nation remained in a state of shutdown that evoked a prolonged and nightmarish snow day, Pennsylvania reported its first coronavirus-related death, identified only as an adult from Northampton County," and Gov. Tom Wolf predicted it would be the first of what will become many. Five deaths have occurred in New Jersey. The number of cases in both states has climbed well into the hundreds, and in all likelihood only a small percentage of those with symptoms have been tested. Cases are increasing at an exponential pace, Wolf said in a live-streamed address Wednesday evening. We are clearly in a rapid growth phase of this epidemic, Philadelphia Public Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said, and I expect that to continue. Confirmed cases in the city doubled Wednesday to 34, he said, 19 of whom are under age 40. Five have been hospitalized. Farley said officials are developing a testing site near the stadiums in South Philadelphia that they hope to open soon. Montgomery County is planning to set up a drive-through site on Temple Universitys Ambler Campus, Arkoosh said. The state has been in talks to open two federally supported public testing sites in the region, said Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. It was not disclosed where they would be located, and it was unclear whether people would need a doctors note to be tested. And in New Jersey, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said that a mobile testing site run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be open in Bergen County by Friday, and another should be ready next week in Monmouth County. Murphy said that the Trump administration is considering his request to enlist the Army Corps of Engineers to help build temporary hospital facilities in the state, and that he would meet with Corps officials Thursday. Persichilli said New Jersey will add about 500 beds in the next three to four weeks, and officials are expecting to reopen the former Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury, which would add 300 more. Meanwhile, hospitals were confronting blood shortages. The American Red Cross and the medical facilities it supplies are experiencing a massive blood shortage as an unprecedented number of blood drives have been canceled regionally and across the country with workplaces and schools have closed. READ MORE: Philadelphia area hospitals conserving blood amid nationwide donation shortfall More than 200 blood drives have been canceled over the last eight days in Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware, resulting in a shortfall of more than 7,000 blood donations, said Alana Mauger, communications manager for Red Cross Blood Services for the Penn-Jersey region. Local hospitals are working to conserve the blood supplies they have, and officials are urging healthy residents to donate blood as soon as possible. As preparations for its spread ramped up, the pandemics disruptive force on the business of life intensified Wednesday, and it was unclear when normality might make a comeback. After a 30-year-old visitor from New York City tested positive at a local health care facility, the Cape May County Department of Health asked out-of-state residents to please stay away. Schools remain closed, and in Philadelphia, the School District has issued an edict against offering pupils remote instruction, citing equity issues. We may not offer remote instruction to some students unless we can serve all children, read a memo sent Tuesday night by district officials and obtained by The Inquirer. As we all know, some of our students have special instructional needs, some lack access to a computer, and some will have responsibility for taking care of younger siblings or older relatives while their parents are at work." It was not clear how many students would be affected. Coronavirus fears evidently have stirred ugliness in Chinatown. John Chin, executive director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp., said Wednesday that he had requested additional police presence in the neighborhood after increasing incidents of racial intimidation and harassment. The virus was first found in China. I have spoken to some of the business owners, and they are scared, Chin said. I can tell you that the businesses are worried. They are afraid for their physical safety. Citing this false idea that Chinese people should be blamed for this coronavirus, he said that residents have described being shouted at in the street and harassed on city buses." On the day after Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw notified commanders that police would delay arrests for nonviolent crimes, including drug offenses and theft, she said Wednesday that police would not turn a blind eye to crime. She said that even if alleged offenders arent jailed, they will be detained at the scene to be fingerprinted and identified, and police will submit paperwork for charges to be filed later. No one will escape accountability for the crimes that they commit, she said. Law enforcement agencies elsewhere in the region are confronting issues such as how to deal with minor crimes and how to patrol neighborhoods without coming into close contact with residents. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal on Monday issued guidelines to law-enforcement agencies across the state, telling them to consider delaying the filing of charges in cases not imminently impacting public safety. Camden County Police Chief Joseph Wysocki posted on Facebook that the police presence would strengthen around Camden grocery stores. READ MORE: Grocery store workers are suddenly on the front lines in the coronavirus outbreak, and theyre anxious Officers also will continue to patrol neighborhoods, but new safety measures might require residents to meet police outside. In Bucks County, District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said: Were all human beings first, were all in this together, but we need to maintain order. And we need to give the public confidence that order is being maintained, especially in a time of crisis like this. The bottom line is to try to use common sense to stay safe and let people know that the police are still answering calls. Staff writers Anna Orso, Mike Newall, Vinny Vella, Amy S. Rosenberg, and Julie Shaw contributed to this article. The Calcutta High Court has struck down the Central Government's notice directing Polish student, Kamil Siedczynski to leave India after he was seen as part of a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Siedcznski, a student at Kolkatas Jadavpur University, was issued the Leave India notice in February a month after he participated in the rally. He was asked to leave by March 10. The Calcutta HC on Wednesday held that the expulsion of the petitioner during subsistence of his visa, without having committed any penal offence, would send a wrong message to the world about India in general. Rejecting the government's argument that the decision to serve the Leave India Notice on Siedczynski was based on confidential reports, for participating in political activities that were critical of an act of the Indian Parliament and that he not claim rights under Article 19 of the Constitution, since the same is only available to Indian citizens the court pointed out that Siedczynski would still be entitled to rights under Article 21 to life and personal liberty, which cannot be curtailed in violation of the procedure established by law. "A perusal of Article 19 of the Constitution of India shows that the rights provided therein have been conferred upon citizens of India. However, such rights are not specifically excluded by the said provision in respect of foreigners. In the event the right to life and liberty and associated rights are curtailed by any government action, the same is always subject to judicial scrutiny on the yardstick of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India It is evident from the language of the Constitution that Articles 14, 20, 21 and 22 apply to all human beings living in India and is not restricted to her citizens only," the court said. The court also said that the participation Siedczynski in the Anti-CAA rally by itself "cannot be labelled as political activity, let alone being unlawful under any Indian statute, including the Citizenship Act,1946. bccl Earlier, in a similar incident, a German national who was studying in IIT Madras was asked to leave the country after he took part in an anti-CAA demonstration on the campus. The postgraduate student of physics was seen at one of the protests by students on the campus against the CAA and NRC holding a poster that read 1933 to 1945; We Have Been There, referring to how Jews were targeted and eventually led to the holocaust in Nazi Germany under Hitler. A ctress Gal Gadot led a star-studded cover of John Lennons Imagine as celebrities including Natalie Portman and Jamie Dornan attempted to lift spirits amid the coronavirus outbreak. In a video viewed more than two million times on Instagram, Israeli Wonder Woman star Gadot explains she has been in isolation for six days and the global crisis has left her feeling philosophical. The 34-year-old added she had been inspired by a viral video from Italy which is in lockdown after being devastated by the virus of a man playing Imagine on his trumpet while quarantined neighbours join in from their homes. Gadot sang the intro to Lennons 1971 classic before a host of celebrities took it in turns to sing portions of the song. Celebrities reacting to coronavirus - In pictures 1 /34 Celebrities reacting to coronavirus - In pictures Gigi Hadid with boyfriend Zayn Malik and sister Bella during her quarantined 25th birthday celebration Instagram / @gigihadid Joe Jonas and Sophia Turner have turned their isolation boredom into hilarious TikTok content TikTok Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie have been very active on TikTok TikTok Gigi Hadid celebrated her 25th birthday with family while in quarantine Instagram / @gigihadid Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have been able to enjoy time with their kids Instagram / @chrissyteigen Katy Perry recorded herself for American Idol in a life sized hand sanitizer bottle Instagram / @katyperry Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were the first celebrities to have a confirmed case and kept us updated on their recovery journey on Twitter and Instagram Instagram / @tomhanks Demi Moore and Bruce Willis in matching pajamas with their daughter and her boyfriend Instagram / @buuski Kaia Gerber adopted a puppy to keep her company Instagram / @kaiagerber Helena Christensen has been having her son take glam Instagram photos for her Instagram Brooklyn Beckham in quarantine with his girlfriend Nicola Peltz Instagram Matthew McConaughey played virtual bingo with seniors The Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living/Facebook Kim Kardashian on a flight wearing a face mask and gloves @kimkardashian Naomi Campbell preparing for a flight @naomi Gwyneth Paltrow wearing a facemask during a plane ride @gwynethpaltrow Bella Hadid wearing a face mask on a plane @bellahadid Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas @sophiet Sebastian Stan on a plane in protective gear @sebastianstan Naomi Campbell preparing for a flight @naomi Nicole Scherzinger with Thom Evans @nicolescherzinger Idris Elba announced on Twitter that he had tested positive for coronavirus @idriselba Robbie Williams greets fans with elbow bumps Getty Images Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie have been very active on TikTok TikTok Kylie Jenner and best friend Stassie have been very active on TikTok TikTok Joe Jonas and Sophia Turner have turned their isolation boredom into hilarious TikTok content TikTok Katy Perry has taken to dressing up in outlandish costumes Instagram / @katyperry As well as Oscar-winning actress Portman and Northern Irish star Dornan, they include Sia, Pedro Pascal, Zoe Kravitz, Chris ODowd, Leslie Odom Jr, Eddie Benjamin, Ashley Benson, Lynda Carter, Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, Norah Jones, Kaia Gerber, Cara Delevingne, Annie Mumolo, Labrinth and Maya Rudolph. Gadot captioned the post: We are in this together, we will get through it together. Lets imagine together. Sing with us. All love to you, from me and my dear friends. The video soon went viral and was one of the top trending topics on Twitter in the US - but not all were a fan of the cover, with some users criticising the video as an empty gesture considering the combined wealth of the stars. "Imagine - IMAGINE - having $17 million dollars and thinking that making a video clip of you singing one line of a song would help anyone," wrote one user. "Imagine being this wealthy & with such a giant platform u cud be promoting social distancing or buying ventilators & covering rent imagine thinking what ppl need is a 70s song bout living for today," wrote another. The Twitter account for the band Unknown Mortal Orchestra wrote: "just saw the gal gadot imagine video thing and i think it maybe ruined music for me." Gadot previously posted about her time in quarantine, saying staying home is her "super power". "Please everyone take care of yourself, your loved ones and us all. This situation should not be taken lightly. Auto manufacturers and lenders are rolling out financial assistance and incentive programs to reassure consumers worried about losing their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Ford on Thursday began offering customers six months of payment relief in the form of a three-month discount and a three-month delay in starting the first payment. The Detroit automaker is offering zero percent interest for 84 months on most 2019 model-year vehicles. Ford dealers are being encouraged to perform mobile service as well as pick-up and delivery of vehicles. In addition, dealers are working to increase their ability to deliver new vehicle purchases to customers homes. Automakers including General Motors, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai are also offering payment relief options to customers affected by the virus, including deferred payments and extensions. Auto lenders are following suit. Ally Financial on Thursday said it would allow existing customers to defer auto loan payments for up to 120 days, and give new customers the ability to delay the first loan payment for 90 days. RELATED: Ford looks to Houston to drive customer service We are taking multiple steps to support our customers, communities and all stakeholders to bolster peace of mind and help safeguard their long-term financial well-being, Ally said in a statement. Economists are worried about rising auto loan delinquency rates as job losses mount from the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Americans have more than $1.3 trillion in auto loan debt, and more than 7 million are at least 90 days behind on their payments already. Texans owe an average of $6,500 per capita on their cars and trucks, the highest per-capita rate nationally, according to a 2019 report. CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Stay informed with accurate reporting you can trust Councillors moved to reassure people of their ongoing support during the threat from the Coronavirus at last week's meeting of Tullamore Municipal District. "We want to reassure people there is nobody running away and that the public representatives are available and will be available at all times," said Councillor Ken Smollen. Councillor Neil Feighery acknowledged and thanked the people providing essential services, "particularly nurses, doctors and the gardai. They are at the coalface. There will be some challenging times particularly in the next few weeks." Hopefully we don't get hit as hard as we have seen some other parts getting hit particularly Northern Italy. We wish them all well and thank them for the work they are doing," he said. Councillor Declan Harvey echoed these sentiments saying, "we are here for the people, we serve the people. If we are needed we will be there. I would ask the public to obey and listen to what the health experts are saying and be careful, wash your hands keep yourself safe, and if you have to isolate for any reason whatsoever just do it, think of others not yourself," he urged. Coronavirus-ravaged Italy, which had recorded 300 plus deaths for three days running from Sunday, on Wednesday hit a new high of 475 deaths in the last 24 hours. The latest deaths have taken the toll in the country, the worst-affected in Europe and second globally after epicentre China, to 2,978, while the total number of confirmed cases rose to 35,713 from 31,506 a day earlier, the BBC reported. Italy had reported 345 deaths in the past 24 hours on Tuesday, after 349 on Monday and 368 on Sunday. The majority of new deaths have occurred in the northern Lombardy region, which contains Milan. Hospitals there are reportedly at breaking point and retired doctors and nurses are being asked to return to work, the BBC said. "I make a heartfelt appeal to all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who have retired in the last two years... to help us in this emergency," Lombardy Governor, Attilio Fontana, said earlier on Wednesday. A similar situation is reported across the rest of country. The government is trying to plug gaps in its stretched healthcare system, and has even pushed 10,000 student doctors into service nine-months ahead of schedule. More widely, officials have not ruled out extending the full lockdown beyond the start of April. Bars, restaurants and most shops in Italy have closed as have schools and universities. Nearly all Italians have been told to stay at home. But even with these restrictions the number of cases - and deaths - continues to rise. Connecticuts presidential primary has been delayed to June 2 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, a decision that could render the already late primary irrelevant. Faced with an unprecedented health crisis throughout our state, we need to do all we can to protect the health and safety of Connecticut residents, especially our most vulnerable citizens, Gov. Ned Lamont said in a written statement. During these difficult times, we also want to make sure that democracy is not impacted and voters can still cast their ballots safely. Connecticut is the second state to postpone a primary originally scheduled for April 28, joining Maryland. New York State, which is also scheduled to vote April 28, is also considering delaying the primary. Separately Thursday, Connecticuts Democratic and Republican party chairs agreed to run their delegate selection and candidate nominating conventions online or by telephone or video connections. That affects races for General Assembly seats. The move of the primary election could be for naught as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, is reportedly assessing his presidential bid after former Vice President Joe Biden swept another three states in primaries this week, further extending his lead to become the Democratic nominee. Connecticut will now set its ballot by April 28. My most important concerns are allowing every Connecticut voter to make their voice heard in the selection of the presidential candidates, and ensuring that they are able to cast their ballots as safely as possible, said Secretary of the State Denise Merrill in an emailed statement. Changing an election date is not something we do lightly - its a recognition of the severity and the nature of this crisis and, along with my request to temporarily remove restrictive absentee ballot language from the statute, will allow the maximum number of Connecticut voters to participate in the electoral process, even if they wish to avoid gathering in a polling place. Even if Sanders drops out of the race, Republicans could still have a primary in Connecticut. Perennial candidate Rocky De La Fuente is slated to appear on the ballot against President Donald J. Trump, and said in a statement he does not intend to drop out of the Connecticut primary as he has in other states. The states Republican and Democratic state party leaders have also agreed to conduct business virtually through the Nov. 3 election due to the virus, including delegate selection and nominating conventions for all General Assembly seats, which are also up for election this year. Those activities, the backbone of party business that must happen before citizens vote, are coming up with a busy schedule in April. In a letter filed with Secretary of the State Denise Merrill Thursday, Democratic State Chairwoman Nancy Wyman and Republican State Chairman J.R. Romano agreed to temporarily set aside party rules that require in-person voting and to allow the political parties to carry out their responsibilities through telephonic, video or other technological means that provide for a virtual presence for their participants. These are highly unusual times. We need to protect the health of members without hindering the electoral process. Allowing virtual voting is the answer and I thank Chairman Romano for working with us to make it happen, Wyman said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged that all meetings of 10 or more people be canceled or held virtually due to the novel coronavirus and outbreak of COVID-19. The rule change would allow local town committees to complete business through the Nov. 3 election with virtual voting. Voting can be done by conference call or other online applications, at the local town committees choice. Romano said most rule changes require 60 days before they go into effect, and the parties have jointly asked for an executive order from Lamont to make the rules effective immediately. Doing so would protect the parties from potential litigation, he said. I appreciate everyone coming together to ensure that our local election calendar can stay on track. This is an unpredictable time and the Secretary of State, the Democratic party and the Republican party responded quickly and fairly, Romano said. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt Allowing children to go to school and get coronavirus could flatten infection rates, scientists have claimed. The controversial approach, known as herd immunity, suggests that at-risk individuals could be protected from infection because they are surrounded by those who have developed immunity because they have recovered from the virus. By allowing children to go to school it could spread the virus in a controlled way and ultimately protect those most at risk - the elderly. Esteemed epidemiologist John Matthews, from the University of Melbourne, told the Australian Financial Review said that this was a defensible option and could have a wider benefit. 'One possibility is that because childhood infections are so mild, they will transmit smaller doses of virus, and this would induce milder illness in their parents and grandparents at home,' he said. 'Contrary to conventional thinking, this could even mean that adults at home, especially older ones, could be major beneficiaries of keeping schools open.' Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy unveiled a raft of new measures being taken to curb the number of COVID-19 cases in the country which soared by 24 per cent overnight Government officials, including Scott Morison, chief medical officer Dr Brendan Murphy and his deputy Professor Paul Kelly, have alluded to herd immunity - which was temporarily considered in the UK last week - and linked it to schools remaining open. The Department of Health did not comment on the government's official stance on the approach when contacted by Daily Mail Australia, but said to refer to the Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 Plan). The prime minister unveiled a raft of new measures being taken to curb the number of COVID-19 cases in the country which soared by 24 per cent overnight. There are now 636 people infected with the disease after the number of cases in NSW surpassed 300, with close to 50 cases believed to be locally transmitted. WHAT IS HERD IMMUNITY? Herd immunity is when enough people become resistant to a disease - through vaccination or previous exposure - that it can no longer significantly spread among the rest of the population. With no vaccine available for Covid-19, herd immunity relies on enough people in the population becoming infected to lessen the impact of the disease. The approach has been criticised by a group of scientists from UK universities, who said it risks 'many more lives than necessary', and was called into question by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Source: PA Advertisement In a speech addressing the nation on Wednesday, the government called for social distancing, but maintained a lockdown was unnecessary and schools should remain open. Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said schoolchildren are the least vulnerable to the virus and added that in China's Hubei province, which was the original epicentre of the illness, only 2.4 per cent of cases reported were in young people. 'We believe very strongly that it's in the best interest of our children and the nation at this time to keep schools open,' he said. Mr Morrison also cited the concept as one of two significant reasons why schools should not close - the other being the negative effects it would have on healthcare workers. 'Widescale closure of schools, it may be anti-intuitive, but the advice is this could be a very negative thing in terms of impacting on how these curves operate,' he said. 'This is for two reasons. When you take children out of school and put them back in the broader community, the ability for them to potentially engage with others increases that risk. 'The other is the disruption impact that could put at great risk the availability of critical workers such as nurses, doctors and others who are essential in the community because they would have to remain home and look after their children.' MP Kerryn Phelps, the former president of the Australian Medical Association, called the strategy 'rubbish' The Prime Minister said 30 per cent of health workers would not be able to go to work if schools closed. 'The second reason is a health reason. If you have kids at home often elderly grandparents have to come in to look after them and that puts them at danger.' 'The health advice is that schools should remain open,' the Prime Minister said. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly also stressed its importance. 'The important issue of herd immunity that we talk about a lot in vaccination is exactly the challenge that we have at the moment,' he said. In the Northern Territory, where the number of cases remains relatively low, deputy chief health officer Dianne Stephens said she was confident that COVID-19 was not in the Territory other than the one reported case, because of the work being done to contain it. 'Eventually we will have COVID-19 in our community, we will recover from it and we will develop herd immunity and we will go on with our lives, it will just become another disease in the background,' she said on Monday. However, the idea has been slammed by critics who say it is not a safe way to combat the novel virus. MP Kerryn Phelps, the former president of the Australian Medical Association, called the strategy 'rubbish.' 'Herd immunity is the desirable outcome of a national immunisation program. It is NOT a strategy for preventing illness and death from an uncontrolled infectious disease. There is no vaccine against yet,' she tweeted. Epping Boys' High School had to be briefly closed after a student was infected but was re-opened Meanwhile, in the UK, the country's Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said 60 per cent of the population would need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have herd immunity from future outbreaks. But the approach has now been abandoned after policymakers realised the strategy would still overwhelm the capacity of the healthcare system and lead to 250,000 or more deaths. Dr Murphy said a range of new measures will be initiated in schools such as extra hand washing and no assemblies. 'It will be hard for schools, but it would be much, much, much harder for society if the schools were closed. We want our children to be looked after in schools,' he said. Some public and private schools have already opted to shut their gates. 'That is up to them,' Education Minister Dan Tehan told the Today Show. Recent cases in schools, including Epping Boys' High School and Willoughby Girls High School in Sydney, have resulted in them closing down for cleaning, but reopening within days. Beijings Expulsion of US Journalists Puts Hong Kongs Press Freedoms Under Scrutiny Beijings recent decision to expel American journalists has drawn widespread criticism, particularly in Hong Kong. On March 18, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced countermeasures against the United States, expelling U.S. journalists based in China who work for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. Chinas decision was made in retaliation against the U.S. State Departments decision in early March to designate five Chinese state-run outlets as foreign missions. The Chinese outlets are explicit propaganda organs of the Chinese Communist Party, a State Department official said at the time. The State Department also required those organizations to reduce the number of Chinese staff working in the United States. Expelling journalists from #China in the midst of a pandemic is outrageous and limits access to uncensored information about the virus as well as trusted econ data required by investors. Beijing further erodes #HongKongs autonomy by denying expelled reporters from working there. https://t.co/P5lhDZGwOX China Commission (@CECCgov) March 18, 2020 In an unprecedented move, the ministry also said the U.S. journalists are barred from working in Macau and Hong Kongtwo Chinese-ruled cities that were former colonies of Portugal and the United Kingdom, respectively. Upon handover to China in 1999 and 1997, respectively, the Chinese regime adopted the one country, two systems model of governance in both cities, promising to preserve the autonomy and freedoms in the territories that arent afforded in the mainland. However, locals have criticized Beijing for failing to abide by its commitment and continually encroaching on daily affairsdriving mass protests in Hong Kong that started in June last year. In a statement on March 18, the Hong Kong government cited the Chinese foreign ministrys countermeasures, but didnt say definitively whether it would abide by the latters instructions. Foreign media organizations and journalists who cover stories in accordance with laws and regulations are always welcome in China, and will get continued facilitation and assistance, it stated, adding that the Hong Kong government has been facilitating media organizations and journalists from other countries to cover news in Hong Kong. It noted that Hong Kongs immigration department will consider the circumstances of the case and act in accordance with the laws and immigration policies. The Hong Kong governments vague response to the expulsion sparked criticism. Local pro-democracy party Demosisto, which was founded by activist Joshua Wong, slammed the Hong Kong government for its incompetency in upholding the citys autonomy to protect media freedoms. When our #PressFreedom is under fire, this puppet government still boasts that #Hongkong enjoys press freedom, Demosisto wrote on Twitter. Media organizations in Hong Kong also voiced concerns following Beijings announcement. The Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong said it was alarmed by the expulsion, noting that under Hong Kongs constitution, decisions about issuing visas to foreign nationals are made independently by Hong Kongs immigration department, according to its March 18 statement. It warned that if the immigration department cant independently make its decisions, it would represent a serious erosion of one country, two systems. On March 19, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) stated that Beijing should not interfere with the internal affairs of Hong Kong. Beijings decision will raise doubts about whether Hong Kong is still a free and open society, affecting the citys international image, the HKJA said. Statement: "Press freedom is a hallmark & pillar of Hong Kong society a key measure of Hong Kongs freedoms and central to the US evaluation and certification of Hong Kongs autonomy under Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 and Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019." pic.twitter.com/i6GxasQu3T HKDC (@hkdc_us) March 17, 2020 Several Hong Kong politicians have also criticized Beijing. Alan Leong, chairman of the pro-democracy Civic Party, wrote on Facebook that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) consistently fails to understand what is the fourth estate. Local lawmaker Claudia Mo wrote on Twitter that the expulsion aimed to tell Hong Kong to do what the BIG BOSS orders. International rights groups and U.S. lawmakers also condemned Beijings decision. Amnesty International called it a shameful assault on freedom of expression, and said the expulsion could potentially have grim public health consequencesglobally and within China, as the public deals with the current pandemic. Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders, pointed out that Beijings censorship enabled the diseases spread in the first place. The despotic control of news and information by Beijing had a very negative impact at the starting point of this coronavirus epidemic, he said in a statement about the expulsion. U.S. Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.) said Beijings move was a short-sighted and blatant attempt to tighten state control of information in China and a clear violation of Hong Kongs right to self-governance of local affairs, according to a statement. I urge the Hong Kong government to ignore this prohibition on certain foreign journalists. Hong Kong must continue to uphold the free and open media environment that has made Hong Kong a great city, he said. New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, there are reports of lockdown on social media due to coronavirus outbreak. The reports say that PM Modi may declare a complete lockdown. Sources have told Zee News that reports on the social media are just rumours, and ruled out any possibility of such announcement. The Prime Minister is going to address the nation at eight o'clock today, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. On Wednesday night, PMO's twitter handle said, "PM Shri @narendramodi will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it." The Prime Minister had also chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19, besides discussing the ways to further strengthen Indias preparedness to deal with the issue. "Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking our mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next," said the PMO's statement on Wednesday. The Prime Minister had also expressed gratitude to those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others. Notably, the country is passing through Phase-2 of COVID-19. The first stage is where the virus infection begins, while in the second stage, the infected person comes to his home/country. In the third stage, the infection spreads from one place to another at the local level, and in the fourth stage, it becomes an epidemic. Countries like Italy and China are passing through the fourth stage. The end effect is that the judiciary has ignored the public utility of making case documents easily available to the public and maintains control of court documents. The Supreme Court recently restricted the applicability of the RTI Act to Indian courts in a clash between the Gujarat High Court and the Chief Information Commissioner. Supreme Court held that people would have to resort to applications under the Gujarat High Court Rules to obtain certified copies of pleadings from cases instead of applying under the RTI Act. The problem is that the procedure under most court rules is more difficult and arduous than its RTI equivalent, and, unlike the RTI, there is no easy avenue for appeals. The verdict has come under criticism for how it enables public authorities to circumvent the RTI Act by creating their own rules for providing documents. But the courts decision to stick with existing court rules that are archaic and obsolete is a stance more reminiscent of a territorial government bureaucracy than a guardian of public accountability to citizens. Pleadings and court documents should be available to the public by default for public interest purposes. The court has missed another opportunity to apply to itself the principles of openness, transparency and accountability that it often expects of other public authorities. Supreme Courts decision hinged on a determination that, despite the differences in procedure, the high courts rules were not in conflict with the RTI Act. Under the RTI Act, applicants are specifically not required to provide any reasons when requesting for information while court rules require them to satisfy the court of their good cause to view cases to which they are not a party. The Supreme Court conjectured that the refusal to grant documents under court rules would be determined on the same basis as RTI applications whether the release of the information is in the public interest. However, it fails to account for the fact that there is no requirement for the decision to be made this way, and that in reality, refusals can be arbitrary and made without much justification. Moreover, there are procedures hard-baked into the RTI that are incredibly beneficial such as a streamlined process of appeals, timeline penalties and the fact that most of it can be done through the mail. However, the courts reasoning is not new and has been used in previous high court judgments on the same issue to maintain judicial control. Just like in those cases, it was also used to circumvent one of the most powerful sections of the RTI Act Section 22. Section 22 of the RTI Act contains what is known as a non-obstante clause which basically says that the provisions of the RTI Act will override existing laws. Non-obstante clauses are used by legislators who use them to avoid any conflicts they anticipated with existing laws. The Supreme Court argued that Section 22 only activates when there is a conflict between another law and the RTI and as there was no conflict between the rules it wouldnt apply. The end effect is that the judiciary has ignored the public utility of making case documents easily available to the public and maintains control of court documents. A significant amount of judgments impact daily life criminal cases and writ petitions are an opportunity to hold the government accountable, while commercial cases can have a drastic impact on companies and consumers. In all these cases, the pleadings filed by parties can be used by citizens, journalists, activists and shareholders to better inform the public discourse around the judgments. Judges often indulge in policymaking in PILs on the basis of court commissioned reports that, while cited in the judgments, are not readily available. Open courts are a core tenet of democracy. By opening up judicial proceedings to the public eye, citizens can remain confident in the rule of law. This is a principle that has constitutional sanction and has been upheld time and time again. Citizens can already attend court proceedings to which they are not a party and take down notes of any arguments made orally by lawyers. It is baffling why this approach is not taken with written pleadings. There is a question of confidentiality and privacy of parties in certain cases such as those involving divorce, sexual harassment and trade secrets. But these should be exceptions carved into a norm of openness, rather than justifications for making the entire system opaque. Unfortunately, the judiciary, like any other institution, is helmed by humans afflicted by foibles like territoriality. Even when upholding the open court principle by allowing live telecast of court proceedings the Supreme Court bizarrely retained copyright in any of the recordings. Copyrights are intended to encourage innovation in the public, a context totally inapplicable to judicial proceedings indicating that the true purpose was to retain control of the footage. As the judiciary moves towards a more modern and digitised way of functioning, it is hoped that it can learn how to open itself more to the public. Most court rules are ancient relics of a bygone era where institutions of the State were held to a different standard of accountability. This is partly out of principle and partly out of practical constraints as printing and copying were considerably more expensive and arduous cost was in fact, one of the justifications to refuse applicability of the RTI. Many of these constraints are not found in a digital system and there is no reason why the old paradigms need to be maintained. Moving to a digital system will require court rules to be updated, which will allow the judiciary an opportunity to correct this judgment by prioritising accountability and openness in judicial proceedings over maintenance of control. The author is an independent public policy analyst who has worked on censorship, mob violence and judicial reforms. At the end of January, an email chain circulated in the Czech Republic, claiming that the COVID-19 coronavirus had been registered with the United States Patent Office in 2003. Another email went around in February, suggesting that it was a targeted pandemic created by Americans: the United States, supposedly near bankruptcy, wanted to sell a profitable vaccine. Within days, Czech outlets were filled with conspiracies about the origins of the virus. The stories, as it turned out, could be easily traced back to Russian media. Jakub Kalensky, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab, was on the ground. It was mostly these messages about the coronavirus being the biological weapon of the United States, he said. Some reports stated that it was developed to eliminate Asians, or that Big Pharma is overinflating the scale of infection to increase sales. Russian disinformers claimed that Pope Francis has coronavirus. China has also spread disinformation: a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs circulated a theory that COVID-19 is an American disease, possibly introduced by members of the United States Army who visited Wuhan. Sifting through the messages, Kalensky sought translation help from a volunteer group called the Czech Elves, so-named because of their battle with online trolls, Theres a lot to get through. When people are influenced by strong emotions, they are most likely to share information that isnt right, he said. ICYMI: Pandemic in the right-wing mediasphere Kalensky, who is 37, has observed that a lot of the disinformation is stoking anti-Western, anti-European, and anti-US sentiments. Opponents of NATO, for instance, have been using the pandemic as an opportunity to spread dissent; Kalenskys team found that false claims about a multinational military exercise that will bring the coronavirus to the Baltic states have appeared in dozens of outlets across Europe. A colleague in Latvia put together a report tracing these claims to agents in Russia, left-wing politicians in Germany, and an anonymous internet user in Latvia. When you are disinforming, you are precisely trying to exploit these situations when people are less rational, he explained. Kalensky has been tracking disinformation for years. He grew up in the Czech Republic and studied Russian in collegehe loved Fyodor Dostoevskyand after graduating, he worked as a journalist. The politics of his country soon grew tense: in 2013, Milos Zeman, a pro-Kremlin candidate, was elected president; the next year, Russia invaded Crimea, the Ukrainian Civil War started, and pro-Russia separatist rebels shot down Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. Kalensky began to notice pseudo-independent news outlets popping up around Europe, presenting themselves as alternatives to the mainstream media. They were basically parroting Russian lies about fascists in Ukraine, he said. In 2015, Kalensky was reading a Czech news site, HlidaciPes (Watchdog), when he noticed an announcement about a team being formed by the European Union called East StratCom. Its aim would be tackling disinformation. He fit the job description: seeking experts with knowledge of Russian and experience in media. When he started, East StratCom developed a three-pronged approach: proactive communication that promoted Western liberal values in Eastern Europe, strengthening independent journalism, and countering disinformation through awareness campaigns. Kalensky took the lead on part three. The idea was, if you manage to raise awareness about what the disinformation campaign is, how it works, what its trying to achieve through what channels and with which messages, the more people will be vaccinated against it, he said. To do so, East StratCom developed products that would reveal fake news campaigns, including EU vs. Disinfo, a website with a disinformer database, and Disinformation Review, a weekly newsletter. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Kalensky wanted the newsletter to be short and easy to readunlike most of the reports that come out of government agencies. He also tried to keep the tone light. One post stated bluntly that Americans didnt invent the distinction between Sunni and Shia Islam; another debunked a notion, published in a viral story, that a brothel for zoophiles would be opening in Denmark. Ironically, the latter observed, Dan Jrgensen, whose name in the article for some reason is distorted into Vlad Jorgensen, was the initiator of a law which in 2015 lay a ban on sex with animals. Kalenskys newsletter was read by officials in Europe and Washington, DC. We were trying to reach the organic multipliers, he said. But he quickly learned that combatting disinformation has many obstacles. Any bureaucracyand especially EU bureaucracyconsiders the word new to be something they try to avoid, he said. We werent the most popular team in Brussels. After Kalenskys newsletter mistakenly included several articles from legitimate Dutch newspapers, the Dutch Lower House of Parliament adopted a motion to disband his project; its mandate shrunk to focus only on disinformation from Kremlin-linked sources. The biggest challenge was balancing the war against disinformation with freedom of speech. East StratComs mandate has never been to ban anything, but instead to show how disinformation is disseminated. Without the ability to impose sanctions or regulate tech platformslet alone enact a law against believing liesKalensky felt the limits of his power. People think if they just focus on media literacy, the problem will be solved, he said. This is, unfortunately, nonsense. In 2018, Kalensky left East StratCom for the Atlantic Council, where hes been advocating sanctions against sharing disinformation. Take, for instance, Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian television host, Kalensky said. Solovyov spurs hatred against the West two or three days per week. And after the show, he sits on his plane and enjoys his villa in Italy. Western companies are among the top advertisers on Russian TV, Kalensky pointed out. Why not penalize irresponsible use of Russian airtime? Kalensky believes the European Union should conduct opinion polls of member states to assess the effectiveness of disinformation campaigns and expand efforts like East StratCom. The aim, he argues, should be to more systematically analyze the damage caused by fake news, rather than just monitor phony claims about COVID-19 as they stream in. If a strategy doesnt bring you the results you want, he said, its probably a bad strategy. THE MEDIA TODAY: How journalists around the world are covering the coronavirus Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Leo Schwartz is a freelance journalist and graduate student. His work has appeared in The Nation, PBS NewsHour, BuzzFeed News, and Roads & Kingdoms, and he is currently the web editor at the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) Report. Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, March 19 : E-commerce major Flipkart has pledged to give delivery workers leave with full pay and benefits if they contract COVID-19 or are placed under quarantine. Flipkart said it has made temperature screening using infra-red thermometers mandatory for all employees, vendors and visitors. Persons with suspected flu symptoms are advised to return home. "For our supply chain and logistics network, we have organised more than 3,000 awareness sessions covering over 100k employees across all our facilities on how our employees and partners can minimize their exposure by following simple precautionary measures," Amitesh Jha, Senior Vice President - eKart & Marketplace at Flipkart, said in a blog post on Wednesday. The delivery executives of the e-commerce major are covered with both life and medical insurance, Jha informed. With the rapid spread of coronavirus across the world, the demand for digital services has increased significantly. Online retail giant Amazon this week announced that it plans to hire 1 lakh employees in the US in its fulfilment centres and delivery network as more and more people are relying on online deliveries for their daily needs due to the coronavirus pandemic. Flipkart also said that it has seen "overwhelming demand for essential products". "We appreciate the dedication and customer-first approach of our supply chain executives, wishmasters and delivery partners during this challenging time. They have reiterated their commitment to serving customers and overcoming many challenges to meet the overwhelming demand for essential products," Jha said. "The onus is on e-commerce to rise to the demands of the occasion, and we are sparing no effort to ensure that we meet our customers' needs," he said, adding that Flipkart is taking all preventive measures as advised by the World Health Organization. Seeking cooperation from customers in fighting the spread of coronavirus in India, Flipkart requested them to use digital payment gateways for all cash-on-delivery shipments. Flipkart said it is working on making additional delivery options such as contactless delivery available to customers in select locations. "Customers also have the option of requesting the delivery partner to leave their packages at the security booth of their residential complexes in line with their complex's guidelines (in case of online payments)," Jha said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Response Colleges, Universities Struggle with Commencement Decisions In the face of coronavirus concerns, Monmouth College in Illinois has sent out word that it plans to delay its graduation, which was scheduled for May 17, 2020. In a letter to the school's seniors, President Clarence Wyatt referred to a Centers for Disease Control-issued directive advising against "any gatherings of 50 or more for eight weeks." That directive was later updated to cover gatherings of 10 or more people. Come May 17, the college will hold a virtual event, with the expectation that it will also run an in-person graduation on campus "at some point this year." As Wyatt noted, "We struggled mightily to find some way that commencement could proceed as scheduled, but events and concern for everyone's well-being makes that impossible." Monmouth is hardly alone. So far, universities and colleges in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Minnesota, Texas, Utah and most other states have postponed commencement events. Not all institutions have made the decision. In a message on Mar. 16, Ohio's Central State University President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond told her campus that commencement activities were "being reviewed against new, mandated crowd compliance guidelines." With the exception of a "small number" of international students who remain on campus, the university has sent its students home. Jackson-Hammond added that, "We will continue to think creatively about providing a wonderful experience for graduates and their families." Baker College seniors take the traditional walk the Sallyport during a mock graduation at Rice University on Mar. 13. Photo by Jeff Fitlow In Texas, a group of Rice University seniors last week held an impromptu commencement march through the grounds of their Houston campus, many in their caps and gowns, defying school officials' plans to vacate the institution as quickly as possible. According to campus reporting, by 4 p.m. on Mar. 13, a day after the closure was announced, all 11 residential colleges led processions from the Academic Quad through the Sallyport, an archway new graduates pass through, banners held high. Student organizers printed mock commencement programs and enlisted the help of the Rice University Marching Owl Band (MOB). Faculty and staff showed up, including Rice President David Leebron. Parents who were on campus also viewed the proceedings. Wiess College at Rice University held a mock commencement inside its commons. Photo by Jeff Fitlow The University of St. Thomas, also in Houston, will be combining its spring and winter graduation commencements into one event, taking place in December. Ohio's Sinclair Community College, which has shifted learning to online means, has canceled its commencement ceremony with no plans to reschedule it. Instead, students earning an associate degree will "receive a package in the mail" with a congratulatory letter from the President Steve Johnson, including a link to a video of him offering a tribute and instructions for posting a photo to social media; a diploma cover for the credential; and a commencement program that will remove the specifics of the ceremony but will include names of the graduates. The University of Wyoming still plans to go ahead with its graduation ceremony, according to a post on its coronavirus page. That's currently scheduled for May 16. Wednesday, Mar. 18 was an eventful day at the University of Utah. First, the campus felt the effects of a major earthquake, which hit in Magna, a small town 20 miles west of the campus. While that earthquake, which measured at 5.7 on the Richter scale, and its aftershocks caused no injuries at the school, it did leave cosmetic damage to several buildings. That same day university officials announced their decision to pull the plug on the official commencement, with the intention of postponing but not necessarily canceling the ceremony. "While the ceremony that culminates graduates' hard work and dedication will be different this year, we want you to know that your accomplishments are no less impressive," President Ruth Watkins told her community in a letter. More than a thousand laid-off SAS airline workers in Sweden are being offered fast-track medical training to help Sweden's beleaguered healthcare system to fight the coronavirus. SAS has laid off 10,000 staff, or 90 per cent of its workforce, temporarily as demand for flights has 'more or less disappeared' after many European countries shut their borders or advised against travel. Sophiahemmet University will run a three-day pilot for 30 people at the end of March with the hope of extending the course to hundreds more shortly. SAS temporarily laid off 90 per cent of its workforce amid the travel bans due to the coronavirus. A SAS aircraft (pictured) approaching for landing at Heathrow Airport in 2017 'There are incredibly competent people who will be able to offer relief to our healthcare immediately after completing the training so that doctors and nurses can to an even greater extent devote themselves to caring for patients,' Johanna Adami, principal at the University said. The course will be free of charge and the companies involved with the training are not seeking to make a profit. Funding is provided by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg foundation. The students will be trained in providing information to patients and their families, sterilizing beds and equipment and basic administrative duties. Fredrik Hillelson, CEO at Novare Human Capital, is acting as coordinator and recruiter for the program. He said around 250 out of 1,100 contacted SAS workers have so far said they want to do the training. 'It is a small bright light in all the darkness to be able to do something positive, not just talking,' he said. 'If we can be a positive initative that gets other people to think outside the box, I'm very happy.' The Patent is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT Logo Tauriga Pharma Corp. NEW YORK, NY, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a revenue generating Company that operates through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities and equity investments, today announced that it has filed a Provisional U.S. Patent Application covering its Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. This patent application, filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (U.S.P.T.O.), is titled: MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. The Companys proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum is being developed for nausea regulation, intended specifically to target: patients subjected to ongoing chemotherapy treatment(s) (the Indication). The delivery system for this Pharmaceutical product is an improved version of the existing Tauri-Gum chewing gum formulation based on continued research and development. The law-firm of Lowenstein Sandler assisted the Company in constructing this important intellectual property application. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/990,709 In other news, the Company continues to report strength in its E-Commerce business. Most notably the average dollar amount, of each individual transaction, has substantially increased over past several days. The Company is on track to generate record monthly E-Commerce revenue for the month of March 2020. ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating Company that operates through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities. One such opportunity on which the Company has acted, involves the Company having entered into the cannabidiol (or CBD) infused chewing gum product business, as more fully described above and in prior press releases. This CBD infused chewing gum product has been branded under the following name: Tauri-Gum. The Company is currently in production of three distinct flavors of Tauri-Gum: MINT, BLOOD ORANGE, and POMEGRANATE. On December 6, 2019 the Company announced that it completed the initial production run (thereby expanding its existing product lines) with the introduction of a 25mg Vegan CBD Isolate Infused vegan gummy (gum drop), branded under the name: Tauri-Gummies. Further, the Company continues to identify and evaluate additional potential opportunities to generate revenue, as well as shareholder value, and leverage its resources and expertise to build a diversified and sustainable business model. The Company has also announced the development of a Cannabigerol (CBG) Isolate infused version of Tauri-Gum. The flavor that has been selected is Starfruit/Peach and each piece of gum will contain 10mg of CBG Isolate / Each blister pack will contain 80mg of CBG Isolate. Please visit our corporate website at www.tauriga.com. Story continues In addition - during 2019, the Company announced the official launch of its E-Commerce site - as part of its Tauri-Gum commercialization strategy. This site can be accessed by visiting the following URL address: www.taurigum.com On January 13, 2020, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary called: Tauriga Pharma Corp. This subsidiary is focused on the development of a Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed to help patients that are subjected to ongoing chemotherapy treatment(s)). On March 18, 2020, the Company announced that it filed a provisional U.S. patent application covering its pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. The Company has established corporate offices in both New York City (USA) and Barcelona (Spain) and operates a full time E-Commerce fulfillment center located in LaGrangeville, New York. DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: CONTACT INFORMATION Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 555 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10022 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com Attachment An international team of researchers from Monash University Australia alongside those at the Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University in Germany have established a method of fully autonomous scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that is controlled by artificial intelligence. Image Credits: LeoWolfert / Shutterstock.com In a paper published in the journal Communications Physics, the Australian/German team describes how they applied artificial intelligence and deep learning to automate the method, an advancement that will likely be crucial to the future success of the new field of DeepSPM. The development of DeepSPM SPM is a family of techniques that investigate physicochemical interactions between a tip and the surface of a material to generate images of the surface topography. The establishment of these methods is a development of the Nobel-prize winning work of Binnig et al. who conducted groundbreaking work back in 1982 when they demonstrated the possibility of analyzing solid surface properties at the scale of the atom using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). In the years following, research in this area boomed, and as a result, the SPM technique was created to sense the local properties of surfaces. Now, a team of scientists from the School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University, Australia, in collaboration with those at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, and the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, and Heidelberg University, has developed the SPM technique further, controlling it by artificial intelligence and machine learning so that it may be automated. The collaborative work, which has resulted in the establishment of a fully-autonomous SPM operation, will prove useful in eliminating the need for labs to allocate time and resources to supervising SPM processes, allowing their work to be more time-efficient and cost-effective, and also allowing skilled human workers to be redeployed in value-created areas of the business. The team has named the new system DeepSPM and it is believed that the innovation will join together the fields of nanoscience, automation, and artificial intelligence. It also will be instrumental in establishing the use of machine learning in scientific research, helping to develop its use so that it can reach its full potential. Achieving full automation The process of optimizing SPM data acquisition can be slow and monotonous. Currently, a human worker is responsible for this task, and the process is rarely reported on. The new AI system that has been established by the Australian/German team allows this task to occur automatically, relieving the human worker of the tedious job. The team demonstrated that the automated system can run for time periods of days without the need for any human intervention. Automated SPM will help bring processes like high-throughput data acquisition and atomically-precise nanofabrication closer to full automation. In addition, the new deep learning approach developed here could be applied to other SPM techniques, and with the entire framework available publicly, the nanoscience research community has been gifted a valuable tool to facilitate future groundbreaking innovations. The component of a self-learning agent is vital to the success of DeepSPM. The team created a self-learning agent that learns from experience to adapt to the constantly changing environment to maintain a stable system. The team describes how algorithmic search of the best locations to sample is the first stage of the AI-driven process, and once a region is selected, autonomous data acquisition proceeds. Next, a convolutional neural network is used to assess the datas quality. Following this, the condition of the probe can be improved on using a deep reinforcement learning agent is the data collected is deemed substandard. The approach will likely see adoption in numerous areas of experimental science. DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "5G Chipset Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global 5G chipset market was evaluated from 2019, as the technology has not yet been commercialized in 2018. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 87.8% over the forecast period (2020-2025). With 5G networks soon to be rolled out, smartphone OEMs telecom players are rapidly gearing towards the shift. Telecom service providers across the globe are upgrading to 5G networks, which rely on denser arrays of small antennas to offer ultra-high data speeds. There has been a surge in high-quality video and audio content as well. Among the digital devices, mobile devices have taken over as the preferred medium of consuming online media, including live video streaming, file sharing, audio streaming, and running business applications, among others. However, current LTE technologies do not entirely support all these applications. This has been a significant factor driving the adoption of 5G, for high internet speeds and coverage, as well as reduced latency. 5G is expected to add several layers of complexity to the spectrum, due to the all-inclusive nature of services that it supports, from extreme broadband services to massive machine-type communications (mMTC) and ultra-reliable MTC. Every application demands its own position in the spectrum depending on its requirements. Over the forecast period, as more countries acquire the required infrastructure to support 5G, and with an increasing demand for faster data transfers and reliance on cloud technology, the demand for 5G chipsets is expected to surge, creating an immense market potential for 5G chipset market. Key Market Trends Industrial Automation to Account for Significant Share The manufacturing companies across the world are under immense pressure due to shorter product and business lifecycles and intense volatility in the business. The profit margins are getting squeezed as the workforce is aging, and components increasingly become more varied and complicated to manufacture. Internet of Things (IoT), coupled with the 5G network, is expected to enhance the aforementioned business issues associated with industrial automation. The enhanced network provides manufacturers to build smart factories and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, augmented reality, and automation. In the future, the smart factories are expected to comprise several sensors to monitor various aspects of the working environment. The 5G network is likely to offer low-latency, wireless flexibility, and high capacity performance to the smart factories enabling them to overcome challenges in the production environment. As a result, it creates immense opportunities for chipset manufacturers to invest mainly in devices used in industrial automation. In industrial automation, 5G acts as an enabler to new operating models. Notably, the wireless industry needs to engage with future customers and potential users. North America to Account for Largest Share North America is expected to account for the significant market share of the 5G chipset market, and dominance is mainly due to the high rate of adoption of advanced technologies in the market studied. is expected to account for the significant market share of the 5G chipset market, and dominance is mainly due to the high rate of adoption of advanced technologies in the market studied. The region is also home to Qualcomm, a dominant player in smartphone communications chips, making half of all core baseband radio chips in smartphones. It is one of the big U.S. technology companies, with a major role in the global 5G chipset market. In December 2019 , Qualcomm announced the newest iteration of its Snapdragon mobile processors for 5G. The flagship Snapdragon 865 is a natural successor to 855 chipset that is released in 2018, and is expected to be the chipset powering the phones in 2020, like the Samsung Galaxy S11, Note 11, LG G9, OnePlus 8, Google Pixel 5. , Qualcomm announced the newest iteration of its Snapdragon mobile processors for 5G. The flagship Snapdragon 865 is a natural successor to 855 chipset that is released in 2018, and is expected to be the chipset powering the phones in 2020, like the Samsung Galaxy S11, Note 11, LG G9, OnePlus 8, Google Pixel 5. According to Ericsson, North America is anticipated to lead the 5G mobile technology, with all the major operators stating their intentions to deploy the 5G early. Competitive Landscape The 5G Chipset Market is moderately fragmented as all the companies involved in the production of 5G chipsets in the current market scenario are highly competitive and mostly market incumbents. All of them have equally high R&D capabilities, and all of them have equally effective competitive strategies. Such competition, even before commercialization of the product, indicates a high probability of an increase in the competitive rivalry over the forecast period. Due to this, the market is highly fragmented. Some of the key players in the 5G chipset market are Qualcomm, Intel, Samsung. Some of the recent developments in 5G chipset market are as follows: Qualcomm announced that its upcoming flagship mobile platform will feature a system-on-chip (SoC) built on the 7nm process node. The 7nm SoC can be paired with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G modem, which is anticipated to be the first 5G-capable mobile platform for smartphones and other mobile devices. Notable Industry Developments In September 2019 , Samsung Electronics announced the Exynos 980 mobile processor equipped with an integrated 5G modem that delivers a downlink speed of up to 2.55Gbps. Additionally, the integration of modem and mobile processor into a single chip leads to less space utilization and power efficiency. , Samsung Electronics announced the Exynos 980 mobile processor equipped with an integrated 5G modem that delivers a downlink speed of up to 2.55Gbps. Additionally, the integration of modem and mobile processor into a single chip leads to less space utilization and power efficiency. In January 2020 , MediaTek introduced its Dimensity 800 Series 5G chipset family that may bring flagship features, power, and performance to new premium mid-range 5G smartphones. MediaTek's Dimensity 5G chipset family offers powerful system-on-chips (SoCs) with integrated 5G modems. The single chip solutions offer an unrivaled combination of connectivity, multimedia, AI, and imaging innovations packed into an ultra-efficient 7 nanometer chip. The first devices, featuring Dimensity 800 Series SoCs, are expected to launch in the first half of 2020. Key Topics Covered 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition 1.2 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET INSIGHTS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis 4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants 4.3.4 Threat of Substitutes 4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 4.4 Technology Snapshot 5 MARKET DYNAMICS 5.1 Market Drivers 5.1.1 Increasing Demand for High-speed Internet and Broad Network Coverage with Reduced Latency and Power Consumption 5.1.2 Growing Machine-to-machine/IoT Connections 5.1.3 Increase in Demand for Mobile Data Services 5.2 Market Restraints 5.2.1 Fragmented Spectrum Allocation 6 MARKET SEGMENTATION 6.1 By Chipset Type 6.1.1 Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) 6.1.2 Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) 6.1.3 Millimeter Wave Technology Chips 6.1.4 Field-programmable Gate Array (FPGA) 6.2 By Operational Frequency 6.2.1 Sub-6 GHz 6.2.2 Between 26 and 39 GHz 6.2.3 Above 39 GHz 6.3 By End-user Industry 6.3.1 Consumer Electronics 6.3.2 Industrial Automation 6.3.3 Automotive and Transportation 6.3.4 Energy and Utilities 6.3.5 Healthcare 6.3.6 Retail 6.3.7 Other End-user Industries 6.4 By Geography 6.4.1 North America 6.4.2 Europe 6.4.3 Asia-Pacific 6.4.4 Latin America 6.4.5 Middle East & Africa 7 KEY VENDOR PROFILES 7.1 Qualcomm Technologies Inc. 7.2 MediaTek Inc. 7.3 Intel Corporation 7.4 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. 7.5 Xilinx Inc. 7.6 Nokia Corporation 7.7 Broadcom Inc. 7.8 Infineon Technologies AG 7.9 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. 7.10 Renesas Electronics Corporation 7.11 Anokiwave Inc. 7.12 Qorvo Inc. 7.13 NXP Semiconductors N.V. 7.14 Cavium Inc. 7.15 Analog Devices Inc. 7.16 Texas Instruments Inc. 8 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS 9 FUTURE OF THE MARKET For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hleh9x Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com L ooking to improve your shopping habits? Sustainable doesn't have to mean spending big. Our guide to going green on the high street shows you the tips and tricks to shopping better - from making do and mending, to the do-good denim brands making a difference. LIVIA FIRTH ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS You asked the questions on Instagram Stories. Sustainability champion and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge and Eco Age, Livia Firth, answers them Livia Firth Can high street brands ever be considered sustainable? @ella_mo Sustainability is not only about environmental impact, but also and perhaps most importantly social impact. Many fast fashion brands employ people who work in unsatisfactory conditions, earn very little and work beyond reasonable hours. Unless brands change this, everything else is smoke and mirrors. Which fabrics are the most sustainable? @freyadigby We should always prefer natural materials to synthetic fibres, which are produced with oil and plastic. The exception is when synthetic fibres are made from innovative sustainable materials, such as Econyl, which is made of recycled waste (often fishing nets recovered from the oceans). Which brands do you rate? @milliebenja Reformation, Outland Denim, Birdsong and Maggie Marilyn are working hard to push sustainable agendas. SAVE THESE LINKS Stocks affordable clothing brands that commit to natural fabrics and ethical sources. Spotlights small scale, slow brands, including Vanesa Vinhas and Sandermann. This Net-A-Porter of sustainable fashion also stocks affordable basics. Find everything eco-friendly, from nail polish to straw hats and lingerie. Brilliant for men and women, look here for fair-trade, ethically produced brands. PIN DROP Sustainable boutiques on the high street LOWIE, 115 Dulwich Road, SE24 LOWIE Alongside Scottish-made knitwear and organic cotton dresses from its own label, Lowie stocks casual and workwear brands. (ilovelowie.com) THE THIRD ESTATE, 27 Brecknock Road, N7 The Third Estate Ethical, eco-friendly and animal-free is the mantra here. We rate Vesica Pisciss vegan plimsolls. (thethirdestate.co.uk) 69B, 69b Broadway Market, E8 69B The range here is large enough for a full wardrobe sweep, from Filippa Ks trench coats to no-nasties nail polish by Kure Bazaar. (69bboutique.com) THE KEEP BOUTIQUE, Granville Arcade, SW9 The Keep Boutique Find a great edit of womenswear and low carbon lifestyle brands at this Brixton Village store. (thekeepboutique.com) BAY GARNETTS GUIDE TO VINTAGE LONDON Beyond Retro, 110-112 Cheshire Street, E2 The east London warehouse is huge and has loads of good mens stuff. Think lumberjack shirts, varsity jackets and denim. British Red Cross, 69-71 Old Church Street, SW3 Ive always found some good stuff here over the years: a 1970s animal mohair sweater, lovely leather handbags also from the 1970s, even Saint Laurent because its Chelsea. Goldsmith Vintage, 176 Portobello Road, W11 If you love old trainers, Converse and Dr Martins, you can find them here. Also: great fake fur, pussybow blouses and 1980s shirts, all at high-street prices. Rokit, 42 Shelton Street, WC2 Go here instead of the high street for great denim. You can also get some vintage jumpsuits that are better than the modern versions. Found and Vision, 318 Portobello Road, W10 The people who run this place really love vintage and they know the off-beat stuff thats cool. There are good pieces across the board: from an original Clash T-shirt to vintage Westwood. TOP TIP: dont go above 30 degrees when washing if your piece is old treat it with care and take it to the dry cleaners if youre worried. ENJOY YOUR CLOTHES FOR LONGER These high street brands will also repair your clothes Get your Toast clothes repaired in store FINISTERRE Send your holey jumper or jacket to Finisterres repair team in Cornwall who will darn and patch for 20. If your coat requires more TLC, order a full service for 125, which comprises replacing worn out zips and hems, along with a full wash and reproof. BODEN Bodens lead seamstress Cathy will sort out any problems with your purchase. Simply drop it at a Boden store within your 365-day guarantee. TOAST Not only can you get your Toast pieces repaired and altered in store, you can also learn how to patch at the brands workshops with Molly Martin for a fiver. Book in to the next on 28 March at the Marylebone store. NUDIE JEANS Part of its brilliant sustainability-minded business model, Nudie Jeans promises free repairs for life on every pair of jeans just drop them into the brands repair shops. COMMUNITY CLOTHING Manufactured in factories in the UK, Community Clothings products are made to last. However, if you lose a button or worse the brand will take in, fix and post back. RUSSELL & BROMLEY Need your Russell & Bromleys reheeled? Take them in store to be sent off for repair (at a charge), and while there, drop off your unwanted kicks to be donated to people in need through Shoe Aid. DO-GOOD DENIM Did you know it takes around 4,000 litres of water to make one pair of jeans? These affordable labels are taking steps to shrink their footprints Sezane denim LEVIS Launching this month, the most sustainable Levis collection to date is made of rain-fed hemp, which means the amount of water it takes to make a pair of jeans is reduced by 30 per cent. AND/OR at John Lewis The innovative textile company Jeanologia has mentored John Lewis on its new, lower-impact denim line (right) so that now all its jeans we like the Sierra high rise straight are made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. REFORMATION Reformations latest collection of jeans uses a third of the amount of water of most brands, plus it offsets water usage through a water restoration programme. WRANGLER With an overhaul of its production process, Wrangler has made Indigood, a collection that uses a foam-dyeing process that almost eliminates wastewater. MUD JEANS As well as making new jeans made of old pairs, Mud offers a jeans leasing system for less than 7 a month. After 12 months you can swap yours (to be resold or recycled) for a new pair. SEZANE Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Dhaka, Bangladesh Thu, March 19, 2020 07:19 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb396b 2 SE Asia Bangladesh,religious-gathering,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2 Free A massive coronavirus prayer session with tens of thousands of devotees sparked an outcry in Bangladesh Wednesday as the South Asian nation reported its first death from the global pandemic. Local police chief Tota Miah said some 10,000 Muslims gathered in an open field in Raipur town in southern Bangladesh to pray "healing verses" from the Koran to rid the country of the deadly virus. "They held the Khatme Shifa prayers after dawn to free the country from the coronavirus," Miah told AFP. Organizers claimed the number of worshippers was 25,000. He said organizers did not get permission from authorities to hold the session. Photos of the gathering was widely shared on social media, with commenters slamming the massive rally. Authorities have already shut schools and asked locals to avoid large gatherings in an effort to halt the spread of the disease. "Unbelievable how they even have done it without notifying the police? They will be held responsible if anything happens to the people in the region," Abdur Rahman wrote on Facebook. Despite the appeal from authorities to avoid crowded public areas, many took the opportunity to head to tourism sites. Police said they had to close two beaches, including one at Cox's Bazar, the main resort district of the country, and which is home to nearly one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. A senior leader from the ruling Awami League, Obaidul Quader, said a lockdown might be required to contain the virus. "If necessary, Bangladesh will be shut down. It'll be enforced where necessary. People must be saved first. We'll do everything for that," he told reporters. The number of positive cases in the country of 168 million people stands at 14, although some medical experts fear not enough tests were being conducted. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 11:39 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bcd0e7 1 National coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus-in-Indonesia,Yogyakarta,UGM,Universitas-Gajah-Mada,COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients Free A pharmacology professor at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) medical school has become the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Yogyakarta, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The professor, identified only as ID, is currently being treated at Dr Sarjito Central General Hospital in the special province. "We urge people who have been in contact with [ID] in the last three weeks to get tested for the coronavirus at the nearest healthcare facility," UGM vice rector for cooperation and alumni Paripurna Poerwoko Sugarda said at a press conference on Wednesday. "We have been granted permission from ID's family to inform [the public] that he has tested positive for COVID-19," he added, and that the university was communicating closely with the professor's family as it continued to provide support for him and his family. Paripurna said that the professor's family had expressed their hope that the announcement would prompt people who had been in contact with him to be more vigilant about their health and be alert to any symptoms they might develop. "I believe this announcement is the family's good intention to protect his colleagues and friends," he added. Yogyakarta COVID-19 spokeswoman Berty Murtiningsih said that ID's close contacts were currently being traced. She confirmed that the UGM professor was the second confirmed case in the province, and that the first confirmed case was a 3-year-old who was also being treated at Dr Sardjito hospital. "The first patient's condition is improving. After treatment, he has tested negative for the coronavirus, but he still needs another test before he can be declared healthy," Berty said. Yogyakarta Governor Hamengku Buwono X has urged local residents to practice prevention measures, including frequently washing their hands with soap and water, to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the province. "After two people have tested positive for COVID-19, we hope the number will not rise [further]," said the governor, who is also the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The Yogyakarta pandemic prevention and treatment command center has tested samples from 31 residents to March 18. Fourteen tests came back negative and two tested positive, while the center was still waiting for the results of the remaining 15 samples. Indonesia has reported 227 confirmed cases to date. (nal) It is great to see how Americans are working together to limit the effects of COVID-19. But please be aware of a far greater threat to us all than any virus and that danger is from other humans. That other news is being overshadowed. On a recent weekend in Philadelphia there were seven murders, including the murder of an on-duty police officer. So far this year there have been 79 murders in Philadelphia as though there is a contest to overtake the national death rate of COVID-19. Add more than 50 murders in Baltimore and more than 80 in Chicago, and so far humans are ahead of COVID-19, just counting three cities. In 2018 in America, there were more than 16,000 murders and more than 36,000 deaths in car crashes. Every murder and almost all car crashes are preventable. We all now have a strong respect for COVID-19, but lets all have an even stronger respect for each other. Treat one another with safety and respect. We all need that now, more than ever. David Faulkner Easton Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agustinus Hari (The Jakarta Post) Manado, North Sulawesi Thu, March 19, 2020 15:24 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206be3e5d 1 National North-Sulawesi,manado,COVID-19,hand-sanitizer,pandemic,alcohol Free As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise across the country, people in Manado, North Sulawesi have started to buy a local alcoholic beverage called Cap Tikus (Mouse Brand) - not to drink, but to make homemade hand sanitizer. Because of shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, the deputy governor of North Sulawesi, Steven Kandouw called for hand sanitizer to be homemade using Cap Tikus, which has an alcohol content of 50 percent, as the main ingredient. In addition, as many as 900 liters of Cap Tikus made by micro, small and medium enterprises in Tareran, South Minahasa was purchased by North Sulawesi's COVID-19 task force to be processed into hand sanitizer, which is to be freely distributed to the public. Cap Tikus is a traditional fermented beverage originally from Minahasa that is distilled from the naturally alcoholic sap of sugar palms. The local alcoholic beverage has long been a favorite among North Sulawesi residents. As reported by tribunnews, some residents have been experimenting by mixing some of the Cap Tikus with fragrant oils to be made into a solution that is believed to have similar chemical content as hand sanitizer. "The 600-milliliter Cap Tikus is usually priced at Rp 20,000 [US$1.25], but now it is priced at Rp 50,000 as people are buying it for hand sanitizer," said Robby, the Cap Tikus salesman from Tamaluntung village, North Minahasa, North Sulawesi on Thursday. He added that he was overwhelmed by the increasing demand for the beverage in the past three days. While the brand offers drinks with varying levels of alcohol content - from 30 to 50 percent - Robby said that most people came to buy the ones with the highest level. Engelbert Hart, another Cap Tikus seller, said that recently he could sell up to 30 bottles of Cap Tikus a day, up from the usual 10 to 20 bottles. "I am happy that more people come to buy, but I am also anxious about whether they bring the coronavirus with them or not," said the man who has been selling the beverage for 30 years. On Thursday morning, the North Sulawesi COVID-19 task force reported that six North Sulawesi residents were under monitoring for COVID-19. Indonesia has reported 227 confirmed cases nationwide.(trn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 22:48 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0627a 1 City coronavirus,COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,Jakarta-governor,anies-baswedan,Nyepi,Friday-prayer,Sunday-Service Free Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has announced that the city will limit upcoming Nyepi (Hindu Day of Silence) ceremonies and suspend mass prayers in places of worship, including Friday prayer at mosques and Sunday service at churches, for the next two weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "We agree to suspend all communal worship activities for two weeks. We urge citizens to pray at home during this time," Anies said during a press briefing at City Hall on Thursday. The decision followed a discussion with the Jakarta Religious Harmony Forum and all religious leaders in the capital. The policy will be reviewed again after two weeks, Anies said. He went on to say the policy had been put in place to stem the transmission of the coronavirus disease, as Jakarta continued to see a rising number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which stood at 210 on Thursday, including 17 fatal cases. Last week we urged Muslim citizens to bring their own prayer mats [to mosques], but today we have agreed to cancel two Friday mass prayers in the next two weeks, Anies said. Hindu leader I Nengah Dharma of the Jakarta chapter of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia said the Melasti purification ritual -- part of the Nyepi ceremony -- would be performed in Segara Cilincing Hindu Temple in North Jakarta on Sunday and attended by 10 participants only. The Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony on March 24, to be held a day before Nyepi on March 25, will also be limited to only 10 to 15 participants in Aditya Jaya Hindu temple in Rawamangun, East Jakarta. Furthermore, during Nyepi, Hindus are required to stay at home and reflect on themselves and this is in accordance with the social distancing measure called for by the government, said Nengah. Previously, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa on compulsory Muslim prayers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including not permitting Muslims to perform Friday prayers in areas where COVID-19 had spread uncontrollably. Following the governors instruction, the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, which previously insisted on holding Friday mass prayer despite the MUI's warnings, finally agreed to cancel Friday prayers for two weeks. Were also urging all mosques in Jakarta not to hold Friday prayers and daily prayers in congregation in the next two weeks. Please replace with prayers at home, Istiqlah Mosque management chair Cdre. (ret) Asep Saepudin said. (aly) There is insufficient attention being paid at the federal level to the needs of federal employees who cannot telework, he said. There is certainly confusion and ignorance in the workplace about what options may be available to a federal employee that is prevented from showing up at work, but who also cannot telework. San Franciscos mayor on Wednesday pushed back against CNN anchor Jake Tappers criticism of residents of her city on Tuesday after a number of them were seen jogging and walking leisurely despite a shelter in place order due to the coronavirus outbreak. During a broadcast on Tuesday, Tapper and CNNs chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, were visibly frustrated as they aired footage of San Franciscans enjoying a pleasant evening on the Embarcadero. The Embarcadero is the popular pedestrian walkway that sits along the citys northeastern waterfront shoreline. On Tuesday, six Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda, issued a directive ordering their residents to shelter in place. San Francisco Mayor Breed discusses the citys shelter in place measure with @wolfblitzer. We want you to only go out if absolutely necessary for essential services the ultimate goal is to prevent people from contacting one another that could lead to the spread of the virus. pic.twitter.com/Aa1LsPbtSG The Situation Room (@CNNSitRoom) March 18, 2020 San Francisco Mayor London Breed appeared on CNN on Wednesday to respond to criticism leveled at her constituents by CNN anchor Jake Tapper on Tuesday During Tapper's broadcast on Tuesday, he showed images of San Francisco residents taking a leisurely stroll and jogging along the Embarcadero They're holding hands and walking down the street ... This is actually kind of enraging,' Tapper said on Tuesday That means that the 6.7 million people who live there are to stay indoors, though it falls short of a full, mandatory lockdown, in which case people would need explicit permission to leave their homes. As of Wednesday morning, California officials said there were 870 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 17 deaths, according to The Mercury News of San Jose. One of those deaths was not a resident of the state, according to officials. California authorities said that almost 12,000 state residents were self-monitoring after returning to the US from abroad and landing at either Los Angeles International Airport or San Francisco International Airport. The Bay Area has also been hard-hit by the coronavirus. In Santa Clara County, officials report a total of 175 cases and six deaths as of Wednesday - the most of any county in the state. San Mateo County officials reported 80 confirmed cases of coronavirus - double since Monday. San Francisco had 50 cases; Contra Costa County reported 41 confirmed cases; Alameda County said there were 30 confirmed cases; and Marin County reported 15 confirmed cases as of Wednesday. Across the country, there were a total of 10,248 confirmed cases and 157 deaths. In light of the spike in cases nationwide, Tapper and Gupta reacted angrily to the images from Tuesday evening, saying that some residents of the City by the Bay appear not to be taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously. The CNN anchor said the images were kind of enraging. Six counties in the Bay Area ordered people to 'shelter in place' as of midnight on Tuesday. San Francisco city has legally banned people from leaving their homes for three weeks, with only shopping at supermarkets and doctors visits allowed [San Francisco Mayor London Breed] said to me that people are allowed - if they need to go out and go for a walk and get a breath of fresh air - they're allowed to, as long as they social distance, Tapper said. But that's not what we just saw. We saw people going for jogs, people going about their life as if it's normal. We're being told by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health that this is not normal. First of all, we see a bunch of people who are not social distancing. They're holding hands and walking down the street ... This is actually kind of enraging. The people of San Francisco - I shouldn't say the people, many people in San Francisco - have clearly not gotten the message. Gupta agreed with Tappers assessment, saying: Jake, Im with you on this Despite what were hearing from the White House [about the severity of the outbreak], I still get the impression that people in many places arent taking this seriously. I think thats a problem. Gupta stressed that he was worried that people arent engaging in social distancing, and the result could be a dramatic increase in the rate at which the coronavirus spreads. He said that social distancing is the best way to prevent the US from experiencing a situation similar to what is taking place in Italy, where the country is on full lockdown and hundreds of deaths are being reported every day. Some Twitter users praised Tapper and Gupta for 'telling it like it is' Tapper and Gupta were 'fed up', as this Twitter user noted 'Should they be huddling in the dark in their homes?' asked this Twitter user, who was critical of Tapper Others noted that the city was largely on lockdown and the streets were empty Another Twitter user noted that city residents were permitted to 'walk, run, bike by ourselves and with people we live with' Scott Holden accused Tapper of having a 'pretty myopic view of what is happening in the city' Italy, a country of 60 million, registered 2,978 deaths on Wednesday after 475 more people died. Italy was likely to overtake Chinas 3,249 dead - in a land of 1.4 billion - upon the release of Thursdays figures. The mayor, Breed, appeared on CNNs The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday to clarify that people are allowed outside to go jogging and take a leisurely stroll. Breed also pointed out that most people seen holding hands in the images which were shown by CNN on Tuesday were couples who lived together. The mayor said it would be unrealistic for couples or those who share the same household to practice social distancing. People in San Francisco are definitely permitted to go out, to run, to exercise, to ride bikes, this is not about a vacation, she said. If people are in the same household, they do not necessarily need to keep the same distance from members of their household; it would be impossible for them to do that. I think ultimately, it's not a fair assessment to say people are just out and about and not necessarily following the social distancing protocols we put into place, because they are. You see the buses are empty, you see the roads are empty, you see people are doing everything they can to comply. When asked what activities are prohibited by the shelter-in-place order, Breed said that residents are not to visit places we've already closed like hair salons, nail salons, and retail stores. We want you to only go out if absolutely necessary for essential services, Breed told CNN on Wednesday, though she added it is acceptable for residents to go jogging or take a walk. The ultimate goal is to prevent people from contacting one another that could lead to the spread of the virus. Several Twitter users hit out at Tapper, accusing him of making sweeping generalizations based on one camera frame while failing to note that most of the city had been shut down and people were indoors. Bill de Blasio says he's 'almost ready' to call for a shelter in place plan after coronavirus cases in NYC DOUBLED to 1,871 within 24 hours despite Gov Cuomo claiming the mayor is just causing 'panic' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday that he's almost ready to call for a shelter in place order after the number of confirmed corornavirus cases in the Big Apple skyrocketed in recent days. De Blasio and New York Gov Andrew Cuomo have gone back-and-forth about whether more than 8 million people in New York City should shelter in place. The mayor first spoke of the possibility of a shelter in place on Tuesday when he warned New Yorkers to prepare for such an order. But Cuomo was quick to push back in his own statement, saying an order of such magnitude would have to come from the state. On Wednesday, de Blasio said he's 'almost there' in terms of calling for the shelter in place, despite Cuomo's concerns. During an appearance on the Today show, de Blasio said: 'I am almost at that point, I have to say, it has to be considered seriously.' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (left) and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (right) have gone back-and-forth about whether more than 8 million people in New York City should shelter in place But Cuomo has continuously said that New York City will not be shutting down as he criticized the 'fear' being created by calls for a total lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus. 'The fear, the panic is a bigger problem than the virus'. The back-and-forth between the two officials has left some New York residents shaken and confused as many rush to grocery stores to stock up on necessities just 48 hours after bars and restaurants were restricted to takeout and delivery options only. The governor announced Wednesday that a hospital ship, The Comfort, will be sent to New York City while ordering employers to keep 50 per cent of their workers at home. The USNS Comfort came to New York City in the days after September 11 2001, terrorist attacks. Its not clear when it would arrive. Explaining his decision not to put the city on lockdown, Cuomo added: 'I don't believe any policy works unless the geographic footprint is large enough. It can't just be New York City. 'Also shelter in place, you close down your health care system, you close down your food system, you close down your transportation system . And you close down businesses. That doesn't make sense to me because people need to eat travel etc.' 'Doing it this way, all work forces 50 per cent excluding social services, we'll see if that slows the spread. If it doesn't slow the spread we will reduce the number of workers even further.' Cuomo on Thursday compared the coronavirus pandemic to 9/11 because 'one moment changed everything'. Testing in the state shows that 4,152 people now have the disease. As of Thursday there were 1,769 new cases in New York State, an increase as a result of more testing Cuomo said. A total of 22,284 have been tested in the state. Speaking to the press Thursday morning Gov. Cuomo ordered 75 per cent of non essential workers to now stay at home. That was up from 50 per cent Wednesday. He stressed that roadblocks and martial law for New York City were merely rumors. 'Shelter in place is a scary term for people, especially when they dont know what it means', Cuomo said, adding, 'I believe communication is important, and I believe words are important. Say what you mean and dont say what might alarm people.' A man wearing a mask walks to a Ferry station in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday Cuomo had earlier continued to resist calls for a shelter in place order but admitted 'confusion' for New Yorkers amid his ongoing spat with de Blasio on how to best deal with the coronavirus crisis. Cuomo told the Today show the 'fear and the panic' can 'get out of control' more than the virus can. He reiterated that he would not enforce a shelter in place order for New York City, adding: 'Are people imprisoned in their homes? No. Are we going to do quarantine? No.' But he did admit his back and forth with Mayor Bill de Blasio on how best to proceed has caused 'confusion' for New Yorkers, telling the Today show: 'You're seeing confusion a population that doesn't know the terms.' Advertisement Supermarket workers have been hailed as the 'unsung heroes' of the coronavirus outbreak after working day and night to keep shelves stacked to help millions of Australians through the crisis. Families have been queuing for hours outside stores across the nation to get their hands on everyday essentials, fearing they could soon be infected or quarantined as the virus spreads. Stories of everyday heroes are popping up across the country, as selfless staff work overtime to help deliver groceries. Coles and Woolworths announced they were opening an hour earlier this week to allow elderly or vulnerable Australians special access to products so they don't have to battle the crowds. Photographs from inside a Coles in Southland, Melbourne, show staff tirelessly working to restock shelves to prepare for 'elderly hour'. Hundreds of customers queued to ensure they got special access and once inside the store shoppers looked happy and relaxed as they filled their trolleys. Supermarket workers have been compared to firefighters during the bushfire crisis as they deal with hundreds of people a day, not knowing if they are infected with coronavirus. Supermarket workers have become the unsung heroes of the coronavirus outbreak as they desperately try to keep shelves stacked to help millions of Australians through the crisis Happy to help: One smiling checkout worker helps a woman stock up on antibacterial wipes and pasta at a Coles Lettuce be friends: One woman tirelessly restocks shelves ready for hoards of customers about to come through the doors One Woolworths employee, an international student, told Daily Mail Australia that he was now working 40 hours a week, up from 20, to cope with demand. 'We are going against our families wishes by working during the coronavirus crisis. It's a similar situation to the firefighters risking their lives during the bushfires in January.' Some employees have had to deal with being attacked and verbally abused by out of control customers desperate to stock up on food. Lemon and lime time: A grinning employee banters with his colleagues as they prepare the store for opening Stack hack: This bearded worker has his happy face on as he piles a trolley full of rubbish after filling shelves of essential items Coming through! A worker in high-vis makes his way through the store to get new products from a recent delivery Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA, the union for retail, fast-food and warehouse workers, told Daily Mail Australia supermarket workers have been 'stoic' in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. 'Unfortunately stories of workers, particularly supermarket workers, being abused and harassed while they're simply trying to do their job have been all too common lately. Abuse of our frontline workers is too common all year round, but the last few weeks have been particularly bad,' he said. 'Our supermarket workers in particular are certainly proving to be some of the unsung heroes of the current coronavirus pandemic. 'To get up and go into work day after day, knowing that what you are about to be faced with could be very ugly and difficult, is no mean feat. We should never underestimate the strength of character and the sense of community service our retail workforce has.' Russell Zimmerman, the executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, echoed Mr Dwyer's sentiments. He told Daily Mail Australia supermarket workers were doing a great job in 'incredible and extreme' conditions. 'I call these conditions extreme because as soon as they unpack the stock onto the shelves it disappears just as quickly,' he said. Meat and greet: This hardworking employee is restocking shelves full of meat in preparation for hundreds of customers He's not cagey! One worker piled his trolley high with chips, cans and other produce in the warehouse of Coles, in Southland, Melbourne 'Unsung heroes': The SDA union said supermarket workers have been 'stoic' in the face of the coronavirus pandemic 'Unfortunately I have seen someone abuse a staff member myself recently and I told the person to calm down as it isn't the fault of the staff.' Customers have taken to social media to praise shop workers across the country, saying they are helping to keep families fed and communities calm. 'Thank you to the staff for your efforts during this tough time, I don't envy you at all,' one social media user said. Another said: 'Thank you to all the staff doing their best to get us our supplies in this crazy time. Special mention to the staff at Stockland this morning. 'You were all doing your best to restock around the crowds, and get us through the check outs as quickly as possible while politely explaining the restrictions.' A Coles worker in Brunswick, Melbourne, was allegedly attacked with a stick after a customer was outraged by the lack of stock on the shelves He allegedly left the store and returned with the makeshift weapon, leaving the worker with a bleeding arm. A man was later arrested and charged Customers have been praising supermarket workers on social media for their professionalism and their hard work On Sunday, a Coles worker in Brunswick, Melbourne, was allegedly attacked with a stick after a customer was outraged by the lack of stock on the shelves. Police said the attacker left the store in a fury and returned with the make-shift weapon, beating the employee and leaving them with a bleeding arm. A 43-year-old man has been charged following the incident. Squeaky clean: A smiling employee restocks washing up liquid after stocks were depleted during coronavirus panic buying On Tuesday an employee at the Rosebud Woolworths, 75km southeast of Melbourne, was allegedly stabbed while collecting trolleys. A 25-year-old was arrested by Victoria Police following the stabbing. On the same afternoon a ma allegedly punched a Coles employee in the face after not getting the products he wanted. He also rammed two women in their 70s with a trolley. GROCERY LIMITS ENFORCED BY THE MAJOR SUPERMARKETS COLES Eggs - two packs per customer Chilled pasta - two packs per person Frozen vegetables- two packs per customer Frozen dessert - two packs per customer Mince includes Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken and Turkey - two packs per customer Flour - two packs per customer Dried rice - two packs per person Paper towels/tissues - two packs per customer Hand sanitisers - two packs per customer WOOLWORTHS Dry Pasta - two per customer Flour - two per customer Tissues - two per customer Paper towel, serviettes and wipes - one per customer Toilet paper - one per customer Hand sanitiser - two per customer Bulk rice (2kg+) - one per customer ALDI Toilet paper one per customer Dry Pasta two per customer Flour two per customer Dry Rice (excludes microwave rice) two per customer Paper Towels two per customer Tissues two per customer Hand Sanitiser two per customer Advertisement Aldi chief executive officer Tom Daunt slammed the behaviour of some customers . He said while workers are doing the best they can to maintain stock levels, customers must also do their bit. Pandemic: People have been warned against panic buying and instead told to make sure they have up to two weeks of groceries 'The increase in violence that retailers have seen over the past few weeks is absolutely unacceptable,' he said. He asked people to be 'considerate and compassionate' when they shop and respect employees. 'Quite frankly, we won't tolerate anything less. We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can mean that others will be left without,' he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison echoed these sentiments during a press conference on Wednesday where he told the public to stop hoarding supplies as it is 'one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis'. Aldi chief executive officer Tom Daunt slammed the behaviour of some customers after reports of violence towards workers Prime Minister Scott Morrison also slammed the behaviour of violent or aggressive customers at a press conference on Wednesday Customers were impressed with the kindness shown by staff at Coles' first community shopping hour on March 18 He also urged people to stop verbally and physically employees of supermarkets. 'Do not abuse staff. We're all in this together. People are doing their jobs. They're doing their best,' he said. 'Whether they're at a testing clinic this morning. Whether they're at a shopping centre. Whether they're at a bank, a train station, everybody is doing their best. 'So let's just support each other in the work that they are doing. And I encourage you please, if you see someone doing that, just call it out and ask them to just refrain from doing that. That's the right thing to do.' Supermarkets gone the extra mile to make sure Australia's most vulnerable people have access to groceries. Supermarkets have done everything they can in order to make sure Australia's most vulnerable have access to groceries This week Woolworths and Coles are an hour earlier so elderly people, pensioners and the disabled can make their purchases without having to battle the crowds (pictured: empty shelves) Woolworths is working with Meals on Wheels across New South Wales, ensuring elderly people receive a fresh roll of toilet paper along with their meals. Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director, Claire Peters said: 'Due to the unprecedented demand on certain products in our stores, we've heard that many elderly and vulnerable people in the community are missing out on items they may need when they shop. 'While we'll continue to do our very best to continue restocking our stores, we encourage all Australians to be mindful of those in your community at this time who might need help and ensure that we continue to support each other.' This week Woolworths and Coles are opening an hour earlier so elderly people, pensioners and the disabled can make purchases without having to battle the crowds. One happy customer: One elderly shopper beams as she fills her trolley with toilet paper, pasta and fresh fruit and vegetables Woolworths Toilet paper has been in short supply after panic buying gripped the nation. Luckily this customer managed to get his hands on a 12 pack before Coles ran out On Monday, Coles announced that they would employ an extra 5,000 casual workers to help cope with demand. The supermarket will introduce a fast-tracked induction process and will hire more Coles Online delivery van drivers. It also plans to dedicate grocery deliveries to people who are isolated and vulnerable. This means deliveries for other customers will be temporarily suspended, as will the Click&Collect service. Stores will also close earlier so they can restock shelves. Aldi will now be closing nightly at 7pm so staff can spend time with their families and keep up with demand. Coles will also be shutting 'no later' than 8pm each night. The Queensland Government have also lifted restrictions on loading docks at supermarkets, allowing trucks 24-hour access Supermarkets have been forced to introduce limits on products after panic buying left shelves bare. On Tuesday, Aldi announced it was limiting customers to two packets each of dry pasta, paper towels, hand sanitiser, dry rice and flour. Only one packet of toilet paper is allowed per customer. Coles has introduced similar restrictions, limiting customers to two packs per person of eggs, chilled pasta, frozen vegetables and frozen dessert. They have also imposed limits on mince meat, toilet paper and hand sanitiser. Woolworths has also introduced limits on a wide range of products. In a bid to keep shelves restocked the Queensland Government lifted restrictions on loading docks at supermarkets, allowing trucks 24-hour access. 'We are not running out of products,' state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 'But we need to make these changes to get products on the shelves as quickly as possible. 'The message is clear you do not need to panic buy or unnecessarily stockpile products.' In addition to this, some supermarkets will be allowed to open 24 hours to keep up with the public's need for groceries. Panic-buying has forced supermarkets to introduce buying restrictions on toilet paper, pasta, flour and rice Coles is also seeking more than 5,000 casual workers to help cope with demand and quickly replenish shelves South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announced that shops in the state will be able to stay open around the clock for 30 days during weekdays. The deregulated shopping hours will begin on Monday, March 23. Under the new regulations shops in South Australia will be open all day from Monday to Friday, and will then be able to open from 12am to 9pm on Saturday and from 9am to 9pm on Sunday. South Australia Treasurer Rob Lucas said shops wouldn't be forced to open but he thought many business owners would extend their opening hours as the rules are relaxed. Oil and gas companies began to reduce their operations in the Permian Basin as the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 was blamed for stymieing global energy demands and leading to subsequent multi-week drop in the price of oil. As of Tuesday, domestic crude oil was listed at about $24 per barrel, an 18-year low, per data from Nasdaq. The price peaked at $62 per barrel on Jan. 7, records show, but began a steady decline since as the virus spread from its origin in Chinas Wuhan province and became a global pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 7,000 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, as of Tuesday, and the World Health Organization reported 132,758 worldwide. The spread of the disease, and subsequent travel restrictions, led to a sinking demand for oil and gas as the market was already heavily supplied. Thus, the value of oil declined. Further leading to global market tensions, a price war was ongoing between Saudi Arabia and Russia as the two nations which are the second- and third-largest producers of oil in the world after the U.S. failed to agree on supply cuts intended to drive the price up. In response to such market declines, Houston-based Apache Corporation announced it would pull all its oil and gas rigs out of the Permian to save on short-term spending. The company planned to reduce its 2020 capital investment by almost $1 billion. In the coming weeks, the company would reduce its Permian rig count to zero, read a March 12 news release, to limit its exposure to short-cycle oil projects. Chief Executive Officer John Christmann said the reductions were needed during the markets struggles. He said Apache must remain ready to address further volatility in the coming months. We are significantly reducing our planned rig count and well completions for the remainder of the year, and our capital spending plan will remain flexible based on market conditions, Christmann said. We are also further reducing operating and overhead costs as we continue to implement our corporate redesign program, which began in the fall of 2019. These decisive actions will benefit Apache as we navigate these challenging market conditions. Meanwhile, Pioneer Resources, which operates mostly in the Delaware Basin on the western side of the Permian one of the largest acreage holders in the region also announced a significant cut in operations. The companys rig count will be cut from 22 to 11, read a news release, while completion crews will be reduced from six to two or three. Overall, Pioneers capital budget was to be cut by 45 percent. Pioneer still expects its 2020 oil production to be similar to 2019s average of about 211,000 barrels per day, and Chief Executive Officer Scott Sheffield said Pioneer and the industry should be well positioned to recover when the economy recovers, and the market resumes its upward trends. As they have in the past, global headwinds and macroeconomic factors are impacting commodity prices, Sheffield said. After successfully managing through the previous five cycles, it is apparent to me companies that maintain strong balance sheets and low leverage during these difficult times will prosper when economies eventually rebound, and commodity prices recover. Spokesperson for the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association Robert McEntyre said New Mexicos industry was well-positioned to emerge from the financial crisis a leader in energy production. He pointed to New Mexico overall rig counts, reaching 116 rigs a record and growing to 117 in March, an increase over March 2019s average of 105 rigs. But until the virus is contained and the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia is resolved, McEntyre said the industry faced uncertainty. Our companies are making choices to modify their short-term business plan to make sure they can survive this business environment, he said. Theres no question the ripple effect is impacting our industry and others. Because of the uncertainty, the short-term is challenging. We can say with some confidence that the price of oil will be in a challenging place in the near-term. And as the market struggles, McEntyre said optimism remained in that New Mexico and the Delaware Basin was known to be home to largest continuous oil and gas resource ever discovered, per a report from the U.S. Geological Survey in November 2018. New Mexico is still known to have the largest resource ever found, McEntyre said. This has been a focal point for domestic and global companies for the past couple years. It was encouraging to see the situation in New Mexico before the pandemic. Its going to be a challenging business environment, but New Mexico is well positioned for when we come out of it. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. 2020 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) Visit the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) at www.currentargus.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Senior Congress leader Ajay Singh on Thursday demanded that the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police file an FIR in the case of 22 "missing" party MLAs who he claimed have been held "captive" in a Bengaluru hotel. In a letter to DGP V K Johri, Singh said prima facie it appears these 22 "missing" MLAs have been kept as captive by the BJP. They were first kept in a resort and later moved to Ramada Hotel in Bengaluru, said the former Leader of Opposition. When one of the legislators father, along with Madhya Pradesh minister Jitu Patwari, went to meet his son Manoj Choudhary, they were not allowed to enter the hotel, he said. The BJP has consistently denied holding the rebel Congress MLAs captive and claimed they have come to Bengaluru on their own accord. Later when senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and other state ministers went to meet these MLAs, they were also prevented from meeting them, he said in the letter. He pointed out that while Congress leaders were not allowed to meet the MLAs, these legislators later released video statements stating they did not want to meet Digvijaya Singh. Singh said it would be proper if the police take serious note of it and register an FIR in the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a first, the Rajya Sabha saw a few members wearing face masks as protection against the coronavirus, but the same was objected to by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu who said it was against the rules to wear any masks inside the House. Several MPs came to the Upper House wearing masks and demanded curtailment of the ongoing Budget session, which is due to end on April 3, in view of the novel coronavirus scare, but the government seemed unwilling. Here's a glimpse of how the MPs are dealing with the coronavirus scare. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram wears a mask at Parliament. Chidambaram was the one who urged Naidu to allow MPs to decide on using protective gear depending on their perception of vulnerability, after which the Chair agreed. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo An official uses thermal screening device on Union Minister Mahesh Chandra Sharma at Parliament House. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra uses hand sanitiser while entering into the Parliament. Two sanitisers were placed inside the House as well. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo TMC MP Derek O'Brien wears a mask at Parliament. Four TMC MPs came to the House wearing face masks. While O'Brien wore a black colour mask, his deputy Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who said they were following the government advisory in wearing the masks, wore a white one. Photograph: PTI Photo BJP MP Raj Kumar Chahal wears a cap with a message 'Karo Namaste' at Parliament House. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo BJP MP Ramvichar Netam wears a mask at Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo An official uses thermal screening device on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu as he arrives at Parliament House. While objecting to members wearing masks inside the House, Naidu said the entire Parliament Complex has been sanitised and hand sanitisers have been kept at various places. On being requested by several MPs led by Chidambaram, Naidu agreed but said the House was setting a precedent. 'I want all these things to go on record. That is all. We are setting a precedent,' he said. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo Rashtriya Janata Dal MPs Misa Bharati and Manoj Kumar Jha. Photograph: ANI Photo Russia is sending its first spacecraft to the Moon in 45 years and will explore the polar regions in a bid to try and find water on the lunar surface. The Lunar-25 lander will be the first Russian spacecraft to land on the surface of the Moon since 1976 - when Lunar-24 touched down. It's expected to launch for the Moon on October 1, 2021 and will carry out scientific research in the polar regions - including a hunt for water. It will be one of up to five launches to explore the surface and sub-surface of the Moon over the next decade, Roscosmos confirmed. Scroll down for video Luna-25 will launch in October 2021 and land at the lunar pole to search for signs of ice water that could help in future missions to and from the Moon The Luna-25 rover will head to the Moon's polar regions in search of ice water. It will take scientific equipment to sample the soil Russia isn't the only country heading to the Moon, countries including China, India and the USA are also working on lunar programmes. The USA's Artemis mission is expected to see the first woman stand on the lunar surface by the middle of the decade. 'The return to the moon will be a strong claim on leadership in space,' Ivan Moiseyev, head of the Space Policy Institute in Moscow, told The Telegraph. The original Luna programme was a series of robotic spacecraft missions to the Moon between 1959 and 1976. Luna 9 in February 1966 became the first probe to make a soft landing on another planetary body and send five black and white pictures back of the lunar surface. This was at the height of the space race between the USA and the Soviet Union that eventually ended when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon. Since the end of the space race other nations have entered the fray including China, whose Chang'e 4 probe was the first to land on the dark side of the Moon last year. India is also working on another attempt to successfully land a rover on the surface of the Moon after earlier failed attempts. The White House has spoke about the need to bring US astronauts back to the Moon by 2024 - something NASA says it a stepping stone to an eventual landing on Mars. The Luna 25 probe will conduct a series of scientific experiments on soil samples from the surface in the hope of finding 'water on the Moon'. 'The first country to discover water will cause a sensation,' Moiseyev said. Finding water on the Moon will make not just future lunar missions more viable, but also missions to Mars and possible asteroid explorations. Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1968 and the astronauts captured this image of the Earth rising in the lunar sky. Future missions will become more viable if water is found on the Moon, say Roscosmos This is a joint mission with the European Space Agency (ESA) who are contributing a robot drill to help in the search for water. Luna-25 will include a Pilot-D camera and hazard detection software created by ESA to image the terrain and help it land on the surface. This will then help prepare for the more complex mission a few years later when Luna-27 begins 'prospecting on the Moon'. Russia and ESA hope to be able to extract water from the Moon by 2025. The main goal of the Luna-27 lander is to study the composition of the soil near the lunar south pole. Water is a key target as there may be concentrations of frozen water at or below the surface, according to an ESA report. By Svea Herbst-Bayliss BOSTON (Reuters) - Billionaire investor William Ackman, who has long worried about risks posed by the coronavirus, called on the Trump administration on Wednesday to seal off the country for 30 days and said stocks would "soar" if such restrictions were imposed. "The only answer is to shut down the country for the next 30 days and close the borders," Ackman said in a post on Twitter, adding: "Tell all Americans that you are putting us on an extended Spring Break at home with family." Ackman also said he had bought stock in private equity group Blackstone Group as well as portfolio companies his hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management already owns, including Hilton Worldwide Holdings. Ackman, who has some 58,000 Twitter followers but rarely tweets, took to President Donald Trump's preferred communication platform to publicize his plan for proposed action. After markets closed with fresh losses and the Dow wiped out the last of its gains put on since Trump was inaugurated, Ackman told Reuters shutting down U.S. borders for 30 days was the only way to limit the virus' spread and save industries on the verge of collapse. "If President Trump were to go on television, with no one standing next to him, and say that he is shutting everything down and tell people to work from home and stay at home for 30 days, this thing could be killed and markets would soar. It might take some time for markets to recover but I'm confident they would recover fully," he said. Ackman, who normally considers himself an optimist, began worrying about the effects of the virus weeks ago and said he began preparing personally and professionally for a pandemic that he estimated could kill between 1% and 2% of the world's population. "People need to be scared and take this seriously," he said, urging the government to essentially force most Americans to stay home for a month. Story continues Without people wandering around outside, the virus' re-infection rate would be killed, he said, adding "and then you kill the virus ... 30 days would give us a cushion." Ackman protected his portfolio with a hedge that helped turn late February losses into gains in early March. Through March 17, however, the Pershing Square Holdings fund lost ground and is now down 6.5% for the year, data from the hedge fund show. Ackman broadcast his policy prescription in an emotional interview with CNBC on Wednesday and then again on Twitter. I am sure "the president will do the right thing in temporarily shutting down the country and closing the borders. If that happens, we can win the war against the virus," Ackman tweeted. The White House responded by saying that Trump has ensured that all Americans would be taken care of, including affected industries and small businesses, CNBC reported. Ackman is especially concerned about the hotel, airline, restaurant and auto industries, saying they may not have a long lifeline. "Hotels rent rooms for a night and if no one comes, they are done," he said. He called Hilton a "canary in the coal mine," and warned that without fast action the hotel industry could tumble to zero. In addition to buying Blackstone stock, Ackman said he had been loading up on the companies already in his portfolio like Lowe's and Restaurant Brands, as well as Hilton. Ackman, who runs $6.5 billion investment firm Pershing Square Capital Management from New York, moved his family, including his father who has battled lung cancer, out of the city several weeks ago. He said he spends a lot of time thinking about so-called black swan events and began worrying about the coronavirus' potentially catastrophic effects on public health and the economy many weeks ago. Last year, Ackman's publicly traded hedge fund surged 58%, making it one of the industry's best performers. Earlier this year, he sold off a position in Starbucks before the coffee chain's stock tumbled some 34% amid warnings for people to avoid restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. (Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Steve Orlofsky, Bernadette Baum, Tom Brown and Frances Kerry) Its no secret that Kylie Jenner has plenty of money. The 22-year-old is the worlds youngest self-made billionaire, and she loves showing it off in the form of expensive handbags and overpriced outfits. But every once in a while, she lets fans into her home. And the beauty mogul recently showed off a photo of her kitchen and its gorgeous. Kylie Jenner | Michael Buckner/BMA2015/Getty Images for dcp Kylie Jenner has made more than $1 billion through her cosmetics company When Jenner first launched her Kylie Lip Kits in 2015, nobody could have guessed where theyd lead her today. The lip kits, which became Jenners signature product after having her lips done several years ago, sold out the minute they hit the market. And now, nearly five years later, shes the worlds youngest self-made billionaire. Jenner officially named her company Kylie Cosmetics in 2016, and the brand now features various makeup products. Jenner launched Kylie Skin last year, and several months later, she sold more than half of her cosmetics brand to Coty for a whopping $600 million, valuing her company at about $1.2 billion. She occasionally takes fans inside her home Jenner tends to keep her home out of the spotlight. She lives in a massive Hidden Hills, California, mansion, and though she often posts photos in her driveway or by her pool, she doesnt typically show off the actual rooms in her home. Jenner does, however, love taking mirror pictures in her closet. It was her signature move for a while, though shes backed away from it a little bit. View this post on Instagram my lil baby lowkey a flexerrrr A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Dec 17, 2019 at 5:41pm PST Kylie Jenner usually only shows occasional glimpses of the inside of her home. Jenner recently showed fans her homes foyer, which she decorated with black and white family photos. But now, shes giving fans a sneak peek at other rooms in her home including her kitchen. Jenner recently showed off a photo of her kitchen Jenner posted random photos of her home to her Instagram story, and one of them included a shot of her kitchen. Though the photo didnt reveal the size of the kitchen (it mostly focused on a fruit bowl sitting on her counter), it did reveal the kitchens style. Jenners cabinets appear to be a medium gray, and her refrigerator looks like its large enough to be in a commercial kitchen. A stainless steel oven sits to the right of the refrigerator, and Jenners white and gray-veined countertops were clearly visible in the photo, too. Its unclear what material they are (likely either granite, quartz, or marble), though they certainly look expensive. Just beyond the fruit bowl was Jenners kitchen sink, which had an elegant arch; an almost-empty paper towel roll sat next to it. Kylie Jenners kitchen | Kylie Jenner via Instagram It still might not compare to Kim Kardashian Wests massive kitchen Though Jenner has more money than older sister Kim Kardashian West, nobody can forget how incredible Kardashian Wests kitchen(s) are. The Skims founder has a typical kitchen where her family eats as well as a commercial kitchen where her personal chef Marina prepares their daily meals. Kardashian West also has various refrigerators, including an incredible walk-in one that holds fresh fruits and veggies and only plant-based products. Both sisters kitchens are immaculate, but if you ask us, Jenners has a bit more of a homey feel. WASHINGTON When it comes to social distancing, consider Congress a late adopter. A day after two House members became the first lawmakers to announce that they had tested positive for the coronavirus, lawmakers pushed for more aggressive efforts Thursday to slow its spread on Capitol Hill, where thousands of people still go to work every day. Bay Area Rep. Eric Swalwell is leading a growing group of House members demanding they be allowed to vote remotely from home or elsewhere, to reduce the chance of spreading the virus. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, had resisted the idea but signaled Thursday that shes now open to it. She said the House will present a report on possible rules changes for voting, but stopped short of any decision. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has also been reluctant to allow lawmakers to vote remotely. Now he and Pelosi are having to consider changes to accommodate lawmakers racing to pass a $1 trillion coronavirus relief bill, one that would send cash directly to many Americans. Anxiety about the virus spreading on Capitol Hill has grown exponentially in recent days, and many lawmakers have publicly complained about the risk to themselves and their staffers. Those fears were stoked Wednesday night when Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, said they had tested positive for the virus. At least two dozen additional lawmakers are under self-quarantine after coming into contact with someone who was later confirmed to have the virus. The threat of infection is heightened for many members of Congress who are seniors the average age is 57.6 years in the House and 62.9 years in the Senate. Older people are more likely to face serious complications if they become infected. Swalwell, D-Dublin, and about four dozen other lawmakers sent a letter to Pelosi and McConnell on Wednesday, urging them to allow the House and Senate to consider remote-voting rules. Congress should be no exception to the public health safeguards, they wrote. We are undermining our unified, bipartisan message to the American people when we come together on the crowded House floor to vote. McConnell dismissed those requests outright Wednesday when he told reporters, Well not be doing that. There are a number of different ways to avoid getting too many people together. McConnell has taken other measures, however, instructing senators to vote one by one on the floor and doubling the amount of time for them to do so, from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Sen. Kamala Harris said shes open to the idea of voting remotely. But she said senators shouldnt leave Washington while they deal with the economic effects of the pandemic. We should be here, doing the business of helping to make sure that this government is running and running effectively, said Harris, D-Calif. In my mind, there should be no such thing as a weekend when youre in the midst of a crisis and youre supposed to be a leader. Harris, however, said shes taking pains to stay safe in the Capitol: Im pushing elevator buttons with my elbows. Harris California colleague, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, said she isnt in favor of remote voting. Showing up is part of the vote, Feinstein, 86, told the New York Times. Alluding to the 1978 killings at San Francisco City Hall of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, she added, Ive been in worse situations. Ive seen people shot and killed, Ive found dead people, all of that. So this is not a big deal. The House is ramping up measures intended to discourage coronavirus spread. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Thursday that the House will probably not return from its recess until it is ready to vote on the coronavirus relief bill. The House is on a previously scheduled recess this week and is scheduled to return Monday. Swalwell said hes encouraged that Pelosi is open to the idea of voting remotely. He said its essential to protect the health of Congress now to make sure we can act for those who need us, and noted that he and many other lawmakers represent districts with shelter-in-place orders. Sadly, I think we expect there will be more people on Capitol Hill who test positive, Swalwell said. The fear was that it was always a matter of time. ... Were around so many people that were the super-exposed. Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner (Photo : Pixabay) (Photo : Pixabay) Jupiter's Great Red Spot measures a diameter twice as large as Earth and churns up winds of approximately 400mph. However, Astronomers have noted that typhoon has visibly reduced in size in the last 40 years and there is a possibility it can disappear completely one day. A study published this week in Nature Physics has shown that typhoon's current location has reduced in recent decades. But here's a catch, according to the astronomers. The research posted on March 17 by a group of researchers from Aix-Marseille Universite in France claims the thickness of the Great Red Spot appears to have remained stable. Because we are facing the Great Red Spot face-on from Earth, it in all simple to degree the floor dimensions of the cyclone. However, measuring the storm's thickness, shrouded via Jupiter's dense atmosphere, is trickier. Great Red Spot of Jupiter appears to decrease in size However, with a large plastic tank of saltwater and a motor, the researchers have simulated the violent vortex in the Red Spot. The researchers said the storm seems to be as thick basing on NASA's Voyager probe shot past Jupiter in 1979. The predicted horizontal dimensions, especially for the Big Red Storm, are consistent with cloud-level measurements since the Voyager operation in 1979, according to the researchers. However, researchers said the thickness of the Big Red Storm couldn't be directly detected. In 2018, Space.com quoted NASA's warning that the Red Spot grows taller as it shrinks. The research, posted in the Astronomical Journal, discovered the storm was changing its shape, length, and color with time. Reta Beebe from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, who co-authored the research, said there is evidence in the archived observations that the Great Red Spot has grown and contracted over time. She noted the hurricane is pretty small now, adding that it has been a long time since it grew. ALSO READ: What NASA's Juno found out about Jupiter: How Much Water does Jupiter Have? Different hurricanes happening all at once Astronomers have been looking at upon the Great Red Spot on the account since 1831. There is some evidence to indicate the Jovian storm was seen even earlier, but there may be a threat that might be a different hurricane happening altogether. Continuous observations of the cyclone date returned to 1878. The 5th planet from the Sun, Jupiter, is big enough to accommodate eleven Earth's across its equator. The planet has no floor like our homeworld but is made up of numerous gases, which include hydrogen and helium. If the gas massive has a solid inner core, NASA speculates it's far no bigger than our planet. Although the planet itself is inhabitable to life, NASA is looking to Jupiter's more than 70 moons for signs of habitability. ALSO READ: Jupiter Moons Now Up To 79 After 10 More Confirmed, Including 1 That May Collide With Others Juno has been exploring the planet since 2016, and it passes throughout the poles of the planet every 53 days. The huge gas large stays a supply of enigmas for many researchers. A research posted in 2019 claimed that Jupiter might have clashed with any other planet nearly 4.5 billion years ago. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-18 23:39:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on March 16, 2020 shows the White House in Washington D.C., the United States. The White House said Monday it has canceled this year's Easter Egg Roll amid the spread of coronavirus across the country. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) As the U.S. economy is likely to enter a recession as a result of the virus, adding uncertainties to the presidential election, the White House desperately needs a scapegoat. China, unsurprisingly, seems to fit the bill. But scapegoating is neither something new nor something helpful. BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- At a critical moment when the world is united in the battle against COVID-19, some U.S. politicians, instead of stepping up epidemic containment efforts on American soil, have kept calling the coronavirus the "Chinese virus" in an attempt to scapegoat China for Washington's lackluster epidemic response. The World Health Organization (WHO) has guidelines on how to name new human infectious diseases, and COVID-19, the official name for the disease that has affected over 200,000 worldwide, was deliberately chosen to "avoid stigmatization." Going against the international consensus, Washington exploits such racist terms for cheap political gains, using the virus as a weapon to smear China. Yet such a political scheme won't quell domestic criticism of the White House over the coronavirus crisis. People wait in line to exit from a Costco store in New York, the United States, on March 14, 2020. (Photo by Jin Shi/Xinhua) Washington is currently under fire for its slow and sloppy response to the virus, which has hit all 50 states throughout the country. Many media outlets have criticized the White House for squandering the precious time China has bought the world to fight against the virus. In this context, Washington, instead of examining its policies, is trying to deflect attention by stigmatizing other countries. Such a move is malicious. With 2020 being an election year, the current administration is trying to tighten its grip on the Oval Office. However, the spread of the coronavirus outbreak has roiled U.S. financial markets, leading to the circuit breaker in stock markets being hit for three times in eight days. Wall Street's bull market has been repeatedly touted as a major policy accomplishment by the White House. And now, as the U.S. economy is likely to enter a recession as a result of the virus, adding uncertainties to the presidential election, the White House desperately needs a scapegoat. China, unsurprisingly, seems to fit the bill. Traders work at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on March 11, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) Buck-passing is nothing new if one has observed U.S. politics in recent years. There are always some politicians who habitually blame China for domestic problems. Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, pointed out why this is the case. "Sadly, fixating on scapegoats is apparently much easier than taking a long, hard look in the mirror," he said. Smearing China will neither stop the spread of the epidemic in the United States nor fix the problems the U.S. politicians themselves have created. In these critical times, China-bashers in Washington should wake up to the fact and join the international community in fighting the disease -- the common enemy currently facing mankind. President Trump has taken pains over the past week to link the coronavirus outbreak to China, calling it the Chinese virus at daily briefings over objections that doing so unfairly stigmatizes an entire nation and might encourage hostility toward Asian-Americans. On Wednesday, Trump was asked whether this practice was racist. He calls the virus that, he said, because it comes from China. Its not racist at all, no, not at all. It comes from China, thats why. I want to be accurate, Trump replied. While the Trump administration has been criticized for its response to the pandemic, especially delays in making tests available for the virus, Trump was correct that the virus originated in China, and that the Chinese government bears some responsibility for its spread by hiding and then minimizing the outbreak. Trump also correctly pointed out that a Chinese government official tried to blame the U.S. for the outbreak. The virus appears to have originated at Huanan live-animal market in Wuhan. Of the first 41 people infected with the virus, 27 had gone to the market, which sells and kills animals, some of them wild, for consumption, Vox reported. In 2002, officials traced the outbreak of the SARS virus to a market in southern China that also sold live, wild animals for food. Chinas so-called wet markets arose in the 1970s, when famine killed millions there. In 1978, Chinas Communist government allowed private farming, and a decade later it legalized the private industry of raising and selling wildlife. The Huanan Market in Wuhan, China. (Associated Press) The unsanitary conditions of these markets and storage of animals in crates on top of one another has been blamed for the transmission of viruses between species. In the initial stages of the SARS outbreak, Chinese officials withheld information on the number of people infected and later conceded it was not well prepared for the epidemic. A timeline of the coronavirus outbreak shows that an all-too-similar pattern has reemerged. Story continues Dec. 10, 2019: A 57-year-old seafood merchant at Huanan Market named Wei Guixian falls ill in what is believed to be the first case of COVID-19. Days later, he is hospitalized. Dec. 30: After other food vendors at the market in Wuhan become sick with a mysterious pneumonia-like illness, Dr. Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital, participates in a meeting on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media network, with seven other doctors. The topic of conversation is a growing number of cases in which patients undergo a rapid deterioration linked to respiratory failure. Wenliang warns that the illness resembles SARS, which went on to kill more than 800 people in 17 countries. Dec. 31: The Chinese government publicly confirms that dozens of patients in Wuhan are being treated for a pneumonia-like condition. Jan. 1, 2020: Wuhan police announce they have taken legal measures against Wenliang and the other doctors to silence them from spreading rumors about the virus. Jan. 5: Health officials in China rule out the possibility that the virus is a recurrence of SARS. Jan. 7: Chinese officials say they have identified the COVID-19 virus behind the growing number of infections. Dr. Li Wenliang. (AP Photo) Jan. 10: Chinese scientists post the sequenced DNA of the virus online. Jan. 11: China announces first death due to COVID-19. The 61-year-old man had been a regular customer at Huanan Market. Jan. 13: A case of the virus is reported in Thailand, the first outside of China. Jan. 16: Japanese officials report their first case of COVID-19, a man who had visited Wuhan. Jan. 19: China allows Wuhan to hold a Chinese Lunar New Year banquet, which is attended by tens of thousands of families in Wuhan. Jan. 20: The U.S. reports its first case of COVID-19, a 35-year-old man in Snohomish County, Wash., who had traveled with his family to Wuhan. Jan. 22: With 17 reported deaths and 550 infections in China due to the virus, the government officially locks down Wuhan. By this time, the citys mayor admits, more than 5 million people have already left the region. Feb. 6: Li Wenliang dies at a hospital in Wuhan. Feb. 23: Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a teleconference with 170,000 officials and declares that his government has acted swiftly to stop the spread of the virus. March 12: Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian suggests that the virus was brought into China by members of the U.S. military. Be transparent! Zhao wrote on Twitter. Make public your data! US owe us an explanation! March 17: Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that it is expelling American journalists working for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post after the Trump administration limited the number of Chinese journalists who can work in the U.S. March 18: For the first time since the outbreak began, Wuhan province reported no new cases of COVID-19. The outbreak that began in Wuhan infected 81,154 people in China, killing 3,249 so far. Globally, the number of cases and deaths continues to rise, with 222,499 infected and more than 9,800 deaths. March 18: Chinese officials issue an apology to Wenliangs family and walk back criticism of the whistleblower. Li Wenliang was a Communist Party member, not a so-called antiestablishment figure, a party official said on state media. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: That count, which involves brief human contact on a broad scale, could resume when the suspension ends on April 2 if bureau officials are satisfied that workers can be adequately protected, Ms. Lowenthal said. The second count is of roughly 500,000 homeless people in shelters, temporary housing and on the street, scheduled for two days beginning March 30. Medical experts have singled out the homeless as especially vulnerable to picking up and spreading the coronavirus because of their living conditions and poor health. Experts said the bureau has postponed that count while it tries to devise safer ways for enumerators to conduct the tally. Most training of census workers is conducted online, but experts said the bureau is also suspending in-person training and intends to move those exercises online as well. Steve Jost, a former spokesman for the Census Bureau, said in an email that a delay greatly increases the risk to the accuracy and completeness of the count, and possibly the delivery of the data products. The activities affected by the suspension are labor-intensive and essential to a complete count, he said. What happens to the rest of the censuss sprawling nationwide apparatus was not clear. A third in-person count targeting remote areas like mountain cabins and lake cottages with no fixed address appears so far to be unaffected. Nor did the bureaus announcement discuss safety measures at dozens of regional headquarters and two data centers it operates, in Tucson, Ariz., and Jeffersonville, Ind., that employ large numbers of seasonal workers. And the statement only briefly mentioned perhaps the biggest challenge of all: finding a way to shield the hundreds of thousands of enumerators who will be deployed in late May to knock on the doors of every household that did not respond to an invitation to fill out census forms. Their work used to entail long sessions in living rooms and kitchens where residents filled out paper forms. This year, those census-takers should be able to conduct most of their work from front porches, asking questions and punching the results into iPhones that transmit the answers to remote computers. GENEVA A senior UN humanitarian official issued a reminder, on Tuesday, that millions of vulnerable people are still relying on the Organizations life-saving assistance to survive. Speaking to UN News in Geneva, Jens Laerke, Deputy Spokesperson at the UNs humanitarian coordination office (OCHA), said that some of the countries affected by the coronavirus pandemic are already in humanitarian crisis due to conflicts, natural disasters and climate change. It is extremely important that we continue the life-saving work in these countries, he said, and that we sustain the humanitarian response across the world. OCHA teams in Geneva, said Mr. Laerke, are supporting the coordination, information management and logistics of humanitarian support. In the field, OCHA is also working to bolster countries that either already have COVID-19 cases or may see them in the future. Its very important that we leave no one behind in this crisis, and we must beat back this together, he added, echoing UN calls for global solidarity. Take the boldest action to stop or slow the spread of the virus: WHO Europe chief With Europe now the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, every country, with no exceptions, must take the boldest action to stop or slow the spread of the virus, said Hans Kluge, Europe chief of the World Health Organization, WHO, on Tuesday. Mr. Kluge, speaking from an empty WHO regional office in Copenhagen, where staff are now working remotely, declared that, at a time when the demand for WHO support is growing, the virus can be beaten back by solidarity within communities, within nations and within our region Everyone in society has a role to play: not to be infected yourself, and if you are infected, to protect others, especially the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Are governments doing enough? With many people asking if governments are doing enough to stop the virus, the WHO Europe chief said, adding that the whole of the region where a third of global cases are now being reported is alert and on guard, with preparedness, readiness and response measures on multiple levels. Mr. Kluge explained that the context for each country is different, depending on the level of infection, and the speed at which COVID-19 is spreading. Basic actions are the same, he said, but the emphasis changes depending on which stage a country has reached. All countries, though, should work to prepare and be ready; detect, protect and treat; reduce transmission; and innovate and learn, while protecting the vulnerable people. Ensure access to medicine: UN narcotics body Meanwhile, the International Narcotics Control Board, based in Vienna, wants governments to ensure that national plans to counter coronavirus do not interfere with the supply of controlled substances, such as pain relief medication. The UN-backed body also called on all countries to ensure that there are sufficient buffer stocks of controlled substances to guarantee availability of those medicines throughout the duration of the pandemic. The President of the Board, Cornelis P. de Joncheere, has reminded Governments that, in acute emergencies, it is possible to use simplified control procedures for the export, transportation and provision of medicinal products containing controlled substances. Related There will be no additional Vidbir national selection in Ukraine next year. The Go_A band, who were supposed to represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2020 in the Netherlands from May 12 to May 16, 2020, will compete in next year's song contest as this year's event has been cancelled. "You have probably heard that this year's Eurovision has been canceled for cogent reasons. But we are pleased to inform that we will still represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2021," the band said on Facebook on March 18. Read alsoEurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam cancelled Next year, TV channels UA:Pershyi and STB will not conduct any additional national selection, also known as Vidbir, they said. "We are very grateful to each of you for the support and wild emotions that you have shared with us. For confidence in ourselves and a triumphant spirit. For turning our world upside down and becoming such a close musical family! Take care of yourselves and your relatives, stay healthy! And when the situation gets back to normal, we will definitely meet at concerts and festivals. We love you! Yours, Go_A," the performers said on Facebook. This information was also confirmed by HR Director of Suspilne TV Viktoria Sydorenko. "We've proposed that the winners of this year's national selection, Go_A, should represent Ukraine at next year's Eurovision. They are the winners selected by the nation, and this will be the fairest decision in this situation. I hope the fans of the national selection will support this proposal," she wrote on Facebook. As was reported, Eurovision 2020 was cancelled over the spread of the novel coronavirus. Investigative journalist Slavi Angelov was assaulted near his home in Sofia on 17 March by two unidentified masked men while another filmed the attack. The International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists (IFJ and EFJ) join their affiliate, the Union of Bulgarian Journalists (UBJ) in strongly condemning the brutal attack and urge the authorities to bring the attackers and masterminds to justice. Angelov, editor-in-chief of the weeky 168 Hours, has reported on sensitive issues including the acquittal of a businessman who had caused environmental damage and was involved in prostitution as well as on tycoon Vasil Bozhkov's alleged financial violations. On 18 March, Interior Ministry chief secretary, Ivailo Ivanov, told the media that the assault was related to the journalists investigative work. The journalist is now at the Sofia Hospital with stab wounds, a broken leg, and facial bruising. Snezhana Todorova, President of UBJ said: "we urge the authorities to take prompt action to expose not only the direct perpetrators of the beating of Slavi Angelov, but also the mastermind behind this assault. Only the full disclosure of the mechanism and the people behind this serious crime can convince us that the Government has serious intentions to protect freedom of the media and take care of the safety of Bulgarian journalists. The union has been relentlessly calling for new legislation that would protect the safety of journalists as well as press freedom in Bulgaria. So far, none of its proposals have been taken on board. The IFJ and the EFJ strongly condemned the attack, reminding the Bulgarian government of its obligations towards press freedom and the protection of journalists. In a joint statement the federations said: "Bringing the perpetrators of this shameful attack to justice is a sine qua non condition for any democracy and will send a clear message that it is not OK to assault a journalist." Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said Thursday that he has decided to move the states April 28 United States presidential primary to a later date to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. The Democrat announced on Twitter that the primary will now be held on June 2. Connecticut is the latest state to postpone primary elections amid the global pandemic. Maryland, another state that was part of the April 28 primary, also moved its primary to June 2. The other states to postpone are Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and Ohio. Connecticuts change makes it mathematically impossible for Joe Biden to clinch the nomination before May. Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill said in a tweet that the decision to change the date did not come lightly, but it will give local election officials more time to prepare. Its a recognition of the severity and nature of this crisis, and more steps may be necessary to guarantee that every Connecticut voter has an opportunity to cast their ballot, she said. In other election news, Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard suspended her long-shot presidential campaign on Thursday. In an email and a video posted to Twitter, Gabbard offered her full support to former Vice President Joe Biden, saying its clear that Democratic primary voters have chosen him to take on President Donald Trump in November. Noting their political differences, Gabbard said she respected Biden and had confidence in the motivations of his campaign effort. Although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart, and hes motivated by his love for our country and the American people, Gabbard said. Im confident that he will lead our country, guided by the spirit of aloha respect and compassion, and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart. Italys nationwide lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic is expected to go on for longer than planned, according to the prime minister. Giuseppe Conte told an Italian newspaper it looked likely that the set end date, 3 April, would be pushed back. At the moment it is not sensible to say anything else, he told Il Corriere della Sera, but it is obvious the measures we have taken whether that be shutting down much of the countrys individual and business activities, or our actions regarding schools can only be extended. Italy has been in lockdown since 10 March as authorities work to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the second worst-hit country in the world after China, where the virus originated. We have avoided the collapse of the system, Mr Conte said. Restrictive measures work. Under current measures, Italys 60 million people are only allowed to travel for work, medical reasons or emergencies under an order that runs until 3 April. Meanwhile most shops, except those selling food and pharmacies, have to told to remain shut until 25 March. However, both deadlines could be pushed back as the country continues to battle its Covid-19 outbreak, Mr Conte has suggested. More than 35,700 people have been infected with coronavirus a flu-like disease that can develop into pneumonia in Italy, according to figures on Thursday. Nearly 3,000 people diagnosed with Covid-19 have died in the country to date, while around 4,000 have recovered. The PM said told the newspaper he hoped infection rates would start to go down in the next couple of days, but warned Italy could not go back to how life was before straight away. Other countries in Europe have joined Italy is taking strict measures against the pandemic, with France and Spain going into lockdown, and the EU mostly closing its borders. The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, has urged people in Britain where the total number of known infections stood at more than 2,600 on Thursday to avoid all unnecessary travel, social venues such as pubs, clubs and theatres, and to work from home if possible. Additional reporting by Reuters File Photo: Kingdom Tower, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: AP) CAIRO, March 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended travel of citizens and residents and halted flights with several states due to coronavirus fears, state news agency SPA said on Thursday citing an official source at Interior Ministry. The decision includes the European Union, Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia, source added, saying the Kingdom also suspended entry to those coming from these countries. Saudi Arabia also suspended passenger traffic through all land crossings with Jordan , while commercial and cargo traffic is still allowed, and the passage of exceptional humanitarian cases. The decision excludes health workers in the Kingdom from Philippines and India, and evacuation, shipping and trade trips taking necessary precautions. Saudi Arabia has 45 coronavirus cases. (Reporting by Samar Hassan; Editing by Kim Coghill) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled yesterday morning what he called an $82 billion aid package for Canadian workers and businesses aimed at sheltering them from the economic fallout from the global coronavirus pandemic. In fact, the lion's share of the money will go to propping up business so as to ensure the profits and investments of the corporate elite. Trudeau's announcement came as the number of coronavirus cases in Canada, the US, and Europe continued to surge. By yesterday evening, there were 666 confirmed coronavirus cases in Canada, more than quadruple the number last Friday, and a further 39 presumptive cases. The official death toll stood at nine. With global financial markets reeling and economic life rapidly shutting down across North America as the result of hastily improvised government orders to close schools, services and non-essential businesses, the corporate media is full to the brim with worried commentary. Numerous economic analysts are warning that the coronavirus risks provoking an economic slump that will dwarf that triggered by the 2008 financial collapse, and are urging the federal and provincial governments to funnel unlimited resources into bailing out big business. Nowhere near as much alarm has been expressed by the corporate media about the thousands or even hundreds of thousands of Canadians who could die due to the failure of the federal Liberal and various provincial governments to take serious steps, prior to last week, to halt the spread of the coronavirus and to save those who contract COVID-19, and the Canadian elite's decades-long healthcare austerity drive. The aid to business outlined in yesterday's announcement is only the latest in a flurry of government measures aimed at propping up corporate Canada. Moreover, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has promised that in the coming days he will provide additional government assistance for the airlines, oil and gas, and other particularly hard-hit industries. Last week the Bank of Canada and Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced a $300 billion scheme to prop up the country's banks by buying $50 billion of their mortgages and halving their bank capitalization requirements. The banks, in turn, are expected to step up their lending, helping businesses weather the economic storm, all the while turning a handsome profit. While the Liberal government is handing out lavish sums to corporate Canada, it is placing workers and their families on rations amid a raging global pandemic. A key element of Trudeau's aid package for workers is an emergency care benefit of just $450 per week. It will be made available to workers who are sick, have to stay home to care for a sick person, or are ordered to self-isolate and who have no income-support from their employer. The government also announced a modest temporary top-up to the existing child benefit, at a cost of $2 billion, and a one-time hike in the GST (Good Services Tax) rebate for lower income Canadians. Payments of an undetermined amount will be provided to the large number of contract, gig-economy and self-employed workers who do not qualify for Employment insurance, but the application process for this new emergency support benefit will only be launched in April. Like those receiving employment insurance, recipients of the emergency support benefit will get no more than 60 percent of their normal paycheck. This under conditions where numerous studies have shown that a large percentage of the workforce, and above all the lowest paid workers, live from paycheck to paycheck and have little to no savings. Trudeau also announced yesterday an agreement with the United States to limit cross-border traffic to essential travel. The deal aims to secure business supply-chains, including those of the large corporations that operate on just-in-time production, so as to guarantee they can continue to operate and make profits during the pandemic. The bilateral agreement was hailed by US President Donald Trump, who stressed it is being implemented by mutual consent. For his part, Trudeau emphasized that corporate Canadas access to its most important export market would be guaranteed by the deal. Supply chains, including trucking, will not be affected by this new measure, Trudeau reassured the corporate elite. Trade will not be affected, Trump added on Twitter. A top priority of the Liberal government since it came to power in 2015 and throughout the coronavirus crisis has been to maintain and expand Canadian imperialism's military-strategic partnership with Washington. Under last week's deal to suspend parliament, the Trudeau government, joined by all four opposition parties, rushed into law the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaces NAFTA and will strengthen North America as a US-dominated trade bloc capable of waging economic warfare and military conflict against rival powers, above all Russia and China. While no effort is being spared to safeguard the interests of the corporate elite, the governments measures to strengthen Canadas dilapidated and overcrowded healthcare system to combat the pandemic have been both paltry and dilatory. Last week, as coronavirus cases were spiking, Trudeau announced just $1 billion in additional spending to fight the pandemic. This includes $500 million for the provinces, who are responsible for managing most of the country's healthcare system, as well as money for research into vaccines and other treatments, and the purchasing of medical equipment. Only last week did Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland even bother to write to the provinces to request information about the state of their medical supplies and what equipment they require. Even today there is no accurate census of the vital medical supplies needed to fight the pandemic, such as masks and ventilators. As many as 20 percent of COVID-19 patients may need the help of a ventilator to survive. Yet nothing was done over the past ten weeks to augment Canada's estimated supply of just 5,000 ventilators. The delay in mobilizing resources to fight the spread of the pandemic, including the organization of systematic testing is proving disastrous. According to data available on the Public Health Canada website, some 20 percent of all COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday resulted from community transition, underscoring that the authorities have failed to contain the disease. According to Michael Warner, medical director of critical care at the Michael Garron Hospital in Torontos east end, the emergency measures announced in recent days by provincial and federal governments haven't gone far enough to halt community transition. Warner said his department is preparing for combat medicine, and warned that frontline physicians fear that Toronto is heading for a situation like northern Italy. There hospitals have been overwhelmed by the crush of new coronavirus patients and doctors have been forced to choose between which patients should be treated and which left to die. As of yesterday, close to 3,000 people had died in Italy due to COVID-19. Canadas unpreparedness for the pandemicfor which the ruling elite and its political representatives are wholly responsibleis all the more scandalous given that apart from several countries in Asia, Canada was the hardest hit by the SARS outbreak in 2002-03. Whereas China, Taiwan, and Singapore adopted measures based on this experience, including widespread testing programs, early quarantining of suspected cases, and a massive expansion of hospital capacity, Canadian governments learned nothing. On Tuesday, Eric Gjerde, CEO of Airon Corporation, a US-based manufacturer of ventilators, expressed his astonishment that Canada had not stockpiled ventilators following its experience with SARS in 2003. Forty-four people died during the outbreak across Canada, including at least 32 in Toronto. Your government and Ministry of Health should have hundreds of ventilators in storage, he wrote in an email to CBC. These ventilators can sit in boxes for years, with no maintenance. When they are needed, you just attach oxygen and you are good. It is just frustrating that governments can't think ahead and be prepared! The Globe and Mail reported last week that a ventilator, which can save the life of a seriously ill COVID-19 patient by helping them breathe, costs just $10,000. Canada thus could have purchased 1,000 ventilators for a mere $10 milliona drop in the bucket compared to the billions showered on the corporations with no strings attached. The Trudeau government only issued initial tenders for urgently needed medical supplies last Thursday. Exploratory talks with private businesses about transitioning to the production of medical equipment were launched Tuesday. Less than one percent if the world's nuclear arsenal could spark a global food crisis, a new study reveals. The event would inject five million tons of black smoke into the atmosphere that would block the sun and create a sudden cooling effect around the world. The drastic drop in temperatures could have devastating effects on agriculture and although global food reserves would largely buffer production losses a year after the conflict, the would be fully depleted by year five. Using scientific models, researchers determined that food availability would be reduced by more than 20 percent in 71 countries, with a total population of about 1.3 million. Scroll down for video Less than one percent if the world's nuclear arsenal could spark a global food crisis, a new study reveals. The event would inject five million tons of black smoke into the atmosphere that would block the sun and create a sudden cooling effect around the world (stock) A team led by NASA and the University of Chicago examined the potential consequences of a hypothetical nuclear conflict limited to one region of the globe using climate, agricultural and economic computer models. Jonas Jaegermeyr at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and the University of Chicago, said: 'We now know that nuclear conflict would not just be a terrible tragedy in the region where it happens - it is also an underestimated risk for global food security.' 'We find severe losses in agricultural production, but importantly we also evaluate trade repercussions affecting local food availability.' 'It turns out that major breadbasket regions would cut exports leaving countries worldwide short of supplies.' 'A regional crisis would become global, because we all depend on the same climate system.' The drastic drop in temperatures could have devastating effects on agriculture and although global food reserves would largely buffer production losses a year after the conflict, sustained losses in year's two through five would fully deplete these The model created a scenario that involves just 100 nuclear bombs that together have the explosive power of the one dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. Researchers noted that the amount is only 0.7 percent of the global arsenal and about 30 percent of what India and Pakistan are stock piling combined. If the bombs were to ignite, according to the experts, the event would send five trillion tons of black carbon into the atmosphere. Climate models determined temperatures across the globe would drop by 3.2 degrees Fahrenheit and precipitation would fall by eight percent for over the course of five years. Researchers lay out the grim story of how the world would transform after a nuclear war. One year after the war, domestic reserves and global trade could largely buffer the food production loss, the researchers now show. However, in just three years, the supply would begin to dwindle. By year four, grain stocks would virtually be depleted and the international trade systems would come to a halt. 'Continuing production losses therefore propagate from the breadbasket regions in the Northern Hemisphere to the often poorer populations of the Global South,' the team explains. Maize and wheat supplies would decrease by at least 20 percent in more than 70 countries with about 1.3 billion people - sparking the great famine. 'This is a surprisingly sharp response in view of the much larger conflict scenarios imaginable when it comes to nuclear war,' said Jaegermeyr. Co-author Alan Robock at Rutgers University said: 'As horrible as the direct effects of nuclear weapons would be, more people could die outside the target areas due to famine, simply because of indirect climatic effects.' 'Nuclear proliferation continues, and there is a de facto nuclear arms race in South Asia.' 'Investigating the global impacts of a nuclear war is therefore - unfortunately - not at all a Cold War issue.' Hospitals around Australia are "gearing up in case all hell breaks loose" with plans to cancel surgeries not defined in the most urgent category as authorities prepare for COVID-19 patients to push the health system to capacity. The heads of Australia's medical colleges were due to meet on Thursday night, many via teleconference, to discuss specialist doctors' response to the coronavirus pandemic, including which categories of elective surgery should be protected when hospitals cancel operations to free up beds. Hospitals will soon have to decide which elective surgeries they cancel. Credit:Louie Douvis Royal Australian College of Surgeons NSW chairman Ken Loi said operations for trauma patients such as people in car accidents or with bone fractures would go ahead, as would open heart surgery, stenting and procedures for patients with bleeding issues, acute pain, sepsis or major infection. He said if "all hell breaks loose" elective surgeries would be delayed if not defined as "category 1" - procedures for medical conditions that could deteriorate quickly and become an emergency. SPRINGFIELD Cheri Rodriguez-Jones said her last memories of life without health complications came at only eight years old. Now 38 years old, Rodriguez developed a rare-autoimmune disorder called dense deposit disease, spending much of her childhood in-and-out of the hospital and developing end-stage renal failure by 21. But thanks to advances in medical technology that make a life-saving procedure called nocturnal home dialysis possible and a dedicated team of doctors at Baystate Medical Center Rodriguez said she's finally able to live a relatively normal life with her family. My earliest memories involve going to the hospital to see Dr. Braden, Dr. Germain and Dr. Mulhern in their offices at Baystate. Sometimes I would have to stay at the hospital nearly all day for a Glofil test, which measured how well my kidneys were working, said Rodriguez. I had to limit sodium intake and swallow pills which I didn't like at all. I remember being admitted to the hospital a lot and I remember when I had my first kidney biopsy. I never fully understood why I was sick. I just knew my kidneys didn't work well. The diagnosis? Dense deposit disease, a rare autoimmune disorder that typically begins between ages 5-15 and attacks the glomeruli (microscopic blood filters) of the kidney, ultimately leading to reduced kidney function and leaving Rodriguez at high risk of developing end-stage renal failure. As a child, I became very used to being sick in the hospital and not really understanding why. As a teen it was a bit harder. Swelling is very common with this disease. I would wake up and my eyes would be swollen almost shut and I didn't want to go to my middle school like that, said Rodriguez. Rodriguez continued, I got a lot of attention from everyone because I was one of the kids with a chronic illness, so when there were periods of time where I wasn't at school because I was in the hospital, it would be a big deal when I returned. It wasn't my favorite thing to be in the spotlight all the time and the reason I was in the spotlight didn't help. I think most kids just want to be like everyone else and blend in. Shortly after the birth of her child, David, this autoimmune disease would eventually lead to end-stage renal disease when she was only 21 years old. Before my son was even a year old, I had to start dialysis. In the first two years, I was an at home patient which helped a lot. But then I got an infection that caused me to have to go do in-center hemodialysis so that began the next eight years of his life where I had to leave home three times per week for about five hours each time, she said. That was a lot of hours away during the day. It's tough to think about even now, but of my son's now 20 years of life, he has next to no memory of me where dialysis wasn't just a part of life. Rodriguez said that a glimmer of hope appeared when, after four years on the kidney transplant list as a highly sensitized patient, a deceased donor provided a positive match and underwent a kidney transplant. But in her own words, my body had other plans. I had bouts of rejection nearly immediately. I was in and out of the hospital trying and treating different things came up. About one year after my transplant, dense deposit disease was seen on my kidney biopsy. Unfortunately, in my final semester of my associates degree program it was determined that I would need to return to dialysis, she said. However, doctors at Baystate Medical Center had other plans for Rodriguez. According to Dr. Gregory Braden, Chief of the Division of Nephrology at Baystate Medical Center, Rodriguez was the perfect candidate for a new, cutting-edge treatment called home hemodialysis. Cheri really struggled with her disease and was in and out of the hospital for tests to check her kidney function, often spending several short stays to adjust her medications, said Dr. Braden. Braden noted that as Rodriguez's condition evolved and more became known about dense deposit disease only within the last five years has the etiology of the disease been discovered new treatments have been approved by the FDA designed to vastly improve quality of life among those with renal disease. What happened was that long, slower dialysis treatments at home were replaced by shorter treatment times in dialysis centers, which actually takes a greater physical toll on the body. Today we have come full-circle with home dialysis once again a viable option for patients with studies showing its many benefits, said Braden. Braden continued, Nocturnal home dialysis for patients like Cheri is performed for /eight hours, three times a week, for a total of 24 hours on dialysis. It offers them the opportunity to have their days free so they can work or attend to other needs, while physically it has a number of benefits, he said. Since the blood flow and dialysate are slowed down, there is a better cleansing of toxins from the bloodstream. For example, patients take less medication to control their blood pressure and phosphorus because there is a better removal of excess sodium, phosphorus and fluid with nocturnal home dialysis. In order to bring home hemodialysis to area patients, Braden consulted with Dr. Brigitte Schiller, chief medical officer of Satellite Healthcare and author of a study that supported the FDAs approval of home dialysis system NxStage System One. I called Dr. Schiller to help us get our program started. She told me what equipment would be needed and she sent us the needed protocols to incorporate when writing our own program, he said. For Rodriguez and her husband, it was a no-brainer; in fact, they developed a routine. During the week we typically begin the dialysis setup process at about 8 p.m. This is just a matter of preference because I like to get eight hours of dialysis and I like to be done between 5:30 and 6 a.m. so I can get to work in Worcester on time. We get together a set of new supplies including a cartridge which contains all of the required tubing and the dialyzer which is essentially the 'kidney' and a bag of saline. We start the machine and set it up according to our training, said Rodriguez, adding that her husband then kicks off the sequence that begins the testing process, allowing her to perform other necessary tasks such checking her temperature and blood pressure. When the dialysis machine has passed all of the required testing, it's time to begin. I sit on our couch so my husband can prepare my dialysis access in my upper right arm for needle sticks. My husband will wash up, put on gloves and begin the process of disinfecting my skin and preparing my needle sites. He'll put my needles in which are dull because we use pre-formed needle tracks so these needles don't need to pierce the skin. He will then tape everything up as we were trained. Then we walk to our bedroom and I'll get into bed, she said, noting that at this point, dialysis is set to begin. Then he covers me up with all of my blankets. Dialysis makes me very cold so one of my blankets includes a heated blanket, she said. Rodriguez said that from growing her career to being able to visit family in Virginia, the ways that her life has changed for the positive since beginning at-home treatment has been immeasurable. For the first ten years after I started dialysis, keeping a job just wasn't an option for me. In addition, I know based on experience that I feel very good in comparison to other modalities that I've tried in my past. Not every way of doing dialysis is going to work the same for each person, she said. My husband and I travel to visit family in Virginia once or twice per year and bring dialysis along. We even got married in Virginia last June. We bring the dialysis machine and our smaller supplies with us and the big supplies are shipped directly to our location ahead of time, she said. In addition, Rodriguez said she has also found a strong network of support online. I belong to a large network of home hemodialysis patients on Facebook. On one of our previous trips we forgot a couple of pieces required for our first night there. I sent a message to the group asking if anyone was in the area that we could borrow from. Someone local spoke up and offered to meet us at the local shopping center. It was great to have that kind of backup in a pinch, she said. Chandigarh [India], Mar 19 (ANI): A 23-year-old woman, with a travel history to the United Kingdom, has tested positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh. The woman, a resident of Chandigarh who returned to Amritsar airport on March 15 developed fever and cold on Monday, which later subsided. However, her samples tested positive as per reports received from the Department of Virology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh. As of Wednesday, there were 151 cases of coronavirus in the country, including 25 foreign nationals. Three persons have died due to the infection so far in the country. Several states have already ordered the closure of all places of public gatherings including schools, colleges, clubs, swimming pools etc. (ANI) By Express News Service CHENNAI: Teynampet and Adyar zones of the city corporation have the highest number of people quarantined in their houses, according to data available with the civic body. A total of 1,890 people have been quarantined. In Teynampet, a total of 522 people have been quarantined, of which 341 have completed the quarantine period of 28 days. ALSO READ: COVID 19 LIVE UPDATES Mapped against the Teynampet zones population of around 8 lakhs, the Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zone with around the same population has only 88 cases. In the Adyar zone, 293 people are quarantined. However, those quarantined are not symptomatic so far, said corporation officials and that have been quarantined only on the basis of their travel history to Corona-affected countries after they were screened at the airport. These are simply precautionary measures. These people dont have symptoms, said a senior corporation official. House quarantining may prove ineffective for North In the Northern zones of the city which comprises of Thiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet and Royapuram with a combined population of around 20 lakhs, a total of 227 people have been quarantined. While the number may not be high, in the unfortunate event of it going up, house quarantining would prove ineffective in the region owing to the closely packed houses and dense population, say health experts. A senior health department official told Express, It is true that in such cases house quarantining would be ineffective. But for now, there are not many people from the North region who have had a travel history to affected countries, as far as weve seen. So it is not likely that such a situation would arise. Keeping in mind that the symptoms may show up after the screening at airports and now, railway stations, corporation officials have launched a door-to-door operation to scan households for symptoms of COVID-19. Under this, the city corporations DBC (Domestic Breeding Checkers) workers would visit each house and verbally take note of symptoms including fever and cough. Our health and medical officers would then use the data and analyse it for trends. Based on that, interventions would be done, said Corporation Commissioner G Prakash. Basel, 19 March 2020- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced we are working with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a part of the US Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Actemra/RoActemra (tocilizumab) plus standard of care in hospitalised adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared to placebo plus standard of care. This is the first global study of Actemra/RoActemra in this setting and is expected to begin enrolling as soon as possible in early April with a target of approximately 330 patients globally, including the US. The primary and secondary endpoints include clinical status, mortality, mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) variables. "We are initiating a clinical trial to study Actemra/RoActemra for the treatment of people hospitalised with COVID-19 pneumonia, so that we can better establish the potential role for Actemra/RoActemra in fighting this disease," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roches Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. In these unprecedented times, todays announcement is an important example of how industry and regulators can collaborate quickly to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will share the results as soon as possible. To date, there are several independent clinical trials exploring the efficacy and safety of Actemra/RoActemra for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Actemra/RoActemra has been included in the 7th updated diagnosis and treatment plan for COVID-19 issued by Chinas National Health Commission (NHC) on March 3, 2020. However, this new trial is vital because there are no well-controlled studies and limited published evidence on the safety or efficacy of Actemra/RoActemra in the treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19. In addition, Actemra/RoActemra is not currently approved for this use by any health authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to initiating this trial, Roche received FDA Emergency Use Authorisation for the cobas SARS-CoV-2 Test on March 13, 2020, to detect the novel virus that causes COVID-19 disease. Learn more here. About the Clinical Trial Roche is initiating a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study (COVACTA) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous Actemra/RoActemra added to standard of care in adult patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared to placebo plus standard of care. The primary and secondary endpoints include clinical status, mortality, mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) variables. Patients will be followed for 60 days post-randomisation, and an interim analysis will be conducted to look for early evidence of efficacy. About Actemra/RoActemra Actemra/RoActemra was the first approved anti-IL-6 receptor biologic available in both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Actemra/RoActemra can be used alone or with methotrexate (MTX) in adult RA patients who are intolerant to, or have failed to respond to, other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In Europe, RoActemra IV and SC are also approved for use in adult patients with severe, active and progressive RA who previously have not been treated with MTX. Actemra/RoActemra IV and SC are approved globally for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) and in the US and Europe for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in children two years of age and older. Actemra/RoActemra SC injection is also the first approved therapy for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in more than 40 countries, including the US and Europe. In the US and Europe, Actemra/RoActemra IV injection is approved for the treatment of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell-induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in people two years of age and older. Actemra/RoActemra was the first approved treatment for CRS in this setting. A prefilled autoinjector ACTPen has been approved in the US and Europe. In Japan, Actemra is also approved for the treatment of Castlemans Disease and Takayasu Arteritis. Actemra/RoActemra is part of a co-development agreement with Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd and has been approved in Japan since April 2005. Actemra/RoActemra is approved in more than 110 countries worldwide. About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve peoples lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the worlds largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the eleventh consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2019 employed about 98,000 people worldwide. In 2019, Roche invested CHF 11.7 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 61.5 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. Roche Group Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com - Nicolas Dunant (Head) - Patrick Barth - Daniel Grotzky - Karsten Kleine - Nathalie Meetz - Barbara von Schnurbein Attachment This recently-listed, nearly $1 million Friendswood home boasts some unique features, namely a "Star Wars" Death Star, Darth Vader himself and some lightsabers. Houston-based realtor Ellis Young, 41, and his two sons, Bryce, 13, and Kaiden, 9, donned their best Star Wars gear and channeled the dark side to help attract attention to the home. "We decided we would do something fun to get people's attention and with everything that is going on, try to lighten people's mood," Young said of the listing on the Houston Association of Realtors. Young said he is known around the Pearland and Friendswood area for his unconventional tactics and using lighthearted for-sale signs, something he calls his "calling card" now. He made headlines in 2018 after garnering attention for a Manvel home listing that featured a for sale sign with the words, "Not Haunted," according to Young and media reports. "I am kind of notorious for doing stuff like this to my listings to get them outside of the box," Young said. One of his latest signs on a Pearland home makes light of the coronavirus pandemic and states, "The only corona in this house comes with lime," while some of his other sigss make fun of himself for being bald: "Agent needs money for hair plugs." "All of these things are not to offend anyone, it's just to lighten the mood of what can be a stressful time for a seller," Young said. "And it puts buyers in a better mood when they come in and see something humorous." Young said his Star Wars photoshoot only took about an hour and credits his friend Dan Young, no relation, for photoshopping the other intergalactic features in. US President Donald Trump on Thursday alleged that some American media outlets are "siding with China" as he defended his calling of novel coronavirus as "Chinese virus". The mainstream US media has termed Trump's usage of "Chinese virus" as "racist". "I think they do. They are siding with China. They are doing things that they shouldn't be doing. They're siding with many others. China's the least of it," Trump told reporters at a White House press conference. The president was asked if he believes that the US media outlets are siding with the Chinese propagandist on the use of his term "Chinese virus" for coronavirus. "It amazes me when I read the things that I read," Trump said, asserting that he calls coronavirus as "Chinese virus" as it originated from China. Over the past few days, Trump has increasingly been using the term "Chinese virus". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: Handout/Getty Images Angela Merkel doesnt do drama and she doesnt give speeches on TV. So the mere fact that the German chancellor faced the camera across a desk and spoke to the nation Wednesday evening made the gravity of the situation clear. Es ist ernst, she saidThis is serious and those three bland words had more power than a hellfire sermon. Then she pivoted from statement to plea: Take it seriously. Quickly, she moved on to historical context, the reason for her unprecedented impromptu appearance: Since German unificationno, since the Second World Warno challenge to our nation has ever demanded such a degree of common and united action. Merkel made no specific announcements and called for no nationwide curfews or additional closures. Yet what gave her address its force was her tone, which was direct, honest, and searingly empathic. She laid bare not just the test we all face but also the solace that leadership can provide. Without accusations, boasts, hedges, obfuscations, dubious claims, or apocalyptic metaphors she did what a leader is supposed to do: explain the gravity of the situation and promise that the governments help would flow to everyone who needed it. She gave full-throated thanks to front-line medical workers, assured Germans that there is no need to hoard, and paused to offer gratitude to a group of workers who rarely get recognized by heads of state on national TV: Those who sit at supermarket cash registers or restock shelves are doing one of the hardest jobs there is right now. This is a war without a human enemy, and Merkel lay no blame. She asked for the sacrifice of discipline, for heroic acts of kindness. She acknowledged the paradox in calling for solidarity and apartness at the same time. She understood how painful it is that just when people desperately want to come together, families and friends have to endure separation. To Americans, Merkels appeals to democracy, and her sadness at having to use the full weight of her authority, come as a welcome shock. No German could listen to her calls for self-policing without recalling that she grew up in East Germany under the eye of the Stasi. For someone like myself, for whom freedom of travel and movement were hard-won rights, she said, such restrictions can only be justified when they are absolutely necessary. No American could hear that statement and fail to contrast it with our own leaders ringing words: I dont take responsibility at all. Were committed to keeping our readers informed. Weve removed our paywall from essential coronavirus news stories. Become a subscriber to support our journalists. Subscribe now. Walter Ogrod, 55, has spent 23 years on death row for the 1988 murder of 4-year-old Barbara Jean Horn but in February, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office filed briefs arguing that Ogrod is likely innocent and seeking his release from state prison. The filing documented falsified testimony and alleged misconduct by prosecutors and detectives that led to Ogrods conviction. Ogrods next scheduled court date on this matter, March 27, has been postponed at least until June. Now, both his defense team and the district attorney have filed emergency motions for Ogrods release and transportation to a hospital citing symptoms of possible coronavirus, including a 106-degree fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Ogrod has exhibited symptoms consistent with COVID-19, has not been tested for COVID-19, is vulnerable to it because of his age and medical conditions, and has not been given appropriate medical treatment, the emergency motion reads. Philadelphias courts were closed on Monday through April 1, to retard the spread of the coronavirus. However, the First Judicial District issued an order permitting emergency proceedings for medical reasons. Ogrods brother, Greg, said he spoke with Walter and it sounded like his health was improving. However, without a test, hes still anxious. Im concerned about my brothers health. God forbid he dies in there after all this time," Ogrod said. "Let his family come get him, and we can quarantine him in our house. The Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding whether Ogrod or others are under quarantine or have been tested for the coronavirus. Ogrod is housed at State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Montgomery County, which has Pennsylvanias highest concentration of cases to date. James Rollins, one of Ogrods lawyers, said theres no time to wait. The prison is unable to provide the treatment that he needs, he said in a statement. Every day a decision and/or hearing is delayed is another day that Mr. Ogrod remains on death row for a crime he did not commit and at grave risk to his life. We are asking for an immediate ruling on already filed papers or a telephone hearing to get Mr. Ogrod released to treatment and safety. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Lastminute.com Optimistic Bookings Will Start Returning by May The parent company of online travel agency Lastminute.com believes that travel demand across its European business could start to bounce back by May. Like most tourism-focused companies, LM Holding saw a significant drop-off in demand during the course of 2020 (see below). This has accelerated over the past couple of weeks as European countries introduced measures to try and contain the coronavirus outbreak. But having looked at what has happened in China, the group believed that the disruption should only last a couple of months. We expect that people will start again to book holidays and vacation in May, June, to arrive to a normal level in July and August, Marco Corradino, CEO of Lastminute.com, said on a call with analysts on Thursday. As an online business, Corradino also expects the company to benefit from the fact that most people will be stuck at home during the coming months. Get the Latest on Coronavirus and the Travel Industry on Skifts Liveblog As a pure digital player, we will be in a better position than traditional retailers because the majority of the people will move all the bookings to online bookings because basically they are at home, he said. Of course, this optimism relies on hotels and airlines still being around to capitalize on any resurgence in demand something that at the moment is far from guaranteed. Coping Mechanism LM Holding has offices across Europe and has had to switch to remote working as the likes of France and Italy have moved into a lockdown phase. The company expects to receive some support in terms of labor costs from various countries, but at the same time its looking to reduce working hours. Unlike some travel companies with high fixed costs, LM Holdings are mostly variable, giving it some flexibility in a time of crisis. It said it had more than $107 million (100 million) in cash available to fund the business as well as an unspecified but significant amount of credit. Story continues LM Holding owns online travel agency brands such as Lastminute.com, Volagratis and Weg.de. It also operates in the metasearch sphere under the Jetcost and Hotelscan names. The business is split across a number of mainly European markets, with the biggest being the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. LM Holding had been exploring a possible sale of a stake in the business at the start of the year, but like so many other deals across the world, this is now not a priority. Full-Year Results Sadly for LM Holding, current events are overshadowing its 2019 performance, which looks to have been an improvement over the previous year (the full audited report wont be available until the end of March). Net profit almost trebled to $25.7 million (23.9 million) with revenue up 19.9 percent to $365.1 million (337.8 million). Most of the growth came from the online travel agency part of the business, which is where the company makes the bulk of its money. Dynamic packages and flights were both well above their 2018 levels. Subscribe to Skift newsletters for essential news about the business of travel. Two Members of Parliament and five parliamentary service staff have been ordered to self-quarantine for the mandatory 14 days before returning to work. The MPs involved are Binduri legislator, Dr. Robert Baba Kuganab-Lem and Ayawaso East lawmaker, Mahama Nasser Toure. They recently returned to the country from Japan and India respectively. Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu announced that the persons concerned are to observe the necessary protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in case they had it when they travelled outside the country. More soon. ---citinewsroom Commentary The world can learn much by paying attention to how the outbreak of the CCP viruscommonly known as the novel coronavirushas been handled in China. There were at least two well-known doctors at Wuhan Central Hospital during the outbreak, the whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang and whistle-provider Dr. Ai Fen. Ai is the emergency room director who saw a SARS coronavirus-positive test report for a patient on Dec. 30, 2019, and sent the report to a friend. The report immediately circulated in a circle of eight doctors that included Li. The reaction was almost instantaneous. At 10:20 p.m., the hospital sent a message conveying a Wuhan Health Commission notice that anything about the unknown pneumonia shouldnt be made public. One hour later, the hospital sent another, similar notice. Then, on Jan. 2, Ai was called to the hospital office and was rebuked by a hospital official, who also conveyed orders from higher authorities. Ai didnt talk about the virus afterward, not even to her husband, until Jan. 20. Li and seven other doctors who were considered whistleblowers got more serious punishment. They also were censured, and not by hospital officials, but by police on Jan. 3. The censorship effort turned out to be very successful; all of the doctors who knew about the outbreak kept silent. Meanwhile, the rest of China and the world were kept in the dark for at least another 20 days. The coverup and censorship had begun before Ai shared the test report. Wuhan Central Hospital sent out the first unknown pneumonia patient sample on Dec. 24, 2019. The report, which the hospital received Dec. 27, indicated that a coronavirus was found in the sample, with 70 percent similarity to SARS coronavirus. A report from a second test facility stated simply, SARS. Both facilities were private companies. The hospital reported the results to the Wuhan Health Commission the same day, which means that Wuhan officials knew of the disease three days earlier than Ai. While the Wuhan Health Commission can directly order the hospital to silence doctors, only administrative officials can order the police to punish whistleblowers. The coverup was already at the city government level as early as Jan. 3. Other organizations also covered up the outbreak. On Jan. 1, the Hubei Provincial Health Commission notified gene-sequencing companies not to take the Wuhan pneumonia samples, not to test the samples, not to submit scientific papers, and not to reveal the results to the public. It also was ordered that all samples must be destroyed. On Jan. 3, the National Health Commission formally banned all non-governmental facilities from testing samples related to the Wuhan pneumonia case, which the Beijing financial magazine Caixin recounted, in the report Tracing the Novel Coronavirus Gene Sequencing: When Did the Alarm Sound. The Caixin article was taken down several hours after being published. Human-to-Human Transmission An esteemed, senior doctor named Zhong Nanshan was used to manage part of another coverup. Zhong went to Wuhan on Jan. 19. Before he left Wuhan to go to Beijing the next day, he announced that the virus was capable of human-to-human transmission, which authorities at different levels had denied. Before Zhong, two groups of experts had been sent to Wuhan by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). Why is it that Zhong could find something within one day while so many experts visiting Wuhan couldnt? Caijing, another Beijing-based financial magazine, interviewed an expert from the second group, and asked those in the group whether hospital staff had been infectedthe key evidence for human-to-human transmission. The experts never got an answer. Zhong had earned a good reputation for fighting SARS and is the leading Chinese official for fighting respiratory infectious diseases. An outsider to Wuhan, he hadnt been involved in the previous coverup. He had the authority to change the status of the epidemic disease, and could change the tone without exposing government wrongdoing. Zhong, then, was just another tool of the Party. During this outbreak, even partial truth from the CCP becomes part of the lies. From day one, every Party and government organizationand the hospitals and individuals inside the systemhas been involved in weaving a web of lies. Anyone who intentionally or unintentionally exposed the lies was immediately silenced, by different organizations, at different levels, and by different authorities. Disasters Make the Nation Strong The CCPs institutions are designed for keeping its power, not for preventing and handling natural disasters, especially not for something like the novel coronavirus. The pattern is usually like this. When a large-scale natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood occurs, the CCP doesnt need to do much for the victims and survivors. Digging up survivors is for taking photos or videossaving lives is the least concern. During the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, classrooms collapsed, killing schoolchildren, while government buildings remained standing. But officials were never held accountable for the corruption that caused the shoddy school construction. The CCPs solution was to jail parents and activists who sought the truth and justice. In fighting disasters, the most important work is to brag about how great the CCP is. The people can only see the gratitude of the survivors to the Party, the red-flag-waving rescue teams, the award and victory celebration ceremonies, and other similar actions. As time goes by, people who have no direct experience of the suffering can only remember the propaganda, while totally forgetting the victims and the officials responsible for the disaster. This pattern is captured in the CCP slogan, disasters make the nation strong. It might be difficult to understand that natural or even man-made disasters can be transformed into a good thing to enhance the CCPs power. After the victims, the survivors, and the activists are silenced, CCP can easily generate the support of those who havent suffered personally. The disasters dont make the nation strong. They make the CCP strong. Scapegoats During this virus outbreak, the CCP has gone even further. Disasters make the nation strong has become CCP saves the world. The CCP has claimed that China bought time for the world, a boast that has been echoed by some Western media. But if the CCP didnt cover things up, there was no need to buy time. The CCP is very good at allowing a small problem to grow, then using all resources to fight the big problem. People see the CCP fighting the big problem so efficiently that they tend to forget the problem was originally created by the CCP. This is part of the Partys information war. From the beginning, Chinese authorities have sought to pass the blame for the outbreak. The first scapegoat was Huanan Seafood Market (HSM). HSM was formally mentioned as the source by Chinese authorities on Dec. 30, 2019, on Jan.11 by the Wuhan Health Commission, and on Jan. 22 by Gao Fu, the director of China CDC. However, three papers, including two from Lancet and one from the New England Journal of Medicine, and all by Chinese doctors and scientists, published between Jan. 24 and 30, tell a different story. In the first 41 cases, 13 of them had no HSM contact history, and the first case, and two of three subsequent cases, had no HSM history. Since those cases were all confirmed before Jan. 11, the Wuhan Health Commission was aware that HSM could only be the first cluster, and not the original source. Denial of human-to-human transmission is one thing, while intentionally misleading about the origin of the disease is a totally different issue. What did they want to hide? The second scapegoat is the pangolin, the odd mammal with scales whose meat is considered a delicacy. On Feb. 7, a research group at South China Agriculture University announced that they had found a virus in the pangolin that has a 99 percent similarity to the coronavirus causing the Wuhan pneumonia. However, one of the researchers, Shen Yongyi, pointed out in an interview with Nanfang Daily that the pangolin sample wasnt from the universitys collection but from a certain specific government unit. Shen said that under heavy pressure, results were revealed to the public, rather than publishing them in a scientific journal first. Since those two scapegoats didnt work well, the United States has become the new target. Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry Department, has claimed that a U.S. military team brought the coronavirus to Wuhan. This was not Zhaos personal mistake. Before Zhaos accusation, the SARS-fighting Dr. Zhong said that because the coronavirus outbreak appeared in China doesnt mean it originated in China. Since then, Zhaos accusation and similar finger-pointing have flooded Chinas social media. If the HSM and pangolin were put forward to find someone, anyone, to blame, out of a spontaneous response, the decision to point at the United States is an equally well-orchestrated strategy from the top circle of the leadership. Why does the CCP want to do something so obviously wrong that nobody around the world would believe? The CCP is trying to turn the coronavirus controversy to its advantage, especially in China. What else could be more effective and convenient than blaming the United States? The United States has been the No. 1 scapegoat for all the CCPs own problems for the past 70 years. Did the CCP lie about the Wuhan outbreak at the early stage? Yes. Is the CCP still lying now? No doubt. Will the CCP lie in the future? Definitely. What should we do? Dont trust anything from the CCP. Thats what Taiwan has been doing, and doing so well. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, Taiwan was abandoned by the World Health Organization (WHO), which favors the CCP. Facing the coronavirus, Taiwan can only rely on itself. The most important lesson the rest of the world can learn from Taiwan is not to trust the CCP or WHO. While some countries believe that Taiwan should be accepted by WHO, it turns out that its not Taiwan that needs WHO, but the whole world needs Taiwan. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Heng He is a commentator on Sound of Hope Radio, a China analyst for New Tang Dynasty TV, and a writer for The Epoch Times newspaper. From The Epoch Times Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NTD.com New Delhi [India], Mar 19 (ANI): The oath ceremony of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as Rajya Sabha member on Thursday was marred by slogan-shouting by the opposition, while the treasury benches welcomed him to the House by thumping of desks. The Congress and Left MPs targeted Gogoi on his nomination to the Rajya Sabha by President Ram Nath Kovind. As the former CJI entered the Well of the House to take oath as a member, the opposition members especially Congress MPs stood up to register their protests and raised slogans before staging a walkout. Congress leader Anand Sharma, speaking on the issue outside the House, said that Gogoi's acceptance of Rajya Sabha nomination has raised a lot of questions. "He has been given the gift of delaying the judgments. We condemn and oppose it," said Sharma while citing the reason for staging a walkout. Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, without naming anyone, commented on the relevance of the #Metoo movement. "I want to know what has happened to #Metoo movement. And those people who occupied high positions and troubled their subordinates... I do not want to say anything as it would be unparliamentary. Those should be tested who have misused their position. There is no respect..Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (they say). Daughters can study only when they live," Bachchan said. However, Ramdas Athawale, minister of state for social justice and empowerment criticised Congress leaders for their comments on the ex-CJI inside the House. "This is an important decision. He was the Chief Justice of India and the President nominated him. Congress is unhappy and it keeps opposing the government's decision. They staged a walkout. It was not good," added Athawale. BJP general secretary and MP Anil Jain too targeted Congress for raising slogans against Gogoi in the House even before he took an oath. "It is unfortunate. Congress is behaving in a weird manner. He is a tall figure in the legal circle. We do not know who guides Congress. The Congress has not just nominated members of the judiciary to the Rajya Sabha member but they have also been accommodated as ministers. They had KTS Tulsi," Jain told ANI. Earlier in the day, Gogoi took oath as Rajya Sabha MP. Gogoi's wife Rupanjali Gogoi, daughter, and son in law were also present in Parliament. President Ram Nath Kovind had nominated the former CJI to the Rajya Sabha on March 16. Gogoi served as the 46th Chief Justice of India from October 3, 2018, to November 17, 2019. On November 9, 2019, a five-judge Bench headed by him had delivered the verdict in the long-pending Ramjanmabhoomi case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nervous Californians have started calling police on their neighbors to report loud coughing and sneezing during the coronavirus pandemic. The Palm Springs police department - around 100 miles east of Los Angeles - said it had fielded around five such calls in the past week, according to The Desert Sun. Chiefs in neighboring Cathedral City also reported getting similar calls, though couldn't say exactly how many. It comes after seven million Californians were put into lockdown in the Bay Area amid a spiking coronavirus infection rate in one of the nation's worst-hit states. Police in California have reported getting calls from people to report their neighbors coughing and sneezing loudly, amid fears they could have coronavirus (pictured, a cinema sign in Beverly Hills) It comes after 7million people in the Bay Area were put on lockdown until April after cases of the virus began spiking in the state In most cases police say the calls are being passed to the fire department who go out to the home along with paramedics to check if the person needs medical help. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of coronavirus, according to the CDC, along with chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. Sneezing and a running nose are far less common. There are now almost 9,500 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US with 152 deaths from the disease. Of those, almost 900 cases are in California - the third-highest infection rate in the country behind only New York and Washington. However, problems with testing in the early stages of the pandemic means experts have warned states with few cases have likely not tested as many people as those with more. As of Wednesday night there were almost 9,500 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US with 152 deaths from the disease Coroanvirus cases have been following an exponential curve, with widespread social distancing measures now in place to try and flatten the rate of infection While California is the only state to have deployed shelter-in-place orders so far, New York mayor Bill de Blasio is said to be considering a similar measure. De Blasio and New York Gov Andrew Cuomo have gone back-and-forth about whether more than 8 million people in New York City should shelter in place. The mayor first spoke of the possibility of a shelter in place on Tuesday when he warned New Yorkers to prepare for such an order. But Cuomo was quick to push back in his own statement, saying an order of such magnitude would have to come from the state. The Trump administration has told everyone to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and to avoid public places for the next two weeks. However, the federal government stopped short of announcing an enforced ban on gatherings or using public spaces. Meanwhile police in Philadelphia have been ordered to delay arresting suspects for non-violent crimes to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. California is among the worst-hit states in terms of the number of cases, with third-highest infections in the US behind New York and Washington The new, temporary policy calls for people arrested for petty crimes like theft or breaking and entering to be detained, and police can take their information and initiate paperwork. The suspect will be arrested later on a warrant. The policy is meant to minimize the contact Philadelphia police officers make with suspects. But Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says that the policy gives individual officers the discretion on who to arrest in what situation. 'Again, it's non-violent crimes; property crimes,' Outlaw said. 'Does someone breaking into a shed require being taken to the detective's division and prosecuted and taken into physical custody? The answer might be no.' 'We had to adjust what we were doing and to what is happening in other places in the criminal justice system,' Outlaw said during a press conference. 'Right now, quite frankly, this is triage.' Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney backs the measure, stressing the idea that officers will still enforce the law in the city. 'Rest assured, this is not decriminalization,' Kenney tweeted on Wednesday. He added: 'It's about protecting officers, residents, & criminal justice system by allowing flexibility for arresting officers.' South Africa: New regulations prohibit cruise liners at SA's sea ports Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says new regulations that came into effect on Wednesday, will see all cruise and passenger ships entering South Africa through its sea ports being prohibited from disembarkation. Briefing the media at the Port of Cape Town on Wednesday, Mbalula said the regulations, which were gazetted on the same day, will assist in strengthening governments efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosas declaration of the disease constituting a state of national disaster on Sunday. He said this as government announced that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by 31 to 116. The regulations give effect to the prohibition of embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at all the eight sea ports. In terms of these regulations, no passenger vessels will be allowed in our ports, he said. The Minister said this after Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed on Tuesday that two vessels at the Port of Cape Town were held off port. This as a crew member on board one of the vessels began to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. In essence, there is a total ban on cruise ships. This affects all leisure travellers. With effect from today, no cruise ships will be permitted to call into South African ports or will any be allowed to leave our shores, he said. Cargo vessels not affected by regulations Earlier in the day, when President Cyril Ramaphosa convened a meeting of all political parties in Parliament to discuss the countrys response to the pandemic, he along with several opposition leaders, raised their collective concern over the potential effects of the virus on the economy. Briefing journalists, Mbalula said to minimize the adverse effects of the virus on the economy, cargo vessels docking on the countrys sea ports would not be affected. All of our eight sea port operations and cargo handling work will continue. The current regulations and measures do not prohibit trade. Cargo ships will still be allowed to call into our ports to off-load and to on-load cargo. This is to minimize the adverse effects of the virus on our economy and our global trade position, he said. Mbalula said the new regulations would prohibit crew changes for all types of vessels, including merchant ships. We are aware that in the normal course of ship operations the local ship workers [stevedores and other dock workers] do come into contact with ship crews and this is one point of possible contamination that we have requested port authorities to manage. Personal protective equipment and wear has to also be provided to these workers, he said. Temperature screening, improved hygiene In an earlier media briefing with other political leaders, the President said the regulations would provide for the operating authority to improve hygiene by regular sanitization as a preventative measure to mitigate the spread of the virus. Mbalula said key staff and those in the front line have to be provided with protective personal equipment and wear. Temperature screening at sea ports would be heightened. The Port Health section of the national Department of Health, has heightened its screening of personnel and individuals with our ports of entry and also at six of the eight sea ports. The screening is important and will be continuous to identify possible cases. Two sea ports that dont have port health capability are Mossel Bay and Saldahna Bay in the Western Cape, he said. Mbalula also said that the regulations would also prohibit the gathering of more than 100 people at a sea port. Movement of workers and people also has to managed to limit human interaction and promote social distance, he said. Cruise liner passengers suspected of having COVID-19 test negative Meanwhile, the SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has announced that the six passengers who were under quarantine on the German cruise ship, AidAmira, which docked at the passenger port on Friday, have been cleared of the virus after testing negative. This comes after TNPA confirmed on Tuesday that two vessels at the Port of Cape Town were being held off port limits after a crew member on board one of the vessels began to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. The two vessels in question were AidAmira and a cargo vessel, MV Corona. It was established that the six AidAmira passengers had been on the same flight from Instanbul, Turkey on 9 March 2020 with two cabin crew members on board MV Corona. The MV AidAmira ship has been operating between Port of Cape Town and Walvis Bay, in Namibia, this cruise season. The vessel sailed on Friday, 13 March 2020, from the Port of Walvis Bay with 1240 passengers and a total crew of 486 on board. As a result, the 1240 passengers were quarantined on board the ship while the six were isolated while ports officials awaited their test results. SAMSA Acting CEO Sobantu Tilayi said tests results have been received. We have received the results for those tests and they all have tested negative. The next step is for us to sit and see how do we handle the balance of the people that are on this ship, bearing in mind that this is the last call the ship is making in light of the barring of all cruise operations. As Tlilayi made this announcement to the media, loud cheers could be heard a few meters away from passengers on board AidAmira, who caught wind of the news through an announcement by the cruise ships crew members. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A Siberian Tiger gets close to his audience at the Cape May County Zoo on June 7, 2015. ( Michael Bryant / Staff Photographer ) Read more Philadelphia-area zoos are using technology to keep people connected to animals while the zoos themselves are closed to the public down amid the coronavirus outbreak. The Philadelphia Zoo, for instance, is offering an insiders look at operations through a #PhillyZooAt2 Facebook Live series, which allows viewers to virtually meet and interact with animals and staff at 2 p.m. every weekday. The Cape May County Park and Zoo, which is normally open 364 days a year, since Wednesday has been posting live daily lessons for its Facebook followers, and will do so on weekdays as long as the zoo is closed, officials said. The first lesson featuring two singing siamang apes was a smash hit with viewers. This was awesome! The singing was amazing. Does someone teach them the song or they make it up on their own? How do they know when its 11:30 a.m. to start singing? wrote Tara Voss Noriega, one of the hundreds of people who left messages on the zoos Facebook page. The lessons are also posted on the Cape May County Governments zoo website. At the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, the zoo has been broadcasting Zoo School Live! through Facebook. The program, which begins at 11 a.m. and runs about 20 minutes each weekday, features the zoos education team presenting a lesson along with an animal from the zoos ambassador program. Viewers can post questions to be answered live during the stream. Elmwood Park Zoos online educational offerings also include Bubbys Club, named for the zoos bison mascot. Bubbys Club features browser-based games that task children with identifying animal sounds and finding the creatures that use camouflage to disappear in their environment. Visitors can also watch videos and read through books selected by Bubby for his book club. Virtual tours and live streams of exhibit animals will soon be added to zoo websites, officials said. Education has always been the cornerstone of Elmwood Park Zoo its our first consideration in all our endeavors said Jennifer Conti, Elmwood Park Zoos development director. Our commitment to educate and engage with the community remains true even now, and we hope families can use or educational resources as so many homes become schools." The shutdown has been hard on the Norristown zoo, which saw its visitors grow from 114,000 in 2011 to 700,000 last year. The zoo has started a financial drive to offset losses from the shutdown. Closed zoos and aquariums in other parts of the country are also using the web to connect humans and beast in the time of Corona. The National Aquarium in Baltimore is closed until next Friday, March 27, but during business hours its live cams will be live streaming Blacktip Reef, Jellies Invasion, and Pacific Coral Reef. Possibly leading the herd is the San Diego Zoo, which last week posted 11 webcams featuring tigers, elephants, giraffes, and multiple species of birds, bears, and primates. As most readers will know, the United Kingdom features many world-class aviation museums. However, it is easy to forget sometimes how vibrant and vital the smaller museums often are. While they may not have the high profile and resources of the national institutions, they are no less dedicated to the important work of preserving aviation history, and often offer unique artifacts and experiences to visitors. One such example is the Bentwaters Cold War Museum located at the former RAF/USAF Bentwaters air station in East Anglia, near Ipswich, Suffolk. Not only is the museum preserving important Cold War-era military buildings for future generations, but they are also home to numerous aviation artifacts and several RAF and USAF jets of similar vintage. These included the following: BAe Harrier GR.3 ZD667 English Electric Lightning F.53 ZF581 Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II 80-0219 Gloster Meteor F.8 WH453 Hawker Hunter GA.11 XE707 Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star 51-19252 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 52-7133 SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1A XX741 McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 XV401 Four of these aircraft are under active restoration to varying degrees of functionality at present. The most advanced of these efforts features Jaguar XX741. Indeed, we are happy to report that on March 15th, museum volunteers were able to perform the first fast-taxi run in this aircraft! The museum has owned this former RAF ground attack/reconnaissance aircraft since October, 2009 and has steadily worked towards getting her live again. While it is unlikely she will ever fly, they do plan to hold fast-taxi events for the public in the future. While an actual aerial demonstration is a virtual impossibility, given the regulatory and financial demands, fast-taxi events do offer an idea of what these important aircraft looked, sounded and smelled like during their operational heyday. Such events will also be a major draw and focal point for visitors. It is an exciting development for this marvelous museum, and should be celebrated as an important milestone on a broader level as well Such operations always depend upon the publics support though, so please click HERE to see how you can help especially if you have a personal connection to either RAF Bentwaters or Woodbridge! You can always join the Bentwaters Aviation Society which runs the museum too Jaguar XX471: HISTORY: Construction no. S.38 Place of manufacture Warton, UK Date of Manufacture During early 1974, First Flown 4th October 1974 Type Built as a GR.1, updated to GR.1A standard Date of delivery to RAF 18th November 1974 ASSIGNMENTS: With 226 OCU at RAF Lossiemouth Scotland Moved to RAF Coltishall serving with 54 Sqn At RAF Coltishall serving with 6 Sqn Deployed to Thumrait, Oman on 11th August 1990 for initial aircraft deployment for the Gulf War, although XX7 41 returned to Coltishall and did not fly any active missions during the gulf war. XX741 was the RAF Jaguar airshow display jet for 1993, participating in shows at North Weald & in Malta. On charge with 226 OCU / 16(R) Sqn at Lossiemouth, although still retaining 6 Sqn markings, but with 04 code. Final flight from RAF Lossiemouth to RAF Shawbury for deep storage on 14:05 hrs on 31st January 1994. Sold to Everett Aero at Sproughton, Suffolk on 18/11/2005 Total flying hours 4260.20 Date received by the museum 16th October 2009 Museum Openings: The museum website states that they are open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, as well as Bank Holiday Mondays, from April 2020. Group visits are possible by arrangement at other times. Outside the museum is a shop and snack bar, serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and cold snacks. However, given the current world health crisis, there may be interruptions to the open day schedule, so it would be advisable to check in first with their Facebook Page to keep track of their status. Many thanks to the Bentwaters Cold War Museum for granting permission to use the photographs you see in this article! On many of the machines you could only see one party on the ballot, sometimes two or three, but you could never see all of the parties on a ballot, said Mr. Cabral. As the extent of the problem became clear, election officials suspended the vote. The electronic vote failed us that morning, Julio Cesar Castanos Guzman, the electoral board president, told party delegates days later. Officials also admitted that, at least a day before the election, they knew of a problem with the voting machines but thought it would be easily fixed. We were warned, but not of the magnitude of the problem, Mr. Castanos Guzman said. Referring to people who helped set up the system, he said, They told us it was an issue that could be fixed the second the machines were installed. How did the government respond? After suspending the vote, the electoral board scheduled a new election for March 15, 30 days after the original date, as the Constitution mandates. The board said polling places would use only paper ballots. Any ballots that were submitted in February would be destroyed. The board also suspended its national technical director and enlisted the Organization of American States, a United Nations-like group that represents 35 Western Hemisphere nations, to audit the automated voting system. This audit will be complete and binding in its results, the O.A.S. said in a statement. The Dominican Republic also faces a presidential election on May 17, increasing the pressure to make sure its election system works and is trusted. SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global smart lock market demand is expected to reach 34.9 million units by 2027, registering a CAGR of 21.6% from 2020 to 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing consumer awareness regarding advanced and secure home solutions, along with steady rise in the adoption of connected devices, is positively influencing the market. Additionally, substantial growth in the hospitality sector is driving the need for enhanced security, which is expected to impel demand for smart locks over the forecast period. Key suggestions from the report: Companies across the marketplace are undergoing various strategic initiatives, such as partnerships, acquisitions, and R&D investments, to stay competent and enhance their security and control systems portfolio Companies such as Airbnb Inc.; Couchsurfing International, Inc.; and other stay aggregators require homeowners to provide temporary access to guests, which has resulted in increased adoption of smart locks owing to provision of convenience to both customers and owners The residential segment is expected to account for the largest revenue share of more than 65.0% by the end of 2027. Rising smart home penetration is resulting in a higher number of connected devices across the sector Smart lock market in Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the next few years owing to increasing number of modernization activities across the residential and hospitality sectors as well as construction of new infrastructure in emerging economies such as India . Read 113 page research report with ToC on "Smart Lock Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Deadbolt, Lever Handle, Padlock), By Application (Residential, Hospitality), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-lock-market Growing number of residential and commercial projects, along with renovation of existing infrastructure, is expected to provide lucrative growth prospects for the industry. Smart locks can be integrated with several home automation devices, thereby providing security as well as convenience for users as they leave or arrive at home. With the growing prominence of smart locks across the residential sector, they are presumed to witness substantial demand, making mechanical locks a thing of the past. Increased usage of smartphones globally has further paved opportunistic ways for industry participants, since they are continually launching apps to control locking/unlocking procedures. Regular innovations across the market for smart locks are increasingly driving investor interests with remarkable funding contracts from key players. The industry has witnessed a considerable transformation over the past few years, with an influx of new startups, causing prominent vendors to form in-house hardware connectivity, software, and app development teams. This shift has resulted in market consolidation to a certain level due to numerous acquisitions across the marketplace. Grand View Research has segmented the global smart lock market on the basis of type, application, and region: Smart Lock Type Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Deadbolt Lever Handles Padlock Others Smart Lock Application Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Residential Hospitality Enterprise Critical Infrastructure Others Smart Lock Regional Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK Asia Pacific China Japan Korea Latin America Middle East & Africa Find more research reports on Electronic Security Industry, by Grand View Research: Radar Market - The global radar market size was valued at USD 29.46 billion in 2018 and is expected to register a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period. in 2018 and is expected to register a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period. Night Vision Device Market - Growing popularity of the devices among nature enthusiasts and wildlife researchers is likely to propel the demand. Moreover, the reasonable cost and technical feasibility of providing soldiers with night vision devices capable of producing color images are expected to drive the market growth. Webcams Market - The global webcams market size was valued at USD 5.18 billion in 2017 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.6% from 2018 to 2025. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: +1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg A 21-year-old student who arrived here two days ago from Ireland has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the number of cases in Tamil Nadu to three, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said on Thursday. The minister said the man was stable and being treated at the isolation ward of the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital here. In an update, Vijayabaskar said the student from Dublin in Ireland, who arrived here on March 17, was screened and put under home quarantine. He reported to the RGGH yesterday with symptoms of the virus and samples sent for testing confirmed that he was positive for COVID-19 today. While, the state's first confirmed coronavirus case, a 45-year-old man, has been discharged following treatment, a 20-year-old man, who arrived here from Delhi, tested positive for the virus yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samsung had introduced the Galaxy S20+ 5G Olympic Games Athletes Edition handset during the Galaxy S20 press conference, and the first live image of the phone just surfaced. This image appeared on Weibo, and it seems to have an NTT Docomo branding on it. That is not the variant that Samsung showed off in images during its press conference, it has slightly different branding on the back. Other than the Docomo branding on the back, and smaller Olympic games symbol, this is the same phone. IT comes with the same color, which seems to be something between gold and silver, based on this image. Advertisement This Galaxy S20+ 5G Olympic Games Athletes Edition live image shows the back side of the device You can see only the back side of the Galaxy S20+ 5G Olympic Games Athletes Edition in this live image, unfortunately. The phone has the exact same design as the regular Galaxy S20+ 5G, though. This phone will contain some added content in terms of software. Some additional wallpapers will be available, and perhaps even some themes that you can use. Do note that this variant of the phone will be available to Olympic athletes only. It will not be available for purchase, it seems. In terms of specs, it will be the same as the regular Galaxy S20+ 5G. Advertisement We presume that Samsung will make both Exynos and Snapdragon variants of the phone, just like it did for the regular model. Why? Well, Olympic athletes come from all around the world, so they have different needs in terms of 5G support. Due to the current Coronavirus epidemic, this years Olympic games may be canceled. As things stand at the moment, they are still taking place, but that may change in the future. The Galaxy S20+ is one of three flagships Samsung announced last month The Samsung Galaxy S20+ is one of three flagships Samsung introduced this year. In addition to it, the company showed off the Galaxy S20 and S20 Ultra. Advertisement Those three phones look fairly similar. The Galaxy S20+ has a larger camera module than the S20, and smaller than the S20 Ultra. It is also generally in the middle of those phones, in terms of both specs and size. The Galaxy S20+ offers a curved display, but much less curved than it was on the Galaxy S10+. It features extremely thin bezels, and a centered display camera hole. Its back is curved, and the device is made out of metal and glass. The European and Indian variants of this phone are fueled by the Exynos 990 SoC. The US and China models come with the Snapdragon 865. In seeking to safeguard American democracy from foreign interference, Congress must be careful to spare American economic interests from self-inflicted peril. With new reports confirming Russian election meddling, Congress wants to demonstrate U.S. resolve in uncovering and fighting all overt and covert attempts by Russia to undermine our democracy. The likely vehicles for doing so include the two bipartisan bills, the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2019 and the Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines Act. The former cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee late last year . There is an old saying Be careful what you ask for! This saying certainly applies to these two bills. DASKA, as the first bill is known, would prohibit U.S. companies from participating in energy development projects in which Russian companies were also participating. This would deny the Russians American know-how and resources, creating possible setbacks for Russias highly important oil and gas sector. But it would also deny U.S. companies a chance to be part of promising exploration and development projects anywhere in the world. This would force U.S. companies out of projects already underway and bar them from new projects. The Russians are often bad actors but they are seldom fools. Every joint venture they sign onto, even in a minor role, is one more venture the U.S. would have to forgo. The result would be to hurt the U. S., not Russia. This would be the exact opposite of the stated goal of the legislation. Consider the broader implications. U.S. multinational companies would lose lucrative stakes in global ventures. While these large companies might be able to absorb the hit, hundreds or even thousands of smaller American companies that rely on their larger American counterparts for orders of equipment, specialized parts, tools, engineering services and more would suffer for sure. The sanctions would also guarantee rival firms in foreign countries would profit instead of U.S. companies. The jobs and profits would be generated overseas, not in the United States. A large share of these jobs would be in Texas, home to many energy related companies. U.S. retreat from international energy infrastructure projects that Russia participates in could also mean supply disruptions and price increases for our allies. Why? American technology is generally better and more advanced than Russian technology. Also in the crosshairs of DASKA is Russian shipbuilding and transport. Again, however, it would likely be small and medium-sized American companies that would suffer as Russia circumvents American sanctions and gives contracts to non-U.S. contractors. Patriotic senators are justified in wanting to hit Russia hard for attacking something as sacred as our American voting tradition. It is a right Americans have fought and died for. The goal should be to prevent Russia from ever again even attempting to interfere in American elections. The way to best do this is to put in place prospective sanctions that punish Russian companies and individuals, not American companies and individuals. The sanctions President Obama put in place in 2014 after Russia annexed the Crimea did not materially impact the Russian oil sector or the Russian economy. The Russian oil industry is arguably stronger today than it was six years ago. It is unlikely the proposed sanctions in the two Senate bills would be any more effective. Without the full support of the international community, which did not happen in 2014 and is unlikely to happen today, Russia will find a way around new sanctions just as it did back then. Average Russian citizens have weathered the existing sanctions, so it would be naive to think the new sanctions in DASKA would prompt enough pain and economic loss in Russia that the Russian government would change its behavior regarding American elections. The way to prevent Russian interference in our elections is to target those organizations and individuals in Russia who attempt to manipulate our elections. Freezing American-held assets of Russian firms and individuals connected to American election tamperingf and banning such individuals and firms from future business in the United States would be much more effective. Target and punish the specific perpetrator with precise actions. Additionally, Congress and President Donald Trumps administration should galvanize efforts to shield state and local election systems from infiltration and make sure all voting jurisdictions have the resources to make sure voting in November is conducted honestly and fairly . Whatever the goal of Russia and its existing political leadership is, the United States Congress and President Trumps policy must be to protect our election process, and not to enact legislation like the pending Senate bills that would likely have the unintended consequence of hurting America more than Russia. Barton is a former Republican Congressman from Texas who served from 1985-2019 and is a former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Alabama is filled with fun destinations but did you know there are lots of fun sights to see along the roadside without ever getting out of the car. The best part? Theyre free. Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com So if youre getting antsy staying in the house, or you need a place to take the kids for the afternoon, take a drive to see some of the places on our list. In most places, its safe to hop out of the car for a selfie so youll have a souvenir for your scrapbooks. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 1. Horton Mill Covered Bridge Alabama Highway 75, Oneonta, Ala. You can drive across this 220-foot span one of only three covered bridges in the state open to motor traffic. Built in 1934 over the Calvert Prong in the Warrior River, Horton Mill Covered Bridge rises 70 feet above the water, making it the highest covered bridge over any U.S. waterway. From the intersection of U.S. Highway 231 and Alabama 75, follow 75 North for five miles and turn left at the sign for Horton Mill Covered Bridge. The bridge is less than 100 yards from the highway. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 2. Swann Covered Bridge Alabama Highway 79, Cleveland, Ala. This 324-foot span built in 1933 over the Black Warrior River is the longest in state. It is open to motor traffic. Swann Bridge is located 1 mile west of Cleveland off Alabama Highway 79 in Blount County. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 3. Worlds Largest Office Chair Miller Furniture, 625 Noble Street, Anniston, Ala. This 33-foot high and 15-foot wide office chair was built as a promotion for Miller's Office Furniture in Anniston. When built in 1981, it held the title of World's Largest Chair but was soon overtaken by one built in Friuli, Italy. Now, it is known as the World's Largest Office Chair. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 4. Heaviest Corner on Earth 1928 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Ala. Towering above the intersection of First Avenue North and Twentieth Street in downtown Birmingham are four skyscrapers that earned the title Heaviest Corner on Earth. When construction of the Hand building was announced in Jemison Magazine in a January 1911, the article had the headline: Birmingham to Have the Heaviest Corner in the South. This headline was used to promote the area and soon was exaggerated to the Heaviest Corner on Earth. The area, which is now commemorated with historic markers, includes the 1902 Woodward building, the 1906 Brown Marx building, the 1909 Empire building the 1912 John A. Hand building. Don't Edit Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 5. The Lady in the bay Barber Marina, 26986 Fish Trap Road, Elberta, Ala. This fascinating sculpture is visible from the parking lot but if no one is around, walk out onto the pier for a closer look. The Lady in the Bay is a creation that shows a massive woman's head and knees rising from the water as if she were quietly soaking there. Sporting eyelashes that are each 2 feet long, the Lady was commissioned by marina owner George Barber by artist Mark Cline. Don't Edit AL.com File Photo 6. Magic City Sign 2098 1st Ave South, Birmingham, Ala. In March of 2016, a sign was erected at the entrance of the Rotary Trail in downtown Birmingham. It is a replica of an iconic sign that once located in front of Birminghams Terminal Station to welcome visitors to the city. It was erected in 1926 but was later demolished. The new 46-foot-tall sign marks the Rotary Trail, an old railroad cut-through that includes walking paths, benches, landscaping, lighting, boardwalks and an amphitheater. Don't Edit Photo by Wil Elrick 7. Worlds Largest Boll Weevil Monument 101 Main Street, Enterprise, Ala. A bizarre statue in downtown Enterprise holds the unofficial title of the World's Largest Boll Weevil Monument. That's because it's the world's only boll weevil monument. It was erected after the pesky insect destroyed cotton crops, forcing farmers to diversify, as a reminder to how they overcame adversity. The bug is held aloft the figure of a woman. It was dedicated Dec. 11, 1919. Don't Edit Carol Highsmith | Library of Congress 8. The Face in the Courthouse Window Pickens County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Carrollton, Ala. According to legend, the outline of a face in the Pickens County Courthouse Window was created by lightning in 1878 and captured the horrified face of Henry Wells, who would soon by lynched. After the tale circulated for several decades, Pickens County officials began promoting the site as a tourist attraction. A historical marker at the site explains the legend. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 9 and 10. Singing River Statues Located in cities in the adjoining counties of Colbert and Sheffield, two Singing River Statues honor the areas musical history. The statues are two of more than a dozen planned for the Shoals area. 1918 Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Ala. This 20-foot aluminum is located near the library in Muscle Shoals. It was created by Tuscumbia sculptor Audwin McGee using aluminum donated by Wise Alloys in Muscle Shoals. N. Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, Ala. This 18-foot-tall musician located in downtown Sheffield was also the work of Audwin McGee, again using materials donated by Wise Alloys. Don't Edit Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 11. Rusty the Big Red Dog Kentuck Art Gallery, 503 Main Avenue, Northport, Ala. Originally sculpted in 1983 by Larry Godwin to promote his father's feed store, Rusty the Big Red Dog now graces the roof of the Stephens Gallery of the Kentuck Art Center. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 12. Eggbeater Jesus First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville, Ala. The funky "age of Aquarius"-type mosaic, installed from 1966-'73, represents an era when Huntsville was on the cutting edge of space exploration. The artwork known locally as the Eggbeater Jesus is made of 1.4 million pieces of hand-painted Italian tile. Don't Edit Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com 13. Statues of the band Alabama Gault Avenue and Fourth Street, Fort Payne, Ala. Bronze statues of four members of the country group Alabama, one of the most successful bands in history, is located in downtown Fort Payne. The band was formed in Fort Payne by cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook. Mark Herndon later joined the band and is depicted with a statue. Actor and activist Gary Sinise is being celebrated on his 65th birthday. The well-known actor, who co-founded the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago and played the iconic veteran role of Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forest Gump, has made the second chapter of his life about service. Sinise entertained veterans touring with the Lt. Dan Band, and founded the Gary Sinise Foundation, which describes its mission as honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families, and those in need. In 2019, he published his book A Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, which became a New York Times bestseller. Sinise counts military personnel among his family and close friends, which is part of what made the role of paraplegic Lt. Dan Taylor so meaningful for him. Then after the devastating terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Sinise felt called to give back in a bigger way to the soldiers and first responders who were risking life and limb on the front lines. Sinise quickly realized that his role in the movie was key in connecting with men and women in uniform, especially veterans who had been seriously injured. He told the Washington Post, Id walk into a hospital room with a guy missing his arms and legs and hed want to talk about Lt. Dan. Part of what made that role so important was the portrayal of a disabled veterans triumph against the odds. Thats the interesting thing about that particular story, Sinise explained to the USO in an interview. Prior to Gump, you always had that question as to whether the Vietnam veteran was going to be able to move beyond his combat experience. Sinise found that real-life veterans appreciated this portrayal. I just want them to know that they are appreciated and not forgotten, he said. He has gone on to make the rehabilitation of disabled veterans a key part of his foundations work. The Gary Sinise Foundation has helped build 61 smart homes, fully adapted for disabled veterans, some missing limbs and confined to wheelchairs, which allows them to live in relative independence in their own homes. One of Sinises longest-lasting and most popular veterans service projects has been the Lt. Dan Band, founded in 2004, whose motto is Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll. Sinise plays bass in the band and has been touring through the USO ever since, visiting active-duty soldiers at American bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Korea, Japan, Hawaii, and beyond. Sinise wrote on the bands website: I could never have predicted that over sixteen years later this band would have performed hundreds of shows for thousands of great people all over the world. Our performances for our service members on military bases around the globe have meant so much to me. To date, the Lt. Dan band has made a staggering 488 appearances around the world. Most people might feel more than happy to rest on their laurels after such achievements. What makes Sinise unique is that theres no victory lap for him. As long as there are veterans deployed around the world in defense of Americas freedom, he will be there to let them know how much their sacrifice is appreciated. As he wrote on his Foundation website, While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nations defenders, we can always do a little more. Well past Thursday midnight, three judges of the Supreme Court held a special sitting to hear a petition by one of the four 2012 Delhi gang-rape convicts to stop their execution scheduled to be held a few hours later, at 5.30 am, at Tihar jail. AP Singh, the lawyer of the convicts, had approached the top courts senior official to seek the late night hearing. Singh got his request but little else. We are not inclined to entertain the plea, the bench comprising Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and AS Bopanna, remarked just 20 minutes into the hearing. Singh cited school certificates of Pawan Gupta to claim that he was a juvenile in December 2012. But the judges told him off, reminding him that he had already made this argument and it had been rejected. He next asked the judges for a reprieve for the death-row convicts that would not stretch for more than 1-2 days, according to news agency PTI. Just enough time for Pawan Gupta to record his statement to the police in the FIR registered when he was assaulted in jail, Singh told the judges. The judges werent impressed. We are of the opinion that there is no merit in the case, Justice Bhanumati said, dictating the order after a 45-minute hearing, according to Live Law . The consistent view of this court is that scope for review of Presidents decision in mercy petitions is very limited, the bench ruled, according to PTI. This was the second late night hearing held at Singhs request. Three of the four convicts had approached the Delhi High Court late Thursday evening with a similar request to stop their execution. Justices Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula heard AP Singh and other lawyers for close to 90 minutes but did not find any reason to suspend the death warrant. Soon after, AP Singh declared that he would approach the top court before the four convicts were taken to the gallows to be hanged, simultaneously at 5.30 pm. Also read: Delhi gang-rape convicts to hang, rules high court after 90-minute hearing I will go to the Supreme Court when I get the copy of the order. I have spoken to the (SC) Registrar. I will go to him, he told reporters. AP Singh reached the top courts officials residence in central Delhi by 1.30 am to request for a special hearing. We are seeking an urgent hearing and stay on the death warrant. We are filing the petition in the Supreme Court The court is open and working, he told reporters. Lawyers for the four convicts had been rushing in and out of courts through the day, right from the one presided by Delhi judge Dharmendra Rana to the Supreme Courts six-judge bench. Before the top court closed for the day, the six-judge bench led by Justice NV Ramana had rejected convict Pawan Guptas curative petition that claimed he was a juvenile at the time of commission of offence in December 2012. Another bench comprising three judges then took up two other petitions filed by convict Mukesh Singh and rejected them. Asha Devi, mother of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim who waited for years to see the men who brutalised her 23-year-old daughter, was confident that the last-minute appeals would be rejected by the Supreme Court. The convicts, she told reporters, had already been given a lot of time and had managed to delay their execution. We are also going to the Supreme Court, it will be dismissed there too. Convicts will be hanged this morning, Asha Devi told reporters before heading to the top court. Back in Tihar where the four men - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma - will be hanged, jail officers along with the hangman Pawan Jallad have inspected the hanging courtyard late on Thursday one last time before the execution. The 10 pieces of rope that were brought from Bihars Buxar and tied to the beams at the gallows were checked. The rope has been dipped in butter or wax by prisoners of Buxar Jail in a way that it does not decapitate convicts during the hanging. Executioner Pawan Jallah checked the lever by performing a dummy hanging using a sandbag. The execution process is expected to be complete before 6.30 am. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Merry Norris was a founder of MOCA and helped shape the Cultural Affairs Commission as its president in the 1980s. (John Russo) When Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley approached Merry Norris about joining the city's Cultural Affairs Commission in 1984, she later told an interviewer, "I wasn't sure what that was, but it sounded like a nice honor." It was an honor that Norris could have used to burnish her art patron credentials: attend a few meetings, rubber-stamp a rack of civic design projects around L.A., then talk about all the good she was doing at cocktail parties and in fancy magazines. Instead, when she became president of the commission, two years later, she reworked its purpose and gave the organization teeth. As a Times story reported in 1992: "The commission, which has final design authority over all projects on or over city property, long had a reputation for passivity. Norris transformed the group into an activist board that raised the standards for design." Norris, a well-dressed powerhouse in a petite frame she was all of 5 feet 2 was not the sort to be taken lightly when it came to the aesthetics of Los Angeles. Of designs issued by the Department of Water and Power for a series of new generating stations, she once told The Times: "In the past the DWP often showed us buildings that were, quite frankly, hokey. ... They were so dishonest in character generating stations masquerading as country clubs, for instance that we had to reject them out of hand." This did little for her profile among L.A.'s powerful real estate interests. "We ran into a lot of resistance from developers and the city," Norris once told The Times. "The city thought we were holding up projects. The mayor's office put a lot of pressure on us." Pressures that left her unfazed whether it was working on DWP infrastructure in the San Fernando Valley or an architectural extension for downtown's Central Library. "We build this city building by building," she told The Times in 1988. "Each building is important ... to our thrust to improve the quality of life." Story continues Norris, a public servant and art consultant who helped reshape the artistic and architectural landscape of Los Angeles in her role on the city's Cultural Affairs Commission and was a key founder of the Museum of Contemporary Art, died Monday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The cause was pneumonia unrelated to the coronavirus (she tested negative for COVID-19). The death was confirmed by her eldest daughter, Jill Govan Bauman. She was 80 years old. Merry Norris attends a preview for "William Leavitt: Theater Objects" at MOCA in 2011. (Stefanie Keenan / WireImage) "Merry was one of the few people in Los Angeles who was really dedicated to supporting culture and the arts in all of its forms including architecture," said architect Thom Mayne, a founder of the L.A. firm Morphosis. "She was in love with the arts and the people who created it. She was devoted to supporting it in a difficult city." Mayne first met Norris in the mid 1980s, when they worked together on the Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, completed in 1988. Morphosis did the architectural design; Norris worked as the project's art consultant integrating pieces by artists such as Robert Irwin, John Baldessari and Jennifer Steinkamp into the design. It was a working relationship that quickly became a close family friendship. (Norris' younger daughter, Joni Martino, now serves as Morphosis' head of finance.) Before the project was even over, Mayne invited Norris to sit on the board of the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), the experimental architectural school he had helped found in the early 1970s. Mayne says that Norris was a vital, behind-the-scenes supporter of SCI-Arc, which has since become an internationally renowned architectural academy. "She was not a person who was all talk or concept," he said. "She did what she said she was going to do" which included helping raise millions for the school. "Her generosity and passion for SCI-Arc and the arts was unparalleled," said current SCI-Arc director Hernan Diaz Alonso in a statement. "Over the years, her contributions have made her inseparable from what SCI-Arc is and will continue to be. We will miss her deeply." Merry Norris, left, with architect Eric Owen Moss, who served as director of SCI-Arc from 2002-2015, in an undated photo. Norris served on the board of SCI-Arc from 1987 until her death on Monday, March 16, 2020. (Stefanie Keenan / SCI-Arc ) It was her unsung involvement in the establishment of MOCA, however, that helped catapult Los Angeles into the ranks of contemporary arts centers. She joined the effort in its infancy, in 1979, through her then-husband, the late William Norris, a lawyer and appellate judge who was then serving as the museum's first board president. "There are a lot of people involved when an institution like MOCA gets formed," said Richard Koshalek, who served as the museum's director from 1980 to 1999. "It involves a community, each making uncompromising commitments to this project. And she was an important part of that." Norris, who took on the role of acting director of development while the museum's Grand Avenue building was under construction in the early 1980s at a point in which the museum had all of four works in its collection was essential to raising the museum's founding endowment. "She was extremely well connected and respected," Koshalek said. "That made a huge difference. She believed that MOCA was important to the evolution of the arts in Los Angeles." Merry Norris helped raise the initial endowment for the Museum of Contemporary Art on Grand Avenue, which was designed by Arata Isozaki. (Hisao Suzuki) And she did it not through strong-arming or intimidation, but through an easygoing charisma that has been widely celebrated on social media in the days since her death. "She was the life of the party," said Carlo Caccavale, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects, which made Norris an honorary member in 1990. "She was a tiny lady, but you could always see where she was by the amount of people clustered around her. She was always at the center." And she was always instantly identifiable in arts events around Los Angeles for her fashionable ensembles and the shock of white hair she kept in a chic, asymmetrical bob. Bauman, her daughter, describes a woman who played piano, loved to dance and knew how to throw a great cocktail party "the coolest, hippest person you knew." But who was also in possession of a steely determination that she skillfully deployed in rooms that were often filled with powerful men. "Her advice to me in all of this was, 'Don't learn how to type,'" Bauman recalled. "She told me, 'Go be the head. Be in charge." Merry Norris in 2017, at SCI-Arc's "Main Event" party, where she was honored for her contributions to the school and L.A. architecture. (SCI-Arc) Norris was born Merry Wright on Feb. 26, 1940, in Rochester, N.Y. Her father was a Canadian entrepreneur who helped launch an early radio manufacturer in Canada, while her mother came from a well-to-do Rochester family that had been connected, early on, with the Eastman Kodak Company. The family relocated to California when Merry was a teenager, settling in the Pasadena area. For her undergraduate studies, Norris moved to the Bay Area to study at UC Berkeley. There, she met Gerald Govan, a student at Stanford University. The pair married in 1960 and Norris left school to start a family, giving birth to Jill. This brought her back to Los Angeles. But the marriage was short-lived, ending two years later. In 1964, she remarried, to businessman John Wiester, with whom she had two more children: her son, James Wiester, and her youngest daughter, Joni. During this time, the family relocated to the Santa Barbara area. And it was there that Norris began to hone her interest in art and design, serving as a patron and docent at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. It was also during that period that she began to collect often supporting artists just as they were beginning to emerge. "She had phenomenal taste," Bauman said. A 2017 profile of Norris in Curbed Los Angeles describes a home filled with works by artists such as Ed Ruscha, Mark Bradford and Jenny Holzer, as well as prototype chairs by architect Frank Gehry. By the early 1970s, her marriage to Wiester had come to an end. But she soon became involved with William "Bill" Norris, who was then running for state attorney general in California (a race he lost). They married in 1974, relocating to Los Angeles the following year, and both fueled each other's interests in art and politics. Bauman describes the family home in Hancock Park as "a center" of politics. "There were dinners and hangouts and brainstorms," she says. "Pat Brown and Jerry Brown and Tom Bradley, they were all there." And of course, there was also art which they collected and supported in myriad ways. When Bill took the role of president of the nascent MOCA's board, Merry joined in to help raise funds for the endowment. And her commitment didn't end there. Bennett Simpson, a longtime MOCA curator, describes a patron who was always engaged not just with the high-profile events but with the art itself. "She would turn up at routine curator walk-throughs of the permanent collection on a Thursday night," he says. "She was there because she loved art and wanted to see what was happening in this place that was important to her." Her marriage to Bill (who died in 2017) ended after about a decade, but her interest in L.A.'s cultural life didn't wane with the split. She remained active on the Cultural Affairs Commission for half a dozen years until 1990. Among the important projects she helped shape was the expansion of Bertram Goodhue's 1920s Central Library, located in downtown Los Angeles. The expansion proposal, created by New York architect Norman Pfeiffer, originally included a tall, peaked atrium. The commission argued that the scale of Pfeiffer's design would overshadow Goodhue's graceful Art Deco building. After a political struggle that lasted for months, Pfeiffer came back with a flatter atrium structure that shaved off 12 feet of height. "The point of it is, it started with a vital urban landmark," Norris told the Times in 1988. "Now I think it's truly supportive to the original building without mimicking it." In addition to her various board positions, Norris was part of the Task Force on the Arts that helped establish a "percent for art" program in Los Angeles. And she remained active, throughout her life, as an art consultant, helping shape private and public projects around the city. This included the Gateway LAX project, which transformed the previously dour entrance to the airport with an installation of 32-foot letters reading "LAX," as well as a sprawling artwork by Paul Tzanetopoulos that staggered nearly a dozen 100-foot pylons of light that change colors after dark. Norris didn't commission that work. (That responsibility fell to someone else.) But Tzanetopoulos said that Norris, who worked with the neighborhood's business improvement district, was "the one making sure the project stayed on track politically and in the community." And she was "helpful in reminding people that this was an art commission not a random light show," he added. "She kept the public art component of the LAX project at the forefront." The untitled kinetic light installation by Paul Tzanetopoulos at the entrance to LAX. (Paul Morse / Los Angeles Times) When Norris died at Cedars-Sinai, it was in a room overlooking the cancer wing she had a role in shaping one that aimed to create a humane environment for patients going through debilitating cancer treatment. "That's what Merry was about," Bauman said. "The intersection of art and architecture." Norris is survived by her three children and six grandchildren, as well as her sister Jonatha Dorman, who lives in London, and her half-sister Barbara Crane, who is based in New Jersey. Because of the pandemic, a memorial will be announced at a later date. In the interim, the family is suggesting donations to the Merry Norris Scholarship Fund at SCI-Arc or the Merry Norris Creativity Fund at ImagineLA, a nonprofit that helps families on the verge of homelessness. (Newser) It may not be the first casualty that comes to mind in regard to the coronavirus outbreak, but the Spring 2020 issue of Playboy magazine about to hit the stands will be the last one of the yearand maybe ever. Playboy Enterprises CEO Ben Kohn made the surprise announcement Wednesday in an essay at Medium, reports the Guardian. Kohn cited the pandemic's impact on "content production and the supply chain," and he said the crisis was forcing a conversion from print to digital faster than expected. A post at New York Magazine by Christopher Bonanos suggests the spring issue might very well be the last print version of Playboy as we know it. story continues below "It seems unlikely, given the wording of the announcement and the state of print magazine-making, that it will ever return," he writes. Circulation and advertising have been dropping for years, though CEO Kohn doesn't explicitly state that the spring issue will be the finale. "We will move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content including the Playboy Interview, 20Q, the Playboy Advisor, and of course our Playmate pictorials," he writes. He adds that "print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are," but he also provides a sense of what a revamped print lineup might mean: "We will bring back fresh and innovative printed offerings in a variety of new formsthrough special editions, partnerships with the most provocative creators, timely collections, and much more." (Read more Playboy stories.) A 6-foot bronze sculpture of the Eskimo curlew, which is likely extinct, will stand at Galveston Island State Park as part of the Lost Bird Project. While the ceremony unveiling the sculpture was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the sculpture goes on display March 28. Im glad the memory of a magnificent migratory shorebird once numbering hundreds of thousands will not be forgotten. As sculptor Todd McGrain said, Forgetting that these birds ever existed is another kind of extinction. Up until at least the mid-19th century, enormous flocks of Eskimo curlews migrated through Texas every spring. They blanketed coastal prairies as they stopped to rest and feed. People may not have paid much attention to Eskimo curlews. Who would care about a horde of crow-sized brownish birds with down-curved beaks foraging in coastal prairies? The spring migratory route of Eskimo curlews took them through the eastern half of Texas to Midwests tallgrass prairies where they again stopped to rest and feed. They then went to breeding grounds in the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic. More Information Eskimo curlew The foot-long Eskimo curlew had brownish plumage above and fawn-color below. A dark crown was bisected by a pale center stripe. The 2-inch long beak was slightly decurved to probe fields for insects. Its small size earned it the nickname prairie pigeon, and it looked like the miniature whimbrel that still migrates through coastal prairies. See More Collapse In autumn, they would amass at Labrador, where theyd fatten up on berries before flying over the Atlantic Ocean to wintering grounds on Argentinas Pampas grasslands. It was a journey covering some 9,500-miles. The birds were a gregarious bunch. They stayed close together while flying or while feeding in coastal prairies. A huge flock would circle over one of their members felled by gunshot. Such caring behavior made the birds easy targets for 19th-century market gunners who filled barrels of the birds to sell on the streets of Galveston as edible wildfowl. Eskimo curlews were further decimated by the alteration of midwestern tallgrass prairies into agricultural fields. The birds needed the grasslands where they could rest and get essential nourishment from Rocky Mountain grasshoppers that soon became extinct from habitat loss. By the turn of the 20th century, the birds had become an uncommon sight and became an exceedingly rare sight six decades later. The last documented record of the bird in Texas was in March 1962. Wildlife scientists have since failed to find the birds on breeding or wintering grounds. Ive taken students every spring to see birds on our beautifully tree-lined college campus at Lone Star College-North Harris. Theyre surprised to see so many mockingbirds. A student once said, I never paid much attention to mockingbirds. People probably didnt pay much attention to Eskimo curlews when there were so many. When people did finally pay attention, the birds had virtually vanished. Gary Clark is the author of Book of Texas Birds, with photography by Kathy Adams Clark (Texas A&M University Press). Texasbirder@comcast.net New Jersey health officials said Thursday its likely three of the at least nine people confirmed to have died from the coronavirus in the state were living at either nursing homes or assisted-living facilities in Essex and Hudson counties. Additionally, officials say at least six people living in nursing homes around the state have tested positive for the virus, Gov. Phil Murphy and other officials said Thursday. Health officials said they are concerned about the news has health officials concerned even though they had anticipated the virus would spread to nursing homes or assisted living facilities, state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said. Vulnerable individuals in nursing homes usually have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible, Persichilli said at the states daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton. Theyre just more susceptible. Officials have restricted access to such facilities. Currently, they are not allowing any visitors except in cases at the end of life, Persichilli said. All employees are being checked at the door for symptoms of the virus, she added. The news came as officials announce New Jersey now has at least 742 known coronavirus cases statewide, including nine deaths, as officials announced 312 new positive tests Thursday, a day ahead of the planned opening of the states first government-run drive-thru testing center as the outbreak continues to spread. Murphy also announced businesses like barber shops and salons will be ordered to close Thursday at 8 p.m. until further notice to help prevent the spread of the outbreak in New Jersey. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Many San Antonians took to Twitter to share their thoughts after Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Wednesday ordered bars and dine-in restaurants to temporarily close Wednesday amid coronavirus fears. Many establishments, however, are allowed to offer drive-thru, delivery and pick-up options. Still, the decision dealt a big blow to the service industry. RELATED: Mayor Ron Nirenberg orders San Antonio bars and restaurants to close amid coronavirus pandemic While many agreed with the mayor, others were saddened to learn that they would likely lose their job. "Mayor just closed restaurants and bars in San Antonio. Ouch there goes my job," one person tweeted. "They just fired me from my job on the river walk here in San Antonio, Texas... had to file for unemployment this morning," another wrote. The following are screen shots of tweets from San Antonians responding to the declaration to temporarily shut downn bars and restaurants. Priscilla Aguirre is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Tulsi Gabbard announced Thursday that she will suspend her 2020 Democratic presidential campaign and endorsed Joe Biden. The state of play: While she was one of the final three candidates left in the race, alongside Biden and Bernie Sanders, the Hawaii congresswoman failed to gain traction in any primary and hadn't qualified for a debate since last year. She did pick up two delegates in the caucuses in American Samoa, where she was born. What she's saying: "I know Vice President Biden and his wife and am grateful to have called his son Beau, who also served in the National Guard, a friend. Although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart and is motivated by his love for our country and the American people," she said in a campaign email. "I'm confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha respect and compassion and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart." "Today, Im suspending my presidential campaign, and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together." Worth noting: In February 2016, Gabbard quit as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee in order to endorse Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton. The big picture: An Iraq War veteran and member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, she entered the race with a complicated record, especially on foreign policy, and had long been a favorite of fringe voices on the right, who often amplified her comments via social media. She met with President Trump during his transition and joined Republicans in promoting the use of the phrase "radical Islam." A secret trip to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in January 2017 resulted in further backlash against Gabbard, who dubbed the trip a "fact-finding" mission. She later voted "present" on Trump's impeachment in December, going against the overwhelming majority in her party. Flashback: Gabbard made waves after Hillary Clinton suggested that she was a "favorite of the Russians." Several of Gabbard's fellow 2020 competitors came to her defense, as did Trump. Go deeper: 2020 presidential election: Track which candidates are running MAKASSAR, Indonesia Indonesia halted a mass congregation of nearly 9,000 Muslim pilgrims and began quarantining them and checking their health Thursday to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus amid a spike in cases. The four-day gathering at a boarding school in a rural area in south Sulawesi province wasnt approved by authorities and drew fears it could spread the virus widely in the worlds fourth most populous nation. It was organized by a Muslim missionary movement, Jamaat Tabligh, which held a similar event in Malaysia three weeks ago that has been linked to nearly two-thirds of that countrys 900 infections as well as dozens of cases in other nations. South Sulawesi Gov. Nurdin Abdullah said medical teams screening more than 8,600 participants found a local man with fever who was taken to a hospital. Weve worked hard in dealing with this issue, involving religious leaders and security forces. We have told the pilgrims that we are in an emergency state of coronavirus and only common discipline can break the COVID-19s wide spread, Abdullah said. The move came as Indonesia reported six more deaths for a total of 25, the most in Southeast Asia, and its biggest daily jump of 82 cases to 309. Pictures and videos posted by some participants on social media showed long rows of blue makeshift tents on a field at the school. Devotees in long white robes and skullcaps sat close to each other or slept on mats on the ground. Sentot Abu Thoriq, a member of the organizing committee, said he regretted the governments decision to reject the event that had been planned more than a year ago. He said those who are ill have been told to stay away, and noted that those arriving would have passed stringent health checks at the countrys airports and sea ports. The decision and the treatment is clearly against our faith and hurt us, Thoriq said. Health, illness or death is Gods destiny, we believe that God will bless and protect those who are devout. The committee chief later said it accepted the governments decision for the safety of all. The cancellation surprised some participants who arrived early Thursday. I didnt know about that, Indonesian Muhammad Sayid told Kompas TV upon arrival at a bus station in the area. This is a very important agenda for us and has been long awaited. Abdullah said 411 foreigners from nine countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia will be quarantined at a hotel. They will be allowed to leave later based on their ticket dates. Indonesians will be escorted to their home villages or must stay in a government dormitory, but quarantine is compulsory for 14 days once they reach home, Abdullah said. Indonesias swift move could help prevent an outbreak like in Malaysia, which on Wednesday sealed its borders and shut schools, businesses and government offices in a two-week lockdown. A Malaysian man who attended the mass Islamic event was among two people in the country who died. With participants in the Malaysian event huddled together for prayers, sermons and sleeping in a confined space as well as communal eating with hands from shared trays, the virus spread unnoticed during the four-day gathering involving 16,000 people, including from the former pandemic hot spots of China and South Korea. The outbreak from the Malaysian gathering came to light nearly two weeks later when Brunei reported its first cases involving citizens who had returned from the event. People from Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam also were infected. Indonesias government has been criticized as slow to deal with the viruss spread, which could overwhelm health care system in the country of more than 267 million people. President Joko Widodo has called for all mass gatherings to be canceled, but such orders could be hard to enforce in the sprawling archipelago. In another large religious gathering, Catholics attended the ordination of a new bishop on Thursday in a remote town on Flores island. Organizers said about 4,000 people from across the country attended, although government officials said there were 1,000. Images of the ceremony posted on social media showed people inside the Ruteng cathedral seated next to each other, ignoring social distancing measures. Ruteng resident Sebastian Rida said health officers asked guests to use masks and hand sanitizers but not everyone complied. Rida said he wasnt worried about the virus threat. I did not think about it. I just wanted to see the new bishop, he said. Provincial official Marius Ardu Jelamu said the event was long planned and couldnt be postponed, but that they tried to restrict people from attending. Cabinet ministers and other top officials also didnt participate. Mass religious gatherings have been curbed in many places to contain the coronavirus. Many Muslims believe in divine protection against the pandemic. Authorities in predominantly Muslim Bangladesh are investigating an unauthorized prayer rally where about 25,000 people reportedly sought Allahs protection. The surprise rally Wednesday in an open field in Laxmipur district shocked many in Bangladesh, which has reported one death and 14 cases. The government shut schools and urged people to avoid public gatherings, but religious institutions, including 300,000 mosques, remain open. ___ Ng reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Associated Press writers Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Cryptocurrency markets have seen a huge resurgence, causing the price of bitcoin to shoot up by more than 20 per cent in less than 24 hours. The gains follow one of the worst crashes in the digital currencys history, which saw it lose more than half of its value in a series of panicked sell-offs last week. The crash mirrored the fortunes of traditional markets and came amid global economic turmoil caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Bitcoins recovery saw it return above $6,000 on Thursday, having briefly traded as low as $4,000 a few days earlier. Other major cryptocurrencies, including ether, XRP and bitcoin cash, also saw significant price rises as investors returned capital into digital assets. Bitcoins crash was a knock-on effect of the stock market collapse, as panicked investors sold any assets they had for cash, so they could pay off urgent debts to their broker, cryptocurrency expert and author Glen Goodman told The Independent. The coronavirus outbreak, which has seen more than 230,000 confirmed cases and close to 10,000 deaths around the world, has caused chaos across global stock markets and seen major currencies like the pound fall to their lowest levels in decades. There has not been an economic downturn of this magnitude since the 2008 financial crisis and some central banks are already considering similarly drastic measures in order to prevent complete collapse. The Reserve Bank of Australia and the European Central Bank are reportedly considering emergency monetary policies, including quantitative easing. This would see the banks artificially increase the money supply by essentially printing new money. The finite supply of bitcoin no more than 21 million will ever exist has led some investors to consider it a so-called safe-haven asset, similar to gold. For the longer term, investors are now starting to worry about central banks cranking up the money printing machines, Mr Goodman said. This could send investors to assets that cant be endlessly printed, like gold and bitcoin. Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images Other analysts warned that the full impact the coronavirus outbreak is yet to be realised for both tradition markets and cryptocurrencies. It is possible we could see bitcoin fall further, back down to $4,000 or below. If the impact of the coronavirus outbreak intensifies beyond the global lockdown we are already experiencing, it could spark a further run for cash, said Simon Peters, a market analyst at the online trading platform eToro. Holding cash gives investors more options, and in times of economic uncertainty having this flexibility is important. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed comparisons to a tsar on Thursday, arguing he "works every day" and listens to what people want. "Well, this is not true," Putin said when asked about being described as a Russian imperial-era ruler. "Maybe someone else can be called a tsar. But in my case, I don't reign, I work every day," he told the state-run TASS agency. The interview aired on Thursday as part of a series rolled out by TASS this month to mark 20 years since the 67-year-old Putin took the helm of Russian It was not clear when the segments were recorded, but the series began airing before Putin said this month that he wants an opportunity to run for president again, as part of his constitutional reforms. The reforms proposed in January include granting more power to parliament and strengthening the role of the State Council. An amendment approved last week would allow Putin to run for another six years in the Kremlin in 2024 and again in 2030. The reforms will be subject to a public vote. When asked what he foresees past 2024, Putin deferred to the perspective of "people's sentiments... what they want." "The primary source of power is the people," he said. "It's very important for me to feel and understand what people want." "A tsar is one who just sits there, looks down from above and says: 'They will do as I order,' while he just tries on a cap and looks at himself in the mirror," Putin said. "On the contrary, I work every day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 19:40 | All, Coronavirus, Japan The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to the manufacturing, farming and fishing industries in rural Japan as it has halted the arrival of Chinese trainees they have resorted to for labor. A textile manufacturer in Fukui Prefecture said one of the roughly 20 Chinese trainees at the company has been unable to re-enter Japan after leaving for the Chinese New Year in late January, while the arrivals of five new trainees from this spring have been postponed due to Japan's entry ban covering parts of China and elsewhere. "It may be just a few people, but for small and midsize businesses it means a significant drop in manpower," said an official at the company. "We're also thinking about hiring Vietnamese trainees, but that will only be realized at year-end. It's hard to operate with a limited number of people," he said. Other companies in the central Japan prefecture have also consulted the local labor bureau after facing similar problems. As of the end of October, 1,440 Chinese trainees were in Fukui, most of them at textile manufacturers, according to the labor bureau. A clothing manufacturer in Gifu Prefecture was also worried about the three Chinese trainees it was expecting to newly hire in July. (A Chinese trainee works at a sewing factory in the central Japan city of Gifu.) "We want this (outbreak) to end soon. If it continues, small businesses cannot withstand," said Shuji Miyamoto, the company's president. An association of clothing manufacturers in the central prefecture said a Chinese trainee working at a sewing factory has been unable to re-enter Japan, dealing a blow to its operator which has less than 10 employees. Japan introduced the foreign technical internship program in 1993 with the aim of transferring manufacturing and other skills to developing countries. But Kim Myong Jung, a researcher at the NLI Research Institute specializing in the employment of foreigners in Japan, said such trainees have been making up for the shortage of workers at small and midsize companies. "If the current situation drags on, the shortage of labor will become even more serious," Kim added. Fishing and farming industries in Japan face the same situation. A seafood processing plant in Esashi, Hokkaido, which was scheduled to accept trainees around May, said the plan is now on hold, while a plant in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture reported a similar problem. In Nagano Prefecture, 437 Chinese trainees who were scheduled to join local lettuce farmers have been canceled. "Manpower is needed during the lettuce harvest season starting in mid-May," said a prefectural official in charge of farming promotion. Without sufficient workers, "farmers will end up disposing of their products." The Central Union of Agricultural Cooperative found in its February survey that plans to have a total of about 360 Chinese trainees in nine prefectures are now on hold. In the wake of the outbreak, some trainees from Cambodia and Vietnam have canceled their plans to work in Japan, the cooperative said. Related coverage: Wuhan's virus patient numbers manipulated for Xi visit: local doctor Foreign visitors to Japan drop 58%, largest in 9 yrs over coronavirus Number of foreigners in Japan with new working visa totals 1,621 Japanese companies confront reality of racial harassment By Jeff Mason and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump moved on Wednesday to accelerate production of desperately needed medical equipment to battle the coronavirus pandemic and said an estimate that U.S. unemployment could conceivably reach 20 percent was a worst case scenario By Jeff Mason and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump moved on Wednesday to accelerate production of desperately needed medical equipment to battle the coronavirus pandemic and said an estimate that U.S. unemployment could conceivably reach 20 percent was a worst case scenario. Scrambling to address the virus after initially down playing it, Trump said he is invoking the Defense Production Act, putting in place a law that will allow the U.S. government to speed production of masks, respirators, ventilators and other equipment needs. "We're going to defeat the invisible enemy," said Trump, who said the unfolding crisis had basically made him a "war-time president." Trump said he would invoke another law that would allow U.S. authorities to turn back migrants seeking to cross the southern border of the United States illegally. The border will not be closed, he said. Trump said a hospital ship will be sent to hard-hit New York to help people affected by the contagion, and that a second hospital ship will be deployed to the West Coast. He defended his description of the coronavirus as "the Chinese virus" despite concerns among some Americans that he was making an ethnic slur. "Its not racist, not at all. It comes from China," he said of the illness whose origin has been traced back to Wuhan, China. Trump, appearing in the White House briefing room for what has now become a daily news conference with his coronavirus task force, said he would sign the Defense Production Act later on Wednesday. The law, which dates back to the Korean War of the 1950s, grants the president broad authority to "expedite and expand the supply of resources from the U.S. industrial base to support military, energy, space, and homeland security programs," according to a summary on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. We will be invoking the Defense Production Act just in case we need it," said Trump. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin fanned fears of economic collapse on Wednesday by telling lawmakers on Capitol Hill that 20 percent unemployment was an extreme possibility should the virus have devastating effects on American businesses, many of which are already under duress. "Thats an abosllute total worst case scenario," said Trump. "We're nowhere near it." Vice President Mike Pence, head of the coronavirus task force, urged all Americans to put off elective surgery to allow hospitals to concentrate on the rising influx of patients with the COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the new virus. Deborah Birx, a member of the task force, urged young people to adhere to government guidelines, calling for a 15-day effort to slow the spread of the virus. Young people are considered key transmitters of the virus, which can be passed along even with mild or no symptoms. There are now more than 7,000 U.S. cases of the illness and over 100 deaths. (Reporting By Jeff Masonm, Steve Holland, Alexandra Alper, Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey, Lisa Lambert; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Alistair Bell) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. An alleged gems raider accused of robbing a famous designer at knifepoint for 630,000 worth of jewellery was remanded in custody today. Ricky Gray, 39, is said to have robbed Christianne Douglas at the Coleman Douglas Pearls store in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, on 9 July last year. Mrs Douglas is known as the 'Pearl Queen' with clients including Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Halle Berry. Gray is charged with robbing Mrs Douglas of jewellery 'to the value of 630,003' at Coleman Douglas Pears and one of possessing a knife in the same store. Ricky Gray, 39, is said to have robbed Christianne Douglas at the Coleman Douglas Pearls store in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, on 9 July last year He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today speaking to confirm his name and address. Gray was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on April 16. Prosecutor Misba Majid said Gray went into the store and threatened a member of staff with a knife he took from his shoulder bag. He then allegedly threatened Mrs Douglas when she came to investigate what was taking place. Prosecutor Misba Majid said Gray went into the store and threatened staff, including Mrs Douglas, with a knife he took from his shoulder bag 'It is at that point he used a knife and threatened the victim and asked her to give him money from the safe,' said Ms Majid. 'She explained there was no money only card transactions took place. He asked her to fill three large bags up with jewellery. He left the jewellery store. 'In his attempt to flee he dropped one bag of jewellery. Mrs Douglas is known as the 'Pearl Queen' with clients including Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Halle Berry (pictured: Princess Anne pays a visit to the London showroom) 'They got some of the bags back so the total stolen value is 630,000.' District Judge Samuel Goozee told him: 'The robbery charge can only be dealt with in the crown court. I'm sending you to stand trial. 'Your next appearance will be at Isleworth (crown court).' Gray, currently held at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, is charged with robbery and possessing an offensive weapon. As COVID-19 forces much of America to work from home, the United States Congress whose 535 members have an average age of 60 is still operating from Capitol Hill. Why this population (deemed high-risk to the coronavirus) isn't yet doing legislative business remotely comes down to process, tech and political will. "The House rules and the Senate rules require voting in person. And it would require a change in those rules to do that," California Congressman Eric Swalwell told TechCrunch on a call from his Washington, D.C., office. Swalwell has a plan for Congress to work away from the Hill. He recently reintroduced a resolution with Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR) that would allow members to participate virtually in hearings and vote remotely, under special circumstances. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appears to have nixed that option, at least for the near-term, reportedly telling her caucus last week, "We are the captains of the ship. We are last to leave." A priority for Congress is finalizing emergency COVID-19 legislation to provide trillions of dollars in resources to combat the virus and stem the economic havoc it's wreaking across the U.S. Without a rule-change and clear plan for members to legislate and vote outside from Capitol Hill, passing that legislation requires lawmakers be present on the building's floor. Bill Dickinson/Getty Images There are mixed messages on who makes the call for Congress to go to a remote-work scenario and what kind of digital contingency would kick in to perform legislative duties at a distance. In a subsequent scrum to her "last to leave" comments, Pelosi gave an unequivocal "no" to reporters' questions on Congress closing due to COVID-19. But she added, the ultimate call was not hers. "That's a health and security decision up to the Capitol physician [and] Sergeant at Arms," the Speaker said. TechCrunch sought input on the matter from the House Office of the Sergeant at Arms. That inquiry referred us to the Chief Administrative Office, which has not yet responded. Story continues Even after the first congressional staffers have tested positive for COVID-19, the majority of Capitol Hill's high-risk members continue to work on-site and in their office buildings. Representative Swalwell's MOBILE (Members Operating to Be Innovative and Link Everyone) resolution proposes to change that. Hes introduced the measure every year since 2013, but believes it carries extra weight now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Swalwell reintroduced it again on March 9. MOBILE would "mandate the development of a secure remote voting system which members could use to vote remotely on suspension bills, generally non-controversial bills that require a two-thirds vote to pass," according to a statement on the resolution provided by Swalwell's office. "It's bi-partisan, introduced by me and Representative Rick Crawford from Arkansas and we've had dozens of members join us in support," Swalwell told TechCrunch. "I don't mean to have this substitute us meeting in person," the California Democrat said. But Swalwell believes there needs to be tech provisions in Congress, comparable to contingency plans in the private sector, for members to operate virtually outside of Capitol Hill. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin echoed this on Tuesday, underscoring the need for virtual committee hearings and the ability to vote away from Congress in times of national emergency. As millions of Americans shift from physical work spaces to platforms such as Zoom, Slack or Google Hangouts during the COVID-19 crisis, detail is lacking on the software, apps and security for Congress to operate under a measure such as MOBILE. There's still little in the way of tech in the voting process on Capitol Hill, where the Senate still makes decisions by recording verbal "Yeas" and "Nays" on a tally sheet. "I'm not offering myself as the technical expert," Swalwell said on the implementation of his suggested remote voting and convening resolution. He explained that the House Administration Committee and House Rules Committee would be the subject matter experts to determine how the Congress would secure voting and meetings remotely. Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images "We have smart members on those committees and capable staffers who could give us a tech solution today...and the solution that we ultimately use down the road," he said. While the business of Congress still remains a present and in-person affair, the body is taking cautionary measures to protect staff. This week several members, including representative Swalwell and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, instructed employees to work from home. There's more capability for congressional staff, compared to members, to work remotely, according to Frederick Hill, a managing director at FTI Consulting who spent 17 years as a staffer in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. "The technology is in place to support much of the work that goes on in the background at the staff level," Hill told TechCrunch. "They have VPN networks, shared drives for off-site work, devices and smartphones to keep them in contact and help draft legislation." The September 11 attacks and 2001 Anthrax attacks forced a number of these contingencies for congressional staff members. Hill explained that when it comes to the most official congressional activity, such as voting on the floor, "there really are no provisions [currently] to use technology." Part of that has to do with ensuring those elected to represent constituencies are genuinely present to vote. But similar to so many previously in-person functions that have shifted to apps paired with security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, decision-making on Capitol Hill could also move to remote and digital options. An extenuating circumstance, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could be what finally moves America's chief legislating body in the direction of being able to vote remotely. "It certainly has provoked the conversation," Swalwell said. "I think it is a needed conversation. I wish it were under different circumstances." The statewide ban on single-use plastic bags has been suspended because of the coronavirus. [Staten Island Advance] And finally: Getting hitched, in a rush The Timess Steven Kurutz reports: Annie Simeone and Armando Morales planned to get married sometime in the next month. They were just waiting for a day when both were off from their freelance jobs in film and TV production. Then, last Friday, they were told production had been suspended and they were out of work as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We thought, lets do it as fast as possible, before City Hall gets shut down or we leave town, said Ms. Simeone, 38, who was standing with Mr. Morales, also 38, inside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau in Lower Manhattan earlier this week. Ms. Simeone, who works as a production designer, and Mr. Morales, a carpenter, pedaled from their home in the Ridgewood section of Queens because the subway seemed too high risk. The atmosphere they found at the Marriage Bureau was at once business as usual and strangely altered in the wake of the outbreak. Many couples had stories of altered wedding plans and hastily made decisions that brought them there. New Delhi, March 19 : The Ministry of Defence signed Rs 880-crore contract on Thursday for procurement of Light Machine Guns with an Israeli firm. The Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence has signed the capital acquisition contract with Israel Weapons Industries for procurement of 16,479 light machine guns at a cost of Rs 880 crore with the approval of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat proven weapon and currently used by several countries around the globe. This LMG will greatly enhance the lethality and range of a soldier vis-a-vis the presently used weapon. The provisioning of this operationally urgent and very critically needed weapon will boost the confidence of the frontline troops and provide much-needed combat power to the armed forces, sources said. We are excited to be a part of this list, said Edwin Sosa, Embark Safety, CEO and founder. Its the passion and commitment of our entire team that has made Embark Safety what it is today and Im so thankful for them and our customers for trusting us. Inc. magazine yesterday revealed that Embark Safety is No. 116 on its inaugural Inc. 5000 Series: Florida list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Florida-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Florida economys most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. We are excited to be a part of this list, said Edwin Sosa, Embark Safety, CEO and founder. Its the passion and commitment of our entire team that has made Embark Safety what it is today and Im so thankful for them and our customers for trusting us. The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in Florida. Between 2016 and 2018, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 302 percent and, in 2018 alone, they employed more than 56,000 people and added $12.6 billion to the Florida economy. Companies based in the Tampa, Miami, and Naples metro areas brought in the highest revenue overall. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Series: Florida, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/inc5000-series-florida-2020 starting March 18, 2020. The companies on this list demonstrate just how much the small-business sector impacts Floridas economy, says Inc. editor in chief Scott Omelianuk. Across every single industry, these businesses have posted revenue and growth rates that are beyond impressive, further proving the tenacity of their founders and CEOs. About Embark Safety Embark Safety is an innovative provider of Enterprise Risk Management SaaS in North America. Its driver license software monitors Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) continuously and provides customers with real-time alerts regarding changes to their drivers records. These insights help companies minimize risk and liabilities, while keeping roads safer. Visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embark-safety/?viewAsMember=true More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regional Series Methodology The 2020 Inc. 5000 Regional Series is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2018. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2018. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2018 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com Assad forces kill 6 civilians in Syria UN officials said that the Syrian regime has committed war crimes such as using chemical weapons, starving the population, deportation, blockade, arbitrary arrests and tortures. A total of six people, including three children, were killed Thursday after artillery shells fired by Syrian regime forces hit a village in southern Syria, according to local sources. SECOND ATTACK IN RECENTLY This came after regime forces clashed with Syria's opposition forces at Jalin village in Daraa countryside, leaving two members of opposition forces and eight regime forces dead. The regime withdrew its forces from the region and carried out the artillery attack targeting the village. Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011 when the regime cracked down on pro- Its always good to have multiple vaccines being developed at the same time so that we have options and can see which one is best, he said. Determining whether vaccines are safe to use takes quite a lot of effort. . . . You cant just vaccinate 10 people and say that its safe. Loading "But throughout the rest of the state, most of the cases have been related to someone who's come in from overseas or someone who's gone into quarantine because they've been in close contact with someone." The Queensland University of Technology confirmed its first novel coronavirus case on Thursday after a student enrolled at the business school tested positive. Four University of Queensland students had already tested positive. A Griffith University sessional law lecturer was confirmed as carrying the virus on Monday, but the staff member contracted the virus after they were last on campus. In the latest development, QUT vice-chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the student was at the Gardens Point campus on Friday, March 13 from 10am-11am. The 186 students and one staff member who might have had potential contact with the infected student had been advised. CQUniversity announced that from Monday it would start transitioning from on-campus to online teaching for the remainder of the first term. Griffith University infectious diseases expert Professor Nigel McMillan said Queensland was on the cusp of a large increase in cases and could expect to see a rapid increase over the next week. We'll be at five thousand cases in a weeks time, Professor McMillan said. You look at the growth so far, look at all the other places in the world, so its definitely going to get worse. Its definitely going to grow. He said the state's health authorities had been doing a good job containing the spread of the virus. Public health expert and former Queensland chief health officer Gerard Fitzgerald also praised the governments actions so far, saying it was dealing with a complex, moving environment. In disaster management, its often more important for someone to make a decision, any decision, than for that decision to be a perfect decision, Professor Fitzgerald said. "Youve got to do something, and a lot of things are being done. The federal government on Thursday announced the closure of the country's borders to all foreigners from 9pm on Friday night and Tasmania barred visitors from the mainland. Queensland Parliament sat late into the night on Wednesday to pass major powers into law, including giving Dr Young the power to limit peoples movements and detailing fines of thousands of dollars for breaching quarantine orders. Loading Health Minister Steven Miles said the measures might seem draconian but they were designed to help keep the overall number of cases down to reduce strain on the health system. Introducing social distancing laws as early as possible is one of the most effective tools available to us, Mr Miles said. So while this will have an effect on peoples lives and the economy and peoples businesses, the result of it will be less people getting sick at any given time, which means less pressure on our hospitals. Of the 50 new cases announced on Thursday, 17 are in Brisbane Metro North, 15 in Brisbane Metro South, 12 on the Gold Coast Hospital, two in Sunshine Coast Hospital and single cases in Townsville, the Darling Downs, West Moreton, and Cairns. One of the Brisbane cases is understood to be a Brisbane immigration guard. Asylum seekers and refugees being held at the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel were briefed about the guards infection on Wednesday night. Advocates said hand sanitiser was not available inside the hotel, adding to fears of a widespread outbreak amongst detainees. About 7000 people per day were returning from overseas, Mr Miles said, with all of those people now required to enter mandatory 14-day quarantine. Journalists and civil society representatives in Armenia have voiced their concerns over the restrictions on media imposed under the terms of the coronavirus-conditioned national emergency, calling on the government to stop the censorship. Under the state-of-emergency rule introduced by the Armenian government on March 16, media as well as social media users in Armenia face administrative fines for posting information on the coronavirus-related situation that does not reflect reports from official sources. The government said the measure was needed to prevent panic-mongering during the 30-day period of the national emergency declared to slow down and contain the spread of the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. Two media outlets the Aravot and Hraparak dailies have already been forced to remove or edit their stories under penalty of fines between 500,000 and 800,000 drams ($1,000-$1,600). Hraparak was warned over its article about complaints of prison inmates that the newspaper claims had no connection to the coronavirus situation. The daily still removed the story, but warned that it would take some action if warned again. In a Facebook post Hraparaks editor wrote: The state of emergency has been introduced to put media in a straight-jacket. After a police warning Aravot.am also edited its story that mentioned a reported concealment of coronavirus cases in Russia. Anna Israyelian, the editor of Aravot.am, noted that in a Facebook post Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian had made a comment consonant with that report, as he mentioned that some countries do not provide actual figures on the coronavirus. Although the demand of the authorities is absolutely groundless, because I dont think that a report about [coronavirus] cases being hidden in Russia would cause panic in Armenian society, considering that in this delicate situation we deal with a healthcare-related document, we decided not to go against the demand and edited the story on our website, Israyelian said. The editor described the governments response as inadequate. She said that in conditions of the absence of clear criteria for panic-mongering, it leaves room for arbitrary action against media. Israyelian urged the authorities to reconsider their approach. I dont think that forcing the media to remain silent and hide the facts not only about what is happening inside the country but also about what is happening abroad will improve the situation of those infected, she said. Daniel Ioannisian, a representative of the Union of Informed Citizens NGO, described what is being applied in relation to media during the state of emergency as censorship, which he said leads to such negative consequences as the decrease in trust in the information provided by the government. Ioannisian said that most democratic governments in the world that have declared national emergencies over the coronavirus pandemic have refrained from censoring their media. In democratic countries the media must not be under censorship and restrictions, said Ioannisian, calling on the government to lift the restrictions imposed on the media. 2.8m for 212 acres in Wexford and 1.6m for 95 acres in Cork were some of the country's largest land sales at auction last year. However, the amount of land for sale in Ireland dropped by 20% in 2019. 1,331 parcels of land were brought to market in 2019, according to the latest land prices survey by The Irish Farmers Journal. Tax incentives for long term leasing and Brexit concerns are listed as the main reasons for the decline. Meanwhile, the average price for agricultural land in Ireland last year was 8,971per acre - down 1.1% compared to 2018. Author of the report, Odile Evans, outlines the areas where prices are the highest and lowest. In Dublin prices are over 18,000 an acre. In Kildare and Meath theyre quite high as well," she said. In fact, its all of Leinster really where you see an average price in the counties of over 10,000 an acre. The lower end of the scale then would be Connacht. Mayo had the lowest price this year. It was less than 5,000 an acre. Munster kind of sits between the two of those. [Prices are] quite high, particularly in the dairy strongholds like Cork and Limerick and those areas. Some of the designer clothes and cash seized in the raid Gardai seized around 24,000 of designer clothes and handbags after they arrested two members of a suspected Albanian crime gang who were carrying out a drugs handover on St Patrick's Day. The suspects, aged 38 and 34, were in custody at Blanchardstown Garda Station last night following the cocaine bust carried out by the K District Community Action Team. The suspects have been living in Ireland for several years and are based in the Dublin 15 area. Gardai halted two vehicles stopped at Porterstown Road. Haul "During the course of the searches, a package containing approximately 82,600 of suspected cocaine was seized (pending analysis)," a garda spokesman said. "Two men in their 30s were arrested at the scene and detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Drug Trafficking Act, 1996. "Another package containing approximately 81,200 of suspected cocaine was seized (pending analysis) as well as 24,985 in cash. "During a follow-up operation at several locations in the Dublin 15 area, gardai recovered approximately 6,000 in cash as well as designer clothing and apparel with an estimated value of 24,000," the spokesman said. Gardai have become increasingly concerned about the activities of Albanian crime gangs. In an operation in December, the 44-year-old head of an Albanian crime mob whose crew are suspected of being heavily involved in people and drugs-trafficking was targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Two high-end cars, 22,000 in cash and an expensive Swiss watch were seized during five searches in Dublin and Wicklow. In May, 2017, the Herald revealed gardai were conducting secret operations against the Albanian mafia which led to almost 1m worth of cannabis being seized. Albanian gangsters have been laundering their cash through chippers and car wash businesses across the capital, an investigation revealed. Googles release of Android 11 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) has apparently brought forward a new Quick Controls feature for the power button menu. Thats based on a still-incomplete new API spotted and activated in part by XDA Developers Recognized Contributor Quinny899. The API appears to shift that menu, found under a long-press of the power button, to make space for the direct access to smart home shortcuts. In the example set up by Quinny899, that means users could control things such as their smart bulbs from that menu. The UIs Emergency, Power off, Restart, and Screenshot buttons are placed at the top of the screen. The tiles for accessing smart bulb controls sit just below, under a Quick controls header. To the right of the header, users can tap a three-dot menu icon to add new controls. So users would presumably be able to easily add further shortcuts for all of their favorite smart home devices. Advertisement Quick Controls may or may not replace Quick Access Wallet but its not complete in DP2 just yet Now, as noted above, the API used for Quick Controls isnt completed just yet. That will also almost certainly need to be incorporated by device OEMs before it can be used. So even after it is complete, it may not be immediately useful for every user. There is at least one additional caveat to consider for the Quick Controls discovered here too. Namely, in the March feature drop for Pixel handsets, Google added in another feature for that power button menu. Thats the Quick Access Wallet feature presented to users as Cards & Passes. Cards & Passes, as its name implies, allows users to access tap-to-pay and other features from their Google Pay wallet. Those options are placed where the new Quick Controls are in the UI. Its not immediately clear whether Google will drop that new feature entirely in favor of the newly spotted feature. Advertisement The search giant could feasibly add both or give users options to switch between those as needed in their device settings. Conversely, it isnt out of the question that Google could simply shift those options downward in the power button menu. If thats the case, Cards & Passes would be placed just below Quick Controls. Will this be limited to Pixel gadgets? Since the API is unfinished, theres no easy way to work out a timeline for Quick Controls to make an appearance. Quick Controls are certainly not user-ready with Android 11 DP2. The current speculation is that they might make an appearance at Googles I/O 2020 event expected to be held virtually this year. None of that means that anybody who doesnt own a Pixel handset will see the feature anyway. OEMs tend to each have their own unique power button menus, to begin with. But Googles most recent power button menu feature, Cards & Passes, is also effectively limited to its own handsets. Thats been the case with many features, so it seems likely that Google will carry the trend forward for Quick Controls if it does launch the feature. Ontario colleges institutions of applied learning are facing unique challenges in how to deliver curriculum online amid school closures due to the coronavirus outbreak. Thats because many programs include hands-on experience, lab work and work placements that add to the complexity of moving classes from a regular learning environment to a virtual one, scheduled to begin Monday. Theres no question this is going to be really tough, said RM Kennedy, chair of the faculty division at OPSEU, representing 17,000 unionized faculty. Were struggling. Everybody is doing their part to try to make it work, but its really hard. The anxiety and the stress is very high amongst teachers, students and administrators. We still do have a lot of theory, but obviously, we have much more practical hands-on components than the university sector, said Kennedy, who teaches in Centennial Colleges humanities and social sciences department. Everybody has been working around the clock to try and find solutions. Last Thursday, in an unprecedented move, the province announced the closure of elementary and secondary schools until April 5 to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Post-secondary schools followed suit, cancelling in-person classes to minimize transmission. On March 23, all colleges will resume classes, with educators teaching at a distance. This week, college teachers have been busy figuring out what working remotely will look like for their classes. Kennedy notes, theres no way we can put together quality online courses in a few days and suspects faculty will begin next week to roll out video lectures, post material online and teach via email. Andrew Cooper teaches computer numerical control programming at Centennial College and runs labs where students work on computers and simulators drafting parts for planes. He says working from home is going to be extremely tricky. I got a lot of energy from the classroom environment, he said. For me, it makes more sense to teach from the machine, than it does via a machine. Students will also need to adapt. For instance, those who need to demonstrate a manual practical skill may have to submit a video recording of themselves in action. But in some cases students wont have the tools, machinery and equipment needed for such demonstrations. Kennedy said faculty have been asked to identify which courses cannot achieve the learning outcomes without an in-person component this could include courses in the trade, and those with important clinical and lab components. The goal is to try and get as much as possible done remotely, particularly since the current semester is about two-thirds complete. To successfully complete a course, students must conquer about 80 per cent of the learning objectives. We are being as creative as we possibly can, said Chris Janzen, senior vice-president academic at Ottawas Algonquin College. Its the applied component thats a challenge, said Janzen, the former dean of tech and trades. There is nobody who is going to lose their term, but the completion of that program may be delayed. Adding to the challenge, said Kennedy, is that some schools were unable to lend out necessary technical equipment, such as laptops, as teachers and students were sent home before the equipment could be distributed. An international student from Torontos Seneca College, who doesnt have internet access at home, spent the last couple of days scrambling to find a friend whose Wi-Fi she can use. Now shes moving 110 kms north to Barrie to live with a friend until she finishes her program. Its been a bit nerve-racking, she told the Star, asking that her name not be published because shes been criticized on social media for not returning to her home country during the outbreak. She was accessing Wi-Fi at Seneca libraries, but theyre closed as are public libraries. She can still access internet in the colleges common spaces, but she wouldnt be practising the social distancing that health officials say is key to slowing the spread of the virus. The greatest challenge is figuring out how were going to navigate the online space, in terms of my courses. I want to know that Im getting from my program what I deserve, she said, noting tuition was expensive. Niagara College spokesperson Michael Wales said staff are working on ways to deliver programming with the goal of students being able to complete their semesters by April 17. In the event regular classes dont resume within the next few weeks, the advocacy group Colleges Ontario is conducting a sector-wide survey to see how schools may proceed. Questions include whether they would extend the current semester or delay the start of the summer term and what they would do about convocation. You can just imagine the variety of topics that are being discussed right now, said Don Lovisa, chair of Colleges Ontario, which advocates on behalf of the provinces 24 publicly funded colleges. Lovisa, also president of Durham College, said its crucial to get graduating students through their programs, noting returning students have a chance to catch up. While he recognizes teachers are facing big challenges, he says many already use the internet to share resources or deliver parts of their courses. If you look at the college system, we have a very, very large footprint in online learning, he said. This is not entirely new for us. Chennai Police on Thursday filed a case against four office-bearers of Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath (TNTJ) and 2,500 unknown persons for staging a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Register of Citizens (NRC) without permission and for gathering against coronavirus alert by the state government. "The protest was organised on March 18 at Chennai Parry near Madras High Court. The protestors have been booked under four sections which include 269 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)," said Tamil Nadu Police. State health minister Vijayabasker had earlier said that as many as 1,94,236 passengers have been screened in the city. So far, only two persons were tested positive for the deadly coronavirus in Tamil Nadu. In the backdrop of coronavirus scare, several churches located in the city remained closed on Thursday. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the tally of infected people to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected by the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The coronavirus crisis has iced any plans that President Trump and his allies had to crush Joe Biden with campaign ads before he's fully locked up the nomination. The official Trump campaign is not running any ads against Biden right now, a spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com. Other groups that planned to hit the former vice president over the head have paused those plans. With President Trump's campaign not running any attack ads against Democrat Joe Biden he's had to campaign for re-election by acting presidential The current coronavirus crisis is sparing Joe Biden from being the focus of attack ads from President Trump's campaign and from Trump's allies, all who have more money than Biden 'The response to the coronavirus has pushed the whole election off the front page,' Club for Growth President David McIntosh said to Politico, telling the news organization that his group also wasn't currently running ads. 'And it will restart and readjust once the immediate crisis is over.' This would have been a ripe time to start damaging Biden, from Trump's perspective, because he's out-moneyed by the Republicans and he hasn't gotten the full support of the Democratic Party, with progressive Bernie Sanders still in the race. The other Democrat who was running, Tulsi Gabbard, a congresswoman from Hawaii, dropped out Thursday after earning just two delegates. She endorsed Biden upon her exit. And while Trump has occasionally jabbed 'Sleepy Joe' on his Twitter account, he's had to change his main re-election tactic from rallies and name-calling to that of being a coherent leader during a time of crisis. Meanwhile, the pandemic also gives Biden the chance to look presidential. Biden gave an address on how he would handle the coronavirus crisis last week. Prior to that, he announced he had formed his own taskforce of medical experts to guide his advice and to keep him, campaign staff and supporters healthy. The former vice president hasn't engaged with supporters in more than a week, addressing a small group of them on Super Tuesday II, after he won in Michigan - the state that represented the last, best hope that Sanders could steal back the momentum. Biden moved the event to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - where his campaign is headquartered - rather than holding a rally in Cleveland, Ohio. On Thursday, the campaign was out with a press release fact-checking some of the statements Trump had made during the White House briefing held earlier in the day. 'Time after time, President Trump has failed the American people through his negligent and incompetent response to a global health pandemic - squandering months as he blithely downplayed its risk,' Biden's Deputy Campaign Manager Kate Bedingfield said in a statement. 'Vice President Biden has been clear-eyed throughout this crisis that we needed to listen to the scientists and experts who are telling us to take decisive action before it claims more lives and does further damage to our country.' 'Thats what presidential leadership looks like. In the first, crucial weeks of this crisis it is not what we have seen from this president,' Bedingfield also said. The campaign then provided reporters with a list of Trump quotes from him saying that the U.S. had it 'totally under control' in late January to comparing it to the flu in early March. 'Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on,' Trump said at the time. At a Thursday afternoon briefing, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced three more deaths in Illinois associated with COVID-19: a Will County man in his 50s, a Cook County woman in her 80s, and a Florida woman in her 70s who died in Sangamon County. This brings the state death toll from the new coronavirus to four. State officials also announced 134 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 422 in 22 counties. Later Thursday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she will keep Chicago Public Schools closed until April 20 and has created a $100 million fund to provide low-interest loans to small businesses. This comes as Illinois unemployment claims are skyrocketing as the pandemic causes workplaces to shut down. This morning, after Oak Park issued a shelter-in-place order Wednesday, it was announced that two emergency room physicians at Rush Oak Park Hospital have tested positive for the coronavirus. Around the world Thursday, there was cause for both hope and dread: The Chinese city of Wuhan the pandemics epicenter reported no new homegrown infections, but Italy a far smaller nation surpassed Chinas death toll from COVID-19, underscoring the grim reality of the virus hold on the country. Italy had been averaging more than 350 deaths a day since March 15. Here are the latest updates Thursday on the coronavirus in the Chicago area and Illinois: 8:30 p.m.: Mayor Lori Lightfoot orders the closure of City Hall to the public Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered the closure of City Hall to the public, effective Friday, in an effort to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. It will remain open to essential personnel and aldermen in order to help maintain the continuity of government and essential city services, Lightfoot said in a written statement. More than ever before, Chicagoans will rely on us to deliver critical services and supports during this disruption, while we help navigate these uncharted waters said Lightfoot in the statement. However, we must ensure we balance our mission of service delivery with the need to keep our workforce and the community safe, and reducing the amount of traffic in one of the Citys largest municipal buildings will do just that." Read more here. Rosemary Sobol Coronavirus outbreak at nursing home is latest in string of nightmares in Willowbrook The outbreak of coronavirus at a nursing home in Willowbrook is the latest in a string of unfortunate events there, but the mayor says it could have happened anywhere. Forty-six people 33 residents and 13 staffers had tested positive for the potentially deadly virus at Chateau Nursing and Rehabilitation as of Wednesday, officials said, with at least six hospitalized. In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency disclosed that cancer risk exceeded safety limits for emissions of ethylene oxide near a Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook, a southwest suburb. Prosecutors sued, and the plant eventually closed. Recently, Mayor Frank Trilla said, the village was the subject of a cyberware attack affecting 30 of its 33 computers and temporarily shutting down all operations. The villages backup system was not affected, and officials do not believe private information was compromised, so the village bought new hardware and resumed operations, while the U.S. Secret Service investigates. It was a nightmare, but were getting used to that, Trilla said. Right now, Willowbrook seems to be the eye of the storm for anything thats awful. Read more here. Robert Mccoppin, Alicia Fabbre and John Keilman 7:21 p.m.: Restaurants happy for sales-tax deferrals, say more is needed Restaurants got a big break Thursday from the state of Illinois, which allowed smaller operations (those that paid less than $75,000 in sales tax last year) to postpone making sales tax payments without incurring penalties or interest. Those payments would have been due Friday. Gov. J.B. Pritzker also announced that the Small Business Administration had approved low-interest loans of up to $2 million for eligible restaurants affected by the Illinois shutdown. The industry response: This is great, thanks. We need more. My reaction is that this is a great first step, and a necessary one, said Jason Hammel, owner of Lula and Marisol restaurants and a leading voice among Chicago-area restaurants. Very many people would not have been able to make that payment tomorrow. But this industry needs a full bailout, not just tax deferrals and low-interest loans, Hammel said. We need a stimulus plan that doesnt just go to big businesses and multinational companies, but addresses small restaurants. Im extremely concerned that our small restaurants arent going to make it; I know how hard Im struggling to figure it out. Our dining landscape wont survive in its current diverse and creative glory unless someone acts right now to get us through this. Lets focus on the plight of the hourly workers, who are stuck in the unemployment benefits line, which is overwhelmed with requests, Hammel said. I want to see them taken care of first. Among the help the industry is seeking, expressed in a petition on Change.org: Provide emergency employment benefits to all hourly and salaried workers who have been laid off or suffered or lost their pay for the length of the crisis. Waive payroll tax Endorse rent and loan abatement for workers. Work with state liquor authorities to enable restaurants offering take out and delivery to also sell/deliver beer, wine and cocktails by the bottle. Waive zoning/permit restrictions to allow restaurants to temporarily use their spaces as boutique food and beverage markets, offering an alternative to overcrowded supermarkets and by extension continuing to pay their staff and support their farms and purveyors. As of Thursday evening, the petition had gathered nearly 155,000 signatures. Phil Vettel 5:56 p.m.: Northwestern doctors ask Chicagoans to take coronavirus seriously Were already seeing coronavirus in our ER every single day. Please stop partying. This is for real. 5:55 p.m.: Elmhurst food pantry adapts to serve clients during coronavirus crisis Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, which has been providing food, compassion and hope to hungry people in Elmhurst and seven surrounding communities since 1983, is continuing to do so, but has modified its distribution practices in response to concerns over the corona virus. In normal times, registered clients have come to the pantry during four weekly established service times to choose their own grocery items from the pantrys shelves and refrigerators. To protect clients, staff and volunteers from virus threats, clients are now remaining in their cars while staff and volunteers deliver food. Read more here. Graydon Megan 5:35 p.m. Will County deals with 10th case of COVID-19 and first death As Will County deals with its 10th case of coronavirus and its first death, officials announced several changes Thursday to county services. Public health officials said the Will County death was a man in his 50s. Will County Public Health Department spokesman Steve Brandy also confirmed the countys 10th case, a man in his 70s. He could not say if the man has been hospitalized or is quarantined at home. Read more here. 5:31 p.m.: New Cook County property tax assessment notices suspended as part of assessors office shutdown Dont go looking for your new property tax assessment notice in the mail, because its not coming anytime soon. Mailing of the notices, and appeal deadlines, have been suspended until further notice, as part the closure of Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegis office because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaegi announce Thursday. Kaegis office was working on new assessments of suburban properties that are south of North Avenue. The values of property determined by Kaegi are a key part of determining how much each property owner pays in taxes. The higher the assessment, the higher the tax. The health and safety of the public and the communities we serve throughout Cook County is most important right now, Kaegi said in a statement. This includes the well-being of our employees as well as our partners in the offices of the clerk, treasurer, and Board of Review. Until we have more certainty about what the future looks like, we are suspending the mailing of assessment notices and corresponding appeals. Residential property owners can continue to file homeowner, senior/senior freeze, veterans and persons with disabilities exemptions online. Property owners who have already received assessment notices for 2020 can file appeals online. Hal Dardick 5:30 p.m.: Chicago Public Schools will remain closed until at least April 20, Lightfoot says in speech praising citys resilience In a televised speech aimed at reassuring the public that her administration is up to the task of curbing the coronavirus outbreak, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday she will keep Chicago Public Schools closed through April 20 and has created a $100 million fund to provide low-interest loans to small businesses. I want you to be able to lay your head down at night comforted by the fact that we are ready to meet this challenge, Lightfoot said. Closing CPS is necessary due to an anticipated continued upward trajectory of the virus spread, Lightfoot said. "We need to give parents and guardians plenty of advance notice about this reality and the ability to plan, Lightfoot said. Lightfoot also announced the creation of the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund, which will give more than $100 million in targeted, low-interest loans to severely impacted small businesses. These loans are designed to provide much needed cash-flow relief for neighborhood entrepreneurs, Lightfoot said. The money is coming from a $25 million-dollar grant by the city, $50 million from the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund, and $10 million from Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group. Hours earlier, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the states count of coronavirus cases had reached 422, with more than 100 of those being in Chicago. So far, four people have died from the virus in Illinois, including one South Side Chicago resident. The mayor has taken a series of steps in recent days to try to stay ahead of the fast-evolving situation, which she highlighted in Thursdays speech. Earlier in the day, Lightfoots administration ordered anyone with the coronavirus or who is exhibiting its symptoms to stay home. Police and health department officials are authorized to issue tickets to violators, though its not clear how they will determine whos flouting the edict. Lightfoot scolded those who havent stayed home while sick. Most of you have listened, but some have not. And those of you that have not, have not only put yourselves at risk, you are endangering the public, Lightfoot said. We have documented an increasing number of cases in which sick people went to their workplace and got other people sick with the coronavirus. Lightfoot also announced this week that the city will ease up on its debt collection practices to cut people slack on certain ticket violations as part of an effort to help residents amid the outbreak. Through at least April 30, Lightfoot said the city will suspend booting, late fees and defaults on payment plans for all city debts, and the administration is also suspending checks on city debt for ride-share and taxi drivers. The city also will be limiting ticketing, towing and impounding solely to what she said are public safety-related issues. The mayor did say this isnt free parking, noting that if cars are left for long periods of time in metered areas without paying, the vehicles could be designated as abandoned and towed. So lets use common sense, she said. An addendum Lightfoot issued to the citys sick leave policy provides for additional paid time off for city employees whove contracted the virus. City employees who have to stay home to care for a child because of a school closure can also apply for additional paid time off after they exhaust their usual time off, the order states. Lightfoot also issued an order that city workers in jobs deemed non-essential be allowed to work from home. Invoking the Great Chicago Fire to praise the citys resilience, Lightfoot said, we rose from the ashes the very next day to grow bigger and stronger than we had ever been before. Gregory Pratt, John Byrne 5:23 p.m.: Lightfoot announces creation of Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund would start with $100 million for low-interest loans for severely impacted small businesses in the city. These loans are designed to provide much needed cash-flow relief for neighborhood entrepreneurs, Lightfoot said. The public-private partnership includes a $25 million dollar grant from the city, $50 million from the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund, and $10 million from Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, Lightfoot said. Meanwhile, Citadel and Citadel Securities on Thursday donated $2.5 million to help Chicago Public Schools families, including $1 million to CPS and another $1.5 million to the Greater Chicagoland Food Depository. Ken and others are exhibiting extraordinary civic leadership at its finest, Lightfoot said during an evening speech to residents from City Hall. Gregory Pratt 5:19 p.m.: What its like to be tested for coronavirus. One Tribune editor shares her experience. A Chicago Tribune editor underwent a test for COVID-19 on Thursday at a downtown medical facility. The referral came on the third day of the editors illness after consulting with her doctor. At one point Thursday morning, the womans doctor tried to order a test but was told by officials that the patient would have to wait. A few hours later, the test was approved. The editor, who asked that her name not be used pending test results, headed to a testing area at Northwestern Medicine Lavin Family Pavilion at East Erie Street and North Fairbanks Court. Upon arrival shortly after noon, the editor was told to wait in her car while being attended to by two of the eight staff members working in a tent with clear plastic doors. They took test samples: first for the seasonal flu, then for strep throat and finally for COVID-19. Read more here. Chicago Tribune staff report 5:15 p.m. More Illinois colleges cancel commencement ceremonies Three more Illinois colleges announced Thursday that upcoming graduation ceremonies will have to be canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Western Illinois University canceled their commencement ceremonies that were scheduled for May, according to their websites. And Northern Illinois University is postponing its event, with tentative plans to hold it in August. At WIU, Interim President Martin Abraham acknowledged the disappointment students and parents might experience and vowed the school will do what it can to make it up to them. Diplomas will be mailed following the close of the semester, and we are looking at possible alternatives for recognitions of your accomplishments, Abraham wrote on the school website. Graduates will have an opportunity to participate in a formal ceremony at a later date. It will take some time to review these options, but we want to do our best to honor our students achievements in some way. We value our students and their families, and it is our wish to honor the work our students have done to get to this culminating point of their academic career. The University of Illinois System and Illinois Institute of Technology previously canceled their spring commencements. Elyssa Cherney 4:45 p.m.: Cook County medical examiner confirms cause in states first reported coronavirus death The Cook County medical examiners office confirmed Thursday that 61-year-old Patricia Frieson from the South Side died from the coronavirus, the first death in Illinois linked to the disease. The office said Frieson died from bronchopneumonia caused by the virus, with asthma, diabetes mellitus and hypertensive cardiovascular disease listed as contributing factors. The office ruled the death was natural. Frieson, a retired nurse who lived in the Gresham neighborhood, died on Monday after she had difficulty breathing and was hospitalized. The medical examiners office doesnt often rule on natural deaths in which the cause is apparent, such as with influenza deaths, because doctors can sign off on the cause of death in many cases, according to Natalia Derevyanny, a spokeswoman for the office. We very rarely see any kind of deaths in this realm, she said. Because Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle signed a disaster proclamation earlier this month, all coronavirus deaths in the county will be referred to the medical examiners office, she said. Madeline Buckley 4:33 p.m.: Circuit Clerk Dorothy Brown promises to scale back staffing After taking fire from the Cook County court clerks union for her handling of their work during the coronavirus pandemic, Circuit Clerk Dorothy Brown promised to scale back staffing and give clerks up to five days of compensatory time for working during the massive court shutdown. In a memo to staffers Thursday, Brown said she wanted to show appreciation for all of our hardworking and dedicated employees.Clerks will now get 1.5 hours of compensatory time for each day they work from March 17 to April 15, when courts are slated to resume normal operations. In addition, beginning Friday, only a skeleton crew of staffers will be working, and procedures will be put in place to allow employees in the high-risk categories to work from home, according to the memo obtained by the Tribune. Clerks at the Leighton Criminal Court Building had complained for days that they were required to come to court despite a huge shutdown in operations and said they were not given proper preventative measures, like hand sanitizer, to try and stave off infection. Browns action follows harsh criticism from the union that represents courtroom clerks. In a statement Tuesday, the president of Teamsters Local 700, Ramon D. Williams, said Brown had put the public and employees at risk, calling out her extreme lack of leadership. She states that there arent any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any of the districts, so employees should just keep taking proper measures to make sure they wash their hands and stay six feet away from each other," the statement read. That is NOT enough. The courts and service areas of each district welcome thousands of people every day and no one can be certain on who is carrying the virus into the facilities," Williams said.Chief Judge Timothy Evans has ordered nearly all criminal and civil court operations postponed until April 15. Courthouses remain open, but with far fewer cases and courtroom activity. Still, many clerks have been required to go into work. Several judges, who work side by side with clerks, told the Tribune they were outraged at the treatment of the integral court staffers. One judge who presides over civil cases in the Daley Center said clerks are sitting in empty courtrooms with little to do. The judges arent there but their clerks are," the judge said. "It makes no sense. The judge said only a handful of clerks actually were needed to help with emergency matters filed in the various civil court divisions that operate in the Daley Center. The judge wondered how effective scaling back court operations will be to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The judge noted that many court clerks take public transportation. What good is it pulling us out of a potentially infected environments and then later putting us back in with people who have not been sheltered? Megan Crepeau and Todd Lighty 4:31 p.m.: Gov. Pritzker says he can reach Trump any time but talks more often with VP Pence Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he has the ability at any time to reach out to President Donald Trump, but that hes spoken more often with Vice President Mike Pence and even more frequently with high-ranking officials within federal government agencies because theyre closer to being on the ground and delivering what we need. The reason that the president talks to certain state governors more than others is because thats where the bulk of the cases are, Pritzker said at his daily coronavirus briefing Thursday. New York and Washington, for example, as a percentage of their population, they are seeing a lot of cases and frankly a lot of deaths. So I believe thats how the president may have prioritized his time, but I have the ability at any time to reach out to the president, he has offered that to me directly. Pritzker has been critical of the Trump administrations response efforts to the spread of the new coronavirus, particularly when it comes to making testing for the illness more widely available. Pritzker took to Twitter late Saturday to blast the Trump administration for hours-long lines to get through customs at OHare International Airport. Pritzker said hes talked to Pence several times directly, but that he more regularly talks to the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Homeland Security. I, in many cases, have just called directly to the person whos in charge of the thing that we need in order to get it, Pritzker said. So, Ive been willing I dont need to wait to talk to the president. Id rather go get the job done. Jamie Munks 4:30 p.m.: Counterfeit coronavirus tests seized at OHare U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents said they intercepted counterfeit coronavirus test kits that arrived at OHare International Airport from the United Kingdom. They warn people not to buy home test kits over the internet. Read more here. Elvia Malagon 4:29 p.m.: Northlake Walmart to host drive-up coronavirus testing Drive-thru coronavirus testing will be coming soon to the parking lot of a Walmart in west suburban Northlake, city officials announced Thursday, as part of a larger effort to expand drive-up testing to major retail sites across the country. Northlake officials said in a written statement Thursday that the big box store on North Avenue has been designated a coronavirus drive-up testing site, but had no additional information on when testing would begin, operation times or the testing process. Although Walmart officials said the big box retailer is looking at several Chicago-area sites for a pilot drive-up screening program, the company would not confirm that the Northlake location was one of them. On Thursday morning, a section of the Northlake Walmart parking lot was cordoned off with yellow caution tape. Several police barricades lined the perimeter of the site, and two solar traffic message boards were on the property. President Donald Trump announced in a news conference last week that drive-up coronavirus testing stations would soon be available in the parking lots of major American retailers, such as Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens. Weve been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-thru tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals, Trump said at a March 13 news conference. The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car. Several Chicago-area hospitals over the last few days have launched drive-up testing stations, including Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in northwest suburban Park Ridge, though patients must have a doctors order and an appointment. Angie Leventis Lourgos 4:08 p.m.: Elgin-area strip club tried to operate during coronavirus shutdown, but nobody showed up While Elgin-area restaurants, bars and other businesses closed over the past week, Anthony Buttitta vowed to keep Blackjacks Gentlemens Club open, coronavirus or not. Posts on the strip clubs Facebook page this week confidently announced the venue would operate as usual. Were open during the COVID-19 outbreak, said one post. Disinfecting, sanitizing, washing hands, complying with all state and CDC guidance and dancing!!! Need to get out of the house? Come play tonight at Blackjacks, read another. There was only one problem: Almost no customers showed up. Buttitta said Thursday that despite efforts to remain open, the club near Elgin will close indefinitely. Read more here. Rafael Guerrero 4 p.m.: Medical examiner confirms Chicago woman died from pneumonia due to coronavirus The first person to die in Illinois after contracting the new coronavirus died from pneumonia related to COVID-19, the office announced Thursday. Patricia Frieson, 61, died a natural death from bronchopneumonia due to a novel corona (COVID-19) viral infection with asthma, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive cardiovascular disease and obesity as contributing factors, the office found, following a review of Friesons medical records. Frieson, a retired nurse, was pronounced dead March 16 at 9:40 p.m. at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to the office. Chicago Tribune staff 3:43 p.m.: Hospitals to other industries: Give us your face masks Illinois hospitals sent an urgent plea Thursday for more face masks, asking construction, dental and veterinary groups to donate any they may have on hand. Illinois Health and Hospital Association President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi sent a message to trade groups across the state asking them to donate their N95 masks, which are surgical masks that can protect workers from airborne particles and liquid. Health care workers are seeking the masks to help protect them from being infected with the novel coronavirus while treating patients. He said Illinois hospitals are facing a critical shortage of personal protective equipment, such as the masks. We anticipate that the number of cases will increase dramatically in the coming days and weeks, exhausting all the (personal protective equipment) at hospitals, including gowns, gloves, eye shields and, especially, medical masks, Wilhelmi wrote. The plea came the same day that several national groups, including the Chicago-based American Medical Association, American Hospital Association and American Nurses Association, sent a letter to Congress asking for $100 billion to help them battle the rapidly spreading illness. Lisa Schencker 3:40 p.m.: Chicago police officers performing hundreds of checks on seniors. We try to do our best, right? Holed up in a room in the Shakespeare Police District on the Northwest Side, Chicago police officer Delilah Martinez dials one of hundreds of numbers on her list and reaches a senior citizen named Grace. Martinez asks Grace if she is safe, healthy and well-stocked amid the coronavirus pandemic and then listens patiently. Thats so sweet, yes, Martinez said on the phone. Read more here. 3:38 p.m.: Illinois National Guard to help health providers carry out coronavirus testing Gov. J.B. Pritzker has enlisted the Illinois National Guard in the states efforts to test for the novel coronavirus that causes potentially deadly COVID-19. Earlier this week, I activated the first members of the Illinois National Guard mission to join the fight against COVID-19, Pritzker said at his daily news briefing on the virus Thursday. They are 13,000 strong, committed to amazing work, and they bring to our preparations key capabilities in logistics, in transportation and even in medical specialties, allowing us to expand testing while ensuring our testing can be administered in the safest possible way. Pritzker said that although the federal government is setting up drive-through testing operations in other states, that is not yet happening in Illinois. Instead, were having our National Guard be part of efforts to help hospitals and other health care centers stand up those drive-through capabilities. So, well be using the National Guard to assist other health care workers in that endeavor. Pritzker said the guard is also doing critical work planning for the weeks and months ahead, including expanding our health care capacity by potentially refitting and reopening previously closed hospitals. On Monday, the governor activated 43 airmen from the Peoria-based 182nd Airlift Wings Medical Group to help with the escalating number of COVID-19 patients. The unit includes doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners, but its mostly composed of medical technicians trained and certified in procedures such as blood draws, swab testing and immunizations, as well as maintaining medical records. The governor said the service members will perform a variety of missions in the coming days and weeks. Though he said the guard may help in delivering food to families who have struggled to feed their children because of the school closures, it now appears they will be taking a frontline role in determining how widespread the virus has become in the Chicago-area. Several other states also have activated National Guard units, including Florida, New Jersey and Texas. Hal Dardick, Dan Petrella 3:19 p.m.: Speedy-trial deadlines while cases are put on pause The Cook County States Attorneys office wants the countys chief judge to request relief from speedy-trial deadlines while cases are put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. Prosecutors have seen an uptick in defendants formally demanding trial since Chief Judge Timothy Evans ordered most court operations suspended last week, according to a letter from First Assistant Joseph Magats obtained by the Tribune on Thursday. When a defendant invokes his right to a speedy trial, the clock starts ticking prosecutors have 120 days to bring him to trial if he is in custody and 160 days if he is on bond. If they blow past that deadline, then by law, the charges must be dropped. As a direct result of these actions, our office is faced with the reality that many cases, including serious and violent felony offenses, have been and are being continued to a date beyond the speedy trial term, the letter reads. The state Supreme Court may suspend, toll or otherwise grant relief from speedy trial deadlines, according to court policy. But that can only happen via a particularly circuitous route: a countys chief judge must ask the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to ask the Supreme Court. Kane County States Attorney Joseph McMahon has submitted a similar letter to Clint Hull, that countys chief judge. It is my fervent hope that an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court can ward off the potential injustice threatened by this pandemic, McMahon wrote. Amid the court slowdown, Cook County prosecutors have been filing requests to extend the speedy-trial term, which by statute they can do in order to find witnesses or evidence. But, the letters from Magats and McMahon both note, there is no specific provision in Illinois law that deals directly with speedy trials in a situation like this one. The virus has created an additional real and present danger to the well-being of the citizenry of Illinois: the potential impossibility of bringing an individual to justice based on the application of a law that does not recognize the devastating and debilitating impact of a pandemic virus, McMahon wrote. There was no indication how long it might take to see the request work its way through the state system. By contrast, in Chicagos federal court, Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer ordered specifically that time spent during that courts slowdown would not count against the speedy-trial clock. Megan Crepeau 3:02 p.m.: Officials announce 134 new coronavirus cases, bringing states total to 422 State officials announced 134 new coronavirus cases, bringing the statewide total 422 cases in 22 counties. The marked increase is partially attributed to an increase in testing capabilities. Asked about the possibility of shelter in place rules or extended school closings, Pritzker said only Im looking at all of those things.He said that parents should be contemplating the possibility that school closings will last longer. Dan Petrella 2:49 p.m.: 3 more deaths in Illinois from the coronavirus, Pritzker says Pritzker announced three more deaths in Illinois associated with COVID-19: a Will County man in his 50s, a Cook County woman in her 80s, and a Florida woman in her 70s who died in Sangamon County. Earlier Patricia Frieson, 61, of the Gresham neighborhood on the South Side, was diagnosed with COVID-19 and died Monday night at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to the Cook County medical examiners office and one of her siblings. Dan Petrella Delay in state and local sales tax payments Pritzker also announced that the state is allowing a two-month delay in state and local sales tax payments to aid small and medium-size restaurants and bars affected by his order shutting down dine-in service. The sales tax holiday applies to dining and drinking establishments that had less than $75,000 in sales tax liabilities last year. They will not be charged penalties or interest on payments due in March, April or May. The state Department of Revenue estimates this will apply to nearly 80% of bars and restaurants statewide. Business must still file sales tax returns and will be able to make payments in four installment from May through Aug. 20. Dan Petrella Special grocery store hours for the elderly Pritzker said grocery stores across the state are offering special hours for elderly residents to shop without others in the store. Pritzker encouraged residents to contact local stores for details. Dan Petrella 2:45 p.m.: Florida woman visiting Springfield area dies while being treated for coronavirus, officials say A Florida woman being treated for coronavirus at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield died Thursday, according to Sangamon County health officials. The woman, age 71, had been visiting the Springfield area when she fell ill. She was the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the county and the first death there, according to a joint news release from the hospital system and the county. Now more than ever, we call on our community to take care of themselves and each other, to be vigilant and willing to make sacrifices to help curb the spread of this virus, said Dr. Raj Govindaiah, chief medical officer of Memorial Health System, in the release. Liam Ford 2:14 p.m.: Oak Parks shelter-in-place order takes effect tonight. San Francisco shows what life is like during a lockdown. When the clock strikes midnight, Oak Park residents will placed on lockdown, the subjects of a dramatic shelter-in-place order that essentially commands them to stay in their homes as public health officials try to slow the coronaviruss spread in the near western suburb. Residents can still go to the grocery store, keep their doctor appointments and make pharmacy runs. Theyll also be able to go to work if they have essential jobs such as health care providers, first responders and sanitation workers. Otherwise, theyll be required to stay home, perhaps foreshadowing the stringent rules all Illinois residents could find themselves living under in the coming days. Read more here. 1:57 p.m.: Chicago ride-share and taxi drivers struggle with drop in business because of coronavirus Michael Sands Jr. and his wife, Elpida Drake, drive a taxi and lease five taxi medallions to other drivers. Sands said business has been so slow amid the coronavirus outbreak that he recently waited half a day at OHare International Airport for just one fare. Thank God we have some in savings to keep our head above water, said Drake, 36. If we go out on the street to try to make some kind of money, theres nobody out there. The restaurants and bars are closed, and OHares not moving. Chicago ride-share and taxi drivers say they have been struggling to make ends meet since Gov. J.B. Pritzker told Illinois residents to stay home and ordered bars and restaurants closed to dine-in customers through March 30. In a virtual press conference Thursday, local drivers and advocates discussed possible solutions, including asking large gig employers to pay displaced workers $2,000; the city for emergency assistance for taxi drivers; and the state to allow temporary workers and independent contractors file for unemployment with proof of wages paid over the last four weeks including payments made via app-based companies. Most of us, including myself, dont have any health insurance. Once were out there and if were going to contract this virus, what are we going to do? It is really affecting us negatively a lot, and I hope that theyll be able to include us for whatever relief that is coming, veteran cab driver Nnamdi Uwazie, an organizer for the union group Cab Drivers United, told the Tribune. More than 60,000 people in the Chicago area work as ride-share drivers and 12,000 work as taxi drivers, according to Chicago Jobs with Justice, a coalition of labor, faith and community organizations. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection told the Tribune in a statement that the city will soon announce initial steps to support drivers and riders during this difficult time. A department spokesman did not elaborate on these steps. Read more here. Tracy Swartz 1:20 p.m.: Palm Sunday, Holy Week services canceled because of coronavirus, Archdiocese of Chicago notifies parishes The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Thursday that Palm Sunday and Holy Week services, including the Chrism Mass, one of the most important religious services of the year, would not be celebrated publicly. Holy Thursdays Chrism Mass will be live streamed from Holy Name Cathedral. The release did not make clear whether public Easter services will be allowed, but said Holy Week and Easter Vigil services said by Cardinal Blase Cupich will be livestreamed. There should be no Communion services currently nor during Holy Week until we are cleared to return for public liturgies, the archdiocese said in a note to parishes. This is the latest fallout from the coronavirus outbreak and further limits Catholics from actively practicing their faith after the archdiocese suspended all religious services and restricted the number of people who can attend a funeral to 10. The churchs guidelines and liturgical guidance are issued based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, church officials have said. Among other Holy Week activities, Catholics are also prohibited from publicly celebrating the Living Stations of the Cross, which commemorates one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar and traces the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. Stations of the Cross celebrations usually draws thousands of people across the country. Javonte Anderson 1 p.m.: Students and staff at Winnetka school told to self-quarantine after seventh-grader diagnosed with probable case of COVID-19 Students and staff at Carleton Washburne School in Winnetka are being urged to self-quarantine for 14 days, after a seventh grade student was diagnosed with a probable case of COVID-19 this week. The Illinois Department of Public Health alerted school officials Tuesday that the student, who was at school through March 11, has a probable, presumptive case related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to a letter to parents from District 36 Superintendent Trisha Kocanda. The middle school at 515 Hibbard Road enrolls about 400 students in seventh and eighth grades. Students and staff at Carleton Washburne School should self-quarantine for 14 days from Wednesday, March 11, 2020, the last time the student was at school, Kocanda said in a statement on the districts website. Read more here. Karen Ann Cullotta 12:45 p.m.: Metra cuts weekday schedule in half as coronavirus causes deep ridership drop Due to deep drops in ridership as a result of the new coronavirus pandemic, Metra is cutting weekday service in half starting on Monday. The commuter railroad said its adjusting to a sharply reduced number of riders due to school closures, work-from-home mandates and other consequences of the crisis. The new schedule can be seen here. This is an unprecedented situation; we are attempting to do our best to provide service for those who still need public transportation and match service with demand, Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement. The commuter railroad saw a drop in ridership of 50% late last week, and said numbers have continued to fall since. The CTA, Pace, Amtrak and the South Shore Line also have taken big hits in ridership. Read more here. Mary Wisniewski 12:07 p.m.: Chicago police and paramedics just announced their first coronavirus cases. How are they dealing with COVID-19 on the front line? By the nature of their work, Chicagos first responders are routinely in close quarters with people and duty-bound to perform in extreme situations. They have even been spat on. Covered in blood. Exposed to dangerous substances used to mix narcotics. And now this. An unprecedented public health crisis that requires them to do their jobs in uncontrolled environments on the street. Both the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department have been left to come up with ways to protect their own as they do their work, and to prepare contingency plans for what was inevitable one of their own contracting the virus. It was a threat made all too real Tuesday when a paramedic was reported to be the first from one of the departments to test positive for COVID-19. An assistant deputy chief paramedic soon followed, on Wednesday, and the first member of CPD tested positive Thursday. Read more here. 11:56 a.m.: Chicago orders coronavirus patients, people showing symptoms, to stay home Chicagos public health commissioner has ordered anyone with coronavirus or who is exhibiting its symptoms to stay home in an effort to curb the virus spread, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced. Sick residents will be allowed to seek essential services, including necessary clinical care or evaluation, and life sustaining needs, such as obtaining medicine or food, the mayors office said. People who violate the order could be fined by the Chicago Police Department or the public health department, Lightfoot said. During this unprecedented crisis, we must move quickly and in the best interest of the public. Restricting the movements of those who have COVID-19 or who are symptomatic is the best way to prevent the virus from spreading further, Lightfoot said. We are implementing todays order to ensure a precise and data-driven response to the trends of this illness and, following recommendations by our citys public health experts, believe that these heightened measures are necessary to contain the virus and protect our residents. Read more here. Gregory Pratt, John Byrne 11:48 a.m.: CPD member tests positive for COVID-19 A worker at the Chicago Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19, said Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the department, in an email. The worker who tested positive is a detective who had last worked Sunday. He started to feel ill during regularly scheduled days off, on Monday and Tuesday, Guglielmi said. The department was notified Thursday morning about the workers health status. The person will remain at home, and the department is trying to pinpoint who the person had interacted with, Guglielmi said in the email. The department did not identify the worker or say what kind of job the person has within the department. Once we were notified of the confirmed case, the Department began a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the facility where the employee was stationed, Guglielmi said in the email. The employees work area and any vehicles and equipment used by the individual are also being cleaned. Elvia Malagon 11:39 a.m.: North Shore communities confirm first COVID-19 cases Numerous communities along the North Shore have announced some of their first confirmed cases of COVID-19. Highland Park officials announced late Wednesday evening that the patient who was treated by three paramedics at a home in the city since has tested positive for the new coronavirus. Officials in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff reported Thursday their first confirmed cases of COVID-19. A resident in Lake Forest and a resident in Lake Bluff each tested positive for the virus, officials in both towns said in a joint statement. Read more here. James T. Norman 11:31 a.m.: Suburban Cook County coronavirus cases rise to 75 with 17 new infections Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that 17 more residents in suburban Cook County have been diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total there to 75. In a morning news conference, Preckwinkle also announced the launch of a new emergency text alert system, hotline number and email system geared toward keeping the public informed with accurate information. The hotline number is (708) 633-3319 and email address: ccdph.COVID19@cookcountyhhs.org will be staffed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. To subscribe to text message alerts from the countys public health office, text AlertCook to 888-777 and to opt-in and receive the latest COVID-19 information. Additional coronavirus information is available from the county at cookcountypublichealth.org. Lisa Donovan 11:11 a.m.: Professional licenses expiration dates extended The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is automatically extending the expiration date through Sept. 30 for all professional licenses issued by the department that have renewal dates between March 1 and July 31. The department also is extending the deadline for licensees to complete continuing education coursework and allowing courses to be conducted online. The extension covers licenses for nearly three dozen occupations, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, real estate brokers and private detectives. The department also is allowing massage therapy, cosmetology and barber schools to offer more courses that dont involve hands-on learning online through July 31. Dan Petrella 10:55 a.m.: Illinois General Assembly cancels session The Illinois General Assembly canceled session next week in response to the coronavirus, the second week in a row legislative leaders have called off session. Lawmakers were due to convene in Springfield March 24 to 27. We remain in contact with members regarding legislative and scheduling priorities so that when we return to the Capitol we can act quickly and efficiently, Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement Thursday. For now, we are taking it day by day and urging everyone to heed the advice of health care professionals by practicing social distancing, regularly washing hands and avoiding unneeded travel. A memo sent to House Democrats Wednesday said the session schedule is in flux, and that a call to return to Springfield amidst this public health emergency would only occur if necessary. With the cancellations, the next scheduled session day is March 31. A two-week recess in April is built into the General Assemblys calendar, beginning the week of April 6. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday said he was leaving decisions about the legislature reconvening to legislative leaders. So, Ill work with them on that, Pritzker said. We need to work together. Jamie Munks 10:48 a.m.: Will County requires appointment for marriages, phone call or email for birth, marriage, death certificates Will County couples who want to get hitched during the coronavirus pandemic now will have to make an appointment to get a marriage or civil union license, county Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry announced Thursday. To do that, call 815-740-4615 or email marriages@willcountyillinois.com. To get a birth, marriage or death certificate, county residents will have to call the same number or email vitalrecords@willcountyillinois.com or going the website at www.thewillcountyclerk.com and clicking on VitalCheck. Or folks can send mailed requests to the clerks office at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Forms can be found at the clerks website. The changes are in effect until April 17. Hal Dardick 10:47 a.m.: Lightfoot addressing the public tonight in broadcast from City Hall Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will broadcast a speech today at 5 p.m. on the citys public health and economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shell give the speech from her ceremonial City Hall office. In addition to reminding residents to follow the Citys public health guidance, the Mayor will provide specific ways the City will be protecting vulnerable populations and supporting our local economy, specifically the local businesses and employees most impacted by the economic ramifications of COVID-19, the mayors office said in a prepared statement. Shell also talk about what could be ahead in the coming weeks as the city, state and nation grapple with ever-growing cases of the virus. Lisa Donovan 10:08 a.m.: Illinois unemployment claims skyrocket as coronavirus pandemic causes workplaces to shut down Tens of thousands of Illinoisans are seeking unemployment benefits amid the coronavirus pandemic, as workplaces, restaurants and businesses shutter. More than 41,000 Illinoisans submitted unemployment claims to the states Department of Employment Security on Monday and Tuesday, said spokeswoman Rebecca Cisco. Thats more than nine times as many as the state received on the same two days during the corresponding week last year. Typically, the state requires people to be actively seeking work to receive unemployment benefits. But that changed under emergency rules adopted specifically to respond to COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. A person is considered to be actively seeking work as long as theyre prepared to return to work as soon as the employer reopens, according to the Department of Employment Securitys website. The state has made other exceptions to the normal requirements to receive unemployment benefits, too. Usually, leaving a job to care for a child is considered voluntary, and would mean a person would not qualify for benefits. But an executive order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker has closed public and private schools around the state at least through March 30, and some are already planning to stay closed longer. The state recognizes that a parent staying home with a child likely has no other child care option, and would consider that person eligible for unemployment benefits. Read more here. Ally Marotti 10 a.m.: Planned Parenthood of Illinois consolidating clinics to 6 locations Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced today that it is temporarily consolidating health centers because of COVID-19 concerns. Beginning March 23, all services will be at six health centers: its Near North location, Austin, Aurora, Springfield, Flossmoor and Peoria. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is taking all necessary precautions to keep our staff and patients healthy and well, chief medical officer Amy Whitaker said in a statement. Some will have expanded days and times to accommodate patients needs. Patients with nonessential appointments are being asked to postpone visits or use their telehealth services. Alison Bowen 9 a.m.: Anxiety, guilt and Trader Joes: Day in the life of coronavirus through the diaries of 4 Chicagoans and suburbanites We asked a handful of people across the Chicago area Worth, Andersonville, Worth, Lake Forest, Glen Ellyn to keep diaries of their thoughts, hopes, fears and observations across a single day of our new reality noting the ways the coronavirus pandemic was impacting their lives, big and small. Its not the first time people have done this: We were inspired by a London resident who, 350 years ago, marked the ways the bubonic plague was changing his city. Call it our version of Journal of the Plague Year." Check out their diaries here. Christopher Borrelli and Tribune staff 8:25 a.m.: Waubonsie Valley grad stranded in Honduras with her football team: Were ready to go home The stores are closed and their flights are canceled, and an American team of womens football players are hunkered down in a largely empty hotel in Honduras, unsure of when or how they will return home, team leaders and an Aurora high school graduate who plays on the team said. About 55 players, coaches and leaders of American Football Events left for a tournament in Honduras last week. At the time, there were a limited number of cases of COVID-19 in the country, and concerns about the spread of the coronavirus hadnt yet escalated, they said. Sarah Gomez, left, a 2011 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, is stuck in Honduras because of a coronavirus lockdown. (Sarah Gomez) But days after they arrived, Honduras leaders closed the countrys borders for at least seven days and then instituted a curfew, temporarily closing grocery stores, gas stations and banks, and restricting residents movements. The team has been left largely stuck in its hotel in Tegucigalpa, the capital city, trying to help where it can as the hotel has limited its staff and meals, team members said. We know that its just as chaotic over there (in the U.S.), but thats home and thats where we want to be, said team member Sarah Gomez, a 2011 Waubonsie Valley High School graduate. Read more here. Sarah Freishtat, The Beacon-News 7:40 a.m.: As day cares shut down, parents must juggle child care and working from home At day cares throughout the Chicago area, the decision to close is not being taken lightly. The state told schools to shut down but gave no such directive to day cares. Some remain open, knowing parents must continue going to work. Others have closed and are providing families with activities for their kids, or recording videos for students to watch. Though health officials say children are not at higher risk for COVID-19, day cares must consider whether staying open would contribute to the spread of the pandemic, said Nongtipa Limson, an administrator at Rainbow School Daycare in the Albany Park neighborhood. What if a child carries the virus and then exposes an elderly grandparent? To help maintain some consistency for the 2- to 3-year-olds she teaches at the Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Center in Wilmette, Sheryl Rosen and her co-teacher will send videos of themselves to the children. Rosen will lead a morning meeting with them, like she does every day, and her co-teacher will do storytime, yoga or another afternoon activity. Theyre so little, they do not understand whats going on at all, and all they know is where are my friends, where are my teachers and why am I not in school," she said. Its important that they see us, (that we) let them know we didnt go anywhere, they just cant see us for a while. Read more here. Ally Marotti Beth Bond tries to work from home while holding her daughter James, 9 months, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at their River North apartment. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) 6:50 a.m.: ER doctors at Rush Oak Park Hospital test positive for coronavirus as village issues shelter in place order Two emergency room physicians at Rush Oak Park Hospital have tested positive for the coronavirus, which was likely community acquired, according to the hospital. The hospital said one physician "had not been seeing patients for several days prior, when he would have been contagious. "The other may have had patient and peer contact and we are assessing the overall risk of exposure, working with the Illinois Department of Public Health and advising patients and peers as appropriate, a statement from the hospital said. The disclosure came hours after the village issued a shelter-in-place order when a resident -- a man in his 30s -- tested positive. The order, which lasts from Friday until at least April 3, was issued to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their homes. Read more here. Chicago Tribune staff 6:50 a.m.: 9/11-era firefighter to a grocery store worker: All of you will be the heroes Robert Lamprecht interrupted Pat Reeder to tell her something she had never been told. Excuse me maam, thank you, he told her Tuesday morning. For what, sir? replied Reeder, who works in the meat department at the Strack & Van Til grocery store in Highland. For taking care of all of us customers, replied Lamprecht, a Hobart firefighter for 27 years. Weve depended on you. When we get through this, you all will be the heroes. Reeder, a 62-year-old widow, paused to absorb what he said. Then she cried. Read more here. Jerry Davich, Post-Tribune Wednesday, March 18 Heres a recap of coronavirus updates in the Chicago area and Illinois from Wednesday: Tuesday, March 17 Heres a recap of coronavirus updates in the Chicago area and Illinois from Tuesday: Monday, March 16 Heres a recap of coronavirus updates in the Chicago area and Illinois from Monday: Sunday, March 15 The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has appealed to the Government to speed up the release of pardoned inmates to decongest facilities and reduce the spread of coronavirus in case of an outbreak. An estimated 6 000 prisoners serving for non-violent crimes are expected to be released through an amnesty that cuts the length of their sentences to de-congest prisons. Cabinet heard and approved the proposal by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi recently. In a statement yesterday, ZPCS national public relations officer Superintendent Khanyezi Meya said communicable diseases like Covid-19 can spread easily in confined places and de-congesting prisons was paramount. It is ideal that our organisation take preventive measures to curb the transmission and to begin with, it is desirable that an amnesty to free some offenders be implemented to ease pressure on the prison population which is above holding capacity, she said. Prisons are confined institutions. Communicable diseases such as Covid-19, among others have greater chances of spreading in these places and could pose serious health and logistical challenges, should cases of the virus get recorded. Supt Meya said a number of prison officers countrywide have recently undergone training to equip them with knowledge and skills on how to prevent and handle themselves and inmates in case of a Covid-19 outbreak. Some of our correctional officers have recently undergone training on the pandemic and are expected to train other officers throughout the country, with information cascading to inmates, she said. This move is essential in that officers in particular, are in constant contact with offenders such that their interaction should place more emphasis on prevention. Inmates rely on officers among other partners for information. It is essential that they get relevant information on the pandemic so that they are aware of developments outside, that have a bearing on them. Supt Meya stressed the importance of hygienic practices saying prisons should be provided with basics such as sanitisers to mitigate the spread of the pandemic. said. Issues of hygiene are of importance with regard to mitigating the spread of the virus. Ideally, prison settings should be provided with basics such as soaps, sanitisers and detergents and above all sufficient water, shesaid. "Positive news that must make all Italian health workers proud" The Chinese husband and wife who were the first people in Italy to test positive for Coronavirus have been discharged from Rome's Spallanzani hospital, when they have been treated since 30 January. The pair from Wuhan were discharged "permanently" from the Spallanzani today and were transferred to Rome's S. Filippo Neri hospital where the woman will complete neuromotor rehabilitation. The news was announced by Spallanzani health director Francesco Vaia, who said: "It is positive news that must make all Italian healthcare workers proud." The Chinese husband and wife, aged 66 and 67 respectively, were hospitalised after falling sick at a hotel in central Rome on 30 January. Their case led Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte to suspend all flights to and from China later that day. It wasn't until 20 February that the Coronavirus outbreak began in northern Italy, when a 38-year-old Italian man tested positive in town of Codogno near Lodi. The man, known as Paziente 1, was recently moved out of intensive care, as soon as he was able to breathe unassisted, and he is recovering at S. Matteo di Pavia hospital. On 18 March, a month after the case of Patient 1 came to light, Italy recorded the highest one-day death toll of any country affected by the Covid-19 pandemic: 475 deaths, taking Italy's total number of fatalities to almost 3,000. A total of 4,025 people in Italy have recovered from Coronavirus, according to the latest statistics released late on 18 March by the country's civil protection authorities. The vast majority of cases and deaths have been recorded in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, the area worst affected by the outbreak. Photo La Repubblica Xtalks Life Science Webinars Join Virginia Cox, JD - Senior Consultant and Lead, 3D Communications and Adam George, PharmD - Senior Consultant and Lead, 3D Communications in a live webinar on Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 12pm EDT (NA) (5pm BST/UK). 3D Communications has spent two decades preparing companies for FDA pre-submission and Advisory Committee meetings. During this time, 3D has developed Top 10 Rules to help make the journey smoother for clients and help them effectively hit their target. In this webinar, 3D experts will discuss some of the common mistakes that sponsors make in their communications with regulators and some time-tested rules which apply across all types of regulatory meetings. 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Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks, visit http://xtalks.com. For information about hosting a webinar, visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/. Economic environment in aviation sector has deteriorated significantly and it has become necessary to initiate some tough decisions over the next few days and weeks, said IndiGo's flight operations chief Ashim Mitra to pilots in an email on Thursday morning. With countries sealing their borders partially or fully across the world due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, aviation sector has been hit extremely hard as most airlines globally have drastically curtailed their flight operations. Mitra stated in his email: "Economic environment has deteriorated significantly and no airline is insulated from this severe downturn." "It has become a necessity to initiate some tough calls and we are working on a string of measures that will be shared and implemented over the next few days and weeks," Mitra said. Asking the pilots to not believe any hearsay, Mitra added that the airline will keep them updated. "Please keep taking all the precautions against COVID-19 and we shall overcome any challenge as long as stand strong and tall against these headwinds," he said. GoAir on Wednesday said it has terminated contracts of expat pilots amid curtailed operations due to the pandemic. Citing "unprecedented" decline in air travel, the budget carrier announced it was suspending international operations and offering leave without pay programme to its staff on a rotational basis. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: ICSE board defers class 10, 12 exams till March 31 Also read: IndiGo cancels some flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah over coronavirus A pastor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, says he will defy government orders intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Oneness Pentecostal congregation met on Tuesday, despite the declaration of a state-wide public health emergency banning gatherings of 50 or more people. Life Tabernacle Church plans to meet again on Sunday, setting up a possible legal clash between religious liberty protections and the states authority to respond to a pandemic. The virus, we believe, is politically motivated, pastor Tony Spell told CNN affiliate WAFB. We hold our religious rights dear, and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says. The church typically draws more than 1,000 attendees on Sunday. About 300 gathered Tuesday night and the pastor posted a 25-minute clip of the service from Central City News on his Facebook page. Ministers passed out anointed handkerchiefs and Spell preached about fear. This is an extreme test brought on us by the spirit of antichrist and the mystery of lawlessness, he told the congregation. What good is the church in an hour of peril if the the church craters and caves in to the fears and the spirits of torment in our society? Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared the emergency on Tuesday, sharply limiting public and private gatherings of people in the state. Edwards, who is Catholic, is following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says the impact of the highly infectious coronavirus can be mitigated by reducing social interaction. I'm a person of faith, Edwards said in his public announcement. I happen to believe very much in the awesome power of prayer. I also believe in science, and the scientists at the CDC say that the measures we are taking will minimize the spread. The governor could call the National Guard to force the church to close but hasnt done so yet. An official spokesman for the National Guard said it has not been tasked with enforcing any of the curfew, social distancing, or meeting requirements as set by the governor. A court might also issue an order telling the church not to meet. A local prosecutor, East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore, told CNN that law enforcement would try to tread lightly in the situation. This is a very delicate issue and balance between emergency powers, the First Amendment, and religious rights and freedoms, Moore said. We respect the peoples right to meet and practice their religion, but during these dangerous times, some temporary restrictions will prevail. Legal experts say that though there are robust protections for religious practice, and constitutional guarantees of the right to worship and even just assemble, states can order churches to close in extraordinary circumstances. The government would need to articulate a compelling interest, wrote John Inazu, professor of law and religion at Washington University in St. Louis, and its directive would need to be narrowly tailored and executed in the least restrictive means towards accomplishing its interest. Thats a very high standard, and one thats not usually satisfied. But the government is likely to meet it here. Attorneys Theresa Sidebotham and Nicole Hunt say government power is limited by state and federal constitutions, but its still quite extensive. The states police powers during declared emergencies can be very comprehensive, they wrote for Christianity Todays Church Law & Tax . The call of the church to provide pastoral care to its members doesnt change when global pandemics strike. Uncertain times call for church creativity. Churches can rethink and restructure what church looks like to protect their congregations while continuing their ministry work. Religious organizations could make a constitutional claim to being singled out by a law that treats secular activity differently, said Eugene Volokh, a University of California Los Angeles Law School professor and First Amendment expert. But if youre just imposing the same burden on everybody, for reasons completely unrelated to religiosity of the behavior, that is likely to be permissible. When it comes to coronavirus, Volokh said, courts are likely to find theres a compelling interest in preventing death through communicable disease. For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, but it can also result in more severe illness and death. Most churches across the US have moved services online and developed ways to minister while maintaining new practices of social distancing, following President Donald Trumps declaration of a national state of emergency on Monday. A Pew Research Center poll found that 63 percent of adults in the USincluding 64 percent of white evangelicals, 60 percent of black Protestants, and 66 percent of Catholicsthought the CDC had accurately assessed the coronavirus risk. White evangelicals were more likely than other groups to think the news media had exaggerated the risk of the virus but nonetheless accepted the CDCs recommendations. Some Christians have protested, however. R. R. Reno, the editor of the conservative religious magazine First Things, wrote that political leaders might be right to take stern measures to slow the spread of the virus, but that churches should not close. When we worship, we join the Christian rebellion against the false lordship of the principalities and powers that claim to rule our lives, including sickness and death, Reno argued. Closing churches and cancelling services betrays [the] duty of spiritual care. In South Korea, one woman exposed more than 9,000 people to the coronavirus by going to church, and may have infected more than 1,000 with COVID-19, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the US, the coronavirus has spread to all 50 states. In Louisiana, to date, more than 250 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and four have died. With reporting by the Associated Press. Lucknow, March 19 : The Lucknow police made an abortive attempt on Thursday to get the Clock Tower vacated by anti-CAA protesters. A large contingent of policemen reach the Clock Tower on Thursday afternoon and tried to make the women leave the site. Anti-CAA protests have been continuing at the Clock Tower since January 17 and the police has made several unsuccessful attempts to make the protesters move away from the place. The police, on Thursday, first tried to convince the protesters about the Corona scare and vacate the site but the women did not budge. The cops then pulled away the tarpaulin and the bedsheets on which the women were sitting. This left to scuffles and tension rose appreciably. As the crowds swelled, the cops were forced to beat a hasty retreat. The police told the protesters that the entry of 'outsiders' and men would not be allowed henceforth. Meanwhile, talking to IANS, Rehana, a protester, said, "The cops misbehaved with us. They pulled the bedsheets with women sitting on them. Three women fainted during this scuffle. We will not give up the protest until our demands are met. As for coronavirus, we are not afraid of it - we have survived for two months and our spirits are still not flagging." Expert explains situation in foreign exchange market 16:40, 19.03.20 2569 Hryvnia devaluation would be deeper and more rapid without NBU interventions, why people and businesses would lose more otherwise. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading on Thursday: MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, Penn National Gaming, Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas Sands Casino stocks surged, led by a 43% gain from Boyd Gaming, as investors appear to see this week's sharp sell-off as a buying opportunity. Bank of America told clients in a note on Thursday that there are widespread buying opportunities among casino companies. Several of the casino stocks have declined this week, with shares of MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts each down more than 30%, after Nevada on Tuesday shut down all 440 casinos in the state for at least 30 days. Red Robin, Starbucks, Chipotle, Papa John's, Domino's Stock of select restaurant companies spiked on Thursday as investors continued to reward companies that can tailor services to consumers stuck at home due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Red Robin soared 26%, Starbucks jumped 9%, Chipotle rose 15%, Papa John's climbed 39% and Domino's rallied 11%. Companies like pizza-maker Domino's are seeing a surge in demand for their food and delivery services as Americans order food and beverages from home. Domino's CEO Ritch Allison said in a statement on Thursday that he expects to hire some 10,000 delivery drivers, pizza makers, customer service representatives and others amid the deluge of orders. Noble Energy, Apache, Williams, Schlumberger Energy stocks rose broadly, boosted by a massive surge in oil prices. Noble Energy rallied 30% while Apache gained 11%. Williams and Schlumberger climbed 17% and 15%, respectively. U.S. crude futures jumped 18% to $24.06 per barrel after posting their third-worst decline on record a day earlier. Tesla, Uber, Lyft Tech transportation stocks took a big jump on Thursday after Uber's CEO said the company had the cash to withstand a dramatic drop in demand. Shares of Uber rose 38%, while rival Lyft gained about 28%. Electric automaker Tesla gained 18% after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to equal weight from underweight. Ford, Harley Davidson Legacy auto and transportation stocks took a hit on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic leads to production shutdowns. Harley Davidson fell 7%, while Ford lost 0.7%. Both companies announced Wednesday that they are pausing production at plants in the United States. Ford has also paused production at other plants in North America and Europe. Dish Network, Vonage, Comcast and AT&T Communications stocks largely rallied as Dish Network, Vonage and Comcast rose 16%, 10% and 1%, respectively. Analysts highlighted the telecom and internet service providers as likely to benefit from an increase in consumer demand. But AT&T fell 5%, as the company is closing thousands of its retail stores around the nation. Qualcomm, Broadcom, Skyworks Solutions Semiconductor stocks climbed overall, with Qualcomm shares jumping 6% after CEO Steve Mollenkopf told CNBC that demand in China had returned to normal. Broadcom and Skyworks Solutions, two other semiconductor builders, followed Qualcomm higher. Broadcom traded 15% higher while Skyworks gained 7%. FedEx The package delivery giant reported fiscal third-quarter revenue that beat analyst expectations, sending the stock up 12%. FedEx reported sales of $17.5 billion for the previous quarter, topping a FactSet estimate of $16.89 billion. The company, however, suspended its fiscal 2020 earnings forecast, citing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Emerson Electric Shares of the manufacturing company jumped 12% on news Emerson will buy back 60 million shares, or about 9.7% of its shares outstanding. CNBC's Fred Imbert, Jesse Pound, Tom Franck contributed to this report. Subscribe to CNBC PRO for exclusive insights and analysis, and live business day programming from around the world. Whether he can become that leader -- and whether it's too late to repair standing that's been damaged by weeks of inaction and minimizing the crisis -- remains to be seen. Moments before he emerged in the White House Briefing Room on Wednesday, Trump was complaining on Twitter about the "fake and corrupt news." And in the same news conference, he shrugged off questions about his credibility by attacking his likely election-year rival. "He wants to take steps that would enhance his image at a moment the nation seems to be crumbling around him," said Julian Zelizer, a presidential historian at Princeton and a CNN contributor. "But to be a wartime president you have to act like one. Great wartime presidents mobilize government resources, speak with clarity and conviction, create as much calm as possible, and fill the seats around them with the best and brightest minds. They also believe in the role of governance to the stability of our republic." "Right now we are watching him try to dig out of a ditch after many weeks where he did not respond and ignored the enemy in our midst," Zelizer said. "Moreover, he has set up a White House that lacks adequate expertise and an executive branch filled with holes. So the notion that he could be another Lincoln, FDR or Harry Truman is difficult to see." Jack P Shepherd is feeling the effects of the panic around the coronavirus pandemic as he has stocked up for the long haul with 12 bottles of wine. The Coronation Street actor, 32, headed to a packed supermarket where he was confronted with dozens of shoppers panic buying. He then headed to a Marks & Spencer and was pleasantly surprised to find it far less busy and began to stockpile after the public have been advised to avoid busy public places for the foreseeable future. Stock piling: Jack P Shepherd, 32, is feeling the effects of the panic around the coronavirus pandemic as he has stocked up for the long haul with 12 bottles of wine Sharing a snap of the wine he purchased, Jack jokingly wrote: 'See you on the other side b*****s'. Walking around the shop, Jack was surprised by how relaxed the shoppers seeemed, saying: 'The difference. M&S, no one here. Honestly, I feel like I'm on holiday coming to Marks & Spencer. 'Absolutely no one here. Everyone is walking around stress free, people are wearing f*****g flip-flops.' Along with the wine, Jack was able to stock up on the essentials including bread, toothpaste, shower gel and teabags. Shopping: Sharing a snap of the wine he purchased, Jack jokingly wrote: 'See you on the other side b*****s' Sharing a clip of his freshly baked bread, the actor said: 'Look at this, look at this. Fresh bread. Sliced. And it's hot. Can you believe that? It's like paradise.' Jack has starred as David Platt on Coronation Street since 2000 and previously won a British Soap Award for Best Actor in 2018. The TV star, like many others up and down Britain, has been hitting the food shops as more people are forced to work from home or go into self isolation as COVID-19 sweeps across the country. Chaotic: Jack headed to a packed supermarket where he was confronted with dozens of shoppers panic buying The number of people positively diagnosed hit 2,626, up from 1,950 on Wednesday. A total of 56,221 people now have been tested. ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale are also reducing their number of weekly episodes in a bid to ration shows they've already filmed. A statement from the broadcaster on Wednesday said: 'The continued transmission of both soaps is a priority to all of us at ITV and to our audiences who enjoy the shows. Whilst carefully adhering to the latest health advice from the Government and Public Health England, our production teams are continuing to film episodes in Manchester and Leeds. The essentials: Jack headed to a Marks & Spencer and was pleasantly surprised to find it far less busy and began to stockpile 'With this change of transmission pattern it will ensure we have great new soap episodes coming to air every weekday night until at least the early summer.' ITV also confirmed members of the cast aged over 70s are being written out over coronavirus pandemic as bosses 'adhere to all government guidelines.' The much-loved ITV soap has seven cast members who are over 70 and who have been advised to stay at home while writers work to remove them from plots going forward. Pleased: Sharing a clip of his freshly baked bread, the actor said: 'Look at this, look at this. Fresh bread. Sliced. And it's hot. Can you believe that? It's like paradise' These include William Roache, 87 (who plays Ken Barlow), Sue Nicholls, 76 (Audrey Roberts), Barbara Knox, 86 (Rita Sullivan), Malcolm Hebden, 80 (Norris Cole), Maureen Lipman, 73 (Evelyn Plummer), Rula Lenska, 72 (Claudia Colby) and Paul Copley, 75 (Arthur Medwin). Some of them may still appear regularly until mid-May, in scenes that were filmed before the Covid-19 outbreak forced the government to implement draconian measures. A Coronation Street spokeswoman told The Mirror: 'With regards to over 70s we will be adhering to all government guidelines and following the appropriate steps.' Whatever happens over the next few weeks with the Chinese virus, one thing is certain: nobody trusts the corporate press. Nobody. These people are the absolute bottom of the barrel in professional prestige, a collection of low-I.Q. wannabe-celebrities, con artists, and Joseph Goebbels clones. Parents should want their children to be free thinkers; no parent should have to suffer the pain and humiliation of watching his children grow up to pimp themselves on television for international conglomerates and hostile Chinese interests. Somewhere the parents of Lawrence O'Donnell and Brian Stelter and Joe Scarborough are wishing their sons would have had just the tiniest bit of dignity to take their whoring for the Democrats and the Chinese Communist Party off camera and back to the streets where it belongs. Of course, the streetwalkers would never have them; they actually work for a living. MSNBC and CNN spend all day long yelling "fire" in one crowded theater after another, except as soon as the people run out into the street, there they stand with bullhorns screaming, "The street is on fire, too. There's nowhere to go. You're all gonna die!" Going through a national disaster right now with the American media is like going through WWII with the German or Japanese media as our sole source of information. If they had existed in December 1941, there is no doubt that MSNBC and CNN would be telling young men to give up immediately and return to their farms, while praising the efficiency of Japanese rule. I can hear Lawrence O'Donnell right now criticizing the ugliness of American life and the beauty of Japanese culture. With his trademark scowl, his most solemn advice to resilient patriots would be that they submit to their new masters so completely that they embrace seppuku disembowelment as the "honorable" way to go. Even Hitler had to fire a few shots at France before it completely surrendered. Right now, I get the feeling that all he'd have to do is call up 30 Rockefeller Plaza, say "achoo," and Rachel Maddow would be on air screaming that the only way for America to survive is to give Hitler everything he wants without delay. Talk about a bunch of pusillanimous fear-mongers. Two minutes in a foxhole with any of these anchors, and you'd risk everything to get up, find a clear patch of earth unencumbered by cable news personalities, and begin digging a new hole, even with a flurry of bullets whirring past all around you. Fighting the Chinese virus with the American media at our side is like surviving Bastogne with the SS Panzer Corps promising to keep us safe. If they're not the "enemy of the people," they have a roundabout way of proving otherwise. Maybe they're not evil. Maybe they're not actively hoping for millions of American deaths or a total wipe-out of Americans' retirement savings. Maybe Lawrence O'Donnell isn't trying to stoke enough outrage against the American president that another Democrat like John Wilkes Booth or communist like Lee Harvey Oswald gets up the nerve to go full James Hodgkinson against the White House. I mean, it sure seems as though O'Donnell spends his airtime trying to encourage violence against the sitting president, but it's also possible he's too dumb to understand the consequences of his actions. If he ever finds himself as a defendant, he's certainly building a strong case for mental incompetence. Mental incompetence is contagious in the cable news industry. Unless I'm forgetting someone, there's only one person on the national stage who has spent a lifetime arguing against America's manufacturing dependence on China. He ran an entire presidential campaign based on closing the American border to illegal aliens, who lower American wages and strain the country's already strained social safety net. He argued that NAFTA destroyed towns across the country; that both parties betrayed our blue-collar workers by moving manufacturing overseas; and that the United States was at the perpetual mercy of dictatorships like China's for its most precious national security resources, including steel, pharmaceuticals, and electrical components. Along comes a national emergency that proves Donald Trump's warnings to America as prescient as Themistocles's warnings to Athens, and how do the American media treat this revelation? They ignore forty years' worth of pleadings from the future president to rebuild what was once the world's most expansive and dominant industrial powerhouse and his repeated desire as president to reclaim the manufacturing self-sufficiency that would have protected America from the crisis extant today. Instead, they blame the one person who has been sounding the alarm while the American news media and feckless politicians slept, no doubt kept comfortable by the lucre provided them by dictatorships like China's that now seek to hold us hostage. Themistocles warned Athens that the only way to survive Persian conquest was to build a world-class navy before it was too late; the aristocrats of his time laughed and scorned him, but it was Themistocles who saved Greece from Persian rule. President Trump today warns America that the only way to survive Chinese conquest is to rebuild America's manufacturing stronghold. Like an exclamation point to four decades' worth of warnings, a Chinese virus has come onto our land to prove how clear and vital the president's thinking has always been. And what do the American news media learn from this experience? That the man who has warned us all along about the potential for this current crisis is somehow unfit to lead, while decrepit Joe Biden, who has spent his own lifetime eating at the trough of China's largesse, is somehow prepared to guide the American ship to safety in this battering storm. Old Joe, the guy who laughs at the thought of China being any type of threat to the United States any time the question is posed, is supposed to protect the United States from a threat he does not understand a Chinese threat he has long been paid to ignore. Only a news media establishment as corrupt and vacuous as ours would see the prognosticator as the villain and the sleepy, corrupt career politician as the savior. Outside of the news dens of dim-wittedness, the reality is clear: Joe Biden and China apologists like him have always been the virus, while President Trump's policies to rebuild blue-collar America are the cure. "Evil or stupid." That's the only question left to answer when it comes to America's corporate news cabal. Right now I picture Joe Scarborough smiling in feigned contemplation and asking, "Why not both?" He'd have me there. If their reaction to this current threat from the Chinese virus is any indication, "evil" and "stupid" together reach the mark. For some like O'Donnell, though, only "treasonous" squarely hits the bulls-eye. (Hat tip: KB in Western N.C.) But Congress continues to go about business more or less as usual albeit with added hygienic precautions. This week, Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington, said Congress should curtail its activities. This is a building that has a lot of outside interaction, there are cases on the Hill now, and some of us are coming from the epicenters of the virus where flying back and forth seems distinctly unwise, she said. Mitigation requires action that may feel early to some, but must be undertaken early to be successful. I do think its time. A revolution mourns. Sanderss political demise is starting to feel inevitable, even to some of his most enthusiastic supporters. For a campaign that has played out loudly on Twitter, its now a time of public mourning. From his rise to national prominence in 2015, Sanders represented more than his own candidacy: He is the candidate whom most young voters align with, and the one whose policies are explicitly aimed at fundamentally reshaping American politics. Arrivals at El Prat International Airport in Barcelona are pictured wearing masks on 19 March. Spain has had more than 17,300 confirmed cases since the outbreak was identified. (Getty Images) More cases of the coronavirus are being reported every day. The previously-unknown strain arrived during the UKs cold and flu season, leaving many anxious they may be infected every time they get the sniffles. Only hospital patients are being swabbed for the virus, with greater testing a key part of the governments strategy to overcome the outbreak. In the meantime, Boris Johnson has told entire households to self-isolate for 14 days if just one member has the tell-tale cough or fever, not even venturing out to buy food or essentials. Once these two weeks are up, many may be left wondering what to do next. A woman is pictured taking a photograph of the Phil Lynott Statue, complete with mask, off Grafton Street in Dublin. Ireland has had 366 confirmed cases. (Getty Images) The coronavirus is thought to have emerged at a seafood and live animal market in the Chinese city Wuhan at the end of last year. Since the outbreak was identified, more than 227,700 cases have been confirmed in over 150 countries on every inhabited continent, according to John Hopkins University data. Of these patients, more than 84,500 have recovered and are now testing negative for the virus. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world Fact-checker: The number of Covid-19 cases in your local area Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu Cases in China have been plateauing since the end of February, with no new domestic incidences being reported in the past 24 hours. Europe is now the epicentre of the pandemic. Italy alone has had more than 35,700 confirmed cases and over 2,000 deaths. More than 56,200 people have been tested in the UK, of whom over 2,600 have come back positive and 128 patients have died. Globally, the death toll has exceeded 9,300. What to do if you suspect you have overcome the coronavirus People who live alone and have coronavirus symptoms, even if mild, should stay at home for seven days. If they live with others and are the first to show the warning signs, the patient should stay at home for seven days and all other household members for 14 days, regardless of whether they develop symptoms. Story continues The 14-day period starts from the day the first person becomes unwell. If another member of the household develops symptoms, that individual should then stay indoors for seven days, regardless of where they are in the 14-day lockdown. Assuming a live-in relative develops symptoms late in the 14-day quarantine, they have to isolate for seven days, however, the rest of the household do not need to extend their isolation. The 14-day household-isolation period will have greatly reduced the overall amount of infection the rest of the household could pass on, and it is not necessary to restart 14 days of isolation for the whole household, according to the government. Further isolation of members of this household will provide very little additional community protection. At the end of the 14 days, any family member who has not become unwell is free to go back to their normal routine. Suspected patients can go back to normal after seven days, providing they feel well and no longer have a fever. The cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared, according to the government. A persistent cough alone does not mean someone must continue to self-isolate for more than seven days. This advice is based on the knowledge that patients remain infectious for around 14 days. Scientists from John Hopkins University looked at 181 people who tested positive for the coronavirus between 4 January and 24 February. They found most developed the tell-tale flu-like symptoms within five days, while nearly all (97.5%) endured fever, cough and breathlessness within 11.5 days. The team predicted one out of 100 patients develop symptoms after 14 days. Based on this, they said longer quarantine periods may only be required in high-risk scenarios, like among healthcare workers. As it stands there is little evidence to suggest a quarantine or self-isolation period of 14 days is not suitable, Professor Jonathan Ball from the University of Nottingham said at the time. Professor Peter Openshaw from Imperial College London agreed, adding: Given that no isolation advice will be adhered to perfectly, there seems no justification for changing the recommendation that 14 days of isolation is sufficient. The coronavirus, colds and flu share some symptoms, but not all. (Yahoo UK) What is the coronavirus? The coronavirus is a strain of a class of viruses, with seven known to infect humans. Others include the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), which killed 774 people during its 2002/3 outbreak. As well as fever and cough, the coronavirus may trigger slight breathlessness and fatigue. It mainly spreads face-to-face via infected droplets that have been coughed or sneezed out. There is also evidence it can be transmitted in faeces and urine. Early research suggests four out of five cases are mild. In severe incidences, pneumonia can come about if the infection spreads to the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus. The lungs then struggle to draw in air, resulting in reduced oxygen in the bloodstream and a build-up of carbon dioxide. The coronavirus has no set treatment, with most patients naturally fighting off the infection. Those requiring hospitalisation are offered supportive care, like ventilation, while their immune system gets to work. Officials urge the public to wash their hands regularly and maintain social distancing to ward off the infection. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN An 18-year-old youth was shot Wednesday night and cared for by New Haven police officers, according to the department. Capt. Anthony Duff said officers responded to a ShotSpotter notification at approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday, finding evidence of gunfire on Shepard Street and a wounded man at the intersection of Read and Newhall streets. Two students at Birmingham metropolitan area schools have tested positive for COVID-19, with one of pupils having their case confirmed by the CDC, according to school and elected officials. Tarrant Elementary School parents were sent a letter from the school district Tuesday that a student has a confirmed case of COVID-19 and that it is unknown when the student contracted the disease, Tarrant City Schools tweeted Wednesday: COVID-19 Update: Please visit our website to read a letter from Dr. Mize regarding next steps and precautions. https://t.co/jmWnzekkjg Tarrant City Schools (@TarrantCity) March 18, 2020 Also on Wednesday, Helena Mayor Mark Hall said a Helena High School student has tested positive and the case is awaiting confirmation from the CDC. The mayor said the student is self-isolating at home with their family and that he was told of the case by Shelby County Schools Superintendent Lewis Brooks. Hall said letters went out to parents at all four schools in Helena and that each school will be "deep cleaned and sanitized before schools go back operational." The announcements came as the Alabama Department of Health reported that there are 51 cases of the novel coronavirus in the state, including 25 in Jefferson County and 4 in Shelby County. Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- This Global Bike And Scooter Rental Market research report estimates the size of the market with respect to the information on key retailer revenues, development of the industry by upstream and downstream, industry progress, key companies, key developments, along with market segments and application. Market parameters covered in Global Bike And Scooter Rental Market report can be listed as market definition, currency and pricing, market segmentation, market overview, premium insights, key insights and company profile of the key market players. Global Bike And Scooter Rental Market research report has the potential to persuade strategic and specific needs of any business in the Automotive industry. Global bike and scooter rental market is expected to rise to an estimated value of USD 7.06 billion by 2026, registering a healthy CAGR in the forecast period of 2019-2026. This rise in market value can be attributed to the growth of demands for environment friendly and emission-free modes of transportation. For In depth Information Get Sample Copy of this Report@https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample?dbmr=global-bike-and-scooter-rental-market Few of the major competitors currently working in the global bike and scooter rental market are CITYSCOOT; Lime; JUMP by Uber; Bird Rides, Inc.; ofo Inc.; COUP Mobility GmbH; nextbike GmbH; Lyft, Inc.; MOTOCRUIZER TECHNOLOGIES INDIA PVT.LTD.; Mobike; Spin; eCooltra; Bolt Bikes; Yulu Bikes Pvt Ltd; Mobycy; Vogo rentals; YUGO Urban Mobility SL; VOI Technology AB; emmy-sharing; Spinlister among others. Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market By Operational Model (Dockless, Station-Based), Propulsion (Gasoline, Electric, Pedal), Service (Pay as You Go, Subscription-Based), Vehicle Type (Bike, Scooter, Others), Application (Short Trip, Long-Distance, Long-Distance Travel), Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2026. Market Definition: Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Bike and scooter rental is a modern vehicle hiring service involving availing micro-modes of mobility such as bikes, scooters, cycle and others on rent for a particular time period or distance. Users can identify the docks closest to them where they can rent out the vehicles and select the dock closest to their destination and submit their vehicles at that particular location. The service providers of this service are providing their services over mobile apps as well enhancing the ease for consumers. Market Drivers: Increasing preferences of micro-mobility services as a mode of transportation due to their cost-effectiveness will drive this market growth Focus on development and availability of sustainable modes of transportation is having a positive impact on the growth of this market Various marketing campaigns and promotional offers provided by various market players of this services is enhancing the rate of adoption; this factor will also boost the growth of the market Focus of authorities on reduction of traffic congestion resulting in various promotions and benefitting programs for the adoption of this service will propel the market growth Market Restraints: Lack of infrastructure availability required for the successful operations of this service; this factor is expected to hinder the growth of the market Higher expenditure incurred on marketing and promotions of these services in comparison to the revenues generated by the major market players is reducing the sustainability of smaller players; this factor is expected to act as a restraint to the growth of the market Key Developments in the Market: In June 2019, Bird Rides, Inc. announced the launch of "Bird Cruiser", the newest addition to their electric vehicles fleet available for consumers to rent out. The vehicle is a two-seater hybrid between bicycle and moped. Depending on the market region, the vehicle will either be pedal-assist or peg. This will enhance the adoption rate from consumers utilizing the shared mobility services In February 2018, CITYSCOOT announced that they had raised USD 50 million in a funding round with leading investments done by RATP Capital Innovation and Inventure Partners. This investment will enable the company to expand the fleet of vehicles that it has enhancing the volume of services they can provide to consumers as they are looking towards expansion of their presence in different cities throughout Europe Competitive Analysis: Global bike and scooter rental market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of bike and scooter rental market for Global, Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa. Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market: Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market. Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Chapter 4: Presenting Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Factor Analysis Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis. Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region 2013-2018 Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions. Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source FREE Table Of Contents Is Available Here@https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc?dbmr=global-bike-and-scooter-rental-market Key Questions Answered in Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Report:- What will the market growth rate, Overview and Analysis by Type of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market in 2026? What are the key factors driving, Analysis by Applications and Countries Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market? What are Dynamics, This Overview Includes Analysis of Scope, and price analysis of top Vendors Profiles of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market? Who are Opportunities, Risk and Driving Force of Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market? Who are the opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market? Business Overview by Type, Applications, Gross Margin and Market Share What are the Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Market? What ideas and concepts are covered in the report? The assessments accounted by all the zones and the market share registered by each region is mentioned in the report. The study sums up the product consumption growth rate in the applicable regions along with their consumption market share. Data regarding the Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Industry market consumption rate of all the provinces, based on applicable regions and the product types is inculcated in the report. Region-based analysis of the Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Industry market: The Global Bike and Scooter Rental Market Industry market, with regards to provincial scope is segmented into USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, and South East Asia. The report also includes information regarding the products use throughout the topographies. Inquire More or Share Questions if Any before the Purchase on This Report @https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying?dbmr=global-bike-and-scooter-rental-market Customization of the Report: All segmentation provided above in this report is represented at country level All products covered in the market, product volume and average selling prices will be included as customizable options which may incur no or minimal additional cost (depends on customization) About Data Bridge Market Research An absolute way to forecast what future holds is to comprehend the trend today! Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge adepts in creating satisfied clients who reckon upon our services and rely on our hard work with certitude. We are content with our glorious 99.9 % client satisfying rate. Columbia-Greene Media has recently teamed up with the US Postal Service to provide same-day delivery of your local newspaper with your mail. Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas: Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams today confirmed that they have been screened positive for COVID-19 and became the first congress members to do so since the declared outbreak of this pandemic. Based on the Congressional Research Service, the average age of House members at the beginning of the 116th Congress has been 57.6 years, and the average age between many senators was 62.9 years. Most of the representatives were at the greatest risk for the infection in their ages of 70s and 80s. A 58 year-old Florida Republican Diaz-Balart announced, which according to the message from his department, that he started to feel the symptoms on Saturday, which also include "fever and headache." He was advised that on Wednesday he screened positively for the new coronavirus-related disease COVID-19. Representative McAdams revealed his condition on Twitter last Wednesday and even said "a fever, dry cough and labored breathing" developed before he was tested. He started adding that he was actively working from home despite his self-quarantine. Because of the national advocacy that citizens should not be brought together in groups of 10 or even more, the Senate has been on recess with members back home in its districts. Both chambers are most likely to return in order to resume with working on measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic upon their arrival. While the first Congress members to be given a diagnosis with the infection are Diaz-Balart and McAdams, a few others have been in their own quarantine in the recent days since their interaction with someone who is positive. Senator Ted Cruz and representatives Matt Gaetz and Doug Collin, who appears to have done so after they had come into contact with a person who has been diagnosed with the infection last month at the Conservative Political Action Conference. After the seminar, Gaetz and Collins went to meet President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Representative Jason Crow, one of the Democratic impeachment leaders, had declared that he was also quarantined after having interacted with an elected representative, who tested positively. After having learned he had come into contact with a second person who tested positive, Cruz lengthened his initial self-quarantine. His containment had just ended on Tuesday. Trump's top ally, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, also self-quarantined after having to interact with at least two people who have tested positive for the disease on Thursday, 12 March. On Sunday night, he confirmed on twitter that his evaluation had been negative. Democratic Representative Julia Brownley was the very first self-quarantined member of the congress after she had an interaction with a positive person who isn't at the CPAC. Last week, Senator Rick Scott revealed that after contacting a member of the Brazillian committee who had tested positive he himself had also been quarantined. According to Scott he said he didn't have symptoms and have had plentiful caution quarantining. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has already said that after having to meet with Bolsonaro, he contracted COVID-19, and Diaz-Balart was not the first influential politician in Florida to test positive for this disease. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County Health Department leaders say two of 30 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases reported late Wednesday afternoon are in Kent County. Kent County Administrative Health Officer Adam London cited the two cases in a video posted to the health departments Facebook page Wednesday, March 18. The total number of people who have tested presumptive positive in Kent County is now seven. Related: Michigan at over 100 coronavirus cases, lack of tests still a concern, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says London did not give any specific information about the gender or age of the people involved in the new cases. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun cited the 30 new statewide cases in a news conference late Wednesday afternoon, although the cases have not been added to the states tally of cases on the Health and Human Services web site. In Londons video, he said it wasnt surprising to see a significant jump in the number of statewide cases. He said the number of tests given has increased dramatically in the past few days, leading to larger numbers. I believe the actual number of cases is much higher than what were hearing, much higher than the positive test results, just because testing has been so limited, he said. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. More from MLive Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls up Michigan National Guard to help battle the coronavirus GM confirms coronavirus concerns shut down manufacturing until at least April Wednesday, March 18: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Elderly men shop for food in a supermarket in Bloomington. Jeremy Hogan | Barcroft Media | Getty Images Early each morning, customers at Stop & Shop who are older or more vulnerable to the coronavirus will have a new way to fill up their refrigerator and pantry: An hour and half when they can shop before other customers arrive. The Boston area-based grocer is starting the designed time slot Thursday. Along with the 90-minute window, it will have a special routine: Signs and floor sticker clings near highly-trafficked areas like the deli will remind customers to stay six feet apart. Every other cashier stand will be closed to allow more space between shoppers. And employees will encourage early birds to spread out in the lobby or outside before store doors open. Stop & Shop, Target, Walmart and Amazon-owned Whole Foods are among the grocers testing the new approach to try to protect people with a higher risk of getting sick as confirmed cases of COVID-19 rise across the U.S. As Americans prepare for prolonged stays inside of their homes, grocery stores have drawn large crowds and frenzied shoppers. By designating special time slots, retailers aim to make it easier for senior citizens and shoppers with medical conditions to safely navigate stores and buy food and household necessities. Stop & Shop, which is owned by Ahold Delhaize, announced one of the most expansive programs. It will reserve 6 am to 7:30 am every day for customers age 60 and older and younger customers with weakened immune systems. The grocer has 413 stores across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A hunt for a solution Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, said the grocer brainstormed how it could help people most at-risk, especially after seeing the crush of shoppers at its stores. "We saw the problem and then looked for a way to solve it," he said. "We don't know what response we're going to get, we don't know how many people are going to come along, but we wanted to make sure it was a constant that people could depend on because none of us know how long this is going to keep going." Its stores will not ask shoppers for identification, but he said its employees will encourage an honor system and remind shoppers of the intent behind the special hours. Reid said the store is trying to keep shoppers especially since they're higher risk safe by reminding them the 90-minute time slot every day. He repeated that message in an email to customers Wednesday, saying the store wants to create "a less crowded environment" and would appreciate if older customers don't all come the first day. Whole Foods, Target and Walmart are starting special hours, too, but on a more limited basis. Whole Foods has set aside an hour at the start of every morning, but just for shoppers age 60 or older. Target and Walmart have an hour a week for customers. At Target, it's the first hour on Wednesdays and it's open to elderly customers or those with underlying health conditions. At Walmart, it's the first hour of each Tuesday for customers age 60 and older and it starts March 24. Grocery stores owned by Albertsons will reserve at least 7 am to 9 am every Tuesday and Thursday for senior citizens and other at-risk shoppers. The grocery company has more than 2,200 stores that are part of different chains, including Safeway, Tom Thumb and Randalls. Some smaller grocers, including Price Chopper Supermarkets, are reserving an hour of shopping for seniors, too. At least one grocer said they considered the designated hour, but decided against it. Texas-based grocer H-E-B said it consulted with health officials and was advised against having a vulnerable population in the same area at the same time. Cleaner stores, fuller shelves By PTI NEW DELHI: Amid coronavirus pandemic, India on Thursday announced it will not allow any international commercial passenger aircraft to land from March 22 to March 29. The central government said the railways and Civil Aviation Ministry must suspend all concessional travel on trains and flights, except for students, patients and disabled people. "Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," it added. The Centre has requested states to enforce work from home for private-sector employees, except for those working in emergency and essential services. "State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives or government servants or medical professionals are advised to remain at home," the government statement noted. To reduce huge gatherings, all group B and C category of central government employees will be asked to attend offices on alternate weeks, and there will be "staggered timings" for all employees. The Union health ministry has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for movement of international passengers, returning from coronavirus-affected countries, at the Delhi airport. In view of reports about a few incidents of the ruckus being created by international passengers at the Delhi airport during the last few days, the ministry stated that people returning from the novel coronavirus-affected countries would be first escorted by airline staff to the health counters for initial thermal screening. If any passenger shows any symptoms of the COVID-19 disease, he or she would be isolated and moved to a designated hospital, the ministry noted in a press release issued on Wednesday. After the thermal screening, asymptomatic passengers will be moved to designated immigration counters with passports and a copy of the self-reporting form. Airline staff in the plane and on the ground would have to ensure that the arriving passengers have filled their self-reporting forms properly, it said. Currently, India has put a ban on arrival of all passengers -- including Indians --from Europe, Afghanistan, UK, and various other countries. Moreover, India has also announced that passengers coming from UAE, Qatar and various other countries must remain in quarantine for 14 days. The ministry stated that once the asymptomatic passengers clear immigration, their passports would be retained by immigration officials. Passengers in batches of 30 will be handed over to an escort team led by a CISF officer who would also be holding the passports of each passenger. "The passports shall not be handed over to the passengers, at any cost," the ministry said, adding once the luggage is collected, the passengers would be moved to a designated triage area manned by Delhi government officials. "There would be a control room at the triage area and five screening counters manned by medical officers and para-medical staff deputed by Delhi government," the ministry noted. At the assigned counter, the passports of the entire batch will be handed over by the team lead to the medical officer-in-charge of the counter. "Here the passengers would be screened and those without any risk factors would be sent for home quarantine after returning their passports, a home quarantine advisory and collecting a declaration from them. They must be told to remain strictly under home quarantine, or else face penal action, as per the rules," the ministry stated. "The possibility of stamping of passengers, as done in Maharashtra, with home quarantine stamps would be explored," the minister added. The high-risk passengers identified for quarantine at the facilities would be first asked to fill up a declaration opting for paid hotel facility or the government quarantine facility (based on availability) and "subsequently would be quarantined as per availability list of quarantine facilities given by the state government", it stated. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the Alliance's readiness to provide practical assistance to Ukraine in reforming its security and defence sectors and to support its political efforts to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity. Throughout 2019, Allies remained firm in their support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the unjustified use of military force by Russia against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel near the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait in November 2018, Allied Foreign Ministers decided in April 2019 to enhance NATOs practical support to Ukraine, reads NATO Secretary Generals annual report for 2019. As noted, such practical support was provided including through cooperation with the Ukrainian Navy, sharing situational awareness and information, port visits and joint exercises. Ukraines new President Volodymyr Zelensky assumed office in May 2019 and reaffirmed his countrys strategic course of Euro-Atlantic integration. In October, the North Atlantic Council visited Odesa and Kyiv, and reiterated NATOs commitment to providing continued practical assistance to Ukraine, Stoltenberg states. It is underscored that during the visit, NATO and Ukraine reviewed the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine designed to assist the country in reforming the security and defence sectors. In 2019, Allied advisers working from the NATO Representation to Ukraine assisted the Ukrainian government and parliament with regard to the implementation of the framework law on National Security, setting out reforms in line with EuroAtlantic standards. As noted, NATOs practical support to Ukraine has also been provided through 16 different programmes under the Comprehensive Assistance Package, which includes Trust Funds with a budget of over EUR 40 million. In 2019, through the Trust Funds, medical rehabilitation equipment and secure communication devices were delivered to Ukraine, while the NATO-Ukraine Professional Development Programme continued to assist the country in enhancing the skills of its defence and security sector personnel. In addition, Ukraine has been a beneficiary of projects carried out under NATOs Science for Peace and Security Programme. In 2019, the NATO-Ukraine Platform for Countering Hybrid Warfare supported two expert seminars on military aspects of hybrid warfare, and a project focused on building resilience against disinformation. ol Good Morning, welcome to Information Nigerias Newspaper headlines for today, 19th March 2020. Here are the major headlines. Nigeria Places Travel Ban On US, UK, China, Italy, Iran, Others The Nigerian government on Wednesday placed a travel ban on countries that have recorded over 1000 cases of coronavirus. Such countries include China, the United States, Italy, Iran, and South Korea. FG Cancels Visas Issued To Travellers From 13 Countries The federal government has announced the cancellation of visas issued to travelers from the 13 countries it imposed a flight ban on over coronavirus. Coronavirus: FG Suspends Visa On Arrival Policy The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on Wednesday morning announced the suspension of Visa on arrival policy to contain the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country. FG Reduces Petrol Prices To N130 President Muhammadu Buhari may have approved the reduction of pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol from N145 to N130. Nigeria Records Five More Cases Of Coronavirus The federal government has announced five new cases of coronavirus disease in the country, in addition to the existing three cases. Lagos Bans Religious Gatherings Of Over 50 Worshippers The Lagos state government, in agreement with religious leaders, has banned all religious congregational service involving over 50 worshippers. Coronavirus: NYSC Shut Down Orientation Camps The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has put a halt on its orientation programme across all states in the country. This is in light of newly reported cases of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria. Stay At Home FG Advice Senior Citizens There is a strong indication that the Federal Government may consider travel ban and place restrictions on large gatherings; as the country confirmed a new case of COVID-19 in Lagos. Struggling Nigerians Cant Afford To Stay Indoors Shehu Sani Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has taken to his Twitter handle to raise concern on the continued call for people to stay at home to curb the spread of Coronavirus. APC Does Not Mean Well For Nigerians Wike Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike says the All Progressive (APC) does not mean well for Nigerians and that the Party was only formed for the purpose of taking over power. More Help for Customers The company will waive late payment fees and fees for returned payments for its millions of electric and natural gas customers across its service territories beginning Saturday March 21 until the national state of emergency is lifted. For residential customers, the company will also waive fees for credit and debit card payments. Last week, Duke Energy said it would discontinue service disconnections for unpaid bills. That covers 7.8 million electric customers; plus, 1.8 million natural gas customers, many of whom are served by Piedmont Natural Gas. "Our goal is to continue providing reliable service while helping our most vulnerable customers during this extraordinary time," Good said. Community Assistance The company also announced $1.3 million in donations by The Duke Energy Foundation to support hunger relief and help local health and human services nonprofits across its service territories, including those providing meals to children and families impacted by school closures. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, Duke Energy is giving nonprofits the flexibility to use the funds where most needed. Relief for Employees To aid in providing continued service to our customers through this event, Duke Energy will also expand assistance to employees, in order to maintain the highest level of service to customers. This is part of the company's larger donation. The company is providing five additional personal days off to employees who experience a disruption in dependent care due to school, daycare or other child-related care as most all schools are not in session. Duke Energy will also provide a $1,500 stipend to assist with unplanned expenses resulting from costs related to COVID-19 issue. As part of the company's larger donation, for Duke Energy employees, the company is donating $100,000 to the Relief4Employees program, which is a fund that employees can draw on for short term financial help during times of personal need. Continued service to customers The company will continue to read meters in most areas and send bills. Customers should pay what they can to avoid building up large balances that will be more difficult to pay off later. Duke Energy power plants, electricity and natural gas delivery facilities and call centers, are staffed, ensuring dependable service to customers. The company will continue to respond to power outages and other emergencies. Customers should download the company's mobile app or visit duke-energy.com or piedmontng.com for information and most service transactions. Customers who are unable to self-serve can still contact the company: Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-777-9898 Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356 Duke Energy Florida: 1-800-700-8744 Duke Energy Indiana: 1-800-521-2232 Duke Energy Ohio/ Kentucky : 1-800-543-5599 : 1-800-543-5599 Piedmont Natural Gas: 1-800-752-7504 Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. It employs 29,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit. The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Piedmont Natural Gas Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is an energy services company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company also supplies natural gas to power plants. Media contact: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy Related Links www.duke-energy.com Federal regulators on Thursday approved the Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas export terminal in Coos Bay and the 230-mile Pacific Connector Pipeline, presaging a battle with the state of Oregon, whose regulators have declined to issue the three most significant state permits for the facility. The projects owner, Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corp., immediately informed the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development that it intends to file a federal appeal to that agencys decision last month that the project is inconsistent with state land use laws. Statute allows the company to appeal the decision to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, and the Trump administration is a firm backer of energy exports in general, and the Jordan Cove project in particular. The notice of appeal the company sent to the agency Thursday may be a declaration of war with the state, however. Backers of the project have been promising locals for 15 years that they would comply with state and local permits, but Pembina is now signaling that it intends to preempt the state. FERCs decision and the notice of appeal immediately drew fire from Gov. Kate Brown and Sen. Ron Wyden, and Brown vowed the project wouldnt move forward without following state permitting processes. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 2-1 to approve the controversial project, effectively agreeing with a staff recommendation that most of the projects impacts could be reduced to less than significant levels, and the public need for the facility outweighed any of those impacts. Commissioner Richard Glick dissented, saying the decision violated the Natural Gas Act and the National Environmental Policy Act because it did not adequately consider the projects greenhouse emissions or its impact on endangered species. The commissions chair, Neil Chatterjee, said Pembina now needs to obtain all necessary permits from the state. Oregons Department of Environmental Quality denied the projects water quality certificate last year. It did so in part for procedural reasons and said Jordan Cove could reapply. But it also said at the time that it had insufficient information to demonstrate compliance with water quality standards, and because the available information shows that some standards are more likely than not to be violated. In January, the Department of State Lands rejected an extension request from Pembina for the projects dredging permit, saying it had not received critical information. And the Department of Land Conservation and Development last month said the project would have significant adverse effects on state lands. The state agency determined the project was not consistent with the states land use laws and said neither the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission nor the Army Corps of Engineers can grant a license or permit for this project unless the U.S. Secretary of Commerce overrides this objection on appeal. Even if the commerce secretary decided to overturn the states land use decision, its not clear the project could obtain a water quality and dredging permit if the state is opposed. Pembina said in a news release Thursday that the decision from FERC represents the most significant step forward for Jordan Cove since Pembina acquired the project in 2017 in a merger with its owner, Veresen Inc.. We appreciate FERCs science-based approach to their review. The approval emphasizes yet again that Jordan Cove is environmentally responsible and is a project that should be permitted given a prudent regulatory and legal process was undertaken, said Harry Andersen, Pembinas Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. The company did not address its difficulties with state permits, but emphasized that it had received approval from 14 local jurisdictions. The company already has a somewhat fractious relationship with Oregonians. Its previous attempt to build a propane export terminal in Portland ultimately led the city to adopt a moratorium on development of all new fossil fuel infrastructure. Public hearings on its land use permit for the LNG terminal and pipeline drew tens of thousands of public comments. And the companys Chief Executive, Mick Dilger, has made disparaging remarks to financial analysts about state regulators inability to handle permitting for a large hydrocarbon project. Gov. Kate Brown issued a statement Thursday saying she had long been clear that her position has been to ensure the neutrality and fairness of the state permitting process. But she said she was stunned by FERCs decision to go forward with a decision at a time of national emergency. As the FERC Chair stated earlier today, it is now incumbent on the company to secure all state permits. Currently, this project does not have a green light from state agencies, she said, citing the three major permits the project has failed to obtain. I want to reiterate that I will not stand for any attempt to ignore Oregons authority to protect public safety, health, and the environment," she said, adding that she had asked state lawyers to consider all appropriate legal action to assure state permitting processes will be followed. "Let me be clear to the concerned citizens of Southwest Oregon: until this project has received every single required permit from state and local agencies, I will use every available tool to prevent the company from taking early action on condemning private property or clearing land. Sen. Ron Wyden, a member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, said Thursday that he now opposes the project because of the way the Trump administration has stacked the deck on what is supposed to be a bipartisan commission. The Senate confirmed another Republican to the commission earlier last week, leaving it with three Republicans, one Democrat and one remaining empty seat. "Today, a stacked and incomplete FERC approved the controversial and complicated Jordan Cove project, Wyden said in a statement. There was no rush. A balanced and full FERC should have made the decision. Wyden also said the commission had disregarded local private property rights and environmental concerns identified by Oregonians and the objections of three state agencies. All this adds up to a clearly rigged process. Besides permitting, the project faces strong economic headwinds. LNG prices are deeply depressed in Asia and would not support a new export project at current levels. Meanwhile, Pembina made the decision this week to slash its capital spending because of the collapse in oil prices. A valid federal license to build the project, however, could be a marketable asset to a company with deeper pockets, as it would be the first LNG terminal on the west coast of the United States. If the project went ahead, it would be the largest single construction project in state history, at a cost of some $10 billion. The liquefied natural gas export terminal would be built on the North Spit of Coos Bay, and its 230-mile feeder pipeline would traverse much of southern Oregon to a gas hub near Klamath Countys border with California. The project would also make Oregon a bit player in the global oil and gas export market for decades, even as the Gov. Kate Brown and Democratic lawmakers seek to establish climate change policies that would severely limit the consumption of hydrocarbons in the state. Few proposed projects have split the state so cleanly into vehement camps for and against. Boosters believe it will spur a long-awaited economic revival in a once-flourishing industrial hub of the state that has struggled for decades with the decline in Oregons natural resource industries. They look to thousands of construction jobs, some two hundred permanent positions at the terminal, and tens of millions of dollars in property taxes and fees the project will generate in Coos Bay and counties along the pipeline route. Gas producing Western states are anxious to see the project greenlighted, as it would provide an export outlet for landlocked gas basins that dont have a big market today. This represents a decades-long path to creating jobs in construction, maintenance and operations throughout the western North American natural gas supply chain, as well as steady tax revenue and economic opportunities for rural communities and sovereign tribes in producing regions," said Andrew Browning, president of Western States and Tribal Nations, an advocacy coalition for rural economic development. For opponents, Jordan Cove is a deal with the devil, a public safety, environmental, and land rights nightmare in the making. Evidence in the record clearly indicates this Canadian project is anything but in the U.S. public interest, Ron Schaaf, whose Klamath County land is on the pipeline route, said Thursday. On behalf of landowners defending our rights, this decision will be challenged. Every American who cares about private property rights should be paying attention to the facts of this case. -- Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. - Dafton Mwitiki's brother, Victor Mwitiki, said the businessman had a very busy day when he went missing on Wednesday, March 11 - Dafton had gone to pick his children from their school and he got agitated when he was delayed because he had a deadline to meet - Victor said his brother was a shrewd businessman who co-owns a restaurant in Nairobi together with a Chinese national - He said that although his brother was cautious about the people he hangs out with, he never told them he was in danger The family of missing flamboyant city tycoon Dafton Mwitiki has said the businessman was working on a strict deadline to close a business deal on the day he disappeared. According to his brother, Victor Mwitiki, Dafton had a busy day and was in hurry on Wednesday, March 13, when he went to pick his children from school. READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Facebook gives its 45k employees KSh 103k each to cater for extra expenses Dafton Mwitiki went missing on Wednesday, March 11. Photo: Daily Nation Source: UGC READ ALSO: Ohangla queen Lady Maureen wants to praise God in new song after leaving hospital Speaking to Daily Nation, Victor said the businessman had gone to pick his two children but was delayed and got agitated because he had a deadline to close a business deal. "First he was agitated after being delayed at a school where he had gone to pick his two children. Secondly, he was agitated because he was under a strict deadline in a certain business deal that he had not delivered on and it was like he was under pressure, said Victor. Dafton Mwitiki (left) and city politician Steve Mbogo when they appeared at DusitD2 hotel during the terror attack in 2019. Photo: Steve Mbogo Source: UGC READ ALSO: Don't panic, coronavirus survivor tells Kenyans While describing his brother as a shrewd businessman, Victor said apart from owning a tours and travel company, his brother also co-owns a restaurant in Nairobi together with a Chinese national. Dafton owns a restaurant together with a Chinese national in Galana Plaza in Kilimani. He also owns a tour and travel company known as Beyond the World that has been doing very well since it was established some years back, he said. Victor disclosed the sharp shooter who represented Kenya in the 2019 International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shooting competition in South Africa was very cautious about people he hangs out with but he never told them that his life was in any danger. As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, detectives investigating the disappearance of Dafton said they had managed to trace his last movements and they suspect he may have been abducted while on his way home. Mwitiki's black Land Rover Discovery car was found dumped in Juja, Kiambu county, along the Kimbo-Kiganjo road on Friday, March 13. Photo: The Standard Source: UGC READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Rais Uhuru atangaza Jumamosi kuwa siku ya maombi ya taifa Sleuths said the entrepreneur left his office at Galana Plaza at around 10pm on Wednesday, March 11, and called his wife at 10.30pm informing her he was on his way home before the phone went off along Galana road at around 10.45pm. Mwitiki's black Land Rover Discovery car was found dumped in Juja, Kiambu county, along the Kimbo-Kiganjo road on Friday, March 13. The detectives are now looking into CCTV cameras from the police surveillance system to track his vehicle on the day of his disappearance. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Source: TUKO.co.ke Canada announced unprecedented measures this week to restrict the movement of people across our borders as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on Wednesday, most foreign nationals people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents will no longer be allowed into the country. Affected by this ban are many foreign nationals who live in Canada but had temporarily left the country. They include international students. Initially, this ban also included foreign workers but that has since been rolled back. Anyone, including Canadian citizens, with symptoms of COVID-19 will also be restricted from boarding a plane to Canada. Are these measures justified? We think not. Canada has a legal obligation under the International Health Regulations to adopt public health measures that do not unduly interfere with international traffic. The World Health Organization has not recommended travel restrictions for the purpose of curbing the spread of COVID-19. Rather, it advises countries to take appropriate screening measures at ports of entry and exit, and it urges the public to follow good hygiene practices and to maintain social distancing. Many of these actions are already in place in Canada. Even if travel restrictions are deemed necessary, a more individualized assessment of who can enter the country based on peoples actual health status would arguably achieve the same public health objective as banning nearly all foreign nationals. By going beyond these less restrictive but scientifically proven courses of action, Canadas border closure contravenes the International Health Regulations. Canadas border policies must also be in line with international humanitarian and human rights law. We are heartened by the governments verbal assurance that asylum seekers crossing into Canada irregularly would not be turned away. However, it is unclear what Canada would do with respect to asylum seekers arriving by ways other than irregular land-crossing. If these individuals are returned to a country where they face persecution or torture, Canada may be violating its legal obligations under the Refugee Convention and the Convention Against Torture. The border closure also impacts international students and other foreign nationals who are resident in Canada but had temporarily left. Some of them are now separated from their families who remain in Canada. This not only puts Canada at odds with the right to family life guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, but it also raises practical questions of what Canada should do with people who depend on their foreign-national family members for support. There are emerging international legal norms recognizing that people with temporary immigration status should enjoy no less favourable treatment than nationals of a state. Given that we have already approved their entry into Canada, and given their contributions to our society and economy, the exclusion of these foreign nationals with clear ties to Canada seems arbitrary. In fact, recognizing the importance of migrant workers to many industries, the government walked back on its initial ban against these foreign nationals. Although details on this reversal remain scarce at this time, this is a step in the right direction. We hope it applies to all foreign workers. We also urge the government to reconsider the entry ban on international students. Additionally, the prohibition of citizens exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 from boarding a flight to Canada is constitutionally suspect. Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets limits to travel restrictions. Section 6 of the Charter protects the right of every citizen to enter, remain and leave Canada. Government must ensure that all citizens who are stranded abroad are adequately supported and are repatriated at the earliest time possible. Legality aside, Canadas border closure in response to COVID-19 reinforces the stereotype that foreign nationals are a vector of disease. It feeds into the narrative that COVID-19 is a foreign illness, despite the fact that everyone is equally at risk of contracting this virus and anyone can spread it. This division between Canadians and foreign nationals, us and them, risks stoking racism and xenophobia, which has been frequently reported in the wake of the outbreak. A pursuit of public health that neglects scientific evidence and human rights will do more harm than good. And unfortunately, the brunt of these harms will be borne by people who are already marginalized in our society. The Pfizer world headquarters in Midtown Manhattan on July 29, 2019 in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Pharma giant Pfizer and BioNTech, based in Mainz, Germany have announced that they will start working together on development of a vaccine against the coronavirus. This is a global pandemic, which requires a global effort, Ugur Sahin, co-founder and chief executive of BioNTech said in a statement. In joining forces with our partner Pfizer, we believe we can accelerate our effort to bring a Covid-19 vaccine to people around the world who need it. We are proud that our ongoing, successful relationship with BioNTech gives our companies the resiliency to mobilize our collective resources with extraordinary speed in the face of this worldwide challenge, Mikael Dolsten, Pfizers chief scientific officer and president of global R&D, said in his statement. Pfizer and BioNTech already partner with each other on the development of flu vaccines. The Covid-19 vaccine development will take place in both companies research labs in the US and Germany, based on BioNTech's mRNA-based drug development platform. Read more: Coronavirus: Merkel announces sweeping shutdown in Germany They said they are aiming to begin testing a possible vaccine on humans as soon as late April. The two firms have signed an agreement on vaccine distribution outside of China BioNTech already has a cooperation agreement with Fosun Pharma in China and said they will firm up financial and manufacturing terms soon. The news of the cooperation comes a day after a German newspaper reported that the Trump administration had offered a large sum of money to German medical company CureVac to lure it to the United States and secure exclusive rights to the vaccine it is working on for the US. Read more: Berlin furious at US attempt to strike exclusive deal with German vaccine firm German foreign minister Heiko Maas said: German researchers are leaders in the development of medicines and vaccines, in global collaborations; we cannot allow others to exclusively acquire their research results. Story continues CureVac issued a statement saying it rejects allegations about offers for acquisition of the company or its technology. A US official told AFP news agency that the report was wildly overplayed and that the US government was approaching many different companies about potential vaccines. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Finance UK KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 17:16 | All, Japan Finance Minister Taro Aso said Thursday his ministry has no plan to reopen investigations into document falsification claims related to the Moritomo Gakuen land sale scandal and its links to cronyism allegations against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He made the comment after a note written by a former ministry official saying the doctoring was ordered by Nobuhisa Sagawa, then chief of the ministry's Finance Bureau, was revealed Wednesday, contradicting testimony given by Sagawa. Despite this, Aso told a press conference that he does not think that "new facts have been found (after the ministry's investigative report was compiled), so we have no intention to launch another investigation." Regional revitalization minister Seigo Kitamura, who is also in charge of managing official documents, backed Aso in a separate press conference, saying that he sees no need to reopen the investigation because the Finance Ministry "has already scrutinized" the case. Related coverage: Japan's Aso calls Tokyo Olympics "cursed" amid cancellation concern Woman in Japan sues state, former finance bureaucrat over husband's suicide The lawyer of the wife of Toshio Akagi, the former official who penned the note before killing himself in March 2018, decided to release the document. Takagi's wife at the same time filed a damages suit against the state and Sagawa. She alleges her husband suffered severe mental distress after being ordered to alter the documents and is seeking 110 million yen ($1 million) in damages. Akagi worked for a section of the Kinki Local Finance Bureau that negotiated a heavily discounted price in the sale of state-owned land in Osaka to Moritomo Gakuen, a school operator linked to the prime minister's wife Akie. He wrote in the note that matters related to the school operator were handled entirely by the Finance Ministry and that orders to alter the land deal documents came from Sagawa. In the 2018 report, the ministry, which oversaw the land sale in 2016, admitted that documents related to the transaction had been altered, and references to the sale price and the prime minister's wife had been deleted. But Sagawa denied any role in doctoring the documents and the ministry said his subordinates decided to make the changes before releasing them to lawmakers debating the cronyism allegations in parliament. In a separate move on Thursday, a group of lawmakers from four opposition parties held their first meeting with Finance Ministry officials to review the matter following the legal action by Akagi's wife. The officials told the lawmakers there is no plan to look into the matter again, but that did not dissuade the opposition party representatives from pledging to continue their own investigation. In 2019, Osaka prosecutors decided not to press charges against Sagawa and other Finance Ministry officials over the alleged document alterations. Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins plans to release inmates who may be vulnerable to coronavirus in an effort to protect the incarcerated and the public, her office said on Thursday. While Americans across the country are being encouraged to self-isolate, members of our incarcerated population are, by definition, doing the exact opposite with no alternative options, the DAs office said in a statement. "We need to seriously consider pathways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for our incarcerated populations, the overwhelming majority of which will return to our communities at some point in the future. Rollins says her office is working to release those in custody who pose no meaningful risk to public safety. Those inmates are considered vulnerable because of, among other things, their health, age, socio-economic status. With respect to any new offenses, our presumption remains that there is no bail requested, the district attorneys office. People charged prior to trial will continue to hold the presumption of release on personal recognizance. The move comes a day after the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts wrote a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker urging the release of prisoners who may be vulnerable to the virus in an effort to protect public health. The letter called on police to stop arresting individuals on minor offenses, requesting that they issue citations or summonses to reduce the number of people in the criminal legal system system during the outbreak of the respiratory infection known as COVID-19. The letter also outlined a number of recommendations for processing new arrests and holding prisoners, including drastically reducing the number of people who are arrested and detained. All aspects of the systemfrom policing and pretrial through sentencing, confinement, and releasemust be modified to combat this public health crisis, the letter states. There is no time to waste. Related Content: As the Emory community deals with the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, students, faculty and staff are sharing the disappointment of transitioning to remote learning. If you are already missing Emory, know the community is also missing you. At the same time, students are coming together to support each other and find creative ways to stay connected, while encouraging everyone to do their part to help slow the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing. Although many students aren't in the most vulnerable categories, we become vectors for anyone who we interact with that could possibly be in those categories, says Emory College sophomore Stephanie Zhang. Rather than just thinking about how this virus directly affects us, we have to think about the way members in our community could be impacted in significantly more severe ways. Here are four ways students can help positively impact the situation. 1. Return home At this time, it is safest for students to return home. Emory asks that students leave campus as soon as possible in advance of the 5 p.m. March 22 deadline to move out of residence halls. To help, Emory can pack and ship or store your belongings, if needed. Learn more about Oxford campus move-out here. We need to choose compassion and not endanger ourselves and other people, says Adesola Thomas, a senior in Emory College of Arts and Sciences. Emory did not give us an extra week of spring break so that we would amass, they gave us this time so that we could find ways to be safe and ostensibly be elsewhere. Go home if you can. 2. Change formats for socializing Cancel or postpone all gatherings on campus or off campus, or move them online. Emory is following the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can help by avoiding events and gatherings in large groups, and maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet from other people whenever possible. While these are daunting and uncertain times, Ive seen that the most useful thing I can do is to virtually reach out to the people I love and avoid being a potential vector to someone who is more at-risk than I am, says Thomas. Students can still find ways to connect even when not together on campus, notes Bria Jarrell, an Emory College graduate who is now a first-year MPH student in Rollins School of Public Health. Just because we cant physically be together doesnt mean we cant have quality time, Jarrell says. Host streaming parties, set up group chats, share memes, play video games together. We are lucky to be in an age where we have so much technology and many of us can still get together virtually. 3. Practice and encourage social distancing The term social distancing is more than just a buzz phrase in conjunction with the COVID-19 outbreak. It is an active practice that can help slow the virus spread and keep people of all ages safer and healthier. These guidelines have been implemented for the greater good of the community, says Jarrell. With more research showing that asymptomatic carriers do exist, social distancing is our best bet to make sure we can keep as many people safe as possible and reduce the spread. Remember that social distancing is not only about whether you may get sick. Its about keeping the most vulnerable people in your life in mind with every decision you make. Everyone has the potential to inadvertently harm friends, classmates, loved ones and people who cannot weather this virus. I dont think people my age (22) are scared yet because there have been so many stories that young people are not at risk, says Payton Rigert, also a first-year MPH student at Rollins. I think this has made people think they are invincible, but the fact is that social distancing is not just for you. One person choosing to stay home can help keep the virus from spreading. We have to be considerate of the fact that disability and poor health are not always visible, Jarrell adds. You cannot simply look at someone and know who is high-risk and who is not. Anyone you come into contact with, even young friends, can fall into an at-risk group. There is so much gray area with COVID-19, we have to play it safe. 4. Be patient One hallmark of students at Emory is a commitment to pursuing social justice and social responsibility; we are in the midst of a prime opportunity to exhibit that by our actions in the coming days. Circumstances are changing rapidly as the situation evolves, and many people are working hard to adapt as quickly as possible. This is truly an exceptional situation, and everyone must play his or her part in the response especially students, whose generation has been identified as critical in helping stop the spread of COVID-19. As Thomas says, This can be frustrating and unsettling, but know that you aren't alone in those feelings. Take this time to communicate virtually with your friends and family, rest, watch TV, go for walks, finish your thesis, donate to the Student Hardship Fund if you have the means. Be compassionate to other people and avoid spreading misinformation and unnecessary fear. This moment isn't the finish line. Stay informed, and take whatever measures are necessary to keep yourself and others safe. The Emory community will get through this unprecedented time together. Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh has been asked to prove its majority on Friday in a floor test by the Supreme Court. The court directed that voting for the floor test is held by a show of hands and the proceedings end by 5 pm. It also asked the entire days action in the assembly to be videographed. The SC bench hearing the petition also said that if the 16 rebel MLAs wanted to attend the floor test, then they should be provided ample security by Karnataka and MP police personnel. The apex courts verdict is in response to a BJP petition seeking courts intervention in for holding a trust vote in the assembly alleging the Kamal Nath government had lost the majority and was delaying a floor test purposefully. ALSO WATCH | Kamal Nath dares BJP to bring no-confidence motion in assembly The congress had opposed the trust vote and claimed that 22 MLAs of the ruling party who had resigned were being held captive in the BJP ruled State of Karnataka and therefore not in a position to cast their votes without bias. The Congress had claimed that the resignations had been forced and the MLAs had not acted as per their free will. The Supreme Court said that the Friday session of the assembly shall be about a single agenda - to decide whether the government enjoys majority. The Madhya Pradesh speaker has accepted resignations of six MLAs out of the 22 who quit citing allegiance to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindhia who recently quit the Congress to join the BJP. The Supreme Court ordered the test despite the speaker not having taken a decision to either accept resignations of the remaining 16 rebel Congress MLAs or to disqualify them. The Supreme Court had said on Wednesday that it wanted legislatures to decide who enjoys the trust. PTI reported that the apex court earlier today suggested that MP assembly speaker NP Prajapati could ascertain if the rebel MLAs were in captivity or residing in Bengaluru on their own free will by speaking to them over a video link. The court also offered to appoint an observer but it was refused by the speaker. We can appoint an observer to Bengaluru or some other place so that the rebel MLAs can connect with the Speaker through video conferencing after which he can decide, PTI quoted the bench as saying. Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is representing the Speaker is reported to have told the court that issuing a time-bound direction to the Speaker could be legally problematic. The court is reported to have said that there was no restraint on holding trust vote because of resignation or disqualification being pending before the Speaker. They're taking us out of the dorms on Friday. I have to try to pass my midterms while figuring out where my stuff is going to go. When Tommy Britt received a panicked text from a college senior on March 15, it hit close to home. His friend studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where students have been asked to vacate and transition to online learning. Britt could relate. As a Carnegie Mellon PhD student, he is now teaching classes online. The mass migration of students from American college campuses has caught parents off guard, overwhelmed students, and confused professors who had to configure online education. Tuesday night, 12,000 students were told to move when NYU decided to close their Manhattan residence halls. At Wheaton College, students on spring break were told they could return only to collect their possessions and move out. Though colleges are closing too fast to count, roughly 2.5 million students were living in college residences at the 2010 census, roughly 12 percent of America's college students. UNESCO estimates that over 120 million tertiary students have faced school closures globally. Closing dorms will likely save lives since residence halls have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and dorm rooms that make quarantine difficult. But many students who rely on colleges for meals, housing, and healthcare have nowhere to go. While many colleges are offering exceptions, the process of applying to stay adds to student uncertainty. According to Aaron King, a House Assistant Dean at Cornell University, many students feel overwhelmed with information and decisions. Transitions to online teaching are impacting every student, not just those who are unsure of where to live and how to connect. Many classes with labs and other hands-on experiences will be difficult or impossible to teach online. Faculty are now re-designing lectures, workshops, exams, and group projects for distance learning and conflicting time zones. Even as university staff support students, Christians are organizing to love their neighbors during the pandemic. King described an online spreadsheet with local community offers of housing, storage, transportation, and even dog walks. To reduce complexity for students, Christian groups started using the spreadsheets for their own offers of support. The wider church can make a difference for disrupted students, according to Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals. We have an incredible missional opportunity to demonstrate to the next generation of students, What does it mean to be a Christ-follower? said Kim. They are going to remember this moment in many ways as the generation that experienced 9/11 remembers that moment. They will remember what the church did, and they will remember what we did not do. Serving in this time is a very powerful witness to the next generation about what it means to be a Christ-follower. Even as communities mobilize short-term pandemic prevention, epidemiologists have argued that the crisis will not end soon. The pandemic response follows a cycle of prevention, response, and recovery that could take months, or as some experts argue, more than a year. Many college seniors are grieving canceled graduation ceremonies. As internships are axed, even more students will need advice on summer opportunities and income. How can Christians support students through this difficult time? We talked to leading US and global student ministries to find out what churches and individuals can do: Pray imaginatively Kim emphasized the value of praying specifically and imaginatively for students experiencing emotional distress, academic distress, economic distress, and spiritual distress. Article continues below Council for Christian Colleges & Universities President Shirley Hoogstra agrees: Emotionally, students are shaken, grieving and in disbelief, many coming to terms with the likelihood that they may not be able to finish out the semester on their campus, she said. Hoogstra encourages church leaders to share prayers with their congregations that recognize those challenges. Provide spiritual support and community Churches have a wealth of options to organize digital hangouts on Facebook Live or Zoom, or keep a Zoom chat open with a host for students to drop in virtually. If the church has a list of students, leadership can consider short check-in texts or calls to those on the list. Vivek Mathew, Executive Director of residential Christian study center Chesterton House in Ithaca, NY, emphasizes a tailored approach since each students needs will be different. For those wondering what to say, Hoogstra offers: try asking specific and open-ended questionstell me what you are missing most about campus life, tell me a cool thing your professor is doing in an online class, tell me how I can pray for you, tell me how its going at home. Campus ministers also encourage churches to reach out to international students to offer support and community. As most other students leave campus, InterVarsity Campus Minister Stephan Teng at Cornell knows students from Mongolia and Italy who cant go home right now. Teng says many international students are worried about their families during the pandemic and are also finding their usual campus communities disrupted. In Albany, NY, campus minister Niki Campbell is organizing local churches to provide housing and rides for international students and others being displaced as dorms close. King urges Christians to remember that many students are overwhelmed with information and decisions right now. Contacting student leaders to triage needs or pool information across ministries into a minimum number of messages can help avoid adding further to student anxiety. Offer direct financial support As The Atlantic reports, the unpredictable costs of this moment disproportionately hurt lower-income students. Some churches may be able to hold special offerings or draw on the mercy fund to help. King suggests that Christians can donate to access funds created by colleges to help students with financial needs during the pandemic. Help and encourage grad students, adjuncts, faculty Long-term student outcomes depend on faculty, adjuncts, and graduate students. These leaders are organizing to support university decision-making, moving classes online, and in many cases caring for children at home. Contingent faculty such as adjunctswho make up 70 percent of US university teaching staffoften have precarious employment arrangements and may have substantial financial needs. Serving these leaders is a powerful way to help students. Brief encouraging notes or texts sharing prayer and understanding will mean a great deal. Check in with the faculty you know to learn if meals, shopping, or other time-saving support would help them serve students well. Tactful offers of financial help or technical support may be meaningful too. Support digital ministries and teams As almost all campus ministry migrates online, already-established digital ministries and teams are in a great place to provide support and expertise. In addition to reaching out to local student ministries and donating to local campuses, here are a few you can help: The next few weeks are a critical time for the well-being of a whole generation of students. Lets care for them as Christ does, and like Teng says, be brave in our love. Bob Trube is the Director and Hannah Eagleson is the Associate Director of Emerging Scholars Network, which supports Christian graduate students and early career faculty as part of InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries. J. Nathan Matias, an assistant professor of Communication at Cornell University, contributed to this report. Aid groups warn of potential disaster for already vulnerable refugees and migrants in crowded camps worldwide. Hand-washing and social distancing are crucial in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. That is nearly impossible for refugees and migrants who live in deplorable conditions. Aid groups are warning of carnage, if there is an outbreak in overcrowded camps, such as in Bangladesh, Greece, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela. Humanitarian activists are appealing for hygiene kits, water sanitation and training for health workers to protect refugees. And governments providing shelter are under pressure to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. But with carers sick, volunteers gone and governments overwhelmed what needs to be done to save them? Presenter: Dareen Abughaida Guests: Apostols Veizos director of the medical operational support unit at Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) in Greece Murie Tschopp country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council Babar Baloch spokesman for the United Nations Humanitarian Agency (UNHCR) Unfortunately for some shareholders, the Moscow United Electric Grid (MCX:MSRS) share price has dived 35% in the last thirty days. The stock has been solid, longer term, gaining 23% in the last year. Assuming nothing else has changed, a lower share price makes a stock more attractive to potential buyers. While the market sentiment towards a stock is very changeable, in the long run, the share price will tend to move in the same direction as earnings per share. So, on certain occasions, long term focussed investors try to take advantage of pessimistic expectations to buy shares at a better price. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). Investors have optimistic expectations of companies with higher P/E ratios, compared to companies with lower P/E ratios. See our latest analysis for Moscow United Electric Grid How Does Moscow United Electric Grid's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers? We can tell from its P/E ratio of 4.98 that sentiment around Moscow United Electric Grid isn't particularly high. We can see in the image below that the average P/E (5.7) for companies in the electric utilities industry is higher than Moscow United Electric Grid's P/E. MISX:MSRS Price Estimation Relative to Market, March 19th 2020 This suggests that market participants think Moscow United Electric Grid will underperform other companies in its industry. Many investors like to buy stocks when the market is pessimistic about their prospects. If you consider the stock interesting, further research is recommended. For example, I often monitor director buying and selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios If earnings fall then in the future the 'E' will be lower. That means unless the share price falls, the P/E will increase in a few years. A higher P/E should indicate the stock is expensive relative to others -- and that may encourage shareholders to sell. Most would be impressed by Moscow United Electric Grid earnings growth of 23% in the last year. Unfortunately, earnings per share are down 4.8% a year, over 3 years. Story continues A Limitation: P/E Ratios Ignore Debt and Cash In The Bank The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. In other words, it does not consider any debt or cash that the company may have on the balance sheet. The exact same company would hypothetically deserve a higher P/E ratio if it had a strong balance sheet, than if it had a weak one with lots of debt, because a cashed up company can spend on growth. Such spending might be good or bad, overall, but the key point here is that you need to look at debt to understand the P/E ratio in context. How Does Moscow United Electric Grid's Debt Impact Its P/E Ratio? Net debt totals a substantial 215% of Moscow United Electric Grid's market cap. This is a relatively high level of debt, so the stock probably deserves a relatively low P/E ratio. Keep that in mind when comparing it to other companies. The Verdict On Moscow United Electric Grid's P/E Ratio Moscow United Electric Grid has a P/E of 5.0. That's below the average in the RU market, which is 6.2. The company has a meaningful amount of debt on the balance sheet, but that should not eclipse the solid earnings growth. If it continues to grow, then the current low P/E may prove to be unjustified. Given Moscow United Electric Grid's P/E ratio has declined from 7.7 to 5.0 in the last month, we know for sure that the market is more worried about the business today, than it was back then. For those who prefer to invest with the flow of momentum, that might be a bad sign, but for deep value investors this stock might justify some research. When the market is wrong about a stock, it gives savvy investors an opportunity. If the reality for a company is not as bad as the P/E ratio indicates, then the share price should increase as the market realizes this. So this free visual report on analyst forecasts could hold the key to an excellent investment decision. But note: Moscow United Electric Grid may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a P/E ratio below 20). If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2020) - Hanstone Capital Corp. (TSXV: HANS.P) ("Hanstone" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update respecting its previously announced "Qualifying Transaction", as defined by Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") with Milestone Infrastructure Inc. ("Milestone") (see Hanstone's press release dated February 24, 2020). Hanstone and Milestone have now entered into an asset purchase agreement dated as of March 17, 2020 (the "Milestone Agreement") respecting the proposed acquisition by Hanstone of all of Milestone's right, title and interest in and to the Doc Property (the "Doc Property"), comprised of 10 mineral claims located in the Skeena Mining Division in British Columbia (the "Transaction"). Under the Transaction and pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, Hanstone will issue an aggregate of 4,500,000 Hanstone common shares to Milestone's stakeholders at a deemed price of $0.18 per share (reduced from previously announced $0.20 per share), as follows: 4,000,000 Hanstone shares will be issued to Bob Hans; and 500,000 shares will be issued to Raymond Marks. The Transaction is subject to completion of certain conditions precedent, including without limitation: the preparation and filing of an Information Circular with the Exchange; receipt of approval of the shareholders of Hanstone (including minority shareholder approval); completion by Hanstone of a private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of no less than $1,500,000; and receipt of all necessary regulatory and Exchange approvals. Hanstone has also entered into an asset purchase agreement with Richard Mill ("Mill") dated as of March 17, 2020 (the "Mill Agreement") respecting the proposed acquisition by Hanstone from Mill of 100% of Mill's right, title and interest in and to the Snip North property (the "Snip North Property"), comprised of five mineral claims located in British Columbia, approximately 50 kilometers north of the Doc Property. As consideration for the acquisition of the Snip North Property, Hanstone will issue an aggregate of 200,000 Hanstone common shares to Mill at a deemed price of $0.18 per share. The proposed acquisition of the Snip North Property is contemplated in conjunction with, and is conditional on, the closing of Hanstone's Qualifying Transaction with Milestone. Story continues Trading of the common shares of Hanstone will remain halted in connection with the dissemination of this news release and will recommence at such time as the Exchange may determine, having regard to the completion of certain requirements pursuant to Exchange Policy 2.4. Further details of the proposed Transaction will follow in future news releases. The Private Placement Under the Private Placement, Hanstone is expected to raise gross proceeds of no less than $1,500,000 through: the issuance of $500,000 in units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.18 per Unit (reduced from previously announced $0.20 per Unit), with each Unit comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each warrant exercisable for an additional Hanstone common share at an exercise price of $0.25 for two years from the date of issuance); and the issuance of $1,000,000 in "flow-through" units (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.25 per FT Unit, with each FT Unit comprised of one "flow-through" common share and one common share purchase warrant (each warrant exercisable for an additional Hanstone common share at an exercise price of $0.35 for two years from the date of issuance). It is anticipated that approximately $1,000,000 of the Private Placement (i.e. the "flow-through" component) will be used for exploration of the Doc Property and the Snip North Property, while approximately $500,000 of the Private Placement (i.e. the non-flow-through component) will be used for general working capital and finder's fees (see below). Hanstone anticipates paying finder's fees in cash of up to 10% of the proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of Units and FT Units to investors introduced to the Company by third party finders. Hanstone also anticipates issuing non-transferable finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to purchase such number of shares of up to 10% of the number of Units and FT Units issued to investors introduced to the Company by such finders. Each Finder's Warrant will be exercisable for one common share for a period of 24 months from closing at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for Finder's Warrants issued in connection with Units and $0.35 per share for Finder's Warrants issued in connection with the FT Units. The securities to be issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period. The terms of the financing are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Resulting Issuer Upon completion of the Transaction, the resulting issuer (the "Resulting Issuer") will be engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the development of the Doc Property and the Snip North Property. In conjunction with closing the Transaction, Hanstone intends to change its name to "Hanstone Gold Corp." On closing of the Transaction and the acquisition of the Snip North Property from Mill, and assuming that Hanstone raises $1,500,000 under the Private Placement on the terms described above, the Resulting Issuer will have 17,477,778 common shares issued and outstanding. The current shareholders of Hanstone, excluding Messrs. Hans and Marks, would hold approximately 18.31% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer; participants in the Private Placement would hold approximately 38.78% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer; Messrs. Hans and Marks would hold approximately 41.77% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer; and Mill would hold approximately 1.14% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer. Each of Mr. Hans, Mr. Marks and Mr. Mill is a resident of Canada. In connection with closing the Transaction, Andre Douchane and James Engdahl will join Hanstone's board of directors as independent directors. In addition, Robert Quinn will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer, but continue as Vice President and director, Raymond Marks will be appointed as President and CEO, and Bob Hans will be appointed as Executive Chairman. Also, it is anticipated that Aris Morfopoulos will resign as a director, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Hanstone; the Company will provide an update with respect to the expected resignation by Mr. Morfopoulos and his replacement as CFO and Corporate Secretary in due course. Following completion of the Transaction, the management and directors of the Resulting Issuer will be as follows (subject to the further update respecting Hanstone's CFO and Corporate Secretary): Raymond Marks - President, CEO and Director Mr. Marks has over 40 years of experience as a businessman and operations manager. Mr. Marks has managed a variety of industrial real estate properties including: rock quarries, mining properties, industrial storage yards, log sorts, lumber mills and logging camps. Mr. Marks also has public company management experience and was previously the executive vice president and a director for Tudor Gold Corporation. Bob Hans - Executive Chairman and Director Mr. Hans is an entrepreneur and business leader with an investment background in real estate and industrial properties. Mr. Hans is the founder of 'The Hans Group' which houses a collection of businesses that have operated in British Columbia for the past 40 years. The Hans Group includes: mining and quarry extraction operations, sand & gravel supplies, gravel trucking, earth works, and commercial real estate holding companies as a part of its portfolio. Robert Quinn - Vice President and Director Mr. Quinn has over 40 years of diverse board, management and legal international mining industry experience. He is the former General Counsel of Battle Mountain Gold Company. He has acted as counsel for and has served on the boards of numerous mining companies including as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Mercator Minerals Ltd., North American Palladium Ltd., Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. and eCobalt Solutions Inc. Mr. Quinn is currently the President and CEO of Nevada Silver, Inc., a start-up private company seeking to develop and operate advanced stage base and precious metals mines in North America. He was a founding director of Tudor Gold Corp., a base and precious metals explorer in B.C.'s Golden Triangle area. Andre Douchane - Director Andre Douchane is a mining engineer with 40 years of experience operating, managing, building, and revitalizing mining operations worldwide. After 14 years with ASARCO, Incorporated, including as Manager of the Coeur Mine near Wallace, Idaho, Mr. Douchane became VP and GM of Round Mountain Gold Corp in the late 1980s to see it through a major reconstruction - taking it from a 160,000 ounce gold producer to over 400,000 ounces produced in 1990. As Vice President of Operations for Battle Mountain Gold Company he was responsible for several operating mines and development projects worldwide. Mr. Douchane also directed the small team that permitted, engineered, and put the Midas Mine into production for Franco-Nevada Mining Corp. under budget and six months early. He has served on several mining industry boards including as CEO and subsequently as Chairman of North American Palladium Ltd. James Engdahl - Director Mr. Engdahl has been an officer and director of several public mining companies over the last 30 years. Over the last number of years, he has been heavily involved in developing mine-to-market strategies for strategic and critical metals. With a background in corporate finance, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, he has successfully financed many projects in Canada. Mr. Engdahl is currently Chairman of the Board of Aurex Energy Corp. About Hanstone Hanstone is a capital pool company in accordance with Exchange Policy 2.4 and its principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction. For additional information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or contact the Company as follows: Aris Morfopoulos, CFO, at (604) 721-2650 or aris@morfopoulos.com. ### Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to Hanstone, Milestone, the Doc Property, the Snip North Property, the Private Placement and the Transaction, are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the companies' current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to them, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: the risks that the parties will not proceed with the Transaction, the Definitive Agreement, the Private Placement and associated transactions, that the ultimate terms of the Transaction, the Definitive Agreement, the Private Placement and associated transactions will differ from those that currently are contemplated, and that the Transaction, the Definitive Agreement, the Private Placement and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals or clearances from regulatory authorities). Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Such factors include but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Should any factor affect the companies in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the companies do not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53617 By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan exported oil and gas products worth 2 billion 953 million 536,42 thousand dollars in January-February 2020, according to the State Custom Committee (SCC) report. Oil and gas sector amounted to 90.90 per cent of the country's overall exports in the reported period. The export of oil and crude oil products declared by the customs from Azerbaijan in January-February 2020 amounted to 5 billion 679 million 384,28 thousand tonnes. The statistic value of crude oil and crude oil products was 2 billion 727 million 328,79 thousand dollars. Gas production in the reported period amounted to 1 billion 371 million 330.08 thousand cubic meters and was worth $158 million 751.3 thousand. The share of crude oil in the total value of the exported goods has been 83.93 per cent, whereas gas was 4.89 per cent. Aside from crude oil products, oil and oil products made out of bituminous rocks constituted 2.01 per cent of the exported oil and gas goods of 90.90 per cent. The total value of these products declared by the customs in January-February 2020 amounted 65 million 417,92 thousand dollars. Oil and gas exports in the first months of 2020 decreased compared to the same period in 2019. In January-February 2019, the declared gas export from Azerbaijan amounted to 2 billion 19 million 599.2 thousand cubic meters for $212 million 357.69 thousand. Thus, for the reporting period 2020, gas export decreased in quantitative terms by 32.1%, in monetary terms - by 25.3%. In January-February 2019, the declared crude oil export from Azerbaijan amounted to 5 billion 781 million 785.43 thousand tonnes for 2 billion 603 million 955,57 thousand dollars. Thus, for the reporting period 2020, crude oil export also decreased in quantitative terms by 5.5%. The State Customs Committee maintains export statistics based on the declaration. The declaration of gas sold is provided after the actual sale, and not at the time of its pumping through pipelines. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Representative image Germany wants to double the number of hospital beds available from their current level of 500,000 in order to cope with the coronavirus epidemic, the defense minister said. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who said the armed forces would also be deployed in support of this effort, added that the number of intensive care beds equipped with respirators would also roughly double to about 50,000 from 28,000 currently. Nigerian Christian teen escapes captors weeks after abduction, forced conversion to Islam Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Nigerian Christian girl who was abducted in January and forced to convert to Islam has finally been reunited with her family in the countrys northcentral Kaduna state. The Hausa Christians Foundation told the independent daily newspaper Vanguard that Sadiya Amos has escaped from her captors and returned to her family in the Kubau Council Area after being held hostage for more than a month. Last month, the Anglican Church and Hausa Christian community in Kubau raised concern over Amos abduction and alleged forced marriage to one of her captors. According to an earlier report from The Guardian, Amos went missing on the night of Jan. 5. Amos father, Amos Chindo, was forced to go to Sharia court on Jan. 7, where he was threatened by a lawyer claiming to be an advocate for Sadiya and a Sharia court judge. Both accused Chindo of preventing his daughter from converting to Islam. The judge and lawyer were accused of forging a birth certificate in which Sadiyas age was raised from under 17 to 19. Additionally, the lawyer and judge refused to give Chindo access to his daughter or tell him about her whereabouts. The trial was adjourned until Jan. 14. According to a statement from the HCF, Amos and her parents attend the church where the Anglican Bishop of Ikara Diocese, Yusuf Ishaya Janfalan, presides. According to Vanguard, Janfalan delegated priests to attend Amos court hearing on Jan. 14 and call for the Sharia court to acknowledge that both parents are Christians and not subject to Sharia law. [T]he judge didnt listen to them or even give them the chance to speak and never even listen to Sadiyas parents, the HCF statement reads. Instead, the Sharia judge went ahead to read his predetermined judgment and closed the case without the Sadiya in court. HCF said that the organization did its best to try to secure Amos' release after the courts decision but had no luck. At a protest in January, Janfalan and leaders from the Hausa Christians Foundation called on the government for an immediate intervention to secure Amos' release. While doing our best to rescue her, we reached a point where we could not do anything due to financial constraint, the HCF statement explains. While praying to God for open doors to speed up her freedom, the Power of our God went ahead and completed the work all to His glory. Sadiya Amos told HCF that she was kept in a room for more than a month and forced to convert to Islam. She said that guards were posted outside her door so that she would not escape. But one day, the guards fell asleep and left the door open. Amos said that allowed her to escape and return to her parents. The case of abducting Christian girls and their forceful conversion to Islam as well as forcing them into marriage has become a watershed issue in Northern Nigeria, the HCF statement reads. The Hausa Christians Foundation in less than three years has rescued 12 of these girls out of the over 30 cases that were reported to us from across Northern Nigeria, especially the Hausa Land. It is unclear as to who Amos captors are. However, kidnappings of hundreds of young girls in Nigeria have been carried out by different actors in recent years. Those actors include the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, its splinter group the Islamic State West Africa Province and radical Fulani herdsmen. Last October, six Christian schoolgirls and two staff members were abducted from a Christian-run high school in Kaduna city by suspected Fulani herdsmen. In 2014, over 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram in the town of Chibok in Borno state. Over 112 remain missing. In 2018, 110 schoolgirls were kidnapped from a government school in Dapchi. Although nearly all were released, Christian teen Leah Sharibu was not because she reportedly refused to deny her faith in Christ. After two years, family members and advocates are still calling for her freedom. The moment these girls are abducted, they are subjected to all manners of evil just to take control of their minds, HCF warns. Once they took hold of their minds, these girls will only do everything they are asked to do. "While the parents fight for the release of their daughters, these abductors continue to sexually abuse these girls, hypnotized their food, drinks, clothes, where they sleep, perpetually evoke evil spirit upon them to the point that these girls completely lost their minds and never think of going back to their home. HCF warned that it only takes about one or two weeks for a Christian girl to be abducted and married off. She will be sexually abused even before the marriage to make the parents give up on her when she becomes pregnant, HCF stresses. Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List ranks Nigeria as the 12th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution. DALLAS, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, VOMO will make its volunteer management platform free and accessible to any organization mobilizing volunteers and any person who wants to serve during the COVID-19 crisis. Builders + Backers, a nationwide network of entrepreneurs, investors, and donors, is fueling this and other initiatives to ignite entrepreneurial ingenuity to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. Volunteer shortages already are emerging at food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens as well as in blood banks and other critical areas. VOMO can solve this problem in an organized and responsible way. With VOMO, government agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofits, churches, schools and other organizations on the front lines can coordinate critical-need volunteering efforts without having to rely on grassroots efforts that may unintentionally increase chaos or worsen the crisis. "This crisis is inspiring people to take care of one another, and there is an explosion of grassroots efforts to organize willing helpers on email, listservs and social media," said Rob Peabody, founder & CEO of VOMO. "We've spent the last three years building and perfecting the very thing communities, organizations and neighborhoods need to mobilize volunteers efficiently and appropriately around critical needs. In this challenging moment, we want to make it available for everyone to use for free." Interested organizations should visit www.beaneighborcampaign.com to create an account and connect on the platform to organize existing volunteers or create projects that anyone can sign up to help serve. Individuals can also immediately see both in-person and virtual opportunities in their communities and around the world and sign up to serve. Follow @be_a_neighbor , @vomoapp and #BeANeighbor on Twitter, @beaneighborcampaign on Instagram and Be A Neighbor Campaign on Facebook. VOMO is a social impact company founded in 2017. Thousands of cities, nonprofits, churches, and schools in 31 countries currently use it to mobilize their volunteers. In 2019, VOMO partnered with Sony Pictures and the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks to execute the "Be a Neighbor" campaign to encourage Americans to live out the legacy of Mister Rogers by being a neighbor through volunteerism. Now "Be a Neighbor" is how individuals, organizations and entire communities can access VOMO's platform for free. VOMO's decision to redirect its team, resources and platform to assist in the COVID-19 response is supported by Builders + Backers, a nationwide network of technology entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, and donors who are working to ignite serving and solving in communities across America as a way to come together by building together. Alongside them the National Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is serving as a fiscal sponsor so VOMO / Be a Neighbor can also distribute philanthropic support to frontline efforts. "It's crystal clear from my conversations with city and county officials and healthcare leaders that we are going to need to mobilize an enormous number of volunteers to weather this crisis," said investor Donna Harris, General Partner of 1776 Ventures and founder of Builders + Backers. "We need grassroots efforts to gather a national bank of ready volunteers. And we need a means to take direction from frontline organizations trained in appropriate responses in the face of a pandemic. VOMO was designed for this exact model of organizing, and we are helping get them and the thousands of community organizations they are assisting to get the people, funding, resources or support they need in this time of crisis." About VOMO VOMO is powering a global volunteer movement by providing organizations and networks with the tools needed to discover and initiate projects, connect to community causes, and to measure and amplify the impact of volunteering. VOMO leverages the power of technology to unleash a generation to change the world for good. www.vomo.org About Builders + Backers Builders + Backers was created to ignite action in communities across America with the most American of methods: experimentation and entrepreneurial action. From the smallest of projects to the biggest, boldest ideas, we can unleash the power of every person to become a builder and solve challenges in their communities. And, in sharing our challenges and our ideas for solving them, we will see the common threads that connect us more than divide us. www.buildersandbackers.com About National Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NCEI) NCEI is the fiscal partner for the Be a Neighbor campaign, as the campaign aligns with NCEI's mission of mobilizing the resources and capabilities of communities across the country to realize locally-defined goals in time for America's 250th anniversary in 2026. www.2026.us CONTACT: Erin McPike 202-247-0478 [email protected] SOURCE Builders + Backers Testifying in the case in October 2018, Colonel Bruwer expressed fear for the lives of those on his investigating team after supporters of Mr. Mabuza who were demanding his release assaulted the detective. Colonel Bruwers car was damaged as well, but it is unclear by whom. The prosecutor in the case was also threatened, the newspaper Lowvelder reported. Mr. Mabuza was first charged on six counts related to rhino poaching and released on bail in July 2018. He was later arrested again and released again on bail in January 2019. His trial is set to continue later this year. Colonel Bruwers passion for wildlife began in childhood. His father worked for many years at Kruger National Park, the site of frequent poaching incidents, said Kobus van der Walt, who worked closely with Colonel Bruwer and is a lawyer with Mpumalanga Provinces asset forfeiture unit. Poaching investigations would often take Colonel Bruwer and Mr. van der Walt back into the park to assess crime scenes, the lawyer said in a telephone interview on Thursday. On these trips the detective would recognize small animals, plants and just by hearing a bird, Mr. van der Walt said. Colonel Bruwer also stood out because of the meticulous case files that he submitted to prosecutors, Mr. van der Walt said. They were neatly typed, in a specific font to make them presentable and easy to read, he said. There were no gaps in his dockets. Demand for rhinoceros horns spiked in the 1970s and 1980s because of their use in traditional Asian medicines and their status as a symbol of wealth, and conservationists have since fought to protect the animals. Western New England University General Counsel Cheryl I. Smiths leadership has been recognized statewide. The Longmeadow resident was honored at the 15th Annual Leaders in the Law event presented by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The event was held on March 5 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Smith was chosen from a field of nominees across the Commonwealth for the 2020 In-House Leader Award. General counsel and staff attorneys are nominated by their colleagues, clients, and other legal professionals for community leadership and forward thinking. Smith has represented Western New England University for 20 years. She supervised legal and contractual work and served as the Title IX Coordinator. Attorney Smith practices a special kind of leadership, WNEU president Anthony S. Caprio said. Her actions exemplify the noble traditions of the legal profession that are recognized and honored through this In-House Leaders in the Law award. "I am thrilled to see her receive this recognition. Cheryl stands tall and always demonstrates that she can best lead folks through the issues at hand however emotional or complex they may be. Smith began her academic career at Wellesley College and concluded at Western New England School of Law in 1983. She is a WNEU senior lecturer for human resource management, legal aspects of human resources, business law and business communication. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg presented the organizations annual report for 2019 in a video conference format on Thursday and confirmed the Alliance's open door policy and support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. In 2019, Allies also restated their commitment to supporting eventual NATO membership of Georgia and Ukraine in line with the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision and subsequent Summits, NATO Secretary Generals annual report for 2019 reads. As noted, NATOs Open Door Policy is a founding principle of the Washington Treaty and one of the Alliances great successes. NATOs door is open to all European democracies that share the values of the Alliance, are willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership, are in a position to further the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty, and whose inclusion can contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area. NATO respects the right of every country to choose its own security arrangements. Each country has the right to choose for itself whether or not it joins any treaty or alliance, the report reads. ol Iran has released a detained US military veteran from custody due to unspecified medical reasons under the condition that he remains in the country, State Department Secretary Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Thursday. Michael White, a US Navy veteran, had been held in the country since 2018 before he was released this week on medical furlough. In a statement, Mr Pompeo said the veteran had been wrongfully detained by the Iranian regime as he served a 13-year prison sentence. His release on humanitarian grounds was conditioned upon him staying in Iran, the secretary of state said. Mr White reportedly has reportedly been diagnosed with cancer. He was moved to the Swiss embassy in Iran this week, according to officials, where he has been receiving treatment. The State Department also said on Thursday that the agency will continue to work for Michaels full release. Mr Pompeo thanked Switzerland for its continued and constructive role as our protecting power in Iran while calling on Tehran to release the following additional prisoners on humanitarian grounds: Morad Tabbaz, Baquer Namazi and Siamak Namazi. The 47-year-old was reportedly pursuing a romantic relationship with an Iranian woman in the northeastern city of Mashhad when he was arrested by Iranian security forces in July of last year. Recommended US Navy veteran held in Iran charged with national security crime His family members previously revealed he suffered from cancer in an interview with the New York Times, adding: We think that Michael is in really poor health. They added: Under no circumstances do we think the Iranians are providing him with adequate care. A spokesperson for the family also told a Persian-language radio programme Mr White was arrested and beaten by police before being detained for nearly two months in a detention centre. The spokesperson added that Mr White had paid a tourist fee in the city, but was interrogated about the time he was in the Navy by officers. BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Countries around the world have been beefing up measures to contain the COVID-19 spread, as more than 200,000 cases have been reported globally, with the tally of deaths exceeding 8,000. Eighty percent of all the cases worldwide were reported in two regions, the Western Pacific region and the European region, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday. The number of cases outside China has risen to 112,878 as of Wednesday morning, according to the situation dashboard by WHO. In Italy, the hardest-hit European country, the count of cases has reached 35,713 with 2,978 deaths, according to the latest data released by the Civil Protection Department. Officials in the hard-hit region of Lombardy appealed to recently retired health workers to return to work to relieve over-worked colleagues. In Spain, the number of cases has risen to 13,716 with 558 deaths as of Wednesday, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services. Spanish King Felipe VI sent an Institutional Message to his people on Wednesday, calling for unity in fighting the epidemic. In France, which has entered a two-week lockdown since Tuesday, 9,134 cases and 264 deaths have been reported as of Wednesday, according to authorities. "That same spirit of solidarity must be at the center of our efforts to defeat COVID-19," said Tedros. Tedros reiterated countries must isolate, test, treat every case and trace every contact to suppress and control the epidemic, warning that if those measures were not taken, the transmission could continue at a low level before resurging once physical distancing measures are lifted. In Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, the death toll from COVID-19 on Wednesday soared to 1,135, with the total number of cases surging to 17,361, said Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The ministry urged Iranians to avoid unnecessary travels during the upcoming holiday of Nowruz, the Persian new year, which will start on Friday. South Korea reported 93 more cases of COVID-19 compared to 24 hours ago as of midnight Wednesday local time, raising its total to 8,413. The country has raised its four-tier virus alert to the highest "red" level. The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States reached 9,077 by 22:00 local time (0200 GMT) Wednesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. A total of 145 deaths have been reported across the country. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that the country will temporarily close its border with Canada to "non-essential traffic," days after the announcement of a travel ban that Washington imposed on some European nations. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday suggested that Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati should interact with the rebel Congress MLAs through video link or the court can appoint an observer to allay the fear that the legislators are in captivity. However, the Speaker refused to accept the top court's proposal. A bench comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said it can create conditions to ensure exercise of volition of the rebel MLAs is truly voluntary. "We can appoint an observer to Bengaluru or some other place so that the rebel MLAs can connect with the Speaker through video conferencing after which he can decide," the bench said. It also asked the Speaker whether any inquiry was made on the resignation of the rebel MLAs and what decision has he taken on them. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker, said the day court begins to give time-bound direction to the Speaker, it will be constitutionally problematic. The counsel appearing for Governor Lalji Tandon told the bench that Chief Minister Kamal Nath was "sitting aside" in the turn of events and it is the Speaker who is "leading the political battle" in court. The bench asked all the parties how does the decision of a Speaker in matters of resignation and disqualification of MLAs affect the floor test. It said the constitutional principle that emerges is that there is no restraint on trust vote because of resignation or disqualification being pending before the Speaker. It said, therefore, the court will have to flip around and see whether the Governor acted beyond the powers vested in him. A Cumberland County restaurant/bar is under fire for posting a derogatory message directed at Pa. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine on its business sign. Trindle Inn Bar & Grills sign in Carlisle read Dr. Levine or is it Uncle Fester in a wig?" and prompted hundreds of people to express outrage on Facebook. Well, if you frequent Trindle Inn, I hope you dont anymore. This is absolutely disgusting. In a time where we should be banding together, this kind of [explicative] is even MORE appalling than it usually is, wrote Bryden Farrell McCurdy. Levine has been instrumental in leading Pennsylvania during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2015, when Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf named her to his cabinet, Levine made history by becoming the highest-ranked transgender state official. Her tenure has been marked with substantial accomplishments, including successful strides to combat the opioid epidemic. According to several Facebook posts, the other side of Trindle Inns sign read: Is Tom Wolf going to pay our bills? Attempts by PennLive to reach Trindle Inns owner James Mallios were unsuccessful. The restaurant at 1941 W. Trindle Road is closed after Wolf advised non-essential businesses in the state to shut down to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Mallios issued an apology on Facebook. I would like to take this time to sincerely apologize for the hateful and disrespectful language that was put on our sign. This total disrespect is not the opinion of our management staff. I understand the hurt these words have caused, especially to Dr. Rachel Levine and truly hope she is able to accept my apology for the juvenile and socially irresponsible message that was conveyed," it read. He continued by saying he will discuss a more compassionate and accepting attitude for the diversity of our patrons, our community and our fellow humans and can assure you that we have learned from this with his staff. DJ Eric Prydz has been forced to apologise after being slammed by health workers on Twitter for spreading dangerous coronavirus advice. The Swedish DJ and producer, 43, sparked online backlash on Monday when he declared that 'all healthy people' need to contract coronavirus and social distancing would merely 'prolong' the situation. Prydz, who rose to fame with his 2004 hit single Call on Me, entered a row with an Australian Government Department of Health specialist who suggested the DJ 'stick to music.' Criticism: DJ Eric Prydz has been forced to apologise after being slammed by a health worker on Twitter for spreading dangerous coronavirus advice The row began after Prydz, who has 917k followers, tweeted that the global government advice of self isolation would not work. 'Solution is for ALL Healthy people to get it. And the risk zone people to be Quarantined. If we stay at home we will just prolong the procedure,' the DJ wrote in the since deleted tweet. The comment prompted outrage among the DJ's followers. One follower replied with: 'I'm a big fan but as a doctor I have to reiterate that spreading the disease risks millions of lives.' Dangerous: The Swedish DJ and producer, 43, sparked online backlash on Monday when he declared that 'all healthy people' need to contract coronavirus 'If the healthcare system becomes stretched out, then even young healthy lives are at risk after an accident or injury. Everyone has to be responsible even legends!' Another agreed, replying: 'This is an incredibly dumb take, there's no way to guarantee that some of those "healthy" infected won't still suffer some long term damage, or still accidentally spread it to those at risk.' But Prydz replied: 'You are dumb Think'. Dangerous: The comment prompted outrage among the DJ's followers. One replied with: 'I'm a big fan but as a doctor I have to reiterate that spreading the disease risks millions of lives.' Sticking to his guns: Prydz was defiant, tweeting that he can still 'come to conclusions' despite his line of work Prydz was defiant, also tweeting that he can still 'come to conclusions' despite his line of work. 'You know who I am. But I can still open a book and come to conclusions. Can you? This is not a d**k measuring contest. You do what you do. Too a level.. I hope that you aren't in the front. I'm lease look at history with corona viruses and others.' One Tweeter, tweeting under the handle @cbskinner01 told Prydz 'Stick to the music. We love you as an artist, but you're not an epidemiologist so steer clear of giving health advice brother. It's dangerous and unwise.' The DJ replied 'Use your brain. This. Are you?' receiving a prompt reply as his follower explained: 'I've got 2 Public Health degrees and I work for the Australian Government Department of Health with a background in Statistics and Epidemiology. So yeah, kinda man. What about you?' Here we go: Prydz, who rose to fame with his 2004 hit single Call on Me, then entered a row with an Australian Government Department of Health specialist Expert: One Tweeter, tweeting under the handle @cbskinner01 told Prydz 'Stick to the music. We love you as an artist, but you're not an epidemiologist' Ouch: The DJ replied 'Use your brain. This. Are you,' receiving a prompt reply as his follower explained: 'I've got 2 Public Health degrees' Hero: The tweeter continued that it was 'disappointing when your heroes make uninformed comments that likely have influence among their millions of followers' 'Absolutely not here to measure up. Just disappointing when your heroes make uninformed comments that likely have influence among their millions of followers. It's irresponsible, but that's on you mate.' he continued. The message got through to Prydz who later apologised for his tweets, writing: 'I sincerely apologise for any offence or confusion caused by my earlier comments. I think its safe to say that we all are freaking out right now! Please make sure you and your loved ones stay safe in this very difficult time.' He promised to adhere to his fans' advice and said 'in future I will stick to making music...' Sorry: The message got through to Prydz who later apologised for his tweets, writing: 'I sincerely apologise for any offence or confusion caused' Sticking to the guidelines: The DJ updated fans on Tuesday as he joked about his 'quarantine options', sharing a photo of his alcohol supply Canadians are more worried about the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic than they are over the health effects of the virus, a new poll suggests. The Campaign Research survey provided to the Star found a staggering 99 per cent of respondents are aware of the crisis and 93 per cent are worried about the economy. You just never see those kinds of numbers, Richard Ciano, a principal of Campaign Research, said Wednesday. The poll found only five per cent were not worried at all about an outbreak that has closed Canadas borders to non-essential travel and forced Ottawa to launch an $82 billion bailout package, and two per cent werent sure. Campaign Research polled 2,306 people across Canada between Friday and Tuesday using Maru Blues online panel. It is an opt-in poll. For comparison purposes, a randomly selected sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Three-quarters of respondents 74 per cent say they have not sold any holdings because of the pandemic while seven per cent said they had and 19 per cent said they didnt have any investments to sell. The poll found 89 per cent said they are concerned about the overall toll the virus will take on Canada. Only nine per cent were not at all concerned about the impact and one per cent had no opinion. Campaign Research found 82 per cent were concerned they themselves could contract COVID-19 while 17 per cent were not concerned at all and one per cent werent sure. Respondents were slightly more worried about their loved ones 88 per cent are concerned a family member will catch the virus while 12 per cent werent concerned and one per cent werent sure. Yet just four per cent said they know someone with COVID-19 with one per cent claiming they had contracted it and 95 per cent said they do not know anyone with the virus. Eleven per cent said they were self-isolating while 89 per cent said they were not. People are scared, people have reacted, and people have made changes, said Ciano. How the COVID-19 has changed your behaviour Campaign Research polled 2,306 Canadians over the last five days to give a sense of how we are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. 80% Are washing their hands more 62% Are using hand sanitizer and disinfectants more 73% Are avoiding handshakes 71% Are avoiding touching their face 48% Are covering their mouth when sneezing or coughing 36% Have not stocked up on any supplies Source: Campaign Research Indeed, 80 per cent said they are washing their hands more while 20 per cent said they werent and 73 per cent said they are avoiding handshakes with 27 per cent making no change to their behaviour. More than two-thirds 71 per cent said they are trying not to touch their faces while 29 per cent werent changing that practice. Slightly fewer 62 per cent are using hand sanitizer or disinfectants more with 38 per cent not taking that added precaution. But fewer than half 48 per cent are covering their mouth when sneezing or coughing with 52 per cent making no change. Despite repeated assurances by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, and retailers that the grocery supply chain is working smoothly, there has been an upswing in panic buying. Of those who said they had stocked up due to COVID-19, 41 per cent said they had bought food, 17 per cent bought toilet paper, 17 per cent hand sanitizer, 13 per cent prescription medicines, 13 per cent bottled water, 10 per cent over-the-counter medications, eight per cent other toiletries, seven per cent cash, seven per cent fuel, six per cent medical masks, six per cent booze, four per cent batteries, and one per cent tobacco. Fully one third 36 per cent said they had not stocked up on anything. There is also a perception of shortages with 69 per cent believing there arent enough supplies in spite of supermarket shelves being restocked constantly. Only 24 per cent perceived no shortages and seven per cent werent sure. Aside from worries about the economy, two-thirds 68 per cent were concerned about their own investments with 24 per cent not worried and nine per cent didnt know. In terms of employment, 43 per cent were worried about their jobs and 42 per cent were not worried and 15 per cent had no opinion. More people were worried about their social life 52 per cent while 47 werent concerned and two per cent didnt know. Although 42 per cent said the federal government has done a poor job handling the pandemic, Ciano emphasized the poll was conducted before Ottawas massive bailout measures. During the survey period, 19 per cent said the government was doing a good job and 34 per cent were neutral and six per cent werent sure. In order to dispel any rumours about coronavirus that might lead to spread of panic, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that those found guilty of spreading misinformation or canard will be put behind bars for a year under non-bailable charges. The Chief Minister while speaking to reporters here on Wednesday said that state authorities have been asked to take strict action and give harsh penalities to those creating panic among the citizens about COVID-19. "We have implemented the new Act under which anyone found spreading rumours on coronavirus may be jailed for maximum one year term under a non-bailable section," said Deb. "The state authorities will take strict action and harsh penalties would be imposed," he said. "No one spreading rumours will be spared. For a few handful of people, the entire population of my state Tripura should not suffer. The government has already passed this new Act and the officials will work in accordance with it," Deb added. The number of positive cases of coronavirus has climbed to 151 in India, including 25 foreign nationals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While the novel coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the states schools until April 28, districts across Oregon are still required to provide meals for their neediest students. Portland Public Schools served 2,800 breakfasts and lunches Tuesday, according to district figures. On Wednesday, that number grew to 4,600. Sally Garcia was one of more than 100 folks who picked up a meal package at Cesar Chavez School in North Portland Tuesday. She was laid off from her retail job soon after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic. Garcias brother attends Cesar Chavez. Her son is in Head Start. But with pre-kindergarten canceled and Garcia unemployed, the two made the trip to get out of the house and soak up some sun. If nothing else, this is something to do, Garcia said. At Cesar Chavez, district employees handed out homework packets on the sidewalk in front of the buildings south entrances. In the parking lot, nutrition services employees handed out meal kits containing milk, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, vegetable, cheese sticks and more, to students and parents from a table. They also handed meal kits to parents driving through from a set of shelves. Any peanut allergies? employees asked as cars drove up and childrens heads popped out of open windows. At Rigler Elementary, Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero joined nutritional workers and district employees handing out meals and homework packets. He bantered with some parents in Spanish. A mother and her two daughters rode up on a trio of bicycles, but they werent there to pick up a meal. Instead, the girls waited by the curb as their mother picked up a couple of homework packets. Sorry about that, Guerrero said to the girls with a shrug. He told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Gov. Browns order to close the states public schools raised various questions for parents and district officials alike. Among them is how to ensure a sense of stability including food security for low-income students. Were in an unprecedented circumstance, Guerrero said. Portland Public Schools, like most districts across the state, has designated some of its buildings as meal sites during what officials have dubbed an extended spring break. In Tigard-Tualatin, Metzger and Tualatin elementary schools are serving their own to-go meals on-site. Officials in Lake Oswego have opted to provide families with Safeway gift cards. The districts food pantry has also expanded its hours and saw three times as many clients as usual. Many rural districts, including Estacada, Astoria and Rainier are having bus drivers deliver meals to families. In Clatskanie, officials are tallying the districts working parents to deliver lunches to students who are home alone. Guerrero said the district might consider meal deliveries if enough families were interested. Portland Public Schools has also wrestled with ways to keep kids academically engaged even if theyre not in the classroom and how best to advise parents to observe recommendations from the Oregon Health Authority to keep coronavirus from spreading through the community. Weve been working day and night to think through the logistics of our role at this time, he said. The homework packets and a patchwork of online resources are helping on the academic front, Guerrero said. But he conceded that even if every student had a digital device and could conference into a classroom session with their teacher, theres no substitute for one-on-one interaction. We need to do some additional thinking on how we might support engagement between students and teachers, he said. But distance learning is never going to be a substitute for the in-person relationship that really makes for a school community. Portland Public Schools has about 45,000 devices at its disposal. And on Wednesday, the district provided a form for parents who do not have a tablet or computer at home and want to access its online resources. The district has also begun a fund for families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to meals and online educational supplements, Guerrero said district officials have been telling parents to adhere to state guidance on social gatherings: No more than 25 to a group for the next four weeks. While I know there might be the desire for play dates as a group of students, perhaps right now is not the best time to be doing that, Guerrero said. Asia Alvarez Zeller of The Lake Oswego Review contributed reporting from Lake Oswego, part of a collaboration between more than a dozen newsroom organizations to help inform Oregonians about this evolving health issue. One of Californias most pressing problems is on the verge of dramatic treatment due to the coronavirus. Homelessness is getting attention, money and urgency all in the name of curbing runaway infection looming at shelters and tent camps. With limited awareness and multiple health problems, the homeless population is a too-perfect target for the virus. Living in close quarters where handwashing and 6-foot distances are often impossible to achieve puts the group at genuine risk. An outbreak among our homeless neighbors would be double tragedy, harming the group and offering a springboard into the larger community. This specter is getting an encouraging response from public officials who are jumping beyond normal limits in coming up with answers. Whether this brainstorming will work is another question. In San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area, there are plans to lease more residential hotels, use now-empty schools and church halls, and extend extra health care for people living on the streets. Oakland is dropping off wash-up stations near tent campsites. Los Angeles, with the states largest number of homeless residents, is calling off crackdowns on tarp villages. Cities such as San Francisco are passing laws to bar evictions that might dump more residents into uncertainty. Homeless numbers can easily rise if job layoffs at the low-income level prove to be widespread. Sacramento is playing a role. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who dedicated his State of the State address almost entirely to homelessness, won legislative support for extra money for homeless programs to bring some 108,000 unhoused people indoors. The money is already being used to put the homeless into four hotels in Oakland and San Mateo County. The states vaunted goal of bringing in everyone living in the cold is getting an extra boost from a threatening outbreak. Other ideas sound like magic. If schoolchildren are being sent home, why not use the empty facilities for folks now huddled outdoors? Likewise, church halls where bingo and social gatherings have stopped and other public spots could be transformed to take in people living on sidewalks and alleys. But these spaces would need to be converted to cut down on infection risks and a raft of counselors and medical providers found. Also, theres the question of what happens when the virus peril eases and theres a call to return to prior uses. For now, at least, a health emergency is stretching public thinking in new directions. The present homeless system that handles thousands every night may be in for major changes. The stay-at-home mantra doesnt fit. Large shelters or group settings with shared bathrooms, eating facilities and close quarters are the wrong setup in dealing with COVID-19 so easily passed along. Any new living arrangements will have to factor in extra safety precautions that impose extra costs and construction time. Public involvement will be crucial. Volunteer energy may taper off due to understandable worry about infection between strangers. Donations are needed more than ever, though donors may be worried about their finances. A model for helping needs to be articulated for a cause thats facing a radical shift. The Bay Area has a highly developed homeless response, though its far from adequate. Now that same system is looking at a tidal-wave challenge. A viral outbreak threatens to tear through the frail lives of a vulnerable group. Its time for new approaches and quick action to head off deeper trouble. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. Photo: Contributed When Port Moody couple Deborah and Michael Christie left for the U.S. border, they did so with a sigh of relief. After six months of caring for Debs dying aunt, the vacation would offer them a much-needed respite. They crossed into Bellingham Feb. 19, parked their car at the airport and hopped on a short flight to San Francisco, where they boarded the Grand Princess cruise ship. As the ship set sail for Hawaii, they joined the other roughly 2,500 passengers in taking in everything the floating behemoth had to offer. Everything was perfect. Until it wasnt. The ship hit rough seas and, for three days, many on board started to feel sick. At first, Deb and Michael, like everyone else, blamed the illness on seasickness. But on day 11, that all changed. After breakfast, the crew told everyone to head back to their rooms and self-isolate. Some of the passengers had come down with a fever. While they were still in the middle of the ocean, a California National Guard helicopter swooped over the ship, dropping what the Christies would learn were mobile test kits for COVID-19. Nearly half of the 46 people initially tested had their results come back positive. The ship immediately skipped Ensenada, its Mexican port of call, and made a direct line for the U.S. coast. The ship then circled in international waters off San Francisco. They just kept us sitting there, going around in circles, back and forth: 50 miles offshore, 20 miles offshore, Deb said. "Everyone was freaking out, she said. We werent sure what was going to happen." On March 9, the ship was finally given permission to dock in Oakland. They were met by teams of people in white gowns, masks and gloves. The roughly 230 Canadians had their temperatures taken, were given ID bands and were whisked away to a cargo plane retrofitted with an isolation room and leased by the Canadian government. They were flown to Canadian Forces Base Trenton, where they are waiting out a 14-day isolation period in a room they describe as like a Motel 6. The Canadian Red Cross delivers food and daily newsletters, and as of Wednesday, nine of the quarantined Canadians have tested positive for the virus since their return. Security remains tight. The guards at the front of the desk are fully protected in gowns, masks and gloves. The isolated Canadians are given a few hours a day to go outside, staggered in groups to prevent contact. You have to wear a mask everywhere, said Deb. Everyone stays two metres away [but] its comforting to know Im not going to get anyone sick My conscience is clear. Together with a few American friends stuck in quarantine in California, theyve lovingly called the whole experience Rancho Relaxo. Theres not a lot to do. But its OK, we know theres an end, said Christie. Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain on Thursday reviewed the availability of face masks, sanitizers and medicines across the national capital in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. He also directed the Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies, to ensure availability of masks, sanitizers in various offices of the department. Hussain also asked fair price shop dealers to wear masks and use sanitizers while distributing ration to beneficiaries, a statement said. The office-bearers of Delhi Sarkari Ration Dealers Association assured the minister that it is the collective responsibility of all, including fair price shop dealers, to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A representative body of Irish Credit Unions has said that they will offer members struggling financially in the fallout of the coronavirus alleviation on their loan repayments. The Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) said that credit unions will offer members with outstanding loans reduced payments, interest only repayment, payment freezes and loan extensions. Irelands Credit Unions have more than three million members, and are the sole provider of credit for many of their members, accounting for approximately 34pc of the consumer lending market. According to Kevin Johnson, CEO of CUDA, as member-owned financial cooperatives, it is the responsibility of the Credit Unions to "support the people of Ireland in these unprecedented times". "We anticipate that the incomes of up to 100,000 members will be immediately and severely hit by the crisis and as this crisis unfolds, credit unions are staying true to their member-focused mission by encouraging members to get in touch if they are experiencing financial hardship, so that they can provide help on a case-by-case basis," he said. "As Irelands largest consumer lender, Credit Unions have a range of options in place for when borrowers experience difficulties such as reduced payments, interest only, payment freezes and loan extensions. "While Credit Unions helped their members through the previous banking crisis, the scale of this crisis is even more challenging, and we are in discussions with the Central Bank to ensure capital requirements dont stifle any of the options that are in place. We also want to ensure that borrowers are not penalised for missing loan payments, and that their long-term credit rating isnt negatively affected." According to CUDA Irelands Credit Union sector has completed a period of massive consolidation and have never been financially stronger. "Credit Unions have never been more ready to help in a crisis like this," according to Mr Johnson. Issues of scale, governance and financial strength, have been massively improved, they say, since the last crisis and collectively, credit unions have never been more ready to support their members whose financial position has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Mr Johnson said: "We continue to follow developments closely and to monitor the latest advice from Government and health authorities. We endorse the decisions the Government has made and CUDA is providing support to and developing specific action plans with credit unions. "Credit unions throughout the country are also in constant contact with their members and partners in their respective communities, to ensure that credit union services are maintained and to support members in financial difficulty. "We concur with the Government call for solidarity and community spirit which is synonymous with credit unions, and we support the personal behavioural change and necessary resilience in combating this virus. We believe it is essential that credit unions unique community position is utilised to the max in the Governments action plan. More than 5,000 school teachers, who are facing termination on March 31 over a faulty recruitment policy, were arrested on Thursday for holding a mass demonstration here, in violation of the restrictions imposed under section 144 of CrPC, a police officer said. The protesting teachers were, however, released after a few hours, he said. Prohibitory orders have been clamped on parts of Tripura, including its capital city, to prevent mass gatherings, as part of the state government's precautionary measures against Covid-19. An association of teachers that organised the protest before Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan here said it has submitted a memorandum to Director UK Chakma, seeking the state's intervention for salvaging the situation. "We have faith in the state government. We believe it can save our jobs by introducing Validation Act in the Assembly in the next 7 days. We have violated section 144 voluntarily as desperate times call for desperate measures," Arabinda Sharma, the president of the association, said. Sadar Sub Divisional Police Officer Anirban Das said over 5,000 protesting teachers were arrested for illegal assembly outside Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. A total of 10,323 teachers, inducted in different phases since 2010, are set to be terminated after March 31, as their recruitment process has been termed faulty by the Supreme Court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento last month. (Associated Press) At Gov. Gavin Newsom's urging, businesses around the state have closed their doors and sent employees home to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. But one of the largest employers was slow to offer its workforce clear guidance on who should be working remotely: the state of California. That could soon change. State officials told employees Wednesday that departments are "looking at all opportunities to provide telework." But it remains unclear how aggressive state departments will be in keeping workers home or how many jobs will be considered eligible for such work. With more than 230,000 employees, officials said, the state's wide-ranging workforce makes it difficult to roll out sweeping telecommute options for government workers. For example, healthcare workers, police officers and firefighters can't work from home. Other jobs need access to confidential information, and some departments have limits on how many people can access servers remotely. However, the state's rollout of telecommute options for those who can work remotely has been slow, with a week of confusing guidelines for who should be allowed to work from home. Managers were told to review individual requests to telecommute, but it was unclear what paperwork or criteria they were supposed to use. "We are clearly looking to push more of our nonessential workforce to be at home to do work electronically," Newsom said Tuesday. "Its already happening across agencies. We're just trying to really hone in a little bit more." The Newsom administration's move to increase telecommuting comes after the Sacramento County Public Health Department directed local workplaces and businesses Tuesday to use telecommuting and teleconferencing for employees and allow only workers performing essential duties to go into an office. Most state agencies are in Sacramento, creating confusion among workers about whether they were supposed to go into work Wednesday. Story continues Dr. Peter Beilenson, director of the Sacramento County Department of Health Services, said asking many state workers to telecommute would have a major effect on limiting the community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Beilenson said the county's directive is not legally enforceable and does not apply to the state's workforce, although he's hopeful that as many government workers as possible will be permitted to telecommute. "This is important to reducing the spread of the disease," Beilenson said. "We are strongly urging people to stay at home in general. Some agencies have already carried out changes that will reduce workloads and interactions with the public. The state Franchise Tax Board announced last week that California tax returns could be sent in as late as July 15 for any taxpayer who stated a coronavirus-related reason for the delay. The Department of Motor Vehicles asked police officers to not enforce recently overdue car registrations or expired drivers licenses over the next two months to reduce the number of people going to field offices. California's number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise daily, largely because of the increased availability to diagnose for the virus. Across the state, more than 800 people have tested positive for the coronavirus, although officials have noted that is just a fraction of the actual number of people infected. Newsom's latest directive comes after the governor said that all California restaurants should close their doors to dine-in customers and that gyms, health clubs and movie theaters should also suspend operations. Newsom's decision to call for further limitations on public life followed piecemeal decisions in cities and counties to slow the spread of COVID-19. Los Angeles was one of the first cities to close bars, nightclubs, movie theaters and gyms, and limited restaurants to takeout or delivery only until March 31, following an order from Mayor Eric Garcetti. Still, as with state employees, the more than 50,000 city workers in Los Angeles were still asked to go to work, with telecommuting options available to only some employees, according to emergency guidelines issued by the citys Personnel Department. Garcetti said he expected the city's telecommuting guidelines to change. All Los Angeles County government buildings closed Monday, while other counties announced curtailed operations in order to ensure workers can be home. Americans remain isolated in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, but that wont stop Jimmy Fallon from entertaining his Tonight Show viewers. The Saturday Night Live alum, whos been hosting a scaled-down, mini-version of his show from his home each night on YouTube, appeared on TODAY Thursday to explain why its so important to keep doing the program. null The show must go on is kind of the thing that we learned back when I did SNL, he said. I was thinking back, probably the last time I felt something like this was probably 9/11 and I was on Saturday Night Live then and I looked to my late-night hosts, Jay Leno and Conan OBrien and David Letterman, to see what theyre doing. Im so happy that they were there for me. Fallons stripped-down program has become a family affair, with his wife, Nancy, operating the camera and their two daughters doing the graphics. While its a frightening time for many, Fallon said he once received some key advice from Letterman about how to act in times of crisis. Jimmy Fallon's daughter guest stars in the at-home edition of I remember Letterman saying that its a time right now to be courageous and he said sometimes pretending to be courageous is just as good, he said. And my wife reminded me of that quote. And so I said, Yeah, we should do something. I have to do something. "The Tonight Show" suspended production last week, one of many programs to halt taping. Despite that, Fallon said he has been in contact with his producers and writers, who have all been gung-ho about helping. Everyone wants to help. Everyone wants to do something, even if its two minutes of calm and some type of normalcy. I think its good for everyone, he said. Fallon is certainly making the best out of a bad situation. During his TODAY appearance, he announced plans for the "cowbell challenge" this Friday at 3 p.m. EST, encouraging everyone to grab a cowbell or pot and pan and step outside or open a window and bang together in unison. Story continues He also said he hopes to help raise money for a different charity each night. His inaugural show urged people to donate to Feeding America and Wednesday nights episode shined a light on Broadway Cares. And when hes not hosting the show, Fallon remains in close quarters with his family, which has been a blessing in some ways. Its been actually really kind of bonding, he said. Its like getting to know everybody. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Prime Minister and Chair of the EOC Silveria Jacobs with the Council of Ministers met with the board of national carrier Winair. The board gave an update concerning how the travel restrictions imposed by Governments on both sides of the island have impacted their ability to fill their flights. The recent closure of schools on both sides of the island has also had an impact on the scheduling of Winairs crew members. As recommended by Prime Minister Jacobs, Winairs management has heightened its hygiene protocol disinfecting all its aircraft before and after every flight. The board ensured the government of its availability in the event that the transportation of technical and medical assistants is requested. The transportation of patients from Saba and Sint Eustatius to St. Maarten Medical Centre will continue as scheduled. Winair will also continue to facilitate flights only for transit passengers through St. Maarten that needs to make international connecting flights. The Talleys are using their music to help Nashville tornado recovery efforts through support of a local ministry serving the community. A song from their upcoming album, The Music Goes On, titled "Looks Like Jesus To Me" was written about The Bridge ministry, which exists to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children, the homeless, and the working poor by providing life-sustaining resources and a message of hope. Now, The Talleys announce that a portion of each download or stream of the song will go to support The Bridge and its efforts directly. "'Looks Like Jesus To Me' makes me feel thankful, thoughtful, and a bit sad. It was written by Aaron Wilburn and inspired by the work of the Bridge Ministry, which meets the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless in Nashville. The song makes me feel thankful for what I have, sad for the plight of those who struggle to survive, and thoughtful of how we, the body of Christ, can work to make their lives better," says Lauren Talley. "One way we want to do that is to directly support The Bridge through sales of the song. A portion of each download or stream's revenue will be donated to The Bridge, which is helping rebuild Nashville after the recent weather-related tragedies in the region. We are truly blessed. Let's pass our blessings along - that's what looks like Jesus to the world around us." Songwriter Aaron Wilburn - who was performing with The Talleys in Monroe, Louisiana when Roger approached him about recording "Looks Like Jesus To Me" for their upcoming album - will also be donating half of his royalties from the song to help the ministry. "On the morning of the tornados, I woke up from a dream that I had donated half of the writer royalties to The Bridge Ministry. I knew immediately what I must do and I made the call to put it in motion," says Wilburn. "Even though the new radio single from The Talleys had already been scheduled, within hours, plans changed as decisions were made to release 'Looks Like Jesus To Me' with The Talleys and their record company Crossroads Music to help raise funds for the victims from the March tornados. God is not an accidental God, not a haphazard God, and not a reckless God. He knows our tomorrows before our tomorrows arrive and when we have needs, He will meet them - sometimes from the giving hands of others - and also from our blessed hands into the lives of others. We never look more like Him than when we are serving others." "Looks Like Jesus To Me" can be downloaded on iTunes and Amazon Music now and will be available on all streaming platforms when The Talleys' album, The Music Goes On, is released April 24. Those who're interested in making a direct donation to The Bridge can do so HERE. About The Talleys The Talleys began in 1984 and enjoyed many years of success, including a Dove Award and numerous Singing News Fan Awards. Following a three-year hiatus, the Talleys began performing together in 1996 with the current lineup of Roger, wife Debra and daughter Lauren, and today the Talleys remain a mainstay of Christian music. The Talleys have enjoyed eleven number one songs, and have received numerous Singing News Fan Awards and Dove Award nominations. They are frequently recognized for their appearances on the Gaither Homecoming video series and concert tour, as well as In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and John Hagee Ministries. They have appeared on RFD-TV's "The Music City Show," and have toured overseas to Norway, Northern Ireland, Italy and South Africa. The Talleys consistently take their music with a message to hundreds of concert and church audiences of all sizes across America each year. Tags : THE TALLEYS the talleys news lauren talley The Talleys "Looks Like Jesus To Me'" Nashville Tornado Relief Efforts Authorities in Mississippi have reviewed surveillance footage from a shooting on the morning of March 16, which left a Mississippi judge in a critical, but stable condition. Investigators said on Tuesday the shooting of Chancery Judge Charlie Smith was personal and directed toward him. We feel very confident that it is an isolated incident and that it was directed toward him, Interim Police Chief Lewis Robbins said. Smith was ambushed and shot in the back with a high-powered rifle on Monday outside the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Meridian as he was exiting his truck to go into the courthouse, according to a Facebook post by Chancery Court Judge Larry Primeaux. So far, police havent found a motive for the shooting, neither any trail that may lead to a possible suspect. We continue to look at suspects about this shooting, Robbins said. To ensure the public, thats the way we feel concerning this. We are doing everything that we can to bring this to a closure. The shooting happened in Meridian, about 98 miles northeast of Jackson, The Associated Press reported. Smith became a judge in January 2019 after more than 20 years as a youth court and county court prosecutor. Among subjects that Chancery judges in Mississippi handle are divorces, child custody cases, adoptions, and guardianships. Primeaux said in an online statement that Smith is currently hospitalized at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and has several surgeries ahead and that his injuries are serious. Its unfortunate and tragic what Judge Smith and his family are going through, Primeaux said. Chancellor Smith is one of the kindest, most humble, most gentlemanly people I have ever met, he wrote in the statement. I cant imagine him provoking a violent reaction from anyone. Authorities are urging anyone with information about this case to report it to Crimestoppers at 855-485-8477. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The coronavirus outbreak may lead to an increase in the number of dogs being euthanized by shelters in New York, animal welfare advocates have warned. With much of the city observing social distancing and staff being forced to stay home, fewer dogs will be successfully adopted in the coming months, which will mean more will have to be put down, according to Voices for Shelter Animals. A number of adoption events have reportedly already been postponed since the coronavirus outbreak began. It called on animal shelters in the city to suspend all non-medical and non-dangerous animal euthanasia in response to the potential decline in volunteer and staff attendance. The group also called for a suspension of all landlord actions that compel tenants to surrender animals a common reason people give up pets to shelters. Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Show all 20 1 /20 Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A poodle sits in the prepartation area ahead of going on show at Crufts 2020 on 5 March Getty Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Dogs and their owners arrive at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March PA Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show An owner and her poodle arrive at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Reuters Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A standard poodle arriving for the first day of Crufts 20220 in Birmingham on 5 March Jason Skarratt/Flick.digital Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A dressed-up border terrier stands on a penny board as it arrives at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Reuters Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Peggy the poodle arrives at the show on the first day of Crufts 2020 Jason Skarratt/Flick.digital Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Parkour Display at Crufts 2020 Jason Skarratt/Flick.digital Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A dog arrives with its owner at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Adam Hughes/SWNS Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show An afghan hound and a dachshund arrive on the first day of Crufts 2020 Jason Skarratt/Flick.digital Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Owners arrive with their dogs at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March PA Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A pair of jackapoos in their prams on the first day of Crufts 2020 Jason Skarratt/Flick.digital Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A yorkshire terrier on the first day of Crufts 2020 Jason Skarratt/Flick.digital Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A girl arrives with her dalmatian at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Adam Hughes/SWNS Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Owners arrive with their dogs in prams at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March PA Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show A dressed-up whippet arrives at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March PA Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Dogs are prepared to go on show at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Getty Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Dogs are prepared to go on show at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Adam Hughes/SWNS Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Dogs are prepared to go on show at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Adam Hughes/SWNS Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Dogs are prepared to go on show at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March Adam Hughes/SWNS Crufts 2020: Best dog pictures from this year's show Dogs are prepared to go on show at Crufts 2020 in Birmingham on 5 March AFP/Getty Katy Hansen, spokesperson for the Animal Care Centres of New York, which manages shelters in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island, told The Independent: We are trying everything we can to ensure there is no increase in euthanasia. But, we cant do it without the help of the community. "Even with appropriate social distancing, 2,000 New Yorkers have signed up to be a foster for a pet while they work from home [since the outbreak began]. We suspended all non-medical and dangerous animal euthanasia last week and to date have not euthanized any pets for reasons other than extreme medical reasons," she said. Voices for Shelter Animals advocates for a no-kill policy for New York shelters, meaning no animals should be put down while in their care. Despite decades of campaigning by animal welfare groups, many rescue shelters still euthanize animals for reasons of capacity, or if the animal is sick or dangerous. Some shelters do have no-kill policies, but that too can cause suffering to animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), perhaps the most well-known animal rights group in the world, has actively campaigned against no-kill shelters. Animals at no-kill shelters who have been deemed unadoptable may be warehoused in cages for years. They become withdrawn, severely depressed, or aggressive, and this further decreases their chances for adoption, it says on its website. Cageless facilities avoid the cruelty of constant confinement but unintentionally encourage fighting and the spread of disease among animals. These animals will still face untimely deathsjust not at these facilities. The rate of pet euthanasia has fallen by more than 75 percent over the last 10 years, according to a recent analysis by the New York Times. Much of that change is attributed to an increase in spaying and neutering. Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19), certain selfish and short-sighted American politicians and members of the media have made the COVID-19 situation worse through their discriminatory remarks and double standards. These cases are not difficult to find. Wilbur Ross, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, said COVID-19 could force companies to relocate manufacturing to the United States; U.S. politician Kevin McCarthy referred to COVID-19 as the Chinese coronavirus. These people who have politicised the virus show no respect for science and international consensus, and are setting the wrong example. These unfriendly remarks have created panic, spread rumors and prejudice and undermined global efforts to fight COVID-19. Time and facts will prove that the political virus based on ideological prejudices and double standards is more horrifying and harmful than the coronavirus. Politicizing the virus is nothing but a fig leaf used by U.S. politicians to cover their incompetence in preventing and controlling COVID-19. Just because the coronavirus first appeared in China doesnt necessarily mean it originated there. Currently, infectious disease experts around the world are looking for the origin of the coronavirus, and have not yet come to any conclusion on the matter. Against such a backdrop, it is totally unreasonable to call the coronavirus a Chinese virus. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that it was wrong to refer to the novel coronavirus as a "Chinese coronavirus." The World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have made it clear that the name of a virus does not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people. By breaking international rules, certain American politicians have actually been spreading a Cold War mentality represented by beggar-thy-neighbor unilateralism, which will only lead to a lose-lose situation. The virus poses a common threat to mankind. Certain politicians will only bring shame to themselves by laying the blame on the place where the virus first appeared. The H1N1 flu that broke out in the United States in 2009 spread to 214 countries and regions, killing 18,449 people that year. No one asked the U.S. to apologize. In dealing with other viruses, such as MERS, Ebola, and Zika, the international community went all out to fight them, instead of blaming the country where the virus broke out. This is a scientific attitude. Adopting an indifferent attitude, profiting from other countries troubles and remaining narrow-minded will harm others without benefiting oneself. Promoting solidarity and cooperation is the only way out. This is common sense, and is recognized by anyone with a conscience and morality, apparently with the exception of certain American politicians. China was the earliest victim of COVID-19, and the largest contributor to efforts to curb it. It is the hard work from all walks of life in Chinese society that has earned precious time for countries around the world to prevent and control the epidemic. At the same time, China has strengthened cooperation with the international community, helping Italy, Iran and other affected countries fight the virus. China has demonstrated the role of an open, transparent and responsible major country with practical actions and demonstrated the rich significance of the meaning of a shared destiny of humanity. Accusations and slander will neither erase China's contribution, nor "make America great again." No politician can blame others for their inability to cope with the epidemic. It is even more shameful and sad to divert the publics attention by making racist remarks. The mayhem on the Street after the coronavirus outbreak has spooked investors and all sectors are under a strong wave of a sell-off. Data from Ace Equity shows that as many as 79 stocks from the BSE 500 index have lost over Rs 10,000 crore each in their market-capitalisation (m-cap) since February 1. There are 5 large-cap stocks - Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank, HDFC and Infosys - that have lost more than Rs 1 lakh crore, while 13 stocks have lost more than Rs 50,000 crore in m-cap since Feb 1. Sensex has lost more than 30 percent so far this year, that's nearly 13,000 points, and is down about 33 percent from its record high of 42,273 registered on January 20. The average market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies has come down by more than Rs 40 lakh cr in the same period. Tracking the sell-off in markets, nearly 30 companies have turned into midcaps from largecaps in the same period as fears of economic slowdown gripped equity markets across the globe. The relentless sell-off in equities has damaged the sentiment of investors as the fears have become stronger about the economic fallout of coronavirus. Morgan Stanley in a note on March 17, warned investors that the seismic waves of COVID-19 are likely to trigger a global recession. S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday lowered India's economic growth forecast to 5.2 percent for 2020, saying the global economy is entering a recession amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, Moody's Investors Service had lowered India's economic growth forecast for 2020 to 5.3 percent (from 5.4 percent), on coronavirus impact on the economy. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Police in Wuhan acted 'inappropriately' by punishing a doctor who blew the whistle on the coronavirus outbreak, a Chinese government investigation found today. Li Wenliang, 34, was one of a group of doctors in China's virus epicentre who shared posts on social media warning of a Sars-like virus spreading in the city in December. But he was reprimanded by police for sharing the information and made to sign a statement agreeing not to commit any more 'law-breaking actions.' Chinese students and their supporters hold a memorial for Dr Li Wenliang outside the UCLA campus in Westwood, California, on February 15, 2020 Li's death from the virus last month prompted an outpouring of grief as well as anger at the government's handling of the crisis, and bold demands for freedom of speech. The police issued an apology after the result of the probe was published, drawing further criticism on Twitter-like Weibo, with people saying it was too little, too late. Li Wenliang wears a respirator mask in Wuhan on February 3 after the coronavirus outbreak A central government investigation initiated after Li's death found that Wuhan police 'acted inappropriately by issuing a disciplinary letter' and took 'irregular law enforcement procedures,' state broadcaster CCTV reported today. CCTV said investigators also found Li's colleagues had repeatedly attempted to resuscitate him before he was declared dead because he was 'very young'. State media said Li's colleagues told investigators, 'as long as there was a bit of hope we were unwilling to give up, at the time there were no other factors.' The central government investigators 'suggest' that Wuhan authorities 'supervise and rectify the matter,' and urged local police to revoke the disciplinary statement issued to Li, according to CCTV. Wuhan police later said that the disciplinary statement had been 'wrong' and they were revoking it, and that they 'apologise to his family for the mistake'. People wearing masks at a vigil for Chinese doctor Li Wenliang in Hong Kong on February 7 The deputy director of the Zhongnan Road police station was given a 'demerit' on his record and the officer on duty was handed an 'administrative warning', it added. It is rare for Chinese authorities to admit such wrongdoing, but Beijing has sought to direct criticism over the mishandling of the virus outbreak onto provincial officials, with several of the region's top Communist Party and health officials sacked. Tens of thousands commented on the police's Weibo post, with some saying it was not good enough. 'Go and apologise in front of the person's grave,' said one user. Another wrote: 'This apology has come too late, Wenliang can't hear it.' A tram passes poster of Chinese doctor Li Wenlian in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 17 Li's death had initially been reported by state media before their reports were quickly deleted. Wuhan Central Hospital only confirmed Li's death hours later, after saying he was undergoing emergency treatment. Social media users who immediately took to Weibo in droves to mourn Li -- before posts related to his death were scrubbed by censors -- had accused hospital authorities of inappropriately attempting to resuscitate Li after he had already died. China reported zero domestic COVID-19 infections for the first time on Thursday, even as nations across the world have shut down in a desperate effort to contain the pandemic. China's central government has sought to distance itself from the origins of the disease, initially by sacking local officials blamed for allowing the virus to spread, and recently by supporting the conspiracy theory that COVID-19 originated in the US. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizki Fachriansyah and Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 09:02 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bbc52c 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus-in-Indonesia,outbreak-in-Indonesia,lockdown,explainer,#PostScript Free It seems that at the height of any crisis, a buzzword tends to pop up and dominate public discourse due to the sheer frequency of its usage by state officials and ordinary people alike. During the current public health crisis caused by outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which the World Health Organization has officially declared a pandemic, that buzzword seems to be lockdown a term that carries apocalyptic connotations and imagery, thanks in no small part to popular culture. But what exactly does an actual lockdown entail? How does it differ from community quarantine? Most importantly, does Indonesia with its ever-increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, 227 at the time of writing actually need to impose a lockdown? To answer the above questions, one must first understand the basic definitions of the terms. This photo taken on February 16, 2020 shows medical staff members working at the isolation ward of the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province. (AFP/STR) Lockdown? What lockdown? According to Bayu Krisnamurthi, who headed the National Committee for Avian Flu Control and Pandemic Preparedness in Indonesia, the terms lockdown and community quarantine are synonymous in that both are used interchangeably to refer to a type of quarantine in which all citizens in a certain region are prohibited from going in and out of the territory without official permission from authorities. In terms of scale, quarantine procedures vary from self-isolation which entails confining confirmed or potential patients to observation in their homes to lockdown, also known as community quarantine. In practice, however, quarantine protocols are more nuanced than they may seem on paper. For example, some countries have imposed total lockdowns, while others have merely decided to implement partial lockdowns that is, controlling the movement of their population by imposing a general community quarantine or, in a slightly bleaker situation, an enhanced community quarantine. Read also: Social distancing and super-spreaders: Coronavirus lingo goes viral The first country to impose a total lockdown during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak was China. The country implemented the emergency protocol in the outbreaks epicenter of Wuhan, Hubei province. The citys population of 11 million was kept from leaving Wuhan to contain the spread of the disease. However, as the number of confirmed cases and fatalities quickly grew in other regions across the province, the Chinese government scrambled to put 15 other cities including Huanggang and Ezhou on lockdown, affecting nearly 60 million people. Chinese-style lockdown Throughout the lockdown, the Chinese government issued an order to shut down all non-essential companies and schools, and it banned certain modes of transportation. Chinas efforts have paid off in recent weeks as the country reported fewer than 200 new cases of infection per day, a drastic fall from the about 3,000 new cases recorded daily last month, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Despite its apparent efficacy, the lockdown has taken a toll on the countrys social cohesion, with public protests and disturbances becoming increasingly common across affected cities as residents complain about the surge in prices for staple foods, among other things. As of the time of writing, China has recorded a total of 80,881 cases and 3,226 fatalities. In Europe, a number of countries including Italy the hardest-hit country in Europe and the second hardest-hit nation globally after China have followed suit and have imposed what has been dubbed a Chinese-style lockdown in several major cities since the WHO declared the region a new epicenter of COVID-19 on Friday. The entire country of Italy has been put under total lockdown, with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte extending restrictions already in place in red zones in the northern provinces to the rest of the nation, CNN reported. Italys healthcare system is overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients that have to be given immediate treatment. The country has 35,172 confirmed cases and 2,937 fatalities at the time of writing. Similarly, France has taken a hard-edged approach to the pandemic by imposing a total lockdown throughout the country, akin to the ones implemented in China and Italy. French President Emmanuel Macron said during a press conference that strict confinement was the only effective weapon against the virus. It has infected more than 6,600 and killed 148 in France, as reported by AFP. The French lockdown entailed the deployment 100,000 police officers to patrol the streets, as well as a $150 fine for any violation of the emergency protocol. Commuters take the Woodlands Causeway to Singapore from Johor a day before Malaysia imposes a lockdown on travel due to the coronavirus outbreak in Singapore March 17, 2020. (REUTERS/Edgar Su) Partial lockdown In contrast, South Asian countries have implemented comparatively lenient restrictions, probably due to the fact that the number of confirmed cases and deaths in the region is nowhere close to the number recorded in other, more affected regions. Instead of a fully-fledged lockdown, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhiyiddin Yasin announced earlier this week a movement control order also known as a partial lockdown that restricts mass gatherings from March 18 to 31. In addition, the order bans all overseas travel to and from Malaysia and closes all schools, government offices and private businesses except those involved in providing essential services. However, despite the seemingly stringent rules, the Malaysian government is still allowing its citizens to leave their houses to purchase groceries and other essentials. Certain outdoor activities such as jogging and exercise are still allowed, provided that Malaysians avoid close contact with each other. Malaysia has confirmed more than 500 COVID-19 cases at the time of writing. Read also: How a 16,000-strong religious gathering led Malaysia to lockdown In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has put the Manila metropolitan area under general community quarantine and the entire island of Luzon under enhanced community quarantine from Mar. 17 to Apr. 13. Whereas the general community quarantine is essentially identical to Malaysias movement control order, the enhanced version is closer to a total lockdown but still not as stringent. During an enhanced community quarantine, the government strictly regulates food provisions and healthcare. It also increases the presence of uniformed personnel on the streets to enforce quarantine procedures, according Philippine Interagency Task Force spokesperson Karlo Nograles. Private establishments providing basic necessities such as convenience stores, markets, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and delivery services among others are allowed to remain in operation during the enhanced community quarantine. What about Indonesia? A partial lockdown is an option The above cases present Indonesia with an abundance of options, each with its own strengths and limitations, as the government considers how to best stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Indonesia has yet to issue any stringent regulation beyond its campaign to promote social distancing. The government is reluctant to conduct mass testing to isolate confirmed cases, one of the only alternatives to implementing a lockdown in the face of the worst pandemic in recent history. The government is expected to act fast, with scientists calling for a community quarantine ahead of Idul Fitri, when the countrys predominantly Muslim population travels to hometowns and villages across the archipelago, thereby increasing the risk of a nationwide outbreak. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has called on the public to work, study and worship from home to prevent a nationwide outbreak, but he stressed that the government was not leaning toward issuing a lockdown policy at the time. "I have to emphasize that issuing a lockdown policy, either at the national or regional level, is under the authority of central government. Such a policy cannot be issued by regional administrations," Jokowi told a press conference on Monday. However, if push comes to shove, as it likely will in the coming weeks with the approaching Idul Fitri holiday, scientists seem to have agreed that imposing a partial lockdown is Indonesias best bet. Members of the Indonesian Young Scientist Forum (IYSF) have called on the government to impose a lockdown on areas considered outbreak hotspots. Measures to limit crowds and the movement of individuals in vulnerable areas should be maximized if the number of [confirmed] cases per day doubles, the forum said in a letter addressed to Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko. IYSF member Berry Juliandi from Bogor Agricultural University said a partial lockdown was the most fitting option since it would still give the public a degree of freedom. It would be better if [the government imposed] a partial lockdown. It limits individual movement but still allows access to essentials, Berry said. Indonesian passengers wearing face masks ride a Trans Jakarta bus on March 18, 2020. (AFP/Adek Berry) Island lockdown? Airlangga University scholar Nidom, who also helms the Coronavirus Research and Vaccine Formulation Team, said that if the government decided to impose a lockdown due to future escalation, it should implement an island-based lockdown, instead of the usual city-based lockdown, considering the countrys vast archipelagic expanse. A lockdown is feasible but only if its not imposed in individual cities [...]. It would be better if [the government] imposed an island-based lockdown instead. Indonesia is an archipelagic state, the sea could serve as the best isolator, he said. In Java, for example, such a measure could be carried out successfully assuming that all regional heads on the island joined forces and issued joint policies for the islands entire population, instead of contradicting each other if left to their own devices, he said. Furthermore, such a massive undertaking would require greater involvement from members of the public as well as a concerted effort on the neighborhood level, such as turning houses of worship into shelters for COVID-19 patients, Nidom said. However, in such a scenario, schools and offices would remain operational as usual, he added. Bayu said that although the lockdown remained a viable option, the mitigation of the pandemic could ultimately be accomplished through a strict social-distancing protocol. Social distancing serves as an alternative to quarantine, Bayu said. The spread of the coronavirus can mainly be prevented by not touching infected objects and other people, as well as not touching our own faces. Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the number of COVID-19 cases in Italy. Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday took oath as a nominated member of Rajya Sabha amidst unprecedented scenes of opposition members shouting slogans and walking out of the House. This is the first time ever that the House has witnessed slogan shouting and walkout during oath taking. Gogoi, 65, who retired as the Chief Justice of India in November last year after a tenure of 13 months, took oath in English in the name of God. As his name was called for oath taking, Congress and Left members started shouting slogans like 'Shame on You' and 'Deal'. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu ordered that the slogan shouting will not go on record. As Gogoi took oath, Congress, Left and their allies shouted slogans and staged a walk out from the House. Naidu said it was not fair to shout slogans. "It is very unbecoming of members of Parliament." "No, this is not the way. Nothing will go on record. (It is) very unfair, very unfair," Naidu said as Gogoi completed his oath. After taking oath, Gogoi walked up to the chair to greet Naidu, who responded to his greetings with folded hands. Naidu said members have the liberty to express their views outside the House on the issue. "You know the Constitutional provision, you know the precedent, you know the power of the President (to nominate a member to Rajya Sabha)," he said. "You should not do anything in the House. Whatever views you have you are at liberty to express outside," he said. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was among the first to greet Gogoi when he entered the House minutes before the proceedings began, said what opposition members did was "grossly unfair". "This House has a great tradition of having many eminent persons coming from diverse fields including former justices nominated by those who have shouted today," Prasad said. "Hon'ble member Gogoi, who has taken oath today, will surely contribute his best as a nominated member. And it was grossly unfair to do like this," he said. Naidu said, "We must respect a member." Gogoi was nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Ram Nath Kovind. He was nominated in the vacancy created after the retirement of KTS Tulsi. Earlier, Gogoi entered the House from the Chariman's chamber and greeted members present with folded hands. Prasad greeted him with a loud "welcome Gogoi dada". Shortly thereafter he was escorted to his designated seat in the second last row where he sat quietly alongside Sonal Mansingh, another nominated member of the House. During Gogoi's 13-month tenure, the Supreme Court delivered landmark judgements in the Ayodhya case, on the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the entry of women in Kerala's Sabarimala temple and the Rafale jet deal along with Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Congress has argued that Gogoi's nomination to Rajya Sabha "within four months" of his retirement will shake the confidence and faith people have in the independence of the judiciary. The party has also tried to distinguish between Gogoi's nomination and that of some of his predecessors' entry into the Rajya Sabha "six to seven years" after their retirement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Plus Renewable Technologies, Limited ("Plus") and Avondale Solar, LLC ("Avondale") (the "Sellers") have entered into an agreement to sell their interests in a 350 MWac solar PV project in Fort Bend County, Texas ("Fighting Jays Solar") that they are developing via their affiliate AP Solar Holdings, LLC ("AP Solar") to an affiliate of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S ("CIP"). Fighting Jays Solar is expected to break ground in second half of 2020 and be operational by the summer of 2022. Due to its close proximity to the Houston metro area, the Fighting Jays Solar project is expected to experience minimal curtailment and basis risk to the premium Houston Zone of ERCOT. Speaking on behalf of the Sellers, Trevor Nash, the CEO of AP Solar Holdings, LLC said, "We are very pleased to be working with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on the development of Fighting Jays Solar, and, based on the market dynamics and data that we are seeing, Fighting Jays Solar will be well positioned to provide low cost, clean and reliable power to the Houston Zone." "We are excited to be involved in Fighting Jays Solar, which is strategically located in the fastest growing load pocket in ERCOT. This transaction signifies another major investment by CIP in the Texas renewable energy market and CIP looks forward to working with our local partners to produce clean energy for the Houston Zone," commented Christian Skakkebaek, Senior Partner at CIP. About the Companies Plus Renewable Technologies, Limited is led by an experienced management team with domain expertise in infrastructure, renewable energy, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, investment and asset management. The Company owns operating renewable assets in China and the U.S. and continues to evaluate and develop new projects in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy and other Asian markets, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. Plus Renewables also owns Radian Generation, its wholly owned subsidiary based in California. Radian Generation, using its own proprietary technology, LENS, is one of the world's largest renewable energy asset managers with over 12 GW of third party solar and wind generation assets under management. Avondale Solar, LLC was founded by affiliates of Snapper Creek Energy Advisors, LLC, and is a privately-held investment holding company created for the purposes of investing in utility-scale solar PV throughout the de-regulated electricity markets in the United States. AP Solar Holdings, LLC is a joint development company created by Avondale and Plus to provide a full suite of development services and capabilities for Avondale and Plus' utility-scale solar power project development portfolio in the ERCOT power market. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S is a fund management company with five energy infrastructure funds and nearly EUR 8 billion under management. CIP is a multinational team with extensive experience and knowledge within renewable technologies. CIP has investments in utility scale renewable assets across North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific. The team has a broad range of competencies within corporate finance, merger & acquisitions, engineering, construction, project development and project management. CIP was established in 2012 by senior executives with a proven track record from senior positions in the energy industry. Current investments include a wide range of energy infrastructure assets including offshore wind, onshore wind, offshore power transmission, biomass and energy-from-waste, and solar PV investments. SOURCE AP Solar Holdings, LLC Related Links https://apsolarholdings.com (TNS) The coronavirus pandemic is forcing communities to venture into uncharted territory when it comes to city operations.In Brooklyn, Ohio, this included Mayor Katie Gallagher last week closing the John M. Coyne Recreation Center and Brooklyn Community Center, as well as the Senior Community Center.Im taking things day by day, but also kind of planning ahead for what if, Gallagher said. Theres new information from the state of Ohio telling us how were going to treat employment and making sure people get paychecks.With a complete shutdown, were figuring out who needs to be here, how are we going to do essential city functions and have people work from home. Technology-wise, we have to make sure that we have things in place.The mayor noted the main concern for the citys operation relates to council passing legislation. Specifically, Brooklyn has a bond on a deadline that needs to be approved next week.We need city council to have the (March 23) meeting, but we dont necessarily need them to meet in person, Gallagher said. Were going to continue to build that policy up where internally we can do it remotely on a YouTube channel with conferencing, as well as allow public access through live streaming.We normally have all of our meetings on the Brooklyn YouTube channel , which is right on the citys website, but this will be live streaming.Brooklyn plans a test run today (March 19) with city council members at home and logging in remotely.Residents are encouraged to email questions about the March 23 agenda to Brooklyn Clerk of Council Mary-Jo Banish.As far as city council convening without the public present, Gallagher said Brooklyns charter doesnt speak directly to following state code regarding open meetings.Also, earlier this week city council passed an ordinance allowing such meetings during the pandemic. It included sunset clause language.Brooklyn Law Director Kevin M. Butler said the sunset date is April 30 unless extended by council. While it could be lifted earlier if the crisis subsides, that's not expected.We live streamed the last meeting on Monday, which was an emergency meeting, Gallagher said. We had about 50 people watching, but this time there are members of city council who arent comfortable meeting in person -- even if its just the seven of them. Were OK with that.Its a learning experience for all of us. Were here to do the best we can with the resources we have. Also, I want residents to know were going to come out of this. Its just right now they need to stay safe and keep their family safe. A huge asteroid is set to safely pass earth earth on April 29, 2020 and though the asteroid will not hit the earth excitement is building among both professional and amateur astronomers to catch a glimpse of this asteroid. According to experts, the asteroid is at least a mile wide (1.8 km) and maybe 2 1/2 times that big (4.1 km). The Virtual Telescope Project in Rome will host a free, online public viewing of the asteroid on April 28, 2020 but it is feared that the coronavirus outbreak in Italy and other parts of the world may cast a shadow on this plan. Asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 will pass at some 4 million miles (6 million km), or about 16 times the Earth-moon distance but it is still classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid. Wikipedia has listed 22 Potentially Hazardous Asteroids but none of them is known to be on a collision course with Earth. The orbit of asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 is well known for at least the next 200 years and astronomers claim that the closest approach of this asteroid to Earth in this century and the next will happen in 2079. Researchers at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico will study asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 from April 8 to 24, 2020. The asteroid is travelling through space at 19,461 miles per hour (31,320 km/h). It is expected that Arecibo would be able to capture high resolution radar images which will help in providing scientists a better estimate of the space rocks size and shape. Notably, there will be closer approaches of some more asteroids in the future, including Apophis, which is expected tp come very close to Earth in 2029. Asteroid (415029) 2011 UL21 will pass the earth slightly farther than (52768) 1998 OR2 in June 2024. Asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 was first spotted on July 24, 1998, from Haleakala Observatory, Hawaii. With 18 more people testing positive on Thursday, the number of coronavirus (Covid-19) patients in the country has reached 173. One more death was reported from Punjab, taking the toll to four. One Indian pilgrim, who was part of the group stranded in Iran, died of the disease, the government confirmed on Thursday. So far, 255 Indian citizens in Iran have tested positive. As a strategy to effectively contain the spread of the virus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country and asked people to observe a Janta Curfew and stay at home on Sunday (March 22) from 7am to 9pm. Additionally on the day, a group of ministers chaired by the union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan decided to bar all international flights from landing in India for a week, starting March 22. The government is also roping in private laboratories to scale-up testing for coronavirus. In Delhi, four more people tested positive for Covid-19, even as six others suspected to have the infection skipped quarantine at Lok Nayak Hospital, located near Delhi Gate. The six, including three women, had returned from abroad and were later asked to give their samples and get admitted to the hospital, till the tests results came back. Their reports are awaited. The case of the missing people was made at 1.30am on Thursday. A senior police official said all six were residents of south Delhi neighborhoods, and had returned to India earlier this week. They, along with many others, had all displayed symptoms of coronavirus and were taken from the Indira Gandhi International Airport to Dr RML Hospital to be kept under observation, he said. On Wednesday, they were moved from Dr RML Hospital to Lok Nayak Hospital, but they escaped at night, the official said. Another police officer said the escapees had quarrelled with hospital authorities over the facilities, before hurriedly leaving the hospital. The senior police officer said the contact details of all six were available with authorities, and that they have been contacted. They told us they were unhappy with the facilities at the hospital, because of which they escaped, said the officer. He said the six persons are not related to each other and are currently at their homes. Any decision to catch and bring them back will be taken only if we receive such a request from health officials, the police officer said. According to the governments health department, the hospital has already informed the appropriate authorities, and under the Epidemic Act, a first information report can be filed and they can be brought back from their homes. Of the four who tested positive in Delhi on Thursday, two were from the Indo-Tibetan Border Polices quarantine facility at Chhawla, after their evacuation from Italy. They are currently admitted at Safdarjung Hospital. They are residents of West Bengal. The other two who tested positive were a 22-year-old man from north-west Delhis Ashok Vihar who had returned from the United Kingdom, and one who is a 32-year-old man from Gautampuri in south Delhi, who had returned from Mexico. Both are admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Superspeciliaty hospital in Tahirpur. Two more centres on Thursday started testing for Covid-19 in Delhi the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences and Lady Hardinge Medical College. So far, all tests in Delhi were done by the laboratories at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and National Centre for Disease Control. Engel & Volkers Jacksonville Beach was nominated for the Engel & Volkers 2020 cup, but did end up ranking as the Top 10 Shop by Sides The amount of award winners we saw is indicative of the strong real estate market we have in Florida right now. Engel & Volkers Florida today announced their award winners that were honored at Engel & Volkers Americas annual multi-national conference, Exchange on March 2-4, 2020 at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California. Nearly 1,000 members of the Engel & Volkers Americas network, comprised of License Partners, shop management and advisors were joined by their colleagues from regions all around the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Americas network gathered at the event to unveil new systems and tools, discuss business strategies, reflect on the previous year and present awards honoring the companys top performers in various production categories, as well as those who received Elite Status for production in 2019. Amongst those from the Engel & Volkers Americas network, 133 advisors from various regions throughout Florida received the Elite Status of Presidents Circle, Chairmans Circle, Ruby, Onyx, or Diamond. Along with this prestigious status, two shops and seven advisors from the Florida network were honored for various production categories. The winners were: Top Shops GCI: Engel & Volkers Wellington - #6 Top 10 Shops Sides: Jacksonville Beach - #9 Top 25 Advisors - GCI: Carol Sollak, Engel & Volkers Wellington - #2 Top 25 Advisors - GCI: Beau Blankenship, Engel & Volkers 30A - #12 Top 25 Advisors - GCI: Travis Laas, Engel & Volkers Wellington - #14 Top 25 Advisors - GCI: Lourdes Alatriste, Engel & Volkers Miami Coral Gables - # 18 Top 25 Advisors - GCI: Michael Ledwitz, Engel & Volkers Boca Raton - #19 Top 25 Advisors Sides: Michael Ledwitz, Engel & Volkers Boca Raton - #10 Top 25 Advisors Sides: Ryan Chiodo, Engel & Volkers Olde Naples - #19 Top 25 Advisors Sides: Joanie Heighes, Engel & Volkers Jacksonville Beach - #22 We are so proud of the award winners that were honored at this years Exchange, said Timo Khammash, Managing Partner of Engel & Volkers Florida. The amount of award winners we saw is indicative of the strong real estate market we have in Florida right now. As we continue to expand throughout the state, we are looking to open new shops and recruit more advisors who conduct business on this level. It was announced that the event, formerly known as Exchange, has been renamed EVX and will be held at The Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 6-8, 2021. ### Press contact: Linzee Werkmeister, Director, Public Relations & Franchise Support Email: Linzee.Werkmeister(at)evrealestate.com Tel: (239) 348-9000 About Engel & Volkers: Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a bespoke, white-glove concierge client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for todays savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 175 shop locations with more than 3,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brands global network of over 12,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit evrealestate.com. About Engel & Volkers Florida: Engel & Volkers Florida is the Master License Partner of the global luxury real estate brand Engel & Volkers in the state of Florida. Recognized for uniquely recruiting, training and equipping some of the top professionals in the real estate industry, Engel & Volkers Floridas exclusive franchise model positions its license partners at the top of the premium market to gain market share and support their bottom line. The company represents franchise locations in: 30A Beaches, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Downtown, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jupiter, Orlando Downtown, Leesburg, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne Downtown, Melbourne Central, Miami-Coral Gables, Olde Naples, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, South Tampa, St. Pete, Stuart, Wellington, and Windermere. Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strategically strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or how to join its global network, which is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000. For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit florida.evrealestate.com The Department of Education is working on the basis that the Leaving Cert will go ahead but it has announced that full marks will be given to all students in the oral examinations due to the coronavirus outbreak. Language students will receive marks of 100% in lieu of orals in Irish and modern European languages, according to the Minister for Education Joe McHugh. The orals were due to begin on 23 March but have now been cancelled. The exam is worth 40% of overall marks in Irish, and 25% in modern European languages. The deadline for submission of practical and coursework for the Leaving Cert has been extended to 15 May. No decision has yet been made in relation to when schools might reopen, or on June's leaving certificate exams. Mr McHugh says they are working on the basis that the written exams as part of the leaving cert will still go ahead. He said the flexibility being adopted will ease the pressure on students who have to carry out schoolwork at home. This is a difficult time for all. Students are facing a challenging period out of school and our decision on this element of the exams is being taken with their best interests at heart. It is the fairest response we could take in the circumstances. It guarantees that no student will score less than they would have if schools had been operating as normal. We have seen a new emphasis on remote learning amid the uncertainty about the impact of Covid-19 and the closure of all schools. I hope this decision will ease some of the pressure that students are feeling and allow them to focus more clearly on completing project work and preparing for written exams, said the Minister in a statement. Oral tests in Leaving Certificate included Irish and the Modern Languages of French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese. Minister McHugh also confirmed changes to deadlines for students to complete project work and coursework in a number of subjects. Students were originally scheduled to complete these elements of the state examinations on a number of dates from Friday 20 March to Friday 24 April 2020, depending on the subject. Students will now be given until Friday 15 May 2020 to complete this work. Minister McHugh said: We know we are asking a lot of people in order to stem the spread of Covid-19. In response to that I want students and their parents or guardians and teachers to be given flexibility as they work towards the exams. All of Government is hugely grateful for the effort, commitment and energy that students and teachers are putting in to continue education in difficult circumstances. I urge you all to keep up the momentum and focus on preparing for the exams. Minister McHugh also said the Department will continue to work with the State Examinations Commission to monitor the Covid-19 situation in terms of its potential impact on the other later scheduled components of the state examinations. We will continue to respond at the right time and in the right way, with the impact on our students at the forefront of our minds, Minister McHugh said. More below tweet. A message to Leaving and Junior Certificate students from Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD: 'Coinnigh dearfach and stay focused'.https://t.co/EWiKZplElZ pic.twitter.com/eaGkRt0Gax education.ie (@Education_Ire) March 19, 2020 The Minister also advised of steps taken by the Department to minimise the impact on teaching and learning of the current school closures. All schools have been asked to continue to plan lessons and, where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so. Schools have also been asked to be conscious of students that may not have access to online facilities and to consider this actively in their responses. School buildings are available to staff if they wish to access the facilities in order to provide online delivery, or essential services once this is in line with Health Service Executive (HSE) advice. The Department of Education and Skills says it will continue to provide supports to the education sector at this time, particularly schools with students taking State examinations. The Department of Education and Skills says it has been liaising closely on a continual basis with the Department of Health in relation to Coronavirus/Covid-19 since early January. This will continue. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are helping to identify those most at risk in Ohio of overdosing on opiates. A new study published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports examined Ohio Health Department records from 2010 to 2017 and found that white men between the ages of 30 and 39 were most at risk of fatal overdoses. The epidemic is disproportionately affecting white men over white women in all age categories, the study found. Opioid fatalities also affected black men ages 30 to 39 at disproportionate rates compared to the total population, the study found. Likewise, UC's analysis identified 12 clusters or hot zones across Ohio where the rate of fatal overdoses is highest. The clusters were predominantly but not exclusively in the biggest cities. These geographic areas were home to 21% of the state's at-risk population but witnessed 40% of the opiate-related mortalities in Ohio over the eight years examined. Diego Cuadros, an assistant professor of geography in UC's College of Arts and Sciences, said UC's findings could help steer health policy in Ohio to help groups most at risk avoid the pitfalls of addiction. "Treatment is important, but prevention is better. We want to reduce the use and abuse of opioids," he said. Cuadros runs UC's Health Geography and Disease Modeling Laboratory, which applies geographical information, perspectives and methods to the study of health, disease and health care. Cuadros and his students collaborated with UC's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University and Drexel University. Cuadros said researchers are investigating why some populations seem more susceptible to opiate addiction. "We're just beginning the conversation to figure out what is driving this," he said. Opiates are insidious because they attack the body's ability to produce natural endorphins that make people feel better. "Opiates desensitize natural endorphins so you don't get the same feeling of contentment as you would otherwise from daily activities like exercise or food or fun activities. Each time you'll need more and more opiates," Cuadros said. UC College of Pharmacy Dean Neil MacKinnon, a study co-author, serves as co-chairman of the UC/UC Health Opioid Task Force, which was established in 2017 to bring together researchers, educators, doctors and public advocates to address the epidemic. "This study has provided valuable new insights into the opioid crisis in Ohio," MacKinnon said. "It also demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary work as Dr. Cuadros and his colleagues from the Department of Geography made important contributions to our research team in pharmacy. I hope this is an ongoing partnership moving forward for the UC/UC Health Opioid Task Force." UC doctoral student Andres Hernandez, the study's lead author, said substance abuse disorders are complex, influenced by family history, economic welfare and mental health. "For example, an individual with relatives who suffered substance abuse disorders is 10 times more likely to suffer from substance abuse," Hernandez said. The study identified 12 mostly urban parts of Ohio that were disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Many of these clusters were in southwest Ohio. "This area has a history of high rates of drug consumption and illegal drug flow," Hernandez said. "I think understanding the characteristics of the population with higher risk will result in better strategies to mitigate the epidemic." UC's analysis suggests several phases of the epidemic, Cuadros said. Researchers believe the opiate epidemic began with a surge in legal prescription painkillers. Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from chronic pain that is so severe that it affects their daily activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But regulators and law enforcement began scrutinizing prescription opiates and passing laws limiting refills or reducing dosages. Some doctors were prosecuted. In the absence of easy access to prescription opiates, some people turned to illicit opiates, particularly heroin, which was comparatively cheap and readily available. "And now this latest phase has seen the rise of fentanyl in the opioid epidemic," Cuadros said. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. It's often added to heroin or other illicit drugs. Because of its potency, the risk of a fatal overdose is higher. "It's more potent than other prescription opioids. And it seems to be cheaper to produce and distribute. So we're getting a new element in the epidemic," Cuadros said. Cuadros said he would like to expand the analysis nationwide using data provided by the CDC. Negotiating access to these records can be tricky because federal health privacy laws cover even the deceased. "If not nationwide, we'd like to conduct the same analysis for Kentucky and West Virginia, the epicenter of the opioid epidemic. It's a regional problem. So it's important knowing what's going on," Cuadros said. ### As the United States witnessed a surge in coronavirus infections and fatalities, the White House on Wednesday warned young people that they may not be as resistant to the virus as earlier believed, and appealed to them to behave more responsibly for their own sake and the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Tracking Coronavirus Outbreak: Live Updates US public health officials, experts and media commentators have expressed frustration and annoyance with a widespread display of indifference from younger people, as captured in visuals running non-stop on some TV channels of a crowded beach in Florida, to the dangers of the outbreak and recommended precautions. Police officers have had to move in to shut down bars and restaurants that have continued to attract customers that are mostly young. The elderly, mostly those 60 and older, and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, and heart and lung ailments are said to be the most vulnerable, and at the highest risk of the new coronavirus infection, according to all advance warnings, including from Americas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are concerning reports coming out of France and Italy about some young people getting seriously ill, and very seriously ill in the ICUs, said Dr Deborah Leah Birx, coronavirus response coordinator for the White House Task appointed by President Donald Trump. Earlier assumptions about the elderly and those with underlying conditions being most at risk were based on early data coming out of China and South Korea, she addedat a news briefing at the White House flanked by President Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence and top health officials. Dr Birx did not cite new data or specific information to back up her alarm about the vulnerability of young people, and acknowledged as much. We have not seen any significant mortality in the children, but we are concerned about the early reports coming out of Italy and France, she said. The United States has shut down its schools and colleges, and bars and restaurants; prohibited large gatherings; and banned travellers from China, South Korea, Iran, Europe, Mexico, and, starting Wednesday, Canada in an aggressive bid to prevent the spread and new infusion of the virus. The administration and congress have also worked expeditiously to provide financial cushion to businesses, large and small, and individuals impacted by the outbreak amidst dire forecast of a recession worse than those in near memory, including that in the aftermath of the September 9, 2001 attacks and the 2008 economic crash. We cannot have these large gatherings that continue to occur throughout the country for people who are off work, to then be socialising in large groups and spreading the virus, said Dr Birx in the most blunt message yet to this group of most unconsciously vulnerable population. You have the potential then to spread it to someone who does have a condition that none of us knew about and cause them to have a disastrous outcome. By Arthur I. Cyr An agreement at long last has been signed between the United States and the fundamentalist Taliban movement of Afghanistan for the withdrawal of American troops. The accord includes detailed stipulations to help protect the population and discourage the return of terrorists. The horrific terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were carried out by an al Qaeda group based in Afghanistan. In response, a multinational military force authorized by the United Nations occupied the nation. This struggle to find a reasonably responsible, acceptable diplomatic route for departure reflects subtle but sustained sentiment among Americans that the involvement has surely gone on long enough. That sentiment includes the White House. Afghanistan's disputed presidential election complicates matters. In February incumbent President Ashraf Ghani was formally declared the winner, with just over 50 percent of the vote. However, challenger Abdullah Abdullah has refused to accept this and vows to establish a separate government. Context is important. Afghanistan has no established history of formal representative elections, Western-style rule of law, or reliable national government. Local tribal leaders remain influential and powerful. The 2014 election is a much more reassuring benchmark of progress in Afghanistan. Turnout of approximately 60 percent of eligible voters was high, despite Taliban intimidation and violence. The national election commission stated there was far less corruption than the earlier 2009 presidential election. Then-President Hamid Karzai could not run for reelection. World Bank veteran Ashraf Ghani was victorious among a field of eight candidates. With the election, Afghanistan completed a peaceful democratic transition in leadership. This is an historic first. Further complicating matters is the March 5 decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002, to investigate alleged war crimes by American personnel. The politically driven character of the ICC is reflected in the refusal to participate by the U.S. and other governments. Despite policy disagreements and insurgent attacks, institutional ties between Afghanistan and the U.S. are strong. In July 2012, the two nations became formal allies. As a result, Afghanistan joined fourteen other nations in the distinctive, special category of Strategic Partner of the U.S. These include Argentina, Australia, Israel and Japan. Other partners are notably stronger economically, and more stable politically, than Afghanistan. The bilateral partnership brings closer cooperation encompassing regular delivery of military equipment, supplies and weapons. This in turn becomes more important with U.S. withdrawal. The long and frustrating nature of the struggle can mask such positive changes as reasonably honest elections, and growing participation of women. Despite lack of infrastructure, technology is spreading steadily. Cellphones and the Internet, as well as traditional television, are now features of isolated communities. History is instructive. While the disastrous Soviet military invasion and then defeat in the 1980s is well known, the more complex long-term involvement of Britain is generally neglected. Through the 19th century, sizable British military expeditions experienced frustration in Afghanistan. However, London eventually was reasonably successful through economic aid, force and diplomacy. This is a good guide for U.S. policy. The Afghans should be responsible for their nation, after nearly two decades of occupation. The U.S. and allies were right to overthrow the Taliban after 9/11. Now, we should withdraw. Arthur I. Cyr (acyr@carthage.edu) is Clausen distinguished professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War." A brave Woolworths worker has vowed to carry on working despite being terrified of getting coronavirus. Arafat Izhar says his family were so sick with worry that he lied to them and told them he had quit his job packing shelves at the western Sydney store. Mr Izhar, who is originally from Bangladesh and travelled to Australia to study, doesn't want to resign because it means old people may not get their groceries. He told Daily Mail Australia that many of his colleagues are in the same boat. 'Our families are really worried about us and what is going on,' he said. 'There are a lot of students who are lying to their parents and telling them not to worry because they aren't working, yet they still are. Arafat Izhar says his family were so sick with worry that he lied to them and told them he had quit his job packing shelves at the western Sydney store 'I did the same thing because I know if I don't go to work, an elderly woman may not get her food.' He said his parents were terrified about him getting coronavirus and were very protective over him. On Thursday cases of coronavirus in Australia soared to 636, with a death toll of six. Mr Izhar said that stories of how easily the deadly respiratory infection spreads has concerned him. 'Yes definitely I am concerned about getting COVID-19 as everyday we are talking to and surrounding ourselves with hundreds of people,' he said. Mr Izhar has also spoken about the abuse that supermarket workers have faced after a panic buying frenzy swept the nation. 'We are happy to work and risk our health but people are going crazy,' he said. 'We keep telling them there is enough stock at Woolworths and the warehouses and to stop panicking. However people always have excuses.' Mr Izhar, who is originally from Bangladesh and travelled to Australia to study, doesn't want to resign because it means old people may not get their groceries Mr Izhar said that some of his colleagues had six children at home and supermarkets needed to protect them. 'We become emotional when people are mean to us. It upsets us,' he said. Supermarket staff have copped the brunt of verbal abuse as shoppers desperately attempt to get their hands on goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the ugliest scenes have been Sydney, where at least two women and a man have been charged in relation to separate brawls. On Tuesday, shocking footage emerged of a shopper in a confrontation with a Coles worker during a heated dispute over toilet paper rationing. The footage showed a female member of staff arguing with the male customer - before he said he would 'smack her face' if she had been a man. A Woolworths customer shared a picture of staff having barricaded an aisle while they stocked shelves with toilet paper at the store in Preston, Victoria. Mr Izhar said that some of his colleagues had six children at home and supermarkets needed to protect them On a normal night shift Mr Izhar said he will start at 9pm before finishing at 6am the following morning. The Department of Home Affairs announced last week that there would be a temporary lift on the 20-hour working limit placed on temporary visas. Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said: 'The changes are short term and will be reviewed regularly to ensure they are working and that they are still required. 'We will continue to listen to businesses as the coronavirus situation develops and may consider expanding these measures to assist other sectors if and when required. We will also consider providing flexibility with other temporary visas should the need arise.' He said he isn't sure how long the pandemic will go for but wants to be secure in his workplace while it continues. Mr Izhar is also on a temporary visa in Australia and believes that the government is heavily relying on his industry in a time of need. He said he believes the government should relax working conditions of their visas and be a bit more lenient on nurses and retail staff when they apply for permanent residency. Mr Izhar is also on a temporary visa in Australia and believes that the government is heavily relying on people like him during the coronavirus crisis 'We are hoping the government is at least a bit more lenient towards the current PR point system or allow more state sponsorship,' he said. 'However at this moment, a lot of international students who are working tirelessly, might get demotivated as we do not have or get any support from our government. 'I would request them to take some considerate measures for our visa and permanent residency purposes.' He said he would even consider a knock-off of points a win for those on student or graduate visas. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Woolworths for comment. Ex-Buca di Beppo slated for demo SEATTLE Not much has happened at 701 Ninth Ave. N. since the Buca di Beppo restaurant moved, about five years ago, one block east to another property owned by Vulcan Real Estate. A neighboring Ducati dealership moved to Lake City about the same time. Now Vulcan has filed to demolish those two old warehouse buildings, on the south end of the half block it owns between Valley and Aloha Streets. A Maaco auto repair shop and a small office/warehouse building, at Aloha, will remain in place for now. No new development plans have been filed for the entire half block, which Vulcan calls Block 79. Vulcan paid about $61 million to assemble the parcel. 12.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard In 2009, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted against the Obama administrations attempt to include funding for pandemic flu preparations in its economic stimulus plan. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of at least 155 Americans nationwide, that vote has come back to haunt her. It is the regular appropriations process that is the appropriate vehicle for considering funding for many of these programs that, while worthwhile, do not boost our economy, Collins said on the Senate floor in April 2009, citing her reasons for demanding the cuts. The move was at the time criticized by an unidentified Democratic aide interviewed by Roll Call who said, The fact is we had $870 million in the stimulus conference report for things like antiviral drugs, but it was dropped at the behest of people like Sen. Collins who said it was not stimulus. [Health and Human Services] HHS does appear to be well-supplied, but the fact is this was a missed opportunity to be prepared for a crisis like this. Collins later put out a statement saying she agreed with pandemic flu funding despite striking it from the stimulus plan, even as a pandemic of H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu, claimed more than 100 deaths nationwide. And now that the coronavirus has taken the United States by storm, members of the public, news reporters, and even Betsy Sweet, who is challenging Collins for her Senate seat, are reminding Collins of her prior vote all while she updates her constituents over the last week about her efforts to keep the people of Maine as safe and as healthy as possible. Why it has taken so long to call out S. Collins is something few will ever know. She is no different than any other of Trump's lap dogs.https://t.co/gin39FRnO9 Adam B. Bear (@democraticbear) March 19, 2020 I had forgotten my own reporting that @SenatorCollins stripped $870M for pandemic preparations out of the 2009 stimulus. pic.twitter.com/VTriR6ZsCS Michael Grunwald (@MikeGrunwald) March 12, 2020 So why did you kill efforts to fund pandemic preparations in 2009? You literally did that all by yourself. Was it to stick it to the black man? Yes, @SenatorCollins I am writing a stern tweet, just like you do to address issues. Doesnt seem to be working. pic.twitter.com/KWb2ryv8Uw Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) March 13, 2020 In 2009, @SenatorCollins didn't think it was a good idea to invest in pandemic flu preparedness, saying it was not good for the economy. Now, #Covid19 could throw us into another recession. We deserve better from our leaders. https://t.co/qFP0w0eoSI Betsy Sweet (@BetsySweetME) March 13, 2020 Yesterday, Collins announced that shed joined an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of Senators in voting to approve a multi-billion dollar emergency aid package in response to the growing crisis. Today, I joined an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of Senators in voting to approve a multi-billion dollar emergency aid package that was first passed by the House and sent to the Senate on Tuesday. We must continue our work to respond to this crisis.https://t.co/jbdtlTTJoP Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) March 18, 2020 Collins is considered one of several Republicans holding vulnerable seats in time for this years elections. Most recently, she received heavy criticism for voting against the impeachment of President Donald Trump, who has been heavily criticized for his response to the current pandemic. Last week, Collins told reporters Trump should allow public health officials to lead the administrations response. I would like the president to step back and appoint one of our public health officials to be the spokesman as we go through dealing with this novel virus, she said, adding that it is very important that health professionals be out front and that there be a consistent message. In Pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai today PM Modis security breach: SC to announce name of judge to head probe panel today India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, Mar 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced 'Janata Curfew', which he says would mean a curfew imposed by the people on themselves in order to contain the spread of the disease. "This Sunday, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow the 'janata curfew'. In this period no one should come out of their homes or in their society or building," says Modi. Here are the UPDATES on PM Modi's speech on Coronavirus pandemic Newest First Oldest First Modi appeals to the business and the affluent class to also keep in mind the economic interests of those working for them if possible. PM Modi urged people not to go for panic buying to stores as there is no scarcity of essential commodities. "I assure the countrymen that all step are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of essential goods like milk, food items and medicines," says Modi. "Govt has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly," says Modi Dont hoard essentials, be sensitive towards others says PM Modi. "I urge all countrymen, that for the next few weeks get out of your house only when it is very important," says PM Modi. It is necessary that humans are victorious says PM Modi We have set up a task force. This will be manned by the finance ministry says PM Modi. The pressure on our hospitals should not increase. Routine check up should be reduced says PM Modi. If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus, says the prime minister March 22 lets thank all those people who have been working for us. Let us thank all of them says PM Modi. On 22nd March, from 7 am to 9pm, all countrymen have to follow 'Janta Curfew', says Modi. "I request people above the age of 60 to not venture out of their homes for the next few weeks," says PM Modi. Janata Curfew will help in fighting coronvirsus "If you feel you are okay and nothing will happen to you, you are wrong," says Modi 8 warning the people against ignoring the advice to stay indoors. "Resolution and restraint is very important in combat against this global epidemic. As citizens, people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by state and central governments to fight coronavirus," says Modi. PM Modi says that the peoples curfew is needed Isolation is the key here says PM Modi For a developing country like ours with a large population the growing challenge of Coronavirus is not a normal situation Social instancing is important says PM Modi "Whenever I have asked something of Indians, I have never been disappointed. It is from all your blessings that we are moving towards our set goals. Today, I ask all citizens something. I need the coming few weeks from all. There has been no definite cure made to deal coronavirus, nor is there a vaccine. In such a situation, it is natural to be anxious," says PM Modi Govt of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of Corovnavirus. We are healthy then the rest are healthy says PM Modi Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world. PM to address nation on coronavirus outbreak shortly. The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India stands at 167 (including 25 foreigners), 4 deaths (1 each) in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram has suggested a total lockdown of towns and cities to prevent coronavirus from progressing beyond stage-2 to community transmissions, where it spreads exponentially. This is being widely circulated on the social media and has led to panic. Multiple sources that we spoke with have said that there is no such decision on the cards. In fact, Prasar Bharti CEO Shashi Shekhar too took to Twitter to state that there is no need to panic There are rumours abuzz that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce a lockdown that would be ordered when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation at 8 pm today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 pm on the situation arising out of coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to combat it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 pm on the situation arising out of coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to combat it. There are rumours abuzz that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce a lockdown that would be ordered when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation at 8 pm today. This is being widely circulated on the social media and has led to panic. Multiple sources that we spoke with have said that there is no such decision on the cards. In fact, Prasar Bharti CEO Shashi Shekhar too took to Twitter to state that there is no need to panic Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram has suggested a total lockdown of towns and cities to prevent coronavirus from progressing beyond stage-2 to community transmissions, where it spreads exponentially. The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India stands at 167 (including 25 foreigners), 4 deaths (1 each) in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. PM to address nation on coronavirus outbreak shortly. This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world. Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done We are healthy then the rest are healthy says PM Modi Govt of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of Corovnavirus. "Whenever I have asked something of Indians, I have never been disappointed. It is from all your blessings that we are moving towards our set goals. Today, I ask all citizens something. I need the coming few weeks from all. There has been no definite cure made to deal coronavirus, nor is there a vaccine. In such a situation, it is natural to be anxious," says PM Modi Social instancing is important says PM Modi For a developing country like ours with a large population the growing challenge of Coronavirus is not a normal situation Isolation is the key here says PM Modi PM Modi says that the peoples curfew is needed "Resolution and restraint is very important in combat against this global epidemic. As citizens, people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by state and central governments to fight coronavirus," says Modi. "If you feel you are okay and nothing will happen to you, you are wrong," says Modi 8 warning the people against ignoring the advice to stay indoors. Janata Curfew will help in fighting coronvirsus "I request people above the age of 60 to not venture out of their homes for the next few weeks," says PM Modi. On 22nd March, from 7 am to 9pm, all countrymen have to follow 'Janta Curfew', says Modi. March 22 lets thank all those people who have been working for us. Let us thank all of them says PM Modi. If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus, says the prime minister The pressure on our hospitals should not increase. Routine check up should be reduced says PM Modi. We have set up a task force. This will be manned by the finance ministry says PM Modi. It is necessary that humans are victorious says PM Modi "I urge all countrymen, that for the next few weeks get out of your house only when it is very important," says PM Modi. Dont hoard essentials, be sensitive towards others says PM Modi. "Govt has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly," says Modi PM Modi urged people not to go for panic buying to stores as there is no scarcity of essential commodities. "I assure the countrymen that all step are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of essential goods like milk, food items and medicines," says Modi. Modi appeals to the business and the affluent class to also keep in mind the economic interests of those working for them if possible. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Sao Paulo, Brazil Thu, March 19, 2020 08:08 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb7ba6 2 Health Brazil,beer,beer-brewery,coronavirus,COVID-19,sanitizer,hand-sanitizer,Ambev Free With alcohol gel supplies increasingly stretched, Ambev SA said on Tuesday it will use one of its Brazil beer breweries to produce half a million sanitizer bottles for public hospitals to fight the spread of coronavirus. Ambev SA, the local subsidiary of Anheuser Busch InBev, said in a statement that it plans to deliver 5,000 sanitizer gel bottles to every public hospital in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, where most of the country's coronavirus cases are concentrated. "Demand for alcohol-based sanitizer gel has continued to increase in recent days and there is already a shortage on the market," Ambev, Latin America's biggest brewer, said in a statement on Tuesday. The move is part of global trend of private sector firms stepping up to help in the battle against COVID-19, which has decimated markets and pushed governments to take extreme measures to try and control the outbreak. Read also: Perfume giant LVMH to make hand gel for French hospitals Louis Vuitton owner LVMH said on Sunday that its cosmetics unit would manufacture large quantities of hand disinfectant gel to help stave off a nationwide shortage across France as the coronavirus rapidly spreads. Ambev said the 500,000 units will be packaged in bottles like the ones used for soft drinks, and the alcohol will come from the production of its Brahma local beer and other brands at one of its breweries in Rio de Janeiro state. Brazil on Tuesday reported its first confirmed death from the coronavirus outbreak, a 62-year-old man with a history of diabetes and hypertension. Tests were underway on four other possible COVID-19 fatalities. Brazil has 291 confirmed coronavirus cases, up from 234 on Monday. With air travel reduced to a fraction of typical traffic because of concerns about the coronavirus, it just didnt make sense to Ren P. Artemio to keep running a website that uses artificial intelligence to find fare deals from Houstons airports. Instead, he has aimed the four servers that run the Escape Houston site as well as sister sites for six other cities at helping to find a vaccine or a cure for the novel coronavirus by crowdsourcing complex simulations for an effort called Folding@Home. The project allows just about anyone to join in the search by letting a free program run in the background on your Windows, Mac or Linux computer. Its not really a good idea to be running a blog that tells people to buy cheap airfares if that fare may not be there tomorrow, said Artemio, a computer systems analyst who set up Escape Houston in 2013. He had been laid off from AIG during the financial crisis, and has been able to make a living with the bargain airfares site since them. While the sites remain visible, theyre no longer offering up deals. On HoustonChronicle.com: Video conferencing jumps as more work from home His computers are running a small app from Folding@Home, a project founded by the Pande Laboratory at Stanford University in 2000. It uses a concept known as distributed computing, in which systems at many different locations are pooled on a collection of tasks. Folding@Homes goal is to help find a cure for a myriad of diseases, ranging from cancer to Alzheimers to Ebola. With the global spread of the coronavirus, the project is now focusing on that challenge. Those who download the app at foldingathome.org/start-folding are automatically put in the cue to work on that virus. Once installed, your computer will receive some numbers to crunch that could find the key to a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. It can run in the background while you do other things, or if youve got a spare system sitting around you can devote that hardware to it exclusively. Houston Chronicle screenshot Folding@Home uses complex modeling computations to look at how proteins fold, or assemble into shapes. The process can be applied to the proteins that make up viruses, and what is learned can be applied to research into attacking those viruses with vaccines or medication. The app collects assignments from Folding@Homes servers and runs them in the background, either while you work or when your system is idle, then returns the results when completed. THE LATEST: Get the most recent news on how the coronavirus is impacting Houston A detailed description of how it works and the decision to focus on the coronavirus is included in a blog post on the Folding@Home website by project director Greg Bowman. The post says the response has been so enthusiastic that the project has been running out of computations known as work units to assign. In some instances, those donor computers may be assigned to work on cancer-specific tasks. Distributed computing such as this has been around for a long time. The best-known project is probably SETI@Home, which lets PC users sift through the noise of radio signals from space in search of patterns that might indicate an advanced civilization. SETI@Home started in 1999 and is still active, but plans to quit sending out work units at the end of March. Other businesses have also donated computing power to Folding@Homes efforts. CriticalStart, a Plano-based computer security firm, is pointing powerful hardware dubbed Cthluhu used to crack strong passwords at Folding@Home coronavirus tasks. Release Notes: Get Dwight Silvermans tech newsletter in your inbox each Monday Folding@Home gives its participants credits as a bragging-rights reward, and lets them set up teams to pool the credits. Artemio has created a team that can be joined by entering 240037 during installation when prompted for a team number Of course, running protein folding simulations wont pay the bills now that Escape Houstons servers are dedicated to medical science instead of helping its more than 150,000 monthly unique visitors find travel deals. Artemio has set up a Patreon account where hes taking donations, but he realizes he may have to look for a job. I have enough (money) to last 2-3 months, if I really tighten up, he said. Worst-case scenario, I am a systems analyst, and with those skills I can get another job at a corporation. I would rather be doing (Escape Houston) by far, but you have to be reasonable. You cant run a travel site if travel is locked down. dwight.silverman@chron.com twitter.com/dsilverman houstonchronicle.com/techburger Police responded to a Lousiana church where hundreds of people congregated despite a statewide ban on gatherings of 250 people or more as part of the effort to curb the CCP virus. (Google Street) Police Show Up at Louisiana Church That Defied Governors Virus Order: Pastor Police responded to a Lousiana church where hundreds of people congregated despite a statewide ban on gatherings of 250 people or more as part of the effort to curb the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Tony Spell, the pastor of Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, told local news outlets that a law cant prevent people from worship services. The virus, we believe, is politically motivated, Spell told WAFB. We hold our religious rights dear and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says. Speaking to CNN, Spell said he thinks that around 300 people attended church service on Tuesday. I had 1,170 in attendance Sunday, Spell added to the local station. We have 27 buses on Sundays picking up people in a five-parish area. Spell said that a police officer arrived and told him that the National Guard would break up future gatherings that violate rules issued by the governors office. A National Guard colonel, Ed Bush, said the claim isnt true. The National Guard has not been tasked with enforcing any of the curfew, social distancing or meeting requirements as set by the governor, Bush told the news outlet. Our focus right now is completely with helping state agencies with preparedness and medical readiness, Bush added. Louisiana has more than 300 positive cases of the CCP virus and eight deaths connected to the disease, according to researchers with Johns Hopkins University. Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a ban on gatherings at bars, restaurants, churches, and other places this week. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) As the number of cases of the novel coronavirus in San Francisco rose to 70 on Thursday, city leaders made several announcements, including the hiring of dozens more nurses and the relocation of the city's Emergency Operations Center. As part of expanded operations, the EOC has moved to the Moscone Center South convention center at 474 Howard St. in order to accommodate increased staff and to practice social distancing as the department works to support essential city services that need to remain open. Mayor London Breed toured the site along with other city officials Thursday morning. Speaking at a news conference afterward, Breed cautioned residents to continue remaining at home as much as possible on the third day of a shelter-in-place order issued for the city and five other neighboring counties in response to the pandemic. "We understand that this is, of course, quite challenging for so many people but this is not a vacation; this is not time for social gatherings. We want to discourage the gathering of large groups as much as possible," Breed said. "Shelter in place means that you and your family members and the people in your household are the only members in that household. So we are discouraging playdates and dinner parties, and other things that you would maybe typically do in your homes but this about slowing down the spread of coronavirus," she said. Mary Ellen Carroll, executive director of the city's Department of Emergency Management, which manages the EOC, said, "We are now at our highest level possible. We have dedicated so many San Francisco government employees to this effort, that we have had to relocate here to Moscone Convention Center South." She added, "We will keep the work here going everyday until we get to the end of this pandemic." Department of Public Health Director Grant Colfax said that in response to COVID-19, on Wednesday the city issued a public health order to prohibit routine procedures and elective surgeries citywide. "These things can wait and they must wait. Now, we are decompressing the health system as much as possible. I remind everyone, please do not go to the emergency room or urgent care center unless you have a true life-threatening emergency. Contact your health provider by phone," he said. Colfax also said, just two days after Mayor Breed announced the city would hire more nurses, that the city has already hired 70 nurses. He expected the city would also hire more nurses on-the-spot at an invite-only job fair happening this weekend. Department of Human Services Agency Executive Director Trent Rhorer said his department has been working to help quarantine the homeless and people who live in single-room occupancy hotel rooms. Rhorer said the department recently secured a lease to quarantine residents who tested positive for COVID-19 but don't require hospitalization at a local hotel and moved four people in on Wednesday. So far, he said, the department has identified 500 hotel rooms that can be used to quarantine people who otherwise can't, in addition to the rooms included in the recently secured lease. Other hotels have offered as many as 2,000 rooms total that can be used, and the next phase involves the department assessing the suitability of those rooms for quarantine. Additionally, the department is also working on providing housing or hotel rooms for first responders, in order to prevent them going home and infecting their families, Rhorer said. He added that in order to exercise social distancing for the approximate 2,000 people currently being housed within the city's homeless shelters, the city will be creating "pop-up" shelters throughout the city to help accommodate with space. Police Chief Bill Scott said amid the shelter-in-place order, residents by far have been complying. He said officers would continue patrols but are not looking to enforce the order, unless absolutely necessary. "We want people to voluntarily comply with the law," Scott said. "We hope that that continues. We understand that there are people out there whose lives have been disrupted so we will have some compassion and patience how we approach this." The chief added that officers are protecting themselves from the virus with personal protective equipment and keeping a safe distance from others. For more updates from the city, residents can visit www.sfdph.org, call 311, or sign up for the city's text alert service by texting COVID19SF to 888-777. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Gov. Phil Murphy and other New Jersey officials will provide their daily update on the spread of coronavirus and the states efforts to slow the pandemic. The press conference, which is streamed live on the governors Youtube channel, is scheduled for noon Tuesday, two hours earlier than in recent days. (The briefing frequently begins a few minutes late as health officials gather the latest information.) Murphy said Wednesday that todays briefing had to be moved up because all 50 governors will be on a conference call with the White House later in the afternoon. The press conferences have generally lasted more than an hour as multiple officials offer information and field questions from the media. Its also when state health officials provide the latest official numbers for cases. There have been at least 427 positive tests in New Jersey with six deaths. Cases have been reported in 20 of the states 21 counties, according to numbers compiled by NJ Advance Media from local and county officials. . On Wednesday, State Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said that a testing site at Bergen County Community College in Paramus will be up and running on Friday, and will have the capacity to collect 2,500 specimens each week. Another testing site for at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel is expected to open next week, or a matter of days within Bergen opening on Friday, Murphy said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will help the state set up these testing sites. Each will be the first major public testing centers run by the state and the federal government in New Jersey. Several hospitals have already set up drive-thru tests. New Jersey is one of 12 states identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a priority state that will have testing sites supported by the federal agency, Murphy previously said. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The Derry Chamber of Commerce President has welcomed a range of measures announced yesterday to support businesses in Northern Ireland. Yesterday Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that around 370m is being provided to support the 'most vulnerable businesses' in NI during the coronavirus pandemic. An immediate grant of 10,000 will be provided to all small businesses who are eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme. That is all businesses with a Net Asset Value (NAV) up to 15,000. This will ease their immediate cash flow pressures. The Deputy First Minister estimates that this scheme will cost 267,000,000 and assist some 27,000 businesses. An immediate grant of 25,000 will be provided to companies in the retail, tourism and hospitality sectors with a rateable value between 15,000 and 51,000. It is estimated that this scheme will cost 100,000,000 and assist some 4,000 business. Responding to the announcement by the First and deputy First Minister of a range of measures to support businesses in Northern Ireland, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President Redmond McFadden said: These latest measures will go some way to providing support to some of our hardest hit small businesses and we welcome the work that is underway by our local Ministers in a short space of time. "Businesses in the North West, and across Northern Ireland, have been calling for government grants to be made available to address this crisis and I am glad that the Executive has listened to these concerns. Immediate grants of up to 10,000 for all small businesses and 25,000 for hospitality and retail businesses will be welcomed by many of our members. However it is still important that the Government offers clarity around staff pay. Many businesses have already had to let staff go because they simply do not have cash to pay them without any money coming into the business. It is crucial that there is clarity around staff pay and how staff can continue to be paid so that they can pay their livings costs and feed their families. We also need clarity on how and when businesses can apply for these grants, who is eligible to apply, and how quickly this funding will be released to businesses. The Chamber will be looking at all of these measures and is ready and available to support the Executive in getting crucial information out to businesses in the coming days. The coronavirus pandemic, chaos in the Kabul government and continuing attacks by the Taliban have thrown U.S. and NATO plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan into confusion. Army Gen. Austin Scott Miller, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said in a statement posted on Twitter Thursday that the military is "making the necessary adjustments to temporarily pause personnel movement into theater" to limit exposure to the virus. He added that the adjustments will also result in delays to the troop withdrawal schedule, which originally planned to reduce the U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan from about 12,000 to 13,000 currently to 8,600 by this summer. "In some cases, these measures will necessitate some service members remaining beyond their scheduled departure dates to continue the mission," Miller said. Related: Allied Forces in Afghanistan Set Up Virus Quarantine Areas; No Confirmed Cases Yet In addition, a total of about 1,500 service members, civilians and contractors recently arrived in Afghanistan in the past week are being temporarily isolated and screened for COVID-19, he said. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg indicated Thursday that NATO will continue with its own withdrawal plan to reduce the number of coalition trainers and advisers, plus civilian aides, from 16,000 to 12,000 by this summer, despite uncertainties about the extent of the coronavirus threat in Afghanistan. "The reality is the coronavirus crisis has implications," Stoltenberg said in a teleconference from NATO headquarters in Brussels. But he said it is "possible to continue the drawdown and do that in a responsible way," at least initially. "The situation in Afghanistan is difficult," Stoltenberg said, as the Taliban continue attacks despite agreements with the U.S. last month on troop withdrawals and the opening of negotiations with the Kabul government on an overall peace deal. He said he is "concerned about political turmoil" in Kabul, where President Ashraf Ghani's legitimacy has been challenged. Former chief executive Abdullah Abdullah has charged that he was cheated out of the presidency by election fraud and has been setting up a shadow government. The temporary halt to American troops entering and leaving Afghanistan is expected to last about a month, Miller said, but the spread of coronavirus potentially could alter the current plan. There have been no reported confirmed cases of the virus among U.S. or coalition troops in Afghanistan thus far, although Pentagon officials said last week that there could be a delay in reporting since tests had to be sent to Landstuhl, Germany, for evaluation. However, about 21 U.S. and coalition troops are in isolation as a precaution after showing possible symptoms. In a statement posted to Twitter, Col. Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, said that "protecting the force is our top priority," but "we continue to execute the ordered drawdown to 8600." The coronavirus crisis has already impacted troops who have returned to the U.S. under the withdrawal plan. In a precautionary move last Saturday, 300 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division returning to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan were ordered to quarantine at home or in barracks for at least 14 days. As of Thursday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health said there were 22 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Afghanistan -- all of them among individuals recently returned from Iraq, Afghanistan's Tolo News agency reported. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Read more: More COVID-19 coverage Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has withdrawn a circular urging staff to view the Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic as a business opportunity to sell insurance products to customers, Moneylife reported. The bank issued an apology after it faced backlash on social media. In an email, Satish Kumar, Chief Manager for media relations at BoM, said: We deeply apologise for the wordings of the said circular, but our intentions were to serve our customers and their family members in the fight against COVID-19 as it is now covered under health insurance policies. The said circular has been withdrawn by the bank. The motive of the Circular was to create awareness amongst customers that by availing insurance at this hour, customers can cover this epidemic also. Intention of Bank is to encourage Staff to pursue this product as a Social responsibility. Bank of Maharashtra (@mahabank) March 19, 2020 Responding to a customer of twitter, the bank stated: The circular in question asked branches to consider the pandemic as a business opportunity to sell additional insurance policies. It was issued on March 17 by TMG Mahabaleshwarkar, General Manager at Resource Planning, Alternative Banking Channels (ABC) and Operations, BoM. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show It stated: Performance of the bank under the ABC campaign is nowhere near expectations in both life insurance and non-life insurance campaigns, which is very disappointing...Looking at the risk of pandemic, 'COVID-19' awareness and demand for health insurance have increased. This is the time to use this as a business opportunity and help our customers by offering suitable health insurance products. The initial backlash came from within as the staff reacted with anger. Devidas Tuljapurkar, General Secretary, All India Bank of Maharashtra Employees Federation, which is affiliated with India's largest bank trade union All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), termed the circular inhuman, cruel and hence deplorable at this hour of crisis. Bank staff is attending the branches and office with great riskasking them to canvass for this product is unimaginative and asking customers to purchase this product is cruelalluring staff by offering incentives and linking it with their performance is further crueller, Tuljapurkar said. The circular had set a target of Rs 3 lakh from March 18-21, to all zones. Successful zone will be recognised as 'pro-health zone' with a trophy by the insurance company. Performance report shall be appraised to top management separately, it said. The incident in particular, since it was a formal bank circular, has highlighted worries about banks looking to cash in on the panic to sell insurance to customers. The global lithium-ion battery market is poised to grow by USD 47.81 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 16% during the forecast period. Request free sample pages This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005298/en/ Technavio has published a latest market research report titled Global Lithium-Ion Battery Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Lithium-ion Battery Market Analysis Report by Application (Consumer electronics, Utilities, Automotive, and Others), Type (Secondary and primary), Geographic segmentation (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America), and the Segment Forecasts, 2020-2024". https://www.technavio.com/report/lithium-ion-battery-market-industry-analysis The increased shipments of smart wearables drive the market. Also, the decline in lithium-ion battery prices is anticipated to boost the growth of the lithium-ion battery market. Many smart wearable manufacturers are adding features pertaining to health and wellness in their smart glasses, smart bands, and smartwatches. They are also adding functionalities related to security and payments in their wearable devices. Also, the cost of these devices has been declining over the years. These factors are propelling the purchase volume of these devices in both developing and developed countries. Consequently, the adoption of lithium-ion battery is increasing because they are extensively used in smart wearables as the power source. Thus, the increased shipment of smart wearables is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Major Five Lithium-Ion Battery Market Companies: A123 Systems LLC A123 Systems LLC operates the business under various segments such as Systems, Modules, and Cells. The company offers Lithium-ion 48V Battery and Lithium-ion 12V Starter Battery. The company also provides battery systems such as 48V battery and 12V Starter Battery and battery modules such as 22S3P Module and PHEV2 Module. Amperex Technology Ltd. Amperex Technology Ltd. offers products through the following business units: A High Energy Density, High Power, Fast-Charging, Battery Pack, High Energy Density, High Power, Fast-Charging, Battery Pack, High Energy Density, and High Power. The company offers Lithium-ion battery, 1762A5V Lithium-ion battery, 333996V Lithium-ion battery, and others. BYD Co. Ltd. BYD Co. Ltd. operates under various business segments, namely Automobiles and related products, Mobile handset components and assembly service, and Rechargeable batteries and photo-voltaic business. The company offers lithium-ion batteries based on lithium iron phosphate. Dalian CBAK Power Battery Co. Ltd. Dalian CBAK Power Battery Co. Ltd. offers lithium-ion batteries for uninterruptible power supply, light electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. The company also provides high-power lithium batteries. Envision Energy USA Ltd. Envision Energy USA Ltd. offers products through the following business segments: Energy and Digital. The company offers Envision's Energy IoT Operating System, which is an Energy IoT Operating System. The company also provides lithium-ion batteries such as Gen5-811, Gen4-523, and others. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Lithium-Ion Battery Market Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2024) Consumer electronics Utilities Automotive Others Lithium-Ion Battery Market Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2024) Secondary primary Lithium-Ion Battery Market Geographic Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2024) APAC Europe MEA North America South America Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report Related Reports on Utilities Include: Utility Battery Market Global Utility Battery Market by technology (lithium-based batteries, sodium-based batteries, and others) and geography (Americas, APAC, Europe, and MEA). Motive Lead-Acid Battery Market - Global Motive Lead-Acid Battery Market by battery type (VRLA and FLA) and geography (APAC, EMEA, and Americas). 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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005298/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: https://www.technavio.com Were busier than ever, said Kathie Watts, executive director of the Pantry. Watts said the Pantry is getting help from the community in its mission, with groups and individuals contributing both food and funds. Elmhurst is an absolutely amazing community, she said. But she added, Every pantry is trying to find food. When Mnuchin visited with Republican senators at their Tuesday lunch, the secretary pleaded with them not to use the politically charged word bailout in describing the proposed relief for Boeing, one of many large corporations that stands to benefit from the administrations plan. One senator raised a hand and asked if they should instead call them freedom payments, which prompted laughter, according to a person briefed on the closed-door meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid about the discussion. Primary and most preparatory school pupils will prepare research papers from home; higher grades will take exams in school with new safety precautions Egyptian pupils from third primary to second preparatory will not take final year exams this term but will instead prepare a research paper for every course and submit it online within two months, starting Thursday, Minister of Education Tarek Shawki announced. The minister gave a press conference on Thursday to announce the ministry's upcoming plans, given the current closure of schools and universities to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "The students in these grades [third primary to second preparatory] will be able to contact class teachers via the ministry's electronic platform for every course for assistance to prepare research in two months starting Thursday, Shawki said. For third preparatory, third secondary and technical certificate grades, students will take the final year exams as scheduled and inside schools, with full consideration for health precautions and cooperation with all entitled state authorities to protect students, he added. The minister said that the final year exams for the first and second secondary grades will be taken on a tablet device from home and will be marked electronically. The results of the exam will be sent to the students online. For first and second kindergarten and first and second primary grades, where the new 2.0 education system is applied, the teachers of these students will prepare an assessment report and require parents to ensure students have accomplished the curriculum published on the electronic library, the minister announced. Education 2.0 is a new education system which was announced by the ministry in 2017. In recent years, Egypt has been implementing a number of reforms to improve its education system at all levels. In 2019, a revamped curriculum that places greater stress on understanding rather than memorising and includes an electronic exam system which depends on tablets and the internet was introduced for students in first secondary. A total of 600,000 students at 2,500 schools successfully took their final year exams online using tablets. On Saturday, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a decision to close schools and universities for two weeks, starting Sunday, as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country Search Keywords: Short link: Sara Byrne/Instagram(SYRACUSE, N.Y.) -- A 95-year-old in self-quarantine received a surprise birthday visit from family during the global coronavirus crisis. On March 18, Kathleen "Katie" Byrne of Syracuse, New York, was greeted at a safe distance by loved ones singing "Happy Birthday." Her granddaughter, Sara Byrne, also a Syracuse resident, shared video of the moment on Instagram where it was viewed by thousands. She went on, "We were just giving her well wishes, letting her know we were thinking about her." Katie Byrne has 7 sons, 22 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Her 95th birthday party was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis and has been keeping a safe distance from others. The CDC says older adults are at higher risk and health officials in several states have recommended the elderly stay home as the crisis continues. Sara Byrne and her cousin, Caitlin Byrne, along with 18 other family members stood on Katie's lawn holding signs to celebrate her special day. Sara said her grandmother was thrilled with the surprise. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued advice on Tuesday that people suffering from COVID-19 should refrain from taking ibuprofen. The recommendation was released after French officials warned that anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen the effects of the virus. This issue on ibuprofen developed as French Health Minister Veran posted on Twitter a warning against the use of ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatory drugs in treating COVID-19 patients. The warning stemmed from a recent study published in The Lancet medical journal. It reports that COVID-19 infections could worsen due to enzymes of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Veran posted advice on Twitter that in case of fever, paracetamol should be taken instead. He also cautioned that too much paracetamol can damage the liver, thus it must be taken according to the recommended dose. The post has then gone viral and raised questions in the medical community. When asked about the details of the said study, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier claimed that health experts from the UN are looking into the study to provide further guidance. He added that in the meantime, WHO reiterates Veran's advice to use paracetamol instead, and not to use ibuprofen as self-medication. He also advised that in cases physicians prescribe ibuprofen to patients, then it is to their discretion. He also highlighted the fact that patients who are already taking ibuprofen should seek advice from their doctors. As of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected around 200,000 people around the world and killed more than 7,800. Most people show mild symptoms, but in some cases, it can result in pneumonia or in worst cases, multiple organ failure. French authorities have long been warning the public over serious "infectious complications" associated with the use of ibuprofen, even before the pandemic. Ibuprofen is sold in various brands such as Nurofen and Advil, and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturer of Nurofen, stated in an email that the company was aware of the issues regarding treatment of COVID-19 that are using steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) products, including ibuprofen. He also stated in the email that consumer safety is the top priority of the company and assured the public that ibuprofen has, for more than 30 years, been used as self-care fever and pain reducer even in viral illnesses without safety issues. The company believes that there is no proven scientific evidence associating ibuprofen to the worsening of COVID-19. Benckiser is coordinating with WHO, Europe Medicines agencies, and other local health authorities and will provide additional information or necessary advice to clarify the issue. Doubts on the use of ibuprofen initially surfaced in France, after Jean-Louis Montastruc, a doctor at Toulouse University Hospital posted on Twitter that: "In this period of coronavirus, it is necessary to remember the risk of complications of the NSAIDs in case of fever or infection." France's health minister, Olivier Veran, subsequently posted on Twitter a warning on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to treat COVID-19. The lack of clear consensus among medical experts has led to mixed and confusing messages online, prompting the WHO to clarify the issue. DES MOINES Gov. Kim Reynolds announced six new positive cases of COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon, bringing Iowas total to 44, but didnt announce any new measures related to slowing the spread beyond the current directives and encouraging people to stay home with any cold or flu symptoms. During a press conference Thursday at the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Reynolds said a rumored shelter-in-place directive, similar to what mayors and governors have done elsewhere in the country, was not on the table. She also said she has not activated the National Guard, which other media had been reporting. We have asked people to follow simple directives, and hopefully they can do that, she said. Were counting on every Iowan to do their part, and my faith is with them. As of Thursday afternoon there were 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19 spread throughout 13 counties, Reynolds said. The six new cases included three who reside in Polk County, one who resides in Muscatine County, one living in Dubuque County and one living in Johnson County. Two additional non-residents tested positive at Iowa health care facilities. Earlier this week, Reynolds announced the closures of schools, public gatherings at restaurants, bars, casinos, theaters and senior centers, and discouraged gatherings of more than 10 people, all in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. Health officials have also been encouraging people to stay home if they were sick with even mild symptoms in order to prevent the spread, something Reynolds and Iowa Department of Public Health medical director Dr. Caitlin Pedati echoed during Thursdays briefing. It means our everyday routines need to change to keep our distance from people, Reynolds said. Thats because there was still no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19, putting lives at risk and potentially overwhelming the health care system statewide if people disregarded the advice. It truly comes back to keeping an eye on your symptoms, staying away from others and recovering at home, Pedati said. I know this has been a very rapidly changing and difficult situation for all of us. These are going to be really important things to do going forward. Iowas 44 cases were broken out by county, age range and gender for the first time Thursday on the IDPH website. Johnson County has half of the states 44 cases, at 22. Polk County has 6, Dallas County has 5, and Allamakee County has 2. There was one case each in Adair, Black Hawk, Carroll, Dubuque, Harrison, Muscatine, Pottawattamie, Washington and Winneshiek counties. Two non-residents also tested positive at Iowa health care facilities, according to IDPH. Of those cases, 25 were female and 19 were male. Eighteen of the cases were from adults between the ages of 61 and 80, 13 were between the ages of 41 and 60, and 10 were between the ages of 18 and 40. Two cases were older than 81 years old, and one case was 17 or younger. A total of 642 people have tested negative for the virus as of Thursday, according to IDPH. Officials did note the State Hygenic Lab, where COVID-19 tests were being done, was now running three shifts. That meant a likely increase in the number of positive cases, said Reynolds. The state has the ability to test 400 people in total at this time, Pedati said. When asked about whether more people outside of those meeting the strict CDC testing guidelines would be tested, Pedati said the number of positive cases wasnt as much of a concern to her office. While having those exact numbers is helpful, what are we doing with it? she said. At the end of the day, whats really going to be effective is: People who are ill need to stay home. It is that simple, Reynolds echoed. We can significantly slow the spread and bend the curve, and really start to isolate this in a more timely manner. Pedati urged hospitals and Iowans to be judicious with current resources, including testing kits and medical supplies. Hospital officials in Iowa and across the country have expressed concern, as the virus continues to spread and more individuals become infected, that hospitals will not have sufficient resources to accommodate all who need treatment, like ventilators, beds and protective equipment. Its something that weve been working with our partners to hear about, and hear what their supply needs are. I think that what weve recognized ... that theres a lot of need around these supplies, Pedati said. So weve helped our partners be forward thinking, and thinking about ways to make prudent use of the supplies that we have, thinking about ways to provide supplements when we can, and just wanting to be very careful and thoughtful about how we use all of our health care resources, she added. Pedati said not everyone needs to be tested because most individuals who become infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild, flu- or cold-like symptoms. Pedati said those with mild symptoms will be given the same instructions as anyone else: Stay home, rest and stay away from other people. South Korea, which has fared better than most countries in managing coronavirus spread, quickly employed an expansive testing operation and is now seeing the number of cases there go down. Were going to keep working with our clinicians, with our public health and laboratory partners, and again, I know this sounds overly simplistic, but if you really think about it, at the end of the day whats really going to be effective is people who are ill need to stay home, Pedati said. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Amie Rivers Reporter covering Waterloo, Black Hawk Co. and politics UNI political communications/journalism grad. Alum of The Calumet (MCC), The Northern Iowan (UNI), Fergus Falls (Minn.) Daily Journal and KWWL. 4-time award-winner while at The Courier. Interested in exposing wrongdoing and holding power to account. Follow Amie Rivers Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A doting husband has captured the hearts of thousands after a photo of him holding a sign for his wife outside her nursing home on their 67th wedding anniversary went viral. Bob Shellard, 90, was unable to visit his wife Nancy, 88, on their anniversary on March 14 because her assisted living facility in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, has banned visitors for 30 days to protect its residents amid the coronavirus pandemic. 'He was so proud of the sign,' the couple's daughter Laura Mikolajczak, 51, told Good Morning America. 'He kept asking, "Do you think she'll be able to read it?" He was thrilled.' Aww! Bob Shellard, 90, was unable to visit his wife Nancy, 88, at her nursing home on their 67th anniversary because of coronavirus, so he stood outside her window with a sign Devoted husband: Bob, who was joined by his daughter Laura Mikolajczak, made a homemade sign for Nancy that said: 'Ive loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary' In the sweet snapshot, Bob is pictured standing outside Nancy's nursing home with a homemade sign that reads: 'Ive loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary.' Bob met Nancy when he visited the small dairy shop she worked at while waiting for the bus to take him to his job after World War II. After 67 years of marriage, they have four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren with another one on the way. Nancy moved into her nursing home in Stafford Springs in December after being diagnosed with dementia, and Bob visits her every day that he can. 'I just miss her now that she's in the nursing home,' Bob told GMA. Eternal love: Nancy moved into her nursing home in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, in December after being diagnosed with dementia, and Bob visits her every day that he can Look of love: Brittany Thorne, director of Social Services at the nursing home, said Nancy got a big smile on her face and started waving and blowing kisses when she saw her husband To make the separation all the more heartbreaking, most nursing homes and care centers across the country have restricted visitation and gone on lockdown to protect those who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus (COVID-19). According to a data analysis released on Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80 per cent of deaths associated with the coronavirus in the U.S. were in adults aged 65 and older. When Nancy's care home announced on March 9 that it would stop accepting visitors per Governor Ned Lamont's orders, Laura was tasked with calling her father and telling him he wouldn't be able to see his wife on their anniversary. Laura said she suggested standing outside with balloons so her mom could see them, but Bob took the idea one step further by making her a heartfelt sign. On the day of their anniversary, she drove her dad to the nursing home and staffers brought Nancy to the window so she could see what he had done for her. Capturing hearts: The image of Bob holding his sign has received more than 263,000 likes on Twitter, and many commenters said they were touched by the romantic gesture Brittany Thorne, director of Social Services at the nursing home, told GMA that Nancy got a big smile on her face and started waving and blowing kisses when she saw her husband. 'They have always been an inspiration to us,' Laura told WNBC in New York. 'There's just a sweetness to the two of them and what they share.' The image of Bob holding his sign has received more than 263,000 likes and been shared 58,000 times on Twitter. 'How beautiful,' one person commented. 'God please bring them together again soon.' 'Excuse me while I SOB,' someone else wrote. 'Omg, this broke my heart,' another added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 00:36:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Two roadside bombs exploded when a Turkish patrol passed by the M4 highway in the west of Idlib Province in northwestern Syria on Thursday, a war monitor reported. The blast caused killed a Turkish soldier and injured several others, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The roadside bombs were placed by a rebel group called Hurras al-Deen allied with the al-Qaida, according to the Britain-based watchdog. The M4 highway links the northwestern province of Latakia with the northern province of Aleppo. Russian-Turkish joint patrols were supposed to cover the road as a prelude to the return of the Syrian forces there but some rebel groups cut it off to prevent the return of this highway to the Syrian government forces. PHOENIX Efforts to quickly enact an $11.8 billion baseline contingency state budget for the coming fiscal year hit a snag Wednesday. Some Republicans questioned what is, and is not, in the spending plan. And Democrats are holding out for some priorities including relief for people affected by economic fallout from the COVID-19 spread. The decision by the House to postpone floor debate came as some Democrats accused GOP colleagues of failing to take seriously the threat of COVID-19. They questioned why House Speaker Rusty Bowers chose to have a vote on a resolution supporting the government of Taiwan if there is a rush to adopt a spending plan and send lawmakers and staff home to get them out of situations where there are large groups and the possibility of contamination. My objection is not to Taiwan, said Rep. Jennifer Jermaine, D-Chandler. It is to bringing this bill forward today. She said the focus should be on what is happening with the Arizona economy and what she called the failure of the Republican-controlled Legislature to adopt any measures to help out small businesses and the people who work for them. Many of our small business owners only have one months cushion, Jermaine said. Many of our workers have only two weeks of savings. People are coming up on that first missed paycheck, and people are going to become homeless, and businesses are shutting. Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, was unapologetic about pushing ahead with the Taiwan measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1025, already approved by the Senate. He said Taiwan has been an important trade partner with Arizona, and the resolution represents the will of its citizens to remain free of China. The Uttar Pradesh government is trying to get the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) approval for four institutes in the state to conduct novel tests, state Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh said on Thursday. As of now, only the King George Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has the approval for testing Covid-19 cases, the minister said during a visit to Gautam Buddh Nagar. "We are working on a war footing to deal with the situation arising out of the outbreak. We have a virology lab in Gorakhpur, and facilities in Aligarh, Banaras Hindu University and PGI (Lucknow)... We are trying to procure machine and get accreditation from the ICMR for carrying out tests at these places," the minister told reporters. Samples from Gautam Buddh Nagar and some other places in western Uttar Pradesh go to the Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi for testing, he said. "We have 17 cases so far (in UP) including four in Noida, two in Lucknow and rest in Agra. The entire country is dealing with it at its level but on our part we started working from January 27 itself after alerts from the Centre," Singh said. "We have 19 border points along the India-Nepal border and screening began at all points in January only with thermal analysers. We have screened over 18,000 people at our airports and are following central government's protocols as and when issued," he added. According to the Union data, the number of novel cases in the country rose to 173 on Thursday, which includes four deaths reported from Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh has recorded Covid-19 cases, which includes one foreigner. Earlier in the day, the state health minister inspected a 300-bedded quarantine facility at a hostel in Gautam Buddh Nagar University in Greater Noida. That aside, there is a 200-bed quarantine centre at the newly-constructed district hospital in Noida Sector 39 to house any person needing quarantine facility, local officials said. So far, four people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Noida. Three of them are Noida residents, while one lives in Delhi, the officials said. While the notion of seeing a doctor via your computer or cellphone is hardly new, telemedicine has yet to take off widely in the United States. Health insurance plans do typically offer people the option of talking to a nurse or doctor online as an alternative to heading to an emergency room or urgent care center, but most people dont make use of it. Now doctors, hospital networks and clinics are rethinking how the technology can be used, to keep the worried well calm and away from clinical care while steering the most at risk to the proper treatment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: All measures being taken by the Azerbaijani state are necessary to protect the health of the people and the security of our country, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev in his message of congratulation to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Novruz holiday, Trend reports. Dear fellow compatriots! I sincerely congratulate you on Novruz holiday and wish the people of Azerbaijan good health and happiness! Novruz is our national holiday, a national asset. The people of Azerbaijan have been celebrating this wonderful holiday for centuries, said the head of state. President Aliyev noted that this year, large-scale events are not possible because of the coronavirus. I am sure that the Azerbaijani people understand this situation well. All measures being taken by the Azerbaijani state are necessary to protect the health of the people and the security of our country. Therefore, I ask every citizen to realize their responsibility and to pay special attention to representatives of the older generation. The elderly have always enjoyed great respect in Azerbaijani society. I have expressed my thoughts on this topic in sufficient detail, but I want to say again that this is one of the main pillars of our society, said the head of state. Our traditions, national values, respect and attention to representatives of the older generation are our national feature, and we must protect these values, he said. In the current circumstances, representatives of the older generation need to be treated with special attention. Respect for them should be demonstrated not in word, but in deed, because it is the elderly people who have the most serious implications in connection with this disease. I am sure that together we will fight this disease that has gripped the world and turned into a pandemic, and this struggle will yield results, said the head of state. President Aliyev noted that the work done since the beginning of the year once again confirms the successful development of our country. Azerbaijan is modernizing and renewing. It is possible to say that the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan cover all areas. The reforms carried out in 2019 contributed to major changes in the economy. It is precisely due to the application of the principles of transparency that the state budget received more than 1 billion manats, and every single gapik of this money was spent on resolving the social problems of our people. As you know, last year, as a result of the measures taken by the government, 4.2 million Azerbaijani citizens improved their financial situation. Wages, pensions and social benefits were significantly increased. This is further evidence that Azerbaijan is a social state, and the main focus of all our economic opportunities is the social security of our citizens. Work in this direction will continue to be carried out. The first two months of 2020 indicate that further measures can be taken in this area, said the head of state. Way back in time, when we could count the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Connecticut on one hand, when headlines screamed of suspected carriers, health officials tracked the movements of each person with the disease. Where had they been? Who had they seen? This period of case investigation and contact investigation is probably not going to last very long, a somber state epidemiologist Matthew Cartter said at a dangerously crowded press briefing. Maybe a week or two, because after that there will be so many cases that it will not be practical to actually continue to conduct in-depth interviews with cases and identify their contacts. That was on March 11. Seems like months, I know. But that new phase of the crisis is already here. On Wednesday, another epidemiologist at the state Department of Health told municipal officials on a conference call that as far as the state is concerned, were past the point of tracking the contacts of each COVID-19 patient. They said the focus will not involve contact investigation except for health care workers, a municipal health official who was on the call told me. Some of us may choose to continue to do that but we may reach a bandwidth limit. A bandwidth limit indeed. The change is what we all knew was coming that there are too many people in our midst who have COVID-19, whether they know it or not, to worry about coming in contact only with the ones whove tested positive, or wo fall in a suspect group. Thats natural when, according to Cartters best guess, 10,000 people in the state are infected with the virus. Thats 100 for every one thats testing positive, he suggested, in a conservtive estimate. And the positves on Wednesday hit 96. You have to behave now as though its widely prevalent and you have to protect yourself from everyone whos out there, said Dr. Matthew Parry, director of infectious diseases Stamford Hospital. The change means everything, and in another way of thinking, nothing changes at all. Simply put, the danger for you and me is not merely the person who tests positive, or the ill person suspected of having the disease spread by the novel coronavirus, and the person close to us who had close contact with that ill person. That, of course, is the whole point of social distancing and sheltering in place, phrases that will forever hold a special meaning to us all. If we could stop the disease by finding and isolating the hot cases, we wouldnt need to shut down the entire industrial world. This new phase doesnt mean we stop counting people with COVID-19 and it most certainly doesnt mean we stop testing for it. On the contrary, testing helps public health officials monitor which way the illness is spreading, how fast and whether there are developing clusters. And it doesnt change the advice we need to follow: Avoid sustained time, like 10 or 15 minutes, within six feet of anyone except people you live with, wash your hands 3,926 times a day, avoid physical contact and so on. You know the drill, follow it until further notice. What it does change is the outlook we have. Were now thinking about the whole herd, as we humans are called as a species, as a community within a place like Connecticut not about the people whom we think are afflicted. Youve lost that sort of ability to intently control the spread, Parry said. And so the threat broadens but we can lose what Id call an irrational focus on a few cases. Last week, my friends adult daughter had a suspected case in her workplace. She had not had close contact with the co-worker and neither she nor her boyfriend showed symptoms. Despite that, the parents of the boyfriend who had no contact whatsoever with the sick person wouldnt let him into their house. People need to continue to have the social distancing and if theyre infected, isolated like its a religion because that is going to save lives of vulnerable people in the society, said state Sen. Saud Anwar, a lung doctor who has spent the month studying the disease. Anwar, of South Windsor, joined every medical expert I talked with Wednesday in stressing that just because public health officials stop tracking contacts of people with COVID-19, that does not mean the public should relax. You should be focusing on how you are not going to become a vector and a victim, he said. Some cities and towns will continue to track exposures if they have the staff. The person who was on the conference call, for example, who did not want to be identified and publicly speak for the state, lives in a city or town that may continue to track all COVID-19 exposures. But that will end very soon, the person said, after testing reveals enough cases that the task becomes impractical. Its what we call in epidemiology a recall bias, you dont remember, the person said. Tell me exactly what you had last Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all the snacks in between. Cant do it, especially with a larger and larger group. Just last week, this person was calling a continent halfway around the world to trace a contact. Now the job falls to everyone, as the public health system focuses on healing the sick and protecting health care workers. For the average person, what we all do matters more than who has the disease. Were at the point where we think of pure community measures but were still thinking about cases because were just ramping up testing now, said Veena Channamsetty, chief medical officer at Communiy Health Center Inc., with clinics all over the state. It is, in short, a crucial moment. dhaar@hearstmediact.com Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament from Srinagar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking immediate restoration of high-speed 4G internet services in "As you are aware, the first case of coronavirus was detected in Kashmir yesterday which has resulted in authorities locking down large parts of the valley," Abdullah, who was last week released from a seven-month-long detention, said in a letter to the prime minister. The NC president said businesses and students have already been hit hard by the shutdown after August 5, 2019 and are again suffering because of these restrictions. "The people are being advised to work/study from home, but this is impossible with 2G internet speed and limited fixed line internet penetration. I would, therefore, request you to restore 4G internet services in at the earliest to ease the suffering of the people," he said in the letter. The chorus for restoration of high-speed 4G internet services on mobile phones in has grown in the wake of the detection of the first case of coronavirus in the valley. Internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year, hours before the Centre announced the abrogation of While the 2G services on postpaid mobile phones and Broadband and lease-line services were restored months later, the 4G services continued to remain suspended. The government in a recent order said the low speed internet will continue in the Union Territory till March 26 "in the interests of sovereignty and integrity" of the country. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned landlords availing of the break in mortgage repayments due to the coronavirus not to evict tenants - but the Government has no powers to enforce this. Mr Donohoe issued a stark warning to landlords last night to halt eviction notices. He was speaking after it was announced a three-month payment break for mortgage holders affected by Covid-19, including buy-to-let landlords, is to be put in place by the five main retail banks. AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank had already offered customers a payment break, and Permanent TSB and KBC Bank have now done likewise. Customers will have to demonstrate their income has been affected by the virus, with thousands who are now facing unemployment expected to avail of the mortgage breaks. The maximum that can be spent on contactless payments is to be raised to 50 in an attempt to cut down on the potential for people being contaminated from handling cash, and an extension for the loan guarantee scheme for small firms to include those affected by the virus is also being rolled out. A deferral of repossession legal actions for three months was also announced. It is the first time the five main banks have agreed an industry-wide payment break. However, interest is still likely to accrue on the loans and will need to be repaid. Mr Donohoe, bank chiefs and the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) confirmed the measures last night after a meeting in the Department of Finance. The minister later warned: "If a landlord is availing of a buy-to-let mortgage and availing of the flexibility announced today they cannot, and they should not, evict tenants." He admitted, however, there was no way of forcing landlords not to evict tenants, but said he would examine the matter with Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. "We are putting in place really significant measures to our banking system to help those who have loans and mortgages at a time of great risk. "For any landlord then to use that to treat their tenants in a way that is not fair to them, I believe, will not be accepted by broader society and will raise great concerns," he said. Mr Donohoe dismissed a call from the Irish Property Owners Association to increase the Housing Assistance Payment, saying: "The first people who should be providing flexibility to their tenants is landlords." Mr Donohoe said the country is now facing very significant job losses and will likely record a budget deficit this year. "I can at this point confirm that we are facing into a period of significant job losses - they are very significant and this has already been felt by most of the country," he said. Mr Donohoe will extend the Brexit Loan Scheme and use it for firms affected by the coronavirus. The scheme will run to March next year. It had been due to end this month. To date, some 50m has been sanctioned, leaving 250m still available. Now some 200m of it will be available for those affected by Covid-19 to be used by firms as working capital. The scheme is run by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, and the loans are available through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank. Approval of loans are subject to the banks' own credit policies and procedures. The five main banks are also offering deferrals on loan repayments for businesses, as well as extensions on credit guarantees. Pepper, which services 60,000 residential mortgages on behalf of vulture funds, was not part of the talks. It said its team was available to discuss solutions with customers and is very experienced in helping people manage financial difficulties. Mr Donohoe said steps were being taken to ensure the measures announced yesterday by retail banks will also be applied to those whose mortgages and loans are with non-bank lenders. "We do want to be in a position that the framework that is being offered here is also applicable to non-bank lenders as well," he said. BPFI chief executive Brian Hayes said: "I hope today's announcement will give some relief to people." AS THE Covid-19 outbreak deepens and employees are urged to work from home, global cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky is encouraging companies to beef up their cybersecurity measures. While medical experts are rushing to find a cure against the novel coronavirus, it is clear that cybercriminals are equally busy trying new techniques and tactics to milk money on organizations and individuals by exploiting the public panic on this current pandemic. Our detections in the Asia Pacific region is just the tip of the iceberg. We urge everyone to keep calm but be very cautious at the same time, said Stephan Neumeier, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, in a statement. In Asia Pacific, Kaspersky has detected 93 coronavirus-related malware in Bangladesh, 53 in the Philippines, 40 in China, 23 in Vietnam, 22 in India and 20 in Malaysia. Single-digit detections were monitored in Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Myanmar and Thailand. David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky, encouraged companies to be particularly vigilant at this time, and employees who are working at home to exercise caution. It is a known fact that once devices are taken outside of a companys network infrastructure, and is connected to new networks and Wifi, the risks to corporate information increase. It is high time that we boost not only our physical immunity but also our networks security against these damaging attacks, Neumeier added. (KOC with PR) Disneyland guests enjoy a day at the park Jan. 13. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) When Walt Disney Co. closed its theme parks in the U.S. recently because of the growing coronavirus outbreak, the media giant promised its workers they would continue to get paychecks through the end of March. But more than 2,200 college students and recent graduates who enrolled in Disney's internship programs at the Anaheim and Florida parks received a more abrupt message: The program is over. You have less than a week to move out of Disney housing. Interns from throughout the world, participating in an internship that began in January and was scheduled to end in August, were notified Saturday that the program has ended and were told they had until today to move out of apartments arranged by the company. Interns who traveled from as far as Chile and Australia were left scrambling to get airline tickets home. Some moved in with friends and crammed their belongings into storage units. "They didn't give us any resources or time to get resources," said one intern who asked to remain anonymous because he hoped to work for Walt Disney Co. in the future. "You've got to figure out where to move in a few days." Disney park representatives said the short notice to move out was in line with colleges and universities that are facing similar challenges raised by the coronavirus outbreak. The Disney representatives also pointed to a Facebook post that acknowledged that the decision to end the program caught many participants "off guard." "We are basing our decisions on the safety and well-being of our Cast Members and our Guests," the Facebook post said. Universal Studios Hollywood said it hasn't canceled its spring internship program and continues to pay about a dozen interns. Across the country, the coronavirus outbreak has forced young Americans to alter their lives in many unexpected ways. College students have been required to complete their classes online, with UCLA and other schools planning to convert their graduation ceremonies to virtual events. Story continues Internships and job fairs that might have helped launch future careers are now on hold. The online review site Yelp has canceled its summer internship. A University of California program for interns in Washington, D.C., recently ended its winter session and suspended its spring session. The University of Notre Dame has canceled its summer internship program in Rome and the University of Delaware has nixed its spring study abroad program in Australia. But the interns in the Disney parks program say they felt their program came to an end too abruptly, with almost no warning and little help from Disney to transition back home. The response to the news on the Facebook site was mixed, with some readers expressing understanding for Disney's action and others asking why Disney couldn't have kept the interns until the parks reopened. "They have all worked hard and saved their money for this opportunity of a lifetime to be left broken hearted and disillusioned," one woman wrote on the page. An intern from Perth, Australia, who worked at the Orlando, Fla., park selling merchandise, said on a Facebook post that she had to come up with about $2,000 to fly home and could not afford a return flight in the future. "And Im heartbroken about having to leave," Amber Smith said. "This has been an incredible experience. I only wish I could have stayed for the rest of my program." Under the internship, college students and recent graduates worked for minimum wage in retail shops, eateries or other positions at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. In addition to the work, the interns attended workshops, seminars and networking meetings in hopes of preparing for a career with the Burbank-based media giant. About 2,000 of those interns worked in Orlando and about 200 worked in the Anaheim park. In Anaheim, Disney arranged for housing at an apartment complex near the park, with rent deducted from the interns' paychecks. A similar Disney internship for college students who want to learn about the business side of the company, such as marketing and information technology, is continuing. Disney offered to pay the interns for the last two weeks of March, refund them for a week of rent and not charge them for rent for the second half of the month. The intern who asked to remain anonymous said he was able to find temporary housing with family members but knows of at least one international student who has been left scrambling to arrange a place to stay. "I'm disappointed with the decisions made at this point," the intern said. In its Facebook post, Disney said: "Please know that no one will be without accommodations. We are working with each individual resident to help find the right solution to each unique circumstance." US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called on President Donald Trump to speed up mass production of medical and protective equipment using the Defense Production Act, citing shortages in the country. "Right now, shortages of critical medical and personal protective equipment are harming our ability to fight the coronavirus epidemic, endangering frontline workers and making it harder to care for those who fall ill," Pelosi said in a statement. "The President must immediately use the powers of the Defense Production Act to mass produce and coordinate distribution of these critical supplies, before the need worsens and the shortages become even more dire." Trump signed the act on Wednesday, but Pelosi's statement said the president had not yet invoked the authorities needed to accelerate production of medical equipment. "We know what the demands of this time are, and we must act now to meet these demands," the House speaker told Trump in a letter that accompanied the statement. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Pelosi's statement emerged as the US Senate scrambled to produce a massive stimulus package to shore up the US economy in the face of the growing outbreak. Lawmakers say the Senate could vote on the legislation over the weekend. A pregnant woman and member of parliament are among 31 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus after attending a wedding. Scott Maggs, 37, and Emma Metcalf, 36, tied the knot in front of about 140 guests at Tumbling Waters Retreat, south of Sydney, on March 6. Memories of their fairy tale ceremony have been overshadowed by the health crisis. The couple say they first learned their wedding became a hotbed for the virus while honeymooning in the Maldives. They received a text confirming two of their guests had tested positive for COVID-19. The bride and groom (pictured) have contacted all their guests, most of whom were from Sydney, informing them they may need to be tested if they are displaying symptoms There have been at least 710 coronavirus cases diagnosed in Australia since late January - and that number is expected to rise Days later that number rose to six, with Andrew Bragg, a Liberal Senator for New South Wales, and Sally Hawach, the daughter of advertising guru John Singleton, among the new cases. Now 14 days on, 31 cases have been linked to the ceremony, plus an additional four people who were in close contact with guests shortly afterwards. Carriers may not start to experience any symptoms of the virus for up to two weeks after initial infection. The couple have returned from the Maldives and are awaiting test results while in self isolation. Other guests at the wedding, as well as staff and servers, have also self isolated. New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant confirmed 21 of the infected guests live in NSW, while another five are from interstate. He likely caught the deadly infection at the wedding of Scott Maggs, 37, and Emma Metcalf, 36, at the Tumbling Waters Retreat, south of Sydney on 6 March. Pictured: The wedding Wedding guest Sally Hawach, pictured left with her advertising guru father John Singleton, has been diagnosed with Covid-19, along with her lawyer husband Pierre Hawach. Andrew Bragg (pictured right), a Liberal Senator for New South Wales, attended the same wedding on 6 March and also caught the virus Other guests were believed to have travelled internationally, including some from the United States, who may have been carrying the virus, according to Sydney Morning Herald. Pregnant mother-of-three, Ms Hawach, and her husband both went into quarantine at their Hills District home, in Sydney's north west, shortly after the wedding when they fell ill. Ms Hawach is currently 30 weeks pregnant and the couple already have a two-year-old and one-year-old. She is concerned she may have passed the illness onto her youngest child. 'My 1yo is showing signs of COVID also and is extremely sick,' she told her Instagram followers on Wednesday. When the couple (pictured) were on their honeymoon they were told two guests had the illness and this number quickly rose to six - and now seven - cases 'My baby girl had high fevers and I was extremely fatigued with shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate.' 'I am very distressed at the thought of having possibly infected anyone. I have contacted everyone I think I have been in touch with. But please if you have been in contact with me since March 6th or anyone with COVID or you show signs of sickness please self isolate.' Ms Hawach also said it was fortunate she hadn't seen her father in the period between the wedding and falling ill. The married couple said they were devastated to learn so many of their guests had fallen sick. 'We were completely gutted when we first found out and we really wanted our friends to be safe and for them to be well. I couldnt really think past that,' Mr Maggs told Yahoo when they returned from the honeymoon. Ms Hawach is currently 30 weeks pregnant and the couple already have a two-year-old and one-year-old. She discussed the health condition with her Instagram followers on Wednesday 'It was the best day of our lives and we wanted it to be remembered for the right reasons. It was the perfect weekend except for this.' The union occurred well before Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduced his social distancing policies, which now encourage all people to keep a safe 1.5m distance between each other to slow the spread of COVID-19. All social gatherings from this point forward will be restricted to under 100 patrons for indoors under Mr Morrison's stringent new protocols. He has also closed the borders to any non-residents for the foreseeable future. Globally, cases have soared past 227,000 throughout 176 nations, including 710 infections in Australia. At least 9,000 people have died from complications relating to coronavirus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 07:22:54|Editor: Liu Video Player Close SARAJEVO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has ordered the Armed Forces to be deployed along the border to help fight coronavirus, the Presidency announced on Wednesday. According to the Presidency, the army is to set up tent camps alongside border crossings that should serve as lodging to visitors who need to undergo mandatory quarantine. Only non-combat technical equipment is to be used and the army has to fully cooperate and coordinate with civilian authorities. The minister of defense is to immediately start implementing this order that allows the use of the army over the next 30 days, said the Presidency of BiH. To date, 38 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in BiH. Unless youve spent the last 12 days in a millionaire silent meditation retreat, you are no doubt aware that the entire hospitality industryrestaurants, bars, cafes, coffee roastersare hurting in the midst of a global pandemic. Without swift and decisive action, many businesses are on the verge of collapse. A majority of the workers in the service industryassuming they are even still gainfully employed right nowrely on tips, which they arent making due to precautionary shutdown efforts to keep COVID-19 from spreading. There have been groundswell efforts sweeping the country to help buoy these displaced individuals in their time of financial crisis. Weve reported on multiple non-profit groups making citywide efforts to get much-needed capital to workers to help ends meet as well as no less than 80 virtual tip jars set up for cafe-level philanthropy (a separate list is being compiled by Adam JacksonBey at GoFundBean that should also be on your radar). But these effortslaudable though they very much aresimply wont be enough. There are something like 35,000 coffee shops in America alone and there arent 35,000 virtual tip jars. Even if there were, expecting the general public to bear that financial burden is simply untenable. Sprudge readers around the world have seen many of their governments spring into action, coordinating with the medical community and offering things like tax deferments, citizen financial aid, rent and mortgage freezes, etc. but here in America we need to advocate from the top down. Thats why we are urging everyone to contact their government representatives and demand aid packages for service industry workers affected by COVID-19 closures. Find your representative here at this link. We dont care how you reach them: call, email, text, mail, fax, carrier pigeon, telepathy, whatever, just make your voice heard (a list of contact options are available at the link above). Let them know that you appreciate the work that is being done to help small business survive during this time, but their constituentsreal, actual people, and not in the corporations are people, my friend senseare also in very real financial risk. And if you arent sure what to say, thats fine! On his Instagram, James Beard Award winning chef James Stanhope has put out a sample script (brought to our attention graciously by Stumptowns Dandy Anderson and Oatlys Diana Mnatsakanyan-Sapp) for you to copy and amend at will. We are reprinting it in full below, with slight updates to widen the scope beyond the restaurant industry: My name is [YOUR NAME] and I live in [CITY], [ZIP CODE]. Thank you for the leadership youve shown in the face of this pandemic. And to your staff members reading this, thank you for all the work youre putting in right now. Im urging you to immediately create a relief program for the service industry and its millions of workers Nationwide, over 15 million people work in this industry, many without paid sick leave or health insurance. There have been sweeping layoffs and these workers access to unemployment benefits has been uneven. They need government aid in the form of ongoing universal basic income, and relief from rent and protection from eviction. They will not have an easy time finding work in the service industry any time soon. Small and medium restaurant and coffee shop businesses need immediate rent abatement, tax deferrals, eviction protection, and money. Please create a relief fund these small and medium businesses can access, with money they do not owe back. Do not let a bailout happen that only lets giant fast food companies survives. McDonalds has deep pockets. Your favorite neighborhood restaurant and coffee shop does not. Thank you. I for one will be reaching out to my own resident congressperson, noted Canadian and avocado hater Lyin Ted Cruz, which is something I wouldnt wish on anyone but Ill do it for the greater good. If I can make it through an interaction without once calling him a mushface whose face is made entirely of mush, then you can reach out to your duly elected congressperson alongside me. We stand by our suggestions that you fill the virtual tip jar, donate, buy gift cards, order coffee online, buy merch, and all the rest in your community, assuming of course that you are in a position to do it. But also the moment is moving fast. Its time to contact your representatives. Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge. Top image Adobe Stock/Daniel Thornberg BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Seven more coronavirus cases were detected in Kazakhstan, Trend reports with reference to Kazakhstans Ministry of Healthcare. All seven cases were detected in Nur-Sultan city. Thus, the overall number of coronavirus cases has reached 44 people, including 19 in Almaty and 25 in Nur-Sultan. By a decision of State Commission on Provision of Emergency State under the president of Kazakhstan quarantine regime is being introduced at 00:00 (GMT +6) on March 19, 2020, in Kazakhstans Nur-Sultan and Almaty cities due to coronavirus outbreak. On March 15, 2020, Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart Tokayev signed a decree introducing an emergency state in Kazakhstan due to coronavirus outbreak, which is relevant from 08:00 (GMT +6) on March 16 till 08:00 on April 15, 2020. On March 13, 2020, first two cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Kazakhstan among those who arrived in Almaty city from Germany. The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 8,800. Over 218,000 people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 84,000 people have reportedly recovered. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. Several countries are working on a vaccine against the new virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) on Thursday said it has launched three programmes for its employees -- maternity support, Back to Work, and Women's Network. Christina Ruggiero, chief executive officer of HCCB, said that each of the initiatives is aimed at making everyone at the workplace feel respected and included. "The maternity programme is aimed at providing all necessary support including medical advice and counselling to both men and women employees," the company said in a statement. It said the programme provides for planned interventions by experts, managing pre- and post-delivery changes and back-to-work preparation, allowing them to seamlessly join the work back. It added that the 'Back to Work Programme' is designed to help women on a career break make a gradual transition back into the corporate workspace. The company, it said, also plans to provide a six-month internship to these women to help them acquire necessary skill sets and regain their confidence before they are inducted into the workforce. The Women's Network programme is created as a platform for all working women to come together and help each other in all matters, both personal as well as professional, it added. HCCB is a leading fast-moving consumer goods firm. It manufactures, packages and sells beverages brands, including Minute Maid, Maaza, Kinley, Thums Up, Sprite, Coca-Cola, Limca, and Fanta. It has a network of 3,900 distributors and over 2.5 million retail outlets operating in 25 states. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar.19 By Jeyhun Alakbarov Trend: Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Azerbaijan Wolfgang Manig thanked the Azerbaijani government for curing its citizen from the coronavirus, Trend reports referring to the statement of the embassy on March 19. Manig expressed gratitude, first of all, for prompt and effective assistance in the safe return of the Hamburg choir of girls and other German citizens to Germany from Baku. According to him, more than 100 people were brought back to Germany on a charter flight. The ambassador appreciated the efforts made to treat the German citizen who was diagnosed with coronavirus, as well as for taking care of his wife. The citizen who was detected a coronavirus arrived in Azerbaijan from Iran. He was hospitalized to a special local clinic has recovered shortly. According to the latest data from the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan, at present 23 people with coronavirus are under medical supervision in special treatment hospitals. The appropriate measures for their treatment are underway. The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 9,000. Over 222,000 people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 84,000 people have reportedly recovered. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. On Tuesday in a meeting with Republican senators, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin warned that unless Congress takes action to deal with the massive economic impact of the coronavirus, the country could see unemployment soar to as high as 20% meaning that 32 million Americans could be out of work. While Mnuchin made clear this was just one of a number of possible scenarios and Congress seems poised to pass a massive stimulus bill as soon as Wednesday, it's worth thinking about the impact of a 20% unemployment rate. The coronavirus has already had devastating effects on the U.S. with over 100 deaths, major losses on Wall Street and daily lives disrupted amid widespread shutdowns from schools to restaurants and businesses. Meanwhile, jobless claims are surging across the U.S. after governmental officials ordered millions of workers, students and shoppers to stay at home as a precaution against spreading the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. In Ohio, more than 48,000 people applied for jobless benefits during the first two days of this week. The tally during the same period the prior week: just 1,825. In neighboring Pennsylvania, about 70,000 people sought unemployment aid in a single day six times the total for the entire previous week. Weve been getting flooded with calls, said John Dodds, director of the nonprofit Philadelphia Unemployment Project. It's going to be a big mess, a double mess: illness and unemployment. The growing number of people filing for unemployment checks raises fresh questions about whether states have stockpiled enough money since the last recession to tide over idled workers until the crisis ends. Some fear the demand for help could outpace the states' ability to pay claims. Our unemployment insurance fund is getting hit pretty hard right now, said Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, where coronavirus-related jobless claims accelerated from zero to nearly 18,000 in barely one week. Video: New Hampshire unemployment claims spike as people seek help amid COVID-19 crisis Raimondo, a Democrat, said the state already needed to start replenishing its fund and appealing for help from the federal government, which she said needed to step up. President Donald Trump's administration is proposing an economic stimulus package that could approach $1 trillion and include sending checks to Americans within a matter of weeks to help them pay for groceries, bills, mortgages and rent. A separate aid bill pending in Congress could inject $1 billion into state unemployment insurance programs. The federal aid could rival or exceed that of the Great Recession in 2008, when a financial industry crisis led to widespread layoffs. Economic analysts warn the country is likely entering or already in its first recession since then. The last recession led to the insolvency of unemployment trust funds in 35 states that collectively racked up more than $40 billion of debt to keep paying unemployed workers. In many states, those debts were repaid through higher taxes on employers. To shore up their trust funds, some states also cut the amount and duration of benefits for those who became unemployed in the future. "States arent really recession-ready, because its so hard for people to get benefits, stay in the program, and the benefits are insufficient, said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, a New York-based group that advocates for low-wage workers and the unemployed. Are states prepared with unemployment benefits? In the U.S., state unemployment trust funds generally are in better financial shape than they were before the last recession. Yet 21 states began the year with less than the amount recommended to remain solvent in an average recession, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report. At the bottom of the solvency list are many of the most populous states California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Ohio and Massachusetts. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, was among the first to shut down schools, sporting events and certain businesses because of the coronavirus. Unemployment claims have since skyrocketed. DeWine's administration acknowledged that state lawmakers likely will have to intervene to shore up the state's shaky unemployment trust fund. The workers out there should not be worried. It will be funded for their needs," said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, also a Republican. Pennsylvania in January finally made the last payment on billions of dollars of bonds issued in 2012 to cover the unemployment fund debt from the last recession. But its fund remains in danger of insolvency, according to the U.S. Department of Labor report. In Tennessee, new unemployment claims tripled over the past week. Michigan received four times as many jobless claims as had been expected on the first day of this week. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Warnings to stay away from public gathering spots also have made it more complicated to apply for benefits, with some state unemployment offices closed to the public. Instead, they have shifted more applicants from offices to websites and phone calls, but even those systems are being taxed. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said the number of unemployment insurance requests was so high at the start of this week that it crashed the state labor department's website. New York's labor department said it's experiencing an unprecedented increase in calls and online visits for unemployment benefits. During the first half of Tuesday, it had 110,000 website visits and 21,000 phone calls. That's 2 1/2 times the web traffic and 10 times the phone calls of the entire previous Tuesday. At times, the surge was too much for the agency to handle. Governors and lawmakers in many states took action this week to make unemployment benefits easier and quicker to get. Some also waived rules that disregard the first week of unemployment or extended the total number of weeks people can be eligible. In North Carolina, which offers less in jobless benefits than most states, displaced workers won't have to be actively looking for a new job, as is required for traditional benefits, and employers who must lay off workers won't be financially responsible for the benefits their workers receive. Kansas lawmakers worked quickly Tuesday to pass legislation that eliminates a one-week wait to begin receiving benefits and expands their duration from 16 to 26 weeks. But House Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican, expressed concern that the economic problems caused by the virus pandemic could deplete the state's unemployment fund in less than a year, even though it's ranked in the top quarter nationally. "What we are seeing is something totally unique here, where the switch has flipped from historically low claims numbers to a dramatic escalation that's going to affect multiple segments of the economy," said Kansas Deputy Department of Labor Secretary Brett Flachsbarth. What's happened in the past with high unemployment rates? But while major unemployment rates have occurred, the country has some examples of extremely high unemployment rates in the past and the ability to persevere. The only time the unemployment rate has been over 20% in modern American history was in a four-year period from 1932 to 1935 right in the teeth of the Great Depression. During that time, the unemployment rate peaked at 24.9% in 1933. By December of 1936, the unemployment rate had dropped to 16.9%. After years of single-digit unemployment rates, it wasn't until 1982 when the unemployment rate again skyrocketed back up to 10.8% in December of that year amid a recession that actually began in 1981. By 1984, however, the recession was over, unemployment dipped back to 7.3% in December. Then came the financial crisis of 2008. Unemployment that year was 7.3% in December, but the failures of major Wall Street banks that fall suggested massive volatility in the labor market. And by 2009, the unemployment rate had soared to 9.9%. By December 2012, however, with the unemployment rate back under 8%. Editor's note: For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, like pneumonia. The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report. On Tuesday BAFTA released a statement on Twitter announcing the news where they revealed it would be postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has officially postponed its annual television awards and television craft awards due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, reports Asian News International. On Tuesday BAFTA released a statement on Twitter announcing the news where they revealed it would be postponed. "Following the latest government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19), we regret to announce that the British Academy Television Craft Awards and Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, originally scheduled for 26 April and 17 May respectively, will be postponed until later in the year," reads the statement. Check out the statement Following the latest government advice, we regret to announce that the BAFTA Television Craft Awards and Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, originally scheduled for 26 April & 17 May, will be postponed until later in the year. Find out more https://t.co/Fugnj0vY29 BAFTA (@BAFTA) March 17, 2020 The statement also mentioned the announcement of the nominations, scheduled for next Thursday 26 March, will also be postponed until closer to the ceremony. Not only television, but the coronavirus has also affected the film industry. As per a report in The Associated Press, US movie theaters have closed nationwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, turning dark nearly all of the country's 40,000-plus screens in an unprecedented shutdown. With most of Hollywood's March and April releases already postponed, the Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday also cleared out its May releases as well, including Marvel's Black Widow, reports The Associated Press. The largest chains had tried to remain open even as Hollywood postponed its upcoming release plans and guidelines for social distancing steadily diminished the recommended size of crowds. But after President Donald Trump on Monday urged against gatherings of more than 10 people, AMC Theaters, the nation's largest chain, said Tuesday its theaters would close altogether. AMC said the latest guidelines made movie theater operations essentially impossible. It said it would close all locations in the US for at least six to 12 weeks. Regal, the second-largest chain, said Monday that its theaters would close until further notice. The Walt Disney Co. also indefinitely postponed Black Widow, which had been set to open 1 May. Marvel movies have for years been the regular kickoff to the summer movie-going season. The company also put off the releases of David Copperfield (8 May) and The Woman in the Window (15 May). (With inputs from agencies) YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan convened a working consultation with the heads of regional administrations of the republic and the mayor of Stepanakert on March 19. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of Artsakh President's Office, issues related to projects being implemented in the regions and the capital were on the discussion agenda. Particular attention was drawn to the measures taken within the framework of fight against the new coronavirus. The Head of the State highlighted the necessity of acquiring all the essential medical supplies and disinfectants and carrying out coordinated disinfection activities on sites. Minister of State Grigory Martirosyan and other officials participated in the consultation. Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Cathal McNaughton is back living in a cottage in the Glens of Antrim after pressing pause on his globetrotting career and says he hasn't owned a camera since leaving Reuters - or taken a photo that wasn't snapped on an iPhone in over a year. But he's beginning to get the urge again, he says, and has been running a series of masterclasses for aspiring photographers in a bid to give something back. The Cushendall photojournalist was riding high after becoming the first photographer in Ireland to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his work with news agency Reuters charting the Rohinga crisis - when life threw an unexpected curveball his way. At the time of the award, he was based in Delhi, working for Reuters as its chief photographer in India. "I fought for the opportunity to go and photograph the Rohingya people fleeing Myanmar to Bangladesh and I was part of a team that were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for our coverage of the Rohingya crisis," he says. Expand Close Cathal McNaughton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cathal McNaughton "It was the pinnacle of my career at that stage, but on my return from the award I was denied entry into India -and that started the next chapter of my life." The former Belfast Telegraph and Irish News photographer had just flown back from New York, via Toronto, when he was inexplicably detained at the airport in India. "I was at passport control, expecting to walk through and meet the driver who was waiting for me outside, but that didn't happen," he says. "I was escorted back onto the same plane that I'd arrived on and ended up back in Toronto. It was a crazy 30 hours. I was trying to figure out what was going wrong - I thought there must be a mistake somewhere." Eventually it emerged - thanks to a government backchannel - that he had been barred because of his work covering the region of Kashmir, for many years a warzone at the heart of an ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan. "They didn't like the world being made aware of the situation in Kashmir," Cathal says. "Kashmir is a part of India so it was just part of my patch that I had to cover. It's a place I had always wanted to visit and it's one of the most beautiful places on earth. "The problem is that it's basically a war zone. But I would encourage anybody to go to it - they are some of the nicest people I've ever met. The experience of dealing with life and death issues from a young age makes you grow up very quickly "The last time I was there - before all this happened - I was planning to go back to do some fly fishing in the foothills of the Himalayas. That's not going to happen now." Reuters offered him a new position in Manila, but Cathal decided it was time to draw a line and return to Ireland as his mother had become ill with Alzheimer's. "My parents had become ill and I decided to take control of the situation, because effectively I was homeless. All my life was still in India," he says. "I was hoping I was going back at the time - I still had a girlfriend in India, I had an apartment, all my friends, all my personal belongings were there because I'd been separated from my wife a couple of years previously. "Some of my belongings still remain in India. But I decided to take control of the situation and go back to the Glens to spend more time with friends, my family and of course my son. I took an enforced sabbatical and it was necessary at the time. I needed to take a bit of a break." Now 41 and dad to Dara (12), Cathal is back living in the beautiful Glens where he grew up, living close to his retired parents Eileen and Cathal, and in ways life has come full circle. It was a fateful encounter in the Glens with former Irish News picture editor Brendan Murphy that was to set the ball rolling on his illustrious career. At the time, Brendan was involved in a project that required him to spend two weeks photographing a chosen area - in his case, the Glens. Cathal's dad, a woodturner by trade, was his fixer and Cathal helped out in the school holidays. Brendan told him to call if he was interested in photography as a career - and that's how Cathal came to be a trainee at the Irish News. "True enough, on the day I received my GCSE results I rang and asked him out of the blue and he said 'come in and see how it goes' and that was the start of it," Cathal says. It wasn't long before he graduated onto the big stories. "It was the tail end of the Troubles and we're talking about Drumcree, the Ormeau Road, the Omagh bomb, lots of the major terrorist events," Cathal says. Expand Close 2001: the Holy Cross dispute in north Belfast / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2001: the Holy Cross dispute in north Belfast "My first real major assignment was the Omagh bomb. It was really a baptism of fire because it was such a horrific event. "Because it was such a major event, it was all hands on deck in the Irish News. It was the aftermath that we were covering - lots of funerals and vigils that had to be covered. I was just helping out." Other memorable assignments were the Drumcree stand-off and the Holy Cross dispute. "I seem to remember there was a lot of trouble on the lower Shankill Road - the UDA was extremely prominent at the time and there was a lot of activity around there," Cathal says. "I was going to loyalist paramilitary shows of strength in loyalist heartlands in the middle of the night. When you're a young Catholic from the country, it was quite an eye-opening experience. "You would be an idiot if you weren't scared in some of those situations. But that is generally what keeps you safe -you have to be ultra-aware of your surroundings and what's happening. You develop a sixth sense when you need to get out of a situation very quickly." The experience of dealing with life and death issues from a young age makes you grow up very quickly, Cathal says. "I tried not to take too many silly risks, but I suppose with youth comes a certain bravado as well," he admits. "But I always had my mentor and he used to tell me when I was being stupid or out of line - even when I left and went on and worked for other publications. "I went from there and worked for the Belfast Telegraph where the picture editor, Gerry Fitzgerald, was very good to me as well - he acted as a mentor to me at the start of my career." After the Belfast Telegraph, Cathal moved to Sunday Life, followed by Dublin and then London with the Press Association. Within a year of joining PA in London, he had been named UK Press Photographer of the Year, Royal Photographer of the Year and Environmental Photographer of the Year. After getting married to then-wife Kim and the birth of their son Dara, he moved back to Ireland to cover the region for Reuters. Expand Close 2020: Get Er Brewed, Randalstown / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2020: Get Er Brewed, Randalstown "I was sent on various international assignments around the world - it was my first time working for an international news agency," he says. "That's when I felt my photography moved to another level, because day to day I was working with people who I would have had an awful lot of admiration and respect for and I was wanting to emulate some of the work they were doing. "From there, a posting came up in India to become the chief photographer for Reuters and that was an amazing time, heading to India." Nothing can prepare you for India, he says, describing it as an assault on the senses. "India can be the most beautiful country in the world and the worst place you've ever visited," he says. Memorable assignments included visits to the Himalayas and Bhutan, but the Rohingya genocide was the story that will stay with him forever. "It's one of the most horrible things imaginable, hundreds of thousands of people leaving everything they own in another country and every single one of those people has experienced something horrific," he says. "It permeates the whole atmosphere of the place as well. It's almost like a cloud hangs over the place where they were. Expand Close Snooker legend Alex Higgins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Snooker legend Alex Higgins "But it's very necessary to be there to show the world what is happening. If a regime has their own way, nobody will know what's happening. If it wasn't for journalists and photographers, the world wouldn't know what was going on. "I spent two weeks there and it's a full-on two weeks where you're working round the clock. It was the end of the monsoon season and it was extremely warm and humid - you can imagine what the sanitation was like. Every single one of us wanted to stay longer, but Reuters made sure every one of us only stayed for two weeks." He admits that one of the reasons for the career break was the toll that such assignments were exacting. "The thing about my job is that you see the best of humanity and the worst of humanity all the time - and quite often it is the worst of humanity," Cathal says. "When you are exposed to that on a regular basis it can't help but affect you," he adds. There were some major news events around the world that I'd love to have been covering but I did step away from it for a while "I recognised the toll it was taking on me and I decided I needed to step back for a little while and decompress, which I am still doing. It's not something you do once - it's something you have to be aware of all the time and I'll probably be doing it for the rest of my life," he says. "These things can manifest in a variety of ways through different people. They can affect your mood, they can make you depressed, you can have anxiety - that's probably how it affected me. "It can affect the mood of people around you as well. If your mood is changeable, it's not easy for other people to live around. "Once you're in the middle of this, you don't really see it. "It's only when you step back that you see these things." Cathal admits it was strange going from editing hundreds of pictures a day to nothing. "It's quite a challenge - at the start very much so, but I stopped looking at the news for a while and took a break because it wasn't helping at all," he says. "There were some major news events around the world that I'd love to have been covering but I did step away from it for a while. I handed back my camera to Reuters and I haven't taken a photograph that's not on an iPhone for over a year. "At the minute I am still down in the Glens, I have a dog and I'm now starting to give masterclasses that I've got up and running. I spend time with my parents and I live in a beautiful cottage in the Glens. "Anyone that comes up the lane is going to my house - the next step after my house is the mountain." Cathal often says being a photojournalist is all about taking away - "taking their photographs, taking up their time, but I think it would be nice to give something back". Lately he's been giving talks about his experience of working with Reuters and the psychological and emotional impacts of working in war zones. He's also been working with community groups, teaching aspiring photographers by mentoring them on real-world assignments. Expand Close Photographer Cathal McNaughton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photographer Cathal McNaughton "The people we are photographing have their stories to tell and it gives them the opportunity to do so. The stories will be related to the public through exhibitions or through local press, and I would like to build it up into a more international thing," he says. "Belfast used to be synonymous with photojournalism round the world - great photographers around the world always mention doing their time in Northern Ireland. I would like to bring some of that back and create an environment for international people to come and learn in Belfast, which has such a real history of photography." MURPHYSBORO One day after its primary election, Illinois officials announced a spike in the number of residents who have tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials revealed 128 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Illinois to 288. Nine days ago, there were 11 confirmed cases in the state. Officials also announced cases in two new counties, Kendall and Madison. This virus knows no boundaries, Pritzker said during a visit to Murphysboro. Make no mistake; no place and no person is immune from COVID-19. The age of people who have been diagnosed as having COVID-19 now ranges from 9 to 91. The governor and other health officials had just returned from a tour of a testing facility in Carbondale. The grim truth is that these numbers will continue to grow significantly, as will likely the unfortunate statistic of fatalities, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. She said the number of cases at a nursing home in DuPage County nearly doubled to 42. Thirty residents and 12 workers tested positive, Ezike said. Ezike also asked parents who were allowing for playdates with other kids to stop the practice. She said such gatherings would negate the benefits of the governors decision to close schools statewide. Pritzker also announced a new website that will act as a catch-all for the states information regarding COVID-19. Coronavirus.illinois.gov will have updates on statistics, news conferences, answer to questions regarding the ongoing pandemic, and information for unemployment and small business assistance. By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva has made a statement on March Genocide of Azerbaijanis. Below is the text of the statement made on 19 March and addressed to international organizations: "March 31 - Genocide of Azerbaijanis should be particularly emphasized due to its large scale among the other acts of genocide committed by the Armenian nationalists against our people as a part of their policy of occupation, ethnic cleansing and genocides throughout the history. The Armenian vandals committed inhuman crimes as a result of bloody acts started with the first shootings on Muslims by Dashnak groups gathered near the Armenian church in Baku on March 30, 1918, and the attacks on the Kerpichkhana (Brick houses), Mammadli and other dwelling neighbourhoods of Azerbaijanis by the Bolshevik-Dashnak groups committed a day after. The Armenians committed the acts of genocide also in Guba, Shamakhi, Kurdamir, Salyan and Lankaran provinces along with Baku. As a whole, on March 31 and April 1-2, 1918, massacres in Baku, as well as other cities and provinces, which were included into the Baku governorate, occurred on a large scale, where Armenian groups have killed more than 50,000 civilians. During those bloody events, the demolishing and burning of 110 villages in Shamakhi, 167 in Guba, over 150 in Karabakh, 115 in Zangazur provinces, and 98 in Kars oblast, plundering of numerous homes, killing of hundreds of innocent people, including women and children, are concrete facts and truth of bitter history that reflect the policy of the Armenian nationalists against our people. 199 villages in and around the Iravan city, as a part of historical lands of Azerbaijan, have been ruined; 132,000 Azerbaijanis have been mercilessly murdered. Also, the burning of secondary schools, libraries, cultural centres, and Ismailiyya as one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of Baku and the demolishing of the Achig Soez (Free Word), the editorial offices of Kaspi and Baku Newspapers, and minarets of Taza Pir mosque, belonging to Azerbaijanis are another example of the Armenian vandalism. The criminal acts committed by the Armenians in 1918, are engraved in the blood memory of the Azerbaijani people forever. The Decree on the Genocide of Azerbaijanis of March 26, 1998, signed by President Heydar Aliyev, politically assessed those horrible events and March 31 was declared The Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, which has been mourning every year at the state level. As a result of conducted investigations, there have been collected numerous documents and revealed the facts of mass killings committed by the Armenians during the 1918 incidents in Guba. The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, created as a tribute to the memory of the murdered, displays visual pieces of evidence confirming the brutality of the Armenian murderers. The atrocities committed by Armenian bandit attacks in 1918 against civilians in almost all parts of Azerbaijan are merely a crime of genocide. Thousands of peaceful Azerbaijanis were murdered just because of their ethnicity. The UN General Assembly Resolution 96 (I) of December 11, 1946, states that genocide is the denial of the right to existence of entire human groups, as homicide is the denial of the right to live of individual human beings. The signs of a crime of genocide are enshrined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 260 (III) of December 9, 1948. According to the Convention, genocide means any act committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. Each of the acts, that were stated in this document, was committed by the Armenians against the Azerbaijanis during March-April 1918, which should be recognized as a genocide in accordance with international law norms and principles. Historical facts show that the murder and genocide of Azerbaijanis by Armenians, as well as aggressive claims of Armenian nationalists also continued subsequently. As such, in Azerbaijan 48.000 Azerbaijanis were killed by the Armenians from May 1920 to November 1921. Since 1988, Armenian nationalists again have become active. With the consent of the USSR administration, Armenia put forward territorial claims against Azerbaijan, started its occupation policy, committed crimes of genocide, and the harsh consequences of that military aggression continue to this day. The ethnic cleansing and occupation policy of Armenia resulted in the occupation of 20 per cent of the territory of Azerbaijan, more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), all fundamental rights of them were massively and severely violated. Over the night from February25-26, 1992, Armenian armed forces committed one of the most terrible acts of genocide of the 20th century against the Azerbaijanis in Khojaly and razed the town to the ground. The Armenian nationalists and terrorists committed acts of genocide and massacres in Karkijahan, Malibayli, Gushchular, Garadagly, Agdaban villages and other settlements, along with Khojaly. Based on the international law norms and principles, we call the international community to recognize March 31 -Genocide of Azerbaijanis and to demonstrate a resolute and fair position. This should be imposed sanctions on Armenia that keeps the Azerbaijani lands, recognized by the UN, under the occupation and committed numerous acts of genocide pursuing an aggressive policy against the Azerbaijanis; the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, violated fundamental rights of the refugees and IDP compatriots shall be restored; perpetrators, who murdered civilian population, shall be brought to justice as soon as possible and subjected to deserved punishment." --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Davies Turner estimates that levels are currently approximately 60% of those prior to the Chinese New Year and the subsequent Coronavirus outbreak UK-based independent freight forwarder Davies Turner (DT) is seeing a steady recovery in Chinese export and import volumes as the spread of Covid-19 has slowed and the countrys economic activity has picked up. We estimate that levels are currently approximately 60% those we witnessed prior to the Chinese New Year and the subsequent Coronavirus outbreak, the companys head of Supply Chain Services Tony Cole told Lloyds Loading List. But this volume recovery will inevitably be further interrupted as tighter movement restrictions within the UK are advised by the government and these restrictions will likely result in reduced consumer spending, he warned. In addition, to offering customers air and freight solutions from and to China, DT also operates a scheduled China-Europe rail freight service. In keeping with normal practice, the service did not operate during the Chinese New Year holiday break and its suspension was further extended due to the coronavirus. Cole revealed that DTs Express China Rail Service resumed earlier this week, leaving from the central Chinese city of Xian for Duisburg in Germany, with an on-forwarding connection to the UK. He expects the consolidated containers to be unpacked in Dartford around 8 April. T he economy is so under siege that even the smartest economist cant possibly predict how bad things are going to get before they get better. In the blink of a rheumy eye, Britain has moved from weve had enough of experts to the stark realisation that there arent any. Nobody knows anything. Just as a doctors surgery is ground zero for viruses, this expertless state is the perfect breeding ground for misinformation to take root. In the absence of experts, the pseudo-experts proliferate, multiplying in a way no hand sanitiser can control. And then there are the crisis-lovers. We all know one. Like Pam in Gavin & Stacey (Its all the drama, Mick. I just love it!) theyre excited by the challenge of catering for their families for two weeks using the cupboard essentials theyve been judiciously hoarding since Feb. Granted, itll be a wrench that the cleaner and the nanny are self-isolating in their Colindale bedsits, but Crisis Lover didnt get that Duke of Edinburgh award for nothing. If she has to manage without staff, she will. Besides, maybe two weeks of social distancing will end her husbands affair with his PA. Every cloud. Already, Crisis Lover has done a full risk assessment on her freezer and is midway through a spreadsheet titled Basic But Nutritionally Dense Family Meals. Peanut butter, baked beans and frozen berries feature heavily. I dont love a crisis, and struggle to construct a family meal five minutes after the Ocado has been. The only thing Ive stocked up on is crisps. Foil-sealed and hygienic, there are worse things to live off. Wotsits are the perfect breakfast crisp light and fluffy like a croissant while for lunch, itll be something piquant and crunchy like salt and vinegar Squares. For dinner, a 150g bag of Max Strong jalapeno and cheese, with Torres black truffle patatas fritas on weekends. Wish me luck. Send vitamins. But leave them by the door. An antidote for dog days Nobody is in much of a mood to watch Making Of A Murderous Psychopathic Whodunnit Bastard these days, however good-looking the protagonist. Desperate times call for desperate escapism. Which is why the UK launch of Pooch Perfect cant come soon enough. Pooch perfect / Shutterstock / Svetography Currently airing in Australia (fronted by, who else, Rebel Wilson), the British version promises Sheridan Smith as host, as well as a phalanx of dogs competing to become the nations most well-groomed canine. And I, for one, cannot wait. Vocal support President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday refused to consider the second mercy petition filed by 2012 Delhi gang-rape case convicts Pawan Gupta and Akshay Thakur, clearing the way for their hanging on Friday. The four convicts will be hanged at 5:30 am tomorrow, as per the death warrant issued by a Delhi court. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had dismissed the curative petition filed by Gupta against a January 20 judgment of the top court which had dismissed his claim of juvenility. A six-judge bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, turned down Guptas plea as well as his request for oral hearing of the petition. A curative petition is the last judicial resort available to a litigant for redressal of grievances. It is a remedy established by the Supreme Court through its judgement in the Rupa Asok Hurra v Ashok Hurra case and is decided by the judges in-chamber. The apex court bench headed by justice R Banumathi, on January 20, had dismissed Guptas petition in which he had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of commission of offence in December 2012. A review petition against the January 20 judgment was dismissed on January 31. Earlier, the Delhi high court had rejected his claim on December 19 last year after which he moved the Supreme Court in appeal. Meanwhile, authorities in Delhis Tihar jail have begun the final preparations as less than 16 hours are left for the hanging of these convicts. All the four convicts - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma - will be hanged simultaneously inside jail number 3. The four men are currently lodged in jail 3 next to the hanging courtyard. Each convict is lodged separately and guarded by at least 2-3 jail wardens who monitor their movements round-the-clock. The four men had assaulted and gang raped a 23-year-old paramedic student inside a moving bus in South Delhi on December 16, 2012. The young woman died at a hospital in Singapore two weeks later. State Rep. Roger Hauck, of Union Township, stated Thursday that local health care officials are working around the clock to contain the coronavirus and protect Midland County families. "We can all do our part to help prevent further spread by using effective preventive measures like frequent hand washing with soap, cleaning high-traffic surfaces and staying home as much as possible, especially if feeling sick," said Hauck, who represents Isabella County and 10 townships in Midland County. Burma Myanmar Parliament Approves Amendment to Constitutions Language on State, Regional Minister Appointments Lawmakers and Parliament staff count ballots during voting on proposed constitutional amendments. / Thiha Lwin / The Irrawaddy YANGONAmong 19 proposed constitutional amendments put to a vote on Wednesday, a single proposal was approved, to remove language deemed unnecessary from the charters provision on appointing regional and state ministers. The proposed amendmentwhich received 591 votes in favor, accounting for 90.4 percent of lawmakersbrings to three the number of charter amendments approved after nearly two weeks of balloting. The approved proposal removes a passage in a provision of the charter relating to the appointment of regional and state ministers that was deemed unnecessary. The passage stated that a regional or state minister could be appointed from among elected representatives or from among those who are not elected representatives, assuming they meet the other requirements. It is the only change to the Constitution that was sought by lawmakers from the National League for Democracy as well as military-appointed MPs and those from the military-backed, former ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). The NLD had also sought to remove similarly unnecessary language from the Constitutions provisions on the appointments of Union ministers, deputy Union ministers, the Union attorney-general and deputy attorney-general, and the Union auditor-general and deputy auditor-general. However, all of those NLD proposals were voted down on Tuesday, rejected by the USDP and military appointed lawmakers, who seem prepared to block all of the NLD-proposed amendments. The Union Parliament began voting on constitutional amendments on March 10. So far, 107 proposals submitted by the NLD, and by the military with the USDP, have been voted on. All but three have failed to muster the required support of more than 75 percent of lawmakers. The two other approved proposals called for changes to Burmese-language references to disabled and elders. Note: This story was corrected on March 19, 2020; the original article erroneously stated that the constitutional provision that is to be amended refers to the appointment of state and regional chief ministers. It refers only to ministers. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Failed Charter Reform Will Soil Militarys Image: Military Proxy MP Myanmar Military Chief Retains Special Powers as NLD Charter Reforms Stymied Myanmars Suu Kyi Still Barred From Presidency as Proposed Charter Change Fails An Australian mother has created a unique 'pantry list' for her family during the coronavirus pandemic to stop them eating all of the snacks, and it has brought cheer to the internet. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, pasted the list inside her cupboard at home mapping out exactly how the food was meant to be used. 'New pantry rules for Coronavirusgedden,' her list began. 'Nobody goes into the pantry for food or snacks without asking first. No willy nilly pantry visits allowed.' An Australian mother has created a unique 'pantry list' for her family during the coronavirus pandemic to stop them eating all of the snacks, and it has brought cheer to the internet This was followed by a command that no new cereal boxes be opened if there is already one in use. All boxes must be eaten and 'gone' before a new one is started. 'You better have eaten a piece of fruit, a vegetable or yoghurt before you reach for anything in here,' she continued. And finally, if anyone thinks about touching her Cadbury eggs they are going to 'wish they got coronavirus'. The lighthearted take on what has become a global health crisis is a reminder of the ordinary families dealing with the infectious disease, and how they're keeping calm amongst the panic. 'I wish my kids read this before I had six boxes of cereal opened,' one mother commented on Facebook. The take on what has become a global health crisis is a sharp reminder of the ordinary families dealing with the infectious disease, and how they're keeping calm amongst the panic (stock image) 'I might need to make one of these for the eating machines that live in my house,' said another. A third person added: 'These are pretty much my rules anyway with or without the virus around'. The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised against all overseas travel on Wednesday as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak. He also banned large non-essential gatherings, shortened aged care visits and put 20,000 student nurses to work. But, on the advice of doctors, he stopped short of closing schools and initiating a full-scale lockdown as seen in France, Spain and Italy. Police officers review identification cards at a checkpoint in Dagupan City, north of the Philippine capital, after authorities imposed a lockdown across Luzon Island to prevent the spread of coronavirus, March 16, 2020. Updated at 7:43 a.m. ET on 2020-03-20 Habib Ismail has taken to sleeping in his makeshift kitchen, the only way he can practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among his family of six in a temporary shelter in the southern Philippine city of Marawi. I am scared. I heard the virus is very contagious, the 64-year-old Ismail told BenarNews at his temporary home, around 24 square meters (258 square feet). But I have to protect my family. Ismails comments underscore the panic spreading in evacuation sites outside Marawi, where hundreds of families have been living a hand-to-mouth existence since Islamic State-linked militants seized the once-scenic city in 2017. The uneasiness deepened after the government announced that one of 17 Filipinos who have died from COVID-19 thus far is a Marawi resident who had attended a religious gathering in Malaysia where hundreds were infected. With more than 200 cases now confirmed in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed a monthlong lockdown on the northern island of Luzon, and advised so-called social distancing and other measures to halt the spread of the highly contagious novel coronavirus. In Marawi, 1,215 km (759 miles) southeast of the Philippine capital, the kind of cleanliness and personal space that health officials advise is a luxury for many. Ismail worried about sanitation in his temporary camp, Sagonsongan, where clean water was a perennial problem for an estimated 1,000 families. At best, he said, a couple of trucks deliver water every week to the households. Local authorities on Wednesday said they were tracking more than 200 Filipino Muslim elders who travelled to the religious gathering in Malaysia yet another worry for Marawi residents. Local officials believe many of the Filipino participants were from Marawi, the only Islamic city in the predominantly Roman Catholic country, and surrounding areas. Malaysia pilgrims: identities unknown Malaysia, the country worst-affected by the virus in Southeast Asia, reported 900 confirmed cases and two deaths on Thursday. Almost two-thirds of Malaysias confirmed infections were linked to the gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, officials there said. A patient who died Tuesday at a medical center in Marawi City, and was later confirmed positive for COVID-19, had attended that event, Philippine officials said. But the health department has not released the identities of the dead. One prominent local politician, Abdulrashid Balindong, voluntarily self-quarantined for two-weeks after attending the event in Malaysia. The whereabouts of hundreds of other pilgrims remained unknown as of Thursday. They could be in communities near the evacuation site, inadvertently spreading the disease, Ismail worried. He was glad, he said, that the village chairman handed out facemasks and a sack of rice to each family at the shelter. But alcohol for hand sanitizing was not provided, he said. These facemasks will last for a week for us, Ismail said, but after that we are not certain. Homemade face masks Another evacuee, Queenie Pacalundo Mamocatao, said her mother makes facemasks for their family of seven. My mother is very resourceful and she is a good at sewing together the cloth into a facemask, said the 29-year-old Mamocatao, a mother of one. Thanks be to Allah, she said, we can live by and maybe survive the virus. Momocatao said she feared for the tricycle drivers, vendors and laborers living in temporary shelters in nearby Saguiaran town in Lanao del Sur province, where local leaders have imposed movement restrictions. Where can they get their food? They do not even have medicine, Mamocatao said. Three years after Philippine security forces defeated Islamic State-linked militants during the Marawi battle, a large portion of the city has remained off limits to civilians. Militants from Southeast Asia and the Middle East joined members of the local group Abu Sayyaf in the siege that devastated Marawi and left an estimated 1,200 militants, soldiers and civilians dead. We are already facing the difficulty of coming to terms with a devastated city, said Drieza Abato Lininding, a leader of the Marawi Civil Society, a collection of Muslim elders. Now we are faced with the reality of the displaced, who are the most vulnerable in this time of the disease, he said. Lininding said social distancing was sure to fail in the camps for displaced residents, given the limited space in the shelters. How can we talk about that when they also worry about their personal hygiene, water is rationed and money or source of income is scarce? he said. Updated to provide the estimated size of a temporary shelter in Marawi. The new coronavirus kills at least one person every 10 minutes in Iran, the countrys health ministry has warned, as shortages force medics to treat the sick without protective gear, while families say they are burying their loved ones in makeshift pits. Nearly 18,500 have been infected and at least 1,284 people have died of Covid-19 in the country, the highest death toll outside of China and Italy. The official body count increased by 149 on Thursday, the largest one day jump since the crisis, showing how quickly the effects of the pandemic were accelerating in Iran. The World Health Organisation, however, has warned Irans toll was potentially five times higher as the testing has been restricted to the most severe cases. The authorities have also struggled to enforce measures like quarantine and self-isolation. On Thursday Kianush Jahanpur, the health ministry spokesman, said the crisis was so severe that Covid-19 was killing at least half a dozen an hour. "Based on our information, every 10 minutes one person dies from the coronavirus and some 50 people become infected with the virus every hour in Iran," he tweeted. This rate could soar: a computer simulation conducted by Tehrans Sharif University of Technology this week concluded that in the best-case scenario the death toll could exceed 12,000 and reach a peak in mid-May. In a worst-case scenario, if people keep travelling and ignoring health guidance, the report warned as many as 3.5 million could die. As of Thursday, more than 9,000 people have died globally with more than 200,000 cases. As the outbreak has spread medical professionals described unsafe conditions while they rush to treat patients with dwindling supplies. A nurse working in Karaj, a city 25km northwest of Tehran, told The Independent protective masks are only available for those working in the emergency units, increasing the risk that those working in other sections of the hospitals could be infected and pass on the virus to other patients. We are really short of equipment. Our hospitals are all full and the medical teams are already exhausted. Yet some people still dont take this seriously, the nurse said. In the first days there were masks and protective gowns for the medical staff at our hospital. But now it is getting more scarce as the number of infected people across the country is increasing. A lab technician in Tehran said each medical staffer is given two masks per shift, which is not sufficient. Infection cases among the doctors, nurses and the medical staff in general are increasing rapidly, he said. We're very worried about our own families since we might get infected and carry the virus to our family. Civilians in Tehran told The Independent that bodies are massing in morgues and when the authorities bury the dead they have started to do so with lime to further prevent the spread of the disease. In more rural areas, where citizens are largely on their own, one man said worried locals have been hastily burying bodies in makeshift graves without ceremony. A few days ago one of my relatives in a far off city noticed a neighbour had died likely from coronavirus. His family feared getting close to the body." My relative used a blanket to pack and move the body and finally just threw him in a grave, without any ceremony like a dead animal, the man added. Despite reports that Iran has implemented a tight lockdown on public life, the same person said the authorities have failed to quarantine cities and enforce social distancing. Instead many citizens are gearing up for the Nowruz, the Iranian new year, on Friday. Unfortunately many dont understand and still travel around and are preparing to go on vacations, the Tehran resident said. The regime simply doesnt want to confess its incompetence, the person added. The nurse in Karaj also reported there was very little police presence and little enforcement of curfews. The authorities have released statements telling people to stay home and avoid travelling during the new year holidays to help contain coronavirus contagion. They just threw him in a grave, without any ceremony like a dead animal Resident of Tehran But on Thursday photos were shared online purportedly showing traffic jams on the Tehran-Qom motorway. Irans outbreak began in Qom, a city 120km southwest of the capital and a stronghold of Irans shiite clergy. There the authorities have battled to close down shrines to curb the spread of the disease: videos also shared online apparently show hardline faithful storming the courtyards of Fatima Masumeh and Mashhad shrines demanding they open. From our sources on the ground witnessing in person or getting this from reports they receive from key places the numbers of Covid-19 cases are at least four times higher than being reported, said Mzahem Alsaloum, a researcher working for western defence contractors. The authorities cannot do proper tests, they have been testing only those who have extreme symptoms. They have been unable to impose quarantine or social distancing measures, there are concerns about the New Year. There has been radical mismanagement by the regime. In his special message for Nowruz, Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, also pointed to the United States saying it is responsible for the destructive ramifications of continuing to impose crippling sanctions on the country as it struggles to contain the disease. The US administration of Donald Trump has resisted pressure to ease sanctions on Iran to allow for easier access to medical supplies, ignoring a precedent set by George W Bush when he removed trade restrictions and dispatched aid after a 2003 earthquake. Instead on Tuesday, Washington imposed fresh sanctions, blacklisting three Iranian individuals, for engaging in "significant transactions" to trade in Iranian petrochemicals. Mike Pompeo, secratery of state, insisted Washington will maintain its maximum-pressure campaign to choke off Tehran's ability to export its oil. Iran has strong commercial and political ties with China, where coronavirus emerged last year. It denied for weeks that the virus had been encountered in Iran finally acknowledging its presence on 19 February. Still, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani insisted on Wednesday that Iran had been honest with people, calling accusations that Iran first tried to downplay the outbreak of coronavirus propaganda in a speech broadcast live on state television. Responding to mounting public criticism, including an actor on television who publicly blasted the authorities for lying and failing to shut down the city of Qom, Tehran has offered a major olive branch to its many opponents, releasing 85,000 prisoners on furlough. On Wednesday Iran announced it would pardon prisoners serving sentences of less than five years for security crimes ahead of Nowruz. It remained unclear if Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian dual citizen, now out on furlough while serving five years in prison on trumped-up charges of toppling the regime, would be included in the pardon. Fancy plunking down cold, hard cash to launch your way into near-space heights, or snagging a ticket for a vacation in Earth orbit? Maybe you're still dreaming of that long-distance cruise out to the moon or beyond. A space vacation has long been available only in the realm of science fiction, but this year, public space travel appears closer than ever before. British billionaire Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic , the company Blue Origin backed by Jeff Bezos (another billionaire) and the Mars-bound goals of Elon Musk and his ambitious SpaceX Starship are all pioneering different ways to bring space travel to the public. But it's been a long haul to get reach this nexus of private (and public) space travel and a new book takes a look at just how long that voyage has been. In " See You In Orbit? Our Dream Of Spaceflight " (To Orbit Productions, 2019), Alan Ladwig takes a look back at the missions and milestones in developing public spaceflight opportunities. Ladwig is a former NASA manager for both Shuttle Student Involvement Program and the Spaceflight Participant Program which included the Teacher in Space and Journalist in Space competitions. He is now chief of To Orbit Productions, LLC, a consulting and art company, and he admits the new book has been a crime of passion for over three decades. Space.com caught up with Ladwig to explore the historical quest for public space travel, tourism and the promise of one day strapping in and placing your table trays into locked position for liftoff. See You In Orbit? Our Dream Of Spaceflight | $18 on Amazon See You In Orbit? Our Dream Of Spaceflight | $18 on Amazon Alan Ladwig, a former NASA manager, dives into the promise of public spaceflight in this new book, which comes as Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and more take aim at private and commercial space travel. Space.com: Your book has been 30 years in the making. Why so? Ladwig: I started it in 1990 and when I began the whole notion of citizen space travel as a reality was pretty far away. There wasn't a good way to have an ending that gave people much hope. You had some companies that came to NASA wanting to outfit the shuttle with a passenger module in the cargo bay. Other organizations wanted to build their own spacecraft. But none of that ever panned out. Most of them were undercapitalized and didn't have the money to pull it off. Or their business model was just not accurate enough to be sustainable. Space.com: And you feel that's changed? Ladwig: History is full of people that came through with good ideas and just couldn't quite get to the finishing line. I put them in my hall of fame for having tried and trying to keep the dream alive. So it took years to get to this new breed of advocacy investors that had the wherewithal, the technical expertise, but not necessarily operational experience at the beginning. Space.com: You have a cautionary question mark in the title of your book. How come? Ladwig: Even now that we're on the precipice of suborbital flight, hopefully this year, look how long thats taken. Once again, though we're getting closer to the reality, the expectations and the predictions have been off by quite a bit. The promise of commercial space travel takes center stage the new book "See You in Orbit" by Alan Ladwig. (Image credit: Cover art design: Alan Ladwig; Cover photo: J. Larry Golfer) Space.com: But over the years, the public remained ready to buckle up? Ladwig: As I say in the book, thats because for the last 70 years we were told we were going to get to go told by industry, by the government, by visionaries, and by the media. Arthur Clarke, a year before Apollo 11 said well be able to fly to the moon as cheaply as you can fly from New York to Tokyo. It got written down as though it was gospel. And I think now you've got a similar thing going on with Elon Musk sending people to Mars by 2025 , or circumlunar flight even earlier. He said that he has "aspirational" goals, and I love that term. It's kind of an overall caveat that protects him from not delivering. But sooner or later you've got to deliver. If you don't people start to get a little cynical. Space.com: I was drawn to your behind-the-scenes account of the loss of Challenger and its crew that included teacher-in-space, Christa McAuliffe. You subtitled that section "The Dream Turns into Heartbreak." Ladwig: Because of the accident my emotions were all over the place. Having a civilian onboard had nothing to do with the accident. In the beginning, the Spaceflight Participant program was projected to possibly do a flight three to four times a year. We had been considering journalist in space and artist in space too. My favorite line in the countless letters I received from people eager to fly: "Look no further, I'm the one." After the accident that put it all on hold. Alan Ladwig with Teacher in Space finalist Judy Garcia during a weightless training flight. (Image credit: NASA) Space.com: Jumping to today, just how on edge is public space travel? Is it resilient enough to survive another accident? Ladwig: I think it will depend on how far along we are in flight that an accident happens. Also, it depends on what caused the accident. If it occurs early on it could be a setback for the commercial companies. But if it happens three or four years from now and it's a private citizen, I don't think the public reaction will be the same as when astronauts have died in the past. It's like climbing the Himalayans. Look how many people die in the Himalayans and that hasn't stopped people from going. But I do think that's the kind of discussion people will have should there be an accident. Any endeavor of going forward on ambitious or adventurous things there could be death, and thats part of it. Space.com: Do you think public space travel is simply an extension of how passenger air travel has evolved over time? Ladwig: Professor Patrick Collins is a well-known and respected authority on space economics and space tourism. He noted in his research that in the first 100 years of aviation, passenger travel grew from zero in 1901 to 1.5 billion passengers in 2001. Meanwhile, the first 50 years of human spaceflight, fewer than 600 individuals achieved a rocket ride. So those comparisons are made periodically. And there are those who suggest that space should have done the same thing, but others that say it's much more difficult to make that transition to space. But early on you saw people from the aviation industry talk about how this was going to be a natural progression, even for their own companies. Again, it was the expectation raised in the public because this is what they were being told. By the way, Collins had different phases of space travel with dollars attached: Pioneering Phase, Exclusive Phase, the Mature Phase and the Mass Market Phase. I think it's a good model for today. Space.com: What's your take on the recent Space Adventures/SpaceX agreement to launch citizens into space ? Ladwig: The recent announcement that Space Adventures will be a ticket agent for flights on SpaceX's Dragon2 is an exciting milestone toward the dream of spaceflight. While the expected ticket price remains beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest of citizens, the collaboration represents an important step to open space travel beyond the traditional astronaut corps. The announced projections of flights by 2022 may be optimistic. However, once service begins, the aspirational goal will quickly fade in the public's memory. Space.com: What should a civilian space tourist expect from his/her flight? Ladwig: From an Earth orbiting perspective, there's the Frank White Overview Effect . That part is going to be tougher to do on a suborbital flight. So my answer would be initially the tourism part is more experiential. It's not destination-based, its experiential the experience of enjoying microgravity and that floating sensation. For the suborbital flights, it appears that individuals will get anywhere from six to eight minutes of weightlessness. Will that be a transformational experience remains to be seen. I just don't think we know enough about it at this point. And that's a challenge for the companies offering this service. Will people come back feeling it was worth it? I'm betting that they are going to enjoy it. But will people come back and say it wasn't worth a quarter million dollars? Will 2020 be the year commercial spaceflights finally launch? Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic is on track to begin suborbital flights later this year. (Image credit: irgin Galactic/Quasar Media 2018) Space.com: And you have to be fit and slim to wear those spacesuits! Ladwig: Everybody talks about the democratization of space. If that's truly going to be fulfilled, it's not going to be by just a bunch of svelte people. There's a pretty diverse range of people that want to have the experience. You have to take on all comers. Space.com: What are your take home messages in the book? Ladwig: The dream has been around for decadeseven centuries. It's part of our mythology, as early as 1865 when Jules Verne wrote "From the Earth to the Moon." The motivations have been consistent, certainly since the 1920s. Although Jeff Bezos and his Blue Origin rocket company have yet to announce a price or begin to take reservations, they too are looking toward suborbital service in 2020. (Image credit: Blue Origin) Another point is why people think that they are going to go. Its because weve been told thats the case for a long time. Weve been told our ticket to ride was just a rocket away. The Holy Grail has been launch costs coming down enough that anybody could afford it. I think unless something radical happens with the cost to orbit coming down, its a long time before you reach a mass market stage. We probably will some day, but who knows when thats going to be. I'm no longer interested in the predictions ...I want to start seeing the reality. You don't want to be negative but you want to be realistic. COVID-19: Iran Surpasses 1,000 Deaths With Highest 24-Hour Rise Yet; Hungary Eases Border Closure By RFE/RL March 18, 2020 The global coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 201,000 people worldwide, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness. Here's a roundup of developments in RFE/RL's broadcast countries. Iran Iran's death toll from the coronavirus has reached 1,135, with 147 deaths over the past 24 hours -- the highest 24-hour rise yet -- state TV reported on March 18, as President Hassan Rohani defended his government's response to the outbreak. Iran has been the hardest-hit country in the Middle East, with a total of 16,169 confirmed cases, roughly 90 percent of the region's cases. Iran has been accused of acting too slowly and of even covering up initial cases. But Rohani on March 18 rejected criticism of his government's response to the coronavirus outbreak, telling a government meeting that authorities have been "straightforward" with the nation, and that it had announced the outbreak as soon as it learned about it on February 19. "We spoke to people in a honest way. We had no delay," Rohani said. Government officials pleaded for weeks with clerics to completely close crowded holy shrines to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The government finally shut down the shrines this week. "It was difficult of course to shut down mosques and holy sites, but we did it. It was a religious duty to do it," Rohani said. The outbreak has cast a shadow over the Persian New Year, Norouz, that begins on March 20. Iran warned on March 17 that "millions" could die in the Islamic republic if people keep traveling and ignore health guidance. Moldova Moldova on March 18 reported its first death from coronavirus. "A first Moldovan citizen died of the coronavirus infection last night. This is a 61-year-old woman," Health, Labor, and Social Protection Minister Viorica Dumbraveanu said. The woman had recently returned from Italy and was suffering from several illnesses, Dumbraveanu said. The manager of the Chisinau hospital where the woman died told the media that the woman's village has been placed under quarantine. Moldova, a nation of 3.5 million sandwiched between EU member Romania and Ukraine, reported 30 confirmed coronavirus cases as of March 18. Moldova's parliament on March 17 imposed a 60-day state of emergency in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. The country, one of the poorest in Europe, has already temporarily shut its borders and suspended all international flights from March 17. Hundreds of thousands of Moldovans have been working abroad, many of them in Italy and Spain, two of the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Separately, Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniester declared a state of emergency until April 5 in the wake of the outbreak. Transdniester declared independence in 1990 and fought a bloody war with Moldova two years later. It is unrecognized by the international community but is unofficially backed by Russia, which stations hundreds of troops in the region. Romania/Hungary Hungary on March 18 moved to relax a sweeping border closure after thousands more travelers many angry and lacking supplies -- clogged its crossings with Austria to the west and Romania to the east. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's right-wing government on March 17 closed its land crossings to foreigners as well as border crossings at airports to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Thousands of travelers were massed on March 18 at the Nickelsdorf-Hegyeshalom border crossing between Austria and Hungary, after missing a window of several hours allowed by Budapest overnight for those who wanted to transit the country on their way to Romania and Bulgaria. Meanwhile, some 7,000 people who had reached the Romanian border to the east overnight were facing another hours-long bottleneck due to health checks imposed by Bucharest. The two-pronged crisis prompted Budapest to reopen the border with Austria at noon on March 18 until the easing of the blockage to the west, and to allow daily passage for Romanians and Bulgarians from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. on preapproved routes, according to a statement by Romania's Foreign Ministry. Austrian authorities on March 18 advised drivers to keep away from the Hungarian border as the traffic jam there grew to 45 kilometers and protests broke out among stranded travelers. "There is no use in coming to the border," said Astrid Eisenkopf, the deputy governor of Austria's Burgenland Province, which neighbors Hungary. Most of the delayed Romanians are workers returning from Italy and Spain, the world's second- and fourth-most affected countries by the virus, but also from other Western countries. Romania is the European Union's second-poorest country, and at least 4 million Romanians work abroad, according to estimates. On March 18, Romania reported 29 more confirmed cases, bringing the total to 246, as well as 19 recovered cases. There have been no coronavirus deaths inside the country. But specialists warn that Romania has so far tested only some 3.000 people for the coronavirus, while in other countries the number of those tested was in the tens of thousands. Hungary reported having 50 confirmed coronavirus infections on March 17, with one death. Bulgaria Bulgaria announced it has entered into a fiscal deficit and Ukraine said it is seeking a bigger lending program from the International Monetary Fund beyond the $5.5 billion for which it was asking. Confirmed cases in Bulgaria, the EU's poorest but least indebted country, spiked by 30 percent on March 17 to 81. The government in Sofia banned all foreign and domestic holiday trips until April 13. Kosovo Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti has fired Interior Minister Agim Veliu for purportedly spreading "panic" about coronavirus after he backed a presidential call for a state of emergency over the pandemic. Kurti announced Veliu's dismissal on March 18, just hours after Veliu said he supported a proposed state of emergency that has divided officials in the Balkan country. President Hashim Thaci late on March 17 signed a decree declaring a state of emergency. It has been sent to Kosovo's parliament, which has 48 hours to either accept or reject the move. But Kurti has rejected calls for a state of emergency. He said it would cause "unnecessary panic." "At this time, when the entire public administration is making the utmost efforts to minimize the damage caused by the coronavirus, the heads of central institutions, including those in the government cabinet, need to prove maturity both in decision-making and in making statements," Kurti said in his announcement about firing Veliu. The move may resonate far beyond the debate about how to react to the coronavirus pandemic. It could cause a rift in the governing coalition that took power in Kosovo just over a month ago. Veliu is from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), which is in a fragile coalition with Kurti's Self-Determination party. LDK leader Isa Mustafa gave Kurti until the end of the week to "annul the decision to dismiss Veliu and make a decision to abolish the tariffs" on Serbian imports. Pristina is under huge pressure from the European Union and the United States to revoke the 100 percent import tariff it imposed on goods from Serbia in November 2018. The tariff came in response to Belgrade's diplomatic campaign to encourage some of the 110-plus countries that have recognized Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008 to reverse their position. Kosovo says it has confirmed 19 cases of the coronavirus since the first infected person was discovered on March 13. Most cases are people who had traveled to nearby Italy or had been in contact with others who'd been to Italy. Bosnia-Herzegovina Neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina declared a state of emergency to enable coordination of activities between its two autonomous regions. "We are focusing in all ways on how to alleviate the consequences of the coronavirus," Prime Minister Zoran Tegeltija told reporters. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan has confirmed its first three cases of the coronavirus in a group of travelers returning from Saudi Arabia. Kyrgyz Health Minister Kosmosbek Cholponbaev said on March 18 that the three Kyrgyz citizens are from the southern Suzak district in the Jalal-Abad region. The infected had returned to Kyrgyzstan on March 12, he said. They are 70, 62, and 43 years of age. Authorities in the district have sealed off the villages of Blagoveshchenka, Boston, and Orta-Aziya. They've also set up 19 checkpoints nearby, regional officials said. Deputy Foreign Minister Nurlan Abdrakhmanov said in a statement that as of March 18, all foreigners are banned from entering Kyrgyzstan. Elsewhere In Central Asia In neighboring Kazakhstan, the Health Ministry said on March 18 that the number of coronavirus cases had reached 36, after three more infections were confirmed in Almaty. Kazakhstan has declared a state of emergency until April 15. As of March 19, the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty will be in lockdown. Uzbekistan announced on March 18 that its total number of confirmed cases had reached 15. So far, no coronavirus cases have been officially announced in the Central Asian former Soviet republics of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The new coronavirus has spread to more than 100 countries worldwide. It has infected more than 201,000 people and killed more than 8,000, with the number of people now recovered at more than 82,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. With reporting by AP, Reuters, Interfax, TASS, AFP, RFE/RL's Romanian and Moldovan services, hotnews.ro, digi24.ro, and g4media.ro Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/coronavirus- bulgaria-kosovo-kyrgyzstan-bosnia-czech -republic/30494488.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address miflippo/iStock(NEW YORK) -- One of the common symptoms of COVID-19 is fever, and a drug called ibuprofen, found in the leading brands Advil and Motrin, is one of the most-trusted fever reducers available without a prescription. Early in the novel coronavirus epidemic, people were told to stock up on over-the-counter medications including ibuprofen to help reduce mild fevers if asked to ride out a viral illness at home. But recently, French Minister Olivier Veran, a physician, tweeted that anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen "could be a factor in aggravating the infection," encouraging patients to take acetaminophen, which is found in Tylenol, for a fever instead. His comments sparked a wave of controversy about the safety of ibuprofen for fevers associated with COVID-19, with experts weighing in on both sides. Although its safety is still being studied, for now, the world's leading scientists at the World Health Organization have said people shouldn't shy away from using ibuprofen to help mild fevers. Drug companies that make over-the-counter painkillers told ABC News that they're monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and that patients should consult with healthcare providers about any concerns. A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson, which makes both Motrin and Tylenol, said the company "is taking all possible measures to maximize product availability across our OTC medicine portfolio to ensure broad access in all markets around the world. A spokesperson for GlaxoSmithKline, which produces Advil, said: "This is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation, and because consumer safety is our number one priority, we are closely monitoring statements from the public health authorities and medical experts." Concerns about ibuprofen and other fever reducers may have been kick-started by fake WhatsApp messages circulating online. While normally such claims would be ignored by medical professionals, the online conspiracy fell on the heels of a hypothesis published in a prestigious scientific journal, the Lancet, which said there may be a scientific rationale for COVID-19 patients to avoid ibuprofen. That theory draws on molecular biology. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is known to bind to a specific protein in the body called ACE2, any medication that can increase ACE2, like ibuprofen, could theoretically increase the risk for a more severe COVID-19 infection. In addition to ibuprofen, other medications like ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, a widely used group of blood pressure-lowering medications, have been thought to potentially increase ACE2. But these are just theories. Because of the thin evidence, numerous professional societies have come out against the French official's claim. One of these groups was the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, stating that the circulating message was "a fake message" and that patients can still take ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for COVID-19 infections. Ireland's Health Service Executive also said, "Regular medication, including anti-inflammatory medication, may be continued by people with COVID-19, unless advised otherwise by their healthcare professional." The Spanish Ministry of Health also said that there is no evidence that ibuprofen or other NSAIDs make the novel coronavirus worse. Initially, a representative for the World Health Organization reportedly said at a press conference on Tuesday that patients should use paracetamol or acetaminophen in favor of ibuprofen. Since then, the WHO has effectively retracted that warning statement. A representative from the organization said WHO "is gathering further evidence on this issue before making a formal recommendation, but after a rapid review of the literature, is not aware of published clinical or population-based data on this topic." However, the WHO clearly announced on Wednesday evening that it does "not recommend against the use of ibuprofen" because it is "not aware of reports of any negative effects, beyond the usual ones that limit its use in certain populations." Q: Could #ibuprofen worsen disease for people with #COVID19? A: Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of of ibuprofen. pic.twitter.com/n39DFt2amF World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 18, 2020 Meanwhile, prior scientific studies seem to suggest other anti-inflammatory medications might actually be beneficial. One study found that indomethacin, a drug similar to ibuprofen, may help fight SARS-CoV, a closely related virus that caused SARS. However, this study was not performed in humans. With these conflicting reports, the public is left wondering whether medicines perhaps stockpiled stockpiled at home are the correct ones. Physicians, too, are now contemplating how to best counsel their patients. Many, like Dr. Daniel DeSimone, an infectious disease physician at Mayo Clinic, acknowledged that the data is too limited to be certain. "From my review, there is no solid evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus symptoms and/or outcomes worse. At this time, there is no reason to avoid ibuprofen for pain or fever in COVID-19 patients," he said. "While Tylenol is typically used as a first-line agent, ibuprofen and other NSAIDS can be considered assuming they don't have an underlying contraindication such as renal disease. We will keep monitoring as more data comes in, so we will get a better grasp on the situation and deliver the best care possible to all our patients." Dr. Simone Wildes, an infectious disease specialist at South Shore Hospital, echoed the need for additional studies. "The use of ibuprofen in COVID-19 infection is a common question being posed by clinicians and patients," Wildes told ABC News. "More research is needed to study the effects of ibuprofen in patients with COVID-19 infection. We simply don't know the answer at this time. We need more data." Other physicians, like Dr. Lalita Abhyankar, a family medicine physician at the Institute for Family Health, are taking a more cautious approach. "I've been advising people that given the international concerns, it's best to treat any fever with acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen at this time. Taking it for headache or other joint pain might still be OK, we're just not sure yet because of the minimal data." Irrespective of its questionable impact on COVID-19, doctors have said patients with kidney disease and stomach ulcers should try to minimize their use of ibuprofen. It's also not recommended in infants young than 6 months. Patients who are concerned should consult with their physicians on whether ibuprofen use is right for them in the context of their non-COVID19-related medical issues. DeSimone encouraged the public to brace for ongoing change as experts learn more about this new virus. "We have to realize that new information is coming in every day, and some things that we do today may be different tomorrow," DeSimone said. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. This week Pen Bennett's eight-year-old daughter posed a curly question. If they had to self-isolate due to coronavirus, would she and her siblings still move between their parents' houses? "It does raise questions," Ms Bennett says. How do you handle a pandemic when you are a single parent? Shopping for supplies, planning for possible absences from childcare and school, avoiding large gatherings and coping without libraries is hard on all parents, but those who are single are under even more pressure. Pen Bennett and her daughter. Credit:Justn McManus Ms Bennett is due to start a new job in the first week of the school holidays. Her parents had planned to travel from interstate to look after her children, but Ms Bennett is concerned about them being potentially exposed to the virus. Last month, we exclusively provided the first look at Samsungs upcoming mid-range tablet, the Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020). A month later, we now have yet another render of the new Galaxy Tab A model. The latest leak comes courtesy of Evan Blass (Evleaks) on Twitter. Blass has shared a couple of images of the yet to be released Samsung tablet showing its key hardware features. According to the leaked renders, Samsung is preparing to release the new tablet in the US via AT&T and Verizon, at least. Blass has also shared a detailed spec sheet of the new tablet, which is in line with the specs leaked via Google Play Console last month. It shares a lot of hardware similarities with the 8-inch Tab A 8.0 (2019) from last year, except that the new tablet is missing an S Pen. Advertisement Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) renders and specs leak As the name suggests, the Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) features an 8.4-inch display of 1920 x 1200 resolution. It is equipped with the Exynos 7904 octa-core chipset that has two Cortex A-73 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and six A-53 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. The processor is coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, expandable by up to 512GB via microSD. The new tablet gets an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and a 5-megapixel front-facing module. For connectivity, you get dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. The 5,000mAh battery charges via a USB Type-C port. Surprisingly, the Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) is running Android 9 Pie. This is quite unusual at this time, though. Hopefully, Samsung was just testing the tablet with Android 9 Pie and the public version will run Android 10 out of the box. Advertisement The upcoming Samsung tablet has dimensions of 7.95 x 4.93 x 0.28 inches and weighs 11.2 oz (317.5 grams). It has the power and volume controls on the right side while the SIM/microSD tray resides on the left. The 3.5mm headphone jack is located at the top. As you can see in the images below, this device doesnt have an S Pen slot. Samsung has instead fit two down-firing speakers in it. This would make media consumption more enjoyable, but some might not like this trade-off. Samsung ditching the S Pen on this tablet might also have something to do with its pricing. Its entirely possible that the company will launch a more expensive Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) with an S Pen as well. This is just speculation as of now, though. Advertisement Theres no word about the Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020)s pricing and availability yet. More details about it are likely to surface in the coming weeks. Iran FM Spox urges all countries to fight COVID19 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, March 18, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Wednesday strongly criticized irresponsibility of the Non-Aligned Movement member states in dealing with coronavirus outbreak, saying that the outbreak is a global challenge requiring removal of all barriers and adopting collective measures. Elaborating on the international measures taken by Iranian Foreign Ministry on removing barriers for fighting coronavirus, Mousavi said Foreign Ministry has requested Azerbaijan as rotatory chairman of NAM to oppose US' unilateral sanctions through a statement. NAM states have been urged to make US stop illegal and unilateral sanctions against Iran for fighting COVID2019, he added. Unfortunately, some of the NAM members like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Morocco and Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi regime in Yemen have expressed opposition against this statement and have broken the consensus. Appreciating those countries which have helped Iran in fighting coronavirus and have expressed solidarity and sympathy, Mousavi regretted that some Arab and Islamic governments which are mostly Iran's neighbors have taken this act against Iranians. These countries have not observed what is necessary for maintaining good neighborliness in international relations. In case the fight against pandemic to be defeated, it will turn out to be a global disaster and no country will be safe. 9376**1430 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Desperate Australians are offering strangers money to do weekly grocery shopping and deliver hand sanitiser during the coronavirus pandemic. Airtasker has experienced a huge increase in pick up and delivery tasks - as people turn to the marketplace to lend a hand or make desperate call outs to help those who are unable to leave their homes due to self-isolation. 'We're seeing a significant increase in pick up and delivery tasks which are up 228 per cent in recent days,' an Airtasker spokeswoman said. 'We're humbled that our Taskers are supporting the community over this time and we expect this to increase. One man made a call out for anyone living in Kurralta Park in South Australia to help an elderly woman do her weekly grocery run during her self-isolation Willing Australians are offering to help elderly strangers do their weekly grocery shops during the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic (stock image) Airtasker's response to coronavirus The safety and wellbeing of Airtasker's community is our top priority. How we all respond to the situation will have the potential to dramatically alter the impact of COVID-19. During this critical time, it's important that we all practice additional measures to reduce the spread. As a Tasker, where relevant, as Posters upfront if they or anyone in their household, or anyone youll encounter during the task, are feeling unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms You may also consider asking if that person may have travelled to a high risk country or are currently in self isolation. We strongly encourage you to communicate respectfully with other community members before committing to completing a task. Advertisement One man made a call out for anyone living in Kurralta Park in South Australia to help an elderly woman do her weekly grocery run during her self-isolation. 'Regular shopping trip throughout Coronavirus lockdown period for the elderly lady,' he wrote. The task would include 'attending Coles and selecting available products, bringing it to her home, spraying it with steriliser in the back yard and leaving it there. Weekly by negotiation. Probably best suits someone in the area who will be doing a weekly grocery run. 'It would be a weekly task until the situation resolves - so a fair while. Day and time largely at your convenience.' A woman offered $200 for someone in Mudgee to get groceries for her father who's susceptible to coronavirus. 'Can anyone please get some grocery items for my father who is very vulnerable to catching COVID-19 (75 with lung problems) and deliver them to his house? It will be about $80 worth of groceries and I will pay $100 for your time and vehicle,' she said. The shopping list included supermarket staples such as bread, toilet paper, long life milk, baked beans, canned fruits and vegetables. A Sydney woman was in desperate need of hand sanitiser so she made an offer of $60 to anyone who can sell her three bottles. 'I need to see people living with disabilities in this COVID-19 times with a few other people, and Sydney is out of hand sanitiser,' she said. 'We cannot self isolate, and so I am hoping someone might have a small stash they would be open to selling? Ideally looking for three 500mL bottles - but will take what I can get.' A second man offered $200 for someone in Mudgee to get groceries for his father who's susceptible to coronavirus A Sydney woman was in desperate need of hand sanitiser so she made an offer of $60 to anyone who can sell her three bottles Airtasker has continued to be open for business as its Taskers are urged to practice social distancing and good hygiene. 'The safety and wellbeing of Airtasker's community is our top priority,' it said. 'How we all respond to the situation will have the potential to dramatically alter the impact of COVID-19. During this critical time, it's important that we all practice additional measures to reduce the spread. 'As a Tasker, it's also important that you, where relevant, ask Posters upfront if they or anyone in their household, or anyone you'll encounter during the task, are feeling unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms. 'You may also consider asking if that person may have travelled to a high risk country or are currently in self isolation. 'We strongly encourage you to communicate respectfully with other community members before committing to completing a task.' Pence Announces Tremendous Increase In Supply of N95 Masks to Fight COVID-19 Vice President Mike Pence said at a March 19 briefing that there has been a massive surge in the supply of protective masks that frontline medical staff and others rely on to minimize the risk of infection amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Pence said that the supply is greatly expanded thanks to bipartisan legislation passed March 18, which made tens of millions of N95 masks classified for industrial use now available to hospitals. Weve put a priority at the presidents direction on making sure those who are providing health care services to America have the protection to keep themselves and their families safe, Pence said, adding that the bill, adopted March 18, extended liability protection for makers of N95 masks and made it possible for them to make their stockpiles available to hospitals. Manufacturers asked for the legal change as demand and potential liability soars during the coronavirus outbreak. The legal reform, which had bipartisan backing, amended the 2005 Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, which had liability protection for a subset of N95 respiratory masks with splash protection intended for use in surgeries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends any certified N95 mask to protect against the virus. Pence said 3M made around 35 million masks per month, but less than 5 million were qualified to be sold to hospitals due to liability constraints now removed via Wednesdays bill. He also said Honeywell was repurposing a factory destined for Mexico to produce another 120 million masks per year, and that 3M was increasing output to 420 million masks per year. The administration has sought to relieve the nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment amid the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus as the CCP virus due to the Chinese Communist Partys initial coverup and mismanagement of the outbreak, which helped the virus spread across China and become a global pandemic. Prepare, Mitigate, and Respond to COVID-19 On March 18, the Trump administration called on U.S. construction companies to donate their respirator masks to hospitals and other health care providers combating the outbreak. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the afternoon of March 19 for a video teleconference with state governors to discuss partnerships to prepare, mitigate and respond to COVID-19. Pence said that at that meeting, state governors would be made aware of the increased supply of masks and Trump would urge them to take action to ensure they quickly reach frontline responders fighting the outbreak. Were working with governors to make sure that the health care providers, the hospitals, and the clinics in their state are placing orders now that this tremendous increase in supply, particularly with industrial masks, is now available, Pence said. Were going to make sure they understand that the supply is greatly expanded thanks to bipartisan legislation and the accomplishment of the president, he added. And the response by these companies is making more masks available. And were going to make sure health care providers are purchasing those and the federal government will also make sure our stockpiles properly reflect those increases as well. Asked by reporters why Trump had not yet used the powers afforded in the recently re-authorized Defense Production Act (DPA) to direct companies to manufacture more personal protective equipment, the president said that the measures taken by the private sector so far appear adequate. The law grants the president broad authority to expedite and expand the supply of resources from the U.S. industrial base to support military, energy, space, and homeland security programs, according to a summary on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. The president added that urgency of the matter would drive further decisions with regard to the DPA. If we were desperately in need of something, Trump told a journalist asking what it would take for him to use the powers under the program. And frankly, well know about that shortly, he added, in reference to the unpredictable dynamics of the outbreak. The cousins of the late Barry Sherman have lost their bid to have Canadas highest court hear a final appeal on their bid for $1 billion of the pharmaceutical titans fortune. In a decision handed down Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada denied a leave application by Kerry Winter, his two siblings and the widow of the fourth. Spearheaded for years by Winter, the cousins had claimed that Sherman cheated them out of one-fifth of the Apotex-founders wealth. Disappointed, of course, Winter told the Star after hearing the news. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Canada has delayed until June the hearing of the Sherman estates challenge of a ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal to unseal the will and estate files, following a successful application by the Star and one of its reporters that ruled them open to the public. Barry and Honey Sherman were among Canadas wealthiest couples and major charitable donors. They were found murdered in their home in Toronto on Dec. 15, 2017, more than two years ago. Toronto police say the investigation into the double murder is active and ongoing. Their bodies were discovered in their basement beside an indoor pool roughly 36 hours after they were killed. To be heard by Canadas highest court, permission or leave must be granted by the court and only a fraction of requests are granted. Winter had sought that leave after the Ontario Court of Appeal affirmed the decision by a lower court to toss out his case against Sherman. As is normally the situation with leave applications, the Supreme Court of Canada gave no reasons for denying to hear the case. This has ended a battle by Winter and his cousins that has its origins in the 1960s. The Winter cousins as they are sometimes called, lost their parents at a young age. Their father, Louis Winter, was a pioneer in the generic pharmaceutical business. The young Barry Sherman worked for and was mentored by his Uncle Lou in his Toronto business, Empire Laboratories. The cousins alleged in a series of court proceedings beginning in the 1990s that Barry, who bought and then sold Empire, owed a financial duty to his four cousins, which they said translated into one-fifth of his estimated $5 billion wealth. The key element of the argument was an option agreement that was part of Shermans purchase deal of Empire they discovered which, they said, proved they were deserving of the wealth. Shermans lawyers countered that the option had never taken effect because it stipulated that for it to take effect, the cousins had to be over 21 and have worked at Empire for a period of time. Winter and his cousins lost their case at a variety of court hearings, including one not long before the murders (along with a court order that the Winters pay $300,000 in legal costs to Sherman). That gave rise to suspicions that Kerry Winter was involved in the murders, a belief helped on by Winter himself, who said he at times fantasized about murdering Barry Sherman. Winter also told the Star and other media that Sherman had, in the 1990s, asked him to arrange a hit on Shermans wife Honey. Toronto police interviewed Winter as part of their investigation. Winter has told the Star he had nothing to do with the murders and part of him, he says, still believes it was a murder-suicide, an early theory the police eventually discounted. The $300,000 legal fee award made by the Ontario Superior Court was on hold pending the Winter leave application. In a previous interview, Winter told the Star that Sherman had been generous to the cousins over the years (Sherman gave them at least $15 million before turning off the tap when the Winter cousins sued) and there were many things he liked about Sherman. However, he said he believed they were treated badly by their cousin and he wished that Sherman had in some way acknowledged the contribution their father made in their lives. I think, more than money, what would have made me happy would have been if he acknowledged my father and mothers contribution to his life and donated money to create the Lou and Beverley Winter wing at some hospital, Winter said in an earlier interview with the Star. In the case involving access to the Sherman estate documents and Barry Shermans will, the Star sought access to the file in mid-2018. Normally, estate files are public in Ontario but a Star reporter was told at the court counter there was a protective order on the file. That began a lengthy court battle, which the Star and its reporter ultimately won at the Ontario Court of Appeal. The Sherman estate was granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada and that case was to be heard in Ottawa on March 26, but is now on hold due to the global pandemic which has shut many institutions, including the Supreme Court of Canada. In a statement regarding the case and two others that were to be heard next week in Ottawa, the Supreme Court said the hearings will be tentatively rescheduled for June, at a time when hearings can be attended in person. The court wrote in the statement: Out of respect for the open courts principle, the press and media will be allowed to attend the hearings in person. Kevin Donovan is the Stars chief investigative reporter based in Toronto. He can be reached at 416-312-3503 or via email: kdonovan@thestar.ca Read more about: Evan Vucci, STF / Associated Press U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul slammed the Chinese government on Thursday for expelling U.S. journalists as they attempt to report on the coronavirus. McCaul, the top-ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the Chinese ambassador in the United States condemning the move. By PTI NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday advised companies to implement 'Work from Home' policy for their staff as part of encouraging "social distancing" to curb spreading of coronavirus infections. In an advisory, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas also said the ministry is examining relaxations under the companies law that could be implemented in wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The corporate affairs ministry has already allowed companies to conduct board meetings through video conference and other audio visual means till June 30. ALSO READ| Reliance Industries initiates work-from-home for staff amid COVID-19 outbreak It would also come out with a web form for companies/ LLPs to confirm their readiness to deal with the coronavirus threat. This is aimed at collecting details of companies and LLPs that adopt 'Work from Home' policy. Since companies/LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are major employers, especially in urban areas, their full participation and cooperation is most essential to fully realise the objective of social distancing as a means to contain the spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease, he said in the advisory. They have been strongly advised to put in place an immediate plan to implement the 'Work from Home' policy as a temporary measure till March 31. "All companies/LLPs are advised to implement the 'Work from Home' policy in their headquarters and field offices to the maximum extent possible, including by conduct of meetings through video conference or other electronic/ telephonic/ computerised means," he said. Even with the essential staff on duty, Srinivas said staggered timings may be followed so as to minimise physical interaction. "The web form named CAR (Company Affirmation of Readiness towards COVID-19) should be filed by an authorised signatory of companies and LLPs concerned," as per the advisory. ALSO READ| Coronavirus: The economy's Final Destination moment? It added that CAR-2020 would be deployed on March 23 and all companies/ LLPs are requested to report compliance using the web service on the same day. A senior official told PTI that CAR-2020 would be a way of persuading companies to join hands in containing the disease and the web service would have CIN, PAN, DIN and OTP validation. The official added that it would also encourage a movement towards social distancing. CIN is Corporate Identification Number, PAN (Permanent Account Number), DIN (Director Identification Number) and OTP (One Time Password). According to the advisory, the ministry has relaxed the rules with respect to board meetings and has dispensed with the necessity of holding physical meetings on matters relating to approval of financial statements, board report, restructuring etc till June 30. "We are also examining any other relaxations under the Companies Act, 2013, that may be necessitated on account of COVID-19," it noted. The corporate affairs ministry is implementing the Companies Act as well as the LLP Act. More than 170 people have been infected by coronavirus so far in India and four people have died. SpendEdge, a leading provider of procurement market intelligence solutions, has announced the completion of their latest article on the role of strategic sourcing in the financial services industry. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005538/en/ Financial services companies struggle to identify ways to manage costs in a way that they do not reappear into the system. External spend constitutes approximately one-third of the cost base, resulting in maverick spend for companies. Adopting a strategic sourcing approach could help companies envision innovative ways to optimize the long term value contribution from suppliers and procurement functions while achieving sustained incremental savings of total external spend. At SpendEdge, we understand that identifying saving opportunities in individual spend categories is imperative for companies. Therefore, we have assessed the role of strategic sourcing in the financial services industry. Role of Strategic Sourcing in the Financial Services Industry Better cost savings Although the financial services industry has witnessed a benign credit environment in recent years, companies need to address underlying cost drivers. They require strategies that could provide them medium-to-long-term cost benefits. Taking a proactive approach could help companies minimize costs in a sustained way and leverage the benefits of strategic sourcing. Want to know strategic sourcing could help companies improve cost savings? Request free platform access to leverage our smart procurement solutions now and 1000+ procurement reports! Seizing opportunities Majority of companies do not realize savings opportunities that exist across expense categories that are considered "managed". Evaluating spend categories such as legal expenses and temporary staffing could help companies capture savings. But it requires a radical remake of the procurement function and comprehensive capabilities. To identify saving opportunities across managed expense categories, get in touch with our experts now! Maximizing strategic sourcing potential Increasing strategic sourcing potential could help companies unlock significant cost savings. Companies must obtain a comprehensive overview of external spend categories and spend drivers to reap the benefits of strategic sourcing. Gaining more value from suppliers could also help companies achieve a sustained lower spend base. To know more about the role of strategic sourcing in the financial services industry, read the complete article here! You may also like: Global Tax Advisory Services Market Procurement Intelligence Report Challenges for Strategic Sourcing What's Bothering Supply Chain Executives? Strategic Sourcing Engagement to Accomplish Significant Cost Reduction A Case Study on the Semiconductor Industry About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Want to gain detailed insights? https://www.spendedge.com/get-more-info View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005538/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us Gov. Andrew Cuomo has emerged as the executive best suited for the coronavirus crisis, wrote the New York Times Ben Smith, sharing a sentiment that has hardened among close watchers of New York politics. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio wrestles haltingly with a crucial decision and then heads to the gym wrote Smith, and President Donald Trump displays his usual disastrous incompetence, at first downplaying the threat of COVID-19 and eventually responding only in haphazard fashion. Cuomo has always been a commanding, near-authoritarian presence in New York, so now is his moment, the logic goes. But his press conference swagger masks an unflattering truth: he has responded to the coronavirus epidemic less swiftly than some counterparts in other states. He shines only when contrasted to the tragically inept de Blasio and the callous, volatile Trump. Cuomos poise belies what has been a muddled approach to informing the public of the unprecedented crisis before us. While he, unlike de Blasio and Trump, deserves credit for leading rather than lagging, that should be the minimum we expect from our elected officials. Instead of lowering our standards, we should give Cuomo a mixed grade at best. And if the national media were less New York-centric, they might find a more heroic governor in Ohio or Michigan. Last week, while governors of several states less affected by coronavirus than New York were shutting down schools in their states to stem the oncoming tidal wave of cases, Cuomo was dithering, deferring to localities as recently as Saturday. By Sunday night, Cuomo had forced de Blasios hand to close city schools but not before other counties in the state, such as Monroe County surrounding Rochester, had begun to on their own. Cuomos odd choice to let localities do what they wanted was nothing like the control freak posture Smith and other media figures celebrated. Governors in states with far fewer cases, like the Republican governor of Ohio and the Democratic governor of Michigan, had already moved to close every school in the state. California, Florida, and many other states had done the same. New York recorded a case by March 1. At that point, in light of the evidence from China of how rapidly the virus spreads, New York should have moved aggressively to lock down schools, businesses, and public places as painful as this decision would have been to contain what now appears to be a disaster. Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan which has far fewer COVID-19 cases in the entire state than there are in New York City had already activated the states Emergency Operations Center to strategize a coronavirus response. By March 4, Whitmer had no fewer than four task forces dedicated to containing the virus. And, while Smith and others may say that Cuomos meddling with subway management isnt relevant here, it would be nice if New York City Transit wasnt operating without a permanent president, having just lost its highly regarded leader Andy Byford, who reportedly quit because of the governors overbearing management style. Cuomos most distressing failure, ultimately, is one of messaging. In normal times, this would be more a question of aesthetics, the way we critique how campaigns succeed or fail to connect with voters. Today, its a matter of life and death. De Blasio has been rightly criticized for behaving irresponsibly on this front, for example, by informing New Yorkers of COVID-19s danger, telling New Yorkers to hit up their favorite bar mere hours before they were shut down because of the risk of transmission. But Cuomo wasnt much better at first. He joked, in an Irish accent about canceling the St. Patricks Day Parade, at a time when the virus was undoubtedly infecting New Yorkers daily. His decision last Thursday to ban gatherings of 500 or more people was a good one, but there was no sense of urgency about any other kinds of ways millions of New Yorkers congregate. On the weekend of March 13-15, with warm spring-like weather beckoning them outside, New Yorkers flooded bars, restaurants, and the subway, convinced that the threat was not deadly. Outside a packed bar, Gothamist interviewed one woman about why she was there, despite the need to social distance to keep people from getting sick. Im waiting for the government to tell me I should be more concerned, if Im being honest, the woman said. Cuomos order for bars to cut capacity in half was always going to be relatively difficult to enforce. It didnt do anything to stanch dangerous crowding. Had a shelter-in-place order come on March 13 as Cuomo pointed out, that can only be sanctioned by the state government the virus rapid spread could have been alleviated during a crucial phase. Instead, we are still waiting for one, with de Blasio claiming on Tuesday it could come within 48 hours and Cuomo one-upping him to declare that, no, it wont happen. Of course, it still might. San Francisco has one. They may end up saving more lives that way. New Yorkers are still confused. Are we voting for a Democratic presidential candidate on April 28? Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, has postponed the primary on that date. Cuomo has said only that he has no plans to change that. A decisive leader governor might merge the April presidential primary with the June legislative primary and institute statewide vote by mail for it. A normal governor would offer a clear, decisive way forward. Cuomo could finally start to live up to his reputation. Iranian health officials that the country could be fighting the novel coronavirus for at least another two months, if not longer. The head of the Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, said March 18 that while some officials have claimed that Iran has reached the peak of the epidemic, he does not believe it. He said, We are still on an upward slope and continued that if officials can convince Iranians to stay home and stop the spread of the disease, the country can pass through the peak of the virus by late March. However, he added, If we keep moving on the current path it will continue until [late May] or even longer. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi also warned Iranians that the pandemic could continue to spread until late May. If we do not control it in the next 15 days we could be dealing with this for the next two months and can expect to see heavy losses, Raisi said. Unfortunately, some people have not taken seriously how dangerous the coronavirus is. Raisi added that 22 million Iranians had been screened and that the condition of a million and a half is being monitored. According to a recent survey, only 50-55% of Tehrans residents believe the coronavirus is a serious issue. Many people still think they are immune to this virus and will not be infected, Zafarghandi said. Lack of public buy-in on self-isolation is one of the factors in Irans increasing coronavirus numbers. As of March 19, the countrys total infections stand at 18,407 with 1,284 deaths. In the last 24 hours there have been 1,046 new cases and 149 deaths reported. While some parliamentarians have called for a quarantine of infected areas, particularly Tehran, which is now experiencing the highest number of cases, the authorities have rejected such measures. Mayor Pirouz Hanachi has admitted that the country cannot withstand a quarantine in its current economic situation. There has also been speculation that Irans actual infection and fatality numbers are much higher than is being reported. Zafarghandi said the numbers given by the Health Ministry are those of confirmed cases, adding, The reality is the real numbers are higher than the [reported] numbers. Zafarghandi also said that he has brought up the sanctions on Iran with both the WHO and the United Nations. He said that the health and medical field should be exempt from sanctions and protected from conflict. While medical supplies are not actually subject to US sanctions, many European countries prefer to not sell them to Iran in order to avoid scrutiny by the US Treasury. (CNN) -- When asked about President Trumps continued use of the term Chinese virus when referring to the novel coronavirus, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization health emergencies programme, said WHO has been clear since the beginning of the outbreak, Viruses know no borders and they dont care your ethnicity or the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank. Trump's latest use of the phrase happened Wednesday during a White House press briefing on the coronavirus. Its really important that we be careful in the language we use, Ryan said. "There are many different origins the pandemic of influenza in 2009 originated in North America and we dont call it the North American flu, so its very important that we have the same approach when it comes to other viruses." This is a time for solidarity, this is a time for facts, this is a time to move forward together, Ryan said, adding, there is no blame in this. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, World Health Organization infectious disease epidemiologist, said weve seen overwhelming international solidarity during this pandemic. We see this through donations whether its through [personal protective equipment] or Ive seen children drawing pictures for health care workers every single one of those acts of kindness is an act of international unity and wed like to see more of that," Van Kerkhove said. These are very tough times. And in many countries this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. But this will be temporary, we will get through this and we will get though it together, Van Kerkhove added. Sweden in particular and Northern Europe, in general, is a potential market for Vietnamese goods when key export products of Vietnam are totally compatible with the import demand of Sweden. Especially, the recently-signed EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement will bring positive impacts for both countries. Analyzing 25 product groups that Sweden imported most and 25 product groups that Vietnam exported most in the past five years, it showed that many products of the latter can be exported to the former, including home furniture, plastic and plastic products, garments, fish and crustaceans, steel, rice, tea, and coffee. The import demand in Sweden is more and more increasing and diverse. By Minh Hai Translated by Gia Bao Kildare communities rallied together over the past week in the face of restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19/coronavirus. It has been an unprecedented week which saw schools and pubs shut while people stayed away from family and friends, and health service workers were put under severe pressure. However, a number of local groups have banded together to ensure that the vulnerable members of the community are not forgotten about. Groups and individuals have banded together across County Kildare in solidarity to help combat Covid-19 with one self-help group amassing nearly 600 volunteers to do errands for house-bound people. Big-hearted citizens are collecting groceries and prescriptions for needy neighbours while one Good Samaritan is carrying out farming chores for a farmer with an underlying medical condition. Last Thursday, Cllr Chris Pender in Newbridge set up Covid-19 Community Support and he was inundated with several hundred people signing up within hours. People text or email the Social Democrats politician or his team if they need help during the current infection control restrictions. Cllr Pender told the Leader: Ive been amazed by the goodwill of people out there. There was 350 people that signed up the first day. I think there is something in all of us in Ireland that we pull together and reach out when the need is the greatest. There are heartwarming stories all over the place like strangers calling on neighbours and offering help because we all need to stick together to combat this virus. Cllr Pender said he is also working with US developers to create a Covid-19 App which will assist locals in getting help when they need it. Cllr Pender is also dropping information leaflets into homes of as many people as possible to combat fake news about the virus. He added: There is a lot of misinformation out there which people are believing through no fault of their own. The outbreak situation is moving so fast and people want answers to allay their concerns but unfortunately misinformation is filling this vacuum. Cllr Pender also reiterated that people should feel no embarrassment in asking for help as many people could have an underlying health condition, may simply be nervous about going out in public due to the risks of infection or be housebound as theyre minding small children. Secondary school student Abby Lee and her friends in 5th and 6th Year in Kildare Town Community School have offered to babysit for the children of healthcare workers who cant work from home during the Covid-19 restrictions. Abby told the Leader: Were available to help anybody in any way they need, such as childcare. I know that with children at home from school that healthcare staff wont be able to mind them so we can help. I was chatting with my friends and we wanted to do something to help so we just put up a notice on Snapchat. There are many healthcare workers living in County Kildare due to the proximity of Naas General Hospital and the commuting distance to hospitals in Dublin. A spokesman for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said: Weve heard anecdotally that there are a lot of offers of help in local areas and we really appreciate that. It is a very difficult time for workers on the frontline but we know that our efforts are supported by the general public and that is very evident at the moment. Elsewhere, Aaron Cullen, acting chairman of Donadea Community First Responders Group is offering a grocery, prescription and hot meals delivery in the area during this restrictive social distancing curfew. I would like to put our group forward to help out with pharmacy deliveries and groceries, newspapers and hot meals from the Hamlet Court Hotel priced at 10 a meal with free delivery to all elderly or immune compromised people. We are doing this on a voluntary basis and we are looking for local businesses to come on board with us. All we ask for is notice of the delivery. In Castledermot, a new group entitled Castledermot Self Isolation Help During Covid-19 has also been established. The popular Naas Ball Facebook page is co-ordinating a network to enable people in self isolation to maintain social contact, to obtain groceries, medications and other necessities. In an online post, the organisers said: If anyone in the Naas or surrounding areas is alone, isolated and needs shopping, medication or anything else picked up, Im in a position to help and can drop to your door. Local groups in Ballymore Eustace and Ardclough have also made themselves available to help residents. The samples of the suspected coronavirus patient who allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the seventh floor of the Safdarjung Hospital here, were not collected for testing, a senior health ministry official said on Thursday. The facts in the case are not yet known and an inquiry into the matter has been initiated by the hospital administration, the official said adding that samples of a deceased are not tested. The health ministry said the man, who was living in Sydney, arrived at the Delhi airport on Wednesday. At the airport, he reported headache as 'chief complaint' in his self-reporting form. He was brought to the Safdarjung Hospital by the airport authorities and immediately put in the isolation ward, hospital sources said. The health ministry said that on reaching the hospital around 9 pm on Wednesday, he was taken to the seventh floor for evaluation. When doctors reached there, he wasn't found. Meanwhile, another doctor while coming out of the building at 9.15 pm observed a body lying at the ground floor, the statement said. While police said he was 35-years-old, the health ministry statement said the man was 23-years-old. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Oscar Lorenzo, 96, of White Plains, MD passed away peacefully in his home on March 17, 2020. He was born on March 3, 1924 in Troy, NY to Oscar Lorenzo and Helen Fitzgerald. He was raised by his father and great-aunt in Barcelona, Spain after his mother died when he was just four years old. As a young adult, he courted the love of his life, Georgina Quintas, through a series of love letters exchanged through her mother in Cuba. In 1950, he traveled to Cuba where he finally married his sweetheart. Oscar and Georgina were married on October 8, 1950 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Havana, Cuba. He studied in Barcelona, Spain and later obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Food Technology from the University of Miami, FL. They eventually returned to Cuba with their children in 1955 but were forced to flee in 1960 after Fidel Castro came to power. They moved back to Miami, FL with only one dollar in their pockets but always trusted that the Lord would provide. Oscar's career would take the family across the country to El Paso, TX, Le Sueur, MN, and Fairfax, VA among many other places. He went on to have a long career with the Department of Agriculture where he retired in 1994. He spent his retired years traveling the world with his wife and enjoying time with his beloved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Oscar Lorenzo III and Richard R. Lorenzo. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Georgina R. Lorenzo; his brother, John Lorenzo (Georgina); his daughters, Georgina Plummer (Donald) and Eileen Lorenzo (Charlie); his grandchildren, Ryan Plummer, Joseph Plummer, Michelle Lao (John), and Rev. Samuel Plummer; his great-grandchildren, Gianna, Sienna, Emmanuel, and Lucas Lao; and many nieces and nephews. Oscar was an exemplary father, a devoted husband, and a friend to many. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Waldorf, MD. He was also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus in Newport News, VA. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul and prayed often for those in need. He was compassionate, generous, and sought God's will in all that he did in his life. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. In light of national health concerns and the directives from the Archdiocese of Washington, a private Mass of Christian Burial will take place with immediate family. Family has requested NO FLOWERS, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Missionaries of Charity, 2800 Otis Street NE, Washington, DC 20018. Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialised by industry, has announced that it recently organised an Infor Technology Day to help spearhead Saudi Bugshans ambitious digital transformation plan. The event, which took place on Feb 20 at the Ritz Carlton in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was an educational day and kick-off for the digital transformation of Saudi Bugshan. Some 85 leaders from Saudi Bugshan, including Chairman Khaled Bugshan, Hatem Bakheet, CEO of Saudi Bugshan Barmaja, and 15 experts from Infors Middle East and European operations, attended. Saudi Bugshan comprises 47 companies; its business is geared to food & beverage, distribution & trading, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, education and automotive, including leading brands like MenaBev, Lays crisps, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, Mitsubishi dealerships, Bridgestone Tyres and Maxis Tyres. Khaled Bugshan said: Digital transformation is a cornerstone of our expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia and beyond. It will enable us to gain greater insights into all areas of our business, increase transparency and help us to tap the full potential of automation and big data. It is central to our commitment to boost efficiency and offer an unparalleled service to our customers. By holding this event with Infor, we ensured that our entire organisation came together and gained valuable insights into the importance of digital transformation and how it fits into our strategy and execution plans. Were excited to move forward with Infor on our vital digital transformation journey. The day included sessions with CEO Hatem Bakheet of Saudi Bugshan Barmaja, which is working with Infor on the implementation of technology across the group, as well as Jonathan Wood, Infor general manager for MEA, and Phil Lewis, Infor VP of solution consulting in EMEA, who offered a deep dive into how Infors solution can facilitate a comprehensive digital transformation. During the event, Infor staged educational breakout sessions dedicated to automotive, healthcare and food & beverage industries. Infor also organised a digital workshop and a session focusing on shared services for finance, system implementation and marketing operations. Infor also provided an exhibition area dedicated to live demonstrations of enterprise asset management (EAM) solutions for various industries. Infor Technology Day with Saudi Bugshan was a resounding success and a great way to gather representatives from all of the organisations operations under one roof, where they experienced first-hand the many benefits that Infor digital solutions can bring to diverse operations, Jonathan Wood said. We look forward to helping Saudi Bugshan to realise its ambitious goals. -- Tradearabia News Service Wide swaths of the Bay Area have been under semi-lockdown since Tuesday when seven counties issued shelter in place orders, barring residents from travel unless in need of essential supplies and effectively shuttering many businesses. Come March 24th, that will include Tesla's plant in Fremont, California, the company announced on Thursday. The Alameda County had initially deemed Tesla's 10,000-employee plant an essential business, allowing it to stay open and fully staffed despite the shelter in place order, but quickly reversed that decision when challenged by reporters. "We have followed and are continuing to follow all legal directions and safety guidelines with respect to the operations of our facilities, and have honored the Federal Government's direction to continue operating," the company stated in a Thursday press release. "Despite taking all known health precautions, continued operations in certain locations has caused challenges for our employees, their families and our suppliers." The company will wind down its production lines through the rest of the week and plans to cease work by the end of the day, March 23rd. The shelter in place order does allow for basic operations like security, payroll processing to continue so workers sent home will retain their employee benefits. Tesla is also suspending operations at its factory in New York, though the company will keep its Nevada plant and Supercharging network online for now. Tesla is also working on a "touchess delivery" program so that customers might still be able to take possession of their already completed vehicles without breaking social distancing rules. "Due to the unique over-the-air connectivity of our vehicles, customers are able to unlock their new cars at a delivery parking lot via the Tesla App, sign any remaining relevant paperwork that has been placed in their car, and return that paperwork to an on-site drop-off location prior to leaving," the company announced. We've reached out to Tesla for commend and will update this post once we hear back. English Finnish Sanoma Corporation, Stock Exchange Release, 19 March 2020 at 15:30 EET Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority gives its unconditional approval for Sanomas acquisition of Alma Medias regional news media business After its assessment, the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) has given its final and unconditional approval for Sanomas acquisition of Alma Medias regional news media business. Sanoma expects the acquisition to be completed at the end of April 2020. Sanoma announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Alma Medias regional news media business on 11 February 2020 ( https://sanoma.com/release/sanoma-acquires-alma-medias-regional-news-media-business-and-evaluates-strategic-options-for-its-online-classifieds-business-in-finland/ ). Additional information Kaisa Uurasmaa, Head of Investor Relations and CSR, tel. +358 40 560 5601 Sanoma Sanoma is a front running learning and media company impacting the lives of millions every day. We enable teachers to excel at developing the talents of every child, provide consumers with engaging content, and offer unique marketing solutions to business partners. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders talk before the Democratic candidates' debate in South Carolina on Feb. 25. (Associated Press) To the editor: Far from trying to "force his priorities on the party," Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks for the progressive majority of Democratic activists and a solid majority of the American public who support policies addressing the interests of working people over the corporations. He must remain vocal. ("Biden won. He needs to quit letting Sanders pull him leftward," Opinion, March 16) Yes, it must be said that Bernie lost his shot at the nomination on his own failings. And, it's time to support former Vice President Joe Biden as the intelligent and decent public servant we need for healing the wounded soul of the nation. But Biden and the Democratic National Committee's corporatist (not moderate) establishment cannot unify the party by ignoring the ideas offered by Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. A Biden-Warren ticket and administration is the best answer to columnist Jonah Goldberg's premature triumphalism. J.B. Phillips, Camarillo .. To the editor: Sen. Sanders, it's over. You put up a good fight, but now it's time to throw in the towel and put all of your efforts toward electing Biden. Just announce that you are pulling out of the race so primary election voters do not have to worry about showing up at the polls during this terrible COVID-19 pandemic. Do the right thing. Let's increase the probability of nominating the candidate who has the greatest chance of beating President Trump. Thank you, Sen. Sanders. Joan Flack, Palm Springs .. To the editor: What happens when Goldberg's advice and Democratic Party centrist ideology come into conflict with the laws of physics? Think of a powerful locomotive barreling down the tracks at 120 mph (laws of physics) crashing into a child's tricycle (centrist ideology) at a railroad crossing. The climate crisis will not compromise with Biden's centrism. In contrast, Sanders' Green New Deal is the only program to adequately address the scale of the climate crisis, which is going to make the current coronavirus outbreak look like a trial run. Story continues A vote for Biden is a vote for planetary suicide just as surely as is a vote for Trump, albeit at a slightly slower rate. David Klein, Northridge .. To the editor: For Goldberg to claim that Sanders' strident positions on healthcare, immigration, economic equality, trade and the environment constitute a "single issue" is akin to saying that the goals and guarantees as written in our Constitution's preamble make up only a single issue. It is not unlikely that for his consequential role in shaping political discourse, Sanders' role in history may eclipse Biden's, no matter who wins the presidency. Spencer Le Gate, Sacramento People are very worried about getting their stores restocked, Paris said. People didnt know this was coming so there was no time to increase inventory sizes. Suppliers of perishable goods have been making regular deliveries and getting us a regular amount of goods. Its non-perishable goods that we had a hard time getting replaced. The store is open for business and we have lots of groceries and fresh produce to sell. New Delhi: Italy on Thursday (March 19) became the worst COVID-19 epidemic-hit country with its death toll overtaking that of China. Italy confirmed 427 more deaths in the past 24 hours, raising its toll to 3,405, said an AFP report. China has officially reported 3,245 deaths since registering the first case at the end of last year. Infections outside China have been reported by 175 countries. Coronavirus-ravaged Italy, which recorded 300 plus deaths for three days running from Sunday, had Wednesday hit a new high of 475 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to reports, army trucks delivered new coffins on Thursday to a cemetery in the northern Italian city of Bergamo that suddenly finds itself at the global heart of the unfolding disaster. Burials were taking place 30 minutes apart to avoid contagion through crowds. Masked undertakers wrapped from head to toe in white suits carted the coffins on gurneys to speed up the process. Italy is reportedly imposing 206 euro ($222) fines for anyone found wandering the streets without a valid excuse such as grocery shopping or getting to and from work. Police in Rome repeat periodic instructions out of megaphones for everyone to "stay home and maintain distance" from each other. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that the world is "paying a big price" for China's lack of transparency on the outbreak of the new coronavirus there several months ago. "It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier," Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on the pandemic, according to an AFP report. President Donald Trump said, "It could have been contained to that one area of China where it started. And certainly, the world is paying a big price for what they did." Notably, over 227,700 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus across the world and 9,263 have died. Japanese automakers Honda Cars and Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Thursday said they have set up high-powered teams within their respective organisations to continuously monitor the situation and come with countermeasures in the wake of spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country. The companies said they are already taking a lot of preventive steps, including putting in place restrictions on travel of their executives to affected regions, in order to reduce the risk of the contagious viral infection. "The risk management committee with top management members is monitoring the situation on a daily basis for further action points," a Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) spokesperson told PTI when asked about the measures being put in place by the company. Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Senior Vice-President (Sales and Service) Naveen Soni said a high-powered team has been created for monitoring the developments and for initiating immediate appropriate countermeasures as required. Elaborating on other steps taken at Honda, the spokesperson said that besides restrictions on any kind of travel, the company has also implemented multiple preventive measures in its all office and manufacturing premises, including rigorous fumigation, temperature screening of all members coming to its plants and offices, use of sanitizers at all locations, and fresh air circulation through aircons. "Our focus is to eliminate multiple common touch points. For example, canteen food counters are restricted to one server per dish to prevent multiple contact of serving dishes, replacement of biometric system to self-declaration for attendance and canteen, and open doors at all times to prevent contact with door knobs," the spokesperson added. All events scheduled in the next two weeks have been cancelled and self-declaration, including for family members, for their health and travel is being tracked, the spokesperson said. Besides, all company dealerships in the country have been asked to implement mandatory protocol while interacting with customers including sanitising of display and test drive cars after every use especially for high-contact points such as steering wheel, door handles and gear knobs, the spokesperson said. Besides, all dealership staff is checked for thermal screening at the time of reporting to work. Soni said safety, health and security of the employees and stakeholders are of paramount importance to the company. "We are following all the applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate, and are taking adequate internal precautions based on our own guidelines and standards of care," he said. In order to keep the customers safe, the company is developing a 360-degree vehicle display on its website, helping them take a virtual tour of each vehicle and get a better understanding to make an informed purchase decision, Soni said. "For employees, we have also released a strict advisory to minimise domestic and restrict international travel to severely affected regions," he added. Already, US auto major Ford has asked its 10,000 employees in India, except those in business-critical roles, to work from home, a step which has also been taken up by Swedish luxury car maker Volvo. Similarly, auto maker FCA India has permitted over 50 per cent of its staff in Mumbai and Pune to work from home at least until March 31. The work from home alternative for the engineering workforce in Chennai is under consideration and not in play as yet, it added. Likewise, Mahindra & Mahindra said a group-level rapid action force has been formed to constantly monitor the situation and suggest swift and effective action in case of an emergency. Tata Motors had also announced work from home for its office-based employees at headquarters and regional offices. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NATO Allies take stock of response to COVID-19 outbreak NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 18 Mar. 2020 NATO ambassadors held a regular meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (18 March 2020). They addressed the COVID-19 pandemic, and the measures being taken by NATO and Allies to curb its spread. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the swift response by Allies to the outbreak, stressing that our forces remain ready to keep NATO nations safe. He further highlighted that NATO has robust measures and plans in place to ensure that the Alliance's essential work continues. The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Tod Wolters, underlined that mitigation measures continue to be taken, and that the Alliance's ability to conduct its missions, operations and activities has not been affected including air policing, maritime deployments, NATO's multinational battlegroups in the eastern part of the Alliance, and operations from Afghanistan to Kosovo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address [March 19, 2020] Igloo Pledges Profits to CDC Foundation's Coronavirus Response Fund Today, Igloo has announced they will be donating 100% profits from all Playmate coolers sold on Igloocoolers.com to the CDC Foundation Coronavirus Response Fund. Over the course of the next 30 days, Igloo will donate to the on-going efforts of the CDC during the COVID-19 crisis. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005609/en/ Igloo pledges profits to CDC Foundation's Coronavirus response fund. (Photo: Business Wire) "As a proud American manufacturer, we want to do our part to unify our country behind the collective efforts to fight the spread of the Coronavirus. We support our national community of tireless health care workers on the front lines working through this time of uncertainty," stated Dave Allen, Igloo President & CEO. "Donating 100% of profits from the sales of Playmate coolers on igloocoolers.com is not only going to deliver needed resources to he CDC Foundation's Coronavirus Response Fund, but also symbolizes American manufacturing persevering in the toughest of times." The CDC Foundation is a catalyst of unleashing the power of collaboration between the CDC, philanthropies, private entities and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. To keep up with all things Igloo, follow and like: Shop Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube About Igloo: Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work and play. What began with bringing clean water to the worksite quickly moved into super-functional, best in class ice chests. Igloo products made the family outdoor recreation movement of the 20th century possible. Suddenly, taking your kids camping on the weekend became easy and cross-country road trips became a summer vacation staple. As we approach our next century, Igloo is 1500 employees strong. We are proud to call-a 1.8 million square-foot, three-building facility in-Katy, Texas home. With more than 500 products sold at thousands of retailers around the globe, we can confidently call ourselves the number one cooler manufacturer in the world. And through it all we haven't lost sight of our original goal-to create products that enable the pursuit of happiness (however you define it). That's why we're still working hard every day to innovate, create, and make it easier for you to get out, work hard and play even harder. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005609/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 34-Year-Old Man Dies of Coronavirus, Had Recently Visited Disney World The family member of a 34-year-old man died in California after testing positive for the CCP virus two weeks ago after visiting Walt Disney World in Florida. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Family members told TMZ that Jeffrey Ghazarian died at a Pasadena, California, hospital on Thursday after he spent days being hooked up to a ventilator. He had recently gone to Disney World in Epcot, Florida, the report noted. He suffered a lot and put up a good fight. We will miss our Jeff everyday but we are thankful for all the fun happy memories of the times we had together, his sister told the news outlet. His family also posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, writing the same message but added that he went to be with Jesus this morning Thank you to everyone who has been praying. We love you all. About 12 hours before, the family wrote that Ghazarian was stable and hanging in there before his health apparently took a turn for the worse. Other posts detailed how his family was trying to obtain the antiviral drug remdesivir to combat the virus. Ghazarians sister confirmed his diagnosis on March 14, saying he tested positive for the virus earlier in the month before he was taken to intensive care. He has pneumonia and his lungs are blocked so theyve decided the best path forward is to intubate, a Facebook post said. His family told TMZ that he flew from Los Angeles to Florida on March 2 for a work conference but later visited Disney World and Universal Studios before both parks shut down. On March 7, he started suffering from a cough and then coughed up blood before flying back to Los Angeles, where he was taken to the emergency room with a high fever. According to a GoFundMe page, Ghazarian appeared to have been a cancer survivor, beating testicular cancer in 2016. His death comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the virus can adversely affect younger adults as well as the elderly. Research showed about 20 percent of those who were hospitalized in the U.S. for COVID-19 are between the ages of 20 and 44. Only 12 percent of all cases have required a hospital stay, according to the CDC. Older adults and people with underlying health problems are most at risk of succumbing to the CCP virus, researchers have said. Here are the restaurant inspections by the Onondaga County Health Department from March 1 to 7. Unsatisfactory inspections Bailiwick Market and Cafe 441 Route 5, Elbridge Inspected on March 6 Prescription medication (two bottles) noted stored on shelf in kitchen preparation area (corrected - removed). Preparation top/reach-in cooler unit noted with an internal air temperature of 51-53 degrees, and not able to maintain potentially hazardous foods at/below 45 degrees at all times. Chicken salad (1-2 lbs.) 54.1 degrees, tuna salad (0.5-1 lb.) 52.4 degrees, egg salad (0.25-0.5 lb.) 54.1 degrees, cooked and cooled scrambled eggs (approximately 1 cup) 52.0 degrees, partial bag of pre-cooked hot dogs (7 hot dogs) 52.9 degrees, cooked and cooled quiche (3 whole, 1 partial) 48.1 degrees-50.5 degrees, sliced ham (1 lb.) 55.0 degrees, sliced roast beef (1 lb.) 52.1 degrees, sliced turkey (1 lb.) 54.7 degrees, sliced tomatoes (1-2 lbs.) 50.9 degrees all noted stored in cited cooler for over 2 hours (corrected - all listed foods discarded, operator called to schedule repair/service, and operator replaced or replenished all foods and reorganized to use alternate coolers for storage until unit is adequately repaired). Squeeze bottle containing water noted with contents not labeled at grill (corrected - bottle labeled). Some single service food containers noted not properly stored inverted or covered to protect interior surfaces (corrected). Personal bag noted stored on case of single service container lids. Acceptable temperatures for reference: heavy cream 44.0 degrees, cooked and cooled pot pie mix 44.0 degrees, cooked grain mixture 38.8 degrees, mixed tuna 39.7 degrees, cooked meat and vegetable sauce 37.9 degrees stored in walk-in cooler; cooked and cooled chicken 35.6 degrees in upright reach-in cooler in main kitchen area; hard boiled eggs 40.2 degrees in (alternate) preparation top cooler; cooked grain mixture 45.0 degrees in lower reach-in cooler; cooked chicken pot pie mixture 159.7 degrees, and cooked soups 171-184 degrees in steam table; single portion cups of coleslaw 38.3 degrees in reach-in cooler left of cookline; pre-cooked sausage patties 38.3 degrees, cooked and cooled egg rounds 38.9 degrees, and sliced ham 39.4 degrees in reach-in drawer coolers below cookline; milk 44.4 degrees in front self-serve cooler case, milk and dairy products 44-45 degrees in reach-in cooler below coffee station. Campus Activities Building Snack Bar 155 Elizabeth Blackwell St., Syracuse Inspected on March 3 Inhaler and nebulizer noted stored on countertop in kitchen (corrected, items moved). Pans of chicken salad and tuna salad (approximately one lb. each) and pan of sliced tomatoes measured at 58 degrees in deli station cooler. Per staff interview food items placed in cooler at 11a.m. (corrected, food voluntarily discarded). Deli station measured at 58 degrees during inspection. Deli station not to be used to store cold food items until adjusted, repaired, or replaced. Thermometer missing from reach-in prep top cooler. Employee noted working without proper hair restraint (corrected during inspection). Sanitizing bucket not set up at time of inspection (corrected during inspection). Interior of steam bath noted not clean, water noted with an accumulation of food materials and scale. Floor under fryer noted with an accumulation of grease. Cicero Country Pizza 8292 Brewerton Road, Cicero Inspected on March 5 Closed containers of breading and fish coating material stored under utility sink-food not protected. Scoop used for ice is used to keep upper portion of ice machine door open-not a sanitary location. Half smoked cigarette found in utility room along with cup used as ash tray-evidence of smoking in the building. Ice machine door noted with broken hinge. Interior of microwave oven noted not clean with splattered/spilled food. Most lower shelving and shelving units in preparation areas and kitchen area noted not clean with food residue and some environmental soil. Most wall areas in kitchen and rear prep areas not cleaned, with food soil and splatters. Products checked for proper temperature are as follows; hot holding-meatballs and sauce 141-14 degrees, meat sauce 152 degrees, cold held-crumbled cooked pizza sausage 39.7 degrees, sliced tomatoes 39.8 degrees, deli style ham 39 degrees. Ambient temperature of double door reach in cooler 37.2 degrees. Freedom of Espresso 54 Main St., Camillus Inspected on March 6 Interior of storage cabinet below hand sink and interior of storage cabinet below espresso machine, both noted with standing water and not clean at time of inspection. Interior of reach-in cooler noted not clean. Hand sink plumbing noted leaking into cabinet below (repair required). Espresso machine drain noted leaking into cabinet below (repair required). Floor drain below three-bay sink noted not clean. Hampton Inn Syracuse-DeWitt 3017 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse Inspected on March 6 Greek yogurt noted at 55 degrees on buffet with only a cold pack under it. Discussed with employee she states this is a new set-up and they discard yogurt after 2 hours and replace with fresh (this was observed). Left time waiver request to be filled out and returned to our office. Single service cream cheese noted at 55 degrees in container with butter on service cart. Employee states that they refilled bins at buffet counter less than 30 minutes ago, returned to reach-in cooler. Self-serve apples not stored protected from public. Operating Acceptably Bad Axe Throwing 170 Township Blvd, Camillus Basil Leaf Ristorante 3920 Brewerton Road, Clay Canal Side Cafe & Bistro 23 Syracuse St., Lysander Cue Dogs Commissary 2100 Park St., Syracuse Darwin 110 W. Fayette St., Syracuse Docs Pizza & Fish Fry 3797 Milton Ave., Camillus Esquina Habanera 324 Burnet Ave., Syracuse Fish Cove 1802 Teall Ave., Salina Friendlys 3873 State Route 31, Clay Geddes Baking Company & Pastry Shop 421-423 S. Main St., Cicero Grotto 101 S. Main St., Cicero Hieros 2812 James St., Syracuse Jewish Community Center 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt Jewish Community Center Senior Nutrition 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt Johnny Macs Pizzeria & Deli 894 State Fair Blvd, Geddes King Davids Fayetteville 317 Towne Drive, Manlius Lincoln House 168 Lincoln Ave., Syracuse Market Diner 2100 Park St., Syracuse Meals on Wheels 300 Burt St., Syracuse Mr. Pizza and Wings 309 Pond St., Syracuse Our Lady of Peace Church 203 Halcomb St., Geddes Paladinos Cicero Pizza 8154 Brewerton Road, Cicero Solvay Fire Department 1925 Milton Ave., Geddes Southside Wings 4421 S. Salina St., Syracuse St. Lukes Episcopal Church Parish House 5502 W. Genesee St., Camillus Steves Restaurant 401 Milton Ave., Syracuse Strong Hearts on the Hill 720 University Ave., Syracuse SU Eggers Hall Cafe 388 Stadium Heights Drive, Syracuse SU Eggers Hall Catering Eggers Hall SU Main Campus, Syracuse SU Faculty Center 401 University Place, Syracuse SU Slocum Cafe 120 College Place, Syracuse Subway 117 Lawrence Road E, Salina Subway 2500 James St., Syracuse Subway 720 University Ave., Syracuse Subway Sandwiches 1100 Route 5 E, Elbridge Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center 801 University Ave., Syracuse Tall Pauls the Dog Cabin Commissary 401 Milton Ave., Syracuse Taunton Fire Department 4300 Onondaga Blvd, Onondaga Texas Roadhouse 3830 NYS Route 31, Clay Toss n Fire Wood-Fired Pizza 315 N. Main St., Clay Varsity Coffee Shop 802 S. Crouse Ave., Syracuse The View Restaurant 4568 Octagon Road, Tully Wallys Belvedere 863 State Fair Blvd, Geddes Violations Corrected China Cafe 240 W. Seneca St., Manlius Golden Corral 115 Simon Drive, Syracuse Hearth Management @ Franciscan Villa 6900 Buckley Road, Salina Last weeks inspection reports Our past reports on restaurant inspections Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced shutting down of all the restaurants with immediate effect, but kept the option open for takeaway food and home delivery till March 31 to check the spread of coronavirus. Image Source: PK New Delhi, March 19 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced shutting down of all the restaurants with immediate effect, but kept the option open for takeaway food and home delivery till March 31 to check the spread of coronavirus. "All restaurants in Delhi will be closed from today for dinning till March 31. However, takeaways and home delivery will be allowed as many people depend on outside food," Kejriwal said after a review meeting on COVID-19. He said stamping will be done on those who were asked to stay in quarantine "after cases were found that people are not following orders strictly." "We have started stamping people who have been asked to remain in home quarantine upon their arrival in India. If such persons don't keep themselves in quarantine, they will be arrested and an FIR will be lodged against them," the Cheif Minister said. The bar on mass gatherings has come down to 20 in Delhi. "Gathering of more than 20 people -- political, social, cultural, religious, etc -- will not be allowed from now on. Previous order was for a gathering of more than 50 people," the CM said. "There is no need to panic. We need to take preventive steps." He said all vehicles, public and private transport are being disinfected in Delhi. Kejriwal said the government will also disinfect all the private vehicles from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. after there were long queues at the depots. "We may further increase the time, if the demand increases." Also, the shopping malls in Delhi have been told to place santizers at all entry points. Kejriwal said a total of 10 patients were found positive in Delhi and out of them, six are improving. "One person had died. Two have been discharged, while one went to Singapore. Out of the six remaining, no one is critical." He said the government is ready with 768-bed capacity quarantine, out of which 711 are empty. Only 57 are occupied. "We are having 550 beds for treatment for those sick. Only 40 beds were occupied by suspected patients." Kejriwal said India has succeeded in keeping coronavirus at containment level; it is not at the community level. Distilleries are producing hand-sanitiser to meet the unprecedented demand during the coronavirus crisis. Irish Distillers, together with the Cork-based Mervue Laboratories, are the latest distillery to focus their resources away from barrel-aged whiskeys to urgently-needed sanitisers. The Pernod Ricard-owned operation in Midleton counts Jameson, Method & Madness, and Midleton whiskey among its brands. It is to provide alcohol to health authorities free of charge. Irish Distillers said it is hoping to help meet the unprecedentedly high levels of demand for alcohol gel. Earlier this week, Irish Distillers approached the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to inform them that we were in a position to help with this specific challenge, said a spokesperson. They are working with Mervue Laboratories, in Watergrasshill, on the production. Large-scale quantities of alcohol are being made available free of charge by Irish Distillers, said the spokesperson. Production will commence immediately, with end product being delivered to the HSEs supply centre thereafter, for distribution to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. We are committed to maintaining supply to the maximum levels possible for as long as possible. Irish Distillers are not the only alcohol manufacturer to do so. Clonakilty Distillery has announced it will manufacture hand-sanitiser, too. CEO Michael Scully said they will produce a range of 63%-proof hand sanitisers, made to HSE specifications. Fortunately, we already have suitable, 500ml PET [polyethylene terephthalate] bottles and equipment in place, which means that we are ready to go into production immediately, said Mr Scully. We expect to have our first batch of 5,000 bottles ready within the next week. We plan on offering the sanitiser for free to local charities and those most in need. The company will supply the rest at cost, at first to the local community. This will also help keep employed staff from other parts of the business that have temporarily closed, including their visitor centre and Minke Gin School. Listoke Distillery in Co Louth has switched its production from gin to alcohol gel, supplying the fire brigade in Dublin with 64%-proof aloe vera gel. Internationally, other manufacturers are offering support, too. Scottish craft beer firm Brewdog, Scottish gin company Leith Gin, and other Pernod Ricard brands, including Absolut Vodka, are also to manufacture hand-sanitiser [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Spain was Europes fastest-growing large country last year as it rebounded strongly from the depths of the eurozone debt crisis. But unemployment, at nearly 14 percent, is still among Europes highest, and only Greece is more dependent on tourism. Spain is also a major automaking country. Volkswagen, Renault and Ford Motor have all closed their Spanish factories in recent days. Spains hospitals have even fewer acute-care beds per person than Italy. France France may be somewhat less vulnerable than its neighbors. Manufacturing is not as important to the economy as it is in Germany, and the proportion of small firms and self-employed people is smaller than in Italy or the Netherlands. Many French people work for large companies, which should have an easier time surviving the crisis. Tourism is a surprisingly small part of the economy, even if Paris seems to be perpetually mobbed by people wielding selfie sticks. The governments oft-criticized tendency to meddle in corporate affairs could be an advantage now that there is a need for political leaders to coordinate a defense against the virus. And France has some of Europes best internet connections. Estonia The tiny Baltic nation, population 1.3 million, has one of the most dynamic economies in the eurozone. Growth last year was more than 4 percent, unemployment is less than 5 percent, and government debt is negligible, allowing plenty of room for fiscal stimulus. Estonia is known as one of the most tech-savvy countries in the world, potentially a big advantage as the outbreak forces economic activity online. The software for Skype was written in Tallinn. Bolt, a ride-hailing, electric scooter and delivery service that is challenging Uber, is based there. But as the virus spreads, Estonia must also take care to protect those who havent shared in the boom: More than a fifth of the population lives in poverty. Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed reporting. Russia announced Thursday new measures to prop up the ruble and its oil producers, both of which have been suffering from sinking oil prices and the global panic over the coronavirus. "The government and the central bank will continue to take the necessary actions to ensure financial stability," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. He announced that the central bank would increase sales of foreign currency reserves, which helps support the value of the ruble, after the Russian currency exceeded the symbolic barrier of 80 rubles per dollar on Wednesday evening, a rate not seen since early 2016 during Russia's last economic crisis. Mishustin said the central bank would also compensate oil producers the difference when the market price for Urals crude falls below $25 per barrel. On Wednesday, it was selling for $24.65 per barrel. This new mechanism will remain in place until the end of September. The prime minister on Monday announced that the government would unlock reserves of 300 billion rubles (USD 3.8 billion at current exchange rates) to help support the economy. On Thursday he announced a month-long "green corridor" from Friday to allow the import of the most essential goods without paying duty. He sought to reassure the public that Russia will not run out of food. "Agriculture is the basis of our security, not just in terms of providing food but also in terms of economic and social security," he said. "We have enough food." Mishustin added that from Friday government agencies will be monitoring "all prices in each region, in each chain of stores and pharmaceutical organisations". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Note: The Miami Herald and McClatchy news sites have lifted the paywall on our websites for this developing story, providing critical information to readers. To support vital reporting such as this, please consider a digital subscription. Michael Palou was getting ready for work Monday as a high-end restaurant chef when his phone pinged with the news that he had been laid off. His roommate and lifelong friend, Gianni Arriago, a waiter at a different restaurant, staggered home with word that he, too, had been furloughed on the same day. Overnight the two 28-year-olds found themselves unemployed and desperate over how they will survive much less pay the rent at their $1,500 a month Little Havana apartment. Were all panicking, Palou said. People need to know this is the hardest thing that has ever happened to us after Hurricane Andrew. Like the feeder bands from a storm, the first effects of the coronavirus made landfall on Miamis bustling restaurant industry as owners closed restaurants and cut staff after the government ordered dining rooms closed Tuesday to lessen the spread of the virus. On the other end of that text was chef and restaurateur, Michael Schwartz. Overnight, his group of nine restaurants, including Michaels Genuine, Tigertail and Mary, Harrys Pizzeria and its catering company, went from 460 employees to six. Michael Schwartz, the Miami chef who owns nine restaurants and a catering company, had to lay off more than 400 people when his restaurants closed to contain the coronavirus this week. Schwartz, winner of the James Beard award as one of the best chefs in the South, visited several of his restaurants and tried to break the news to as many people in person. Some, however, learned about it in a company-wide email and from an Instagram post. It was a gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, nauseating day, Schwartz said. Its a f nightmare. Similarly, all over South Florida, restaurant owners were deciding whether to close completely or trying to stay afloat offering only take out and deliveries. Restaurant industry asks for government relief Like Schwartz, chef Michelle Bernstein and husband David Martinez looked at their numbers and decided their only option was to close their popular Little Havana spot, Cafe La Trova, a lively bar, restaurant and old-world Cuban music venue that is now indefinitely mute. Story continues They have tried to keep food sales going via pickup and delivery at their Miami Beach bar and restaurant Sweet Liberty, even lightheartedly offering a roll of toilet paper with each order. But Martinez admits it has not been successful and will not last for long, either. We had to tell 90 people at La Trova alone that we were closing down, Martinez said. No restaurant can afford to pay their entire staff when theres no money coming in from anywhere. Martinez said they are paying 100% of their employees healthcare benefits until we cant do it anymore. His spouse, Bernstein, a James Beard winner herself with a national platform and a popular PBS television show Check, Please!, took to social media to urge legislators for immediate help. She is asking cities, counties and the state of Florida to let restaurants keep their sales taxes, which would be due March 20. That chunk amounts to 7% of all sales, with municipalities tacking on another 1-2% for an industry that employs 12 percent of the state of Florida and generates more than $50 billion. Were all going to come out of this losing a restaurant, Bernstein said. Why cant our legislators offer us some kind of break? Many restaurants are now calling for government intervention, as did the Life House hotel and restaurant group, which shut their restaurant Mama Joon with only hours notice. We understand that this is a particularly hard time for the individuals who lost their jobs and we understand that this extends well beyond those at our venues, they wrote to the Miami Herald in an email. We are currently evaluating ways in which we can help those in need, and are hopeful that the local and national government will be able to put a plan in place to aid these individuals and the industry as a whole. The U.S. Department of Labor announced Wednesday it would let states apply for up to $100 million in grants to help self-employed workers and workers who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut because of what the department labeled a disaster. Listen to today's top stories from the Miami Herald: President Donald Trump spoke to CEOs of the countrys largest restaurant companies Tuesday. But owners of independent restaurants say its the small mom-and-pop restaurants even larger independents like David Chang of Momofuku and Danny Meyer of the Gramery Tavern and Shake Shack that need to be in on those conversations. Meyers group laid off 2,000 Wednesday. McDonalds and those guys, those arent restaurant groups, those are real estate firms, said Miami restaurant owner and chef Michel Beltran. Michael Beltran, the Cuban-American owner of Ariete in Coconut Grove, had to lay off about 100 employees at his four restaurants this week. He continues to try to operate his businesses at take out and delivery-only. He said smaller restaurants like his are desperately trying the take-out and delivery model to stay afloat. Small restaurants try to pivot Beltran, 34, who owns three restaurants in Coconut Grove, had to slash his managers salaries by up to 40 percent and lay off most of his 100 employees. He redid the menu for grab-and-go items at his Chugs Cuban-American diner, adding new items like empanadas and doubling down on their inventive pastelitos, stuffed with filling like peanut butter and jelly. He is offering meal kits and half-off discounts on wines from his other two restaurants, Ariete and Nave. From those sales, he is pledging 15 percent of sales and the bulk of tips to a fund for his unemployed staff. But he knows thats barely an aid to his staff. Im scrounging to keep peoples livelihoods above water, he said. Our (employees) are what make our restaurant special. So we have to do everything we can for them. As for fees? Beltran said hes telling other restaurant owners to use their sales taxes to pay out-of-work employees and negotiate with landlords over rent and mortgages. The one thing I told everyone is, Hold on to your money. What are they going to do, evict you? Eviction court is closed right now, Beltran said. For now, owners and employees find themselves making very different plans. Schwartz said his company has started the complicated process of applying for for several one-year, no-interest bridge loans from the $50 million Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made available this week. For cooks like Palou, there are graver concerns. He was once planning a pop-up of his experimental restaurant, Parcha, at a weekend Wynwood event that was canceled. I thought that could be the beginning of something big. Now this, he said. His roommate, Arriaga, is wondering whether he will have to leave the industry after downtown Japanese restaurant Zuma layed him off with 11 hours of personal time. And he wonders about his mother, who he says cleans houses in Miami to help pay for his little brothers cancer medication. Friday is their last paycheck. This is a chain reaction, Arriga said, and it hits every single person. South Carolina ports were practicing social distancing before it became a directive from the federal government. "Our environment here on the port is actually pretty well set up for social distancing, if you think about it. Most of our operators are in machines or in cranes. They're really sort of individually doing things. They don't have face-to-face contact with people so much during the day," South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) President and CEO Jim Newsome said in a video update on the coronavirus Monday. The SCPA's ports in Charleston, Greer and Dillon all are operating normally for truck gates and vessels. "We're working full steam," Newsome said. Still, the SCPA is monitoring the pandemic closely. "We don't really have a playbook for all this. This is kind of a fluid situation," Newsome said. "As long as the ships are calling, we'll be working. We have an obligation to keep the supply chain fluid." Newsome said the SCPA's gate system also makes social distancing easier. "We took an important step a few years ago in our gate system, whereby gates are processed remotely," he said. "There's no face-to-face contact between the people doing those transactions and the truck drivers. We do sanitize the kiosks very frequently so that is an important step that we're taking. We think the environment is good to encourage the idea of social distancing." Employees in the SCPA's administrative office are separated in standing-height cubes and the building is disinfected frequently, Newsome said, adding that the staff also has access to an onsite cafeteria and nurse practitioner. "I think we're very well prepared for this, as best prepared as we possibly can be," he said. Newsome praised the actions of the Trump administration. "We think they put a great task force together to really address this issue, and we believe that we'll get through this in a productive way," he said. Story continues The SCPA is coming off a record February. There were 197,214 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) moved across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in February. Loaded export TEUs were up nearly 20% and loaded import TEUs were up about 14% over last February, both of which are record levels for that month. "These volumes are bright spots amid much uncertainty in the global market," Newsome said earlier this month. "While we do expect our volumes will be down in March and April due to impacts from the coronavirus, we anticipate a rebound in May and June to finish the [fiscal] year above plan." The SCPA said Tuesday that work is on track and the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is expected to open in March 2021.The terminal initially will have five cranes with 169 feet of lift height and 228 feet of outreach, as well as 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes. There also will be a 1,400-foot wharf capable of handling up to 19,000-TEU vessels. When it opens, the terminal will provide the SCPA an additional 700,000 TEUs of capacity. Also on Tuesday, the SCPA board approved a professional services agreement with Lowe, the owner of the Wild Dunes Resort and developer of the new Cooper Hotel on Charleston Harbor, to handle the sale of the nonmaritime portion of Union Pier for redevelopment. The entitlement process entails master planning, design and community collaboration, according to the SCPA, which said the process is estimated to last between 30 and 36 months. Once finalized, Lowe will work on behalf of the SCPA to sell the nonmaritime portion of Union Pier. Image Sourced from Pixabay See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th March, 2020) Less than a day before the complete isolation of the Dominican Republic due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), about 3,500 tourists from Russia remain in the country, the head of the Russian Embassy's section in Punta Cana, Mikhail Yevdokimov, told Sputnik. "From 6 a.m. tomorrow (10a.m. GMT) all passenger transportation by land, sea and air is stopped. Our charter flights now fly here only empty to evacuate people. According to my calculations, there are now about 3,500-4,000 Russians, some have already left for home," Yevdokimov said. According to the diplomat, all organized tourists will be taken out from the island by tour operators who are responsible for them, however, there are also a considerable number of private vacationers who arrived with transfers in Europe. "The flight back by this route is already closed for them, we have very big problems with such tourists. We recommend that they buy tickets for charters flying here, but seats will be provided to them according to the residual principle," he said. NEWSALERT-PD-PM 2 Revising women's marriage age to 21 years done for "our daughters' betterment," ensure them a career: PM Modi at National Youth Festival.Revising women's marriage age to 21 years done for "our daughters' betterment," ensure them a career: PM Modi at National Youth Festival. NEWSALERT-PD-PM Over two crore children in the 15-18 years age group vaccinated with Covid-19 doses, says PM Modi at National Youth Festival.Over two crore children in the 15-18 years age group vaccinated with Covid-19 doses, says PM Modi at National Youth Festival. Africa Education Watch, an Education Policy Think Tank, works, with governments, private sector, and civil society to achieve an equitable and accountable education system that assures quality and equal opportunities for all. The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is a democratic, non-partisan and progressive mass movement comprising of students in Ghana and Ghanaian Students abroad with the primary aim of protecting and safeguarding the rights and interest of Ghanaian students. The two organizations are extremely concerned about the reported mismanagement of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), and hereby wish to present the following observations and recommendations for consideration by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education ahead of its deliberations on the Report of the GETFund, and the approval of the formula for sharing the GETFund for the year 2020: Observations 1. The Findings of the recent Performance Audit of the Auditor General indicate the GETFund has been awarding scholarships against the dictates of Section 2(2) (b) of the GETFund Law, which rather mandates the Scholarship Secretariat to do so with funding from the GETFund. At the centre of the mismanagement of the GETFund is the lack of a Legislative Instrument to regulate the operations of the Fund, twenty years after its the enactment of the GETFund Act, 2000 (Act 581), and contrary to the dictates of Section 24 of the said Act 581. 2. Over the past three years, funding from GETFund to the Students Loan Trust Fund has dwindled from GHC 25 Million in 2017 to GHC 18 million in 2019. The 2019 figure represents about 1.5 percent (1.5%) of the recommended funding of up to 10% according to Section 3(a) of the Students Loan Trust Fund Act, 2011 (Act 820). This has limited the ability of the Students Loan Trust Fund to meet its obligations to needy students. 3. Delayed release of GETFund from the Ministry of Finance affects the very essence of the Fund, especially in supporting needy students who rely on student loans managed by the Students Loan Trust Fund. By the end of 2018 only 44% of the approved GETFund allocation had been released by the Finance Ministry. Currently, about 25,000 students are yet to receive their September 2019 first semester loans, causing many needy students to defer their courses. 4. This year, an anticipated 145,000 first batch free SHS students will enroll in tertiary institutions in Ghana. Resultantly, the Students Loans Trust Fund is projecting about 100% increase in loan subscriptions, necessitating an amount of GHC 189 million to honour its obligations to about 50,000 freshmen and continuing students in the 2020/21 academic year. This notwithstanding, the Students Loan Trust Fund is heavily underfunded, causing it to limit its support to a reduced number of deserving students. Recommendations: We urge the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to consider the following recommendations in their deliberations on the 2020 Formula and advise the house accordingly, in its report: 1. It is imperative for the Minister of Education to present a roadmap within the next six months for the development of a Legislative Instrument for the GETFund, pursuant to Section 24 of the GETFund Law, and in light of the reported mismanagement. 2. The Committee should issue Clear Directives to the GETFund Board to immediately end the practice of directly awarding scholarships contrary to Section 2 (2) (b) of the GETFund Law. Pursuant, the approval of the allocation to the GETFund Secretariat must expressly specify that, all scholarship funds must be transferred to the Scholarship Secretariat. 3. The allocation for scholarships to be managed by the Scholarship Secretariat must prioritize local scholarships, to cater for the anticipated increase in demand for scholarships from the first batch of Free SHS students. 4. On loans, first, the formula must indicate clearly how much is being allocated to the SLTF; second, an allocation of the maximum 10% prescribed under section 3 (a) of the Students Loans Trust Fund Act, 2011 (Act 820) shall be required to support the student loan budget of the Students Loan Trust Fund. 5. Finally, the Committee must require of the Minister of Finance of the reasons for the perpetual delay in the release of allocated funds with the view to improving the disbursement rate, most especially for students loans and scholarships, in order to prevent the current unfortunate situation of students having to defer their courses due to lack of funds from earmarked loans. The above recommendations would ensure no child is denied their right to tertiary education on account of funding, while providing the assurances to Ghanaians that Parliament is concerned about the mismanagement of the GETFund, hence the need to demand accountability from the executive towards putting in place the requisite legal framework for ensuring an efficiently managed GETFund. Respectfully submitted. For: Africa Education Watch For: National Union of Ghana Students Kofi Asare, Isaac Jay Hyde, Executive Director, President, Africa Education Watch. National Union of Ghana Students. www.africaeducationwatch.org www.nugsonline.org.gh Analysing 25 groups of products that Sweden imported the most in the past five years shows there is great potential for Vietnam to ship textiles, footwear, farm produce and food, handicrafts, and chemicals to the Swedish market. However, the Vietnamese Trade Office in Sweden said the export turnover and market share of these items are still quite modest. Market surveys said that Swedish people spend a large amount of money on textile products. They also have great demand for agricultural products such as rice, tea, coffee, cocoa, fruits and vegetables. The office said Vietnamese exporters need to meet regulations on quality and packaging standards required by Swedish distributors if they want to sell their products in the countrys supermarkets. In 2019, two-way trade between Vietnam and Sweden hit US$1.56 billion, with Vietnams export valued at US$1.2 billion, up 2.4% year-on-year. Vietnam is ranked 24th among the biggest exporters to Sweden. Former Princess Tessy de Luxembourg has revealed she is finding homeschooling her sons 'so difficult' amid the coronavirus outbreak. Tessy Antony-de Nassau, 34, who lives in London, told her Instagram followers she was finding the experience a challenge. In a series of Instagram posts Tessy, who lost her royal title when she divorced Prince Louis, revealed she has been teaching their sons Gabriel, 14, and Noah, 12, from home for four days. Opening up about the endeavour, she said: 'Oh my gosh, it's so difficult to get the boys to focus and work with mamma. They're not used to it and there are so many things they'd rather do than study with mamma.' Former Princess Tessy de Luxembourg, 34, has revealed she is finding homeschooling her sons Gabriel, 14, and Noah, 12, 'so difficult' amid the coronavirus outbreak (pictured, Gabriel studying at home) In one short video, she shared her advice with her 17,000 followers, saying: 'I've been in contact with the school. 'The best homeschooling resource for you and your children is to ask the school first. They should have put something in place for their specific age group and classroom. 'Gabriel is doing his exams soon, today, tomorrow and after tomorrow, he is doing mock exams.' She advised parents to speak to children's schools and teachers about what to do, before seeking out online reading and comprehension tests. Tessy, who shares her sons with Prince Louis, revealed she is now teaching her children from home in 40 minute lessons (pictured together) Meanwhile, she revealed she was teaching her sons in 40 minute lessons, before they were permitted to take a 10 minute break. She wrote: 'In the break get the kids to do some stretching, get some air. We have a small indoor trampoline which helps my boys a lot with concentration. They are both very dyslexic.' Tessy also said she was finding the experience daunting, saying: 'When kids work at home, they feel like holidays and its difficult and tricky to get that routine in.' In one clip she spoke with her son Gabriel about how he was finding the home teaching, with the youngster saying he found it 'very, very relaxing.' Tessy admitted she was finding the experience challenging, and shared advice with parents watching who might be feeling the same But he also candidly admitted: 'My mother told me a few months ago it would be her utmost nightmare to do it, so let's see how it goes.' Tessy and Prince Louis of Luxembourg, who met while serving in the army in 2004, announced in 2018 that they would be separating. Their divorce was finalised on April 4 last year, and Tessy was stripped of her royal title. Born a commoner, Tessy joined the Luxembourg Army in 2002 at the age of 18, rising to the rank of corporal. Two years later, when she was one of a handful of female UN peacekeepers in Kosovo, she met Prince Louis, who was visiting the army. His family only became aware of their love affair when Tessy fell pregnant and gave birth aged 19 - and unmarried - in September 2005, providing Grand Duke Henri with his first grandson. Tessy and Louis' fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year It infuriated the royal family, and Prince Louis renounced any claim to the title of Grand Duke due to the constitutional crisis they had created by having a child out of wedlock. The couple's fairytale marriage broke down in 2016, and they were granted a decree nisi in February last year. Tessy, who in 2017 was named Woman of the Decade by the Women Economic Forum for her work in women's empowerment, now lives in London, while Louis lives in Paris. The philanthropist is the co-founder of social enterprise Professors Without Borders, which aims to improve access to higher education across the globe. She also works as a consultant, public speaker and is a UN Association patron [March 19, 2020] Remote Patient Monitoring Solutions Such As SafeBeing From Somatix Can Be Effective Tools To Help Monitor Patients During Epidemics NEW YORK , March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Somatix Inc., an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software company which provides a Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solution to healthcare providers, is informing nursing homes, senior living facilities, subacute short-term care facilities and hospitals that its SafeBeing platform can be beneficial to patient care in times of health crises. By providing 24/7 passive monitoring and predictive analytics, SafeBeing enhances safety and makes it easier for resource constrained providers to monitor patients remotely, including those in isolation at home or in healthcare facilities due to flu outbreaks or those quarantined due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SafeBeing reports up-to-date information about a patients well-being using an enterprise dashboard, smartband, user mobile app, and a caretaker/family app. SafeBeing was recently used at facilities operated by Holy Family Senior Living in Pennsylvania during a lockdown period because of a flu outbreak where patients were confined to their own quarters. In addition, during the past year, Holy Family Senior Living has reported a 17 percent reduction in 30-day hospital readmission rates and an over 30 percent reduction in falls and urinary tract infections from using SafeBeing. Remote Patient Monitoring provided by SafeBeing was a critical resource for our caregivers as we worked through some recent flu outbreaks. Not only were we able to create a safer environment by remotely monitoring patients in their rooms, but we were able prevent patient roaming as well as minimize patient-to-patient and patient-to-provider transmission of the illness, said Joseph Shadid, the Chief Executive Officer of Holy Family Senior Living. Although SafeBeing cannot detect flu and COVID-19 related symptoms specifically, its 24/7 passive monitoring and advanced analytics enable providers to make earlier interventions with patients that are demonstrating signs of risk for clinical deterioration, including reductions in activity from each patients machine-learned baseline, reduction in fluid intake and risk for dehydration, and disturbances in sleep patterns, said Charles Herman M.D., M.B.A., President and Chief Medical Officer of Somatix. The gesture-derived insights from SafeBeing can also be integrated with traditional biological insights sch as temperature, blood pressure and heart rate which are captured in electronic health record systems that are used by many elder care facilities. Eran Ofir, CEO of Somatix added, Somatix SafeBeing has numerous benefits to help create safer environments for a variety of healthcare facilities that are facing challenging lockdown situations. We look forward to working closely with hospitals, nursing homes, senior living communities, home care agencies and more to ensure the well-being of their patients during challenging times, both now and in the future. SafeBeing utilizes patented gesture detection technology, machine learning, and advanced analytics to detect hand movements and report on activities and events such as walking, sleeping, drinking, falling, smoking, wandering and a variety of insights and predictive analytics. By monitoring these activities through SafeBeing, healthcare providers can detect variations in activities that may be cause for concern, and trigger reminders to users and alerts to caregivers and family members. About Somatix Somatix is a provider of wearable-enabled, AI-powered Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions for healthcare providers. Somatix serves elderly care facilities, hospitals (monitoring discharged patients), and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. Its cost-effective platform uses patented gesture detection technology, machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics to remotely and passively analyze user's movements, activities and events in real-time such as walking, sleeping, drinking, falling, medication-intake, smoking and more. This data delivers important clinical insights to healthcare providers, helping them maintain continuous contact with and improve the well-being of those under their care. For more information, please visit www.somatix.com and follow LinkedIn and Twitter . Media Contacts: Joshua Taustein, Dresner Corporate Services (312)780-7219, [email protected] David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services (312)780-7204, [email protected] Analyst Contact: Nathan Abler, Dresner Corporate Services, (714)742-4180, [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:LOMA), which is in the basic materials business, and is based in Argentina, saw significant share price movement during recent months on the NYSE, rising to highs of US$8.20 and falling to the lows of US$3.28. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima's current trading price of US$3.28 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonimas outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. Check out our latest analysis for Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima Is Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima still cheap? According to my price multiple model, which makes a comparison between the company's price-to-earnings ratio and the industry average, the stock price seems to be justfied. In this instance, Ive used the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio given that there is not enough information to reliably forecast the stocks cash flows. I find that Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonimas ratio of 6.45x is trading slightly below its industry peers ratio of 10.98x, which means if you buy Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima today, youd be paying a decent price for it. And if you believe that Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima should be trading at this level in the long run, then theres not much of an upside to gain over and above other industry peers. Furthermore, Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonimas share price also seems relatively stable compared to the rest of the market, as indicated by its low beta. This may mean it is less likely for the stock to fall lower from natural market volatility, which suggests less opportunities to buy moving forward. Story continues What does the future of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima look like? NYSE:LOMA Past and Future Earnings, March 19th 2020 Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. With profit expected to more than double over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation. What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in LOMAs positive outlook, with shares trading around industry price multiples. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the track record of its management team. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at LOMA? Will you have enough confidence to invest in the company should the price drop below the industry PE ratio? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on LOMA, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around industry price multiples. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for LOMA, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters the fundamentals before you make a decision on Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima. You can find everything you need to know about Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. On Tuesday, Dr. Jeanne Noble devoted time between patient visits to hanging clear 2-gallon plastic bags at each of her colleagues' workstations. Noble is a professor of emergency medicine and director of the UC-San Francisco medical center response to the novel coronavirus that has permeated California and reached into every U.S. state. The bags were there to hold personal protective equipment the masks, face shields, gowns and other items that health care providers rely on every day to protect themselves from the viruses shed by patients, largely through coughs and sneezes. In normal times, safety protocols would require these items be disposed of after one use. But just weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies of protective gear at UCSF are already so low that doctors and nurses are wiping down and reusing almost everything except gloves. "It is not a foolproof strategy at all; we all realize the risk we are taking," Noble said. But as supplies dwindle, she increasingly finds herself asking the folks in charge of infection control at the hospital if they can make changes to protocols. "As days go by, one regulation after the other goes out," she said. Noble is among the Bay Area physicians applauding the decision this week by seven Bay Area counties and multiple others across California to order residents to shelter in place for the foreseeable future, directives that are upending life for millions of people and shuttering schools and businesses across the state. Without swift and dramatic changes to curb transmission of the virus, hospital officials say, it is just a matter of time before their health systems are overwhelmed. Interviews with California physicians on the front lines of COVID-19 offer a sobering portrait of a health care system preparing for the worst of a pandemic that could be months from peaking. In the Bay Area, the battle is being waged hospital by hospital, with wide variations in resources. The tent where Noble tended to patients this week was set up to deal with a recent rise in people showing up with respiratory illness. Even without the coronavirus threat, UCSF's emergency room is a busy one, and doctors frequently see patients in hallways and other spaces. But the current outbreak makes that close contact unsafe. So instead, everyone who comes to the hospital is being triaged. Most people with fever, cough or shortness of breath are diverted to the tent, which is heated and has negative air pressure to prevent the spread of infection. For now, the pace is manageable, but Noble fears what's ahead. Farther south, in Palo Alto, Stanford Medical Center was testing patients with respiratory problems in its parking garage. The private university hospital has more protective gear than the public one in San Francisco; a global scavenger hunt several weeks ago bolstered supplies, though Stanford, too, has adapted protocols to be more sparing with some items. "We don't have an unlimited supply," said Dr. Andra Blomkalns, professor and chair of the Stanford School of Medicine's Department of Emergency Medicine. "But at least we're not looking at our last box." The entire country is short on protective gear, a result of both the surging demand for such equipment as the virus spreads and the implosion of supply chains from China, where much of the equipment is manufactured. Noble believes some equipment will need to be made locally. "If the [federal] government doesn't step in and force manufacturing of these products here now, we are going to run out," she said. Empty supply closets affect everyone who needs care, including heart attack victims and people in need of emergency surgery, said Dr. Vivian Reyes, president of the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and a practicing emergency physician in the Bay Area. "I know it's really hard for us Americans because we're never told no," she said of the shortfall of supplies. "But we're not in normal times right now." And protective equipment isn't the only thing in short supply. Until a few days ago, UCSF had to rely on the San Francisco Department of Public Health for coronavirus testing, and a shortage of test kits meant clinicians could test only the most critically ill. The situation improved March 9, when the university started running tests created in its own lab. First, there were 40 tests a day. By Tuesday, there were 60 to 80. But a new shortage looms: The hospital has just 500 testing swabs left. Stanford pathologist Benjamin Pinsky built an in-house test that has been approved for use by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Since March 3, Stanford has used it to test more than 500 patients, 12% of whom had tested positive as of Tuesday. The university has been running tests for other hospitals as well, including UCSF. It's a dramatic improvement from a few weeks ago, when Stanford relied on its county lab. Blomkalns saw a sick patient in mid-February, before the hospital had its own test kits, who had symptoms of COVID-19 but didn't qualify for testing under the narrow federal guidelines in place at the time. He went home, only to return to the hospital after his condition deteriorated. This time, he was tested and it came back positive. In Santa Clara County, home to Stanford, 175 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and six have died. Late last week, the medical center's emergency department saw the highest number of patients in one day in its history. Blomkalns doubts it's because there are more cases in her area. "If you don't test, you don't have any cases," she said. Blomkalns worries about staffing shortages as health care workers are inevitably exposed to the virus. As of Tuesday, one doctor in the Stanford ER had tested positive. At UCSF, six health care providers had. Not all Bay Area hospitals are seeing a flood of patients. In fact, some have fewer patients than usual, as they have canceled elective surgeries in anticipation of a COVID-19 surge. The doctors treating COVID-19 patients say nearly all who test positive have a cough. They complain of fatigue, body aches, headaches, runny noses and sore throats. While most people are well enough to recover at home, those who get critically ill tend to do so in their second week of symptoms, and can deteriorate very quickly, several doctors noted. "We are recommending that patients get intubated a little earlier than they might otherwise," said Reyes. In general, officials are asking people who have mild cases of COVID-19 to treat their symptoms at home, as they would a cold or flu, and refrain from seeking care at hospitals. People experiencing shortness of breath, however, should definitely go to the emergency room, said Blomkalns. For children, the criteria may be a bit different. Shortness of breath should trigger a visit, as should altered mental state, excessive irritability, or an inability to eat or drink, said Dr. Nicolaus Glomb, a pediatric emergency care physician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that rough projections suggest the state could need anywhere from 4,000 to 20,000 additional beds to treat patients with serious cases of COVID-19. The testing problems worry Noble, as do the equipment shortages, but not nearly as much as the potential for a lot of sick people. "I'm mostly worried about a tsunami of very ill patients that we're not equipped to take care of," said Noble. Blomkalns isn't sure whether or when Stanford might exceed capacity, saying the caseload trajectory may hinge on how aggressively state and national authorities move to cut off routes of community transmission. "It all depends on what happens in the coming weeks and days," she said. "We know what we need to do, and we're doing the job." KHN Senior Correspondents JoNel Aleccia and Jenny Gold contributed to this report. This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. SANTA FE While many businesses are being closed or are operating under restrictions and public events are being postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Santa Fe Farmers Market will go on this Saturday. Debbie Burns, the markets general manager, says the market plans to keep serving its role as an important source for fresh food in the community. People should understand that products at the farmers market are coming directly from the farms where they were harvested. This means you are getting the cleanest product out there, she said. But the market is making some changes, including no longer allowing customers to handle products before buying them. For the first time this season, some of the vendors will be moving outside the Farmers Market Pavilion, something that normally doesnt happen until late April or May. And the pavilions garage doors will be opened to increase ventilation. In addition, a portable hand-washing station will be set up in the southwest corner of the pavilion and a sanitizer dispenser will be set up. The cafes will no longer offer self-service, and utensils and condiments will be handed out. And the frequency of cleaning of door handles, tables and chairs will be increased. The Santa Fe Farmers Market is also urging people to maintain a 6-foot distance from other people while shopping, wash their hands frequently and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables when they get home. Burns said she expects about 45 vendors to be on hand Saturday morning, selling carrots, onions, beans, chile, eggs, lettuce, spinach, honey, meat products and even tulips. She added that eating fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system. Burns said last Saturdays farmers market, which took place just days after many postponements and closures were announced, was a little slower than usual, but our farmers pretty much sold out. The Santa Fe Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in the citys Railyard district. A proposed New Jersey bill, which aims to create business interruption insurance coverage for COVID-19 related claims despite virus exclusions in many policies, has drawn concern about the constitutionality of legislation like this. The New Jersey legislation would alter multiple policy provisions that the parties had agreed to, including in some policies, a specific exclusion for loss or damage caused by any virus, said Kristin Cummings, attorney-at-law at Dallas, Texas-based law firm Zelle LLP. Thats a very dangerous precedent. The bill New Jersey Bill A-3844 provides a framework for businesses that endure business interruption losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic to recover those losses from their insurer. If enacted, it will be retroactive for any insured with a business interruption policy in place from March 9, 2020, when New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy first declared a public health emergency and a state of emergency due to the virus. The bill would apply to New Jersey businesses with less than 100 eligible employees, meaning full-time employees working a normal week of 25 hours or more. This proposed legislation has set off a conflict within the insurance industry, however, which initially took action nearly 15 years ago to limit insurance coverage for the next pandemic, according to a report by Philadelphia-based law firm White and Williams. In July 2006, The Insurance Services Office (ISO) submitted an exclusion for loss due to virus or bacteria that was later approved by regulators. The exclusion states that it applies to business income, or business interruption, and makes explicit reference to SARS another type of coronavirus, the White and Williams report explained. Similar exclusions exist in forms issued by other insurance organizations or in insurer-drafted forms, according to Paul White, attorney at Wilson Elser. Constitutional Questions Raised With this in mind, the proposed bill has led to concern among the insurance industry about an overreach by state legislators that could threaten the integrity of legally binding private contractual arrangements with insureds. In essence, the proposed law would require insurers to provide coverage for business interruption losses, possibly reaching into hundreds of billions of dollars, in circumstances where relevant contracts do not cover, and expressly exclude, such losses arising from a virus, White said. Such a law, on its face, would appear to substantially impair the rights and obligations of the parties to such a contract in violation of Article I of the United States Constitution. The Contracts Clause, found in Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, places limitations on states ability to interfere with private contracts. According to White, the Supreme Court has employed a two-part test to determine this constitutional limit. It aims to first determine whether a particular state law is seen as a substantial impairment of a contract, and if so, the court will review the purpose and necessity of that law. This isnt a situation where insurance companies are asking for a bail out or otherwise trying to shift their financial problems to the public sector, Cummings added. Insurance companies are simply attempting to apply the terms of the policies that were negotiated with their insureds to provide coverage for the losses they agreed to cover. Suggesting that insurance companies, along with state and federal governments, should bear the financial burden of COVID-19 losses by rewriting the terms of agreed upon contracts is effectively an impermissible governmental taking and unconstitutional. Possible Economic Impact Beyond the constitutional questions that have arisen in light of this proposed legislation, some have expressed further concern that it could have a negative ripple effect on the overall economy. We are currently seeing the damaging effects on some business sectors and their employees of national, state and local government restrictions on bending the COVID-19 incidence curve, said Clifford Rossi, Professor for the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. This is an example of knee-jerk reaction to a crisis that caught governments flat-footed, and on the surface, feels good. However, Rossi explained that he believes this legislation, if passed, could have a chilling effect on the provision of viable business insurance policies going forward in New Jersey, with some property and casualty companies reconsidering their underwriting of these policies in the state altogether. Cummings agreed, adding that insurers could be required to raise premiums to cover claims they were not financially prepared to insure if this legislation passes, which she believes could hurt consumers in the long-run. Insurance companies set premiums and purchase reinsurance based on the risks their policies intended to cover and the potential loss exposure for those covered risks, she said. This legislation will have disastrous effects on the insurance industry, and in turn, for consumers seeking insurance in the future. Insurance companies could be forced out of business. Opposing Views That said, not all share this outlook. Alexandra Roje, partner in Lathrop GPMs insurance recovery practice, said she believes legislation like this is a necessary first-step in supporting policyholders, particularly small business owners who are facing severe threats to their businesses due to COVID-19. Because the pandemic touches virtually every commercial property policyholder in this country, insurers are not going to restructure their policies unless they are forced to do so, she said. To the contrary, business interruption policies issued going forward are likely to expressly exclude any loss relating to COVID-19. Unless the Legislatures act now, or until litigation over COVID-19 insurance claims is resolved in the courts years from now, one can expect no reimbursement from insurers for loss of business income. Roje added she believes removing virus exclusions from business interruption policies is not necessarily going to result in coverage for any businesses. This is because she sees the requirement in many business interruption policies for direct physical loss or damage to property as the primary impediment to insurance coverage. With this in mind, Roje is calling for even broader legislation that deals with both the direct physical loss requirement and virus exclusion component of many business interruption policies. This legislation, while certainly a step in the right direction, is not necessarily going to result in coverage for small businesses, she said. Policyholders have arguments to make in that regard, but they will likely have to make them in court to get a favorable resolution of their claim. The challenge is, unlike big businesses, many small businesses may not have the financial ability to fund coverage litigation or to absorb the loss of income they are facing, she said. It remains to be seen how long big business can absorb losses in the current environment, but it is clear that if small businesses do not get help from their representatives, they and their employees will face dire consequences, she said. Details of the Proposed Bill The proposed New Jersey legislation states that every insurance policy for loss or damage to property, which includes business interruption, in force from March 9 will be understood to include coverage for business interruption due to a global virus transmission or pandemic. The coverage provided would be subject to the limits under the policy and would reimburse the insured for business interruption losses during the state of emergency. The bill also states insurers that reimburse insureds for business interruption claims can apply with the New Jersey Commissioner of Banking and Insurance for relief and reimbursement from a collection of funds made available for this purpose. According to the proposed legislation, global virus transmission and pandemic are generally excluded from the list of covered perils under the existing standard business interruption insurance policy. Although ISO has developed a rider to provide an insured with the option of purchasing coverage, no states have yet approved the form to date, the proposed bill states. This bill is intended to hold harmless a certain portion of the business sector, which had the foresight to purchase business interruption insurance, for losses sustained as a result of the current health emergency, but for which no such coverage is currently offered, according to the proposed legislation. The bills primary sponsors are Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, and Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro. While the bill underwent an initial vote in the New Jersey Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee in which it was approved to be considered on an emergency basis, meaning the process of moving it through the Legislature would be expedited, the bill was held in the New Jersey Assembly for a vote on March 16 and was not taken up in the New Jersey Senate for todays vote. Assemblywoman Chaparro told Insurance Journal this is because there are still some details to work out. A-3844 is a work in progress, Chaparro said. We are working on finalizing the legislation to ensure it is the fairest and most responsible bill possible. A spokesperson for Greenwalds office said it is possible the bill could come back up for a vote in the future. Cummings cautioned that while small businesses will undoubtedly have business interruption losses due to COVID-19, she believes these financial costs are better addressed by the public rather than the private sector. The desire for government to help private businesses cover their COVID-19 losses is admirable, she said. But by forcing insurance companies to pay claims not otherwise covered, government is simply shifting those losses to another private business sector. Thats not right. Roje, however, had a different word of caution. Time is not on the side of small business, and any delay in government action may not only be deadly from a health standpoint, but from an economic standpoint as well, she said. Topics Carriers COVID-19 Legislation Claims Profit Loss Market New Jersey The four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case are set to be hanged early Friday morning with a Delhi court clearing the decks for their execution by dismissing a plea seeking a stay on it. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana on Thursday refused to grant any relief to Akshay Kumar, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Mukesh Singh and rejected the petition saying no valid ground has been brought to his notice to justify the stay of execution of death warrants scheduled on March 20 at 5:30 AM. "I am of the considered opinion that the application is bereft of merits. No valid ground has been brought to my notice to justify the stay of execution of death warrants. The application is accordingly dismissed," the judge said. Interestingly, the judge, in his order, also took note of the considerable time consumed by the judiciary in the case and addressed the doubts that have been lingering in the minds of some people on the efficacy of the rule of law. The court said the resilience of law signified the inherent safeguards against human errors and not the weakness of law. "When would the convicts meet the creator for their eternal penitence? The issue has been pestering the conscience of the community for past some time. The time consumed by the process of law has even led some diffident voices to timorously question the very efficacy of 'rule of law'. "Let me inform all the suspecting souls that in this great land of Gautam Buddha and Gandhi, rule of law and not impetuous mob mentality, decides the fate of even the most wretched criminals and most abominable crimes. The resilience of law signifies the inherent safeguards against human errors and not the weakness of law," the judge said. After the pronouncement of the order, Nirbhaya's mother said her daughter's soul will now rest in peace and she had got justice seven years after the gruesome gangrape and murder that shook the nation. "Finally the convicts will be hanged. Now I will get peace," Asha Devi told PTI. The judge also pulled up one of the convicts for failing to exercise his legal remedy and challenge before the rejection of his mercy plea by the President. "The condemned convict Pawan cannot be permitted to frustrate the course of law by simply opting to remain indolent. It is not a case wherein the convict is either unaware of his rights or is not able to exercise them for want of legal aid. "One who seeks protection of law first needs to learn to respect it. Therefore, I do not find any plausible reasons to suspend the execution of death sentence simply because Pawan has opted not to exercise his legal remedy," the judge said. During the hearing, Additional Public Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan and Irfan Ahmed informed the court no legal remedy of any of the convicts was pending in any court of law. To this, advocate A P Singh, appearing for the convicts, claimed that the second mercy plea of Pawan was pending. To this, Ahmed said that Singh was giving false information to the court as the second mercy pleas of Akshay and Pawan were not entertained on the ground that the first mercy petitions were considered on merits. Singh also said that Akshay's wife has filed for a divorce in a city court in Bihar which was pending, to which the special public prosecutor said any other petition does not fall under the purview of legal remedy in the present case. When the judge was pronouncing the order, Akshay's wife pleaded to the judge that justice was being denied to her. The judge said, "There is Nirbhaya's mother. You tell these to her. Order dismissed." On March 5, the court had issued fresh death warrants for March 20 at 5.30 am, as the date for the execution of Mukesh (32), Pawan (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31). High-voltage drama ensued outside the Patiala House Courts complex following the hearing as Akshay's wife fainted outside and said she and her minor son be hanged too. She has filed a divorce petition saying she did not wish to live with the label of "a rapist's widow". "I want justice too. Kill me too. I do not want to live. My husband is innocent. Why is the society after us? We were living with the hope that we will get justice but we are being killed everyday for the last seven years," she said, while crying hysterically outside the court. Devi, who beat herself with sandals, was consoled by the lawyers present outside the court. The death warrants were issued for the first time on January 7 and have been deferred four times earlier on the ground that the convicts were yet to exhaust all their legal remedies. A 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang raped and savagely assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16, 2012. She died after a fortnight. Six people, including the four convicts and a juvenile, were named as accused. Ram Singh, the sixth accused, allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail days after the trial began in the case. The juvenile was released in 2015 after spending three years in a correctional home. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The coronavirus raging around the globe has tended to tread gently with children, who account for the smallest percentage of the tens of thousands of infections identified so far. Now, the largest study to date of children and the virus has found that while most develop mild or moderate symptoms, a small percentage especially babies and preschoolers can become seriously ill. LIVE UPDATES: Follow the Houston Chronicle's ongoing coverage of the coronavirus outbreak The study, published online in the journal Pediatrics, looked at more than 2,000 ill children across China, where the pandemic began. It provides a clearer portrait of how the youngest patients are affected by the virus, knowledge that experts say can help influence policies like school closures, hospital preparedness and the deployment of an eventual treatment and vaccine. The researchers analyzed 2,143 cases of children under 18 that were reported to the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Feb. 8. Just over a third of those cases were confirmed with laboratory testing. The rest were classified as suspected cases based on the childs symptoms, chest X-rays, blood tests and whether the child had been exposed to people with coronavirus. STAYING SAFE: Here's why H-E-B decided not to have seniors-only shopping hours About half of the children had mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, cough, congestion and possibly nausea or diarrhea. More than a third about 39% became moderately sick, with additional symptoms including pneumonia or lung problems revealed by CT scan, but with no obvious shortness of breath. About 4% had no symptoms at all. But there were 125 children nearly 6% who developed very serious illness, and one 14-year-old boy with confirmed coronavirus infection died, said Shilu Tong, the studys senior author, who is director of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Shanghai Childrens Medical Center. Thirteen of those were considered critical, on the brink of respiratory or organ failure. The others were classified as severe because they had dire respiratory problems. HELP A PET: These Houston animals are in desperate need of homes due to coronavirus threat Effectively, what this tells us is that hospitals should prepare for some pediatric patients because we cant rule out children altogether, said Dr. Srinivas Murthy, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of British Columbia, who was not involved in the study. The main conclusion, Murthy continued, is that children are infected at rates that may be comparable to adults, with severity thats much less, but that even within the kids, theres a spectrum of illness and theres a handful that require more aggressive therapy. More than 60% of the 125 children who became severely ill or critically ill were age 5 or younger, the study reported. Forty of those were infants, under 12 months old. Tong said he believed that younger children were more susceptible to infection because their respiratory systems and other body functions are rapidly developing. Dr. Andrea Cruz, an associate professor of pediatrics of Baylor College of Medicine and co-author of a commentary about the study, said that preschoolers and babies likely get sicker because of their immune system immaturity. They havent been exposed to viruses before and therefore they cant mount an effective immune response, she said in an interview. Scientists are actively trying to determine why so many children appear to emerge relatively unscathed by the new coronavirus, a pattern that also characterized the earlier outbreaks of the closely-related SARS virus in China and MERS in the Middle East. Cases of children with the new coronavirus infection in Italy, Singapore and South Korea seem to be similar, Murthy said. A theory that is gaining increasing currency is that the receptor or protein in human cells that the viral particles bind to, called the ACE2 receptor, is not expressed as prominently in young children or might be a different shape, Murthy said. It might not be as developed in children as in adults, he said, which might make it tougher for the spikes on the tiny viral particles to bind and gain entry to the cells so the virus can replicate. Another theory is that most kids have healthier lungs than adults, Cruz said. Adults have likely been more exposed to pollution over their lifetime and adults with severe coronavirus disease have tended to have underlying health conditions or weakened or aging immune systems. Its also possible, experts say, that childrens immune systems dont rev up to attack the virus as much as adult immune systems do. Doctors have found that some of the serious damage infected adults have endured has been caused not just by the virus itself, but by an aggressive immune response that creates destructive inflammation in the bodys organs. The new study, while large and included cases across China, not just where the outbreak originated in Wuhan, leaves many unanswered questions. For example, the researchers found that more of the severe and critical cases were in children with suspected instead of confirmed coronavirus infection, raising the possibility that other infections wreaked havoc on their bodies, in addition to or possibly even instead of COVID-19. Its also unclear whether the United States can expect the relatively small numbers of child cases reported in China or should brace for more. The age pyramid in China is really different than the U.S. they have a lot fewer kids than we do, said Cruz, who believes, as other experts do, that large numbers of people with mild or asymptomatic disease have not been recorded because testing was not done in those cases. Youve had a lot of undertesting in children because the focus has been on adults. Its likely weve been underestimating the disease burden in kids. Answering questions about coronavirus in children could reverberate well beyond the pediatric population. It could shed light why some patients are most at risk. And, said Murthy, studying the physiology of those who are less affected could help in the development of treatment and a vaccine. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Despite closing to the public and delaying the highly-anticipated opening of DreamWorks Water Park and numerous retail stores in response to concerns about coronavirus, construction is still well underway at American Dream mall. American Dream which is located in East Rutherford, in New Jerseys hardest hit COVID-19 county, Bergen - announced last Friday that it would close its doors to the public as of Monday until at least the end of March to help mitigate the virus spread. But workers are still showing up daily to continue soldering, carpentry and painting work. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, meanwhile, is shutting down the retail-rich countys other malls as of this Saturday. Workers who are still finishing the 3 million-square-foot American Dream complex are onsite daily, at the direction of developer Triple Five, one worker said. About 8 percent of the mega-mall has been completed and opened. The rest is scheduled to open through the fall. They should be shutting down for two to three weeks to let this thing blow over, said the worker, who asked not to give his name for fear of repercussions with his job. He estimates that about 1,000 construction workers and vendors are showing up to the complex every day. Theyre coming from throughout New Jersey, other states and even Europe, until recently. Officials are warning against gatherings of 50 people or more, but the workers are being directed to keep going, the worker said. Im pissed because I want someone to make a concrete decision, he said. A spokesperson for American Dream said the developer is working directly with the state. There have been no directives from county or state officials to stop construction work. And the N.J. Department of Community Affairs is still conducting inspections at American Dream, a spokesperson for the DCA said. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook. With many healthcare workers in dire need of more supplies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, some companies are helping by making essential items. Razer, for one, is joining the effort to fight the virus by making and donating surgical masks. The company plans to provide healthcare authorities around the globe with as many as a million masks. CEO Min-Laing Tan said Razer's engineers and designers have been working around the clock over the last few days to convert some of its production facilities so workers can temporarily make surgical masks instead of gaming peripherals. Health authorities in Singapore, where Razer's Southeast Asia HQ is located, will receive some of the first mask shipments. The company will liaise with governments and agencies elsewhere to figure out how to prioritize its support and donations. "This emergency conversion of some of our lines and donation of masks is the first step of many that Razer will take," Tan wrote in a Facebook post. "We are committed to contributing our extra time, resources, effort and talent toward the fight against COVID-19." Sharp also said earlier this month it would start making surgical masks at one of its TV factories. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has pledged that Tesla "will make ventilators if there is a shortage," which seems likely amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Federal officials are in talks with other auto manufacturers to build medical ventilators and other equipment if needed. No social distancing here! Newlywed congresswoman Ilhan Omar and her husband flaunted the recommended six-foot coronavirus 'exclusion zone' when they went out for a stroll in Washington, D.C. Omar and Tim Mynett celebrated their first week as man and wife on Wednesday and tried to visit the National Cathedral in Washington only to find it closed due to virus fears. As they walked around the cathedral grounds, Mynett tenderly put his arm around his new wife's shoulder before letting it slide gently to her bottom. 'They looked very loved-up, just like any newlyweds,' said one fellow visitor to DailyMail.com, who was also walking around the nearly deserted cathedral grounds. The couple walked closely together on the very day that the first two members of Congress, Republican Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Democrat Ben McAdams of Utah announced they had tested positive for COVID-19. Newlywed congresswoman Ilhan Omar and her husband flaunted the recommended six-foot coronavirus 'exclusion zone' when they went out for a stroll in Washington, D.C. As they walked around the cathedral grounds, Mynett tenderly put his arm around his new wife's shoulder before letting it slide gently to her bottom 'They looked very loved-up, just like any newlyweds,' said one fellow visitor to DailyMail.com, who was also walking around the nearly deserted cathedral grounds The couple walked closely together on the very day that the first two members of Congress, Republican Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Democrat Ben McAdams of Utah announced they had tested positive for COVID-19 As DailyMail.com exclusively reported, Mynett, 39, and Omar, 37, married on Wednesday last week. Mynett conducted the service himself in a 'self-uniting ceremony' that has been legal in the District of Columbia for the past five years. Before they wed, Mynett converted to Islam, Omar's spokesman confirmed. The couple tied the knot in John Marshall Park, right next to the court building where he obtained the $35 marriage license and where he was divorced from Dr. Beth Jordan in December. Omar and her ex, Ahmed Hirsi, finalized their divorce in Minneapolis the previous month. Hirsi remarried in December. The leftist congresswoman decided to stay in Washington this week rather than go back to her district in Minneapolis, despite the fact that the House of Representatives was on recess. She and her new husband have been living in Mynett's D.C. apartment even though Omar gave her address on the marriage certificate as a five-bedroom Washington home that has recently been rented out. That decision drew fire from the National Legal and Policy Center, a group that has been pressing for Omar to be investigated for alleged campaign finance violations. As DailyMail.com exclusively reported, Mynett, 39, and Omar, 37, married on Wednesday last week. Mynett conducted the service himself in a 'self-uniting ceremony' that has been legal in the District of Columbia for the past five years DailyMail.com has obtained the marriage certificate of Ilhan Omar which shows Tim Mynett was the groom - and the officiant Omar and her ex, Ahmed Hirsi, finalized their divorce in Minneapolis in November. Hirsi remarried in December The couple tied the knot in John Marshall Park, right next to the court building where Mynett obtained the $35 marriage license and where he was divorced from Dr. Beth Jordan in December (pictured together) 'Does this mean she has abandoned Minnesota to live in D.C? You can only have one legal residence and that is the place where your driving license is registered, and where you are registered to vote among other things,' NLPC attorney Paul Kamenar told DailyMail.com. 'Her constituents in Minnesota might be interested to note that she does not consider that as her legal residence anymore.' Omar's Minnesota-registered Toyota Camry, which she has often been seen driving in Minneapolis, has been parked in the driveway of that Washington rental 1,500 miles from her hometown. After the visit to the cathedral, Mr. and Mrs. Mynett grabbed a coffee at a local Starbucks before heading back to his apartment in Washington's Petworth district for the evening. They couldn't sit in the coffee shop to sip their beverages as Starbucks is only open for take-outs now, due to virus fears. Mynett's company, the E Street Group, is closely allied to Omar's political campaign, which paid it $523,000 last year, her filings with the Federal Election Commission reveal. His decision to convert to Islam was necessary as Muslim women can only marry fellow Muslims, Abdi Hersy, an imam who knows Omar's family, told DailyMail.com. After the visit to the cathedral, Mr. and Mrs. Mynett grabbed a coffee at a local Starbucks before heading back to his apartment in Washington's Petworth district for the evening As they walked around the cathedral grounds, Mynett tenderly put his arm around his new wife's shoulder before letting it slide gently to her bottom Mynett's company, the E Street Group, is closely allied to Omar's political campaign, which paid it $523,000 last year, her filings with the Federal Election Commission reveal She and her new husband have been living in Mynett's D.C. apartment even though Omar gave her address on the marriage certificate as a five-bedroom Washington home that has recently been rented out Omar looked quite smitten with Mynett as she was smiling along the street His decision to convert to Islam was necessary as Muslim women can only marry fellow Muslims, Abdi Hersy, an imam who knows Omar's family, told DailyMail.com He said conversion is simple. All anyone has to do is say out loud the words: 'There is no true god but Allah and Muhammed is the Messenger of God.' Omar's evident happiness with her new husband may even be softening her political stances. Though she has been a staunch critic of the Trump administration, she unexpectedly praised the president for his recent handling of the pandemic later that evening. She retweeted a message praising Trump for invoking the Defense Production Act a wartime provision that gives the president more control over industry and added: 'Politics aside, this is incredible and the right response in this critical time.' She then quoted fellow 'Squad' member Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, saying: '(U)nprecedented times require unprecedented leadership and we are seeing that in our country right now. I have faith that we will survive this as a nation and build together.' Omar, Pressley, and two other first-term congresswomen, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Minnesota formed an informal group of progressives that they call 'The Squad.' Though she has been a staunch critic of the Trump administration, she unexpectedly praised the president for his recent handling of the pandemic later that evening. She retweeted a message praising Trump for invoking the Defense Production Act a wartime provision that gives the president more control over industry and added: 'Politics aside, this is incredible and the right response in this critical time' Omar referenced Rep. Ayanna Pressley and said these were 'unprecedented times' In a further tweet, Omar added: 'Finally, we should never let politics get in the way of good policy. This is a great start and hope others will be part of a united front to push for good policies that will help us work through the economic anxiety the country is feeling right now.' Omar has been one of the leading voices calling for payments of $1,000 for every American adult and $500 for each child, saying there should be 'no exceptions.' 'This is a new Congress, and we won't repeat the mistakes from the last financial crisis. We're going to prioritize working people,' she said on Tuesday. 'I'm also introducing a bill to authorize direct economic stimulus to small businesses impacted by the virus,' saying they would only be eligible if they do not lay off workers. 'We need to support the American people now and this is just a start,' she added. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his address to the nation on Thursday evening on the current situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to combat it. Here are highlights from his speech I take this opportunity to those at the frontline in the fight against coronavirus Keeping in mind economic challenges arising out of coronavirus, govt has decided to form COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force: PM He asked companies to show compassion and not to layoff people and not to cut salaries PM calls for 'Janta curfew' on Mar 22 from 7 AM-9 PM, says no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of house. On Mar 22 at 5PM, we should thank people like doctors, medical personnel, cleaning staff, for their service: PM India marches ahead with all his might Let's fight this together. We expect your cooperation to emerge out of this: Modi We might face some difficult circumstances ahead. But such hardships may be necessary for the good of all: PM Do not buy things in bulk depriving the others in need. We will make sure that there is enough stock in stores Make sure you don't put pressure on medical staff. Skip a routine doctor check-up so they can attend to those who badly need their attention: PM I request all people in country to get out of house only when it is extremely necessary, try and do all work from home: PM Modi Those above 60 years must stay home: PM PM advocates Janta curfew (total lockdown) on Sunday to fight virus Social distancing extremely important and effective in reducing impact of coronavirus: PM Narendra Modi People need to resolve that they will follow advice of central and state governments: PM Narendra Modi Resolve and patience key in combating coronavirus: PM Narendra Modi. To deal with coronavirus, no definite solution has been found, nor has any vaccine produced: PM A view has emerged in last few days that all is well, this mindset is not correct: PM on coronavirus outbreak Prime Minister likens the coronavirus situation to a war Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted the link to his speech Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released on Thursday an initial list of imported COVID-19 test kits approved for commercial use. The list consists of four certified test kits, two of which were manufactured in China, while the other two in South Korea. According to DFA, these kits are compliant with the requirements for the issuance of special certification for imported test kits of COVID-19. In an advisory, they clarified that the four are PCR kits used in laboratories, and not point-of-care-kits. PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a type of test used to detect the genetic material of the virus by examining throat and nose swabs collected from individuals. This kind of testing is intended to be used by trained clinical laboratory personnel and should not be administered do-it-yourself or DIY-style. FDA Director General Eric Domingo also asked the public to be vigilant of counterfeit COVID-19 test kits. "We ask the public and stakeholders to be analytical of COVID-19 test kits that they may encounter as we have identified some applications which appear to be suspicious and unauthorized," he said. "During this period of emergency, safety is still of utmost priority." The Department of Health earlier acknowledged that the lack of test kits may have led to a possible underreporting of COVID-19 cases in the country. Presently, the only COVID-19 test kits being used in the Philippines are the ones at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, which were donated by the World Health Organization. Locally-developed test kits from the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health will also soon undergo trial in selected hospitals across the country. As of March 19, there are 217 confirmed cases of the viral disease in the country, with 17 resulting in death. As novel coronavirus cases rise, some 2,050 citizen soldiers and airmen have been activated by state governors, and that number will likely double by the weekend, the head of the National Guard Bureau told defense reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday. Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel said he expects tens of thousands of Guardsmen to be called up over the coming weeks. Governors in 27 states have activated parts of their National Guard units to counter the effects of the contagious virus, known as COVID-19, with medical testing, transportation, logistics support and, potentially, law enforcement responsibilities, he said. "It's hard to tell what the exact requirement will be," Lengyel added, "but I am expecting tens of thousands [of Guard members] to be used inside the states as this grows, and I think states have the capacity to do those kinds of things." Related: A Soldier Compared Coronavirus Quarantine to Prison. Pentagon Vows to 'Do Better' Lengyel described the pandemic as a "historic event unlike any we have faced in recent years." "When there is a hurricane, you can see it on a map; you have a sense of how hard the storm will hit and how long the story will last," he said. "With COVID-19, it's like we have 54 separate hurricanes, [one] in every state, territory and the District of Columbia." But for now, there is no plan to federalize Guard personnel on active-duty status, he stressed to reporters. If President Trump "wanted to mobilize the National Guard under Title 10 federal status, he could do that," Lengyel said. "But that would not make sense in this situation. The best use of the National Guard is to use the National Guard for the unique authorities that it has, and that is to remain under the command and control of the networks within the states. "If you mobilize all of the National Guard, it's going to cost billions and billions and billions of dollars, and a lot of people won't have things to do," he said. "There is no need right now to have 450,000 Guardsmen on duty." The Guard is "uniquely qualified and postured to act under the command and control of the governors in the states and so, if you were to federalize them, you would lose that ability," Lengyel added. He cited the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits active-duty military personnel from being used as law enforcement. "If you keep the National Guard under the command and control of their governor, in what we call Title 32 or state active-duty status, they have additional authorities that can assist law enforcement," Lengyel said. "If you were to federalize the National Guard, then you would lose that ability." If the situation requires it, governors can order the Guard to assist with police patrols and enforce laws -- "anything that the law enforcement capacity normally does, they could be augmented with National Guard troops," he explained. "Do I see it happening now? I don't see any demand signal that's demanding that we are going to use the National Guard in that kind of scenario, but they could," Lengyel said. "Governors could under the command and control of law enforcement in their states, they could use their National Guard." -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Read More: More COVID-19 coverage FILE PHOTO - The logo of IKEA is seen above a store in Voesendorf STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - IKEA, the world's biggest furniture brand, is temporarily closing more stores as the coronavirus spreads, including all 50 in its second-biggest market the United States. Ingka Group, the owner of most IKEA stores, said it was also closing all stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark and Canada. It has earlier closed its stores in biggest market Germany and several other European countries. Ingka Group has now reopened all stores in China but for the one in Wuhan, where the coronavirus outbreak first began in late December, meaning 251 of its 380 iconic large out-of-town stores are now closed world-wide, a spokeswoman said. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Louise Heavens) A family-of-three have been taken for mental health examinations after police found hundreds of plastic bottles with urine stored in their apartment. Parents and their adult son, named Zhenya, had been relieving themselves into bottles for a year after having their utilities cut off for unpaid bills in the city of Aktau, southwestern Kazakhstan. They were reported to the police by their neighbours who were tired of the unbearable stench coming from their home. Police had to use a crowbar to break in after the owners refused to cooperate and open the front door. Police (pictured had to use a crowbar to break down the door of the apartment in the city of Aktau, southwestern Kazakhstan The family of three had been relieving themselves into plastic bottles for a year after having their utilities cut off for unpaid bills. They collected about 300 gallons (1,300 liters) of urine When cops raided the apartment they also found a mountain of clothes in the middle of a room Entering the room, shocked officers saw hundreds of plastic bottles filled with urine and stored on the floor, reports said. Pictures of the apartment taken by local media show a mountain of rotting clothes in the middle of a room and urine stored in the filthy kitchen. The inhabitants of the 'house of horror' explained to law enforcement they started to urinate into bottles a year ago after having utilities turned off for failure to pay. During this time, they collected about 300 gallons (1,300 liters) of urine, according to local media. The family in Kazakhstan also let the kitchen get into a filthy state as neighbours complained about the constant smell coming from the apartment A filthy bath at the flat in Aktau city, Kazakhstan, where the family were then taken for a mental health assessment The homeowners' son, named locally as Zhenya (pictured talking to officers), willingly agreed to go to hospital with police. Neighbours said he quit his job and became a recluse All members of the family were taken for examination to a local mental facility. According to neighbours, they turned their home into a rubbish dump and lived among hordes of cockroaches. Next door, a woman called Svetlana Nenastyeva told a local TV channel: 'We think Zhenya's parents damage his life and have a bad influence on him. 'About two years ago he quit his job, switched to a reclusive life then stopped washing. 'This family is a big problem for us. We are tired to live in constant stench coming from their home.' Neighbours are now organising themselves to clean the filthy apartment, local reports stated. Over the weekend, Envoy Pilot Recruitment hosted Oklahoma State Universitys Flying Aggies flight team for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the operation. The group started their day with a special tour at the DFW Airport where they saw the inside of a 777 and 787 Dream-Liner, including a peek at the crew bunks and flight deck! New York Movie theaters may be shuttered across the country, and projects delayed, but there is still newly released work of lurid and pulpy goodness from Brian De Palma. The 79-year-old filmmaker has written his first work of fiction, "Are Snakes Necessary?" a crime novel he penned with his partner, Susan Lehman, a former editor for The New York Times. The book, full of snappy dialogue and sharp knives, bears plenty of the hallmarks of De Palma. Movies are baked into it (the title refers to a book Henry Fonda is seen reading in "The Lady Eve"). Martin Scorsese sums it up in a blurb: "It's like having a new Brian De Palma picture." Just over two weeks ago, I drove out to East Hampton to meet De Palma (the director of "Carrie," "Scarface," "Body Double" and "Carlito's Way") at an inn near his and Lehman's Long Island house. The conversation spanned his new book (a John Edwards-inspired tale about a senator having an affair with a young staffer), his grim thoughts about the advent of streaming ("The industry is eclipsing the artistry") and his plans for a movie partly inspired by Harvey Weinstein. An abiding passion for cinema coursed through De Palma's reflections. Lately, he's been soaking up westerns. The day before, he said, he watched John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" again a movie De Palma, noted, that knew how to shoot a shoot-out. AP: Why is "Are Snakes Necessary?" a book and not a movie? De Palma: Too many ideas and not enough time to make all the movies. You write a lot of stuff that never makes it into a movie. With my partner, Susan, we just basically did it because we had fun doing it. We had never written a novel before, neither of us. I had an idea for a script I had never developed based on the Edwards campaign and the girl (Rielle Hunter, the woman he had an affair with) making webisodes, those little intimate things she shot. As I was watching this happen, being a director, you can see someone flirting with the camera. We started with that. AP: Has the straightforward process of fiction writing been a welcome alternative to the struggles of filmmaking for you? Your last film, 2019's "Domino," had financial difficulties and wasn't released in the U.S. De Palma: It's a very sad situation. It was under-financed. I was there 100 days and shot 30. They weren't paying anybody and I had a whole bunch of people working for me. We finished it. But I was so disenchanted with the people who financed it ... that I said, "Guys, here it is. Good luck." And I didn't do any publicity for it. AP: Did that sour you on making more films? De Palma: I had never been in a situation like that except way back when I first was starting to make independent films like "Sisters," which I think was budgeted at $150,000. AP: What struck me reading your book is how enduring your obsessions are. "Vertigo," for instance, makes a cameo. In the book, it's being remade. De Palma: It was a very influential movie. I saw it in 1958 in Vista Vision, I might add, at Radio City Music Hall, I believe. It left a very strong impression on me, obviously. As I've gotten older and made a lot of films, I can see there's always lessons to be learned from Hitchcock the way he sets up certain sequences. And "Vertigo" is the whole idea of creating an illusion and getting the audience to fall in love with it and then tossing it off the tower twice. Very, very good idea. AP: Are there any Hitchcock films you don't like? De Palma: I thought the late Hitchcock stuff was not that good. When he got finally discovered by the French and all the critics started to write about him, that's when he was in his decline, I thought. I don't think he ever reached the pinnacle that he did after "Psycho" and "Vertigo." AP: Do you think of your career as having a pinnacle? De Palma: Sure. I've studied directors' careers my whole life. Susan doesn't like me to say this, but you get older. You have a very good creative period, but if you're making decent movies after you're 60, it's kind of a miracle. AP: What's that pinnacle for you then? De Palma: In my mid-50s doing "Carlito's Way" and then "Mission: Impossible." It doesn't get much better than that. You have all the power and tools at your disposal. When you have the Hollywood system working for you, you can do some remarkable things. But as your movies become less successful, it gets harder to hold on to the power and you have to start making compromises. I don't know if you even realize you're making them. I tend to be very hard-nosed about this. If you have a couple of good decades, that's good, that's great. AP: You must have gotten accustomed to your films, years after critical or commercial disappointment, reemerging as cult classics. De Palma: You've got to believe in the movie when you make it. The fact that the audience didn't respond to it and 30 years later they think it's a masterpiece is always gratifying. Your instincts were always right. I've always said that the movie you make is measured against the fashion of the day. That shouldn't stop you from trying to do what you think is correct, what works for you. AP: A few years ago at the Tribeca Film Festival, I saw a restoration of "Scarface" and was overwhelmed by the colors. I don't normally sit up close in a theater, but I did then. De Palma: I did, too. I hadn't seen "Scarface" in years. I'm always amazed by the performances. The acting, it's like, "Yikes." It doesn't get old. It's extremely vivid. AP: Do you think that kind of bold, widescreen filmmaking is still being practiced? De Palma: The things that they're doing now have nothing to do with what we were doing making movies in the '70s, '80s and '90s. The first thing that drives me crazy is the way they look. Because they're shooting digitally they're just lit terribly. I can't stand the darkness, the bounced light. They all look the same. I believe in beauty in cinema. Susan and I were looking at "Gone With the Wind" the other day and you're just struck at how beautiful the whole movie is. The sets, how Vivien Leigh is lit, it's just extraordinary. If you look at the stuff that's streaming all the time, it's all muck. Visual storytelling has gone out the window. AP: Is that what irks you most about today's films? De Palma: The whole system is changing. You used to go out and make a movie. Our generation, we wanted to take over the studios. Which we did. I think what's so interesting about the generation I came up with, they got very rich, extremely rich, working within the studio system. Now, we're into this endless streaming. Everything has 10 parts and six seasons. It's sort of moved back to the old studio system where the producers and the writers are the king. The directors, who knows who directs one of these things from another? Then you have the whole Marvel universe, which is digital action stuff, all computer generated. When I made "Mission to Mars" and spent a year working on these shots with three or four digital houses one was working on the ship, one was working on the smoke, one was working on the dust I would storyboard a shot and it would keep coming back to me for a year as they added things. The shots are hopelessly expensive. You say: "What am I doing?" That's when I went to Europe and said I can't make movies like this anymore. Taiwan, U.S. announce joint efforts to fight coronavirus ROC Central News Agency 03/18/2020 04:07 PM Taipei, March 18 (CNA) Taiwan and the United States are stepping up efforts to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak by sharing best practices and cooperating on a range of activities, according to a joint statement issued by the two sides Wednesday. The two sides will form a partnership on the research and development of rapid tests as well as the research and production of vaccines and medicines, according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). Other cooperation measures include sharing contact tracing techniques and technology, holding joint conferences with scientists and experts, and exchanging medical supplies and equipment, the joint statement said. The statement was signed by Joseph Wu (), Taiwan's foreign minister, and Brent Christensen, director of the AIT, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, in a rare appearance at the daily Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) press conference, which is usually hosted by Taiwan's health officials, Wu said the joint development of vaccines and rapid tests has already begun. Wu also announced that the U.S. has reserved raw materials for 300,000 medical protective suits for Taiwan at a time when raw materials for medical items are in short supply. At the same time, Taiwan will provide 100,000 medical face masks per week to the U.S. when its production capacity has stabilized, Wu said. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (), who also serves as the CECC head, stressed that international cooperation to develop vaccines and rapid tests is essential in preparing for a potentially prolonged coronavirus pandemic. Chen said Taiwan's government will first address its domestic needs before shipping out medical face masks to the U.S., adding that Taiwan's production capacity has reached 11 million masks per week and production lines are still being added. That capacity is expected to reach 13 million to 15 million per week in the coming weeks, Chen said. The raw materials for 300,000 medical protective suits to be provided by the U.S. is far higher than for the 100,000 medical face masks that Taiwan will send to the U.S. per week, he said, without providing any details on the relative values. The statement may also have had some diplomatic symbolism because it was called a "U.S.-Taiwan Joint Statement" rather than the more customary "American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) Joint Statement." A former MOFA official said it was significant that Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, signed the statement but cautioned that the U.S. side was still represented by AIT and that the statement was related to a health issue rather than a political issue. (By Emerson Lim) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Acknowledging that Reed Exhibitions is disappointed about Penguin Random House's decision to withdraw from BookExpo and BookCon, which were set to run from May 2731 at New York City's Javits Convention Center, event manager Jenny Martin said Reed is hoping to find new dates for the event. Martin told PW that Reed has been working to finalize alternative dates for BookExpo, BookCon, and the gift show Unbound, and that it could announce its plans as early as Thursday afternoon. "Of course we would prefer that all of our publishing partners be present at the show, but our mission and commitment to bring this community together and provide business solutions that the industry desperately needs remains unchanged," Martin said. "We look forward to joining together with the rest of the community and will provide further updates as soon as possible. In making its announcement yesterday that it would not attend the show as scheduled, PRH cited New York City and New York State guidance "to substantially limit the size of events and number of participants in public gatherings" in the wake of the continued spread of the new coronavirus outbreak. PRH said it regretted making the difficult decision to not attend BookExpo and BookCon, and said the company "will be exploring additional ways to connect with booksellers, librarians and readers going forward." New York City has nearly 1,900 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Thursday morning. Politico has reported that New York City Hall has asked New York state for permission to use the Javits as a potential medical surge facility. The request reflects fears that exponentially rising coronavirus cases in the city threaten to overwhelm its hospitals. This is the dramatic moment a hero rescuer catches a teenage girl falling from a 14th floor balcony in Russia Emergency worker Mikhail Dmitriev, 32, was on the balcony one storey below and grabbed the girl's legs as plunged towards the ground 140ft below. Police in Irkutsk city are trying to establish why the girl, believed to be aged 15, plunged from the balcony, although Mikhail believes she simply 'slipped'. This is the dramatic moment a rescuer saves a 15-year-old girl who had fallen from the balcony more than 140 feet above the ground in Irkutsk city The girl sits on the edge of the balcony before plunging off it on Wednesday evening Authorities are currently investigating how the girl had been placed in such a perilous position Emergency officer Mikhail Dmitriev grabbed the girl and hauled her onto the balcony below Mikhail said: 'My thoughts were only about saving her life, not letting her die,' he said. 'I managed to catch her by the ankles and together with her neighbour called Mikhail, who at that moment was holding onto me, we pulled her onto the balcony.' The girl had been sitting on the edge of her balcony when she was home alone in Irkutsk city on Wednesday evening. 'Her hands slipped and the screaming girl began to fall,' he said. 'But I already held her by the ankles and dragged her into the apartment.' Dmitriev, a father of two and rescuer with the Russian Emergencies Ministry, was told by his own 11-year-old daughter Diana who saw the video one son ill media: 'Dad, I'm proud of you'. An inflatable mattress had been placed on the ground. The girl banged her head during the rescue but was not seriously injured. She is being treated in hospital. Watching residents broke into applause as she was saved, according to local media reports. Italian Army soldiers have been drafted to remove the dead from Bergamo, with the town's crematorium unable to cope. (AP) Italian soldiers have been drafted in to collect the dead from a city so overwhelmed by coronavirus it caused a generation to die in under two weeks. Soldiers transported dead bodies from Bergamo in Lombardy the worst affected region in Italy as the government considered extending lockdown measures in the country. Authorities in the town earlier appealed for help after the crematorium was unable to handle the numbers of dead despite working flat out, for 24 hours a day. Lombardy counts for 1,959 of the total deaths in the country, with 4,305 people in the province confirmed to have contracted the virus. Undertakers wearing a face mask and overalls unload a coffin out of a hearse at the Monumental cemetery of Bergamo, Lombardy. (Getty Images) Italy recorded the largest ever one-day increase in coronavirus deaths on Wednesday as the total rose by 475, including more than 300 deaths in the region of Lombardy, to almost 3,000. Video shot by local people in Bergamo, north-east of Milan, and shown on the website of the local newspaper Eco di Bergamo, showed a long column of military trucks driving through the streets overnight and removing coffins from the local cemetery. Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world Fact-checker: The number of Covid-19 cases in your local area Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu According to Reuters, an army spokesman confirmed 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had moved around 65 bodies to nearby provinces, including Modena and Bologna in Emilia-Romagna. Burials of people who died of Covid-19 were being conducted at one every half hour at the Monumental cemetery of Bergamo, Lombardy. (Getty Images) CFB, the areas largest funeral director, has carried out almost 600 burials or cremations since 1 March. Speaking to the Guardian, CFB president Antonio Ricciardi said: In a normal month we would do about 120. Read more: What it's like to live under lockdown in Italy A generation has died in just over two weeks. Weve never seen anything like this and it just makes you cry. A graph showing the number of global coronavirus cases. (PA) Lombardy regional governor Attilio Fontana said that if significant numbers of doctors and nurses succumbed to the disease, the country risked disaster. Story continues The government has unveiled a 25bn (23.1bn) package of measures to support companies and workers as the Covid-19 outbreak damages the Italian economy. Read more: Nurse in Italy shares picture of bruised face after gruelling coronavirus shift Italy has been on lockdown since 9 March but as cases continue to rise, prime minister Giuseppe Contes government is considering even tougher measures. Prime minister Giuseppe Conte government is considering extending Italy's quarantine measures and introducing even more rules. (AP) Rules being considered would further restrict the limited amount of outdoor movement currently permitted banning residents from walking or going out for fresh air. Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region neighbouring Lombardy, demanded stronger measures from Rome, including closing all shops on Sunday. Read more: Coronavirus: Experiment in northern Italian town halts all new infections after trial He warned that if they were not passed, he would consider passing a regional decree. I hope there will soon be measures to restrict people jogging or going out for walks. Im sorry about that but the alternative is intensive care, hospitalisation and contagion, he said. \ On Thursday, newspaper Corriere della Sera quoted prime minister Giuseppe Conte as saying the government would extend the deadline on current emergency measures. At present, the measures order most shops to stay shut until at least 25 March and schools to remain closed until 3 April. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo News Japanese flu medication 'Avigan' may be effective in combating Covid-19 (coronavirus). Chinese media have reported the effectiveness of the drug on the coronavirus, as it was manufactured to treat new strains of influenza. The active ingredient Favipiravir within the medication was tested on 340 patients took part in the clinical trial who had the coronavirus in China. Within four days, it was reported that the patients went from Covid-19 positive to Covid-19 negative and had no obvious side effects. It is understood that the ingredients within the anti-flu medication inhibits the virus from replicating within the body, and thus hindering its takeover. However, it has been reported that the medication does not work in severe cases of illness. X-rays and medical examinations on the 340 patients showed significant improvement in lung capacity, which is a primary characteristic of the deadly virus. Officials have stated that should the drug be approved for this purpose, it will be given for free, however this is up for speculation. Favipiravir was also an active ingredient used to fight the Ebola virus during the 2016 outbreak. The drug is being developed by a subsidiary of Fujifilm according to The Gaurdian and shares have been reported to increase by 15% since the discovery. As confirmed coronavirus cases surpasses 200,000 patients globally, could we finally be able to stop the deadly disease? Sharad Pawar claims he is not in a position to name the organisations behind the violence at Bhima Koregaon, 'though active role of right-wing forces behind the violence cannot be ruled out.' Jyoti Punwani reports. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI Photo After all the noise he has made about the need for a fresh investigation into the Bhima-Koregaon violence, Sharad Pawar's affidavit filed before the Bhima-Koregaon Commission of Inquiry into the events of January 1, 2018 and thereafter, turns out to be a damp squib. The affidavit indicts the Maharashtra police and the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, but does not name anybody. Instead, the affidavit talks in generalities about 'anti-social elements instigating violence for gaining political mileage, historical facts concocted and maliciously propagated through social media, rumour mongering through WhatsApp groups'. 'The menace of uncontrolled social media' dominates the affidavit, which calls for amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code, the Bombay Police Act and the IT Act, to enable the police to handle serious riot-like situations without political interference. In what would come as a shock to political activists, the affidavit, arguing for the need to make the police more effective, specifically cites how the violation of Section 144 (banning the assembly of 5 or more persons), is not taken seriously, since the offence is bailable and compoundable. In his affidavit, Pawar claims he is not in a position to name the organisations behind the violence at Bhima Koregaon, 'though active role of right-wing forces behind the violence cannot be ruled out.' The Bhima Koregaon violence refers to the clashes that broke out on January 1, 2018, after saffron-flag carrying men reportedly attacked Dalits heading towards Bhima Koregaon, 118 km from Pune city. Lakhs of Dalits had set out to observe the 200th anniversary of the battle between the British and the Peshwas, won by the British with the help of Mahar soldiers. The clashes claimed the life of 28-year-old Rahul Phatangade. Two days later, on January 3, 2018, a state-wide bandh was observed at the behest of Dalit groups led by Prakash Ambedkar. The bandh also saw clashes and one death of 16-year-old Yogesh Jadhav in a police lathi charge. Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote were the first to be named as accused in the first FIR filed in the case. Ekbote is out on bail, but Bhide was never arrested. Then chief minister Devendra Fadnavis gave him a clean chit on the floor of the House. A judicial inquiry was set up by the Maharashtra government to probe the violence at Bhima Koregaon and during the bandh. Pawar's affidavit indicts the police and the state government for having failed to prevent and control the violence, due to lack of political will. 'It is not possible for anti-social elements with such strong political vendetta to gather in such large numbers without failure of the law enforcing agency,' says the Nationalist Congress Party president's affidavit. The affidavit traces the violence to happenings before January 1, 2018, when 'social media was widely used in vernacular languages to instigate violence and create rift between two communities'. In two reports, Rediff.com had mentioned the WhatsApp messages calling upon Marathas to observe a bandh on January 1, 2018. Pawar's affidavit also describes the growing tension between Dalits and non-Dalits in Maharashtra. It points out that this was the first time violence had broken out on January 1, at Bhima-Koregaon. Talking about the 'peaceful social fabric' of the state, it says: 'There is vast cultural, social and political diversity in Maharashtra, but this particular state has always been a mantle holder for peaceful existence of many socially backward communities'. The affidavit then says that Maharashtra has a strong undercurrent of 'caste identity'. The process of urbanisation has led to a 'social, cultural and demographic makeover' in the state's big cities, where this undercurrent has started flaring up due to 'issues of unemployment, social discrimination, lack of economic opportunities'. Coming to measures to prevent such occurrences in future, the affidavit says amendments to the CrPC, the Bombay Police Act and the IT Act, as well as a strong cyber cell, could enable the police to nab those who indulge in rumour mongering through social media and instigate violence in the name of religion and caste. The affidavit requests the commission to recommend such amendments. To make such a recommendation meaningful, says the affidavit, the Commissions of Inquiry Act itself would have to be amended to make such commissions more effective. The Bhima Koregaon case is the one single theme on which Pawar has been most vocal in the last two months. In what was seen as a pre-emptive move, the National Investigation Agency suddenly took over the case in January from the Pune police, just when Pawar began demanding an special investigation team to probe the violence. Pawar has often criticised the arrests made by the Maharashtra government of nine well-known Left activists for the violence. Even after the NIA's takeover of the case, the veteran politician kept stressing the need for an SIT, pointing out that the NIA Act permitted the Maharashtra government to conduct a parallel investigation. However, his affidavit, dated September 2019, mentions nothing about the investigation or arrests. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders during a campaign rally at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on March 8, 2020. Read more To Michele Downing, just beating President Donald Trump isnt enough. There are too many people facing huge medical bills, crushing student debt, and climate change, she said, to settle for a status quo victory. Thats why Downing, of Bethlehem, Pa., devoted her energy to Bernie Sanders, traveling to South Carolina and Virginia to aid his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, and running as a delegate in Pennsylvania. But now that Sanders is considering his next steps in the face of almost certain defeat, Downing isnt sure what to do. She doesnt think he should drop out, not with so many supporters in Pennsylvania and elsewhere still eager to vote for him. And shes not sure if she can support Joe Biden, who appears sure to become the Democratic nominee after another string of victories Tuesday in Florida, Illinois, and Arizona. Joe Biden has supported NAFTA, and hes taken money from union-busting law firms, and my house is a union household, said Downing, 50, a social worker who comes from four generations of steelworkers and highway workers. In my family, you dont do that. Downing in many ways encapsulates the views of Sanders supporters in Pennsylvania this week as they processed their champions likely defeat. Like Sanders, they face growing pressure to fall in line with a candidate who has a strong majority of Democratic support, but only partly shares their views. While Biden voters typically say they trust him or feel comfortable with him, and view him as the safest choice against Trump, Sanders supporters express fervent devotion. Many see the Vermont senator as more than a candidate. They see a movement that speaks for people who have been ignored, one that they dont want to see silenced again. Many fear that Biden offers a repeat of Hillary Clintons doomed establishment candidacy in 2016, but also feel an urgency to remove Trump. Their skepticism speaks to the challenge the former vice president faces in consolidating liberal support even as he tries to turn his attention to Trump. Democrats painfully remember 2016, when Sanders supporters fury at Clinton and the Democratic National Committee lingered through a general election decided by tiny margins in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Even a small fracture on the left could again prove decisive. But for many Sanders voters, specific policies matter as much as winning. "To give up and to vote for Biden is probably not in many members wheelhouse, said Mike Doyle, a member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Doyle is waiting to see how far left Biden might go on health care and what policies the party adopts at its national convention. Were going to push him," Doyle said. "I dont think that he can assume that were all just going to vote for him. He needs to earn our vote. The coronavirus pandemic has frustrated some Sanders voters, who see Democrats and Republicans embracing social programs out of necessity, but heartened others who believe it shows Sanders has changed the national debate. Im confused about the political outrage that Bernie was going to be unelectable because of his policies, but now everyone wants to adopt them, said Jonah Gardner, a DSA board member and Sanders supporter from Kensington. Alexandria Khalil, a Sanders delegate from Jenkintown, pointed to the family leave policies and payouts to Americans that are now quickly moving through Congress. Those bills, she said, reflect policies Sanders champions. And she argued that lawmakers should confront other issues with the same boldness. We have various types of coronaviruses going on in this world, whether its war, famine, disease, she said. Those are all coronaviruses in my mind. Khalil said without hesitation that she would vote for Biden if he is the Democratic nominee. Among those who raised doubts about the former vice president, none ruled out supporting him. But many Sanders supporters said his movement would carry on. Were not going to see another Bernie Sanders again for a while, but all of us have it in us to try to emulate him and remember this is about us, all of us, our neighbors, Khalil said. Joanne Beer of Philadelphia, who helped organize the grassroots group Philly for Bernie, saw a vast class divide, saying those who backed other Democrats were more likely to be comfortable financially, or have secure health care. I feel like the Democratic Party is doing all this work to court these Never Trump Republicans," said Beer, 39. "What kind of leverage do we have other than our votes to really make them understand that we want to vote for people who represent us? Beer said unless Biden makes concessions to progressive policies, it would be hard for her group to enthusiastically campaign for him. Gardner, from Philly DSA, agreed. Both said their groups would devote energy to down-ballot Democrats who could move the country closer to Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. The partys telling us to vote blue no matter who.' I probably will, because I made the mistake of writing Bernie in on the last election, said Bryan Pietrzak, a Sanders delegate from Erie. I spent a week on the couch because of that decision. My girlfriend was really upset. But he blamed the Democratic establishment for another coup against Sanders this year, pointing to the way former Democratic contenders rallied around Biden just as Sanders appeared to have momentum. He said liberals in the political class might fall in line with Biden, but questioned if ordinary voters like the ones he works with would follow. The working-class community as a whole knows that if we choose Biden, were going to get a lot of the same-old same-old, said Pietrzak, 39, a machinist and union steward. He blamed Biden for trade deals that he said decimated manufacturing, and for status quo politics that left many disillusioned and seeking drastic change. The symptoms of what he created barfed up Trump, Pietrzak said. Like several others, Pietrzak was never actively involved in campaigns until Sanders ran in 2016. I got him," Pietrzak said. "I understood him. Yet despite the energy of Sanders supporters, Bidens more moderate approach has shown far wider appeal. He has dominated the race the last several weeks with the help of African American voters and suburban moderates. Sanders promised youth revolution hasnt materialized. In many states, his support has shrunk compared with 2016. Biden has begun to embrace some more liberal policies in recent days as he seeks to pull the party together. He announced support for a version of Sanders free public college plan, saying it should apply to students from families with incomes of up to $125,000, and adopted a bankruptcy proposal from Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Let me say especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders, I hear you, Biden said in his victory speech Tuesday. Khalil, the delegate from Jenkintown, said she was very sad about how Sanders campaign has faltered. Well, Im not sad, she quickly said. Im very proud of the Sanders campaign. Im incredibly proud. ... I knew it meant taking my country to the next stage." The Garden Club has decided to postpone the second Square Foot Gardening session until further notice: there will not be an April 2020 meeting. We will be in touch with our community calendar friends, on Facebook at ElkoGardenClub and https://elkogardenclub.us as our plans adjust for the future. -- Spring Creek Baptist Church has cancelled all on campus activities, including Sunday morning services, through the end of March. -- Coffee Mug has takeout food service from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. seven days a week. Please call 775-738-5999 with orders. -- Children's Dentistry of Elko is closed except for emergencies. In the case of an emergency please call 775-299-4790 -- Please be advised the City of Elko, Building Department will be closed to the public effective immediately. We are currently not accepting any new plans or permit applications. The pending permits we currently have will not be issued until further notice. We will continue to do inspections for those permits that have already been issued. If you have any questions please call 775-777-7220. Your patience is appreciated while we all navigate through this difficult time as a community. -- AT&T's retail stores hours have been adjusted to Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and closing all stores on Sundays. Staffing in stores that remain open will adhere to social distancing guidelines, while still being able to serve customers. -- Pink Porcupine Bath & Body has postponed moving into a new retail space after the recent closure of Wagon Wheel Antiques (formerly known as Shabby Shanty). For the time being, pick up orders are still available in Elko. Message through Instagram, Facebook or text/call 801-718-4386. -- Please note that the Healthy Living Workshop at NNRH (which was scheduled for this Saturday, 3/21) has been postponed. At NNRH, our top priority is the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff. Therefore, we will reschedule this workshop later in the year when the spread of COVID-19 is no longer a public health concern. -- Starting Wednesday, March 18, Smiths Food & Drug Stores will dedicate the first hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., solely to the shopping needs of senior citizens until further notice. This group is the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Each store will have staff on hand to help those that need special accommodations. For all other customers, temporary store hours will continue to be 8:00 am to 10:00 pm until further notice. In addition, Smiths is evaluating extending pharmacy hours to open earlier for seniors. Smiths wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need to avoid busier and more crowded shopping times, said Aubriana Martindale, Smiths corporate affairs manager. We request that customers respect these hours for the health of our community during this time of uncertainty. We appreciate all of our customers for their kind consideration, whose concern contributed to our decision to provide allocated hours for seniors. In addition to exclusive shopping hours for seniors, Smiths is waiving the pick-up fee at the point of transaction, for online orders received curbside for customers whose verified age is 60 years and older through April 18, 2020. Smiths will continue to evaluate the situation to see if the fee waiver should be extended. -- Savior of the World performances canceled: The March 27 and 28 performances of Savior of the World at the Elko Convention Center have been canceled. Directors are considering and are hopeful that the performances can be rescheduled at a later date, possibly in the Fall. Updates will be posted on the productions Facebook page www.facebook.com/SotWElko20. -- Western Folklife Center: Please note that the Loud as Folk concert (Saturday, March 21) has been postponed. A new date will be announced, and all tickets purchased will be honored at that time. When it is rescheduled, we anticipate all times and other information to remain the same as had been announced for this event. We are also canceling the March 26 Lets Dance! at this time. Well be back in April and folks are encouraged to follow ElkoLetsDance on Facebook for further announcements and information as to upcoming dance lessons: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169892393396643/. Sponsored by the Western Folklife Center, this program has been funded in part by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. -- St. Josephs Catholic Church message from Bishop Randolph R. Calvo: In the interest of cooperating with local, national and global efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, effective from now through April 3, 2020, I am suspending all public Masses celebrated in the counties of northern Nevada that comprise the Diocese of Reno. Other liturgies, devotions, programs and activities involving more than ten people are also suspended. This is a heavy decision to make given how vital the Eucharist is to our faith; however, after much prayer and deliberation, I do so out of the love of our neighbor that Jesus Christ expects of us and our moral duty to safeguard human life, especially of the vulnerable, and to promote the common good. During this period, churches will be open for private prayer at times designated by pastors, with due regard for social distancing and limits to gatherings of no more than ten people. Pastoral care and the ministration of sacraments essential to immediate needs will continue with appropriate measures to safeguard health. The diocese and parishes are exploring creative ways, especially through social media, to keep in contact with our communities and to provide spiritual support and opportunities for prayer. Another resource is the TV Mass on KOLO Channel 8 on Sunday at 9 a.m. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada will continue to provide essential services to those in need. In the Churchs tradition is the practice of spiritual communion, a prayer of saints and used in times of war, natural disaster, persecution and other crises when access to the Eucharist was difficult or impossible. It is a prayer of desire to be united to Jesus Christ, arising from our faith that Nothing can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). We are in an unprecedented health crisis and this can be our prayer of communion with Christ. This Lent we can incorporate this prayer and think not only of ourselves but of our brothers and sisters who, due to a shortage of priests, are not as blessed as we are with frequent access to Mass. This is a time to intensify our prayers, in particular for those stricken by COVID 19, for the cessation of the spread of this disease, for first responders and health workers, for those working to find a vaccine for this virus, and for one another. Each of us has the moral obligation in assist in efforts to slow the spread of this virus. Because the trajectory of this crisis is not predictable, all above provisions are subject to revision. Assuring you of my prayers, I am Sincerely yours in Christ, Bishop Randolph R. Calvo -- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) released the following statement after Governor Sisolaks announcement that all non-essential businesses will be closed for the next 30 days: If you have questions regarding the impacts and which specific businesses will be affected by this gubernatorial action, please call the Governors Carson City office at 775-684-5670, his Las Vegas office at 702-486-2500, or visit his website at www.gov.nv.gov. In the meantime, all three of my offices remain open during regular business hours as we have deemed our federal operations essential. For additional information regarding COVID-19 updates, please visit my website at www.amodei.house.gov, or call my Washington office at 202-225-6155, my Reno office at 775-686-5760, or my Elko office at 775-777-7705. We will maintain CD-2 operations to ensure Nevadas medical providers have the tools they need to respond to the threat facing us, and to minimize the economic impacts to businesses and individuals. -- U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) released the following statement highlighting the Silver State Health Insurance Exchanges limited-time Exceptional Circumstance Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualified Nevadans who missed the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). We are glad to see that the Silver State Health Exchange will be holding a special period of open enrollment as we face the challenges that COVID-19 is causing in Nevada, said the Senators. It is important to ensure that all Nevadans have access to health coverage, and during this special open enrollment period we encourage Nevadans who are not covered to seek information and enroll in a health care plan that will protect you and your family. We will continue working to defend the health of all Nevadans. The SEP runs from March 17, 2020 through April 15, 2020, and will allow eligible individuals to enroll in a qualified health plan through the Nevada Health Link. Individuals seeking a special enrollment are encouraged to contact the Customer Assistance Call Center between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-800-547-2927; TTY: 711. The Call Center will extend its hours on Saturdays and Sundays (except for Easter Sunday) from March 21 through April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST. -- Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 1 Angry 0 Orlagh McDonald, 20, left Prague for Scotland after the Czech Republic announced last week that it would shut its borders. (Orlagh McDonald) Yinfay Liu was loving Coimbra, Portugal, a city built upon a hill. She enjoyed gazing at the sea of rooftops that spread before her. The ancient streets, the colorful houses, felt a world away from her native Belgium yet also, thanks to the friends she had made there, warm and familiar. Liu, 28, was conducting biomedical research and meeting dozens of international students studying abroad when she got the news Friday: Her program was canceled because of the threat of COVID-19. By Monday, the country would close its borders with Spain, where coronavirus cases were skyrocketing. Liu felt dazed. She packed her bags, overcome with sadness, to head home to Flanders. I couldnt even say goodbye, she said in a phone interview. During the last week, students across the continent have rushed to their home countries after their study abroad programs were cut short as has happened elsewhere. The programs were part of Erasmus, the European Unions signature educational exchange meant to foster cross-cultural connection and a sense of unity among the continents college students. Erasmus, created in 1987, is one of a slew of policies and programs established in Europe three decades ago. In the 1990s, capitalizing on the sense of freedom that accompanied the Soviet Unions fall, European leaders agreed on a series of economic and security policies that underpin the EU's single market. In 1995, the Schengen agreement paved the way for the abolition of most EU passport controls and made it easier for Europeans to settle and work in other countries. As a result, Europeans in their 20s have grown up in an era of no borders, one in which free movement is taken for granted and significant connections with the rest of the continent either through study, work or family are almost expected. But as the coronavirus has spread across Europe, hard borders have returned. That reality, along with the United Kingdoms acrimonious departure from the EU at the end of January, has left young Europeans bewildered and, in some cases, disillusioned. Story continues Orlagh McDonald, center, said she was "gutted" to have to cut short her EU study abroad because of the coronavirus outbreak. (Orlagh McDonald) Orlagh McDonald, 20, left Prague for Scotland after the Czech Republic announced last week that it would shut its borders. She had spent a month in the Czech capital, living in an apartment with other young people and planning trips to neighboring countries on days off from classes. Im gutted, she said by phone from her home near Edinburgh, where she arrived Tuesday night after airlines had canceled multiple flights. I was having the best time on Erasmus. For McDonald, the sudden, forced departure caused her to reflect on Europes unity during times of crisis. Before the EU announced Tuesday that it was shutting its external borders, individual member countries such as the Czech Republic had enacted their own lockdowns. Some, like Germany, hadnt notified neighboring countries before their prohibitions went into effect. The EUs open-border policy was completely thrown out the window in a couple of days, McDonald said. Now that she has left Prague, McDonald probably will not be able to participate in Erasmus again. And though British students can study abroad with Erasmus during the 2020-21 school year, its unclear how Brexit will affect their participation afterward. The fact that the cancellation of her Erasmus program and Brexit happened in the same year has made McDonald's unexpected homecoming particularly bittersweet. I feel a sense of loss as a European person and what Ive lost as an EU citizen, said McDonald, who had been too young to vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum that resulted in Britain choosing to exit the European Union. The generation of people my age in Scotland and the U.K. are really grieving what they could have had as EU citizens going into the working world. Ethan Hood, 19, from Canterbury, had never lived outside England. Then, in September, he moved to Malta, where he would spend the year studying tourism. The year was everything the Erasmus program had promised. Hood lived in an international dorm and made friends from around Europe Finland, Greece, Germany, France. Each week, they took turns cooking meals from their home countries. On his night to cook, Hood prepared a traditional Sunday roast. (Not fish and chips, as his friends had expected.) This whole Erasmus experience has made me realize that there are a lot of similarities between different places within Europe, Hood said. Last week, as the virus spread, his classes were canceled and roommates started catching flights out. On Tuesday, he booked a flight home. Hood doesnt know what returning to England will be like. He was living in Malta when Britain officially exited the EU, and he wasnt plugged into the political atmosphere back home, preferring instead to focus on his study abroad experience. It hasnt really hit me yet, he said. Liu said COVID-19 presents the ultimate test for everyone to show how much we can be in solidarity. I try to stay positive, she said from her home in the Belgian countryside, where she was trying to find ways to fill her days. Because in the end, I have no idea what will happen. Similarly, Sottish student Hayley Morrison, who was on Erasmus in Spain and remained there despite the countrys lockdown, said Europes best bet was cooperation, not division. The night before Spain closed its restaurants to prevent the virus from spreading, a bar across the street from her flat invited neighbors in for free tapas. During the lockdown, Morrison has bought groceries for her elderly upstairs neighbor to spare her the risk of leaving her apartment. When difficult times happen, everyone has to unite together, Morrison said. In the meantime, European countries continue shutting their borders. Officials have set up checks along the borders, leading to snarling lines of traffic as they screen individual drivers. On Wednesday morning, hours before a Belgium-wide quarantine was to go into effect, John Woods, 26, waited to enter a grocery store in Brussels. Watching countries enforce borders was an alien experience, he said, but necessary to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Its not a threat to European unity at all, the native of Ireland said. While he spoke, the line outside the supermarket inched forward. The hopeful shoppers spoke in a medley of languages French, Spanish, English as, one by one, they entered the store. Bernhard is a special correspondent. Shaun Bailey is a member of the London Assembly and the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London. Growing up we were told about the famous Blitz spirit. My grandfather served in the British Army and I learned from him and other elders of personal sacrifice and difficulties faced by their generation in the face of great challenges. These are uncertain times, which call for a new generation to step up and lead from the front. We dont yet know where the coronavirus is set to take us, but we do know that it will be a long and prolonged fight to keep it under control. For many of us it will be the first time weve faced a material threat to our health and safety. The 2008-09 global recession might have set us back financially, but it represented a different kind of threat to what were facing now. People are scared. I was a youth worker on the streets of west London for over 20 years and saw firsthand how people act in times of distress: it can be toug. However, personal responsibility and calm heads are ultimately needed. And while its trite to simply call for a re-initiation of the Blitz spirit to fight our fear, its clear that London will need an epidemic of coming together to see us through the rough days ahead. Our families and cities have atomised as weve migrated to chase our educations and careers; now its time to see if we can pull together as communities to care for each other. The good news is that I know we can do it. Having done youth work on Londons streets for over 20 years, I know what good our communities are capable of when we pull together. There might be many more languages and nationalities than in 1940, but there is still only one London spirit and we will rally to this fight as Londoners. The key to making a difference is first knowing that you can make a difference; sometimes when problems appear too big we talk ourselves out of making our contributions. But know this: even the littlest bit helps. You cant fix coronavirus on your own, but you can ask one elderly neighbour if theyre alright or need help with their shopping. You can pop your contact info through the doors on your street with an offer to help. And you can also do the simple things that will help keep coronavirus at bay, like washing your hands and listening to the public health authorities. For my part, I pledge to share only expert advice and keep my comments constructive; people arent looking for politics at the minute. I will continue to work constructively with the Prime Minister and the Government as well as within City Hall as a London-wide Assembly Member. Local councillors and London MPs will also have my support. We will get through this together, and we will get through it with a better sense of community and belonging. If my experience has taught me anything, it is that heroes dont wear capes, they just show up when theyre needed. This is something we know to be true of our doctors, nurses, emergency responders, and other front line workers, but it is also true of ourselves. Its time for us ordinary Londoners to stand up and be counted. NEWTOWN BOROUGH >> The Newtown Borough Council welcomes the new year with three new members of council and a new borough mayor. District Court Judge Mick Petrucci was on hand on January 3 to administer the oath of office to the towns new mayor, Republican John Burke, who replaces longtime mayor Charles Corky Swartz who decided not to run for... Australia and New Zealand are banning all non-citizens and non-residents from entering their respective countries due to CCP virus concerns. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement has allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Thursday afternoon that the travel ban will go into effect at 9 p.m. on Friday. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that its ban will be effective at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Australian citizens and their direct family members will still be allowed to enter the country but will have to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days. Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Morrison said that about 80 percent of CCP virus cases in Australia are either the results of someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. So, the overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported, Morrison added. Measures we have put in place have obviously put an impact on that and this is a further measure now that can be further enhanced. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pointed out that all of the 28 confirmed CCP virus cases in the country are related to overseas travel. Ardern told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are canceling flights. We will not tolerate risk at our borders, Ardern said on Thursday. She added that borders will still be open for freight and cargo. Morrison said that New Zealands travel ban doesnt apply to Australians living in New Zealand as New Zealand residents. Equally for New Zealanders living in Australia as Australian residents, these are the same rules that apply in both countries, he added. Recently, the two countries announced that all international arrivals would have to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days. Reuters contributed to this report. From The Epoch Times The mother of two children at a Londonderry primary school where the principal was refused an exceptional closure request after a suspected coronavirus case has accused political leaders of playing Russian roulette with people's lives. The woman, who did not want to be named, said she was stunned when she saw on Ebrington Primary School's website that despite the principal Brian Guthrie requesting two exceptional closure days from the Department of Education, he was refused. The education department in Northern Ireland had received four letters threatening judicial review over the Covid-19 crisis, a lawyer said yesterday. Two involved keeping schools open, another focused on testing and another surrounded court closures. A legal challenge to the decision by Northern Ireland's Education Minister to not close schools was rendered obsolete yesterday by the announcement that classes will shut from Monday. Although schools are open today and tomorrow, she said she is not sending her children back and every other parent she knows is doing likewise. She said: "When we saw one pupil was suspected of having coronavirus that made up our minds for us. "It seems to me, politicians are playing Russian roulette with people's lives here and it needs to stop. "Parents are taking the decision into their own hands and showing more leadership than those who are supposed to know better." In the letter to the parents of his 400 pupils, Mr Guthrie explained that the pupil with suspected Covid-19 had been at school last week but began to feel unwell over the weekend. He said: "Parents have followed all advice and guidelines from the 111 number. As testing is only being carried out when cases are needing hospitalised, I would like to reiterate that it is a suspected case. "I had made an application to the Department of Education for two exceptional closure days on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March. "However, I have been unsuccessful and these have been denied." A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said: "Requests for exceptional closures should be made initially to the Department of Education. "These are likely to be approved if needed to facilitate an enhanced/deep clean following discussions with public health professionals. "If schools have submitted an exceptional closure which has not been approved and are able to provide a fuller explanation as to why the closure is needed, then the Department would be happy to review the request." DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "North American Smart Water Management Market 2019-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The North American smart water management is anticipated to grow at a CAGR 11.7% during the forecast period 2019 to 2025. North America has the highest market value in the global smart water management market. This market value is mainly driven by well-developed water resources infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT) industry. North America is one of the leading economies of the world with a cumulative GDP of approximately $22.2 trillion in 2018. The economic strength and well-established technology infrastructure of North America provides a solid platform for the growth of the smart waste management market. North America is the home of the largest companies in terms of revenue which include Honeywell International, Inc., Itron, Inc., IBM Corp., Badger Meter, Inc., Emerson Electric Co., and Xylem, Inc. These companies are the key players contributing to the smart water management market and their presence is estimated to fuel the growth of the market. Additionally, the market is driven by increasing awareness towards environmental issues and scarcity of resources. The government in the region has enforced strict regulations and legislative mandates in order to preserve water resources. Integration of IoT with water management and Smart City' projects is expected to fuel the North American smart water management market. The US and Canada have a significant contribution to the development of smart water management infrastructure due to the adoption of advanced technology along with the rising demand for water resources. Research Methodology The market study of the North American Smart Water Management market is incorporated by extensive primary and secondary research. Secondary research has been conducted to refine the available data to breakdown the market in various segments, derive total market size, market forecast, and growth rate. Different approaches have been worked on to derive the market value and market growth rate. Our team collects facts and data related to the market from different geography to provide a better regional outlook. In the report, the country-level analysis is provided by analyzing various regional players, regional tax laws and policies, consumer behavior and macro-economic factors. Numbers extracted from secondary research have been authenticated by conducting proper primary research. It includes tracking down key people from the industry and interviewing them to validate the data. This enables our analyst to derive the closest possible figures without any major deviations in the actual number. Our analysts try to contact as many executives, managers, key opinion leaders, and industry experts. Primary research brings authenticity to our reports. Secondary Sources Include Financial reports of companies involved in the market. Whitepapers, research-papers, and news blogs. Company websites and their product catalog. The report is intended for the electronic industry, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and other related companies for overall market analysis and competitive analysis. The report provides an in-depth analysis of market size, intended quality of the service preferred by consumers. The report will serve as a source for a 360-degree analysis of the market thoroughly integrating different models. Market Segmentation 1. North American Smart Water Management Market Research and Analysis by Product 2. North American Smart Water Management Market Research and Analysis by Application The Report Covers Comprehensive research methodology of the North American Smart Water Management market. This report also includes a detailed and extensive market overview with key analyst insights. An exhaustive analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations. Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the North American Smart Water Management market. Insights about market determinants which are stimulating the North American Smart Water Management market. Detailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenues. Extensive profiles and recent developments of market players. Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Summary 1.1. Research Methods and Tools 1.2. Market Breakdown 1.2.1. By Segments 1.2.2. By Geography 2. Market Overview and Insights 2.1. Scope of the Report 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends 2.2.1. Key Findings 2.2.2. Recommendations 2.2.3. Conclusion 2.3. Rules & Regulations 3. Competitive Landscape 3.1. Competitive Share Analysis 3.2. Key Strategy Analysis 3.3. Key Company Analysis 3.3.1. Overview 3.3.2. Financial Analysis 3.3.3. SWOT Analysis 3.3.4. Recent Developments 4. Market Determinants 4.1 Motivators 4.2 Restraints 4.3 Opportunities 5. Market Segmentation 5.1. North American Smart Water Management Market by product 5.1.1. Hardware 5.1.1.1. Automated Meter Reading 5.1.1.2. Advanced Meter Infrastructure 5.1.1.3. Other Hardware 5.1.2. Software And Services 5.2. North American Smart Water Management Market by Application 5.2.1. Residential 5.2.2. Commercial 5.2.3. Industrial 6. Regional Analysis 6.1. North American 6.2. United States 6.3. Canada 7. Company Profiles 7.1. ABB, LTD. 7.2. ARAD GROUP 7.3. Badger Meter, Inc. 7.4. Belkin Corp. 7.5. Emerson Electric Co. 7.6. ET Water Systems, Inc 7.7. Honeywell International, Inc. 7.8. Huawei Technologies 7.9. Itron, Inc. 7.10. Xylem Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9t2bre Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A NASA astronaut whos about to leave the planet for six months will blast off without any family or fanfare because of the coronavirus. Chris Cassidy said Thursday that he wont have any guests at his April 9 launch from Kazakhstan. He expects to say goodbye in Russia to his wife on Friday, three weeks earlier than planned. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, shes going back home to Houston. One of his three children, meanwhile, is trying to get back to the U.S. from New Zealand. There will be a smaller team than usual at the launch pad, too. It really is going to be strange, Cassidy told The Associated Press from cosmonaut headquarters in Star City, Russia. He said hes already in quarantine ahead of his launch to the International Space Station. The things that are stressing the rest of the world and the rest of America, are the same things that are stressing me right now, said Cassidy. Its not like any other time in our lives as a generation, really, right? said the 50-year-old Navy captain and former Navy SEAL. Ill have my own interesting story to tell in years to come. Cassidy is also dealing with a rare late-in-the-game crew switch. Hell spend 6 1/2 months on the space station with two Russians assigned to the flight just a month ago, after one of the original cosmonauts suffered an eye injury. While training together to catch up, Cassidy, Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner have been taking precautions to stay germ free, frequently washing their hands and keeping a safe distance from others. The space station crew will drop from six to three a week after his arrival. It will remain at three people until SpaceX launches two NASA astronauts, as early as May, or another crew arrives on a Russian Soyuz capsule in the fall. With only three people on board, it promises to be extraordinarily busy. That doesnt bother me at all, Cassidy told the AP. In fact, Im excited. Bring it on. Cassidy, Ivanishin and Vagner leave Tuesday for the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. They will be isolated there in a special hotel for astronauts, as is customary. But on launch day, there wont be the usual cheering, back-slapping throngs of well-wishers or journalists either. Their families, bosses and dozens of others normally jam a special room behind a glass wall while the astronauts put on their spacesuits before liftoff. Not this time. Well be looking through the glass at maybe one video camera or something like this and then well get on the bus to go to a launch pad with a minimal team there, Cassidy said. As for the Feb. 19 crew switch, Cassidy, from York, Maine, initially was crushed by the news. The former chief of NASAs astronaut corps and two-time space flier, Cassidy already knew the backup cosmonauts.. So no issues there, he said. However, my heart hurt for my two friends who thought they were so close to a rocket launch and were not going to get one, he told the AP. Invanishin, like Cassidy an experienced spaceman, said earlier this week that hes surprised to be suddenly rocketing away, but life happens. He said the crew swap could have occurred even closer to launch and so the three have had some time for the news to settle in. Cassidy acknowledges his stress level is higher than usual right now from worrying about his loved ones. Were only human, he said, and well work through it and be fine. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Mr. Trump, who until this week had played down the outbreak, also invoked a wartime law that would let the government press American industry into service to make more medical supplies. The Senate approved a separate relief package passed last week by the House that would provide paid leave, enhanced unemployment benefits and free testing as well as food and health care aid. The president quickly signed the bill, which early estimates suggest could cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Here are the latest updates and maps of the pandemic. In other developments: The Daily: Todays episode is about a New York suburb with a particularly large clusters of infections. Another angle: The U.S. Navy has given officers discretion to temporarily relax guidelines on hair length to help maintain social distancing. The Times is providing free access to much of our coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter like all our newsletters is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. Open workshops Claire Teirney, Stanmore Bay (abridged) Im writing regarding our local board making their workshops public. I believe that this absolutely needs to happen with the exceptions being when there is a commercial or privacy issue that means a portion, or all, of a workshop cannot be made public. Full disclosure: I was a local board (Hibiscus subdivision) candidate in the last election, but I was also part of a group who lobbied regarding the dog bylaw that was passed in 2019 and it is the experience that I encountered during that time that flagged to me just how important it is in the democracy process that workshops are open for the public to attend. In fact, both the Devonport-Takapuna and Kaipataki Local Boards on the North Shore had their workshops open during last term, so there is a precedent and it can be done. With the dog bylaw there was meant to be a local board workshop followed by a Business Meeting. Business Meetings are always public meetings and this is seen as allowing the public to see their boards view regarding an issue. However no local board in Auckland had a business meeting regarding the dog bylaw and only workshops went ahead most behind closed doors. Therefore, the public had no chance to discover the boards position. This also meant that it was only at the Regulatory Committee meeting, when councillors were voting on whether the bylaw should progress as it was recommended by staff, did any local board feedback see the light of day but only from 11 of the 21 local boards. Due to advice from staff, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board did not submit any feedback and the only reason that their view on the bylaw came to light was when Councillor Watson flat out asked Council staff what was the view of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. In querying the lack of Business Meetings regarding this bylaw, I found out that there was a move within council that formalised feedback from the local board chairs in memo form is more often, moving forward, likely to be accepted as a decision on behalf of the board. In other words, items may not go to business meetings for a resolution and only be covered in workshops. In my view this makes the case for workshops to be made open to the public a necessity. Under section 14 of the Local Government Act 2002, one of the principles is that a local authority must conduct its business in an open, transparent, and democratically accountable manner. Opening local board workshops to the public allows that principle to be met. I hope that the board ensures that workshops will be made public. Editors note: Hibiscus Matters also hopes the workshops will be made public. All four of the elected Hibiscus subdivision local board members campaigned on ending closed workshops, although there were two different schools of thought on how it could be achieved. Neither of those options no workshops, and two business meetings per month; or open workshops has yet been put to a vote at a public meeting. We understand that work is in progress, however and await some action. JC fan Harold Thomas, Orewa I see in the February 5 issue of the Hibiscus Matters, in the Feedback column, that our esteemed commenter John Clements has resurfaced good on you John! We had thought that you had moved out of the district in one way or the other. You talk of them winning, but here you are in full voice again. There are those in the Council who properly use the powers and prestige their Office gives them. Sadly there are those in the Council who revel in that power and prestige but do not properly do the work involved. You have the gift of exposing those weaknesses and full marks to you JC. Please do not give up as you have a loyal following who always find your comments most interesting. Dog rules for people Wendy Anderson, Manly (abridged) Re the article about the confrontation that Richard Field and his dog Jett face on Stanmore Bay Beach (HM March 4). I feel that Mr Field is misusing the privilege he has in being able to take his dog on to the beach at any time. He may be legally right but not morally or ethically. With the privilege comes a responsibly. He states they he takes Jett off the leash and without her jacket when on the beach so she can run and have fun. Therefore, to me, she is no longer working and therefore should not be on the beach when the rules are in place. She potentially becomes a nuisance to other beach goers just like any other unleashed dog on the beach. The dog on beach bylaw is so Mr Field can go on to the beach, not so that Jett can go on the beach for fun. Its just for three months and other dog friendly places can be found to exercise Jett as other dog owners do. Traffic marches on Geoff Marshall, Army Bay A new academic year has started and with it the return of the crawl to get through Whangaparaoa in the morning and evening. Has any consideration been given to making the triangle of Whangaparaoa Road, Wade River Road and Link Crescent into a multi-lane, one-way system without traffic lights, to speed traffic flow? I know that its very short notice, but it would be very good to have a trial on March 22nd, the Weet-bix TRYathlon event, which usually causes absolute chaos. Elephant ride disgusts Leonie Ariel, Orewa I am disappointed dismayed and disgusted that The Travel Brokers are still promoting travel packages with elephant rides. I am referring to a travel feature in our local newspaper Hibiscus Matters (March 4, page 17). Young elephants are tortured with horrific implements such as bull hooks and other inhumane methods to train them to carry people which is totally unnatural and painful for them. All for making profits. Shame! I suggest you do some research into these cruel practices so you can re visit your policies in promoting cruel tourism. There are rehabilitation sanctuaries that can be visited instead. Patty Brown of The Travel Brokers responds (abridged): I sincerely apologise for the picture I submitted for publication in Hibiscus Matters. While visiting India in early 2019 I participated in this sightseeing tour to Amber Fort and the mode of transport was on an elephant. This is no longer an option and has been replaced with a bicycle or jeep ride. The Travel Brokers promotes and works in partnership with World Animal Protection and has a clear animal welfare policy to not support or promote any sightseeing tours in regards to unethical tourism practices. Our company only works with suppliers who support and maintain the highest standards in animal protection. It is with deep regret that I chose to participate in this particular tour, which involved an elephant ride. I am sorry that within this article I have been seen to not comply with this. I can assure you I am an animal lover, did not mean to cause any offence and would not support the promotion of such unethical tours to my customers. Editors note: The Wow Factor stories in the travel feature were supplied by the travel agents a chance for them to tell readers about the places they have visited and consider amazing. No elephant riding Kiri Martin, You Travel Orewa (abridged) We were somewhat concerned to see elephant riding at the Amber Fort in India in the recent travel feature (HM March 4). I have recently taken a group to India and we choose not to ride elephants, instead using 4WD jeeps. We felt that this reflected badly on the travel industry and wanted to share our view on this. You Travel work in partnership with World Animal Protection and will not support any tourism activity that exploits wild animals. Elephants are cruelly trained to be used for elephant rides. Wildlife should be viewed in the wild is our firm belief. We have taken the Treadright Pledge, which includes the statement: When I experience wildlife, I will do so in nature. I will not ride animals that ought not be ridden, nor support animal cruelty in any way. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 14:16:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHENGDU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- A large number of carved cliff paintings have recently been found on a hill in southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to local authorities. The hill is located nearby a monastery in Zhenda Township in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze. An inspection team from the local government was dispatched to the location and found many cliff paintings from the foot of the mountain to a cave near the top of the mountain, featuring various Tibetan Buddhist images and numerous inscriptions written in ancient Tibetan. A large painting, measuring 2 meters in height and 0.7 to 1 meter in width was found on the mountainside. The team said that details of the ancient paintings were difficult to recognize, while local residents brushed butter on the paintings to protect them from weathering. Experts had previously discovered murals and clay sculptures dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in the monastery in 2017. Badan, a monk of the monastery, inferred that the cliff paintings date from the same period as the monastery's murals. The local government said they would take more measures to protect the cultural relics and invite experts to carry out further research on them. Russia said on Thursday a 79-year-old woman with underlying health issues who tested positive for the new coronavirus had died from pneumonia, the countrys first confirmed death resulting from the virus. Russia, which has temporarily barred entry to foreigners and imposed an array of flight restrictions, has reported 147 coronavirus cases so far, less than many other European countries. That figure has risen sharply in recent days, however, but authorities have said the situation is under control and that most infected people have entered Russia from coronavirus hot spots. Some doctors have questioned the veracity of Russian data, given what they say is the patchy nature of testing. But the government has said it has been transparent about its handling of the crisis, and that its statistics are accurate. Moscows coronavirus crisis centre said in a statement on Thursday that the elderly woman who died had begun receiving treatment last week in a private clinic before being moved to a hospital specialising in infectious diseases. It did not say where the woman was thought to have picked up the virus but said her circle of close acquaintances had been identified and was under medical observation. None of them was displaying any serious coronavirus symptoms, it said. Russians above the age of 60 were strongly advised to minimise contact with other people, it added. The main message of the government is not to panic and that everything is under control, said Al Jazeeras Step Vaessen, reporting from Moscow. But there is a lot of concern, of course. People dont trust the low number of cases the government is reporting, and are worried that the government is hiding the true story something, of course, they have experienced a lot in the past. Even the comparison with the Chernobyl nuclear explosion has been made. People have been panic buying also out of experience, that food could come in short supply. There are different schools of thought here. There are experts who believe that Russia, by quickly closing the border with China, did manage to keep the infections low. Also, there were quarantine rules in place for people coming from affected countries, with very high prison terms if violated. But there are also many experts who believe that we simply dont know how widespread the virus is at this stage. The government has centralised testing, which is done by one Siberian-based company and experts have called this test unreliable. Other companies who have developed tests are not allowed to sell them. Also, doctors have said they did not report suspected cases of COVID-19 because they were worried patients would be sent to a government facility where they could be put in the same room with other patients, and face an even more dangerous situation. Doctors also did not report because they were worried they would have to close their practice because of the fear of spreading the virus. One sign that things could be a lot worse is the sudden increase of pneumonia cases up 37 percent, to 2,000 cases. Another sign is that the government in recent days has also tightened its measures, closed borders for all foreigners until May 1, closed schools, and the elderly have been advised to stay home. And a 500-bed infectious diseases hospital is being built outside of Moscow, which should be done by next month. Thats another big issue the lack of proper healthcare has been a big issue in the past few years, and people wonder how the government is going to cope when the virus becomes widespread. The government says they have 12,000 intensive care beds and a population of 147 million, but questions are being raised about the condition of healthcare facilities and their equipment. Streets here still look normal and busy. People are still going about their usual business. The Metro is less crowded, though people are taking their cars, causing huge traffic jams. More than 218,900 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus across the world and 8,926 have died, with cases and deaths outside China overtaking those in the country where the outbreak began, according to a Reuters tally. Infections outside China have been reported by 172 countries. In Mainland China, which has 80,907 cases, there have been 3,245 deaths. Italy, the second-hardest hit nation, has seen 2,978 deaths among 35,713 confirmed cases. Safeguarding Ireland has highlighted the need to protect Donegal's vulnerable adults due to heightened risk during Covid-19 isolation. Safeguarding Ireland, an organisation which promotes the safegaurding of vulnerable adults to protect them from all forms of abuse by persons, organisations and institutions and to develop a national plan for promoting their welfare. Safeguarding Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke outlined that necessary actions have been taken by Government and health and social authorities to curtail the spread of the virus. Safeguarding Ireland supports these measures and the enormous society-wide effort from businesses to individuals. The organisations have a variety of concerns for those who are vulnerable. These concerns include: Upholding decision-making rights It is important that vulnerable people are not forced into longer-term residential accommodation due to expediency overriding their wills and preferences. While available facilities, skills and expertise might dictate services that can be offered in the short-term, it is critical that these do not become inappropriate long-term arrangements. Health and social care services should remain mindful that, if a person has functional capacity to make decisions about their place of care, healthcare or living arrangements no other person has a legal right to make those decisions on their behalf. Vigilance against Financial Abuse Helpful Temporary Agent arrangements that have been put in place by An Post to facilitate continued access to Social Protection payments at Post Offices for vulnerable adults. However, with flexible arrangements come opportunities for unscrupulous people to take advantage and control over vulnerable people's finances. There should be strong awareness among An Post, Postmasters and government departments on risks of financial abuse. Short term payment of bills In the current challenges, vulnerable adults may have difficulty paying utility bills or rental fees. Safeguarding Ireland suggests that the government direct utility agencies and Landlords to take a flexible approach, on a temporary basis, to payments and bills. Care in use of language Terms such as bed blockers referring to older people should not be used. While it is appreciated that medical professionals could have to make very difficult choices in these very exceptional circumstances, it is important that all people are treated and spoken about with dignity and respect. Longer-term need for a National Safeguarding Authority The current crisis highlights the need for a National Safeguarding Authority to promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in society. It is a concern that there is no single Authority with this overarching mandate and it is something that government should consider as an issue of urgency. NSW public education authorities have urged teachers to keep children outdoors and to ventilate classrooms as much as possible as they ramped up cleaning and made a large-scale "soap drop" to ensure students could wash their hands frequently. They have also reassured teachers that their work is valued and critical, with many in the profession concerned about their own exposure to viruses and feeling that, as one said, they are being "sacrificed to keep nurses working". A toilet at a Sydney high school this week with a single bar of soap It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a veiled threat to private schools to follow government advice and keep their schools open or risk losing their public funding. On Thursday, Newington College announced that the elderly father of the school's chaplain had died of the virus, one of the six deaths nationally previously announced. The chaplain, who had not visited the school since last Wednesday and wore protective clothing while visiting hospital, returned a negative test. A coronavirus continues to shut countries around the world, panic seems to be spreading faster than the disease itself. Reports of racist attacks all over the world have emerged after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Just a few days ago, an Indian-origin Jew was badly beaten by two people who called him a "Chinese" and yelled "Corona! Corona" in Israel's Tiberias city. Reuters Am-Shalem Singson, 28, from the Bnei Menashe community, from Manipur and Mizoram, was admitted to the Poriya hospital with severe chest injuries. Now, in Manhattan, a 34-year-old Asian woman who was headed to the subway was attacked Monday evening near East 25th Street and Madison Avenue. Twitter According to the New York Post, a stranger, identified as Lynn Ferguson from the Bronx, walked up to her and spat in her face. When the woman tried to walk away, the stranger yanked her hair. A traffic agent witnessed the incident and apprehended Ferguson. "You are the reason we have the coronavirus," the stranger was heard as saying. At the helm of this fast-spreading virus its the Asians who are feeling increasingly vulnerable and it has been going on since January. From anti-Chinese, and anti-immigrant memes to many looking at any Asian wearing a mask with suspicion, things have been getting out of hand. We face severe discrimination at the best of times, and its pretty obvious that if my son caught something at the hospital, people would start grousing about those Korean-Chinese. There were false rumors going around during SARS, and its the same now"https://t.co/Rioj2sb8w0 Klaus (@Kakapolka) January 29, 2020 "Stereotypes of Asians as submissive and non-aggressive make them a target that people think they can make fun of and laugh at. Ive seen posts saying Chinese people are dirty, disgusting, uneducated, we deserved the virus because of our weird food habits, Jex Wang, a Chinese-Australian DJ and writer, told The Guardian. In India, residents who hail from the Northeast states of India have come to cite increased instances of hate-filled commentary against them. To address this issue, students, living in a small village in Punjab called Chunni Kalan, posted a video slamming people involved in it . The video was shared on a Facebook page called Dimapur 24/7 with the caption, "Stop calling us corona, ch***i, Chinese ... North East students of Punjab. #Govt_Of_India #say #No #to #Racism #Students #Northeast #India." In the video, the students shared instances where people labelled them as coronavirus because according to them they look Chinese. They can be seen appealing to people to not do this as it is hurtful, discouraging and impacts their studies. This isnt the first time that bigotry and bias have followed the spread of a virus. As reported by Forbes the same feelings existed when Ebola broke out and people of African descent were looked down upon across the world. In trying times like these fear and ignorance can take the better of people, but it's highly imperative to be informed and dispel myths surrounding the same. - Additional reporting by Digital Desk [Update: A 25-year-old man has been refused bail after he was charged with robbery in connection with a fatal collision in south Co. Dublin last week. Jacqueline McGovern, 54, was one of two women struck by a car as she walked on a footpath on Avondale Road in Killiney on the night of March 10 last, minutes after an alleged shop raid in the locality. Mother-of-three Ms McGovern, a special needs assistant was from the area and worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls National School in Johnstown. Two men were charged and held in custody for week after they appeared at separate courts today charged with robbery in connection with the incident. A third man has been charged this evening. The first, Edward Andrews was refused bail but the second accused, Terry Meegan, made no application and consented to a remand in custody. Father-of-one, Edward Andrews, with an address at Belarmine Hall, Stepaside, Co. Dublin, was one of three men arrested during the investigation and was detained at Dun Laoghaire Garda station. He was charged with robbery of a Centra on Barnhill Road in Dalkey of 806 on March 10. Mr Andrews appeared before Judge Grainne Malone at Dun Laoghaire District Court this morning. He entered the courthouse with his face covered as he was escorted by gardai. Evidence of arrest and charge was furnished by certificate to the court by Detective Garda Robert Clifford who objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case. He also told Judge Malone, There is a possibility of further serious charges arising out of this incident. Defence solicitor Ronnie Lynam confirmed his client is pleading not guilty and pleaded for bail to be granted. In his objection, Detective Garda Clifford said the incident at Centra Barnhill Stores took place at 9.20pm on March 10. He alleged two masked raiders entered the store and threatened staff, including a 79-year-old man. Staff were traumatised, he said. Three tills were opened and just over 800 in cash was allegedly taken. It was alleged the raiders fled to a waiting car. A couple of minutes later a collision occurred and two women were knocked down, one was injured but the second died, Detective Garda Clifford said. Pleading for bail, defence solicitor Ronnie Lynam said his client worked part-time as a labourer but was also on social welfare. He had a child and a partner, and he has lived with his parents at his current address for the past 10 years. Mr Andrews sat silently in the witness box during the bail hearing but did not have to give evidence. Mr Lynam submitted that this was a case where it was appropriate to admit him to bail. He said the evidence is seriously challenged by the accused and he is maintains his right to do so, and he is pleading not guilty to this matter". The defendant's partner and sister were allowed remain for the bail hearing. The judge rose for almost 10 minutes to consider the issue during which the accused made use of the courts hand-sanitiser. Judge Malone had given a general warning earlier about keeping social distancing guidelines in court. She refused bail and remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on March 26 next. Mr Andrews spoke once during the proceedings saying Thank you, Judge after she delivered her ruling, and he patted his solicitor on the back before leaving court. Dressed in a black sweater with white and blue stripes, black tracksuit bottoms and grey runners, Mr Andrews, was granted legal aid after a statement of his means was handed in to court. A second man arrested in the investigation appeared before a late sitting of Dublin District Court also charged with robbery of the Centra shop. Terry Meegan, 27, with an address at Ridge Hall, in Ballybrack, in south Co. Dublin, who was dressed in a grey and black tracksuit, and runners, sat with his head bowed during the hearing. Detective Garda Deirdre Finn told Judge Miriam Walsh that Mr Meegan was charged at 3.10pm at Dun Laoghaire station. She told Judge Walsh that Mr Meegan, made a reply of no comment after caution. Defence solicitor Andrew Vallely said a bail application was not being made at this stage and there was consent to his client being remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on March 23 next, via video-link. The solicitor said gardai would get 48-hours notice if a bail application is to be made. Legal aid was granted after the court heard Mr Meegan was unemployed. Remanding him in custody, Judge Walsh told him to stand up to listen to the court order which he did but he did not address the court. The third man arrested in connection with the incident remained in Garda custody at Dundrum Station. Family and friends bade farewell on Wednesday to Ms McGovern who was laid to rest following a service at Our Lady of Good Counsel church in Killiney. The second woman's injuries were not life-threatening. Meanwhile, Gardai revealed that a third man in his 20s has been arrested as part of this investigation and has now been charged and is expected to appear before a sitting of Dun Laoghaire District Court at 10.30am tomorrow morning. She said while people are not worried about coronavirus being transmitted from or to pets, the shelter is in a financial crisis right now due to the virus and is in desperate need of donations. Iran: Coronavirus threatens entire world, needs collective action IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, March 18, IRNA --Office in charge of Iran's Interests Section in Cairo, Egypt, said in a statement on Wednesday menaces of coronavirus pandemic jeopardized the entire world requiring collective action by the International Community to fight. The Interests Section statement was about measures taken by Iran to counter outbreak of the deadly coronavirus being hampered by the US sanctions. US unjust sanctions which have been imposed unilaterally are inhumane as they created obstacles to Iran's relentless efforts to fight the coronavirus, the statement added. Although Iran enjoys skilled medical personnel who are seriously trying to control the pandemic, the sanctions have impeded access to medical equipment and the process of treatment, the statement said. The US Economic terrorism and unilateral sanctions are weakening Iranian government's campaign against the corona pandemic, it said. "Sanctions on Iran oil exports, financial transactions and medical services are considered as punishment for the Iranian people. So, the Iranian government cannot save its citizens due to unilateral sanctions which have been imposed on Iran regardless of the UN Resolution 2231, the statement stressed. It further urged the world countries to call for lifting anti-Iran sanctions, the call which as the statement said is a human duty. Viruses have no borders, so it is necessary that all medical forces around the world to be equipped to fight the viruses which endanger the global community, Iran said in its statement. Today, to say "no" to the unilateral sanctions against Iran is a global responsibility and a humanitarian measure , it stressed. As the statement reported, increase in the number of those being infected by the coronavirus continues unfortunately. The deadly coronavirus radiating from Wuhan, China, in December 2019 has affected thousands of people across the world, while over 7,900 have been killed. About 14,000 people in Iran have coronavius which killed 998. 1483**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / Compare-autoinsurance.org (https://compare-autoinsurance.org/) is a top auto insurance brokerage website, providing car insurance quotes online from trustworthy agencies all over the United States. This website offers car insurance info about different coverage types, available discounts, and money-saving tips. Driving an unsafe vehicle can be dangerous for drivers and passengers. 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There advanced car brake systems use advanced computing to take large amounts of data from several sensors and cameras to assist the drivers to avoid or prevent an accident. Blindspot warning . These systems will use either video data or radar in order to keep a careful watch over the areas drivers can't see from their rearview or side mirrors. They will detect if a car gets a little too close and it alerts the driver with a series of beeps or visual cues. GPS tracking systems. A GPS tracking system works by using satellite technology to store locational data as well as other information related to vehicle activity. This tracking data is then sent to off-site servers in real-time that allow for that data to be viewed from anywhere in the world where Internet connections are available. 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CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing Company Person for contact: Gurgu C Phone Number: (818) 359-3898 Email: cgurgu@internetmarketingcompany.biz Website: https://compare-autoinsurance.org/ SOURCE: Internet Marketing Company View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581309/Safety-Devices-That-Will-Help-Drivers-Get-Cheaper-Car-Insurance Duterte declares state of calamity amid rising COVID-19 cases in Philippines People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:32, March 18, 2020 MANILA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of national calamity for six months amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. "I hereby declared a state of calamity throughout the Philippines for a period of six months, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant," said a proclamation signed by Duterte on Monday and released to the media on Tuesday. "All government agencies and local government units are enjoined to render full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19," the proclamation read. Duterte ordered all law enforcement agencies, with the support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary. The declaration will put into effect a price freeze on basic commodities. The Philippines now has 187 COVID-19 cases, including 12 deaths. Four patients have so far recovered from the viral disease. The Philippines on Sunday started implementing a 30-day lockdown in Metro Manila to limit the movement of people in the densely populated region. On Monday night, Duterte expanded the lockdown by placing the entire main Luzon island under "enhanced community quarantine" in a drastic bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease. "The idea here is to keep everybody on home quarantine," Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said after Duterte's announcement late Monday night, adding that public transportation is suspended. Travel restrictions are being strictly imposed, preventing people, especially those living outside of Matro Manila, from commuting to their offices in the capital. Only a few essential establishments are open, including supermarkets, pharmacies during the 30-day lockdown. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address H ospitals across London are subdividing themselves into separate areas in a bid to prevent coronavirus patients spreading the virus to others. A top doctor said it felt like the calm before the storm as teams rushed to create areas where patients can be isolated and given oxygen. It came amid ongoing concern at delays to introducing testing for frontline staff, which means many are being forced to go into quarantine if a family member develops possible symptoms. There was huge public support for NHS workers as pictures of staff about to enter isolation zones in hospitals began to be shared online. But one of the capitals most senior medics, London major trauma director Professor Karim Brohi, admitted: Not a single one of us working in the NHS isnt a bit scared to go to work. Hospitals such as Northwick Park in Harrow and The Whittington, Archway, have undertaken internal redesigns to prevent patients feared to have Covid-19 from coming into contact with others. Londoners wear Coronavirus masks - In pictures 1 /61 Londoners wear Coronavirus masks - In pictures A man wearing a protective mask travels on the underground tube Reuters A woman wearing a protective face mask Jeremy Selwyn A man and woman wearing protective face masks on a bus PA A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A woman shopper wears a protective mask as she walks down an aisle in a supermarket in London AFP via Getty Images A man wearing a face mask waits to board an underground train on the Central Line at Bank station in London AP A woman with a plastic box over her head on the London Underground. PA A woman wearing a protective face mask walking down Oxford Street in London PA A woman wearing a mask walks by the Emirates Stadium Action Images via Reuters A man is seen wearing a protective face mask at Waterloo station Reuters A woman wears a surgical mask as she walks through Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport Reuters A fan in the stands wears a mask during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridg PA A man wearing a protective face mask walking down Oxford Street PA Commuters with masks on during the Coronavirus outbreak Jeremy Selwyn A person wears a mask in a display of street style outside the BFC Show Space show in London PA Commuters with masks on during the Coronavirus outbreak Jeremy Selwyn Commuters with masks on during the Coronavirus outbreak Jeremy Selwyn Commuters with masks on during the Coronavirus outbreak Jeremy Selwyn A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn Commuters with masks on during the Coronavirus outbreak Jeremy Selwyn A commuter on the tube wearing a face mask Jeremy Selwyn A woman wears a mask while crossing London Bridge Getty Images People wear masks at Holborn underground Station Jeremy Selwyn A man wearing a face mask walks past an entrance sign for Bank underground train station AP The coronavirus outbreak will unlikely lead to a Tube ban PA People wear masks at Holborn underground Station Jeremy Selwyn People wear masks at Holborn underground Station Jeremy Selwyn A woman wearing a face mask on the London Underground. PA People wear masks at Holborn underground Station Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian wears a face mask whilst walking along High Holborn PA A pedestrian wears a face mask whilst walking along High Holborn PA A man wears a mask as he takes a photograph in China Town AP A man in a hazmat suit and face mask cleans the Ritchie Street Health Centre, Islington PA A commuter at Euston wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn A commuter at Euston wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn A man arrives at Euston Underground wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn A commuter arrives at St Pancras wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn St Pancras Jeremy Selwyn A commuter arrives at St Pancras wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Staff in suits at St Thomas's Hospital today Jeremy Selwyn A commuter arrives at St Pancras wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn A commuter arrives at St Pancras wearing a mask Jeremy Selwyn A man wears a face mask as he stands near an electronic arrivals board at Terminal 4 of London Heathrow Airport AFP via Getty Images A man wears a face mask as he walks along the Thames embankment AFP via Getty Images A woman wearing a protective face mask is seen on London Bridg Reuters Single rooms are being reserved for symptomatic patients while they await test results. Dr Rachel Tennant, clinical director for acute medicine at Northwick, said: Ive never known anything like this but were planning for huge numbers of people needing intensive care and working out how to cope. Weve managed to segregate our whole hospital into unknown, positive and negative areas. Weve moved a whole intensive care unit and four other wards in three days flats. This sort of change usually takes six months to get agreed. Loading.... Yesterday, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Northwick Park, confirmed three more deaths, meaning at least four of its patients have died from coronavirus. Dr Tennant said the vast majority of patients were fine. They seem to have one week of fever, a few days of dry cough and then sometimes breathlessness on day eight or nine, she wrote. Most people are fine to stay at home and recover in about 10 days. If it is going to be bad it is around day 9 or 10 and the breathlessness gets rapidly worse at that point. It seems pretty clear that a large proportion of the UK will get this, hopefully spread out over months rather than all at once like Italy. Once enough people have had it then herd immunity will mean it dies out. So if the frail elderly can hibernate for a few months hopefully we can keep mortality down. Loading.... A consultant surgeon at a major London trust told the Standard that the virus was massively impacting work. Non-emergency operations were already being reduced ahead of a NHS England order to stop by April 15, the Standard was told. The source said: We are now having to restrict surgery to emergency. Elective surgery has been really cut back. It does feel like the calm before the storm. There is a lot of preparation going on because very soon its going to get really bad. Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, told MPs earlier this week that it was possible that some hospitals would be looking almost exclusively after coronavirus patients. Reports that St Bartholomews Hospital, in Smithfield, was to become a clean site and accept cardiac patients from a wider geographic catchment area than normal were today dismissed as a misunderstanding. Later on today, NHS England is expected to announce it is calling for retired doctors and nurses to come back to work to help with increased demand on the health service. Sources have said that medical staff who left NHS trusts three years ago or less will be returning to help workers on the frontline. They added that final-year medical students will also be pitching in to help treat patients. In his daily briefing yesterday, Boris Johnson said retired health professionals were being asked to return to help the NHS with this unprecedented challenge. NHS England said: In order to respond to the increased pressure on intensive care unit beds during the Covid-19 pandemic, cardiac surgical centres are working collaboratively across London to maintain capacity for life saving emergency cardiac surgery. Led by clinicians, a pan-London hub has been set up at St Bartholomews Hospital to provide mutual support between hospitals and ensure that patients requiring emergency cardiac surgery are matched to units that have the capacity to treat them. Centres such as St Bartholomews and Harefield Hospitals (that do not have co-located accident and emergency departments) are envisaged to be better placed to offer specialised cardiac surgery over this period. Health sources said it was impossible for any hospital to guarantee to be clean during a pandemic. E uropean banking chiefs today announced an unprecedented 750 billion cash injection to limit the economic impact of coronavirus. The European Central Banks president, Christine Lagarde, said the emergency injection of funds was needed because extraordinary times require extraordinary action. The money will be used to buy government and company debt across the eurozone. The aim is to prop up the economies of countries such as Italy and Greece, which have been hit by mass holiday cancellations to add to their existing woes. Ms Lagarde tweeted: There are no limits to our commitment to the euro. We are determined to use the full potential of our tools, within our mandate. Her action follows tumbling stock markets, job losses and an economic standstill produced by lockdowns and travel restrictions across the Continent. In Italy, which appears poised to overtake China as the country with the highest number of deaths, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that the current lockdown, the first to be imposed in Europe, would be extended. In France, police threatened to abandon their key role enforcing their countrys lockdown. The officers are on the frontline, handing out 128 fines to anyone caught on the street without official documentation. But a series of videos posted online appeared to show them breaking basic health guidelines by grouping together and handling potential disease carriers as they issued 500,000 worth of fines yesterday. Very few officers were wearing masks. Benoit Barret, national secretary of the Alliance police union, today said: Alliances position is clear: if colleagues are not safe, they will exercise their right of withdrawal. Behind each policeman, there is a father, a mother, a brother. You have the right to be a policeman and not become a spreader. COLUMBUS, Ohio - A handful of voting rights groups have written Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, saying hes violating federal law and the Ohio Constitution by not extending voter registration for the states primary election. In a Monday directive, LaRose, a Republican and the states chief elections official, told county boards of elections: The boards of elections are prohibited from processing any new voter registrations for the June 2, 2020 presidential primary election. The February 18, 2020 voter registration deadline remains the voter registration deadline. The groups say this is a problem because the National Voter Registration Act requires voter registration be no more than 30 days prior to a federal election. They also said it violates Article V, Section 1 of the Ohio Constitution, which specifies who is eligible to vote -- such as being 18 years old and a state resident -- and includes a person who has been registered to vote for thirty days. Yes, in many ways we are in uncharted territory, said Freda Levenson, Legal Director for the ACLU of Ohio, in a statement. But neither the global pandemic, nor the fact that the election date is changed, means that we need to devolve into anarchy. The national and state laws that protect the rights of Ohio voters are still in effect, and must be followed." Along with the ACLU, the letter was sent by the League of Women Voters of Ohio, A. Philip Randolph Institute Ohio, Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights, and Demos. Maggie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for LaRose, disagreed in a statement with the characterization of the election as being rescheduled. The Governor and Secretary took the necessary actions on Monday to keep Ohioans safe and protect the integrity of our democracy by extending the March 17th election so voters can safely have their voices heard, she said. Despite any inference to the contrary, the election has not been rescheduled, it has been extended. Although LaRose told county boards of election that the primary would be on June 2, its disputed whether he can set the actual postponement date. The Ohio Democratic Party is arguing he cannot, and has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to intervene. The Democrats would prefer the primary be April 28. Late Monday night, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton closed primary polling locations. Tuesday was supposed to be Ohios primary. That order came amid a chaotic night of court orders from different levels of Ohios judiciary. Other coronavirus coverage: Ohio offers coronavirus pandemic daycare licenses for health care and emergency service workers kids Ohio Department of Health wont have immediate coronavirus recovery figures, citing testing shortages 88 people in Ohio have tested positive coronavirus: Gov. Mike DeWines Wednesday, March 18 coronavirus briefing Shelter-in-place orders during coronavirus pandemic: What are they and will Ohio have one? Ohio Democratic Party sues set primary to April 28 -- after postponement due to coronavirus Inside the chaos that engulfed Ohios postponed primary election BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Another meeting of the Operational Headquarters under the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ali Asadov was held on March 19, Trend reports on March 19 referring to the Operational Headquarters. The measures of preventing the spread of coronavirus, control over restrictions, the evacuation of Azerbaijani citizens from abroad, the condition of people on quarantine, medical treatment of patients and other issues were discussed, as well as new decisions were made during the meeting. Supermarkets will be able to be restocked overnight after the Andrews government and the states councils temporarily dropped night-time curfews that have long irked the freight industry. The move would help supermarkets more-easily stock shelves during the coronavirus crisis, the Victoria Transport Association, which represents trucking firms, said. While Australia has no shortage of food with which to feed itself Deloitte Access Economics has estimated the country now feeds over 130 million people with what it grows buying frenzies have stripped supermarket shelves bare of key products. The night-time curfew has been lifted on supermarket trucks. Credit:Nic Walker Transport experts have warned that, while there is an abundance of food, there is a risk in supply chains breaking down. Woolworths chief Brad Banducci this week said the "surge buying spree" had emptied supermarkets of some lines, not any shortage of produce. Narendra Modi said the curfew amid the coronavirus pandemic would take place on Sunday from 7am to 9pm. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the 1.3 billion population to follow a one-day curfew alongside a ban on international flight arrivals to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Modi said in an address to the nation that the curfew on Sunday from 7am to 9pm would test the giant countrys ability to take tough measures against what he called a growing crisis. The measure would be in the interest of the country to follow and prepare us for future challenges, Modi added. The government said there have been 173 infections and four deaths from the virus. But the public is increasingly anxious, and there has been a rush on food stores and essential supplies. People are questioning why he has imposed this curfew just for one day on Sunday, Al Jazeeras Elizabeth Puranam reported from New Delhi. Over the past week here things have really been grinding to a halt schools, colleges, gyms, nightclubs, cultural and social centres have been closing, Puranam added. States were also directed by the government to force companies and departments to make staff work from home. Some government employees are set to stagger their shifts and alternate working in the office. Modis 29-minute address came hours after the government said no international flights would be allowed to land in India for one week starting Sunday. New Delhi has already suspended the visas of all foreign tourists and barred passengers of flights from the worst-hit European nations. Travellers from several countries are also subject to a 14-day quarantine when they arrive in India. The Taj Mahal and other monuments have also been closed to visitors. Social distancing Modi strongly stressed the need for social distancing in his speech, a point also made by Indias health minister earlier in the day, Puranam said. There are, as the prime minister keeps mentioning, 1.3 billion people in India. So many of them, 80 percent of them, work in what is called the informal and disorganised sector. We spoke to street vendors who told us that if they do not leave their homes, their families would die of hunger. Modi said most people, except those in essential services, would have to stay home for several weeks, without giving a timeframe. If you feel you wont be affected or infected, you are wrong, Modi said. You will be endangering your family and the community and I request every citizen to stay home for the next few weeks. India must fight to avoid the explosion in deaths seen in other countries. All citizens above 65 and children under 10 were advised to remain at home, Modi said in his address. Kirk Douglas, who died in February at age 103, turned in one of the most convincing and compelling characterizations of a jazz musician ever filmed. You can feel his characters obsession with the music, and you can witness its terrible cost. Hes surrounded by a comparably effective cast, with Doris Day as the embodiment of hope, Lauren Bacall as the face of cynicism and immortal songwriter-pianist Hoagy Carmichael as the sage who narrates it all. Harry James recorded the trumpet solos that Douglas mimes so beautifully, James famously golden sound easy to get lost in. The ending of director Michael Curtizs film is not perfect, but just about everything else in it is. (Available to stream on Amazon Prime) Starting Wednesday, people in Oregons 14 prisons are allowed to make two free 5-minute calls per week for the next 30 days, the state Department of Corrections announced. The move comes as prison visitation has been shut down in response to the spread of coronavirus. Advocacy organizations have pressed state prison officials to provide free phone and video conferencing services given the suspension of visitation. In announcing the free calls, the Department of Corrections acknowledged the importance of family connections for people in prison especially in stressful times." The agency oversees 14 prisons that house about 14,000 men and women. It employs about 4,500 people. Public health recommendations for social distancing pose a challenge in prisons and jails, where people live in close quarters and, studies show, the population in general tends to be sicker. Here are answers to questions posed by The Oregonian/OregonLive to the Department of Corrections as well as information posted on the agencys website: Have any inmates or employees tested positive for coronavirus? No. State officials said theyve had seven in-custody tests so far. Six came back negative. One is pending. The agency said it doesnt know how many employees have been tested since those are carried out by private physicians. We have been communicating regularly with DOC staff on knowing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and directing them to stay home if they do not feel well, the agency said in a statement. The department said it did not have a current tally of how many employees have called in sick since the disease emerged in Oregon. How is the agency addressing social distancing guidelines in its prisons, particularly in dorm settings? The agency said it has made no change to housing. If prisoners show signs or symptoms of flu or coronavirus, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, they will be tested as health care providers direct," the agency said in a statement. The department said it is following public health guidance on social distancing, masking and isolating patients with illness. Are inmate work assignments changing in light of the virus? Work crews assigned outside the institutions are canceled. Work assignments in prison continue. Other daily operations will remain relatively unchanged, though prisons are trying to observe social distancing guidelines, officials said. Have dining arrangements changed to observe social distancing guidelines? Some prisons are staggering meals, others are having prisoners eat in their cells. To what extent is Oregon considering early release for some inmates? State officials do not plan to accelerate the review process for the early release of prisoners in light of the spread of coronavirus. By law, the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision may consider releasing inmates before the end of their sentences only if they fall under a limited set of circumstances: They must have a severe medical condition, including terminal illness, or be elderly and permanently incapacitated. How many prisoners are identified as pregnant, older than 60 or have significant medical issues? The state has identified 2,298 vulnerable" adults in custody, which includes pregnant women, people older than 60 and those with HIV, chronic steroid use, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, otherwise immunocompromised or taking medication that may lower immunity. Is the agency taking steps to reduce risk to this population in particular? The Department of Corrections said it is intensifying the efforts to reduce potential exposure and transmission for the vulnerable population though it did not identify those steps. If prisoners become ill or exhibit flu-like symptoms, the agency said it will follow public health guidance for "supportive care." How is the Department of Corrections keeping prisons clean? The agency said it cleans its facilities multiple times daily, including disinfecting housing units, bathrooms, eating areas, doors, stairwells and countertops. Does the state provide prisoners with hand-sanitizer? No. People in custody are encouraged to wash their hands. Does the Department of Corrections have coronavirus tests? The agency said it is able to test in a limited number of patients through the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory in Hillsboro. Medical staff decide who gets tested. -- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Straddling the line between advocacy documentary and D.I.Y. infomercial, Dosed promotes psychoactive vegetation as a potential cure for drug addiction. The filmmaker, Tyler Chandler, trails a friend, known in the film only by a first name, Adrianne, as she experiments with psilocybin mushrooms and the hallucinogenic plant iboga to treat her seemingly intractable dependence on heroin, methadone or morphine. The effectiveness of these alternative-medicine therapies, and the question of whether they should be legal, is still the subject of debate. Adrianne, who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, has a third, potentially powerful ingredient contributing to her recovery: the presence of the camera, which, at times, is clearly on her mind. As the documentary opens, Adrianne is asked how she would like it to end. Id love to be sober, she replies, but adds that shed like to be sober, generally. And although her treatment does not follow a straightforward path her initial efforts at a supervised iboga retreat are disrupted by a hospital trip for a panic attack she eventually achieves the sobriety she foreshadows. Team Tankers International and Maersk Tankers enter strategic partnership covering 27 vessels Team Tankers Internationals strong position within chemical tankers and Maersk Tankers industry-leading commercial management have been brought together in a new cooperation. With this, Maersk Tankers takes over the commercial management of 27 tankers from Team Tankers International, and establishes two new pools. The cooperation will contribute to both companies strategies. Team Tankers International will gain access to Maersk Tankers digital approach to commercial management, with its strong emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions and improving partner returns. For Maersk Tankers, the agreement will increase its fleet under management to more than 225 vessels across a range of different segments, while cementing the position as one of the market leaders in the Medium-Range (MR) segment, where it manages a pool jointly with Cargill. As part of the agreement, employees within Operations, Chartering and Bunker Management will transfer from Team Tankers International to Maersk Tankers offices in Copenhagen, Houston and Singapore. The cooperation is a further step towards building scale for our tanker fleet, says Hans Feringa, President & CEO at Team Tankers International. We believe the timing of the cooperation is good as the medium and longer-term outlook for the product and chemical tanker market is positive, and the order book is at a historically low level, says Feringa. We look forward to working with Maersk Tankers to achieve both companies goals. Out of the 27 tankers, nine are 13,000-tonners, four are Flexis (25,000 DWT) and 14 are MR tankers (46-49,000 DWT). By taking over the vessels, Maersk Tankers enters two new segments, in which it establishes two new pools. This allows the company to serve customers with greater flexibility, while expanding its products to pool partners. The cooperation between Team Tankers International and Maersk Tankers is powerful, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues. With this, we are taking yet another step to deliver our strategy of building scale through partnerships forged by the common goal of using digitisation to reduce CO2 emissions and increase partner returns. The growth in capacity means we can offer our customers additional flexibility in transporting their cargoes and improve our returns to existing and new pool partners, says Claus Gronborg, Chief Investment Officer, Maersk Tankers. The cooperation will commence on 1 April 2020 and the vessels are planned to enter the pool during the following months. It is the ambition of Maersk Tankers to build further partnerships in the existing and new segments and further increase the pools capacity. New Delhi: Its here... Spring is finally here. The Google Doodle on Thursday welcomed the spring equinox (also known as vernal equinox), a celestial event marking the beginning of spring in several cultures across the world. Spring 2020 will last for over three months - March 20 to June 21. Spring is one of the four seasons, following winter and preceding summer. On this day , the equinox , the earths axis is perpendicular to the sun. In other words, the center of the visible sun is directly above the equator, making the hours of day and night of equal length 12 hours. The equinox happens twice every year first in March and later in September 23. Meanwhile, Google Doodle is also celebrating Nowruz 2020 on Thursday. The day is recognised as the Persian New Year and brings communities together to embrace the change of seasons in the spirit of renewal and rebirth. In the Persian language, now means new and ruz means day and together, Nowruz means New Day. Chicago, March 19 : US and European economists were predicting a recession as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected over 211,300 people across the world and killed 8,847 others since it first emerged in China last December. The Initiative on Global Markets at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business published the results of 74 economists on the likelihood of a major recession, reports Xinhua news agency. A majority of respondents agreed that a recession was likely, with a bigger 82-per cent majority among European experts than a 62-per cent amongst the ones in the US. "A sharp slowdown is likely; whether it will be persistent enough to rise to the level of a recession is not clear yet," commented Anil Kashyap of Chicago Booth. Jean-Pierre Danthine of the Paris School of Economics was certain that two quarters would register negative growth but further developments notably depends on policy reactions. Stanford University's Kenneth Judd was among the few to disagree that a major recession was on the horizon. "If it is like ordinary flu, then (the) economy should quickly recover. COVID-19 only threatens old and feeble economic expansions," said Judd. Among the majority who agreed a major recession is a likely consequence of the pandemic, several note the impact of the measures taken to contain the outbreak have already disrupted economic activities. "The contagion rate worries more than the mortality rate itself as it shuts down the whole economy to contain effects on the health system," said Elena Carletti of Bocconi University. Stemming the spread requires "stopping economic activity altogether", which is "a major supply shock", added Luigi Guiso of the Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance. "Even if (the) death rate is low, it will be because containment has been effective, and that will adversely affect aggregate supply and demand," said Patrick Honohan of Trinity College Dublin. Richard Schmalensee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said: "'Major' might be a bit too strong, but the precautionary measures being taken in many countries will have a significant disruptive effect." Global stock markets have suffered steep losses during the past two weeks. US stocks triggered four circuit brakers to halt panic selling, European stock continued to plunge with little losses recovered, and major world currencies depreciated severely against the American dollar as investors flew to stockpile safe haven assets. While China starts to resume work and production with the peak of the outbreak having passed, elsewhere in the world a majority of companies were now implementing work-from-home policies amid a surge in confirmed cases in such countries as Italy, Spain and the US. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Two members of the US House of Representatives, Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Ben McAdams of Utah, said on Wednesday they have tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first members of Congress known to have contracted the respiratory illness. Diaz-Balart, 58, was the first to share on Twitter that he recently received his test results after developing symptoms of the disease. The congressman said in a statement that he has been self-quarantining in Washington, DC, since Friday. He said he has not returned home to Florida because his wife's pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk. US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (pictured in February) said on Wednesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus after developing symptoms of the disease He said he has not returned home to Florida because his wife's pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk. His wife, Tia (pictured together), is a cancer and chronic lung disease survivor. Tia also shared the news on Facebook, calling her husband 'so strong' In a tweet, Diaz-Balart said: 'I'm feeling much better. However, it's important that everyone take this seriously and follow @CDCgov guidelines in order to avoid getting sick & mitigate the spread of this virus' His wife, Tia, is a cancer and chronic lung disease survivor. Tia also shared the news on Facebook. She wrote: 'It is with heartbreaking news that I am sharing this with you tonight. Mario is doing better and he is so strong. 'Please keep him in your prayers and please pray that we stop the spread of this virus for the safety of everyone. God bless you all.' The congressman said he developed a fever and headache on Saturday evening and was notified 'a short while ago' that he tested positive. In a tweet, Diaz-Balart said: 'I'm feeling much better. However, it's important that everyone take this seriously and follow @CDCgov guidelines in order to avoid getting sick & mitigate the spread of this virus. 'We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.' Shortly after Diaz-Balart revealed his positive results, McAdams shared that he too has tested positive for COVID-19. 'I have self-quarantined since first having symptoms and consulted with my doctor,' McAdams, of Utah, tweeted. In a statement, McAdams said that he 'developed mild cold-like symptoms' Saturday evening after returning home from Washington, DC. The 45-year-old Democrat said he 'immediately isolated' himself at his residence and began working from home. Shortly after Diaz-Balart revealed his positive results, McAdams (pictured) shared that he too has tested positive for COVID-19 'I have self-quarantined since first having symptoms and consulted with my doctor,' McAdams (pictured with his wife), of Utah, tweeted In a statement, McAdams said that he 'developed mild cold-like symptoms' Saturday evening after returning home from Washington, DC 'My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing and I remained self-quarantined,' McAdams shared. He said he was then instructed by his doctor on Tuesday to get tested for the virus and on Wednesday learned of his positive results. Despite his illness, McAdams said he is 'still working for Utahns and pursuing efforts to get Utahns the resources they need as I continue doing my job from home until I know it is safe to end my self-quarantine'. McAdams said he is doing his part to help contain the spread of the virus and urge others 'to take this seriously and follow the health recommendations' from the CDC. Both congressmen were in DC over the weekend where the legislation called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed in the House before it passed in the Senate on Wednesday. The bipartisan act guarantees free testing and 14 paid sick days for workers during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as paid leave that people will be able to use for up to three months. Over the past few weeks, several other members of the Senate and House have self-quarantined after possibly coming in contact with a person with the coronavirus In Florida, more than 300 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed. The state has also recorded seven deaths. In Florida, more than 300 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed. The state has also recorded seven deaths. There have been restrictions of bars and restaurants in the Sunshine State, but very limited ones on the beaches (pictured on Wednesday) Florida Gov Ron DeSantis is still leaving the closure of beaches up to local governments. Visitors enjoy Clearwater Beach on Wednesday To combat the spread of COVID-19, Florida, like many other states, has issued restrictions for bars and restaurants. On Tuesday, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis forced all bars and nightclubs to close for 30 days. Restaurants had to limit their capacity to 50 per cent and restaurant employees have to be screened for the virus. 'We view that as something that could be problematic for spreading the virus. Stealth carriers - people who don't have symptoms - but they are nevertheless passing along,' DeSantis said. Despite those restrictions, the governor is still leaving the closure of beaches up to local governments. He has banned gatherings larger than 10 people on beaches. In Utah, there are 63 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, according to the latest figures from the Utah Department of Health. In Utah, there are 63 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday. Utah is not only dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, but the state also experienced its largest earthquake since 1992. Two men board windows of a damaged cafe in Salt Lake City on Wednesday The powerful earthquake shutdown Salt Lake City's airport for much of the day, knocked out a coronavirus hotline and forced the evacuation of an oil refinery on Wednesday, officials said. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries Utah is not only dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, but the state also experienced its largest earthquake since 1992. The powerful earthquake shutdown Salt Lake City's airport for much of the day, knocked out a coronavirus hotline and forced the evacuation of an oil refinery on Wednesday, officials said. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. The 5.7-magnitude, early morning tremor centered in north-central Utah was the strongest the state has experienced since 1992, when a 5.9-magnitude quake rattled the St George area, according to Utah Emergency Management. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said earlier Wednesday it had evacuated the air traffic control tower at Salt Lake City International Airport and halted flights, diverting inbound aircraft to other airports. More than 200 flights were cancelled. The airport said by Wednesday afternoon it had repaired a water line that had flooded a concourse and said 'remaining facilities have been found to be structurally safe.' It said cargo and general aviation flights were beginning to arrive and depart. Salt Lake City is the 23rd busiest US airport and a hub for Delta Air Lines. A former Goa minister, who recently returned from Dubai, has refused to isolate himself over coronavirus fears, claiming that instructions issued to him by the state health department were politically motivated. Francisco Mickky Pacheco was one among 43 passengers on board the Dubai-Bangalore Air India flight. It later became to the knowledge of authorities that a 67-year-old passenger on board the flight tested positive for coronavirus disease Covid-19 in Bengaluru, prompting Goa health department to trace and identify the 43 passengers on board the flight to get them to self quarantine. Tracking Coronavirus Outbreak: Live Updates I will not go to quarantine because there is no reason for it. This is political vendetta because I am campaigning against the BJP, Pacheco told reporters on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Goa Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane addressed a press conference where he claimed that a politician on board the flight was advised quarantine but declined to name him citing privacy. Among the 43 people who deboarded the flight in Goa, five have been identified as being seated in the immediate vicinity of the patient who tested positive and have been quarantined at a hospital and will remain there for the next two weeks. Pacheco, who was a minister under former chief ministers Manohar Parrikar and Digambar Kamat as part of different governments, currently holds no post but has been active in campaigning against the BJP in the local district panchayat elections. Pacheco confirmed that he was on the flight, but said that he was not seated in the immediate vicinity of the passenger who was tested positive. I was seated in the fourth row on the AI-994 from Dubai to Goa enroute Bengaluru. But there was no one the five rows behind me. Then how can I contract coronavirus. This is being done to harass me in front of my supporters and family, Pacheco said. According to Pacheco, three teams from the state health department turned up at his house, but he asked them to go. Goa is yet to register its first positive case of the coronavirus but around 53 people have been quarantined, excluding the passengers on board the flight. Rane also said that Goa would also introduce hand stamps for persons who have been advised home quarantine just like is being done in Maharashtra as part of measures to slow the spread of the disease. JACKSON, Mississippi -- A bill which would allow Mississippi to remain permanently on Daylight Savings Time (DST) has passed overwhelmingly in the Mississippi House of Representatives, but will remain in limbo awaiting a Senate vote once the legislature reconvenes. The bill, authored by Rep. Hank Zuber of Ocean Springs, is being called the Sunshine Protection Act. It passed through the House by a 118-0 vote. Zuber, a lifelong coast resident, said he was prompted to introduce the bill after years of listening to constituents, including business owners and those in the tourism industry, push for the move. The genesis is so many of my constituents, friends and colleagues all support it, he said. "The rationale, the reasoning, for going off Daylight Savings Time is no longer there. It would be better for the economy, particularly for an area that relies so heavily on tourism, to have a longer period of sunlight in the afternoon. There is a catch, however, even if the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves -- Congress would have to approve it and grant that option to either Mississippi individually or all states collectively. The use of DST in the U.S. dates back as far as 1784, when Benjamin Franklin first proposed the idea. It was used inconsistently over the years, including the period from 1945-1966, when there was no federal law on DST, but localities had the option of using it or dumping it. Finally, in 1962, the transportation industry pushed for a federal standard, resulting in the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which mandated standard time within U.S. established time zones. Clocks would move ahead one hour on the last Sunday in April and back one hour on the last Sunday in October. DST has been altered multiple times over the years, including a year-long DST from Jan. 6, 1974 to April 27, 1975, as a result of the 1973 oil embargo. Currently, federal law calls for DST to begin on the Second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November, representing about 65 percent of the total year. Two states were allowed to opt out of DST -- Arizona and Hawaii. Arizona observed DST for one year, 1967, and then opted out. Michigan opted out for four years -- 1969-1972 -- but has observed DST each year since 1973. Zuber acknowledged what Mississippi is attempting to do is the reverse of those other states -- wanting to remain on DST permanently rather than opt out of it entirely. But whether your opting out or staying in permanently, its still subject to federal approval, he said. But I think the support from the citizens and each individual state government is there and its there to a degree that itll get the attention of the members of Congress. He said he is waiting for the bill to become law in Mississippi before he approaches Mississippis Congressional delegation. The main thing is to pass the provision and then let Uncle Sam get out of it, Zuber said. I want to get it through the Senate, get the governor to sign it, and then put pressure on our Congressional delegation. We asked the experts how best to clean our homes during a viral outbreak. After they taught us the proper technique (above), we had a few more questions: How often should I do this? Every day. (In between regular cleanings.) Will wipes work? Yes. Look for sprays or wipes that promise to kill 99.9 percent of germs. What if I dont have cleaning sprays or wipes? Washing with soapy water should do the trick: a few drops of dish soap to eight ounces of water. Although soap and water will not kill all germs, scrubbing with soapy water should be effective in removing coronavirus and other germs from surfaces. Whats a high-touch surface? All those places where you and your family leave a million fingerprints every day. (Clean bathroom surfaces last.) Door knobs Light switches Refrigerator and microwave doors Drawer pulls TV remote Counters and table tops where you cook and eat Toilet handles Faucet handles How thorough do I have to be? A spray and a vigorous wipe should do it, but dont get lazy here: You want to be sure youve gotten all the way around the doorknobs, for example. I try not to be neurotic about it, says Dr. Kryssie Woods, hospital epidemiologist and medical director of infection prevention at Mount Sinai West in New York. But wash your hands when you get home, and try to clean some of those high-touch areas. Thats good advice even without the coronavirus. Do I need to wear gloves? Gloves are recommended for home cleaning, but if thats not practical, just be sure to wash your hands before and after you clean. If Im using gloves, do I really have to wash the gloves afterward? Yes, if youre going to reuse them. (Use separate gloves for the bathroom and the dishes.) Once youre done cleaning: Wash your gloved hands with soap and water. Dry them. Pull the gloves off and store them. Then wash your bare hands. How else can I be sure my home stays clean? When you get home, take off your shoes, hang up your coat and immediately go wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. ADA, MI It was about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, when Troy Finnestad the national accounts and sales manager at Amway got the call. A shortage of hand sanitizer amid the coronavirus pandemic was hurting local nonprofits such as Kids Food Basket and Spectrum Health. Could Amway help by making some? One week later, thanks to an effort Amway is calling Project Light Speed, the Ada-based direct sales giant is getting ready to deliver its first batch of hand sanitizer to the two organizations free of charge. This was really an unprecedented effort to pull this many people into this one project, Finnestad said, noting that 80 people from Amway were involved in the effort. This is really a testament to the Amway employee our enthusiasm, our energy, our willingness to help others. Amway has thus far made 14,000, 14-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer. The supply is being divvied up among Spectrum and Kids Food basket and is expected to be delivered this week. Amway is also keeping a portion for its manufacturing and distribution employees in the U.S. The delivery cant come soon enough for Spectrum. The Grand Rapids-based health system, which has 14 hospitals and 31,000 employees, is running critically low on hand sanitizer, said Kurt Knoth, vice president of system supply chain at Spectrum. And thats a problem, he said, because proper hand-washing and the use of hand sanitizer are two of the biggest steps people can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Its a key tool in our fight to really stem this pandemic, Knoth said. Amway decided to start manufacturing hand sanitizer after Spectrums CEO, Tina Freese Decker, reached out to Amway for help, Knoth said. That started a chain reaction that eventually led to Finnestad getting the call to lead the effort to oversee production of the product. Finnestad said Amway had manufactured hand sanitizer in China in the early 2000s during the SARS epidemic, but hasnt made the product since. Amway was able to create the product at its Ada Township-headquarters because it had all the necessary supplies and equipment on hand, including ethanol alcohol, plastic pump bottles and labeling. We knew this was a challenge, Finnestad said, and everyone across the board has stepped up to deliver on this. Kids Food Basket, a nonprofit that provides free meals for children from low-income families in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties, is running low on hand sanitizer, said president and CEO Bridget Clark Whitney. She said the nonprofit needs more to ensure the sack lunches prepared by the nonprofits employees and volunteers are clean. This is an example of where crisis tends to bring out the absolute best in humanity, Clark Whitney said. This is an example where Amway is giving the community their best. She noted that when she looked online recently to buy more hand sanitizer she was taken aback by the high prices. We cant go on Amazon Prime and spend $90 for sanitizer bottles, she said. Thats not where we need to be putting our funds right now. Moving forward, Amway is looking to manufacture more hand sanitizer for Spectrum and other organizations. The company is working to secure more of the high-demand raw materials that are needed to do so, Finnestad said. The challenge we have is we only have so much product at this point based on our raw material shortage, he said. Hopefully that supply starts to come in and catch back up and then well have the ability to help even further. PREVENTION TIPS Read more: Michigan Gov. Whitmer suspends Open Meetings Act during coronavirus crisis to allow virtual meetings by government bodies 2 new coronavirus cases reported in Kent County, 7 total Victim of house explosion, fire in Muskegon Heights identified Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:34:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JAKARTA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Timor-Leste on Thursday started prohibiting foreign visitors from entering the country, a move aiming at preventing the COVID-19 virus from spreading, an Indonesian official in the neighboring country said on Thursday. The decision has been approved by the Ministry Council of Timor-Leste and is effective for two weeks, a senior official of the Indonesian embassy in Timor-Leste Yulius Mada Kaka said. However, those planning to exit the nation and pay diplomatic visits to the country are not prohibited, according to the Indonesian diplomat. Plans on diplomatic visits have to be informed to the Foreign Ministry of Timor-Leste at least one week earlier, he said. The flows of exports and imports of goods, primarily for the basic needs will be carried out under a tight supervision, he explained. After two weeks, the official said, the policy will be evaluated by the Ministry Council. Vietnam has introduced legislation to advance its greenhouse gas reduction goals as per the Paris climate accord, decreasing worries the fast-growing nations reliance on coal would stymie those efforts. The legislation includes a draft Law on Environmental Protection and a lower-level decree from the Environment Ministry. Together, they prepare Vietnam to decrease its emissions of greenhouse gases. The combined laws use four main strategies: cap and trade; a ban on chemicals that destroy the ozone; corporate emission reporting rules; and a database of both emissions and the measures to decrease them. The proposals are a good start, but Vietnam will need to get more specific to turn itself into a low carbon economy, according to law firm Baker McKenzie Vietnam, which issued a report analyzing the legislation. Although the need for urgent action on climate change through economic transition and sustainable development has been recognized, Vietnam needs specific policies, incentives and legal guidelines, the report reads. The legislation includes measures to decrease emissions by focusing on forests, namely reforestation, and using trees to lock in carbon dioxide. One of the nonprofit groups working with Vietnam to promote community forest management is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Swiss Partnership on Social Forestry and Climate Change. Social forestry gives more control of woodlands to people living around them, decreasing deforestation and corporate control of resources. The ASEAN-Swiss partnership praised Vietnam for shifting toward greater community control. This work brought together people in governments, civil society organizations, the private sector and communities, often for the first time, said Doris Capistrano, a senior adviser to the partnership. This in turn has led to widespread improvements in policies and practices across the region, she noted. Vietnams emissions strategies in the draft legislation are part of a regional trend. For instance, Singapore also is introducing more corporate environmental reporting rules, as well as a cap and trade program. Under such programs, companies have a cap on how much greenhouse gas they can emit, but if they dont reach the cap, they can trade the excess amount with other companies. This means Vietnam will create a domestic carbon credit market, according to the Baker McKenzie Vietnam report. To initiate such a market, Vietnam will need data from companies. The draft legislation requires the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to come up with a list of companies emitting the most greenhouse gases in the nation and require them to regularly report their emissions. The ministry is supposed to introduce guidelines for the database by the end of 2020. Besides this database, the legislation also proposes to phase in a ban on companies using substances that destroy the ozone layer in the Earths atmosphere. These include such chemicals as those used to produce air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosol cans, for instance. The legislation is intended to push Vietnam away from carbon, though environmentalists say it needs to do more, particularly to decrease the use of coal. The nation of nearly 100 million people uses coal for almost one-third of its electricity needs a figure projected to increase by five times by 2030. The Green ID environmental organization is urging the state to phase out coal. It already succeeded in getting an official commitment to remove 20,000 megawatts worth of coal-based power from national plans. But the group is pushing for more reductions and a shift to renewable energy. Vietnam still has eight new coal-fired power plants in the pipeline, which would account for an additional 9,940 megawatts of power. Another Vietnamese environmental organization, CHANGE, agree that shifting from coal to alternative energy must be part of the collective national effort to reduce emissions. Such pollution is particularly bad for the air quality and for citizens health, Hoang Thi Minh Hong, director of CHANGE, said. I find it really scary when I see that the air quality in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has been getting worse and worse in the last few years, she said. I am really against the argument that this is the price that has to be paid for economic growth. Australia's iconic Gold Coast theme parks are on the brink of collapse, with workers being told to take leave as they try stay afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic. Village Roadshow Limited, which owns Movie World, Sea World and Wet 'n' Wild, issued a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange on Thursday morning saying there was 'an escalation of disruption to businesses'. 'The theme parks have continued to experience a reduction in visitation, particularly from the international tourist market,' the statement read. 'This along with weaker forward bookings and lower annual pass sales to the domestic market has made recent trading challenging, which is expected to continue.' Meanwhile Ardent, the owner of Dreamworld, has seen its shares plummet to under 25cents, down from $1.60 at the end of January this year. The theme parks have been hit hard by the government's decision to ban all public gatherings of more than 500 people in a bid to curb the impact of coronavirus. Workers at the Gold Coast theme parks have been advised to take leave as they prepare to close due to the coronavirus outbreak (Movie World pictured) Village Roadshow Limited is implementing cost reduction strategies in an attempt to reduce the potential impact on the group's earnings and cash flow. The cost-saving initiatives include asking employees to take leave, slashing senior executives salaries and removing all bonuses. There will also be a freeze on non-essential uncommitted capital expenditure, a freeze on non-essential international and domestic travel and a freeze on non-essential recruitment. VRL CEO Clark Kirby said it was possible the theme parks may be closed for a period of time. 'This would have a significant impact on the earnings during that period, the Company is working on contingency plans for this eventuality,' he said. 'As always the safety and well-being of our employees and patrons is our first priority, we will continue to follow operating guidelines provided by government and health authorities despite the adverse impact on the profitability of our business.' Workers at the Gold Coast theme parks have been advised to take leave as they prepare to close due to the coronavirus outbreak The group is implementing cost reduction strategies in an attempt to reduce the potential impact on the group's earnings and cash flow Mr Kirby said the cost-reduction measures are hoping to assist the group earnings and cashflow in the 'challenging' circumstances. 'Most of our earnings are derived from the domestic market which should enable a swift recovery once this terrible pandemic has passed,' he said. The Australian share market has suffered since the outbreak of the coronavirus losing about $700 billion at its lowest point, though it has since recovered somewhat. The Australian dollar is currently buying just 57 US cents - the lowest level in about 17 years. ANZ economists have warned the economy could contract by as much as two per cent in the June quarter, risking a rise in the jobless rate to almost eight per cent from around five per cent now. 'Workers in industries such as tourism, education and retail are already being laid off and this will only worsen under travel bans, cancellations of large events and social distancing,' ANZ said in a research note to clients. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann says the upcoming government economic package, which will follow $17.6 billion worth of support announced last week, will be 'significant'. The governors veto last week of a spending bill that included money for streetlight upgrades in Albuquerques International District leaves one wondering why the city isnt itself paying for something so basic. Citing the impacts of the coronavirus and declining oil prices on the states economy, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 9 vetoed a $49.5 million spending bill that included $150,000 to install and upgrade streetlights in the Duke Citys International District, where pedestrian fatalities have clustered in the Central Avenue corridor between San Pedro and Eubank. As the state saw a 6.6% drop in pedestrian crashes from 2018 to last year, Albuquerque continues to see an increase. There were at least 340 crashes involving pedestrians in the Albuquerque area in 2019, killing 42 people, a 20% increase from 2018. In nearly all of Albuquerques pedestrian crashes last year eight pedestrians were killed last year in a nearly 3-mile stretch in the International District authorities determined the fault lay with the pedestrian. Most pedestrian crashes have happened at night, in dimly lighted areas, with the person wearing dark clothes and not in a crosswalk. City Council President Pat Davis told the Journal that the area is not short of streetlights. He said Central has more lighting than most other areas, and lighting along Central hasnt been an issue since the city and PNM converted the previous types of streetlights to LED lighting last fall. Two years ago it wouldve been right to say that you could go for blocks and not find a working streetlight, Davis said. Today, however, they all work, and they are at the same density as every other block on Central. Davis, who spearheaded an ongoing pedestrian safety study to go along with the construction of a new library in the district, said that between Louisiana and Eubank, most of the streetlights on Central are in the median. He said he suspects the study will recommend moving some streetlights from the center of Central to sidewalks to improve pedestrian visability. Whether its relocating streetlights, expanding lighting or placing barriers in the median to discourage jaywalking, the locations of pedestrian fatalities and accidents are a good place to start when looking for improvements and ways to reduce these deaths and injuries. But absent an infusion of money from the state, such a basic public safety measure falls on the city. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Hundreds of doctors, nurses and activists are calling on provincial governments to ensure immediate access to free health care for new arrivals in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an open letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott this week, the group OHIP For All says urgent action is needed in light of a looming public health emergency in Canada. We are deeply concerned about these pre-existing barriers to health care for uninsured individuals in Canada, and the potential public health implications in the context of a pandemic, the letter states. As a group of health-care providers and community members, we call on all levels of government, health institutions, and public health leaders to act now to ensure care for everyone. Typically, new arrivals in Canada have to wait at least three months to access provincial health coverage. The newcomers include Canadians returning from longer stretches abroad, recent immigrants, some temporary foreign workers and international students, and undocumented workers. In some cases, people who have lost identity documents may also have trouble getting coverage. Definitive numbers are hard to come by, but estimates suggest a significant number of people in Canada are in a noncoverage situation, said Dr. Arnav Agarwal, an internal medicine resident with the University of Toronto and core member of OHIP For All. The estimates would say something between 200,000 and 500,000, with more estimates on the upper end, Agarwal said in an interview. A spokesman for Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said the government was moving to scrap the wait period for some of those affected, but offered few details. Recognizing the influx of returning Canadians who may have been abroad for some time, we are in the process of waiving the three-month wait period for OHIP coverage, Travis Kann said. As of Thursday morning, Canada has seen at least 700 cases of COVID-19. Nine people have died, most of them in British Columbia. Ontario has recorded 257 cases and one death. Experts say the highly contagious virus poses little risk to most people. However, the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and the marginalized face a much higher risk. OHIP For Alls main concern is that those in need of health services might stay away, be denied care, or be forced to pay out of pocket and end up with large debts. We must recognize that people experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 will seek care through community clinics and hospitals, and therefore these sites must also be free and accessible to all, the groups letter states. Society as a whole is at risk if everyone, regardless of immigration or other status, has no ready access to the health-care system, Agarwal said. The health and well-being of our community as a whole relies on the well-being of every individual in it, Agarwal said. When you recognize that this is such a substantial portion of our community, it makes it all the more important to ensure that they have access to testing as well as to the right supportive care. About 1,000 people and organizations have signed the letter urging coverage for the uninsured. The letter calls on governments to ensure COVID-19 assessment centres have an explicit policy to be free and accessible to all, regardless of immigration status. It also wants similar unrestricted access to community clinics and hospitals. The public, the groups says, must also be informed that assessment and care is available to everyone for free. Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra and former Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal on Wednesday skipped the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons for questioning in connection with the money laundering probe involving arrested Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor. A senior ED official related to the probe in Delhi told IANS: " Chandra did not appear before the ED for questioning citing ongoing Budget session in Parliament. He has asked for another date for questioning after the Budget session." Chandra is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana. On Monday, after the ED summoned Chandra, the Essel Group in a statement said the central financial probe agency has requested Chandra's presence on March 18, 2020, to make a statement on the information which is already available with them. " Chandra will certainly be present to make the statement and will be more than happy to extend any support or cooperation requested by ED. The Group wishes to clarify that most of the credit facilities were availed for its infrastructure business and there is no debt on ZEEL, ZMCL, etc," it said. The Essel Group further said that the group also wishes to cite that all credit facilities availed were "fully secured". "The Group has never made any transactions with Rana Kapoor or his family or for that matter any private entities controlled by them," it added. Meanwhile another official related to the probe in Mumbai said that Goyal also did not appear for questioning in connection with the case and asked for another date. He, however, did not reveal the reason given by Goyal for skipping the ED summons. On Tuesday, DHFL chief Kapil Wadhawan also skipped the ED summons for questioning in connection with the case. According to ED sources, promoters of crisis-hit DHFL, Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan, cited COVID-19 threat for their non-appearance in connection with money laundering probe against Kapoor. The ED has summoned the borrowers as part of its probe to investigate the stressed loans sanctioned during the tenure of Rana Kapoor. IANS was first to report on Monday morning that the ED was all set to summon all the top borrowers of the bank for questioning in connection with its money laundering probe into the Yes Bank case. The CBI and ED began a probe into short-term debentures of the DHFL in which Yes Bank invested Rs 3,700 crore from April to June 2018. The probe is part of another investigation pertaining to Yes Bank's purchase of debentures from DHFL against which the company was granted loans totalling Rs 600 crore against a collateral security of around Rs 40 crore only. The loan amount later turned into non-performing asset. It was alleged that DHFL's promoter Kapil Wadhawan simultaneously paid kickbacks totalling Rs 600 crore to the Kapoors in the form of a loan of a similar amount to DoIT Urban Ventures, a venture owned by Rana Kapoor's daughters -- Rakhee Kapoor Tandon, Roshni Kapoor and Radha Kapoor. It was also alleged that Yes Bank did not initiate action to recover the loans extended to DHFL. The ED arrested Rana Kapoor on March 8 morning after several hours of questioning and he was been sent to ED custody till March 20. One of Rana Kapoor's daughters was stopped from boarding a flight to London by Immigration Department officials at Mumbai airport. The CBI on Friday registered a fresh case against Rana Kapoor, his wife Bindu Kapoor and Avantha Realty Promoter Gautam Thapar in a fresh case involving the crisis-hit bank. The ED also registered a fresh case of money laundering against Kapoor and his wife on Tuesday. Acting chiefs of Armenias National Security Service (NSS) and Police have been appointed as permanent heads of the structures half a year after the dismissal of their predecessors. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian signed relevant decrees on Thursday upon the request of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. Eduard Martirosian and Arman Sargsian were appointed to act as chiefs of the two powerful law-enforcement bodies after Artur Vanetsian and Valeri Osipian were dismissed from their posts in September. Vanetsian and Osipian led the NSS and police, respectively, since the change of government in May 2018 following popular protests that brought Pashinian to power. Unlike Osipian, who has kept low profile since his dismissal, Vanetsian has been politically active, criticizing the Pashinian government. He announced plans to set up a political party in February. The new appointees, Martirosian and Sargsian, are also career officers who became deputy heads of their respective agencies shortly after the 2018 Velvet Revolution. Last December the pro-government majority in parliament first endorsed in the first reading but then blocked an opposition bill which would allow political appointees to run the countrys NSS and police. Armenias current legislation requires NSS and police chiefs to be high-ranking career officers. An inquest has heard a claim that a teenage girl who disappeared from Sydney's west in 2012 was "knocked out" by her father when he found out she was in a sexual relationship with her older stepbrother. Katrina Bohnenkamp, 15, was last seen on October 26, 2012, at a Strathfield boarding house, where her father Maiko Bohnenkamp lived. Katrina Bohnenkamp in a police video on October 25, 2012, the day before she was last seen. Credit:NSW Police An inquest in the NSW Coroners Court is examining her disappearance and suspected death. No one has been charged over Katrina's disappearance and there is a $500,000 reward. COVID-19 vaccination: Pregnant women can now registered for jabs on CoWIN platform; Walk-in allowed More than 44.58 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses given so far: Health ministry Health ministry, ICMR have issued guidelines for 'official document' for Covid deaths: Centre to SC Govt shares guidelines on dead body management of infected with Covid-19 India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Mar 19: The Health Ministry on Tuesday issued guidelines about the management of dead bodies infected with novel coronavirus (Covid-19) to define a set of protocols in handling such cases. Friends and family of a person who has died from Covid-19 infection can view the dead body, but not touch, hug or kiss the deceased, according to government guidelines issued. Standard Precautions to be followed by health care workers while handling dead bodies of Covid-19. Standard infection prevention control practices should be followed at all times. These include: Hand hygiene Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., water resistant apron, gloves, masks, eyewear) Safe handling of sharps Disinfect bag housing dead body; instruments and devices used on the patient Disinfect linen. Clean and disinfect environmental surfaces The guidelines allow religious rituals such as reading from holy books or scriptures, sprinkling holy water and other last rites that do not require touching of the body. However, bathing, kissing and hugging of the dead body will be prohibited. Removal of the body from the isolation room or area The health worker attending to the dead body should perform hand hygiene, ensure proper use of PPE (water resistant apron, goggles, N95 mask, gloves) All tubes, drains and catheters on the dead body should be removed. Any puncture holes or wounds (resulting from removal of catheter, drains, tubes, or otherwise) should be disinfected with 1% hypochlorite and dressed with impermeable material Apply caution while handling sharps such as intravenous catheters and other sharp devices. They should be disposed into a sharps container Plug Oral, nasal orifices of the dead body to prevent leakage of body fluids If the family of the patient wishes to view the body at the time of removal from the isolation room or area, they may be allowed to do so with the application of Standard Precautions Place the dead body in leak-proof plastic body bag. The exterior of the body bag can be decontaminated with 1% hypochlorite. The body bagcan be wrapped with a mortuary sheet or sheet provided by the family members The body will be either handed over to the relatives or taken to mortuary All used/soiled linen should be handled with standard precautions, put in bio-hazard bag and the outer surface of the bag disinfected with hypochlorite solution Used equipment should be autoclaved or decontaminated with disinfectant solutions in accordance with established infection prevention control practices All medical waste must be handled and disposed of in accordance with Bio-medical waste management rules The health staff who handled the body will remove personal protective equipment and will perform hand hygiene Provide counseling to the family members and respect their sentiments Environmental cleaning and disinfection All surfaces of the isolation area (floors, bed, railings, side tables, IV stand, etc.) should be wiped with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution; allow a contact time of 30 minutes, and then allowed to air dry. Handling of dead body in Mortuary Mortuary staff handling COVID dead body should observe standard precautions Dead bodies should be stored in cold chambers maintained at approximately 4C The mortuary must be kept clean. Environmental surfaces, instruments and transport trolleys should be properly disinfected with 1% Hypochlorite solution After removing the body, the chamber door, handles and floor should be cleaned with sodium hypochlorite 1% solution Embalming Embalming of dead body should not be allowed. Autopsies on COVID-19 dead bodies Autopsies should be avoided. If autopsy is to be performed for special reasons, the following infection prevention control practices should be adopted: The Team should be well trained in infection prevention control practices The number of forensic experts and support staff in the autopsy room should be limited The Team should use full complement of PPE (coveralls, head cover, shoe cover, N 95 mask, goggles/face shield) Round ended scissors should be used PM40 or any other heavy duty blades with blunted points to be used to reduce prick injuries Only one body cavity at a time should be dissected Unfixed organs must be held firm on the table and sliced with a sponge - care should be taken to protect the hand Negative pressure to be maintained in mortuary. An oscillator saw with suction extraction of the bone aerosol into a removable chamber should be used for sawing skull, otherwise a hand saw with a chain-mail glove may be used Needles should not be re-sheathed after fluid sampling - needles and syringes should be placed in a sharps bucket Reduce aerosol generation during autopsy using appropriate techniques especially while handling lung tissue After the procedure, body should be disinfected with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite and placed in a body bag, the exterior of which will again be decontaminated with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution The body thereafter can be handed over to the relatives Autopsy table to be disinfected as per standard protocol Transportation The body, secured in a body bag, exterior of which is decontaminated poses no additional risk to the staff transporting the dead body. The personnel handling the body may follow standard precautions (surgical mask, gloves) The vehicle, after the transfer of the body to cremation/ burial staff, will be decontaminated with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite At the crematorium/ Burial Ground The Crematorium/ burial Ground staff should be sensitized that Covid-19 does not pose additional risk The staff will practice standard precautions of hand hygiene, use of masks and gloves Viewing of the dead body by unzipping the face end of the body bag (by the staff using standard precautions) may be allowed, for the relatives to see the body for one last time Religious rituals such as reading from religious scripts, sprinkling holy water and any other last rites that does not require touching of the body can be allowed Bathing, kissing, hugging, etc. of the dead body should not be allowed The funeral/ burial staff and family members should perform hand hygiene after cremation/ burial The ash does not pose any risk and can be collected to perform the last rites Large gathering at the crematorium/ burial ground should be avoided as a social distancing measure as it is possible that close family contacts may be symptomatic and/ or shedding the virus For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:36 [IST] CHICAGO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Today CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) announced it has implemented new proactive, precautionary measures in its U.S. Banking Centers to support public health efforts to manage the spread and flatten the curve of COVID-19, while continuing to provide full banking services to our clients. Effective immediately, we are temporarily closing some offices, limiting others to drive-up only and reducing lobby hours at those remaining open. A complete list of banking center locations and hours is available on CIBC.com/US. All of our CIBC ATMs, online banking, mobile banking and telephone banking services remain available. "The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve at a rapid pace and the health and safety of our clients and our teams is our highest priority, leading to these unusual measures," said Brant Ahrens, President, US Retail and Digital Banking. "These temporary measures are designed to allow us to continue to provide important banking services during these unprecedented times. While our teams take care of clients, we will continue to take care of our employees by ensuring all impacted by these modifications continue to receive full pay. "CIBC also recognizes the current situation may create financial hardship for our clients. We encourage our clients to call us to discuss options that may be available to them," Ahrens continued. CIBC also urges clients to remain vigilant to avoid fraudsters who use turbulent times to prey on unsuspecting victims. "CIBC will never ask for private information such as account numbers, Social Security Numbers, or card PINs over the phone, via email or by text," Ahrens noted. "Clients who suspect fraud on their accounts should contact us immediately." About CIBC CIBC (NYSE: CM) (TSX: CM) is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services in the United States, across Canada and around the world. In the U.S., CIBC Bank USA provides commercial banking, private and personal banking and small business banking solutions and CIBC Private Wealth offers investment management, wealth strategies and legacy planning. Visit us at cibc.com/US. SOURCE CIBC Bank USA Victorian state politicians were sent home from Parliament on Thursday afternoon with no idea of when they will return after the Labor government used its majority to adjourn both houses until further notice amid the COVID-19 crisis. The move, which has infuriated the Liberal-National opposition, throws the process around the state budget, the centrepiece of the states political calendar, into doubt. Victorian politicians were sent home from Spring Street on Thursday afternoon. Credit:AAP Both houses were due to take a break until early May when the budget was to be debated, but Labor moved and passed a motion on Thursday morning to postpone the next sitting day to "a date to be confirmed". It is break with the usual practice of nominating the date for Parliament to return. The government says its move will make it simpler and safer to suspend Parliament if sittings become too dangerous amid the heightening COVID-19 pandemic. Islamabad/ Colombo: Pakistans prime minister called for calm after its tally of coronavirus cases rose to 256 while Sri Lanka sealed itself off and declared a partial curfew on wednesday as South Asian countries tried to stem the epidemic. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Indian subcontinent topped 500 on wednesday. Officials imposed travel restrictions to block the spread of the disease amid fears that inadequate health facilities could be overwhelmed in a region that is home to nearly 1.9 billion people. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, in an address to the nation, urged citizens to remain calm and not rush to get tested. Only those with intense symptoms should go to hospital, he said. There is no need to worry. We will fight this as a nation. And God-willing, we will win this war. Pakistan said on tuesday it would require all arriving air passengers to show they had tested negative for the disease. Land borders have already been shut. Sri Lanka, which has recorded 51 coronavirus cases, said it would ban all incoming flights for two weeks from Wednesday to combat the spread of the virus. Sri Lanka said its stock market would remain shut for the rest of the week as it attempts to minimise interactions and curb the disease. The country has imposed a curfew in certain areas in a bid to control the spread, police said. In India, where 147 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed, authorities on tuesday cancelled nearly two dozen long distance train services in a bid to curb the disease and also because of a fall in passenger numbers. I got a wonderful phone call from my church yesterday that informed me of a new army. It seems the young people have banded together and are offering an absolutely free service, if you please, to the older members of the church at this time of the coronavirus. This band of fearless high school and college students will take you to the doctor, pick up your meds at the pharmacy, gather your groceries and leave em at your doorstep. All for the asking. You say eggs, they are ready to scramble! Some want to be on call 24 hours a day. They are actually excited about being able to help. Think of what a massive army is at our fingertips! When God equipped babies with immunities that we adults soon wear out, or whatever happens, our young are automatically passed over by a lot of diseases that they neednt worry about. The adult diseases dont usually start until drinking age, or until they really get to messing around with the opposite sex. Our kids are almost bullet-proof; not one in China has died under the age of 50 and none in Japan under the age of 30. The CDC claims the COVID-19 death rate for anyone in their 30s or younger is get this is 0.2 percent! For teenagers, the biggest health hazard right now is boredom. There is this woman who just demanded her three kids would be homeschooled and on the very first day two of the children were suspended for fighting, the other was expelled for 100-percent truancy, and the teacher was dismissed for drinking on the job. (What are you thinking! In-house suspension! I already live here!) The virus, with its social distancing and self-imposed isolation, and now the 6-foot rule from another person making going steady a train wreck, is worse among older people but our teenagers are also overly stressed each is fighting a frightful battle with cabin fever. My goodness, with an ace card in immunity, could they volunteer in some of our hospitals? Food Lion is desperate for 2,500 employees in this crisis who has the authority to lower the working age to 16? The notion schools will resume in April is absurd. Lets figure a way to tap into the enormous abilities of our next generation because this corona virus will be one of the greatest learning experiences any of us will ever see. * * * I WAS ASTOUNDED to learn there were three cases of corona discovered on Lookout Mountain last Friday but was then told all three were empty on Monday. All the limes were gone, too. (Confused? Think beer from Mexico.) * * * GOOD NEWS NO. 1 A Japanese-made flu drug favipiravir, also known as Avigan reduced the duration of the COVID-19 virus and showed it improved the lung conditions in 91 percent of patients who participated in clinical trials by Chinese medical authorities. The trials involved 340 patients in Chinese hospitals during the outbreak and reduced those who tested positive from 11 days to four days compared to patients who were not given the drug. A similar trial has been done in Japan and while the outcome has not been released, it too is predicted to be very positive. Before it can be presented for approval by medical treatment regulators in various countries, Im thinking President Trump could call for a really huge medical trial in the United States. (SOURCE: https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/18/japanese-flu-drug-appears-effective-in-coronavirus-treatment-in-chinese-clinical-trials ) * * * GOOD NEWS NO. 2 Ten years ago scientists developed a compound known as 3a to ward off virus and one was a type of coronavirus. When the Ebola scare hit, 3a became known as remdesivir and it is being used at breakneck speed by Gilead Sciences in no less than five COVID-19 clinical trials. Better yet, after three confirmed cases were reported in the Czech Republic on March 1, less than two weeks later, the government declared a state of emergency, country-wide, for the first time in country's modern history. Four days ago (March 15), Prime Minister Andrej Babis declared a nationwide quarantine effective on Tuesday affecting nearly 11 million people. Read this next part carefully: Also on Tuesday, there were 67 new cases of COVID-19 reported, rising the total infected in the Czech Republic to 450. Thats when Prime Minister Babis said something to the effect, hang your drug trials from your earlobe, and demanded the drug remdesivir be provisionally approved for all Czechs and others with the disease in country. (Is it of any interest that, also yesterday, the first COVID-19 patient who had been administered remdesivir in Genoa, Italy, was announced as successfully cured? Last month Bruce Aylward, speaking on behalf of The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a presentation: There is only one drug that we think may have real efficacy (means a chance) and thats remdesivir. The only question remaining is, How fast can we send the trucks! SOURCES: https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/16/remdesivir-surges-ahead-against-coronavirus ) and Remdesivir, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. * * * GOOD NEWS NO. 3 -- The Italian town of Vo Euganeo, near Venice, was at the center of Italy's coronavirus outbreakone of the first clusters in the country appeared there, and per the Straits Times, it was the site of Italy's first death from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. But the town took extreme measures to contain the outbreak right at the startand so far, they're working. The town immediately went on a two-week lockdown, isolating all of its 3,300 residents and testing them all. It found that about 3% of the populationmore than officials expectedwas positive, RFI reports. But more than half of them were asymptomatic, per Reuters. After two weeks of isolation they tested again; there was a 90% drop in the rate of positive results. As of Friday, the town hasn't seen any new infections at all, Sky News reports. (SOURCE: https://www.newser.com/story/288346/italian-town-manages-to-stop-all-new-infections.html?utm_source=dailyrundown&utm_medium=email&utm_content=17637201620371375492&utm_campaign=20200318 ) * * * THE JOHNS HOPKINS real time world coronavirus dashboard can be seen at: https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/16/remdesivir-surges-ahead-against-coronavirus * * * THE TOP 6 ON THE CORONAVIRUS SCOREBOARD IN MAINLAND CHINA, there have been 80,894 cases reported, 3,237 deaths, and 69,614 recovered. IN ITALY, there have 35,713 cases reported (up by 4,2070), 2,978 deaths (up 475), and 4,025 recovered. IN IRAN, there have been 17,361 cases reported (up by 1,192) 1,135 deaths (up by 147), and 5,710 recovered. IN SPAIN, there have been 14,769 cases reported (up by 2,943), 638 deaths (up by 105), and 1,081 recovered. IN GERMANY, there have been 12,327 cases reported (up by 2,960), 28 deaths (up by 2), and 105 recovered. IN THE UNITED STATES, there have been 9,238 cases reported (up by 2,837), 150 deaths (up by 41), and 106 recovered. * * * READ THIS DAILY FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road youre trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit Rest if you must, but dont you quit. Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint on the clouds of doubt, And you can never tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar. So, stick to the fight when youre hardest hit Its when things go wrong that you must not quit.- Unknown * * * Realtors' apex body CREDAI has said the construction work has come to a standstill while sales have been hit following the outbreak of coronavirus, and demanded the government to provide a three-month moratorium on debt repayment, additional liquidity and more time to complete ongoing real estate projects New Delhi: Realtors' apex body CREDAI has said the construction work has come to a standstill while sales have been hit following the outbreak of coronavirus, and demanded the government to provide a three-month moratorium on debt repayment, additional liquidity and more time to complete ongoing real estate projects. The industry body has written a letter to Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri seeking a bailout package. Giving details about the impact of coronavirus scare on Indian real estate, CREDAI said sales velocity and the receivables have been hit drastically leading to default/delay in fulfilling financial commitments (interest & principal). Property buyers are skipping instalments payable on their purchases of real estate, it said, adding that rental income of retail properties has been affected due to closure of malls and multiplexes. "The construction work has come to a standstill and delays in procurement/delivery of construction material (imported and indigenous), as well as the labour disruptions, are bound to cause a delay in completion of ongoing projects," CREDAI said. The association said that the governments world over have stepped in to provide immediate relief to businesses and industry to enable them to deal with the severity of the COVID 19 shock and urged the Indian government to announce measures to help real estate developers. CREDAI recommended various steps that need to be taken immediately for cushioning the shock of COVID 19 to the Indian real estate sector. The association said the government should provide relief in interest and principal repayments falling due over the next three months in case of real estate projects. It also requested that penal interest charged by banks and other financial institutions should be suspended for a period of one year or until such time as it takes for the pandemic to abate. "The construction work on real estate projects has come to a standstill and the material is also not available currently. Hence, the cost of construction of real estate projects has gone up across the board and is expected to rise further when the work resumes. "On the other hand, the cash flows are impacted due to the buyers not being able to fulfil their commitments on account of the financial market meltdown. Hence, the only way to meet the enhancement in the cost of projects due to COVID 19 is by way of additional funds from Banks and Financial Institutions," the letter said. CREDAI sought additional funds for real estate projects so as to meet the enhanced costs, on the same terms and conditions as existing loans and without additional collaterals. The association said that Section 6 of RERA law provides that registration granted under section 5 may be extended by the Authority on an application made by the promoter due to force majeure. The force majeure conditions envisaged under the Act include war, flood, drought, fire, cyclone, earthquake or any other calamity caused by nature affecting the regular development of the real estate project. "COVID 19 does get covered under any other calamity caused by nature. Hence, it is humbly requested to please issue an advisory to the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities in all the states to please extend the time of completion of real estate projects as well as exempt the penal charges under RERA for a period of one year," CREDAI said. NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Itiviti, a leading technology and service provider to financial institutions worldwide, today announced that Gemini Trust Company, a next generation cryptocurrency exchange and custodian that allows customers to buy, sell, and store digital assets, now enables cryptocurrency holders trade with their counterparties via NYFIX, Itiviti's world-class FIX-based order routing network. "We are excited to extend access to our platform to the NYFIX community which consists of an extensive network of asset management firms globally," said Drew Candres, Head of Technical Exchange Services, Gemini. "We are focused on creating technology and services that help financial firms interact with crypto in ways similar to traditional asset class exchanges. Integrating with NYFIX helps our mutual customers seamlessly access the Gemini platform in a safe and familiar way." Gemini joins over 60 worldwide Itiviti partners who utilize the NYFIX platform to offer integrated trading solutions. Gemini is one of a growing number of cryptocurrency exchanges that are leveraging the expansive NYFIX order routing network. "Having Gemini connected is an exciting step for Itiviti," said Jason Landauer, Head of Network Sales, Itiviti. "As the cryptocurrency space continues to grow, we look forward to providing connectivity for exchanges like Gemini and their counterparties." A broker independent, vendor agnostic FIX community, NYFIX connects buy-side, sell-side and trading venues in the industry's most stable and flexible order routing network - delivered as a managed service. For further information, please contact: Itiviti Madeline Winter, Head of Marketing and Communications, Americas Tel: +1 312 327 8551 [email protected] Gemini [email protected] About Itiviti Itiviti enables financial institutions worldwide to transform their trading and capture tomorrow. With innovative technology, deep expertise and a dedication to service, we help customers seize market opportunities and guide them through regulatory change. Top-tier banks, brokers, trading firms and institutional investors rely on Itiviti's solutions to service their clients, connect to markets, trade smarter in all asset classes by consolidating trading platforms and leverage automation to move faster. A global technology and service provider, we offer the most innovative, consistent and reliable connectivity and trading solutions available. With presence in all major financial centers and serving around 2,000 clients in over 50 countries, Itiviti delivers on a global scale. For more information, please visitwww.itiviti.com. Itiviti is owned by Nordic Capital. Follow Itiviti on social media on Twitter@Itiviti_AB, on Facebook @ItivitiAB, and on LinkedIn About Gemini Trust Company, LLC: Gemini Trust Company, LLC (Gemini) is a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian that allows customers to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ether, litecoin, and Zcash. Gemini is a New York trust company that is subject to the capital reserve requirements, cybersecurity requirements, and banking compliance standards set forth by the New York State Department of Financial Services and the New York Banking Law. Gemini was founded in 2014 by twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss to empower the individual through crypto. To learn more about Gemini visit https://gemini.com/ or follow Gemini on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/itiviti-group-ab/r/itiviti-and-gemini-to-offer-nyfix-connectivity-for-cryptocurrency-customers,c3062502 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/13830/3062502/1213478.pdf Press release in PDF format SOURCE Itiviti Group AB Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 14:42:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Guo Yage BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- A new and interesting, if not strange, twist is happening in some China-bashing Western media's coverage of the Asian country's COVID-19 fight: they are beginning to speak positively. For example, The New York Times, which has since the outbreak run numerous coronavirus stories criticizing China's epidemic containment efforts along with its overall political system, published recently an opinion piece titled "China Bought the West Time. The West Squandered It." The commentary, written by the U.S. daily's science and health journalist Donald McNeil, paid tribute to China's "highly competent" civil service and Chinese leaders' "decisive" actions. In February, the Wall Street Journal, another American newspaper, published an op-ed that smeared China as the "Real Sick Man of Asia," a highly racist tag that was a notorious term of the barbarous colonial age, and has been widely condemned and long spurned. The article also blasted Chinese authorities' epidemic response as "ineffective" and China's power "brittle." Only a month later, it admitted in another piece that by trapping the virus in the hardest-hit areas, the Chinese government "appears to be succeeding where other governments have failed." "One coincidence is just a coincidence, two coincidences are a clue, three coincidences are a proof," English novelist Agatha Christie once wrote. The almost-synchronized journalistic U-turn by those Western media outlets did not happen for no reason. In the early days of the outbreak when China was fighting hard and largely alone against the virus, those bystanders had yet to grasp the arduousness of the battle. They, as they always do, pretended to claim a high moral ground and kept their China-smearing machine humming. As the global pandemic rages in Europe and America, those who used to strike a tone of schadenfreude have personally felt the pain and watched the chaotic and behind-the-curve responses. The cold hard reality has left them no choice but to take a look at the logic behind China's handling of the epidemic, which has so far effectively put the contagion under control. Or perhaps they are using China's progress to pressure their own government officials to take action and stop the further spread of the disease. But anyway, it is a change that is worth noting. In a world where super connectivity has linked almost everybody, virus can easily cross borders and pose a threat to all. Perhaps the biggest lesson humanity can learn from this global pandemic is that to survive in this highly interdependent world, people of all colors and creeds have no choice but to come together, work together and trust each other. Media also have a critical role to play. They need to broadcast facts, not ideologically-driven opinions, which would only further crack open the gap between those who ought to join hands, and make the ongoing fight for human health harder. It is also hoped that those Western media groups like The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal can take the global pandemic as an opportunity to rid themselves of their ego and prejudice against China, and adopt a more open, inclusive and fact-based approach in their China reports. If that happens, this windfall of the pandemic can prove that the human race is able to beat not only physical foes, but also mental viruses for the common good. A disabled Brookings woman has filed a civil rights suit against Brookings police, alleging they unlawfully stopped her and violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act when they cited her for riding her mobile electric scooter on a sidewalk without a helmet and then chased her when she continued to ride home. Jennifer Gayman, 49, is seeking $500,000 in damages, plus a judgment for unspecified punitive damages under the federal suit filed in the U.S. District Court in Medford this week. Neither Brookings Public Safety Director Kelby McCrae nor the city manager Janell Howard returned messages seeking comment Wednesday. Gayman suffers from a degenerative eye disease and pulmonary disease and relies on a mobile scooter to get around. Gayman was headed home shortly after midnight on Nov. 19, 2018, after a night with friends doing karaoke when two officers stopped her on the sidewalk. They told her she couldnt operate her scooter on the sidewalk, in a crosswalk or without a helmet, according to her suit. She challenged their contention as the officers could be seen on their body camera footage trying to search the internet to find the appropriate state law. The officers cited her for operating the scooter in a crosswalk, unsafe operation of the scooter and failure to wear protective headgear. The officers then advised Gayman she couldnt continue to ride the scooter home, about one to two miles away. The officers also didnt offer her a ride. I want to go home. You guys are pulling me over for no reason, she could be heard telling them, based on the police body camera footage obtained by her lawyer. You take my disability act, and youre throwing it in the garbage. Fed up and confident she he had a legal right to use her mobile scooter, Grayman continued to ride it home early that morning in the dark. The officers, in their patrol cars, then chased after Gayman, traveling with emergency lights and sirens activated, driving about 15 miles an hour behind her for the next several minutes. They also radioed for backup, alleging Gayman was eluding police. As Gayman arrived home and entered her garage, officers surrounded her and arrested her, adding two charges, attempting to elude police and interfering with an officer. Curry County prosecutors took Gayman to trial, and she was convicted of attempting to elude police. A judge sentenced her to five days in jail and 18 months of probation. Attorney Jacob Johnstun, who is representing Gayman in her civil suit, said the officers looked up state law on scooters but didnt take into account how the law applies to a disabled woman. The suit contends the officers violated her rights under federal disabilities law, which says government municipalities must provide accommodations for people with disabilities who require the assistance of a mobility aid or device. Under the American with Disabilities Act, certain local rules and laws do not apply to persons with disabilities while they are utilizing their mobility devices, such as the requirement of the use of a helmet or other protective head gear while using a scooter under Oregon state law, Johnstun argues in the suit. It is ridiculous, Johnstun said. It strains belief that any officer can really believe that the law required a disabled woman to have to get off their scooter and walk it across the crosswalk. The suit alleges Brookings police failed to train its officers on the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and on ADA-approved mobility devices and failed to withdraw the charges against Gayman after provided evidence about the required accommodations. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian https://twitter.com/maxoregonian Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Subscribe to Facebook page 4.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Although President Donald Trump has come under fire for using what critics say amounts to a racist dog whistle in referring to the coronavirus as the Chinese virus, he has a defender in Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), who when asked by a reporter whether the use of the term is acceptable, responded, Thats where it came from. Well, I think China is to blame because the culture where people eat bats, and snakes, and dogs, and things like that, Cornyn continued. These viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and thats why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, like MERS, the Swine Flu. And now the coronavirus. So I think they have a fundamental problem. And I dont object to geographically identifying where its coming from. You can watch footage of Cornyns remarks below. Reporter: "Are you on board with the President calling this the China virus, Chinese virus. Does it seem like it's helpful right now to call it that?" Sen. John Cornyn: "That's where it came from." pic.twitter.com/TkvQ5Z9p8y The Hill (@thehill) March 19, 2020 While the coronavirus and SARS pandemics did originate in China, Cornyn is wrong to attribute MERS and swine flu to the Chinese. MERS, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, was first discovered in Jordan in 2012. Swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, was first discovered in the United States in 2009. Cornyns statements earned him a stern rebuke from Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.). Disparaging an entire ethnic group and culture like this is bigotry, plain and simple, Chu said. Blaming Chinese people en masse for the spread of this disease is the exact same bigoted line that was used to justify the Chinese Exclusion Act over a century ago. She went on to criticize the Republicans, who have been warned by health experts, by Trump administration officials, by Asian American organizations and constituents. At this point, Republicans have made a calculation that it is in their best interest to use people of Chinese ethnicity as a scapegoat, and peoples lives will be in danger until they stop. President Trump again used the term Chinese virus to refer to the coronavirus during a White House briefing earlier today, pushing back against criticisms that the term is racially charged. These criticisms only intensified after he used the term in two separate tweets earlier this morning. Its not racist at all, he said. It comes from China, thats why. These are edited (and spoiler-free) excerpts from the conversation. This story started with an email from a listener named Tyler. What made you think it should be an episode of Reply All? PJ VOGT I think Alex and I both get really frustrated when something should be solvable and its not, or when it upsets our idea about how the world should work. Either this song should exist or the guy made it up. The fact that there was some evidence that it existed and yet it seemingly hadnt been documented anywhere really bothered me. I also related to both the little problem of having a song stuck in your head that you cant find and the bigger problem of having a snag in your brain that wont go away until you fix it. In the episode, we follow along as you run into a number of dead-ends. How do you balance creating and maintaining suspense with delivering an ending that justifies the journey? VOGT I think if you can solve the problem too easily, or if solving it doesnt teach you anything, then its not a good radio story. With this one, things just kept escalating. At one point I talked to a quantum physicist because Tyler had this theory that hed somehow slipped into an alternate universe. I think you want to take the listener into an interesting world so that they feel good about spending time there. We eventually realized that this one was secretly a documentary about late 90s alt-rock. ALEX GOLDMAN As long as youre learning something about the world, we find that the process of reporting is generally pretty interesting. There are times when well pursue something that ends up being both a dead end and boring, and those are the stories that dont make it to air. The outbreak of the coronavirus has left its impact on the travel industry. On Thursday, 84 flights were cancelled at Chennai airport due to lack of passengers. Out of 84 flights, 50 were international flights and 34 were domestic. It is expected that the cancellation of flights may increase in the coming days as the cases of the deadly virus across the globe are increasing rapidly. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the tally of infected people to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected by the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hundreds of demonstrators at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi have been agitating since 15 December last year against the CAA, NRC and NPR New Delhi: A new public interest litigation (PIL) was filed on Thursday in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking directions for immediate removal or dispersal of mass gathering at Shaheen Bagh in the National Capital in view of the health hazards posed by coronavirus. The PIL was filed in the apex court by Advocate Ashutosh Dubey. Hundreds of demonstrators at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi have been agitating since 15 December last year against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizen (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). Residents Welfare Association members and Delhi Police had on Tuesday talked to the protesters at Shaheen Bagh and urged them to call off their protest. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had directed that gathering with more than 50 persons, excluding weddings, will not be allowed in the national capital in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak So far, as many as 169 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, another petition seeking the removal of Shaheen Bagh protesters claiming that it is causing obstruction of public space is also pending in the top court. The interlocutors, appointed by the Supreme Court to engage with the protesters at Shaheen Bagh and convince them to demonstrate at an alternate location, have also submitted their report in the matter. In a matter of days, the outbreak of the coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, have changed nearly every aspect of daily life. As the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. surges, federal, state, and city mandates about what kinds of businesses can continue to operate have changed dramatically from hour to hour. Social distancing and working from home (for those fortunate enough to be in industries where thats even possible) are the new normal and apparently, so is online shopping. Some have turned to shopping as a welcome distraction from these tumultuous times, or as a means of supporting small businesses that are already hurting. Other shoppers are sending packages to a loved ones, and some people are simply bored. But if you're adding to your digital cart and, more importantly, clicking buy," you may have worried about whether the virus can spread through the mail, as well as how the people producing and packaging orders, as well as the mail carriers delivering them, are staying safe and healthy. We've spoken to experts to answer your most pressing questions. Can the virus live on my mail or packages? According to the CDC, there is a very low risk of the coronavirus spreading through mail that is shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. There should be less concern over infections from items that are shipped over [the course of multiple] days; most infections occur through droplets as when someone sneezes or coughs, and in most cases, you need a large viral load to be infected, explains Dr. Frederick Davis, associate chair of the emergency department at LIJ (Long Island Jewish Medical Center), a New York area hospital. The highest risk of transmission is usually within the first few minutes and decreases more over time, as most virus particles will begin to degrade once outside a living host. Dr. Niket Sonpal, an NYC-based internist and gastroenterologist and adjunct Professor at Touro College, points to a recent study analyzing how long the virus is able to live on steel, plastic, and cardboard. Though it can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard, this was under ideal lab conditions, not ambient real-world temperatures, Sonpal explains. There have been no reported cases linked to shipments of merchandise. Story continues Its ultimately a personal, not medically necessary, choice to take additional safety steps when opening your latest Amazon or Everlane buy. If you need to be more precautious for your own tranquility, you can take other measures like wearing disposable gloves when opening mail and throwing away envelopes and packaging, Sonpal says, especially if you are in contact with more vulnerable individuals. I am of the mindset that concern and caution are valid, especially if you live or care for someone with a chronic condition or who is elderly. Though the risk is relatively low that a mail carrier just coughed or sneezed on your mail right before handing it to you the most probable scenario of transmission of the coronavirus via mail Sonpal says, to play it safe, give up old habits like holding your mail in your mouth while you fumble for your keys, or ripping a package open with your teeth; don't place your face close to your mail or package, and once you have opened what's inside, clean your hands with sanitizer. RELATED: Beauty Brands that Have Closed Stores But Are Still Paying Workers Should I wash my purchases when I get them? After carefully opening a boxed shipment of new threads, how concerned should we be about the potential of the coronavirus spreading via fabric? This is not the main way the virus spreads, according to the CDC, Sonpal explains. Someone would have to be sick and coughing all over the clothes before packaging, and the package would have to get to you very rapidly. However, research is still limited, and there currently isn't much data to suggest how long this virus can live on fabric, Davis adds. So you might consider taking extra precautions before trying on that amazing new dress or pair of jeans. Because this is a novel virus and the world is still finding its footing when it comes to transmission, you can wash any new clothes with detergent if it will make you feel safer, Sonpal suggests. And theres no reason to be more cautious (or even avoid) shipments of goods produced in or processed through countries with more confirmed cases than the U.S., including China, Italy, or Spain. I would follow the same precautions as with any package, Davis says Am I putting mail carriers at risk? Another factor to consider: how postal workers and brands employees that package and process online purchases are faring with increased online shopping. UPS, USPS, and FedEx all say they are closely watching the latest from the health department and the Center for Disease Control ... they are huge companies that must take precautions, or they risk losing a large portion of their workforce and potentially infecting others, Sonpal explains, noting that USPS added enhanced safety measures for their workers on Mar. 6. Granted that our mail and delivery personnel are healthy and not working while sick, the risk of spreading the virus in that way is lower than person to person spread that has really fueled the outbreak, Sonpal says. Theresa Wu, chief of community at Ametti, a direct-to-consumer luggage brand, recommends customers request delivery services to drop the package on the floor as opposed to transmitting by hand, a safety measure already popular for food deliveries that's now being applied to fashion purchases to keep delivery people safe. How are big brands coping? A number of brands, from massive global businesses to indie luxury labels, say theyve taken steps to protect both their employees and customers. For those working in manufacturing and processing facilities, these measures include required social distancing, staggered breaks and shifts, more frequent cleaning, and making hand sanitizers and masks available to their employees. We have ramped up the frequency of regularly scheduled cleanings and sanitization efforts in our distribution centers to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, reads a statement from Gap. Nordstrom, which is headquartered in the heavily impacted Seattle area, shared a similar message: The health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority, and were taking steps across our business with that focus in mind, the company said in a statement. Caraa, a luxury gym bag label that manufactures in China, has received a number of safety questions from customers, says Aaron Luo, the brands CEO and co-founder. From our communications with our factories, the situation in China has been contained for the last four weeks, Luo explains, noting Caraas factories have implemented the recommended precautions. Luo says the brand has reassured customers that its production happens outside the Wuhan region (where the virus is believed to have originated), and that the products have a lengthy journey before arriving in customers homes, which should mitigate concerns about virus spread. While online shopping overall has increased, sales have varied from company to company. Luxury activewear label Ultracor has seen an increase in business since Friday (Mar. 13), which we attribute [to] people having more time online, and with the inability or lack of interest to shop at brick and mortar stores, says a rep for the brand. On the otherhand, contemporary brand LAgence, known for its suiting and jeans, closed its brick-and-mortar locations Monday and is only shipping online orders, which have lagged. We have seen a decrease in our e-commerce business this weekend and we feel that when the shock of the weekend news settles down, there will be a pick-up in sales, explains LAgence CEO and creative director Jeff Rudes. Other businesses aren't worried about orders, but about order fulfillment. Though many havent yet had production or shipping times impacted, some are bracing for that to happen imminently: 44% of retailers expect production delays due to the coronavirus, and 40% expect inventory shortages in the near term, according to a survey by marketing firm Digital Commerce 360. Our shipments to customers remain on-time without delays; our factory is located in Vietnam, but we are definitely looking hard at how our replenishment timeline may be impacted, says Bree McKeen, founder & CEO of online lingerie brand Evelyn & Bobbie. H&M and Zara are two European retailers at greatest risk from being impacted by the coronavirus due to their reliance on China for manufacturing and sales, according to a February UBS report. The lockdown of Italy's $107.9 billion fashion and textile industry has already caused many foreign buyers at brands to cancel orders. Plus, later in the year, shipping of goods in the crucial back-to-school and holiday seasons is predicted to be severely distressed due to the public health crisis and supply chain issues. Patagonia voluntarily suspended its production, but will still continue to pay its employees both those that are able to work remotely and those who cant, like sales associates in its stores: On Friday, Mar. 13, the brand shared a memo on its site detailing its decision to cease operations entirely until at least Mar. 27, shuttering all stores and offices in the U.S., Argentina, Chile, Japan and across Europe, and online orders. RELATED: Nordstrom Just Put Everything on Sale, Indefinitely How are small businesses coping? Small businesses (fashion or otherwise) will likely be hit fastest and possibly hardest by non-essential business closure, shelter-in-place orders, and curfew-like recommendations enacted in multiple cities and states already, from New Jersey to California. Jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning is bracing for swift change due to Californias mandate that all non-essential businesses must close and even more critically, the Mar. 16 shelter-in-place order in the Bay Area, where her production takes place. My studio will go dark, with an estimated wait of 3 weeks for e-comm; I have no idea how that will go over, Manning shares. However, I hope that buyers will still support small businesses even if they have to wait for product [to ship]. Without that support, none of us will survive the prolonged closures. For now, perusing and purchasing digitally is the wisest, and temporarily, the only move, as Evelyn & Bobbies Bree McKeen puts it: Social distancing is the real focus here, making online shopping the safer option. The Coronavirus pandemic is unfolding in real time, and guidelines change by the minute. We promise to give you the latest information at time of publishing, but please refer to the CDC and WHO for updates. Parents have accused Queensland's Education Department of making heavy-handed threats to force kids to go to school during the coronavirus emergency. In one case, a regional primary school student who has serious, long-standing health problems - and faces increased risks from respiratory illnesses - was told he must provide proof of illness for being absent during the crisis. In another case, a second regional mum who decided to keep her healthy child out of school was told that fear of coronavirus infection was not a valid excuse for absence. That mother was also told her child would fail a missed exam unless proof of illness was produced. Tesla will suspend production at its California vehicle factory, the company announced Thursday but it won't stop cranking out cars until next Tuesday, March 24, a week after being warned by the county sheriff's office that Tesla was not an "essential business" and was violating coronavirus lockdown orders intended to isolate spread of the pandemic in the San Francisco Bay Area. "Despite taking all known health precautions, continued operations in certain locations has caused challenges for our employees, their families and our suppliers," the company said in a statement. In an email to employees, Tesla said operations at the Fremont plant will transition to "minimum basic operations" beginning on March 24. Tesla's shares were volatile following the announcement, dropping 9 percent in after-hours trading before regaining a portion of that. Tesla's sole U.S. auto factory employs more than 10,000 workers, with annualized production of slightly more than 415,000 units by the end of December 2019. Earlier, an Alameda County spokesperson said Tesla had reduced staffing levels, but perhaps not to the levels necessary to comply with the lockdown order. "They told us they had gone from about 10,000 individual employees to about 2,500," he said. "It sounds to me like they very well could still be making cars. We are continuing to stress to them that they must move to minimum basic operations, if they are still making cars." The spokesman said county officials needed to move on to more pressing issues regarding the virus rather than focus on Tesla. In other words, "Tesla needs to comply with the health order," he said, adding that the county did not want to force people into compliance, but implement changes with their consent. In that vein, Tesla's ultimate decision to suspend production came after the company met with Fremont city officials. The city and officials from the surrounding Alameda County did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Alameda County is one of six counties covered by an order from regional officials to "shelter in place," which limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential, and advises people to stay home except for the most crucial reasons. Story continues Shortly after the "shelter in place" edict was issued, Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent an email to employees saying the plant would continue to operate but that workers who are concerned should feel free to stay home. The county sheriff's office on Tuesday afternoon said Tesla is not considered an essential business under that order and cannot continue to operate its factory normally. Still, witnesses reported that there were still thousands of cars in the factory parking lot. Workers were seen entering and exiting the factory, there were food trucks onsite and a landscaping contractor rode a lawnmower around the grounds. The photo gallery above shows all the work going on at the plant on March 18, 2020. The decision to suspend production at the plant comes as Tesla ramps up production of its Model Y sport utility vehicle at the factory, which Musk has said will see higher demand than all of Tesla's other models combined. The automaker also said it believed it had enough liquidity to successfully navigate the extended period of uncertainty, with some $6.3 billion in cash at the end of the third quarter, ahead of a recent $2.3 billion capital raise. The company said its New York solar roof tile factory will also temporarily suspend production, while operations at its Nevada Gigafactory will continue. Employees at the California and New York factories will be provided with paid leave during suspended operations, the email said. Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada, which employs around 7,000 people, produces battery packs for its electric vehicles and stationary storage systems. The company's Buffalo, New York, plant produces the company's solar roof tiles as well as some Supercharger and energy storage components. It has more than 1,500 workers, the company said last month. U.S. automakers Ford Motor Co, General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, on Wednesday said they were shuttering their U.S. plants, as well as factories in Canada and Mexico, to stop the spread of coronavirus. Reuters contributed to this report. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> A passenger wears a face mask as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus as he travels on the city-linked train to Hong Kongs international airport, March 19, 2020. A top medical adviser in Hong Kong has withdrawn an article in which he said there was nothing wrong with calling the coronavirus the "Wuhan virus," a view that is anathema to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, which is waging a propaganda campaign to distance itself from the virus. University of Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung said in a retraction statement on Thursday that he didn't wish to be "involved in politics." "The expression in the article was inappropriate, wordings were even inaccurate, its not the original intention," Yuen said in a statement published by the Ming Pao newspaper, which originally ran the article. "We hope that people will make space for us to do our research and won't try to involve us in politics," Yuen's retraction statement said. Yuen authored the article, which called for an end to the trade in wildlife for food, along with fellow microbiologist and university colleague David Lung. "Excessively killing and eating wildlife, treating animals inhumanely, disrespecting lives the ugly habits of Chinese people are the root of origin of the virus," the authors wrote. "With these attitudes, we'll be seeing the emergence of SARS 3.0 in another 10 years," they wrote. The article also rejected current rumors that the virus came from the U.S., an idea, propagated by some Chinese diplomats, that plays into the Chinese Communist Party narrative that the origins of the coronavirus remain "unknown." 'Chinese virus' rankles Yuen's retraction comes amid an escalating war of words between Washington and Beijing over the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, with China voicing "strong anger" after repeated comments by U.S. President Donald Trump referring to the pathogen as "the Chinese virus." China's National People's Congress (NPC) has nevertheless announced a nationwide ban on the trade in wild animals, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which had killed more than 9,000 people and infected nearly 223,000 globally by Thursday. A Feb. 24 decision by the National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee banned trade in 1,591 protected species listed by the then State Forestry Administration in 2000, including civet cat, bamboo rat, and numerous species of snake. "The hunting, trading and transportation of wild terrestrial animals for purposes of consumption are banned, according to the decision, which comes after the outbreak of novel coronavirus," the official China Daily newspaper reported. U.S.-based animal rights and conservation groups say the trade in wildlife is a perfect breeding ground for zoonotic viruses, as dozens of different species are piled into cramped conditions and slaughtered using the same equipment at markets like the now-shuttered Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, where the first cluster of COVID-19 cases emerged late last year. The coronavirus has infected more than 80,000 people in China and killed more than 3,000. Yuens decision late on Wednesday to retract the article from the website of the Ming Pao sparked concerns over diminishing freedom of expression in Hong Kong, which was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms under the terms of the 1997 handover to China. Political researcher Benson Wong said Beijing's influence already permeates academic life in Hong Kong, with negative consequences for scholars who refuse to toe the party line. "Some pro-government or pro-Beijing people could give you a low or zero score for your research," Wong said. "You could get a low score just because one or two of your peer-reviews are politicized, which would stop you from getting funding." Government pressure on academics The Hong Kong government has also been accused of putting pressure on universities and colleges via funding applications. The authorities withdrew funding for expansion and building work at both the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Polytechnic University after both universities saw students fight back against attacks by riot police, who fired thousands of canisters of tear gas on both campuses. Wong said he has also had complaints made against him by students for discussing the 2014 Occupy Central movement, while Occupy Central founder Benny Tai is currently facing a bid to dismiss him from his post at the University of Hong Kong. Scholars have also been criticized in less obvious ways for publishing articles critical of Beijing. "I don't think Hong Kong really enjoys academic freedom," Wong said. "Naturally, you can publish freely, but you may suffer revenge or retaliation afterwards ... perhaps by losing your job or being asked not to say anything." Bruce Lui, journalism lecturer at Hong Kong's Baptist University, said there is also a chilling effect on Hong Kong academics created by the Chinese Communist Party's huge power and influence. "There is a lot of risk involved if you speak out on banned topics or cross the red lines of the party-state ... or refuse to sing from its hymn-sheet," Lui said. "You will get people withdrawing [funding and support] and avoiding you if you do sensitive China-related research," he said. "Sometimes your own university will discourage you because they worry about their relationships with the mainland Chinese authorities or their funding." "It's a balancing act." Reported by Lu Xi and Lau Siu-fung for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Skyler Buie, 17, wasn't all that interested in going to the prom at his high school in Gardner, Kansas. But graduation? "It's a special thing that only really happens once," the senior at Gardner Edgerton High School said, "and now we don't get to experience it." Sarah McGinnity, a mom in Overland Park, Kansas, won't get to see her son dress up like Babe Ruth for his third-grade wax museum project, in which parents watch students deliver speeches dressed as historical figures. She won't see her younger son don a little cap and gown for the kindergarten graduation. "I get emotional thinking about what they'll miss out on," McGinnity said. First-grade teacher Kim Taylor (Courtesy of Kim Taylor) And first grade teacher Kim Taylor won't get to take her class at Victoria Elementary School in Victoria, Kansas, on their annual field trip to the zoo that's part of her year-end ocean unit. She won't get to hug them goodbye on the last day of school. "I just broke down crying," she said. "I think about my little first graders and just the impact that this is going to have on them." When Gov. Laura Kelly this week made Kansas the first state to order all public and private schools closed through the end of the school year to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, she created a host of challenges. Her move which many suspect will soon be followed by other governors across the country has thrown into turmoil everything from college admissions to kindergarten readiness. It's triggered deep sadness among students, parents and teachers, who will miss important rituals and celebrations, as well as serious concerns for the children whose lives and learning have been disrupted. Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak "Kids can be very resilient, but some kids internalize stuff," Taylor said Wednesday. "I had one parent last night message me and say her child threw himself down on the floor and had this major tantrum. I said 'That's OK. They're scared. Their lives have been turned upside down.'" Story continues An unprecedented disruption Mandatory school closures have already come to 39 states and affected at least 42.1 million students, according to Education Week. But most of those closures so far have been limited to a couple of weeks, maybe an extended spring break. The prospect that the ongoing threat from the virus could force schools to close through the end of the school year something a number of governors have said is increasingly likely represents an unprecedented upheaval that will require an unprecedented response, said Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of superintendents and school board members from the nation's largest urban public school systems. "We've had disasters before," he said. "We've had earthquakes and hurricanes and floods and 9/11. But those were individual cities and communities and other folks could contribute personnel and goods and resources." The coronavirus threatens to close nearly every school in the country, meaning every state and every district could have to rethink what education looks like. "Governors and the higher education community are going to need to be prepared to waive all kinds of restrictions that we're otherwise legally bound to," Casserly said. High schools and states could rewrite diploma requirements to allow students to graduate with fewer credits. Colleges might need to adjust admissions standards to welcome students who were not able to complete required courses or exams. Principals will have to alter how they do everything from hiring teachers to enrolling students for next year. And teachers at every grade level will need to quickly find a way to convey the rest of the material they had planned for the school year, and decide how to determine whether students have learned enough to pass to the next grade. G.A. Buie and his son, Skyler. (Courtesy of G.A. Buie) "Maybe it's a series of activities we ask them to complete, or a paper we ask them to write, or maybe a journal of your experience of what you're doing at home," said G.A. Buie, executive director of the United School Administrators of Kansas and the Kansas School Superintendents' Association, a membership organization of school leaders. "It will be different for every community and maybe for every student." Before Kelly made her announcement Tuesday night, educators in Kansas had been worried that school closures would be extended one week at a time, leaving teachers and students on edge, Buie said. The closure decision gives Kansas educators some clarity, he said. "It was, 'Let's make a decision and start planning and let's get back to educating kids in some form or fashion.'" Now, he's hopeful that the right conversations are happening and that the process could ultimately lead to better schools in Kansas. "We have to create a new normal in Kansas," said Buie, whose son, Skyler, will miss his high school graduation. "We're forced to move forward in new and innovative and creative ways." Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak As other states consider following Kansas' lead, some education leaders are urging caution. "I'm not sure that, psychologically or otherwise, it's a wise move for anybody to cancel the rest of the school year right now," said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. "I think we need to give people time to plan and time to adjust before rushing to those longer-term decisions." If states do decide to end the school year early, her union is among education groups that have called on the U.S. Department of Education to cancel the annual state standardized tests in math, English and science that some districts and states use to evaluate teachers, make student promotion decisions and decide whether to shut down low-performing schools. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos responded Friday, granting states broad flexibility to cancel testing this year. Canceling tests could allow teachers to come up with ways to measure how students are learning at home, Weingarten said. "Letting us rely on teacher and principal ingenuity, school by school, would actually be a pretty good thing right now." 'Unfinished learning' As temporary school closures have spread, the big-city leaders in the Council of the Great City Schools have gathered for regular conference calls to share ideas, Casserly said. At first, school leaders focused on setting up ways to distribute school lunches to students from low-income families who depend on those meals, and on developing ways to get instructional materials to students in their homes. Now, as the possibility of longer school closings becomes more likely, they're thinking about ways to minimize the impact on children, especially those who were already behind their peers, children with special needs who need extra support, and children whose parents were already struggling. The challenge is made more difficult by the fact that not every child has a computer or internet access at home. Many students don't have a parent or caregiver with the time or resources to help them keep up with online schoolwork. And many teachers don't have the training to effectively teach children who aren't in the classroom. Clark McGinnity draws with his favorite author, Mo Willems, a lunch-time special courtesy of the Kennedy Center. (Sarah McGinnity) "The truth of the matter is there's going to be unfinished learning here," Casserly said. "Even with all the effort that we make to provide lessons and home instruction or online instruction, there's no substitute for being in school. There's no substitute for being in front of a teacher and being with your peers." Casserly hopes that if states decide to keep schools closed until the fall, they'll have a plan to help kids catch up next year, whether that means extending the school year, extending the school day or flooding classrooms with extra tutors and instructors. Taylor, the first-grade teacher in Victoria, said she hopes schools also find a way to celebrate year-end milestones, even if that means holding the big end-of-the-school-year barbecue in August or September. "You need that closure," Taylor said, particularly for students who are moving from one school to another or graduating. "You get so close to these kids and it's so rewarding to see how they flourish over the year, how their little personalities develop and how compassionate they are toward one another," she said. "This is so tough," she added. "There have been a lot of tears." The Election Commission has asked political parties to justify why they choose candidates with criminal history to contest elections. In a letter dated March 6, ahead of the filing of nominations for elections to the 55 Rajya Sabha seats on March 26, the Commission sent out the notification to the president/general secretary/chairperson/convener of all recognized national and state-level political parties. The ECs order follows a Supreme Court order of February 13, wherein the apex court made it mandatory for all political parties to make public why they chose candidates with criminal history to contest an election. It further directed political parties to justify the candidature on the basis of merit and not mere winnability. Some national level parties have already begun the process, a senior official said on condition of anonymity. Whether it has been done across all states is something we will have to wait and see. Partly, such a declaration was already being done since 2018. We have now stipulated the additional requirements as directed by the Supreme Court. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera told Hindustan Times that such a move will help political parties in deciding on their candidates in a better manner and make the electoral processes more robust. Any reform in the electoral process that brings transparency and makes information easily available for the voter is a welcome reform, he said. It is unfortunate that the honourable Supreme Courts has to do this. All political parties should work together to make electoral processes more robust. Also, if we look at the data, mostly it is BJP {Bharatiya Janata Party} that fields people with criminal antecedents. The 17th Lok Sabha formed last year had 43% of its members facing criminal charges, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). BJP topped the list with 116 out of its 303 newly elected members having criminal charges against them followed by Congress with 29 out of 52, ADR said in a report last year. According to BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli, the move will strengthen the electoral democratic process in enabling voters to make a choice keeping all factors in mind. Responding to allegations that BJP fields most such candidates, Kohli asserted that the BJP always followed the law. We must recognize that basic jurisprudence states a person is innocent unless held guilty. There also has to be a distinction between genuine criminal acts and an FIR {first information report} that has been lodged during the conduct of political events. Mere registration of an FIR is too early a stage to debar anybody, he said. The provision is now more stringent in two ways, one the party has to justify why they have chosen such a candidate and two, if they fail to do so, they will be held in contempt of court, former Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi said . It will be a tough job as I do not think EC has enough manpower to monitor every candidate. Take the general elections for example, there were 8,000 candidates. We will have to wait and see how this pans out. The Supreme Court last month, noted that political parties offer no explanation as to why candidates with pending criminal cases are selected as candidates in the first place. We therefore issue the following directions in exercise of our constitutional powers under Articles 129 and 142 of the Constitution of India: (1) It shall be mandatory for political parties (at the Central and State election level) to upload on their website detailed information regarding individuals with pending criminal cases (including the nature of the offences, and relevant particulars such as whether charges have been framed, the concerned Court, the case number etc.) who have been selected as candidates, along with the reasons for such selection, as also as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates, the court had said. The information has to be uploaded on the partys website and social media handles (Twitter and Facebook) and in one local and one regional language newspaper. The apex court also ordered the parties to submit a report of compliance with the EC within 72 hours of the selection of the candidate. If a political party fails to submit such compliances report with the Election Commission, the Election Commission shall bring such non-compliance by the political party concerned to the notice of the Supreme Court as being in contempt of this Courts orders/directions, the court said. The Commission has directed the parties, in accordance with the courts order, to publish the information in within 48 hours of the selection of the candidate or not less than two weeks before the first date for filing of nominations, whichever is earlier. The novel coronavirus also known as Covid- 19 that has infected 166 people in India has led to postponement of various examinations. Meanwhile, the government of almost every state has ordered closure of schools, colleges to prevent the spread of the virus. Read more: Live updates on exams being postponed due to coronavirus in India The Indian government has ordered the educational bodies like CBSE, NTA and NIOS to postpone its examinations to avoid the gathering of large number of students putting them at a risk of getting infected with the coronavirus. Here are the list of exams postponed due to Covid- 19: CBSE Board Exams 2020: CBSE on Wednesday evening informed that all the ongoing board exams of class 10th and 12th will be postponed till March 31. Moreover, during the period of March 19 to 31, the re-exams scheduled for northeast Delhi students will also be further rescheduled. The revised date sheet will be communicated by March 31 after re- assessment of the situation. The evaluation work has also been suspended till March 31 and will be resumed from April 1 unless otherwise informed by the board. Full details here ICSE Board Exams 2020: CISCE has postponed its ongoing board exams of class 10th and 12th from March 19 till March 31. CISCE chief executive Gerry Arahtoon issued a notice on Thursday informing the same. The ongoing class 10th exam was scheduled to end on March 30 while the class 12th exam was to end on March 31. The revised date sheet will be communicated in the due course of time. Full details here JEE Main Exam 2020: National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the JEE main April examination 2020 that was scheduled to be held on April 5,7,9 and 11. The JEE Main Admit Card 2020 that was to be released on March 20 will now be released on March 31. The revised exam schedule will also be notified on March 31. Candidates are advised to visit the official website of JEE at nta.jeemain.nic.in for regular updates. Full details here NIOS Exams 2020: National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has postponed its ongoing practical exams for secondary and senior secondary public courses, on- demand exam (ODE) for secondary and senior secondary course exam from March 19 to 31. The theory exams for secondary and senior secondary course that were scheduled from March 24 to 31 has also be postponed. The revised date sheet will be communicated in due course of time. .Full details here Bihar D.El.Ed. joint entrance exam 2020: Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has postponed its Bihar D.El.Ed joint entrance exam 2020 that was scheduled for March 28. BSEB chairman Anand Kishor on Wednesday informed that 1.81 lakh candidates were registered for the examination. Conducting the examination would create a crowd at the examination centre putting everyone at risk of coronavirus. Also, the board takes biometric attendance for the candidates appearing in the examination which is not safe during the coronavirus outbreak. Full details here BSEH Haryana Board 10th, 12th exams postponed : The board of school education Haryana (BSEH) has released a notification ,stating that the BSEH class 10 and 12 exams remaining exams which were scheduled from March 19 to 31 have been postponed due to Coronavirus outbreak in the country. Moreover, the Haryana government on Wednesday cancelled annual examinations for Classes 1 to 8 in all government and private schools till March 31. Full details here BPSC Assistant Engineer Exam: Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has postponed the assistant engineer recruitment exam till March 31. The exam was scheduled to be conducted on March 21, 22, 28 and 29. The revised dates of the examinations under advertisement number 01, 02, 03, 04/ 2020 will be communicated later. All schools and colleges in Bihar have also been closed till March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Full details here IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur exams: Indian Institute of Technology- Delhi and IIT Kanpur have suspended their classes and postponed all exams till March 31 in view of coronavirus pandemic. ITBP Constable Exam The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has postponed the recruitment exam for the post of constable in the border guarding force due to coronavirus. Around 50,000 candidates were registered to appear for the exam on March 22 across 11 cities in the country. Army Postpones All Recruitment Rallies The Indian Army has postponed all recruitment rallies by a month and asked its personnel to travel if only necessary as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic. Delhi Higher Judicial Services Main Exam 2019 The Delhi High Court has put out a notification on its website saying that Delhi Higher Judicial Services Main Exam 2019 has been postponed to prevent and control the outbreak of coronavirus. The exam was scheduled to be conducted on March 14 and March 15. the revised examination dates will be announced later. Read More: Live updates on list of exams postponed due to Covid-19 Kerala PSC Recruitment Exams 2020: Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has postponed several recruitment examinations in the view of growing cases of coronavirus in the southern state. The commission has deferred the following exams: dictation tests for Reporter Grade (2) Malayalam and Confidential Assistant Grade (2), and the OMR test of Police Constable (IRB) scheduled in March 2020.The Kerala PSC has also delayed the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) slated to be held for the recruitment of Forest Driver, Civil Excise Officer (NCA-SCCC in Ernakulam district), Female Constable and Female Constable (NCA community). All exams in UP postponed The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath has announced the cancellation of examinations in the state in the view of increasing cases of coronavirus. The UP government has also declared the closure of all educational institutions across the state till April 2. JK Police Recruitment Exams Jammu and Kashmir Police has postponed the JK Constable physical endurance test, physical standard test for recruitment of 02 border battalions in view of preventing the coronavirus spread. Haryana UDC, Assistant Linemen and instructor exams Haryana Staff Selection Commission has again postponed the Upper Divisional Clerk (UDC), Assistant Lineman and instructor examination due to coronavirus. The exam was earlier rescheduled from March 15 to March 18. Maharashtra Public Service Commission exams 2020: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope had on Twitter said that Maharashtra Public Service Commission has been told to postpone its exams till March 31 owing to coronavirus outbreak. MAH MCA CET 2020 exam The Maharashtra MCA CET 2020 exam that was scheduled for March 28 has been postponed to march 30. Candidates can check the detailed circular on the official website at http://cetcell.mahacet.org/. Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of Covid -19 positive cases in India. All schools, colleges, multiplexes, film TV shooting has been shut down till March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Aligarh Muslim University admission tests Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has decided to postpone the admission tests for Class VI and XI. The exam was scheduled to take place on March 22 and March 29. AMU spokesman Prof Shafey Kidwai said, About a dozen members of the AMU community including senior faculty members and students, who returned to the country during the past two weeks, have been advised to remain in isolation for the next two weeks. The revised date sheet will be notified later. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Gujarat government said on Thursday that those undergoing 14-day home quarantine for suspected coronavirus infection will have to wear a coloured wrist band. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel in the Assembly here. Patel, who handles the Health portfolio, said this was necessary to stop such persons from violating home isolation norms and going out which can be harmful for others. "In some states such persons are stamped on their hands," he said, referring to the practice in Maharashtra. "On the same lines, we have decided to put coloured bands on the wrists of suspected patients who are under 14-day home quarantine upon return from abroad," Patel told the Assembly during a discussion on the coronavirus. "People can report to the authorities if they spot anybody with this band on the wrist in public," he added. All international travelers arriving at Ahmedabad and Surat airports are being screened for the virus infection, the deputy CM further said. "Passengers who have no symptoms are allowed to go home. Those having cough or fever are kept under observation for 24 hours. If the person doesn't show any specific symptoms of coronavirus, he is sent home and asked not to go out for 14 days. Doctors visit such persons regularly during home quarantine period," Patel added. So far Gujarat has not reported any coronavirus patients. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sean Connery didnt make the most James Bond movies, the late Roger Moore did. Connery technically wasnt even the first person to play James Bond. All the same, he will forever be identified as the iconic secret agent, even though his career apart from Bond is quite distinguished. The sum total of Connerys storied career has given him a net worth of nine figures, and since 2006, he has enjoyed a well-deserved retirement even as his most famous character celebrates 58 years on movie screens. The name is Connery, Sean Connery Sean Connery | Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Sean Connery originally appeared as James Bond in 1962s Dr. No. Although that was the first feature-length James Bond movie, Connery was not the first man to play Bond. Trivia mavens like to point out there was a TV movie made of Casino Royale, the first James Bond novel, in 1954, with Bond played by Barry Nelson. However, Connery was also technically not the first Bond in Dr. No. In the gun-barrel title sequence of that movie, Bond was played not by Connery, but by stuntman Bob Simmons. Dr. No was not Connerys first film. Retrospective clip packages like to point out that one of Connerys early credits was in the Disney movie Darby OGill and the Little People. No one would dispute that Bond made him famous, and Connery went on to play the part in five more official Bond movies: From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds are Forever. He famously took a break from the franchise, sitting out 1969s On Her Majestys Secret Service, with Bond played by George Lazenby. For years, Connery insisted he would never return to the role of Bond, although he did it in the knowingly titled Never Say Never Again. However, that was not made by the same production company that made most of the Bond movies. A producer named Kevin McClory held the rights to the story Thunderball, and Never Say Never Again was a remake of that film. Sean Connery is more than 007 James Bond cast a very long shadow, much to Connerys chagrin. However, he was making a name for himself in non-Bond movies while the Bond series was still ongoing. The same year that Goldfinger came out, 1964, Connery also starred in Marnie, one of Alfred Hitchcocks most controversial films. After Connery gave up Bond the first time, his notable credits in the 1970s included Murder on the Orient Express by Sidney Lumet, John Hustons The Man Who Would Be King and Robin and Marian, where he played Robin Hood opposite Audrey Hepburn. One of his crowning moments came when he won an Oscar for 1987s The Untouchables, where he played a streetwise cop helping Kevin Costner catch Al Capone. One of Connerys most famous latter-day roles was playing Indiana Jones father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and that was notable because the Indiana Jones series grew out of Steven Spielbergs desire to direct something akin to a Bond movie. Although Henry Jones isnt just an older version of Bond, the character trades on the audiences memories of Connery as Bond. Sean Connery relaxes at the dawn of his 90s Connery worked steadily on through to the early 2000s, with his final feature film being The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003. He officially announced his retirement when he accepted the American Film Institutes Life Achievement Award in 2006. The fourth Indiana Jones movie could not lure him back to the movies, with Connery saying at the time that retirement is just too damned fun. According to the site The Richest, Connery has amassed a net worth of $120 million. That figure could have been even higher had he accepted the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings movies, but retirement trumped Peter Jackson, just as it trumped Steven Spielberg. Now, with Connery set to turn 90 this year, and with the James Bond franchise reaching 58 years with No Time to Die, Connery can safely say never again, but the association will always remain with his iconic image of the secret agent. An undercover investigation once discovered a high-end Laos resort serving up illegal wildlife for wealthy Chinese tourists. This included offering live bear cubs to eat on request washed down with tiger bone wine in the lawless playground of Laos Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. While the tastes of cashed-up diners, in the years since, if the lack of insane breaking news stories like this one shows, have changed, their penchant for debauchery has not. And as a recent Vice investigation shows wild restaurant requests and rich people are still (often) linked by animals. Its just in this case its all about pets, not illegally poached wildlife. Case in point: this tale from Piazza Duomo, the only three-Michelin star restaurant in Italys Piedmont region and one of the worlds top 30 restaurants. People come here to eat from all over the world. Were not a hotel, so the clientele is really varied they come here to have an experience, the restaurants sommelier, Vincenzo Donatiello told Vice. There was this couple in their sixties with a Chihuahua. When we took their order, they ordered for the dog first: a veal sirloin steak cooked rare. This trend of extravagance continues with Valentina* a sommelier (whose name has been changed) at a famous hotel restaurant in Venice, who told Vice, Ive seen a lot of strange things. This ranged from super wealthy clients being angry about being given the best table (they preferred a more discreet one) to being asked to deny the fact someone well known was eating at the restaurant. Perhaps someone was sitting at a table next to Spielberg or Robert Redford if they asked, you had to cover for them by saying, Who, that guy? No, youre wrong, madam. It was so strange, because sometimes guests were actually sitting right next to these famous people. Another entertaining rich person request is relayed to Vice from Roberto Riccardo Tornabene, the head waiter at Felix Lo Basso Restaurant, which overlooks Piazza Duomo in Milan. According to him, he had one customer sit down and light a cigarette in the middle of the restaurant, as if that was totally normal. Another, he said, called a taxi and sent it to the chemist for nicotine patches. The taxi driver came back and the customer said the patches were no good, so he sent him back to the shop. When he arrived for the second time, the customer had no cash, so we had to pay the taxi. For wine lovers, this all pales in comparison to this next tale, which comes from Marco Reitano a high end sommelier who has worked at restaurant La Pergola for 25 years: If were talking about wealth, then I have to talk about wine, he told Vice. Today, we have a cellar with about 3,400 bottles. Once, a regular customer studied the 1982 Bordeaux list for a long time. Its maybe the best [vintage] in history. Eventually, he ordered seven bottles for himself to taste the difference between them. The bill was over 20,000 euros. Another regular is scared of the colour black So when theres dishes on dark porcelain we serve them on white plates. And its not just Vice scouring the annals of Reddit for some ~internet wisdom~ revealed to us that the tales of outlandish high end behaviour have no limit. And they can sometimes work out in the favour of staff. I operated a premium chain in Canada, one Reddit user responded to a thread entitled, People who work in high class restaurants and hotels, what is the most ridiculous, stereotypical rich person thing youve ever experienced someone has done? One day this Indian gentleman started coming in, at first by himself. On the first day he spent $200 on wine and tipped $1000. The next day he did the same again. When we saw him the third time I had servers fighting over him, the user claimed. One evening he got drunk on wine and Brad the busboy made the mistake complementing his watch. Mr. S. takes off his Tag and gives it to Brad. The next morning Mr. S comes back to get his car and asks if Brad is there, I say yes and go get him, Brad knows whats up and is removing the watch as he walks over to Mr. S. Mr. S says, Brad Im really sorry I got drunk last night and gave you my watch. Brad is chuckling as he is removing the watch and says its no problem and he was just holding the watch until Mr. S returned. The next thing Mr. S. said, the Reddit user wrote, I could not believe: Brad you dont understand, Im sorry because it was very rude of me to give you a used gift. And at that moment Mr. S pulled out a box with a brand new Tag Heuer inside and handed it to Brad. Perhaps the most outlandish tale, though, in our opinion, has nothing to do with excess, but rather the lack thereof. Thats right, as we reported last year a fashion blogger came under fire for requesting the most Spartan meal the iconic Ristorante Hotel Grotta Palazzese had (probably) ever been asked for, then writing a bad review when she didnt get it. In the worlds culinary capital of carbohydrates, requesting a gluten-free meal requires some serious nerve (and a severe lack of taste buds). As one commenter on Instagram put it: You literally have an intolerance to every kind of Italian food ingredient, I dont think this is a fair review. Read Next Taiwan adds 23 new COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 100 ROC Central News Agency 03/18/2020 04:37 PM Taipei, March 18 (CNA) A total of 23 new COVID-19 cases, 21 of which originated overseas, were confirmed in Taiwan on Wednesday, bringing the total number in the country to 100, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said. Among the new cases, two are believed to have contracted the coronavirus locally, said CECC head, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (). One of the two, a man in his 20s, is the child of confirmed COVID-19 patient who contracted the virus during a recent trip to Egypt. The man was asked to take a test by health authorities because of his close contact with the confirmed case and tested positive even though he has so far shown no symptoms of infection, Chen said. Another local case is a woman in her 20s who has no recent overseas travel history but developed a sore throat, coughing and fever, on March 12, Chen said during a CECC press event. CECC expert Chang Shang-chun () said the patient's family members have not shown any COVID-19 symptoms, and health authorities are still trying to determine the source of her infection. Meanwhile, of the 21 new imported cases, four of them were members of a group that visited Turkey from March 4 to 13. The latest addition of the four new cases means 13 of the 15-member tour group have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, and health authorities are monitoring the health of 171 people they came in contact with after returning to Taiwan, the CECC said. The other 17 showed symptoms of infection between Feb. 14 and March 16 during and after traveling to Spain (3), the U.S. (3), the United Kingdom (2), France (2), and Indonesia, Qatar, the Philippines, Switzerland, and Germany (one each). One of the 17 cases visited France, Spain and the U.K. while another toured the U.K., Italy and France during that period, according to the CECC. As of Wednesday, 71 of the 100 confirmed cases in Taiwan have been classified as imported, the CECC said. Globally, over 193,748 COVID-19 cases and at least 7,086 deaths had been reported in 145 countries/territories worldwide, according to the CECC. Currently, 22 of the 100 coronavirus patients in Taiwan have been released from quarantine, while one patient has died and the others are still in negative pressure hospital quarantine rooms, but are all in a relatively stable condition, according to the CECC. (By Chen Wei-ting, Chang Ming-hsuan and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indian doctors in the UK on Thursday called on the UK government to take urgent steps to address the growing pressures on the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) by cancelling all non-urgent surgeries for greater focus on the fight against the rapid spread of COVID-19, which has claimed 104 lives across Britain. The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), the UK's largest representative body for Indian-origin doctors, wrote to England's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to express solidarity during the coronavirus pandemic crisis and said that Indian doctors stand shoulder to shoulder alongside other frontline healthcare workers but required adequate support. BAPIO has received concerns from frontline staff about elective work still being performed in some hospitals. BAPIO is of the view that any non-urgent elective work should be cancelled at this time, reads the letter addressed to CMO Prof. Chris Whitty by BAPIO President Ramesh Mehta and Secretary Parag Singhal. "BAPIO also supports the case for protective gear to be made available to all frontline staff. We are aware the government is working towards achieving this, the letter notes, in reference to widespread concerns within the UK medical community of a shortage of safety gear such as face masks and aprons, classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Parliament on Wednesday that the government would ensure stockpiles of PPE, adding: "There is a massive effort going on, comparable to the effort to build enough ventilators, to ensure that we have adequate supplies of PPE equipment not just now, but throughout the outbreak." BAPIO, which represents nearly 60,000 Indian-origin doctors working within the NHS, also reiterated its earlier request for all frontline medical staff to be tested on a priority basis so that they can continue with their work of saving lives. "BAPIO believes that the symptomatic frontline workers and their family members should be tested. This would help in identifying negative cases thus enabling the frontline staff to return to their duties and support their colleagues, the letter added. The association also offered the CMO the support of a BAPIO-supported independent think tank, Our NHS Our Concern, with Emergency Department model to look at solutions and an innovative approach to tackling health crises. It came as an Indian-origin general practitioner (GP), Saumya Jha, who is self-isolating after developing symptoms of COVID-19, made an online appeal for such GPs in the UK be able to work remotely. She said she felt fit enough to talk to patients over the phone and triage from home and called on the government to consider those options. The UK government has imposed strict self-isolation measures in place and called on everyone to avoid non-essential social contact and travel as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases mounted to 2,626. London is seen as the epicentre of the outbreak, with over a third of the cases, and is heading towards even more stringent lockdown measures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The First and deputy First Ministers have lead message of condolence following the first confirmed death of a patient who tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland. Announcing the news on Thursday morning, the Department of Health said the patient was elderly and had an underlying health condition. It is understood the patient was a man. He was being treated at a hospital in the greater Belfast area. First Minister Arlene Foster said it was a "sad day for Northern Ireland" and said her thoughts and prayer are foremost with the patient's family. This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus," she said. This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable Michelle O'Neill Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill said that, while expected, the death is not any less devastating for the patient's loved ones. "I offer them my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. I also pay tribute to our amazing health workers who are doing everything they can to provide the best possible care for people in the most difficult circumstances," she added. This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives. Health Minister Robin Swann said: I want to express my deep sadness at this death and send my condolences to the patients family and friends. It is, of course, essential that we respect their privacy at this sad time. In the midst of all the commentary about the coronavirus outbreak, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that this is a deeply tragic loss for the family and loved ones of the person who has sadly died Colum Eastwood "I would once again appeal to everyone to play their part in fighting the spread of this virus. As of Thursday afternoon, a total of 77 cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland, an increase of nine, with testing set to be ramped up. Robin Swann has also unveiled the first phase of health service plans to deal with the outbreak, designed to increase capacity and prioritise essential services. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood expressed his sadness at the news of the first death in Northern Ireland, stating it highlights the severity of the pandemic. In the midst of all the commentary about the coronavirus outbreak, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that this is a deeply tragic loss for the family and loved ones of the person who has sadly died," the Foyle MP said. "We must do all we can to limit the scale of the damage on our people, by testing all suspected cases and practicing social distancing. I want to pay tribute to our excellent health and social care workers who are working under extreme pressure, in the most difficult of circumstances, to try to help stop the spread of this pandemic. Amid the spread of the new coronavirus throughout South Carolina, the Berkeley County sheriff is encouraging residents to self-report incidents whenever possible to limit potential exposure of the virus to deputies. Sheriff Duane Lewis told The Post and Courier that for minor incidents, such as traffic calls, residents are encouraged to call the front desk of the Moncks Corner office where an employee can take an incident report. Additionally, because of the coronavirus, the county is developing an electronic self-reporting tool on the website for residents to report an incident and then a detective will get in contact with them. Lewis said if a call about a crime comes into dispatch, his deputies will still respond. "Overall, we're trying to limit exposure," Lewis said. "But we're not stopping calls." The precaution is one of many being taken by law enforcement agencies throughout the country as the coronavirus pandemic changes protocols to limit exposure. In Berkeley County, where a state of emergency was declared earlier this week, many of the office buildings are closed to the public. The courthouse in Moncks Corner was closed to the public as was the Administration Building. All taxes and permits payments and forms are being dropped off and payments for taxes are being taken online. Berkeley County School District began moving class online this week and set up drive-thru lunch stations so students could still be fed. Lewis also said he stopped all visitations for inmates in Berkeley County jails. Meeting with family can happen via a video feed and appointments with attorneys can happen through a glass wall observation room. Despite all the precautions being made for the public, many county employees are not working remotely. There are 1,351 employees in Berkeley County government. But only an estimated 20 workers are doing their jobs remotely. "It's safe to say the majority of our employees are still reporting to work," county spokeswoman Hannah Moldenhauer said. Cronkite News The Senate gave overwhelming approval Wednesday to a multibillion-dollar coronavirus relief bill, the second such bill in two weeks, and immediately turned its attention to a third bill that could have a $1 trillion price tag. Both Arizona senators voted for the bill that passed 90-8 after the House agreed to weaken language that would have forced small businesses to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to workers grappling with COVID-19. The bill, which President Donald Trump had already signed Wednesday evening, would let the Labor secretary exempt businesses with fewer than 50 workers from the paid leave requirement, in the face of a labor shortage. That was not enough for the leader of a small-business group in Arizona, who has said the financial burden could drive small firms into bankruptcy, and noted that the law does not force the same leave requirements on big businesses. On Tuesday, @MayorGallego declared a state of emergency for the city, resulting in the closures of bars and in-restaurant dining.https://t.co/2TtekVK4YZ Cronkite News (@cronkitenews) March 19, 2020 But supporters said the bill, which also mandates free testing for the coronavirus and expands access to nutrition programs for the low-income and elderly, is sorely needed. It increases our emergency food programs nationally and gives us some additional flexibilities for how we distribute food at food banks which is fantastic, said Angie Rodgers, president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network, which has seen a spike in demand in just the past two days. Rodgers said Arizona food banks and emergency response teams have done an amazing job with the resources that we have to be able to meet the need, but this bill will help them serve students who are not fed because of school closures and workers on the edge of poverty who may be laid off. Approval of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act came less than two weeks after passage of a first COVID-19 emergency bill, which directed $8.3 billion to fund research and support federal and state response efforts, among other elements. But administration and congressional leaders agreed that those two bills are not enough to offset the virus impact on the economy and were already working on economic stimulus packages, ranging from $750 billion to $1 trillion. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told senators, who were supposed to be on recess this week, they would stay in Washington until a stimulus bill is passed. These are not ordinary times, McConnell said. This is not an ordinary situation, and so it requires extraordinary measures. The Trump administration is floating a $1 trillion package that would include $300 billion to help small businesses, $200 billion to support distressed sectors of the economy $50 billion of which would be for airlines and $500 billion for direct $1,000 payments to taxpayers as early as next month. Senate Democrats are pushing a $750 billion plan directed more toward unemployment and foreclosure relief programs. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said it may not be enough, but that the needs are immediate and strong and our package addresses them. The Senate just passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. It is on its way to @POTUS's desk. The Senate is already working on additional bigger and bolder legislation to combat this crisis. And we are not going to leave until we pass it. pic.twitter.com/5Q25HC0w7G Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 18, 2020 Celine McNicholas, director of government affairs at the Economic Policy Institute, said neither proposal addresses the realities workers are facing. We think $1,000 is not sufficient to cover the kind of pain people are going to be experiencing, said McNicholas, who said the payments should be twice that amount. You cant just sort of do this once. We have to have a structure in place such that if the economy doesnt rebound, additional relief is provided directly to households. One-fourth of private industry workers in the Southwest do not have paid sick leave, according to a 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics economic report. In the face of such numbers, McNicholas said the paid leave language in the bill passed Wednesday is needed. But she agreed with critics who note that the requirement only applies to businesses with 500 employees or fewer, leaving the biggest companies to set their own rules. Its just unconscionable to me that you would exempt large employers, again who are most equipped to be able to provide those kinds of benefits to their workers, McNicholas said. The #Coronavirus continues to wreak social and economic havoc in Indian County, with tribes curtailing their operations as the first cases are confirmed in their communities. #COVID19 #CoronavirusIndianCountry https://t.co/Cq9hp3X01d indianz.com (@indianz) March 18, 2020 Chad Heinrich, Arizona state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said he is still opposed to the bill, despite the recent changes, since its mandates on small business have not been removed. NFIB President Brad Close said in a statement Wednesday that his members are telling us, in droves, that the additional mandates in this bill could be a devastating blow they cannot afford to shoulder. Small business owners need relief now, and we look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration in this next phase to find a workable solution moving forward, Close said in a statement. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, said in a statement earlier this week that the Senates actions now can save lives . We will get through this together lets be proactive and make this difficult time as short as possible. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, said in a Fox News interview before that the government needed to move fast to put money in the hands of those who are being impacted hourly workers, waitresses, small-business owners. The vote comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. rose to 7,038, with all 50 states recording a positive case, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arizona health officials had recorded 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in five counties, as of Wednesday. Businesses have been forced to close or cut back services in cities like Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff, where officials have declared states of emergency. Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman on Sunday ordered state schools closed through March 27, and may extend that after they reassess the situation. Rodgers met Wednesday with St. Marys Food Bank in the Valley, which said traffic at its night center doubled Tuesday, from the normal 400 or 500 visitors to around 1,100 people. I do think that this crisis underscores the need to continually think about the most vulnerable among us and how we are responding to them, Rodgers said. I think the safety net has been long underfunded and framed that being able to ramp up our distributions, being able to respond to a crisis like this takes all hands on deck. I think it underscores that charity alone cannot do what we can expect from a larger partnership and a larger response to a crisis like COVID-19, she said. Note: This story originally appeared on Cronkite News and is published via a Creative Commons license . Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University Join the Conversation Derry taxi drivers have vowed to continue working in wake of the coronavirus pandemic to provide a vital service to the local community. The taxi industry will have an important role to play in terms of delivering prescriptions and food to the most vulnerable and transporting medical staff to and from hospital. North West Taxi Proprietors (NWTP), the umbrella organisation representing taxi drivers in the city, held a meeting this week at which feedback was gathered from workers who said they feel duty bound to maintain the service despite the potential risks to their own health. NWTP spokesperson Eamonn ODonnell said drivers were gutted with the situation but a collective decision was made to keep taxi offices running in order to support the local community. He explained: We have loads of people in our communities who phone up taxi drivers and were their lifeline. In Italy taxi drivers have been commended for the job theyre doing in the middle of a crisis. Some of our taxi drivers have defibrillators and throw lines to look after people so I have no doubt taxi drivers will step up to the plate and support the community. He continued: Its not about the business, its about the people so our current decision is to keep taxis running and support our communities and medical staff where possible. All companies do a lot of running of medical staff to and from the hospital and a lot of them depend on these taxis. Drivers are being given information to use hand sanitisers and cleaning wipes as people get in and out of the taxis to prevent the virus from spreading and fight it as much as possible. We would ask if anyone should be quarantined, or thinks they are sick, to respect the health and welfare of our drivers too. Dont be getting taxis if you should be quarantined. They have noticed a drop in business since details emerged of coronavirus and the government directed people to self-isolate and practice social distancing. As with other industries, some taxi men with underlying health conditions have decided that self-isolation is the safest option for them. The just from drivers was that we have a community that we support and there is no sense of wanting to close. Were going to try to get through this as best we can and have taken precautions at dispatch boxes with some dispatchers working from home to run it over the internet, Mr ODonnell said. It was a sombre enough meeting but by and large people realise were moving into unchartered waters and we dont know whats coming at us. But at the end of the day if theres any community army out there then theyre willing to be the transport part of it. I hope by now the people who think living life as the head of state is cheap must be revising their notes. If not, whyll the hairs of most of these leaders instantly turn grey the moment they take on the command of the ship of state as captains? Generally, a ship of state is a known political metaphor that is likened to the governance of a country. Usually, the command of such ship is put into the care of a captain with vast knowledge in seafaring; and the sailors are the citizens. Honestly, the true measure of such a captain is his integrityalways being true to his words. That includes being responsible for his acts, caring and providing for his crews, and protecting those to whom he has promised his protection, and making sure that the ship safely gets to shore regardless of the sea's uproars, turbulence, and strong currents. Today, armadas of ships are currently going through abnormal times at sea as they're being confronted by a pandemic disease, the COVID-19. And given the current circumstances, being a captain in the ship of state with uncontrollable cases of the COVID-19 infections can be a daunting task. For that reason, having a shortsighted captain at the helm of our ship of state in dealing with the fight can be disastrous As such, the successful eradication of the virus in the ship is dependent on the capacity and foresight of the naval captain (I'm talking about the role of the president). Here we're the confirmation of the COVID-19 within our ship has taken the captain and his crew unaware, because it appeared they were ill-prepared from day one. Equally sad is the fact that the ship has already run out of essentials like hand sanitizers and tissue papers. And there are signals that the plight of all the sailors on board could get worse soon as the people close to the captain are chasing an outside "ship repairer"The IMF, helplessly, for $100 million dollars to quickly mount a fightback to prevent the virus from escalating. Shockingly, way back 2016 when the current captain was seeking for the opportunity to replace the former captain of our ship, he went around and told all sailors that he has competent men to help him maintain the ship; and that the ship has enough resources, including fuel, to keep it running so he wouldn't need the service of the repairer they're chasing now for help. As a crew, I can understand the plight of my captain. Commanding a ship of state isn't a child play especially at the time when the captain is spending about 70% of available revenues on wages for the crew and 30% on fuel and maintenance. Last weekend, when news spread about more infections of the virus in the ship, our cheap partisan politicking by way of name smearing, bigotry, and hate speech which characterized our daily lives as sailors has naturally vanished into thin air. The reason was simple: we all have one life to live, so every crew now fear the disease virus than the fear of losing the election because it has no remedy. What's more surprising is that this time, no oligarch on board can use his ill-gotten wealth to evade the virus. So, the best some of them are doing is to intercept every hygiene kit being sold in the ship to survive a potential lockdown at expense of poor sailors. At the moment, in our ship, the rate of infection is standing at a manageable level when compared to cases in distant ships like China, Italy, Iran, Spain, South Africa and the scores of others. In some distant ships, the captains have already called on all sailors to save a day or two for prayers. At least, what else could these captains do when science and technology are failing to offer hope? This is interesting because secularism has long denigrated the relevance of prayer in several ships. Thus, one may ask: when has prayer suddenly become important to the captains? But I think the U-turns made by those in command were on point. They need prayers now to keep the crew safe. Now, as we continue our journey through the unstable flow of the pandemic, it became clear our captain couldn't risk keeping the sailors in a leadership blackout as the deadly virus continues to lurk within certain quarters of the vessel. It's no wonder that, on Sunday 15th March 2020, he swiftly called the crews and addressed them on the current level of the ship's emergency preparedness. In the late evening address, many crews were deeply shocked at the demeanour put up by the captain: this time he sounded natural and humble as he spoke at length on laundry lists of combat measures including the closure of schools, churches, Mosques and other forms of crowd gatherings, and not forgetting the captain's populist assurance as he said hes already keeping $100 million with his Financial Minister to prevent further spread of the virus (something some talkative crews later disclosed as untrue). Contrary to the captain's assurance, I want to make it simple: the threat from coronavirus should be taken seriously. And while sailors are free to criticize the inactions of the captain, I think sometimes having talkative and nagging sailors in the ship can also hinder the fight. So it's necessary sailors cooperate with the captain and face the common enemy. As human beings, we've got an incredible capacity for voluntary cooperation, particularly, in the face of looming disasters. At present, the sailors in distant ships whore also nursing the devastating spread of the virus are cooperating with their captains. For example, in China, South Korea, the USA, Italy, and Spain the damage of the outbreak has so far been reduced drastically by widespread cooperation, some of which are mostly voluntary by sharing hygiene essentials to infected and uninfected persons going through mandatory and self quarantines. In this way, as we find ourselves in a rare time, let's not live as spectators. The captainship role is becoming arduous. This isn't the time to smear the captain. So, individuals, institutions, and NGOs must offer to support the captains efforts to contain the disease from spreading further in the ship. Our actions and inactions, if not put in check, can cause the ship to sink completely into a public health disaster. When this happens, I dare say, we may have to spend years as sailors in bailing out our ship from such avoidable mistake. With North Korea bordered by South Korea and China, its leader Kim Jong Un claims there are zero coronavirus cases in his area. But it seems that a secret epidemic is happening, all put together by diplomats and experts connecting the evidence. Isolating North Korea by shutting borders to stop the coronavirus lessened legal trade and tourism. Still, it is possible that there are cases as the U.S. is notice reduced military activity. This was the observation by General Robert Abrams, commander of U.S. Forces Korea who was interviewed via teleconference last Friday. Abrams added that North Korean forces are on lockdown for a month, and just recently resumed activity on March 13. The general said that no flights were detected for 24 days. The country has a poor medical system with sanctions against trade, and bed economics that has left more than 40% of its people malnourished and sickly. North Korea can become a hard-hit area if a coronavirus outbreak takes hold. It will have a mass number of deaths and feed the virus as fewer cases are occurring in Asia. Such concerns are now causing aid organizations and North Korean Allies like Russia, to send in medical help and others are willing to help. Chances of the virus crossing the well-armed border with South Korea, one problem is the border with China, the source can be black market traders who bring the virus into North Korea. Cases of the coronavirus in lioaning and Jilin, with only 225 cases last week, said the World Health Organization. Also read: Two North Korean Missiles Crash in the East Sea of Japan, as a Protest Against Washington North Korea is secretive and its official media reiterates that it has kept the virus from coming inside the country by mass disinfection and thousands in quarantine. To date, 5,400 have been released and no cases were reported yet. One doctor in South Korea who heads the Association of Healthcare for Korean Unification, think the denials are a symptom of a larger problem. Kim Sin-gon, a professor at Korea University's Department of Internal Medicine in Seoul, said,"Since the tone of the reporting is so strong, North Korea probably does have its patients of the virus," adding that malnutrition can increase cases of COVID-19. North Korea has shown that it can deal with the viral spread, the World Health Organization in 2018 lauded its elimination of measles. Should the coronavirus come into North Korea, the leader can use his powers to keep what is happening in North Korea a secret epidemic. Deaths from the virus are nothing much when they survived famine in the 1990s killing 240,000 to 3.5 million. According to Thomas Byrne of the Korea Society, no human right or social freedom, no concern for starvation, and real enforcement of social distancing. Pyongyang accepts aid from abroad when in need, contextualizing it as a tribute not as charity. Russia has delivered test kits to Pyongyang, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have called for sanctions exemption to send money to its North Korean office, even South Korea is willing to aid. WHO officials are planning in sending equipment and supplies to North Korea too. Even the U.S. State Department is willing to help if there is a secret epidemic in North Korea. Related article: North Korea Month-Long Quarantines, Other Draconian Measures to Prevent Coronavirus Outbreak @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Marriott CEO Sorenson Details Crisis Contingency Plans in Emotional Address In an emotional video message on Thursday to Marriott International employees, CEO Arne Sorenson characterized the coronavirus crisis as more severe for the hotel chain than the Great Depression and World War 2. He added that the chains global business is running about 75 percent lower than normal, hundreds of hotels have closed, and some may never re-open. The current financial situation, he said, is more dire than the worst quarter ever in the companys business, which saw roughly a 25 percent decline on average in hotel revenue globally. He didnt detail which quarter that was, but said later it was the fourth quarter of 2001. In terms of our business, COVID-19 is like nothing weve ever seen before, Sorenson said, adding that the financial impact is worse than 9/11 and the 2009 financial crisis combined. (See the video embedded below.) Sorenson said across Marriotts businesses the number of employees infected with coronavirus is low, although he expressed his support for hundreds of Marriott colleagues who are at this minute quarantined. Get the Latest on Coronavirus and the Travel Industry on Skifts Liveblog Standing in front of a grayed-out world map, Sorenson detailed various steps Marriott is taking to get past the crisis, including Marriott International: A message to Marriott International associates from President and CEO Arne Sorenson. pic.twitter.com/OwsF14TZgb Marriott International (@MarriottIntl) March 19, 2020 Furloughing perhaps tens of thousands of employees for at least 60-90 days, as well as shortening work weeks at the above-property level, and at headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. Above-property refers to employees and executives not working directly at hotels, such as regional vice presidents or workers at headquarters. Suspended all non-essential travel for employees. Froze hiring with the exception of a small number of mission-critical positions. Marriott Executive Chairman Bill Marriott Jr. and Sorenson will receive no salary for the rest of 2020, and the Marriott International executive team will take 50 percent pay cuts. Stopped all hotel initiatives, and suspended brand marketing and advertising. Story continues Varies by Geography The above steps are being carried out globally, Sorenson said, although some other measures vary by geography and occupancy rate. For example, some hotels that remain open are reducing staff, closing floors at properties, and closing food and beverage facilities. China May Be Bouncing Back Although Marriott saw a 90 percent decline in its business in China at the height of the coronavirus pandemic there, Sorenson said we are seeing some early signs of lodging demand beginning to return. Sorenson, whos battling pancreatic cancer, appeared with his head shaven in the video, a fact that made some staffers worried because of the optics, he said. He reassured employees that his appearance was what was to be expected. I feel good and my team and I are 100 percent focused on overcoming the common crisis we face, Sorenson said. The Marriott International CEO said his eight-year anniversary in the position is in two weeks. I can tell you that Ive never had a more difficult moment than this one, he said. Sorenson added that Marriott employees will be there to welcome back guests when the crisis is over, adding that together we can and will overcome this, and well thrive once again. Subscribe to Skift newsletters for essential news about the business of travel. Irrfan Khan and Sutapa Sikdar's son Babil returned to Mumbai after facing difficulty coming back from London amidst the coronavirus scare. He has been in London for his higher studies and was stuck in the foreign land after the COVID-19 outbreak. According to a report in Times of India, Babil touched down India in the early hours of Thursday. He was received at the airport by his mother Sutapa Sikdar. Soon after, Sutapa took to social media page to express gratitude over her son's return. "Thanks to everyone for the prayers and wishes. Babil is back to India safely. Gratitude to all of you who offered help. The flight was late over an hour," she wrote, as reported by ToI. The worried mother shared her son's plight earlier when he, along with other students, was not able to get on to a flight to go back home following the restrictions imposed by different countries. Sutapa pleaded with the government to let students come back to India after they were left stranded in London. In a lengthy note shared online, she wrote, "I as a mother is worried as hell but I don't understand when the Indian government has been so good with other students why it's not helping Indian students stuck in London. London is hotbed now but not worse than then#wuhan. Let the students come back home my earnest #appealto#GOI (sic). She also expressed her worries about people hoarding and escaping from hospitals. She wrote, "For such irresponsible people, those who would abide every test to keep others safe are suffering and are victims of fear." Follow @News18Movies for more Interests of mainland students studying in Taiwan should be protected: spokesperson BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan authorities and relevant colleges should properly address matters concerning the rights and interests of mainland students studying on the island, a mainland spokesperson said Thursday. Mainland students enrolled in Taiwan colleges and universities are now unable to return to the island due to the entry restrictions imposed on mainland residents by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party administration on Feb. 6 amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said in an interview. However, they were still required to pay tuition and register as the island's colleges and universities started the new semester as usual in late February or early March. Some colleges did not make necessary arrangements and some even required a one-semester delay for mainland students to start school after collecting their tuition fees. It is unreasonable for Taiwan authorities to deny the return of mainland students given the school semester opened normally on the island, said Zhu. Currently, over 8,300 mainland students are enrolled in Taiwan colleges and universities. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 07:38:46|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Members of a Chinese expert team give health instructions on how to wear facial masks to avoid infection with COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, at a community center in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 16, 2020. A Chinese team of seven health experts is providing guidance and medical assistance to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in Iraq. The experts are helping Iraqi health authorities prioritize response strategies, fill testing gaps and bring China's experience to benefit the worn-torn country. The Chinese expert team arrived in Baghdad on March 7 and is expected to stay in the country for one month. (Xinhua) SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomos order restricting the number of people allowed to work at their employers facilities has some Central New York manufacturers wondering how they will be impacted. Cuomo said Wednesday morning that he will order companies in New York to allow no more than 50% of their employees to work onsite. The rest must work from home. The order is to take effect Friday. The order is part of the states efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the sometimes-deadly respiratory disease it causes. The governor said the order would include an exception for essential businesses, such as pharmacies and grocery stores. As of late Wednesday afternoon, the order had not yet been issued. But a statement on the governors website makes reference to the order applying to in-office personnel, with no mention of manufacturers. Governor Cuomo will issue an executive order directing non-essential businesses to implement work-from-home policies effective Friday, March 20," the statement said. Businesses that rely on in-office personnel must decrease their in-office workforce by 50 percent. Given that wording, Tessy President Roland Beck said hes not sure whether the order requires him to send home half his 1,000 employees in Elbridge, Van Buren and Skaneateles -- or not. Im still waiting for the actual order to come out, he said. Hopefully, its explains a little more. Complicating the matter further for Tessy is the fact that half the plastic parts it makes go into medical devices. Beck said he does not know if that qualifies Tessy as essential. And though 1,000 sounds like a lot of workers, they are spread over three shifts daily because Tessy manufactures 24/7, he said. Unlike office buildings, manufacturing facilities often contain lots of space relative to the size of their workforces, allowing what at first glance seems like a lot of employees to work with plenty of separation between them. Tessys multiple buildings, for example, contain 1.6 million square feet of space. If only 300 of its employees are working on average at any given time, the companys buildings would have nearly 5,000 square feet of space for each one of them. Manufacturing still represents a major part of the Central New York economy, employing 26,000 people, or 8% of the workforce, in Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. Except for office personnel, manufacturers cannot easily adopt work-from-home policies because of the nature of their work. You cant take a molding machine home with you and run it, said Beck. Officials at Novelis, an industrial aluminum company that employs 1,150 people at an enormous plant in Scriba, are also awaiting details from the governors office before assessing the impact of the order on its operations, said Leila Giancone, a spokesperson for the manufacturer. Certainly, thats something that is on our radar, she said. Were waiting for the actual order. Giancone said Novelis has been practicing social distancing at the plant, along with cleaning and sanitizing measures recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to protect its workforce from the coronavirus. No large gathering of workers is allowed, and employees are keeping six to 10 feet apart, she said. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin, which employs 1,700 people in Salina, indicated it believes its role in national security exempts it from the order. National security never stops and Lockheed Martin plays an essential role in the national security industrial base, supporting the critical missions of our customers in the United States and abroad, Lockheed spokesperson Rae Fulkerson said in statement. She said the company was taking steps to mitigate the risks posed by the coronavirus, including accommodating flexible work schedules, allowing employees to work from home and other alternative work arrangements where possible. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS A county-by-county map of cases, deaths in New York State Central NY cancellations, closings list due to coronavirus pandemic (updated list) Out of work because of the coronavirus? How to quickly apply for unemployment benefits We all have a part to play in stopping coronavirus (Editorial) Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As judges in courthouses across Ohio last week scrambled to respond to the growing spread of the novel coronavirus, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen OConnor warned that closing courthouses and disrupting services is not a plan. The states top jurist included a list of suggestions and guidelines for local courthouses but stopped short of placing any orders or mandates following Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines ban on public gatherings of 50 or more people. Instead, she left each of Ohios hundreds of courthouses to develop their own solutions. The result is that nearly every courthouse has instituted different rules, leaving both courthouse staff and people who have open cases around the state subjected to varying levels of risk depending on where they live. And some judges, including at least two in Cuyahoga County, have disregarded their own courts guidance. The disarray has led Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Tom Heekin to write a letter to OConnor in which he pleaded for her to use her authority to issue uniform rules. This is not the time for discretionary rule-making to fall on state courts, Heekin wrote. OConnor is set to speak at Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines daily news conference at 2 p.m. Thursday. Its unclear what shes going to say, but a court spokesman pointed to Ohios status of a home-rule state that gives local jurisdictions the power to regulate their own courts. Why wouldnt each county be different if they are tailoring to their local needs, Spokesman Ed Miller asked. Some Cleveland judges continue hearings Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan Sheehan has taken incrementally more drastic approaches. He and other county officials arranged the courts first-ever Saturday court hearings to declaring a judicial emergency and, most recently, on Wednesday announcing that only a handful of the courts 34 judges would be hearing limited cases beginning Friday. Sheehan said he urged judges to focus. Judge John Sutula scheduled a change-of-plea hearing for a man who was free on bond. While the man was waiting outside the courtroom for his hearing, he told his lawyer that he learned that a relative he had lived with tested positive for the coronavirus. The news sent courthouse staff into a scramble. The entire 23rd floor closed to the public while a cleaning crew scrubbed the floor. Deputies escorted the man out of the building. Cuyahoga County officials on Thursday set up a medical tent and began screening visitors to the Justice Center. Nurses asked visitors if theyve had a fever, coughing or fatigue symptoms in recent days, or knowingly came into contact with anyone who had been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Officials hoped to begin on Friday taking the temperatures of everyone before they enter the Justice Center. Cleveland Municipal Courts Administrative Judge Michelle Earley issued an administrative order on Friday that the court said called for judges to postpone all hearings for people who were not in jail. The courts website tells visitors that all cases scheduled between Monday and April 3 will be rescheduled. Judge Pinkey S. Carr, however, refused to follow that order and held hearings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for defendants who free on bond. Court records show she issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for a man who did not show up for a pre-trial hearing on a drunken-driving charge. Cuyahoga Countys juvenile court announced that it would operate with pared-down staff, and that court hearings will be continued wherever possible. Some judges have continued holding hearings, and some people coming to the courthouse for scheduled hearings were turned away Wednesday due to what a court spokeswoman called a slight mixup" that was later rectified. Other Northeast Ohio Courts Other state and municipal courts around Northeast Ohio have also taken different steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus. All courts urge anyone who feels sick not to come to court, Summit County Common Pleas Court and Lorain County Common Pleas Court each halted ongoing death-penalty trials as part of their response to the virus. Euclid and Garfield Heights municipal courts have gone as far to postpone all in-person court hearings for at least the next two weeks. Berea Municipal Court has asked attorneys to tell defendants whose pre-trial hearings are not going to result in guilty pleas to stay home. It has encouraged defendants scheduled for arraignments in the coming weeks to plead not guilty by filling out a form instead of coming to court. Anyone who has a court date in the next few weeks should contact their attorney or request a continuance on the courts website if they dont have a lawyer. Bedfords city court announced that all afternoon misdemeanor civil, criminal and traffic hearings scheduled for Wednesday through March 27 are continued. The court will mail defendants and their lawyers a notice with their new court date. All morning court hearings will go as scheduled. Lakewood Municipal Court has stopped conducting marriage ceremonies, according to their website. Letter to the Court Heekin wrote in his Tuesday letter to OConnor that courts around the state are struggling to institute the best measures to respond to the global pandemic amid the publicly declared state of emergency. Heekin called on OConnor to exercise her authority under a legal rule that the chief justice holds the powers to do an direct to be done all things necessary to ensure the orderly and efficient administration of justice for the duration of the emergency. He called on OConnor to reconsider waiving speedy trial requirements, which the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts office said Wednesday would be extraordinary but legal. Given the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in the State of Ohio, the chief justice must consider the severity of risk posed to the public, Heekin wrote. Read more coronavirus news Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judge announces limited number of judges, hearings to go forward amid coronavirus pandemic Cuyahoga County courthouse floor closed for cleaning after defendant says relative tested positive for coronavirus Ohio Supreme Courts chief justice to judges about coronavirus: Closing courthouses and disrupting services is not a plan Ohio courts can halt jury trials because of coronavirus, AG Dave Yost says Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association calls for temporary halt to all 'non-essential court hearings amid coronavirus concerns Greek police fire tear gas at asylum seekers The Greek reaction to refugees continues being harsh, with many battered, attacked, tear-gassed and several killed by Greek forces. The injured asylum seekers have been under medical treatment at the mobile health center at the border. CHILDREN WERE AMONG THE EFFECTED Turkey announced that it would no longer try to stop asylum seekers from reaching Europe. Greek police fire tear gas at asylum seekers WATCH Thousands of asylum seekers have since flocked to Turkeys Edirne province which borders Greece and Bulgaria to make their way to Europe. After first positive case of COVID-19 is confirmed in the state, Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo said that people need to isolate themselves at their homes and restrict outside movement to help prevent the spread of deadly coronavirus. "A 24-year-old girl, who returned from London on March 15, has tested positive for coronavirus. We have also directed her family members to remain in isolation, although they have not shown symptoms of the disease, yet we do not want to take any chances," Singh Deo told ANI here. "We have ample facilities for treating coronavirus patients, there are 400 beds at present and it is being increased keeping the scenario in mind. But it will become difficultt if self-isolation is not practised by the people. There is a need for the people to remain at homes and restrict outside movement so that there isn't a sudden spike in the number of cases," he said. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the tally to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected with the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. No fatality has been reported in the last 24 hours in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Carlos J Berio SPARK Physiotherapy Phone: cell: 301-455-0919 work: 703-329-0181 Email: cjberio@sparkphysio.com Social-Distance-Friendly Fitness Center? Quarantine relief for the health seeking self-quarantined FREE in northern VA Alexandria, VA, March 18th, 2020 - The well informed, health seeking, fitness starved, self-quarantined people of northern VA are dying inside... Literally inside. In their living rooms. In their basements. Anywhere they can find some room to do some A Delhi court on Thursday reserved order on plea of three of the four death row convicts Akshay Kumar, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma, seeking stay on their death penalty, saying the second mercy plea of one of them was still pending. The convicts had moved court on Wednesday. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana was informed by the public prosecutor that second mercy pleas of two convicts, Akshay Kumar Singh and Pawan Gupta, were not entertained and were rejected on the ground that the first one was entertained and considered on merit. He told the court that advocate A P Singh, counsel for the convicts, was giving false information stating second mercy plea of Pawan Gupta was pending and said that all the convict have exhausted their legal remedies. Singh also said that convict Akshay's wife has filed for a divorce in a city court in Bihar which was pending, to which the special public prosecutor said any other petition does not fall under the purview of legal remedy in the present case. On March 5, a trial court had issued fresh death warrants for March 20 at 5.30 am, as the date for the execution of convicts Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31). Two days later, officials reported that a U.S. marshal who works in one of the courts busiest courtrooms had tested positive for the coronavirus. The marshal worked in Room C-10, where new defendants as many as 20 to 100 a day appear before a judge for the first time and in a second courtroom that handles initial hearings for juvenile defendants. On Thursday, 65 inmates being housed in the detention center have been quarantined in separate cells. Five years after the start of the war, the US continues to support a Saudi-led coalition accused of war crimes. The civil war in Yemen, which has persisted for five years today, has produced a humanitarian crisis of the highest magnitude. It has its roots in the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014, which forced the resignation of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Beginning in March 2015, a coalition of Gulf states led by Saudi Arabia staged a military campaign against the Houthis with the goal of restoring Hadis government. Since then, the US and the United Kingdom have sold arms and provided technical and logistical assistance to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both of which have conducted air raids on Yemeni soil. Iran, in its turn, has sent advanced weapons and military advisers to the Houthis. The proxy conflict shows no sign of abating, despite the efforts by the UNs Special Envoy to implement a lasting ceasefire. Five years later, the US remains steadfastly committed to the Saudi-led coalition which has been accused, by a United Nations Commission of experts, of committing war crimes in Yemen. The situation has prompted a rare show of bipartisanship in the US Senate, as a coalition of politicians passed a resolution last year that would have ended the USs military support for the coalition. Despite a Presidential veto of this legislation, and a certification by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claiming the coalition had taken concrete steps to protect civilians, pressure has continued to mount for the US to withdraw its support for Saudi Arabia. This political pressure is a step in the right direction. It is a recognition of the treaty-based obligations the US continues to breach through its myopic policy in Yemen. Take the USs affirmative legal obligation under Common Article 1 of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, which requires it to undertake to respect and to ensure respect for the Conventions in all circumstances. The 2016 Commentaries on the Geneva Conventions, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), stipulate that Common Article 1 imposes a negative obligation on states not to encourage, aid or assist in violations of the Conventions as well as a positive obligation on states to do everything reasonably in their power to prevent and bring such violations to an end. The ICRC posits that this duty is particularly strong in the case of a partner in a joint operation. The US has likely violated its negative obligation by continuing to furnish technical assistance to the coalition despite knowledge of credible allegations that the coalition has continuously violated international humanitarian law (IHL). Reports of these IHL violations have continued even after Saudi promised the US that it would take steps to comply with IHL, which means that such violations have been foreseeable to the US for some time. And the US could certainly be in violation of its positive obligation because the assurances it has received from Saudi (that it will take greater care to avoid indiscriminate targeting of civilians) are clearly not credible. Thus, it is difficult for the US to argue that it is making reasonable efforts to prevent IHL violations when it accepts such empty assurances. According to Larry Lewis, a former State Department Official who served as a senior civilian harm adviser under both the Obama and Trump administrations, US and Saudi officials have repeatedly stymied efforts to improve civilian protection programmes and promote accountability for civilian casualties. For instance, during the Obama administration, Lewis attempted to help the coalition to create its own database to track the civilian casualties for which it was responsible, but he received little support from the government and he was eventually blocked from continuing his direct military-advisory function. The civilian protection mechanism which does exist is also lacking in credibility: The Saudi-established Joint Incidents Assessment Team has been criticised by the UN for a lack of impartiality and transparency. Lewis also notes that US officials have access to a database which pinpoints the role of American warplanes and munitions in any single coalition attack. But, despite concrete knowledge of the ways in which it aids and abets coalition war crimes, the US has refused to terminate its assistance. This behaviour hardly suggests an effort to ensure respect for the Conventions. The USs legal failure over Yemen will have serious strategic consequences in the years to come. First, the US has lost its moral credibility when it condemns war crimes committed in other armed conflicts. For instance, its denouncement of Russias indiscriminate bombing of hospitals and schools in Syria rings hollow when it continues to arm and assist a coalition that is performing the same acts in Yemen. Second, the US has arguably antagonised an entire generation of Yemeni civilians. Numerous civilians have found US-manufactured munitions at the scenes of some of the conflicts most egregious war crimes, such as the bombing of a school bus packed with children in August 2018. Violent armed fighters are likely to feed off the resentment and heartache of those who have lost loved ones. There is an important lesson the US can learn from these failures. It is imperative that the US and other European arms suppliers develop a set of concrete standards for determining a cutting off point when lawful assistance for example, technical support for allied nations engaged in armed conflicts should cease. The Office of Legal Counsel, a component of the US Department of Justice which provides legal assistance to the president and the Executive Branch agencies, has previously advised that the US government should re-evaluate the legality of its assistance when countries use US aid for unlawful purposes. Such a re-evaluation would be a welcome step, but real change will require a more proactive solution. Future US presidents should engage Congress in developing a comprehensive framework for terminating US assistance in the face of continued violations of IHL. European countries could readily follow suit. In fact, a recent decision by the UKs Court of Appeal demonstrates that EU countries would be wise to do so. The court found that key UK ministers had illegally signed off on arms exports to Saudi Arabia without properly assessing the risk to civilians in Yemen. This is a violation of Criterion 2(c) of the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing criteria, which requires the government to consider whether there is a clear risk that the equipment to be exported might be used in the commission of a serious violation of IHL. Instead of letting the courts dictate the trajectory of its export licensing process, the UK and the US could proactively implement a framework which cuts off assistance to recipient countries which demonstrate no interest in IHL compliance. President Trumps policy advisers have countered that cutting off support to the coalition at such a critical moment would cede control to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels (who have also been credibly accused of war crimes) and that this would cost more Yemeni lives. This argument misses the point entirely. Complete eradication of the Houthi rebels from Yemen would be nothing more than a Pyrrhic victory for the US. This is because besting Iran in a proxy war means little when the US has abdicated its legal responsibilities, leaving a wake of civilian casualties and resentment. Nations which are disdainful of IHL have undoubtedly taken note of the USs continued support for Saudi. They are likely to be emboldened to continue their own behaviour in other armed conflicts because they know the USs criticisms will be widely seen as hypocritical given its continued support for the Saudi coalition. After five years of contributing to the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, any geostrategic triumph will, therefore, be vastly outweighed by the damage the US has done to its legal and moral credibility. It is time for the US to end its complicity in the atrocities in Yemen. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkey's export of chemical products to Uzbekistan increased by 3.67 percent and amounted to $34.3 million from January through February 2020, Turkeys Trade Ministry told Trend on March 19. Turkey's export of chemical products to Uzbekistan amounted to $17.7 million in February 2020, showing an increase of 0.99 percent compared to February 2019. From January through February 2020, Turkeys export of chemicals to world markets increased by 1 percent compared to the same period of 2019, and amounted to $3.2 billion. Over the reporting period, Turkeys export of chemicals amounted to 10.9 percent of the country's total export. Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to $1.5 billion in February 2020, which is 7.8 percent less compared to February 2019. In February 2020, Turkeys export of chemical products amounted to 10.3 percent of the country's total export. According to the ministry, Turkeys export of chemical products amounted to $20.6 billion from February 2019 through February 2020. Turkey's foreign trade turnover in Jan. 2020 amounted to $33.9 billion. In Jan. 2020, Turkey's export increased by 6.4 percent compared to Jan. 2019 and amounted to $14.8 billion. Turkey's import increased by 18.8 percent in Jan. 2020 compared to Jan. 2019, amounting to $19.2 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu A Maryland National Guardsman reads journalist William J. Fords temperature on Thursday at the State House in Annapolis. (Amy Davis/the Baltimore Sun via AP) The National Guard is preparing to respond to the coronavirus pandemic as if the nation were facing 54 separate hurricanes in every state, territory and the District of Columbia, Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told reporters Thursday. The National Guard, which is composed of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, is a 450,000-strong reserve force organized across all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. Guard units report primarily to the governors of their states but can be federalized and placed under the command of the Department of Defense. Governors in 27 states have so far activated a total of 2,050 Guard members in response to the pandemic, according to Lengyel, who added that he expects the number of activated Guard personnel to double by the weekend and then to keep increasing. Im expecting tens of thousands to be used inside the states as this grows, he said. This could quickly blossom in the next couple of weeks. A historic event demands a historic response, Lengyel said, adding that the Guard is spread across nearly every ZIP code in the country and is the ideal force to help communities respond to the coronavirus threat. When disaster strikes we dont have to mobilize from some base; we pack a lunch, we go to work, because we are already there in the communities where these events are taking place, he said. We live there. We can respond faster. Lengyel indicated that the Guard would play a key role in testing for the coronavirus. We expect the total number of Guardsmen activated will increase rapidly as test kits become available, he said. Six members of the Guard have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Lengyel. The Guard is already administering tests in Colorado, New York and Rhode Island, while across the country it is also involved in planning, command and control and logistical support for local communities pandemic responses, he added. Story continues Pfc. Sison of the New York Army National Guard helps pack bags for food distribution in New Rochelle, N.Y., on Wednesday. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters) In New Rochelle, the epicenter of the outbreak in New York, Guard members are distributing food, while in South Florida, more than 500 Army National Guard soldiers are helping to collect samples for drive-through coronavirus testing in Broward County, Lengyel said, adding that Guard units across the country are conducting similar missions. We could be the transportation mechanism that actually delivers and equips the various drive-through test sites that are out there, he said. Echoing other defense officials, Lengyel warned that mobilizing Guard medical personnel to combat the spread of the coronavirus means removing them from their civilian jobs treating patients in their communities. Theres kind of a zero-sum game here, he said. Guard medical units could make their equipment available to civilian medical facilities, Lengyel acknowledged, but, he added, that would not amount to much. Its a relatively small contribution when you look at the scope and scale of what this might be across the nation, he said. Guard forces under state authority might also assist state and local law enforcement organizations, something that active-duty forces under the Defense Department usually lack the legal authority to do, according to Lengyel. This might occur if those police forces need manpower to backfill personnel who have fallen sick, he added. Anything that law enforcement naturally does, they can be augmented with National Guard troops, he said. However, Lengyel said he had received no reports of local authorities requesting Guard troops for law enforcement functions. I dont see any demand signal thats demanding that were going to use the National Guard in that kind of scenario, he said. National Guard soldiers receive sterile coveralls to wear before checking the temperature of arriving passengers in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters) With hurricane season approaching, coastal communities under self-quarantine face two potential disasters. Asked what the Guard would do to assist, Lengyel said that although there are plans for evacuation on the shelf in those states, we may have to adapt how we do it if people are under quarantine. Well just have to deal with that when it comes to it. Just as with hurricanes and other national disasters, according to Lengyel, if a state fighting the pandemic has needs that its own National Guard cannot fill, it can request help from another state via an agreement called an emergency management assistance compact. Lengyel said he did not anticipate any moves to federalize Guard units to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. That would not make sense in this situation, he said, arguing that keeping the Guard working for the governors allows for more flexibility. This story has augmented reality! Tap the video above to see how it looks and download the Yahoo News app to launch the full experience. Augmented reality is currently available to iPhone users (iPhone 8 and later) with the latest version of iOS. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: President Barbara Bolling Williams called on Gov. Holcomb to veto House Bill 1414. All of the members of the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP from across the state of Indiana wrote, called and met with the Indiana General Assembly and Gov. Holcomb to stop HB 1414. Our members have actively engaged in the integrated resource planning meetings at many of the various utilities. The process is not perfect but does allow for all stakeholders to present their perspective, participate and inquire about the various scenarios and hope that more clean energy is added, less fossil fuels, call for equitable solar deployment and equitable contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. This legislation is important to us. It is hindering a new beginning. We are advocating for our transformation and liberation, from Middle Passage, from enslaved people, through Jim Crow, redlining, mass incarcerated people, to the opportunity to create more just systems and bend an arc toward the green economy. African Americans pay $49 billion to the energy sector and hold only one percent of the energy jobs according to NAACP Just Energy Reducing Pollution and Creating Jobs Report, referenced Blacks in Energy. This legislation is a means to add chaos to a fairly inclusive process and seemingly effective. A process in which a business, albeit regulated, is making decisions in the best interest of their company and stakeholders. These decisions are primarily economically centered, cost effective for their business model and human centered in that it is ethically smart. These are decisions leaning toward cleaner energy like solar, wind and maybe even the reliability from geothermal. The irony is that the majority members of the Indiana General Assembly have opted to provide a sort of social safety net for the coal industry only. The people of Indiana need a just transition, whether they are urban or rural. We need a transition from the polluting systems of coal, and the risk of peoples lives both workers and communities. The newly amended HB 1414 completely dismisses this just transition for us all! What about providing a priority safety net to the communities who are and have borne the burden of hosting these coal polluting industries? The bill completely dismisses the blight, and the negatively impacted property values that are 15% lower because of their proximity, according to the NAACP Just Energy Reducing Pollution and Creating Jobs Report. The legislation completely disregards the asthma, COPD, cancer and heart attacks that have impacted peoples lives and mortality, where are their life supporting and resuscitation measures? Indiana and the world needs to stop the root causes of polluting systems that emit carbon dioxide and the co-pollutants. We need to have the 21st Century Energy Policy Task Force provide their findings and recommendations. We need Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto HB 1414, move us to the Next Level, let us not be the state where you cant breathe, cant find an energy efficient home with great solar energy credits or start a business in clean energy. Lets be competitive around the globe and the nation! Denise Abdul-Rahman is an expert in environmental justice and the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP, Environmental Climate Justice chair. Australia could face a 'funerals crisis' with the industry's peak body forecasting a 78 per cent increase in deaths and warning that corpses could accumulate in the wake of COVID-19. A shortage of personal protective equipment and hand sanitiser may mean funeral directors would have to reject bodies for funeral services if new stocks weren't available within a week. Tony Sprem of Blessed Funerals said the company had introduced strict social distancing at funerals because of the coronavirus pandemic. Credit:Louise Kennerley In a letter sent to Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Wednesday, the Australian Funeral Directors Association national president Andrew Pinder called for the government to develop clear guidelines about body handling, social distancing at funerals and additional capacity for body storage. It is understood the sector received assurances on Wednesday night from the Chief Medical Officer that the government will work to develop an industry plan. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) seemingly knew this pandemic was coming. In a secret, weeks-old recording obtained by NPR, Burr, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, can be heard describing COVID-19's "aggressive transmission" as "akin to the 1918 pandemic." But Burr changed his tune in an op-ed and a statement previewing America's COVID-19 response and President Trump ended up parroting and exaggerating that dangerously positive rhetoric. The new coronavirus "is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history," Burr told some of his biggest donors at a Feb. 27 luncheon. "It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic," he continued. Burr warned these companies that they may have to "alter their travel," and that schools would close and people would be told to stay home something that didn't happen for another few weeks. Yet Burr did "did not warn the public of the government actions he thought might become necessary" to combat coronavirus like he did in private, NPR writes. That same day, Trump declared that the coronavirus would "disappear ... like a miracle." And in a March 5 statement, Burr said the U.S. has "a framework in place that has put us in a better position than any other country to respond to a public health threat, like the coronavirus." As of Thursday, Trump is now claiming he always knew the new coronavirus would turn into a pandemic. And as for why the U.S. didn't prepare for a pandemic, well, Trump instead said the "only thing we weren't prepared for was the media." More stories from theweek.com America has one of the world's worst coronavirus responses Lindsey Graham is reportedly trying to talk Trump out of coronavirus relief checks for Americans Senate GOP stimulus plan would exclude up to 64 million tax filers from full rebate, economist says FILE PHOTO: Portugal's Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Mario Centeno looks on during an interview with Reuters in Lisbon By Victoria Waldersee and Sergio Goncalves LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's government announced on Wednesday a 9.2 billion-euro package to support workers and provide liquidity for companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The package is worth 4.3% of GDP and consists of 5.2 billion in fiscal stimulus, 3 billion in state-backed credit guarantees and 1 billion related to social security payments. "Now is the time to combat the pandemic, but also to keep our economy functioning," Finance Minister Mario Centeno said. Centeno did not spell out what impact the coronavirus and the measures taken to combat it would have on the economy, but said that the unexpected expenditure represented 17.3% of quarterly GDP. This could threaten to interrupt Portugal's growth trajectory since 2014. After achieving 2.2% growth in 2019, the Socialist government had forecast achieving the country's first budget surplus in its democratic history in 2020, and 1.9% GDP growth. But the country's export-oriented, tourism-dependent economy is feeling the effects of the coronavirus slowdown, as holidaymakers cancel bookings amidst increasingly stringent travel restrictions and fears of contagion. Just over half of the 3 billion euros in credit lines announced by Centeno is aimed at companies working in tourism, hotels and restaurants. The other half goes to industries like textiles, clothing and wood. Around a third is set aside for micro and small enterprises. An additional 5.2 billion euros are fiscal measures such as flexible payment schedules for tax payments and social contributions in the second trimester, and a reduction of social security contributions between March and May. The government is also in talks with the Bank of Portugal and the Portuguese Association of Banks about a temporary moratorium on loan repayment schedules, due to come into effect by the end of the month, Centeno said. Portugal has reported 448 confirmed cases of coronavirus and two deaths, far below neighbouring Spain's 13,716 cases and 558 deaths. Commercial centres, offices and factories have closed or reduced services after the government urged people to self-isolate and work from home. Story continues President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is due to announce later on Wednesday whether the country will go into a state of emergency, expected to reduce people's movements nationwide. Speaking alongside Centeno, Economy Minister Siza Vieira said it was more important than ever for workers to carry on despite the change in circumstances. "This is like a war. And a war needs soldiers. Our soldiers are our health workers, but the people ensuring we have all we need are also the soldiers of this war," Economy Minister Pedro Siza Vieira said. Minister of Work Ana Mendes Godinho had said on Monday that the support already earmarked for parents and workers would cost the government 2 billion euros per month. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee, Sergio Goncalves, Editing by Ingrid Melander) Going for a ten minutes walk a day can help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, new research has suggested. (Getty Images) We all know that exercise is important for helping us to stay healthy. But you dont have to pound the treadmill for hours to reap the benefits as just a ten minute walk each day could help prevent a heart attack or stroke, scientists have advised. The study, presented at an American College of Cardiology conference in Chicago, found just 1,000 steps a day, or the equivalent of a brisk 10-minute walk, could reduce the risk of hypertension. Also known as high blood pressure (HBP), hypertension, is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. If left untreated it can increase your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Read more: Why walking is the best exercise ever The findings of the new research were based on data from 638 participants in the Framingham Heart Study that has been monitoring residents of the Massachusetts town for over seven decades. They were asked to wear an Apple Watch daily and record their blood pressure at home weekly. Over the course of about five months, participants averaged about 7,500 steps per day. Researchers found participants systolic blood pressure - the amount of pressure in the arteries during contraction of the heart muscle - was about 0.45 points lower for every 1,000 daily steps taken. This means 10,000 steps daily, the equivalent of a sustained walk of 30 to 60 minutes, would reduce it by an average 2.25 points compared to taking just 5,000 steps. Scientists explained that given the volunteers had an average systolic blood pressure of 122 mm Hg it would be the difference between blood pressure that is considered normal (less than 120 mm Hg) and elevated (120 mm Hg or higher). Lead author Dr Mayank Sardana, of the University of California, San Francisco, said participants who took more steps daily, as tracked by their watch, had lower blood pressure on average than those taking fewer steps. This study solidifies our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and blood pressure and raises the possibility that obesity or body mass index accounts for a lot of that relationship, he says. Story continues Going forward, it would be useful to look at how smart devices might be leveraged to promote physical activity, reduce the burden of obesity and potentially reduce blood pressure. The study backs previous research suggesting that being more physically active can help lower blood pressure, Dr Sardana added. Read more: We should all walk during our lunch breaks Walking could help increase your life expectancy. (Getty Images) Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, with half not diagnosed or receiving treatment. In England alone there are more than five million people that are undiagnosed. The condition, a major cause of heart attacks and strokes, rarely has any symptoms which is why it is called the 'silent killer'. The only way to know you have the condition is to get your blood pressure measured. High blood pressure costs the NHS over 2.1 billion every year. Previous research has revealed that walking slowly or movement of any intensity lowers your risk of early death. The research, conducted by Professor Ulf Ekelund at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, found a sedentary lifestyle which involves sitting for nine and a half hours or more daily (excluding sleeping time) is linked to a raised risk of death. This latest research adds to the often conflicting advice about how much walking we need to do (and how fast we need to do it) to stay healthy. Popular wisdom would suggest walking 10,000 steps daily is the optimum for our health a figure which originated from a Japanese marketing campaign in the mid-60s. Read more: The amount of miles you rack up walking a dog is quite extraordinary However, according to Prof David Bassett, head of kinesiology, recreation and sport studies at the University of Tennessee, there wasnt any scientific basis for the figure. They just felt that was a number that was indicative of an active lifestyle and should be healthy, he told The Guardian. Meanwhile, a study last year found taking 5,000 steps a day is sufficient in order to increase life expectancy. And a further study found fast walkers could live up to 15 years longer than people who dawdle. Additional reporting SWNS. This is not to penalize people, Abu-Taleb said. This is to help people protect themselves and protect others. We are not interested in making it more difficult for people (to live their lives), but we do have staff that will communicate with those folks who may not be taking this as seriously as they should. This is a way to reach out to people who may not know how serious this is and how this virus uses us against one another to harm us. The ship is now docked in Marseille, France, and French health authorities have boarded to conduct health checks. Americans on board have been told that a chartered plane will take them to Atlanta. Various government agencies are involved in figuring out what to do with them next, and some U.S. states may allow them to isolate at home, as some people who sailed on the Grand Princess did, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. When cruise lines decided to suspend U.S. sailings last week 40 ships carrying tens of thousands of passengers were in the middle of their voyages. On at least three of them, passengers got Covid-19 while cruise ship companies, port officials, governments and international health organizations scrambled to determine whose rules applied. Thousands of people were at sea, sometimes confined to tiny cabins, but also enjoying the bar, serving themselves from the buffet and enjoying festivities while more people contracted the disease and the ship captains tried to figure out what to do. The Braemar, a ship operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, was denied entry by four countries when a guest, four crew members and two passengers who had been on the ship tested positive. Cuba opened its port to them, and about 700 mostly British passengers took chartered flights home to England on Wednesday. Also Wednesday, nearly 100 passengers who had been in quarantine with six infected passengers aboard the Silver Explorer cruise off the coast of Chile were flown out of that country on charter flights, according to Chilean officials. Meanwhile, passengers aboard the Silver Shadow were close to completing a week in quarantine in the port of Recife in northern Brazil over coronavirus fears that are so far unfounded. Both the Silver Explorer and Silver Shadow are operated by Silversea Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean. The Costa Luminosa, a 965-foot-long ship built in 2009, is owned by the Crociere Group, Italys biggest tour operator. Headquartered in Genoa, the company has 27 ships in service that offer trips from the Mediterranean to South America. Patna, March 19 : As many as 354 suspected cases of coronavirus infection have been identified in Bihar, of which 113 patients were released from isolation after 14-day quarantine. No confirmed positive case has been reported so far in the eastern state. A Health Department official said on Thursday that from January 15 to March 18, 354 persons returned from coronavirus-infected countries to Bihar and were placed under surveillance immediately. He said that people arriving at the Patna and Gaya airports were made to undergo thermal screening. So far, more than 19,000 passengers have been screened at both airports. He said that samples taken from 72 persons suspected to carry the virus have been tested so far, but not a single positive case found in Bihar. According to the department, people coming from Nepal were being monitored and screened at 49 places in seven districts of Bihar adjoining Nepal. According to the official, till now more than two lakh people have been screened at these places, but not a single positive case has been reported. On Wednesday, the Health Department ordered for the closire of shopping malls, gyms, swimming pools and spas in all districts of Bihar till March 31. According to the directive, gatherings of more than 50 persons has been stopped forthwith, except marriage functions. All cinemas have also been ordered shut till March 31. The state government has also closed schools, colleges, universities, parks, zoos and museums till the month-end. All government and private hostels in the state have also been closed. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey said on Thursday that one of its soldiers had died as a result of a heart attack in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib. The soldier was preparing for night duties on Wednesday when he had the heart attack, the defence ministry said. Earlier, the governor's office in Turkey's central Sivas province said one Turkish soldier had been "martyred" in Idlib. The defence ministry did not identify the soldier and it was not immediately clear whether the ministry and the governor's office were referring to the same incident. Turkey, which backs rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, agreed a ceasefire with Russia two weeks ago after months of fighting displaced nearly 1 million people in Idlib. Moscow supports Syrian government forces. (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Dominic Evans and Angus MacSwan) Ocry.hk.yxhbgc.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. 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Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for ocry.hk.yxhbgc.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The type of Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has dismissed the claims of grandchildren of late Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur over the ownership of the iconic Jai Mahal hotel. The appellate tribunal has set aside the previous orders of the Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which had allowed Maharaja Dev Raj and Rajkumari Lalitya Kumar majority stake in the company Jai Mahal Hotels Pvt Ltd, which owns the majestic property. A two-member bench observed that Rajkumar Dev Raj and Rajkumari Lalitya "can not claim title on the basis of succession certificate dated February 19, 2009". "The alleged acts of oppression complained of by 1st and 2nd respondents (Rajkumar Dev Raj and Rajkumari Lalitya) occurred around 2001. Maharani Gayatri Devi on the death of Maharaj Jagat Singh (her son) on February 5, 1997 became his sole legatee by virtue of will dated June 23, 1996," said in an order dated March 12. "Therefore, Rajkumar Dev Raj and Rajkumari Lalitya cannot claim inheritance on original 5,050 shares to be legal heirs of Late Maharaj Jagat Singh on his death (February 5, 1997)," it said. The also said that "alleged acts of oppression complained of by 1st and 2nd respondents occurred around 2001" and they became shareholders of Jai Mahal Hotels on November 14, 2008 and February 19, 2009. "The Tribunal (NCLT) failed to consider the abovesaid aspects and wrongly held that Rajkumar Dev Raj and Rajkumari Lalitya inherited the shares of Late Maharaj Jagat Singh on February 5, 1997 on the death of Maharaj Jagat Singh," it said while setting aside the previous order. NCLAT further said that Maharani Gayatri Devi, who was at all material times including in 2001, was the sole legatee of Late Maharaja Jagat Singh, had through a letter on April 10, 2001 left it open to Jai Mahal Hotel to offer the shares to other existing shareholders and declined to subscribe to any shares. "In view of the aforesaid finding the impugned judgement dated August 1, 2018 passed by the Tribunal cannot be upheld. It is accordingly set aside," said NCLAT. Earlier on August 1, 2018 had restored the ownership of Jai Mahal hotel in favour of grandchildren of late Maharani Gayatri Devi. Allowing the petition of Gayatrai Devi's grandchildren, had set aside the resolution of the extraordinary general meeting of the company held in March 1999 and March 2001 regarding appointments on board and dilution of their stake. It had restored the "position ante immediately upon death of Maharaja Jai Singh " and set aside the resolution passed in the board meeting regarding allotment of shares. had restored their original position of the shareholding as well as the board of directors, and thereby making the grandchildren of Maharani Gayatri Devi as the owners of the Jai Mahal hotel in Jaipur. The grandchildren had earlier won the battle for transmission of their father's shares in their names. Built in 1745, the Jai Mahal Palace is now operated as a hotel by Taj group of Hotels. It has 94 rooms and six suites. The Opposition on Thursday urged the Assam State Election Commission to postpone the polling for the Bodoland Territorial Council scheduled for April 4 in view of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The Congress and the Left Democratic Manch (LDM), a common platform of 10 parties, wrote to Election Commissioner Alok Kumar, seeking a decision in this regard considering the "threat to people's lives". For the 40 constituencies of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), the polling is scheduled for April 4. The counting of votes will take place on April 8. "The Government of Assam and the Assam State Election Commission are going ahead with the process of holding elections to the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Council despite this grim scenario," Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, said in the letter. "Is the physiology of the residents of the BTR so different from that of residents of other parts of Assam that they run no risk of getting infected or spreading the coronavirus," he asked. In fact, some eligible prospective candidates are likely to stay away altogether from the election process in view of the threat posed by coronavirus, which has been already declared as a national disaster by the Union government, he added. "More importantly, numerous prudent electors are sure to avoid the crowded polling booths and refrain from casting their votes. I hardly need to iterate that lives and well-being of the common people are more precious than I feel that to ensure that the BTR Council elections are not only free and fair but also conducive to public health, they need to be postponed in accordance with the recommendations of the ICMR and the policy adopted by the Government of India," Saikia said. The senior Congress leader said the dates for the submission, scrutiny and the withdrawal of nominations should also be notified afresh. Saikia also wrote a similar letter with identical content to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, requesting him to postpone the elections. In a separate letter to the commissioner, the LDM requested to review the schedule for the elections as panic surrounding the COVID-19 increasing across the country. "It is the considered opinion of the constituent parties of the Left Democratic Manch, that the BTC Election should be postponed for the time being in view of the excruciating situation arising out of the impending coronavirus outbreak," the letter said. The parties pointed out that the West Bengal Election Commission has already postponed the civic polls in the state after political parties expressed concern over the deadly disease. "The Assam State Election Commission too should revisit the BTC poll schedule, taking into account the totality of circumstances and the contemporaneous situation. The political parties should also be taken into confidence in this regard. The BTAD areas cannot be treated as an isolated island immune from any viral infections, including COVID-19," they said. If the polling date is not rescheduled, the virus panic and fear to participate in gatherings will create major problems for the political parties to organise poll campaigns and rallies in the run-up to the elections, the letter said. Member parties of the LDM are the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), RCPI, NCP, RJD, AAP, Liberal Democratic Party, Janata Dal (S) and the Asom Sangrami Mancha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News organizations likehave tracked what the president has said, over time, about the coronavirus crisis. See a previous blog post with a link there to those historical remarks,I don't know what happened on March 16. Maybe he got out of the other side of the bed? More likely, a political adviser got his attention, by "slapping him upside the head with a 2X4" and saying, "Pay attention. You, your presidency, your re-election is at stake here in this moment in time." Someone had to make it very personal to him, because he only cares about himself.Then on March 16, "This is a crisis of major proportions, we are doing everything possible and in our power to respond." And, he is sure to have added, "By my quick action to impose the travel ban from China, we made it much better for us."So the worm has turned. I'll be doing another blog post on the fact that this event when the after action reports are written should be titled, "Too Little, Too Late." National leadership has been reactionary and not proactive. True leadership transferred to the governors who have led as best they can with the authorities they have.I have to note that as of this morning, Mexico only has 100 cases of coronavirus identified. Maybe they are even further behind the USA in testing, but I doubt it. I thought all those Mexicans trying to enter the United States were "carrying diseases" as the president has stated before. Today, Mexico is a better place to be to avoid COVID-19. MANZINI Churches that will not adhere to the suspension of gatherings of congregants not exceeding 50 people will be closed and their leaders arrested. This was a submission of representatives of church denominations under the League of Churches - Eswatini and the Council of Swaziland Churches. The leaders of these organisations said this following a press conference where they were also gathered with the Eswatini Conference of Churches, yesterday at The George Hotel. Representing the church organisations were Bishop Stephen Masilela, Bishop Samson Hlatjwako, Zwanini Tshabalala and Bhekindlela Magongo. Bishop Masilela said: Suspend all church services, conferences and camps that will be attended by more than 50 people. He said the three church bodies were concerned about the implications of the COVID -19 pandemic on the lives of the citizenry. Conclusion Masilela said they came to the conclusion to suspend gatherings, which would make it difficult to adhere to the standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) among of which is social distancing. Social distancing, according to WHO, entails maintaining at least one metre distance between oneself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Masilela said following the statement issued by the King through the Premier, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, on measures taken by government, the church bodies noted that the church was deeply concerned about the continuous spread of the coronavirus in the world and the case that had been confirmed in Eswatini. Masilela said the rate at which this pandemic was spreading and the high mortality rates reported worldwide had created fear and uncertainty. Given this impact, he said they encouraged the nation and their members to be vigilant and suspend all church services, conferences and camps that would be attended by more than 50 people. These, he said, included the Good Friday and Easter services annually hosted in different places countrywide. To churches that have a large number of congregants, Masilela said, it would be wise to stagger their services. As a deterrent to those who would not adhere to the resolution taken by the three entities, he said: Churches are under the organisation but also located in communities which are led by royal kraals; so, if they fail to heed to the call, we shall report the pastor to the royal kraal where the church is located. This, he said, shall be followed by charges being preferred against the pastor who would have proceeded to host a church gathering of more than 50 people. After the charge, the church will be closed because its leaders fail to comply with the laws of the land and that is guaranteed, Hlatjwako added. The church leader further said if he could have his way, even vigils would be stopped altogether and services leading to procession to the graveyard during funerals would be hosted during the day. Possibilities This, he said, would eliminate the possibilities of having people crowded in a single room during the mourning process as there was poor ventilation. Tents have a challenge as many people close them at night during the vigils to limit being exposed to the cold. While doing that, the people attending vigils get exposed to the virus (COVID-19) and that would be detrimented to them. Supporting the stance by the League of Churches - Eswatini was Magongo from the Eswatini Conference of Churches. He said if a member of his organisation strayed and hosted services with more than 50 people, that individual would be discarded from the organisation. Subsequent to that, he said that particular church leader would be taken through the legal route. This, he said, was because their act would be tantamount to attempted murder. The dangers of the virus and how it is spread have been highlighted and means to deal with its spread and curbing infections have been brought to the fore; therefore, someone who deliberately ignores the responsibilities attached to their rights needs to be taken to court, Magongo said. He further emphasised that congregants should not be fooled by clergymen who would start to prophesy that the coronavirus was a signal of the end times. We are discouraging lies in churches about the end times. We dont know the date and time of when the world would end. This is just a virus like any other and we are hopeful that scientists will find a solution. Scare He further reminded the men of the cloth that being a Christian was full-time and should not be used to scare people. Meanwhile, on the consequences of what would be a deterrent for church leaders subscribing to the Eswatini Conference of Churches, Bishop Masilela said they were hopeful that their members would adhere to the initiatives to be explored. We dont expect our members to disobey this as it is an emergency, he said. (We) encourage churches to hold services in local congregations, cell groups and to have family services and prayers to avoid travelling to big gatherings. The leaders also implored all churches and Christians to dedicate March 22, 2020 to pray for the end of the pandemic in their services. To have a wide reach and accommodate congregants who were afar and had to limit their movement due to the pandemic, Masilela advised churches to explore the use of technology to broadcast services through social media. Also, Masilela further said church bodies were to request government to assist them in accessing local media. This, he said, was aimed at making sermons and services to be broadcast on Sundays and during the Easter weekend so that congregants could still celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus from their homes. Luxembourg announced Thursday that it plans to close its international airport to passengers before next week, in the latest move to try and slow the spread of the coronavirus around Europe. Many flights have already been halted but there are still some scheduled services to the grand duchy operated by British Airways and KLM. "We really want passenger traffic to end by Monday, because it makes no sense," Luxembourg's defence, internal security and mobility minister Francois Bausch told a video conference. Freight services will be maintained. Last year, Luxembourg airport handled 4.4 million passengers. Airlines and governments across the world have begun halting services to prevent passengers' spreading the epidemic. Luxembourg's flag-carrier Luxair has begun bringing home its nationals who are marooned abroad. By Thursday, Luxembourg had recorded 335 cases of coronavirus infection and four deaths. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Having come of age in a newspaper newsroom in my late teens, I learned early on what turned out to be a somewhat dubious guiding philosophy throughout my life the reality of random bad things that can and will happen to all of us. Random bad things are the unexpected events that just happen, delivering varying degrees of shock, horror and heartbreak. This, as I was then learning, is the very definition of news. I remember the first time I became aware of this idea that random bad things news could happen to anyone and that life could turn on a dime. As the copy girl at the Brantford Expositor, I had arrived for my early-morning start when the senior editor asked me about a girl I had gone to high school with. He told me she had died in a car crash and he needed me to go home and get my yearbook, so they would have her photo to publish. The lesson for this future journalist: The news came first, before my shock and sadness. In my years of reporting following that, I had so many opportunities to understand the reality of random bad things and the need for journalists to report on them and set aside personal feelings. How many times did I have to knock on the door of the family of a murder victim, or yet another car crash victim and talk to them about the loved one who had had plans for that same day? How many times was I part of a newsroom mobilized to report on the worst of the random bad things that shocked the world? In inculcating this reality of random bad things, I became an anxious worrier, with a go-to mental and emotional set point of imagining the worst that could happen in any situation. My husband and children understand I am a worrier writ large and get that it has much to do with my being a journalist. Once, talking to a therapist, I told her I was not a pessimist, but a realist. Just look around us at all these random bad things that happen, I told her. Journalists are on the front lines of bearing witness to the random bad things life brings. We are societys realists. Truth be told, I learned to cope with this reality by welcoming those random bad things in my own life that were manageable, believing we all must bear our share of random bad things throughout our lives. A fender bender, a visit to the emergency ward for a broken limb, the beloveds minor heart attack, a financial setback, a job loss. In the grand scheme of random very bad things I witnessed as a journalist, just small-scale random bad things. Blessings, really. And now, with this great big global random bad thing called COVID-19 affecting every one of us, like all of you, I am anxious, indeed frightened, when I hear that the worst may be yet to come. Arent we all? But here, I draw on the other important learning of more than 40 years in journalism and bearing witness to the chaos of the world: A new day of new news always dawns. This, I also know: This too shall pass. Life will go on. Somehow, inexplicably, it always does even in the face of the worst, most painful and heartbreaking of the random bad things that befall people. I have witnessed that reality repeatedly, too. The human spirit, faced with mayhem and great tragedy, somehow seems to always teach us greater lessons about survival in the face of unimaginable random bad things. In coming weeks, let us remember, we are in this random bad thing together. Journalists, who are on the frontlines, bearing witness and working full out to keep you informed around the clock in circumstances we could never have envisioned even last month. And, you, our readers, who need crucial, trustworthy information about this fast-moving global pandemic. Real news matters to keeping all of us safe and informed. Subscribing to a news source you trust matters, too. I guarantee you, every journalist in the Star and throughout Torstars news organizations is committed to giving you the real news you require to make informed decisions for you and your loved ones. I expect we will make a few mistakes. Again, I guarantee we will correct. As we all get to the other side of this news, this new random bad thing and we will I hope we can all remember the best of the human spirit of survival: kindness, generosity, empathy, understanding, strength. Anti-dumping regulations are among the important issues that Vietnamese and foreign businesses are interested in. Why is this the case, and what factors are involved in determining whether these regulations are being followed? Pham Duy Khuong, managing director of ASL Law Anti-dumping is one of the most important measures that domestic and foreign enterprises can take to ensure their rights and interests to competitors exporting identical or similar products. At the request of domestic enterprises, Vietnam has conducted anti-dumping investigations on many products imported from abroad. However, it is not always the case that Vietnamese enterprises have favourable conditions and get the desired results when using anti-dumping measures against overseas enterprises. For example, through a directive last year Vietnamese businesses conducted an anti-dumping investigation on some wooden fibreboards and other wood-based materials originating from Thailand and Malaysia, in which ASL Law acted as lawyer for the fibreboard business from those countries. The requesting party was a representative of the domestic manufacturing industry. In order to draw a final conclusion on whether dumping was involved here, the investigation agency had to consider a lot of factors. First was assessing the impact of imported goods. Pursuant to Article 3.2 of the World Trade Organizations (WTO) Antidumping Agreement, the investigating authority considered whether or not there had been a significant increase in imports or relative to output or consumption in the importing country. In the case of fibreboard, the review of the proportion of imports from sources indicates that goods from Thailand and Malaysia increasingly take up a larger share. This shows that the impact from imported goods on the domestic industry, if any, mainly comes from those two nations. Second was the price impact of investigated imported goods. The Article 3.2 provided, With respect to the price effect of dumped imports, the investigating authority must consider whether there is a significant price difference between the selling price of the dumped imported goods and of similarly manufactured goods in the country, or consider whether the impact of the imported goods under investigation have caused the price pressure at a level or prevent price increases significantly, which should have happened. None of these factors can be decisive. Next, economic factors are considered when determining significant losses of a domestic manufacturing industry. Article 3.4 of the agreement explains that the investigating authority must consider the impact of dumped imports on the domestic manufacturing industry and state the factors to be assessed. Factors and suitable economic indicators are related to the status of the industry, including the decline in actual and potential revenue, profits, output, market share, productivity, rate of return, labour and wages, and much more besides. In addition, the investigating authority may consider other factors and none of them will be decisive. Last, evaluation is taken of the cause and effect relationship. The investigating agency said that the volume and price of imports from other countries were not the cause of the domestic industrys losses. There is no basis for the cause of the loss in the domestic industry due to exports or poor labour productivity. Increasing production costs and the supply-demand relationship are the main reasons for the decline in the profits of the domestic manufacturing industry. On that basis, and going by the Law on Foreign Trade Administration and its guiding documents, the investigation agency recommended the minister of Industry and Trade to issue a decision to terminate the investigation of the case and not take anti-dumping measures. Objectively, this is a great victory for the market in general and partly a victory for foreign enterprises. Under the provisions of Vietnamese law, what cases will be considered for application of anti-dumping measures? Could you please tell us the provisions relating to anti-dumping? The investigation of the application of anti-dumping measures shall be conducted on the basis of Vietnamese law provisions on trade remedies. These include the Law on Foreign Trade Administration No.05/2017/QH14 dated June 2017; Decree No.10/2018/ND-CP dated January 2018 detailing a number of articles of the Law on Foreign Trade Administration on trade remedies measures; 2017s Decree No.98/2017/ND-CP on defining the functions, tasks, powers, and organisational structure of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT); Circular No.06/2018/TT-BCT dated April 2018 of the MoIT detailing a number of contents on trade remedies; and the 2017 MoIT Decision No.3752/QD-BCT defining the functions and structure of the ministrys Department of Trade Defense. The investigation of the application of anti-dumping measures also complies with the international commitments which Vietnam has signed or acceded to, including the aforementioned WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement, and also the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. Vietnamese businesses can conduct anti-dumping investigations with foreign enterprises if the following conditions are met: Occupying the majority rate: Clause 1, Article 69 of the Law on Foreign Trade Administration stipulates the following, Domestic manufacturing industry means a collection of similar goods manufacturers within the territory of Vietnam, or their representatives account for a major proportion of the total output of that industry, that is domestically produced. If a domestic manufacturer directly imports investigated goods or has relationships with exporters or importers of investigated goods, this manufacturer may not be considered a domestic producer. Meanwhile clauses 1 and 2, Article 4 of Decree 10 stipulates, The determination of domestic manufacturing industry shall comply with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 69 of the Law on Foreign Trade Administration. It also states, The volume and quantity of manufactured goods account for at least 50 per cent of the total volume, and the quantity of similar goods or directly competitive goods produced domestically shall be regarded as a major proportion of the total output of goods of the domestic manufacturing industry, according to the provisions of clause 1, article 69 of the Law on Foreign Trade Administration. The investigating authority may consider the lower rate if there is evidence that such percentage is sufficient to constitute a major proportion of the total production of goods of the domestic manufacturing industry. What do you recommend for foreign companies to consider when distributing products in Vietnam? The way that foreign enterprises export their goods to Vietnam should comply with the provisions of domestic law, and avoid the application of measures that may be considered dumping in accordance with Vietnamese regulations. In addition, enterprises need to monitor the growth of this market as well as closely monitor the sudden increase in export volume to the country. In case of encountering anti-dumping investigation requests from Vietnamese investigating bodies, foreign enterprises should actively participate in the investigation process to ensure the provision of legal evidence benefiting the business and thereby partly avoiding heavy fines from the authorities. Are Vietnams anti-dumping regulations similar to those of other Southeast Asian countries, and what should Vietnamese enterprises be concerned about when they tap into this market? Vietnams anti-dumping regulations, on the whole, have major similarities with other countries in the region. Vietnamese enterprises exporting goods abroad and encountering anti-dumping investigations should seek the support of Vietnamese representatives in the host country and actively involve in the investigation, in order to avoid the investigator deciding to use available data and draw adverse conclusions for their business. Senator has said he will assess his presidential campaign after his poor showing in Tuesday's Democratic Primaries, reported CNN. "As I said yesterday, we are assessing the state of our campaign, there's not going to be an election for another three weeks," Sanders was quoted as saying to CNN on Wednesday. "We are talking to our supporters. Anybody who suggests that at this point we are ending the campaign is not telling the truth," he said. According to the CNN report, the Vermont senator's campaign manager had made a similar comment earlier. "The next primary contest is at least three weeks away. Sen. Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign. In the immediate term, however, he is focused on the government response to the coronavirus outbreak and ensuring that we take care of working people and the most vulnerable," Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir was quoted as saying in a statement. According to CNN estimate, former Vice President Joe Biden had obtained a near 3000-delegate lead over Sanders. The news outlet cited a senior aide to the senator as saying that he is in the phase of deliberation about not only the next stage of his campaign but the movement itself. Earlier this month, Biden defeated Senator in Mississippi and Missouri Democratic primaries, The Hill reported. CARLINVILLE A Carlinville man was being being held without bail Wednesday in Macoupin County Jail after being charged with four counts of aggravated arson, six counts of arson and a count of criminal damage to property. Charging documents contend Christopher M. Walker, 20, of Carlinville committed aggravated arson by setting a March 4 fire that destroyed a barn in the 2500 block of Welton Cemetery Road and resulted in injury to a firefighter. He also is accused of having started fires that destroyed a vacant house in the 2200 block of Nursery Road on March 6, which also resulted in an injury to a firefighter, and destroyed a vacant house in the 1700 block of Illinois Route 4 on Tuesday, which caused injury to two firefighters. Each of the aggravated charges is punishable by six to 30 years in prison. Authorities also accused Walker of a setting a series of fires across Macoupin County, including: A garage in Carlinville on Feb. 17. A barn on Washer Road in Gillespie on Feb. 17. Four bales of hay in the 24000 block of Hettick Road in Gillespie on March 4. A barn in the 8900 block of Litchfield Trail in Litchfield on March 4. A barn in the 8700 block of Litchfield Trail on March 4. A wagon and straw belonging to the Lake Williamson District Council of the Assembly of God in the 1700 block of Lakeside Drive in Carlinville on March 9. He also is charged with a misdemeanor accusing him of setting fire to bales of hay on Feb. 24. Each of the arson charges is punishable by three to seven years in prison. The misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. With the federal Small Business Administration overwhelmed by applications for emergency loans, Connecticut plans to offer bridge loans of up to three months to help companies stay solvent while the SBA gets caught up. Gov. Ned Lamont announced the initiative on Thursday afternoon during a conference call that drew more than 2,000 business owners and managers hoping for fresh insights on any aid available as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic accelerates in Connecticut. After orders to shutter restaurant dining rooms, bars, gyms and malls, Lamont said during the conference call and via Twitter that he planned to issue a similar, statewide edict on nail salons, spas and barbers. He added he does not have plans for any more sweeping mass shutdown of businesses, while reserving the right to take that step in the event of any sharp spread of coronavirus. Exceptions would stay in place for grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations among others deemed essential to daily life. According to a flash poll by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, about half of businesses surveyed by CBIA reported little to no drop off in revenue in the week after March 10 when Lamont declared a public health emergency, with the remainder absorbing significant hits to their top and bottom lines. On Thursday, Lamont said businesses should expect anywhere from three to nine months of tough going in his words, and said in formulating a rough early outline of assistance packages he is drawing on his own experiences as a business owner during the Great Recession of 2009. As I remember my experience, my revenues disappeared and my fixed costs didnt so when I hear from the feds ... about reductions in payroll tax, Im trying everything I can to keep payroll, Lamont said. They tell me about tax credits thats a long way out, and Im not sure how much income Im going to have to use that credit. ... Im doing everything I can to reduce those fixed costs and make it easier for you to stay in business. With employee wages the biggest cost for many businesses, Lamont noted the state is seeing significant queries in an existing Shared Work program in which Connecticut picks up anywhere from 10 percent to 60 percent of wage costs in exchange for employers giving workers part-time hours rather than laying them off. Legislation is making its way quickly through Congress that would fund up to two weeks paid sick leave and 12 weeks paid leave to care for a family member, with the goal of buying time for companies to avoid initiating mass layoffs by shunting payroll costs onto the federal government through a credit they can take on their future taxes. We understand that cash is much better than a credit, said David Lehman, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, joining Lamont on the Thursday conference call. But its a significant bill. On Monday, the SBA approved Lamonts request for an economic disaster declaration, allowing qualifying businesses to apply for up to $2 million in loans with terms extending as far as 30 years. But with the SBA bogged down with more requests than it can process from states nationally, DECD is now dusting off its existing Small Business Express program to extend short-term loans of three months duration as a bridge to any SBA financing. Over 12 months through last October, the SBA pared 1,600 positions from its unit that handles disaster assistance, a 43 percent cut that left it with less than 2,100 personnel on a full-time equivalent basis. We are well aware that the SBA site and the SBA personnel have been overwhelmed by requests and applications for loans, Lehman said Thursday. We understand theres a need. The state is aiming to roll out its own loan program by early next week, with DECD employees cobbling it together while working remotely. The state would make the loans either interest free or cap them at no more than 1 percent, with nonprofits eligible to apply. Lamont said that the Connecticut Department of Banking is getting the cooperation of banks that come under its regulatory umbrella to defer payments due from borrowers on outstanding loans, noting that they are far better capitalized today than during the mortgage lending bubble on the eve of the 2008 financial panic. And he said the handful of health insurers that have members in Connecticut have shown a willingness to consider deferring premiums due, without yet committing to doing so. In response to a question on whether he would issue any executive order addressing rents coming due for commercial landlords, Lamont said he has asked some large property owners to be flexible, but said at present he had no plans to issue an edict. Thats probably best handled by you ... working with your landlords in particular, Lamont said. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman Singapore on Thursday confirmed 32 new coronavirus cases, including 24 imported ones, taking the total number of infections in the country to 345. All the imported coronavirus cases were returning residents and long-term pass holders who had travelled to Europe, currently the epicentre of the virus, as well as to North America and ASEAN countries. According to the health ministry, 15 of the 221 patients in hospitals are in critical condition. A total of 124 people have fully recovered and have been discharged from hospitals. Singapore authorities on Thursday said all students and school staff returning from travel during the March holidays will be put on a leave of absence for 14 days upon their return. This will apply to those who returned from overseas on or after March 14, according to a Channel Asia report on Thursday. Singaporeans, permanent residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors entering the country from 11:59 pm on Friday will be issued a 14-day stay-home notice, the Ministry said on Wednesday. Those serving a stay-home notice will have to stay at their place of residence at all times for 14 days after entering Singapore. As part of enhanced efforts to tackle the spread of COVID-19, the Health Ministry has advised Singaporeans to defer all foreign travel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two men use a portable outdoor hand washing station outside Broad Street Ministries, in Philadelphia, March 19, 2020. Both men are guests at Broad Street Ministries which has indoor hand washing and hand sanitizing stations inside in addition to this outdoor unit in front of the church. The coronavirus has been spreading across the globe since January, and now has been identified in the Philadelphia region, all non-essential businesses are closed. Cities around the United States, including Philadelphia, are increasing social restrictions and implementing cleaning strategies in an attempt to slow the virus spread. Read more The other day, a client outside the Catholic Worker Free Clinic in Kensington asked physician assistant Katie Huynh an impossible question: Amid the coronavirus pandemic, was it safer to sleep in a shelter or on the street? I had to tell them its safer, for the coronavirus, to sleep on the street. So I think that were going to see a lot more people avoiding shelters, she said. But then, that leaves you vulnerable for more violence, that youll be injured physically or have your belongings stolen. Thats just one of many unprecedented strains that coronavirus containment efforts have heaped on Philadelphias patchwork safety net of homeless services from soup kitchens where hospitality had until now involved a sit-down meal to shelters where beds are normally packed closer than the CDC-recommended six-foot radius, and to outreach workers who are accustomed to extending a helping hand. Providers across the city have had to overhaul and, in many cases, drastically curtail their programs, struggling with the reality that social distancing isnt built into their service models. The city, meanwhile, is rushing to ramp up shelter capacity and food distribution, to continue serving an estimated 5,700 homeless residents, including 950 unsheltered. Philadelphia Managing Director Brian Abernathy said officials are still touring sites in search of what will be a quarantine space for those who may suspect that they are infected with the virus. He expected that site to be open by the end of the week. And the nonprofit Project HOME has assigned a dedicated outreach team outfitted in protective gear to transport anyone displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, said the organizations leader, Sister Mary Scullion. Nonprofits are making difficult decisions about whether and how to accept donations and volunteer help, in efforts to limit workers on site and avoid risking exposing more people to contagion. At the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission just north of Center City, a sign posted on the door warned that there will be no new shelter admissions until further notice. Other signs cited a long list of canceled services: meals for anyone not staying in the shelter already, health clinics, afternoon showers, and case management. At the Broad Street Ministry, a South Broad Street center whose radical hospitality approach normally includes table service in a soaring church sanctuary, executive director Mike Dahl has been forced to move to take-out food and to suspend all services except mail delivery. Its heartbreaking, said Dahl, for an organization that prides itself on hospitality. He was wearing rubber gloves and had sent home all but a skeleton staff. Were back to the basics. Were not doing the long-term work of taking care of people. Were just trying to address the most immediate suffering. St. Francis Inn, which provides sit-down meals to people in Kensington, is now packing food to go, asking guests not to crowd in line, and closing off its courtyard, normally a gathering place. It divided staff into two teams: younger workers who might have more exposure and older people who are limiting their contact. Our slogan has been: For now, not forever. Thats what weve been telling our guests, said Tom Schlinck, 23, a Franciscan volunteer minister. Some of the guests have gotten upset. The reason we serve restaurant style is we want to emphasize human dignity, and with the changes weve had to make, some of that gets compromised. Crowd management was also a prime concern at Hub of Hope, the outreach post in Suburban Station, which cut hours, staggered clients, and installed hand-washing stations. In Kensington, the sidewalk outside Prevention Point Philadelphia was still a hive of activity Tuesday, though the public-health organization had halted programs including its daytime drop-in center and was conducting services mostly outside. Essential programs like the syringe exchange, mail services, public bathrooms, addiction treatment, and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C remain open, and the organization is giving out more of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone than ever. And an Amazon wish list for donations resulted in an outpouring of support. But one thorny problem is articulating conflicting public-health messages that now include social distancing yet still warn against using drugs alone, given the risk of fatal overdose. That is one of the tragic aspects of this, said Silvana Mazzella, Prevention Points associate executive director. All we can do is inform people of their risk. At the Catholic Worker Free Clinic, where the waiting room is normally a bustling daytime hangout, only one client was being admitted at a time. Weve basically moved our waiting room outside," said Mary Beth Appel, 60, standing on the sidewalk as clients signed in on a clipboard. Routine care, like blood-pressure checks, has been reduced a hardship for people who come in not only for health care, but also for a moment of being touched and treated like a human being. One client told staff, I dont feel like a person. I feel like a disease. She said this week has been quiet. But like many other providers, she expects more people will need services given the growing number of coronavirus layoffs. Yet those living on the street and in shelters did not seem panicked. Several expressed frustration that the places they once relied on like libraries and drop-in centers are now off-limits. Jessica, 32, who declined to give her last name, said the coronavirus sounded like not that big of a deal. Its a cold. She was huddled outside St. Francis Inn on Tuesday, waiting for lunch. Still, she was irritated by the ubiquitous advice to wash hands and stay at home. Were trying to stay clean. But we dont have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. You cant put people inside who dont have a home. We cant quarantine. Michael Fisher, 57, who has been staying at a Bethesda Project shelter in St. Marys Episcopal Church., felt secure. He said there is plenty of space, and residents have been supplied with hand sanitizer and disinfectant cleaners. I even got rubber gloves in my bag, said Fisher. His main concern with the coronavirus isnt his health, but that the disruption may stymie progress on his housing application. Huynh, the Catholic Worker clinic volunteer, said the calm her clients exude has helped her adjust to the reality of a pandemic. A lot of patients are taking this in stride. This is a population that lives day to day. People here live in crisis, she said. So its a sense of learning from people who are used to insecurity to the idea that you never know whats going to happen next week. Staff writers Aubrey Whelan, Mike Newall, and Laura McCrystal contributed to this article. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. Dehradun: Two more trainee Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers confirmed positive for COVID-19 in Dehradun on Thursday evening, informed officials from Uttarakhands health department. Officials said that the two are also part of the group of trainee IFS officers that recently returned from an international tour of Spain, Finland and Russia. The first confirmed positive case in the state was of a 26-year-old trainee IFS officer who tested positive on Sunday. Dr. CP Bhaisora, principal of Government Medical College in Haldwani, which is the only testing center in the state, said two more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed after testing. Two more cases were confirmed today (Thursday) and 37 were found to be negative from the samples sent from Dehradun. The samples were received at our hospital on Wednesday, said Dr. Bhaisora. On Monday, the district administration had quarantined the campus of Forest Research Institute and Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, where the first infected patient was staying. So far 82 people have tested negative for the virus in Uttarakhand, while 114 samples including those of close contacts of the three positive cases have been sent for testing. 29 results were awaited on Thursday evening. On Thursday, 19 samples were sent for testing from Dehradun, Nainital and Haridwar. Uttarakhand government has also increased the number of isolation beds from 337 to 474. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation has suspended to and fro movement of buses to Nepal and other destinations in Punjab and Kashmir among others. To curb the spread of coronavirus infection we had written to the Nepal government that buses from Uttarakhand to Mahendra Nagar in Nepal will be stopped and asked them to stop sending buses here too. For inter-states, we have stopped plying buses to Punjab and Kashmir as of now in light of coronavirus outbreak, said Jain. Officials from Uttarakhand Tourism Department will also be holding a meeting on Friday to review the situation. When asked if domestic and foreign tourist to the state will be stopped for the time being, Dilip Jawalkar, secretary for tourism in the state said, I would be meeting all concerned officials from the tourism department on Friday and any decision regarding stopping the entry of tourists will be taken after the meeting. By Trend Budapest-Baku charter flight, organized by the Azerbaijani government to evacuate Azerbaijani citizens and bring them back home from Hungary, is scheduled for 20:00 (GMT +1) on March 18, Trend reports referring to the official Facebook page of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Hungary. In this regard, the evacuation of Azerbaijani citizens who purchased tickets for flight on the Budapest-Baku route by WizzAir (in order of priority) will be carried out from March 15 to 31. These persons are required to immediately (within one hour) send copies of their identification cards to the embassys email: [email protected] and arrive in Budapest Airport at 16:00 (GMT+1), the embassy said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz TAMPA, Fla., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra Defense Corp (UDC) of Tampa, Florida has completed the acquisition of MAST Technology, Inc. of Warrensburg, Missouri in a transaction that closed Feb 29, 2020. MAST Technology was founded in 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada and remains a key fixture in the defense industry. UDC will enhance its dominance in the domestic and international markets by adding the exquisite and specialized Department of Defense manufacturing capabilities of MAST. "In combining the well-established competencies of UDC and MAST we have aligned both entities under the National Security Innovation Base. This is the first step of many towards accomplishing our goal of becoming a key supplier of next-generation overmatch capability to the US warfighter supporting the National Defense Strategy and Great Power Competition," said UDC CEO Matthew Herring. UDC-MAST will operate as a new division of UDC and remain in Warrensburg. It will continue to load, assemble and pack items like 40mm munitions, small caliber ammunition, M81 igniters, and numerous other niche products. Additionally, UDC-MAST will focus on its proven roots in ammunition manufacturing methods and equipment enabling development and production of next-generation ammunition and pyrotechnics. A significant physical expansion of the Warrensburg operation is planned in the coming months. Jay Bell, former CEO of MAST, will stay on and serve as the General Manager of UDC-MAST. "I am unbelievably excited for future opportunities. Matt's experience, knowledge, and integrity are well established in the defense community. Matt and I together are going to be a very formidable combination. I believe we can multiply our capabilities and obtain exponential growth." The addition of the MAST team further expands UDC's growing portfolio of products and services. UDC's US Government customers include Army Contracting Command New Jersey, United States Special Operations Command, US Army Aviation and Missile Command, US Army Tank, Automotive, and Armament Command, and other classified customers and programs enabling current and future national security requirements. UDC's contractor base has expanded to over 50 key sub-contractors around the globe. UDC's core business areas remain centered on providing non-type qualified ammunition, small arms, and weapon systems to the US military and allied militaries worldwide. Media Contact: Heather Chase 813-281-0200 [email protected] SOURCE Ultra Defense Corp THIS is no time for playacting, Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Patrick ODonovan said this week as talks continue between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail about forming a government. But he called out those TDs and parties who, he claimed, dont want to take any responsibility and he dismissed the suggestion from the Green Party that talks on forming a government should be suspended during the Covid-19 crisis. People are very anxious that a government would be formed, he said. Sinn Fein cant and wont form a government, he said, and some Independents (he excepted Richard ODonoghue) were roaring and shouting. It is everybodys problem except their own, he said, and this was not acceptable. This is a time to pull on the green jersey, put a programme for government and it is up to them to back it, he said. We have decided as a party to give the Taoiseach the go-ahead to hold talks. It is about putting the country first at this stage, For the past four years, Fine Gael had had an arrangement with Fianna Fail and it had provided stability, he pointed out. But now, with Covid-19, he pointed out, we are in completely unprecedented territory. What was needed, he said, was a government that could bring the country through this crisis, that could look after the people affected and that could get people back to work quickly afterwards. He rejected the idea of an interim or emergency government, saying: I think what people want is a five year government. Fine Gael would not let people down, he declared. Asked about how he felt about going into government with his partys historic rivals in Fianna Fail, Minister ODonovan said: I wouldnt have a personal problem with anything the people have decided. The people have decided the arithmetic. I dont think anyone or anything can come in the way of the health of this country, he said. No falling out and no historic baggage can stand in the way, he continued. It was, he argued, a case of the two parties coming up with a programme of government, bringing it before the Dail and then seeing if enough TDs agree with it or not. Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins said the likelihood of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael forming a government was 50/50 at the moment. The Green Party had certainly put a spanner in the works with their suggestion to hold off on the talks, he said. If they are thinking of changing their position, I would welcome that. The difficulty will be, if the Green Party doesnt come on board, will you be able to get a working majority with Independents. There are so many strands of Independents. That is a difficult call to make at this point in time. He continued: It would be more coherent to have a government of three political parties rather than two parties and eight or ten Independents. Views within Fianna Fail are deeply divided, Deputy Collins said, after consulting widely with people across the party in Limerick. Some dont want us to do an arrangement with Sinn Fein. Some dont want us to do an arrangement with Fine Gael. Some dont want either. But he added: I think there is also a realisation that a government will need to be formed at some stage. He had, he said, no red line issues but ultimately, he said, it would come down to what is in any programme for government and sensible workable policies that will deliver in the key areas of health, housing and climate change. That is really what they (the members) will have to base their decision on. The programme for government is effectively the contract with the Irish people for the next five years, he said. Ultimately, he concluded, it is about what is best for the country. By Andrew Hammond Facing its biggest crisis since World War II, Italy confirmed that it has become the first country other than China to have more than 2,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus. While tackling the human cost of this health emergency is the foremost priority, the economic damage will also be massive, with the country already likely in its fourth recession in a decade. Italy has already taken some of the most restrictive mobility measures in Europe since the 1940s with its citizens in effective lockdown conditions. Not only are people forbidden, in theory, from migrating across the country, shops (with the exception of supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies) are closed, while firms must close all their departments that are not essential to production. Italy's bustling, world famous cities which have long been tourist magnets are becoming unrecognizable with the famous piazzas in Rome, Florence, and Venice empty. Rome's Catholic churches were ordered to close due to the pandemic, in a move potentially unprecedented in modern times. The country's total number of confirmed cases surged to over 31,000 Monday with the death toll spiking to more than 2,500. To put this in perspective, Italy has witnessed nearly 60 percent of the deaths recorded outside China since the epidemic first started spreading from Hubei Province. Italian hospitals have become increasingly overwhelmed by the crisis, with doctors forced to make life-or-death decisions about who gets access to intensive care. This latest bout of instability, which Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has called the country's "darkest hour," is not just unsettling for Italians. There is also mounting concern about economic contagion within the eurozone in addition to the physical spread of the coronavirus. New border checks have sprung up to stop the virus spreading across borders. Austria has ordered a halt to flights and trains from Italy, Slovenia has begun imposing controls at its border with the country and Switzerland said that the border remained open for commuters with work permits, but nine border crossings have been closed. On the economic front, while Italy is less globally important than China, it is nonetheless a key G7 nation with the third-largest eurozone economy but may be becoming the eurozone's weakest link. It also has the second-biggest debt load in the single currency area at well over 100 percent of GDP, and its banking sector is under significant stress with large numbers of under-performing loans. And this renewed economic angst comes in a wider context of public worry over corruption, the nation's migration crisis, and continuing fragility of the economy with double-digit unemployment and low growth. Indeed, only Greece has fared worse in the eurozone in the last two decades which has fueled the political success of anti-establishment politics in that country. Reflecting the coronavirus challenge, the Italian government announced a 25-billion-euro stimulus package, a similar size to one the European Union announced for the entire 27-nation bloc. Rome also announced it "will use all available instruments on the EU front" to counter the challenge, including asking Brussels to allow the Italian government to increase its 2020 deficit spending to 20 billion euros from 12 billion euros. Yet, early forecasts indicate that the economy could shrink dramatically not just in the first quarter, but also the second too, and declining business confidence was showcased in the worst single day loss ever March 12 (17 percent) on Milan's stock exchange as investors fretted over the cost of the coronavirus lockdown. And with schools, universities, theaters, cinemas all closed, and the tourism industry locked down, the Italian government has decided to suspend mortgage payments for its quarantined citizens. The economic chaos, which may mean that the banking system cannot stay solvent or liquid in the current national lockdown period, comes even before Italy's chronic political instability is factored in. The nation has seen over 60 postwar governments and it remains unclear whether the current coalition can last the course in current conditions. The fear is not just that the current administration is unstable, but also that the government could collapse this year requiring fresh elections with the uncertainty this would bring and the prospect of further political paralysis. In the event that new elections are held this year, a strong majority government is unlikely to emerge. In part, this is because of the introduction of a relatively new voting system that is two-thirds proportional representation, and one third first-past-the-post, to make it harder for any one single party to win an outright majority. The threshold for any single party to have a working majority is now around 40 percent of the vote, which no party has come close to securing in recent years. Taken overall, the latest bout of Italian instability could yet herald a critical turning point in the nation's postwar history that triggers a period of political and economic reform. However, more likely is that the nation will only muddle through its biggest crisis since WWII with uncertain governance which precludes the stability and, ultimately, structural reforms in the 2020s that the country badly needs. Andrew Hammond (andrewkorea@outlook.com) is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics. Spanish police officers check a car at the border between Portugal and Spain, following an order from the Spanish government to set up controls at its land borders over the CCP virus, in Vilar Formoso, Portugal, on March 17, 2020. (Rafael Marchante/Reuters) Spain Reports 209 COVID-19 Deaths in 24 Hours Spains death toll from the CCP virus epidemic has risen by 209 in 24 hoursthe worst day so far for the country, according to the health ministry on Thursday. Spain is now the second worst-hit country in Europe, reporting a total of 767 fatalities from the virus, after Italy. So far, 17,149 cases have been confirmed in Spain, health authorities said. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Days ago, a national emergency was implemented that bans Spaniards from all but essential outings. Officials said about 49 people were arrested for disobeying the ordinance over the past several hours, Reuters reported. The toughest moments are still to come, those moments when we will continue to see an increase in the number of cases, Health Minister Salvador Illa told reporters. Fernando Simon, the head of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts, said the number of cases has risen by about 25 percent over the previous day. The number of CCP virus cases does not show that things are going badly, but it shows that Spain is now at its peak, he argued. These are the days where we have to continue making an effort, he said, according to El Pais. We know that it is difficult but reaching that peak and starting a stable descent is our objective. The Madrid region also called on army personnel to intervene at senior homes to stop a trend of deaths among the elderly. At least 50 elderly in homes have died in the region, El Pais noted. Congresswoman Karen Bass tackles Coronavirus in telephone town hall Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA), local healthcare professionals, and local city officials held a telephone town hall on March 17 to address growing concerns about the coronavirus disease 2020 outbreak. Dubbed COVID-19, it is respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The pandemic has caused worldwide catastrophe and unprecedented disruptions to U.S. corporations, schools, stores, small businesses and bars, restaurants, and more. L.A. County had 144 cases so far, according to L.A. County health officials. ADVERTISEMENT Were on a journey together, as a nation that weve never been on before, and so to me, when youre going to embark on un-chartered territory, its best that you be as informed as possible, said Bass, as she began the meeting. The telephone town hall meeting included Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FLA), Dr. Barbara Ferrer (director, L.A. County Department of Public Health), Dr. Elaine Batchlor (CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital), and Marqueece Harris-Dawson (L.A. City Councilman, 8th District). Shalala, highly sought after for her knowledge and experience as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Clinton administration), according to Bass, detailed the national overview and what members of Congress is doing to address the crisis. The outbreak is not contained internationally, but for in a couple of places, stated Shalala. We have almost 200,000 cases confirmed around the world, and the deaths are getting close to 8,000, she stated. As of March 18, the U.S. had 7,038 total cases and 97 deaths, according to the CDC. All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have reported cases of COVID-19, it reported. They included imported cases from travelers; cases among close contacts of a known case; and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown, the CDC further reported. ADVERTISEMENT Unfortunately, most of those deaths are people over 70, or people that had complex health problems, said Shalala. She pointed out three states with most of the cases so far: New York, Washington, and California. That may due to earlier testing in those states, said Shalala. Congress has responded with two bills, focused on vaccines and tests kits, unemployment insurance, making testing free, and nutrition for the elderly as well as children, according to Shalala. Were talking now about an economic stimulus plan, because the economy clearly has collapsed. I represent Miami, and you can imagine, the hotels, the cruise-liners, the airports, the airlines, thousands of people are losing their jobs in my community, she stated. Dr. Ferrer emphasized the importance of slowing down the spread of the virus, and the need for everyone to help. L.A. County had 75 new cases in 48 hours, and anticipates a continued increase in the numbers, according to Ferrer. I dont think were all that different from other places, that are in the same place on the curve as L.A. County, which is this exponential growth ion the number of new cases were reporting, said Ferrer. She credits more testing in the county, in part. But still, theres not nearly enough testing to manage demands from providers with patients that need to be tested and certainly not enough for the general public seeking their status, she said. L.A. County only had its public health lab, and was able run tests on approximately 35 people a day, and as of March 17, hundreds upon hundreds of people were being tested daily, according to Ferrer. Both labs have opened in its hospitals, and commercial laboratories are able to test, she stated. That is a very good thing. I know its scary to see the numbers increase, but we have to have a better understanding of who, in fact, is infected, and we also need that information so that people who are seriously ill have an opportunity to get into a clinical trial, stated Ferrer. Thats key, because the only treatment options are those being tested in clinical trials, according to Ferrer, who called it a double-edged sword. As we increase the capacity, everyone should expect that were going to see more cases. The second reason why were going to see more cases is you have more people who we know are infected, and the more people that are infected, the greater the likelihood is that theyll infect others, continued Ferrer. Three key things people can do is avoid public exposures as much as they can. Stay home as much as they can and go into public spaces if absolutely necessary, she said. Take advantage of abilities to work remotely and keep children home, Ferrer added. Feel free to take children for a walk, just not to playgrounds, she encouraged. Walk. Run. Dont do it with 20 people. Do it with a small group of people from your house, and feel free to also note that you can stop in a grocery store and pick up your groceries. Just be careful. Dont stand on long lines. Try not to be close together to other people, but people can self-isolate as much as possible and still do some of the absolute essential activities that need to happen, said Ferrer. Local physicians and hospitals are caring for pandemic patients in emergency departments, outpatient locations, and by preparing for an influx of sick patients, according to Batchlor. They are also encouraging patients to seek care in alternative locations, when they have mild symptoms, she stated. Earlier on March 17, the L.A. City Council passed approximately 66 motions to try to mitigate fallout from the pandemic, according to Harris-Dawson. In housing, it unanimously passed a moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent and foreclosures for non-payment of mortgage payments or late fees, he stated. Also, there would be no utility, including water and electricity, shut-offs for at least for three months under any circumstances, he stated. Further, the City Council posed a ban on legal street vending, and passed a motion formally requesting grocery stores to allow seniors, pregnant mothers and disabled people to shop during the first house (either 6-7 or 7-8 a.m). Residents can also expect lax parking enforcement, meaning there will be no ticketing in residential areas for cars parked on the streets during street-sweeping days, he stated. Harris-Dawson noted homelessness was a public health crisis before the pandemic, which just exacerbates and ignites an already dangerous situation. The city removed its policy of removing encampment, and instead will clean the encampments and allow people to set up in the same location, according to Harris-Dawson, and, park bathrooms will remain open on a rolling basis, but in upcoming weeks, but the goal is to have all open on a 24-hour basis, he informed. Individuals will be able to use showers at parks that have swimming pools, he said. Thats important, because many homeless people, particular homeless people that live in cars, hold gym memberships, and the gym is where they take a shower and get dressed in the morning when go to work. Weve closed all the gyms, so that isnt there anymore, he stated. Private sector lender Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) on Thursday said its Independent Director Sanjay Kumar Khemani has resigned from the board with immediate effect. Khemani resigned from the directorship of the bank on March 19, 2020, the bank said in a regulatory filing. In the resignation letter enclosed with the filing, Khemani -- who joined the bank board on January 23, 2020 -- said there were three board meetings since he assumed charge and the committees of the board were reconstituted, naming him in three of the committees. Khemani was named in the Customer Service Committee, CSR Committee and IT Strategy Committee. "Considering the role of these committees, I feel that I do not posses domain expertise required for effectively contributing for furtherance of the objective of these committees and therefore I feel that I would not be able to contribute much to the bank through these committees," Khemani said in his resignation letter to the bank. In view of the above, " I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the director of the Lakshmi Vilas Bank with immediate effect and request that a notice of my resignation be given to the Registrar of Companies and the board of directors be informed at their next board meeting." The bank's Non-Executive Non-Independent Director Anuradha Pradeep had resigned in November without giving any reason, while in October, Independent Director Supriya Prakash Sen had put in her papers, citing personal reasons. Earlier, the Reserve Bank had initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) against the south India-based lender. The central bank had also rejected the merger proposal of Indiabulls Housing Finance and Lakshmi Vilas Bank in October. Lakshmi Vilas Bank was placed under the RBI's PCA framework due to high level of bad loans, lack of sufficient capital to manage risks and negative return on assets for two consecutive years. The merger proposal had received all necessary approvals but the nod from the banking regulator was pending since May. Indiabulls Group has also come under the scanner of probe agencies after the arrest of former Yes Bank co-founder and CEO Rana Kapoor. Post the Yes Bank debacle, LVB had issued a statement reassuring markets and customers about its financial health. "The bank would like to take this opportunity to assure our customers that their deposits are safe in our bank. We also request our customers to ignore any market rumours that are based on unfounded reports," it said on March 12. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. A NASA astronaut whos about to leave the planet for six months will blast off without any family or fanfare because of the coronavirus. Chris Cassidy said Thursday that he wont have any guests at his April 9 launch from Kazakhstan. He expects to say goodbye in Russia to his wife on Friday, three weeks earlier than planned. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, shes going back home to Houston. One of his three children, meanwhile, is trying to get back to the U.S. from New Zealand. There will be a smaller team than usual at the launch pad, too. It really is going to be strange, Cassidy told The Associated Press from cosmonaut headquarters in Star City, Russia. He said hes already in quarantine ahead of his launch to the International Space Station. The things that are stressing the rest of the world and the rest of America, are the same things that are stressing me right now, said Cassidy. Its not like any other time in our lives as a generation, really, right? said the 50-year-old Navy captain and former Navy SEAL. Ill have my own interesting story to tell in years to come. Cassidy is also dealing with a rare late-in-the-game crew switch. Hell spend 6 1/2 months on the space station with two Russians assigned to the flight just a month ago, after one of the original cosmonauts suffered an eye injury. While training together to catch up, Cassidy, Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner have been taking precautions to stay germ free, frequently washing their hands and keeping a safe distance from others. The space station crew will drop from six to three a week after his arrival. It will remain at three people until SpaceX launches two NASA astronauts, as early as May, or another crew arrives on a Russian Soyuz capsule in the fall. With only three people on board, it promises to be extraordinarily busy. That doesnt bother me at all, Cassidy told the AP. In fact, Im excited. Bring it on. Cassidy, Ivanishin and Vagner leave Tuesday for the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. They will be isolated there in a special hotel for astronauts, as is customary. But on launch day, there wont be the usual cheering, back-slapping throngs of well-wishers or journalists either. Their families, bosses and dozens of others normally jam a special room behind a glass wall while the astronauts put on their spacesuits before liftoff. Not this time. Well be looking through the glass at maybe one video camera or something like this and then well get on the bus to go to a launch pad with a minimal team there, Cassidy said. As for the Feb. 19 crew switch, Cassidy, from York, Maine, initially was crushed by the news. The former chief of NASAs astronaut corps and two-time space flier, Cassidy already knew the backup cosmonauts.. So no issues there, he said. However, my heart hurt for my two friends who thought they were so close to a rocket launch and were not going to get one, he told the AP. Invanishin, like Cassidy an experienced spaceman, said earlier this week that hes surprised to be suddenly rocketing away, but life happens. He said the crew swap could have occurred even closer to launch and so the three have had some time for the news to settle in. Cassidy acknowledges his stress level is higher than usual right now from worrying about his loved ones. Were only human, he said, and well work through it and be fine. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Coronavirus in India: The government of India issued a notice to stay home arrest, as this is the only way to deal with this pandemic virus. Amid television celebrity, Sargun Mehta, Ravi Dubey shared a hilarious post, where they were seen making Tik Tok videos. Coronavirus in India: In the wake of rising cases of Coronavirus in India, the Government of India issued a notice for the people of India to stay indoor. All film, TV, web shoots have been canceled, while television celebrities have self-quarantined themselves. During the time of house arrest, celebs are finding new ways to pass their time, likewise Sargun Mehta with husband Ravi Dubey did. The duo shared a post where they were seen singing Coronavirus aarti, their funny expression will surely make you laugh your heart out! The video got more than 57 thousand views with hundred of lovable comments for them. She captioned it, we know the situation is tense, but what else we can do during this isolation period, social distancing is the only way. On the professional front, the duo is doing quite well, as Sargun has bagged three PTC Punjabi Film Awards. With that, she also has various big-budget films in her kitty like Sohreyan Da Pind Aa Gaya, Qismat 2. Earlier she was featured in Kismat film opposite to Ammy Virk, her stellar performance was highly praised by the audience and critics. While Ravi in 2019 bagged best anchor award in Zee Rishtey Awards. Check the post: Talking about the pandemic virus, and its current situation in India now the total cases has jumped to 172. Currently, Maharashtra is the worst affected state with 44 cases registered, while Kerala is the second most affect sated with 27 cases. The fear of COVID- 19 is gripping the nation, so to control it, the government has banned visitors entry from European Union countries, Turkey and the UK country till March 31. Also Read: Kasautii Zindagii Kay 19 March 2020 preview: Prerna reveals first target in her revenge game For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App President Donald Trump says that cruise ships may soon be used as floating hospitals to help alleviate a shortage of beds in traditional medical centers bracing for an influx of coronavirus patients. At a press conference Thursday, Trump said he'd spoken to the chairman of Carnival Cruise Lines about its fleet potentially helping with the government's coronavirus response. 'One of the things that happened this morning, I spoke with Micky Arison at Carnival Cruise Lines, and he's going to make ships available,' Trump told reporters. 'So in addition to the big medical ships that you have coming, if we should need ships with lots of rooms, they'll be docked in Los Angeles and San Francisco - different places.' The suggestion came as a shock to many as officials have spent the past several weeks warning Americans to avoid cruise ships for their own safety after COVID-19 outbreaks ravaged multiple vessels. President Donald Trump suggested at a White House news conference on Thursday that cruise ships could serve as floating hospitals to help alleviate a shortage of beds in traditional medical centers treating an influx of coronavirus patients Trump said Carnival Cruise ships would be able to dock near areas hit hard by the pandemic - such as New York City and Los Angeles (file photo) The suggestion came as a shock to many as officials have spent the past several weeks warning Americans to avoid cruise ships for their own safety after COVID-19 outbreaks ravaged multiple vessels - including the Grand Princess (pictured) Trump announced the possible cruise ship support one day after revealing that he'd directed the Navy to dispatch two hospital ships capable of holding up to 1,000 passengers each to the East and West coasts. 'They are massive ships. The big white ships with the red cross on the side. One is called Mercy and the other is called Comfort. They are in tip-top shape,' Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. 'Those two ships are being prepared to go and they can be launched over the next week or so, depending on need.' Trump said Carnival Cruise Lines chairman Micky Arison (pictured) offered his fleet to the federal government Navy officials later said it could be weeks before those ships are ready to go as they're currently undergoing maintenance work and no medical crews have been set up to staff them. The USNS Comfort, which is docked in Norfolk, Virginia, is not expected to arrive in New York Harbor until next month, officials say. The USNS Mercy, which is docked in San Diego, California, is expected to be ready to ship off sooner, but its final destination has not been determined. 'When it is prepared to sail, we will make a determination on where it is going to go,' Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman told reporters after Trump spoke on Wednesday. 'Staffing is an issue. We're going to make sure that we do the best we can and that we get those resources off to the governors and to the mayors that have asked for them.' Each ship is able to carry a medical crew of up to 1,200, which could take days to set up as soon as the vessels themselves are in shape to sail. The 894-foot modified supertankers are decked out with 1,000 hospital beds, 12 operating rooms, a medical lab, digital radiological services, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CAT-scan and two oxygen producing plants. President Trump directed the Navy to dispatch two hospital ships to the East and West coasts on Wednesday. The USNS Comfort (pictured) will dock in New York City Officials have not yet decided where the USNS Mercy (pictured) will dock Defense officials have cautioned that the ships are not built to deal with respiratory disease outbreaks because they don't have segregated compartments, meaning they will not treat COVID-19 patients. Instead, they would likely take on patients who are hospitalized for unrelated reasons to make room for COVID-19 patients in medical centers on land. 'These ships are designed for trauma and combat casualties, and so that's the staff that we're planning to deploy with it right now,' said Air Force Brig Gen Paul Friedrichs, a physician on the Pentagon's Joint Staff. 'Our understanding is that the intent is the ship will be used to take on non-coronavirus patients, which is what our staff is best assigned and organized to do.' The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US climbed to 11,325 on Thursday, including 165 deaths New York Governor Andrew Cuomo praised the president's move to bring in military ships at a press conference earlier on Wednesday, the USNS Comfort would dock in New York City Harbor. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo praised the president's move to bring in military ships at a press conference on Wednesday 'This will be, it's an extraordinary step obviously, it's literally a floating hospital which will add capacity, and the president said he would dispatch that immediately,' Cuomo said. The governor has repeatedly warned that New York is far from prepared for when the outbreak reaches its peak. On Wednesday he said the state has current capacity of 53,000 beds, but that the COVID-19 infection rate indicates the state will need 110,000 beds within 45 days. 'The state can't do this on its own,' Cuomo said. 'We can't build new hospitals in 45 days.' Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been working with Cuomo and other governors across the country on ways the US military can support states. It's been suggested troops could soon be called in to hard-hit areas to set up tent hospitals and renovate buildings for overflow facilities. MARIGOT:--- The assessment of the COVID-19 cases remains unchanged in Saint-Martin with 2 confirmed cases and 2 others in Saint-Barth. In Saint-Martin, the two confirmed patients were hospitalized in the dedicated department for their care and closer monitoring. The investigation conducted by ARS and Public Health France continues to identify the routes of COVID-19 confirmed persons. Contact persons are called on the phone by the dedicated ARS team to inform them, and tell them how to behave (maintaining isolation + monitoring their state of health), and specifying the procedures for taking charge in the event of the onset of symptoms. The ARS is implementing, in partnership with Health Insurance and the French Red Cross, a Response, Information to the Population, Orientation and Monitoring platform to support the process of identifying and orienting patients. This operational platform as of Friday will prevent the saturation of Center 15 to preserve its regulatory function for life-threatening situations. This service will be operational this Friday. The screening and patient management strategy in Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthelemy is based on national recommendations. The proposal to screen patients with signs of COVID-19 is currently being adapted. The main principles are: - Systematic screening of hospitalized people - Screening of people at risk following a medical evaluation - Screening of professionals essential to the continuity of service for the population. Guadeloupe. - Screening by sentinel doctors of people showing signs in the city to assess the kinetics of the epidemic in the population Systematic screening for the entire population would not bring benefit to people with mild forms and would put the laboratory, by a massive influx of examinations, in difficulty, potentially causing delays in treatment for severe cases. We must understand that we have gone from a strategy of identifying the entry of the virus into our territory to a strategy for identifying the most severe cases. Today, the analysis of requests for additional masks is underway. Important destocking will be carried out on the basis of this analysis and new deliveries are expected on the territory by the end of the week. However, everyone is asked to respect the doctrine because it is important to preserve this resource. The province will offer students independent learning courses and rely heavily on public broadcasters TVO and TFO for their online resources and to provide more educational programming on television for younger kids during the two-week school shutdown, sources say. Education Minister Stephen Lecce is expected to release details on Friday of the governments alternative learning plans for the provinces two million students. The unprecedented shutdown a bid to help stop the spread of COVID-19 begins Monday and, as of now, schools are set to reopen April 6. Sources told the Star the province, which ordered the school closings just a week ago adding two weeks on to this weeks March Break has worked to provide online learning courses for students and will also make use of TVOs and TFOs existing resources. The alternative work is expected to be a stopgap measure and not count toward a students grade. Details are unclear on what, if any, provisions officials will make for students who dont have a home computer or access to the internet, given public libraries have also been shuttered. Harvey Bischof, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, said he is awaiting details and noted his union has not been involved in the planning. We sent a letter to the minister last Thursday offering our co-operation, he said, but the government has not reached out, one iota, to the people who have to implement the plans. Cathy Abraham, president of the Ontario Public School Boards Association, said she had no specifics about the learning plans but said trustees had raised a few issues with the ministry, especially around equity. The ministry has been very receptive to the things that we bring forward and are listening to our concerns and trying to do the best they can, given all that is unknown, she said. She said putting together a plan like this so quickly is a matter of what they have available and what they can use thats available, so as many students as possible have access. She expects that, based on everybodys suggestions, that this is just to keep kids on track its not necessarily going to be graded. Right now, its just get us through these first two weeks. And if we go further and in all likelihood we will there is work being done on how we make this happen ... Everybody is working together to find the best way to do things. Several provinces have already shut down schools. The Alberta government, which has shut them down indefinitely, said students will move on to the next grade in the fall, and has promised high school students will get all their credits and those expecting to graduate will. Teachers are expected to work from home or school. In Saskatchewan, the government has convened a team amid the shutdown to figure out next steps. The team includes the Ministry of Education, school boards and teacher unions. It is looking at online learning and take-home materials. Things are changing constantly, said Ontario NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles, who met with Lecce on Monday. The big issue is continuity of learning, Stiles added. Its looking at what tools exist, where there are opportunities to use technology, and to be fair to the minister, its a massive undertaking and a lot has happened in a very short period. She too raised concerns about access to computers and the internet. I encourage the government to work in partnership with its education partners, she said. Its so critical that we all work together ... that is something this government really needs to tap into. And I strongly urge the government to bring the unions into this planning. In particular, she said Grade 12 students are going to need a lot of reassurance as to how this looks for them at the end of the year. She also says students will need more mental health supports and urged boosts to resources such as Kids Help Phone, as well as for more tutors on TVO online and over the phone. There has to be a plan that addresses kids who will slip through the cracks, she said, and especially for children who receive services such as speech and language pathology through their school. Some boards have already posted online resources for parents, including the York Region District School Board and the Durham District School Board. The Ontario government has already cancelled standardized testing for this school year and waived the literacy test as a requirement for graduation for this year only. The European Commission has published a draft legal agreement for the future EU-UK partnership. The text lays out the negotiating directives approve by Member States in the General Affairs Council on February 25, in line with the Political Declaration that was agreed between the EU and the UK last October. The text aims to provide a tool to support the negotiations and to enable progress with the UK. It covers all areas of the negotiations including trade and economic cooperation, law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, participation in Union programmes and other thematic areas of cooperation. Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator, said: This text demonstrates that an ambitious and comprehensive agreement on our future relationship is possible, on the basis of the EU's mandate and the political ambition agreed with the UK five months ago. The UK has indicated that it will put forward texts covering elements of the future EU-UK relationship outlined in the Political Declaration. Today's text was published after the Covid-19 crisis led to the cancellation of the negotiating round that had been scheduled to take place in London this week. The EU and the UK are currently exploring alternative ways to continue discussions amid the crisis and options being explored include the use of video conferences. Work on the legal texts on both sides is to continue over the coming weeks. In keeping with the EU transparency policy, the draft legal agreement has been published online and can be read here. Below Deck deckhand, Tanner Sterback revealed he was recently involved in a serious accident and is recovering. Sterback shared that he was hit by a car while in South Florida. Always wear a helmet! Sterback started his Instagram post. He also included a photo that showed his injuries. Sorry I havent gotten back to everyone who has reached out to me about my recent accident. Tanner Sterback |Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images He added, To let everyone know, I was riding my electric skateboard home when a car had come too close for comfort! Waking up in the ICU was intimidating. I suffered a fractured skull, and a few abrasions..The sublime doctors at the Broward trauma center have called me very lucky and after a week in the hospital I am grateful to be home with my family surrounded by love and gratitude. Long road of recovery ahead but I am so grateful and I plan on continuing to shine a positive outlook, share positivity and love. I Hope everyone is safe and doing well. Much love! Fans wished him a speedy recovery A number of friends and fans reacted upon learning the news. Omg. Sorry to hear this. Youre a warrior. Get well soon, one of Sterbacks friends replied. Another friend wrote, Reach out if you need anything buddy. Tito and koda could use a reunion. Just shoot me a message and Im there. But generally, fans sent healing vibes and wished him well. God bless you !!!!! And make sure you get out of bed and use your spirometer to keep your lungs clear , one person suggested. Of course, the news came as a surprise to others. Dude, had no idea, so happy youre well and hope to see you in the next season, a person wrote. Sterback will likely have a long road to recovery. He included a photo with his post that showed a number of lacerations on his knuckles, arm, and face. But this Below Deck moment was the sickest hes ever been in his life Sterback will have to share how being hit by a car compared to getting food poisoning in Thailand. Cameras captured Sterback completely sidelined for nearly an entire charter as he battled a stomach bug. He told Decider he contracted sweet belly, which is essentially food poisoning. There was actually a point for three days where I couldnt eat or drink anything. I tried so hard just to have a glass of water and it would come right back up within seconds, he said. He recalled how eating a cheeseburger while filming pushed him over the edge. First bite I was like, this is the grossest burger Ive ever had but kept eating it, where you know somethings wrong. Im gonna throw up thinking about it, Sterback shared. Adding, Ugh, man. It was the sickest Ive ever been in my life. He had several medical professionals tend to him on the boat, who gave him IVs and antibiotics. They didnt know what was wrong with me, he recalled. I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy. 31 Shares Share Coronavirus has officially hit the United States. The estimated numbers of infected are likely a gross underestimate of the actual number of cases, as the U.S. has only tested a small proportion of the population. Researchers at Johns Hopkins estimate there could be between 50,000 and half a million cases in the U.S. at this time, and that number only looks like it will grow. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and top member of Trumps coronavirus task force, recently stated its possible millions could die in the United States. I hope that we do not see things get worse in the U.S., but based on what I personally have seen and what my colleagues report, I cannot help but believe things will get worse than they are now. Take it from a U.S. physician working on the ground in communities hit by COVID-19: the U.S. is woefully unprepared for this pandemic. The U.S. has only been able to test five individuals per million, while South Korea has tested more than 3,500 per million people. This is largely due to the fact that the U.S. declined to use WHO tests used around the rest of the world. Testing is not the only place where the U.S. is lacking. It has been reported in multiple outlets that there are critical shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) for health providers, ventilators, and ICU beds. These shortages are especially concerning, as they risk overwhelming critical care sectors of the health care system. Nurses, physicians, and other health care workers on the frontlines are speaking out about what they need to provide adequate care, but the system is unable to respond. It appears these cries are falling on deaf ears. The U.S. health care system has always been horrid, but this pandemic is serving as a magnifying glass to expose its multiple failures. Corona overwhelming other countries While COVID-19 has hit over 140 countries, we can see the extent to which it can overwhelm a health care system by looking at a country like Italy. The Italian health care system, which ranks second in quality in the entire world, has been completely overburdened by the virus. It was recently reported that the virus claimed 368 new deaths on Sunday, which was the largest 24-hour increase in the country to date. The country has over 21,000 cases as of today, and physicians on the ground are reporting there are simply too many patients for each of them to receive adequate care. The strain the coronavirus causes on health systems also leads to increased deaths from other illnesses not related to coronavirus. There are stories around the world of patients with various illnesses such as cancer that are turned away from care. There is potential for this same tragic dynamic to play out in the U.S., but in an even worse fashion given our disjointed profit-centered model of care. As discussed in a recent analysis, the U.S. has about 2.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people with a population of around 330 million, 1 million total hospital beds. While the number of patients needing hospitalization varies in reports depending on the country, anywhere from 50 percent (Italy) to 15 percent (China) of patients required hospitalization. Based on the rates of spread in the U.S., even if 10 percent of patients required hospitalization, hospital beds would be filled by May. This is not to mention the drastic drain on supplies that such a rate of infection would put on the U.S. health care system. Health care workers already noticing shortages Short supplies of protective masks are hitting hospitals around the country. Staff must often obtain management approval before using N95 masks used to protect against airborne pathogens. In one New York hospital, management advised staff to reuse N95 masks with a distributed document saying N95 masks will be reused by staff until they are soiled, moist, or compromised, and to obtain a new mask an associate must request a mask from their supervisor. Policies such as this one pose great risk of infection for health care workers, who would then potentially spread the infection to patients. It doesnt stop at the special N95 masks, nurses in Chicago are now even reporting they are even running out of regular surgical masks, which is unconscionable in a health care setting. Im part of a discussion group of health care workers; a nurse in New York City recently contacted us, saying, OK, so now we get two masks each, and thats it!!! WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON???? That is a great question. The U.S. has had months to prepare for this pandemic. From the outset, there should have been a mass mobilization of mask production, ventilation production, and PPE (personal protective equipment, e.g., masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc.) production. There should have also been a conversion of buildings or building of new sites for ICU beds, but capitalism is showing it is incapable of mobilizing adequately. Around the world, other countries are taking drastic measures to fight the virus. In Spain, they have even decided to even take over private industries that are putting profits over patient lives. In the U.S., we are seeing requests and contracts for money to be funneled into inefficient for-profit companies that cannot and will not respond fast enough, while the government leaders and media pundits continue to tout the brilliance of public-private partnerships. Confusion from management Even the type of mask to be used for COVID-19 patients has been up for debate. Hospital administrations direct staff to use regular surgical masks, eyeshields, and PPE for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases because, according to CDC guidelines, N95 masks should only be worn for aerosol-generating procedures. This concerns many health care workers because at least one study in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but yet to be peer-reviewed, suggests that the coronavirus can survive in the air, which would necessitate N95 masks. Health care workers speculate the laxity in recommendations results from hospital administrations attempting to save the already short supply of N95 masks. These issues, along with poor lines of communication resulting from the highly bureaucratized and corporatized U.S. health care system, have led to confusion, delays in care, and even some health care workers being exposed. As one worker recently shared with me: Im an RN in a MICU in New York. We currently have 3 positives on unit. There has been a lot of fear regarding lack of equipment and PPE [protective personal equipment]. Throughout our facility we have found no plans in place for this. The union has been working on demands. One of the things that has been most difficult is the discussion is it droplet or airborne. Our institution has gone back and forth, provided misinformation about masks and appropriate PPE. Over the last week we have been told re-use masks. Last night they said the rooms no longer need airborne precaution and only droplet/contact precautions needed. Now, at 11am they have placed the rooms back on airborne. We are worried they have exposed a lot of us. They arent testing a handful of people who might be positive. Masks (droplet/surgical vs. airborne/respirator) are not the only problem. ICU beds around the country are quickly filling. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently stated that 80 percent of ICU beds in the state are occupied. While hospitals rightfully attempt to make more space on units, administrations have been reported converting units to handle ICU level patients without first ensuring nurses are comfortable or trained to handle the care involved with such patients. As reported, nurses throughout the country are already chronically understaffed due to capitalists continually trying to cut staff as much as possible to lower costs and increase profits. Hospital administrations have repeatedly ignored nurses calls for safe staffing ratios, which, if instituted, would have made handling a pandemic more tolerable. Capitalists consistent push for profits is now coming home to roost, manifesting as staff shortages during this crisis. All staff at risk And its not only nurses being harmed under these poor working conditions. Resident physicians, supervising/attending physicians, medical assistants, technicians, and other frontline health care staff are also at risk. Patient care associates these are often the individuals who take vital signs and perform other crucial services in hospitals in New York City have noted the absence of training in protecting against the virus. One recently stated, We havent gotten any training. The N95 respirators are on lockdown. They can only be used for more serious cases. Resident physicians, who often work 80+ hours per week in the hospitals, are at particular risk. While many residency training programs across the country are now appropriately pulling residents off of nonessential rotations, so they can be prepared to respond to the crisis, many working on the frontlines are put at risk. As per a resident who recently contacted me: We have a patient that is being admitted for pneumonia, but her story sounds really good for COVID-19. I called the infection control line, and they were like, This line is only for attendings only. Call your attending if you want to challenge it. Theyre not doing shit to protect us if I cant say, I think a patient should be reconsidered for a COVID rule out and have them seriously discuss it as one. Decisions such as these put staff on the frontlines at risk of contracting and subsequently spreading COVID-19 to other patients and staff. Michael Pappas is a family medicine resident. This article originally appeared in Left Voice. Image credit: Shutterstock.com BETHEL Local restaurants have launched a fundraiser to help them deliver meals to residents in need during the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic has closed restaurants across the state to everything but take-out and delivery, while 30,000 people filed for unemployment between Friday and the end of the day Tuesday. The fundraiser aims to help those restaurants keep staff employed and feed people who are struggling to make ends meet, said Jeff Taibe, co-owner of Taproot, who organized the effort. The big thing for us is to keep people employed, and, (for) the people who are not working, to give them a hot meal and just give back to the community as much as we can, Taibe said. More than $2,800 of the $10,000 goal has been raised on GoFundMe as of Thursday afternoon. A donation of $15 would pay for one meal, Taibe said. The plan is to give the restaurants involved the donations based on how many meals they make, he said. Making the meals will help keep the restaurant staff busy and employed, he said. Its kind of like a win win, Taibe said. You're donating to support the restaurant a little bit, but the food is going to people who need the food. So far, the owners of House of Yoshida, La Zingara, Ecco, Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery and Molten Java are involved. Taibe was inspired to create the fundraiser after hearing about a woman in Westport who was working with restaurants to feed hospital workers and seeing the House of Yoshida owners pledge to make people meals out of his own pocket. Other restaurants in the Danbury area have been offering deals or encouraging residents to purchase gift cards, while at least one fundraiser in Danbury is raising money to purchase meals from local businesses for essential personnel. Since the closure, Taproots take-out business has been good, Taibe said. Weve had a really solid showing of support, to be honest, he said. Im not going to get my hopes up and think it's going to continue like this. The restaurant has been able to keep its kitchen staff, but a couple employees have chosen to leave and collect unemployment because they would not be working enough hours, Taibe said. The owners are still figuring out how to connect to residents who need the meals. The plan is to reach out to connections, such as the United Methodist Church, to develop a list of clients, he said. Right now thats the next step, is trying to find the people who are most in need and how to get in touch with them, without compromising their privacy, Taibe said. Although the fundraising goal is $10,000, the more money collected the better, he said. This is not going to end any time soon, Taibe said. I'm assuming there will be more and more people in need in the coming months. The more money we can raise, the more meals we can serve. Using agent-based simulation models, Austrian scientists want to predict more precisely how the spread of the coronavirus will develop. There is no shortage of projections for Covid-19 propagation. But simply multiplying the detected cases of disease daily by a certain factor to simulate exponential growth does not make sense. More complicated methods are needed for realistic estimations. Within the framework of the COMET project DEXHELPP, a team of scientists working at the Institute for Information Systems Engineering at the Vienna University of Technology and at the TU spin-off company dwh is working on complex methods to be able to provide sound forecasts on the spread of the corona virus. We and our digital twin This does not result in projections, but in complex simulations: There would of course be mathematical equations with which the spread of an epidemic in the population could be described - at least to a certain extent, says Niki Popper, CSO and co-founder of dwh. But our approach is much more flexible. We work with an agent-based approach. This means that we simulate the behaviour of many individual people and can observe on the computer how these virtual agents pass on the virus to each other. Real persons are thus represented by digital twins on the computer and tracked over the entire time course of the epidemic. The virtual person travels certain distances every day - for example, to work and back home. Day after day, it is simulated which person has which contacts with which other people. This results in dynamic networks: there are people with whom a person has regular contact, for example in the household or at work. In addition, there are changing contacts with random people - for example, with customers in a shop. Each individual virtual contact has a certain probability of infection. Thus, under normal conditions, there is an exponential spread of the infection at the beginning - not because exponential functions were used to describe the epidemic, but as a natural consequence of the model, as a result of the simulated random contacts. Data, data, data A wide range of population data is taken into account. For example, the age distribution is of crucial importance because it has an important influence on the number of contacts. Gender and the exact spatial distribution of places of residence is also important. In rural areas, the likelihood of one person infecting another depends strongly on the spatial distance of their homes. In a large city such as Vienna, this correlation is weaker because there is more chance of being infected through purely random contacts, for example on public transport. Much of our data is provided by Statistik Austria - for example, on the size of households, regional population distribution or the distribution and size of jobs, explains Martin Bicher, research assistant at dwh. In addition, there is a lot of scientific literature that can be taken into account in the models - from the typical contact probability per location to estimations of infection probabilities. If all this is taken into account, it is possible to simulate the effects of quarantine measures, event bans or school closures. Such measures suddenly change the structure of the contact networks - and we see very clearly in our models that this also has an effect on the spread of the disease, explains Martin Bicher. Recalculate whether the resources are sufficient The most important thing now is that health care can be maintained. The agent-based computer models can also be used to assess which measures are necessary for this: The model distinguishes between mild, severe and critical cases, each of which requires different care. The age-dependent distribution of severity was taken from a case number study from China and converted to the Austrian population structure. The number of hospital beds and intensive care beds is also taken into account in the modelling in order to be able to examine whether the resources are sufficient on the basis of different scenarios. We are constantly improving and refining our models, says Niki Popper. New findings are constantly being added that we can take into account. So we hope to be able to tell you step by step in the near future how Covid-19 will develop. In any case, the fact that most people in Austria now seem to be adhering to the quarantine recommendations makes us optimistic. "The King: Eternal Monarch" has released new stills of Woo Do Hwan and Kim Go Eun portraying their characters in the much-anticipated show. The upcoming SBS drama is a fantasy romance series about the two universes of Korea being an empire and a democratic country. It follows the story of emperor Lee Gon, portrayed by Lee Min Ho, and detective Jung Tae Eul, played by Kim Go Eun, as they work hand in hand to prevent a crisis. Actor Woo Do Hwan, for the first time, will be working with the writer of famous dramas "Descendants of the Sun" and "Goblin," Kim Eun Sook. Woo Do Hwan will portray the role of Jo Young, the captain of emperor Lee Gon's guard. The actor stated that from the storyline to the character and all about this drama is so amazing. He feels honored to be a part of such an amazing project and is happy to land his role. Woo Do Hwan added that for him, filming the drama has been really comfortable because his co-actors Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun are taking very good care of him. He also shared that he is doing his best to communicate well with the staff, writer and director on set to make an ever better final product. Coming from a source of Hwa&Dam Pictures, it said that the actor possesses one of a kind facial features that can be seen on both his good and evil sides. Having these features, Woo Do Hwan is considered as a prism-like actor who can play a full spectrum of colors in acting. We can look forward to the magical charm of him as Jo Young in "The King: Eternal Monarch." On the other hand, actress Kim Go Eun will give life to Jung Tae Eul. It was a dream for Jung Tae Eul to join the force ever since she was a little girl. And now she is in her sixth year as a detective. While in school, she displayed a greater passion towards the liberal arts than the natural sciences. Having a steadfast determination of her goal to memorize all of the math equations in the world, she was accepted to the police academy and became a detective. As seen in the new stills, it shows Jung Tae Eul in an undercover mission together with her team to catch a criminal. Dressed in a noticeable outfit, Jung Tae Eul walked with confidence down the street and when she came face-to-face with the criminal they're looking for. She exuded charisma as she quickly seized him. Kim Go Eun shared that she also feels honored to be working with famous screenwriter Kim Eun Sook once again on a new project. While this is her first time working with actors Lee Min Ho, Woo Do Hwan, Kim Kyung Nam, and Jung Eun Chae, she said that they are all having a great and fun time on set. Kim Go Eun added that she will work harder to put on a greater performance for the viewers. And she is hoping that a lot of people would anticipate the drama "The King: Eternal Monarch." "The King: Eternal Monarch" is set to air sometime this April. Referring to the coronavirus pandemic as a war-like situation, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday appealed to people not to step out of their homes without reason amid talks that the government is considering a complete shutdown of Mumbai. On a day when the number of cases in Maharashtra rose to 48 (highest in the country) as three more people tested positive for the virus, the state laid down more stringent measures, including jail terms for people fleeing quarantine. Under the shutdown, if implemented, the state will order closure of the citys lifeline the local train network and buses to ensure people dont step out. In his address to people of the state, Thackeray indicated that they will have to stop all trains and buses if crowding is not reduced. Public health minister Rajesh Tope said, At present, we have imposed a partial lockdown. We are of the view that a lockdown should be imposed, but for that, we will have to come up with alternatives. Discussions are on with the CM and if Mumbaiites dont comply to reduce crowds, then such a decision will have to be taken. Tope cautioned the state could see a sharp jump in cases in April. Speaking to a news channel, Tope said, If we study cases in China, Iran, the graph of cases was growing gradually. But after 30 days, there was a spike; it increased exponentially. We got our first case in early March. We may see a spike after March 30. Now, we need to ensure the spike isnt too much.... Meanwhile, in the wake of a rise in incidents of people kept in isolation and being quarantined fleeing from facilities, home minister Anil Deshmukh directed police to punish offenders under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, for endangering lives. The offenders are liable to be punished with imprisonment up to six months and a penalty of 1,000. Deshmukh tweeted, Following repeated instances of people fleeing quarantine/isolation, the #Home Ministry is constrained to ask #MaharashtraPolice to act against such offenders endangering themselves and everyone else under the #EpidemicDiseases Act. According to officials from the home department, the directives have come after the health department requested assistance. The police personnel deployed at the hospitals and facilities with the quarantine wards have been asked to be on alert, an official said. Deshmukh said that rumour mongering through social media, too, was being closely monitored. People found spreading false information about coronavirus will face action. We have also directed authorities to keep a close eye on hoarding of masks, sanitisers and other essential commodities, he said. Meanwhile, a day after the state government issued a diktat to bring down the attendance of employees to 50%, various departments decided to allow their employees to work on alternate days. The attendance in government offices is expected to drop below 50% from Friday, according to officials. The state issued a government resolution on Wednesday, directing all its departments and district offices to bring the attendance below 50%. The head of the departments were told to chalk out the plan to implement the decision with immediate effect. On Thursday, most of the departments decided to allow their employees to work on alternative days, while a few departments such as home have allowed their employees to work for two days and stay home for the next two days. The departments have submitted their plans to the general administration department (GAD). The attendance of employees had dropped drastically on Thursday and is expected to drop below half the strength from Friday as the plans are now ready. Of the next ten days, only five are working days, making the adjustments of the working days for employees easy. The salaries of employees not reporting to the offices during these days will not be deducted, said an official from Mantralaya. Anshu Sinha, secretary, GAD, said, We do not have an exact number of employees present in the offices today, but the number has dropped significantly. Around 5 to 10% of the Mantralaya have already sought medical holiday. Officials said that employees travelling long distance to Mantralaya have already started taking leaves. Employees from departments involved in essential services such as public health, medical education and police have been excluded from the diktat. Meanwhile, the public health department has also directed government offices to minimise the use of air conditioners in offices to minimise the threat of the spread of the virus. Of the three coronavirus cases reported across the state, two were in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and one was in Ahmednagar. A 22-year-old Mumbai woman, with a travel history of London, tested positive, while a 47-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar who recently travelled to Dubai was diagnosed with the disease. The Ahmednagar patient is a man who had a travel history of Dubai. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, both women came forward for tests after they felt they had symptoms of coronavirus and were tested positive for the same at Kasturba Hospital on Thursday. Further, all the high-risk and low-risk contacts of both individuals are being ascertained, and they will be tested, if required. Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer, BMC, said, We are monitoring close contacts of all patients who tested positive and further high-risk contacts of 68-year-old domestic worker are also being contacted to conduct tests. Further, we would also like to appeal to those who are being suggested to be quarantined in homes to not be exposed to multiple people, ensuring they do not spread the virus to others. On the idea of a complete shutdown of the city, the idea was discussed in the last cabinet meeting held on Tuesday where another view came up that almost 50% of the population of the city had a hand-to-mouth existence. Another minister, wishing not to be named, said, What will they do in a scenario of complete lockdown? How will they survive and for how many days can the government shut down the public transport system? Thus we stressed that it should be used as a last resort, he said. On Wednesday, Thackeray had directed all public transport agencies, which include local trains, BEST buses, state transport buses and private buses, to carry passengers at 50% capacity to reduce crowding, so as to prevent further outbreak of the epidemic that has infected 48 people in the state so far. He has also directed the local administration not to allow all shops to remain open all the time in a day and regulate the timings so that gathering can be reduced, which will help in preventing community transmission. Officials said chief secretary Ajoy Mehta and many other senior officials, too, were of the view that the government should restrain itself from ordering complete shutdown as of now. The implications of lockdown are far-reaching and we need to work on all the aspects, before taking any such decision, said a senior official, who did not wish to be named. This was the reason cabinet deferred the decision and on Wednesday, the chief minister directed public transport system to carry passengers at half of their capacity. CM also directed that the government employees will work on rotation basis and only 50% of employees will work on a given day, he said. This is a war against the virus that needs to be fought together, the chief minister said in his 10-minute address. Thackeray also asked those coming from abroad to strictly follow home quarantine instructions so that they do not infect others directly or indirectly. This was his first address to the state, following the outbreak of novel coronavirus. In his live address, the chief minister said, Im again appealing you all not to venture out unnecessarily from the home; reduce crowding in trains and buses. The government can also stop trains and buses, but dont want to take such a decision, Thackeray said. Just like soldiers, our doctors, medical staff and other government machinery are working 24x7 by putting their lives in danger ,then why people cannot support them by avoiding unnecessary travel, he remarked. He requested the families whose members are coming from abroad to strictly follow home quarantine. We have found few people roaming out who were supposed to be home quarantined. By doing this, you are infecting others directly or indirectly, the chief minister said. We can defeat this crisis, but need to fight it out together. It doesnt see caste and religion and thus we are expecting co-operation from across sections of the society. To make government machinery more effective, the stress on it needs to be reduced. It is in our hands, strictly follow governments instructions. Do not believe any other source of information, except that of the government, Thackeray said. A section of government officials still feel that the government should take the decision of a complete shut- down of public transport like buses and locals for at least a week to curb crowding on the streets. Meanwhile, the state home department has also directed district offices to expedite the bail process for inmates lodged in various jails to reduce crowding. Our 60 jails with a collective capacity of about 24,000 inmates have more than 36,400 prisoners. We have asked the districts administrations to request the sessions courts for bails for undertrials arrested in non-serious cases, with punishments less than three years. We expect at least 5,000 inmates to get bail by expediting the process, said an home department official. Deshmukh said that the new prisoners coming to jails are being thoroughly checked before their entry and are being kept in isolation for a few days. (with inputs from Mehul Thakkar & Swapnil Rawal) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The national carrier Kenya Airways has reviewed flight schedules to various countries as the country moves to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said Nairobi-London flights that are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday have been suspended until April 16, 2020. However, Nairobi to London flights scheduled for Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday remain operational. Kenya Airways said there will be no flights from Nairobi to Paris on Mondays and Wednesdays from March 25 to April 16, 2020. Flights to the French Capital for the rest of the week will continue as normal. At the same time, the airline has suspended flights to Bangkok, Mogadishu and Khartoum from March 19 to April 30, April 2 and March 30 respectively. Flights to Djibouti have also been suspended from March 17 to April 19. Kenya Airways has also reduced flights from Nairobi to Dubai from two per day to one while Johannesburg will have two KQ trips daily. Daily flights to Kigali have also been reduced from two to one. These changes are necessary to ensure optimal and efficient operations.we assure customers that we are fully compliant with IATA protocols and have instituted strict hygiene measures as guided by health authorities in Kenya, across our network and the World Health Organization, Kenya Airways said. The airline said they will be making changes as the situation demands. Residents of Idleb are fleeing their homes and seeking to resettle in areas of northern Syria that are controlled by Turkey and their affiliated armed groups writes Iqtissad. Dozens of men have been seen standing in a disciplined line in front of the civil registration department in the border city of Azaz in the northern countryside of Aleppo, to obtain ID cards. Everyone came from the eastern region of Idleb province as the regime forces laid claim to their areas. They say they are part of a very large number who entered the Turkish-held Operation Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch areas. We came here as the regime advanced and the city was subjected to horrific bombing I currently live in a camp located in the eastern neighbourhood life here is better and safety prevails in the area, said Abu al-Ezz, who is from al-Atareb in the southern countryside of Aleppo, while holding the necessary documents to obtain an ID granted by the local council in Azaz. More than a million people in Idleb fled towards the Turkish border during the recent Syrian regime assault backed by Russia and Iran. Turkey currently hosts more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees. Accommodation at 1200 dollars The Syrian Response Coordination group recored 183,000 people who settled in the Olive Branch area, which includes the city of Afrin and its countryside, and 151,000 people who were distributed in the city of Azaz and the Euphrates Shield area, which includes al-Bab, Jarablus, al-Rai and other cities and towns of the region out of a total of one million IDPs, who fled the active fighting between November and the ceasefire on Mar. 5, 2020. Expatriates assert that they are suffering from a massive increase in the rental prices for accommodation in these areas, while many of them said that they obtained free houses. Thousands also live in camps under the supervision of humanitarian organizations, but this is temporary, until the future of Idleb can be ascertained, in light of the current Operation Spring Shield launched by the Turkish troops. Abu Fadi, a displaced person who was staying in Binche, was able to obtain a free house in the city of al-Bab after contacting one of his friends in the area. Abu Fadi told Iqtissad via WhatsApp that, The people here are good and very welcoming. The city is big and everything is available here. On the other side, Abu Abdo found a house after a great difficulty. Abu Abdo, originally from Idleb, fled from his hometown Ariha, which is on an international road that the regime hopes to take control of with Russian support. He confirmed to Iqtissad that he preferred to search for a house in the city of Azaz, as it is closer to Idleb Governorate than the rest of the Euphrates Shield area. After a long search, he managed to rent a good house for 150 dollars per month, on condition that he pre-paid for six months. Abu Abdo comments with some satisfaction, I love this city. Life here is normal, electricity is passed from Turkey, commercial traffic is excellent, but rents are very expensive. Military follies Some prefer staying in Afrin and its suburbs, as it is easier to find a cheap house. There is a big difference in the administration of the region from the city of Azaz and the Euphrates Shield area, which is free from a military presence, unlike Afrin, which was divided on a military basis and includes an intense presence by the factions of the national army that do not end its follies in the region, according to the residents. Marwan, a displaced person from Damascus, said that he found a house in Jindires in the countryside of Afrin without having to pay any money. But he complained about the factions interference in the homes issue, as, any displaced person is subject to expulsion from the house in which he resides, if the factions intervene, Marwan confirms. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The first case of COVID-19 in Rotorua is now confirmed after a French national was tested prior to arriving in the Lakes district. This test has returned a positive result. Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack, has confirmed Toi Te Ora Public Health (Toi Te Ora) has located the individual, who arrived in New Zealand from France on March 13, and he is now in isolation. Our Public Health team is following up people who have been in contact with the person to ensure appropriate measures are in place. For example, all of the individuals close contacts will be put into protective quarantine. Flight information will be on the Ministry of Health website as soon as possible. Phil says continued vigilance, along with thorough follow-up of all cases, will help to at least delay the chance of the virus spreading in the local community. We anticipated we would get cases of COVID-19 in our region at some stage, and all parts of the local health system have been preparing for its arrival. The symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, a high temperature (at least 38C), and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms and have recently been overseas or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or call your doctor immediately Do not turn up to a health or medical centre without phoning first. As with other infectious illnesses, the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to practice good infection prevention and hygiene. Hand washing Wash hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds with water and soap, and dry them thoroughly: Before eating or handling food After using the toilet After coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children's noses After caring for sick people. Try to avoid touching your face with your hands. For more information: Ministry of Health: [www.health.govt.nz/coronavirus]www.health.govt.nz/coronavirus Toi Te Ora Public Health: [www.toiteora.govt.nz/coronavirus]www.toiteora.govt.nz/coronavirus WASHINGTON - Iran has granted a medical furlough to a U.S. Navy veteran who has been imprisoned in for more than a year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday. Michael White of Imperial Beach, California, is now in the custody of the Swiss Embassy and must remain in Iran as a condition of his furlough, which was granted as the Islamic republic works to curb the spread of coronavirus. The U.S. government will seek his full release, Pompeo said, as he called on Iran to free other Americans who remain jailed there. A spokesman for the White family said the family was grateful to the Iranian government for an interim humanitarian step. We continue to urge them to release Michael unconditionally so that he can return to the United States to receive the advanced medical care he needs, spokesman Jon Franks said in a statement. Iran has granted temporary release to tens of thousands of prisoners in recent weeks to try to contain a virus that officials fear could kill millions in the country. White, who had been imprisoned since July 2018, was visiting a girlfriend in Iran when he was detained and was later convicted of insulting Irans supreme leader and posting private information. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, though the State Department said Thursday that he was serving a 13-year sentence. In an interview with The Associated Press this month, Whites mother called on Iran to immediate release her son, saying she was especially concerned for his well-being because he has been battling cancer. Iran this week issued its most dire warning about the outbreak, saying millions could die in the Islamic Republic if people keep travelling and ignore health guidance. Roughly 9 out of 10 of the 18,000-plus confirmed cases of the virus in the Middle East come from Iran. Before Fridays announcement, Iran had released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave, including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British dual national long held on internationally criticized charges. Irans judiciary this week denied a furlough request for Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American national convicted along with his father, Baquer, a former representative for the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF, of collaborating with a hostile power. Baquer Namazi now is on a prison furlough. But the Namazis say he remains unable to leave Iran. Pompeo on Thursday called for the release on humanitarian grounds of the Namazis as well as of Morad Tahbaz, who was part of a group of environmental activists sentenced last month on espionage charges. Pompeo also urged Iran to honour the commitment it made to work with the United States for the return of Robert Levinson. The former FBI agent vanished in Iran in 2007 while on an unauthorized mission. Iran has not acknowledged holding Levinson, though a federal judge in Washington last week held the country liable for his disappearance in a lawsuit brought by Levinsons family. ____ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP Solano County issued a "Shelter at Home" order Wednesday evening, becoming the last county to join the rest of the Bay Area in limiting non-essential movement due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The order will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 7 and is subject to change. Solano County reported nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no deaths as of Tuesday but corrected the total tally to 8 confirmed cases on Wednesday. While East Bay Regional Park District environmental education centers, visitor centers, public bathrooms, water fountains and other amenities are closed through at least April 7 during the COVID-19 coronavirus response, the district's 73 parks and its regional trails are open -- but users must observe specific social distancing requirements, the park district said. The facility closures are based on the "shelter-in-place" order by the health officers in 10 Bay Area counties, including Contra Costa and Alameda counties, where EBRPD operates, and by an emergency order from park district General Manager Robert Doyle, for the health and safety of the public and our employees. Napa County on Wednesday joined other Bay Area counties in issuing a shelter at home order to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The order goes into effect on Friday right after midnight. The order requires residents to stay home unless they are engaged in essential activities. People who are sick should self-isolate if possible from other family members. The Pittsburg Unified School District has extended its school closings in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic through the end of its spring break, which ends on Friday, April 17, district officials said. The plan now, per district officials, is to return students to the classroom on Monday, April 20. An initial decision on Friday had PUSD schools closed through the end of March. "The Governor made some surprising statements last night regarding the potential for school to be closed for the remainder of the school year. This may be what ends up happening, but today we were given guidance that he was expressing an opinion and no decisions have been made yet," PUSD Superintendent Janet Schulze said in a statement. Schulze adds that the education service and special education teams are working on guidelines for extended remote learning. The California Supreme Court on Wednesday expanded its requirements for electronic filing of briefs and other documents in view of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In 2017, the court began requiring electronic filing of almost all documents, but also said one paper copy of each document should be mailed or delivered. On Wednesday, the court revised its rules to say paper copies should no longer be submitted. Also on Wednesday, the court's seven justices reaffirmed that they will hear oral arguments in their San Francisco courtroom at the State Building in eight pending cases on April 7 and 8. In accordance with a related order issued Monday, lawyers arguing the cases must participate remotely by video, telephone conference or other electronic means rather than in person. The public will be allowed in the courtroom, but seating will be limited to achieve appropriate distancing. Hearings will also continue to be live-streamed at courts.ca.gov. The death of a man whose body was found in a slough in East Oakland on Tuesday morning is being investigated as a homicide, police said. Officers who were dispatched to the 4800 block of Oakport Street at about 8:40 a.m. Tuesday to investigate a report of a body floating in the East Creek Slough found the man in the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The man's name is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin. The BottleRock Napa Valley music festival scheduled for May has been rescheduled for October because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. BottleRock organizers said the decision to postpone the music and culinary event was made after careful consideration and in coordination with local and state authorities. "We made this decision with the safety and best interests of our fans, musicians, partners, employees and community being paramount. We are committed to putting on the festival to not only share great music and incredible Napa Valley hospitality, but because it's vitally important to the livelihood of all those who make BottleRock Napa Valley the festival it is," the organizers said in a statement. Alameda County Superior Court officials said all courthouses in the county are closed to the public through April 7 because of an order issued by health officials for people to shelter in place to try to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Court officials said California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday granted their request for an emergency order that gives them broad authority to take various actions needed to implement the court closure. High school students from Oakland, San Jose and across the state said Wednesday that working-class families and communities of color could be disproportionately impacted by school closures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The discussion was presented by Californians for Justice, which describes itself as a statewide youth-powered organization fighting to improve the lives of communities of color and other marginalized communities. Founded in 1996, the group works with students, parents and educators in Oakland, San Jose, Fresno and Long Beach. On Wednesday, the student activists released a list of demands asking for extended financial aid deadlines and postponement of testing schedules statewide, in addition to rent and payment relief programs and the suspension of raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Thursday will be partly cloudy in the morning, then becoming sunny. Highs will be in the mid 50s to lower 60s. East winds of 5 to 10 mph will become northwest winds in the afternoon. Thursday night will be partly cloudy. Lows will be in the upper 40s. West winds will be 5 to 15 mph. Friday will be partly cloudy. Highs will be in the mid 50s to lower 60s. Southeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph, before becoming southwest winds in the afternoon. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Indie distributor Kino Lorber is partnering with art house theaters across the country in launching an online film exhibition service called Kino Marquee designed to help generate revenue for independent theaters shuttered during the coronavirus crisis. Kino Marquee will host virtual releases for participating theaters that were previously scheduled to screen the distributors latest release, Bacurau. And Kino Lorber has sent invitations to all 60 theaters that had previously committed to book Bacurau in the hopes of expanding the service. Films will be booked from Fridays to Thursdays and will be presented on dedicated web pages headed by each theaters branded marquee and will be available to stream for a rental period. So even though the Marquee service is hosted through Kino Lorbers Kino Now VOD streaming service, the only way to access the landing page for new films will be through the website of your specific, local art house theater. Movies that perform well can then receive virtual holdovers, and any revenue will be split between distributor and exhibitor. Among the participating theaters thus far are Film at Lincoln Center (New York, NY), BAM (Brooklyn, NY), Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville, NY), The Little Theatre (Rochester, NY), Santa Barbara International Film Festival Riviera Theatre (Santa Barbara, CA), The Frida Cinema (Santa Ana, CA), Denver Film/Sie Film Center (Denver, CO), Belcourt Theater (Nashville, TN), Loft Cinema (Tucson, AZ), Austin Film Society (Austin, TX), Wexner Center for the Arts (Columbus, OH) and Aperture Cinema (Winston Salem, NC). Also Read: A Summer With No New Movies? How the Studios Are Planning for Post-Coronavirus Era When theaters started to close, we at Kino Lorber turned our thoughts to how we could collaborate with our independent theater partners across the country. We cannot release the kinds of films we do without their support, Wendy Lidell, SVP of theatrical distribution at Kino Lorber said in a statement. Of course we wanted to find a way to keep our current film release in front of audiences, but to do so in a way that would also benefit our exhibition partners. We want to help ensure that these theaters will be able to reopen their doors after this crisis passes. The Kino Marquee program offers an opportunity for theaters to generate revenue while their doors are closed. Story continues Kino Lorber hopes to continue the Kino Marquee program with virtual releases for other upcoming films on the Kino Lorber and Zeitgeist slate of first-run and repertory titles, at least until theaters are able to reopen. The Kino Marquee initiative will be scaled up in the coming weeks in response to market demand. All virtual screening rooms will become operational over the next few days. As a company whose mantra has always been experience cinema were keen to help our exhibition partners maintain their visibility and value in launching the whole media career of the carefully curated films we all care so much about. Were all in this together and will come through it stronger with the support of the film-loving communities our theaters serve, Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber said in a statement. Also Read: 'Bacurau' Film Review: Bloody Brazilian Fever Dream Has More Than Gore on Its Mind Bacurau, the first film being screened on the new service, first opened at Film at Lincoln Center on March 6 and played there until the theater closed on Mar. 12 in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. That included canceling a Q&A with the directors of the film who had traveled to New York from Brazil to attend the screening. The film also briefly opened for one day at BAM on Mar. 13 before it shut down. Bacurau is directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho and Juliano Dornelles and stars Sonia Braga and Udo Kier. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes in 2019 and went on to play the Toronto and New York Film Festivals. Read original story Kino Lorber Partners With Art House Theaters to Launch Streaming Service Amid Coronavirus Crisis At TheWrap London, March 19 : Employees at a London store lashed out at an elderly Sikh customer before pushing him out as coronavirus panic-buying chaos gripped supermarkets across the country, a media report said on Thursday. In footage filmed on Wednesday, several workers at the Iceland supermarket's store in Ilford, east London, could be heard having a loud argument with the elderly man, The Sun newspaper said in the report. In the video, the man appears to be holding up the queue on the other side of the cashier, while the other line was of customers stockpiling toilet paper onto the belt at the checkouts. Frustrated staff can be repeatedly heard telling the older customer to leave the store, saying: "Get out! Get out!." However, the man accuses a male staff member of pushing him before shouting: "You pushed me! You pushed me!" But then a female employee suddenly intervenes and tries to push the elderly man out of the store on the back of his shoulder. The customer then turns around to face her and the pair start slapping and hitting each other away, The Sun newspaper report said. At this point, the male staff member grabs the elderly customer by his neck and savagely pushes him out of the store. It remains unknown why the scuffle started. The clip has gone viral on social media leading to widespread outrage among netizens over how the elderly man was manhandled. One user wrote: "This is not the time for Iceland staff to be assaulting elderly customers! We are in a national crisis and older people are struggling the most". Another individual exclaimed: "Disgusting behaviour!... Unacceptable to push any old man," while another user said "I'm sorry but both staff members need to lose their jobs". The clip comes amid wide-spread panic-buying and stockpiling after the rapid spread of coronavirus across the country which has so far infected 2,626 people and claimed the lives of 103 others. Bailey said she was still waiting for information from the offices of Holcomb and the Election Division of the Secretary of State. She has said election officials are ready to handle an assortment of options or a combination of them for the upcoming election. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire accused Amazon on Thursday of placing "unacceptable" pressure on employees after unions claimed the retailer will not pay staff who refuse to go in to work fearing coronavirus contagion. "This coercion is unacceptable and we are going to make sure Amazon knows this," Le Maire told France Inter radio. About 200 of the 1,700 employees at Amazon's distribution centre near Douai in northern France refused to work on Tuesday, exercising the "right of refusal" in France's labour code if an employee considers there is a risk to health or safety. And half of the full-time employees at its Montelimar facility in southeast France walked out on Wednesday, union sources said. They added that management had indicated these workers would not be paid. The French government announced strict confinement measures starting Tuesday, under which workers will be allowed to go into the office only if their employers cannot make tele-commuting possible, and then provided special contagion management measures are in place. Unions say Amazon has failed to ensure that employees can remain one metre (3.3 feet) from one another as recommended by the authorities, and that face masks and sanitising hand gels are in short supply. "In some places it's impossible to maintain the safe distance, in particular in the changing rooms," said Guillaume Reynaud, a CGT union official at the Montelimar site. Amazon has disputed the claims, saying it has reinforced cleaning measures and taken steps "so that employees can keep the necessary distance from one another." "We are strictly following the government's recommendations and directives," it said in a statement. The US giant has seen a surge of orders in France and other countries where officials have confined millions of people to their homes, with outings authorised only for essential reasons such as buying food. This week, it hiked hourly pay in Europe by two euros, while pay in Britain was increased by two pounds. It also lifted hourly pay by $2 in the United States, where it plans to hire some 100,000 people to cope with the strains on its workforce. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 20 Houthis, including a leader, were killed and others wounded in Yemeni governorate of Ma'rib Saudi Press Agency Wednesday 1441/7/23 - 2020/03/18 Ma'rib, March 17, 2020, SPA -- More than 20 Houthi elements were killed and others wounded today by the fire of the Yemeni National Army in the Sarwah Front, west of the Yemeni province of Ma'rib. A military source said in a statement to the media center of the Yemeni Armed Forces, "The Yemeni National Army is waging violent battles against the Houthi coup militia on several fronts, and resulting in killing and wounding a number of militias." The source added, "The battles coincided with artillery shelling and raids of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen aircraft targeting reinforcements, gatherings and locations of the Houthi coup militia, and the shelling resulted in the death of a number of militia, including a field leader, as well as a number of wounded, as well as the destruction of combat mechanisms and equipment." --SPA 00:19 LOCAL TIME 21:19 GMT 0038 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RTHK: Italy overtakes China for most Covid-19 deaths Italy passed a grim milestone on Thursday when it overtook China as the country with most reported deaths from the new coronavirus sweeping the planet. The world has stepped up its war to try to contain the rapid spread of Covid-19, with several countries imposing lockdowns that are keeping tens of millions of people trapped in their homes. But the death toll has soared in Europe even as China saw a glimmer of hope with zero new domestic cases reported for the first time. Italy announced another 427 fatalities on Thursday, taking its total to 3,405, according to an AFP tally. China, where the outbreak first emerged in December last year, has officially reported 3,245 deaths. Globally, the death toll from the virus -- whose main symptoms are a dry cough and fever -- has risen to over 9,000. Countries have tightened border controls and unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the teetering world economy, only to see the once-in-a-century pandemic seemingly spiral further out of control. China listed no new domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak first erupted in the central city of Wuhan in December, before spreading worldwide. It appeared to have staunched the virus with strict measures including a complete quarantine of Wuhan since January, meaning the number of infections and deaths in the rest of the world have surpassed those in China. But there were fears that Asia faces a second wave of cases imported from abroad, with 34 new cases reported in China, the highest figure for two weeks. US President Donald Trump, who has come under fire for his response to the crisis, charged on Thursday that the world was paying for China's lack of transparency on the outbreak of the new coronavirus there several months ago. "It could have been contained to that one area of China where it started. And certainly the world is paying a big price for what they did," he said. As the toll surged in his country, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the national lockdown, which has been copied around Europe, would be prolonged to April 3, shattering hopes of a quick end to the crisis. "We will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before," he said. France also mooted extending the two-week lockdown ordered this week by President Emmanuel Macron, as the interior minister blasted "idiots" who flout home confinement rules and put others at risk. The disease continued to hit high-profile figures with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Monaco's Prince Albert II among those testing positive. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. In a major sigh of relief for West Bengal secretariat- Nabanna, the West Bengal Health Department informed that the bureaucrat mother, father and the two drivers who ferried the Covid-19 patient in Kolkata have tested negative. The Health Department informed that four swab samples of mother, father and the two drivers who ferried the Covid-19 patient were sent to NICED and all have tested negative. However, all four have been shifted to Kolkatas quarantine facility in Rajarhat and have to remain there for the next 14 days. The Covid-19 patient identified as a 18 year-old-boy from Kolkata, is a student of Oxford University who had returned to Kolkata on March 15 from UK but did not show any symptoms of Coronavirus. However, despite repeated requests from the state health department to go into compulsory quarantine according to the government advisory as he has a travel history he refused to do so. The incident sent shock waves in the city of Kolkata after facts appeared that the Covid-19 patient had even visited his mothers office at the Bengal state secretariat - Nabanna and Writers Buildings. The bureaucrat mother is a special secretary of Home Department at the Government of West Bengal. The bureaucrat mother was seen attending office till March 16, participating in meetings and even coming in contact with other officials in the government. Meanwhile, the Home Secretary in the West Bengal Government, Alapan Bandyapadhyay and his wife has been sent to home quarantine as he came in contact with the mother of the Covid-19 patient. According to sources, the Covid-19 patient had visited shopping malls, night clubs and several other places before being admitted to Beleghata ID&BG hospital on March 17 and testing positive for Coronavirus. Furious at the irresponsible behaviour of the bureaucrat and her son, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came heavily on them and said, We are not going to tolerate any VIP culture as far as Coronavirus is concerned. Rules for all are same whether you are a VIP or LIP - lesser important person. You cannot use influence to get away with tests and put others life at risk. When big withdrawals occur, the money market funds have to raise cash to pay investors who want to exit. To do that, they try to sell assets to banks, stop investing so much in commercial paper and make fewer short-term repo loans to Wall Street banks. The banks use these loans to help finance their huge inventories of stocks and bonds. Companies suddenly lose a source of borrowing, which may prompt them to draw down credit lines they have with banks. Wall Street firms also lose an important source of financing and, as a result, may sell or hold fewer securities, which can cause disruption in the markets. What did the Fed do about it? It set up loans that banks can use to finance the purchase of commercial paper and other assets from the prime money market funds. This means the funds will be able to find buyers for their assets and, as a result, have sufficient cash to pay investors who are exiting. The Treasury Department has agreed to protect the Fed from up to $10 billion of losses. Will this be enough? Most likely. The objective is to stop fear from feeding on itself. If the withdrawals from prime funds continue and stress remains in the commercial paper market, its possible that a money market fund might break the buck. That means the per-share value of a funds assets, usually very close to $1, falls below 99.5 cents. When that happened in 2008 to a money market fund that held Lehman Brothers debt, pandemonium ensued. The Feds new emergency loans, and separate support to the commercial paper market introduced on Tuesday, should stop that happening, experts say. These actions should save the money fund business, said Peter Crane, the head of Crane Data. They may have survived anyway, but it was looking pretty grim. Is it a bailout? Congress and regulators overhauled the money market fund sector after the 2008 crisis to curb the unraveling that occurred in recent days. That the funds became a problem so quickly is a sign to some that the measures did not go far enough. One big remaining problem is that retail investors treat money market funds as if they were as safe as federally insured bank deposits, when it is clear they are not, said Gregg Gelzinis, senior policy analyst at the Center for American Progress. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monument Mining Limited (TSX-V: MMY and FSE: D7Q1) (Monument or the Company) announces that the Company will follow the Movement Control Order (the Order) issued by the Malaysian government to suspend operations at its Selinsing Gold Mine from March 18th to March 31st 2020 (the Movement Control Period) in Pahang State, Malaysia. CEO and President Cathy Zhai said: Monument is in full compliance with the Order which puts employees wellbeing as first priority. It has also implemented a business sustaining plan to ensure the operation would be back on track immediately once the ban of mining activities is lifted. We will work together with all of our stakeholders to overcome this difficult period. On March 17, 2020 the Company received notice from the Mineral and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG) for all mining leaseholders to adjourn mining activities in the State of Pahang, to follow-up the Movement Control Order (the Order), as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Malaysian Prime Minister has given a speech to the Nation on March 16, which, among others, has ordered for closure of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services (water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, post, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, health, pharmacy, fire prevention, prisons, ports, airports, security, defence, cleaning, food supply & retail). The Order is based on Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967. In response, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has issued a press release, stated that FMM is in full support of the need to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, but the move to close the manufacturing sector under the Movement Control Order is very drastic; it urges the government to lift the ban immediately. Story continues Monument has called for immediate response overnight in compliant with the Order, and taken immediate action to suspend operations orderly in addition to its Emergency Plan that has already been in place to ensure all employees are protected at the mine site during the pandemic period. In the meantime, security and environmental monitoring control that must be in place to prevent environmental pollution, wherever applicable under the Movement Control Order are maintained. Certain operation functions will be carried out as well on a best effort basis through management and staff working from home. The management will implement clear communication with staff so that the working arrangement is effectively scheduled for deliveries during the Movement Control Order period. As a leading edge mining company in Malaysia, Monument has written to the government to urge an immediate relief from suspension of the mining operations under its closely monitored prevention protocols that is already in place. About Monument Monument Mining Limited (TSX-V: MMY, FSE:D7Q1) is an established Canadian gold producer that owns and operates the Selinsing Gold Mine in Malaysia. Its experienced management team is committed to growth and is advancing several exploration and development projects including the Mengapur Copper and Iron Project, in Pahang State of Malaysia, and the Murchison Gold Projects comprising Burnakura, Gabanintha and Tuckanarra in the Murchison area of Western Australia. The Company employs approximately 195 people in both regions and is committed to the highest standards of environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighboring communities. Cathy Zhai, President and CEO Monument Mining Limited Suite 1580 -1100 Melville Street Vancouver, BC V6E 4A6 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION visit the company web site at www.monumentmining.com or contact: Richard Cushing, MMY Vancouver T: +1-604-638-1661 x102 rcushing@monumentmining.com Wolfgang Seybold, Axino Media GmbH T: +49 711-82 09 7211 wolfgang.seybold@axino.com "Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." Forward-Looking Statement This news release includes statements containing forward-looking information about Monument, its business and future plans (forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are statements that involve expectations, plans, objectives or future events that are not historical facts and include the Companys plans with respect to its mineral projects and the timing and results of proposed programs and events referred to in this news release. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". The forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and certain other factors include, without limitation: risks related to general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; uncertainties regarding the results of current exploration activities; uncertainties in the progress and timing of development activities; foreign operations risks; other risks inherent in the mining industry and other risks described in the management discussion and analysis of the Company and the technical reports on the Companys projects, all of which are available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Material factors and assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements in this news release include: expectations regarding the estimated cash cost per ounce of gold production and the estimated cash flows which may be generated from the operations, general economic factors and other factors that may be beyond the control of Monument; assumptions and expectations regarding the results of exploration on the Companys projects; assumptions regarding the future price of gold of other minerals; the timing and amount of estimated future production; the expected timing and results of development and exploration activities; costs of future activities; capital and operating expenditures; success of exploration activities; mining or processing issues; exchange rates; and all of the factors and assumptions described in the management discussion and analysis of the Company and the technical reports on the Companys projects, all of which are available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. A view of the quarantine facility Kim used in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Kim By Jung Min-ho A teenager who has recovered from COVID-19 said she suffered "enormous pain" until all symptoms suddenly disappeared after 10 days. In a letter to the Hankook Ilbo, sister paper of The Korea Times, the woman, 18, surnamed Kim, who lives in Daegu, explains how she contracted the coronavirus and survived it. Kim said it started after speaking with a follower of Shincheonji, a shadowy religious sect responsible for much of the virus spread in Korea, near a subway station on Feb. 20. The Shincheonji member tried to make conversation with Kim, who briefly responded after taking off her mask. It later turned out that the person had been infected with the virus. On March 4, Kim tested positive for COVID-19. "I did not know it would spread that quickly," she said. Kim started showing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, on March 5. She had quarantined herself at home until March 9 due to a lack of beds in quarantine facilities. Until then, she isolated herself in a room. She disinfected a shared bathroom every time she used it and regularly spoke to a health official. "The official tried to calm me down, which was helpful," she said. When symptoms were severe, Kim had difficulty breathing. "Every time I breathed, it felt like my lungs were being torn apart," she said. "When I coughed, thick phlegm stuck in my throat. I also felt as if the lower part of my stomach was being squeezed and twisted. Repeatedly, the pain went away and came back, which made me exhausted I think it can be extremely difficult for old people with preexisting conditions to endure that." On bad days, she suffered the stomach pain for three hours. But on March 13 10 days after diagnosis all symptoms were suddenly gone. She was later confirmed to have fully recovered. "I thank the medical staff who tried their best for me," Kim said. "I do not want anyone to be infected with the virus. But if someone gets infected, I hope everyone treats the patient with a warm heart." Four years after finding the perfect Los Angeles home, Mark Ronson is ready to move on. The Grammy-winning producer recently sold his stylish Spanish Revival in Los Feliz for $4.776 million, reports the Los Angeles Times. Situated on a third of an acre, the 6,263-square-foot home, originally built back in 1935, boasts a number of period features, including Saltillo tile floors and carved-wood ceiling beams, most notably in the step-down living room. (The living room also offers up a classic wood-burning fireplace and a bright orange ceiling light fixture for a pop of color.) The dining room is sleek, with a black-painted ceiling and patterned wallpaper, while the kitchen is bit more light-hued, with a large marble-topped center island and snow-white cabinetry. Theres a dining nook just off the kitchen, which features several built-in shelves and drawers, as well as access to outside via a set of French doors. Photos: Zen House Collective - Michael McNamera / Courtesy of Williams & Williams Estates Group See the video. The stylish den features emerald green walls and ceilings, as well as (presently) a geometrically patterned green rug. Upstairs, the master suite is a calming blue hue, with a modern fireplace set into the far corner of a sitting area. In total, the home features four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Theres also a two-story guesthouse on the property, with an additional bedroom and two-and-a-half bathrooms. A clear blue swimming pool, a dining patio, a patch of grassy green lawn, and a loggia with a bar are all situated between the two buildings. Palm trees shade much of the property. The place was already so amazing, Ronson, who purchased the dwelling for $4.295 million, told Architectural Digest last year. At first, I didnt even think about decorating because the place itself had so much wow factor. But decorate he did, and traces of Ronsons sharp aesthetic eye are present throughout the residence, from the banisters (now lacquered black) to the patterned wallpaper in numerous rooms. It is nice to have something familiar, Ronson told AD of the dragon-print wallpaper in the dining room that matches several couch pillows in his London home. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest [March 19, 2020] Generex Biotechnology Provides Guidance on the Safety of Ii-Key Peptide Vaccines for the Development of Effective Solutions to the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Pandemic Generexs Ii-Key peptide vaccines for infectious disease and cancer have been studied in human clinical trials involving over 300 subjects in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials See publications at https://generex.com/covid-19 A Phase I clinical trial demonstrating the safety of the Ii-Key peptide vaccine for H1N5 Avian influenza (Bird Flu) and H1N1 (swine flu) was conducted in 120 subjects Working with international government health agencies to offer Ii-Key peptide vaccines for clinical testing and approval MIRAMAR, Fla. , March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Generex Biotechnology Corporation ( www.generex.com ) (OTCQB:GNBT) ( http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GNBT/quote ) today provided guidance on their work to develop a peptide vaccine against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using the companys proprietary and patented Ii-Key immune system activation technology. This guidance is designed to assist third party groups and government agencies in their evaluation of potential vaccines against this pandemic SARS-CoV-2 virus. The patented NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology (Formerly Antigen Express) Ii-Key technology uses synthetic peptides that mimic essential protein regions from a virus that are chemically linked to the 4-amino acid Ii-Key to ensure robust immune system activation. In particular, the Ii-Key ensures potent activation of CD4+ T cells, which in turn facilitates antibody production to ward off infection. This Ii-Key modification can be applied to any protein fragment of any pathogen to increase the potency of immune stimulation. Generex is working with our partners at EpiVax who have identified such protein fragments or epitopes to generate Ii-Key-SARS 2 peptide vaccines in collaboration with our peptide manufacturing partners. The peptides and Ii-Key are made from naturally occurring amino acids, ensuring an excellent safety profile for Ii-Key peptide vaccines. Generex President & CEO Joseph Moscato said, Generex wants to let everyone know that we are ready and willing to partner on our coronavirus vaccine development program with government health agencies across the globe. Based on our discussions with numerous people throughout the U.S. government and international health agencies, it is clear that additional information is needed by the authorities about the potential to rapidly create a vaccine using our Ii-Key technology to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Generex has long standing experience developing Ii-Key peptide vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer, so we have developed a strategy to design, screen and identify vaccine peptides to any novel pathogenic virus to initiate uman clinical trials in 3 to 5 months depending on regulatory agency requirements. We have vaccinated over 300 people with Ii-Key vaccines to demonstrate their safety and their ability to activate the immune response against peptide epitopes. As a public service to expedite the review of the Ii-Key vaccine technology by interested parties, we are providing a summary of safety on our Ii-Key development program from both published peer-reviewed literature as well as from our clinical investigator brochures on our website at Generex.com. Mr. Moscato continued, We ask that governments, health ministries, and large pharmaceutical companies please take note of the potential for Ii-Key peptide vaccines to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We are advancing the coronavirus project with our partners in China, and we are available to partner with other countries to develop and commercialize our Ii-Key-SARS-2 vaccine. To date we have been in touch with the VA, BARDA, and HHS in the United States, and we are in communication with the Canadian Ministry of Health, as well as with authorities in Greece, England, Saudi Arabia, Iceland, Indonesia, Philippines, Italy, and Romania for licensing our Ii-Key-SARS-2 peptide vaccines as well as new, patented immunotherapy technology that will provide those countries with co-ownership of the Intellectual Property in their territories. We have engaged Morris L. Reid of Mercury LLC (http://mercuryllc.com) to advise the company on international licensing strategy. Defeating coronavirus requires a public/private partnership, stated Mr. Reid, Partner at Mercury. Government cannot do it alone and must collaborate with the private sector in order to bring the best innovation to the table. Mr. Moscato added his thoughts on peptide vaccines, stating, We know one thing about vaccines and the immune response, and that is our immune system recognizes antigenic epitopes, which are made of amino acid peptides, and mounts a multicellular response to protect the body from invaders like viruses or cancer. Whether you use attenuated or killed viruses or recombinant proteins, peptides are and have been the primary pathway to create vaccines. Peptide vaccines, especially when linked with the Ii-Key, are proven to generate an immune response, and we have demonstrated the safety of various Ii-Key peptide vaccines in animal models and human clinical trials. Over the years, Generex has developed a proven process to generate rapid peptide vaccines using the latest computational algorithms to select the best peptides to create an immune response, and we can link these peptide epitopes to the Ii-key for a very powerful solution that is cost effective and easy to manufacture on a large scale. Every country in the world needs our Ii-key technology in their national health arsenal not only for this coronavirus, but also to respond to future SARS virus mutations and other potential pandemic viruses that have been on the rise the last 20 years. For further information from government or corporate inquiries please email: [email protected] About Generex Biotechnology Corp. Generex Biotechnology is an integrated healthcare holding company with end-to-end solutions for patient centric care from rapid diagnosis through delivery of personalized therapies. Generex is building a new kind of healthcare company that extends beyond traditional models providing support to physicians in an MSO network, and ongoing relationships with patients to improve the patient experience and access to optimal care. NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology (formerly Antigen Express), a subsidiary of Generex Biotechnology, is a clinical stage oncology company developing immunotherapeutic peptide vaccines based on the CD-4 T-Cell activation platform, Ii-Key. NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology (NGIO) is being spun out of Generex as a separate, independent public company to advance the platform Ii-Key technology, particularly in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitors. NGIO is currently engaged in a Phase II clinical trial of its lead cancer immunotherapeutic vaccine AE37 in combination with pembrolizumab (Mercks Keytruda) for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release and oral statements made from time to time by Generex representatives in respect of the same subject matter may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by introductory words such as "expects," "plan," "believes," "will," "achieve," "anticipate," "would," "should," "subject to" or words of similar meaning, and by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements frequently are used in discussing potential product applications, potential collaborations, product development activities, clinical studies, regulatory submissions and approvals, and similar operating matters. Many factors may cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, including inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of risks and uncertainties, some of which are known and others of which are not. Known risks and uncertainties include those identified from time to time in the reports filed by Generex with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which should be considered together with any forward-looking statement. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results or events, and one should avoid placing undue reliance on such statements. Generex undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Generex claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements that is contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Generex Contact: Generex Biotechnology Corporation Joseph Moscato 646-599-6222 Todd Falls Tel: 1-800-391-6755 Extension 222 Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has tasked Africa to step up its measures in curtailing the spread of coronavirus. The WHO DG said this while speaking at WHO headquarters in Geneva, saying Africa must wake up to the coronavirus threat and prepare for the worst. According to latest reports, there are about 600 confirmed cases across Africa, with a death toll of 16 six in Egypt, six in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso. Read Also: Coronavirus: Nigerians Believe They Are At Risk Of Exposure Report However, there are over 220,000 cases worldwide with over 9000 deaths recorded. Ghebreyesus said, Africa should wake up, my continent should wake up, Ghebreyesus said. WHOs recommendation is actually mass gatherings should be avoided and we should do all we can to cut it from the bud, expecting that the worst could happen. The continent should learn from how the spread of virus has sped up elsewhere. In other countries we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point. The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2020) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") reports that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aurania is extracting its personnel from the field in an effort to protect their health and that of the communities in which the Company works. Situation in Ecuador As of last night, March 17th, Ecuador had reported 111 cases and two deaths from the virus. The Ecuadorian government has moved decisively by adopting many of the policies introduced in China, such as self-isolation and an aggressive limitation on movement of people, to reduce the rate of spread of new infections. Last Sunday night (March 15th), Ecuador imposed an international travel ban. As of midnight Monday night, March 16th, all passenger flights, maritime and road traffic, into Ecuador were banned. This ban does not apply to cargo and commercial goods - business continues to go on in Ecuador. Additionally, President Moreno issued a directive to limit movements of persons within the country, with a few exceptions, effective March 17th. Ecuador is in lockdown mode and except for essential service personnel and healthcare workers, persons are encouraged to stay at home. This will be enforced by the army and the police. Situation in the Field Aurania has translated the advisory that Ecuador's Ministry of Health has issued, into the Shuar language of the local people and is distributing the document to communities in the Cordillera de Cutucu, in which the Project is located. The advisory provides succinct information about the virus, how its spread can be mitigated, a list of symptoms, and information about whom to contact about a suspected case. Aurania is withdrawing its personnel from the Cordillera de Cutucu. All personnel have returned to their homes except for two field teams that were exploring very remote areas. Both of those teams are led by Shuar geologists and they are scheduled to reach their pick-up point later today. Permission has been granted by the authorities for a waiver of the travel restrictions so that these teams can be met and be transported to their homes. By the time that the local travel ban had come into effect in Ecuador yesterday, all other personnel had returned to their homes. Story continues Our geologists will spend the next few weeks working through a backlog of geological information from the field. They will focus on the interpretation of this information and the refinement of exploration targets for gold-silver and copper-silver. We will be poring through seismic and well log data from Ecuador and Peru over the next few weeks to refine our sedimentary-hosted copper-silver targeting in both countries. In addition, our recently completed LiDAR survey indicated many potential historic mining and prospecting locations on our concessions in Ecuador. These are currently being integrated with our airborne geophysical data, stream sediment coverage, and known mapped geology for prioritization and ground investigation. Field investigation was already underway when we were forced by circumstances to curtail operations, and it will take very little to restart the process once we can. The annual concession fee payments, which are due by March 31ST, have been made for each of the 42 concessions in the Lost Cities - Cutucu Project. The President has reappointed Mr. Fernando L. Benalcazar as Vice-Minister of Mines of Ecuador - he resumed his duties yesterday. In a phone call Mr. Benalcazar stated that his office is at our disposal and he will diligently resume his mission to assist responsible development of the mining resources of Ecuador. Situation in Toronto As recommended by the national and provincial health authorities, Personnel in our Toronto office are working from home for the duration of this crisis so as to avoid potential exposure to the virus on public transit. Hence, we're already complying with the terms of the state of emergency declared by the Province of Ontario yesterday morning. The office remains fully functional and we're working by remote means with our geological team in Ecuador and Peru. All company personnel, Officers and Directors are well and healthy; there are no cases of COVID-19 in Aurania or in EcuaSolidus S.A., our Ecuadorian subsidiary, at this time. About Aurania Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador. Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-. For further information, please contact: Carolyn Muir VP Investor Relations Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 carolyn.muir@aurania.com Dr. Richard Spencer President Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 richard.spencer@aurania.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurania. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Aurania's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Aurania or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Aurania, Aurania provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, Aurania's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation's portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in Aurania's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Aurania believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Aurania disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53549 By Marc Leras and Geert De Clercq MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - An Italian cruise ship that earlier in its voyage disembarked two passengers who later tested positive for coronavirus has been authorized to dock in Marseille in the south of France, a port authorities spokesman said on Wednesday. The Costa Luminosa, which left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 5 on a cruise destined for Venice, Italy, made a first stop in Puerto Rico, where the two passengers left the ship. After being blocked from docking in the Caribbean island of Antigua, the ship unloaded four sick travelers at Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands on March 15, but police stopped other people from disembarking there, passengers said. It was not immediately clear whether there were more suspected cases on board. The ship's captain told passengers: "In regards to the passengers who disembarked in Tenerife, we have no further updates on their condition." The Costa Luminosa is now expected in Marseille, a major Mediterranean port, on Thursday at around 1 p.m. (1200 GMT), a Marseille port spokesman said, but they would not be permitted to disembark before being tested for coronavirus. France is in its second day of a virtual lockdown to fight the coronavirus pandemic, with 264 dead so far. An official at Italy's Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corp, was not able to comment immediately. On a Costa Luminosa Facebook group, passengers shared their distress about being confined to their cabins, the uncertainty about when they can disembark, and the lack of information. "Physically we are fine, but mentally we are all exhausted. Three days into this trip, it all became about COVID-19 (coronavirus)," Martha Bradbury, a 51-year-old Canadian passenger, told Reuters. There were more than 1,420 passengers on the Costa Luminosa, among whom were 230 Americans, 168 Italians, 100 Canadians and other nationalities, according to the cruise operator. "All we are thinking about is how we get off this ship," Bradbury said. (Reporting Marc Leras in Marseille, Geert De Clercq in Paris and Angelo Amato in Rome; Writing by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Richard Lough and Mark Heinrich) National parks in Oregon and across the country will temporarily be free for all visitors, offering Americans easier access to natural spaces during the coronavirus outbreak. Entrance fees will be waived at all national park sites that remain open, the National Park Service announced Wednesday, effective until further notice. This small step makes it a little easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible National Parks, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said in a news release. Our vast public lands that are overseen by the Department offer special outdoor experiences to recreate, embrace nature and implement some social distancing. In Oregon that means free access to Crater Lake National Park, the John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon Caves National Monument and the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. In Washington, people can also visit Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park and several others. But while most parks remain open, some park facilities have closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. At Crater Lake, the Steel Visitor Center has closed, and all ranger-led snowshoe have been canceled. The Oregon Caves has canceled all cave tours and closed the main visitor center. The Lewis and Clark visitor center is also closed. Visitors should also anticipate shuttered restrooms, restaurants and other facilities at national parks, and plan accordingly. Some seasonal closures are also still in place. Even in nature, people should remember to follow recommended public health practices including frequent hand washing and social distancing. Anyone who feels sick should stay home. For those healthy enough to travel, the national parks are a good way to find relaxation in what has been an extraordinarily stressful time. --Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. (Newser) The coronavirus has devastated a large New Jersey family, killing three of them and infecting at least four others. Grace Fusco, the family's 73-year-old matriarch, died on Wednesday, unaware that her two eldest childrenCarmine Jackson and Rita Fusco-Jackson, both in their 50s had died before her, the New York Times reports. Four more of her 11 children have been hospitalized, three of them in critical condition. Another 20 relatives have been quarantined. Many Fusco family members are involved in horse racing and training, and authorities believe they were infected when an associate of Yonkers Raceway worker John Brennan, the first New Jersey resident to die from COVID-19, attended a family gathering, reports NJ.com. story continues below Authorities aren't sure why the coronavirus has taken such a heavy toll on one family. Relatives say none of the victims had underlying health conditions. Dr. James Matera, chief medical officer of CentraState Medical Center, says he has discussed the case with state and federal authorities. "I dont know if it's a strain thing," he tells the Times. "I would consider these particular people to be unusual." Judith Persichilli, New Jersey's health commissioner, has warned against holding family get-togethers. "I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take personal responsibility and to avoid even small gatherings," she said on Sunday. (Read more coronavirus stories.) Renowned American writer Mark Twain had said, "There is probably no pleasure equal to the pleasure of climbing a dangerous Alp; but it is a pleasure which is confined strictly to people who can find pleasure in it." An Indian mountaineer, Satyarup Siddhanta, is living these prophetic words by conquering the most dangerous summits in the world and bringing laurels to the nation. Siddhanta has been nominated for the coveted Limca Book of World Records for his extra-ordinary achievement to be the first Indian to climb the highest volcanoes of each of the 7 continents. After Guinness Book of World Records, the Bengaluru-based 37-years-old techie mountaineer is now shining on the prestigious index of 'Limca Book of records'. It is to be noted that he achieved this feat last year in Jan 2019 but received the official acknowledgement and certificate recently. He climbed the highest volcano of Antarctica - Mt Sidley to complete his 7 summits and Volcanic 7 summits. Satyarup holds a world record for being the youngest in the world to summit the highest mountains (7 Summits) of each continent, including the Mt. Everest in Nepal, and highest Volcanoes (Volcanic 7 summits) of each continent. Several other prestigious records he has achieved, like Asia book of Records, India Book of Records, Champions Book of Records, British Book of records etc. His Seven volcanic summits are: Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) - Chile - South America, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) - Tanzania - Africa, Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) - Russia - Europe, Mount Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) - Mexico - North America, Mt Damavand (5,610 m) - Iran - Asia, Mt Giluwe (4,368 m) - Papua New Guinea - Australia and Mt Sidley (4,285 m) - Antarctica. Satyarup's major summits also include Mount Everest (8,848 m) - Nepal, Mt Aconcagua (6,961 m) -'Argentina, Mt Mckinely/Mt Denali (6,194 m) - USA, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) - Tanzania, Mt Elbrus (5,642 m) - Russia, Mt Blanc (4,808.7 m) - France, Mt Vinson Massif (4,892 m) - Antarctica, Puncac Jaya/Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 m) - Indonesia and Mt Kosciuszko (2,228 m) - Australia. Satyarup is the first Indian to climb the highest volcano of Antarctica Mt Sidley - Champions book of records, India book of record, first Indian to climb the highest volcano of Papua New Guinea Mt Giluwe - Champions book of records, India book of records, first Indian to climb the highest mountain of Papua New Guinea Mt Wilhelm - Champions book of records, India book of records, first Indian to climb both the 7 summits and Volcanic 7 summits - Champions book of records, India book of records. He is also the first Indian in the world to play the National anthem with flute at Antarctica - Champions book of records. Beating all odds, Satyarup journey has been an inspiration for many as he came out as a warrior despite being a chronic asthmatic patient since childhood till his college. A boy, who couldn't even run a 100m without the aid of an inhaler, is now summiting deadliest mountains in the world. He had many other challenges which he had to overcome. The prolific mountaineer has got no financial aid or assistance from the central government and still owes over 45 lacs of personal loan. Overcoming all these adversities, he is furling the Indian flag high on world podiums as he making country proud internationally. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:57:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China will work with other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to ensure that signing of the agreement takes place at the end of the year, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. All parties are currently pushing forward the review of legal texts and other related works in an orderly manner to prepare for the final texts, said MOC spokesperson Gao Feng during an online news conference. In addition, China will also step up negotiations on the China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) free trade area and China-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade zone, actively advance free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel, Norway and Sri Lanka and negotiations on upgrading the trade deal with ROK and Peru, as well as accelerate the building of a global high-standard free trade zone network to expand its free trade partnership, Gao said. The RCEP, initiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2012, is a proposed FTA between the 10 member states of the association and the six FTA partners of ASEAN -- China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. The Taliban voiced its concern over the outbreak of Coronavirus in Afghanistan, calling it god-sent for the 'disobedience and sins of mankind.' Through its directive, the Taliban urged people to pray, and surprisingly, asked its fighters to follow the safety guidelines issued by health organisations and experts. "Coronavirus is a disease ordained by the almighty perhaps been sent because of the disobedience and sins of mankind or other reasons," the Taliban remarked. Further adding, "As per the directives of scholars- people should recite effective prayers." Promising safe passage to healthcare organisations, the Taliban's statement read, "International relief, health, and humanitarian organisations should execute their obligation of sending necessary equipment, medicine and aid to areas under our control and we shall lay the groundwork for their secure travel." READ| Taliban likely to flout Afghanistan peace agreement, US intel claims The move was considered as unprecedented as the Taliban had previously banned the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in September 2019, claiming that the two organisations were conducting "suspicious" activities. Afghanistan confirmed 22 positive cases of Coronavirus. Addressing the SAARC conference on mooting a common strategy to combat COVID-19 on Sunday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the initiative taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Ghani, his countrys biggest vulnerability was the open border with Iran. Thereafter, he suggested various proposals such as creating a SAARC task force, a common framework for telemedicine, ensuring essential cross-border trade and India taking the lead in distance education. ISIS issues advisory In the thick of Coronavirus, which has managed to plunge the world into a state of a health crisis, even the Islamic State (ISIS) issued an advisory to tackle the disease in their weekly al-Naba newsletter. Although the set of guidances largely encompassed religious than scientific advice, the ISIS in an infographic also listed preventive measures to keep the disease at bay. Joining the Coronavirus precautionary fray, ISIS further urged the infected fighters to not leave the area in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Calling it a "torment" sent by God, the terror organisation, in addition, said, "illnesses do not strike by themselves but by the command and decree of God." Though the ISIS has mostly lost control of most of its so-called caliphate in the Middle East, it still holds pockets of power in parts of Iraq and Syria. READ| Afghan Peace Deal: Ashraf Ghani agrees to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners to initiate talk READ| Coronavirus Outbreak: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's advisor dies James and James Fulfilment, a UK-based e-commerce fulfilment platform and service, raised 11m in funding. LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, made the investment. The company intends to use the funds to further enhance its software services and operating infrastructure. Led by Founder and CEO James Hyde, COO Neil Sant and CFO Simon Lisser, James and James provides online order fulfilment to e-retailers, storing products, packing and shipping orders, and handling any returns. This enables clients to increase order volumes, enhance customer experience, and improve stock and inventory management. The business supports its clients from its operating bases in the UK, USA and New Zealand. Through its cloud-based software platform, ControlPort, James and Jamess clients can fulfil orders from multiple channels and countries in one place and also provide live order tracking. In addition, clients benefit from data-rich reporting on inventory and SKU performance insights that allow business owners run and grow their businesses more effectively. FinSMEs 19/03/2020 T ributes have been paid to Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden, who has died aged 88. In 1971 he circled the moon while his two crewmates test-drove the first lunar rover. Worden died in his sleep in Houston yesterday following an infection, his friend and colleague Tom Kallman said. Jim Bridenstine, of Nasa, said: Al was an American hero whose achieve-ments in space and on earth will never be forgotten. Buzz Aldrin, who was on the Apollo 11 mission, tweeted: Line of Grey, Be Thou at Peace! Godspeed Al, quoting a hymn from their days at West Point military academy. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are cancelling flights Wellington: New Zealand closed its borders to all foreigners from midnight on Thursday, as it stepped up efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are cancelling flights. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak We will no tolerate risk at our borders, Ardern said at a news conference, adding that borders will remain open for freight and cargo and urged people not to panic-shop. New Zealand has so far confirmed 28 cases of the coronavirus. Bengaluru, March 19 : Karnataka's Kodagu on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders in the district to prevent spread of coronavirus, after the first positive case was reported there. "Ban orders under CrPC 144 Section 3 is being implemented throughout the district in the wake of first positive coronavirus case in the district," Suman D. Pennekar, Kodagu Superintendent of Police told IANS. Pennekar said the ban order has been in force since Thursday afternoon. She said the decision to clamp down the ban has been taken after a discussion with Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy. The SP clarified that the ban order is not something which is implemented during riots but emanates from sub clause 3 under CrPC Section 144, which restricts the movement of an individual or a group of people with an aim to protect them from coronavirus. "This order is not based on a police report which generally will be the case in a ban order emerging from CrPC 144 Section. It is not a riot situation. This ban order aims to prevent the movement of people for their own safety," she said. The order empowers police and authorities to stop people from moving and entering any place which cannot be disobeyed. Similarly, Shivamogga district has also imposed a ban order for 10 days in the wake of coronavirus threat. Karnataka Health Minister B. Sriramulu, earlier in the day, confirmed that Kodagu recorded its first coronavirus case, after a man returning from Saudi Arabia tested positive, raising the total cases in the state to 15. The Health Minister said the new case is being treated in isolation at a hospital. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) JACKSON, MI Michigans number of positive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by novel coronavirus, has jumped from 80 to 334 although no new cases are from Jackson County. The increase is partially due to state results now including numbers from private testing. The total is as of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. While Jackson County doesnt have any new cases just the one, announced on Tuesday some of the neighboring counties do. Eaton County is up to two cases, with the addition of a 41-year-old woman with a history of domestic travel. Washtenaw County has seven new cases, bringing its total to 14. Mobile outpatient COVID-19 testing continues at One Jackson Square in downtown Jackson, but only for people with symptoms of the virus, like fever, cough and difficulty breathing. You must have an appointment to be tested. People can contract the disease without experiencing severe or any symptoms but asymptomatic people can still spread it. At this point, testing criteria from the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) require that folks have symptoms, said Courtland Keteyian, Henry Ford Allegiance Health vice president of population health. So if youre asymptomatic, you do not require testing at this time. To see if you're eligible to get an appointment for a nose swabbing, call 313-874-7500. Because testing is limited to those with symptoms, the demand has been manageable, Keteyian said. Due to this, there are no plans to add testing sites, he said. "We have a plan to expand, if necessary," Keteyian said. "But at this time, it is not necessary, based on the demand in this community." Some infrastructure has been set up at the Middle School at Parkside in case another mobile testing site is required in the future, he said. There are no current plans to open testing at the site, for now, though. By the end of the day on Tuesday, 457 people were tested for the virus at the drive-through site. Hospital officials declined to respond to how many people have been tested since then and how many of the tests came back negative and how many are still pending. It might take seven days or longer to get tests back from the drive-through testing site, Keteyian said, as theyre being processed by a subsidiary of Henry Ford Health System. Tests taken inside the hospital itself are processed at the Henry Ford lab in Detroit and results will be returned faster. More Michigan coronavirus coverage: Jackson County still at 1 novel coronavirus case, as test results roll in, hospital says Senior shopping hours created at Pollys Country Markets amid coronavirus outbreak Heres how you can help Jacksons small businesses amid coronavirus outbreak Michigan confirmed coronavirus cases jump to 336 with increase of private testing Jackson County confirms first novel coronavirus case Drive-through coronavirus testing shuts down temporarily in Jackson for restocking A Louisiana pastor has continued to hold services for hundreds of people despite a ban on mass gatherings - because he believes coronavirus is 'politically motivated'. Reverend Tony Spell, leader of the Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, claimed to have welcomed 300 people on Tuesday after a 1,000-person service Sunday. The move flies in the face of a ban on gatherings of 50 people or more that was put in place by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards on Saturday in order to help slow the spread of coronavirus and allow health services to cope. Reverend Tony Spell has refused to stop holding services at his Baton Rouge church, and invited 300 people inside on Tuesday for prayers Spell said coronavirus is 'not a concern' and 'politically motivated' as he called for other churches and religious leaders to defy the state ban Speaking about the virus, Spell told WAFB: '[Coronavirus] is not a concern. 'The virus, we believe, is politically motivated. We hold our religious rights dear and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says.' He boasted of sending 27 buses to five parishes on Sunday to collect people for the service, before a mass gathering in the church's main building. Police were called to Tuesday night's service and warned Spell that, if he repeats the stunt, the National Guard could be deployed to break it up. Still, he pledged to carry on regardless. 'We want to bring some peace, we want to bring some sanctity to this madness that's going on in our society,' he said. 'I encourage other religious leaders and churches such as us, do not let fear of any government official, any dictator law prevent you from worshipping God which our first amendment states you are not allowed to do in any form.' Louisiana put in place a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people on Saturday in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Pictured, Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans Louisiana has so-far reported 347 cases of coronavirus, but state labs have only carried out 800 tests meaning that is almost certainly an under-estimate A patient is directed at the drive-thru screening for coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, on Wednesday Announcing the ban on mass gatherings, Governor Edwards said: 'I'm a person of faith. I happen to believe very much in the awesome power of prayer. 'I also believe in science, and the scientists at the CDC say that the measures we are taking will minimize the spread.' Louisiana has reported 347 cases of coronavirus with eight deaths, though the disease is likely more widespread as the state lab has only conducted 800 tests. The state is home to 4.6million people, and in 2015 was in the bottom-half of US states ranked by healthcare spending. There are currently 9,500 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US with 155 deaths from the disease. Cafe Du Monde, usually one of the busiest restaurants in New Orleans, is deserted as it closes for business following state orders The federal government has advised all Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people to slow the spread of the disease to allow health services to cope. However, it has stopped short of a legally-enforced ban and has also not ruled on school closures or closing public offices. In Europe, which has been worst-hit by the virus, entire countries such as Italy have been placed on lockdown with people banned from the streets without a permit. Globally, there are now more than a quarter of a million confirmed infections - almost certainly an under-estimate - and more than 9,000 deaths. With 15 persons in the city testing positive for coronavirus and one dead in the pandemic, Mumbai's resilient spirit is again being tested by the viral outbreak that has killed thousands across the world. A city that never sleeps or gets bogged down by calamities, Mumbai has braved serial bomb blasts, terror attacks and torrential rains. But Mumbaikars have time and again dusted themselves off and gotten back on their feet to face any challenge. However, coronavirus, which has brought the world to a partial lockdown, has put the city's famed spirit to test again. The city's public transport system, which is its lifeline, wears a near deserted look today. Spread over 390 km, the suburban railway operates 2,342 train services and ferries over 80 lakh commuters every day. The Mumbai Suburban Railway is one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the world and the BrihanMumbai Electric Supply Transport (BEST), with over 3,500 fleet of buses, keeps the city on its toes. When there were reports that the public transport may be brought to a halt, many Mumbaikars panicked. "Coronavirus is not the only emergency, and it is certainly not the only illness people can suffer from. A common man has to face so many other problems every day," said Sanjana, who works as a domestic help. The viral outbreak has hit the average Mumbaikar who relies on the public transport system to reach his workplace. "Daily wagers use public transport and even food is supplied via suburban trains. If the public transport is stopped, what happens to patients who have to travel for medical treatments," said Vijay, who works for a logistics firm in suburban Vile Parle. Cancer patients from across the country travel to Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital for treatment and this will also affect them, he said. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's appeal to avoid non-essential travel has worked, with suburban railway seeing a drastic reduction in the number of passengers since March 18. With government offices planning to work with 50 per cent staff, authorities feel that the suburban traffic will reduce further. The pandemic has also forced the places of worship in the city to shut their doors. Siddhivinayak Temple has closed, while Mahim Church has suspended mass gatherings and has taken its weekly novena prayers online. Although the masjids haven't stopped their mandatory five-time namaz, the number of people attending the prayers has reduced, with many opting to pray at home. "People have been asked to wash their hands and feet from home instead of doing it at masjids, where even hand sanitisers are made available, said Ezaz Ahmed. The biggest gathering during Friday prayers is seen at Minara Masjid at Bhendi Bazaar and Jama Masjid at Crawford Market, he added. Having reported about various happenings in the city for the last several years, for senior journalist Yogesh Trivedi, the coronavirus lockdown is nothing like what he has seen before. After the 1993 serial bomb blasts, the city was back on its feet in 48 hours and the situation wasn't any different after the July 2007 serial train blasts, he said. Even after the 26/11 terror attack, suburban services restarted next day, he added. During the monsoons, when waterlogging brings the city to its knees, people don't stay at home but find other means to reach their workplaces, Trivedi said. Speaking to PTI, Vidyadhar Date, author of the book 'Traffic in the Era of Climate Change, said, "It is surprising that while there is restriction on the movement of ordinary people by public transport, there is no restriction on the movement of cars. This is a clear-cut discrimination." Even in normal times, the government should curb the use of cars, as it is being done in the Western countries to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, said Date, who is also the convener of Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST. With motorists now enjoying more mobility people will be tempted to buy more cars, preferring them to public transport, including the Metro, which desperately needs more commuters, he added. "The crisis created by Covid-19 can teach us a lot. The concept of work from home is gaining ground because of the outbreak and this will reduce the need for travel," he said. Car trips can definitely be reduced this way, thus improving air quality, creating more road space and a better ambience, he added. Having said that, Date observed that the real victims of the Covid-19 crisis were daily wagers, whose livelihood depends on getting to their workplace irrespective of the situation outside. Public transport is much more tolerable now in Mumbai with fewer people travelling for various reasons or working from home, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One man has been charged as part of an investigation into a robbery and the death of a woman in Dublin last week. Jacqueline McGovern died when she was hit by a getaway car while out for a walk on March 10 in Killiney. The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York City more than doubled overnight on Wednesday, with 1,871 people testing positive for the disease. There were 948 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, had announced on Tuesday that the total number of confirmed cases stood at 923. It marks the largest one-day increase of the Covid-19 disease in New York. One week ago, the total number of coronavirus cases in New York state was 216, and 11 in the week before that. The states governor, Andrew Cuomo, announced on Wednesday morning that there were now 2,382 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York state, of which 1,871 were in New York City. There have been at least 20 people across New York state who have died from the virus. In an interview with CNN last night, New York City Mayor de Blasio expressed his concern that the rate of increase in coronavirus cases would continue to rise. NYC health officials believe that there are enough medical supplies for the immediate future but not to meet increasing demands. Yesterday we saw a jump of a hundred cases, today we saw a jump of hundreds of cases, said Mayor de Blasio. You are talking about a massive surge in demand. We have been appealing constantly to the federal government to start a supply system that will actually help our hospitals survive an unprecedented surge in cases. This is the problem. The Mayor added: Hospitals are going to have massive new demands, and things like surgical masks you just burn through those in a normal day let alone in an emergency. President Trump has to mobilise the United States military to fully act in the coronavirus situation. Asked by CNN news anchor Andrew Cooper if he wanted to see the United States military setting up hospitals in the streets of New York City, Mayor de Blasio said I do. I am talking about the United States military going where they can save the most lives of Americans, and thats places like New York, Seattle and California and soon thats going to be a lot of other places With the number of cases across the US set to continue rising, Mayor De Blasio said Americans should look to California and its attempts at slowing the disease with minimal activity and an end to all non-essential work. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reportedly given Yes Bank credit support of Rs 60,000 crore as the troubled private lender resumed full operation on March 18. The line of credit (LoC) was provided to ensure that Yes Bank is able to meet its obligations to depositors, sources told the Business Standard. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. This is in line with RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das saying on March 16 that if required the central bank would provide necessary liquidity support and this should come as a comforting factor for depositors. Moodys also raised Yes Banks rating and upgraded its outlook to positive following the RBI presser. The LoC, however, comes with a caveat the first such exercise by the central bank, sources stated. Since the RBI is the lender of the last resort, as per terms of arrangement Yes Bank would have to exhaust immediate liquid assets before accessing this fund, they added. In the past RBI has preferred to merge illiquid-insolvent banks, but since Yes Bank is solvent despite the liquidity issues the bank was allowed to continue. The last resort lender function provisions an LoC, a source told the paper. The government on March 14 notified a rescue plan for Yes Bank , led by State Bank of India ( SBI ) and joined by other lenders, as it looked to shield the banking sector from a widespread crisis. The so-called 'reconstruction scheme', cleared by the Union Cabinet, took effect on March 13. When the fires first tore through the Jenolan area, she went to see the survivors as soon as possible, which she was able to do by foot. On the first day, she and other park officers found no life among the ashes only dead possums. Dozens of retailers here including Penneys, River Island, Carrolls Irish Gifts, Brown Thomas, Burger King, KFC, Eason and Dealz want a 12-month rates freeze and a 50pc cut for six months after that to prevent an all-out collapse of the sector due to the Covid-19 crisis. In a letter sent to Local Government Minister Eoghan Murphy and copied to Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe this afternoon, and seen by the Irish Independent, a Retailers Rates Action Group has warned that the Covid-19 crisis will leave behind a considerably smaller sector unless immediate action is taken. It wants the rate freeze applied to businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors to avoid an economic catastrophe for the Irish retail sector. Since the imposition of the social distancing measures, without the normal levels footfall throughout the country, turnover in our stores has plummeted to incredibly low and unsustainable levels, the letter tells the minister. It adds: Yet at the same time, we are essentially being made to pay rates liabilities, as if these were normal market conditions. Penneys, Brown Thomas and Arnotts have already closed their doors here. Those closures alone have resulted in thousands of staff either being let go or left in limbo about the future of their jobs. Read More Penneys, which trades as Primark outside Ireland, has its global headquarters in Dublin and is owned by the UKs Associated British Foods. BT and Arnotts are owned by UK-based Selfridges, which is controlled by the billionaire Weston family. Irelands retail sector is being destroyed by the coronavirus outbreak. It has seen restaurants, shops and cafes pull down their shutters all over the country, while pubs are also closed. The rates freeze being sought by the retailers here is similar to measures announced within the past two weeks by the UKs chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, in response to the pandemic. He has frozen rates for 12 months for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. The Irish retailers want the rate freeze here backdated to March 13, meaning many businesses would be entitled to a rebate. Businesses in Ireland pay about 1.5bn a year in rates. Retail Ireland, a part of business lobby group Ibec, has previously said that the rate burden even when the economy was performing strongly puts a great strain" on retailers as they typically operate on tight margins. Clearly the threat of coronavirus, needs urgent and decisive action to be taken to support the retail sector in these unprecedented times, the letter to Mr Murphy states. We again re-iterate that without the support requested above in this letter, there is no doubt that a lot of retail businesses will be lost. Industry group Retail Excellence Ireland warned this week that 200,000 more people are likely to lose their jobs by the end of this week. Thats on top of the 140,000 already believed to have been made unemployed as the crisis continues to take a huge toll on the economy. Earlier this week, Mr Donohoe would not say whether or not the government would suspend VAT payments for businesses. Institutional landlords have today signalled that they would be willing to enable hard-hit tenants by deferring rent payments and establishing payment plans. Landlords that are part of the Irish Institutional Property (IIP) group have also said they will suspend issuing notices to quit to tenants experiencing difficulties because of the Covid-19 outbreak. The IIP members will also suspend any rent increases during the crisis that would otherwise have been implemented. WHO Urges Nations to Enact Tougher Measures to Combat Coronavirus By Lisa Schlein March 18, 2020 The World Health Organization is urging governments to implement a comprehensive, aggressive approach in tackling COVID-19, to slow down the rapidly increasing number of cases and deaths from this dangerous new virus in Europe and other parts of the world. The largest number of cases and deaths from coronavirus are still being reported from the Western Pacific region, which includes China. But Europe is running a close second and now has a larger cumulative number of confirmed infections and deaths than all other regions combined. The World Health Organization says it is difficult to nail down any one factor or particular scenario behind this surge of cases in Europe. WHO spokesman, Christian Lindmeier told VOA his agency has been warning for weeks that this novel virus would grab-hold and continue spreading with relentless speed around the world. "At the same time, when you have a large spike of cases, either because they have been undetected for a while, or because of an unfortunate incident where a large group of people gets infected at one time, then you reach capacity problems and this is what many European countries seem to be struggling right now," he said. Lindmeier explains many countries were unprepared to test, treat, and track those infected when the virus struck. He said many still lack the capacity to implement these important measures. He said the lack of medical equipment, tests, personnel, hospital beds, ventilators and other essential items is a global problem. A growing number of countries are resorting to draconian measures such as self-isolation, social distancing, and travel bans to curb the spread of COVID-19. Lindmeier said government authorities have to decide for themselves on the policies they believe will work best for their societies. But he notes both China and Singapore, which employed very strict medical, social and political measures have seen dramatic declines in coronavirus cases and deaths. "The examples we have seen so far show us that drastic cuts or drastic limitations in social life of the populationstogether with an aggressive testing, tracking and treating of patients and their contacts has worked," he said. WHO spokesman Lindmeier said it is too early to know whether the drastic measures being employed by Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland and other countries are paying off. He said the global pandemic will get worse before it gets better. He warns people will have to brace themselves for many more infections and deaths before the pandemic peaks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Millions of people worldwide are taking safety precautions against the coronavirus, and actors are no exception. Celebrities around the world have been encouraging their millions of followers on social media to stay home and self-isolate. However, for some celebs, this moment away from the public eye has been a much-needed break. One among them is Radhika Apte, who jetted off to London amid the coronavirus outbreak. The actress, who is married to London-based musician Benedict Taylor, keeps travelling back and forth throughout the year to spend time with her husband. On Wednesday evening, she detailed her hassle-free experience of going through immigration at London's Heathrow Airport and also responded to messages from her well-wishers concerned about her safety. "For all the many messages I received from friends and colleagues with concern and curiosity - I'm back in London safely. There was no issue at immigration. It was rather empty and had a wonderful chat with them! The Heathrow express was literally empty and barely anyone at Paddington either. That's all for now! Thank you for all messages," read Radhika's post. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor returned to India amidst the coronavirus scare. The actress flew down from London to Delhi early Tuesday morning, along with her husband Anand Ahuja. Upon her arrival, Sonam recorded a series of videos on her Instagram Story, wherein she thanked the Indian authorities for actively working to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Annovis Bio, Inc. (Annovis) is a clinical-stage, drug platform company addressing neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's in Down Syndrome (AD-DS). We believe that we are the only company developing a drug for AD, PD and AD-DS that inhibits more than one neurotoxic protein and, thereby, improves the information highway of the nerve cell, known as axonal transport. When this information flow is impaired, the nerve cell gets sick and dies. We expect our treatment to improve memory loss and dementia associated with AD and AD-DS, as well as body and brain function in PD. We have an ongoing Phase 2a study in AD patients and plan to commence a second Phase 2a study in PD patients. For more information on Annovis, please visit the company's website: www.annovisbio.com. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Advertisement Desperate Italian medics at the coronavirus epicentre told how all their efforts 'are not enough' as their country's death toll soared above that of even China. The number of fatalities there hit 3,405 yesterday, the highest in the world, despite the valiant efforts of shattered doctors to keep the ailing victims of the virus alive. A shocking Sky News report showed the hectic scenes inside the Papa Giovanni XXII hospital in the crisis-hit area of Bergamo in Lombardy, with staff rushing through wards with beds full of patients in distress. Horrifying video footage showed people gasping for air while holding onto their chests and tubes amid a constant bleep of heart monitors and breathing pumps, with other patients wearing 'bubble helmets' to help them breathe. Dr Lorenzo Grazioli, who works at the hospital but was previously based in Leicester, told Sky News's Stuart Ramsay: 'I have never felt so stressed in my life. 'I'm an intensivist, and I am quite used to intense moments, and the choices, and people are critical and die without any treatment, and you [usually] make the difference. 'But when you are at this point you realise that you are not enough. We are 100 anaesthetists, we are doing our best, but maybe it's not enough.' A shocking Sky News report showed the hectic scenes inside the Papa Giovanni XXII hospital in the crisis-hit area of Bergamo in Lombardy. Patients were given transparent air-tight helmets, which studies have shown help patients needing ventilation breathe easier and boosts survival rates more than traditional face masks Horrifying video footage showed people fitted with the helmet ventilators gasping for air while holding onto their chests and tubes amid a constant bleep of heart monitors and breathing pumps Three patients in this photo are wearing the tall bubble helmets, which have been found to 'make a substantial difference' to patients suffering from severe respiratory problems Medics in protective suits speak to a patient wearing one of the bubble masks, at a hospital in Bergamo where one doctor has urged the UK to go into total lockdown Italy has now overtaken China as the country with the most coronavirus deaths after suffering 427 more fatalities, taking the total number to 3,405 Both the death toll and number of confirmed cases shot up again today and the nation has now recorded 41,035 infections, more than half of the world's positive cases. Pictured: Medical personnel at work in the intensive care unit of the hospital of Brescia, Italy The latest figures have squashed hopes that the unprecedented national lockdown was helping to slow the spread of the pathogen. Pictured: Intensive care unit of the hospital of Brescia, Italy Staff at Wuhan Tianhe Airport line up to send off members of the Hebei medical aid team on Tuesday. Overall, China on Thursday counted 3,249 dead, 156 fewer than Italy, according to the Johns Hopkins University virus map A new field hospital, financed by a Christian disaster relief organisation in the US, is seen today in Cremona in northern Italy. It will consist of 15 tents and 60 beds, including eight beds for intensive care Paramedics in protective suits take a coronavirus patient on a stretcher to be treated in a hospital ward in Naples yesterday WHAT ARE BUBBLE HELMETS? Italian medics on the coronavirus frontline are using 'bubble helmets' to treat patients needing breathing assistance. The gadgets a transparent, air-tight helmet have been shown to help critically ill patients breathe easier and improve their chances of survival. A ventilator is a machine that supports breathing by getting oxygen into the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body. Usually, the ventilator is connected to the patient through a facemask, with a tube that is placed into the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. University of Chicago experts tested the gadgets in 2016, and found they 'made a substantial difference' for patients with ARDS. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS, causes fluid to build-up in the lungs, and can lead to death. Patients need ventilation. The Chicago team, who published their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association, split 83 patients into two groups. Half were given the helmets, while the others had the standard mask, which was strapped onto their face and covered their nose, mouth and chin. After reviewing the data, the scientists said the face masks exposed patients to 'greater risks'. They added that the helmets which are sealed with a soft air-tight collar that wraps around the patient's neck has 'several advantages'. One included that it was less likely to leak, meaning doctors could pump more air in. It was also found to be comfier and allowed patients to watch television, talk and read because of its transparency. It is unclear if the NHS regularly uses the helmets but the British Thoracic Society, whose members include doctors and nurses, says they are a viable alternative to face masks. The gadgets a transparent, air-tight helmet have been shown to help critically ill patients breathe easier and improve their chances of survival. A ventilator is a machine that supports breathing by getting oxygen into the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body. Usually, the ventilator is connected to the patient through a facemask, with a tube that is placed into the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. Advertisement Footage showed the Italian medics using 'bubble helmets' to treat patients needing breathing assistance. The gadgets a transparent, air-tight helmet have been shown to help critically ill patients breathe easier and improve their chances of survival. A ventilator is a machine that supports breathing by getting oxygen into the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body. Usually, the ventilator is connected to the patient through a facemask, with a tube that is placed into the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. Grazioli, the doctor who spoke to Sky News, has also urged the UK to adopt a total lockdown. 'What I would suggest is just shut down to stop the outbreak and not come into this kind of situation that is very difficult to manage,' he said. The medics at Bergamo sent a simple message to Britain and other countries: 'Get ready.' Both the death toll and number of confirmed cases shot up again yesterday in Italy, and the nation has now recorded 41,035 infections, more than half of the world's positive cases. On Wednesday, Italy recorded the highest one-day official coronavirus death toll of any country with 475 deaths in just 24 hours. The latest figures have quashed hopes that the unprecedented national lockdown was helping to slow the spread of the pathogen. Italy reached the gruesome milestone on the same day the original epicentre of the pandemic, Wuhan in China, recorded no new infections. Overall, China on Thursday counted 3,249 dead, 156 fewer than Italy, according to the Johns Hopkins University virus map. Italians have been ordered to stay indoors, with schools and universities shut, shops closed except for grocery stores and pharmacies, and heavy restrictions on travel. But the country's healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the virus and on Thursday a visiting Chinese Red Cross team criticised the failure of Italians to fully quarantine and take the national lockdown seriously. Meanwhile military trucks were deployed across Italy to transport scores of victims' coffins to be cremated as chilling footage also emerged of patients laid out on hospital beds along the corridors of an intensive care unit in Bergamo. The crisis is underlining how health services in northern Italy have been overwhelmed by the pandemic, with doctors describing hospitals in crisis and many medics working from makeshift tents. The governor of Lombardy, the worst-affected region which includes Bergamo, said doctors and nurses in the region's hospitals were at their limits. This patient was among those wearing the bubble masks, which are sealed with a soft air-tight collar that wraps around the patient's neck, meaning it is unlikely to leak when doctors are pumping in air Some of the patients were wearing bubble masks at this hospital in Bergamo, where medics wanted a British media crew to see the scale of the crisis The Sky News report from the Bergamo hospital showed staff rushing through wards with beds full of patients in distress New cases per day in Italy: The number of daily cases was fairly stagnant at the start of this week, settling down at around 3,500 new patients per day Sanitisation operations have also been taking place throughout the country in a bid to stem the danger of contagion and spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus It comes after military trucks were deployed across Italy to transport scores of victims' coffins to be cremated as funeral service become overwhelmed 'I'm worried about the possibility they could succumb physically and psychologically because if they were to succumb, it would really be a disaster,' cemetery director Angeloni told Italian radio. In separate footage taken at the San Marco di Zingonia hospital in Bergamo, patients are seen lying on beds which are crammed into the corridor of the intensive care unit. The video shows patients on ventilators in overcrowded rooms, showing how the crisis has overwhelmed even the high-quality health service in northern Italy. Italian media says the hospital is handling a large number of urgent Covid-19 cases, and many patients are said to have serious breathing problems. Agricultural vehicles were put to use after volunteers agreed to drive them during a road disinfection initiative in Pontecagnano Faiano, Italy Meanwhile, coffins of the deceased were whisked away on a fleet of army trucks last night after a cemetery in northern Italy was overwhelmed by the death toll. The column of army vehicles brought the dead out of Bergamo on Wednesday night in what Italians have called 'one of the saddest photos in the history of our country'. The cemetery, like the hospital, in Bergamo can no longer cope with the mounting death toll in the city, where more than 4,300 people have been infected and at least 93 have died. Mortuaries are full and crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day, including the regular drumbeat of non-virus deaths, meaning the bodies of virus victims have had to be dispatched to neighbouring provinces. A medical worker wearing a protective mask and suit treats a patient suffering from the coronavirus disease in Cremona today A triage department of the Spedali di Brescia hospital in northern Italy which has been the worst-affected region of Italy France has 130,000 citizens stranded abroad Some 130,000 French citizens are currently stuck abroad because of measures to contain the coronavirus spread, foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said today. 'The toughest question involves those who were travelling abroad, on trips, mostly on holiday and who number around 130,000 across the planet,' Le Drian told France Info radio. 'Our operating principle is that we want to get these 130,000 back on national territory,' he said, while calling on people to remain calm and be patient. The foreign ministry announced yesterday that it was working to obtain authorisation for exceptional commercial flights out of countries that have imposed travel restrictions to contain the virus outbreak. It has also called on airlines to maintain flights towards France and to lower ticket prices for the emergency returns. The government 'will be particularly vigilant to make sure ticket prices are regulated and capped, so there won't be any speculation in this matter,' Le Drian said. The ministry has set up a website where people can request emergency lodgings from fellow citizens living abroad who have offered to take in stranded travellers. Le Drian's comments came as government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said it was 'quite likely' that France's stay-at-home order would have to be extended into April, beyond the 15 days announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. But despite warnings of additional measures because many people are not strictly following the self-confinement rules, a full curfew 'is not being considered for the time being,' Ndiaye told BFM television. Macron, who said Thursday that too many people are taking the confinement measures 'lightly,' is holding a new crisis management meeting with top officials Friday. Advertisement Prime minister Giuseppe Conte has now warned that quarantine measures 'must be extended beyond their original deadline'. Some had initially been due to expire as early as next Wednesday. An army spokesman confirmed yesterday that 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had been deployed to move bodies to neighbouring provinces. Italian media said there were around 70 coffins in the grim procession last night as the bodies were taken from the crematorium to the highway and out of Bergamo. Giacomo Angeloni, the local official in charge of cemeteries in Bergamo, said earlier this week that the crematorium was handling around 24 bodies a day, almost twice its normal maximum. Local authorities in Bergamo had appealed for help with cremations after being overwhelmed by the death toll. The pews of the crematorium church have been removed to leave space to lay out scores of coffins but more have been arriving every day. One Italian who saw the picture of a column of trucks said it was 'one of the saddest photos in the history of our country', while another said it was a 'photo of war'. 'We are Italians and it is at times like these that we bring out the best in us. 'We will get out of it and we will do it for them too,' one said. Italy recorded a record 4,207 cases and 475 deaths yesterday, scuppering hopes that the quarantine was starting to stall the rate of infections. Italy's 475 new deaths are the largest number that any country, even China, has reported in a single day since the outbreak began late last year. The previous record high of 368 deaths was also recorded in Italy, on Sunday. However, officials warn there is a lag time between the lockdown being imposed and its effects becoming noticeable in the figures. A medical worker wearing a protective mask and suit works in a hospital ward in Cremona today Italian soldiers, some of them wearing face masks, gather next to some of their trucks in Bergamo yesterday where local crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day Italian army trucks are parked next to a monument in Bergamo yesterday as they prepared to take coffins out of the city. At least 93 people have died of coronavirus in Bergamo and more than 4,000 have been infected A fleet of army trucks on a highway in Bergamo on Wednesday night, transporting the coffins of coronavirus victims out of the city after the local cemetery became overwhelmed by the virus death toll The army vehicles drive along a Bergamo road as seen from the window of a nearby building, taking coffins out of the city Italian soldiers speak to people at the entrance of the cemetery in Bergamo, where bodies have had to be moved out of the city because local undertakers and crematorium staff cannot cope The army intervenes to move the bodies from the main cemetery of Bergamo, in Lombardy which has been worst affected by the health crisis in Italy Army trucks drive along a road in Bergamo yesterday in what Italians have described as one of the 'saddest' images in the country's history An Italian soldier carries a bag in each hand while police officers wearing masks are also on the scene near the cemetery An army spokesman confirmed today that 15 trucks and 50 soldiers, some of which are pictured, had been deployed to move bodies from Bergamo to neighbouring provinces Coffins are laid out in a chapel at a cemetery in Bergamo, where crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day, including the regular drumbeat of non-virus deaths Germany could begin lockdown if people fail to stay indoors Germans may face a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus if they fail to obey instructions to stay indoors this weekend, officials said today. 'We will look at the behaviour of the population this weekend. Saturday will be a decisive day,' Helge Braun, Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff, told Spiegel. Germany has so far stopped short of imposing a full-scale lockdown such as those in France, Italy and Spain. Merkel is expected to meet regional state premiers to discuss a potential lockdown on Sunday, as concern grows that the public are not heeding government calls to stay home in the crisis. 'We hope that the population understands the current measures and is ready to scale down social life. If we look at neighbouring countries, it's clear that (lockdown) would be an enormous extra burden,' said Braun. Yet he warned that more stringent measures could be introduced if citizens continued to meet in public. All bars, clubs, leisure centres and non-essential shops have already been shut. Many states have banned large gatherings and Merkel and other leaders have called on the public to stay at home. Yet many people are continuing to meet in parks and on the streets, with some even organising so-called corona parties, prompting state premiers to warn that lockdown would be the next logical step. 'Unless everybody fundamentally changes their behaviour, then we won't be able to avoid harsher measures and sanctions,' said Winfried Kretschmann, state premier of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. 'If people don't do it themselves, then we could make such decisions,' said Armin Laschet, leader of Germany's most populous state North-Rhine Westphalia, which has been worst hit by the virus so far. Germany's federal system means that the decision to go into lockdown has so far been taken at the state or even the local level. Freiburg in Baden-Wurttemberg became the first city to impose a general ban on leaving the house on Thursday, and North-Rhine Westphalia's Leverkusen banned meetings of 'two or more people in the open' on Friday. Yet the issue remains divisive, with Berlin mayor Michael Mueller warning on Friday that lockdown was 'not a panacea'. Saarland's state premier Tobias Hans, meanwhile, reiterated that this weekend would be 'decisive' ahead of Sunday's talks, and called for a nationwide solution. If people continued to ignore the current regulations 'then we will need further-reaching measures nationwide,' he told public broadcaster ARD. Advertisement 'The main thing is, do not give up,' Italian National Institute of Health chief Silvio Brusaferro said in a nationally televised press conference. 'It will take a few days before we see the benefits' of containment measures, said Brusaferro. 'We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable.' Imposed nationally on March 12, the shutdown of most Italian businesses and a ban on public gatherings were initially due to expire on March 25 with schools shut until April 3. But prime minister Giuseppe Conte said yesterday that the lockdown will be extended beyond the April 3 deadline. 'The measures we have taken... must be extended beyond their original deadline,' Conte told Thursday's edition of the Corriere della Sera newspaper. A top government minister hinted yesterday that the school closure could be extended well into next month, if not longer. Officials have said tougher measures could be needed because too many people are not respecting the order to stay at home unless necessary. Italy's National Research Council (CNR) says it expects a 'significant reduction' in the growth rate of new infections in the Lombardy region by next Tuesday or Wednesday. The northern region of around 10million people has been at the epicentre of the crisis since the start, reporting two thirds of all the deaths in the nation of 60 million. It has been under lockdown since March 8. Noting that infections are starting to rise in the south, where many Italians moved after the start of containment measures in the north, the CNR predicts that figures across Italy will only stabilise between March 25 and April 15. There have been fears that the health system of the poorer south would be entirely unable to cope with an outbreak on the scale which the north has suffered. The rates within Italy itself remained stable yesterday, with two-thirds of the deaths - 1,959 in all - reported in the northern Lombardy region around Milan, the Italian financial and fashion capital. The neighbouring Emilia-Romagna region of Bologna has suffered a total of 458 fatalities, and Turin's Piedmont region has had 154 deaths. Rome's Lazio region has a toll of 32 deaths and 724 infections. Doctors on the front line of Italy's coronavirus outbreak have described 'catastrophic' scenes in hospitals which are creaking with the sheer volume of cases. There have been fears that the health system of the poorer south would be entirely unable to cope with an outbreak on the scale which the north has suffered. More than 2,600 medical workers have been infected with coronavirus in Italy - 8.3 per cent of the country's total cases, it emerged last night. The figures were released by a health foundation which said the 'huge number' of infected medics showed that procedures and protection equipment for doctors were 'still inadequate'. Hospital workers prepare coffins at the Ponte San Pietro hospital in Bergamo on Tuesday, in the province of Lombardy which has been the worst-affected region of Italy The problem is far worse than in China, because '8.3 per cent is more than double the percentage of the Chinese cohort', the Gimbe foundation's president Nino Cartabellotta told Italian media. According to the figures, which are drawn from official data, the number of infected medics has risen by more than 1,500 just in the last eight days. The figure of 2,629 infected medical professionals means that nearly 0.3 per cent of Italy's health workers have caught the disease - taking them out of service when they are desperately needed. 'No more talking: adequately protect those who must protect us,' Cartabellotta urged last night. Spain orders hotels to shut by next Thursday and starts converting them into hospitals, leaving British tourists in chaos with flights cut back Spain has ordered its hotels to shut by next Thursday, throwing British tourists into uncertainty with flights heavily reduced. Hotels and other 'short-stay accommodation' are being shut down in Spain's latest draconian step to halt the spread of the virus. Spanish authorities have already begun converting hotels into makeshift hospitals as they battle an outbreak which has killed 833 people in the country and infected 18,077 patients. The hotels will have to close by next Thursday, although the measure does not apply to long-term accommodation where guests can cater for themselves - as long as they can obey quarantine rules. The UK Foreign Office had appeared to confirm such a move earlier this week, but an earlier warning that hotels would shut by Tuesday is no longer on the FCO website. The FCO now advises that Britons who want to return to the UK should 'make travel plans as soon as possible', although flights have been cut back because of the outbreak. According to the UK government, Spanish authorities 'have underlined that no-one will be left without accommodation', suggesting some tourists could be moved to other hotels. A police officer hangs a placard ordering 'restricted entry' to a four-star hotel in Madrid which is being transformed into a makeshift hospital to treat coronavirus patients Health workers in protective suits work close to the Gran Hotel Colon in Madrid which is being transformed into a medical building to handle the outbreak Spain's new measure orders 'the suspension of opening to the public of all hotels and similar lodgings, tourist accommodation and other short-term accommodation... situated on national territory,' the official notice reads. Spain is the world's second-most popular tourist destination, after France, and the tourist industry is key to its economy. But Spain has imposed a national lockdown to halt the virus. More than 1,000 troops have been deployed in 14 cities across the country to help police the lockdown, telling people to go home unless they have a good reason to be outside. Some hotels are already being turned into makeshift hospitals, including the 359-room Gran Hotel Colon in Madrid, and Spain hopes to acquire more hotel rooms for medical treatment. Hotels in Madrid have offered 60,000 beds to the health service, authorities said. Britons made nearly 19million visits to Spain last year, and many British expats live in the country, meaning many holiday plans are likely to be ruined by the outbreak. EasyJet has cancelled its regular flights to Spain until at least March 29, saying it will run rescue flights to take people home. 'For customers who have their flight cancelled, we are committed to getting you home,' the airline says. Some British Airways flights between the UK and Spain are still scheduled to operate. BA says it is 'still operating flights to allow Spanish residents to return home, as well as repatriating UK residents currently in Spain. Ryanair has heavily reduced flights, but says it is trying to get people home. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab says there are between 300,000 and 'closer to a million' British nationals travelling abroad. 'That is a massive, massive scale,' he admitted. Mr Raab told a Commons committee that the government was asking airlines to operate flights on routes they did not normally serve, which 'takes some configuring'. He said any spare seats on rescue flights would be offered to other countries trying to bring their citizens home. Long-stay accommodation in Spain can remain open, providing they have the necessary infrastructure for residents to obey the country's confinement rules. However, they will not be allowed to accept new guests until the state of emergency is over, Spanish media says. Foreign Office advice currently reads: 'British travellers who are currently in Spain and who wish to return to the UK are advised to make travel plans to do so as soon as possible. 'If you're currently on holiday in Spain, check with your tour operator or accommodation provider for further information. 'If you're travelling and wish to return to the UK, contact your tour operator, checking the website of their airlines or ferry companies for further advice. 'The Spanish authorities may ask British travellers to move hotels before 24 March and have underlined that no-one will be left without accommodation.' According to news agency EFE, there are 12,559 hotels in Spain with around 550,000 rooms and 1.1million beds. British and German tourists made nearly 100million overnight stays in 2019, representing 44 per cent of the total. Spain is the country that has been fourth-hardest hit by Covid-19, with 767 deaths and 17,147 infections. The global death toll is now over 10,000. The Spanish government has declared a state of alert, shutting all but essential services and ordering its population of 46 million people to stay at home. Military Emergency Unit soldiers work near one of their vehicles at the departure terminal near Barcelona yesterday People are only allowed to go out to buy food or medicine, to go to work or to get medical treatment. Fines for breaching the rules can be up to 30,000 euros (27,200) and a public address system is reinforcing the message in Spanish, Catalan, English and German. The number of infections could well be higher, because Spain - like many other countries - has been struggling with a shortage of testing kits. Sanchez's government officially declared the 15-day state of emergency on Saturday. It is only the second such declaration since the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The other time was during a 2010 air traffic controllers' strike. The Foreign Office is now advising against all but essential international travel, including to Spain, because of the coronavirus outbreak. Massive Bangladesh coronavirus prayer gathering sparks outcry as thousands of people huddle together - and many mosques worldwide stay open for Friday prayers A massive coronavirus prayer session with tens of thousands of devotees has sparked an outcry in Bangladesh as the country reported its first death from the illness. Local police chief Tota Miah said some 10,000 Muslims gathered in an open field in Raipur town in southern Bangladesh to pray 'healing verses' from the Koran to rid the country of the deadly virus. 'They held the Khatme Shifa prayers after dawn to free the country from the coronavirus,' Miah told AFP. Police said some 10,000 Muslims gathered in an open field in Raipur town in southern Bangladesh to pray 'healing verses' from the Koran to rid the country of the deadly novel coronavirus India tells citizens to observe one-day curfew India's Prime Minister yesterday appealed to its 1.3 billion population to follow a one-day curfew alongside a ban on international flight arrivals to combat the coronavirus. Narendra Modi told people the curfew on Sunday from 7.00am to 9.00pm would test the country's ability to take tough measures against what he called a growing 'crisis'. The government says there have been 173 infections and four deaths from the virus. But the public is increasingly anxious and there has been a rush on food stores and essential supplies. Advertisement Organisers claimed the number of worshippers reached 25,000. Police said organisers did not get permission from authorities to hold the session. Photos of the gathering were widely shared on social media, with commenters slamming the massive rally. It comes as other mass gatherings around the world have been cancelled to help stop the spread of the deadly virus, including religious events. Authorities in Bangladesh have already shut schools and asked locals to avoid large gatherings in an effort to halt the spread of the disease. 'Unbelievable how they have done it without notifying the police? They will be held responsible if anything happens to the people in the region,' Abdur Rahman wrote on Facebook. Despite the appeal from authorities to avoid crowded public areas, many took the opportunity to head to tourism sites. Police said they had to close two beaches, including one at Cox's Bazar, the main resort district of the country, and which is home to nearly one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. A senior leader from the ruling Awami League, Obaidul Quader, said a lockdown might be required to contain the virus. 'If necessary, Bangladesh will be shut down. It'll be enforced where necessary. People must be saved first. We'll do everything for that,' he told reporters. The religious event at Raipur in Lakshmipur district came as Bangladesh confirmed its first death due to the virus. The number of positive cases in the country of 168 million people stands at 14, although some medical experts fear not enough tests are being conducted. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 17:29 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bf64f5 1 National Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,President-Jokowi,LBH-Semarang,Central-Java-Police,hate-speech,student Free The Semarang Legal Aid Institution (LBH Semarang) has questioned the Central Java Polices detention and naming as a suspect a student of Surakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMS), identified only as ISS, for allegedly spreading hate speech against President Joko Jokowi Widodo on March 13. Etik Oktaviani, a lawyer from LBH Semarang who is defending the suspect, argued that the police had contravened the Criminal Code (KUHAP). Therefore, the legal team would take action to demand the police comply with the law. We found many irregularities when the police named ISS a suspect in the case and later held him in custody, as the procedures did not comply with KUHAP, Etik told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Etik described the polices actions from the moment they arrested ISS until his detention at the Central Java Police headquarters. ISS, she said, was arrested by the Central Java Polices special crime investigation directorate (Ditreskrimsus) at his rooming house in Surakarta, Central Java, at around 2 p.m. on March 13. The police accused ISS of spreading hate speech against the President through a social media post, which, paraphrased, read the President only focuses on luring investment to the country but fails to improve the nations prosperity. The police believe that the post violated Article 45A and Article 28 of the 2016 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. Later, ISS was taken to the police headquarters in Semarang, Central Java, to undergo questioning at the same day from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. After the session the police named ISS a suspect and detained him. Etik lambasted the polices decision to incarcerate ISS, despite failing to provide at least two pieces of evidence in the case, which is stipulated in Article 184 of KUHAP, as they only confiscated ISS smartphone. Moreover, ISS only received a copy of a Notice of Commencement of Investigation (SPDP) letter, an arrest warrant and a suspect notification letter after the police named him a suspect. Etik said the said police had violated Article 109 of KUHAP, which stipulates that a suspect cannot be detained unless the police gather at least two pieces of evidence within seven days after investigators issue the aforementioned three letters. We believe that all legal proceedings against him [ISS] are illegitimate, she said. It further proves that the police abuse their power as a law enforcement agency, she added. Etik went on to say that the legal team filed a letter on Wednesday, requesting the investigators to suspend ISS detention. However, the team has found it difficult to represent their client as the police have restricted visiting hours at the detention center. We faced a slight problem when trying to meet him since the police apparently have implemented extra measures [limited visiting hours] to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease, she said. The police, however, remain adamant that they followed procedures when naming ISS a suspect and placing him in custody. Central Java Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Iskandar Fitriana Sustisna said the police had questioned five witnesses and confiscated three pieces of evidence, comprising two smartphones and a screen capture of ISS Instagram post. The police believe the evidence is enough to hold ISS in custody, as stipulated in Article 184 of KUHAP. Our investigators have complied with the law when proceeding with the case. The suspect, however, can still file an objection [to the detention], said Iskandar. (glh) Washington: Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suspending her presidential campaign, ending a long-shot effort that saw her feuding with Hillary Clinton and raising fears among Democrats that she would mount a third-party 2020 bid. She is offering her full support to former vice-president Joe Biden. She made the announcement by email on Thursday. Tulsi Gabbard has suspended her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Credit:AP "I feel that the best way I can be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and wellbeing of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress, and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated," she said. During her candidacy, Gabbard appeared often on Fox News Channel and angered fellow Democrats by voting "present" on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. In October, she announced she wouldn't be seeking reelection to her congressional seat, instead focusing on her presidential bid. The Trump administration is planning to give USD 1000 per adult and USD 500 per child in direct money transfer as part of its efforts to help Americans mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday told Fox that the government would transfer cash of USD 1,000 per adult and USD 500 per child as part of its massive USD 1 trillion stimulus package. The cash transfer plan alone is expected to cost USD 500 billion. "So, for a family of four, that's a USD 3,000 payment. As soon as Congress passes this, we get this out in three weeks. And then six weeks later, if the president still has a national emergency, we'll deliver another USD 3,000. So that's a lot of money to hardworking Americans who are at home for no fault of theirs," Mnuchin said. Noting that the administration has announced a trillion-dollar plan, Mnuchin said it includes a USD 300 billion package for small businesses. That money, he said, is needed to be used to hire people, keeping people on the payroll. And if the firms do this, there will be loan forgiveness on that afterward, he said. The government wants 40 per cent of the private workforce employed, he said. "And the third component is USD 200 billion that we can use for more facilities with the Fed, like we've been doing, for secured lending to airlines and for other critical industries," he said. Asserting that President Donald Trump is determined to go big and support the American economy, Mnuchin said for big companies, like the airlines, the government is planning secured loans on market terms. "So, we'll see whether that includes equity or doesn't include equity. We're not going to force things on people. But people who need liquidity, we're going to make sure that the taxpayers are compensated fairly," he asserted. Meanwhile, President Trump in a press conference at the White House said in worst case scenario, there could be large scale job losses. He, however, exuded confidence that that is unlikely to happen. "You know worst-case scenario you would have terrible job numbers. If we can get this thing wrapped up and finished earlier things will go very nicely," Trump said. "I think the economy is going to be fantastic," he said in response to a question. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The complex dynamics of laser processes have been investigated by combining high speed hard X-ray radiography, acoustic and optical sensors and deep learning. This approach leads to a new paradigm for a closed-loop quality control system in Industry 4.0. Laser welding and additive manufacturing processes are key technologies for many industries such as automotive, aerospace, naval and heavy machinery production, medicine and micromechanics. Unfortunately, the potential of this technology is not fully exploited, particularly in applications requiring a guarantee of high quality and a workpiece free of defects. The reason is the non-linear nature of light-matter interactions, which complicates the reproducibility of the process in mass production. The complex dynamics of the process, especially in the keyhole welding regime, and its instabilities cause various defects at the joint. One of the most dangerous and difficult to detect is porosity, since it is a hidden threat for the mechanical properties of the workpiece. Hence, an adequate, robust and low-cost quality monitoring system is of a great desire [1]. Recently, an innovative approach for in situ and real-time monitoring of laser welding [2] and additive manufacturing [3] was proposed [2]. Its novelty was to combine state-of-the-art acoustic and optical sensors with machine learning (ML) techniques to analyse the signals. On the one hand, the sensors were chosen because they required low-cost hardware as well as their existing widespread use in various industrial applications. On the other hand, the exploited ML techniques allowed unique features for different workpiece qualities to be retrieved, which could subsequently be used for in situ monitoring. Despite the promising results, these studies relied on post-mortem material analysis via the cross-sectioning of the samples. This approach had major drawbacks, it is destructive, very time consuming and introduces further uncertainties in the results, for example, a small defect (pore) could be missed during the sample preparation and subsequent analysis. Furthermore, the complex dynamics of the light-matter interaction remained completely unknown. Figure 1. a) Sketch of the experimental setup for in situ X-ray radiography of the laser welds. The bar below defines the key nodes of the setup and their mutual positions; b) Picture of the welding experimental station. To overcome these difficulties and to obtain a fundamental understanding of the momentary events during the laser process in real-time, high-speed hard X-ray radiography held promise as an ideal solution. Consequently, a unique experiment combining a welding laser and various sensors was setup at beamline ID19 to perform in situ experiments (See Figure 1). An example of the observed dynamics during a laser pulse of 5 ms is shown in Figure 2 where the categories conduction, stable keyhole, unstable keyhole and solidification are defined. A temporal convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to distinguish the recorded signals for each category. Figure 3 summarises the classification results. Figure 2. (a) X-ray images of the process zone (image width is 1 mm) and (b) the corresponding back reflection and acoustic emission (AE) signal during a typical experiment at 250 W during a laser pulse of 10 ms. The width of the X-ray image is 1 mm. The times on the X-ray images correspond to the time stamp of the signals. The main categories are also indicated with different colours in the signal images (b). Figure 3. Classification accuracy for the (optical) back reflection, acoustic emission (italic), combined sensors (bold), respectively using a temporal convolutional neural network (CNN). Four major findings resulted from this work, which can be summarised as: The possibility to apply machine learning for classification of the momentary events (categories: conduction welding, stable keyhole, unstable keyhole, blowout, and pore formation) during laser processing has been demonstrated. Evidence of this is shown in Figure 3 where the classification accuracies ranged from 73 to 99% depending on the sensors and category using a state-of-the-art temporal deep convolutional neural networks (CNN). It is also revealed that the acoustic sensor (italic in Figure 3) has a high classification accuracy as compared to the (optical) back reflection (normal in Figure 3). This is probably due to the higher acquisition rate of the optical system. By combining data from both sensors (back reflection and acoustic sensors; in bold in Figure 3), the classifications accuracy rose significantly from a minimum value of 73% to 88% for the category pore formation. This is important information for industrial applications. It revealed that the most appropriate solution for industrial in situ and real-time quality monitoring is to combine various sensors. However, the combination of the sensors does not always increase the classification accuracy. The approach is capable of distinguishing between instances of stable keyhole and unstable keyhole with very high confidence (compare red cells in Figure 3). Since the latter regime is prone to defects, the capability to detect the stable unstable keyhole transition is of high interest. This information is of utmost importance for the AM machine builders since it is a pre-requisite for the development of a closed-loop control able to avoid or minimise defects by modifying the process parameters before a defect is created. Finally, the category pore formation (blue cell) could be detected with an 88% level confidence. With a temporal resolution classification time down to 2 ms for each, it is possible to determine with precision the location of a defect. This information gives the opportunity to repair the defect and so avoid the rebuttal of a produced workpiece. High classification accuracy has been achieved with low-cost and easy to implement sensors into an existing industrial environment. The classification results can even be improved further by increasing the size of the dataset, optimising the location of the sensors as well as further optimisation of the machine learning algorithm. Principal publication and authors Supervised deep learning for real-time quality monitoring of laser welding with X-ray radiographic guidance, Shevchik S.A. (a), Le-Quang T. (a), Meylan B. (a), Vakili-Farahani F. (b), Olbinado M.P. (c), Rack A. (c), Masinelli G. (a), Leinenbach C. (a), Wasmer K. (a), Scientific Reports 10, 3389 (2020); doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-60294-x. (a) Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing (LAMP), Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Thun (Switzerland) (b) Coherent Switzerland, Belp (Switzerland) (c) ESRF References [1] Stavridis J., et al.. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology 94,1825-1847 (2018). [2] Shevchik S.A., et al., IEEE Access 7, 93108-93122 (2019). [3] Shevchik S.A., et al., Additive Manufacturing 21, 598-604 (2018). In preparing this note, I took a brief scan of the archives of Dal News and its print predecessors (University News and, after that, Dalhousie News) for anything that might help me put this week in a bit of historical context. (Once a history grad, always a history grad, I suppose.) You'll find lots of Dal News stories across the past five decades about various vaccination campaigns and infectious disease researchers, but few that offer anything quite like what were all working through right now. Thankfully, Dalhousie is home to Canadas oldest continually operating student newspaper, the Dalhousie Gazette, the early years of which are all available through the Dalhousie Archives. And editions of the Gazette between 1918 and 1920 offer a window into life under the weary, worried haze of a global pandemic. The so-called Spanish Flu had a vast global impact, far beyond what weve yet seen with COVID-19. In Nova Scotia alone, there were 1,789 deaths, or approximately 3.4 deaths per 1,000 people. Yet that number was significantly lower than in other parts of North America. Theories as to why Nova Scotia was spared the worst of the flu include a health-care system that was ramped up from addressing the 1917 Halifax Explosion, that the mayor of the provinces largest city (Halifax) was a doctor, and that public health officials smartly engaged early on with colleagues in Boston on lessons learned from their experience. In other words: good public health efforts made the difference. And those efforts would only accelerate in the years after the flu subsided as disease prevention moved to the top of the public agenda, including the construction and opening of the Dalhousie Public Health Clinic (in what is now the Clinical Research Centre on University Avenue). The public health measures in direct response to the influenza pandemic included suspending courses at Dalhousie, as this note from the November 27, 1918 edition of the Gazette, titled A long rest for the weary, illuminates: London has three times more cases of the killer coronavirus than any other region in the UK, according to official statistics. More than 900 cases have already been confirmed in the capital, with the boroughs of Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth the worst affected. In comparison, fewer than 300 people have been struck down in the second worst hit region, the South East. London makes up more than a third of the UK's infection toll, which has already seen 2,626 cases confirmed by health officials. Around 50 of the 137 deaths recorded in Britain have been in London, including 16 of the 33 announced today. It comes as Boris Johnson today said the capital home to almost 9million people will not face being locked down this week. Fears are growing that travel around and in or out of the city will be stopped because the capital is driving the spread of the outbreak. Despite London being the epicentre of the UK's escalating crisis, the worst affected single authority in England is Hampshire. Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth are the areas of London with the most coronavirus cases. London is, in turn, the area of Britain with the most combined cases London has three times more cases of the killer coronavirus than any other region in the UK London is the epicentre of the UK's escalating coronavirus crisis. However, the worst affected authority in England is Hampshire (pictured). Southwark, Westminster, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea are within the 10 hardest hit coronavirus spots in the UK Pressure if building on the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to completely shut London down in order to prevent more cases. Pictured, travellers on the London Underground today More than 900 cases stretch across the city of 9million people, with Southwark, Westminster and Lambeth the most affected. Pictured, a man wearing a mask at London Bridge today WHY ARE CASES OF THE CORONAVIRUS SO HIGH IN LONDON? London is densely populated, home to 9million people, which already puts it at a disadvantage in the fight to contain a major disease outbreak. The situation is exacerbated by the fact London is a transport hub, for those within the UK and millions of tourists from around the world. Some scientists believe the London Underground is an ideal breeding ground for the virus because there are so many people reliant on the service. Dr Michael Head, of the University of Southampton, said: 'The extensive London public transport system provides potential opportunities for transmission, with many people mixing in relatively small spaces.' Advertisement London has been described as the 'superspreader city' and the engine of the UK's coronavirus outbreak after the total number of deaths doubled from 16 to 33 in 24 hours yesterday it is now 37. Southwark, Westminster, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea are among the 10 hardest hit areas in the UK, each reporting more than 50 cases. Outside of the capital, the rural counties of Hampshire (77 cases), Hertfordshire (50), and Surrey (39) are facing growing clusters. They are all within South East England, which has so far reported 18 COVID-19 deaths. A large number of authorities have recorded fewer than 10 cases, including Wiltshire, Bradford, and the London suburbs of Kingston and Richmond. Just four authorities Middlesbrough, North East Lincolnshire, Rutland and Telford and Wrekin have yet to record their first case. Officials have admitted their testing figures do not show the true scale of the outbreak in the UK and claimed tens of thousands of patients could already be infected. The Government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said the best estimate was to assume there was 1,000 cases for every death. Health chiefs yesterday revealed 33 more patients had died, up from the 16 recorded the day before. It means 104 fatalities have now been confirmed in the UK. Using the Government's maths, this could mean there are around 100,000 cases in the UK. London, being heavily populated and have strong transport connections both within and outside the city, is at high risk of a large outbreak, experts have warned. Mr Khan criticised Londoners who were refusing to follow the official guidance on social distancing and were still travelling around the city. Pictured, commuters on a busy tube today London's cases make up more than a third of the total across the UK, where 2,626 people were recorded as of 9am on March 18. Pictured, a man wearing a mask on the tube today THE 20 AREAS IN ENGLAND WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CORONAVIRUS CASES Hampshire (77 cases) Southwark (70) Westminster (68) Lambeth (61) Wandsworth (59) Kensington and Chelsea (55) Hertfordshire (50) Brent (45) Ealing (42) Harrow (40) Surrey (39) Sheffield (36) Cumbria (34) Merton (34) Oxfordshire (34) Bromley (32) Croydon (32) Camden (30) Hackney and City of London (29) Haringey (29) Advertisement Dr Robin Thompson, junior research fellow in mathematical epidemiology, University of Oxford, said: 'In general, if an initial case is in a densely populated area, then the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission following is higher. 'This is exacerbated by the fact that London is a transport hub, and the underground could provide a network to spread the virus quickly.' Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health, University of Southampton, said: 'The extensive London public transport system provides potential opportunities for transmission, with many people mixing in relatively small spaces. 'However, the evidence related to ground transportation as a key factor in transmission of respiratory infectious disease is actually fairly limited. 'Whilst studies have linked some transmission of flu to use of public ground transport, it is not normally the main factor in the spread of an outbreak due to relatively short time periods of being in close proximity to an infected case. 'We have evidence that international travel is usually a more important factor for spread, in part due to time spent near an infectious person.' A commuter wears a mask whilst walking across London Bridge into the City of London during the morning rush hour today In the centre of the capital streets are largely empty as people stay away amid the spread of coronavirus. Pictured is Parliament Square The PM has called for people who live in London to pay special attention to government's advice on isolation and social distancing, as the city is ahead of the rest of the country in terms of transmission speed. He has refused to rule out the possibility of 'further and faster measures' to control the spread of the virus on the busy streets of the capital. LONDON WILL NOT BE LOCKED DOWN, BORIS JOHNSON CONFIRMS London will not be cut off from the rest of the country despite facing a tougher lockdown within days amid fears it is driving the UK's coronavirus outbreak. Downing Street insisted there is 'zero prospect' of trains in and out of the capital being axed, and there are 'no plans' to shut down the Tube system, although services have been pared back. The PM's spokesman also insisted it is 'not true' that only one person from each household will be allowed to leave their homes. However, the nine million inhabitants of the capital are set for tighter restrictions on their movements - with signs the government will urge people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. Contingency plans are believed to be in place for police to guard shops and helicopters to airdrop food, although sources insisted that is not happening at this stage in the unfolding crisis. Camp beds and food stocks were seen being moved into Downing Street today, in more evidence that Boris Johnson and his aides are bunkering down for the situation to escalate. The PM fueled speculation about the fate of the capital last night by vowing he will not hesitate to go 'further and faster' to control the spread of the deadly virus. He said 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Health minister Nadine Dorries has vented her fury at images of still-busy bars and cafes in the capital, tweeting: 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' Tube services in the capital are already being downgraded, with 40 stations shutting. Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to travel only if they 'really, really have to'. In a desperate plea to residents, he said: 'I want to see more Londoners following the expert advice.' It comes as military chiefs are putting up to 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britain's streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic. Reservists have also been told they must be read to join a 'Covid support force'. Some 150 soldiers are undergoing fast-track training on how to drive oxygen tankers around the country in order to supply hospitals. Advertisement He said 'ruthless' enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some Londoners do not appear to be following Government advice to socially distance themselves and are still taking themselves to bustling pubs, clubs and restaurants. People have been told not to travel unless they have to, but there are concerns about the number of people continuing to commute to work on public transport. As a result, the London Underground will run with reduced services 'until further notice', with up to 40 stations that do not interchange with other lines closed. It is likely services will be scaled back further, the Mayor Sadiq Khan said. 'I want to be clear now that the frequency of services is likely to continue to reduce, potentially very significantly, over the days and weeks ahead,' Mr Khan said. 'We will do this in a way that makes sure essential workers can still get around and we will not reduce service levels so that the remaining trains and buses are crowded.' Mr Khan criticised Londoners who were refusing to follow the official guidance on social distancing and were still travelling around the city. In a direct message to the capital's residents, he said: 'I can't say this clearly enough: people should not be travelling by any means unless they absolutely must. 'The scientific advice on this is very clear: Londoners should be avoiding social interaction unless absolutely necessary and this includes avoiding using the transport network. 'I want to see more Londoners following the expert advice, which means it's critical that we see far fewer Londoners using our transport network than is currently the case.' London is on the verge of following the example of other cities around the world which have been raged by the virus and gone into so -called lockdown as a result. The Army has put 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britain's streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic. However, police are said to be concerned that draconian measures would be unenforceable and could even lead to public disorder. Labour former prime minister and chancellor Gordon Brown said today the scale of the crisis now facing the country is 'unprecedented'. He said the aggressive measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, particularly in London, were necessary. 'I think people have got to accept that at certain points, as we've done before, we bring in the Army to help us in certain respects. 'I'm not advocating greater legal sanctions but I am advocating using all the resources of this country.' "Now, foreigners are getting rich in South Sudan and nationals are getting agitated in some ways and little do they know that even if the foreigners leave those properties to them, they will still not be beneficial to them..." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Thursday announced in the Assembly that 64,583 sanitary personnel employed by urban and rural civic bodies in the State will from now on be called 'cleanliness workers' to honour their work. Making a statement, Palaniswami hailed the role played by them in maintaining public health and said the government has already been implementing several welfare measures like building residential tenements for their benefit. Periodic health check-ups, special employment camps and skill development for the children of health workers were also being carried out, he said. "To honour the work of these personnel and in deference to their long-time demand, all sanitary workers will from now be called as cleanliness workers (Thooimai paniyalargal in Tamil)," the chief minister said. As many as 64,583 sanitary workers are employed with 15 corporations, 121 municipalities, 528 town panchayats and 12,525 village panchayats, he said. The Chief Minister, while making announcements on the energy department, said a scheme to install smart meters for 42 lakh electricity consumers here to compute their power consumption will be implemented at an outlay of Rs 4,300 crore. He said the initiative, aimed at providing enhanced services to power users and at the same time to cut down on technical and commercial losses and scale up revenue, will be implemented in the state capital in the first phase. "This scheme will be implemented in other districts of the state in a staggered manner," he told the House. He also announced other schemes to develop the power distribution infrastructure to meet the increasing demand at an estimated total cost of Rs 1,998 crore. Such plans include upgradation of a 230 KV (Kilovolt) sub-station at Alagarkoil in Madurai district into a 400 kv station and enhancing two 110 kv sub-stations into 230 kv facilities. To ensure uninterrupted power supply in coastal districts including Kanchipuram and Kanyakumari during times of natural calamities, electricity distribution overhead lines stretching to about 200 kilometers will be converted into underground cables, he noted. Palaniswami also announced schemes for other departments including municipal administration. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pvt. Daija Gillam, 22, of the 25th Transportation Battalion, screens drivers before allowing them to enter Camp Walker in the coronavirus-hit city of Daegu, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (STARS AND STRIPES/KIM GAMEL By Wu Minwen The spokesperson of the US Department of Defense (DoD) on March 16 said that DoD had reported 37 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 18 service members, 13 dependants, 3 civilians and 3 contractors. The US stations 27,500 service members, civil personnel and dependants in the ROK, who live at 87 bases and facilities across the country and rely on the ROK society to keep their life service facilities in normal operation. As of March 11, the ROK military had reported 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases, making 2,840 close contacts quarantined. On February 26, the first confirmed case occurred in American troops stationed in ROK, after which the US military shut down the schools, kindergartens and some other facilities at the overseas military bases of its Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), and the 23rd Chemical Battalion was ordered to carry out sterilization operations. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread in Italy, an American sailor at the Naples base was confirmed COVID-19 on March 7, the first case in American troops in Europe. The sailor was then confined to his residence and received treatment. The pandemic has significantly affected the military activities of American troops. On March 6, senior military officers from NATO, EU, and 17 other countries attended a US-led meeting at the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden in Germany to discuss the upcoming Exercise Defender-Europe 20. On March 8, Italian army Chief of Staff General Salvatore Farina issued a statement on his COVID-19 confirmation and home quarantine. On March 10, Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. Army Europe, announced that he would conduct self-quarantine and work from home as he had close contact with General Salvatore Farina during the meeting in Germany. The spokesperson of U.S. Army Europe announced on March 10 that the Exercise Defender-Europe 20 scheduled for April 20-May 20 may be rescheduled. The US-led joint exercise joined by 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries is planned to be held in Germany, Poland and the three Baltic Sea countries with a view to exercising Americas ability to project 20,000 soldiers to Europe. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called it the largest deployment of US troops to Europe since the Cold War. But the German Ministry of Defense announced on March 16 that Washington had decided to quit this exercise due to the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 8, an American soldier stationed at a military base in the suburb of Virginia contracted COVID-19, the first case in the military on the American homeland. The infected marine just came back from a business trip overseas. On March 16, a sailor assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), which was berthing at the Port of San Diego then, tested positive for novel coronavirus. The sailor was immediately quarantined and all close contacts were asked to stay at home for observation. The US Navy announced a sterilization of the whole ship according to instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Navy Marine Corps Public Health Center. Previously, the ROK-US Combined Forces Command (CFC) announced the postponement of various military exercises planned for the first half of this year. On March 8, the US Force Korea banned its service members and their dependants from traveling between the US and ROK due to the epidemic spread in ROK and its impacts on US troops there. The ban covers those who plan to return to the US after finishing their service in ROK and those scheduled to fly to the US for training and exchanges, and will last till May 6 at least. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the top of the Pentagon. The DoDs morning meeting shifts from assembly in one office to video conference in three offices On March 12, the DoD announced that it would enact a 60-day ban on all service members, civil personnel and their dependants from traveling to or from countries that have a Warning - Level 3 Travel Health Notice (widespread, ongoing transmission), starting from March 13. The US military has adopted a wide range of prevention and control measures after the COVID-19 outbreak The DoD issued the Force Health Protection Guidance Department of Defense Guidance for Personnel Traveling During the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak memo and two supplements on January 30, February 7 and 25 successively. The documents were signed by the Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and delivered to the whole military through the service commanders, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, DoD officers, and organs to guide the military units in response to the outbreak. Last month, Defense Secretary Mark Esper signed the Department of Defense Global Campaign plan for Pandemic Influenza and Infectious Diseases 3551-13 and appointed the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in charge of homeland defense to lead the plan The USNORTHCOM initiated a combat-ready mechanism after receiving the order, put all barracks in lockdown, and prioritized the safety of service members, military equipment and bases. In the meantime, the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), the medical lab of Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) work together to develop the COVID-19 testing reagents and vaccines. On March 17, Washington announced that their COVID-19 vaccine started clinical test the previous day and the first anonymous volunteer had been vaccinated, to be joined by 45 more young and healthy volunteers. But the testing process may span 18 months. A close look at the development of the COVID-19 pandemic that first broke out two months ago reveals that the world has come to a high-risk era of constant people flow and frequent occurrence of infectious diseases, which are the common challenge faced by all humanity. Military activities against the backdrop of epidemic prevention and control will perhaps become normal in the military build-up, training, and combat. (The author is from the College of Information and Communication, PLA National University of Defense Technology) A nonprofit body, representing high skilled immigrants from India, has urged President to address their long sufferings of H-1B visa holders by accelerating the pace of or legal permanent residency and remove bureaucratic, legal hurdles from the most-sought after work visa. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. A allows a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in America. In a recent memorandum to the President, High Skilled Immigrants For America has requested Trump to address their sufferings by recovery of Green Cards unused in previous years, allow US Citizenship and Immigration Services to receive application for Adjustment of Status and issue Employment Authorisation with approved I-140 immigrant petition and unitary counting of derivatives. "The assistance in resolving above will provide needed relief to over 500,000 skilled immigrants and their families," High Skilled Immigrants of India said in its memorandum to the president. According to the memorandum, this will significantly benefit the US in many ways. These talented labour force will be able to directly work with the leading American companies, without having to go through middlemen, who make the most money in the current situation, the memorandum said. "This will enable the American companies to manufacture and develop product and systems right here in the US and not have to send the work offshore due to lack of talent pool," High Skilled Immigrants For America said. "Many of us have entrepreneurial skills, but we are not able start our business due to long wait for the Clearing the backlog will unleash our true potential and setting up hundreds of startups, creating innovations and high end jobs, Making America Great Again," the memorandum said. The memorandum opposed the allocation of seven per cent quota per country for the employment based on the Green Card, irrespectively of country's size and demography. As we come from the world's second most populous country and are in high demand by the US companies in need of skills in the area of science and technology, we form far larger pool of immigrants, and thus in a long backlog for the Green Card," it said. The Ekiti State Government said on Wednesday that the 38 year-old male citizen who was confirmed to have contracted coronavirus, was infected by an American visiting from Richmond, Virginia. The state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, said in a statement that the man was suspected to have been infected while driving the American who was visiting in the company of his caregiver, a Nigerian female of Ekiti origin. She said the visitors arrived Nigeria on March 3, 2020 through the Muritala Mohammed International Airport Lagos adding that preliminary investigations showed that the pair were driven by our confirmed case to Ibadan, where they stayed for two weeks, and arrived Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State on 13th March, 2020. Below is the full statement: 1. This morning, the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, announced a positive case of Coronavirus in a patient in Ekiti State. 2. The Ekiti State Taskforce on COVID-19, headed by His Excellency Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, can confirm that we have recorded an incidence of a Nigerian male, 38 years old, of Ekiti origin, who has tested positive to COVID-19. 3. The confirmed case is suspected to have been infected while driving an American Caucasian, male, 27 years old, who was visiting Nigeria from Richmond, Virginia, USA in the company of his caregiver, a Nigerian female aged 31, of Ekiti origin. 4. The American male and his Nigerian female caregiver, arrived Nigeria on 3rd March 2020 through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos. Preliminary investigations revealed that the pair were driven by our confirmed case to Ibadan, where they stayed for two weeks, and arrived Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State on 13th March, 2020. 5. A day after their arrival, the American male fell ill and he was taken to a private hospital where he was referred to a tertiary hospital. Unfortunately, he died from complications of his illness. 6. The hospital authorities alerted the State Taskforce and samples were taken from the American male as well as his two companions. The test for the male driver came back positive; the test for the female caregiver came back negative while the test for the American male was inconclusive. 7. In line with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) protocols, the Ekiti State Taskforce on COVID-19 has already quarantined the confirmed case on admission in the State Isolation Centre, while the caregiver who tested negative, is presently under observation in self isolation. 8. We have commenced the process of contact tracing, working with the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) following the teams itinerary since they landed in Nigeria on the 3rd of March 2020. 9. We have also contacted the Oyo State Government since it was recorded that they stayed in Ibadan for two weeks before arriving Ekiti State. 10. The confirmed case is very stable and not showing any symptoms while NCDC will repeat the test for the caregiver who is also in self isolation. 11. The Ekiti State Task Force on COVID-19 is following the NCDC Case Management Protocols with diligence. We want to urge Ekiti residents to stay calm and ensure they observe the prevention steps that are being publicised on all credible media. 12. It is important to state that this likely index case was on a short visit and had not been in Ekiti State for up to 72 hours before his death. 13. The Ekiti State Taskforce on COVID-19 advises residents to continue to take self preventive measures by washing their hands with soap and water, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, observing social distancing and to alert the authorities of any suspected case by calling the 112 Emergency Number or 09062970434, 09062970435, 09062970436. 14. The Government of Ekiti State will continue to update the public on new developments as necessary in our commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all Ekiti residents. Signed Dr. (Mrs) Mojisola Yaya-Kolade Hon. Commissioner for Health and Human Services. 18th March 2020. Post Views: 16 E xtinction Rebellion has apologised for asking protesters to self-isolate in treehouses as part of the HS2 protest during the coronavirus pandemic. The protest group had sent a press release which outlined their strategy for protesting the high-speed railway line over the next six weeks. Hundreds of rebels will self-isolate in treehouses along the proposed route, the release read. Even those physically unable to be on site to defend ancient woodlands will join digital and phone activism from their homes. Rebels call on HS2 Ltd and the Government to go on lock down, vowing that if they wont stop committing Crimes Against Nature, we will do everything we can to stop them. However, the organisation have apologised for this press release in a statement sent to members on WhatsApp and e-mail. The group stressed it did not support action that put pressure on already strained public services during coronavirus. Please disregard as neither the action nor the release had been agreed internally, the statement, sent by coordinator Ronan McNern, said. We will be looking into how this happened. Extinction Rebellion UK does not support any action that puts pressure on strained public resources at this time. Please watch for further communication on this. The Wyoming Medical Center clinic set up specifically to screen patients for COVID-19 saw 286 patients in its first two days, a hospital spokeswoman said Wednesday. As more patients continue to flood hospital clinics, supplies are dwindling, a county health officer said. Weve taken measures at Wyoming Medical Center to try to preserve whatever limited resources we have, Dr. Ghazi Ghanem said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference in Casper. Weve asked elected officials to help us request from state, from the national stockpile, to have some (personal protection equipment) for us. The last thing we want is nursing or physicians and essential staff, EMS, essential responders being dispatched to take care of patients who have COVID-19 (without protective gear). I cant give an answer to how much we still have. The problem is how long will this last. As part of the hospitals efforts to preserve supplies, its suspended most of its elective procedures. St. Johns Hospital in Jackson is also suspending all elective procedures for the foreseeable future, according to the Jackson Hole News and Guide. Additionally, WMC is limiting visitors to one per patient per day. The hospital is asking people about their respiratory symptoms before they are allowed to visit. The rush has been most acutely felt by WMCs new respiratory clinic. On Monday, the clinics first day, 131 patients came through its doors. On Tuesday, there were 155. Of those, 14 have been tested for COVID-19. As of Wednesday afternoon, no positive cases have been confirmed in Natrona County. Hospital officials have repeatedly stressed that the clinic will not test everyone and that testing is not available there upon request. A hospital spokeswoman said Wednesday afternoon the hospital had tested four more people, bringing all patients tested through WMC or its clinics to 18. Meanwhile, as of Wednesday morning, the states lab had tested 181 samples from patients. There have been 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the state as of Wednesday afternoon. Two of those cases came from a private lab, both in Laramie County. Still, tests appear to be in limited supply in Wyoming. A Casper woman said she went to the COVID-19 clinic in Casper on Monday because she had a fever and a cough over the weekend. She said the clinic which is open 12 hours a day, every day of the week was busy, albeit with patients spread throughout the clinic to maintain distance. The woman, who has an autoimmune disease and is on medications that further weaken her immune system, spoke on the condition of anonymity so as not to reveal her medical information. The woman said she tested negative for flu and that she wasnt tested for COVID-19 because her condition was not serious enough to warrant hospitalization. She was frustrated because she felt she mightve exposed others to the disease and she doesnt know for sure if she has it. Shes self-isolating at home now, she said, and feeling totally miserable. WMC spokeswoman Kristy Bleizeffer said the hospital has a limited number of tests. We have not been immune to the national shortages of COVID-19 tests, Bleizeffer wrote, and are following Wyoming Department of Health guidelines to determine who needs the test most. A spokeswoman for Cheyenne Regional Medical Center said that facility was also only testing people who may require hospitalizations because supplies are limited. New guidelines On Wednesday morning, the state Health Department released new guidance for providers to refer to when deciding whether to test a patient or not. Those guidelines have been changing frequently as the situation continues to evolve and the virus spreads in Wyoming. The new guidance says that the state lab will prioritize testing that informs clinical management or public health actions; priorities for testing include healthcare workers, hospitalized patients, patients in communal living setting, persons at risk of severe disease or their contacts, and contacts of confirmed cases. Essentially people with mild illness, it doesnt matter as much which virus is causing that illness for clinical management, said Dr. Alexia Harrist, the state health officer. But it is very important for hospitalized patients and patients more susceptible to severe illness. And of course communal settings can have huge implications for spread. There is no treatment for COVID-19, and there is no vaccine. Patients with mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter medicines to help with symptoms. In its new guidance, the Health Department writes that testing at commercial labs, rather than the state public lab, is an option for non-priority COVID-19 testing. The state also can now confirm all presumptive cases, rather than sending those positive cases to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 100 percent confirmation. There is very real concern about testing and supply shortages. Ghanem, the infectious disease doctor, said the hospital had 400 tests, which was pretty good. But it wasnt enough, he said, for widespread testing and the hospital will have to continue prioritizing who gets tested. He said testing shortage was specifically tied to the method that individual providers use to send the swabs to the state lab, something officials have said over the past week. Ghanem said supplies are dwindling as patients continue to come in. He said the hospital has plenty of empty beds, but actual material is posing a problem. Bleizeffer, the hospital spokeswoman, said WMC is doing everything it can to preserve and acquire more supplies. At the same press conference Wednesday, a city spokeswoman said that first responders may limit how many personnel they send to scenes to preserve protective gear. Dr. Matt Mitchell, a surgeon in Casper and the head of the county medical society, said health officials were concerned about running out of basic medical supplies. He said there was a movement toward delaying elective procedures to preserve as many medical materials as possible. There are three concerns, he said. Theres concern of supplies, concern about testing, and the third concern is how long do we do this for? Is this going to be two weeks, or three weeks, or a month? A Wyoming physician whos been treating potential COVID-19 symptoms expressed serious concern about running out of supplies. We are in trouble, the physician said. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The cover ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 200,000. Premiums start from Rs 299 and go up to Rs 2,027. The policy can be bought until July 2020 and has a tenure of one year. Bindisha Sarang reports. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters With the coronavirus death toll nearing 4,000 globally and infecting thousands of others, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has swung into action. It has asked general insurers to provide cover for patients and also allowed specific-disease policies. The first product has been rolled out by general insurer Digit. Called Health Care Plus, it will cover anyone aged between 18 and 60. The policy is simple As Amit Chhabra, business head, health insurance, Policybazaar.com explains: "It is part of the IRDAI sandbox regulations and is a fixed-benefit health insurance policy." The cover ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 200,000. Premiums start from Rs 299 and go up to Rs 2,027. The policy can be bought until July 2020 and has a tenure of one year. If you test positive Says Chhabra: "If you test positive for covid-19 at an authorised institute, like the ICMR-National Institute of Virology, the insurer will pay out the entire sum insured." Only if you are quarantined at an authorised place for symptoms, will you get 50 per cent of the claim amount, even if you test negative later. Says Anik Jain, co-founder and CEO, Symbo India Insurance Broking: "Most standard health insurance policies provide indemnity cover. The claim will be paid on identification of the disease. In this policy, benefit cover is available for quarantine, which is an improvement." The catch This policy prohibits travel to named geographies. There should not have been any contact with suspected cases before buying it. While there is no restriction on residence anywhere in India, the policy will not be extended to individuals or their family members if they have travelled to countries like China and Japan. Even if you have a common cold, you will not be able to buy it. Do you have an employer or personal health cover? If you do, then hospitalisation for coronavirus infection will be covered. Says Jain: "Existing insurance programmes will cover hospitalisation expenses but may not cover OPD and quarantine expenses. Also, look carefully for any travel restrictions built into your insurance plan." Even if you claim under an individual policy or group health policy, this new policy will offer cash, which proves handy. "The premium is low. One can consider buying it, especially individuals working or travelling to crowded places or using public transport. But there are some limitations. It doesn't seem easy to get a claim, considering the exclusions. A person suffering from a common cold or any other respiratory disease will not be able to buy it," says Pankaj Mathpal, a certified financial planner. Useful for many If you stay in an area with a confirmed coronavirus case, remember, a disease-specific policy is cheaper than a comprehensive policy and may be purchased as a stop-gap measure. For those who do not have any health insurance, it would be a good way to introduce themselves to the benefits of a health policy. Since the premium is low, it may make a lot to sense to add it to your kitty against the deadly virus. Others like retired people may consider it even if they have a proper medical insurance policy for the additional benefit, and since they are more vulnerable to the virus. SpendEdge, a leading provider of procurement market intelligence solutions, has announced the completion of their latest success story on gaining visibility into $70 million of future purchases for a drinks brand. The case study highlights how the insights provided by our experts helped the soft drinks company to track purchase price variance for raw materials and manage transactional volumes. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005491/en/ Project background The company wanted to analyze transaction parameters impacting budgeting and cash flow. The key objectives of the engagement are mentioned below. Objective 1: The company wanted to minimize frequent discrepancies between and contract and invoice prices. The company wanted to minimize frequent discrepancies between and contract and invoice prices. Objective 2: They also wanted to track purchase price variance for different raw materials. They also wanted to track purchase price variance for different raw materials. Interested in gaining comprehensive insights? Request a free demo to gain actionable insights to conduct purchase price variance analysis. "Companies in the beverage industry must reduce operating costs, gain greater visibility into purchases, and monitor price variances to ensure profitability," says a procurement expert from SpendEdge. Key findings and solutions offered In collaboration with SpendEdge, the client a multinational soft drinks company - tracked purchase price variance periodically. The solution offered helped them to: Build business processes, manage large transactional volumes. Gain visibility into $70 million of future purchases. Are you looking for insights to track purchase price variance? Request a free proposal to access our customized solutions today! Outcome: The experts at SpendEdge analyzed procurement and manufacturing data of the client and provided deep dive insights to help the client develop a process to gain raw data from third-party manufacturers. They conducted purchase price variance analysis to compare the purchase order prices to internal price standards. This facilitated the client to reduce the over-spend, predict the cost of goods sold, and optimize product costs. To access the complete case study on how we helped a soft drinks brand to identify purchases that had some variance to expected costs, read the complete case study here! You may also like: Global Catering Industry Procurement Market Intelligence Report 9 Challenges Facing Procurement in the Food and Beverage Industry Supply Market Intelligence Helps a Leading Food and Beverage Industry Client Achieve an Annual Savings of $15 Million About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To gain more information, https://www.spendedge.com/get-more-info View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005491/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us The EastEnders cast went out partying over the weekend just days before the soap was thrown into crisis by the coronavirus. Max Bowden, Lorraine Stanley and Shona McGarty all celebrated St Patrick's Day early on Saturday as they went to the pub for a few pints. They clearly got into the spirit of the Irish festive holiday as Max donned a large leprechaun hat as he cut loose with his co-stars. Fun: EastEnders' Max Bowden, Lorraine Stanley and Shona McGarty all celebrated St Patrick's Day on Saturday ahead of the show being thrown into crisis due to the coronavirus The actor, 25, took to Instagram and shared a snap of himself with his girlfriend Danielle, whose leg was held in the air by Lorraine. Max, who plays Ben Mitchell on the soap, captioned the photo: 'Amongst all the madness, happy St Patricks day!' Lorraine, who plays Karen Taylor, also shared a few snaps to her social media as the pair pulled silly poses in their hats. The actress, 43, wrote: 'Sat night giggles for Paddys day with my good friends.' Party: They clearly got into the spirit of the Irish festive holiday as Max donned a large leprechaun hat as he cut loose with his co-stars The group's night on the town came soon before EastEnders announced Wednesday that filming has been suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic. The BBC soap will cut it's weekly number of episodes to just two in a bid to 'ration' their filmed content. ITV's Coronation Street and Emmerdale meanwhile are continuing to film scenes but will reduce the number of episodes per week from March 30 while also reportedly stopping filming for members of cast over the age of 70. In a statement shared Wednesday the BBC said: 'In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on EastEnders will be postponed until further notice. Festive: Lorraine, who plays Karen Taylor, also shared a few snaps to her social media as the pair pulled silly poses in their hats 'The decision was made after the latest Government update. We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England. 'We have also taken the decision to reduce the amount of episodes we broadcast each week to two, so that we can ensure the audience can continue to enjoy EastEnders in their homes for as long as possible.' In reference to their scripted programmes Casualty, Doctors, EastEnders, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City, the corporation said: 'In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice. 'The decision was made after the latest Government update. We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.' It is thought that EastEnders' films up to six weeks in advance, meaning they would have around 24 episodes worth of content already filmed. Cut short: EastEnders has announced that filming has been suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the UK's soaps thrown into crisis Under the new broadcast measures, this would mean that EastEnders would be able to spread out their filmed episodes for up to 12 weeks. A spokesperson for the soap has told MailOnline that while filming has been suspended, scriptwriters and other members of production are working remotely where possible. Following this news, it was revealed that the BBC Studios in Elstree have been completely closed. A sign outside the deserted studio warns staff members to stay away if they suffer from any symptoms. Meanwhile, Coronation Street will reduce its number of weekly episodes from six to three and Emmerdale will move from six to five. A woman wearing a face mask walks past a closed department store in Berlin on March 18, 2020. (Tobias Schwarz / AFP / Getty Images) In long-ago days before the novel coronavirus swept Europe last week, last month the contagion many leaders in the region most feared was a virulent strain of nationalist populism. In recent years, authoritarian-style leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orban have entrenched themselves in the heart of Europe, seeking to stifle institutions like free media and an independent judiciary, at the same time blaming migrants for a host of social ills. Already, the European Union had been tested by Brexit and internal discord. Now, as grand boulevards and great cathedrals stand empty and scarce hospital beds inexorably fill, those same leaders wonder whether the coronavirus will drive a sharp nationalist wedge between members of the 27-nation bloc. As the infection spreads, more than a dozen European countries, together with the bloc as a whole, have imposed travel restrictions and border checks, acting like medieval city-states shutting their gates in the face of encroaching foes rather than a united force as they had fancied themselves. Both scientific counsel and political imperatives are driving current national self-isolation. But once the medical necessity of isolation passes, some question whether European states will emerge from the pandemic transformed more insular, more tribal, more narrowly self-interested. In a divided, leaderless world we are all suffering from a tendency to go it alone, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote in an op-ed article in the Guardian newspaper. The EUs grand experiment, and an underpinning of its existence, was the act of opening borders to free movement of goods and people within the bloc. But the march of the virus may prove a death knell to longstanding aspirations of even tighter integration. Some Europeans are already applauding. The need for borders is being vindicated by the pandemic, Laura Huhtasaari, a member of the European Parliament with the nationalist-populist Finns Party of Finland, said in an interview. Globalism is collapsing. Story continues On Tuesday, the EU agreed to close its external borders to all nonessential travel from outside the bloc. Its leaders emphasized that the move was temporary and that the decision was taken in consultation with allies like the United States. But the collective hand of European leaders was forced, at least in part, by unilateral border restrictions already declared in a rather chaotic every-nation-for-itself fashion within what had previously been a borderless zone. Before the vote, at least 15 of the 26 countries making up the so-called Schengen Area, a passport-free zone, had already reintroduced border controls of some kind. Some seeking to fortify their frontiers were neighbors of coronavirus-devastated Italy who saw immediate peril on their doorstep. But another pattern emerged as well: Some of those closing their doors were countries that took the hardest anti-migrant line in 2015, when more than 1 million people fleeing war and poverty crossed the Mediterranean Sea to seek haven in Europe. Orban closed Hungary's borders on Monday, sharply restricting the flow of cross-continental traffic; Poland and the Czech Republic took similar steps. The piecemeal approach to border controls reflected a variety of national responses within Europe as it became the planets coronavirus hot zone. Countries such as Italy and Spain, where infection rates are highest, moved quickly to full-on shutdowns and strict quarantines, compared with far more lax enforcement in Britain and the Netherlands, which have yet to experience the full brunt of the pandemic. The burgeoning health crisis within Europe caused some quarrels after Germany and others initially restricted exports of protective medical supplies to elsewhere in the EU. That left an opening for China, which in what may have been both a humanitarian gesture and a show of soft power sent medical equipment to Italy and France. Even before the EU vote to close its external borders to travelers, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she hoped the measures would not outlast the pandemic. But she acknowledged that things had not gone smoothly within the bloc. Coordination didnt work as well as one would have hoped, she said. The chancellor, who has a reputation for unflappability and matter-of-fact understatement, delivered a nationwide address Wednesday night in which she described the pandemics challenges as the gravest test since World War II. Let me tell you, this is serious, she said, warning that even Germanys vaunted healthcare service would be overwhelmed if the virus were to spread uncontrollably. One coronavirus casualty might be the concept of social solidarity what the Germans call solidargemeinschaft, a sense of community based on mutually held principles. Some analysts questioned whether the bloc was exemplifying such values as coronavirus events unfold. Were seeing an enormous delegitimation of the authority of EU government in this crisis,said Thomas Jaeger, a political scientist at the University of Cologne. The longer the crisis lasts, the more nationalism will return. Far-right politicians and anti-immigrant groups across the continent, he and other analysts said, might be emboldened by the ease with which some governments abruptly decided to reintroduce border controls. During the migration crisis, all the [EU] leaders said, No, we cant reintroduce national borders, Jaeger said in an interview. But all of a sudden now, there are border controls. Thats not going to be forgotten any time soon. In Britain, some predicted a renewed swelling of nationalist sentiment that helped power the 2016 vote to leave the EU. That decision formally came into force only at the end of January, with a transition period for the rest of 2020. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, who spearheaded the campaign for Britain to depart, said the response to the outbreak was proof that the dream of a united Europe was over. "Everybody is looking after No. 1," he wrote in the Telegraph newspaper. "Even if it is understandable for individual nations to focus on their own people, the idea of a bloc such as the EU being willing or able to guarantee the safety and security of all of its members is surely shattered." He concluded triumphantly: We are all nationalists now." But a German member of the European Parliament, Peter Liese of the Christian Democrats, said Britons might eventually look to Europe and realize that there is strength in numbers when it comes to dealing with a challenge of this magnitude. If the U.K. is having a huge difficulty in three months, and Europe has managed the crisis well and is able to assist the U.K., imagine what kind of reaction for the U.K. citizens this will create, he said in an interview. You cannot underestimate the strength of such a signal. Another European Parliament member, Iban Garcia, called the coronavirus crisis a moment of inflection, a do-over of sorts after a harsh and fragmented response to the European economic crisis a decade ago. People in many countries decided [then] it was the moment to lock themselves up, that it wasnt a moment for solidarity, said Garcia, a socialist from Spain. We have suffered for this, and its been hard for Europe. Now we have the opportunity to do things well. Special correspondent Christina Boyle in London contributed to this report. Special correspondent Kirschbaum reported from Berlin, staff writer King from Washington and special correspondent Bernhard from Brussels. An Australian-Chinese woman was asked to leave China within a specified period of time by Beijing police after she refused to abide by quarantine rules on preventing the novel coronavirus and went outside to exercise without wearing a mask in Beijing. The Beijing Public Security Bureau informed the woman, surnamed Liang, on Thursday that her work-related residence permit has also been revoked in line with the Chinese Exit and Entry Administration Law. Liang's case aroused public attention and triggered the anger of netizens after a video in which she declined to follow quarantine rules during the outbreak went viral online, state-run China Daily reported. After a police investigation, it was learned Liang, 47, who works for Bayer - a German chemical and pharmaceutical company, arrived in Beijing on Saturday. The deadline of her work-related residence permit is September 5, according to the bureau. Beijing is strictly implementing quarantine rules following spike in imported coronavirus cases. Instead of staying at home for the two-week observation as required, she was found running outside without wearing a mask, and did not listen and even shouted "help" when a community staff member tried to persuade her to go home. She did not obey until the police arrived and gave her a warning, the report said. Beijing police called for people to cooperate with quarantine and health checks after returning to the city, especially when the number of imported confirmed cases is rising. Those who do not comply with the laws and rules will be held liable, police said. On Tuesday, the woman was dismissed by her company. Bayer's China branch said in a statement that the employee would be sacked for her behaviour, noting the company always abides by the laws and regulations of the countries where it operates, and firmly supports the anti-epidemic measures of the Chinese government and people, the report said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Kazeem Ugbodaga One of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari is now on self-isolation after arriving from the United Kingdom due to raging Coronavirus pandemic. Aisha Buhari, wife of the president disclosed this on Thursday on her twitter handle. She said her daughter returned from the UK being among the burden countries of Coronavirus and placed herself on self-isolation even though she did not develop any symptoms of the disease. Good afternoon Nigerians, earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19. Based on the advice of the Hon. Minister Of Health , Presidential Task force on COVID 19 and that of NCDC, she is on Self Isolation, not because she displayed any symptoms of the Covid-19, she said. The Federal Government had urged those coming into the country from the endemic nations to self-isolate for 14 days to see if they would develop symptoms of the deadly disease in order to halt its spread. However, Aisha Buhari urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures and ensure the safety of their families and that of general public. We will overcome the Covid-19 pandemic if we all take the necessary precautions at the same time ! God bless you all. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria Lets keep following the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, which encourages maintaining social distancing, high hygiene culture through regular washing of hands with soaps and sanitizers, she said. Good afternoon Nigerians, Earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/cku3bzcIJS Aisha M. Buhari (@aishambuhari) March 19, 2020 Based on the advice of the Hon. Minister Of Health , Presidential Task force on COVID 19 and that of NCDC, She is on Self Isolation, not because she displayed any symptoms of the Covid-19 . Aisha M. Buhari (@aishambuhari) March 19, 2020 YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Special Aide to the Speaker of Parliament of Iran on International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, condemning Armenias decision to open an Embassy in Israel, stated that it contradicts the interests of the people of Palestine. The Iranian official also noted that the opening of Armenian Embassy in Tel Aviv will negatively affect the regional security. Expert on Iranian studies Armen Israyelyan gave an interview to Armenpress on the topic. -What is the influence of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Irans foreign policy, and whether his position can be considered as Irans official position? -Until 2016 Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was serving as Irans deputy foreign minister, coordinating the relations with the Arab states and Africa. He was enjoying the full support of both the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (ICRC) and the conservatives and his tough positions and non-diplomatic wording sometimes resulted in tension in the relations between Iran and the Arab states of the Middle East. Its worth noting that at that time Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was dismissed when after the signing of the nuclear deal Hassan Rouhanis government was trying to normalize the relations with the Arab countries. And its not a coincidence that his dismissal was greatly approved in the Middle East. In recent years the manifestations of dual power in Iran are more noticeable. And the statement of this official can be viewed within this logic. There are many examples when in the past one decade any member of Parliament or a law enforcement official, even Ambassador accredited in foreign countries, are making statements contradicting the official position of Iran. Of course, in such cases the Iranian foreign ministry announces that Tehrans position has not changed, but this situation cannot be understood by the partner countries. And the contradictory statements coming from Tehran can affect the relations with the partner countries and also endanger Irans interests in the South Caucasus. Iran is aware long ago about Armenias decision to open an Embassy in Israel, in this sense official Yerevan is working transparently with all its partners, and Armenias regional policy priorities have been clearly presented at the highest level of leadership. Hossein Amir-Abdollahians surprise over Armenias relations with Israel is surprising because the former deputy FM, while talking about the Armenia-Israel relations, tries to counter them against the interests of Palestine, in case when as the last meeting of the Armenian President and the President of the Palestine National Authority shows, there is no misunderstanding in the bilateral relations. -In that case, what stands behind this statement, and why it is made now? -Hossein Amir-Abdollahians statement was followed by a similar statement on Twitter by Conservative MP Ruhollah Mutafaqer Azad and manipulative assessments at expert-level in websites operating under ICRC on the Israel-Armenia relations. Political reshuffles are taking place in Iran. A new parliament has been elected where conservatives are a majority. Taking into account the campaign launched against FM Zarif in the past one year, its obvious that at the completion of Rouhanis tenure an attempt is made to deprive the foreign ministry from the independence it gained since 2013. Currently Iran wants to get rid of the US sanctions with the help of partner states. For that purpose Iran has applied to the member states of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) through Azerbaijan (NAM chairing country), proposing to adopt a joint statement over the US policy. However, several countries of the Middle East rejected the proposal. Maybe, this angered the pro-ICRC circles and not receiving a foreign support they targeted the Armenia-Israel relations without understanding. We would advise the respectful Iranian parliamentarians, before expressing an opinion on Armenias actions, to assess the policy of some neighbor countries of Iran while talking about the regional security and compare them with Armenias regional policy. The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, affirmed the election of Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), as the senator representing Anambra South. Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Kubwa, Abuja, had, on January 17, nullified the election of Mr Ubah as the senator representing Anambra South. In the judgement on January 17, the court also ordered the nations electoral body, INEC, to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Mr Ubah and to issue a fresh certificate to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obinna Uzoh who came second in the election, as the senator-elect of the district. Not satisfied with the lower courts decision, Mr Ubah approached the appellate court to set aside the judgement which he insisted was a grave miscarriage of justice against him. The lawmaker through his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, argued that as of the time the judgment in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/3044/2018 was delivered, the suit was not properly filed before the court and that consequently, the entire proceedings and the judgment emanating therefrom are manifestly incompetent being a nullity. Mr Ubah contended that the originating summons was not signed by any counsel as required by law. The lawmaker also insisted that he was denied fair hearing by the trial court. Delivering judgment in Mr Ubahs appeal on Thursday, the three member-panel of the appellate court in a unanimous decision led by Justice Stephen Adah, held that the lower court had no jurisdiction to have entertained the matter. The failure to refuse the matter made the lower courts decision, void. That is what the court ought to have done when approached, the court held. Justice Adah also held that the law makes it mandatory for a legal practitioner to sign an originating summons before it is issued out. He said: A document that is not signed is a worthless piece of paper and has no credibility. He also agreed that the right of the appellant to fair hearing was breached by the trial court. Right to fair hearing is very fundamental and anything done afterwards results to a nullity, he said. The judgment of the lower court is a nullity and is hereby set aside. Justice Adah, in the lead judgment, then held that, the appeal of the appellant has merit and it is hereby, allowed. The appellate court further awarded the cost of N250,000 each against the plaintiff that filed the suit at the lower court, Anani Chuka and the PDP senatorial candidate, Mr Uzoh. DUBLIN, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Autonomous/Driverless Car Market- Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global autonomous/driverless car market was valued at USD 24.1 billion in 2019 and is expected to project a CAGR of 18.06%, during the forecast period, 2020-2025. Autonomous cars use technologies like RADAR, LIDAR, GPS, and computer vision, in order to sense their environment. Advanced control systems that are integrated into the car can interpret the sensory inputs to detect the signboards or to avoid the collision. Although, Level 4 and Level 5 (as scaled by SAE) autonomous cars are unlikely to reach wide acceptance, by 2030, there will be a rapid growth for Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous cars, which have advanced driver assistance systems, like collision detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Fully autonomous cars are not going to reach a wide customer base, unless, they are secure from cyber-attacks. If such concerns are addressed, the autonomous car market is estimated to reach USD 60 billion, by 2030. Major automaker companies, technology giants and specialist start-ups have invested more than USD 50 billion over the past five years, in order to develop autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, with 70% of the money coming from other than the automotive industry. At the same time, public authorities see that AVs offer huge potential economic and social benefits. Key Market Trends Demand for Safe & Efficient Traveling Options Connectivity is a fastest growing feature that is being adopted by the car market, currently. It is expected to generate approximately USD 1 trillion by the end of 2030. A connected car provides a driver, several smart options and benefits, along with internet access. The benefits include safety alerts, automatic crash notifications, and enhanced engine controls. This is made possible through the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to the connectivity of multiple devices through internet. Driverless cars utilize this connectivity when updating their algorithms based on user data. These autonomous vehicles require an enormous quantity of data collecting and processing. Thus, through IoT, the driverless car shares information about the road (which has already been mapped out) The information includes the actual path, traffic, and methods to navigate around any obstacles. The entire data is shared between IoT connected cars and is uploaded wirelessly to a cloud system, to be analyzed and put to use for improving automation. There are many applications that enable owners to interact with the vehicle even from a certain distance. Even though all these features look attractive, automotive manufacturers face challenges with regard to providing security for these features, owing to the increasing rate of cyber-attacks. This attention to cybersecurity drives the market for automotive cybersecurity, worldwide. A typical car communication system involves vital enhancements, including sensors that manage a driver's health (C2D), efficiency features of car-to-home (C2H), traffic patterns of car-to-car (C2C), and communications between cars-to-passengers (C2P). Connected car and vehicle infotainment system features are at the forefront, enhancing the need for increasingly complex software-driven functionality. Semi-Autonomous Vehicles Dominating the Market Following the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) International automated driving standards, cars with level 1 to level 3 automation features have been considered under the market segment of semi-autonomous cars. Level 1 automation (also known as Driver Assistance) has been available on cars for several years, handling driving modes like steering or throttle and brake, but never both. The level 1 cars must need driver attention to take over those functions if called upon by the vehicle. Some of the features seen in the level 1 cars are parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. Level 2 automation (also known as Partial Assistance) has a suite of driver assistance technologies including Traffic Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer with lane change, which enables automatic steering on undivided roads but with speed limitations Level 3 automation is referred to as conditional automation. In Level 3 automation, the autonomous cars driving system performs all the dynamic driving tasks with the expectation that the human driver will respond appropriately to a request to intervene. North America and Europe covered more than half of the global semi-autonomous cars market in 2018 and likely to continue to increase their market share, during the forecast period, owing to the increasing launch of semi-autonomous car models and increasing development towards vehicle semi-autonomous systems among players in automotive industry. Competitive Landscape Many players from the hardware to software firms in the automotive industry started focusing on entering into the growing trend of autonomous driving technology. Thus, partnerships, collaborations, and investments toward the development of autonomous vehicles increased significantly in the automotive industry over the past three years (i.e., 2015-2017). They are likely to continue to grow during the forecast period, primarily owing to the increasing support from governments and private sectors across several countries, to promote autonomous driving vehicle technology. Mando Corporation, one of the largest Tier 1 Korean original equipment manufacturers, obtained a test-drive license of the autonomous driving vehicles in California, the United States, in October 2018. It is one of the first Korean companies to receive the permission. The company aims at developing platforms for fully self-driving vehicles with level four autonomy. It also intends to put its safety equipment on autonomous driving cars effectively in the coming years. In October 2018, General Motors (GM) and Cruise announced that they joined forces with Honda to pursue large scale deployment of autonomous vehicle technology. Honda may contribute approximately USD 2 billion over 12 years to develop a purpose-built autonomous vehicle for Cruise. In addition to the recently announced Softbank investments, this transaction brings the post-money valuation of Cruise to USD 14.6 billion. Daimler, which ranks third position in the level four autonomous vehicle market after Waymo and GM, partnered with two major players namely Robert Bosch GmbH and Nvidia Corporation, to develop level four and level five autonomous cars during the forecast period. Key Topics Covered 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Assumptions 1.2 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Technology Trends 4.2 Market Drivers 4.3 Market Restraints 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 By Type 5.1.1 Semi-autonomous Vehicles 5.1.2 Fully-autonomous Vehicles 5.2 Geography 5.2.1 North America 5.2.2 Europe 5.2.3 Asia-Pacific 5.2.4 Rest of the World 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Vendor Market Share 6.2 Company Profiles 6.2.1 Uber Technologies Inc. 6.2.2 Daimler AG 6.2.3 Waymo LLC (Google Inc.) 6.2.4 Toyota Motor Corp. 6.2.5 Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. 6.2.6 Volvo Cars 6.2.7 General Motors Company 6.2.8 Volkswagen AG 6.2.9 Tesla Inc. 6.2.10 BMW 7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vxhybo Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com WESTPORT While headlines of the coronavirus looming impact on the countrys health care system dominates the news, a month ago one Westport student traveled to Honduras to provide care for those in need. Its a trip that has left a big impact on me, Staples High School junior Lindsey Baldwin recalled. The mission trip to San Marcos was sponsored by CapeCARES, a humanitarian nonprofit, and placed Baldwin alongside a dozen dentists and doctors who delivered supplies to children and adults from rural areas of Honduras. The trip took place from Feb. 15-25, during which Baldwin said they were able to help hundreds of Hondurans. Baldwins connection to both medical care and the area is deeply rooted, with her grandfather, a retired Ridgefield dentist, urging her to participate in the trip ever since she became a certified emergency medical technician. My grandfather has been going on this trip since it started, Baldwin said, adding she welcomed the opportunity. The mission trip also fell in line with a passion shes had since middle school; Baldwin said shes always had a love for helping people and the medical field. I definitely have my heart set on being a doctor, she said. At some point I decided that theres not really any other career I could see myself in. Leading up to her trip, Baldwin said she placed donation bins around the town, including at a CVS Pharmacy, dental offices and Saugatuck Congregational Church. I put a sign on the bins explaining my mission, and a lot of people ended up donating, she said, having collected 847 tooth brushes, 369 tooth paste products and 729 flossing products. Baldwin also started a fundraiser on Facebook and raised $1,430 for the nonprofit. I wanted to make a big a difference as possible by bringing in donations, Baldwin said. I really wanted to go the extra step. While setting up a clinic in Honduras, she said she realized the hardships many natives in the surrounding area face. Some had to walk for hours just to reach services that are not always readily available, she said. I feel we take things for granted, Baldwin said. These people could call an ambulance and it may not come for hours. Every night, she said she would reflect in her journal about her daily experiences, and recalled bright smiles on childrens faces as she handed them dental supplies. This trip really stuck with me, and I think it will stick with me for awhile, she said. As she left Honduras and headed back home to Westport, the effects of the novel coronavirus were making their way to the states as well. Some fellow passengers in her plane were even wearing masks, she said. I would be freaking out more about this pandemic if I hadnt just taken this trip, Baldwin said. Obviously whats happening here is really bad, but what we go through here doesnt compare to what they have had to push through. With the trip leaving a lifelong impression, Baldwin said she wants to put together a photo exhibit to share her experience with others. I want people to see what I saw, Baldwin said. I also want the people who donated to see the impact their contributions had. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com Which workers are excluded? Those at companies with more than 500 people 48 percent of American workers are excluded from both types of paid leave. Workers at places with fewer than 50 employees 27 percent of workers are included, but employers can exempt themselves from providing the 12 weeks of child care leave (but not the two weeks of sick leave). The Labor Department in April gave the smallest businesses the ability to deny workers leave if it would put them out of business, if it would pose a substantial risk to the company, or if there werent able, willing and qualified workers to fill in for those on leave. Employers can also decline to give leave to workers on the front lines of the crisis: health care providers and emergency responders. Are part-time and self-employed workers eligible? Yes. Part-time workers will be paid the amount they typically earn in a two-week period. People who are self-employed including gig economy workers like Uber drivers and Instacart shoppers can also receive paid leave, assuming they pay taxes. They should calculate their average daily self-employment income for the year, then claim the amount they take as a tax credit (they can reduce their estimated quarterly tax payments in the meantime). How much money do I get while on leave? If you are sick or seeking care for yourself, you earn the full amount you are usually paid or the minimum wage, whichever is higher, up to a maximum of $511 a day. If you are caring for a sick family member or a child whose school or day care is closed, you earn two-thirds of your usual pay, up to a daily limit of $200. How do I go about taking leave? The Labor Department issued guidelines on April 1 to assist employers in calculating how much paid leave their employees should get. If you qualify, you should be able to simply notify your employer, take the leave and get paid the amount specified by the law. How will businesses and nonprofits afford to pay workers on leave? They will be reimbursed for the full amount within three months, in the form of a payroll tax credit. (The Trump administration has said it will advance the money earlier for employers that cant wait that long.) The reimbursement will also cover the employers contribution to health insurance premiums during the leave. Its fully refundable, which means that if the amount that employers pay workers who take leave is larger than what they owe in taxes, the government will send them a check for the remainder. (That goes for self-employed and gig economy workers, too.) Its been a good program for the students, said Amy Tucker, classroom facilitator. From what I see in the classroom, its given them what they need and allowed them to feel a little more independent in their studies. Proximity Learning Inc. (PLI), an ESS Company, is proud to announce a new partnership with Wilson County Schools in Tennessee. Real-time online instruction has been implemented into an 8th-grade Algebra 1 class at Carroll Oakland Elementary for the 2019-2020 school year. Its been a good program for the students, said Amy Tucker, classroom facilitator. From what I see in the classroom, its given them what they need and allowed them to feel a little more independent in their studies. Carroll Oakland Elementary is a K-8 school that has been limited in classes they can offer due to a lack of staffing. Because of this, principal Jason Dunn previously had to put students in an algebra class they may not have all been ready for. Resultantly, his 8th-grade math scores were hurting. To reverse course, Dunn turned to PLI for a teacher to connect online with his algebra students through live video instruction. This has allowed him the opportunity to become competitive with grade 6-8 middle schools, meet student needs from where they are and appropriately place them in the right class. Now, his testing scores are back on track and improving. Our last benchmark, 100% of our kids were projected to be on track and master our end-of-year course, Dunn said. Its very effective. You can compare that to schools that actually have the algebra course with the instructor in the room. We are right on track with them and, in a lot of cases, doing better than they are. Dunn and Tucker also praised the companys weekly communication in ensuring the needs of Carroll Oakland Elementary are being met. They try to see if there are any issues before there are issues, Tucker said. Without a teacher directly in the classroom, Dunn said that the communication between the teacher and the students is built into the system unlike in a traditional classroom. With a class size of 13, they said the students and online teacher have a comradery with each other. I know the students very much love their teacher, Dunn said. I know that a couple of them got her a Christmas gift and they all signed it and sent it over to her. Perseverance and persistence through difficulty is the biggest lesson Dunn hopes to instill in his students. With the latest success of the benchmark, Tucker said the students have a lot of pride in what they are doing. The other day at my staffing meeting they were like: What would you be able to do without Proximity Learning? I said Id panic, Dunn said. Because its been such a success for us. Watching them grow, watching them be competitive with their counterparts at other schools and giving me that flexibility has just been tremendous. About Proximity Learning Inc.: Proximity Learning Inc. is an online education service company catering to students ranging from kindergarten to high school. Proximity Learning has served over 150 school districts and instructs over 50,000 students annually. Proximity Learning has been rated as one of the top K-12 online education services in the nation, boasting the highest quality teachers, most innovative online classrooms, and the reputation as a flexible learning solution to both public and private school districts. Written by Christina Peebles. Learn more at proxlearn.com. About ESS: Established in 2000, ESS is a leading national provider of managed solutions in PreK-12 education. It recruits, hires, trains, places, and manages qualified substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff for school districts in 27 states throughout the United States. Each day, the organization fills more than 15,500 daily, long-term, and permanent school assignments for more than 700 district partners serving over 2.5 million students. For more information, call (877) 983-2244 or visit ESS.com. Im looking at all of these things, literally every day," Pritzker said a short time ago, when asked at a news conference about the possibility of a shelter-in-place order or extending schools closings. "Were contemplating what are the moves that we need to take based upon the guidance that were given. I know that there are discussions at the federal level, and frankly, among the advisers that I have, who are some of the experts in the world that are here in Illinois, that would guide to, This is going to take longer than people have expected. And so were listening to that guidance and operating based upon that every day. By Devjyot Ghoshal and Alasdair Pal NEW DELHI (Reuters) - When Mrinal Sabharwal and his wife landed in New Delhi with hundreds of other passengers from Barcelona on Monday, they expected clean coronavirus quarantine facilities. Instead, after hours of waiting at the airport and on a bus, they were taken to a converted police training centre. There, the travellers found stained beds seven or eight to a room, dirty floors and mouldy vegetable peelings left in a cupboard. Eighty people on each floor were expected to share a few clogged toilets during their two weeks in quarantine. As the number of coronavirus cases in South Asia ramps up - doubling to more than 500 in the last few days - experts fear unsanitary testing and quarantine centres could present a problem in the densely populated region. Some patients have even broken out of quarantine, putting healthy people at risk. Sabharwal and four others who have been held in two testing centres in India told Reuters of unsanitary conditions there - a pattern repeated in Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We did not want 5-star facilities," said Sabharwal, a 33-year-old businessman. "We just wanted clean rooms and sanitised bathrooms." Public health experts say poor facilities in the region could speed up the spread of the virus, and authorities should encourage people who test positive to quarantine themselves at home. "Due to the high volume of people requiring quarantine and lack of hygienic facilities, it is more efficient to encourage quarantine at the homes of the travellers," said Giridhara R Babu, an epidemiologist at the Public Health Foundation of India. Sabarwal's account of the conditions was corroborated by two other people at the facility, along with photographs and video. He was released to be isolated at home early on Tuesday after being tested, but before results were available. As of Wednesday afternoon, he had still not received the results. Story continues Officials at Delhi's south-western district, which oversees the quarantine facility, did not respond to requests for comment. REGIONAL PROBLEM Authorities in South Asia have struggled to get travellers to self-isolate or stay quarantined in medical facilities that many view as poor and unhygienic. In Navi Mumbai, a suburb of Mumbai, local media reported on Monday that police were forced to launch a manhunt after 11 people, who had been isolated after returning from Dubai, failed to appear at a hospital for quarantine. Pakistan and Afghanistan, which share long land borders with Iran - one of the countries worst affected by the virus - have reported similar problems at crossing points. In Pakistan, some politicians branded quarantine facilities "a joke" after footage emerged on social media showing ostensibly quarantined people lodged four or five to a single tent at Taftan, one of the main border crossings with Iran. And about 38 Afghans, who were in isolation after recently returning from Iran, escaped from a facility in western Afghanistan on Monday after breaking windows and attacking staff. At least one of the fugitives was confirmed to have the coronavirus. Two people at the camp said doctors lacked basic equipment like masks and gloves. "They put eight to 10 patients in a small room with a very unhygienic bathroom," said Freba, a 48-year-old woman who goes by one name, and said she fled the centre in Herat before being sent back to the camp. "A suspect can easily get infected with the virus if he or she gets stuck in such a place." (Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal and Alasdair Pal in New Delhi, additional reporting by Eleanor Whalley in London and Storay Karimi in Herat, Afghanistan; Editing by Giles Elgood) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 12:26:11|Editor: zh Video Player Close LJUBLJANA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Pocivalsek on Wednesday called on employers to follow the "good example" set by a factory of Chinese household appliances maker Hisense, in order to protect the health of their employees as much as possible. A video posted on the Slovenian government website shows how health safety measures were being applied in Hisense's Gorenje factory in the city of Velenje in northeastern Slovenia, which employs thousands of people. Inside the Gorenje complex, everyone is required to wear face masks and other special measures have been put in places like its canteen, the video shows. According to the Slovenian Press Agency STA, the company introduced preventive measures by the end of January when the virus started spreading outside China, including instructions to employees on how to follow self-protective measures and ensure availability of sanitizers. It upgraded the measures in February, reducing the number of entrances and adopting temperature scanning for all employees entering its building. The minister said that the company introduced measures on time to protect the health of all its employees and prevent the spread of the virus. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Slovenia rose by 11 to 286 and one person died on Wednesday, according to the government website. These children need as much social interaction as is possible and responsible during this crisis, along with exercise and fresh air. The city Parks Department can do its part by disinfecting playground equipment, benches and other surfaces daily protection all New Yorkers would benefit from. Especially difficult will be protecting the 58,000 people living in the citys shelter system, and the thousands of others who work there. Families live together, separate from the rest of the shelter population. But most single adult shelters are dormitories with shared bathrooms, and typically, around eight to 12 people sharing a room. On Tuesday, officials said a woman living in a shelter room with eight others tested positive for the virus. City officials have set aside space for those with the virus in the shelter system to recuperate in isolation. And in an encouraging example of cooperation, officials at the citys public health system and officials who oversee the shelter system have worked together to ensure that any shelter resident who needs testing can get it. New Yorks jails, courts and criminal justice system also need decisive action. On Tuesday, the Board of Correction, an independent group of nine members appointed by the mayor, City Council and appellate justices that oversees the citys jail system, called on the city to drastically reduce the number of people in custody, which, on Wednesday, was just under 5,400. One inmate at Rikers so far has tested positive for the virus, shortly after a corrections officer at the jail also confirmed that he was sick with it. The board said those over the age of 50 or who have certain pre-existing medical conditions should be released if they are not a danger to anyone else. It also asked the state to release those being held for technical parole violations, a step Mr. Cuomo should take immediately. The board also asked city officials to release those serving sentences of less than one year and pleaded with the city to limit new admissions to exceptional circumstances. A spokeswoman for Mr. de Blasio said that some people will be released, but that the mayor is working out the details. While hes at it, he can direct the New York Police Department to help by halting arrests for nonviolent infractions. The city will also have to do its best not to simply transfer people from the jails to the already overtaxed shelter system, Medical devices maker Medtronic is ramping up its Galway factory as seeks to more than double its capacity to manufacture and supply ventilators, in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. In the companys Galway ventilator manufacturing facility, there are currently over 250 employees dedicated to ventilator manufacturing and the company plan to more than double that number. Additional shifts have been put in place and new manufacturing shift patterns are being introduced to bring the plant to 24/7 operations to produce more ventilators, the company said. Staff are being transferred from other Medtronic sites and the company expects to be able to more than double manufacturing capacity for ventilators. In Galway Medtronic manufactures the Puritan Bennett 980 (PB 980) and Puritan Bennett 840 (PB 840) ventilators which are primarily designed for critically ill patients in high acuity setting, including treating covid-19 patients. Medtronic recognizes the demand for ventilators in this environment has far outstripped supply, said Bob White, executive vice president and president of the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group at Medtronic. No single company will be able to fill the current demands of global healthcare systems. However, with all manufacturers increasing their production and through partnerships with governments, hospitals and global health organizations, Medtronic is committed to getting more ventilators into the market and to the right locations in the world to help doctors and patients dealing with COVID-19 Medtronic employs more than 4,000 people across five sites in Galway, Dublin and Athlone and has been in Ireland since 1981 Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced a 50m plan to stockpile medical equipment such as ventilators and protective masks, as the Union grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. The stockpile will be hosted by one or more member states, who will be responsible for procuring the equipment but the Commission will pay 90pc of the costs. The EUs Emergency Response Coordination Centre will manage the distribution of the equipment to ensure it goes where it is needed most. The coordinated approach will also give EU member states a strong position when negotiating with the industry on availability and price of medical products, the Commission said. By Express News Service MADIKERI: A resident of Kodagu district, who returned from Saudi Arabia recently, has been tested positive for COVID-19. The resident had been admitted to an isolation ward in Madikeri District Hospital and was considered a suspected case of Coronavirus. However, test results were received on Thursday morning and has been confirmed positive of COVID-15. Meanwhile, three other residents are admitted at the isolated ward in Madikeri District Hospital and their test results are awaited. One resident, who was admitted in an isolation ward has been shifted out of the ward and has been home quarantined after his test results were reported negative. A total of 161 people have been home quarantined across Kodagu and all these residents have returned to the district from foreign countries. Further, district administration has ordered screening process of commuters flowing into the district via Kerala. While DC has ordered stringent screening process across Kodagu-Kerala border villages, residents opined that the screening process is not carried out properly. Only two ASHA workers are working from morning till 6 pm in the evening. They do not possess the necessary medical equipment. While district administration claims to have installed screening process 24X 7, this is not functional. A massive board hangs claiming to carry out a screening process of chicken and other poultry materials being transferred to the district from Kerala following a threat from bird flu. But not a single veterinary staff is placed across the border villages, shares Sudheer, a resident of Karike village. DECATUR Danica Trimby, an associate at Oasis Day Center, has worked for the agency for six years. This has been such a safe place, she said. Its always been a constant. Although the agency and others like it will be available to the homeless and other at-risk people in Decatur, the services have been scaled back because of the coronavirus restrictions. But Trimby knows they will be taken care of. Our community is very giving, she said. According to Jeff Mueller, director of the Oasis, the staff serve more than 100 people on a regular day. This is a population with high risk, he said. During the coronavirus outbreak, the Oasis staff has offered limited services from 8 to 10 a.m. daily so clients can check their lockers and mail as well as make legal and medical phone calls. This is the address for many on the streets, Mueller said. We felt an obligation to be available. A typical day for the homeless may include waking up at the Salvation Army, then moving on to the Oasis for the morning, and the Good Samaritan Inn for lunch. They may spend the day at the Decatur Public Library, then the evening back at the Salvation Army. For the next couple of weeks, many of the doors will be closed. The community will be able to keep up with the latest agency news by calling 2-1-1, a hotline service run by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois with free information and referrals. The agency may be able to help with health and human services, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. Through the 211 hotline service, the organizations are trying to keep up with each others services and offerings. One of the agencies to adjust their services is the Good Samaritan Inn. Normally the volunteers would serve patrons lunch in the facilitys dining area. We are going to give them food out the door, said Good Samaritan Inn operations manager Ben Frazier. Hot foods will be served for the next few days, such as spaghetti and garlic bread. The staff will utilize the perishables as well. Then we will hand out sack lunches afterwards, Frazier said about the next step after the hot food is gone. Like lunch meat and peanut butter, but thats our last resort. Frazier and the staff are accepting donations of to-go containers and ziplock bags as well as food such as bread, sandwich meats, cheese, canned or bottled beverages and individually packaged chips. If they cant donate the items, monetary donations are accepted, Frazier said. Because the staff is no longer utilizing any help from individuals over the age of 60, they are also running short on volunteers. Those ages 16 and older are invited to assist in preparing and serving the Good Samaritan patrons. The staff continues to practice the same sanitary procedures they always have, by using gloves, sanitizing door handles and other procedures. And we keep contact with patrons at a minimum, Frazier said. The patrons are also able to use the portable hand washing stations located outside of the building. Since the coronavirus updates, the Salvation Army has continued the programs with a few changes. The shelter is on-going with day-by-day changes. The current hours for the men's shelter and cold cots have remained the same, serving 35 or more men a night. We have to be doing everything we can to help them, and still provide care, said Kyle Karsten, Salvation Army development director. The directors are telling the clients and staff to observe intentional procedures using extra care and healthy habits. Its a different day, Karsten said. The clients are following the staff suggestions and helping where they can, Karsten said. They are gracious and willing to help, he said. Karsten likened the agency to a family of 30 to 40 men and staff. We have to keep ourselves healthy and safe and nurtured, he said. History photos: Past winters in Decatur Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Are you lost in the wild? Sorry, but the page you're looking for has not been found Try checking the URL for errors, goto home or try to search below. Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimna has fired back at his River state counterpart, Nyesom Wike by describing him as a man who talks too much and believes he knows it all. This is coming as the duo have been trading words over the failed removal of Adams Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress. Speaking in a new statement by his press secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodinma accused Wike of using his bad mouth to sow discord among members of the people democratic party(PDP) His words: Governor Wike arrogates to himself the strength he does not have going by the way he talks. There is no better way to pin Governor Wike down to the recent crisis rocking the APC and its national chairman than the careless way he spoke against Governor Uzodinma who obviously was echoeing what many already know about Wike and his type of politics, Uzodinma stated. Read Also: APC Does Not Mean Well For Nigerians; It Was Merely Formed To Take Over Power: Wike Is it not unfortunate that Governor Wike pretends to have a court injunction on how to speak carelessly, the reason many erstwhile members of the PDP, including the founding members, abandoned the party which is about to collapse on Wikes head. Rather than engage in some kind of introspection on what went wrong with his party, Governor Wike thinks that trivialising serious issues of national and international importance will bring accolades his way. If Governor Wike did not have a hand in the Oshiomhole saga, why insult innocent Governor Uzodinma whose only crime was that he brought Wikes mischievious tendencies to the fore for everyone to see. Governor Wike pretends to love the judiciary more than anyone else, but the truth is that every opportunity he gets to stand the judiciary on its head he does so with relish. Mr. Governor, your interest in the attempted removal of the national Chairman of the APC is legion and you know it. Unlike most of you, Governor Uzodinma does not talk much and when he does it is not frivolous. Stop pretending because that has been the lot of characters like you that did the PDP in and ready to bury it finally. Governor Uzodinma has an idea why you are badly hurt. You have the right to be hurt anyway. However, because you are Mr. Know All you still cannot imagine how Governor Uzodinma has reduced yourself acclaimed political wisdom to ignorance. In contrast to what Wike said about Uzodinma on the Supreme Court judgement, the Imo governor said he believes strongly in the judiciary. Governor Uzodinma believes in the rule of law like the APC, and has not hidden his respect for the judiciary as a critical organ for national development and survival of Nigerias democracy. If Governor Uzodinma were to be you, he would not have followed through all the processes he painstakingly adopted to emerge the governor of Imo State on 14 January 2020, and reaffirmed governor on March 3, 2020 after you worked so hard to truncate the judgment of the Supreme Court. But unfortunately, you have continued to denigrate the Supreme Court that adjudicated over Governor Uzodinmas case by carelessly and arrogantly describing the ruling of the apex court as synonymous with fraud. I do hope you know the implications? By saying that Governor Uzodinmas APC is not a political party, and that it is an assemblage of strange bed fellows, you have not said anything new from what you have been saying since 2015 the PDP lost power, but one would have thought that the narrative would have changed in 2019, yet, your party lost. Is it not time you changed strategy on what you have been saying for nearly five years now. Make no mistake about it, there is nothing in your kitty you are threatening to tell the world about Governor Uzodinma for stating the obvious about your party that can be worse than what they know about you and your party, nullThe Chinese government has been conducting clinical research on a treatment for Covid-19. Photo: IC Photo (Nikkei Asian Review) An influenza medicine developed by a Fujifilm Holdings group member is effective against the novel coronavirus, the Chinese government said Tuesday. The government has already begun officially recommending the drugs use. Fujifilm Toyama Chemical developed favipiravir, sold under the brand Avigan. It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment, said Zhang Xinmin, director of the science ministrys China National Center for Biotechnology Development, in a news conference. Fujifilm Toyama Chemical developed the drug in 2014, and it has been provided to patients in Japan as treatment for the novel coronavirus since February. On Wednesday, shares in Japans Fujifilm opened at their daily limit. At 5,238, they were 15% higher than the previous days close in Tokyo. Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical signed a patent-licensing agreement for favipiravir with Fujifilm in 2016. The drugmaker received clearance to produce the drug from Chinese authorities in February and can ramp up output of a generic version. The clinical trial was conducted at hospitals in Wuhan and Shenzhen, with 200 patients participating. Test results for those receiving the drug turned negative in a shorter period, and their pneumonia symptoms improved at a higher rate. This story was originally published by the Nikkei Asian Review Contact editor Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com) The border between the U.S. and Canada will become tougher to cross in the coming days as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the border is likely to close Friday night to all non-essential traffic. Trudeau did not specify what qualifies as essential traffic but officials with both countries have hinted that it will cover those involved with trade between the two countries. The Associated Press reports Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports and about 18% of American exports go to Canada. The majority of food imported to Canada comes from the U.S. Officials with the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel announced Wednesday the tunnel will be part of the closures but clarification on what that will mean for those attempting to cross the border has not been provided. Officials with the tunnel say they will provide an update when details are available. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. READ MORE Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan South Africa: COVID-19 regulations limit alcohol sale hours Government gazetted regulations on the national state of disaster have directed that taverns, restaurants and clubs must be closed by 6pm. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma gazetted the regulations, which outline rules that need to be adhered to by the general public, on Wednesday. According to the regulations, the assembly of more than 50 persons at premises where liquor is sold and consumed is prohibited. All on-consumption premises selling liquor, including taverns, restaurants and clubs, must be closed with immediate effect, or must accommodate no more than 50 persons at any time - provided that adequate space is available and that all directions in respect of hygienic conditions and limitation of exposure to persons with COVID-19, are adhered to. All on-consumption premises selling liquor must be closed between 6pm and 9am the next morning on weekdays and Saturdays; and from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays. These times will also apply to all off-consumption premises selling liqour. The regulations state that in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, gatherings are prohibited. An enforcement officer must, where a gathering takes place order the persons at the gathering to disperse immediately; and if they refuse to disperse, take appropriate action, which may, subject to the Criminal Procedure Act, include arrest and detention, reads the gazetted document. Any person who convenes a gathering; permits more than 50 persons at a premises where liquor is sold and consumed is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment. The regulations state that no special or events liquor licenses may be considered for approval during the duration of the national state of disaster. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Brazzaville, Congo (PANA) The Congolese Prime Minister, Clement Mouamba, has announced that as from Thursday 19 March, all schools, places of worship, dancing bars and night clubs will be closed following the discovery of two new cases of people contaminated by the coronavirus epidemic, Congolese public radio reported on Wednesday House arrest of ex-Moscow policeman extended till June as part of journalist Golunov case Moskva city news agency, Kirill Zykov 12:40 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) Moscows Basmanny District Court on Thursday extended house arrest of ex-police officer Denis Konovalov, a defendant in a criminal case over abuse of power against journalist Ivan Golunov, until June 7, the courts spokesperson Irina Morozova told RAPSI. In late February, lawyer Aleksey Kovrizhkin told RAPSI that Konovalov testified against ex-chief of a police department for drug control Igor Lyakhovets, whom Kovrizhkin defends, saying it was him who ordered to plant drugs on Golunovs bag and apartment. Investigators believe Lyakhovets, who does not admit guilt, is the organizer of the crime. Earlier, all five ex-police officers, investigators allege are involved in the case, were placed in detention for two months, until March 29. Defendants are ex-Moscow narcotics control policemen Denis Konovalov, Akbar Sergaliyev, Roman Feofanov, Maxim Umetbayev and ex-chief of their department Igor Lyakhovets. They are charged with abuse of power, evidence tampering and illegal drug trafficking. All the men plead not guilty. Investigators believe that they planted drugs on Golunov. Thus, they falsified the results of operative search activity that later became inculpatory evidence against Golunov in a drug dealing case; however, the drugs had been earlier illegally bought and kept by the police officers, according the Investigative Committee. In late December 2019, investigators opened the case over arrest of Golunov. The journalist was recognized as an injured party. All five defendants in the case have been dismissed from police. Golunov was arrested in Moscow on June 6, 2019. On June 8, the Nikulinsky District Court of Moscow placed him under house arrest for 2 months. According to the Interior Ministrys official statement, police seized nearly 4 grams of methylmethedrone from Golunov. The journalist pleaded not guilty, insisted that the drugs were planted on him during the arrest and claimed that his prosecution is related to his journalistic investigations. According to his defense, an examination showed no drugs in his biomaterial. On June 11, charges against Golunov were dropped because of a lack of evidence that he participated in the crime, and the journalist was released. On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed two generals of police on the back of the arrest of Golunov. Ope Saraki in court According to SaharaReporters, the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned one Ope Saraki, a cousin to immediate-past President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on two count charges bordering on contract scam to the tune of N220m. Saraki was arraigned before Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin. The EFCC alleged that the defendant while serving as Special Adviser to the Kwara State Government knowingly acquired a contract of the supply of. 13 ambulances to general hospitals into a company he had interest. Count one of the charge reads, That you, Ope Saraki, sometime in 2012 whilst being the Special Adviser to the governor of Kwara State on Millennium Development Goals within the jurisdiction of this honourable court knowingly acquired indirectly a private interest in contract worth N171m awarded to Chemistry Nigeria Limited for the purchase of 13 units of ambulances for 13 general/specialist hospitals in Kwara State, contract connected to your office contrary to Section 12 of the corrupt practices and other related offences Act, 2000 and punishable under same law. When the two count charges were read to him, Saraki pleaded not guilty. Prosecuting counsel, Sesan Ola, prayed the court for trial date in view of the plea of the defendant. He also asked that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service pending the hearing and determination of the case. But defence counsel, Dr N Olatoke, however, urged the court to grant bail to his client pending the hearing and determination of the case, stating that Saraki would not jump bail as his international passport had been in the custody of the EFCC. Justice Akinpelu in her ruling, granted bail in the sum of N300m to the accused person. The judge also said that the defendant must produce two sureties with verifiable addresses. She said Saraki should remain in the custody of the EFCC till he perfects his bail conditions. Further hearing on the case had been adjourned until April 16, 2020. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are taking the necessary steps to prevent their son Archie from getting Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Sussexes are now in Canada, out of the spotlight, but have a new concern how to stay healthy with the threat of a virus. A source shared some of Meghans tips for keeping their son safe. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Archie | Toby Melville Pool/Getty Images Meghan is having her team follow a strict hygiene protocol Since washing hands and keeping commonly touched surfaces disinfected is so critical during this time, Meghan is taking extra precautions for the health of her family. A source told MailOnline that Meghan requires everyone on their team, the people who buy groceries and run errands, to wear latex gloves at all times and are to follow a strict hygiene protocol. Only a select few will be able to interact with her, Harry and Archie, the insider noted, adding, She said shes keeping it to a bare minimum. Meghan is also reportedly trying to maintain diligent hygiene measures and reduce stress. She said panicking wont do any good. Its just not an option in her household, the insider shared. She doesnt want Archie picking up on any unnecessary stress and tension. The source added, Her home is her sanctuary and its a place of peace and calm. The Sussexes believe that coronavirus is a mental health crisis The threat of coronavirus is creating panic and anxiety in many people and the Sussexes believe there is worry for a mental health crisis. Meghan said just because they are isolating themselves, it doesnt mean they cant help, the insider shared. They arent just sitting around at home doing nothing. The source added, Meghan told her inner circle that whats happening in the world right now is a mental health crisis. She said they are working with a mental health non-profit to create some sort of online support system for those most vulnerable, like new mothers suffering from postpartum depression. People who lack support systems need reassurance that they are not alone, the source noted. The Sussexes issued a statement about uncertain times Prince Harry and Meghan also shared a special message with their fans about the current coronavirus concerns, taking to Instagram to assure their followers how we need each other during this scary time. These are uncertain times, their message began. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary. The Sussexes continued: There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring. This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit. We often speak of compassion. All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally. How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now, they shared. Additionally, Prince Harry and Meghan offered to provide information and resources to help all of us navigate the uncertainty in the coming weeks. They noted: We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us. Photo: BC gov. Flickr Dr. Bonnie Henry B.C.'s provincial health officer has changed her mind on exempting healthcare staff from the requirement to self isolate after returning from international travel. In a March 13 letter to all healthcare workers in the province, Dr. Bonnie Henry said the 14-day self isolation required of all Canadians who've returned home did not apply to healthcare workers. Please be advised that self-isolation does not apply to healthcare workers who travel outside of Canada and provide direct patient care (e.g. physicians, nurses, care aides, etc.) unless they have travelled to Hubei Province in China, Italy or Iran, Dr. Henry wrote in the letter. Interior Health also sent an email to staff confirming their exemption from the self-isolation requirement. During a press conference Wednesday, Dr. Henry said they are learning as they go, and they've since reversed course on that exemption. The way it was messaged is that they were exempt, but that is not correct. Everybody who comes in from outside of Canada is required to self-isolate for 14 days, Dr. Henry said. An exception can be made though if there's a shortage of a particular type of healthcare worker, or any essential service provider, that will compromise patient care. In a hospital for example, if there is a single surgeon who does a certain thing and that person is on isolation, there are protocols that they can come to work, she said. The protocols would be that they're in self isolation when they're at home and don't go out and about in the community. When they're at work they take additional precautions like wearing a mask all the time, separating from other healthcare workers, ... symptom checks on a regular basis and taking appropriate infection prevention and control measures with each and every patient that they see. As of Wednesday, there were 231 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C., nine in the Interior Health region. After little to no widespread snow across much of Europe during the winter season, the first few days of spring brought the first accumulating snowfall to some cities in southeastern Europe. A storm that brought wet weather to the United Kingdom on Thursday moved across northern Europe through the end of the last week. Spring snowfall, today in Sofia, Bulgaria. Thanks to Nick Vasilkovski for sending the video. Posted with permission. pic.twitter.com/VqK72bKtSf severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) March 23, 2020 As the storm moved over the eastern part of the continent this past weekend, it slowed down and began to strengthen. These two changes allowed for cold air to be pulled down alongside the storm, causing it to become more impactful. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP This influx of colder air caused any rain showers to mix with, then change over to snow as precipitation spread from southern Germany into Ukraine and south into northern Romania through Saturday night. On Sunday, the storm continued to push farther south. Precipitation that started as rain over Romania and the northern Baltic states changed to mainly snow as it spread. Blossoming peach trees near Nagykanizsa, Hungary, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (Gyorgy Varga/MTI via AP) Before snow showers ended across parts of Slovenia, Hungary and Romania Monday night, the storm dumped 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in some locations. Higher amounts were reported across mountainous areas. Showers spread as far south as Greece through the beginning of the week, but enough warmth from the Mediterranean kept precipitation as all rain outside of the northern mountains. Serbia today with 10-20 cm of fresh snow Kragujevac (p. 1, 173 m) 24 cm Krusevac (163 m) 22 cm Belgrade 9 cmhttps://t.co/L9QjZj2q01 pic.twitter.com/xt0VNr1gde Zdenek Nejedly (@ZdenekNejedly) March 24, 2020 The storm lingered over southeastern Europe into the middle of the week, which kept periods of rain and snow showers over the region. Story continues Through the beginning of the week snowfall totals of 3-8 cm (1-3 inches) spread across the Balkans, including lower elevations. Snowfall totals climbed 8-15 cm (3-6 inches) from southern Romania and Bulgaria to Slovenia. Heavy snowfall in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, March 24th. Thanks to Kiril Spasov for the report - posted with permission. pic.twitter.com/PA0IQqrtoW severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) March 25, 2020 In the higher elevations of the Carpathian Mountains and the northern Dinaric Alps 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) of snow was reported. Isolated areas in these higher elevations reported snowfall totals near 60 cm (24 inches). While travel may be limited in cities such as Munich, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary; and Bucharest, Romania; due to restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus, anyone heading out for fresh air or to pick up groceries should be cautious of snow-covered roadways and slippery conditions into Wednesday night. Gusty winds also accompanied the storm and lead to times of blowing snow and reduced visibility. After a mild winter across Europe, accumulating snow may come as a surprise to residents across the area. Through the winter season, Munich, Germany, had two days of measurable snowfall on Dec. 2 and Feb. 27, with about an inch reported each day. Spectacular change from spring to winter in Daruvar, Croatia. Last 3 days in a row, from 22 degrees C to -2 C! Thanks to Martina Von Scholz for the report - posted with permission. pic.twitter.com/IEIHRb9jbl severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) March 25, 2020 Budapest, Hungary, did not record snow through this winter season. As snowfall begins to taper off across southwestern Europe through the second half of next week, another storm will race into the region and could bring flooding rainfall to parts of Italy and Greece. Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. An employee of India's third largest IT services firm HCL Technologies has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the company confirmed on Thursday. "Unfortunately, one employee from our Noida office has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel and hence our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols. All prescribed protocols of sanitisation and contact tracing have been done. The employee is currently in an isolation ward and all measures ... Getty Images The Illinois Health and Hospital Association has issued a plea to the leaders of associations for the construction industry, dentists, veterinarians and other groups that may be able to help the states more than 200 hospitals protect healthcare workers as they care for COVID-19 patients. The association is asking the organizations to donate face masks or N95s to their local hospitals. Actor Lana Condor has slammed Donald Trump for repeatedly referring to the novel coronavirus as the 'Chinese Virus', saying that the president should be ashamed of using "racist words" against the Asian American community. In a strongly-worded statement on social media, the "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" star said that Trump is yet to prove himself as a true leader. The actor captioned her post: Be better. To wake up to your chaos is truly a nightmare. Please. Be better. To my followers - be safe. I love you." "You have no idea the ramifications your racist words & actions have on the Asian American community. You simply cannot even fathom the danger you are putting our community in. How dare you. You should be ashamed of yourself. "You call yourself a leader? You know what leaders do? They LEAD by setting good examples and ACTION. Something we've yet to see you do," Condor, the Vietnam-born American actor, began her post on Wednesday. The 22-year-old actor asked Trump to take notes from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma "who is ACTUALLY leading - by donating tests and millions of masks to AMERICA, because you haven't." "Please. Be Better. So we aren't afraid to leave our house in fear someone will verbally or physically abuse us because of your xenophobia," Condor added. The coronavirus outbreak has killed 8,809 people and infected 218,631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The novel coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted the real estate industry to an extent that 65 percent of flat purchasers have been defaulting on instalments since last week, The Times of India has reported citing MCHI-Credai. MCHI-Credai is the apex industry body that represents over 1,400 builders in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). There are as many as 10,200 residential projects in MMR registered under the housing regulator, MahaRERA, with a total construction area of around 50 million sq ft. With the closure of shopping malls as a preventive measure amid the rapid spread of COVID-19, there are indications that retail tenants will also stop paying rents to mall owners, the report suggests. The mall owners will in turn not be able to service their loans owed to banks. Since June 2019, on an average 25-30 percent flat buyers of any project were defaulting on instalment payment on the due date. However, after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has become critical with almost 65 percent of customers defaulting in paying their installments linked to construction, the newspaper quoted MCHI-Credai as saying. The report adds that MCHI-Credai has asked the Maharashtra government to suspend property tax and payment of various premiums to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for one year without interest. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. Further, the industry body has urged that all premiums payable to BMC and the state government be reduced by 75 percent for five years and zero percent stamp duty for all fresh sales of flats for six months to encourage the public to buy new properties. on Thursday said that (Ind-Ra) has revised rating watch on the bank's long-term issuer rating of 'IND BB-' to rating watch evolving (RWE) from rating watch negative (RWN). The RWE indicates the possibility of the ratings being either upgraded, downgraded or affirmed. " has revised the rating watch on Ltd's long-term issuer rating of 'IND BB-' to RWE from RWN," said in a filing to the BSE. The revision of the rating watch follows the systemic support Yes Bank has received recently, in terms of both equity and liquidity, from the new set of investors and the regulator for its reconstruction. It also considers the pressure that could show up on the liabilities once the regulator-imposed moratorium is lifted. had downgraded the bank's ratings and maintained them on RWN on March 6, 2020; in the agency's opinion, the temporary regulator-imposed moratorium resulted in the bank not being able to follow through with settlement and transaction requests, the filing said. Subsequently, the bank declared its third quarter results. Its gross non-performing assets (NPAs) increased to 18.87 per cent in 3QFY20 from 7.39 per cent in 2QFY20 while its net NPAs grew to 5.97 per cent from 4.35 per cent. "This implies the additional recognition of Rs 230 billion as non-performing till the time of publishing the 3QFY20 results and not just end-December 2019. Including this, the total stressed book including non-fund limits to the same accounts is about Rs 490 billion," the filing said. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had put restriction on the lender on March 5, under which the bank''s customers were allowed to withdraw up to Rs 50,000 till April 3. The government notified the Yes Bank reconstruction scheme last week. Market Update Melbourne, Mar 19, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Bluechiip Limited ( ASX:BCT ), a leader in the development of sample tracking technology for harsh environments, provides this update to the Australian Securities Exchange.The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve at a rapid pace.Key points:- The company's European supply chain has continued to deliver albeit with some timing disruptions. However this is being monitored closely as the situation is evolving almost daily;- In China the company is beginning to see re-engagement from suppliers;- Sales contracts and agreements, including standing orders, remain in place;- Delivery schedules and volumes (on the buy and sell side) are under constant review;- Near global travels bans are impacting sales and marketing activities, particularly major trade shows.Andrew McLellan, Bluechiip Ltd Managing Director, said:"COVID-19 is a herculean challenge for everyone. Bluechiip's financial position is solid as we have over $10m in the bank and a number of customer contracts on foot including the US$15m supply agreement with USA-based Labcon.We are using the disruptions, slow-downs and travel bans to actively reduce and manage costs while continuing to focus on our R&D program. This includes progressing potential OEM partner programs, and refining and adapting our technology to multiple applications including IVF, blood bags and cell therapy markets. Focusing on this will see us with further progressed and expanded portfolio when we come through this crisis."About Bluechiip Limited Bluechiip Ltd (ASX:BCT) understands that every sample - stem cells, blood, eggs, sperm and other biospecimens - is critical, so our objective is to manage each one with optimal quality in the most efficient way. Bluechiip's advanced management solution is the only one that provides sample temperature with ID in cryogenic environments to. Most importantly, this delivers confidence in every sample. Bluechiip's unique patented technology is a MEMS-based wireless tracking solution that contains no electronics. It represents a generational change from current tracking methods such as labels (hand-written and pre-printed), barcodes (linear and 2D), and Radio Frequency Identification. Bluechiip tags are either embedded or manufactured into storage products such as vials or bags. Each product can be easily identified, and critical information such as sample temperature, is detected by readers and stored in the Bluechiip software. In addition to functioning in extreme temperatures, the Bluechiip(R) Advanced Sample management solution can survive autoclaving, gamma irradiation sterilization, humidification, centrifuging, cryogenic storage and frosting. Bluechiip's technology has applications in healthcare, including in cryogenic storage facilities (biobanks and biorepositories), pathology, clinical trials and forensics. Other key markets include cold-chain logistics/supply chain, security/defence, industrial/manufacturing and aerospace/aviation. Bluechiip: Delivering confidence in every sample. Singapore, home to less than 6 million people, is being praised for its efforts to fight the new coronavirus. Observers say East Asias experience with the disease SARS in 2003 helped the city-state prepare for the current outbreak. Singapores first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, was confirmed on January 23. The patient was a man from Wuhan, China, where the disease was first identified in December. By the middle of February, the number of recovering patients in Singapore was greater than the number of new cases. Then, health officials discovered a link between 47 cases and a dinner gathering on February 15. As new infections increased, the government tightened quarantine controls. By Wednesday, Singapore had about 266 confirmed cases and no deaths from the virus. Other areas that experienced SARS also have reported limited cases of COVID-19. The term SARS is short for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The island of Taiwan, in the South China Sea, has about 100 confirmed coronavirus cases and one death. The most recent cases there were people who had returned from travel overseas. Hong Kong has reported about 167 cases and four deaths. On Tuesday, the citys Chief Executive Carrie Lamb warned against all travel out of the territory. She announced that anyone arriving from mainland China would face a 14-day home quarantine or medical observation. In addition to Taiwan and Hong Kong, the island of Macao has had about 15 cases. Macao is world famous for its gaming industry. The casinos there have been closed for weeks in an effort to keep the virus from spreading. Cambodia and Thailand also have not reported large numbers of cases. In addition, few cases have been reported in geographically separated countries such as New Zealand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Mongolia. Other nations, like Russia, Indonesia and Vietnam have been slow to test for the coronavirus. For Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, the experience of fighting the 2003 SARS outbreak was important. The virus, which also is a kind of coronavirus, infected 8,000 people and caused nearly 800 deaths. Experts say that experience made people take the risks seriously. Almost everyone played ball and followed accordingly, said Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore. SARS infected 238 people and was linked to the deaths of 33 people in Singapore. As a result, the city developed plans for containing outbreaks. It set up fever centers to isolate suspected cases and spent money on equipment and improved training. So when the first case of COVID-19 appeared, Singapore was ready to act, Leong said. Tikki Pangestu is a visiting professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. Pangestu said that, once the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed, the government ordered workers arriving from overseas to stay home. Religious services were suspended and livestreamed instead on the internet. Schools suspended large gatherings and limited the time students could spend outside of class on school days. Currently, about 5,700 people have been quarantined. Efforts to slow the spread of the virus have had mixed results in other countries. In Thailand, an official with the Disease Control Department of the Health Ministry said that public health workers have gone door-to-door to keep records of contacts. The effort is generally working. Outside of Southeast Asia, Germany was thought to have done well against the coronavirus, but recently the number of infections jumped to over 9,000. In South Korea, more than 270,000 people have been tested for the virus. New cases are dropping sharply. It is unclear if measures used in an authoritarian society like Singapore can work in bigger countries, where people expect greater personal freedom. Some of the city-states measures appear to be good ideas. Pangestu points out that people in Singapore have a strong level of trust in government. It also is a rich, high-technology country with a strong health care system. Many other countries, especially developing ones, do not have these capacities, Pangestu said. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been praised for using a calming, clear message since the start of the outbreak. Singaporeans feel we are all in this together, Lee said, and we dont leave anyone behind. Im Jill Robbins. Ee Ming Toh and Elaine Kurtenbach reported this story for the Associated Press. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story outbreak n. the sudden or violent start of something unwelcome, such as the spread of disease quarantine n. a time in which people or animals are kept separate from others geographically adj. In terms of land or physical qualities of a territory play ball v. to cooperate, to do what others want you to do accordingly adv. as a result, in a way that meets the needs of the situation isolate v. to keep apart from others staggered adj. organized in a way that parts of a group do something at different times instead of than having the group do something at the same time track v. to follow and observe or gain information authoritarian adj. expecting people to obey rules without considering personal freedoms capacity n. the ability to do something Police here have arrested four college management staff and eight students for their alleged involvement in exam malpractice. After receiving a tip-off, a team of police and department conducted a raid in New Madina College at Tollychowki on Wednesday and found eight students attending their intermediate exams and were involved in malpractice. Police said that the management allegedly took the bribe and was helping the students. Six students and four staff members were nabbed by the police on the spot. However, two other students manage to escape. "After we received information from Hyderabad Task Force police stating that few students in a college are involved in malpractice, we along with the Task Force police conducted raids in New Madina College at Tollychowki on March 18 and found that eight students were attending their intermediate exams and were involved in malpractice," Jayaprada, District Intermediate officer told ANI. "We have also noticed that the college management has taken nearly Rs 8,000 from the students and helping them in copying," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Detectives in Kwale are looking for a mob that lynched a man in Kibundani area after accusing him of contracting COVID-19. Confirming the cold-blooded murder, Msambweni Sub-county police commander Nehemiah Bitok said the deceased, Mr Hezron Kotini, was staggering home from a drinking spree when a group of youth waylaid him. The mob claimed Mr Kotini has the coronavirus before attacking him with crude weapons and leaving him for dead. According to the police boss, the victim sustained deep cuts on his head and was rushed to Msambweni Referral Hospital where he succumbed while undergoing treatment. The police commander warned members of the public against taking matters into their hands or making false allegations as the country steps up measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Kwale County Government has begun training health officers and set five isolation centers in all the five sub-counties. As of Wednesday, March 18, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kenya stood at 7. punjab police Chandigarh : The COVID-19 awareness campaign of the state government has received overwhelming response in Amrtisar Rural district, where the Punjab Police has launched a massive door to door outreach campaign through the recently deployed Village Police Officers (VPOs). Following the marked success of the VPO scheme in the district, where it was launched last month as a pilot project by SSP Vikramjeet Duggal on the directives of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, VPOs are being appointed across the state and will be roped in to spread the awareness campaign in all the districts soon, said DGP Dinkar Gupta here on Thursday. Advertisement In Amritsar Rural, a total of 550 villages have already been covered physically in the past four days, with the remaining to be reached out to in the next 2-3 days, said the DGP. A whopping 889 VPOs are on the ground, making rounds of their allotted villages to conduct meetings with the village Sarpanches, School Headmasters, village Granthis, Village watchmen, Households, Youth etc, to spread awareness for prevention of spread of COVID-19. The VPOs have been trained and tasked to educate people in their respective villages about the disease and the necessary precautions to prevent its spread, and to bust any myths and misconceptions about it. They have been briefed by the District Police Chiefs to coordinate and liaise with the local civil administration and Health Department to ensure effective implementation of the governments instructions and advisories on COVID-19 by all the people at the local level, said the DGP. With the help of the village youth, the VPOs are using the social media in a big way to disseminate the governments directives down to every household in the respective area. The citizens are being guided to strictly maintain Social Distancing to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. The VPOs are also requesting the local people to keep gatherings under 50 as per the governments guidelines to check the spread of the pandemic. Advertisement To quell rumors on social media, the VPOs are advising the citizens to either check with the health department or police to verify the veracity of the posts. They are also warning citizens, as a note of caution, that strict action will be taken against those spreading fake news on Corona virus. The police officers are further requesting the citizens to desist from forwarding unverified information or images on COVID-19. According to the DGP, public response to the initiative has been overwhelming, with youth in particular coming forward in large numbers for the last 3-4 days to help their respective VPOs in making the door to door campaign a success. This initiative by the Punjab Police will go a long way towards assisting various stakeholders in keeping a 24x7 vigil for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives, he said. It may be noted that the One Village One Cop Scheme, is aimed at bringing policepersons closer to the citizens. It involves earmarking of designated Village Police Officers (VPO), in the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector/Head Constable/Constable, for each of the 12,700 villages of the State. Their job is to gather information about the criminals, including their activities and whereabouts, criminals missing from the village etc, sale/distribution of drugs in the village etc. The Wiggles announced last Friday that the remainder of their Sydney tour dates would be postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. And Blue Wiggle Anthony Field told The Daily Telegraph's Confidential on Friday, that the children's musical group plans on tackling the crisis with live streaming. 'With the current situation around the world, we are looking at different ways of bringing our shows to audience, and live streaming seems to be a perfect solution,' the 56-year-old said. Solution: Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, 56, (pictured) revealed to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential on Friday how the group plans to tackle the coronavirus pandemic 'It helps people who are staying at home to still be part of a Wiggles live event, even if that live event is coming from our studio,' he added. In an Instagram post last Friday, The Wiggles announced the remainder of their Sydney tour dates from their Fun And Games Tour would be postponed. 'Hello everyone - as the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) is ever evolving and recommendations are changing on a daily basis, we have now made the decision to postpone the remaining Sydney shows of our Fun And Games Tour,' they wrote. Live streaming: 'With the current situation around the world, we are looking at different ways of bringing our shows to audience, and live streaming seems to be a perfect solution,' he said. Pictured (L-R) Lachlan Gillespie, Emma Watkins, Simon Pryce and Anthony They then listed the dates affected, with 14 of their shows needing to be postponed. The band said they were 'disappointed' they wouldn't be able to go ahead with the tour, especially knowing how much their fans were looking forward to it. 'We are disappointed we won't be able to perform for you and know how excited your little Wiggles fans were to see the show,' they continued. Postponed: In a post on Instagram last Friday, The Wiggles announced the remainder of their Sydney tour dates from their Fun And Games Tour would be postponed But they insisted they had a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of everyone in attendance. 'We appreciate your understanding that these situations can evolve so quickly and we have a duty of care to do what is in the best interest of our audience and employees,' they added. While only the Sydney tour dates have been affected at this stage, The Wiggles said they would be 'closely monitoring the situation'. Disappointed: 'We are disappointed we won't be able to perform for you and know how excited your little Wiggles fans were to see the show,' they wrote 'We are responding appropriately as the situation evolves and will provide further updates on our website with regards to the rest of the tour,' they continued. On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison banned 'non-essential gatherings' of over 100 people, in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness accompanied by fever, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and fatigue. As of the March 21, the total number of people diagnosed with the virus in Australia is 928, including seven deaths. The on Wednesday announced a surprise 750-billion-euro scheme to purchase government and corporate bonds, as it joined other central banks in stepping up efforts to contain the economic damage from the The so-called Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme comes just six days after the unveiled a big-bank stimulus package that failed to calm nervous markets, piling pressure on the bank to open the financial floodgates. The $820-billion asset purchasing scheme will be temporary and be concluded once the bank "judges that the Covid-19 crisis phase is over, but in any case not before the end of the year", it said in statement. The decision came after the bank's 25-member governing council held emergency talks by phone late into the evening. The said it was "committed to playing its role in supporting all citizens of the euro area through this extremely challenging time". "The governing council will do everything necessary within its mandate," it said, adding that the size of the asset purchases could be increased if needed. It also said it stood ready to relax some self-imposed restrictions on bond purchases to potentially help countries like Italy whose bond yields have soared over the panic. Critics had in recent days slammed the for not doing enough to support the eurozone compared to the drastic action taken by the But the immediate reaction from analysts was positive. The ECB's latest medicine could be "a game changer for the euro area and credit markets" if it was accompanied by fiscal action from eurozone governments, Pictet Wealth Management strategist Frederik Ducrozet said. Mumbai, March 19 : With huge losses and unemployment and bankruptcies looming ahead, the Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) on Thursday sought urgent intervention of the Centre to tackle the crisis arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. FAITH Chairman Nakul Anand said with declining revenues in almost all tourism businesses, there is a huge dearth of working capital that has hit the industry, according to a letter to the PM by the apex body of all national associations representing the entire travel, tourism and hospitality sector. With the responsibility of paying staff salaries, servicing EMIs, advance taxes, provident fund, ESIC, GST, Excise and other state levies, bank guarantees and security deposits, the industry needs the support of the government, he said. Anand urged Modi to grant a 12-month moratorium of paying their EMIs on loans and working capital from financial institutions, both banking and non-banking. "Additionally, we request for doubling of our working capital limits and on interest-free and collateral-free terms. This will prevent all our tourism businesses from going bankrupt," Anand said. As a further measure to prevent insolvencies, FAITH has sought a deferment of 12 months for all statutory dues like GST, Advance Taxes, PF, ESIC, Customs duties at the centre and excise, levies, taxes, power and water charges, bank guarantees, security deposits and deferment of all renewals, across the tourism, travel, hospitality and aviation industry. Anand also requested the government to set up a support fund for a year on the lines of MNREGA to support basic salaries with 'direct transfer' to the accounts of affected tourism employees. In an advisory, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), today called upon all its members to "strictly adhere and follow" the government's instructions to arrest the spread of coronavirus. It has advised members to keep their outlets open unless there are specific directives from local authorities, but maintain stringent checks and hygiene standards, said FHRAI Vice-President Gurbaxish Singh Kohli. "The FHRAI has members around the country and we are not asking anyone to shut down their establishments. But we are insisting that everyone who is open to business be extremely aware and vigilant and that they take all the precautionary measures, and follow the directives by the local authorities," said Kohli. The FHRAI has advised members that staff and customers be thoroughly screened for any symptoms of cough, cold, flu and must be sent for immediate medical checkup at the nearest government hospital, clean and sanitize the hotel/restaurant premises as per the guidelines from the concerned authorities, said Joint Secretary Pradeep Shetty. Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston Russian government to acquire Sberbank stock - law RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 01:06 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) A bill on the purchase of the Sberbank shares by the Russian government has become law. A copy of the document signed by President Vladimir Putin is published on the official website of legal information. The State Duma adopted the package of bills on March 12. The Federation Council backed them two days later. The first initiative stipulates withdrawal of the Bank of Russia from the banks equity. According to the initiative, the Central Bank will sell its equity stocks to the Cabinet of Minister at a weighted average price depending on security quotes for the last six months before the first deal round. The draft law is aimed to eliminate a potential problem of the Central Banks conflict of interests in acting jointly as stockholder, regulator and supervisory body.The second bill proposes to set an order of transfer to the federal budget of a fraction of revenue from the Sberbank stock sale. WHO has asked India to up the number of COVID-19 testing kits as we have limited number of tests available which are not enough for the large population of our country. Now, reportedly, an Ahmedabad-based company has become the first in India to receive a licence to manufacture coronavirus test kits from the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO). This will make the company the only one in India so far that will be able to manufacture reagent kits used in the rRT-PCR machines to test for coronavirus. Biomedomics CoSara Diagnostics Pvt Ltd is registered in Ahmedabad and has its manufacturing plant in Ranoli, Vadodara. The company received its licence on Tuesday. This is almost a month after its application was sent to the CDSCO for approval. It is a joint venture between Co-Diagnostics Inc of Utah, USA, and Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises of India. Co-Diagnostics had developed the test kit in the US and the company was trying to start manufacturing in India. The country has been importing the reagent test kits from other countries so far. We have received the licence from the CDSCO and will begin manufacturing shortly. We have ordered raw materials from our partner in the US and they will be arriving soon, Ahmedabad Mirror quoted Mohal Kartikeya Sarabhai, the CEO of CoSara Diagnostics as saying. CoSara Diagnostics The company claims that the reagent kits manufactured by it can give test results in two to two-and-a-half hours in comparison to five hours taken by the kits being used by ICMR and its labs. So, how do the test kits give faster results? Apparently the company has patented software to be used in the PCR machines that has a faster diagnostic time frame than the ones currently being used. shutterstock With no known treatment or approved vaccine for the highly infectious Covid-19, the need for accurate and rapid diagnoses has never been greater. Our cost-effective Covid-19 test has been designed to run on a variety of commercially available platforms. We are confident in our ability to meet the growing demand for this diagnostic kit, Dwight Egan, CEO of Co-Diagnostics Inc, said in a press statement. The price of the tests It is not known yet at what price the test kits will be sold to the government at. However, Sarabhai reportedly said that it will be cheaper than the cost at which the government is procuring the test kit from other countries at the moment. Fitness is a huge part of Meghan, Duchess of Sussexs life. Ever since she was a Hollywood actress, Meghan has made it a priority to stay active no matter where she is. She is known to be a fan of yoga, running, and even at-home workout DVDs. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Duchess of Sussex is still trying to fit in exercise routines at her new home in Vancouver Island, Canada. In fact, her new go-to routine includes some alone time with her son Archie. Read on below to find out what the duchess has been doing on Vancouver Island. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been living in Canada for a few months Meghan and Prince Harry went on vacation to Canada over Christmas break. It was initially thought that the pair would simply spend time in North America for some time before returning to the U.K. However, in early January, Meghan and Prince Harry announced that they would like to step down as royals and also to split their time between the U.K. and North America. In the statement that they released, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. Since then, Meghan, Prince Harry, and their son have been staying in a $14-million mansion on Vancouver Island, Canada. It comes with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a cottage, and more. Security has also been ramped up to ensure the familys privacy. Meghan and Prince Harry occasionally make trips back to the U.K. for official business or family reasons, though the Sussexes seem to largely be residing in Canada now for the time being. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been spending a lot of time with Archie in Canada Being on Vancouver Island has allowed Meghan and Prince Harry to escape the hectic life of being British royals. The couple reportedly enjoys having a quiet existence and being able to spend time with Archie. They are enjoying living a quiet life, a source told Page Six. They go for long walks, they do yoga, and Meghan cooks. [Harry and Meghan] are real homebodies who love to chill out with Archie and the dogs. Another insider also shared that Meghan and Prince Harry really value their time with Archie, saying: Archie is the priority. Its very much still about taking care of him and putting the family first. Hes a happy kidhe loves to laugh. Meghan Markle reportedly likes to take walks with Archie every day Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Baby Archie | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage Meghan has reportedly figured out a way to both spend time with her son and get in her daily exercise. According to Us Weekly, a source revealed that the duchess can often be seen walking in the woods near her house with Archie. The insider shared that she does this everyday for about an hour or two. She either pushes him in a stroller through the paved trails through the public woods by their home or straps him on and walks the more rustic routes, the source said. A number of locals have allegedly been able to encounter Markle during one of her walks, and the insider shared that she is very kind and pleasant to everyone she meets. She usually bonds with them over parenting or talks about the weather. This is the second case of coronavirus in Kyiv region. A family member of Ukrainian MP Serhiy Shakhov, who has previously tested positive for the COVID-19, is also infected with the novel coronavirus. "The second case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Kyiv region. This is a woman, a family member of the first patient in Kyiv region. Physicians assess their condition as that of moderate severity," according to the press service of Kyiv Regional State Administration. Later, MP Shakhov, via Facebook, said the family member in question is his wife who is also staying at home in isolation. In total, five cases of suspected disease were identified in the region. Of these, two people were hospitalized in the town of Bila Tserkva, two in the Kyiv-Sviatoshynsky district, and one in the town of Brovary (non-confirmed case). Read alsoFirst coronavirus case confirmed among Ukrainian legislators Doctors urge people to remain calm, observe sanitary and hygienic rules and, in case they have signs of the disease, urgently contact their family doctor. As UNIAN reported earlier, on March 17, Member of Parliament in Ukraine, Serhiy Shakhov, confirmed his Covid-19 coronavirus tests returned positive. The infected deputy recently visited the EU. Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more Facebook on Tuesday announced a US$100M commitment to offer cash grants and ad credits to help as many as 30,000 eligible small businesses in 30 countries where the company operates. The program can help SMBs maintain their workforces, meet rent costs, connect with more customers, and cover operational costs. In addition, Facebooks Journalism Project is partnering with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and the Local Media Association to offer $1 million in grants to local news organizations covering COVID-19 in the U.S. and Canada. That action will help to prop up local communities and keep relevant news and updates flowing. Small businesses, the heartbeat of U.S. communities, are affected heavily by the health crisis, as more and more people sensibly stay home, noted Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. The longer the crisis persists, the greater becomes the risk to small businesses and the livelihoods of their owners and workers. Weve listened to small businesses to understand how we can best help them. Weve heard loud and clear that financial support could enable them to keep the lights on and pay people who cant come to work, she said. Start but No Finish In light of Facebooks $71 billion in revenue last year, its announcement of financial help might be viewed as disingenuous. This could be very helpful for SMBs. Sadly, It is not enough to save anyone teetering in bankruptcy, said Paul Bromen, CEO of Helpful Habitat. A grant of $3,000 is not enough to make a difference. Facebooks announcement is more about Facebook wanting positive public relations, he told the E-Commerce Times. Facebook has made a valuable commitment to the SMB community during this time of need remarked Chad Sterbenz, chief investment officer at Kiva. However, these grants will represent only a first step in recovery for a small portion of the small business community. Almost all small businesses will need fast-acting and affordable sources of financing so they can pay their staff today and fund their operations until life returns to normal and the business is fully up and running again, he told the E-Commerce Times. Few Details Available Eligibility for funding is not yet clear. Facebook promised to provide more details about who is eligible and how to apply in the coming days. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Facebook created a dedicated website for the new program, but as of Thursday morning, the page has no definitive information. It says the company will have details soon and will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. SMB owners can sign up to receive more information when it becomes available. Solutions Beyond Cash Facebook is planning a range of other options to help businesses survive the COVID-19 outbreak and related challenges, according to Sandberg. These include a new Business Resource Hub to provide support for all businesses affected. The hub will connect them to relevant tools and advice. Facebook is working on a new virtual training program to support businesses operating in altered conditions because of the COVID-19 lockdowns. The company is mapping a new strategy on how it can host dedicated virtual training sessions with businesses all over the world. Another program under development is a new set of Facebook Blueprint materials focusing on remote work and managing remote teams.Ad Credits HelpfulOne of the best things Facebook could do for small businesses is to give free ad credits, according to Calloway Cook, president of Illuminate Labs. Profitability is way down for most non-essential goods during this economic downturn. People are understandably hesitant to spend their money, which makes the ROI on digital advertising drop significantly, he told the E-Commerce Times. Facebook can offer ad credits for free. That would make a huge difference for small businesses like his, which otherwise will have to stop advertising on Facebook until economic pressures lift, said Calloway. It does not cost Facebook anything to run ads on its platform outside of the negligible computational resources. So it very easily could allow small businesses to run ads for free or at a significantly reduced cost. That would be much more cost-effective on its end than issuing cash grants, he explained. It is like if I had a personal website and you wanted to run a banner ad. It does not actually cost me anything to input that banner ad advertising your services. My profit margin is 100 percent, noted Calloway. Positive Views Facebook could provide other options to assist SMBs, suggested Helpful Habitats Bromen, who suggested three main approaches. First, Facebook could Improve struggling SMBs long-term business prospects by teaching them to use Facebook Ads. Many older business owners are afraid of using FB ads, he said. They are actually quite simple, but to figure them out you need to be able to experiment, which costs money, Bromen noted. Facebook giving ad credits will allow a whole generation of business owners who have missed out learn social media advertising. Second, small business owners can use cash grants to build their online presence now so they can come back strong once the coronavirus dies down. SMB owners who have this goal should focus on buying likes and connecting with influencers in their local communities now to get the word out when they are back in business, he recommended. Third, SMB owners should use Facebooks fiancial grant money to experiment with online models. One thing Bromen has been recommending to all restaurants is that they try to sell the bulk items in their freezer while everyone is in stock-up mode. The best way to do this is to use Facebook marketplace or Craigslist, he said. Other Ways to Help Accessing and growing the community that backs your business is crucial to every SMB, noted Kivas Sterbenz. Aside from financial relief and customer support, small business owners would benefit from the emotional support of people who believe in them, instilling confidence during a time of immense uncertainty and stress. Toward that end, Kiva offers access to 0 percent no-fee loans funded by its companys users and partners. This opportunity will allow businesses to continue paying their staff and bills during the crunch, said Sterbenz. Kiva loans are sourced from a community of supporters who believe in the value of small businesses, he said. The Kiva application is available now for U.S. small businesses to submit their applications today. The Himachal Pradesh government has banned entry of tourist buses in the state to check the spread of COVID-19, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Thursday. He said the decision was taken in view of rising coronavirus cases in neighbouring states. The state government has taken preventive measures and remedial steps to check the spread of this epidemic in the state, he told reporters here. Thakur said all buses and vehicles entering the state were being sanitised and adequate arrangements were made to scrutinise outsiders visiting the state. Isolation wards have been set up in Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) Tanda and Medical College Ner Chowk in Mandi. The chief minister urged people to not believe in rumours and misinformation and give their wholehearted support to the government to tackle this situation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News Myanmar Airbase Accident Injures Local Woman in Explosion The warehouse in Sar Taing Kan Village that was hit by a piece of a weapon from Magwe Airbase. / Magwe Journal PYAYA 35-year-old woman was injured when a piece of a weapon from Magwe Airbase accidentally hit a warehouse in Sar Taing Kan Village, Magwe Township, Magwe Region on Tuesday morning. I heard an explosion around 7:30 a.m. while I was at a teashop. It was loud and I noticed the vibration. I was shocked when I learned that the explosion came from the weapon, local resident U Tin Shwe told The Irrawaddy. U Poe Ni, the owner of the warehouse, told me that the air force was installing a weapon and it slipped and accidentally hit the warehouse roof. The whole village went into a panic after they heard the loud explosion, he added. The chief of the Magwe Township Police, Police Major Myint Lwin, confirmed the incident to The Irrawaddy but declined to provide details over the phone. A source close to the warehouse owner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that officials at the airbase sent the injured woman to the hospital and are covering her medical expenses and providing some compensation. The son of the warehouse owner said around 15 to 20 officials wearing air force uniforms came and said they would repair all the damages. They covered medical costs and compensation for the injured woman. I dont know how much money they gave, said the source. Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, secretary of the Myanmar militarys Tatmadaw True News Information Team, told The Irrawaddy that he was not informed about the incident. A young girl in fifth grade and two pilots in Magwe Regions Minbu Township were killed in October 2018 when a pair of military planes crashed during a training exercise. The girl, who lived in an urban ward of Minbu, was struck and killed by debris from one of the planes. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. New Delhi, March 19 : Thanks to the coronavirus outbreak, uncertainty looms large over normal public life in many parts of the world, including India, and has also caused the Indian and global art world to go into a lockdown. With the closing of all Archeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments and sites -- including the non-ticketed ones -- like Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, and even the National Museum, until March 31 to guard against large gatherings, the standstill is also being seen among private art galleries and museums. Among the temporary gallery closures due to COVID-19 are Art Heritage gallery, Threshold Art Gallery, Art Alive Gallery, Khoj Studios, while many like Vadehra Art Gallery are taking necessary precautions to guard against further spread. Triveni Kala Sangam has also suspended all its visual and performing art classes. "On account of the COVID-19 pandemic, Art Alive Gallery will remain closed till 31 March as per the government directives. Our priority is the safety of our employees and of all our visitors. Art Alive Gallery is monitoring the situation, and will follow all government directives issued periodically. "During this period the Gallery will go virtual and its ongoing show 'Night Forest, a solo presentation by Chandra Bhattacharjee' can be viewed online. The Art Alive team will be working from home," the gallery said in a statement. Many auction houses like Sotheby's have also relocated their art auctions and sales from Hong Kong -- one among the major affected areas -- to other locations. Internationally, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has temporarily closed all three locations-The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters -- starting March 13, to support New York City's effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. America's National Gallery of Art has also postponed a major monographic exhibition on the work of artist Artemisia Gentileschi. Many of the exhibitions and collections can be viewed virtually on their websites. In the UK, the Tate's all four locations, London's Victoria & Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Barbican Art Gallery are also closing, among others. Google Arts & Culture is also an online platform through which the public can access a vast repository of images and information on artworks housed in the initiative's partner museums. The platform - available as an application and a website - is currently allowing over 500 virtual tours of collections around the world. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Note: Updated at 3:15 p.m. with new information about the positive cases SYRACUSE, N.Y. Onondaga County officials say more than 1,000 local people have been tested in the last three days for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus tests to 1,300 or more. For the majority of those tests, the results are not in yet. County officials expect to receive hundreds of test results today and tomorrow. As of noon today, seven people had tested positive. Onondaga County still does not have precise numbers on the total number of tests being done. Testing is conducted at a variety of sites throughout the county, and each test is recorded on a state health department database. Only positive test results are sent directly to the county health department. County officials say they are working to retrieve the state data more quickly so they can provide comprehensive daily summaries. In the meantime, they are relying on daily reports from major test sites to estimate how many tests have been done. Heres what those major test sites reported for Monday through Wednesday of this week, County Executive Ryan McMahon said: Syracuse Community Health Center: 756 tests Upstate University Hospital: 185 tests Crouse Hospital: 150 tests Including the tests taken before Monday, plus ongoing testing done by primary care providers, the total number of local tests as of late Wednesday was at least 1,300, McMahon estimated. People who think they might need a coronavirus test should contact their primary care provider. Those without a regular provider should call the Upstate hotline at 315-464-3979. Public officials urge people not to go to hospital emergency rooms for tests. Most of the tests conducted at hospitals are for admitted patients. Of the positive tests so far, two were done at Upstate and the rest came from private doctors, McMahon said. Results from the tests taken at Syracuse Community Health Center, which started taking samples Monday, take three to four days to come back. Those results are expected to start pouring in today and tomorrow. That will provide vital new information on the spread of the disease, McMahon said. So far, four of the seven people who tested positive are believed to have contracted the virus elsewhere before returning to Central New York. Two females one 23, the other 39 traveled from New York City. A 26-year-old male came from New Jersey. A 57-year-old woman traveled from Spain. At least two patients a husband and wife in their 70s -- are believed to have contracted the virus locally. Health officials said they are still assessing whether the latest patient, a 37-year-old female, had been traveling. McMahon said county officials are still scrambling to obtain enough test kits so they can test everyone who shows the appropriate symptoms. So far, Onondaga County has not run out of test kits, but the supply is strained, he said. McMahon said he is concerned that the test kits could run out. Testing allows health officials to quarantine people who test positive and their family members, and to track down other people with whom they had contact. If county officials can continue to test everyone who needs it, the county should be able to control the spread of the coronavirus, McMahon said. We can really get ahead of this, he said. In this June 10, 2011 file photo former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley speaks during the dedication of Boeing Co.'s $750 million final assembly plant in North Charleston, S.C. Haley has resigned, Thursday, March 19, 2020, from the board of Boeing Co., cutting ties with a company she long supported as South Carolina governor because of her opposition to a bailout of the airplane manufacturer that is in the works amid the growing coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Bruce Smith, file) COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley has resigned from the board of Boeing Co., cutting ties with a company she long supported as South Carolina governor because of her opposition to a bailout of the airplane manufacturer that is in the works amid the new coronavirus outbreak. The move is also an opportunity for the Republican to draw a distinction with the Trump administration, something that some strategists have said could be helpful if Haley pursues the White House herself. I strongly believe that when one is part of a team, and one cannot in good faith support the direction of the team, then the proper thing to do is to resign, Haley wrote to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and board chairman Larry Kellner in a letter dated March 16 announcing her departure from the board. The letter was provided Thursday to The Associated Press. Earlier this week, Boeing said it was seeking $60 billion in public and private liquidity for the aerospace industry, which is struggling amid a COVID-19 outbreak that has halted major travel and shuttered many businesses. The Trump administration has said it would back Boeing, which is also a top U.S. defense contractor. Haley's board resignation marked a distancing from the Trump administration, which she left on her own terms, occasionally speaking out against President Donald Trump while not directly drawing his ire. It's part of the territory some strategists have said she is treading carefully with an eye on her potential future need to win back GOP traditionalists who arent fans of the polarizing president, if she runs for the presidency, potentially as early as 2024. Haley, 48, joined the Boeing board last year after her departure from the Trump administration. Haley, popular in her home state, moved back to South Carolina where Boeing has a major production facility founded a nonprofit organization, and wrote and promoted a memoir. As governor of South Carolina prior to joining the Trump administration, Haley fought attempts by unions to represent workers at the North Charleston plant where the company assembles its Boeing 787 jetliners. At the time, she said unions weren't needed because companies in her state take care of their workers. In 2017, workers at the plant voted about 3-to-1 against representation by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a resounding setback for unions that have long hoped to make inroads in the South. Story continues Boeing is among the companies whose stocks are tumbling amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Earlier this month, the Chicago-based company said it had imposed a hiring freeze in response to the virus outbreak, which is undercutting air travel and threatening to kill airlines appetite for new planes. ___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP TAMIR KALIFA, STR / NYT With no clear understanding of when the coronavirus might level off, its not too early for local officials to be thinking about the May 2 elections for city council and school board seats in communities across Southeast Texas. Early voting for those contests is scheduled to begin in just over a month, when public bans on large gatherings might still be in effect. Its even possible that those elections could be postponed in some places, though thats never happened before and the legal ramifications of such a move would be considerable. One fairly simple thing that could be done is for the secretary of state to issue an advisory opinion allowing any Texan to vote by mail because of the virus. Texas is one of the few states that still requires residents to give a reason why they want to vote absentee, such as travel plans around the election. Thats an antiquated provision that should be corrected by the Legislature as circumstances like this show, not to mention more typical threats like hurricanes or floods. Hamiltons hospitals have been instructing some staff who travelled abroad to return to work immediately instead of self-isolating. Many hospitals in Ontario were doing the same, advising only staff who were in China, Italy or Iran to self-isolate for 14 days. Those who travelled to other places were told to self-monitor and come to work if they had no symptoms of COVID-19. Despite the federal government recommending since March 13 that travellers abroad self-isolate upon return, hospitals only adopted that policy five days later on March 18. I was actually shocked when I heard that, said Vicki McKenna, president of the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA). I was alarmed. These people work with people who are sick. We dont want to make that worse nor do we want them around colleagues. You cant do social distancing in our jobs. McKenna said Ontario nurses were uneasy and worried about potentially transmitting novel coronavirus to vulnerable patients. In fact, Hamilton and Haltons first case of COVID-19 on March 11 was a radiation oncologist who treated 11 patients and worked with nine staff at Juravinski Cancer Centre before discovering she got COVID-19 during a trip to Hawaii. The 32-year-old Burlington woman had no symptoms when she arrived at work on Monday, March 9 long before the self-isolation recommendations. But the case is an example of why nurses were concerned. Hamiltons medical officer of health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, says advice on whether health-care workers should self-isolate has been going back and forth. The concern is potential shortages of workers at time when hospitals need all hands on deck. If you have half the workforce, you are already beat, Dr. David Russell, interim chief of staff at St. Josephs Healthcare said on March 14. But McKenna says it would be far worse to have health-care workers spreading COVID-19 in hospitals. I think the risk is higher that we have people coming back into the country going into our health-care institutions and infecting others, she said. The provinces command table put an end to the debate Wednesday, changing its guideline to isolation for 14 days for health-care workers who have travelled abroad. There is a great need for housing up here and it doesnt seem contractors are building in our area as much as I would like to see, McInnis stated. I dont know actually where we are going to put them. McInnis said that he is hoping to meet with contractors to find out if the area is suitable for new housing and what the newcomers are looking for. We want contractors to build spec, probably build around $100,000 homes, which is what newcomers can afford right now, McInnis added, noting that the town council is looking to use community land for new homes. Its coming to a crunch. We need housing. On trial: Alex Salmond denies all of the charges against him A woman said it "would be great" to work with Alex Salmond again - a year after she alleges he attempted to rape her, a court has heard. The former first minister of Scotland (65) faces allegations of 13 alleged sexual offences against nine women, all of which he denies. He has claimed he had a "consensual sexual liaison" with one complainer, known as Woman H. But he denies attempting to rape her at the first minister's official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, following a dinner in June 2014, claiming she was not there on the night in question. A businesswoman told the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday she did not recall seeing Woman H "at any point during that evening". The company director said she was not drinking at the event, but a bottle of wine was served to the table where she, Mr Salmond and another guest were sat. When Alex Prentice QC suggested the complainer had been at the dinner, the witness replied: "I understand the police put that to me and I absolutely have no recollection of seeing (her) on that night." The court earlier heard the complainer had been one of Mr Salmond's biggest "cheerleaders" until he failed to help her with a political project, and had been left "annoyed". Yesterday, jurors saw a text message exchange between Woman H and former SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh in a discussion about the project. Part of one message sent by the complainer in June 2015 - a year after the alleged attempted rape - read: "Would be great to be working with him again." The court also heard from Mr Salmond's former principal private secretary, who described working with him as a "privilege and a penance". Karen Watt, who held the post between 2009 and 2012, said the first minister of Scotland had been a politician "at the top of his game". "I have described my time working with him as a privilege and a penance," she said. "It was very exacting, very fast-paced, also very tough, you needed to be quite resilient." She added: "He could be very demanding, he would expect people to be on their mark, on top of their game. "He could be quite fierce if things weren't as they should be." Mr Salmond is on trial over accusations of sexual assault, including an alleged attempted rape, spanning a period between June 2008 and November 2014. His lawyers previously lodged special defences of consent and alibi. Consent was given as a defence for three alleged sexual assaults and an alleged indecent assault against three women. The trial, before judge Lady Dorrian, continues. Religious leaders in Kenya have suspended worship in some churches and mosques after the country confirmed seven coronavirus cases. The Presbyterian Church of East Africa, All Saints Cathedral of Anglican Church, Christ is the Answer Ministries, Kenya Assemblies of God and the Nairobi Chapel have suspended congregational worship. All the five churches said they would live stream Sunday services on social media platforms. The Presbyterian Church and Anglican Church urged congregants to cancel upcoming weddings or opt for short ceremonies with less people in attendance. Church-related meetings have also been stopped in line with President Uhuru Kenyattas directive that banned all public gatherings as a precaution to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The Jamia Mosque in the capital, Nairobi, announced that it was stopping all congregational prayers. The mosques leadership said it was monitoring the situation and would advise faithfuls: Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Leo Varadkar, Ireland's prime minister, not pictured, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, March 12, 2020. President Donald Trump has canceled June's in-person meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven nations, which was set to take place at Camp David, as the world fights the spread of the coronavirus. Instead, the summit will be conducted by video conference. The move adheres to guidelines about social distancing for combating the virus' spread. Trump's top economic advisor, Larry Kudlow, told his G-7 counterparts about the change, according to White House spokesman Judd Deere. The president will also hold video conferences with the leaders in May and April, Deere added. Trump and the other G-7 chiefs held a video conference earlier this week, as well, as the coronavirus continues to spread in the United States and abroad. Trump has said the coronavirus crisis in the United States, which has rocked markets and spurred fears of a recession, could last until July or August. The G-7 consists of the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany. Italy is among the hardest-hit nations by the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, while the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tested positive for the illness. German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned earlier in March that up to 70% of Germans could be infected. The move to avoid transmission even at the high-profile G-7 summit offers the latest example of how the coronavirus' rapid spread across the globe has upended normal behavior at every level of society. The deadly COVID-19 illness, which is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has now traveled to dozens of countries globally. More than 242,000 cases are confirmed worldwide, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Trump had originally planned to hold the meeting at his Doral resort in Florida, but he changed the location to Camp David after he was criticized for self-dealing. Sometimes it's necessary to spend a day cuddled up on the couch watching Netflix, but self-isolating for an unknown period of time can lead to boredom. Keep yourself entertained by learning something that you've always wanted to know how to do. From braiding your hair to crocheting, FEMAIL reveals uplifting activities to make the best of the situation. Meditative: They say knitting is like doing yoga and there's no time like the present to learn a relaxing new skill. We are Knitters is a one stop destination for everything knitting and crocheting Le Marais Shawl - Knitting kit, $89; weareknitters.com They say knitting is like doing yoga and there's no time like the present to learn a relaxing new skill. We are Knitters is a one stop destination for everything knitting and crocheting. The website offers free tutorials on various stitches and techniques, patterns for pillows, scarves, sweaters and more, knitting parties and all-inclusive kits for beginners. They are offering free shipping on all orders until Sunday, March 22. Penmanship: Write like Meghan Markle and learn calligraphy while sitting on your couch The Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners, $6.99; amazon.com Write like Meghan Markle and learn calligraphy while sitting on your couch. While handwritten notes are rare in 2020, that doesn't mean they're not appreciated. A calligraphy guide for beginners (we recommend The Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy), a few fountain pens, a good YouTube tutorial and some practice are all you need to perfect your John Hancock. Though the art of calligraphy could be tricky to master, as long as your persistent and patient you can do it. Plus, thanks to the quarantine, you have time on your side. From Meg: While handwritten notes are rare, that doesn't mean they're not appreciated Stylish hairdo: Braids like Kim Kardashian's look fierce...they also look impossible to re-create Braids like Kim Kardashian's look fierce...they also look impossible to re-create. In a few months, the coronavirus will (hopefully) be behind us, international travel will be allowed and it will be summer. Warm weather calls for braided hairstyles. French braids, cornrolls and fishtails are the perfect updos for the beach, bar and everywhere in between. Watch your favorite YouTube tutorial, then practice making small braids in your hair while watching TV and you'll have all the techniques down by June 20. Skin savior: A Lapcos variety pack of 7 face masks addresses different skin conditions for every day of the week Spending so much time cooped up indoors has its affects on our health, well-being and appearance. Air quality inside your home can be damaging, while fresh air does wonders for our skin. A Lapcos variety pack of 7 face masks addresses different skin conditions for every day of the week. After cleansing and toning, unfold a single sheet and gently spread over face avoiding the eye and mouth area. We don't always have to active, use this time for some quality R&R. Lay down, shut your eyes and leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes. Remove and gently pat remaining serum into the skin until it is fully absorbed. Lapcos Variety 7+1 Version 1, $22; lapcosusa.com Staying inside all day with nothing to do can lead to feelings of being 'stir-crazy.' Pick up a coloring book! That's right boys and girls, they're not just for kids! Enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia while tuning out the world and tapping into your creative side. Coloring in-and-outside the lines can be very meditative. We recommend Tattoo Art by Ink Designs for Inner Peace. Photo: Vulture Toward the end of Ling Mas Severance, Candace Chen gets stuck in an elevator. Shes on her way up to Spectra, the New York publishing house where she facilitates printings of new versions of the Bible. Ordinarily, this would be an inconvenience, a story to tell her friends later, but now its a potentially deadly tragedy. New York is essentially empty after a strange fungal infection called Shen Fever has slithered its way through the population; Candace remains, fulfilling a contract that promises her huge bonuses so long as she stays at work. Shes one of the last humans left in the city. When she presses the Emergency Call button, it goes straight to City Services voice-mail. A few minutes later, the elevator inexplicably lurches to life and delivers her to her colleague-free floor, where she calls 911. The operator tiredly asks, What are you still doing in there? Candace doesnt understand the question. Shes working, she says, as if it were obvious. In Emily St. John Mandels Station Eleven, the Georgia flu takes out 99 percent of the world in a matter of days. The never-described event (some speculate its a meteor strike) that decimates America in Cormac McCarthys The Road happens in the blink of an eye. Though events in Camuss The Plague or Gabriel Garcia Marquezs Love in the Time of Cholera take place over longer stretches of time, in neither novel do the victims cleanly see the disease coming over the horizon. But in Severance, the destruction of society isnt wrought over the course of a few days or in the instant of a nuclear event. Its a slow roll of disaster, like an IV bag full of diluted poison that metes out its contents drip by drip. Now, mid- (or perhaps early or late, its impossible to tell) COVID-19, Severance is turning into an uncanny parallel of our current state of the world. Like our virus origins in a market of the massive, newly hatched Chinese city of Wuhan, Shen Fever emerges from a production facility in Shenzhen, China. The fever doesnt cause death per se, but a fatal lack of consciousness, in which the afflicted cycle through lifes most mundane routines trying on clothes from their closets, setting and resetting the same dining-room table ad infinitum. As it reaches New York, life slides gradually from normalcy to adaptation to complete rearrangement. At first, the New York Times keeps a running tally of the fevered. Fashion Week goes on, with models in face masks, gloves, and even scrubs, many branded with designer logos. New protocols for how to keep safe are issued almost daily Candace is at first encouraged, and then required by the corporate powers that be, to wear an N95 respirator mask to work. America implements a useless travel ban to keep noncitizens out of the country. Broadway goes on hiatus. I neednt go on. What Ma properly (and alarmingly, perhaps even to her) anticipated was that a pandemic could turn into a slow-burn performance, that we wouldnt be shot out of a cannon and into a new world, but instead would watch it all unfold like a digitally broadcast picaresque. Think of how weve all watched COVID-19 roll in. It was early January eight long weeks ago that reports began popping up of a strange new flu. A few days later, we realized it may come to America, an unwelcome stowaway encased in unwitting lungs on some transpacific flight. Since then, our attention has glanced over it, then examined it, and now fixates on it. Weve had so much time that some people stocked up for quarantine, then ate all their stored food and needed to shop again. Weve flocked to the internet to try to see what everyone else is seeing. This isnt the panic of dodging a zombie or crawling into a nuclear bunker; its one of watching norms slip away so gradually that we can all chat about them as theyre on their way out. Oh look, theres no such thing as a restaurant anymore. In a blink-of-an-eye catastrophe, theres no time to reflect on what to make of it. But when a disaster peeks its head up out of a hole and slowly saunters into view, it turns into a thing to behold rather than one to run from. This pandemic is the most-watched show on TV, the best-liked post on Instagram, the thing wed all chat about if only we could gather around the office watercooler. So far, there isnt any definitive pandemic art, but thats because we are the art a giant performance of how we buckle when our routine makes us look like the fevered, enacting useless rituals because they promise some small dose of oxytonic relief. We cling to routines like Candace does, stepping into an empty elevator in an empty office building in a New York so abandoned that cranes are falling off construction platforms and rents are so cheap that a publishing assistant can easily move alone to Manhattan (that, my friends, is a true sign of the apocalypse). Severance is primarily a novel about the breaking and then re-creation of normalcy. Candace is a creature of habit, so much so that she keeps going to work even when there is no factory left to print books, when there is no demand even for Bibles. I got up, she explains early on. I went to work in the morning. I went home in the evening. I repeated the routine. After she finally leaves New York, she joins a crew of seven other survivors making their way toward something called The Facility in Chicago. The group makes their own systems: Before they raid houses for supplies, they gather in a circle, take their shoes off, and hold hands before chanting a mantra that we recited every time. The fact that it corresponded to the rhythm of the Shins New Slang made it easy to remember. Its a human instinct to establish systems beginning with the feeding and sleeping schedules newborns develop and all the way through the familiar daily formulas created for elderly dementia patients. Now, social media has turned into a virtual slideshow of other peoples coping schedules color-coded charts they surely arent following all day with their rowdy 3-year-olds, evening routines that involve an hours worth of skin care, exclamation-pointed directives that they get up and move every 30 minutes. What were looking for in repetition is stability, a path forward that looks just like the path behind us. What Severance understands is that when the breakdown of public life is unhurried, theres time to sink ourselves back into the same head-down, inward-facing regimens that left us disconnected even when we had ample opportunities to face-to-face connect. Watching the world go by was our routine in the years leading up to COVID-19, and that hasnt changed. In normal times, we watched self-made teenage celebrities watch themselves put on their makeup in the mirror and clicked on blaring videos that other people filmed at concerts we didnt go to, for bands we probably didnt even like. Now we watch January Jones tell us how to take a soothing bath with pantry supplies we already have on hand. Mostly, we watch each other watch public life slip away. Candace becomes a watcher, too, photographing and documenting her empty city on a blog a horse trotting purposefully, cheerfully, unhurried, down Broadway; the murals inside Bemelmans Bar; a private security guard still standing sentry in a townhouse window. Thats what she knows how to do, what the piecemeal breakdown of society has enabled. Like us, Candaces new normal is a rampant obsession with taking in the world around her and trying to make sense of its abnormality. The gang that she eventually joins is headed by Bob, a former IT guy with a carpal-tunnel injury who brags that hes played every iteration of World of Warcraft exactly the kind of guy who would irritatingly survive an apocalyptic pandemic and then somehow end up in a leadership role. Hes a buffoon, but sometimes he gets it right. In a little speech he gives to the crew after smashing Candaces (disconnected but still sentimentally meaningful) iPhone, Bob says: The internet is the flattening of time. It is the place where the past and the present exist on a single plane. But proportionally, because the present calcifies into the past, even now, even as we speak, perhaps it is more accurate to say that the internet almost wholly consists of the past. It is a place we go to commune with the past. And isnt that where we all are now, reading this piece, sucking the past into the present, insisting our routines will get us through, flattening a big, broad world into just another performance something we think we will someday sew up like a novel and remember as that quaint little time we all had a pandemic together. Were committed to keeping our readers informed. Weve removed our paywall from essential coronavirus news stories. Become a subscriber to support our journalists. Subscribe now. Pleas for Canadians to socially distance amid the COVID-19 crisis did not make Jeff Culligan reconsider his regular appointment at a King Street West blood donor clinic. Im not too concerned, I thought it was OK to come in and they definitely kept us (donors) more separate than usual, Culligan said Thursday outside the clinic. Other regular donors are, however, staying away, triggering a worrying national dip in new blood supplies being felt in the GTA. Canadian Blood Services is pleading for people to continue offering up an arm to help save the lives of others. Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations for Ontario, said a nationwide spike in cancelled and delayed appointments has been reflected in serious drops in blood donations in the GTA where eight permanent sites, plus mobile clinics, usually collect 3,000 litres every week. Last Saturday, after the Ontario government extended the March school break by two weeks and urged people to not gather, donations plummeted 32 per cent below the usual goal. Closure of schools and community centres cancelled mobile donor clinics slated to visit. Efforts to restock blood and blood product supplies needed to treat accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, people getting cancer treatments, among others started rebounding Tuesday only after some health officials and politicians heeded a plea to say its OK to donate. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, treatment of which doesnt generally require blood stocks. The challenge for us, which were already seeing with blood systems in Europe, is a decrease in donations, MacDonald said. Its a challenge with supply. Our demand for life-saving blood goes on. As for social interaction at clinics, MacDonald noted they are a rare health-care setting where only healthy people are welcome. New procedures at the door include hand sanitizer and questions for potential donors about how they feel and recent travel. Inside, chairs for those waiting to donate, or having a snack after, have been moved further apart. Beds for those giving blood no longer face each other to avoid droplets from a sneeze or cough travelling through the air to another donor. Donors are being urged to book appointments via phone at 1-888-2DONATE, or the agencys website, rather than drop in, to space out visits and avoid crowding. Health officials are telling anyone who has been out of Canada to self-isolate for 14 days upon return. Canada Blood Services regular travel restrictions include a 21-day wait for donors who travelled outside Canada, the continental U.S., Europe or Antarctica. A fresh bandage on his arm, Culligans advice to fellow donors is: If youre feeling well and arent too anxious about it, give it a try. Its needed and they can only keep the blood for so long. Boris Johnsons most senior aide is facing fresh allegations he flouted lockdown rules by taking a sightseeing trip on Easter Sunday. The prime minister is facing mounting calls to sack Dominic Cummings amid claims he made several trips to see his family in County Durham, while the country was being told to stay at home. Ministers vociferously defended Mr Cummings after it emerged he had made the 260-mile journey, insisting he had obeyed the rules by staying in one place while there. However, an eyewitness told The Observer and the Sunday Mirror he had seen Mr Cummings on 12 April, 30 miles from Durham in Barnard Castle. Another eyewitness said they saw the prime ministers most trusted aide in Durham on 19 April, days after he had been photographed returning to Downing Street. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 December 2021 Sunrise at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 29 December 2021 The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, looks at Becket, a six month old red-billed chough as he visits Wildwood Wildlife Park in Kent on the anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket PA UK news in pictures 28 December 2021 Troops of the Household Cavalry are seen reflected in a puddle during the changing of the Queens Life Guard, on Horse Guards Parade, in central London PA UK news in pictures 27 December 2021 A pedestrian walks past a winter sale sign outside a John Lewis store on Oxford street in London Getty UK news in pictures 26 December 2021 Riders take their bikes through the snow near Castleside, County Durham PA UK news in pictures 25 December 2021 Patrick Corkery wears a santa hat and beard as waves crash over him at Forty Foot near Dublin during a Christmas Day dip PA UK news in pictures 24 December 2021 People stand inside Kings Cross Station on Christmas Eve in London Reuters UK news in pictures 23 December 2021 Christmas shoppers fill the car park at Fosse Shopping Park in Leicester PA UK news in pictures 22 December 2021 The sun rises behind the stones as people gather for the winter solstice at Stonehenge. Getty UK news in pictures 21 December 2021 People take part in a winter solstice swim at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to mark the solstice and to witness the dawn after the longest night of the year PA UK news in pictures 20 December 2021 An auction employee displays poultry to buyers and sellers attending the Christmas Poultry Sale at York Auction Centre in Murton PA UK news in pictures 19 December 2021 Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 December 2021 Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 December 2021 Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, bursts 'Boris' bubble' held by colleague Tim Farron, as she celebrates following her victory in the North Shropshire by-election PA UK news in pictures 16 December 2021 Brussels sprouts are harvested by workers as they prepare for the busy Christmas period near Boston in Lincolnshire PA UK news in pictures 15 December 2021 Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 14 December 2021 The Royal Liver Buildings surrounded by early morning fog in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 13 December 2021 People queue outside a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas's Hospital in Westminster Getty Images UK news in pictures 12 December 2021 People take part in the Big Leeds Santa Dash in Roundhay Park, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 11 December 2021 People arrive at a Covid-19 vaccination centre at Elland Road in Leeds, PA UK news in pictures 10 December 2021 Stella Moris speaks to the media after the US Government won its High Court bid to overturn a judges decision not to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange PA UK news in pictures 9 December 2021 Camels are lead around Salisbury Cathedral during a rehearsal for the Christmas Eve Service PA UK news in pictures 8 December 2021 Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons, a year after Margaret was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer vaccine PA UK news in pictures 7 December 2021 Snowfall in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow PA UK news in pictures 6 December 2021 A person tries to avoid sea spray on New Brighton promenade in Wallasey as the UK readies for the arrival of Storm Barra Getty UK news in pictures 5 December 2021 People release balloons during a tribute to six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes outside Emma Tustin's former address in Solihull, West Midlands, where he was murdered by his stepmother PA UK news in pictures 4 December 2021 People walk through a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square Reuters UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 2 December 2021 Duchess of Cambridge inspects a Faberge egg at the Victoria and Albert Museum Getty UK news in pictures 1 December 2021 Meerkats at London Zoo with an advent calendar PA UK news in pictures 30 November 2021 Workers put the finishing touches to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony later in the week PA UK news in pictures 29 November 2021 Home Secretary Priti Patel is greeted by a police dog at a special memorial service for Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana Getty UK news in pictures 28 November 2021 Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United during a match at the Etihad during snow Manchester City/Getty UK news in pictures 27 November 2021 Residents clear branches from a fallen tree in Birkenhead, north west England as Storm Arwen triggered a rare red weather warning AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 An aerial picture shows a worker using a quad bike and trailer to transport freshly harvested trees at Pimms Christmas Tree farm in Matfield, southeast England AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 26 November 2021 A shopper browses Christmas trees for sale at Pines and Needles in Dulwich, London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 November 2021 A murmuration of hundreds of thousands of starlings fly over a field at dusk in Cumbria, close to the Scottish border PA UK news in pictures 3 December 2021 A pedestrian carries a dog as they dodge shoppers on Oxford Street in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 November 2021 Migrants are helped ashore from a RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeboat at a beach in Dungeness, on the south-east coast of England, on November 24, 2021, after being rescued while crossing the English Channel. AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 23 November 2021 The coffin of Sir David Amess is carried past politicians, including former Prime Ministers Sir John Major, David Cameron and Theresa May, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the requiem mass for the MP at Westminster Cathedral, central London PA UK news in pictures 22 November 2021 The scene in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset where police have launched a murder probe after two people were found dead Tom Wren/SWNS UK news in pictures 21 November 2021 London-based midwife Sarah Muggleton, 27, takes part in a 'March with Midwives' in central London to highlight the crisis in maternity services PA UK news in pictures 20 November 2021 Police officers monitor as climate change activists sit down and block traffic during a protest action in solidarity with activists from the Insulate Britain group who received prison terms for blocking roads, on Lambeth Bridge in central London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 19 November 2021 A giant installation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson made from recycled clothing goes on display at Manchester Central, as part of Manchester Art Fair, in a 'wake-up call for the Prime Minister to tackle textile waste' PA UK news in pictures 18 November 2021 The scene at a recycling centre in Stert, near Devizes in Wiltshire after a large blaze was brought under control. The fire broke out on Wednesday night the fire service has said and local residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut due to large amounts of smoke PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2021 The sun rises over South Shields Lighthouse, on the North East coast of England PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2021 ancer Maithili Vijayakumar at the launch of 2021 Diwali celebrations at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh PA UK news in pictures 15 November 2021 Forensic officers work outside Liverpool Women's Hospital, following a car blast, in Liverpool Reuters UK news in pictures 14 November 2021 Wreaths by the Cenotaph after the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London PA UK news in pictures 13 November 2021 Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of detainee Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, is ending his hunger strike in central London after almost three weeks. Ratcliffe has spent 21 days camped outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London without food. He began his demonstration on 24 October after his wife lost her latest appeal in Iran, saying his family was caught in a dispute between two states PA Earlier, Downing Street had described the first trip as essential, saying Mr Cummings needed his familys help to care for his young son because his wife was sick with coronavirus and he feared he was next. Cabinet ministers lined up to defend Mr Cummings, saying he had put his family first and accused critics of trying to politicise the issue. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, used the daily Downing Street press conference to suggest that Mr Cummings had not broken lockdown rules because he had stayed put upon arrival in Durham. But Robin Lees, 70, a retired chemistry teacher, told the papers he had seen Mr Cummings in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday. Mr Lees compared him to Catherine Calderwood, Scotlands former chief medical officer, who stood down after visiting her second home twice during lockdown. Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP have written to Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, calling for an inquiry into Mr Cummingss decision to travel from London to Durham. They want the probe to include when the prime minister was made aware Mr Cummings had left the capital. Senior Tories also expressed concern that Mr Cummings's behaviour could encourage others to flout the rules, jeopardising the governments plans to gradually lift the lockdown. The Independent can reveal that senior MPs are set to question Mr Johnson over Mr Cummings later this week, as pressure grows on the prime minister to explain what he knew about the trip under lockdown. Parliament is in recess until June, meaning Mr Johnson will not have to face MPs at Prime Ministers Questions. But members of the Commons Liaison Committee, which is made up of the chairs of other select committees, said they expected Mr Johnson to be questioned about Mr Cummings when he makes his first appearance before them later this week. Pete Wishart, an SNP MP who sits on the committee and is a member of the "quad" which organises its business, said: If nothing has changed and Dominic Cummings is still in post by Wednesday, it would be very surprising if this was an issue that was not raised. Another member of the committee said: Im sure one of my colleagues will crowbar the Cummings question in. In a statement defending Mr Cummings, Downing Street said his trip had been essential to ensure his young son was properly cared for. After an offer of help from his sister and nieces, he travelled to a house near to but separate from his extended family. A spokesperson for No 10, said: "Yesterday [Friday] the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr Cummings. Today [Saturday] they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on 14 April. We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers." There was confusion about the involvement of police, however. No 10 also said that at no stage was Mr Cummings or his family spoken to by the police. On Saturday night Durham Police took the unusual step of confirming they had spoken to Mr Cummingss father. Steve White, the police and crime commissioner for Durham Police, a former head of the Police Federation in England and Wales, said it was "most unwise" for Mr Cummings to have travelled when "known to be infected". The SNP accused No 10 of a "cover up" after reports some in Downing Street knew Mr Cummings had made the 260-mile journey during lockdown. Former Tory cabinet minister David Lidington, Theresa Mays de facto deputy prime minister, told Newsnight: "There's clearly serious questions that No 10 are going to have to address, not least because the readiness of members of the public to follow government guidance more generally is going to be affected by this sort of story." Professor Neil Ferguson, the epidemiologist whose modelling prompted the lockdown, quit as a government adviser for flouting the rules when he was visited at this home by his lover. At the time Mr Hancock, the health secretary, said he was "speechless" and that he backed any police action against Mr Ferguson. Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, called for Mr Cummings to quit over the allegations, while a spokesperson for Labour said: "The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for Dominic Cummings." Asked by reporters on Saturday if he had considered his position, Mr Cummings said "obviously not". (Newser) Celebrities with the coronavirus? You can add actor Daniel Dae Kim to the list. "Hi everyoneyesterday I was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus," says the former Lost and Hawaii Five-0 actor on Instagram. "Looks like I'll be OK, but I wanted share my journey with you in the hopes that you find it informative or helpful. Hope you all stay safe, calm, and above all, healthy." In a 10-minute video, Kim says he likely contracted the illness in New York City while shooting the TV series New Amsterdamin which he happened to be playing a doctor at a hospital working amid a flu pandemic, notes the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. story continues below Kim says he returned home to Hawaii with a scratchy throat; he self-quarantined as he developed symptoms including fever, body aches, and chest tightness. So he went to a drive-through testing center and sure enough, tested positive. Since then it's been rest, meds, and liquids. He warns that "if you treat this without care you are potentially endangering the lives of millions of people, including your loved ones," and he calls out what he terms "cowardly" and "inexcusable" xenophobia over the outbreak. "Yes, I'm Asian. And yes, I have coronavirus, but I did not get it in China," he says. "I got it in Americain New York City." As for himself: "Today, even though I'm not 100%, I'm pretty close." The New York Times is keeping an updated list of celebrities, athletes, and public figures who've tested positive here. (Read more coronavirus stories.) The WHO has repeatedly underlined the importance of "flattening the curve" in order to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, calling on countries around the world to impose sweeping public health measures. Since emerging from Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the coronavirus has spread to more than 150 countries. To date, it has infected over 221,000 people globally, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, with 8,966 deaths. The outbreak has been recognized as a pandemic by the WHO, prompting many countries to impose so-called lockdown measures in order to contain the spread. "WHO continues to call on all countries to implement a comprehensive approach, with the aim of slowing down transmission and flattening the curve," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media briefing Wednesday. "This approach is saving lives and buying time for the development of vaccines and treatments." What is flattening the curve? In epidemiology, the curve refers to the projected number of new cases over a period of time. In contrast to a steep rise of coronavirus infections, a more gradual uptick of cases will see the same number of people get infected, but without overburdening the health-care system at any one time. The idea of flattening the curve is to stagger the number of new cases over a longer period, so that people have better access to care. It explains why so many countries are implementing draconian policies, such as social-distancing guidelines, "shelter in place" orders, restrictive travel measures and asking citizens to work or engage in schooling from home. "The whole goal of everything right now should be to cut transmission and to contain the virus as good as possible because the health systems globally cannot cope with a fast or quick or strong influx of many cases at one moment in time," WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Thursday. "Hence we need to slow down the curve and slow down the spread and try to spread it over time as good as possible so that the health system can cope and production of vital medical equipment can cope," he added. How can the curve be flattened? As there is no vaccine available for the coronavirus at present and testing remains relatively limited in many countries, the WHO has stressed the need for citizens to take collective action. The United Nations health agency has asked people around the world to wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, maintain social distancing, practice respiratory hygiene and seek medical care if they have a fever, cough or any difficulty breathing. "One thing that is cutting transmission is testing, testing (and) testing every single patient and following up on them," Lindmeier said, before adding that every single suspect case should also be tested. "The other is the various political measures, such as social distancing or quarantines." 'Much rather be ahead of the curve than behind it' Earlier this week, President Donald Trump urged Americans to avoid discretionary travel, gathering in public spaces and work from home if possible. The guidelines, which were due to remain in place through to end of the month, were imposed to try to blunt the spread of the coronavirus. U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Kevin Dietsch | Bloomberg | Getty Images Iran's top leader will pardon 10,000 more prisoners in an apparent effort to combat the coronavirus, state TV reported Thursday. As part of steps to curb the spread of the new virus that has killed more than 1,100 people in Iran, the country has already released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave. Separately, the United Arab Emirates added to its list of people barred from entering all residents who are currently abroad. The decision impacts people whose homes, children, bank accounts and livelihoods are in the country, but who were traveling or outside the country. The ban goes into effect at mid-day Thursday for at least two weeks. Only Emirati citizens are allowed to return. The UAE, which is home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has 113 confirmed cases of the virus. It announced it was suspending all new labor permits, including those for drivers and domestic workers, until further notice. The UAE is unique in that only about 10% of its population, or about 1 million people, are Emirati citizens. The other 90% are foreign residents who fuel its economy and keep the country running. They hold the vast majority of jobs in construction, transportation, hospitality, sales, medicine, education and other key sectors. The Middle East has some 20,000 cases of the virus, with most in Iran or originating from Iran. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. To encourage people to stay at home in Iran, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour wrote on social media that the virus infects 50 Iranians on average every single hour and that one dies every 10 minutes. Make smart decisions about travel, visits and meetings, he wrote on Twitter, as highways remained crowded with people traveling to see family ahead of the Iranian New Year on Friday. State TV quoted judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili as saying that 10,000 prisoners among them an unknown number of inmates whose cases are political and related to activism or speech would be granted amnesty under a decree by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the occasion of the new year, called Nowruz. Occasionally Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, pardons prisoners. Last year, he pardoned more than 50,000 on the 40th anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution. Western nations have urged Iran to release dual nationals and others, alleging they are used as bargaining chips in negotiations. Among those temporarily freed was Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British dual national long held on internationally criticized charges. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who works for the charitable Thomson Reuters Foundation, was arrested in 2016 on charges of trying to topple the government while traveling with her toddler daughter. In Lebanon, the last commercial flight arrived in Beirut's international airport from Istanbul late Wednesday just before a lockdown went into effect at midnight for the next two weeks. The government shut down the airport, seaports and borders and ordered citizens to stay home as the small country of nearly 5 million people grappled with containing the virus. Lebanon has recorded four deaths and 133 cases infected cases. Most private businesses, restaurants and Lebanese government institutions were also ordered shut, leaving only bakeries, supermarkets and pharmacies open, as well as some banks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shashi Shekhar, the CEO of Prasar Bharti, has quashed rumours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a "lockdown" to contain COVID-19 in his address to the nation at 8:00 pm today. Shekhar in a tweet has said that some media outlets were speculating that PM Modi would announce a lockdown in his address to the nation. He put the speculations to rest saying, "This information is incorrect". He also said that initiating a lockdown will create "unnecessary panic" among the population of the country and that a lockdown is "the last thing we need in times like this." Some media outlets are speculating that PM Modi will announce a lock down in his address. This information is incorrect. It will also create unnecessary panic in minds of people, which is the last thing we need in times like this. - Shashi Shekhar (@shashidigital) March 19, 2020 PM Modi had chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday. After the meeting, the PMO announced that the PM would address the nation on Thursday at 8:00 pm. The PMO had said that the PM would talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and efforts to contain it. The number of coronavirus cases has increased sharply in the last three weeks. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 180 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in India. Globally, the number has climbed up to 2,19,032 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 8,953 deaths. Only 16 people have been treated for the coronavirus and discharged from the hospitals, these include the three people who were treated in Kerala last month. So far, four people in the country have died due to the deadly virus. The latest victim is a 72-year-old man from Punjab. The other three victims include a 64-year-old man from Maharashtra, a 76-year-old man from Karnataka and a 68-year-old woman from the national capital. Also Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Woman with has travel history to UK tests positive in Chandigarh; tally rises to 170 Also Read: Deadly novel coronavirus can exist in air for hours and for days on surfaces, says study The rapid spread of the pandemic has resulted in countries all over the world taking a series of actions to save their citizens and others from being infected. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Coronavirus are a large family of viruses that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The World Health Organisation has stated that COVID-19 is a new strain of virus that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. The first incidence of an outbreak of the virus was recorded in December 2019 at Wuhan. Wuhan is a city located in Chinas province of Hubei, it is a commercial centre divided by the Yangtze and Han Rivers. According to the WHO, the virus primarily spreads between people in a similar manner. It is spread through influenza via respiratory droplets from coughing or exhaling. As at the time of writing this article (18th March 2020, 17:40GMT), the John Hopkins University of Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center has recorded a total of 211,853 cases, out of these number, 8724 were reported to have died and 83,188 people have so far recovered. The virus which has shown that it is no respecter of persons has affected important personalities, ranging from government officials to celebrities. The wife of Canadas Prime Minister Mrs. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is one of the personalities who tested positive to the virus, others like the press secretary to the Brazilian President and recently, Idriss Elba, a famous actor also took to social media to announce to the world that he has tested positive to the virus, The prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, a British health minister, Irans deputy health minister, Frances culture minister, Australian home affairs minister and the President of the European Parliament have all self-quarantined themselves to help protect others from infection. Apart from the economic and social impact of the pandemic on countries, migration and international travel is the most affected. Countries have issued travel warnings, travel restrictions, health screening and quarantines to help protect travelers from this deadly virus. One of the hardest-hit industry is the airline industry, Airline companies like Delta Airways, Lufthansa and British Airways have all had to cut down on flights due to the harm caused by the virus. Economist.com is also reporting that the aviation industry may not fully recover from the effects of the pandemic, Hotels are recording low patronage because people are not interested in travelling due to the pandemic, families have been temporarily separated, businesses have been shut down because people may infect others. In the United States of America, states like Washington D.C, New York, Houston, and New Jersey have all ordered the closure of public places in order to safeguard life, other countries in Europe and Africa have all taken some measures to halt the spread of the pandemic. In Ghana, seven cases have so far been recorded, this includes a top diplomat of the Norwegian Embassy, the pandemic has led to the closure of the Norwegian, Netherlands Embassy and the Canadian High Commission respectively. The government is also taking some measures to secure the citizens and others from contracting the virus. This includes the barring of non Ghanaians from disembarking at the Kotoka International Airport. The Ghana Immigration Service has so far refused entry to 2 Italians on board an Air France, 24 Chinese and 1 Germany. The Service has also reported of a drastic reduction in passengers disembarking at the Airport. The EU has issued a travel ban on travelers from outside the EU, according to the BBC, the EU has imposed a 30-day ban to halt the spread of the virus. The ban does not affect Europeans going home or cross-border workers. UK citizens are also exempted due to an interim Brexit deal which ties the UK to EU rules. The spread of the virus is likely to also hinder the free movement of people and goods in the West African sub region. Due to the mode of transmission, all countries in the sub region would want to put in place stringent measures to forestall the spread of the pandemic. This would result in the restriction of members from traveling from one state to the other. It has also been reported that a Nigerian was refused entry at the Aflao border because the Immigration found out that he had traveled to Korea in the past 15 days. Most African countries are import dependent, they depend on Asia, Europe and America for most of their needs, with the outbreak of the pandemic, most factories in these countries have stopped production and this is having a rippling effect on businesses that import from these countries. Businessmen and other travelers have all been held back by the pandemic. COVID-19 is a social leveler, it has no respect for status, age and colour. It has really thought us that we need each other to make the world a better place. The various efforts by governments, international organisations and individuals to see to the prevention and possible cure of the pandemic should be a welcome news to us all. We should also ensure that we abide by the best practices that has been published widely to prevent the virus from spreading further. Mustapha Jimah. [email protected] The writer is a former consular officer at the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana and currently the CEO of Musjima Ventures. His interest is in travel matters and migration issues. For enquiries call or whatsapp me on 0262677946. TORONTO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM, TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or "the Company") is providing an update on its Nunavut operations following yesterday's declaration of a state of public health emergency relating to COVID-19 by the Government of Nunavut. At the present time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut or at any of Agnico Eagle's global operations. The Company is working to ensure the continued health of local residents in the communities in which it operates. Senior management from Agnico Eagle are meeting today with representatives from Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, the Kivalliq Inuit Association, the Government of Nunavut and others to review the Company's Pandemic Plan. The Company is basing its guidelines on and is following the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the different provincial and territorial governments with respect to the COVID-19 virus. As part of an effort to protect the people of Nunavut, Agnico Eagle has decided to send home its Nunavut based work force ("Nunavummiut") from the Meliadine and Meadowbank operations as well as the exploration projects for a period of four weeks. All Nunavummiut workers currently on site will be returned home and those that are currently off-site will not return. These employees will continue to receive their remuneration during this period. In addition, Agnico Eagle will be meeting with its Nunavut contractors to discuss similar measures involving their Nunavummiut workers. "We value our relationship with the people of Nunavut and are committed to do what is best for the health, safety and well-being of all our employees and the communities", said Sean Boyd, Agnico Eagle's Chief Executive Officer. "This precautionary measure is being implemented in order to eliminate the potential risk of transmission of COVID-19 from a southern worker to a Nunavut worker, with the risk of it moving into the communities." Agnico Eagle plans to continue operations at both Meliadine and Meadowbank with the remaining workforce. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Company will reassess the situation on an ongoing basis. About Agnico Eagle Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its operating mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden. Agnico Eagle and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this news release has been prepared as at March 19, 2020. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will" or similar terms. Such statements include, without limitation: the Company's plans to continue operations at both Meliadine and Meadowbank. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Other than as required by law, Agnico Eagle does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited Related Links http://www.agnicoeagle.com Hydrogen gets a lot of attention as a feasible, green alternative to traditional fossil fuels, and even as the potential solution to commercial nuclear fusion, often referred to as the holy grail of clean energy. Hydrogen can be used as a fuel source for myriad different industrial processes and combustion engines, and when it burns it leaves nothing behind but water vapor. Sounds great, right? While it gets a lot of buzz, however, not all kinds of hydrogen are really a greener option. In fact, a lot of hydrogen is produced by using fossil fuels, primarily natural gas and coal, which means that its use really isnt cutting down on emissions at all. This kind of hydrogen, called gray hydrogen, is already used in industries and industrial processes such as ammonia production, in refineries and as a feedstock for chemicals. This is what makes green hydrogen such a big deal - not just the hydrogen part, but also how its made, with zero greenhouse gas emissions on either the production or the consumption end of the supply chain. The only issue is that we havent yet found an economically viable way to produce green hydrogen without using tons of cash or tons of energy inputs. But were getting close. For one thing, green hydrogens buzzworthy nature has gotten a lot of attention from investors, and recently even supermajor oil companies have been heading for greener pastures with new sustainable hydrogen projects. Just last month Royal Dutch Shell announced their involvement in a green hydrogen project involving an offshore wind farm in the Dutch North Sea. Whats more, experts are predicting that the biggest obstacle to bringing green hydrogen to market--its capital cost--is about to come down. Everybody is predicting that the cost curve will come down, just as it has with solar and wind power, Recharge News wrote last month. The article titled Why green hydrogen is key to the global energy transition continues: Though, to get the price point right, you have to reach economies of scale. Then its just a matter of when the industry is primed to take the next step. involvement from major players like Royal Dutch Shell is already getting us closer to that threshold. And now, we may be even closer thanks to a breakthrough this month by a group of Japanese scientists from the Tokyo University of Science, who have managed to efficiently produce green hydrogen in a novel way. While the researchers' paper, Hydrogen Production System by Light?Induced ?FeOOH Coupled with Photoreduction, published in Chemistry: A European Journal, makes it sound complicated, it actually couldnt be simpler. This green hydrogen recipes two humble main ingredients are rust and a light source. Related: Russia Needs Higher Oil Prices, But Won't Surrender In laymans terms, as translated from science-speak and paraphrased by Science Alert, the set-up uses just a few basic ingredients - light from a mercury-xenon lamp, a solution of water and methanol, and a particular type of rust (or iron oxide) called -FeOOH. In the lab, this combination was a smashing success, with a hydrogen yield 25 times greater than existing methods that use titanium dioxide catalysts. One of the biggest challenges in hydrogen fuel production is teasing hydrogen atoms apart from other molecules, and keeping them that way without the entire thing blowing up, the Science Alert article continues. In the new method, by swapping titanium with rust, the hydrogen gas generated seemed to be blocked from recoupling with oxygen, making the separation of the elements easier, and reducing the risk of explosion at the same time. This cheap, stable catalyst combo could be the winning ticket to get green hydrogen to market. If so, this would have seriously positive implications for some of our dirtier industries, and any reduction in emissions is a very good thing on the eve of peak oil and catastrophic climate change. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Citywide Photo: Jessica Park/Hoodline With Tuesday's shelter-in-place order, the City of San Francisco made it clear that social distancing and self-isolation are critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19. But for thousands of unhoused San Franciscans living en masse in the city's homeless shelters, distancing isn't an option. "At this point, there's kind of a double standard," said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. "For the housed population, the approach has been to advise people to practice social distancing and shelter in place. For the unhoused population, they're being asked to go into congregate settings, where they're unable to practice social distancing." In most shelters, people sleep just a few feet from each other, with no partitions and inadequate sanitization of shared facilities and services, Friedenbach said. "If you have an outbreak, you have a situation where you basically have the entire shelter at risk." At today's press conference with Mayor London Breed, Trent Rhorer, the executive director of the city's Human Services Agency, announced efforts to improve safety at San Francisco's large homeless shelters, which currently house about 2,000 people. To start, the city plans to secure blocks of hotel rooms for use by unhoused people and SRO residents who test positive for COVID-19 and need to be isolated. By the end of the week, the city will have leased about 500 rooms, Rhorer said, with another 1,500 or more to come. But for the moment, the only unhoused people who can use these rooms are those who've already tested positive for COVID-19. Older and immunocompromised homeless people, who face a greater risk of death if they catch the virus, remain exposed until it's too late. Friedenbach believes this group "should be moved out immediately," and into solitary housing. But it appears the unhoused will still have to share space, albeit in smaller clusters. At today's conference, Rhorer said the city plans to break up the big shelters, spreading them out across city-owned sites that will serve as "pop-up shelters" while the shelter-in-place restrictions are underway. Story continues Rhorer said these shelters will be staffed with intake personnel, who will work to identify and isolate anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms for care. Last January, an official count found that more than 8,100 San Franciscans were living in shelters, vehicles or on the street. Were even half of that group to become infected with COVID-19, that's far more than the shelters or hotel rooms can currently house, especially since some of the hotel rooms will also be dedicated to SRO residents and medical professionals under quarantine. Rhorer said the city would be increasing outreach teams to "find vulnerable people to move into shelters as well." But the rest are currently on their own and already more vulnerable to disease, because they lack access to basic sanitation. In the meantime, Friedenbach said, unhoused people can still access COVID-19 testing. Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital is offering testing, and patients can also visit their primary care doctor or urgent care center to be tested. New guidelines for Int'l travellers: From South Africa to Mauritius, here is a list of at-risk countries Press note on COVID-19 declaring restricted movement in India is fake India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: A press release has been doing the rounds claiming that the government of India has declared restricted movement from March 18 to March 31 2020. The release states that the National Security Council had a coordination meeting between the government agencies on March 17 2020 to ensure the smooth implementation of the order. The order further says that the general public is advised to stay home at all times except to fulfil basic needs. It also said that the order will be effective from 12 midnight March 18 2020. The public is required to obey all regulations stipulated by the authorities. This press release being circulated on Social Media is NOT from India and NOT for India. #FakeNewsBusted pic.twitter.com/gFwrw3DGkq Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) March 19, 2020 When we contacted several officials in Delhi, they said that the order has not been issued by the government of India. No such order has been issued, officials have also confirmed. Prasar Bharti too put out a tweet stating that the press release being circulated on the social media is not from India and not for India. This order is in fact issued by the Malaysian government. Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had on March 16 issued this order to restrict movement nationwide from March 18 until March 31 2020 in a bid to stem rising coronavirus cases. The government has decided to implement a movement control order starting March 18 2020 until March 31 2020, the order said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 18:51:59|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Islamic state militants attend a surrender ceremony in Mehtarlam, capital of east Afghanistan's Laghman Province, March 19,2020. A total of 30 militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group have given up fighting and surrendered to security forces in Laghman, provincial governor Mohammad Asif Nang said Thursday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan, March 19 (Xinhua) -- A total of 30 militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group have given up fighting and surrendered to security forces in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province, provincial governor Mohammad Asif Nang said Thursday. Showing the surrendered militants to reporters, the government said that the surrender would encourage more militants to give up fighting in Laghman and adjoining provinces. The hardliner IS group which is active in parts of the eastern Laghman and the neighboring Nangarhar and Kunar provinces have yet to make comment. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday announced that it is planning to evacuate the next batch of Indians from Italy this weekend. "We are planning to evacuate the next batch of Indians from Italy this weekend, further details are being worked out with the civil aviation ministry," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing. A special Air India flight evacuated 211 students and seven compassionate cases from Milan in northern Italy and reached Delhi on Sunday. All the evacuees have been quarantined for 15 days at the ITBP's Chhawla facility and their blood samples have been collected by the doctors for testing. "If found negative, the second sampling will be done on 14th day of the quarantine period and if that also results as negative, then all these 218 people will be released from the ITBP Centre," the ITBP said. More than 60 million people are living under an increasingly unbearable lockdown that is growing tighter by the day in Italy. The stores that remain open earlier are also told to close down and police are patrolling in ever-greater numbers, chasing families out for walks back into their homes and ensuring no one is outside without a valid reason. The number of novel coronavirus cases in the country is rising at a rate of around 3,500 new cases or more every day, with deaths surpassing 2,500, CNN reported. The highest concentration of cases is in the north of the country, where the dead are being stacked up to be buried as funeral services are strictly prohibited. The highest concentration of cases is in the north of the country, where the dead are being stacked up to be buried as funeral services are strictly prohibited. Europe has been designated as the new epicentre of coronavirus outbreak in Europe by the World Health Organisation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:07:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NANJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cities are encouraging residents to dine out and shop with measures such as handing out e-vouchers to boost consumption sectors hit hard by the novel coronavirus outbreak. Like many living in the eastern city of Nanjing, Wang Linlin was waked up by her alarm clock at midnight and with a few clicks on her cellphone, she was ready to meet her luck of the draw: getting a meal voucher worth 100 yuan (about 14.2 U.S. dollars). "I've always been thinking about hanging out and having hotpot with my friends after the epidemic, so getting a voucher would be great," Wang said. Nanjing has been giving out vouchers worth 318 million yuan to its residents since Sunday. People are invited to participate in lotteries for e-vouchers which can be used in restaurants, gymnasiums, bookshops as well as tourist spots, helping the service sector bounce back. The voucher bonus has been well received as more than 1.6 million local citizens have registered for the lotteries as of Monday, according to the Nanjing Big Data Administration Bureau. Besides Nanjing, many other regions have also been taking similar actions. Macao gives out vouchers totaling 2.2 billion patacas (about 275 million U.S. dollars) to its residents. The city of Ningbo in east China's Zhejiang Province is issuing consumption vouchers worth 100 million yuan while the city of Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, is handing out vouchers worth 20 million yuan to stimulate spending on tourism and culture. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Chinese customers have shied away from restaurants and shopping malls. China's retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of consumption growth, declined 20.5 percent year on year in the first two months of this year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. "People are more willing to dine out with the vouchers, which can boost confidence in the catering sector and finally get the economy back on track," said Shen Jiahua, chairman of a chain restaurant company in Nanjing. After the coronavirus outbreak ends, people are eager to spend generously. According to a survey conducted by the Jiangsu consumers council, nearly 90 percent of the respondents expressed suppressed consumption desire. Restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, gymnasiums and tourist spots are the top five destinations for consumers to unleash their spending spree after normal life resumes, the survey showed. Local officials across China have been taking the lead in recent days in patronizing restaurants and shopping malls, hoping to use their appearances in public to persuade more residents to go outside. In provinces such as Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi, government notices have urged officials to dine out and go shopping to help related businesses through the epidemic period. "Government officials are using their actions to convey confidence and support work resumption and consumer spending," commented a Chinese netizen. In addition to keeping all schools closed through at least May 1 and canceling state-mandated student testing, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Thursday numerous other policies Indiana is implementing due to the coronavirus pandemic. They are: Emergency: Extending the state of emergency which gives the governor extensive unilateral authority to limit activities and restrict movement for another 30 days, after his current emergency order expires April 5. Taxes: Indiana is joining the federal government in delaying the due date for paying income taxes to July 15 from April 15. The Indiana filing deadline also is moved to July 15. There will be no penalties for paying property taxes up to 60 days after the May 11 deadline. Utilities: Providers of essential utility services, such as gas and electric, broadband, telecom, water and wastewater services are prohibited from discontinuing service to any customer during the public health emergency. Unemployment: The state is interpreting Indiana's unemployment laws as broadly as possible to cover Hoosiers out of work due to COVID-19, including paying benefits to individuals who file their initial unemployment claims late. Gaza continues to suffer from poor governance because Hamas cannot control the smaller, but Iran-backed Islamic Jihad group. A key factor in keeping Hamas in power is the billion dollars in cash Qatar has supplied since 2012. The money is supposed to go to the poorest families in Gaza as well as pay the salaries of Gaza government employees. Hamas has never made a complete accounting of how the money is spent but, from what is known, most of the Qatari cash is diverted by Hamas for military and terrorist activities. Some of it goes to reward Hamas members jailed in Israel for terrorism and to Gaza families of terrorists who were killed. A large portion of the cash cannot be accounted for at all and this is apparently stolen by senior Hamas leaders. Other Moslem donors have halted payments to Hamas because they consider most of the money wasted. Qatar keeps it up because Qatar wants to remain on good terms with Iran, in case Iranian aggression towards Arab Gulf states escalates and succeeds. Iran cannot afford that kind of cash for Hamas and refuses to negotiate with Israel, as Qatar has done, to get the cash into Gaza. Sinai Subsides In Egypt (Sinai) the war against ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) has succeeded in reducing violence. In 2019 there were 45 attacks on the security forces compared to 169 in 2018. ISIL cannot afford to lose the manpower it takes to fight the army or police. Instead, more attention is paid to unguarded civilian targets. Destroying infrastructure often causes the collapse of the local economy and increased public anger at the government. In Sinai that has not happened, at least not the way ISIL hoped. Most civilians blame these attacks and their impact on ISIL. That means ISIL tries to launch these attacks in areas with few people to see whats going and use their cell phones to report who is responsible. ISIL prefers to operate in areas with no cell phone signal but those are either rare or only wilderness with nothing to attack. Even with that, strangers in rural areas stand out and are often reported to the police. This situation baffles ISIL because the fundamental belief is that Moslems want Islamic rule and because that ISIL is fighting for, how can Moslems object. In many parts of the world the ISIL strategy works or works a lot more successfully than in Sinai. ISIL leaders dont want to admit that Sinai is somewhat unique because it is largely rural and Bedouin. North Sinai, in particular, has always been an unruly tribal frontier for the government or any other outsiders. Until the arrival of better organized Islamic terrorists after 2000, the government could afford to ignore what happened up there. That began to change in 2005 when Hamas, a radical Moslem Brotherhood faction from Egypt, took over Gaza and turned it into a sanctuary for all many Islamic terror groups including, by 2014, ISIL. Outside of Gaza, there are the Bedouins, who have long supported armed opposition to any government. Despite that, the Bedouins quickly developed an openly hostile attitude towards ISIL because ISIL tries to impose harsh Islamic lifestyle rules on the Bedouins. That is one thing you should not even attempt. The Bedouins forced ISIL to back down frequently because of all this. This did not drive ISIL out of the area because the Sinai Peninsula is a big place (60,000 square kilometers) with only about 600,000 people, mainly in a few urban areas. Lots of places to hideout. ISIL is also accused of killing popular clerics who support Islamic terrorism but not ISIL and planning to become the only Islamic terror group in Sinai and eventually the world. The Egyptians found that the Islamic terrorism problem in Sinai got a lot worse once ISIL showed up. The Egyptians have mobilized several major operations to eliminate ISIL but all they have been able to do is contain it. Security force commanders report that the ongoing (since February 2018) counter-terror operations in Sinai have so far left nearly a thousand Islamic terrorists, along with a few local tribesmen dead as well as over a hundred soldiers and police. Civilian deaths often occur when the troops call in airstrikes (F-16s and armed helicopters) or artillery fire. Independent estimates of losses, based on Internet chatter, media reports and some plausible paranoia, believe that from January 2014 to mid-2018 some 3,000 Islamic terrorists were killed in Sinai, along with 1,200 soldiers and police. No estimates of civilian losses were made. That would include losses among pro-government tribal militias and many cases where it was difficult to tell if dead civilians were the result of attacks on innocent or partisan (pro-ISIL or pro-government) civilians, and who the attacker was. There is also some tribal feuding going on that kills civilians as well as deaths from criminal (bandits and smugglers) activity. Egyptian security services are also notorious for simply kidnapping civilians, using violent interrogation methods and, if the interrogation proves fatal, denying they ever had the victim in custody. This has occurred in Sinai but, of course, there are never any official stats on how often. In some cases, the disappearances are the result of Islamic terrorist or gangster activity or even a tribal feud. In Sinai, the government is believed responsible for nearly a hundred lethal disappearances. Egypt continues to avoid accurately reporting casualties in Sinai. Since early 2018 all the government reports is that so many Islamic terrorists and government forces were killed recently while deliberately not specifying precise time periods. This only applies to operations in Sinai, because that area, unlike most of Egypt, is thinly populated and has been effectively isolated from the rest of Egypt and the outside world in general. While this helps prevent the Sinai based ISIL and other Islamic terrorists from getting into the rest of Egypt, it also prevents journalists from getting in. There is still the Internet and travelers from Sinai. Thus it is known that the battle against Islamic terrorism continues and ISIL has been unable to launch more large-scale attacks. The security forces continue to carry out raids and Islamic terrorists are arrested and killed. But the exact extent of this activity is now unknown. This loss of accuracy in reporting was gradual and is now standard. At the start of 2018 ISIL in Sinai was thought to have 1,300 active members. There appear to be fewer of them now, but still at least a few hundred to nearly a thousand. The lower number is more likely based on the low level of ISIL activity. ISIL insists that both Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza are not competent and that if ISIL were running Gaza things would be different. Most Gazans agree that Islamic Jihad or ISIL rule would probably be worse than what Hamas provides. All three Islamic terror groups are disliked or hated by most Gazans. Hamas cannot attack Islamic Jihad too hard because both Hamas and Islamic Jihad depend on Iran for financial and military (weapons and advisors) support. Islamic Jihad is more dependent on Iranian support and anything it does is with Iranian permission or ordered by Iran. ISIL has been driven out of Gaza but not northern Sinai. March 17, 2020: In northwest Yemen, south of the Red Sea port of Hodeida, Shia rebels launched two remotely controlled boats armed with explosives in an effort to destroy an oil tanker or cargo ship coming through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which is the entrance to the Red Sea. The naval blockade force detected this and destroyed the two boats. The rebels are trying to disrupt Red Sea traffic, which is essential for Saudi Arabian imports and even more critical for Egypt. Nearly 20,000 ships a year pass through the Red sea headed for the Suez Canal, which earns Egypt nearly $6 billion a year in transit fees. Egypt is very active with the naval blockade of Yemen and even Israel discreetly passes on what information they pick up about Iranian operations in Yemen and the Red Sea. Israel has one Red Sea port but that one is not as economically important as Suez is for Egypt and several large Saudi ports are for Saudi Arabia. March 13, 2020: In Egypt (Sinai), troops surrounded a building and called on the six men inside to surrender. The six were members ISIL and opened fire. The ISIL men died in the gun battle and one of the dead was identified as Faris Al Ansari a well-known and wanted ISIL leader. The other five were his subordinates. Ansari was well known because he led an ISIL faction that began as an Islamic terrorist group belonging to the Sawarka tribe. This is one of the three largest Bedouin tribes in Sinai. Until 2017 many Bedouin supported men like Ansari but after a series of ISIL attacks that killed many Bedouin, including tribal elders, the tribes united and turned against ISIL. At that point, the Ansaris group had already switched allegiance from al Qaeda to ISIL and was considered responsible for some of the violence against Bedouin. Since then Ansari and other Bedouin members of ISIL had to stay clear of their kinsmen, many of whom were eager to report the presence of ISIL members. This is what may have led to the army to a specific building in the city of Rafah. ISIL was angry at the loss of Ansari and retaliated by ambushing a vehicle carrying a senior police commander. They killed his driver but the commander and other police survived, returned fire and drove their attackers away. March 12, 2020: The U.S. Army has successfully tested the Iron Dome systems it purchased recently for evaluation. Shortly after that, the army decided not to buy any more Iron Dome batteries because Israel refused to supply the Iron Dome source code. The U.S. said the source code was essential for integrating Iron Dome into American air defense networks. The Israelis pointed out that the U.S. has been much less successful at keeping secrets than Israel. One solution to this problem is to have the Israelis do the necessary source code modifications. For the moment that proposal has not been accepted. The U.S. Army wanted to use Iron Dome in places like Iraq where American bases are being hit with rockets fired by Iran-backed Iraqi militias. March 4, 2020: In Syria, there were two Israeli airstrikes overnight. One was in central Syria (Homs province) and the other in the south (Quneitra province) near the Israeli Golan Heights. Both attacks apparently involved Iranian rockets or missiles being moved to Lebanon or firing positions near the Israeli border. Syria said its air defenses intercepted some of the Israeli missiles but there was no proof. Satellite photos usually show if attacks are successful by revealing destroyed buildings or other obvious damage. March 3, 2020: A group of Libyan commandos completed their training in Egypt and returned to Libya with some Egyptian commandos and advisors as well as assault boats and special weapons contributed by the UAE. The total forces consist of fifty personnel and work for the LNA (Libyan National Army). These commandos are apparently going to be used to attack the ships that are transporting Turkish troops and weapons to Libya to oppose the LNA and support the desperate UN backed GNA (Government of National Accord) Libyan government in Tripoli. There are two Libyan governments and the other one is the HoR (House of Representatives) government based in eastern Libya. The HOR has effective military capabilities in the LNA (Libyan National Army). The LNA has been fighting since April 2019 to take the last GNA stronghold of Tripoli. This is the largest city in Libya and the traditional capital. Egypt has long backed the HoR because the LNA had taken control of the Egyptian border and helped keep Islamic terrorists out of Egypt. By 2018 Egypt was certain that the LNA had pacified eastern Libya up to and including the Egyptian border. That was always the main Egyptian concern. Egypt worked with the UAE to support the LNA and while Egypt is less active the UAE is still a major supporter of the LNA as is Russia. In late 2019 Turkey began supplying a lot more weapons to the GNA and during the first week of January 2020 began sending troops. This is all about keeping the GNA alive. The problem is that the GNA is not a government, national or able to establish any accord with anyone. The Turks back the GNA because the GNA approves of the Moslem Brotherhood and many other Islamic radical groups that Turkey approves of. The UN is unwilling to block the Turkish intervention and European nations are divided. Several Arab nations are willing to back efforts to expel the Turks from Libya and that effort is escalating. The LNA has a major advantage because it controls most of Libya including most of the oil production and export facilities. The LNA has shut down oil exports to force the GNA to surrender. March 2, 2020: In the north (Golan Heights), a sniper on the Syrian side of the border attempted to hit Israelis and failed. The Israelis fired missiles at the area where the fire was coming from. March 1, 2020: In the south (Gaza), a rocket was fired from Gaza towards Israel but landed on the Gaza side of the border. In central Africa, Congo has agreed to resume full diplomatic relations with Israel. Twenty years ago Israel was forced to withdraw its ambassador because Congo had called their ambassador home and not sent another one. Now Congo is appointing a new ambassador and expecting one from Israel. This is mainly about reviving mutually beneficial relationships. Israel had diplomatic relations with the decades old Mobutu dictatorship that was overthrown in 1997. Israeli businessmen operated in Congo during the three decades Mobotu ran the place and continued to do so after Mobutu was overthrown. Many of those Israeli deals were of questionable legality, as were most of the foreign investments in Congo. Israel pointed out that it would be easier to identify Israelis guilty of these activities and prosecute them if Congo and Israel had diplomatic relations. Noting how well that has worked for other African countries, the new Congo president ordered the diplomatic relationships restored. February 27, 2020: In the north (Golan Heights), Syrians reported that several Israeli helicopters crossed into Syria and attacked several targets. This came several hours after an Israeli UAV fired missiles that hit a vehicle and killed Amad Al Tawil, a senior Hezbollah commander. In the south (Gaza), Israeli air defense systems detected a UAV flying out of Gaza, over the Mediterranean, towards Israel. A jet fighter was sent to shoot down the UAV and did so when the UAV was at an altitude of about 500 meters and twelve kilometers off the coast. Israel revealed that it had seized $4 million in cash Iran was trying to transfer to Hamas in Gaza. Israel discovered who was handling the transfer, an international currency exchange firm owned by Zuheir Shamlakh, and went after them. Most of the foreign cash Hamas receives for any reason is still diverted to military purposes. February 26, 2020: Less than a week after Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia reached an agreement on the GERD (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dams) operation and the distribution of Nile River water, Ethiopia changed its mind and refused to attend a meeting in the U.S. to sign the deal. This is no surprise because GERD has been a major issue in Egypt for a long time. A decade ago Egyptian concern for its downstream water rights led to sharp diplomatic protests and saber-rattling. This new agreement addresses issues like filling the GERDs reservoir, policies regulating water release during droughts and procedures for handling emergencies related to the dam. The agreement was announced in Sudan on February 14. The United States, taking the role of external mediator, hosted a late January meeting in Washington that helped hammer out the joint responsibility for managing drought crises agreement. The U.S. has good relations with Egypt and Ethiopia while Sudan wants the U.S. to remove it from the Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list. A February 14 announcement described the deal as final but that wasnt quite accurate. A couple of thorny issues remain unsettled. Ethiopia claims Egypt has dropped its demand that Ethiopia guarantees Egypt 40 billion cubic meters of water annually. Egypt claims it has not dropped the demand. The GERD reservoirs fill rate is another issue. Egypt argues that if the GERDs reservoir fills too quickly it will reduce the Nile Rivers flow and thus limit the Aswan High Dams electrical generation capability. So Egypt wants seven years for the initial fill. Ethiopia, however, wants to fill it in four years. Nevertheless, the agreement is good news. Once it is filled, the GERDs reservoir will serve as a hedge against drought for all three nations. The GERD will also supply electrical power to a region running from Kenya and Uganda through South Sudan and Sudan to Egypt. February 24, 2020: Outside of Damascus an Israeli airstrike destroyed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad facility. Most Islamic Jihad personnel are in Gaza currently trying to carry out attacks inside Israel. Israel believes the Syrian facility is supporting the Gaza efforts. February 23, 2020: In the south (Gaza), Israeli troops shot dead an Islamic Jihad Islamic terrorist who was trying to plant a bomb near the border fence. Israeli troops then crossed the border to retrieve the body. Israel was deliberately recovering the bodies of Islamic terrorists near the border fence in order to identify them than keep them to trade with Hamas for the bodies of two dead Israeli soldiers as well as two deranged Israeli civilians who had wandered into Gaza and seized by Hamas. This new tactic annoyed the Islamic terrorists so much that Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired about a hundred rockets and mortar shells into Israel. Most (90 percent) were either intercepted or landed on an uninhabited area. But one rocket landed in a playground causing some damage but no casualties. Israel responded with several airstrikes that killed two more Islamic terrorists and destroyed several structures used by Islamic Jihad along some of their equipment. Being a much smaller organization, Islamic Jihad has fewer valuable targets to retaliate against. Hamas, as the government of Gaza, and many more targets. Islamic Jihad has a larger branch in Syria and Israel has been hitting targets there in response to Islamic Jihad violence in Gaza. February 20, 2020: In western Syria (Latakia province), one kilometer from the Hmeimim (or Khmeimim) Russian airbase Syrian forces report being hit by missiles fired by unidentified aircraft off the coast. The Syrians have some of their S-300 air defense batteries in this area but since their arrival in late 2018, these S-300 systems have not been used in combat. It took about a year for the Syrian crews to be trained and out of that came Syrian complaints that the S-300 radar could not find or track Israeli F-35 stealth fighters. The Syrian S-300 operators doubt the S-300 is very effective against any Israeli weapons, including the less stealthy cruise missiles and F-16 fighters. The Syrians claim the Israelis have EW (electronic warfare) equipment that can jam or deceive the S-300 radars and guidance systems in S-300 missiles. Russia is believed to still have a veto over when the Syrian S-300s can be used and apparently has not yet allowed the Syrian S-300s to fire on Israeli attackers. In China, a recent article in a state-controlled newspaper came right out and said the S-300 does not work and that the Chinese should know because they bought the system from Russia and fixed the problems by developing their own, improved version of the S-300 called the FD-2000. This system is available for export, to just about anyone can pay, including the Syrian government. February 13, 2020: An apparently Israeli airstrike in Syria (Damascus) destroyed an Iranian facility, killing four Iranians and three Syrians. Israel would not confirm that this was their airstrike. Satellite photos released several days later showed five warehouses and a nearby Quds headquarters building had all been turned into rubble. A bomb shelter had suffered partial destruction. As the social neurologist John Cacioppo and his team at the University of Chicago discovered, the feeling of loneliness the subjective experience itself, not the bare fact of being alone brings about hypervigilance to social threat. This state, which is entered into unknowingly, makes the lonely person far more alert to signs of rejection or exclusion than those of warmth or friendliness. Its a vicious circle, in that each misreading of social nuance becomes evidence for further withdrawal, causing loneliness to become steadily more entrenched. Because hypervigilance is entered into invisibly, it has to be consciously recognized and corrected. In the current circumstances, most social encounters are likely to happen on the internet or by phone. Perhaps a tweet isnt liked, or a message is read but not replied to, the blue tick inflaming the sense of going unregarded. Rather than jumping to alarmed conclusions about being left out or disliked, its vital to remember that a bias is occurring, and to keep maintaining and participating in social contact. Part of the reason the current crisis is so frightening is that it sets off a fear not just of being in quarantine but also of being abandoned altogether, the nightmare of the social animal. This is what lies behind all those empty cities in science fiction films: the terror of being the last one left, patrolling deserted grocery aisles, like a desolate, despairing Will Smith in I Am Legend, the resources running out, no one left to love. This feeling is profoundly isolating to experience and yet its also a point of connection with billions of strangers. One of the hardest things to grasp about loneliness is that its a shared state, inhabited by a multitude at any time. Whatever anxiety youre experiencing right now, youre not alone. Everyone is frightened of being left behind. The need for connection is so central to our being that to experience its lack plunges the body into a state of minor emergency, driving up cortisol and adrenaline and contributing to a feeling of what for most people will already be peak anxiety. There are antidotes, from simple breathing exercises to deliberately noticing small pleasures in the physical environment: a budding leaf, a cloud, the taste of toast. The natural world continues, and paying attention to it is a way of grounding terror remembering that whatever else may happen, spring is on the way. But loneliness isnt just a negative state, to be vanquished or suppressed. Theres a magical aspect to it too, an intensifying of perception that led Virginia Woolf to write in her diary of 1929: If I could catch the feeling, I would: the feeling of the singing of the real world, as one is driven by loneliness and silence from the habitable world. Woolf was no stranger to quarantine. Confined to a sickbed for long periods, she saw something thrilling in loneliness, a state of lack and longing that can be intensely creative. Coronavirus: Confirmed cases in Tunisia rise to 39 Special Alitalia flights on Friday to bring Italians back (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, MARCH 19 - Tunisia on Thursday recorded 10 new cases of coronavirus, bringing to 39 the total number of confirmed cases in the country, said Nissaf Ben Allaya, director of the country's National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases in Tunis. She said nine of the new cases were from people who returned to Tunisia from abroad, and one was infected locally. On Friday, two special Alitalia flights from Tunis, coordinated by the Italian Embassy, will bring Italians back to Rome.(ANSAmed). MediPharm Labs (OTC:MEDIF) has nabbed a customer Down Under. The company announced Wednesday that its Australian subsidiary signed an agreement with privately held Compass Clinics for the supply of cannabis oil products. This is a white label arrangement, in which Compass Clinics will use MediPharm's supplies to create its own branded line of products. MediPharm didn't reveal the terms or the price of the deal. The news comes less than two months after MediPharm announced it secured a license from the Australian government to import cannabis and related substances from its native Canada. Australia legalized medical cannabis in 2016, and the numbers of both patients and prescriptions has risen substantially. According to MediPharm Labs, as of the end of February the Australian Therapuetic Goods Administration (TGA) -- the national regulator of pharmaceuticals -- green-lighted over 34,500 prescriptions for product. The country is tightening its oversight of the medical marijuana shipped into the country, on the back of that increased demand. Earlier this month, TGA announced it planned to increase the number of quality audits of medical cannabis. MediPharm has an advantage in this regard, as the marijuana company has secured crucial good manufacturing practices (GMP) certification for its wares sold in the country. In the press release heralding the Compass Clinics deal, MediPharm said its supplies "will help Compass better serve its existing patient base and continue to expand its presence in one of the fastest growing medical cannabis markets in the world." On Wednesday, however, MediPharm's stock experienced a slightly deeper decline than the S&P 500 index on the day, falling by over 7%. While total sales have fallen slightly since the outbreak of the new coronavirus at Barnes & Noble, company CEO James Daunt is confident the bookstore chain can continue to be a profitable venture with one provisionthat it is allowed to keep its stores open. "If the U.S. goes the way of Italy and France, that would be difficult to overcome," Daunt said, referring to the decision in those countries to close down all but essential businesses. To Daunt, books and bookstores should be considered vital businesses. "Books are crucial during this period," Daunt said, noting that they provide both education and diversions for people stuck at home. "People are buying lots of books." Since the virus outbreak, sales of children's books have been very strong, Daunt said, especially in education-related areas. In fact, sales for the entire core book business are up, although those gains have been offset by a plunge in cafe business and decline in some other non-book areas. Online sales have also risen dramatically, Daunt said. He noted that in the U.K., Waterstones (for which Daunt is also the CEO) had its biggest online sales day on March 18, and that he expects online sales to keep increasing in the U.S. as well. Even with those gains, however, the online side of the business "could never make up for the loss if all the stores are forced to close," Daunt said. To date, B&N has closed a few stores, notably in the Bay Area, where there is a strict quarantine in place. In other areas, such as Pennsylvania, there are restrictions on hours, Daunt said. Daunt has no doubt B&N's booksellers have the managerial discipline to keep the stores going. Any employee who feels uncomfortable working can stay home, Daunt said, noting that the retailer had adopted a strict policy that any staff member who feels even the slightest bit sick should remain at home. In a letter sent to employees earlier in the week, Daunt laid out the different scenarios for the company. B&N has made substantial reductions in cost at its headquarters as a way to preserve positions in stores. But if widespread closures do come, Daunt wrote, "we are obliged to make the hardest of choices." Daunt added that if a store closes, employees will "first make use of their paid time off." After that, employees with a year or more of service will receive up to two weeks of pay. Staff members who have been with the company for less than six months will be immediately laid off. "This is a devastating situation in which to find ourselves and we understand the personal impacts of such action," Daunt wrote. "When a closed store is permitted to reopen, we will do so, and we intend to rehire." Speaking to PW, Daunt added: "I want our employees to know the truth about what lies ahead. This is a difficult period for retail, but I know we have the skills to make it through to the other side." High school students from Oakland, San Jose and across the state said Wednesday that working-class families and communities of color could be disproportionately impacted by school closures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Speaking at a video conference with reporters, Oakland High School senior Angel Palencia said, "It really upset me" when he heard health officers in Alameda County and other Bay Area counties issued a shelter-in-place order to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. Palencia said enforcing the order "can increase the number of police in our community and black- and brown-colored people already are policed enough." Palencia said the closures of libraries, recreation centers and other facilities are hard on low-income people of color because many of them rely on public services. The discussion was presented by Californians for Justice, which describes itself as a statewide youth-powered organization fighting to improve the lives of communities of color and other marginalized communities. Founded in 1996, the group works with students, parents and educators in Oakland, San Jose, Fresno and Long Beach. On Wednesday, the student activists released a list of demands asking for extended financial aid deadlines and postponement of testing schedules statewide, in addition to rent and payment relief programs and the suspension of raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lastly, the group is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to back a "Schools and Communities First" initiative to fund education on the November ballot. Hanh Dang, a junior at Oakland High School, also spoke to the impacts of schools being shut down - possibly for the rest of the academic year. Dang said she's frustrated that her school will be closed for at least three weeks, and she can't see her friends. She's also concerned about people who make negative videos and comments about people of Asian descent because the coronavirus originated in China. "I feel really bad about the racial assumptions. This isn't a virus targeting Asians only, it's impacting everybody," Dang stated. "It's not fair, and it's causing harm to the Asian Pacific-Islander community". Selena Lu, a senior at Oakland High School, said the closure of her school makes her worry about her grades and about her readiness for college preparation tests. Deshae Lee, a senior at McLane High School in Fresno, is providing childcare for her mother, who is at work, and needs school resources to complete scholarship applications. Julisa Reyes, a sophomore at a high school in East San Jose, said she's concerned about preparing for Advanced Placement exams scheduled for May that permit those who do well to take college-level courses while they're in high school and earn college credit and placement. However, Reyes also sounded an optimistic note about staying resilient during the coronavirus pandemic, saying, "Youths will find a way to stay strong and express their beliefs." Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The impact of the coronavirus on funerals goes beyond the grim reality that it has caused more of them. Recommendations from health experts and mandates by public officials to maintain a social distance and put an end to social gatherings apply even to profoundly personal milestones in life, from weddings to wakes. And funeral directors are now having to counsel their bereaved clients that viewings may have to be limited or broken into shifts, and guest lists for funeral services trimmed to include only the decedents closest family members and friends. We are complying with the governors executive order in order to have families limit viewings and visitations to 50 people, said George Kelder Jr., executive director of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, an industry group. That was before Murphy on Saturday enacted an order to put an end to all gatherings and advised everyone to just stay home. Some families are fully understanding of the situation we are dealing with and the necessity to physically distance themselves from each other," Kelder said. "Others are having difficulty dealing with it because of all the emotions that come with losing a loved one. Most cases dont present a problem, Kelder said. But in the deaths of well-known individuals, police officers and firefighters, or others for whom "the community outpouring of concern is in the hundreds if not thousands, special arrangements must be made, Kelder said. For example, smaller gatherings may be held initially for family and close friends, followed by larger, public memorials later on, after the outbreak has waned. In terms of workplace safeguards in the event the deceased had the new coronavirus, Kelder said morticians and others would take the same set of universal precautions they do for the remains of any victim of contagious disease, including bathing the body in a disinfectant solution, scrubbing down surfaces and wearing the proper protective clothing. Bob Prout of the Prout Funeral Home in Verona, has been a licensed funeral director for 45 years, and has worked through past health emergencies. At some point, if you have a large enough crowd, somebodys going to give something to somebody else, Prout said. I think most families are going to understand that and not complicate the grief by having somebody get sick. End-of-life rituals have been evolving, both before COVID-19 entered the public health vocabulary and since then. For example, funeral homes have been posting death notices, memorial tributes and obituaries online for years and inviting mourners to express their condolences digitally. And directors say those practices are being invoked now to minimize crowding at wakes and funeral services. Ritual is central to the human spirit, and death is no different, Prout added. But, he added, That ritual is going to have to evolve and change to adapt to the situation that we have right now. For example, Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels, a Jewish funeral home in East Brunswick, hosted a service Wednesday afternoon when some loved ones were planning to attend only via teleconferencing. We have a service today where some of the family are from out of state and were advising them not to travel, Randy Gagnon, a funeral director at Mount Sinai, said on Wednesday. The rabbi and some others would be physically present, Gagnon said. But, he added, the familys going to be there via FaceTime. Some modifications have nothing to do with technology. At the end of a Catholic funeral mass in New Milford last Friday, when attendees wished each other the customary Peace be with you, the usual handshakes were replaced by peace signs that avoided physical contact, said Ellen S. Wilkowe, whose husbands 76-year-old uncle had passed away. Wilkowe, a freelance writer who lives in Allamuchy, was surprised not just by the way some rituals had been altered by the virus, but also those that remained unchanged, as when the priest offered the communion wafer and many took it. Most of the people there were over 70, that age group, said Wilkowe, 49, referring officials warnings that older populations are more susceptible to the disease. And I was very surprised that the priest held communion. Even so, Wilkowe said she was not surprised when she and other mourners exchanged hugs just after the service despite having avoided even a handshake only moments earlier, as if the basic human impulse to connect in such a moment was stronger than the new norm of social distancing imposed by policymakers at the urging of public health experts. It didnt surprise me, because I think everyone kind of suspended in their minds what was going on and were in the moment, said Wilkowe, who has a 10-year-old daughter. It was a big loss for the family, and I kind of thought in the back of my mind afterward, Ill deal with it. But not long after that moment of communal defiance, that public display of affection, Wilkowe said the new norm did set in her. I actually did take a shower when I got home, she said. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Industry Update Appointment 19 March 2020 David Ryan Appointed Managing Director At The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort in Napa - CA, USA With over 30 years of experience in the world of hospitality, Ryan was most recently the general manager of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania. Having worked in six countries and throughout the United States, Ryan has opened five hotels and two luxury condominiums, while holding senior roles with iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Sofitel and Hyatt. In his new role, he will oversee and provide strategic leadership for The Meritage Resort and Spa, Vista Collina Resort and Vino Bello Resort business operations. Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) Since 1987, Pacific Hospitality Group, LLC (PHG) has maintained a strategic vision and strong sense of core values as guiding principles for business success. With luxury hotel properties from Napa Valley to Southern California, PHGs growing portfolio of hotel and resort investments reinforces the companys cohesive vision. more information Recent Appointments at Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) Jovani Guzman - Director of Operations 21 September 2021 Continuing his passion for hospitality; Jovani has been promoted to Director of Operations | AC Hotels by Marriott. Jovani comes with extensive background in full-service luxury properties. Spending multiple years at Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas and recently the Pasea Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach California. read more David Burt - Area Director of Sales 19 March 2020 Having lived and worked in over 17 hotels around the world, Burt comes to The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort with several years of sales experience, most recently at The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, where he was the director of sales and marketing. read more Global Teacher Prize is a worldwide annual award for teachers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Two Ukrainian teachers, Oleksandr Zhuk and Natalia Gladkikh, are in Top 50 of Global Teacher Prize nominees. "Oleksandr Zhuk and Natalia Gladkikh are now officially one of the best teachers worldwide. Overnight, it became known that they were the best among 36,000 participants, having got into the Top 50 of the Global Teacher Prize [nominees], claiming US$1 million," Global Teacher Prize Ukraine wrote on Facebook on March 19. Natalia Gladkikh is a Kyiv-based educator, a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine 2017. She has developed an educational program at a school hosting 35 teenagers with various severe developmental disorders. Gladkikh is also the head of all inclusive projects of See with Heart NGO, which helps children, adolescents, and young people with disabilities, and creates conditions for their socialization and adaptation. Read alsoUkraine's ombudsperson: 36,000 Ukrainian children recognized victims of armed conflict Oleksandr Zhuk is a 29-year-old IT-teacher at Zaporizhia-based specialized boarding school Dzherelo, who became Ukraine's best teacher, according to the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine 2018. Zhuk entered the Top 30 (under the age of 30) from the Kyiv Post 2018. He was also awarded the title "Honored Teacher of Ukraine" by the Ukrainian President's decree. Zhuk learned sign language to communicate with his students. Global Teacher Prize is a worldwide annual award for teachers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. The award was founded by the Varkey GEMS Foundation to emphasize the importance of educators and the fact that their efforts are worth acknowledging at the highest level worldwide. According to Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, the country's best teacher in 2019 was Natalia Kidalova from the city of Melitopol. Kidalova teaches English and Ukrainian language and literature at Melitopol Specialized School No.23 of Grades I-III. Her teaching experience is 23 years. The government has briefed the international community on the abrogation of Article 370 provisions in and the amended citizenship law, and these countries have shown understanding of India's position, was informed on Thursday. In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said as a result of government's efforts, countries have shown a better understanding that matters related to Jammu & Kashmir are internal to India and that Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism has been posing a grave threat and affecting the lives of Indians. Some countries have also called on Pakistan not to allow its territories to be used for terrorism in any manner, he said. "The government has pro-actively reached out and briefed the members of the international community on the facts relating to and also shared perspectives and objectives of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019," Muraleedharan said. Interlocutors also understand the Indian position that the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an affirmative action meant to address the long-standing predicament of the vulnerable sections living in India, he said. They also understand that it does not impact in any manner the status of any citizen of India or deprive any Indian of any faith of her or his citizenship, Muraleedharan said. "These countries know that Indian democratic practices and institutions are equipped to deal with issues that may arise in implementation of the decisions taken by the Indian Parliament," he said. Muraleedhran also hit out at the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for his remarks in December on the CAA. The United Nations' human rights body had voiced concern over India's new citizenship law, terming it "fundamentally discriminatory" in nature. "Government immediately registered its protest with the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and clearly conveyed that the legislation is a humanitarian measure and is in line with India's international human rights obligations," Muraleedharan said. He said the government completely and unequivocally rejected any efforts to internationalise the issues which are internal to India, in particular on laws passed by Parliament of a sovereign nation. The government has also taken note of some statements made by China, Malaysia and Turkey on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir, he said. "It has been conveyed that India expects these countries to not comment on the internal affairs of India; respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity; and develop a proper understanding of the issue," Muraleedharan said. A state visit to Britain this spring by Japan's emperor has been cancelled because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday. The decision was taken following consultations between the British and Japanese governments, with the visit now set to be held at "a later date", the palace said in a statement. "Her Majesty The Queen has agreed that, in the current circumstances, the planned State Visit to the United Kingdom in Spring 2020 by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan should be postponed," it added. The postponement comes as Britain ramps up measures to try to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease, which has killed 104 people inside the country. The government announced on Wednesday it would be closing schools in the coming days and placing 20,000 troops on standby. Japanese Emperor Naruhito, who became the head of the world's oldest monarchy last April after his father Akihito's historic abdication, had been due to visit Britain in the spring and his wife Empress Masako. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters: "We were making arrangements hoping that the visit to Britain will take place in the second quarter of this year. "But given the situation of the global spread of infections of new coronavirus, we will coordinate again by discussing with the British government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Guterres, who was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, called on countries to scale up health spending and to help less-prepared nations tackle the crisis, including by supporting the efforts of the World Health Organization. A wealthy country must not be convinced that it has only to deal with its own citizens. Its in the interests of a wealthy country to contribute to a global response because the crisis can come from wherever, at any moment, he said. Guterres said he would take part in the emergency Group of 20 nations summit planned for next week. My very strong appeal to the G20 is to have a particular concern with African countries and other countries in the developing world, Guterres told reporters. We must absolutely be strong in supporting them because the virus is coming to them and their health systems are extremely weak, so they need very strong support from the developed world and if that support is denied we could have catastrophic consequences, he said, warning millions could die. He said that when it came to the global economy the liquidity of the financial system must be guaranteed and that banks must use their resilience to support their customers. G20 leaders have taken steps to protect their own citizens and economies by waiving interest payments. We must apply that same logic to the most vulnerable countries in our global village and alleviate their debt burden, he said. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Lynchburg, by the American Civil Liberties Union and League of Women Voters asks the court to stop Virginia from enforcing the requirement during the pandemic and to have localities count "otherwise validly cast absentee ballots that are missing a witness signature for Virginias primary and general elections in 2020." Eden Heilman, the legal director at the ACLU of Virginia, said that if the requirement stands, "tens of thousands" of voters in the state won't be able to abide by social distancing guidelines and still vote absentee. The governor and Virginia election officials can and must adapt voting policies to preserve our democracy and keep everyone safe," Heilman said. Virginia law requires voters who send in an absentee ballot by mail to open the envelope containing the ballot in front of another person, fill out the ballot and have the other person sign the outside of the envelope before it's mailed back. According to the lawsuit, Virginia is one of 11 states with such a requirement. Popular human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju took to social media to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to take action on the outbreak of Coronavirus in Nigeria. There have been increased call for the President to address Nigerians to give hope over the outbreak of Coronavirus in Nigeria. Also Read: Deji Adeyanju Commends President Buhari On Curbing Spread Of Coronavirus With the detection of four new cases in Lagos, taking the total cases in Nigeria to 12, Adeyanju has called on the President to offer message of reassurance to Nigerians in order to prevent public panic. See his tweet below: Getting your fit off during the virus lmao pic.twitter.com/Gx1nnw8eVD Rap Game Forrest Gump (@Sixfever) March 18, 2020 With the First Lady battling a positive COVID-19 diagnosis at home, foxy Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is reviving an extremely important Parks and Recreation lesson by giving us an impromptu lecture on goose bumps prevention. Rolling out his countrys economic response plan to the growing coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday, Trudeau hit the pause button on his press conference to note that it had, ugh, become a little brisk outside. Just before we get to questions, Im supposed to model healthy behavior, he declared. Im going to go grab my coat and Ill be right back. He returned from his house with another layer of clothing and at least 2,000 new Tumblr pages created in his honor. And even one Vulture article! PORTLAND, Ore.-- Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday that all higher education institutions in the state must move their curriculum online through April 28. The executive order will also limit on-campus operations to critical functions such as dining and student housing. The governor said this is her administration's continued effort to promote social distancing in public spaces. Oregon State University took a more drastic move by announcing all of its courses will be taught remotely for the rest of the school year. The university said all residence halls, student housing, and dining halls will remain open throughout spring. If students choose to leave the residence halls to complete spring term in their home community, cancellation fees will not be charged. The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), on Thursday, sent a message to President Muhammadu Buhari through its national chairman, Uche Secon... The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), on Thursday, sent a message to President Muhammadu Buhari through its national chairman, Uche Secondus. According the PDP chairman, the country is seating on a time bomb and disaster could only be avoided if the president act now or vacate his position. Uche Secondus made the statement at his press conference, held in Abuja. Please read the full text of press conference of Uche Secondus MR. PRESIDENT ACT NOW OR GIVE WAY BEFORE IT BECOMES TOO LATE Preamble. The facts are indisputable that President Mohammadu Buhari-led APC Administration has woefully failed the people of Nigeria. This is a general consensus across this great country. No segment of our nationhood is in good shape as we speak. The economy is in a dire state as the country heads toward insolvency, occasioned by huge unserviceable debts and the crash of oil price. Nigerians continues to live in fear as security situation worsens and remains unabated. Corruption update. The twin evils of bribery and corruption have continued reign supreme in the nations public and private lives. All over the country, strategic institutions have been bedeviled by varying degree of corrupt practices. There are also widespread allegations on several serving public officers of corrupt enrichments with no actions taken. For a regime that came into office on the pedestal of revamping the economy, restoring security and fighting corruption to fail on all scores, it is obvious the bloom is well off the roses. Reports just released from the state department of the United States of America confirmed this worrying development that In Nigeria public officials still engage in corrupt practice with impunity. Rule of Law and democratic institutions There are other core issues of our national life that have similarly deteriorated under this administration. Constitutionalism and due process of law are being circumvented, compromised and abused. For example, public officers whom the law demands legislative confirmation are put and kept in offices against the provisions of the law. There are also rampant deliberate and scornful disregard of court orders and legislative resolutions. Furthermore, extra-judicial acts of security agencies have effectively compromised the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. The several mindless cutting down of the lives of Nigerians all over the country are sore examples of reference. Even the little mileage made on the image of the country in the international community in the years before 2015 has been lost. One could go on and on; the problems are without end! The cumulative effects of all these, however, is the weakening of such critical democratic institutions like political parties, the electoral process, the judiciary and the backbone of our nationhood, the military. Unemployment and its social effects. It is important to point out that the sociological root causes of the problems facing the nation, particularly the violence and crimes across the country, are poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and economic and political deprivations arising from unemployment. Until these fundamentals are resolved, the country will continue to experience violence and crimes, and in complete state of insecurity, as no amount of police or military actions can prevent or even curb the menace. The federal Government must device a concrete means of seeking lasting solution by working with critical stakeholders particularly states, local Government areas and communities. Securing the lives of Nigerians. Any regime that fails to secure the safety of lives and property of its citizens has lost all moral and lawful rights to continue in office. The Buhari regime has utterly failed in this regard. Instead of providing strong and decisive leadership, the regime is now going about both destroying the solid foundation upon which the country stands and dislocating a building pillar of our society i.e the traditional institution! Governments insensitive Acts Last weeks insensitive exclusion of the whole Southeast Zone and Edo State from the benefits of the whooping $22b loan and the unlawful deposition and banishment of Emir Mohammadu Sanusi II of Kano at a time when all hands are needed on deck to rescue our country are good examples of such destructive tendencies of the APC government displaying their insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians. Corona virus, Soot pollution and lackluster Response to Disaster. The Coronavirus ravaging the World has thrown up fresh challenges across the globe for leaders of nations. While we watch and admire leaders rise to the challenge elsewhere, the reverse is the case in our country. Nigerians are yet to hear or see their President rise to the emergency and those officers on duty have not enjoyed the needed political will. ( May be when its cuts up with us God forbid the President in his character would say he is not aware of the virus) Also very outstanding is Nigeria governments response to disaster as was experienced in weekends pipeline explosion in Lagos state ( may I crave your indulgence for a minute silence for souls of our beloved citizens who lost their lives). May their soul and those of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. Gentlemen of the press, the measure of blood letting in the country under the watch of this regime is that there is hardly any press conference we do that we do not observe some time for souls of our beloved ones. Very unfortunate our value for human lives. Another disaster waiting to happen is the effect of black soot in the Niger Delta region with its attendant health hazard to the populace and no serious response is being given to it. Our demands Consequently, at this hour of peril to our country, PDP is calling upon President Buhari to wake up and give this nation a firm, purposeful, consultative and all-inclusive leadership. Our party is of firm conviction that our problems can be successfully resolved if there is a fair and effective leadership at the top. It is now time to give this leadership or give way to capable hands. Conclusion In conclusion, the point we are trying to underscore here very loudly is that this country is seating on a time bomb and we must not allow it to explode. We in PDP have our genuine fears that this government and its managers lack the needed capacity to lift us out of the wood because we got into it abnitio due to their incapacity. But that notwithstanding the regime should be sensitive to the plight of the suffering masses of the country by reviewing downwards various draconian policies like the various tax regimes especially the Value Added Tax VAT that affects every goods and services. The government should avoid pouring fuel to an already burning inferno with their reckless and lawless attitude to human rights issues which worsens situation and exposes the country to further ridicule. When you depose a traditional ruler and deprives him and his family of their fundamental human rights and in less than 24 hours the United Nation gives him an exalted appointment, it says a lot how you are rated globally. Thank you for listening and God bless Prince Uche Secondus National Chairman Almost 15 billion of savers' money is now stuck in property funds after a slew went into lockdown amid concerns over the coronavirus. In the biggest closure since the Brexit vote in 2016, Legal & General suspended its 3 billion UK Property Fund. Managers including Standard Life Aberdeen, Aviva and Columbia Threadneedle have followed suit, meaning 11 funds have banned withdrawals. For worried savers, the suspensions will be reminiscent of the freezing of Neil Woodford's doomed Equity Income fund last year. But rather than being caused by a series of demands from investors for their cash, these latest suspensions have been prompted by the uncertainty posed by coronavirus. Worry: The suspensions will be reminiscent of the freezing of Neil Woodford's doomed Equity Income fund last year All of the fund managers said it has become near-impossible for their independent experts to provide an accurate estimate of the properties' value. Because the properties these funds own, such as office blocks and warehouses, do not change hands very often, unlike shares, they rely on expert valuations to tell the investors what they are worth. But independent property consultant John Forbes has said that the funds were in 'uncharted waters'. He added: 'What is the value of a pub, a hotel, or retail premises if you can't use it? What's the valuation of an office if no one can get into it?' Standard Life Aberdeen banned investors from pulling money out of three of its property funds - ASI Global Real Estate, Standard Life Investments UK Real Estate and Aberdeen UK Property, which together manage 3.4 billion of investors' money. Columbia Threadneedle shut savers into its Threadneedle UK PAIF, Aviva froze its 442m UK Property fund and BMO shut the doors on its 502m UK Property fund and 444m Property Growth and Income fund. The closures follows the suspension of Janus Henderson's 2 billion UK Property PAIF and Kames Capital's 501m Property Income fund this week, and the 2.3bn M&G Property Portfolio fund last December. It means investors cannot access more than 13.6bn of their money. The suspensions have reignited the debate over whether property funds should be allowed to offer savers the opportunity to pull their money out with a day's notice, when the assets can take weeks or months to sell. James McManus, chief investment officer of wealth manager Nutmeg, said: 'These underlying investments do not have the daily liquidity that they are being advertised with, and the managers of these funds are misleading investors on this promise. 'Unfortunately, it is no surprise that time and time again, it is the everyday investor who is left out of pocket, with no access to capital and expectations not met.' The Financial Conduct Authority brought in new rules last year which force funds holding hardto-sell assets to give more information on how they manage liquidity, prompting by the suspension of several property funds after the Brexit referendum, as hordes of investors rushed to pull out money and the funds couldn't sell their properties fast enough. Criminals will pay more toward victim support services, ministers announced. The Victim Surcharge which is imposed on all convicted defendants is to rise by 5 per cent. The hike means an extra 2million a year will go to vital services for victims, such as rape support centres. From next month, charges will rise across a sliding scale, and payments for the most serious crimes will go up by 9 to 190. Justice minister Alex Chalk announced the rise in victim surcharge on Wednesday. The new fee will come in to place in April Justice minister Alex Chalk said: It is right that offenders should do more to repair the harm caused by their crimes. That is why we are raising the surcharge and will consult on further increases to ensure criminals take greater responsibility for the cost of supporting victims. The increase will apply from next month. Victim surcharges are an additional sum criminals have to pay upon conviction, on top of any court ordered fines and costs. Prior to next month's hike, the lowest victim surcharge a court can order is for 21, or 16 to a youth. The surcharge is an additional punishment to a conditional discharge, a fine, or a community or custodial sentence. Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu on Thursday said that one person has been tested positive for coronavirus in Kodagu today, with this the number of Covid-19 cases in the state jump to 15. The minister said that the patient had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia and is being treated at an isolated hospital, news agency ANI reported. Section 144 (3) of CrPC Act has been imposed in Kodagu district of Karnataka in the interest of public safety till March 31. All hotels, lodges, resorts, and home-stays in the district will remain closed: Kodagu Deputy Commissioner #Coronavirus https://t.co/zmYL5iGObG ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 According to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act has been imposed in the district in the interest of public safety till March 31. All hotels, lodges, resorts, and home-stays in the district will remain closed, the deputy commissioner added as reported by ANI. The Ministry of Health on Thursday updated the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 166. This includes 141 Indian nationals and 25 foreigners. The virus has killed three people in the country - one each from Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra. 15 people have recovered from Covid-19 in the country. Of the 166 coronavirus cases in India, Maharashtra accounts for the maximum number of cases with 45 Covid-19 patients. Kerala is the second-worst hit with 27 coronavirus cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday at 8 PM during which he will talk about issues relating to Covid-19 and the efforts to combat it. The pandemic, described as an unprecedented threat by the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom, has now affected over 2,00,000 people around the world and caused 8,000 deaths globally. Cash Caris couldnt take it any longer. The shift lead at Peets Coffee in Campbell handed pastries and coffees to customers who were sometimes coughing and took their cash. He brushed arms with co-workers in close quarters. All the while, he worried he was putting the sister he lives with who has asthma, allergies and a history of catching pneumonia at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill because of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. As his manager set the schedule for the week on Monday, Caris opted not to work. His manager was understanding, he said, but he doesnt have enough sick or vacation time to be paid indefinitely. To him, it wasnt worth the risk. Not everyone has that option. The 37-year-old said he knows a younger coworker who was terrified about going in but needs the money. Its a scary thing, he said. My fellow workers are working because they feel like they dont have a choice. Caris halted work before the shelter-in-place orders that shut down most of the Bay Area. Only essential businesses, which include restaurants and cafes offering takeout and delivery, remain open. Workers from grocery stores to dry cleaners now face a tough choice: stay at a job providing vital services to the community, or isolate for their and their loved ones health, and jeopardize their paycheck. Now Playing: We spoke with workers from San Franciscos Mission District who continue to work and potentially risk their health amid the coronavirus shelter in place orders. These are their stories. Video: Erika Betty Carlos President Trump signed into law a bill that will grant full-time workers two weeks paid sick leave. It doesnt apply to businesses with more than 500 employees; businesses with fewer than 50 and health care providers can be exempted. San Francisco has promised funding for businesses to expand already-required paid sick leave to some workers. Companies are changing their own policies, but some offer paid sick leave only with a COVID-19 diagnosis. The rapidly changing situation with COVID-19 requires us to keep our priorities clear: support our employees and our communities, Elizabeth Ricardo, spokeswoman for Peets, said in an email. The chain is providing only to-go and mobile orders. If an employee is scheduled and chooses not to work, they can apply for a leave of absence that protects health care benefits and possibly pay through accrued time off. If a worker is diagnosed or a Peets store must close, the company will pay employees for two weeks and explore ways to support them for longer, she said. Most workers interviewed feared that sharing their names while criticizing their employers could cost them their jobs. Some also discussed family members private medical conditions. The Chronicle agreed to grant anonymity to some in accordance with its policy on anonymous sources. Arts and crafts chain Michaels, after telling employees it would close until April 7, was deemed an essential business and reopened its Bay Area stores on Tuesday. One worker who spoke to The Chronicle was angry and struggled to see why it was vital. I live with two parents who are high-risk, said the Michaels worker, who is also worried about a few older coworkers. She was told she has accrued paid sick leave. She added that the store has been busy, especially Monday evening as people stocked up before the shelter-in-place orders went into effect. Michaels did not respond to request for comment. A letter from CEO Mark Cosby posted on the companys website said that the health and safety of employees and customers is our highest priority. The letter said that more rigorous store cleaning was in place. Corporate office employees were told to work from home; no mention was made of store workers. Some retailers that could still stay open have decided to shutter because of a drop in business or to protect their workers health. Coffee shops have been a mixed bag: Philz and Blue Bottle closed while Peets and Starbucks are still open. Peets is closing seating areas and restrooms, keeping condiments behind the counter, and stopping the use of personal cups. But workers are worried because the company didnt solve the issues of handling payment and interacting with customers. Weve all been using disinfectant whenever we can and washing our hands constantly, but thats reassuring until the next customer comes in, a worker at a Bay Area Peets said in a Twitter message. Shes taking a leave of absence because shes worried about her parents, whom she lives with. Theyre both not at work for at least two weeks, so I would be the one to bring this into the home if I did get sick. It could get my mom extremely ill or even kill her, she said. But missing work means that she will lose income, and the full-time student doesnt want to dip into her financial aid. A manager at a Bay Area Peets said its a tough call to close a store for public health because of the financial burden on staff. He has encouraged workers to take paid sick leave even if they havent fallen ill a quarter already have taken the leave but not all new workers have accrued it yet. My team is scared and unsure of whats to come but most are working because they have bills to pay and have no choice because of that, he said in a Twitter message. Some workers find mental relief from a stressful home life if they go to work but not anymore. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The job helped me a lot with overcoming depression and anxiety, a worker at a Starbucks inside Target in San Francisco said in a Reddit message. At home I suffer a lot from that so I enjoy going to work to distract myself. Starbucks is offering catastrophe pay for at least 14 days and possibly up to 26 weeks to any worker who has symptoms, has been diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, or comes in close, prolonged contact with someone in their store or household who has. Its also available to workers who may need to take extra precautions, such as those over the age of 60 or with underlying health conditions. But as one of just a few left at her location, the worker in San Francisco said things have become very stressful very fast. Shes now considering cutting back her hours or going on unpaid leave because its not worth the risk. Inside the newsroom Anonymous sources: The Chronicle strives to attribute all information we report to credible, reliable, identifiable sources. Presenting information from an anonymous source occurs extremely rarely, and only when that information is considered crucially important and all other on-the-record options have been exhausted. In such cases, The Chronicle has complete knowledge of the unnamed person's identity and of how that person is in position to know the information. The Chronicle's detailed policy governing the use of such sources, including the use of pseudonyms, is available on sfchronicle.com. See More Collapse Vanessa Aquino, who works at the JetBlue ticket counter at SFO, said shes not afraid, even though her job involves taking a nearly empty BART train to work where she interacts with customers and handles travel documents. I do have a job and need to pay rent and bills, so I do go in, she said, adding that she also has student debt. I feel very healthy, so thats what keeps me going. Im constantly washing my hands and I do wipe down counters. She understands that fellow workers with families are more concerned, and she picked up a coworkers shift to relieve him. If she gets sick, she has paid leave. Im trying to stay grounded and positive, she said. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench Famous researcher of the history of the Middle East, Philip Ekozyants who recently released first part of a large-scale study of documents about the life and work of one of the key figures of the "Armenian myth" - Israel Ori, who is presented in modern Armenian studies as the "founder and ideologist of the Armenian national liberation movement", visited Vestnik Kavkaza studio. Israel Ori is famous for the fact that after leaving the borders of his native Persia in 1678 after unsuccessful trip of Patriarch James IV to the West, je returned home 21 years later, in 1699, with a letter from the Elector Palatinate Johann Wilhelm to the Armenian christians (Meliks). In this letter, he promised to protect Persian Armenians from Muslims; then he received letters addressed to Johann Wilhelm, Pope and Peter I from those Armenians, asking for military assistance, and again went abroad, and this is how the so-called "Armenian issue" first appeared in world history. In the book "Israel Ori. Pandora's Box. Book 1: Persia," Philip Ekozyants examined in detail the history of Israel Ori and published all known testimonies about him and the "letters of Armenian christians", showing reader that traditional interpretation of accessible documents is far from being objective and is the result of many centuries of work on creation of false history of Armenia, which turned the Middle Eastern Christians into an instrument for realizing interests of Europe in Persia and Turkey. He discussed the results of this study with Vestnik Kavkaza. - Today's guest is famous researcher of the history of the Middle East, Philip Vartanovich Ekozyants. Welcome! - Hello! - Recently you have published the first book dedicated to the debunking of myths about the Armenian history "Israel Ori. Pandora's Box. Book 1: Persia". Today we would like to talk about this book and about the historical facts that you described in it. First of all, who was, according to your findings and the documents that you found, Israel Ori? - First of all, I would like to say that this book is primarily dedicated to the history of the people of my father - it's simply the truth. The debunking of myths is just a consequence, since the book does debunk the traditional view of this person. I started work with Israel Ori, because it was from his arrival in Persia in 1699 that the whole Christian, not only Armenian, population of Persia began to have serious problems, it was he who laid the bomb that eventually created a rift between people - letters from the Meliks. To understand what happened to the family of my grandfather, who suffered at the beginning of the twentieth century, I had to start from the very beginning. This beginning was Israel Ori. I wrote this book so that the reader, after reading it, could find the answer to the question of who was Israel Ori, who brought to Europe from Persia letters of Meliks. But I can say with confidence that there is no evidence that Israel Ori, who left Persia in 1678 (according to other sources, in 1674), and Israel Ori, who arrived in Persia in 1699, are one and the same person. But there is a lot of evidence that we are talking about completely different people. There are enough documents for the reader to decide for himself on this figure for himself. - So, a man who identified himself as Israel Ori came to Persia in order to receive letters from the Meliks and take them to Europe. The center of this story is just letters as documents, and in order to start talking about them, we need to understand who, in fact, were the Meliks in those days? - First of all, Meliks are dukes, owners of land and lower strata of the population. The 19th-century French orientalist Antoine-Jean-de-Saint-Martin calls them "the small princes of Armenia" - this is an important point, since he does not name them "Armenian princes". It is difficult to say how large or small they were in the modern sense, but it is known that in the framework of the Armenian people they were significant. Further, they were Christians. They could belong to different faiths - Catholicism, the Eastern rite or others - but you can give an affirmative answer that the Meliks professed Christianity. As for their ethnicity in the Armenian people, then, firstly, it should be noted that it is rather difficult to determine whether the Armenian people had ethnic borders in the 17th century. I am convinced that there were no such borders, and the Armenians existed on paper more than in reality. Please note that all the names and surnames of the meliks who signed these famous letters can be called Armenian only with a stretch of the eye. Only one name resembles Armenian surnames, and all the others have different variations, often not alike when reproduced in different languages - in Russian, French, Persian and Armenian. Almost my namesake and namesake is on the first signatory list - Philippe de Egoz, that is, from the Egoz clan - but in Armenian it sounds like Akizi, and in Russian, in a letter to Peter I it is written as Aegia Filippov [in a letter to John Wilhelm he Hegias Philippe named - approx. red]. That is, there are no prevailing language standards. If the surnames do not say anything, then almost all the names of the Meliks are Turkic. Did these people speak Armenian? The book does not talk about this, but earlier I investigated this issue and found that there were no translators from the Armenian language in any order of Europe, including Russia. There were no translators from the Armenian language in the known foreign ministries of those times. At the same time, there were translators from Persian and Turkish (it is also known about translators "from Muslim"). I think no one will be able to find information about translators from the Armenian 17th century. The Catholic missionaries who set off to occupy the Christian population of Persia, so to speak, began to call him Armenian, while the Persians called them Nesrani, that is, the Nazarenes, and this was the name for all Persian Christians. That is, the meliks, called Armenian, were actually Persian Christians. The entire office of the Russian Empire constantly spoke only about the Christians of Persia. In the works of the researcher of that time, Gerasim Artemievich Ezov, you can see that every Russian letter in response to Israel Ori and other letters mention only Christians, but not about Armenians. The missionaries, leaving, for example, to the east of the Ottoman Empire, learned exclusively Turkish, as they wrote themselves. None of them studied the Armenian language. If someone wants to oppose my statement to something, I think it will be very difficult for him, since there is no evidence of the existence of people who have studied the Armenian language to work with the local population in Persia. Everyone spoke Turkish then, including those who were called Armenians. - What, then, was Armenia in those days of the late 17th century? - This was the name of a geographical area used by Europeans to describe the world they knew and the routes to distant India and China. The task of naming this area arose primarily in front of cartographers - what exactly is located in one place or another. Often such geographical names arose precisely as necessary. In no documents, including correspondence between rulers and state officials, Armenia was not indicated as a state, only as a designation of the area. Israel Ori in 1699 and later used the name "Armenia" in the same vein, as he was a European. Even if we accept the version that this is Israel Ori, who left Persia in 1678, then 20 years later, of course, he was already a European person and also spoke of Armenia as a geographical area. - Of course, after all, Israel Ori left Persia at 18 or 19, and returned, respectively, a 40-year-old man. - Here it will be more appropriate to talk about the generic name of Israel Ori. The roots of this kind Borosh / Brosh / Past (the spelling in the documents vary), to which he was attributed by the Armenians or he attributed himself, I found in the kingdom of knights, namely in Assisi of Jerusalem. I decided to highlight this topic in a special study, because it requires too many assumptions, and the book "Israel Ori. Pandora's Casket" is based on documents of understandable origin. So, my curiosity led me to the fact that the Brosh clan is actually the Baruch clan, that is how this surname was written in Jerusalem assisi and written, for example, on the grave of the famous American financier Bernard Baruch. Representatives of the Baruch family just at the time of the turn of the XVII-XVIII centuries were found in the Palatinate, whose Elector John Wilhelm, most likely, sent Israel Ori to Persia in order to receive letters from the Meliks there. Elector Palatinate was an extremely influential person, the brother of the wife of the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II, and to this day he remains a very mysterious figure about whom there is very little information. As you can see in my book, John William intended to lay the crown of Armenia on his head. The Jesuit Procurator in Persia, Padre Krusinski, wrote that Israel Ori, having arrived in Persia with the embassy, frightened the Persian court by intending to revive the kingdom. What kind of kingdom can be revived? Not very close, but within reach you can see the kingdom of Cilicia, in which the Baruchs, Boroshi or Brooches ruled at one time, to which Israel Ori was attributed. That is, it is clear why Israel was chosen such a genus and why it was sent to these people - the choice depended not on the place, but on people who could be blackmailed. Based on the documents that are available, it becomes obvious that the meliks whom Israel Ori addressed to could not resist, even when they wanted, his will. So, he had some leverage in order to break their will and influence their decisions. The goal of the entire enterprise is clear, and it was voiced - the capture of all of Persia, and not the "liberation of Armenia", as claimed. In this way, the Holy Roman Empire could be expanded, relying on part of the Christian population in Persia, which the Jesuit missionaries had to process before. In the part of the study that has already been published, the connection between the Israel Ori and the Jesuits involved in the processing of Persian Christians is established. How close this relationship was, it is not known whether he was a member of this order, simply carried out their orders or sympathized with them? Perhaps he was only an adventurer, as described by Padre Krusinski and was simply used for money by more powerful forces, committing acts necessary, in particular, to the Order of the Jesuits. In general, the story of Israel Ori is truly detective and interesting. It is important to emphasize here that the story of Israel Ori is connected with the history of the Armenian people, but this is not the history of the Armenian people, but only the history of the person who concerns her. - I would like to clarify another important point. How did the Armenians live in Persia and the Ottoman Empire at that time? Did they need to wage a national liberation struggle, which is mentioned in the letters of the Meliks? - This can also be judged by the documents on the life of Christians in Muslim countries, published in the book. Both Israel Ori and the Meliks themselves very vividly talk about their capabilities: when it came to the invasion of Persia, they listed all their military resources and financial resources testifying to their influence in a Muslim country. The reader, who is in love with the history of Armenia - not in its beauty, but in real history - should be very interested in the opinion of the Meliks themselves about how they lived in Persia, how much property they had and, on the contrary, how few troops the Persians had in order to control the vast space inhabited by Christians, and to keep tens and hundreds of thousands of people in obedience. Let these readers read my book and answer for themselves the question of how Christians lived in Persia. - Let's make one more seed for the reader, in my opinion, the most important. According to the results of your research, nevertheless, by whom, when and for what purpose were the letters of the Meliks written? - Again, not wanting to deprive the reader of the right to make a decision myself, I will say that I am convinced that there is a huge difference between the letters with which Ori Ori left Persia, heading to the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation, and the letters that we know today. The exact same difference as between the two Israel Ori. I want every reader to read my research and understand what exactly was written in meliks, and what was later shown to Christian monarchs, and how different these documents were. There are also obvious falsifications, which I set out in great detail for the most patient reader, so that there are no questions left. - In the story about the letters of the Meliks, I was struck by the very regime of the carte blanche document, when an empty sheet of paper is given, under which people sign, in this case, chalk. I was surprised by who the negotiating person should be, so that consent was given to sign an empty sheet for him. - And this is another indirect evidence that the Meliks could not resist the will of Israel Ori and those people who sent him to Persia. They simply signed everything they were told. Those who ordered these letters did not initially know which text they needed, so the Meliks signed carte blanche and not all letters were written in Persia. It is possible that only one letter was written there, and not the one we read in French, since it was translated into French later. - Can you tell us what the second part of the book will be about? - In the second part, firstly, I hope that they will contain detailed answers to the questions that I will receive in the first part. Especially a lot of questions now on the introduction, where I talk about the history of Armenia as a whole. I affirm and can prove that before the appearance of the Mkhitarists, the history of Armenia was very short and was everywhere referred to as the story of several Christian princes who quarreled among themselves and lost their sovereignty in the area called Armenia. The story that is being talked about today began with the appearance in the XVIII century, in 1712 (a year after the death of Israel Ori) of the Mkhitarists, who began to collect bit by bit the references that could be called Armenian history. The name Armenia, according to my research, appeared not in historical, but in fiction. This conclusion follows from books known to us, the authenticity of which we can confirm with at least 90% certainty. To do this, you need a sufficient number of copies - if today we find 10-20 copies, even in the form of photographs or PDFs, then we can say that yes, such and such a book appeared in 1393 or in 1470 and so on. In my work, I used archival data about all European printed editions, and somewhere the publication of this or that book is confirmed, somewhere not. However, even if we assume that all the books that we have really been published, then there are no stories about Ancient Armenia, about Tigran the Great and its other figures. I can say that not only the history of Armenia is in trouble with antiquity, but also in other countries. I am sorry for the Armenian historians, and among them there are very sincere and worthy people who have spent a huge amount of energy studying this Armenian traditional version of history, but I want to say that its never too late to start from the beginning and turn everything around in your mind , and for your loved ones. - Thank you very much, Philipp Vartanovich, for having a chat with us today! You told very interesting story about this book, and about your approach to the study of history. New Delhi: Amidst the deadly coronavirus outbreak, Hollywood films about viruses and pandemics have suddenly started trending on the internet. On platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, they are the most-searched ones, these include films such as 'Contagion', 'I Am Legend' and many more. 'Contagion', the 2011 thriller, has taken over the internet and is also the second most-watched movie in Warner Bros' catalogue. The remarkable similarity between the film's plot and coronavirus outbreak has left everyone startled and drawn the attention of people. Here, we have collated a few films which deal with virus outbreaks and which are a must-watch as this point of time when the world is dealing the novel coronavirus. 'Cantagion' Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Ehle, 'Contagion' tells the story of a virus called MEV-1 transmitted by fomites. Gwyneth Paltrow's character dies mysteriously after she travels to Hong Kong and gets back to the US. The virus spreads like wildfire across the US, Hong Kong and other countries, claiming several lives. 'I Am Legend' 'I Am Legend' is a 2007 action-thriller based on a 1954 book of the same name. The film stars Will Smith as US Army virologist Robert Neville. The story is set in New York City after a virus, which was originally created to cure cancer, has wiped out most of mankind, leaving Neville as the last human in New York. It Comes At Night A family of three hide at an undisclosed location after a deadly virus outbreak. The story unfolds after a stranger visits them. It Comes At Night (2017) stars Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Riley Keough. 'World War Z' The 2013 apocalyptic action horror film narrates the story of Gerry Lane (Brad Pit), who travels the world in a race against time to stop a zombie pandemic. World War Z was directed by Marc Forster. 'Blindness' 2008s 'Blindness', starring Julianne Moore, deals with a disease that causes blindness and spreads globally. It gets recognised as a communicable disease and causes widespread panic. It is based on the book of the same name. WILTON Wilton resident Kim Healy hopes to challenge incumbent state Senator Will Haskell to represent the 26th Senate District in the state legislature in November. She officially filed the paperwork for her campaign committee with the State Elections Enforcement Committee on Tuesday, March 17, hoping to become the Republican nominee for the two-year seat now held by Haskell, a Democrat. The 26th district includes all of Redding, Ridgefield and Wilton and part of Bethel, New Canaan, Weston and Westport. I decided to run because I am very concerned about the future of our state, Healy said in a press release. My husband and I had been very happy living and raising our family here. Then the financial crisis happened, and we are still, after all these years, not seeing the recovery that we should. Our friends and businesses are leaving the state in record numbers for better opportunities and more favorable tax treatment. The ongoing tax and spend policy that seems to be the new normal in Hartford has to stop. I believe that we can turn things around, and I am committed to making that happen. Healy moved to Wilton in 2008 and has lived in Connecticut since 1994. She is a CPA and a former auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers. She has more than 20 years of volunteer experience, most notably as a tax preparer for retired individuals and those under certain income levels through the AARP, as the treasurer of the Wilton Library and as a member of the Wilton Womans Club. She and her husband have four children, aged 13 to 22. I am so excited to be running and I look forward to meeting residents in all of our districts towns and learning about the issues that matter most to them, Healy said. It is because I am committed to putting those issues front and center in Hartford that I will do everything possible to earn their support. Government leaders are coming under sustained pressure to come to the aid of stricken local businesses as Irelands coronavirus emergency takes hold. Dozens of firms, from pubs and restaurants to various other retailers have shut their doors for the foreseeable future over the past number of days to try and keep a lid on the spread of Covid-19. It has also sparked an outpouring of lobbying and various other supporting pleas from local politicians over the past seven days. Longford/Westmeath Fianna Fail TD Joe Flaherty called on Longford County Council to take a sympathetic view when it comes to the payment of commercial rates as the impact of the Covid-19 virus takes hold. He said he has written to the Council's Chief Executive, Paddy Mahon; and Director of Finance, John McKeon, advising the local authority to be flexible when it comes to commercial rates and specifically businesses that genuinely cannot afford payments as a result of the crisis. "These steps are necessary so that businesses can keep a positive cash flow, he said. Read also: Doherty Announces Details of the Covid Employer Refund Scheme Many local small and medium sized businesses will face very significant cash flow issues in the short-term and the Revenue need to adopt a flexible and supportive role. For example, businesses that make a VAT return but cannot make the payment should be allowed to defer the payment without the imposition of any interest or penalties." His Fine Gael opposite number, Peter Burke TD insisted a suite of supports will be made available to businesses in Longford impacted by Covid-19. Local businesses are being urged to Peter Burke said: I know that this is a worrying time for businesses and I want to assure them that my Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys, her Department and agencies are working on their behalf to develop and deliver a range of supports to help them through this rapidly evolving situation. Understandably, many businesses are very concerned about their cashflow in the coming weeks. I want to reassure them that there are a number of schemes that can help them meet their short-term working capital and liquidity needs. He said the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation have put a range of supports in place, including: A 200m Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) Working Capital scheme for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19. Loans of up to 1.5m will be available at reduced rates, with up to the first 500,000 unsecured. Applications can be made through the SBCI website https://sbci.gov.ie/ A 200m Package for Enterprise Supports including a Rescue and Restructuring Scheme available through Enterprise Ireland for vulnerable but viable firms that need to restructure or transform their business. The maximum loan available from MicroFinance Ireland will be increased from 25,000 to 50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises (sole traders and firms with up to 9 employees) - are facing. Applications can be made through the MFI website https://microfinanceireland. ie/ or through your local LEO. The Credit Guarantee Scheme will be available to COVID-19 impacted firms through the Pillar Banks. Loans of up to 1m will be available at terms of up to 7 years. Meanwhile, Longford County Councillor Micheal Carrigy said he would be bringing a motion to the next local authority meeting over the crisis. Cllr Carrigy said it was imperative the Council showed solidarity to those firms affected by the fallout. I will be looking for a relaxation in rates demands to be reflective of the length of time a business is closed for, he added. Read also: Public with 'non urgent' cases advised to stay away from Longford court sitting tomorrow Music producer Andrew Watt recently revealed in an Instagram post that he has been tested positive for coronavirus. The ace producer behind Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes's hit 'Senorita' shared his journey with an attempt to bring awareness about the severity of the highly contagious virus. "Yesterday I was given the results that I am positive for COVID-19. I wanted to tell you all about my journey getting here in an effort to bring awareness to the severity of what's happening in the world," read Watt's note. Watt was earlier told by doctor that he just has flu and, "there's no way I could have Covid-19 as I haven't left the country and all I do is go to the studio and go straight home." "I started to become delusional and then began the dry cough....immediately rushed to the emergency room and begged to be tested for COVID-19 as this "flu" was not subsiding. I was turned down for the test because of federal regulations," the producer wrote in his letter. "I begged and pleaded to be aluated and finally was given a chest x 0 ray...the results of which were Viral Pneumonia...but still...No Test. A private doctor was finally able to test me himself and yesterday afternoon it came back Positive for Covid-19," he added. Watt then threw light on the severity of the situation and why it is necessary to take early preventive measures to deal with the pandemic. "I can't stress this enough...This is not a joke. Stay inside, stay sanitized. Please stop everything and take care of yourselves And the people you love around you, until we are all through this," Watt said. "To have the mentality "I'm young this can't affect me" is just straight up stupid and so dangerous to everyone around you. Social distancing is to protect someone's mom and dad, someone's grandmother...it's not about you," he added. The first Hollywood personalities that were earlier diagnosed with COVID-19 are superstar couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson who are now discharged from the hospital and are under quarantine at their home. Other celebrities that are currently battling with the coronavirus are 'Game of Throes' actor Kristofer Hivju, 'Oblivion' actor Olga Kurylenko, and actor Idris Elba. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Worcester police said Thursday that an officer spotted several customers eating and drinking at Vintage Grille during a ban on-site consumption at restaurants and bars to slow the spread of coronavirus. However, the owner of the Shrewsbury Street restaurant says that it was not serving customers. Instead, the restaurant was trying to surprise an employee for his 70th birthday. On Sunday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a ban on any on-site consumption of food or drinks at bars and restaurants through April 6. People across the state have been practicing social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, which causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19. Gatherings of more than 25 people have also been banned. Worcester police wrote in a news release that a member of the departments Alcohol Enforcement Unit saw on Wednesday that Vintage Grille was open for business with numerous patrons consuming food and drinks on the premise. During a compliance check, the officer saw food and drinks being served to seated customers, according to the statement. The officer has applied for a criminal complaint in response to the violation of the ban and the incident is being referred to the License Commission and Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for further sanctions, police said. Robin Caruso, the owner of Vintage Grille, said police have the circumstances of the situation wrong. Caruso said one of the restaurants employees was turning 70. The mans wife is in a nursing home and he cant see her, Caruso said in a phone interview. Another employee asked the man to come in on Wednesday and pick up an order for delivery, she said. Instead of picking up an order, they surprised the man with a birthday cake Caruso said was the size of the palm of her hand and was purchased at a local grocery store. We did not serve food, she said. We sang happy birthday to him. The whole thing was a 20-minute ordeal, Caruso said. The gathering was a total of five employees with the small cake, and two of the employees had beer to cheers the celebration. Its heartbreaking because we werent trying to break any rules, we were just trying to give an old man a cake, she said. Worcester police showed up just as the celebration was wrapping up, Caruso said. Caruso said she was aware that the restaurant could not serve food to customers on-site during the ban. This was an employee, she said. Was it wrong, yes, probably, now we see that. But to blow us up like that, Im a little ashamed of the Worcester police. Caruso said her restaurant is just trying to survive like everyone else. The restaurant is continuing to offer take-out. Worcester police took videotapes that recorded the incident inside the premises, Caruso said. Asked to respond to Carusos statement that everyone at the restaurant was an employee, a Worcester police spokeswoman said, We have evidence that alcohol was being sold at the business. As always our main measure of success is compliance, said Police Chief Steven Sargent. We are asking for cooperation from business owners and customers as we continue to work together to provide a comprehensive COVID-19 response. During a press conference on Thursday, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said that Vintage Grille put not only its employees and anyone in the restaurant at risk, but also Worcester police officers. Not following the governors order is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, Augustus said. I cant stress this enough. This is phenomenally irresponsible behavior. Augustus also said that what Vintage Grille did was unfair to other restaurants and businesses in Worcester. Under Bakers order, employees of bars and restaurants are still allowed to eat a snack or meal at the restaurant where they work, though the administration would still encourage safe social distancing, the governors office said. The Worcester Police Department Alcohol Enforcement Unit will continue to conduct compliance checks at establishments throughout the city. Anyone with questions is asked to call the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission at 617-727-3040. Related Content: TDT | Manama As the outbreak of novel coronavirus continues to batter global economy, Bahrains central bank has implemented new measures to contain the virus spread. Bahrains top bank said yesterday that it will deep clean currencies and destroy potentially infected cash. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will now literally launder its dinars in the main vault by disinfecting it with ultraviolet devices and will isolate banknotes received by banks for a period of 72 hours. The CBB, in a circular seen by the Tribune, said it will also issue new banknotes to make up for the supply. Other measures include destroying five dinars, one dinar and half dinar denominations, deposited by the banks, as there are high chances that they might have come from high-risk infection areas. The central bank has also instructed money transfer companies here to wear protective gloves during daily withdrawals and deposits. The new measures indicate the Kingdoms financial systems full support in preventing the outbreak which began in Wuhan in December and has spread all over the world. In March 1993 new security features were added to the Bahraini Dinar to develop the currency and protect it from the counterfeit processes. With that, a new family of banknotes were issued BD20, BD10, BD5, BD1 and BD1/2 along with the coins, 100fils, 50 fils, 25 fils, 10 fils and 5 fils. After the issue of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Financial Institutions Law in 2006, the CBB issued the fourth issue of Bahraini Dinar, in March 2008, containing banknote denominations BD20, BD10, BD5, BD1 and BD1/2, with the coin denominations unchanged. Similar measures in China Peoples Bank of China had earlier implemented similar measures to disinfect its cash pile and then storing it for seven to 14 days before releasing it to customers. It also suspended physical cash transfers between hard-hit provinces, to limit the possibility of virus transmission via cash. A spokesman of the World Health Organisation has earlier said that since money changes hands frequently, it could pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses and things like that. We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face. When possible its a good idea to use contactless payments. CNN, in an article, pointed out that the lists of things found on US dollar bills include DNA from pets, traces of drugs, and bacteria and viruses citing a 2017 study. The finding it said demonstrates how money can silently record human activities, leaving behind so-called molecular echoes. A similar study also recovered traces of DNA on ATM keypads, reflecting the foods people ate in different neighbourhoods CALGARY / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Valeura Energy Inc. (VLE.TO), (VLU.L) ("Valeura" or the "Company"), the upstream natural gas company focused on the Thrace Basin of Turkey, announces that on March 17, 2020 it issued an aggregate of 2,795,000 incentive stock options to a number of employees, officers, directors, and consultants, including an individual engaged in investor relations activities on behalf of the Company. The stock options are exercisable for a period of seven years at an exercise price of C$0.25 per share and will vest over a period of three years. The stock options were granted in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan, which has been approved by the Company's shareholders and the TSX. Certain persons discharging managerial responsibilities ("PDMR") were recipients of stock options as detailed below. PDMR Position Volume Sean Guest Executive Director, President and Chief Executive Officer 550,000 Heather Campbell Chief Financial Officer 325,000 Peter Sider Chief Operating Officer 325,000 Gordon Begg Vice President, Commercial 325,000 Rob Sadownyk Vice President, Exploration 220,000 Tim Marchant Non-Executive Chairman 100,000 Russell Hiscock Non-Executive Director 100,000 Jim McFarland Non-Executive Director 100,000 Ron Royal Non-Executive Director 100,000 Kimberley Wood Non-Executive Director 100,000 For further information please contact: Valeura Energy Inc. (General and Investor Enquiries) +1 403 237 7102 Sean Guest, President and CEO Heather Campbell, CFO Robin Martin, Investor Relations Manager Contact@valeuraenergy.com, IR@valeuraenergy.com Canaccord Genuity Limited (Corporate Broker) +44 (0) 20 7523 8000 Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor James Asensio CAMARCO (Public Relations, Media Adviser) +44 (0) 20 3757 4980 Owen Roberts Monique Perks Hugo Liddy Billy Clegg Valeura@camarco.co.uk This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such an offer would be unlawful. This announcement is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful. Story continues Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: William Sean Guest 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Chief Executive Officer b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 550,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 550,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Heather Campbell 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Chief Financial Officer b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 325,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 325,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Peter Sider 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Chief Operating Officer b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares of Valeura Energy Inc. ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 325,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 325,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Gord Begg 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Vice President, Commercial b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 325,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 325,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Rob Sadownyk 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Vice President, Exploration b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 220,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 220,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Timothy R. Marchant 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Non-Executive Chairman b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 100,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 100,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Russell Hiscock 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 100,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 100,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: James D. McFarland 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 100,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 100,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Ron Royal 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 100,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 100,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Kimberley Wood 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Valeura Energy Inc. b) LEI: 2549003ZBCOPPO06GY48 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares ISIN: CA9191444020 b) Nature of the transaction: Grant of option to purchase common shares under Valeura's Stock Option Plan for a period of seven years from the date of grant, with an option price of $0.25 per share. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) C$0.00 100,000 d) Aggregated information: - Aggregated volume - Price 100,000 C$0.00 e) Date of the transaction: March 17, 2020 f) Place of the transaction: Outside of trading venue This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Valeura Energy Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581532/Valeura-Energy-Announces-Issuance-of-Stock-Options New Cornell University research is producing a more accurate historical timeline for the occupation of Native American sites in upstate New York, based on radiocarbon dating of organic materials and statistical modeling. The results from the study of a dozen sites in the Mohawk Valley were recently published in the online journal PLoS ONE by Sturt Manning, professor of classical archaeology; and John Hart, curator in the research and collections division of the New York State Museum in Albany. The findings, Manning said, are helping to refine our understanding of the social, political and economic history of the Mohawk Valley region at the time of early European intervention. The work is part of the Dating Iroquoia Project, involving researchers from Cornell, the University of Georgia and the New York State Museum, and supported by the National Science Foundation. The new paper continues and expands upon research on four Iroquoian (Wendat) sites in southern Ontario, published by the project team in 2018. Using similar radiocarbon dating and statistical analysis methods, the 2018 findings also impacted timelines of Iroquoian history and European contact. "The Mohawk case was chosen because it is an iconic series of indigenous sites and was subject to one of the first big dating efforts in the 1990s," said Manning. "We have now examined a southern Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) case as well as a northern Iroquois (Wendat) case, and we again find that the previous dating scheme is flawed and needs revision." The Mohawk and Hudson river valleys were key inland routes for Europeans entering the region from the coast in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Colonization of the new world enriched Europe -- Manning has described this period as "the beginning of the globalized world" -- but brought disease and genocide to indigenous peoples, and their history during this time is often viewed in terms of trade and migration. advertisement The standard timeline created for historical narratives of indigenous settlement, Manning noted, has largely been based on the presence or absence of types of European trade goods -- e.g., metal items or glass beads. Belying this Eurocentric colonial lens, trade practices differed from one native community to another, and not all of them accepted contact with, or goods from, European settlers. To clarify the origins of metal goods found in the upstate New York settlements, the team used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis to determine whether copper artifacts were of native or European origin. They then also re-assessed the dates of the sites using radiocarbon dating coupled with Bayesian statistical analysis. Bayesian analysis, Manning explained, is "a statistical method that integrates prior knowledge in order to better define the probability parameters around a question or unknown. In this case, archaeological and ethno-historic information was combined with data from a large set of radiocarbon dates in order to estimate occupation dates for a set of Mohawk villages across the 13th to early 17th centuries." The focus was on the period from the late 15th to the early 17th century, he said, or "the long 16th century of change in the northeast." The results "add to a growing appreciation of the interregional variations in the circulation and adoption patterns of European goods in northeastern North America in the 16th to earlier 17th centuries," Manning said. advertisement In previous indigenous site studies, where artifacts indicated trade interactions, researchers might assume "that trade goods were equally available, and wanted, all over the region," and that different indigenous groups shared common trade practices, he said. Direct radiocarbon dating of organic matter, such as maize kernels, tests those assumptions and removes the colonial lens, allowing an independent timeframe for historical narratives, Manning said. At several major Iroquois sites lacking close European connections, independent radiocarbon studies indicate substantially different date ranges from the previous estimates based on trade goods. "The re-dating of a number of Iroquoian sites also raises questions about the social, political and economic history of indigenous communities from the 14th to the 17th centuries," Manning said. "For example ... a shift to larger and fortified communities, and evidence of increased conflict," was previously thought to have occurred around the mid-15th century. But the radiocarbon findings from some larger sites in Ontario and their cultivated maize fields - 2,000 acres or more in some instances -- date the sites from the mid-16th to the start of the 17th century, he said. "However, as this New York state study shows, other areas had their own and differing trajectories. Thus with direct dating we start to see real, lived, histories of communities, and not some imposed generic assessment," Manning said. "The emerging new and independent timeframe for northeast North America will now form the basis of a wider indigenous history," Manning said, "free from a Eurocentric bias, with several past assumptions open for an overdue rethink." Cornell University has dedicated television and audio studios available for media interviews supporting full HD, ISDN and web-based platforms. India reported its fourth coronavirus death on Thursday as the total number of cases of COVID-19 rose to 173 while most of the states and Union Territories imposed restrictions, inching towards partial shutdown and India banning landing of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 for a week. IMAGE: Students wearing maks in the wake of coronavirus pandemic pose for a photograph at Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district. Photograph: PTI Photo The Union health ministry said the fourth person to die in Punjab after getting coronavirus was an elderly and had co-morbid conditions like diabetes, cardiac ailments. There were more than 20 fresh cases in last 24 hours with Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh reporting their first COVID-19 patients on early Thursday. As the virus continued to spread its tentacles across India, several parts, including Kashmir valley headed towards a virtual lockdown with the administration restricting movement of people in several parts and banning all public transport in Srinagar city. IMAGE: An official uses a thermal screening device on an employee in the wake of deadly coronavirus, at the entrance of corporate centre in Faridabad. Photograph: PTI Photo Punjab and the national capital also inched towards virtual shutdown. While the Punjab government announced suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight and restricting public gatherings to less than 20 besides deciding to close down marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state. The Kejriwal government in Delhi also announced shutting down of restaurants but said that takeaway and home delivery services will continue. "Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has asked all government departments, autonomous bodies and PSUs to segregate activities and suspend non-essential services," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference. Non-essential government services will be discontinued from Friday, he added. IMAGE: A Medic staff member checks the stock at a Blood Bank in Kolkata. Shortage in blood groups has been observed due to the inadequate supply in the wake of deadly coronavirus. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo Social, cultural and political gatherings with more than 20 people are not allowed across the national capital to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, he said. As part of its efforts to detect and prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed over 8,000 lives globally and infected more than two lakh, the government banned all international commercial passenger aircraft from landing in the country from March 22 to March 29. Moreover, the Central government has requested states to enforce work for home for private sector employees, except for those working in emergency and essential services. "State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives or government servants or medical professionals are advised to remain at home," the government statement noted. "No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22, 2020 for one week," the government statement said. "Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," it added. "States are being requested to enforce work for home for private sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services," the statement added. IMAGE: A shopkeeper wears a mask and sanitize his hands A shopkeeper wears a mask and sanitize his hands. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI Photo While the Indian Railways decided to suspend all concessional tickets except for patients, students and those in the Divyangjan category from the midnight of March 20 till further notice to discourage unnecessary travel, IndiGo announced pay cuts for senior employees, including of its CEO who would take the highest cut of 25 per cent amid the novel coronavirus pandemic that has hit the aviation industry hard. The total tally of 169 include 25 foreign nationals -- 17 from Italy, 3 from the Philippines, two from the United Kingdom, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore. IMAGE: Workers sanitise a lift at Nabanna in Kolkata. Photograph: PTI Photo The figure also includes four deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Punjab so far. Delhi has reported 12 positive cases which includes one foreigner, while Uttar Pradesh has recorded 17 cases, including one foreigner. Maharashtra has 45 cases, including three foreigners, while Kerala has recorded 27 cases which include two foreign nationals. IMAGE: Army personnel wear masks as preventive measure against the novel coronavirus, in New Delhi. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo Karnataka has 14 coronavirus patients. The number of cases in Ladakh rose to eight and Jammu and Kashmir four. Telangana has reported six cases which include two foreigners. Rajasthan has also reported seven cases including that of two foreigners. Tamil Nadu has two cases so far. Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Chandigarh and Punjab have reported one case each. In Haryana, there are 17 cases, which include 14 foreigners. IMAGE: Security personnel pump sanitizer on hands of visitors at the entrance of a shopping mall in Kolkata. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo In a last minute-decision, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations postponed class 10 and 12 examinations, which were to start from Thursday. With the class 12 sociology exam scheduled to be held at 2 pm, the announcement was made at 10 am. The HRD ministry had on Wednesday ordered the Central Board of Secondary Education, National Institute of Open Schooling, University Grants Commission and the All India Council for Technical Education to postpone their exams till March 31, saying the safety of students and staff were as important as following the exam calendar. IMAGE: People wearing protective masks in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, cross a road in Khan Market area in New Delhi. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo Meanwhile, Mumbai's famed tiffin suppliers, the dabbawalas, said they are suspending their services from Friday till March 31 in view of the coronavirus situation. In the national capital, the upscale Sunder Nagar market in South Delhi has been closed till March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak, the traders' body said. It is the first market to shut down in the capital. TICKERS: GIS; GGISF, GBR; GTBDF Source: James Kwantes, Resource Opportunities, for Streetwise Reports (3/18/20) James Kwantes of Resource Opportunities discusses the investment thesis behind this Discovery Group company operating in "the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt." For veteran speculators, the latest hits to junior mining share prices feels like deja vu all over again. Sentiment is gloomy and market capitalizations are depressed. But gold, in U.S. dollar terms, is still up more than 25% year-over-year. And US$1,500 gold translates to more than CA$2,150, an exceptional price for Canadian projects whose expenses are measured mostly in loonies. Gold producers that deplete their reserves with every shift and every scoop still rely on junior exploration companies to find the deposits that will replenish their ore. Most juniors, meanwhile, had yet to respond even before the coronavirus correctionswhich has further pummeled the sector. Expectations are very low, along with share prices. For exploration companies with strong management and backing, a flush treasury and potential for high-grade discoveries, it's not a bad setup. Genesis Metals Corp. (GIS:TSX.V; GGISF:OTC) fits the bill. The Discovery Group company has $3.5 million in the treasury to drill its flagship Chevrier project in Quebec's Chibougamau mining district. Chevrier is located in the eastern portion of the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt (180 million ounces [180Moz] of historical gold production). Genesis is drilling an initial 2,500 meters (10 holes) at Chevrier, part of a planned 8,000-meter drill program this year. The initial program is designed to tap into high-grade shoots within the Chevrier Main zone deposit, expanding the higher-grade domain. Genesis's market cap of about $7.9 million is backstopped by existing gold resources at Chevrier totaling 395,000 ounces Indicated grading 1.45 g/t Au and 297,000 ounces Inferred at an average grade of 1.33 g/t, at the Chevrier Main and East Zones. The company has already identified high-grade areas within the depositassays announced on Jan. 22, 2018 included 8.73 g/t over 21.35 meters and 4.26 g/t over 19.4 meters at the Main Zone. But those results went unappreciated, with gold trading at US$1,330/ounce on its way down to $1,200. Later this year, Genesis plans to test targets elsewhere on the 295-square-kilometer property that were identified through last year's property-wide glacial till survey. Overseeing the exploration program is new CEO David Terry, an economic geologist who was appointed president and CEO on Dec. 2, 2019 (Jeff Sundar remains as executive director). Terry obtained a PhD in Geology from Western University in Ontario. He's also well schooled in the vagaries of bull and bear market mining cycles, through decades in the industry running projectsboth large and smallfor majors and helming explorecos. Terry is currently a director of several active exploration companies, including Golden Arrow Resources Corp. (GRG:TSX.V; GARWF:OTCQB; G6A:FSE), Aftermath Silver Ltd. (AAG:TSX.V) and Great Bear Resources Ltd. (GBR:TSX.V; GTBDF:OTCQX). Great Bear, also a Discovery Group company, is drilling high-grade gold along kilometers of strike at its Dixie project in Red Lake, Ontario. Economic geologist David Terry, the Genesis CEO, on site at a project in San Juan, Argentina. For Terry, the Great Bear directorship is a kind of return to Red Lake. His first summer job in exploration included mapping and sampling in the prolific district for a large mining company called Goldfields while he attended Western in the 1980s. He later worked for several years as a contract geologist with Cominco (which sponsored his PhD thesis) in Alaska, followed by a stint with Hemlo Gold exploring back in the Abitibi. After obtaining his PhD, Terry worked for Westmin Resources, then Boliden, as a geologist and project manager. When Boliden exited Canada with the mining sector in a post Bre-X slump, Terry took a position as a regional geologist for the British Columbia (BC) Geological Survey in southeastern BC for three years. He spoke at the closing ceremony for Teck Resources Ltd.'s (TCK:TSX; TCK:NYSE) legendary Sullivan mine, which operated for nearly a century and produced 160 million tonnes grading 12% zinc/lead and 67 g/t silver. Since 2004 he has worked in management, director and advisory roles with a number of juniors exploring and advancing precious and base metal projects in both North American and a number of Latin American countries. Terry joined the Great Bear board in July 2016, before the Dixie project was the company's flagship. Great Bear's mineralized LP fault is now recognized as one of the best gold discoveries of recent years, globally. But Terry remembers when the team operated in relative obscurity, with GBR shares trading for dimes not dollars. As for Genesis, adopting a go-slow approach in 2019 laid the groundwork for an active 2020. Instead of drilling in the depths of a bear market, former president and CEO Jeff Sundar focused on building out the team and raising a war chest. Genesis joined the Discovery Group of companies and added Discovery principals John Robins and Jim Paterson as strategic advisors. The Discovery Group has an impressive record of wins in recent years, including the $520-million sale of Kaminak Gold to Goldcorp and the $117-million sale of Northern Empire Resources to Coeur Mining Inc. (CDE:NYSE). Rob Carpenter, the cofounder and former CEO of Kaminak, also came on as a strategic advisor. Genesis's successful financings were done in conjunction with a 5-for-1 share consolidation and the appointment of Terry as CEO. Rollbacks have a bad reputationand rightly sobut consolidations done in conjunction with management changes and large financings can set the stage for success. Great Bear is another example of a successful rollback, its tight share structure helping to propel the stock post-discovery. Chevrier is located in a prolific district of high-grade gold resources. Directly to the southwest is the Monster Lake gold discovery, where joint venture partners IAMGOLD Corp. (IMG:TSX; IAG:NYSE) and TomaGold Corp. (LOT:TSX.V) have identified an Inferred resource of 433,000 ounces at 12.14 g/t gold. At the Nelligan project further southwest, Vanstar has delineated 3.1 million ounces of gold (Inferred) at about 1 g/t, but last year hit 6 meters grading 56.46 g/t Au. IAMGOLD recently increased its interest in the project to 75%. South of Chevrier, the Joe Mann gold mine produced 1.2 million ounces of gold at 8.26 g/t, as well as silver and copper. Infrastructure is excellent at Chevrier: a highway and power line runs through the property and the regional airport is a few minutes drive to the north. With Discovery Group backing, a strong management and technical team, and a full treasury to drill high-grade gold targets at Chevrier, Genesis has laid the foundation for success. And high-grade gold discoveries get rewarded by the market, even in these tumultuous times for juniors. Genesis Metals (GIS:TSX.V) Price: 0.18 Shares outstanding: 43.76 million (59 million fully diluted) Market cap: $7.9 million James Kwantes is the editor of Resource Opportunities, a subscriber supported junior mining investment publication. Kwantes has two decades of journalism experience and was the mining reporter at Vancouver Sun, the city's paper of record. [NLINSERT] James Kwantes Disclosure: James Kwantes owns Genesis Metals shares and Genesis is one of three Resource Opportunities sponsor companies. Genesis is a speculative, high-risk exploration stock that may not be suitable for all investors. This article is not intended as financial advice and all investors should conduct their own due diligence and/or consult an investment advisor. Streetwise Disclosure: 1) James Kwantes' disclosures are listed above. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Great Bear Resources. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Aftermath Silver. Please click here for more information. Within the last six months, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has disseminated information about the private placement of the following companies mentioned in this article: Aftermath. 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Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this interview, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Golden Arrow Resources, Aftermath Silver, Coeur Mining and Newmont Goldcorp, companies mentioned in this article. Resource Opportunities Disclaimer: Readers are advised that this article is solely for information purposes. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence, and/or obtain professional advice. The information is based on sources which the publisher believes to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate, and does not purport to be a complete statement or summary of the available data. With schools closing across the US to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic, many families in need who rely on school lunches to feed their children are fearing that they'll go hungry. Burger King wants to help, and is giving away free kids meals with purchase for a limited time. Starting March 23, the burger chain will include two kids' meals with any purchase made on the Burger King app. Help: Burger King is giving away two free kids' meals with purchase from March 23 to April 6 The coupon offer can be redeemed one time per guest daily through April 6. 'There's a tremendous impact on children, as a result of all the school closures,' Restaurant Brands International CEO Jose Cil told Business Insider. 'It's one of the hardest hit groups of Americans, because they rely so significantly on school, for lunch ... Monday through Friday, for the better part of the year.' Cil added that on Tuesday, he and other fast food executives spoke with the president about promoting social distancing with drive-thru and delivery. 'There's a tremendous impact on children, as a result of all the school closures,' Restaurant Brands International CEO Jose Cil said The promotion starts nationwide next week, and will continue for a limited time while supplies last. 'We have the ability to help feed America,' he said. 'The challenge here is that when you're dealing with a circumstance like this, if we don't utilize businesses like Burger King, Tim's and Popeyes... 'It's really difficult for Americans to be fed, because it's going to be difficult for them to get all their other food and necessities from the supermarket.' Eating up: S several schools that have closed are opening for a limited time each day to distribute lunches to children who need them (pictured: Shaler Area School District in PA) Meanwhile, several schools that have closed are opening the facilities for a limited time each day to distribute school lunches to children who need them. Elsewhere, other local restaurants are chipping in to help. According to Knox News, in Knoxville, Tennessee, he Hilton Knoxville will be offering free sack lunches for students, while the Token Game Tavern is giving kids free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. NorthcentralPA.com has compiled a list of dozens of local establishments giving out free pizza, sandwiches, and other lunches to kids. AM NY reports that Mamajuana Cafe in the Bronx is also giving away bagged meals to students. Even as restaurants face devastating losses in the face of closures, more and more across the country are offering to help children in need. The on Thursday dismissed the plea filed by three of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case challenging the trial court order declining to stay their scheduled for early Friday morning. In a late night hearing, a bench comprising Justices Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula dismissed the plea saying it was devoid of merits. While dismissing the plea, the bench said pending pleas of the convicts in various fora is untenable in law as a ground to stay The high court in its order also said that plea of juvenility of Pawan had been raised all the way up to the and was rejected each time and therefore, it cannot be agitated in the present case. The bench said pendency of proceedings, initiated by the convicts or involving them at various fora is untenable in law as a ground for staying Advocate A P Singh, counsel for the convicts, told media persons outside the court that the system was against them. "Execution of the four convicts had become a prestige issue," Singh said, adding that their execution will not end rapes. Mother of the victim expressed hope and said the four convicts will be hanged at 5.30 am. Lawyers for Nirbhaya's parents said they believe the convicts would be moving the and they will be outside it till the hanging is confirmed. The trial court on Thursday afternoon dismissed the plea of Akshay Kumar Singh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma seeking to stay their death warrants. They, along with Mukesh Singh, are scheduled to be hanged on Friday at 5.30 am. By Ben Klayman DETROIT (Reuters) - The Detroit Three automakers will shut down their U.S. plants to stop the spread of coronavirus, bowing to pressure from the union representing about 150,000 hourly workers at those facilities, industry officials said. Ford Motor Co , General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV confirmed the decisions to shut U.S By Ben Klayman DETROIT (Reuters) - The Detroit Three automakers will shut down their U.S. plants to stop the spread of coronavirus, bowing to pressure from the union representing about 150,000 hourly workers at those facilities, industry officials said. Ford Motor Co , General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV confirmed the decisions to shut U.S. plants, as well as factories in Canada and Mexico. The Detroit automakers' shares took a beating on Wednesday, with GM closing 17.3% lower, Ford off 10.2% and Fiat Chrysler shares ending 9.2% lower in New York. The carmakers' North American factories build their most profitable trucks and sport utility vehicles, such as Fiat Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler, GM's Chevrolet Silverado pickup and the Ford F-series truck line. The actions come less than a day after the automakers and the United Auto Workers union agreed to keep plants running with reduced shifts and staffing, and more time allowed for cleaning. But that deal was put aside on Wednesday morning after Honda Motor Co <7267.T> said it would shut its North American factories for six days because of a slump in demand, and a worker at a Ford assembly plant in Michigan tested positive for the coronavirus. Ford on Wednesday morning closed the final assembly building at its complex in Wayne, Michigan, where it builds the Ranger pickup truck and will assemble Bronco SUVs. Ford said it would close all its North American plants after Thursday evening's shifts through March 30 to thoroughly clean the factories in the United States, Canada and Mexico. GM's timetable was the same, while FCA's is through the end of March. Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co <7201.T> said it will halt production at U.S. manufacturing facilities starting March 20 through April 6 "to boost containment efforts where possible around the COVID-19 coronavirus." Nissan said it has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any Nissan facility. South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co <005380.KS> closed its Montgomery, Alabama, assembly plant on Wednesday morning after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19. There were no details on when it would reopen. Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> said it would close its North American plants for two days next week. The Detroit Three automakers have yet to issue profit warnings, but Germany's BMW said on Wednesday its 2020 profit would be "significantly lower" than last year. FCA said it would update its financial guidance when it has greater visibility on the epidemic's impact on the market. The pain could also be felt by the U.S. government, which would lose $2 billion in tax revenue if sales in the entire U.S. auto sector stopped for a week, according to the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. United Auto Workers (UAW) union President Rory Gamble, who had previously called on the Detroit automakers to close their U.S. plants, in a Wednesday statement called shutdowns "the prudent thing to do." "Recent developments in North America make it clear this is the right thing to do now," GM Chief Executive Mary Barra said in a separate statement. GM said Barra spoke with officials in President Donald Trump's administration about the No. 1 U.S. automaker supporting production of medical equipment needed to help fight the outbreak, such as ventilators. Workers affected by the shutdowns qualify for unemployment as well as supplemental pay from the automakers, the union said. It was not clear whether the automakers would seek to substitute this shutdown for the one they typically take annually during the summer. Meanwhile, other automakers in North America are still operating assembly plants, including BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina; Kia Motors Corp <000270.KS> in West Point, Georgia; Daimler AG's Mercedes in Vance, Alabama; Volvo Cars in Ridgeville, South Carolina, and Volkswagen AG in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tesla Inc was operating its plant in Fremont, California, on Wednesday, despite a statement from local officials that the factory cannot continue to operate as the San Francisco Bay Area began a three-week lockdown. Local officials said Tesla was preparing to reduce staffing by about 75% at the plant. (Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit; Additional reporting by Paul Lienert and Joe White in Detroit and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang, Matthew Lewis and Lincoln Feast.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. "To meet the needs of the taxpaying public, it is critical that the IRS listen to taxpayers to hear what their needs and preferences are," said Bridget T. Roberts, the Acting National Taxpayer Advocate. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seeking civic-minded volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). The TAP is a federal advisory committee that listens to taxpayers, identifies major taxpayer concerns, and makes recommendations for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. Taxpayers interested in serving on the panel may apply through March 30. "To meet the needs of the taxpaying public, it is critical that the IRS listen to taxpayers to hear what their needs and preferences are," said Bridget T. Roberts, the Acting National Taxpayer Advocate. "The citizen volunteers who serve on the TAP hear from taxpayers and then bring their collective voice and recommendations to the IRS. Learn more about the TAP and how you can contribute to this dynamic group of volunteers. Take time to view the video on TAP membership posted on the TAP website. The TAP is seeking members and alternates in the following locations: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. To the extent possible, the TAP includes members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and one member representing international taxpayers. Each member is appointed to represent the interests of taxpayers in their geographic location as well as taxpayers overall. For the TAP, "international taxpayers" are broadly defined to include U.S. citizens working, living, or doing business abroad or in U.S. territories. To be a member of the TAP, a person must be a U.S. citizen, be current with their federal tax obligations, be able to commit 200 to 300 volunteer hours during the year, and pass a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check. Members cannot be federally registered lobbyists or current Department of the Treasury or IRS employees. Former TAP members must have a three-year separation from their service to be considered for appointment. New TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in December 2020. Applicants chosen as alternate members will be considered to fill any vacancies that open in their areas during the next three years. Federal advisory committees are required to have a balanced membership in terms of points of view represented. As such, applicants from under-represented groups, such as non-tax professionals and Native Americans, are particularly encouraged to apply. All timely applications, however, will be given consideration, so long as the applicant is from one of the geographic locations specified above. The TAP reports annually to the Secretary of the Treasury, the IRS Commissioner and the National Taxpayer Advocate. The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate is an independent organization within the IRS that provides support for and oversight of the TAP. For additional information about the TAP and a full list of geographic locations in which the IRS is seeking applicants, visit http://www.improveirs.org or call 888-912-1227 (a toll-free call) and select prompt number five. Callers outside the U.S. may call 214-413-6523 (not a toll-free call) or email the TAP staff at taxpayeradvocacypanel@irs.gov. HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut has decided to move its presidential primary to a later date to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Twitter the April 28 primary will now be held June 2. Connecticut is the latest state to postpone primary elections amid the global pandemic. Maryland, another state that was part of the April 28 primary, dubbed the Acela Primary or I-95 Primary, also moved its primary to June 2. The other states to postpone are Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and Ohio. Merrill said moving the primary date is a good first step toward insuring Connecticut voters can have a say in the selection of presidential candidates while ensuring theyre safe at the polls. She said it will also give local election officials more time to prepare. Changing an election date is not something we do lightly its a recognition of the severity & nature of this crisis, and more steps may be necessary to guarantee that every CT voter has an opportunity to cast their ballot, she wrote in a tweet. Earlier this week, the presidents of associations representing local registrars of voters and town clerks sent letters to Merrill, asking her to call on Lamont to postpone the primary by using his authority under a recently enacted state emergency order. Connecticuts change makes it mathematically impossible for Joe Biden to clinch the nomination before May. The delay of the primary comes as Connecticut officials warn there will likely be more positive cases of the coronavirus in the coming weeks. Officials announced the states second death on Thursday. COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, has stricken thousands across the globe but usually presents only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For older adults and people with other health problems, it can cause complications or sometimes death. Most people recover. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The 2020 Leaving Cert and Junior Cert oral and practical examinations have been cancelled on foot of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Minister for Education has said. The tests had been due to take place between next Monday, March 23, and April 3, with the decision to cancel set to affect 126,000 students at both grades. Joe McHugh said that all students who had been due to take those tests would be awarded full marks for that portion of the exam. The decision was taken in light of the closure of schools as a result of the virus last Thursday. Because of school closures it would not be possible to hold these exams next week, nor will it be possible to reschedule them, the Minister said, adding that as a result of the decision no student will score less than they would have if schools had been open and operating as normal. At present, no change has been made to the scheduling of the written exams proper which ordinarily take place in June. Reacting to the news director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals Clive Byrne said the announcement will come as a relief to students. The resilience shown by students, particularly those sitting exams this year, has been commendable in recent weeks, Mr Byrne said. He urged students to continue working towards their written exams in June and to complete the work assigned remotely by their teachers. Separately, the deadlines for project work and coursework in certain subjects - originally set for dates between March 20 and April 24 - has been extended until May 15th. The cancelled exams include oral tests in Leaving Cert Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese. Practical performance tests in Leaving Cert music have been cancelled also, together with practical performance tests in Junior Cert music and home economics. The upshot from the decision means that students are guaranteed a minimum score in the affected subjects - with a maximum of 50% in ordinary and higher level music possible, and 40% in both levels of Irish guaranteed. This could lead to issues with the college application process, and with students opting to move from ordinary level to higher level, or vice versa, at the last minute. The Minister would not be drawn on how those issues would be dealt with, save for saying that a group has been set up to deal with all these sorts of questions. This is a difficult time for all, Mr McHugh said. Students are facing a challenging period out of school and our decision on this element of the exams is being taken with their best interests at heart. Mr McHugh said the cancellations are the fairest response, despite the seeming inequity of their impact. This was a difficult decision but at the heart of it was fairness. We had to make a decision, he said. At present, the Government is working on the assumption that the written exams will proceed as planned in June, Mr McHugh said, but added that they are dealing only with hypotheticals as things stand. In an ideal world the virus would peak towards the end of April, the minister said. Meanwhile, University College Cork is set to carry out its own end of semester exams via online assessment using a previously-issued timetable. Course coordinators will contact students to explain the format, with assessments due to be held via the Canvas online learning platform, Professor John OHalloran, UCCs registrar, said in an email update. - Additional reporting Eoin English Total number of confirmed #coronavirus cases in India rises to 173 (including 25 foreigners). Maharashtra has the highest number of cases at 44. https://t.co/UQRdOnk3H8 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 8:35 pm: Thermal screening at Pune Railway Station, Highway Deepak Mhaisekar, Divisional Commissioner of Pune, said that thermal screening will start from today at Pune Railway Stations, Expressway and Mumbai-Pune Highway. Apart from food and essentials nothing will be allowed for delivery at home, he said. 8:30 pm: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan chaired eights high-level meeting of group of ministers on COVID 19. The ministers had detailed deliberation on prevention and management of coronavirus in the country. Also Read: PM Modi speech Live updates: Janta curfew this Sunday; don't step out, says PM Coronavirus challenge not normal, says PM Modi PM Modi said the coronavirus challenge is not normal. It has spread alarmingly. But, he adds, the government is "completely prepared to tackle it." My countrymen have never disappointed me whenever I have asked something from you. In the face of the acute crisis arising out of Corona virus, I want to ask for the next few weeks of yours, says PM Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi: I request the countrymen to avoid visiting hospitals for routine check ups. If you have appointment for any non-essential surgery, please postpone for one month. We should keep in mind that pressure should not come on hospitals. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/mQt5aIIMD3 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 He said that citizens curfew is going to be challenging, but this is the time to test the preparedness of India against coronavirus. 8:02 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation said that Indian govt is fully monitoring the pandemic. "I urge everyone, in the coming weeks, only step out of your houses if it is absolutely necessary. As far as it is possible, work from home," he said. 8:00 pm: Union Minister Dr Harshvardhan chaired a high level meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) to discuss measures to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus, which has claimed four lives across the country so far. 7.23 pm: Over 90 Indian transit passengers stranded in Singapore due to coronavirus travel restrictions in India are on their way home, informed Indian High Commission in Singapore. Indian High Commission in Singapore: Over 90 Indian transit passengers stranded in Singapore due to travel restrictions in India are on their way home. Quick response from Indian Government to permit them to return; High Commission officers at airport to assist them #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/t0cfBVTHID ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 7.17 pm: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has decided to close the Balaji temple for devotees in view of the coronavirus outbreak. Arrangements are being made to complete prayers of the devotees who are already at the temple. However, all ritual services will be performed by temple priests as usual. Andhra Pradesh: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has decided to close the Balaji temple for devotees. Arrangements are being made to complete prayers of the devotees who are already at the temple. However, all ritual services will be performed by temple priests as usual #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/3gM1kHQ2yC ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 7.12 pm: Sports bodies advised against holding any sports events, including competitions or selection trials, till April 15 by Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 7.07 pm: Scheduled international commercial banned from landing in India for one week starting March 22. 7.06 pm: Coronavirus: Mobile numbers of quarantined people to be provided to Mumbai Police MCGM has taken a decision to share mobile numbers of people in quarantine with Mumbai police so that their movement can be tracked on daily basis. Any non-compliance by the concerned person will be dealt very strictly by the police department. 7.03 pm: Coronavirus update: Find test centres, treatment facilities on MapmyIndia MapmyIndia and the Move app will now enable you to view, locate & reach nearby coronavirus testing labs, isolation and treatment facilities - both government and non-government. Users can see and add photos and reviews of amenities and hygiene in these places, helping other users with critical and updated information on the condition of each facility. 6.59 pm: Government of Himachal Pradesh has banned entry of both domestic and foreign tourists in the state till further notice. 6.56 pm: Coronavirus update: Grocery stores in Udhampur to begin home delivery DM Udhampur Dr Piyush Singla ordered closure of all shops/business units except essential supplies units like fruits,vegetables,chemists, grocery and dairy. Grocery retailers have been directed to immediately start home delivery of orders. The mechanism of home delivery was finalised after long discussions with various stakeholders. No gathering outside and inside the grocery shops shall be allowed. 6.45 pm: Coronavirus news: China reports no new domestic cases for first time since outbreak began China on Thursday reported no new domestic transmissions of coronavirus for the first time since the deadly virus surfaced three months ago, achieving a milestone in its battle against the pandemic that has brought the country to a grinding halt and caused an unprecedented global health crisis. While no domestic cases were reported, Wuhan, where the outbreak began, still has 6,636 people in hospitals including 1,809 in severe condition and 465 in critical condition, local health commission said. China now faces a greater threat of infections of imported cases, which jumped by 34 on Wednesday with large number of Chinese and foreigners arriving back to join their duties. 6.30 pm: Haryana to Shut down agricultural, vegetable markets till March 31 6.15 pm: Rough skies ahead for Indian aviation As per global aviation consultancy CAPA, Indian private domestic carriers are expected to post consolidated losses of up to $600 million (Rs 4,500 crore) in just one quarter. This doesn't include Air India's expected losses which controls 11.6 per cent domestic market share, and 51.88 per cent in the international segment (among domestic carriers) along with its subsidiary Air India Express. According to some estimates, Air India earns over Rs 1,230 crore a month from international operations. Since the coronavirus outbreak, the national carrier has nearly suspended all of its international flights which would lead to a loss of an estimated Rs 3,700 crore over three months. These losses will be on the back of curtailed flight schedules, slide in new bookings, large-scale cancellations, and rescheduling of flights in the wake of coronavirus. 6.07 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: All restaurants to be shut down; take away, home delivery to continue, says Arvind Kejriwal Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that all restaurants in Delhi will be shut down but take away, home delivery will continue as usual. Kejriwal also urged all residents of the national capital to say indoors. He added that all educational institutions, will remain shut till the situation normalises. "10 confirmed cases have so far been reported in Delhi. Of which, two have been cured. We have 768 beds for quarantine purposes, of which 57 are occupied. We have 550 isolation beds," the Delhi CM said. 5.55 pm: Coronavirus outbreak: Trade with China will not stop, says Pakistan minister Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Thursday that trade with China will not stop in the view of COVID-19 pandemic. He said it during an interview to the China's Global Times during his recent visit to Beijing, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan. "The two great nations [China and Pakistan] have maintained transport and trade links despite outbreak of virus," he said. 5.45 pm: Coronavirus: Govt asks persons above 65, children below 10 to stay at home The government on Thursday issued an advisory and said that persons above 65 years of age have been asked to stay at home, except for government servants and medical professionals. Children below 10 years of age are also asked to stay indoors. Railways and aviation sector will suspend all concessional travel, except students, patients and handicapable people. All states are also being advised to enforce work from home (WFH) for private sector employees. 5.38 pm: Coronavirus latest news: Govt bans international flights to land in India from March 22 for a week The government on Thursday said that no scheduled international commercial airline will be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. Meanwhile, persons above 65 years of age have been asked to stay at home, except for government servants and medical professionals. Children below 10 years of age are also asked to stay indoors. Railways and aviation sector will suspend all concessional travel, except students, patients and handicapable people. All states are also being advised to enforce work from home (WFH) for private sector employees. 5.26 pm: Coronavirus news: Global death toll crosses 9,000 The global death toll from novel coronavirus as topped 9,000 as the countries and governments battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. 5.16 pm: Coronavirus outbreak news: Fourth COVID-19 death reported in Punjab, India's death toll rises to 4 India's death toll rose to 4 on Thursday after a 72-year-old man died of novel coronavirus infection in Punjab. The man had recently returned from Germany via Italy. He died at a hospital in Punjab's Nawanshahr district after complaining of severe chest pain. His samples also tested positive for COVID-19. 5.00 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: Organiser of anti-CAA protest in Jahangirpuri tests COVID-19 positive An organiser of an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest in Delhi's Jahangirpuri has tested positive for novel coronavirus. His sister had recently returned from Saudi Arabia had also been confirmed for COVID-19 infection. The organiser met his sister On March 13 after she arrived in Delhi and then headed to the protest site. He is at Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi. His sister is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. 4.44 pm: Coronavirus in India news: Pubs in Bengaluru to lose licence if they defy govt order to shut operations Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Thursday that all the pubs and bars in Bengaluru will lose their licence if they still defy government's order to shut operations in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic. Talking to India Today, Dr. Sudhakar said, "Pubs cannot be open. If they are open, then the Home Ministry, DGP and Commissioner are responsible. We are going to take a serious action on it." 4.32 pm: Coronavirus in Mumbai: Mass gatherings at St. Michael's Church suspended till April The authorities in Mumbai have temporarily suspended mass gatherings at St. Michael's Church till April 1 as a preventive measure in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. Mumbai: Mass gatherings suspended at St. Michael's Church in Mahim till 1st April, in view of #Coronavirus. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/0i8k8YJzv3 - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 4.22 pm: Coronavirus Maharashtra news: 3 Dombivali residents in Mumbai tested COVID-19 positive The authorities in central suburbs of Mumbai at Kalyan-Dombivali carried out a massive examination drive of nearly 17,000 residents in the area and found out that three residents were tested positive for novel coronavirus. 4.10 pm: Coronavirus in Uttarakhand: All Nainital hotels to remain shut till March 31 All hotels in Nainital, Uttarakhand will remain shut from March 21 to March 31 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare in India. 4.00 pm: Coronavirus in India news: SpiceJet temporarily suspends international operations till April 30 SpiceJet has shut its international operations temporarily from March 21 till April 30 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare worldwide. The airline said in a statement that the operations will resume as soon as the ongoing situation normalises. "We are forced to temporarily suspend majority of our international operations from March 21 till April 30. We will resume the suspended flights as soon as the situation normalises," SpiceJet said in its statement. SpiceJet: We are forced to temporarily suspend majority of our international operations from March 21 till April 30. We will resume the suspended flights as soon as the situation normalises. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/A7MMs8tOii - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 3.56 pm: Coronavirus in J&K: Devotees/pilgrims' entry in religious places barred till March 31 Kathua district magistrate in Jammu & Kashmir has barred the entry of worshipers/devotees/pilgrims in the religious places till March 31. "Religious leaders may, however, continue to follow the norms of prayers," the order reads. 3.45 pm: Coronavirus outbreak news: Punjab govt to close public transport from March 20 The Punjab government has announced that it will close all public transport systems from midnight of Friday (March 20) to control the spread of COVID-19. 3.30 pm: Coronavirus latest news: PM Modi to hold meeting with all state CMS on Friday Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with the chief ministers of all states on Friday at 4 pm, via video conferencing. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope: Chief Ministers of all the states as well as State Health Ministers will talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow at 4 pm, through video conferencing. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/fnaoiTh1pJ - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 3.15 PM: All sports organisations and their affiliate units are advised against holding any sports events including competitions or selection trials till April 15, 2020. 3.14 PM: Coronavirus scare in Chandigarh Apart from Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Trauma&Medicine Dept, all other depts in hospitals to remain closed till 31st March. Sports complexes will also remain closed till 31st March: Manoj Parida, Adviser to Administrator Department of Public Relations, Chandigarh. 3.00 PM: Panchayat Bhavan and Park View Hotel will be now available for quarantine facilities, says Manoj Parida, Adviser to the Administrator Department of Public Relations, Chandigarh. 2.50 PM: The Manali Hoteliers Association says it has been decided that after three days, all activities should be stopped till March 31 in view of coronavirus. All members are advised not to entertain bookings till March 31, says the body. 2.40 PM:Govt asks 50 per cent staff towork from home DOPT issues further instructions to all head of department (HOD) to ensure that 50 per cent of group B and Group C in their offices. Employees are required to attend office everyday and the remaining 50 cent staff should be instructed to work from home. All HODs are advised to bring a weekly roster of duty for group B and Group C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. 2.30 PM: The number of buyers in Patna has been increasing gradually for the last two to three days. People are afraid over caronavirus outbreak. Stockist say the supply chain is normal and there is no shortage of goods. The Patna administration has also ordered the closure of all malls and shopping centres. 2.26 pm: Coronavirus in Gujarat: Authorities shut Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad till March 29 Authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat have shut Gandhi Ashram for visitors till March 29 in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic. 2.23 pm: Coronavirus in India: IndiGo cuts salaries of employees Budget carrier IndiGo has asked its employees to take 10-20% salary cuts and has also grounded around 16 planes out of its total fleet of 260. The airline took the decision as it grapples with the impact of COVID-19 on domestic and international flight operations. Read more here: Coronavirus impact: IndiGo grounds 16 planes; staff to take 10-20% salary cuts 2.15 pm: Coronavirus latest news: 110 new COVID-19 cases reported in Malaysia; total reaches 900 Malaysia on Thursday reported 110 new COVID-19 cases. With this the total number of novel coronavirus cases has climbed to 900. The health ministry said that most of the new cases were linked to a religious gathering at a mosque, which was attended by 16,000 people. 2.06 pm: Coronavirus outbreak news: Russia reports first COVID-19 death Russia on Thursday said that a 79-year-old woman with underlying health issues and tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away from Pneumonia. This is the country's first confirmed death from novel coronavirus. Russia so far has reported 147 cases of COVID-19. 1.58 pm: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Total COVID-19 positive cases rise to 49 The total number of novel coronavirus positive cases have climbed to 49 in Maharashtra, Rajesh Top, State Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare said. Two patients who have been tested positive for #Coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai: Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare https://t.co/pT1AYXb2vG - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 1.48 pm: Coronavirus latest news: 'Game of Thrones' star Indira Varma tests positive for COVID-19 'Game of Thrones' star Indira Verma took to Instagram on Wednesday and said that she has tested positive for COVID-19. Varma who played the role of Ellaria Sand in hugely successful HBO series said in her Instagram post, "it's not nice. Stay safe and healthy and be kind to you're fellow people." Her diagnosis came two days after her 'Game of Thrones' co-star Kristofer Hivju said that he tested positive for novel coronavirus infection. 1.43 pm: Coronavirus in India: UGC directs universities to postpone exams The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed all universities and affiliated colleges on Thursday to defer exams till March 31st in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. It also directed the universities to suspend the evaluation work during the period. "All universities and affiliated colleges should postpone exams till March 31 and suspend evaluation work. Further schedule should be decided following a review of the situation," the commission said in an order. 1.28 pm: Coronavirus in UP: Two more COVID-19 positive cases confirmed Two people have bees tested positive for novel coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh (UP). With this the total number of cases have increased to 19 in the state. Two more persons have tested positive for #Coronavirus in Lucknow, taking the total number of cases to 5. All the patients are stable: Sudhir Singh, COVID-19 isolation ward in-charge, King George's Medical University pic.twitter.com/OoJ5RhjZuf - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2020 1.18 pm: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Mumbai Dabbawallas suspend tiffin delivery service till March 31 The famous Mumbai Dabbawallas have suspended tiffin delivery services till March 31 in the wake of novel coronavirus scare. The tiffin carriers which are considered to be the lifeline of Mumbai will stop the services from Friday till March 31. Meanwhile, two more women with travel history abroad have been tested positive in the city taking the total cases in Maharashtra to 47. 1.07 pm: Coronavirus latest news: 6 passengers deboarded from Saurashtra Express at Borivali station 6 passengers who had recently returned from Singapore and have 'home quarantine stamp' on thei hands, were deboarded from Saurashtra Express at Borivali Railway station on Thursday, said Public Relations Officer (PRO), Western Railway. 12.58 pm: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Don't step out of your homes, Uddhav Thackeray tells the state people Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has advised the people in the state not to step out of their homes in the view of novel coronavirus situation. 12.45 pm: Coronavirus latest news: RBI initiates work from home The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday directed its central office employees to work from home. The apex bank has taken the step in line with the administrative order by Mumbai government. It said that all urgent meetings to ensure financial stability will be done via video conferencing. 12.30 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: Police Commissioner issues advisory to residents in the national capital Delhi Police commissioner S N Shrivastava on Thursday issues an advisory to the residents in the national capital. Here is the written advisory. 12.16 pm: Coronavirus in India news: Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh Two new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India on Thursday with on each in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh, PTI reported. The new case in Karnataka has taken the total toll in the state to 15. Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh case is the state's first novel coronavirus case. A 24-year-old woman who tested positive for the deadly virus had returned to Raipur from London on Sunday. 12.10 pm: Coronavirus in India news: One employee in HCL Noida tested COVID-19 positive HCL Technologies said in a statement on Thursday that an employee from its Noida office has been tested positive for novel coronavirus. "One employee from our Noida office has tested positive for #Coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel. Our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols," the company said in a statement. Read More here: HCL employee tests positive; firm asks staff to work from home 12.05 pm: Coronavirus outbreak: Australia bars non-residents from entering country Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday that all non-citizens and non-residents would be barred from entering the country from 9 pm Friday. Over 600 COVID-19 infections and six deaths have been recorded in Australia so far. 11.57 am: Coronavirus outreak news: 2 immigration officers at Kolkata Airport quarantined Two immigration officers at Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport have been asked to go a 12-day home quarantine. Both of them were at the immigration counter during the clearance process of the 18-year-old youth who has tested positive for novel coronavirus. 11.53 am: Coronavirus news: First cases reported in Chandigarh; patient had returned from London The first case of COVID-19 has been reported in Chandigarh. The patient is a young woman who had recently returned from London. Read more here: Coronavirus in Chandigarh: First case reported; patient returned from London 11.42 am: Coronavirus in India news: Indigo likely to take tough decisions in next few days Indigo said on Thursday that the economic environment in aviation sector has become worse in the wake of spread of novel coronavirus and the airline will take drastic decisions which are likely over the next week. Read more here: Coronavirus fallout: IndiGo senior official says drastic decisions likely over the next week 11.30 am: Coronavirus latest news: 2 doctors booked for coronavirus cure claim in Maharashtra Cases have been filed against two doctors in Vasai and Nala Sopara of Maharashtra for putting up hoardings outside their clinics, with claims to have a cure for COVID-19. 11.15 am: Coronavirus news: No cancellation fee for cancelled trains, says Railways The Indian Railways said on Thursday that no cancellation fee will be charged for 155 trains cancelled. Moreover, passengers will also get 100% refund, PTI reported. 11.00 am: Coronavirus latest news: ICSE board postpones class 10, 12 exams till March 31 The ICSE board on Thursday deferred class 10 and 12th exams in the wake of COVID-19 threat, officials said. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Chief Executive Gerry Arathoon said that the examinations have been deferred till March 31. He had earlier said on Wednesday that the examinations will be held as per the schedule after the CBSE made the announcement that it has postponed exams till March 31. 10.54 am: Coronavirus latest news: Two new isolation wards to be set up in Noida Two new isolation wards will be set in Noida in the wake of increase in novel coronavirus cases being reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar. In view of the COVID-19 cases reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar, two new isolation wards will be set up at Asian Institute of Medical Science in Sector 40 and Mitra Hospital in Sector 35 in Noida: District Magistrate Gautam Buddha Nagar #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/O7nsaH1Nnx - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2020 10.48 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Second COVID-19 positive cases in Andhra Pradesh The second COVID-19 positive case was reported in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, taking the total to two. A person who returned to the state from England on March 15 has been confirmed positive for novel coronavirus. 10.44 am: Coronavirus in J&K: Authorities impose restrictions in Srinagar Srinagar authorities on Thursday imposed restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first COVID-19 positive case in Kashmir came to light. The authorities sealed the area within 300 metre radius from the house of 67-year-old novel coronavirus patient in Khanyar, officials said. 10.31am: Coronavirus outbreak: Railways cancel 168 trains Indian Railways has cancelled 168 trains due to low occupancy. Check list here. Indian Railways has cancelled 168 trains due to low occupancy in view of COVID19, from 20th March to 31st March. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/PHaQxCj2Wy - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 10.24 am: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Two more test positive for COVID-19, toll reaches 47 Two more people have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection on Thursday in Maharashtra. Both are women, while a 22-year old tested positive for novel coronavirus in Mumbai, another woman, 49, also has been confirmed COVID-19 positive in Ulhasnagar. Both had recently travelled to foreign countries. 10.17 am: Coronavirus in India news: Iskcon Temple shut in Noida The Iskcon temple in Sector 33 of Noida has been shut for devotees till March 31 in the view of novel coronavirus pandemic. Noida: ISKCON Temples (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in Sector 33 closed for devotees from today till 31st March. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/qT7BVKEWcT - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2020 10.16 am: Coronavirus in Chennai: 50 international, 34 domestic flights cancelled Over 50 international and 34 domestic flights have been cancelled at Chennai Airport on Thursday, ANI reported. 10.15 am: Coronavirus: Asian shares continue to fall after latest Wall Street tumble Asian shares failed to maintain their opening gains on Thursday and dropped further after the latest selloff on Wall Street. Sensex slumps by 2045.75 points, currently at 26,823.76. https://t.co/u99bvI4Sne - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 10.06 am: Coronavirus updates: Why is govt refusing to take a logical step of a lockdown: P Chidambaram Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram questioned the government on Thursday on why it is not locking down all its towns and cities. Taking to Twitter Chidambaram said, "Even after we have witnessed what is happening in Italy, Iran and Spain, why is the government refusing to take the logical step of a lockdown?" "After WHO Director General's statement yesterday, there should be no hesitation in ordering an immediate lockdown of all our towns and cities for 2-4 weeks," he added. After WHO Director General's statement yesterday, there should be no hesitation in ordering an immediate lockdown of all our towns and cities for 2-4 weeks. - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 19, 2020 Some states that are ahead of the central government should go ahead and lockdown their towns and cities. - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 19, 2020 9.50 am: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Inferior quality sanitisers worth Rs 25 lakh seized in Mumbai The Food and Drugs Administration officials on Wednesday carried out a raid at a hand sanitiser manufacturing unit in Nahur and confiscated inferior quality sanitisers worth Rs 25 lakh, officials said. The unit was manufacturing sanitisers illegally. The sanitisers were also being exported without any license and permits. 9.40 am: Coronavirus update: People in Nagpur exercise on streets after gyms shut People in Nagpur assembled on the streets to exercise after all the gyms in Maharashtra are closed due to novel coronavirus. Hardeep Bhatia, a local says, "We are building our immunity system by exercising." Maharashtra: People in Nagpur gathered on the streets to exercise after all the gyms in the state are shut due to #Coronavirus. Hardeep Bhatia, a local says, "We are building our immunity system by exercising." pic.twitter.com/ROvowxMP4J - ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 9.28 am: Coronavirus news: Authorities impose restrictions in Jammu The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) administration has imposed restrictions on the assembly of pilgrims, people at religious places under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005. 9.16 am: Coronavirus in Kashmir: Valley records its first COVID-19 case The Kashmir valley recorded its first novel coronavirus positive case in Srinagar, mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation Junaid Azim Mattu said. "I have been informed a short while ago that #Srinagar has had its first positive case for #Covid2019. It's a congested area in the city interiors. We have to be transparent to convey the gravity of the challenge and also seek serious measures and responsible behaviour," he said in a series of tweets. #COVID-19 # Jammu & Kashmir First positive case in Kashmir- Khanyar, Srinagar. History of foreign travel. Arrived on 16/3/2020. Put in Isolation. Surveillance started in 300m area. Request all to cooperate. Also Immediately self report any symptoms@diprjk@HealthMedicalE1 - Rohit Kansal (@kansalrohit69) March 18, 2020 9.00AM: Qatar Airways lays off staff Qatar Airways unexpectedly laid off about 200 Filipino staff in Qatar this week as the coronavirus outbreak forces the Middle East airline to slash flights, Philippine Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello told Reuters on Wednesday."Our labour attache is under strict instructions to determine what is the real cause of the decision of management to retrench them on the basis of redundancy," he told Reuters. 8.58 AM: Two members of US Congress Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams have tested positive for COVID-19. 8.56AM: Allahabad High Court directs the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, all District Magistrates of the state and financial institutions not to proceed with any recovery or demolition till 6th April in wake of coronavirus crisis. 8.54AM: A complete breakdown was announced in 2 KM radius of a religious place in Karimnagar after an Indonesian who visited the town tested positive for coronavirus. Every house in the densely populated locality will be screened and quarantined today. 8.51AM: Safdarjung Hospital has decided to cancel all elective surgeries in view of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. 8.49 AM: IIT-Delhi asks students to vacate the hostels All remaining students (except international students & students with special needs) are requested to vacate the hostels at the earliest. Hostels will function with skeleton staff and packed food will be provided for remaining students, says the institute. 8.40AM: The highly contagious novel coronavirus that has exploded into a global pandemic can remain viable and infectious in droplets in the air for hours and on surfaces up to days, according to a new study that should offer guidance to help people avoid contracting the respiratory illness called COVID-19. 8.35 AM: The coronavirus outbreak hammered Brazil on Wednesday, crushing local markets, infecting more members of the country's political elite and prompting loud protests against President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the mounting crisis. 8.30 AM: The coronavirus outbreak hammered Brazil on Wednesday, crushing local markets, infecting more members of the country's political elite and prompting loud protests against President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the mounting crisis. - Reuters 8.20AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 pm, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID19 and the efforts to combat it. 8.10AM: Precautionary measures required to be taken by all educational institutions and examination boards All ongoing examinations may be rescheduled after 31st March 2020,this would include CBSE NIOS as also University examinations. All evaluation work may be rescheduled after 31st March, this would include evaluation work of CBSE, NIOS as also University exams. Since JEE mains may require travel by examinees to different towns and the dates may clash with rescheduled CBSE and other board exams therefore, JEE mains should be rescheduled and new date of JEE mains will be announced on 31st March after reassessment of situation All educational institutions and examination boards have been requested to maintain regular communication with the students and teachers through electronic means and keep them fully informed so that there is no anxiety amongst the students, teacher and parents. All Institutions have also been requested to notify helpline numbers/emails which student can access for their queries. Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' has appealed to all the students, teachers and parents not to panic as MHRD is committed to ensure safety and security of students as also the maintenance of academic calendar and all possible steps will be taken in this regard. 8.00AM: Ministry of HRD has issued directions to UGC, AICTE, NTA, NIOS, CBSE , NCTE and all autonomous organisations under the Ministry for the postponement of all the examinations till 31st March, 2020 as a precautionary measure in the wake of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These steps have been taken to ensure safety and security of students who are appearing in various examinations, as also that of their teachers and parents. 7.50 AM: All AMU examinations including the exams of schools maintained by Aligarh Muslim University are postponed till 2nd April. 7.47 AM: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (T-3) on the intervening night of 18th & 19th March, to take stock of preparedness in view of COVID19. 7.45 AM: A 23-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19. She has travel history to the United Kingdom. - ANI 7.30AM: Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar has issued order prohibiting the entry of visitors to Ganga Aarti site at Har-ki-Pauri till 31st March. However, the Aarti will continue to be held and will be live-streamed for devotees. A Delhi court on Thursday rejected the petition filed by the death row convicts in the 2012 gang-rape and murder case, seeking a stay on their execution. Advocate AP Singh, appearing for the convicts, apprised the court about the pending cases in different courts and sought a stay on the execution due to the impact of coronavirus spread on the functioning of courts. Show me the law which impedes the execution of the death warrant at this stage, Judge Dharmendra Rana said. Public prosecutor Irfan Ahmad opposed the application saying the curative petition of one of the convicts Pawan Gupta has been rejected by the Supreme Court, and a second mercy plea of Gupta and another convict Akshay Singh Thakur has not been entertained by the President. All the pending application are not their (convicts) legal remedies provided by the Constitution of India. He (AP Singh) can move any number of applications before various courts. But these are not the legal remedies. They have exhausted and availed all their remedies, Ahmad told the court. Thakurs wife fainted outside the court after the order. We were living with the hope that we will get justice but we are being killed everyday for the past seven years, she said. The Delhi court order came a day before the four convicts - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Singh Thakur, Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta - are scheduled to be hanged. On March 5, a trial court had issued fresh death warrants for March 20 at 5.30 am. The case pertains to the brutal gang-rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in the national capital. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. Lungescu, the NATO spokeswoman, said that steps were being taken to ensure the health of personnel, including avoiding having Stoltenberg and NATOs deputy secretary general inside the headquarters at the same time. Such measures were common sense, she said. Many NATO staff have been sent to work from home and are rotating through the headquarters to man skeleton crews, she said. She recently returned home from her romantic getaway in the Maldives with partner Jeremy Parisi. And Kelly Brook proved the show must go on as she headed to work ahead of her Heart FM Drivetime show with Jason King in central London on Thursday afternoon, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The TV and radio presenter, 40, took a walk on the wild side as she was dressed in a black leather jacket, designed with a fluffy animal print coating. She means business: Kelly Brook headed to work ahead of her Heart FM Drivetime show with Jason King in central London on Thursday afternoon, amid the coronavirus pandemic Nailing casual chic, the media personality highlighted her curves in clingy black jeans, teamed with a light brown jumper. The former glamour model opted for edgy style when it came to her choice of footwear as she strutted along the streets of the English capital in a pair of studded ankle boots. Carrying her essentials in a sophisticated black handbag, she finished things off with dainty earrings, a gold necklace and square-framed shades. The One Big Happy actress looked typically sensational as she accentuated her beauty with light strokes of neutral-toned make-up, which was framed with her glossy locks. Standing out: The TV and radio presenter, 40, took a walk on the wild side as she was dressed in a black leather jacket, designed with a fluffy animal print coating Walk this way: The former glamour model opted for edgy style when it came to her choice of footwear as she strutted along the streets of the English capital in a pair of studded ankle boots Earlier this month, Kelly documented every detail of her tropical trip, which began with a private seaplane to the beautiful island. The TV personality and her model boyfriend Jeremy spent the week in a sunset water villa, with steps giving the couple direct access into the surrounding crystal clear waters. As well as their own private terrace with sun loungers looking our onto the ocean, Kelly and Jeremy had access to the pools on the island. Radiant: The One Big Happy actress looked typically sensational as she accentuated her beauty with light strokes of neutral-toned make-up, which was framed with her glossy locks All in the details: Carrying her essentials in a sophisticated black handbag, she finished things off with dainty earrings, a gold necklace and square-framed shades Kelly and Jeremy indulged in spa treatments, opting for soothing massages to release all tension but kept active with fun-filled bike rides. Kelly has been dating Jeremy for five years after kicking off their relationship by flirting via direct message on Instagram. The couple went public with their relationship in April 2015, and Jeremy now lives with Kelly in her Kent home. Later on: Kelly looked relaxed as she stepped out after her day at work Stroll: The model appeared to be at ease as she walked through the streets of London Heading home: Kelly used a cab to take her home after her busy day [March 19, 2020] Digital Citizens Alliance Calls on U.S. Department of Justice to Halt Advertising of Medical Masks, Coronavirus Test Kits and "Vaccines" on Facebook and Instagram WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Facebook has shown it is unable to prevent advertisements hawking a variety of coronavirus products to include medical masks, test kits and even "vaccines," and it is time that the U.S. Department of Justice steps in swiftly to hold bad actors, who take advantage of consumer fears and anxieties, accountable. New research from the Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) and the Coalition for a Safer Web (CSW) "Facebook Enables Advertisers to Exploit Coronavirus Fears" -- shows that Facebook has been unable to fulfill a promise it made to consumers two weeks ago when a company executive said, "We're banning ads and commerce listings selling medical face masks. We're monitoring COVID19 closely and will make necessary updates to our policies if we see people trying to exploit this public health emergency." Since that promise, dozens of Facebook and its subsidiary Instagram posts, videos, and paid ads which the company profits from) were uncovered in searches on the platforms. In recent days, advertisements for coronavirus test kits and even vaccines have begun to emerge. One week ago, CSW researchers shared examples of medical mask ads with reporters at NBCNews.com . In subsequent reviews, researchers have found the exact same pages even after being publicly outed and delivered to Facebook are still up and circulating. "Facebook is a communications lifeline for literally billions of people. Inevitably in times of crisis bad actors attempt to take advantage of societal fear. Facebook shouldn't help them or profit from them," said Tom Galvin, executive director of DCA. "It is time that Facebook fulfills its promises and removes all ads, posts, and photos making medical mask, vaccine and "cure" offers that prey on citizens' fears about the coronavirus. Facebook and Instagram should be able to do this instantly." Researchers found sponsored advertisements for questionable coronavirus products running adjacent to user news feeds. These often juxtapose dubious ads running next to posts for legitimate businesses. One advertisement for "N95 Protective Masks" ran next to a post in the newsfeed from CityMD, an urgent care center in New York. The company advertising the masks, voxmask.com, actually created the website March 16, the same day the ad was first found. Perhaps even more unsettling, researchers have begun to find some instances of advertisers offering coronavirus test kits and even "vaccines" and cures for sale. There is no cure that has been tested and proven to work by any governing health organization in the world. DCA did attempt to buy some of the advertised products and will report on their authenticity once received. The full report can be found at: https://bit.ly/2U2SXKb About DCA The Digital Citizens Alliance is a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization that is a consumer- oriented coalition focused on educating the public and policymakers on the threats that consumers face on the Internet. Digital Citizens wants to create a dialogue on the importance for Internet stakeholders individuals, government and industryto make the Web a safer place. Based in Washington, DC, the Digital Citizens Alliance counts among its supporters: private citizens, the health, pharmaceutical and creative industries as well as online safety experts and other communities focused on Internet safety. Visit us at www.digitalcitizensalliance.org. About CSW The Coalition for a Safer Web is a non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy organization whose mission is, inter alia, to promote new public/private partnerships to facilitate the expeditious removal of extremist & terrorist incitement and instruction content from social media platforms. Visit us at coalitionsw.org. CSW uses technology from The Global Intellectual Property Enforcement Center (GIPEC). GIPEC Worldwide is a cyber intelligence company that uses patented tools to interrogate the deep web and social media. To learn more about GIPEC visit www.gipec.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-citizens-alliance-calls-on-us-department-of-justice-to-halt-advertising-of-medical-masks-coronavirus-test-kits-and-vaccines-on-facebook-and-instagram-301026960.html SOURCE Digital Citizens Alliance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Philadelphia city employees required to work during the coronavirus crisis will earn 50% more than their base pay under an agreement Mayor Jim Kenneys administration negotiated this week with the major municipal unions. At a critical time when a large portion of the city workforce is already unavailable due to child care or other challenges, essential employees are expected to work longer hours, take on additional responsibilities, and in this particular case are putting their own health at risk, Kenney spokesperson Lauren Cox said in a statement Thursday. One factor in the decision was ensuring that city employees show up to work instead of taking leave time because they fear being infected on the job or need to care for children at home, said Cathy Scott, who leads the citys union for white-collar workers. They wanted to incentivize people to come to work, given how dire the circumstances are," said Scott, president of AFSCME District Council 47. Paying them additional compensation is one way to incentivize people. A lot of our members have built up a lot of [leave] time. With the possibility that the coronavirus crisis could last months, and with tax revenues poised to nosedive with the rest of the economy, paying workers 50% extra could further drain city coffers. The Kenney administration, however, hopes to recoup much of the money spent on essential personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Public Assistance program, which can repay state and local governments for up to 75% of emergency-related spending following a federally designated disaster like the coronavirus pandemic. When the city on Wednesday scaled back to offering only essential services, at least 15,000 of Philadelphias 27,000 municipal employees were designated as essential, including the entire police, fire, prisons, and public health departments, Kenney spokesperson Mike Dunn said. Some workers in departments with blanket orders to keep all employees on the job have questioned whether they are essential employees, Scott said. There are full units, for example, that are being required to work when probably there are one or two people that should be required to work, she said. A health department employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity since employees are not allowed to speak directly with reporters, said that she doesnt believe her position is needed during this time of crisis and that having so many employees who arent needed at this time could do more harm than good. It was a really unproductive decision to have this many people come into work, being in close quarters in their office, taking public transit, said the employee, who works in a research role unrelated to the coronavirus. Youre really just creating an environment that were trying to prevent having at some point. Managing Director Brian Abernathy said the number will fluctuate as the citys needs change and as departmental managers fine-tune who in their workforce is needed. Weve deemed some as nonessential staff that may be essential in two weeks or four weeks as these challenges continue," Abernathy said Wednesday. "And there are going to be some folks who are going to be identified as essential today that may not be essential in two weeks. The business and rhythm of the city is something that were going to have to maintain. Were going to have to make sure that people are getting paid, that vendors are paid, that our core services are maintained. Cox said that some employees, such as administrative assistants, may not have expected to be required to work after being designated as nonessential in previous city emergencies. The coronavirus, however, presents different challenges. The response to COVID-19 is much different than a snow emergency or other scenarios that employees are used to, she said. This is long-lasting and therefore, some staff like clerks and administrative staff that wouldnt be essential for a short-term event are very much essential given the expected duration of these challenges. Not all essential employees are being required to report to their workplaces. The city is encouraging departmental managers to let employees work from home if possible, Cox said, and expects the number of essential city workers to be given permission to do so to rise. Departments have been asked to allow any essential employees who can work from home to do so, Cox said. The reality is that not all work can be done virtually, either due to job responsibilities or technology limitations. Where this cannot be accommodated, we are recommending supervisors stagger shifts and allow flexible schedules to reduce the number of employees in any one work location. The city has prioritized work-from-home requests from employees who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus, namely older workers and those with underlying medical conditions, Scott said. Mental health issues are behind nearly a third of university dropouts. A YouGov poll of about 600 students who failed to complete their courses found 31 per cent blamed the problem. The findings are likely to provoke further concern about a crisis in mental health on campuses. Controversy over universities failing to inform parents about self-harm or suicide attempts over privacy concerns has led to many reforms. Nearly 16,000 students declared a mental health problem last year - a rise of 19 per cent on 2018 and more than double the number in 2015. Stock image But according to UCAS data, there were nearly 16,000 students who declared a mental health problem last year 19 per cent up on the previous year and more than double the number in 2015. Unrealistic expectations of what courses can offer was also a significant factor in dropouts. One in four felt pressure from parents to choose a course likely to lead directly to a good job and one in five were under stress to study a prestigious course. The poll was commissioned by the MyUniChoices website, which helps students find the right course. Spokesman Dr Charles Johnson said students should ensure their course fuels their passions. Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, said: Major strides have been made by universities on mental health care, but the focus is still too reactive. 'We need, throughout schools and universities, to be helping young people adopt the proactive skills that will allow them to cope with strains that are inevitable at university as in life. That will ensure that dropouts are reduced. Quarantine shaming calling out those not abiding by social distancing rules is part of a new and startling reality for Americans who must navigate a world of rapidly-evolving social norms in the age of COVID-19. During the coronavirus outbreak where schools, jobs and businesses are closing, people are practicing self-isolation while still trying to go about some semblance of a normal life. Complicating matters: What was socially acceptable even 48 hours ago may now be taboo, as government officials race to contain the virus with ever-expanding circles of social isolation. The Associated Press published an article that described the backlash the chairman of Arizonas Asian Chamber of Commerce Ryan Winkle received after posting a photo on Instagram of him attending a small dinner at a local restaurant to bolster the business and bring together other leaders to discuss how to help Asian-American eateries devastated by the coronavirus. I started getting some messages saying, Hey, why are you trying to spread the virus?' I was like, Its a small event, and everyone had washed their hands, and they had sanitizer on the tables,' Winkle said of the dinner held Saturday in Mesa, Arizona. My thinking is always about the economics. Imagine when all these businesses shut down. Thats a whole different problem. In another incident, Paula Flakser, who lost her bartending job when California's Mammoth Mountain ski resort closed this week, said she was upset by the hundreds of people who flocked to her tiny hometown of Bishop, California, from Los Angeles and other large cities to vacation the minute schools shut down. The 42-year-old climber posted angry messages about the crowds on Facebook. When people from urban areas are escaping, theyre escaping to vulnerable areas that have incredibly limited medical resources and it felt pretty entitled and selfish," she said in a phone interview. It feels like a lot of first-world privilege knocking at our door." Alec Bhurke, who wrote an angry post on Facebook about the weekend crowds, said most people likely just need that kind of guidance from authorities to recognize the seriousness of the crisis. People dont understand ... the implications of what even a single day does to the body count (from the virus) at this stage, he said Wednesday. But people should know better and they should do better. CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / Oranj, an end-to-end wealth management solution that helps independent financial advisors streamline their businesses through an easy-to-access and modern cloud-based platform, today announced that Allianz Global Investors has joined the expanding list of best-in-class asset managers who have made their model portfolios and products available on the free to low-cost Oranj platform. "Allianz Global Investors has built its business on an extensive range of investment capabilities and a record of product innovations to meet clients' varied needs on their terms. Their commitment to active asset management has enabled them to develop deep and long-term relationships with clients that create and share value. 'Active' defines their entire approach as a business from the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit of their employees to the company's self-critical assessment of performance. AllianzGI's active asset management is a valuable addition to the Oranj wealth management platform," said David Lyon, CEO and Founder of Oranj. Allianz Global Investors is a leading active asset manager with over 790 investment professionals in 25 offices worldwide and managing $608 billion in assets for individuals, families and institutions. "We are proud to partner with Oranj - a truly innovative wealth management technology platform that directly complements our mission to provide the best possible client experience for the RIA community," said Will Abbott, Head of RIA US at Allianz Global Investors. "Our commitment to active management and extensive sustainable investing expertise presents the platform with a differentiated product line-up that caters to the needs of advisors and the clients they serve." Abbott continued, "Active is the most important word in our vocabulary. Active is how we create and share value with clients. We invest for the long term, employing our innovative investment expertise and global resources. Our goal is to provide a superior experience for our clients, wherever they are based and whatever their investment needs." About Oranj Oranj has reimagined financial advisors' technology so they can spend less time managing and more time advising. Oranj simplifies advisor technology without sacrificing sophistication by offering an end-to-end solution for investment management, rebalancing, trading, online onboarding and a client portal-all with award-winning account aggregation at its core. For more information about Oranj and its free to low-cost wealth management platform, visit www.runoranj.com or follow @runoranjdotcom on Twitter. About Allianz Global Investors Allianz Global Investors is a leading active asset manager with over 790 investment professionals in 25 offices worldwide and managing $608 billion in assets for individuals, families and institutions. Active is the most important word in our vocabulary. Active is how we create and share value with clients. We believe in solving, not selling, and in adding value beyond pure economic gain. We invest for the long term, employing our innovative investment expertise and global resources. Our goal is to ensure a superior experience for our clients, wherever they are based and whatever their investment needs. Active is: Allianz Global Investors Data as of September 30, 2019 CONTACT: Grace Vogelzang or Corrine Smith Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 ImpactMediaManager@ImpactCommunications.org CorrineSmith@ImpactCommunications.org Related Images SOURCE: Impact Communications View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581418/Oranj-Adds-Active-Asset-Management-to-Its-Model-Marketplace-for-Financial-Advisors The coronavirus and national lockdown have got to be good for something, right? U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and, increasingly others, think the virus should once and for all, put the traditional voting booth into permanent retirement. Wyden spent part of Wednesday talking up his latest vote-by-mail bill that would expand it nationwide. Several states allow voting by mail, but only in Oregon and four others are mail-in-ballots the rule. Public health officials have repeatedly urged Americans that to lessen the chance they will be stricken with the virus, they should stay home and avoid crowds, like those that typically gather at polling stations. Its not right, Wyden said, for Americans to have to choose between voting and protecting their health. On Monday, Wyden and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar will introduce the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020, which would make mail-in ballots the standard across the country. Wyden wants to complete the shift to vote-by-mail in time for the Nov. 3 presidential election. The best way to ensure that this virus doesnt keep people from the ballot box is to bring the ballot box to them, Wyden and Klobuchar wrote in an op-ed column promoting the bill. This year, the virus convinced officials to postpone presidential primaries in Louisiana and Georgia. Wyoming officials altered their caucus process; and New York state has made some modifications to its local primary elections. Wyden argues that in the middle of a pandemic the rest of the country will finally recognize the merits of voting by mail. I do believe the politics have changed, he said. The bill would free up $500 million to assist states make the switch from traditional to mail-in ballot. The money would be sufficient to guarantee every voter a secure mail-in paper ballot and help states cover the cost of printing, self-sealing envelopes, ballot tracking and postage, Wyden and Klobuchar said. Oregon moved to vote-by-mail in 1998. The warnings of widespread election fraud proved to be untrue and vote-by-mail has proven extremely popular to Oregonians. Expanding vote-by-mail to the rest of the country would be a nice affirmation for Oregon, the senator said. I know, in Oregon they say, who cares what others think, Wyden said. But they should care. It would be an important validation. Jeff Manning jmanning@oregonian.com 971-263-5164 Luckily for me, 2017 turned out to be the Year of Dior, as far as museum exhibitions went. I say luckily because, in that year, I decided to write a novel about a woman finding a collection of 65 haute couture House of Dior gowns in an abandoned cottage one for every year since the first collection in 1947. And yes, youre right if you think I was writing about a dream I wish would come true for me one day! Black satin evening dress, 1949. Credit:Getty Images Alas, Im still waiting to stumble upon my haute couture inheritance. So I turned to museum collections and exhibitions to make my selection. I could have studied photographs in books. But in his autobiography Christian Dior says the most important thing about a dress is that it should be expressive. Theres no better way to discover exactly what is being expressed in an arrangement of silk and thread and pleats and buttons than to see it for yourself. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pardon 10,000 more prisoners including political detainees in an apparent bid to combat the coronavirus epidemic. The move comes a day after a health ministry official revealed that the countries' death toll has jumped by 149 to 1,284 in 24 hours while the total number of infected people increased to 18,407. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said: 'With 149 new deaths in the past 24 hours, the death toll from the virus reaches 1,284. Unfortunately, we had 1,046 new cases of infection since yesterday.' On Tuesday, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said Iran had temporarily freed about 85,000 people from jail, including political prisoners, in response to the coronavirus epidemic. Two days later, State TV quoted the judiciary spokesman as saying that another 10,000 prisoners would be granted amnesty under a decree by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to mark the Iranian new year on Friday. "Those who will be pardoned will not return to jail ... almost half of those security-related prisoners will be pardoned as well," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told state TV on Wednesday. "A large number of prisoners who have been temporarily freed do not need to return to jail after the leader's pardon," Esmaili said. "The unprecedented point is that the pardon also includes the security-related prisoners with less than five-year jail sentences," Esmaili said. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Tasmania has drastically tightened its borders from the mainland, forcing all non-essential travellers arriving in the island state to quarantine for two weeks to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Premier Peter Gutwein declared a state of emergency on Thursday morning, announcing Tasmania was introducing "the toughest border measures in the country". Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein: "We are going to introduce the toughest border measures in the country." Credit:AAP Anyone seeking entry to Tasmania, including returning residents, from anywhere else in Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from midnight on Friday. Only essential travellers - such healthcare workers, emergency workers, defence personnel, air and ship crews, specialists and essential freight personnel - will be allowed into the state without having to self-isolate. WASHINGTON Two Americans imprisoned in the Middle East were released Thursday, U.S. officials said, and one was a Navy veteran granted medical furlough as Iran struggles to curb the spread of coronavirus. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Michael White, imprisoned more than a year ago for insulting Irans supreme leader, was released to the Swiss Embassy as part of a furlough that will require him to remain in Iran. The U.S. will work for his full release, Pompeo said. The other American was Amer Fakhoury, a New Hampshire restaurant owner who had faced decades-old murder and torture charges in Lebanon that he denies. He was ordered released by a judge because more than 10 years had passed since the crimes he was accused of committing. The Trump administration trumpeted the twin releases, though done in different countries and for different reasons, as part of its efforts to secure the release of Americans held hostage or imprisoned abroad. Officials including President Trump used the occasion to name additional Americans they would like to see released, including journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria in 2012. I want to let everyone know that recovering Americans held captive and imprisoned abroad continues to be a top priority for my administration, Trump said at a news conference. Whites release, though temporary for the moment, came as Iran has furloughed tens of thousands of prisoners while struggling with a coronavirus that Iranian officials fear could kill millions. White of Imperial Beach (San Diego County) was detained in Iran while visiting a girlfriend there in July 2018. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for insulting Irans supreme leader and posting private information; the State Department said he was serving a 13-year sentence. His mother had called for Whites immediate release in an interview with the Associated Press this month, saying she was concerned about the well-being of her son and that he had been battling cancer. He is in very good spirits, but has some pretty sustained health conditions that are going to require some attention, Brian Hook, the State Departments special representative for Iran, said on a conference call. Hook said White would be evaluated by doctors. Fakhoury was on his way back to the U.S. after a judge in Lebanon ordered him released. Fakhoury had been accused of torturing prisoners at a jail run by an Israeli-backed militia two-decades ago. He had been imprisoned since September after returning to Lebanon to visit family. His case had put a significant strain on already troubled ties between the U.S. and Lebanon. Lawmakers in Washington had threatened to withhold critical aid to the country and impose sanctions on the Lebanese military, which is seen by the Trump administration as a bulwark against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement. Any time a U.S citizen is wrongfully detained by a foreign government, we must use every tool at our disposal to free them, said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H, who had worked for his release. Im very glad that Amer is finally coming home and will be reunited with his family. No family should have to go through what the Fakhoury family has gone through. His oldest daughter, Guila Fakhoury, told the Associated Press by phone, We are so happy. Its a dream. Fakhoury was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma and had been hospitalized in Lebanon. Trump said Fakhoury will now be able to receive the much needed care and treatment in the United States. Weve been working very hard to get him freed, and hes finally able to have his entire family at his side, Trump said. Kathy McCormack, Matthew Lee and Eric Tucker are Associated Press writers. Want this in your inbox each morning? Sign up here. The back story for a bailout proposal Andrew Ross Sorkin here Having spent so much time reporting on previous crises, I got the sense two weeks ago that the coronavirus represented a crisis of gargantuan scale. Thats why I wrote a column last week saying that we needed to start talking about bailouts, even if some thought I was getting ahead of myself. Now, as I explain in my latest column, the idea for a multitrillion-dollar bridge loan for everyone rather than industry-specific bailouts seems like the cleanest way to keep companies in business. What could everyone support? The politics of the 2008 bailouts were so ugly that I was searching for something that could win over Democrats and Republicans. The response to this column has been encouraging: Several political leaders staff members asked me how the loans would work, and executives reached out to say they wanted to push the idea in Washington. The NYT reports that there is a proposal already making the rounds in policymaking circles, devised by the economists Glenn Hubbard and Michael Strain, that would forgive emergency bank loans to small businesses, provided they kept all their workers employed. I received some good feedback to help hone the idea. Perhaps the most interesting came from Peter Orszag, who was the White House budget director under President Barack Obama and is now at Lazard. He suggested: Why not have the government immediately re-inject funds into the banks who extend the loans and then do repayment from the company directly through the tax code? The company would only be allowed to deduct X percent of non-labor expenses (where X is less than 100 and could be scaled based on the state of the economy) until the debt is repaid. That repayment approach provides a form of auto-stabilizer since the repayments will be accelerated if the economy starts booming and delayed if not. A special announcement: We will hold a conference call for DealBook readers this Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern to discuss the business and policy implications of the coronavirus pandemic. DealBooks editors will be joined by Choe Sang-Hun, our correspondent in Seoul, who has been reporting on the South Korean governments aggressive response to the outbreak. Youll be able to ask him about what he is seeing on the ground and which parts of the response are working. We will also debate the options for shoring up economies and rescuing companies hurt by the virus, and take any other questions that you may have. All Georgia state Senate members and employees have been "asked to self-quarantine" for 14 days after a senator tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the legislature confirmed in a statement late Wednesday. Details: Sen. Brandon Beach said he was tested Saturday after seeking medical attention for a cough and mild fever, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He turned up to vote Monday after feeling better, and his COVID-19 result came back Wednesday. What they're saying: "The diagnosis I was given was not coronavirus, but I did get tested for it on Saturday," Beach said, per the Marietta Daily Journal. "With medication, I felt better by Monday and thought I was in the clear. Today, however, my test came back positive." "For now, Im at home. I continue to suffer from a fever and cough, but Im following doctors orders, including the admonition to stay away from the hospital unless it becomes difficult to breathe. I know many Georgians are praying hard as we weather this crisis together, and frankly, Id ask that they pray for me, as well as all the others in our state who are going through this right now and those who soon will." Fellow Republican and state Rep. Scot Turner expressed his anger at the situation in a Facebook post. Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details, more context and to correct that Turner is a state representative, not a senator. HONG KONG, Mar 19, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited ("NetDragon" or "the Company", Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that Edmodo, a subsidiary of NetDragon, was one of the recommended distance learning applications and platforms by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in view of the disruption to education worldwide due to COVID-19. Edmodo is among the world's largest and most active learning communities with over 100 million registered users, covering approximately 400,000 schools in more than 190 countries and regions.According to UNESCO, 85 countries have announced or implemented suspension of educational institutions, hindering approximately 777 million students' learning progress. UNESCO has updated a "Distance learning solutions" section on its website with a recommendation list attached to promote online learning through distance learning platforms. The recommended applications and platforms tend to have wide reach, a strong user base and evidence of impact. Most of the solutions are free and several support multiple languages.During the suspension of various primary and secondary schools, NetDragon encourages teachers and students to engage in free online interactive learning through Edmodo for continuous learning progress. Prominent functions of Edmodo have gained popularity among teachers and students. Edmodo can be widely applied across multiple learning use cases, including lesson preparation, lesson delivery, as well as after-class studies and discussions, while providing extensive functions that include assignment distribution, quiz assessment, learning progress monitoring and teaching statistics. Embedded within a comprehensible interface similar to social media platforms, it is handy for teaching and self-learning to be combined and managed on a single platform. On top of that, Edmodo facilitates a swift interaction between teachers, students and parents. By raising or answering questions, sharing reading materials or intriguing videos and initiating discussions between teachers and students, it stimulates students to develop independent learning skills and areas of interest, and therefore, enhances mutual exchange of ideas with teachers. Apart from distance teaching, Edmodo also features remote student supervision, enabling teachers to monitor teaching data and further adjust their teaching tempo accordingly. Parents may also follow their children's learning progress and assist in keeping up with the learning schedule during the school suspension period.Recently, NetDragon has also partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud services in setting up contingency plans and providing free cross-border cloud services to suspended educational institutions in Hong Kong, so that teachers can easily upload and store teaching videos to cloud servers where local and cross-boundary school students can easily access the learning resources. Teachers can further assign homework or learning tasks to students and thus provide at-home learning support.The recommendation by UNESCO is a recognition of Edmodo's endeavors to online education, as well as its capability in handling situations of different kinds. Edmodo has recorded a substantive increase in new registered users recently, with significant growth in new and active users from Italy and Spain in comparison with the same period last year. NetDragon will continue to utilize Edmodo's powerful strength in online education to provide distance learning support to users in affected countries and regions.About NetDragon Websoft Holdings LimitedNetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. These include China's number one online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China's most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless, which was sold to Baidu for US$1.9 billion in 2013 as the largest Internet M&A transaction in China.Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved and Conquer Online. In recent years, NetDragon has also started to scale its online education business on the back of management's vision to create the largest global online learning community, and to bring the "classroom of the future" to every school around the world. For more information, please visit www.netdragon.com.For investor enquiries, please contact:NetDragon Websoft Holdings LimitedMs. Maggie ZhouSenior Director of Investor RelationsTel.: +852 2850 7266 / +86 591 8390 2825Email: maggie@nd.com.cnWebsite: ir.netdragon.comSource: NetDragon Websoft Holdings LimitedCopyright 2020 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Plan for migrants? As a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants, does San Antonio have a plan to provide medical/quarantine support if or when the coronavirus is detected among migrants? Will the city and county encourage local medical resources to support those sickened at ICE facilities in South Texas? Dennis Treadwell, Pipe Creek Measuring our humanity Whether its Edgar Allen Poes short story The Masque of the Red Death, or Albert Camus novel The Plague, how humans treat each other during a crisis is a test of human maturity, especially in light of the coronavirus today. When humans in power dismiss the suffering and existential safety of others, then we surely should question their capacity for leadership and governance. Telling the public that virus outbreaks are political conspiracies, telling the public that the regular flu and highway deaths kill more people, and telling the public that time and miracles will rid us of the virus is nothing more than immature political naivete. With the tools of science, the coronavirus menace should be a short story rather than a Gothic novel. Jesse Howell Contagious media hysteria Re: These are necessary moves for public health, Editorial, Saturday. My primary problem with the public health emergency of the novel coronavirus has been the hype, hyperbole and hysteria which has permeated the reporting of this pandemic. Unprecedented and unnecessary, in my opinion. Mark Marek On ExpressNews.com: These are necessary moves for public health Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) - A Filipino domestic worker tested positive for COVID-19 in Kuwait, said the Philippine Embassy. The Philippine Embassy to Kuwait said the Filipino patient had close contact with a person who traveled recently to the United Kingdom. Yet, health authorities said the patient is in stable condition and the embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are currently monitoring her. With this development, the embassy reminds all Filipinos in Kuwait to stay at home to prevent the further spread of the virus, which has infected more than 200,000 people worldwide. A Florida lawmaker became the first member of the US Congress to test positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart's office said in a statement that "just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19." The Republican, who represents part of Miami, follows Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus last week. Diaz-Balart said that he had entered into quarantine and was working from his Washington apartment. "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus," he said. The United States so far has just over 7,300 cases and more than 110 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alex Jones presented The One Show alone in the studio on Wednesday, after co-host Matt Baker went into self-isolation for two weeks. The presenter, 43, appeared in good spirits as she hosted the show by herself, and was seen with comedian Chris Addison and members of RAF team The Red Arrows. Alex put on a stylish display for the show, as she donned a fluffy white coat over a frilled white shirt that had a blue-stripe design. Getting by: Alex Jones was in good spirits as she filmed The One Show without co-host Matt Baker on Wednesday, after he went into self-isolation amid coronavirus pandemic Adding a pop of colour to her ensemble, Alex stepped out in a pair of chic red trousers and boosted her height in a pair of sleek black heels. Her brunette locks were styled into a sleek, straight bob, and she wore a natural palette of make-up for the occasion. Alex was joined on the show by comedian Chris who joined her in talking with two RAF pilots in front of one of their Red Arrow planes. Flying solo: Alex fronted the show on her own after Matt (pictured right) revealed he is self-isolating after a family member had a cough Chic: Alex put on a stylish display for the show, as she donned a fluffy white coat over a frilled white shirt that had a blue-stripe design Glamorous: Adding a pop of colour to her ensemble, Alex stepped out in a pair of chic red trousers and boosted her height in a pair of sleek black heels On the show: The presenter, 43, appeared in good spirits as she hosted the show by herself, and was seen with comedian Chris Addison and members of RAF team The Red Arrows Her day filming comes after Matt revealed he is self-isolating for two weeks amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The presenter, 42, appeared via a videolink on Tuesday's show where he revealed that he is working from home as a precaution as someone in his family has a cough. The show opened with Alex sitting alone on a sofa as she explained Matt's absence. Pretty: Alex's brunette locks were styled into a sleek, straight bob, and she wore a natural palette of make-up for the occasion Stepping in: Alex was joined on the show by comedian Chris (far left) who joined her in talking with two RAF pilots Exciting: The group were seen filming in front of one of their Red Arrow planes She said: 'Welcome to Tuesday's live The One Show with me Alex Jones and as you can see, look, the sofa is empty. No Matt Baker. Like so many of you, he's working from home today. Matthew, what's going on?' The show then panned onto a videolink where Matt was sitting on a sofa with his pet dog, he explained: 'Yes, well I am at home and this is my [pointing to his dog] Alex Jones for tonight and probably for the next two weeks. 'This afternoon we got a phonecall, there's four of us here in this household and one of us has a cough so we're following the Prime Minister's guidelines and now spending the next two weeks self-isolating.' Self-isolating: Matt appeared via a videolink on Tuesday's show where he revealed that he is working from home as a precaution as someone in his family has a cough Explanation: The show opened with Alex, 42, sitting alone on a sofa as she explained Matt's absence Matt continued: 'I kind of expected this to come and feel as ready as we can do. We're more than happy to do our bit and do what's right for everybody, look out for our neighbours.' To which Alex added: 'Obviously I'm disappointed you're not with me but it's a sensible precaution and it's lovely to see Bob [Matt's pet dog]. We love Bob, hi Bob! 'As you are working from home though, I am still going to put you to use of course so stay where you are and I'll come back to you in a bit.' Oops! Matt wasn't the only thing missing from the BBC chatshow and Alex revealed that they were also without their perspex coffee table after Paddy McGuinness accidentally broke it last week (pictured) And Alex stayed true to her word as Matt continue to co-host The One Show from his sitting room with his pet dog via videolink. Matt wasn't the only thing missing from the BBC chatshow and Alex revealed that they were also without their perspex coffee table after Paddy McGuinness accidentally broke it last week. It comes after Susanna Reid has revealed she is self-isolating at her London home after a member of her household developed symptoms akin to those displayed by coronavirus COVID-19 carriers. The Good Morning Britain presenter, who featured on Mondays edition of the show alongside Piers Morgan, will not return while she adopts the precautionary measure laid out by the World Health Organisation. Absent: It comes after Susanna Reid has revealed she is self-isolating at her London home after a member of her household developed symptoms akin to those displayed by coronavirus COVID-19 carriers (pictured earlier this month with co-host Piers Morgan) Addressing Twitter followers on Monday evening, Susanna, 49, admitted she was distancing herself from the ITV production team, her co-hosts and members of the public despite showing no symptoms herself. She wrote: 'I am currently well but due to the new advice today I will be self-isolating for two weeks due to symptoms in my household. Stay well everyone.' Susanna's admission came shortly after Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Brits to work from home, stay away from bars, clubs and restaurants and avoid 'all non-essential contact' for 12-weeks. The PM warned that the coronavirus was now in a phase of rapid spread across the UK, with London seeing a particular surge, and it was time to take radical action to stop the NHS being swamped. Revelation: Addressing Twitter followers on Monday evening, Susanna, 49, admitted she was distancing herself from the ITV production team, her co-hosts and members of the public despite showing no symptoms herself Guideline: Susanna's admission came shortly after Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Brits to work from home, stay away from bars, clubs and restaurants and avoid 'all non-essential contact' (pictured on Monday) Everyone should avoid contact that is not absolutely necessary - with restaurants, bars and cinemas and travel off limits, and an end to large gatherings. Admitting that the squeeze could last 12 weeks or even longer, the PM acknowledged he was 'asking a lot'. Entire households should self-isolate for two weeks if one person has been showing symptoms, and older people should prepare to stay away from risks for months to come. He said that meant 'you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials'. The breakneck developments came amid growing criticism of the UK government's response, which has looked increasingly out of step with that around the globe. In the studio: Susanna featured on Mondays edition of the show alongside Piers Morgan and resident Doctor Hilary Jones Moments after Johnson's dramatic press conference, actor Idris Elba revealed he has tested positive for the coronavirus. The actor, 47, told followers he 'feels ok' and has no symptoms but has decided to self-isolate following his exposure to COVID-19. Posting a video on social media, the star sat next to his wife Sabrina to give fans an update on his condition. Isolating: Idris Elba, 47, revealed he has tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday evening Idris had attended the WE Day UK Charity event and concert in London last Tuesday March 3 with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He confirmed that wife Sabrina had not yet been tested but said that she also 'feels ok' at the moment. The Luther star added that he only got tested after coming into contact with someone who later confirmed that they had coronavirus, before quarantining himself and getting tested 'immediately'. He received the news of his results on Monday morning. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday congratulated Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, the King of Bhutan and Queen Jetsun Pema on being "blessed with the birth of the second royal child". "Hearty congratulations to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, His Royal Highness The Gyalsey and the Royal Family on being blessed with the birth of the Second Royal Child. India joins the people of Bhutan in rejoicing on this happy occasion," Jaishankar said in a tweet. Earlier, the Bhutanese Royal Family had said in a statement: "We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the 19th of March 2020, corresponding with the 25th day of the 1st month of the Male Iron Rat year, in Lingkana Palace, Thimphu." The statement said the queen and the baby are in good health, and The Gyalsey was delighted to meet his younger brother. "While this remains a very happy occasion for the royal family and the nation and people of Bhutan, Their Majesties wish to remind all Bhutanese to be mindful, responsible and supportive to each other in the wake of the COVID-19 virus. Their Majesties have everyone whose lives have been affected by this global pandemic in their thoughts and prayers," the statement read. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday afternoon announced a relief package of 200 billion to fight the economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis. The measures include delaying mortgage payments, easing social security contributions and allowing employees who need to care for dependent relatives to reduce their workday by as much as 100%. These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez The amount of this package, which comprises public and private funds, is the equivalent of 20% of Spains gross domestic product (GDP). These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures, said Sanchez, of the Socialist Party (PSOE), after the Cabinet meeting that greenlighted the financial assistance against the effects of the new coronavirus, which has already infected more than 11,000 people in Spain and caused close to 500 deaths. Of the 200 billion fund, half of the money is tied to a public guarantee scheme to ensure liquidity for struggling businesses. Another 17 billion is being earmarked to support the groups most likely to suffer from the effects of the pandemic. The rest will be private resources. It will be the greatest mobilization of resources in Spains entire democratic history, said the Spanish leader. Layoffs At least 100,000 workers are facing temporary layoffs as a result of the halt in economic activity after the country went into lockdown on Saturday. Most retail businesses have closed and foreign nationals are being repatriated after Spanish authorities ordered people to confine themselves to their homes. There are still days left before we get the better of the contagion curve, said Sanchez, urging citizen cooperation. We need to flatten the curve and make it take a nosedive. The Spanish health authorities on Tuesday confirmed nearly 2,000 new coronavirus infections and 150 deaths in just 24 hours. Some of the measures listed in the 45-page decree include the possibility of delaying mortgage payments on primary residences for employees who lose their jobs, as well as self-employed workers who sustain dramatic income losses due to the coronavirus crisis. The plan contributes to the social shield announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday The move is in line with similar action taken by the Italian and French governments, and contributes to the social shield announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday. The measures aim to prevent the destruction of the countrys productive fabric and to activate social-protection measures for underprivileged groups. The aid package revolves around four main guidelines: easing the conditions of the temporary collective layoffs (known as ERTEs in Spain), supporting workers and businesses affected by the slump in activity, guaranteeing liquidity for businesses, and supporting research to find a coronavirus vaccine. The mortgage moratorium will last between one and three months, according to experts consulted by this newspaper. Liquidity Sanchez said the government will also guarantee liquidity for at-risk businesses. The government will provide the necessary liquidity. We are creating a line of public guarantees of up to 100 billion, he said. The draft also contemplates lifting social security contribution requirements for small and medium businesses who do not lay off workers, and adjusting the social security system contributions made by self-employed workers whose income plummets due to the crisis. The decree also allows workers to adapt and reduce their working hours, by as much as 100% if necessary, if they need to provide care to dependents. The measures also target the self-employed and small businesses, which stand to sustain significant losses. We will work to allow the self-employed to receive a subsidy if they are affected, said Sanchez, who called on employers not to lay off workers. A 30-million allocation will also be made to reinforce scientific research to develop a vaccine and a cure for Covid-19. The beneficiaries of these funds are the state scientific research council CSIC and the research institute Carlos III. English version by Susana Urra. Three Sussex County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials announced on Wednesday. They are the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Sussex, a mostly-rural county in northwestern New Jersey that is home to 141,000 people. The three county residents live in Vernon, Sparta and Frankford. County health officials notified the local mayors and provided basic information, but not names, and are working to identify any individuals who came into contact with them. Vernon Mayor Howard Burrell told NJ Advance Media the resident in his town is a 53-year-old man who has been in self-quarantine for seven days. Burrell said he was told by the countys health officer, James McDonald, that the man works outside of Sussex County and was sent home last week, along with his co-workers, after a colleague tested positive for the coronavirus. Vernon is the most populated municipality in Sussex, with 22,000 residents. In Sparta, where 18,000 live, Mayor Jerry Murphy said a 60-year-old male was diagnosed. Murphy said he was told the man had extremely limited exposure to anybody else and knew enough to isolate himself. Frankford Mayor Chris Carney said he was told only that the person in his township is a 34-year-old woman. Information on the case in Sparta was not immediately available. There were 427 known coronavirus cases in New Jersey as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, including 5 deaths. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. An unidentified person stole a bag of cash amounting to 20.10 lakh from the counter of an ICICI Bank branch in Feroze Gandhi market near Bhai Bala Chowk on Thursday afternoon. The cash belonged to Royal Punjab, a wine company. The companys employee, Amit Kumar, had come to the bank to deposit the cash. He put the bag containing the cash on the tellers desk so that it could be counted and stepped away to receive a call. In the meantime, someone made away with the cash. Amit raised an alarm, called the police and informed his employer Jaswinder Singh Gill of the theft. The closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras captured a clean shaven man in a pink shirt pick up the bag the moment Amit left the counter. However, he is yet to be identified. Police suspect Amits involvement in the crime and have taken him into custody. The employees said they had assumed that the accused was Amits companion. Therefore, they did not try to stop him. Deputy commissioner of police (DCP, investigation) Simratpal Singh Dhindsa said police were trying to establish if the accused was already present at the bank or he followed Amit. He said the role of bank employees in abetting the theft had not been ruled out. A case has been registered at the Division 5 Police station against unidentified accused. Liquor company employees on the target of robbers In a similar case, four miscreants robbed a liquor company employee of 3.67 lakh after injuring him near Jandiyali Chowk on March 16, while on January 11, the employees of a liquor company foiled a robbery bid and confronted two motorcycle-borne miscreants at RK road near Cheema Chowk. By Trend Yerevan is only following its own course, but it doesn't have money for real [military] contracts, Russian political analyst Yevgeny Mikhailov told Trend. He made the remark commenting on the statement of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan made during the official visit of the Armenian delegation to Serbia. The Armenian media disseminated information that one of the topics discussed during the meeting was the possible cooperation of Armenia with Serbia in military sector. Mikhailov believes that there is no need to talk about any military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Serbia so far. Baku receives weapons from many countries, and Azerbaijan's army is much better equipped than that of Armenia. Meanwhile, Serbia does not have the ability to develop the latest defense technology. Even if Serbia supplies Armenia with small arms, there won't be any advantage of Armenia over Azerbaijan, said the expert. In turn, Ukrainian political analyst Oleg Khavich was skeptical about the hypothetical military cooperation between Belgrade and Yerevan. Serbia does not produce modern types of military weapons and equipment, receiving them mainly from Russia - like Armenia. Therefore, I believe that the only promising type of cooperation in this area is the possible participation of the Armenian military in joint Serbian-Russian exercises, which are regularly held in Serbia, as well as the possibility of using the Armenian army of Serbian military training grounds," he told Trend. Meanwhile, Georgy Engelhardt, a researcher at the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said that Baku has been actively developing its own presence in the Balkans, including Serbia for more than ten years, adding that it is no coincidence that a monument to the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, is in the center of Belgrade (Tashmaydan Park). Engelhardt also noted that the period of the coronavirus pandemic in itself does not favor any military-technical cooperation between any countries, as well as between Serbia and Armenia. Moreover, now the Serbian authorities are concerned, first of all, about obtaining medical and sanitary equipment. In my opinion, in March 2020 its impossible to take into account the pandemic for any government in Europe, in principle. For the Serbian government, which just the other day (March 15) introduced emergency situation in the country, this is definitely impossible," the expert added. Speaking about military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Serbia, the expert suggested that it can be talked about individual elements (radars for example), since Belgrade itself purchases weapons systems from large foreign manufacturers. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz WASHINGTON House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on President Trump Thursday morning to use the Defense Production Act powers that he invoked Wednesday but later in the day said he was not yet utilizing in the fight against the coronavirus. Right now, shortages of critical medical and personal protective equipment are harming our ability to fight the coronavirus epidemic, endangering frontline workers and making it harder to care for those who fall ill, Pelosi said in a statement. The President must immediately use the powers of the Defense Production Act to mass produce and coordinate distribution of these critical supplies, before the need worsens and the shortages become even more dire. There is not a day to lose, she said. We must put more testing, more protective equipment and more ventilators into the hands of our frontline workers immediately. Pelosi said she was reacting to a tweet posted by the president late Wednesday afternoon in which he said, I only signed the Defense Production Act to combat the Chinese Virus should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future. Hopefully there will be no need, but we are all in this TOGETHER! That tweet was a confusing signal from Trump after he had invoked the DPA earlier in the day, announcing the move at a White House briefing on the health crisis. We have targets for certain pieces of equipment, he said. Weve ordered millions of masks, but we need millions more. We need ventilators. Its a complicated piece of equipment. That followed comments Trump made Tuesday when he said he hoped he wouldnt have to use the DPA. He did not say why, other than to remark, We hope we dont need it. Its a big step. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Trump. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP, Evan Vucci/AP) Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller under President George W. Bush, told Yahoo News that despite Trumps waffling on the DPA, he signed it, and federal employees and the military now have a green light to move ahead. The DPA gives the federal government the power to incentivize, nudge and even push American companies to do things like increase production of medical supplies like ventilators, masks and protective gowns. The DPA also empowers the government to offer loans and loan guarantees to companies that currently manufacture emergency medical supplies, enabling them to dramatically increase production of those items. Story continues Zakheim told Yahoo News the DPA could also give the Trump administration the authority to instruct companies like Prestige Ameritech which reportedly has an order for 100 million masks from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore to prioritize orders for the American health care system. The White House was reported to be discussing the DPA three weeks ago but never invoked it at that point. Zakheim told Yahoo News that Trump should have invoked the DPA long before now. Were behind the eight ball, because weve been reactive. Heres an opportunity to be proactive if you even want to call it proactive at this point, Zakheim said in an interview. The U.S. medical system has about 30 million N95 respirators for medical workers to wear while caring for the sick. One estimate is that the actual need in a worst-case scenario would be 300 million masks. The manufacturer 3M, which makes them, is already increasing its production. There are about 160,000 ventilators, which assist sick patients with their breathing, but as many as 740,000 could be needed, according to one study. A respiratory ventilator. (Getty Images) On Thursday morning, Minnesota-based medical device manufacturer Medtronic which produces a large share of the global supply of ventilators out of its plant in Galway, Ireland announced it has already increased production by more than 40 percent to date and is on track to more than double its capacity to manufacture and supply ventilators in response to the urgent needs of patients and healthcare systems across the globe. The company currently has over 250 employees dedicated to ventilator manufacturing and plans to more than double that number, including transferring staff from other Medtronic sites to support ramp up activities, it said in a statement. Additional manufacturing shifts have been put in place and new manufacturing shift patterns are being introduced to bring the plant to 24/7 operation. Medtronic said it is prioritizing high risk/high needs areas for ventilator allocation on a weekly basis for global distribution through its supply chain. Company executive Bob White said that it recognizes the demand for ventilators in this environment has far outstripped supply. No single company will be able to fill the current demands of global healthcare systems, White said. However, with all manufacturers increasing their production and through partnerships with governments, hospitals and global health organizations, Medtronic is committed to getting more ventilators into the market and to the right locations in the world to help doctors and patients dealing with COVID-19. This story has augmented reality! Tap the video above to see how it looks and download the Yahoo News app to launch the full experience. Augmented reality is currently available to iPhone users (iPhone 8 and later) with the latest version of iOS. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: WASHINGTON As people disperse to their homes to work and study because of the coronavirus pandemic, taking their laptops and company data with them, cyber security experts say hackers will follow, seeking to take advantage and infiltrate corporations. Government officials in the United States, Britain and elsewhere have issued warnings about the dangers of a newly remote workforce, while tech companies are seeing surges in requests to help secure out-of-office employees. At Cisco Systems Inc., for example, the number of requests for security support to support remote workforces have jumped 10-fold in the last few weeks. People who have never worked from home before are trying to do it and they are trying to do it at scale, said Wendy Nather, a senior adviser with Ciscos Duo Security who has spent the past decade working from home for various jobs. She said the sudden transition would mean more scope for mistakes, more strain on information technology staff, and more opportunity for cyber criminals hoping to trick employees into forking over their passwords. RIO DE JANEIRO - After questioning the seriousness of COVID-19, defying his own health ministry's recommendations and denouncing a certain hysteria, Brazil's president is now projecting himself as leading the nation's response to the coronavirus crisis in what has become one of the biggest challenges to his presidency. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/3/2020 (663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A resident bangs on a pot to protest against the way Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro is handling the coronavirus crisis, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. For most people COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms. For others, especially the elderly and people with existing health problems, it can cause many other serious illnesses, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) RIO DE JANEIRO - After questioning the seriousness of COVID-19, defying his own health ministry's recommendations and denouncing a certain hysteria, Brazil's president is now projecting himself as leading the nation's response to the coronavirus crisis in what has become one of the biggest challenges to his presidency. President Jair Bolsonaro provoked the ire of many Brazilians and even former political allies with his blase attitude to the global pandemic and insistence on shaking supporters' hands at a protest. One of Brazil's most popular news sites, UOL, reported Bolsonaro had suggested the Chinese government caused the coronavirus outbreak a claim later voiced publicly by his son, a lawmaker. China's embassy rebuffed the allegations, saying on Twitter they were "extremely irresponsible." While many countries around Latin America and the world have quarantined millions, cancelled international flights and shut down schools, Brazil has done none of these things. Only on Thursday did Bolsonaro order the closing of the country's borders with its neighbours, except for Uruguay, when almost all South American countries had already taken that measure. No lockdowns have been ordered and state governments and municipalities have taken the lead in telling people to stay home. Late Thursday, Brazil announced its first restrictions on international travellers, banning entry for the next 30 days by foreigners from a number of places, including China, Japan and the European Union. Nearly all of its neighbours had already taken similar actions. Coronavirus in Brazil is acting as a kind of catalyst, channeling all this discontent and accelerating the process against Bolsonaro, said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at the Insper University in Sao Paulo. When he came out to the streets for the protests, he made a very big, very serious mistake. Now he is trying to regain control. Faced with a growing backlash, a concerned-looking Bolsonaro, flanked by many of his ministers, on Wednesday gave his first press conference on the coronavirus at Brazil's presidential palace. During the two-hour event, Bolsonaro said he would redouble efforts to fight COVID-19, but did not announce any new measures. For the first time since the outbreak, he thanked lawmakers for their efforts and called on them to approve a state of calamity, which would allow the government to spend more than the annual budget allows, with funds going toward health and job preservation. But the press conference conveyed mixed messages about how to deal with the pandemic. While vowing to fight the outbreak, he sat shoulder-to-shoulder with his ministers in a violation of the social distancing prescribed by international authorities. Government officials wore white masks, but several of them, including Bolsonaro, removed them repeatedly when speaking. As the head of the executive I have to be in the front lines with my people, Brazil's president said. Don't be surprised if you see me entering a crowded bar in Sao Paulo, a ferry from Niteroi to Rio or in a bus in Belo Horizonte. Critics say Bolsonaro's about-face on the virus follows U.S. President Donald Trump's example. But for many, it is too little, too late. Brazil's president had until recently remained largely absent from press conferences, leaving them to ministers or top health officials. Over the weekend, he was seen meeting and shaking hands with a group of supporters. His decision to come into physical contact with the crowd while awaiting final results of his second COVID-19 test contradicted the recommendations his health minister previously issued about avoiding large gatherings. "How does a man who is possibly infected go into the middle of a crowd?" Janaina Paschoal told fellow lawmakers in Sao Paulo's legislature. This man has to leave the Presidency of the Republic, let (vice-president Hamilton) Mourao, who understands matters of defence, lead the nation." Paschoal, a conservative who was once in the running to be Bolsonaro's vice-president, had criticized the president but never before demanded he step down. Multiple members of Bolsonaro's administration have contracted the coronavirus. His top national security adviser, Gen. Augusto Heleno, confirmed Tuesday he tested positive after attending a recent trip to the U.S. along with Bolsonaro. According to online news site G1, more than a dozen members of a delegation who met with President Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago have also received positive test results. At least 621 people have been infected in Brazil as of Thursday, and six have died. Officials say they expect the infection number to rise significantly in the coming days. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority recover. Lawmaker Alexandre Frota, another close ally turned critic, filed an impeachment request to congress Thursday. Bolsonaro maintains a strained relationship with the speaker of the lower house, Rodrigo Maia, but it is unlikely congress would consider impeachment amid the crisis. Even his intellectual guru, Olavo de Carvalho, a conservative Brazilian writer who lives in the U.S., posted a Facebook message suggesting Bolsonaro was on the wrong course and poorly advised. From the beginning of his term I told the president he should disarm his enemies before trying to solve any national problem. He did the opposite, Carvalho wrote. I am sorry. Now it may be too late to react. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, Brazilians in cities including Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia protested against Bolsonaro in one of the few ways possible at a time of social distancing: leaning from their windows and banging pots and pans. Some shouted Bolsonaro out!" More such protests were promised for as long as Brazilians are in quarantine. On his official Twitter account, Bolsonaro complained the media had failed to communicate a counter pots-and-pans protest in favour of his administration, which took place a half hour later. That demonstration wasnt nearly as loud or as long, and participants were shouted at by those in neighbouring buildings. ___ Associated Press writer David Biller in Rio de Janeiro contributed to this report. The Mandalorian travels back into Star Wars dusty past for the fifth episode of the Disney+ series, called Chapter 5: The Gunslinger. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. Watch The Mandalorian on Disney+, subscribe here for a free trial. Fresh off the back of their heroics in Sorgan, the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and Baby Yoda begin the episode being pursued by another bounty hunter. One dogfight later, their ship, the Razor Crest, is seriously damaged and they make an emergency landing on Tatooine, the desert planet that was famously home to Luke and Anakin Skywalker. In order to pay for his ship to be repaired by Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris), the Mandalorian hunts down a dangerous mercenary called Shand (Ming-Na Wen), with the help of dubious side-kick Toro Calican (Jake Cannavale). After an unsurprising double-cross, Mando is left chasing down rogue bounty hunter Calican before he absconds with the Child killing him just in the nick of time. Here are seven Star Wars references you might not have noticed in episode 5... 1. Tuscan Raiders The moaning sand-dwellers first seen in A New Hope make a memorable return here, as the Mandalorian travels across the Tatooine desert in pursuit of his bounty. Shown more sympathetically than in the Star Wars films, they are willing to strike a deal with the Mandalorian to ensure him safe passage. 2. The Cantina The Mos Eisley cantina that featured memorably in the first Star Wars film is seen again here, years later. The bar where Han Solo shot Greedo and met Luke Skywalker is now staffed by EV-series service droids, which fans might remember from Jabbas Palace in Episode VI. 3. Banthas The large, furry, horned animals known as banthas have appeared in several films in the saga, and they can be briefly seen here (belonging to the Tuscan Raiders) - as well as dewbacks, their similarly cumbersome reptile counterparts. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up 4. The Phantom Menace Mandos plotline here closely mirrors some of the events of The Phantom Menace: Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi were also stranded on Tatooine while their spaceship was in need of repairs. The Mandalorian converses with a droid behind the bar at the iconic Mos Eisley cantina (Disney+) 5. Pit droids An invention of the Star Wars prequels, pit droids are the klutzy little robots used on Tatooine to repair vehicles seen here in Peli Mottos workshop. 6. Mos Espa The Tatoonine spaceport visited by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace is referenced by Strand. 7. Corellia Toro says that the speeder bikes he has picked out, which people will likely recognise from the Endor scenes in Return of the Jedi, were made in Corellia the same planet that produced Han Solos beloved Millennium Falcon. The team of Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu is all set to reunite for Sapta Sagaradaache Yello. Written and directed by Hemanth M Rao, the film will star Rakshit Shetty in the lead role. Produced by Pushkar Mallikarjunaiah (Pushkar Films), the movie is all set to go on floors in June after Rakshit wraps up 777 Charlie. Director Hemanth M Rao told Cinema Express, This was a film we had clarity about, and we knew that in time we would come together again for a project, says Hemanth, who has come up classic love story love. Sapta Sagaradaache Yello is a line from a poem written by Gopalakrishna Adiga, and was translated into a song sung by C Ashwath. It is a poetic love story, which will take us back to films likeHaalu Jenu, Benkiya Bale, Bandhana, Casablanca, and Mounaragam, I always wished to bring out that age-old romance in one of my directorials. It seems to be getting fulfilled now. Like each of my films I am working towards unique storytelling, with visual poetry and other elements for a commercial entertainer. The makers are planning on releasing the of December 27 this year (same date as Avane Srimannarayanas release). The team is currently busy finalizing the remaining star cast that will feature a slew of fresh faces. The music for the film will be composed by Charan Raj while the cinematography will be rendered by Advaitha Gurumurthy. Rakshit Shetty too shared his happiness whilst announcing the project and said, I am very excited to work with Hemanth once again. I heard the concept and it is very interesting. I am eager to play the character he has written. We have the basic outline, and we are waiting for Hemanth to come with the full script. (sic) ALSO READ: Director Kiranraj K On Shooting Rakshit Shetty Starrer 777 Charlie Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak ALSO READ: ITS OFFICIAL! Rakshit Shetty Announces Kirik Party 2: 'I Certainly Got A Perfect Plot Now New Jersey health officials must tell cops where people whove tested positive for the coronavirus live, but names will be excluded and the information will be closely protected, according to a directive released Thursday by state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. Addresses may only be accessed to respond to service calls. The information may not be shared elsewhere, and may not be used to refuse service, according to the directive. This knowledge will protect officers, especially in the face of equipment shortages, the directive said. By alerting officers as to these risks, we enable them to guard their own health and make the best possible use of our limited supplies of personal protective gear," Grewal said in a statement. Make no mistake, our officers will respond to every call for service, regardless of the threat. On Wednesday, the health department told employees to share the addresses of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release. One person at each police department should enter those addresses into a Computer Aided Dispatch system. Officers will only be told about an address if theyre responding to a call there, and they may only use it for the limited purpose of protecting their health and safety, and the health and safety of other officers, the directive said. "The address is good enough for us and we appreciate the heads up for our officers, "Pat Colligan, president of the state Police Benevolent Association, wrote in a message. The states Emergency Health Powers Act allows addresses to be shared, with limitations. The order ends when the health department stops sharing the information, by revoking its Wednesday order. An earlier directive advised cops about how to handle possible staff shortages if officers contract the virus. Departments are limiting face-to-face contact, and some police academies are still training recruits. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Global Laboratory Equipment Services Market: Snapshot Laboratory may refer to a type of facility where controlled conditions are provided to carry out technological or scientific research, measurements, and different experiments. The several equipment and tools that are used by researchers or scientists who are working in a laboratory are referred to as laboratory equipment. Laboratory equipment are of several types such as glassware such as reagent bottle, beaker, spectrophotometers, autoclave, microscope, centrifuges, mixers and shakers, pipette, thermal cyclers, freezers, refrigerators, universal testing machine, humidifier, incubators, bioreactor, and weighing scale, among several others. Request a Sample Copy of the Laboratory Equipment Services Market Research Report: @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=848 The growing number of companies in the field of asset management is making way for substantial growth opportunities for the progress of the laboratory equipment services market. These equipment have applications in research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical companies. The rising funding and investment in research and development activities in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical is expected to push the adoption of laboratory equipment services in the near future. The market is thus expected to rise at a steady rate in the years ahead. Owing to the continuous and stable supply of laboratory equipment, the market is expected to have a fruitful future in the coming years. However, the market may face few challenges from the growing pressure on pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs and cut down further on the marketing and publicity costs as well. The competition in the market is expected to rise with time as companies are expected to gain technological expertise and bring out novel products. Global Laboratory Equipment Services Market: Overview The rising number of asset management companies is creating considerable growth opportunities for the global laboratory equipment services market, which as per the report is likely to exhibit a strong CAGR between 2017 and 2025. Besides this growth in the pharmaceutical sector and the demand for precise diagnosis are aiding the markets expansion. Based on end user, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, diagnostic laboratories, and research institutes could be the key market segments. Factors influencing the demand for laboratory equipment services across these segments are discussed at length in the report. Request TOC of the Report for more Industry Insights @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=848 The study provides a comprehensive market overview covering growth drivers and restraints influencing its trajectory. The effect of the latest government policies and strategies adopted by the leading players to gain stronger footprint are studied in the report in detail. It encompasses other analysis such as manufacture cost analysis and supply chain analysis. The report also gauges the investment feasibility for new players. It therefore compiles exhaustive information, intended at providing key market insights to readers, especially the market stakeholders. Global Laboratory Equipment Services Market: Trends and Opportunities According to studies, increase in funding for research and development in pharmaceutical and biotechnology will fuel the dependence of buyers on advanced laboratory equipment services. The persistently rising demand for high-end technologies across industries will also enable the global laboratory equipment services market report higher CAGR. The market is also expected to gain from the continuous demand for consistent supply of key laboratory devices and equipment among procurement managers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Growth witnessed in this market is chiefly bolstered by the increasing research and development activities in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The rising need for timely and accurate diagnoses to start time treatment of diseases is also a key market driver. The market is currently witnessing lucrative opportunities in India and China, as a rising number of management enterprises provide considerable growth opportunities for companies offering laboratory equipment services. Contrary to this, the increasing focus on reducing cost of treatments, rising pressure to cut down marketing costs on pharmaceutical companies, and the rising prices of service contracts are a few of the factors restraining the market. Global Laboratory Equipment Services Market: Regional Outlook Among the key regional markets, North America is currently exhibiting highly lucrative opportunities, which have catapulted it to the forefront of the global laboratory equipment services market. Besides boasting a sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, North America is also one of the earliest adopters of the latest technologies. These factors have created an environment conducive to the growth of the laboratory equipment services market in North America. As per the report, leading players are also focusing on emerging economies, especially Asian economies to conduct their clinical trial. The region provides significant cost-advantages and has abundant skilled workforce, which is why it is gaining traction over the past few years. Global Laboratory Equipment Services Market: Vendor Landscape A key trend observed in the laboratory equipment services market is the willingness of category managers to partner with service providers with technological expertise. Their primary focus is one enhancing laboratory processes and efficiently implement sustainability measures to help minimize energy consumption across laboratories. As a result not many suppliers are looking to ensure differentiation between their product portfolios. Given the scenario, strategic collaborations are observed to be the key strategy adopted by prominent companies to remain competitive in the global laboratory equipment services market. A few prominent players to have already participated in the trend are Danaher Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Waters Corporation, Mindray Medical International Limited, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Check Discount at: https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=848 About TMR Research: TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends. Contact: TMR Research, 3739 Balboa St # 1097, San Francisco, CA 94121 United States Tel: +1-415-520-1050 Website : TMR Research Visit Blog : https://tmrresearchblog.com/ There has been a significant rise in racist hate speech, hate crime and discriminatory incidents over the past two years, according to the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR). There were 530 reports of racist incidents in 2019, an increase of 140 on 2018 figures. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday it will stop the majority of its arrests of undocumented immigrants as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The agency says it will focus its attention and resources on capturing those who may be a public safety risk or who have committed serious criminal acts. The decision is one of several recent emergency moves that could hamper President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown. According to a statement from the agency, it has adopted the temporary policy to 'ensure the welfare and safety of the general public as well as officers and agents'. As of Thursday morning, United States health officials had reported 152 deaths and 9,414 positive cases related to the deadly virus. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have decided to delay the arrest of most illegal immigrants unless they 'pose public safety threat' ICE said they wouldn't arrest anyone near a hospital or medical facility unless they commit a serious crime ICE has nearly 38,000 undocumented immigrants under detention, but the the American Civil Liberties Union demanded Washington state to release sick and elderly detainees ICE has close to 38,000 undocumented immigrants under detention. The agency also said it wouldn't arrest anyone near hospitals or health clinics 'except in the most extraordinary of circumstances,' after pro-immigrant activists reported that many undocumented immigrants were shying away from seeking health advice over fears that they would be arrested and fall under President Donald Trump's 'public charge rule.' 'It continues to be the immigration policy of the United States that aliens within the Nations borders not depend on public resources to meet their needs, but rather rely on their own capabilities and the resources of their families, their sponsors, and private organizations,' according to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 which was amended in February. 'Individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement,' ICE said. ICE decided to change its policy after immigrant rights activists began complaining when the agency wouldn't slow down its enforcement efforts. The criticism came after public officials reportedly called for ICE to increase social distancing. 'For those individuals who do not fall into those categories, [ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations] will exercise discretion to delay enforcement actions until after the crisis or utilize alternatives to detention, as appropriate.' Kenosha County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin will refuse to accept new ICE detainees into its jail, citing the risk of coronavirus infection. According to the Los Angeles Times, 'More than 45 organizations signed a letter this week calling on the Department of Homeland Security to suspend such actions.' To keep from spreading coronavirus, police departments around the country decided to adopt similar policies. Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn have all de-emphasized low-level crimes and have given their officers the discretion not to arrest suspects. Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union demanded Washington state to release sick and elderly detainees. The announcement of an ICE slowdown comes as another federal agency is dealing with a potential coronavirus crisis. Close to 500 Homeland Security employees have been quarantined due to potential coronavirus infection. That includes at least 13 who are confirmed to have the virus. Northern Ireland firms dealing with the same crisis as their Great Britain counterparts deserve the same support from Government, a trade body has said. A delegation from Retail NI met with Executive Office Ministers Declan Kearney and Gordon Lyons at Stormont yesterday. The trade body called for measures outlined by the Chancellor to be implemented here including a 12-month 100% business rates relief and funding grants for small businesses. Glyn Roberts, Retail NI chief executive, said that he wants to "ensure that there are jobs for people to come back to when this crisis ends". "This was a useful meeting with the ministers at which we all agreed on the need for a whole societal effort to tackle the impact of Covid-19," he said. "Retail NI urged the ministers to bring forward a comprehensive emergency programme of business support, including all of the measures outlined by the Chancellor. "This has to include the 12 months 100% business rates relief and the funding grants of up to 25k for small businesses. "We also need to see action for rent relief for businesses who are struggling during this crisis." Mr Roberts also said that Retail NI have asked for the 2020 rates revaluation to be postponed or cancelled. "Given that the 2020 rates revaluation unfairly penalised independent retailers with excessive increases of up to 50%, we have requested that the Executive postpone or even cancel it to support our members," he said. "Retail NI members are dealing with the same crisis as their Great Britain counterparts and deserve the same support from Government. "Given that thousands of jobs have already been lost in the last few days, this business support plan needs to be brought forward immediately. "Right across Northern Ireland, Retail NI members and their staff are working exceptionally hard providing a public service, ensuring that the most vulnerable people within our community can purchase food and other essential items. "Independent retailers such as convenience stores, grocers, butchers and pharmacies are in the front line of this crisis and deserve every support from Government and the community as a whole." The call for retail support comes a day after the Belfast Telegraph revealed that some of the best known high street names were shutting their doors indefinitely. Stores to shut at Victoria Square in Belfast include Apple, Urban Outfitters, Hollister, Vans, Inglots and McCombs. Odeon and Omniplex cinemas have also announced closures until further notice. March 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Never underestimate Donald Trump. Nobody is better than him in the use of language. Nobody is better than him in using offensive language. Nobody is better than him in using language to demolish an opponent. Like a languages Picasso, he can paint peoples portrait (or what he wants other people to see as their portrait) with only a few well-chosen words. And the world is poorer by this practice that always destroys, never constructs. His tactic is to always mock his opponents, never to confront them with facts and figures. And this is what he did during the whole Democratic campaign to choose a candidate for president. In May 2019, at a liquefied natural gas facility near Lake Charles, La. he said, referring to former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Rep. Beto ORourke, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Boy, you got some beauties there. Three hundred fifty million people and thats the best we can do. I dont think so, he concluded, with his characteristic insouciance. Mayor Buttigiegs name he mocked as sounding Boot-edge-edge to the loud approval of his supporters. And we all remember how he mocked Sen. Elizabeth Warren about her Native American heritage by calling her Pocahontas , leading her to have a DNA test to prove her ancestry. And in case Pocahontas wasnt enough, when she entered the race for presidential candidate he referred to her as the goofy Elizabeth Warren . Bernie Sanders was a frequent target of his scorn. During the 2016 Democratic primary, he enjoyed watching the confrontation between Sanders and Hillary Clinton, for whom he feels a particular disdain. On May 11, 2016, he Tweeted, I dont want to hit Crazy Bernie Sanders too hard yet because I love watching what he is doing to Crooked Hillary. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter His time will come ! When Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced that she was running for president he Tweeted, Well,it happened again. Amy Klobuchar announced that she is running for President, talking proudly of fighting global warming while standing in a virtual blizzard of snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Bad timing. By the end of her speech she looked like Snowman (woman) ! Although he went relatively easy on Klobuchar, Trump used his munitions against former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Talking to supporters in Colorado Springs Trump said about the Democratic candidates that they were choking during the debate. I dont know if anybody watched last nights debate, Trump said. And you know what, mini-Mike didnt do well last night. I was going to send him a note saying, Its not easy doing what I do, is it ?. If this wasnt demeaning enough, he crouched behind the podium until he was hardly visible and continued talking as if he were Mike Bloomberg. When Bloomberg dropped out of the race Trump commented, He made a fool of himself. He has a special dislike for Joe Biden. When Biden announced he was joining the race to choose Democratic candidate, Trump Tweeted, Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe. I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty -you will be dealing with people who truly have some sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate ! To his credit, though, one has to say that already in May 2019, Trump predicted what now seems a certainty, Tweeting, Looks to me like its going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast ! But President Trump is an equal opportunity offender. During the recent coronavirus epidemic he Tweeted, The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger thane ver before! Trump was immediately rebuked by Eugene Cho, an Evangelical leader, who Tweeted, Mr. President: This is not acceptable. Calling it the "Chinese virus" only instigates blame, racism, and hatred against Asians - here and abroad. We need leadership that speaks clearly against racism; Leadership that brings the nation and world together. Not further divides. In his poem The Word, translated by Stephen Mitchell, Neruda wrote: I drink to the word, raising a word or crystalline cup, in it I drink the wine of language or unfathomable water, maternal source of all words, and cup and water and wine give rise to my song because the name is origin and green life: it is blood, the blood that expresses its substance, and thus its rolling is prepared : words give crystal to the crystal, blood to the blood, and give life to life. Trump uses words to diminish and ridicule his enemies, and he does that with considerable effectiveness. He betrays the luminous potential of words as expressed powerfully by Neruda: to enhance life and language. Cesar Chelala is the foreign correspondent for The Middle East Times International (Australia) and a Contributing Editor for The Globalist. An artist's reconstruction of the world's oldest modern bird, Asteriornis maastrichtensis, in its original environment. The oldest fossil of a modern bird, dating from the age of dinosaurs, has been discovered, a new study reports. The tiny fossil, nicknamed the "wonderchicken," includes a nearly complete skull hidden inside nondescript pieces of rock, and dates to more than 66 million years ago. That's less than 1 million years before the asteroid impact that killed off all the large dinosaurs. "The moment I first saw what was beneath the rock was the most exciting moment of my scientific career," said study lead author Daniel Field of the University of Cambridge in the U.K. in a statement. "This is one of the best-preserved fossil bird skulls of any age, from anywhere in the world," he said. "We almost had to pinch ourselves when we saw it, knowing that it was from such an important time in Earth's history." The seagull-size shorebird had features of both ducks and chickens as well as turkeys. Detailed analysis of the skull shows that it combines many features common to modern chicken- and duck-like birds, suggesting that the "wonderchicken" could be the last common ancestor of modern chickens and ducks. Field describes the skull as a kind of "mash-up" of a chicken and a duck. The bird's face likely looked like a modern-day chicken, while from the back, it looked like a duck. The creature was likely about the size of a small duck, weighing an estimated 14 ounces. 'Bird-dinosaur': New species of tiny 'bird-dinosaur' discovered trapped in 99-million-year-old amber The first part of its official scientific name, Asteriornis maastrichtensis, is derived from Asteria a Greek goddess of falling stars who turns into a quail. This reflects both the impending asteroid impact and the similarity of Asteriornis to fowl birds. "This is an incredibly informative specimen," Amy Balanoff, a paleontologist at Johns Hopkins University who wasnt involved in the study, told Science magazine. Story continues Kevin Padian, a paleontologist at the University of California-Berkeley, who also wasn't involved in the research, said the fossil provides the best evidence yet of when and how the earliest ancestors of todays birds evolved. The research team said the fossils not only suggest modern bird evolution was in its early stages when the asteroid struck, according to the Guardian, but its discovery in Europe opens up the debate about whether modern birds emerged in the Southern Hemisphere, as has been proposed. Scientists used CT scans to discover the skull embedded in the unassuming rocks, which were dug up in Belgium. "Finding the skull blew my mind," said co-author Juan Benito, also from the University of Cambridge, who was CT scanning the fossils when the skull was discovered. "Without these cutting-edge scans, we never would have known that we were holding the oldest modern bird skull in the world." The study was published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed British journal Nature. Three-dimensional image of the skull of the world's oldest modern bird, Asteriornis maastrichtensis. The fossil is 66.7 million years old and is close to the most recent common ancestor of duck- and chicken-like birds. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wonderchicken: Oldest bird fossil discovered BENTO GONCALVES, Dec. 6, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro attends the 55th summit of the South American trade bloc Mercosur (Southern Common Market) in Bento Goncalves, Brazil, Dec. 5, 2019. The 55th summit of Mercosur, whi Image Source: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS Brasilia, March 19 : People across Brazil expressed anger at President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the coronavirus pandemic by banging pots and pans together on balconies, it was reported on Thursday. Millions of protesters in the major cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro appeared at windows on Wednesday evening calling for the Bolsonaro to step down as coronavirus cases in Brazil has increased to 428 with four fatalities, the BBC said in a report. It was the biggest protest against Bolsonaro's government to date. Wednesday's loud protests began during a televised statement by the President in the afternoon, then resumed with more intensity at an agreed time later in the evening. People in tall buildings and houses across the country banged empty pots, switched their lights on and off and shouted "Bolsonaro out!". The President, who has previously dismissed precautions taken against the novel coronavirus as "hysteria" and "fantasy", has been criticised for his response to the deadly outbreak. He has been tested for the virus twice, but said on both occasions that the results were negative. However 14 people who travelled with him to Florida to meet US President Donald Trump have tested positive for the virus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:30:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Heartening news from the world's first front line against the alien microscopic foe: Wuhan reported zero increase in both confirmed and suspected cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Wednesday, thanks to strict measures, mass mobilization and dedication of millions of Wuhan residents. by Xinhua Writers Yao Yuan and Cheng Lu WUHAN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- No new infections of the novel coronavirus were reported on Wednesday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the virus and sending a message of hope to a world grappling with the pandemic. The Health Commission of Hubei Province, where Wuhan is the capital, said the virus' death toll climbed by eight in the province, but the total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan and Hubei remained at 50,005 and 67,800 on Wednesday. No increase was observed in the province's number of suspected cases, which fell to zero on Tuesday, in another indication that large-scale transmissions have been suppressed at the epidemic epicenter after a slew of strict measures. Medical workers from Yunnan Province wave to bid farewell on the plane at Tianhe International Airport in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) Previously, the central Chinese province had reported single-digit increases of new infections, all of which were from Wuhan, for a week in a row since last Wednesday. A month ago, the figure was several thousand a day. The province also saw 795 patients discharged from hospital after recovery on Wednesday, reducing its caseload of hospitalized patients to 6,636, including 1,809 in severe condition and 465 in critical condition. With no new cases in Wuhan, the Chinese mainland on Wednesday reduced the increase in domestic transmissions to zero, according to the National Health Commission. The mainland now faces a greater threat of infections imported from overseas, which jumped by 34 on Wednesday. "The clearing of new infections in Wuhan came earlier than predicted, but it is still too early to let down our guard," said Zhang Boli, one of the leading experts advising on the epidemic fight in Hubei. Arduous work still lies ahead as China strengthens its defence against imported cases from abroad, treats thousands of patients still in serious or critical condition and rehabilitates those discharged from hospitals, said Zhang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. With the strict measures in place, a drastic rebound in new infections is unlikely, said Chen Erzhen, who leads a Shanghai medical team assisting Hubei. However, Chen noted an alarming fact that there are still patients recently diagnosed at fever clinics, calling for continued epidemiologic investigation. "Today is a big day for Wuhan, but we can't afford a minute of relaxation," he said. "We are still fighting toward a final victory in Wuhan to be marked by more days of zero increase." Cured patients on a bus wave goodbye to medical workers in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) In a leadership meeting on Wednesday, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the positive trend in preventing and controlling the epidemic has been constantly consolidated and expanded. He stressed efforts to protect the hard-won positive trend as new situations and problems, especially the overseas spread of the virus and its negative impacts on the world economy, brought new challenges. The novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan in December as a new pathogen facing mankind. Before its traits were fully understood, the virus had cut a swath of infections among Wuhan's unsuspecting public, before jumping from the transportation hub to other parts of China via the largest seasonal human migration ahead of the Spring Festival. Xi has described the COVID-19 outbreak as the most difficult to contain since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and "a big test" for the country. Medical experts said the virus is more contagious, though less deadly, than the SARS virus that belongs to the same coronavirus family. Globally, the SARS virus infected 8,422 people and killed 919 between 2002 and 2003. "We still have insufficient knowledge of the novel coronavirus. What we already know is it's a very cunning virus with a long incubation period," said Wang Daowen, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan. "We still found the virus from the anus, if not from the lungs, of one patient after he was hospitalized for 50 days," said Wang, who was among the first medical experts joining the treatment of COVID-19. "Usually, a virus should vanish from one's body in two weeks." TURNING TIDE The Chinese mainland began to see a drop in the number of COVID-19 patients on Feb. 18, after the number of recovered patients surged and new cases declined. By late February, the virus had withdrawn from most regions on the Chinese mainland, with only single-digit daily increases of infections in areas outside Wuhan. On March 6, the epidemic epicenter Wuhan slashed the daily increase of confirmed cases to below 100, down from a peak of more than 14,000 in early February. Bruce Aylward, who led the China-WHO joint mission on COVID-19, said the outbreak in China had come down "faster than would have been expected." On March 11, the daily increase of locally transmitted infections dropped to single digits for the first time on the Chinese mainland, where the virus has so far caused a total of 80,928 infections and 3,245 fatalities, defying earlier predictions by foreign researchers of a more extensive national outbreak. A staff member passes nucleic acid test kits at the plant of Luoyang Ascend Biotechnology Co., Ltd in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, March 4, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) Behind the downward trends were a raft of strong measures taken by the Chinese government, including canceling mass events, closing scenic attractions, suspending long-distance buses and asking hundreds of millions of Chinese to stay indoors to break transmission chain. On Jan. 23, Wuhan declared unprecedented traffic restrictions, including suspending the city's public transport and all outbound flights and trains, in an attempt to contain the epidemic within its territory. The situation in Wuhan and its nearby cities was grim. Officials said more than 3,000 medics in Hubei contracted the virus at the early stage of the outbreak due to limited knowledge of the virus. Many families lost multiple loved ones. Following reports of overloaded local hospitals, more than 42,000 medical staff, including those from the military, were dispatched to Hubei from across the country. At the peak of the fight, one in 10 intensive care medics in China were working in Wuhan. Fleets of trucks carrying aid goods and displaying banners of "Wuhan be strong!" rushed to the city from all corners of the country. Under a "pairing-up support" system, each city in Hubei is taken care of by at least one provincial-level region. To ensure the timely admission of patients, two hospitals with a total of 2,600 beds were built from scratch in Wuhan within about two weeks, and 16 temporary hospitals were converted from gyms and exhibition centers to add 13,000 beds. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) capacity in Wuhan reached 24,000 people a day. Testing is made free and treatment fees are covered by China's basic medical insurance. Photo taken on March 8, 2020 shows a closed makeshift hospital in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Huang Juan, 38, witnessed the first few days of chaos and despair at local hospitals before calm and order gradually set in amid the influx of support. Huang recalled the hospitals were packed with patients -- over 100 patients were waiting for the injection but only one nurse was around. Every day, her mother who had a fever on the eve of the Spring Festival in late January, waited 10 hours to be injected. After a week of imploration, Huang finally found a hospital willing to admit her mother. Ten days later, her mother was discharged upon negative NAT results. "She still had symptoms, but there was no choice, as many patients were waiting for beds," Huang said. The situation improved when her father, also diagnosed with the disease, was hospitalized on Feb. 19. "He was discharged after the doctor confirmed his recovery on March 11. It was apparent that the standards for discharge were raised as Wuhan got sufficient beds," Huang said. Cui Cui (pseudonym), 57, also testified to the improving situation. The Wuhan resident was transferred to the newly built Huoshenshan (Fire God Mountain) Hospital as her sickness worsened on Feb. 10. The military-run hospital that treats severe cases impressed her with a calm ambiance. "Doctors and nurses there called me 'auntie' instead of 'patient' and spent time chatting with me to ease my anxiety," said Cui, who was discharged after recovering on Feb. 26. COMMUNITY CONTROL Outside Hubei, the battle against the epidemic has tested the mobilization capacity of China's big cities and remote villages alike as they scrambled to prevent sporadic imported cases from evolving into community outbreaks. Earlier this month, Beijing said about 827,000 people who returned to the capital city after the Spring Festival holiday were placed in two-week home observation. Around 161,000 property management staff and security guards were on duty to enforce the quarantine rules. An inbound passenger prepares to board a transfer vehicle at the transit center converted from the New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) Shanghai, a metropolis in eastern China, has demanded its over 13,000 residential communities to guard their gates and take temperatures of residents upon entrance, according to Zeng Qun, deputy head of the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau. Quyi Community was among the first Shanghai neighborhoods to adopt closed-off management. Since late January, it has been disinfecting public areas, introducing contactless deliveries and ensuring residents returning from severely affected regions are placed in quarantine. "For those who are under self-quarantine at home, health workers will provide door-to-door visits every day, and services from grocery shopping to psychological counseling are offered," said Huang Ying, an official with Hongkou District where the community is located. Shanghai, with a population of 24 million, is among China's most populous cities and a commercial hub. It was once predicted as the most susceptible to a coronavirus outbreak. Mathematical models estimated that without prevention and control measures, Shanghai's infection numbers would exceed 100,000. Even with some interventions, the figure could still reach tens of thousands, according to Zhang Wenhong, who heads Shanghai's medical team to fight the epidemic. "But now, the infection number is just over 300. This means the measures taken by Shanghai over the past month are effective," Zhang said, describing the city as an epitome of China's battle against the epidemic. NEW BATTLEGROUNDS China's economy became a new battleground as the war against the virus wore on, delaying the reopening of plants after the Spring Festival holiday and causing a shortage of workers with the nationwide traffic restrictions in place. China has about 170 million rural migrant workers employed away from their hometowns, many of whom could not return to work as enterprises across the country began to resume production on Feb. 10. In response, local governments have arranged chartered flights and trains to take workers directly to the factories while issuing subsidies to tide companies over difficulties. By early March, the southern manufacturing heartland Guangdong Province had seen 91.2 percent of firms resume operation. Almost every sector of Chinese society has chipped in on the anti-virus fight, from barbers offering medics free haircuts to factories revamping their assembly lines to produce medical masks. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's output of protective clothing has surged to 500,000 pieces per day from fewer than 20,000 pieces at the beginning of the outbreak. The daily output of N95-rated medical masks rose from 200,000 to 1.6 million, while that of regular masks reached 100 million. "China's economic and social development over the past decade has laid a sound foundation for the fight against the epidemic and enabled the society to mobilize more quickly," said Tang Bei, an international public health researcher at Shanghai International Studies University. A staff member introduces an AI digital infrared thermometer at a building in Beijing, capital of China, March 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) China's tech boom also made contributions -- tech companies rolled out disinfecting robots, thermal camera-equipped drones and AI-powered temperature measurement equipment, which have been rapidly deployed to reduce the risks of cross-infection. The outbreak has led to what is being called "the world's largest work-from-home experiment." The number of online meetings supported by Tencent Meeting on Feb. 10, when most enterprises started resuming work, was 100 times that of its previous average daily use. Lu Chuanying, a researcher with Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said digital technologies have risen to the fore, not only in the country's anti-virus efforts but also in the recovery of the virus-hit economy. "Remote consultations, artificial intelligence and big data were used to contain the epidemic, while telecommuting, online education and online vegetable markets have kept our lives in quarantine going," Lu said. EXPERIENCE AND SOUL-SEARCHING Bruce Aylward in an interview with The New York Times commended China's counterattack against the epidemic, saying it can be replicated but requires speed, money, imagination and political courage. Aylward praised China's mobilization capability. "They're mobilized, like in a war, and it's fear of the virus that was driving them. They really saw themselves as on the frontlines of protecting the rest of China and the world," Aylward was quoted as saying. As the COVID-19 evolved into a pandemic, the Chinese government has promised to share its experience and offer medical supplies including masks and test kits to other hard-hit countries. Staff members prepare medical supplies to be delivered to Japan and South Korea at a customs warehouse in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) The country's focus on cutting transmission routes and giving timely treatment to confirmed cases has proved a universal golden rule in epidemic containment, said Tang Bei. Tang also noted China's close cooperation and information sharing with the WHO and neighboring countries early on. China shared the full genome sequences of the new virus with the WHO and the international community soon after identifying the pathogen on Jan. 7. "International cooperation is a key feature of China's battle with the coronavirus, and it should be an element of all other countries' epidemic responses," she said. The expert said the outbreak also exposed problems in China's health sector, including weakness in grassroots health systems, poor emergency responses of some local governments and the absence of private hospitals in a public health crisis. As for legacies in the long run, Lu said the epidemic has greatly raised public health awareness and promoted medical knowledge in China. There have been growing calls among the Chinese public for enhanced wildlife protection, which will help wean the traditions of eating bushmeat in some areas, he said. For now, the news may come as a balm for many people in Wuhan, who have made huge sacrifice in the months-long quarantine. "What I want now is to hug my parents and have a good cry," said Huang. "In the past, I cared more about making money, but now I understand how important it is to be healthy and with my family." (Yue Wenwan, Yu Pei, Wang Zuokui, Xu Xiaoqing, Qiu Yi and Xu Zeyu have contributed to the story; Video reporters: Rao Rao, Xu Yang, Ma Yuanchi, Dong Bohan, Hao Xiaojiang, Yang Zhigang, Pan Zhiwei; Video editor: Jia Xiaotong) United Way also advanced one month's allocation to each of its 36 partner agencies, and it sent surveys to all of them to help prioritize immediate needs and to plan for long-term recovery. Sherry Ristau, president and CEO of the community foundation, expects the amount raised to change daily, even hourly, as more individuals make contributions. And she made a plea for the community individuals, businesses and foundations to do just that. "I hope people continue to give," she said. "We need a lot more than $400,000. This isn't just this week. This is long-term. I think everything has changed. We're going to remember this. This is an unprecedented time. "We're all being impacted. There is not one person in the Quad-Cities that is not being impacted. We're all in this together. I want to inspire and give hope. Giving (financially) is one of the things people can do." She also noted that within 30 minutes of the news release being posted online Thursday morning, the foundation received three completed applications and six drafts for help. C. Most Of The Construction Is In Settlements That Israel Will Need To Evict Peace Nows Settlement Watch annual construction report for 2019 reveals that the construction was largely focused in isolated settlements and in areas that are highly problematic in terms of a two-state solution. 63% (1,200 housing units) of the new housing starts were in areas that are east of the proposed Geneva Initiative border. 1,200 units are the potential for another 5,000-6,000 settlers to move in those houses when completed, which means Israel will need to evict many more settlers in order to implement a two-state conflict-ending resolution. The According to the model, Israel will be able to annex a minor amount of Palestinian land encompassing most settlers in return for exchanging to the Palestinian state land out of Israeli territory. Consequently, the Israeli government is digging the pit where Israel is on track to fall. Every house built in the settlements and every family that moves to live there will cost Israel a painful and difficult evacuation. Even if one does not believe that peace can be reached in the near future, it makes no sense to build settlements and to make the conflict insoluble. D. Settlements With The Most Construction National Religious Settlements Most of the construction, about 1,065 housing units (56%), in 2019, was in ideological religious-national settlements. This is a large number for such settlements, which tend to be small. Only around one-third of the settlers live in national-religious settlements (another third live in ultra-Orthodox settlements and another third in mixed urban settlements or secular settlements, sometimes called "quality of life" settlements). This means that the government has devoted much of its construction and development resources to a relatively small interest group of national-religious settlers. Ultra Orthodox Settlements Nearly 40% of construction starts in 2019 were in four ultra-Orthodox settlements (741 housing units in Modi'in Illit, Beitar Illit, Givat Ze'evs Agan HaAyalot neighborhood, and Tel Zion in Kochav Ya'akov). The ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, population has a high growth rate (many children in each family), leaving a lot of young couples each year in need of housing, and they prefer to live in separate, ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, which the government designates and builds for them. Living beyond the Green Line for them is not generally the preference; they come to the settlements because the state builds suitable and cheap housing for them (for more on the ultra-Orthodox settlements, Peace Nows Settlement Watch annual construction report for 2019 reveals that the construction was largely focused in isolated settlements and in areas that are highly problematic in terms of a two-state solution. 63% (1,200 housing units) of the new housing starts were in areas that are east of the proposed Geneva Initiative border. 1,200 units are the potential for another 5,000-6,000 settlers to move in those houses when completed, which means Israel will need to evict many more settlers in order to implement a two-state conflict-ending resolution.The Geneva Initiative is a model of an Israeli-Palestinian permanent agreement that has been informally agreed upon by both Israelis and Palestinians of significant status in a variety of professions and is currently the only document for which there is agreement, albeit informal.According to the model, Israel will be able to annex a minor amount of Palestinian land encompassing most settlers in return for exchanging to the Palestinian state land out of Israeli territory.Consequently,. Every house built in the settlements and every family that moves to live there will cost Israel a painful and difficult evacuation. Even if one does not believe that peace can be reached in the near future, it makes no sense to build settlements and to make the conflict insoluble., in 2019, was in ideological religious-national settlements. This is a large number for such settlements, which tend to be small. Only around one-third of the settlers live in national-religious settlements (another third live in ultra-Orthodox settlements and another third in mixed urban settlements or secular settlements, sometimes called "quality of life" settlements). This means that the government has devoted much of its construction and development resources to a relatively small interest group of national-religious settlers.were in four ultra-Orthodox settlements (741 housing units in Modi'in Illit, Beitar Illit, Givat Ze'evs Agan HaAyalot neighborhood, and Tel Zion in Kochav Ya'akov). The ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, population has a high growth rate (many children in each family), leaving a lot of young couples each year in need of housing, and they prefer to live in separate, ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, which the government designates and builds for them. Living beyond the Green Line for them is not generally the preference; they come to the settlements because the state builds suitable and cheap housing for them (for more on the ultra-Orthodox settlements, see here ): Modi'in Illit - The ultra-Orthodox settlement west of Ramallah, near the Green Line, includes the most construction per settlement in 2019 with 396 housing units that began to be built there. This took place mainly in the areas within the settlement that were not yet built-up, and will be built as high-rise buildings. Agan HaAyalot neighborhood, Givat Zeev - In the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Givat Ze'ev "Agan Haayalot" southwest of Ramallah, 153 new housing units began to be built in 2019. The neighborhood notably lies beyond the Geneva Initiative proposed border because at the time when the Geneva Accord was signed, in 2003, the area was not yet built and therefore was designated for the Palestinians. The neighborhood started to be built only in 2007. Beitar Illit - In the ultra-Orthodox settlement west of Bethlehem, new 152 housing units have begun to be built, both in the new neighborhood, Beitar Illit C, which significantly expands the built-up area of the settlement to another ridge, as well as in the older neighborhood, Beitar Illit B which continues to be built. Only a small part of the construction in 2019, about 5%, was in secular or mixed urban settlements. Apart from Ariel, where 73 housing units were built, mixed or other secular settlements had little construction11 housing units in Adam, 5 in Hinnanit, 6 in Naomi, etc.). This may indicate that in the end, national-religious motives for moving to the settlements still play a central role, and that the broader Israeli public, which does not see an ideological obligation to settle in the Occupied Territories, is not flocking to live in them. The exception is, as mentioned, the ultra-Orthodox public, which the state encourages through affordable housing in predominantly Haredi settlements. IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 /Multi-State cannabis company Orchid Ventures, Inc. (CSE:ORCD),(OTCPINK:ORVRF) ("Orchid Ventures" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a COVID-19 Emergency Response. Operations will continue and staff has been instructed to work from home if their job permits, which applies mostly to the office in California. The Company's Oregon operations are still open, but under strict COVID-19 emergency guidelines and are awaiting further instruction from local government agencies. PurTec manufacturing partners and the supply chain in China are operational and have been active since March 3rd. The Company is experiencing much fewer slowdowns and hurdles than most other manufacturers in China. Despite the epidemic, Orchid brand sales are doing exceedingly well. The company is seeing a large increase in order volume from several key accounts including increased sales through a major state-wide delivery company in California. COVID-19 is a very serious issue that the entire globe is dealing with at this point, and the Company takes the health of their employees and that of the general public very seriously. Though the Company will be adjusting how they conduct business, they will continue to supply products to consumers and business clients. The Company's manufacturing partner in China is one of the largest in the industry and fully operational and ready to manufacture PurTec products. Slowdowns are to be expected, although far less than in months prior and less than most other manufacturers. "We are currently working with dozens of cannabis brands throughout North America and our integration team is working diligently to ensure our clients do not have critical delays in their supply chain.", said Corey Mangold, Founder & CEO of Orchid Ventures. "We have been following Covid-19 developments since the very beginning, and we have taken proactive actions to ensure that any delays we experience are the shortest they can possibly be given the current situation. I'm very satisfied and proud of the PurTec team and our manufacturing partners' performance. We understand the current issues and have been able to stabilize the supply chain to the furthest extent possible. Additionally, our Orchid branded cannabis products are continuing to be manufactured in Oregon and California and we hope that continues, but given the evolving and changing circumstances surrounding Covid-19 , we can't predict how long our local manufacturing partners will be permitted to keep their doors open. Furthermore, we have taken actions throughout our organization to limit exposure for our staff. Non-production related employees have been instructed to work from home, and we have implemented procedures for cleaning, necessary business travel, and post-travel confinement to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure for our staff. We are diligently following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Importantly, we are providing emergency paid time off for employees that are not feeling well and need to stay at home, plus they will not lose any pay. We are taking COVID-19 very seriously and we're doing everything in our power to keep our staff safe, and ensure that our customers experience minimal interruptions during the normal course of business." The PurTec products can be seen at www.PurTecDesigns.com and are now available for sale to companies in the US and Internationally. The PurTec design team works with clients to customize their hardware delivery systems for cannabis and hemp-based products to create strong brand synergy and a superior customer experience. Importantly, PurTec products are emissions tested at the most stringent standards in the world set by the European Union, giving companies a unique point of differentiation. Independent Board Members Tom Soto and Robert MacDonald have resigned from the Orchid Ventures Board of Directors to focus on other business initiatives. The company will continue to communicate and seek advice from Tom and Robert moving forward. A search for their replacements is underway. The company expects to identify and attract new, highly qualified candidates that will be able to meet the standards that Tom and Robert have created, plus provide the company with the expertise and experience that will significantly impact the ability to deliver on growth strategies and financial goals. ABOUT ORCHID ESSENTIALS Orchid Essentials is an Irvine, CA-based multi-state operator that launched in Oregon and California in August 2017 and has since developed a mass-market brand and loyal consumer following with its premium cannabis products. Since July 2019, Orchid has diversified its efforts and has brought to market innovative services and product offerings to support brands throughout the global cannabis industry. Orchid has launched PurTec, clean vaporizer hardware that has been emissions tested against the most stringent standards in the world set forth by the EU and has unrivaled product quality and pricing. With a continued focus on brand and intellectual property development, Orchid will continue to create new and innovative products and technologies, bring them to the global cannabis market, and set the gold standard for delivery systems. Orchid's management brings significant branding, product development and distribution experience with a proven track record of scaling revenues, building value-generating partnerships and creating enterprise value. Learn more at https://orchidessentials.com/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ORCHID VENTURES, INC. Corey Mangold CEO and Director investors@orchidessentials.com Investor Relations Corey Mangold 949-357-5818 corey@orchidessentials.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Safe Harbor Statement Except for historical information contained herein, statements in this release may be forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Orchid Ventures, Inc. and Orchid Essentials any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") or its management, identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those described above and those risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Canadian securities regulatory filings with sedar.com, Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include such factors as (i) the development and protection of our brands and other intellectual property, (ii) the need to raise capital to meet business requirements, (iii) significant fluctuations in marketing expenses, (iv) the ability to achieve and expand significant levels of revenues, or recognize net income, from the sale of our products and services, (v) the Company's ability to conduct the business if there are changes in laws, regulations, or government policies related to cannabis, (vi) management's ability to attract and maintain qualified personnel necessary for the development and commercialization of its planned products, and (vii) other information that may be detailed from time to time in the Company's Canadian securities regulatory filings with sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE: Orchid Ventures, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581521/Orchid-Ventures-Engages-its-Covid-19-Emergency-Protocols-and-Announces-Director-Resignations PARIS, March 18 (Reuters) - France's financial stability board has decided to let banks release extra capital they have been required to hold as a countercyclical buffer against risks, France's finance minister said on Wednesday. Bruno Le Maire told journalists on a conference call after chairing a meeting of the board that the buffer would be reduced to zero next month, freeing up 8 billion euros ($8.7 billion) in capital for French banks to help them boost lending. The buffer had been due to rise next month to 0.5% of banks risk-weighted assets from 0.25% currently. ($1 = 0.9166 euros) (Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Sandra Maler) In a video message, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo is urging Catholics to be vigilant and steadfast in prayer as the country is trying to cope with the coronavirus outbreak. By Robin Gomes The Catholic Church in Indonesia is urging the faithful to stay calm and cooperate with the nations efforts in trying to contain the spread of the coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19. It said the crisis is also a moment to grow in faith, brotherhood and compassion. I call on [my] brothers and sisters to take heed of our national leaders and try not to panic and worry. We hope and believe that everything will return to normal, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta urged, seeking to calm growing fears as the nation grapples with the spread of the virus. The cardinal who is Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), released a 3-minute YouTube video, expressing gratitude to medical workers and others battling the outbreak since the announcement of the first 2 cases early this month. He described the current situation as a challenge to humanity and faith. Prayer Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who become victims of this virus. For those who died from this virus, may their souls rest in eternal peace. For those who are sick, may they be healed, Cardinal Suharyo said. Let us pray for our national leaders, medical workers and all individuals involved in efforts to restore normality. May God bless them with everything they need so that they can meet their responsibilities. Faith, brotherhood, compassion Cardinal Suharyo also called on Catholics to grow in faith, brotherhood and compassion during the crisis. May our Merciful God take care and protect all of us, he said. The 69-year old Archbishop, whom Pope Francis made a cardinal in October, also issued some guidelines regarding liturgical celebrations and church services during the crisis. They include measures such as disinfecting church interiors before holding Eucharistic celebrations, providing hand sanitizers, emptying fonts of holy water, placing collection boxes at church entrances and, if possible, disinfecting also church grounds. Under-reporting The world's fourth most populous country, Indonesia on Thursday reported 309 cases of infection from no cases less than 3 weeks ago. The death toll rose to 25, higher than any other Southeast Asian nation. On Wednesday, the number of infected people stood at 227. President Joko Widodo on Thursday called for stepping up testing immediately. The country of 260 million is reported to have tested only 1,592 people. According to the Indonesian Red Cross Society, the country is likely to have a far higher number of coronavirus cases than it has reported due to low levels of testing. The nation needs to consider tougher measures like lockdowns, Jusuf Kalla, its chairman told Reuters. The contagion that erupted in Wuhan in central China in December, has spread across the globe. In the latest update on Thursday, the virus has infected 232,537confirmed infections worldwide with 9,718 reported deaths. Outside China, Italy has the heaviest load with a total of 41,035 infections and 3,405 deaths. The entire nation is under lockdown to prevent the spread of the infection. The United States government has stopped all visa appointments in its embassy in Nigeria over fears of Coronavirus. Recall that on Wednesday, Nigeria imposed a travel ban on USA and 12 other countries as a preventive measure against Coronavirus. Also Read: BREAKING: Italian Coronavirus Patient Now Negative: Lagos Commissioner A statement from US Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday said it had stopped all visa appointments. It explained that the information was for visa applicants. It reads: As of March 18, 2020, the United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria is cancelling routine nonimmigrant visa appointments. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. US, however, explained that application fees already paid by applicants would remain valid in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. Maryland influenced what she said was her toughest decision yet: the order last Friday to close D.C. Public Schools for two weeks. Bowser wasnt convinced that the order would be effective in containing the virus, but she knew that many D.C. teachers live in Maryland and needed to care for their own children, whose schools had shuttered the previous day. On Friday, Bowser extended the order through the end of April. - Coronavirus cases in the Philippines have increased in number - The confirmed cases as per the Department of Health (DOH) has surpassed 200 - Three more patients have died on Tuesday from the deadly virus - Reports indicated that the three of them had underlying illnesses PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed The spurt of growth in the number of coronavirus cases in the country has increased. On Tuesday, three more patients have died, bringing the total deaths to 17. As per the report of Inquirer (authored by Jovic Yee), the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Philippines has breached the 200 mark. At present, it is at a staggering 202. The DOH revealed that the three patients who recently died had underlying illnesses. For instance, 58-year-old Patient 201 died of acute respiratory distress syndrome. He was 58 years old, had a travel history in Malaysia and was also a diabetic. He was from Lanao del Sur. On the other hand, Patient 57 was 65 years old and died also of acute respiratory distress syndrome. He had a travel history in London and was hypertensive and diabetic. He was from Pasig City. As per CNN Philippines, he was admitted at The Medical City. The third one, Patient 160 was an 86-year-old woman who died of pneumonia and septic shock. Her difference from the other two was that she had no travel history and was not in contact with a confirmed COVID case. These numbers account for nearly two weeks from the time that the first local transmission was known and reported. The Philippine Star has reported that a 48-year-old male from Cavite with a travel history in Japan has recovered. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! In a previous report by KAMI, scientists from California claimed that they have developed a vaccine, but testing is still required. The coronavirus outbreak started out in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Scientists believed that the virus came from an animal at one of Wuhan's wet markets. At the current time, the Philippines is under a state of calamity while the entire Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine. Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters! Are you an avid fan of a celeb? You might want to challenge yourself and see if you can guess the voice of celebs through recordings. Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: KAMI.com.gh Two members of the House of Representatives have tested positive for the coronavirus illness COVID-19 and are self-quarantining, the lawmakers said Wednesday. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, are the first two members of Congress who have said they tested positive for COVID-19. Diaz-Balart was the first to make the announcement Wednesday. His office said in a statement that after votes on Friday, he self-quarantined in Washington, D.C., and decided not to return home because his wife has a pre-existing condition. Saturday evening, Diaz-Balart "developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache," and on Wednesday, he learned he had tested positive for COVID-19, his office said. "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better," Diaz-Balart said in a statement. "However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus." McAdams is quarantining at home in Utah. He said that after he returned home from Washington on Saturday evening, he developed mild cold-like symptoms and isolated himself at home. "My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing," McAdams said in a statement. He was tested Tuesday and learned Wednesday that he was positive. Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak "I'm doing my part as all Americans are doing to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the coronavirus outbreak," McAdams said. "I urge Utahns to take this seriously and follow the health recommendations we're getting from the CDC and other health experts so that we can recover from this public health threat." Neither representative's statement shed light on where they may have been exposed. Image: Mario Diaz-Balart (Wilfredo Lee / AP file) President Donald Trump was tested, and the test came back as negative, his doctor said Saturday. At least seven lawmakers said they will self-quarantine as a precaution following the news of two representatives testing positive for the virus, although they said they are not experiencing any symptoms. Story continues Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said in a statement Wednesday night that because he had an extended meeting with Diaz-Balart last week, he would self-quarantine. And on Thursday, Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Okla., tweeted that she will go into a "precautionary two-week self-quarantine" after having contact with McAdams last week. Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga., also said that he will self-quarantine until March 27, after he was informed by the Attending Physician of the United States Congress that on March 13 he came into contact with a member who tested positive. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., said in a statement Wednesday night that she would self-quarantine because she participated in a small group meeting with a colleague who has since tested positive. Other House members who said Wednesday that they interacted with a person who tested positive and will self-quarantine include Reps. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., Matt Cartwright, D-Pa. and Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla. The lawmakers said that they are not experiencing symptoms but will stay at home for the next two weeks, which means they won't be able to return to Washington when the House comes back into session next week. The office of the attending physician said in an update that it has been carefully monitoring the situation, and it has taken action to "identify any individuals who require additional monitoring for periods of quarantine." Download the NBC News app for full coverage and alerts about the coronavirus outbreak It has also reviewed possible exposure to staff members and has identified offices and locations deemed to be at risk and cleaned those areas. "It reflects the pace of the COVID-19 disease throughout the United States and its presence here in Washington, D.C. that it has touched the community of the U.S. Capitol," the office of the attending physician said. More than 8,000 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in the United States as of Wednesday night, according to an NBC News count of reports around the country. The number includes confirmed and presumptive cases, people who have died, people who have recovered and those who had been repatriated from other countries. At least 140 deaths in the U.S. have been linked to the illness, according to NBC News' count. Worldwide, there are more than 215,000 cases and more than 8,700 deaths related to the illness, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking cases. World-renowned Australian doctor and humanitarian Catherine Hamlin has died at her home in Ethiopia. She was 96. The Sydney gynaecologist and her husband, Reginald Hamlin, co-founded clinics giving free obstetric fistula repair surgery, a condition caused by a difficult childbirth. The Hamlins have spent the past 61 years living in Ethiopia and providing free treatment to women who were often ostracised following the horrific childbirth injury. Australian obstetrician and nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Catherine Hamlin, is seen with fistula patients in Ethiopia. She died on Wednesday More than 60,000 Ethiopian women have received the life-changing care at one of the Hamlins' six clinics, overseen by more than 550 trained staff. Through the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation her legacy will live on, said the charity's chair Julie White. 'Catherine lived an incredible life having made an enormous difference to the lives and health of thousands upon thousands of women in Ethiopia,' Ms White said. Dr Hamlin is survived by her only son Richard and her four grandchildren. She died at home in Addis Ababa on Wednesday. Dr Catherine Hamlin is pictured among her patients in Ethiopia in a photo believed to have been taken in 2009 For the first time, two positive cases of the novel coronavirus, one of them a woman, were detected in Gujarat, said officials on Thursday as it joined a growing list of states affected by the infection. While one of the infected patients is from Rajkot, the other is from Surat, they said, adding both of them had come from abroad recently. "Two suspected coronavirus cases of Rajkot and Surat are positive. Our teams have already taken necessary steps, including quarantine of all the contacts," the state health and family welfare department said in a tweet. Samples of a young woman from Surat and a man from Rajkot came positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) after their samples were sent to the NIV, Pune for confirmation, the officials said. On Wednesday, the health department had said these samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) after local labs' report came inconclusive. "There are two suspected cases for which result in our labs is inconclusive so sample has been sent to NIV, Pune. As part of precaution, we are following all protocols for suspected cases such as contact listing and Quarantine of contacts" the department had tweeted. After the results came positive, authorities in both the cities swung into action and are taking necessary steps. "There were two suspected cases which we had sent to NIV for confirmation. One is a young woman from Surat who had returned from New York and another patient is a man from Rajkot, who had returned from Mecca. "Both of them are positive for the coronavirus. They are under treatment and breathing without the help of ventilators," said principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi. She said district as well as police officials of Rajkot and Surat have been asked to trace all the people who came into contact with the two patients. In Rajkot, 17 persons who came into contact with the infected person have been put in a quarantine facility, said district health officer P P Rathod, adding screening of the area where the person lives is going on. In Surat, authorities have stopped the entry of state transport buses of Maharashtra into the district and also halted bus services to the neighbouring state from Surat in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Maharashtra leads in coronavirus cases with nearly 50 infections till now. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ending Workforce Discrimination is Up to Us Workforce discrimination exists because we often fail to disengage from our own biases. In every industry and in every sector, headlines glaringly reflect on the grievances of the 21st century workforce: gender pay inequity, racial discrimination and ageism. All act as adversarial realities in the fight for economic opportunity and equality. Advocacy against discriminatory practices could not be more prescient today as far as working men and women are concerned. Today, the American worker faces many challenges as more corporations corrode the promises of a democracy and global competition strips them of a decent living wage. The playing field is not level and the absence of diversity is central in preserving the status quo of systemic discrimination. ADVERTISEMENT During my tenure at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), it became clear to me that access was the foundation of economic opportunity. The transportation sector lacked diversity, equity and inclusion, and this was glaringly obvious to both leadership and employees. Pathways began to emerge to grow a diverse pool of talent, but it was obvious that a more organizational framework was needed to operate at full capacity to best serve veterans, women, underrepresented, and underserved workers; groups that had been previously overlooked. The urgency to transform the pipeline of professionals in my field to deter workforce discrimination led me to create the Transportation Diversity Council (TDC) in 2010 in New York. The big idea welded together community partnerships with transportation agencies and businessesto merge the demands and needs of a sector with individuals who were hungry to work. The lucrative sector had room for a creative repositioning to benefit companies and workers, and this called for dedicated and purposeful action. Bronx Design and Construction Academy was born in 2011 as a key partner to TDC thanks to the NYC Mayors Office and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. The program set in motion a unique environment of workforce development for underserved students curious about the transportation and construction sector. Ive had the privilege to invite students from diverse backgrounds and thanks to our quality staff, weve given hope and have produced life-changing outcomes to a wide range of students, including low-income, DACA recipients, and international youth. Today, TDC is also making cross-country strides and demonstrating its workforce development model in key geographies. Local engagement in communities like Anniston, Alabama, is one of TDCs markers of success with New Flyer of America, the largest transit bus manufacturer in the states. In various regions, we have been able to help formerly incarcerated workers, like Jason Webster, have a shot at turning their life around. Previously behind bars for 16 years, Jasons rocky beginnings did not prevent him from a New Flyer career, which kickstarted with programmatic TDC offerings in emotional intelligence, financial health and specialized training. Preparing Americas workforce towards the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in our industries requires a holistic program that is based on empathy, confidence-building, guidance and workforce retention. ADVERTISEMENT Partners, like New Flyer, understand that we need to disengage from old biases, and live up to levelling that playing field by working arduously for equal opportunity for the most disenfranchised workerthere are thousands of individuals like Jason across the United States just waiting to have that one chance to triumph and excel after unimaginable hardship. We are here for them. We hope to build upon our success stories where mentoring, work readiness, life skills training and support, all factor in to help a worker get their foot in the door to contribute to society. Throughout 2020, and as we continue to think about what we can do to empower others, I encourage all entrepreneurs and business owners to reconfigure their talent pipeline to equitably account for diversity. Exposure to opportunity is indeed everything for the American worker. It is the foundation for a democracy and a change agent when it comes to truly closing the door on discrimination. Dwayne Sampson is the Founder and President of the Transportation Diversity Council. (Courtesy Photo) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Mar 18 (ANI): A total of 17 people have tested positive for coronavirus including eight from Agra, two from Ghaziabad, four from Noida and three from Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh. "A total of 17 people have tested positive for coronavirus -- 8 are from Agra, 2 from Ghaziabad, 4 from Noida and 3 from Lucknow," the said Directorate of Health Services, Uttar Pradesh. One person with travel history to Indonesia and two from France tested positive for the deadly virus. A total of 151 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday. Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The virus had first emerged in China's Wuhan city in December last year. (ANI) Eric Williams Photography March came in like a lamb and will go out like a lion because, in our unprecedented times, local governments are infused with national and global concerns. The March 16 Albuquerque City Council meeting was held in a vacant chamber due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The empty chambers were the result of a statewide restriction on large gatherings. The only people allowed in were the councilors, city staff and credentialed media. Public comment was taken prior to the meeting. The meeting was available via Channel 16 GOV-TV. Hot Topic At the March 16 City Council meeting, over an hour was spent reviewing policies, procedures and actions being taken by the city in light of COVID-19. Councilors covered quite a bit of ground, making sure all the critical boxes were checked off, such as what is being done to help our most vulnerable residents. For more information on what is happening, check out cabq. gov/ environmentalhealth/ news/ city- of- albuquerque- coronavirus- faqs. If you have non-health-related questions, call 833-551-0518, and if you think you may have symptoms, call 855-600-3453 ASAP. Super Powers On a 6-3 vote, City Councilors updated a 1968 ordinance passed to control Vietnam War protests. The update grants Burques mayor super powers in case of a civil emergency such as a riot or natural disaster and now in case of an infectious disease outbreak. The updated ordinance allows the mayor to reallocate city resources to fight future epidemics, close streets and places where large groups gather and make retailers set daily purchase limits on medical, health and sanitation items. Councilor Brook Bassan introduced 10 amendments to whittle down the scope of the bill. Just about all of the either failed or were withdrawn. Her point, in a nutshell, is that government should not overreach in its powers. She added a little historical drama when she co-opted Benjamin Franklin, saying, We are considering surrendering our freedoms. It seemed Bassan did not believe this was a real emergency, comparing COVID-19 to our normal flu and cold season. She called it hysteria. Bassan said most people will recover just fine. It is imperative to question government. It seemed like her opinion was that the real enemy is fear, yet it was her fear of government that dominated her remarks. In a statement released prior to the meeting to address bill misconceptions swirling through the community, Keller spokesperson Jessie Damazyn said the City Council legislation does not ban guns or booze, nor does it set a curfew or close streets. She said stoking this kind of fear will only harm unified efforts to battle a public health crisis. The real gist of this bill appears to simply allow the city to obtain federal and state funds to battle this public health emergency. Bernalillo County is set to look over the emergency preparedness items at their meeting on Tuesday night. So calm down, folks; no one is coming for your guns, your property or your freedoms but they may come after the spread of germs that do, in fact, have the potential to kill vulnerable citizens. Welcome to the Table Councilors welcomed Lan Sena to the governing body table. Councilor Sena was appointed by Mayor Keller to fill the Westside seat held by longtime City Councilor Ken Sanchez, who died in early January. Sanchez held the seat for 14 years. Mayor Keller said there were many great applicants but Sena stood out to the vetting committee because she represents the growing future of the Westside residents by virtue of community involvement. Sena was born and raised in New Mexico and holds a bachelors degree in political science and a masters degree in health administration. She is the first Asian American (Vietnamese) to sit on the Councilever. Councilor Sena brought a refreshing voice to her first meeting on March 16, asking relevant questions and making pertinent comments. Playing Ball Little League ballpark agreements were sealed at the March 2 meeting, signaling the way to spring Little League SeasonThunderbird, Lobo, Petroglyph, Eastdale, Zia, Westgate, West Mesa and Roadrunner Ball Parks. Hopefully, the fields will be occupied by more than dreams and filled with players and fans in a couple months or less. Buying Guns Councilors approved spending $75,000 on hosting another gun buy-back event this year. Folks turned over 415 guns last year when a similar event was held. People can part with their guns with no questions asked about prior registration. An average of $75 for handguns and $100 for assault rifles was paid out at last years event for firearms in working condition. The money goes to buy back the guns so they dont end up where they should not. The guns will be used for an art project addressing gun violence. Pocketbook Priorities Fiscal year 2020-2021 begins July 1 and will see budget priorities that include public safety at city parks, better pay for skilled city employees (such as those completing the backlog of rape kits), addressing homelessness, a fare-free city bus system, 100 new police officers and economic vitality infrastructure. These are some, among other priorities, that will filter down into a workable budget to keep the city running for another year. City Councilors will be working on the budget over the next few weeks, so if you want to weigh in, now is the perfect time to do so. Stepping Up The March 16 meeting saw Vaisu D. Bronk appointed to the ABQ Volunteers Advisory Board and Timothy J. MacEachen appointed to the Environmental Planning Commission. Board and commission meetings are halted for a bit due to the COVID-19 situation, but you can still step up to help keep our community moving forward. 18.03.2020 LISTEN It was quite amusing to hear Mr. Samuel George Nartey aka Sam George the so-called former Presidential Staffer of former President John Dramani Mahama, cynically question where the $ 100 Million (USD) funding announced by President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to have been set aside for the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic was going to come from, because those of us who studiously followed the Mahama Presidential-Reelection Campaign in the runup to the 2016 General Election know precisely where the money for Little Dramanis abortive reelection bid came from, at least quite a remarkable chunk of the same. For those of our Dear Readers who may have so soon forgotten it, the rude and desperate arrest and the confiscation of the passports of Mr. Sylvester Mensah, extant Executive-Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), ought to give them a telling clue. Mr. Mensah would also have his bank accounts promptly frozen by then-President John Dramani Mahama. We would also shortly learn from the grapevine that the former contender for the presidential nomination of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was being so rudely and publicly humiliated because Mr. Mensah had flatly refused to divert a humongous chunk of the budgetary funds earmarked, for the running of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for the criminal and illegal use by operatives of the Mahama Presidential-Reelection Campaign machine. To this day, like all shenanigans involving the Mahama Posse, Ghanaians have yet to be fully informed as to why Little Dramani, finally, decided to let Mr. Mensah go free. Very likely, had any devious and dastardly attempt been made to process Mr. Mensah for court, the kleptocratic backroom dealings of the Mahama regime would have been exposed. Indeed, it is even quite likely that this episode was what Mr. Nartey, the Ningo-Prampram National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament, had in mind when he so fatuously no pun is intended on the first syllable of the adjective fatuous, of course presumed to cavalierly second-guess Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo vis-a-vis the source of the sum of $ 100 Million (USD) so foresightedly and opportunely earmarked for the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic. The preceding Sylvester Mensah episode is the primary reason why the Ningo-Prampram NDC-MP would speculate that President Akufo-Addo was, somehow, conveniently using the pretext of the onslaught of the China-originated Coronavirus to earmark the whopping sum of $ 100 Million (USD) for a battle that, in the warped imagination of the former Mahama Presidential Staffer, smacked more of an Akufo-Addo Presidential Reelection Campaign War Chest than anything else. Now, let us talk about who ran or is running a tyrannical regime or government. I really wish that Sam Georges delirious speculation were, indeed, the truth and factual reality because any studious observer of Ghanas political scene, history and culture is eerily aware of the fact that having the Mahama-led ragtag Abongo Boys of the National Democratic Congress return to Jubilee House, would be tantamount to criminal negligence on the part of the Ghanaian electorate. Indeed, it would be strikingly akin to unleashing a plague the strength of which would make the raging Coronavirus pandemic seem like a mild breeze in the park. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks rose from near-seven-year lows on Thursday after the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the launch of a 750 billion ($820 billion) emergency bond purchase scheme to soften the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Massive stimulus measures already announced by central banks and governments around the world also helped offer some respite after recent string of losses. The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 0.7 percent at 281.63 after losing 3.9 percent in the previous session. The German DAX rose half a percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 gained 0.2 percent, while France's CAC 40 index jumped as much as 2.5 percent. Osram Licht slumped 12 percent. The lighting manufacturer said it does not expect to achieve its corporate targets for the current 2020 financial year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lufthansa soared 5.6 percent. The airline said, for fiscal 2020, the magnitude of the expected decline in adjusted EBIT is currently not predictable. MorphoSys gained 1 percent despite widening its FY19 loss. Hugo Boss gave up 6.3 percent. The luxury fashion house announced that it has temporarily closed a large number of retail stores as well as many points-of-sale at important partners in Europe and North America, as a result of global spread of COVID-19. HeidelbergCement was down over 5 percent. The company said, due to the fast spread of the coronavirus, a valid outlook on the 2020 business year is currently not possible. Tobacco company BAT, beverages company Diageo and consumer goods firm Unilever all were moving higher in London. Luxury brand Burberry Group fell 3 percent after a warning that sales have halved since 24 January. Next Plc shares jumped 4.3 percent. The company reported that its profit before tax for fiscal year ended January 2020 increased 2 percent to 748.5 million pounds from 733.6 million pounds last year. Regarding the coronavirus stress test, the company said it is concluded that the business could sustain the loss of more than 1 billion pounds or 25 percent of annual full price sales. Engineer Meggitt slumped 9 percent after issuing a trading update. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de This morning, Punita Devi sat outside the Patiala House Court in Delhi and pleaded, "Don't kill my husband". Her nine-year-old son held on to her. Devi's husband Akshay Singh, one of the four accused found guilty of the horrific rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student eight years ago, is to be executed tomorrow. Moments after the Patiala House Court dismissed the plea of 2012 Delhi gangrape convicts seeking a stay on their execution scheduled for March 20, Devi broke into tears. "I am going to kill myself if they kill my husband," she said, before losing consciousness for a few moments. "If they kill him, what will be left of my life? They should kill me too," she says while attempting to control her sobs. "He will be hanged, but I will suffer all my life," she said. Devi fears that once her husband is dead, she will have nowhere to go. "Why should I be punished?" she asks. It was eight years ago when a 24-year-old Thakur was arrested for gang-raping and killing a 23-year-old inside a moving bus. Thakur had confessed to his family and the police that he was on the bus. The police had identified him as the 'helper' of driver Ram Singh. But his family never believed he could have committed the crime. He loves me very much, Devi had then told reporters, refusing to believe that her husband is capable of committing such a 'dirty' crime. Devi has filed for divorce in a local court in Bihar, contending that she does not wish to be a widow of a man who was hanged. But, in the divorce plea, she asserted that her husband was innocent. My husband is innocent, but he has been found guilty in the rape case and is to be hanged by the court order. I dont want to lead my life as his widow, her petition reads. But she keeps repeating, even after eight years, that her husband has done nothing wrong. Devi lives with her husband's family in their village, Lahangkarma, in Bihar. But she says she doesn't know what her future holds. "All I can think of right now is the shame that I will be forced to live with. Itna bada kalank..." she says. "I will sit outside this court and kill myself," she says. She makes no attempt to control her sobs anymore. "Where will I live? What will my child eat? I am a woman. The government should know what happens to a woman after her husband is hanged," Devi says. "Why are the politicians not thinking about me? I am a woman too." On March 5, the trial court had issued fresh warrants for the hanging of all convicts in the Delhi gangrape case -- Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Singh (31). The date was decided to be March 20 at 5.30 am. The convicts have now used every ruse to delay the execution, taking it in turns to file repeated petitions. Six months after Thakur left the village to work as a bus conductor in Delhi, he returned on December 21, five days after the Delhi gangrape incident. Days later, he was arrested. "I have been punished every day for the last eight years. You are punishing my husband. Why are you punishing me too?" she asks. Carnival (NYSE:CCL) shares have dropped more than 80% since the start of the year amid fears of coronavirus transmission on cruise ships. Though the pandemic is hurting the entire industry, Carnival has been the focus of attention since the illness spread to hundreds of people on one of its ships. Now Carnival has paused cruises to support global efforts to contain the virus. So far, the coronavirus has resulted in more than 200,000 cases worldwide in just a few months. While it may seem like Carnival has already been through the worst of times these past few weeks, things may get more difficult. Cruises suspended First, a bit of background on Carnival's coronavirus woes. The company's Diamond Princess, part of the Princess Cruises fleet, found itself at the center of the action when COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, spread to almost 700 people as the ship was quarantined off Japan. Press reports cited missteps by the ship's medical staff as one of the reasons for the contamination. More recently, the company suspended its Princess Cruise ships for 60 days and operations of four more North American brands for one month. In announcing the Princess interruption, Carnival said it would allow guests who paid fully for their cruises to apply the payment to a future cruise or apply for a refund. Carnival also is offering cruise credits to guests and said it would "protect" travel agent commissions. In early February, Carnival said the costs from the coronavirus outbreak would have an effect of $0.55 to $0.65 per share on its fiscal 2020 results if it had to suspend operations in Asia through April. Considering the cruise suspensions go beyond Asia, it's clear Carnival's situation has worsened. The company said it would update shareholders during its earnings report later this month. Bookings are at risk While Carnival shares are suffering now, more pain is on the horizon. Future earnings reports will reflect the difficulties that will span the current quarter and beyond. I say "beyond," because even after the coronavirus is contained, future cruise bookings are at risk. Right now, the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both recommend avoiding cruise ship travel. Though these warnings are in the context of the coronavirus outbreak, some travelers may remain hesitant long after the crisis is contained. It's true that price reductions may attract some travelers, though lower prices will weigh on revenue and earnings. It's also true that cruisers tend to be loyal, and those who love cruises will be back, but this may take some time. All this spells trouble for Carnival, even though the cruise industry posted growth year after year prior to the outbreak. According to Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade group, cruising increased nearly 7% in 2018 from the previous year to reach 28.5 million passengers. The passenger compound annual growth rate for the ocean cruise industry was 6.6% from 1990 through this year, Cruise Market Watch data show. As for Carnival, the company reported record total revenue for its fiscal 2019 (which ended in November) with a 10% increase to $20.8 billion year over year. That was in spite of headwinds such as Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas in late summer, and a slip in travel demand for European markets. At the time of that earnings report, in December, Carnival predicted net cruise revenue for 2020 would gain 5%. What does this mean for investors? I agree with Wall Street, which considers the shares could more than double from here. But I don't think that sort of performance is right around the corner. The costs and booking problems remain issues that will linger. While it's tempting to see Carnival trading at its lowest ever in relation to earnings, until management details the financial effects of this crisis -- and we see even a small pickup in bookings -- it is too early to drop anchor and buy shares of this consumer discretionary stock. MANISTEE A Manistee project is one of 10 selected finalists for the Consumers Energy Foundations Put Your Town on the Map competition. Brian Wheeler, senior public information director with Consumers Energy, said in an email that the Manistee project leaders will make a pitch to a panel of judges next month. The City of Manistee is pitching the idea of adding freighter murals, aesthetic upgrades, tourist maps and signage to make the area more attractive and accessible, and to connect to the citys legacy as a destination for Great Lakes freighters, Wheeler said. At a previous Manistee Downtown Development Authority meeting this month, the group called Manistee Magic said they would be working collaboratively with others like the Ramsdell Theatre on how to progress with the art mural project to have murals created downtown. Manistee Magic presenters had said the project coordinators would like to see at least three murals to proceed. That project started with the Rising Tide initiative and would need funding, presenters also said. The competition description said it provides $50,000 to support big ideas in small towns across Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The pitch competition will provide dollars for three projects: $25,000 to the winning project, with runners-up receiving $15,000 and $10,000. Stacie Bytwork, president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, previously told the News Advocate that since the award amounts increased this year, "we thought this was a perfect opportunity to apply and after attending last year we are excited to submit an application." This is the second time the competition has been held. According to Consumers, the competition is not open to individuals, organizations or corporations. According to Consumers Energy, applicants have to represent their municipality, which can include officials from a local government, a nonprofit, chamber of commerce, DDA or similar group. "The criteria matches a DDA-funded study by (Michigan State University) MSU from 2018," Bytwork had explained. "The pitch competition is a perfect opportunity to implement community action and development from existing studies. We are pleased to collaborate and work closely with the DDA on this submission." Consumers Energy and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan selected the 10 finalists to make their pitch for the grants. We hope this funding and attention being paid to the finalists will provide important momentum to make these projects a reality, Wheeler said. Previously, Roger Curtis, Consumers Energy's vice president of public affairs, had said that the company was committed to ensuring that Michigan's communities of all sizes are growing and thriving. "We were impressed by the incredible ideas from so many communities last year, he had said. We're excited to invest more dollars into the competition's prizes and look forward to seeing even more creativity and innovation on display." Last year's first competition featured $15,000 in grants. The winners were: Port Austin First place ($7,500) A large vacant lot will be developed into an interactive and dynamic space for tourists and community members; Spring Lake Second place ($5,000) A plan to bring public art to the Lakeside Trail to make the village a destination for visitors; and Sparta Third place ($2,500) The Orchard, an incubator for small businesses. The competition aims to reward a variety of innovative ideas, such as those that attract visitors to downtowns, focus on housing, education or employment, create community pride and more. Communities with a population of up to 10,000 had until March 2 to submit proposals. The finalists are scheduled to compete for the funding at the annual Small Town and Rural Development Conference on April 22 at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. According to a news release on coronavirus/COVID-19 closures and postponements from Crystal Mountain issued Sunday, it said We plan to resume all normal operations on Monday, April 6. But circumstances are changing and we will update you as needed. Yahoo Life Tween and teen girls are often hit with dress code violations that can feel like shaming. Experts say it's OK for parents to empower their daughters to speak up. Ada, a Toronto, Canada-based Automated Customer Experience (ACX) platform provider, raised $44m in Series B funding. The round was led by Accel, with participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, FirstMark, Version One, Leaders Fund and Burst Capital. The company intends to use the funds to scale the platform and provide enhanced functionality across traditional business silos. Co-founded by Mike Murchison and David Hariri, Ada provides a chatbot platform built to support an automation-first customer service strategy. Its applied AI uses machine learning to increase accuracy over time and strengthen the performance of all Ada customers chatbots. The system can train the chatbot to understand and address topics specific to each business while getting up and running in weeks, not months. A proprietary Natural Language Understanding engine enables the chatbot to comprehend meaning and context without perfectly constructed sentences, allowing it to navigate around jargon, typos, spelling errors and more than 100 different languages. The company currently serves customers in industries from fintech and retail to telecom and software, and business leaders such as AirAsia, Mailchimp, Shopify, Telus, Upwork and Zoom, among others. FinSMEs 19/03/2020 The coronavirus outbreak has Americans seeking jobless benefits at a breakneck pace, with the Labor Department saying Thursday that 281,000 people applied for assistance last week a 33 percent jump from the previous seven days. The new data shows just how deeply laid off employees of bars, restaurants and other service industry sector entities could hobble the US economy during the outbreak, which federal and state officials say could last several more months. Donald Trump has said the country could be dealing with COVID-19's effects until July or August, though he tweeted this Thursday morning: "We are going to WIN, sooner rather than later!" White House officials and senior lawmakers from both parties are negotiating a massive economic stimulus bill that could be on the House and Senate floor by next week that likely will include provisions allowing payments of up to $2,000 to some Americans, which would supplement any unemployment benefits they might receive. But talks to hammer out a compromise version of a bill that large and complicated always take time, meaning laid off workers will continue seeking unemployment benefits in the meantime. "The president and I worked on a very significant economic stimulus plan," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said this week. "We look forward to having bipartisan support. We're now working with the Senate to pass this legislation very quickly. " The Trump administration wants to include help for small and large business, banking those firms would pass along benefits to their employees. "And these will be payments to small businesses. We've talked about loan guarantees to critical industries such as airlines and hotels," Mr Mnuchin said. "And we've also talked about a stimulus package to the American worker. You can think of this as something like business interruption payments for the American workers." As those talks continue behind closed doors, Democrats continue to criticise Mr Trump and his administration for what they call a slow response, slamming the White House for opting against airport screening and ordering millions of test kits and equipment for hospitals even though there was evidence the virus was headed to US soil. "I was hoping that the president would not go down that road and making it look like we're doing something special. What we did, they didn't test," West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin III said. "Up until a couple of days ago, we had 40 tests done [in West Virginia]. Now I think we're at 130 or so." "But with that being said," he added, "we have no testing. We're not prepared. People think that we're immune from this." Here is a historical chronology of southeastern Sandoval County. 10,000 BC Estimates vary considerably, but it is generally believed that Paleo-Indians arrived in the Rio Grande Valley late in the last Ice Age, about 12,000 years ago. 700 AD Prehistoric Indians began building above-ground communal buildings, and by 900 AD, they were probably settling into villages that evolved into the communities existing when Francisco de Coronado arrived. 1540-42 AD Francisco de Coronado arrived at Tiguex Province in the Rio Grande Valley, where he kept his headquarters until his departure in the spring of 1542. The Tiguex War was waged against the pueblos during the winter of 1540-41. 1598 Juan de Onate and his band of Spanish colonists passed by what would become Bernalillo on the way north to establish New Mexicos first capital at San Gabriel, near San Juan Pueblo. 1680 During the Pueblo Revolt, when the Spaniards were driven out of New Mexico, they hurried along the Rio Grande on the way to El Paso. The pueblos of what would become Sandoval County were profoundly affected by the coming and going of the Spaniards. 1692-96 Diego de Vargas re-conquered New Mexico. 1695 De Vargas established the community of Bernalillo. 1704 De Vargas died at Bernalillo after becoming ill while in pursuit of hostile Apaches. 1810 The Mexican Revolt against Spanish rule began. Because soldiers were moved south to fight insurgents, Apaches and Navajos resumed attacks on villages in the middle Rio Grande valley. 1821 Mexico achieves independence from Spain. The first pack train of goods arrived in Santa Fe over what would come to be called the Santa Fe Trail. This marked the beginning of legal business between New Mexico and the United States. Don Jose Leandro Perea became a trader of goods that arrived via the Santa Fe Trail. 1842 The Mexican government made the beginnings of counties in New Mexico. Part of what would become Sandoval County was then in Santa Ana County. 1846 Early in the Mexican War, the U.S. Army of the West under Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny occupied Santa Fe after officials of the Mexican government fled. Perea, living in Bernalillo, loaned money to the fledgling American government. 1848 The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in Mexico, ending the Mexican War. Property rights in New Mexico were to be respected under the provisions of the treaty. 1862 The U.S. Civil War found its way into the middle Rio Grande Valley as troops of the Union and the Confederacy moved from Texas north to Glorieta Pass, and then back south. Confederate troops stopped long enough in Bernalillo to hunt for the wealth Perea was said to have possessed. They didnt find it. 1876 Santa Ana County was absorbed by Bernalillo County. 1878 Town of Bernalillo became the seat of government for Bernalillo County. 1880 The railroad arrived in the middle Rio Grande Valley and Albuquerque, causing the most significant change in quality of life in New Mexico history. 1883 Bernalillo County seat is moved back to Albuquerque. 1903 Sandoval County was created with the Town of Bernalillo as seat of government. 1949 Los Alamos County was carved out of northeastern Sandoval County and a bit of Santa Fe County. 1961 The American Realty and Petroleum Company (AMREP) purchased 55,000 acres of land in southeastern Sandoval County. It came to be called Rio Rancho Estates. 1981 Rio Rancho was incorporated as a city. 2020 Population of Rio Rancho estimated at 98,000. Population of Sandoval County estimated at 146,000. (Don Bullis is a Rio Rancho resident, NM centennial historian, award-winning author; named the Best Local Author in the 2018 and 2019 Rio Rancho Observer Readers Choice. Ellos Pasaron por Aqui is translated as They Passed by Here.) Jonah Hill was seen on another surfing expedition in Malibu, California on Thursday after he was spotted in the water days earlier. The Moneyball actor had his black, green and blue wetsuit pulled down to his stomach, exposing his tattooed chest and arms. The 36-year-old was also busy taking a selfie by his SUV as he smiled away. Surf's up: Jonah Hill was seen on another surfing expedition in Malibu, California on Thursday after he was spotted in the water days earlier Hill, who is engaged to social media influencer Gianna Santos, at one point dried himself off with a colorful towel. The Superbad star has an impressive collection of tattoos on his arms and torso, which he modeled on the sunny Southern California day that was preceded by several days of clouds and rain. On each of Jonahs pectorals are animal faces, and the center of his chest features a giant tattoo that looks to be a pirate ship. The older brother of Beanie Feldstein stood at the railing overlooking the ocean with his smartphone held up for a selfie, as he smiled and squinted in the sun. Happy man: The Moneyball actor was had his black, green and blue wetsuit pulled down to his stomach, exposing his tattooed chest after a surfing session; he also took a selfie Hill has been repeatedly seen recently hitting the Malibu waves to work on his surfing skills, a pursuit hes taken up in earnest since last summer. Just two weeks ago, he marked seven months of surfing with an impressive video showing him remaining successfully upright on his board as he rode the surf all the way to the shore. Last August, Jonah posted a selfie with his friend James Franco, both holding their surfboards, in which he marveled how at 35 you can start doing sh** youve always wanted to do. Before he pulled off his suit: Here he is seen with a colorful towel around his neck Hes a pro now: Just two weeks ago, Hill marked seven months of surfing with an impressive video showing him remaining successfully upright on his board as he rode the surf all the way to the shore On Friday, the Moneyball star was planning to present one of his favorite films at Santa Monicas Aero theater, the 1991 gem Defending Your Life by Albert Brooks. That film, which also stars Brooks, features Meryl Streep in her prime as they portray recently deceased would-be lovers who arrive in a place called Judgement City to defend the lives they just lived. That event for the film, which Hill called an incredibly deep, insightful and hysterical film on Facebook, has of course been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and the ban on social gatherings. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left), Minister for Health Simon Harris (right)and Director, Dr. Cillian De Gascun (centre) of UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, watch a technician during a visit to the laboratory. Photo credit: Aidan Crawley/PA Wire A further 74 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland to 366. The breakdown is made up of 29 females and 45 males. The National Public Health Emergency Team has made available an analysis of the 271 cases notified as at midnight Monday, March 16. The virus has now spread to 23 counties. Of the 271 cases notified 40pc are male and 59pc female, with 23 clusters. To date 42% cases are travel related, 22% associated with community transmission, 17% are as a result of local transmission and 20% remain under investigation. Two thirds of cases are younger than 55 years, with almost one in four cases aged 35 44 years. One in five cases are healthcare workers with 37% of these cases associated with travel. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Cork (48) and Limerick (14). Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said: Again, today we are seeing another increase in case numbers. The importance of social distancing cannot be underestimated. Everyone must play their role. We need to continue maximising our efforts to interrupt new transmission chains and keep clusters under control. Reduce your social contacts to those in your closest family network. Practice social distancing. Stop shaking hands and hugging when you say hello," he added. Health Minister Simon Harris said 24,000 people have responded to the HSE recruitment campaign for healthcare workers to cope with the demands of the coronavirus crisis. It is unclear how many would meet the criteria and have the skills necessary. The HSE is looking for doctors, nurses and others who have health-related experience including people who have retired. The recruitment drive was launched yesterday with the message Be on call for Ireland. Sweden said Thursday it was creating a truth and reconciliation commission to examine abuses against the speakers of the minority language Meankieli, following the countrys 19th and 20th century assimilation policy. History can not, and will not, be repeated, Minister for Culture and Democracy Amanda Lind said in a statement. Meankieli, meaning our language, is a Finnic minority language spoken in Swedens far north, along the valley of the Torne river near the Finnish border. The language is related to Finnish and an estimated 75,000 people speak or understand it at least partially, according to the National Association of Swedish Tornedalians. In 1999, the Swedish government named Meankieli an official minority language, and its speakers Tornedalians were recognised as a national minority. Some of its speakers however refer to themselves as Kven or Lantalaiset. During the 19th and well into the mid-20th century, the Swedish state, operating under an assimilation policy, made attempts to suppress the language and make Tornedalians more Swedish. The commission will base its work on a preliminary study into the abuses, initiated in 2016 and published in 2018 by the National Association of Swedish Tornedalians. Based on interviews with victims it detailed stories about children who were not allowed to speak Meankieli in school, race biology studies, and abuses at special vocational boarding schools originally set up for poor children in the early 20th century. Kerstin Salomonsson, president of the association, said she was glad that the government had acted so quickly to set up a commission. Were used to everything concerning national minorities being mulled and debated for years, but this went surprisingly fast, Salomonsson told AFP. The new commission will be tasked with examining the Swedish assimilation policy and its consequences for the minority. It will however not evaluate questions of responsibility in individual cases or give compensation to those affected. Swedens government also announced last year that it was intending to create a truth commission for Swedens Sami minority, which also live in the countrys north and suffered similar abuses, and was in dialogue with the Sami parliament. Lord Simon Wolfson said the UK needed a concrete and certain plan to save jobs and pay wages (Next/PA) Next boss Lord Simon Wolfson has joined mounting calls for the Government to step in and protect jobs amid the coronavirus outbreak, warning that businesses need a concrete and certain plan. He said the UK needed to avoid widespread layoffs by following the lead of countries like France and Germany by offering to help cover employee wages for struggling firms. Former prime minister and chancellor Gordon Brown also separately urged the Government on Wednesday to do considerably more in the next 48 hours to save peoples jobs. Lord Simon Wolfson warned Next may be forced to take radical action on wages to help cut costs (Yui Mok/PA) Speaking to the PA news agency, Lord Wolfson said the cost may be high, but would be far less than the economic hit from soaring unemployment. It comes as he warned Next may be forced to take radical action on wages to help cut costs including redundancies and forcing staff to take time off in the event of a prolonged closure period and no government assistance. He said the UK needs a concrete and certain plan to save jobs and pay wages. Many businesses won't be in the same position (as Next) and having some certainty for their employees that the Government would protect their income would make an enormous difference to the UK economyLord Simon Wolfson, Next Lord Wolfson said Next was hoping to avoid job losses, given its strong balance sheet and actions to cut costs in other ways, but cautioned others were not as fortunate. Many businesses wont be in the same position (as Next) and having some certainty for their employees that the Government would protect their income would make an enormous difference to the UK economy, he said. He said it would be vital for the economy as a whole. He added it would be expensive, but less expensive than allowing a domino effect of reduced demand causing firms to make redundancies. France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Spain, Italy and New Zealand are among countries to make job protection a condition of financial lifelines for firms. Canada meanwhile has offered a wage subsidy for hard-hit small businesses, equal to 10% of salary paid to employees, for three months. PHILADELPHIA - The protein peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), which enables some immune cells to trap bacteria, promoted breast cancer metastasis in mice when expressed in cancer cells, according to data published in Molecular Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. "Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Patients with metastatic breast cancer have a high risk of death," said Yanming Wang, PhD, professor at the Henan University in Kaifeng, China. "The purpose of our study was to understand cellular factors that may contribute to metastasis." Wang, a former graduate student Lai Shi, PhD, and their colleagues examined the role of PAD4, a protein that can modify DNA-compacting proteins called histones, thereby loosening DNA compaction. PAD4 is highly enriched in neutrophils, a type of immune cell, where its effect on DNA compaction leads to the formation of DNA and protein networks outside the cell called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The normal role of NETs is to trap invading microbes, but studies have shown that NETs released by neutrophils can also facilitate cancer metastasis. Moreover, another study showed that high expression of PAD4 was sufficient to cause cells other than neutrophils to form similar structures. "In addition to its high expression in neutrophils, PAD4 is highly expressed in malignant tumors of various cell types; however, the role of PAD4 in breast cancer cells has been elusive," said Wang. "We were interested in learning if PAD4 expression in breast cancer cells could affect cancer biology, such as tumor growth and metastasis." To understand PAD4 expression levels in breast cancer cells, Wang and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Oncomine database. Results from the meta-analysis showed that human breast cancer cells were more likely than normal cells to have increased PAD4 expression. Consistent with this finding, a mouse breast cancer cell line called 4T1 had higher PAD4 levels than cell lines from other cancer types. Due to PAD4's known roles in DNA compaction and NET formation, Wang and colleagues examined how PAD4 expression in breast cancer cells impacts the structure of DNA-protein networks known as chromatin. They found that activation of PAD4 in 4T1 cells led to the modification of histones and the release of chromatin fibers outside the cell. The released chromatin fibers formed NET-like structures, which the authors referred to as cancer extracellular chromatin networks (CECNs). Further experiments demonstrated that PAD4 was required for the formation of CECNs, both in cell culture and in allograft tumors in mice. By comparing the growth and spread of allograft tumors that did or did not express PAD4, the authors observed that PAD4-expressing tumors grew significantly faster in mice and had significantly more metastases in the lungs, which are the usual site of 4T1 metastasis. Further experimentation revealed that PAD4 promoted the growth of metastatic tumors after cancer cells had reached the lungs. "Together, our results demonstrate that PAD4 expression in breast cancer cells promotes CECN formation, primary tumor growth, and lung metastasis in mice," said Wang. "The exact mechanism by which PAD4 exerts these effects is something we are actively investigating." Understanding how PAD4 promotes tumor growth and metastasis could help researchers develop drugs to target this process, explained Wang. "While further investigation is needed, it is interesting to consider the possibility that PAD4 or CECNs could potentially be used as biomarkers to predict disease progression. Furthermore, therapies to inhibit PAD4 or eliminate CECNs could be explored as a method to reduce the risk of metastasis in patients with breast cancer," Wang added. Wang and colleagues are also interested in investigating if PAD4 contributes to progression or metastasis of other cancers. A limitation of the study is that it was performed using a single cell line. Thus, studying additional cell types and human breast cancer samples will be needed to understand the prevalence of CECN formation and PAD4's role in the process, Wang noted. ### This study was sponsored by funds from Henan University, The Pennsylvania State University, and the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute. Wang declares no conflicts of interest. About the American Association for Cancer Research Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes 46,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 127 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 22,500 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes nine prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit http://www.AACR.org. World-renowned Sydney gynaecologist Dr Catherine Hamlin died at her home on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She was 96. Dr Hamlin, together with her husband the late Dr Reg Hamlin, established treatment centres for women suffering from the debilitating effects of obstetric fistula, a crippling condition that results from complications in childbirth almost unknown in the West. Dr Catherine Hamlin at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital & Bahir Dar Fistula Clinic in Ethiopia in 2008. Credit:Kate Geraghty Over the past 61 years, more than 60,000 Ethiopian women have received the life-changing reconstructive surgery for obstetric fistula, thanks to the Hamlins' dedication. Carolyn Hardy, chief executive Officer of Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, said on Thursday: "To say Catherine was a remarkable woman is an understatement. In our eyes, she was a saint." Burma Myanmar Closes All Land Borders to Foreigners The Thai-Myanmar border gate at Myawaddy. / The Irrawaddy Mandalay Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday the closure of all border checkpoints to foreign tourists as a preventative measure against the coronavirus. It said it had temporarily suspended the entry of foreign nationals through any border checkpoint until further notice. The Indian border at Moreh-Tamu and Zokhawtar-Rikhawdar was already closed earlier this month. The border checkpoints with China in Kachin State and northern Shan State and those with Thailand and Laos will now close. Although COVID-19 has caused several thousand deaths globally, Myanmar has not confirmed any coronavirus cases yet. Residents from both sides with border passes can still cross the border but health checks and body temperature screening would be enforced in both directions, the ministry said. It said foreign tourists with a visa could still use Mandalay, Yangon and Naypyidaw international airports to arrive and depart. Last week, Myanmar ordered a mandatory 14 days of quarantine and surveillance for arrivals from various infected countries, including China, Korea, Italy, Iran, France, Germany and Spain after the World Health Organization labelled COVID-19 a pandemic. Flights between China and Myanmar were suspended in February. Myanmar has about 27 land checkpoints between Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. Not all the checkpoints are open to foreign tourists. The two Indian checkpoints opened to international travelers in August 2018. Checkpoints with Thailand at Mae Sai-Tachileik in Shan State; Mae Sot-Myawaddy in Karen State; Ranong-Kawthaung and Phunaron-Htee Kee in Tanintharyi Region opened in August 2013. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism said in 2019 that approximately 200,000 foreign tourists used Myanmars land borders per month. The majority of tourists came from China, Thailand, Australia, the UK, India, Malaysia and Singapore. You may also like these stories: Indonesia Says Lack of Coronavirus Cases a Blessing From God Chinese medical experts claim that a Japanese anti-flu agent clearly effective in treating coronavirus. An active ingredient called Favipiravir, that goes into Japanese anti-flu medicine called Avigan, was tested on over 300 Covid-19 patients in China. Patients who were given the drug reported quicker recovery with greater signs of lung improvement as compared to those who did not receive the drug agent. Experts say Favipiravir helps in blocking the virus from replicating in the body. On Tuesday, Zhang Xinmin from Chinas Science and Technology Ministry said that Favipiravir has been effective in Covid-19 patients recovery with no obvious side-effects, news agency IANS reported. An oral medicine using Favipiravir, developed by Hong Kong-based Sihuan Pharmaceutical, is also in line to try on Covid-19 patients. A trial involving 80 cases conducted by a hospital in Shenzhen and a study of 120 cases led by Wuhan Universitys Zhongnan Hospital both showed the drug shortened the recovery time for patients. Favipiravir-containing Avigan has been developed by Fujifilm and has licensed the patent for favipiravir to Chinese company Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical. Clinical tests using Avigan as a treatment for the virus have also started in Japan, news agency AFP reported. The number of Covid-19 patients in India has crossed 160. Three people in India have died from the infection, 15 have recovered. The virus has infected nearly 200,000 people across the globe and killed more than 8,000 people. (With inputs from agencies) A pedestrian makes his way over noticeably light traffic on the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on March 11, 2020. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) We've all seen the unsettling images of what happens when the economy goes haywire. Bread lines, farmers abandoning the Dust Bowl, drivers queued up to fill their gas tanks, houses with foreclosure notices pounded into their front lawns. Add to that a rush-hour view of a Los Angeles freeway, typically jammed with commuters, but now more like a Sunday morning due to a virus that has wrecked the once-booming U.S economy just two months after the first confirmed domestic case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Stocks have collapsed, airlines have shed routes and businesses have closed. Millions of workers are being sent home and cautioned to minimize their interactions with their friends, neighbors and even family members a course of action the White House recommends Americans follow for 15 days. But just how much sheltering in place can the economy take before the damage is irreversible? The short answer is that experts are grappling with a situation as novel as the virus that caused it, and they really don't know how much our high-tech, interconnected and consumption-oriented economy can endure. "The longer this disruption goes on, the more likely it will have a permanent effect," said Roger Farmer, an economics professor at UCLA and the University of Warwick in England. "Three weeks we can bounce back from, three months is not so clear." Yet months, even a year or longer, it may be. The White House is preparing its response at least partially based on a frightening report from doctors and scientists at Imperial College London that concluded the virus could kill 2.2 million Americans if it is not contained. And the kind of suppression measures needed to control it, such as social distancing and school closings, could have to remain in place as long as 18 months until a vaccine is developed. That's a very long time, considering that it took the UCLA Anderson Forecast this week only four days to revise a quarterly prediction calling for slower economic growth into one stating that the U.S. had already slipped into a recession expected to last through September. Story continues The forecast was responding to rapidly changing conditions and fresh data. A survey released Tuesday had already found some 18% of adults reporting that they had hours cut or had been laid off, with the workers in lower-income households hit hardest. On Thursday, the government reported new unemployment insurance claims jumped by 70,000, or about one-third, to 281,000, the highest level in 2 years. One analysis by Moody's Analytics found that nearly 80 million U.S. jobs are at varying levels of risk, though it's more likely some 10 million workers could either be laid off, furloughed or see their hours and wages cut. In China, with four times the population of the U.S., roughly 5 million people lost their jobs in the first two months of this year amid the outbreak. The areas of the economy expected to take the biggest hit are transportation and travel, hospitality and leisure, temporary help, and oil drilling and extraction. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said 7.4 million jobs in hospitality and leisure alone could be lost or affected. Retail, manufacturing, construction and education are at moderate risk, Moody's said. Macy's, with 130,000 full- and part-time workers, announced this week it was closing its stores and moving all sales online, where it has struggled to compete with competitors such as Amazon. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin warned Republican senators on Tuesday that without bold government action the pandemic could push up U.S. unemployment to 20%. The numbers look scary, but economists take some comfort in the fact that the economy entered this crisis on a strong footing, with unemployment at a 50-year low. The U.S. also has social programs such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid put in place during the New Deal and the later Great Society initiative of President Lyndon B. Johnson even if they are constantly in danger of being cut back or don't measure up to European welfare state standards. A bread line in New York's Times Square in December 1930. Money grew scarce as America endured a multiyear economic depression. The administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt battled the misery with the policies of the New Deal. (Associated Press) Yet what social insurance the country has wasn't predicated on a near shutdown of the economy, which for all its strength was already displaying well-documented gaps likely to be exacerbated by the outbreak. That includes including millions of low-income workers with little to no paid time off, a lack of affordable housing, a homelessness crisis, and rising levels of corporate debt that could send highly leveraged companies into default which is why the local, state and national governments are considering such measures as a halt on evictions, cash payments to citizens and more than $100 billion in loan guarantees to businesses. But trying to get a handle on how this may play out is tricky, partially because the cause is non-financial in origin, unlike, say, last decade's crisis, which was driven by subprime mortgage defaults. It's also challenging that the economy has rapidly evolved. The U.S. manufacturing sector has been in long decline, replaced as an economic engine by consumer spending on goods and services. Those are huge categories that include food, clothes, appliances, electronics, furniture, cars, movie tickets, transportation, investment advice and healthcare. It also all comes amid telecommunications and computing advances that have made home deliveries ubiquitous and working from your bedroom desk commonplace. They have also vaulted tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft to the top of the economic food chain. "Our economy is altogether different now than 1975," said economist Chris Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, an L.A. consulting firm. "It's now service oriented. Service sectors tend to be more loose and limber." Indeed, on Monday, Amazon announced that due to "unprecedented" demand, it plans to hire 100,000 people across the U.S. to keep up with orders as workers stay home and shop online. It also plans to temporarily raise wages by $2 an hour through the end of April for hourly employees at its warehouses, delivery centers and Whole Food stores. Economist Edward Leamer, director emeritus of the Anderson Forecast, said that redirected spending can create an "automatic stabilizer" effect. Farmer said that the crisis will hasten economic changes that already were occurring due to technological advances, including telecommuting and online virtual meetings. "These disruptions will probably speed that up," he said, noting that climate advocates already had been pushing hard to reduce jet travel. "A lot of people will find that it is actually much easier." But many of those advantages would go to knowledge workers who sit in front of computers, such as programmers, lawyers and others in the white-collar workforce. Cashiers, waiters, construction workers and others in the blue-collar workforce don't have that luxury as they sit at home without pay. Farmer said that double digit unemployment would make it hard for the economy to recover. "If {workers} lose those jobs it can take years to rebuild those skills. The danger is it becomes not only a temporary drop in employment but permanent," he said. For now, the government is focusing on ensuring the financial and credit markets don't seize up, preventing businesses from failing and getting cash into the hands of individuals. Empty baggage carousels at Terminal 2 of the San Diego International Airport on March 12, 2020. (Rob Nikolewski / San Diego Union-Tribune) In an emergency session, the Federal Reserve dropped its key interest close to zero last weekend and said it would buy at least $700 billion of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities, similar to what it did during the financial crisis. It also announced plans Tuesday to shore up the commercial paper market that provides short-term liquidity to companies to help fund their short-term operations. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is proposing $1 trillion plus in economic stimulus, larger in size than President Obama's after the financial crisis that would include checks of as much as $1,200 to individuals and hundreds of billions of dollars of loans or loan guarantees to small businesses and industry. Details were still being negotiated late Friday. Separately, President Trump on Wednesday signed a measure to provide free coronavirus testing and guarantee sick leave for a significant chunk of the U.S. workforce in the event of illness from the virus and provide expanded food aid and unemployment assistance for workers out of a job because of the pandemic. The president also invoked wartime powers to boost manufacturing of medical equipment needed to fight the pandemic and the U.S. restricted its border with Canada. Farmer supports the idea of giving every citizen a substantial check right now to help them put food on the table and buy other items. He also thinks the Treasury or Federal Reserve should take the extraordinary step of putting together a sovereign wealth fund to buy U.S. stocks and prop up the equities market, which is in full panic mode. On Friday, the Dow Jones industrial average capped off its worst week since the dark days of the 2008 financial crisis, erasing all the gains it had made since the time Trump took office. "We want to keep normal income growing. There will be less goods but we don't want to see businesses collapsing and bankrupt and permanent disruption," he said. Beacon Economics issued a report Friday, written by Thornberg, that called the virus the greatest threat to the nation's economic expansion in more than a decade, with the next two weeks crucial in getting an understanding of how far-ranging the effects will be. But the report said it was too soon to say a lengthy recession or depression was inevitable. The report noted the economy's underlying strength and the fact that China, South Korea and Japan appear to have gotten the virus under control within two months. It said the economy could function with the outbreak limited to some hot spots and the nation largely "back to business albeit with a different modus operandum" but a widespread Wuhan, China- or Italian-style lockdown would be another story. In an interview, Thornberg said that the best comparison for now is a hurricane or earthquake that temporarily disrupts a local economy though he acknowledged the analogy was far from perfect since such disasters are finite events that typically affect far smaller areas. "Time after time the economy bounces back after a natural disaster type of situation," Thornberg said. "And this to me sounds like a natural disaster, but here we have a situation where there is no endpoint." Pharmaceutical companies and research groups are hard at work in a bid to find successful treatments for patients infected with the new coronavirus. Scientists have focused their attention on repurposing older drugs while new drugs and vaccines are being developed. Researchers have looked into a drug that was widely prescribed in the US in 1949 as a medication against malaria. The drug, which is named chloroquine, has gone unnoticed despite promising early results. Chloroquine offers a simple, affordable and scalable treatment option to coronavirus patients---standing out against next-generation therapeutics and other expensive treatments used to curb the virus. The anti-malaria pill has yet to undergo clinical trials nor has its clinical data been reviewed by peers. Didier Raoult, a prominent infectious-disease expert, is running a clinical trial of the drug hydroxychloroquine, commonly used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and porphyria cutanea tarda, on a few patients in France. According to Raoult's findings, the drug shortened the time that people with COVID-19 were infectious. Azithromycin, an antibiotic, also helped fight lung infections on coronavirus patients when combined with the anti-malaria drug. Related COVID-19 Treatment Titles: COVID-19 Vaccine: Patent on Japanese Drug 'Avigan' Is Expiring, Generic Version Could Be Produced Soon Coronavirus: The Race For A Cure Facts About 'Favilavir': The First Approved Coronavirus Drug Coronavirus Vaccine Is Now Being Tested On Americans Australian Researchers Claim 2 HIV Drugs Kill Coronavirus Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs The Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche was reportedly talking with the FDA to get approval on clinical trials for the drug Actemra (Tocilizumab). The drug is used to treat moderate to severe arthritis and has been used by doctors in China to curb the effects of COVID-19 on critical patients. According to China's National Health Commission, the drug was effective against preventing organ failure and an overreaction of the immune system on coronavirus patients. An initial clinical trial in China, which involved 20 patients with severe cases, found positive results. It was reported 19 patients were discharged from the hospital within two weeks. Another research company, Sanofi and Regeneron, is planning on launching a clinical trial in New York to see if their drug Kevzara will produce positive results. HIV Drugs The FDA, CDC, and various European agencies are cooperating with AbbVIe, the creator of HIV drugs Kaletra/Aluvia, to determine whether the drug could be used to treat COVID-19 patients. Abbvie is setting up clinical trials. It is also monitoring its supplies to make sure HIV patients won't be affected by the increase in demand for the Kaletra/Aluvia. Remdesivir Remdesivir is said to be "the most promising candidate" for coronavirus treatment. The drug was originally developed by Gilead Sciences as a treatment for Ebola. It is now being tested in clinical trials in China and in 20 locations across the US. Health officials clarify repurposed drugs aren't likely to be cure-alls. They are, however, the only near-term treatment options. Vaccines are expected to take months, if not years, to be determined safe and effective against the new coronavirus. Repurposed drugs could bring relief and aid to healthcare systems around the world. Drugs like Remdesivir could shorten a patient's hospital stays and lower or eradicate the need for a ventilator. Chloroquine could help prevent the hospitalization of COVID-19 patients. However, the drug has drastic side effects such as damage to the eyes, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Researchers are now planning to test whether or not the anti-malaria drug could help protect healthcare workers from contracting the virus. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Soon residents across the country -- with the exception of New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island -- will be able to test themselves for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from the comfort of their own home. Everlywell, a digital health company, announced that a new COVID-19 home testing kit will be available to consumers starting Monday, March 23. However, the tests are not available in the aforementioned states due to regulatory reasons, according to the company. The initial supply, ready to ship on Monday, includes 30,000 tests, with Everlywell working with multiple labs to scale up the companys testing capacity to 250,000 weekly tests in the coming weeks. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** To receive a test, people must visit the company website and fill out a screening questionnaire provided by an independent telehealth partner. Consumers will receive the test in the mail, at a cost of $135, and then ship out their sample to a participating lab for testing. Heres what testing entails, according to the company: Overnight sample delivery (a shipping label is included). Infectious disease sample collection and shipping materials to safely ship your sample, using COVID-19 guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the recommendations provided by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN). Private, secure digital results provided to all users within days. (Everlywell is a HIPAA-compliant company and we never sell customer data). Individuals with positive results will be offered a telehealth consult with an independent board-certified physician from PWNHealth. Positive results will be communicated to all mandated federal and state reporting agencies. Like Everlywells other tests, the COVID-19 test will be shipped to customers with everything needed to collect a sample at home and safely ship that sample to a CLIA-certified laboratory partner. Samples will be shipped to partner labs with overnight delivery, secure digital results will be available online within 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample, and free telehealth consultations with an independent, board-certified physician will be available for those with positive results, according to the company. The citys first drive-through testing site for New Yorkers exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus opened on Staten Island Thursday. The site, located in Ocean Breeze, is operational from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the South Beach Psychiatric Center. Those who wish to make an appointment can do so by calling the State Department of Health at 888-364-3065. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders With restaurant dine-in option halted, Uber Eats waives delivery fees MTA continuing to monitor service levels as coronavirus spreads Amazon warns of slower deliveries, depleted stock amid coronavirus Rumor of a mandated national quarantine is untrue and unfounded, White House says S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Coronavirus: NYC bars, restaurants limited to takeout and delivery Lees Tavern to temporarily shut its doors amid coronavirus outbreak Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus court scale-down: No new jury trials starting Monday; other appearances to be limited With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries New Delhi, March 19 : Amid the growing number of positive coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the country, the government on Thursday said that no international flight will be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. It also asked the state governments to issue appropriate directions to all citizens above 65 years of age to remain at home. The government said in a statement, "No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week." The steps came after India recorded 173 active Covid-19 cases till 5 p.m. on Thursday, including 25 foreign national, as per the data provided by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Four people have succumbed to the dreaded virus so far -- one each in Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka and Punjab. The statement further said that the state governments will issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 years of age (other than for medical assistance), except for public representative, government servants and medical professionals, are advised to remain at home. The government also said that all children below 10 years of age should be advised to stay at home and not venture out. "Railways and civil aviation autnorities shall suspend all concessional travel, except for students, patients and disabled persons," it said. The government further said that the states are being requested to enforce work from home for private sector employees except those working in emergency or essential services. The government also said that all Group B and Group C Central government employees will be asked to attend office on alternate weeks besides suggesting staggered timings for all the employees. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Sheikh al-Karama Forces have kidnapped two members of Hezbollah in an effort to force the regime to release one of their members writes Baladi News. On Wednesday, the Sheikh al-Karama Forces group arrested two members of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia with the aim of exchanging them for a missing member of their group. The group announced that the two Hezbollah members were Mohamed Alaa el-Din Darmash and Abdel-Hadi Ahmed Kurdi, pointing out that they were kidnapped on the western Suweida countryside road while returning from Daraa. The group said on its Facebook page that the reason for kidnapping the two was to trade for one of their members, Raad Imad Bali, who had been missing for nearly a month under mysterious circumstances. The Sheikh al-Karama Forces accuse the Assad regime security services of kidnapping the member, but the regime has not declared responsibility for this. Last month, the Sheikh al-Karama Forces captured a number of Assad regime officers, including a colonel, after they kidnapped a Sheikh al-Karama Forces member in mysterious circumstances. The Sheikh al-Karama Forces is known among the people of Suweida governorate as being hostile toward Assad regime forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Thousands of young men from Suweida are protected against forced conscription by joining local groups in the governorate, which in turn prevents the regime branches from arresting civilians. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. P rit Patel today admitted that unacceptable failures were responsible for the terrible injusticesof the Windrush scandal, after an independent review called for ministers to apologise to the entire black population of Britain. The Home Secretary said she was truly sorry for the harm inflicted on families torn apart by the wrongful deportation of people of Caribbean origin who were British. Her apology came as Wendy Williams, an inspector of constabulary who carried out the review, said ministers should prove the sincerity of their apology by introducing sweeping cultural changes within the Home Office. Ms Williamss report made 30 recommendations for improvement and stated that the forseeable and avoidable scandal had inflicted serious harm on Britons of Caribbean origin. Ms Williams added that although she was unable to make a definitive finding of institutional racism within the Home Office, the failings of ministers and officials demonstrate an institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation within the department that were consistent with some elements of the definition of institutional racism. Ms Williams said:The Windrush generation has been poorly served by this country, a country to which they contributed so much and in which they had every right to make their lives. The many stories of injustice and hardship are heartbreaking, with jobs lost, lives uprooted and untold damage done to so many individuals and families. Ms Williams said that she was not naming and shaming individuals responsible for the Windrush failures because they were systemic ones that had occurred over decades from the 1960s onwards. But she said that ministers in successive governments had set the policy and the direction of travel and had failed to question unintended consequences adequately. Officials were also culpable for not doing enough to examine, consider and explain the impact of decisions. On the need for an apology, Ms Williams states: Ministers on behalf of the department should admit that serious harm was inflicted on people who are British and provide an unqualified apology to those affected and to the wider black African-Caribbean community as soon as possible. The sincerity of this apology will be determined by how far the Home Office demonstrates a commitment to learn from its mistakes by making fundamental changes to its culture and way of working, that are both systemic and sustainable. Other recommendations in her 275 page review published in Parliament today include a programme of major cultural change for the whole department and all staff within the Home Office and a review of training it gives for unconscious bias and diversity and inclusion. She also calls for the simplification of immigration rules and the appointment of a Migrants Commissioner with the job of speaking up for migrants and those affected by the system. Ms Williams also calls for a review and evaluation of the hostile/compliant environment policy towards illegal migration and whether it is proportionate given its impact on British citizens and migrants with status. She adds that the explicit intent and language of the hostile environment can be traced back to the Labour government of the late 2000s and continued in a range of forms after that. Ms Williams said that her report covered only migrants from the Caribbean affected by the Windrush scandal but that she wanted the Home Office to examine whether those from other former Commonwealth countries had suffered similar wrongful treatment. Ines Basic has said she's planning on stepping off social media for awhile following her public spat with former Married At First Sight co-star Martha Kalifatidis. In a series of videos posted to Instagram Stories on Thursday, the 30-year-old said she was 'going to go back to my everyday life' after admitting it had been 'a real low' on social media. She then implored her fans to stand up for themselves if they ever felt like they were being 'attacked'. Laying low: Ines Basic (pictured) has said she's planning on stepping off social media for awhile following her public spat with former Married At First Sight co-star Martha Kalifatidis 'The most important thing from all of this is, don't ever let people try to tell you who you are or throw their two cents in about things they know absolutely nothing about,' she said. 'There's good reason I don't ever involve myself in other people's business. 'If you ever feel you are being attacked and provoked and antagonised, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. It's really important to jump to your own defence.' Stepping back: In a series of videos posted to Instagram Stories on Thursday, the 30-year-old said she was 'going to go back to my everyday life' after admitting it had been 'a real low' on social media The Bosnian-born beauty then warned people, 'don't ever p**s off a f**king immigrant', before thanking her fans for their support. 'No matter who you are or where you come from, we are all human, we are all people who are worthy of respect, all worthy of being heard and felt,' she continued. 'So, if you're going to hand it to someone and provoke them, it's a human reaction that someone's gonna bite back.' Hitting back: She implored her fans to stand up for themselves if they ever felt like they were being 'attacked' Ines said she's 'really protective of myself', after Martha, 31, claimed in an Instagram Live video this week that she would 'rather have root canal surgery from now until the end of time' than ever speak to Ines or their co-star Jessika Power again. In a rant on Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Ines addressed Martha's comments. 'For over a year and a half, she's [Martha's] been dropping low blow, degrading, vulgar comments towards me, and for whatever reason, she decides to throw Jess into it as well,' she said. Standing up for herself: Ines said she's 'really protective of myself', after Martha Kalifatidis claimed in an Instagram Live video this week that she would 'rather have root canal surgery from now until the end of time' than ever speak to Ines again 'I just think it's disgusting, you don't speak that way about anyone and I had been copping it for a whole year... I don't stand for that s**t, I don't stand for that disgusting behaviour towards people.' She added: 'For a woman who is a 31-year-old, that's not a woman to me, it's a f**king disgrace right there.' Ines said she had been getting slammed for her comments, and later called out one fan in an expletive-laden tirade on Instagram Stories on Thursday. 'If you ever feel you are being attacked and provoked and antagonised, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. It's really important to jump to your own defence,' she said 'Some b***h just said that my language isn't very ladylike. That's great. I don't really care, it's not my intention to "behave like a lady", or whatever the f**k that means,' she began. 'You probably get f**ked by wheelie bins on the weekend, you've probably had six dudes run through your f**king p***y, on that wheelie bin, too. 'And before I go and swim in the deep blue sea, I also want to say you look like poverty and diarrhoea.' CLEVELAND, Ohio Federal officials arrested a Cleveland halfway house resident a day after he spoke out about fears that the coronavirus could spread through the facility that houses more than 300 men and women. Brandon Baxter was quoted in a Plain Dealer story, as a resident concerned that the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, could endanger residents living in close quarters at Oriana House on East 55th Street. Baxter was taken to a private prison in Youngstown that holds federal inmates. Oriana House residents stay at the facility as they transition from federal or state prison or if ordered into programs by local judges. Many leave the facility during the day, often riding public transportation to work, treatment and other appointments, which residents said makes it harder to limit exposure to the virus, which health officials have said is highly contagious. We are all freaking out about this coronavirus situation, Baxter told the Plain Dealer March 17. He was particularly concerned for fellow residents in their 60s or 70s and those with chronic health conditions, who public officials consider at high risk for coronavirus. The Plain Dealer spoke with several residents, and family members of residents, who didnt want their identities used. Baxter gave permission to use his name. Beyond immediate health concerns, many shared worries that they wouldnt be released to be monitored at home because state and federal adult parole and probation officers were no longer doing home visits required for release due to concerns about coming into contact with the coronavirus. Oriana House officials said they were working with prison and criminal justice authorities to reduce the number clients living in the facility. On Wednesday, a friend of Baxters contacted The Plain Dealer to say his phone had been taken away because halfway house staff thought he sent a reporter a photo from inside Oriana, which is against house rules. In a voicemail message, he said he felt like he was being retaliated against for bringing the issue to light. The photo, which was published with the story, was sent by a different resident. Several hours later, several Oriana House residents and their family members called and emailed to say Baxter was being arrested. Pete Elliott, the U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, confirmed Wednesday evening that federal prison officials requested that his office transport Baxter back to prison. Oriana House Inc. Executive Vice President Bernie Rochford was initially unaware of Baxters arrest and told The Plain Dealer that his agency does not object to halfway house or residential treatment clients speaking to the media. Later, Rochford called back and said that contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons prohibit him from speaking about specific clients. However, he said it is a federal prisons rule violation for any federal prisoner to speak to a member of the public with out permission. (Rochford previously said it was a rules violation to speak to the media without permission but later called to clarify it was the public.) Oriana House staff, he said, is obligated as part of its contract to notify the prisons of violations. Prison authorities have discretion over what action to take, he said. Baxter was released to the halfway house from a federal prison in South Carolina in January, where he served time after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related plot to bomb a bridge near Ohio 82 that the FBI said it foiled in 2012, leading to the arrest of four men. Brandon Baxter, 27 in a recent photo. Baxter was working in the community and was scheduled to leave the halfway house and be monitored in the community in April. His sentence expires in October, according to a federal prisons web site. Calls and emails to federal prison officials were not returned. UPDATE: A federal prisons spokesperson said no information could be released about individual inmates for privacy, safety and security reasons. Some inmate records are not public and can not be requested without signed, notarized authorization from the inmate, according to an email from public information officer Emery Nelson. Baxter was most likely written up for violating a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policy that prohibits contact with the public without permission, Jack Donson, a federal prison consultant, who worked within system for decades. Inmates arent released to halfway houses, Donson said. They are transferred and supervised by regional re-entry managers who oversee the halfway houses and the inmates who are placed there. When transferred, Donson said inmates should be informed that the rules remain the same, and in some cases are asked to acknowledge that with a signature. In any case, the offense, unauthorized contacts with the public is considered moderate, akin to smoking or gambling, according to a BOP policy manual. Theres no reason to remand someone to prison for a moderate-level violation, Donson said. Can they do this? Im not saying they cant. But it is kind of draconian." The manual doesnt outline an infraction specific to media contact but Donson said there should be a report from the halfway house sent to the regional manager within 24-hours of any infraction that specifies the conduct. Baxter also declined to give halfway house staff his phone and removed a battery and information card in an attempt to avoid getting other residents in trouble, according to an attorney who talked to him Thursday. That refusal also was likely another infraction. Several local attorneys with experience defending federal prisoners said Baxter may not have much recourse, outside of the prisons administrative appeals process. Defense attorney Michael Goldberg said that federal inmates assigned to halfway houses, unless they were under supervision in the community would not eligible for a violation hearing before a judge. Goldberg said, however, he was not familiar with any federal Bureau of Prison rules that prohibited contact with members of the media specifically. I have never heard of that before and I would think that would be a problem, he said. Nelson said in an email that the (BOP) has an Administrative Remedy Program for inmates to seek formal review and redress of almost any concern they have regarding their incarceration. Criminal defense attorney Elizabeth Kelley, who works with state and federal prisons nationwide, said instead of sending Baxter back to prison, officials should have been more concerned about the substance of what he said, including the very significant charges that the conditions were unsanitary, unhealthy and potentially deadly for some of the halfway house residents. Read more coronavirus coverage: How and where to get tested for coronavirus Childcare centers, parents grapple with tough choices Acts of kindness amid coronavirus pandemic Workers at highest risk Health care workers, whats it like handling coronavirus cases? Fermoy Municipal District Council is to issue an ultimatum to its Polish twinned area to backtrack on discriminating against the LGBT community, or it will sever all ties with it. When Fermoy Municipal District Council reconvenes its meetings, the first thing it will do is to write to the municipal district in the town of Nowa Deba, in northern Poland, which has declared itself an "LGBT-Free Zone. The two towns have been twinned since 2006. The Fermoy council was supposed to debate the issue this week, but had to postpone the meeting due to the coronoavirus. Cllr Noel McCarthy said the local twinning committee was an agent of the council and therefore the local authority was going to take a lead on the matter. He has already gained support for the move from the majority of his council colleagues. Cllr Noel McCarthy I will be asking our municipal district council to write to the Polish municipal council and demand an answer. In the meantime I want to suspend the town twinning arrangement with them, Mr McCarthy said. If they dont reply positively then we will immediately terminate the twinning arrangement, which our municipal district council funds. At present, there are no plans to hold any twinning gathering this summer between Fermoy and Nowa Deba. The municipal district of Nowa Deba has a population of around 11,000 people, which is around the same size as the Fermoy municipal. What they have done in my opinion is a very backward step. No section of the community should be discriminated against. We must respect the rights of all people, Mr McCarthy said. Recently around 100 Polish municipal districts decided to adopt an anti-LGBT status. They govern an area roughly the size of Hungary. "The European Parliament condemned the Polish reaction and I can tell you there are many people in the Fermoy area who were shocked by what the Polish municipal districts did," Mr McCarthy said. Fermoy is also twinned with Ploemeur in north-western France. Contacts between the two towns began in 1982 and their twinning arrangement has been considered on both sides as one of the most successful to have been formed between Ireland and France. Mr McCarthy said his motion is due to be discussed at the next Fermoy Municipal District Council meeting, but he could not say when that might take place as it would depend on the Covid-19 crisis. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Mumbai: Equity benchmark sensex recovers over 1,000 pts from day's low and the Nifty below 8,200 level in afternoon session on thursday as global gloom over the Covid-19 pandemic. However 25 of 30 Sensex stocks in the red. Maruti worst performer, down over 10%. ITC top gainer, up 3%. Benchmark Sensex plummeted over 2,100 points and the Nifty gave up the 7,900 level in opening session. Rupee hits the dreaded 75-mark against the US dollar; trading at record low, down 79 paise After sinking over 2,152 points, the BSE barometer was trading 1812.19 points or 6.28 per cent lower at 27,057.32 at 0930 hours. Similarly, the NSE Nifty was trading 520.85 points, or 6.15 per cent, down at 7,947.95 after dropping below 7,900 in early session. According to traders, European Central Bank's (ECB) EUR 750-billion stimulus package failed to lift investor sentiment, stoking the already-peaking fears of an economic recession. Faced with a growing economic shutdown amid the new coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the ECB on Wednesday announced a surprise EUR 750-billion scheme to purchase government and corporate bonds, as it joined other central banks in stepping up efforts to contain the economic damage from the new coronavirus (Covid-19). Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo plunged up to 8 per cent. Incessant foreign fund outflow also kept domestic market participants risk-averse, traders said. On a net basis, foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 5,085.35 crore on Wednesday, data available with stock exchanges showed. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil futures rose over 1.61 per cent to USD 25.28 per barrel. The number of global Covid-19 infections has shot past 2,00,000. Worldwide fatalities topped 8,000. Cases in India rose to 169 on thursday after 18 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Health Ministry. Bunmi Ajayi, managing director of Megalines, is becoming a well-recognised figure in the Australian insurance industry, having won NIBA s Broker of the Year award in 2015.Beneath his exterior of calm and efficiency, Bunmi has been quietly evolving an automated risk management model for the family day care industry.Outside of the larger day care centres dotted across our cities and regional centres, the industry is going through a boom, with over 20,000 solo-operating family day care providers employed across the nation, all of whom can have up to seven children in their care at any one time. This equates to a market of over 140,000 under-school-age children in the care of family day care providers. Its a significant industry in its own right, and given the growth of dual-income families, is expected to continue to grow steadily in the coming years. Its a model that works well on many fronts, allowing mothers to maintain an income from the comfort of their homes, and in many cases to have the ability to stay at home with their children.From an insurance perspective, all day care providers require liability insurance to operate, including family day care providers who offer childcare services in their own homes. Given the growth explosion in this sector, family day care providers belong to and are administered by their delegated community centres, particularly in the initial set-up of the childcare service and the processing of government funding awarded to carers.Often the process of securing liability insurance can take hours to facilitate and a number of days before a policy is in place.As Megalines business grew, so did the time spent processing 40 to 50 insurance policies a day, which prompted Bunmi to approach this from a new and innovative angle. This resulted in the evolution of the manual model to a fully automated process, which cut time and ensured carers (or educators as they are now more generally described) were receiving immediate cover.Automation of what was once a very manual process, and the commitment to this sector that Bunmi has demonstrated, has led to the rapid growth of Megalines, which is fast becoming a leading provider in the family day care sector. From a relatively small start in Victoria, Bunmi is now servicing hundreds of providers, or coordination units that recruit, coordinate and administer, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government, hundreds of family day care educators, who in turn care for over 5,000 children. Ansvar has been insuring family day care for Megalines since 2007. Consequently, Bunmi has a deep awareness of what we offer in this specialist industry. It was our reputation in this sector, and the knowledge of our specialist teams who understand the specific challenges the childcare industry faces, that assured Bunmi we were the right insurance provider to work with long term.Ansvar commenced working with Bunmi in 2013 to support his vision for automating the policy registration services for family day care providers. Bunmi came to us directly because of Ansvars risk and insurance expertise in the childcare sector. It made sense for both partners philosophically and commercially.One of the challenges for this industry understands the exposure that applies to operators who are looking after young children. The childcare industry requires a controlled and regulated environment, even more so the family day care sector. There are multiple regulations and other requirements that need to be understood, in order to assist operators in minimising and managing risk more effectively.Following a review of state legislation and other regulatory requirements, and audits being undertaken by carers, Bunmi and Ansvar worked together to provide an underwriting solution for family day care operators. Bunmis insight was able to guide us in arranging the facility for the family day care industry.Bunmis brokering business continues to grow from strength to strength, and this is primarily driven by his commitment, passion, and the depth of understanding he has of his customers. That said, Ansvars role plays an important part in the growth of the Megalines business. Our open and honest partnership with Bunmi works so well because it is based on shared values. The key characteristic of our relationship is open and regular communication between all parties.Regardless of the challenge or the issue, Ansvar is always on the front foot in helping Bunmi find the solutions he needs for growing his business and servicing his clients.The automation of the policy sign-up process that Bunmi has worked on with Ansvar is a critical defining factor of Bunmis business success, as this puts him ahead of his competitors, many of whom are still using a manual sign-up process. Automation means Bunmis clients get an immediate response to their policy requests and can be signed up on the spot, which means faster liability cover for carers and hence far less exposure and risk for providers. Ultimately, this leads to better compliance and safer standards for the children in care.However, while automation has helped propel strong growth of Bunmis broker business, his model doesnt just rely on technology solutions. He remains committed to a continuous flow of contact and touchpoints with his clients. His team receives daily reports of online client activity and use this information to remain in touch with them. This strong communication with end users has allowed for an active process of continual improvement since the initial launch of automation two years ago.The drive for continual improvement, coupled with Bunmi and Ansvars understanding of the unique mix and demographics of those in the family day care industry, promises exciting expansion in 2016. Megalines organises risk and insurance roadshows regularly across Australia where they hear first-hand what their customers want from their insurance providers.So successful is Bunmis model, and so great the demand for automated insurance servicing in the family day care sector, that Megalines is now rolling out automation of sign-up to Ansvars family day care product across Australia.Bunmi is a valued partner of Ansvar, and his passion and commitment to the family day care sector is what sets him apart. We are delighted to be able to support him in his ongoing success. Covid-19 is presenting unique and unprecedented challenges for employers who have to grapple with often complex HR and data protection related issues in a rapidly escalating crisis. Employers are anxious to ensure continuity of their business, the health and safety of their employees and compliance with data protection obligations where these arise. Our Employment and Data Protection teams have been advising employers on these issues for a number of weeks and have collated responses to a number of frequently asked questions to assist employers at this time. HR 1. What is the position where an employee cannot attend work as their child's creche/school has closed? Given the Taoiseach's announcement on March 12 that schools will shut down for at least a two-week period until March 29, many employees may not be able to come to work during that period due to the fact they may not have alternative childcare arrangements. It may be possible for the employee to work from home and if so they should be paid as normal. Otherwise, leave arrangements should be explored. Agreement should ideally be reached with the employee regarding the type of leave to be taken. Parental leave may be a workable option. Parents have an entitlement to take up to 22 weeks of unpaid parental leave to care for each child up to 12 years of age (16 years of age in the case of a child with a disability). This leave can be taken by employees in blocks of less than six weeks by agreement with their employer. While there is no legal entitlement to be paid in respect of parental leave, the employee retains all other employment rights such as their annual leave entitlement. Some parents may have the option of availing of parent's leave, which is an entitlement to leave of two weeks for each child under 1 year of age born on or after 1 November 2019. Those taking parent's leave are eligible to apply for Parent's Benefit from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Alternatively, an employee could use their annual leave entitlement, and therefore continue to be paid. Another possibility may be for the employee to 'work-up' paid time off to be taken at a future date or for the employer to simply grant the employee discretionary unpaid leave. Employers should give consideration to all viable options in this scenario, particularly in light of the Government urging employers to endeavour to continue to pay staff where reasonably practicable. 2. What leave can an employee take where they need to take care of a person diagnosed with Covid-19? Many employers can, and do, agree compassionate leave arrangements with staff who need to take short periods of time off to care for another person. These include arrangements to enable employees to work remotely from home, to alter shift-patterns, or to "work-up" time taken. Force majeure leave is paid leave and it is available where for urgent family reasons the immediate presence of the employee is indispensable owing to an illness of a close family member. It does not need to be approved in advance by an employer. A close family member is, generally speaking, a child, partner, parent, grandparent, brother or sister. The maximum amount of leave under statute is three days in any 12-month period, or five days in a 36-month period. Current government guidance has stated that, in the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19, it is expected that employers will, if at all possible, facilitate people by allowing them to take the full 5 days entitlement in one block, as required. It is of course likely the employee will need to self-isolate following any such period and the employee needs to be clear on the status of that subsequent period of leave at the earliest possible opportunity. 3. Are employees entitled to be paid during self-isolation? This has been a topic of much debate. A tripartite agreement was reached between trade unions, employer representative bodies and the government urging all employers to support national health objectives by continuing to pay employees who cannot attend work due to a Covid-19 illness or certified self-isolation. In addition to employer led initiatives, on 17 March 2020 the Government published a bill, the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020, which when enacted will introduce new illness benefit rules for Covid-19 related absences. The Bill increases the amount of illness benefit payable to 305 per week, confirms that it is available from the first day of an absence (instead of being available from day 6), and can be availed of by the self-employed. Where employees are medically certified as having Covid-19, or being a probable source of Covid-19, they will be entitled to this new illness benefit. Where applicable, the payments will be backdated to Monday 9 March 2020. The Bill is expected to be put before the Dail on Friday 20 March 2020 and enacted before the weekend. However, where employees voluntarily self-isolate (i.e. not due to medical certification), they are not entitled to be paid by their employer or claim illness benefit. "Topping-up" illness benefit may not be a viable financial option for some businesses, but employers are being urged to do so to the extent possible. Employers should consider to what extent they can "top-up" where an employee needs to self-isolate and cannot work remotely. If providing top-up pay, the employer should make it clear that it is discretionary, will be kept under review and may be withdrawn at any time. 4. If we need to close our premises for a temporary period or lay off certain employees because they cannot work from home, are staff entitled to be paid? The starting point is that if an employee is medically fit and available to work but their employer does not permit them to work, they're entitled to be paid as normal. However, in certain circumstances, employers may not be in a position to provide work for employees on a temporary basis and seek to lay employees off without pay as a result. Where an employer is only able to provide a reduced workload, they may seek to place employees on short-time. Under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2014 a lay-off situation arises where an employer is unable to provide work for an employee, but believes this to be a temporary situation. It must give notification of the lay-off, which should ideally be in writing, before the lay-off commences. A short-time situation arises where, due to a temporary reduction in the amount of work to be done, an employer pays an employee less than half their normal weekly pay or hours worked are reduced to less than half their normal weekly working hours. The amount of notice of lay-off/short-time to which an employee is entitled is not provided for in statute therefore reasonable notice should be given. What would be considered reasonable would depend on how far in advance the cause and the date of the interruption to normal working are known. In the case of Covid-19, notice of a relatively short duration is likely to be considered reasonable notice. Employees are generally not entitled to be paid while on lay-off. While the Redundancy Payments Acts does not state that lay off is unpaid, it tends to be unless the employee's contract of employment provides for a right to be paid while on lay-off. Employers in this regard tend to rely on the custom and practice of lay-off being unpaid in Ireland. We recommend specific advice is sought before an employer places employees on unpaid lay-off without their consent as the potential for litigation risk does need to be identified and managed. On March 15, the Government issued an announcement asking employers, if at all possible, to continue to pay workers at least the jobseeker rate of 203. Employers who have had to cease trading due to the impact of social distancing, will be able to claim refunds from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. A right to claim redundancy arises where an employee is on lay-off or short-time for a period of 4 or more consecutive weeks or for a period of 6 or more weeks within a period of 13 consecutive weeks. 5. What practical steps should employers be taking at this time? The practical tips below should assist HR managers and employers in meeting health and safety obligations, resource planning and keeping their workforce safe: Assign appropriate members of staff responsibility for keeping the business up to date on latest guidance and coordinating the business's response to Covid-19 matters as they arise. Employers should provide guidance and information to staff on a regular basis as per the latest Government/HSE updates. Ensure all emergency contact details for staff are up to date. Hygiene in the workplace is clearly vitally important. Hand-washing guidelines and alcohol hand sanitiser should be widely available, in addition to further measures, which will vary depending on the nature of the business and should be identified by way of risk assessment. Employers should review their working-from-home or flexible-work policies and make appropriate amendments to make sure they are fit for purpose. Employers should inform themselves of the different statutory/non-statutory leaves that employees might wish to take and, to the extent possible, make sure they adopt a consistent approach when responding to employee requests. If an employer has an Employee Assistance Programme, circulate the contact details and remind employees to mind their mental health and well-being during this time. Implement a travel policy covering both work-related and personal travel plans. Employees should be required to report recent travel abroad (subject to GDPR requirements, see below). Non-essential business travel should be postponed. Data Protection 6. Can an employer require employees and visitors to the workplace to provide details of any travel, exposure to contaminated individuals or flu-like symptoms? An employer may be justified in requesting employees and visitors to inform them of any recent travel and health data, in its effort to prevent or contain the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. However, employers will need to ensure compliance with the GDPR's core data protection principles - transparency, security, data minimisation and accountability - and that they have a clear legal basis under the GDPR to collect such data. 7. How can an employer ensure compliance with their GDPR obligations? Personal Data: Before collecting any travel data relating to an employee or third party, employers need to identify a legal basis for processing such data under Article 6 of the GDPR. It is unlikely that an employee's consent would be a valid legal basis, as such consent may not be freely given in light of the unequal balance of power in the employer/employee relationship. An employer may be able to rely on the "legal obligation" basis under Article 6(1)(c) GDPR or "legitimate interests" basis under Article 6(1)(f). If relying on legitimate interests employers should document their legitimate interest assessment. Visit our Covid-19 vaccine dashboard for updates on the roll out of the vaccination program and the rate of Coronavirus cases Ireland Health Data: Health data is "special category data" under the GDPR. Employers therefore need to identify a legal basis under Article 9 GDPR and/or the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 before asking employees for this information. Guidance from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) and the European Data Protection Board confirms that there are a number of potential legal bases under Article 9 and the DPA 2018 for processing health data, for the purposes of Covid-19 containment. For example, Article 9(2)(b) GDPR and section 46 DPA 2018 permit the processing of health data where necessary and proportionate for the purposes of exercising or performing any right or obligation under Irish employment law - employers are legally obliged to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of their employees. Alternatively, in circumstances where organisations are acting on the guidance or directions of public health authorities, Article 9(2)(i) GDPR and section 53 DPA 2018 is likely to permit the processing of health data where necessary for reasons of public interest in the area of public health, and subject to suitable safeguards. Such safeguards may include limitation on access to the data, strict time limits for erasure, and other measures such as adequate staff training to protect the data protection rights of individuals. In all cases, employers must ensure that the processing is limited to what is necessary and proportionate. DPIA: It would also be prudent for employers to carry out a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) prior to collecting any health data. The GDPR requires a DPIA to be carried out where data processing is likely to result in a "high risk" to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. A DPIA is mandatory where there is large-scale processing of special category data In addition, DPC Guidance on DPIAs requires consideration to be given to carrying out a DPIA in regard to any processing of special category data (regardless of whether it is large-scale). If an employer is of the view that its collection of health data of employees and visitors does not present a high risk to such persons, then it should document its reasons for not carrying out a DPIA. Records: Employers should ensure they keep a record of any decision-making process regarding measures implemented to contain Covid-19, which involve the processing of personal data. 8. Can an employer disclose that an employee has Covid-19 to their colleagues? The identity of an affected employee should not be disclosed to their colleagues or any other third parties unless there is a clear legal basis for such disclosure. An employer would, however, be justified in informing staff that there has been a case, or suspected case of Covid-19 in the company, in order to require them to self-isolate and work from home. An employer should ensure that any internal communications about an employee affected or potentially affected by Covid-19 is limited to the minimum information necessary to ensure the health and safety of their colleagues, and is disclosed only to those who strictly need to know it. An employer may also be required to disclose information about the affected individual to the HSE and/or other public health authorities in order for them to carry out their functions. Such data-sharing should be in compliance with the GDPR. 9. Does a bespoke data privacy notice need to be provided to employees? Employees should be provided with a privacy notice in advance of, or at the time of collection of any personal data, that explains the purpose of collecting any personal data in relation to Covid-19; how long it will be retained for; to whom it will be disclosed, and complies with the other information requirements in Article 13 GDPR. Employers may choose to update existing privacy notices or create a new Covid-19 dedicated privacy notice. 10. What practical steps should employers be taking now from a data protection perspective? Employers should: Ensure that they have documented their legal basis for processing personal data, including in particular processing health related data Regularly review Covid-19 related guidance published by the Data Protection Commission. Review their Data Privacy Notice and update it to ensure it adequately addresses Covid-19 related data processing. Ensure security safeguards are in place in relation to the processing of health data Familiarise themselves with the data breach notification protocols so that, if a data breach occurs, they are in a position to mitigate the associated regulatory risk. Not roll out workplace medical testing (e.g. temperature testing) without carefully considering the associated data protection issues. This article was first published on www.algoodbody.com Photo: Unsplash You can leave your umbrella at home for today, but rainfall is in the forecast for San Antonio starting on Friday, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone. The highest chance of rain is forecast from Friday to Saturday. Friday should see the most rain, with a predicted accumulation of 1.62 inches. Also expect warm temperatures through Friday. Temperatures will turn cooler on Saturday, reaching just 63 degrees. Skies will be cloudy today and mostly cloudy on Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach a modest high of 17 mph on Friday, and continue to be in the teens through Saturday. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Flash Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang [Photo/mfa.gov.cn] Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Wednesday that China always welcomes foreign journalists to do reporting in China in accordance with laws and regulations. China will provide convenience and assistance to them as always, Geng said at a press briefing in response to a question concerning the country's new countermeasures against restrictive measures on Chinese media agencies in the United States. Geng said the countermeasures are necessary and reciprocal measures China was compelled to take in response to the unreasonable oppression the Chinese media organizations experience in the United States, reiterating that China's opening-up policy has not changed and will not change in the future. When asked whether the move would influence China's epidemic information transparency, Geng said China has adopted the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic in an open, transparent and responsible manner and achieved significant results. China has maintained close communication and cooperation with the World Health Organization as well as relevant countries and regions, and shared information with them in a timely manner, the spokesperson said, adding that China's efforts bought precious time for the world and contributed to the global response to the pandemic. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Residents from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and throughout Washtenaw County are all coping with the growing novel coronavirus pandemic in their own way. For many, this means charitable action to help feed and take care of their neighbors, especially as the number of COVID-19 cases doubled from seven to 14 total throughout the county on Thursday, March 19. From protecting wildlife to free meals, here are five more things that residents are doing across Washtenaw County, adding five from yesterday. 5 things that give us hope amid the coronavirus pandemic in Washtenaw County West Side Ann Arbor neighborhoods tackle social distancing with window decor, scavenger hunts If you have a story of a business, organization or person creatively dealing with social distancing and home isolation, or are going above and beyond to help others, please email Samuel Dodge at sdodge@mlive.com. Prepared breakfasts and lunches for students at Central Academy in Ann Arbor. Global Education Excellence, a school community throughout the state and Ohio, is donating thousands of lunches to anybody below the age of 18. Photo courtesy of Rushdi Issa.Courtesy Photo School district preparing lunches for teens and younger adults with special needs Global Education Excellence, a network of schools throughout Michigan and Ohio, is packaging meals for anybody younger than 18, as well as any special needs person under 26. A two-day supply of breakfast and lunch packages are available for distribution on Mondays and Wednesdays, said Rushdi Issa, a teacher and administrator at Central Academy, 2455 S. Industrial Highway in Ann Arbor. On Fridays, the packages supply three days worth of meals for children, Issa said. With locations as close as Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and as far as Detroit and Ohio, Issa estimated group is distributing about 6,000 meals a day, including 1,500 in Washtenaw County. We are providing 100% free and balanced meals, Issa said. Our director, Mr. Mohammad Issa, decided that when we were going to close down, he still wanted to serve the community and help other communities as much as we could. Pickup each day, including halal meals for Muslim families, is available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The service is scheduled until at least April 3. Pickup locations in Washtenaw County are: Global Tech Academy, 1715 E. Forest Ave. in Ypsilanti Forest Knoll, 693 Arbor Dr. in Ypsilanti MIA School Ann Arbor, 2301 Plymouth Road University Townhouses, 3200 Braeburn Circle in Ann Arbor Parkway Meadows, 2575 Sandalwood Circle in Ann Arbor Ibrahim Center, 315 S. Ford Blvd. in Ypsilanti Bilal Center, 4891 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti If you cannot pickup the food at the location, call 734-412-6217 for other arrangements or visit the Global Education Excellence website. A Michigan doe. This is not the deer that tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Gratiot County. Howell Nature Center needs donations to keep injured and infant wildlife alive The Howell Nature Center is requesting funds to maintain staff necessary for rehabilitating injured and newborn wildlife. The organization, which saves more than 4,000 animals in the area every year through its Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, is about to enter the baby season, said Marie Skladd, the centers director of community engagement. Without enough funds to hold onto staff over the next 90 days, approximately 2,500 orphaned and injured wildlife will be without medical care, she said. We will get fawns, hawks, bald eagles, robins, bunnies, cranes, turtles, really anything to do with wildlife, she said. We bring them into our clinic with the goal of caring for them and getting them to a point where we can release them back into the environment. The main source of revenue for organization is school-based nature education camps that about 10,000 children visit a year, Skladd said. With schools closed due to COVID-19 concerns, that revenue is cut off for the time being. Due to the current crisis, most all of our spring school and retreat groups have already canceled scheduled trips to the Nature Center, said CEO John JC Carlson. We are anticipating continued cancellations into June and this funding is critical to supporting all operational and staff resources at the Nature Center. This will clearly put funding for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at risk. To help, you can donate any amount online at howellnaturecenter.org/contact/donate/ or by mail to Howell Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843. Another reason why I love @CottageInn so much - they dropped off 25 ready-to-bake pizzas & garlic cheese bread to the @FoodGatherers Community Kitchen this afternoon. The pizzas will be served hot from the oven for dinner this evening! pic.twitter.com/Kio6gEc4IS Megan Mazurek (@Megan_Mazurek) March 17, 2020 Cottage Inn Pizza, other businesses donating food to Ann Arbor agency Cottage Inn Pizza in Ann Arbor donated 25 ready-to-bake pizzas and garlic cheese bread to Food Gatherers, an Ann Arbor-based food distributor, on Tuesday night, March 17. According to the organization, Cottage Inn is not the only business or nonprofit to reach out to help. The hospitality community has been reaching out and offering to help in many ways, including donating meals to the community kitchen and getting meals to children and seniors, according to a message sent to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Others are donating extra product to our warehouse. Food Gatherers confirmed last week that it will continue its operations and distribute food to people in the community during the coronavirus outbreak, as it does with other emergencies. Our services may be expanded and/or modified to best address our communitys needs as the public health situation develops, but we will continue providing food, the agency stated in a message Friday, March 13. Ann Arbor agencies aim to continue food-security programs amid coronavirus outbreak There are several ways to assist Food Gatherers, including: Donating funds for emergency food needs online at foodgatherers.org/donate or by phone at 734-761-2796. Donating food between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its 1 Carrot Way location in Ann Arbor. For more information, visit foodgatherers.org/givefood Lunches with Love: These are pre-packed meal bags the community can pickup. Volunteer help is needed, so to support this initiative, visit foodgatherers.org/lunches or foodgatherers.org/volunteer Refer someone looking for food to foodgatherers.org/needfood or have them call Food Gatherers at 734-761-2796 to point out locations serving emergency meals. Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels For those needing food in the Ypsilanti area, Meals on Wheels is attempting to fill the hunger gap. You can provide financial support to feed residents stuck in their home due to coronavirus precaution. Every donation of $35 provides a recipient with five days of meals. You can donate at ymow.org/make-a-donation. The Ypsilanti nonprofit also needs delivery volunteers to not make seniors or home-restricted individuals expose themselves to the outside world. Learn more at ymow.org/covid-19. Volunteer signups are online at mow.org/volunteer. Nurses crafting 1,000 personal protection masks at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Nurses at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital are making sure at least one medical supply is not running low. Despite the additional work of supporting potential COVID-19 cases, nurses crafted more than 1,000 personal protective masks using material from area craft stores, according to Diane Hunt, a Farmington Hills-based lawyer who graduated from the University of Michigan Law School whose sister works at the hospital. We owe a thousand thank yous to the medical staff at all our hospitals and care facilities, she said. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. To read more on MLive: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has reacted to the ban placed on churches and mosques by the Lagos and Ogun government... The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has reacted to the ban placed on churches and mosques by the Lagos and Ogun governments on Wednesday. The government of Lagos state placed a ban on all religious gatherings involving over 50 worshippers. The Government took the decision in agreement with religious leaders in the State, following the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 disease. However, RCCG, in a statement on Wednesday night instructed its branches with the average of fifty members or less, to go on with their services. In a memo by Folorunsho Odesola, RCCG assistant general-overseer of administration and personnel, the church said it was taking the step to curtail the spread of the virus. He said parishes that have an average attendance of 50 members or less can hold their service without making any changes while those that have over 50 members should run simultaneous services with the main church through their house fellowship centres. Parishes that have the facility to run more than one service can also do so, under the strict directive that worshippers wont exceed 50 people per service, he said. In adherence to the government instructions, the RCCG said churches that have the capacity to run more than one service should go on making sure members do not exceed 50. Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the church, sparked off controversy on social media after commenting on the outbreak. In a video he shared online on Wednesday, the cleric said coronavirus would not afflict those who serve God wholehearted. I want to assure you that theres no virus thatll come near you at all because it is written that he who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadows of the almighty, he said. I believe that this is a time for God to show you that theres a difference between those who serve him wholeheartedly and those who do not. It shall be well with you. Youll have peace and good health. Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has been criticised over unfulfilled promises to produce ventilators as manufacturers adopt drastic measures to meet the demands of the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, General Motors and Ford Motors confirmed that they had entered discussions with the governments of the United States and United Kingdom to produce medical equipment. With hospital supplies across the US and Europe set to struggle with the estimated demand for lifesaving ventilator equipment, governments have urged manufacturers to step up. The US has around 160,000 ventilators with 12,700 more in the National Strategic Stockpile. Thomas R. Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the Obama administration, told The New York Times that In a worst-case scenario it would be very difficult to have a sufficient number. In a press conference on Wednesday, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said that at the current rate of infection there could be a need for 37,000 ventilators in New York in the next 45 days. The state has a supply of 3,000. On Twitter, Mr Musk denied that there was a ventilator shortage after saying Tesla will make ventilators if there is a shortage. Questioned by Nate Silver, FiveThirtyEights editor-in-chief, on the number of Tesla-manufactured ventilators to date, Mr Musk said: Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly. Which hospitals have these shortages you speak of right now? The Tesla plant in Fremont, California, continues to operate with a reduced workforce. On Tuesday, county officials confirmed that Tesla could maintain basic minimum operations. Officials had originally declared motor manufacturing to be non-essential during the lockdown in six counties of California, before exempting Tesla Motors. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 13:24:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Medics from north China's Tianjin Municipality wave goodbye before their departure in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi) WUHAN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- No new infections of the novel coronavirus were reported on Wednesday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the deadly virus. The Health Commission of Hubei Province, where Wuhan is the capital, said the virus' death toll climbed by eight in the province, but the total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan and Hubei remained at 50,005 and 67,800 on Wednesday. No increase was observed in the province's number of suspected cases, which fell to zero on Tuesday, in another indication that large-scale transmissions have been suppressed at the epidemic ground zero. Previously, the central Chinese province had reported single-digit increases of new infections, all of which were from Wuhan, for a week in a row since last Wednesday. A month ago, the figure was several thousand a day. The province also saw 795 patients discharged from hospital after recovery on Wednesday, reducing its caseload of hospitalized patients to 6,636, including 1,809 in severe condition and 465 in critical condition. With no new cases in Wuhan, the Chinese mainland on Wednesday reduced the increase in domestic transmissions to zero. The country now faces a greater threat of infections imported from overseas, which jumped by 34 on Wednesday. The clearing of new infections in Wuhan came earlier than previously predicted, but it is still too early to let down our guard, said Zhang Boli, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and one of the leading experts advising on the epidemic fight in Hubei. Arduous work still lies ahead as China strengthens its defence against imported cases from abroad, treats thousands of patients still in serious or critical condition and rehabilitates those discharged from hospitals, Zhang said. "CUNNING VIRUS" The novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan in December as a new pathogen facing mankind. Before its traits were fully understood, the virus had cut a swath of infections among Wuhan's unsuspecting public, before jumping from the transportation hub to other parts of China via the largest seasonal human migration ahead of the Spring Festival. The Chinese leadership has described the COVID-19 outbreak as the most difficult to contain since the founding of the People's Republic of China and "a big test" for the country. Medical experts said the virus is more contagious, though less deadly, than the SARS virus that belongs to the same coronavirus family. Globally, the SARS virus infected 8,422 people and killed 919 between 2002 and 2003. "We still have insufficient knowledge of the novel coronavirus. What we already know is it's a very cunning virus with a long incubation period," said Wang Daowen, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan. "We still found the virus from the anus, if not from the lungs, of one patient after he was hospitalized for 50 days," said Wang, who was among the first medical experts joining the treatment of COVID-19. "Usually, a virus should vanish from one's body in two weeks." TURNING TIDE China began to see a drop in the number of COVID-19 patients on Feb. 18, after the number of recovered patients surged and new cases declined. By late February, the virus had withdrawn from most territories on the Chinese mainland, with only single-digit daily increases of infections in areas outside Wuhan. On March 6, the epidemic epicenter Wuhan slashed the daily increase of confirmed cases to below 100, down from a peak of more than 14,000 in early February. Bruce Aylward, who led the China-WHO joint mission on COVID-19, said the outbreak in China had come down "faster than would have been expected." On March 11, the daily increase of locally transmitted infections dropped to single digits for the first time on the Chinese mainland. The virus has so far caused a total of 80,928 infections and 3,245 fatalities, defying earlier predictions by foreign researchers of a more extensive national outbreak. Behind the downward trends were a raft of strong measures taken by the Chinese government, including canceling mass events, closing scenic attractions, suspending long-distance buses and asking hundreds of millions of Chinese to stay indoors to minimize infection risks. On Jan. 23, Wuhan declared unprecedented traffic restrictions, including suspending the city's public transport and all outbound flights and trains, in an attempt to contain the epidemic within its territory. The situation in Wuhan and its nearby cities was grim. Officials said more than 3,000 medics in Hubei contracted the virus at the early stage of the outbreak due to limited knowledge of the virus. Many families lost multiple loved ones. Following reports of overloaded local hospitals, more than 42,000 medical staff, including those from the military, were dispatched to Hubei from across the country. At the peak of the fight, one in 10 intensive care medics in China were working in Wuhan. Fleets of trucks carrying aid goods and displaying banners of "Wuhan be strong!" rushed to the city from all corners of the country. Under a "pairing-up support" system, each city in Hubei is taken care of by at least one provincial-level region. To ensure the timely admission of patients, two hospitals with a total of 2,600 beds were built from scratch in Wuhan within a few days, and 16 temporary hospitals were converted from gyms and exhibition centers to add 13,000 beds. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) capacity in Wuhan reached 24,000 patients a day. Testing is made free and treatment fees are covered by China's basic medical insurance. Huang Juan, 38, witnessed the first few days of chaos and despair at local hospitals before calm and order gradually set in amid the influx of support. Huang recalled the hospitals were packed with patients -- over 100 patients were waiting for the injection but only one nurse was around. Every day, her mother who had a fever on the eve of the Spring Festival in late January waited 10 hours to be injected. Cui Cui (pseudonym), 57, also testified to the improving situation. The Wuhan resident was transferred to the newly built Huoshenshan (Fire God Mountain) Hospital as her sickness worsened on Feb. 10. Instead of paranoia in the military-run hospital that treats severe cases, she found a calm ambiance. "Doctors and nurses there called me 'auntie' instead of 'patient' and spent time chatting with me to ease my anxiety," said Cui, who was discharged after recovering on Feb. 26. Continuing the journey towards the creation of a single source of truth is RMA Groups leading technology priority in 2020, as the global business solutions specialist ramps up its digital transformation efforts. The aggregation of data from multiple systems within the organisation to a single location is part of a widespread standardisation process at the Bangkok-based business, spearheaded by Alex Konnaris as group CIO. Central to such efforts is the introduction of new enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to better leverage centralised information systems, with the target of reducing the number of manual processes currently in place. We are largely in the standardisation stage of our digital transformation, said Konnaris. Increasing the number and scope of dashboards is also a key priority, allowing senior management to access accurate data and gain insights from automated analysis at their fingertips. According to Konnaris, however, the standardisation and mapping of business processes should be driven by the organisation as a whole, not the IT department. Often employees are so busy doing operational tasks that they do not have time or the drive to focus on process standardisation and improvement, he observed. Change management must be driven from the top, empowering resources allocation and decision makers. New systems should fit well in to the start small, think big concept, to allow for confidence building, through proof of concept before scaling up. Legacy systems can present roadblocks but as long as this has been achieved, it should be manageable. RMA started out supplying goods and equipment to the government, non-profit organisations and private contractors in Cambodia and Vietnam during the 1980s. The business soon became known for demonstrating expertise in establishing high quality distribution and service support networks, in addition to helping build infrastructure. Today, core operations centre around automotive retail, manufacturing and parts distribution, fleet management, sales and distribution of heavy equipment, power generation as well as food franchises and engineering services. The company has over 7800 employees, operating in 14 countries, with subsidiaries including RMA Automotive, Global Fleet Sales, Minecorp, Comin Asia and Express Food Group. From a technology perspective, we usually look for opportunities to make incremental changes, added Konnaris, in reference to how technology fits into the companys wider business strategy. This isnt always a fit for all projects and technology, but it can significantly help with managing change and staying close to budget. We also believe that behaviours are generally more important than capabilities, although the ability to learn and adapt is key. Tech ambitions As group CIO, Konnaris holds responsibility for two core technology divisions within RMA: Group IT Operations and Group Business Systems. IT Operations delivers and maintains IT infrastructure such as servers, workstations, telephony, website and application hosting, internet and office suites, while Business Systems provides analysis and ERP solutions. We measure ourselves in a quantitative way, he explained. Metrics are related to service uptime, outstanding issues, cost savings, adherence to budget but ultimately, we are measured by the sentiment of our business customers. To meet his CEOs expectations of supporting business growth while maintaining a standard of excellence, Konnaris sees cloud computing as the leading opportunity for CIOs today, complemented by data and artificial intelligence (AI). The use of cloud services is to reduce risk, increase manageability and scalability, he said. Whether on the infrastructure or ERP side, cloud solutions are providing huge benefits in the way that information systems are deployed and managed, allowing more time to gain insights into data and systems, in addition to spending less time creating and/or maintaining data and systems. In terms of data insights, technology is providing multiple ways to achieve results, with AI being the technology leader right now. AI is the culmination of many layers of analysis involving both humans and technology but the advancements in compute power, analytical templates and the abundance of data storage are making AI a reality for anyone with a data source. Not everyone sees things the same way, though, and Konnaris says that in Southeast Asia it is common to hear people say that cloud services are less secure than on-premises systems but always cheaper. These two challenges are interesting because the former is a perceived negative and the latter is a perceived positive and in reality, they are often the other way around. For Konnaris, cloud services often have a great deal more infrastructure, monitoring, policies and processes supporting such a strong foundation, whereas legacy systems can represent a compromise and therefore actually cost less. Different organisations will have a different appetite for security, performance and scalability and the urgency to journey to the cloud might be quite different based on initial perceptions, he accepted. Personally, I have taken some time to observe the developments, learn about the new landscapes and try to judge the right time to transform with the least cost and disruption. For Konnaris, security is something not to be neglected: We have seen a large increase in cyber-attacks on all levels and we are making great progress with monitoring and detection. This can be attributed to the large increase in compute power, tools and storage, the dark web is providing organised and opportunistic automated attacks. Secrets of a successful career in IT Since an early age, Konnaris has held a passion for the sciences. While computers featured along the way, the industry executive started his career in the automotive sector, carrying out engine lubricant research and development at Castrol. A switch to core IT soon materialised during the early 2000s, with Konnaris who joined RMA in September 2006 drawing on more than 20 years of technology market experience, 15 years of which spent in Bangkok. My advice to aspiring IT leaders is to be humble and remember that those around us may not have the technical knowledge or experience required to have a clear vision of what we are delivering to them, he said. Another is start small, think big: break everything into small, modular tasks but keep an eye on the big picture. This is often an advantage with cloud services, especially via pay as you go as you can efficiently create a proof of concept before taking developments further. Looking back on over two decades of IT leadership, Konnaris said that the hardest things in his career have involved starting projects with a blank sheet of paper, tasked with creating a concept from the ground-up. But I would say that my greatest achievement was developing a low cost branch office template that could work anywhere in the world, he recalled. This also had to provide a robust and efficient office experience for users, no matter the challenges of the physical location, the level of local IT support or the budget. Aligned to the philosophy of do the next thing, next, Konnaris cited virtualisation as the most defining era of his career, a shift in market dynamics which has ultimately triggered the rise of cloud computing. On its own, virtualisation has greatly reduced the amount of time we spend setting up and configuring hardware and has allowed us to become hardware agnostic, he said. FP Trending Although circulation of fake news is harmful to the society at all times, the risk involved increases by many folds when it happens during a pandemic. In order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is imperative that unverified and false messages are not shared among masses. To contribute to this cause, popular messaging app WhatsApp has taken up two initiatives. The Facebook-owned enterprise will donate $1 million to International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Also, WhatsApp launched a 'Coronavirus Information Hub' in partnership with IFCN, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). The $1 million grant will help in working for the project called CoronaVirusFacts/DatosCoronaVirus alliance, created by IFCN in January this year. The alliance has over 100 fact-checkers working from 45 nations. WhatsApps donation will help the fact-checks reach a greater audience and clear their heads out of the surge of misinformation that clouds the social media, said Baybars Orsek, director of the IFCN. The information hub can be accessed at whatsapp.com/coronavirus which would provide guidelines on how to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the top pointers ask people to connect remotely, choose a reliable source of information and help prevent the spread of rumours. It will provide a platform for community leaders such as healthcare professionals, teachers, NGOs and local businesses to connect with their community. At least 160 people have tested positive in India for the deadly virus that originated from Chinas Wuhan city. Three people have been killed due to coronavirus in the country. Two women were hospitalized with the suspicion for Covid-19 in Donetsk region, where one case of the infection with coronavirus was spotted. They returned from Egypt as 112 Ukraine reported citing Head of Department Oleksandr Fedenko. During the past 24 hours, two more people were hospitalized from Kostyantynivka; a woman with a child who returned from Egypt, and a woman was hospitalized to Myrnohrad and she also returned from Egypt with the signs of the acute viral respiratory infection. Currently, the examination takes place, the biological materials will be collected and passed to the state Public Healthcare Center of the Healthcare Ministry in the laboratory, Fedenko said. Acting Head of Donetsk Regional Laboratory Center of the Healthcare Ministry Vasyl Honcharenko added that all people who contacted with diseased at work, place of residence will be established in Mariupol. As we reported, Ukraine has reached the second level of transmission of coronavirus infection - domestic. Besides, the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) made a decision to close the checkpoints at the contact line in Donbas from March 21. As we reported, the World Health Organization has announced the start of testing of the vaccine against SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus. Klimawandel in Gronland : Vom Eise befreit Noch ist Gronland kein grunes Land. Doch das immer warmer werdende Klima verandert die Insel und das Leben ihrer Bewohner. Ein Mann lauft alleine durch Tasillaq. Bild: Lucas Jackson/Reuters In Gronland wird es immer warmer und das ewige Eis schmilzt schneller, als Wissenschaftler bisher vorausgesagt haben. Mit dem schwindenden Eis schwindet auch die Lebensgrundlage vieler Menschen: der traditionelle Fischfang und die Jagd mit den Schlitten und Hunden wird, bei immer bruchiger werdendem Eis, ein unmogliches Unterfangen. Touristen kommen nur noch, um einen letzten Blick auf die schwindenden Eismassen zu erhaschen. Mit dem sich andernden Klima, andert sich auch das Leben der Menschen in Gronland radikal. Fotograf Lucas Jackson hat die Arbeit eines der letzten Robbenfanger Gronlands in Fotos festgehalten und schenkt uns gleichzeitig einen Blick auf eine Generation von jungen Gronlandern, deren Lebensplanung und Zukunft langst den Gesetzen des Klimawandels untersteht. Lucas Jackson hat uns einige Fragen zu seinem Projekt in Gronland und seiner Arbeit im Allgemeinen beantwortet: First of all wed be interested to know what you experienced during the photo shoot and what made you pick that particular theme? The story came about after a general call for climate change stories at Reuters, its a subject that we are trying to cover better so this is a result of that desire to find more stories within that larger theme. I was led to Greenland after contacting NASA about their current projects and they introduced me to the Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) project to use radar to map the growth or shrinkage of Greenlands glaciers. From there I reached out to a number of scientists to find someone studying the glaciers in the field and came across Oceanographer David Holland and his work. In the field it was basically working as hard as possible to document what these scientists are doing to understand our changing climate and to document the things they see from their perspective. When I traveled with OMG we were based in Iceland and flew over Greenland a couple of times so it was like taking an 8 hour flight to the same airport you left from. In Greenland with David Holland and his team it was a lot more work in the field where I slept in a tent and documented them as they worked to maintain their monitoring equipment and sustain themselves for a week on cliffs above the Helheim glacier in Greenland. Glaciers tend to move slowly so I tried a lot of time lapse photos and letting my camera record overnight but I wound up getting some amazing footage of a calving glacier because I was prepared before it happened and only had to hit record. When and where were you born, where have you been educated und what are stages of your professional career? I was born in 1978 in Colorado. I grew up on a ranch in Quemado, New Mexico and went to university at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon where I got a degree in mathematics. From there I worked a number of jobs before starting as a professional photojournalist in the early 2000s. I would hope I am still in the early stage of my career because I feel like there are a million things I still want to do and photograph. I have been at Reuters for 12 years so in that time my role has changed a number of times and its taken that long to really kind of figure out how to make things happen. What is your standard camera equipment? Is there any special or favorite gear? I use Canon equipment for the most part. I usually walk around with two camera bodies that have a 24-70mm lens and 70-200mm lens but on this specific trip I did several days where I would force myself to work with one camera and a 35mm f1.8 lens. Most of my favorite images were all taken with this lens because it forces you to compose in a very finite space. I also took some really nice aerial images of icebergs using either my Canon 1DXMKII and a 70-200 from a helicopter or a DJI Inspire One Pro drone that I brought with me to get a different angle of things. My favorite or most important gear on trips like this is actually my shoes and clothes. You have to be warm, dry, and comfortable to work when its cold and wet out! How do you process/edit your images? What particular darkroom technique, software or apps do you utilize? I use pretty basic tools. I browse most of the time with Photo Mechanic to edit things down into different themes or collections. For toning on a project like this I use Llightroom to do some basic toning before bringing images into Photoshop to make sure the color looks ok and maybe use levels and curves to tone them. Its a pretty simple post-production and Reuters has strict guidelines about what we can do so there are no crazy apps or workflows. Do you have photographic role models? This is a toughie, I wouldnt say any single photographer but I take a lot of inspiration from Sebastian Salgados work and its cinematic quality. I am actually constantly inspired by peers and projects that come from all over, lately most climate stories have some excellent visuals to go with them so thats inspiring for me. Is there a portfolio or photobook that inspired you? Salgados Workers and Genesis are amazing. The work that Paul Nicklen has done for a very long time is also really amazing, he has covered a lot of different aspects of something that is difficult to visualize. Where can one find more of your photographic work? My Twitter and Instagram is lucas_jackson_, but I need to get better at posting content there. I also have a portal at Reuters with a number of my best projects, the address for that is: https://widerimage.reuters.com/photographer/lucas-jackson Please feel free to share, what you think is worthwhile information for a wide readership of photo enthusiasts. The equipment is not that important. Cameras have really hit a point where the quality is amazing for even small, inexpensive cameras. Its important to put yourself in a position to take pictures that tell the story you are trying to tell. For me its informing people or showing them things that they might not see themselves, pictures are still the best way to do that and its what keeps me going. For the first time after the deadly coronavirus broke out about three months ago in Wuhan, China on Thursday said that no new domestic cases of the COVID-19 were confirmed, including in the virus' epicentre, even as eight more fatalities have been reported, taking the death toll in the country to 3,245. China's National Health Commission (NHC) in its daily report said that no new domestically transmitted cases of the novel coronavirus disease were reported on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday. However, a total of 34 new COVID-19 cases were reported on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday, all of which were from those arriving from abroad, marking a sharp increase, it said. Of the 34 newly imported cases, 21 were reported in Beijing, nine in Guangdong Province, two in Shanghai, one in Heilongjiang Province and one in Zhejiang Province, the NHC said. Capital of the central Hubei Province Wuhan, which bore the brunt of the coronavirus since the outbreak originated in December last year, also reported zero cases on Wednesday, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle with the deadly virus. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show The Health Commission of Hubei Province said the total confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease in Wuhan and Hubei remained at 50,005 and 67,800 respectively on Wednesday with no confirmed cases. Also on Wednesday, eight deaths and 23 newly suspected cases were reported on the mainland. All deaths were reported in Hubei Province, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 80,928 by the end of Wednesday. This included 3,245 people who died of the disease 7,263 patients and 70,420 patients discharged after recovery. The NHC said the number of imported cases in China rose to 189 with 34 confirmed cases from the people arriving from abroad. China has reported a total of 80,928 confirmed cases of the COVID-19, of which 3,245 have died and 70,420 patients were discharged after treatment. By the end of Wednesday, 192 confirmed cases including four deaths had been reported in Hong Kong, 15 confirmed cases in the Macao and 100 in Taiwan including one death, the NHC said. The coronavirus outbreak has killed 8,809 people and infected 21,8631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. Minister for Health Simon Harris stated that there is a role for everyone during the Covid-19 pandemic. 24,000 medical personnel have signed up to help the national emergency thus far, Minister Harris stated on RTE Sean O'Rourke's show today. The HSE requires the help from professionals across a variety of fields, not just those with medical experience. Harris stated that people who come forward and apply for these roles will either benefit from three month contracts or permanent roles within the health service. The health service is expecting an exponential rise in cases in the coming days and weeks, with 15,000 cases expected by the end of March 2020. Medical workers who left Ireland due to poor wages and the lack of permanent positions are returning from abroad to help their country during this time of crisis. Harris promised that these workers will be paid and outlined the need for more Irish medical talent to stay in Ireland. Harris outlined that there will be many volunteers during this time, but that primarily the HSE want to hire people and ultimately remove some people from unemployment. Minister Harris outlined the agreement made with private hospitals as there is "no room for private versus public in a global pandemic". Talks are ongoing with prominent Irish companies who produce ventilators and other medical devices. Currently, the HSE have access to 300 ventilators, but those figures are expected to increase in the coming weeks. Irish tourists stranded in Peru are pleading with the Government and Foreign Affairs to help repatriate them back to Ireland. Hundreds of Irish and UK citizens are currently stuck in the south American country after it shut its borders over the Coronavirus outbreak. The military have been deployed to the streets to enforce curfews while travel bans are also in place. The Irish embassy in Chile advised stranded citizens to book an emergency flight back to London- at a cost of around 3,000- which has been described as "extortionate". A Dublin couple grounded in the city of Cusco have said they now need the Irish Government to guarantee flights back to Europe for those stuck in Peru. Jayne Ryan and Ronan Carey, from Lucan, first flew to south America in late February, before a Coronavirus case was even confirmed in Ireland. They had planned to travel through the continent over the next three months but say their only aim is to get back to Ireland. "We were in the (Andes) mountains on a trek when the announcement came through about the country going into lockdown. People got 24 hours notice but we weren't even told until later that day. "We were lucky to make it to Cusco, but we're now only allowed out of the hostel room on a rota for meals, or to leave to go to the pharmacy or supermarket," they told the Herald/Irish Independent. "The problem is there is no guarantee of a flight out. People have to express interest, and at that the email from the embassy says there are only 250 seats. In one group alone for stranded Irish and UK people there's 600 people in it, so even if you're lucky enough to maybe get a flight you are still paying too much. "We're not looking for free flights but the price is extortionate, we just want a reasonable option to get home" the couple added. They are currently in Cusco, a city near the Andes mountains and around 20 hours from the capital of Lima. On Tuesday Irish citizens were told that a possible flight operated by Colombian airline Avianca was being considered and that costs would also cover "negotiating permissions from the authorities". In an email- sent by the Irish embassy in Santiago, Chile as there is no embassy in Peru- tourists were told that this does not cover onward travel from London. Stranded citizens were also informed that they had a deadline to register their interest for the planned flight from Lima. The flight is"likely to be $3,000- $3,500 (2,780- 3,240) one way economy" with business class seats available at a cost of $7,500 (6,945). "We understand that Avianca are considering putting in place a charter from Lima to London this weekend for stranded tourists," the Irish embassy said. "They will also put in place a connecting flight from Cusco to Lima to connect with this London flight. They say they can only commit to this charter once they know that there is sufficient demand. "We are told this price range reflects the cost of bringing a sufficiently large plane (capacity: 250 pax) to Peru, a connecting smaller flight from Cusco, and what is involved in negotiating permissions from the authorities. "This is the only charter option that we are aware of that is likely to be available direct to London at this point," the embassy's email adds. The Department of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for a comment. On Sunday, the country's president Martin Vizacarra announced that Peru would close its borders to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, and called on citizens to self-quarantine for 15 days. At the time Peru had 71 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and the number has since doubled. The Department of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advice for south America earlier this week urging people to avoid non-essential travel to the area. Restrictions of movement have also been tightened across Peru, with a curfew in place between 8pm and 5am, while non-essential travel outside of those hours is also restricted. Peru's interior minister, Carlos Moran, said the curfew is being enforced by the police and military. There have been 500 interventions since the state of emergency began. There are 35 detainees in police stations nationwide. "Citizens who must leave due to an emergency during the curfew must carry a flag or a white handkerchief. If they have a vehicle, they must have car headlights, and interior lights on, and drive at less than 30km/h," he told local media. Most of New Yorks museums and art galleries have closed, but the city remains full of aesthetic destinations that can be experienced outdoors and alone. While were all facing a lot more time apart from one another, Ive been thinking back to the long, solitary walks I used to take, and the monuments, buildings and public art works that served me as both friends and destinations. Whether I was living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan or in the other boroughs, there was always some interesting sight nearby to occasion a reflective journey. In the early days of the pandemic, a friend sent me a sermon that C.S. Lewis preached to incoming Oxford scholars in 1939. In it, Lewis argues that catastrophes like war only make more obvious the permanent human condition, which is to live in the shadow of certain death. But he also suggests that the attention we devote to cultural pursuits in spite of that shadow is exactly what makes us human. As we navigate these challenging times, Ive been reflecting on some of the treasures and small delights that inhabit our collective urban backyard. These are places to go for a reprieve from the increasingly dire news alerts or just a break from your new home office but please, if you do, maintain your social distance. Advertisement Five more Italian doctors have died from coronavirus, bringing the death doll among medics in the country to 13 as it was revealed 2,629 health workers have been infected. Initially three new fatalities were named as Luigi Ablondi, former general manager of Crema hospital, Giuseppe Finzi, a hospital doctor in Cremona and a general practitioner in Bergamo called Antonino Buttafuoco. Then later today it emerged another two medical workers had passed away from the illness, the Italian national federation of doctors guilds said. More than 2,600 medical workers have been infected with coronavirus in Italy - 8.3 per cent of the country's total cases, it emerged last night, as the government extended lockdown measures beyond the start of April today. There has been growing concerns about the safety of front-line medical staff who come into regular contact with infected patients. Dr Buttafuoco, who tested positive for the virus, was unable to overcome the symptoms of the disease and passed away yesterday at the age of 66. Dr Giuseppe Finzi, 62, worked at University Hospital of Parma and had previously run for mayor of Soragna, local media report. Dr Luigi Ablondi died at the Cremasco hospital, which he had run for 11 years, on Monday at the age of 66, according to Il Nuovo Torrazzo. Luigi Ablondi, 66, the former general manager of Crema hospital died at the Cremasco hospital on Monday, it was revealed today Italian doctors Giuseppe Finzi (left) and Antonino Buttafuoco (right) both died of coronavirus, it was announced today Luigi Frusciante (left) and Giuseppe Lanati (right), who were in their 70s, both came out of retirement in order to help fight the growing coronavirus crisis in their communities It was also announced that pneumologist at Sant'Anna hospital in Como, Giuseppe Lanati, and GP Luigi Frusciante, who was a GP in Sagnino, had died on Sunday. Both Lanati, 73, and Frusciante, 71, had come out of retirement to help their community during the coronavirus crisis, which had hit Italy harder than any other country outside China. Previously doctors Raffaele Giura and Franco Galli also died of coronavirus, local media reported last week. The latest figures on infected healthcare workers were released by a health foundation which said the 'huge number' of infected medics showed that procedures and protection equipment for doctors were 'still inadequate'. The problem is far worse than in China, because '8.3 per cent is more than double the percentage of the Chinese cohort', the Gimbe foundation's president Nino Cartabellotta told Italian media. According to the figures, which are drawn from official data, the number of infected medics has risen by more than 1,500 just in the last eight days. The figure of 2,629 infected medical professionals means that nearly 0.3 per cent of Italy's health workers have caught the disease - taking them out of service when they are desperately needed. 'No more talking: adequately protect those who must protect us,' Cartabellotta urged last night. It came as Italy recorded a record 4,207 infections and 475 new deaths from the virus yesterday, squashing hopes that the unprecedented national lockdown was beginning to slow the spread of the pathogen. Prime minister Giuseppe Conte has now warned that quarantine measures 'must be extended beyond their original deadline'. Some had initially been due to expire as early as next Wednesday. A coronavirus patient lies on his front in an intensive care unit at the Oglio Po hospital in Cremona today. Researchers believe lying face down can raise survival rates in intensive care by improving oxygen levels in the blood Medical staff collect a patient from an ambulance at a hospital in Rome earlier this week - with more than 2,600 medical workers infected across Italy, adding to the country's crisis Health workers in face masks work in a crowded area outside the Spedali di Brescia hospital in Italy, amid warnings that protection equipment and procedures for doctors are 'inadequate' A triage department of the Spedali di Brescia hospital shows the first recovery of patients suspected of having coronavirus Pope Francis during a solitary mass today at the chapel of the Santa Marta guest house in the Vatican where he lives This graph published by the Gimbe foundation showed that the number of infected medical workers has risen sharply New cases per day in Italy: The number of daily cases was fairly stagnant at the start of this week, settling down at around 3,500 new patients per day 99% of people who died from virus had previous health problems More than 99 per cent of Italian virus deaths so far are patients who had previous health conditions, a study by the country's health authority suggests. Research into 355 deaths showed that only three of the victims, 0.8 per cent, had no pre-existing health problems. Nearly half of them - 48.5 per cent - had three or even more health conditions before they were infected with coronavirus. Another 25.6 per cent had two other 'pathologies', while 25.1 per cent had one. The research is consistent with previous findings that people with existing medical problems are more likely to die if they catch the coronavirus. According to the Italian study, the most common of these problems include high blood pressure and heart disease. Some 76.1 per cent of the dead patients had previously had problems with high arterial blood pressure, the study found. More than a third - 35.5 per cent - had diabetes, while 33.0 per cent had ischemic heart disease. Nearly a quarter, 24.5 per cent, had suffered from atrial fibrillation. Less common examples included dementia and liver disease. The study also found that the average age of people who died from the virus was 79.5. Again, that is consistent with previous findings that older people are more vulnerable to the disease. Advertisement Italy's 475 new deaths are the largest number that any country, even China, has reported in a single day since the outbreak began late last year. The previous record high of 368 deaths was also recorded in Italy, on Sunday. The mounting death toll forced the army to intervene in the city of Bergamo yesterday to transport dozens of coffins out of the city. The local crematorium has been overwhelmed by the crisis with staff handling 24 bodies a day, twice the usual maximum. Italy's new surge in cases, which takes the total to 35,713, puts an end to four days of stalling infection numbers and dampens hopes that the quarantine is working. Italians have been ordered to stay indoors, with schools and universities shut, shops closed except for grocery stores and pharmacies, and heavy restrictions on travel. However, officials warn there is a lag time between the lockdown being imposed and its effects becoming noticeable in the figures. 'The main thing is, do not give up,' Italian National Institute of Health chief Silvio Brusaferro said in a nationally televised press conference. 'It will take a few days before we see the benefits' of containment measures, said Brusaferro. 'We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable.' Imposed nationally on March 12, the shutdown of most Italian businesses and a ban on public gatherings were initially due to expire on March 25 with schools shut until April 3. But prime minister Giuseppe Conte said today that the lockdown will be extended beyond the April 3 deadline. 'The measures we have taken... must be extended beyond their original deadline,' Conte told Thursday's edition of the Corriere della Sera newspaper. A top government minister hinted yesterday that the school closure could be extended well into next month, if not longer. This beach in Amalfi was empty despite the sunshine today with Italy remaining under an unprecedented national lockdown Health workers take a patient on a wheelchair into an ambulance outside a hospital in Brescia in northern Italy this week Hospital workers prepare coffins at the Ponte San Pietro hospital in Bergamo on Tuesday, in the province of Lombardy which has been the worst-affected region of Italy Medics and paramedics from China arrived in Milan on Wednesday. The 37-strong team of doctors and paramedics will be deployed to hospitals in Italy's most affected areas, bringing with them 20 tons of equipment to combat coronavirus Layoffs banned and rents reduced in Italian economic plan Companies are barred from laying off workers and rents have been reduced under Italy's economic survival plan. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte hailed his 25billion (23bn), 127-point programme as the 'Italian model' that the rest of Europe could adopt. Firms are prohibited from laying off workers for the next two months without 'justified objective reasons' while the self-employed and seasonal workers such as tour guides will receive 600 payments. The government will also cover 100 bonuses for low-wage employees. Families are being issued 600 vouchers to cover the expense of having to hire baby sitters, with a shutdown of schools and kindergartens expected to last weeks. The self-employed who have to look after their children will receive 'parental leave' payments that cover half of their declared monthly incomes. Conte has shut down all forms of business except for pharmacies and grocery stores for two weeks starting on March 12. The government is compensating owners of closed shops by offering them tax credits to cover 60 per cent of their March rent payment. The self-employed and freelancers with home mortgages can ask to have their payments suspended for up to 18 months if they can prove that their incomes fell by a third. A variety of taxes and social service payments are being suspended for sectors and professions deemed most affected by the crisis. The government is also sending 20million to repair the damage caused to prisons by rioters who were anxious about the new disease. Italy's sport federations get four-month tax privileges and 130 million euros will go to support cinemas and the movie industry. Advertisement Italy's National Research Council (CNR) expects a 'significant reduction' in the growth rate of new infections in the Lombardy region around Milan by next Tuesday or Wednesday. The northern region of around 10million people has been at the epicentre of the crisis since the start, reporting two thirds of all the deaths in the nation of 60 million. It has been under lockdown since March 8. Noting that infections are starting to rise in the south, where many Italians moved after the start of containment measures in the north, the CNR predicts that figures across Italy will only stabilise between March 25 and April 15. There have been fears that the health system of the poorer south would be entirely unable to cope with an outbreak on the scale which the north has suffered. The rates within Italy itself remained stable yesterday, with two-thirds of the deaths - 1,959 in all - reported in the northern Lombardy region around Milan, the Italian financial and fashion capital. The neighbouring Emilia-Romagna region of Bologna has suffered a total of 458 fatalities, and Turin's Piedmont region has had 154 deaths. Rome's Lazio region has a toll of 32 deaths and 724 infections. Doctors on the front line of Italy's coronavirus outbreak have described 'catastrophic' scenes in hospitals which are creaking with the sheer volume of cases. Some patients have been lying face-down on their hospital beds, which researchers believe can raise survival rates in intensive care by improving oxygen levels in the blood. A new Oxford University study has suggested that Italy may be particularly vulnerable because it has such an old population and the elderly come into frequent contact with the young. Italy's population is the second-oldest in the world, behind only Japan. Oxford researchers said it was common for young adults in rural areas to live with their parents and grandparents but to commute into cities, such as Milan, to work and socialise. Young people may have been picking up the virus while travelling and brought it home without realising they were ill, the Oxford researchers said. The study is a warning to Britain, which has an ageing population. Older people are known to be more likely to die of Covid-19 if they are infected with the virus. Cardiac surgeon Antonino Marchese looks at hospital beds in the Casal Palocco hospital near Rome yesterday A triage department of the Spedali di Brescia hospital in northern Italy which has been the worst-affected region of Italy A deserted area outside the Colosseum in Rome, which is usually heaving with tourists, after Italians were ordered to stay inside unless necessary Pope Francis reads a message during his weekly general audience at the Vatican yesterday with only a few people present Hospital workers in face masks stand over trolleys at the Ponte San Pietro hospital in Bergamo on Tuesday as they prepare coffins A family who were relaxing on a lawn were ordered to move by Italian police in San Donato Milanese near the city of Milan on Tuesday, after they flouted the country's coronavirus quarantine rules Medical staff collect a patient from an ambulance at the second Covid-19 hospital in Rome, Italy, which is fighting the biggest virus outbreak outside of China An Italian solider stands guard at an unknown soldier altar in Rome on Wednesday. The country was rocked by more than 400 coronavirus related deaths today, the highest one-day total of any country since the first case was detected in China in late 2019 In a sign that Italy is scrambling to react to the outbreak, Dr Sergio Cattaneo (pictured) said he has seen unused wards outfitted into an intensive care unit in six days Doctors on the front line of Italy's coronavirus outbreak have described 'catastrophic' scenes in hospitals which are creaking with the sheer volume of cases. Pictured: staff preparing to open a new hospital in Rome Italy is also rushing 10,000 student doctors into service, scrapping their final exams, in an effort to help the struggling health service cope with the coronavirus. University Minister Gaetano Manfredi said the government would let this year's medicine graduates start work some eight or nine months ahead of schedule and waive the mandatory exams they normally sit before qualifying. 'This means immediately releasing into the National Health System the energy of about 10,000 doctors, which is fundamental to dealing with the shortage that our country is suffering,' he said in a statement. The graduates will be sent to work in general practitioners' clinics and at old peoples' homes, freeing up more experienced colleagues who will be sent to the rapidly filling hospitals. Over three weeks, 1,135 people have needed intensive care in Lombardy, the northern region hardest hit. The region has only 800 intensive care beds, according to Giacomo Grasselli, head of the intensive care unit at Milan's Policlinico hospital. Authorities have been working to set up hundreds of intensive care beds in a specially created facility in the Fiera Milano exhibition center, but are still waiting for sufficient respirators and qualified personnel. Medical director Antonino Marchese holds a press conference before the opening of the third coronavirus Hospital in Casal Palocco, Rome Italian Medics are struggling to keep pace with the escalating number of cases Italy's fleet of the dead: Military trucks transport scores of coronavirus victims' coffins to be cremated Coffins of coronavirus victims were whisked away on a fleet of army trucks last night after a cemetery in northern Italy was overwhelmed by the death toll. The column of army trucks brought the dead out of Bergamo on Wednesday night in what Italians have called 'one of the saddest photos in the history of our country'. The cemetery in Bergamo can no longer cope with the mounting death toll in the city, where more than 4,300 people have been infected and at least 93 have died. Mortuaries are full and crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day, including the regular drumbeat of non-virus deaths, meaning the bodies of virus victims have had to be dispatched to neighbouring provinces. A fleet of army trucks on a highway in Bergamo last night, transporting the coffins of coronavirus victims out of the city after the local cemetery became overwhelmed by the virus death toll The army vehicles drive along a Bergamo road as seen from the window of a nearby building, taking coffins out of the city Italian army trucks are parked next to a monument in Bergamo yesterday as they prepared to take coffins out of the city. At least 93 people have died of coronavirus in Bergamo and more than 4,000 have been infected Italian soldiers, some of them wearing face masks, gather next to some of their trucks in Bergamo yesterday where local crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day An army spokesman confirmed today that 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had been deployed to move bodies to neighbouring provinces. Italian media said there were around 70 coffins in the grim procession last night as the bodies were taken from the crematorium to the highway and out of Bergamo. Giacomo Angeloni, the local official in charge of cemeteries in Bergamo, said earlier this week that the crematorium was handling around 24 bodies a day, almost twice its normal maximum. Local authorities in Bergamo had appealed for help with cremations after being overwhelmed by the death toll. The pews of the crematorium church have been removed to leave space to lay out scores of coffins but more have been arriving every day. One Italian who saw the picture of a column of trucks said it was 'one of the saddest photos in the history of our country', while another said it was a 'photo of war'. 'We are Italians and it is at times like these that we bring out the best in us. We will get out of it and we will do it for them too,' one said. Italian soldiers speak to people at the entrance of the cemetery in Bergamo, where bodies have had to be moved out of the city because local undertakers and crematorium staff cannot cope The army intervenes to move the bodies from the main cemetery of Bergamo, in Lombardy which has been worst affected by the health crisis in Italy Army trucks drive along a road in Bergamo yesterday in what Italians have described as one of the 'saddest' images in the country's history An Italian soldier carries a bag in each hand while police officers wearing masks are also on the scene near the cemetery An army spokesman confirmed today that 15 trucks and 50 soldiers, some of which are pictured, had been deployed to move bodies from Bergamo to neighbouring provinces British and American tourists are among hundreds of people stranded in Panama today after a 'tribal' festival ended with as many as 500 people being quarantined. Panama's government announced that visitors could not leave the country unless they could prove they had been there for at least 14 days. That leaves hundreds of foreigners who went to the Tribal Gathering on the Caribbean beach of Playa Chiquita unable to leave the country, which now has 109 coronavirus cases. James Baker, an organiser from Manchester, said the group had enough tents, food and medical support to last around a month if necessary. A Panama health worker checks the temperature of a Tribal Gathering guest yesterday with hundreds of people now quarantined at the site Tribal Gathering attendees leave the venue in Cuango yesterday, with some guests allowed to leave because they had been in Panama for at least 14 days An aerial view of the Caribbean beach where the Tribal Gathering has been taking place, with some people now bracing for a longer stay Around 2,300 people had been to the Tribal Gathering, which ran from February 29 to March 15 - longer than 14 days, meaning many have been able to leave. But the remaining festival-goers may face difficulties getting home because of flight and transport cancellations related to the outbreak. Mr Baker said two people who had fevers at the festival tested negative for coronavirus. He said those attending the Tribal Gathering included people from Spain, Canada, the United States, Denmark, France, Britain and Hungary as well as Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. 'The mood is generally good, a lot of people do obviously want to go home, so again, it's about getting the help from the authorities so they can be taken back home as quickly and safely as possible,' he said. 'What we're telling people to do is get in touch with their embassies to get their help, like we say, we need and request the help of all authorities and embassies,' he said. 'To date, we've had very limited help from them. To date, there's not been the help with the cost of buses, there's not been the help with flying and food and those kind of things.' A woman speaks to a ban leaving the festival venue in the back of a car in Panama yesterday, with supplies loaded on the back of the vehicle A Tribal Gathering attendee gestures from the rear window of a car as it leaves the venue, with a Panamanian soldier at the scene Panama's health workers check attendees of the Tribal Gathering in Cuango, who say they have supplies to last a month if necessary The UK Foreign Office says it 'strongly encourages' British visitors in Panama to 'consider leaving' in case all transport back to the UK is cut off. 'Non-resident British nationals in Panama who wish to leave should contact their airline or tour operator,' the UK government advice says. Britons could face similar difficulties in Spain, where the government has ordered hotels to shut from next Tuesday onwards. The FCO is advising British tourists to get out of Spain as soon as possible before they are ejected from their hotels. Other British tourists are facing a similar struggle to get home from countries including Morocco and Cyprus. Holidaymakers struggling to return home have accused airlines of leaving them stranded and demanding extortionate fees. Tom Widdall, who is in Morocco with his heavily pregnant girlfriend, was due to fly home from Agadir to Manchester on Saturday, but his easyJet flight was cancelled. Part of the venue in Panama, which has also introduced a night-time curfew to cope with the virus outbreak A member of Panama's Aeronaval National Service stands by an area of orange and green tents at the Tribal Gathering festival A woman has her temperature checked at the festival in Panama, which announced last night that it now has 109 virus cases Two people stand on top of a car as they prepare to leave the festival venue in Panama on Wednesday Mr Widdall said he has been unable to get on to an earlier flight and claimed he has been 'abandoned by easyJet and abandoned by the embassy'. EasyJet told passengers it is 'doing all we can to assist'. Panama's 14-day rule stops people who had recently been to high-risk countries from spreading the virus elsewhere. At the same time, Panama's government announced that the number of coronavirus cases in the country had risen to 109. In addition, a 9pm-5am curfew is being imposed from Wednesday night, president Laurentino Cortizo announced. Workers in essential areas such as hospitals and pharmacies are excepted from the curfew. Police and firefighting, supermarkets and restaurant delivery, agriculture and food production, hotels and banks, media and telecommunications, and shipping and public transportation are also exempted. People walk past the door of a pizza shop as TV announces 97 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Buenos Aires By Eliana Raszewski, Maximilian Heath and Cassandra Garrison BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's recession- and debt-wracked economy was ill prepared for the closed borders and long-distance travel ban prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has slammed businesses like that of local hotelier Patricia Duran. Bookings have dried up for the owner of two hotels in the northern province of Misiones, home to South America's famous Iguazu Falls. "This is like an Egyptian plague," said Duran, president of the tourism chamber in the province. "We went from an occupation of 70-80% to zero, the hotels are empty - tourist activity has died." While the pandemic has hit the entire global economy, Argentina was especially vulnerable: the country is battling to restructure over $110 billion of overseas debt with creditors and the IMF and says it can only pay when growth revives. Economists are lowering forecasts for Argentina's economy, which was already braced to shrink for a third straight year. Credit Suisse now sees a 2.6% contraction for Argentina in 2020, versus an earlier forecast of a 1% drop. On Tuesday, Argentina's leaders rolled out measures to boost the economy, though they are constrained by depleted reserves that have been burnt through to help pay off debts and prop up the local peso currency . Martin Vauthier, from local economic consultancy Eco Go, said it was too early to predict economic damage from the pandemic. It depended on the severity of the measures the government took to control the spread of the virus. "The tougher they are, the greater the economic impact." Tumbling commodity prices have also hurt Argentina, a grains powerhouse that is the world's top supplier of processed soy. The pandemic has also caused some disruptions to farmers and ports that send supply as far as Asia and the Middle East. "Today the main complication is the drop in prices everywhere," said Juan Granero, a farmer from the breadbasket town of Chivilcoy, adding that as the harvest approached soy prices had dropped to near $200 from $240 per tonne in a matter of days. Story continues "That's a big drop." In Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country, the dramatic drop in tourism has left some wineries, or bodegas, empty while others have closed their doors. "Obviously people are not coming," said Jose Alberto Zuccardi, head of major local wine maker Zuccardi. The sector had already been hit by weak domestic consumption in recent years. "It is a cause for great concern, there is no way to minimize the great effect of this," Zuccardi added. Performers are also being hit, including dancers of Argentina's famed tango who have been forced to cancel shows and classes, and actors who have seen plays shut. "Artists now can't do the shows or acting classes we usually live from; we can't earn our wages," said Franco Arnoni, 25, an actor and member of the Las Catalinas community theatre company in Buenos Aires. "Imagine when three, four, five weeks of quarantine goes by and we have no money to pay for rent or food. Usually, when artists have a rough time we sing in trains or the subway, but now we can't do this either because there's no-one to sing to." Up in Misiones, Duran said she and other hoteliers were eagerly waiting for official measures to decide what to do. "There are already many hotels that plan to close because it is not possible to recover from this," she said. (Reporting by Eliana Raszewksi, Maximilian Heath, Marina Lammertyn and Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Adam Jourdan and David Gregorio) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:37:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in Tanzania has risen from three to six following the confirmation of three more cases, the east African nation's health authorities said on Thursday. Ummy Mwalimu, the Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, said in a statement two cases are Tanzanian males who tested positive in Dar es Salaam. According to the statement, one was a 40-year-old Tanzanian male who had travelled to Switzerland, Denmark and France between March 5 and March 13 and returned to Tanzania on March 14. And the other one was a 40-year-old Tanzanian male who had travelled to South Africa on March 14 and returned to Tanzania on March 17. Mwalimu said both patients have been placed under self-isolation and they were in good condition, adding that authorities were tracing their contacts. Gerard Chami, private assistant to the minister, told Xinhua by phone that details for the third new case will be given by authorities later. Tanzania has taken a number of measures in the wake of the outbreak of the viral disease, including the ban on public gatherings, the shutting down of schools and universities and restrictions on non-essential travels. The Tanzania Prisons Services on Thursday banned visitation to inmates, including sending food to prisoners, following the outbreak of COVID-19. 16,000 arrivals from Europe, other areas required to be quarantined ROC Central News Agency 03/18/2020 05:31 PM Taipei, March 18 (CNA) About 16,000 people arrived in Taiwan from the high-risk areas of Europe, Turkey, Dubai and Egypt from March 5-14 and are required to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days, according to government data. Following an increase in the number of people returning from Europe and the other areas who have contracted the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced Wednesday that home quarantine will be expanded to travelers returning from, or who transferred in, those regions during the stipulated period. Those who take the initiative to report their arrival and self quarantine will receive NT$1,000 (US$33) per day from the government, said Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (), who also heads the CECC. Those who do not take the initiative to report, and are later found to have visited the aforementioned areas, will not be able to receive the NT$1,000 quarantine compensation, Chen said, adding that those who lie about their travel history will be punished. He urged anyone impacted by the latest quarantine rules to report to their local township offices as soon as possible. Deputy Minister of the Interior Chen Tsung-yen (), citing official statistics, said about 16,000 people arrived from Europe, Turkey, Dubai and Egypt between March 5-14. The required 14-day home quarantine begins on the "statutory entry day," Chen Tsung-yen said. For example, those arriving on March 5 should be in home quarantine until March 19. People can report their travel history to the aforementioned areas on the Ministry of the Interior's official website and the websites of local governments, or simply call the 1999 hotline. On Wednesday Taiwan reported 23 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection, mostly imported from Europe. In total, 100 cases have been recorded in Taiwan since the outbreak emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. (By Chang Ming-hsuan, Wang Sheng-chung, Wu Hsin-yun and Elizabeth Hsu) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Ofeliya Afandiyeva Azerbaijan accounts for 50 percent of Russias trade with the South Caucasus region. The volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia increased by 1.9 percent year-on-year in January-February to reach $347.123 million, local media reported citing the State Statistics Committee. The share of trade with Russia accounted for 6.89 percent of Azerbaijans total foreign trade turnover in the reported period. In the reporting period, the volume of export of Azerbaijani products to the Russia amounted to $91.525 million (an increase of 3.14 percent). In general, 2.82 percent of Azerbaijani exports accounted for deliveries to Russia. Moreover, in January-February, Azerbaijan imported $255.597 million worth of goods (an increase of 1.51 percent) from Russia. Thus 14.3 percent of total imports to Azerbaijan accounted for supplies from Russia. Based on the report of the State Customs Committee, the negative balance of Azerbaijan in export-import relations with the Russian Federation in January-February 2020 amounted to $164.072 million. As it was reported earlier, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia increased by 18.5 percent in 2019 year-on-year to reach $3.022 billion, which is 18.5 percent more than in 2018. Some 950 companies with Russian capital operate in Azerbaijan. So far, the value of investments by Russian companies in the country amounted to $4.9 billion, while Azerbaijani investments in Russia stood at $1.2 billion. Russia imports from Azerbaijan mainly foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials worth, mineral products, textile and its products, and shoes as well. Russias exports to Azerbaijan are mainly food products and agricultural raw materials, machinery, equipment and vehicles, metals and products from them, wood and pulp-paper products and chemical products and rubber. It should be noted that a new border bridge across the Samur River (South-eastern part of Azerbaijan), which was inaugurated in December 2019, implies new contributions to the prospective trade between Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijan is one of the main economic partners of Russia among the CIS countries and Russia remains one of Azerbaijans main foreign trade partners. Interregional cooperation plays an important role in the development of Russian-Azerbaijani trade and economic relations and the increase in trade turnover. Moreover, Russia ranks first in terms of export of non-oil products from Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Italy braced on Thursday for an extended lockdown that could see the economy suffer its biggest shock since World War II from a pandemic that has killed almost as many people as it has in China. The country's toll from the novel coronavirus reached 2,978 after it recorded 475 new deaths on Wednesday -- the highest official one-day figure in the world. China reported no new deaths for the first time on Thursday and Italy was on course to overtake its 3,245 fatalities later in the day. COVID-19 infections are yet to plateau despite the Italian government's best efforts. Army trucks delivered freshly-made coffins on Thursday to a cemetery in the northern Italian city of Bergamo that suddenly finds itself at the global heart of the unfolding disaster. Burials were being conducted every half hour to avoid contagion through crowds. Masked undertakers wrapped from head to toe in white suits carted the coffins on gurneys to speed up the process. "Use your common sense and act with utmost caution," Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told Italians. "We are not underestimating anything and always acting based on the worst-case scenario." Conte has found overwhelming support from Italians for a lockdown that -- while not as draconian as China's quarantine of Wuhan's Hubei province -- seemed unimaginable for a Western democracy until this month. A poll published in La Repubblica newspaper found 47 per cent viewed the closure of most business and all schools and public institutions "positively". Another 47 per cent viewed them "very positively" and just four per cent said they were opposed. Conte has layered on the measures in segments and some of the strictest ones -- such as the closure of all shops except for grocery stores and pharmacies -- had been due to expire next Wednesday. But the Italian leader told La Repubblica that there was no question that everything "must be extended beyond the original deadline". This also means schools will not re-open on April 3 and working parents will have to find ways to look after their kids while working from home for many more weeks or months. "At the moment, there are no other far-reaching restrictive measures being considered," said Conte. "But if our prohibitions are not respected, we will have to act." Italy is imposing 206-euro (USD 222) fines for anyone found wandering the streets without a valid excuse such as grocery shopping or getting to and from work. Police in Rome read periodic instructions out of megaphones for everyone to "stay home and maintain distance" from each other. Some stores now also order shoppers to put on disposable plastic gloves. The northern region of Emilia-Romagna took the extra step late Wednesday of banning jogging and walks that the national government in Rome had encouraged for health reasons. That means people in and around Bologna can only cycle or walk to get to work or shop. The monumental hit all these measures are causing the economy saw Conte's team put together a 25-billion-euro package designed to help the worst affected industries. The tourism operators' union on Thursday said it expected the number of visitors to Italy drop to levels last seen in the mid-1960s. But Conte looked for the silver lining in the disaster. The crisis has forced ministers to "make the biggest effort in dozens of years to simplify the investment process -- something that nobody (In Italy) has ever done," Conte said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States on Thursday slapped sanctions on five companies based in the United Arab Emirates for allegedly shipping oil from Iran in defiance of President Donald Trump's unilateral sanctions. The Treasury Department said that the five companies bought hundreds of thousands of metric tons' worth of oil last year from Iran's state oil company, declaring it to be from Iraq or otherwise disguising its origin. The sanctions mark a rare US action against firms in the UAE, a close ally of Washington in its campaign against Tehran but also a major trading hub with a significant Iranian expatriate community. "The Iranian regime uses revenues from petroleum and petrochemical sales to fund its terrorist proxies, like the IRGC-QF, instead of the health and well-being of the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. He was referring to the Revolutionary Guards' elite Qods force, whose commander, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike in January at Baghdad's airport. The sanctions will block any US assets of the five companies and prohibit any transactions with them. The five companies are Petro Grand FZE, Alphabet International DMCC, Swissol Trade DMCC, Alam Althrwa General Trading LLC and Alwaneo LLC Co. Trump in 2018 bolted from an internationally backed deal under which Iran scaled back its nuclear program and demanded that all countries stop buying the cleric-ruled nation's oil, its key export. With the notable exception of China, most countries have reluctantly stopped buying oil from Iran for fear of punishment from the United States. Trump, who is closely allied with Iran's regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, has vowed to curb Tehran's regional influence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yulia Savitri and A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Thu, March 19 2020 The Environment and Forestry Ministry has complained that a lack of certification in environmental matters among judges remains one of the biggest obstacles to law enforcement in environmental damage cases, including those involving land and forest fires. Since 2011 the Supreme Court has carried out annual training modules for judges to get environmental expertise certification, as concern for the environment grows. Gakkum Karhutla [Land and Forest Fires Law Enforcement Division] was only formed in 2016. One of our biggest challenges to this day is our limited enforcement capacity, said Rasio Ridho Sani, the ministrys law enforcement division head, during a recent discussion in Palembang, South Sumatra. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Home Search ICH Next Vice President? Tulsi Gabbard sells out, endorses Biden By Quint Forgey March 19, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced Thursday that she would end her presidential campaign, formally winnowing the 2020 Democratic field to a two-man race between former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. "Today, I'm suspending my presidential campaign and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together," Gabbard said in a video statement posted online. Important announcement. From Oahu, Hawaii. #StandWithTulsi pic.twitter.com/XcHshtgVYA Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 19, 2020 In endorsing Biden, Gabbard said that "although I may not agree with the vice president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart, and he's motivated by his love for our country and the American people." "I'm confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha, respect and compassion, and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart," she added. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Gabbard closely tied the reasons for her withdrawal from the race to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, saying that "the best way that I can be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and well-being of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress, and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated." Gabbard previously served two tours in the Middle East with the Hawaii Army National Guard in Iraq from 2004-2005 and in Kuwait from 2008-2009 and stepped away from her campaign in August to report for active duty, participating in a two-week joint training exercise in Indonesia. Apart from Biden and Sanders, Gabbard outlasted all of her Democratic rivals to become the third remaining White House hopeful in what began as a historically diverse and crowded pack of candidates. The Hawaii lawmaker faced significant criticism for her seemingly quixotic decision to stay in the race beyond the early nominating contests, and now finishes her campaign with only two pledged delegates less than several of her former rivals who dropped out weeks ago. But Gabbard, long a controversial figure within the Democratic field, had little to lose after declaring in October that she would not seek reelection to a fifth term in Congress, a prospect complicated by a formidable primary challenger and thorny relationships with other Hawaii politicians. She had also become the subject of widespread skepticism among national Democrats, often rebuked for her past anti-LGBT rhetoric, isolationist brand of diplomacy and 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, whom she declined to label a war criminal despite the dictator's use of chemical weapons to attack his own people. Gabbard typically polled better with independents than self-identified Democrats, and acquired some support from fringe conservatives. She was frequently referenced in Russian media and propaganda, prompting a high-profile clash with Hillary Clinton after the 2016 Democratic nominee claimed the congresswoman was the "favorite" of Moscow. Although Gabbard's last appearance in a primary debate was in November, before the Democratic National Committee raised its bar participate, she emerged as a fiery on-stage presence blasting other candidates for their records and proposals on foreign policy, criminal justice and the impeachment of President Donald Trump, among other issues. Her exit from the race Thursday after weeks of defying political pressure to drop out reflects the new nature of the Democratic primary, which has become frozen in place amid the COVID-19 outbreak and seen Biden mount a nearly insurmountable delegate lead over Sanders. The senator's campaign manager announced Wednesday he would "assess" the state of his White House bid in the days ahead. " Source " Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== One Farmington pizzeria is going above and beyond to help those on the frontlines fighting the coronavirus. Kurt Kruczek, the owner and operator of Naples Pizza, has been delivering pizzas to hospital staff at UConn Health in Farmington. "I thought, what a great way to contribute to what's happening right now and maybe make it a little bigger and invite other restaurants to do the same," said Kruczek in an interview with Fox. "I know we are all struggling right now. So, some restaurants probably will be able to do it. Others will not." Kruczek told Fox that he got the idea from a fellow restaurateur who was also bringing pizzas to a local hospital. According to a Facebook post from Naples Pizza, Kruczek is asking any Connecticut hospital staff to call him if they need food, and that for every $100 he makes, he will donate food for 25 hospital workers. Kruczek, who also operates Fork and Fire in Farmington, is currently operating under limited operations; only offering take-out options at both of his restaurants. He stated that he is operating at 50 percent capacity, and trying to keep his workers employed during these trying times. "Anything that people can do to, you know, kill two birds with one stone buy some gift cards, buy some food, send it to the hospitals will keep everybody happy," added Kruczek SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Residential announced the start of construction on the long-anticipated Scottsdale Entrada development this morning. Located at the northeast corner of 64th Street and McDowell Road, Scottsdale Entrada will revitalize a long vacant 33-acre lot with a vibrant mixed-use campus, including 736 apartment units, 250,000 square feet of office space, 5,000 square feet of retail and ample public open space. The project is located in an Opportunity Zone, part of a revitalization program formed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and will be developed with program-compliant funding. "Because of its central location and proximity to Phoenix, this project is critical to the economic prosperity and urban renaissance of the area and surrounding neighborhoods," said Mayor Lane. "As the name conveys, this is a major entry point to Scottsdale. We are very excited for construction to start." Designed by a team of local experts including Todd & Associates and SmithGroup, the completed project will offer customers first-class amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, mobile workspace areas, a game room, and deck spaces with expansive views of the Papago Buttes and McDowell Mountains. Scottsdale Entrada will also offer ample public gathering spaces, including a large park designed to accommodate concerts or other events, as well as a dog park, jogging trail, and connection to the Arizona Crosscut Canal. Designed to integrate natural and urban living, Scottsdale Entrada is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the Phoenix area. "Backed by a first-class design team and the support of a stellar equity partner in Bridge Investment Group, we have developed a truly unique mixed-use plan for a very special property," said Ben Brosseau, founder of Banyan Residential. "We are excited to deliver such a dynamic project to an Opportunity Zone property in need of timely rejuvenation." The McDowell Corridor, where the new Scottsdale Entrada is situated, is a prominent gateway to South Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix. For years, local residents and city staff have been anxiously awaiting the redevelopment of the former Scottsdale Auto Park site. Construction on all project components will begin immediately, with the office building scheduled to open in Q3 2021, followed by the first apartment units in late 2022. "Creating desirable living and work space requires design planning with a focus on the end user experience. The Entrada property offered us the rare opportunity to program a large parcel with a blank slate, allowing us greater flexibility to integrate open space, foster connectivity between uses, and create points of interest throughout the site," said Max Friedman, a Partner at Banyan Residential. About Banyan Residential Established in 2019, Banyan Residential specializes in Opportunity Zone projects and develops multifamily, office and retail properties in gateway markets across the United States. The firm currently manages a development pipeline exceeding $450 million in value, comprising more than 1,200 residential units and 385,000 rentable square feet of office space. SOURCE Banyan Residential ALBANY In more normal times, mid- to late-March would mark one of the busiest times in Albany. Lobbyists and legislators would bustle through the state Capitol, hoping to push New York's most powerful to include their priorities in the state budget, due by April 1. The state Legislature would have convened thrice this week, then prepared for eight straight business days of legislative session, likely including a middle-of-the-night sprint to approve the state's nearly $200 billion spending plan, which is often accompanied by a number of policy measures unrelated to the state's financial wellbeing. But these are not normal times. These are times of mass shutdowns, bans on large gatherings and social distancing to keep the novel coronavirus at bay. And so, on a session day in mid- to late-March, legislators gathered for the first time this week in a relatively empty state Capitol closed to visitors but open to lawmakers, their staff and journalists and considered three bills. Two related to coronavirus response the first guaranteeing paid sick leave for those under COVID-19 quarantine, and the second moving up the deadline to submit political petitions amid the pandemic while a third bill concerned the state's debt services, a precursor for the budget process. "This is obviously an unprecedented time," Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "Its an unprecedented day when were sitting in a chamber bereft of all of our colleagues because of the very real concern of coronavirus and what its continuing to do, not only in our state but in our nation and across the globe." Lawmakers debated the measures and explained their votes in largely deserted chambers, occupied only by a handful of legislative leaders and procedural officials. Senators only entered the chamber one at a time if they voted "no" on any of the bills, as six did. Assembly members were separated into groups, filing into the chamber in handfuls to speak for the record and cast their votes. "It almost feels like Im in a church," Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan mused, speaking to a room of mostly empty chairs. "Its like a house of worship because its so quiet. Theres good reason for it." Debate on the coronavirus bills stretched through most of Wednesday afternoon, though both ended up passing overwhelmingly. The paid leave measure guarantees at least two weeks of paid sick leave and job protection during a quarantine order for all public employees, as well as private workers whose business employs 100 or more people. The protections for smaller businesses vary by size (the full bill text is available here). The bill had also originally included permanent paid sick leave requirements for all businesses a proposal first put forth by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in his annual State of the State address in January. Lawmakers ultimately removed those provisions from the legislation amid backlash from Republicans, who noted that the requirements were unrelated to COVID-19 response and feared that they would hurt already-struggling small businesses. The Cuomo administration agreed, pushing those conversations instead to budget negotiations. The bill passed with bipartisan support, 50-6 in the Senate and 131-3 in the Assembly. The second coronavirus bill, which concerned requirements for political candidates, built upon Cuomo's Saturday executive order suspending petitioning after Tuesday, March 17, and slashing the number of signatures mandated to get a person's name on the ballot. Under the new bill, candidates will be able to file their petitions immediately, with a deadline of Friday, March 20. Previously, the window to submit signatures would have been March 30 to April 2. The Senate passed the measure 56-0; the Assembly, 118-12. Cuomo signed both bills Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, the debt services bill approved by the Senate but awaiting consideration by the Assembly was a firm indicator that the state Legislature is hastening approval of the annual financial plan. The coronavirus and its associated economic fallout have thrown New York's budget process into uncertainty, with state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli estimating the state could face up to $7 billion in lost revenue. Still, Cuomo has insisted that the state will hit its April 1 budget deadline. Legislators agree that the budget must include flexibility as the financial consequences of the pandemic are unknown, and many expect a full-blown recession or perhaps even a depression in the aftermath. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "Every single assumption that we had has got to be challenged and has got to be adjusted for the realities that we are in," Stewart-Cousins said. The unusual circumstances also present a challenge to lawmakers who had intended to include several policy proposals in the budget. Cuomo had presented an ambitious list of priorities, including legalization of recreational marijuana, an environmental bond act and expansion of a free-tuition program for state-operated colleges and universities. He has also said that he would not approve a budget that does not include changes to the state's bail reform. Cuomo has said over the past several days that an expedited budget does not mean a skinny budget, but a growing number of lawmakers have expressed concerns over including controversial issues. State Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan and the sponsor of the marijuana legalization bill in the Senate, told New York Now on Wednesday that it isn't "realistic" to negotiate a marijuana legalization plan over the next few days. Earlier Wednesday, criminal justice reform advocates logged into Zoom for a teleconference, urging state lawmakers to keep the bail reform as is. They argued that now is not the time for any possible rollbacks because jails and prisons are a hotbed for contagious illnesses. Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie echoed their concerns: "To now sit here and pass a bill that can end up having more people incarcerated when we're concerned about the health status of people in jail and prisons ... are we compounding the potential health crisis by doing something that could cause more people to be in jail?" Both chambers had also planned this week to introduce their annual one-house budgets, which list each chamber's priorities, but that is no longer the case, officials said. Heastie said his chamber may release its budget only so that the public can see "where the Assembly's mind and heart is," though that is not the plan in the Senate. The rest of the legislative session is still up in the air, largely dependent upon the virus' "curve." The current schedule marks June 2 as the end of this year's legislative calendar, but there is the possibility of an extended or special session, depending upon the trajectory of the illness. Leading telecoms operator Zain Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrains National Broadband Network (BNET), is offering new fiber broadband packages on the largest fiber network in the kingdom and has also announced new enhanced fiber broadband packages. The partnership between Zain Bahrain and BNET shares the same commitment and vision for innovation and together they will be able to leverage the best experience and solutions with the largest fiber network in Bahrain through offering the highest possible standards to meet Bahrains 2030 vision. The new fiber packages with speeds of upto 500Mbps and low latency, are tailored to meet customers needs, representing a quantum leap in the portfolio of technologies and solutions offered to its individual and enterprise customers enabling them to enjoy services like 8K streaming, virtual reality (VR), online gaming, and downloading heavy files easily. On selected fiber packages, customers may enjoy a range of benefits including monthly data of up to 1.5TB, free installation and free one-month rental. Upon subscribing a designated technician will visit the customers location for installation. Zain Bahrain prides itself on making available to its customers the latest technologies, applications and gadgets to enjoy a smarter way of living by constantly staying connected. All customers can now subscribe to the new fiber packages, through Zain Bahrain E-shop portal on www.eshop.bh.zain.com or by visiting any of Zain Bahrain branches. - TradeArabia News Service Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Made Anthony Iswara (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 15:55 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206be5f0f 1 Business Financial-Services-Authority,OJK,annual-shareholders-meeting,COVID-19,coronavirus,financial-report Free The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has extended the deadline for publicly listed companies to release their annual financial reports and hold annual shareholders meetings amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread in Indonesia. The OJKs statement circulated on Wednesday referred to the National Disaster Mitigation Agencys (BNPB) declaration as a basis for the decision. The agency announced on Tuesday that the "particular state of disaster emergency" status due to the COVID-19 pandemic would be extended until May. "The particular state of disaster emergency set by the government until May 29can affect the capital market industry players' ability to hold shareholders meetings as well as to prepare and submit financial statements and annual reports on time," the statement reads. Read also: Major businesses split over lockdown, support social distancing Under such a condition, the OJK will extend the deadline for annual financial report submission from March 30 to May 31, applied to all publicly listed companies, the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), the Indonesia Clearing and Guarantee Corporation (KPEI) and a slew of other bourse members. It will also extend the deadline for annual report submission from April 30 to June 30. The OJK has also extended the deadline for the listed companies to hold annual shareholders meeting from June to Aug. 31 at the latest. It allows public companies to hold meetings through the electronic shareholders meeting e-RUPS system, which allows shareholders to avoid physical attendance. President Joko Jokowi Widodo called on people on Sunday to practice social distancing to help contain the COVID-19 spread. Indonesia has recorded 227 confirmed cases and 19 deaths as of Wednesday. The OJK on Tuesday told more than 70 percent of its employees to work from home to contain the coronavirus spread and limited working hours for those still required to go into the office. It also limited visitation services and advised customers to use online and phone channels if they needed the OJK's assistance. Spring is almost here, leaving moisture-zapping winter and its wrath of dull and dry skin behind. Adding to this, we are all washing and sanitizing our hands a thousand times a day to prevent the spread of germs due to the coronavirus and this excessive washing with soap and water, which experts say is more effective than hand sanitizer at killing a broader range of bacteria, can make dry skin worse. "Hand soaps can all be harsh when used excessively, so it's best to apply a moisturizing cream, rather than a lotion, after you wash your hands to replenish the natural skin barrier," says Dr. Michael Sotiriou, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology + Aesthetics in Chicago, who recommends hand moisturizing creams like Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and Eucerin Eczema Relief Hand Cream. "Really hot water could contribute to dry and irritated skin," says Sotiriou. "The key is to wash your hands for 20 seconds, making sure to scrub between your fingers and around your nails as well after contact with surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons and prior to eating or touching your face." Just like you would your closet, analyze your skin care products with a Marie Kondo-like strategy. "Toss your expired, old products and get rid of products that aren't working for you anymore," says Erin Adams, esthetician and owner of Le Remede Waxing & French Skincare Boutique in Chicago's Ukrainian Village neighborhood. From what treatments to splurge on to what products to maintain your skin at home, here are eight tips from two skin care experts on how to reveal glowing, revitalized skin for spring. Tip: Switch up your cleanser Skin may be parched and dry from winter, so experts advise against harsh cleansers, which may further strip the skin of moisture and natural oils. "A gentle face wash, such as CeraVe, is a hydrating cleanser that's available at any store," says Dr. Michael Sotiriou. "I like it because it's fragrance free, it's mild and it won't over dry your skin but it will clean it. I recommend this year-round." Tip: Exfoliate For some, getting skin in spring shape means sloughing away dead skin cells. But before you grab a gritty exfoliating scrub, think again. Dermatologists like Sotiriou do not recommend physical exfoliators, like face scrubs, because they can irritate and damage the skin. Instead, a gentle chemical exfoliator, like a glycolic acid face wash, is OK to use at home two to three times a week. If you use it any more frequently, you risk drying out the skin, Sotiriou says. Another alternative is to visit a trained esthetician for a superficial exfoliating procedure, such as dermaplaning, Sotiriou says, which makes skin feel soft and smooth for a couple of weeks. Tip: Splurge on a facial It may sound like a no-brainer, but beauty experts say a professional facial is an instant way to get skin glowing for spring. "The deep clean is necessary; it will increase cell turnover, improve hydration, smooth out lines and wrinkles and get rid of dull, tired-looking skin," says Adams. "It's tried and true for a reason." For bigger impact, consider adding a peel onto your facial, such as a lactic-acid peel, designed to target hyper pigmentation and discoloration. For something more gentle, consider an enzyme peel to battle age spots and fine lines, Adams says. Tip: Hydrate Dry winter skin emphasizes fine lines and wrinkles so it's time to rehydrate the skin. The product skin care experts swear by? Hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid, such as La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum or SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier, really helps our skin retain water and will give you kind of a boost, make your skin feel soft and plump and give it a good glow. It also works on all skin types," Sotiriou says. The dermatologist recommends using the product twice a day, morning and evening, but if used only once, go for the night, so it can stay on the skin longer. Tip: Dose up on vitamin C As a topical for your skin, that is. After cleansing, apply a vitamin C serum, such as La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum, to your face and neck. Experts say the antioxidant delivers all sorts of skin benefits, from brightening to hydrating. "It prevents damage to the skin throughout the day and will improve tone and pigmentation," says Sotiriou. Tip: Moisturize Warm weather may be on the horizon, but that doesn't mean it's time to ditch the moisturizer. "We want to repair the dry, damaged skin from winter with a moisturizing cream," Sotiriou says, who recommends products like CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm. "When people are awake, they don't like greasy things on their skin, so they can rehydrate their skin at night and wash it off in the morning and it won't leave that greasy feeling during the day." For day, look for a lighter formula with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, such as CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, the dermatologist recommends. Tip: Protect your skin Even if you skipped sunscreen all winter, skin care experts say now's the time to start wearing sunscreen every day for face and body. "With summer coming up, it's a good opportunity to think about how to protect your skin. And if you have any questions about unusual looking moles or bumps, it's a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist," Sotiriou says. (c)2020 Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Facebook / Town of New Fairfield Parks and Recreation MIDDLETOWN The first case of coronavirus in Middlesex County is not in Middletown, Mayor Ben Florsheim confirmed Wednesday evening. Its unclear which municipality reported the persons positive test. Since Tuesday, 28 more Connecticut residents tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 96, according to Gov. Ned Lamont, who spoke at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The statewide breakdown as of Wednesday afternoon is: Fairfield County, 69; Hartford County, 11; Litchfield County, five; Middlesex County one, and New Haven County, 10. Middletown small-business owners hit hard by coronavirus restrictions Middletown mayor: City preparing for coronavirus spread Middletown City Hall, all Middlesex County schools closed due to coronavirus Middletown mayor cancels host of events in light of coronavirus concerns Middletown closes school after adult exposed to person with coronavirus; other measures being taken 'Don't panic,' expert tells attendees of Cromwell coronavirus panel Lamont today signed another executive order taking actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19: Closes large indoor malls and places of amusement (but not parks and open space areas) effective 8 p.m. Thursday Allows Medicaid to cover audio-only telehealth services Provides flexibility for critical legal functions regarding conservators and competency hearings to ensure the safety of nursing home patients Exempts certain schools inside state facilities from school cancellation order For information, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus. Report: COVID-19's sobering economic fallout just starting A new study released this week by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce shows the economy is just beginning to experience the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. The study by Community Attributes says the immediate focus of all businesses in Washington state should be to help slow the spread of the virus. Economic recovery projections depend on predictability coupled with virus control the sooner we can get past the peak, the better, it said. Some of the key observations of the study are: The local economy is already experiencing an economic shock that will take many months to recover from. In the near-term, COVID-19 will severely impact nearly 40% of all the jobs in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. This includes either wage reductions or temporary layoffs. Most of these jobs will return, but not all the businesses will survive. Lower-income households and hourly wage earners will be hurt disproportionately. Every industry is seeing some impact and while a few industries may see temporary increased demand such as household supplies and food providers and some industries can rely on teleworking, everyone will experience some level of economic impact through the balance of 2020. Policymakers need to urgently pursue proposals that can mitigate further deterioration and stimulate a return to growth. The study said Washington state is largely dependent upon revenue from sales and gross receipt taxes, which made up 71% of the total tax revenue last year. That places Washington eighth in the nation in reliance on sales and gross tax receipts. It predicted tax revenues will drop significantly due to curtailed consumer and business spending, closures of restaurants and bars, canceled events, and weakened demand in the tourism industry. How bad is it? The report cited Downtown Seattle Association numbers that showed retail sales down 20%-50% for small businesses prior to Gov. Inslee calling for all restaurants and bars to cease normal operations. The report said while some restaurants have converted to drive-thru and delivery, many will not reopen. The report said the virus may likely push the U.S. and the world into a recession. It offered these steps to counter that: Loosen lending and monetary policy. Provide rent and debt service relief. Provide financial support for employees. Continue government spending on capital investments. Find new funding sources and revenue management approaches for government. Northrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- The report "Weapon Mounts Market by Mount Type (Turret, Coaxial, Fixed, Pintle/Pedestal, RWS, Swing Arm, Monopods, Bipods, Tripods), Platform (Ground, Naval, Airborne), Mode of Operation, Weapon Compatibility, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, is projected to grow from USD 1.1 billion in 2019 to USD 1.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2019 to 2025. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing procurement of armored vehicles, rotorcraft, machine gun,and aircraft by militaries globally, and ongoing modernization of naval platforms by various countries among others. Ask for PDF Brochure @ : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=75671571 Based on platform, the naval segment is projected to lead the weapon mounts market during the forecast period. Based on platform, the market is projected to be led by the naval segment from 2019 to 2025. This segment is expected to grow during the forecast period due to factors such as the continual upgrades of weapon systems on ships such as destroyers, frigates, and corvettes, among others. Additionally, the procurement of new battleships by countries such as India, China, the US, and Saudi Arabia, among others, is also driving the market for naval weapon mounts. The static mounts segment is projected to lead the weapon mounts market from 2019 to 2025. Based on mount type, the static mounts segment is projected to lead the weapon mounts market during the forecast period. The high demand for remote weapon stations is a key contributor to the growth of this segment. Demand for remote weapon stations can be attributed to the significant investments made by countries such as the US, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and South Korea to upgrade their armored vehicles fleet to include remote weapon stations. Asia Pacific is projected to be a high growth market for weapon mounts during the forecast period. The weapon mounts market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Various border disputes between countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, North Korea, and South Korea, among others, are driving these countries to increase their investment in defense technology, which includes the procurement of armored vehicles, combat aircraft, naval ships, and weapons for soldiers, among others. In 2020, FN Herstal secured a contract worth USD 110 million for the supply of 2,620 FN SCAR H PR rifles from the French Ministry of Defense under its Fusil de Precision Semi-Automatique (Semi-Automatic Precision Rifle, FPSA) program. The contract includes the supply of a total of 2,620 rifles with day sights and accessories such as bipods and suppressors. Browse in-depth TOC on "Weapon Mounts Market" 208- Tables 69 - Figures 236 - Pages Inquiry before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=75671571 In 2018, ISTEC Services Ltd. secured a contract worth USD 334,870 for the supply of weapon mounts to the Canadian Ministry of Defense. In 2018, Leonardo S.P.A signed a contract with the German Federal Agency for Military Procurement (Bundesamt fur Ausrustung, Information Technology and Nutzung der Bundeswehr) for the supply of seven OTO 76/62 systems (Super Rapid version) to equip the K130 corvettes of the German Navy. Major players in the weapon mounts are Kongsberg Gruppen (Norway), Raytheon Company (US), Elbit Systems (Israel), Saab AB (Sweden), BAE Systems (UK), Dillion Aero (US), AEI Systems Ltd. (UK), FN Herstal (Belgium), Capco LLC. (US), and ISTEC Services Ltd. (UK), among others. Related Reports : Remote Weapon Station Market by Application (Military, Homeland Security), Platform (Land, Airborne, Naval), Component (Sensors, HMI, Weapons & Armaments), Weapon Type (Lethal, Non-lethal), Mobility, Technology, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023 Armored Vehicles Market by Platform (Combat Vehicles, Combat Support Vehicles, Unmanned Armored Ground Vehicles), Mobility (Wheeled, Tracked), System (Engine, Drive Systems, Ballistic Armor, Turret Drive, C2 Systems), Region - Global Forecast to 2023 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Sanjay Gupta MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA : +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) informs that on Thursday morning a number of 89 Romanian citizens returned from Spain, following the MAE and the Transport Ministry demarches, and on Wednesday there was facilitated the repatriation of 100 Romanian citizens (74 from Malta and 26 from Egypt). According to the source, the respective repatriations are part of the series of demarches meant to facilitate the return to Romania of the Romanian citizens who are abroad on a temporary basis and who were affected by the measures taken by European states to manage and prevent the COVID-19 epidemic. MAE reiterates the calls on avoiding any foreign trips that are not absolutely essential and the recommendation that Romanian tourists or citizens temporarily abroad urgently come back to Romania. At the same time, the ministry calls on Romanian citizens to prove understanding and responsibility and to responsibly assess the opportuneness of travels abroad at this moment. Such travels can engage major risks, endangering the safety of the citizens and their possibility of returning to the country, MAE points out. Moreover, the institution asks the Romanian citizens with the domicile or residence abroad to strictly observe the recommendations of the authorities in these states and stresses that travel to Romania is not recommended. "These travels can be affected by the restrictions imposed by the transit states, and can be an additional factor of spreading the COVID-19 infection, thus endangering the safety of those at home," MAE points out. By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 18, 2020 | 11:48 AM | PADUCAH On Tuesday at about 10:15 pm, detectives said a man entered Southern Pride Truck Stop on Benton Road. They say surveillance video shows him removing a glass case near the cash register that contained numerous fixed and folding blade knives. Surveillance also reportedly captured the man as he got into a vehicle driven by a woman, and left the scene. Anyone with information on the man or the vehicle in the surveillance photos should contact the McCracken County Sheriff's Department at 270-444-4719 or on Facebook. The McCracken County Sheriffs Office is requesting assistance from the public to identify a theft suspect. London, United Kingdom Over the past few weeks I have felt that my two national identities were out of sync. On the one hand, daily life in London went on as usual, the coronavirus outbreak mainly relegated to news bulletins and a few conversations. A concern, sure, but nothing that was likely to affect my fellow Londoners beyond the odd cancelled holiday. All the while, however, the reports and social media feeds I was getting from Italy told a very different story. The lives of my family and friends were being turned upside down by the COVID-19 outbreak that hit my native Italy more than any other country outside of China. At first it was worrying, then shocking. From a distance, it took a while to realise that what I felt was fear. Now that fear has reached the United Kingdom. In London, the countrys coronavirus hotspot with a third of total recorded deaths, mortuaries are now being expanded. It may not be enough. In the northern Italian city of Bergamo, one of the worst hit by the virus, army vehicles are having to take bodies to nearby provinces as the citys crematorium is no longer able to cope. If Italy has been a few weeks ahead in this crisis, what can the UK learn from the Italian case that will avoid similar chilling images here? Italian army trucks have been deployed to Bergamos Monumental cemetery to take about 60 coffins to crematoria in other regions [Stringer/ANSA/AFP] The coronavirus officially hit Italy in mid-February, when the first patient known to be infected within the country was diagnosed. Since then, Italy has been introducing increasingly restrictive measures to try to contain the exponential spread of the disease. The rest of the world, especially its European neighbours, watched aghast as the rate of contagion and deaths rose. The measures Italy took often seemed as shocking as the contagion itself. First came the lockdown and quarantine of the so-called Red Zone around the northern towns affected. Dozens of roadblocks staffed by police, with residents only allowed to leave their homes to get necessities such as food and medicine. It was meant to last two weeks, but on March 8 the quarantine was extended to the whole of the Lombardy region and other provinces, including Milan, Italys financial heart. Less than 48 hours later, the quarantine was extended again, this time to the whole of Italy. A country of 60 million people was on lockdown. This was not China; Italy is a liberal Western democracy and people were suddenly not allowed to leave their homes without a valid reason. A tale of two cities: The Tiber River running through central Rome on March 18, and a queue outside a Costco store in Watford, outside London, on March 19 [Composite/Reuters] It seemed unreal. And for those without direct links to Italy, it remained unreal for many weeks. The question that kept coming up was: Why Italy? There is still no clear answer to that. Had the country just been unlucky? Was its ageing population the reason for the high death toll? Are the Italians more tactile ways of greeting behind the increasing rate of contagion? And the scariest question of all: Could it happen here? 200318183939314 Little by little, that final question at least has been answered. Yes, it could happen here. It is happening here. The rate of COVID-19 contagion and deaths is growing exponentially. It is no longer just about hand-washing and vague advice about social distancing. All schools will close from Friday. Large-scale events have been cancelled. Although churches were still celebrating mass last Sunday, as Pope Francis was pictured walking through an eerily deserted Rome, no public gatherings in churches will happen after Friday evening. Supermarket shelves are emptying. In Italy there was a run on pasta, in the UK it is toilet paper. Hand sanitisers are like gold dust. Most social gatherings even small parties organised by the obstinate few who took the second world war morale-boosting message Keep Calm and Carry On to mean Bury Your Head In The Sand have been cancelled. The elderly and vulnerable are in self-isolation for months. But the most important similarity between the UK now and Italy a few weeks ago is that now the British are scared too. In Italy, the move to national lockdown was gradual, and it may well be the UKs next step. When Lombardy was locked down on March 8, Italy had more than 5,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 233 deaths. As the UK announced school closures on March 18, it counted 2,626 positive COVID-19 tests and a total death toll of 104. Both had recently seen strong exponential growth in both contagion and deaths. As the UK seems to follow Italys lead, the latest death tolls make for particularly grim reading. On Wednesday, Italy registered the highest death toll in one day, a staggering 475 deaths. Not even China had recorded such a high number of single-day deaths. Does that mean the Italian strategy is not working? It certainly means that we are not yet seeing the peak of the contagion and mortality curve. Even Lombardy, the hardest-hit area where the lockdown was first imposed, is still seeing a growing number of contagions and deaths. But there is some hope. The province of Lodi, which includes the town of Codogno where Italys first COVID-19 case was found, has seen a sharp drop in new cases of the virus. In contrast, nearby Bergamo is recording nearly three times as many infections as Lodi. One reason may be that Lodi imposed a total lockdown two weeks before Bergamo did. In the fight against coronavirus, timing is key. Prime Minister Boris Johnson may want to look at the Lodi case and the shocking pictures of army vehicles taking dozens of dead out of Bergamo, as he decides if and when to impose a lockdown in the UK. Follow Barbara Serra on Twitter: @BarbaraGSerra HOUSTON, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirby Corporation ("Kirby or the Company") (NYSE:KEX) announced today that the location of its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be changed from an in person meeting to a virtual format via a live online webcast. The annual stockholder meeting, which was previously announced in Kirbys Notice of 2020 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 6, 2020, will be still be held on April 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. CDT, but in a virtual meeting format only. Due to the emerging public health impact of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), and to support the health and wellbeing of Kirbys associates, employees, and stockholders, the Company has made the decision to change the location and format of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders from an in person meeting to a virtual webcast. On March 18, 2020, Kirbys Board of Directors (the Board) unanimously approved an amendment to the Companys bylaws to allow for this change. The Companys executive leadership team and Board believe this format will provide Kirbys stockholders a better opportunity to attend the meeting given ongoing travel restrictions and health concerns. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2020 will be able to access the 2020 Annual Meeting webcast online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/KEX2020 by entering their 16-digit control number provided in their proxy materials. To access Kirbys Notice of 2020 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement as filed with the SEC on March 6, 2020 online, please visit the Financials section of the Companys investor relations website at http://investors.kirbycorp.com under the Proxy Statements heading. Kirby Corporation, based in Houston, Texas, is the nations largest domestic tank barge operator transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along all three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii. Kirby transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals by tank barge. In addition, Kirby participates in the transportation of dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. Through the distribution and services segment, Kirby provides after-market service and parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and related equipment used in oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications. Kirby also rents equipment including generators, industrial compressors, railcar movers, and high capacity lift trucks for use in a variety of industrial markets, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, for land-based oilfield service customers. #8 RE: Gathering Egreat A5/A10Pro/A8Pro/A11/A13 models Feedback / 08-03-2020 11:35 - , - , . DiGiPulse.ru | - VK. . : Dear Egreat fans , Due to the spreading Corona-Virus around the world . Here is some advise we would like to share it with you guys to fight with new Corona-Virus , hope it can be helpful to ALL of you :-) 1. Please spend more time to stay at home ; 2. Avoid any kind of contact to strangers ; 3. Always keep distance with people , at least more than 1 Meters ; 4. Wash your hand more times ; 5. Always keep your masks on when you are out ; 6. Get more disinfectant at your home ; 7. Get more indoor exercise when you stay at home ; This should be help to prevent new virus . Thanks to our government , China is getting better every days , wish you the same with us . If you guys need any help , Egreat always here with you :-) Best regards . Richard & Egreat Teams , . - , - , . DiGiPulse.ru | - VK. . ( 08-03-2020 11:44 .) Outbreak be could worse in Somalia than anywhere else if nothing is done before it spreads, medical experts warn. The coronavirus pandemic could kill more people in Somalia than anywhere else if preventive measures are not put in place urgently, medical experts and analysts have warned. The East African country confirmed its first case of COVID-19, the infection caused by the novel coronavirus, on Monday in a student who returned from China and is now in quarantine, according to the countrys health ministry. If this virus has killed thousands in developed countries like China and Italy, and also killed hundreds in Spain and Iran, you can imagine what the death toll will be in Somalia if nothing is done, Mohamed Mohamud Ali, chairman of Somali Medical Association (SMA), told Al Jazeera. Currently, we dont have a single testing kit in the country. We send samples to South Africa and wait for at least three days to know the results. This is a big challenge for us, Mohamed said. The outbreak reached Africa later than other continents, but at least 31 countries have now confirmed cases, with 13 reported deaths. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on African countries to wake up to the growing threat of the virus, which has killed more than 8,600 worldwide and infected at least 207,000 people. It will not just kill people The SMAs Mohamed believes the Somali people could do more to take the pandemic seriously. It will not just kill people. Economically, the consequences, if nothing is done, will be dire. We might not be able to recover from it, he added. The Somali government announced measures on Tuesday to reduce the potential spread of the virus. Schools and universities in the country have been closed starting March 19 for a period of 15 days, and large public gatherings have been banned, according to the prime minister. Hassan Ali Khaire said in an address to the public on Wednesday: We have set aside five million dollars to deal with this disease. That money will be used to help any Somali affected by this disease, whichever part of the country they may be. We are also in discussion with global financial institutions so that they can assist us [financially] to prevent the spread, he added. Somalia confirmed its first coronavirus case on Monday [Feisal Omar/Reuters] Mohamed Ahmed Ali, an analyst based in the capital Mogadishu, also told Al Jazeera more needed to be done if lives are to be saved in the country. Businesses are open as normal. Public transport is operating as usual, and restaurants are open. The risks and consequences are unimaginable. If more is not done immediately, more people could die in Somalia than anywhere else in the world, Mohamed said. The government faces challenges to its authority in several parts of the country, complicating access and diluting efforts made at the centre. Large swaths of the country are in the hands of the al-Qaeda-linked armed group, al-Shabab, which has not allowed any information to emerge from those areas with regards to the spread of COVID-19. A strained working relationship between the central government and the federal states makes the situation worse, according to Mohamed. Sadly, the government has limited power in what it can do, he added. Houston-area hospitals would not have enough resources to respond to a widespread outbreak of the coronavirus unless they take strong action to significantly increase capacity, according to new calculations released by Harvard University. Even in the most conservative of three outbreak scenarios that it created, the Harvard Global Health Initiative found that Houston-area hospitals would lack the necessary beds to care for all patients in need of hospitalization. In a worst case scenario, it would need four times the number currently available in the region. In the middle scenario if 40 percent of adults contract the virus over a 12-month period and a fifth of them require hospitalization more than 430,000 people would be hospitalized in that time. That would require 14,300 beds on an average day, nearly three times the estimated number currently available in Houston. We simply do not have enough hospital capacity to assume all of those people, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said last week, assuming 30 percent of county residents were to become sick at the same time. We cant afford to have a sudden spike in cases. The Harvard initiative data, taken from whats known as a modeling exercise, dont constitute predictions so much as they provide scenarios that hospital and policymakers can take into account in planning for a possible surge of the epidemic of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The data was produced at local hospital market-specific levels because how many beds are available in Boston is irrelevant to a person in Utah, said Ashish K. Jha, director of the institute. The study, released Tuesday, modeled nine scenarios. The scenarios use infection rates of 20 percent, 40 percent and 60 percent and outbreak spans of six, 12 and 18 months. Houston Chronicle A 20 percent infection rate over 18 months would mean fewer people caught COVID-19 than fell ill to the flu last year, according to an analysis by ProPublica. Previous studies have suggested the virus is more transmissible than the flu. The study assumes that hospitals will not free up occupied beds by delaying elective procedures or sending people home early. It also assumes hospitals will not add beds. In a videoconference call with Texas hospitals, Gov. Greg Abbott played down the burden, saying hes impressed with the stock of available beds in the state. He predicted Texas will be able to expand capacity using medical tents as well as recently closed hospitals, medical centers, clinics and standalone emergency rooms. He also mentioned empty hotels and motels for patients who arent in critical condition and others who need to be isolated. When you aggregate all of this together, we see and believe that we have a plentiful supply of resources that will be able to address what could be a significant increase in the number of people who are testing positive for COVID-19, (both) those who have minimal consequences of it and those who have critical consequences of it, said Abbott. The Harvard calculations were criticized by some policy experts and doctors, who said not enough is known about the spread of COVID-19 to make meaningful assumptions. Its incredibly hard to (make) projections about whats going to happen because this is a unique first-time event and we have so little data, said Vivian Ho, a Rice University health economist. Because we dont have that much testing, we do not know how quickly its spreading, what percent of cases are serious, if we can target hot-spot areas and essentially shut them down. Ho added, I hope theres something wrong with their assumptions because if not, were doomed. Dr. Ken Mattox, chief of staff at Ben Taub Hospital, said its important we react and prepare for the worst but also that we dont overreact. He said the next few weeks should give the Houston area a better sense of trends such as whether increased testing shows the fatality rate isnt that high, or whether cases start declining with the weather warming up. He noted that there have been no deaths so far in the Houston area and that most everyone Ben Taub has tested has come up negative. Mattox said he was encouraged by a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that showed most of the U.S. deaths and hospitalizations involve people over 65, consistent with the flu; and that there have no U.S deaths in anyone under 19. He also noted the fatality rate has dropped from 3 percent to below 2. However, the number of cases statewide climbed to 186 Wednesday evening, including 55 in the Houston region. COVID-19 also was tied to another Texans death, the third in the state. Texas Medical Center CEO William McKeon declined to comment about the modeling, and Texas Medical Center hospital officials were uncharacteristically silent. Darrell Pile, head of a group that coordinates a 25-county area response to disasters, said he is more worried about staffing and supplies than beds. We successfully managed (Hurricanes) Harvey and Ike and Rita, where entire hospitals had to be evacuated and patients had to be moved, said Pile, chief operating officer for the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. He said the agency has run exercises that test hospitals surge capacity, which is the number of additional beds they can staff in a crisis. Overwhelmed hospitals may call on retirees or licensed professionals in other medical fields to assist, Pile said. The governor could allow anyone with an active medical license to work in the hospitals. On Sunday, the council received the first of four shipments from the CDCs medical supplies stockpile. For a region of nearly 9 million people, the first shipment contained 19,000 N95 masks. These are thick, molded masks that block most airborne particles. The agency distributed most of those masks to paramedics, EMTs and people caring for the elderly. Its woefully inadequate, he said. We had some ambulances that were down to only two or three days worth of masks left. Carrie Williams, spokeswoman for the Texas Hospital Association, acknowledged the Harvard projections are concerning. Thats why we have been in full force preparing for the possibility of patient surges, said Williams. Texas hospitals are in this together and have been urgent and deliberate in their response and planning. The collaboration right now has been remarkable as we refine all of the elements that help hospitals be ready for emergencies every single day. Bryan McLeod, spokesman for the Harris Health System, noted that the system runs two emergency trauma centers and experiences some aspect of a surge crisis every day. Theres a constant juggling of resources, and every disaster is different, and every community emergency and so everything we are doing now in relation to COVID is to prevent a surge from happening, said McLeod. We might succeed; we might not. We have a robust network of primary care locations that are focused on keeping our patients health status good enough to where hospitalization is not needed. To that end, like everyone else, Fort Bend County officials are urging people with mild symptoms to recover at home. It's a new virus, said Fort Bend County communications director Yaneth Calderon. Everyone's freaking out. But most of the cases are mild to, like, no symptoms. We want those people to just stay home if they can. They're protecting those who are older, those who are most vulnerable. Staff writers Taylor Goldenstein and Zach Despart contributed to this story. stephanie.lamm@chron.com todd.ackerman@chron.com Across Massachusetts grocery store shelves are bare, with paper goods and bread in short supply, and often unavailable. However, Market Basket, Big Y, Whole Foods & Stop & Shop arent the only centers where people can restock their pantry. Many small businesses, specifically in Worcester, offer a place that can help residents gather food during the coronavirus pandemic. There are a lot of people that dont know whats open and or available, Worcester District 1 Councilor Sean Rose said. You go to the grocery store and the bread aisle is empty, yet you can go down to Birchtree Bread and grab yourself a couple loaves. To highlight what Worcesters small businesses have to offer, Rose, Meg Mulhern and School Committee Members Molly McCullough and Laura Clancey created Worcester Love. The Facebook page launched Thursday morning and hours later eclipsed 650 followers. The purpose of the page is to promote Worcesters small businesses to remind the public that many remain open and often can serve up food or supplies that may be difficult to find elsewhere, including bread. Shopping at small businesses also helps infuse funds into a community thats been struck by the coronavirus pandemic. With Gov. Charlie Baker limiting gatherings to less than 25 people and prohibiting restaurants from serving patrons in dining areas, many have had to cut hours or lay off employees. Were in uncharted territory, Rose said. The goal for Worcester Love is to act as free online marketing and advertising through Facebook for small businesses. As the pandemic in Worcester evolves so too could the group, Rose said. But for now, Rose hopes the Facebook posts will generate customers for the citys small businesses. We launched it this morning and its just been a resounding response up to this point," Rose said. "Its a small thing we can do for local businesses, to let people know whats available. As a city councilor, Rose has also thought having Worcester suspend meters, especially in front of restaurants, which could help small restaurants with pickup or curbside to-go orders. Its another option for small businesses that have drive-up or pick-up orders, Rose said. Like the Worcester Love Facebook group, suspending meters may only be small steps, but in Roses mind, theyre still steps in the right direction for helping the citys businesses. For a lot of us, this is really important to us because our relationships with these businesses arent counterfeit, theyre real, Rose said. These are our families. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Related Content: Teachers in at least three New Jersey public school districts have tested positive for coronavirus, prompting superintendents to issue warnings to parents about monitoring their children for symptoms. All of the districts sent letters or emails to families urging them to watch for indicators of the illness, which includes fever or cough, and to call doctors if the symptoms arise. New Jersey officials on Wednesday reported at least 427 cases of the coronavirus. The state has confirmed five coronavirus-related deaths, and NJ Advance Media has confirmed a sixth person has died. In Mercer County, a teacher who works at Timerberlane Middle School in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Wednesday night. The teacher was asymptomatic while at school in Pennington, according to school and health department officials. A teacher at Timberlane Middle School in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District has tested positive for coronavirus, officials said Wednesday. In Essex County, a foreign language teacher at Heritage Middle School in the Livingston Public School district tested positive for COVID-19, officials said late Wednesday. The Livingston teacher, who is in quarantine, was present in the school building up to and including Wednesday, March 11, schools Superintendent Matthew Block wrote in a letter to families. In Union County, a teacher in the Cranford Public School District also tested positive, the district announced Wednesday night. The teacher lives in Monmouth County, schools Superintendent Scott Rubin said in a notice posted on the district website. Please know that the last day the faculty member had contact with anyone in the district was March 6, Rubin said. Rubin said the Monmouth County Health Department is in the process of tracing where the teacher had been before testing positive and that notification to anyone deemed as close contacts will follow. These individuals will also be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, Rubin said. Also in Monmouth, Rita Fusco-Jackson, who taught religious education at a Freehold church, died of the virus. Fusco-Jackson was a volunteer teacher in the churchs confirmation program and attended a retreat on Feb. 29. Her contact with retreat participants was minimal, the church said in a statement. However, at least two students who came in contact with Fusco-Jackson have self-quarantined, the church said. In Passaic County, a staff member at Eastern Christian High School, a private school in North Haledon, tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member lives in Haledon, officials said. In Morris County, an employee of Mount Olive Middle School tested positive for COVID-19, district officials announced. The Mount Olive Health Department will be reaching out to individuals who had close contact with the diagnosed employee, the district said on its website. The announcements have parents pressing the districts for more information about the infected teachers. I dont understand why they will not provide us the identity of this teacher, said Christopher Gentile, whose daughter attends Timberlane in Pennington. It would allow us to see the risk factor for our children in contracting the COVID-19, and that would be in the best interest of our children. In Livingston, a man with a daughter at Heritage Middle School, said its impossible for parents to know if their children had been exposed. Any family with a child at the middle school, and any contacts those children had since Wednesday should immediately begin self quarantining," the man, who asked that his name not be used, wrote in an email. "Not doing so immediately risks putting the entire community at risk. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. By Alan J. Steinberg Two weeks ago, Gov. Phil Murphy was entering a true test of faith in his life, his hour of trial. He was facing major surgery to remove a tumor from his kidney. He emerged from his hours-long surgery with the cancer removed and little time to rest. As governor of New Jersey, he now had to deal with the most perilous and deadly crisis ever faced by a New Jersey governor, the coronavirus pandemic. Murphy had to confront this crisis under the worst possible circumstance. He had to work with a president, Donald Trump, a chief executive of the opposite party who had played politics with the pandemic, labeling it as a Democratic hoax and downplaying the deadly effect of the virus. Yet the most destructive action of Trump involved his elimination of the agency charged with confronting the pandemic. Given the politically disabled state of the federal government, a historically unprecedented share of the burden in meeting this catastrophic crisis during the remainder of Trumps term devolves to state governments. In meeting this challenge, Governor Murphy must successfully pursue three categories of tasks: Political, namely the mitigation of partisan factors that could destroy cooperation between the Republican White House and the Democratic Murphy Administration; Policy, namely the selection of specific needs for the federal government to fund and /or provide; Leadership, specifically the ability to marshal the will of the people of New Jersey in support of the governors actions and policies. Obviously, one cannot evaluate the success or failure of the governors actions and policies until the crisis has passed. It can be said, however, that Phil Murphy could not have gotten off to a better start in dealing with it. The governor showed superb political judgment in resisting the temptation to cast blame on the Trump administration for the worsening of the crisis. On the daily conference calls between the state governors and the White House, this has enabled the continuing discussions between Murphy and the Trump Administration to proceed thus far in a cooperative fashion. The Murphy wish list from the White House consists of federal contribution of mobile labs and kits for virus testing; personal protective equipment for the medical personnel and economic stimulus assistance for New Jersey businesses and individuals particularly adversely impacted during the crisis. The outlook is hopeful for the Murphy administration will achieve its wish list goals. The list appears to be reasonable and well-founded. It is in the area of symbolic leadership that Phil Murphy, in these early stages, appears to have most favorably moved his agenda forward. The governor appears to have learned well the major lessons from the famous Day of Infamy speech President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave on Dec. 8, 1941, asking for a declaration of war against Japan on account of their attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii the day before. The objectives of that speech were clear: To inform the citizenry of the damage already done, to describe the continuing danger and the action that would be taken to contain it, to maintain FDRs credibility with the public and to provide a sense of optimism that in spite of the severe problems ahead, the American people ultimately would prevail. Working out of his home in Middletown while recuperating from his surgery, Murphy is meeting all of these leadership objectives. He is providing a steady stream of information to the media and the New Jersey citizenry. And in establishing a strong bond with the public, Murphy is above all benefiting from one significant fact: He is the anti-Chris Christie. Our previous governor is a man of irrepressible ambition and unbridled narcissism, hell-bent on seeking the presidency in 2024. In a column in the Washington Post, Christie abundantly displayed both of these traits, portraying himself as the savior of the Jersey Shore during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and as a leading authority on pandemics. The people of New Jersey remember a different Chris Christie. They recall him going down to the Jersey Shore at the time of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, trying to establish a Christie cult of personality by haranguing the local citizenry to get the hell off the beach. More significantly, they remember how the Christie Shore rebuilding effort, plagued by maladministration and scandal, totally failed to meet expectations. And they cannot understand where Christie has demonstrated expertise in dealing with pandemics. The steady, measured, and reassuring crisis management style of Phil Murphy is a welcome change from the Christie crisis management style of sound and fury, signifying nothing. During the early days of the coronavirus crisis, Phil Murray has established himself as a leader of profound decency and goodness. If he sticks to his course, the governor will lock up his reelection - and establish himself as a leader of greatness as well as goodness. Alan J. Steinberg served as regional administrator of Region 2 EPA during the administration of former President George W. Bush and as executive director of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Solomons Group managing partner Johnny Shin, fifth from left, poses with his corporate advisory team members at the company's Sydney office in this 2019 file photo. / Courtesy of Solomons Group By Park Jae-hyuk Solomons Group managing partner Johnny Shin, 32, lives up to his favorite William Pollard quote, "The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow." The private wealth adviser, who also has a Korean name, Shin Yong-ha, founded the wealth management company in Brisbane last year. Based on his career at Macquarie Group and Ord Minnett, a private wealth management group owned by J.P. Morgan Chase, the Korean-Australian has led his company with colleagues who worked with him at his previous workplaces. At its offices in Sydney and Brisbane, Solomons offers private wealth management and corporate advisory services. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Shin said he dreams of expanding his company's offices further in strategic and key locations such as Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore within the next five years as demand for Asia-Pacific cross-border financial services continues to grow. "Just like Australia is well known for its multicultural society, our partners and staff members also come from diverse cultural backgrounds; from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, India and even covering Kenya," he said. "Our diversity within the firm allows us to understand our international clients' needs at a much deeper and personal level, and we believe showing acknowledgement and understanding of our client's cultural differences is a crucial and key component to our success." In particular, Shin seeks to consolidate his company's partnerships with Korean clients. "We are already working actively with a number of leading financial institutions and family offices in Korea to source appropriate assets across Australia and Asia," he said. "We assist our Korean clients with a buy mandate to source off-market alternative assets like commercial properties, government-led infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects, asset-backed debt and other private equity related deals." Born in Seoul, Shin immigrated to Australia with his mother when he was a teenager. After getting a bachelor's of commerce at Griffith University, he worked at Macquarie and Ord Minnett. "I found that the finance industry is the one sector where a new day is never the same," he said. "I liked the fact that it continues to challenge you on daily basis and that is one of the biggest reasons why I continue to thrive and always seek to learn more when working within the sector. You can never be complacent in this industry." Solomons' assets under management stood at 300 billion won ($249 million) in February. Shin said his company has every intention to grow this if the timing is right and opportunity does arise. In a jolt to the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court Thursday directed Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati to reconvene a special session tomorrow with sole agenda of conducting the floor test that must conclude by 5 pm. Observing that the "state of uncertainty must be effectively resolved by issuing a direction for convening a floor test", the top court directed that there shall be "single agenda" before the assembly whether the Congress government continues to enjoy the confidence of the House and the voting shall take place by "show of hand". A bench, comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta, issued as many as eight interim directions after the conclusion of two-day hearing on cross pleas of former MP CM and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan and of MP Congress party. "The session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly which has been deferred to March 26, 2020 shall be reconvened on March 20. The meeting to be convened...shall be confined to a single agenda, namely, whether the government of the incumbent Chief Minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the House," it said. With regard to 16 rebel Congress MLAs who are presently in Bengaluru, the top court directed the Director General of Police of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh to ensure that there shall be no restraint or hindrance on any of them taking recourse to their rights and liberties as citizens. "In the event that they or any of them opt to attend the session of the Legislative Assembly, arrangements for their security shall be provided by all the concerned authorities," it directed. Taking note of Governor Lalji Tandon's letter that there was no provision of recording of division of votes in MP assembly by pressing of buttons, it said that voting shall take place "by show of hands". "The proceedings before the legislative assembly shall be video-graphed and, if a provision exists for live telecast of the proceedings, this shall in addition be ensured," it said. It also directed the authorities, including the Legislative Secretary, to ensure that there is "no breach of law and order" during floor test which should be conducted in a peaceful manner. It fixed the deadline for conclusion of the floor test and said that it "shall be concluded by 5.00 pm on March 20." The bench said senior lawyers, Kapil Sibal, A M S Singhvi and Vivek Tankha, appearing for Kamal Nath, the Speaker and the state government respectively, have assailed the communication of the Governor to convene the floor test. It also observed that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the governor, and senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Maninder Singh, apeparing for Chouhan and rebel Congress MLAs respectively, supported the communication of Governor Lalji Tandon. "The submissions which have been urged before the court would necessitate a judgment which would take some time to be delivered," the bench said. Earlier on March 16, Chouhan, a three-time Chief Minister of the state and nine BJP lawmakers, including the leader of opposition and BJP's Chief Whip in the Assembly, had knocked the doors of the top court just after the Speaker cited coronavirus concerns and adjourned the House till March 26 without taking the floor test apparently defying the directions of the Governor. Chouhan had sought immediate floor test in the assembly as directed by the Governor. The plea alleged that after the resignations of 22 Congress MLAs the government has lost the majority in the House and "it has no moral, legal, democratic or constitutional right to remain in power even for a single day". A day after, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Legislature party (MPCLP) moved the top court alleging that its 16 MLAs have been held captive in Begaluru and had sought a direction to the Centre and the BJP-led Karnataka government to grant it access to communicate with its rebel MLAs allegedly kept at Bengaluru. After the Speaker accepted the resignation of six Congress MLAs on Saturday, the party now has 108 legislators. These include 16 rebel legislators who have also put in their papers but their resignations are yet to be accepted. The BJP has 107 seats in the House, which now has an effective strength of 222, with the majority mark being 112. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STAMFORD The attorney representing Michelle Troconis wants her electronic monitoring unit removed because he claims its interfering with her defense by telegraphing her every move to probation officers and prosecutors. The defendants exact location information is accessible 24/7 to agents of the state and her whereabouts are known at all times through monitoring and mandatory self-reporting to the probation officer, defense attorney Jon Schoenhorn wrote in a motion filed Wednesday in state Superior Court in Stamford. Troconis, 45, has been required to wear an electronic monitoring unit since she was first released on bond last June after being charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in the May 24 disappearance of Jennifer Dulos. Troconis has since also been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Her former boyfriend, Fotis Dulos, 52, died in January from an apparent suicide while facing murder, kidnapping and other charges in connection with the death and disappearance of his estranged wife. In a note left in his car, Fotis Dulos proclaimed he was innocent of the charges and that Troconis and his former attorney, Kent Mawhinney, who is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, were not involved in the crime. Troconis has been required to alert authorities for any trips outside her home for medical appointments, church and shopping since the conspiracy to commit murder charge was filed in January a requirement Schoenhorn also wants to stop. The fact the Ms. Troconis cannot schedule a meeting with her attorney, go to locations relevant to the investigation of her case, or seek out a potential defense witness without disclosing the information to the state interferes with the attorney-client relationship and inhibits her right to effective assistance of counsel, in violation of the Sixth Amendment and Article I of the state constitution, Schoenhorn wrote in the motion. Schoenhorn wants the GPS unit and any other non-financial conditions removed as part of his clients release on $2.1 million bond, Schoenhorn said. The attorney also filed a series of motions this week seeking to suppress evidence gathered during the execution of search warrants in the case. The most recent evidence he wants suppressed is data gathered from a cellphone tower dump police sought in June to determine if any phones connected with Fotis and Jennifer Dulos or Troconis had been in the Hartford area the days surrounding the 50-year-old mother of fives disappearance. Schoenhorn contends the tower dump was an unconstitutional and unjustified fishing expedition of not only the defendants data but that of everybody else. Police obtained a search warrant for the cellphone tower dump after finding videos of two people who appear to be Troconis and Fotis Dulos on Albany Avenue in Hartford the night Jennifer Dulos went missing. The videos show Fotis Dulos placing garbage bags that police say contained clothing and items stained with the blood of Jennifer Dulos in bins along the Hartford street, arrest warrants said. According to arrest warrants, police believe Fotis Dulos attacked his estranged wife in the garage of her New Canaan home when she returned from dropping off their children at a nearby school around 8 a.m. on May 24. Police said they found signs Jennifer Dulos was the victim of a serious physical assault based on blood evidence they found in the garage, arrest warrants state. As the Long Beach Unified School District commits to keeping classes in-person, the city a new testing site opens for LBUSD employees and students only. The city is also ramping up its own testing efforts with a new 3,000-person per day testing site. Ronnie Killen has come to the rescue, again. The Houston restaurateur announced his soon-to-opened Killen's restaurant in the Heights will offer free barbecue sandwiches and chips to all hospitality workers affected by the coronavirus shutdown starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston restaurants shift to curbside pickup to protect diners, workers amid coronavirus pandemic Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday ordered all bars and clubs countywide to close for 15 days, and restricted restaurants to only take-out and delivery orders. The closures and restrictions have created a big dilemma for owners and will inevitably lead to huge financial losses and job cuts. Killen's kind deed may come as no surprise to some. The famous pitmaster has offered similar handouts in the past when he helped feed workers affected by the government shutdown last year. FLAVOR: Hungry for restaurant reviews and recipes? Get the free, weekly Flavor newsletter delivered to your email. The restaurant is located at the former Hickory Hollow space at 101 Heights Boulevard. Hospitality workers will be asked to show proof of their employment with a pay stub, restaurant representatives said. The food will be offered in a drive-thru setting. Representatives said future dates will be offered at the same location, but details on those have yet to be released. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the event will be hosted at the Killen's restaurant in the Heights. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com The European Central Bank launched 750bn emergency bond purchase scheme in a bid to stop a pandemic-induced financial rout from shredding the euro zone's economy and raising fresh concerns about the currency bloc's viability. With much of Europe in lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak, economic activity has come to a near standstill and markets have been in a tailspin, foreshadowing a deep recession on par with the 2008 global financial crisis and raising questions about the euro zone's cohesion at times of stress. Under pressure to act to bring down borrowing costs for indebted, virus-stricken countries such as Italy, the ECB launched a new, dedicated bond-purchase scheme, bringing its planned purchases for this year to 1.1tn with the newly agreed buys alone worth 6pc of the euro area's GDP. "Extraordinary times require extraordinary action," ECB President Christine Lagarde said after an emergency policy meeting late on Wednesday. "There are no limits to our commitment to the euro. We are determined to use the full potential of our tools, within our mandate." The bond purchases will continue until the "crisis phase" of the epidemic is over and non-financial commercial paper will also be included for the first time among eligible assets, the ECB said. Although global stocks continued to fall after the ECB's move, the euro held broadly steady and bond yields in the bloc's periphery tumbled, with Italy leading the way with a 90 basis point drop on its 10-year benchmark. Although it will still buy government bonds according to each country's shareholding in the bank, the so-called capital key, the ECB said it would be flexible and may deviate from this rule. This was seen as a clear indication that it will not tolerate the surge in yield spreads between euro zone members seen in Italy and Greece in recent days. Euro zone officials, who were critical of the ECB's stimulus measures last week, rushed to the bank's support this time, with French President Emmanuel Macron leading the way. GREECE The purchases will also include for the first time debt from Greece, which has been shut out of ECB buys because of its low credit rating. Greek finance minister Christos Staikouras said the decision made about 12bn in Greek government debt eligible for purchases, a vital support for a country that relies heavily on tourism income. Crucially, the ECB said it was prepared to increase the size and duration of its purchases if necessary and review any constraints that stand in its way - a likely reference to a cap on owning more than a third of any country's debt. "Provided the fiscal response continues to build up, this looks like a game-changer for the euro area economy and markets," Frederik Ducrozet, a strategist at Pictet Wealth Management, said. However, the ECB left its minus 0.5pc deposit rate unchanged just as it did last Thursday, another sign that policymakers may now see a further cut doing more harm than good. Meeting in a regular session last Thursday, the ECB approved a large stimulus package but the measures disappointed investors, prompting some to question the bank's commitment to former ECB boss Mario Draghi's pledge to do "whatever it takes" to save the euro. With bond yields on the bloc's periphery soaring and the spread between Italian and German ten-year debt doubling in just a few days, pressure has been mounting on the ECB to do more. Panic selling pushed 10-year Italian yields above 3pc briefly on Wednesday, raising concerns about the sustainability of its debt, before ECB purchases and verbal intervention pushed it back to around 2.3pc. Additional measures from Frankfurt may not of course fix the issue just like aggressive rate cuts and far greater bond-buying by the US Federal Reserve haven't calmed sentiment. US stocks deepened their selloff on Wednesday and the Dow erased virtually the last of its gains since President Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration, as the widening repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic threatened to cripple economic activity. Manitoba is freeing up additional hospital space to deal with potential coronavirus cases and is in the process of converting an MPI claims garage in south Winnipeg as a drive-through community testing site. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/3/2020 (663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba is freeing up additional hospital space to deal with potential coronavirus cases and is in the process of converting an MPI claims garage in south Winnipeg as a drive-through community testing site. Health Minister Cameron Friesen told a COVID-19 briefing this morning that rule changes will allow for doctor's appointments and prescriptions and prescription renewals to be done by telephone or video hookup. And, he said, agreement has been reached with the province's health-care unions to quickly deploy staff wherever they are needed. Manitoba's chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, said it appears that the two new presumptive COVID 19 cases identified yesterday bringing the total number to 17 are both related to travel. One of the 17 is in hospital with mild symptoms and is stable at this time, he said. Meanwhile, public health investigators have not been able to directly link one of the 17 to either travel or to another confirmed case, Roussin said, adding work in tracing the case continues. Friesen said the province now has nine dedicated testing sites for the coronavirus, including four in Winnipeg. The new drive-through site in Winnipeg will open in the coming days at the MPI service centre at 15 Barnes St., off Bison Drive. A drive-through test site in Steinbach will open Friday. Health Sciences Centre, meanwhile, has begun a series of moves that include relocating a medicine unit to the former Women's Pavilion at 735 Notre Dame Ave., to create a 30-bed isolation unit. "Its forward planning, its contingency planning," the minister said. Friesen said the province has received 23 additional ventilators, bringing the total in Manitoba to 266, and 16 more are on order. Agencies that offer day programs through Community Living disABILITY Services for adults with intellectual disabilities have been asked to limit the service to reduce the potential spread of the virus. As soon as possible, day services will be offered only to individuals who live with family members at risk of losing their jobs if the services were not provided and who cannot be safely supported in their residence during daytime hours. Friesen said 89 physicians have already volunteered to take on additional hours at clinics and hospitals. The minister said he understands that there is public anxiety that comes with seeing empty parking lots and restaurants. Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. But he said it's important for Manitobans to do their part through social-distancing to prevent a big bump in cases. "I would ask Manitobans to use their judgment when they watch the numbers come in, because I know the numbers that we provide of the increased cases in Manitoba is a cause for concern," he said. "It creates anxiety to see those numbers rise. But I would suggest that the rise of the numbers is inevitable, at this point. It is exponential, as we see in other jurisdictions. "But the numbers are also rising because our system is working, because we are undertaking testing, because people are working hard in the background." carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Carol Sanders Legislature reporter After 20 years of reporting on the growing diversity of people calling Manitoba home, Carol moved to the legislature bureau in early 2020. Read full biography Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The Islamic advisory council of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has ordered the temporary suspension of Friday prayers in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease. In an order signed by Grand Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan and released Thursday, the Darul Ifta said Friday prayers at all Bangsamoro mosques will be suspended for three weeks until April 10. All congregational prayers in both big and small mosques will also be halted indefinitely, according to the directive. The Philippines has seen a rapid spike in COVID-19 cases in the past weeks, with the number rising to 217 as of Thursday afternoon. A vast majority of the patients were recorded in Luzon, which has been placed under "enhanced" community quarantine in an effort to contain the outbreak. Two of the cases were recorded in the Bangsamoro, both from Lanao del Sur. Other areas outside Luzon with confirmed COVID-19 cases include Cebu and the Davao region. RELATED: Areas outside Luzon shut down its borders as number of COVID-19 cases rise Globally, COVID-19 has infected more than 218,000 individuals in 158 different countries including China, where the mysterious virus first spread. Over 8,800 fatalities were also recorded, 17 of which came from the Philippines. Several Bharatiya Janata Party workers on Wednesday gathered at Habibganj Police station here and filed a complaint against Congress workers for protesting outside their party's office in Bhopal against the detention of Digvijaya Singh. Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh were detained yesterday after he sat on a dharna near Ramada Hotel of Bengaluru city without taking the permission to meet the 21 rebel Congress MLA lodged in the hotel. Police also detained a couple of Congress workers who were protesting outside the BJP office in Bhopal yesterday. This development comes amid the political crisis in Madhya Pradesh which followed the exit of Jyotiraditya Scindia from the Congress party. Scindia's exit was followed by 22 Congress MLAs resigning from the party as well as from the state legislative Assembly. The resignation of these MLAs has left the Kamal Nath government below the majority mark. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan is planning to offer a stimulus package that would help the government tackle the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak. According to reports, the Japanese government will probably hand out cash payouts to households that could be worth more than $260 billion. The efforts will be part of the government's plan to avoid a possible recession that experts are predicting across the globe. Read: Facebook Fixes Bug That Marked Legitimate Coronavirus-related Posts As Spam Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura after a cabinet meeting on Thursday said that the stimulus package will be bold enough to repel the economic crisis that will potentially be more serious than the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse. The stimulus package is likely to be compiled by the government in April, media reports suggested. Read: Australia: Cafe Offers Coffee In Exchange Of Toilet Papers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak If the economic package worth $260 billion is rolled out that would be more than the 26 trillion-yen package the Japanese government compiled in December last year to avoid the financial hit from the US-China trade war on an export-reliant economy. As per reports, some lawmakers from Japan's ruling party proposed a roll-back of 10 per cent sales tax to which Finance minister Taro Aso said that it is highly unlikely because of the time it will take to notify the public and get retailers ready. Read: IMF Rejects Maduro's Loan Request For Fighting Coronavirus Outbreak In Venezuela A similar stimulus package is being proposed around the world to handle the economic fallout of coronavirus. According to reports, the United States has proposed a $1 trillion rescue plan to boost the economy after the crisis is over. As per reports, the proposed rescue plan would see a possible $300 billion in helping small businesses avoid mass layoffs, $50 billion to help the airline industry and $150 billion to protect other sectors. The United Kingdom also unveiled a multi-billion pound rescue plan for its businesses and support people's finances in these hard times. Read: As Coronavirus Grounds Global Airlines, Top US Official Says 'it's Worse Than 9/11' Coronavirus outbreak The COVID-19 has claimed more than 8,900 lives across the world and has infected over 2,19,000 people globally since it first broke out in December 2019. China is the most affected country in the world as experts believe that the virus originated from a seafood market in Wuhan city, the epicentre of the disease, where animals were reportedly being traded illegally. Italy, Iran and Spain are the most affected countries outside mainland China, where, as of March 17 the combined death toll stands at 4,751. The Ministry of Manpower building. (Yahoo News Singapore file photo) SINGAPORE With additional border restrictions implemented in Singapore on Wednesday (18 March) to combat the rising number of imported COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that it will also implement additional precautionary measures for work pass holders entering or returning to Singapore. In a media release on Wednesday, it said that from 11.59pm on Friday, all new and existing work pass holders (including their dependants) planning to enter or return to Singapore from any country will have to obtain MOMs approval before commencing their journey. This applies to both existing work pass holders currently out of Singapore, and in-principle approval holders who have yet to enter Singapore. Mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice Upon arrival, all affected work pass holders will also be placed on a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Employers will be required during application to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable premises to house these employees during their SHN period. Employers should inform their affected employees not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been received from MOM. They will also be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees, who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in and at the checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore. Work pass holders who have been put on a SHN cannot leave their place of residence. They are required to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention immediately if they develop any fever or symptoms of acute respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath. If support from employers is not forthcoming during the SHN period, work pass holders should report their difficulties to MOM. Extension of LOASP MOM has extended the Leave of Absence Support Programme (LOASP) to businesses and self-employed persons affected by the SHN requirements due to COVID-19 since 18 February. Under the LOASP, eligible employers will be able to apply for $100 daily per affected worker for the required duration of SHN. Affected workers include Singaporeans, permanent residents and work pass holders placed on SHN upon their return to Singapore. Eligible employers will also qualify for levy waiver for affected foreign workers for the SHN period. Story continues Businesses and self-employed Singaporeans and PRs will not be eligible for the LOASP if work was performed remotely by affected persons or workers on SHN, and if they were placed on LOA or SHN upon their return to Singapore after: Travelling to mainland China on or before 31 January; or Travelling to Daegu city or Cheongdo county in South Korea on or before 26 February; or Travelling to South Korea, Northern Italy, or Iran on or before 4 March; or Travelling to Italy, Spain, France or Germany on or before 15 March; or Traveling to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom on or before 16 March; and Travelling to all other countries on or before 15 March 2020. Employers and employees are strongly advised to check MOMs website for the latest advisories. Ministers clarification Meanwhile, Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo offered some clarity on the temporary relief measure involving giving employers $50 per worker per night over two weeks to help them secure lodging for their staff who have been affected by Malaysias Movement Control Order. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, she wrote that she had received e-mails asking why Singapore is giving foreigners money to stay in Singapore. This is not the correct understanding, she said in the post. The workers may also be Singaporean, but have no accommodation in Singapore. The help goes to the employers, not the worker, because they are responsible for ensuring proper housing. The workers are here providing essential services to us and helping to keep our companies going; they are away from family and should have a decent place to stay. I seek Singaporeans understanding that we are actually helping ourselves. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related stories: COVID-19: S'pore confirms new single-day high of 47 cases including 33 imported, total 313 COVID-19: All travellers entering S'pore to serve 14-day stay-home notice; S'poreans advised to defer all travel abroad Companies in Singapore hit by Malaysia lockdown to get $50 per night over 2 weeks for each affected workers lodging Singapore-Malaysia travelling FAQ: who can enter, who can exit Anger and shock: Malaysian workers scramble to enter Singapore hours before start of lockdown ABC News(NEW YORK) -- A Spanish translation of president's coronavirus guidelines added to CDC site Days after President Trump unveiled a list of new guidelines to combat the spread of coronavirus, the administration late Thursday posted instructions in Spanish on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Spanish-language site and the White House site. The move came hours after an ABC News report highlighted that there were no readily available written guidelines in Spanish on those sites. On the English version of the CDC's site a document titled "The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America" is at the top of the screen, linked with a large yellow banner across the page. Trump introduced the guidelines on Monday which include avoiding groups of more than 10 people, avoiding discretionary travel, socializing at bars and restaurants, and more and said they were important for everyone to take for the following 15 days. "If everyone makes this change - or these critical changes and sacrifices now, we will rally together as one nation and we will defeat the virus," he said from the podium. A spokesperson for the vice president, who leads the administrations coronavirus task force, told ABC News that a Spanish translation of the guidelines had been shared with "Hispanic media" on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the spokesperson also shared Spanish-language graphics of those guidelines with ABC News. The spokesperson did not say if they were being translated into any other languages. The translated guidelines did not appear to be available on the CDCs Spanish-language website earlier on Thursday afternoon. Time and information being of the essence, some Latino groups moved to make matters into their own hands. Darryl Morin, president of Forward Latino, sent a letter to CDC Director Robert Redfield and Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, urging them to make the guidelines and the website as a whole more accessible to Spanish speaking communities. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' BOLD PAC translated the guidelines themselves, sending them out in an email blast. "There are more than 40 million Americans who speak Spanish at home. Its unacceptable for the President to provide public health guidelines without offering those guidelines in Spanish and other languages spoken in the United States, Tony Cardenas, chairman of CHC BOLD PAC, said in a statement. As families across the country are equipping themselves with lifesaving information, its cruel for this administration to not make this information accessible to everyone -- in a language they understand and trust. Our nation is facing an unprecedented public health crisis, a pandemic, and it will take all of us working together to keep our communities and our loved ones healthy. Latino Rebels also said they contacted the White House on Monday night. They say the administration "acknowledged receipt of the request, but did not share specific information" on when the Spanish version would be out. Dr. Regan Bergmark, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Brigham Women's hospital in Boston, and a scientist at their Center for Surgery and Public Health, told ABC News that in a crisis like this, time is of the essence to make sure the public is informed - and reaching every community. "I think this disparity story is going to be central to what ultimately happens in this epidemic. We are a multilingual country and so any public health intervention has to be accessible to everyone," Bergmark said, noting that she has seen language barriers be an issue in hospitals as it is. "Every second matters. Vulnerable populations are having - there's already confusion about what people should be doing. If you add another layer that not everyone is able to understand those guidelines for what Americans should be doing, it poses a huge challenge and you're just - you're not making it easy for people to rapidly adapt," Bergmark said. Jazmin Vargas, press secretary for CHC BOLD, tweeted at the Trump administration's deputy press secretary Ken Farnaso on Monday - asking him if the guidelines were available in Spanish. She received a reply Wednesday afternoon, Farnaso tweeting back what she said were screenshots, then a link when she asked again, to a Spanish translation that still does not appear to be linked on the main CDC Spanish page. Vargas said she continued to search the site for the new guidelines' translation and still, could not find them. A review by ABC News of the Spanish CDC site yielded the same results as recently as Thursday early afternoon. On the CDC Spanish language site, the most updated pdf's on "what you need to know" were from March 6. There is a March 16 pdf outlining basic symptoms. "Every American, regardless of language, has the right to receive the same protections as any other American," Morin told ABC News. "When you do not provide the same service, or access to the same information - especially when lives are on the line - it represents a critical failure to uphold one's sworn oath of office." "The sooner we're on the same page the sooner this situation will come to an end and we can recover and minimize the hardship and the loss." Wednesday afternoon, Morin said that the CDC had responded to them - saying that they were "currently undertaking efforts to make updated information available" on the coronavirus Spanish language page, "by the end of this week." "We're all in this together so we have to reach every single American with the correct information," Bergmark told ABC News. And we all have to do the right thing." Bergmark noted that the very populations who suffer from communication barriers, when guidance in their language isn't easily accessible - will also likely be the populations who suffer financially from this pandemic as well. "People who have limited English proficiency are more likely to have lower paying jobs - more economic instability - and so you're taking people who are already having a hard time, and not getting them the right information." Clear information communicated effectively is key to ensuring the virus' spread slows, advocates said. "For someone like me, my parents don't speak English. I've been trying to make them understand how to take care of themselves right now - but I think they look to leadership for guidance," Vargas told ABC News. "It's a reality that other languages besides English are spoken in this country - and this is detrimental to all our communities." "The president has the biggest microphone in the country. He could just tweet this out," Vargas continued. "He would get so many kudos." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Highlights Sarge, a German shepherd, helps save injured and orphaned animals in Ohio The post show Sarge with rescued fawns The post has garnered over 1.2 lakh likes Most of the happiest stories on the Internet involve dogs. And what can be a better tale than a dog who rescues orphaned wild animals. Meet Sarge, a German shepherd, who helps save injured and orphaned animals in Ohio. Netizens cant stop gushing over him and theres a chance the adorable pooch will brighten up your day too. The sweet story of the dog came to light after a Twitter user shared his images. The adorable photos showcase the canines attachment with the baby deers he rescued. And, theyre enough to melt ones heart. This is Sarge. He helps save injured and orphaned wildlife in his area. Im told he loves all animals, but gets the most attached to fawns, reads the caption. This is Sarge. He helps save injured and orphaned wildlife in his area. Im told he loves all animals, but gets the most attached to fawns. 14/10 good boy Sarge pic.twitter.com/Zlv65hDxxE WeRateDogs (@dog_rates) March 18, 2020 Shared on March 18, the post has garnered over 1.2 lakh likes and more than 18,900 retweets. While some seemed unable to find enough words to praise the good boy, some expressed their wish to use the fur buddy as a pillow just like the fawns. Look what a good pillow Sarge makes!!! Juniper Bear (and friends) (@juniper_bears) March 18, 2020 SOMEONE CALL DISNEY. I gots an idea. pic.twitter.com/LwHff13wLC Kimberly Saltz (@_AttorneyAtPaw) March 18, 2020 I'd go with 2000/10, but that's me. FCK NZS (@MisterJVO) March 18, 2020 The best duo snoozle pic.twitter.com/bZoqMqNiGy Lynne Kelly (@LynneKelly) March 18, 2020 He protec He no attac He bring the wildlife bac ANGRY BUFFALO FAN (@j0shua_h_) March 18, 2020 Much like Tweeple, we also cant stop fawning over this adorable dog. What do you think of this good boy animal rescuer? Severe weather events and demographic challenges will continue to strain government finances, a trend that will require a rethink of how catastrophic events are funded and push the need for greater use of public-private partnerships to manage risk, a new report shows. The report from Guy Carpenter & Company LLC, Protecting our Planet and the Public Purse, highlights how the risk landscape for public sector entities is changing at an unparalleled rate, with extreme weather, mass migration and unfunded social liabilities dominating government agendas into the future. Climate change dynamics are only going to accentuate the challenges associated with shifting demographics and strained government finances, states the report from the global risk and reinsurance specialist, which is a business of Marsh & McLennan Cos. Natural catastrophes are becoming more frequent, and the intensity for certain perils is also likely to increase. Put simply, weather extremes will become more extreme. According to the report, natural catastrophes are becoming more frequent, and the intensity for certain perils is also likely to increase, while statistics show that carbon dioxide emissions have increased and the planet as a whole has warmed considerably. The report said some of the most pessimistic scenarios associated with climate change point to major economic and societal upheaval, while sea level rise brings wide-ranging consequences to coastal properties and a warming climate will inevitably result in more frequent and severe wildfires. The cost burden of natural catastrophes is increasingly being assumed by governments, as insurance penetration for climate-related risks falls behind rising loss trends and the protection gap grows, the report notes. Governments therefore need to rethink how to fund catastrophic events that go largely unbudgeted and create a strain on public resources when they occur, the report states. A culture of reliance on government assistance surrounding disaster relief has emerged, which puts pressure on governments to provide assistance after catastrophes occur and prompts a perception of moral obligation. These macroeconomic costs are projected to increase significantly. The report examines risks confronting public sector entities and outlines six case studies that demonstrate how governments are turning to the reinsurance market for risk mitigation solutions. The arguments are clear: countries need to move more quickly if they are to address the reality of climate change and its attendant financial challenges, the report states. To enhance the financial resilience of our communities, effective risk management practices must be brought to bear. NOAA Fact Sheet The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office for Coastal Management recently put out a fact sheet highlighting Weather Disasters and Costs, which shows there were 28 weather and climate disasters in the U.S. in both 2018 and 2019 with losses exceeding $1 billion 2018 and 2019 each saw $14 billion weather disasters. In 2019, historic flooding in the Midwest caused $10.8 billion worth of damages throughout millions of acres of land, making for one of the costliest inland U.S. flooding events on record. In 2018, Hurricanes Michael and Florence, and the western wildfires, accounted for about $73 billion of the $91 billion total for the year. Two wildfires impacted California in early November 2018. The Camp Fire burned more than 153,000 acres, caused at least 88 fatalities and destroyed more than 18,000 structures in Northern California. It was the most destructive wildfire on record in the state, and the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. since 1918. In Southern California, the Woolsey Fire destroyed more than 1,500 structures and killed at least three people in and around Malibu, the fact sheet notes. The NOAA fact sheet also notes that 2019 marked the ninth consecutive year with eight or more billion-dollar disasters, and it was the fifth consecutive year in which 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events affected the U.S. A related Climate Change Predictions fact sheet put out by NOAA shows that if emissions stay as they are that by 2050, up to $106 billion worth of coastal property could be below sea level and that some Midwestern and Southern counties could see a decline in crop yields of more than 10% over the next five to 25 years, with a one-in-20 chance of losses of crops by more than 20%. Factoring in potential changes in hurricane activity, the likely increase in average annual losses is expected to grow by $7.3 billion, bringing the annual price tag for hurricanes and other coastal storms to $35 billion, the fact sheet states. Australia Following the Australian floods, insurers appear to have become more picky. Allianz has become more selective about writing new policies in Townsville, while others including Suncorp and QBE stopped covering large apartment units after the Queensland floods. The insurers agree that the floods were previously a one-in-500-year event, but say climate change has made such events more frequent. That divergence is echoed across regions in developed countries which have been hit by floods, forest fires or other extreme weather-related events linked to climate change and is worrying regulators and industry executives, according to a Reuters article appearing this week in Insurance Journal. The article looks at the state of things for Australia, where only a year after losing their homes to floods in parts of Australias north eastern coast of Queensland, people are moving into new houses built on or near the same plots. While banks have been willing to offer them long-term loans at rates in line with the national average, insurance companies, which suffered massive losses as a result of the Townsville floods, are more cautious. In February PERILS, the independent Zurich-based organization that provides industry-wide catastrophe insurance data, disclosed its final property loss estimate for the flood event that hit northern Queensland between Jan. 26 and Feb. 10, 2019. The final estimate of the property insurance market loss is A$1.243 billion (US$831.3 million), which is up from the third loss estimate of A$1.217 billion (US$813.9 million), which was issued by PERILS on Aug. 10, 2019, six months after the event. In line with PERILS event definition, the PERILS loss number covers the property line of business only. A tradesman who has bought a new home in Townsville after walking away from his water-damaged dwelling 9.32 miles away, told Reuters the insurance premium had risen 350%, a price he said he was not willing to pay to protect against another flood. Locals call this place Brownsville, thats how dry this place was, said the tradesman, who would only be identified by his surname Cullen. So it is unfair for insurers to react in such an extreme manner after just one event. This was a once-in-a-500-year flood, it wont come again in my lifetime. Ventura County Voters will not get a say on a proposal to raise the sales tax rate in Ventura County, Calif., to combat climate change and address fire protection. Ventura Country was where the aforementioned Woolsey Fire occurred. The fire ignited on Nov. 8, 2018, burning 96,949 acres, destroying 1,643 structures and killing three. The fire prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people. A climate change and wildfire proposal that would have gone on the November ballot died on Tuesday when county supervisors decided that voters were unlikely to pass it, despite that most people in the county actually appear to favor it just not enough of them. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors decided against proceeding with the November ballot measure after polling showed 63% of likely voters supported a quarter-percent increase in the sales tax to fund the programs, the Ventura County Star reported. The 63% approval number was less than the two-thirds vote to needed to pass the measure in the election. Sales tax varies in counties around the state. The sales tax totals 7.25% in most areas of the county. The tax would have raised an estimated $35.8 million per year. The actual ballot measure was never crafted, but supervisors were looking at using the proceeds to manage vegetation and acquire land for parks, conservation and agriculture. According to the article, the acquisitions were intended to accomplish goals for climate change, fire protection and economic vitality. Had the board supported going ahead with the measure, the plan was to return an ordinance to add the measure to the ballot, and supervisors also would have had to agree to spend $400,000 for election costs, according to the article. Past columns: Topics California Catastrophe USA Flood Wildfire Climate Change Australia Technavio has been monitoring the air freight services market and it is poised to grow by USD 48.96 bn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 4% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Request a free sample report This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005437/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Air Freight Services Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Rapidly growing aviation infrastructure has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Air Freight Services Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Air Freight Services Market is segmented as below: End-User Manufacturing Retail Others Geographic Segmentation APAC Europe MEA North America South America To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40054 Air Freight Services Market 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our air freight services market report covers the following areas: Air Freight Services Market Size Air Freight Services Market Trends Air Freight Services Market Industry Analysis This study identifies increasing conversion of passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft as one of the prime reasons driving the air freight services market growth during the next few years. Air Freight Services Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the air freight services market, including some of the vendors such as C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., CEVA Logistics AG, Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post AG and DSV AS. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the air freight services market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Air Freight Services Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist air freight services market growth during the next five years Estimation of the air freight services market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the air freight services market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of air freight services market vendors Table of Content PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Value Chain Analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market sizing 2019 Market Outlook Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY END-USER Market segmentation by end-user Comparison by end-user Manufacturing Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Retail Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by end-user PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 11: MARKET TRENDS Growing adoption of blockchain in air freight services Increasing conversion of passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft Emergence of digitalization in air freight services PART 12: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 13: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. CEVA Logistics AG Deutsche Bahn AG Deutsche Post AG DSV AS Expeditors International of Washington Inc. FedEx Corp. Kuehne Nagel International AG Nippon Express Co. Ltd. United Parcel Service Inc. PART 14: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 15: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005437/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Sinead Hegarty was holidaying in Thailand and now cannot return to Australia Devastated workers who call Australia home have been left stranded overseas after the borders were slammed shut on Thursday in response to the coronavirus crisis. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to ban all foreign non-residents from entry at 9pm on Friday has left those on temporary visas - including two or four-year working '457' visas - who are currently outside of the country unable to return. One woman told Daily Mail Australia she spoke with a member of the Smart Traveller's advice team just hours before the announcement was made - and was assured she would be able to return on Sunday. Others have spent hours frantically rescheduling flights and restructuring their entire lives as they realise they might not be able to return for up to six months. Irish model and Love Island star Sinead Hegarty, 27, was on a temporary visa when she left Sydney to travel to Thailand in late February. Sinead Hegarty had planned to return to Australia as the threat of COVID-19 ramped up CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement She is currently at a fitness camp in Phuket, in the country's south. Ms Hegarty was considering returning to Australia as the pandemic intensified, but the prime minister's decision means she has no choice but to remain in Thailand - or try to secure a seat on a flight home to Ireland. She voiced her concern and confusion to her 114,000 followers on Instagram stories late on Thursday evening, telling viewers she is now the 'only person' left in her hotel in Phuket. The model was questioning whether she should stay in Thailand, fly home to Ireland or go to Australia. 'What do I do?' she asked her followers. 'I think its just hard because we don't know what will happen. '24 hours is long. A lot happens and a lot changes in that time. Yesterday everything was fine and today everyone's like ''I'm going''.' With the new travel restrictions, her decision was made for her. But Ms Hegarty said she was 'scared to expose loved ones' to the virus if she did head home. She has now accepted she will have to return home to northern Ireland because Mr Morrison has closed borders to non-residents A couple stare at one another and hold hands in the middle of Sydney amid ongoing coronavirus concerns At least 710 people in Australia have been infected with coronavirus - including six people who died. That number is predicted to rise Riley Davison, a Canadian woman living in Australia on a working holiday visa, feels the government has left her 'stranded' despite the fact she's called the nation home for more than a year. The administrative worker told Daily Mail Australia she and her partner - who is Australian - flew to Canada on February 28th to visit her family. They originally planned to come home on March 22, but given the current climate chose to follow the latest advice from DFAT and rescheduled their flights to come home sooner. Just hours ago, the couple called the Smart Traveller hotline and were told they would be safe if they kept their scheduled Sunday flights. But this afternoon they decided it simply wasn't worth the risk and paid an additional $2,000 to bring their flights forward to Friday. 'One hour after booking our flights, the government came out with this travel restriction for myself,' Ms Davison said. 'Due to the time difference between Canada and Australia, even if we got on the next flight out I still wouldn't make it back in time.' AUSTRALIA CLOSES ITS BORDERS - SCOTT MORRISON'S FULL STATEMENT Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced tough new border restrictions coming into effect at 9pm on Friday March 20: 'Australia is closing its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents. The entry ban takes effect from 9pm Friday, 20 March 2020, with exemptions only for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, including spouses, legal guardians and dependents. New Zealand citizens who live in Australia as Australian residents are also exempt, as are New Zealanders transiting to New Zealand. Exemptions for Pacific Islanders transiting to their home countries will continue to apply. Australian citizens and permanent residents and those exempt from our entry restrictions will continue to be subject to a strict 14 days self-isolation. Our number one priority is to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives. Our government has taken this unprecedented step because around 80 per cent of coronavirus cases in Australia are people who caught the virus overseas before entering Australia, or people who have had a direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. Our previous travel and entry restrictions have already meant that daily travel to Australia by non-citizens has been reduced to about one third of what it was this time last year. We also strongly urge Australians looking to return home to do so as soon as possible. This follows our upgraded travel advice for all Australians not to travel overseas, at all. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will provide consular advice and assistance, but the capacity for DFAT to provide consular services may be limited by local restrictions on movement, as well as the full scale of the challenges posed by coronavirus. Australians who cannot, or do not want to, return home should follow the advice of local authorities and minimise their risk of coronavirus exposure by self-isolating. The government is in discussions with airlines about the continuance of some international flights for the purpose of bringing Australians home and continuing the movement of goods and freight. These challenges vary and the situation is changing rapidly. Our government will continue to act on the best available information to keep Australians safe.' Advertisement Riley Davison, a Canadian woman living in Australia on a working holiday visa, feels the government has left her 'stranded' despite the fact she's called the nation home for more than a year. Pictured on an Australian farm while completing her farm work to extend her visa Passengers wait to check-in at the departures hall at the international airport in Sydney on March 18 The office admin worker now faces up to six months stuck in her home city without any form of income or government entitlements. They've left me stranded. She will still need to pay her rent and bills in Australia, too. Her partner will fly home as scheduled, and will then complete his 14 day self isolation alone. 'It seems like this government relies on holiday workers for regional work and a lot of their tourist industry... but they've just left me stranded,' she said. Despite her disappointment, Ms Davison understands the government is wading through uncharted waters. 'We all need to make sacrifices during this time and I guess this is just my sacrifice. 'Its just crazy that advice from the government hotline can change so quickly. But it is what it is and we can't really do anything about it unfortunately.' Ms Davison said she's still excited to return to Australia when the ban is lifted, and hopes to apply for a partner visa. Ms Davison's boyfriend is an Australian citizen, therefore able to return home while she must remain in Canada. Pictured during their Canadian getaway this month Ms Davison loved Australia so much that she decided to do her farm work (pictured on the farm) to extend her trip by another year Irish social worker Roisin Donnelly, 27, was living her dream on a student visa in Sydney, working casual shifts in a children's care home while studying for a diploma in leadership and management. She applied for a skilled working visa in December, which would allow her to remain in Australia after she completes her studies. Ms Donnelly was due to fly back to Ireland on March 25 ahead of her sister's wedding on April 13, but decided to bring her flight forward amid mounting uncertainty over international travel and rumours that Ireland would shutter its airports. She flew into Dublin on St Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17. Ms Donnelly woke to news of the Australian border closure on Thursday morning, along with an email from her college in Sydney requesting a payment of $1,550 AUD for the coming semester within the next seven days. 'I'm so confused. The borders are now closed. My course starts back on April 6, and there's obviously no way I'll be back in Sydney by then,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Irish social worker Roisin Donnelly, 27, returned home to Ireland for her sister's wedding and now can't get back But her studies are not the only thing left in limbo by the government's decision to refuse entry to non-residents. Ms Donnelly is the leaseholder of an apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs, where she is responsible for paying internet and utility bills. It's just all so uncertain, I really don't know what's going on. Roisin Donnelly 'I have my room leased out, but that's only until April 16. There are lots of bills in my name for the apartment, as well as the lease. It's all just so uncertain, I really don't know what's going on. 'One minute I'm getting hounded for money from a college who haven't even acknowledged that the borders are closing, and they know I'm out of the country at the moment.' Ms Donnelly is waiting for information from the Department of Home Affairs about what the border closure means for temporary residents on student visas, but said she knows many Irish people who have contacted the office over the past week and received no response. 'I would love some direction on what to do, and when the borders might open again. You just couldn't write it,' she said of her situation. She has been living and studying in Australia and has a lease and bills in her name that are mounting in her absense Frenchman Alan Castaneda has spent the last few years living in New Zealand on a sponsored work visa. But an ill-timed trip to Indonesia has since cost him his job. He told Daily Mail Australia he has no way to return to Auckland, after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced she, too, would close the nation's borders. 'I don't have time to go back... I'm returning to France,' he said. 'All my stuff is still in Auckland.' France is currently in the midst of a lockdown in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 9,000 people in the country and killed 264. Australians who cancelled their overseas trips are being left thousands of dollars out of pocket as they struggle to get in contact with their travel companies For the first time in Australian history Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday advised against all overseas travel. There are still flights available but Australians abroad have been told to come home as soon as possible in case they are cancelled and they are left stranded overseas. Since Wednesday, hundreds of people have tried getting in contact with Expedia to get refunds for their international trips but have had no luck. Travellers have been advised by the government they can no longer go overseas but are now struggling to get in contact with travel companies causing them to lose thousands of dollars For the first time in Australian history Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday advised against all overseas travel A 24-year-old woman who was meant to travel to the United States on Friday told Daily Mail Australia she had tried calling for the past week. She said she was left on hold for over four hours when she tried calling. 'It feels like they are avoiding all forms of communication,' she said, claiming she had been hung up on multiple times. When she did manage to get through to Expedia, she was met with a recorded message. 'Wait times are extremely long. We can only help if you're travelling in the next seven days,' the message says. Another one says: 'Expedia is experiencing technical difficulties and are unable to take your call at this time.' She has also been told to try cancelling her travel online, which isn't possible. A 24-year-old woman who was meant to travel to the United States on Friday told Daily Mail Australia she has tried calling and cancelling online for the past week for the past week There are still flights available but Australians abroad have been told to come home as soon as possible in case they are cancelled and they are stranded overseas (Sydney airport on Wednesday) Hundreds of other furious people have taken to the company's Facebook page to beg for refunds for their cancelled trips. 'I have been on the phone for over FOUR HOURS. I am trying to CANCEL our flights and hotel for NZ in FIVE DAYS,' one man wrote. 'This is ridiculous and outrageous. I got disconnected by y'all after being on hold for two hours earlier today, and my friends were on hold for over five hours yesterday.' 'Even tried calling direct, and they said I had to go through you, but that's not the easiest thing to do right now. HOW CAN I GET IN CONTACT WITH YOU????' One woman said she had called almost 60 times over the course of four days and spent 15 hours on hold. Hundreds of other furious people have taken to the company's Facebook page in the same position 'Flight leaves tomorrow at 7:50am. Now I've just gone onto website to try and use the chat function only for it to say they can't find my booking and I have no upcoming trips,' she said. 'Customer support is non-existent. When directed to use the email contact on support, you are told you'll get a reply within 48 hours,' another woman wrote. 'Then you get an automatically generated email saying they don't answer these emails! You are then directed to telephone but advised only to telephone if your booking is in 7 days.' 'This is when the panic sets in as every time you are on hold, experiencing a "brief delay", the call cuts out after 50 minutes. Suddenly that 7 days is now 6 and no resolution.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Expedia for comment. An analysis on when scientists in China and outside expect the Covid-19 outbreak to peak has thrown up predictions that vary quite a bit, with some optimistic scenarios showing infections have already peaked in China and others suggesting the spike may come in May. On February 11, Zhong Nanshan, a Chinese physician leading a committee on the outbreak, said the novel coronavirus infection will peak by the end of February, said the analysis, compiled by Nature journals David Cyranoski. Zhong, who is famous for discovering the SARS ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus, said the situation gradually improved in China because of government interventions and curbs, such as travel restrictions. In the past 24 hours, China reported no new local infection for the first time since the crisis emerged in December, a turning point in Beijings fight against the outbreak that has killed and sickened more than 81,000 in the country and hammered its economy. Globally, the disease continues to spread with nearly 9,000 fatalities and over 219,000 infections. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine predict that the peak could occur anytime now. Sebastian Funk, who co-authored the analysis, says the prediction is based on an estimate that one infected person in Wuhan, the epicentre of the disease, was, on average, infecting between 1.5 and 4.5 persons. He also says at the peak of the pandemic, around a million people, or 10% of Wuhans population, will be infected. Funks analysis is not peer reviewed. Another research suggests infections may rise again with the lifting of restrictions. People in Chinese cities started returning to work last week, which could lead to new chains of transmission, according to Hiroshi Nishiura, an epidemiologist at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. The research fears that infections could peak between late March and late May, and estimates that between 550 million and 650 million people across China, roughly 40% of the countrys population, will be infected. Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak has criticised government's Imposition of Restrictions Bill. He said the Bill will not serve the interest of citizens. The Attorney General on Wednesday laid the Bill in Parliament under a certificate of urgency to legalize the imposition restrictions on persons in the event of a disaster, emergency or similar circumstances like the novel coronavirus pandemic to ensure public safety. The emergency legislation was brought to Parliament in accordance with Article 21 (4) (c) and (d) of the Constitution. Speaking to the press, the Minority Chief Whip said he was surprised the Bill, which he described as too broad, was laid in Parliament. Going through it, I didnt see anywhere in it coronavirus being mentioned and I also think it wants to give the President unlimited or a blank cheque. I don't see how Parliament will serve the interest of this country by doing this. He suggested the activation of the Public Health Bill by the government instead of the new proposal. I believe they are not ready to use the Public Health Act because if they were, they will see that this situation that we find ourselves is perfectly dealt with in the Public Health Act. That is the best for now, Mr. Muntaka said. This Act makes provision for the protection of public health in Ghana and lays down rules relative to environmental sanitation. It also has provisions on diseases of a communicable nature that concern the destruction of animals and the communication of the existence of communicable diseases. This Act further provides rules relative to food vending and food-borne diseases. About the new Bill This Bill recognises the general fundamental freedoms guaranteed under article 21 of the Constitution but also takes into account the fact that the exercise of the right to general fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution is subject to laws that are reasonably required among others, in the interest of public safety and public health as provided in paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of clause (4) of Article 21 of the Condition. Its purpose is to provide powers to impose restrictions on persons in the event of a disaster, emergency or similar circumstance, to ensure public safety and protection. It also allows for the imposition of restrictions on the freedom of entry into Ghana or movement in Ghana of a person who is not a citizen of Ghana. ---citinewsroom GETTY This article was last updated on March 24. Please note that some information below may be out of date. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta have each enacted emergency measures because of COVID-19. Across the country, restaurants, schools, and local recreation facilities are temporarily shutting down. Some places are still open, although many have reduced hours. Canadas chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam advised Canadians on Wednesday to take extra precautions when going out, like washing your hands when you return and not touching your face. Heres where you can still go amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Food/Drinks Services On March 17, Tim Hortons said it was closing all in-store customer seating at most of its locations across the country. It added it was shifting its focus to take-out, drive-thru, and delivery services. Starbucks has also indicated it would halt all in-store seating for at least two weeks. Uber Eats, the food delivery app, said it was waiving all delivery fees from independent restaurants on its platform. Newfoundland and Labrador Restaurants can operate at 50% capacity, if social distancing can work within the space. Take-out and delivery services are still operational. Bars are closed. Prince Edward Island Restaurants and bars are closed. Restaurants that have pick-up, delivery and drive-thru options will continue. Nova Scotia Businesses can stay open if people are able to keep two metres of distance between them. New Brunswick Restaurants will be closed but take-out and delivery services will remain available. The liquor store will also remain open. Quebec Rumours have been circulating that the SAQ would shut its doors, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet, according to Journal de Quebec. Restaurants are closed for seating, but take-out services are still allowed. Bars have closed their doors. Ontario As part of the state of emergency declaration, all restaurants and bars have been instructed to shut down. Story continues The Ontario government said restaurants that offer delivery or take-out can still operate those facilities. The LCBO will be reducing store hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting March 19. Manitoba Restaurants and bars are open. Saskatchewan Most restaurants and bars are open. Alberta Capacity is limited to 50 people, which includes restaurants, cafes, and food courts. Take-out and delivery services will continue. British Columbia Restaurants that are not able to keep people seated one to two metres of distance between one another are asked to move to a take-out model. Bars are shut down. Gas Stations Gas stations will remain open as they are considered essential. Banks Most bank branches have reduced hours. You still will be able to access ATMs and online banking tools. Telephone banking is also an option. Government access points Newfoundland and Labrador Service NL will offer some services on a walk-in basis in specific locations. Contact your local Services NL. Most requests can be made online. You can dial this number for more information: 709-729-4834. Prince Edward Island Access PEI is closed and has pushed renewals for driver licences and vehicle registrations to June 1. For general inquiries you can call 902-368-5100. Nova Scotia Access Nova Scotia will close its offices until March 25. Most transactions can be made online and it has also announced it will extend the deadline for renewal of licences and vehicle registrations for March and April to August 31. You can call this number if you have questions 902-424-5200. New Brunswick Service NS is closed but online services are still available. You can still call this number for general assistance and information 506-457-3581. Quebec The SAAQ will remain open but recommends that you try to do your services online if you are able. The number for the Quebec area: 418-643-7620 and for the Montreal area: 514-873-7620 Ontario Service Ontario will remain open, but urges Canadians not to visit an office unless its necessary. It also asks to do online transactions whenever possible. To call them the number is 416-326-1234. Manitoba Call the Manitoba government for your specific service to know if offices are open or not. The number is 204-945-3744. Saskatchewan Offices will remain open, but you should call to check hours of operation in case there are reduced hours. Alberta Registry agents remain open unless otherwise noted. Some Service Alberta locations will operate with reduced hours. Renewal deadlines for drivers licences and vehicle registrations are pushed to May 15. To call toll free dial 310-0000 (in Alberta) and 780-427-2711 (outside Alberta long-distance charges apply). British Columbia Service BC should be open, but depending on your location, it could be closed or have reduced hours. Call in advance. For Victoria call: 250-387-6121. For Vancouver call: 604 660-2421 Pharmacies/Health services Pharmacies and health care services will be open but it is important to call ahead to check for hours of operation. Shoppers Drug Mart will be dedicating the first opening hour of shopping for customers that need assistance, including seniors and people living with disabilities. If you intend to go to a Shoppers Drug Mart, make sure you check its operating hours before going. Nursing homes Newfoundland and Labrador Nursing homes are open but are limiting visitors who have travelled recently. Prince Edward Island Nursing homes are closed to visitors. Nova Scotia Nursing homes are closed to visitors. New Brunswick Nursing homes are closed to visitors. Quebec Nursing homes are closed and regular visits are prohibited. Ontario Nursing and long-term care homes are accepting essential visitors only. The government says this means visits will only be allowed to those who are dying or very ill. Manitoba Nursing homes are open, but provisions may be put in place to allow only one visitor at a time. Saskatchewan Nursing homes are open, but if youre sick you are asked not to visit. Alberta Nursing homes are open but only restricted to core, essential visitors. British Columbia Nursing homes are open. Grocery stores Grocery stores will remain open as they are a vital resource for Canadians. Depending on which province youre in, check the stores location online or call the store to get specific details on whether or not the store will open early for seniors and people with disabilities. Some grocery stores across the country may also have reduced hours. With files from the Canadian Press Taxpayers paid more than 1,000 to bring back each Thomas Cook customer without Atol protection after the firms collapse, an analysis of new figures from the National Audit Office (NAO) by The Independent shows. The giant holiday firm went bust with debts of 9bn after failing to secure a bailout from either its Chinese shareholder, Fosun, or the government. A shadow airline was set up by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to repatriate 140,000 British holidaymakers who were abroad when Thomas Cook Airlines ceased flying. The CAA chartered dozens of planes from carriers across the world to bring most holidaymakers home on the days they were intending to fly, with 746 flights from 54 airports. Operation Matterhorn, as it was known, was far more complex and expensive than the collapse of Monarch Airlines two years earlier. Passengers were located in 18 countries, including nearly 10,000 in Mexico and the Caribbean. But most of the passengers brought home free of charge were not covered by the Atol scheme, and therefore had no legal entitlement to rescue. The NAO report says that initially 40 per cent of Thomas Cook passengers were thought to be without Atol protection, but this was revised upwards to 55 per cent in February 2020 representing 77,000 travellers. While some of the cost was met by the Air Travel Trust Fund, which paid out for Atol-protected passengers, the Department for Transport (DfT) paid most of the bill. The 83m subsidy worked out at an average of 1,078 for each passenger who enjoyed a free one-way flight to Britain some of them in first class seats on a Malaysian Airlines Airbus A380. The report says the governments decision to provide free flights for all was based on its assessment that Thomas Cook customers were at risk of significant disruption and cost in returning to the UK. The subsidy is likely to increase still further, the NAO says. The CAA is still receiving invoices for leasing planes, ground-handling charges, and other services, and will do so for some months. The Thomas Cook collapse cost the taxpayer an additional 73m to 81m. The report says redundancy payments totalled at least 58m, which will be paid out of the national insurance fund. Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Show all 21 1 /21 Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Antalya, Turkey British passengers with Thomas Cook wait in long queue at Antalya airport in Turkey AP Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain Reuters Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Peterborough headquarters People carry bags and boxes outside the Peterborough headquarters. A total of 22,000 jobs - including 9,000 in UK - to be lost following administration PA Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca More than 150,000 British holidaymakers need to be brought home, with the government and CAA hiring dozens of charter planes to fly customers home free of charge AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Manchester Airport The group failed to reach a last-ditch rescue deal, triggering the UK's biggest repatriation since World War II to bring back stranded passengers Reuters Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca Passengers talk to Civil Aviation Authority employees at Mallorca Airport after Thomas Cook declared bankruptcy Reuters Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain The 178-year-old operator had been desperately seeking 200 million from private investors to save it from collapse AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost London Pedestrians walk past a closed branch of a Thomas Cook AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain A British Government official talks to passengers AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Peterborough headquarters A woman carries a box through the carpark PA Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Crete, Greece People line up in front of a Thomas Cook counter at the Heraklion airport Reuters Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Manchester Airport A British Government official assists passengers Reuters Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Crete, Greece Reuters Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain Passengers sit on the floor EPA Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Tunis, Tunisia Tourists, flying with Thomas Cook, queue at the Enfidha International airport AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Peterborough headquarters A man sits outside PA Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Split, Croatia Passengers wait inside Split airport AFP/Getty Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain Thomas Cook staff speak with British passengers AP Thomas Cook collapse: Passengers stranded and thousands of jobs lost Mallorca, Spain Reuters Nine thousand UK staff employed by the company lost their jobs in the failure. The DfT is also paying between 15m and 23m of costs to the official receiver. Meg Hillier, the chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: I applaud the normal duty and public service of staff across government and CAA who helped to get 94 per cent of passengers home on time. However, lessons need to be learnt and future risks understood. Government looks set to foot the bill, with industry off the hook. The resources to cover other airlines going bust is now very limited. New regulations are urgently required. In February the UKs main regional airline, Flybe, collapsed. No repatriation flights were operated. Relentless selling once again dragged benchmarks indices into the negative zone on March 19 as the risk appetite of investors remained weak. Sensex dropped 581 points to settle at 28,288 while Nifty plunged 205 points to close at 8,263. "There is no sign of reversal and we may see Nifty continue to fall towards 7,900 and then 7,500 levels. On the higher side, resistance is shifting lower to 8,600 and then 9,200 zone. Till the time Nifty doesn't close above 8,600 levels, bears will have an upper hand and bounces shall be used as shorting opportunity," said Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. We have collated 14 data points to help you spot profitable trades: Note: The OI and volume data of stocks given in this story are the aggregates of the three-months data and not of the current month only. Key support and resistance level for Nifty According to the pivot charts, the key support level for Nifty is placed at 7,872.18, followed by 7,480.92. If the index moves up, key resistance levels to watch out for are 8,615.08 and 8,966.72. Nifty Bank Nifty Bank closed 2.41 percent down at 20,083.50. The important pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 18827.76, followed by 17572.03. On the upside, key resistance levels are placed at 21187.16 and 22290.83. Call options data Maximum call open interest (OI) of 10.41 lakh contracts was seen at the 8,500 strike price. It will act as a crucial resistance level in the March series. This is followed by 8,000 strike price, which holds 5.45 lakh contracts in open interest, and 8,800, which has accumulated 2.2 lakh contracts in open interest. Significant call writing was seen at the 8,500 strike price, which added 4.7 lakh contracts, followed by an 8,000 strike price that added 3.7 lakh contracts. No call unwinding was witnessed on March 19. Put options data Maximum put open interest of 16.41 lakh contracts was seen at 8,500 strike price, which will act as crucial support in the March series. This is followed by 8,100 strike price, which holds 15.04 lakh contracts in open interest, and 8,000 strike price, which has accumulated 10.17 lakh contracts in open interest. Put writing was seen at the 8,000 strike price, which added 4 lakh contracts, followed by a 7,800 strike which added 2.9 lakh contracts. Put unwinding was seen at 8,500 strike price, which shed 3.82 lakh contracts, followed by 8,100 strike price which shed 3.42 lakh contracts. Stocks with a high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in these stocks. 8 stocks saw long build-up 77 stocks saw long unwinding Based on open interest (OI) future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which long unwinding was seen. 41 stocks saw short build-up An increase in open interest, along with a decrease in price, mostly indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on open interest (OI) future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which short build-up was seen. 18 stocks witnessed short-covering A decrease in open interest, along with an increase in price, mostly indicates a short-covering. Bulk deals (For more bulk deals, click here) Board meetings Escorts: The board will meet on March 20 to consider and approve a proposal for issue and allotment of equity shares by way of a preferential allotment and a corresponding reduction of an equivalent number of shares held by Escorts Benefit and Welfare Trust. Aditri Industries: The board will meet on March 20 for general purposes. Envair Electrodyne: The board will meet on March 20 for general purposes. L&T Finance Holdings: The board will meet on March 20 to consider and approve the interim dividend. Prima Plastics: The board will meet on March 20 to consider and approve the interim dividend. Stocks in news Aviation stocks: SpiceJet, IndiGo may see some action as the government may be looking at providing relief measures on taxes - CNBC-TV18. Lakshmi Vilas Bank: Sanjay Khemani resigned as Independent Director. Balrampur Chini: Company has made timely payment with respect to commercial paper(s), redemption value Rs 200 cr. RITES: The company decided to close JV agreement with BNV Gujarat Rail, subject to further approval if any. Alankit: Company proposed to acquire 14 lakh equity shares of Alankit Imaginations for Rs 47.30 per share. CreditAccess Grameen: Company completed the acquisition of 75.64 percent of the equity share capital of Madura Micro Finance. Fund flow FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 4,622.93 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares of worth Rs 4,367.43 crore in the Indian equity market on March 19, provisional data available on the NSE showed. A view of the swab samples to be tested for Covid-19 at a hospital in Wuhan. Photo: Bloomberg (Bloomberg) Chinese regulators approved the start of start human trials of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19, Hong Kong-listed CanSino Biologics Inc. said. CanSino is one of several vaccine developers around the world that are moving at unprecedented speed. The vaccine, co-developed by CanSino and Chinas Academy of Military Medical Sciences, will undergo clinical trials in Wuhan, CanSino said Wednesday in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Wuhan is the epicenter of a pandemic that has spread to all corners of the planet, infecting more than 200,000 people and killing more than 8,700. Its an example of a potential weapon against the illness being fast-tracked for testing as the global death toll escalates and nations impose lockdowns on their citizens. The highly infectious pathogen that causes the respiratory ailment known as Covid-19 appears unlikely to be stamped out through containment measures alone. As the outbreak spread around the world, more than 100 clinical trials were launched in China to study the effectiveness of everything from anti-flu drugs and antibody-containing plasma from recovered patients to traditional Chinese herbal medicine. A smaller number of trials have been announced in countries including the U.S., South Korea and Thailand. U.S. President Donald Trumps administration is pressuring American drugmakers to develop a vaccine. Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna Inc. received regulatory approval to move quickly to human trials last week, skipping the years of animal trials that are the norm in developing vaccines. Youre planning on administering it to a healthy person who may or may not ever be exposed to the infectious disease agent youre trying to protect them against, said Rajeev Venkayya, president of the global vaccine unit at Japans Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., in an interview Tuesday. Theres very little margin for a safety problem. CanSinos trial involves injecting the experimental vaccine into 108 healthy adults, ages 18 to 60, at three doses, according to data from the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Tests will start this month and continue through year end. The vaccine was tested on animals and proven safe and capable of eliciting immunity against the virus, CanSino said in its statement. In normal circumstances, a vaccine could take years to reach human clinical trials as scientists conduct substantial amounts of animal testing before drug regulators clear further trials to determine safety and efficacy in humans. GlaxoSmithKline Plc said last month it was working with China-based Clover Biopharmaceuticals on an experimental vaccine. The U.S. governments Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority is working with Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson on potential vaccines. Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. also licensed a vaccine thats now being developed at the pre-clinical stage by Mainz, Germany-based BioNTech SE. Despite the rapid introduction of human trials, the earliest available vaccine is at least six months away, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said it would take about a year and a half to complete trials, scale up production and make a vaccine widely available. As the novel coronavirus spreads around Australia, there is another insidious threat proliferating as cyber criminals try to take advantage of the panic bred by the pandemic. Global cyber security company Proofpoint is warning of an explosion in coronavirus-related scams targeting Australians in a bid to fleece people of valuable personal details. Crispin Kerr, Proofpoints Australia Country Manager, said the company has identified more than 36 straight days of coronavirus scams, with the volume progressively increasing as the crisis ramps up in western countries. It is the biggest issue-based spate of scams the company has ever seen. Looking a this campaign thats leveraging a particular theme, COVID-19, it is by far and away the largest selection of different types of threats that have all come under one single theme that weve ever seen, he told Yahoo News Australia. And weve been in this space for about 18 years. In Australia these scams have primarily included phishing e-mails from recognisable brands being impersonated by cyber criminals, including a fake version of the World Health Organisation. Other scams masquerade as made-up health institutions such as Australia HealthCare, a fake health organisation which has included AMA branding in the phishing email attack. If a potential victim clicks on the above left email, they are taken to this malicious credential harvesting log-in page that will steal their information. Source: Supplied According to Proofpoints analysis, approximately 70 per cent of these types of scams deliver malware, which typically encourage the victim to click on a link and download a file to their computer which can give hackers remote access to the device. About 30 per cent aim to steal individuals credentials by directing them to a fake landing page were the end users are asked to provide information such as VPN login details, e-mail and password, or even credit card details which are scraped by the attacker. The majority of email campaigns are landing on business days and there are currently about three to four separate campaigns taking place each day, the company said. Story continues The volume of emails being sent at once ranges from around a dozen more targeted emails to spam campaigns which cast a wide net and send as many as 200,000 at a time. These e-mail scams range wildly in level of sophistication. Source: Supplied Sherrod DeGrippo, the Proofpoints Senior Director of Threat Research and Detection said the email scams are mostly coming from the usual global suspects. Its very widespread, we are seeing a number of well known threat actors and new actors who are just starting, he told Yahoo News Australia. A number of them are based in Eastern Europe, including Russia and former Soviet states, and weve seen efforts from West African actors out of Nigeria, Lagos, and Morocco. Its not just email scams either. This week the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) warned about various fraudulent text messages, some appearing to come from GOV, that include a link telling recipients where they can get tested in your geographical area for COVID-19. The link in these text messages is not legitimate, and if clicked on, may install malicious software on your device, designed to steal your banking details, the ACSC said. Australian authorities are warning about text message scams. Source: Yahoo News Australia Added risks as Australia works from home As many Australians are now working at home under strict new social distancing measures, there is heightened risk for individuals to be targeted via e-mail scams, particularly if they work for large corporations. Working from home on residential Wi-Fi, outside of the protection of a companys firewall and IT department, potentially makes them an easier target, Mr Kerr said. Using your own Wi-Fi is going to open up potential risks, he said. Thats a key one. At a corporate level, data rich sectors are being targeted with thieves fishing for network credentials, he said. In terms of where were seeing things targeted, its specific industries such as healthcare, insurance, finance and aerospace. Millions of Australians working from home on their own laptops and phones and patched together software instead of behind nice corporate firewalls with IT teams? If youre a cybersecurity firm or put out digital fires youll be getting a lot more work Belinda Barnet (@manjusrii) March 17, 2020 For those in larger organisations, whose employees are often the target of such phishing scams, Mr Kerr said its important to speak to your companies IT department about how best practice. If youre not clear on how best to work from home, pick up the phone and call your IT department, he said. If you have access to a VPN, you should be using it and always guard the VPN logins. Think twice about clicking on any links, particularly if they come from an unsolicited source and look suspicious. You can hover over any links to look at the full web address and look closely at the address of any e-mail because scams impersonating known brands will often have small spelling errors or strange formats that give them away. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. The New Zealand House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation that will legalize abortion in the country for up to 20 weeks into pregnancy. Known as the Abortion Legislation Bill, the law passed the House 68-51 in its third reading. The law passed its first reading in 2019 94-23 and its second reading in 2020 81-31. Now that it has been approved a third time, the bill will be brought to New Zealands governor general who will give the bill royal assent, essentially signing it into law. Previously, abortion was technically outlawed in the country except if the pregnant womans health was seriously jeopardized. However, no woman has been prosecuted under the previous legislation, the New York Times reported. The Abortion Legislation Bill legalizes abortion up to 20 weeks into pregnancy for any reason, while an abortion after 20 weeks can be approved by a womans physician if the health practitioner reasonably believes that the abortion is clinically appropriate in the circumstances. MP Agnes Loheni, a member of New Zealands center-right National Party, called the bill an attack on our own humanity. It will allow for abortion up to the moment of birth, Loheni said of the bills section allowing some abortions after 20 weeks into pregnancy. It is a broad, ill-defined, vague section with no regard to the unborn child. MP Greg OConnor of the center-left Labour Party also dissented, saying the section of the law approving abortion after 20 weeks with consent of a pregnant womans physician was too vague. Labour MP Amy Adams, one of the bills sponsors, hailed its passage. I will feel proud to have done my bit to stand up for the women of New Zealand, Adams said. More from National Review Can't allow every person who thinks of some solution to COVID-19 to file petition: SC MP floor test: SC to continue hearing today India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 19: The Supreme Court will continue hearing petitions filed by the BJP seeking the conduct of a floor test in the Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly. On Wednesday, before adjourning the matter to Thursday, the court indicated that it would not come in the way of the legislature to decide who enjoys the trust. As a constitutional court, we have to discharge our duties, a Bench comprising, Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said. The court is hearing petitions filed by the BJP, which have sought a directive to the Kamal Nath government to hold a floor test in the Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly. The Congress on the other hand said that its MLAs were held captive in Bengaluru. The court said that the MLAs cannot be held captive. The 16 rebel MLAs can either proceed to the floor test of the House or not, but surely cannot be held captive. MP floor test: Not inclined to come in way of legislature says SC Mukul Rohatgi appearing for the BJP MLAs said that they were ready to get the rebel MLAs and make them meet with the judges. The court however refused this offer. Further Rohatgi said that the Registrar General of the Karnataka could record the statement of the MLAs. The court refused to accept this as well. Hearing on the petition would continue on Thursday at 10.30 am. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 8:24 [IST] By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 24 times, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The Armenian armed forces were using sniper rifles. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding regions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Married At First Sight fans thought they'd seen it all. But it turns out there's even more drama coming up, including a string of scandalous couple swaps. Former brides Hayley Vernon and Natasha Spencer claim producers encouraged the remaining couples to cheat in the final weeks of the experiment. Married At First Sight EXCLUSIVE: Hayley Vernon (left) and Natasha Spencer (right) claim that all the couples swapped partners in the final weeks of the experiment Natasha told Daily Mail Australia that KC Osborne was urged to go on a date with Jonethen Musulin because producers felt they had similar values. 'KC and Jonny went on a date... they got partnered together and sent on a high-class date,' said the 26-year-old financial analyst. Hayley, 32, added: 'All the remaining couples switched partners. It wasn't just them.' Bombshell: Natasha told Daily Mail Australia that KC Osborne was urged to go on a date with Jonethen Musulin because producers felt they had similar values Natasha said that KC's relationship with 'husband' Drew Brauer didn't work out because they only had a 'sexual connection' and 'he was looking for something a little bit deeper'. Married At First Sight was filmed in Sydney between September and December last year. The cast reunion took place in mid-January. It comes amid reports KC is now dating Michael Goonan, who is paired with single mother Stacey Hampton on Nine's social experiment. Wife swap! 'KC and Jonny went on a date... they got partnered together and sent on a high-class date,' said Natasha. Pictured: KC Osborne (left) and Jonethen Musulin (right) According to Woman's Day, they are 'smitten' and an engagement is on the cards. 'Trust me, they'll be engaged this time next year!' said a source. 'I think Michael has definitely found his match in her.' Married At First Sight continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 08:32 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb91d1 1 SE Asia COVID-19,Malaysia,Singapore,ASEAN,coronavirus,WHO-SEARO,the-philippines Free A regional response on the coronavirus disease outbreak has come under the spotlight as Southeast Asia scrambles to prevent the wider transmission of COVID-19, which has reached eight out of 10 ASEAN member states. The World Health Organization on Tuesday called on countries in the Southeast Asia region to urgently scale up aggressive measures to combat COVID-19, as the number of cases continues to rise globally. The virus, which was first detected in China, spread rapidly to 152 countries and territories, infecting nearly 175,000 people and killing 7,019. The situation is evolving rapidly. We need to immediately scale up all efforts to prevent the virus from infecting more people, said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, director of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO). Urgent and aggressive measures are the need of the hour. We need to act now, the WHO official said in a statement. Eight of the 11 countries grouped under WHO-SEARO have confirmed cases of COVID-19, and numbers are increasing quickly Khetrapal Singh said. Indonesia leads the ASEAN countries with 19 deaths out of 227 cases for a death rate of 8.37 percent. The Philippines was second with 14 fatalities out of 187 cases or 7.49 percent. Despite having more cases at 673, so far Malaysia has reported only two fatalities, or 0.30 percent, while Thailand has reported one death from 177 cases, or 0.56 percent. Only Laos and Myanmar have no reported confirmed cases, with other member states not having any fatalities yet. Indonesia and Thailand are grouped under WHO-SEARO while other ASEAN member states are under WHO West Pacific Regional Office (WPRO). The WHO-SEARO directors comments signaled much greater urgency than when WHO-WPRO director Takeshi Kasai said last month that it was time for us to work together and focus not only what confronts us today, but plan for tomorrow. Concerns have grown following a spike of new cases originating from a mass religious event held from Feb. 27 to March 1 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which many other people from the region attended, especially from neighboring countries. The tabligh event, a large-scale Quranic recitation event often accompanied by preaching, was attended by some 14,500 Malaysians and about 1,500 foreigners, including 696 Indonesians, 215 Filipinos, 130 Vietnamese, 90 Singaporeans, 79 Cambodians and 74 Bruneians, The Straits Times reports. COVID-19 cases in ASEAN countries (JP/Hengky) At least three Indonesians tested positive in Malaysia after attending the event. Meanwhile, Bruneis Health Ministry said that most of the countrys confirmed COVID-19 patients were linked to the gathering, while Cambodia reported Tuesday that 11 out of the 12 new infected cases had a history of travel to Malaysia. Authorities are also tracking Malaysians who attended the event, encouraging them to report themselves to the authorities in their respective states for testing, according to local reports. When asked recently about the possibility of hundreds of Indonesians being exposed to the virus in Malaysia, President Joko Jokowi Widodo said that his quick response team would investigate the new cluster. Our team will look into it and will be assisted by the BIN [State Intelligence Agency], the National Police and the Indonesian Military, Jokowi said on the sidelines of a visit to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Friday. Elsewhere, the battle to contain the virus among countries has been mired in unproductive quarrels among neighbors. Indonesia and Singapore have tussled about the sharing of information on imported COVID-19 cases and other logistics requirements, which began when a health official from the Indonesian side accused Singapore of withholding important information for tracing infected persons, which the city-state and other Indonesian officials refuted. Jokowi said on Monday that he had spoken with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, although he did not elaborate. Singapore has helped us a lot. I dont remember how much but it was quite a lot. So if they want to help, we will accept, the President said. ASEAN mechanisms to respond to COVID-19 outbreak (JP/File) A spokesperson for Singapores Foreign Ministry later revealed more details about the phone call, saying that the leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation to counter the virus threat. Singapore has been in close touch with the relevant Indonesian ministries and agencies on the COVID-19 situation, including on the provision of medical equipment to Indonesia. The Singapore government has also contributed personal protective equipment to the Batam Health Office at its request, the spokesperson said. And while Indonesia takes cautious steps to address the pandemic, Malaysia became the first country to announce a two-week lockdown of the country, days after the Philippines moved to shutter its capital Manila and later the entire island of Luzon. Laos has sealed its borders with China and Myanmar, while people in Brunei, Singapore and Thailand have been ordered to restrict their movements. These incidents, as well as the different policy decisions that ASEAN countries have made in response to the pandemic, have served to underline the discrepancy between neighboring countries and cast doubt on the feasibility of a united regional response, despite the group already having several response mechanisms in place. ASEAN countries met as early as January to prepare a region-wide response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease and continue to meet to evaluate the regional response. The Indonesian Foreign Ministrys director general for ASEAN affairs, Jose Tavares, said the bloc had a communication hotline on COVID-19 in place that could be initiated when necessary. According to the ASEAN post-2015 health development agenda, there are at least seven mechanisms designed to support regional preparedness and response by ASEAN and its Plus Three partners China, Japan and South Korea. According to a paper on ASEAN health sector preparedness and response actions to COVID-19 outbreak that was obtained by The Jakarta Post, the regional health sector was able to mobilize existing initiatives such as the Regional Public Health Laboratories Network (PHLN) and the ASEAN Emergency Operations Center Network (ASEAN EOC Network) for public health emergencies. As soon as the first report of clusters of unexplained pneumonia from [Chinas] focal point for the Senior Officials Meeting for Health Development [SOMHD] was received on Jan. 3, 2020, the ASEAN health sector together with counterparts from China, Japan and [South] Korea launched regional preparedness and response actions through the mobilization of existing regional health cooperation mechanisms, ASEAN officials stated in the paper. Meanwhile, other partners have also expressed an interest in sharing information and enacting cooperation through ASEAN, such as the European Union and the United States, Jose added. I think we have used all the available channels, the official said on Tuesday. (tjs) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:07:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KABUL, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Contrary to expectations, fighting in Afghanistan has been continuing in spite of the peace deal inked between the United States and the Taliban on Feb. 29 and Washington's efforts to bring Afghan government and the Taliban into negotiating table. Under the agreement the U.S. assured to facilitate the swap of 6,000 prisoners including 5,000 Taliban and 1,000 government men within 10 days counting from inking the controversial agreement, and initiate Taliban-government direct talks. The government of Afghanistan has agreed to set free 100 detainees every day if the Taliban agrees to initiate direct talks with Kabul. However, Taliban has rejected the offer, insisting for the release of all 5,000 inmates within 10 days. Afghan government clearly stated that the release of Taliban detainees should lead to ceasefire across the country and holding direct talks with the government delegation, but the armed group has rejected the condition. The Taliban outfit has reportedly making preparation to intensify the war if the so-called peace agreement with U.S. is not met. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Majahid in contact with media has confirmed that two security personnel were killed outside Gardez, the capital of the eastern Paktia province on Wednesday. According to Majahid, the militants have also launched series of attacks in other parts of country including Logar, Kapisa and Balkh provinces inflicting casualties over the past couple of days. Confirming the militancy, Hujatullah Akbari, the spokesman for police in the northern Kunduz province said that the Taliban attack on security checkpoints in Khan Abad district Thursday morning left nine dead, including four police and five insurgents. Militancy and counter-militancy have left at least over two dozen dead in the country over the past 24 hours, with majority of them militants, according to officials elsewhere. The government on Thursday advised to implement 'Work from Home' policy for their staff as part of encouraging "social distancing" to curb spreading of infections. In an advisory, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas also said the ministry is examining relaxations under the law that could be implemented in wake of the outbreak. The corporate affairs ministry has already allowed to conduct board meetings through video conference and other audio visual means till June 30. It would also come out with a web form for companies/ LLPs to confirm their readiness to deal with the threat. This is aimed at collecting details of companies and LLPs that adopt 'Work from Home' policy. Since companies/LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are major employers, especially in urban areas, their full participation and cooperation is most essential to fully realise the objective of social distancing as a means to contain the spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease, he said in the advisory. They have been strongly advised to put in place an immediate plan to implement the 'Work from Home' policy as a temporary measure till March 31. "All companies/LLPs are advised to implement the 'Work from Home' policy in their headquarters and field offices to the maximum extent possible, including by conduct of meetings through video conference or other electronic/ telephonic/ computerised means," he said. Even with the essential staff on duty, Srinivas said staggered timings may be followed so as to minimise physical interaction. "The web form named CAR (Company Affirmation of Readiness towards COVID-19) should be filed by an authorised signatory of companies and LLPs concerned," as per the advisory. CAR-2020 would be deployed on March 23 and all companies/ LLPs are requested to report compliance using the web service on the same day, it added. A senior official told PTI that CAR-2020 would be a way of persuading companies to join hands in containing the disease and the web service would have CIN, PAN, DIN and OTP validation. It would also encourage a movement towards social distancing, the official added. CIN is Corporate Identification Number, PAN (Permanent Account Number), DIN (Director Identification Number) and OTP (One Time Password). According to the advisory, the ministry has relaxed the rules with respect to board meetings and has dispensed with the necessity of holding physical meetings on matters relating to approval of financial statements, board report, restructuring etc till June 30. "We are also examining any other relaxations under the Companies Act, 2013, that may be necessitated on account of COVID-19," it noted. The corporate affairs ministry is implementing the Companies Act as well as the LLP Act. More than 170 people have been infected by coronavirus so far in India and four people have died. Prime Minister Ludovic Orban has announced on Thursday that the penalties for the offense of hindering epidemic spreading combat will increase, as well as those for false statements regarding the novel coronavirus epidemic. "We took an important measure to amend the Criminal Code regarding the offenses committed in the context of the coronavirus epidemic, in which we decided to increase the penalties for false statements regarding the coronavirus epidemic. (...) There are several situations: the situation where a citizen returns from a country, where there is a number of cases and he/she either has to go into quarantine or isolation. These citizens must fill out a statement, but, in case they commit a forgery and don't tell the truth - what country, locality they are coming from - so that the authorities be able to make the correct decision - whether the decision of quarantine or isolation - they will suffer the consequences of the law. It means that they commit an offense, an offense that will be punished with imprisonment," Orban told a press statement. He mentioned that the penalties for the offense of hindering epidemic spreading combat have also been increased. "Those who do not comply with quarantine, who don't comply with the measures provided by the authorities, by the DSP [the Public Health Directorate], should also know that a criminal case will be drawn up. We cannot accept that irresponsible citizens who are in a situation of being isolated at home or in quarantine don't observe these decisions of the authorities, walk freely in the society and risk sickening the Romanian citizens. The primary duty of the Government is to defend the health of the citizens. In order to defend the Romanian citizens' health we will take measures as harsh as possible in order to punish those who do not comply with the decisions and rules established," the Prime Minister said. According to Orban, a new offense has been introduced: omission of providing information. "For instance, in case, during an epidemiological investigation someone doesn't provide complete information regarding the persons they got in contact with, trying to protect one or other, it is considered to be an omission in providing correct information to the authorities. And, in this situation, a criminal case can also be drawn up," the PM explained. By John Revill ZURICH, March 18 (Reuters) - Switzerland extended its self-isolation on Wednesday to curb the widening spread of the coronavirus pandemic as the country's tradition of direct democracy fell victim to the outbreak. The government cancelled a May 17 vote on Switzerland's relationship with the European Union and suspended campaigns for other referendums. The virus's spread made it impossible to hold public events to discuss the issues, the government said as it urged the population to respect emergency health measures in radio and television announcements. "Stay at home, particularly if you are old or sick," ran a message at the bottom of the screen on public broadcaster SRF, before listing a few exceptions, for example to buy food. "The government and Switzerland are counting on you." It was the first time in nearly 70 years that the government canceled a raft of referendums. Votes in 1951 were abandoned due to the spread of foot and mouth disease. The government had urged voters last month to reject the proposal by the right-wing Swiss People's Party to end the free movement accord with the EU in a binding vote. The issue had been called Switzerland's "Brexit moment" because if approved, the country could lose its access to the EU single market -- by far the largest for Switzerland's export-orientated economy. The direct democracy shutdown came as the number of infections and deaths from the virus outbreak jumped. The number of people tested positive for the new coronavirus in Switzerland and Liechtenstein has risen to 3,028, health authorities said, from 2,650 a day earlier. The number of deaths rose to 21 from 19 from the disease which the authorities have warned could swamp the country's health care system. To stem the disease, Switzerland extended its entry ban to people coming from Spain in addition to existing restrictions on people from Italy, France, Germany and Austria. It extended border controls to air traffic from Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Entries from outside the Schengen free-travel area will be prohibited, except in exceptional circumstances, it said, joining similar measures that EU leaders agreed on Tuesday. (Reporting by John Revill) More than 5,000 people in the US have tested positive for the coronavirus. States and cities continued shuttering businesses and services, and imposing other restrictions. Among developments since this morning: The coronavirus death toll in the U.S. reached 100; West Virginia reports its first case in the state, meaning the virus has now been confirmed to have reached all 50 US states. Stocks close solidly higher after the U.S. government announces more steps to combat the coronavirus and its harm to the economy. The Dow climbs 5%, or more than 1,000 points. The White House announced Tuesday that it wants to give Americans checks in order to combat the economic devastation many will feel amid the coronavirus outbreak: We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately."The direct cash payments to Americans could be part of a massive economic stimulus package of around $850 billion, which the White House hopes could stanch the economic free fall caused by the coronavirus. You now have 90 extra days to pay your taxes, the government also said. There are now 814 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in New York City: the mayor said discussions are occurring regarding a potential shelter-in-place order for the city. Spring breakers are ignoring social distancing guidelines and flocking to some popular beaches. Italy will rush 10,000 student doctors into service, scrapping their final exams, in an effort to help the struggling health service cope with the coronavirus onslaught. For full reports on developments, please select from the articles below. Scroll further for informative graphics and live updates from verified social media accounts. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate fever and cough. It can cause more severe illness including pneumonia for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. This coverage is being provided free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus pandemic. Please support local journalism by subscribing. Follow live updates from verified social media Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Thu, March 19, 2020 08:37 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb9f21 2 World coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,health,home,infection,infectious-diseases Free Some 500 million people have been subject to lockdown measures around the world because of the coronavirus outbreak that started in China and has quickly ballooned globally, according to an AFP count. From China to the Czech Republic to Venezuela, governments have told their citizens to stay indoors to try and slow the spread of the pandemic. Here are the populations affected. Obligatory confinement The central Chinese province of Hubei and its capital Wuhan where the COVID-19 virus broke out late last year, have been cut off from the world since late January. Quarantine is still in force there, but restrictions on movement were eased on March 14 for the province's more than 50 million inhabitants. At least eight other countries have followed the Chinese province in enforcing confinement: Italy since March 10, Spain from March 14, Lebanon on March 15, the Czech Republic on March 16, France, Israel and Venezuela on March 17 and Belgium on March 18. That means 240 million people in these eight countries are obliged to stay at home. In most of these places it is possible to leave the house to buy basic necessities, access health care or go to work if staying at home is not an option. Some countries have taken more targeted measures, including Bulgaria which has put the ski resort town of Bansko under quarantine. Egypt has confined all employees in the Red Sea tourist area. Inhabitants of the Colombian capital Bogota are to go through a trial isolation exercise from March 20 to 23, which may pave the way for a full quarantine. Confinement recommended At least four countries -- Austria, Britain, Germany and Iran -- have urged people to limit as much as possible their movements and contacts, without going as far as enforcing confinement. These four countries are home to around 240 million people. These appeals from the authorities have however had limited effect. In Germany, where several "Corona-parties" have been organized in parks, Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday called on the population to rise to the task of fighting the virus. In Iran the authorities have complained that in spite of warnings, bazaars are brimming as the Iranian New Year approaches on Friday. Curfews At least six countries or territories have imposed curfews banning movements in the evening and overnight: Tunisia, Bolivia, Serbia, the US states of New Jersey and Puerto Rico, and the Philippines' capital Manila. These territories hold more than 50 million inhabitants. Like other powerful women in the traditionally male-dominated societies of the Balkans during the communist era, Nexhmije Hoxha, Albanias first lady for more than 40 years, owed her influence to her husband, the countrys dictatorial ruler Enver Hoxha. But, unlike Elena Ceausescu of Romania or Mira Markovic, wife of former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, both of whom fell from power along with their husbands, Nexhmije Hoxha who has died aged 99 saw her political profile rise after her husbands death in 1985. As Enver Hoxhas widow, she became the custodian of hardline communist ideology in the second half of the 1980s. She was a leading figure in the Stalinist resistance to the hesitant and largely ineffectual reforms that her husbands chosen successor, Ramiz Alia, tried to introduce to open up Albania to the rest of the world after a long period of self-imposed isolation. Hoxhas hardline policies may have contributed to prolonging, at least briefly, communist rule in Albania, which in 1991 became the last country in eastern Europe to change from one-party rule to a multi-party system. But the bitterness and frustration that had been bottled up ensured that when the collapse came, it was far more chaotic and (apart from Romania) more bloody than anywhere else in the region. Almost overnight, Albania turned from being a police state into a failed one. In the years after the transition Hoxha was vociferous in condemning the anarchy of 1991-92, notwithstanding the fact that her factions policies had done much to engender the general chaos. Nexhmije Xhuglini was born in 1921 in Monastir (later called Bitola), then part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (which became Yugoslavia), now North Macedonia. When she was eight years old, her family moved to Albania to escape economic hardship and the anti-Albanian policies of the Serb authorities. In the 1930s, while training to be a teacher, she joined the movement against King Zogs authoritarian administration, which, in turn, was brought to an end by Mussolinis invasion in 1939. Two years later she was among the founding members of the Albanian Communist Party, which launched a liberation war against Albanias Italian, and later German, occupiers. As in Yugoslavia, where the Second World War and the struggle against the fascist powers coincided with a series of civil wars, Albanias communist partisans were also busy fighting their domestic political rivals, the royalist Legaliteti and the nationalist Balli Kombetar movements. Like Tito in Yugoslavia, whose tactics they often copied, Enver Hoxhas troops received considerable aid from the western allies. By the end of 1944 the communists had established control over Albania, and the following year Nexhmije married Enver Hoxha, who was to rule Albania until his death in 1985. From then, on Nexhmije Hoxha held a succession of posts in the communist-controlled youth and womens organisations. In 1948, when the Communist Party was renamed the Albanian Workers Party (AWP), she became a member of the Central Committee, the partys quasi-parliament. Enver Hoxha casts his vote in 1978 (AFP via Getty) Many other posts followed over the years. Hoxha became a member of a parliament whose main claim to fame was to have secured at several elections 100 per cent support for the single bloc of officially approved candidates. At the end of the 1960s she assumed the post of director of the Institute of Marxism-Leninism, the AWPs training academy and its ideological watchdog. Although she held more than her fair share of public posts, Hoxha never joined the AWPs ruling politburo or had a formal job in the top administration. But her influence over her husband increased as his health declined and his paranoia over domestic and foreign enemies, real and imaginary, reached an apogee. Nexhmije Hoxha persuaded him to anoint Ramiz Alia, another war veteran, as his successor. The new leader quickly repaid his debt to the widow when in 1986 Hoxha was promoted to the post of president of the Democratic Front, the communist-controlled umbrella group whose main functions were to supervise all social organisations and to pick the single list of candidates for Albanias rubber-stamp parliament. Nexhmije Hoxha in the dock in 1993 (Sipa/Rex) Although Alia treated her with gratitude and respect, Hoxha was to renounce him later for his weakness in presiding over the collapse of communist rule during the turmoil of 1990-92. By then Hoxha had become one of the most hated figures in Albania a living symbol of more than four decades of totalitarian repression and an active opponent of even the mildest reforms during the swansong of the communist era. At the end of 1991 Hoxha was arrested, and in 1993 was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment for abuse of power and embezzlement, relating primarily to the unauthorised use of funds to support an ostentatious lifestyle. She was released after five years, just as Albania was sinking into its second period of anarchy with the collapse of several fraudulent get-rich-quick pyramid schemes. The subsequent uprising against President Sali Berishas rule and the early elections that followed returned the AWPs reformed successor, the Socialist Party, to power in 1997. Hoxha welcomed that victory. But to the Socialists she was a source of embarrassment whom they preferred to ignore. Thereafter, she lived in relative obscurity in a small apartment a shrine to her late husband on the outskirts of Tirana in a building that had previously housed the offices of a state-owned chicken farm. Hoxha during an interview in 2008 (AFP/Getty) (AFP via Getty) Hoxha remained active into her eighties. During Natos bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, she shocked her much-diminished band of Marxist-Leninist comrades in western Europe by openly supporting the wests military action in support of her fellow-Albanians in Kosovo. She explained her stand on pragmatic grounds, comparing it with Stalins willingness to form an alliance with the US and Britain against Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Her two volumes of memoirs showed no sign of willingness to acknowledge the mistakes, let alone crimes, of her husbands repressive regime. If there was anything she regretted, it was the communists loss of power. She is survived by three children. Nexhmije Hoxha, politician, born 8 February 1921, died 26 February 2020 The Napa Valley will soon be represented on a new Discovery Channel competition show, and it has nothing to do with wine. Gian Pablo Nelson, chief distiller at Napa-based Loch & Union Distilling Co., will put his spirited skills to the test on Master Distiller, airing March 24. Master Distiller is a spin-off of the Discovery Channels popular docudrama, Moonshiners, which follows a group of real-life Moonshiners who illegally make alcohol in the woods of the Appalachian Mountains. This new show, which airs after Moonshiners on Tuesday nights, is a competition format (similar to Chopped) where three contestants compete in a series of challenges each week. Each contestant is vying for the chance to have their winning recipe produced in a limited release through Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Tennessee. Master Distillers three judges Mark, Digger, and Tim are overall-wearing fan favorites on Moonshiners. Nelson was recruited to the show via a Facebook message. He was suspicious at first, but decided, OK, Ill bite. A few rounds of interviews later, he was told hed been cast, but he wasnt sure for what show, or even what network. They were so vague about everything, said Nelson. All they said was that it was a distilling competition show. The next thing he knows, theyre flying him out to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, home of Sugarlands Distilling Co. and a popular base for Great Smoky Mountains travelers. All the way from booking my flight to the day I left, I felt like a celebrity, he said. I had no idea what I was walking into. I didnt understand that theres such a thing as the Moonshine culture. When I got there, it was like all these big, bright lights, flashy tasting rooms, and restaurants. It felt like Vegas in the hills. The shows contestants hailed from all over the country and different walks of life. A big part of Nelsons story on the show was his history as a combat veteran. He served as a radio operator in the Marine Corps Infantry and was part of the 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment that was the spearhead of the 2010 push into Marjah, Afghanistan. My main message was that you can be a combat vet, a wounded guy like me, and still be able to wake up and do something that you love, even if its outside of the uniform, said Nelson, who recalls feeling like a priest without a cloth upon returning to civilian life. Perhaps most surprisingly, was that Nelson was one of only two contestants who distill professionally. All of the others do it on the side as a hobby or supplement to their income. It definitely gave me a different outlook of my job and how grateful I am that I get to do this for a living, he said. In some ways, Nelsons technical training gave him a leg up, but while each episode focuses on a different type of liquor (rum, mezcal, whiskey, etc.), Nelson was cast in the Moonshine episode, despite having never made Moonshine before. His fellow competitors from West Virginia, however, were much more familiar with the backwoods process. Each episode features three challenges that put the contestants mashing, distilling, and still-building skills to the test. After the second round, one contestant gets eliminated, and in the final round, a winner is crowned. For one of the challenges, Nelson was instructed to bring in ingredients from home, choosing grain from Loch & Unions local maltster, Admiral Maltings in Alameda, and some botanicals from Loch & Union gin. Youll have to tune in to see how Nelson faired, though he did hint at some made-for-TV drama when he makes a possibly-fatal mistake during one of the challenges. Overall, he found it to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I think what I enjoyed most was meeting everyone and getting to know the Moonshine culture. They are legitimately doing it in the hills and here I am working with multi-million dollar equipment. It was so fun to take these basic, primitive skills Ive learned and put them to use on a Moonshine still. I really learned how to adapt and overcome on the fly, he said, adding that hes also walking away with new, life-long friends. My group was all about camaraderie. We ended up being like best friends from the show. We would trade parts and help each other out because we wanted to beat each other at our best. As a bonus, he hopes that the show will put a spotlight on Napa Valley as a place that produces quality craft beverages beyond wine. Its putting Loch & Union on the national stage, but also putting Napa Valley on the stage as far as spirits are concerned, said Nelson. I gave it my all, I was technically skilled, and hopefully that shines a good light on what we do. Nelsons appearance on Master Distiller will air on Tuesday, March 24, at 10 p.m. on Discovery Channel and can also be streamed later online at Discovery GO. A supermarket in country Australia will now check IDs of every shopper to prove they are locals in a desperate attempt to crack down on panic buyers amid coronavirus pandemic. IGA Broadford in regional Victoria has impose the strict measures after customers strip its shelves bare by stockpiling and hoarding essential items in fear of a lockdown. The sign has been placed at the entrance of the stores and staff members will check customers' IDs before allowing them through the door. 'Dear customers from this point on we have no other choice but to enforce very strict conditions for entry into our store,' the sign said. 'You will now be asked for ID to prove that you live in the areas.' A supermarket in country Australia will now check IDs of every shopper to ensure they are locals in a desperate attempt to crack down on panic buyers amid coronavirus pandemic The areas include: Reedy Creek, Strath Creek, Sunday Creek, Tyaak, Pylong, Glenoroua, Sugarloaf Creek, Clonbinana and Waterford Park. 'We apologise for any inconvenience due to the current situation, we can only accommodate customers living in these areas. Thank you for understanding.' Shoppers who live around the area praised the supermarket for taking drastic action to deal with the unprecedented demand for groceries. Many reported seeing hundreds of random customers from outer town descend on the supermarket stores after travelling via a bus. 'Such a great idea, followed a bus up the highway today on my way to work and saw a whole bus load of people get off to go to Woolworths and Coles, ridiculous,' one woman said. A photo of an elderly man staring at an empty shelf of bread at IGA offers a tragic insight into the impact coronavirus panic-buying is having on older Australians A joint statement from leading supermarkets Australia's leading supermarket chains banded together this week to plead with customers to be considerate of each other and treat staff members respectfully. Aldi, Coles, IGA and Woolworth said they were doing everything they could to get as much produce on the shelves as possible, often under difficult circumstances. 'Through these challenging times, the aim of every Australian supermarket is to provide you and your family with the food and essentials you need,' they said in a joint statement. 'That's why collectively, we want to reassure you that your wellbeing, and that of our teams, will always be our priority. 'So we ask you to please be considerate in the way you shop. We understand your concerns, but if you buy only what you need and stick to the product limits it helps everyone, especially the elderly and people with disability.' The supermarkets have been forced to introduce buying limits on items due to the surge in demand for goods. Advertisement A second woman said: 'Good on you IGA Broadford, I applaud your actions. I was in this supermarket today just getting what I needed for home as normal and there was so many strangers from out of town just stocking up, leaving the shelves empty. 'I felt so sorry for all the staff it was just embarrassing to be there. At the moment I am sad to say I am an Australian. Come on Australia, we are so much better than this just calm your farms. Hopefully this action will stop some of the madness that we are all dealing with at the moment. All supermarkets should do the same.' One man said: 'Good on them for taking the initiative. There was recently a bus load at Finley IGA and also Deniliquin IGA but police escorted the bus out of town.' The new strict condition comes after a heartbreaking picture of an elderly man staring at an empty shelf of bread at IGA emerged on social media. Sydney DJ Helena Ellis shared the photo with her followers on Monday as she urged people to consider the elderly before they stockpile. While visiting a south Hurstville IGA in Sydney's south, Ms Ellis came across the man who standing with an 'empty trolley staring at empty shelves'. 'My heart broke. I had gotten the last two hot dog bun packs and gave him one out of my trolley, I said "At least it's still bread" and he laughed and thanked me. I felt that was the least I could have done for him,' she said. 'If you see an old person, please stop and ask if they need anything. Stop and give them something from your trolley that is no longer on the shelves that you could easily come back and get tomorrow. 'Who knows where they came from or how long it took them to get to the shops, only to get there and find empty shelves. In a time of complete and utter maddens and chaos, please don't forget to look out for each other and look out for those who need it most. Don't be consumed by greed.' [March 19, 2020] Protecting Canadian Students from Coronavirus Starts on the School Bus Schools throughout Canada are taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus, keep their doors open, and make sure students get a good education. While most of these steps involve cleaning school facilities, Drew Bunn with Kaivac, manufacturer of professional school cleaning equipment, says, "administrators often forget the first step in protecting student health begins on the school bus." Bunn means that the interiors of school busses are not always cleaned as frequently or effectively as needed. To support his conclusion, Bunn references a statement made by the National Education Association that says: "Mobile environments are prone to the spread of infectious diseases such as colds and the flu. In addition to the number of students who may introduce bacteria and viruses when they board the bus, surfaces such as the seatbacks and handrails can also contribute to the further spread of germs. Keeping these areas clean can help prevent germs and the spread of disease." As to how to prevent the spread of infectious disease on Canadian school busses, Dunn suggests the following: Conduct a high-touch audit. The interiors of busses have many high-touch surfaces. An audit helps document them to make sure all are cleaned regularly. Increase cleaning frequencies. The insides of busses mut be detail cleaned at the end of each school day. Change cloths and mops frequently. While not recommended, if using cloths and mops, change them frequently. As they get used, they spread pathogens. Consider alternative cleaning methods. Alternative cleaning methods, such No-Touch Cleaning systems are faster and proven more effective at removing pathogens. Further, no cleaning cloths or mops are used in the cleaning process. Encourage bus drivers to stay alert. If one or more children are coughing or sneezing frequently, this can be cause for concern. Bus drivers should report this to school administrators. "Keeping our kids healthy especially now is the concern of every Canadian school administrator," adds Bunn. "Kaivac plans to do everything it can to make this happen." About Kaivac, Inc. Kaivac is the developer of the No-Touch Cleaning and OmniFlex Crossover Cleaning systems. Kaivac, Inc. delivers complete science-based cleaning systems designed to produce healthy results and outcomes while raising the value of cleaning operations and the professionalism of the worker. For more information, contact Kaivac Global Head Quarters at www.kaivac.com, email [email protected], or call 513-887-4600. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005105/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A intensive care unit ventilator, used to help patients severely ill with coronavirus to breath, in a hospital. (Getty) Aerospace and defence component manufacturer Meggitt (MGGT.L) said on Thursday 19 March that it was leading a consortium of UK suppliers to rapidly develop and produce the ventilators that UK hospitals will need to help severely ill patients with coronavirus. Meggitt said that it was responding to the UK governments request for additional medical ventilators, which are used to help patients experiencing respiratory difficulties to breathe. The UK currently faces a massive shortage in the devices, and dozens of UK-based companies have responded to prime minister Boris Johnsons requests for manufacturers to help produce tens of thousands of ventilators in less than a fortnight. Meggitt is leading a consortium of UK aerospace suppliers working to develop and produce, in large volumes, a ventilator that meets their requirements for a rapidly manufactured ventilator, the company said on Thursday. Read more: UK manufacturers to use 3D-printing to build ventilators for NHS Vauxhall, owned by the French automotive group PSA (UG.PA), and Airbus (AIR.PA) are among the firms who have said they are planning to 3D-print parts for ventilators, while Rolls-Royce (RR.L) and Jaguar Land Rover (TTM) have said they are also willing to assist with production. Health secretary Matt Hancock has repeatedly said that the UK, which only has around 5,000 ventilators, cannot make too many of the machines. The health ministry said that the country will need 20,000 ventilators under a reasonable worst case scenario. The government has said that it is hoping UK manufacturers will speedily build basic ventilators, noting that they would be cheaper and easier to produce than existing models. Researchers at Imperial College London have warned that, under current trajectories, the spread of coronavirus could severely outstrip the UKs critical care capacity. Read more: European stocks gain after ECB launches 750bn coronavirus package Italy told Siare, the countrys only ventilator manufacturer, to quadruple its monthly production, and even called in the military to help. Story continues Germany last week ordered 10,000 ventilators from Dragerwerk AG (DRW3.DE), the companys largest order ever. Meggitt, an engineering firm that specialises in components and sub-systems for the aerospace, defence, and energy sectors, also said on Thursday that its performance in January and February was in line with expectations. Referencing coronavirus, the company said that the near-term demand outlook for its products and services continues to evolve and remains uncertain. It noted, however, that it had put a broad range of measures in place to reduce costs and managed its liquidity over the next few months. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK I t costs about 30,000 a week to keep a 1,000-seat, historic, commercial London theatre closed. That accounts for utilities, overheads, maintenance and the wages of permanent staff. There are around 40 such theatres some larger, some smaller in central London. Producer Nica Burns, who co-owns six vintage West End playhouses with Max Weitzenhoffer through their company Nimax, says: If my theatres are closed for three months, it will cost me 2.5m, with no money coming in. The London theatre world is a resilient and mutually supportive one, and is confronting the closure of all its venues with pragmatism and a clear-headed refusal to panic. But before any of us start to think about what this vibrant, world-beating sector of the capitals culture will look like when it gets back on its feet, its worth thinking about what the shutdown and worse, the uncertainty over how long it will last could cost. Payment or support for the freelance actors, musicians and other creatives who worked on the shows shut down across London on Monday night is still being negotiated by government, producers and unions. The Arts Council acted swiftly to guarantee funding to those theatres they support, such as the National Theatre, Barbican, Donmar, Almeida, Lyric Hammersmith and others, but as Michael Longhurst of the Donmar points out, that counts for just seven per cent of his theatres income. Burnss fellow producer-owners, Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Londons biggest theatre owner ATG, will be digging deep into their reserves. The Society of London Theatre calculates that the sector generated gross revenue of798,994,920 in the last financial year, earning VAT of 133,165,820 for the Treasury. Those revenue streams were shut off completely on Monday. Independent producer John Brant went from having five productions of his hit musical Come From Away running around the world, to none, in the space of four days. The tiny Finborough pub theatre in Earls Court, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, cancelled two productions and shut down even before Boris Johnsons botched announcement that people should stay away from theatres, restaurants and pubs. We will make a straightforward loss of 25,000, says artistic director Neil McPherson, which, spookily enough, is the same amount that [producer] Bill Kenwright donated to us this year. But that was already filling our deficit of 20,000. David Babanis voice breaks as he talks about the existential threat facing the Menier Chocolate Factory, which he has run for 17 years and which also closed, cancelling its production of Paula Vogels Indecent, ahead of the government announcement. Like Mehmet Ergen of Dalstons Arcola Theatre who speaks to me from Istanbul, where he was visiting family for a few days and is now stranded he is asking those who have bought tickets to cancelled shows to ask for credit or write off the purchase as a donation. Refunds could sink such venues. Paul Taylor-Mills of the Turbine Theatre in Battersea fears smaller, newer organisations like his, without major reserves, may be forced to close, but that even big West End musicals may collapse if shut down and starved of tourist income for any length of time. Theatre companies around the country have been up against the wall for quite some time with arts and local government cuts and without support they will go under, says the National Theatres artistic director Rufus Norris. It needs a sector-wide gesture of support immediately. The National employs around 900 full time staff and 1,200 part-timers, including actors and musicians, at any one time: about 4,000 people work there over the course of a year. He recognises, too, that the same scenario is playing out across all businesses in the creative, hospitality and tourism sectors, and beyond. Like Burns, Babani and just about everyone I speak to, he stresses that a time frame from the medical authorities via the government is essential for everyone to plan. Meanwhile, contracts for new productions are not being signed, leaving writers facing an uncertain future with resilient humour. Im OK at the moment, barely surviving, but if this lasts three to six months, thats going to be a concern, says Roy Williams, whose play Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads is due to be revived at the National in the Autumn. He adds: But in a weird way this has focused writers energy and stopped us procrastinating: the days of slinking out for a coffee or a walk are gone. Beth Steel, whose play The House of Shades took three years to write and has been delayed at the Almeida until later in the year, says she is gutted, though stresses that the theatres director Rupert Goold and his staff have been brilliant. James Graham, who grimly jokes that he self isolates for a living and whose TV adaptation of his own play Quiz is soon to air, worries about his peers in the theatre but also foresees a knock-on effect in broadcast media. Graham also wonders what the lack of live, shared theatre experiences in London for weeks if not many months will do for us mentally, emotionally and dare I say it spiritually. From this bleak landscape small shoots of ingenious recovery are already sprouting. Companies including new writing promoters Papatango, the Kings Head in Islington and the Theatre Cafe are experimenting with streaming monologues, backstage Q&As and concerts online. Actor and director Robert Myles is mounting YouTube readings of every single Shakespeare play, in order (under the admittedly cringey title The Show Must Go Online). Norris hopes to make the considerable catalogue of shows recorded for NT Live available, subject to rights issues. Longhurst plans to call on artists who have been major players at the Donmar to shed some love and talent that we can share widely online. But really, as Ergen puts it, were all waiting until its live again. Julian Bird of the Society of London Theatres says: We have more theatres than any other city in the world, we sell more tickets than any other theatre including New York, and we want to be ready and raring to come back as soon as we possibly can. As Norris says: We are in a dire situation, but we will survive it. Russian researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of RAS, and Russia's famed Tretyakov Gallery have conducted a comprehensive preconservation study of "The Portrait of F.P. Makerovsky in a Masquerade Costume" (1789) by the Russian painter Dmitry Levitsky. The paper was published in the journal Heritage Science. The portrait analyzed in the study is one of the masterpieces of the renowned painter's mature period and a rare example of a children's dress-up portrait in Russian art. However, rough restoration interventions of a century ago, thick layers of old yellowed varnish, and damage to the paint layer of unknown origin distorted the aesthetic perception of the image. The conservator, Tatiana Seregina, faced the difficult task of bringing the portrait as close to its original state as possible today, without affecting the painter's work. "Our laboratory and the gallery's research team maintain a long-standing methodological collaboration, which manifested itself in a 2017 agreement between MIPT and the Tretyakov Gallery, with the support of its chief curator Tatiana Gorodkova," said Viktor Ivanov, the head of the Center for Functional Materials Testing at MIPT. "Under that agreement, we jointly develop approaches for comprehensive studies of artworks using modern methods for local analysis of materials and nanomaterials. The methodological expertise that we accumulated enabled us to participate in a preconservation study of the painting by Dmitry Levitsky and establish the unity of the paint layers across the entire canvas." The research team comprised numerous physicists, chemists, art specialists, and conservators from MIPT, IGIC RAS, and the State Tretyakov Gallery. Besides enabling more grounded decisions regarding the conservation techniques to be used, the analysis of the art materials also resolved a long-standing mystery. Levitsky's painting consists of three fragments, and while there were never any doubts concerning the authorship of the main part, it remained unknown when the two horizontal extension pieces with the figure from the knees down had been sewn to the canvas. While the extension pieces are visible in early-20th-century photographs, there were reservations about the earlier period in the painting's history, because of a distinct structure of the seams connecting the three fragments: While the upper seam is very neat, the lower one is much coarser. "The last time the portrait underwent conservation was in 1914," study co-author Nikolay Simonenko from IGIC RAS and MIPT said. "We conducted a comprehensive preconservation analysis of art materials composition. This allowed us to establish that the extension pieces were indeed painted by Levitsky." Painter in a hurry? By analyzing the ground layers, the team first revealed a distinction between the main canvas and the extension pieces. The two layers of ground, customarily used by the painter, were only found in the main canvas. However, a closer look revealed the structure and composition of the ground in the two extensions to be alike. It also proved similar to the lower of the two ground layers of the main canvas. The authors of the paper suggest that the painter might have had more time at the outset to thoroughly prepare the canvas. It is likely, the researchers hypothesize, that Levitsky's concept of the painting evolved as the work progressed, necessitating a bigger canvas. To accommodate his new vision, the painter first added one extension piece and then another. Malachite pigment By examining the paint layers, the team could show their similar composition across the entire painting, including the two extension pieces. Specifically, the green pigment is present in each of the three fragments and has a common nature: Infrared spectroscopy revealed it was malachite. Interestingly, none of the other 10 or so analytic techniques used in the study could identify malachite, although elemental analysis did provide an indirect confirmation by detecting copper in the green paint. This is why the researchers had to employ such a wide range of tools in their study. The common origin of the two extension pieces was also confirmed by the analysis of the brown pigment, which involved infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. By investigating the painted layer, the team established that it belonged to Levitsky in its entirety, confirming the hypothesis that a single artistic process united all three parts of the canvas. Fine arts and hard sciences In a research project like this, the chemists and physicists are after great detail in the results, which may in part go against the wish of the museum workers and conservators to preserve the work of art fully intact. "In my opinion, the presence of art historians, chemists, and physicists in one team was key to the success of this endeavor," said Ivan Volkov, a chief researcher at the MIPT lab involved in the study. "We held regular meetings featuring both the Tretyakov Gallery team and us, materials scientists. We had to slowly work out a common language, but it was worth it. There was also an arrangement for the sampling methods and tools to be approved by the gallery staff." With no room for error, the team needed to be very careful in taking samples, and extract maximum information from each of them. The researchers sought a middle ground to draw information from the portrait without damaging it. For example, some of the samples were taken from the edges of the painting. New discoveries This is the first time such a detailed and comprehensive study of a painting by Levitsky has been carried out. According to art specialists from the Tretyakov Gallery, the study has not only been important for preparing the conservation task, but also expanded the understanding of Levitsky's oeuvre and the late 18th-century art practice in Russia. Now that the methodology has been developed and successfully tested, it can be applied to other works. Meanwhile, the conservation of Makerovsky's portrait is in its final stages, and it will soon return to the main exhibition. The conservation began long before the publication in Heritage Science and lasted about a year and a half. ### Dmitry Levitsky is one of the most famous Russian portrait painters of the 18th century, achieving recognition in his day. For 17 years, he headed the portrait class of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. Levitsky painted the imperial family members, court aristocrats, cultural figures. Among his portraits are those of Catherine the Great, Enlightenment thinker Denis Diderot, and a number of aristocratic children, including the future Emperor Alexander I. After a law enforcement agent assigned to it tested positive for the coronavirus, Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of the U.S. Middle District Courthouse in downtown Harrisburg. Several other individuals who were exposed to this agent are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, Conner noted in closure order. The shutdown is vital to save the public, jurors, lawyers and courthouse workers from further exposure to the disease, he concluded. The Middle District court will continue to function, but Conner order the transfer of proceedings scheduled for the Harrisburg courthouse to the districts other courthouses in Williamsport and Scranton. The closure is effective until further notice, the judge said. State and many county courthouses throughout Pennsylvania also have been shut in attempts to curb the spread of the virus. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The export of ready-made clothing from Turkey to Uzbekistan from January through February 2020 increased by 6.3 percent compared to the same period in 2019, amounting to $3.1 million, Trend reports referring to the Turkish Trade Ministry on March 19. In February 2020, the export of ready-made clothing from Turkey to Uzbekistan grew by 16.5 percent compared to February 2019, amounting to $1.6 million, the ministry noted. From January through February 2020, Turkey has exported ready-made clothing worth $3 billion to world markets, which is 6.7 percent more compared to the same period in 2019. Turkeys export of ready-made clothing made up 10.3 percent of the countrys total export in January-February 2020. In February 2020, Turkey exported ready-made clothing worth $1.5 billion to world markets, which is 7.8 percent more compared to the same month in 2019. Turkish export of ready-made clothing in February 2020 made up 10.4 percent of the countrys total export. In the last twelve months, i.e. from February 2019 through February 2020, Turkey has exported ready-made clothing worth $17.8 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Portland State University will not resume in-person classes this spring amid the coronavirus pandemic. Stephen Percy, Portland States interim president, announced in a letter to the campus community Wednesday that all classes for the spring term will be taught remotely. Portland States spring term is scheduled to begin on March 30. Rather than start the term with lingering questions, we are committed to devoting all of PSUs resources and tools to sustain high-quality academic learning in this time of challenge, Percy said. Together, we can help stop the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, we want to provide you with flexibility to continue your academic journey while protecting your health, caring for your loved ones and maintaining your work life. Colleges and universities across the country have moved to online-only curriculum and sent students home as the coronavirus crisis has grown. At Portland State, housing and food services remain open, with some reduced services. Students also still have access to the universitys Center for Student Health and Counseling, although there have been service adjustments. Financial aid counselors remain available as well, although offices are closed. Details of what remote instruction will look like for Portland States 26,000-student campus are still being worked out. The coronavirus is an immense challenge, but it also presents an opportunity to be innovative and creative in our approach to education, Percy said. Many other universities in Oregon and across the nation are transitioning to remote courses because of the virus threat. PSU is well-positioned to be a leader with the tools and capabilities that our Office of Academic Innovation and the Office of Information Technology are developing to ensure that everyone can be successful in a virtual campus environment. -- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com | @jamiebgoldberg Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Elaborate precautionary measures have been initiated by the authorities to check the spread of coronavirus after seven Indonesians who visited Karimnagar last week tested positive for the virus. Telangana Backward Classes Welfare Minister G Kamalakar, who held a meeting with officials late on Wednesday, said special health teams would visit houses in a radius of three kms from the Karimnagar district Collectorate building to ascertain the possibility of residents of the area getting affected. On Thursday, Kamalakar accompanied the medical teams and visited some houses as part of the drive. According to Kamalakar, 10 Indonesians visited Karimnagar and stayed in a locality near the Collectorate for more than 48 hours. Karimnagar district Collector K Shashanka said a 10- bedded isolation ward has been kept ready and that three ventilators have been arranged as a precautionary measure. The seven Indonesians who tested positive for COVID-19 were part of a 10-member group which travelled from New Delhi to Ramagundam near Karimnagar by train. The group stayed in a Karimnagar mosque for two days, according tostate Health Minister E Rajender. An Indonesian was found with symptoms of coronavirus in Karimnagar on Monday last. Medical and health staff, suspecting the symptoms, referred him to Hyderabad along with nine other Indonesians who were part of the group. Subsequently, seven in the group tested positive for the virus. The number of COVID-19 cases in Telangana stood at 13, including the seven Indonesians. The 13 includes the first case of a techie who has been discharged from hospital after recovery. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Allow me to take your mind off more pressing, serious matters for a moment to consider something of little global consequence here in the land of mobile tech. Any month now, Google will likely unveil its next self-made Android phone, the midrange Pixel 4a. And then, later this fall, we're expecting to see the next full-fledged, top-of-the-line Google flagship the Pixel 5. I've said before that the Pixel 4a has the potential to be Google's most interesting phone of the year, much like the similarly ho-hum Pixel 3a proved to be the company's most significant device of 2019. As I observed at the time of the 3a's arrival, the most important announcements often aren't the most exciting ones. Well, now, a new set of observations suggests the Pixel 5 could actually have more in common with Google's midrange phone line than you'd think. And as a result, the phone is suddenly accomplishing two seemingly conflicting things: It's looking a lot less exciting to certain people and looking a lot more interesting and potentially important to those of us focused on the bigger picture. Let me explain. Pixel philosophy From the get-go, Google's Pixel line has been about providing flagship-caliber, high-end Android experiences. The Pixel 3a forked that mission, of course, but the primary Pixel flagships have always been positioned and priced as top-tier, flagship-level phones. [Get fresh tips and insight in your inbox every Friday with JR's Android Intelligence newsletter. Exclusive extras await!] Now, however, some discoveries deep in Google's under-development code make it look like the mission and the accompanying positioning of the Pixel brand may be making a subtle but significant shift. Here's the context, in case you haven't yet heard it: The gang from 9to5Google got their hands on a pre-release version of what seems to be Google's Pixel 4a Camera app. They studied the code closely and found what appears to be a series of references to the upcoming Pixel 5 phone, which is presumably being developed with that same core camera software. The details from there get a bit technical, but the short version is that the code suggests the Pixel 5 could end up using a lower-end Qualcomm processor rather than the top-of-the-line chip present in most current Android flagships. So what does that actually mean, in real-world terms? Well, the answer varies depending upon whom you ask, but basically: It means a lot to a very small subset of smartphone super-nerds the sorts of tech-minded people who obsess over specs, benchmarks, and knowing that whatever device they buy has the best of everything, inside and out. (No disrespect intended to such folks, either; that term is a badge of honor in my book!) For the vast majority of phone-owners, though, it means drumroll, please absolutely nothing. Nada. Zero. Bupkis. With the right sort of software optimizations and attention to experience, you are absolutely not going to notice or in any way be aware of the difference between a Snapdragon 865 processor the top-tier chip of the moment and the Snapdragon 765G, the power center now believed to be present in the upcoming Pixel 5. (If you want the full technical explanation of the differences between those under-the-hood elements, you can find a good overview here. But if anything mentioned on that page actually matters to you, well, let's just say you definitely fall into the first category described above.) Where it could matter broadly is in price: By going with a cheaper chip, Google could conceivably lower its Pixel 5 price down from the line's current $800 starting point to, say, maybe somewhere in the ballpark of $600 or $700. And that seemingly little shift could make a world of difference in how the phone is perceived and ultimately, if Google plays its cards right, in how well it sells. As is often the case in these quarters, there's an almost eerily appropriate historical analogy to think back on for perspective. Pixel history We tend to think about the 2016 Pixel phone as being Google's first self-made Android device, but Google actually released its first phone developed completely in house three years earlier in 2013. That's when the first-gen Moto X came into the world. At the time, as you may recall, Google owned Motorola. And when the Moto X was announced, lots of tech heads were quick to write the device off for its less-than-stellar specs and not-top-of-the-line internals. The phone's processor is the perfect example: The Moto X caught tons of flak for having a mere dual-core processor at a time when high-end flagships were moving to the newer, more exciting-sounding quad-core standard. But guess what? The Moto X actually felt faster in real-world use than most of its quad-core contemporaries. It was an important lesson in the notion that specs were no longer everything. What matters more than the model of the chip inside a phone is the way the company making the device uses that chip along with software and other elements to create an effective real-world usage experience. As I wrote at the time, "instead of worrying about how the spec sheet might look, Moto just created a setup that delivers." And if you'll allow me to quote my favorite writer a teensy bit further: If you're looking for specific isolated pieces of technology ... the Moto X probably isn't the phone for you. It's by no means a perfect device, and there are absolutely individual areas where other smartphones come out ahead. But if you're looking for a thoughtfully designed phone with genuinely compelling features and, most important, a cohesive and outstanding overall user experience that'll delight you from the moment you pick it up you'll be hard-pressed to find another product that matches what the Moto X provides. Now, let's give Google the benefit of the doubt and assume it manages to create an exceptional user experience consistent with what we've seen from past Pixels in its Pixel 5 phone. Substitute "Pixel 5" for "Moto X" in the paragraphs above, with the assumption that everything we believe about the phone now ends up being true, and those two paragraphs written in 2013 almost feel like they could be talking about this year's coming Google flagship don't they? There are certainly plenty of "ifs" involved at this point, and here's one more: If Google manages to pull all this off while also selling the phone for $600 to $700, it'd be going up against companies like OnePlus instead of competing for attention against the latest Galaxy gizmos. The premium phone market, especially in America, is notorious for being tough to compete in unless your brand name rhymes with Phlamsung or Schmapple. But that upper-middle-tier area where phones are premium in nature but not quite hitting the every-bell-and-whistle-imaginable, no-piece-left-behind top-shelf positioning is somewhere a company like Google could conceivably have a decent shot at finding its footing. And there's something else critical to consider. Pixel math Remember, despite recent progress by some Android device-makers, Pixel phones are still in a league of their own when it comes to timely and reliable software updates a factor that savvy phone owners know means more over the course of a phone's lifespan than any single spec or external element. Critically, Pixel phones are also the only Android devices to come with a guaranteed three full years of ongoing operating system updates, which significantly increases the value they provide over the time that you own 'em. We did some smart math on that subject with an $800 Pixel phone last year and found that, even at that price, a Pixel ended up coming out to roughly $22 a month over its three advisable years of ownership. If the Pixel 5 were to provide the same three-year update guarantee at $700, its actual per-month cost would drop to $19. At $600, the phone would effectively cost you a mere 17 bucks for every month that you keep it (assuming, as in all of these cases, that you keep it for the full three years that it's actively receiving updates and not for any longer). Now compare that to a device like the Galaxy S20, which starts at $999 and gets only two years of guaranteed operating system updates: With that phone, you're looking at $42 per month over its period of advisable ownership the two years that it's being kept current and receiving support. That's more than double the per-month cost of the Pixel at that hypothetical $600 to $700 price point. Heck, even a phone like the current OnePlus 7T would struggle to compete with the Pixel 5's theoretical value. With two years of guaranteed updates, the $599 OnePlus 7T has a cost of roughly $25 a month over the course of its advisable ownership. Despite matching the low end of our speculative Pixel 5 pricing, even that aggressively priced phone can't come close to hitting the Pixel's overall value with that extra year of software support Google provides. And you know what else? With that type of value in mind, any minor misgivings about the phone become a heck of a lot easier to forgive than they are in the $800-and-up range. It's a different way to think about a 'flagship' phone in 2020 Last year, I pointed out the parallels between Google's position with the Pixel 3a and what the company had accomplished years earlier with the Moto G a phone that similarly seemed boring on the surface but managed to provide an unmatched level of quality in its domain and ended up being Motorola's best-selling smartphone ever. Now, I'm wondering if the Pixel 5 could effectively be the company's Moto X moment the shift away from trying to play the typical flagship game and instead toward a model focused on exceptional experience in a sensibly balanced package. It's a different way to think about a "flagship" phone in 2020, and I can't help but wonder if it's one that could work. The million-dollar question, of course, is whether Google would emulate the Moto X model only in approach and experience or whether it'd also emulate the Moto X model in that device's critical success coupled with commercial failure. But Google's come a long way since the Moto X days when it comes to areas like manufacturing capability, retail availability, and even marketing. Maybe, just maybe, this time could be different and maybe this time, Google's gamble could finally pay off. Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get more practical tips, personal recommendations, and plain-English perspective on the news that matters. [Android Intelligence videos at Computerworld] Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is in touch with the Indian embassy in Singapore to bring back the students who are stranded in that country due to unavailability of flights in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Thursday said the embassy will take care of the students till their return to India. "The chief minister spoke to one student- Ms Bodas, and assured her of their safe return," the statement said. Maharashtra minister Uday Samant has also assured immediate steps to ensure the safe return of 50 students from the state, who are stranded in Singapore. The Higher and Technical Minister said the matter is being pursued with the Centre through NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut. "Will take speedy steps to help 50 students from the state who are stranded at Singapore airport for want of flight service following coronavirus outbreak," an official statement quoted the minister as saying on Wednesday. According to the statement, Samant also spoke to Tanvi Bodas, a student stranded in Singapore, over phone and assured her that the state government was making all the efforts with the Centre to bring back the students. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Why it matters: Social distancing and working from home are important measures in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, but that also means there will be additional strain on telecom companies' networks. The EU is asking streaming companies and users to reduce bandwidth usage as much as possible to prevent congestion. With more countries going into a state of emergency and urging everyone to work from home, internet bandwidth usage is going to be used a lot more than ever before. Even Conan O'Brien's team is working from home to get the show back on air by the end of this month, and Microsoft is seeing a surge in the number of Teams users thanks to more people studying and working remotely. Many more people will likely flood the backbones of the internet with traffic from streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, so the EU has asked these providers to take immediate measures and limit their bandwidth usage. To that end, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton says he has personally asked Netflix CEO Reed Hastings via phone to switch all accounts to standard definition when high definition isn't necessary, such as during peak traffic hours. Breton is also asking users to be more mindful of their data consumption as broadband providers aren't really equipped to deal with more than the natural evening surges in overall internet traffic. This makes perfect sense as many are now holding interviews, work collaboration, meetings, and school classes online, and it's no secret that video account for a significant chunk of overall internet traffic. Italy and Spain have seen rises in residential data traffic of almost 75 percent after the lockdown measures went into effect, and telecom companies are currently in talks to find solutions. Vodafone, which is the world's second largest mobile operator, has seen a similar situation in Germany and the UK, noting that peak usage can now be observed between 12 PM and 9 PM instead of between 6 PM and 8 PM like it was in the past. For its part, Netflix has confirmed to Engadget that it will reduce the video bitrate for European users by around 25 percent for the next 30 days. While this may seem significant, it's unlikely that most people will notice the difference, and it's a small price to pay to prevent network congestion. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The state Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that will ensure all New Yorkers have paid leave if they are subject to mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The actions taken today will provide relief to workers who are being affected by this growing pandemic, said Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore), co-sponsor of the bill. It also takes into consideration that employers are also suffering, by making sure that the benefits are paid out by unemployment insurance and the Temporary Disability Insurance plan,'' she added. "This will be one of many efforts that the state will develop to help workers and businesses through this continuing crisis. The legislation will waive the seven-day waiting period before New Yorkers can apply for unemployment insurance, and works to protect some of the smallest businesses in this state, Savino said. Under this legislation, businesses with 10 or fewer employees as of Jan. 1, 2020 and a net income of under $1 million last fiscal year will have the full cost of employees leave provided by New York insurance programs, capped at benefits coverage equal to annual salaries of $150,000, she said. Businesses with 11 to 99 employees as of Jan. 1, 2020 and companies with 10 or fewer employees, but which have a net income of greater than $1 million last fiscal year, will be required to pay five days of paid leave to their employees, said Savino. The rest of the required quarantine or isolation will be covered by New York insurance programs, capped at benefits coverage equal to annual salaries of $150,000, she added. Any business with 100 or more employees and all government employees will be required to cover at least 14 days of paid leave. This legislation will protect every employee and ensure they receive the paid leave they deserve if they are faced with the situation of quarantining or isolating themselves during this outbreak,'' said Savino. "It will also guarantee job security. No New Yorker should be financially punished for helping to contain the pandemic. The number of confirmed coronavirus in New York City now stands at 1,871, which includes 75 cases on Staten Island, a spokesperson at City Hall said Wednesday evening. On Tuesday the number of confirmed cases on Staten Island was 36. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** The latest total comes as New York state now has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country. On Thursday, the first drive-through testing center for coronavirus in New York City will be open for business in Ocean Breeze. Testing will be by appointment only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the parking lot of South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Ave., Rep. Max Rose (Staten Island/Brooklyn) said in a post on Twitter. People with symptoms may schedule an appointment by calling the State Department of Health at 888-364-3065, Rose said. Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Cuomo announces employee capacity limit of 50% in the workplace Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Coronavirus: NYC bars, restaurants limited to takeout and delivery Lees Tavern to temporarily shut its doors amid coronavirus outbreak Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries Travis County Sheriff's Office A Travis County Sheriff's deputy was killed in the line of duty Wednesday morning after a traffic crash near Austin. The victim was identified as 32-year-old Sr. Dep. Christopher Korzilius, who was assigned to the VICE unit at TCSO. Former video vixen Vera Sidika has jumped to the defence of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his government over a China Southern Airlines flight that landed in Nairobi last month. The flight with 239 people sparked outrage from Kenyans who questioned the countrys preparedness to deal with COVID-19. Taking to social media, Vera Sidika said it was dumb to blame the President for allowing the plane into the country. So many people busy blaming the President for letting the flight from China into the country and thats dumb. Been debating with everyone telling me this and they think they make sense, honestly, if anything was to be done at all would be to cancel all flights from everywhere not just one route how do yall even reason, she posted. Vera also shared a screenshot of a conversation she had with someone who argued that things would be different if the flight had been blocked. The socialite replied that the first Coronavirus case didnt come from the flight and neither did it come from a Chinese nationality. If they stopped the China plane coming to Kenya and allowed UK, US, the first case girl would still bring it regardless, reads Veras response. Coronavirus sparks dispute in Kosovo, interior minister sacked Iran Press TV Wednesday, 18 March 2020 4:26 PM Kosovo's prime minister has dismissed the interior minister following a dispute over whether the country should declare a state of emergency to contain the spread of coronavirus. The dispute trigger was Interior Minister AgimVeliu's support for a proposal made by President HashimThaci late on Tuesday to declare the state of emergency. Prime Minister AlbinKurtihad rejected the suggestion, arguing that such a drastic measure was not necessary. Veliu publicly opposed the prime minister and said that his party, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), would back the president. "In these circumstances I am obliged to act and I have decided to dismiss the interior minister Veliu," the premier said in a press statement. The sacking of Veliu may bring down the newly-formed government. "Unilateral decisions by the prime minister are harmful, unacceptable and will lead to the collapse of the coalition," Isa Mustafa, the head of the LDK and a partner in the ruling coalition, wrote on Facebook. Kosovo has recorded 19 cases of coronavirus since last Friday, when the first case was reported there. The country has already shut its borders as well as all schools, flights and restaurants, allowing only supermarkets and pharmacies to remain open. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 Trend: Turkmenistan has donated humanitarian aid consisting of essential goods, including medical tools to Iran to help battle coronavirus, Trend reports with reference to Turkmenistans embassy in Azerbaijan. The humanitarian aid was donated by an order of Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov due to the increase of cases of acute respiratory diseases evoked by the coronavirus in Iran. Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 18,400 people have been infected, 1284 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 5,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease. Following the reports of coronavirus spread in the Islamic Republic, several countries have taken measures, including closing borders and banning flights. The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. [March 18, 2020] Alastair Caithness, Chief Blockchain Policy Advisor, announces urgent need for AmeriCoin development and rollout due to COVID-19 SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In his first public statement Alastair Caithness, Chief Blockchain Policy Advisor for AmeriCoin announces, I urge the US Federal government to immediately accelerate the development of AmeriCoin. AmeriCoin is a cornerstone pillar of the American Localization platform of the leading 2020 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, Adam Kokesh. Caithness is a recognized leader in the development of asset-backed, blockchain tokens. Originally from Scotland, Caithness is CEO of Ziyen Energy, a technology-driven company focused on the tokenization of energy infrastructure assets. Under Caithness leadership, in 2019 Ziyen Energy launched ZiyenCoin, an energy infrastructure token utilizing blockchain technology as a catalyst to facilitate the transition in energy from carbon-based fuels to renewable energy. Caithness stated, The United States is the richest nation on earth. While this incredible wealth is currently held by the Federal government in the form of land, energy, mineral and timber reserves, these assets belong to the American citizens and should be distributed to them immediately. It is unfathomable that our government and economy run on the basis of a manipulated fiat currency. The very essence of AmeriCoin is the tokenization of the vast wealth of the Federal government and the distribution of this wealth to American citizenry said Caithness. He continued, The American citzens are facing an unparalleled challenge due to the explosion of illness and death from COVID-19. They need the resources that rightfully belong to them to survive. The Federal government is an instrumentality of the American people but is withholding this wealth from them. Doling it out in $1,000 increments is a small stop gap but will ultimately prove insufficient and illuminates the peril that the Federal government presents. Addressing the technical development of AmeriCoin, Caithness reported Our experience developing ZYEN, the leading platform for the tokenization of energy infrastructure assets, has taught us that tokenization of assets is an extraordinarily powerful device to unlock value in real assets by converting them to tokenized stores of value. The distribution and transfer of AmeriCoin, in any denomination, can occur instantaneously on a blockchain. This blockchain will be 100% transparent and can be maintained by any tech giant including IBM, Microsoft, Oracle or Amazon. The basic principle is straight forward, AmeriCoin turns the wealth of our great nation into a monetary unit held and controlled by the American people not the Federal Reserve, the IRS and the Federal government. Issues of wealth inequality, basic income and reparations can all be addressed by this much needed wealth distribution. Adam Kokesh has stated that he intends to distribute an equal number of AmeriCoins to all American US citizens on his first day in office. Caithness and his team intend to press forward on the development of AmeriCoin as this important policy is more relevant and necessary than ever before. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated commencement of commercial production, targeted pricing, performance goals, and statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Companys periodic reports filed with the SEC- specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the company on the date of this press release. Ziyen Inc. assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release. Contact: Alastair Caithness Media Relations [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] When the shocking Nirbhaya case created massive outrage seven years ago with thousands taking to the streets in protest and the government was forced to strengthen the rape laws, people across the country were almost convinced that sexual violence would become a thing of the past. Sadly, what followed were even more harrowing incidents of girl children and women being raped, mutilated and often burnt to death. Soon after the December 16, 2012 incident, reports of two rape cases one in June, 2013 (Kamduni, West Bengal) and another (Shakti Mills, Mumbai) in August that year were splashed across newspaper pages. On the eve of the hangings of the four convicts in the infamous Delhi case on Friday, women's rights activists and lawyers said poor legal framework and wrong priorities of the authorities were to blame for the country not becoming a better place for females to live in. The situation is not changing because it requires multiple inputs and law is one of them. There is nothing to show that in the legal system we are making long-term serious investment, lawyer Vrinda Grover told PTI. While in the fast-tracked December 16 case the courts took nearly four and a half years to convict the perpetrators, both the Kamduni rape case and the Shakti Mills case, also fast-tracked, remain pending in the Calcutta and Bombay High Courts respectively. Grover said one of the reasons justice is delayed in rape cases is the hopeless investigation that often allows the accused to be out on bail, like in the 2014 Badaun case in which the three accused in the rape and murder of two cousins were granted bail due to lack of evidence. Similarly, in the 2018 Kathua case in which an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered, one of the seven accused was acquitted owing to insufficient evidence. While three were sentenced to life imprisonment for 25 years, three others were awarded five years in jail for destruction of evidence. BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment in December, 2019, two years after he allegedly raped a minor girl. The verdict, which came after the victim's father died in custody, two of her aunts were killed in a road accident, and the victim and her lawyer being critically injured, will now be reconsidered on May 4 after Sengar challenged his conviction in the Delhi High Court. Most of the cases collapse because the investigation which is done is hopeless, proper evidence collection is not done, there is no victim-witness protection provided. In the absence of professional investigation, cases will end in acquittal," Grover said. The senior advocated added that there is also delay in gathering witnesses which can only be changed if there are more courts. The latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau noted that in 2018, 34,000 rapes were reported out of which only 27 per cent ended in conviction. Politician-activist Brinda Karat insists that the actual state of affairs concerning sexual violence in the country is worse. To me, it (27 pc conviction rate) is a vast overestimation. Look at it from a rape survivors' point of view. Rape cases take years in spite of assurances of fast track courts. Rape accused are out on bail. There are over one lakh pending cases of rape in the courts according to the NCRB. This number increases, not decreases. So if you calculate the number of rape cases pending and then look at the number convicted within a specific time frame of say a year, then the conviction rate in India for the crime of rape is not more than 3 per cent. This is the shameful record, she told PTI. Karat said the total lack of political will was responsible for victims getting victimized repeatedly" by the often "callous" attitude of law enforcement agencies and the "delayed and often distorted" processes of justice. For instance, the four people arrested in connection with the rape-and-murder of a veterinarian near Hyderabad in November, 2019 were killed in an encounter with police without even a trial. Why should there be a change unless we are actually intervening in situations which demand the change?" Grover asked, emphasising that the sole focus on the death sentence is not a deterrent. "Everybody knows there are four men about to be hanged but will it change anything on the ground? No," she said. According to Grover, it's not that death penalty given faster will be a deterrent because the largest number of cases don't move forward in the sluggish legal system. Therefore, there is no fear of the law and hanging a few men is not going to change anything, she said. "The government by focussing only on the death sentence is actually abdicating its duty and responsibility towards women, Grover said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo: pixabay Help is on the way for Canadian businesses slammed by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The federal government on Wednesday announced $82 billion worth of aid and stimulus. But accountants with small businesses and non-profits may be wondering just how the programs will work and how to tap into them. Kin Lo, accounting professor at the Sauder School of Business at the University of BC, said the two key programs for small and medium-sized businesses are a tax deferral program and a wage top-up for employees. "The tax deferral part is extremely important, just in terms of liquidity," Lo said. "Many of these businesses are temporarily closed, and so they're not earning any money. So being able to retain whatever precious cash they have and not have to pay that to the government, I think that's a fairly important measure." Businesses typically pay corporate income taxes quarterly. If a business has a tax payment due in April, they can now defer it until the end of August. The move will keep $55 billion in the hands of business in Canada for the next five months. What theyre saying is, everybody is going to owe that much in taxes to the government," said Tara Benham, national tax leader for Grant Thornton. "'Were going to defer that and leave it within the economy. For employers struggling to keep employees on their payrolls, they will get help in the form of a wage top-up, which covers 10% of an employees wages, and is intended to help business retain employees throughout a period when business revenues are dropping. It covers up to $1,375 per employee, and $25,000 per employer and applies to businesses and non-profits. But the federal government isnt cutting cheques. Rather, it is telling business to just keep the money it would normally be sending to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through employee income tax remittances. Employers estimate how much income tax each employee should pay, takes it off their paycheques and remits it to the CRA every month or every two weeks. They can now hold back some of that money. For example, if your employees salary is $2,000 for a two-week pay period, 10% of that is $200. If the income tax on that salary was $300, you would remit $100 and keep $200 back every month until it reaches $1,375 per employee. For most business, their two key concerns is their employees and cash flow. If they have to lay employees off temporarily, the federal government has relaxed employment insurance to make it easier for laid off employees to apply for EI. Employees who have to be laid off due to illness can file for sick benefits here. Employees laid off due to business closures or cutbacks can apply for employment insurance benefits here. The usual one-week waiting period to apply for EI has been waived so they can apply as soon as they are laid off. To address cash flow crunches, the federal government is launching the business credit availability program worth $10 billion. It's not clear yet how businesses will access that program. "We're on getting details on that and what that looks like," Benham said. A banner hangs in Jinhae County of Changwon City, Tuesday, calling on people to refrain from visiting the area as cherry blossom season is about to begin. / Courtesy of Changwon City By Jun Ji-hye The southeastern city of Changwon and its residents are asking tourists to refrain from visiting the region amid concerns that many people will visit during peak cherry blossom season even after the city called off its signature cherry blossom festival due to COVID-19 fears, city officials said Thursday. On Feb. 27, Changwon City in South Gyeongsang Province announced the cancellation of this year's Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, scheduled for March 27. The 10-day annual event with a 57-year history is the nation's largest cherry blossom festival that attracted more than 4 million visitors last year. Despite the cancellation of the festival, hundreds of thousands of people are still expected to visit the area as flowers will come out anyway in the southern region where spring arrives first. "We have many worries as there is no way to keep the public from visiting Jinhae," a Changwon City official said. "What we can do now is just enhance disinfection activities and ask people not to come." While Changwon City has reported more than 20 coronavirus cases, there have been no patients in the Jinhae District of the city. Jinhae residents are expressing concerns over possible transmission of COVID-19 due to the possibility of many visitors. "I hope Changwon City will take more active measures such as restricting visitor access," a resident wrote on a Naver Cafe. Visitors enjoy Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, the nation's largest cherry blossom festival, in this March 31, 2019 file photo. / Korea Times photo by Jeon Hae-won Amid mounting concerns, Changwon City officials have put up banners in Jinhae County calling for tourists to refrain from visiting the area. Changwon Mayor Huh Sung-moo has also sent letters to 22,300 travel agencies in and outside the country, asking for their cooperation. "We decided to cancel our signature Jinhae Gunhangje (Festival) as the top priority should be protecting the lives and safety of our residents," Huh wrote. "We ask people to abstain from visiting Jinhae, and hope for a prompt termination of the spread of COVID-19." He vowed to draw up various support measures such as paying incentives for travel agencies to attract tourists for next year's event. Changwon City has also canceled its sea squirt festival, another regional event that marks the onset of spring. The three-day festival, which has traditionally taken place in April, has attracted about 300,000 visitors annually, contributing to the regional economy. The city said it will come up with support measures for fishermen as the cancellation of the event could threaten their livelihoods. Other than Changwon, an increasing number of municipalities have canceled regional festivals or postponed them indefinitely amid COVID-19 fears. On Wednesday, Hampyeong County in South Jeolla Province announced the cancellation of the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival originally scheduled from April 29 to May 10. "We will make thorough preparations so the event will be hosted successfully next year," a Hampyeong County official said. There were 152 new cases reported Wednesday, a number back up to three-digit figures after infections had been tallied in double-digits for three days, bringing the total number of infections to 8,565, with 91 fatalities, the KCDC said. Thursdays cases fall into two groups, the first consists of 43 cases linked to earlier cases, while the second group involves 17 new patients including arrivals from other countries Bangkok: Thailand recorded 60 new coronavirus cases in the biggest daily jump in the number of cases so far to take its total infections to 272, a health official said on Thursday. Thursdays cases fall into two groups, the first consists of 43 cases linked to earlier cases, while the second group involves 17 new patients including arrivals from countries such as Italy, Malaysia, Japan, Iran and Taiwan, Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of Department of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, told a news conference. Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak Thailand has recorded one death since the outbreak, with 42 patients having recovered and gone home and 229 still being treated in hospital. By David Rauf School districts across the country are getting help from public broadcast stations to deliver remote e-learning activities during the wave of school shutdowns due to the novel coronavirus. The still-expanding initiative with public media amounts to a shot of much-needed learning resources as many schools are facing the unprecedented situation of having to develop and implement long-term online lesson plans on the spot, while facing a shortage of available devices and WiFi accessibility for many students. Local PBS affiliates in seven states so far have partnered with school districts, according to Americas Public Television Stations , a trade group representing non-commercial broadcasters. That includes California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma and Virginia. More partnerships are in the works. All of the local PBS affiliates in California have pledged to support remote learning efforts, says APTS. The program launched Monday in some districts, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second largest with about 700,000 students. LAUSD started offering educational programs and resources on two local PBS affiliates and on a smaller PBS station the district already operates. The San Diego Unified School District also went live with what has been dubbed the At Home Learning program Monday. Superintendent Cindy Marten said the district worked with PBS to design lessons that meet state educational standards and would be broadcast for 12 hours a day. Lesson plans for kindergarten to 3rd grade will air from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Pacific Time, while programming for grades 4-8 will air from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and high school students would have their own targeted educational materials on television from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. We did this because we know not everyone has access to devices, Marten told a local television station this week. One of the PBS lessons, Marten said, involves looking at news coverage of the coronavirus, and how do you distill accurate information. PBS also adapted some of its shows for the initiative, including Nova for middle schoolers and Ken Burns The Civil War for high school students. While the program was up and running by Monday in some states, others were still finalizing details. PBS affiliates in Massachusetts were working with state education officials as of earlier this week to develop the curriculum and scheduling details, Jon Abbott, president and chief executive officer of WGBH in Boston wrote in a blog post earlier this week. Our aim is to reach as many students and caregivers as possible to support learning outside of a physical classroom at this time, he wrote. See also: Teachers Share Resources for Teaching Online During Coronavirus School Closures Teachers Scramble to Make Remote Learning Work: Its Very Stressful Philadelphia Schools, Citing Inequity, Wont Teach Online The coronavirus is killing one person every 10 minutes in Iran as the death toll in the Middle East's worst-affected country rocketed to 1,284. Health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur tweeted that 50 people are getting infected with the virus every hour. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said the total number of infections had reached 18,407 in the Islamic Republic. It comes as Iran's top leader will pardon 10,000 more prisoners in an apparent effort to combat the deadly coronavirus, state TV reported today. Health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur tweeted that 50 people are getting infected with the virus every hour. Pictured: A victim of the virus in the Middle East country Pictured: Female Iranian inmates at the infamous Evin jail, north of Tehran in 2006. A second inmate - who has not been named - has said guards are standing too far away from prisoners to do a head count and that everyone is ill The government has ordered the closure of schools and universities and banned sports, cultural and religious gatherings. It has also closed four holy Shi'ite shrines. The virus has even dampened the country's celebrations for the Nowruz New Year that begin on Friday. Authorities urged people to stay home and avoid travelling during the holiday period to help contain the spread. Raisi said: 'With 149 new deaths in the past 24 hours, the death toll from the virus has reached 1,284. Unfortunately we had 1,046 new cases of infection since yesterday.' Nuclear energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi said on Thursday Iran would not mark its annual day celebrating its nuclear programme next month because of the outbreak. The notorious high-security Evin prison in Tehran is pictured above. The judiciary said earlier this week that it will release 54,000 prisoners who test negative for the virus A file photo from 3 March shows Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei making a speech on the coronavirus outbreak in Tehran. Khamenei will pardon 10,000 prisoners in a step to curb the spread of the disease, state media reported today As part of steps to curb the spread of the new virus, the country has already released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave. The Middle East has some 20,000 cases of the virus, with most in Iran or originating from Iran. Among those released under house arrest was Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British dual national, long held on internationally criticised charges. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. Pictured above is the historic market in Tabriz last week. It was shuttered as Iran went into lockdown over coronavirus, which has been detected in 11,000 people To encourage people to stay at home in Iran, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour wrote on social media that the virus infects 50 Iranians on average every single hour and that 'one dies every 10 minutes .' 'Make smart decisions about travel, visits and meetings,' he wrote on Twitter, as highways remained crowded with people traveling to see family ahead of the Iranian New Year on Friday. State TV quoted judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili as saying that 10,000 prisoners - among them an unknown number of inmates whose cases are political and related to activism or speech - would be granted amnesty under a decree by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the occasion of the new year, called Nowruz. Occasionally Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, pardons prisoners. Last year, he pardoned more than 50,000 on the 40th anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution. Western nations have urged Iran to release dual nationals and others, alleging they are used as bargaining chips in negotiations. Among those temporarily freed was Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who works for the charitable Thomson Reuters Foundation, was arrested in 2016 on charges of trying to topple the government while traveling with her toddler daughter. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 15:11:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Beijing reported one new confirmed imported case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Thursday morning, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said. The patient, from the United States, brought the total number of imported cases in the city to 65, six of which have been discharged from hospital. There were no new reports of indigenous COVID-19 cases in Beijing. As of Thursday noon, Beijing had reported a total of 415 indigenous cases. Of the total, 374 have been discharged from hospital after recovery. YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. All 67 Armenian nationals who were airlifted out of coronavirus-hit Italy on an evacuation flight on March 16th and quarantined in a government facility in Dilijan, Armenia are feeling well, Healthcare Minister Arsen Torosyan said. Almost all of them are feeling well. Yesterday only one patient developed fever. The patient has been taken to a hospital and will be tested. All others will be tested only after the quarantine is completed, because they are practically healthy, he said, referring to the fact that none is experiencing any symptoms. Even if they have the virus, after the 14th day we will have a negative test result because the virus will have withdrawn from their systems. He said they dont see any need of testing quarantined people who dont have any symptoms. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan DES MOINES Iowas number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is now up to 38. Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health were notified Wednesday of nine additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 on top of the 29 previously confirmed. According to the officials, three individuals live in Johnson County, two of Polk County, two in Dallas County, one in Washington County and one in Winneshiek County. According to public health officials, Iowas confirmed COVID-19 cases are in these counties: Johnson, 21; Dallas, 5; Polk, 3; Allamakee, 2; and Adair, Black Hawk, Carroll, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Washington and Winneshiek counties, 1 each. Also, public health says 199 Iowans are being monitored for the COVID-19 virus while 61 have completed monitoring. A status report of monitoring and testing of coronavirus in Iowa provided by the state health department can be found online. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-(800) 244-7431. The governors office and the Iowa Department of Public Health will be transitioning to mid-morning updates as testing capabilities have expanded. Reynolds also released a video discussing Iowas efforts to implement President Trumps 15-day strategy to slow the spread of coronavirus. With 3 more victories, Biden pulls further away from Sanders Former Vice President Joe Biden, participates in a Democratic presidential primary debate at CNN Studios in Washington, Sunday, March 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Joe Biden swept to victory in Florida, Illinois and Arizona on Tuesday, increasingly pulling away with a Democratic presidential primary upended by the coronavirus and building pressure on Bernie Sanders to abandon his campaign. ADVERTISEMENT The former vice presidents third big night in as many weeks came amid tremendous uncertainty as the Democratic contest collides with efforts to slow the spread of the virus that has shut down large swaths of American life. Polls were shuttered in Ohio, and although balloting went ahead as scheduled in the three other states, election workers and voters reported problems. Still, Bidens quest for his partys nomination now seems well within reach. His trio of wins doubled his delegate haul over Sanders, giving the former vice president a nearly insurmountable lead. Top Democratic leaders and donors have also increasingly lined up behind Biden as the best option to square off against President Donald Trump in November. Using a livestream to address supporters from his home state of Delaware, Biden seemed ready to move past the primary. He paid tribute to the Vermont senator for advancing key issues like affordable health care and combating climate change. Sen. Sanders and his supporters have brought a remarkable passion and tenacity to all of these issues. Together they have shifted the fundamental conversation in this country, Biden said. So let me say, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders, I hear you. I know whats at stake. I know what we have to do. With the exception of North Dakota and the Northern Mariana Islands, Sanders hasnt scored a victory since Super Tuesday on March 3. He made no immediate move on Tuesday to contact Biden, according to people familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak for the candidates. During remarks early in the night, Sanders said little about the future of the race and instead focused on the coronavirus outbreak. Trump, meanwhile, formally clinched the Republican presidential nomination after facing minimal opposition. ADVERTISEMENT But much of the action was on the Democratic side, where higher vote totals in some key states suggested enthusiasm that even the coronavirus couldnt contain. Turnout in Floridas Democratic primary surpassed the 1.7 million who cast ballots four years ago. Sanders path to the nomination is quickly narrowing, and some Democrats are now calling on him to drop out in the name of party unity. Top advisers have said hes considering whether the political landscape could look different as the virus continues to reshape life across the country. Still, the race increasingly favors Biden. He maintained strength on Tuesday with African Americans and older voters who have been the hallmark of his campaign. He also appeared to chip away at Sanders previous advantage with Hispanics that helped him win Nevada and California early in the race. In Florida, Latinos made up roughly 20% of Democratic primary voters, and they largely sided with Biden. The former vice president received the support of 62% of Puerto Rican voters and 57% of Cubans, according to AP VoteCast, a broad survey of primary voters. The public health and economic havoc wreaked by the coronavirus will nonetheless influence how the presidential contest unfolds. Rallies and other big events have been canceled. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez urged states with upcoming primaries to expand vote-by-mail and absentee balloting, as well as polling station hours trying to ensure the primary isnt further hampered going forward. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect and expand that right instead of bringing our democratic process to a halt, Perez said in a statement. But the damage may have already happened. Four states Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky and Maryland have joined Ohio in moving to push back their upcoming primaries, and others may yet do so. That has left the Democratic primary calendar empty until March 29, when Puerto Rico is scheduled to go to the polls. But island leaders are working to reschedule balloting there, too. That means there is nowhere for Sanders to gain ground on Biden anytime soon, even if he could find a way to mount a sudden surge. At least one of Sanders top advisers chided party officials for going forward with voting on Tuesday. The Democratic Party rightly berates the GOP for ignoring scientists warnings about climate change, David Sirota tweeted. The same Dem Party just ignored scientists warnings & pushed to continue in-person elections during a lethal pandemic, rather than delaying until there is vote by mail. There were problems across the country on Tuesday. In Illinois, for instance, there was a push to relocate about 50 Chicago-area polling places after locations canceled at the last minute. Jim Allen, a spokesman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, said the board asked Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week to cancel in-person voting, but the governor refused. Pritzker countered that state law doesnt give him the authority to make the sweeping changes that elections officials wanted. Let me tell you this: It is exactly in times like these when the constitutional boundaries of our democracy should be respected above all else. And if people want to criticize me for that, well, go ahead, the governor said. There werent problems, everywhere, though. Mel Dockens, a 49-year-old small-business owner, voted in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale and said it was a tough choice. But he went for Biden because he thought Sanders progressive views might turn off some Democratic voters. Its all about electability, Dockens said. Its not that I dont trust Bernie Sanders, but I trust (Biden) a little more. LONGMONT, Colo., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado Tri-Flo Systems has released the VIRUS 100 thermal airflow solution to effectively destroy viruses on different surfaces and in any space domestically or internationally. Scientists have determined that different viruses can be effectively killed at temperatures below 140 Fahrenheit / 60 Celsius in just 30 minutes. The Tri-Flo VIRUS 100 solution can easily and safely heat any space to over 140 Fahrenheit / 60 Celsius greater than the temperature needed to effectively kill viruses. This makes this VIRUS 100 solution an important tool to help different populations, like medical professionals, service industries, and government initiatives, destroy the virus as it lingers on the surface. As more viruses spread around the world, it's important to keep everyone safe including health care professionals, first responders, public transportation vehicles, and other workers still out serving the community. Use VIRUS 100 in any space to help control the spread of the virus, sanitize a space where a sick or infected patient was, and ensure that the virus is not living on any surfaces or products. "Our team at Colorado Tri-Flo Systems is here to provide a safe and effective way to destroy viruses. We know that the virus can live on surfaces, increasing the chances of contagion and spread. With our VIRUS 100 thermal airflow solution, we can combat and destroy those viruses that are still alive on the surface with heat to help ensure that our medical professionals and other community members stay safe." - Ron Elsis, Executive Vice President, Colorado Tri-Flo Systems To order or learn more about our VIRUS 100 thermal airflow solution, please visit https://www.tri-flo.com/products/ . VIRUS 100 and VIRUS 100-I Packages Both the VIRUS 100 and 100-I (international) packages offer the best industrial-grade heaters around. Each package contains two 230V electric industrial-grade heaters, two fans, and a laser infrared thermometer. Currently, Colorado Tri-Flo Systems has a domestic and international model available of the VIRUS 100 electric heater package. This solution can be used in rooms up to 320 square feet / 2560 cubic feet (30 square meters / 75 cubic meters) in size and will raise the temperature in that room to ~140 Fahrenheit / 60 Celsius, killing any viruses in that space. Have a larger space? We can customize a solution for you. About Colorado Tri-Flo Systems Colorado Tri-Flo Systems, LLC is a Colorado-based company that was formed in 2010. Their team has over 50 years of experience working in heat transfer, airflow dynamics, and manufacturing. From this experience, Colorado Tri-Flo designed industrial electric heaters that can help with virus eradication, bed bug and pest control, and construction and restoration projects. These heaters are lightweight, portable, operate using any standard power outlet, and are available internationally. The Eradi-Flo line is certified to meet ETL and CE standards of manufacture and performance. Each Tri-Flo industrial electric heater comes with a two-year warranty, an included certification and training program, and fast and free domestic shipping. The included training program ensures that anyone can learn to use and operate a Tri-Flo heater as an alternative to hiring a technician or professional. Visit https://www.tri-flo.com/ to get more information about their portable, industrial electric heaters. Contact: Farra Lanzer [email protected] 970-541-3284 Related Links https://www.tri-flo.com/ SOURCE Colorado Tri-Flo Systems Related Links https://www.tri-flo.com Bodies that arrive for burial are not washed as they should be under Islamic custom. Nor are they wrapped in traditional white cloth. They are covered in hospital plastic, marking them as victims both young and old of the coronavirus. As their loved ones are lowered into mass graves, uncles, fathers and daughters say their farewells from far away. There are no fresh flowers, only powdered swaths of lime to mask the scent of decay. Four Boston College students have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Boston Globe. The four students were studying abroad in Europe this past semester and have since returned home, the Globe reported. Jack Dunn, a spokesperson for the college, said they are recovering in self-isolation. Two of the cases were confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the other two are presumed positive, the Globe reported. Beginning Thursday, Boston College transitioned to online learning. Many colleges and universities across the state have followed suit. In Suffolk County, there are 51 cases of COVID-19, according to the latest data from the states Department of Public Health. Statewide, there are 256 cases. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Related Content: NEW BERLIN The New Berlin School Board has postponed interviews for the six semifinalists for its superintendent job. The board met last week to review some of the candidates with interviews scheduled for this week; they then postponed the interviews to take place next week tentatively to give the district a chance to clean and sterilize a room, board President Bill Alexander said. We did cancel the superintendent interviews for the week, Alexander said. We want to make sure we do things safely. With this pandemic, we are not sure what is going to happen. The candidates were narrowed down by the Illinois Association of School Boards executive search team from a pool of roughly 40 before being presented to the board for consideration. When looking at the candidates, the IASB team used results from a community engagement survey to shorten the list. Among the top qualities listed in the survey were the persons ethics and integrity, focus on students success, fiscal responsibility, management of the district and experience as a superintendent or administrator. Ive seen the packets of the finalists and I am impressed with them, Alexander said. Current Superintendent Adam Ehrman presented his letter of resignation to the board in January after accepting the superintendent position for the Bourbonnais School District. Alexander said the district will be cleaning a room large enough to accommodate the board and the candidates with large distances between them during the interviews. After the initial interviews, the board should be able to decrease the number of candidates to two or three before they find a way to have a community engagement process, Alexander said. Alexander said the board wants a group of community members, faculty and staff to have an interview process with the final candidates, but said they are trying to figure out how to do that safely. Having it is a primary concern, but the manner is up in the air, Alexander said. Im looking at how to do it electronically or through Skype. Itll take away a little bit, but we will get it done. After the interview process, the board will select someone for the position or could go back for additional candidates, Alexander said. If a candidate is not found, the board has the option of hiring an interim superintendent for the next school year and extending the search, he said. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI -- Two days after nurses complained they didnt have appropriate protective gear, health officials in West Michigan said they have received the first of many anticipated shipments from the federal stockpile. Tens of thousands of pieces of personal protection equipment have been distributed throughout a 13-county region in West Michigan, officials with the Region 6 Healthcare Coalition said during a press conference in Muskegon on Thursday, March 19. In addition, the region is following strict criteria for whos being tested for coronavirus COVID-19, said Kathy Moore, director of the Muskegon County Health Department. So far, there have been 28 samples submitted by Muskegon County to state labs for coronavirus testing, according to the health departments website. Of those, four were returned as negative and 24 are pending, according to the website. There had been no confirmed cases as of Thursday, March 19. The nurses union at Mercys Hackley Campus on Tuesday, March 17, put out a statement expressing its concern about a lack of personal protection equipment, specifically N95 masks, for healthcare workers and inconsistent testing of patients. The shipment from the federal strategic stockpile received Monday included 15,000 N95 masks, 48,000 surgical masks, 1,900 facial shields and 700 gowns, Region 6 officials said. Most of those have been distributed throughout the 13-county region, said Dr. Jerry Evans, medical director for Region 6. The shipment was the first of many expected from the stockpile, Evans said. Region 6 includes Muskegon, Kent, Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Mason, Lake, Montcalm, Osceola, Mecosta, Isabella, Ionia and Clare counties. Most people feeling unwell should stay home, drink water and take acetaminophen, said Dr. Justin Grill, chief medical officer for Mercy Health in Muskegon. Those who have a fever, cough and significant shortness of breath should go to their local emergency department or call 911, he said. Those who believe they may have been exposed to the virus should call their medical provider, he said. The state also has set up a hotline for coronavirus information: 888-535-6136. Testing in Muskegon County is being conducted at three locations: the emergency departments at the Hackley and Mercy campuses and in a tent outside the Mercy emergency room, Grill said. The outside testing center is not a drive-up test site, but rather only for those referred by a physician, he said. According to the latest numbers, there are no confirmed cases in 10 of the regions counties, including Muskegon, Oceana, Lake, Mason and Newaygo. Those with confirmed cases are Kent, with nine, and Ottawa and Montcalm, with one each. Overall, there have been 334 cases of coronavirus COVID-19 diagnosed statewide, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday. The number dramatically increased from 80 reported the previous day due to the inclusion of commercial and clinical lab results. MDHHS is receiving reports from commercial labs LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics and several clinical labs, including Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the Beaumont Hospital Network, Henry Ford Health System and the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories. There have been 2,499 tests conducted, according to the state, including 744 from hospitals and 148 from commercial labs. MDHHS has performed 1,557 tests as of March 19. There were 203 cases identified by hospitals or universities, and 131 found by MDHHS, with two cases coming from commercial labs. Oakland and Wayne counties continue to record the highest number of confirmed cases. There are 119 confirmed cases in Wayne County as of March 19 -- including 75 in the city of Detroit -- and 105 cases in Oakland County. MLive has complete coverage on coronavirus COVID-19, including maps of known cases, at mlive.com/coronavirus. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus. More on MLive: Nurses say Mercy isnt properly screening for coronavirus, protective gear inadequate Michigan confirmed coronavirus cases jump to 334 with increase of private testing Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan The Congress on Thursday said it will support every effort of the government in the battle against the coronavirus. Senior spokesperson of the opposition party Ajay Maken suggested creation of more testing facilities and conducting more tests in the country, while noting that there should be no shortage of any protective equipment for those engaged in combatting the virus. He also pitched for creation of new containment zones and treatment facilities, besides increasing the number of ICU beds in view of the coronavirus outbreak. "The Congress party and its workers will stand by the government in all its endeavours to fight the coronavirus. We will help spread the word on preventive measures. We will also organise any emergency service, if needed," Maken told reporters here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 17-year-old student died Wednesday from acute pneumonia possibly caused by coronavirus, which would make him the first teenager in Korea to die of the infection. The sudden death of the boy, who had no prior history of illness, just six days after being hospitalized has left medical experts stumped. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Jeong Eun-kyeong told reporters, "The patient repeatedly tested negative for coronavirus and only the last test came out partially positive, prompting the KCDC to handle the testing." According to hospital officials, the teenager was tested eight times from March 13 until this Wednesday and only the last test suggested some probability of infection. He first visited a local hospital on March 12 after displaying symptoms of pneumonia, but a doctor sent him back home. His condition worsened the next day and the teenager developed a high fever, prompting his parents to take him to the bigger Yeungnam University Medical Center where he was treated under quarantine. He was placed on a respirator on March 14. Listen to the latest episode at this link, or on your favorite app including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher. Episodes are available every morning on PennLive. Subscribe/Follow and rate the podcast via your favorite app. Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | March 19, 2020 Pennsylvania reported its first death from the coronavirus known as COVID-19. Meanwhile the state supreme court has ordered all courts in the state to close down because of the pandemic. A Philadelphia man has been arrested with the handcuffs of the police officer he allegedly killed. In happier news, florists teamed up to give away thousands of flowers to cheer people up. Those are the stories we are covering in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Julia Hatmaker. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories in the state. Todays episode refers to the following article that is not coronavirus related: Todays episode refers to the following articles that are coronavirus related: Want the latest on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania? Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. If you enjoy Today in Pa, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, we like to know what you think of the program. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Irrfan Khans son Babil, who is studying in London was stuck there due to the coronavirus scare. Mom Sutapa was naturally worried about Babil. She was relieved when Babil returned to India in the wee hours of Thursday. Sutapa was at the airport to receive him. She took to her social media account and wrote,Thanks everyone for the prayers and wishes. Babil is back to India safely. Gratitude to all of you who offered help. The flight was late over an hour. While I waited in the airport, I looked around and was aghast. Many had their masks like neck bands and all the hugs and kisses upon arrival made me swoon. I made such a fuss; I took two cars. I didn't let my child sit in mine and didn't hug him. I was armed with my gloves and scarf so were both the drivers. In the airport, they had done a thermal check and let him go. I was really surprised that at third stage in which India is they did not suggest home quarantine. They made him fill a form with his phone number. I hope it's not a formality. I will eagerly await for their call after couple of days to check on him. I felt stupid because I think my staff will be careless from now on and think I am mental. That when the govt is not thinking its dangerous I am isolating my child in an empty flat (well equipped though) for fourteen days. Because I had mugged up in childhood 'saavdhani hati durghatana ghati." Stay safe and take care at the cost of being called mental. And thanks for all the help! CERT France is warning of a new wave of attacks using Pysa ransomware (Mespinoza) that is targeting local governments. CERT France cyber-security agency is warning about a new wave of ransomware attack that is targeting the networks of local government authorities. Operators behind this campaign are spreading a new version of the Mespinoza ransomware (aka Pysa ransomware). The ANSSI was recently informed of computer attacks targeting in particular French local authorities. During these attacks, ransomware-type malicious codes were used, rendering certain files unusable. The origin of these attacks is unknown to date and analyzes are currently underway. However, ransomware attacks are generally carried out opportunistically by actors motivated by lucrative goals. reads the issued by French CERT. The purpose of this document is to describe the operating mode used during these attacks and the associated compromise indicators, then to provide recommendations to limit the impact of this type of incident. According to the experts, the first infections were observed in late 2019, victims reported their files were encrypted by a strain of malware. The malicious code appended the extension . locked to the filename of the encrypted files. The Mespinoza ransomware evolved over time, and in December a new version appeared in the threat landscape. This new version used the . pysa file extension that gives the name to this piece ransomware. The variant was initially used to target big enterprises in the attempt of maximizing the operators efforts, but the alert issued by the French CERT warns that the Pysa ransomware is targeting French organizations, especially local government agencies. CERT-FRs alert states that the Pysa ransomware code based on public Python libraries. According to the report issued by the CERT-FR, operators behind the Pysa ransomware launched brute-force attacks against management consoles and Active Directory accounts. Attackers were observed using batch and PowerShell scripts. Brute force connection attempts on a supervisory console have been observed, as well as on several ACTIVE DIRECTORY accounts. In addition, some domain administrator accounts have actually been compromised. continues the alert. The password database was leaked shortly before the attack. Illegitimate RDP connections have occurred between domain controllers using an unknown hostname potentially linked to the operating mode. The .bat scripts used by the operating mode reveal an important use of the administration tool at distance PsExec, as well as the POWERSHELL scripting language. Once compromised the target network, attackers attempt to exfiltrate the companys accounts and passwords database. Operators behind the Pysa ransomware, also employed a version of the PowerShell Empire penetration-testing tool, they were able to stop antivirus products. One of the incidents handled by CERT-FR sees the involvement of a new version of the Pysa ransomware, which used the . newversion file extension instead of . pysa . On one of the compromised information systems, experts found encrypted files with the extension . newversion . The code responsible for creating these files has not yet been identified. However, a ransom note named ReadmeREAD is present and contains the same PROTONMAIL email addresses used in the previous attack. It is therefore likely that all these attacks were the work of the same mode. continues the alert. Since Pysa Python source code contains a variable allowing to choose the extension of encrypted files, is also possible that the . newversion files were generated by another instance of Pysa. The bad news is that the Pysa ransomware currently hasnt security flaws in the implementation of the encryption algorithms. Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs Pysa ransomware, cybercrime) Domestic violence counselor Donnell Reid poses for a portrait in a conference room at the Women In Transition office in Center City Philadelphia on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Reid has been conducting services with her domestic violence survivor clients via phone. Read more A woman in Philadelphia was planning to leave her abusive partner. But the coronavirus spread, workplaces shut down, and everyones been told to stay home. Now, the woman doesnt have the financial resources to get out, and shes stuck at home with her abuser. So shes employing an in-home safety plan, according to her domestic violence counselor, Donnell Reid: In an explosive situation, try not to run into small rooms with hard floors. Stay out of the kitchen, where there might be weapons. Keep kids on a different floor, away from the abuser, if you can. A big question Reid cant answer for her client: How long is this going to last? It would be easier if we could plan around like, OK, two weeks you will be able to leave," Reid, a counselor at Philadelphia-based Women in Transition, said. But not knowing is a great strain. As efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus have forced millions of Americans to stay home with their family members, domestic violence centers are expecting a surge in activity as people are spend days on end with a partner who may be abusive. Women Against Abuse, a Philadelphia nonprofit that provides support services to people experiencing intimate partner violence, has seen a nearly 30% increase in calls this week compared with the same week last year. Stay home can be a dangerous directive for some almost three-quarters of family violence occurs in or near the home of the victim, according to U.S. Department of Justice statistics. In many families, finances are newly strained, another barrier for people trying to get out. And studies have shown abuse often becomes more severe when a perpetrator is jobless. Everyones home, people are losing their jobs, the pressure is mounting, and thats going to create stressful situations, said Corinne Lagermasini, executive director of Women in Transition, which provides services to people of all genders. READ MORE: Unemployment claims spike in Pennsylvania amid coronavirus outbreak She added: A lot of clients have left abusers, and they still need support. People are starting to feel anxious in general, and are almost being re-traumatized, feeling a loss of control, feeling trapped and isolated. Complicating matters is that the centers to which survivors might normally turn for group and individual therapy have largely ended in-person services, at least for a few weeks, in keeping with social distancing guidelines, so theyre offering support as best they can via phone. Its not ideal. READ MORE: The youngest victims of domestic violence, innocent children are often overlooked | Jenice Armstrong In-person support builds a sense of trust, and it gets the person out of the home for even a short period of time, said Vashti Bledsoe, program director for bilingual domestic violence services at Lutheran Settlement House, based in Fishtown. And with children and partners home from school and work, people experiencing intimate partner violence might not be able to speak privately via phone. So Lutheran Settlement House is also offering support via text. And someone is consistently staffing its physical location in case a person walks in during an emergency. Many resources are still available for people in domestic violence situations in Philadelphia. Hotlines are still staffed at all hours, and Women Against Abuse continues to operate its two 100-bed safe havens, according to executive director Jeannine L. Lisitski. She said theres no way they would close the shelters, and are taking new precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including limiting the number of people who can be in common areas and making some services like case management and therapy available only via phone. Security, food servers, maintenance workers, and client services staff will still be on the premises, but other external visitors will not be allowed. To us, that is more safe than telling a survivor to go out back into an abusive relationship, Lisitski said. These people have nowhere to go. This is the safest way to do it. And while the organizations legal center is physically closed, its services are still available via phone and it is taking referrals from partners like the District Attorneys Office and the Department of Human Services. Courts throughout the region have largely ground to a halt, but in Philadelphia, emergency requests for protection-from-abuse orders will still continue at all hours. Staff at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a Kensington community center that also provides domestic violence resources, will continue to provide services remotely, too. READ MORE: As coronavirus spreads, Philly not turning a blind eye to crime, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says Lisitski said some will still be without the economic support they need to get out of an abusive relationship. Many of the people Women Against Abuse serves are living in poverty. What the coronavirus crisis has highlighted, she said, is that this country needs a much stronger social safety net, because this is untenable. In a healthy family this is going to be hard, Lagermasini said. If you have violence and power and control, its going to be worse. We recognize that, and just want to continue trying to support people any way that we can. If you are in the Philadelphia region and experiencing intimate partner violence, call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Dr. Catherine Hamlin, an Australian obstetrician and gynecologist who devoted her life to treating Ethiopian women with a devastating childbearing injury and helped develop pioneering techniques to treat it, died on Wednesday at her home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopias capital. She was 96. Her death was announced by the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation in Sydney, Australia, an independent charity she co-founded. Dr. Hamlin, responding to an advertisement, arrived in Ethiopia with her husband, Reginald Hamlin, also a physician, in 1959 to work as a gynecologist at a hospital in Addis Ababa. But what started as a planned three-year stint turned into a six-decade-long mission in which the two doctors worked closely with women who had a childbearing injury known as obstetric fistula. The condition is caused when prolonged labor opens a hole in the birth canal, leaving many women incontinent. For Ethiopian women, the injury often led to their being rejected by their husbands and ostracized by their communities. 48 Shares Share We have lost our chance to contain this pandemic and are now facing an unmitigated medical disaster. This administrations response has actively undermined our ability to care for patients by perpetuating misinformation and downplaying the looming threat this infection poses to the public. Ensuring health security is the fundamental duty and responsibility of government at all levels, and we implore you to prioritize protecting our people over political and economic considerations. We see ourselves making decisions in the next weeks and months on who will live, and who will die because we dont have resources sufficient to care for them. We have heard the stories second- and farther-hand from China and Italy and have no reason to think the United States wont suffer the same fate. We must flatten the curve of this pandemic to save lives. Here are our recommendations: 1. Establish and empower, with true autonomy to act on medical decisions, a full-time, multidisciplinary team of public health and medical experts (Infectious Disease, Emergency Medicine, Fire/paramedic, Critical Care needed) who staff a central nationwide command center to direct a coordinated national response. This must include: A national call center that receives twice-daily or more updates from current or newly-established state-wide transfer call centers. The purpose of these call centers is to have a centralized place where front-line care providers in each state can call to coordinate transfers of patients to areas with higher levels or greater capacity for delivering care. There should be an ethics team writing recommended guidelines for how to allocate resources when they become limited that is made public. First-come, first-serve cannot be the answer. It will need to be utilitarian in nature. A health care information line for front-line care providers with written, recorded, and video updates that are meticulously kept up to date. Expansion of the CDC information for all to find the latest updates with up to date national recommendations with translational services keeping all information immediately updated when changes are made. This is the information people need to know how to stay safe and where to go as things get worse. 2. Pass a nationwide stimulus package now to support families who will miss work and school. We will need our communities to pool resources and staff childcare centers in schools that arent necessarily licensed. People should have ways to collaborate on childcare sharing in their homes where there are no elderly/at-risk individuals. This is an important call to action for the community that will help keep low-income families supported. This will NOT be perfect, and it will be better than if we dont do anything. Priority needs to be given in school-based care centers to children of essential workers, including health care workers, environmental service workers, essential service providers, and first-responders. 3. Close schools proactively, with the intent to slow the spread (i.e., flatten the curve) so as not to overwhelm the health care system. When and how to do this should be determined at the local and state levels. A priority is to keep food, childcare, and shelter options in place for students who depend on them. We must temporarily lift the current restrictions limiting where school-based food programs may distribute food. Recommendation #2 will need to be in place concurrently to allow workers to find options for childcare. 4. Expansive, safely executed, reliable testing is needed immediately. We need to identify emergency replacements for every step of the supply chain for these tests, corroborate their accuracy, and distribute them rapidly and equitably. In the meantime, we need clear allocation plans so we can identify infected individuals to care for them and take steps to decrease risk to others. Mobile, drive through testing must be instituted and preferably self-testing at-home kits (similar to kits in Seattle supported by The Gates Foundation). Testing needs to happen outside of the ER and hospitals as much as possible. 5. Eliminate all evictions and mortgage foreclosures until COVID-19 has been contained. 6. Establish paid leave support for all vulnerable families. 7. Maximize production of masks, mechanical ventilators, hand sanitizer, viral testing swabs, test reagents, etc. to maintain the supply chain in what will be an unprecedented need. Other medical supplies (intravenous fluids, oxygen masks/tubing, supportive medications, including antibiotics and resuscitation medications) will need to have increased production to maintain supplies to treat this infection. We need tactical and massive increased production of all these resources. 8. Waive patient costs for care given in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 9. Enable virtual medicine to be used in all venues, decreasing face-to-face transmission within care delivery. This would require lifting Medicare restrictions on non-rural virtual medicine visits [addendum: this is already in process]. 10. Establish COVID-19 positive and negative shelters for our houseless populations in as many metropolitan regions as possible. Expand housing options through hotels and mobile homes as necessary. 11. Establish clear and data-driven social isolation recommendations. No one should leave their homes in impacted regions except for medical care, essential supplies, essential work services, and compelling other reasons that are clearly defined. Virtual work options should be encouraged for all businesses, whenever possible. 12. Hospitals must be able to test outpatients, inpatients, and emergency room patients commercially, rather than transporting tests and running them centrally. If private labs are being used for COVID-19 testing, they must be required to report the outcomes of all tests to local health authorities and the CDC. 13. A tracking method at the state level for people self quarantined must be instituted for public health surveillance and follow up. 14. We need guidelines for nursing, retirement, and group homes, including optimized social isolation and sanitation processes, separation of COVID-19 positive patients into units, or even separate nursing homes to minimize transmission. 15. Health care workers, including first-responders, are at high risk for infection and death according to Chinas experience. We immediately need sufficient and appropriate personal protective attire/equipment and comprehensive testing availability for all at-risk health care workers. 16. Maximize oxygen supplies by stockpiling/making oxygen as rapidly as possible. Hospitals in impacted areas have run out, and this will be a core life-sustaining support. [addendum: we understand getting approval for home oxygen through distributors must also be liberated as this has been limited by billing issues in some areas] 17. Each state should make and maintain a record of all available ventilators with the capability to transport them to the areas with the greatest need. Anesthesia ventilators can be used in the ICUs if the ORs arent being used. Firefighter transfer vents may also be used. 18. We should strive to have available hand sanitizer and masks available at the entrance to all open businesses. Priority for these resources must go to medical care delivery. 19. Temporary ventilators of new designs that may be urgently manufactured, preferably with built-in oxygen concentration if possible, will be needed in the near future we should contract with innovators to create these now. 20. Medical workforce expansion plans need to be created and implemented. 21. State medical boards must work together for emergent and free licensing for medical personal, so medical providers can cross states lines for patient care. 22. Xenophobia is fomenting racist language and behavior against patients and providers. All leaders, at every level, should speak out against it so that it does not lead to violence and compromise. 23. We need to protect our incarcerated populations in all detention facilities, ideally separating COVID-19 positive individuals from negative. Comprehensive infection control will be nearly impossible, and consideration should be given for allowing appropriate detainees/inmates to leave facilities. 24. Enact consumer protections for all necessary goods and services immediately, especially those to deliver health care. All prices for medications, supplies, and insurance costs should be frozen at the prices as of March 13, 2020, or earlier. Maxine Dexter is a pulmonary and critical care physician. Smitha R. Chadaga is a hospitalist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com (Bloomberg) -- SoftBank Group Corp. is seeking to raise an additional $10 billion so its first Vision Fund can support portfolio companies battered by the coronavirus pandemic, according to people with knowledge of the matter. SoftBank is in talks with outside investors to provide $5 billion, which will be matched by a $5 billion contribution from the Japanese conglomerate, said the people, who requested anonymity because the talks are private. SoftBank may be unable to secure sufficient commitments from investors, in part because Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds have been rocked by the steep decline in the price of oil. The novel coronavirus is sapping demand for ride hailing and other services provided by SoftBank-backed companies, heightening concern over the conglomerates credit worthiness and the value of its investments. Even before the global pandemic, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son was fielding criticism for his strategy of pouring billions of dollars into unproven and unprofitable startups, some of which -- like We Co. -- failed to live up to the inflated valuations. His companys stock plunged by the most on record on Thursday in Tokyo, bringing the decline to almost 50% in the past month alone, erasing as much as $50 billion in market capitalization. For more on the turmoil facing SoftBank, read: SoftBank Plunges Most Ever on Rising Concern Over Routs Impact The Vision Fund -- which counts Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabis Mubadala Investment Co. as its biggest backers -- had spent $80.5 billion of its $98.6 billion total as of Dec. 31, according to filings. The fund plans to reserve some of the remaining cash to pay back a coupon attached to the Saudi investment, said some of the people. The new capital would be used to support struggling portfolio companies and to fund opportunistic acquisitions of smaller rivals whose valuations have also been battered, some of the people said. SoftBank is also reviewing the 88 companies in the first Vision Fund as well as ones in its nascent successor, Vision Fund 2, to ascertain their viability amid the pandemic, some of the people said. Some of these companies may not have sufficient cash on hand to survive for more than a year, one of the people added. Story continues Representatives for SoftBank and SoftBank Investment Advisers, the entity that manages the Vision Fund, declined to comment. Already, some of the funds largest investments have taken a hit. Uber Technologies Inc. shares have more than halved in the past month, in part because its ride-sharing service Uber Pool has been banned in certain geographies. Some of the other closely held companies including food delivery companies DoorDash Inc. are poised to be beneficiaries as consumers around the world observe shelter in place orders and other mandated quarantining. (Updates with context in the third paragraph.) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. I have just come off the phone to a headteacher sobbing at the news that GCSEs and A-levels would no longer be taken this summer because of coronavirus. I have spoken to other teachers who are beside themselves. Closing down schools, except for the children of key workers , and those who are vulnerable, is the right decision. This is the biggest health crisis the country has faced since the 1918-19 Spanish flu epidemic. Coronavirus is deadly and threatens to kill a quarter of a million Britons if drastic measures arent taken. But announcing that GCSEs and A-level exams will not be taking place is a mistake. Pleas for exams in August under different systems must be seriously considered. With no A-levels, it will be nearly impossible to decide fairly which students should get into which university. Predicted A-level grades are wrong four times out of five. I know this from heading schools for 20 years, and I know from running a university now (Buckingham) the dismay that it will cause students, and the disruption to life. Have the implications of this been fully thought through, or is an over-stretched Government taking decisions of massive proportions on the wing? Students who have worked hard for five years equally deserve the satisfaction of taking their GCSEs. To suddenly tell them that their exams are off will be celebrated by some, but the vast majority will feel cheated. Its like telling an athlete who has been preparing for the big race for several years that they cannot compete. Its devastating. Students sitting exams have all but completed their courses. The last few weeks leading up to the exams are taken up with revision. This can just as easily be done from home. Saima Rana, the head of Westminster Academy in Paddington, is one of many to feel sad and worried. Telling students now that there are no exams stops their whole purpose in learning. We have also told them that they are not at risk of being very ill if they get the virus. But they will be out on the streets and gang violence and crime will rise. She believes that, if schools are safe enough for the children of key workers and for those who are vulnerable, they are safe to sit exams. The students can come in and sit in well-spaced out areas with plenty of fresh air. Exams could be sat in August and September, after the peak. Yes, this will cause disruption, but is manageable. I plead with the Government to reconsider. There may be a risk of some catching the virus. But there is a much bigger risk from having demotivated students on the streets for six months with no sense of purpose, and prey to drug pushers and other malign influences. Consider that athlete, being told that everything they have worked towards had no purpose. Were not doing it to a single athlete, but to hundreds of thousands of young on the threshold of their adult lives. A man has been convicted and jailed for 10 months for dangerous driving over the crash that killed his partner on her 26th birthday as she drove to pick up her six-year-old daughter. Jordan Moore, 29, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday to 10 months behind bars, with a further 10 months to be served on licence upon his release. Ariola Hoxhaj, 26, was killed back in November 2018 after the Mercedes A class car she was driving ploughed into a tree next to the dual carriageway in Enfield. Ariola, a mother of one from Enfield, sustained horrific injuries when her car was embedded into the tree. Images show the tree buried in the middle of the wreckage of the white vehicle. Ariola Hoxhaj (pictured) died as she drove to pick up her six-year-old daughter in Enfield Jordan Moore (pictured) has been jailed for 10 months, with a further 10 months to be served on licence upon his release Police were called at around 11:55pm on Monday, November 12, 2018 to reports of a car collision with a tree on the south bank carriageway of Great Cambridge Road. Officers, London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade attended but Ariola, on her way to pick up her daughter Ria, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit discovered that Ariola and Moore had been driving separate white Mercedes vehicles (a A250 hatchback and a CLA45 MG Saloon respectively). Ariola and Moore had both been travelling in convoy well in excess of 40mph speed limit towards Carterhatch Lane. Horrific images show the tree buried in the middle of the wreckage of the white vehicle Ariola, who was behind, had lost control of her vehicle and it became embedded in a tree. Witnesses described seeing Moore's vehicle carrying on further down the road for a brief while, where it was parked as if to hide it, before he then returned to the devastating scene. Initially, Moore claimed to the police that he did not know who was driving the other vehicle. Moore was eventually arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was later released under investigation. A post-mortem examination held at Haringey Mortuary gave the cause of death as catastrophic injuries. Moore was then charged with causing death by dangerous driving but was found not guilty and convicted of dangerous driving. Moore has since been disqualified from driving for two years and 10 months, and must sit an extended re-test. He has also been issued with a Deprivation Order for his 37,000 Mercedes AMG. Pressure groups have forced the Zimbabwean government to close schools next week following fears of an outbreak of coronavirus in the southern African nation currently facing serious economic problems. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who announced strict measures on Wednesday designed to curb a coronavirus outbreak - which included tight restrictions on public meetings like church gatherings, weddings and others - made a u-turn Wednesday saying Zimbabweans are not happy with the opening of the schools until the end of the current term. In a statement, he said, Following concerns from parents, as well representations by the educational sector, Government has decided that all schools and tertiary institutions (colleges, polytechnics and universities) will now close on Tuesday, 24 March, 2020, as a precaution against the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus. While Zimbabwe has not recorded any cases of the virus to date, Government has thought it prudent to be on the side of caution, more so in respect of teaching institutions where human concentration and contact is expectedly high. The decision is part of the general precautionary measures the country is taking in light of the worldwide outbreak and rapid spread of the Coronavirus. He noted that government government will advise on dates for the reopening of all teaching institutions in the country once the threat of the virus is adjudged to have receded. Zimbabwe has not yet recorded any cases of coronavirus which has killed thousands of people in some countries. Teachers unions said schools should have been closed as soon as there were signs that the coronavirus is spreading in several nations. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he gives a press conference about the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak inside 10 Downing Street in London, England, on March 18, 2020. (Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Getty Images) UK to Finally Close Schools to Tackle COVID-19 The United Kingdom has announced it will close all schools indefinitely, finally falling in line with other European countries as they try to stem the spread of COVID-19. After schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed for most pupilsfor the vast majority of pupilsuntil further notice, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A small proportion of schools will be kept open for the children of health workers and those performing other vital roles, Johnson said during what is now a daily national briefing. The issue of school closures has been controversial in the UK, where scientific modeling and advice were different from other European nations. Since it spread from China, the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, has formed a secondary epicenter in Europe. The UK currently has 2,642 confirmed cases of the virusthe 10th highest in the world and two places behind the 7,323 cases in the United States. Italy is currently the worst affected nation outside of China, with a total of 31,506 confirmed cases according to currently available data from Johns Hopkins University. Seeing the rising number of death cases in Italy, many other European nations were quick to follow with lockdowns and school closures. But the UK has marched to its own beat, especially when it comes to school closures. The Prime Minister and his advisers originally cited modeling which said shutting schools would cause a later surge in cases that could swamp the national health system. As the situation evolved and new modeling emerged, British advisers shifted towards policies more typically adopted by other nations. The UK is the last European nation, other than Belarus, to announce school closures. So far the judgment of our advisers has been that closing schools is actually of limited value in slowing the spread of the epidemic, said Johnson on March 18. And that is partly because counterintuitively schools are actually very safe environments. Now, however, he said that the government needed further downward pressure on that upward curve by closing the schools. The UK has so far avoided the stricter containment approach taken in countries such as Italy, Spain, and France, where death rates are higher. The British prime minister has so far also shied away from enshrining the current approach in law, instead couching measures as advice. Brits are currently advised to remain at home for seven days if they develop symptoms of the virus, and to remain home for 14 days if just one member of the household develops symptoms. Avoid all unnecessary gatherings, pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants, said Johnson. Those over the age of 70 were told last weekend to prepare for four months in isolation, during which they are advised only to leave the house for exercise and for essential trips to the food store. Meanwhile, organizers of the Glastonbury music festival announced today that this years eventthe 50th anniversary of the biggest music festival in the worldhas been canceled. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced an initiative to help people cope with the mental stress of the coronavirus pandemic and celebrate those on the front line of the crisis. In a post on their @sussexroyal Instagram account, the couple said they would be using the platform to share resources and post "accurate information and facts from trusted experts". They added they would also use it to help people learn measures they can take to keep themselves and their families safe and work with organisations that can help with "mental and emotional well-being". Meghan and Harry, who are understood to be in their new home in Vancouver, Canada, having completed their final duties as senior royals earlier this month, said people are living in "uncertain times". Expand Close Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Calling for unity, they said: "Now, more than ever, we need each other." They added: "We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary." They continued: "Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with covid-19 is awe-inspiring. "This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit." As well as sharing information and practical advice on maintaining physical health and wellbeing, the duke and duchess said they would be posting inspirational stories from around the world. "We will focus on the inspiring stories of how so many of you around the world are connecting in ways big and small to lift all of us up," they said. Expand Close Stroll: William and Kate on the cliff walk during a visit to Howth Head in Co Dublin. Photo: Chris Jackson/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stroll: William and Kate on the cliff walk during a visit to Howth Head in Co Dublin. Photo: Chris Jackson/PA Wire Video of the Day "We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process - and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us." They finished the post with the words: "We look forward to sharing more over the days and weeks to come..." Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton are adjusting their usual projects to focus on the pandemic; stepping away from their comfort zones of mental health initiatives and early years projects. At a time like this, the royal family is very important in providing stability and support to a worried nation, a source told Vanity Fair. The Cambridges are not in the vulnerable sector and they want to help. Their aides are going through the latest government advice but its fair to say the focus of their work will shift. Supporting the community and vulnerable people in society is more important right now. Never in recent history has India faced a challenge, which is either affecting, or has the potential to affect each state, each economic sector, each organisation, each business, and each individual. The response must take into account this scale of the crisis. And one key precondition for a concerted response is political unity. India is a democracy. This is its strength. And it also means that on any issue, at any moment, there will be differences between citizens and political formations. On the handling of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) too, the Opposition is within its rights to ask questions about the governments initial response, current strategies, and protocols being put in place. In fact, it must do so, to bring forth perspectives that may be missing. The government, too, is duty-bound to remain accountable and explain to citizens and to the parliamentary Opposition its plans. This vibrancy of debate is important, especially because it is through consistent feedback and constructive criticism that policy measures can be refined. But this must not translate into an issue of political contestation. Indian citizens, despite their political and ideological differences and contrasting views about different leaders and issues, are in no mood for petty disputes and point-scoring on Covid-19. The ruling dispensation must refrain from any premature self-congratulatory messages about how it has dealt with the crisis. The Opposition must not pat itself on the back for having warned about the crisis, and make doomsday predictions. Treat this as a national emergency. And just like in an emergency, work together. In Kerala, both the chief minister and the leader of the Opposition together, through a video conference, addressed local bodies about the crisis and measures needed. Indias political class must emulate this example. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 09:36:39|Editor: zyl Video Player Close SYDNEY, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Australia's national carrier Qantas has halted all international flights and temporarily stood down two thirds of its workforce, in an effort to endure mass travel disruptions caused by COVID-19. The airline made the announcement on Thursday, after already issuing a 90 percent reduction in international services earlier in the week, along with a 60 percent drop in domestic services which remained in place. Two thirds of the airline's 30,000 employees will be stood down until at least the end of May. Some will be forced to use annual and sick leave where it is available. Some will be on forced leave without pay. Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said that the measures were necessary to preserve jobs in the future, and that the company was doing everything it could to make leave entitlements available and support employees. "The efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus have led to a huge drop in travel demand, the likes of which we have never seen before. This is having a devastating impact on all airlines," Joyce said. "We're in a strong financial position right now, but our wages bill is more than 4 billion (dollars) a year. With the huge drop in revenue we're facing, we have to make difficult decisions to guarantee the future of the national carrier." In addition, senior executives and the Board members have increased their salary reductions from 30 percent to 100 percent until at least the end of the financial year, joining Joyce who already was to take no pay for the period. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dmitry Zaks (Agence France-Presse) Rome, Italy Fri, March 20, 2020 01:18 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0acce 2 World Italy,Europe,pandemic,epidemic,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,SARS-CoV-2,health Free Italy passed a grim milestone on Thursday when it overtook China as the country with most reported deaths from the new coronavirus sweeping the planet. The world has stepped up its war to try to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19, with several countries imposing lockdowns that are keeping tens of millions of people trapped in their homes. But the death toll has soared in Europe even as China saw a glimmer of hope with zero new domestic cases reported for the first time. Italy announced another 427 fatalities on Thursday, taking its total to 3,405, according to an AFP tally. China, where the outbreak first emerged in December last year, has officially reported 3,245 deaths. Globally, the death toll from the virus -- whose main symptoms are a dry cough and fever -- has risen to over 9,000. Countries have tightened border controls and unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the teetering world economy, only to see the once-in-a-century pandemic seemingly spiral further out of control. China listed no new domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak first erupted in the central city of Wuhan in December, before spreading worldwide. It appeared to have staunched the virus with strict measures including a complete quarantine of Wuhan since January, meaning the number of infections and deaths in the rest of the world have surpassed those in China. But there were fears that Asia faces a second wave of cases imported from abroad, with 34 new cases reported in China, the highest figure for two weeks. 'Paying a big price' US President Donald Trump, who has come under fire for his response to the crisis, charged Thursday that the world was paying for China's lack of transparency on the outbreak of the new coronavirus there several months ago. "It could have been contained to that one area of China where it started. And certainly the world is paying a big price for what they did," he said. As the toll surged in his country, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the national lockdown, which has been copied around Europe, would be prolonged to April 3, shattering hopes of a quick end to the crisis. "We will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before," he said. France also mooted extending the two-week lockdown ordered this week by President Emmanuel Macron, as the interior minister blasted "idiots" who flout home confinement rules and put others at risk. The disease continued to hit high-profile figures with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Monaco's Prince Albert II among those testing positive. Bank bazooka With countries paralyzed by the pandemic and stock markets imploding, policymakers this week unleashed a wave of measures to shore up the global economy. The European Central Bank late Wednesday announced a 750-billion-euro bond-buying scheme, dubbed the "big bazooka". "Extraordinary times require extraordinary action. There are no limits to our commitment to the euro," ECB chief Christine Lagarde said. In the United States, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is urging Congress to pass a $1-trillion emergency stimulus package immediately, with many economists saying the US is already now in deep recession. Trump has said he views himself as a "wartime president", even as his administration faced growing criticism over a lack of testing for coronavirus and for the speed of its response. The US has so far shied away from the sweeping restrictions used in China and many European countries, although the streets of many of its major cities have emptied as local curbs come into effect. European and US stocks staged a rebound on the stimulus news, although Asian markets took another beating. But the sense of impending doom continues to cast a pall over the world economy with airlines, carmakers and others all warning of bleak times ahead. 'Enemy against humanity' The battle is only just beginning across the rest of the world, with the shadow of the virus lengthening across Africa. The Nigerian mega-city of Lagos announced it would shut its schools while Burkina Faso confirmed the first death in sub-Saharan Africa. Russia reported its first death and even the Pacific nation of Fiji said it had its first case. The UN warned that as nations bring in shutdowns and travel bans, some three billion people lack even the most basic weapons to protect themselves from the virus: soap and running water. World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to "come together as one against a common enemy: an enemy against humanity". Countries are taking increasingly drastic steps to stem infections, with Australia and New Zealand banning non-residents from arriving, and India imposing a one-day nationwide curfew. Britain closed dozens of London Underground stations and shut down schools, although the government denied reports it was about to lock down the capital. 'Like a psychosis' While the EU has closed its borders to outsiders, in many countries bars, restaurants and most shops have closed their doors until further notice, bringing life in Europe's normally bustling cities to a halt. The virus also continues to hit sports and cultural events, with Greece handing over the Olympic flame to Tokyo 2020 organizers at a ceremony held behind closed doors amid calls for the games to be postponed. English football also extended its shutdown until at least April 30. Interpol warned that criminals around the world were cashing in on the pandemic by offering fake or sub-standard medical products like surgical masks. Countries are also working to combat hoarding. As others stockpiled toilet paper and pasta, the French are thronging bakeries for their famed baguettes. "We've seen people come in who want to buy 50 baguettes at a time," said Matthieu Labbe of France's Federation of Bakeries. "There's something like a psychosis in some people," Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) Agriculture Secretary William Dar said his department is ready to allot 3-billion-worth of assistance to farmers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dar informed the Inter-Agency Task Force meeting Wednesday night that aside from the 3-billion financial assistance for farmers, they have also lined up a loan package for them. We have a sure aid loan package from the Agriculture Credit Policy Council amounting to 2.8 billion. Dar said that this assistance program is on top of what is being given presently to farmers. Andiyan po ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka na tumutulong para sa ganoon [the Department of Agriculture is here to help] during this crisis regard to COVID. We will continue to work with the farmers cooperatives and associations for continuous food production, and to have enough food supply today and in the future, he added. President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the country under a state of calamity, and the entire island of Luzon also under enhanced community quarantine. Return home or stay to earn a living far from your loved ones? That's the dilemma being thrown up for workers who rely on shuttling across frontiers in Central Europe now that the coronavirus pandemic has seen several countries shut their borders. In Austria, care for the elderly relies on a workforce of around 65,000, 80 percent of them women from Romania or Slovakia who typically shuttle between Austria and their home countries for weeks at a time. But with several countries now closing their borders, this way of working has been upended. "It's an absolutely enormous problem, it's an existential threat for everyone," says Klaus Katzianka, who runs a home care company. Chris Clarke, the Hungary-based director of a recruitment service, said: "It's catastrophic, obviously we can't move anyone anywhere," adding that misinformation about what would happen next was adding to people's worries about what to do. Not that official information has shed much more light -- the unilateral measures to curb movement taken by several government has left governments largely in the dark about how to react. - 'Need the income' - In Central Europe, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland reached for bans on entry to non-residents, with Bratislava requiring Slovakian citizens returning from abroad to keep to two weeks of self-quarantine. A difficult prospect for 48-year-old Maria Gelienova, who works for Katzianka's company and normally works for 15 days in Austria before returning to her native Slovakia for two weeks at a time. "I'm going to stay (in Austria)," she says. "I have to work, otherwise I won't have any more income," she says. Some workers decided to pack their bags and leave as soon as they heard about border closures, especially if they have young children or vulnerable elderly relatives at home. Austrian media report that others are hesitating over whether to come back to Austria after their regular two-week break in their home country. Meanwhile Romanian care workers, who normally stay in Austria for a month at a time, are worried that their usual commute across Hungary will not be possible any more after that country closed its borders on Monday. That led to tailbacks at Hungary's borders dozens of kilometres (miles) long with police refusing to let non-Hungarian passenger traffic through and freight traffic -- which was meant to be able flow freely -- being subjected to health checks. One desperate Moldavian citizen coming from Germany stuck at the border told AFP earlier this week: "We tried to fly but there were no flights from Berlin or Frankfurt, they were all cancelled." "Now we're trying to get back overland but they don't want that either, we don't know what to do." - 'Humanitarian corridors' - Lots of those who found themselves stuck at Hungary's land borders were Romanians, Serbs and Bulgarians trying to get back to their country of origin after the virus led to the shutdown of swathes of the economies in the countries where they live. After pressure from neighbouring countries Budapest has said it will allow Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to travel home through Hungary during night-time in so-called "humanitarian corridors". Austria has nevertheless said that it is preparing to mobilise army reservists if necessary to replace care staff for older people. Germany could be similarly affected by the shutdown in movement. "I've warned my German partners that we're not sending any more people until the end of the epidemic," says Bulgarian Valentina Ivanova, whose TSKA company recruits care workers to send abroad. Other sectors in western Europe may also be hit in the coming weeks -- notably agriculture, which is also heavily dependent on seasonal labour from further east for harvesting fruit and vegetables like asparagus. [March 19, 2020] Code42 Enhances its Data Security Solution to Help Protect Organizations as the Number of Employees Working from Home Surges Code42, the leader in insider threat detection, investigation and response, today announced it enhanced its data security solution, adding new capabilities that pinpoint suspicious data activity among remote employees. To speed the detection and investigation process, the company's new dashboard features highlight remote employees who have the riskiest file activity. They also give immediate insights into the use of unsanctioned cloud sync systems and websites. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005804/en/ Code42's new remote employee dashboard features highlight the data activities of remote employees who are taking the most risks with company files. These features are designed to speed the data security detection and investigation process by giving immediate insights into the use of unsanctioned cloud sync systems and websites for file sharing. The new remote employee capabilities are part of Code42's broader cloud-based data security solution, which accelerates incident response for insider threats. (This image is a mock-up and does not rflect actual data.) (Graphic: Business Wire) "The way we work is changing due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The number of employees logging in from home is surging along with their reliance on collaborative technologies. Employees are sharing files, Slacking and messaging colleagues to get their work done," said Joe Payne, Code42's president and CEO. "Suddenly security teams are on the hook to manage a spike in data activity that now lives outside their typical network infrastructure. What they had visibility into last week is invisible this week. To help organizations during this time, we are offering them an organizational-wide view of data risks posed by their remote workforce at no charge." The new remote employee capabilities: Pinpoint remote employees whose file activity represents the greatest risk. Detect unauthorized usage of Dropbox, iCloud, Box (News - Alert), OneDrive and Google Drive. Provide an organization-wide view of browser upload activity, including attachments to personal email, and uploads to personal cloud sync systems. Alert security teams to users who are executing risky file activity based on file type, count and size. Offer historical user activity profiles to speed insider threat investigations. "In these disruptive times, security teams need to become stewards of their organizations' collaborative culture and develop practices that enhance employee productivity," said Vijay Ramanathan, Code42's senior vice president of product innovation. "If companies want to use Slack and Box and OneDrive, it is imperative that they wrap a layer of security around that sharing technology to detect when employees share beyond the organization." The new remote employee capabilities are part of Code42's broader data security solution. Designed to accelerate incident response for insider threats, the solution provides reliable data risk signal without requiring complex data classification. Code42's solution is native to the cloud and deploys in days, offering companies immediate benefits. Code42 will host a complimentary live webcast entitled, "Collaboration, Remote Work and Data Security." The webcast will explore key strategies for managing data risk across a remote workforce and securing a collaborative culture. Led by Code42's CISO and CIO Jadee Hanson and Senior Product Marketing Manager Abhik Mitra, the webcast will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. CDT (News - Alert). The webcast is open for registration. In 2020, Code42's insider threat solution received a number of industry awards. Code42 earned a CyberDefense Magazine InfoSec Award for Best Insider Threat Detection. It received a Cybersecurity Excellence Award as a Gold winner for Best Insider Threat Solution and Silver winner for Best Cybersecurity Company. It also was recognized as Silver winner for Best Insider Threat Solution in the 16th Annual Info Security PG's 2020 Global Excellence Awards. For a complete list of Code42 achievements, visit the Honors page on the company's website. About Code42 Code42 is the leader in insider threat detection, investigation and response. Native to the cloud, Code42 rapidly detects data loss, leak, theft and sabotage as well as speeds incident response - all without lengthy deployments, complex policy management or blocking employee productivity. With Code42, security professionals can protect corporate data and reduce insider risk while fostering an open and collaborative culture for employees. Backed by security best practices and control requirements, Code42's insider threat solution can be configured for GDPR, HIPAA, PCI (News - Alert) and other regulatory frameworks. More than 50,000 organizations worldwide, including the most recognized brands in business and education, rely on Code42 to safeguard their ideas. Founded in 2001, the company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and backed by Accel Partners (News - Alert), JMI Equity, NEA and Split Rock Partners. For more information, visit code42.com, read Code42's blog or follow the company on Twitter. 2020 Code42 Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Code42 and the Code42 logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Code42 Software, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are properties of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005804/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The West Bengal jail department is mulling releasing life convicts on parole in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak. According to Additional Director General (ADG), Prisons, Arun Gupta, the department is pondering over the idea that whether life convicts who are "willing and can be sent", could be released on parole in the backdrop of the coronavirus outbreak. "Nothing has been decided so far. We are mulling if this can be done, as there are too many prisoners and there is a space constraint. "According to the rules of fighting this virus, there has to be enough space between persons living together," another senior jail department official said. There are around 60 prisons in West Bengal, housing around 25,000 inmates, of whom around 7,000 are convicts and the rest are undertrials. "Of the 7,000, there are life convicts. We are talking to them in order to know who all are interested in availing parole. Then a final call will be taken on the prisoners who can be released on parole," the official said. According to Gupta, precautionary measures such as distribution of face masks among prisoners and jail employees have been taken. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 13:39 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd9d4a 1 National coronavirus,COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,Wuhan-coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus-in-Indonesia,wedding,wedding-ceremony Free April 11 was supposed to be the happiest day of her life so far for Anifa Ludfiani and Firdausyah Bela, and the couple had looked forward to their families watch them as they tied the knot on that date in Sidoarjo, East Java. The venue has been booked and all expenses paid, from the caterer to the wedding organizer. The couple had also printed invitations for 300 guests to attend their wedding reception. But the growing spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia has forced Anifa and her 29-year-old fiance to rethink their plans. In the end, they decided to postpone the reception. The couple also wondered whether they should continue with their wedding on April 5, as they did not want the occasion to pose a greater risk of infection. "I am really dejected about the whole situation right now," the 25-year-old bride-to-be told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. "Yet, it will be sad if only a few people show up at my wedding," Anifa said, wistfully. Read also: COVID-19: Indonesia suspends visa-free policy, expands ban for people from worst-hit countries It was the same for Mochammad Dimar Zankar, 33, and his fiancee, Winda Marienda, 27. The Jakartan couple were forced to cancel their wedding reception and pre-nuptial ceremonies scheduled for April after a handful of close relatives declined their invitation. "Friends of my father and father-in-law have said they cannot come due to a fear of COVID-19, so we had to cancel the wedding party," said Dimar. But Dimar said he and Winda were standing firm about holding their wedding on April 18, with only close family in attendance. These couples are only two among many hundreds, even thousands of couples in the country and likely around the world who have seen the coronavirus pandemic laying waste to their best-laid plans, leaving them with no choice but to cancel what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of their lives. The local outbreak has infected 227 Indonesians to date, and comes during the height of the wedding season in the country, which usually falls just before and after the Ramadan-Idul Fitri holiday. The central government has responded by calling on the public to practice "social distancing" maintaining a minimum distance of 1 meter to stem the spread of the virus. Authorities have also advised against large gatherings to reduce the risk of wider transmission. Brand manager Safina Loebis of RefnaWedding in South Jakarta, said that the wedding organizer's clients had all decided to postpone their wedding plans due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Read also: Wedding bell blues: Coronavirus crashes party for couples, planners "The clients of four weddings scheduled on March 22, March 29, April 4 and April 18 have all asked to postpone," Safina told the Post. Safina said the wedding industry fully understood the unprecedented situation and were not charging extra for postponements. She added that the ensuing costs to organizers remained to be seen, since all clients had postponed indefinitely, without setting a later date, time or venue. Things were different for Eky Triwulan Kusumaningrum and Demas Setyo Wahyudi, who had just celebrated their wedding last Sunday with around 300 invited guests at the Omah Ndoro hall in Cibubur, East Jakarta. A week before their wedding, Eky said she had heard the news on Indonesia's first two confirmed cases traced to Depok, West Java, which is close to her wedding venue. Despite their concerns about the outbreak, the couple thought it impossible for them to postpone their wedding ceremony, as everything had been prepared and set to proceed. "We prepared hand sanitizers and put up posters encouraging people to greet each other using the "Namaste" and the "Vulcan salute" instead of shaking hands at the wedding," she said, referring respectively to the Indian Hindu greeting and the greeting popularized in Star Trek films. (trn) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 15:09:03|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MALE, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian government warned on Thursday that individuals violating isolation and quarantine measures announced to contain COVID-19 will be fined. Maldives' Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that isolation and quarantine measures have been imposed under the Public Health Act to prevent the COVID-19 spread and that violators will be fined an estimated U.S. 324 dollars. The HPA added that the identities of violators could be made public according to provisions in the Public Health Act. The announcement comes in the wake of two individuals violating isolation and quarantine measures. Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem said such violations can be classified as reckless endangerment and can result in a maximum prison sentence of four years under the Penal Code of Maldives. Maldives has confirmed 13 COVID-19 infections and has declared a state of Public Health Emergency. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW) (OTCQB: AGNPF) (the "Company" or "Algernon") a clinical stage pharmaceutical development company is pleased to announce that Novotech, a leading Asia-Pacific clinical research organization (CRO), has identified physicians in South Korea who have agreed to conduct an investigator initiated phase 2 clinical trial of Ifenprodil for coronavirus patients. The investigators were identified after Algernon retained Novotech to conduct a feasibility study in South Korea. Novotech was asked to advise on the most efficient regulatory approach to initiating a phase 2 clinical trial for Ifenprodil for COVID-19 and to also help identify potential investigators. Ifenprodil is an already approved drug in South Korea and Japan for certain neurological conditions with a known safety history. Algernon has been investigating Ifenprodil under its re-purposed drug program and has appointed Novotech as the lead CRO for its upcoming idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic cough phase 2 clinical trial to be conducted in Australia. The Company is in the process of refining the protocol for the phase 2 coronavirus study after receiving input from the investigators, and is working with Novotech to provide the necessary information and support in order to assist with the study's approval. The study approval process may be expedited due to the current global health crisis. The Company will release more information about the planned phase 2 coronavirus study shortly. The decision to retain Novotech to conduct a feasibility study was made after a recent independent study found that Ifenprodil significantly reduced acute lung injury (ALI) and improved survivability in an animal study with Asian H5N1 infected mice by 40%. Asian H5N1 is the most lethal form of influenza known to date with an over 50% mortality rate. The drug was also previously shown in a separate study to prolong survival under anoxic (low oxygen) conditions, as might occur in patients with severely impaired lung function. "This independent study data, along with the data generated from the Company's animal studies on IPF and chronic cough, have supported the Company's recent new COVID-19 and acute lung injury clinical program," said Christopher J. Moreau CEO of Algernon Pharmaceuticals. About NP-120 (Ifenprodil) NP-120 (Ifenprodil) is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor glutamate receptor antagonist specifically targeting the NMDA-type subunit 2B (Glu2NB). Ifenprodil also exhibits agonist activity for the Sigma-1 receptor, a chaperone protein up-regulated during endoplasmic reticulum stress. Although the anti-fibrotic activity of Ifenprodil in IPF is not known, recent studies have suggested a link between both receptors and pathways associated with fibrosis. Glutamate (Glu) is the main excitatory neurotransmitter which acts on glutamate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) but overactivation of these receptors can cause several damages to neural cells including death. Recent studies show that the glutamate agonist N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) can trigger acute lung injury (ALI). ALI is a direct and indirect injury to alveolar epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cell, causing diffuse pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema and acute hypoxic respiration failure. ALI is characterized by reduced lung volume and compliance, and imbalance of the ventilation/perfusion ratio, inducing hypoxemia and respiratory distress and its severe stage (oxygen index <200) known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). (1) Furthermore, pathological findings show that 64% of ARDS patients may have pulmonary fibrosis during convalescence (2). NP-120 (Ifenprodil) was initially developed by Sanofi in the 1970's in the French and Japanese markets for the treatment of circulatory disorders. The drug is genericized and sold in Japan and South Korea and is used to treat certain neurological conditions. About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage pharmaceutical development company focused on advancing its lead compounds for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic kidney disease (CKD) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic cough. Algernon has filed new intellectual property rights for NP-120 (Ifenprodil) for the treatment of respiratory diseases and is working to develop a proprietary injectable and slow release formulation. CONTACT INFORMATION Christopher J. Moreau CEO Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 604.398.4175 ext 701 info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No securities regulatory authority or stock exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. Pennsylvania hospitals are asking the state for an infusion of resources and other help to deal with a potential surge of patients in need of testing and hospital care because of the coronavirus. As an example of the growing strain, they described a hospital in southeast Pennsylvania thats caring for three coronavirus patients in intensive care with no additional ICU capacity. Pointing to possible future shortages, they said the southeast region of the state has a total of 150 breathing ventilators about three per hospital. The hospitals also cited urgent needs for scarce personal protective equipment including face masks and swabs used for coronavirus tests. They further said coronavirus tests sent to commercial labs have at minimum a 3-4 day turnaround. Those concerns and others are laid out in a letter from the Hospital & Health System Association of Pennsylvania to Gov. Tom Wolf. In an interview, Mark Ross, the hospital associations vice president for emergency management, said some hospitals are reusing masks and taking other steps to extend the supply. Still, Ross said Pennsylvania hospitals and the state have been proactive in planning for such an outbreak, and hospitals have been conserving resources since it began. He expressed confidence Pennsylvania hospitals can avert shortages that would endanger patients and staff. Right now we are doing good, he said. However, Ross and state health officials on Thursday stressed its critically important for Pennsylvanians to heed advice to wash their hands frequently, avoid crowds, stay home if they are sick, and follow all other guidance for preventing spread of coronavirus. We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to make sure we dont get to that breaking point, Ross said. State officials also expressed confidence that existing stockpiles within the state and expected supplies from the federal government can ward off extreme shortages. Experts say about 10% of people who get coronavirus become seriously ill and need to be hospitalized, often requiring ICU care and ventilators. State Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said on Thursday the ten percent figure is holding true in Pennsylvania, although she didnt say how people are hospitalized with coronavirus. Pennsylvania had 185 cases of coronavirus as of Thursday 52 more than the previous day. Levine said hospitals face a very real possibility of many more seriously ill and critically ill patients than they normally see. But she said Pennsylvania still has a chance of avoiding an overwhelmed health care system if people follow advice to stay home to avoid catching coronavirus or spreading it. Levine said its especially important to abide by the governors order for non-essential businesses to close, saying it will save lives. Now is the time, she said. Wolf escalated that effort at 5 p.m., issuing an order that all non-life sustaining businesses close at 8 p.m. Thursday. Wolf cited the Emergency Management Services Code, which he said gives him the authority to order the closings during a disaster emergency. Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesman Nate Wardle said in an email earlier Thursday that the state has more than 37,000 hospital beds, nearly 3,400 intensive care and critical care beds and 71 pediatric intensive care beds. He said the department on Thursday was shipping personal protective equipment to hospitals and front line responders in about 40 counties. We have received some requests for masks and have worked to fulfill those. In addition, we did receive a number of supplies, including masks, gowns, face guards and gloves from the federal governments storage over the weekend, and have additional requests into them, he said. Levine said the state is relaxing licensing requirements to enable hospitals to quickly add beds. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were pressed about shortages of masks and supplies during a news conference Thursday. Pence said manufacturers of masks have agreed to increase production, with the administration aiding them with loosened liability regulations. They are being made now. Many are available now, said Trump, who added his administration is working with state governors to get them to places of need. Nationally, there have been reports of extreme shortages of masks and protective equipment, with some health care workers saying they lack protection while caring for the sick. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently suggested using bandannas and scarves as a last resort. In Pennsylvania, Ross, the hospital association executive, said hospitals have powered respirators called pappers which can be used in the absence of masks. Ross credited the state health department for acting early and working closely with health care providers to plan and coordinate a response. He said he believes that planning, combined with everyone practicing social distancing, can enable Pennsylvania to avoid desperate situations that are happening in some places. In the letter to Wolf, the hospital association asked for help with many things, including: building or repurposing space for screening and caring for people; providing childcare for health care workers dealing with closed schools; providing housing for patients who arent so sick that they must continue occupying a hospital bed, but are too sick to go home; and expanded tele-health capabilities and insurance coverage for it. The association also said canceling elective surgeries, which Levine has requested to free up coronavirus resources, will have a devastating financial impact on hospitals. A big fear among hospitals, Ross said, is that people who arent very sick, or are simply worried they may be sick, will overload hospitals, causing unnecessary use of protective supplies and staff time. He said its critically important for people who arent severely ill to call a local health care provider rather than go directly to the hospital. We can flatten the curve of this disease, he said. If we flatten the curve, the strain on the health care system will be less, and well get through this. But thats what we have to do. The United States said the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban should begin prisoner releases as soon as possible, adding that the global coronavirus pandemic is adding to the urgency. U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad wrote in a Twitter thread on March 18 that "coronavirus makes prisoner releases urgent; time is of the essence." Khalilzad on February 29 signed a deal with Taliban negotiators aimed at ending the nearly 19-year Afghan war. The accord called for the release by the Afghan government of up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners as well as the freeing of 1,000 Afghan government captives ahead of intra-Afghan talks. The Taliban, which so far has refused to meet directly with the Afghan government, said it was committed to the deal but would not start negotiations with Kabul until its fighters were freed. Western-backed Kabul was not a party to the deal and initially resisted freeing any prisoners. President Ashraf Ghani then agreed to free 1,500 last week and the rest after peace talks were finalized and Taliban violence had ceased. But the peace process was again thrown into crisis on March 15 when Kabul said the release of the first Taliban prisoners had been delayed. Jawed Faisal, a spokesman for the Afghan National Security Adviser's office, said the government needed more time to review the list of the prisoners. We have received the lists of the prisoners to be released. We are checking and verifying the lists. This will take time," Faisal said. Khalilzad, in his Twitter comments, said that "no prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides." "The United States would like to see prisoner releases begin as soon as possible in line with the U.S.-Taliban agreement," Khalilzad wrote, adding that Washington understood from talks with both sides that they could "work together and focus on technical steps" for freeing detainees. He said that while face-to-face are meetings are preferable, "Coronavirus and the resulting travel restrictions likely requires virtual engagement now," he said, adding that both sides should "avoid provocative media statements." Khalilzad, in his Twitter comments, said that "no prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides." "The United States would like to see prisoner releases begin as soon as possible in line with the U.S.-Taliban agreement," Khalilzad wrote, adding that Washington understood from talks with both sides that they could "work together and focus on technical steps" for freeing detainees. The prisoner releases were slated to have started last week as part of a U.S.-led effort to end America's longest war and bring peace to Afghanistan after decades of strife. "The United States would like to see prisoner releases begin as soon as possible in line with the U.S.-Taliban agreement," Khalilzad wrote in a Twitter thread. While face-to-face are meetings are best, he said, "coronavirus and the resulting travel restrictions likely requires virtual engagement now." He urged both sides "to avoid provocative media statements." With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and RFE/RL's Afghan Service In normal times, the New York Posts conservative editorial page acts as a house organ for New York Citys tough-on-crime police unions, spreading a lock em up message across the region. But these are the days of a coronavirus pandemic, with more than 1,000 New York City residents testing positive for the disease known as COVID-19 as of Wednesday morning. The discussion around criminal justice has changed so rapidly in the city that the Post, which less than two weeks ago was calling for the state to keep more defendants in jail before their trial, has changed its tune. OK, the editorial board conceded on Tuesday evening. Cops will certainly need to show more discretion about who they bother to arrest, and the city may even want to do compassionate jail releases at some point soon. The Post was responding to a call from the Legal Aid Society, the citys largest organization of public defenders, for the NYPD to stop all arrests and for anybody sitting in New York City jail before a trial, or for violating parole, be immediately released. (The Post balked at this more far-reaching proposal, calling it insane.) Extreme or not, experts say that because of poor resources and close quarters, jails and prisons could serve as a petri dish, spreading even just a single case to hundreds of inmates. That could be happening soon. On Wednesday afternoon, the Daily News reported the first case of an inmate at Rikers Island testing positive for COVID-19. A number of officials are backing that call, at least in part. New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council members Rory Lancman and Donovan Richards released a letter saying that people should be held in jail only when absolutely necessary and calling for a halt to arrests for low-level crimes and victimless offenses like soliciting prostitution and marijuana use. (Marijuana arrests have already slowed to a trickle in the city, with just over one per day citywide in the last three months of 2019.) Anti-incarceration activist groups like VOCAL-NY and the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign echoed the call statewide, calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to grant clemency to prisoners across New York with the greatest health risks, such as older people and those with compromised immune systems. And on Wednesday afternoon, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and New York City Councilman Brad Lander hosted a virtual press conference to endorse the suspension of low-level, broken windows arrests and to release most people in jail who are over 50 years old, since older people are at a higher risk for the disease. If the city keeps too many people in jail, Lander said, The death toll is going to be on our hands, and no amount of soap is going to wipe it away. The New York City Board of Correction seemed to agree with Lander about the gravity of the situation, saying Tuesday that the city must drastically reduce the number of people in jail right now and limit new admissions to exceptional circumstances. The board oversees the Department of Correction, but doesnt actually have any power to release people from jail. Judges and district attorneys would each have to play a role. Although New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appoints the boards nine members, in consultation with the City Council and certain judges, the mayor didnt agree with the boards advice yet. He announced at a Tuesday press conference that he was still evaluating the situation in the jails and would determine if, case-by-case, any of those individuals should be taken out of our jail system. By Wednesday evening, the mayor hadnt moved, but he did set a deadline, telling WCBS radio that inmates will be identified who need to be brought out of jail in the next 48 hours. De Blasio, who oversees the NYPD, didnt seem eager to slow arrests either, telling WCBS that the NYPD has already reduced arrests overall during his tenure, and that he would continue to balance public safety with health in the jails. De Blasio did announce one major change on Tuesday: Anybody arrested with flu-like symptoms would be seeing a judge via video conference, reportedly the first time anybody would be arraigned by video in New Yorks criminal court system. The wheels of justice kept turning in New York City, and Manhattan was already doing video arraignments Tuesday afternoon. A spokeswoman for Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarks office, Patrice OShaughnessy, confirmed to City & State that the office had gone even farther, moving full to video arraignments, even for defendants that werent showing symptoms. The office had arrainged 44 people by video between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon. The citys five district attorneys are all handling the call for limiting or suspending prosecutions differently. OShaughnessy said the Bronx has been declining to prosecute low-level offenses like trespassing and turnstile jumping for a year. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance both signed onto a letter with a few dozen reform-minded prosecutors from across the country promising to release anybody on bail unless theyre a serious public safety risk and to release a wide swath of vulnerable inmates. Gonzalez also confirmed to the Post he would be seeking to reduce the number of people in the criminal justice system. Others seemed less open to the suggestions. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz released her own letter Tuesday saying that, to limit exposure to the virus, the office will push back court dates at least 30 days for people who are currently in jail. That policy would seem to keep more people incarcerated for a longer duration, but Katzs office declined to clarify the policy to City & State on Wednesday, saying the statement spoke for itself. Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon also did not seem eager to stop or limit prosecutions. His office didnt respond to a request for comment, but he pushed back on Twitter against the Legal Aid Societys call for a moratorium on arrests. I have a better idea, he wrote Monday, how about a moratorium on criminal activity instead? This discussion on reducing incarceration is taking place at the same time that Cuomo and state lawmakers are considering making changes to the bail law passed in 2019. That law severely limited the number of offenses where judges could ask a defendant for cash bail in criminal court. This year, Cuomo and a number of Democratic legislators are eager to roll the law back somewhat, which would likely increase the number of people incarcerated across the state. Those discussions appear to be ongoing. Cuomo met with Clark, Gonzalez, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea and the Legal Aid Societys Tina Luongo and possibly other criminal justice leaders last Wednesday at the Capitol to discuss bail reform. But with coronavirus seeming to change everything in the last week, the appetite for amending the bail law may be lessened. The state Senates Republican minority has been among the loudest voices calling for reinstituting bail in more cases, but on Tuesday they asked legislative leaders to pass a simple budget that didnt include other policies presumably leaving bail out of the budget. Along with the New York Posts signal that city conservatives would be OK with limiting arrests and letting some people out of jail because of the coronavirus, it shows just how far the criminal justice conversation has shifted in a few days. U.S. oil reverses losses, posts largest one-day gain on record FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland By Jessica Resnick-Ault NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil prices spiked by 25% on Thursday, the largest single-day gain on record, recouping some losses from three days of selling that drove the benchmark to near 20-year lows. Analysts saw the rebound as a brief reprieve, anticipating additional weakness as the coronavirus outbreak takes its toll on global demand. U.S. crude and global benchmark Brent have both lost half their value in less than two weeks, most of that since March 6, the day talks between OPEC and allies including Russia broke down. The coronavirus outbreak has put pressure on the market as schools and businesses have shuttered, suppressing economic activity around the globe. At the same time, the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia is flooding markets worldwide with cheap oil. Oil extended gains late in the day after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would get involved in the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Russia "at the appropriate time." West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up $4.85, or 24%, to $25.22 after dropping nearly 25% to an 18-year low in the previous session. It then briefly extended gains in post-close trading to as much as 35%. Brent crude settled up $3.59, or 14.4%, at $28.47 a barrel, having plunged to $24.52 on Wednesday, its lowest since 2003. "After yesterday's drubbing, people are coming into the market, because they see some production cuts ahead, but those are not enough to offset the demand in decline that the market is going to see in April and May," said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates. In a sign of expectations for reduced demand, Colonial Pipeline Co, which operates the largest refined products pipeline system in the United States, said it was cutting volumes by 20%. That system brings gasoline, diesel and other fuels to the U.S. East Coast from refineries in the U.S. Gulf. Oil's respite came as investors across financial markets assessed the impact of massive central bank stimulus measures. U.S. lawmakers were rushing on Thursday to forge a massive economic stimulus package to counter the impact of the outbreak. [MKTS/GLOB] Central banks have moved to mitigate the spiraling economic and financial fallout from the pandemic, with the European Central Bank kicking off a 750 billion euro ($820 billion) emergency bond purchase scheme. Story continues Following the breakdown of talks between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the de facto leader of OPEC announced plans to increase supply to a record 12.3 million barrels per day (bpd) and cut the official selling price for its oil by several dollars per barrel. In the United States, where dozens of shale oil and gas drillers and services companies risk bankruptcy, senators on Wednesday urged the two countries to halt their price war during talks with the kingdom's envoy to Washington. Trump noted, however, that low gasoline prices were good for U.S. consumers even as they were hurting the industry. "At the appropriate time I'll get involved," he said. The drop in demand, particularly in transportation, is also leading to a rapidly growing glut in refined products such as jet fuel and gasoline. "From April 1, about 4 million bpd could flood the markets, potentially pushing down crude oil prices into the teens," Jefferies analysts said in a note. (Reporting by Jessica Resnick-Ault; Additional reporting by Aaron Sheldrick and Ron Bousso; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall and Peter Cooney) The Rise Of Skywalker (credit: Disney) Yahoo Entertainment is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The home release of Star Wars: Rise Of Skywalker is approaching at lightspeed (its out digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD on 13 April, and physically in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray and DVD on 20 April) which means soon youll be able to enjoy the full Saga from the comfort of your own home, as all the other live action films will be available to stream on Disney+ too. Deciding to binge-watch nine movies (or eleven including the spin-offs) is actually the easy part, the real Jedi-level challenge youll face when they and on Disney+ is HOW to watch them. Theres a lot of different theories out there in terms of what the best order is. But dont worry, we have several viewing options - including one thats sure to prove just a little bit controversial. Read more: All the Star Wars coming to Disney+ So, put Baby Yoda to bed, take off your jet-pack, put down your lightsaber, and get ready for the ultimate guide to your next Star Wars viewing party. Theatrical Release Order Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (credit: Disney) A New Hope/Empire Strikes Back/Return of the Jedi Phantom Menace/Attack of the Clones/Revenge of the Sith The Force Awakens/The Last Jedi/Rise of Skywalker Then: Rogue One and Solo Kind of obvious, but start with the best three films, get through the prequels, then watch all of George Lucas hard work slowly becoming undone in the final trilogy... ...Were joking, of course - the new trilogys fast-pacing actually works perfectly for this kind of binge-watch. This way you can start on a high with the first three films, chill as things slow down / get weird with the prequels, then end on an adrenaline rush of the fan-pleasing new stuff. And as long as you dont overthink the overall narrative (such as the fact Palpatine turns out to be the actual MVP of the series), youll probably enjoy this method the most. Story continues Breaking Bads Aaron Paul certainly agrees. You start with the original Star Wars movie. There is no other way. Maybe its nostalgia. Or maybe its not even that. I have no idea why I feel this way, but you should watch them in the order they were released. Save the spin-offs for after, in case you suffer withdrawal symptons. Saga Order The Phantom Menace (credit: Disney) Phantom Menace/Attack of the Clones/Revenge of the Sith (Solo/Rogue One) A New Hope/Empire Strikes Back/Return of the Jedi The Force Awakens/The Last Jedi/Rise of Skywalker Start with one, end with nine. This viewing order gets the prequels out of the way early, and allows you to enjoy a series that gets increasingly more exciting as it progresses. Weirdly, this is also the best way to watch if youre a fan of special effects. With the prequel CGI looking more dated than the original trilogys practical effects work, and with the new trilogy seamlessly combining state-of-the-art computer stuff with real aliens and production design, these films will get better as they go along for SFX nerds (and we include ourselves amongst their number). Basically, this is the cinematic equivalent of eating your greens before you get your dessert. Read more: Whats on Disney+ at launch As Samuel L Jackson puts it: Well, everything needs to be watched in numerical order if you want to follow the mythology of whats happening. Start episode one and go through it that way. I would. The mythology is stronger in one through three and definitely one through six than in the other ones. The story of the Anakin is what all this has been about for so long. His bloodline is the strong bloodline, so you kind of need to know whats going on there. Oh, and George Lucas would prefer you watch it in this order. Start with one. Thats the way to do it right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Thats the way theyre supposed to be done. Just because it took a long time to film it doesnt mean you dont do it in order. And, hey, if you want to really get technical, you can throw in Solo and Rogue One between the prequels and the original trilogy. The All Of It Order 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' (credit: Disney) But what if you want to watch every single piece of Star Wars media? How do you even begin to approach that? Well, you set aside a fortnight or so, and do it chronologically. Start with The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Then, The Clone Wars Seasons 1 - 6, before putting on The Clone Wars: Crystal Crisis on Utapau. After that interruption, its back to The Clone Wars season seven (which will launch on Disney+ with two episodes when it arrives here). Go back to the movies for Revenge of the Sith and Solo. Then, watch the Rebels shorts, before bingeing the whole of Rebels (seasons 1 - 4). You get a movie triple-bill next: Rogue One, A New Hope, and Empire Strikes Back. You technically have to watch Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures seasons 1 - 2 next - but all the Lego stuff is so tonally different, you could choose to skip it. Youve got one more movie - Return of the Jedi - before you get to binge The Mandalorian season one (on Disney+, releasing weekly). Read more: The future of Star Wars is on TV After the awesomeness of The Mandalorian, another tonal shift: Resistance season one (making sure to watch all the Resistance shorts between episode 11 and 12, as thats where they fit). Then its back to Lego Star Wars for The Resistance Rises. You get two more movies - The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi - before Lego Star Wars: All-Stars. Then its Resistance season two, Forces of Destiny volumes 1-4, and a trip to Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland / Walt Disney World if you really, really want the full story. Then you can take a deep breath and watch The Rise of Skywalker, safe in the knowledge you are a true Jedi. Seriously, you deserve Chewies medal if you get through all of the above. The Machete Order Vader says 'Noooo!' in 'Revenge Of The Sith' (credit: Disney) IV, V, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, IX A New Hope/Empire Strikes Back Attack of the Clones/Revenge of the Sith Return of the Jedi The Force Awakens/The Last Jedi/Rise of Skywalker This is extreme, but if youre a prequel-hater, necessary. The Machete Order basically ditches The Phantom Menace from your binge-behaviour, with the logic that it doesnt actually contain any essential information for the story. And it really dials down your exposure to Jar Jar, which is massively in this orders favour. You watch Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back, before watching Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of The Sith, basically treating them like one long flashback after Vaders big Im your dad, dude reveal at the end of Empire. Then, you get back on chronological track with Return Of The Jedi, ending with the new trilogy. If youre showing the series to your children, this might be the way to go - its the best way to preserve two big twists: Vaders reveal, but also the underrated Yoda is a Jedi master twist in Empire. And if you want to save time, this is the way to do it. But there is another The Last Jedi Last Order Adam Driver in 'The Last Jedi' (credit: Disney) Phantom Menace/Attack of the Clones/Revenge of the Sith (Solo/Rogue One) A New Hope/Empire Strikes Back/Return of the Jedi The Force Awakens/The Last Jedi Okay, so this might be a bit controversial considering how much people hate The Last Jedi, but bear with us. If you watch the movies in theatrical order, ending with The Last Jedi (basically dropping The Rise Of Skywalker), it leaves the Saga feeling more open-ended and exciting. This way Lukes see you around, kid feels like more of a threat, like hes still going to force ghost stalk Kylo Ren (who gets to remain a powerful villain, and not just a tool of the Emperor). Rey gets to stay a nobody (and not a bloody Palpatine), and - perhaps most importantly - Sheev doesnt magically come back to life, undoing everything Luke (and Vader) achieved in the original trilogy. Seriously, watched in the context of a binge, Rise Of Skywalker is so detrimental to the original trilogy (and even the prequels), its probably best to just leave it out. The Original Trilogy Order The gang celebrates at the end of the final Star Wars film ever made, Return Of The Jedi (credit: Disney) A New Hope/Empire Strikes Back/Return of the Jedi But if you REALLY want to save time, just watch the original three films. Theyre the purest, and best, expression of what Star Wars actually is. If youve still got access to your original VHS copies, without all the special edition nonsense (Exclusive: Greedo did NOT shoot first!), even better. Watching all of these films back to back, its hard not to come to the conclusion that this was a story best told in three parts, with a beginning, middle and an end, with every other installment significantly gilding the space lily. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. The Rise Of Skywalker is available on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 20 April. Every other Star Wars film will be available to stream on Disney+ when it launches in the UK on 24 March. Pre-Order Disney+ Disney+ subscription | 49.99 a year for a limited time only Fans can currently subscribe to Disney+ for the introductory price of 49.99. This pre-launch offer for the annual subscription is only available until 23 March 2020, and is equivalent to 4.17 per month. Full details and information on how to subscribe are available on Disneyplus.com. Standard pricing at launch is confirmed at 5.99 per month, or 59.99 for an annual subscription. Is NWS Holdings Limited (HKG:659) a good dividend stock? How can we tell? Dividend paying companies with growing earnings can be highly rewarding in the long term. Unfortunately, it's common for investors to be enticed in by the seemingly attractive yield, and lose money when the company has to cut its dividend payments. With NWS Holdings yielding 7.3% and having paid a dividend for over 10 years, many investors likely find the company quite interesting. We'd guess that plenty of investors have purchased it for the income. Some simple analysis can reduce the risk of holding NWS Holdings for its dividend, and we'll focus on the most important aspects below. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis SEHK:659 Historical Dividend Yield, March 18th 2020 Payout ratios Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. In the last year, NWS Holdings paid out 69% of its profit as dividends. This is a fairly normal payout ratio among most businesses. It allows a higher dividend to be paid to shareholders, but does limit the capital retained in the business - which could be good or bad. Another important check we do is to see if the free cash flow generated is sufficient to pay the dividend. NWS Holdings paid out 199% of its free cash last year. Cash flows can be lumpy, but this dividend was not well covered by cash flow. Paying out more than 100% of your free cash flow in dividends is generally not a long-term, sustainable state of affairs, so we think shareholders should watch this metric closely. NWS Holdings paid out less in dividends than it reported in profits, but unfortunately it didn't generate enough free cash flow to cover the dividend. Cash is king, as they say, and were NWS Holdings to repeatedly pay dividends that aren't well covered by cashflow, we would consider this a warning sign. Story continues Remember, you can always get a snapshot of NWS Holdings's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health. Dividend Volatility One of the major risks of relying on dividend income, is the potential for a company to struggle financially and cut its dividend. Not only is your income cut, but the value of your investment declines as well - nasty. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of NWS Holdings's dividend payments. Its dividend payments have declined on at least one occasion over the past ten years. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was HK$0.41 in 2010, compared to HK$0.58 last year. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.4% a year over that time. NWS Holdings's dividend payments have fluctuated, so it hasn't grown 3.4% every year, but the CAGR is a useful rule of thumb for approximating the historical growth. Modest growth in the dividend is good to see, but we think this is offset by historical cuts to the payments. It is hard to live on a dividend income if the company's earnings are not consistent. Dividend Growth Potential With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share (EPS) are growing - it's not worth taking the risk on a dividend getting cut, unless you might be rewarded with larger dividends in future. It's not great to see that NWS Holdings's have fallen at approximately 6.4% over the past five years. A modest decline in earnings per share is not great to see, but it doesn't automatically make a dividend unsustainable. Still, we'd vastly prefer to see EPS growth when researching dividend stocks. We'd also point out that NWS Holdings issued a meaningful number of new shares in the past year. Trying to grow the dividend when issuing new shares reminds us of the ancient Greek tale of Sisyphus - perpetually pushing a boulder uphill. Companies that consistently issue new shares are often suboptimal from a dividend perspective. Conclusion To summarise, shareholders should always check that NWS Holdings's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. First, the company has a payout ratio that was within an average range for most dividend stocks, but it paid out virtually all of its generated cash flow. Earnings per share have been falling, and the company has cut its dividend at least once in the past. From a dividend perspective, this is a cause for concern. In this analysis, NWS Holdings doesn't shape up too well as a dividend stock. We'd find it hard to look past the flaws, and would not be inclined to think of it as a reliable dividend-payer. Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is to one to which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. Case in point: We've spotted 4 warning signs for NWS Holdings (of which 1 doesn't sit too well with us!) you should know about. We have also put together a list of global stocks with a market capitalisation above $1bn and yielding more 3%. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. An overwhelmed nurse working on the front line in the battle against coronavirus has revealed how medical staff are 'terrified' that the nation's hospitals will collapse under the onslaught of a massive outbreak. And the health care worker blames a woeful lack of preparation, zero transparency from hospital management and poor communication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Los Angeles based registered nurse, who, fearing retribution asked to remain anonymous, says she and her colleagues, which include doctors and other high ranking medical staff, are fearful the crisis will quickly overwhelm their resources resulting in unnecessary deaths. She also feels 'let down' by the government and she and many colleagues believe Donald Trump's 'nonchalant, no big deal' attitude hasn't helped the situation. 'I hate to use foul language but it's a bit of a sh**show,' the nurse blasted in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com. An LA-based registered nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, says she and her colleagues, are fearful the coronavirus crisis will overwhelm their resources The nurse says there's an obvious lack of ventilators and available beds to deal with the surge of seriously ill patients 'We have thought about these things on small levels, but we have not tested any of it and we are not prepared for a lot of this. 'From a nursing perspective, what is keeping us up at night, is this lack of preparation, lack of transparency and no plan of attack. 'I work on the frontline. I'm terrified of how the slow response and slow direction from basically all government agencies has added to the risk and will cost lives. 'I ride public transportation to work and even I don't know if I should and I'm a nurse. 'I think CDC has been trying, but have they been trying hard enough? Have we taken a strong enough stance, have we acted quickly and decisively? In my opinion no. 'We do not want to cause panic, but there is a reason to be afraid. What you are seeing over toilet paper is going to happen in hospital hallways over ventilators.' She added ominously: 'This is a sink or swim situation and it feels like we have been thrown in without a life boat.' The nurse, who is a senior charge nurse with more than 11 years experience across multiple health care roles, says hospitals have been getting 'mixed messages' from central government which has a detrimental affect on any preparations. LA County announced 50 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus Tuesday, bringing the county's total to more than 140. The deadly pathogen has claimed 12 lives in California so far as officials take extraordinary measures to try to slow the spread. 'It doesn't help that you have a very nonchalant, no big deal, this is nothing attitude coming from the highest levels of our government either,' the nurse said. 'I know that is now changing, but you have a huge base of people who really believe everything that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth. It's hard to continue being in this profession when you have the mentality of a lot of people like that.' She says she feels 'let down' by government and she and many colleagues believe Donald Trump's 'nonchalant, no big deal' attitude hasn't helped Health officials have already warned the government that they're not fully equipped to handle a massive coronavirus outbreak after experts estimated the US could see as many as one million cases of COVID-19. Hospitals are setting up triage tents, calling doctors out of retirement, guarding their supplies of face masks and making plans to cancel elective surgery as they brace for an expected onslaught of coronavirus patients. Depending on how bad the crisis gets, the sick could find themselves waiting on stretchers in emergency room hallways for hospital beds to open up, or be required to share rooms with other infected patients. Some doctors fear hospitals could become so overwhelmed that they could be forced to ration medical care. The nurse who spoke to DailyMail.com is also concerned about already overworked, frazzled staff becoming burnt out at the height of the crisis. Not to mention the nightmare situation many nurses now find themselves in with no access child care. But she and her colleagues' biggest fear is the obvious lack of ventilators and available beds to deal with the surge of seriously ill patients. In Wuhan, China, where the outbreak originated in late December, patients died because they couldn't access care. In the event of running out of ventilators, we're going to have to make in the moment decisions on who lives and who dies According to a report by the Institute for Disease Modeling in Bellevue, Washington, under the worst-case scenario, the number of active infections will exceed the number of beds by a large margin in the next fortnight. 'In the event of running out of ventilators, we're going to have to make in the moment decisions on who lives and who dies,' she says. 'And of course there's limited bed space.' What's more the nurse believes we're going to see a lot of healthcare professionals themselves getting ill. 'Our staffing is going to take a big dive. We're going to have patients who require one to one observation and we will not have staff availability. 'With everything we can see and project forward, with the way things are going right now... we're definitely going to see an increase in the death toll.' The nurse says that at the beginning of March her hospital began preparing in earnest for the coronavirus outbreak to worsen as the cases in the US began to rapidly grow. 'I will say that my hospital is absolutely one of the more prepared and is taking this very seriously,' she said. But last Wednesday the nurse said their was a sudden switch in feeling. What was happening around the world and in other US states didn't match the mixed messages she and her colleagues were getting from hospital management and the CDC. 'Things started to feel very different and very concerning last week,' she says. 'A lot of that has to do with the lack of clear communication and transparency that we are getting from even our allies in the CDC. 'Our leadership in government, there has been a slowness to respond. And even my hospital, which normally should be leading the way, is having to deal with some of this hesitation. 'It didn't help that the first batch of tests that we did get from the CDC were confessed to be faulty. 'So at the very beginning testing may not have been accurate so the numbers are off.' The nurse tells DailyMail.com that she expects the crisis to result in unnecessary deaths Registered Nurses and Healthcare workers participated in a day of action rally at the USC Keck Hospital in Los Angeles last week. The rally was in response to the CDC's weakening coronavirus guidance Last week, the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association asked for a presidential emergency declaration allowing doctors and nurses to work across state lines and would waive certain rules to free up hospital beds. Similar declarations were issued during Hurricane Katrina and the swine flu outbreak. On Friday, President Donald Trump responded by issuing an emergency declaration and said he was giving the US health secretary authority to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals 'flexibility' in treating patients. Plans are also underway to allow partnerships with major businesses to set up drive-thru testing centers. But the nurse says the fear within healthcare is palpable. She admits that in her position she is not privy to all the high level strategy plans being discussed behind the scenes at her hospital. But she says: 'It's more of a general fear because of the lack of information or lack of preparedness. Whatever is being discussed, there's a lack of transparency. She added: 'We know that there was a slow response to get us the proper tests for coronavirus. 'Los Angeles has a very slow rollout on testing. We know from our colleagues that at one of the bigger hospitals on Wednesday last week they had four cases suspected cases of coronavirus come in and because of the red tape that was still in place, they were only allowed to test one patient. So the numbers, the data that we have, is still very inaccurate.' The situation with protective masks is also of concern. The nurse says caregivers are using masks in hospitals which have a 90 minute limit of use, but she fears this isn't sustainable. 'In the event that something happens and let's say that I spent my first hour with a patient and all of a sudden towards the end of my shift that patient is crashing and now I have to spend an extra hour in there, I can't just pop out of an emergency to change my mask,' she says. The nurse says her hospital does have access to protective suits called PAPR, which vent the air out, but those are of limited supply. The government claims it is working on a solution. In New York Monday, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Center said that they only have a week's supply of masks available. The shortage is apparently due to production and distribution delays in China, where most personal protective equipment is manufactured. In Connecticut, around 200 nurses couldn't to do their jobs because they were stuck in isolation. They were unable to get tested after being exposed to coronavirus. As panic over the spread of coronavirus deepens the healthcare system will be inundated with concerned citizens wanting help, even if they show no symptoms. The nurse said a lot of colleagues at other facilities say their hospitals still haven't stopped visitors coming to the hospital and claim they're getting hundreds of looky-loos and people asking for masks even though they're not sick. The health care worker blames lack of preparation, zero transparency from hospital management and poor communication from the CDC. Pictured are empty shelves inside a CVS in Burbank, California The usually bustling Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica is closed in response to the coronovirus outbreak Some hospitals are yet to cancel elective surgeries and they're not doing proper triaging of coronavirus patients. Burn out is another major concern and tired and stressed out nurses are turning to companies like HOLLIBLU to help bolster morale. The LA based firm has launched an app to support nurses across the country, especially during this stressful time. Founder and CEO Cara Lunsford told DailyMail.com: 'The level of burnout that I was seeing in the nursing community concerned me, well before we ever had COVID-19. 'I was really concerned about what was going to happen to the nurse community because so many nurses, even after just two years as a medical professional, were looking for other jobs. 'And I was starting to think what's going to happen if we lose our bedside nurses, what's going to happen to healthcare.' Founder and CEO HOLLIBLU Cara Lunsford told DailyMail.com: 'The level of burnout that I was seeing in the nursing community concerned me, well before we ever had COVID-19 For the charge nurse who shared her experiences with DailyMail.com, despite all the concern over the oncoming crisis, she knows she and her colleagues will step up to the mark during this crisis. 'Yes we're concerned, we're afraid, but that's not stopping anything,' she said. 'We will stare this crisis head on and we will show up. When you put us where we're supposed to be and you put us to work and we know what we're doing, that's when we take over, we're the bridge.' HOLLIBLU boss Lunsford, a registered nurse, echoes that sentiment. 'This is exactly why nurses need to be cared for even more, because these nurses are the people who run head first into crises,' she said. 'They are the ones that are showing up despite the fact that their children are out of school and they're struggling to find childcare. 'They are the ones that put themselves in the line of fire. And already they're not being cared for it, the institutions are not supporting them, they're not backing them. 'We need to raise the bar on how they're treated, so in times like these, they can come to the front line.' Lunsford's firm has started a program called Nurse Kid Watch which asks the community and support group to pitch in and help each other during the crisis. HOLLIBLU is supporting nurses by sending them on mission trips, offering support and guidance and throwing pizza parties at hospitals on Fridays to boost morale. Lunsford has also created the Do Better initiative which aims to raise the standards of how nursing staff are treated in terms of pay, adequate health care plans and getting proper breaks on long shifts. 'We realize that we really needed to build some support for them and also be able to raise the level of how companies are treating their nurses. 'What we're doing is challenging companies to think about why they are so short staffed, why they have such a high turnover of personnel.' Lunsford added that nurses are also stepping up to give blood. Due to a lack of blood donors, nurses and other healthcare workers are offering to give their own blood to help keep up the supply, she said. HOLLIBLU is doing all that we can to bring as much support as possible to these amazing people. HOLLIBLU is free to join for nurses and the firm has 8,000 people who have downloaded the app and 3,000 that are active on the platform. For more info please visit holliblu.com Eunoia, the marketing solutions arm of Dentsu Aegis Network, has bagged the creative duties for AEON Credit Services India. As part of the mandate, the agency will handle all creative communications, campaign designs and media consulting services for the brand. The agency won the mandate following a multi-agency pitch. On winning the account, Fabian Trevor Cowan, Director, Eunoia, said, We consider it a privilege to have won the confidence of ACSI. AEONs brand promise of being Faster, Simpler and More Convenient ties in perfectly well with our values of simple yet effective communication, delivered with agility which is focused on performance. Speaking on the partnership, the spokesperson from AEON Credit Services India, said, We are really glad to have Eunoia as a partner in our journey for developing new products and providing non-banking financial services to our customers. With Dentsu on Board, its a win-win situation for both Partners. Aeon would like to leverage Dentsus global experience and capabilities to ensure precise communication in Aeons creative across all products. With them, we will continue to build highly convenient financial services for the customers, add impetus to all our marketing initiatives and grow AEON PAN India. Aeon Credit Service is as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) for providing financial services and provides loans like two-wheeler, personal loan, consumer durable loan etc. The major shareholder of ACSI is AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. Japan (AFS JAPAN) which is a listed entity on First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange. AFS Japan has operations in 13 countries including Japan. Since January 2018, ACSI has expanded its operation by enrolling over 1,000 merchants across Mumbai. WASHINGTONThe U.S. military is pausing the movement of any new troops into Afghanistan and is quarantining 1,500 troops and civilians who recently arrived to avoid any possible spread of the coronavirus, the top commander in the country said Thursday. Troops who are already in the country may have their deployments extended so missions can continue. The announcement comes as the United States is reducing its troop presence in Afghanistan as part of the peace deal signed last month between the U.S. and the Taliban. In a tweet, Army Gen. Scott Miller said the military has started new screening procedures for personnel arriving in the country. About 1,500 service members, civilians and contractors who have gone to Afghanistan from various countries in the past week are living in screening facilities. Miller said most are either new deployments or people returning from leave and they are being quarantined out of an abundance of caution, not because they are sick. He added that the U.S.-led coalition is also limiting access to critical personnel and bases. So far, 21 U.S. and coalition personnel exhibiting flu-like symptoms are in isolation and receiving medical care. None has tested positive for the coronavirus. There are more than 12,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, but that number is supposed to gradually drop to about 8,600 over the next few months as part of the peace deal. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In Afghanistan, 22 people have been diagnosed with the virus but no deaths have been reported. The Indian high commission on Thursday issued another advisory asking citizens and students stranded in the UK to contact it with details about their situation, while following the advice of British health authorities on the coronavirus pandemic. If you are facing difficulties with finding accommodation, please reach usthe High Commission will try to help you, it said, asking those stranded to contact the mission by email on info.london@mea.gov.in. In light of current travel advisory, travel to India remains temporarily restricted till 31.3.20The High Commission continues to engage with the UK authorities on guidance for Indians in the UK whose visas are due to expire but are currently unable to leave, it added. On campuses across the UK, thousands of Indian students face uncertainty as universities switch to online teaching and scramble to deal with the implications of the coronavirus challenge, with some managing to leave for India, but others stuck in the UK. The uncertainty has been heightened in universities that asked students to leave campus and go home during Easter vacations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON SOUTHBURY A Southbury resident has tested positive for the coronavirus, town officials announced Thursday morning. This is the first case confirmed in Southbury. The resident is being treated by a local hospital, said Robert Harrison, spokesman for the towns Emergency Operations Center. While this is disconcerting, it was not unexpected, he wrote. There is community transmission of coronavirus happening throughout Connecticut and local populations. At this time all citizens should be diligent with their personal hygiene and social distancing. Most importantly, your efforts to limit social exposure will be your best defense against COVID-19 and help flatten the curve of emerging cases. Two people have died in Connecticut of the virus, with 96 cases in the state, as of Thursday morning. Harrison urged residents to follow federal guidelines to slow the spread of the virus. This is especially important for our vulnerable population, older adults and those with underlying chronic health conditions, he said. Five arrested for using poison to kill, steal dogs Stolen dogs are locked in a cage in Nghe An Province, March 16, 2020. Photo courtesy of Nghe An Police. Nghe An Police have detained five suspects for using poisoned meat to entice and kill at least 100 dogs to sell their meat. Since dogs are sold by weight to unofficial slaughterhouses and/or dog meat restaurants, the police said that the dogs weighed more than a ton. Nguyen Hoang Hai, Vo Dinh Trong and Nguyen Quoc Dung, 34, Nguyen Trong Huy, 57, and 30-year-old Tran Van Muoi are being invesatigated for the crime of stealing property, an offense punishable by up to 15 years in jail, police in the central province said Wednesday. On Monday, police officers in Nghi Loc District arrested Hai and Dung while they were selling stolen dogs to Nguyen Thi Luyen, 51, for consumption. Expanding the investigation, they arrested three more suspects and seized 12 dogs and three homemade guns as well as dog-snatching devices. Luyen was detained first for investigating charges of "harboring or consuming property acquired through the commission of crime by other persons." Authorities said the gang was involved in at least 100 dog poisoning cases since late last month. They laced grilled pork with poison and scattered it on the streets. Many dogs ingested the poisoned grilled pork and died the spot, and the thieves collected the bodies for sale. Some dogs are caught alive. They threatened to use their weapons if someone tried to stop them, police said. However the police did not say if their investigation would expand to consumption of poisoned dog meat by humans. Dog theft is rarely treated as a criminal offense in Vietnam. Only when a stolen animal is valued at more than VND2 million ($86) can it be dealt with as a crime under current Vietnamese law. Vietnam consumes an estimated five million dogs a year, second only to China's 20 million. Many dogs that make the pot are stolen pets sold to small, unregulated abattoirs. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 12:41 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd017b 1 World COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,India,Wuhan-coronavirus,Indonesian-Embassy-New-Delhi Free The Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi confirmed on Thursday that eight Indonesian citizens had tested positive for COVID-19 and were now under intensive care at a hospital in Indias city of Hyderabad. Local news outlet The New Indian Express reported on Tuesday morning that a total of 10 Indonesians and three Indians had been admitted to Hyderabads Gandhi Hospital on Monday after they were suspected to have contracted the coronavirus. The police said the 10 Indonesians were part of an Islamic outreach organization and had arrived in Karimnagar a city in Telangana state in southeast India on Saturday from Delhi. Indonesian Ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that eight of the 10 Indonesians were now receiving treatment and were in a stable condition. The two others [Indonesians] are still being examined. The result will be announced today [Thursday], he told The Jakarta Post via instant messaging. We have to appreciate the efforts of the Indian and Telangana health authorities. The embassy is in constant communication with the Indian Foreign Ministry, he added. Separately on Tuesday, Sidharto said the embassy was closely monitoring the case, without providing further details about the chronology of the matter. The news outlet reported that the Indonesians as well as three Indians were staying in a mosque after arriving in Karimnagar. As the Indian government has restricted international arrivals into the country due to the coronavirus pandemic, authorities who had received information regarding the arrival of the Indonesians began to look for them and later took them to a nearby hospital for COVID-19 tests before taking them to Hyderabad. Sidharto pointed out that the embassy would ensure that the Indonesian citizens rights were protected in accordance with Indian law. The Indonesian embassy will provide interpreting services for them. I have also spoken to the Telangana director of public health. They said our fellow Indonesians were being taken care of in the hospital, Sidharto said Tuesday. The embassy is ready to cooperate with Indian health authorities to ensure the well-being of people around us," he added. The Centre will take stringent action against those trying to change the basic character of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said in Rajya Sabha. The mandate of the JNU is research. The JNU's basic character which existed earlier will continue to remain, he said during the Question Hour in the Upper House. "Those who change the character of the university, we will take stringent action against them. The government will not shy away from that," Nishank said. He was responding to a query whether the government will sack the current vice chancellor in connection with recent protest in the campus over the issue of fee hike. On removal of deprivation points in JNU, the Minister said, "I totally refute what member has said." JNU has informed that it is providing the benefit of deprivation points in all other courses of the university except M Phil, Ph D, MBA and Dual Degree (B Tech and MS/M. Tech), he said. The university has adopted UGC regulations 2016 (M Phil, Ph D Regulation 2016) with the approval of statutory bodies of the university. "Further, Delhi High Court has directed JNU to follow UGC Regulations in toto. The benefit of deprivation points is extended to students of deprived/backward areas irrespective of their income groups," he added. Deprivation points are not based on household income, the Minister said, adding it is done based on the 2011 census considering economic issues. The number of students from rural areas in research degrees in 2016 was 48.3 per cent, which increased to 51.42 per cent in 2019, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - Barack Obama has expressed his concern to a wife of a physician who is working with COVID-19 patients - Rachel Patzer and her husband decided that he should self isolate for the foreseeable future - The mother of three just had her third baby and it pained her to know that the husband was not going to hold any of his children for a while Former US president Barack Obama has sympathised with a wife of a health official that is working with patients infected with the coronavirus. A lady named Rachel Patzer told the story of her husband, a physician, treating coronavirus patients and both decided that he should self isolate for the foreseeable future. READ ASLO: DJ Pierra Makena stranded in US after postponing tour over coronavirus READ ALSO: Floyd Mayweather loses uncle, trainer just days after ex-wife's' death "My spouse is a physician in the emergency department and is actively treating coronavirus patients. We just made the difficult decision for him to isolate and move into our garage apartment for the foreseeable future as he continues to treat patients," Rachel said. Rachel said they have three children and one is just three weeks old and it pained her not knowing for how long his husband will not be able to hold their babies. "We have a three weeks old newborn and two young kids and cannot risk it. It pains me to wonder how many weeks will go by that he will not get to hold our new baby or see our older kids. This is one example of the sacrifice that healthcare workers are making for our communities," she added. READ ALSO: TV host Kush Tracey introduces young, gorgeous mom to fans during 26th birthday READ ALSO: Blaming the president for letting China plane into country is dumb - Vera Sidika She said it was a sacrifice and was sad to see other people not heeding to the guidelines given as it puts more people at risk asking people to take care of themselves. President Obama thanked her for the hard decision she and her husband had to take, saying we all have profound gratitude for the work they were doing. He asked that we model our behaviors to also help stop the spread of the virus as it was all a sacrifice. "We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all our health professionals and everybody wholl be on the front lines of this pandemic for a long while. Theyre giving everything. May we all model our own behavior on their selflessness and sacrifice as we help each other through this," Obama said. Meanwhile, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe confirmed on Wednesday, March 18, that there were three new cases of coronavirus in Kenya. Two of the three patients arrived in Kenya from the UK while the other travelled from Dubai to Nairobi recently. Kagwe noted most cases reported and confirmed in the country involved patients who came in from other countries. That leaves the total number of confirmed patients in Kenya, at the moment, to be seven. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Middle-class Kenyans on 'self-quarantine' and 'work from home' government directive | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Landscape House, a fully fitted office building in Baldonnell Business Park in south-west Dublin, is being offered for sale and or letting. Agents Savills is guiding a 1.2m sale price or 180,000 for annual rent. The office building extends to 15,222 sq ft and benefits from 28 car spaces. The vendor is DPS Group Global. This semi-detached two-storey building is located on Clonlara Road within Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin 22, The park has immediate access onto the N7 Naas Road which provides access to all the main arterial routes linking Dublin with the key provincial cities of Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Notable occupiers in the park include MJ Flood, Walls to Workstations and Home Store + More. The building is of metal frame construction with an insulated metal deck roof. Magowan Park in Derry's Creggan Estate where a man in his thirties was shot. Credit: Martin McKeown Police have hit out at the "vicious and brutal" paramilitary-style shooting of a man in Londonderry on Wednesday night. Three masked men called to the door of a house in the Magowan Park area of Creggan at around 11pm and shot a male occupant in the leg. The victim, aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment. Detective sergeant McLaughlin said: "This has all the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style shooting. It was a planned, vicious and brutal attack, which is completely unacceptable in today's society." Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Karen Mullan condemned the shooting. There is no place for attacks like this in our society and those responsible are not representative of the local community," she said. "This comes at a time when our medical staff are under intense pressure and the community is dealing with the biggest public health crisis it has ever faced. Whoever did this needs to listen to the people of the area and end these attacks immediately. Anyone with any information regarding the shooting has been urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2001 of 18/03/20. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man has been hospitalised after being attacked with a machete in Ballymena. The incident, which police are treating as a paramilitary-style attack, happened in the Casement Street area of the town on Wednesday night. Five masked men forced their way into an apartment at around 11.55pm and assaulted the occupant with a machete before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to hospital for injuries to his head. PSNI detective sergeant Peter Crothers said: "This was a vicious and brutal assault, which we are treating as a paramilitary-style attack at this time. We must all work together to bring those responsible to justice and stop this from happening to anyone else. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident, or has information they think could assist this investigation, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2041 of 18/03/20. unemployment Rick Bowmer/ AP The coronavirus pandemic is threatening to plunge the nation into a recession, and signs are emerging significant numbers of Americans are already losing their jobs. At least 11 states saw skyrocketing numbers of people filing for unemployment benefits, according to The Washington Post and data rounded up by economist Jacob Robbins. In New Jersey, so many people filed for unemployment that it crashed the state's website. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The coronavirus pandemic threatens to throw the economy into a tailspin as businesses shutter across the travel and service sectors and put people out of work. There is increasing evidence that the number of people registering for unemployment benefits is skyrocketing across the country as a result of the pandemic and putting systems under significant strain. The figures are starting to come in from states, and it may be just the beginning of a grim portrait emerging in the labor market, The Washington Post reported. Economist Jacob Robbins also rounded up data illustrating the surge of people seeking unemployment benefits. Here are the initial wave of unemployment claims that rocked 11 state governments in recent days: Story continues The Trump administration is proposing a $1 trillion stimulus package as a lifeline to the battered American economy. Without further action, unemployment in the US could reach 20% double the worst figure reached during the Great Recession, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned. Read more: Dan Rasmussen studied every financial crisis back to 1970. He shares exactly where his data says to put your money as markets plunge and explains why 'now is a very good buying opportunity' Other experts are warning of massive job losses. Former Trump administration economist Kevin Hassett told CNN there could be as many as 1 million jobs lost in March. Read the original article on Business Insider New Delhi/Tehran, March 19 : Iran's democratic coalition of opposition organisations has claimed that the actual number of coronavirus casualties in the Islamic republic is much higher than what the theocratic regime in Tehran has revealed. In a scathing report, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which was formed in 1981 and headed by well-known activist Marayam Rajavi, has said that "Several indicators confirm that the extent of the crisis is far greater than what the theocratic regime has admitted." The NCRI said the very first report on the epidemic was about the death of two infected people, without any specific information about where the virus had first been detected in Iran. "Considering that it usually takes a period of at least 27 days to detect visible signs of the illness, and that according to sporadic, unofficial reports, the first death in Iran took place in the city of Qom at least three days after the patient's hospitalisation, and that death was announced before test results were even in," the NCRI said. Blaming the Iranian Revolutionary Guards for the spread of the virus to the city of Qom, the epicentre of the pandemic in Iran, NCRI pointed out that the regime did not suspend air services to China even as Wuhan had been badly hit. "Evidence shows that the IRGC has been complicit in the spread of the virus and from there to other cities," the NCRI said. Quoting Dr Massoud Mardani, a specialist in infectious diseases and member of the National Influenza Committee and Massoud Pezeshkian, first deputy speaker of the Parliament and a former Health Minister, the NCRI calculated that the number of those dead due to the infection could be six times higher than the number revealed by the Iranian regime. Mardani had told the state-owned daily Entekhab on March 5 that coronavirus was transmitting very rapidly. "As one contaminated person can infect four others, we estimate that 30 to 40 per cent of Tehran's population will be infected by the virus in two weeks," she had said. Tehran has a population of 12 to 13 million. Pezeshkian on March 3 had said, "The [official] numbers are not real, because there are a number of patients who show no symptoms. We locate 95 [infected] people and two die, so we say 2 have died out of a 100, whereas it may be that 2 per cent of 10,000 have died." Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the NCRI, said the regime had been aware of the spread of the virus to Iran for some time, but on the order of the regime's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, it resorted to a cover-up to ensure a high turnout for the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution and the sham election. "The virus rapidly spread to different parts of Iran because people were kept in the dark." The regime has consistently underreported the number of people infected or killed by the virus and has turned the issue of statistics into a security matter, thus covering up the extent of the public health crisis facing Iran and the world, the NCRI said. March 22 is World Water Day, an international day of focus on the importance of freshwater and advocating for its care. As an initiative of the United Nations, we often think of how people around the world lack clean drinking water and wastewater treatment. Its also helpful for Indianapolis community members to better understand where our drinking water comes from and how each and every citizen can help protect our water and waterways. Did you know that 60% of Indys drinking water comes from the White River?This is the same White River that runs from northern Indiana through towns and farmlands and cities, along factories and parking lots. The White River continues south of Indianapolis into the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and finally dumps into the Gulf of Mexico. When it rains, all the trash and chemicals and loose topsoil within the watershed washes into and pollutes that same river, affecting the health of the river and the wildlife that depend on it. We want to keep our river as clean as possible because its the very water that comes out of our faucets, that makes our morning coffee, hits us in the face in the shower, and that we boil to make our kids mac and cheese. The watershed is made up of many smaller waterways that drain into the White River. Central Canal, Fall Creek, Little Eagle Creek, Pleasant Run and Pogues Run are all tributaries, or smaller waterways connected to the White River in Indy. This allows chemicals on lawns, pet waste, litter, cars that drip oil and other pollutants to make their way from yards and streets and parking lots, into storm drains, into tributary waterways, into our river and eventually into our oceans. Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW) is a local collective impact initiative that works with neighborhoods across Indianapolis to engage residents with our waterways. Neighborhood volunteers along six Indianapolis waterways meet monthly and develop community-led workplans to connect neighbors with the waterway nearby, raise awareness about water, and take action to improve the waterways. ROW collectively strives to lift up community efforts, especially in communities of color and high poverty, since those are often where disinvestment and disenfranchisement have led to the most polluted and impacted waterways. Bring the ideals of World Water Day to your own home, neighborhood, workplace or congregation. Find ways, big and small, to conserve water and clean up our waterways. Simple acts like planting native plants and trees, picking up pet waste, reducing chemicals on the lawn, cleaning up litter, clearing storm drains, can all make our waterways the very water that comes out of our faucet (after treatment) cleaner. Clean waterways also become spaces to gather family and friends for picnics, cookouts, walks, bike rides, fishing, waterside events and even on-water activities like canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Every one of us can make a difference this World Water Day and beyond. What positive action will you take? Learn more about ways to get involved at www.ourwaterways.org. Take a pledge to do a small, positive action and see how it adds up at https://indiana.clearchoicescleanwater.org/ Organize a clean-up or tree planting at www.kibi.org. About Reconnecting to Our Waterways Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW) is a collective impact initiative that has worked purposefully since 2012 to change the quality of life and ecology along Indianapolis waterways and surrounding neighborhoods. ROW has been able to convene community partners to enhance quality of life through innovation, analysis, cultural advancement and investment along Indy waterways and neighborhoods. ROW focuses on six of Indianapoliss main waterways: Fall Creek, Pogues Run, Pleasant Run, White River, Little Eagle Creek and the Central Canal. ROW has received generous financial support from a variety of sources, including the Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, which enabled ROW to build its capacity. For a schedule of upcoming waterway meetings or for more information, visit http://www.ourwaterways.org, Facebook.com/OurWaterways or Twitter @OurWaterways. Julie L Rhodes is collective impact director of Reconnecting to Our Waterways. In view of downtown, Rosezalynn Stanford fishes off an old rail bridge that crosses Central Canal just off Bursdal Parkway. Its an everyday thing that connects us. No matter what nationality, background, mental illness, or addiction, everyone can get together. When youre fishing you come upon people and get to know them. Its relaxing and its an abundant experience. See more Reflections from residents living, working and playing on our waterways at: https://ourwaterways.org/reflections/ The global coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 230,000 people worldwide, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness. Here's a roundup of developments in RFE/RL's broadcast countries. Iran The death toll from the coronavirus in Iran continues to rise as the worst-affected country in the Middle East prepares for scaled-down celebrations of Norouz, the Persian New Year. "With 149 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, the death toll from the virus has reached 1,284," Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said on state television on March 19. Unfortunately, we have had 1,046 new cases of infection since yesterday, Raisi added. Iran has the third-highest number of registered cases after China and Italy. With the country reeling from the outbreak, officials have recommended that Iranians stay home during the March 20 holiday, a time when hundreds of thousands usually travel to be with friends and relatives. The government has closed schools at all levels, banned sports and cultural events, and curtailed religious activities to try and slow the spread of the virus. Kianoush Jahanpour, the head of the Health Ministry's public relations and information center , noted on March 19 that the data on the outbreak means an Iranian dies every 10 minutes from COVID-19, while 50 infections occur each hour of the day. "With respect to this information, people must make a conscious decision about travel, traffic, transportation, and sightseeing," he added. Despite the dire circumstances, many Iranians were angered by the temporary closure of Shi'ite sites, prompting some earlier this week to storm into the courtyards of two major shrines -- Mashhad's Imam Reza shrine and Qom's Fatima Masumeh shrine. Crowds typically pray there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, touching and kissing the shrine. That's worried health officials, who for weeks ordered Iran's Shi'ite clergy to close them. Earlier on March 19, officials announced that the country wouldnt mark its annual day celebrating its nuclear program because of the outbreak. Georgia The Georgian government has ordered the closure of shops except grocery stores and pharmacies beginning March 20 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The measure, announced on March 19, also exempts gas stations, post offices, and bank branches. The South Caucasus country has so far reported 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, and no deaths. Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia on March 19 said he would declare a state of emergency, as many countries in Europe already have, if health authorities advise him to do so. "As of today, I would like to emphasize that there is no need for this. However, in agreement with the president, we have decided, as soon as that need arises, that we will be able to make this decision within a few hours," he said. Romania President Klaus Iohannis has urged Romanians working abroad to refrain from traveling home for the Orthodox Easter amid fears of a worsening of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Romania has been under a 30-day state of emergency since March 16. Iohannis made the appeal in a televised speech on March 19 as thousands of workers returning from Western Europe were slowly crossing into Romania after having clogged Hungary's borders both to the west and the east for two days in a row. Romania is the European Union's second-poorest country, and at least 4 million Romanians work abroad, according to estimates. The bottlenecks were worsened by Hungary's decision to close its borders on very short notice from March 17 at midnight -- a measure relaxed by Budapest after consultations with the Romanian government. "Romanians from abroad are dear to us, and we long to be with them for Easter," Iohannis said. "However, that won't be possible this year.... We must tell them with sadness but also with sincerity not to come home for the holidays," he added. Some 12,500 mostly Romanian travelers had crossed into Romania in 4,600 vehicles as of the morning of March 19, Romanian border police said. They said 180 people were immediately quarantined, while some 10,000 were ordered into self-isolation once they reached their destinations. The rest were mostly travelers in transit toward Moldova and Bulgaria, according to the police. Romania has confirmed 277 coronavirus cases. One of the patients is in serious condition in intensive care, while 25 people have recovered, according to health authorities. No deaths have been reported so far. However, authorities are concerned that the massive number of Romanians returning, mostly from Italy and Spain -- the European countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic -- will lead to a spike in infections in the run-up to Orthodox Easter on April 19. The Romanian military has started building an emergency hospital in Bucharest amid fears that the country's crumbling health-care system will not be able to cope with the outbreak. Ukraine Some 900 Ukrainians are embarking on March 19 on a train journey from Prague to Kyiv as part of an evacuation plan amid the coronavirus pandemic. The train is set to travel through the Czech Republic and Poland, where it will make a stop at Przemysl, before heading to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv and the capital. Yevhen Perebiynis, the Ukrainian ambassador to Prague, tweeted that more than 3,000 Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic had asked to be evacuated. Meanwhile, the mayor of Zhytomyr, Serhiy Sukhomlyn, said the city located 140 kilometers west of Kyiv recorded its first coronavirus infection. Sukhomlyn said the patient, aged 56, had recently returned from Austria. As of March 19, there were 21 confirmed cases of the respiratory illness in six regions and the capital, Kyiv, the Health Ministry said. Meanwhile, Ukraine recorded its third death linked to COVID-19 in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region. An elderly woman died one day after visiting a hospital with severe flu-like symptoms, according to the Health Ministry. Russia Russian officials have reported the country's first death connected to the coronavirus outbreak, but quickly backtracked, saying an elderly woman perished due to a detached blood clot. The Moscow health department said on March 19 that the 79-year-old, who had tested positive for COVID-19, died in a Moscow hospital from pneumonia related to the virus. Svetlana Krasnova, head doctor at Moscow's hospital No. 2 for infectious diseases, said in a statement that the woman had been admitted with "a host of chronic diseases," including type 2 diabetes and heart problems. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin then confirmed the coronavirus-releated death, saying on Twitter, "Unfortunately, we have the first loss from the coronavirus infection." Hours later, however, health officials put out another statement saying an autopsy had confirmed the woman had died of a blood clot. A subsequent official tally of the number of official coronavirus cases in Russia showed 199 confirmed infections but no deaths. It was not clear whether the woman's death would eventually be counted as a result of the virus. Though President Vladimir Putin said earlier this week that the situation was "generally under control," many Russians have shown a distrust for official claims over the virus, and fear the true situation is much worse than they are being told. Amid a recent rise in the number of cases, officials have temporarily barred entry to foreigners and imposed restrictions on flights and public gatherings. The national health watchdog on March 19 tightened restrictions for all travellers from abroad with a decree requiring "all individuals arriving to Russia" to be isolated, either at home or elsewhere. Serbia Serbia has closed its main airport for all passenger flights and said it will shut its borders for all but freight traffic in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. The government banned commercial flights to and from the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade on March 19. However, the airport will remain open to humanitarian and cargo flights, according to the Ministry of Construction, Traffic, and Infrastructure. Later in the day, President Aleksandar Vucic said that as of March 20, Serbia's border crossings will be closed for all passenger road and rail transport. "Nothing but trucks will be allowed to enter," Vucic said. "From noon tomorrow we will also halt commercial passenger transport inside the country." The move comes after some 70,000 Serbs working in Western Europe and their families returned to Serbia in the last few days despite appeals by authorities not to do so. Serbia currently has 103 confirmed coronavirus cases, with no fatalities. The Balkan country had already imposed a state of emergency, introduced a night curfew for all citizens, and ordered the elderly to stay indoors. Pakistan Authorities in Pakistan have closed shrines of Sufi saints in the capital, Islamabad, and elsewhere while access to museums, archaeological, and tourist sites have been banned as confirmed coronavirus cases jumped to 301, mostly in pilgrims returning from Iran. Two Pakistanis who had returned from Saudi Arabia and Dubai became the country's first victims when they died on March 18 in the northwest. Schools have already been shut in Pakistan. Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly pilgrims, have been placed into quarantine in recent weeks at the Taftan border crossing in the country's southwestern province of Balochistan after returning from Iran, one of the world's worst affected countries. Pakistani authorities on March 19 plan to quarantine hundreds more pilgrims who returned from Iran. These pilgrims will be kept at isolated buildings in central Pakistan for 14 days. Uzbekistan Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoevs influential son-in-law says police have identified individuals who allegedly published the names of Uzbek nationals who tested positive for the new coronavirus. Otabek Umarov, who is also the deputy head of the presidents personal security, said on Instagram that officials are now trying to determine the legality of the perpetrators actions. A joint working group set up by the Interior Ministry and the Prosecutor-Generals Office has also identified 33 social media accounts involved in disseminating false information that provokes panic among people, Umarov wrote. He called the accounts a betrayal of the country and a matter of national security. Umarovs comments come amid a campaign by the Uzbek government to crack down on information that incites panic and fear among the public amid the coronavirus crisis. On March 16, the countrys Justice Ministry said that, according to Uzbek law, those involved in preparing materials with the intention of inciting panic -- and those storing such materials with the intent to distribute them -- will face up to $9,400 in fines or up to three years in prison. Those who spread such information through media and the Internet face up to eight years in prison, the ministry added. The statement came a day after the Central Asian nation announced its first confirmed coronavirus infection, which prompted the government to introduce sweeping measures to contain the outbreak, including closing its borders, suspending international flights, closing schools, and banning public gatherings. The number of infections had risen to 23 as of the morning of March 19, the Health Ministry said. The ministry said that the 23 individuals are all Uzbek nationals who had returned home from Europe, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The Health Ministry regularly updates its social media accounts with information on the outbreak in Uzbekistan. Posts are frequently accompanied by the hashtag quarantine without panic in both Uzbek and Russian. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan The Kazakh national currency, the tenge, has continued to weaken sharply as the number of coronavirus cases in the oil-rich Central Asian nation reached 44. Many exchange points in Nur-Sultan, the capital, and the former Soviet republic's largest city, Almaty, did not sell U.S. dollars or euros on March 19, while some offered 471 tenges for $1, more than 25 percent weaker than in early March when the rate was around 375 tenges. The tenge has plunged to all-time lows in recent days following an abrupt fall in oil prices and chaos in the world's stock markets caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The Kazakh Health Ministry said on March 19 that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country had increased by seven to 44. In neighboring Kyrgyzstan, three people, who returned home from Saudi Arabia several days ago, tested positive for the virus, which led to three villages being sealed off in the southern Jalal-Abad region. In two other Central Asian nations, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, no coronavirus cases have been officially recorded to date. Armenia A relative of an Armenian woman blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the South Caucasus country alleges that criminal offenses have been committed against members of their family. It emerged last week that the woman had traveled from Italy before attending a family gathering with dozens of guests in the city of Echmiadzin, disregarding health warnings about the coronavirus pandemic. The woman, whose name was not released, later tested positive for the virus and was hospitalized. Dozens of other people who attended the gathering were placed under a 14-day quarantine. Armenia has reported a total of 122 cases so far, including dozens in Echmiadzin. It has not yet reported any deaths. Echmiadzin was locked down and a nationwide state of emergency has been announced in a bid to slow the spread of infection in Armenia. Many on social media in Armenia expressed anger over what they said was irresponsible behavior by the woman. Some ridiculed the woman and used offensive language against her. A photo of her also was posted online. The womans lawyer, Gohar Hovhannisian, said that one of her relatives who lives abroad filed a complaint with the public prosecutor on March 17. The complaint alleges that personal information about infected people was illegally obtained and published by the press and social media along with insults and photographs. "It affects the mental state of a person. Imagine that a person is sick and such language is used against her or him and her or his personal data are published," Hovhannisian said. The Prosecutor-General's Office forwarded the report to police to investigate the case. Human rights activist Zaruhi Hovhannisian, who is not related to the lawyer, noted that the protection of personal data is enshrined in Armenias law. He said that disclosure of personal data in this case made it possible to identify the infected woman. "Moreover, under the law on medical care and public services it is forbidden to disclose medical secrets, talk about peoples medical examinations and the course of their treatment as well as to pass these data to third parties," the activist said. Earlier this week, a shop owner in Yerevan filed a complaint with police alleging that he had been attacked by three relatives of the woman in question for posting a joke about her on Facebook. Police said they had identified and questioned three people over that complaint. But the authorities did not reveal their identities. Azerbaijan The Azerbaijani capital, Baku, has been sealed off to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the South Caucasus state. According to a government decision, as of March 19 entrance to Baku, the nearby city of Sumqayit, and the Abseron district has been banned for all cars, except ambulances, cargo trucks, and vehicles carrying rescue teams and road accident brigades. The measure will run until at least March 29. All railway links between Baku, Sumqayit and the Abseron district, and the rest of the country were also suspended. Azerbaijan has reported 34 confirmed coronavirus cases, with one fatality. In neighboring Armenia, where authorities announced a state of emergency until April 16, the number of coronavirus cases is 115. Elsewhere in the South Caucasus, Georgia, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached 40. Afghanistan The United States is temporarily suspending the movement of new soldiers into Afghanistan as a way of protecting them from the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. Army General Scott Miller said in a March 19 statement that the move could mean that some of the troops already on the ground in Afghanistan may have their deployments extended to ensure that the NATO-led Resolute Support mission continues. "To preserve our currently healthy force, Resolute Support is making the necessary adjustments to temporarily pause personnel movement into the theater," he said. We are closely monitoring, continually assessing and adjusting our operations so we can continue to protect the national interests of the NATO allies and partners here in Afghanistan," he added. About 1,500 troops and civilians who recently arrived in Afghanistan have been quarantined, Miller said, stressing that this was purely a precautionary measure and not because they are sick. Earlier this month, the United States began reducing its troop presence in Afghanistan as part of a peace deal signed in February with the Taliban. The agreement sees an initial reduction of U.S. troops in Afghanistan from about 13,000 to 8,600 soldiers. Miller did not mention the agreement in his statement. So far, 21 U.S. and coalition staff exhibiting flu-like symptoms are in isolation and receiving medical care, Millers statement said. With reporting by RFE/RL's Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Romanian, and Uzbek services, AP, AFP, Reuters, Digi24.ro, G4media.ro, and Hotnews.ro ROSEVILLE, Calif., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today PASCO Scientific announced they will be giving students and educators free access to their software and curriculum products for the remainder of the 2020 school year. The company is also in the process of releasing a series of free labs and videos to further support the education community through the COVID-19 school closures. PASCO Scientific has extended the free trial periods for both SPARKvue and Capstone to improve access for students and educators transitioning to remote learning. Features such as SPARKvue's Shared Sessions, which allow educators to share data with students in real time, and Capstone's Video features can help educators bridge communication gaps during home labs. The company is also granting free access to the Student e-Books and Teacher e-Resources for Essential Chemistry and Essential Physics Third Edition. Both texts cover a full year of standards-aligned curriculum that can supplement students' reading material during this time. The Teacher e-Resources for these texts can be accessed for free by filling out a brief form on the PASCO website. In addition to providing free curriculum and software, PASCO Scientific is currently adapting a series of free labs for remote learners. These science labs will be released along with quick experiment videos that will help educators demonstrate labs to students at home. Once released, the experiments, files, and videos will be available in the PASCO Experiment Library. President and CEO Richard Briscoe has been coordinating the company's efforts, saying, "We have heard from many educators working to compile resources for their remote classes. For any educator, adapting an entire course for online learning is a monumental task. Since science educators can't host their lab sections in-person, we're giving them every resource to bring those labs to students at home." For more information about PASCO Scientific's resources for distance learning, visit the Home Science Tools webpage on the PASCO website . SOURCE PASCO Scientific Related Links http://www.pasco.com As the coronavirus crisis affects the global aviation industry, the Indian carriers are equally feeling the heat of the global pandemic. As per global aviation consultancy CAPA, the private domestic carriers are expected to post consolidated losses of up to $600 million (Rs 4,500 crore) in just one quarter. This doesn't include Air India's expected losses. Air India controls 11.6 per cent domestic market share, and 51.88 per cent in the international segment (among domestic carriers) along with its subsidiary Air India Express. According to some estimates, Air India earns over Rs 1,230 crore a month from international operations. Since the coronavirus outbreak, the national carrier has nearly suspended all of its international flights which would lead to a loss of an estimated Rs 3,700 crore over three months. The losses will be primarily attributed to the curtailed flight schedules, slide in new bookings, large-scale cancellations, and rescheduling of flights in the wake of coronavirus. So far, the biggest impact has been felt on the international side of the carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir and Vistara. But as the panic of community transmission of Covid-19 grows in India, there's a strong possibility of domestic airlines curtailing their domestic flight schedules as well. CAPA has predicted that nearly 150 planes will be grounded initially by Indian carriers, and the numbers are likely to swell as more domestic operations are curtailed over the coming weeks. "In the absence of serious and meaningful government intervention, such an outcome could lead to several Indian airlines shutting down operations by May or June due to a lack of cash," CAPA said in a report. The situation is likely to be grim at the Air India which had, in January, floated the sale document for 100 per cent stake sale. Although the government has already extended the deadline to submit the final bids to April 30 (from March 17 earlier), it's unlikely that anybody would bid for the national carrier in the middle of a crisis situation. "The government will need to commit significant and immediate interim funding of $300-400 million (Rs 2,250-3,000 crore) for the national carrier to ensure that it is able to operate at least in its current condition until such time as the sale transaction is concluded," says CAPA. As on November 2019, Air India was flying to 98 destinations - 56 domestic and 42 international. Its domestic departures were 2,712 per week whereas international departures stood at 450 per week. The international segment contributes over 65 per cent of the Air India's passenger revenues. The coronavirus outbreak would also severely impact the employment scenario in the aviation sector, and the airlines would be forced to ask employees to take mandatory leave and leave-without-pay for one-two months till the crisis subsides. Low-cost carrier IndiGo and GoAir have reportedly asked employees to take pay cuts of 5-25 per cent. In a letter to employees, IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta has reportedly announced salary cuts across different grades while he is himself taking a cut of 25 per cent. Air India too has reportedly asked its crew to take 30-40 per cent cut in allowances. Meanwhile some reports suggest that the ruling BJP government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is mulling over $1.6 billion rescue package for the aviation industry. Though sector experts say that it's unlikely that an out-and-out bailout will be announced at the moment. "For aviation companies, the revenues are drying up but the costs are still there. I don't think the government will come out with any financial support given their fiscal position which leaves less room for an aid. They are already supporting Air India which is a huge financial burden. If at all, they would announce some concessions," says Dhiraj Mathur, aviation expert and former partner at PwC. In a letter to the aviation secretary dated March 13, the board of airline representatives in India had asked for relief measures in the form of 30 per cent reduction in aeronautical charges for six months. "Passenger uplifts have dipped considerably which has badly affected the cash flows of the airlines...The airlines are in the brunt of a recessionary situation with decreased travel demand and lower yields," the letter said. Global aviation body IATA (International Air Transport Association), which represents some 290 airlines or 82 per cent of total air traffic globally, has estimated $113 billion of losses for global airline industry in 2020 (as on March 9), which is significantly higher than its previous estimates (in February) of $29.3 billion losses. Also read: Coronavirus in India Live Updates: Mumbai Dabbawalas suspend tiffin delivery service till March 31 Also read: Coronavirus fallout: IndiGo senior official says drastic decisions likely over the next week Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly known as Opanyin Agyekum has commended the government for various measures put in place to fight the coronavirus. He has further urged Ghanaians to go by the measures as a way of helping the government prevent the spread of the virus. Government has announced a travel advisory which discourages all travels to the country until further notice. This took effect from 15th March 2020. According to government, any traveller who, within the last 14 days, has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of persons infected of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, would not be permitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with a Ghana residence permit. The Government has also instructed airlines not to allow such persons to embark; and also urged border posts not permit such travellers into their jurisdiction. Opanyin Agyekum who was speaking to the issue on Peace FM's morning show Kokrokoo, said even though Ghana is known for its hospitality, this is not the time to 'love your neighbor as yourself'. Listen to him in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Six weeks ago, the US election was Trumps to lose. The coronavirus pandemic has changed everything. Only a month ago, United States President Donald Trump was on top of the world. Democratic efforts to impeach him in the US Congress had failed and backfired. Public support for the president had actually increased among some independent voters, and support from his Republican base remained steady. Stock markets were at an all-time high, and unemployment hovered at all-time lows. While perhaps not the roaring geyser of opportunity that Trump said it was, the economy was humming along nicely, and the president was not shy about taking credit. Trump stock market rally is far outpacing past US presidents https://t.co/lFegwHMLGr Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 26, 2019 Six weeks ago, the US election was Trumps to lose. A key pillar of Trumpism that the real estate magnate and businessman was the best steward of the US economy seemed plausible. Then everything changed. Almost overnight, the US has been plunged into an unprecedented economic crisis. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is warning of the possibility of 20 percent unemployment. Businesses are clamouring for bailouts, and factories are closing temporarily and laying off workers. The 11-year bull run in the stock markets has come to a screeching halt, and more and more forecasters see a recession on the doorstep. What Trump incorrectly called the greatest economy in this history of our country is in tatters, along with perhaps his odds of being re-elected in November. In a report released on Thursday by the University of Virginias Center for Politics, analyst Alan Abramowitz said a downturn of this magnitude, combined with the presidents negative net approval ratings, could very likely doom Trumps chances of winning a second term based on historical trends over 11 previous elections. Abramowitzs model suggests that a major recession would likely result in an Electoral College landslide for Trumps Democratic challenger, especially if it is accompanied by a further decline in the presidents approval rating. Because we are in uncharted territory, however, Abramowitz offers a couple caveats. First, the deep partisan divide currently gripping the US means that events like recessions may not have as much impact as they did in the past. Second, Abramowitz suggests, voters may not hold Trump responsible for a recession brought about by an unforeseen event the so-called black swan of Wall Street lore such as a pandemic, although they may hold him responsible for the governments reaction to the crisis. That story, Abramowitz writes, is still being written. Which explains, in part, Trumps more sombre tone over the last two days. Aides in the West Wing of the White House have come around to the notion that the coronavirus crisis is an existential threat to Trumps presidency and legacy. Trump has reportedly told advisers that he now believes the virus will be a significant issue during the general election. If polls published this week are any indication, Trump currently faces an uphill struggle. One survey by US public broadcasters showed that Americans faith in the way the federal government is handling its response to the pandemic has dropped precipitously as the extent of the problem becomes clear. Just 37 percent of Americans said they had a good amount or a great deal of trust in what they are hearing from Trump, while 60 percent say they had not very much or no trust at all in what he says. More Americans, 49 percent, disapprove of the presidents handling of the pandemic than approve 44 percent. To regain his footing, Trump on Wednesday began casting himself as a wartime president, calling on Americans to unite and shoulder the coming pain and inconvenience until the battle against the pandemic is won. His supporters quickly fell in line. In an email Wednesday afternoon, the Republican National Committee praised Trumps wartime footing and whole of America approach. Trump is testing an axiom of US politics that says Americans, in times of crisis, are loath to change course midstream. Abraham Lincoln won a second term during the Civil War, Franklin D Roosevelt a third term on the eve of World War II, and George W Bush his second term after sending US troops into Iraq. The old Trump is still there, however, evidenced by insistence on referring to the coronavirus as the Chinese virus. The president is a master at exploiting cultural divisions within the country and portraying his tenure as a struggle between politically correct elites and average Americans. Close up of President @realDonaldTrump notes is seen where he crossed out "Corona" and replaced it with "Chinese" Virus as he speaks with his coronavirus task force today at the White House. #trump #trumpnotes pic.twitter.com/kVw9yrPPeJ Jabin Botsford (@jabinbotsford) March 19, 2020 His critics attribute his language to racism or xenophobia. In reality, it is a calculated political strategy straight out of the Trump playbook. Singling out the viruss Chinese origins allows him both to divert the medias attention from the way his administration handled the crisis in the early days, and lay the blame for its consequences somewhere other than at his own feet. It is a strategy that could serve him well in November. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks to media after the Senate voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment, at the Capitol in Washington on Feb. 5, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Senate Republicans Introduce Trillion-Dollar COVID-19 Relief Plan Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) introduced on Thursday the text of the Republicans proposal for the third part of the sweeping COVID-19 response plan, with formal negotiations with the Democrats now able to begin. The massive new legislative package is to combat the effects of the outbreak of the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. According to Reuters, the GOP plan has a price tag of over $1 trillion. The plan includes cash payments of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), along with an additional $500 for each child. McConnell said the legislation would include direct financial help for Americans, relief for small businesses and their employees, steps to stabilize the economy, and new support for healthcare professionals and COVID-9 patients. Senate Democrats have outlined their own $750 billion emergency plan that would include expanding paid family and sick leave. The American people need help and they need it fast, McConnell said on the Senate floor on Thursday. The Capitol in Washington on Jan. 2, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Four-Part Plan McConnell said earlier the GOP proposal has four parts: small business relief, direct payments to Americans, aid to industries most hurt by the lockdowns, and enhancing the response in the area of public health. Small businesses would be targeted with loan guarantees, the Hill reported, with parts of the loans potentially waived. Our goal is that as many small businesses as possible will be able to go to their existing bank, if they agree to participate, and get the cash they need to make payroll & business rent/lease & if they use it for that purpose not have to pay it back, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the GOP point-man on business relief, in a Twitter post. On Wednesday, McConnell vowed from the Senate floor that The Senate is not going to leave small business behind. In a 90-8 vote, the Senate approved a House-passed CCP virus economic aid package on Wednesday. It includes two weeks of paid leave for sick and quarantined workers, extends state unemployment insurance programs, and provides free COVID-19 testing. Ahead of the vote to adopt the House-passed aid package, McConnell stressed solutions that would put money into hands of businesses quickly. That means a historic injection of liquidity and access to credit, and it means Washington working directly with the lenders who already work with these small businesses to minimize the new bureaucracy so the assistance can flow as fast as possible, McConnell said. We all know what small businesses are up against, he said. Just this week, New York City joined the list of towns and cities across the country where local officials have shuttered every bar and every restaurant for the sake of public health. These job creators are literally being taken offline by their own governments for the public good, he said. As for distributing cash to individuals, the Hill separately reported that the Senate Republicans were discussing an earnings cap for payout eligibility. According to the report, Cramer said that what was being considered was a $1,200 check to anyone who earns less than $75,000 a year, with the amount growing incrementally smaller until it drops off to zero for those making over $95,000. Chairman Grassley and others are determining the best pathway to put money directly in the hands of the American peoplethose who are employed, those who may be laid off, retirees, disabled Americans, familiesas quickly as possible, McConnell said Wednesday. Keeping paychecks flowing for idled workers as jobless claims skyrocket is a top priority for both the Republican and Democratic plans emerging from Congress. Some GOP senators panned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins plan for direct checks to Americans of $3,000 for a family of fourpreferring instead to use the federal dollars to keep workers who are asked to stay home on the business payrolls. What I want is income, not one check, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, (R-S.C.), summing up the views of some exiting a long, private meeting of GOP senators on Capitol Hill. One or two checks makes no sense to me, he said. Its not a check. Its checks. Its not a payment, its income, Graham said. The best thing for us to do is create an income stream. The GOP bill is also expected to provide loans to industries of national importance, which includes airlines. Chairman Wicker and several Senators are considering the possibility of targeted relief for key industries that are shouldering an outsized burden from the public health directives and which our Nation will need to be operational on the other side of this, McConnell said Wednesday. The plan will also contain measures to further the public health fight against the virus itself, McConnell said, such as getting more tools in the hands of healthcare providers, removing barriers to treatment, and helping researchers develop therapeutics and vaccines. The GOP leader is expected to roll out the Republican plan later Thursday, senators said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. London, March 19 : Strengthening its preparations to counter the coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Thursday announced it was taking the help of its armed forces to augment public services. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that an additional 10,000 military personnel will be placed at a higher readiness and reserves put on standby to support public services as part of a new "COVID Support Force". "The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including COVID-19. The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need," he said, as per a statement on the ministry's website. Under this, up to 10,000 personnel more will be placed at a higher readiness, so they are able to assist with supporting public services. This is on top of the 10,000 already held at higher readiness. A total of 150 military personnel will be trained to drive oxygen tankers in order to support the National Health Service, if required, and they will begin training on Monday. The Ministry also said that measures have been taken to enable the call out of reservists, should they be required to join the response effort. Scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory are already supporting Public Health England's effort to understand the virus and tackle the spread, the statement said. "These measures are part of prudent contingency planning to respond in a timely way to any request from other governments departments or civil authorities for support during the COVID-19 pandemic," it added. So far, the military have assisted with repatriation flights from China and Japan, and have also been providing specialist military planners to Local Resilience Forums who are providing support to public services, local authorities and emergency services in preparing their response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The UK, which has reported over 100 deaths and over 2,600 cases as of late Wednesday, ordered closure of all schools from Friday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Season 17 of Top Chef premieres tonight, Thursday, March 19 at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo. Viewers can live stream this episode through Hulu + Live and fuboTV (7-day free trial). The focus of this season is an all-star competition set in Los Angeles. Fifteen contestants who have participated in Top Chef in the past but have never won return to try to win it all. This season the prize is $250,000, the biggest ever. Padma Lakshmi returns to host along with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. LaRuth Reichl, Marcus Samuelsson, Ali Wong and Danny Trejo will be serving as celebrity guest judges. The premiere episode forces the contestants to hit the ground running. Lakshmi introduces a quick-fire round, in which chefs must prep a food, either California almonds or supreme oranges, faster than all of the other chefs. The fastest chefs secure spots in the cooking half of the episode, where they have to prepare a dish out of the ingredient they didnt prepare. All-Stars: LA will have these chefs cooking all over the country, including Boston and Chicago. For the finale, the final two will go to Europe to finish the last challenge. What channel is Top Chef on? Its on Bravo. You can find which channel it is by using the channel finders here: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish. Where can I watch it if I dont have cable? You can watch it on Hulu + Live and fuboTV (7-day free trial). Express your opinion! Fill out this form to submit a Letter to the Editor. Submit : Four people, including a couple from Sweden and a woman from Spain, have been quarantined in two government hospitals here on Thursday after they showed symptoms of the coronavirus. The couple from Sweden had arrived in Delhi on March 16 and came to Coimbatore on Wednesday, health department sources said. Since they had headache and fever, the couple went to the government hospital in nearby Mettupalayam on Thursday morning but were asked to go to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, they said. As both, aged around 60, have suspected symptoms of the coronavirus, they were admitted to the Government ESI Hospital in a special ward, after taking their blood samples and swab. Similarly, a 28-year-old woman, who had returned from Spain and carried out test in the Government Hospital Thursday morning. As she had also symptoms, the woman was admitted in the special ward there. In another case, a woman, who had travelled to Nasik and Kerala was diagnosed with the symptoms of cough and cold and admitted to the Government hospital. Blood sampled of all the four were sent to Chennai for examination. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman student of Kangeyamkpalam who had returned from Bengaluru, and admitted to the Government hospital tested negative for the virus, the sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results The General Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia claims the real intention of Akufo-Addo's ban on public gatherings is to rig the 2020 elections. This whole announcement of emergency ban, emergency here, stopping this gathering, stopping that gathering, in my view, on the surface, it will appear to the world that the president is acting to deal with the COVID-19 and so on. But the real intention is not to deal with COVID-19 at all. The real intention is to find space to put the pieces of the rigging equipments together. So that by the time anybody could say jack, the election has been compromised, he said in an interview monitored by GhanaWeb. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday announced some bold directives as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country. The President placed a ban on church-related activities, mosques prayers, and all other public gatherings exceeding 25 persons. That was during his second address to the nation on the Coronavirus update. He also directed airlines to stop bringing in travellers from countries that have recorded over 200 cases of coronavirus effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCGI) in-charge of Command Post and Operations, Laud Kwesi Affrifah at a press briefing yesterday revealed that his outfit together with the Kotoka International Airport authorities refused about 200 foreign nationals entry into the country as part of measures to curb a spread of COVID-19 in Ghana. Over 200 people have been turned back. Only those with resident permits are being allowed in, he said. ---peacefmonline WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. Passenger traffic through the Transportation Security Administration screening stations at Bradley International Airport was down more than 70% this week and the airport has already lost two flight routes as the coronavirus disrupts the airline industry. Aer Lingus has suspended its flights between the Springfield/Hartford-area airport and Dublin due to restrictions on travel to and from Europe. At this point the airline is saying it hopes to resume flights April 1, said Alisa Sisic, a spokeswoman at Bradley. United Airlines suspended its nonstop flights from Bradley to Houston at the beginning of March. Sisic said airport management is monitoring its other airlines. Airlines are expected to seek government bailouts as canceled flights and drops in ticket demand continue. The Connecticut Airport Authority has cut back on hours at food concessionaires to comply with new restrictions imposed this week by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont that have sit-down restaurants closed. Only grab-and-go takeout foods are offered. An up-to-date list is available here. Bradley International Airport drew about 7 million passengers in 2019, besting its 2018 mark of 6.7 million by more than 2%. The Massachusetts Port Authority isnt providing day-by-day travel volumes for Boston Logan International Airport or Worcester Regional Airport. But volume at Logan was off 37% last week amid numerous cancellations, said Jennifer B. Mehigan, director of media relations for MassPort. Volume was 415,401 for the second week of March in 2019 and 262,315 for the second week of March in 2020. And that was before the more stringent travel restrictions were imposed. Mehigan had no numbers for Worcester but said all flights in and out of that airport are continuing. Latest Updates: The tentative recovery of Africa?s black rhino population was hailed by conservationists on Thursday as a cause for hopes that ambitious protection efforts could overcome the "acute threat? of poaching. The International Union for Conservation of Nature said the number of black rhinos, which were once plentiful across sub-Saharan Africa, increased at a "modest" annual rate of 2.5 percent from 2012 to 2018, from an estimated 4,845 to 5,630 animals in the wild. It said the population was expected to continue its slow increase for the next five years. "While Africa?s rhinos are by no means safe from extinction, the continued slow recovery of Black Rhino populations is a testament to the immense efforts made in the countries the species occurs in, and a powerful reminder to the global community that conservation works," said Grethel Aguilar, Acting Director General of IUCN in a statement. - No room for complacency - "At the same time, it is evident that there is no room for complacency as poaching and illegal trade remain acute threats." Thousands of rhinos that once roamed Africa and Asia have been culled by poaching and habitat loss. Very few are found outside national parks and reserves. Poaching is fuelled by a seemingly insatiable demand for rhino horn in Asia, where people pay huge sums for a substance -- coveted as a traditional medicine -- that is composed mainly of keratin, the same substance as in human nails. The black rhino has three subspecies, one has recovered enough to be classified as "near threatened", from "vulnerable", while the other two remain critically endangered. Africa?s more numerous white rhino -- targeted by poachers partly because it has larger horns -- has continued to suffer losses. The Southern White Rhino subspecies declined by 15 percent between 2012 and 2017, from an estimated 21,300 to 18,000 animals, according to the IUCN, largely due to extensive poaching in South Africa?s Kruger National Park. The other subspecies, the Northern White Rhino, remains listed as critically endangered, possibly extinct in the wild. In February, Botswana said at least 46 rhinos had been slaughtered there in 10 months -- reducing the country?s population of the protected animals by almost ten percent and prompting the government to warn that they could be wiped out in the southern African country by 2021. The increase in black rhino numbers was dependent on continued robust law enforcement measures and efforts to encourage populations to reproduce by moving some rhinos to new locations. But the IUCN, which released the statement as part of its Red List of 116,177 species, of which 31,030 are threatened with extinction, warned that the costs of keeping rhinos safe could hamper progress. It said around half of white rhinos and some 40 percent of black rhinos were now conserved on private or community managed land and warned the trend towards rhinos being increasingly viewed as costly liabilities could threaten to limit or reverse the future expansion of the species? range and numbers. Black rhinos first suffered from hunting by European settlers. Later, poachers largely wiped them out, with the population declining from an estimated 37,807 in 1973 to a low of 2,354 in the mid 1990s. The IUCN identified modest growth in numbers decimated by poaching and illegal trade -- this November image released by Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority in Tanzania shows Fausta, a female black rhino who died last year aged 57 The black rhino has three subspecies, one has recovered enough to be classified as "near threatened", from "vulnerable", while the other two remain critically endangered -- this calf was born in France in December President Trump called on the Syrian government to release American journalist Austin Tice during a White House press conference on Thursday. What Trump's saying: "Recovering Americans held captive and imprisoned abroad continues to be a top priority for my administration. We have one young gentleman Austin Tice, and we are working very hard with Syria to get him out. We hope the Syrian government will do that. ... Syria, please work with us, and we would appreciate you letting him out." "If you think about what we've done, we've gotten rid of the ISIS caliphate in Syria. We've done a lot for Syria. ... It would be very much appreciated if they would let Austin Tice out immediately." Context: Tice, a Marine Corps veteran from Texas, left for Syria in 2012 to work as a freelance photojournalist in the midst of the Syrian civil war. He was believed to be detained three days before his 31st birthday and has been missing since. The FBI speculates that Tice was kidnapped while reporting in a suburb outside of Damascus. Go deeper: Journalist Austin Tice thought to be alive six years after kidnapping Those grieving the death of their loved ones will be advised against physically consoling each other due to the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing guidelines have been advised by experts that suggest people should space out and where possible give each other up to two metres of space. Alternative greetings have also been one suggestion to stop the spread of the virus. Now because of the illness, mourners attending funeral services will not asked not to be too close to each other. The Westerleigh Group - one of the largest operators of private crematoriums in the UK - introduced the strict social distancing measures for all future funerals as fears over COVID-19 intensify. People attending funeral services will no longer be able to embrace each other (stock image above) The Westerleigh Group (pictured above) - one of the largest operators of private crematoriums in the UK - introduced the strict social distancing measures The virus has already killed 108 people in the UK and there have been 2,626 confirmed cases. A spokesman said: 'We are not restricting the number of mourners, but we are asking everyone to observe a sensible space between each other when they attend a service. 'We are also asking for anyone who has the symptoms of the coronavirus not to attend any services. 'We want to reduce the chances of the virus being passed on. 'We will ask mourners to avoid hand-shaking and hugging, which we understand is difficult at such a time, and we will also be encouraging hand-washing at the facilities we have made available.' In a statement the company said: 'We are monitoring the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) very closely and will continue to adhere to the Governments advice in our ongoing planning. Our aim remains to offer the best possible service to the bereaved whilst ensuring that we are prepared for any further escalation in the Governments response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The safety and wellbeing of our staff, our Funeral Director colleagues and the public are of paramount importance. We have already implemented a number of measures to help mitigate risk, and we will continue to review the situation in line with Government advice'. The guidance has been passed on to all local funeral directors over the changes although the company stressed that the number of services will not be reduced. The Westerleigh Group was established in 1992 with the development of a 25-acre site in Westerleigh, Bristol. Since then the company's portfolio has grown to sites on the outskirts of towns and cities across the UK. The company looks after more than 40,000 funerals each year. The implementation of social distancing by the company comes as people across the country, especially in London, were criticised for still using pubs, bars and restaurants, despite the government advising against unnecessary activity. One funeral director today claimed he would be offering live streams of cremation services. Martin and Elizabeth Rowley (pictured above with their dog) are offering to pay the 62 fee that is usually charged for an online broadcast of their services Martin Rowley, who runs Rowley & Sons, in York, is offering to pay the 62 fee which York Crematorium usually charges for services to be broadcast online. Mr Rowley, who has run his family business for the last seven years said it would help grieving relatives say goodbye to their loved ones even if they are self-isolating. Mr Rowley, said: 'We have decided to do this so that there's no need for families to have extra costs. 'There has been no increase in business as such although that will probably happen. 'The biggest impact on our businesses has been uncertainty from families who come to us and ask whether the funeral will go ahead or not or if there are restrictions. 'Anyone who is vulnerable or self-isolating can at least watch the service. 'We also have a small chapel of rest so if mourners felt they didn't want to go to the crematorium, they are welcome to have the service here and have a more intimate service.' Mr Rowley, who undertakes 230 funerals a year, added that he had been in discussions with the City of York Council after fearing that they may want to restrict the number of people that are at a funeral. He added: 'This is why live streaming is important.' Speaking of how Coronavirus could affect funerals, Mr Rowley said: 'The actual cremation service will continue and will not be affected at all, it's an essential service that is necessary at all times. 'You could argue that it's going to be necessary over the next few months.' He said he expects there to be an increase in calls for the live streaming of services, and that other funeral directors in York are offering a similar service. The Cleveland City Council decided to delay its May elections during a special meeting on Thursday afternoon. The move comes on the heels of a nationwide outbreak of a novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Many cities across Texas are encouraging residents to remain in their homes to slow the spread of the virus. Related: Liberty County, Dayton, Liberty issue disaster declarations amid coronavirus concerns The measure moves elections from May until November and was unanimously approved by city council members during the meeting. The city will not accept new applications during this time. City council chairs three, four and five that are up for vote. Meanwhile, Mayor Pro-Tem Carolyn McWaters will continue to serve as mayor after the death of former Mayor Otis Cohn on March 6th. Cohn died after a lengthy battle with cancer. The city is still working to replace Cohn, said Cleveland City Manager Kelly McDonald. "Council will appoint the vacancy of the Mayor at a future meeting as it will be below one year remaining in his term," McDonald said. "For now, Mayor Pro-Tem Carolyn McWaters is presiding over meetings and handling any items that are needed." Cleveland and Liberty County officials are making an effort to combat the spread of the virus. Cleveland issued a declaration of disaster for the COVID-19 virus on March 13 and then extended the declaration on March 17. Also, on March 17 the city of Cleveland closed all city facilities and prohibiting community gathering within the City of Cleveland. Liberty County, in addition to other cities that comprise the county, including Dayton and Liberty, also issued disaster declarations. The Cleveland declaration does not affect school, churches of food establishments. However, Cleveland ISD has closed until April 10. The city of Cleveland will continue to provide all city services; however, the city will postpone any non-emergency meeting for 14 days. The city is also actively encouraging business to be handled online or via phone where possible. All city employees continue to report to work unless an employee or family member is sick. All city sponsored events or meetings are canceled until further notice. Phone calls to city facilities are still being answered. Cleveland officials, however, said that the city is not shutting down. The city is taking precautionary measures to safeguard our employees and staff. Please know that city officials, elected officials and city staff are continuing daily operations. We are only limiting public access to our facilities. Fire, police and EMS are still available at all times. marcus.guttierez@chron.com World powers were on a war footing against the spiralling coronavirus pandemic on Thursday despite a sign of hope from China where zero new domestic cases were reported for the first time. Italy extended its lockdown after suffering the world's highest single-day death toll while Europe and the United States unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the teetering global economy. Across the planet, the death toll has risen to over 9,000 with more than 217,000 infections reported, according to an AFP tally based on official sources. As countries tried to stem the mounting crisis, Australia and New Zealand moved to seal off their borders with unprecedented entry bans aimed at halting the march of COVID-19. China marked a major milestone by listing no new domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak first erupted in the central city of Wuhan in December, although a spike in imported cases threatened its progress. It appeared to have staunched the virus with strict measures including a complete quarantine of Wuhan since January, meaning the number of infections and deaths in the rest of the world have surpassed those in China. But elsewhere the pandemic was worsening quickly, with over 4,100 deaths in Europe -- exceeding the 3,400 fatalities in Asia. Dire came out of Italy on Wednesday which reported 475 new deaths, the highest single-day toll of any country, despite having imposed a national shutdown on March 12 that has been copied around the world. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the lockdown would be prolonged to April 3, shattering hopes that Italy's methods might herald a quick end to the crisis. "We will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before," he said. Italy has recorded about one-third of global deaths, while badly hit Iran also announced 149 new fatalities, raising its toll to 1,284. France also mooted extending its own two-week lockdown as the interior minister blasted "idiots" who flout home confinement rules and put others at risk. With countries paralysed by the pandemic and stock markets imploding, policymakers this week unleashed a wave of measures to shore up the global economy. The European Central Bank late Wednesday announced a 750-billion-euro bond-buying scheme dubbed the "big bazooka", days after it unveiled a big-bank stimulus package that failed to calm anxious markets. US President Donald Trump signed a $100 billion emergency aid package to provide free coronavirus testing for those who need it, sick pay and paid family leave. European stocks staged an early rebound on the stimulus news, although Asian markets took another beating. But the sense of impending doom continues to cast a pall over the world economy with airlines, carmakers and others all warning of bleak times ahead. "I view (myself) as a, in a sense, a wartime president. I mean, that's what we're fighting," Trump said Wednesday as he announced the deployment of military hospital ships to treat a fast-growing number of American patients. German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a similar tone, saying in an unprecedented televised address: "Not since the Second World War has our country faced a challenge that depends so much on our collective solidarity." Coronavirus cases in Germany soared past 10,000 on Thursday with over 2,800 new infections reported in a single day. Highlighting how the battle is only just beginning in the rest of the world, Russia reported its first death and sub-Saharan Africa also saw its first fatalities, while even the Pacific nation of Fiji said it had its first case. World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to "come together as one against a common enemy: an enemy against humanity." He also warned Africa to "wake up" and prepare for the worst. The disease continued to hit high-profile people with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and two US members of Congress among those testing positive. Countries are taking increasingly drastic steps to stem infections, with Australia and New Zealand banning non-residents from arriving. Britain, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson had initially chosen a different path, closed dozens of London Underground stations ahead of a feared lockdown of the capital. Johnson on Wednesday finally followed the lead of his European counterparts and said schools would shut nationwide from Friday as the death toll topped 104, while putting 20,000 military personnel on alert. Canada and the United States said Wednesday they were closing their border -- the world's longest -- to all but essential travellers for 30 days. While China offered hope it saw its biggest daily rise in infections from abroad for two weeks, with 34. It has begun to ease its lockdown of central Hubei province and its capital Wuhan but Beijing and other regions now require most international arrivals to quarantine in designated hotels for 14 days. The European Union this week imposed a 30-day ban on travellers from outside the bloc. Within the EU some countries have sealed borders, while bars, restaurants and most shops have closed their doors until further notice, bringing life in Europe's normally bustling cities to a halt. With growing travel bans worldwide, Australia's Qantas airlines said it would halt all international flights, Air Canada said it would suspend most, and the head of Germany's Lufthansa warned that industry might not survive without state aid. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taiwan to bar entry of foreign nationals to combat COVID-19 (update) ROC Central News Agency 03/18/2020 01:11 PM Taipei, March 18 (CNA) Taiwan will bar all foreign nationals from entering Taiwan starting Thursday, with some exceptions, as it intensifies efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Wednesday. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (), who serves as the CECC head, announced the new restrictions at a CECC news conference Wednesday, and said it was necessary after seeing a spike in confirmed cases among Taiwanese who had traveled abroad recently. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu () said some foreign nationals will not be subject to the ban. Foreign nationals who hold Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs) or documents proving they are in Taiwan for diplomatic or other official purposes or to fulfill business contracts, as well as those who have received special permits, can enter the country, Wu said. The restrictions on entry into Taiwan for foreign nationals will be subject to change based on CECC directives, Wu said. Meanwhile, all Taiwanese citizens and foreign nationals with the necessary documentation who arrive in Taiwan from overseas will be required to be quarantined at home for 14 days, Chen said. To track those who have already entered Taiwan from high-risk areas, Chen also announced Wednesday that people in Taiwan who have been in or transited through Europe, Turkey, Egypt or Dubai between March 5 and 14 will be required to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days, effective immediately. Those required to undergo quarantine will receive NT$1,000 (US$33) in compensation per day from the government, Chen said, and he urged these travelers to immediately contact their local township offices and report their travel history to the authorities. On Tuesday, a total of 10 new COVID-19 cases, all imported, were confirmed in Taiwan, bringing the total number in the country to 77. Out of the 77 cases, 50 were imported (meaning they were contracted outside of Taiwan). Of all the imported cases, nine were from the same tour group to Turkey, two have visited Dubai, and 15 had traveled to at least one European country. Currently, 22 of the 77 coronavirus patients in Taiwan have been released from quarantine, while one patient has died and the others are still in negative pressure hospital quarantine rooms, but they are all in relatively stable condition, according to the CECC. (By Chang Ming-hsuan, Frances Huang and Christie Chen) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two scientists from Australia say they have found a cure for coronavirus, according to the Daily Mail. The researchers at the University of Queensland in Brisbane revealed that drugs used for HIV and malaria patients are working on experimental patients with COVID-19 infections and it seems to be wiping out the virus in those patients. The two drugs are Chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, and HIV-suppressing combination lopinavir/ritonavir. The scientists caution that its early in the findings. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** The coronavirus has infected more than 189,000 people around the world with more than 7,500 dying. One of the researchers is Professor David Paterson, who hopes to enroll more people in larger pharmaceutical trials by the end of the month. 'Its a potentially effective treatment," he said. Patients would end up with no viable coronavirus in their system at all after the end of the therapy. The treatment has worked in a smattering of cases, but more controlled testing would be needed to see if the drugs are in fact game-changers in finding a cure. That first wave of Chinese patients we had (in Australia), they all did very, very well when they were treated with the HIV drug, Professor Paterson said. What we want to do at the moment is a large clinical trial across Australia, looking at 50 hospitals, and what were going to compare is one drug, versus another drug, versus the combination of the two drugs. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. IN OTHER NEWS: Fresh Direct Time Slots Disappearing Juicy Lucy among first to ditch dining room service Coronavirus: Staten Island restaurants implement new strategies Bars and restaurants ordered closed for dine in service: Take out and delivery available Preventing coronavirus: How to properly clean your home ER doctor: Heres what to do if youre feeling ill Coughs, sneezes, surfaces. 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Coronavirus: What you need to know about NYC schools Cuomo: Insurers cant charge New Yorkers for coronavirus testing SIUH exploring the possibility of using external medical tents for coronavirus response FILE PHOTO: AP/Ray Chua SINGAPORE The Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will issue leaves of absence (LOAs) to students and staff of schools and pre-schools who went overseas during the March school holidays. They will also implement additional precautionary and hygiene measures in schools and pre-schools, and suspend co-curricular activities (CCAs) for two weeks when schools reopen on 23 March. The move comes as Singapore fights to contain the spread of COVD-19 within its borders. Those on LOAs must stay away from schools With some students and staff having travelled overseas during the March school holidays, the ministries announced in a media release on Thursday (19 March) that they will issue 14-day LOAs to those who have returned from overseas on or after 14 March, the start of the school holidays. The LOAs will commence from the date of their return to Singapore. During this period, affected students and staff must stay away from the schools, pre-schools and student care centres, with effect from Friday. Students on LOA, as well as those who have to stay away from school due to quarantine orders or Stay-Home Notices (SHNs), will all be supported via home-based learning, to enable them to continue with their learning. Parents will have to take their own leave should they need to care for their children on LOA or SHN. Employers are encouraged to provide flexible work arrangements for their employees to accommodate such exceptional circumstances. MOM encourages employers to impose LOA The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has encouraged employers to similarly impose LOA for all employees returning to Singapore between 14 and 20 March if they have not been issued with SHN. To support this, it will allow employers and self-employed persons to claim for the $100 daily support for such company-imposed LOA under the Leave of Absence Support Programme (LOASP). During the company-imposed LOA period, employers should adopt flexible work arrangements to allow these employees to work from home. Employers are also encouraged to provide additional paid leave to the employees if work from home is not feasible. Story continues Thorough cleaning of schools during holidays MOE said schools have also undergone thorough cleaning during the March holidays. Attention is given to the cleaning of washrooms, ensuring hand soap is always replenished and making sure sanitary fittings such as water taps are in good working condition. Other areas of cleaning include jet washing of floors in canteens and shampooing of carpets. There will be additional precautionary measures for two weeks when schools re-open: Suspension of CCAs, Deferment of Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation, Fixed exam-style seating for Primary 3 students and above, and fixed group cluster seating for Primary 1 and 2 and MOE Kindergarten students, Wipe-down routine in classrooms, Assigned seating and wipe-down routine in canteens, Assigned play areas for students to play in reduced group sizes. These measures will supplement earlier precautionary measures, such as suspension of large group and communal activities and staggering of recess times in schools. The National School Games will continue to be suspended until the end of June holidays. Precautionary measures for pre-schools Meanwhile, pre-schools will also continue with their precautionary measures to safeguard the health and safety of pre-school staff and children: Health checks and more frequent temperature screening for all staff and students (twice a day for kindergartens; three times a day for childcare centres), Restriction of visitors into the pre-school. Parents to drop off and pick up their children outside the pre-school, with the advice to stand further apart from one another, Suspension of excursions and field trips to minimise risk of exposing children to large crowds. Daily outdoor play and learning for the children will continue, Suspension of large group and communal activities such as assemblies and mass celebrations: children to proceed directly to classrooms when they arrive in school, programmes and activities to be carried out in small groups, and children to have their meals in their classrooms or to stagger meal times, Limit the cross-deployment of staff across centres, where possible. MOE, MSF and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) seek families understanding and cooperation to comply with the LOA in order to ensure the well-being of all students and staff when they return to school. Parents of school-going children who have questions may approach their respective schools for clarifications. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related stories: COVID-19: MOM extends entry-approval measures to all work pass holders entering Singapore COVID-19: S'pore confirms new single-day high of 47 cases including 33 imported, total 313 COVID-19: All travellers entering S'pore to serve 14-day stay-home notice; S'poreans advised to defer all travel abroad Companies in Singapore hit by Malaysia lockdown to get $50 per night over 2 weeks for each affected workers lodging Singapore-Malaysia travelling FAQ: who can enter, who can exit W e have heard much recently about the science of coronavirus, of herd immunity, and flattening the curve. But in the end the decision was never just about the science, it was about values. Our Government faced a choice whether to accept the inevitability of mass infection (but try to slow the spread), or whether to fight against overwhelming odds to try to limit the infection to very few people. The Government ultimately concluded that the only option was to slow the time it took for the majority of us to be infected. This could sound like madness. But the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser had good reasons for their conclusions. It is very difficult to contain a widely spread contagious respiratory disease; the costs to the economy and society of aggressive quarantine are terrifyingly high; and trying but failing to suppress it risks delaying the inevitable growth of the virus into the winter when there are already more pressures on the health system. Some believe the Government has changed its view, but it has not. As the Prime Minister said in a phrase which only slightly concealed the brutal upward trajectory the aim is merely to apply further downward pressure on the upward curve of the disease. But China has made the other choice, and it has so far been far more successful than any public health expert thought possible. If China had accepted the UK analysis perhaps 60 per cent of the Chinese population 800 million people would have gone on to be infected. Instead, its radical measures have limited the total cases to date to 80,000 0.006 per cent of their population. New cases in China have largely stopped, reducing from more than 10,000 a day in mid-February to fewer than 20 new cases yesterday. It is not too late to follow the same approach in Britain. But to do so we need to act far more quickly and aggressively. The Government must shut all public venues immediately cafes, pubs and gyms. All incoming travellers should be quarantined for 14 days. All schools and universities should close immediately with no exceptions. (Children in school are one of the easiest ways of moving the disease between households). Not merely the vulnerable and people over 70 but all families, regardless of symptoms, should cease almost any travel outside of their homes while we try to get on top of the crisis. Deserted: A woman crosses an almost empty Westminster Bridge. The Government is trying to determine the most effective way to limit the death toll from Covid-19 / PA Anyone with symptoms should be tested immediately. By testing 10,000 cases a day (which is what the South Koreans have done) we still have a chance to establish who has it, isolate them from others, and contact those they have contacted. We should aim to transfer all cases testing positive (not just those requiring hospital care), to separate facilities either hotels or hospitals away from the general population (so the sick do not infect their households). If we succeed in radically reducing the daily load of new cases (this was achieved in Asia within a matter of weeks) we can begin to consider relaxing some of these measures. Democratic South Korea, partly through very good contact-tracing with less draconian quarantine measures than China, has managed to reduce from more than 900 new cases a day on February 29 to fewer than 100 today. But we should expect to be avoiding meeting with people outside our households for months to come. However, the Government is still resisting such an extreme approach. They still think it is (in the Chief Scientific Advisers words) neither possible nor desirable to try, through tougher measures, to prevent it getting into the majority of the population. This is why they are still allowing people to gather in pubs, cafes, gyms and restaurants, while advising against it (so that some pubs are empty, while others in central London are still packed). This is why they are focused on isolating over-seventies rather than the whole population. This is why they have ceased to do mass testing or tracing (and as a result dont have detailed information to calibrate their approach). We face an astonishing and almost unimaginable tragedy. It is doubly tragic that it is still preventable And this is why they argued for some time that there was only limited point in banning outdoor gatherings or closing schools, and have only closed schools from tomorrow (while allowing children of key workers to continue to attend). The public is understandably confused by the Prime Minister saying that he could move faster and further in days to come. But if some of the measures seem half-hearted, it is because they are intended to be. The Government is slowly bringing additional measures in day by day in order to slow the increase in daily cases, rather than reverse the epidemic growth. This is a terrible miscalculation. It does not matter how much the Government attempts to slow the spread or flatten the curve. As scientists at Imperial have concluded, even a slowed or mitigated epidemic would result in hundreds of thousands of deaths. It is simply not possible to allow a virus like this to spread into the majority of our population without overwhelming our health system many times over. And London will feel this earliest. Acting aggressively now will come at a huge cost to our society and economy but it allows us to begin saving lives immediately. Every day in which we succeed in reducing the number of new cases buys us time to study and understand the virus, gather equipment, learn lessons and improve our response. And it gives us a chance to work with the world to develop a global vaccine before the majority of us are infected. Listen to an interview with Rory on The Leader podcast: Loading.... Churchill had two favourite phrases. It is time to move from his advice to those away from the front line keep calm and carry on to his advice for those controlling operations action this day. Harris County will halt evictions through at least the end of March, County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Thursday morning. She said the county also may consider issuing a shelter-in-place order, as cities like San Francisco have, to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday ordered all bars closed and limited restaurants to takeout and delivery, the most restrictive steps to date. Several justices of the peace already had agreed to suspend evictions, which grants a temporary reprieve to renters who may be in a precarious financial position because of fallout from the new coronavirus. On Thursday, Hidalgo said all 16 county justices of the peace have agreed to suspend eviction proceedings through the end of March. Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia urged that step be taken at Tuesdays emergency Commissioners Court meeting. He said renters facing lost income because of business and school closures deserve a break. Hidalgo said she is prepared to sign an order stopping evictions as long as necessary. The county judge does not oversee justices of the peace, who are independently elected. However, Assistant County Attorney Barbara Armstrong said the county judges emergency powers allow her to close buildings and reallocate resources, effectively preventing hearings from taking place. In regard to the possibility of a shelter-in-place order, Hidalgo said the county must keep options open and be prepared to implement more drastic measures that may be needed to prevent a surge in cases. She said her team is studying the effectiveness of measures taken by other cities and countries. CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Stay informed with accurate reporting you can trust We have got to be flexible. We have got to be smart. We cant be catching up, Hidalgo said. If we do the exact same thing theyve done in other places, where theyve already overwhelmed the health care system, we know where were headed. Houston Mayor Sylvester on Tuesday said there will be no shelter in place for the city. At least 16 counties in the San Francisco Bay area are under shelter-in-place orders, which mandate the closure of most businesses and urge residents to stay at home except for trips to the grocery store or pharmacy. New York Mayor Bill DiBlasio said he is considering a similar order for that city. Hidalgo pledged to keep the community informed about additional steps local government plans to take. zach.despart@chron.com ABC News reporter Kaylee Hartung has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) days after traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington, to cover the outbreak there. Hartung, 34, shared her experience on Good Morning America on Wednesday, revealing that she received her positive test on Monday after first experiencing symptoms last Thursday. While the reporter said that the virus was something that really knocked me off my feet for a day, she said that her symptoms were ones that shed normally try to power through. It really all started with a runny nose about a week ago, and that was four days after I spent a week in Seattle covering the initial outbreak of the virus in the U.S., Hartung told GMA anchor Robin Roberts. So last Wednesday, it was just a runny nose. I honestly thought it was allergies. I didnt think it was anything more than that. I woke up the next morning, just last Thursday and you know when you wake up, and you know somethings wrong immediately? You just feel it in your body. Ive had the feeling before when Ive had the flu, when my body is just broken down when Ive gone too hard and have been run down. I knew something was off as soon as I woke up, and thats when I started consulting medical professionals, she said. RELATED: Young Woman Reveals Shes Engaged Through Window of Grandfathers Nursing Home Amid Coronavirus ABC News But Hartungs health care provider initially told her that she wouldnt be able to get tested because her symptoms were too mild. I was defeated, confused, I didnt know where to turn and what to do, and my healthcare provider actually called me back, and said upon review of your case, because of where youve been, we do want you to get tested,' Hartung explained. Hartung said that she initially thought her symptoms were nothing, because she wasnt experiencing the symptoms that were being so closely associated with coronavirus. I wasnt having any sort of a dry cough, I didnt have any shortness of breath, and I didnt feel any pressure on my chest, she said, adding that instead she felt fatigued and had a headache just right between the eyes. I was congested, I had body aches in places that I wasnt used to having them, my lower back was really hurting. Story continues Hartung said that she even felt some guilt at being one of the select few people who have been able to be tested for COVID-19. Kaylee Hartung/instagram Kaylee Hartung on Instagram Stories Weve all heard that these test kits are so valuable, that there arent enough for all the people who want to get tested. Ill tell you, I feel guilty that Im someone who was able to get one, she told Roberts, emphasizing that because she had been in Seattle, it made her case a priority. RELATED: Celebrities Who Have Tested Positive for Coronavirus On her Instagram Stories Wednesday, Hartung told her followers that she wasnt given any medication, but had been taking Tylenol and Nyquil. She added that now that shes nearly a week out from the worst of her symptoms, shes feeling just fine. She also described the testing process to her followers. The test isnt pleasant, but it happens quickly! she wrote on Instagram. Youre swabbed up both nostrils twice. This is the most uncomfortable part. Its a very strange sensation. Then your throat is swabbed. In the caption for a post sharing her GMA interview, Hartung said that she hopes people can learn from her experience. The quicker we get serious about social distance, the quicker well all get through this. she added. As of Wednesday, there are now at least 5,881 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States. At least 107 people in the U.S. have died from coronavirus-related illness, an increase of 21 over the last 24 hours. The first cases of a mysterious respiratory illness what is now known as COVID-2019, a form of coronavirus began in Wuhan, China in late December. Since then, the virus has spread worldwide, leading the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency, the first since the zika epidemic in 2016. As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments and visit our coronavirus hub. The head of WAs peak mining and resources body has warned any outright closure of WAs borders would have an immediate negative impact on WAs economy. Mines would be forced to shut down if WA closed it's borders, WA Premier Mark McGowan said. Credit:Ryan Stuart/Fairfax Photographic On Tuesday, WA doctors from the Combined Medical Leads Advisory Group, which comprises representatives from the biggest hospitals in WA, called for restriction of all personal interstate travel. The call was backed by Opposition Leader Liza Harvey but the industry and WA Premier Mark McGowan have warned of damage to the industry if it occurred. As of March 18 no major mine or oil and gas project site has recorded a coronavirus case but companies are on high alert, isolating those who are showing cold or flu symptoms and colleagues they came into contact with. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Its been a hard winter for Rita Martinez. The 66-year-old with an autoimmune liver disease that makes it impossible to work is raising her sons three children in a two-bedroom apartment off Tramway and its a struggle to pay rent each month. She gets a regular check from the Children, Youth and Families Department but not until the 5th of the month so she often doesnt have enough money in the bank to pay rent on time. She said that each month lately she has to choose between paying $946 in rent and making a car payment so she doesnt lose her only mode of transportation. Plus in February she had medical bills and the middle child needed glasses. In March, rent lost. On March 11, she was notified that the Prairie Hills Apartments where the family lives had initiated eviction proceedings. That was the day the news broke that COVID-19 had appeared in New Mexico. A week later, Martinez is terrified she and the kids will lose their home during this global pandemic. With her poor health, even the thought of having to attend an eviction hearing is terrifying. Its a fear, a big fear. The kids rely on me and I try not to let them know too much, she said, adding that shes afraid of being kicked out with nowhere to go. Plus the virus its like an enemy, she said. A woman who answered the phone at the Prairie Hills Apartments Wednesday declined to comment. The attorney representing the complex did not respond to questions. Eviction Freezes Cities, states and courts across the country are halting evictions while residents grapple with being out of work and losing multiple paychecks due to the drastic efforts taken to stem the spread of the virus. In New Mexico, the governors office said she is interested in the idea but doesnt think she has the authority to order a freeze. Our current understanding is that state statute does not allow executive action (from the governor) to do so statewide, said Nora Meyers Sackett, a spokeswoman for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. But some city mayors do appear to have the authority. Tuesday evening, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber updated his emergency proclamation to include prohibiting evictions for those whose ability to pay rent has been hampered by the public health emergency. In Albuquerque, Mayor Tim Keller ordered evictions to be halted from any housing units that the city owns, according to his spokeswoman Jessie Damazyn. He also joined several advocacy and legal organizations in writing to the New Mexico Supreme Court to ask that eviction trials be halted for the duration of the public health emergency. As the Court is aware, this national emergency will have a particularly significant impact on low- and moderate-income families who already live paycheck-to-paycheck, the letter, which was sent Wednesday, states. These families typically have hourly wage jobs and are likely to be adversely impacted by the pandemic through a lack of sick leave, layoffs, the close of businesses and the loss of jobs. While the City will do everything it can to provide eviction rental assistance to impacted households, our current funds are limited and we do not anticipate having the ability to provide sufficient funds to all of those likely to be impacted. The letter also addresses the impact the emergency will have on landlords and said the city is asking federal authorities to step in. Last week, New Mexico Legal Aid, an organization that represents people for free in civil proceedings, wrote a letter to the New Mexico Supreme Court asking for evictions to be halted due to the health risks of the hearings and of having people lose their homes during the pandemic. The Courts should, as many other entities have done, take all necessary steps to prevent these large gatherings, the letter states. Filling eviction courts with sick, poor people, is in no ones best interest. The New Mexico Supreme Court has already issued orders suspending all civil and criminal jury trials that are not already underway but it has also said there will not be blanket cancellations of specific types of cases or proceedings that it has not already authorized. That means eviction hearings at Metropolitan Court the states busiest courthouse will continue, according to a spokesman for the Administrative Office of the Courts. However, Judges have the discretion under existing rules of procedure to grant continuances and take other actions as they deem necessary based on the facts of a case, spokesman Barry Massey wrote in an email. No backup plan Martinez put herself through college and raised her children by juggling many jobs, including decorating cakes for Albertsons grocery store. After graduating with a medical tech degree she worked as a generalist for labs and hospitals. Then, in 2008, she fell ill and had to stop working. Four years ago she gained custody of her three grandchildren, now ages 9, 13 and 15, after it became apparent her son and the childrens mother were not able to care for them, she said. With schools shuttered for the next several weeks she is trying to keep them occupied and engaged through board games and worksheets. When they have ventured out to do errands, the oldest goes into the store alone, scanning barren shelves for groceries. While the eviction itself worries Martinez, the thought of having to attend a hearing in a courtroom on is almost worse. Due to her autoimmune disease, stepping into a crowded room where many others have passed through could be deadly. The older one he understands a whole lot, Martinez said. He took my temperature, he acts like an adult. He said Grandma dont worry I can take care of the kids. But I dont want that to ever happen. Martinez is not the only one worried about the crowded hearings. Two attorneys for New Mexico Legal Aid sat outside a crowded courtroom Tuesday morning, observing the eviction proceedings and the steady stream of people going in and out of the room. This gentleman sneezed into his hand while he was waiting then put his hand on the table, said Thomas Prettyman, the managing attorney for NM Legal Aid, describing what he had witnessed. The Spanish speaker was rubbing his nose and then touching the headphones that go on for his interpreter. He was taking papers from the judge after he rubbed his nose. The clerk is handing people papers. Camille Baca, a spokeswoman for Metropolitan Court, said the court is extending the deadline for people to vacate their homes until April so the parties could possibly work out an agreement that would work for both of them. Judges retain discretion when making these determinations, however, judges are taking the state of emergency into consideration when making these important decisions, Baca wrote in an email. She said the court is also staggering hearing times, opening outdoor windows, rearranging the courtroom to allow for social distancing, and increasing cleaning and the availability of hand sanitizer around the building. We are allowing litigants to appear telephonically or via video, and we have propped open interior doors to reduce contact, she said. As for Martinez, she said she hopes things will work out for her and her grandchildren, she hopes she can call into the hearing on her phone and hopes she can get an extension until her next check from CYFD. But in the meantime, COVID-19 has made an already stressful living situation that much more dire. At our level of poverty, theres no such thing as savings, theres no such thing as a backup plan, Martinez said. In the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and Chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, issued an advisory regarding the Friday congregation at Mosques to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. The advisory urged people to take necessary precautions, such as following the instructions of doctors, shortening the duration of congregation programmes in the mosques, arriving in the mosques in few numbers, and wash face and hands at home before arriving for the prayers. Mahali also advised that children, senior citizens and people suffering from cough, cold or fever should offer prayers from their homes, instead of coming to the mosques. He also urged people to maintain hygiene, and pray for protection of the world against the deadly virus. Meanwhile, Waseem Rizvi, Chairman of Shia Waqf Board, also called for precautions against the virus, stating that if the numbber of death toll due to virus rises, then the Board should discuss on putting a ban on the burial of bodies. Earlier today, India reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the tally to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected with the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. No fatality has been reported in the last 24 hours in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An investigation by The BMJ has uncovered links between groups and individuals campaigning for wider access to cannabis for medical reasons and those pushing for the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use. It also explores how a research collaboration that includes Oxford University is taking funding from the tobacco industry for research into the medicinal properties of cannabis. In a two-part special report, investigative journalist Jonathan Gornall asks if industry support for wider patient access is motivated by promises of a lucrative recreational market for the drug in the UK. By 2024, the UK's medicinal cannabis market is predicted to be worth nearly $1.3bn, while the recreational market is estimated to be even greater - roughly $1.7bn. In the first part, Gornall focuses on the links between commercial organisations who are seeking new markets for recreational cannabis and patient groups and individuals lobbying for wider patient access to cannabis for medical use. For example, he describes the case of Billy Caldwell, a boy with severe epilepsy, who made headlines after his mother Charlotte flew to Canada to get cannabis oil for her son, which was seized at customs on her return. Steve Moore, former CEO of David Cameron's Big Society initiative, helped to organise Charlotte Caldwell's trip and promote her cause. But Moore's interest in cannabis is not limited to the drug's medicinal use, writes Gornall. Moore is strategic counsel for the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, an industry body for businesses and investors in cannabis medicinal products, and co-founder and strategic counsel of Volteface, an advocacy group set up in 2017 to lobby for legalisation of cannabis for recreational use. Moore is also strategic counsel for another trade body, the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, whose members include the Canadian based Supreme Cannabis Company, which has invested in several cannabis brands in Canada and Europe. Ian Gilmore, director of the Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research and chair of Alcohol Health Alliance UK, told The BMJ that he is sympathetic to patients who feel that cannabis and its extracts are useful for their medical condition and are frustrated that it is not legally available to them. But, he says: "We must not drift into the situation we found ourselves in with tobacco and alcohol, where global companies seeking to maximise their markets distorted the arguments, often through third parties. We must protect patients from having groups with conflicts of interest building up unrealistic hopes." Stephen Murray, executive director of Prohibition Partners, a UK private investment group "with a mission to make cannabis more accessible and acceptable" told The BMJ that the debate about the medical use of cannabis was "normalising the conversation around cannabis, bringing it into social circles where it wouldn't have been debated previously," and that major corporate investors were becoming increasingly interested in the broad range of cannabis opportunities. But psychiatrist Marta Di Forti, a member of the government taskforce appointed to review evidence for the safety and efficacy of cannabis for the treatment of pain, which is due to report this spring, is concerned about the engagement of cannabis companies with patient groups and the "big jump" that medicinal cannabis should be made more widely available to treat a range of conditions for which evidence was still lacking. In the second part of his investigation, Gornall looks at the involvement of the tobacco industry in funding research into medicinal cannabis, and the complex web of connections linked to both medicinal and recreational use of cannabis. He describes Gavin Sathianathan as "typical of the new breed of cannabis entrepreneur." He is founder and main shareholder of Alta Flora, a private limited London based company specialising in "wellness products from natural sources." He is also a trustee of the United Patients Alliance (UPA), a patient led medical cannabis support group, chief executive of cannabis investment fund, Forma Holdings, and a co-founder and director of Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies, part of a research collaboration that includes Oxford University. Funders of Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies include Casa Verde Capital, a US venture capital firm co-founded in 2015 by Snoop Dogg, the US rap artist and high profile exponent of recreational cannabis use, and tobacco company Imperial Brands (formerly Imperial Tobacco). A spokesperson for Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies told The BMJ that the company "would not look to enter the recreational market" should restrictions in the UK be eased and added that Imperial's investment was "modest and represents a small percentage of the total value of OCT." But Marta Di Forti called for more independent funding for cannabis research. "It is always very dangerous to forget history and we are now seeing the sort of connections that we have seen happening before," she said - and the involvement of tobacco company Imperial was "dreadful and shocking." "We are lacking in funding for cannabis research from independent organisations such as the Wellcome Trust or the Medical Research Council. The result will be that more and more you are going to see even prestigious and reputable academic institutions accepting money from some of these companies." ### Externally peer-reviewed? No Type of evidence: Investigation Subjects: Companies, campaign groups and individuals Press Release 19 March 2020 HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee - Reflecting the broadening concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian hotel industry recorded negative year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 8-14 March 2020, according to data from STR. Advertisements In comparison with the week of 10-16 March 2019, the industry reported the following: Occupancy: -24.3% to 46.0% Average daily rate (ADR): -2.8% to CAD140.70 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -26.4% to CAD64.71 STR analysts note that while occupancy levels dropped in most parts of the country, room rates held somewhat steady. Among the provinces and territories, Quebec experienced the largest decline in occupancy (-29.8% to 44.3%) and the second-steepest drop in RevPAR (-30.6% to CAD65.96). Alberta posted the largest drops in ADR (-6.4% to CAD127.90) and RevPAR (-32.0% to CAD53.21). British Columbia registered the third-largest decrease in RevPAR (-27.6% to CAD83.30). Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the only increases in occupancy (+2.6% to 44.3%) and RevPAR (+1.8% to CAD53.33). Saskatchewan saw the highest lift in ADR (+2.7% to CAD122.37). A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher from an ambulance after arriving at the Columbus Covid 2 Hospital in Rome, Italy. (Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Total deaths in Italy have reached 2,978, more than half of all the cases recorded outside China, while the number of infections stood at 35,713. The previous record high of 368 deaths was also recorded in Italy, on Sunday. The nation of 60 million has now recorded 34.2 percent of all the deaths officially attributed to COVID-19 across the world. With the death rate still climbing despite the Mediterranean country entering a second week under effective lockdown, officials urged Italians to have faith and to stay strong. "They main thing is, do not give up," Italian National Institute of Health chief Silvio Brusaferro said in a nationally televised press conference. "It will take a few days before we see the benefits" of containment measures, said Brusaferro. "We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable." Imposed nationally on Mar 12, the shutdown of most Italian businesses and a ban on public gatherings are due to expire on Mar 25. But school closures and other measures, such as a ban fan attendance at sporting events, are due to run on until Apr 3. A top government minister hinted on Wednesday that the school closure would be extended well into next month, if not longer. The rates within Italy itself remained stable, with two-thirds of the deaths - 1,959 in all - reported in the northern Lombardy region around Milan, the Italian financial and fashion capital. The neighbouring Emilia-Romagna region of Bologna has suffered a total of 458 fatalities, and Turin's Piedmont region has had 154 deaths. Rome's Lazio region has a toll of 32 deaths and 724 infections. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain the plea of Mukesh Singh, one of the four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, challenging a Delhi High Court order which rejected his claim that he was not in the city when at the time of crime on December 16, 2012. A bench of Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna said the convict has exhausted all his remedies and no fresh evidence can be entertained at this level. The bench said it does not find any merit in the plea and it cannot be entertained. The high court had on Wednesday said there were no grounds to interfere in the detailed and reasoned order of the trial court. On Tuesday, the trial court dismissed Mukesh Singh's plea and asked the Bar Council of India to appropriately sensitise his counsel. On March 5, the trial court issued fresh warrants for hanging on March 20 at 5.30 am of all convicts in the case Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Singh (31). Mukesh Singh, one of the four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, Thursday moved the Supreme Court, challenging a Delhi High Court order which rejected his claim that he was not in the national capital when the crime was committed on December 16, 2012. Pipeline Master Limited Partnerships, (MLPs) were once the darlings of the energy industry. The CEOs of companies like Kinder Morgan, (NYSE:KMI), Energy Transfer, (NYSE:ET), and Enterprise Products Partners, (NYSE: EPD) and a host of others were on the business channel morning shows regularly. Circa 2009 was a great time to be CEO of an MLP. Worth noting is that the CEOs of all the MLPs mentioned became billionaires over the last couple of decades, counting the time before they went public. And, why not? They had a cant lose business model. Pitching themselves as Energy Toll Roads, they didnt have capital tied up in the hydrocarbons being pumped through their line, or direct commodity pricing risk. They skipped the exploration and production risks and expenses that burdened upstream operators, and just collected tolls. Accordingly, customers lined up to pay their money to move their products to market and signed long-term multi-year contracts to secure take away space in pipelines forecast to be built. Thus, providing a long term stream of cash flow for the MLPs. The investing case for MLPs got better for investors. MLPs were obligated to pay most of their profits in the form of Distributions to them, leading to fat checks per unit if an investor was willing to do a little extra paperwork for the I.R.S. Growth and yield rarely come together in such a neat package. (Note-MLPs have complicated tax structures that shift some tax liability to unitholders and often involve the need for sophisticated tax assistance!) With a license to essentially print money, starting in 2009 the share prices of these company units- in an MLP you are buying units, took off. What is a little curious is why the stocks of these two companies didnt go even higher. With dividend yields often approaching double digits for most of their history, who wouldnt want on this gravy train? Why indeed. A lot of investors wondered about this and passed on the handsome returns offered by ET, and EPD. Something just wasnt right, they reasoned. Double-digit returns are often a sign of risk in equity. Thats investing 101. But, for a number of years, the lure of easy money seemed to outweigh any risk, and many investors jumped in. Story continues Those who held off might be congratulating themselves right now as ETs dividend (after a 50% cut a year or so ago), hit 18% the other day. This is the result of their share price hitting 10-year lows, lower than it entered the decade for a total return for the period of about 4% including those distributions. If you only go back five years the total return is -17.53%. (Click to enlarge) Source: Yahoo Financials, chart by author In fairness as regards stock price movement in the last couple of weeks, it is driven more by the tiff between Russia and Saudi Arabia, than their own fundamentals. As you likely well know virtually all energy-related stocks have been decimated following the decision March 6th, by two of the worlds largest energy producers to go for market share and flood the market with oil. In this article, we take a look at the resource fundamentals that drive the MLP business. Then we will narrowly focus in on a couple of metrics that might give investors pause as they decide whether or not to go bottom-fishing, in the MLP space, at all. And what companies might have the best prospects to rebound. Oil and Gas fundamentals It is putting it fairly mildly to say the hydrocarbon industry is in a state of flux right now. The core problem is that the market is drastically over-supplied with each commodity, and has been for some time. This point has been well covered in recent articles so I am not going to develop this point extensively in this article. Related: OPEC+ Scraps Meeting As Oil War Heats Up What is worth mentioning is that the business case (supportive commodity prices) for a huge amount of energy development upon which the MLPs have based their investment decisions, has deteriorated seriously in the last few weeks. This can be seen in the most recent release by the Energy Information Agency, (EIA) of its Short Term Energy Outlook, STEO. (Click to enlarge) STEO Prices for oil and gas have just collapsed over the last year, as storage volumes for each has risen. Simply put there just isnt a spare tea kettle or crock pot to put another liter in and companies are resorting to floating storage to cope. What is alarming and germane to this article is that many of the customers of the MLPs being discussed are largely financially distressed and are cutting back their development plans. If you extend this thinking out a year or so production could fall off, and lessen demand for pipeline transport. Tolls will decline in that scenario and that might create cash flow problems for the pipeline MLPs. Debt It can be instructive to look at the debt to capital ratios of the pipeline MLPs. This metric is a combination of a companys capitalization and its total debt. Optimal or acceptable ratios of debt to capital vary somewhat according to the industry, but good ratios are in the 1:1 to 1:1.5 range. Generally, experts agree that this ratio should not exceed 1:2.0. (Click to enlarge) Yahoo Financials, Chart by author Of the three companies we have been discussing, only Energy Transfer is seriously out of step with the debt to capital guidelines. So indebtedness doesnt explain the markets disdain for these entities over the past few years. What might? Public Perception One thing these companies simply cant get away from is a negative public perception of their presence. Put aside for a moment that they carry the hydrocarbon stain, that inspires avoidance in the investing circles today. Pipeline companies by necessity must secure permits and rights of way to build out their networks. This fact brings them into and under the purview of the various local, state, and federal regulatory agencies who must decide for the public at large if its interest is being met. Any one or several of these regulators can stop work on the project without concern for the financial impact it will have on the commercial enterprise. All the companies we are focusing on today have had project delays or cost overruns from regulatory intervention. Related: Saudi Arabias Oil War Could Bankrupt The Kingdom Another vector for potential problems is that much of the routes that these pipelines must travel cross or come close to the boundaries of reservations set aside for American aboriginal tribes. Fierce resistance, often aided by the courts system, has been encountered in recent years as the tribes have sought to delay or deny forward access to pipelines. A good example of this would be the tribal protests around the Dakota Access Pipeline, DAPL. Many of the other pipeline projects undertaken in the last few years have run into similar push back to the DAPL. WSJ It is worth noting that most of these projects are ultimately completed and go into service, albeit somewhat behind schedule. What investors should note is that this risk really cant be mitigated and could and has had adverse impacts on the stocks of the MLP companies in the past. The past impact has been to insulate the stock from upward trends in the industry, and exacerbate downward trends. In the investing game, this is called Dead Money, and represents a real risk to capital. Insider buys Open Market Buys by senior executives in a company are often a way of telegraphing confidence in a companys prospects. These are acquisitions where real money is exchanged for common stock, as opposed to planned buys or planned dispositions. Open Market Buys are bullish indicators, Dispositions less so. It should be noted that this is not a perfect indicator of management's thinking as there are all kinds of reasons to sell stock. Insiders at Energy Transfer have been scooping up their stock over the last three at a hectic place, with broad participation by the companys officers and directors. Not the least of which was a nearly $3.8 mm buy from Kelcy Warren (ETs Founder and CEO) on Feb-28th. Insiders have been busy at Enterprise Products Partners as well, but not on the same scale as the execs at ET. At Kinder Morgan, Richard Kinder (Founder and CEO) has been a busy little bee scooping up 1.4 mm shares since the 26th of February for an average cost of ~$16.00/share. Mostly on his own save for a small purchase by one of the firms officers. I wouldnt go overboard here, but I read this is a bullish sign broadly. Your takeaway On the bullish side of things, these companies have the real cash flow to cover capex and dividends, at least for now. My point about the possibility of these cash flows diminishing down the road, is not a problem for today. It could be one 6-months from now though. On the bearish side, which Ive already tipped my hand on, the industry fundamentals are still weakening day by day. The turmoil is relentless and trillions of dollars of market capitalization across the upstream and downstream industry have been lost in the last 2-3 weeks. I doubt that it is entirely over. What this means, although the external signs like yesterdays Monthly Drilling Productivity Report from the EIA shows shale production still rising incrementally to over 9-mm BOEPD, there is no relief in sight for oil prices. Companies are starting to implement drastic cuts that will over time act to bring some relief to oil prices. ExxonMobil, (NYSE:XOM) just announced a major cost-cutting move in light of the reduced demand from the Corona-virus impact. The easiest place for it to cut in its portfolio is in the Permian, so although there were no specifics, thats where I am looking for big cuts. You will see more of this in the days ahead. The growth phase of shale production is behind us, and I will detail in a future article how I see that playing out over the next couple of years. Bottom-line, I am not ready to tie-up capital in a pipeline MLP. You have a fair amount of information now to guide your own investment decisions, and if your investing temperament includes high risk, high reward companies, you might well want to consider one of the companies discussed herein. By David Messler More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Read this article on OilPrice.com The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has ceased the issuing of all types of visas, said a report. "We would like to inform everyone that all types of visas have been suspended," Times of Oman reported citing a statement from the ROP. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism in Oman has asked tourists to leave the country at the earliest, to avoid possible infection by COVID-19. With regard to the exceptional circumstances that the world is currently going through due to the recent developments from the spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Tourism would like to draw your attention to the importance of providing advice and guidelines to all tour groups and tourists visiting through tour operators, travel agencies and hotels to depart the Sultanate back to their respective countries, the report said citing a statement from the Ministry of Tourism. In addition, as part of its efforts to stop the spread of infections in Oman, the Ministry of Transport has temporarily suspended bus and ferry routes in the country. The suspension of all public transportation with a few exceptions begins on March 19, the report said. This will not include buses licensed under oil and gas companies, as well as the orange and white taxis in the country. However, the maximum number of passengers allowed in a taxi at any time is limited to four, it said. President Trump said Thursday he's eyeing intervention in the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, a dispute that combined with COVID-19's economic toll is pushing prices sharply downward and creating financial jeopardy for U.S. producers. At the appropriate time, I will get involved, yes. President Trump Why it matters: The pledge came in Trump's first extensive comments on the upended oil market, but he also suggested that he has mixed feelings about the price collapse. Trump, at a White House briefing on the COVID-19 response, said low gas prices were helpful to consumers. But he also said the decline "hurts a great industry and very powerful industry." "We're trying to find some kind of medium ground," the president said. Where it stands: Prices for West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, rose into the $25-per-barrel range Thursday, since dropping Wednesday to about $20, an 18-year low. However, it's still far below the roughly $63 range where prices were at the beginning of the year. Catch up fast: Early this month, the production-limiting agreement between OPEC and Russia collapsed, prompting Saudi Arabia to announce lower prices and plans to increase supplies. It comes as drastically curtailed travel and economic activity due to COVID-19 are sharply cutting global demand for oil. What we don't know: Trump did not say what form the U.S. involvement could take. But the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the U.S. could ask Saudi Arabia to revisit plans to hike output via communications through the State Department and National Security Council. The story, citing an unnamed administration official, said the U.S. is weighing potential sanctions against Russia. BENTONVILLE, Ark. - A state judge on Thursday said he wont reconsider the mistrial he granted to an Arkansas man convicted of killing his 6-year-old son by sexually assaulting the child with a stick. Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren rejected a request by prosecutors to limit the mistrial he granted Mauricio Torres to the sentencing phase, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Prosecutors had asked that Karren let Torres conviction stand. Karren declared a mistrial earlier this month when Torres stepson, who testified his stepfather physically abused him, jumped up from the witness stand and charged after Torres when a prosecutor asked about sexual abuse. It was not clear if the stepson had been sexually abused. The Associated Press doesnt usually name alleged victims of sexual assault. A Benton County jury found Torres, 50, of Bella Vista, guilty of capital murder and battery during his retrial in the 2015 death of Isaiah Torres. He faced death or life in prison without parole. Mauricio Torres 2016 conviction and death sentence were overturned by the Arkansas Supreme Court, which ruled 4-3 last April that Arkansas authorities couldnt use rape as a justification for the murder conviction because the assault occurred in Missouri. Torres son died at an Arkansas hospital a day after the assault. Torres is being held without bond in the Benton County jail. Drive-thru CCP virus testing sites are starting to pop up across the United States but few if any are at the major retail stores that pledged last week to provide parking lot space for them. NTD refers to the novel coronavirus , which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. On Wednesday, many Americans with suspected virus infections were heading to drive-thru testing sites at hospitals, with their doctors referral. They were met by healthcare workers in protective gear, swabbing their noses through an open window. The goal is to ramp up testing, the lack of which has been a major obstacle to understanding the extent of the pandemic, reduce pressure on emergency rooms and keep patients in cars to avoid spreading the infection. Leading U.S. retailers, such as Walmart Inc, Target Corp, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and CVS Health Corp pledged at a White House news conference last Friday to provide space for the drive-thru sites in their parking lots. Admiral Brett Giroir of the U.S. Public Health Commission told reporters in Washington on Tuesday drive-thru test centers were blossoming all over the country. But he added the initiative had faced some early challenges. The public health commission was really pushing equipment to 47 centers in a dozen states, after doing a trial run on Monday with public health staff in protective gear, Giroir said. About 140 U.S. public health staff would be deployed to the sites along with state health workers, he said. We had a lot of kinks in the system, as you can expect, he added. Thats why we do a test before we go out into the field Theyre going to be adapted to the state and the local situation, but were very confident that these will add testing to the already very robust healthcare system. CVS spokesman TJ Crawford said the pharmacy chain was preparing this week to launch a pilot drive-thru testing site in the parking lot of a Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, CVS Pharmacy. Initial testing would be limited to first responders and local healthcare professionals who are on the frontlines of treating the virus and preventing its spread, he said. Hospital Appointments For the time being, tests are mainly being conducted at hospitals. About 80 people had visited the drive-up testing location at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut by late Wednesday morning, according to a police officer at the entrance to the site, which had been set up in a covered parking garage. The testing site, one of a handful established at hospitals in Connecticut, was accepting people by appointment only. Some visitors who showed up without an appointment were directed on how to make one and come back later, said the officer who did not want to be identified. It has all gone pretty smoothly, he said. A handful of other drive-thru tests at hospitals have started up in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, and California. New Jersey on Friday will open its first large-scale drive-up testing site at Bergen County Community College in Paramus with the capacity to take in 2,500 specimens a week, state health commissioner Judy Persichilli told a news conference. Health workers at the sites will send the nasal swabs to labs, including commercial labs run by Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, for testing, health officials at the news conference said. By Nathan Layne and Caroline Humer An official at China's Science and Technology Ministry said on Wednesaday that a Japanese flu drug to treat new strains of influenza has proved 'clearly effective' in treating coronavirus patients. Japanese media said that Zhang Xinmin has claimed that favipiravir, developed by a subsidiary of Fujifilm, had produced good encouraging outcomes in clinical trials conducted on 340 patients in Wuhan and Shenzhen, reported Guardian. It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment, Zhang told reporters. Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that patients who were given the medicine in Shenzhen turned negative for the virus nearly four days after testing postive for the virus. The X-rays of these patients also showed improvements in lung condition in about 91% of the patients, while it was 62% on those without the drug. The drug which is also known as Avigan is developed by uFujifilm Toyama Chemical. The pharma company has preferred not to comment on this matter. Guardian reported that Avigan is being used by Japanese doctors in clinical studies on coronavirus patients with mild to moderate symptoms. A Japanese health ministry source, however, said that the drug was not as effective in people with more severe symptoms. Weve given Avigan to 70 to 80 people, but it doesnt seem to work that well when the virus has already multiplied, the source told the Mainichi Shimbun. Notably, favipiravir was used by the Japanese government in 2016 as an emergency aid to counter the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea. It is learnt that Favipiravir would need approval from Japanese government for full-scale use on Covid-19 patients and the drug could be approved as early as May. But if the results of clinical research are delayed, approval could also be delayed. In so many ways, coronavirus will be about numbers -- from case counts to the stock market to how long it lasts. Some are solid, some are emerging and some are crucial but distressingly vague. Here are health-related numbers pertaining to Pennsylvania: Q: How lethal is the coronavirus according to the numbers? A: Early on, a mortality rate of 2-4% was widely reported. That means between two and four out of every hundred people diagnosed with the coronavirus would die. But experts predict the mortality rate in the U.S. will be lower. Thats because early estimates didnt reflect the full number who were actually sick the denominator in the equation. The U.S. death rate is also expected to be lower because we saw it coming, were taking major steps to stop the spread and, hopefully, people in the U.S. will get better hospital care. Dr. Raghavendra Tirupathi, the medical director for Keystone Infectious Diseases and chair of infection prevention at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, this week estimated a mortality rate of 1 to 2%. But its too early to be certain, he said. Much depends on how we well we respond to it in terms of flattening the curve. By comparison, the mortality rate for the flu is, on average, 0.1%. Q: Whats the worst-case death toll scenario? A: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in advising the Trump administration, cited a range of between 200,000 and 1.7 million deaths. Dr. Thomas Frieden, the former head of the CDC, published his own model of various scenarios. In his worst-case scenario, 1,635,000 people would die in the United States. He based that on a mortality rate of 1% percent with half the population getting the coronavirus. A more optimistic model projected that with a mortality rate of 0.5 percent and 10 percent of the population getting sick, 163,500 people would die. Q: How does that translate in Pennsylvania? A: Pennsylvania has 12.8 million people. If half got sick, and the mortality rate was 1 percent, 64,000 people would die, based on Friedens worst-case scenario. If just 10% of state residents became sick and the mortality rate was 0.5%, 6,400 people would die. Q: How contagious is the coronavirus? A: For comparison sake, the basic rule with regular flu is that each sick person infects about one more. With measles, each sick person infects up to 18 people, according to Tirupathi. He estimates the ratio for coronavirus is one sick person infecting about three more. Q: Is there any encouraging numbers regarding coronavirus? A: About 80 percent of people who come down with it doesnt seem to get very sick. Some might not even know they have it. The coronavirus seems to be inflicting little damage on children. And according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, of the 204,251 confirmed cases around the world as of Tuesday morning, 82,091 had recovered. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN PENNSYLVANIA: Click to see where cases of the coronavirus are in Pennsylvania are located. Please note that the pins mark the exact geographic location when available. If said location is not available, it marks the center of the county. Q: What are some other health-related numbers raising concern? A: The numbers of hospital beds and ventilators. One CDC estimate said 21 million people might need hospitalization. The U.S. has 925,000 beds, with many already occupied by people sick with other things. Pennsylvania has about 37,000 beds. Tirupathi estimates 10 percent of people who get coronavirus will need hospitalization, with many if not most needing not just a bed but intensive care and ventilators. If that held true, 10 percent of state residents getting coronavirus would result in 128,000 needing hospital care. If half of state residents came down with coronavirus, 640,000 would need hospital care. Those kinds of possibilities are a big reason Gov. Tom Wolf has shut down schools and non-essential businesses. The goal is not only to prevent cases, but to space them out so they dont overwhelm the health care system what they refer to as flattening the curve. Q: What about the ventilator supply? A: Thats a scary and vague subject. The Society of Critical Care Medicine published an assessment of resources this week. It estimates U.S. hospitals have about 62,000 full-featured mechanical ventilators and about 100,000 more older models which may or may not do the job. The federal government has a stockpile of about 9,000 for emergency use. Additional older ventilators are available from other sources, leading to a total count possibly above 200,000 units. But ventilators also require specially-trained operators, pointing to another possible shortage. In Pennsylvania, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine was asked about the supply of ventilators on Wednesday. She gave no numbers, saying the state has some in reserve, and will turn to the federal government if it runs short. Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. Q: Who is at highest sick of getting severely ill or dying of coronavirus? A: Older people and anyone with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, asthma, cancer and diabetes. A study done by Chinese health officials involving about 45,000 people found that 14.8% of people over 80 who got coronavirus died, as did 8% of people aged 70-79. The World Health Organization has cited death rates of 3.6% for people in their 60s, 1.3% for people in their 50s and under 1% for anyone younger. The death rate was 10.5% for people with heart disease and 7.3% for people with diabetes. Regarding children and teens, only a very small percentage even got sick, with a tiny portion of those becoming severely ill. But by scientific standards, theres still not enough data for solid conclusions. Death rates have varied by country and region. Italy, for example, has seen an unusually high death rate, possibly because it has an unusually old population. Q: Pennsylvania has an older population. How vulnerable are we? A: We have more vulnerable people than many states. Pennsylvania has 3.3 million people older than 60, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of people at high risk for severe coronavirus illness. Pennsylvania also has more than one million people under 60 at high risk because of medical conditions, according to the analysis. Hassan Elliott, 21, was charged with murder Thursday in last Fridays killing of Philadelphia Police Sgt. James OConnor IV in Frankford. Elliott, who had been held without bail since the incident, allegedly shot through a closed door at SWAT officers seeking to arrest him, fatally striking OConnor. He was arraigned at 1:06 a.m., according to court records. He also faces seven counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, seven counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer, obstruction, reckless endangerment, and related charges, police said. Police said Wednesday that officers put Elliott in OConnors handcuffs to formally place him under arrest in the killing. Before dawn Friday, OConnor and his colleagues entered an apartment on the 1600 block of Bridge Street in search of Elliott, who was wanted for allegedly committing a murder nearby a year earlier. As OConnor climbed the stairs, authorities have said, Elliott began firing through a closed bedroom door. OConnor was struck in an arm and shoulder, and was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital at 6:09 a.m. Three other people Khalif Sears, 18; Bilal Mitchell, 19; and Sherman Easterling, 24 were in the room with Elliott when he pulled the trigger, authorities have said. None has yet been charged in OConnors death, but all remain in custody for other crimes as police continued to investigate. Elliott who did not have an attorney listed in court documents also has been charged with murder in the March 2019 killing. OConnor, 46, was a 23-year veteran and a married father of two. His father was a city police officer, as are his son and daughter-in-law; his daughter serves in the military police. He was posthumously promoted from corporal. CHANDIGARH: Warning of a worsening coronavirus crisis in the country, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged the Government of India to allow private hospitals and labs to conduct tests in order to ensure access to all people. Amarinder said he will take up the issue of testing by private hospitals/labs with the Prime Minister during the latters proposed video conference with all chief ministers on Friday. He said with the number of coronavirus cases increasing, the Centre has to consider reviewing its policy. I do not agree with the current policy of the Government of India in this regard, he said even as the state reported its first case of coronavirus death. The chief minister was speaking at a summit here to mark the third anniversary of his government. He said that given the fact that Punjab had private labs in all major cities, it was not logical for a coronavirus suspect to travel to Chandigarh or some other place to get himself tested from a government facility. He said only in case of doubt should such a person be required to go elsewhere for a second test. Capt Amarinder said coronavirus had just entered India and the problem was likely to escalate, in line with the graph followed by other countries. We have to be prepared in every way, he said. He suggested that the Centre allow food stocks currently stored in Punjab godowns to be distributed to the poor whose earnings were impacted due to the coronavirus outbreak instead of letting them rot in the storage areas. Since the stocks belong to the Government of India, it is in its purview to take a decision in this regard, he said, adding that the 20 million tonnes of food grains that Food Corporation of India (FCI) had yet to lift from the godowns could be put to better use by feeding the people not just in Punjab but wherever needed. Vacation airline Sunwing is offering available seats on its repatriation flights from southern destinations to stranded Canadians, free of charge, the company said Thursday. The seats are open to non-Sunwing customers as the travel company responds to calls from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for Canadians to return home as soon as possible in response to the sometimes deadly coronavirus. We understand a lot of Canadians are still stranded outside the country and struggling to get home, Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group, said in a news release. Thats why we want to open up any extra capacity we have. Its the Canadian thing to do. The travel company said it is bringing home approximately an additional 11,000 Canadians on Thursday, bringing the total number of repatriated Sunwing customers to more than 33,000. WestJet added four flights over the past two days to repatriate its passengers. Air Canada says it has put in place temporary, one-way fares to Canada to enable customers abroad to return home. It says it is scaling down operations from 101 international airports to six: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Delhi, Tokyo and Hong Kong from April 1 until at least April 30. Air Transat told its passengers to go on its website for information regarding repatriation flights. Transat would like to reassure you that we are making every effort in coordinating our repatriation flights, the companys website said. We are striving to ensure that the number of operating flights and of available seats is sufficient to bring back all our customers to their countries of origin as quickly as possible. Read more about: Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan gets himself the all-new Creta as the deliveries of the car began yesterday. The actor took the wraps off the new Creta at the 2020 Auto Expo where the car was unveiled for the first time India. The Creta has been one of Hyundai's most successful products in India. And as the competition stiffens with offerings like the Kia Seltos, the new update for the car was much needed. The new Creta comes as a brand-new car, both in terms of cosmetics and mechanicals. On the outside, the car comes with three-part LED headlamps and squared wheel arches. The updated Creta also gets a new grille, a new set of alloy wheels, and a brand new cabin. Speaking of which, the car gets a dual-tone black & beige cabin which is optional alongside black interiors with red accents. Also on offer is new leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats at the front. Hyundai has equipped Creta with a variety of new features including a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Advanced Blue Link Connectivity System, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster with digital display, Bose sound system with 8 speakers, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a flat-bottom steering. In terms of mechanicals, the new BS6 engine options on the Creta include a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine that are available with both a 6-speed manual transmission and an automatic transmission. There is also a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine available with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The car comes with three driving modes (Eco, Comfort & Sport) and traction control modes (Snow, Sand & Mud) that are meant to optimise driving across different terrains. A soldier who was filmed shooting dead a seemingly unarmed and 'docile' Afghan man has been identified and stood down pending further investigation. The disturbing footage, which aired on ABC's Four Corners on Monday night, showed the Australian soldier open fire on the man as he cowered in a field at the village of Deh Jawz-e Hasanza in Afghanistan. An internal investigation into the soldier's actions in 2012 cleared him of any wrongdoing, but the Defence Minister this week referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police Commissioner. The soldier, known as Soldier C, has since been identified and suspended from duty for the duration of the investigation. A statement from the Department of Defence described the footage, in which the soldier appears to shoot the man in point blank range, as 'serious and disturbing'. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said she made a 'formal referral to the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police regarding the incident involving the alleged serious criminal conduct of so-called Soldier C'. The confronting vision shows a group of soldiers following a German Shepherd named Quake as he guided them to the man, who was hiding in a wheat field. Once the man was identified, the soldier in question pointed his M4 assault rifle at his head, from about two metres away. 'You want me to drop this c**t?' the soldier yelled at the dog handler. The Afghan man cowered down holding what appeared to be red prayer beads. The helmet footage was taken from the moment a group of soldiers got out of a chopper in the village of Deh Jawz-e Hasanza in Afghanistan in May, 2012 'I don't know mate. Hit *** up,' the handler replied, referring to the patrol commander nearby. The soldier then directed his question at the commander. 'You want me to drop this c***?' He asked twice but the commander's response isn't distinguishable in the video. The soldier then shot the man three times in the head and chest. An ADF investigation ruled the shooting was self defence, but Braden Chapman, a former member of the same squadron, was shocked when he saw the footage. 'It's just a straight-up execution really,' Mr Chapman, who did not witness the killing, told Four Corners. 'He's asked someone of a superior rank what he should do, but it comes down to the soldier pulling the trigger. It's a straight-up execution.' 'You want me to drop this c**t?' the soldier (pictured right) yelled at the dog handler The SAS soldier seen in the footage claimed he opened fire in self defence, arguing the Afghan man had a radio which wasn't visible in the footage and could have posed a threat. He also told the ADF he pulled the trigger from 15 to 20 metres away. Senator Reynolds said she was 'deeply disturbed' by the footage. She said she steadfastly supported an inquiry by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force into allegations against special forces in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2016. The military watchdog is investigating 55 separate allegations of unlawful conduct in Afghanistan by Australian soldiers. 'Where serious allegations are raised, Australians would rightly expect they are thoroughly examined,' she said. 'The Chief of the Defence Force has advised me that the IGADF will soon provide a report on the findings of the Afghanistan Inquiry.' As her Coronavirus Remix climbed the charts, Cardi B drew an audience of 720K people during her 2am rant at the Pentagon about the global pandemic via Instagram Live on Wednesday. 'I need to know what's going on. If you work at the f***ing Pentagon, let a b**** know, because I need to f***ing know, n****,' the 27-year-old Grammy winner exclaimed. 'I don't know if you can tell, but I'm losing my f***ing mind. I want to get dressed up. I want to put a f***ing lacefront on, I want to put on my f***ing expensive outfits, and I want to go f***ing out. And I can't!' 'I need to know what's going on!' As her Coronavirus Remix climbed the charts, Cardi B drew an audience of 720K people during her 2am rant at the Pentagon about the global pandemic via Instagram Live on Wednesday The Bronx-born Latina (born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) added: 'Coronavirus. I just don't understand. Who the f*** saw this coming?' And while Cardi was dressed down and had her natural hair showing, she still sported a fully-contoured complexion and false lashes applied b make-up artist Erika La' Pearl Roman. Perhaps that's why the Press hitmaker later got a pastel Louis Vuitton-logo 3D manicure by nail artist Chaun Legend, whose other clients include Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Jada Pinkett-Smith. 'Quarantine Nails for @iamcardib these are definitely the longest nails I've ever done,' Chaun proudly captioned his snap of his mani. The 27-year-old Grammy winner said: If you work at the f***ing Pentagon, let a b**** know, because I need to f***ing know...I don't know if you can tell, but I'm losing my f***ing mind' She continued: 'I want to get dressed up. I want to put a f***ing lacefront on, I want to put on my f***ing expensive outfits, and I want to go f***ing out. And I can't!' 'Coronavirus. I just don't understand': And while Cardi was dressed down and had her natural hair showing, she still sported a fully-contoured complexion and false lashes applied b make-up artist Erika La' Pearl Roman 'Quarantine Nails for @iamcardib!' Perhaps that's why the Press hitmaker later got a pastel Louis Vuitton-logo 3D manicure by nail artist Chaun Legend 'I was filing for dayssss lol!' Cardi is clearly starting to get cabin fever in quarantine, tweeting crying emojis about Manhattan's Costume Institute postponing the Met Gala 'indefinitely' on Monday. Last year, the former Bloods gangbanger rocked a feathered Thom Browne gown featuring a 10ft train carried by five assistants for the Met Gala's Camp: Notes on Fashion theme. And in 2018, a pregnant Cardi looked regal in a white pearl-beaded Jeremy Scott maternity gown for the Met Gala's Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme. Denied: Cardi is clearly starting to get cabin fever in quarantine, tweeting crying emojis about Manhattan's Costume Institute postponing the Met Gala 'indefinitely' on Monday Epic! Last year, the former Bloods gangbanger rocked a feathered Thom Browne gown featuring a 10ft train carried by five men for the Met Gala's Camp: Notes on Fashion theme Baby on board! And in 2018, a pregnant Cardi looked regal in a white pearl-beaded Jeremy Scott maternity gown for the Met Gala's Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme The former stripper's coronavirus rant on Instagram from last Wednesday was remixed into an infectious hip-hop track by DJ iMarkkeyz, which is now charting in over 30 countries. Cardi and the Brooklyn producer (born Brandon Markell Davidson) are passing on the proceeds of the track to local food banks and shelters in their native New York. 'Keep in mind you don't get your money right away,' the hip-hop It Girl - who boasts 94.4M social media followers - tweeted on Tuesday. 'But even months from now there would be families with financial issues for getting laid off due to the virus. We will donate!' Charting in over 30 countries! The former stripper's coronavirus rant on Instagram from last Wednesday was remixed into an infectious hip-hop track by DJ iMarkkeyz 'We will donate!' Cardi and the Brooklyn producer (born Brandon Markell Davidson) are passing on the proceeds of the track to local food banks and shelters in their native New York If Cardi gets bored again, she can always dote on her 20-month-old daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus with husband Offset, or record more tracks for her second studio album Tiger Woods. Unless it gets cancelled over COVID-19, the Bodak Yellow rapper's next scheduled gig is for June 12 at the South Africa's Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. The Hustlers actress can also be seen as Leysa, a woman who shares history with street racer Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), in Fast & Furious 9, which is scheduled to hits US/UK theaters May 22. So much to do! If the hip-hop It Girl gets bored again, she can always dote on her 20-month-old daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus with husband Offset, or record more tracks for her second studio album Tiger Woods (pictured March 9) Ghana Fisheries Commission urges fishmongers to adopt directives on coronavirus March 18,2020 | Source: GNA In the wake of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, the Ghana Fisheries Commission (FC) has called on fishers and fishmongers to adopt the health protection measures to prevent the spread of the flu-like coronavirus. It called on fishmongers who travel from place to place to market their fish to pay attention to public announcements being made in the media and the public announcement vans to regularly use sanitizers and thoroughly wash their hands with soap after any interaction with members of the public. Madam Rebecca Sackey-Mensah, an officer at the Marine Fisheries Management Division in Accra, said this to canoe owners, chief fishermen, fishmongers and other stakeholders from the Fisheries Commission at the Fisheries Closed Season Stakeholders Dialogue at Agona-Nkwanta in the Ahanta-West Municipality. The Fisher to Fisher dialogue afforded the stakeholders the opportunity to solicit views on the ideal month for this year's closed season. The Western Regional Fisher to Fisher Dialogue is being sponsored by the USAID. Madam Sackey-Mensah said the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the scourge as very disheartening and stressed the need for Ghana to be on high alert as the pandemic was gaining grounds globally. She said just as preventive measures were adopted during the Ebola outbreak, same must be done to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in the country. She advised fishmongers, fishers to avoid handshakes just as the President has directed. Professor Godfrey Baidoo-Tsibu, the Western Regional Director of Fisheries, warned that the use of DDT, dynamite and light fishing among others, made the fish caught toxic which is harmful to consumers. He called on fishers to halt all forms of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country. Mr Abaka Edu, Secretary to the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC), said to ensure a successful Closed Season which is the spawning period of the fish stock, it behooves on government to ban the trawlers on the high seas whose unchecked activities destroy the juvenile fishes. Madam Henrietta Eyison, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ahanta-West, whose speech was read for her, asked the fishermen to sacrifice in the short term and gain in the long term by allowing the juvenile fishes in the sea to grow. She said government would dialogue with fishermen on how best to leverage pre-mix fuel to boost fishing activities in the country to ensure food security. Madam Eyison called on the fishermen to pay their dues to help the association flourish. Theme(s): Others. Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Photo: Contributed When I first wrote about COVID-19 three weeks ago, there were 33 confirmed cases in Canada: 20 in Ontario 12 in British Columbia One in Quebec. Last week, those numbers had increased to 93 confirmed cases in Canada: 36 in Ontario 39 in British Columbia Four in Quebec 14 in Alberta. One death as a result of the disease had also been recorded in B.C. This week, there are 701 confirmed cases in Canada: 212 in Ontario 231 in B.C. 97 in Alberta 94 in Quebec 12 in Manitoba The rest in other parts of Canada. There have now been seven COVID-19 deaths in B.C. One of the health challenges is, for a variety of different reasons, the tests for the virus are all at maximum capacity. This means that as more capacity is added to increase the tests, numbers may continue to rise substantially. At the same time, B.C. has declared a state of emergency with Vancouver also proposing similar measures. A state of emergency is called to allow authorities to have more abilities to fight the spread of the virus. This week in Ottawa, the Prime Minister announced up to $87 billion in financial assistance to help mitigate the financial impacts that COVID-19 will inflict upon Canadians. The measures are vast, but include temporarily increasing the Canada Child Benefit and GST credits, EI entitlements for those who would not normally qualify and a labour payroll subsidy of 10% to small business owners. Other measures include deferring the due date for individuals on personal income taxes. The return filing due date will be deferred until June 1. In addition, there will be a reduction in the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020. The government also proposed two new benefits. First, the Emergency Care Benefit, which will allow for people directly impacted by COVID-19 to receive up to $900 every two weeks for a maximum of 15 weeks. This is to support workers, including the self employed, who find themselves in quarantine, looking after a family member such as an elderly parent or those parents with children requiring care due to school closures and are unable to earn employment income irrespective if they qualify for EI or not. The second is the Emergency Support Benefit and is for Canadians who lose their job or face reduced hours and are not eligible for EI. Unfortunately, we do not know more, other than they have proposed $5 billion to fund this new benefit and at this time I cannot provide constituents more details. Both of these new benefits will be available for application only through the internet via a CRA My Account, My Service Canada Account or through a yet to be disclosed toll free number. This approach may pose positives and negatives. The Prime Minister has suggested Canadians stay home wherever possible in order to reduce exposure to the virus. But on the other hand, I am already hearing frustrations that the toll-free numbers for existing programs often result with citizens unable to get through. While online access works for many Canadians, rural areas lack online access making this option potentially unworkable for some. Lastly, is speed and responsiveness. These new benefits will be open for application in April and people are concerned with whether they will qualify or if the payments are issued quickly for those wrestling with rent, grocery and medicine bills. This is only a partial summary of the many measures put forward. I will give credit to the government for making efforts to have a comprehensive financial response. My question this week is: [March 19, 2020] ClearSale Ranks on Inc. Magazine First-Ever List of Florida's Fastest-Growing Private Companies-The Inc. 5000 Series: Florida Global fraud protection pioneers, ClearSale (https://clear.sale), today announced that it has been ranked No. 14 on Inc. magazine's inaugural Inc. 5000 Series: Florida list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Florida-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Florida economy's most dynamic segment-its independent small businesses. "We are so thrilled to be included on this inaugural Inc. 5000 Series list," said Rafael Lourenco, EVP at ClearSale. "Florida's business community was so welcoming when we first opened our doors, and we are wholly committed to our community in Miami. Our growth is due to the dedication and tenacity of our U.S. team, a team that works hard to protect retailers from chargebacks and fraud through our advanced machine learning technology combined with an in-house team of seasoned fraud analysts." The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in Florida. Between 2016 and 2018, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 302 percent and, in 2018 alone, they employed more than 56,000 people and added $12.6 billion to the Florida economy. Companies based in the Tampa, Miami, and Naples metro areas brought in the highest revenue overall. Since its launch, ClearSale has experience significant growth. ClearSale's unique proprietary fraud-fighting solution combines advanced statistical technology with the world's largest team of specialized fraud analysts for a balanced, real-world approach unlike anything else. The company's optimized, performance-based approach ensures that fraud is wiped out and the customer experience is maximized. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Series: Florida, includig company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/inc5000-series-florida-2020 starting March 18, 2020. "The companies on this list demonstrate just how much the small-business sector impacts Florida's economy," says Inc. editor in chief Scott Omelianuk. "Across every single industry, these businesses have posted revenue and growth rates that are beyond impressive, further proving the tenacity of their founders and CEOs." About ClearSale ClearSale helps e-retailers increase sales and eliminate chargebacks before they happen. Its solution protects a merchant's business by sorting orders and giving an accurate determination of fraud risk, then manually reviews every suspect transaction, providing the highest approval rates industrywide and virtually eliminating false positives. More information at https://clear.sale or follow on Twitter (News - Alert) @ClearSaleUS. More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regional Series Methodology The 2020 Inc. 5000 Regional Series is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2018. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent-not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies-as of December 31, 2018. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2018 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005081/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NEW YORK, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2019, the country of Georgia's wine exports to the U.S. surged another 46% and represented 90 producers, reports Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of The National Wine Agency of the country of Georgia. This was the fifth straight year of annualized average 30% growth by volume, making the U.S. the largest Western export market for Georgia, following only China and other CIS (former Soviet Bloc) countries. The value figure is also notable, as U.S. importers purchased at an average ex-cellar price of $5.11/bottle, which is more than double the average export price to China and other CIS countries. National Wine Agency of the country of Georgia Mekhuzla notes: "The most significant trend of the Georgian wine sector since 2008 has been the rapid and determined diversification of export markets. While the former Soviet markets still account for the majority of exports by volume, the strategic and trend-setting U.S. market shows not only encouraging growth, but a focus on the high-value, premium-quality segment, with particular demand for premium red, qvevri, amber, low intervention, and natural wines." According to the Marq Wine Group's Managing Partner Julie Peterson, who has been leading the U.S. strategy since 2015, "The robust results we are seeing are the result of two simultaneous market dynamics. The first is growing awareness among American consumers of both Georgia and the diversity of artisanal, hand-crafted wines that are produced in this ancient land. The second is the energetic growth and development of Georgian vineyards and wineries. Georgians have been producing wines for thousands of years, but while their tradition runs deep, their access to western markets had been limited. With new markets now open, demand has encouraged a significant number of family wineries to increase both their vineyards and their production." About the Wines of Georgia Home to more than 525 indigenous grape varieties, Georgia's wine industry has been transformed from a cottage industry into an artisanal powerhouse, with winemakers producing some of the world's most unique and distinctive fine wines using both qvevri and European winemaking methods. The origin of wine is currently attributed to Georgia during the Neolithic period. In 2016 in southwest Georgia, archaeologists discovered clay vessels containing cultivated grape seeds that were dated to 6000 BC using archaeological, archaeobotanical, climatic, and chemical methods. The results were published in November 2017 by the National Academy of Sciences. Continually, since the 6th century BC, Georgians have made wine in qvevris, giant clay vessels lined with beeswax and buried underground to keep temperatures constant. Winemakers ferment the juice in these vessels, simultaneously allowing the grape skins to macerate with the juice, which turns what many American consumers expect to be white wines into an amber color, and adding tannin to both the resultant amber and red wines. (European vintners ferment red grapes along with their skins and stems to lend them color and tannins, but omit them when making white wine.) Qvevris are still made by hand by one of Georgia's five "master" qvevri-making families; there is an ever-increasing demand for wine produced in this tradition, both in Georgia and around the world. In 2013, the United Nations added qvevri winemaking to the UNESCO list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." https://twitter.com/wines_georgia https://www.instagram.comwinesgeorgia Media Contact Christine Deussen Deussen Global Communications, Inc. New York, NY Mobile: 917-545-1459 [email protected] Trade & Strategy Contact Julie Peterson Wines of Georgia - U.S. Office Marq Wine Group Washington, D.C. Mobile: 202-999-7533 [email protected] Related Images georgian-wine-exports-to-the-u-s.png Georgian Wine Exports to the U.S. +30% YOY for 5th Consecutive Year, With U.S. Taking the Lead as the Largest 'Western' Export Market Related Links Wines of Georgia Website Wines of Georgia Facebook SOURCE National Wine Agency of the country of Georgia The Chinese government has advised citizens to refrain from visiting Korea and nine other countries. It warned on Wednesday that coronavirus is "rampant" around the world and the situation in some countries and regions are "serious." But the Korean government has left its doors wide open to visitors from China when the virus was rampant and serious there, for fear of irking Beijing. Korea is one of very few countries that has left its doors open to visitors from China. Is this a comedy or a tragedy? Scores of health experts demanded the government restrict visitors from China when the epidemic was spreading quickly in Hebei Province early this year. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was backed by no fewer than seven recommendations from the Korea Medical Association to that effect, and a petition drive on the Cheong Wa Dae website calling for a ban on visitors from China drew 760,000 signatures. But Cheong Wa Dae looked the other way each time. When faced with criticism that our government is not doing enough, President Moon Jae-in telephoned Chinese President Xi Jinping and told him that Korea "shares" the pain felt by China. Ruling party lawmakers urged the public to curb anti-Chinese sentiment, and the health minister placed the blame on Koreans by saying, "There are more cases of Koreans who visited China becoming sources of infection." The justice minister was proud to say China "thanked Korea in particular" for keeping its doors wide open to visitors from China. That means other governments around the world like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, which moved early to close their borders and saw very low levels of coronavirus infection, have somehow been foolish. This absurdity is the result of having a president who seems smitten by Xi Jinping. But to what effect? China had the gall to tell Korea that quarantine measures are more important than diplomacy and now advises its people not to visit Korea. At least the government can boast that it succeeded in getting Chinese people to stay away from Korea without angering Beijing. Your browser does not support the audio element. Come home. For most people, especially those living far away, this sort of call might send you running to the airport when spoken by a family member. As someone who has lived far from my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador back in Canada for many years now, I know it would certainly cause alarm if my mother made the request. However, since it recently came from the leader of my home country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and it was followed by warnings of future flight restrictions and lockdowns due to concerns over the quick spread of the novel coronavirus, Ive found myself leaving my bag just where it is. Currently, its in Ho Chi Minh City, and given the state of affairs back home and in most of the Western world, I feel lucky that its residing here right now. Sure, things havent exactly been business as normal throughout Vietnam, but its hard to ignore the statistics. Overall, according to the Ministry of Health as of Thursday morning, the novel coronavirus has infected over 218,000 people and killed more than 8,900 globally. At this point, Vietnam has confirmed 76 cases of COVID-19, whereas my home country has a total of 690. That difference alone seems startling, but when you compare the populations of the two countries (Vietnam has more than double the number of people) and just how spread out the population of Canada is compared to here (Canada is almost 30 times bigger than Vietnam), its even more surprising to see how quickly things have turned bad on the other side of the world. Sadly, its not just in Canada. With the epicenter of the epidemic having shifted to Europe according to the World Health Organization, and the United States is possibly heading in the same direction as Italy (one of the worst-hit regions outside of China), both foreign travelers and those who call Vietnam their current home are deciding that it makes more sense to stay here instead of risking a return to more uncertain regions. Karina Fullard, a teacher in Ho Chi Minh City from South Africa, says, I feel safer here because the hospitals are better prepared, and the government has been doing their best to contain and prevent further spread of the virus by putting everything under lockdown. At the same time, she also has some hesitation in being here because her hometown in South Africa has little traffic going in and out, so she feels like it may be relatively untouched by the virus. As someone who also grew up in a small town, I too wondered if being back in my island province might be the safest bet. After all, we did often joke as kids that it would be the best place to be when the world fell apart. Sadly, with one case already being reported there last week, it seems like we might have been wrong. Along with the health risks of the pandemic, the financial strains are already being felt by many and will most likely only get worse as countries continue to announce closures, limit travel, and take other measures to try and handle the situation. In Vietnam, plenty of foreigners (and locals) are facing tough financial situations due to the long-term school closures and other things, and some may soon simply have to leave as their savings dwindle. In regard to her home of Abu Dhabi, Angeli Castillo, creative director at Karma Creatives, says that things are not bad back there, but she adores how business owners in Ho Chi Minh City have been so supportive of each other. "The pandemic has made things tough for everyone, including small businesses, but everyone here has been very considerate, even of their rivals, and I can't imagine leaving that, Castillo said. Regardless of where we live and whether or not its our original home, one thing that everyone seems to agree on is that we will all need to work together to keep things from getting worse. From following local regulations and limiting our time outside to maintaining some sort of contact with friends and family wherever they may be, the call to help those in our community is strong. For many of us foreigners in Vietnam right now, its also the one were going to answer. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned independent schools their funding might be at risk if they defy government advice and close due to the COVID-19 threat. Mr Morrison spoke to school leaders on Wednesday, including the head of the Australian Independent Schools NSW Geoff Newcombe. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued a warning to schools. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Dr Newcombe subsequently sent a letter to all his members about the conversation, in which Mr Morrison "reminded me that in this situation there were certain expectations attached to the recurrent funding provided by the Australian Government to Catholic and independent schools. "He asked if I would convey this message to schools in our association, as well as colleagues in other states and territories." On Thursday, March 19, Fred Meyer announced that it would be reducing its hours of operation, staying open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The move, which came from parent company Kroger, is just the latest example of Pacific Northwest grocery stores adapting to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. As stores have seen long lines of shoppers stocking up on essentials, theyve had to reduce hours to give employees more time to restock shelves and deep-clean heavily trafficked parts of stores. Grocers have been urging customers to buy only what they need, and some are limiting purchase numbers for some of the most sought-after items, such as toilet paper, facial tissue, cold and flu products, and cleaning supplies. This week, WinCo Foods began posting signs in stores reminding shoppers of its policy against accepting returns on over-purchased items, in an effort to stop hoarding of some items. Others stores have introduced measures to keep aisles and checkout lines from getting too crowded. And a few are extending special hours to seniors and other shoppers who are particularly vulnerable during the crisis. Heres the latest on what some grocery stores are doing in response to coronavirus: Costco: Beginning on March 30, Costco will close its warehouses at 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Weekend hours will remain unchanged. Previously, Costco began limiting purchase amounts for in-demand products, and began posting notices at store entryways about sold-out products. Food court menus have been scaled back to limited items. The store has also posted signs cautioning shoppers about maintaining social distancing. Previously, Costco announced that it would eliminate food samples in warehouses. Food 4 Less: Parent company Kroger is limiting Food 4 Less store hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to give employees more time to clean and restock stores. Additionally, it is setting aside 7-7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for senior shoppers. Fred Meyer: On March 19, parent company Kroger announced that Fred Meyer stores would be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving employees more time to restock and clean. On March 23, the store announced that the first hour of business Mondays-Thursdays would be reserved for seniors and other vulnerable shoppers, with stores opening for all customers at 8 a.m. on those days. Fred Meyer also is declining returns (including refunds, store credits and product exchanges) out of safety concerns, with the exception of fresh produce, meat, seafood or deli product that doesnt meet the stores fresh standards. Grocery Outlet: Because stores are locally owned, Grocery Outlet hasnt announced overall changes beyond making hand sanitizers and cleansing wipes more available. It is recommending that customers check with their local stores for updated hours of operation. Green Zebra Grocery: The stores four locations have updated hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with high-risk population shopping hours from 7 to 8 a.m. weekdays. Market of Choice: Store hours have been changed to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. until further notice, with special hours for vulnerable shoppers from 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. The store is limiting purchases of high-demand items, with signs indicating which products have limits. Customers are now required to use provided disposable gloves for handling scoops, ladles and tongs in the bulk section, and the salad and olive bars. Use of personal, reusable containers has been suspended in all departments. Food demos and sampling have also been suspended. Natural Grocers: Natural Grocers is now closing stores at 7:05 p.m. to allow employees to do more cleaning. Store opening times remain unchanged. The store is also ending nutrition classes, food demonstrations, sampling, and will close its on-tap Kombucha stations through at least the end of March. The store is also setting aside 9-10 a.m. Sundays for senior shoppers and other vulnerable customers. New Seasons Markets: New Seasons changed its hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice. The store suspended food samples, and is asking customers who bring in reusable bags to pack them. New Seasons also extended senior discount days to Monday through Friday to allow older customers to spread out their grocery shopping, and now is reserving 8 a.m.-9 a.m. for senior shoppers, encouraging other customers to shop later. New Seasons has instituted store capacity limits, and asks shoppers to a social distance of 6 feet between themselves and other shoppers. Other changes include managing the flow of traffic, added in-store signage to help demonstrate a healthy distance at checkout and service counters. Safeway/Albertsons: Albertsons Companies, which owns Safeway, announced that it would limit quantities of high-demand items like hand sanitizer and household cleaners. It also is increasing the cleaning of high-touch points, such as checkout lines. And Safeway/Albertsons said it would set aside 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those most at risk in our communities. Target: On March 18, Target announced that would begin closing all stores at 9 p.m. to allow more time for restocking and cleaning. Also, Target began reserving the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests including elderly and those with underlying health concerns. It already increased efforts to clean surfaces such as checkout lanes and touch screens at least every 30 minutes. It also is placing sales limits on products like hand sanitizer, toilet paper and bottled water. On March 25, Target announced that it would stop accepting in-store product returns and exchanges for the three weeks. And it is asking customers who use reusable bags to bag their own items. Trader Joes: On March 16, Trader Joes cut hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Previously, the company announced that it would be eliminating food and drink samples, and was encouraging employees to practice proper personal hygiene. The store is offering expedited entry to stores for seniors from 9 to 10 a.m. daily. Walmart: On March 19, Walmart cut store hours at its regular and Neighborhood Market stores to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until further notice to improve cleaning and restocking efforts. Whole Foods: Whole Foods has reduced store hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for most locations. The grocery also suspended food samples and demonstrations, and is increasing its number of hand sanitizer stations. At its coffee stands, Whole Foods is no longer allowing reusable cups. Whole Foods also is allowing shoppers over age 60 to shop an hour before stores regularly open. WinCo Foods: On March 21, WinCo reduced store hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (opening at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays) to give employees more time to clean and restock. It also is allowing early shopping from 6 to 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors, vulnerable shoppers and employees. WinCo also has closed its bulk foods sections, as well as its olive and soup bars. In an effort to stop the hoarding of some products, WinCo announced that it would not accept returns on products over-purchased in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. This includes, but is not limited to, bottled water, toilet paper, cold medicine, canned goods, and antibacterial products. Zupans Markets: Hours have been modified to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accommodate cleaning and restocking. There is increased cleaning of checkout stands and shopping carts. Salad and poke bars have been closed, and food samples have been eliminated. Deli counters are increasing the availability of grab-and-go meals. Coffee stands have eliminated personal cups. Beginning Thursday, March 19, Zupans added a senior and immune-comprised early shopping hour on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 a.m. -- Grant Butler gbutler@oregonian.com 503-221-8566; @grantbutler Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. On the decks of the USS Franklin 75 years ago on Sunday morning, March 19, 1945, during World War II were five bombers, 14 torpedo bombers and 12 fighters. Those aircraft were carrying 36,000 gallons of gas and 30 tons of bombs and rockets between them. They became an inferno, according to a 1995 story written by author David H. Lippman in World War II and shared on historynet.com. The inferno was the result of a Japanese dive bomber dropping two, 500-pound armor-piercing bombs on the Franklin, nicknamed Big Ben. A 3-inch gasoline line aft had ruptured. Bombs, rockets, and .50-caliber ammunition were still exploding. Then a 40mm ready-service magazine exploded. This new blast lifted Franklin and spun her to starboard. A sheet of flame rose 400 feet over the carrier, rupturing the flight deck in a dozen places. According to the U.S. Navy, the 26,000-ton Franklin had maneuvered "closer to the Japanese homeland than any other U.S. Carrier and had launched a pre-dawn strike against the island of Honshu." The first bomb, according to the Navy, struck the flight deck centerline, penetrating to the hanger deck. It also started fires through the second and third decks and knocked out the combat information center. The second bomb tore through two decks and fanned fires that detonated ammunition, bombs and rockets. The casualties were 807 soldiers killed and 487 injured. Lippman wrote, No ship in history had suffered such losses and remained afloat. [Captain Leslie] Gehres had only 600 men and 103 officers left aboard. [Commander Stephen] Jurika described his flight deck as a mud shambles of burned, warped, and broken wood and steel, with bodies, debris, and wreckage littering the area. Holes were cut in the flight deck with axes, and hoses were poked through in an attempt to quell flames still raging on the gallery deck. Eventually, men who had been trapped below for 17 hours were rescued while others went to work preparing quick meals or fighting the remaining fires. All day on the 21st, Franklins crew continued to clear away wreckage, fight fires, search for bodies and fend off sporadic air attacks. Taylor found a typewriter and wrote a plan of the day, which he gave a highly alliterative but accurate headline, Big Ben Bombed, Battered, Bruised and Bent But Not Broken. The Franklin remained afloat. After being towed by the USS Pittsburgh, it proceeded to Pearl Harbor for repairs. The USS Franklin crew tries to control fires after the March 19, 1945, attack. (U.S. Navy) Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Bhopal, March 19 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's reported claim that he is in touch with his legislators holed up in a resort in Bengaluru for the last 10 days, will finally be put to test in the state assembly that will witness a floor test on Friday. Kamal Nath claimed in an interview that the MLAs "called me to say that they have been forced to record those videos...that is why I'm confident about my numbers." Referring to the 16 Congress MLAs who have tendered resignations to the state assembly speaker as "my MLAs", Nath said no sitting Congress MLA had yet joined the BJP. "These are my MLAs until proven otherwise...If these MLAs were loyal to Scindia, then they would have joined BJP as soon as Scindia joined BJP," he argued. He said the rebel MLAs had so far only tendered resignations from the Assembly and not left the Congress. The ongoing developments were "just an event and not a crisis", the chief minister claimed. The Supreme Court had directed that the floor test be conducted by Friday evening and that the rebels were free to attend the House or stay away from the test. Earlier the court had offered to create conditions to ensure verification of whether resignation by rebel Congress MLAs was truly voluntary and suggested appointing an observer in Bengaluru who can connect with the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker on video conferencing for him to make a decision. The Congress is yet to react to the Supreme Court ruling on the issue. The party MP and Supreme Court lawyer was asked if his party could go for a review petition. He said the party was yet to take a call on the issue. The state BJP chief and Lok Sabha member from Khajuraho, Vishnu Dutt Sharma, had claimed that the ongoing political crisis in the state was an internal issue of the Congress. Kamal Nath has been consistently saying that "this has happened because of the action we took against the mafia that was being supported by BJP". "How is this an internal problem for the Congress? If these MLAs are not being held captive...if they are free, then why can't they come to MP? They are being threatened, that is why they are in a resort," Nath said. Senior Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh have repeatedly asserted that floor-test can only be asked for if a no-confidence motion is proposed. Since the ongoing assembly in the state was already in place for the past 15 months, since it was not a new assembly, Congress has argued, a floor-test cannot be demanded. Nath said he had not sent Digvijaya Singh to Karnataka. "He is a Rajya Sabha MP...it is incumbent on him to go to MLAs to seek their vote...he will even approach BJP MPs for votes. But Digvijaya has been treated like a criminal". For all of Wednesday, Kamal Nath kept telling reporters that he wanted to visit Bengaluru and met his MLAs. Now the scene has changed. This was also part of the arguments made by senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker N.P. Prajapati. "We have been in power for 15 months...if we were not in a majority, then BJP would have toppled us on day one...BJP can call for a no-confidence motion. Floor test is for a new government without majority...we have proven our majority in the last 15 months....so bring a no-confidence motion against us. If they are so confident that they have the numbers, then why can't they call for a no-confidence motion," Nath said. The CM claimed he had met Scindia just over a week before he joined the BJP. He had "not indicated any displeasure or reason to join the BJP." Regarding Scindia's attacks on the ruling state government just before he switched parties regarding the alleged non-fulfilment of the promise to waive farm loans, Nath said, "I know that farmers are happy with us. We have proof." BERLIN The German government on Thursday banned two clubs linked to an anti-Semitic movement that refuses to recognize the modern German state, with the Interior Ministry ordering raids on the homes of the groups leaders in 10 states as part of a crackdown on Germanys far right. We relentlessly continue the fight against right-wing extremism even in times of crisis, Horst Seehofer, Germanys interior minister, said in a statement. We are dealing with an association that distributes racist and anti-Semitic writings and thus systematically poisons our liberal society, Mr. Seehofer added. After years of focusing on threats from Islamist extremists, the German authorities have started to train their resources on combating homegrown far-right extremists. There have been three major attacks in the last nine months, including the killing of a politician, a failed attack on a synagogue and the killing in February of nine Germans with immigrant backgrounds, all three of which were carried out by far-right extremists. Far-right terror is the biggest threat to our democracy right now, Christine Lambrecht, the countrys justice minister, said after the February attacks. On Thursday, she said the decision to ban the clubs brought the fight against far-right extremism and racism to the highest political level. Despite the public-private partnerships the White House touted Sunday as a solution to increasing the United States' coronavirus testing capacity, some doctors say they still aren't able to test their patients -- especially small private practices without the resources to keep personal protective equipment on hand. The problem: Test kits are available, but some doctors lack the protective gear necessary to safely collect samples from their patients to send to the laboratories. Dr. Anjali Viswanathan, an internal medicine doctor who sees patients in her outpatient practice, as well as at the New Jersey hospital where she works, wasn't able to get tests for her patients through the state health department or the hospital. But two testing companies, LabCorp and Quest Diagnostic, had test kits available with just a 72-hour turnaround for results. There was just one catch. Viswanathan would have to provide the protective gear needed to procure the patient samples for the testing companies to analyze. MORE: Frustration and confusion mounts among some doctors and patients who can't get coronavirus tests The test involves a deep nasal swab in which the doctor inserts the swab about three-quarters of the way into the nose and swirls it a couple of times in each nostril, Viswanathan explained. "If someone sneezes on the staff performing the test, we will be exposed," Viswanathan said. When she's performed similar swabs in the past, to test for the flu, her patients sneezed roughly 75 percent of the time, she said. PHOTO: Nurse Corazon Morales administers a test for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to a patient at a drive-through testing site in a parking lot at the University of Washington's Northwest Outpatient Medical Center in Seattle, March 17, 2020. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health care workers treating COVID-19 patients should wear gloves, gowns, a face-fitting N-95 mask, and either a face shield or eye protection like goggles that seal closely to the eye. But while outpatient doctors are anxiously waiting to be able to test their patients, "my hospital-based friends havent had trouble getting the tests," Viswanathan said. Story continues For the past week, Viswanathan has been able to secure testing through LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, but has been unable to perform the swabs to actually get her patients tested. Her office only has one-size-fits-all masks, not the face-fitting N-95 masks that doctors are supposed to wear while performing the tests. Viswanathan doesn't want to expose her staff to the virus without the proper protective gear on hand -- meaning they can't do any testing. MORE: How novel coronavirus compares to SARS, MERS and other recent viral outbreaks Viswanathan also hears similar complaints among outpatient doctors in the physician Facebook group she belongs to. Doctors in the group agree that it's too dangerous for them to perform the swabs without protection, and they're frustrated that no one -- neither private companies nor the government -- is providing them with the protective gear to stay safe while collecting COVID-19 samples, Viswanathan says. Supplies of N-95 masks have grown so sparse that during a White House briefing Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence urged construction companies, which use the same industrial masks to protect workers from inhaling dust and other debris, to donate them to their local hospitals and refrain from ordering more. Is self-testing on the horizon, or is it a pipe dream? As a workaround measure, Viswanathan is experimenting with having patients perform the swabs themselves. Her first trial run, scheduled to take place Wednesday evening, involves a man in his 50s who is exhibiting symptoms and who has been hospitalized with asthma in the past. The man will swab his own nose then immediately place the sample on ice, and Viswanathan plans to have a driver on standby to rush the sample to the lab for testing. PHOTO: Medical personnel swab a driver's nose at a drive-through testing site for coronavirus for employees at UW Medical Center Northwest in Seattle, March 13, 2020. (Brian Snyder/Reuters, FILE) Even with that plan in place, Viswanathan has concerns that something could go wrong. "I'm hearing that the test is invalid unless handled the right way," she said. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that the government is working on its own self-swab test, which he said would make the testing process easier and expand capacity. Health experts are still determining whether self-testing is as effective as the physician-administered tests currently being run. Coronavirus testing in the U.S. has been extremely limited compared to other countries, with 31,878 tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health labs since the start of the outbreak, Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir explained at a Tuesday press briefing. In comparison, clinical labs, which are bearing the brunt of the protective gear testing gap that Viswanathan described, have run 27,000 tests, 8,000 of them on Monday alone. Doctors with the capacity to collect patient samples, but who lack the protective gear to do so, therefore create an added wrinkle to those improved numbers. For their part, commercial laboratories are representing themselves as middlemen, emphasizing that they solely analyze samples, rather than collect them, making an effort to distance themselves from any aspect of patient contact. Quest Diagnostics told ABC News that samples must be collected by a health care provider and not a Quest employee, and LabCorp similarly told ABC News that the company is not collecting samples for its COVID-19 tests. "It's fair, if that's their policy, but they also have a role in public health and in pandemic situations," Viswanathan said. "I think that they could do more." 'Sheer supply is short nationwide' In the absence of help from the government and private companies, doctors find themselves rationing the supplies they have. "It's particularly masks and the protective gear that we need desperately -- both to protect ourselves from patients but also patients from others," Dr. David Bell, a physician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told ABC News. "Sheer supply is short nationwide, so we're having to figure out new ways to protect ourselves and our patients." PHOTO: Nurses wait for a patient to arrive for a COVID-19 screening at an appointment-only drive-up clinic set up by the University of Washington Medical Center Northwest Outpatient Medical Center, on March 17, 2020 in Seattle. (Karen Ducey/Getty Images) In an effort to limit in-person contact, Bell's office has started screening people over the phone before having them visit the clinic. It's one of the ways that they are hoping to combat the gap in protective gear. "It's gotten to the point where we have to take new measures to protect the people who are in our waiting rooms and everyone else, including our staff, because we don't have the proper gear," Bell said. "Converting to telephone-only visits -- that seems to be the only thing that will work because people aren't acknowledging that they need to stay home." "Most people, except for those over 60, are OK and they're going to weather this like the cold or the flu," he added. "We do not need them flooding the clinics. This crisis is bringing in people, regardless of whether they are showing coronavirus symptoms or not." Over the last few weeks, Bell said he's noticed more patients coming in with flu-like symptoms, common colds and minor infections. He said those people traditionally would normally "ride it out at home," but now they're coming in for treatment and putting others at risk. "Panic surrounding coronavirus has put them on edge. It's bringing all these viruses into the clinic space and it's becoming contagious for anyone and everyone that's in the waiting room area," Bell said. PHOTO: Dawn Canova, clinical manager for outpatient wound care at Carroll Hospital takes samples from people to test them for the coronavirus at a drive-thru station in the hospital's parking garage, March 16, 2020, in Westminster, Md. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Especially with the protective gear shortage, Bell said it's best for people -- especially those with coronavirus symptoms -- to stay home unless they're over the age of 60 or have some sort of underlying illness. MORE: Timeline: How coronavirus got started "If they're under 60 and don't have any chronic illnesses, they should stay home. That's the best thing they can do for themselves and best they can do for everyone else," Bell said. "We don't need everyone flocking in to get tested. If you're not over 60 and don't need to get hospitalized, we're going to tell you the same thing: 'Stay home, don't go around the elderly and take care of yourself.' Physicians disagree about whether testing should be strictly limited to critical cases and health care workers, or expanded more widely. Viswanathan, who falls into the latter group, questioned whether calls to narrow the testing criteria are a function of supply shortages rather than scientific evidence. "From a public health perspective, everyone should be tested," she said. "That's the only way we'll know how many asymptomatic carriers there are." What to know about the coronavirus: How it started and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus explained What to do if you have symptoms: Coronavirus symptoms Tracking the spread in the U.S. and worldwide: Coronavirus map Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis. Alexandra Dukakis and Benjamin Gittleson contributed to this report. Doctors say COVID-19 tests available, but some can't be administered due to mask shortage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com He doesnt talk about it very much, and he doesnt talk about it very convincingly, she said. Multiple polls have found climate change has been among the top three issues for Democrats in the 2020 primary, often second only to health care. And many Democratic voters are happy with the front-runner. One Super Tuesday exit poll found that 34 percent of voters who cited climate change as their most important issue went for Mr. Biden, compared to 28 percent who voted for Mr. Sanders. Mr. Biden said this week he was prepared to act aggressively. After winning three more states that held primaries on Tuesday, he extended an appeal, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Senator Sanders: I hear you. I know what is at stake. And I know what we have to do. But Mr. Biden has resisted tacking left on climate change these past few weeks in the way he did recently when he endorsed Senator Warrens bankruptcy plan. His climate change plan would inject $1.7 trillion into the economy with an aim of achieving zero emissions in the United States by 2050. Mr. Sanders, in comparison, calls for spending $16 trillion and completely eliminating fossil fuels from the American economy by 2050. Asked about it Sunday in a debate, Mr. Biden was unapologetic. It is ambitious enough to tackle the crisis, Mr. Biden said. Noting his home state of Delaware is three feet above sea level and vulnerable to warming, he told Mr. Sanders, I dont need a lecture on whats going to happen about rising seas. Tamil Nadu's fishers seek nod to use banned seine nets March 19,2020 | Source: The Times of India Hundreds of fishermen and women from the coastal hamlets of Nagapattinam district besieged the collectors office demanding permission for using the banned purse seine fishing nets. The government had banned purse seine nets stating that they seriously harm marine species and adversely impact marine life. The government also conducts checks to prevent the use of such of nets in 13 coastal districts, including Nagapattinam. The fisherfolk from Poompuhar and surrounding areas in Sirkazhi taluk gathered in front of the collectors office on Monday and staged a demonstration. Police allowed representatives to meet district revenue officer (DRO) Inthumathi and submit a memorandum seeking governments nod to use the nets. In their memorandum, they said that around five lakh fishermen hailing from Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts are engaged in fishing activities. Without using seine nets, fishermen are not able to get enough catch. The newly elected Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene swore in today as the first ever Secretary General (SG). The ceremony took place at the African Union Commission headquarters in the presence of H.E. Dr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the Commission and H.E Edward Xolisa Makaya, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the African Union and Chairperson of the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC). The Ceremony was also attended by H.E. Mrs. Amma Adoma Twum-Amoah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the AU, representing the host country of the AfCFTA Secretariat and H.E. Mr. Zakario Maiga, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Niger, representing the Champion of the AfCFTA process. The Secretary General will provide leadership and technical support to AfCFTA Secretariat and overall management of the day-to-day functioning of the Secretariat to ensure it achieves its desired mandate. In particular, he will be responsible for the management of the AfCFTA Secretariat, implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and strategic collaboration; stakeholders engagement; and resources mobilization for the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. While welcoming the Meeting, H.E. Edward Xolisa Makaya indicated that the swearing in of the first Secretary General of the AfCFTA can only be linked to a day in 1993 when the late Peter Sutherland was elected as the first Director-General of the World Trade Organization. He added: Mr. Mene is entrusted with a huge responsibility to lead one of the key institutions of the African Union and to guide Africa to realize the Aspiration number one of the Agenda 2063 which talks to the attainment of A prosperous Africa based on inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. H.E Xolisa Makaya, emphasized that the swearing of the SG of the AfCFTA is a milestone in the journey to integrate the continent and an affirmation of Africas resolve to advance towards the realization of the objectives of the Abuja Treaty. We put the AfCFTA Secretariat in very capable hands under Secretary General Mene, we are assured of effective implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement, said H.E. Amb. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry. The Chairperson of the Commission, H.E. Dr. Moussa Faki Mahamat congratulated the SG on his election and underscored the challenges ahead: I congratulate you on your election. You have been elected on the basis of your experience and skill. The task that awaits you is quite gigantic but exhilarating because you will be working on the most emblematic project in the history of the African Union. The African Free Trade Zone is a necessity for Africa to strengthen its integration. In his acceptance speech, H.E Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, pointed out the remarkable progressed that has been achieved largely because of the political will and commitment of the Assembly of Heads of States on providing leadership and ensuring that Africa takes concrete steps towards the creation of an integrated market. The SG of AfCFTA paid tribute to the President of the Republic of Niger, H.E Mahamadou Issoufou, addressing him as the Champion of the AfCFTA and mentioning his unwavering and dedicated leadership during the negotiation process of the AfCFTA since 2017. The SG thanked the Chairperson of the Commission, H.E. Dr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, stating that through his leadership the negotiations were provided with all the necessary resource and political support. He also thanked H.E. Amb. Albert Muchanga, calling him his dear senior brother, and lauding his wisdom, strength and meaningful support during critical times. He expressed his gratitude to the former Commissioner H.E. Fatima Haram Acyl, stating that she provided strong foundation that was required in the early stages of AfCFTA negotiations. Mr. Wamkele Mene underscored the importance of the Republic of Ghana, as the forefront of integration in Africa. Ghana should be at the vanguard of our efforts. The AfCFTA is a critical response to Africas developmental challenges. It has the potential to enable Africa to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, improve economies of scale and to establish an integrated market. He added: It also sends a strong signal to the international investor community that Africa is open for business, based on a single rule-book for trade and investment. The Secretary General took the opportunity to address the Coronavirus scourge, Africa should not despair and fall into despondency-from a trade perspective, we should see this crisis as an opportunity through the AfCFTA we have an opportunity to reconfigure our supply chains, to reduce reliance on others and to expedite the establishment of regional value chains that will boost intra-Africa trade. Before he concluded, the SG indicated that the implementation phase of the AfCFTA coincides with the year of silencing the Guns, providing an opportunity to focus on fast-tracking Africas economic development objectives. Successful implementation of the AfCFTA shall further consolidate the gains that are foreseen in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and indeed shall take us a step closer to the Africa we want, he stated. This press release was made available to tralac courtesy of the African Union Commission. N orthern Ireland has recorded its first coronavirus death. A patient who tested positive for the covid-19 virus died in hospital, Stormonts Department of Health confirmed. They were being treated in the greater Belfast area and are said to have been elderly with an underlying medical condition." Health Minister Robin Swann expressed his deep sadness at the death, adding: It is, of course, essential that we respect their (familys) privacy at this sad time. Loading.... Meanwhile, DUP leader and First Minister Arlene Foster described it as a "sad day for Northern Ireland." She tweeted: Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of the patient who has died. "And we are immeasurably grateful to our health service staff who cared for this person." She went on: This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. "But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus. Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill also expressed her "heartfelt sympathy" for the victim's loved-ones. She said: At the heart of this is a person who has lost their life to Covid-19. While we knew this day would come, it doesnt make it any less devastating for the loved ones of that individual. "I offer them my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. "I also pay tribute to our amazing health workers who are doing everything they can to provide the best possible care for people in the most difficult circumstances. This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. "The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives. This article by Paul Szoldra originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues. The two Marine lance corporals at the center of a human smuggling ring uncovered last year at Camp Pendleton are now serving prison time, Task & Purpose has learned. Lance Cpl. Byron Darnell Law II and Lance Cpl. David Javier Salazar-Quintero, who were both arrested on July 3, 2019 with three undocumented immigrants in the back seat of their car by U.S. Border Patrol agents, pleaded guilty on smuggling charges in recent months. Law pleaded guilty on Jan. 14 to unlawfully transporting, for private financial gain, aliens who entered the United States illegally, and wrongful use and distribution of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to 18 months confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, reduction to E-1, and a dishonorable discharge. Salazar-Quintero pleaded guilty on Feb. 14 to transporting illegal aliens and conspiring to transport illegal aliens. He was sentenced to 12 months confinement, reduction to E-1, and a bad conduct discharge. Both Law and Salazar-Quintero joined the Corps in 2017 and were trained as infantry riflemen. Neither have been deployed. According to a federal criminal complaint, Law told Border Patrol agents that he was an active-duty Marine and dimed out Salazar-Quintero as the organizer of the smuggling operation. "Law stated that last night, Salazar called and asked him if he was willing to make $1000.00 USD picking up an illegal alien," the complaint said. On July 2, the pair of infantrymen traveled to Jacumba, California while being guided "via cell phone instructions from an unknown Mexico number," according to Law, who said they then picked up a single immigrant and brought him to a McDonald's parking lot in Del Mar. The next day, Law told agents Salazar called him for another job. This time, with Law in the driver's seat, they both went to the same area and picked up "three illegal aliens" off the I-8 freeway. Salazar, meanwhile, said Law introduced him to smuggling through a recruiter. Salazar also admitted to coming to Jacumba to pick up undocumented immigrants on four different occasions, the complaint said. The three immigrants who were arrested identified Law as the driver of the car that picked them up. Two of them said they were going to pay $8,000 to be smuggled into the U.S. with destinations in Los Angeles and New Jersey. Investigators uncover a human smuggling ring of infantry Marines In the aftermath of the arrest of Law and Salazar-Quintero, investigators with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service found there were others involved in the smuggling operation, with more than two dozen more Marines being punished for alleged smuggling or drug offenses. All told, 24 Marines faced administrative or judicial action, with 22 having been discharged, according to Lt. Cameron Edinburgh, a spokesman for 1st Marine Division. (The two remaining Marines are Law and Salazar-Quintero, who will be discharged after their prison time is served). "All cases were handled at the appropriate level and with respect to the rule of law," Edinburgh said. "We have a duty to the American people to be the most ready when the nation is least ready, and we will continue to enforce the standards of honor, courage and commitment that serve as the great hallmarks of our Corps." According to Edinburgh, one Marine received a general discharge under honorable conditions, two received bad conduct discharges, and 19 received other than honorable discharges. One Marine was with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, while the rest were with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. More articles from Task & Purpose: By Natalie Rahhal, Acting US Health Editor for DailyMail.com HOW DANGEROUS IS CORONAVIRUS? About 14 percent of people who contract the Covid-19 coronavirus are taken to hospital with severe symptoms including breathing problems and pneumonia. About 5 per cent need intensive care. But the majority who get the virus suffer nothing more than a cough and may never know they are infected. So far, some 51,000 people around the world have already recovered from coronavirus and that just includes the numbers who received a diagnosis. HOW MANY PEOPLE DIE? Officially, the death rate so far has been just over three percent. But experts believe the true mortality rate is probably between one and two percent. This is because most mild cases have not been picked up by doctors or reflected in the official numbers so the death rate is inflated. HOW DOES THIS COMPARE WITH OTHER DISEASES? Seasonal flu kills roughly 0.1 percent of people. So Covid-19 is between 10 and 20 times more fatal. But it is far less dangerous than SARS the virus that ripped across China in 2003 which killed 10 percent of patients. BUT DOESNT CORONAVIRUS SPREAD MORE EASILY? Yes, but not dramatically. The best estimates suggest every person with Covid-19 passes it on to 2.6 people, on average. For flu that number is 1.5. CAN IT BE SPREAD WITHOUT SYMPTOMS? Initially scientists feared carriers who had no symptoms could pass it on. That is now in doubt. What is likely, however, is those who have mild symptoms are putting it down to a cold and going about their normal lives which puts others at risk. HOW LONG IS IT BEFORE SYMPTOMS APPEAR? Again, unclear. Initially scientists said this could take up to two weeks. But recent evidence suggests the incubation period could be as long as a month particularly among children. The average, however, is much shorter. A Chinese study said the average period of symptom onset was 5.4 days for adults and 6.5 for children. WHO IS AT RISK? The virus can affect anyone with a study of the first 41 infected people revealing two thirds did not suffer from any pre-existing condition. But the middle-aged are most likely to get it 78 percent of those infected in China have been aged 30 to 69. WHAT ABOUT THE OLD? Only 3 percent of people infected so far have been over 80 but if they get it they are more vulnerable. Analysis of 72,000 cases in China suggests for over-80s the death rate is 15 percent. For those in their 70s the death rate is 8 percent and for those in their 60s, 4 percent. WHO ELSE IS VULNERABLE? Those with other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney problems are likely to suffer severe complications if they become infected. WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN? Children seem to be low-risk. Less than 1 percent of the Chinese cases have been under the age of ten and if children do get the virus its often a mild form. They do, however, retain the virus for longer than adults. A study last week found the virus was still present in the stools of some children for a month after they contracted it. DOES GENDER MATTER? Men are marginally more likely to get the virus than women. It is not clear why this is. HOW DO DOCTORS TEST FOR COVID-19? Anyone who has symptoms particularly if they have travelled to an at-risk area are told to call ahead to their health care provider, local emergency department or clinics. This way, health care providers can be prepared, wearing masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment when they meet the possible patient and escort them to isolated areas of the facility. They are tested using a cheek swab which is sent off for analysis at one of 12 Public Health England labs, a process that takes between 24 and 48 hours. Any positive test is double-checked at the main PHE lab in Colindale. WHAT TREATMENT DO PATIENTS GET? There is little doctors can do to tackle the virus, but they can treat the symptoms such as fever and respiratory problems. Antivirals and antibiotics are also used, mainly to keep secondary problems at bay. In the most serious cases patients are put on life-support equipment. There are several clinical trials for potential coronavirus treatments ongoing worldwide, including one in Nebraska, where at least 13 patients are in quarantine, including two in biocontainment units. WHAT ABOUT A VACCINE? Even though the Wuhan virus appeared only a few weeks ago, 20 teams around the world are already manufacturing vaccines. Chinese authorities provided the DNA code for the virus early on in the outbreak, enabling scientists to get to work straight away. At least 30 companies and research institutions in the US are racing to make a vaccine. Last week, one of these companies, Moderna, shipped its candidate vaccine to the US, signalling the shot was ready to begin clinical trials. Even so, US health authorities say it will likely be upwards of a year before a vaccine is actually ready. Pyramid Management Group has closed close all interior portions of its Massachusetts shopping centers: Hampshire Mall in Hadley and the Kingston Collection in Kingston effective 8 p.m. Thursday. The action is consistent with government directed closures in Holyoke and Pyramid-owned shopping centers in New York state, Pyramid said in a statement. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse ordered Holyoke Mall closed Tuesday. We are in unprecedented times and this decision is the direct result of the presence of the Coronavirus in the communities we serve, said Stephen Congel, chief executive officer, Pyramid Management Group in a news release. We are committed to further enhance community mitigation and reduce density for the greater good of our community, tenants, guests and employees. At the malls, tenants like Target and others with dedicated exterior entrances have the capability to remain open following the required protocols. Target remains open in Holyoke as well. JCPenney, the Hampshire Malls other tenant, closed all its stores Wednesday nationwide in response to the novel coronavirus. Latest updates ___________ New Delhi, March 19 : The landmark India-US nuclear deal of 2008 marked a tectonic shift in international politics but it took a lot of hard bargaining to ensure the country's strategic autonomy was not compromised, says a top scientist who was at the centre of the negotiations -- and received the full backing of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The euphoria in the build-up to the deal "appeared to create an impression that the 'nuclear weapon status' for India was around the corner. There were, however, serious pitfalls in the formulations that were being floated," Anil Kakodkar, the then Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), writes in "Fire And Fury" (Rupa/pp194/Rs 500). "Thus, even though I was in favour of developing this cooperation from the energy perspective, I was more concerned with preserving and ensuring protection of India's strategic autonomy, which was under serious threat. The issue of strategic autonomy was crucial for both our weapons programme and sustained development of our three-stage nuclear programme," Kakodkar writes in the book, which has been co-authored by Suresh Gangotra, the senior technical adivsor to the AEC Chairman. "I was carefully looking at every word in the proposed formulations from this perspective. Ironically, thus, I myself had to apply brakes on what I had been patiently working on for many years as there could no no compromise on our strategic autonomy," the author maintains. Noting that there was a section which felt this was a lifetime opportunity for India which should not be missed at any cost, Kakodkar says he began to "look like a villain coming in the way of a great deal", adding: "We had defined red lines that nobody should be allowed to cross." Colleagues from the PMO, especially Sujata Mehta, then a joint secretary, and Venkatesh Varma, then a director, were a great help through these negotiations. "Internally, I was convinced that the Americans needed us much more than we needed them, and that the deal would go through," Kakodkar states. Referring to a brainstorming session in Washington in July 2005 on the evening before the summit between Manmohan Singh and then US President George Bush, attended by the Prime Minister and officials from the PMO and the MEA, to discuss the draft of the statement to be issued after the summit, Kakodkar says: "I had to bring out inherent risks. I explained that we couldn't open up cooperation in certain areas of the nuclear programme that impacted our strategic programme as well as the three-stage programme and risk their becoming vulnerable to external constraints." "I did not support the text and expressed the need for further changes to make it satisfactory from our point of view. I was in favour of the cooperation but the proposed draft was not acceptable," Kakodkar writes. The clincher came from Manmohan Singh: "If Kakodkar says no, the we can't go ahead." Natwar Singh, then the External Affairs Minister, asked him for the formulation that would be acceptable and he "scribbled it on a paper napkin lying on the table". At lunch the next day, MEA officials showed him the latest draft separating India's civil and military nuclear facilities and placing all the civil nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards "which was now acceptable". "After the draft was finalised, news broke out about the Joint Statement" issued after the summit that laid down the framework for the nuclear deal. It then took more than three years for it to conclude as it had to go through several complex stages, including changes in Indian and US laws. When he went to take leave of Manmohan Singh, before returning to Mumbai, the visibly relieved Prime Minister told him: "Yesterday night I couldn't sleep. I stayed awake, praying throughout. You have saved the country." It was clear that "implementation of all elements embedded in the Joint Statement could happen only on the basis of treating India like a nuclear weapon state, even though nobody would say so explicitly. This was a tectonic shift", Kakodkar writes. Then, there were the torturous negotiations on the Separation Plan, with the two sides crossing swords till 2 a.m. on the night before President Bush was to arrive in New Delhi for his suumit with Manmohan Singh in March 2006. "Firmness paid off. The US team conceded to our demands. The next morning, there was the formal meeting in Hyderabad House. By that time, I was already being perceived as being perceived as a difficult nut to crack. When I was introduced to President Bush, he asked, 'So, you are Kakodkar. Are you happy?' I replied in the affirmative," Kakodkar writes. Noting that Manmohan Singh's support was "crucial" during the negotiations, Kakodkar writes: "He, at one stage, even made a public statement that the government policy on atomic energy was what the DAE recommended." Coming from the man who was in the thick of things, Kakodkar's account is proof enough that the India-US nuclear deal was no "sellout" as has been suggested in some quarters. (Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in) The Queensland unemployment rate dropped to 5.6 per cent in February as an extra 14,300 people found a job. The state recorded the greatest increase in employment in the country last month but the good news was not expected to last as the world plunged into economic uncertainty in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The largest employment increases in Australia last month were recorded in Queensland. Credit:Louie Douvis The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed 2.57 million people had a job in Queensland during February. The total amount of unemployed people looking for full-time work fell by 20,100 people but 6700 more people were looking for part-time jobs. A London maths teacher whose free online learning platform is seeing over half a million hits a day as schools shut down worldwide due to coronavirus has been shortlisted to win the title of worlds best teacher. Dr Jamie Frost, 33, who holds a PhD in Computer Science from Oxford University and was previously investment banker, now works over 90 hours a week running website DrFrostMaths.com while holding down a full-time job at Tiffin School, a boys grammar in Kingston. His free site, which earned him the nomination for the sixth Varkey Foundation $1 million Global Teacher Prize, offers interactive online quizzes and teaching slides, videos, and a bank of UK exam board questions for students to practice on - as well as learning resources for teachers. Dr Frost says it has had nearly seven million downloads and is used by 5,500 schools worldwide, including over half of all UK secondaries. Since schools began closing worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic it has seen more than 100,000 additional visits per day, and Dr Frost told the Standard its now going up. He said: I will easily exceed half a million today. The dedicated server is absolutely hammered because schools are closed. Theres so much traffic its struggling to cope the problem is going to be getting worse every day. I reached out to tech companies for help... Google has now reached out to me to offer $10,000 of free 'cloud credit' and potential support moving the site to their cloud servers. It is fantastic. Tiffin School, which shut on Monday for deep cleaning over COVID 19, is using the site for Year 11 practice exams this week. The teacher, who lives in Surbiton, added: Its remarkable how even with schools shut down we are able to cope using technology. Dr Frost started out as an investment banker, coding trading algorithms for Morgan Stanley in New York and Canary Wharf, but found it soul destroying. He realised he was happier sharing his knowledge with students, as he had as an adjunct teacher at Oxford. He completed teacher training and began working at Tiffin School in 2013, and initially launched the site in a bid to help pupils who were struggling with maths. The Global Teacher Prize will be awarded at the Natural History Museum on October 12. It is awarded to a single school teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, and aims to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. The winning educator is allowed to put their $1 million, awarded in equal instalments over 10 years, towards new projects and initiatives of their choosing. The shortlist is compiled from over 40,000 entries worldwide by a panel of international education experts. If he wins the prize, Dr Frost plans to use the funding to expand the site to offer questions and support on exam syllabuses in some of the sites most popular regions outside the UK, such as Malaysia, and employ teachers there to help. The sites resources have already been used to teach in a district of schools in Zimbabwe. Hear Dr Frost on this episode of The Leader podcast: Loading.... Dr Frost said: I love teaching so much, being in the classroom and interacting with kids. I am just delighted to be shortlisted. Its absolutely fantastic, but its not about the recognition. Its that if I was to win the money I would spend it all on expanding the platform more globally. Tiffin School headteacher, Mike Gascoigne, said: Dr Jamie Frost is an amazing teacher who fully deserves his shortlisting for this incredible award. "As a Tiffin teacher, the school is proud to support his brilliant work. Bhopal: Since the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh plunged into a crisis on March 9, the events in the state have remained in the eye of a political storm in the country. The Madhya Pradesh government was pushed to the brink of collapse after a sulking Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with 17 MLAs, virtually revolted prompting Chief Minister Kamal Nath to call a late-night cabinet meeting where around 20 ministers tendered their resignations. As the Congress and the BJP battle it out at the Supreme Court over conducting a floor-test in Madhya Pradesh Assembly after the saffron party sought an immediate trust vote against the Kamal Nath government, heres a look at the key players in the political crisis. Jyotiraditya Scindia: The Scindia family scion has been the key player who brought about an unprecedented political uproar in Madhya Pradesh. While Kamal Nath struggled to keep his flock together, Jyotiraditya Scindia pulled the rug from under him by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. Scindia was formally inducted into the saffron party on March 11 in New Delhi. In the political tug of war, 22 elusive MLAs, mostly from Scindia camp, hold the key to the fate of the Congress government if at all a floor test takes place in the MP assembly. It all reportedly began with Scindias aspirations for a Rajya Sabha nomination, which he bagged from the BJP as he swapped parties despite a having political career at stake. Digvijaya Singh The Congress veteran, despite having a lack of designation in the Kamal Nath government, has been rubbing shoulders with the Chief Minister in the hour of crisis. Singh has been coming down heavily on the BJP since the crisis. On Wednesday, Singh while landed in Bengaluru in the wee hours and insisted on meeting the Congress rebels held captive by the BJP there, but in vain. His prayer to meet the rebels was further rejected by the Karnataka High Court. Singh has been touted as a pivotal player with his palpable influence on the party and reportedly posed obstruction in Scindias aspirations in the Upper House. Recently, Singh secured a Rajya Sabha ticket from the Congress. Chief Minister Kamal Nath With a political career spanning four decades, Congress stalwart Kamal Nath has exhibited a calm approach towards the crisis and has consistently maintained that the Congress party has the numbers and will survive the storm, besides claiming that the rebel MLAs are in touch with him. The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday lashed out at the BJP for its efforts to topple a healthy government. Shivraj Singh Chouhan The BJP veteran, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the charge for the saffron party, despite not being an office-bearer in the state unit. Since the rebellion erupted in the Congress government, Chouhan had been instrumental in keeping the state unit together and in devising strategies with the party high command in New Delhi. Governor Lalji Tadon A former BJP veteran from Uttar Pradesh, Governor Lalji Tandon, was instrumental in exerting pressure on the Kamal Nath government by ordering a floor test on March 16. He also delivered inaugural address in the assembly despite reservations from the senior BJP leaders. However, as the speaker postponed the session till March 26 over the coronavirus threat, he quickly shot another letter ordering a second floor test on March 17. Tandon holds the key to keep things moving in the state and would be the person in charge if at all the Presidents rule is invoked in the state. The BJP counsel, too, had referred to Governors directives while arguing in Supreme Court on MP BJPs petition. Speaker NP Prajapati Madhya Pradesh assembly speaker NP Prajapati had been at the centre of the crisis from withholding his assent on resignations of rebel MLAs to postponing the session on March 16. While Prajapati accepted the resignations of six MLAs from Scindia camp, who were earlier sacked as ministers, his approval is pending on the remaining 16 lawmakers. He has repeatedly claimed that these resignations cant be accepted unless these MLAs personally present themselves in front of him and affirm that they are not being coerced into resigning from the House. The speaker holds constitutional powers to decide the course of resignations, floor test and proceedings of the House. Hundreds of elderly Australians are terrified that they will catch the coronavirus and die as their cruise ship prepares to dock in Italy. The Costa Victoria has already been denied entry into ports in both Asia and Europe including Croatia, the UAE and Israel. But the cruise liner will carry out an emergency docking in Venice on March 28 despite Italy's coronavirus death toll reaching 3,405 - overtaking China's tally on Friday. Australian couple Joanne and Iain Martin-Blakey are among the believed 250 Australians concerned for their well-being as their cruise ship prepares to dock in coronavirus-hit Italy There are believed to be up to 250 Australians on-board the cruise ship, whose passengers are mostly over the age of 65. Lauren Petrovic said her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were on the cruise ship said the passengers 'will have no right to medical assistance if they fall ill'. 'This obviously is a death sentence if they are to be let off here without assistance or any avenue to safely come home to Australia,' Ms Petrovic wrote on Facebook. 'They will be potentially left to die.' Among the elderly Australians on board is Alana Hitch, 74, from the Sunshine Coast, whose daughter Rachael told the Courier-Mail she could not understand the decision to dock with passengers in Venice. 'I know the Costa Victoria is an Italian ship but dumping elderly Australian passengers in Venice seems like pure madness,' the daughter said. Joanne Martin-Blakey from the Gold Coast, said the cruise operator was threatening passengers' health in an SOS-style post on social media Coronavirus has killed more people in Italy than in any other country, after deaths there rose by 427 in a day. A lockdown imposed on 12 March in Italy has been extended beyond the original 25 March end date. Nearly all Italians have been told to stay at home. Australians docking in Italy will be able to fly home but will need to complete necessary paperwork. Italian-based Costa Cruises said in a statement that passengers are being urged to leave the ship when it docks in Venice next Saturday. 'The itinerary of Costa Victoria was modified given the pandemic alert issued by the World Health Organisation which brought local authorities to apply restrictions for the disembarkation of our guests compromising their cruise experience onboard,' a spokesperson said. Relative Lauren Petrovic (pictured) said her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were on-board 'This obviously is a death sentence,' Ms Petrovic wrote on Facebook There are believed to be up to 250 Australians on-board the cruise ship, whose passengers are mostly over the age of 65 Ms Petrovic shared a message sent to her by her relative expressing concern for the health of elderly passengers 'Most likely, despite all the efforts made to readjust the program, the only viable itinerary for Costa Victoria at present is to perform technical calls whenever it will be allowed and go straight to the designated port of disembarkation Venice on March, 28th.' CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Another passenger, Joanne Martin-Blakey from the Gold Coast, said the cruise operator was threatening the well-being of a healthy ship as she shared an SOS-style post on social media. 'What country is going to accept us after being in Italy?' she said. 'We are being forced into the epicentre of COVID-19 and we are all healthy on this ship but are now being put at risk.' Corina Maplesden, from the Central Coast, described the mood as 'calm but concerned'. 'There are 250 of us Aussies on Costa Victoria with no information and nothing from the captain other than were being sent to Venice on 28th March. Most have heard nothing from our travel agents either,' she wrote on Twitter. Detention of Russian security colonel accused of graft, fraud extended for month RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 13:52 19/03/2020 MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) The Moscow Garrison Military Court on Thursday extended detention of the Federal Security Services (FSB) colonel Kirill Cherkalin in a case over taking bribes and fraud until April 24, RAPSI was told in the court. Detention of two other defendants, ex-FSB officers Dmitry Frolov and Andrey Vasilyev, was also extended for a month. All the defendants stand charged with large-scale fraud. Moreover, Cherkalin is accused od receiving $850,000 as a bribe for common protection from a businessman. Reportedly, Cherkalin pleaded guilty. According to the website of the financial crimes agency Rosfinmonitoring, Cherkalin represented FSB in the Interdepartmental Anti-money laundering Commission. Investigators believe that his illegal activity lasted from November 2013 to February 2015. In November 2019, Moscows Golovinsky District Court forfeited to the state assets of Cherkalin and his family worth over 6 billion rubles (about $75.5 million), including four apartments, two cottages, six land plots with a total area of 7,116 square meters, 14 nonresidential premises, 2 cars, 800 million rubles, $72 million and over 8 million euros found during the investigative activities in Cherkalins premises. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global disposable face masks market size is expected to reach USD 1.1 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. Rapid industrialization, rising pollution levels globally, and growing awareness among users regarding health protection are expected to propel the need for disposable face protectors over the projected period. Furthermore, implementation of various safety norms for workers safety in the developed economies including U.S. and Germany is expected to remain a key trend in the market. Asia Pacific is expected to remain one of the prominent regional markets owing to growing industrial sector in emerging economies including China and India. Furthermore, supportive government initiatives to protect the health of the working and non-working classes in the above-mentioned countries are driving the product demand in the near future. The industry is highly competitive in terms of product variation and pricing. Key players are focusing on inventing disposable masks that will enable users with better ventilation, filtration, water-proof, and other benefits. Rising consumer demand for innovative, high filtration efficiency, and application-specific masks is expected to open new opportunities for the key players over the next few years. Introduction of special respiratory disposable masks is a key trend in the market, which has enabled the manufacturers to customize the products accordingly to meet customer specifications. To request a sample copy or view summary of this report, click the link below: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/disposable-face-masks-market Further key findings from the study suggest: By product, protective mask is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2019 to 2025 owing to rapid industrialization and increasing initiatives to protect health on a global level The non-woven product segment is expected to grab more than 30.0% share of the overall revenue by the end of 2025 The industrial application segment is expected to reach more than USD 850.0 million by the end of 2025 owing to stringent regulations pertaining to workers safety on shop floors North America generated a revenue of more than USD 200.0 million in 2018 China is expected to reach USD 139.2 million by the end of 2025 Disposable face masks market key manufacturing firms include 3M. Honeywell, Moldex, Kimberly-Clark, KOWA, Uvex, and SAS Safety Corp. Product innovations, along with establishment of strategic business partnerships with the distributors, are expected to remain favorable factors over the next few years. Grand View Research has segmented the global disposable face masks market on the basis of product, application, distribution channel, and region: Disposable Face Masks Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) Protective Dust Non-woven Disposable Face Masks Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) Industrial Personal Disposable Face Masks Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) Online Offline Disposable Face Masks Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) North America Europe Asia Pacific Central & South America Middle East & Africa About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. (TNS) Entire sectors of the economy have ground to a halt in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, leaving swaths of people unemployed virtually overnight.Some have been laid off. Others technically still have their jobs but are being asked to take unpaid time off. Still others are going into work, but theyve seen their scheduled hours dwindle from full time to almost nothing, and so are effectively unemployed.Its hard to know yet the full scope of whats happening, said Nick Demerice, public affairs director for the Washington Employment Security Department. But anecdotally, the state unemployment office saw a tremendous uptick in claims and inquiries on Tuesday.The data that we report publicly, based on federal direction, is about seven to 10 days old, so we wont see these volumes start to show up for a week or two, Demerice said Tuesday.We are getting reports of people having some trouble getting through on the phones.Over the weekend, Gov. Jay Inslee ordered all bars and restaurants to close, except to provide to-go orders, effective March 16, and banned public gatherings of more than 50 people. Major retailers, from Apple to Nike, shut their doors. Public buildings, including all city-run facilities in Vancouver, shuttered.Its impossible for us to know how many folks potentially will apply for unemployment insurance, Demerice said.What makes the current unemployment crisis unique, he added, is its total abruptness. Prior economic crises, like the Great Recession, ramped up slowly, with warning signs along the way. People lost their jobs over a long period, and there was enough time to process claims as they trickled in.Not so for COVID-19, when efforts to flatten the curve or slow the spread of the virus through social distancing to avoid overwhelming medical resources have the opposite effect on unemployment resources, costing thousands of jobs across the state all at the same time.This is all happening at once, Demerice said. We really are, unfortunately, the tip of the spear, and several weeks ahead of many other states.Leaders at the state office are watching Capitol Hill closely to see how federal legislation might affect their own operations. One potential outcome, Demerice said, would be for lawmakers to unlock Federal Emergency Management Agency dollars for unemployment payouts, instead of relying on the states usual trust fund. FEMA has been used to help compensate for lost wages in the wakes of other natural disasters, like Hurricane Katrina.On Tuesday afternoon, lawmakers floated a $1 trillion relief package that would include direct payments to workers who lost wages. If enacted, its unclear how that might interact with unemployment insurance.The takeaway? Even if your first claim for unemployment insurance isnt approved, that doesnt mean youre up a creek. The situation is evolving rapidly, and the number of people who qualify for benefits could increase.Even if you go through the process and you dont qualify today, keep checking back, Demerice said. Its changing literally every day.Do I Qualify for Help?Very likely.If you work in Washington and have seen your wages hurt as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, start atIf you were laid off outright, or your employer went out of business, you probably qualify for regular unemployment benefits.If youre temporarily laid off because of slow business, you may also receive those benefits, minus the usual requirement that you prove youre actively searching for work that grants you standby status. Part-time employees may also qualify for standby status if they meet a certain work hour threshold.Employers who have been forced to cut back hours for their employees can apply for standby status, which streamlines the process for workers. Employers can also check and see if they qualify for the departments SharedWork program, which was designed to stabilize businesses during financial crises.The best way to figure out if youre eligible for unemployment is to apply, Demerice said. We are really trying to work with folks to figure out how we can get them qualified.The fastest option is to apply online. You can also start the process via phone by calling 800-318-6022. The current high volume of claims means that callers should expect long wait times, and Demerice said the office encourages people to take advantage of the queued callback option.Its possible that the flood of unemployment inquiries could slow down processing times, but its too soon to say for sure. During normal periods, straightforward claims usually take a little over a week.The good news is the unemployed insurance program is a mature system thats been around for a very long time, Demerice said, adding that most of the process is automated. We are really well-positioned to be able to respond quickly and handle high volumes.Cases that require more hands-on attention from staff, or more back-and-forth information requests between the applicant and the department, could take longer.What if I Work in Oregon?The approximately 70,000 Clark County residents who commute over the Columbia River should keep in mind that, should they lose wages as a result of COVID-19, their unemployment insurance wont come from Washington.The Oregon Employment Department handles claims related to lost jobs or cut hours for workers within Oregons borders, regardless of where those workers live.Still, the broad strokes at OED are the same as in Washington, said Gail Krumenauer, the departments communications manager. The office saw an enormous uptick in the number of people seeking unemployment benefits on Tuesday, and theyre currently working to make sure that their online filing system can handle the traffic.With the dramatic increase in interest over the past day or so, there are wait times. We are actively working on also supplementing our existing staff that are in those contact centers so we have more capacity, Krumenauer said.And like Washington, nobody at Oregon Employment Department is entirely sure yet just how many workers have been left in the lurch by the coronavirus outbreak.I dont know. Its so new. Were literally on full day one, Krumenauer said. Usually we get a lead time when something like this happens.Workers in Oregon may also qualify for unemployment and standby status. For more information, visit, call the department toll-free at 877-345-3484, or call the Portland office directly at 503-292-2057. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday confirmed that a total of 276 Indians abroad, including 255 in Iran, have tested positive for COVID-19.While 12 Indians have tested positive in the UAE, five in Italy and one each in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda and Sri Lanka. On Tuesday, the MEA had said it had no confirmation of Indians testing positive in Iran. The 255 pilgrims swab samples were tested by a team of doctors sent to Iran and were brought back to India. The MEA is evacuating Indians from Iran in batches and keeping them quarantined. Sources said the help of navy could be taken to send a team of doctors and medical supplies to treat the Indians in Iran. We are closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary action as and when required, said a source. The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a bunch of pleas seeking exclusion of creamy layer or better-off individuals among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities at the entry-level when it comes to the reservation in promotions. It observed the pleas were an attempt by the petitioners to challenge the actions of the Karnataka government taken pursuant to a law, which was already held to be valid by the top court in 2019. The present MAs [miscellaneous applications] though styled as applications for directions, seek to lay challenge to the actions of the State government to carry into effect the provisions of the Reservation Act 2018, a bench of justices UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud observed. The applications were filed in the BK Pavitra case in which the top court had, in 2019, upheld the constitutional validity of the Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservations (to the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act. If the petitioners are aggrieved by the steps taken by the state government, it is open to them to pursue a substantive remedy for challenging the steps taken by the state government in independent proceedings, the court said dismissing the applications. The Act enacted by the Karnataka government provides, among other things, for consequential seniority to persons belonging to SC and ST categories promoted under the reservation policy of Karnataka. Consequential seniority enables reserved category candidates to retain their seniority for subsequent promotions. That is, if an SC/ST candidate is promoted ahead of a general category candidate by reason of reservation in promotion, then the promoted SC/ST candidate will retain that seniority for subsequent promotions and will thus be considered senior to general category candidate who was promoted later. The Supreme Court in its 2019 judgment had held that the Act was a valid exercise of power by the government under Article 16 (4A) which empowers the state to provide reservations to SC/STs in matters of promotion. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 07:41:41|Editor: Liu Video Player Close A medical worker returned from virus-hit Hubei Province receives temperature checking at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in southwest China's Chongqing, March 18, 2020. Medical assistance teams started leaving Hubei Province as the epidemic outbreak in the hard-hit province has been subdued. (Xinhua/Liu Chan) Qantas shares copped a battering after the airline grounded its international fleet and stood down 20,000 staff members, leaving market watchers increasingly nervous about its cash burn rate. The airline announced the massive cuts after days of speculation it would wind back operations significantly in the wake of sweeping travel bans, including advice from the federal government for Australians not to travel abroad. Its shares closed down 15 per cent at $2.14, with boss Alan Joyce declaring the aviation sector was in "crisis". Qantas will suspend international flights and temporarily stand down two-thirds of its workforce from the end of March. Credit:Bloomberg Qantas said on Thursday it would ground its entire international fleet until at least the end of May, further extending the capacity cuts it announced earlier in the week. Mr Joyce also left the door open for further cuts to domestic capacity and a longer grounding of its international fleet. The changes left investors and analysts concerned about how long it would take for Qantas to recover, with some analysts saying it could be longer than six months before demand for international air travel returns. Kevin Bacon, Hollywood's most interconnected star, wants his fans to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Bacon, who has a parlour game on himself based on the concept of 'six degrees of separation' where fans challenge each others to find the shortest path between an arbitrary actor and Bacon, said staying at home is the only option to protect loved ones. "Hi, folks. You know me, right? I'm technically only six degrees away from you," he said in a video posted across the different social platforms. "Right now, like people around the world, I'm staying home, because it saves lives and it is the only way we're going to slow down the spread of this coronavirus. Because the contact that you make with someone, who makes contact with someone else, that may be what makes somebody's mom or grandpa or wife sick." The actor said he was staying home for his wife, actor Kyra Sedgwick. "Every one of us has someone who is worth staying home for... The more folks involved, the merrier We're all connected by various degrees (Trust me, I know!), he said encouraging fans to post similar videos. The coronavirus outbreak has killed 8,809 people and infected 218,631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Hot Jobs In Cyber Security & How To Get One Until recently, cyber security jobs were a novel concept, little understood and generally thought to be something to do with to do with IT. Today cyber security is almost generic and has originated its own job descriptions as new technologies have emerged, threats have intensified and the tools which hackers have designed to penetrate networks and systems become more sophisticated. What are the hot jobs in cyber security? One thing is certain, the majority are closely linked by a demand for analytics skills and expertise. Here are three and contact Cyber Security Intelligence for more information:- Data Scientist Data and its relationship to modern day business has progressed to the point that nearly every company can now collect data, meaning they need appropriately skilled people to properly organise and analyse the resulting information. Cue the Data Scientists, individuals who are strong in critical thinking, persuasive communication and problem solving. They will look at the data and ascertain its impact on the business, as well as propose solutions to support the companys progression. The recommendation is to achieve a bachelors degree in IT, computer science, maths, physics or other-related subject. Some employers will also expect a masters in data or similar. Aspiring data scientists should also look for hands-on experience in the industry they intend to work in, whether that be business, healthcare or a more theoretical or academic area. The average annual salary of a Data Scientist in the United Kingdom is 60,891, $120,495 in the United States and 60,000 in Europe. Cyber Security Engineer The first line of defence required to safeguard business products and services, security engineering job shave only increased in demand. Experts in this field will be expected to understand the nature of the Internet of Things (IoT) security due to the inordinate number of connected devices and thus even more ways for hackers to infiltrate and steal data. The CISSP or SSCP certifications are solid options if going through the certified path, following an MA or advanced diploma in Cyber Security. Professionals looking to explore cyber security engineering jobs should possess expertise in network administration, system administration and cyber analytics. IT or tech support roles are a good place to start as a hands-on platform to working in cyber security engineering. The average annual salary of a Cyber Security Engineer in the United Kingdom is 77,500, $138,962 in the United States and 62,204 in Europe. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer AI and machine learning are just some of the emerging technologies associated with cyber security. They have exploded across the business world as companies look to streamline their practices and introduce automation as a means of increasing productivity. Thus demand is high for these professionals. AI or machine learning engineers work with algorithms, neural networks and other tools to progress the field of AI. Jobs in this area typically require a bachelors degree in computer science, mathematics, information technology, statistics, finance or economics. The expectation is that youre skilled both in programming as well as software development techniques and practices. Business savvy is also key, you need to be able to demonstrate a real understanding of your industry, this together with analytical and creative thinking, effective communication and problem solving are highly valued for AI and machine learning engineering jobs. Practical work experience and/or a masters in data science, machine learning or computer science are also valued by employers along with relevant industry certifications in machine learning, deep learning or data science. The average annual salary of an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer in the United Kingdom is 75,000, $121,863 in the United States and 52,154 in Europe. Forbes: Springboard: Careers In Cyber: CyberSecurityJobsite: You Might Also Read: Cybersecurity Job Listings: With Massachusetts advocating social distancing in response to COVID-19, and discouraging gatherings of 25 or more, homeless shelters report they are struggling to stay open while keeping their staff, volunteers and guests safe. This is unprecedented, said Jay Sacchetti, senior vice president of Shelter and Housing, Vocational and Addition Services for ServiceNet, the Northampton-based social services firm. Ive been in the business for a long time, and Ive never experienced anything like this, he said. This is something different. ServiceNet operates a total of five emergency shelters and two family shelters in Northampton, Greenfield and Pittsfield. On an average day, the shelters take in around 180 people, he said. Basically were just trying to figure out how best to keep the doors open, he said. Every day presents a new wrinkle that we have to figure out. In recent days since Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency, shelters have been faced with the same pressures as businesses that cater to the public. They are following Department of Public Health guidelines and have increased cleaning, emphasized repeated washing of hands, and taken steps to minimize risks for employees, volunteers and guests, he said. They are also screening people seeking admission to shelters to determine if they have been exposed to coronavirus. People showing symptoms are directed to go to the emergency room. Were cleaning the shelters a lot, he said. Its difficult when you have 20-25 people coming in and out. The DPH and Baker have stressed the need for people to keep at least six feet from other people. That is easier said than done at an overnight shelter where beds are arranged inches apart in a limited space. Springfield Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton said this week she has been in consultation with the two main shelters in the city, the Friends of the Homeless and the Springfield Rescue Mission. The conversation had to do with mitigating the risk for people who are in the shelters. She said she was assured by the two shelters in Springfield that each is trying to spread out the cots at least six feet. Theyve retooled their beds in order to try to accommodate the social distancing mandate, she said. She said she is looking to get more direction from Bakers office about possible waivers for shelters. Right now, were working with our homeless providers in terms of their physical environment to try to set it up in a way that adheres to what were asking the public to do the handwashing, social distancing, cover their mouths when coughing, Caulton-Harris said. Its difficult with that population. We certainly understand that, but we are trying to adhere to the mandates as best we can. Ron Willoughby of the Springfield Rescue Mission, a 43-bed shelter on Mill Street in Springfield, said the plan is to remain open and serve the needs of the citys homeless population. But it becomes more of a challenge daily. We will be taking every precaution recommended by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to maintain a healthy and safe environment for our staff, residents, guests, volunteers and donors, he said in a prepared statement. These are challenging times for everyone as the Rescue Mission looks to our donors for support in meeting the needs for food, shelter and clothing to those we serve, he said. We appreciate every effort of our donors helping meet these needs. God will sustain us through these times. Sacchetti said ServiceNet, officials in Pittsfield, Greenfield and Northampton, and officials with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency are in discussions about alternative sites that would have more room and have greater opportunities for social isolation. So far, it is just talking and nothing has been decided. What is going to happen next is difficult to determine, he said. There are so many variables that it is difficult to predict what will happen next, he said. If the go-ahead is given for alternative sites, it will have to be resolved where it will be, what is the occupancy, and how do people get there. Were just trying to put it all together. State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, has sent a letter to Baker asking his administration to immediately implement emergency shelters to mitigate the negative consequences on some of our most vulnerable. In her letter, Sabadosa pointed out that most shelters do not have the capacity for the number of people experiencing homelessness on any given day. On Wednesday, Sabadosa filed legislation with Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru, that would allocate money for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to fund all seasonal shelters for families and individuals beyond their normal months of operation, equip them with bathrooms and showers, and install quarantine shelters. The COVID-19 outbreak, Sabadosa said, has forced most public facilities with restrooms or showers to close, leaving those experiencing homelessness with few options. Sabadosa said she filed the legislation to help out smaller cities and towns that may not have the resources to support large populations of homeless. "This epidemic is highlighting every crack in our system," she told the News Service. Sacchetti said another consideration for the shelters is for the many volunteer staff who pitch in on a daily basis. Many of them are elderly, which puts them in the high-risk category for serious health effects related to COVID-19. Its not a good idea to have them working with people when there are concerns about coronavirus, he said. The solution is to have the volunteers working somewhere offsite preparing meals for residents of the shelters. Theyve been preparing the food and then leaving it at the front door, rather than them being inside the shelter. The Pine Street Inn, the largest shelter in Boston, has taken the same approach. Only essential staff remain on duty. Everyone else is working remotely, and volunteers have been dismissed. Guests seeking entry will be screened for symptoms, and those suspected of coronavirus exposure will be sheltered in an off-premises site. They are also stressing vigilance regarding hygiene, handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. They will also be storing a 30-day supply of food and cleaning supplies. This is an unprecedented health threat and we are greatly concerned about our community, said Pine Street President and Executive Director Lyndia Downie. We continue to put precautionary measures in place, working closely with public health partners as we take action to keep our staff, guests and tenants safe. Republican reporter Peter Goonan contributed to this report; and materials from State House News Service were used in this report. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Related content: A woman who hunts and kills moose, deer, and even polar bears has lashed out at her critics, insisting that it's actually vegans who 'have blood on their hands', insisting that they are destroying the earth's natural balance. Business owner, Jen Shears, 36, from Newfoundland, Canada, developed her love of hunting as a child. Jen would often go with her parents and years later, the hunting lifestyle brought Jen and her husband, Kerry, 36, closer together. The two bonded over their mutual passion something which they now instill into their daughter, Aspen, six. Controversial: Jen Shears, 36, has been hunting since she was a child - and she insists that her 'sustainable' hobby is far more beneficial for the earth than veganism Fury: The mother-of-one, from Newfoundland, Canada, has killed all manner of animals, including polar bears, moose, and deer Hitting back: She says that she hunts for sustainable reasons, and not to claim 'trophies' Jen spent almost two decades working in conservation to protect Canada's national parks and historic sites and so it's incredibly important to her that she hunts sustainably. With a background in environmental biology and ecology, Jen uses her own know-how alongside government issued surveys and advice in order to select her hunts. This includes determining factors such as the health of the animal population, the predator impacts, and the environmental conditions. A limited number of hunting licenses are issued by the government the proceeds of which go back into sustainability surveyance programs. Animals nearing the end of their natural lives are then selected ensuring that their genetic code has already been passed on to the rest of the herd. Despite hating the solitude of hunting as a child, it's now one of Jen's favorite aspects of the lifestyle it's important to Jen that she spends time in nature and with her family. Any harvests she does bring home, Jen is careful to use every possible part of the animal with the meat lasting much longer than supermarket purchased produce would. Jen also uses animal hides to create clothing or for taxidermy. Any excess product is shared with the local community. Jen does her upmost to promote her passion for sustainable hunting, yet she still receives threats from online trolls. Jen has been told, 'I hope you get caught by one of these. I hope they use your filthy body to feed their babies.' Others have asked, 'When are we going to hunt her?' Regardless, Jen remains set on her mission to make everyone aware of the impact their eating habits have on the environment. From meat-eaters who believe burgers 'grow in a supermarket freezer' to vegans who ignore the impact vegetable farming, transportation, and plastic packaging have on animal populations. Jen has inspired many of her dedicated followers who tell her, 'You're such a courageous woman and an inspiration,' praising the mom for calling out hypocrisy. Jen now runs a wildlife museum and boutique selling renewable resource-based biodegradable products such as fur and antler or bone carvings. Jen believes that if she has inspired one woman or child to take up hunting, the death threats will have been worth the positive impact that she will have had upon the environment. Critics: Jen has received a number of death threats as a result of her hunting hobby Sharing the message: Jen and her husband, Kerry, 36, are teaching their six-year-old daughter Aspen to hunt, and to use the kills for food 'I grew up around hunting. I used to go with my parents when I was a little girl. I hated having to get up early and I disliked not being able to make any noise,' Jen said. 'My husband and I have been together since we were fifteen years old. Hunting, fishing, and the outdoors have been a huge part of our relationship. We are instilling values related to conservation and sustainably living off the land into our daughter. 'I worked with Canada's national parks and national historic sites for almost two decades protecting the nation's wildlife, flora, landscapes, and heritage. 'I own and operate several businesses including a wildlife museum and a boutique that sells renewable resource-based biodegradable products like fur, and antler and bone carvings. 'I typically hunt about one-hundred days per year. On the days that you end up harvesting an animal, your day could have begun at four-am and at two-am, you could just be getting back to basecamp. 'Contrary to what people assume, the actual kill or harvest is not what it's about. Being able to go home with a harvest is a bonus but hunting is about spending time in nature. 'Hunting often involves solitude or spending quality time with loved ones as you help each other through the elements and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with the territory. Some of my favorite hunts were the ones where I didn't harvest anything.' Jen is extremely passionate about sustainable hunting and shares this with her followers online. 'I am a First Nations indigenous woman. I was raised to protect the earth, and that includes living off the land in ways that aren't detrimental to the long-term health of the planet,' Jen said. 'Sustainable hunting means that the animals harvested are from a population that's large and healthy enough to withstand the removal of what you're hunting. Love: The couple first bonded over their shared passion for hunting and now go out together 'Sustainable': Jen says that she and her family remove the meat and organs from their kills to use for food Safety: 'In times of crisis when food security is extra compromised like now with COVID-19 I am reassured knowing that I have freezers full of enough healthy protein,' she said 'Wildlife biologists and governments conduct surveys and determine the number of species living in an area. They consider factors like the availability of suitable habitat, amount of food available, predator impacts, health of the populations, and environmental conditions. 'A certain number of hunting licenses are issued whilst allowing the herd to succeed long-term. The money received from hunters purchasing licenses goes back into government conservation groups who help ensure the viability of species. 'The word "trophy" makes me shudder because it's so misleading. It just means that the more mature members of the animal population who by consequence have bigger antlers, horns, or bodies are the targets of the harvest. Use: As for the hides, Jen says that they are used for taxidermy or clothing 'They're often near the end of their natural lives and this ensures they have been able to reproduce and pass on their genetics to another generation. 'We often forget that death in nature isn't pretty. Wild animals become overpopulated and die of disease. They become unable to hunt and die from starvation. They get chased and eaten alive by other animals. 'Anyone who claims that's better than a quick and humane harvest when the animal doesn't even know you're there can't claim to be compassionate or care about animal welfare. 'We always remove the meat and organs which we take home. The hide is used for taxidermy or clothing. In times of crisis when food security is extra compromised like now with COVID-19 I am reassured knowing that I have freezers full of enough healthy protein to easily feed my family and community members for several months.' However, despite her positive views around hunting, Jen says she has received some violent threats online in response to her photos. 'Some comments are full of vitriol and hate,' Jen said. 'I've been told, "Do the world a favor and kill yourself," and, "I hope someone hunts you." 'People have also said, "I really hope you get caught by one of these and they use your filthy body to feed their babies," and, "When are we going to hunt her?" Violence: 'People have said, "I really hope you get caught by one of these and they use your filthy body to feed their babies," and, "When are we going to hunt her?"' Jen revealed Hitting back: Jen claims that 'hypocritical' vegans are actually the ones who have 'blood on their hands' because they are not helping to maintain the earth's natural balance Anger: 'People fail to acknowledge the animals harmed and killed by clear cutting, tilling and harvesting required for vegetable farms,' Jen says Teacher: Jen and her family, pictured with meat from their kills, now want to inspire a new generation of sustainable hunters 'When people spew hate and obscene ill-wishes towards my family and I, conjuring up threats that no sane mind would think of, let alone utter publicly, and they're doing it in the name of compassion, it's completely dichotomous. 'In today's mainstream society, the disconnection we have from our food is terrifying. People seem to think that meat grows in supermarket freezers with no regard to how the animal lived or died if they even realized it was an animal to begin with. 'People who harass me act like they have no negative impact on animals. I can guarantee that when I go out to my relative backyard and harvest and carry-out a moose that will feed my family for over a year, I am responsible for far less animal harm and death than if I were to purchase vegan food from faraway countries. 'People fail to acknowledge the animals harmed and killed by clear cutting, tilling and harvesting required for vegetable farms, the animals killed or harmed from greenhouse gases emitted during transportation, the animals killed in shipping lanes, or the pain and death caused when their food's plastic packaging is discarded. The same applies to "vegan" cosmetics. 'There's blood on their hands but they don't see it, so it makes it alright in their hypocritical and fairy-tale world. 'I'm not saying it would be sustainable for everyone to hunt. There has to be balance based on regional realities. All I'm saying is you shouldn't attack me when you live in a glass house ignoring your own negative impacts on animals.' Jen hopes to inspire a new generation of sustainable hunters. 'Positive comments say things like, "You are such a courageous woman and such an inspiration,"' Jen said. 'I know that by putting myself out there, I have encouraged and inspired other women and youth to get into hunting. In some cases, they've been encouraged to ignore the hate they receive to keep up their sustainable lifestyle. 'I will take all of the hate in the world if it means I have inspired even one woman or child to get into hunting.' Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough ordered the closure of dozens of businesses and libraries Wednesday afternoon as the number of positive cases of the new coronavirus in the county continued to rise. According to the order, restaurants must cease all onsite dining operations but may continue to-go, takeout, delivery and catering operations. Additionally, all bars, clubs, gyms, movie theaters and amusement type businesses must cease all operations. The order cancels any event sponsored or permitted by Montgomery County and events greater than 10 people at public facilities. Keough urged events greater than 10 people at private facilities to cease operations as well. Retail stores, private businesses, clubs or civic organizations and religious organizations to include churches, synagogues, mosques or other places of worship are urged to comply with the CDC guidelines related to 10 persons gathering in any one place or at one time. Retail stores who sell groceries or medical supplies are exempt from the order. Montgomery County health officials confirmed a seventh positive COVID-19 case Wednesday, less than 24 hours after confirming the countys fifth and sixth positive cases. The countys seventh case is a woman in her 60s who lives in northwest Montgomery County. She is currently in isolation at home and has not traveled recently, said Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The sixth and fifth cases involve men in southwest Montgomery County, one in his 40s and one in his 50s, who recently traveled to California. The men are in isolation at their homes. Millsaps confirmed all county libraries were closed until further notice. The Montgomery County District Clerk Office reduced its staff Wednesday but remained open. However, District Clerk Melisa Miller urges residents to call her office instead of appearing in person and added no children under 18 would be allowed in the office. If you must come in person, please utilize the hand sanitizer at the door, she said. Nonessential functions such as passport services have been suspended until further notice. Essential functions such as the grand jury assembly March 24 is still required. To contact the District Clerks Office call 936-539-7855. The Montgomery County Clerks Office was also limiting access with a reduced staff and urged residents to call the office for services instead of coming in person. However, the south and east county annexes were closed until further notice. The office will only issue marriage licenses to Montgomery County residents with a valid ID with a Montgomery County address that must be presented at the time of application. For information on making a criminal misdemeanor payment, please contact the Collections Department at 936-538-8197. To reach the clerks office for other services, call 936-539-7885. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Aview of the Palais des festivals during the 72nd international film festival last year in Cannes. Read more NEW YORK Frances Cannes Film Festival, arguably the worlds most prestigious film festival and cinemas largest annual gathering, has postponed its 73rd edition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers of the French Riviera festival, scheduled to take place May 12-23, said Thursday that they are considering moving the festival to the end of June or the beginning of July. As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known, the festival said in a statement. Organizers had been extremely reluctant to cancel Cannes. For weeks, its organizers deflected questions and tried to push through its selection process. But as the pandemic spread through France, it became all but inevitable that a massive gathering like Cannes would be canceled. On Saturday, Frances Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ordered the closure of all restaurants, cafes and cinemas in France to increase social distancing and combat the virus. Other major film festivals, including South by Southwest and the Tribeca Film Festival, have already been scuttled. But some hope held out that Cannes, taking place closer to summer, might yet survive. Cannes has greater ramifications for the film industry, which annually convenes on the Cote dAzur not just for the festivals gala screenings but for the worlds largest movie market. Every year, countless production and distribution deals are hatched in Cannes. Film executives fly in from all over the world and gather at the Marche du Film in the basement of Cannes hub, the Palais. Every country with a film industry erects a pavilion at Cannes international village. The postponement is also especially painful for Cannes since its coming off a particularly successful 2019 edition. Though recent years have seen intensified criticism of the festivals gender inclusivity and increased competition from other festivals like the Venice Film Festival, the 2019 Cannes featured the eventual Oscar best picture winner, Bong Joon Hos Parasite, as well as Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, Pedro Almdovars acclaimed Pain & Glory and Celine Sciammas celebrated French drama Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Parasite won Cannes Palme dOr before its Oscar victory. But the international flavor of Cannes has worked against it this year. Because of the global spread of the novel coronavirus, even a virus-free France would have difficulty drawing and keeping healthy filmmakers, executives and press from around the world. Cannes was founded in 1939 while Europe was on the cusp of war. It began as an alternative to the Venice Film Festival, which then had become under the sway of Benito Mussolini. Its inaugural festival was canceled after its opening gala, the premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The next day, Germany invaded Poland. Cannes also came to a stop, famously, in 1968. Then, filmmakers including Jean Luc-Godard, Francois Truffaut, Louis Malle and Roman Polanski took to the stage of the Palais to declare the festival over in solidarity with the student and labor strike coursing through France. * Thai prices rise for sixth straight week * Drought continues to lift prices in Thailand * Indian export prices steady near over two-month low * Indian rupee touches record low * Coronavirus fears trigger panic buying in Bangladesh By Harshith Aranya BENGALURU, March 19 (Reuters) - Thailand's rice export rates extended gains this week to hit a 6-1/2 year peak, and Vietnamese prices rose to their highest in almost 16 months, as the spread of the coronavirus raised concerns about sufficiency of available stocks. Thailand's benchmark 5% broken rice prices were quoted at $480-$505 per tonne on Thursday, their highest since August 2013 and up from $470-$495 last week. This is also their sixth consecutive weekly rise. Traders said market concern over supply shortages due to the ongoing drought was the main factor driving up prices. "Some millers are stockpiling rice as domestic concern rises over food shortage in case the outbreak of coronavirus gets worse," a Bangkok-based rice trader said. "There is no demand because of the high prices, and as supply becomes less and less, I think prices will get even higher." Domestic demand for some rice types, such as jasmine, has increased slightly over consumers' concerns about the widening spread of the virus, traders said. In Vietnam, rates for 5% broken rice rose to $410 per tonne, the highest since November 2018, from $400-$405 a week earlier. "Domestic supplies are thin, and exporters are finding it hard to secure rice for their contracts," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. "Farmers are not selling their rice, as they fear the coronavirus outbreak will last for a long time." Preliminary shipping data showed 195,400 tonnes of rice is to be loaded at Ho Chi Minh City port between March 1-25, with most of the rice heading to Malaysia, West Africa and Cuba. The Vietnamese government on Wednesday said it will ensure an annual rice output of 22 million tonnes. Story continues In India, export prices were steady, near their lowest in over two months, as export demand improved slightly amid a depreciation in rupee to a record low. India's 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted $363-$367 per tonne this week, unchanged from last week. Indian rupee was trading near a record low on Thursday, raising exporters margins from the overseas sale. Local broken rice prices could moderate in the coming weeks as demand has been falling from the poultry industry, said Nitin Gupta, vice president for Olam India's rice business. Chicken sales have plunged on rumours that chickens were spreading coronavirus. Domestic prices of rice have risen by up to 5% in Bangladesh, as coronavirus fears triggered panic buying. Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder urged people not to panic as the government has sufficient stocks of food-grains. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Ruma Paul in Dhaka, Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok; additional reporting by Swati Verma in Bengaluru; editing by David Evans) Forestry has been a cause of much debate among farming families across the country in recent years. Some see it as a poor use of land, while others view it as a way to help make a sustainable living from unprofitable farms. Many farmers view planting their land as a sign of failure and for Imelda Hurley, a farmer's daughter from Clonakilty, West Cork, it's an issue that's very personal. When she made the decision late last year to join Coillte, the State's commercial forestry business, rather than ring her family with the news, she drove down and told them face-to-face. "But they could see how this opportunity was perfect for me. My family have always been hugely supportive of every decision I have made to follow my career journey," the University of Limerick graduate, who is a qualified chartered accountant, says. The hiking enthusiast - Hurley has scaled two of the Seven Summits in the world, Mount Elbrus in Russia and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - is well used to making major decisions. Having spent a number of years at frozen food giant Greencore, in 2011 an opportunity came up to work for an Irish tech company, PCH International, in China and Hong Kong that she felt unable to turn down. Backed by Silicon Valley, it was employing about 5,000 people at the time. Hurley was offered the job of chief financial officer and head of sustainability. She is very philosophical about the decision to move "country, continent, house, you name it" over a weekend. "Sometimes along one's career, opportunities emerge, and when they happen, you are really faced with the decision where the opportunity could be difficult and challenging, but if you didn't take it, you'd always say, 'what if?'" "It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but also one of the best things," she adds. The period spent in Asia was "awesome". "It just gave me brilliant, really, really deep international experience." During her time there, she learnt that she is "very resilient" as a person. "And if I set my mind to something, I will go the distance, and I will stick it out." From a business perspective, the key takeaway for Hurley was the importance of good teams. "Ultimately, in life and in business, it's all about people. If you've got the right people around you, then you can achieve an enormous amount. And that became even more relevant when I was in a continent with none of my family around me," she says. "I also learned that we Irish have a fantastic personality for getting along with people and for making our way and building relationships. And the foundations that came really from my own home were really important in building relationships in China. "The other thing, I always knew it, but I've a huge desire to always learn and to evolve as a person." Working and living abroad is an experience Hurley says she would definitely recommend to people. "Had I my time back, I would say to my younger self that I should have lived abroad for a longer period of time. It changed me. I think it rounded me out from a business point of view in terms of the variety of things that I did over those couple of years," Hurley adds. Like many expats, after a few years, Hurley was faced with the decision of whether to return to Ireland or commit to staying in Hong Kong and China for a very long period of time. "I'd always had the aspiration to be the CFO of a public company. And that opportunity emerged for me in 2014 [after] I'd been three years in Hong Kong and China," she says. The public company in question was agri-food services group Origin Enterprises, where she spent four years before the move to Coillte. In 2018, Coillte, which looks after 7pc of the land in Ireland, posted record earnings of 115m. First and foremost, Coillte is a commercial business, Hurley says. "Forestry has never been more relevant than it is today in terms of the climate change agenda," according to Hurley. "As I look to take the business forward, I believe our financial mandate and our commercial mandate is critically important. With that mandate, a strong and vibrant and profitable Coillte is going to be in the best possible position to help to enable the climate change agenda going forward." Coillte will look over the next number of years to continue to target a reduction in its carbon footprint as a business, in addition to the carbon that it sequesters in forests. It has also formed a joint venture with ESB to develop 1,000MW of wind farms. The other area that Coillte will focus on is in the recreation sector, partnering with other businesses to provide outdoor activities, something which is very close to Hurley's heart. "I grew up in the outdoors. I really, really enjoy hiking and I've done lots of different hiking challenges. I can see the human health and wellness benefits [of outdoor activities] can help to enable on a go-forward basis, and that today is part of sustainability as well," she says. All the while, the business will remain "absolutely commercially focused" on an ongoing basis. On the matter of sitka spruce, a source of controversy in many parts of rural Ireland, Hurley says she spent a lot of time thinking about it before she joined Coillte. "Ultimately, it's a wood that's very versatile in terms of its uses when it's cut and turned into wood products. "It has been one of the backbones of the timber industry in Ireland - which employs around 12,000 people and is worth well over 2bn - and that is part of what we do in Coillte." Just over 50pc of Coillte's estate is sitka spruce, with more than 20pc managed for biodiversity purposes. Hurley points out that just over 11pc of Ireland is under forestry, compared with other parts of Europe, where the numbers are over 30pc. "We do have that gap. And it's very much about planting; what we talk about is the right tree in the right place with the right objective," she says. "Sitka spruce, because of the fast-growing nature of it, will certainly be one important, if I use the term, plank of the timber industry going forward. "I understand the farmers' land has been very often passed on intergenerationally, and farming has been about livestock and crops. "Equally, I can see that today parts of farming, the economics of it, are very, very challenging, particularly for instance in the beef sector. "It may be that there is an opportunity perhaps for people to stay on the land by combining some forestry with whatever farming practices that they currently have." She adds that "we need to be open to ways of ensuring we optimise the land". Moving on to macro issues, the UK is the largest market for timber exports from Ireland. "Trade flows are very important in terms of the timber industry and we're watching with a considered view in terms of what's happening at the moment with Brexit," Hurley says. "Brexit is important; we will work it through." However, the State body has more local challenges in the form of delays in the approval of felling licences, due to recent changes to processes in the Department of Agriculture, following changes at European level. "As of now, our focus as a business is on ensuring that we have all of the timber available to supply to our customers, and within the time periods and at the volumes that they require," Hurley says. With the coronavirus causing massive disruption to trade around the world, Hurley says there are "many unknowns" ahead. The company has yet to notice any direct impact from the virus as its produce mainly goes to the UK and Europe. However, some timber in Europe that would normally go to China might now go to the UK, which is impacting upon prices. "There is a larger quantity than normal of timber coming from Europe into the UK and that has resulted in a price shift somewhat downwards," she says. There remains a long way to go before women achieve equality in the workplace, with numerous research papers highlighting the under-representation of women in the boardroom, as well as pay inequalities at various levels within businesses. For Hurley, however, she maintains that she has never felt held back by her gender. "What I would say is that my younger self probably worked to prove myself almost too hard," she says. "I almost felt, not by anyone else's actions, but in order to get ahead that I would really have to prove myself. "Experience is a great teacher and ultimately in my time in Hong Kong and China, my thinking mellowed somewhat as there were a huge number of very senior ladies in PCH." We are living in unprecedented times, and much has changed since this interview took place just over a week ago. That being said, Hurley, who suggests the key to hiking challenges is knowing "where the desire to get to the summit is outweighed by the dangers of getting there", will be well able to lead Coillte in scaling the tests that lie ahead. The European Union will be closing its borders to lessen the spread of the coronavirus. This includes Spain which recently announced its lockdown. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, she said the less travel will greater the chances of containing the coronavirus, as she addressed all G7 leaders. She is confident that the European Council will vote on it. Many of the bloc member states placed strict measures on Monday after the World Health Organization (WHO) cite Europe as the center of the pandemic. On Monday the French President Emmanuel Macron impose a social lockdown on Monday, during a national address, banning all social events in the entire country, that included all family gatherings. Macron added that most of whom, who has not followed measures to stave off the virus and limit the spread in France have added to the confirmed 5,380 cases and 127 deaths, reported by the WHO. Germany also added stricter rules in public life, bars, clubs, and other establishments, that included theaters, opera houses, concert halls, last are the museums. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on a press-con last Monday that these measures are imposed only the first time, but is needed. The government declared that Supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, hair salons and launderettes will remain open, as they are important to everyone. Commission President von der Leyen stressed that these EU travel limitations will be in effect for 30 days, or more depending on the situation. The only restrictions will be family members of European nationals, needed staff like doctors and nurses, and those carrying goods to the EU will be allowed to cross borders. Retired doctor and all last-year medical students were mobilized to help guarantee the "existence of professionals to attend all of those who are affected by this virus," EU Observer reports. Also read: How Coronavirus Infection Starts in the Body, Leading to Death Spain lockdown Spain is under partial lockdown as it attempts to shut down the next worst coronavirus to Italy. The lockdown will last for more than 15 days There are now 1,400 cases overnight, adding up a total of 9,190 positive cases and 309 deaths, according to the Spanish Health Ministry. In Italy, a surge of 24,000 and 1,800 dead are registered by the WHO. All Spanish borders are shut Monday, announced by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Exemption from the closed border is Spanish nationals' residents, workers, and transport of goods into Spain. About 47 million in Spain are told to stay at home, except working, buying food, visiting the hospital, or dealing with children or elders. Still, some persist in leaving the house to visit empty parks last Monday, but were met by drones telling them to go home. No masses are held and only by streaming, all restos and bars are closed, and all the cultural areas are closed to the public, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday declares on Saturday. Increase of COVID-19 cases by 25% prompted the emergencies coordinator 'Fernando Simon' to implement stricter rules to avoid infection. Most of the cases are in Madrid, as the region's President Isabel Diaz Ayuso is tested positive for the coronavirus. The Madrid Metro is all full passengers despite about 75% fewer commuters in the city. However, trains coming for outside of Madrid are full and commuters are complaining of safe distance, which is not followed at all. Spanish citizens complain what is the point of the Spain lockdown, if they are exposed to the virus and can get it, they ask. Related article: Coronavirus to Last Spring 2021 with Possible Worse Tidings in the UK @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. With the U.S. response having catapulted into a new phase of large-scale commercial shutdowns and social distancing, the handling of the potential exposure at CPAC, where Trumps then-chief of staff played down the threat of the virus, is a powerful example of the lack of urgency and poor coordination among agencies that has characterized the early U.S. response. The approach stands in stark contrast to aggressive actions taken by some countries that slowed the spread of the virus in its early days. In Singapore, for instance, public health officials not only interviewed the sick but also obtained patients travel itineraries and used security camera footage to track their movements to help identify every person possible with whom they had incidental contact. RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman spoke publicly on Thursday for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak, saying the kingdom will take measures to curb its spread and urged citizens to work together to confront the pandemic. "We are living through a difficult period in the history of the world, but we are fully aware that it will pass despite its cruelty, bitterness and difficulty," the 84-year-old monarch said in a five-minute televised address. He urged people to act with solidarity and cooperation and to adhere to official directives. Saudi Arabia recorded 36 new infections on Thursday, bringing its total to 274 with no deaths so far. It has taken drastic measures already, including halting international flights, suspending the Umrah year-round pilgrimage to Mecca, closing mosques, schools, malls and restaurants, and asking people to stop going to work. Later on Thursday, the government suspended Muslims from conducting their five daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayer in the overflow area just outside the walls of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina to limit the spread of coronavirus. Amid volatility in regional markets and plunging oil prices, the world's top crude exporter has prepared a 50 billion riyal ($13 billion) package to help small- and medium-sized enterprises cope, and has cut its state budget by nearly 5%. De facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king's son and heir apparent, has talked by phone with several foreign leaders but not spoken publicly since the country went into virtual lockdown last weekend. The government has halted its regular Cabinet meetings. Coronavirus infections among the Gulf Arab states were more than 1,300, with one death in Bahrain. Many of the cases are linked to travel to Iran, an epicentre of the outbreak in the Middle East with 1,284 deaths and more than 18,000 cases. (Reporting by Stephen Kalin and Marwa Rashad; Editing by Frances Kerry and Grant McCool) State governors have increased moves to fight coronavirus but say action from Trump administration severely lacking. US state authorities in the northeast say in the absence of any leadership from the Trump administration to combat the coronavirus sweeping the country, they have had to step up to the plate. Governors in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey have shut down many schools and restaurants and banned large gatherings. But they say the federal government needs to put in place a nationwide, coordinated response. Al Jazeeras Gabriel Elizondo reports from New York. [March 19, 2020] Yooz, Inc. Named Top 10 Accounting Solution Provider for Third Consecutive Year DALLAS, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yooz, Inc., a leading cloud-based AP automation solution provider, announced today that it is recognized as a 2020 Top 10 Accounting Solution Provider by CFO Tech Outlook. The publications editors conducted a comprehensive study of leading vendor firms globally that have carved a niche by delivering innovative solutions. The Top 10 Accounting Solution special issue features Yooz COO and Chief Innovation Officer, Laurent Charpentier. Yooz also received this recognition in 2018 and 2019. Charpentier comments, We are honored and humbled to be recognized as an innovative cloud AP automation innovator again this year. He goes on, While our platform leverages cost effective, cutting-edge advanced technologies for the most robust features, what we feel is even more important is to help educate todays finance and accounting professionals about invoice processing and payment automation. Towards that end, Yooz regularly publishes original thought-leadership content to a variety of meda outlets, including the Yooz blog, educational webinars, industry conferences, and digital and print publications. The company continues to invest in R&D with new innovations in development planned for 2020 that will impact the areas of auditing and compliance, fraud detection, and adding intelligence to the processing and routing of other types of documents outside of invoices, creating additional workflows. The benefits go far beyond the cost savings and increases in productivity. Finance and accounting leaders can access the data found in the Yooz reporting feature to make smarter decisions, take more strategic approaches to supplier relationships, and mitigate risk of fraud, concludes Charpentier. This is the fourth recognition for innovations in finance, technology, and cloud solutions in 2020 to date. Yooz also received the Rising Star in Accounts Payable Software recognition in the FeaturedCustomers Winter 2020 Accounts Payable Software report . And the U.K.-based Acquisition International Magazine announced Yooz as a winner of its 2020 Global Excellence Awards. Yooz also recently announced that it received the FinTech Breakthrough Award for Best Procure-to-Pay Software for the third consecutive year. About Yooz Yooz provides the smartest, most powerful and easiest-to-use cloud-based Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) automation solution. It delivers unmatched savings, speed and security with affordable zero-risk subscriptions to more than 3,000 customers and 200,000 users worldwide. Yoozs unique solution leverages advanced technologies powered by AI to deliver an amazing level of automation. Additionally, Yooz integrates seamlessly with more than 200 financial systems, exceeding any other solution on the market. Yooz North America is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area with global offices in Europe. For more information on the multi-award-winning Yooz invoice and payment processing solution, visit www.GetYooz.com . Media Contact Nimia Amaya Yooz Inc. Phone: 832-384-9669 E-mail: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 The administration of Surakarta in Central Java has vowed to keep the Sriwedari Park complex, one of the citys most beloved historical sites, open to the public amid a messy legal battle over land rights. Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudy Rudyatmo vowed to keep fighting to keep Sriwedari a public space, as he has reason to believe it wont be spared once it falls into private hands. The Surakarta District Court moved to conclude a drawn-out land ownership dispute over the Sriwedari complex by ordering the restoration of rights to the descendants of the heir, RMT Wirjodiningrat, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling. The court ordered to seize and vacate the land on Feb. 21, reigniting a dispute that has persisted since 1970. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Rhodes University hosts FameLab regional heats By Karabo Baloyi, MA student Rhodes University, in association with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), hosted the first annual FameLab regional science heat at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature on Monday, 16 March 2020. The Faculty of Pharmacys Head of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr David Khanye, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to learn to communicate their research to people outside their field. FameLab is very important in helping scientists communicate science to the public, he said. He added that the creation of knowledge is important: Some of the research you will tell us about may one day be translated into policies that will be incorporated into parliament. FameLab is one of the biggest science communication competitions in the world. It aims to teach young scientists to communicate their research to the public through a series of heats where participants have three minutes to explain the significance and purpose of their research. The winners advance to national, and finally to the international competitions in the United Kingdom. The regional participants were from Rhodes University, Walter Sisulu University, and Nelson Mandela University. They presented research ranging from science learning and teaching in mother tongue languages to the value of using nanoscience to target cancer cells for better treatment. The organizer and Rhodes University Pharmacy Senior Lecturer, Dr. Nosiphiwe Ngqwala congratulated the participants on their courage to enter the competition: Younger students will look up to you for inspiration and will also be encouraged to go for a career in science, she said. By changing the narrative associated with science, you will change the world. The winners of the regional heat were Rhodes Universitys Yenziwe Mbuyisa and Nelson Mandela Universitys Sendibitiyosi Gandidzanwa. They will participate in the national competition in Johannesburg later this year. * Please note that this event was pre-planned and it happened immediately after the President pronounced a national state of disaster due to the Covid-19 outbreak. As a result, SAIAB and University of Fort Hare pulled out and the event was adjusted to run over a one day period instead of two. Hygiene conditions and rules as set out by the President were strictly adhered to for the duration. Source: Communications Please help us to raise funds so that we can give all our students a chance to access online teaching and learning. Covid-19 has disrupted our students' education. Don't let the digital divide put their future at risk. Visit www.ru.ac.za/rucoronavirusgateway to donate Britain's Burberry said sales in the final weeks of March would plunge by up to 80 percent as the impact of the coronavirus already seen in China spread to Europe and the United States, causing stores to close and luxury shopping to dry up. The British brand said like-for-like sales in the final weeks of its financial year to March 28 would be down 70 percent to 80 percent, and as a result fourth-quarter sales would be 30 percent lower. Burberry saw the early impact of the coronavirus crisis in February. While Beijings sledgehammer approach seen by many as an extreme experiment unprecedented in size and scope worked to quickly lower the number of infections, the price in human trauma and economic loss was severe. The virus has killed 3,245 people in China so far, making up over a third of the global toll. Eight people died on Wednesday, all in Hubei, the province at the center of the outbreak that began late last year in its capital city, Wuhan, where officials first said they had detected cases of a mysterious pneumonia on Dec. 31. Hubei has borne the brunt of the epidemic: More than 50 million people there were placed under a tight lockdown from late January, and the provinces case fatality rate, at 4.6 percent, has been several times higher than the rest of the country. [Analysis: The world feared China over coronavirus. Now the tables have turned.] China is not out of danger from a revived contagion and instability. A vast swath of the countrys populace has been embittered by how the ruling Communist Party has handled the scourge. Questions have been raised about the accuracy of Chinas statistics. And even if zero local infections has been achieved, that does not mean zero new cases. Officials said Thursday that 34 new cases had been confirmed among people who had arrived from elsewhere, pointing to how difficult it will likely be for China or any country to keep the virus completely out. Within China, many provinces and cities have essentially shut themselves off to travelers from elsewhere, raising the question of whether the virus will re-emerge once such barriers are lifted and people begin crisscrossing the country again. Berkshire Radio Community Alliance is now broadcasting live from its new location on Main Street in Great Barrington. Berkshires Beat: Local Community Radio Station WBCR Goes Live Going live Berkshire Radio Community Alliance is now broadcasting live from its new location on Main Street in Great Barrington. Passersby will now be treated to both veteran and newly trained volunteer programmers and their guests appearing front and center in the stations storefront window. There, the resurrected and much-loved on-air mixing boards red and yellow lights are lit to affirm that 97.7FM has come alive again. "Live" programming as differentiated from automated music and syndicated shows requires a specialized, direct connection from the station's fully integrated, on-air mixing board at 320 Main St. to the radio tower atop Fairview Hospital. Since the community radio group left the Rosseter Street location, volunteers have carefully stored the mixing board and other valuable equipment, and have kept automated programming going 24/7 to meet FCC regulations, in anticipation of this day. Proceeds from BCRA's successful 2019 Kickstarter campaign have provided steady source of income to cover overhead and new equipment purchases while the technical team jumped the hurdles at the new location. Training has begun at the studio for both veteran and new programmers with little or no radio experience, resulting in a diverse selection of new shows throughout the week. BCRA members recently elected a new slate of board members who bring a diversity of talent and experience and a passion for the medium of radio and audio in all its modern forms. The new board will steer the station through its current transition to Main Street and into the future. The long-term vision for the station includes becoming a podcast training and production hub for audio creation, broadcasting live and local performances, upgrading the studio to include one or two additional audio pods for taping and editing radio shows and podcasts and, eventually, buying a building to house BCRA for decades to come. BCRA welcomes new programmers to submit their application online. Station leadership also encourages membership donations as live programming ramps up, to cover the cost of upgrades to equipment and day-to-day operations. Visit the website to donate. Giving back Andrew Brown of North Adams, an Eagle Scout with Troop 38 in Adams, is helping out during the pandemic. He has made two trips to the Veterans Food Bank to help refill their dwindling stock at North Adams City Hall. He has been to Sweetbrook Nursing Home to deliver playing cards, word search books, and U.S. window flags for the veterans there and to thank them for their service to our country. Brown also brought five-alarm pickled eggs, sausage, brats and kielbasa to the North Adams Fire Department, although he could not go inside. He also brought the same to North Adams Police Department. He also brought also 300 pairs of medical rubber gloves to help to protect them from virus. He also gave the staff at Colegrove Elementary School bags of sanitizer packets and bags of rubber medical gloves to use while handing out school lunches for students. Community Service Award The Scarborough Salomon Flynt Community Service Award Committee is accepting nominations for its fifth annual award. The Scarborough Salomon Flynt Award is a result of the merger of the Faith R. Scarborough Award and the Williamstown Community Chest Volunteer of the Year Award. The award honors Faith Scarborough and her dedication and efforts to the town as an active volunteer in the Visiting Nurses Association, St. John's Church, Williamstown Community Chest, League of Women Voters and as the first woman to chair the Board of Selectmen; Edith and Adolph Salomon, who came to Williamstown in 1939 after having fled Nazi Germany and the gratitude they exhibited to the community that provided them refuge and a home for more than 50 years; and Hank and Mary Flynt, whose numerous contributions to the town, both as volunteers and their generous bequests, have all made Williamstown the special place that it is. The Scarborough Salomon Flynt Award recognizes a person's, persons' or civic group's demonstrated dedication, excellence and integrity to community service in order to make Williamstown a better place. Nominators should provide a narrative of accomplishments in support of their nominee. With many wonderful people nominated in a given year, much of the committees decision-making is based on the substance of the reasons given for the nomination and provides the content of the award recipients certificate. The committee will select a citizen who has demonstrated integrity, excellence, and dedication to community service. The award will be presented at town meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m., at Williamstown Elementary School. The deadline for nominations is April 17. Nominations should be submitted via the nomination form on the Williamstown Community Chest's website. Lola Greene Legacy Scholarship Applications are now being accepted for the Lola Greene Legacy Scholarship. A on-time grant of $250-$500 will be awarded to a graduating high school senior from Berkshire County who is planning to continue to study Latin and/or the Classics in college. The scholarship will be awarded based on scholastic achievement with emphasis on Latin study and related activities, future plans to continue Latin and Classics studies, and demonstrated leadership and good moral character. The deadline for submitting a scholarship application is April 27. For further information and application materials, please visit www.lolagreene.com or send an email inquiry. Lola Greene taught at Mt. Greylock Regional High School from 1984 through 2000. During this time, she developed the schools Latin program and Junior Classical League into one of the most successful programs in the state. She instituted toga and catapult contests, won numerous teaching awards, and has a place in the schools Hall of Fame. Lola lived a life filled with integrity, compassion, and love for all those around her. She was a dynamic and dedicated educator who inspired her students to achieve to the best of their abilities. Community Needs and Special Grants Community Needs and Special Grants are intended to support one-time, short-term projects that address current community issues with the goal to impact the community for the better as a result. Collaborations are valued. Applications must be received at Northern Berkshire United Way by April 2. Funding decisions will be announced in June. Applicants do not need to be member agencies of Northern Berkshire United Way but must be designated by the IRS as a charitable organization. Grants are for residents residing in towns served by Northern Berkshire United Way: Adams Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy, Williamstown and Stamford, Vt. Projects that support safety net services, low- to moderate-income populations and that have not been previously funded are given priority. The Community Needs and Special Grants Committee of Northern Berkshire United Way reviews community priorities each year. The committee takes into account the unique assets and needs in Northern Berkshire and evaluate all applications, with the funding available. Go online or contact Patti Messina by email for information. Solarize Plus campaign The Williamstown-North Adams Solarize Plus campaign invites members of northern Berkshire County to nominate a nonprofit organization to receive a free solar panel system. The campaigns commercial partner, SolarFlair Energy, promised to donate a 5 kW photovoltaic system to a local nonprofit as a participation incentive. Thanks to the communitys enthusiastic response, the campaign has met and exceeded SolarFlairs target of 400 kW of contracted solar panels. By the end of the northern Berkshire campaign on January 31, 87 residents and small businesses had signed up for photovoltaic systems, for a combined total of 602 kW of new solar power, surpassing participation in Williamstowns 2013 Solarize campaign. In addition, 23 households will be installing house electrical storage systems (also known as house batteries), for a total of 230 kW of new storage capacity. The donated photovoltaic system will reduce the recipient organizations operating cost by providing free electricity. The nonprofit should serve both North Adams and Williamstown and must occupy a building with a structurally sound roof and good solar exposure. To make a nomination, use the link at SolarFlairs website or on the Solarize Facebook page to access the online nomination form. Free LNA training Over the past several years, Southwestern Vermont Health Care has trained hundreds of people to become licensed nursing assistants. Many have gone on to rewarding careers in the health systems skilled nursing facilities or in the hospitals inpatient units. The training typically costs as much as $1,400. Those who enter SVHCs program agree to a one-year contract, receive free training, and earn the starting hourly rate while they train. Those who are interested apply and are hired at SVHC in the care assistant role. From there, they may be considered for a slot in the class and are provided with time off to complete the 3-week training and study for the state licensing exam. The next training section begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 29 at the Innovative Learning Center on the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Campus in Bennington. The training schedule is Monday through Friday. Prospective students should apply to the care assistant position by May 11 to be considered. Visit the "Current Openings" link online and search for care assistant to get started. For additional information, contact Eileen Wood at 802-447-5457 or send an email. BCD gift Berkshire Country Day School has received the largest single private gift in the school's history. Philanthropist Emily Fisher, grandparent of current sixth-grader Emily Fisher, donated a transformational gift to support the school's already existing strong educational foundation and to provide for the future of BCD. Fisher's gift comes as the school prepares to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its founding. Emily Fisher believes in the power education holds to improve lives and communities. In addition to Berkshire Country Day, her investments have nourished Simon's Rock and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. "What many people don't know is that BCD serves families from a wide-range of income levels across Berkshire and Columbia Counties. We are able to offer an affordable price point due to income from a variety of sources, Head of School Jenifer Fox said. "A gift like the one Emily gave, allows us to strengthen our endowment so that we may actualize our mission to empower citizenship in all its forms. To accomplish that, we need represent all the kinds of citizens who make up our local population. We are good at that and this gift will allow us to get even better at it." MARSEILLE, France, March 19 (Reuters) - An Italian cruise ship that earlier in its voyage disembarked two passengers who later tested positive for the coronavirus has docked in Marseille, southern France, port authorities and passengers said on Thursday. The 1,400 passengers and the crew of the ship - which left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 5 on a cruise destined for Venice, Italy - will remain on board as they wait for the results of coronavirus infection tests on suspected cases. "The regional health authority will investigate the situation on board. We are waiting for its decision to see whether passengers can disembark," a port authority spokesman said. An American passenger said that he and some other U.S. citizens had already received airplane tickets for a charter flight that would fly them back to Atlanta late on Thursday. But he added that passengers had received no word on whether French authorities would let them disembark. (Reporting by Marc Leras in Marseille and Geert De Clercq in Paris; Editing by Mike Collett-White) (Photo : www.pxhere.com) The outstanding work of health officials in Singapore should be an inspiration for other nations all around the world. The mere fact that they use highly technological means and mix it with old-fashioned police work is phenomenal indeed. Read More: Better Health Through Mass Surveillance? Authorities Want to Spy on People With the Coronavirus Singapore's Efforts in Containing the Virus There are two examples of stories that explain Singapore's efforts to fight the deadly coronavirus that has now become a pandemic. Their ceaseless efforts to monitor, examine, contain, and identify individuals who may be infected is something out of those sci-fi movies. Still, for this case, it is the present of Singapore. The Case of The Medicine Shop Sometime Mid-January, a group of Chinese tourists that came from the city of Guanxi explored Singapore and all that it has to offer for its citizens and tourists. Then they came across a medicine shop that is popular with mainland tourists that sells crocodile oil, herbal products, and many more of the sort. The sales lady who took charge of catering the mainland tourists was very hands-on, even applied oils on their arms as well as showing them the grand tour of things people would want to see in the store. As the tourists left and came home back to China, they left the coronavirus behind with them as a remembrance. On February 4, Singapore's government has reported that the virus has spread into the local community. The Yong Thai Hang Chinese medicine shop was the origin of the virus in Singapore with the local tour guide and the sales lady being the first to get sick. From that visit alone, already nine people were infected, including the saleslady's husband, their six-month-old child, their Indonesian domestic helper, and two staff members. Thankfully, all have recovered. Read More: Experts Say Whisky Can Kill Off Coronavirus Strains Just as Fast as The WHO's 85 Percent Solution An Unexpected Call From The Government A typical Saturday in Singapore when a yoga teacher received a call from an unknown number, as she answered it, someone very unexpected started speaking in the other line. "Were you in a taxi at 18:47 on Wednesday?" someone from Singapore's' health ministry was on the other line. "It was surreal," the yoga instructor said, then she remembered the taxi ride took approximately six minutes only when she checked her app. She was advised to stay under quarantine inside her home until further notice. Of this time, she still doesn't know who was infected, the taxi driver, or the passenger before her. The Efforts to Suppress The Spread of The Coronavirus They used a sophisticated and extensive tracing regiment that follows the chain of the virus from one person to the next, challenging to think about but, with their vast amounts of CCTV and surveillance as well as old fashioned police work. Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease expert from the Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, said: "We would have ended up like Wuhan," and then added: "The hospitals would be overwhelmed." In total, 6,000 people have been contacted traced as of date, again from CCTV footage, police investigation, and the long hours the detectives and health ministry put into containing the virus. The World Can Follow Their Footsteps As the world is becoming more and more modernized, the contact tracing method of Singapore can be used in most nations across the globe with the help of the police force and volunteers that can monitor and trace potential high-risk patients to limit the spread of the virus and of course the discipline of the citizens as well to speak truthfully especially in these fearful times. Read More: These Two Countries Are The Top Choices For People Wishing to Avoid COVID-19 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Air Transport Association (IATA) and for Europe (A4E) have reacted with dismay to the European Commission's new guidelines on the application of the EU261 passenger rights regime. "The new guidelines are disappointing and unhelpful, falling far short of the simple and temporary alleviation had requested for," they said in a joint statement.IATA and A4E had called for recognition that no compensation is due in the event of cancellations due to COVID-19. Besides, both organisations had called for a limitation on extensive obligations to provide care and assistance in the event of cancellations due to COVID-19. They had also urged flexibility to allow to offer rebooking or vouchers in place of refunds in the event of cancellations due to the pandemic. "The commission appears to considerably underestimate the crisis afflicting airlines in Europe. Faced with a cashflow catastrophe, many airlines can only offer vouchers in lieu of immediate cash refunds for cancelled flights," said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA's Regional Vice President for Europe. "The Commission needs to understand that fiddling at the edges will not keep airlines in any shape to get the economy moving again when the health crisis abates. This is not a short-term issue. Air connectivity will not be back to normal for many months. And for some airlines, things will never be the same again," he said. A4E Managing Director Thomas Reynaert said the guidelines do not provide the clarity that cash-strapped EU airlines need. "Given the extraordinary circumstances and financial pressures our airlines are facing if this is the Commission's view -- then an emergency amendment to Regulation 261 may be needed and will be welcomed by the sector," he said. IATA represents some 290 airlines comprising 82 per cent of global air traffic. A4E is a trade association of Europe's five largest carriers. Donald Trump today promised to fast-track an anti-malaria drug called Chloroquine to treat coronavirus in the US after it was used in China and South Korea. His announcement contrasted directly with Boris Johnson who will not say if Britain will test it - and revealed the first trial of a potential cure involves just one patient. Researchers around the world are desperately hunting a cure, amid fears thousands more patients will be struck down by the life-threatening illness. Britain's Prime Minister, who also announced the UK will buy 'hundreds of thousands' of antibody kits, did not reveal which drug the British patient was being given. Meanwhile US President Mr Trump said the drug would be available to sufferers of the virus 'almost immediately', despite not being formally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Access to prescriptions will be expanded so that US health officials can gather data on how patients respond. The move increased pressure on the UK Government after furious Britons launched a petition calling on No 10 to begin trials of the same drug, available over-the-counter. Officials banned pharmaceuticals from exporting chloroquine and a HIV drug last month, in a bid to protect the UK's stocks of the experimental treatments. It is unclear how much stock the UK currently has - and the Department of Health has not yet responded to a request from comment by MailOnline tonight. President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing with the coronavirus task force at the White House in Washington DC today Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (left) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance (right) watch as Prime Minister Boris Johnson (centre) speaks at No 10 in London today In a press conference in Downing Street addressing the growing threat COVID-19 presents to the UK today, Mr Johnson said: 'Today we've put the first British corona patient into a randomised trial for drugs that may treat the disease. He also revealed scientists plan to start trials of a vaccine within a month but warned it will 'take time to come on stream'. Mr Johnson added: 'To give you an idea of what is coming down the track, we're in negotiations today to buy a so-called antibody test, as simple as a pregnancy test which can tell whether you have had the disease and it's early days. 'But if it works as its proponents claim, then we will buy literally hundreds of thousands of these kits as soon as practicable. A petition has launched urging the Government to start using chloroquine on coronavirus patients after Chinese doctors claimed it treats the virus. The drug is available as an antimalarial at travel clinics for just pennies per pill Sometimes sold under the brand name Plaquenil, the drug (pictured) is generally safe for malaria treatment, although side effects like permanent eye damage and even a rare few deaths have been reported. The first US clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus began recruiting last week 'Because obviously it has the potential to be a total gamechanger.' IS CHLOROQUINE A PROMISING DRUG? One drug being used by doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak is chloroquine phosphate, an anti-malarial medication. The drug sold under the brand name Arlan kills malaria parasites in the blood, stopping the tropical disease in its tracks. But tests of the drug which has been used for 70 years on COVID-19 patients in China show it has potential in fighting the life-threatening virus. Chinese officials claimed the drug 'demonstrated efficacy and acceptable safety in treating COVID-19 associated pneumonia'. South Korea and China both say the drug is an 'effective' antiviral treatment against the disease, according to a report by US virologists. The Wuhan Institute of Virology in the city where the crisis began claimed the drug was 'highly effective' in petri dish tests. Tests by those researchers, as well as others, showed it has the power to stop the virus replicating in cells, and taking hold in the body. Twenty-three clinical trials on the drug are already underway on patients in China, and one is planned in the US and another in South Korea. Chloroquine was prescribed around 46,000 times in 2018 in the UK but it is also available over-the-counter from pharmacies without a prescription. Professor Robin May, an infectious disease specialist at Birmingham University, said the safety profile of the drug is 'well-established'. He added: 'It is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, so it would be fairly easy to accelerate into clinical trials and, if successful, eventually into treatment.' Professor May suggested chloroquine may work by altering the acidity of the area of cells that it attacks, making it harder for the virus to replicate. Chinese scientists investigating the other form of chloroquine - which is called hydroxychloroquine - penned a letter to a prestigious journal saying its 'less toxic' derivative may also help Advertisement Mr Johnson said: 'By the same token we're massively increasing the testing to see whether you have it now and ramping up daily testing from 5,000 a day, to 10,000 to 25,000 and then up at 250,000.' It came after Mr Trump revealed the anti-malarial drug chloroquine would be fast-tracked for use as a treatment against the new coronavirus. Mr Trump said the drug would be available to sufferers of the virus 'almost immediately' who request it from their doctor. While the drug has not yet been formally approved by the FDA, access to prescriptions will be expanded so that officials can gather data on how patients respond. This is known as 'compassionate use'. Mr Trump said: 'They've gone through the approval process - it's been approved. They took it down from many, many months to immediate. So we're going to be able to make that drug available by prescription.' But the FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn later indicated that, while the drug has not yet been formally approved, access to it was being expanded so that authorities could gather more data. 'We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately, and that's where the FDA gas been so great,' Mr Trump told reporters. Hearing news that other countries were fast-tracking trials of the drug, furious Britons launched an online petition calling on the NHS to do the same. The change.org petition was titled 'Start an Immediate UK trial for Chloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 (Coronavirus)'. It reads: 'This treatment is readily available, cheap to produce, and is patent-free. 'We need to start testing this treatment immediately in patients who have developed Covid-19 associated pneumonia.' Chloroquine is an anti-malarial drug which works by stopping parasites from replicating inside the body, and could stop the coronavirus by making the inside of a cell too dangerous for a virus to enter. Two versions of it chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine were on a list of drugs which the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has banned companies from buying with the intention of exporting them. Meanwhile the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the city where the crisis began claimed the drug was 'highly effective' in petri dish tests. One report has claimed officials in the Netherlands already suggest treating critically-ill patients with the drug, and doctors in South Korea and China both say the drug is an 'effective' antiviral treatment against the disease, according to a report by US virologists. The drug is cheap, safe and readily available to buy over the counter in the UK as travel medicine a two-week supply costs just 3.22 from Boots. Boris Johnson today revealed the first British patient is taking part in a coronavirus cure trial and announced the UK plans to buy 'hundreds of thousands' of antibody kits Professor Robin May, an infectious disease expert at the University of Birmingham, said: 'Chloroquine is a drug that has a long history of use against malaria, essentially because it diffuses into red blood cells, making the environment within the cell less suitable for the parasite to live in. TRUMP FAST-TRACKS ACCESS TO THE MALARIA DRUG The US is fast-tracking the anti-malarial drug chloroquine for use as a treatment against the new coronavirus, President Donald Trump said Thursday. 'They've gone through the approval process - it's been approved. They took it down from many, many months to immediate. So we're going to be able to make that drug available by prescription.' 'We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately, and that's where the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been so great,' Trump told reporters. But the FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn later indicated that, while the drug has not yet been formally approved, access to it was being expanded so that authorities could gather more data. This is known as 'compassionate use.' In other words, the drug is not approved broadly, as Trump initially said, but will be given to patients only after a doctor requests it, and primarily for the purpose of studying its effects and before data is available to certify that it works and is safe. Advertisement 'Since it has a long history of clinical use, the safety profile of chloroquine is well-established and it is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, so it would theoretically be fairly easy to accelerate into clinical trials and, if successful, eventually into treatment.' Twenty-three clinical trials of the drug are already under way on patients in China, and one is planned in the US and another in South Korea. University of Minnesota experts are planning to test whether the drug sometimes given to treat lupus and arthritis prevents the progression of COVID-19. A number of other existing medications are also going into clinical trials to see if they could stop the coronavirus. A HIV drug combination called lopinavir/ritonavir has also been banned from being exported by the MHRA. This medication, marketed under the brand names Kaletra and Aluvia, is essentially able to stick to an enzyme on a virus which is vital to the virus reproducing. By doing this it blocks the process the virus would normally use to clone itself and spread the infection further. In a clinical trial application submitted in the US from Asan Medical Center, in Seoul, South Korea, scientists said: 'In vitro [laboratory] studies revealed that lopinavir/ritonavir [has] antiviral activity against Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).' President Donald Trump speaks during a teleconference with governors at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington DC today From left, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Mr Trump, and Vice President Mike Pence Chinese media reported that the drug was successfully used to cure patients with the coronavirus, but the reports have not been scientifically proven. Other drugs which have claimed but unproven benefits for coronavirus patients include flu medication favipiravir; remdesivir, a drug created to try and beat Ebola; and sarilumab, which calms the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The successful discovery of a treatment or a vaccine for the coronavirus could be what it takes for countries to be able to return to life as normal. It comes after coronavirus cure hopes were raised after an infected Italian man in his 70s recovered with the help of an experimental Ebola drug. Doctors gave the unidentified 79-year-old remdesivir, which researchers around the world have tested in their desperate scramble to find a cure. Officials in Liguria the coastal region where the patient lives, which is south of Milan announced he had recovered and could go home after 12 days in hospital. The drug also showed success in a critically-ill woman in the US and 14 Americans who tested positive for the coronavirus after catching it on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The Italian man given remdesivir was hospitalised on March 7 with the coronavirus, according to local newspaper Genova Today. Remdesivir was developed 10 years ago as a potential Ebola treatment. It was shelved but has potential as a general antiviral medication, experts say (stock image) Doctors at San Martino Hospital in Genoa, where he was being treated, made the decision to give him the drug. Professor Matteo Bassetti, director of the infectious disease clinic at the hospital, said remdesivir 'seems to work'. In a joint press conference with the president of Liguria, they announced the man would be allowed to go home because he no longer has the virus. Professor Bassetti also revealed that other patients in the region had been given remdesivir, local journalists reported. The promising anti-viral drug works by neutralising a vital enzyme viruses use to reproduce. It is called a RNA polymerase inhibitor. It was developed 10 years ago by California-based drug firm Gilead Sciences, with the intention of it destroying the Ebola virus. It effectively treated monkeys infected with Ebola, according to the US National Institutes of Health. But it had little success on humans. The latest controversy follows a row over the failure to check frontline NHS workers which saw testing for coronavirus ramped up to 25,000 a day. Ministers have come under severe criticism for imposing a restriction on March 12 which meant nobody has been able to get a test unless they are already severely ill in hospital. Doctors and scientists around the world are scrambling to find a treatment or a vaccine for the coronavirus. Pictured, a medical worker treats a patient in intensive care in Cremona, Italy Even frontline NHS workers have not been able to get tested despite the country processing 5,000 tests a day. The World Health Organisation has called for all countries to test, test, test. Doctors and scientists say it is impossible to track and model the number of cases without confirming if people are infected. The row has been further inflamed by the fact that private health clinics have been offering tests for as much as 375 a time to those wealthy enough to afford them. Under pressure yesterday, Boris Johnson confirmed an escalation of testing capacity to 10,000-a-day by next week and 25,000-a-day within four weeks. He said testing of health workers would be a priority but insiders admitted that would not happen until capacity has been significantly increased. Officials hope that routine testing of health service staff will become possible in the next few weeks but until then severely ill patients will take up all the countrys capacity. Flu, anti-malaria, arthritis and HIV medication: The promising therapies being tested on coronavirus patients around the world Chloroquine phosphate (Malaria) One drug being used by doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak is chloroquine phosphate, an anti-malarial medication. The drug sold under the brand name Arlan kills malaria parasites in the blood, stopping the tropical disease in its tracks. But tests of the drug which has been used for 70 years on COVID-19 patients in China show it has potential in fighting the life-threatening virus. One drug being used by doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak is chloroquine phosphate, an anti-malarial medication. It is sold under the brand name Arlan Chinese officials claimed the drug 'demonstrated efficacy and acceptable safety in treating COVID-19 associated pneumonia'. Experts at the University of Palermo in Italy, as well as a team in Israel, collated the research on the drug in treating the coronavirus. In their report, they claimed officials in the Netherlands already suggest treating critically-ill patients with the drug. South Korea and China both say the drug is an 'effective' antiviral treatment against the disease, according to a report by US virologists. The Wuhan Institute of Virology in the city where the crisis began claimed the drug was 'highly effective' in petri dish tests. Tests by those researchers, as well as others, showed it has the power to stop the virus replicating in cells, and taking hold in the body. Twenty-three clinical trials on the drug are already underway on patients in China, and one is planned in the US and another in South Korea. University of Minnesota experts are planning to test whether the drug sometimes given to treat lupus and arthritis prevents the progression of COVID-19. Chloroquine was prescribed around 46,000 times in 2018 in the UK but it is also available over-the-counter from pharmacies without a prescription. Professor Robin May, an infectious disease specialist at Birmingham University, said the safety profile of the drug is 'well-established'. He added: 'It is cheap and relatively easy to manufacture, so it would be fairly easy to accelerate into clinical trials and, if successful, eventually into treatment.' Professor May suggested chloroquine may work by altering the acidity of the area of cells that it attacks, making it harder for the virus to replicate. Hydroxychloroquine (Malaria) Chinese scientists investigating the other form of chloroquine penned a letter to a prestigious journal saying its 'less toxic' derivative may also help. Hydroxychloroquine, sold under the brand name Plaquenil, may treat COVID-19 In the comment to Cell Discovery owned by publisher Nature, they said it shares similar chemical structures and mechanisms. The team of experts added: 'It is easy to conjure up the idea that hydroxychloroquine may be a potent candidate to treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.' But the Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists admitted they are still lacking evidence to prove it is as effective as chloroquine phosphate. Hydroxychloroquine, sold under the brand name Plaquenil, causes side effects such as skin rashes, nausea, diarrhoea and headaches. Drug giant Sanofi carried out a study on 24 patients, which the French government described as 'promising'. Results showed three quarters of patients treated with the drug were cleared of the virus within six days. None of the placebo group were treated. French health officials are now planning on a larger trial of the drug, which is used on the NHS to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well as malaria. Lopinavir/ritonavir (HIV) Lopinavir/ritonavir, marketed as Kaletra and Aluvia, is an anti-HIV medicine given to people living with the virus to prevent it developing into AIDS. Lopinavir/ritonavir, marketed under the brand names Kaletra and Aluvia, is an anti-HIV medicine The drug has shown promise as a way of tackling coronavirus, scientists say, because it is able to bind to the outside of the coronavirus. It is a class of drug called a protease inhibitor, which essentially stick to an enzyme on a virus which is vital to the virus reproducing. By doing this it blocks the process the virus would normally use to clone itself and spread the infection further. In a clinical trial application submitted in the US from Asan Medical Center, in Seoul, South Korea, scientists said: 'In vitro [laboratory] studies revealed that lopinavir/ritonavir [has] antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).' Chinese media reported that the drug was successfully used to cure patients with the coronavirus, but the reports have not been scientifically proven. US-based manufacturer AbbVie has donated free supplies of Kaletra to health authorities in China, the US and Europe it is not clear whether the UK is included. The drug is available on the NHS and was prescribed around 1,400 times in 2018, either as Kaletra or ritonavir on its own. Favipiravir (flu) Favipiravir is the active ingredient in a flu drug called Avigan which is sold in Japan. Doctors in China have claimed it was 'clearly effective' in patients with the coronavirus after they gave it to 80 people in the cities of Wuhan and Shenzen. Favipiravir is the active ingredient in a flu drug called Avigan which is sold in Japan They said it sped up patients' recovery, reduced lung damage and did not cause any obvious side effects. It is also used to treat yellow fever and foot-and-mouth. According to local media, patients who were given the medicine in Shenzhen had negative results for the coronavirus an average of four days after being diagnosed. This compared with 11 days for those who were not treated with the drug. It is not clear what the results were of the trials in Wuhan, the worst-hit part of China. The drug is an anti-viral medication which neutralises a vital enzyme that viruses use to reproduce. It is called a RNA polymerase inhibitor. It is not used by the NHS. It's produced by the Japanese company Fujifilm Toyama Chemical. Remdesivir (Ebola) Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug that works in essentially the same way as favipiravir by crippling the RNA polymerase enzyme, stopping a virus from reproducing. It was developed around 10 years ago by the pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences with the intention of it destroying the Ebola virus. It was pushed aside, however, when other, better candidates emerged. Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug that works in essentially the same way as favipiravir by crippling the RNA polymerase enzyme, stopping a virus from reproducing But it remained an anti-viral drug with the ability to destroy various viruses in lab tests, scientists said. Doctors in the US tried it on three hospitalised coronavirus patients but results were mixed. The drug is now being trialled on coronavirus patients in China and at the University of Nebraska, CNN reports. Doctors writing in a study led by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature last month, said: 'Our findings reveal that remdesivir [is] highly effective in the control of 2019-nCoV infection in vitro.' They added that, since the drug is proven to be safe in humans, it 'should be assessed in human patients suffering from the novel coronavirus disease'. Remdesivir is not prescribed on the NHS. Sarilumab (Rheumatoid arthritis) Sarilumab, a rheumatoid arthritis drug which is marketed as Kevzara in the US, is set to be trialled on patients in the US Sarilumab, a rheumatoid arthritis drug which is marketed as Kevzara and is available to be prescribed on the NHS, is set to be trialled on patients in the US. Pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Regeneron plan to give the medication to people with the coronavirus to see if it can help calm their immune response. The drug works by blocking part of the immune system which can cause inflammation, or swelling, which is overactive in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection but, in patients with coronavirus, it can get out of control, making symptoms significantly worse and even trigger multiple organ failure. Regeneron, which makes the drug, said Chinese doctors say it has worked for their patients, the Financial Times reported. He said the drug could provide 'temporary support' by reducing the severity of patients' symptoms to help hospitals to cope. John Reed, from Sanofi, told the FT: 'We expect to rapidly initiate trials outside the US in the coming weeks, including areas most affected by the pandemic such as Italy'. The first few months of the year have economists making lots of predictions. What will 2020 bring? How will trends, trade, and world events impact the economy? The years outlook is extremely important for the agriculture industry, which is largely tied to the global economy. An eye toward the future can help farmers make the best possible plan for production and marketing. The 2020 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum helped shed some light on the prospects of the agricultural industry this year. Initial indicators show it may be better than 2019, a year most farmers would rather forget due to trade uncertainties and unfavorable weather conditions during planting and harvesting. Highlights from the forum point to indicators of strength in some sectors and a mixed outlook in others. Farm income Paul Mitchell, UW-Madison ag economist and director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute, indicated that 2020 input costs will likely hold steady or decline which would help farm income. The spread of COVID-19 is already causing a decline in fuel prices, which could be a blessing and a curse to farmers who grow corn and soybeans crops are closely linked to energy markets due to their use in ethanol and biodiesel production. Wisconsin land values are holding steady, which is a good sign for farm equity and balance sheets. Loan delinquencies and farm bankruptcies in Wisconsin continue to be a top concern of agricultural lenders as they look ahead to 2020. Dairy Mark Stephenson, director of dairy policy analysis at UW-Madison, highlighted positive indicators for dairy in 2020, resulting from slowing U.S. and world milk production and lower dairy product stockpiles. Stephenson pointed out a few important caveats, including the impact of prolonged trade negotiations, weakening economies in countries we export to, possibility of a U.S. recession and COVID-19, which is already having a negative impact on milk prices. Grain and livestock Brenda Boetel, professor and department chair of agricultural economics at UW-River Falls, highlighted positives for grain markets expected to result from the signing of the U.S./China Phase 1 trade agreement, in which China agreed to a purchase of $40 billion in U.S. agricultural goods. The extent to which COVID-19 will impact Chinas ability to fulfill this commitment is yet to be seen. The U.S. faces increasing competition from expanding agricultural production in other countries, including Brazil, which is producing record amounts of corn and soybeans. African Swine Fever, which has decimated Chinese hog herds, is negatively impacting demand for U.S. soybean meal, which is used in pig feed. Decreased Chinese pork production has, however, bolstered demand for U.S. pork. Beef exports are down, but strong overall from a historical perspective. Hemp Wisconsin is behind other states in the development of its hemp industry. Barriers to growers include lack of hemp buyers, lack of labor and equipment, and trouble financing operations. Industrial and CBD hemp prices will continue to fall in 2020 while input costs, including seeds and clones, likely wont decrease much. Wisconsins advantages in the hemp arena include our advanced food and beverage processing industry, which could support the development of food products containing hemp. These predictions can provide some helpful guidance for farmers as they look ahead, but a few months into 2020, we can see that COVID-19 is already having a significant impact on the agricultural economy adding just one more uncertainty to the many that farmers deal with every year. Leigh Presley is agriculture educator for Kenosha County UW-Extension. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Ilkin Seyfaddini Trend: Tajikistan has reduced electricity exports to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan by 2.1 times since the beginning of 2020, Trend reports citing the Uzbek media. "The revenue received by Tajikistan from the electricity sales to neighboring countries for the first two months of this year amounted to $3.7 million, which is 52.6 percent or over $4.1 million less than in January-February 2019," the report says. In the same period of 2019, the value of electricity exported by Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan exceeded $7.8 million. In 2019, Tajikistan received more than $91.3 million of revenues from the electricity supplies to neighboring countries. In particular, 1.4 billion kWh of electricity worth $60.6 million was exported to Afghanistan in 2019. The total value of electricity exports to Uzbekistan amounted to $28.5 million. According to the agreements reached by electricity companies, Uzbekistan purchases electricity from Tajikistan for two American cents for one kilowatt, and Afghanistan pays 4.1 cents for each kilowatt. As agreed, Tajikistan will export 1.5 billion kWh of electricity to Afghanistan in 2020, which is almost 30 million kWh more than in 2019. The volume of electricity supplies to Uzbekistan will be determined during negotiations scheduled for April 2020. --- Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini Construction Industry Faces Challenge of Changing Work Ethic DYERSVILLE, IowaLucas Treangen grew up on a dairy farm in Waukon, Iowa. From the time he was 13, he would get up at 5:30 in the morning to milk 65 cows, and then do it again after school. He bought his first vehicle, a used Chevy pickup, with money he saved from milking cows on his neighbors farms as well. I think its wonderful my parents raised me with a strong work ethic, he said. Treangen, 30, now works at a well-drilling company in a rural part of eastern Iowa. He is one of the farm boys on the team, as Gary Shawver would say. Shawver is the companys president, and he lauds farm boys as having the best work ethic. But theyre getting harder to find. If there are farm boys, they either stay on the farm or go to a city and get a 40-hour-a-week job, Shawver said. His company, the name of which he preferred not to share, has room to expand. But finding people that want to go out and do hard, dirty work is extremely difficult, he said. His experience reflects that of the U.S. construction industry in general. The work pays fairly well, and the young people who stick with it often find it rewarding in many ways, not the least of which is financially. The industry is ready to expand, as is Shawvers companyif only it can find young people to replace its aging workforce. Workers Needed About 75 percent of construction companies plan to hire in 2020 to meet strong demandand most of them are having trouble filling positionsaccording to a recent survey by The Construction Association. A construction worker in Miami on March 10, 2017. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) More than 40 percent of construction workers will retire in 2026, with the median age of workers having steadily climbed over the past few decades to 43 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and an analysis by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. And interest in construction work among young people is at an all-time low. High-Paying Jobs Louise Taylor, whose family owns Taylor Construction in eastern Iowa, told The Epoch Times her grandson made $28 per hour working for the company as a college student about a decade ago. He made $25,000 in a summer. He asked many friends to join him, but there were few takers. Shawver said his company trains workers from the ground up. Its not a job you need to spend thousands of dollars on tuition to get into, and you dont need to spend years in college. Theres also room for advancement in the company. Treangan is on his way to becoming a senior driller, which could earn him a salary of up to $75,000 plus benefits, insurance, and vacation. Half of U.S. construction workers earn more than $47,000 annually, compared to the national median salary of $38,000, according to a 2018 analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The top-tier salaries in construction are also higher than those in many other industries. But almost half of the young people surveyed by NAHB in a 2017 poll responded that they remain uninterested in construction workeven if it were to pay upwards of $100,000 annually. The top reasons were that its too physically demanding, and its too difficult. Working hard is good for you. You have a sense of pride, T.C. Murphy told The Epoch Times. Murphy paid off his university degree by working summers in construction. His father was in construction, too, and Murphy grew up helping with his fathers side projects, such as fixing fences, repairing equipment, or remodeling garages. When its all said and done, actually it feels a lot better than just kind of sitting around, he said. I see more and more kids kind of sedentary, instead of being hands-on. He said his work ethic has affected his professional life, and has also made him a better father and husband. T.C. Murphy and his family. (Courtesy of T.C. Murphy) T.C. Murphy at work in Casper, Wyo. (Courtesy of T.C. Murphy) He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2009, debt-free thanks to his work for a paving company while he was a student. Hes now a father of three and the general manager and co-owner of a company in Casper, Wyoming, that manages traffic safety around construction sites. His people are the first to arrive at the construction sites and the last to leave. Like Shawver, he likes to hire farm boys. Its wonderful if you can get them, because they already have that work ethic, you know? And theyre not afraid to get their hands dirty, Murphy said. Why Young People Arent Starting in Construction A fear of getting ones hands dirty isnt the only reason some young people arent entering the construction industry. Sometimes, its their parents who object, Taylor said. My little Jodie cant do that; its too dangerous, she joked. Susanna Jakubik, marketing manager for I Build America, told The Epoch Times that sometimes parents will think, I want you to have a better life. I dont want you to be like your grandpa who was working construction. I want you to go to medical school. Well, you know what? Little Johnny may not be set up for medical school. He might be the perfect welder or the best welder they could ever have. And he can make $100,000 by the time he is 30, Jakubik said. Many young people simply cannot pass the drug test in the application process, Taylor said. Shawver said hes also noticed some roadblocks. He said only about 3 or 4 out of every 10 applicants has a clean driving record, which is a prerequisite for the must-have commercial drivers license. He said in the 80s or 90s, about 8 out of 10 applicants would have a clean record. He believes the reasons are twofold. While the laws are getting tougher, he thinks todays young people are just partying more. Hes seen some young employees lose their commercial drivers licenses after a nights fun with alcohol; they subsequently lost their jobs. Its going to get worse until the moral fiber of our country decides to change, Shawver said. No legislation, no Trump, or anybody else can solve that except the American people. And theyll have to turn back to God to do that. Millennials Versus Baby Boomers Millennials are more focused on lifestyle than previous generations, according to a study by Terri M. Manning, director of the Center for Applied Research at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. They enjoy time with friends and are as invested in their leisure activities as they are in their career activities, which is a dramatic change from the work-focused baby boomers. The baby boomer generation, they would bank their vacation time year after year after year, said Lon Albert, president of Reece Albert Inc., a heavy construction company in western Texas, in an interview with The Epoch Times. The young generation, we dont have that issue. Because they do want to take their [vacation] time. Attracting Young Workers Alberts company is trying to figure out how to connect with millennials. We have to really tell our story better, he said. The company is planning to buy some equipment simulators, put them on a mobile platform, and bring them to high school career fairs. If theyre into video games, theyre really going to be into this. Caleb Kattner, a regional vice president for Reece Albert, likes to figure out what motivates an employee and then tailor his communication-style to every individual, young or old. For millennials, he said they respond better if you let them figure out their own way of doing things; they like the challenge. Baby boomers, on the other hand, like to be told how to do it. Millennials also want to be told theyre doing a good job. The older generation thinks more along the lines of, I did my job; I dont need to be told that I did a good job, Kattner said. Skipping Shop Class Were really dealing with a decades-old narrative that, unless you go to college, you are not successful in America today, Greg Sizemore, vice president of workforce development at Associated Builders and Contractors, told The Epoch Times. He wants to see a return of career and technical education, also known as career tech ed or CTE, at high schools and middle schools. Shop class helped him develop the know-how to enter the manual workforce right out of high school. A high school student at Bokenskolan in Jokkmokk, Sweden, takes part in a woodwork and handicraft class on Nov. 6, 2013. (Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images) Starting in the 1980s, CTE declined because of additional academic course requirements, declining funding, and a growing favor toward four-year-college degrees, according to a Brookings report. The Trump administration is making efforts to redevelop CTE, hoping to bridge the workforce gap. Construction is the best kept secret in America. People take it for granted, Sizemore said. Nothing in any society occurs without construction occurring first. Eric Bousquet, standing in the doorway of the Pharmacie Ozenne, in Toulouse, France, wears a mask as he chats with a customer on a bicycle. Pharmacies and grocery stores are among the few businesses allowed to remain open under new rules that require nearly everyone in France to stay home for at least 15 days. (Chris O'Brien / Los Angeles Times) After the winter months in this southwestern part of France, March normally sees a kind of human blossoming as people return to the sidewalks and terraces to celebrate the return of the beaux jours. But on this evening the city lay eerily quiet, with nearly every business shuttered and only scattered people wandering the streets. Yet the calm that reigned outside this week masked the emotions and uncertainties that churned behind the citys famous red brick facades. From small business owners anxious about their futures to parents trying to radically remake their daily routines, people were determined to adapt to unprecedented restrictions tied to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, including confinement rules that they hoped would be temporary but feared could go on without any end in sight. "We are in commando mode," Prefect Etienne Guyot, the French government representative for the Southern region of France known as Occitanie, said during a news conference from his Toulouse headquarters. The restaurants and terraces surrounding the Place du Capitole in Toulouse, France were closed and silent the first night of the quarantine. (Chris O'Brien/Los Angeles Times) Guyot made his remarks less than 48 hours after a national address Monday evening by President Emmanuel Macron, who announced draconian new rules that require nearly everyone to stay home for at least 15 days. That followed another address last Thursday, when he announced that schools would be closed starting Monday, leaving parents scrambling to rearrange their work lives and child care arrangements. Over the weekend, scenes of the French largely ignoring warnings about gathering in public plus an acceleration in the number of coronavirus cases, led Macron to take more forceful actions. Only businesses such as pharmacies and grocery stores can remain open for limited hours, while anyone wishing to go outside must fill out an attestation citing an acceptable reason, such as running an urgent errand or going to a job that doesnt allow them to work at home. By Thursday, the French Public Health Agency had reported 10,995 confirmed cases, including 444 in the Occitanie region where Toulouse is located, and 372 deaths nationally from COVID-19. Story continues Macron repeatedly had said France is at war, and throughout Toulouse there was a sense of a city mustering for battle. More than 600 local and national police were deployed in the Haute-Garonne Department, where Toulouse is located. Tuesday morning, the city's streets were busy with shoppers making last-minute stops. By the afternoon, the crowds had largely evaporated as police and gendarmes patrolled the streets, occasionally stopping joggers or other random pedestrians asking to see their papers. Across the city, countless personal preparations were quietly underway. Lepert, owner of the Piccora epicerie in Toulouse, Fance, helps a customer. Lepert said the number of customers has dropped sharply since the quarantine began but those who come are buying more to stock up. (Chris O'Brien/Los Angeles Times) Behind the counter of her epicurean market Piccora in the fashionable Ozenne neighborhood that was once dominated by the citys nobles, Elsa Lepert was making a sign to put in the shop window to remind clients of her reduced hours, and that deliveries in the neighborhood were still possible. She taped the sign just above another one from the Ministry of Health explaining the precautions to take to avoid spreading the virus. The flow of customers was slow Tuesday, though the ones who came tended to buy large amounts of wine, tartine, foie gras and other fine foods she sells. While Macron announced a series of economic measures to support small businesses, she is skeptical. Im philosophical about it, she said. At least Im able to be open when so many others have to close. But I dont have a lot of confidence that any of these plans will help. Leperts shop is a few doors down from the home of the Archbishop of Toulouse, Monsignor Robert Le Gall. France remains a heavily Catholic country, and this Ozenne street is emblematic of that, with a Catholic school at one end, a religious bookstore in the middle and the medieval Saint-Etienne Cathedral at the end. Le Gall said its been a difficult decision to cancel Masses, but local priests have remained available to parishioners by phone and email. He said some members were turning to Masses being livestreamed. But he also believes this period of crisis will mark a renewal of faith for many. Being deprived of many of these sacraments leaves them with a thirst to get them back as soon as possible, Le Gall said. It is a moment to deepen their faith. A few blocks away inside the Pharmacie Ozenne, Eric Bousqet was speaking with a customer as his wife, Carole, stocked shelves. The couple and three employees wore masks and customers carefully maintained a few feet of distance. Bousquet said the day had been generally calm. Last week was more stressful, he said, as the gravity of the situation became more apparent and customers streamed in asking for hand sanitizer and masks, despite the sign outside warning that none were left. This week, people are more reasonable, he said. They are preparing themselves for the days ahead." Melanie Tisne-Versailles and her husband Maxime decided last weekend that they would try to make the best of the situation by renting a house 90 minutes south of the city in the Pyrenees Mountains. The government day care center and preschool where their 1-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter normally go were closing, and being in the countryside sounded far more appealing than being stuck in a small city apartment, Tisne-Versailles said. While her husband can continue his work as a composer, her situation is a touch more complicated. Tisne-Versailles is part of a large work cooperative in Toulouse that last fall opened Lune Bleue, a space that includes a restaurant, start-up studio, coworking space and digital consulting firm. Tisne-Versailles was doing everything from waiting tables to consulting with local businesses on how to digitally transition their business. Now, most of the consulting contracts are on hold as digitalization and other focuses like encouraging a circular economy are no longer short-term priorities. And businesses like the restaurant and coworking space are closed. Tisne-Versailles is trying to use the time to stay in touch with partners remotely via Slack and try to rethink their own business model. I always try to be an optimist, but nobody has a crystal ball, she said. To the west of Toulouse, the town of Condom in the Gascony region had a relatively tranquil first day of confinement. But its mayor, Gerard Dubrac, faced a personal and political dilemma. Elected in 2014, Dubrac, 67, had expected his term to end next week after the election of a new mayor. But Macron canceled the voting scheduled for this coming Sunday, and so Dubrac will see his term extended indefinitely. Instead of gently pulling back from public life, Dubrac finds himself managing the town through an unprecedented crisis. This is the first time weve confronted this type of thing, he said. Rural communities already have problems in France, but this is something else. He also said its important to keep up ones spirit and sense of humor. Dubrac referenced the towns name, which often makes English speakers giggle and think of something besides an idyllic town in the Gascony countryside. When it comes to the virus, Dubrac said, In Condom, we are a village that is very well protected. O'Brien is a special correspondent. The government on Thursday asked states to enforce work for home for private-sector employees barring those working in emergency or essential services, amid rising cases of coronavirus in the country. It also added that to reduce crowding, all Group B and C central government employees will be asked to attend offices on the alternate week. The Centre has also issued staggered timings for all the employees. "States are being requested to enforce work for home for pvt. sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services. To reduce crowding all Group B and C Central govt. employees will be asked to A attend offices on alternate week and staggered timings for all employees," read an official statement. India has recorded a total of 166 positive cases and four deaths. In a step to curb the rising cases of Coronavirus in the country, India on Thursday banned the entry of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22. A statement released by the Centre read, "No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22, 2020, for one week." The government also said, "State Governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives/govt. servants/medical professionals are advised to remain at home. Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out." It added that railways and civil aviation "shall suspend all concessional travel except for students, patients and divyang category." Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that the emergency SAARC fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat the COVID-19 has been operationalised, adding that India has received requests from member countries for assistance. He added that crisis of this magnitude does not recognise borders and so in this spirit, the PM had called the SAARC video-conference on coronavirus. Speaking on the evacuation of Indians across several nations the MEA explained that the situation in Iran is very severe but the government has evacuated 590 people from there. "Our mission is in complete control and are in operation. In the time to come, we will evacuate the rest of the people," added the MEA. Half of the 9,000 companies that have responded so far to a survey by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) concerning their response to the novel coronavirus have indicated that they are putting contingency measures in place. More than 15,000 companies responded to questions concerning how the virus impacts their businesses, the chambers head, Laszlo Parragh, told public television. Foreign-owned multinationals typically have plans in place while smaller, Hungarian-owned companies are struggling to handle the problem. Fully one-third of companies have the wherewithal to operate home offices, the survey found. Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently asked the chamber to survey its members so as to help the government shape policies for sectors hardest hit by the virus. In its latest attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Israel has shut its borders to foreigners as a top official warned that a complete lockdown of the country was inevitable. Israel had previously said that citizens returning to the country from abroad were required to quarantine at home, and that tourists wishing to enter must first prove they had somewhere to self-quarantine for 14 days. Beginning today, the entrance of foreigners will not be allowed into Israel, even if they can prove they could remain in quarantine, the Population and Immigration Authority said in a statement March 18. The government has also closed Israels border crossings with Egypt and Jordan. So far, Israel has confirmed 433 cases of the coronavirus, with six patients in serious condition. The West Bank has recorded 44 cases, with a majority in Bethlehem. As the outbreak escalates in Israel, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan predicted the next step was a "full shutdown. I am convinced that in view of the situation that has arisen, this is an inevitable decision that will save many lives, Erdan said March 18. The country is already on partial lockdown, with Israelis ordered earlier in the week to stay indoors unless it was absolutely necessary to leave. The government announced March 17 that parks, pools and beaches are largely off-limits. Shopping for food is only permitted if there are no delivery options, and exercise is only allowed outdoors for 10 minutes if there are no other people nearby. In an interview with Channel 12 News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will consider administrative fines for those who do not follow the new rules. The Palestinian Authority ordered a lockdown in three major West Bank cities after several residents tested positive for coronavirus, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Residents will be prohibited from moving around the towns of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Travel in and out of Bethlehem is off-limits. Authorities have also suspended public transportation and limited movement in other West Bank cities. Last year, the crowdfunding site Patreonon which hundreds of independents artists and content creators rely for incomebegan quietly cracking down on erotic content, as AVN.com reported at the time. Artists reported that kink and fetish content had been targeted by the platform as glorifying sexual violence. Now, according to a Taiwanese artist who uses the screen name Waero, Patreon has extended its censorship to hentai artworka type of sexually explicit, anime-style cartooning. According to a report by The Daily Dot, Waero said in a viral post that Patreon had forced him to remove several examples of Japanese style artworkwith Japanese style essentially a euphemism for the anatomically exaggerated, porn cartoons popular in Japanese anime and manga (comic books). The problem, according to Waeros post, was that given the way that hentai typically depicts its characters, Patreon claimed it could not certify that the characters were intended to be adults. Details like a big head, big eyes, and short height can make the characters look younger, an official Patreon statement quited by Daily Dot said, in reply to Waeros post. Enormous breasts and hips were insufficient to establish that female characters were intended to be adults, the Patreon statement said. In order to make them look like adults, the face is the most important partso even if its a stylish option to make your characters look innocent and sweet, you should always bear in mind that this also makes them look younger, Patreon said, according to Waeros claims. When Patreon updated its rules on adult content in October of 2017, it specifically singled out incest, bestiality, sexual depiction of minors, and suggestive sexual violence. But at the time, the site denied that it was cracking down on adult material. But with the Patreon guidelines failing to account for hentai artwork in which adult characters may be perceived as underage by those unfamiliar with the style, Daily Dot cited Japanese media critic Haru Nicol as condemning the sites policies as xenophobic, racist, and extremely cisnormative. Another Asia-based artist, who asked not to be named publicly by Daily Dot, also accused the site of cultural bias. I do think this general attitude is very linked to white peoples inability to tell East Asian peoples age, the artist wrote. This banif accurateis pretty xenophobic. Photo by Niabot / Wikimedia Commons There is no guarantee on how to behave to avoid being arrested. You can be a fan of Putin and be arrested. Some people were arrested because they took a photo of a cafe. Some people were arrested for having a burn on their arm. Some people were arrested because they crossed the road in front of an officials car, and the official didnt like it, said Matviychuk, who has documented thousands of cases of torture, abuses and sexual assault. [March 19, 2020] VitalTech Offers Senior Living Facilities Free Virtual Care and Telehealth Platform to Combat COVID-19 PLANO, Texas, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- VitalTech, a rapidly growing market leader in Virtual Care, announced today that it is offering Senior Living and Long-Term Care Facilities free Telehealth access*. This comprehensive strategy allows caregivers, and their residents, full access to the VitalCare platform. This initiative is implemented through a partnership with the Ziegler LinkAge Funds, in a joint effort to combat the Coronavirus pandemic. VitalCare's platform enables providers to screen patients for COVID-19 symptoms remotely to determine if further testing is recommended. It also keeps high-risk and senior populations safer by allowing caregivers to perform routine office visits remotely. VitalTech's campaign follows multiple calls for the expanded use of Virtual Care by the White House. Following suit, CMS vastly expanded Telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries to allow patients greater access to Virtual Care. "As a provider of Virtual Care innovation, we feel it's incumbent upon our company to help in any way we can. The technology available with the VitalCare platform keep seniors and their care teams safer by decreasing the risk of exposure," says James Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of VitalTech. "Immediate and effective diagnosis and decisions are needed to deliver better care. The VitalCare platform provides more than traditional Telehealth offerings, including real-time monitoring, communication and convenience." With VitalCare's HIPAA-compliant platform, caregivers and residents can connect online or through the app to video chat, call or message one another. Additionally, health care practitioners can remotely monitor patients' self-reported vitals and receive alerts when defined thresholds are exceeded. The VitalCare app is available for iOS and Android users via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In addition to the VitalCare Platform, the VitalCare Family app allows family members access to a patient's health status. It also allows for video calling, giving patients a way to stay engagedespecially important during times of social distancing. Peter Ianace , Chief Operations Officer of VitalTech. "Our goal is to keep seniors as safe and healthy as possible. The easier the system is to use, the higher the compliance." "Helping seniors, the greatest generation, remain healthy and resilient is priority one right now," says John Hopper, Chief Investment Officer of the Ziegler LinkAge Funds. "Virtual Care is crucial for public health and to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus' impact. We are proud to be assisting VitalTech in launching this initiative in a concerted effort to provide peace of mind and protect the health of residents in senior living communities or a home." Senior Living Facilities can start the simple process of signing up for the VitalCare platform by visiting www.vitaltech.com/covid-19. *Please refer to website for complete details. About VitalTech VitalTech is a rapidly growing provider of fully integrated digital health solutions and smart biomedical wearables that provide real-time remote patient monitoring. Our proprietary Connected Care platform enables health systems, skilled nursing facilities, home health providers, physicians and senior living facilities to streamline workflows while improving health outcomes, increasing patient safety and lowering the cost of care. Our innovative medical grade biosensors integrate seamlessly into our suite of easy-to-use mobile devices and software, which increase patient engagement and compliance. For more information or a free consultation, please email [email protected] or visit our website at www.vitaltech.com. About Ziegler LinkAge Funds The Ziegler LinkAge Funds are a fund family consisting of two funds that seek to invest in companies who are improving aging and post-acute services in the United States and around the world. The funds, with over $60 million in assets, seek to invest in growth companies who are able to dramatically improve the healthcare IT or healthcare services landscape for our aging population. The Fund's Limited Partners include many of the most innovative and progressive senior living providers, healthcare systems and strategic service providers in the United States, Canada and Australia. The funds are managed by a joint venture between Ziegler (www.ziegler.com) and LinkAge (www.LinkageConnect.com). Media Contacts VitalTech Kelly Miller [email protected] 941-713-0082 Zoe Wood [email protected] (972) 544-7077 ext. 116 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vitaltech-offers-senior-living-facilities-free-virtual-care-and-telehealth-platform-to-combat-covid-19-301027174.html SOURCE VitalTech [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The NHS is vulnerable to hackers after new security checks on systems across the health service were delayed while managers deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Security checks will be delayed for six months when it is hoped the number of coronavirus patients will have passed a peak. The cyber security resilience checks happen every year and are designed to protect the NHS from attack by assessing potential risks. The health service digital transformation body NHSX gave the reprieve to allow healthcare workers and managers to focus on COVID-19 response plans. But it said it was 'critically important' that the health service and social care organisations remain 'resilient to cyber attacks' during the outbreak. Scroll down for video Hackers are using the current coronavirus pandemic to target vulnerable people and are disguising themselves as health care workers and organisations. Stock image NHS trusts and related organisations are supposed to submit a data security and protection toolkit every year to ensure their systems and databases are hack-proof. The delay comes as the NHS acknowledged a rise in the number of people using COVID-19 as a way to steal information and hack into systems. The toolkits were due to be completed and sent to NHSX by the end of March but they won't have to do this until September now and it could be reviewed again. The digital organisation says that if groups complete their checklists early they are able to send them off and they will be awarded a 'standards met' status. NHSX said: 'Whilst the DSPT submission deadline is being relaxed to account for COVID-19, the cyber security risk remains high,' the organisation said. 'All organisations must continue to maintain their patching regimes. NHS trusts and related organisations are supposed to submit a data security and protection toolkit every year to ensure their systems and databases are hack-proof The threat facing the NHS and health organisations is particularly intense during this potentially long-lasting coronavirus pandemic. Any attacks launched against trusts over the next few months could lead to significant patient harm, warn cyber security experts. NHS Digital chief executive Sarah Wilkinson said there were no particular concerns about any pandemic linked cyber threat to the NHS. But hackers are already posing as healthcare agencies including the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Disease Control to launch phishing attempts. Eighteen people were injured after two bombs exploded outside an emergency coronavirus meeting in southern Thailand this morning (March 17). Government officials were holding a meeting in Yala province along the border with Malaysia to discuss measures to stop the spread of the Covid-19 infection when the devices were detonated. The explosions were reported to have injured at least 18 people including ten civilians, five journalists, two police officers and a soldier. CCTV footage shows a white Toyota pickup truck park in the front of the building before the driver leaves on a waiting motorcycle. The vehicle exploded moments later. Shortly after that the first bomb exploded near the centre, a second bomb detonated under a pickup truck. The army rushed to the scene and closed nearby roads while they begin an investigation. Police Major General Prabphan Meemongkol said the casualties are now at the hospital. He said: "Initially, the injured victims were rushed to the hospital and now we are investigating the scene." The explosions happened outside the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre where officials were discussing the Malaysian government's decision to lock down the country by closing borders. Thailand's southern provinces including Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani have a history of violence lead by Islamist separatist groups connected to Malaysia that dispute Buddhist Thailand's claim over the region. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Over 400 Indians stranded in Malaysia left for Delhi and Vizag in two special flights on Wednesday, the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur said. Thanks @AirAsia for flying out 405 stranded Indians transiting thru KLIA in Spl flights to Delhi and Vizag today. Kudos to @hcikl officials for working tirelessly since yesterday to make it happen, the high commission in Malaysia tweeted. On Monday, India had prohibited the entry of passengers arriving from/transiting through Afghanistan, Malaysia and the Philippines amid growing cases of the deadly coronavirus in the country. The advisory came into effect at 3 pm on March 18. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledged the troubles that the stranded passengers were facing. Appreciate the difficult situation of Indian students and other passengers waiting in transit at Kuala Lumpur airport. We have now approved @AirAsia flights for you to Delhi and Vizag. These are tough times and you should understand the precautions. Please contact the airline, he tweeted. Meanwhile, 185 Indian pilgrims who were stranded in Jeddah also returned to Mumbai in a special IndiGo flight. With departure of 185 pilgrims 4m Jeddah to Mumbai thru a special Indigo aircraft, the final phase of evacuation of 3035 Indian Umrah pilgrims culminated today. Thanks all airlines & Saudi govt. Special thanks to MoCA for their timely support (sic), the Indian Consul General in Jeddah tweeted. The plane for Vizag landed later and its passengers have been told to stay at home for 28 days.Meanwhile, hundreds of distressed Indian students, stuck in the Philippines, are seeking help through video messages as they are unable to fly back home due to the travel restrictions imposed by India to contain the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, according to friends and relatives of these students. Praise for patience Jaishankar also appreciated the patience shown in tough times by Indians who were caught back in Malyasia Photo for illustration (Source: thanhnien.vn) According to the article on scoopwhoop.com of India posted on March 17th and adding that Vietnam has shown its ability to cope with and control COVID-19 effectively and is among countries most appreciated for its COVID-19 prevention and suppression campaign. It also states some measures Vietnam has applied to prevent the virus from spreading. The first measure is to launch two health declaration applications for people, one for Vietnamese citizens and one for foreigners living in Vietnam. People are required to constantly update their health situation so that the government has a stable database. The second "secret" is that Vietnam has produced a set of test kits for SARS-CoV-2, meeting the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO), to screen Covid-19 suspected patients. The third important measure is installing mobile disinfection chambers for people. The chamber has a 360-degree fog-type disinfectant spray system, which is said to eliminate 90% of bacteria and viruses on the body. Previously, the Diplomat also published an article about the efforts of the Government of Vietnam in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article stated that during the fight against the epidemic, the government of Vietnam always pays attention to and places the health and life of the people above all else. According to the article, in that spirit, the Government of Vietnam has operated with disclosure and provided transparent information about the epidemic, thereby gaining people's trust. These measures have been proven effective and show positive results in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh city introduces 3 disinfection booths for Covid-19 prevention The booths are designed to sterilize the whole body in 30 seconds, using anloyte liquid which can kill bacteria, viruses and mold; and used to carry out biological detoxification; disinfecting floors and classrooms; washing hands; disinfecting medical equipment; washing fruits and vegetables and cleaning food quickly and effectively. Photo: laodong.vn On March 18th, the Ho Chi Minh city Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union debuted the disinfection booths to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among communities. The first 3 booths were put into use. According to the city Center for Development of Science and Technology Youth, the booth allows disinfection in 30 seconds and can serve a large number of people. It can be easily installed in areas reporting high risks of viruses such as isolated areas, hospitals, supermarkets, railway stations, bus stations, airports, museums, offices, schools and businesses and agencies. It has informed that the disinfection booths will be manufactured on an industrial scale, at 100 booths per week, to support prevention of Covid-19 in the city and southern localities. Earlier, the booths were developed by the city Center for Development of Science and Technology Youth and the city University of Science and Technology. Vietnam Airlines freely carries nearly 600 passengers to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city Nearly 600 passengers who finished their quarantine period for COVID-19 in Can Tho city and Quang Ninh province have been carried back to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city free of charge by Vietnam Airlines. Photo for illustration (Source: danviet.vn) According to Vietnam Airlines, it has conducted six free flights from March 15th to 18th to take more than 400 people finishing quarantine to the countrys two biggest cities. The nearly 200 others will be carried to Hanoi on the following days. These passengers returned from the Republic of Korea on flights of Vietnam Airlines from March 1st to 4th and stayed at quarantine centres for 14 days at the request of authorities. The airports of Can Tho (Can Tho city), Van Don (Quang Ninh province) and Phu Cat (Binh Dinh province) were designated to receive flights from the Republic of Korea, which has been hit hard by COVID-19, to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease. According to regulations, epidemics are among the irresistible circumstances that an airline is not obliged to complete journeys for passengers. However, Vietnam Airlines still conducts flights free of charge to ensure its passengers interests. The national flag carrier added passengers who bought tickets for flights which have been diverted due to the COVID-19 can also change their tickets free of charge./. Reusable cup company Frank Green laid off ten staff last week, saying it was because of the impact of the coronavirus, with many cafes no longer accepting reusable cups. In a letter seen by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, staff were told they were being made redundant as a result of a recent review of the business. Frank Green founder and chief executive Benjamin Young. Credit:Justin McManus "As a result of economic recession and the global pandemic, the business has had to make the position of ... redundant," the letter states. "Regrettably, this means your employment will end." Frank Green was founded by Ben Young in 2014, it manufactures and sells reusable coffee cups and drink bottles and has a turnover of about $15 million a year. A senior scientist at a government biomedical research laboratory has been thwarted in his efforts to conduct experiments on possible treatments for the new coronavirus because of the Trump administrations restrictions on research with human fetal tissue. The scientist, Kim Hasenkrug, an immunologist at the National Institutes of Healths Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, has been appealing for nearly a month to top NIH officials, arguing that the pandemic warrants an exemption to a ban imposed last year prohibiting government researchers from using tissue from abortions in their work. According to several researchers familiar with the situation, some of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity about the sensitive internal dispute, such experiments could be particularly fruitful. Just months ago, before the new coronavirus began to infect people around the world, other U.S. scientists made two highly relevant discoveries. They found that specialized mice could be transplanted with human fetal tissue that develops into lungs- the part of the body the new coronavirus invades. These humanized mice, they also found, could then be infected with coronaviruses to which ordinary mice are not susceptible closely related to the one that causes the new disease, Covid-19. Outside researchers said the scientists who created those mice have offered to give them to the Rocky Mountain Lab, which has access to the new virus that causes Covid-19, so the mice could be infected with the source of the pandemic and experiments could be run on potential treatments. Candidates include an existing drug known to boost patients immune systems in other circumstances, as well as blood serum from patients recovering from Covid-19. Kim Hasenkrug is one of the world experts in immune responses to persistent viral infection, including HIV and a whole bunch of other viruses, said Irving Weissman, a leading stem cell researcher at Stanford University. In addition, the Montana NIH site has a biosafety lab equipped with high-level protections for experiments with dangerous microbes. It isnt clear if this added layer of urgent investigations will find more effective treatments for people infected in the pandemic than other approaches now being tried, Weissman said, but its stupid not to try. No therapies or vaccines for the new coronavirus exist yet. The inability of the Montana lab, part of NIHs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to pursue these experiments on the coronavirus is the latest example of disruptions to scientists work caused by the administrations restrictions on research involving fetal tissue. When I hear the vice president saying [theyre] doing everything they can to find vaccines [and treatments], I know that is not true, said one scientist familiar with the situation, referring to Vice President Mike Pences daily press briefings of the White House coronavirus task force. Anything we do at this point could save hundreds of thousands of lives. If you wait, its too late. Caitlin Oakley, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes NIH, said, No decision has been made about Rocky Mountains request. She added that the administrations bold, decisive actions to respond to the pandemic include kick-starting the development of vaccines and therapeutics through every possible avenue. Hasenkrug has been forbidden by federal officials to talk publicly since the administration began to reconsider fetal tissue funding rules in the fall of 2018 at the prodding of social conservatives who oppose abortion and are part of Trumps political base. The fetal tissue is donated by women undergoing elective abortions, and critics say that it is unethical to use the material and that taxpayer money should not be used for research that relies on abortion. Promoting the dignity of human life from conception to natural death is one of the very top priorities of President [Donald] Trumps administration, HHS said in announcing its revised policy late last spring. Under the policy Trump announced then, university researchers or other outside scientists face new restrictions on federal funding of such work. If an NIH grant proposal is approved through the normal scientific review process, it must then be evaluated by a new ethics advisory board that was announced months ago but does not yet exist. This winter, NIH officials officially invited nominations to the panel for the current year, but its members have not yet been determined, and no date has been set for it to convene. The restrictions for government researchers such as Hasenkrug known as NIHs intramural scientists are more severe. Those scientists have been banned from pursuing studies that involve fetal tissue. Hasenkrug was at the time of the ban collaborating on humanized mouse research aimed at a possible cure for HIV. According to the scientists familiar with events, a researcher at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill last month offered to send to Rocky Mountain nearly three dozen mice implanted with the human lung tissue that he and colleagues had recently shown could be infected with coronaviruses. There are enough of them for experiments with three or four potential treatments, the scientists said. The offer came six months after the UNC scientists published their findings in the journal Nature Biotechnology about having succeeded in implanting human fetal lung tissue into mice with their own immune systems removed. The mice then grew human lung structures and were able to be infected with coronaviruses and other viruses to which mice ordinarily are not susceptible. A senior UNC scientist, who has been cautioned by the university not to speak publicly about the research, according to other scientists familiar with the situation, did not respond to requests for comment. On Feb. 19, two individuals said, Hasenkrug wrote to a senior NIH official, asking for permission to use those mice and run experiments related to covid-19. He eventually was told that his request had been passed on to senior HHS officials. Since then, he has written repeatedly to NIH, laying out in greater detail the experiments he wants to undertake and why several alternatives to the fetal tissue-implanted mice would not be as useful. In one appeal to NIH, Hasenkrug wrote that the mice he was offered are more than a year old and have a relatively short time remaining to live, so should be used quickly, according to Kerry Lavender, a Canadian researcher familiar with the correspondence. Hasenkrug has not received an answer as to whether the administration will allow him to proceed, scientists familiar with his request said. An individual familiar with where things stand, speaking on condition of anonymity about the internal dynamic, said the requests had been forwarded about two weeks ago to the White Houses Domestic Policy Council and that HHS and NIH were waiting for a decision there. Late last week, Lavender, a former postdoctoral trainee at Rocky Mountain who helped develop a technique to implant mice with fetal tissue, heard from Hasenkrug, her mentor, asking whether she might undertake the coronavirus research that he was not allowed to do. Lavender, an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, said in an interview that she moved back to her native Canada less than two years ago because she wanted to continue pursuing fetal tissue studies and could see that the Trump administration was hostile to such research. She said she is scrambling to try to carry out the experiments but is uncertain whether we can pull it off . . . Im a new investigator with only so much funding, she said, adding that she does not have immediate access to the kind of biohazard containment facility needed to do the work safely. If we were able to do this within the NIH, we would be able to do this much more quickly, Lavender said. Because the NIH budget all comes through the government, they can easily collaborate and fund what they are doing . . . Its much harder when were all separate entities to try to arrange the funding. According to one of the scientists, an experiment would take perhaps a week or 10 days to show whether a potential treatment was effective in the mice. Any promising therapy would then require testing in humans and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Stanfords Weissman said one potential therapy that should be tried is a drug, already FDA-approved, that he developed initially for cancers that he and Hasenkrug more recently have found to be effective in boosting immune response in mice. People with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from Covid-19 or death. Will it work? We dont know that, Weissman said. But he said, this is a way to bring more minds and more hands to the search for a treatment for the new pandemic. The Washington Post A woman sentenced to 30 years in prison for shooting her boyfriend to death in 2014 has won a new trial after an appeals court found a problem with a jury instruction. Virginia A. Vertetis, 57, was convicted on a first-degree murder in the shooting death of retired New York City cop Patrick Gilhuley in her Mount Olive home. Vertetis claimed she acted in self-defense, but the jury didnt buy that story and convicted her following a month-long trial in 2017. The elementary school teacher testified over four days that she shot Gilhuley, 51, with his service weapon after he attacked her, while the prosecution countered that she was angry with the man for breaking up with her and killed him without provocation. In her appeal, Vertetis argued that Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor was mistaken when telling jurors that she had a duty to retreat if she was in danger and that this could derail her self-defense claim. In fact, her attorney argued that she had no obligation to retreat under the castle doctrine, which says that deadly force is justified when defending yourself in your own home. The appellate court agreed with that point. The (jury) charge not only omitted the castle exception but expressly told the jurors in no uncertain terms that self-defense is not available to defendant if she could have safely retreated or was the initial aggressor. That mistake easily could have permeated the jurys consideration of self-defense, not only with respect to the murder count but also the lesser-included homicide offenses," the appeals court wrote in its decision released Wednesday. The appeals court vacated the murder conviction and ordered a new trial. Vertetis is currently house in the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Union Township, where her parole eligibility date is March 2, 2044, according to prison records. Virginia Vertetis walks into the courtroom before her sentencing in 2017. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Police Cadets The AAPD tries a new approach to hiring. by James Leonard From the March, 2020 issue "Now everybody's hiring, and you can't find enough people," then-Ann Arbor police chief Bob Pfannes said in an interview before his retirement last spring. "It's a nationwide problem." That's why he launched the AAPD's new police cadet program. "We were brainstorming ideas on how to increase the breadth of our outreach and the impediments faced in recruiting," recalls Pfannes in a recent email. "Variations of the Cadet model have been used in the profession before and we thought it may have an application for this purpose." Pfannes writes that city council and the administration were "enthusiastic" and the idea was also "well received" within the department. Council authorized hiring three cadets last year. "The Department held a cadet orientation session to allow potential applicants to learn more about the position," emails deputy chief Jason Forsberg. "Additionally, we work cooperatively with City Human Resources personnel to actively recruit candidates at a variety of collegiate job fairs. The position was also posted online on the City's website and a variety of law enforcement specific job boards." That wide net yielded 112 applicants, and the first three cadets were hired last July. As "police service specialist cadets," they've been working the front desk, answering phones, and taking reports. The goal, Pfannes writes, is to give them "genuine exposure to the profession to see if it is a good fit for them and to gain foundational experience. [It also gives] the department exposure to the cadet to help determine if they have the skills and aptitude to succeed." The jobs pay $18 an hour, but there's a big bonus: satisfactory completion comes with financial support to attend an approved police academy this summer: $5,500 in tuition assistance, plus $400 for uniforms, $300 for books, and $800 for the application process. If all goes well, this year's cadets will go to school this summer, then be eligible to return to the department as licensed police officers. Two more cadets have already been hired. They'll start before the current cadets leave in May. [Originally published in March, 2020.] More than half of scam victims are still being refused refunds despite banks pledging to treat customers more fairly with the introduction of a repayment scheme last May. Bank scam victims lost 101.1m between May 28, when a new code of conduct was brought in, and the end of December last year around 500,000 a day. Yet just 41.3m of this was reimbursed by banks, according to figures from banking trade body UK Finance. Criminal: Total fraud recorded over the whole of 2019 has jumped significantly, with the number of 'authorised push payment' cases up 45 per cent The code of conduct is voluntary but nine major banks and building societies, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS and Santander, have signed up. It says banks should refund victims who took reasonable steps to protect themselves. Total fraud recorded over the whole of 2019 has jumped significantly, with the number of 'authorised push payment' cases up 45 per cent to 122,437 compared to the year before. This type of fraud is where criminals trick customers into handing over bank details or savings because they think they are talking to people such as the police or the taxman. Other scams include victims giving money to bogus tradesman, unscrupulous online sellers or fake investment firms. The money lost also rose by 29 per cent last year to 455.8m. In the first half of the year, before the new refund scheme was introduced, 19 per cent of losses were refunded. This increased to 41 per cent, but left more than half of victims still out of pocket. Cheque fraud losses were 152 per cent higher, at 53.6m, in 2019. Mobile banking fraud, where criminals access a bank account via customers' smartphone app, jumped 94 per cent, to 15.2m. Gareth Shaw, head of money at Which?, said: 'Many who have lost money are still not getting the protection they deserve. The code pledges to reimburse all blameless victims of fraud, so it's vital all banks signed up to it are consistent and fair.' SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Water Foundation, a leading non-profit organization that addresses global water poverty by providing clean water access and hygiene education programs, along with global brands and organizations that are sponsoring Project 24, are committed to providing 31 AquaTower community water filtration systems across seven countries as they take action against water poverty in alignment with World Water Day. Children in Cambodia celebrate receiving a Planet Water Foundation AquaTower that provides their school and community access to safe, clean drinking water. Planet Water will deploy AquaTower water filtration systems and Water-Health and Hygiene Education Programs through the support of donor partners that include; Starbucks Foundation, Xylem, Inc., Cambodia Beverage Company (Coca-Cola), Freudenberg, Metito, NortonLifeLock, Columbia Sportswear, BD (Becton Dickinson), Watts Water Technologies, Electrolux, SWM International and Hung Yen Knitting and Dyeing Co. According to the UN, nearly one billion people worldwide do not have access to potable water, and 40 percent of people worldwide do not have a basic handwashing facility with soap and water at home. Planet Water Foundation addresses these issues with its community-based AquaTower water filtration system that removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other contaminants, and meets the daily drinking water requirement of up to 1,800 people. Systems include three liquid soap dispensers at six points of water access to make handwashing convenient and more frequently practiced. "In our sixth year of Project 24, we are honored to be in a position to deploy a record number of community water filtration systems," said Mark Steele, Founder and CEO of Planet Water Foundation. "Our success is a reflection of the commitment of our sponsors who advocate for our mission to abolish global water poverty." Project 24 systems will be deployed during the next quarter as schools reopen after precautionary COVID-19 closures. About Planet Water Foundation Planet Water Foundation is a non-profit focused on bringing clean water to the world's most impoverished communities through the installation of community-based water filtration systems and the deployment of hygiene education programs. Planet Water Foundation projects are focused on children, schools, and rural/peri-urban communities across Asia and Latin America. Since 2009, Planet Water has deployed more than 1,300 projects that provide water access to more than one million people across 15 countries through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Xylem, Inc. Coca-Cola, Columbia Sportswear, Starbucks, JPMorgan Chase, Marriott International, Expedia, Electrolux, and Watts Water Technologies, among others. For more information, visit us at www.planet-water.org. Contact: Mark Cain Planet Water Foundation +1 (480) 319-4630 [email protected] Related Images cheers-to-clean-safe-drinking-water.jpg Cheers to Clean, Safe Drinking Water! Children in Cambodia celebrate receiving a Planet Water Foundation AquaTower that provides their school and community access to safe, clean drinking water. SOURCE Planet Water Foundation Related Links http://www.planet-water.org Two officials, one with the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and one with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, repeatedly indicated that charges against Banks would be dropped in return for his cooperation to set up and arrest other people in the heroin trade, court documents state. The trial of a former U.S. Marine who is being held in a Moscow prison on espionage charges will start on March 23, his lawyers say. Olga Karlova and Vladimir Zherebenkov said on March 19 that Paul Whelan's trial will be held behind closed doors as the case materials are classified. The 50-year-old Whelan, who holds U.S., British, Canadian, and Irish passports, was arrested in a hotel room in Moscow in December 2018 and accused of receiving classified information. He was charged with espionage, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Whelan denies the charges and says he was framed. Whelan's family said that, at the time of his arrest, he was in Moscow for a wedding. Whelan's brother, David, told the nterfax news agency on March 19 that officials from the U.S., British, Canadian, and Irish embassies had been barred from visiting the detainee in Moscow's Lefortovo detention center due to the coronavirus outbreak. Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax Amid the Opposition leaders staging a walkout on his oath-taking day, the newly inducted member of the and former Chief Justice on Thursday said that they will welcome him very soon. "They will welcome me very soon. There are no critics," Gogoi told reporters as he left the Parliament premises after taking oath as an MP of the Upper House. leaders had staged a walkout from the over Gogoi's membership to the House. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad welcomed Gogoi in the President Ram Nath Kovind had nominated the former CJI to the Rajya Sabha on March 16. Gogoi served as the 46th Chief Justice of India from October 3, 2018, to November 17, 2019. On November 9, 2019, a five-judge Bench headed by him had delivered the verdict in the long-pending Ramjanmabhoomi case. [March 19, 2020] The Southeast Asian Data Center Market to Reach Revenues of Over $10 Billion During the Period 2020-2025 - Market Research by Arizton CHICAGO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's recent research report, Data Center Market in Southeast Asia - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during the period 2019-2025. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Investments in over 20 data center projects via M&A activities and joint ventures by existing operators and new entrants in the Southeast Asia data center market are likely to contribute to the market growth. Over $1.5 billion cumulative investments are expected in the Indonesia data center market during the period 20192025. Around $4.5 billion cumulative general construction service revenue opportunities will be able for principal contractors and sub-contractors in the Southeast Asia market during 20192025. Investments in the physical cloud infrastructure by Google, AWS, Microsoft, Alibaba are expected to drive hyperscale data center investments in Southeast Asia . Regal Orion ( Malaysia ), Kepstar Data Management ( Cambodia ), Space DC ( Indonesia ), and Princeton Digital Group ( Indonesia ) are the new entrants, which are fueling growth in Southeast Asia . Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2019-2025 Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, tier standards, and geography Competitive Landscape Profile of 9 IT infrastructure providers, 17 support infrastructure providers, 13 construction contractors, and 17 data center investors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/data-center-market-in-southeast-asia Data Center Market in Southeast Asia Segmentation The Southeast Asia market has a high potential for converged and hyperconverged infrastructure as they offer scalability and flexibility to operations. The market is witnessing a shift toward all-flash storage array solutions. The penetration of cloud computing, big data, and IoT technology is expected to be predominant drivers for the development of the Southeast Asia market. market has a high potential for converged and hyperconverged infrastructure as they offer scalability and flexibility to operations. The market is witnessing a shift toward all-flash storage array solutions. The penetration of cloud computing, big data, and IoT technology is expected to be predominant drivers for the development of the market. Most large data centers use 2N and N+N redundant power infrastructure solutions for UPS systems and generators. Data centers are being designed at a PUE of less than 1.5. Owing to power reliability challenges, data center operators in Southeast Asia incorporate a flexible design that supports up to 2N redundancy in power infrastructure solutions. incorporate a flexible design that supports up to 2N redundancy in power infrastructure solutions. The adoption of DCIM is mostly dependent on the processed infrastructure from vendors operating in the market. The market in Thailand is witnessing an increase in the construction of data centers by local providers. The market in Indonesia is expected to witness a rise in the construction of greenfield projects with a power capacity of over 10 MW. Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Network Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches and Switchgears Rack PDU Other Elctrical Infrastructures Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Dry Coolers, & Condensers, Other Cooling Units Racks Others Mechanical Infrastructure Market Segmentation by General Infrastructure Building Development Installation and Commissioning Services Building Designs Physical Security DCIM & BMS Market Segmentation by Tier Standards Tier I &II Tier III Tier IV Data Center Market in Southeast Asia Dynamics The increasing internet penetration and the growing operational business requirements have prompted enterprises to migrate from server room operations to data center services such as managed services, colocation, and hybrid infrastructure services. The market is witnessing an increasing adoption of cloud computing services, which are leading to the growth of retail and wholesale colocation services in the region. Majority of enterprises in the region prefer managed services, which operate through public cloud environments over colocation services, which involve a high CAPEX due to the procurement of IT infrastructure and need for skilled workforce to monitor performance on a day-to-day basis. However, colocation among data centers in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia has witnessed an increase in the last two years. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: Big Data and IoT Adoption Drives Data Center Investment Increasing Investment in Fiber Connectivity 5G Deployment to Increase Edge Data Center Investments Availability of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Fuel Cells Data Center Market in Southeast Asia Geography China Mobile International (CMI), Equinix, Global Switch, Google, Iron Mountain, Keppel Data Centers + Huawei, and ST Telemedia were major investors in the data center market in Singapore in 2019. Singapore is a major financial center, and hence a natural colocation hub to serve developing markets in Southeast Asia. All the major cloud service providers namely AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Google, Alibaba, Tencent, China Telecom, NTT Communications, and IBM operate cloud regions in Singapore. Singapore has strong and diverse fiber connectivity, both domestically and internationally, to major APAC markets and continues to expand its capacity. Many cloud service providers support customers in the APAC region through their Singapore facility. Google is constructing its third availability zone in Singapore, which is expected to be operational in 2020. Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/data-center-market-in-southeast-asia Market Segmentation by Geography Singapore Malaysia Thailand Indonesia Other Countries Major Vendors Prominent Data Center Critical (IT) Infrastructure Providers Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Cisco Dell Technologies Huawei IBM Inspur Lenovo NetApp Fujitsu Prominent Data Center Investors AirTrunk Operating China Mobile International Limited (CMI) CSL Digital Realty Equinix Facebook Global Switch Google Iron mountain Katalyst Data Management Keppel DC Kepstar Data Center Management NTT Communications PT Telekomunikasi Group Regal Orion Space DC ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) Prominent Construction Contractors Arup AWP Architects CSF Group DSCO Group Faithful+Gould Flex Enclosure Fortis Construction Kienta Engineering Construction M+W Group (Excyte) NTT FACILITIES PM Group Powerware Systems (PWS) Sato Kogyo Prominent Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Delta Group Eaton Euro-Diesel Fuji Electric Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Hitec Power Protection KOHLER Group Legrand Group Mitsubishi Electric MTU OnSite Energy (Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG) Piller Systems Rittal Schneider Electric Vertiv Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: Data Center Market in APAC - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 Data Center Market in India - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 Data Center Colocation Market in APAC - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024 Data Center Construction Market in Southeast Asia - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024 About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1-302-469-0707 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-southeast-asian-data-center-market-to-reach-revenues-of-over-10-billion-during-the-period-20202025---market-research-by-arizton-301026784.html SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Senate President Ahmad Lawan has lamented that his state, Yobe, and the Northeast zone have remained the poorest in the country. L... Senate President Ahmad Lawan has lamented that his state, Yobe, and the Northeast zone have remained the poorest in the country. Lawan expressed this on Wednesday when the Yobe State Students Association, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) chapter paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. According to a press statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Isa, the Students were on excursion to the National Assembly to watch the the Senate in plenary with a view to learning more about parliamentary proceedings. He said Yobe State and the North East zone have been ranked the poorest in the country by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a longtime, promising that he was determined to see an improvement in the lives of our people. Lawan also talked about the imperative of leadership with sense of sacrifice and commitment, saying Leadership at every level requires a lot of sacrifice, a lot of commitment and even when some of our people will say political office are things you can just handle any how, that is not correct. When people elect you they give you responsibility and what you do with that office is between you and your God, and of course you are responsible to them as well as to God. No matter how small an office is, it is important we continue to do our best to discharge our responsibility, he said. He congratulated the students for finding themselves in the University, a feat he said many young people did not have the opportunity to achieve. The leader of the students association, Mr. Mohammed Idris, commended Lawan for what they called the numerous entrepreneurship programmes he initiated for the benefit of his constituents at Yobe North senatorial district. Idris, however, pointed out that unemployment remained the main challenge confronting youths in Yobe State. U.S. Navy veteran Michael White in Mashhad, Iran, on March 19, 2020. (Courtesy of the White Family via AP) Iran Furloughs Imprisoned US Navy Vet Amid Virus Concerns WASHINGTONIran has granted a medical furlough to a U.S. Navy veteran who has been imprisoned in Iran for more than a year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday. Michael White of Imperial Beach, California, is now in the custody of the Swiss Embassy and must remain in Iran as a condition of his furlough, which was granted as Iran works to curb the spread of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The U.S. government will seek his full release, Pompeo said, and he called on Iran to free other Americans who remain jailed there. A spokesman for the White family said the family was grateful to the Iranian government for an interim humanitarian step. We continue to urge them to release Michael unconditionally so that he can return to the United States to receive the advanced medical care he needs, spokesman Jon Franks said. Iran has granted temporary release to tens of thousands of prisoners in recent weeks to try to contain a virus that officials fear could kill millions in the country. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. White, who had been imprisoned since July 2018, was visiting a girlfriend in Iran when he was detained. White was convicted of insulting Irans supreme leader and posting private information. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, though the State Department said Thursday that he was serving a 13-year sentence. In an interview with The Associated Press this month, Whites mother called on Iran to immediate release her son, saying she was especially concerned for his well-being because he has been battling cancer. Iran this week issued its most dire warning about the outbreak, saying millions could die in the Islamic Republic if people keep traveling and ignore health guidance. Roughly 9 out of 10 of the 18,000-plus confirmed cases of the virus in the Middle East come from Iran. Before Fridays announcement, Iran had released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave, including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British dual national long held on internationally criticized charges. Irans judiciary this week denied a furlough request for Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American national convicted along with his father, Baquer, a former representative for the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF, of collaborating with a hostile power. Baquer Namazi now is on a prison furlough. But the Namazis say he remains unable to leave Iran. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds a press briefing at the State Department in Washington on Jan. 7, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Pompeo on Thursday called for the release on humanitarian grounds of the Namazis as well as of Morad Tahbaz, who was part of a group of environmental activists sentenced last month on espionage charges. Pompeo also urged Iran to honor the commitment it made to work with the United States for the return of Robert Levinson. The former FBI agent vanished in Iran in 2007 while on an unauthorized mission. Iran has not acknowledged holding Levinson, though a federal judge in Washington last week held the country liable for his appearance. By Eric Tucker Epoch Times staff contributed to this report Srinagar, March 19 : Panic gripped Srinagar city on Thursday with residents indulging in heavy panic buying of essentials of life after a woman tested positive for COVID-19 infection. People thronged markets for edible oils, pulses, tea, spices, medicines, handwashes and sanitizers. Shopkeepers were battling with the rush of buyers as their shelves started getting emptied very quickly. "I think I will have to bring down the shutter by this evening. I have already sold most stocks of edible oils, pulses, tea, handwashes and spices", said Muhammad Ramzan, a shopkeeper in Lal Bazaar area of Srinagar city. Authorities have erected barricades disallowing vehicular movement into Srinagar city. Even outskirt districts like Ganderbal and Budgam have started disallowing the entry of those who do not belong to these districts. Srinagar municipal corporation mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu twitted that he has requested the lieutenant governor to stop the run of the train between south and north of the Valley. Long queues of motorists lined outside various petrol Afilling stations in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley indicate that petroleum products would also run into short supply unless their sale and distribution is regulated by the authorities. Teams of paramedics and municipal staff started sanitising 300 metre area around the house where the infected woman lived for two days before the results of her test were received by the doctors. A resident of old city Srinagar, the woman had arrived here on March 15 after performing the 'Umrah' pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Authorities are now trying to find out the contact trajectory of the woman who is feared to have met family members, relatives and neighbours before she was identified and shifted to the super specialty hospital in Srinagar. With the discovery of the first Coronavirus patient in the Valley, authorities have been advising people to stay indoors and avoid social and religious interaction of all kind. Wild rumours were doing the rounds in Srinagar city with mongers spreading false reports of more persons testing positive for the dreaded virus. Authorities have advised people not to believe these unfounded rumours and also warned strict action against anti-social elements indulging in rumour mongering in Srinagar city. To assure patients have safe access to health care, Monument Health has announced changes to visitor policies, COVID-19 test collection and other steps to slow the spread of the virus. As the virus continues to spread in other parts of the country, we need to be vigilant in protecting our patients, our caregivers and our communities, said Brad Archer, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Monument Health. These steps will increase everyones access to health care without exposing others to COVID-19. Assessment Center Monument Health Rapid City Urgent Care at 2116 Jackson Blvd. is now serving as a COVID-19 Assessment Center. This location will exclusively treat patients with respiratory illness symptoms and possible COVID-19 symptoms. Walk-ins are welcome, though individuals are encouraged to call the Nurse Triage Line at 800-279-1466 if they suspect they have COVID-19. The purpose of the assessment center is to separate potential COVID-19 patients from other patients in Monument Health clinics until they are either confirmed or cleared. Patients who need other types of medical care should visit the Monument Health Rapid City Urgent Care at 1303 Lacrosse St., open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or the Monument Health Rapid City Clinic on Flormann Street, which is now providing urgent care services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are experiencing a serious medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the emergency department. Expanded test collections Monument Health in Spearfish has opened a drive-through testing site for patients who have been pre-screened by telephone. The site will be located at the Monument Health Spearfish Clinic at 1420 N. 10th St. in Spearfish. Patients who potentially have COVID-19 can stay inside their car while a Monument Health caregiver collects a test sample. The caregiver will wear a gown, eye protection and other gear to avoid exposure to the virus. The sample is collected using a cotton swab inserted in the patients nose. It is then sent to the South Dakota State Public Health Laboratory in Pierre. The advantage of drive-through testing is that the patient can be tested without exposing staff and patients in a clinic setting. Custer, Lead-Deadwood and Sturgis will offer similar drive-through testing services at their clinics. At a designated location at the clinic, a caregiver will come out to the patients vehicle to collect the test sample. Before any drive-through testing is completed, patients still need to call their provider or the Nurse Triage Line at 800-279-1466 to be screened and scheduled. Online e-visits Monument Health has partnered with American Well to help patients assess their COVID-19 concerns via e-visits. Patients can use their phone, tablet or computer 24 hours a day to consult with board-certified physicians specifically trained in telehealth. The physician will review the patients history, answer questions and evaluate symptoms. E-visits cost $59, possibly less with insurance. Visits can be scheduled by calling 1-844-SEE-DOCS (1-844-733-3627) or visiting https://monumenthealth.amwell.com. Use the service key monument to log in. Visitor access Public entrances to Monument Healths hospitals, clinics and other facilities have been limited to one or two entrances per facility. Also, all visitors will be asked a series of screening questions when they arrive to be sure they are not displaying respiratory illness symptoms. In addition, patients will be allowed just one visitor at a time. Visitors to patients in isolation because of potentially infectious conditions should limit the number of times they leave and enter the patients room in order to conserve personal protective equipment. Patralekha Chatterjee focuses on development issues in India and emerging economies. She can be reached at patralekha.chatterjee@gmail.com Let's not be fixated on daily 'numbers'; let's look at preparedness A volunteer distributes masks outside a government hospital as a precaution against COVID-19 in Jammu on March 16, 2020. (AP) Let us face it. There are no certainties in the time of a pandemic. Perhaps the only thing one can say with confidence is that while life in the shadow of Covid-19 is tough for everyone, the most vulnerable people will suffer the most. In the United States, where more than 100 people have already died, people are being asked to avoid large crowds, stockpile shelf-stable foods in case they end up quarantined, and stay home from work and contact a doctor if they are ill. But many low-income people cant afford to follow such advice easily; they are engaged in work that cant be done remotely, and the majority of low-income jobs dont offer paid sick days. In India, the vast majority of people work in the informal sector. Millions are daily wage-earners who dont get paid sick leave. There is no playbook for Covid-19, a new virus for which there is no vaccine as yet. How do we navigate uncertainty and turbulence in the days to come? One way is to recognise that the pandemic is exposing every societys weaknesses, be it in the developed or developing world. We must not fixate so much on numbers on a daily basis. Instead, it is vital to take a hard look at preparedness and contingency plans in every sphere and plan for the worst-case scenario. How is India coping? The total number of officially confirmed novel coronavirus cases in India has crossed 138, out of which 114 are Indian nationals and 24 are foreigners. By the time this column is published, the figure would have shot up further in most likelihood. There have been three deaths in the country so far. At 39 cases, Maharashtra looks like the worst-affected state, followed by Kerala. The higher numbers could mean that these states are doing a good job in diagnosing infected cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) says there is no evidence that community transmission has taken place till date. India is ramping up laboratory capacity and gearing up for more tests. This is the time to look at some of the prickly issues which will be key to how India manages Covid-19. Take containment strategies, for example. These include social distancing measures as well as quarantine measures -- both at home and at the government's isolation centres. These are meant to check the spread of the disease among the community. But there are daunting challenges here, and not just of ensuring hand-washing with soap on a mass scale. There have been several reported instances of people suspected of having the coronavirus infection in the country running away from quarantine facilities. Eleven persons who were kept in isolation wards, and whose test results were awaited, fled from a Navi Mumbai hospital. In Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, a man who had been admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital after he complained of fever and throat pain escaped through a window. He was intercepted and brought back. In an unusual move, the Maharashtra government has decided to stamp behind the left palm of all persons who have been asked to be in home quarantine in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. All these incidents point to several disturbing realities. Many people harbour grave doubts about the quality of healthcare in public hospitals and there is acute fear of social isolation and stigma. Very few states have a public health system that inspires trust in the public. The quality of hygiene in many quarantine facilities leave much to be desired But fear and lack of trust can have devastating consequences for public health. Then, there is the issue of stigma. Across the world, there have been several instances of racial slurs directed at people of Chinese origin just because Covid-19 originated in Wuhan, China. Prejudices are tumbling out in India too. There have been several reported instances of people from the Northeast being harassed and called Coronavirus. It is vital to learn from the HIV and AIDS epidemic and fight fear and stigma with solidarity. India has to improve its public health facilities drastically so that people are not terrified by the idea of being in isolation wards in government quarantine facilities. Equally, we must realise that people are unlikely to come forward to report symptoms if they do not trust the system or are afraid of being stigmatised. Finally, there are the critical issues of capacity and health security. The health authorities say the government is expanding the number of laboratories that can test patients for Covid-19. But there are other issues relating to health infrastructure and testing kits. As of now, India has about 1.5 lakh testing kits. Government scientists say India has placed orders for a million more testing kits. In the time of Covid-19, it is important to bear in mind that there can be formal and informal barriers which impact supply chains. Not every nation produces the medical supplies needed to tackle the coronavirus. Those that do can still face shortages as health care systems come under pressure, pointed out Global Trade Alert, which monitors protectionism. Worldwide, there are 25 import or export restrictions on medical testing kits as of now. Nineteen relate to tariff increases, says Simon Evenett, professor of economics at the University of St Gallen, Switzerland, and Coordinator of Global Trade Alert. Availability of testing kits is just one element of pandemic preparedness. Community spread would involve older patients who are at higher risk. This would increase the demand for intensive care, including ventilators. The experience of Hubei and Lombardy regions provide an indication of the number of intensive care beds needed: roughly 10 per cent of the total numbers infected. Creating the facilities take time. The government may need to identify buildings, procure oxygen cylinders, masks, cannulas and ventilators and recruit personnel immediately, points out Rajeev Sadanandan, former Kerala health secretary and currently CEO of the Tata Trust-funded Health Systems Transformation Platform (HSTP), in a recent article for the Observer Research Foundation. This may at worst be a wasted effort. But if support is needed, and not provided, it could lead to avoidable deaths, loss of morale of health workers and anger in the community, adds Sadanandan. These are wise words from a man who worked closely with Kerala health minister Shailaja at the time of the Nipah outbreak. The world applauded Kerala for the way it handled Nipah. - Ezekiel Mutua said Makau Matau was a classic example of a person who had knowledge but no power - He said every Kenyan of goodwill should heed President Uhuru Kenyatta's call for prayer since it would help face the pandemic - Ezekiel Mutua said Makau should engage in his paganism alone and let Kenyans pray Kenya Film and Classification Board chief executive officer (CEO) Ezekiel Mutua has slammed law professor Makau Mutua for saying prayers will not help in the fight against coronavirus. The KFCB boss said Makau was a classic example of knowledge without character and reminded the professor there was a line between God and science. READ ALSO: Coronavirus in Kenya: Confirmed cases increase to 7 Ezekiel Mutua (speaking) said Makau should let Kenyans pray. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original READ ALSO: Coronavirus in Kenya: Confirmed cases increase to 7 On his Facebook page, Ezekiel Mutua said without prayers, losing the battle would be imminent and asked the law mogul to practice his paganism alone and let the nation seek God. "I have seen a social media post by Prof. Makau Mutua mocking the president for calling for national prayers. You can submerge yourself in a bathtub of sanitizers and still lose this battle. If you do not support the call for prayers just shut up and practice your paganism alone," he wrote. READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Mmiliki wa shule akamatwa kukiuka agizo la rais kufunga shule The CEO who is also christened the moral police said every Kenyan of goodwill should support President Uhuru Kenyatta's call for prayer since Kenya was a melting pot of various religious beliefs. Makau had on Tuesday, March 17, tweeted that superstition and prayers would not help Kenyans deal with the pandemic. He said prayers were a waste of time and therefore Kenya should turn to science to confront the disease head-on. "Prayers wont help Kenya combat the coronavirus pandemic. Lets stop this superstition and return to science. This primordialism and naivete could wipe us off the face of the map," he opined. His sentiments came hours after Uhuru declared Saturday, March 21, as the National Day for Prayer. The president said despite the government's effort to keep everyone safe, the nation needed God's protection. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. God is punishing Kenyans with Corona Virus: Corona Virus in Kenya | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke To the annoyance of some shareholders, Super Retail Group (ASX:SUL) shares are down a considerable 59% in the last month. Indeed the recent decline has arguably caused some bitterness for shareholders who have held through the 53% drop over twelve months. Assuming nothing else has changed, a lower share price makes a stock more attractive to potential buyers. While the market sentiment towards a stock is very changeable, in the long run, the share price will tend to move in the same direction as earnings per share. So, on certain occasions, long term focussed investors try to take advantage of pessimistic expectations to buy shares at a better price. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). Investors have optimistic expectations of companies with higher P/E ratios, compared to companies with lower P/E ratios. View our latest analysis for Super Retail Group Does Super Retail Group Have A Relatively High Or Low P/E For Its Industry? We can tell from its P/E ratio of 5.65 that sentiment around Super Retail Group isn't particularly high. The image below shows that Super Retail Group has a lower P/E than the average (8.8) P/E for companies in the specialty retail industry. ASX:SUL Price Estimation Relative to Market, March 19th 2020 Super Retail Group's P/E tells us that market participants think it will not fare as well as its peers in the same industry. While current expectations are low, the stock could be undervalued if the situation is better than the market assumes. If you consider the stock interesting, further research is recommended. For example, I often monitor director buying and selling. How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios Probably the most important factor in determining what P/E a company trades on is the earnings growth. When earnings grow, the 'E' increases, over time. Therefore, even if you pay a high multiple of earnings now, that multiple will become lower in the future. Then, a lower P/E should attract more buyers, pushing the share price up. Story continues Super Retail Group saw earnings per share decrease by 2.1% last year. But EPS is up 3.5% over the last 5 years. Don't Forget: The P/E Does Not Account For Debt or Bank Deposits One drawback of using a P/E ratio is that it considers market capitalization, but not the balance sheet. So it won't reflect the advantage of cash, or disadvantage of debt. Theoretically, a business can improve its earnings (and produce a lower P/E in the future) by investing in growth. That means taking on debt (or spending its cash). Such spending might be good or bad, overall, but the key point here is that you need to look at debt to understand the P/E ratio in context. So What Does Super Retail Group's Balance Sheet Tell Us? Super Retail Group's net debt is 23% of its market cap. This could bring some additional risk, and reduce the number of investment options for management; worth remembering if you compare its P/E to businesses without debt. The Verdict On Super Retail Group's P/E Ratio Super Retail Group has a P/E of 5.6. That's below the average in the AU market, which is 13.3. With only modest debt, it's likely the lack of EPS growth at least partially explains the pessimism implied by the P/E ratio. Given Super Retail Group's P/E ratio has declined from 13.8 to 5.6 in the last month, we know for sure that the market is more worried about the business today, than it was back then. For those who prefer to invest with the flow of momentum, that might be a bad sign, but for deep value investors this stock might justify some research. Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. If it is underestimating a company, investors can make money by buying and holding the shares until the market corrects itself. So this free visual report on analyst forecasts could hold the key to an excellent investment decision. You might be able to find a better buy than Super Retail Group. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings). If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. Rideau Carleton Raceway has announced the restrictions that it is putting in place during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Rideau Carleton Raceway remains committed to its horse racing community through this COVID-19 crisis, Rideau Carleton Raceway racing manager Peter Andrusek has told Trot Insider.To sustain our program, we require all our participants to respect the attached restrictions and obligations for everyones safety. In addition to the procedural steps, horsepeople are being told that effective Saturday, March 21, the backstretch and track will only be available to those stabling horses on site. The paddock will be off limits to all. The breakdown of the Rideau restrictions appear below. Rideau Carleton Raceway's highest commitment is to the health, welfare and safety of all our employees and horsepeople during this COVID-19 crisis. WE IMPLORE ANYONE EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: FEVER, DRY COUGH, MUSCLE ACHES, TIREDNESS AND DIFFICULTY BREATHING TO STAY HOME AND CONSULT YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITY. ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL ONLY Only licensed persons with direct work requirements for horses listed to qualify or race will be granted permission to enter the backstretch beyond the main gate. Licenses must be available for presentation. Children under the age of 16 are now prohibited. There will be no exceptions! We ask all participants to arrive no earlier than necessary to race your horse or stable. SCREENING All personnel will be screened before they are permitted into the secured paddock perimeter. Screening will include questions regarding previous contacts or symptoms. Clearance will be granted based upon those responses and the individual maintaining a temperature of less than 100.5 F (38C). PRACTICES Please wash your hands multiple times at the facilities provided in the Paddock NO SOCIAL GATHERING please practice social distancing. Please vacate the property no later than 30 minutes after all your horses have competed. Please do not gather unnecessarily in the paddock office. The paddock kitchen will only be available for take-out. No seating will be provided and no pari-mutuels will be available. Winners circle photographs are suspended; access to the van will be granted only in exceptional circumstances. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYONE ENTER THE SEALED GRANDSTAND PERIMETER INSIDE OR OUT. CLAIMS All claims should be prepared, enclosed in an envelope and provided to the paddock judge. Please ensure that your paper work is complete and payment is accurate or your claim will be denied. SEALED ENVOLPES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please allow additional time for administration to process the claim as the 30 minute post time deadline is still in effect. TRAINING Commencing Saturday, March 21, the backstretch and track will only be available to those stabling horses on site. The paddock will be off limits to all. While inconvenient, these measures have been adopted for everyones protection to ensure racing continues. Be assured that anyone who refuses to follow proper procedures, and acts in a manner that may increase the risk of COVID-19 exposure or infection will be trespassed from the property without hesitation. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:45:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Video: NYC street under the impact of COVID-19. (Xinhua/Zhang Mocheng) "The contagion rate worries more than the mortality rate itself as it shuts down the whole economy to contain effects on the health system," said Elena Carletti of Bocconi University. CHICAGO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and European economists are predicting a recession as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Initiative on Global Markets at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business published the results of 74 economists on the likelihood of a major recession. A majority of respondents agreed a recession is likely, with a bigger 82-percent majority among European experts than a 62-percent among U.S. experts. Traders work at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, the United States, on March 18, 2020. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) said Wednesday it will temporarily close its trading floor and move to fully electronic trading because of the COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) "A sharp slowdown is likely; whether it will be persistent enough to rise to the level of a recession is not clear yet," commented Anil Kashyap of Chicago Booth. Jean-Pierre Danthine of the Paris School of Economics is certain two quarters would register negative growth but further developments notably depends on policy reactions. Stanford University's Kenneth Judd was among the few to disagree that a major recession is on the horizon. "If it is like ordinary flu, then (the) economy should quickly recover. COVID-19 only threatens old and feeble economic expansions," said Judd. A man does exercises at Montmartre in Paris, France, March 18, 2020. French President Emmanuel Macron on March 16 widened steps already taken to fight "a sanitary war" against the COVID-19 pandemic, ordering border closures, air traffic suspension, tougher restriction on movements and also penalties for offenders. Starting from Tuesday noon and for at least two weeks, people across French cities can only move out for reasons of work, health needs or shopping of necessities. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Among the majority who agreed a major recession is a likely consequence of the pandemic, several note the impact of the measures taken to contain the outbreak have already disrupted economic activities. "The contagion rate worries more than the mortality rate itself as it shuts down the whole economy to contain effects on the health system," said Elena Carletti of Bocconi University. Stemming the spread requires "stopping economic activity altogether," which is "a major supply shock," added Luigi Guiso of the Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance. "Even if (the) death rate is low, it will be because containment has been effective, and that will adversely affect aggregate supply and demand," said Patrick Honohan of Trinity College Dublin. A man wearing a face mask is seen in Rome, Italy, on March 18, 2020. Numbers for both new deaths and new cures from Italy's COVID-19 outbreak released Wednesday are the highest on record, as health officials scramble to find enough doctors to confront the outbreak's spread. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) Richard Schmalensee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said, "'Major' might be a bit too strong, but the precautionary measures being taken in many countries will have a significant disruptive effect." Global stock markets have suffered steep losses during the past two weeks. U.S. stocks triggered four circuit brakers to halt panic selling, European stock continued to plunge with little losses recovered, and major world currencies depreciated severely against the U.S. dollar as investors flew to stockpile safe haven assets. While China starts to resume work and production with the peak of the outbreak having passed, elsewhere in the world a majority of companies are only now implementing work-from-home policies amid a surge in confirmed cases in such countries as Italy, Spain and the United States. (Article by Xinhua Reporter Xu Jing) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The closing of India's borders for a week, starting from March 22, may lead to a spike in fares, albeit for a couple of days, as Indians try to rush back home before the deadline. The spike could especially be steeper as few airlines continue to fly to India, and those who do, have a skeletal schedule. Before the coronavirus outbreak, and prior to the travel restrictions, India used to receive about 300-350 international flights a week. This is probably the first time since 1912, when India got its first international flight, that the country will see no planes from across the border. The government, in the latest of a series of travel restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus, on March 19, announced that no scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India for a week, starting March 22, 2020. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show "Over the last few weeks many airlines had suspended operations to India. With this notification, it will lead to a scramble to get out or into the country and will see a spike in fares and scramble for seats," said Ameya Joshi, Founder of aviation analysis blog NetworkThoughts. Track this blog for the latest updates on coronavirus outbreak Most of the Indian carriers, including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and SpiceJet, have suspended, partly or fully, their international operations. It is the same with international airlines too, as a demand slump led to many of them grounding aircraft. On March 11, fares to India had spiked after the Indian government suspended all tourist visas from March 13 in a sweeping attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus as cases across India continued to rise. Some flights saw fares jumping nearly 70 percent within hours of the government's announcement. Industry executives see a similar jump with the new directive. But that will be little respite for airlines who have faced the brunt as the virus spread across the world. Industry organisation IATA has put the loss, as of now, at $113 billion, with advisory firm CAPA warning that many airlines could go bankrupt by May-end. Skeletal schedule Among international airlines, points out Joshi, United Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates and British Airways are the few who continue to fly to India. Delta Air Lines had suspended its service between New York and Mumbai from March 17. Similarly, with UAE, Qatar and Kuwait barring travellers, carriers from the region had also reduced operations to Indian destinations. The latest advisory follows a string of travel restrictions that the government has imposed. Apart from suspending tourists visas till April 15, the government had also barred passengers from Europe and Turkey from entering the country. The coronavirus has now resulted in four deaths in India, and 169 have been reported to be infected. Regulatory News: Total (Paris:FP) (LSE:TTA) (NYSE:TOT) positions itself on the floating offshore wind segment in line with its strategy to develop renewable energy. The Group has signed an agreement with the developer Simply Blue Energy to acquire 80% stake in the pioneering floating wind project Erebus located in the Celtic Sea, in Wales. The project will have a 96 megawatts capacity and will be installed in an area with water depth of 70 meters. This makes Total one of the first movers in this technology in the UK, the world's largest offshore wind market. While offshore wind has so far mainly developed in shallow water depths based on fixed bottom technology, floating wind offshore is set for strong growth in the years to come. This emerging technology has wide potential, opening access to sites further offshore, which have less impact on the landscape, and benefit from very high wind resources. "With its entry into floating offshore wind, Total confirms its ambition to contribute to the development of renewable energy worldwide. Floating offshore wind is an extremely promising and technical segment where Total brings its extensive expertise in offshore operations maintenance. Total has the appropriate skills to meet the technological and financial requirements that determine the success of future floating offshore developments,"said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman CEO of Total. Total and Low-Carbon Electricity Total has integrated climate change into its strategy, and is staying ahead of new energy market trends by building a portfolio of low-carbon businesses that could account for 15 to 20% of its sales by 2040. Total's gross low-carbon power generation capacity worldwide is currently close to 7 gigawatts, including 3 gigawatts from renewable energies. About Total Total is a major energy player that produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, more affordable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major. Cautionary Note This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which TOTAL S.A. directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TOTAL S.A. has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms "Total", "Total Group" and Group are sometimes used for convenience. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TOTAL S.A. nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005206/en/ Contacts: Total Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 l presse@total.com l @TotalPress Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 l ir@total.com StartX, a non-profit startup community of more than 1500 Stanford faculty and alumni founders, has launched its StartX Med COVID-19 Task Force. The founder community also announced the mobilization of its breakthrough medical companies providing solutions for the prevention, diagnostics and treatment of the novel coronavirus. The group of scientists, physicians and professor entrepreneurs will collaborate on outreach to government agencies, regulatory bodies and healthcare systems in the interest of public health. Among the many biotech, medical device and digital health companies solving critical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic are physicians working with positive cases, companies with FDA cleared solutions and those that are on the fast-track with the CDC. The following are a few ways the StartX Med COVID-19 Task Force is working to provide hope, flatten the curve, and combat the novel coronavirus: Rapid tests suitable for drive through testing, nursing homes, and ER rooms with results in 10 minutes Applications and hardware to assess respiratory issues Rapid solutions to fight developing sepsis and correlating antibiotic resistance resulting from COVID-19 severe complications COVID-19 related applications for remotely monitoring quarantined patients and healthcare workers who have been exposed Rapid RNA testing technologies Testing that provides information on the presence, type and severity of infections Solutions for optimizing hospital operations and supply chain tracking Solutions for automated quarantine management and remote virtual triage A centrifuge system which is readily deployable for remote sample collection and prep A handheld device measuring temperature, lung sounds, airway pressure, pulmonary function, ECG, and SPO2 Remote monitoring for respiratory diseases, and other StartX Med technologies already deployed in Wuhan, China Free access to the Bioz research platform for biopharma companies Free virtual COVID-19 evaluation, screening and escalation tool for any hospital in the U.S. to help preserve clinical resources for patients who warrant in-person care StartX Med therapeutics companies with new antiviral drugs to treat COVID-19 and the most common lung disease caused by it, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), are accelerating their efforts to take their treatments into clinical settings. Current StartX Med COVID-19 Task Force Participants include: Prevention: DawnLight Technologies Luma Health Mon Ami Theranova Tueo Qventus Diagnostics: Avails Medical Eko Enable Biosciences Inflammatix Lucira Health Magnetic Insight Mendo Nirmidas Biotech, Inc. ProbiusDx Sandstone Diagnostics: Sensio Air Sentinel Healthcare Spire Health Subtle Medical Quantumcyte Treatment: Augmedix Bioz Bright.md Chimera Bio GEn1E Globavir BioSciences Guided Clarity InfiniGene KangarooHealth OMNY Orcabio Parzival Potrero Qventus Spot Biosystems Line Up Health Wellsheet In addition to partnering in outreach to government agencies and public health offices for immediate deployment of life-saving medical solutions, the coalition will offer investors a special COVID-19 Task Force version of StartXs Online Investor Demo Day viewings to coordinate introductions between StartX Med companies tackling COVID-19 and VCs specifically interested in investing in this space. Both StartXs General Investor Demo Day and COVID-19 specific viewings are slated to begin March 19, 2019. For information on the StartX Med COVID-19 Task Force or how you can help, please send inquiries to: [email protected] StartX is a nonprofit organization advancing the development of Stanfords top entrepreneurs through experiential education, access to thousands of VCs and investors. The founder community consists of a diverse mix of 1500+ funded Growth-Stage Founders, tenured Stanford Professor Founders, and highly-successful Stanford Alumni Founders. Collectively, StartX companies have raised $8 billion in funding with a combined valuation of more than $25 billion to date. Its Corporate Innovation program helps global corporations quickly test market-ready technology from Stanford alumni founders through structured co-creation and pilot programs. StartX and StartX Med, the medical entrepreneurial vertical of StartX, includes accomplished founders ranging from undergraduates and masters students to post docs, professors and Stanford alumni being mentored by top Silicon Valley industry leaders. Clinical partners of StartX Med companies encompass more than 250 hospitals, 30,000 care centers, 50,000 physicians and 65 million annual patient visits. StartX Med founders also have the opportunity to utilize 2,000 square feet of shared wet lab space at the StartX facility, located down the street from Stanford University. FinSMEs 18/03/2020 Health insurance enrollees may find some comfort in knowing that the new coronavirus is covered much like any other illness by their major medical health plan, said eHealth CEO Scott Flanders. Most will find that testing for the virus is covered with no out-of-pocket cost. Unfortunately, our survey finds that many will struggle to pay their full deductible if hospitalized for treatment of the virus. We encourage consumers to familiarize themselves with the details of their coverage now and contact their insurer or licensed agent with questions or concerns. Other highlights of eHealths survey include: Politics divides public response to the outbreak: 34% of likely Republican voters say they are not concerned about the coronavirus, compared to 13% of likely Democratic voters. Thirty-eight pe cent (38%) of likely Republican voters express high confidence in the governments response to the outbreak, as opposed to just 6% of likely Democratic voters The college-educated and affluent are more easily able to make lifestyle adjustments as a result of the outbreak. Fifty-two per cent (52%) of college graduates and 60% of those with incomes of $100,000 to $150,000 said that their jobs allowed them to work from home, as opposed to 19% of those with a high school education and 36% of those earning less than $25,000 a year For more than 20 years, eHealth has been dedicated to bringing people peace of mind in the face of uncertain future medical expenses, and our hearts go out to all of those directly impacted by the coronavirus, especially the elderly and more vulnerable, Flanders said. Were more dedicated to our mission than ever, and we encourage all our fellow Americans to pull together, look out for one another and find a common cause as we face this new challenge. WILMINGTON, Del., March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WSFS Bank today announced a $300,000 pledge from the WSFS Community Foundation to help local charities coronavirus relief efforts. These funds will help provide necessary services to people in the Greater Delaware Valley during this unprecedented time. The pledge will be allocated in $25,000 grants to the following organizations: United Way of Delaware (Delaware) Delaware Community Foundation (Delaware) Family Services of Montgomery County (Montgomery County, PA) Chester County Food Bank (Chester County, PA) Rolling Harvest Food Rescue (Bucks County, PA) Jewish Relief Agency (Philadelphia, PA) Loaves and Fishes (Delaware County, PA) Burlington Food Pantry (Burlington County, NJ) The remaining $100,000 will be distributed in the months to come to support pandemic recovery efforts throughout our neighboring communities. Serving our communities includes partnering with local nonprofits who play a critical role in helping those in need. By providing this grant, we are helping to restore and ensure a better life and brighter future for members of our communities impacted by the pandemic, said Vernita Dorsey, Senior Vice President, Director of Community Strategy, WSFS Bank. We are thrilled with the generous response of so many, so quickly, to the communitys need at this point. WSFS has always been a leader in this region, and their early contributions show that leadership again, said Stuart Comstock-Gay, Delaware Community Foundation and a partner in the Delaware Collaborative, which has four leading nonprofits coordinating initiatives to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Delaware. The group is coordinating fundraising, grantmaking and volunteer activities. Here at JRA we are in the business of reducing hunger and uplifting spirits, and WSFS has always been an enthusiastic partner, said Jodi Saks, Executive Director, Jewish Relief Agency. At a time when the need for JRAs services is as great as weve ever seen it, WSFS has come forth with additional emergency funding to allow us to assist the most vulnerable individuals in our community. This funding will enable us to continue to make our deliveries while adhering to the strict safety standards weve adopted through the counsel of public health professionals and CDC recommendations. It simply couldnt happen without the support of WSFS. In this pandemic we have seen an increase in phone calls and food needs. We want to once again thank WSFS for their generosity and being part of our community; they are a true partner, said Domenic Zulla, Executive Director, Burlington Food Pantry. For more information about WSFS preparedness plans, please visit wsfsbank.com. About the WSFS Community Foundation The WSFS Community Foundation focuses on supporting quality public education grades K-12, health and human service programs for the homeless and needy, economic and business growth, and art education. Grants are awarded for initiatives that are innovative, creative, sustainable and replicable. About WSFS Financial Corporation WSFS Financial Corporation is a multi-billion-dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally managed bank and trust company headquartered in Delaware and the Delaware Valley. As of December 31, 2019, WSFS Financial Corporation had $12.3 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $20.7 billion in assets under management and administration. WSFS operates 118 offices, 93 of which are banking offices, located in Pennsylvania (55), Delaware (45), New Jersey (16), Virginia (1) and Nevada (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, retail banking, cash management and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Arrow Land Transfer, Cash Connect, Cypress Capital Management, LLC, Christiana Trust of Delaware, NewLane Finance, Powdermill Financial Solutions, West Capital Management, WSFS Institutional Services, WSFS Mortgage, and WSFS Wealth Investments. Serving the greater Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. For more information, please visit www.wsfsbank.com. Media Contact: Rebecca Acevedo (215) 253-5566 racevedo@wsfsbank.com There are two major types of dermal fillers: absorbable and non-absorbable. Dermal fillers are injected with small gauge injectors into deep dermal area to fill the space and also to induce the body production of collagen. Hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), poly-lactic acid (PLLA), collagen, and polymethylmethacrylate (non-absorbable) are some of the major components of dermal fillers. The filler effect lasts from 3 to 24 months for absorbable filler and non-absorbable fillers may last for up to 5 years. The amount of filler needed and the sessions required for effective result varies as per the application area and type of filler. Additional information on such research findings can be availed at @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/3522 Statistics: North America and Europe dermal fillers market is estimated to account for US$ 2,800.4 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2027. North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market: Drivers Increasing demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures is expected to boost growth of North America and Europe dermal fillers market over the forecast period. This is owing to several advantages of non-invasive aesthetic procedures such as less complexity, possibility for reversal of the procedure, and less time required for procedures compared to surgical aesthetic procedure. North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market: Opportunities Clinical trials for dermal fillers face several challenges in terms of establishing meaningful clinical trials. Patients are often elected and not referred to have treatment by the practitioner of their own choosing. Moreover, most of the studies are not randomized or controlled. Such scenario increases the demand for collecting consensus views from experienced injectors who have treated several patients. North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market: Restraints Adverse effects of dermal filler post procedures are expected to hamper growth of the market. Some of the side effects of dermal fillers include, redness of the skin, bruising, unevenness or migration of filler, discomfort and in moderate cases granulation or lumpiness. Moreover, use of dermal fillers may also lead to allergic reactions. Browse Press Release: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/press-release/north-america-and-europe-dermal-filler-market-2844 Key Takeaways: The Absorbable segment in North America and Europe dermal fillers market was valued at US$ 1,723.7 Mn in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 2,936.9 Mn by 2027 at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Increasing geriatric population is expected to propel growth of North America and Europe dermal fillers market over the forecast period. The Hyaluronic acid segment held dominant position in North America and Europe dermal fillers market in 2019, accounting for 86.1% share in terms of value, followed by Calcium hydroxylapatite, respectively. Increasing demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures is expected to boost growth of North America and Europe dermal fillers market over the forecast period Market Trends Systemic drugs and surgical removal of the material are the currently used approaches used to address complications caused by filler treatments. However, some studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of intralesional laser treatment for removing the material. For instance, according to the study, Intralesional Laser Treatment for Dermal Filler Complications that was published in ASPS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in June 2018, intralesional laser treatment offers high efficacy and good safety profile of the treatment of complications caused by filler treatments. Dermal fillers are finding their application in areas other than anti-aging like enhancement of dorsal area of hands, application for HIV induced facial lipoatrophy, and application of CaHA fillers for treatment of paralyzed vocal cords. Also, dentist are now allowed to perform dermal filler procedure for facial rejuvenation to improve the post dental procedures facial aesthetics. Get PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/3522 Regulations Europe Market players require CE mark to market their products in the European Union. The EUs MDR (2017/745) expressly classifies dermal fillers, even those without a medical purpose, as medical devices. North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market: Competitive Landscape Major players operating in North America and Europe dermal fillers market include, Galderma Pharma S.A., Sinclair Pharma plc., Allergan Plc., Anika Therapeutics Inc., Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA, Suneva Medical Inc., Teoxane Laboratories Inc., Prollenium Medical Technologies Inc., Adoderm GmbH, and Laboratoires Vivacy SAS. North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market: Key Developments Players in the market are focused on raising funds to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in February 2020, CollPlant, a regenerative and aesthetic medicine company, announced it has entered into definitive agreements for raising US$ 4.45 million. Major players in the market are also focused on adopting M&A strategies to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in January 2020, Histogen, Inc. announced its merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conatus Pharmaceuticals in an all-stock transaction. Order a copy of North America and Europe Dermal Filler Market Report 2020 @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/3522 Segmentation Scope of the report North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market, By Product Type: Absorbable Non-absorbable North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market, By Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid Poly-L-Lactic acid Calcium Hydroxylapatite Polymethylmethacrylate Collagen North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market, By Distribution Channel: Retail pharmacies and drug stores Clinics and Hospital pharmacies Online sales North America and Europe Dermal Fillers Market, By Region: North America By Product Type Absorbable Non-absorbable By Ingredients Hyaluronic acid Poly-L-Lactic acid Calcium Hydroxylapatite Polymethylmethacrylate Collagen By Distribution Channel Retail pharmacies and drug stores Clinics and Hospital pharmacies Online sales By Country U.S. Canada Western Europe By Product Type Absorbable Non-absorbable By Ingredients Hyaluronic acid Poly-L-Lactic acid Calcium Hydroxylapatite Polymethylmethacrylate Collagen By Distribution Channel Retail pharmacies and drug stores Clinics and Hospital pharmacies Online sales By Country UK Germany France Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe By Product Type Absorbable Non-absorbable By Ingredients Hyaluronic acid Poly-L-Lactic acid Calcium Hydroxylapatite Polymethylmethacrylate Collagen By Distribution Channel Retail pharmacies and drug stores Clinics and Hospital pharmacies Online sales By Country Russia Poland Rest of Eastern Europe Company Profiles Galderma Pharma S.A.* Company Overview Material Portfolio Financial Performance Key Highlights Market Strategies Sinclair Pharma plc. Allergan Plc. Anika Therapeutics Inc. Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA Suneva Medical Inc. Teoxane Laboratories Inc. Prollenium Medical Technologies Inc. Adoderm GmbH Laboratoires Vivacy SAS. About Coherent Market Insights: Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity. Contact Us: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com U.S. Office: Name: Mr. Shah Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, # 3200 Seattle, WA 98154, U.S. US : +1-206-701-6702 UK : +44-020-8133-4027 JAPAN : +050-5539-1737 Keeping a limited number of libraries open during limited hours will ensure that we provide for those who have no other place to go for basic access to the internet or other resources, said Department of Public Health Commissioner Alison Arwady. We are confident that CPL can provide these services in a way that is safe and sanitary for library employees and patrons alike. Still, we continue to urge Chicagoans to stay home unless they absolutely must go out so that we can continue to work to limit the spread of COVID-19. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has decided to self- quarantine himself for at least five days as a precautionary measure upon returning from an official visit to China. Qureshi will also be tested for coronavirus, said the statement by his office. "Experts have advised that I should go into isolation and take a coronavirus test after five days," Qureshi said, adding that he is also in isolation from his family. Qureshi, as part of Pakistani President Arif Alvi's delegation, visited China this Monday and Tuesday to show solidarity with Chinese leadership after the COVID-19 outbreak. Alvi, the first head of state to visit Beijing after coronavirus hit the world's most populous nation, met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and National People's Congress Chairman Li Zhanshu. The foreign minister further noted that Beijing is keeping current updates regarding the coronavirus spread. Pakistan had not evacuated its students from China because of its all-weather ties. Pakistani students did not face any mishap in China, the statement said. Pakistan is grappling to control the outbreak of coronavirus as two COVID-19 patient deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were reported on Thursday. With more than 100 new cases reported on Thursday, the total number of positive cases of COVID19 in Pakistan at 377. About 213 cases were reported in Sindh province followed by Punjab- 78, Balochistan- 45, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan 16 and Islamabad two cases. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Education Policy Center and the Education Deans for Justice and Equity (EDJE) today jointly released a Policy Statement on the Science of Reading. For the past few years, a wave of media has reignited the unproductive Reading Wars, which frame early-literacy teaching as a battle between opposing camps. This coverage speaks of an established science of reading as the appropriate focus of teacher education programs and as the necessary approach for early-reading instruction. Unfortunately, this media coverage has distorted the research evidence on the teaching of reading, with the result that policymakers are now promoting and implementing policy based on misinformation. The truth is that there is no settled science of reading. The research on reading and teaching reading is abundant, but it is diverse and always in a state of change. Accordingly, the joint statement highlights the importance of professionally prepared teachers with expertise in supporting all students with the most beneficial reading instruction, balancing systematic skills instruction with authentic texts and activities. This key idea of a balanced literacy approach stresses the importance of phonics, authentic reading, and teachers who can teach reading using a full toolbox of instructional approaches and understandings. It is strongly supported in the scholarly community and is grounded in a large research base. The statement includes guiding principles for what any federal or state legislation should and should not do. At the very least, federal and state legislation should not continue to do the same things over and over while expecting different outcomes. The disheartening era of NCLB provides an important lesson and overarching guiding principle: Education legislation should address guiding concepts while avoiding prescriptions that will tie the hands of professional educators. All students deserve equitable access to high-quality literacy and reading instruction and opportunities in their schools. This will only be accomplished when policymakers pay heed to an overall body of high-quality research evidence and then make available the resources as well as the teaching/learning conditions necessary for schools to provide our children with the needed supports and opportunities to learn. The Policy Statement on the "Science of Reading" can be found on the NEPC website at: http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/fyi-reading-wars The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), a university research center housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, produces and disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions. Visit us at: https://nepc.colorado.edu Srinagar, March 19 : Authorities on Thursday decided to take samples for testing of all passengers who travelled to Srinagar with the coronavirus-infected woman on March 16. "All passengers who were on board with the victim while travelling to Srinagar will be asked to report for tests. "We are collecting the details. Samples of all of them will be collected and sent for testing," Dr Sameer Mattu, Director, Health Services (Kashmir) said here. Reports said over 100 people were on board the flight in which the woman travelled to Srinagar from Delhi on March 16. According to available information, the 67-year-old woman who tested positive for the dreaded virus had returned after 'Umraah' pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. She is also reported to have stayed for a couple of days in Kochi and Delhi after she arrived in the country. There are also reports that a good number of locals could have come in contact with the infected woman who remained at her Khanyar home in Srinagar's old city after she arrived here on March 16. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes A court here on Thursday deferred till March 24 hearing on the petition filed by wife of one of the convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape case who sought a divorce, saying she did not wish to be called "the widow of a rapist". The hearing was deferred by the family court here after the counsel for the petitioner, Puneeta Devi, submitted that she has left for Delhi for a last meeting with Akshay Singh who faces the gallows on Friday. Her counsel also said that she was likely to return after Singh's death sentence was executed and his last rites were performed. The court posted the matter for next week observing that it was essential for the petitioner to be physically present for the matter to proceed. Puneeta Devi has been maintaining that her husband was "innocent" and the divorce petition triggered speculation that it was a "ploy' to delay the execution of the death sentence. Akshay Singh is a native of Lahankarma village in Aurangabad district of Bihar, about 225 km from Patna. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the coronavirus outbreak sweeps across the world, overseas Chinese are now flocking back to their homeland to stay safe whatever the cost may be. New pictures circulating on social media purport to show massive queues of travellers waiting to pass a border checkpoint to enter mainland China after the centre of the outbreak moved to Europe. The surveillance images were allegedly taken on Monday at the Shenzhen Bay Port, the only working immigration checkpoint between Hong Kong and Shenzhen currently. Beijing Capital Airport, the country's busiest international air hub, was also filled to the brim by passengers arriving from abroad last Saturday. A picture circulating on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, purport to show huge queues of travellers waiting to pass the Shenzhen Bay Port between Shenzhen and Hong Kong Another social media picture believed to be taken at the Shenzhen Bay Port shows the checkpoint flooded with people waiting to enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong on Monday Many affluent Chinese fleeing the coronavirus pandemic have swarmed to rent private jets to fly to Hong Kong before returning to the mainland through the Asian financial hub. This week, Hong Kong International Airport reported its busiest day on record for private jet activity. The airport was nearing its maximum capacity of 30 private jets on Wednesday and landings and take-offs had reached their highest level, reported the Financial Times. The Hong Kong government has required all international arrivals - except for those from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan - to be quarantined for 14 days starting from Thursday. This week, Hong Kong International Airport reported its busiest day on record for private jet activity, according to the Financial Times. The above picture shows mask-donning travellers walking into the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong on Thursday The Hong Kong government has required all international arrivals to be quarantined for 14 days starting from Thursday. In the picture above, a traveller is seen wearing a face mask and a plastic shield in the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong Across the border, officials in Shenzhen have demanded Chinese citizens returning from abroad be isolated at home or in quarantine camps for 14 days. International travellers who have been to high-risk countries, such as South Korea, Italy and Iran, 14 days prior to their entrance must also obey the rule. Shenzhen Health Commission reported two more 'imported cases' on Thursday. The authority said both patients had been studying in London and were diagnosed after entering the city via Hong Kong. Shenzhen officials have identified 10 'imported cases' since March 1. Officials in Shenzhen have demanded Chinese citizens returning from abroad be isolated at home or in quarantine camps for 14 days. People wearing face masks to prevent the deadly virus are pictured standing in line for food on a restaurant street in Shen Zhen on March 13 A man stands at the entrance to an office building in front of an AI computer called 'Smart AI Epidemic Prevention' made by a tech company called SenseTime in Shenzhen on March 6 More people have now died of the coronavirus in Europe in the past month than those killed by the bug in China since December. Over 3,500 European residents have lost their lives to the disease, including more than 2,500 in Italy, the worst-hit country. In the UK, Chinese people are paying up to 21,000 for a seat on charter planes to fly home as infections and deaths keep surging. One student studying at the University of Sheffield decided to return home. He said that he felt 'helpless because there was a lack of actions from the UK government'. 'People in the UK weren't paying much attention to the outbreak at the beginning. I felt like it was dangerous to stay in the UK,' Yao, 23, told MailOnline. 'I felt much safer once I got on the plane and saw everyone was wearing face masks and cleaning their hands.' Two women wearing protective face masks to protect from coronavirus are pictured taking a selfie while standing on Red Square in downtown Moscow on Wednesday. Russia registered its first coronavirus death today - an elderly woman who had been taken to a Moscow hospital A commuter wears a mask while walking in London during the morning rush hour on Thursday In the centre of the capital streets are largely empty as people stay away amid the pandemic The news comes as Russia registered its first death of a patient infected with the coronavirus today - an elderly woman who had been taken to a Moscow hospital. The 79-year-old, who had tested positive, was hospitalised on March 13 and had several other conditions including diabetes and heart problems, the Moscow health department said in a statement. She died of pneumonia while being treated in an intensive care unit, it said. People she had contact with have been isolated, the statement added. Elsewhere, London will be plunged deeper into lockdown within days - and potentially with just 12 hours' notice - amid fears that the 'superspreader city' is driving the UK's coronavirus outbreak. After the daily death rate doubled to 33 yesterday, residents in the British capital are set for tighter restrictions on their movements - with signs the government will urge people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. Globally, the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 221,000 people and killed at least 9,117. A total of 22 people with suspected exposure to the novel coronavirus were admitted in hospitals in Maharashtra's Latur district of which 19 have tested negative for the infection, an official said on Thursday. Out of these 22, the samples of 19 people have come negative, while reports of remaining three are still pending, Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical Institute and Hospital dean Dr Girish Thakur told reporters here. To a question, he said only government-approved laboratories can conduct coronavirus tests. The district administration is taking all steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus and people should take precautions, collector G Sreekanth said. He said directions have been given to gram panchayats in the district to instruct primary health centres to collect travel and medical history of people in rural areas. Asha health and anganwadi workers will visit each house to collect travel and medical history of family members, Sreekanth said. He said hospital beds have been earmarked to treat suspected cases. The collector said, A screening centre will be established soon at the main ST bus stand to examine people." Besides, passengers will be subjected to thermal screening in ST buses and also bus travellers coming from Pune and Mumbai among other cities, he said. The collector appealed to people to postpone marriage ceremonies till at least March 31. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) KYODO NEWS - Mar 19, 2020 - 11:04 | All, Japan Japan's former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko on Thursday moved out of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, their home since 1993, in a first step toward swapping residences with the current emperor and his family. The couple will first stay at Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture and later move to the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture while their belongings are moved to the Takanawa Imperial Residence, their temporary residence in Tokyo from March 31. (Motorcade leaves the palace) [Pool photo/Kyodo] Prior to moving, they donated to museums some of the roughly 4,000 gifts they received from foreign dignitaries before Emperor Akihito, 86, abdicated on April 30 last year, the first Japanese monarch to step down in around 200 years. Emperor Naruhito, 60, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne the day after his father's abdication, and his wife Empress Masako, 56, are currently being driven to the palace from the nearby Akasaka Imperial Residence. The former emperor and former Empress Michiko, 85, are scheduled to live in the Takanawa residence for up to a year and half, before moving into the Akasaka residence. (Takanawa Imperial Residence) The Takanawa residence, which consists of a ground floor and basement, was constructed in 1973 and was formerly home to the late Prince and Princess Takamatsu. The Akasaka residence will be renovated to accommodate the elderly couple, with elevators and ramps scheduled to be installed. Their old residence at the Imperial Palace will also be remodeled for the new emperor and his family. Passengers crammed inside a speeding 16-seater public minibus in South Africa's largest city Johannesburg instantly fall silent after an old woman suddenly coughs. Fellow commuters quickly cover their mouths and noses with their forearms: the fear of catching coronavirus is palpable here, as infections rise fast. The driver pumps up the radio to break the silence, the passengers resume paying their fares, and coins and notes exchange hands. The numbers of coronavirus infections in South Africa are rising rapidly. Two weeks ago, there was just a single case -- but as of Wednesday the tally stood at 116, after a jump of 31 in just 24 hours. More than a quarter of South Africa's 57 million people rely on the minibus to get to work or school, according to the South African National Taxi Association (SANTACO) which governs the privately-run minibus industry. Passengers sit cheek by jowl in the little buses, which are commonly referred to here as taxis. The closeness has done little to ease concern as the shadow of the coronavirus lengthens. "As a commuter I feel I'm at risk of infection because I still have to open that taxi door, I still have to touch the seats, I still have to handle money in the taxi," said human resources manager Serame Maishone, 37, who catches two minibuses daily to get to work. "You can't even cough in the taxi," because people will get suspicious, she said. Despite fear of the virus which has killed 8,000 people and infected more than 200,000 worldwide, passengers in the minibuses very rarely use masks or gloves. "Honestly, I'm very terrified, I'm scared," said 23-year-old commuter Yolanda Masiso, admitting that at first she didn't care about the spread of coronavirus. "I never thought it would get to me or us, or anybody in my surroundings, but obviously I travel every day to work and the possibilities of me being infected or catching it are very high," she told AFP. - 'Sneeze! we get scared' - Many cities in other continents are shutting down or heading that way, but Africa, which seems to be several weeks behind the curve of the global spread, has yet to follow suit. On Wednesday, it was business as usual at two of Johannesburg's busiest bus ranks, in the downtown district of Bree and in the northern suburb of Randburg. Commuters scurried past each other, some stopping to buy fruit from the hawkers before rushing to board minibuses headed to a variety of locations. The city's minibus drivers are famous for their boisterous approach to life and their resilience. But many were unable to hide their fear about coronavirus. "We are scared as drivers, but we don't know what to do," 28-year-old driver Bongane Nene said, adding that he still has to work to pay bills despite the pandemic. "We have seen people wearing dust masks when they come into our taxis -- when they sneeze we get scared," Nene said. While drivers and passengers alike agree that the coronavirus threat is real, the drivers' main worry is the dwindling numbers of commuters as more and more people start to work from home, according to bus owner and operator Simon Makhoba. - 'No time to wait' - On Wednesday, SANTACO's president, Philip Taaibosch, unveiled a raft of anti-virus measures, including regularly disinfecting termini and vehicles. Government will also provide hand sanitisers for commuters before they board the bus -- an idea that has not sat well with everyone. "I won't have time to wait for someone who is busy washing their hands before getting onto the taxi. It won't work," Nene protested. Makhoba said the drivers are so busy that they often found it difficult to wash their cars every day, let alone disinfect them every few hours. As the world continues to cope with a new reality of COVID-19, industries around Ireland are closing shop and re-evaluating their futures. The fashion industry in Ireland is already a difficult one in which to break through: a few golden names have cracked the upper echelons, but for aspiring creatives without big brand distribution deals, it feels like they are facing extinction. Eamonn McGill, who specialises in evening wear and is preferred by Love Island superstars Maura Higgins and Molly Mae Hague, said he began to feel the economic effects before Government directives were introduced. "Like most businesses in Dublin city centre, we thought it would be irresponsible to stay open," he told the Irish Independent. "But we have felt the sting of COVID-19 measures long before the Taoiseach made any announcements. Since a large part of our revenue comes from clients attending events like weddings, red carpets and festivals abroad, we've had all our bookings for March and April postponed until further notice. Expand Close Eamonn McGill / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eamonn McGill "We have taken a huge financial hit; however, we are all trying to see it from a positive outlook. Negativity is what will destroy small businesses at this time. We are all in the same boat and we will get through it." He and his team will now adjust their gaze towards long-term projects and getting a head-start on their new collections. "We're working on filling our brand-new showroom with gowns that we can make with fabrics we had previously stored for a rainy day. Now isn't the time to be wasteful of negative." JUVI Designs, a contemporary jewellery brand run by Julie Danz and Vincent Tynan, said their brand has effectively "gone into hibernation". "We're lucky in the sense that we don't have our own premises or rent, so we're not losing money - but we're not earning any either, Ms Danz said. "We operate from a workshop near our house and someone is coming in there every day, taking turns one at a time, to facilitate any online orders. We've introduced 20% off everything since Wednesdays from our website to bring in as much revenue as possible. All of our staff have been very understanding about it." MoMuse, the luxury jeweller in Powerscourt Town Centre, has closed but will be keeping its online store open. Video of the Day Helen Steele runs dual operations - both her athleisure line with Dunnes Stores, and high-end eponymous label built on bespoke orders. Since the virus hit China, it hit fabric bulk orders to digital printers in Europe, which hit small fish like me. My printers fabric order is sitting in a container in Hong Kong port since January waiting to be processed. Half of my high summer orders have been cancelled, and Im still waiting to be paid on some orders - which hits both my manufacturer and me. I don't know how many of my customers will survive this." Steele, like the rest in her industry, remains grateful for her and her family's health and is using the time she would usually spend commuting between Monaghan and Dublin to spend precious time with her children, and strategise for her next chapter. "Im not spending four to six hours commuting daily which has its benefits. This gives me back half a week that I can utilise in a more productive way here in my studio. And be with my kids to make sure they are studying and in a healthy routine," she said. Laura Jayne Halton, best known for her red carpet designs for Irish nominees at the Oscars, is committing to her reputation as a renaissance woman and will spend the coming weeks additionally working on her illustrations. Expand Close An illustration by Laura Jayne Halton / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An illustration by Laura Jayne Halton "It's definitely not business as usual," she said. "I work in a studio, so its not a brick and mortar store and because I technically work in self-isolation most of the time, theres a reassurance there and I'm implementing the best practice possible. I'm working on a contingency plan. "This isn't magically going to be over in two weeks' time. We need to think months ahead, it's unpredictable and unprecedented." But Ms Halton is used to degrees of uncertainty. When she moved back to her native Kildare from New York - where she led the illustrations for Sarah Jessica Parker's fragrance line - in 2010, Ireland was still in recession. Her usual commission lead is several months in advance which gives her clients a "little bit of leeway", but she will also be focusing more on fine art watercolours, one of which she was commissioned to gift former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "The scope is huge with what you can do. I'm putting it out there that I'm happy to help. I dont know how I can make myself helpful, but Ill find a way." Nexus NI, a charity that provides support to victims of sexual violence, has said its helpline remains open for anyone affected by domestic or sexual abuse. Cases of domestic violence could soar under social isolation measures brought in to cope with the coronavirus outbreak, local charities have warned. Frontline service providers believe self-isolation could be dangerous for women or men trapped with their abuser, whose behaviour may be aggravated by the chaos and uncertainty unleashed by the pandemic. Campaigners also warned that the safe provision of life-saving domestic abuse shelters was at risk due to employees catching the virus and being forced to self-isolate. Education Minister Peter Weir expressed concerns about the impact of social isolation. He said there could be major problems in terms of mental health and warned that there was a "real danger we will see domestic violence go through the roof". "There is a tsunami of major problems society is going to face because of this," the DUP MLA explained. Brenda Kelly, CEO of Nexus NI, a charity that provides support to victims of sexual violence, was keen to stress that the group's helpline remained open for anyone affected by domestic or sexual abuse. "We know that this is a stressful and difficult time. If anyone is experiencing or has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, we are here to help," she said. "We want to reassure people that our helpline is still operating 24/7 and can provide free and confidential support to anyone who needs it." A spokesperson for Women's Aid said refuges forced to lock down and stop taking referrals because of the virus may need extra financial support because they would no longer be receiving the same amount of rent. "Self-isolation is likely to shut down routes to support and safety for women, who may face even greater barriers to finding time away from the perpetrator to seek help," she added. "We know that refuge services, which are often communal forms of accommodation, will already be preparing for women and children contracting the virus while living there, ensuring that they can self-isolate from other residents. We urge the national and local government to take swift action to ensure that survivors who are facing barriers to support (get help) "(They) may be sleeping rough or sofa-surfing as a result, or (they may be) forced to isolate with the perpetrator. "(They should be) provided with opportunities and supported to find suitable, safe, self-contained accommodation where they can self-isolate." PSNI figures show that 31,682 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in the 2018/19 financial year. Detective Superintendent Anthony McNally, from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, said an upsurge in domestic violence cases was a real risk. "During these unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no doubt that people will be spending more time at home or in a domestic setting, which will at times create potentially stressful situations," he added. "I would appeal for people to remain calm during this time and reassure victims of domestic abuse that help is always available. Please speak out so you can help to stop it happening. "As the police service, it is our job to keep people safe. Our role is about prevention, protection and prosecution - to prevent further violence, to protect the victim, children and other vulnerable people and to facilitate the prosecution of offenders. "Domestic abuse is a crime and until victims are aware there is a safe environment to share their concerns, they will continue to hold on to the secret of domestic abuse. Anyone who is suffering can contact police on the non-emergency 101 number or 999 in an emergency." Help is also available through the following support services: Nexus NI, Belfast: 02890 326803; Enniskillen: 02866 320046; http://nexusni.org The 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414 The Rowan Centre free phone helpline: 0800 389 4424 and www.therowan.net Victim Support NI, Belfast: 02890 243133; Foyle: 02871 370086 Men's Advisory Project, Belfast: 02890 241929; Foyle: 02871 160001. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service PATNA: Undeterred at the outbreak of COVID-19, the national president of Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) Pappu Yadav, announced to begin the campaign called "Jan-Kranti Yatra" with a new slogan from April 18. He said that Bihar has been on the lowest points on every developmental indicator even after 30 years of "so-called development". He said:" This campaign would focus on women's safety, migration, health, corruption, economy, education, and employment". Yadav's campaign will commence from the land of Gandhi West Champaran, from where CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar had started his anti-CAA-NPR-NRC "Jan Gana Mana yatra" in February. Yadav said that the "Jan Kranti Yatra" of his party will end at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on May 30. He said that the need of the hour is to save democracy from both the NDA allies and the "so-called opposition". Lashing out at both Opposition and the ruling alliance, he said that all of them have started working hands in gloves. "JAP has kept the option of joining with Congress, HAM, RLSP, left parties and other parties open. In the upcoming Bihar elections JAP intends to contest on 100 seats," he said, adding that he will form an alliance or even merge with parties of similar ideology. He said that his objective is not to become the chief minister, instead, he invited Prashant Kishor, Congress, RLSP, HAM, and left parties to come together. Along with this he also invited Chirag Paswan to join the "third front". He said that the meeting of the national executive was held for discussing the strategies for the upcoming Bihar legislative assembly . were held and plans for party expansion were discussed. Along with this senior party leaders discussed campaign strategy and names of prospective candidates. By Express News Service VISAKHAPATNAM: AirAsia A370 flight carrying Indian students stuck in Kuala Lumpur arrived here on Wednesday night. In all, 185 Indian students pursuing MBBS in the Philippines got stuck in Kuala Lumpur airport on their way back home as their flights were suspended following a travel advisory issued by the Centre. The Centre had on Tuesday banned the entry of passengers from Afghanistan, the Philippines and Malaysia to India with immediate effect amid stepped up efforts against the spread of COVID-19. After complete shutdown in the Philippines, in view of spread of COVID-19 cases, the students chose to fly back home. They, however, stuck in transit. Parents, who were eagerly waiting at the airport, heaved a sigh of relief after ACP Swaroopa Rani stated that no student has any symptoms of the coronavirus.Speaking to TNIE, Sree Phani, parent of Bhavana, thanked the officials for arranging a flight for the safe return of the students. We would not have booked the tickets if it was intimated to us that the flight would be cancelled. In times like these, any parent would be concerned about the safety of their children. So we asked them to come back after the Philippines announced a complete shutdown, she said. the students boarding a bus to reach their hometowns I G Satyanarayana She expressed her gratitude to all the officials for ensuring the students safe return. Some parents stated that their wards were under constant observation for symptoms of the virus. The consultancy through which my son went to the Philippines advised him not to return to India, raising concern over the possibility of contamination of the virus in the transit. However, we wanted our children to be with us in times like this so they will not have to face any problem, said Satyanarayana, another parent. On arrival at Visakhapatnam, the students expressed gratitude to the officials concerned. I was worried when we stuck at Kuala Lumpur airport. However, the officials intervened and ensured that all of us reached India safely, said Bhavana from Kakinada. We were provided with food and other essentials at Kuala Lumpur. We were screened at all places and the officials were quite helpful, she added. All the 185 students were screened at the airport and were divided as per their home towns. Buses were arranged for the students of other districts in the Telugu States, Bengaluru and Chennai to reach their hometowns. The students will be further screened for COVID-19 symptoms once they reach their hometowns. All the students will be in self-quarantine and under observation by the local health officials of their respective areas. Earlier, a battery of officials and policemen were present at the airport for the smooth passage of students. District Collector V Vinay Chand, who was at the airport supervising the arrangements, said four screening camps were set up to screen the students. He said even quarantine facilities were made ready at VIMS and INS Kalinga. As more and more Lehigh Valley restaurants are closing, offering limited menus or hours, and pivoting to different distribution methods due to coronavirus, the local farmers that supply many of their ingredients are feeling the pressure. Due to the growing concern over coronavirus, those farmers means of selling their products are becoming fewer and farther between. Thats why the Easton Farmers Market decided to step in. Starting on Saturday, the bi-weekly Winter Market will be popping up weekly on Church Street behind the Easton Public Market. That way, farmers have an additional outlet to sell from. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon, and the first hour will be reserved for those aged 55 and older. Sanitation standards and social distancing will be mandated, with farmstands placed at least six feet apart and pavement markers keeping shoppers the recommended distance away from each other. Vendors will be required to wear gloves, and they will be the only ones handling produce and packaged food. The market is also requesting that all prepared foods not be eaten at the market, but instead taken home before eating. Come Saturday, there will be plenty of fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs, dairy and prepared goods available for all who may need them or want to support local farmers during this national emergency. While the inside of the Easton Public Market will be closed, many of the markets vendors pivoted to a curbside pick-up system, including the Highmark Farmstand, which is also sourcing most of its goods from local farms, including eggs and dairy products. According to the Easton Farmers Market release, both the farmstand and Winter Market will continue to accept EBT cards from Pennsylvania and New Jersey SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users. Thanks to a USDA grant through Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (BFBLGLV), both markets offer LV Fresh Food Bucks (formerly Double Snap), with EBT purchases matched by BFBLGLV, up to $10 per day. Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ConnorLagore. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A line was crossed, a precedent set when Ohios well-meaning governor blocked Tuesdays primary election. To be sure, there were risks to poll workers and in-person voters. But in a democracy, nothing is more important than a free and fair election. An opportunity was missed, as those turning up at the polls might have been given absentee ballot applications to fill in on the spot, with an off-site vote completed in a few weeks. Now, the White House has a model for calling off Novembers election if COVID-19 persists. To counter this possibility, Ohio and other states should plan now for a totally mail-in ballot this fall. H. Richard Obermanns, Shaker Heights Imagine a pristine T&T where there are no more homeless people or animals. One where hunger has been eliminated as the relic of a bygone era. A world where pipe-borne water is delivered to every home every day, not wasted in an archaic system where significant leaks are either ignored or washed out to sea. The three newly-opened medical centres in Luxembourg City, Esch/Alzette and Ettelbruck are specifically open to patients with coronavirus symptoms. The aim of these medical centres is to avoid patients with coronavirus symptoms gathering in a general practitioner's waiting room, or entering an emergency department. The three centres opened their doors at 10am on Wednesday. As of Thursday they are open on working days between 8am-4pm. The health ministry stated very clearly that a call with the GP is required before presenting oneself at a medical centre. The latter is namely not meant for a consultation, but for those patients already suffering from symptoms such as coughing, respiratory difficulties, or fever. If a GP prescribes a coronavirus test, the patient should head straight to the testing facility. The medical centres are situated at the following locations: Luxembourg City: 59, rue Michel Welter, L-2730 Luxembourg Esch/Alzette: 70, rue Emile Mayrisch, L-4240 Esch/Alzette Ettelbruck: 110, avenue Lucien Salentiny, L-9080 Ettelbruck Eva Longoria has declared that she isn't worried about the toilet paper shortage amid the global coronavirus pandemic as she has a fancy washer-dryer loo. The former Desperate Housewives star, 45, took part in an Instagram live chat with her publicist and actor friend Jaime Camil on Thursday, as they both self-isolated from home amid COVID-19 fears. And while Eva joked that she doesn't mind quarantining because she 'doesn't like people', Jaime admitted that the toilet paper shortage perplexed him. Self-isolating: Eva Longoria has declared that she isn't worried about the toilet paper shortage amid the global coronavirus pandemic as she has a fancy washer-dryer loo 'I know!' Eva replied, as more than 3,000 fans tuned in to watch, 'But I have one of those fancy toilets so I actually don't even use that much toilet paper.' Elaborating on her state-of-the-art bathroom appliance, she added: 'It washes. It dries. It swirls. It has an oscillator thingy... so I'm good!' Jane The Virgin star Jaime informed Eva - who was broadcasting from her kitchen - that his assistant is FedEx-ing him toilet roll from Mexico. While Eva went on to insist that panic buying amid the global crisis is not the answer. No worries here! Talking about the toilet paper shortage, Eva said: 'I have one of those fancy toilets so I actually don't even use that much toilet paper. It washes. It dries. It swirls. It has an oscillator thingy... so I'm good!' (pictured in her bathroom with son Santiago last year) Chat! The former Desperate Housewives star, 45, took part in an Instagram live chat with her publicist and actor friend Jaime Camil on Thursday, as they both self-isolated from home amid COVID-19 fears 'You don't need 75 rolls of toilet paper! You don't need 75 portions of chicken! If you buy all the hand sanitiser, there won't be any more for anyone else. And that's how the virus spreads!' She added: 'Now is a time to stay home. But also to be kind to others. Check on your elderly neighbour to see if they have food. Cook them something and take it round. Just wear gloves!' It comes after Eva and her husband Jose Baston ventured out with their son Santiago, 21-months, for a walk through the park in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. Fresh air: It comes after Eva and her husband Jose Baston ventured out with their son Santiago, 21-months, for a walk through the park in Beverly Hills on Tuesday Eva, 45, made it clear that she and the family were still keeping safe amid the ongoing coronavirus fears, taking to Instagram to share a selfie of her and Santiago with the message: 'Out for some fresh air and then right back inside!!' The star seemed happy to be safe and sound with her family after just recently travelling to Italy, the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. On February 20 Eva flew from Los Angeles to Rome to shoot a short film amid the coronavirus outbreak that has since put all of Italy under lockdown. She was staying in Castel Gandolfo, a medieval town 25 kilometers away from the capital, and was pictured running through the woods while shooting a scene. Near the end of February she assured her Instagram followers that she was all right since she was not in northern Italy, where the virus first became a major concern. 'Hi everybody. I am shooting in this small town in Italy. I am nowhere near the North, thank you for your concerns,' she said. 'Everyone was calling and texting me about the coronavirus in the north of Italy. It's really sad, but we're further away.' ALBANY, N.Y.In New Yorks state Capitol, lawmakers voted one at a time or in small groups in nearly empty chambers. In Boston, legislators postponed public hearings, promising to take virtual testimony on bills. State lawmakers in Mississippi, California and Nebraska gaveled out, holding hope of returning once the crisis passes. As the coronavirus continues to radically change the day-to-day rituals of tens of millions of Americans, state lawmakers across the country are scrambling to balance their sworn duties with fears of infection and legislative priorities that have been upended and reshuffled. That was especially the case in Albany, where two members of the state Assembly from Brooklyn, Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron, have tested positive for the virus, leading to cancelled legislative sessions and a surge of lawmakers and staff who are seeking tests. Indeed, passionate debate of social issues like criminal justice reform and climate change has quickly given way to more pressing financial concerns, as states grapple with swelling unemployment figures and the prospect of plummeting tax receipts. Around the country, legislatures rushed to pass costly emergency funding to beef up local health departments on the front lines of the response, trampling ambitious agendas laid out at the beginning of the year. At least 17 statehouses have postponed their legislative sessions, with lawmakers effectively retreating from public view, reshaping a core function of government and the way constituents are able to access their elected officials at the height of a pandemic. The decision to shutter drew a stark contrast to Congress, whose leaders remain resistant to closing the Capitol. In the Senate, lawmakers continued to meet in large groups in defiance of guidance from public health officials, though they attempted to impose social-distancing restrictions on the Senate floor. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week that members of Congress would be the last to leave, like captains of a ship. And Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md. and the House majority leader, said remote voting would set a bad precedent, even as a dozen or so members are in self-quarantine. On Wednesday, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican from South Florida, confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus after suffering from a fever and a headache over the weekend. He is the first member of Congress to test positive and said he was quarantining in his apartment in Washington. Outside the nations capital, governments big and small, from village councils in Florida to the Massachusetts statehouse, were taking extraordinary measures to retrofit traditional and often recalcitrant ways of governing to the age of the coronavirus. Many statehouses have shut their doors to the public. Utah is looking to allow lawmakers to convene digitally. The Connecticut Legislature revised its rules to permit committees to vote by phone. Other states were also considering changes to rules that require members to be physically present to cast a vote. The state Legislature in Washington, which has seen the second-highest number of confirmed cases and highest number of deaths, adjourned its session last Thursday as scheduled. But the outbreak forced it to approve $200 million (U.S.) in virus-related spending and to scrap ambitious plans for new climate change and gun control laws. California lawmakers went into recess Monday night until at least April 13, even as the San Francisco Bay Area fell under a shelter-in-place order, which sharply limits residents mobility. State Sen. Toni G. Atkins, D-San Diego, who leads Sacramentos upper chamber, said that the decision to recess gave lawmakers a chance to return to their districts to address mounting constituent concerns. I think we have a critical role to play whether in Sacramento or San Diego, she said. In Albany, New Yorks capital, lawmakers grappled with fears that the coronavirus could cripple the states finances and its progressive agenda. There were 2,382 positive cases in the state as of Wednesday, and 20 deaths linked to the disease. On Wednesday, Assembly and Senate members warily returned to Albany to find a different kind of Capitol: its usually bustling hallways empty, its cocktail bars shuttered and its fundraisers cancelled, with normally gregarious legislators avoiding shaking hands or hugging. The transformed landscape led veteran lawmakers to wonder aloud whether their tradition-bound rules needed to be adapted for the outbreak. Theres got to be a 21st-century way to deal with this, said Assemblyman Daniel ODonnell, 59, a nine-term Democrat from Manhattan, who drove to Albany in a car packed with sanitary wipes and rubber gloves to push a button. Im not a hypochondriac, he said. But Im very anxious about this. About 200 miles south, New Jersey lawmakers passed a rush of 29 coronavirus-related bills and resolutions in under an hour Monday, as just two spectators watched from the gallery. The bipartisan bills, if approved by the New Jersey Senate on Thursday and signed into law by the governor, will fund extra cleanup at schools and nursing homes and offer job protections for workers affected by the coronavirus. They would also give lawmakers the ability to vote remotely if they cannot make it to Trenton, the capital. In New York, lawmakers were ordered back to the Capitol now closed to the public on Wednesday to pass an emergency bill to guarantee sick leave to those under quarantine. Such issues have taken on more urgency in New York, which has the nations highest number of confirmed cases and a mandatory statewide shutdown of many businesses. The legislation, which Cuomo signed Wednesday evening, requires government entities and private businesses with 100 or more employees to provide workers in mandatory or precautionary quarantine at least 14 days of paid sick leave. Smaller businesses would be able to tap into state insurance programs to help cover their employees leave. With a state budget due April 1, legislators were also pushing to accomplish the once unthinkable in Albany: reach an early budget agreement, perhaps within the next week, though questions of how much revenue the state had lost from the virus-related economic swoon were complicating negotiations. Tax revenues will be $4 to $7 billion lower than originally projected, according to new estimates from the state comptroller. Lawmakers also returned after being chided by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has taken a leading role among national leaders in responding to the crisis. Cuomo dismissed concerns that returning to the often close quarters of the legislative chambers was dangerous. I want them to do their jobs, Cuomo said Sunday, when asked about whether lawmakers should continue to come to the Capitol. If you didnt want to be here, you shouldnt have run for office. That call to duty was answered Wednesday, albeit under unusual circumstances; in the state Assembly, lawmakers were told to stay in their offices before being called to the chamber to vote in small batches of a dozen or so. Group 6, please come to the chamber and cast your vote, said Jeffrion L. Aubry, a Queens assemblyman and the Speaker pro tempore, calling in one delegation. Carl E. Heastie, the Assembly speaker, said that with members trying to balance their constitutional duties with health protocols, the legislative agenda may have shrunk as the crisis has grown. I would say the list isnt as big as it was before, he said of budget priorities. In the 63-member Senate, no legislative staff was allowed on the chamber floor Wednesday. In a speech before a mostly vacant chamber, John Flanagan, the Senate Republican minority leader, announced his support for the bills which passed with largely bipartisan support and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. I use the word solemn because it almost feels like Im in a church, Flanagan said. Its like a house of worship because its so quiet. Theres good reason for it. One of those overseeing the strange procession was Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-Queens, who serves as deputy majority leader, who said the Senate was trying to keep the critical mass of actual humans in the chamber as low as possible. We have two motivations: One is to get our work done, and theres important work to be done, given everything going on, Gianaris said. And the other is not to put anyones health at risk. The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) did not achieve the best financial outcome when selling off loans linked to Quinlan Private, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General has found. The loans in Project Nantes were part of a bigger portfolio of loans with a combined par value at acquisition of 489 million. Clairvue Capital Partners paid Nama 26.6 million for the loans, secured on properties bought by Quinlan Private, a partnership led by financial adviser, Derek Quinlan. The C&AG Seamus Mc Carthy's office compiled their report in relation to their review of the NAMAs management and disposal of the Project Nantes Loans and was presented to cabinet on Thursday. Concerns which gave rise to the report centred around the adequacy of the process used by NAMA when selling the Project Nantes loans and the price achieved for the loans. The report found errors and poor analysis by NAMA meant the target price decided for the loans was much lower that it should have been. The loans in Project Nantes were sold for 27m, however the C&AG found they could have been sold for 56m. The key finding from the report is that:"There is no basis to conclude that NAMA achieved the best financial outturn from the Project Nantes loan sale." Sinn Fein's David Cullinane said the report was a case of deja vu. The publication of this report is deeply troubling," he said. "The report found that errors and poor analysis by NAMA meant that the proceeds for the project were significantly lower than they should have been. The report concludes that had the full scope of the loan portfolio been consistently and accurately reflected in the NAMA target, the residual amount to be achieved through the loan sale would have been 29 million more than was achieved. We have been here before with Project Eagle. We are here again with Project Nantes. "It is remarkable that the C&AGs look back at two NAMA loan sales has shown a disregard for competitive sales and marketing processes as well as alleged errors in securing accurate and independent asset valuations. "This report will need to be carefully considered and acted upon. NAMA disputes the position that a better financial outturn could be achieved as they generated cash of 210m in total from the transaction, noting this is well in excess of both the original payment target and the revised payment target. The Project Nantes loans were part of a bigger portfolio of loans being managed by a firm called Avestus Capital Partners. As Americans hunker down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, zoos and aquariums have launched "home safaris", allowing "visitors" to view their animals through virtual tours and webcams. An aquarium in Chicago has released footage of penguins exploring and meeting other "residents," and it is honestly the cutest thing you'll see today. Shedd Aquarium, which is located at 1200 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, released footage of penguins Edward and Annie bonding and exploring the empty museum. The video has racked up 445,884 views on their Instagram page a day after posting. Social media users praised the aquarium for releasing the content in an effort to uplift the American spirit during the coronavirus crisis. Shedd Aquarium promised to deliver more animal-related content... and deliver they did. They posted multiple images of the animals celebrating St. Patrick's day with their caretakers. The images included Biff the sea lion, Ellie the sea otter, Sparrow the Magellanic penguin, and Laguna the sea lion. Wellington, their 32-year-old rockhopper penguin, was also captured making friends with sea otters. The footage is premium content at its finest. Other museums took a cue from the beloved penguins and released footage of their own. Sue, Chicago's favorite dinosaur roamed the Field Museum to combat the penguins' rising popularity. The footage even shows her walking up to a penguin display as if challenging the adorable creatures: 'It's your turn, Shedd Aquarium.' The Saint Louis Zoological Park, which is located in Forest Park, Saint Louis, Missouri, also released photos and footage of their animals having fun. One post showed a polar bear having the time of its life posing for the camera in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Another showed their own penguin troop waddling around with the zoo's animal care team despite their limited number of staff. The Humboldt penguins who were named Pedro, Fernando, Chirrida, Guapo, Mona, and Marco visited other penguins in the enclosure. They also dropped by the souvenir shop in an attempt to buy keychains and plushies but were met with closed doors. Yesterday, our Humboldt penguins took a field trip from their outdoor habitat to inside Penguin & Puffin Coast. They got to visit the Gentoo, king & rockhopper penguins, as well as the horned & tufted puffins. There was a quick stop at the closed gift shop & the offices upstairs. pic.twitter.com/KtcXdoc8Vf Saint Louis Zoo (@stlzoo) March 18, 2020 The Saint Louis Zoo opened a "virtual" viewing of their penguins from 9 am to 5 pm. Visit stlzoo.org/penguincam to watch the penguins and puffins live. Also Read: Studios to Simultaneously Show Films Online and in Theaters Use These Games to Kill Time While Stuck Indoors Board Games to Tide You Over During the Lockdown The Dallas Zoo, which is closed at least through March 20, began sharing their feel-good animal content on social media with the hashtag #BringTheZooToYou. The zoo continuously uploads behind-the-scenes footage and educational videos on their social media sites. Gregg Hudson, Dallas Zoo's chief executive, said their virtual tours are a way to stay in touch with over 30,000 families living in Dallas, offering respite following the surge of COVID-19 cases and lockdown measures. Hudson said their employees are now down to 100 and are watching over 2,000 animals in the enclosure. Shifts are being staggered and staff members are being trained to replace on another in the event that someone contracts the coronavirus. The zoo will reportedly keep all seasonal and part-time staff members on the payroll. Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more Does your customer relationship management strategy have what it takes to reach Generation Y? Its estimated that by 2021, an additional US$394 billion in revenue could be gained from artificial intelligence adoption in CRM activities in the U.S. As companies grow and technology evolves at a faster-than-ever pace, collecting, storing and providing data is becoming a bigger and bigger task. No customer and certainly not your millennial customer will wait around if youre not able to provide an answer or solution right away. As we leave behind the information age and move into the experience age, information, systems and increasingly more businesses are driven by technological advancements with things like AI, in-the-moment data sharing, and mobile connectivity. An intelligent CRM system is a no-brainer when deploying a dependable and up-to-date customer management strategy. Previously, the idea of communication and customer experience simply was to make things accessible, but the experience age is all about creating an experience and building an emotional connection that makes an impact all in the name of attracting new customers and retaining loyal ones. In the wealth management and financial services industry, the rise of intergenerational wealth is considered by some experts as one of the top trends that will influence the paradigm shift in the wealth management industry in 2020. In fact forecasts indicate that by 2030 millennials will hold five times as much wealth as they do now for a total of $20 trillion in assets globally, with baby boomers expected to pass down another $30 trillion in assets by 2050 in North America alone. Millennials are Americas largest living adult generation, which means attracting and retaining Generation Y customers should be top of mind for any business. To attract and retain, businesses have to speak their language, and learn to communicate in the way they do often this means through technology and social media. While every business and industry has different needs, in the age of the customer, intelligent CRM is one way to offer exceptional customer service in a way that compliments the millennial customers expectation of an immersive and on-demand experience. Proper integration of the right CRM system for your business, exceptional customer service and forward-looking digital features (think built-in AI capabilities!) are the key to attracting the next generation of customers who value instant communication and access to companies and brands above all else. Following are four key ways investing in an intelligent CRM solution will help you earn the loyalty of this fast-growing, influential segment of customers, maximize your day-to-day productivity, and ultimately increase your profitability. 1. Personalization: Never Miss Another Milestone As many as 68 percent of customers leave if they feel you dont care about them, based on one study. Thanks to increased automation, its easier than ever for millennials to leave one company for another at the click of a button. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Innovation is crucial to survival in this age, but its important to note that across many industries, this likely does not take as high of a priority as it should. For example, in the wealth management and financial services sector, only about 20 percent of client-facing interactions today are done digitally by industry professionals, recent research from Nucoro shows. Only 55 percent of these same companies will be around in 10 years if they fail to innovate digitally with solutions like intelligent CRM, it suggests. Integrated CRM pulls data from back-office systems and third-party applications, essentially doing all the heavy lifting for you so you never have to miss another milestone that could make or break your customers loyalty. Let it automatically prompt you with timely, appropriate reasons to call your clients, whether its a birthday, new job, or the birth of a new family member. 2. Use AI to Automate Tasks, Saving Time and Boosting Productivity Digital literacy is needed now more than ever when it comes to companies and their clients. To maintain, strengthen and acquire new and existing client relationships, updated technology that integrates into existing customer management processes is a non-negotiable. That means artificial intelligence capabilities are merely the next step in the client retention and engagement process especially where Generation Y is concerned. On average, financial advisors spend only about 50 percent of their time in client-facing interactions, with the rest of their time spent on administrative and other tasks. Why not increase that face-to-face client time by integrating an intelligent CRM system that alleviates administrative burdens so you can spend time building relationships instead? AI-powered CRM enables advisors to review their clients portfolios, recent transactions, interests, etc., with ease, and prior to any personal interactions. That helps deepen and strengthen the client-business relationship. Historically, these are all things that would be tracked offline a manual, labor-intensive task that often fails to comply with heightened regulatory and fiduciary responsibilities. In addition to the many perks of intelligent CRM systems mentioned above, built-in AI capabilities offer a variety of other benefits, chief among them the cost-effective and efficient ability to automate workflows and streamline client processes. Some companies offer digital assistants that not only generate data-driven recommendations, but also present those recommendations and tasks in order of highest value based on industry best practices or company-established guidelines. Combining vertical-specific industry best practices with a modern, service-oriented architecture means timely information and actionable insights are delivered directly to your fingertips a key differentiator for any business looking to level-up on its customer service. 3. Be Part of the Social Media Conversation We live in a social media world that infiltrates every part of our daily lives. Ninety percent of millennials use at least one social media platform, and roughly three-quarters of Facebook users and 60 percent of Instagram users visit these platforms twice a day, research shows. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Whats more, its not just millennials who use social media: The same study shows that roughly 69 percent of baby boomers are active on at least one social media platform an increase from 51 percent just five years ago, making a social media presence for your brand non-negotiable. Your intelligent CRM system knows your customers better than you ever will. Integrating intelligent CRM into your growth strategy allows you to streamline all your marketing initiatives and personal customer touchpoints easily, by centralizing all of your social media efforts into one accessible platform. The rise of social media gives customers much more negotiating power than past generations, thanks to their ability to control the conversation not just with you but with their peers as well. While specific features may vary, based on the level of integration, social CRM capabilities generally speaking will allow you to stay informed about your customers personal milestones and highlights. Youll never miss an opportunity to follow up and offer the best recommendations, identify brand mentions and customer trends, and gain insight into best practices and tips for engaging with a current or prospective client based on the analytics gathered. Whats more, social CRM isnt just about following your customers and getting them to like your page and posts. Its about providing value whether by resolving a customer complaint quickly online, or offering a discount to a new customer. Its an effective way to ensure youre always apart of the conversation! 4. Eliminate Costly Mistakes Through Automated Compliance, Best Practices We are in the age of the millennial, but also the age of heightened regulatory reform. Organizations that fail to adopt systems that track all client communications and interactions will be at risk. The financial services industry, for instance, has been rocked in the past decade as much by scandal and turbulent markets as it has by the resulting culture of control, transparency requirements, and demand for high-level accountability. Investing in modern, integrated CRM software with a centralized security model, flexible auditing capabilities, and a repository of client interactions and customer risk tolerance documents will ensure your business longevity if the need ever arises, without impeding your ability to serve and earn the trust of all your clients millennials or otherwise. Integrating the software with compliance systems in addition to third-party applications including market news and other relevant data provides unprecedented abilities to leverage best practices, from accurate and meaningful reporting capabilities to interdepartmental collaboration, with everything always pointing back to a focus on proactive customer service, revenue growth, and automation that increases productivity. Its not just about meeting your customers needs anymore. Building relationships that are meaningful and that actually last is essential to your business long-term success. Whats even more important to consider is the power of influence loyal millennial customers could provide for your business. Seventy-four percent of millennials believe they can affect the purchasing decisions of fellow millennials as well as those of older generations, including baby boomers, one study shows. Millennials are much more likely to rate their experience with a service or product online, meaning people are going to hear about their experience with your brand whether you like it or not. Utilizing antiquated technologies and customer service tools will undoubtedly drive away your most important segment of customers. With millennials expecting fast and accessible customer service any time of day, its crucial to your business success to recognize that and address it with the right tools. Technology constantly evolves to meet consumer needs. As you can see, its nearly impossible to stay competitive in todays marketplace without innovating to meet these needs. Regardless of which CRM solution you end up choosing for your business, theres no reason that with proper integration, you cant adopt a client-centric business model tailored to millennials, baby boomers, and everyone in between one that understands their needs, motivators and interests, while also fostering loyalty to your business and brand. From alleviating administrative burdens to retaining top talent, to leveraging enterprise information to drive revenues, and automating regulatory compliance and best practices, intelligent CRM is a one-stop-shop for elevating your business in 2020. By investing in a next-generation CRM solution that is built specifically to help your business effectively service and resonate with your clients not to mention increase the time you are able to spend on activities that grow your business and revenues you can rest knowing you are doing everything possible to propel your business to the next level. The only question now is, which CRM solution will you choose? One more person tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 25, as the Left government announced a Rs 20,000 crore financial package to tide over the present crisis being faced by the southern state in the wake of the virus outbreak. The multi-crore special package includes Rs 500 crore health package, Rs 2,000 crore loans and free ration. The man who tested positive had returned from Dubai and hailed from the northern Kasaragod district, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a COVID-19 review meeting. He said 65 people were hospitalised on Thursday. "At least 31,173 people are under surveillance, of whom 237 are in observation in hospitals across the state" he said. Detailing the financial package, Vijayan said loans worth Rs 2,000 crore would be made available to needy families through all-women network 'Kudumbashree' during April-May. Rural employment guarantee programmes worth Rs 1,000 crore each will be implemented in April-May, he said. Social security pension of Rs 1,320 crore, to be given in April, would be distributed this month, he said, adding that 50 lakh people are benefited through the pension scheme. Those belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) and Anthyodaya, who are not receiving social security pension, would be given Rs 1,000 each, for which Rs 100 crore would be earmarked. Cutting across APL and BPL families, 10 kg free ration would be given and Rs 100 crore would be set apart for the purpose, he said. A string of 1,000 low-cost hotels, providing food at Rs 20, would be opened across the state next month, the chief minister added. The 'fitness' charges of autorickshaws and taxis and one month tax of stage and contract carriages would be waived, Vijayan said. Consumers would be given a month to clear their electricity and water bills and film theatres would get entertaintment tax waiver. Vijayan said he had held a meeting of various defence heads in the state here and they have promised all help. They have promised the services of their hospitals, doctors, paramedical staff and barracks amd ambulances for coronavirus care. Helicopter services would also be provided to the state for transporting medicines, sick people and food at various places in case of emergency. Asked about the several Keralites being stranded in Italy, he said "Our effort is to bring all of them back to the state." The chief minister also asked people to stay away from the Bharani festival at Kodungalloor on Friday which normally sees a heavy turnout of devotees from all over the state. The Southern Railway has cancelled five long distance and eight passenger trains due to poor turnout of people following the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court on Thursday directed banks, financial institutions and Income Tax authorities to defer recovery proceedings till April 4. Authorities dealing with GST, recovery of tax on motor vehicles and building tax have also been asked to stall recovery proceedings till April 4, Justice Amit Rawal said in his order. Recovery cases were piling up in the court on a daily basis and today itself 80 such cases had come up, the judge said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 2020-03-19 23:17:23 On Monday, the region of the Southern Aegean asked authorities to stop travelers from Athens unless they are permanent residents of the islands Thousands of Athenians have left the Greek capital for the countryside, their second homes in nearby resorts, villages and the Aegean islands as Greece shuts down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The mass exodus, however, raises concerns that the virus would then be transferred to isolated areas that have until now no known cases of the disease. On Monday, the region of the Southern Aegean asked authorities to prevent travelers from Athens from arriving there unless they have a permanent residence on the islands. Kathimerini reports that the local authority of Amorgos island called on travelers with suspicious symptoms and those who have recently traveled abroad to stay away. anatakti Thibault / Fotolia Deer Park city officials are poised to consider what to do regarding the planned May 2 municipal elections in light of the threat to the region from the novel coronavirus pandemic, a city spokesperson said. City Council is expected to address that very soon, the spokesperson, Kristen Edwards, said Thursday. The day before, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation allowing local governments to postpone elections until November because of the coronavirus (also called COVID-19), and he recommended that entities do so. The chorus for restoration of high-speed 4G internet services on mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir has grown following the detection of the first case of coronavirus in the valley. Several people, including Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti, have called for the restoration of the services to help raise awareness about the virus. "World's battling coronavirus but J&K admin still unrelenting & refuses to lift inhuman ban on 4G. In times of COVID pandemic, access to Internet & info is a necessity not a privilege. Are Kashmiri lives so cheap? (sic)," Iltija wrote on her mother's Twitter handle. She has been using the former chief minister's Twitter account since Mehbooba was detained on August 4 last year. The government in a recent order said the low speed internet will continue in the union territory till 26 March "in the interest of sovereignty and integrity" of the country. Mattu on Wednesday said the Kashmir Valley recorded its first positive case for novel coronavirus in Srinagar. The Srinagar mayor has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting that 4G Internet services be restored in J-K. Mattu said the move would help minimize the impact of the spread of the virus. People in the valley said the high-speed internet was not a luxury anymore, but a necessity in view of the virus outbreak across the world and have demanded its immediate restoration. "The administration in J-K must realise how important high speed Internet can be at this time. People need to know information in real-time so that they prepare and pre-empt their actions against the spread of this virus," Shuja-ul-Haq, president of Kashmir Press Club, said. The residents in the valley said the world was looking up, on internet, for information to curb the spread the virus, so it was high-time for the authorities to restore the high-speed data services on mobile phones. "With growing fear of coronavirus in Kashmir, the world advances towards the virtual world to curb misinformation and increase awareness among people. Isn't it high time to restore 4G in Kashmir? Wani Shahid, a resident asked. "It is high time now that the authorities take a decision on restoration of 4G internet in the valley," another resident, Sardar Nasir Ali khan said. The Kashmiris appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister to intervene in the matter. "It is a humble request to the PM and HM to restore 4G in Kashmir as soon as possible keeping in view the vulnerability of coronavirus. "Less people are aware of this pandemic here and restoring 4G will help," Rayees Ahmad said. Rameez Nazir said it was the high-time to restore 4G services in valley in order to allow people to work from home. Many Twitter users criticised the authorities for posting the awareness videos on the social media, saying the low-data speeds do not help their cause. "Authorities in #Kashmir are posting videos on Twitter about preventive measures during the pandemic. But on the other hand they put restrictions on the internet those who run this system are combination of arrogant and ignorant that makes them lethal #Restore4GinKashmir, a user Aanis Bhat wrote. Another user, Shazia Bakshi, said the only tool for communication in times of social distancing was being denied to the people of J-K. "Internet is perceived to be a bigger threat to #Kashmiris than #Coronavirus !! At a time when #SocialDistancing is a way to survive this apocalypse, the ONLY tool for communication, knowledge, connectivity, information, work et al is being denied to us! Shame! #Restore4GinKashmir (sic)," she wrote on Twitter. "In this tough time when life is battling to fight deadly disease of #coronavirus worldwide people are informed and educated against the safeties, but unfortunately this government is not restoring the main medium of communication which is Internet in Kashmir. #Restore4GinKashmir," Basharat Gul Hassan, another user wrote. A student Nayeem Dar said the students were the suffering the most due to the restrictions on the internet speed. "If JK administration really cares about the people of Kashmir, then 4G restoration should be their first priority. Being a student myself, I know we suffer the most," he said. Internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year hours before the Centre announced the abrogation of provisions of Article 370. While the 2G services on postpaid mobile phones and broadband and lease-line services were restored months later, the 4G services continued to remain suspended. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Calling himself a wartime president, Donald Trump said he would sign the Defense Production Act in case we need it' to deal with an expected surge in cases of coronavirus Minneapolis: President Donald Trump on Wednesday moved to invoke a federal law that allows the government to marshal the private sector to fight the coronavirus epidemic, as the economic damage mounted with word that Detroit's Big Three automakers agreed to shut down all their factories to protect workers. On a day of head-spinning developments, stocks tumbled again on Wall Street, falling so fast they triggered another automatic trading halt. More borders slammed shut across Europe and North America, with the US and Canada agreeing to close their shared boundary to all but essential travel. And the Trump administration pressed Congress to swiftly pass a potentially $1 trillion rescue package to prop up the economy and speed relief checks to Americans in a matter of weeks. Calling himself a wartime president, Trump said he would sign the Defense Production Act in case we need it" to deal with an expected surge in cases of the virus. The law gives the president extraordinary authority to get industries to expand production and turn out vital materials. The news came as scientists announced the virus has infected more than 200,000 people worldwide and killed over 8,000, while the United Nations warned that the global fallout from the outbreak could cost nearly 25 million job losses around the world. Around the globe, officials took increasingly drastic measures to fight the epidemic and the threat of a recession. California's governor warned grimly that martial law could be imposed, while the mayor of New York said the city's 8.6 million residents should be prepared for a near-complete lockdown. Czech authorities used emergency powers to raid a warehouse and seize hundreds of thousands of face masks. With a growing number of Americans thrown out of work by the near-shutdown of much of the U.S. economy, Trump also said the Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions from public housing through April. Two people briefed on the matter said Wednesday that Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler agreed to close their factories. The two spoke on condition of anonymity because the closings had not been announced. The move would idle about 150,000 workers, who are likely to receive supplemental pay in addition to unemployment benefits. The U.S. reported more than 6,500 cases and at least 116 deaths, almost half of them in Washington state, where dozens of residents from a suburban Seattle nursing home have died. Meanwhile, across the European continent, desperate travelers choked border crossings after countries began shutting the doors against the coronavirus. And the Trump administration was said to be considering a plan to turn back all people who cross into the U.S. illegally from Mexico. Some bright spots emerged: Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the virus was first detected in late December and which has been under lockdown for weeks, reported just one new case for a second straight day Wednesday. But in a grim illustration of the epidemic's shifting center of gravity, the death toll in Italy moved closer to overtaking China's. Italy had more than 2,900 dead Wednesday after a record one-day total of 475 deaths; China's toll was just over 3,200. Iran has also been hit especially hard, with more than 17,000 cases and 1,100 deaths. In releasing the new global infection figures, Johns Hopkins University said more than 82,000 people have recovered from the virus, which causes only mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough in most cases, with severe illness more likely in the elderly and those with existing health problems. Still, scientists have no doubt the true number of people infected is higher than the 200,000 reported by health authorities because of the possibility that many mild cases have gone unrecognized or unreported, and because of the lag in large-scale testing in the U.S., where the effort has been marked by bumbling and bureaucratic delay. In the first-ever breakdown of its kind in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that coronavirus deaths in the United States mirror what has been reported in other countries, with about 4 out of 5 deaths occurring in people 65 and older and no deaths in children. The CDC looked at more than 4,200 cases reported through Monday. The coronavirus is present in all 50 states after West Virginia reported an infection. In far-flung Hawaii, the governor encouraged travelers to postpone their island vacations, while Nevada ordered its casinos closed. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio warned that residents should be prepared for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order within days a near-lockdown like the one covering almost 7 million people in the San Francisco Bay area. In the most sweeping measure of its kind in the U.S., they are allowed to leave their homes only for food, medicine or exercise. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom put the National Guard on alert for humanitarian duties like ensuring proper food distribution and public safety, as some grocery stores resorted to rationing to control panic buying. But he also said we have the ability to do martial law which gives the military authority and can suspend civil liberties - if we feel the necessity. The Trump administration's plan for issuing relief checks to Americans calls for the payment of $500 billion in two installments, in April and May. The amounts have yet to be decided but would be based on income and family size. Meanwhile, miles-long traffic jams spread across Europe, where leaders have closed borders to nonessential traffic. Tens of thousands of people across the continent were struggling to return home amid the closed borders and dramatic cuts in the number of flights. At one point, trucks were backed in Austria up for 28 kilometres (17 miles) and cars for 14 kilometres (nearly 9 miles). In Southeast Asia, the causeway between Malaysia and the financial hub of Singapore was eerily quiet after Malaysia shut its borders, while the Philippines backed down on an order giving foreigners 72 hours to leave from a large part of its main island. Taiwan said that it, too, would ban foreigners from entry and citizens would have to quarantine at home for 14 days. Even tourists on Ecuador's Galapagos islands 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) off the South American mainland have been affected. Canadian Jessy Lamontaine and her family were stuck there when flights were suspended. I was in tears this morning, Lamontaine said. I couldnt get any answers from the airline. I had no money and didnt know whether I was going to keep my job. The crisis-hit on Thursday remitted more than Rs 397 crore, including the interest, of the Shree Administration, Puri as instructed by the temple authorities. A letter written by Senior Vice President, Yes Bank, Jaydev Das read, "With reference to your instruction issued to us, we have remitted Rs 397, 23,27,636/-(Principal Rs 389 crore and Interest Rs 8,23,27,636) to the designated SBI Account of Corpus Fund." "Please note that as per the term of condition of FD placed with us, Ltd has fully paid all the quarterly interest on time up to 31 December 31, 2019. The remaining interest that is accrued till March 19, 2020, has been remitted along with the principal amount of INE 389 crore to the SBI account of Corpus Fund," it adds. The official further said that two more fixed deposits (FDs) of the total value of Rs 156 crore of the temple administration are also with the bank and will be duly remitted on the date of maturity, which is March 30, 2020, to the same account. Yes Bank had resumed complete services on March 18 after the placed it under moratorium on March 5. The SBI has announced an investment of Rs 7,250 crore in Yes Bank through the acquisition of 725 crore shares at Rs 10 each. SBI's shareholding in Yes Bank after reconstruction will be within the 49 per cent limit. On March 13, the Union Cabinet approved a reconstruction scheme for Yes Bank as proposed by the RBI. WASHINGTON - Just a couple of weeks ago, Erika Vega hoped her temp job at a cafeteria would soon become permanent. But instead, the viral outbreak shut down the building where she worked and left her wondering where her next paycheque will come from. Like millions of Americans and people around the world, the viral outbreak has left Vega in financial limbo, without income as her bills pile up. The U.S. and global economies have come to a shuddering stop, unleashing a wave of layoffs that is much larger and moving much faster than job losses in previous downturns. They are swamping state unemployment benefits systems and leaving many Americans still working anxious about whether they will be next. Vega, 45, worked as a food preparer and dishwasher at a lower Manhattan office tower until last Thursday. The company that owned the cafeteria liked her work and said they wanted to hire her permanently. But she was still a temp when the building closed and her staffing agency says it has no more work available as the city has shut down bars and restaurants. The people who worked for the company get paid to stay home, but I dont, she said. Everybody wants to be safe and be at home but at the same time, we have bills that need to be paid. Tens of thousands of laid-off workers have already flooded state unemployment websites across the country to apply for jobless benefits. In the week ending March 14, the number of people seeking unemployment aid soared by 70,000 to 281,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That figure is still low historically, but it may soon surpass the record high of 650,000 in January 2009. Many states are already reporting big increases in benefit applications this week, which werent included in Thursdays figures. In Ohio, more than 48,000 people applied for jobless benefits just this Monday and Tuesday. Thats up from 1,825 in the same two days the prior week. And in neighbouring Pennsylvania, about 70,000 people sought unemployment aid on Tuesday, six times the total for the entire previous week. A flood of claims has crashed unemployment claims websites in New York, New Jersey and states across the nation. Layoffs are rippling through many companies, large and small. Each one means less income for those out of work, forcing them to cut spending, which can push still more businesses to cut jobs. On Thursday, a union official said that hundreds of workers were being laid off at Philadelphia International Airport. Gabe Morgan of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union told The Philadelphia Inquirer that an estimated 600 to 1,000 of its members will lose their jobs through Monday. Marriott International said Tuesday it has begun to furlough tens of thousands of employees. Furloughs are essentially temporary layoffs. Furloughed workers can receive unemployment benefits. The three major American automakers are temporarily shutting their North American factories, idling 150,000 workers. So are Toyota and Honda. Smaller companies have shut their doors with little time to prepare. Restaurants, bars, movie theatres, gyms, and other firms have been ordered to close by states and cities. In Portland, longtime independent bookseller Powells closed its five stores last weekend and has since laid off more than 300 workers. Compass Coffee, a small chain in Washington, D.C., has laid off 150 workers, or about 80% of its staff. The travel industry is at risk of being particularly devastated, with airlines grounding planes and hotels increasingly empty. The U.S. Travel Association predicts that 4.6 million jobs in the industry could be lost, which by itself would push the unemployment rate to 6.3%, from its current level of 3.5%. Jon Bortz, CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, which owns 54 hotels in major cities including New York, San Francisco and Seattle, said occupancy levels have dropped into the single digits. The company has laid off more than 4,000 of its 8,000 employees, and is likely to let go another 2,000 by the end of March, he said. We are looking at closing the doors at more than half of our properties, he said. Vega is just one of more than 315,000 restaurant workers in New York, many of whom are undocumented and therefore ineligible for unemployment benefits. She said her husband was scheduled to have hernia surgery next week, but was told the hospitals are overwhelmed and the operation has been postponed. Her husband is still working for New Yorks bike sharing program, Citi Bike, sanitizing bicycles. At least one of us is still working, but I dont know how much longer he can go on like that, she said. In Europe, job losses are piling up by the hundreds of thousands, though solid figures are not yet available. Airlines have announced tens of thousands of job cuts already, including 7,300 at Norwegian Air alone, while UK airline Flybe collapsed with a loss of 2,000 jobs. The auto industry is also likely to suffer. In Spain, about 100,000 people have been laid off already by one estimate, with Volkswagens local unit putting 14,000 on temporary unpaid leave after idling production. In Las Vegas, where the governor has ordered casinos, restaurants and other nonessential businesses to close for 90 days, Andrea Henderson has been laid off from her job as a dealer supervisor at the Bellagio casino-resort. She was laid off once before, after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but that was only for five days. This time, no one knows how long it will last. If it stretches into three months, then weve got a problem, she said. Were just hoping that it doesnt extend into the late spring. That would suck. Jessica, 35, who asked that her last name not be used, decided with her husband in January to move from Seattle to Atlanta after her husband accepted a new job with higher pay at Delta Air Lines. Now, with air travel tumbling, she worries that he will be laid off the company has cut most of its contractors and the couple spent their savings on the move. She fears they might have to declare bankruptcy. Who knew four months ago when we made this decision that the world would be in the position it is now? she asked. Theres an element of standing back and watching a train wreck happening that you cant stop and you didnt cause. Some firms are struggling but have figured out how to avoid layoffs, so far. In Nevada, Managed Sales Pros, a telemarketing firm, has lost four clients. To save the Las Vegas-based company from losing more business and laying off employees CEO Carrie Simpson has lowered rates for her other clients, and her 24 staffers have all agreed to take pay cuts to keep everyone employed. Simpson has cut her own pay too. We will all make $10 an hour while we brace and ride out the fallout from this, she said. ___ Associated Press Writers Carlo Piovano in London, David Koenig in Dallas, Michelle Price in Las Vegas, and Joyce Rosenberg in New York City contributed to this report. While Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church has mostly been restricted to the walled confines of the Vatican since the national lockdown in Italy was imposed on March 9, he decided to step out, to pray. He left the Vatican on the Sabbath and went to Rome, where he prayed at Basilica of Saint Mary Major and the church of San Marcello al Corso Sunday, reported Newsweek. When asked by La Repubblica journalist Paolo Rodari what he prayed for at the two churches, the pontiff replied: "I asked the Lord to stop the epidemic: Lord, stop it with your hand. That's what I prayed for." The Pope also echoed what WHO has been asking everyone to do to flatten the curve: Social distancing. "Sometimes, we only experience a virtual form of communication with one another. Instead, we should discover a new closeness. More concrete relationships made of attention and patience," he said. In 2005, the cast of The Office settled into a nondescript office space in Culver City, California, for a read-through of the pilot episode. When the actors were finished, studio and network executives asked to see the shows set. Youre sitting in it, they were told. Therein lies the magic of The Office, which premiered 15 years ago on March 24 and still maintains a fiercely devoted following long after going off the air. The series followed employees at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and found joy and heartache in lifes small, ordinary moments. In order for that to happen, a hyper-realistic world needed to be built. Steve Rostine, the shows set decorator, was given the task of bringing this unremarkable universe to life. Its very hard to create these middle-of-the road environments because you dont want your set to be the star, Rostine tells AD. The Office Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank He bought institutional-looking artwork for the walls and tracked down old desks with matching credenzas from a bank. The problem was, the desks looked a little too nice. Rostine gave them to a carpenter, who roughed them up, then sawed off the edges so they could be crammed together. Dunder Mifflin ended up feeling so much like a real office that visitors would sometimes try to use the bathrooms, whichmuch to their misfortunedidnt actually work. After the first season wrapped, creator/showrunner Greg Daniels moved the set to Chandler Valley Center Studios, a squat gray building in the San Fernando Valley. He didnt want the show to be shot on a studio lot with a bunch of other sitcoms, Matt Flynn, the series art director and production designer, recalls. He didnt want that sitcom feel to rub off on The Office. Ken Kwapis, who directed 13 episodes, including the pilot, adds: The area where we shot is very scrubby and industrial, and I think the only other film production that went on there was porn. It helped the cast feel like we werent making something in a Hollywood studio. Story continues The Office - Season 9 Photo: Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images The office had an open floor plan so the camera could capture all of the actors at any time. Everyone had to be on set and in character during each scene, whether they had lines or not. At any given point the camera might pan to find a reaction from Angela deep in the corner or at the opposite end where Leslie sits, Kwapis says. (Exceptions were Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, and B.J. Novak, who were also writers, and were placed in back cubicles so they could slip away to work on a script.) Over at reception, romantic tension between the characters Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) was heightened through a carefully mapped out desk configuration. The actors were placed perpendicular to each other, with Pams desk facing Jim and Jims desk facing away from hers, so hed have to purposely swing around to look at her. Kwapis and Daniels decided that the conference roomused for many uncomfortable lectures led by Steve Carells Michael Scottshouldnt have movable walls, which meant actors and crew were forced to cram into the tight space. To reinforce the idea that we were documenting a real workplace, there were no modular elements, Kwapis recalls. The camera team and directors had to respect the physical parameters of the space. The Office Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Every effort was made to keep The Office grounded in its Pennsylvania roots. Phil Shea, the prop master, flew to Scranton and met with the Chamber of Commerce, which led to a flurry of donations. Local businesses sent notepads, Froggy 101 Radio offered stickers, and Michaels beloved neon sign was courtesy of a Scranton beer company. Eagle-eyed fans might notice that the vending machine was stocked with potato chips from Herrs, a Pennsylvania-based company. It made a huge difference, Rostine says. Anything you can do that gives the actors a little something to hang on to enhances their ability to find who the characters are. The Office Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank When the team replicated a real Scranton venue, like the pub Poor Richards or the seafood restaurant Coopers, they would ask the Chamber of Commerce to send pictures of the interiors for reference. Youre trying to create a reality, Rostine explains. It was crucial that the exterior shots feel like Scranton, too. Flynn recalls paying property owners on the street where the show was filmed in exchange for cutting down palm trees and planting greenery with a more Pennsylvania feel. When the team tracked down an area that felt like the East Coast (for example, a historic spot filled with Victorian homes that doubled as Holly Flaxs new neighborhood), theyd return again and again. Details were everything. The writers decided that Jim would propose to Pam at a gas station halfway between New York City and Scranton, so Michael Gallenberg, the shows production designer at the time, flew out to visit a Connecticut gas station along Merritt Parkway to take pictures. The team then recreated that location on an empty asphalt parking lot in Los Angeles, down to the same gas pumps. The Office - Season 9 Photo: Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images To the viewer, it might seem like the office set stayed frozen in time. But when Kwapis returned to direct the shows finale, he was surprised by how much the space had changed: It was circling back to something I helped design and then at the same time, it felt like I was discovering it anew. Details had been layered in, like the characters who had gotten married and had kids, their new lives displayed on desks. The Office NBC See the video. Saying a final goodbye to that office proved difficult. I think everyone was very emotional, realizing that after we wrapped the finale, the set was going to be scrapped, Kwapis says. All these years later, the world of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company has stayed with the director. I have nothing but fond memories of that scrubby little building and scrubby parking lot, he says. It was so perfectly bland. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest NEW YORK -- The number of confirmed coronavirus in New York City now stands at 1,871 which includes 75 cases on Staten Island, City Hall said Wednesday evening. On Tuesday the number of confirmed cases on Staten Island was 36. The latest total comes as New York State now has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country. As of Wednesday evening, City Hall said 11 people have died of the virus. The latest borough breakdown includes: Staten Island: 75 Manhattan: 560 Queens: 499 Brooklyn: 452 Bronx: 284 Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled the latest figures Wednesday morning but cautioned that the number of positive cases was going up because the state now has more coronavirus testing capacity. On Thursday, the first drive-through testing center for coronavirus in New York City will be open for business in Ocean Breeze. Testing will be by appointment only between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the parking lot of South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Ave., Rep. Max Rose (Staten Island/Brooklyn) said in a post on Twitter. People with symptoms may schedule an appointment by calling the State Department of Health at 888-364-3065, Rose said. As of Wednesday morning, there were 2,382 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the state -- more than double of Washington States 1,012 cases, Cuomo said. Of those 2,382 cases across the state, Cuomo said 23% required hospitalization. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders S.I. to be first borough with drive-thru testing for coronavirus Fact vs. rumor: America is not quarantined for coronavirus, National Security Council says Coronavirus: NYC bars, restaurants limited to takeout and delivery Lees Tavern to temporarily shut its doors amid coronavirus outbreak Photos: Bare shelves inside Staten Island stores during coronavirus outbreak With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal How fast is coronavirus growing in New York? Chart shows dramatic rise in cases Coronavirus on Staten Island: Non-essential court proceedings postponed Coronavirus: Executive order will postpone all elective surgeries Education Minster Joe McHugh speaks to the media at a briefing about coronavirus (Niall Carson/PA) Education Minister Joe McHugh has said that despite the oral and practical State exams being cancelled, he expects the main written exams to go ahead as normal in June. He said: We are still working on the basis that the Leaving Cert will go ahead as normal in June. Junior and Leaving certificate oral and practical examinations have been cancelled. All students who were due to take these tests will be awarded full marks for this portion of the exam. The decision was taken in light of the closure of schools as a result of the Covid-19 virus and it will be implemented by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Journalists observe social distancing as Education Minister Joe McHugh answers questions (Niall Carson/PA) Mr McHugh said: This is a difficult time for all. Students are facing a challenging period out of school and our decision on this element of the exams is being taken with their best interests at heart. It is the fairest response we could take in the circumstances. It guarantees that no student will score less than they would have if schools had been operating as normal. We have seen a new emphasis on remote learning amid the uncertainty about the impact of Covid-19 and the closure of all schools. I hope this decision will ease some of the pressure that students are feeling and allow them to focus more clearly on completing project work and preparing for written exams. Mr McHugh said he expects Covid-19 to peak in mid-April. Were still focused on written exams going ahead. We dont have a baseline in terms of certainty. Ideal scenario would be the virus to peak in mid-April for students to come back after that. But its all based on hypothetical scenarios. Mr McHugh paid tribute to students for showing resilience during the school closures. He said: The last thing I wanted to do was put extra pressure on students when these exams were due to start next week. Students are under enough stress they can now focus on the written aspect. Education Minister Joe McHugh said he expects the main written State exams will go ahead as normal in June. #edchatie #covid19ireland pic.twitter.com/E24r8UJeWi Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) March 19, 2020 The change to the 2020 State examinations means all students who were due to take oral and practical performance tests in the following subjects will be given full marks for this part of the examination: Oral tests in Leaving Certificate Irish and the modern languages of French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese. Practical performance tests in Leaving Certificate Music. Practical performance tests in Junior Certificate Music and Home Economics. Mr McHugh said his department is working as quickly as possible to ensure students who need school meals can get them. He said he has asked officials to look at providing meals for children within the new Covid-19 guidelines as schools remain shut. We can be creative around this. A lot of restaurants are showing creativity. Lets look at what we can do, he said. Hopefully we will be in a position to make an announcement on that. Editor's take: Sony has some hurdles to overcome if it wishes to maintain its crown in the console wars. One of the big ones: backwards compatibility on the PS5. The company abandoned legacy support with the mid-season refresh of the PS3. With the PS4, it was more of an afterthought as Sony decided to slap users in the face with a subscription service to play older games that they probably already owned. Ouch! By any measure, Sony dropped the ball when it came to backward compatibility on the PlayStation 4. It was the first in the line that shipped without legacy support. Eventually, Sony enabled PS3 titles via the PS Now subscription service, meaning users had to pay to play legacy titles even if they already owned them. With the PlayStation 5, the console maker has been promising cross-generational compatibility, but until now has been vague about how it will work and how far back it will go. In a deep-dive keynote today, the PS5's architectural design head Mark Cerny said that so far, the system will be compatible with most of the "top 100" PS4 games. "We recently took a look at the top 100 PlayStation 4 titles as ranked by play time, and we're expecting almost all of them to be playable at launch on PlayStation 5," Cerny said (video below). While this is a far cry from full backward compatibility, at least it's better than what the PS4 had at launch. But with Microsoft's Xbox Series X promising support for all XB1 titles and many original Xbox and 360 games, it seems like Sony is not returning the competition's volley. Cerny did say they are working on expanding the back catalog as much as possible through legacy modes, at least with PS4 titles. He said that rather than sandwiching PS4 hardware into the new system, they designed the PlayStation 5's custom AMD chipset to support the previous console's logic. "[Putting PS4 chipsets in is] extremely expensive," he said. So instead, the new CPU will operate in three modes native PS5, legacy PS4 Pro, and legacy PS4. These modes are built into the AMD hardware, so while the technology may evolve, backward compatibility will not be removed for a mid-life-cycle price cut as it happened with the PlayStation 3. On the downside, Cerny said that because of the boosted frequencies, each PS4 and Pro title has to be tested individually for compatibility. Some older games may not be able to handle the new hardware, but so far, initial tests have been promising. "The boost is truly massive this time around, and some game code just can't handle it," Cerny explained. "Testing has to be done on a title-by-title basis. Results are excellent, though." No matter how "excellent" the results have been, being able to only play select PS4 titles is probably not going to sit well with those with an extensive catalog of PS4 games. Likewise, those on the fence about whether to invest in a PS5 or an Xbox Series X are not likely to be impressed. U.S. Army Garrison Daegu / Korea Times file By Kang Seung-woo Unpaid leave for Korean staff at U.S. military bases here is looming large as the ongoing round of defense-cost sharing talks between Korea and the United States is likely to end without any progress. In response to the potential furlough, the USFK Korean Employees Union is seeking countermeasures, including holding a press conference in front of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. Jeong Eun-bo, Korea's chief negotiator for the Special Measure Agreement (SMA), sat down with his U.S. counterpart James DeHart in Los Angeles for two days from Tuesday, but they failed to narrow their differences on Seoul's share of costs for stationing U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). The SMA determines the amount of money Korea will contribute toward the costs for the USFK. Although the scheduled two-day talks ended, an additional session will be held Thursday before the Korean team's departure for Seoul, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday. Korea's SMA contributions are used to cover the wages of 9,000 Korean workers at U.S. military bases as well as payment for construction projects and logistical support. Washington has warned of furloughs for most Korean workers starting April 1, if an agreement is not made. The USFK is set to fund only key positions that provide services related to life, health, safety and readiness, and it is currently prioritizing what services those workers provide, according to the USFK Korean Employees Union. "The USFK is expected to inform us of who are mission-critical and who are not next week," Son Gi-o, the union's secretary-general, told The Korea Times. "The USFK said it would pay for those engaged in the key positions, but almost all of us are doing such jobs. I am wondering what kind of criteria they are using." Regarding some media reports that 6,000 of the 9,000 Korean staff will be forced into taking unpaid leave, Son said nothing has been decided yet. Considering the seriousness of the wage issue, the Korean government has suggested that the allies conclude a deal on personnel expenditures first, but the U.S. government has rejected the proposal, saying such a partial agreement could distract them from reaching a comprehensive SMA. To protest the U.S. government's opposition to the partial agreement, the union plans to hold a press conference in front of the U.S. Embassy in Gwanghwamun one of the few options that the union can adopt. "Practically, we have few available measures as we are not allowed to take collective action, so we will hold a press conference," Son said, adding that some 50 people from the union and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions are expected to participate. The union secretary-general said the USFK is also concerned of possible fallout from a potential furlough, as evidenced by USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams saying the loss of Korean staff will have an impact on readiness, but it has no choice but to follow the order from the U.S. government. "We have decided to hold the event in front of the U.S. Embassy because the U.S. government, not the USFK, is mainly responsible for the current situation. In fact, the two countries do not have different opinions on the amount of personnel expenditures for Korean staff, so the personnel expenditure issue does not affect the entire SMA negotiations. But the U.S. is not accepting the demand for resolving the issue first. All responsibilities lie on the U.S. side," he said. Saying the U.S. is leveraging the Korean workers, Son said, "The USFK can also fall victim to the failed SMA." According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump wants Korea to pay nearly $4 billion (5 trillion won) annually a fourfold increase from the amount paid last year but the Korean government is maintaining its offer of 1.2 trillion won. Russia may have registered its first death from the novel coronavirus the latest sign that the pandemic is silently taking hold in the country but help is apparently on its way from God and the Orthodox Church. Clergymen of the Vysokopetrovsky male monastery in central Moscow have announced daily holy processions to fight off the deadly virus. Abbot Pyotr, master of the ceremony, said that the idea was for half a dozen clerics to circle the monastery every evening, splashing walls with holy water in a call for divine intervention. The first march took place following evening service on Wednesday. We turn to the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Blessed Saint Peter of Kiev, the Moscow Miracle Worker, for help and intercession to all those in need, the abbot explained on his Instagram page. Organisers insist parishioners will not be invited to join in the holy procession a concession to public health that follows the decision to ban an "automobile holy procession" last week. But was not immediately clear how even this limited march fitted into new city-wide regulations banning all outside gatherings. According to Abbot Pyotr, the tradition of holy processions at times of woe stretched back to Byzantium and the Middle Ages. The clergy and believers went around houses, streets, monasteries, calling on the Lord and saints to help, he said. Today we all need help from above. The Lord will not leave anyone! During the Middle Ages, a time of multiple epidemics, religious congregations were themselves not infrequent epicentres of disease. The indiscriminate nature of the Black Death in the 14th century killing as it did a high proportion of of clergymen was a major factor in diminishing the authority of Churches around the globe. The contagious nature of this disease means that peoples freedom and civil liberty affects others. Normally we go outside and dont hurt anyone, but in this situation we might, said Eugene Kontorovich, director of the Jerusalem-based Kohelet Policy Forum and a law professor at George Mason University outside Washington. Normally having our cellphone information kept private does not hurt anyone, he said. But if you carry the disease and the Health Ministry cant contact those who you might have infected, then it is dangerous. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 13:11:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Pang Hui placed a few more pairs of chopsticks on the table for a family dinner, though she did not expect her extended family of seven would use them as serving chopsticks. Surprisingly, her 75-year-old father, who used to shrug off the idea of serving chopsticks, became a staunch proponent this time, said Pang, 40, from Beihai, a coastal city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Chinese people often share dishes to express intimacy and diners use their own chopsticks to serve themselves food from the shared dishes, a tradition now being challenged by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. "We feel a sense of crisis as well as the urge to desert our old habits when we see reports of multiple family cluster infections," Pang said, pointing to reports of the virus spreading via droplets and close contact. Local governments are helping to encourage a shift in catering etiquette. On Feb. 10, local authorities of Beihai started a campaign promoting serving chopsticks and spoons, which will avoid cross-infection caused by the use of personal chopsticks. Huang Zongjun, president of the Beihai cooking and catering industry association, said the association would guide and supervise its members, including the canteens of schools and colleges. "We will reward those found to provide serving chopsticks and spoons during three consecutive spot checks." Similar measures were also adopted in other cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Taizhou city in east China's Jiangsu Province even standardized the designs of serving spoons and chopsticks, specifying the color and length of which to help diners differentiate them from personal ones. Serving utensils are not the only cultural phenomenon that has become trendy amid the epidemic in China, where collective traditions favor intimacy over social distance. In Haikou, capital of the island province of Hainan, the queue outside a duty-free shop seemed long but sparse. Since its reopening on Feb. 20, the shop has set one-meter bars at its entrance and check-out desks, reminding people in queues to stand at least one meter apart from each other. A tourist surnamed Ren from the eastern city of Hangzhou said most people get used to keep a distance from those using cashiers or ATMs to protect personal privacy and give a sense of security, but the practice is now being expanded to the whole line as people are concerned about their health. "China has done a good job of informing the public of the seriousness of the epidemic and how to stop the transmission, which helps raise the public health awareness," Ren said, adding that she will continue to maintain a one-meter gap even after the epidemic. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infected over 80,000 people and killed more than 3,000 in China. To contain the spread of COVID-19, the Chinese government is leading a nationwide campaign advising the public to avoid gatherings, wear masks and adopt a more health-savvy lifestyle. The city government of Beijing, for example, is mulling amendments of relevant regulations to add clauses on promoting the practice of covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or the elbow when sneezing or coughing, and wearing a mask when suffering from a cold. Wang Yan, who runs a carwash with her husband in Langfang, Hebei Province, said she was taught to cover her mouth with her hands when sneezing or coughing when she was young. "I didn't know until recently that this will leave bacteria and viruses on the hands and contaminate anything I touch," said Wang, 36, who has just taught her 10-year-old daughter and six-year-old son to adopt the new posture. The government is also targeting the practice of eating wild animals, which despite becoming increasingly rare in recent decades remains present in certain areas. China suspended the illegal trading and transportation of wild animals shortly after the outbreak. The move became a permanent ban on Feb. 24, when the country's top legislature adopted a decision on thoroughly prohibiting the illegal trading of wildlife and eliminating the consumption of wild animals. Li Bo with the Hainan international center for wildlife protection said wild animal consumption could lead to the faster extinction of particular species, damage the ecological balance and harm people's health. "The epidemic could become a turning point to eliminate the bad habit," Li said. Roddy Alves treated herself to a hair appointment on Wednesday, spending hours at Harrod's luxury salon in London. The TV personality, 36, dressed to impress for her glam time, stepping out in a slinky blue dress which she matched to her face mask. Roddy spent five hours getting a new set of hair extensions from her friend Claudio as she told fans she will be flying home to Brazil on Friday to be with her family amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Makeover time: Roddy Alves treated herself to a hair appointment on Wednesday, spending hours at Harrods luxury salon in London Roddy wowed in a plunging blue dress for her epic makeover, showing off her figure in the ruffled number. She teamed the dress with a feathered blue wrap and electric blue heels. A long pendant necklace added to the glam vibe. The fashion fan chose to use a surgical face mask as she left Harrods with her hairdresser pal. Taking to Instagram Stories, Roddy admitted 'it's really sad to see London, well the world, like this. Everyone wearing face masks.' Sharing a photo of herself mid makeover with Claudio, Roddy explained that she was keen to 'stock up with all my essentials' before heading home. Looking fab: The TV personality, 36, dressed to impress for her glam time, stepping out in a slinky blue dress and heels Dressed to impress: Roddy wowed in a plunging blue dress for her epic makeover, showing off her figure in the ruffled number Friends: The fashion fan left Harrods with her hairdresser pal after he spent five hours giving her new hair extensions 'Before lockdown in London I stocked up with all my essentials and as part of it I changed all my hair for Ricky hair @richyhairuk done by the amazing @claudioiaio at @Harrods Hair Salon in #london Stay safe, stay beautiful and healthy everyone,' she wrote. The Celebrity Big Brother star came out as transgender in January and has had extensive surgery since. Her most recent procedure has been facial feminisation and Adam's Apple removal surgery in February, which she has described as 'the most painful thing ever'. Strike a pose: She teamed the dress with a feathered blue wrap and electric blue heels. A long pendant necklace added to the glam vibe Precautions: The surgery fan wore a surgical mask as she headed out Heading home: The media personality explained to her fans that she is preparing to head home to Brazil on Friday to be with her family amid the coronavirus crisis She exclusively told MailOnline that she jetted to Belgium to have her jawline, forehead and the bones around her eyes shaved in a bid to make her face more feminine. Speaking previously, Roddy said: 'I can't speak very well because they removed my Adam's Apple so I have a sore throat. My eyes are very purple and swollen, I can't see anything. I can't see my new face. 'If I want to see anything I have to hold my phone up in order to read. Essential: Sharing a photo of herself mid makeover with Claudio, Roddy explained that she was keen to 'stock up with all my essentials' before heading home Having fun: Roddy looked carefree as she posed in her glam dress inside Harrods 'My pain threshold from one to 10 is four, I look dreadful but my pain is very low. I just have discomfort.' 'My hairline is much lower, my temples are much bigger as I have two titanium implants on my temples to make my face much more feminine. 'Hopefully I won't get mistaken for being a man anymore. My face will change a lot, will be smaller. This surgery has given me the diamond face that I always wanted.' Epic makeover: The star posted updates from her salon chair as she got a fresh set of long blonde extensions MONTREAL, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - IOU FINANCIAL INC. ("IOU" or "the Company") (TSXV: IOU), a leading online lender to small businesses (IOUFinancial.com), is providing an update to its business outlook given the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company's principal balance of its loan and servicing portfolios is diversified both across industry type and location within North America. In the current situation, IOU has modified its underwriting standards to cease lending to industries and geographical areas which are strongly impacted by COVID-19. IOU will closely monitor the performance of its portfolios and is prepared to react quickly as the situation may require. Most of IOU's operations are cloud-based, including its broker and merchant portals as well as its entire lending platform. Consequently, the Company has implemented a work from home program to protect its employees while ensuring the smooth continuity of its operations. Although we have not seen a deterioration of the Company's portfolio up to March 13th, 2020 due to the pandemic and the volume of applications remains strong, the duration of the current situation with the pandemic is unknown and considering the uncertainty faced by the North American economy over the coming months, the Company is retracting its previously disclosed long-term outlook for loan origination growth of 25% to 30%. However, the Company also sees potential for a greater than expected need for small business loans as significant working capital will be required once the situation normalizes. Furthermore, we are working closely with various government agencies to assist some of our merchants who may encounter hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. About IOU Financial Inc. IOU Financial Inc. provides small businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada access to the capital they need to seize growth opportunities quickly. In a unique approach to lending, IOU Financial's advanced, automated application and approval system accurately assesses applicants' financial realities, with an emphasis on day-to-day cash flow trends. IOU Financial allows these businesses to apply for six, nine, twelve, fifteen and eighteen-month term loans of up to US$500,000 to qualified U.S. applicants ($150,000 in Canada) within a few business days, with affordable charges favorable to cash-flow management. Its speed and transparency make IOU Financial a trusted alternative to banks. To learn more visit: IOUFinancial.com. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of IOU including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory and shareholder approvals, the execution of definitive documentation and the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. IOU does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE IOU Financial Inc. Related Links https://ioufinancial.com/en-ca/ 204 Shares Share I wish that I didnt have the experience of working 34 years as a nurse. I know the big picture in a hospital. A recent article stated that the Twin Cities, where I live, has 500 ICU beds, 450 ventilators. As of last Friday, those were 95 percent full. Apparently, there are new CDC guidelines stating that healthcare workers can wear surgical masks when N95 masks are not available, but the preference is the N95s. Patients should be placed in single rooms with airborne precautions, and negative pressure rooms should be saved for patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures. The preference is for wards to be set aside for coronavirus patients. In a surge, large hospitals would reconfigure to make a lot of their beds for coronavirus patients. ERs would probably triage people in a different way. If you arent seriously ill, you will be sent to a tent outside the hospital, treating the non-coronavirus patients. They will see you, send you to a clinic or admit you to the tent hospital or other facility set up elsewhere. There may be a separate tent set up just for non-serious coronavirus patients. There are five hundred ICU beds in my metro area of 3.2 million, and that is small in a situation like this. They would quickly fill up. The 450 ventilators would also be used quickly. Then what? There is a national stockpile of additional ventilators numbering 4,000 to 10,000 depending on who you ask. Great right? They will quickly be used. They will require more trained staff. Nurses will increase their normal workload exponentially. Old nurse-patient ratios will be out the window. In the meantime, the National Public Health Service will have deployed medical teams capable of setting up alternative care sites fully functioning hospitals with doctors and nurses. Apparently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sends out teams who coordinate the logistics of equipment and supplies. They probably deploy equipment and supplies from national stockpiles stationed around the country. The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is designed to fill in the gaps in national disasters. They will deploy their disaster assistance medical teams made up of doctors, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, NP/PAs, etc. along with technical personnel. They will fill in gaps in the healthcare system. The problem is they are intermittent civilian workers with other jobs. I will speculate about the military role in a pandemic. I served in the Air National Guard for four years as a flight nurse. The military participates in NDMS exercises along with civilian hospitals. For example, my aeromedical evacuation unit participated in Minnesota exercises coordinated with local hospitals during the time I served. Military hospitals would be used in a severe pandemic. They would expand capacity and bring in active duty nurses to supplement. The military has quickly deployable combat support hospitals that could be used. I saw it in the Middle East. Available active-duty nurses, doctors, combat medics could be redirected to staff them. The VA hospitals would expand capacity. I am sure there will be retired nurses and doctors brought in in a severe situation. All of this is a worst-case scenario. It is based on my reading and experience. I know it is not complete, and some aspects may be different than I wrote. Lets hope we dont get to this point. Susan Shannon is a retired nurse who blogs at madness: tales of a retired emergency room nurse. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Two days after he was granted bail by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Assam, anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) activist Akhil Gogoi was arrested again on Thursday morning. Although formalities regarding his bail were completed, the founder of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), a farmers rights body, could not avail it as police from Sibsagar district arrested him in a separate case. A police team from Sibsagar arrested him inside the central jail in Guwahati and took him away around 5:00 am on Thursday morning, said Gogois lawyer Shantanu Borthakur. A court in Sibsagar, located 360 km east of Guwahati, had granted four-day custody to the police in connection with a case lodged against the RTI activist in December last year during the peak of anti-CAA protests, which Gogoi and his organisation had been spearheading. There are several cases lodged against Gogoi in many police stations. We still dont have details of all of them. The one in Sibsagar was lodged suo motu by the police under 153A of IPC, a non-bailable section, said Borthakur. The IPC section deals with promoting enmity between different groups, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language, residence etc and doing acts prejudicial for maintenance of harmony. On Tuesday, the NIA court in Guwahati had granted bail to Gogoi after the agency failed to file chargesheet against him within 90 days of arrest and sought more time. Gogoi was arrested at Jorhat on December 12 last year for his role in the protests against CAA, which seeks to fast forward citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Buddhists and Jains from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He was later handed over to NIA and a court in Assam sent him in custody of the agency for 10 days. He was taken to New Delhi the same day for questioning. Gogoi was brought back to Guwahati on December 25 and was in judicial custody ever since. Several demonstrations seeking his release following reports of his deteriorating health had taken place both in Assam and outside. The NIA has lodged a case under sections 120B, 124A, 153A, 153B of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 18 and Section 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act (UAPAA). The charges pertain to criminal conspiracy, sedition, promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc., assertions against national integrity, support to terrorist organization etc. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa banned all passenger vessels from its ports on Wednesday due to the coronavirus outbreak, leaving tourists on a cruise ship docked in Cape Town in limbo following tests for possible COVID-19 cases on board. The MV AidAmira's more than 1,700 passengers and crew have been unable to leave the ship since Monday, after a crew member on a cargo ship who shared a plane with six passengers on the liner showed symptoms of the coronavirus. Port authorities quarantined the Italian-flagged AidAmira while the six passengers were tested for coronavirus. All those tests came back negative, South African Maritime Authority acting Chief Executive Sobantu Tilayi told a news conference. But maritime officials were still working out how to move the passengers off the liner safely and they would not be moved on Wednesday, he added. The new maritime regulations that came into force on Wednesday prohibit all embarkations and disembarkations from passenger ships at the country's eight sea ports. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said no ships would be allowed to unload passengers until further notice but that cargo ships could come and go unhindered. "In essence, there is a total ban on cruise ships," Mbalula told reporters near Cape Town's cruise terminal, where the AidAmira was docked and some of its passengers were leaning over the rails. A shipping agent who did not want to be identified said two ships carrying passengers were waiting off Cape Town harbour and running low on fuel and supplies. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Writing by Alexander Winning; Editing by Alex Richardson and John Stonestreet) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Monaco Thu, March 19, 2020 22:51 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c06e35 2 World COVID-19,Monaco,coronavirus,Prince-Albert,Prince-Albert-II Free Prince Albert II of Monaco has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the principality said in a statement Thursday, adding there were "no concerns for his health." The titular head of the Mediterranean enclave is continuing to work from his private apartments at the royal palace, the statement said. The announcement came three days after Monaco's prime minister, Serge Telle, announced that he too had caught COVID-19. Monaco has said all public spaces will be closed to the public starting at midnight on Saturday, including its emblematic casinos catering to the global jet-set, as it joins the ranks of nations locking down in a bid to stem the outbreak. It said Wednesday that nine cases of infection had been detected since the first was announced on February 28. Albert is head of the House of Grimaldi that rules Monaco, the world's second-smallest country and a haven for the rich and famous because of its low taxes. India on Thursday evacuated over 90 citizens stranded at Singapore's Changi Airport due to the travel restrictions imposed by the government back home in response to the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic, the Indian High Commission here said. Also, due to Singapore's own travel restrictions on visitors coming from or through ASEAN region, these passengers cannot enter Singapore. The Indian travellers, most of whom had arrived in Singapore from the Philippines and Malaysia, have left for Mumbai on a Singapore Airlines flight. "Relieved faces at check in! Over 90 Indian transit passengers stranded in Singapore due to travel restrictions in India are on their way home. Quick response from Indian Gov to permit them to return; officers at airport to assist with food, convenience and travel," the High Commission tweeted. Earlier in the day, the Commission said it was working out arrangements to put the 97 stranded Indians on a flight back to India. "We have worked with the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate the return of these Indians back home," India's High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf told PTI. Officials at the High Commission were at the Changi Airport to assist the passengers with arrangements for food, freshening up and other assistance needed in the airport transit area. Most of the passengers had travelled through Malaysia and faced stringent arrival and departure procedures both in India and Malaysia. Malaysia has shut its borders, not allowing foreigners in and have also ordered its citizens not to travel. India has also restricted arrival of passengers from some countries including Malaysia and the Philippines. The Singapore Airlines agreed to fly the stranded passengers to India, as there is no scheduled Air India flight for Thursday. India on Monday banned the entry of passengers from Europe, Turkey and the UK from March 18 till March 31 to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Singapore on Wednesday advised its citizens to defer all foreign travel plans as it reported 47 new coronavirus cases, mostly imported ones, taking the total number of infections in the country to 313. The coronavirus outbreak has killed 8,809 people and infected 218,631 across 157 countries and territories, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Egyptian authorities arrested a doctor at a Cairo hospital for inciting medical staff to abstain from examining suspected coronavirus cases, a judicial source said. The junior physician created a Facebook page to incite doctors and medical staff to refrain from joining teams checking cases infected with the coronavirus, the source said on Thursday. Earlier this month, authorities arrested several people over charges of spreading rumours about the coronavirus. Egypt has 210 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 53 foreigners. The country has so far registered six coronavirus-related deaths, three of whom are foreign nationals. Search Keywords: Short link: Denodo, the leader in data virtualization, today announced that its impressive worldwide growth continued in 2019 as evidenced by a 50 percent increase in year-over-year revenue. New customer acquisition, aided by Amazon, Azure and Google Marketplaces, played a key role as subscription and expansion among existing global customers contributed to the 52 percent surge over the previous year. Interest in the award-winning Denodo Platform expanded globally with customers from around the world factoring into Denodos profitability. In particular, revenue from the APAC region grew 275 percent and now makes up more than 10 percent of the Companys total revenue. Employee headcount expanded 30 percent to support this worldwide growth. The data virtualization provider also extended its worldwide footprint by opening offices in China, Mexico, and Canada bringing the total number of worldwide offices to 19. Strategic technology and consulting alliances also intensified as marked by a 56 percent increase in new partner agreements signed and significant expansion of current partnerships, bringing a 192 percent increase in revenue from this important partner channel. During this period, Denodo added advanced capabilities to its Denodo Platform so companies could simply and quickly deliver data science, cloud migration, and logical data lake projects. With advances across performance, cloud, and data catalog capabilities, Denodo 7 addresses the mounting data volumes from diverse data sources accelerating digital transformation projects. New customers from virtually every industry and geography joined the Companys already impressive roster and include leading brands such as PetSmart, University of Rochester Medical Center, UBS, The Bank of New York Mellon, and Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica. Denodo was recognized in the Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer: Data Integration Tools, 4 December, 2019 as the only data integration product that was recommended by 100 percent of the reviewers. With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, Denodo received the second highest ranking of the fifteen eligible vendors for Evaluation and Contracting. Further, Denodo was recognized for the second consecutive year as a Challenger in the 2019 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools, representing the growing importance of Data Virtualization in the broader data integration market. The Company was also named the best data virtualization solution in Database Trends and Applications 2019 Readers Choice Awards 2019. Our goal has always been to help our worldwide customers provide order to the complexity of data management and take it to the next level, said Angel Vina, founder and CEO of Denodo. The remarkable growth we achieved in 2019, demonstrated by the numerous industry analyst accolades and new customers who are leveraging Denodo to keep up with the changing data landscape, is a testament to how we are improving the bottom-line. This year we look forward to adding even more capabilities, including greater support for artificial intelligence and machine learning, to support these evolving trends and grow our already impressive global presence and partner network. Please Tweet: News: #datavirtualization leader @denodo announces double-digit revenue growth and significant #cloud adoption @awscloud @gcpcloud @azure https://buff.ly/2Ujx48x About Denodo Denodo is the leader in data virtualization providing agile, high performance data integration, data abstraction, and real-time data services across the broadest range of enterprise, cloud, big data, and unstructured data sources at half the cost of traditional approaches. Denodos customers across every major industry have gained significant business agility and ROI by enabling faster and easier access to unified business information for agile BI, big data analytics, Web, cloud integration, single-view applications, and enterprise data services. Denodo is well-funded, profitable, and privately held. For more information, visit http://www.denodo.com or call +1 877 556 2531 / +44 (0) 20 7869 8053. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200318005227/en/ A week ago, the big question in Washington was: Which industries will be bailed out of their losses because of coronavirus? This week, the question is: Which industries wont? With stunning speed, it has become clear that many mainstays of American industry are facing potentially existential risks from their looming financial losses, and that Congress and the Trump administration are determined to prevent widespread bankruptcies and corporate collapse. But not all bailouts are equal. There are distinctly different rationales for industry bailouts, each with different implications for how a rescue is (or ought to be) designed and carried out. And the surprisingly rich history of the U.S. governments stepping in to backstop major companies and industries shows what forms they might take. In normal times and in most cases, the process for dealing with a company that runs out of money is straightforward. It goes to court and files for bankruptcy protection; shareholders generally get wiped out or close to it; and the business is either restructured (in Chapter 11) or liquidated (in Chapter 7), with whatever is left divided fairly among those the company owed money to. Lehigh Valley Health Network opened two new COVID-19 test centers Thursday in Bethlehem and Allentown. You can find them at: 1730 W. Chew St., Allentown. 2604 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem. The hours for both centers are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Centers are already open at: 2741 MacArthur Road, Whitehall. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 528 Delaware Ave., Palmerton. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 6451 Village Lane, Macungie. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 320 W. Pumping Station Road, Suite 3, Richland Township, Bucks County. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 140 N. Sherman Court, Hazleton. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 35 Sillyman Street, Cressona, PA 17929. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 863 Nazareth Pike in Nazareth. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before you get tested, make sure your symptoms warrant further action. You can get screened through an e-visit by completing a questionnaire at MyLVHN.org or the MyLVHN app. Learn more at LVHN.org/Evisit. You can also try a secure video visit with an LVHN health care provider at LVHN.org/videovisit. Or, you can call the hotline at 888-402-5846. St. Lukes University Health Network offers a similar telephone and email hotline to respond to inquiries from patients and the public, alike. Those with questions and concerns are encouraged to call 866-785-8537 (STLUKES) and press option 7, or email coronavirus@sluhn.org. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that originated in China. Symptoms are fever, coughing and shortness of breath. So far there are 185 cases in Pennsylvania with at least one death and 318 positives in New Jersey with nine deaths. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. @OaklandFireLive Oakland Fire Department crews are at the scene of a two-alarm residential structure fire in the city's Fruitvale neighborhood early Thursday morning, according to fire officials. The blaze was first reported just before 4 a.m. in the area of the intersection of 34th Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, fire officials said. Crews that arrived at the scene reported heavy fire and a second alarm was soon requested. Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, a member of the state House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, said that after communicating again Thursday afternoon with city and county officials, she is confident the county's public health, government, and law enforcement personnel are prepared to respond to the first reported case of coronavirus in Midland County. The case, involving an adult woman with a history of international travel who is now in self-quarantine, was reported mid-morning Thursday by the Midland County Department of Public Health. "Our communities' local government, law enforcement, and public and private healthcare leaders' ability to respond to this development is well-planned and has my full and complete confidence," Glenn said. "Sen. Jim Stamas and I are doing our part, working faithfully to ensure that our state government provides all the resources necessary to support our local response now that the first case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Midland County." One case of the coronavirus has already been reported in Bay County, which Glenn also represents, involving a man who works as a physician at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, but she said "we know from public health officials that there are likely others in Bay and Midland counties who also have the virus, but who have not yet been tested and confirmed." "Whatever that number is in the weeks ahead," Glenn said, "I know that, working together, the families and local business, community, and government leaders I have the privilege of representing will respond effectively and with great care for each other. Communities that have a reputation and tradition of providing help to each other when we're in need is one of the great blessings for our families of living in Bay and Midland counties." Tuesday, Glenn joined her House colleagues in approving an additional $125 million in emergency state funding to provide support to local governments and health officials' response to the virus. She also applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for issuing an executive order which temporarily loosens restrictions on the delivery of needed medical services. "I strongly support the governor's removal of bureaucratic red tape barriers that for far too long have restricted the delivery of healthcare services to people in need, largely in order to protect large corporations and big hospitals from competition," Glenn said. "The point that must not be lost is that these protectionist, bureaucratic barriers must not be allowed to return even after this current emergency has passed." "It's unfortunate that it's taken a public health emergency to prove that removing these protectionist barriers is the correct and necessary thing to do to ensure families in Michigan receive the healthcare they need," Glenn said. "I urge Gov. Whitmer to keep her executive order in effect permanently, and I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to amend state law to ensure that these protectionist, bureaucratic barriers to healthcare delivery for those in need don't ever return." The governor's order Wednesday: * Allows the state Department of Health and Human Services to issue an emergency certificate of need to an applicant and defer strict compliance with state health regulations. These Certificate of Need regulations have historically restricted access to certain medical services by requiring providers to get approval from a state board before expanding or modifying their services. * Allows the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to grant a waiver to state rules that previously limited the number of hospital beds and mobile health care facilities. * Allows certified nursing aides to treat patients when needed, with the same autonomy as certified nurses, without completing the required licensing exams. Nurses may also renew their licenses without having to complete continuing education requirements, and the hours worked while responding to COVID-19 will satisfy continuing education requirements for all medical licenses. * Loosens other government restrictions on workers who assist, coordinate, volunteer or feed patients. In a separate order, the governor also expanded access to telemedicine, allowing patients to visit their doctor via webcam, thereby lightening the load at health facilities. Glenn also urged Gov. Whitmer to sign House Bill 4042 -- already passed by the House and pending expected approval by the state Senate -- that would allow nurses who meet uniform licensing requirements to work in person or through telemedicine in more than 30 states. The legislation would enter Michigan into the Nurse Licensure Compact, which would enable nurses to practice in the 34 states currently in the compact without having to gain a license in each state. Glenn, said that applying for multiple licenses to work across state lines is time-consuming and that entering the NLC would increase access to care, protect patients, and reduce healthcare costs. Even before the current health challenge," Glenn said, "this bill would allow nurses, especially in Michigan communities bordering other states, to more freely work across state lines. Now that we face an impending burden on Michigan hospitals, temporary care facilities, and personnel because of the coronavirus, we may find that Michigan needs the help of nurses who are licensed in other states as well." Under the legislation, Michigan could still revoke, suspend, or place a nurses multi-state license on probation if warranted. The Michigan Health and Hospital Association supports the bill, saying it will allow Michigan nurses "to quickly travel to other states to provide vital services in the event of a disaster or public health emergency, such as the country now faces, and vice versa, allowing nurses in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and other states to respond to an emergency situation in Michigan, either by physically coming to Michigan or providing care by telemedicine. Glenn urged concerned citizens who have questions about the coronavirus or any other issue to contact her office at 517-373-1791 or by e-mail at AnnetteGlenn@House.MI.gov. President Donald Trump talks with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at Trump Tower last February. Evan Vucci | AP When Dr. Mike Pellini, a physician and biotech investor, read the news about the spread of a virus that caused pneumonia-like symptoms, he decided to keep on hand a supply of an anti-malarial drug called chloroquine. Pellini, who tweeted about the decision to his followers in the beginning of February, was early to this thinking. A month later, Tesla CEO Elon Musk sparked massive interest in the drug after tweeting that chloroquine was "maybe worth considering" as a potential treatment for the COVID-19 coronavirus. tweet On Thursday, the White House took notice. President Donald Trump said he had directed the Food and Drug Administration to investigate whether chloroquine, which is available by prescription only, should be given to patients with the coronavirus. Bayer, the international drugmaker, then noted in a press release that it would donate 3 million tablets of the drug Resochin, or chloroquine phosphate, to U.S. patients. Trump also pointed to another existing drug, remdesivir, an anti-viral developed by drugmaker Gilead, which is already being used in China to treat COVID-19. Neither drug is approved by the FDA to treat the coronavirus. So it is important "not to provide false hope," FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said at the White House's daily press briefing. But Trump has "asked us to be aggressive" and "break through exciting, lifesaving treatment, and we're doing that at the FDA," he added. Early promising data So what is chloroquine, and why is it considered promising by the scientific community? The drug has been around since the 1940s and is known for being generally safe and well tolerated in mild to moderate doses, although it can be toxic in high doses. It has been used to treat malaria, in addition to some autoimmune disorders. It is available as a generic, which means it could be a scalable and potentially affordable treatment. "Nothing is definitive yet, but chloroquine is a drug used for more than 70 years with minimal side effects at a modest dosage," said Pellini. Malaria is caused by a parasite, not a virus. But some studies have found that chloroquine has been effective at treating a virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, a close relative of COVID-19. It is also being studied at research labs throughout the world as a way to alleviate symptoms for patients diagnosed with COVID-19. "It has been found in mice to be effective to treat a variety of viruses," noted Dr. Kristian Olson, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and internal medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. "It also appears it's active in vitro (via test tube experiments) against COVID-19." Some of the early data is promising. A group of researchers in France is testing a less toxic derivative of the chloroquine drug called hydroxychloroquine on a few dozen patients with COVID-19, and early reports of the trial indicate that the drug might help shorten the amount of time that people with the disease are infectious. Because of these early signs, some biotech experts say it's worth putting more research dollars into studying the drug. US President Donald Trump listens to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn (R) speak on the latest developments of the coronavirus outbreak, in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House March 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images "I don't see Trump's willingness to jump into humans quickly (to test the drug) as a panicked response," said Vas Bailey, a life sciences-focused investor at Artis with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "It could be a potentially efficient way of using real-world evidence to help us triage which of these safe drugs will work in alleviating symptoms and treating COVID-19." Lack of concrete evidence and lots of unknowns But we're still far from having an approved treatment for COVID-19, and the evidence behind chloroquine is not firm. As Bailey points out, there is no data yet from a randomized clinical trial, which is considered the gold standard to minimize the possibility of bias in the findings. One of the biggest problems, scientists say, is that the tests have not been blinded. If physicians have prior knowledge of the intervention, that might influence how to treat the patient. That introduces other variables that are hard to separate from the effect of the drug. There's also further work needed to understand whether the drug reduces hospital time and mortality rates, and whether it impacts ventilation use. There are also some big unknowns about when, how and to whom the drug should be administered. "What I don't know, and I don't think anyone knows is the degree of anti-viral activity and if it can be used to treat the most critical patients," said Olson. "We still also don't understand the optimal dose treatment for covid-19, and whether it might be used at a lower dose for prophylaxis (meaning to take preventatively) than for treatment." As Olson points out, there are still side effects, like nausea and vision issues, and it remains to be seen whether the drug will be tolerated well in very sick patients. Furthermore, overdosing on the drug in high doses can cause serious health outcomes. Because of these gaps in understanding, the World Health Organization said last month that there is "no proof" the drug is effective in treating the coronavirus. Overall, however, some biotech experts say there's some reason for optimism that the drug can help. "You wouldn't see qualified medical professionals from China, France and Korea looking into this if there wasn't something to it," Bailey said. Don't stockpile Still some doctors including Dr. James Wantuck have a warning for consumers. Wantuck said that healthy patients have been calling him repeatedly to ask for prescriptions for chloroquine, after viewing tweets from Musk and others. That takes away doctors' time from treating those who are sick, and it might mean that supplies don't last for those who really need it, such as people with lupus, which afflicts an estimated 1.5 million Americans. With Trump informing millions about the drugs' potential, that's even more of a concern. "I think that stockpiling is a worry with any anti-viral drug," noted Olson. "I could imagine that happening as there's more evidence around it." A non-descript warehouse tucked away on Superior Avenue in Selkirk has been transformed into the provinces first drive-thru community testing site for COVID-19. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/3/2020 (663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A non-descript warehouse tucked away on Superior Avenue in Selkirk has been transformed into the provinces first drive-thru community testing site for COVID-19. On its second day of operation, Thursday, a steady trickle of cars pulled into the warehouse lot, greeted by a team of nurses working to triage and test symptomatic residents who may have come in contact with the novel coronavirus. Jim Cornwall, a 78-year-old from East St. Paul, had just returned last week from a trip to Arizona when he came down with a cold-like symptoms. Being precautious, he called Manitobas Health Links line and, after an hour wait, was told to stop by the drive-thru testing centre. Jim Cornwall returned from a trip to Arizona last week and came down with a cold-like symptoms. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) "I had a sore throat, sniffles, a cold, no fever, just a precautious person, and I'm in the senior category," Cornwall said, sitting outside the centre in his vehicle. All-in-all, the process took only a matter of minutes. Cornwall, one of dozens who stopped by the centre Thursday morning, said he waited a few minutes in his car before a nurse suited up in a winter coat and facemask arrived at his window to ask a few questions and give him a face mask. Nurses at the centre run brief screenings, asking patients about travel history and symptoms to decide whether testing is required. Those who are exhibiting symptoms of the virus and have travelled outside of Canada in the past two weeks, or had known exposure to the virus, are then ushered into the warehouse garage, where another team of nurses can administer the test all without patients leaving their vehicles, in order to comply with social distancing recommendations. Nurses ask preliminary questions at the drive-thru COVID-19 testing centre in Selkirk on Thursday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) Public Health lists symptoms of the virus as: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Public health also recommends those with symptoms call Health Links to determine where to get assessed. Cornwall said the test a nasal swab took just moments. "They're very pleasant, they put a little thing up your nose and it stings like hell, and your eyes water a bit, and they say goodbye to ya," he said. Patients are then free to drive away, and can expect to receive test results in 24 to 48 hours. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The testing site is at a warehouse on Superior Avenue. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) Patients with no symptoms and who have not travelled internationally within 14 days are not tested. Lanette Siragusa, chief nursing officer for Shared Health, told the Free Press the screening site in Selkirk was not chosen by the province, but was something the regional health authority decided to put in place. When the site soft-launched Wednesday afternoon, about a dozen people were screened, and a handful were tested for the virus, she said. Outside of Selkirk, there are four designated testing locations in Winnipeg, as well as additional sites in Thompson, Flin Flon, Brandon and The Pas. Selkirks site, at 622 Superior Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Further testing sites are expected to open in the coming days. Another drive-thru location will open Friday in the Steinbach Community Services building, operating seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Thursday, Manitoba Public Insurance announced it would be closing its Bison Drive service centre in Winnipeg, effective immediately, to allow for a drive-thru testing centre to be opened in the capital city. The site, like all testing centres, will operate on a referral basis, meaning Winnipeggers should contact Health Links first. julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca An artist Akshaya Jalihal creates awareness of the coronavirus threat trough his rangoli creation at the BBMP office in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Photo: Satish.B) Bengaluru: The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Karnataka stood at 14 on Wednesday with two more people testing positive in the afternoon. Of these, 10 cases have been reported from Bangalore alone. Karnataka health minister B S Sreeramulu tweeted one of the two new positives is a 56-year-old man from Bengaluru who had returned from the USA on March 6. The other is a 25-year-old woman who had been to Spain for a vacation. Sreeramulu said both these patients have been kept in isolation at a hospital in Bengaluru. Their contacts are being identified. The new coronavirus could very well tip the world into a recession. It has already pushed air travel into a major slump and left industrial activity mired in a slowdown. With an already oversupplied market, oil prices have plummeted to the $30 level. It was hard for oil companies to turn a profit when oil was in the $50 range; it's even harder now. Oil companies the world over are starting to pull back on their drilling efforts. But that's not why ExxonMobil's (NYSE:XOM) U.S. production growth is destined to slow. Here's a deeper dive into the issue and why you need to understand the subtleties of Exxon's onshore business before jumping to conclusions. The coronavirus hit There's no question that COVID-19 has been a disaster for the energy sector. And it will likely get much worse before it gets better, with countries around the world telling people to stay home (or demanding it!), travel being curtailed, and general economic growth grinding to a halt in the most affected regions. China, one of the largest economies in the world, was the preview of what could happen on a global scale. And even that giant nation's recovery won't be enough to offset the hit to the world as COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the globe. Since oil is a cyclical business driven by economic ups and downs, oil prices are likely to see continued downward pressure from COVID-19 until the illness is better contained, or at least better understood. And, at the same time this is going on, OPEC and Russia are in the middle of a price war. Neither wants oil to be as low as it is today, but they can't agree on production cuts to prop up the price. The real issue here, however, is U.S. onshore production, which has been ramping up swiftly in recent years. Every time OPEC cuts production, U.S. production basically picks up the slack. And every time oil prices rise, increased U.S. production puts a lid on the uptick. The real goal of the OPEC/Russia spat is to push weaker U.S. producers out of the market. COVID-19 is making that even easier, since it's putting further downward pressure on energy prices. With that backdrop, you'd expect a giant U.S. oil driller like Exxon to pull back on the rapid growth of its onshore U.S. energy program. Its onshore growth is going to slow, but it's a more complex issue than it seems. Large numbers In 2019, Exxon's U.S. shale production increased an incredible 79% over 2018 levels. That growth helped push the oil giant's full-year production higher by around 3%, the first uptick in several years. And it's still early days for a region for which Exxon has very big plans. In fact, by 2025, it hopes to at least double production from current levels. Moreover, Exxon is openly making the choice to invest counter cyclically. It is well aware that oil prices are weak today, and it is using the downturn to upgrade its portfolio at what it believes will be advantageous prices. In fact, the company estimates that onshore drilling is about 25% cheaper today than it was roughly five years ago. Offshore drilling is even cheaper, with costs falling by more than 50%! That helps explain why Exxon is still planning capital investment spending of as much as $35 billion a year through 2025. To be fair, the COVID-19 scare could lead to a pullback in Exxon's plans, but it is unlikely to lead to a massive decline. That's because the company believes the long-term supply/demand outlook remains favorable for higher oil prices. It isn't the only oil major that believes oil is here to stay. However, even if Exxon continues to push on in the U.S. shale space, its onshore U.S. production growth will start to slow. That's because an 80% growth rate is unsustainable. At that rate, production from the region would double every 1.1 years or so. Trees don't grow to the sky, and neither does oil production growth. Exxon's onshore production will likely continue to expand, but production growth will decline over time even as total output continues to rise. It's simple math -- as the denominator (total production from the region) gets bigger, the growth rate will start to slow. And yet the oil giant really can't stop drilling in the onshore space because of the nature of the wells. Shale wells are relatively quick to drill. However, production tends to fall off more quickly than other wells, like those Exxon is building in offshore Guyana. The oil giant is using its shale effort to keep production up while it works on longer-term projects, essentially bridging what would otherwise be a production gap. And it can't stop drilling because the onshore U.S. wells start to slow down relatively quickly. COVID-19 may lead to a pullback in shale drilling, but it is highly unlikely to materially curtail Exxon's efforts in the region. That's doubly true when you look at the oil giant's robust balance sheet -- which allows it to invest even during market weakness. The big picture Exxon is committed to the onshore U.S. space because it needs the fast production offered by the region. However, the rapid growth it has seen in shale can't be sustained for long because of the math involved -- growth will continue, but percentage increases will fall over time. COVID-19 clouds the outlook for all energy companies and could lead Exxon to pull back on its drilling plans. However, before you assign blame to COVID-19 for any slowdown in the growth of Exxon's U.S. onshore production, step back and look at the entire view of the situation. Growth was destined to slow from the rapid levels seen in 2019 regardless of the coronavirus, and Exxon really needs the U.S. production to keep its numbers up while it waits for production from other investments to come online. COVID-19 is an important issue in the mix here, but it is hardly the only one. To stop the spread of the coronavirus, state and local governments have shut down much of communal life. People are social distancing, staying out of public spaces to slow transmission of the disease. But this has destroyed demand for goods and services, putting the United States on the path to a recession that could easily become an outright depression. Washington is, finally, working toward a response. But even the most ambitious plans are nowhere near powerful enough to actually stop the coronavirus from destroying the economy. To do that, policymakers have to go beyond stimulus or bailouts for select industries. They have to take responsibility for economic life on a scale not seen since the New Deal. On Monday, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah called for sending $1,000 to every American, a one-time grant to pump cash into the economy. On Tuesday, Steven Mnuchin, the treasury secretary, called for more than $850 billion in economic stimulus, including $58 billion in airline bailouts, $250 billion in small business loans and $500 billion in payroll tax cuts. On Wednesday, the Senate passed family and paid sick leave bills. Some of these ideas are good and necessary, if not sufficient. Millions of Americans need to pay for housing, medicine and groceries now, and immediate cash disbursals are the only way to make that happen. To its credit, the White House has moved away from the payroll tax cut which would only help workers still employed, not those who have been laid off, furloughed or who work for tips and embraced cash payments, although theyll only amount to an average of two weeks of pay for most workers and wont go out until the end of April. Bailouts are more controversial, but they could be worthwhile if the government offers cash with strings attached. To receive assistance, in Sen. Elizabeth Warrens view, companies would be forced to maintain their payrolls, provide a $15 minimum wage, bring worker representatives onto corporate boards and end share buybacks, among other requirements. But none of it this is actually enough. The outbreak threatens entire industries with destruction. Most restaurants, for example, can probably survive a week or two of social distancing. Some can survive a month. But if self-quarantine lasts for months, then hundreds of thousands of businesses, including suppliers and distributors, will fail. Millions of Americans will be out of work. Its even worse for travel and tourism. The so-called accommodations sector of the economy, which includes hotels and other forms of lodging, accounts for more than 2 million jobs all of them are endangered by extended periods of social distancing. The shock from losing these industries would be more than enough to push the economy into depression. Nearly one-fifth of American workers already say theyve lost hours or work because of the outbreak. If lawmakers are going to save the economy from destruction, they need to think along the lines of economists Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman of the University of California, Berkeley, who, in a brief paper, call for the government to act as a payer of last result to stanch the flow of mass layoffs and business destruction. In the program they envision, workers would remain formally employed but receive unemployment benefits. Businesses would report their costs to the government and receive payment in return. If businesses report too much, or get too much in return, then the payments could be transformed into an interest-free loan that the government could recoup over several years. This would not stop a recession; it would help keep the downturn from spiraling out of control. Its an unprecedented program, but were facing an unprecedented situation. To the extent that this has begun to dawn on Washington, it has spurred more ambitious proposals. A group of Democratic senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Michael Bennet of Colorado have proposed up to $4,500 in immediate direct cash payments to nearly all Americans. Their plan would give each adult (and child) $2,000 to cover the next three months, supplemented by additional payments over the course of the year depending on the state of the economy and the state of the pandemic. Its a good framework, but it, too, could be much stronger, with larger payments equivalent to thousands per month and less concern over means-testing, which only slows distribution. If lawmakers are worried about giving cash to the wealthy, they can just raise their taxes by an equivalent amount later. Democrats in the House also have proposed cash grant programs, some more generous than others. Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Tim Ryan of Ohio have introduced legislation to establish an emergency earned-income tax credit that would provide a check between $1,000 and $6,000 to every American who earned less than $65,000 last year, which is more than three-quarters of the workforce. Reps. Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota have also called for unconditional cash assistance, with universal programs that would assist all of us. Washington should keep moving along these lines. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has suspended state debt collection. Congressional Democrats should pressure the federal government to follow suit. The important point is that right now, theres nothing on the table that is too big for the crisis at hand. And for the party that pioneered American social insurance, the party of FDR and LBJ, its an opportunity to once again embrace direct state action as a powerful tool for preserving and promoting prosperity. If the era of small government is over, and it is, then it is well past time for Democrats to seize a moment that belongs to them. @jbouie (GETTY) The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) is denouncing Saudi Arabia and Russia for driving down the price of oil in a supply spat compounding the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus. The unfolding global pandemic and expectations for a flood of cheap foreign crude this spring has caused Canadian producers to sideline more than a billion dollars in planned spending. The cautious optimism investors had for the sector at the start of 2020 has been shattered. Goldman Sachs slashed its oil price forecast again on Thursday, predicting North American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and European benchmark Brent crude will average US$20 per barrel in the second quarter of 2020. WTI continued to slide on Wednesday morning, falling nearly 11 per cent to US$24.00 per barrel at 9:48 a.m. ET. London-based Capital Economics said on Wednesday that the slide will persist in the near-term regardless of policy support from governments. The United States has pledged to buy on the dip to fill its strategic reserves, and a response from Ottawa is expected shortly. Albertas government has said it will assemble an economic panel led by University of Calgary economist Jack Mintz to advise the province on a path out of what many observers see as uncharted territory for oil prices. For CAPP president and CEO Tim McMillan, the drop in demand as business activity and travel slow to a crawl due to COVID-19 is an unfortunate reality the market must accept. He sees the price war between powerhouse producers Saudi Arabia and Russia differently. Maybe it shouldnt be surprising that Saudi Arabia and Russia would use a time of global health crisis to chase market share, that regimes of this nature would use this global pandemic to bolster their position, he told Yahoo Finance Canada. Anyone that takes advantage of a global pandemic to explicitly chase market share is reprehensible. The March 5 meeting between OPEC nations and Russia in Vienna ground to a halt when Moscow refused to accept production cuts aimed at putting a floor under falling prices hit by COVID-19. Ridyah responded by slashing its selling price and announcing plans to massively increase the kingdoms output. Story continues The standoff has driven oil prices below the breakeven points for a number of producers around the world, including most in Canada. The result has been near-daily announcements from the countrys oil patch detailing cuts to spending and shareholder payouts. Price Street managing director and market economist Rory Johnston said Saudi Arabias plan to drop selling prices for April deliveries and increase its production from 9.7 million barrels per day to 12.3 million marks a shift away from prioritizing stability over market share gains. However, he said it is important to note that it was Russia that scuttled the OPEC+ negotiations. [Its] a move that fits more nicely within its longer-term strategy of geopolitical disruption, he said of the Kremlins leadership. Johnston said while a price war amid the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbates an already volatile oil market, the opportunity for Russia and Saudi Arabia to squeeze out rivals with a supply shock might have proved too tempting to ignore. Asked how this current downturn differs from others that Canadian producers weathered in recent years, McMillan said this one will be particularly challenging because the energy sector has yet to fully find its footing after the last price route. We are in the middle of the response to the price shock right now, but it is going to take time to work itself out, he said. We're normally well-positioned to deal with it. That's part of being in a commodity business. But his one is coming with a health crisis that's lowering expected consumption for the first time in a decade. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that the use of tricycles and motorcycles is against the safety measures of social distancing, which aims to contain the spread of the virus. In a press briefing following the Inter-Agency Task Force meeting Wednesday night, Nograles said that the national government is concerned with the use of tricycles during the enhanced community quarantine period. Concerned talaga ang gobyerno dito sa pag gamit ngtricycle dahil hindi namin lubos makita o maintindihan kung paano mag-social distancing sa tricycle, he said. [Translation: The government is really concerned with the use of tricycle because we cannot understand how you will practice social distancing in a tricycle.] Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto recently ordered the mobilization of tricycles in the city during the first day of the Metro Manila community quarantine to help send health workers to hospitals. Nograles added that other local government units comply with the safety measures they have released. Lets all stick to the common ground rules, he said. Authorities urge citizens to stay home while the enhanced community quarantine is in effect in Luzon. SANTA FE The state Corrections Department has agreed to pay $108,000 to settle lawsuits filed by three female lawyers who allege they were paid less than a male counterpart. The payment follows a similar agreement with the Corrections Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero, who received $195,000 to settle claims that centered on her tenure as a deputy warden. She had sued in 2013. The three lawyers, meanwhile, filed two lawsuits in 2016 accusing the Corrections Department of discrimination and violating a state law requiring equal pay for women. They agreed to end the litigation last year in exchange for a $108,000 settlement, split among the three plaintiffs and their lawyer. The settlement was revealed last month after the expiration of a six-month confidentiality period required by state law. New Mexico lawmakers and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham agreed to eliminate the confidentiality provision in the settlement law earlier this year, but the legislation doesnt take effect until May 20, or 90 days after the end of the 2020 legislative session. The corrections settlement, in any case, involves Kathleen Ayala, Loni Hodge and Melinda Wolinsky none of whom now work for the department. In their lawsuits, they said they each made about $58,000 to $60,000 a year in 2013, or $8,000 to $10,000 less than a male attorney who did similar work. Daniel Faber, an Albuquerque attorney who represented the women, said the Corrections Department had defended itself by contending the Fair Pay for Women Act doesnt apply to state employers. For the state to argue that it was legal for it to discriminate based on sex was simply shameful, he said. In the ultimate settlement, the state didnt admit liability and said it was agreeing to end the litigation as part of a compromise. The lawsuits were filed years before Lujan Grisham took office in 2019, though the settlement came under her administration last year. Altogether, the state has disclosed about $1.1 million in settlements through the first two months of 2020. A protein that helps trap bacteria may contribute to metastasis in breast cancer PHILADELPHIA - The protein peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), which enables some immune cells to trap bacteria, promoted breast cancer metastasis in mice when expressed in cancer cells, according to data published in Molecular Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. "Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Patients with metastatic breast cancer have a high risk of death," said Yanming Wang, PhD, professor at the Henan University in Kaifeng, China. "The purpose of our study was to understand cellular factors that may contribute to metastasis." Wang, a former graduate student Lai Shi, PhD, and their colleagues examined the role of PAD4, a protein that can modify DNA-compacting proteins called histones, thereby loosening DNA compaction. PAD4 is highly enriched in neutrophils, a type of immune cell, where its effect on DNA compaction leads to the formation of DNA and protein networks outside the cell called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The normal role of NETs is to trap invading microbes, but studies have shown that NETs released by neutrophils can also facilitate cancer metastasis. Moreover, another study showed that high expression of PAD4 was sufficient to cause cells other than neutrophils to form similar structures. "In addition to its high expression in neutrophils, PAD4 is highly expressed in malignant tumors of various cell types; however, the role of PAD4 in breast cancer cells has been elusive," said Wang. "We were interested in learning if PAD4 expression in breast cancer cells could affect cancer biology, such as tumor growth and metastasis." To understand PAD4 expression levels in breast cancer cells, Wang and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Oncomine database. Results from the meta-analysis showed that human breast cancer cells were more likely than normal cells to have increased PAD4 expression. Consistent with this finding, a mouse breast cancer cell line called 4T1 had higher PAD4 levels than cell lines from other cancer types. Due to PAD4's known roles in DNA compaction and NET formation, Wang and colleagues examined how PAD4 expression in breast cancer cells impacts the structure of DNA-protein networks known as chromatin. They found that activation of PAD4 in 4T1 cells led to the modification of histones and the release of chromatin fibers outside the cell. The released chromatin fibers formed NET-like structures, which the authors referred to as cancer extracellular chromatin networks (CECNs). Further experiments demonstrated that PAD4 was required for the formation of CECNs, both in cell culture and in allograft tumors in mice. By comparing the growth and spread of allograft tumors that did or did not express PAD4, the authors observed that PAD4-expressing tumors grew significantly faster in mice and had significantly more metastases in the lungs, which are the usual site of 4T1 metastasis. Further experimentation revealed that PAD4 promoted the growth of metastatic tumors after cancer cells had reached the lungs. "Together, our results demonstrate that PAD4 expression in breast cancer cells promotes CECN formation, primary tumor growth, and lung metastasis in mice," said Wang. "The exact mechanism by which PAD4 exerts these effects is something we are actively investigating." Understanding how PAD4 promotes tumor growth and metastasis could help researchers develop drugs to target this process, explained Wang. "While further investigation is needed, it is interesting to consider the possibility that PAD4 or CECNs could potentially be used as biomarkers to predict disease progression. Furthermore, therapies to inhibit PAD4 or eliminate CECNs could be explored as a method to reduce the risk of metastasis in patients with breast cancer," Wang added. Wang and colleagues are also interested in investigating if PAD4 contributes to progression or metastasis of other cancers. A limitation of the study is that it was performed using a single cell line. Thus, studying additional cell types and human breast cancer samples will be needed to understand the prevalence of CECN formation and PAD4's role in the process, Wang noted. ### This study was sponsored by funds from Henan University, The Pennsylvania State University, and the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute. Wang declares no conflicts of interest. About the American Association for Cancer Research Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes 46,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 127 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 22,500 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes nine prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit http://www. AACR. org . This story has been published on: 2020-03-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Jessica Studer and Austin Hurd seemed to hit it off right away on Lifetimes Married at First Sight Season 10. The couples honeymoon in Panama was incredibly romantic, and they seemed to be in sync at every level. Since Austin and Jessica got back to Washington, D.C., its continued to be (mostly) smooth sailing. But Jessica has worried about Austins shyness and his unwillingness to profess his love before the eight-week mark. The nursing manager even admitted that she felt she was falling in love with her husband, but sometimes worried that he didnt feel the same way. In a sneak peek of the upcoming Mar. 18 episode of Married at First Sight, Move In Or Move On, from International Business Times, Jessicas nerves get the better of her as she discusses her potential future with Austin. Jessica Studer | MAFS Lifetime via Instagram Jessica and Austin discuss their commitment to one another In the new preview clip, Jessica and Austin discuss their respective meetings with Married at First Sight experts in advance of recommitment daythe day when the shows couples are expected to choose whether they want to renew their vows and keep working on their marriage or not. So, did you meet with somebody? Austin asks Jessica nervously. I did, I met with Dr. Viviana, she replied. Austin tells his wife he met with Pastor Cal Roberson. How did it go? Jessica asks her husband. But Austin laughs, I asked you first. Jessica wonders if Austin talked about the possibility of breaking things off on Decision Day, after two months of marriage. Did Pastor Cal ask you, like, what it would take for you to say no on Decision Day? she asks him. Austin tells his wife that a lack of trust would be his biggest dealbreaker in marriage. For me, it was just a breach of trust would be it, he says. I couldnt do a marriage. I couldnt do anything if I dont trust the other person. Austin reassures Jessica that he has ultimate trust in her already However, the network engineer reassures his wife that he isnt concerned about their level of trust. I have ultimate trust in you already, so I dont think thats going to happen, the Married at First Sight star tells Jessica. He adds that the couples mutual commitment and trust make him feel confident in their relationship going forward. But I think both of us, thats part of why its easy, Austin explains. We knew each other were into this for the long run. I mean, we were committed from the beginning to not just do the eight weeks. Jessica wonders what it will take for Austin to feel that shes committed to him Despite Austins reassurance, Jessica seems nervous about their future together. Stumbling over her words, she asks him how she can make him feel shes fully committed to him and their marriage. I guess one thing that I did talk about is, how do I know youre committed, or how do I show that Im committed to you? Do you think that Im committed to you, or how do you feel? At this point, Jessica trails off and starts to stammer, fumbling for words as she seems to wonder how to express what she feels to Austin. Embarrassed, she says apologetically, I dont know what was wrong with that. Its okay, its fine, Austin comforts her. Still, it looks like the Married at First Sight bride is starting to worry about her future with Austin, and if her feelings are fully reciprocated. An idol of a goddess has been found while digging a pond in West Bengal's South Dinajpur district, police said on Thursday. The idol of Goddess Mangal Chandi was found in Hazratpur village in Tapan police station area on Tuesday, an officer said. However, local residents refused to hand it over to the police and established it at a shrine in the village, he said. "Our pond had dried up. We found the idol while it was being freshly dug," local resident Saiful Sarkar said. Senior district administration officials visited the village and urged the residents to hand over the idol to them, which they refused to do. "We heard from our ancestors that many idols from the local Kali temple were stolen over time. We believe this is one of them," local resident Apurba Sarkar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 53-year-old Milford man has been charged with receipt of child pornography. A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment against Robert C. Harrington, John H. Durham, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jason J. Molina, acting special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations, announced Thursday. As alleged in court documents, in January 2019, HSI received information from Australian and Canadian law enforcement authorities that two usernames associated with an IP address at Harringtons Milford residence were sending and receiving through a Web-based application images depicting the sexual abuse of girls. On May 15, 2019, investigators searched Harringtons residence and seized his tablet computer. The tablet contained images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, federal officials said. Harrington has been detained since his arrest on May 15. He is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team, South Australia Police, Australian Federal Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justices Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com. COVID-19: What you need to know now The Trump administration is in discussions with the tech industry, including Facebook and Google, about how to use Americans' cellphone location data to track the spread of the novel coronavirus. Facebook and Google confirmed to CNN that they are exploring ways to use aggregated, anonymized data to help in the coronavirus effort, after the Washington Post first reported the matter on Tuesday. In response to CNN's questions, Apple said it has not been a part of the location data discussions. The location data conversations are part of a series of interactions between the White House and the tech industry about how Silicon Valley can contribute to the coronavirus response, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. Several informal working groups have been created under that initiative, including one focusing on expanding virtual education, another dealing with telehealth, a third examining how to limit the spread of coronavirus misinformation, and a fourth to explore the use of geolocation data for disease tracking. The State Department is also engaged on the issue after receiving requests from multiple foreign governments about tapping into tech companies' knowledge of the movements of billions of people worldwide, according to one of the people familiar with the matter. So far, the government has merely asked for generalized location insights that could, for example, show changes in highway traffic patterns or grocery store visits, said another of the people familiar. But, two of the people said, it raises the prospect of the government asking for further, more granular information that could pose privacy risks. "I wish people would slow it down a bit, because I don't think people have fully thought it through," said one of the people, speaking on condition of anonymity to preserve professional relationships. Even inadvertent disclosure of the identity of an infected individual as a result of a detailed location tracking program could lead to social shaming, violence or worse, the person said. Tech companies aren't alone in maintaining vast troves of customer location data. Telecom carriers that handle the smartphone communications of millions of Americans also have access to detailed location information. But it is unclear whether the Trump administration has asked them to provide that data, and if so, how granular it might be. Spokespeople for Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Asked whether it has participated in the US government discussions about using location data, AT&T spokesman Michael Balmoris responded with a one-word answer: "No." (CNN's parent company, WarnerMedia, is owned by AT&T.) The US is not the only country to consider technology-based tracking. Israel this week passed a proposal to track coronavirus patients on a far more detailed, individual level, using location tools that had previously been used only for counterterrorism purposes. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has used electronic wristbands to keep tabs on at-risk individuals. While the pandemic may provide more reasons to put privacy on the back burner, there need to be strong rules and safeguards regulating how data can be used in the current crisis, said Dipayan Ghosh, a former Facebook and Obama administration official who is now a fellow at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. "There is a tremendous risk that governments could use technological capacities to monitor the spread of the virus to actually surveil their citizens," he said. "Should governments decide to track their citizens, they should establish clear guidelines as to what powers they do have, how they will conduct any monitoring, and what steps they are taking to protect privacy." In a statement, Google said anonymized location data could help health officials "determine the impact of social distancing, similar to the way we show popular restaurant times and traffic patterns in Google Maps." The company added: "This work would follow our stringent privacy protocols and would not involve sharing data about any individual's location, movement, or contacts. We will provide more details when available." Google said it has not yet shared any such data, and that if it did, it would not be combined with that of other companies. Google also said that because users must opt in to location history tracking, the data will not be granular enough to support complex "contact tracing" to trace an infection back to its source. On a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg drew a distinction between sharing aggregate data in an anonymized fashion and raw, granular data about specific individuals. "I don't think that there are direct asks for access to people's data," he said. "It's kind of hypothetical, because nobody is asking for this." He added that some of the media reporting surrounding the issue has been "largely overstated." In a separate statement, Facebook told CNN that the company has published disaster maps populated with aggregated user location data since 2017. For example, Facebook has published maps tracking the movements of its users in response to California wildfires. As with Google, the location data Facebook collects comes from users who have opted into location sharing, Facebook said. The company has already provided mapping and location information to researchers in Taiwan and at Harvard University, and it is considering expanding the program. "In the coronavirus context, researchers and nonprofits can use the maps ... to understand and help combat the spread of the virus," Facebook's statement said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 11:41 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bcdd31 1 World COVID-19,China,Indonesia,Shaanxi-province-China,infectious-diseases Free China has announced an imported COVID-19 case from Indonesia, a 35-year-old Chinese national identified as Zhang, who had developed symptoms in the archipelago last week before being diagnosed upon his return to Shaanxi province. The Shaanxi Health Commission announced on its website on Tuesday that Zhang was the provinces first imported case. He reportedly developed a cough and fever on March 10 during his stay in Indonesia. However, which city in Indonesia he visited and how he became infected remain unclear. The report said Zhang took Dragon Air flight KA896 from Indonesia to Shanghai via Hong Kong on March 13 and stayed at the Vienna International Hotel in Shanghai that night. The next day, Zhang traveled by car to Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 2 p.m. local time, departed on China Eastern flight MU2162 at around 5 p.m. and arrived at the Xian Xianyang International Airport in Shaanxi at 7:45 p.m. Upon arriving in Xi'an, Zhang informed airport staff of his physical discomfort. As he showed a high temperature, he was sent to the Xi'an Central Hospital at midnight. Read also: COVID-19: Indonesia records highest death toll in Southeast Asia at 19 Early Sunday morning, the Xian Center for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a nucleic acid and serological tests on him. The nucleic acid test was inconclusive, while the serological test came out negative. A second nucleic acid test done the next day came out positive. Zhang also went through an examination of clinical symptoms, blood tests, imaging tests and expert consultation before being diagnosed as a confirmed case. He was immediately transferred to the Xi'an Eighth Hospital for isolation and treatment. Authorities have isolated Zhangs close contacts in China for medical observation. The Shaanxi Health Department said there were 80 new close contacts in the province, of which 79 were linked to Zhang. A patient (L) infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus receives acupuncture treatment at Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 11, 2020. (AFP/STR ) The Health Ministrys disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, said he had not received any information on the matter but would trace Zhangs close contacts in Indonesia. Tracing is a certain thing, but it will be difficult. Where do we want to start if we dont know which city he went to?" Yurianto told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday, adding that the Indonesian Embassy in China would take the initial steps. Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun said he would contact the Chinese government and ask details on Zhang before passing them to Jakarta for further investigation. Indeed, the number of cases from internal transmissions in China has now declined. They are mostly flown in from outside [of China]. Out of 13 confirmed cases [on Wednesday], 12 were imported, he told the Post. Read also: COVID-19: Indonesia suspends visa-free policy, expands ban for people from worst-hit countries As of Tuesday, China has reported 80,894 COVID-19 cases, of which 69,614 have recovered and 3,237 died. At least 155 imported cases were recorded in China, Djauhari said. Meanwhile, Shaanxi has reported a total of 246 confirmed cases, with 233 discharged cases and three deaths. After the first imported case with Zhang, the Shaanxi administration followed the strict measures applied by most regions in China by ordering a 14-day quarantine for people entering the province starting Tuesday to strengthen its prevention and control measures. Under the order, Chinese or foreign nationals entering Shaanxi directly or transferred from other cities in the country must immediately report their basic information and health status to quarantine personnel and community workers. [They must] actively cooperate with relevant units to carry out prevention and control measures, such as nucleic acid testing and centralized isolation for 14 days. Related costs would be borne by each individual, the administration said as reported by Peoples Daily Xian. A medical staff member gestures inside an isolation ward at Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 10, 2020. (AFP/STR) It also required officials in government agencies and institutions at all levels in the province to make a report as soon as they learn that relatives and friends are about to return to Shaanxi from abroad. Those who conceal contact or residence history, misrepresented their illness or refused to implement prevention and control measures that can spread or cause the risk of spreading the new coronavirus will be investigated for [negligence], it added. London: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered the closure of all schools in Britain in a fresh response to the coronavirus pandemic that could put Australia under more pressure to follow. The United Kingdom and Australia had for several weeks shared the view that keeping schools open was the best option, citing expert modelling that concluded shutting them would do little to stop the spread of COVID-19 and risked taking parents away from frontline emergency services jobs. Boris Johnson has ordered all schools in the UK to close. Credit:AP However Downing Street altered course on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) and announced all public schools, private schools and childcare centres would close indefinitely from Friday afternoon. Johnson said the "curve" of infection growth was still too sharp and keeping millions of children at home would help lower the pressure on the National Health Service. Linda Lusardi has updated her fans on her current condition, having self-isolated with COVID-19 symptoms, with her husband Samuel Kane. She took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to post: 'I want to thank you all for your good wishes. Sam and I have had COVID-19 symptoms and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. 'We are taking it one-day-at-a-time, thats all we can do. But let me tell you weve never felt this ill, EVER! Update: Linda Lusardi has updated her fans on her current condition, having self-isolated with COVID-19 symptoms, with her boyfriend Samuel Kane 'I wouldnt wish this on anyone. So stay safe everyone and follow the advice of the experts - please take care of yourselves, loved ones and each other xx' On Wednesday, the former Page 3 girl, 61, revealed she was struggling with coronavirus symptoms as recorded cases of the highly contagious virus continue to rise across the United Kingdom. She suggested she was positive while responding to a fan request for a celebrity video message, ironically to a relative under quarantine in Spain. Replying to the fan, Linda wrote: 'Sorry Kerry. I am extremely ill with Corona at the moment.' She took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to post: 'I want to thank you all for your good wishes. Sam and I have had COVID-19 symptoms and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else' She added: 'I wouldnt wish this on anyone. So stay safe everyone and follow the advice of the experts - please take care of yourselves, loved ones and each other xx' Revelation: Linda revealed she is struggling with coronavirus COVID-19 symptoms as recorded cases of the highly contagious virus continue to rise across the United Kingdom Unwell: The former Page 3 girl suggested she was positive on Wednesday evening while responding to a fan request for a celebrity video message, ironically to a relative under quarantine in Spain It is not known if the model and actress has submitted herself to testing for the potentially lethal virus, or has experienced cold and flu like symptoms. MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment. Wishing her well, one follower commented: 'Sending you all our love and hope you feel better soon love you very much.' While another wrote: 'Get well soon Linda take care and rest up.' Happy family: Linda married former Brookside and Emmerdale actor Samuel Kane in 1998; the couple are parents to two children - daughter Lucy, 24, and son Jack, 21 Reaching out to the star, a third added: 'Wishing you a very speedy recovery.' Linda married former Brookside and Emmerdale actor Samuel Kane in 1998; the couple are parents to two children - daughter Lucy, 24, and son Jack, 21. She shared images of herself enjoying a night out with her oldest child and her actor boyfriend Jack Rowan, best known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and controversial new drama Noughts and Crosses, as recently as March 6. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to rule out the possibility of further and faster measures to control the spread of the virus in the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the country. Reaching out: Linda's post led to a wave of good will messages from followers on Wednesday Contact: She shared images of herself enjoying a night out with her oldest child Lucy and her daughter's actor boyfriend Jack Rowan, best known for his role in Peaky Blinders, as recently as March 6 He said ruthless enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the capital more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. The UK death toll has soared by around a third to 104. The number of people positively diagnosed hit 2,626, up from 1,950 on Wednesday. A total of 56,221 people now have been tested. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 219,00 cases have been detected globally, with more than 8,000 dead. Taken ill: The news comes a week after Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the novel coronavirus during a holiday to the Gold Coast in Australia It comes as military chiefs are putting up to 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britains streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic Anecdotal evidence suggests some Londoners do not appear to be following Government advice to socially distance themselves, and have been attending pubs, clubs and restaurants and continuing to travel to work. As a result, London could follow the example of other cities around the world which have been hit by the virus and go into so-called lockdown. Brave: Days later, Idris Elba revealed he too had contracted the virus and that he and wife Sabrina had gone into self isolation Linda joins a whole host of stars who have confirmed they have been tested positive for COVID-19. Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were the first Hollywood couple to reveal they had been tested positive for the novel coronavirus during a holiday to the Gold Coast in Australia. The Forrest Gump actor and his wife, both 63, announced the positive test results last week on Instagram urging the public to 'take care'. Hanks revealed they had experienced symptoms including the common cold, body aches and chills before they decided to get tested. Days later, Idris Elba revealed he too had contracted the virus and that he and wife Sabrina had gone into self isolation. The Luther star, 47, had attended the WE Day UK Charity event and concert in London last Tuesday March 3 with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She announced she tested positive for the virus last week and gone into self quarantine. Bond girl: Olga Kurylenko revealed on Wednesday she's 'feeling better' three days after announcing she had tested positive for coronavirus Bond girl Olga Kurylenko revealed on Wednesday she's 'feeling better' three days after announcing she had tested positive for coronavirus. The Quantum Of Solace star took to Instagram on Wednesday to give her 615K followers an update on her health, sharing that her 'fever has gone' just one day after she was refused a hospital bed with a temperature of 102F (38.9C). An interior view of the Pew Charitable Trusts' building in Washington. The structure, which once housed the Securities and Exchange Commission, was purchased for $155 million last year. Read more The Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trusts announced Thursday that it had named a new chief executive to succeed Rebecca W. Rimel, who has held a leadership role at the organization for more than three decades. Pews board of directors this week selected Susan K. Urahn, the nonprofits current executive vice president and chief program officer, to take over as president and CEO of an institution with a $6 billion endowment. Urahn, who will take over beginning July 1, was recommended by an internal search committee and unanimously approved by the board of directors, according to the announcement from board chair Robert H. Campbell. She joined Pew in 1994 and has overseen all the organizations program work in Philadelphia and around the world. Sue has been an important part of Pews success in state policy, health care, and conservation, and her breadth of experience is unmatched, Campbell said in a statement. She is also a strategist and creative thinker who will champion Pews core values and protect the organizations reputation for nonpartisanship, fact-based research and recommendations, and integrity. Rimel, who has been president and CEO since 1994, announced her retirement last year. Through her tenure, Pew grew from 10 employees to more than 1,000 across the globe. Most of those employees are in Washington, where the Pew Research Center is based. Pew, which was founded in 1948 by the family of Sun Oil Co founder Joseph Newton Pew, has a staff of about 70 based in Philadelphia. Pews Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative has examined why people leave Philadelphia, what city residents think of the soda tax, and what matters most to the community. READ MORE: Rebecca Rimel retiring after 25 years leading Pew Charitable Trusts Rimel was deeply involved in civic projects in the city, including the creation of the visitor center on Independence Mall, the move of the Barnes Foundation to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the creation of a new Alexander Calder Sanctuary that will showcase the Philadelphia-born sculptors work across from the Barnes and the Rodin Museum. Urahn joined Pew in 1994 as a member of its planning and evaluation division, and directed that department from 1997 to 2000. She helped evaluate all Pews grants and trusts-initiated projects, including Pews early environmental work. Urahn helped launch the Pew Center on the States and served as the centers director from 2007 to 2012. In 2012, Urahn became executive vice president and led all of Pews work on state policy, economics, and health care. Before joining Pew, she worked in policy research and evaluation with the Minnesota House of Representatives and the University of Minnesota. BERLIN (Reuters) - The coronavirus outbreak caused the steepest drop in German manufacturers expectations in the 70-year history of surveys, data showed on Thursday, as the three main economic institutes predicted anything from mild recession to a generational crash. The German economy is speeding into recession, said Clemens Fuest, President of the Ifo institute, which published preliminary results of its monthly survey for March. A fall in Ifos overall business climate index to 87.7 from 96.0 in February, the biggest drop since 1991, brought the index to its lowest level since the 2009 recession, Fuest said. Of the plunge in manufacturing business morale, he said: Never in the history of a reunified Germany has it fallen so far. The drop in expectations is the single most precipitous in 70 years of industry surveys. Germanys three main economic institutes all published revised forecasts predicting that Europes largest economy would shrink this year, with outlooks that ranged from a mild contraction to an historic crash wiping out 9% of GDP. In what it described as an optimistic scenario, Ifo predicted the German economy would shrink by at least 1.5% this year. A second scenario would see a contraction of 6%. Another institute, the IfW, said gross domestic product would shrink between 4.5% and 9%. A third, DIW, predicted a smaller fall of just 0.1%, but said this was based on an optimistic V-shaped scenario in which a sharp drop would be followed by a quick rebound, and the recession could be much more severe if uncertainty persists. Many German car manufacturers and suppliers, including Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and BMW (BMWG.DE), have announced factory closures due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus and supply chain problems. The preliminary Ifo figures are based on roughly 90% of the usual number of responses. The institute will publish the final figures on March 25. The survey was conducted from March 2-18. CULTURAL SHIFT Both Ifo and DIW called on the government to counter the impact of the coronavirus crisis with a big fiscal splurge, adding that Berlin should consider measures to also help small businesses and the self-employed. Chancellor Angela Merkel has promised to do whatever it takes to counter the epidemics economic impact and the government has promised an initial half a trillion euros in liquidity guarantees for affected businesses. Such measures would mark a cultural shift for Germany, which advocated fiscal prudence in Europe during the eurozone debt crisis that followed the 2008-2009 recession. Government sources told Reuters on Thursday that Germany was planning a 40-billion-euro ($43.27 billion) package to help small businesses and the self-employed threatened with bankruptcy by the coronavirus crisis. Ministers had not yet signed off on the rescue package which could yet exceed the 40-billion-euro mark, one of the sources said, adding that the government would pay operating costs of struggling businesses such as rents and leasing fees. Der Spiegel magazine reported that the Solidarity Fund would represent a break from Germanys long-standing no-new-debts policy, by being structured as a government-backed vehicle with the power to borrow at the very low rates available to the German government. There would be a total of 10 billion euros in direct grants available to small businesses, and a further 30 billion euros available in the form of loans, it said. Before I flew from Vienna to London at the start of last week to begin operating my small business, I spent my evenings sipping espresso and reading Dostoyevsky while the sun set on the coast of my new home in Croatia. Cafes were filled with a constant light chatter and restaurants had wait times. People of all ages found themselves crammed into bars aiming to get a glimpse at the television for the big UCL games being played in front of empty stadiums. The national museums in London were still receiving their normal influx of visitors. And yet, while in France last week, I was stunned to see my fellow Alabamians celebrate on Facebook that Alabama was one of the few states left that didnt have any confirmed cases. Despite their shared belief that we, as a State, were ahead of the disease and that the virus hadnt yet found its way into our communities, I was alarmed by the fact that the State did not yet have resources to test the public of COVID-19, though the virus has been spreading internationally for months. There is no way to diagnose cases without testing, meaning that the virus could have been circulating through our national communities for an unidentified amount of time whether symptoms are present or not. The most important thing we can do in our situation is to look to other communities around the globe and see what their respective governments and inhabitants have been doing, learning from both the good and the bad. The biggest problem in this pandemic is us. For months, it has been the common assumption that this virus is just the flu. I have even heard people make the claim that they are young and healthy, implying that the virus wouldnt affect them. This ignorance is admittedly disregarding the potentially fatal threat the virus imposes on the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. As we look across the globe, we can all agree that we do not feel encouraged by what we are seeing. More than a week ago, Spain confirmed an approximate 300 cases of COVID-19. The Spanish government urged people to stay away from restaurants and bars, similar to our own national warnings issued over the past two consecutive days. Despite the government warnings, people continued going about their everyday public lives. Sound familiar? On March 17, these confirmed cases in Spain have surpassed 11,500 with over 500 deaths. If you are questioning if you read the last sentence correctly, you did. Hospitals in Madrid are collapsing due to the reality that the infrastructure of the sanitation industry is not built to treat this sudden influx of patients. The standard flu is spread out over a 3-7 month flu season whereas the COVID-19 is infecting an alarming amount of people so quickly that the system cannot address nor combat the virus. A young woman from Madrid, who once studied abroad in Auburn, stated that once [the corona virus] hits, there is no going back. To further exemplify the pace of the corona virus, only three days after the country announced closures of public areas last Thursday, on March 12, Spain proceeded to enact a national quarantine on Sunday, March 15. The countrys contamination seems to be as unstoppable as the original virus in Wuhan, China. My time spent in Paris this past weekend felt identical to each of my past trips to the city. The weather was borderline spring, people were filling the streets, the metro system was shoulder to shoulder, and parks were littered with people simply enjoying each others company. While preparing for dinner with my local friends on March 14th, the French government announced that all shops, restaurants, and bars (excluding grocery stores and pharmacies) were to close indefinitely at midnight. While our group continued to dinner at my favorite Parisian restaurant for our last meal together, we spared no time and booked the next flights out of France to our respective home countries. Leaving the restaurant just before midnight, we watched as a crew of police cars stopped in front of businesses to enforce the shutting down of the city. And yet, even after the warnings of the government, people continued to enjoy the warm weather the following afternoon. Now, people in France must fill out a form to leave their house for any reason, and such reasons are restricted to only a select few. I am sure, by now, you have noticed that I have only briefly mentioned Italy. That is because Italy has been another excuse used when arguing that this virus is far away and therefore not personal. This virus is not just in China. This virus is not just in Italy. This virus is now on the doorsteps of all our daily lives in the United States. There are no longer any excuses for us to visit places or people where our presence is not necessary. As Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, said, We are at war. A war where the enemy is invisible. A war where the soldiers are each you and me. A war that demands that we fight, we partake in this fight by simply staying at home. I could continue writing this article and telling you stories of my friends in Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Norway, etc. Stories where people are living in a constant state of fear for their grandmother or little brother with asthma. Due to globalization and the ease of world travel, the severity of the situation occurring in other countries is much more prevalent than assumed. I urge each of you, Alabamians, to think before you act. Think about your grandparents that you would like to see at Easter, or of your friends little sister with a compromised immune system. Your actions to go into public per usual does not express nor validate your bravery. The heroes of this virus will be those of us who embrace what has already become a reality throughout our world and choose to isolate ourselves for the sake of the health and well-being of our community. If we can all take personal initiative, as well as listen to the advisories of the government, we can flatten the curve and hopefully avoid the immense devastation many countries and communities have already faced. Message from the author: I have a travel company that focuses almost exclusively on travel in Europe. During this time, it would make sense for my business to encourage people that the situation is okay and will soon get better. However, it makes more sense for us to embrace what is happening across the world, apply the lessons from the failures and shortcomings from our fellow humans across the world, and have hope that, if we implement the measures they failed to, then we can avoid a human catastrophe that could have possibly been subsided. Jonny Bradford | jonnytrvl.com CEO Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 04:26:26|Editor: zyl Video Player Close People wearing face masks are seen in Rome, Italy, on March 18, 2020. Numbers for both new deaths and new cures from Italy's COVID-19 outbreak released Wednesday are the highest on record, as health officials scramble to find enough doctors to confront the outbreak's spread. According to data released Wednesday by Angelo Borrelli, head of Italy's Civil Protection Department, a total of 475 Italians died in the last 24 hours from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Another 1,084 people were cured over the same span. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) ROME, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Numbers for both new deaths and new cures from Italy's coronavirus outbreak released Wednesday are the highest on record, as health officials scramble to find enough doctors to confront the outbreak's spread. According to data released Wednesday by Angelo Borrelli, head of Italy's Civil Protection Department, a total of 475 Italians died in the last 24 hours from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Another 1,084 people were cured over the same span. Both figures were the highest one-day recorded since the virus outbreak began in Italy last month. Overall, there were 2,648 new active cases recorded in the last day, a slower rate of increase than the previous day, when there were 2,898 new active cases. The increase of 10.2 percent on Wednesday was one of lowest this month. The coronavirus epidemic has claimed 2,978 victims in Italy as of Wednesday evening, with the cumulative coronavirus cases reaching 35,713 since the epidemic broke out on Feb. 21. As well, a total of 4,025 patients have recovered, a big jump from 2,941 recorded a day earlier. Italy, which recorded the most cases outside China, currently reported 28,710 active coronavirus cases, compared to Tuesday's 26,062. Of those active cases, 12,090 are under home isolation, 14,363 hospitalized with symptoms and 2,257 are in intensive care. "We must continue to monitor the situation and assume that as the effects of the national lockdown are reflected in the statistics we will start to see a more significant slowdown," Borrelli said. "We have to do more in Italy to limit the movement of residents to stop the spread" of the virus. Health officials across the country are scrambling for ways to put more doctors in the field to help contain the outbreak. On Wednesday, officials in the hard-hit region of Lombardy, which includes Milan, appealed to recently retired health workers to return to work to relieve over-worked colleagues. A day earlier, Minister of University and Research Gaetano Manfredi proposed letting soon-to-graduate medical students start work in low-pressure jobs as a way to let experienced colleagues work on the front-lines of the outbreak. But there was some good news on Wednesday. Vo, a small town near Venice in northern Italy, reported the successful outcome of a test case in which the entire population of 3,300 people was tested for coronavirus whether they showed symptoms or not and a strict quarantine was imposed. According to news reports, the town -- which was near the center of the first wave of infections in Italy -- has shown no new cases since Friday. "The testing was vital and it saved many lives," mayor Giuliano Martini is reported as saying. Testing may soon become easier as well. Researchers at the Campus Bio-Medico Polyclinic in Lazio, the region that includes the Italian capital of Rome, reported Wednesday that they have begun using an artificial intelligence diagnostic system first used in hospitals in Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first emerged. The system used analysis of a CT scan of the lungs to make a coronavirus diagnosis in as little as 20 seconds with an accuracy rate of 98.5 percent. According to Alessio D'Amato, the Lazio government's top health official, the system will be made available to the entire Lazio hospital system. By Express News Service MADURAI: More than a hundred residents of Chinna Udaippu village near Madurai staged a road roko, protesting against establishing quarantine ward in their locality. Chinna Udaippu village which falls in the vicinity of Madurai airport was chosen by the district administration and health department to quarantine the air travellers with COVID19 symptoms. Protesting against the plan, the villagers raised slogans condemning the move and staged a protest blocking the Thirumangalam four-lane road. Urging the officials not to set up the isolation ward in the Government Cooperatives Training College campus, a resident of the village on the request of anonymity said that there are nearly eight villages around the proposed quarantine set up and the officials are least concerned about the people living around. Expressing apprehension on the pandemic disease, the villagers demanded to set up the ward somewhere else. Upon the information, the Health department officials, district administration officials held talks with the villagers. Meanwhile, more than 200 police had been deployed in the village to control the situation. Meanwhile, District Collector T G Vinay, Deputy Director of Health Services Dr Priya Raj, Madurai Airport Director S Senthil Valavan inspected the proposed quarantine ward at Government Cooperatives Training College on Thursday. Flights Cancelled Five domestic flights from Madurai to Bangalore, Hyderabad and New Delhi have been suspended up to 28th March following the steps being taken across the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hand Sanitizer is being distributed to the arriving International passengers and also cleaning is being done on a regular basis after every flight movement. Further, a daily report has been maintained on the screening of International passengers for COVID-19. The confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court have proven to be consequential in advancing President Trump's immigration agenda. Four cases decided during this term, three by a 5-4 margin, have reversed lower court decisions that sought to make it harder to restrict immigration. In Kansas v. Garcia, the Court gave states wider latitude in prosecuting illegal aliens for identity theft when they provide false Social Security numbers on job applications. The issue in the case was whether the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 pre-empted a Kansas statute that criminalized identity theft. The Trump administration backed Kansas in the case. In the opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, the Court held that Kansas did not unlawfully encroach on federal authority over immigration policy. According to Alito: From the beginning of our country, criminal law enforcement has been primarily a responsibility of the States, and that remains true today. In recent times, the reach of federal criminal law has expanded, and there are now many instances in which a prosecution for a particular course of conduct could be brought by either federal or state prosecutors. Our federal system would be turned upside down if we were to hold that federal criminal law preempts state law whenever they overlap, and there is no basis for inferring that federal criminal statutes preempt state laws whenever they overlap. Indeed, in the vast majority of cases where federal and state laws overlap, allowing the States to prosecute is entirely consistent with federal interests. A second case, Wolf v. Innovation Law Lab, allowed the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" immigration policy to stay in place. The Remain in Mexico policy, which was enacted in January 2019, blocked applicants for asylum from entering the U.S. until their applications are approved. The Ninth Circuit held that the policy violated federal and international (!) law. In the Wolf decision, the Supreme Court issued a brief order staying the appellate court ruling while lower-court challenges play out. "Our entire nation dodged a bullet," wrote Daniel Horowitz in Conservative Review, noting that failure to stay the injunction would have caused "a mass rush of caravans at our border." Not exactly an attractive scenario at a time of coronavirus panic. Finally, in a pair of 5-4 decisions in January and February, the Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration's "public charge" rule for new immigrants. For the past twenty years, "public charge" has been defined as a person dependent on cash assistance programs. The Trump administration revised the definition in August 2019 to include people likely to require non-cash government benefits. Lower courts have repeatedly blocked the new policy from going into effect. In early January, the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals implemented a nationwide injunction against the policy. On January 27, 2020, the Supreme Court in Department of Homeland Security v. New York, granted a stay, lifting the nationwide injunction except in Illinois, where a statewide injunction remained in place. About a month later, in Wolf v. Cook County, in another 5 to 4 decision, the Court granted an additional stay with respect to Illinois, allowing the public charge rule to go into effect in all 50 states. Significantly, in the New York decision, Gorsuch took aim at the nationwide injunctions, stating that the injunctions are "patently unworkable, sowing chaos for litigants, the government, courts, and all those affected." Hopefully, the Court can address the issue of nationwide injunctions in a future ruling. With federal district and circuit courts seeking to frustrate the Trump administration's immigration policies, it is heartening that the Supreme Court has started to provide some clarity. Continued progress depends entirely on conservatives maintaining, or hopefully adding to, their fragile 5-to-4 majority on the Court. You can follow Nicholas J. Kaster on Twitter. A U.S. Navy veteran detained in Iran for allegedly insulting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and posting private information online has been released on medical furlough. Californian Michael White had been serving a 13-year sentence following his arrest in 2018, the State Department said in a statement announcing the release on March 19. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said White had been "wrongfully detained" and that he was released on humanitarian grounds with the condition he would remain in Iran. He will undergo medical testing and evaluation and is currently in the custody of the Swiss Embassy, which oversees U.S. interests in Iran. "The United States will continue to work for Michael's full release, as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran," the statement said. "We thank the government of Switzerland for its continued and constructive role as our protecting power in Iran," it added. The release of former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Robert Levinson was also demanded. He disappeared in 2007 and Washington suspects Iran of abducting him. However, Tehran maintains his disappearance is being investigated and that it's not a sign he was prosecuted. The U.S. government also called for the immediate release on humanitarian grounds of Morad Tahbaz, Baquer Namazi, and Siamak Namazi. White was the first American known to be detained in Iran since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017. Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) speaks during a campaign event in Lebanon, New Hampshire on February 6, 2020. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) Gabbard Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Biden Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) has suspended her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination and endorsed former rival Joe Biden. Bidens victories in three primaries on March 17, adding to his series of recent wins in Democratic primaries, convinced Gabbardwho was one of three contenders left in a once-crowded fieldthat voters want him as the nominee. Gabbard, 38, said that she knows Biden, 77, his wife, Jill Biden, and was a friend of Bidens late son, Beau. Although I may not agree with the Vice President on every issue, I know that he has a good heart and hes motivated by his love for our country and the American people, Gabbard said in a video statement on March 19. Im confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloharespect and compassionand thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart. Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), 78, are the only remaining Democratic contenders. Gabbard said she was extending her best wishes to Sanders, his wife, Jane, and their supporters. Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), left, and former Vice President Joe Biden, participate in a Democratic presidential primary debate in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 25, 2020. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo) I have a great appreciation for Senator Sanderss love for our country and the American people and his sincere desire to improve the lives of all Americans, she said. Gabbard announced her entry in the 2020 race in January 2019. She struggled to build a coalition of supporters and won only two delegates, both from American Samoa, before dropping out. Gabbard was attacked by some media outlets and data showed she received a smaller amount of coverage than her polling position indicated she should get. Gabbard positioned herself as an anti-war candidate. The Army veteran repeatedly said that she doesnt support regime-change wars and said the money would be spent better elsewhere. I will bring an end to this failed foreign policy and withdraw America from ongoing conflict that achieves nothing and wastes so much, she said on her campaign website. Gabbard also supported abortion, called for gun-control measures, and wanted to implement a single-payer health care system that would cover every American, with private insurance also accepted. With Bidens latest wins, Sanders has a narrowing window to earn delegates. The senators campaign said March 18 that he would assess his bid. A campaign spokesman said later in the day that the senator isnt suspending his campaign. The proper standard of approach to cervical screening is set by reasonable competent professional screeners and is not a "court-imposed obligation", the Chief Justice has said. Chief Justice Frank Clarke said some "doomsday predictions" were made after the High Court said in Ruth Morrissey's case that a competent screener should have "absolute confidence" a smear is normal before passing it as clear. Some of the "more extreme" comments are "very hard to reconcile" with clear evidence that such a standard applied in the UK and in Northern Ireland specifically without the screening systems there becoming unworkable, he said. There is no "absolute confidence" test for the standard of approach in cases such as this, the test is the same as in any professional negligence case and is based on evidence as to the standard actually applied by competent professionals in the area, he stressed. The overall question a court must address is whether a reasonable competent screener could have given a clear result, both having regard to the adequacy of a smear slide and the absence of suspicious material. Despite "quibbling" between expert witnesses in the Morrissey case whether the term "absolute" was appropriate, they all agreed that any doubt about whether what is seen on a side is normal must not allow the case to be reported as a clear result and there was evidence to support the High Court conclusion that a screener must not give a clear result when in any doubt, he ruled. The proper standard of approach did not derive from the court but from an assessment of evidence given on all sides concerning the standard actually applied by the relevant professionals. Those experts identified the standard expected of a normally competent screener as one "which precludes giving a clear result in case of doubt". The High Court had also clearly accepted that competent screeners, applying an appropriate standard of approach, could take different views about whether there was even a doubt as to whether a clear result could be given. While the High Court had found Medlab laboratory was negligent concerning the adequacy of Mrs Morrissey's 2012 smear slide, it was not satisfied Medlab was negligent in respect of the manner in which the screener did not identify any suspicious material on that slide. This showed, even applying what the trial judge considered to be an absolute confidence test, there was room for a finding this was a case where competent screeners could come to different views and there was thus no negligence. The suggestion the High Court was applying an absolute confidence test in a way which effectively meant every error, even with the benefit of hindsight, must result in negligence, is "demonstrably wrong", he said. The principles set out in the Supreme Court Dunne V NMH judgment continue to represent the law here concerning the standard of care in medical negligence cases, he stressed. There are "significant similarities" between the Dunne principles and the absolute confidence legal test in the UK, he noted. The "overarching" Dunne principle is that the standard of approach of a medical professional is a standard appropriate to a person of equal specialist or general status acting with ordinary care, he said. The question of the standard of approach which should be applied by an ordinarily competent professional "is ultimately a matter of fact" requiring expert evidence. In a case such as this, a court has no role in imposing a standard of approach on a professional and it is the standards of the profession itself, as demonstrated by the evidence, which imposed the standard required. By John O'Donnell BONN, March 18 (Reuters) - Two British bankers were handed suspended jail sentences on Wednesday and one told to pay a 14 million euro penalty in Germany's biggest post-war fraud trial of a scam involving multi-billion-euro trades to get bogus tax reclaims. One of the bankers, Martin Shields, an Oxford graduate, told the court he had "learned his lesson". Shields was ordered to pay a 14 million euro penalty. Throughout the trial, he gave detailed presentations to explain the scheme's workings to the judges. Nicholas Diable told judges that his wedding, honeymoon, career and birth of his children had been overshadowed by the investigation, expressing regret that he had taken part in the so-called "cum-ex" scheme. The German prosecutors intend to use the case as the foundation for scores of further trials in a wider pan-German push to recover billions of euros from banks and investors. The trial, as well as recent raids in Frankfurt and the arrest of a lawyer involved in the case, have been closely followed in London and Frankfurt, where much of the trading was organised, bankers said and court documents showed. HOW DID IT WORK? Shields revealed much about the workings of the trade during the trial, making presentations to the Bonn court explaining how the scheme, known as "cum ex", thrived between 2005 and 2012. It allowed investors around the world to target chiefly German companies to generate multiple tax reclaims from phantom dividends. This went on for years, including during the financial crash when many banks were bailed out by the state. The trade required a syndicate of big banks and investors, such as hedge funds, to work in tandem to engineer the trades. DIVIDEND ARBITRAGE The "cum-ex" trades are a mutation of a multi-billion-euro business called dividend arbitrage, bankers and finance industry experts say. Here is how dividend arbitrage works. European countries sometimes impose a higher or lower tax on company dividends paid to shareholders, depending on who and where they are. Story continues A London hedge fund may have to pay a higher German withholding tax when it gets a dividend payout on shares in a German car-maker than a pension fund in Munich. To avoid the heavy German tax, the London fund lends the shares to the Munich pension before the dividend payout. The German fund then pays a lower tax and the shares switch back to the London investor. The saving is split. This is legal. VIRTUAL DIVIDENDS In Germany, a glitch in the mechanics of trading and reclaiming withholding tax made it possible to generate virtual dividends by short-selling stocks. That triggered a voucher to reclaim tax that had never been paid. This is illegal. Once discovered by the global finance sector, the trading took on vast proportions. Carefully orchestrated, shares would be rapidly moved around a group of banks and investors to give the impression of numerous owners, each entitled to a tax rebate. GERMAN REACTION The trades were so complicated, they long remained hidden. After roughly a decade, they finally attracted the attention of German tax authorities, who slowly stamped it out. Denmark too lost money to such bogus tax reclaims. When the wider German public became aware of the trading schemes this prompted a heated debate, a parliamentary enquiry and a pledge from Berlin to get the money back. The government has put a tally on the damage of 5 billion euros, although some experts say it could be twice as much. And with many of those involved scattered around the world, recovering the cash is difficult. LEGAL OR ILLEGAL? Some bankers involved said that the practice was such common knowledge among peers that they believed the German government was also aware of it. But German government officials dismiss this as absurd. They point to attempts to stamp out the practice by changing and clarifying the law in 2007, 2009 and 2012, efforts they say made clear the trading was illegal. ($1 = 0.9168 euros) (Reporting By John O'Donnell. Editing by Jane Merriman) Hitch Crossbody Brief It holds a lot but stays really sleek looking, and its sharp enough to serve as an office briefcase. WaterField Designs, an innovative leader in custom laptop sleeves, bags, and cases for digital-minded professionals announces the new Hitch Crossbody Laptop Brief in two sizes: the Compact to fit Apples newly-announced 13-inch MacBook Air, the anticipated 14-inch MacBook Pro, or the 13-inch Surface Pro, and the "Full" to fit the 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro or the 15-inch Surface Pro. The bags clean lines keep the look compact even as subtle expanders add depth and capacity to the bags front pockets. Each Hitch Crossbody Brief includes two padded interior compartments: one for a laptop and another for Apples new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. The bags clean lines keep the look compact even as subtle expanders add depth and capacity to the bags front pockets. The Hitch Crossbody Brief is suitable for business, travel, or casual use, and its padded tech compartments and three carry options make it an optimal briefcase for a day at the office. The Hitch is so comfortable even when its packed, and it keeps all my gear easy to access, said company owner Gary Waterfield. The vertical design keeps the weight distributed. It holds a lot but stays really sleek lookingits sharp enough to serve as an office briefcase. The adjustable shoulder strap is long enough to wear crossbody or off one shoulder. Every detail on the Hitch Crossbody Brief is carefully devised for ease of use and esthetic appeal. A spacious main compartment, accessed from either side, features a padded laptop and padded tablet sleeve. Two sizes suit laptops as large as the upcoming 14-inch and the 16-inch MacBook Pro and tablets up to 12.9 inches. Gold rip-stop lining lights up the interior making it easy to find everything else needed for a days work, even at the bottom of the bag. Interior open-topped pockets, pen slots, and a quick-retrieval key tether are all raised off the bottom for convenient access and balanced weight distribution. A zippered front pocket is larger than it appears thanks to subtle, cleverly-designed expanders, so it can hold bulky items like a power brick or mouse without bulging. Inside the front pocket, additional organizational pockets keep quick-access items easy to locate. Flexible carry options include a comfortable and removable suspension shoulder strap, two briefcase-style handles, and a convenient wheeled suitcase passthrough. A full-grain leather base and front panel reinforce the bag and add a bit of luxury to this handsome laptop bag. Users choose from a durable black ballistic nylon or rugged tan waxed canvas base. They can then opt for accents in one of two premium, full-grain leather colors. The Hitch Crossbody Brief joins an extensive line of WaterField tech-friendly messenger bags, briefcases, backpacks, and duffel bags designed for commuting, for supporting professionals at the office, and for improving the travel experience. Availability & Pricing The Hitch Crossbody Brief Price: Compact$249. Full$259. Colors: Black ballistic nylon with black or chocolate full-grain leather or tan waxed canvas with chocolate or grizzly full-grain leather. Dimensions and weight: Compact10.375 x 13.25 x 3.75 inches; Canvas1.8 lbs. Ballistic1.5 lbs. (Fits new 13-inch MacBook Air, anticipated 14-inch MacBook Pro & Surface Pro 13-inch.) Long11.75 x 15 x 3.75 inches; Canvas2.2 lbs. Ballistic1.8 lbs. (Fits MacBook Pro 16-inch and Surface Pro 15-inch.) Pre-order now. First production run ships as soon as we are back in our San Fransico sewing studio. About WaterField Designs WaterField Designs is an innovative San Francisco designer and manufacturer of bags and cases for tech-savvy consumers who want to stylishly and responsibly transport their technology. WaterField manufactures custom-fitted, high-quality cases and bags for a full-range of laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming devices, and other digital gear. All products are manufactured to exacting standards entirely in San Francisco. More information is available on the company website at Our Story. CHANDIGARH: Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badals mother, Harminder Kaur, passed away at Badal village in Muktsar district on Thursday morning. She was 84. She is survived by her son, a daughter and husband Gurdas Singh Badal, a former member of Parliament and the younger brother of former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. Family sources said she was suffering from age-related ailments and was hospitalised at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for a week. They said she was brought back to her native Badal village in Muktsar district earlier this week. The cremation will take place at Badal village at 3pm on Thursday, the sources said. In his condolence message, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh described Harminder Kaur as a pious soul and a pillar of strength for the family. Shiromani Akali Dal president and former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal mourned his aunts death by tweeting, Deeply saddened by chachi jis death. Her kindness, warmth and humility will always be missed. May her soul rest in peace. Bengaluru, March 20 : In yet another setback to Madhya Pradesh senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, Karnataka Director-General of Police (DGP) Praveen Sood declined to deliver his letter to his party rebels staying at a resort in the citys northern suburbs, a party official said on Thursday. "Singh requested Sood to deliver his letter to 18 rebels through his staff as he was not allowed to meet them by the police deployed at the resort and the latter also did not want to meet him," the party's official Prakash Rathod told IANS here. Singh sought Sood's help to reach out the defiant rebels as a candidate in the March 26 by-elections for his re-election to the Rajya Sabha from the central India state. "As I am unable to meet my party legislators who are my voters in the by-polls, I have appealed to them to vote for me, as 16 of them are still MLAs because the assembly speaker did not accept their resignations so far," Singh told reporters here earlier in the day. Singh's attempt to meet the rebels on Wednesday did not succeed after the Karnataka High Court declined to direct the state DGP for allowing him to enter Ramada resort where the rebels have been staying since March 14 night. They shifted from another resort on the city's northern outskirts where they checked-in on March 9 on flying from New Delhi and Bhopal in two chartered aircraft. "Sood told Singh that he cannot be his courier man to deliver the letter as the latter went to the high court for a direction to him and that his case was adjourned for next hearing on March 26," Rathod recalled. Accusing Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa of preventing Sood from allowing him to meet the rebels, Singh said he wrote the letter to the rebels after the police chief on Wednesday told him he could give a letter to him stating that he wanted to meet the legislators as a party candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-elections. Sood told Singh that he had to consult the state legal team even for receiving the letter because the latter sought judicial intervention by going to the court. Sood also told Singh that he could not allow him to enter the resort as the rebels wrote to him again on Wednesday that they did not want to meet the latte and sought protection for them by deploying security in and around the resort. Charging the BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with "scripting and executing" the ongoing political crisis in the central Indian state, he appealed to the rebel legislators not to take any step that will favour the JP Nadda-led party. "I have sympathy for the DGP as he is under pressure from Yediyurappa not to allow me to meet my party legislators or deliver my campaign letter to them," Singh said. Terming the developments as "power game" the BJP has scripted in the country, Singh said it was "conceived, authored and executed" by the party under Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "You people call it as operation lotus, it is nothing but operation money bag. There are huge sums of money, it happened in Karnataka in the past," alleged Singh. Singh also alleged that the Madhya Pradesh BJP leaders, under investigation on charges of corruption in several scams like Vyapam and e-tendering, do not want the 15-month-old Congress government to continue. "The money is given (for operation) by Shah, chartered flights and hotels bill are being paid by his party (BJP) and contractors who benefitted from the scams," Singh thundered. Fred Meyer said Thursday an employee working at its Northeast Glisan store in Portland tested positive for the coronavirus last week. In partnership with the health department we stayed open, said Jeffery Temple, spokesman for the Portland retail chain. Willamette Week first reported the positive test. Fred Meyer initially said two employees had tested positive in Portland but then updated that information to say only one had. Another employee, in the Seattle area, tested positive March 5. We hired a third party company to come in overnight, when we closed the store, to do a thorough sanitization process, Temple said. The employees last day in the store was March 10, according to Temple. He said he didnt know when the employee tested positive or what departments he or she worked in, and said Fred Meyer didnt notify customers. We follow the guidelines for communications with the health department. We defer to the experts, Temple said. Fred Meyer did notify employees, according to Temple. But Dan Clay, president United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 555, said his understanding is the company wouldnt disclose where in the store the infected employee worked. Were super concerned about that. If somebody is exposed I think that it is just common sense that they should get to know that," said Clay, whose union represents Fred Meyer workers and other grocery employees in the region. Clay said the union is taking steps to ensure grocery workers receive notification in the future so "our members get the knowledge they deserve to make informed decisions instead of going in blind. Oregon has had 88 positive tests for the coronavirus and has linked three deaths to COVID-19, the disease associated with the virus. In some cases offices or whole buildings have shut down following a positive test and the state has instructed people not to gather in groups of more than 25. Gov. Kate Brown ordered bars and restaurants shut in hopes of containing the outbreak. Authorities have made an exception for grocery stores, declaring them essential services. Customers and employees remain at risk of exposure, though, and some supermarket chains have asked customers to reserve some shopping hours for older customers and others at heightened risk from the virus. Correction: Fred Meyer says it did notify workers of their infected colleague. This article originally said employees were not notified. -- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Asia Coronavirus Compensation Promised to Poor Workers in India A man wearing a protective mask walks past a bus stop displaying preventive measures against the coronavirus in Mumbai, India, on March 18, 2020. / REUTERS MUMBAIMillions of poor Indians may receive cash compensation for income lost to coronavirus, as officials in Uttar Pradesh state started counting the number of qualifying citizens on Wednesday. The 200-million-strong northern statethe most populous and one of the poorest in Indiabecame the first to announce on Tuesday that it would make online payments to poor and daily wage workers if they lost work because of the global epidemic. We are tabulating the number of vegetable vendors, construction workers, rickshaw pullers, autorickshaw drivers and temporary staff at shops, said a labor official who declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media. This is a major decision. But we dont have any data on the workers. The announcement is to make online payments to them, so we need the information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, of all workers. The International Labor Organization said on Wednesday that about 25 million jobs could be lost globally due to coronavirus. With three deaths and 151 confirmed cases of the virus, of which 16 were from Uttar Pradesh, India has so far fared better than elsewhere in Asia, Europe and North America. But experts say Indias already overstretched medical system would struggle to deal with a major rise in serious cases. About 30 percent of Uttar Pradeshs populationor 60 million peoplelive below the poverty line, surviving on less than US$2 (2,876 Myanmar kyats) a day, according to Indian government and World Bank data. The labor official said departments including Labor, Finance and Agriculture were meeting on Wednesday, with a final report being submitted to the chief minister within three days. We are in the process of preparing a scheme, the states principal secretary for finance Sanjiv Mittal confirmed to the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. Labor experts said the federal government must also consider reimbursing labor costs of coronavirus-hit industries and small businesses to ensure they do not lay off staff. Workers in certain sectors, such as hotels, food and beverages, poultry and transport, are already hit by social distancing, said labor economist Anoop Satpathy of the VV Giri National Labor Institute. As the number of affected cases increase and we move towards a lockdown situation, businesses and workers will be severely impacted, said Satpathy, who headed the Indian governments expert committee on minimum wages. You may also like these stories: How a Mass Pilgrimage at a Malaysian Mosque Became a Coronavirus Hotspot Coronavirus Closes Indias Taj Mahal; Mumbai Tells Half Its Office Workers to Stay Home China Reports One Locally Transmitted Virus Case, 20 Imported Ones KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy and Chinese companies in Malaysia on Thursday donated the first batch of medical supplies to Malaysian hospitals in solidarity on the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. The medical materials, including 5,000 face masks and 10,000 surgical masks, were delivered to Malaysia's Sungai Buloh hospital, one of the designated facilities to treat COVID-19 patients. Chinese Ambassador Bai Tian said Malaysia's government and people have generously supported China when China was in the height of fighting the pandemic. "In China, there's a saying that 'The grace of dripping water should be reciprocated by a gushing spring'. Despite China is still facing challenges in containing the outbreak, we are willing to do everything we could, including expertise and material support to Malaysia to help our friends to get over this," he said. Malaysia confirmed 110 newly cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total number to 900, after the government implemented comprehensive restrictive measures to contain the outbreak. TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- If Florida is forced to contend with a massive outbreak of COVID-19, quickly accessing patient records from all sources becomes crucial. That seamless access has been hampered by the territorial nature of electronic health record (EHR) solutions, but a health information exchange system in place in Tallahassee and Bradenton could hold the key by building bridges between EHRs. The system also helps hospitals comply with a new federal rule requiring that they notify patients' doctors upon admission for coronavirus disease treatment. Pioneered by a medical doctor, a technology entrepreneur, and a self-described health care policy wonk, Tallahassee-based HIE Networks allows patient records from any source to be uploaded and aggregated into a secure, patient-specific portal, where medical teams and patients can access them in real time across geographies and different types of EHR systems. "EHR systems are highly proprietary, so by design they don't communicate easily with each other," said Dan Kaelin, MD, HIE Networks' co-founder and Chief Medical Officer. "That means there's no way to quickly collect and view patient information across health plans, hospitals, walk-in clinics, county public health departments, and other providers and that's a problem for health care treatment." HIE Networks tackled that problem by building a bridge between all data sources. The HIE Networks can even use physicians' existing antiquated faxing resources to integrate the information into the cloud-based platform. The system has been tried and proven in Tallahassee and Bradenton, where many doctors can access a patient's comprehensive medical records across the communities. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last week announced new electronic notification procedures requiring hospitals to send real-time electronic notifications to each of a new patient's relevant doctors. This presents a tremendous challenge for hospitals, which may have a difficult time identifying all of a patient's doctors and determining how to reach them as the patient is admitted, discharged, or transferred. HIE Networks' health information exchange system is one of the few systems providing that kind of fast and affordable interoperability. The new federal rule is designed to drive patient access and sharing of their electronic health information, allowing the patients the ability to coordinate their own health care. However, the rule has taken on new urgency from COVID-19, presenting an additional imperative for hospitals as they address the unique and daunting challenges of potential coronavirus cases. HIE Networks has supported the concept of interoperability within the health care provider community since 2005. Operating in Tallahassee and the Bradenton area, it is one of Florida's oldest local community health exchanges dedicated to providing interoperability between health care providers. HIE Networks has been working directly with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration regarding Medicaid participants and has been reaching out to other local providers, working from a whole-person care perspective to improve health outcomes and patient safety. "Hospitals and health care organizations have become more and more driven by data, and the new federal requirements make this even more essential," Dr. Kaelin said. "The need to share data among physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and other entities is a challenge, but this kind of interoperability is available to help providers meet the regulatory requirements even as they work to save the lives of their patients." Co-founder Allen Byington says the system could be rolled out in all 67 counties in Florida in just weeks. SOURCE HIE Networks [March 19, 2020] Danaher Receives Clearance From U.S. Federal Trade Commission For The Acquisition Of The Biopharma Business Of General Electric Life Sciences WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) ("Danaher") announced today that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") has accepted the proposed consent order in connection with Danaher's definitive agreement with General Electric Company ("GE") (NYSE: GE) to acquire the Biopharma business of GE Life Sciences ("GE Biopharma"). The acceptance by the FTC satisfies all required antitrust clearances needed to be obtained for the acquisition of GE Biopharma by Danaher. In addition to the FTC, the transaction has also been cleared by the European Commission and the Brazilian, Chinese, Israeli, Japanese, Korean and Russian antitrust authorities. The closing of the acquisition remains subject to other customary closing conditions set forth in the purchase agreement. Danaher currently expects that the acquisition will be completed on March 31, 2020. ABOUT DANAHER Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in the demanding and attractive health care, environmental and applied end-markets. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team f more than 60,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System, and its Shared Purpose, Helping Realize Life's Potential. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this release that are not strictly historical, including the statements regarding the anticipated acquisition of GE Biopharma and the timing thereof and any other statements regarding events or developments that we believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, the parties' ability to satisfy the remaining acquisition agreement conditions and consummate the acquisition of GE Biopharma on the anticipated timetable and terms or at all. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in our SEC filings, including our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and except to the extent required by applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/danaher-receives-clearance-from-us-federal-trade-commission-for-the-acquisition-of-the-biopharma-business-of-general-electric-life-sciences-301027237.html SOURCE Danaher Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:07:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have disclosed that enhanced soil carbon storage can potentially play an important role in mitigating global climate change. Compared with the role of forests in carbon sequestration, the practical implementation of soil carbon sequestration as a strategy to combat climate change has not yet been fully realized, according to their recent research paper published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The researchers from the Nature Conservancy and the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences evaluated global carbon storage capacities by monitoring the carbon reduction potential in forests, wetlands, farmlands and grasslands. They quantified the role of soil carbon in natural climate solutions and found that soil carbon represented 25 percent of the total mitigation potential of natural climate solutions, a critical pathway for the removal of atmospheric carbon. Furthermore, the results showed that soil carbon comprised nine percent of the carbon dioxide reduction potential for forests, 72 percent for wetlands and 47 percent for agriculture and grasslands. The researchers predicted that carefully controlling soil carbon will be pivotal to the success of land-based efforts to prevent carbon emissions and improve soil health. Only 2 more episodes to look forward to and the "Itaewon Class" will bid goodbye. The show just recently released a few still shots of the cast and crew. In the still shots, they are showing their teamwork and that they are also having fun while on the set. The cast members are all smiles and are showing their chemistry. "Itaewon Class" continues to soar high in ratings. Each episode tackles different characters and the series also depicts their character developments and transformations towards success. Park Sae Joon's role, Park Sae Roy, in the latest episodes of the drama is now the CEO and owner of a huge conglomerate. Nothing much changed in his physical appearance and his strong character seems real. Kim Da Mi's character, Jo Yi Seo, showed that love and loyalty can last. She is persistent with her feelings for Park Sae Roy and works hard to be the top director of IC Co. Kwon Nara, who plays the role of Oh Soo Ah, is one of the love interests of our main character who never gives up to reach her dreams in life. She is a woman of power working for the Chairman of Jangga Co. Yoo Jae Myung, who's Chairman Jang Dae Hee of Jangga Co, pulls off being the antagonist of the show and in making our hero struggle in life. He manipulates things and all the people around him. Kim Dong Hee, whose character is Jang Geun Soo, never gives up with his feelings for a woman who will never accept him. Don't be fooled by his charm and kind face because he can do dirty works like his father, Chairman Jang Dae Hee. His brother Jang Geun Won, played by actor Ahn Bo Hyun, lives a life with hardened feelings as his father gives him cold treatment. Lee Joo Young, or known for her character in the drama as Ma Hyun Yi, is a fresh introduction to the K-drama industry. Her role is a transgender. A hero needs to have the best man and Ryoo Kyung Soo fits the role. His character Choi Seung Kwon is the comical character who makes his friends upbeat. The drama recently released BTS's V's "Sweet Night" as part of its original soundtrack. Only a few days later, the single charted on US iTunes singles. "Itaewon Class" is from a popular webtoon of the same title. Meanwhile, known actor Park Bo Gum is slated to make a cameo in the remaining episodes. It has been revealed that he is friends with the director Kim Sung Yoon. The actor starred in the drama series "Love in the Moonlight," which was directed by Kim Sung Yoon. The last 2 episodes of "Itaewon Class" will broadcast on Friday and Saturday. CLEVELAND, Ohio Banks in Greater Cleveland and nationwide are closing branches and limiting customers to drive-thrus or appointment-only service to reduce contact between people during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Huntington Bank said Wednesday it will close branches that dont have drive-thrus, starting Thursday. This includes in-store branches. KeyBank, PNC, Fifth Third and First Federal Lakewood also are limiting customers to drive-thru service only, or in-branch by appointment only. Key started the policy Thursday, PNC and First Federal start Friday, and Fifth Third starts Saturday. JPMorgan Chase is closing 20% of its branches temporarily starting Thursday; most branches that will remain open have drive-thrus or glass partitions inside, or both. Branches that remain open will have reduced hours. The moves are aimed at avoiding customers standing too close together. State and federal health officials in recent days have urged people to not be within 6 feet of other people as the nation tries to stop the spread of the highly contagious virus. The banks say the closings and other new arrangements will remain in effect until further notice. Customers can continue to use ATMs as normal. Customers are also encouraged to use the banks web sites to check balances, pay bills, apply for loans and transfer money. Consumers with their banks mobile app can also deposit checks easily through their phone. Customers can also do some transactions by calling customer service if necessary. KeyBank: Is now requiring all customers to use drive-thrus or make an appointment to go inside a branch. Our primary focus is protecting our clients, employees, and communities, and this decision was not made lightly, Cleveland-based Key said. We will continue to follow the advice of the CDC, state, and local authorities for best health practices in our branches and offices. Key has about 100 branches in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area. Customers can check which branches have drive-thrus and which are accepting in-person appointments by going to key.com or calling their branch. For more information, go to key.com/coronavirus Huntington: Is temporarily closing branches within retailers and without drive-thrus. Service will be available only through drive-thrus and ATMs. Huntington customers can call 1-800-480-2265 daily 6:00 a.m. to midnight ET to find the closest location or get other help. Huntington has about 150 branches in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area and about 800 branches companywide. PNC: Will temporarily close about 25% of its branches that dont offer drive-thru service. The remaining 75% will have their drive-thrus open if they have a drive-thru, but on a different schedule than they may have had before: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. PNC customers who need to sign loan closing documents, access to a safe deposit box or other services that cant be done through the drive-thru can make an appointment by calling their local branch. Customers with questions can call 888-762-2265. Fifth Third: Will see customers in branches by appointment only starting Saturday. To schedule an in-person appointment, customers can go to 53.com or by calling their local branch. Chase: Is temporarily closing about 20% of its 5,000 U.S. locations starting Thursday. The branches that remain open will close two hours earlier in most cases, with branch hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bank said many of the branches remaining open have teller partition glass to reduce proximity, or they have drive-thrus, or both. Its keeping branches open in every market where it operates. Chase has about 70 branches in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area. Customers can find up-to-date hours at a branch or ATM nearby by going to chase.com/branch. Other information is available at: https://www.chase.com/digital/resources/coronavirus First Federal Lakewood: Will limit in-branch customers starting Friday to those with appointments. Drive-thrus will be available as normal. Customers can get additional help by calling 216-529-5600. U.S. Bank Started adjusting its operations Thursday, with the changes rolling out in different markets. The bank said its decreasing lobby usage, encouraging drive through use, and consolidating operations, while maintaining access. The changes will be visible in the Cleveland market starting Monday. Citizens Citizens on Friday said its keeping branches open but will reducing hours. Larger branches will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Smaller branches will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. In-store branches will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Customers can check on the hours of their branches at CitizensBank.com or by calling their local branch. Citizens is encouraging customers to use online banking for routine transactions, or drive-thrus or ATMs for withdrawals or depositing checks. Read more coronavirus coverage: How and where to get tested for coronavirus Childcare centers, parents grapple with tough choices Acts of kindness amid coronavirus pandemic Workers at highest risk Health care workers, whats it like handling coronavirus cases? Hudson mom shares brutal encounter with coronavirus Summer Kazmarek of Haddonfield and her daughters Vivian (left), 8, and Ansley (right), 10, encounter a closed Crow's Woods Nature Preserve in Haddonfield on Tuesday. Read more Over the last two months, most Americans have gone from blase to a siege mentality about the new coronavirus. The concept of staying home and social distancing is now as familiar as it is disruptive, difficult, and economically dreadful. Public officials, wary of further spooking their communities, have been talking about two or three weeks of closures and other emergency measures, then a reassessment. But experts who have been running computer simulations of various scenarios are now publishing reality checks. Bottom line: The return to normal will not be soon or smooth. Ive been estimating six to 10 weeks just to flatten the curve, not for containment of the virus, said Michael LeVasseur, an epidemiologist and biostatistician at Drexel University. Flatten the curve another recent addition to the vernacular refers to tamping down, but not stopping, an outbreak. That turns it into a more gradual rate of infection over a longer period of time so hospitals dont get overwhelmed. This strategy, called mitigation, involves quarantining patients, social distancing, and closures of nonessential services and businesses. Instead of a curve, picture a roller coaster, suggested University of Pennsylvania ethicist Ezekiel Emanuel, biostatistician Susan Ellenberg, and epidemiologist Michael Levy in an op-ed published in Tuesdays New York Times. We need to be thinking in terms of months, not weeks, they wrote. Chinas drastic lockdown of 57 million people in Hubei province, where the virus emerged in December, was aimed at not just flattening the curve but suppressing the virus. If suppression is successful, it reduces transmission to the point where an infected person spreads the virus to fewer than one other person on average. When this reproduction number is below one, the virus will eventually stop spreading in a susceptible population, and the death rate will be minimized. Epidemiologists estimate that the coronavirus, if not uncontrolled, has a reproduction number of about 2.5 meaning each infected person will infect 2.5 other people. Since the virus has probably been spreading undetected for weeks, the 2.5 reproduction number explains the exponential increase in cases that is hitting Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and most of the nation. Heres the rub, according to experts: Whether emergency measures are stringent (mitigation) or ultra-stringent (suppression), COVID-19 will come roaring back when people resume their normal routines because they still have no immune defense against the new virus. An influential report published this week by Imperial College London concluded that the main challenge of suppression is that it needs to be maintained at least intermittently for as long as the virus is circulating in the human population, or until a vaccine becomes available in 12 to 18 months. The Penn scientists, meanwhile, predict that staying home could reduce spread of the virus to near zero by late May. But if the precautions are eased, two to four more rounds of mitigation will be needed until a vaccine is developed and administered to at least 145 million people in the United States. If we are lucky, and an effective vaccine is quickly developed, this could happen by the fall of 2021, they wrote. The Imperial College mathematical models are considered so authoritative that they directly shape government policies. The new report used infection and death data from China, South Korea, and Italy to estimate what would happen in the United States and United Kingdom under various scenarios. With uncontrolled spread, the Imperial team calculated, coronavirus would kill nearly four million Americans in a span of three months. With mitigation, the death rate would be cut in half, to about two million, including 900,000 who die because there arent enough ventilators. With suppression measures, the death rate would peak in three weeks at a few thousand, then decline. The predictions served as an unnerving wake-up call for U.S. and U.K. leaders. Hubei province where new cases have subsided and the 50-day lockdown is gradually lifting is expected to become a real-time illustration of the roller coaster of fighting coronavirus. So is South Korea, which tamed the virus through aggressive testing and isolation more than through shutdowns. (For every one million inhabitants, South Korea has tested 5,200; the comparable U.S. figure is 100, according to the COVID tracking project.) Levy, an author of the op-ed, said Wednesday that he prefers another analogy in the article. The easing and resumption of emergency measures are like pumping a cars brakes on an icy road to gradually stop it from skidding out of control. I dont like the roller coaster analogy because it sounds like were along for the ride, Levy said. We have some ability to minimize the spread. We should expect the virus to come back, but each time, a little bit less. READ MORE: Coronavirus testing sites draw worried crowds from around the Philadelphia region While a reliable vaccine will take at least a year to develop and test, the impact of the pandemic could be lessened in the meantime if therapies now being tried are effective, and with the anticipated rollout of rapid, on-the-spot diagnostic tests. The current U.S. testing capacity continues to be woefully inadequate, experts agree, even though commercial tests are now supplementing the governments supply. There are a lot of things we can do as a community to protect those who are most vulnerable, said LeVasseur at Drexel. But this is going to hurt. Were all in this together, and thats the only way were going to get out of this together. WASHINGTON, D.C. On Thursday, federal regulators issued their final approval of a liquid natural gas project proposed for construction in southern Oregon. The Jordan Cove LNG project would see a pipeline constructed from the town of Malin in Klamath County to an export terminal in Coos Bay. In a meeting of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last month, commissioners voted to temporarily table the Jordan Cove LNG project until a later date. On Thursday, Chairman Neil Chatterjee announced that the FERC had decided to approve the project. "Im also pleased that we voted to approve the Jordan Cove Energy Project today," Chatterjee said. "This is the 12th LNG export project the Commission has approved since I became Chairman. This project, planned to be located in Coos Bay, Oregon, is also the first export terminal the Commission has certificated on the west coast in the lower 48." Commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of approving the project. RELATED: Jordan Cove project falls short of final approval from federal regulators (February) Despite the approval from the federal government, the future of Jordan Cove remains somewhat murky. The project has yet to gain several key permits from Oregon state agencies setting up the potential for court cases arguing the extent of state and federal power. Jordan Cove's withdrawal of a permit from the Oregon Department of State Lands on the eve of FERC's last meeting resulted in the month-long delay in a final decision. "This facility will be capable of liquefying up to 1.04 bcf of natural gas per day for export to global markets," Chatterjee continued. "As you know, this order was originally scheduled for last months meeting Im glad that the extra deliberation time the Commission took brought us to this result." A coalition of environmental and tribal groups has fiercely opposed the project, which would cross several major waterways in southern Oregon. A statement from the Western Environmental Law Center indicated that the FERC's decision was conditioned on Jordan Cove successfully gaining those state permits. Its extremely rare for FERC to deny a permit for an export terminal like Jordan Cove LNG, but it has done so before, illustrating the projects profound flaws, said Susan Jane Brown, staff attorney at the environmental law group. The state has made clear this climate-destroying project will be too dangerous for Oregonians clean water and air. If the federal administration sees fit to ram this project through against Oregonians will, WELC and our allies are prepared to defeat the project in or out of the courtroom again. The FERC's own final environmental analysis concluded that the project would have temporary, long-term and permanent impacts on the environment, though the Commission ultimately determined that those impacts were outweighed by the benefits to the public. Pembina, the Canadian energy company behind Jordan Cove, says that it has signed voluntary easement agreements with landowners for 77 percent of the privately-owned areas along the pipeline route, as well as gaining approval on "all 14 local jurisdiction county and city" permits. "We appreciate FERC's science-based approach to their review. The approval emphasizes yet again that Jordan Cove is environmentally responsible and is a project that should be permitted given a prudent regulatory and legal process was undertaken," said Harry Andersen, Pembina's senior vice president and chief legal officer. "The FERC's decision is due in no small part to our many supporters who have turned out time and time again to voice their support for Jordan Cove and to show that the Project is in the public interest, including in Southern Oregon and the Rockies Basin." Coronavirus: first case of recovery in Tunisia Thus far country has 29 confirmed cases, no deaths (ANSAmed) - TUNISI, MARCH 19 - Tunisia reported its case of a patient who recovered from the coronavirus, a 40-year-old man who returned to the country February 27 on a ferry from Italy and was confirmed positive for the virus on March 2, Tunisian Health Minister Abdellatif Mekki announced on his Facebook page. In the post, Mekki congratulated the patient on his recovery and sent wishes for recovery to all the other infected patients in the country. There are currently 29 confirmed cases in the country and no deaths.(ANSAmed). NASHVILLE, Tenn. Efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus are prompting some clergy to find creative ways to help believers continue carrying out their religious practices. The Rev. Thomas McKenzie, who leads Church of the Redeemer in Nashville, is offering a drive-thru communion option for all baptized Christians. At designated times throughout the week, the Anglican priest is setting up in front of his church, distributing wafers that were consecrated during the church's recent Sunday services. Carolyn Brasel stopped by the church Tuesday with her daughters Hope, Elly Rose and Aimee. "We really missed it Sunday because we werent able to come, and we watched it live-streaming, but you can't do communion live-streaming, so we came in person today," Carolyn Brasel said. They fought deadly tornadoes, and now coronavirus: Nashville volunteers march on Carolyn Brasel has communion with her daughters Hope, Elly Rose and Aimee delivered by the Rev. Thomas McKenzie, who is hosting drive-thru communion outside his church this week and probably next at the Church of the Redeemer in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. They parked and walked up to McKenzie to receive communion, but the priest is also distributing it to those who remain in their vehicles as they pull through the church's circle drive. He says a prayer with them, too. McKenzie, who used social media to spread the word, said the drive-thru communion is a unique way the church is extending the distribution of Sunday's consecrated hosts. He has never done a drive-thru option before, but the idea behind it is similar to how the church distributes communion to those not healthy enough to regularly attend worship services. The Rev. Thomas McKenzie serves communion to Don Klein who came by for the drive-thru communion outside the Church of the Redeemer in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. McKenzie expects to continue drive-thru communion next week, especially given the recent direction from his bishop to cancel upcoming in-person worship services. Members will be able to view the service online and stop by the church throughout the week to receive communion. Many houses of worship have made the decision to cancel public services following public health official guidance to limit gatherings as a way to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Rev. Thomas McKenzie waits on the front porch of the Church of the Redeemer where he is hosting drive-thru communion this week and probably next in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Follow reporter Holly Meyer on Twitter @HollyAMeyer. Story continues Coronavirus ruined their Las Vegas wedding: So this Michigan couple improvised Social Security offices closed: How to get help with benefits during coronavirus pandemic This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Coronavirus in Nashville, Tennessee; drive-thru communion at church An employee at Waupun Correctional Institution has tested positive for COVID-19, confirming the fears of criminal justice advocates that the new coronavirus could spread to Wisconsins prisons. It is the first COVID-19 case reported in Wisconsins prison system. Waupun Correctional Institution Warden Brian Foster notified employees in an email at 8:20 p.m. Wednesday that a worker had contracted the disease. The email was obtained by WisPolitics.com. Be assured we as an institution and a department are taking this situation very seriously, Foster said in the email. As everyone knows we are making many changes within the institution and we have implemented a significant cleaning process throughout the institution. Our priority is the safety of everyone, and we will continue to be proactive in our efforts as we deal with this ongoing issue. The Department of Corrections did not respond to a request for comment on the incident. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the employee was a doctor, and that 18 inmates have been quarantined and 11 medical workers sent home. Inmate advocacy groups were already calling on DOC and Gov. Tony Evers to change prison policies to protect incarcerated individuals during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Last Friday, DOC suspended all in-person visits, with the exception of visits from attorneys and other professionals, in its more than 30 prison facilities across the state. But criminal justice advocates want DOC and Evers to do more. Their lists of demands include some major requests, such as releasing people from prison and decreasing arrests. But other asks are small, such as requiring staff to maintain 6 feet of separation from inmates per CDC recommendations or increasing cleaning efforts. The Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, or IWOC, a support group and union for prisoners, released a list of five demands Thursday, after the American Civil Liberties Union released its own list Wednesday. It only takes one misstep to turn an isolated, overpopulated institution into a death camp, the group said. IWOC is demanding that DOC: Make all phone and email communication free for prisoners while family visitation is suspended. Adopt special protocols for prison guard interaction, including maintaining 6 feet of distance. Test prison workers once a week for COVID-19 and arrange for special cleaning services. Halt transfer of prisoners between corrections facilities. Reduce the prison population density. DOC announced Thursday that it would be providing inmates with two free 15-minute phone calls a week, but IWOC called that step insufficient and demeaning. The ACLU is calling for: Evers to grant commutations to vulnerable inmates those who are older or have severe underlying chronic medical conditions who have sentences that would end in the next two years. Police to stop arresting people for minor offenses and issue citations instead. Prosecutors to avoid requesting cash bail and instead release the vast majority of defendants while they wait for their court dates. Judges to allow anyone with upcoming hearings to voluntarily waive the hearings or conduct them via telephone or video. Sheriffs to make sure jails have as few people as possible and are clean with free hygiene products available to staff and inmates. The parole board to release all prisoners during scheduled parole hearings for the next two years. Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said in a Thursday statement that his office is working to decrease arrests and jail bookings. Whenever possible we are looking for alternatives to incarcerating people in jail, and issuing a citation or assigning a future court date to appear on the charge, Mahoney said. Three other groups Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing, or EXPO; Restore Our Communities, or ROC; and WISDOM, a religious organization focused on social justice on Thursday asked Evers to take similar steps that they said would help keep inmates safe during the pandemic. They also asked DOC to stop detaining people for non-criminal parole or probation violations, such as missing a curfew, borrowing money or accepting employment without prior approval. The groups see Wisconsins crowded prisons and jails as a potential hotbed for the virus to spread unabated while inmates remain trapped. Waupun Correctional Institution, for instance, was operating at 143% of its designed capacity with 1,258 inmates in fiscal 2018, according to a 2019 Legislative Audit Bureau report. There are many more steps that can and should be taken, the three groups said. These, however, are the steps that can be taken today to reduce the number of inmates who will otherwise die or require hospitalization due to contracting COVID-19 in our jails and prisons. There is no time to waste in order to prevent that catastrophe. Photos: A look at how the novel coronavirus is affecting Wisconsin Celebrity chefs Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay have been slammed by diners for staying open despite the UK's growing coronavirus crisis. Heston's famous Fat Duck even went as far as offering customers 75 off food if they booked a table before the end of April. Famously foul-mouthed Gordon was also slammed by concerned fans on Twitter after his restaurants too said they were 'ready for this week's service' despite Boris Johnson's plea for people to avoid social contact. Heston's Fat Duck Restaurant in Bray, Maidenhead, Berkshire, is offering diners a 75 discount - despite the country's move towards lockdown. Disgruntled Britons slammed the celebrity chefs on social media saying they were being 'irresponsible' and should shut down. One urged them to 'do the right thing' and stop taking books. Heston's Fat Duck Restaurant in Bray, Maidenhead, Berkshire, is offering diners a 75 discount - despite the country's move towards lockdown (Heston is pictured) Social media users have criticised Gordon Ramsey for keeping restaurants open Heston's famous Fat Duck even went as far as offering customers 75 off food if they booked a table before the end of April Heston's three-star restaurant boasts a Modern British menu with prices ranging from 250 to 325. Its tasting menu has included jelly of quail, snail porridge and roast foie gras. And now it appears that Blumenthal is trying to encourage people to stop self-isolating despite the government advising them not to visit restaurants. The Fat Duck released a statement saying: 'It's a difficult time though and like many of your local restaurants, we've been hit by cancellations from guests who can no longer travel to be with us. 'We are however, open as usual, and we'd love your support in helping us keep the local economy running. 'We invite you to consider joining us over the coming weeks and as a thank you for your support, we are offering 75 off our usual ticket price for booking before the end of April.' It added on Twitter: 'We are open as normal. As some of our guests were travelling from overseas, we have had a couple of last minute cancellations. Visit our website for latest update.' Famously foul-mouthed Gordon was also slammed by concerned fans on Twitter after his restaurants too said they were 'ready for this week's service' despite Boris Johnson's plea for people to avoid social contact The Fat Duck Restaurant tweeted to say it had some cancellations and people could come and enjoy food on site The Fat Duck sent out a message asking people to support the local economy during the coronavirus crisis The Fat Duck also shared a picture of staff trying their new tasting menu, including 'coq au vin revisited', on March 11. It comes not long after the restaurant saw its best ever profits - doubling in a year, according to Companies House figures. For the year ending May 26, 2019, the restaurant saw profits of 746,741, up from 297,788 in 2018. Likewise, chefs at Gordon Ramsay's restaurants have announced they are 'ready for this week's service' in a picture wearing wide smiles at his Bread Street Kitchen in St Paul's, London. The OBE British chef has 15 restaurants sprawled across London - including the Lucky Cat in Mayfair and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. But social media users have now called him out for being irresponsible and running business as usual. One wrote: 'I love you man but please do the right thing and shut it down!' While another said: 'I don't see anyone wearing masks.' Another added: 'All of you need to be home.' And Sabrina Dardis said: 'Really Gordon..... Really' Many on social media criticised the celebrity chefs for keeping their restaurants open It comes as Health Minister Nadine Dorries, who was struck down by coronavirus, has blasted 'selfish' Londoners today for ignoring pleas to work from home in a bit to slow the spread of the contagion. The 62-year-old hit out at the capital's residents, accusing many of using cafes and coffee shops to work instead self-isolating away from other people. The former nurse, who is recovering from her brush with coronavirus, took to Twitter to voice her frustration. It came after Boris Johnson hinted the capital's nine million population could face a total lockdown within days amid fears the 'superspreader city' is the engine of the UK's coronavirus outbreak, after the daily death rate doubled to 33 in 24 hours. Commuters have shared pictures of crowded tube trains and platforms as services are cut back as London grinds to a halt. Ms Dorries, the Mid Bedfordshire MP and a novellist, said: 'People in London are working in cafes, not at home. 'One cafe owner tells me that takings have shot up to over double usual daily amount. 'This is not social distancing, it is irresponsible behaviour and the price to pay for such selfishness will be severe for us all.' Commuters have shared pictures of crowded tube trains and platforms as services are cut back as London grinds to a halt A busy Green Park station in London this morning (left) as passengers were forced to cram into carriages (right) after services were cut March 4: Nadine was last on the floor of the Commons last Wednesday and is likely to have been carrying coronavirus then and didn't know it The former nurse, who is recovering from her brush with coronavirus, took to Twitter to voice her frustration Experts say it is impossible to blame restaurants for trying to stay afloat however, as the government has not given them clear coronavirus advice. New legislation has been passed to allow many of them to open as takeaways, but many are still unclear about what action they should take. Branding expert Marcel Knobil said: 'I think with restaurants they are stuck between a rock and a hard place. 'I find it very, very difficult to criticise them because it just echoes the confusion they are facing. 'They are not really being given advice on what the best action is to take. 'The key element with branding and marketing is a clear message and unfortunately the restaurants are not getting that from the government.' Earlier this week, PM Boris Johnson advised Brits to employ social distancing to slow the spread of the virus and stop the NHS being overwhelmed. He emphasised that people should avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres to begin a national fightback against infection. Australia is facing a rice and pasta shortage after panic-buyers left stocks completely depleted in supermarkets across the country. Farmers are running out of durum wheat - the crop used to produce pasta - and say they need the remainder to plant a winter crop. A combination of drought and panic-buying has also left supplies of rice worryingly low, according to the Australian Financial Review. Australia used to be self-sufficient in its production of rice but a devastating drought and a hike in water prices for irrigated agriculture has crippled the industry. This, followed by panic buying, has exacerbated a shortage, according to the country's biggest rice supplier SunRice. An unprecedented demand for pasta, rice and mince meat has left supermarket shelves bare across the country Coles has pleaded with customers to show respect and compassion when shopping for essentials and to support staff who are working hard to keep products on shelves SunRice's chief executive Rob Gordon admitted the surge in demand has 'exceeded supply capability' and the company is now seeking to obtain rice from overseas. 'We are producing stock as quickly as possible from our rice processing and packing facilities in the Riverina. However, demand for products is currently exceeding supply capability,' Mr Gordon said. Australian pasta company San Remo issued a statement on its website assuring customers they are committed to 'keeping pasta on everyone's table' Rice farmers have also been offered fixed-price contracts by the company to encourage the growth of commercial crops this year. Last year's harvest saw the second smallest on record in the Riverina, with 54,000 tonnes. The rice crop this year is expected to be smaller. Australian pasta company San Remo issued a statement on its website saying it was experiencing a time of high demand, but assured customers it was committed to 'keeping pasta on everyone's table'. 'Our teams are working around the clock to ensure a steady supply of high-quality pasta products are provided to our retail partners across the country,' the company said. 'The availability from store to store will fluctuate depending on local demand and regular stock levels for each retail store. Where possible, we suggest discussing with your local supermarkets' store managers to understand when stock will be replenished.' Barilla, another major pasta brand, has likewise been feeling the pressure from increased demand and has turned to its suppliers in Italy for additional stock, according to the AFR. Pictured: An empty toilet paper aisle at a Woolworths in Kellyville in north-western Sydney . Panic buyers are leading to Australian schools running out of hand sanitiser, the deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly said The spike in demand has also impacted the already shortage-hit Sun Rice (left) which has been dealing with a decline production due to the drought. Barilla is also seeking supplies from overseas Panic-buying has even sparked a wave of 'supermarket tourism' with residents from large cities or urban areas descending on rural regions in NSW and Victoria in search of supplies The beef industry has also seen supermarket orders soar to 25 tonnes a day - compared to its regular five tonnes - thanks to panic buying. Beef mince is among the products that are under a two-item buying limit at Coles after stocks ran low thanks to panicked shoppers. Patrick Hutchinson, the chief executive of the Australian Meat Industry Council said one of the business's biggest priorities during this time was to keep supply chain moving. 'We've got to keep this product moving through the system. It's not like toilet paper. This is a long supply chain and it's a supply chain based in rural and regional Australia,' he told The Australian. 'It underpins tens of thousands of jobs in rural and regional Australia and we've got to make sure it's continually moving.' Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have been forced to introduce buying limits on a various items after panic-buying stripped shelves of toilet paper, pasta, rice, frozen food as well as tinned and other dried goods. Farmers of durum wheat said most of their remaining supplies were for winter crops and the spike in demand has also impacted the already shortage-hit Sun Rice, which has been dealing with a decline production due to the drought Coles were forced to introduce a limit on mince purchases after shelves were stripped bare at the weekend The issue has caused stress and frustration amongst elderly shoppers, many of whom find it difficult to make frequent visits to supermarkets for essential goods. Panic-buying has even sparked a wave of 'supermarket tourism' with residents from large cities or urban areas descending on rural regions in NSW and Victoria in search of supplies. In Victoria, residents from Kilmore, Traralgon, Wallan and Ararat slammed city 'vultures' for coming in by the 'busload' and emptying grocery store shelves. Nervous shoppers are believed to be coming in from Melbourne and targeting stores for items that have been sold out in the city amid the panic-buying chaos. Locals claim tourists have been coming in on buses, while some have been driving in, from as far as Mornington. 'It's happening all around here. It's in Seymour, Wallan,' Diane, from Kilmore, 60km north of Melbourne, told 3AW's Neil Mitchell on Tuesday. A Sydney woman took to Facebook to share an image of the line at her local Aldi in Miranda (pictured) before claiming the employee offended people by asking them to remain calm Pictured: General view outside a Woolworths in Sunbury, Victoria as people wait outside on Tuesday 'Someone came into our bakery yesterday and took every loaf of bread.' Rhys, a resident from Ararat, in Victoria's south-west, said he had noticed 'a lot of different people' who appeared to be from out of town shopping in the area in recent days. 'We've had a supermarket attendant say he had a busload come in the other day,' he told the radio station. Coles at Woodend, about 70 kilometres north-west of the city, has also been inundated with residents from Melbourne clearing out shelves. 'Buses of people have been coming in the last few days. People are coming from as far as Mornington,' resident Melissa Clark, told the Herald Sun. 'We just need a break. We love having tourists here in Woodend - but not supermarket tourists.' In East Gippsland, which is recovering from a devastating bushfire season, is now dealing with toilet paper thefts. Thieves have stolen rolls of toilet paper and hand soap from about 100 public toilets in the Victorian country region, amid panic over the spread of COVID-19. Some dispensers have been damaged as well in the toilet paper heist. East Gippsland Council Shire Mayor John White told AAP on Friday it was disappointing people would stoop to stealing loo roll and soap. 'It's just so ridiculous and sad that people react like this. People are pinching the toilet paper and the handwash too,' he said. 'It is very disappointing. But you can't have surveillance at every toilet.' Council is none the wiser as to who is on the move for the dunny paper, but Cr White doubts only one person is doing the rounds. For a community hit by drought, then the summer's bushfires and now the coronavirus, dunny roll and soap thefts come as another unwelcome blow. Two women were charged over a recent incident over toilet roll at a Woolworths in Chullora in Sydney's south-west Supermarket shelves have been stripped bare by shoppers worried about having to self-isolate for two weeks because of the coronavirus (pictured is a Melbourne store on Monday) Tourist panic-shopping appears to be taking hold in NSW as well, with some residents in Mudgee, northwest of Sydney, complaining over the lack of supplies due to city folks travelling in to bulk-buy. 'People from Sydney [are] packing cars to the brims. Our supermarkets don't get enough supplies only enough for our population let alone hoarders. It's really sad and I think it needs to be policed from now,' one angry resident said on Facebook. 'Usually city folk hoard wine not milk!' Peter Dutton said the government will come after possible crime syndicates who have been clearing supermarket shelves amid the coronavirus pandemic. Supermarket giant Coles has added more essential items to its restricted purchasing list in an attempt to curve panic buying and make sure everyone has access 'We do have some people I think that are profiteering,' the Home Affairs Minister told 2GB's Ray Hadley. 'They're hoarding, not for their own consumption, I think they're either sending some of the products overseas or they're selling it in a black market arrangement in Australia. 'I'm going to come after those people. It won't be a pretty experience when we deal with them. 'We will come down like a ton of bricks on those individuals because I think they're the ones that have created this pattern of behaviour of hoarding and clearing out shelves.' In a newspaper advertisement, the grocery retailers also called for shoppers to stop attacks on staff and fellow customers after more people were filmed spouting verbal abuse. Scott Morrison named the behaviour one of the most disappointing things he had ever seen. 'There is no reason for people to be hoarding supplies from fear of a lockdown or anything like this,' he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. The supermarkets say they're doing everything they can to speed up the turnover of goods. In order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, WhatsApp has said that it will donate $1 million to International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) while also launching a 'Coronavirus Information Hub' in partnership with IFCN, WHO, UNDP and UNICEF Although circulation of fake news is harmful to the society at all times, the risk involved increases by many folds when it happens during a pandemic. In order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is imperative that unverified and false messages are not shared among masses. To contribute to this cause, popular messaging app WhatsApp has taken up two initiatives. The Facebook-owned enterprise will donate $1 million to International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Also, WhatsApp launched a 'Coronavirus Information Hub' in partnership with IFCN, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). The $1 million grant will help in working for the project called CoronaVirusFacts/DatosCoronaVirus alliance, created by IFCN in January this year. The alliance has over 100 fact-checkers working from 45 nations. WhatsApps donation will help the fact-checks reach a greater audience and clear their heads out of the surge of misinformation that clouds the social media, said Baybars Orsek, director of the IFCN. The information hub can be accessed at whatsapp.com/coronavirus which would provide guidelines on how to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the top pointers ask people to connect remotely, choose a reliable source of information and help prevent the spread of rumours. It will provide a platform for community leaders such as healthcare professionals, teachers, NGOs and local businesses to connect with their community. At least 160 people have tested positive in India for the deadly virus that originated from Chinas Wuhan city. Three people have been killed due to coronavirus in the country. President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo on Thursday held a breakfast prayer meeting with renowned men of God in the country. This meeting was to pray for Gods intervention following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus; COVID-19 in the country. I humbly called you for us to join together and pray to God to save us from this pandemic the President said Ghana has recorded 9 cases so far. In an opening remark, the President said with 9 confirmed cases of the infection, we might count ourselves as being amongst the countries least hit by the coronavirus. Nonetheless, the rapid spread of the disease across the world has led us to institute some measures "Im confident that this mornings prayer which will be offered in faith will help heal our nation and will help raise Ghana up. I believe profoundly that we Ghanaians with our faith in God Almighty, will overcome this challenge, this too will pass" he added. Watch video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video With the nation facing an economic calamity, an unlikely group of politicians, ranging from President Trump and Sen. Mitt Romney to Sen. Kamala Harris and Rep. Ro Khanna, is lining up behind a measure Stockton put in place a year ago: Giving money directly to people, no questions asked. The cash payments are likely to be included in a $1 trillion-plus coronavirus stimulus package that Congress will take up in the coming days. How much people would receive, and whether there would be restrictions based on income, is in flux. Whats not in question is bipartisan support for the idea of directly sending cash to Americans, a concept that was largely a progressive fringe cause until former candidate Andrew Yang promoted it during the Democratic presidential campaign. Early advocates of a universal basic income argued that even under normal circumstances, 40% of Americans couldnt afford an unexpected expense. Now, Congress is dealing with anything but normal circumstances. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said this week that unemployment could hit 20% if lawmakers failed to pass a stimulus package that included cash payments to Americans. Its needed and it shouldnt be a one-time thing, said Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, whose city began giving $500-a-month payments to 130 families in February 2019 as a pilot program for universal basic income. Based on his experience with the privately funded program, Tubbs said, national payments should continue for at least as long as this crisis is going on. The Trump administration, however, has other ideas. It is proposing to send two installments of equal amounts to Americans, on April 6 and May 18, NBC reported. The payments would be based on a familys size and income level. Trump declined to offer specifics at a news conference Wednesday because there are different numbers being discussed. We want to go big, Trump said. So does a group of Democratic House members led by Khanna, a Fremont Democrat who is a national co-chair of Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. He is proposing legislation that would give from $1,000 to $6,000 to every American who earned less than $65,000 last year. Under Khannas plan, those recipients could receive monthly payments after that. This plan is about providing real, urgently needed relief to middle- and working-class families, Khanna said in a statement. If we can afford to pump $1.5 trillion into lending markets, then we can afford this solution to help every American. A group of 18 Democratic senators, including Harris, is offering a slightly different plan. It would give an immediate payment of $2,000 to nearly every American, followed by another payment of $1,500 in July if economic conditions remain dire. A third installment of $1,000 could come in October. Higher-income Americans would gradually be phased out of the program. The California senator said two coronavirus stimulus packages that Congress has passed so far are steps in the right direction, but we need to do much more to help working people. Support for the general concept of direct payments is coming from across the political spectrum. Romney, R-Utah, has called for giving every adult $1,000. Sanders, I-Vt., wants to give $2,000 monthly to every person in America for the duration of the crisis. The federal government has done this before during economic downturns. Nearly every American received a $300 check in 2001 during a slowdown and most received $300 to $600 as a recession started in 2008. But UC Berkeley economics and law Professor Alan Auerbach cautioned that giving cash to everyone isnt a panacea for the coronavirus-caused downturn. Im tempted to call this the political equivalent of panic buying, said Auerbach, director of the Robert D. Burch Center for Tax Policy and Public Finance. But I understand its motivation, and given the circumstances, it is better than doing nothing. He said there is a natural inclination to do something big and fast, but actions more targeted at industries being hit especially hard would be more effective. Cash payments to people wont keep those industries alive, Auerbach said. If you give me $1,000, Im not going to take a cruise. Increasing or extending unemployment benefits would more directly help workers affected by the virus, Auerbach said. The federal government should increase Medicaid payments to the states, which will need more resources to help low-income residents hurt by the slowdown, he added. Mayor Tubbs, however, said an infusion of cash will help people who live in cities like Stockton, which has a poverty rate of 22%. Our elected officials arent treating this as a pandemic because people in their peer group are millionaires, Tubbs said. But in Stockton, this is dire. Yang campaigned on giving every American a universal basic income of $1,000 a month. He said Wednesday that he was happy to see the idea gain acceptance, even though, I would never wish for these circumstances. I never dreamed that I would suspend my campaign in February, then we would be implementing universal basic income in March, Yang said on CNN, adding that his team has been in touch with the White House on the issue. Putting money into peoples hands will keep us afloat. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Paul Ricard (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Fri, March 20, 2020 05:32 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c1128d 2 World coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,novel-coronavirus,COVID-19,infection,infectious-diseases,pandemic,health,SARS-CoV-2 Free The lack of available tests for COVID-19 means the world is effectively fighting the pandemic blind and may not know the true extent of infection for months if not years, experts said Thursday. Because COVID-19 is so infectious -- roughly 2.5 times that of the common cold -- but not everyone presents symptoms, the figure of more than 200,000 confirmed cases tells only a fraction of the story. Jerry Shaman, a diseases expert at the University of Columbia, told AFP it was "likely" that developed nations are identifying between one in five and one in 10 true infections. Shaman said there was a variety of reasons, including "test availability, capacity, ignorance [not taking the issue seriously], arrogance [national pride]." On Tuesday the British government conceded it was likely there were already more than 55,000 COVID-19 infections in the country, far lower than the more than 2,600 confirmed cases so far. While the number of undetected or non-symptomatic cases likely mean the virus is less deadly than initially feared, low detection rates are a huge problem for governments looking to slow the spread and reduce the strain on health systems. "Many of these infections are mild but still contagious. So they go about their normal routine -- go to work, use public transportation, go shopping -- and spread the virus in the broader community," said Shaman. "They unwittingly take the virus to new places by auto, train or plane." While it is generally accepted that patients showing symptoms are more contagious than those exhibiting no sign of infection, the idea of millions of infected people mixing with vulnerable groups will not comfort governments. Speed and scope And testing capacity differs hugely, even among rich nations. Cecile Viboud, an epidemiologist at the US National Institutes of Health, singled out South Korea for praise. After a surge in cases in February, Korean authorities boosted testing capacity and implemented stringent measures to prevent further transmission. "A real turning point was the strong increase in testing that they did," she told AFP. "You need to know where you are in the epidemic to be able to do something about it. And to do that, you need to test." World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed the sentiment on Monday with a simple message for all countries: "test, test, test". "If they test positive, isolate them & find out who they have been in close contact with up to 2 days before they developed symptoms & test those people too," he said on Twitter. Sharon Lewin, head of the world-leading Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at the University of Melbourne, said another good example of testing and then tracing contacts of patients occurred in Singapore. "Very early on they did aggressive testing and chased down cases through contact tracing, and very aggressively quarantining contacts," she told AFP. "They did some social distancing measures, but not as extreme. They closed schools for a while, but only for two or three weeks. They banned meetings, but people still went to work." But there is only a small window of opportunity to shut down an outbreak once a cluster of cases emerges. These seem to have caught authorities in Italy and Spain -- the two European countries worst hit by the pandemic -- off guard. As of Wednesday Italy had carried out 165,000 tests, compared with roughly 42,000 in France. Ultimately, the true impact of the disease worldwide cannot be known until tests for COVID-19 antibodies -- for example those patients who had it and recovered -- are established. There are several currently in development. Turkey hopes to step up coronavirus testing to reach up to 15,000 people per day, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said in an address to parliament on Thursday. "Over 10,000 COVID-19 tests have been completed until today," he said. "We believe the number of tests will increase even more. Our goal is to conduct at least 10-15,000 tests per day." Turkey has thus far recorded two deaths from coronavirus and a total of 191 cases. Turkish authorities have announced a series of measures to limit the spread of the virus by temporarily shutting schools and universities as well as public spaces including cinemas. The religious affairs authority, Diyanet, ordered the closure of around 90,000 mosques in Turkey on Friday, the day of particularly important prayers in the Muslim faith. Mass prayers had already been suspended and the faithful were urged to pray at home. Koca said the ministry has obtained the contact information for 372,000 people who have recently come from abroad. "We are monitoring them through family doctors. We called 130,000 such individuals yesterday (Wednesday) alone to brief them," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 17:15:35|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The recent re-labeling of the novel coronavirus with xenophobic undertones by some U.S. politicians to stigmatize China has drawn widespread criticism. As the international community works together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a few American politicians are shifting blame to China for the virus' spread by recasting it as a "Chinese virus" or "foreign virus." Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization's health emergencies program, warned on Wednesday against using the phrase "Chinese virus," saying that "Viruses know no borders, and they don't care about your ethnicity, the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank." "So it's really important we be careful in the language we use," Ryan said at a news conference in Geneva, giving an example of the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009. The pandemic "originated in North America and we didn't call it the North American flu," he said, calling for solidarity and joint efforts of all countries. Ryan was echoed by co-founder of Microsoft Corporation Bill Gates, who wrote on Wednesday in an Ask Me Anything session on the American social news platform Reddit that "we should not call this the Chinese virus." The tally of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 218,000 and spans 158 countries and regions, according to the latest statistics from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, With the world facing an escalating challenge from the disease, "it's also an unprecedented opportunity to come together as one against a common enemy," the WHO wrote on its Twitter feed on Wednesday. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday refuted the White House's racist remarks on Twitter, saying that "coronavirus does not discriminate." "Bigotry against people of Asian descent is unacceptable, un-American, & harmful to our COVID-19 response efforts," the Massachusetts lawmaker wrote. U.S. Representative Lois Frankel said on Twitter Wednesday that she was "disappointed, but unsurprised" at the White House's decision to use xenophobic language during this global pandemic. She urged the government to promote international cooperation instead of racism to combat the disease. Public Policy Committee Chairman of the Committee of 100 Charlie Woo said in a statement that any attempt to ascribe the virus to one culture, ethnicity or country can only hinder the global effort to combat the epidemic. "This crisis requires science, facts and clear language, not fear-mongering, finger-pointing and xenophobia by our public servants," the statement said, quoted by the New York Times. John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a non-profit legal aid organization, told NBC Asian America that the U.S. administration's words could have negative repercussions. The usage of such racist terms has "led to a noticeable incline in hate incidents that we are seeing," Yang was quoted by the NBC report. "I do think that there is a correlation," he added. Australia's biggest airline Qantas said it would halt all international flights and suspend 20,000 staff in response to the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday, days after the island nation's other main carrier Virgin shut its overseas routes. Qantas said all of its international flights would be suspended by late March for at least two months after the government told citizens Wednesday to forego all overseas travel in a bid to halt the spread of novel coronavirus. "The efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus have led to a huge drop in travel demand, the likes of which we have never seen before," Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said, adding that the airline would suspend 20,000 of its 30,000 staff during the shutdown. The move also affected Qantas' budget offshoot, Jetstar. A number of foreign airlines also service Australian routes. Qantas announced earlier this week a 90 percent cut in overseas flights while Virgin Australia grounded its entire international fleet. Qantas is maintaining 60 percent of its domestic flights and Virgin Australia 50 percent. Airlines worldwide face an unprecedented existential threat as the coronavirus shuts down global travel, leaving governments with controversial and costly decisions about which carriers to bail out. The Transport Workers' Union said Qantas was making staff foot the bill for the crisis. "This plan is designed to wipe the slate clean on all worker entitlements, including long-service leave and accrued benefits," union secretary Michael Kaine said in a statement. Qantas shares were down almost 12 percent on Thursday. - Imported virus cases - Australia has reported more than 600 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with infections increasing daily. There have been six deaths. Officials say a large number of new cases involve people arriving from overseas or those who have been in contact with them. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced an unprecedented decision to advise all Australians to forego foreign travel. He has also ordered a halt to all cruise ship activity into and out of the country, banned outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people and indoor groups of more than 100. But he stopped short of ordering the kind of lockdown seen in some pandemic hotspots or closing the nation's schools. Meanwhile, the island state of Tasmania announced Thursday than any non-essential travellers arriving in the island from Saturday would have to self-quarantine for 14 days. The move, the first by any Australian state to restrict domestic travel, excludes health workers and essential personnel dealing with trade. Tasmania, off Australia's southern coast, has a population of around 500,000 and has reported just 10 cases of coronavirus. Qantas said its international flights would be suspended for at least two months Companies across the world are joining ordinary people in adapting to help stem the COVID-19 outbreak, heeding government calls to switch to a war footing. Nearly 220,000 cases have now been recorded in 157 countries and territories, with more than 9,000 deaths. On Wednesday, the death toll in Europe exceeded the toll in Asia. Manufacturers are being urged to join the collective effort in a way not seen since World War II, and produce medical equipment such as ventilators which are set to be in short supply as cases spiral. This week European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was working with industry to boost production and would launch a joint procurement programme with national governments for testing kits and ventilators. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday hosted a conference call with dozens of industry leaders to urge them to help the country increase production of key medical equipment. "A number of companies are already engaged in the effort and exploring how they can best support," a Downing Street spokesperson said following the call. Singapore-based electric appliance pioneer Dyson, British heavy equipment maker JCB and Japanese car manufacturer Honda were among those involved in the discussions. All three companies told AFP they were assessing whether they could help. "It's unclear as yet if we can assist," JCB chairman Anthony Bamford said in a statement. "We will do whatever we can to help during the unprecedented times our country is facing." However, some have questioned whether non-specialist firms will be able to switch production to medical devices. Craig Thompson, head of products at Oxfordshire company Penlon, told the BBC the idea that other firms could switch production was "unrealistic". In the United States, leading American carmakers are said to be looking at whether they can help make ventilators after a call to arms by the administration of President Donald Trump. Tesla's pioneering chief Elon Musk said on Twitter: "We will make ventilators if there is a shortage", without providing further details. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated the COVID-19 response will require 89 million medical masks, 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million goggles each month globally. In response, European and other firms from various sectors, as well as citizens, are stepping up to make these items, which are far easier to produce than more complex machinery. In Ireland a distillery's gin stills have been refashioned to churn out hand sanitiser, while a small company in the Bulgarian capital Sofia which normally produces sleeping bags for infants is now making masks. In France, perfume, pharmaceutical and chemical firms are also reorganising to mass produce sanitisers, including luxury group LVMH, which usually turns out its Christian Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy scents. Meanwhile, thousands of Czech women have joined forces via social media to sew face masks at home. The efforts mirror what occurred in China, where the epidemic began earlier this year but has been severely curbed by stringent quarantine measures and a collective nationwide effort. On Thursday the country marked a major milestone in its battle against the pandemic as it recorded zero domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak emerged. In mid-February, when the outbreak peaked there, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a "peoples' war" on the virus and called on companies to contribute to mask-making and other efforts. Thousands of firms across the vast country reportedly responded to the appeal, including Foxconn, the manufacturer of Apple iPhones, and carmaker BYD. Foxconn, the world's biggest contract electronics maker, last month began making face masks alongside Apple products at its Shenzhen factory. "Western governments and doctors are increasingly looking to China for best practices and help in squelching the coronavirus," Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group consultancy, said on Twitter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) California Department of Insurance detectives took Yeghishe Msryan, 67, into custody after he was arrested in Poland and extradited back to Los Angeles by the U.S. Marshals Service for his alleged involvement in an organized fraud ring in which he and co-conspirators submitted 50 fraudulent auto loans to receive an unearned $2.6 million in loan payments. Msryan is awaiting arraignment and bail is set at $1.9 million. Two co-conspirators, Peter Yerkanyan, 41, of North Hollywood, and Artur Baghdishyan, 36, of Porter Ranch, have already been prosecuted. Yerkanyan, the reported mastermind behind the scheme, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison and ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution after pleading guilty to four felony counts of grand theft. Baghdishyan was sentenced to one year in jail, three years probation and ordered to pay $181,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to one felony count of grand theft. The third co-conspirator, Shoghik Baburyan, 57, is an Armenian National whose whereabouts are unknown. The investigation by the CDI found that Luxor Auto Group, an auto dealer/broker in Glendale, between July 2012 and October 2012 submitted 50 fraudulent auto loans for high-end vehicles they claimed they held title to. Luxor provided credit applications, loan contracts, and personal identifying information for supposed buyers. The loans were approved and over $2.6 million was deposited into Luxors bank account over the three-month time period. After receiving account statements and payment requests for the vehicles, the majority of the supposed buyers filed police reports for identity theft, stating they never bought the vehicles. The investigation discovered Yerkanyan had links to several of the supposed buyers and was in possession of their personal identifying information used to acquire the fraudulent loans. The Department of Motor Vehicles found that Luxor did not own any of the vehicles and that some of them were not even in California. According to DMV dealer documents, Baburyan was listed as the owner of Luxor. The investigation found Baghdishyan was previously the secretary and a salesman at Luxor and Yerkanyan was the finance manager at the time of the scheme. Both Baghdishyan and Yerkanyan were also the contact persons for the company that provided the loan. Additionally, Baghdishyan and Baburyan were the only authorized signatories on Luxors bank account. After the funds were deposited into Luxors bank account, the majority of the money was laundered out of the account by checks written to Baburyan and/or one of her other businesses, including Worldwide Transport. Over $581,000 of the theft proceeds were deposited into her accounts. Checks from Luxors bank account were also written to Msryan and/or his fraudulent business, National Automotive Funding. At the time of the scheme, Yeghishe was in the United States on a visitors visa. While in the U.S., he reportedly obtained a drivers license, used a fake social security number to set up a fraudulent business, National Automotive Funding, and opened six bank accounts in his name and his business name. Yeghishe had over $1 million dollars of the theft proceeds deposited into these accounts. A majority of the money was withdrawn in cash, cashiers checks, used to gamble in Las Vegas, and some was wired to Armenia. When the scheme concluded he left the country in October 2012. The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office is prosecuting this case. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Shoghik Baburyan is urged to contact the department at (559) 440-5921. Topics California Fraud Nurses screen patients for COVID-19 testing at a drive-up location outside Medstar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland, on March 17, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Chicago Suburb Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Over CCP Virus Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, has implemented a shelter-in-place order for its residents, lasting from March 20 until at the minimum, April 3, in an attempt to curb the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, in a statement, declared a local state of emergency over the pandemic and is calling on locals to stay home. Oak Park Public Health Director Mike Charley has now issued a public order that requires residents to shelter in place effective Fri., March 20 through Fri., April 3, according to the statement. The shelter-in-place includes businesses that provide essential services such as banks, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and restaurants for pickup and delivery only. Hardware stores, medical providers, first responders, transportation provers, government activities, and social service providers will also be opened. The action of the Mayor is in place until the next meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, the statement said. Oak Park, with a population of 50,000, is located adjacent to the West Side of Chicago. Several other cities including San Francisco and Frenso, California, have issued similar measures in recent days over the CCP virus. And on Wednesday night, Colorados Miguel County implemented such a move. The county also said it will test the entire population for COVID-19. We know just testing is not enough to fight this virus. If we invest in the short-term inconveniences of isolation and sheltering-in-place now, we will save lives, Grace Franklin, the countys public health and environment director, said in the statement. Mozambique-focused Kenmare Resources saw its revenue increase by 3pc last year to $270.9m, however it warned that COVID-19 presents global challenges and uncertainties. The rise in income was due to increased average sales price, partially offset by reduced volumes. Meanwhile, its earnings of $92.6m for 2019 were inline with the prior year, according to annual results from the group. Profit after tax fell 12pc to $44.8m, mainly due to increased finance costs, foreign exchange losses and increased depreciation charges. Average received prices for the companys products increased by 8pc in 2019 compared to 2018 and Kenmare said tight ilmenite market conditions have continued in the first three months of this year. Ilmenite is used for a number of purposes including in paints, plastics and paper to brighten colours. Kenmare said ilmenite customer demand remains strong and market pricing has continued to advance to-date this year. However, it warned that it is likely there will be some adverse effects on the business this year due to the coronavirus, but the extent is difficult to predict. So far the group has seen no material adverse effects on its production at Moma in Mozambique as a result of the deadly virus. Michael Carvill, managing director of Kenmare Resources, said: While 2019 was another year of robust financial and operational performance for Kenmare, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 presents global challenges and uncertainties. It is likely that there will be some adverse effects on the business this year but the extent is difficult to predict. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our plans as appropriate. Kenmare will has declared a first full year dividend of US8.18 cents per share. Statins are widely used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease and related deaths, but can they also help guard against heart damage caused by certain breast cancer therapies? New research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session Together with World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.20/WCC) suggests the answer may be yes. Chemotherapies with anthracycline, as well as the targeted cancer medicine trastuzumab, are commonly used to treat breast cancer. Separate research estimates that nearly 1 out of 4 women with early stage breast cancer will receive anthracycline or trastuzumab, but these same lifesaving treatments are also known to be toxic to the heart and, in some cases, can trigger heart failure--a serious condition that affects the heart's ability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. In some women, reduced heart function can occur within months of initiating cancer therapy. "To date, there has been limited evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of large-scale use of cardioprotective medications for patients with early stage breast cancer. Angiotensin antagonists and beta blockers have only shown modest cardioprotective effects in clinical trials, and these medicines are sometimes poorly tolerated in this population given their side effects of fatigue and dizziness, which many patients already have from their cancer therapies or the cancer itself," said David Bobrowski, medical student at the University of Toronto, Canada and the study's lead author. "Our results suggest that taking statins is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing heart failure requiring hospital-based care among women with early stage breast cancer who received one of these cancer therapies." In fact, compared with women who were not on a statin before undergoing cancer treatment, women who were taking statins while receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab had significantly lower risk of developing heart failure, 58% and 66% respectively over the median five-year follow-up period. "Our research expands on earlier, smaller studies. If these associations are confirmed in a prospective trial, this will represent an important step forward to optimize cancer outcomes by decreasing the trade-off of long-term cardiac disease or related deaths," Bobrowski said, adding that this study is the largest to examine the role that statins might play in protecting against treatment-related heart failure and the first to show risk lowering in women receiving trastuzumab with or without anthracycline at a population level. This population-based study analyzed the medical records of 2,545 anthracycline-treated women and 1,345 trastuzumab-treated women aged 66 years or older without a history of heart failure who were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 2007 and 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Of these, 953 anthracycline-treated women and 568 trastuzumab-treated women were deemed to be taking statins. Statin use was based on whether women were prescribed a statin within a year of starting their cancer treatment, but researchers were not able to validate whether the women actually took the statin. For the analysis, researchers then matched these women in a 1-1 ratio with similar women who were not using a statin, resulting in 723 pairs of anthracycline-treated women and 399 pairs of trastuzumab-treated women (median age 69 and 71 years, respectively). Unlike most previous studies that focused on declines in left ventricle function (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart) as an indicator of heart failure, Bobrowski and his team looked at clinically overt heart failure, defined as a woman presenting to the emergency department or being admitted to the hospital with heart failure. The risk of heart failure-related hospital visits was significantly lower with statin exposure. "Declines in left ventricle function can be predictive of heart failure, but overt heart failure gives a more clear-cut outcome that carries more relevance to cancer patients and their physicians," Bobrowski said. "The findings provide impetus for future prospective trials to determine whether initiating a statin before receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy or trastuzumab can effectively prevent cardiotoxic events." Statins have effects that go beyond lowering cholesterol, including reducing oxidative stress and the production of free radicals in heart cells, which Bobrowski said is compatible with clinicians' understanding of how these cancer therapies induce cardiotoxicity. Moreover, because there is often an overlap of risk factors between cancer and cardiovascular disease, including diabetes and obesity, many of these patients may also benefit from statin therapy based on current guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, aside from skin cancers. It's estimated that 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. "While death rates have been declining, largely due to earlier detection and improving treatments, we now know many women will later develop heart disease," Bobrowski said. "It's a bit of a double-edged sword; cardiovascular disease is the leading and competing cause of death among older early stage breast cancer survivors." ### ACC.20/WCC will take place March 28-30, bringing together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists from around the world to share the newest discoveries in treatment and prevention. Follow @ACCinTouch, @ACCMediaCenter and #ACC20/#WCCardio for the latest news from the meeting. The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org. Mechelle Alvarado had a hard time deciding to move her dad, partially paralyzed from a stroke, into a skilled nursing home. Ill be here every day, she promised him three years ago. And indeed, Alvarado says, she popped in almost daily. She took him to church on Sundays and to breakfast once a week. She did painting classes with other residents, too. Nearly two weeks ago, she stopped in for a quick visit at his Galveston County complex before leaving for a rare weeklong trip to Florida with her kids. Ill be back next week, she told her dad, a Marine veteran and constant jokester whom she considers a best friend. Alvarado, 49, hasnt been able to see her dad since, and with nursing homes under federal and state orders to keep out almost all visitors, she might not see him for weeks to come. The reality of the danger he and others faced hit home Thursday, when officials announced that a man between 80 and 90 years old living in a northwest Harris County nursing home died after being hospitalized from the illness. Rules have been in place since March 13 to bar nursing home visits unless for end-of-life reasons, in hopes of preventing the new coronavirus from spreading among a vulnerable population. Effects of such separations are sinking in for Alvarado and countless others with family members in nursing homes, which provided 24-hour care for 1.3 million Americans in 2015. Residents typically need daily assistance, often more than relatives can handle, and range from older adults to those recovering from surgery. Under the new rules, residents are no longer supposed to have group activities or eat all together. For Alvarados 72-year-old dad, who was once always on the go, its hard not to be able to leave, his daughter said. He wants to get out, but he understands that he cant, she said. I know where he is, and I know hes safe, so Im OK. Its here: Houstonians navigate a world marked by fear of coronavirus The new rules, and the loneliness that come with them, were hard to stomach but so was knowing older people were more likely to have complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 8 in 10 deaths reported in the U.S. were adults 65 and older. More than 20 deaths in Washington state were connected to a nursing home in Kirkland run by Life Care Center, which also operates homes in Texas. Illinois governor revealed this week that 18 residents and four employees at a Chicago-area nursing home tested positive. The first coronavirus patient to die in Texas was 97. So family members now are trying to figure out how to stay in touch with those they love. And nursing home staffers are helping by facilitating video chats and calming residents plugged into the news. They are getting creative: In at least one Paradigm nursing home, they played hallway bingo, with residents sitting near their doorways, and a staff member calling out numbers from the hall. Now Playing: Now more than ever people need to be aware of COVID-19 symptoms and the proper way to treat the illness. Take a look at how to differentiate coronavirus vs. allergies, and hear a few words of advice from Dr. Peter Hotez with the Baylor College of Medicine. Video: Laura Duclos/Houston Chronicle Alvarados dad, Richard, is one of some 100 people living at Bayou Pines Care Center in La Marque. The father worked for years in a shipyard and later as a landscaper. He liked to barbecue and hang out with his family on the porch. Now he is eating meals alone in his room, as directed. Nothing to do here, he said by phone. Bayou Pines staff called family to tell them of the change in visiting rules. Staff had new requirements, too: When they arrive, employees have their temperatures taken and fill out a symptoms questionnaire. Its a big change, said Shelly Crow, who oversees the nurses there, but everyone seems to be going with the flow to do whats best for them the residents because theyre so at risk. All over the region, such facilities are adapting. Bayou Pines employees went to get more puzzles and activity books. They and other senior living providers suggested grandchildren and other kids stuck at home send letters to residents. Some nursing homes ordered iPads to lend to residents so they could make video calls with family. Nurses at various Park Manor facilities made angel rounds, checking in for the sake of saying hello. The staff, they become almost like family because theyre the ones there, spokeswoman Leticia Caballero said. As long as they can see our team, our staff, our nurses who know them, that helps. ... Its a tough thing. Roadkill Cafe: Four coronavirus cases connected to Houston rodeo cookoff tent When Alvarado got the news that visits were ending, she had the same questions as others: Could she visit with her dad from 6 feet away outside on the porch? (No.) Could she talk with him while looking through the window, as others have tried? (No.) At the Northwest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harris County, family members can drop off food, books or other items at the front door. At the Bridgemoor Transitional Care facility in San Antonio, a nurse came across a patient talking to two relatives through an open window, which is forbidden. Pray and wait: Patton Village officer fights coronavirus Its the patient really at the end of the day were most worried about, said Mark Fritz, president of the company, making sure they feel safe, and trying to explain why this is happening. Alvarado settled on calling her dad through Skype which took some getting used to. The Bayou Pines staff took it a step further and offered for residents to take photos with different props. One was a white board on which they could scrawl a message to pose with. They wanted it to be lighthearted, and Alvarados dad, though wishing his daughter could be there, didnt miss the chance to crack a joke. How about a Corona? said the white board he posed with. Not the COVID-19! On Wednesday, Alvarado returned the message. She, her daughters and other relatives spent six hours making more than 100 cards, one for every resident at Bayou Pines and a few extra for him. Alvarado printed out an image of a corona beer, cut around the edge and put it in her card. She planned to deliver the pile Thursday, even if she couldnt go past the front door. emily.foxhall@chron.com twitter.com/emfoxhall This news release should be read in conjunction with Amarillo Gold Corporations consolidated financial statements and managements discussion & analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019. Both are available at www.amarillogold.com, and under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. TORONTO, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarillo Gold Corporation (Amarillo or the Company) (TSX.V: AGC, OTCQB: AGCBF) today announced its financial results for the three months (Q4) and year ended December 31, 2019. Amarillo achieved several key corporate milestones in 2019: Financial completed two private placements for total gross proceeds of $15.3 million and hired Auramet International, LLC to advise on construction financing for Amarillos Mara Rosa Project in Brazil. completed two private placements for total gross proceeds of $15.3 million and hired Auramet International, LLC to advise on construction financing for Amarillos Mara Rosa Project in Brazil. Feasibility study for Mara Rosa Project in Brazil SRK Consulting Pty Ltd., Ausenco, and GeoHyrdoTech Engenharia are finalizing the study. It will include a resource update, mine plan, financial model, and detailed engineering for dry stack tailings. SRK Consulting Pty Ltd., Ausenco, and GeoHyrdoTech Engenharia are finalizing the study. It will include a resource update, mine plan, financial model, and detailed engineering for dry stack tailings. Project development at Mara Rosa purchased or contracted to purchase 406 hectares at Mara Rosa, and negotiations are underway with landowners to acquire remaining 695 hectares. Five-thousand metre drill program has begun at northeastern extension of the Mara Rosa Project. purchased or contracted to purchase 406 hectares at Mara Rosa, and negotiations are underway with landowners to acquire remaining 695 hectares. Five-thousand metre drill program has begun at northeastern extension of the Mara Rosa Project. Exploration Lavras do Sul initiated a 5,000-metre drill program. initiated a 5,000-metre drill program. Western Potash Corporation case In January 2020, the Supreme Court of British Columbia directed Western Potash Corporation to pay Amarillo approximately $211,000 in legal costs relating to the issue of confidentiality in the ongoing case. In January 2020, the Supreme Court of British Columbia directed Western Potash Corporation to pay Amarillo approximately $211,000 in legal costs relating to the issue of confidentiality in the ongoing case. Strengthened management team hired seasoned mine builder as country manager in Brazil, and experienced corporate development and investor relations consultants. These achievements bring us closer to our goal of reaching commercial production at Mara Rosa, our flagship project, said Mike Mutchler, Chief Executive Officer of Amarillo. Barring any negative effects from the coronavirus outbreak, we are close to completing the feasibility study, while Auramet continues its efforts to help us find the capital we need to build Mara Rosa. We have also completed the drilling of Mara Rosas northern extension, with the aim of adding to the resource and extending the mine life. We are monitoring the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on the capital markets as well as our operations, personnel, consultants and other providers, and will reassess our plans as the situation unfolds. Financial results The following table summarizes the Companys major operating expenses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Three months ended December 31 Year ended December 31 2019 2018 2019 2018 $ $ $ $ General and administrative Consulting 40,153 131,241 323,434 350,981 Professional 224,921 1,012 856,267 601,160 Salaries, benefits, and management fees 172,478 164,838 698,986 560,845 Directors fees 52,500 25,000 172,500 244,167 Marketing and promotion 60,852 80,910 314,507 271,444 Filing and transfer agent 16,953 40,901 78,509 112,127 Travel 12,964 6,058 41,304 52,144 Other G&A 71,013 71,799 260,285 263,645 Total G&A 651,834 521,759 2,745,792 2,456,513 Stock-based compensation 18,168 206,860 1,004,270 1,480,249 Financial advisory services 36,000 - 36,000 - Foreign exchange loss 107,701 37,903 153,489 65,999 Interest and finance charges 111,590 1,604 121,041 136,708 Write-off of accounts payable - 20,645 - (118,171 ) Gain on debt settlements (5,417 ) (140,830 ) (5,417 ) (140,830 ) Subtotal before other items 919,876 647,941 4,055,175 3,880,468 Items related to gold loans - (178,198 ) - 709,148 Loss before tax 919,876 469,943 4,055,175 4,589,616 Deferred tax recovery - (1,064,495 ) - (719,495 ) Net (loss) income (919,876 ) 594,752 (4,055,175 ) (3,870,121 ) The Q4 2019 loss of $919,876 includes foreign exchange loss of $107,701 and $111,590 in interest charges that relate mostly to the DNPM liability. The comparative Q4 2018 income of $594,752 includes non-cash recoveries aggregating $1,383,523 relating to gain on debt settlements, gold loans, and deferred tax. After adjusting for these recoveries, the Q4 2019 results are a loss of $788,771. Professional fees in Q4 2019 increased by $223K relating mostly to the litigation against WPC. We expect to recover a substantial portion of these fees as a result of the Supreme Court of British Columbias decision delivered in January 2020. The annual 2019 loss of $4,055,175 (2018: $3,870,121) includes $1,004,270 (2018: $1,480,249) of non-cash stock compensation expense. The annual 2018 loss includes net non-cash recoveries aggregating $269,348 relating to gain on debt settlements, write-off of accounts payable, gold loans and deferred tax. After adjusting for these recoveries, the annual 2018 results are an adjusted loss of $4,139,469. Although the loss in 2019 is comparable to the adjusted loss in 2018, professional fees increased in 2019 by $255,107 due to the WPC litigation, approximately $211,000 of which will be repaid to the Company by WPC. Salaries and benefits increased in 2019 by $138,141, mostly due to the hiring of new Brazil Country manager. Strengthening the management team In July 2019, Arao Portugal joined the Company as Country Manager for Amarillos Brazilian subsidiaries Mr. Portugal is a seasoned mine builder in Brazil with over 40 years of diverse mining and mineral processing experience in South America. Michael Durose, an accomplished Professional Geologist and mining analyst, joined the Amarillo team as an adviser on a part-time, consulting basis in November 2019. He is guiding the Companys exploration programs and advising on corporate development. Annemarie Brissenden joined Amarillo in March 2020, providing investor relations services on a part-time, consulting basis. Ms. Brissenden is a Certified Professional in Investor Relations with almost 20 years of investor relations experience, largely in the resource sector. About Amarillo Amarillo Gold Corporation (www.amarillogold.com) is developing an open pit gold resource at its Mara Rosa Project in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Goias State in Brazil. The Mara Rosa Project has received the main permit giving it the social and environment permission to mine, and is working toward obtaining an installation permit. An NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study filed on SEDAR on September 13, 2018, estimates that Mara Rosas Posse Deposit has total estimated reserves of 1,087,000 ounces of gold from 23.8 Mt at 1.42 g/t Au with: 513,000 ounces of gold in the Proven category from 9.6 Mt at 1.65 g/t Au 574,000 ounces of gold in the Probable category from 14.2 Mt at 1.26 g/t Au. In addition to the Mara Rosa Project, Amarillo also has the Lavras do Sul project, an advanced exploration stage property in Brazil with more than 22 prospects centered on historic gold workings. An NI 43-101 technical report filed on SEDAR on October 4, 2010, estimates an initial resource estimate at the Butia prospect of: 215,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category from 6.4 Mt at 1.05 g/t Au 308,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category from 12.9 Mt at 0.74 g/t Au. Both Mara Rosa and Lavras do Sul are in mining friendly states and have excellent nearby infrastructure. Amarillo Gold Corporation trades on the TSX.V under the symbol AGC, and on the OTCQB under the symbol AGCBF. Qualified Person Mike Mutchler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 guidelines. He has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure relating to the pre-feasibility study of 2018 in this news release. For further information, please contact Mike Mutchler President & CEO 416-294-0736 mike.mutchler@amarillogold.com Annemarie Brissenden Investor Relations 416-844-6284 annemarie.brissenden@amarillogold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. Forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Companys current expectations regarding future events, including its business, operations and condition, and managements objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Various factors may prevent or delay our plans, including but not limited to, the trading price of the common shares of the Company, capital market conditions, impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, counterparty risk, TSX.V approval(s), contractor availability and performance, weather, access, mineral and gold prices, and success and failure of the exploration and development carried out at various stages of the program. Permission from the government and community is also required to proceed with future mining production. Readers should review the Companys ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Companys public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. Readers should also review the risk factors applicable to junior mining exploration companies generally to better understand the variety of risks that can affect the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any Forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as me be required by law. PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/46eb8e02-5f6d-4f75-92ad-379b1eee9fa1 Five years ago -- on March 19, 2015 -- a 27-year-old Afghan woman was beaten and burned alive in the very heart of Kabul by a mob of angry men. Hundreds of people watched the killing of Farkhunda Malikzada, a student of the Koran and Islamic Sharia law, while others participated in the rampage. The mobs outrage had been ignited by a false rumor that Farkhunda had blasphemed the Prophet Muhammad. In fact, she had argued with a 60-year-old peddler about his practice of selling charms to women outside of an Islamic shrine in Kabul. In the course of the argument, she was wrongly accused of blasphemy. The crowd on the street attacked her when they overheard the false accusation. What does that event say about the challenges women in Afghanistan are faced with and the future of their fight for basic human rights? Farkhunda's violent death sent shock waves throughout a nation that had never seen such brutality against a woman outside of a holy shrine. Some men grabbed Farkhunda by the hair, while others kicked her and hit her in the face. Then they dragged her to the banks of the Kabul River and set her on fire. WATCH: 'Brutality Beyond Imagination': Mother Speaks Of Daughter's Murder By Afghan Mob The Kabul River basin was dry from a long drought. For years, nearby shopkeepers and residents had used it like a garbage dump. Her body burned in the pile of waste. "It was nearly evening. The news came on television. I swear my body was numb for a while," said Nadia Khan, an attorney who was working in Kabul for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at the time. "It was more shocking because ordinary men [attacked] her and then burned her alive, Khan said, describing the violence as maximum brutality. "I got goosebumps whenever a man would pass by me on the street, in the office, and even at home, Khan said. I did not like to look at my husband." Khan immigrated to the United States shortly after Farkhundas death and is currently an Uber driver. 'Ordinary People' Speaking to RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan by phone from her home in California, Khan said she is haunted by images of the killing that circulated on social media. The mob did not carry guns. "They seemed to be ordinary people like a shopkeeper, a taxi driver, a student," Khan said. That suggests that almost any Afghan man could have been among the killers, she said. WATCH: Afghan Activists Relive The Killing Of Farkhunda Malikzada "She was my age, Khan told RFE/RL. I cannot imagine what she went through as men were lynching her and torched her almost lifeless body. Khan concludes that hatred and outrage shown by Farkhundas killers revealed festering problems in the hearts and minds of a society where women continue a daily struggle for their rights. She said the killers exposed an extreme misogynist mindset that is deeply rooted in Afghan society -- a culture that, for centuries, has held that men are superior to women. "It is a thick layer of disrespect, distrust, and superiority that boils down to hatred towards women and will probably take several decades to clear, Khan said. Meanwhile, Heather Barr the acting co-director of the women's rights division at Human Rights Watch, hints at another revelation: despite two decades in the fight for democracy, the Afghan government has done little to protect women. She said "enemies to women's rights hold power in Afghanistan," and that governments have done "little to prioritize their rights." But she said it is also true that women's lives, in general, have dramatically improved since the fall of the Taliban regime in late 2001. Millions of Afghan girls are now allowed to go schools when before they were completely barred from doing so. The Talibans prohibition against women working or attending universities also has been lifted and thousands now work in a range of jobs and study to become professionals. Roya Rahmani became Afghanistans first woman ambassador to the United States in December 2018, a post she still holds. Afghanistan has been represented by a female diplomat at the United Nations, Suraya Dalila, since November 2015. And since the collapse of the Taliban regime, women also have served Afghan ambassadors to the European Union, Germany, and in Nordic countries. But in a troubled society that has suffered decades of war, where can the fight for women's rights go? Barr said the killing of Farkhunda is a reminder of the bleak situation for women's rights in Afghanistan. "She remains a devastating symbol of how dangerous life still is for women in Afghanistan, Barr wrote in a March 5 report. Barr also thinks a possible future peace deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban could be another setback unless women are allowed to be equal partners in the process. "One of the most urgent steps the government should take right now is to make women full participants [in the intra-Afghan talks] -- meaning 50 percent of the participants -- in the delegation that will be negotiating with the Taliban over the country's future," Barr wrote. Multnomah County Circuit Judge Cheryl A. Albrecht is postponing next weeks sentencing of Jeremy Christian, among the steps taken to limit gatherings in the courthouse to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. Christian, 37, was scheduled to be sentenced on March 27 for the fatal stabbings of two men and the serious wounding of a third man on a crowded MAX train in May 2017. No new date has been set yet. After 15 days of trial on Feb. 21, jurors found Christian guilty of 12 crimes, including first-degree murder for the deaths of Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, and Best, 53, attempted first-degree murder for the serious wounding of Micah Fletcher, then 21, and hate crimes against two teenage girls, one who was wearing a hijab, on a crowded MAX train as it pulled into the Hollywood Transit Center in Northeast Portland on May 26, 2017. Christian could be sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison with no possibility of release, known as true life. Or he could be sentenced to life in prison with a 30-year minimum. Oregons new first-degree murder law, passed as Senate Bill 1013 last summer, gives the judge both options. Christians defense attorneys, however, are arguing that the new law, is unconstitutional and as a result leaves the judge with only the second option -- sentencing Christian to life with a 30-year minimum. The chief justice of Oregon on Monday imposed significant new limits on court operations statewide, curtailing all but essential court hearings to limit traffic in and out of courthouses. --The Oregonian/OregonLive Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A businessman with a warehouse full of fruit and veg is giving it away wholesale before it rots as businesses in Cork City promise theyll be back soon. Homeless charities, frontline medical staff, nursing homes, and residents of some direct provision centres are now set to benefit from the generosity of AllFresh fruit and veg wholesaler Barra Sweetnam. He joked that he hopes someone with a recipe that requires hundreds of lemons and limes, or a few hundred asparagus and pomegranate, will come forward to ensure the food doesnt go to waste. A quiet in St Patrick's St, Cork. Pictures: Denis Minihane. I might as well give it away to people who can do something with it than leave it here in the warehouse to rot, he said. Mr Sweetnam, whose warehouse is based in Little Island, just outside Cork City, relied on hotels, restaurants, and pubs for an estimated 95% of his business before the Covid-19 crisis hit. We had more cancellations on Sunday than we had orders and we were effectively closed on Monday, he said. So we had a warehouse full of stock, from potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the specialist catering produce and exotic items we are renowned for supplying to the top-end hotels things like mangos, pawpaws, pomegranate, baby rainbow carrots, baby beetroots, that kind of stuff. I have salad coming out my ears and we have just decided to give it all away. Mr Sweetnam had an estimated 80,000 worth of stock in the warehouse before the weekend and, by yesterday, he had managed to give away about 20,000 worth. Cork Penny Dinners, Mercy University Hospital, Cope Foundation, and several local Meals on Wheels groups got significant donations of fruit and veg. Mallow Hospital is in line for a food donation today. He gave away dozens of crates of blackberries, raspberries, and red currants each box costs around 27 to a group who plan to make vast quantities of jam. Arrangements are also being made to deliver fruit bowls to the staff canteens at Cork University Hospital. Mr Sweetnam, who has cut back to a three-day-a-week operation, said he can also arrange deliveries. We are still supplying to some nursing homes and direct provision centres, and spuds, cabbage, carrots, and turnips are still going strong, but the fruit and exotics is gone for a while, he said. Meanwhile, streets were deserted in Cork City today as several business owners placed heart-shaped signs in their windows, promising to be back soon. And in a sign of the resilience, Dockland restaurateur Beth Haughton, who was forced to close her Lapps Quay venue earlier this week, is opening an online order and collection service on Saturday afternoon. Diners can view the menu online, order in advance, drive-up on Saturday afternoon, and staff will place your order in the boot of your car. In Cloghroe, about 15km outside the city, the famous Blairs Inn has become Blairs Out, allowing customers to order in advance, and drive up and collect. Jim Kelsey has made his eatery, Crust, on MacCurtain St, the hub in Cork for the Feed the Heroes initiative, helping co-ordinate delivery of food to frontline healthcare workers in medical facilities across the city. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] You might already have a to-do list while youre social distancing thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Heres one more to check off: Fill out the Census 2020 form. The U.S. Census Bureau has made it super easy by designing an online version for the first time. All you need to do is go to my2020census.gov and enter your household information. The daily lives of families have been thrown into disarray by the coronavirus outbreak, but one of the few things made clear by this pandemic is the vital importance of federal funding for health care, much of which is based on census data, said Brian C. Wahler, the mayor of Piscataway. Piscataway is home to several Rutgers University campuses, and the Census Bureau is already making changes to how they count students, given that a lot of them have been asked to vacate campus due to the coronavirus outbreak. If a household does not have internet connection, they can call any of the hotline numbers listed in the chart below and speak to a customer service representative who can help them complete the questionnaire. Why should I fill out the Census when such scary things are happening around us? Obtaining an accurate count for the decennial Census is critical because it determines who gets $1.5 trillion in federal spending. It also decides which states gain or lose Congressional seats. If states are undercounted, they can lose funding for highways, school lunches, crime victim assistance and many other programs. The safest way to do this right now is by responding online, over the mail or over the phone," said Alana Vega, Kids Count coordinator at Advocates for Children of New Jersey. Anyone can do it from the comfort of their own home. What will the Census ask? The Census questionnaire will ask you about the number of people living in the household, the type of accommodation you live in (house, apartment, mobile home etc.), your telephone number, names, sex, date of birth, race and age of each person living in your household, if anyone is of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin, if you or someone else in the household usually live or stay elsewhere, and if and how everyone in the household are related. The Census 2020 form will not have a citizenship question. Neither will they ask you for your social security number, money, anything on behalf of a political party, or your bank account or credit card numbers. What happens if I dont respond? If people dont respond via telephone, online or mail, the Census Bureau will start sending people to knock on doors and follow up. The census taker will have an photo ID with their name, a Dept. of Commerce watermark, an expiration date, an official bag and electronic device with the Census Bureau logo, and they will only work between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, Census 2020 field operations have been suspended for two weeks until April 1, the Bureau announced Wednesday. Disha Raychaudhuri may be reached at disha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Disha_RC. SPRINGFIELD - The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles on Thursday reopened 8 of 30 registry offices across the state, but it is encouraging people not to go to them unless absolutely necessary. The registry is encouraging people to conduct business online, over the telephone or by mail. The only business that will be conducted at a registry office will be transactions that need to be done immediately and cannot be done any other way but in person, according to a RMV release. More than 40 Registry transactions may be conducted online at www.mass.gov/rmv The eight locations are Boston/Haymarket, Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Springfield, and Worcester. The RMV closed all registry offices statewide last week in keeping with Governor Charlie Bakers emergency declaration to combat the spread of coronavirus. With the reopening, registry staff are taking precautions to prevent people from clustering together in line as they wait for service. Customers arriving at an office will be issued at ticket indicating a time window during which they can expect to be served, either 9 a.m. to noon, or noon to 5 p.m. Depending on how much business the office can handle in a day, the ticket may be for the following morning. We ask the public to respect the new protocols, said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. Customers who do visit one of the eight centers will need to take a ticket and understand that new protocols are intended to keep them and other members of the public safe and healthy. Road tests for permit holders seeking a drivers license will remain suspended until at least through Friday. Road tests for cars and motorcycles will resume only after protocols for cleaning, social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment are put in place to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission for permit holders, road test examiners and those who accompany permit holders to the test. Related content: London, March 19 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that there was "no talk" of extending the Brexit transition period despite the global coronavirus crisis. The outbreak has cancelled trade talks between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the Prime Minister said on Wednesday night that the deadline remained December 31, reports the Metro newspaper. There have been calls to extend the transition period after Europe was declared the epicentre of the epidemic, outside of mainland China where the virus first emerged last December in the city of Wuhan. The end of year deadline was always considered an ambitious goal but now borders across the 27-nation bloc have been shut and entire countries placed in lockdown. Addressing the issue during his daily press conference, Johnson was asked about a delay. "It's not a subject that's being regularly discussed, I can tell you, in Downing Street at the moment," he told reporters. "There is legislation in place that I have no intention of changing." The Government had no plans to publish the draft treaty, whereas the EU's version had leaked to various media outlets ahead of it being shared with the UK. "We are sharing ours in confidence as a negotiating document, as part of the ongoing negotiating process," a Government spokeswoman said. "Teams will now analyse each other's texts and we expect further conversations between the teams next week," the Metro daily quoted the spokeswoman as saying. The UK officially left the bloc at 11 p.m. on January 31 and has now entered a transition period until the end of the year. The first round of talks was held in Brussels earlier this month and both sides remain far from any kind of agreement about the future relationship. The UK wants a 'Canada-style' free trade agreement while Brussels has called for a closer relationship. In the United States, the right to quarantine individuals is most widely held by states and local governments under their police powers to protect public health. Laws vary by state, but generally accepted medical guidelines suggest using quarantines as a last resort, informing those under quarantine of the reasons and ensuring the right of appeal. Adequate care is also essential. Every virus has different properties, and the coronavirus is already far more widespread than Ebola was in West Africa. At that time, given that Ebola only spreads via direct physical contact with the bodily fluids of someone infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended self-monitoring for the 21-day incubation period, not a quarantine. But in October 2014, the state of Connecticut announced a mandatory quarantine as fears about the Ebola virus crested globally. Even if it was justified, which it was not, the way in which the quarantine was imposed and maintained was unlawful, said Michael J. Wishnie, also a Yale Law School professor. Mr. Boyko and Laura Skrip, both graduate students at the Yale School of Public Health, went to Liberia for three weeks in September 2014 to help build a central database for the Ministry of Health. They were not exposed to any victims, but after Mr. Boyko came down with two mild fevers, both students were forced into quarantine in New Haven, Conn. even though he tested negative for Ebola. Police officers stationed in front of their home turned people away, although Yale sometimes interceded to deliver supplies. Nathaniel Sieh, his wife, Louise Mensah-Sieh, and their four children had just arrived from Liberia when they were also quarantined for three weeks in nearby West Haven in one room in a relatives chilly basement. By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Russian media have deployed a 'significant disinformation campaign' against the West to worsen the impact of the coronavirus, generate panic and sow distrust, according to a European Union document seen by Reuters. By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Russian media have deployed a "significant disinformation campaign" against the West to worsen the impact of the coronavirus, generate panic and sow distrust, according to a European Union document seen by Reuters. The Kremlin denied the allegations on Wednesday, saying they were unfounded and lacked common sense. The EU document said the Russian campaign, pushing fake news online in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French, uses contradictory, confusing and malicious reports to make it harder for the EU to communicate its response to the pandemic. "A significant disinformation campaign by Russian state media and pro-Kremlin outlets regarding COVID-19 is ongoing," said the nine-page internal document, dated March 16, using the name of the disease that can be caused by the coronavirus. "The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in Western countries...in line with the Kremlin's broader strategy of attempting to subvert European societies," the document produced by the EU's foreign policy arm, the European External Action Service, said. An EU database has recorded almost 80 cases of disinformation about coronavirus since Jan. 22, it said, noting Russian efforts to amplify Iranian accusations online, cited without evidence, that coronavirus was a U.S. biological weapon. Most scientists believe the disease originated in bats in China before passing to humans. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed to what he said was the lack in the EU document of a specific example or link to a specific media outlet. "We're talking again about some unfounded allegations which in the current situation are probably the result of an anti-Russian obsession," said Peskov. The EU document cited examples from Lithuania to Ukraine, including false claims that a U.S. soldier deployed to Lithuania was infected and hospitalised. It said that on social media, Russian state-funded, Spanish-language RT Spanish was the 12th most popular news source on coronavirus between January and mid-March, based on the amount of news shared on social media. The EEAS declined to comment directly on the report. The European Commission said it was in contact with Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft. An EU spokesman accused Moscow of "playing with people's lives" and appealed to EU citizens to "be very careful" and only use news sources they trust. "HUMAN CREATION" The EU and NATO have previously accused Russia of covert action, including disinformation, to try to destabilise the West by exploiting divisions in society. Russia denies any such tactics and President Vladimir Putin has accused foreign foes of targeting Russia by spreading fake news about coronavirus to whip up panic. Russian media in Europe have not been successful in reaching the broader public, but provide a platform for anti-EU populists and polarise debate, analysis by EU and non-governmental groups has shown. The EEAS report cited riots at the end of February in Ukraine, a former Soviet republic now seeking to join the EU and NATO, as an example of the consequences of such disinformation. It said a fake letter purporting to be from the Ukrainian health ministry falsely stated here were five coronavirus cases in the country. Ukrainian authorities say the letter was created outside Ukraine, the EU report said. "Pro-Kremlin disinformation messages advance a narrative that coronavirus is a human creation, weaponised by the West," said the report, first cited by the Financial Times. It quoted fake news created by Russia in Italy - which is suffering the world's second most deadly outbreak of coronavirus - alleging that the 27-nation EU was unable to effectively deal with the pandemic, despite a series of collective measures taken by governments in recent days. The EEAS has also shared information with Slovakia over the spread of fake news accusing the country's prime minister, Peter Pellegrini, of being infected with the virus and saying he may have passed on the infection to others at recent summits. EU leaders have been conferring by videoconferences since early March. (Additional reporting by Anastasia Teterevela in Moscow; Editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 00:05:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Egyptian passengers and workers in protective suits are seen at Kuwait International Airport in Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait, on March 18, 2020. Kuwait deported 96 Egyptians to their home country on Wednesday, Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mariam Al-Aqeel said. Kuwait reported 12 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 142, the Health Ministry announced Wednesday. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) KUWAIT CITY, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait deported 96 Egyptians to their home country on Wednesday, Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mariam Al-Aqeel said. A total of 298 Egyptians with expired visit, family, and business visas left Kuwait on Wednesday, including the 96 deported Egyptians, the minister said. The deported Egyptians included cases of residents who violated recent cabinet decisions regarding precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The other cases violated the residence and work laws, she noted, adding the Kuwaiti government covered the tickets costs for these deportees. Al-Aqeel highlighted the keenness of the governmental institutions to apply all legal procedures on residents who violate recent cabinet decisions to halt coronavirus spread, calling all residents to adhere to the decisions and laws in this regard. Kuwait reported 12 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 142, the Health Ministry announced Wednesday. On March 11, Kuwait decided to suspend all commercial flights to curb the spread of COVID-19 starting March 13. The government also decided to close shops, malls, and barbershops. After seven new coronavirus cases in relation to a Lander assisted-living facility were officially diagnosed earlier this week, city officials took more drastic steps, like asking gatherings to be limited to 10 people or less, to help stop the spread of the illness. A day after the Fremont County city declared a state of emergency over a COVID-19 outbreak in Lander, city officials said on Wednesday that they were moving to level three of a four-level COVID-19 action plan for the safety of residents. At the same time, a public health official said there could be more cases than the eight confirmed in the county because others with milder symptoms havent been tested. The city canceled all Lander Community and Convention Center events through April or until otherwise directed by the City Council. The city also closed the Community Center and suspended Parks and Recreation programs through April. Schools in the area, including Wyoming Catholic College and the National Outdoor Leadership School, have canceled coursework in response to the virus. Businesses in the city have also adjusted operations due to the spread. For example, some restaurants and coffee shops have said theyll offer take-out or delivery orders, with some closing their dining areas entirely. But unlike Teton County, city and county officials are leaving the decision to close businesses like restaurants and bars to the businesses themselves. Fremont County and municipal Government leaders would like to assure citizens that there are no plans to issue any kind of mandatory business closures in the community, Fremont County Undersheriff Mike Hutchinson said in a Wednesday news release. The choice to implement any kind of closure will remain with the business owners. Instead of going out to a bar or public event, Hutchinson said, at the advice of public health officials, residents could take advantage of the areas multitude of offerings for outdoor recreation. While we still need to practice social distancing, you can still get outside and enjoy the outdoors, he said in the announcement. Going for walks and getting some fresh air is a good idea, just try to keep your distance from others and avoid congregating in large groups. Waiting for results Public health officials say the illness has hit a community spread phase, with the first confirmed case at the Showboat Retirement Center being a result not a cause of the spread in the city. The number of confirmed cases could also rise, with more test results expected in the next day or two, Lander Assistant Mayor RaJean Strube Fossen told the Star-Tribune on Wednesday. Health care providers in the community like in others have also been unable to meet testing demand because of limited tests, Fremont County Public Health Officer Dr. Brian Gee wrote in a response. But he said health care providers and public health officials are trying to increase testing capabilities and are hopeful that testing capacity will be increased significantly in the near future. Gee said patients who may have the illness but havent been tested are being asked to take actions to isolate themselves. A doctor at the Lander Medical Center on Monday told the Star-Tribune that limited tests had resulted in the clinic telling some patients who tested negative for the flu to assume they have COVID-19. There are currently several upper respiratory illnesses circulating in the community that may include the flu, viral colds and other viruses as well as the possibility of Covid 19, Gee wrote. Because of numerous individuals presenting with milder symptoms, patients are being asked by Healthcare providers to self-isolate at home because of a potential Covid 19 infection, even if not confirmed by testing. Retirement home cases Showboat retirement home staff have continued to practice precautions like disinfecting and handwashing to prevent more spread, an employee who asked not to be named said in an interview on Wednesday. Were following the guidelines exactly because we dont want to spread it. On Monday, health officials announced that seven new cases tied to the facility had been discovered. After the first case was confirmed, the facility banned visitors. In addition, employees who had contact with the first patient have been told not to come into work for 12 days. Its not a big crisis. The CDC was right on top of it, the employee said. At the moment, we dont have any challenges with it. The assisted-living home has about 20 residents, with most being formerly homeless or low-income, she said. The cluster at the home has also meant changes in visitation. The facility isnt allowing visitors, but friends and family are allowed to drop off items or care packages at the front door. Residents can also speak with them over the phone. They pretty much understand it, the employee said of friends and family. She said about three-fourths of the residents do not have family who visit, regardless of the circumstances. Flooded with calls Strube Fossen, the assistant mayor, said the city began to prepare for the illness hitting Lander earlier than most local governments, declaring a state of emergency just hours before health officials confirmed the first case in the city. Crediting the City Council for its quick attention to the problem, she said city leaders and officials started and have continued meeting with state and federal health officials to respond to COVID-19 infections in Lander. Since Lander officials began announcing precautions, Strube Fossen said the city has been inundated with phone calls from residents who have questions about its response, want information about the illness or simply want to thank city officials for being proactive. The mayor hasnt slept in three days, she said. The mayor and I are just flooded with those types of calls. Yet, city leaders have heard from some who believe the danger is exaggerated and that the city is overreacting, Strube Fossen said. Still, she said most residents theyve heard from are thankful the city is taking the threat seriously. Our citizens are pretty awesome, she said, adding that, were always going to have the two factions. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Chris Aadland Chris Aadland covers the Wind River Reservation and tribal affairs for the Star-Tribune as a Report for America corps member. A Minnesota native, he spent the last two years reporting for the Wisconsin State Journal before moving to Wyoming in June 2019. Follow Chris Aadland Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today by Mathias Hariyadi The ceremony took place this morning amid precautions against the coronavirus. Church leaders have been criticised for ignoring guidelines and not showing empathy towards a frightened population. An Islamic meeting was cancelled yesterday. Archbishop Olla notes that the number of participants was reduced from 7,000 to 1,500. Flores (AsiaNews) Mgr Siprianus Hormat is the new bishop of Ruteng, a diocese on Flores Island, eastern Sunda Islands. The ordination took place this morning in the presence of Archbishop Card Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta, Archbishop Sensi Potokota of Kupang and Bishop Sylvester San of Denpasar. Mgr Hormat replaces Mgr Hubertus Leteng, who was removed for inappropriate behaviour and misuse of funds. The ordination itself sparked controversy with the local Catholic Church and the Bishops' Conference coming in for harsh criticism on social media because of fears associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, fears that were not quelled by the precautions taken by organisers to prevent any coronavirus contagions, such as measuring the temperature of participants. Church leaders have been accused of failing to respect government orders to limit gatherings of people (including religious ceremonies), and lack of empathy for those who fear the virus. So far, Indonesia has had 309 confirmed cases of infection with 25 deaths. Critics, including Catholics, are upset because other religious ceremonies were suspended elsewhere in the country. For example, an outdoor Islamic prayer in Gowa (southern Sulawesi), expected to draw 8,000 participants, was cancelled yesterday at the urging of government authorities. The Indonesian government says it wrote to Card Suharyo, urging him to postpone the celebration. It is not clear whether the cardinal received the letter before he left for Flores, yesterday. Bishop Paulinus Yan Olla of Tanjung Selor (North Kalimantan province) was present at the ceremony. He told AsiaNews that the local organising committee took preventive measures, like cutting the number of participants from 7,000 to 1,500. He also noted that the Vatican had authorised a postponement of the original ceremony, from February to March, due to heavy rains on Flores Island during the first two months of the year. Iain Duncan Smith has rejected suggestions that workers should be given a universal basic income during the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that it would be a "disincentive to work". The former work and pensions secretary said the proposal, floated by Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey on Wednesday, was also "unaffordable". Under the proposed policy, people would receive a universal flat payment to help cover their living costs during the pandemic. Ms Long Bailey's proposal is for the rate to be set at the living wage. But Sir Iain, said his think-tank the Centre for Social Justice had "ran the numbers" and found that the cost would amount to an "astronomic amount of money" - with a basic payment costing the Treasury around 260 billion a year. He suggested that the delayed Universal Credit scheme, his main legacy at the DWP, would be a better alternative and "was designed with just such critical moments in mind". "One proposal being pushed around at the moment is the redundant idea of a Universal Basic Income," Sir Iain wrote in an article for the Telegraph newspaper. "Let me say now, its unaffordable, impractical, produces massive disincentives for people to work and most importantly wont make any difference to poverty in this country. "And even if that werent enough, this would not be the moment for such a massive upheaval of our welfare system." Sir Iain said the taper rate of his own Universal Credit system should instead be lowered to pay more money to people who lose hours due to the pandemic and "put a floor underneath employees as government steps in and takes the strain". Writing in The Guardian on Wednesday, the Shadow Business Secretary Ms Long-Bailey called for "a fixed payment made to all, providing everyone with a basic minimum income of at least the real living wage, for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic". Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Show all 15 1 /15 Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK The usually busy Royal Mile in Edinburgh is empty as people stay away from public areas amid the coronavirus outbreak on 13 March Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Ho bart's Amusement Arcade in Westward Ho!, Devon is offering toilet roll and soap as prizes in grabber machines Rob Braddick/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK An empty platform at Farringdon Station in London the morning after the Prime Minister said that Covid-19 "is the worst public health crisis for a generation" PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Shopkeepers Asiyah Javed and husband Jawad from Day Today Express, in Stenhousemuir, Falkirk are giving away facemasks, antibacterial hand wash and cleaning wipes to the elderly in a bid to stop the spread of Coronavirus Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A usually busy street in Cambridge is empty as people stay away from public areas amid the coronavirus outbreak on 2 March James Linsell-Clark/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A hand sanitiser dispenser is seen inside the stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on 8 March Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Maaya Indian Kitchen in Milton Keynes is offerig customers a free roll of toilet paper with every takeaway order SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Oliver Cooper[L], was sent home from school for selling spurts of handsanitiser to fellow pupils at 50p a time. He poses with mum Jenny Tompkins by their home in Leeds Ashley Pemberton/SWNS Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK Empty toilet paper shelves at a supermarket in London on 12 March EPA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A member of the public is swabbed at a drive through Coronavirus testing site set up in a car park in Wolverhampton Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A passenger wears a protective face mask as she travels on a bus in the City of London AFP/Getty Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A Southampton fan wears a face mask before the match against Newcastle United on 7 March Reuters Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A loudspeaker placed in grounds of St Mary's Catholic Church in Broughattin, Dundalk, County Louth ahead of funeral mass later this morning. The loudspeaker has been placed in the grounds after the Catholic Archdiocese said that funerals and weddings should not exceed 100 attendees within the church building PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK A hand sanitising station set up outside Cheltenham Racecourse during day four of the Cheltenham Festival on 13 March PA Coronavirus fears lead to empty streets and shelves across UK People wearing protective face masks walk across London Bridge on 11 March AFP/Getty She said the system would "assist employers, who would then top up salaries to the level a worker currently earns" and "would provide a basic protection to all, and guarantee much needed consumer spending power to help keep people and businesses afloat through the crisis and until we recover". She added: "This country is facing an unprecedented shock: its time to move mountains. We must actually do whatever it takes to keep people safe and financially supported. 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Putting another person's goals before our own can ensure our mutual benefit In the early 2000s, I spent much of my time in remote areas of Afghanistan conducting village stability operations, cultivating relationships and mobilizing tribes and clans to stand up on their own against the Taliban. One of the challenges we faced was that Afghanistan, by definition, is an area that doesnt trust its government or outside coalition forces, like the American military. This is due to their long history of being occupied by different armies over the centuries. The tribal elders are really the governing body in this status society and the central government holds very little regard in the eyes of these informal leaders. We needed these elders and their villagers to stand up and push the Taliban out. All we had to do was win them over. Easy right? Hardly. We were ten years into the war. Trust gaps between most Afghans and U.S. Military Forces seemed impossible to overcome and U.S. Politicians were putting the pressure on to wrap up the fighting and bring our forces home. Enter hero Jabar Abdul, a highly regarded tribal elder who had mobilized the grassroots campaign against Mullah Omar back in the 90s when the Taliban first came into the country. The Taliban hated him and, like most elders, he wasnt crazy about the central government or coalition forces either. Over time, we built a strong relationship and talked about him going to the district of Maiwand, a very violent, contentious area where he had led a grassroots campaign a decade earlier. It took a while, but eventually he decided to go and I told him, candidly, that I thought it was the right decision for his country and what we were building there. He stopped me, looked me dead in the eyes, and said, Im not doing this for your coalition. Im not doing this because I trust my government. Im doing this because I trust you. Those words hit me like a ton of bricks, and it wouldnt be the last time. We saw this happen again and again; local elders would walk their way back from their village to connect with the formal district governor, the provincial government center, even to the national government. They did this not because they trusted their government, but because they trusted the Green Beret who was living in their village, who had gone to the rooftop with them, who stood shoulder to shoulder with them like promised, who helped them farm, who helped them solve water problems, who administered care to their children. Our Green Berets had gone far beyond rapport. They had built deep trust with the local leaders because they operated with the mindset of putting relationships before transactions. This is the key for leaders today. The relationship is the biggest asset in your portfolio. Its primal, but its true. This mindset will allow you to build lasting loyalty and trust that generates multiple transactions. But if you look at our society today, we have it backwardwe are preconditioned to put the transaction before the relationship. We have largely become a transaction based society. Having this transactional capacity in our society has led to our incredible economy. However, people still buy, invest and follow the people they have a relationship with. The second something requires deep risk, were likely going to follow the people that we trust. Beneath all of these transactions, relationships are still the core element. Shifting to this relationship-focused mindset means you have to view the relationship as the assetnot the transaction. You have to treat these relationships as precious commodities that must be stewarded and managed. Take the time to identify the key relationships in your arena and understand which are the critical relationships that you must build and sustain in order to be relevant and meet your goals. Identify those relationships. Identify where the tensions are. You have to be deliberate in how you approach and evaluate each relationship. Where most people find resistance in adopting this mindset, is in the ability to foster these relationships when risk is low and there is no ask currently on the table. If you try to build a relationship when the stakes are high, theyre going to see right through it and view you as being transactional. Find out what their goals are, what their pain points are, what keeps them up at night, what they need from you. Then ask permission to talk about your goals. Build that trust when risk is low. If you meet their goals first, youre going to have a better chance of meeting your own. The relationships before transactions mindset results in reciprocity. They will want to do something for you. If you apply this mindset authentically and transparently, and listen to someones goals and then make a legitimate effort to meet them where they are, you will be amazed at the exponential return on investment it has in the relationships you build. Your relationship portfolio is everything. Focus on building those deep relationships for the greater good of both parties, and the transactions will follow a game-changing path for your life and business. Scott Mann is a former Green Beret who specialized in unconventional, high-impact missions and relationship building. He is the founder of Rooftop Leadership and appears frequently on TV and many syndicated radio programs. For more information, visit RooftopLeadership.com Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received ASEAN Chair ASEAN President's Hammer from his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha, November 4, 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: VGP) According to the article, 2020 is a special year for Vietnam. This is a great opportunity for Vietnam to enhance its international position when Vietnam simultaneously holds the dual role of ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council term 2020-201. During the spread of COVID-19 epidemic throughout the world, Vietnam is asserting its role as ASEAN Chair and considering this as an opportunity to bring solidarity and comprehensive cooperation among the 10 ASEAN member countries. After the joint statement on ASEAN countries enhancing cooperation to prioritize dealing with Covid-19 of Vietnam chaired by Vietnam as the ASEAN Chair (February 4th), the special China - ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting was held in Laos to increase cooperation in dealing with COVID -19. Vietnam taking the role of ASEAN Chair is considered a specific example for the slogan Cohesive and Responsive. Based on Vietnam's proposal, a consultation between the United Nations Security Council and ASEAN was first organized 52 years after ASEAN establishment. In the end of January 2020, ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi attended the UN Security Council and discussed options for consultations. Many ASEAN member countries also wish to further strengthen ASEAN's position in the international community. Agenda items such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are expected to be signed in Vietnam this year and the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) is expected to be reached when Vietnam takes over the chairmanship of ASEAN. In the closing part, the article quoted Choi Sing Kwok, Head of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Singapore), on Vietnams leadership ability and its role in heightening ASEAN position in the international arena, that taking up the position of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council gives Vietnam the opportunity to show its leadership globally and of course will benefit ASEAN. Since gaining ASEAN membership in July 1995, Vietnam has always been an active, responsible member and made important contributions to the development of the association. During its ASEAN Chairmanship 2010, Vietnam left many important imprints, including the proposal of a number of initiatives which were realized such as the mechanism of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM +); the establishment of the ASEAN Committee on the Promotion and Protection of Womens and Childrens Rights, and the gaining of consensus on the decision to expand the East Asia Summit with the participation of Russia and the US. Despite many difficulties and challenges during its terms as ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, especially the threat from COVID-19, Vietnam fully has the ability, confidence and experience to successfully implement the two responsibilities, thus affirming its position, prestige and strategic leadership capacity, leading ASEAN to develop and raise ASEAN to a central role in regional and international issues./. [March 19, 2020] Shareholder Alert: Robbins LLP Reminds Investors It Is Investigating the Officers and Directors of Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP) on Behalf of Shareholders Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP reminds investors it is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) violated federal securities laws. Tupperware operates as a direct-to-consumer marketer of various products across a range of brands and categories in various regions. If you suffered a loss as a result of Tupperware's misconduct, click here. Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP) Fails to File Annual Report On Time On February 24, 2020, Tupperware announced that it would be unable to file its annual report for fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. TheCompany stated that the results were affected by "financial reporting issues" with its Fuller Mexico segment. Total impairments for Fuller Mexico are expected to be approximately $31 million. Tupperware is now currently conducting an investigation into accounting for its accounts payable and accrued liabilities at Fuller Mexico and the matter is $9-$11 million of the total expected $19-$21 million full year impact. Tupperware also stated "the Company is forecasting a need for relief concerning its $650 million credit agreement to avoid a potential acceleration of debt, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company." On this news, Tupperware's stock price fell 45.6% to close at $3.11. Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP) Shareholders Have Legal Options Contact us to learn more: Leo Kandinov (800) 350-6003 [email protected] Shareholder Information Form Robbins LLP is a nationally recognized leader in shareholder rights law. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested. Click here to receive free alerts from Stock Watch when companies engage in wrongdoing. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005818/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Photo: The Canadian Press A shopper walks at the Eaton Centre in Toronto, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Retailers that have remained open as concerns around the spread of the novel coronavirus increase are either succumbing to pressure to shut their doors or explaining why they should be considered an essential service.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Natasha Hermann Retailers that have remained open as concerns around the spread of the novel coronavirus increase are either succumbing to pressure to shut their doors or explaining why they should be considered an essential service. Canadian Tire Corp. announced Thursday it would close its "non-essential retail banners" until April 2, including roughly 400 SportChek and 380 Mark's locations. CEO Greg Hicks says in an open letter that Canadian Tire locations will remain open with reduced hours as they "are doing everything they can to deliver on the essential products Canadians need." TJX Companies Inc., which operates about 500 stores across its Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls brands in Canada, announced it would close its stores globally for the next two weeks. It is also closing its online business, distribution centres and offices. Both companies faced criticism online for remaining open as dozens of other retailers closed their doors to enable social distancing and slow the virus's spread. In a pandemic, apparently some people write King Lear. Me, Im grateful just to read it. If you find yourself stuck in house arrest like Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov in A Gentleman in Moscow and able to concentrate on something besides the news or your immediate mortal peril you may want to stock up on books as well as canned beans. This week we recommend a story collection and four novels, including one by the Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay that was considered too edgy to publish during his lifetime. In nonfiction theres a biography of the supremely unsettling novelist Robert Stone, two memoirs (one by a writer who suddenly stopped writing, and one about an extended Soviet family), as well as a weighty analysis of capitalism and politics by the best-selling economist Thomas Piketty. Download that to your e-reader, and youll have something to chew on for the next 18 months. Gregory Cowles Senior Editor, Books Twitter: @GregoryCowles CHILD OF LIGHT: A Biography of Robert Stone, by Madison Smartt Bell. (Doubleday, $35.) In his best novels, like Dog Soldiers and A Flag for Sunrise, Robert Stone, who died in 2015 at 77, drew from a deeper well than most of his contemporaries. A simmering paranoia bubbles under the surface of his fiction, a paranoia he had a sense of humor about. Our critic Dwight Garner calls this new biography by the novelist Madison Smartt Bell sensitive and thorough, and says that reading it, Stones distrust begins to make sense. He was not inherently a wild man, but he attracted wildness. It came to him, as if he were coaxing it out of the soil. He fed off the destructive energy. YOUNG HEROES OF THE SOVIET UNION: A Memoir and a Reckoning, by Alex Halberstadt. (Random House, $28.) Halberstadt had planned to write a book about his paternal grandfather, Vassily, who worked in a notorious Soviet prison for several years before becoming one of Stalins bodyguards. Instead, the author, who emigrated to the United States with his mother and her parents in 1980, when he was 10, has produced a memoir about not just Vassily but his wider family and the country where he was born. The result is a loving and mournful account thats also skeptical, surprising and often very funny, our critic Jennifer Szalai writes, full of confident, precisely drawn imagery that will make you remember what Halberstadt describes in his own unforgettable terms. MY DARK VANESSA, by Kate Elizabeth Russell. (Morrow/HarperCollins, $26.99.) In this unsettling debut novel, Vanessa Wye, now an adult and a classic unreliable narrator looks back at the sexual relationship with her English teacher that began when she was 15, superimposing a teenage girls love story onto a creepy tale of abuse. The novel flickers between the horror of the situation and the romantic overlay with the stylized dizziness of a disco ball, Katie Roiphe writes in her review. The reader struggles, along with Vanessa, to make sense of what is happening, to interpolate, to see the truth, with so many false accounts, so many delusions, so many efforts to neaten or prettify. One of the more radical aspects of the novel is that it maintains its ambiguities, it refuses to give up entirely on the idea that there was love somewhere in this encounter, along with other sicker, darker things. A father-of-one has claimed he's been banned from the birth of his second child over coronavirus fears. Mark Stephens, 33, a solicitor who lives in Tonbridge, Kent, was due to be by his wife Azalea Bakrie-Stephens' side this morning to welcome their son via a planned C-section. However he said he received a phone call from midwives at Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury yesterday informing him he could no longer attend the birth after their 18-month-old daughter Chloe came home from nursery with a slightly raised temperature last week. Despite Mark assuring staff that a GP had brushed off Chloe's symptoms as a common cold, not COVID-19, he said the hospital insisted he should stay away - and can't even be present via a video call. If there are complications with the birth, it could mean Mark doesn't see his wife or his newborn son for several days - or, in the 'worst case scenario', he might 'never get to meet him'. Mark Stephens, 33, a solicitor who lives in Tonbridge, Kent, was due to be by his wife Azalea Bakrie-Stephens' side this morning to welcome their son via a planned C-section Admitting he is 'livid' about the decision, Mark told FEMAIL: 'I very much appreciate the NHS and its staff is under stress and it's unprecedented circumstances, but I don't think it's proportionate to start banning people from being at the birth of their child, without doing any tests. 'We've been told now I can't even call her on conference or video FaceTime because they don't allow videoing in the operating theatre. 'I can't believe that you can't stream a video call with your wife when she's going through an operation just because they don't allow it when they've barred you from being there.' Mark said Azalea, 32, a copywriter, is very nervous and upset about the fact she's going through the birth alone, and is pushing for him to be allowed to video call her. Mark said Azalea, 32, a copywriter, is very nervous and upset about the fact she's going through the birth alone, and is pushing for him to be allowed to video call her 'If it all goes ahead and it's fine then it probably won't be so bad, but it's the unknown,' Mark explained. 'If there's anything wrong with the baby she'll have to face it by herself. Worst case scenario, I might never see the baby.' Mark complained to the NHS Trust locally, whom he claims told him the clinical ward staff's decision stands. He added: 'What really took the p*** earlier today is, they said, "If you would like someone to call you when the baby's delivered, I'm sure we can arrange someone to give you a call to say everything's been safely done." 'I was like, "I can't believe you even just offered that, I took that as granted that I would at least get a bloody phone call."' Mark complained to the NHS Trust locally, whom he claims told him the clinical ward staff's decision stands Mark explained that he had a tickle in his throat last week, but other than that he's had no symptoms to suggest he could have coronavirus. 'I work in an office and when I had a bit of water I was fine, it was just air con,' he said. 'My daughter's temperature has gone down, we saw a GP yesterday and he said she's got a viral infection but none of the symptoms of COVID-19, it's just something kids pick up in nursery. 'I said that to the midwife and they basically said, tough. They're not testing anyone unless you're in A&E, in hospital or have respiratory problems.' Mark said being at the birth of his son was incredibly important to him, as he and his wife had been planning for it for the past nine months. FEMAIL has reached out to the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for comment. Pictured: Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury He added that her family, who are from Malaysia, have flown over but will also likely be unable to see the newborn for several days, if not longer. 'It's not just being at the operation, it's the fact my wife might have to stay in hospital for four or five days and I'm not even allowed to see the child or her during that period either,' Mark explained. What are the symptoms of coronavirus? Once someone has caught the COVID-19 virus it may take between two and 14 days, or even longer, for them to show any symptoms but they may still be contagious during this time. If and when they do become ill, typical signs include a runny nose, a cough, sore throat and a fever (high temperature). The vast majority of patients will recover from these without any issues, and many will need no medical help at all. In a small group of patients, who seem mainly to be the elderly or those with long-term illnesses, it can lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in which the insides of the lungs swell up and fill with fluid. It makes it increasingly difficult to breathe and, if left untreated, can be fatal and suffocate people. Figures are showing that young children do not seem to be particularly badly affected by the virus, which they say is peculiar considering their susceptibility to flu, but it is not clear why. Advertisement 'I'm not allowed to see them until they're discharged home because I'm not allowed in the hospital. 'If anything happens or the baby needs to stay in longer for jaundice, or something like that, I'm not allowed in the hospital. 'What I found particularly frustrating earlier on when I spoke to the hospital is, they said there is no way we can let you come into operating theatre, the decision has been made, and I was like, that's not the point, you're saying I won't be able to see her until she's been discharged, so potentially four or five days, and the child as well.' Mark was present at the birth of his daughter, which he said makes it worse as he knows what he's missing out on. 'It's nice I was there for one of them,' he added. 'It's hard for my wife because she's going to have no support whatsoever, she's going to be stuck in there by herself. 'She's in on her own in an isolated room, doctors and nurses are the only person she's able to see. 'She said is there anyone else who can visit her, but we're new in the area and anyone who's been in contact with daughter can't see her, so that includes me, my parents, her parents and anyone who's close.' A spokesperson for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: 'The safety of our staff, patients and especially new born babies is our number one priority, so like every other hospital we are following the expert guidance and asking anyone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus not to visit our hospitals or clinical areas. 'Thats why after being made aware by the family that they were self-isolating due to a member of the household displaying COVID-19 symptoms, the Trust made the difficult decision to ask Mr Stephens not to attend the birth.' TEL AVIV - A controversial digital tracking service has begun in Israel to monitor those infected with the coronavirus, while the number of positive cases rose to 529 on Thursday, nearly 100 more than Wednesday, according to health ministry figures. A total of 400 initial warning messages were sent Wednesday from the monitoring initiative, said public broadcaster KAN. The text message from the health ministry said, "According to our epidemiological investigations, you were in the immediate vicinity of someone infected with coronavirus. You must go into quarantine immediately". The digital programme to monitor Israelis was assigned by the government, with an emergency measure, to the country's police and its internal security service, Shin Bet. Press reports said the programme includes not only digital surveillance of telephones, but also other private electronic platforms. On Thursday, the country's High Court of Justice will hear arguments in an urgent petition brought by two NGOs for the defence of civil rights. The NGOs claim the measure significantly infringes on civil rights, and in any case would have to be approved by the Israeli Parliament before going into effect. The health ministry said that of the 529 cases of infected people on Thursday, 498 are in relatively good condition, 13 in fair condition, and six in serious condition. Twelve of those who were first infected have since recovered. Faced with a crisis, some areas of business will have financial difficulties; we offer crisis loan portfolios to businesses. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this at today's session of the government of Armenia. Also, he presented the essence of this loan portfolio, which is as follows: 50 percent of the financing is provided by commercial banks and credit organizations, and the other 50 percent is funded by the government. The government loans will be interest-free, and the interest on the bank loans will also be subsidized by the government. That is to say, the businesses get loans at zero percent interest. As per the PM, these loans may be used for the following purposes: To the businesses: employees' salaries and respective tax payments. The second direction is the purchase or import of raw materials if the whole raw materials are to be used in order to get ready-made products in Armenia and the borrower has necessary production capacity. Third, the import of tools and equipment (), if they shall be used toward organizing and expanding production in Armenia. Fourth: making energy, water, and natural gas expenses. Fifth: in the case of food imported by trading companies, when the purchased or imported goods shall be sold in Armenia. Sixth: buying or importing fertilizers, seedlings, or agricultural raw material if the whole volume is to be used in Armenia. The Prime Minister also presented the main requirements for these loans. "The loan must be in drams, the part given by the bank may be in foreign currency," he said. The term will be up to 24 months. The maximum loan amount is 500 million drams. Loans can only be used with non-cash and bank transfers; the maximum integral percentage 0-6% per annum." Pashinyan added that this proposal will undergo public debate within the next 1-2 days, and when ready, the government will approve it. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 00:53:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHANGHAI, March 19 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian diplomat has spoken highly of the support Chinese people and enterprises have provided to Iran amid the coronavirus outbreak. "During the past three weeks when the novel coronavirus spread in Iran, we have received tonnes of donated goods from the Chinese people," Ramazan Parvaz, consul general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Shanghai, said Wednesday. "It is more than our expectations and surprised and impressed me." "I believe the energy and strong sympathy that we received from all walks of life in China is more important than the quantity of donations," said Parvaz. The diplomat said that five batches of donated goods had been sent to Iran in the past weeks, including 10 tonnes of masks, protective clothes, traditional Chinese medicine and other medical supplies. On March 4, the Iranian Embassy in China announced to set up a donation channel on China's social media platform Weibo and raised 4 million yuan (about 567,000 U.S. dollars) within 24 hours. China has also sent medical experts to Iran to help the country fight the coronavirus. In Shanghai, the Sichuan Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and Shanghai Islamic Association both donated masks to Iran. Shanghai-based companies have also donated more than 500,000 masks to the virus-hit country. "We received unbelievable companionship, unforgettable support and solidarity from people here," Parvaz said. Flash UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, working with reduced personnel in a lightly staffed headquarters, was checking with chiefs of UN agencies, departments and missions around the world to see how they are handling the coronavirus crisis, his spokesman said on Wednesday. All staffers were ordered earlier in the week to telecommute. The resettling of refugees has been suspended because of COVID-19; some 850 million -- roughly half of the global number of students -- are staying away from schools and universities, and the fallout from the pandemic could increase global unemployment by 25 million people, said UN chief's spokesman Stephane Dujarric. He said the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced the refugee resettlement suspension because of measures countries are taking to reduce entry into their territories due to COVID-19. This means that travel arrangements for resettling refugees are currently subject to severe disruptions. "Some countries have also placed a hold on resettlement activities given their public health situation, which impacts their capacity to receive newly resettled refugees," said Dujarric. "The two agencies said that they are also concerned that international travel could increase the exposure of refugees to the virus." The UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization reported more than 850 million children and youth -- roughly half of the world's student population -- are staying away from schools and universities due to the epidemic, he said. Nationwide closures are in force in 102 countries and local shutdowns in 11 others with further increases expected. Countries around the world are racing to fill the void with distance learning solutions. But the uncertain duration of the closures adds further complications to their efforts, Dujarric said. A coalition of government and the private sector is being put together to help deploy remote learning systems. The executive director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Henrietta Fore, said the agency is working to help prevent the spread of the virus among communities by providing hygiene and medical kits to schools and health clinics and by mitigating the impact of the outbreak on children's access to health, education and social services. "Our life-saving work to provide children with health, education, nutrition and protection has never been more critical," said Fore in a statement. "With millions of children uprooted, affected by wars, dying from preventable causes, out of school, or missing out on essential vaccines, the need for support has never been greater." The International Labour Organization (ILO), which reported the crisis could increase global unemployment by almost 25 million people, said that an internationally coordinated reaction similar to the 2008-2009 global financial crisis response would significantly lower the impact on global unemployment. The ILO calls for urgent, large-scale and coordinated measures across three pillars: protecting workers in the workplace, stimulating the economy and employment, and supporting jobs and incomes, said Dujarric. Turning to Africa, the spokesman said the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, at the request of the government, will put all mission staff coming back from a country impacted by COVID-19 into self-isolation for 14 days. Meetings were being limited. In Sudan, the UN Humanitarian Country Team has finalized a COVID-19 response plan in support of the government. UNICEF has mobilized 370,000 U.S. dollars for infection prevention and control supplies for use at points of entries in Sudan as well as in ambulances, he said. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is working with temporary quarantine teams in Sudan to ensure women and girls of reproductive age that are admitted receive so-called dignity kits, which include items to ensure basic hygiene and comfort, Dujarric said. In South America, UN entities in Peru are working with the government to minimize the social and economic impacts of the outbreak. The Pan-American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have been working on public health system preparedness and community awareness with the government. Meanwhile, the spokesman said the ILO has also been working with other ministries to protect people's rights. In the Venezuela situation, he said the UNHCR and the IOM are working with government counterparts to support migrants and refugees who are coming from Venezuela to access social programs that may be limited, he said, adding that UNFPA is also working on reproductive health services in the region. In Uzbekistan, preparedness is at full speed with the UN team's collaboration with government counterparts, Dujarric said. Members of the UN staff have been trained for emergency communications with the Ministry of Health and various other government agencies. The training includes monitoring of public opinion and countering false information, he said. This complements a UN-backed campaign with the government on COVID-19 in Uzbek and Russia. Although the secretary-general was in his office, a lot of senior UN officials were telecommuting, including Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, said Dujarric. The spokesman himself conducted the regular daily briefing from his home for the first time. Several correspondents participated via teleconference and had to text their questions in. She had no complaints with how the nursing home was handling the outbreak. It has been good about keeping the family informed, she said, and friends who work there have told her it has brought in workers on a temporary basis who have not been exposed to the virus. The Wireless Broadband Alliance has taken over development and promotion of Cisco's OpenRoaming technology, which lets devices move between Wi-Fi and cellular networks such as LTE without interrupting service. OpenRoaming is built on the Passpoint (HotSpot 2.0) standard, which in turn is based on the IEEE 802.11u standard for interworking connectivity. The expectation is that WBA can bring about the broad adoption of OpenRoaming by new and existing Wi-Fi network customers, identity and service providers. The nearly 100 member WBA includes a wide variety of industry players including AT&T, Boingo, Broadcom, Cisco, Comcast, Intel, Facebook, Google, HPE Aruba and others. The alliance has a number of initiatives including how to best converge and grow Wi-Fi 6 and 5G as those technologies ramp-up. Some of its current initiatives involve WiFi sensing, which enables motion detection, gesture recognition, and biometric measurement by using existing Wi-Fi signals and mobile edge computing. With OpenRoaming, device users can employ methods such as Samsung ID, their mobile SIM card, or their cloud provider to sign into OpenRoaming once, granting them seamless access to participating wireless networks around the world, according to Cisco. In addition, OpenRoaming brings together a federation of trusted identity providers, to automatically allow users to join any network managed by an OpenRoaming federation member. The membership include service providers, device manufacturers, cloud ID, or even loyalty memberships. Boingo Wireless, GlobalReach Technology, Intel, Korea Telekom, and others have pledged support for OpenRoaming. There is considerable pull from the industry and our customers, both enterprise and service provider, to automate secure onboarding across multiple verticals, wrote Matt MacPherson, Ciscos Wireless CTO in a blog about the transfer. WBAs global ecosystem can integrate OpenRoaming into its technologies, regardless of equipment provider. He says that OpenRoaming supports seamless, secure roaming that can iprove Wi-Fi service in general. As 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and other next-generation wireless technologies take hold, immersive and bandwidth-intensive applications will become the norm. In order to ensure that those applications are available as people are on the move, seamless roaming between networks will become even more be necessary, the WBA stated. The application of this technology extends beyond smartphones. Companies are trialing OpenRoaming for autonomous and connected vehicles, and commercial developers are using OpenRoaming and location analytics tools to better understand how shoppers, patrons or employees utilize spaces, the WBA stated. In the connected car realm, in February Cisco said it partnered with autonomous vehicle software Oxbotica to employ OpenRoaming in its platform. For industrial applications where devices, such as autonomous vehicles rather than people, are moving through areas that are covered by Wi-Fi, this technology is designed to enable that simple, automatic connection that users experience when using mobile networks, Cisco said. OpenRoaming opens up the possibility of a cost-effective alternative for transporting high-volume data to and from the vehicle, autonomously. Last October Cisco announced the first commercial trial with OpenRoaming with one of the UKs financial centers Canary Wharf. Combining the convenience of mobile roaming with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, OpenRoaming allows devices to connect automatically to Wi-Fi and seamlessly roam from one hotspot to another without the need for the user to log in, the Canary Wharf Group said in a statement. The joint initiative will also provide up to four times faster wireless speeds by deploying Cisco Wi-Fi 6 access points, along with sophisticated location-based analytics to allow clients to build unique services for their customers. What a wild world we live in. In a place like Montana, which seems so far away from Wuhan, China, we once again realize that we are all connected in ways that we don't often think about. A week ago, we were watching the spread of COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus. It was somewhat hard to believe that in just a week's time, the stock markets would plunge historically, and bars, restaurants, gyms, casinos and schools would close. Most of us who have lived in America have known a pandemic-free world. That's now changed. Since news of the coronavirus and its effects have dominated the news, we'd suggest the following ideas on how to cope while social distancing. While there's not a single a business or individual who won't see some fallout from the coronavirus, non-profits will be especially hard hit during this crisis. Here's what we mean: Most non-profits already run on a razor-thin budget. They will now likely see a spike in demand for services as people struggle with the economic fallout of the virus. Meanwhile, as the economy stalls, they may see a huge increase in demand, and a drop in financial support. Those are twin punches that won't be easy to endure. So many non-profits have had to cancel fundraising events meant to support the organization's mission for the upcoming year. So, we'd suggest two things: If you got tickets or had plans for an event, encourage these organizations to keep the money. In other words, instead of having the non-profits rush to try to reorganize the events, tell them to keep the cash and keep doing the good work they are already engaged in. If you haven't got tickets to non-profits fundraisers, remember that through these hard times, we have great organizations which will see an uptick in demand. If you can spare them a check or a little cash, please do so. It's an odd thing, but during these uncertain times when we're being asked to stay away from each other, simple acts of generosity and kindness will help us stay connected. Speaking of that, it's a good time to remind folks that nothing in the supply chain of daily food and living items has been disrupted. While public health officials recommend limiting the number of trips to stores to essential trips, there are no food or supply shortages. Those who are stockpiling, hoarding or gobbling up all the supplies: Please, calm down. There is no national toilet paper shortage, nor should there be. There is enough for all of us, if we only take what each household needs. From large membership clubs to corner grocery stores, the shelves have been depleted and supplies for some goods are running low. Remember that we're a community and we're all going to need certain supplies. Gouging or selling toilet paper on Craig's List, while not illegal, certainly doesn't help. And while suggesting that stores limit quantities of such goods seems downright un-American, we support retailers who are helping to calm the situation even though it seems like a God-given right to buy an entire storage unit full of Charmin. Finally, chill. Let's face it: Whether online or in life, there seems to be too few hours in the day. It seems like the greatest remedy for the coronavirus is time and distance. In other words, we have to social distance, shut things down for awhile, and wait. While we don't want to minimize the terrible economic impacts of this, it does provide one good opportunity: We can take that time to unwind, focus and relax. That's something we don't get an opportunity to do often. So, we hope that you read a good book (or catch up on those newspapers), turn on some music, watch a movie and chill. In other words, be good to yourself, be good to those you love, and be good to your neighbors. The Billings Gazette Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 15:18:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Science and Technology has launched an online public service platform to release the latest technologies and innovative products for novel coronavirus epidemic control. The first batch of 283 products was unveiled on the platform earlier this month, including rapid test kits for the virus infection, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic systems, efficient temperature check machines and self-cleaning materials used on walls and in elevators. These products cover nine aspects, such as diagnosis and treatment, epidemic prevention and control, work resumption, distribution of medical and living materials and community management, according to a ministry statement. Since its launch on March 2, the platform has solicited more than 2,000 technologies and products, providing sci-tech support for winning the battle against the epidemic, the ministry said. PUNE:The district administration will procure 50 thermal scanners from the state government in the next three days to carry out mass screening at Pune railway station, Mumbai-Pune expressway, Pune airport, old Pune-Mumbai highway and state transport bus stands, said Deepak Mhaisekar, Pune divisional commissioner on Thursday. Mhaisekar said passengers coming from foreign destinations will be thermal scanned and their travel history will also be obtained. We will quarantine all passengers as it would be done in the larger interests of the society. From today [Thursday] evening, thermal scanners will be used at public places. Passengers with travel history to ten high risk destinations, including China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Germany, Spain, France, Dubai, the US and Saudi Arabia, will be stamped and home quarantined, Mhaisekar said. Passengers with foreign travel history who might have missed screening at international airports will be screened and, if found positive for Covid-19, will be stamped and quarantined with immediate effect, he said. The divisional commissioner said that hostel facilities for keeping 5,024 people is being made available from 26 educational institutes and the administration plans to enhance the quarantine capacity for nearly 10,000 people. The administration as per the directions of the central government will be preparing a dedicated quarantine facility for travellers alighting at the airport itself as part of the coronavirus containment plan. Mhaisekar pointed out that as of Thursday, 74,235 persons were screened by special medical teams for symptoms related to coronavirus in the city. The total number of coronavirus positive patients remained static at 19 in Pune region, which includes eight in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits and 11 in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits. Preventive measures PMPML bus trips reduced by 50 per cent Elective surgeries in hospitals can be postponed depending on the patients criticality. 43,980 houses visited by medical teams in Pune for screening 10 coronavirus positive patients admitted at Naidu Hospital 110 daily flights per day at Pune airport have come down to 68 Screening of passengers at alighting points at railway and bus stations Total number of positive patients: 19 persons Strict quarantine arrangements as per the central government directives Traders Association has been directed to continue with the essential supplies of foodgrains and other essentials District collector Naval Kishore Ram issued an order banning closure of all betel selling shops A ustralia and New Zealand closed their borders to all foreigners as the countries ramped up their response to the coronavirus crisis. Australia has recorded around 600 coronavirus infections and six deaths, a relatively small number compared to other countries, but officials are growing increasingly concerned about the prospect of an exponential rise in cases. With the majority of the cases originating overseas, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday all non-Australian residents would be barred from entering the country from 9pm on Friday. For the next six months we need to work together, Mr Morrison told Australians in a televised news conference. We do need to moderate our behaviour and understand things need to change. 'Im not willing to tolerate risk at our borders,' Ardern said / AFP/Getty Images Mr Morrisons office said the ban would remain indefinitely. He added that the government was working to keep some flights open, as national carrier Qantas and other airlines drastically cut or abandon international operations, to bring Australians home. In neighbouring New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the same measure almost simultaneously, with the ban on foreign arrivals there beginning on Thursday evening. She told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are cancelling flights. Im not willing to tolerate risk at our borders, Ms Ardern told a media conference. Todays decision stops any tourist, or temporary visa holder such as students or temporary workers, from coming to and entering into New Zealand, the prime minister said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the ban would remain indefinitely / Getty Images New Zealand so far has 28 cases of coronavirus infection, but no deaths. Globally, total infections have crossed the 200,000 mark while more than 8,000 people have died. The announcement came shortly after neighbouring Australia also placed a travel ban on non-residents and non-citizens. Ms Ardern said New Zealanders partners, legal guardians or any dependent children travelling with them may return. She also said people who have already boarded and on their way will still be able to land. The new border restrictions also apply to South Pacific countries, which were previously exempted from some travel restrictions. Ms Ardern said cargo would still be allowed entry. Our shelves will be stocked...there is no reason to panic buy, she said, after the country earlier ordered indoor events with more than 100 people be cancelled. Earlier this week, New Zealand announced one of the largest per capita stimulus packages in the world, amounting to 4 per cent of its GDP, in an attempt to soften the negative economic impact from the coronavirus outbreak. Ms Ardern acknowledged the bans will have an impact on the economy but it was needed to stop the spread of the virus. REUTERS Manufacturing companies across Canada are in discussions with various levels of government about using their facilities to help produce medical supplies and equipment amid the coronavirus outbreak. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Thursday that he has held discussions with executives at two Canadian auto parts manufacturers Magna International and Martinrea about using their production facilities and staff to produce much-needed medical equipment like ventilators. Ford said Martinrea has 400 people ready to work on the production line if the province is able to obtain designs needed to produce the ventilators. He said Magnas chief executive Don Walker has also offered to help. His words were, Doug, we will do whatever it takes to pitch in and help, Ford told reporters in Toronto on Thursday. Ontarios Minister of Economic Development Vic Fideli was also holding meetings with Canada Goose, Ford said, to discuss using the companys sewing production to make medical gowns. The high-end parka maker has shuttered its retail stores and in-house production facilities until at least March 31. Were currently in discussion with various levels of government, exploring all options available to us, Canada Goose spokesperson Hannah Korsunsky said in an emailed statement. Canada Goose is ready, willing and able to use our infrastructure to help in any way we can were all in this together. Flavio Volpe, the head of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, said in an interview Thursday that he has held discussions with the federal and Ontario governments over assisting in the production of medical supplies. There are about 15 companies that said they would be willing to join this war effort, Volpe said. Weve been calling medical technology and equipment manufacturers all over the world and coordinating daily with the federal and provincial governments about this... If the government needs a short-term capacity ramp up, we can do that. Many companies across the country have already begun stepping up and finding unique ways to help as Canada grapples with the coronavirus outbreak. Story continues Torontos Spirit of York Distillery Co. has shifted its production facility to make hand sanitizer, instead of its usual vodka and gin. The distillery began selling bottles of hand sanitizer on Thursday for $3, with all the proceeds going to local food banks. This goes back to World War 2 measures, Ford said Thursday. Were asking the business community to step up... We will do whatever it takes to get things moving forward, and the business community is stepping up in a massive way. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android and sign up for the Yahoo Finance Canada Weekly Brief. The long-awaited Friends reunion special has become the latest victim of the coronavirus, with production being delayed. Filming was scheduled to begin next week, but now production has been pushed to May at the earliest, according to Variety. HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television declined to comment, but the delay is just the latest production to be sidelined by the outbreak of this deadly virus. Delayed: The long-awaited Friends reunion special has become the latest victim of the coronavirus, with production being delayed While there had been rumors and speculation about a Friends reunion for years, The Hollywood Reporter revealed in November that a reunion special is happening at HBO Max. Each of the show's main stars - Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer - were in talks to return, with series creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman. The deals were finalized and the reunion special was officially announced in late February, confirming the cast will reunite for an, 'untitled unscripted special.' Reunion special: While there had been rumors and speculation about a Friends reunion for years, The Hollywood Reporter revealed in November that a reunion special is happening at HBO Max The special is slated to be filmed on Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, where the original series was filmed. The special was supposed to help kick off the HBO Max streaming service when it launches in mid-May. The streaming service will also carry all 236 episodes of Friends through the original sitcom's iconic 10-season run. Original series: The special is slated to be filmed on Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, where the original series was filmed WarnerMedia reportedly shelled out a whopping $425 million over five years to air the original series, outbidding Netflix. Netflix had previously shelled out between $80 million and $100 million for the Friends streaming rights just in 2019 alone. Nielsen had previously reported that Friends was among the most-watched shows on Netflix, though they don't release any official viewership data. Streaming hit: WarnerMedia reportedly shelled out a whopping $425 million over five years to air the original series, outbidding Netflix The Friends special is just the latest in a long line of film and TV productions to be either canceled or delayed due to the spread of COVID-19. On the TV side, shows like Amazon's Lord of the Rings, Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale and Netflix's Stranger Things were shut down, just to name a few. Movies such as The Matrix 4, Fantastic Beasts 3 and all of the Avatar sequels have been sidelined as well. By IANS NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday upheld the death warrants issued by a lower court scheduling the hanging of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case at 5.30 a.m. on Friday. Dismissing the plea filed by the convicts through advocate A.P. Singh, a division bench of Justices Manmohan and Sanjiv Narula said: "Writ petition bereft of merits, dismissed." During the course of hearing, Singh argued that the number of petitions have been filed by the convicts and are pending as of date. He further submitted that if the death warrant is executed, the said proceedings including the divorce petition filed by the wife of Akshay, one of the four convicts, as well as the petition filed by another convict, Pawan Gupta before the National Human Right Commission and his criminal complaint will remain pending. The advocate also argued that journalist Ajit Anjum had revealed that Nirbhaya's friend, and the case's star witness had taken a lot of money to frame the accused. He also cited a Tihar jail official's book "Black Warrant" to claim there has been miscarriage of justice in regards to his clients. Singh also argued that Pawan Gupta was a juvenile, citing the school leaving certificate. Senior standing counsel Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi Police, argued that the plea of juvenility has been rejected by the trial court, the HC and the SC. Mehra also contends that the allegation of one of the appellants sustaining injury during his stay in the jail has been rejected by the SC by the order dated March 19, 2020. He also contended that the statement of journalist or the former jail official cannot be considered in the present petition as firstly, no such foundation has been made in the petition. Shams Khwaja, another counsel for the convicts, argued state that the President has acted with prejudice as he has publicly stated his sentiments on death row convicts of sexual assault. While passing the order, the court observed that as far as plea of juvenility dismissed by the three convicts, it can't be raised at this stage. Kabul, March 19 (IANS) Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, said the Washington would like the Afghan government to begin the process of releasing Taliban prisoners as soon as possible in line with the historic peace agreement. "No prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides," Khalilzad said in a series of tweets on Wednesday as the Taliban were trying to press Washington to facilitate the process soon. "Coronavirus makes prisoner releases urgent; time is of the essence. We are committed to do our part and after consultation with all relevant sides, the US understands," TOLO News quoted Khalilzad as saying. The US envoy noted that technical teams from both sides can work together and focus on steps to begin prisoner releases as soon as possible. He added that "the Taliban commit that released prisoners will abide by the commitments made in the peace agreement and not return to the battlefield". "A violation will undermine the peace process. The time has come to move forward on prisoner releases," Khalilzad added. The US-Taliban deal signed in Qatar on February 29 calls for the release of up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners to open the way for intra-Afghan negotiations. The deadline for the release was March 10. President Ashraf Ghani has agreed to release 1,500 prisoners, gradually, ahead of the intra-Afghan negotiations. But Taliban has opposed this plan leading to a delay in the talks. This comes as a Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid this week posted a video showing their fighters in military training. The group said the preparations were for removing barriers, but he did not provide any further details. --IANS ksk/ NIGERIA: An Islamic Scholar, Dr. Abubakr Imam Aliagan, has asked the President Muhammadu Buhari government, the Sultanate Council and Muslim authorities, not to shut down mosques in Nigeria over the coronavirus crisis. Aliagan, a Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Ilorin said on Wednesday that Muslims are immune to the coronavirus, and as such, Mosque prayers should not be banned over fear of worshippers contacting the deadly virus. He said this while reacting to the suspension of congregational prayers at Saudi Arabia. Saudi had on Tuesday stopped the performance of the customary five daily prayers and the weekly Jumuat prayer at other worship centres excluding the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madina. Aliagan told PRNigeria that Nigerian Muslim males should be allowed to observe their compulsory prayers in mosques. He claimed that Muslims have already been endowed with a natural immune system to fight coronavirus. Aliagan stated that health officials advise people to wash their hands which Muslims do five times daily before observing their obligatory prayers. He added that Muslim women already cover themselves and, as such, are safe. He said: "Again, our sisters are always adorned in Hijab, some even use Niqab and gloves. So, we the Muslims already have a potent immune system against coronavirus. That is to say that we dont have any problem. "Even in France, I learnt that those that are completely free from contacting coronavirus are Muslim ladies and women who cover their face, use hand gloves and dont shake hands with people." The cleric, who is also an Imam of a Jumuat (congregation) Mosque, noted that the action of the Saudi Government is in line with Islamic teachings on preventing the spread of an epidemic in any area. He said the Holy Prophet specifically mentioned that if there is an epidemic at a certain location, people should not go close to that danger area or place. "While those that are living there should not come out until the epidemic is wiped out. The prophet, by implication is saying we should avoid the spread of epidemics with necessary precautionary steps." Aliagan argued that the Saudi authorities directive is only aimed at forestalling the wildfire spread of the disease. He said: "I dont think the Muslim Ummah and its authorities in Nigeria should toe the line of Saudi by banning congregational prayers in mosques. "The situation in our country is quite different from what we have in the Arab world or even at some western countries. The killer scourge easily ravages their immune system and body. However, I am still saying we should go along with what the Prophet counselled. "Which is that we should not take epidemics or any killer disease for granted. We should take all necessary precautions. Any advice from health officials should strongly be adhered to and abided by." Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video LNG Canada has laid off 750 people as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 pandemic before it reaches the construction site of the liquefaction facility. CBC reports the company had flown the laid-off workers to their homes out of an abundance of caution, according to LNG Canadas director of corporate affairs. The move, however, might delay the work on Canadas first LNG project that got not only the approval of the provincial and the federal governments but also a final investment decision. LNG Canada is a project of Shell, with a 40-percent stake, Malaysias Petronas with 25 percent, PetroChina with 15 percent, Mitsubishi with 15 percent, and South Koreas Kogas with 5 percent. The facility, which is expected to become operational before 2025, will initially have two liquefaction trains, each with a capacity of 6.5 million tons of LNG with the prospect of adding another two trains at a later stage, bringing the total capacity of the facility in Kitimat, in northern British Columbia, to as much as 26 million tons annually. In a rare pro-energy industry move, the British Columbia government embraced the project but encountered strong opposition from environmentalists and a group of First Nations, which blockaded railways in protest against the pipeline - the Coastal GasLink - which will supply natural gas to the liquefaction trains of LNG Canada. Related: Saudi Arabia Strikes Back At Russia In Key Oil Market The Covid-19 pandemic is just the latest in this string of challenges for Canadas first successful attempt to join the ranks of LNG exporters to Asia. However, the company has said the pandemic will not interfere with the construction schedule of the project, despite the layoffs. While we monitor the situation closely, our core construction activities remain on track, two managers said, as quoted by Natural Gas Intelligence. We have launched specific hygiene campaigns across the project. These include information about effective handwashing practices and cough etiquette, and good workplace practices including the frequent cleaning of common touchpoints such as doorknobs, handles and tabletops. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The victim was taken to a hospital, where he later died, according to police. Officials said the suspect, another 16-year-old teen, was arrested Thursday at his home. Hes charged with murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, police said. Hes being held at the juvenile detention center. Pandemic likely to see US, Mexico border closed to migrants Mexico City, Mexico CORRECTED: US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he plans to limit the entry of people who request asylum, invoking a federal law due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During a conference held from the White House, Trump announced that he plans to close the U.S-Mexico border to migrants under a law intended to protect the country from communicable disease. During the conference, Trump said the border would not be closed completely, but would allow the administration to quickly deport migrants and asylum seekers who cross the border illegally. On the same day, he also announced the closure of the US border with Canada, stressing that the closure will not affect trade. We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our northern border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected, said Trump in a tweet. Later he reported at a press conference at the White House that he hoped to reopen the border in, say, about 30 days. CORRECTION: We had originally written that the closure to migrants had already been enforced. One of President Donald Trump's leading trade advisors slammed Big Pharma's attempts to lobby against an executive order he is preparing to push companies to relocate medical supply chains to the United States. When asked about the push by lobbying group PhRMA against the executive order, Peter Navvaro told CNBC, "This Big Pharma spin is simply a desperate attempt to stop President Donald J. Trump from moving the production of our essential medicines and medical equipment and supplies to the U.S." Navarro, known for his hawkish views on China, told CNBC earlier this week that he is bringing an executive order to Trump that would aim to reduce United States dependency on foreign manufacturers for medicine. About 72% of pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers supplying the U.S. are located overseas, including 13% in China, according to October congressional testimony by Janet Woodcock, director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The executive order Navarro is planning will streamline regulatory approvals for "American-made" products and look to impose similar FDA restrictions on U.S. facilities as those abroad. It will also encourage the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs, to only buy American-made medical products. PhRMA has rolled out a heavy lobbying push in return, according to people familiar with the industry's thinking and a document seen by CNBC. The trade group which represents companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi contends that too much manufacturing in the U.S. makes it as vulnerable to disruption in the event of a crisis. "Our focus is on making sure we can develop new treatments and cures and that American patients have access to them. This executive order could threaten that. In times of crisis, a diverse supply chain is more important than ever," a spokesperson for the group said. Navarro pushed back against that claim, saying the executive order will have full exemptions for crises like the coronavirus pandemic. "The global Big Pharma lobby which has moved all of our production offshore is now lying about an executive order they haven't read and which explicitly exempts Buy American provisions during the current China virus crisis and any period of national emergency," he said. "Nothing in the order will prevent us from getting what we need, when we need it, and from wherever we need it." "The first rule of the order is 'do no harm,'" Navarro said. "The second rule is to bring our pharma supply chains home over time," he added. Navarro also dismissed the group's argument that "Buy America" mandates for biopharmaceuticals could be viewed as retaliatory and effectively interpreted as a trade war. The group is worried that trade partners could respond to the executive order by imposing export restrictions or other means of punishment, a person familiar with the industry's thinking told CNBC. The U.S. is particularly vulnerable to such moves as the world battles a health crisis. "The movement of supply chains and production and essential medicines to the U.S. is not just a matter of public health and economic security, it's a matter of national defense," Navarro said. Navarro is part of a broader chorus that have pointed to the coronavirus pandemic to highlight what he and others view as U.S. vulnerability, due to its dependence on foreign manufacturing. The industry has long relied on less-expensive overseas manufacturing as a way to keep costs down. It has often pushed back on pressure to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. by noting that the complexities of the supply chain make it difficult to reconfigure. But as countries around the world battle the coronavirus pandemic, some have already begun to restrict their exports. The Food and Drug Administration has said it is monitoring the risk of any potential drug shortages. It has not released a list of drugs that may be vulnerable. Last week, the FDA urged medical providers to take certain precautions in order to avoid shortages of health-care products. It urged hospitals to consider the use of reusable gowns instead of disposable ones. It also said that, in the event of a shortage, health-care providers should consider using surgical masks beyond their shelf life in lower-risk situations, like outside of surgery. Navarro said that the U.S. government is working with the private sector to address more near-term shortage risks. Absolut Vodka-owner Pernod Ricard is converting its converting manufacturing facilities in Kentucky, West Virginia and Texas to make hand sanitizer. You want us to wash our hands? asked Fadi Mesaher, the Idlib director for the Maram Foundation for Relief and Development. Some people cant wash their kids for a week. They are living outdoors. Syrian doctors believe the virus has already swept into the camps, with deaths and illness that bear the hallmarks of the outbreak. But the international response has been slow to nonexistent, according to more than a dozen experts and Syrian medical professionals. The World Health Organization has not yet delivered coronavirus testing kits to the opposition-held northwest, despite making its first delivery of such kits to the Syrian government more than a month ago. Doctors said the delay has probably allowed the virus to spread undetected for weeks in a uniquely dangerous environment. We currently have cases that are similar, and weve had people die, said Dr. Mohamed Ghaleb Tennari, who manages the Syrian American Medical Societys hospitals in the region. But unfortunately because we dont have the test, we cant confirm that these cases are truly corona or not. An AIM-HI Accelerator Fund portfolio company exclusively focused on the development of pediatric cancer therapeutics has garnered recognition and additional funding. Oncoheroes Biosciences Inc. won the Squinto-LePera Award at the Lyfebulb-Helsinn Cancer Innovation Summit held in Monaco and secured up to $1.1 million in new investment from Dreamers Startup Ventures. The international Squinto-LePera Award highlights promising oncology start-ups whose founders are themselves cancer patients, survivors or family members to those with the disease. Oncoheroes co-founders, CEO Ricardo Garcia and COO Cesare Spadoni, Ph.D., are both fathers touched by cancer. The company was one of the finalists invited to pitch to a judging panel of professionals in the cancer, healthcare and business communities assembled by Lyfebulb, a U.S. chronic disease management platform provider, and Helsinn, a Swiss pharmaceuticals company specializing in products mitigating cancer chemotherapy side effects. Dreamers Startup Ventures, with offices in the U.S and Spain, is an early stage investor targeting biopharmaceutical and health care companies, as well as those in the artificial intelligence field that are focused on life sciences. It recognizes Oncoheroes strategy of focusing on pediatric oncology drugs, which offers hope for unmet needs of childhood cancer patients and regulatory advantages of speedier market access and lower development costs relative to therapeutic candidates for more common illnesses. Oncoheroes was established in 2017 with an initial grant from the National Foundation for Cancer Research and seed investment in 2019 from AIM-HI. The company is led by a highly experienced management, research and regulatory team, with specialties in drug screening, discovery and early stage clinical trials. Its scientific advisory board includes Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Childrens Oncology Chair Peter Adamson M.D., Ph.D., Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Experimental Therapeutics Director Steven Dubois, M.D., and Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles Basic and Translational Cancer Research and Blood Disease Section Head Lee Helman, M.D. The start-up has built an active collaborative platform with international pediatric oncology networks and, in September 2019, in-licensed volasertib from Boehringer Ingelheim. The drug candidate, initially developed as a treatment for leukemia, is an inhibitor of the enzyme PLK1, which is known to be associated with various cancers. Independent academic groups have generated strong data in support of developing the compound for rhabdomyosarcoma and other pediatric cancer indications. Additional assets are being explored to fill out Oncoheroes pipeline. Oncoheroes is proud of receiving the 2020 Squinto-LePera Award and Dreamers Startup Ventures funding, stated Mr. Garcia. Like our partnership with and investment from the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, they validate and build upon our goal of making a difference for pediatric cancer patients and their families. I am happy to see the considerable progress made by Oncoheroes so far, said Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., president and CEO of the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund. Pediatric cancer is a scourge yet not many groups are funding it. We must change this fact, Dr. Ba continued. I am gratified that others, such as Lyfebulb, Helsinn and Dreamers Startup Ventures, are joining AIM-HI in our efforts to make an impact toward saving childrens lives. About the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund The AIM-HI Accelerator Fund is an independent 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, established with an initial grant from the National Foundation for Cancer Research with the vision to accelerate the translation of cancer drug discoveries by investing in seed-stage companies. It is a new paradigm through venture philanthropy to fund start-up oncology companies that commercialize innovative laboratory breakthroughs which can potentially save cancer patients lives. For more information, visit https://www.aim-hiaccelerator.org. About Oncoheroes Biosciences Inc. Oncoheroes is a biotech company exclusively focused on the discovery and development of better drugs for children and adolescents with cancer. Its vision is to deliver benefits to young cancer patients and create value in the process. The management team is formed by drug development and industry professionals in the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit: https://www.oncoheroes.com. New Delhi, March 19 : In a major development amid the ongoing Madhya Pradesh political crisis, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a floor test in the state Legislative Assembly be held on Friday and the proceedings be completed before 5 p.m. The floor test will be done by show of hands, it said. A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justice Hemant Gupta said the test is essential to the political uncertainty in the state. The bench also directed the Karnataka DGP to provide security to 16 rebel Congress MLAs who may want to attend the floor test. "The session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly which has been deferred to 26 March 2020 shall be reconvened on 20 March 2020. The meeting to be convened shall be confined to a single agenda, namely, whether the government of the incumbent Chief Minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the House," it said. The court said that the voting on the agenda shall take place by show of hands, as the Governor having clarified by his letter dated March 15 that there is no provision for recording the division by 'press of button', and the proceedings shall be videographed and, if a provision exists for live telecast of the proceedings. "All authorities, including the Legislative Secretary, shall ensure that there is no breach of law and order in the course of the proceedings and that the floor test is conducted in a peaceful manner," it ruled. The court added that the Director General of Police, Karnataka as well as the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh shall ensure that there shall be no restraint or hindrance whatsoever "on any of the sixteen MLAs taking recourse to their rights and liberties as citizens. In the event that they or any of them opt to attend the session of the Legislative Assembly, arrangements for their security shall be provided by all the concerned authorities". The top court will publish a detailed judgement on the matter latter, observing that the judgement will take some time on submissions made by parties in the case. "The state of uncertainty in the state of Madhya Pradesh must be effectively resolved by issuing a direction for convening a floor test, bearing in mind the principles which have been enunciated in the decision of the nine-Judge Bench of this Court in S.R. Bommai v Union of India," said the court. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2020 -- Advance Market Analytics released a new market study on Global Temporary Power Market with 100+ market data Tables, Pie Chat, Graphs & Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed analysis. At present, the market is developing its presence. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the Market and contains a future trend, current growth factors, attentive opinions, facts, and industry validated market data. The research study provides estimates for Global Temporary Power Forecast till 2025*. Some are the key players taken under coverage for this study are Aggreko PLC (United Kingdom),APR Energy Inc. (United States),Ashtead Group Plc (United Kingdom),Caterpillar Inc. (United States),Power Electrics (United Kingdom),Speedy Hire (United States),United Rentals (United States),Cummins Inc. (United States),Hertz Corporation (United States),Kohler (United States) The temporary power system is used when the power required for a limited period. Mostly temporary power systems are used at the remote location, construction site, a new section of the mine, outdoor concert or event. Global temporary power market has been driven by continuously rising the demand for power, lack of power infrastructure in many geographical regions, increasing industrialization and growing demand for continuous power supply, increasing demand from rapidly growing construction sector and lack of electricity supply in some areas. However, stringent emission regulations from many regional governments, high transmission, and distribution cost in the temporary market and low availability of fuel in some geographical areas are the factors that have been limiting the overall growth of the market. Moreover, decreasing the cost of power generation and increasing investment and technological advancement in the oil and gas sector can create an opportunity for the market. Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/7507-global-temporary-power-market-2 Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report: 1) What all companies are currently profiled in the report? Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the report Aggreko PLC (United Kingdom),APR Energy Inc. (United States),Ashtead Group Plc (United Kingdom),Caterpillar Inc. (United States),Power Electrics (United Kingdom),Speedy Hire (United States),United Rentals (United States),Cummins Inc. (United States),Hertz Corporation (United States),Kohler (United States) ** List of companies mentioned may vary in the final report subject to Name Change / Merger etc. 2) Can we add or profiled new company as per our need? Yes, we can add or profile new company as per client need in the report. Final confirmation to be provided by research team depending upon the difficulty of survey. ** Data availability will be confirmed by research in case of privately held company. Upto 3 players can be added at no added cost. 3) Can we get more level of segmentation to meet our market intelligence objective? Yes it can be provided, however ETA would vary and final confirmation would be given only after checking data in data repository. 4) Can inclusion of additional Segmentation / Market breakdown is possible? Yes, inclusion of additional segmentation / Market breakdown is possible subject to data availability and difficulty of survey. However a detailed requirement needs to be shared with our research before giving final confirmation to client. ** Depending upon the requirement the deliverable time and quote will vary. Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/7507-global-temporary-power-market-2 Market Trend - Rising Trend for Temporary Power due to Continuous New Launches and Promotional Activities by Manufacturers Restraints - Stringent Emission Regulations from many Regional Governments Opportunities - Decreasing Cost of Power Generation and Increasing Investment and Technological Advancement in the Oil and Gas Sector To comprehend Global Temporary Power market dynamics in the world mainly, the worldwide Temporary Power market is analyzed across major global regions. AMA also provides customized specific regional and country-level reports for the following areas. - North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico. - South & Central America: Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. - Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa. - Europe: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Russia. - Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia. Get Reasonable Discount on This Premium Report @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/request-discount/7507-global-temporary-power-market-2 Try a limited scope research document specific to Country or Regional matching your objective. GET FULL COPY OF United States Global Temporary Power market study @ --------- USD 2000 And, Europe Global Temporary Power market study @ --------- USD 2500 Major Highlights of TOC: Chapter One: Market Overview Chapter Two: Executive Summary ---------- Free of Cost Chapter Three: Market Dynamics ------ USD400 Market Drivers, Market Challenges, Market Trends, Restraints & Opportunities Chapter Four: Market Factor Analysis ------ USD400 Supply/Value Chain, Porters Five Forces, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent & Trademark Analysis, Bargain Power Chapter Five: Global Temporary Power, by Market Segmentation and Geography (value, volume**) (2013-2018) ------ USD1400 Global Temporary Power by End User Sector (Utilities, Oil & Gas, Events, Construction, Mining, Manufacturing, Others), Power Range (Less than 80 kW, 81 kW280 kW, 281 kW600 kW, Above 600 kW), Fuel Type (Diesel, Gas, HFO Generators, Mobile Gas Turbine, Others)Global Temporary Power Region North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Nordic, Others) Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, Australia, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Middle East & Africa, Others) Chapter Six: Global Temporary Power - Manufacturers/Players Analysis ------ USD1200 Competitive Landscape, Comparative Market Share Analysis (2017-2018), Peer Group Analysis (2018), BCG Matrix, Company Profile, Product/Service Offering Matrix Chapter Seven: Global Temporary Power, by Market Segmentation and Region (value, volume**) (2019-2024) ------ USD1400 ------ Sections same as Chapter Five ------ Chapter Eight: Company profiles / Competitive Landscape [12 Players] ------ USD1250 Chapter Nine: Methodology/Research Approach, Data Source, Disclaimer ** If applicable Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report. AMA also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research according to clientele objectives. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report like North America, Europe or Asia. About Author: Advance Market Analytics is Global leaders of Market Research Industry provides the quantified B2B research to Fortune 500 companies on high growth emerging opportunities which will impact more than 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources, our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our clients business needs. The research study enable clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As. Contact Us: Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) AMA Research & Media LLP Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA 08837 Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218 sales@advancemarketanalytics.com TD Ameritrade Founder Joe Ricketts By John Jannarone In an interview with CorpGov, Joe Ricketts relates the long path he took from calling on businesses door-to-door in Nebraska to convincing investors to place trades by telephone to ultimately launching Ameritrade, which would become TD Ameritrade and later this year part of The Charles Schwab Corporation. CorpGov: Your new book, The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get , details your spectacular rise from working as a janitors assistant at school, to becoming CEO at TD Ameritrade, a $1.3 trillion custodian, and one of Americas largest online brokerage firms. How has corporate governance played a role in your success? Mr. Ricketts: I always imagined myself in charge of the businesses where I worked. As I left college and took my first full-time job, that dream grew. I wanted my own business to run. But for years, the chance to try seemed out of reach. I had no money to start a business. I took a job with Dun & Bradstreet where I went out to all the small towns in Southeast Nebraska and Southwest Iowa to call on the businesses. I drove business to business with a credit report that I had from a previous year to talk to those businesses about updating it. Soon after, I would move to Dean Witter as a stockbroker in 1968 and it was there ideas started to generate. The closest I could get to being a business owner was becoming a stockbroker, paid on commission based on my own ideas and efforts. But I became one at precisely the wrong time. The 1960s had ended and we then had a long bear market when it was very difficult to be successful. Dean Witter was a commissions job. All the brokers in the country worked on commissions and I didnt have capital to start my own business. So, this was as close to having my own businesses I could get. And, we happened to become registered at a time when the market was at the top and it went down for the next five years, which was a big surprise because it hadnt done so for a long time. Story continues And it was through these professional experiences and my experience growing up in Nebraska City that I realized how important integrity was when it came to how you ran your business. And at the center of integrity is effective corporate governance because its always easy to do the right thing when the stakes are low, but its when the stakes are high that doing the right thing matters most. CorpGov: What was the big change that led to your success? Mr. Ricketts: The big change came when the government, which had always regulated the commissions that stockbrokers could charge, decided to allow free negotiation of what the commissions would be. That meant that traditional stockbrokers were going to make even less money for the same effort. But it also meant that it might be possible to start a new kind of brokerage, one that offered a much lower price for a trade. One colleague saw it the same way I did: Why stay at a full-service broker and lose the customers who want a lower price? Why not become the new brokers who get to welcome those customers? With those restrictions removed, it appeared as though we were going to need to have twice as much of a client book and work twice as hard just to be able to make the same living. My friend, Bob Pearlman, offered to partner with me; I told Bob I had no idea how to start a brokerage firm. We didnt have any idea whatsoever except there were two things which floated through our minds. Number one was we thought there was a large enough market of people that wanted to buy or sell a stock without any other conversation. The other idea that was important was that after the second world war, we had the G.I. Bill and a lot of men and women coming back from the war used the G.I. Bill to become professionals, and these people were educated well enough to be able to do their own financial planning and be able to make their own decisions. The market turned out to be huge. CorpGov: So, how did First Omaha eventually become Ameritrade and then TD Ameritrade? We thought we would be a local business and found out that we could not exist as one. So, we advertised in the Midwest edition of The Wall Street Journal. There was a favorite spot in those times where all the discount brokers advertised. Something that was unique to us was that Omaha was the location of strategic air command. The federal government, the Air Force, paid Northwestern Bell Telephone Company to put in a sophisticated communication system in case there was a war. But obviously, there wasnt, and this communication system was ultimately not used. So, the phone company dropped their rates on what was then a brand-new idea, specifically 800 telephone numbers, where the caller did not pay for the telephone call. And so, our telephone rates for interstate calls, long-distance calls, were anywhere from 10 to 20 percent lower than if weve been in any other location in the country. And that was one of our major costs. So, that gave us a cost-benefit we didnt see when we started as First Omaha but then we did see later after we started advertising in the Midwest edition of the paper. That was so successful we went to the national edition and then we attracted customers from all over. So, then we really kind of changed the name to First National. The problem we had to overcome was that people were not used to dealing with a broker that they couldnt see, touch and feel. CorpGov: Reading from your book, is it correct to say you were one of the first to allow people to use touchtone keys to execute trades? We were the very first. It meant a customer could call up First National and punch in the stock symbol and punch in how many shares and the trade would go off automatically. Even though it was innovative, the customers didnt want to use the service at first I realized I had to make it cheaper to attract their attention. I came out with a unique way of charging for customers, about three pennies a share. And so, that was something that got through immediately and people would take the five minutes to learn how to use the system. Over a period of time, we were able to buy out many of our competitors. CorpGov: In 1995, Ameritrade became the first online brokerage. What was that like? Did you have any idea that the internet would replace the whole telephone side of things? In 1993, nobody knew the Internet. It hadnt evolved to the point where we are today. We talked to a Manhattan company, K. Aufhauser & Co., that was advertising doing trades online (which nobody had heard of at that time), and I decided to buy it just so I could understand the technology. The industry didnt understand what we were doing they didnt have any foresight of the Internet and thought we overpaid by a lot. Six months later however, they finally got it: We had put the economies of scale in place to be able to increase our profits dramatically. There were no APIs like we have today. We had to build all of that, which is good because we learned the hard way, made a lot of mistakes on software that didnt work, we had to start over and do it again. But by the time we got all that done, a customer could sit at home on their keypad of their own computer. They could place a trade and get a report within seconds. Full online trading and then the exchanges on the over-the-counter market developed systems of receiving those orders electronically, automatically executing them and reporting back. During this time, our iconic advertising slogan, Lets light this candle became a standard quotation in the securities industry. CorpGov: The company went public in 1997. What was that like? The decision to go public wasnt easy for me. It meant we would no longer be a private business and the entire culture would change. Our governance, which had been less formal, would change. But I realized that online trading was an inflection point in the history of not only the brokerage business but in the history of investing, and if I were going to take advantage of it, I needed more capital to build the technology and advertise. CorpGov: When did the deal with TD Waterhouse take place? The merger took place in 2006. What we had done before was buy our competitors. Waterhouse was a big competitor we had talked to them about merging or buying them. Those talks did not result in anything happening. But what did happen with Waterhouse is Toronto Dominion Bank in Canada bought Waterhouse securities and as the business continued to grow, in market size with everybody having more accounts, we came to understand one thing: size made a difference. And so, if we could merge or buy a competitor, the better off we were and Waterhouse was one of those people that fit into one of our targets. Now, it was a big change for us because it would take the Ricketts family from owning more than 50 percent to owning less than 50 percent. But at the end of the day, my approach to Ameritrade was that I needed to make the decisions that were in the best interests of shareholders, so, we merged with the brokerage firm TD Waterhouse. After this, The Toronto-Dominion Bank became the largest shareholder of Ameritrade. Our volume remained relatively steady. So, with the technology that we had put in place, we had gotten to the point where our volume could come down, our revenues could come down and we can still make a profit. We continued to reduce our costs by adding more technology. The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get: An Entrepreneurs Memoir by Joe Ricketts (Simon & Schuster), is available via Amazon. CorpGov Contact: www.CorpGov.com Editor@CorpGov.com Twitter: @CorpGovernor Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) An actress joins colleagues who have stepped up to help workers in the fight against the coronavirus disease pandemic. Celebrity Maine Mendoza began a donation drive on Thursday to provide for workers and families affected by the Luzon-wide quarantine because of suspended work and transportation. "Consider yourself blessed, if despite all, you can purchase food and sanitation supplies (even hoard!) for your homes. But what about those workers who live on a day-to-day basis?" she said in a blog post. Mendoza said she will give each household 1,000 from the amount she collects for basic needs. "I know how hard it is for these people nowadays to sustain their living so I decided to share as much as I can to them, Mendoza said. In her post, she asked donors to send money to the number 095.638.90291 through the app G-Cash. She also urged those in need to send an e-mail to DoNation.drive@yahoo.com. "I will personally facilitate all the donations and I will TRY my best to accommodate as many people as I can, she said. Earlier, fellow actress Bela Padilla was also able to raise at least 3 million in an online fund-raising campaign for street vendors in Metro Manila. Standardized test cancellations include the IREAD-3, ILEARN, ISTEP+, I AM, the WIDA Screener and ISPROUT, according to the IDOE. Early childhood providers that are still open and local districts that are operational under eLearning will have access to ISPROUT and WIDA. College entrance exam providers, such as the ACT and College Board, have rescheduled or canceled spring testing dates following Centers for Disease Control advising gatherings exceed no more than 10 people. Ivy Tech Community College announced Thursday the closure of all buildings statewide until further notice beginning 5 p.m. Friday. Students there will begin virtual learning on March 23. "If and I stress if by some miracle, we get students back this year, we'll use that time in class for instruction, not cramming for tests," Holcomb said. McCormick said the IDOE continues to work with local school corporations to provide resources for eLearning measures and food service programs. Ninety-four percent of the state's traditional public schools are providing or arranging meal programs, according to the IDOE. ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday Michigan medical marijuana physicians, attorneys, patients, and their caregivers called on Governor Gretchen Whitmer to provide urgent and swift action via an executive order to allow certifying physicians the emergency capabilities to certify patients via telemedicine. In times of need, communities stand together to defend the weak. Komorn Law, First Natural Wellness, and the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association (MMMA) is comprised of stakeholders and citizens who are urging Governor Whitmer to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously by allowing physicians to provide telemedicine consultations for patients who need medical cannabis therapy. The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act ("MMMA") provides immunities for physicians to recommend medical cannabis, and immunities for patients to engage in the medical use of marijuana. The MMMA, as with other expectations of licensed physicians in Michigan, requires that a bona fide relationship exist between the physician and the patient. In April of 2012 (2012 PA 2012 512) the Legislature in Michigan by a Super Majority vote amended the MMMA (2012 Public Act 512) to specifically define the term "bona fide physician-patient relationship." The amendment to the MMMA created and defined the term "Bona Fide" as follows: (a) "Bona fide physician-patient relationship" means a treatment or counseling relationship between a physician and patient in which all of the following are present: (1) The physician has reviewed the patient's relevant medical records and completed a full assessment of the patient's medical history and current medical condition, including a relevant, in-person , medical evaluation of the patient. Said another way, only physicians who interact with medical marijuana patients are required to meet in person and or are precluded from those interactions occurring via telemedicine. Legislators who lobbied for this face-to-face requirement in the law were simultaneously approving telemedicine visits for insurance reimbursements for almost every other medical visit except medical marijuana consultations. Many of the 300,000 Medical cannabis patients are the sickest patients in the State. They have some of the most severe conditions for physicians to evaluate, including Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Hep C, Arthritis, and Glaucoma just to name part of the qualifying conditions list. These are the sickest people in the state, and current law mandates that these patients interact with their physicians in person. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the State of Emergency our Governor declared for the State of Michigan, we are demanding that our state officials address this issue. This enormous population of medical marijuana patients and their physicians are currently being overlooked and ignored. Putting aside the unexplained stigma excluding medical marijuana patients and doctors from telemedicine, the existing policy is subjecting an enormous population of sick patients and their physicians to a dangerous and irrational policy, arguably which should never have existed. Now is the time to urge Governor Gretchen Whitmer to protect all of our citizens, including patients and physicians. Please call Governor Whitmer's office at 517-373-3400 or 517-335-7858 and urge her to let physicians provide medical marijuana certifications via telemedicine services immediately. Contacts: Michael Komorn, Komorn Law www.KomornLaw.com 248-357-2550 First Natural Wellness, Michigan's Most Trusted Medical Marijuana Certifications www.FirstNaturalWellness.com 866-649-9034 MMMA, Michigan Medical Marijuana Association www.MichiganMedicalMarijuana.org SOURCE First Natural Wellness Related Links http://www.firstnaturalwellness.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2020) - Hanstone Capital Corp.(TSXV: HANS.P) ("Hanstone" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update respecting its previously announced "Qualifying Transaction", as defined by Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") with Milestone Infrastructure Inc. ("Milestone") (see Hanstone's press release dated February 24, 2020). Hanstone and Milestone have now entered into an asset purchase agreement dated as of March 17, 2020 (the "Milestone Agreement") respecting the proposed acquisition by Hanstone of all of Milestone's right, title and interest in and to the Doc Property (the "Doc Property"), comprised of 10 mineral claims located in the Skeena Mining Division in British Columbia (the "Transaction"). Under the Transaction and pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, Hanstone will issue an aggregate of 4,500,000 Hanstone common shares to Milestone's stakeholders at a deemed price of $0.18 per share (reduced from previously announced $0.20 per share), as follows: 4,000,000 Hanstone shares will be issued to Bob Hans; and 500,000 shares will be issued to Raymond Marks. The Transaction is subject to completion of certain conditions precedent, including without limitation: the preparation and filing of an Information Circular with the Exchange; receipt of approval of the shareholders of Hanstone (including minority shareholder approval); completion by Hanstone of a private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of no less than $1,500,000; and receipt of all necessary regulatory and Exchange approvals. Hanstone has also entered into an asset purchase agreement with Richard Mill ("Mill") dated as of March 17, 2020 (the "Mill Agreement") respecting the proposed acquisition by Hanstone from Mill of 100% of Mill's right, title and interest in and to the Snip North property (the "Snip North Property"), comprised of five mineral claims located in British Columbia, approximately 50 kilometers north of the Doc Property. As consideration for the acquisition of the Snip North Property, Hanstone will issue an aggregate of 200,000 Hanstone common shares to Mill at a deemed price of $0.18 per share. The proposed acquisition of the Snip North Property is contemplated in conjunction with, and is conditional on, the closing of Hanstone's Qualifying Transaction with Milestone. Trading of the common shares of Hanstone will remain halted in connection with the dissemination of this news release and will recommence at such time as the Exchange may determine, having regard to the completion of certain requirements pursuant to Exchange Policy 2.4. Further details of the proposed Transaction will follow in future news releases. The Private Placement Under the Private Placement, Hanstone is expected to raise gross proceeds of no less than $1,500,000 through: the issuance of $500,000 in units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.18 per Unit (reduced from previously announced $0.20 per Unit), with each Unit comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each warrant exercisable for an additional Hanstone common share at an exercise price of $0.25 for two years from the date of issuance); and the issuance of $1,000,000 in "flow-through" units (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.25 per FT Unit, with each FT Unit comprised of one "flow-through" common share and one common share purchase warrant (each warrant exercisable for an additional Hanstone common share at an exercise price of $0.35 for two years from the date of issuance). It is anticipated that approximately $1,000,000 of the Private Placement (i.e. the "flow-through" component) will be used for exploration of the Doc Property and the Snip North Property, while approximately $500,000 of the Private Placement (i.e. the non-flow-through component) will be used for general working capital and finder's fees (see below). Hanstone anticipates paying finder's fees in cash of up to 10% of the proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of Units and FT Units to investors introduced to the Company by third party finders. Hanstone also anticipates issuing non-transferable finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to purchase such number of shares of up to 10% of the number of Units and FT Units issued to investors introduced to the Company by such finders. Each Finder's Warrant will be exercisable for one common share for a period of 24 months from closing at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for Finder's Warrants issued in connection with Units and $0.35 per share for Finder's Warrants issued in connection with the FT Units. The securities to be issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period. The terms of the financing are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Resulting Issuer Upon completion of the Transaction, the resulting issuer (the "Resulting Issuer") will be engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the development of the Doc Property and the Snip North Property. In conjunction with closing the Transaction, Hanstone intends to change its name to "Hanstone Gold Corp." On closing of the Transaction and the acquisition of the Snip North Property from Mill, and assuming that Hanstone raises $1,500,000 under the Private Placement on the terms described above, the Resulting Issuer will have 17,477,778 common shares issued and outstanding. The current shareholders of Hanstone, excluding Messrs. Hans and Marks, would hold approximately 18.31% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer; participants in the Private Placement would hold approximately 38.78% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer; Messrs. Hans and Marks would hold approximately 41.77% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer; and Mill would hold approximately 1.14% of the shares of the Resulting Issuer. Each of Mr. Hans, Mr. Marks and Mr. Mill is a resident of Canada. In connection with closing the Transaction, Andre Douchane and James Engdahl will join Hanstone's board of directors as independent directors. In addition, Robert Quinn will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer, but continue as Vice President and director, Raymond Marks will be appointed as President and CEO, and Bob Hans will be appointed as Executive Chairman. Also, it is anticipated that Aris Morfopoulos will resign as a director, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Hanstone; the Company will provide an update with respect to the expected resignation by Mr. Morfopoulos and his replacement as CFO and Corporate Secretary in due course. Following completion of the Transaction, the management and directors of the Resulting Issuer will be as follows (subject to the further update respecting Hanstone's CFO and Corporate Secretary): Raymond Marks - President, CEO and Director Mr. Marks has over 40 years of experience as a businessman and operations manager. Mr. Marks has managed a variety of industrial real estate properties including: rock quarries, mining properties, industrial storage yards, log sorts, lumber mills and logging camps. Mr. Marks also has public company management experience and was previously the executive vice president and a director for Tudor Gold Corporation. Bob Hans - Executive Chairman and Director Mr. Hans is an entrepreneur and business leader with an investment background in real estate and industrial properties. Mr. Hans is the founder of 'The Hans Group' which houses a collection of businesses that have operated in British Columbia for the past 40 years. The Hans Group includes: mining and quarry extraction operations, sand & gravel supplies, gravel trucking, earth works, and commercial real estate holding companies as a part of its portfolio. Robert Quinn - Vice President and Director Mr. Quinn has over 40 years of diverse board, management and legal international mining industry experience. He is the former General Counsel of Battle Mountain Gold Company. He has acted as counsel for and has served on the boards of numerous mining companies including as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Mercator Minerals Ltd., North American Palladium Ltd., Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. and eCobalt Solutions Inc. Mr. Quinn is currently the President and CEO of Nevada Silver, Inc., a start-up private company seeking to develop and operate advanced stage base and precious metals mines in North America. He was a founding director of Tudor Gold Corp., a base and precious metals explorer in B.C.'s Golden Triangle area. Andre Douchane - Director Andre Douchane is a mining engineer with 40 years of experience operating, managing, building, and revitalizing mining operations worldwide. After 14 years with ASARCO, Incorporated, including as Manager of the Coeur Mine near Wallace, Idaho, Mr. Douchane became VP and GM of Round Mountain Gold Corp in the late 1980s to see it through a major reconstruction - taking it from a 160,000 ounce gold producer to over 400,000 ounces produced in 1990. As Vice President of Operations for Battle Mountain Gold Company he was responsible for several operating mines and development projects worldwide. Mr. Douchane also directed the small team that permitted, engineered, and put the Midas Mine into production for Franco-Nevada Mining Corp. under budget and six months early. He has served on several mining industry boards including as CEO and subsequently as Chairman of North American Palladium Ltd. James Engdahl - Director Mr. Engdahl has been an officer and director of several public mining companies over the last 30 years. Over the last number of years, he has been heavily involved in developing mine-to-market strategies for strategic and critical metals. With a background in corporate finance, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, he has successfully financed many projects in Canada. Mr. Engdahl is currently Chairman of the Board of Aurex Energy Corp. About Hanstone Hanstone is a capital pool company in accordance with Exchange Policy 2.4 and its principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction. For additional information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or contact the Company as follows: Aris Morfopoulos, CFO, at (604) 721-2650 or aris@morfopoulos.com. ### Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to Hanstone, Milestone, the Doc Property, the Snip North Property, the Private Placement and the Transaction, are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the companies' current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to them, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: the risks that the parties will not proceed with the Transaction, the Definitive Agreement, the Private Placement and associated transactions, that the ultimate terms of the Transaction, the Definitive Agreement, the Private Placement and associated transactions will differ from those that currently are contemplated, and that the Transaction, the Definitive Agreement, the Private Placement and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals or clearances from regulatory authorities). Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Such factors include but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Should any factor affect the companies in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the companies do not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States. 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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/53617 Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Wednesday on Twitter that the company would make ventilators in case of a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is holding his feet to the fire. Tweet "New York City is buying!" de Blasio tweeted at Musk on Thursday. "Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. We're getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help!" Tweet Musk later responded, "we will connect with your team to understand potential needs." A spokesperson for the Mayor's Office told CNBC in a statement they had reached out to Musk's family office and his lobbyist. "Given his response on Twitter, we're hopeful he will be able to help," the spokesperson said. But it's unclear what capacity Tesla will have to produce the ventilators. Two major U.S. automakers, General Motors and Ford, are looking into how their facilities can support the production of medical equipment. That could involve giving up extra space in factories to manufacture ventilators, CNBC previously reported, according to people familiar with a conversation between GM CEO Mary Barra and President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The Big Three U.S. automakers GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler agreed Wednesday to temporarily shut down U.S. factories following worker union pressure. Tesla is still making new cars at its Fremont, California, plant despite orders from the Alameda County Public Health Department to wind it down to "minimum basic operations" after "shelter-in-place" orders were put in effect on March 17. Even though the county does not define Tesla's factory as an "essential business," the company is arguing that under federal rules, it should be counted as "National Critical Infrastructure" and therefore remain operational. The Fremont factory makes Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which are its most popular electric sedans and newest crossover SUVs, for North America and Europe. Wealthy shoppers were offered an abundance of fresh organic produce today while customers at Sainsbury's and Asda were confronted by empty shelves due to panic-buying amid the coronavirus pandemic. Visitors to Harrods were able to choose between three types of tomatoes including Juno cherry tomatoes selling at 40 per kg up to 14 times their supermarket equivalent. The upmarket London shop was doing a roaring trade but shoppers were able to pick up just about everything they could possibly want. At Whole Foods in High Street Kensington, west London, trade was brisk as shoppers ignored the hefty price tags. No empty shelves at upmarket food stores during the coronavirus outbreak: Visitors to Harrods were able to choose between three types of tomatoes including Juno cherry tomatoes selling at 40 per kg up to 14 times their supermarket equivalent At Whole Foods in High Street Kensington, west London, trade was brisk as shoppers ignored the hefty price tags Staple vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbage which have vanished from the shelves of Sainsbury's and Asda were on display at Harrods, but at vastly inflated prices Savoy cabbage at Harrods were selling at a staggering 3 compared to 60p per item in Asda and 85 per at Sainsbury's However, prices at both shops were through the roof in comparison to Britain's popular supermarkets. Staple vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbage which have vanished from the shelves of Sainsbury's and Asda were on display at Harrods, but at vastly inflated prices. Savoy cabbage at the store were selling at a staggering 3 compared to 60p per item in Asda and 85p per item at Sainsbury's. Cyprus potatoes cost up 4 per kg - eight times the price of Asda's at 50p per kg and Sainsbury's at 46p per kg. Roscoff blush onions cost 10 for a 1kg bag compared to 70p per kg for Asda's white onions and 80p per kg at Sainsbury's. More pricey produce on sale at Whole Foods in Kensington today - but there is clearly an appetite for items such as these sweet potatoes In Whole Foods, cauliflowers cost 2.39 each, butternut squash cost 2.39 each, leeks were selling at 2.99 for three, Kholrabi and sprouting broccoli cost 1.98 each, with rainbow chard at 6 per kg A shopper wears a surgical mask at Harrods today while stocking up on food Loose carrots were selling at a modest 1.50 per kg but still almost three times the price at Asda and Sainsbury's, where they both cost 55p per kg. However out-of-season Mediterranean vegetables such as aubergine, red pepper and tomatoes commanded the biggest price hikes. Shoppers said they were prepared to pay higher prices for products. I shop at Harvey Nichols because this is what my employer likes. They don't care how much it costs. Maria, a housekeeper for a wealthy Arab family Gabriella Newton, 29, from Notting Hill, told MailOnline: 'I know stuff is expensive here in Whole Foods, but at least you can get what you want. I don't mind paying extra as long as I can get what I need.' Marcus Ford, 39, from South Kensington added: 'Prices are a bit steep but to be honest I don't want to be fighting over a packet of spaghetti so I don't really mind.' Workers at Wholefoods in Kensington said the increase in sales had been unprecedented. One told MailOnline: 'I have never seen anything like this. As soon as we put stock out, it sells. We are getting far more traffic than we would normally. 'I can't bear to look at the queue of customers waiting to pay, it's neverending.' Another said: 'I don't usually work on the shop floor, I'm not normally in the office, but I've come down to help get the stock out. We are selling much more than usual.' Meanwhile, Harrods' aubergines cost 6 per kg compared to 1.70 per kg at Asda and 2 per kg at Sainsbury's. Red peppers cost 2 each or 8 per kg compared to 43p each at Sainsbury' and 50p each at Asda. Harrods sold out of dried pasta within minutes of opening its doors at 11am this morning. (Above, the store today) Marcus Ford, 39, from South Kensington added: 'Prices are a bit steep but to be honest I don't want to be fighting over a packet of spaghetti so I don't really mind' Beef tomatoes cost 5 each, or 15 per kg, compared to 50p each at Asda and 85p each at Sainsbury's.= Juno cherry tomatoes cost a staggering 40 per kg compared to 2.16 per kg at Asda and 2.50 per kg at Sainsbury. Next door in the bakery, small loaves of classic white and wholemeal bread were on sale for 3 each. Shoppers wearing face masks and protective gloves packed the store's food hall. No one was complaining about the prices. Workers at Wholefoods in Kensington said the increase in sales had been unprecedented. One told MailOnline: 'I have never seen anything like this. As soon as we put stock out, it sells. We are getting far more traffic than we would normally' Meanwhile... empty shelves at a Tesco Extra store in Worthing, West Sussex, today However Harrods sold out of dried pasta within minutes of opening its doors at 11am this morning. A staff member told MailOnline: 'We've completely sold out of dried pasta. We had put what we had left on the shelves this morning. But it was sold out within minutes of opening this morning.' The store had also sold out of eggs. Customers were urged to buy fresh pasta selling at 19.50 for artisan taglioni and fusilli and 65p per ravioli and put it in the freezer. Meanwhile pasta and other store cupboard goods were on sale up the road at Harvey Nichols' department store. The fifth-floor food hall was well stocked with the finest essentials including a 250g box of Cipriani tagliardi pasta at 6.45, a jar of Cirpriani Genovese pesto at 6.45, a 350g jar of organic tomato and basil pasta sauce at 5.95, a 112g tin of Ortiz Bonito tuna fish at 4.95 and a jar of Perello Gordal pitted olives at 2.95. In the Harrods bakery, small loaves of classic white and wholemeal bread were on sale for 3 each There was a huge supply of goods for shoppers at upmarket food store Whole Foods - but at a price - and there were plenty of fresh organic vegetables on display. Cauliflowers cost 2.39 each, butternut squash selling for 2.39 each, leeks were selling at 2.99 got three, Kholrabi and sprouting broccoli cost 1.98 each, with rainbow chard at 6 per kg, rhubarb at 20 per kg, and sweet potato at 2.99 per kg. Unlike most stores, dried pasta was available - costing an exorbitant 4.39 for 500g packet of Penne and 2.99 for 250g packet of linguine. And eggs were also available but costing up to 2.70 per half dozen. Designer ketchup was also in the shelves, selling for up to 3.69 a bottle. One shopper at Harvey Nichols said she didn't care how much things cost. Maria, a housekeeper for a wealthy Arab family, explained: 'I shop at Harvey Nichols because this is what my employer likes. They don't care how much it costs. 'They like all the nice products they sell there - like the small bottles of ketchup and Tabasco. 'They like to use them once and then throw them away.' BIG RAPIDS, REED CITY, EVART -- Local restaurants worked through the weekend to alter their cleaning policies and procedures due to the threat of coronavirus. On Monday, they began the process of implementing more changes, as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order stating that all restaurants be closed, except for delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service or drive up service. Linda Proctor, owner of Sawmill Saloon in Big Rapids, said they will remain open and will offer take out and pick up service on the patio from 11 a.m. to dusk every day. Beer and wine will also be available for pick-up. "We will bring orders to the parking lot if customers want, so they don't have to walk through the bar," she said. Proctor plans to keep workers busy doing odd jobs around the facility like painting, she said. "They'll be taken care of as much as possible," Proctor added. "This will be devastating for the economy as a whole." "I'll weather it okay," she added. "We've been here for 50 years, and we're not going anywhere." Schuberg's Bar and Grill manager, Jennifer Rumsey said, as of today, they will be going to take out, curb-side pick-up, and delivery only. "We are pretty panicky over it all, but remain optimistic," Rumsey said. "We've never done delivery before, but we're trying to figure that all out." Delivery will be done only within the city limits and will be free. It will require a credit card payment when placing the order. Curbside orders can be placed by phone and also will require a credit card payment when the order is placed. Customers can park in front or in back of the restaurant and someone will bring the order out to them. Rumsey said, although going to take-out and delivery only will impact the need for staff, they have plans to keep them employed. "We are trying to work out hours to keep our staff employed," she said. "We have 20 families we support through our employment. They are our main concern and our top priority right now. "We will try to give them hours doing deep cleaning and that type of thing," Rumsey said. "Some will be doing deliveries. They will lose hours, but it will give them something to do. ... We're just going to hunker down and make the most of it. We have our merchandise sales, and we hope the local community will continue to support us." Connie Freiberg, manager at Blue Cow and Raven Brewing and BBQ in Big Rapids, said they are planning to remain open for take-out and free delivery up to two miles. "We will offer that during regular business hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.," Freiberg said. They will also be offering a daily family meal for four, for $19.95, available for pick up from 5 to 7 p.m. every day, she said. It will be posted on their Facebook page the day before, and customers can call ahead to place an order. Beer growlers and unopened wine will also be available for pick up, she said. Freiberg said they plan to keep the kitchen staff and some delivery staff employed. "We are just praying our customers will keep us going through this," she said. Garrett Murphy, manager at Reed City Brewing Company in Reed City, said they will begin take out and delivery only. "Curbside take out is available now, and delivery service is in the works," Murphy said. "We are working out the logistics for that." They will have canned beer and growlers available for take out as well as menu items. Murphy said the impact on the employees would be minimal because they only have one staff member at the bar and serving at a time. "The greatest impact on the business will be because it will keep visitors away," Murphy said. "Our business is probably 60-percent local and 40-percent visitors in town, so that will impact us pretty harshly." Murphy said they will rely on the local residents to keep them going during this time. Lamplighter Cafe in Evart will also be going to take-out and delivery orders only, said owner Deb Garner. "This is definitely going to lower our sales," Garner said. "We just want to try to make sure we use up the supply of food we have right now." Garner said the staff would also be hurt by the change. "There's not a whole lot I can do for them," she said. "We typically have five or six working at a time, but now we will only need one or two to do orders." Hopefully they can take advantage of the government assistance available, she added. Norm Graff, manager at Ruby Tuesday in Big Rapids, said as of today they will be going to carry out only from noon to 8 p.m., but will continue to deliver for catering orders. "This is definitely going to be a huge cut in our business," Graff said. "But we will judge it day by day. We will be down to just a few employees on each shift. We will have fewer kitchen staff and almost no staff out front." Employees are encourage to check the government website for assistance during this time, he said. A sign posted on the door at Buffalo Wild Wings in Big Rapids Monday afternoon said they were open for take out orders only. Manager Steve Cassiday said they will follow the governor's directive that no more than five people can be inside the facility at a time, and orders will be available for pick-up only. They will have only kitchen staff and someone to answer the phone on hand and it will be mostly managers, he said. "It's the hardest thing to do to post a new schedule with no hours for anyone on it," Cassiday said. "We will take it day by day." Cassiday said the employees were informed about where to go to find out about government assistance that might be available to them. The drive-through at McDonald's on Northland Drive was full, while a sign posted on the door of the restaurant informed customers that the dining room was closed. The executive order restrictions are to remain in place until March 30. Plans by one of Munster's leading hotel groups to break into the Dublin market have suffered a major setback after its proposal for a 50m five-star facility were rejected. Dublin City Council has refused planning permission to Donnybrook Hotel, a company owned by Joe and Margaret Scally, for a hotel on the site of the former St Mary's College in Donnybrook. The Scallys own the Hayfield Family Collection that includes the five-star Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork as well as the Killarney Royal Hotel and the Great Southern Hotel, also in Killarney. They had hoped to convert and extend the former Carmelite seminary on Bloomfield Avenue into a luxury hotel with spa facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The proposed development also provided for a new steel-and-glass orangery which would include a tea room and outdoor terrace. However, Dublin City Council rejected the project, saying it did not meet the zoning objective of the 1.2 hectare site as 25pc of the land was not set aside for open space and/or community facilities. Planners also ruled that the development, due to its height, would adversely impact the setting of the former college, which is a protected structure, as well as of an adjacent terrace of listed buildings. In addition, it said the extent of access driveways, turning areas, parking, set down areas and ramps planned for the hotel would result in a significant loss of mature trees and landscaping of historical value which would have a negative impact on the setting. In its planning application, Donnybrook Hotel said it was committed to carrying out a high-quality hotel development that would have regard to the features, character and protected status of the former college. The company said it had also submitted revised plans after a number of issues were raised during pre-application consultations. It had called on the council not to examine the site of the hotel in isolation but to consider the entire parcel of land incorporating the Royal Hos- pital Donnybrook and the Avila Carmelite Centre, which had the same zoning. On that basis, the company argued the zoning objective of institutional and community uses was being retained. Last year, Mark Scally, the financial director of Hayfield Family Collection, said the company expected to invest at least 50m in developing the hotel. Any appeal against the council's ruling to An Bord Pleanala must be made before April 14. A coronavirus relief bill signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump could be the government intervention Texas hospitals need as they hurry to respond to the costs of testing and caring for patients who contract COVID-19, the sickness caused by the new coronavirus. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will infuse $104 billion into federal and state emergency response, allow federal Medicaid assistance funds to reimburse hospitals for the care of uninsured and Medicaid patients and increase Medicaid allotments for each state through 2021. For Texas, that could allow health care providers to draw on an estimated $2.5 billion in federal funds, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington think tank. Its allowed the states to have the money to potentially free up resources elsewhere, said Jennifer Sullivan, a senior research analyst at the center. The breakdown The bill authorized an additional $1 billion in emergency funding to pay claims for uninsured people. Congress previously approved a relief bill that includes $300 million for health care providers to prepare for COVID-19. On HoustonChronicle.com: Gov. Abbott activates Texas National Guard for coronavirus response Also included in the bill is $60 million for the Department of Veteran Affairs to cover testing and medical services. The bill also increases the federal governments share of Medicaid spending on hospitals to free up state money for other needs in addressing the public health crisis, said John Hawkins, the Texas Hospital Associations senior vice president of advocacy and public policy. The federal government share will climb 6.2 percentage points to 67 percent, leaving Texas to pay the remaining 33 percent. Hawkins expects the state to use the newly available funding to cover the costs of a likely jump in Medicaid enrollment as people lose jobs as the global economy slows to a crawl. Medicaid enrollment increased 8.1 percent in Texas during the last recession, between December 2007 and December 2009, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. We historically know that people use more services in a crisis like this, Hawkins said While the public health emergency is in effect, Families First Act prohibits states from changing eligibility requirements for Medicaid or cutting benefits. The legislation guarantees free COVID-19 testing for the uninsured and people on Medicaid, the federal insurance program for the poor. However, the bill doesnt guarantee the coverage of medical care, such as the cost of hospital stay, for people who contract the new coronavirus, said King Hillier, director of governmental relations at the Harris Health System, the county hospital network. A different kind of natural disaster Southeast Texas should be no stranger to responding to natural disasters. After all, Harris Health took in nearly 25,000 evacuees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Medical professionals throughout Texas came to help when Harvey hit the region in 2017. But unlike hurricanes, health care workers dont have the faintest clue how many people will be affected. Were so hamstrung right now by the limited testing capacity, Hawkins said. We know its out there but we dont have a good number on what were dealing with. Striking a balance Hospitals will have to wait a while for additional federal funds. In the meantime, theyre considering how to handle the financial impact of caring for COVID-19 patients. The nations top medical official, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, tweeted last week that hospitals should stop elective procedures (non-emergency services such as knee and gastric bypass surgeries) until the COVID-19 outbreak subsides. Those procedures, however, are the primary way their businesses offset the costs of providing urgent care, said Tim Ottinger, director of governmental relations at CHI St Lukes. Hospitals want to care for those who are critically ill and with COVID-19, Ottinger said. But they need to figure out how to balance that and work with federal and state government to make sure we can continue to do some of the procedures, frankly, to keep the lights on. On HoustonChronicle.com: Economists see frightening days, even years, ahead from coronavirus crisis Whats next Congress is expected to introduce other legislation to prop up the economy and aid public health departments. Lawmakers are discussing a funding package that could address the cost of caring for uninsured people. The recently approved legislation only covers the costs of testing, not treatment. Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Increasing the amount of available funding for states hard-hit by industry slowdowns Texas oil and gas industry, for example, faces tumbling crude prices and layoffs might provide a cushion for states, which see revenues fall during in an economic downturn, experts said. In the wake of the Great Recession, Congress increased the amount federal Medicaid funding available to states by $87 billion fom 2008 to 2010, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. But will the additional funding, plus efforts such as social distancing and washing hands, stave off a bigger crisis? If we, as they say, flatten that curve, Ottinger said, it could be enough. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu As educational institutions remain closed in Gujarat due to coronavirus threat, the state government on Wednesday said students of Classes 7 to 9 and 11 will be able to revise and practice their subjects while sitting at home using regional TV channels in a daily hour- long tutorials starting on Thursday. Students of these classes can avail the service of revision and practice of the subjects of their choice online using Gujarat TV channels so they do not have to waste their time due to school shutdown, the government said. The service will begin from Thursday, it said. Subjects on offer will be Mathematics, Science and English for Class 7-9 students, and Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Accountancy for Class 11 pupils. The Gujarat High Court, which had decided to take up only urgent matters till March 31,said on Wednesday that no case list will be prepared starting March 19 and till March 31. Lawyers desirous of obtaining an urgent order shall file a note stating the urgency for courts consideration, the HC said. No positive case of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has been recorded in Gujarat so far. In Surat, a part of the Veer Narmad University hostel was converted into a 500-bed quarantine ward for persons returning from abroad, more specifically those coming from Sarjah, with a team of city municipal corporation and police being present there, officials said. A man, who returned from Nagpur and had close contact with a coronavirus positive patient, was admitted to an isolation ward of the government hospital in Surat and his sample sent for examination, they said. Similarly, a person with suspected exposure to the virus, who recently returned from Spain, was sent to the isolation ward of the Sayaji Hospital in Vadodara, they said. In Ahmedabad too, two new suspected cases were admitted to the government hospital. Amid the coronavirus scare, local transportation also took a severe hit, with city transportation services BRTS and AMTS reporting a drop in the number of daily commuters by around 95,000 in the last two days, the officials said. Even the state transport buses witnesses around 10 per cent drop in daily passenger flow. Amid countries shutting down borders to contain the coronavirus, around two dozen people from the state, who are among 43 Indians stranded at Warsaw Chopin Airport in Poland since last two days, appealed for help through a video on the social media after their flights were cancelled. A man, identified as Varun, said he was stranded at the airport along with others due to constant rescheduling of flights since the last three days, and they have nothing to eat as restaurants are closed. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday urged citizens not to discriminate against certain nationalities as coronavirus cases rise, after reports of anti-foreigner sentiment in the country. Ethiopia has recorded six cases of the novel coronavirus over the past six days, and the United States embassy on Wednesday said there were a number of reports of verbal and physical harassment of foreigners deemed to be bringing in the virus. "As COVID-19 awareness efforts continue nationally, it is important to note that the virus is not related to any country or nationality," Abiy said in a statement. Abiy was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for reaching out to Ethiopia's rival, Eritrea. "Everyone is equally at risk... Prevention efforts need not be a barrier to our humanity and disposition for compassion. As a global community, we are each other's keepers. Let us not let fear rob us of our humanity." Three of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 are Japanese nationals, one is a British diplomat and two others are Ethiopians. In its security alert, the US embassy said it had received reports of "a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment revolving around the announcement of COVID-19 in Ethiopia." "Reports indicate that foreigners have been attacked with stones, denied transportation services ... being spat on, chased on foot, and been accused of being infected with COVID-19." Africa has lagged behind in confirmed cases of coronavirus, and now has reported over 730 cases across the continent, according to an AFP tally. "Before last Friday 10 countries have reported cases of coronavirus, mostly imported. Over the weekend the continent tipped over and as we now know over 34 countries that have reported coronavirus infection," the director of the African Centre for Disease Control (CDC) John Nkengasong said Thursday. World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday urged Africa to "wake up" and warned the official numbers likely did not reflect the full picture. "Probably we have undetected cases or unreported cases," he said. Experts have repeatedly warned about the perils for the continent, given its weak health infrastructure, poverty, conflicts, poor sanitation and urban crowding. However several nations have taken strict measures, completely banning flights, banning non-residents, shutting schools and blocking mass gatherings. Nkengasong said some 60,000 tests should be rolled out across the continent by Monday. "The three leading countries (Egypt, South Africa, Algeria) were part of the countries that had the first influx of cases. You can see community infection is fast establishing in those countries," he said. Search Keywords: Short link: As recently as 2016, few people would have listed "evictions" high on the list of America's political and social problems, maybe not even in the Top 100. That started to change with the publication of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Evicted," by the Harvard sociologist Matthew Desmond, who chronicled a hidden crisis in low-income neighborhoods like the north side of Milwaukee, where he based his reporting. Desmond chronicled cruel scenes like the eviction of one Latina woman and her three children and her "look of someone realizing that her family would be homeless in a matter of hours." The book created momentum for action in other cities like Philadelphia, where one in every 14 renters faced an eviction notice in 2017. The city did enact a 2019 law that offered some protection for month-to-month tenants against some evictions, but the initial proposal was watered down after fierce opposition from landlords. But today a hidden virus is accomplishing -- at least for now -- what political activism could not. From coast to coast, government officials and business leaders are racing to halt evictions, utility shutoffs and other punitive measures that typically target the poor. That's a recognition that such devastating actions seem harsh right when the pandemic is beginning to cripple the economy, yet it seems to also beg the question of why throwing mothers and children out on the street wasn't seen as cruel in everyday America. "This public health emergency is becoming an economic emergency, not just for the most vulnerable but for huge swatches of the American people," Philadelphia City Council member Helen Gym told me on Tuesday. Gym has sponsored a resolution calling for a city moratorium on evictions, foreclosures and utility shutoffs, amid her concern that the Trump administration is more focused on bailouts for big businesses like oil companies or cruise lines. Can we talk about the Trump-loving, QAnon-type who slaughtered 10 people in Germany? The killer's manifesto shows was that, when it comes to hate in the internet age, it's a small world after all, columnist Will Bunch says. "People shouldn't lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19," California's Gov. Gavin Newsom declared on Monday, in announcing an executive order halting foreclosures and evictions and seeking the same for utility shutoffs in America's most populous state. Something similar is happening piecemeal in Philadelphia, where for now the municipal courts have stopped executing eviction orders for two weeks; the Philadelphia Housing Authority also suspended evictions, while Philadelphia Gas Works and the city water department halted shutoffs. It's hard to adjust to so many changes in American life in just the last week since the coronavirus crisis deepened -- the loss of sports, movie theaters and bars, the deserted streets and people working from home, if they can -- but one of most remarkable things has been the temporary collapse of the sometimes suffocating web of rules and regulations, not to mention low crimes and misdemeanors, that have defined life for the poor and increasingly the working class. In a groundbreaking piece published last weekend by Slate, writer Dan Kois focused on the rash of sudden policy changes in the face of the pandemic and whether many of the rules in our day-to-day life suddenly look ridiculous, or at least unnecessary. He focused, for example, on how the Transportation Security Administration suddenly relaxed its longstanding ban on carry-on liquids to let passengers travel with 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer -- and yet no one is seriously worried about the plane getting blown up. While noting some of the other post-coronavirus moves like the federal government waiving interest on student debt, or carriers like AT&T suddenly dropping their broadband data caps, Kois notes: "All over America, the coronavirus is revealing, or at least reminding us, just how much of contemporary American life is bullshit, with power structures built on punishment and fear as opposed to our best interest. Whenever the government or a corporation benevolently withdraws some punitive threat because of the coronavirus, it's a signal that there was never any good reason for that threat to exist in the first place." Bloomberg vs. Trump would mean America has already amused itself to death What if democracy has already died, columnist Will Bunch says, and we just don't want to admit it? The article is simply headlined: "America is a sham." That's a harsh judgement, and in a moment when citizens are seeking ways to come together and promote unity it may not be the message that some folks want to hear. But the question raised by the piece is a serious one: If a kinder, gentler America is really possible -- in a moment of clarity when we can blame the struggles of marginalized people on outside forces -- then can we keep that clarity, and look at ways to be less draconian, whenever this crisis has finally passed? We're already seeing this debate in the criminal-justice system, where a slow-motion and sometimes bitterly opposed reform movement aimed at curbing mass incarceration has suddenly been turbo-charged by the need to not put potential inmates in crowded jails where coronavirus might spread more quickly. A number of prosecutors' offices and courts are looking closely at issues such as stopping misdemeanor arrests and when to impose bail. That includes Philadelphia, where the charging chief for reform-minded district attorney Larry Krasner said in a memo that prosecutors should only make specific bail requests in serious matters such as gun and domestic violence cases. The push is coming even though just days ago police unions and their allies in politics and the tabloid media in New York state were having a mass freakout over mild, commonsense bail reforms. Say this much for the coronavirus crisis: It has altered our predictably gridlocked political world to a place where many if not all things suddenly seem possible -- even if enough distrust remains that nothing is guaranteed, either. Trump's banana republic: Police state for the poor, free pass for president's pals and the rich There are two law books in Donald Trump's America, separate and unequal -- a draconian one for the poor and the marginalized, and one bookmarked with a get-out-of-jail free card for the politically connected, columnist Will Bunch says. Consider the once radical notion of universal basic income, or UBI -- a guaranteed check for all adults from the federal government. The idea of a monthly payout of $1,000, with no red tape or means testing, fueled the rise of formerly obscure ex-presidential candidate Andrew Yang but was poo-pooed by the serious pundits ... before the pandemic. This week, Sen. Mitt Romney of 47% -are-moochers fame stunned the body politic by proposing the government send that $1,000 check, at least this month, and other leaders are also proposing people-centered bailouts that might actually pass muster with the Yang Gang. Gym told me that one of her hopes for dealing with the crisis is that policymakers have learned from the mistakes of the 2008 economic crisis -- when government quickly bailed out banks but did little for the average folks facing foreclosures -- and construct packages that direct aid to the working people who need it most. "If we're not taking about economic security for everyday Americans," she said, "then we're not talking about economic security." Regarding the punitive web of evictions, shutoffs and jail stints that have enveloped America's needy, no one is suggesting that coronavirus means emptying the jails, or creating scenarios where Silicon Valley whiz kids can stiff their landlord knowing there'll be no consequences. Civilization will always need rules. But at the same time -- just as officials in cities such as New York largely ended stop and frisk and saw crime rates actually drop -- I can't help but wonder if seeing that more humane policies on matters such as evicting tenants or turning off the heat didn't cause the sky to fall will bolster the case for permanent change. Maybe all of America isn't "a sham," but the nickel-and-diming of the nation's poor has been a damn disgrace for decades. It's ironic that an invisible virus is suddenly forcing not just better-off folks but our tunnel-vision policymakers start to finally see the people who work two or three jobs cleaning hospital beds or driving an Uber or slinging burgers and who make our economy go, even as they struggle just to cover the rent. When this thing is finally over, imagine a world where the new normal is actually better than before. Will Bunch is the national opinion columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer. National carrier Vietnam Airlines is set to suspend all international flights until the end of April as the Covid-19 pandemic worsens. The carrier will stop Southeast Asian flights to and from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand from March 21 while flights to and from the U.K. and Japan would stop from March 23, it said Thursday. Flights from Vietnam to Germany and Australia would be stopped from March 24, and flights from Germany and Australia to Vietnam would stop from March 25. The carrier had already suspended flights between Vietnam and mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Macao, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan. Vietnam Airlines also said it would offer flight reschedules and destination changes for free for all passengers of international flights affected by the decision whose tickets have been issued before March 25. Vietnam has recorded 76 Covid-19 cases so far, 60 of them active and the remaining 16 discharged. The pandemic is affecting 176 countries and territories, spreading fast in Europe claiming almost 9,000 lives. An Ohio man infected with the coronavirus and who was originally believed to have pneumonia has come forward to describe his hellish symptoms. Kevin Harris, 55, of Warren, posted footage from his hospital bed on Facebook detailing the frightening ordeal, which had him asking doctors whether he would survive. Harris recalls one physician tearing up when he asked the question. Kevin Harris has come forward to describe his ordeal being infected with the coronavirus after he was originally believed to have pneumonia. The 55-year-old Warren, Ohio, man is pictured before he came down with the infection in a Facebook post Harris is pictured in his hospital bed from footage he posted on Facebook after he came to learn he was infected with the coronavirus In the footage, Harris is seen lying in his bed looking weak from the unbearable symptoms In the footage, Harris turns the camera away to show monitors tracking his painful recovery The footage also reveals a medical professional who was treating Harris wearing a full body suit, mask and gloves In the footage, the unnamed medical professional gives Harris the victory sign as a sign of hope for his recovery Other medical professionals who were treating him confessed they didn't know what his chances were of recovering from the deadly illness, he told the New York Post. 'I was like one big ball of pain,' he says of the unbearable discomfort that brought him to tears, crying 'like a little girl,' just moving from his bed to a nearby chair, reports the Post. The coroanvirus has been confirmed in 14,306 cases and blamed for 211 deaths in the US. Ohio has had 119 confirmed cases and no known deaths that were blamed on the infection. Harris, an auto body shop owner and father of four children, with three grandchildren, said he suspects he was exposed to the infection at another hospital when he went in for an appointment that ended up being canceled. There are more than 13,000 cases in the United States with 211 deaths (depicted above) His symptoms had started out as a tickle in the back of his throat, which he felt just before going to bed. By the next morning, he says his felt like he was experiencing a severe flu. Five days later, he was being admitted to a hospital thinking he was suffocating. At first, physicians at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren thought he had pneumonia, but three days later they were sure he had the coronavirus. 'They told me they didn't have a cure,' Harris told The Post from his hospital room, where he was still on breathing equipment Tuesday night. 'I just wanted them to tell me if I'm going to live or die.' His symptoms only worsened, says Harris, who couldn't clear his throat and had a persistent coughing. Then came a fever and headaches, followed by what he considered to be the worst: body aches. He couldn't rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 15. He said it was more like a '15'. 'The pain is off the charts. Everything hurts, nose, toes and ears,' said Harris. 'I was like one big ball of pain.' His fever dropped before he was hospitalized and it looked like Harris was getting better, but the symptoms returned hard. Harris, who is a distance runner, said breathing became so difficult that he began choking. In the new post, Harris says he's back on his feet and able to walk. 'As bad as I want to go outside, I ain't go no business out there. Much, much better, I can breathe, I can walk. I can't walk too far, but, I can walk' In the Facebook post, Harris writes about his difficult road to recovery. 'Almost there!' he wrote in the post, followed by the hashtags #coronavirussurvivor, #beatthecoronavirus and #wecanbeatthecoronavirus 'Imagine your lungs turning solid. It's like suffocating without holding your nose,' he said. 'Every time I lay down, my breathing gets lower and lower. I thought my lungs would fail me. I was screaming for mercy and praying to God.' When he arrived at the hospital, he was moving so slow that going about 50 feet to the bathroom could take him as long as an hour, and that was with two stops and him lying on the floor. He said his doctors couldn't believe when he tested positive for the coronavirus. He had been the hospital's first case. By Thursday of this week, Harris had made a new post, showing that he was back on his feet. As bad as I want to go outside, I ain't go no business out there. Much, much better, I can breathe, I can walk. I can't walk too far, but, I can walk. Tense times under the Golden Dome of the Georgia State Capitol. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images Anyone in the Georgia legislature who had doubts about the importance of self-isolation and social distancing in coping with COVID-19 (and in that Republicancontrolled body, there were bound to be some who scoffed at the whole pandemic as a Democratic/Chinese plot) has probably had an attitude adjustment after this incident, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: All of Georgias state lawmakers were urged Wednesday to self-isolate themselves for weeks after a state senator who participated in a Monday vote disclosed he tested positive for the disease caused by coronavirus. State Sen. Brandon Beach said he was screened for the disease Saturday when he sought medical attention for a cough and mild fever, but that the test results didnt arrive until Wednesday. In between, the Alpharetta Republican said he felt healthy enough to join dozens of legislators, staff members and reporters for a one-day special legislative session at the Capitol to grant Gov. Brian Kemp broad powers to respond to the pandemic. That means the 236 members of the Georgia House and Senate were potentially exposed to the coronavirus and are supposed to go into self-quarantine for two weeks. At least two other legislators were in quarantine after exhibiting symptoms, which means they stayed away from the special session. Some of Beachs colleagues are very unhappy that he did not take this precaution: Im shaking with rage. We were told if we had symptoms to refrain from going to the Capitol on Monday. Senator Brandon Beach knew he was exhibiting symptoms since MARCH THE 10TH! wrote state Rep. Scot Turner on Facebook. I have an elderly hospice patient at home. He irresponsibly stayed all day at the Capitol on Monday and exposed all of us. In this crisis, there is a fine line between blaming victims of coronavirus and insisting on steps to mitigate its spread. But perhaps the spectacle of an entire legislature in quarantine will make Georgians both more cautious and more empathetic. Were committed to keeping our readers informed. Weve removed our paywall from essential coronavirus news stories. Become a subscriber to support our journalists. Subscribe now. Senate Republicans released their proposal for a third coronavirus relief package Thursday as Washington pushes to try to head off economic disaster. The 247-page legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, expected to cost at least $1 trillion, includes cash payments to Americans. The measure the final form of which will be subject to talks with Democrats and the White House also includes relief for small businesses and major industries hammered by the global pandemic. "We're here, and we are ready to act as soon as an agreement with our colleagues across the aisle can be reached," the Kentucky Republican said in releasing the plan that aims to avert calamity as the outbreak grinds American life to a halt. McConnell said the bill includes four major components: "direct financial help" for Americans, "rapid relief" for small businesses, "significant steps to stabilize our economy" and "more support" for health-care professionals and patients. The bill extends $108 billion to ailing big businesses, including airlines, loans to small businesses with less than 500 employees and the potential for student loan deferral up to three months. Here are some of the details of the plan, according to Senate Republicans: Cash payments of up to $1,200 would go to individuals, with up to $2,400 for couples. The sum would increase by $500 for every child. The check totals would start to phase out above $75,000 in adjusted gross income based on 2018 tax returns. People with no federal tax liability would get only $600. Extend the tax filing deadline to July 15 from April 15. The ability for corporations to delay estimated tax payments until Oct. 15. Employers and self-employed people could delay payroll taxes. Up to $50 billion for airlines, $8 billion for cargo air carriers, and $150 billion for other severely distressed businesses. The government has the right to "participate in the gains" of any business it lends money to. For two years, no executive at a company receiving a business loan making more than $425,000 in total compensation can get a raise. Executives whose salary has already been determined through collective bargaining agreements may be exempt from that restriction. Small business loans for any company with less than 500 employees. The cap of that loan is either $10 million or the average of monthly payments. Businesses use the loan to pay for payroll including paid sick leave, salaries, mortgages, rent, utilities or other debt obligations. Forgiveness of the parts of the loan used for payroll if companies do not fire workers before June 30. Private health plan coverage of testing without cost-sharing and increase funding for community health centers. It also aims to spur the hiring of more health care professionals to fight the pandemic. The potential to suspend federal student loan payments for up to three months. Not long after its release, Democrats slammed the Republican proposal. "We are beginning to review Senator McConnell's proposal and on first reading, it is not at all pro-worker and instead puts corporations way ahead of workers," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement. Democrats have made clear they want the third legislative package to focus on workers and individuals battling the crisis. The Republican bill allocates up to $50 billion for airlines, $8 billion for cargo air carriers, and $150 billion for other severely distressed businesses While the Republicans' plan does cap the salary of executives who work at companies accepting federal aid, it does not ban buybacks or forbid worker layoffs. Meantime, an aid for the Democratic House Appropriations Committee said the committee is disappointed in the lack of supplemental funding for federal, state and local response. States have been funneling resources to funding the battle against the virus. "The Appropriations Committee is working on robust funding for a strong federal, state, and local coronavirus response to include in the phase three bill. Supplemental appropriations are an essential part of a whole-of-government strategy to address this pandemic and it is irresponsible for Senate Republican leadership to omit these needed resources from its proposal," he said in a statement. The pushback from Democrats comes as Congress has been under immense pressure to get a deal done with the House and Trump administration as quickly as possible. The ailing U.S. airline industry, which is expecting financial relief from the package, has rung the alarm of the catastrophic impact the halt in travel has on business. It is unclear how much longer companies can stay afloat without federal relief. Workers have lost jobs at shuttered restaurants and bars. Lawmakers have expressed particular concern about how the global pandemic will hit American small businesses. Adding to the urgency, two congressmen have tested positive for the coronavirus, while others are in self-quarantine. Key parts of the bill could change as Democrats and Republicans negotiate. Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, expects Democrats will not support the direct payment proposal as currently structured. Referring to the stipulation that individuals who paid no federal tax in 2018 would get only $600, he said "the idea that you would give low-income people less money than upper-income people just doesn't make any sense as policy." He said one potential alternative is giving everyone the same sum and then taxing it as income, so lower-income individuals will effectively end up with more than people with higher incomes. Once the Senate strikes an agreement and passes a relief package, it will head to the House, which is on a temporary recess. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told members Thursday that the chamber would not return until it is "in a position to vote on the third piece of emergency legislation to respond to the economic impact of this crisis." Meantime, McConnell indicated that even this next legislative package, likely to top $1 trillion, may not be enough to offer sufficient government relief as business across the U.S. economy grinds to a halt. "This may not be the last piece of economic legislation we pursue," he said. Graham acknowledged the importance of getting the third proposal done quickly by early next week. "If we don't, we're going get our ass kicked," he said Thursday. "So that's why I think we have to do it. I'll be the first to kick myself." Six people are in intensive care with coronavirus in Australia's biggest state and a six-year-old child has been diagnosed with the illness. New South Wales has 307 coronavirus patients, more than half the national total of 609. That marks an increase of 40 cases in the state since yesterday, including a six-year-old, the youngest in the state so far. A total of 129 of NSW cases were acquired overseas. There has been a spike in coronavirus cases in Australia, with six people admitted to intensive care with the deadly illness CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement NSW Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant said today that people are bringing the virus into the state from abroad. 'In recent weeks we're seeing an increasing trend towards returning travellers from the UK, Europe and also the US,' she said. She also warned that an infected person could have spread the illness at a function involving the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland. The function was held at Sydney University Football Ground on 14 March. 'All people who attended this event are considered close contacts of a confirmed case and we ask that any attendees immediately self-isolate themselves for 14 days,' she said. Dr Chant said she wasn't sure how many people attended the function. 'It's clearly a large function. This is very precautionary. And it occurs in a function where we basically can't really identify very clearly how groups moved around in a space,' she said. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was important for people to 'maintain social distancing'. It comes as Victoria, which has 149 cases, takes drastic measures to increase hospital capacity. Old Victorian hospital wards will be recommissioned to help handle the extra pressure coronavirus is expected to put on the health system. The measure is part of a $437 million funding boost from the state government. More than $80 million of the cash will be used to open 129 new hospital beds in Victoria over the next 12 weeks, including 84 beds at Melbourne's old Peter Mac Hospital. Pictured: An empty pub in Melbourne's CBD as people stay away due to the virus Another 45 beds will be opened at Bendigo Hospital, while Baxter House Hospital in Geelong will be recommissioned with consulting rooms and a virus clinic. "We will set up old wards and they will be new again," Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Thursday. An extra 129 beds had already been announced at Casey Hospital in Melbourne's southeast. Victoria is expected to face an extra 45,000 emergency department presentations, 5000 more hospitals admissions and a further 2000 intensive care unit admissions when the COVID-19 pandemic hits its peak. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick on Wednesday evening ordered the immediate closure of bars, night clubs and restaurants dine-in services in all parts of the county. The updated emergency order came only a few hours after Beaumont publicly announced its first positive case of COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus. In addition to shifting food establishments to take-out only, the order encourages grocery and convenience stores to remain open but urged residents to use delivery or curbside services. It also further restricts gatherings at private and public facilities from 50 people to 10. Anyone found in violation of any part of the emergency order, which also includes a 24-hour curfew for children and price controls, could incur a fine of up to $500. Related: Beaumont confirms first coronavirus case Less than 36 hours before the amended order was signed, Jefferson County commissioners conducted a workshop to discuss, among other virus-related issues, the potential limiting of operations at bars and restaurants. At the time, Branick didnt expect to amend his order until next week but said that could change if the county had confirmed cases within the next day-and-a-half. During that conversation, Beaumont Dr. Ray Callas told the commissioners that one of the best ways to stop the spread of the virus is to limit community contact. Thats in part because its highly likely that younger, healthy people, who may not know they have the virus, already are walking around with mild symptoms but a high viral load, meaning they can quickly infect other people. However, Dr. Cecil Walkes, with the Jefferson County Health Department, at the time said considering limiting the operations of bars and restaurants was premature before the county had at least one but potentially up to three confirmed cases. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain Amazon confirmed on Thursday that it would close a warehouse in Queens, New York, after one Amazon associate tested positive for coronavirus. The case is the first among Amazons warehouse employees in the United States. Two Amazon office workers at the firms headquarter campus in Seattle had already tested positive for the virus. On Wednesday evening, workers at the Queens delivery station were sent a text message from a member of a workers group that confirmed the positive case, The Atlantic reports. Amazon told the magazine that it notified all associates about the coronavirus case and warehouse closure. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that day-shift workers were sent home from the Queens delivery station with full pay. The company said it would be disinfecting the warehouse. We are supporting the individual who is now in quarantine, Amazon said in a statement. We continue to serve customers while taking care of our associates and we are following all guidelines from local officials about the operations of our buildings. The incident comes as the Seattle-based firm introduced additional cleaning and checks across all warehouses. That has not, however, eased concerns of contracting the virus among Amazon employees. In France, more than 200 employees at a warehouse south of Paris staged a strike, calling for the closure of the delivery centre. On March 11, Amazon announced that all employees diagnosed with coronavirus would be entitled to two weeks' of paid sick leave. The delivery station in Queens, New York, is at least ten times smaller than Amazons largest fulfilment centres. With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US now approaching 10,000, and demand for home deliveries increasing, the worlds largest online retailer is set to face further hurdles. A Derry doctor has warned that incredible strain could be placed on hospitals and medical practices in the city due to a lack of testing for Covid-19 amongst health workers. The government has advised people with symptoms to stay at home and to not leave their house for seven days or If they live with other people, all household members have to stay at home for fourteen days. However, trade unions for medical professionals are pushing for access to Covid-19 tests so that they can know whether they are infected with the virus and in danger of passing it on to patients. They say that based on current advice, the same people may have to self-isolate more than once if symptoms re-emerge because without testing there is no way of knowing whether they are immune or still at risk to themselves and other people. GP at Aberfoyle Medical Practice, Dr John OKelly raised concerns that one of the doctors at the centre who had a high temperature and flu like symptoms is now off and self-isolating as per government advice. The local doctor said he rang the Western Trust and was told it is not testing health workers yet and he will therefore be off for an extended period. Dr OKelly, who is former Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners in Northern Ireland said the practice is managing to cope with two doctors off at present but the loss of any more staff would put significant pressure on resources. With regards to testing, I think it would be helpful for testing to be available for health professionals, carers who are attending elderly and infirmed patients and Nursing/Residential staff. If we lose health professionals for 1-2 weeks this has a potentially serious knock on effect on the service we can provide. Asked if it was worrying that health workers could potentially be forced to self-isolate more than once, he added: You are correct that people could be off repeatedly. I am not sure how prepared the service is to deliver that number of tests but I feel it is important we protect and support our front line services. The World Health Organisation, who are the most experienced in dealing with epidemics - although this is pandemic - have recommended testing as an essential element in getting control. At present we are managing to cope with two doctors down, further losses including loss of nursing and secretarial support, will put incredible strain on our resources. Yesterday British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to ramp up testing but it is unclear how much it will be increased in NI specifically. PRIORITY TESTING The Department of Health for NI provided an update on testing yesterday evening, saying: We are working to significantly increase our testing capacity so that we can support testing of health and social care workers. Members of the public who have been advised to self-isolate at home will not be routinely tested. Testing will continue to be carried out as appropriate on individuals admitted to hospital and testing may also be carried out to support the management of outbreaks or clusters of disease in residential or care settings. Testing capacity is urgently being expanded in order to enable testing of essential healthcare workers. In response to a question from Derry Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson earlier this week, Health Minister Robin Swann, revealed that owing to constraints on lab capacity, locally and nationally, testing is now being prioritised for a number of groups. The current order for priority testing during periods of significant demand is, first, a patient requiring critical care for the management of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), influenza or an influenza-like illness (ILI); and, secondly, a patient with an alternative indication of severe illness, such as severe pneumonia or ARDS, he explained. The next group is all other patients who require admission to hospital for the management of pneumonia, ARDS or an ILI. A further group is the cluster of disease in residential or care settings; for example, long-term care facilities and prisons. Symptomatic healthcare workers will be tested as well. That is under active review, nationally and locally. Additional capability is being urgently worked up in the lab system, and that will ease some of the demand pressures on lab services. It is not that we have reduced testing but that we are now prioritising the testing capability that we have available, and we are increasing that capability. Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more Twitter on Sunday applied its manipulative media label to a deceptively edited video showing presidential hopeful Joe Biden saying, re-elect Donald Trump. It was the first time the service enforced rules adopted last month to control synthetic and manipulated media. The flagged video was posted to Twitter by Dan Scavino, White House director of social media, and retweeted by the president. By the time Twitter labeled it, the video had been viewed 5 million times and retweeted 20,000 times, according to The New York Times. Twitters policy states it will label media as manipulative if it is shared in a deceptive manner and if the content is likely to impact public safety or cause serious harm. Scavinos video is edited to truncate Bidens remarks: We can only re-elect Donald Trump if in fact we get engaged in this circular firing squad here. Its got to be a positive campaign. Labeling in Obscurity Twitter developed its manipulative media policy in response to a survey of more 6,500 global users last fall, and following discussions with civil society and academic experts. Nearly nine out of 10 individuals said placing warning labels next to content that was significantly altered would be acceptable, noted Yoel Roth, Twitters head of site integrity, and Ashita Achuthan, the platforms group product manager. Overall, people recognize the threat that misleading altered media poses and want Twitter to do something about it, they wrote in an online post. How effective labeling manipulative media will be in reducing the flow of misleading information on the platform remains to be seen. Its better than nothing, but its not a heck of a lot, said John Carroll, a media analyst for WBUR in Boston. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The first time I looked at a screenshot of it, I didnt even see the warning, he told TechNewsWorld. The label doesnt appear in the tweet detail, but is visible on timelines and in searches, Twitter spokesperson Katie Rosborough acknowledged. Were working on a fix, she told TechNewsWorld. It might help to make the label larger. If you want an effective warning, youd have a diagonal banner across the video that stays there for the entire length of the video, Carroll recommended. That would be effective. What theyre doing now is not, he said. Perpetuating Misinformation Id praise Twitter for trying to do something good, but I dont know if its going to do any good given the times we live in, said Dan Kennedy, an associate professor in the Northeastern University School of Journalism in Boston. Taking down the content may be a better solution than labeling it, he continued. Theres a lot of research that suggests repeating or perpetuating a lie or in this case, calling additional attention to the lie only makes people believe it all the more, even though its labeled as manipulated,' he told TechNewsWorld. In Twitters global survey, a majority of respondents (55 percent) supported removing or hiding manipulative media, while opponents raised concerns about free expression and censorship. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Twitters labeling approach is intriguing, observed Vincent Raynauld, an assistant professor in the department of communication studies at Emerson College in Boston. Twitter is trying to point out misinformation while circumventing free speech issues, he told TechNewsWorld. Some people might say this content should be banned altogether from the platform, which is a reasonable argument, but the approach Twitter is taking is interesting because its educating users about what content is real and what content is not, Raynauld continued. Its also adding a layer of meaning to the actions people are taking by posting this kind of content, he added. Tackling Deep Fakes The core problem Twitter should be addressing is deep fakes, maintained John Sample, vice president of the Cato Institute, a public policy think tank in Washington, D.C. Manipulation of media online is developing in ways that make it difficult for people to determine the veracity of not only the message in a video, but the action, too, he told TechNewsWorld. Twitter should be applying its manipulative media policy to deep fakes, instead of clips edited to misinform, but in a traditional way that can be corrected by counter-speech people pointing out the manipulation on Twitter, Sample said. They should focus on the central problem, which is deep fakes, because they cant be corrected by counter-speech, he said. If they go with these edge cases, like the Biden video, I suspect theyre going to do too much and create problems for themselves with regulators and politicians, Sample added. The challenge for Twitter will be weeding out harmful manipulative media from manipulative media thats not harmful, maintained Karen North, director of the Annenberg Program on Online Communities at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. They will have a problem identifying problematic content, she told TechNewsWorld. The same technology that goes into manipulated media goes into artistic media, so its going to be a challenge for them to identify manipulated media with sinister intent versus manipulated media with artistic intent, North added. Living Up to Responsibilities Although Twitter tagged the Scavino video as manipulated content, Facebook let it run unchallenged. Facebook hasnt shown any inclination to label videos, NUs Kennedy observed. Facebook remains far more powerful than any social media platform, and its not especially responsible in its behavior, he added. Social media platforms should do more to address the problem of distributing false content, media analyst Carroll maintained. They have the ability to at least police the content thats brought to their attention and make a judgment about whether it should be there or not, he said. This isnt about misleading information. This is about content that can demonstrably be proven false, continued Carroll. This is about the debate that Mark Zuckerberg and a whole lot of other people dont want to have, he added. Facebook is a media company. Its not a merely tech platform anymore, and it should be forced either through public opinion or government regulation to act like a media company. Vampire bats 'form friendships' over time and can rescue hungry roostmates from the brink by regurgitating their blood meals in what looks like a French kiss. The only mammals to feed exclusively on blood, the bats can form deep social bonds by increasingly grooming their peers. If a strong enough bond is formed, they may even save their companions from starvation by regurgitating blood as a lifeline. Sharing blood with a roostmate is a mark of a true bond and can build trust among unrelated vampire bats to form relationships that can last a lifetime. Researchers said that although such relationships are uncommon, they demonstrate behaviour similar to what some might call friendship. Scroll down for video Vampire bats 'form friendships' over time and can rescue hungry roostmates from the brink by regurgitating their blood meals in what looks like a French kiss 'We go from bats starting as strangers from different colonies to group-mates that act to save each other's life, said ecologist Gerald Carter of the Ohio State University in the United States. 'This is the first animal study to look carefully at how a new cooperative relationship forms and can be maintained between complete strangers of the same species.' Vampire bats sustain themselves on blood alone and if a bat is unable to feed for three days, it runs the risk of starving. 'They have this "boom and bust" foraging experience, so they either hit it big and get a large blood meal or they're starved for that night,' said Professor Carter. 'If they starve three nights in a row there is a high chance they'll die.' 'Because of this, vampire bats with close social ties can rescue their weakened partners from the brink.' Visually resembling a sort of French kiss, 'food sharing in vampire bats is like how a lot of birds regurgitate food for their offspring,' Professor Carter said. 'But what's special with vampire bats is they do this for other adults, eventually even with some previous strangers.' To test how these bonds emerge, Professor Carter and his colleagues collected bats from the geographically distinct locations of Las Pavas, Colombia and Tole, Panama. Bats were then placed either in pairs with one from the other location or in small mixed groupz. For each grouping, the research team withheld food from one of the bats and observed how it interacted with its cagemates. Several bats particularly those in the pairs began grooming one another more over time and, in some cases, eventually shared blood with underfed companions. Sharing blood with a roostmate is a mark of a true bond and can build trust among unrelated vampire bats to form relationships that can last a lifetime 'Even if you remove all ectoparasites from their fur, they still groom each other more than necessary for just hygiene,' said Professor Carter. 'We think of social grooming as a kind of a currency, a way to gain tolerance and bond with another individual.' Furthermore, Professor Carter suggested that the increased grooming with time demonstrates the bats 'raising the stakes' of their friendships. The idea of 'testing the waters' or 'raising the stakes' to build cooperative relationships was first proposed in a theory paper in Nature from 1998, but it has been difficult to demonstrate in animals. Visually resembling a sort of French kiss, 'food sharing in vampire bats is like how a lot of birds regurgitate food for their offspring,' Professor Carter said 'When you make a cooperative investment in another individual, there is a kind of risk, because if you have a bad partner, you can be even worse off than if you had just avoided them altogether,' explained Professor Carter. 'So, what you could do is invest a little bit to test the waters. Then, if they invest back in you, that's a signal to ramp up your investment, and so on.' If pairs raise the stakes enough, one might provide food by regurgitating blood into the mouth of their partner if the latter is starving. These social interactions could be a fundamental step in creating bonds that last years in vampire bats, with some unrelated pairs having been found to travel together for more than a decade. 'The idea of using low-cost behaviours to build up to higher-cost investments can be something of much more general importance outside just food sharing in vampire bats,' said Professor Carter. 'This idea could be applied to other social animals such as primates and could provide insight into how humans build relationships.' With their initial study complete, the researchers want to better understand how bats assess and choose their partners. 'When two bats are unfamiliar, we have the opportunity to make a good partner or a bad partner and really see how that affects how the relationships form,' Professor Carter said. 'So what we're trying to do now is use a variety of methods to really manipulate the relationships.' The full findings of the study were published in the journal Current Biology. Photo: The Canadian Press As airlines react to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada is suspending multiple routes inside Canada Included in that are trips between Kelowna and Edmonton and Toronto as well as Vancouver to Penticton. The temporary suspension of Kelowna flights starts March 23, according to the Air Canada website, and will last until at least April 30. The Penticton to Vancouver route suspension will take place April 1. Flights in and out of Kamloops have also been impacted. "We continue to adapt our schedule and capacity in response to COVID-19 and have postponed launches or extended the temporary suspension of several routes," reads a statement. The list of flights to be suspended include dozens of connections between Canadian cities. Other B.C. cities and towns affected include Victoria, Comox, Smithers, Prince Rupert, Castlegar, Cranbrook and Vancouver. As for WestJet, the company has not announced changes to its domestic schedule, but has indicated service reductions of up to 50 per cent are coming. (Natural News) The more health officials are learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the more it becomes clear that stealth cases of people who dont know they have the virus are one of the main drivers for its spread. However, officials are just learning how big a part these stealth transmissions play. A new study is laying down the facts on just how many people may be unknowingly carrying and spreading the coronavirus. A new study published Monday in the journal Science claims that up to 86 percent of people walking around with the coronavirus dont even know they have it. The researchers behind the study arrived at this number by looking at data from China, where they estimate that six out of seven cases of the disease were not reported before travel restrictions were implemented. Its the undocumented infections which are driving the spread of the outbreak, said co-author Jeffrey Shaman, Professor of Environmental Health Science at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Studying how the outbreak spread in China To learn how much stealth cases influenced the rapid spread of COVID-19 when it first broke out in China, the researchers used computer modeling to track infections before and after the Chinese government implemented a travel ban on the city of Wuhan. From their computer models, the researchers found that these undocumented stealth cases that had either mild symptoms or no symptoms at all were behind around two-thirds of the reported patients. Through these stealth cases, the virus was then able to infect other people and cause severe symptoms in them. The majority of these infections are mild, with few symptoms at all, sated Shaman in an interview with Mercury News. People may not recognize it. Or they think they have a cold. After China implemented the lockdown, however, officials were able to slow down the coronavirus spread. By then, they were able to detect 65 percent of the cases. Number of cases worldwide may be higher than previously thought The new findings have grave implications for global efforts to track and slow down the spread of COVID-19 as most countries are behind on testing for the disease. Based on the results of the study, the actual number of cases worldwide could be five to ten times higher than what has been reported so far. We know this is just the tip of the iceberg, the question is how much of the iceberg is submerged, Shaman said at a press conference Monday. We can argue about the exact number, but if youre not in a place where youre not proactively looking for people and testing, then the majority of infections will go undetected. The results of the study demonstrate that widespread testing is needed to accurately track the scale of the pandemic and keep any stealth cases from spreading it any further. In the U.S., there have so-far been around 23,000 COVID-19 tests, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this number pales compared to that of South Korea, which has implemented a massive testing spree thats helped keep their death rate low, while also providing a more accurate picture of the outbreak over there. With this in mind, some experts think that the U.S. will end up needing to conduct tens of millions of tests. The other thing that the study drives home is the importance of social distancing, in helping stem the spread of the coronavirus. The research shows that COVID-19 can infect the average person without them knowing about it, causing them to spread it unknowingly. Simply avoiding unnecessary contact with other people does a lot to protect against infection from any possible stealth cases who may not know that they have it. Sources include: Science.ScienceMag.org NYPost.com MercuryNews.com QZ.com ProPublica.org NEW HAVEN Some school and city officials are criticizing Mayor Justin Elickers decision to convert Career High School into a 75-bed accommodation center for homeless individuals suffering from COVID-19 who have nowhere else to shelter or self-isolate. We have received many calls, emails and texts of opposition to the use of Career High School as a site for housing homeless who have tested positive for coronvirus, wrote board member Darnell Goldson in an email. ... The board was not consulted on this decision. I am opposed to this remedy without a discussion by the BOE. Elicker said Thursday morning that he informed alders of the move before announcing it at a Wednesday press briefing, and he spoke with Hill North Community Management Team leadership about the move Wednesday night. Hill Regional Career High School is the designated emergency shelter location. As part of the response to Hurricane Irene, the Department of Homeland Security, the state of Connecticut and the Department of Emergency Management designated Career as the regional emergency shelter location, Elicker said. While I understand and have heard many times about Hill residents concern that there are a lot of social services concentrated in the Hill, and I hear that concern, this is a site that has been designated as the regional emergency shelter location which is tied to FEMA reimbursements, he said. Its been assessed for appropriateness to handle this situation and therefore we didnt have other options. Rick Fontana, director of emergency operations, said about one decade ago during Irene, Career had been designated as the first emergency shelter location in case of an emergency in the city James Hillhouse High School is second and Wilbur Cross High School is third. They have the ability to have generators, the ability to accommodate all levels of individuals, fulfill all ADA requirements, and it has to do with the locations. Career is very centrally located downtown close to the hospitals and close to arterial routes traveling in and out, Fontana said. Career is also identified as the only regional shelter, a decision made during Irene when the need went beyond city lines. These have been in place for a long time, and to change in the middle of an emergency is really not what wed like to do, Fontana said. Elicker said he had heard community concerns that the shelter would be relocating individuals with COVID-19 to the Hill, potentially putting the community at greater risk should the individuals leave the shelter. However, he said, that would not be possible during a quarantine scenario. There will be round-the-clock police, security, medical staff, and the site will be closed so people cannot leave the site, because we want to make sure that people that have COVID-19 arent infecting other people, he said. My strong assessment is this decreases the risk for everybody in the city, including the Hill North neighborhood. If theres not a place for people who test positive for COVID-19 without a place to go, they will infect many other people and that will create many more problems for everyone in our community and will increase the number of people that die. Although it is not currently the case, Elicker said the citys health director has the authority to call for a quarantine. In that scenario, he said individuals experiencing homelessness who test positive for COVID-19 and are relocated to Career High School would not be allowed to leave. Even after Elicker called Hill North Community Management Team officials, management team member Leslie Radcliffe still said she was disappointed. Please know that while we are concerned for the health and safety of all of our population, housed and unhoused alike, we feel that once again, the Hill is being used as a depository to address yet another risky health concern of the city that other neighborhoods would not tolerate if it was brought to their neighborhood, she said in a statement. In his email to fellow board members, including Elicker, Goldson cited passages from state statutes and the city charter to argue that the school board has the sole authority to authorize the use of school buildings and for the buildings to serve educational purposes only. However, school district COO Michael Pinto said the city is invoking its authority... under the State of Connecticut and City of New Haven Declarations of Public Health Emergency to utilize Hill Regional Career High School as a designated regional emergency shelter location as part of the Citys ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Career HS is a designated regional shelter location as identified by the US Department of Homeland Security, State of Connecticut and City of New Haven Department of Emergency Management, Pinto said in an email response. Pinto said the Emergency Management Department is working with his office to coordinate the response. He said the buildings gymnasium will be used for the makeshift shelter. Although Career is being used as one of 37 locations for the distribution of free breakfasts and lunches during this school shutdown, the school would still be used as a meal distribution center, but the district is planning to move those meals to another nearby site. Fontana said Thursday that the meals would be moved to Hill Central School. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com Patrick Riccards received an email Tuesday from his New Jersey school district about its plan for special-education services during the coronavirus shutdown. But what should have brought him comfort instead caused dismay. The district wrote that its special-education teachers would modify online lessons and host virtual check-ins with students in the new world of distance learning. But to Riccards, an education advocate, that wasn't enough. He'd already watched his wife struggle for two days to help their 13-year-old son, who has severe dyslexia and is several grade levels behind in reading, access the district's online materials. The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School also announced it was canceling all government-mandated meetings for special-needs students until schools reopen which might not be until fall. "I get that this is the first week. But everything we have fought for in my son's (individualized education plan) now gets put on hold," Riccards said. School unlikely all spring: Will states need to hold kids back, institute summer school? Michael Riccards, a 13-year-old student in West Windsor, New Jersey, works through some school material online Wednesday. Districts have been slow to fully accommodate students with special needs as they move their operations online in a time of extended school closures. As districts scramble to establish distance learning plans for long-term school closures, they're struggling to provide services to students with disabilities and those with other exceptional circumstances. It's a challenge with broad implications, tied to financial consequences for districts and developmental consequences for the most vulnerable students in America. At issue: Federal law calls for people with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to participate in everything schools provide. If districts don't accommodate students, they risk losing federal aid and facing complaints from parents and disability rights advocates for violating federal civil rights laws. Some big-city districts, like in New York City and Los Angeles, are designing plans for distance learning with vulnerable students at the forefront of the planning mostly because students who are low-income, learning English, living in homeless shelters or who have disabilities make up the bulk of their populations. Story continues Other districts haven't figured out what to do or they're not doing any online learning at all. 'You can't Netflix them all day': Coronavirus closed this school. The kids have special needs Kentucky's largest district, Jefferson County Public Schools, is specifically not moving to online learning because of equity concerns. The 98,000-student district wouldn't be able to provide enough digital devices or ensure internet access for its most disadvantaged students, said Superintendent Marty Pollio. Instead, the district plans to make up its missed days eventually so that students have more time in front of a teacher. The Northshore School District in Washington state was one of the first large districts with more than 25,000 students to enact a robust distance learning plan. Officials got 4,000 devices and additional internet access to low-income students. But then they had to pause the plan because, they said, it risked running afoul of state and federal mandates for providing equitable services. In Michigan, Ann Arbor Public Schools officials said they were distributing learning devices and internet hot spots to students with limited technological access. But a district spokesman said leaders were still working on plans to keep its students with special needs engaged. As for West Windsor-Plainsboro, Superintendent Dan Aderhold said special-education meetings were canceled so staff could focus on delivering specialized instruction through a virtual platform as efficiently as possible. Special-ed parents: 'Where should I start?' The uncertainty has left thousands of special-needs parents in the dark. "I don't know what my kid is doing in math class right now, so where should I start without any guidance?" said Anna Hauser, the parent of a non-verbal ninth-grader with cerebral palsy in Madison, Wisconsin. Zavier Hauser, 14, watches a nature documentary Wednesday at home in Madison, Wisconsin. Since the shutdown of his school, his mother, Anna Hauser, says she has not received any guidance from the district on remote learning for her son with special needs. Hauser said the Madison Metropolitan School District has not communicated plans for her child. So far the district has directed all parents to its website for a list of general enrichment activities. A spokesman said the district will develop a distance learning plan if schools remain closed for more than a few weeks. The need for clarity is imperative as more states are likely to extend their school closures into summer. On Tuesday, Kansas became the first state to announce that all school buildings will be closed for the rest of the year to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the contagious respiratory disease it causes. As of Wednesday, 39 states had closed all their schools, at least for the short term. Most of the nation's 51 million public school students are out of class as the number of infections continues to rise nationwide, according to a tally from Education Week magazine. The U.S. had more than 9,400 cases and 150 deaths from the virus by Wednesday evening. Schools have complained that they have lacked federal guidance on whether to close and how to do distance learning, although the administration has included schools in requests for federal money. On Thursday, President Donald Trump's administration proposed releasing an additional $100 million to schools to address the cost of cleaning schools, counseling students and providing distance learning. Federal education officials offer limited guidance The Department of Education released limited guidance to schools this week that stressed they must make sure students with disabilities can access online materials in this new era of distance learning. "Online learning is a powerful tool for educational institutions as long as it is accessible for everyone," Kenneth Marcus, assistant secretary for education for civil rights, said in a video message Tuesday. "Services, programs and activities online must be accessible to persons, including people with disabilities, unless equally effective alternate access is provided." That means making sure people who are deaf, blind or who have physical limitations can access the materials, such as through voice-to-text services or other adaptations. But how do districts do that when they're still trying to translate lessons to an online format for general-education students? And also while they're training teachers how to teach remotely something many teachers have never been asked to do? Rows of laptops wait to be handed out at Listwood Elementary School in Irondequoit, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. School Principal Kelly Santora said the laptops are being handed out to 50 third-graders, along with chargers and information packets. The students can use the packets to do daily reviews of what they've learned so far this school year, and help in "keeping skills sharp," she said. School across Monroe County and the state are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. "One of the things that we know about online learning and virtual instruction is that it can increase some of the gaps that we have in education, especially around equity issues of low socioeconomic status students and more affluent students," said Liz Kolb, a professor of education technologies and teacher education at the University of Michigan. Kolb said it's going to take time for teachers to understand how to meet all these needs and for support staff like paraprofessionals to figure out how to do that virtually. Most virtual schools are able to make these accommodations, but they have had years to put these supports in place," she said. "Traditional face-to-face schools are aware they need to do this, but they may still be working on the how. New York City and Los Angeles try different approaches This week, New York City Public Schools teachers are training on how to transition to remote learning for students. Most are going to their school buildings for the training. New York City school officials said students with disabilities are central to their planning. Schools will soon be in contact with parents to begin arrangements for their students' individual plans for remote learning. Teachers will conduct individual education plan meetings by phone, and therapists will soon provide teletherapy in conjunction with schools' remote instruction plans, officials said. In the meantime, New York is preparing to distribute 300,000 individual learning devices to students who need them. "This is heavy lift for all of New York," said Lynette Guastaferro, CEO of the nonprofit Teaching Matters, which supports teachers in low-income schools. Her staff is turning lessons for elementary and middle school students in New York into activities that can be done virtually. "We are creating online learning plans and guides with the mindset that the majority of our kids are going to have a lot of challenges," she said. "The minority population elsewhere is the majority population here." In Los Angeles, the school district has tried to ensure a baseline of services to all students by partnering with three local PBS stations one of which it owns to run educational programming daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PBS, which has a library of educational programs, from documentaries to kids' science programs, is tailoring each of the channels to serve either elementary, middle or high school students. High school students let out of class early in Los Angeles on Friday. The city announced that day it was closing its schools due to the coronavirus outbreak. Austin Beutner, the superintendent in Los Angeles, said district curriculum experts have worked with PBS to stitch in prompts to the shows that give students ideas for what to think about as they watch. L.A. teachers also are connecting with students online via Zoom videoconferencing and other web-based tools. But those methods only work well for students who already have digital devices and internet access. That's not the reality for many students in the district, 80% of whom are low-income. Los Angeles is trying to provide both high-tech and low-tech solutions to reach all students with meaningful learning opportunities, Beutner said. But it's not a replacement for in-person schooling. "In these circumstances, our goal is to do the best we can," he said. Contributing: Olivia Krauth, Louisville Courier-Journal; John Wisely, Detroit Free Press; Max Londberg, Cincinnati Enquirer Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus online school: Can closed schools offer special education? As Congress tries to hash out a stimulus package potentially worth more than $1 trillion, Democrats are gearing up for a fight over whether direct payments to Americans struggling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic will be enough. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is among those arguing for expanded unemployment insurance as a source of relief. "A single $1,000 check would help someone pay their landlord in March but what happens after that?" the New York Democrat said on the chamber floor Wednesday. "A thousand dollars goes by pretty quickly if you're unemployed. In contrast, expanded unemployment insurance beefed-up unemployment insurance covers you for a much longer time and would provide a much bigger safety net." An aide for Schumer did not immediately answer whether the senator opposed to the concept of direct payments entirely, or just the form currently outlined. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a $100 billion coronavirus aid package into law. The measure includes provisions for emergency paid leave for workers as well as free testing for COVID-19. Congress is now racing to put together a much broader package that could to get relief into the hands of American businesses, workers and those who are sick or out of a job. A senior administration official told CNBC a bill could be released Thursday. As part of the administration's initial suggestions, the package could include two rounds of direct payments to taxpayers totaling $500 billion. Senate Republicans are still figuring out their own proposal, but some in the GOP, including Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, have already promoted the idea of direct payments. The debate over direct checks and unemployment insurance comes as Congress must weigh the balance of extreme measures in extraordinary times against instituting new policy that could set a precedent historically opposed by their respective parties and backers. Some Republicans have historically opposed more government intervention, like unemployment aid. A debate over paid leave similarly divided Congress in the second round of legislation that just passed. Schumer told CNN on Wednesday night he has spoken with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin twice about the third bill. He previously criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for working only with the administration on the initial package proposal, excluding House and Senate Democrats. "I know some of the things they're interested in. Some of the things we're interested in. A lot of them overlap, and there are some things that we're going want," Schumer said of his conversation with Mnuchin. "The one thing I did tell him as well, though, if there are going to be some of these corporate bailouts, we need to make sure workers and labor come first. That people are not laid off. That people's salaries are not cut," Schumer said. "If these big companies, many of which did buybacks, the airlines I think did about [$45] billion of stock buybacks, they have to put their workers first if they're going to get this help." The administration is looking to set aside as part of its package $50 billion for the ailing airline industry, as well as $150 billion for "other distressed sectors." Trump has said the cruise and hotel industries are particularly feeling the pain. Trump himself owns a hotel and resort business. Beyond Schumer, other Democrats have already made clear they will push for concessions and protections for workers along with any corporate aid. An initial aid package to the airline industry after 9/11 controversially did not have protections for workers. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has proposed her own comprehensive bailout package, that would require any company taking federal money to maintain payroll for a period of time, and forbidding them from buying back stock permanently. CNBC's Eamon Javers contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 17) Airports in Luzon will stop all outbound international flights starting Friday after the government gave a 72-hour window to all those who wish to leave the country after heightened measures were put in place to control the spread of COVID-19. Under the guidelines crafted by the Inter-Agency Task Force and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte, "Outbound passengers intending to depart Philippines from any of the international airports in Luzon shall be allowed to travel for a period of 72 hours from effectivity of the enhanced community quarantine." The enhanced community quarantine over the entire island of Luzon took effect midnight Tuesday and is set to end on April 13. The air travel restrictions takes effect at 12 a.m. Friday. International passengers on their way to the Philippines who were already in transit upon the effectivity of the order will be allowed entry into the country. Following this announcement, the country's flag carrier Philippine Airlines said its international flight will operate only until midnight of March 20. AirAsia said it is canceling international flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport from March 20 until April 14. Budget airline Cebu Pacific also announced that all of its domestic and international flights will be cancelled from March 19 to April 14, in support of government regulations on COVID-19. The Gokongwei-led carrier added that it would still operate flights from Manila to Bangkok, Thailand; Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya in Japan; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Singapore; Taipei, Taiwan; and Bali, Indonesia until Wednesday. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport the country's main gateway, Clark International Airport, Subic Bay International Airport, and Bicol International Airport are all affected as they're located in Luzon. The Philippine government imposed strict home quarantine and tightened travel restrictions over the biggest island in the country as the number of cases of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 rises to 142 with majority of the cases recorded in Luzon. Who are allowed to travel? Under the recommendation, all inbound Filipino citizen, including their foreign spouse and children; holders of Permanent Resident Visa; and holders of Diplomat visas will be allowed to enter the country despite the travel restrictions. However, the Office for Transportation Security said they cannot be fetched by their loved ones from the airport as this is not considered essential travel. OTS Administrator Usec. Raul del Rosario said the Transportation Department is working to help bring them to their homes. "Meron pang P2P buses sa NAIA. Pwede ring maghatid sa mga darating na OFW papunta sa kanilang bahay ang accredited transport providers but will need approval from IATF," he said in a media briefing on Tuesday. [Translation: There are still point-to-point buses in NAIA. Accredited transport providers can also bring home the arriving OFWs, but this needs IATF's approval.] Before the Duterte administration expanded the community quarantine, domestic flights were barred from flying in and out of NAIA. Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran said separately that all passengers, regardless of nationality, would be allowed to leave the Philippines within the 72-hour leeway unless their flights have been cancelled. A senior superintendent of police in Kashmir on Thursday went into isolation after his mother-in-law was tested positive for coronavirus, with several of his colleagues and bureaucrats hailing the move. Imtiaz Ismail Parray, whose mother-in-law from Srinagar city, became the first positive case of coronavirus in the Valley on Wednesday, said although he had no direct contact with her after her return from Saudi Arabia, he was still going into isolation and urged people to leave nothing to chance. "Updating all well wishers...mother in law doing well at SKIMS. Rest of my family also following necessary protocol..Although no direct contact was made yet I am also going into isolation...urge all to leave nothing to chance and follow govt directives strictly," the SSP posted on Twitter. Parray's move was hailed by other police and civil officers of the union territory. "Proud of you @imtiazismailp sb (sahab)," District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Choudhary wrote. "The gentleman has certainly emerged as a torchbearer. More power to him and his tribe," Suneem Khan, who is a medical officer with the CRPF in Srinagar, said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Parcels containing prescription drugs are seized at a Northern Ireland parcel office during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Parcels containing prescription drugs are seized at a Northern Ireland parcel office during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Parcels containing prescription drugs are seized at a Northern Ireland parcel office during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) PSNI Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson with prescription drugs recovered during Operation Pangea on March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) An international anti-drug operation which took place in Northern Ireland earlier this month has saved lives according to the PSNI. Raids on properties across greater Belfast and Mid Ulster were part of Operation Pangea, an operation coordinated by Interpol to disrupt the online sale of illicit and counterfeit healthcare products. Launched in 2008, the operation has seen the arrests of more than 3,000 individuals globally, while removing more than 105 million units of illicit materials from circulation. The four searches carried out by PSNI officers resulted in the seizure of quantities of diazepam, pregabalin and the arrest of a 33-year-old male. Accompanied by the media on one raid, officers entered an empty property on Bray Street, in which a search for illicit medicines was conducted alongside a drug sniffer dog. Expand Close Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Officers from TSG carry out searches in the north Belfast area during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Speaking afterwards in front of a cache of seized products, Detective Inspector David Henderson stressed the importance of such operations in taking illegal goods off the street. Our drug deaths figures from 2018 were up 39% on the previous year. In 40% of these deaths, present at these were diazepam tablets, he said. Also behind me you will see some pregabalin. It was involved in 28.6% of drugs related deaths in 2018, with a total of 54 deaths having pregabalin present. Expand Close Prescription drugs recovered during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prescription drugs recovered during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) This figure was up from just nine deaths having pregabalin present in 2016 and this shows you the rise in the problem we are having at present with prescription drugs in Northern Ireland. Operation Pangea is an international operation which targets illicit drugs which are bought through the internet. This can be in bulk, by persons who are drug suppliers in Northern Ireland and organised criminals who make their money from the supply of these illicit drugs, or an individual who buys them for personal use. A lot of these (unregulated) drugs are counterfeit and you really do not know what you are taking when you take one of these pills. There could be anything in them, from rat poison to mercury or anything worse than that. They can seriously damage your health, as our drug related death figures show. All we can hope to do is restrict the supply but we cant stop it completely. DI Henderson With the number of drug seizures and arrests in NI continuing to rise in the last decade, DI Henderson stressed that it was important the fight against this problem was a coordinated one. We have to be honest with ourselves that law enforcement on its own will not cure the drug problem in Northern Ireland, he added. All we can hope to do is restrict the supply but we cant stop it completely. What we also have to do is try to suppress demand and to get involved with the likes of the Department of Health in measures to try and dampen demand and cure this problem in the longer term. Expand Close Parcels containing prescription drugs are seized at a Northern Ireland parcel office during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Parcels containing prescription drugs are seized at a Northern Ireland parcel office during Operation Pangea in March 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) People have the misconception that drug deaths only involve illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine and that is totally wrong. Although this is a week long operation, we are actively targeting drug dealing and supply 365 days of the year. If you are in possession of large amounts for supply, as well as criminal assets, these will be seized off you along with your assets and this could ultimately result in a custodial sentence for you. Finally, DI Henderson made an appeal for the public to work with the PSNI in tackling this problem. If they know a relative or friend who is misusing drugs of any kind they should do all they can to encourage that person to seek help to get themselves away from misusing drugs, he said. Taking short cuts and using these medicines could expose you to a dangerous counterfeit or substandard medicine. Robin Swann Health Minister Robin Swann added: Now more than ever people may be looking to the internet to source medicines and I would urge the public not to be misled by professional looking websites offering medicines without a prescription. "Taking short cuts and using these medicines could expose you to a dangerous counterfeit or substandard medicine, people are often unaware of the potentially fatal consequences of taking these unprescribed medicines and drugs. This problem is not something we can tackle in isolation and it is through inter-agency collaboration with our colleagues in Police, Border Force and Department of Justice that we can tackle the problem of illegal medicines entering our communities. Operation Pangea has shown that the illicit medicines recovered were destined for addresses throughout Northern Ireland leaving none of our communities immune from the dangers presented by drugs like these. Anyone with information which could lead to the arrest of persons involved in selling these drugs, or the seizure of some drugs, should phone 101, alternatively the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. HANOVER TWP., MI A home invasion suspect was identified and arrested after police said they found several personal items of his left at the scene of the crime. Police were called at 8:34 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, to a residence on Weeks Road in Hanover Township for a reported home invasion, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. A 911 caller reported someone had broken into the residence and left with several items in an unknown direction, police said. Police were able to identify the break-in suspect, a 23-year-old Jonesville man, after finding several personal items of his left at the scene, police said. One of the items was a coat that had identifying information in it, Jackson County Undersheriff Chris Kuhl said. Deputies relayed the identifying information to area law enforcement agencies and a short time later a Michigan State Police trooper found the man in a vehicle near Jerome Road in Hillsdale County, police said. The man was arrested after officers found him in possession of the items reported missing from the Hanover Township home, police said. The man was taken to the Jackson County Jail to await charges of second-degree home invasion. More news from the Jackson Citizen Patriot: Michigan AG accuses Hillsdale man of coronavirus price gouging on eBay Include your pets in coronavirus preparedness, Jackson animal shelters say American 1 Credit Union closes 11 branch lobbies amid coronavirus outbreak Supermarkets have been packed with people buying in bulk, and restaurants have been ordered to halt dine-in services due to coronavirus, so leaving the house to get groceries or food is complicated. There are, however, food delivery services, either through stores, apps or online-delivery platforms that are still taking orders. Heres a list of stores and online-delivery platforms that are still offering food delivery: Amazon Fresh (Ross. D. Franklin | AP Photo)AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File Find deals on produce, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, frozen foods, packaged foods, Whole Foods 365 products and household items by shopping with Amazons grocery service. Prime Now and Prime Pantry also offer food delivery at select locations. To shop and get free grocery delivery, you must be a Prime member. Amazon has announced inventory and delivery may be temporarily unavailable due to high demand, so make sure to confirm availability at checkout. Blue Apron Like cooking, but dont want to deal with a grocery store order? Blue Apron, a food delivery service that ships all ingredients needed for recipes, is still delivering. You can find a weekly menu here. Door Dash This online and mobile delivery service is now offering no-contact delivery, which you can request in the delivery instructions. The company also announced gloves and hand sanitizer are now being distributed to its employees for extra precaution. FreshDirect The grocery delivery service ships to the following counties: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union. goPuff This snack and pantry essentials delivery service is now offering Non-Contact Delivery, where you provide additional instructions for your delivery driver at checkout. This service is currently only available in New Brunswick. GrubHub (Mark Lennihan | AP Photo)AP The online and mobile food-ordering service is still offering delivery for restaurants, both big and small. Instacart With Instacart, you can shop Acme, ALDI, BJs, Costco, CVS, Foodtown, H Mart, Petco, Sams Club, ShopRite, Target and Wegmans products depending on your location. Based on the increased demand, Instacart now has Leave at My Door Delivery available to all customers. There have, however, been some outages recently, so be sure to check the service is functional before ordering. Peapod Operated by Stop & Shop, Peapod delivers most grocery store items. Select locations even deliver alcohol. Stop & Shop announced customers can now request an unattended delivery, which means the delivery driver will ring your door bell, drop your order at your doorstep, then depart. This can be requested under special instructions at checkout or by e-mailing Peapod. You can also place an order on behalf of someone with the contact-free delivery option. You will be notified by text or email when the driver arrives, and they will leave the bags on the doorstep or building entry. Due to extremely high demand lately, delivery times and website load time may be delayed, so be sure to check the service is functional before ordering. Postmates This service delivers food from various restaurants like Applebees, Carrabbas Italian Grill and Au Bon Pain depending on location. All of Postmates merchants can be found here. To see if your town is eligible for delivery, go here. Seamless The popular food-delivery service is still taking orders, and announced its suspending commissions they take from restaurants at this time. Shipt Shipt is a membership-based grocery marketplace, both online and through an app. Food and essentials can be delivered from stores like Acme, CVS, Petco and Target, depending on location. An annual plan costs $8.25/month and a monthly plans costs $14. To sign up, click here. ShopRite (NJ Advance Media)NJ.com file photo ShopRite has implemented drop at your door service for all delivery orders. The delivery driver will call or text you when they are on their way, and your groceries will be left at your door unattended. Orders that exceed item limits will be modified. All limited items can be found here. Uber Eats Uber Eats is still offering delivery from tons of local restaurants and chains like KFC, McDonalds and Popeyes. Click here to see which restaurants are offering delivery near you. Users can now request deliveries to be left on doorsteps. The company announced Monday it shared CDC guidance to restaurants to ensure all orders are sealed in tamper-evident packaging. Uber Eats has also waived delivery fees for more than 100,000 independent restaurants across United States and Canada due to the coronavirus outbreak. Walmart Walmarts grocery service currently delivers to 19 towns in New Jersey. The company also announced store managers have been authorized to manage inventory, including the discretion to limit sales quantities on items that have been in unusually high demand due to the coronavirus outbreak. Whole Foods The Amazon-owned grocer announced it is working to expand capacity to service more Prime Members with free, two-hour grocery delivery and door drop service from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market in more than 2,000 cities and towns. Nicolette Accardi can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Burger King offering free kids meals during coronavirus pandemic Want to help Onondaga County neighbors get through coronavirus? 'Please donate to this one fund Workers who self-quarantine for coronavirus can sue employer if theyre fired, law professor says Cops break up 2 large weddings for defying coronavirus rules Coronavirus: Stocks fall another 5%; investors dash for cash amid recession fears For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here. The owners of a restaurant in San Francisco's Noe Valley have started serving take-out meals for $5.50 (cash only) as city residents are ordered to shelter-in-place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hasim Zecic and Senijad Felic of Bistro SF Grill at 1305 Castro St. served a mushroom paella and rosemary chicken on Tuesday night and a tri-tip with mashed potatoes and vegetables on Wednesday. The meals are fresh and healthful and a bargain when you consider it's difficult to find a meal that costs under $10 in high-priced S.F. "Its for everybody and everyone is welcome, but its especially helpful for seniors," Zecic said. "If you know a neighbor who cant go to the store and cant cook, this is something they can afford." Zecic said that in addition to offering affordable food to the community, he and Felic are trying to keep their staff employed. "We have three full-time employees and the two of us working here too," Zecic said. "It's $7,500 a month for rent and about $40,000 a month for payroll, not calculating payroll taxes. We have to cut our employees' hours and want to keep them as busy as we can. The more people who buy food, the more hours they can work. We have a little savings. We had to reach for that and I hope we cover our employees." Zecic and Felic met in college in Zagreb, Croatia's northwestern capital, in the late-1980s. Zecic studied chemistry and Felic biochemistry. After graduating, Zecic worked in Bosnia, but he was forced to leave during the Yugoslav War and became a war refugee. "You learned that during the war hardship gets you together," Zecic said. "It offers an opportunity for all of us to do something more and give back to the community. It was a tough time. I lost my mother. I lost a lot of neighbors and friends. There was a genocide in my city of Bosnia." Zecic lived in Germany after the war and eventually moved to the United States. On a visit to the Napa Valley, he randomly bumped into his long-lost friend Felic at the Grgich Hills Estate winery. "A guy asked where I was from and I said Bosnia and he said you have to meet my friend,"he said. "My friend walked out from behind wine barrels. Thats how we met again. At that time we didnt have Facebook." One thing led to another, and the two opened a restaurant on Divisadero in 2010 and four years ago they moved to a new location in Noe Valley. When the coronavirus crisis hit, these two knew immediately what to do and they came up with a plan for putting together a to-go service at lunch and dinner. Under a shelter-in-place order that went into effect in the city Monday at midnight, all restaurants must close unless they can offer take-out. At Tuesday dinner, they served 100 meals and on Wednesday, they were preparing for 300. "Every tragedy and crisis get us people together in a profoundly touching way," Zecic said. "The friends I made as a war refugee are friends for life. This is just another moment to be there for each other. There are many people doing great things these days." "We just started our project, and donations are welcomed to keep our project reaching more in need of fresh delicious food to sustain an immune system," Felic added. Meals in future days will include oven-baked tofu with vegetables, chicken paella, salmon Dijon with mashed potatoes, and vegetables and mushroom polenta. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. SFGATE wants to capture random acts of kindness happening around the Bay Area during this difficult time. If you learn about a service or individual helping the community, please send an email to agraff@sfgate.com. We'd also love to hear about things that are bringing you joy. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here. Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com. By PTI NEW DELHI: SpiceJet has announced that it was "forced" to suspend the majority of its international flight operations from Saturday till the end of the next month due to the "unprecedented situation" arising over the novel coronavirus pandemic. Major airlines across the world have been curtailing their flight operations drastically as the aviation industry has been hit hard after many countries, including India, have partially sealed their borders amid the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES HERE "In view of the unprecedented situation arising due to COVID-19, SpiceJet is forced to temporarily suspend the majority of its international operations from 21st March till 30th April 2020," a SpiceJet spokesperson stated on Thursday. "We will resume the suspended flights as soon as the situation normalises." The spokesperson, however, said the airline's Kolkata-Dhaka flight would continue to operate as per schedule. ALSO READ: IndiGo announces pay cut for senior employees, CEO takes 25 per cent cut "Our Chennai-Colombo flight will restart from the 25th March 2020, while our Delhi-Dubai and Mumbai-Dubai flights will resume from 16th April 2020," the official added. With the Israeli government enacting a series of emergency measures to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing accusations that he is exploiting the crisis to entrench himself in power and undermining the country's democratic foundations. Amid a wave of sweeping restrictions that have put Israel in near shutdown mode, Netanyahu has managed to postpone his own pending criminal trial, authorize unprecedented electronic surveillance of Israeli citizens and block parliament from pressing ahead with legislation aimed at pushing him from office. The moves, on the heels of the country's third inconclusive election in less than a year and under the shadow of Netanyahu's corruption indictment, sparked leading opposition figure Yair Lapid to tell Israeli citizens that they no longer live in a democracy. There is no judicial branch in Israel. There is no legislative branch in Israel. There is only an unelected government that is headed by a person who lost the election. You can call that by a lot of names, it isn't a democracy, he said in a recorded video. The new coronavirus has spread to more than 100 countries, infected more than 217,000 people worldwide and killed more than 8,700. For most people, it causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. Israeli health officials have diagnosed over 400 coronavirus cases, roughly a quarter of them detected in the last 24 hours. With the numbers quickly rising, authorities have issued a series of tough guidelines that have brought the country to a standstill. People have been instructed to stay home, tens of thousands are in home quarantine and foreigners have been banned from entering the country. Most controversially, the Israeli government instructed the shadowy Shin Bet internal security service to start deploying the agency's phone surveillance technology to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus in Israel by tracking the moves of the infected. Israel uses phone surveillance in the occupied Palestinian territories, saying it's an important tool to prevent attacks on Israelis, but critics say it's also aimed at maintaining tight control. The step has sparked widespread criticism from lawmakers and civil rights groups. Opponents planned to file a Supreme Court challenge on Thursday. Many of the measures are not unique to Israel. In neighboring Jordan, King Abdullah II has shut the country's court system and parliament to control the spread of the virus. Abdullah, who is not elected, appears to have won wide public support for his handling of the crisis. The British government plans to introduce a bill in Parliament on Thursday that will give authorities stronger powers to respond to the pandemic. Many of these are relatively uncontroversial like allowing retired doctors to return to work without taking a hit on their pensions. But critics have raised questions about some proposals, including a move to give police and immigration officers powers to detain people and put them in appropriate isolation facilities if necessary to protect public health. The emergency legislation is due to have a two-year time limit, but opposition lawmakers want a shorter cut-off date. Like Abdullah, Netanyahu has thrived in the crisis, delivering stern televised addresses to the nation each evening. Presenting himself as the responsible adult steering the country through an unprecedented crisis, he has defended the tough steps, including the electronic surveillance, as measures that he has reluctantly been forced to impose to save lives while his opponents are focused on petty In a televised interview Wednesday, Netanyahu said that during his 11 years as prime minister, he had previously always refused to use surveillance normally used to hunt down wanted Palestinian militant on Israeli citizens. He said there would be maximum oversight to protect privacy concerns. The last thing I will do is harm democracy, he said. The liberal Haaretz daily responded Wednesday with a lead editorial titled An Epidemic of Surveillance. Under the cover of the battle against the spread of the coronavirus, Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concentrating more and more power in his hands, with neither balances nor supervision, it wrote. At this time of emergency, and in order to keep from sliding down the slippery slope, it is critical to maintain proportionality and oversight. Following the March 2 election, Netanyahu has the support of only 58 lawmakers, leaving him three short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Sixty-one lawmakers have come out in support of his opponent, Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz, while one refuses to endorse either side. Backed by a narrow majority, Gantz, a former military chief, was tasked by Israel's president this week to try to form a new government. In the meantime, Netanyahu has used a series of executive orders and other tactics to push forward his agenda while preventing parliament from convening. The phone-surveillance plan was approved by the Cabinet in the middle of the night, without the traditional parliamentary oversight that is customary for such decisions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Greece's migration ministry on Wednesday announced new restrictions to the movement of asylum-seekers in island camps to keep out the new coronavirus, and accelerated work on new closed facilities. "As of today, the movement of island camp residents will be drastically reduced," Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi said in a statement. The ministry said that for the next 30 days, the movement of camp residents to nearby communities would be restricted to "small groups" between 7am and 7pm. "These groups can only include one person per family," the ministry said, adding that the movements would be on "controlled" public transport and regulated by police. "Wherever possible, supply will be conducted via phone order," the ministry said. Specialised medical teams were being deployed to the camps and virus isolation areas would be created, authorities said. On Tuesday, Greek authorities said camp access to outside visitors would be barred for two weeks, excepting only authorised staff. "Visits (to camps) by individuals and organisations are suspended for at least 14 days," the migration ministry said. - Compulsory temperature check - "Entry will be allowed only to staff and there will be a compulsory temperature check for new arrivals," it said. Greece has progressively tightened restrictions on trade and public gatherings, with the national death toll from the virus now at five with 387 cases. There are tens of thousands of asylum seekers in camps on the Greek mainland and islands near Turkey, and most of them are badly overcrowded. Hundreds more arrived this month after Turkey announced it would no longer stop people from attempting to reach the EU -- going against a deal reached with the bloc in 2016 -- leading to days of chaos at the Greek border. The ministry on Wednesday said no new arrivals after March 1 would be allowed in existing camps as a health precaution. In a statement to mark four years since the deal on Tuesday, the Greek Council for Refugees and Oxfam said "suffering has reached unimaginable levels". The Greek migration ministry recently opened two camps on the mainland for hundreds of new arrivals on the islands from Turkey. On Wednesday, the ministry said efforts to build new closed camp facilities on the islands would redouble. Migration minister Notis Mitarachi said construction of a new camp on the island of Samos would "accelerate". And work to expand smaller camps on the islands of Kos and Leros would begin "immediately", the ministry said. The ministry did not mention the islands of Lesbos and Chios, where an attempt last month to begin work on new camps resulted in days of clashes with locals. Carol McGiffin has slammed 'disturbing' panic buying and claimed the UK has a 'false shortage' of goods because of 'mad' people stockpiling. The broadcaster, 60, from London, recently returned from a holiday in France and claimed on today's Loose Women, that despite the country's harsher restrictions surrounding the coronavirus, she considered staying there rather than coming home. She claimed that during her holiday she saw 'no panic buying' because Emmanuel Macron's government has reassured the public there will be a steady stream of goods. However, she later argued that the country's 'very restrictive rules' will make 'no difference' because many have already contracted the virus, and said the rules around isolation don't 'feel right'. Loose Women's Carol McGiffin (pictured) has slammed 'disturbing' panic buying and claimed the UK has a 'false shortage' of goods because of 'mad' people stockpiling 'It's so disturbing', said Carol. 'It almost made me not want to come back. But the fact is, this is where I live and work and this is where my family are. 'But coming back last night really was quite frightening. The airports were totally deserted, it was like the apocalypse already.' She claimed that the French government has reassured citizens there will be no shortage of food, to stop 'mad people' creating a 'false shortage' of goods. 'All the food shops were open,' said Carol. 'Where we were staying there was no panic buying because the government guaranteed there will be no shortage. She told how she recently returned from a holiday from France and despite the country's harsher restrictions surrounding the coronavirus, she considered staying there rather than coming home. 'The shortage is here, where mad people are still being mad, thinking they will never be able to get food creating a shortage. It's a false shortage.' However, she then went on to argue that France, which is only allowing essential places to stay open, has 'very restrictive' rules which she doesn't think will 'make much difference'. She said: 'In France it's much, much worse than it is here, so only essential places are open. It doesnt feel right. She claimed that during her holiday she saw 'no panic buying' because their government have reassured the public there will be a steady stream of goods However, she then went on to argue that France, which is only allowing essential places to stay open, has 'very restrictive' rules which she doesn't think will 'make much difference' 'To me I know you're not allowed to say it, Im not convinced its going to make much difference it feels very, very restrictive.' She went on to say that while she thinks the UK will 'follow suit', further restrictions 'won't do much good' because many have already contracted the virus. 'If you go out in France, you do have to carry a form with you to say why you're going out, said Carol. 'Police are stopping people and asking where you live, the punishment is a fine of 38, but if you don't pay it or you're further away than you're supposed to be is 120. 'I think we will follow suit, but its not going to do much good because people will still have the virus.' Warren County has two new cases of the coronavirus, putting the countys total at four among New Jerseys 700-plus COVID-19 patients. The new Warren County cases were announced in a county government news release late Thursday afternoon. They are a 74-year-old man from Phillipsburg who is hospitalized in the county, and a 73-year-old man from Hackettstown who is recovering at home after being treated at a Veterans Affairs hospital. Two previous county cases were known: A 56-year-old man from Mansfield Township was reported on Tuesday, and a 49-year-old man from Lopatcong Township was reported on Wednesday. Statewide, New Jersey has at least 742 known cases of the new coronavirus and nine people have died. Residents are urged to stay home whenever possible, avoid crowded places and large groups, wash their hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. If you may have been exposed or exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19 fever, cough and shortness of breath contact your healthcare provider. For more information on the coronavirus, consult your state health department at www.nj.gov/health and the CDC website. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. All 10,000 Tui staff have been told their pay could be cut by up to 50 per cent in response to the coronavirus crisis. The travel giant is facing 'acute challenges' amid the pandemic, but has pledged to maintain a minimum wage of almost 17,100. The company, which has been forced to suspend package holidays and cruises, said it was introducing measures to ensure the future of its business is protected. All 10,000 Tui staff have been told their pay could be cut by up to 50 per cent in response to the coronavirus crisis (pictured: file photo of Tui plane) From April, staff required to work will receive a 30 percent reduction in basic pay and contracted hours, while those working less than 50 percent, or not at all, will receive a 50 percent reduction. There will be no redundancies, other than already planned activity in retail and seasonal cabin crew who were recruited ready for the summer season, who are no longer required. Tui said the temporary changes will be difficult, but it pledged to maintain the minimum wage threshold of 17,098 in the UK. The firm has already announced a company-wide recruitment freeze and a restriction on all non-essential staff travel and training. In a letter to employees, Andrew Flintham, managing director of Tui UK and Ireland, said: 'The acute challenges faced by the travel industry, and now across the wider global economy, mean TUI, like many other companies, has to take significant and immediate action to adapt and protect our business during this temporary pause on movements.' He added: 'The travel industry is facing unprecedented pressure. We will continue to put the customer at the heart of what we do, and when they can holiday with us again we want to be in the best position to deliver the wide range of destinations and experiences we do today. Andrew Flintham, pictured, managing director of Tui UK and Ireland, said the 'acute challenges' faced by the travel industry mean Tui has to take 'significant and immediate action' 'It is therefore imperative that we make these difficult cost decisions and also look after our colleagues during such unprecedented uncertainty. 'Our airline and overseas teams continue to work around the clock to get people home from around the globe, even supporting customers who were not due to fly with us. 'Our customer teams have been helping in retail stores, on social media, through our contact centres, and employees from around the business have been welcoming home arrivals at airports. 'We are a fantastic business and we look forward to taking people on holiday again soon.' Tui UK and Ireland has more than 10,000 employees and serves over six million customers each year. As part of Tui Group, it is the business behind the Tui, First Choice, Marella Cruises and Crystal Ski Holidays brands, as well as Tui Lakes & Mountains, Tui Tours and Tui River Cruises. Colloidal Gold demonstrated 90.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity in Chinese clinical trial Provides results in two to 10 minutes at the point of care using blood from a finger prick CE Mark and Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval have been received; Todos will pursue U.S. FDA approval REHOVOT, Israel and NEW YORK, NY, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE --Todos Medical Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF), a pre-commercial stage in-vitro diagnostics company focused on the development of blood tests for the early detection of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, today announced it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for the United States and Israel (the Distribution Agreement) with Gibraltar Brothers & Associates, LLC, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Shanghai Liangrun Biomedicine Technology Co. (Shanghai), for its proprietary colloidal gold immunochromatography test (Colloidal Gold). Colloidal Gold has been approved as a diagnostic test for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China by the NMPA (formerly the China FDA) and in Europe under a CE Mark. Todos will be responsible for obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and plans to do so under the Emergency Use Authorization Program. Shanghai has shipped test kits for validation by Todos. During the four-week validation process, Todos intends to place its first purchase order based upon the market demand identified. Shanghai currently has 500,000 Colloidal Gold test kits in stock, and has indicated to Todos that it can manufacture up to 300,000 test kits per day to help meet the demand in the U.S., given that demand for test kits in China has begun to decline. COLLOIDAL GOLD NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) TEST KIT VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqkqUkZljFs&feature=youtu.be The Colloidal Gold point-of-care (POC) test kit uses a drop of blood from a finger prick to test for antibodies to COVID-19. The test kit contains a detection kit, a lancet, a disinfectant wipe, a micropipette, a cotton ball and the reagent. The kit comes in a sealed plastic bag and includes instructions; the only thing not included is a timer. This is a rapid test that takes between two and 10 minutes to obtain results, compared with the nasal swab test currently in widespread use that takes two to three days for results. Im pleased to see Todos take on the task of bringing additional COVID-19 testing capacity into the United States, where we expect significant demand in the coming months as we grapple with the international pandemic, said Jorge Leon, Ph.D., Chief Medical Advisor to Todos. The IgM antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus appears at days 5-6 after infection showing recent exposure to the virus, and lasts for up to three weeks, therefore it is an important test to increase the window of diagnostic sensitivity of true positive cases since the molecular test (nucleic acid test), despite being the gold standard, is not always positive in some patients during the early course of infection. The IgG antibody response peaks at day 21 and lasts for years, indicating the patient was infected with the virus. The Colloidal Gold IgM/IgG tests has become a very important test in the coronavirus testing paradigm, and we will be working to validate the assay here in the United States in the coming weeks in preparation for commercial launch under CLIA and parallel interactions with U.S. federal authorities to expedite its path to FDA approval using the recently enacted Emergency Use Authorization Program. Because Colloidal Gold tests for antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), instead of testing for the virus itself, this test will be different and complementary to the nucleic acid test Todos will be validating in parallel. Validating and making available the Colloidal Gold and lab-based molecular testing together or in parallel has the potential to create a new paradigm in the screening for COVID-19 that we believe may allow for EUA from US FDA for Colloidal Gold POC test kit. Todos and Provista Diagnostics, Inc. have agreed to use Provistas lab in Alpharetta, Georgia to conduct the validation required to launch the test in the U.S. under CLIA. Todos entered into an exclusive option to acquire Provista, and this transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020. All COVID-19 testing inquiries should be directed via email to covidtesting@provistadx.com. Rao Mulpuri, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer of Provista, commented, We are very pleased to help validate and ultimately offer this new, more comprehensive testing paradigm to meet the needs of our country during this COVID-19 crisis. In these extraordinary times, the value of widespread medical testing has become clearer than ever. We are proud to use our business development expertise to identify multiple solutions that together have the potential to significantly increase testing accuracy and capacity in the U.S. by screening large numbers of patients in places where traditional lab testing methods may not be able to meet the demand, said Gerald Commissiong, President & CEO of Todos Medical. The concept behind a rapid test is to triage and quarantine the patient as quickly as possible after detection, he added. This test can be done at a doctors office or in a clinic by a nurse practitioner, but we are particularly focused on nursing homes and senior care centers. These locations typically house seniors with underlying medical conditions that make them the most at-risk population due to lack of mobility. Through testing we believe communities can quickly identify infections earlier and limit a groups overall exposure to COVID-19, which is particularly deadly in this demographic. There are more than 65 million Americans over the age of 65, and this is one of the most at-risk populations for whom we must ensure early detection. We also are looking to ensure solutions for various government organizations, self-insured employers, small businesses as well as other groups who need access to testing. Clinical Results from Clinical Trial in Wuhan, China All samples were tested using the Colloidal Gold diagnostic device, and the results were compared to RT-PCR or clinical diagnosis (including chest Computed Tomography and clinical signs and symptoms) of Novel Coronavirus. Colloidal Gold was evaluated with 188 blood samples obtained from clinically confirmed COVID-19 patients from multiple Chinese Hospitals and the Chinese CDC laboratories (positive), as well as 182 non-SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (negative). The results were: Sensitivity (positive): 90.43% (170/182) Specificity (negative): 100% (182/182) About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can lead to respiratory illness, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses can be transmitted between animals and people and evolve into strains not previously identified in humans. On January 7, 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China, and additional cases have been found in a growing number of countries. COVID-19 is the disease caused SARS-CoV-2. About Todos Medical Ltd. Todos Medical Ltd. is an in-vitro diagnostic company engaged in the development of blood tests for the early detection of a variety of cancers, and also has initiated the development of blood tests for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease through Breakthrough Diagnostics, Inc., its joint venture with Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. Todos has developed two cancer screening tests based on TBIA (Todos Biochemical Infrared Analyses), a method for cancer screening using peripheral blood analysis. The TBIA screening method is based on the cancers influence on the immune system, which triggers biochemical changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma. This proprietary and patented method incorporates biochemistry, physics and signal processing. The companys two cancer screening tests, TM-B1 and TM-B2, have received the CE mark. Todos owns 19.99% of Breakthrough Diagnostics, Inc., a joint venture with Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTCPK:AMBS) that is developing the LymPro Test, a blood test for diagnosing Alzheimers disease. Todos has exercised its option to acquire Breakthrough and expects to close on that transaction in the first half of 2020. Todos has also entered into an exclusive option to acquire breast cancer blood testing company Provista Diagnostics, Inc. that is commercializing the Videssa breast cancer blood test. Todos has entered into a non-excusive distribution agreement with 3DMedicine Science & Technology Co (3DMed), a China-based cancer precision medicine company, for distribution in the US and Israel of 3DMeds ANDiS SARS-CoV-2 Detection Kit (COVID), ANDiS SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B Detection Kit (COVID/Flu) and its proprietary ANDiS350 3DMed Automated Solution countertop real-time PCR machine (3D Machine). 3DMeds COVID, COVID/Flu and 3D Machine have received a CE Mark in Europe. 3D Machine also has received approval from the Chinese FDA. 3DMed is currently engaged in discussions with the FDA regarding approval of its products. Additionally, Todos has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Gibraltar Brothers & Associates, LLC, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Shanghai Liangrun Biomedicine Technology Co. (Shanghai), for its proprietary colloidal gold immunochromatography test (Colloidal Gold) Rapid Test for the novel coronavirus that can deliver test results in two to 10 minutes at point of care. Colloidal Gold has been approved as a diagnostic test for COVID-19 in China by the NMPA (formerly the China FDA) and in Europe under a CE Mark. Todos will be responsible for obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. For more information, the content of which is not part of this press release, please visit http://www.todosmedical.com Forward-looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. For example, forward-looking statements are used when discussing our expected clinical development programs and clinical trials. These forward-looking statements are based only on current expectations of management, and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection for product candidates; competition from other biotechnology companies; and our ability to obtain additional funding required to conduct our research, development and commercialization activities. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; delays or obstacles in launching our clinical trials; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; lack of validation of our technology as we progress further and lack of acceptance of our methods by the scientific community; inability to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties that may develop with our process; greater cost of final product than anticipated; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition; and laboratory results that do not translate to equally good results in real settings, all of which could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Todos Medical does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Todos Medical, please refer to its reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investor and Corporate Contact: Kim Sutton Golodetz LHA Investor Relations Senior Vice President (212) 838-3777 kgolodetz@lhai.com Corporate Contact Daniel Hirsch Todos Medical Investor Relations Email: Dan.h@todosmedical.com Phone: (347) 699-0029 The State Police are preparing contingency plans should troopers contract the coronavirus. None has tested positive so far, a spokesperson said. Read more This story was produced as part of a joint effort among Spotlight PA, LNP Media Group, PennLive, PA Post, and WITF to cover how Pennsylvania state government is responding to the coronavirus. Sign up for Spotlight PAs newsletter. HARRISBURG Police officers across Pennsylvania are grappling with how to best protect their communities while at the same time protecting themselves, with many limiting contact with those reporting crimes, cutting outreach programs and even forestalling arrests. Local departments and the State Police are also drawing up plans for what happens if the virus spreads among their ranks and creates an officer shortage. Regardless of what happens, we're going to be providing service, Scranton Police Department Chief Carl Graziano said. But the level of that service, the intensity of that service, is going to depend on where this goes. And nobody knows at this time how far this is going to go. State health officials Thursday reported 185 confirmed cases in 22 of 67 counties, with most cases largely clustered in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. The day before, officials announced the states first death, a 55-year-old man from Northampton County. Because of a lack of testing and other factors, however, experts say the virus is likely more widespread than case counts currently suggest. In Scranton, police are telling residents to file reports of minor crimes not in progress through an online portal rather than in person at a station. The department barred public access to its lobbies for all non-emergencies or other needs such as records, permits or payments. Internally, the department has ditched roll-calls beginning-of-shift meetings with up to 25 people in a room and instead is relaying information to officers electronically, Graziano said. There's a lot more uncertainty with something like this, he said. You don't know. You can take precautions, but it's not like you can go out and arrest a bad guy and stop a problem. That's not going to stop this. Other departments are taking similar measures. In Erie, police now take reports of almost all minor crimes such as theft or criminal mischief over the phone and dispatch officers for a follow-up only if necessary. The department also stocked up on extra cleaning supplies to beat back the spread of the virus, and is in regular contact with the local health department and other officials. I don't think we've faced this kind of situation in the past, Police Chief Daniel Spizarny said. We're telling everybody to look for issues and think about what we may have coming. Let's talk about plans to adjust and prepare. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Police Department said it is scaling back arrests for non-violent crimes. In most cases, investigators will now temporarily detain suspects for processing and arrest them at a later date. READ MORE: Unemployment claims in Pa. and N.J. surge in wake of the coronavirus The department also said it has reassigned plain-clothes officers, put a temporary stop on all nonessential training, and halted its Live Stop vehicle impoundment program. Departments are also creating contingency plans should the virus sideline their own. "Officers are in a high risk for infection due to the nature of policing, and there's a good chance that a considerable portion of any agency can be affected by it and be quarantined, said Graziano, the Scranton chief. So there has to be a plan in place as to how do we continue to provide emergency services when our people are also affected by quarantines or hospitalized?" Earlier this month, the department developed a response plan should its available personnel drop below 40% because of quarantines or infection. It declined to provide details of the plan, citing safety concerns. The State Police has set up an Incident Command System to lead the agencys coronavirus response, including what would happen if staffing shortages arose from the virus. That may include assigning troopers to shorthanded stations or to specialty positions, or changing response protocol for non-emergency calls, spokesperson Ryan Tarkowski said. As of Thursday afternoon, none of the more than 4,200 troopers had tested positive for the coronavirus, the agency said. Agencies are also widely canceling any community roles they served, including neighborhood watch units, community group meetings, and after-school programs. If people have issues or problems, obviously our phones and email are still working, said Spizarny, the Erie chief. We're still here, but we're avoiding any face to face contacts if at all possible." That dynamic is a total reversal of how policing was done, even a week ago really, Graziano said. When youre dealing with something that's known to have a criminal element or a certain particular trend in crime, those are things you're trained to do, he said. But when you're talking about a pandemic, it's almost like stopping the wind. Where does it end? Law enforcement agencies said they have not yet been involved in enforcing Gov. Tom Wolfs two-week shutdown of all nonessential businesses. Wolf said he expected businesses to comply voluntarily, though administration officials said this week that could change. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced Wednesday that any licensees not complying with carry-out-only directive for good and alcohol could be subject to citations, suspensions and potential closure. A spokesperson for the State Police said no citations had been issued as of Thursday afternoon. A State Police spokesperson said troopers performing spot checks throughout the state found that up to 95 percent of businesses subject to the order were in compliance, and they issued warnings to those who were not. No citations have been issued, the spokesperson said. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA provides its journalism at no cost to newsrooms across the state as a public good to keep our communities informed and thriving. If you value this service, please give a gift today at spotlightpa.org/donate. The University of Technology Sydney has deferred capital works and frozen recruitment to preserve cash amid the coronavirus pandemic, while it increases investment in measures that can bring teaching in line with social distancing. Vice-Chancellor Attila Brungs wrote to staff on Thursday, announcing the university would "take some more extensive actions" to safeguard itself against up to $100 million losses brought about by the pandemic. These also include a freeze on all non-critical travel, consulting and discretionary spending. The paused building projects include a $37 million extension of the podium at the front of UTS Tower in Ultimo. Credit:Wolter Peeters University finances were hit by the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, when Chinese students were unable to begin their studies due to travel bans. The University of Sydney froze spending to manage a $200 million shortfall. Credit: Virago is a landmark publishing house now, but in the early 70s it was a glint in the eye of its Australian founder Carmen Callil, who rode the wave of feminism and subverted the Leavis canon shed studied at Melbourne Uni, exclusively publishing women writers past and present in a way never done before. Lennie Goodings joined soon after and her account of life at the inkface the thrills, the camaraderie and tension between the sisters of the house, the authors, and the incarnations the company has gone through over the years vividly, and with immediacy, transports us from those poky London rooms where the mouse that roared, was born, into the realpolitik of international publishing. Woven into this is Goodings' own life and the delights of working with authors such as Margaret Atwood, Lyndall Gordon and Sarah Waters. Prosecco Luigi Bolzon Alma Books, $34.99 Credit: Prosecco named after the northern Italian village - may be ubiquitous now, a sort of everymans champagne, but it wasnt always the case. Luigi Bolzons description of how the change came about is a history of the wine and an oral history documenting Italian presence in Britain. When their cuisine came with them, so did Prosecco all brought to life through a vivid series of portraits of immigrants, such as wine merchant Alessandro Marcheson, recalling childhood Saturdays with his father and uncle at the local winery filling up their demi-johns. But as much as the emergence of Prosecco was a cultural import, it was also determinedly marketed by London restaurants and key wine-making families. Told with a sparkle and passion that makes you want to pop the cork and sample. A Dog Called Harry Jill Baker Hachette, $32.99 Credit: The last words Jill Bakers husband said to her, before she drove out of their farm to Melbourne where she worked as a newspaper editor, were Mind those kangaroos. The next time she saw him he was dead on the bedroom floor. Soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Still deep in grief she was plunged into operations, chemo and radiation. With key events such as this her memoir could have been a harrowing, sad tale and there is pain and struggle. But in the end its a tale of triumph, Baker rescued from despair by a dog, Harry. This dog doesnt just eat its way through everything dinner, shoes and undies it galumphs into her heart, so that by the end she can proclaim to her GP that she has fallen in love, with life and the dog. With humour, wit and no trace of indulgence, Baker captures the shock and sorrow of recovery, all aided by the most unlikely of heroes. Fiction PICK OF THE WEEK The Operator Gretchen Berg Hachette, $32.99 Credit: In the little town of Wooster, Ohio, its 1952 and Vivian is an operator at the telephone exchange, where all calls must be connected by the operator and there is nothing to stop her listening in on the ensuing conversation. Vivian does this a lot. For in Wooster, gossip is currency, and gossip is power. And if, like Vivian, you are only halfway up Woosters social ladder, then you take whatever power you can get. For how else would you deal with Betty, another gossip but a social queen, daughter of one of Woosters most powerful men? Much of this novel is told from inside the minds of the main characters, which makes it a hilarious read but also a serious exploration of the way class structures work, and of the conventions and constrictions of the 1950s especially for women, for Americans, and for the citizens of little towns. Elephants With Headlights Bem Le Hunte Transit Lounge, $29.99 Credit: This is a tale of two families, told with a light-heartedness and a dusting of magical realism that belie the weighty issues with which the novel deals, especially the clash of cultures involved when young Neel from Delhi falls in love with Aussie Mae from Byron Bay. Neel and his sister Savitri are both in conflict with their parents, who want them to stick with traditional Indian social and cultural practices. But then their father Siddarth, transformed by a lesson in meditation that results in a spectacular form of empathy, starts to come around. The path of true love is blocked by a brief but significant cultural clash, and the rest of the story is a Shakespearean narrative following the fortunes of two closely connected young couples. This novel covers a lot of ground with a light foot, examining clashes between cultures, countries, genders and generations. The River Home Hannah Richell Hachette, $29.99 Credit: In the history of storytelling, the idea of three sisters is always a powerful one. Everything from Cinderella to King Lear forms a ready-made hinterland of meaning. Unlike these earlier stories, though, Hannah Richells novel doesnt idealise the youngest sister at the expense of the other two, though her story is still central to the plot. Margot, the youngest, has been semi-estranged from the family, especially her dreamy novelist mother Kit, for reasons nobody quite understands. Reunited in their childhood landscapes for the middle sister Lucys wedding, the sisters and their mother gradually rediscover each other. The greatest strength of this novel is in its characterisation, as layers are peeled away and each sister is revealed to be more complex and multifaceted than she appeared at first, and secrets small and large are revealed one by one. The Threads of Magic Alison Croggon Walker Books, $16.99 An airport security worker in Shanghai on Wednesday. (AFP/Getty Images) A woman who flew last week from Massachusetts to Los Angeles then to Beijing, where she tested positive for the new coronavirus is under investigation on allegations of concealing her symptoms and putting fellow travelers at risk of infection. The woman took fever-reducing medication before boarding a plane and lied to flight attendants, according to Beijing's disease control center and an Air China representative, who held a news conference on Monday. The woman, who was hospitalized and is receiving treatment, is under investigation for the crime of "impeding prevention of infectious diseases." According to Chinese law, she could face up to three years of imprisonment or detention with possible forced labor, or up to seven years of prison if there are "serious consequences." As the pandemic worsens around the world but slows in China, authorities in Beijing are tightening controls. All passengers arriving in Beijing from abroad, including Chinese nationals, are required to quarantine in government centers for 14 days. Shanghai and other cities have enacted similar measures for travelers from a growing list of high-risk countries with coronavirus outbreaks, including Iran, Italy, South Korea, France, Spain, Germany, England, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Holland, Denmark, Austria and the United States. In recent days, coronavirus infection cases in other countries have outnumbered new domestic infections. While Chinese diplomats and propaganda authorities have boasted in recent weeks of China's victory over the coronavirus and its superiority to other countries' responses, doctors and scientists warn that a resurgence of cases is possible as people return to work and others fly back home to China from abroad. "We need to be highly alert toward imported infection cases," Zhong Nanshan, a Chinese doctor and government advisor, said at a news conference in Guangzhou on Wednesday. "For this first wave of imported cases from highly affected countries, we should not just look at their symptoms; we should test them." Story continues On Monday, a joint statement on strengthening "border health and quarantine work" was issued by China's highest court, the prosecutor general and other officials. They identified six crimes tied to national health and quarantine measures, including refusal to implement quarantine measures (such as medical inspection and temperature monitoring), reporting false information on health declaration forms, hiding one's disease symptoms or refusing to accept customs health checks. Wang Jun, director-general of customs policies and regulations, said the crimes are serious threats to public health and safety. "Those who try to test their luck and evade customs and quarantine not only will bear the whole society's shaming and condemnation, but will also face the scourge of imprisonment," he said. At least 25 other people in China have been punished or investigated for concealing their symptoms of coronavirus infection or travel history. In Qinghai province, a man who took a train with his son from Wuhan to Xining but claimed they'd been home for the last 40 days tested positive for the coronavirus. Nine hundred others had to be quarantined as a result. He was sentenced to one year in prison. In Inner Mongolia, two women reportedly lied about having traveled back to China from Turkey via Abu Dhabi, then broke home quarantine and ate at several restaurants. They were charged with "impeding prevention of infectious diseases" and put under forced isolation and observation. In Henan, a man reportedly went to a hospital feeling unwell but concealed his travel to Wuhan. He later tested positive for the coronavirus. Eight medical workers had to be quarantined as a result and at least one close contact was also infected. He was sentenced to eight months in prison. The woman from Massachusetts, surnamed Li, reportedly began showing signs of the coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, after attending a "company meeting" in late February, Chinese authorities said. Li, 37, is suspected of having attended or been in close contact with attendees of a leadership conference hosted by Boston biotech company Biogen. The conference dates match the dates of Li's "company meeting" reported by health authorities. At least 104 coronavirus infection cases in Massachusetts have been linked to the Biogen conference. There were guests from Italy, where the death toll from the virus has surpassed 2,500, but there were no guests who had been to China, according to the Boston Globe. COVID-19 cases in Tennessee, North Carolina, Indiana, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Norway and suspected cases in Germany, Austria, and Argentina have been linked to the same conference. Biogen did not immediately respond to a request from The Times for confirmation of whether Li was a Biotech employee at the conference. On Tuesday, Beijing health authorities said that Li's husband, surnamed Hong, had also tested positive for the coronavirus. Hong, 37, is a university professor who also is originally from Chongqing and a longtime resident of Massachusetts. Nicole Liu of The Times' Beijing bureau contributed to this report. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has closed a public comment period concerning possible revisions to the states oil spill prevention and response regulations. Most members of the public urged conservation department officials to maintain the current levels of protections in the regulations, The Alaska Journal of Commerce reported Wednesday. Many questioned why the department would open the regulations to possible changes given the states reliance on marine resources and the lack of large fuel or oil spills in the state since the Exxon Valdez spilled 257,000 barrels of oil when the tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound in March 1989. The agency received comments from businesses, trade groups, community organizations, and residents during the 153-day comment period that ended March 16. Jason Brune, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, last fall said there was no plan to do away with oil spill prevention and response plans. But he said the department wanted to make sure the rules are not outdated. In an email to The Associated Press Wednesday, Brune said the comment period initially was scheduled to end in mid-January but was held open until mid-March at the request of interested parties. He said comments were shared online in the interests of having an open process. It is not our intent to roll back environmental protections and if the Department determines that there are changes to be made to the regulations, those will go through a fully transparent public process later this year that will include additional opportunity for the public to provide comment, Brune said. Local government officials emphasized a general desire for the department to uphold current levels of oil and gas industry oversight while suggesting some changes to clarify and strengthen existing regulatory code. City and tribal councils and assemblies from Cordova, Homer, Kodiak, Valdez, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and Kotzebue submitted resolutions against actions to ease the regulations. Oil and gas producers did not offer comments. Businesses in subsets of the industry such as fuel shippers, oilfield service companies and Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. offered comments about the regulations being too rigid, unclear or outdated. With the growing spread of the Coronavirus globally as well as in India, people have been glued to all sources of news to get the latest updates and information on Government advisories. Hindi News genre has seen a jump in market share as well as reach in the last two weeks, when the Covid-19 cases started emerging in India. As per BARC India data, the average weekly market share grew by 19.2 per cent from 3.2 per cent in Weeks 1 to 7 of 2020, to 3.8 per cent in Weeks 8-9. Average weekly reach was up at 242 minutes in Weeks 8-9, as compared to 231 minutes in Weeks 1-7, an increase of 4.8 per cent. Average weekly viewing minutes was also up at 32,508 million minutes, from 27,953 million minutes, a growth of 16.3 per cent. As per BARC data, in Week 9 of 2020, Aaj Tak continued to lead the Hindi News genre with a gross viewership of 123,507 [HSM (U+R) : NCCS All : 15+ Individuals]. Placed second was India TV with a gross viewership of 102,710, followed closely by Zee News at No. 3, which garnered a gross viewership of 100,538. News18 India was placed in the fourth spot with a gross viewership of 99,504, while Republic Bharat was in the fifth position with a gross viewership of 85,184. Industry experts believe that with the global Coronavirus spread and more and more people confined to their homes, the volume of television and news consumption will only increase in the coming days. Speaking on role of media in times of crisis, Abhay Ojha, President Sales & Marketing, News Nation Network, said, Awareness about any issue, especially health related issues, is very critical and of utmost importance. The role of media is not limited to just serving news on the political scenario, but inevitably it has to create awareness about a medical crisis, if any. Viewership spurt Ojha further said, It has been seen that the news genre grows during events and then drops. Till date we have seen viewership going high for mostly domestic events like Elections, Surgical Strikes, Pulwama attacks and the recent Trump visit. All these have an element of national dimension and are more state or city centric. The case of Covid-19 is neither city nor state specific, instead it is global and extremely critical. He felt that the news genre is expected to rise, but the viewers would be more of a floating audience, who would come in for news updates but the time spent might not be that much, as the event is gradual and not abrupt. With sweeping ambiguity and uncertainty that coincides with the novel Coronavirus, people are being drawn to news channels and news websites to gain the latest information about new cases, developments, and so on and so forth, observed Avinash Pandey, CEO ABP News Network, adding, Not only that, information overload in the form of falsehoods and half-truths are also drawing people to primary sources and traditional means of news consumption, which hold a higher credibility repute in this social media age. Varun Kohli, Group CEO, ITV Network, added here, News channel viewership is bound to grow on account of it being a very newsy environment. People might get information through digital, but are coming back to news channels for authenticity of it. News channels are the primary source for verifying facts as well as understanding whats happening around the globe. News channels strategy On News Nation Networks approach Ojha said, We are following the simple rule, which is When you understand, you are more likely to take action. The network is using technology in a major way to make its viewers understand not only about Covid-19, but how to handle it responsibly, along with guidance on precautions and solutions and how to remain calm in this alarming situation. Awareness is the only way through which the outbreak can be beaten, and one of the most effective ways to spread awareness is through TV. Viewers are flocking to the news genre to get more updates as the gradual sense of being locked down is sinking in, with no cinema halls, malls, public events accessible for some time to come. Focussing on generating more and more awareness, News Nation is enhancing education amongst its viewers not only about Covid-19, but how to handle it responsibly, what precautions to take and how to remain calm in this alarming situation. We are following the simple rule When you understand, you are more likely to take actions. We are making our viewers understand the problem along with guidance on precautions and solutions, as we know audience wants to know the facts attached to Covid-19. Technology always helps in better understanding and hence, we are using it maximum during this stressful time and assisting our audience, Ojha informed. As consumers stay home due to self-isolation and quarantine measures, homebody economy will only see a rising curve on all fronts. News channels naturally witness viewership spike when the intensity, impact, and overall effect of a social/ political affair is high. Pandey told Adgully, At ABP News Network, we have seen an upsurge in viewership during the crucial times of elections, key verdicts, and other national news events. These critical times draw people to news-viewing as they seek regular updates on all aspects associated with the ongoing issue. Continuing further, he said, In this light, Covid-19 is a very contentious issue, which concerns people globally. Hence, high viewership is sure-shot if news channels cover the issue effectively. Having said that, however, we dont see Covid-19 as a viewership opportunity. ANN is a socially responsible news network and in this regard, we want to fulfil our responsibility to keep the viewers apprised. These are perilous times when news channels are expected to create maximum awareness and inspire responsible action while eradicating fear and panic among the people. Since March 2, when India reported a spike in Covid-19 cases, Republic TV has been on overdrive in its news coverage on the global pandemic. Vikas Khanchandani, Group CEO, Republic Media Network, told Adgully that Republic TV has carried dedicated programming to informative shows with the best panel of doctors on at least 2 slots daily. He further said that in the last 48 hours alone, 95 per cent of the content on the Network has been dedicated to coverage of Coronavirus. We have broken the traditional debate format in primetime to speak to Indias biggest medical experts who have been taking questions from viewers related to Coronavirus on Arnab Goswamis show, he added. He claimed that the Networks initiative to help stranded Indians to reach out to the Indian Government had met success, with many getting help in countries like Iran and Italy. Experts linked to WHO and AIIMS specialists, along with Civic body heads, like the BMC Commissioner, have joined the Republic initiative to spread awareness. Also Read: Brand Moments 2020: Covid-19 bug bites brands Covid-19 Effect: How e-comm platforms are coping with demand surge Mumbai: Some 60 Indian students stranded at the Singapore International Airport in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak arrived here on Thursday night, much to the relief of their family members. The students, most of them from Maharashtra, arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in a Singapore Airlines flight. Some 40 of these students are from Maharashtra, while the rest are from other states, said a relative of one of the pupils. "Most of the students are pursuing medical course in the Philippines. They went to Singapore but had to spend one- and-a half-day there as no flight was available for them to return to India, he said. The students are still in the plane. I spoke to some of them over the phone. We will come to know about their status once immigration checks and thermal screening are, he said. Flight operations have been disrupted all over the world in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which has hit more than 150 countries. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 07:09:24|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. coffee giant Starbucks has celebrated its continued recovery in China and forecast a bright future for its business in the country amid deepening economic and social impacts of COVID-19 around the globe. The company held its 28th Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually on Wednesday. "Company celebrates continued recovery in China, with 90 percent of stores now open and the announcement of a new sustainable roasting plant coming in 2022," said a news release. "Partners in China have demonstrated Starbucks resiliency at its best," Starbucks chief executive officer Kevin Johnson said. "As we continue to reopen our stores, we are helping people in every community heal as they deal with the emotional toll this has taken on them ... And today, over 90 percent of Starbucks stores in China are open -- under modified hours and conditions -- all offering some degree of connection and all allowing partners in China to do what they love." The company has emphasized its commitment to growth in China, citing its decision to build a Coffee Innovation Park (CIP) in China. The 130-million-U.S.-dollar investment in the CIP is Starbucks' largest manufacturing investment outside of the United States and its first in Asia. Yemeni forces fully liberate northern province of Jawf, turning the tide of conflict: Army spox Iran Press TV Wednesday, 18 March 2020 3:19 PM The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces says the country's troops, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have managed to seize full control over the country's northern province of al-Jawf from Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. Speaking at a press conference in the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a on Wednesday afternoon, Brigadier General Yahya Saree highlighted that the liberation of the territory during a recent operation, codenamed "God Overpowered them", corroborated the ability and prowess of Yemen's armed forces to impose new equations in a different geographical terrain, and on more than one front in a very short period of time. "Our forces efficiently carried out all their operational tasks after having been able, with God's help, to move from the defense stage to the offense one through a comprehensive military strategy," he added. The senior Yemeni military figure noted that Yemeni army soldiers and their allies could wrest complete control over al-Hazm, al-Maslub, al-Ghayl, al-Khalq, al-Maton and Khab wa al-Sha'af districts in Jawf province following their operation. Saree highlighted that Saudi military forces pushed hundreds of mercenaries, mostly from the kingdom's southern border regions of Najran, Jizan and Asir, into the intense battles, and Saudi-led military aircraft mounted over 250 raids. He went on to say that Yemeni missile defense forces used domestically-developed medium-range Nikal, Qassem (Raider) and Badr ballistic missiles during the operation, hitting dozens of Saudi military and economically strategic targets. The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces underscored that the country's air defense teams could intercept Saudi-led warplanes on at least 10 occasions, forcing them off the Yemeni airspace before they could carry out any act of aggression. They also shoot down a Saudi Panavia Tornado multirole combat aircraft. Saree added that the engineering and anti-armor units of the Yemeni army could well accomplish all their tasks during the operation, as artillery units demolished the enemy's fortification lines and army soldiers fought off enemy forces with their light and medium weapons. He said tribesmen, including the sheikhs and distinguished personalities, contributed to the success of the military operation as well. "The position of the tribesmen is not something outlandish as they have a long history of combating foreign aggression and invaders, and uphold principles that reject mercenaries, traitors and proxies," Saree commented. He said enemy forces have suffered significant losses during the operating, and that more than 1,200 mercenaries have either been killed, wounded or captured in the process. Saree underlined that Yemeni troops and fighters from Popular Committees did their utmost to preserve archaeological sites during the operation and will continue to do so, arguing that Saudi forces and their mercenaries have been systematically destroying Yemeni heritage places over the past years. Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched the devastating campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the goal of bringing Hadi back to power and crushing the Ansarullah movement. The US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, estimates that the war has claimed more than 100,000 lives over the past nearly five years. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have purchased billions of dollars' worth of weapons from the United States, France and the United Kingdom in the war on Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition has been widely criticized for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaign. The alliance has carried out more than 20,650 air raids in Yemen, according to the data collected by the Yemen Data Project. The UN says over 24 million Yemenis are in dire need of humanitarian aid, including 10 million suffering from extreme levels of hunger. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lagos State Government has announced that four new persons tested positive for coronavirus, totaling eight cases of the deadly disease in Nigeria. Lagos State health commissioner, Akin Abayomi, announced the new cases in Ikeja during a press conference on Thursday, March 19, 2020. According to him, 19 people were tested but four tested positive for the coronavirus adding that one of the new index cases had contact with the third confirmed case in Nigeria. The commissioner said one of the patients, a Nigerian female, came into Lagos on Saturday, March 14, 2020, in a Turkish airline TK1830. A Nigerian man in his 50s who never travelled anywhere is among the new four cases, Abayomi said. He said the last patient is a Nigerian male who arrived the country in a Lufthansa (airline) LH568 on Friday, March 13, 2020. On the one hand, the government is telling parents they are "making it harder" for the community if they keep children home, while doctors are saying that is the best possible thing to do. And those who have are being refused curriculum materials, while schoolteachers are "seething" as they struggle to implement basic hygiene measures. Parents are hearing from the government that keeping their children home is "making it harder" for the community, but hearing the opposite from doctors. Credit:Gabriele Charlotte Kids are being told to wash their hands at every turn. By recess theres no soap left, one teacher told WAtoday. At one of the biggest state schools, the daily communication with staff includes a note about hand sanitiser. It reads: 'we dont have it, were not getting it, well keep looking'. Coronavirus is now spreading in San Antonio through community transmission, a change that dials up the urgency of efforts to combat a growing local outbreak. Six people in San Antonio have tested positive for the virus after being exposed through an unknown source, signifying that it is now circulating in the community and may have been for some time. It marks a major turning point in local efforts to deal with the virus, said Anita Kurian, who leads the communicable disease division at the Metropolitan Health District. It also changes the health departments strategy. It is out there and containing it may no longer be an option for us, she said. The focus at this time, moving forward, needs to be measures at the population level that can slow the rate at which people can get infected. Until now, Metro Health had been carefully tracing the close contacts associated with any new coronavirus cases and isolating those individuals from the public, an approach known as containment. Now that the virus has surfaced in the community, she said, it may no longer be reasonable to do that with every confirmed case, especially as they proliferate over time. More Information Local coronavirus hotline Call the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for information about the coronavirus: 210-207-5779 (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., English and Spanish) See More Collapse On ExpressNews.com: As coronavirus cases surge to 25, mayor orders San Antonio bars, restaurants to close As a result, efforts will switch to mitigation, or efforts to slow the outbreak and protect those who are most vulnerable to it, including the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. And the restrictive measures that have already been put into place locally and statewide the cancellation of events, prohibitions on large gatherings and business closures will become more important than ever in the days and weeks to come, Kurian said. If there was any time to aggressively practice social distancing, staying home when youre sick, now is the time it is now, she said. Those measures, which have already dramatically altered daily life in San Antonio, were reinforced Thursday through a flurry of coronavirus-related emergency orders from local and state officials. City Council voted to extend Mayor Ron Nirenbergs public health emergency declaration, which closed restaurants throughout the city and restricted the size of gatherings, through at least April 18. Bexar County commissioners issued a new state of local disaster that suspends evictions and home foreclosures for at least the next 30 days and placed price controls on essential items like groceries and medicines. And Gov. Greg Abbott handed down an executive order that limited gatherings statewide to no more than 10 people, banned in-restaurant dining and temporarily shuttered all Texas schools through April 3. The citys total number of confirmed cases as of Thursday morning had climbed by four from the previous night to 29, including 11 that are still under investigation to determine how the person was infected. Four are hospitalized, while the majority have made strides in their recovery, Kurian said. Metro Health for the first time has released demographic information on the San Antonio residents who have tested positive for coronavirus so far. They skew male, at 62 percent of the cases. The virus has affected adults of all ages in San Antonio, including eight people in their 40s and five in their 20s. Two of those infected are 19 years old or younger and four are in their 70s. On ExpressNews.com: We cant test everyone: San Antonians grow frustrated as they run up against limited coronavirus testing Among the infected are at least four health care workers in San Antonio, including a new case associated with a Baptist hospital, as well as four people connected to Joint Base San Antonio. At JBSA, all four infections were linked to out-of-state travel. They include a U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence civilian employee who recently returned from Colorado, a retiree who had traveled to Louisiana, a dependent of a service member who had visited Florida and a member of the Texas Guards 149th Fighter Wing. Test results were confirmed by Brooke Army Medical Center. A doctor at North Central Baptist Hospital contracted the virus after recent travel out of state and is being quarantined at home. One other person is undergoing self-quarantine for two weeks at home, but all other patients and staff who had contact with the doctor are considered at low risk for exposure to the virus, said Patti Tanner, a spokeswoman for Baptist Health System. The doctor is affiliated with Northeast OB/GYN Associates, an obstetrics and gynecology practice that has a location at North Central Baptist. A number of physicians and staff members there are in quarantine at home, it said in a statement, and the practice has contacted potentially affected patients. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases This week, University Health System said two of its doctors and a nurse had tested positive for the virus. All three employees had been isolated at home, as have a number of medical personnel from University Hospital who were in close contact with them. All of the health care workers appear to have been exposed to the virus through recent travel, not from their work. More health care workers have been able to get tested for the virus in recent days at two temporary testing sites that have been set up in the Medical Center and at Freeman Coliseum. Those sites are prioritizing workers on the front lines of exposure to the coronavirus, including hospital employees, first responders and bus drivers. Drive-up testing and screening for the virus is now also available for military personnel at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. Lauren Caruba covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | lcaruba@express-news.net | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba China on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since the outbreak began there late last year, a milestone in the fight against the global pandemic. The National Health Commission also said the rate of increase had slowed. The news was another sign of the country's success in containing the spread of the virus, and it has been more than willing to share that success with the rest of the world. Beijing has ramped up efforts to position itself as a global leader in recent days, championing its expertise by offering doctors and experts in traditional medicine to other hard-hit nations. Eight people died Wednesday from COVID-19, the National Health Commission said, bringing the total death toll on the mainland to 3,245. But 819 patients were discharged the same day, the commission said. Image: Vice President of Lombardy Region Fabrizio Sala talks to a member of a Chinese Anti-Epidemic medical expert team pose for a photograph after landing at Milan - Malpensa airport (Emanuele Cremaschi / Getty Images) Officials said they expected the downward trend to continue. We expect new cases will cease to appear in mid or late March, said Li Lanjuan, director of Chinas State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Reuters reported. Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak And while there were 34 newly confirmed cases in mainland China, those affected had all arrived from overseas, officials said. In recent days, China has touted its efforts to fulfill its responsibilities as a member of the world community. "While making all-out efforts to combat it at home, China is actively engaging in international cooperation and providing as much help as possible to other countries and international organizations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at news conference Wednesday. Teams of Chinese experts were sent to Italy, Iran and Iraq, while medical supplies and other aid has been sent to countries across Europe and Africa, Geng said. Li Keqiang, premier of China's State Council, said late Wednesday that he had spoken to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to offer support combating the virus while also pushing for trade agreements. Story continues Li, in a statement, expressed "Chinas readiness to facilitate Europes purchase of medical supplies via commercial channels" and eagerness to "advance the negotiation on the China-E.U. investment treaty." Von der Leyen said on Twitter that China would provide Europe with 2 million surgical masks, 200,000 specialized masks and 50,000 testing kits. China's experiences dealing with the epidemic, which is believed to have started in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, late last year, are indeed valuable for the rest of the world, according to the World Health Organization. Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak "Great lessons can be learned" from its joint mission in China, the WHO said in a statement to NBC News, including recommendations to isolate every case, trace every contact of those infected and take an "all-of-society approach" in fighting its spread. In Italy, the new global hot spot for the virus, officials reported a surge in the death toll this week, now at 2,978. In response, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Thursday extended the national lockdown beyond its April 3 deadline, meaning schools and institutions would remain closed and the public's movements restricted. Geng, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said Beijing's push to support the international community was an effort to return the favor for aid it received at the onset of the outbreak. "After COVID-19 broke out, many American companies, civil groups and people made donations to China, for which we thank them," he said. "Now as the disease spreads, Chinese local governments and civil institutions are helping the U.S., too." The Head Pastor of Open Arms Ministry at North Suntreso in Kumasi, Apostle Kofi Nkansah Sarkodie who was arrested on Wednesday morning together with two other elders of his church for defying the directives of the President has been granted bail. In a Press Release sighted by Peacefmonline.com and signed by the Regional Police PRO, ASP Godwin Ahianyo, the Regional Police Command described their gathering as an unlawful assembly in breach of peace and posing immediate risk to health. Apostle Kofi Nkansah was nabbed by the Ashanti Regional Police Command for organizing church service despite the directives by the government asking all religious groups to suspend public gatherings, including church activites following the reported cases of coronavirus in the country. He added that the suspects will be closely monitored. The Head pastor of the Open Arms Ministry, Apostle Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie was arrested by the police for reportedly organizing a church service despite a ban on public gatherings including church services. According to Peace FM's Ashanti regional correspondent, Samson K. Nyamekye, the church members initially resisted attempts by the police to pick up the Head Pastor, and started chanting prayers and singing. The church is located at North Suntreso in the Ashanti Region. Presidents Directive The President in a broadcast on Sunday suspended all public gatherings in the country with immediate effect following the increased cases of coronavirus in Ghana. "I have decided, in the interest of public safety and protection of our population, to review the public gathering advisories earlier announced. You may recall that on Wednesday, 12th March 2020, when I first spoke to you directly on this matter, I announced the first raft of enhanced measures taken in response to the pandemic. At the time, there had been no reported, confirmed case of the Coronavirus in Ghana," President Akufo-Addo said. Ghana has recorded 7 cases of the pandemic so far. The country is currently faced with over 350 people having had contact with the affected persons being observed. Source: Prince Kwadwo Boadu/Hello Fm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video If Australias elusive Night Parrot seems an unlikely subject for contemporary opera, Bree van Reyks The Invisible Bird itself is part of something even more rarely seen. For the first time in Australia - probably the world - four female composers will each premiere a new one act opera on the same night. Bree van Reyk, Georgia Scott, Josephine Macken and Peggy Polias. Credit:Louise Kennerley Along with Peggy Polias, Josephine Macken and Georgia Scott, van Reyk was commissioned to write a mini-opera as part of the Sydney Conservatorium of Musics Composing Women program. But unlike most compositions written by women, these were guaranteed the ultimate prize. These operas would actually be performed.* In common with the rest of Europe, the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Hungary. The response of the ultra-right-wing government of Victor Orban is to promote racism in order to cover up its own inactivity and its responsibility for the spread of the infection. The Fidesz government only took action against the spread of Covid-19 last week after Orban previously downplayed the crisis with a combination of stupidity, ignorance and audacity. The countrys borders with Austria and Slovenia are now closed, and all other borders are due to be closed. Air traffic will also cease at the countrys international airports. Hungarians are still allowed to enter the country but are quarantined for 14 days. Travellers from Italy, China, South Korea and Iran are now prohibited from entering the country. According to Orban in a radio interview: Foreigners have brought the plague to Hungary. Universities, theatres and cinemas have been closed, and there is a ban on any large gatherings. When asked why universities, but not schools, were being closed, Orban replied that there were a lot of strangers in universities and, in the event of school closures, teachers would have to be sent on unpaid leave and the school year would end. Zoltan Lomnici, spokesman for the far-right Civilian Forum (COF), an organisation that is generously funded by the government, posted the following message on the COFs Facebook page: The virus is spreading faster in countries that allow immigration. This proves that Hungarys immigration policy is right and that George Soros theory of an Open Society has failed totally. The reference to the Jewish billionaire Soros, whom Orban has often personally insulted, is aimed at encouraging anti-Semitic, fascistic elements in the country. The first person infected with Covid-19 in Hungary was an Iranian student who was also among the first group to be tested. Hungarians returning from northern Italy and South Tyrol as tourists or workers who wanted to be tested for the coronavirus have been turned away by the authorities. There are now 58 officially confirmed cases in Hungary (all figures from March 18), but given the lack of testing, it must be assumed that the actual number is far higher. The case of two Iranian students shows the indifference and brutality with which the Hungarian government deals with the pathogen. According to the Interior Ministry last Friday, the pair were deported from Hungary for allegedly leaving a hospital where they had been quarantined for infection. Neglecting all infection control measures, the two were immediately transported by the national immigration authority to the Hungarian border, where no medical care is available. They were then deported and banned from returning to Hungary for three years. The Orban government has barely undertaken any protective measures, but at the same time used the coronavirus to abolish the right of asylum at the beginning of this month. The countrys so-called transit zones on its border with Serbia are closed until further notice. More than 300 interned refugees remain there under intolerable conditions with their applications for asylum now rendered invalid. Orban and other government officials declared that it was likely the refugees would bring the coronavirus to Hungary. We have discovered a link between the coronavirus and illegal migrants, stated Gyorgy Bakondi, national security official to the government. Orban made similar comments on Friday, declaring: We are waging a war on two fronts. One front is migration and the other is the coronavirus, there is a logical connection between the two, as both are spread through movement. Fidesz spokesman Istvan Hollik said that immigrants not only pose a risk of terrorism but also come from coronavirus hotspots. One could not jeopardise the security of the Hungarian population and would therefore continue to say No to immigration, Hollik wrote on Facebook. This statement is as repugnant as it is false. Of the 58 cases confirmed so far, only a small minority affect foreigners. At the border with Serbia, just a few metres from the Roszke transit zone, no tests have yet been carried out, although infections have been reported in Serbia. One of them involved a man who had recently traveled to Budapest several times. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Urban is using the outbreak of the coronavirus to abolish the right to asylum in Hungary, commented Gerald Knaus from the European Stability Initiative think tank. Human rights organisations regard the new ordnance as a continuation of the hate campaign against refugees that Orban has conducted for years. Right-wing and widely despised governments in several other eastern and south eastern European countries are also trying to distract attention from their own responsibility for the developing crisis by scapegoating refugees. In Croatia, Health Minister Vili Beros said that immigrants are a potential risk and the EU must find a solution. There are 65 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country. In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic said the country would not be a parking lot for immigrants. The government instructed the Ministry of Health to quarantine all immigrants. Seventy-two people in Serbia had been infected with the coronavirus. The parliamentary elections scheduled for April 26 are likely to be postponed. The widespread distribution of the Covid-19 pathogen will result in a social catastrophe for the states of former Yugoslavia. The countrys former well-developed health system has been systematically destroyed during the last 25 years. Everything is missing in clinics, not just medication and cleaning agents but of course, staff. In the past few years, at least 50 percent of doctors and nurses have left the state system in almost all successor states, reported the taz newspaper. Clinics in the entire region lack any facilities to carry out adequate tests, and laboratory capacities are completely inadequate. There are only a few isolation rooms in some large clinics, and everywhere there is a lack of protective clothing for staff. After Germany refused to export protective clothing and face masks to countries outside the EU, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania have been rendered virtually defenceless to the corona epidemic heading their way, taz wrote. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia Thu, March 19, 2020 13:25 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bd5e3e 2 World Australia,New-Zealand,border-areas,coronavirus,lockdown,foreigners,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic,health Free Australia and New Zealand moved to seal off their borders Thursday, announcing unprecedented bans on entry for non-residents in the hope of stemming the rise of COVID-19 infections. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the ban on anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident coming to Australia "will be in place from 9:00 pm tomorrow evening". A similar measure was announced by his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern, who acknowledged: "I recognize how extraordinary this is. In no time in New Zealand's history has a power like this been used." Australia and New Zealand have announced a slew of restrictions to tackle the pandemic, but have so far stopped short of closing schools or instituting wider-ranging lockdowns. Policymakers hope the bans will slow the rate of infection enough to avoid more draconian measures that would cripple the two economies and transform life for months to come. Australia currently has 642 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with the total doubling roughly every three days. New Zealand has 28 cases. Morrison said around 80 percent of Australia's coronavirus cases came from "someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas". A recent opinion poll showed 69 percent of Australians back closing the border. Ardern said the measures would also ban visa holders. "Today's decision stops any tourist, or temporary visa holder such as students or temporary workers, from coming to and entering into New Zealand." PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Last Friday, Republican Congressional Candidate Laura Loomer hand-delivered a letter to her Democrat opponent, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, to "set aside partisan differences in order to serve the people of Florida's 21st Congressional District as well as Americans across the nation during the Coronavirus Pandemic." As the Coronavirus makes its way around the nation, tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of Americans remain intentionally banned on social media due to their political or religious beliefs. Laura Loomer stated, "While government officials, agencies, and healthcare experts are posting updates and life-saving information including access to food on social media. Twitter and Facebook are still denying certain Americans access to this information out of pure political bias. While Jack Dorsey and Mark Zuckerberg are obsessed with 'community standards and conversational health' as outlined in their ever changing 'terms of service', they are isolating and endangering segments of our population from critical and time sensitive information that will literally save lives and prevent the spread of this virus." General Consultant to Laura Loomer for Congress, Karen Giorno stated, "While Americans around the nation are bartering for essential food and supplies, including baby formula and toilet paper on the Facebook marketplace, we can't ignore that a large part of our citizenry is being shut out of the vital community connection that is taking place on social media, the new digital public square. It's shamefully irresponsible and unacceptable during this global emergency. Loomer continued, "As the most banned woman in the world, I know what thousands of other Americans are experiencing. They are in the dark and have to rely on delayed and often incomplete reports about what's going on in their own community. They are being denied equal access to information, online payment processors, and food delivery services that are being offered by big tech to Americans who have not been banned and are currently living life under quarantine and mandated social distancing. The banning of conservatives by Big Tech must stop and immediately be reversed during the Coronavirus pandemic." Rep. Frankel refused to respond to Loomer's request for cooperation pressuring Big Tech to lift the bans during the Coronavirus pandemic. In response, Frankel announced a tele-townhall on the Coronavirus threat on her Twitter and Facebook accounts where individuals banned by Big Tech can't see her announcement. To view the letter sent to Lois Frankel, click here. Laura Loomer is leading the race for Florida's 21st Congressional District and has outraised all other candidates in the race, combined, including Rep. Frankel, for the last two reporting periods. Loomer was also the first campaign in the nation to modify election activities to lessen the spread of COVID-19. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Laura Loomer for Congress Related Links lauraloomerforcongress.com When authorities in Wuhan announced on 31 December that they had detected a cluster of viral pneumonia in the Chinese city, with 27 cases linked to a seafood market, they said the disease was preventable and controllable, with no obvious signs of human-to-human transmission. But in wealthy places on Chinas periphery Hong Kong, Taiwan and other nations a rapid response swung into action. One reason was that they had learned from the past. We were the Sars countries, said Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious-disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore who contracted severe acute respiratory syndrome during the 2002-2003 outbreak. We were all burned very badly with Sars, but actually it turned out to be a blessing for us. Political will, dedicated resources, sophisticated tracking and a responsible population have kept coronavirus infections and deaths in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore relatively low. South Korea, with more deaths, has led the way in widespread testing. Now, after seeing unprecedented increases of imported cases, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore have all moved to implement travel bans, essentially closing their borders to nonresidents or mandating 14-day quarantines, to prevent a new uptick of cases. This offers lessons for the United States and Europe as they grapple with thousands of new cases and sometimes-confused responses to the crisis. Just hours after Chinas disclosure of the first cases in the city of Wuhan, Hong Kongs Centre for Health Protection warned local doctors to obtain travel and exposure histories from patients who had a fever and acute respiratory symptoms and to isolate those patients. In Taiwan, officials boarded planes arriving from Wuhan and assessed passengers for symptoms before allowing anyone to disembark. Within days, Singapore, South Korea and other Asian states had implemented similar steps. Asian economies have close links with mainland China and were among the first hit by the novel coronavirus. Yet, with 100 cases in Taiwan, 181 in Hong Kong and 266 in Singapore, their infection rates are dramatically lower than the Wests. Spain has recorded more than 11,000 cases; New York state whose population is similar to Taiwans has more than 2,300 cases. China learned some lessons from Sars but failed to grasp the danger of covering up an outbreak, while South Korea learned plenty after grappling with Middle East respiratory syndrome, or Mers, in 2015. Both countries struggled with big outbreaks of the coronavirus this year but appear to have brought them under control, thanks to stringent and sometimes unprecedented measures within their borders. Experts are urging countries including the United States, France and Spain to use time bought by newly enforced social-distancing measures, lockdowns and quarantines to reset and work out their strategies before it is too late. These Western nations, they say, were simply not ready. So many countries have sat there, wondering what will happen, said Dale Fisher, a professor in infectious diseases at the National University of Singapore who also chairs the World Health Organisations Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and was part of the WHOs mission to China in February. It is extremely disappointing, as a member of the mission, that we couldnt make it clear to the world that this was coming. After getting off the mark early, countries and territories around China ramped up border restrictions as the scale of the epidemic became clear. Taiwan, unencumbered by political obligations to China the self-governing island has a tense relationship with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its territory had the structure in place to cope. A year after Sars, Taiwan established a National Health Command Centre that brought together all levels and branches of government, preparing for the possibility of another disease outbreak. Its interventions over the past two months have been decisive in keeping Taiwan ahead of the curve, said C. Jason Wang, director of the Centre for Policy, Outcomes and Prevention at Stanford University. The usually-busy streets of Malaga were almost deserted as the country began its 15-day lockdown last week (AFP) (AFP via Getty Images) They didnt hesitate, they didnt want to die, Mr Wang said. The mortality rate was so high [during Sars] and they didnt know how bad this one was going to be. Nobody thought it was like the flu. As early as 5 January, Taiwan was tracing people who had been in Wuhan in the previous 14 days. Those with symptoms of respiratory infections were quarantined. In subsequent weeks, authorities used data and technology to identify and track cases, communicated effectively to reassure the public, offered relief to businesses and allocated medical resources where they were needed most rationing face masks and dramatically increasing their production. On 27 January, Taiwan combined the databases of its National Health Insurance Administration and National Immigration Agency, allowing it to track everyone who had been in Wuhan in the recent past and alert doctors to patients travel histories. Now, Taiwan is hoping to keep its infection numbers down and has asked residents not to travel abroad after its biggest single-day jump of cases 23 on Wednesday. It is also barring most non-citizens from entering. China has won plaudits from the WHO for its massive mobilisation of medical resources to test and treat people suffering from the coronavirus, but it failed to learn from its coverup of Sars. Chinese authorities initially silenced doctors who tried to raise the alarm about the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak, denying the rest of the world precious early days to assess the risks. Coronavirus: Who should stay home and for how long? South Korea, meanwhile, has become the poster child for testing. Its success is rooted in a previous failure: The limited availability of test kits was seen as having aggravated the 2015 Mers outbreak, when the country suffered the second-highest caseload after Saudi Arabia. Whereas the United States and Japan keep testing tightly controlled by a central authority, South Korea opened the process to the private sector, introducing a path to grant emergency usage approval to tests for pathogens of pandemic potential. More than 260,000 people in South Korea have been tested for the virus, the highest per capita anywhere, with testing and treatment fees covered by the government and drive-through centres capturing global attention. On a visit to the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, President Moon Jae-in called the expansion in testing a great achievement that is acknowledged around the world. Singapore, too, benefited from its own capabilities to test, as did Hong Kong and Japan. All developed their own diagnostic tests when the Covid-19 genome sequence was published. Singapore, through Sars, learned it the very hard way, that we have to develop these capabilities at the word go, said Mount Elizabeth Hospitals Leong. Once you are in control of your own fate, you can decide what way to go. Rocked by eight months of protests, Hong Kongs embattled leadership began responding to the outbreak from a position of weakness and was criticised for not moving fast enough to close schools and borders. Outside mainland China, the territory had been the biggest casualty of the Communist Partys cover-up of the Sars outbreak, with some 300 deaths and little clarity on what was unfolding until it was too late. Countries such as Honduras, in Central America, are in total lockdown and operating strict stop and searches as well as curfews (Reuters) This time, though, and without needing to be told much, Hong Kong residents took matters into their own hands. The citys financial district was reduced to a ghost town in early February as companies closed offices. Bakeries known for hour-long weekend lines were abandoned. Parties, weddings and family gatherings were cancelled without any government order. Almost everyone rushed to procure masks; a recent study estimated that 74 per cent to 98 per cent of residents wore them when leaving their homes. Voluntary social distancing was hailed as a key reason for the lower rate of infections. Hong Kong is a population which takes the idea of quarantine, masks and social distancing very seriously, said Keiji Fukuda, director of the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health and former assistant director-general for health security at the WHO. From electronic wristbands to smartphone trackers, Asian jurisdictions have pulled out all the stops to ensure that suspected patients comply with quarantine and isolation orders, monitoring that is backed by laws that were tightened post-Sars. Singapore used its FBI equivalent, the Criminal Investigation Department, to effectively interrogate every confirmed case with stunning granularity even using patients digital wallets to trace their footsteps. Those caught lying face fines and jail time. The city-state has been lauded as the gold standard for identifying cases, with a study by Harvards Centre for Communicable Disease Dynamics finding that Singapore was 2.5 times more likely to detect infected people than the global average, because of very strong epidemiological surveillance and contact-tracing capacity. Recommended Twitter to remove fake coronavirus content In South Korea, information on the movements of infected people before they were tested is collected and relayed over smartphones, creating a real-time map of areas to avoid. Taiwan tracks infected peoples whereabouts via smartphones: Stray too far from home and you receive a message; ignore it and the police will pay a visit. In Hong Kong, everyone subject to a compulsory quarantine must activate real-time location-sharing on their phone or wear an electronic wristband. These measures have been backed by local populations that lived through previous epidemics and have largely shed concerns about privacy and tracking. All these places have stopped short of a Wuhan-style lockdown. Matthew Kavanagh, director of the Global Health Policy and Governance Initiative at Georgetown University, said Americans should not focus only on the kind of high-profile displays of state power that have made headlines from China but also look at countries such as South Korea that are balancing Democratic openness with rapid, concerted public-health action. Experts agree, though, that Western governments must be prepared to limit their citizens movements, mandate isolation for positive cases and track contacts regardless of privacy concerns. This is the process it will take to save thousands of American and European lives, billions of dollars of the economy, your own businesses, said Mr Fisher, the Singapore university professor. Otherwise, it is just carnage. The Washington Post Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) President Rodrigo Duterte will call for a special session of Congress, his longtime aide Senator Christopher Bong Go and Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III said Thursday. Go said he has discussed this with Sotto and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, both of whom reportedly said they are willing to hold a special session on Saturday or Monday. The priority is to ensure that additional funds can be allocated for immediate healthcare needs and for much-needed financial and food assistance to Filipinos, particularly the vulnerable sectors, daily wage earners and informal economy workers affected by the strict quarantine measures being imposed, Go said. This announcement came after more senators expressed their desire for a special session of Congress to approve additional funding for the governments response to COVID-19. Sotto said most senators agree with his suggestion for Congress to hold a special session to approve a budget for assistance to the poor while Luzon is on lockdown. He said he has spoken with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and an unnamed high-level economist about this. He added that he wants Congress to pass a daily food allowance for poor families in Luzon, like a 300 daily allotment per indigent family in Metro Manila, which he said will amount to 27 billion. Senator Panfilo Ping Lacson, meanwhile wants a monthly subsidy for senior citizens during the COVID-19 crisis. Deputy Speaker and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda said most of the 56.4-billion allotted for the governments unconditional cash transfer program is unused and can be rechanneled to fund aid for the poor. Senator Grace Poe said the additional budget can also be used to buy test kits, find a cure COVID-19 and hire health workers and personnel. Go said he will recommend the holding of a special session if the governments stimulus package and additional funding from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and contingency funds are insufficient. Sa ngayon, may sapat naman po tayong pondo. Pero hindi po tayo dapat maging kampante dahil evolving ang problema. Isipin din natin what happens in the coming days, what happens after the quarantine and let us think of all possible scenarios, Go said in a statement. [Translation: For now, there are enough funds. But we shouldnt be complacent because the problem is evolving. Lets think of what happens in the coming days, what happens after the quarantine and let us think of all possible scenarios.] Cayetano said the House is ready to hold a special session if Duterte calls for it. Aside from passing additional funding for the governments COVID-19 response, Cayetano also wants to prioritize the passage of a measure that will give the government more leeway in using funds to aid people. The Senate minority had earlier called for a special session to pass a supplemental budget for the governments response to COVID-19, including assistance to Filipino households, workers and businesses. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez also called for a special session for this purpose which would be held virtually to avoid a mass gathering which could further spread the disease. But Sotto said Congress can still hold a special session in person, although with a skeletal workforce. We do not need a full staff in a special session. As long as there are recorders and a limited number of people to operate recorders, I suppose that will be enough. We will work on only one issue to be submitted by the Palace, he said. Cayetano, meanwhile, said the House can also adopt rules to allow for online voting and other social distancing measures so that even House members who are on self-quarantine can participate. Poe also pushed for a special session through teleconferencing. Under the Constitution, the president may call for a special session of Congress at any time. The House Committee on Appropriations last week approved a 1.65-billion supplemental budget to address the issues brought by the infectious disease pandemic. This is lower than the Health Department's proposed amount of 2.35 billion to procure personal protective equipment for about 5,000 health workers. The budget, however, failed to reach the plenary before Congress adjourned for the lawmakers' seven-week Lenten break. COVID-19 has infected 202 people in the Philippines, with 17 of them dying because of the disease caused by a virus called SARS CoV-2. Seven of those who had been infected have recovered. Globally, over 200,000 have been infected and 8,810 have died because of the viral disease. Over 84,000 have recovered. The disease is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when people infected with the virus cough or sneeze. To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who show respiratory symptoms. Commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Those with severe and critical symptoms should call the Health Department at (02) 8-651-7800 local 1149-1150. CNN Philippines Joyce Ilas, Xianne Arcangel and Xave Gregorio contributed to this report. BRUSSELS, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Treedy's, the technology market-leader in ensuring the right clothing size for customers via instantaneous, fully-clothed and precise scanning technology, today announced it is making available its 1st generation software as open-source in order to facilitate access to its cutting edge quality 3D scans by research institutions, universities and other non-profit organisations. Treedy's licensing model will allow for any non-commercial usage in a bid to address the many other applications of its software beyond the fashion sector. By design, open source software licenses promote collaboration and sharing as they permit people to make modifications to source code and incorporate those changes into their own projects. For further information about the licensing model and access the source code, please click here. Meanwhile, Treedy's commercially available 2nd generation scanning technology can empower fashion sector thought-leaders in the areas of digitalisation and sustainability. Under-clothing, highly accurate measurement data empowers fashion brands make the leap from analogue to digital clothing design. Additionally, this technology delivers a truly sustainable approach to product lifecycle management "Today's announcement is about both purpose and projection," explained Treedy's co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Stephan Sturges. "Together with partners like Zalando, we can reinvent a consumer fashion experience by solving the size and fit challenge. This benefits both brands and customers. And we project that we can better achieve our own goal of scaling-up by giving back to the open source community that helped us grow" explained Mr. Sturges. Treedy's unique scanners and algorithms provide brands and their customers with the right fit, securing greater brand loyalty and future purchase intent. Thanks to highly accurate machine-learning-enabled under-garment scanning technology, Treedy's empowers brands to engage more deeply with customers and bridge the gap between the online and in-store fashion experience. Treedy's technology - recognized for its reliability, affordability and overall excellence - is already in use with household global brands such as Zalando, among others. "Working together with Treedy's and using 3D scanning technologies allows us to make important progress necessary to achieve great things for our customers when it comes to size and fit", explained Stacia Carr, Director of Engineering Zalando. By utilising Treedy's scanning technology, brands can: Offer an engaging customer-experience Realise standardised body measurements Liberate customers from size-related frustrations Decrease returns, thereby reducing their carbon footprint Increase brand loyalty & stimulate their omni-channel offer Enhance localised forecasting & optimise stock management Increase profitability "Our revolutionary 3D scanning technology seeks to create a virtuous circle between customers and clothing brands, thanks to rapidly deployable and scalable solutions that are 'sized' for the circular economy," stated Nicolas Van Hoecke, Treedy's Chief Executive Officer. "The time has come for hassle-free, highly efficient solutions that offer advantages to all the stakeholders of the fashion industry: customers, brands, supply chain actors and society at large. At Treedy's, we've developed such a solution, and we're ready to deploy it at scale" concluded Mr. Van Hoecke. About Treedy's SA www.treedys.com Treedy's unique scanners and algorithms provide brands and their customers with the right size first time round. The Belgium-based company allows brands to digitalize the fashion experience, by offering machine-learning-enabled size solutions. Treedy's believes that a more efficient and customised approach to online sales is key to the fashion industry's sustainability. SOURCE Treedys Related Links https://www.treedys.com/ NEW HAVEN U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy arrived at Loaves & Fishes on Olive Street Thursday bearing two full bags of vegetables. However its not the intake of food that James Cramer, the executive director of the food pantry, is worried about, rather its distribution during a period of self-isolation to slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout the state. The food seems to be flowing, its just how we get it to the people who need it, he said. Cramer estimated about one-quarter of the roughly 350 bags of groceries Loaves & Fishes hands out every Saturday are picked up by people who are over 60 years old or have compromised immune systems. Additionally, the three volunteers who assist him the most are over 60 years old, he said. For about 20 minutes, Murphy solicited feedback from Cramer and others involved in fighting hunger in the Elm City and shared what Congress is doing to help. In the most recent stimulus package, Connecticut will receive $400 million for health care, and Murphy said he hopes the next one will create additional nutritional supports. We need to get checks out the door, he said. Murphy and several other colleagues have proposed a means-tested program that would give every man, woman and child under a certain income level $2,000. As unemployment claims in Connecticut rose to 25,000 within the last week, Murphy took aim at some of the Trump administrations other bailout proposals, saying Congress should be focused on stopping the spread of coronavirus. The best way to help the economy is to stop the spread of the virus, he said. He said if Congress spends 80 percent of its time on economic issues and 20 percent of its time on the virus, well never get out of this crisis. He said he is furious at the Trump administrations lack of a plan for providing states with medical equipment to deal with the expected influx of people requiring oxygen in the coming weeks. Murphy said he supports assistance to small businesses, not big industry bailouts. Murphy told a reporter that his proposal for the government to cut checks to citizens is not unprecedented, but its a time when big action is needed. We need to be thinking big, he said, acknowledging his program would be expensive. However, Murphy said a conversion to a Medicare for all program would be unrealistic. He said he wants to provide assistance for hospitals and to drop co-pays and deductibles, but not to make the government the sole insurer for health care in the nation. We can fix vulnerabilities in our health care system, he said. But we need to fix the spread of the virus. Latha Swamy, New Havens director of food policy systems, said the city is working with partners within the Coordinated Food Assistance Network to develop a delivery system with high-risk individuals as the top priority. Following Mayor Justin Elickers declaration limiting all gatherings to 10 people, even a normal grab-and-go type of food service may be difficult to enact. Kim Hart, a member of the local Witnesses to Hunger chapter, thanked Murphy for being an advocate for the states hungry. She said that, through a virtual conference she was a part of, she learned that so many people live in states that show disregard for the hungry. I know youre on our side, she said. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com No has been carried out by inside the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, the Centre told Lok Sabha on Wednesday. "No such activity has been carried out by inside the territory of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh," junior External Affairs Minister V Muraleedharan said. A member had asked whether is conducting any near border. "Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it," the Minister said in his reply. Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for coronavirus, the royal palace said today. Authorities in the tiny state said the 62-year-old ruler had been tested for the pathogen at the start of this week. His diagnosis makes him the first known head of state to be infected with the virus. The Mediterranean enclave had confirmed nine cases of the virus in its latest update yesterday. The first was recorded on February 28. It comes just nine days after he was pictured sitting opposite Prince Charles at a WaterAid charity event in London. Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for coronavirus , the royal palace said today. It comes just nine days after he was pictured (above) sitting opposite Prince Charles at a WaterAid charity event in London Prince Charles (pictured) sat across from Prince Albert of Monaco at WaterAid's charity event in London on March 10 The palace said Albert's health 'does not inspire any concern', saying he was continuing to work from his private apartments. However, he is being monitored by his personal doctor and by specialists at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, which is named after his mother Grace Kelly. Prince Albert (centre right) sat opposite Prince Charles (centre left) at a WaterAid event last week shortly before confirming he has tested positive for coronavirus The two princes got together to discuss climate change and how to provide clean water to the world's poorest inhabitants Prince Albert of Monaco, pictured with his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco last year, has tested positive for coronavirus The 62-year-old prince, pictured attending Monaco National Day celebrations in Monte Carlo, was tested for the pathogen at the start of this week Albert has also urged the 39,000 inhabitants of Monaco to observe quarantine rules to stop the spread of the virus, a statement said. Like in neighbouring France, schools and nurseries in Monaco have been shut down and non-essential businesses ordered to close. Restaurants, casinos, cafes, concert halls, cinemas and nightclubs have all had to close their doors, although food stores, pharmacies and banks are still open. The statement today also added that Prince Albert is in constant contact with members of his cabinet, the government and his closest staff. The Mediterranean enclave had confirmed nine cases of the virus in its latest update yesterday. The first was recorded on February 28. Prince Albert II, second right, was seen in public six days ago visiting a blood donation bus which was installed at the Place du Palais in Monaco Prince Albert II of Monaco, his wife Princess Charlene and their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella stand on the palace balcony in Monaco in January this year The Monaco Grand Prix has been called along with several other events on the Formula One calendar because of virus fears. It is unclear whether Albert's wife, Princess Charlene, has been tested for the virus. The 42-year-old former South African Olympic swimmer, formerly known as Charlene Wittstock, married Albert in 2011. She had twins in 2014. Albert, born in 1958, is the second child of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco. He has two older children from earlier relationships. He became a five-time Olympic bobsledder for Monaco, and in recent years has been a global environmental campaigner. Albert graduated from Amherst College in Massachusetts with a degree in political science in 1981, and is a member of the International Olympic Committee. He inherited the throne when his father Rainier died in 2005. His mother Grace died after a car accident in 1982. The princely palace has promised to provide regular updates on Albert's condition. Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco attend a Christmas gifts ceremony at the royal palace on December 18 The royal palace in Monaco said Albert's health 'does not inspire any concern', saying he was continuing to work from his private apartments. He is pictured in Paris last year Neighbouring France has imposed some of Europe's toughest lockdown measures, ordering people to stay at home unless necessary. However, some people have still been strolling in parks and ignoring the 3ft safety distance to avoid close contact. 'There are people who think they are modern-day heroes by breaking the rules while they are in fact idiots,' interior minister Christophe Castaner told French radio. Some officials have called for even stricter limits and Paris police are considering closing riverside walkways - a move already enforced in Bordeaux. French politician and EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier became another high-profile virus patient today. Mr Barnier said he was 'doing well and in good spirits' and announced he was 'following the necessary instructions' along with his staff. Other high-profile patients include Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau; and Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez. A n MP has been ordered to apologise after threatening to smash a reporter's face with a f****** bat and using Commons paper for a character reference in her sons drug case. The Commons Committee on Standards found Labour's Kate Osamor had made numerous breaches of the MP's code of conduct and ordered her to apologise to the House in a letter. She avoided harsher punishment for reasons including the committee finding the extreme language she hurled at the reporter in front of police officers had caused him to show no fear or distress. The former shadow cabinet minister asked a judge for a reprieve for her 29-year-old son Ishmael Osamor on Commons headed notepaper after he was caught with 2,500 worth of drugs at Bestival in 2018, even though she publicly denied knowing about the hearing. Kate Osamor apologised for breeching MP code / UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag The commissioner concluded: Ms Osamors actions in writing to the court using House-provided stationery, in speaking as she did to the journalist, and in omitting to reply to correspondence, separately and together, give fuel to the belief that members are able and willing to use the privileges of office to benefit their own personal interests, and to attempt to set themselves above the rules that apply to others." There was nothing wrong with her writing a character reference, the commissioner said, but the use of Commons paper wrongly suggested that her plea carried the authority of the House. A month after writing the letter, Ms Osamor called Metropolitan Police, telling officers a journalist was banging on her door and intimidating her and her family. Police told her they were wearing a body-worn video camera which caught the following exchange. The MP with her party leader Jeremy Corbyn / AFP via Getty Images Dont knock my f****** door. I should have come down here with a f****** bat and smashed your face open, she told the journalist. A short while later she said she did not in fact have a bat and that she was not advocating violence, according to the report. The police officers written notes recorded that the journalist showed no signs of alarm, fear or distress, it added. The commissioner also noted police records from another night saying she admitted throwing a cup of water at someone when losing her temper in December 2018. She accepted her behaviour had fallen foul of accepted standards, but explained she had finally snapped after a month of what she felt to be media harassment. I felt that I was the target of a witch-hunt, and that race and class were factors. Most of all, I was deeply upset and angry about the targeting of my son, she added in written evidence. Ms Osamor tweeted a statement saying she was delighted to draw a line under this matter with the committee accepting her apology on Thursday. She said a media campaign had taken a big toll on her family and mental health and said she was humbled to have been re-elected by her constituents in Edmonton. Ive learned from my mistakes and am looking forward to getting on with standing up for Edmonton and holding the Government to account, she added. Ms Osamor had tried to keep her letter away from the public domain after previously claiming she had not even known about her son's legal troubles until after his sentencing. But Judge Stephen Climie said in January 2019 that the two-page letter should be made public following a challenge by the Evening Standard and other media outlets. In the letter she wrote she was "shaken" by her son's drugs conviction, and urged Judge Climie not to tear "my family apart by sending him to prison. "I regret the fact that this letter is necessary. I am shaken by how difficult this letter is for me to write", she said. "What keeps me believing in him and loving him is the fact that he is a good person that came from a good home. "I wish more than anything that you, the man who decides his fate, could know him like I do." Her son, who was a Haringey councillor and helped in her Parliamentary office, was caught with cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and cannabis at Bestival in Dorset in 2018. Ms Osamor claimed she didn't know details of her son's court case until after sentencing however this could not have been true when it emerged that she had written one of five reference letters for her son. Judge Climie said her correspondence had played a "significant" part in his decision to impose a community service order instead of prison. Mr Osamor said he had been holding the drugs for his friends when he was stopped by festival security. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service after admitting possession with intent to supply the drugs. In his letter to the court, Mr Osamor said he has "truly learnt my lesson" and vowed to become an anti-drugs campaigner. By Jung Min-ho The Korean Consulate General in Montreal has warned citizens in Canada after a Korean man was attacked for no reason in the city. The victim, 44, was stabbed in the upper body by a stranger while walking on Decarie Blvd. Sunday (local time), according to the Korean Consulate General Tuesday. The man was taken to a nearby hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. "The motive for the attack is still under investigation," the Korean Consulate General said. "We urge all members of the Korean community to be cautious and report any incidents to us." The warning comes as many East Asians around the world have reported incidents of racism and discrimination since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Chinese city of Wuhan. A Korean woman who knows the victim told The Korea Times that she thinks the attack was racially motivated following a series of attacks aimed at Asians in recent weeks. According to the New York Post, an Asian woman was assaulted in Manhattan Monday by a stranger who blamed her for the spread of COVID-19. The attacker was arrested on charges of hate crime assault, among others. The incident happened only days after a man was arrested in another COVID-19-related hate crime in the city. Madhya Pradesh Floor Test LIVE Updates: Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon today accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Auto refresh feeds The floor test of the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh will be held at 2 pm on Friday, the assembly secretariat has announced after the Supreme Court set a 5 pm deadline in response to a BJP petition that wanted an immediate resolution of the issue. Ordering the session to be reconvened on March 20, the court said, "There will be only one agenda - whether the government enjoys strength. The state of uncertainty in Madhya Pradesh should be effectively resolved by a floor test". The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has been on the brink of collapse since last week after 22 MLAs - loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP last week, sent in their resignation. With the Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Narmada Prasad Prajapati accepting the resignations of the 16 legislators holed up in Bengaluru, it has become clear the Kamal Nath government will quit on Friday. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath may resign on Friday ahead of a Supreme Court-ordered trust vote that his Congress government is certain to lose. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Sharad Kumar resigned on Friday hours ahead of the impending floor-test in Madhya Pradesh. The Speaker of the Assembly, NP Prajapati, accepted the BJP MLAs resignation this morning. Accusing the BJP of not being able to handle the work done by the Congress administration in Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath said, "I had been given five years to develop the state, five years to make Madhya Pradesh to be counted among one of the big states." Kamal Nath alleged the BJP had continuously plotted against the Congress government. "Every 15 days, a BJP leader would make a remark, saying this government is here only for a few months and won't last long. They also held hostage our 22 MLAs in Karnataka. They have spent crores of rupees by luring our 22 MLAs to the BJP camp. The BJP has planned this to kill democracy. The people of Madhya Pradesh will never forgive them," he said. Nath further said that Indians can see the truth behind the incident where MLAs are being held hostage in Bengaluru. The truth will come out. People will not forgive them, he said. Kamal Nath listed out the several projects done under the Congressadministration. He followed it up with,"The BJP could not tolerate this. After weeks of political drama in Madhya Pradesh which went from senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia joining the BJP, the Grand Old Party's government in the state has collapsed. Announcing his resignation on Friday, Madhya Pradesh chief minister said he will visit the Raj Bhavan at 1 pm to meet Governor Lalji Tandon. During the briefing, Nath also claimed there have been no scams or corruption allegations under his administration. After announcing his resignation, Kamal Nath said, "The BJP cannot weaken my resolve. Irrespective of the post, we will continue to work for the people. I am going to resign and will meet the governor in this regard." Pradeep Jaiswal, an Independent MLA, said, "Being an Independent MLA, now I don't have have any other option but to support the new govt which will be formed, for the development of my people. I have spoken to them (BJP)." 'Satyamev Jayate' (truth will prevail) was Shivraj Singh's two-word message after Congress goverment crumbled under the weight of Jyotiraditya Scindia's rebellion. Kamal Nath, the Congress chief minister announced that he will resign ahead of the trust vote. The resignations of 22 Congress MLAs, if accepted, will bring down the total strength of the Madhya Pradesg Assembly to 206. The Congress has 92 members and seven allied MLAs (some of whom may decide to shift loyalties now that it is out of power) at least five short of a simple majority of 104. The opposition BJP has 106 MLAs after one resigned. After weeks of political drama in Madhya Pradesh which went from senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia joining the BJP, the Grand Old Party's government in the state has collapsed. Announcing his resignation on Friday, Madhya Pradesh chief minister said he will visit the Raj Bhavan at 1 pm to meet Governor Lalji Tandon. During the briefing, Nath also claimed there have been no scams or corruption allegations under his administration. After announcing his resignation, Kamal Nath said, "The BJP cannot weaken my resolve. Irrespective of the post, we will continue to work for the people. I am going to resign and will meet the governor in this regard." Pradeep Jaiswal, an Independent MLA, said, "Being an Independent MLA, now I don't have have any other option but to support the new govt which will be formed, for the development of my people. I have spoken to them (BJP)." 'Satyamev Jayate' (truth will prevail) was Shivraj Singh's two-word message after Congress goverment crumbled under the weight of Jyotiraditya Scindia's rebellion. Kamal Nath, the Congress chief minister announced that he will resign ahead of the trust vote. "This breach of trust was against the people of Madhya Pradesh, not against me. People will not forgive those who went against their wishes. Twenty-two of our MLAs were held captive in Bengaluru. This was politics spending crores of rupees," Nath said at a presser before submitting his resignation officially. Jyotiraditya Scindia, the former Congress leader who quit the party and switched over to the BJP, calls Kamal Nath's resignation "victory of people of Madhya Pradesh." Congress' outgoing chief minister Kamal Nath, however. blamed horse trading and BJP's money power behind the change of power in Madhya Pradesh. The resignations of 22 Congress MLAs, if accepted, will bring down the total strength of the Madhya Pradesg Assembly to 206. The Congress has 92 members and seven allied MLAs (some of whom may decide to shift loyalties now that it is out of power) at least five short of a simple majority of 104. The opposition BJP has 106 MLAs after one resigned. #MadhyaPradesh : BJP MLAs show victory sign at the state Assembly in Bhopal. Congress' Kamal Nath has resigned as the Chief Minister of the state, ahead of the floor test which was to take place at the state Assembly today. pic.twitter.com/ZhPxjURFKt All BJP MLAs assembled in the state Assembly as per the schedule decided by the Speaker, following the Supreme Court order. The MLAs flashed victory signs. Meanwhile, no Congress MLA was present in the Assembly. Speaker Prajapati refers to the petition filed in the Supreme Court and says that there is no need for a floor-test as Chief Minister Kamal Nath has already tendered his resignation. Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon today accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Nath had submitted his resignation to the governor at the Raj Bhawan in Bhopal around 1 pm today. #MadhyaPradesh : Sweets being distributed at BJP office in Bhopal. BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Gopal Bhargava and other leaders present. https://t.co/NU0xrKnR2B pic.twitter.com/oNetQMVrRb Madhya Pradesh Floor Test LATEST Updates: Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon today accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Kamal Nath. 'Satyamev Jayate' (truth will prevail) was Shivraj Singh's two-word message after Congress goverment crumbled under the weight of Jyotiraditya Scindia's rebellion. Kamal Nath, the Congress chief minister announced that he will resign ahead of the trust vote. After announcing his resignation, Kamal Nath said, "The BJP cannot weaken my resolve. Irrespective of the post, we will continue to work for the people. I am going to resign and will meet the governor in this regard." During the briefing, Nath also claimed there have been no scams or corruption allegations under his administration. Announcing his resignation on Friday, Madhya Pradesh chief minister said he will visit the Raj Bhavan at 1 pm to meet Governor Lalji Tandon. After weeks of political drama in Madhya Pradesh which went from senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia joining the BJP, the Grand Old Party's government in the state has collapsed. Kamal Nath listed out the several projects done under the Congressadministration. He followed it up with,"The BJP could not tolerate this. Nath further said that Indians can see the truth behind the incident where MLAs are being held hostage in Bengaluru. The truth will come out. People will not forgive them, he said. The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati to convene a special session on Friday for conducting the floor test which must conclude by 5 pm. A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud also ordered video recording and possible live streaming of the Assembly proceedings when the Kamal Nath-led Congress government would undertake the floor test. The bench, also comprising Justice Hemant Gupta, directed the police chiefs of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to provide security to the 16 rebel Congress MLAs if they choose to appear in Assembly for the trust vote. The bench also ordered that the Assembly will have a single point agenda of the floor test and no hindrance is to be created for anyone. It asked the state Assembly Secretary to ensure that there is no breach of law and order. The Supreme Court's intervention came after Justices Chandrachud and Gupta, suggested that the Speaker interact with the rebel Congress MLAs through a video link or the court can appoint an observer to allay the fear that the legislators are in captivity. The Speaker, however, refused to accept the apex court's proposal. The bench had earlier offered to "create conditions" to ensure that "exercise of volition" of the rebel MLAs is "truly voluntary". "We can appoint an observer to Bengaluru or some other place so that the rebel MLAs can connect with the Speaker through video conferencing after which he can decide," the bench said. Hearing the case for the second day, the bench asked what can be done -- should the Speaker not take a call on the resignations. Senior lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker suggested that a reasonable time be given to the Speaker to decide on the same. "You can't say I will buck my duty to decide and will also put the blame on others. We can create conditions to ensure exercise of their volition is truly voluntary," Justice Chandrachud said and added, "And this is now a national problem. It is happening everywhere. We may not give a direction to the Speaker since we need to work within the domain of the Constitution but we also have to test your bona-fide." At this point, Justice Gupta said, "If you say an MLA must be in his constituency, then Digvijaya Singh isn't also doing that thing. He should also be in his constituency and not in Bengaluru." "Digvijaya Singh isn't relevant in my example," Singhvi informed the bench. Reports said that Singhvi further submitted that the Speaker's decision cannot be taken in case the rebel MLAs are produced through video conferencing. At this point, Justice Chandrachud suggested that the court appoint an observer to ensure that the rebel MLAs are acting of their own will and volition. He said that appointing an independent observer to ensure free will of the rebel MLAs is a method to alleviate the apprehension of captivity and coercion. Senior lawyer Maninder Singh, who appeared for the MLAs, said that suggestion was agreeable. Justice Chandrachud expresses inclination for the Court to appoint an observer to ensure that the rebel MLAs are acting in their own will and volition.#SupremeCourt @OfficeOfKNath @ChouhanShivraj @DrAMSinghvi pic.twitter.com/Dv6ePcPAXg Bar & Bench (@barandbench) March 19, 2020 Singhvi urged the court to give the Speaker two weeks' time to decide on the resignation and also requested to allow the rebel MLAs return to Madhya Pradesh "given that they are not in their usual place of residence at the moment", Bar and Bench reported. Justice Chandrachud further asked all lawyers how the decision of the Speaker, to accept or not accept the resignations, will affect the Floor Test. The top court was told that in case the resignations are not accepted, the rebel MLAs will be bound by the whip issued. Regardless of the whip, the rebel MLAs will not go to the Assembly, Singh informed the court. Singhvi resumed his submissions and told the court that in case of disqualification, persons have to face another election while resignations do not have this consequence. He reiterated that in a running House, there can be no floor test, only a vote of confidence or no confidence. Singhvi also cited the Karnataka Assembly case, where the floor test was directed to be held within a prescribed period of time. The counsel appearing for Governor Lalji Tandon told the bench that Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath was "sitting aside" in the turn of events and it is the Speaker who is "leading the political battle" in court. The bench said the constitutional principle that emerges is that there is no restraint on trust vote because of resignation or disqualification being pending before the Speaker. It said, therefore, the court will have to flip around and see whether the Governor acted beyond the powers vested in him. During the hearing, the bench said that if the government loses the majority when the Assembly was not in session, then the Governor has the power to direct the Speaker to summon the Assembly. "What happens when the Assembly prorogues and the government loses its majority, then the Governor can call the Assembly," the bench said. Singhvi said the Governor has very limited power with regard to the functioning of the Assembly and he can only summon, prorogue and dissolve the House, but he cannot intervene into the functioning of the Assembly which falls under the purview of the Speaker. The Governor cannot ask the Speaker that 'you should do this, you should not do this', it is beyond his power, he said. The advancing of arguments in the case will commence after the lunch break when senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Nath would start his submissions. With inputs from agencies Shyam Yadagiri By Express News Service BENGALURU: As a child, Navakanth Karide used to write his sisters names in their school notebooks in a colourful and attractive way. Little did he know then that he would turn this hobby into a full-time profession. Today, this city-based lettering artist designs creative works used in a variety of sectors. Asked about his moment of inspiration, Navakanth says, When I was a child, I didnt know that the art I was creating was called calligraphy. After completing my BTech, I chanced upon a book Aksharakruti by renowned calligrapher Achyut Palav, who was based in Mumbai. Inspired by the book, I travelled all the way to Mumbai and took training under him for four months. After coming back to Hyderabad, I devoted myself completely to this field. Navakanths artworks have been exhibited at The Cheongju Jikji International Calligraphy Exhibition, Cheongju Arts Center, South Korea in November 2019, The YYWN Artxchange Omkaar exhibition at Eindhoven, Netherlands in December 2019, Ka cha ta tha pa, a national calligraphy festival at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in December 2019, among others. A few of his crafts include artefacts with Telugu letters inscribed on them, such as a tea kettle, a pen stand, paper cups, among others. His designs include letters of the alphabet in Telugu, Hindi and English, numbers, motivational quotes, hourglass, the National Anthem, Hanuman Chalisa, Shiva Sutras, Bhagavad Gita summary, etc. He is also planning to create works quoting the Quran, the Bible, and other religious texts. Navakanth says he is interested in setting up an exhibition of his creations, and says, If the state government provides support in promoting the Telugu letter art, it would be immensely beneficial in keeping alive the tradition and taking it to the masses on a large scale. Peacefmonline.com can confirm that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ghana is now 11. The Ghana Health Service affirmed two new cases of Coronavirus in the country on its twitter page a few minutes after 3pm on Thursday, March 19th. According to the GHS, the two new cases are that of a 59-year old Ghanaian woman resident in the UK and the other is a 61-year Lebanese male trader, also resident in Kumasi. "The first is a 59-year-old Ghanaian woman, resident in the United Kingdom who recently returned to Ghana and currently living in Kumasi, reported to a private hospital with the history of fever (temp of 39.1), general malaise, cough and runny nose. Her condition was suspected to be COVID-19. Sample was subsequently collected and sent to KCCR and the report was received this early morning as positive for COVID-19. "The second case is a 61-year-old Lebanese male trader and resident in Kumasi. He felt unwell and reported to a health facility with fever (temp 39.4 ? ), and cough. The sample tested positive for COVID-19. "Both case patients are being managed in isolation and responding to treatment," the Ministry's website disclosed So far the confirmed cases in Ghana are from Turkey, Norway, Germany, France, United States of America, United Kingdom (UK) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Earlier on Thursday, two new cases were confirmed by health authorities. Details of those two new cases which were imported were as follows; "a 33year old Ghanaian who returned to Accra from a conference in UAE" and "a 56-year-old man, a Ghanaian who travelled back to Accra from a trip to UK." Source: Peacefmonline.com/GHANA/GHANA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A usually level-headed Christian conservative lashed out on Facebook, scolding everyone they thought was not taking the coronavirus seriously enough. Fake news media has successfully infected many with irrational fear. Hearing Gov. Larry Hogan on my car radio announcing his executive order to close bars, restaurants, gyms, and theaters sounded like the script of a 1950s horror movie. We will stop the spread of this deadly disease! dramatically proclaimed Hogan. Litle more than 100 have died in the U.S. and under 9,000 worldwide. According to the CDC, during the 2018-2019 flu season, an estimated 16.5 million people got sick and 34,000 died in the U.S. When Hogan mentioned plans to restrict church gatherings, a chill went up my spine. In the United States of America, government is mandating that people not attend church. Wow! CDC data confirms that the martial-law-light mandates steamrolling across America are disproportionate to the threat of the virus. Some governors and most corporations are responding to media-mob pressure to halt life in America. Others see an opportunity to land a death-blow to the Trump administration. Insidiously ignoring the CDC's no-need-to-panic-data, fake news media created and is gleefully fueling corona-madness. Using their huge bully pulpit, fake news media says anyone who dares to contradict their you're-all-gonna-die narrative will be dragged into the high tech public square, stripped naked, branded an irresponsible idiot with a hot iron and their career will be canceled. It is disturbing that there is practically zero pushback against governors instantaneously overruling our constitutional freedoms. Sadly, many youths are clueless regarding their constitutional freedoms. They grew up in public schools where progressive teachers taught them that the Constitution is an outdated piece of paper written by racist, sexist, homophobic, and Christian dead straight white men. We have far too many Bernie Bro youths who say, If the government is going to give me free stuff, I am down with whatever controls government deem necessary. A gentleman said this about Democrats/fake news media in an email, "...they are willing to destroy hard working people's jobs to accomplish their power play." This guy is spot on correct. This is why I regard Democrats'/fake news medias' gleeful spread of corona-madness so loathsome and evil. Democrats and fake news media are 100% committed to destroying Trump, their greatest Nemesis. Collapsing the U.S. economy and even the loss of American lives is acceptable collateral damage in their quest for power to control every aspect of our lives. They believe corona is their highly sought-after kryptonite to kill We-the-Peoples' superman president. A wise woman emailed me, I think a lot of people are willing to do social distancing, etc., but they're unwilling to live in perpetual fear. I say, Amen, sister. How long can fake news media/Democrats successfully keep Americans at a fever pitch level of irrational panic and fear? How long will U.S. businesses allow media to bully them into losing billions of dollars simply because they hate Trump? How long will it take Americans to say screw this nonsense, I'm going out for a burger and a beer? I believe there will be a tipping point when Americans say enough is enough, I'm going to resume my life. My baby boomer generation is still the largest demographic. We know our constitutional rights and will fight for them. We will not go gentle into Democrats' snap-of-their-fingers repeal of our constitutional freedoms intended to collapse our economy. The simple truth is the coronavirus has had very little effect, causing around 125 deaths nationwide. What has caused the unprecedented closing down of America is media-hype about the coronavirus. We are suffering the consequences of deranged Democrats and fake news media willing to sacrifice everything to stop a president from implementing his America-first agenda. Democrats and fake news media view the coronavirus as blood in the water to create a feeding frenzy of criticism of Trump. Remarkably, every crazy, illegal, and evil scheme to remove Trump from the White House has failed. So will corona-madness. Why? Because God put Trump into the White House and only God will take him out. Two buddies of mine said the hysteria is causing seniors in nursing homes to be isolated from visits by their loved ones. But Democrats/fake news media do not care. All they ever care about is furthering their socialist, communist, and progressive agendas and damaging Trump. Thank God Trump caught and denied Democrat Nancy Pelosi's sneaky attempt to hide abortion funding in Trump's corona relief spending. In response to a 50-degree temperature day after people who have been cooped up in their homes because of a brutally cold winter, people rush outside wearing t-shirts and flip-flops. I believe Americans will eventually respond the same way, becoming emotionally burnt out over corona-madness. This will spark a huge economic boom. Folks, the light I see at the end of the corona-madness tunnel is the strong will, spirit, and instincts of the American people. Without analyzing their feelings through a lens of political ideology, Americans will begin demanding to have their lives back: work, weddings, kid's birthday parties, restaurants, and so on. We are Americans! Trump is the perfect man in office when that day comes. He will gladly say, I am with you folks. Let's get back to keeping America great! Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American Help Lloyd Spread the Truth https://www.trumptrainusa2020.com/ http://LloydMarcus.com Nasa.gov This is what it looked like when our reporter drove over to the Four Winds Travel Center after cruising around near the Target at Paseo to guesstimate current usage levels: absolute normal. He even ran into his old friend Richard in the parking lot at the store with a logo that now looks like, well, a target. They waved at each other, did the elbow bump thing and while Richard continued loading his van with kids and groceries and dog food and cigarettes, our reporter drove on, convinced of the normative being a thing that cannot be fully disrupted in America, even given next-to-grave circumstances ... Local Business When I returned to the office and checked my email, that appearance suddenly disappeared into the reality of the situation, which ironically now emanated from a digital source. Among the messages, I took the time to investigate several that had come from the office of Mayor Tim Keller. The Keller administrations messages have been measured yet hopeful, much like his tenure here in Burque. Heres a sample example of what weve heard so far from the mayors office. In light of the current situation, the Mayor today urged local residents to support local businesses to ease the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the local economy. Coronavirus is impacting our community in many ways, and the coming weeks are going to be a tough time in our economy. While we practice the necessary precautions like social distancing, its vital to find ways to keep supporting local businesses. Weve created a business resource guide and are looking into ways the City can help with financial support. We also encourage Burquenos to purchase gift cards today to use later, order takeout or delivery from local restaurants, source many of your groceries from local vendors, and make plans to support local businesses when we get through this. Synthia Jaramillo, the director of economic development for the city, also chimed in on the cautious yet ultimately winning approach the city is taking toward the outbreak, stating, It is important to always remember to support local businesses when we can, but especially in times like these. We know our business community is strong and resilient and the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department and the Small Business Office is here to assist and support businesses during this time. Our goal is to keep businesses open and employees employed. This press release came in response to todays state health order from New Mexico Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel. The directive, available at governor. state. nm. us/ wp- content/ uploads/ 2020/ 03/ AMENDED- PUBLIC- HEALTH- ORDER. pdf, gives a brief historical outline while ordering all restaurants, bars, breweries, eateries and other food establishments in the state of New Mexico to operate at no higher than 50 percent of maximum capacity and no greater than 50 percent seating capacity. Tips and resources for local businesses and organizations can be found as a pdf at cabq. gov/ economicdevelopment/ documents/ cabq- coronavirus- small- business- guide. pdf. Social Distancing Just a few days before todays escalation of the effects of the current viral outbreak, Keller and company sent out a missive about social distancing. It came out on Sunday and made clear the mayors position with regard to social distancing. Please listen, Burquenos y Burquenas, the following is coming from a veritably reasonable source. Social distancing is a proven booster shot to reducing the spread of the coronavirus and reducing the risks in our community, including for the local healthcare system. We had already taken steps to ensure that no City employee has to choose between staying home when they have symptoms and getting a paycheck. While were keeping critical services running, we need everyone in Albuquerque to do their part by maximizing social distancing in every way possible, including avoiding mass gatherings and protecting vulnerable populations. Homeless Folks Earlier that daydid we mention it was Sunday?a city spokesperson from the Department of Family and Community Services named Bobby Sisneros sent out a press release about testing our towns homeless for the COVID-19 virus, writing that The City of Albuquerque deputized Dr. Laura Parajon, M.D., M.P.H., the Executive Director of UNM's Office of Community Health, as the WEHC Medical Director. Dr. Parajon will coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Health to access COVID-19 tests, and is leading the team to provide screenings and care to those who are homeless. Keller also had input on this program and was quoted as saying, As our community responds to the challenge of COVID-19, we are stepping up for the most vulnerable in our city. These screenings will help to prevent not only COVID-19 but the spread of any other illness for a population that has little access to the healthcare system. Each night, about 400 homeless Albuquerque residents make use of the Westside Emergency Housing Center. Dr. Parajon echoed Kellers compasionate concern, saying, We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve here alongside the City of Albuquerque," said Parajon. People experiencing homelessness are a part of our community and we want to provide the best care possible for them. This is certainly testing every part of our health care and community care systembut it also shows the power of partnership and what we can do together. Our Take In the next four weeks, life is going to change drastically for most residents of Albuquerque, N.M. Understanding the importance of social distancing to blunt the effects of the outbreak is essential. Further its important not to begin hoarding behavior as a response. Make sure you only buy what you can reasonably use. Otherwise, you may be furthering the fragility of our citys most vulnerable citizens. Finally, take it easy. Stop panicking and reflect upon our duties as citizens of this great town. Most of all, listen to and trust our local leaders when it comes to the above descriptions of the human war against COVID-19. It will get better if we all work together yet somehow separately. To the editor: Could a simple solution to the coronavirus be hidden in 50 years of almost forgotten medical research that was recently reviewed by Edward Calabrese (1) at U of Mass and published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. Recently Dr. Jerry Guttier, a distinguished Canadian scientist, sent a copy of a historical review of over 70 medical studies where a treatment was used to successfully treat pneumonia. The effect of the treatment was almost immediate within hours even when a virus was the cause. This 2013 study is timely now with the massive world-wide coronavirus health threat. In an earlier, but relevant, study by Dr. Guttier, it was shown that a simple CT scan delivered an effective dose for immune system activation. This study suggests the therapeutic amount required to treat, coronavirus caused, viral pneumonia could be delivered by a simple CT scan device. Since CT scan devices are widely available, and known to be safe, the treatment could very quickly be implemented in most parts of the world. This generalized activation of the immune system would likely also serve in place of the standard vaccination as a prevention. EUGENE R. MOORE Midland With West Texas Intermediate below $30 a barrel and Saudi Arabias plans to keep pumping as much as it can for as long as it can, the U.S. oil industry is bracing for job losses that could end up in five-figure territory. A sustained drop in oil prices would cost the sector 50,000-75,000 jobs if employment returned to its low from a few years ago, the chief economist of PGIM Fixed Income, Nathan Sheets, told CNBC this week. The last industry downturn caused by low prices cost the U.S. oil industryincluding oilfield servicesas many as 200,000 jobs. That was about a third of the total workforce employed in the sector. Now, the US oil industry could be headed for a rerun. Companies, notably shale oil companies, are already beginning to trim costs in response to the oil price shock. Several companies have already announced spending cuts of between 25 and 50 percent for the year, and Halliburton has said it would furlough as many as 3,500 employees for two months. These are the first signs of an industry entrenching itself to survive the latest crisis. According to Rystad Energy, only five companies can drill new oil wells in the U.S. shale patch at a profit with WTI at $31 per barrel. With WTI now trading at below $24 a barrel, the number of unprofitable wells has increased substantially. One company has already asked oilfield service providers to slash the prices of their products and services by as much as a quarter and with oil in free fall, more are likely to follow. In Texas, people are bracing for major job losses in the Eagle Ford play, the San Antonio Express reported this week. The daily cited energy analyst Paige Meyer from CFRA Research, who noted the situation was unprecedented. Related: Oil Plunges As Saudis Boost Exports To Record High We have never seen this before to have a demand shock and a supply shock at the same time, Meyer told San Antonio Express. Indeed, this time the odds are stacked high against the oil industry. The coronavirus outbreak that was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and that is prompting border closures, states of emergency, and travel bans has combined with the oil price war that broke out earlier this month between Saudi Arabia and Russia. The combination has added enormous pressure to an industry that has already been having problems with investors looking for higher and more sustainable returns and a rising and increasingly hostile opposition against the core business of that industry from governments and activist groups demanding that oil companies stop doing what they were set up to do, which is to produce oil. According to Meyer, as many as 21 U.S. oil companies had announced spending cuts of an average of 40 percent for the year. The spending cuts mean idling drilling rigs and with them, the crews that service them. The more the industry is squeezed by the unprofitable wells and the lack of cashmany companies are generating negative cash flows and have been doing so even before the oil price slumped this monththe more jobs will go. One silver lining is that some companies at least might limit the job losses thanks to cash from oil hedging. Rystad Energy reported recently that 30 companies accounting for 38 percent of total U.S. production this year had hedged their output at an average price floor of $56 a barrel. This, according to the Norwegian consultancy, would make for hedging gains of some $10.5 billion if WTI stays below $40 for the rest of the year and even $17 billion if the U.S. benchmark trades at an average of $25 a barrel this year. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A 22-year-old woman, a resident of Palam Vihar, tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total count of Covid-19 infected patients to four in Haryana. The other three cases were also reported from Gurugram this week. The patient had travelled to London and was admitted to the isolation ward of a private hospital in the city. A fourth case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Virology, Pune. The patient is currently undergoing treatment at Fortis Hospital, said Dr Jaswant Singh Punia, chief medical officer. The patient is a student of international marketing and returned from London on March 14. She complained of sore throat, cough, and fever, and approached the rapid response team constituted by the district health department on March 16. Her sample was taken in Civil Hospital, sector 10. Follow live updates on coronavirus developments here. The rapid response team has collected samples of three family members for testing. Also, a single sample from a nearby household falling within the vicinity of the infected patients house was also collected. A sample from one of the houses has been taken to check community transmission, said Punia. The team has conducted surveillance in 68 nearby houses. On Wednesday, a 44-year-old man and his wife, residents of Sector 50, tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The male patient had travelled to London is currently admitted in Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi while the wife is under home quarantine for she is asymptomatic. Health officials say she will soon be shifted to the hospital to prevent transmission. Eight samples from the family have been collected by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory. Test results are awaited, according to health officials. The states first coronavirus case was reported from Gurugram on Monday after a 26-year-old woman, a resident of Sector 9, was admitted to a private hospital in the city. She had a travel history from Malaysia and Indonesia. Dublin, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Quality Control Market by Source (Serum, Whole Blood, Urine), Application (Immunoassay, Hematology, Microbiology), Type (Independent Controls, Original Equipment Manufacturers), End User (Hospital, Lab) - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global malt extracts and ingredients market is estimated to be valued at USD 17.6 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 20.4 billion by 2025, recording a CAGR of 3.0%. Malt extracts are useful for various applications in the food & beverage industry, which is increasing their demand among manufacturers. Also, their stable demand from breweries is also contributing to the growth of this market. The barley segment is projected to be the largest segment in the malt extracts and ingredients market during the forecast period. Barley, being one of the primary sources of beer in the brewing industry, is dominating the market. There is an upsurge in demand for beer among the youth in the Asia Pacific region, which is why the major players are looking to expand their capacities to meet the demand. Also, the increase in the production and export of barley has contributed to market growth. The reintroduction of microbreweries and home-based beers is one of the major factors contributing to the growth of the market share for barley. The dry form segment is dominant in the malt extracts and ingredients market. Manufacturers prefer the dry form more than the liquid form of malt extracts and ingredients. The dry form is easy to handle. Also, the cost of storage and transportation associated with it is lower than that of the liquid form of ingredients. This makes the final cost of the products lower. Therefore, brewers prefer the dry form of malt ingredients, which include powders and flakes. The shelf life of the dry form is also more than that of the liquid form, which is one of the reasons why manufacturers prefer the dry form of malt extracts and ingredients. Asia Pacific is estimated to account for the largest market share. Currently, the Asia Pacific region is the dominating market for malt extracts and ingredients. The high population and increase in the purchasing capacity have enabled consumers to invest in luxury foods. The rise in recreational activities has increased the market for beer production, which is the primary application of malt extracts and ingredients. The growth of the market can also be attributed to the various uses of malt-based foods such as bread, cookies, and confectionaries. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 IVD Quality Control: Market Overview 4.2 APAC: IVD Quality Control Market, By Technology (2019) 4.3 Geographic Snapshot of the Market 4.4 Regional Mix: Market 4.5 Market: Developing Vs. Developed Markets 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 Increasing Number of Accredited Clinical Laboratories 5.2.1.2 Growing Adoption of Third-Party Quality Controls 5.2.1.3 Rising Demand for External Quality Assessment Support 5.2.1.4 Increasing Prevalence of Chronic and Infectious Diseases 5.2.2 Market Restraints 5.2.2.1 Additional Costs and Budget Constraints in Hospitals and Laboratories 5.2.2.2 Unfavorable Reimbursement Scenario for IVD Tests 5.2.3 Market Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Rising Demand for Multi-Analyte Controls 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 Stringent Product Approval Process 5.2.4.2 Lack of Regulations for Clinical Laboratory Accreditation in Several Emerging Countries 6 Industry Insights 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Industry Trends 6.2.1 Lyophilize/Freeze-Dried Controls 6.2.2 Trends on Analyte Source: Human Vs. Animal Origin 6.2.3 Consolidation of Laboratories 6.3 Vendor Benchmarking 6.3.1 Product Portfolio Analysis: IVD Quality Control Market 6.4 Regulatory Analysis 6.4.1 North America 6.4.1.1 US 6.4.1.2 Canada 6.4.2 Europe 6.4.3 Asia Pacific 6.4.3.1 Japan 6.4.3.2 China 6.4.3.3 India 7 IVD Quality Control Market, By Product & Service 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Quality Control Products 7.2.1 Serum/Plasma-Based Controls 7.2.1.1 Greater Stability and Accuracy of Diagnostic Test Results Will Increase the Demand for Serum/Plasma-Based Controls 7.2.2 Whole Blood-Based Controls 7.2.2.1 Rising Need to Ensure High-Quality Clinical Test Results is Driving the Market for Whole Blood-Based Controls 7.2.3 Urine-Based Controls 7.2.3.1 Growing Incidence of Kidney Diseases Will Increase the Need for Urine-Based Controls 7.2.4 Other Controls 7.3 Data Management Solutions 7.3.1 Rising Focus on Improving the Analytical Performance of Clinical Laboratories Supports Market Growth 7.4 Quality Assurance Services 7.4.1 Growing Need for Performance Assessment of Clinical Laboratories Will Increase the Demand for Quality Assurance Services 8 IVD Quality Control Market, By Technology 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Immunochemistry 8.2.1 Focus on Monitoring the Precision of Immunoassay Tests is Driving the Adoption of Immunoassay Controls 8.3 Clinical Chemistry 8.3.1 Rising Incidence of Lifestyle Diseases Provides Opportunities for Market Growth 8.4 Molecular Diagnostics 8.4.1 Growing Incidence of Infectious Diseases Will Drive Demand for Molecular Diagnostic Controls 8.5 Microbiology 8.5.1 Increasing Adoption of Automated Clinical Microbiology Testing Instruments is Supporting Market Growth 8.6 Hematology 8.6.1 Need for Accuracy in Hematological Test Results has Driven Reliance on Hematology Quality Controls 8.7 Coagulation & Hemostasis 8.7.1 Growing Number of Cardiovascular Surgeries Will Increase Need for Coagulation & Hemostasis Testing 8.8 Other Technologies 9 IVD Quality Control Market, By Manufacturer 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Third-Party Controls 9.2.1 Independent Controls 9.2.1.1 Increasing Preference for Independent Controls Fuels Market Growth 9.2.2 Instrument-Specific Controls 9.2.2.1 Usage Limitations Have Subdued Market Growth Rate in Favor of Independent Controls 9.3 Original Equipment Manufacturer Controls 9.3.1 OEM Controls are Less-Sensitive to Qc-Related Issues, Which has Resulted in Lower Adoption 10 IVD Quality Control Market, By End User 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Hospitals 10.2.1 Huge Volume of IVD Procedures Performed in Hospitals are Driving Market Growth 10.3 Clinical Laboratories 10.3.1 Growing Number of Accredited Laboratories Will Drive the Market 10.4 Academic and Research Institutes 10.4.1 Rising Focus on Obtaining Accurate Research Findings is Driving Market Growth 10.5 Other End Users 11 IVD Quality Control Market, By Region 11.1 Introduction 11.2 North America 11.2.1 US 11.2.1.1 US is the Largest Market for IVD Quality Control in North America 11.2.2 Canada 11.2.2.1 Government Initiatives to Promote Quality Controls are Expected to Drive Market Growth in Canada 11.3 Europe 11.3.1 Germany 11.3.1.1 Germany is a Major Market for IVD Quality Control Products in Europe 11.3.2 France 11.3.2.1 Increasing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases and Growing Demand for Early Diagnosis is Driving Market Growth 11.3.3 UK 11.3.3.1 Growth in the Country's Life Science Industry and Increasing Research are Key Factors Driving Market Growth in the UK 11.3.4 Italy 11.3.4.1 Growing Disease Prevalence has Contributed to the Demand for Better and Accurate Disease Diagnosis in Italy 11.3.5 Spain 11.3.5.1 Increasing Demand for Prenatal and Genetic Testing and Rising Focus on Laboratory Consolidation Support Market Growth in Spain 11.3.6 Russia 11.3.6.1 Increasing Incidence of Lifestyle Diseases Will Create a Need for Accurate Diagnosis 11.3.7 Rest of Europe 11.4 Asia Pacific 11.4.1 Japan 11.4.1.1 Japan Held the Largest Share of the Market in the APAC 11.4.2 China 11.4.2.1 Growing Access to Modern Healthcare and Government Support Will Boost Market Growth 11.4.3 India 11.4.3.1 Rising Need to Secure Nabl Accreditation Will Increase the Demand for Quality Controls in India 11.4.4 Australia 11.4.4.1 Rising Burden of Geriatric Population has Resulted in Initiatives to Enhance Access to Healthcare and Improve Infrastructure 11.4.5 South Korea 11.4.5.1 Rising Healthcare Expenditure and the Growing Number of Hospitals are Driving the Growth of the South Korean Market 11.4.6 Rest of Asia Pacific 11.5 Latin America 11.5.1 Brazil 11.5.1.1 Brazil Dominates the Latin American IVD Quality Control Market 11.5.2 Mexico 11.5.2.1 Mexico is Emerging as a Prominent Medical Tourism Hub 11.5.3 Rest of Latin America 11.6 Middle East and Africa 11.6.1 Rising Cancer Incidence has Attracted Stakeholder Attention to Regional Markets in Mea 12 Competitive Landscape 12.1 Overview 12.2 Market Ranking Analysis 12.3 Market Ranking Analysis for External Quality Assessment Services in 2018 12.4 Competitive Leadership Mapping 12.4.1 Visionary Leaders 12.4.2 Innovators 12.4.3 Dynamic Differentiators 12.4.4 Emerging Companies 12.5 Competitive Situation and Trends 12.5.1 Product Launches 12.5.2 Agreements and Partnerships 12.5.3 Expansions 13 Company Profiles 13.1 Bio-Rad Laboratories 13.2 Randox Laboratories 13.3 Thermo Fisher Scientific 13.4 Roche Diagnostics 13.5 Helena Laboratories 13.6 SeraCare Life Sciences 13.7 SERO AS 13.8 Ortho Clinical Diagnostics 13.9 Sun Diagnostics 13.10 Quidel Corporation 13.11 Technopath Clinical Diagnostics 13.12 Abbott Laboratories 13.13 Danaher Corporation 13.14 Sysmex Corporation 13.15 Siemens Healthineers 13.16 Fortress Diagnostics 13.17 Zeptometrix Corporation 13.18 Qnostics 13.19 Bio-Techne Corporation 13.20 Microbiologics 14 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8khhs3 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. The 2012 rape and murder of Jyoti Singh on a city bus sparked nationwide demonstrations and led to international outcry. Four men convicted of the 2012 gang rape and murder of a New Delhi student are set to be executed on Friday, the victims lawyer said after a court dismissed a last-minute petition to delay the hangings. The attack on Jyoti Singh on a city bus, which caused international outrage and led to nationwide demonstrations, highlighted an alarming rate of sexual violence in India. The court rejected their petition and said they have exhausted all their legal rights. The hangings will take place on Friday at the scheduled time, Singhs lawyer Seema Kushwaha told reporters on Thursday. Earlier this month, a Delhi court issued death warrants setting March 20 as the date for the execution of the convicts in the citys Tihar Jail. The executions are set for 5.30am local time on Friday in the gallows area, jail spokesman Raj Kumar said. The hangman has been performing dummy hangings, essentially to check the strength of the ropes, he said. Three of the convicts had their last meetings with family members, during which they broke down inconsolably, local media reported. Singh, a 23-year-old medical student, was gang-raped and heavily injured on a moving bus in the Indian capital on December 16, 2012. She died nearly two weeks later at a Singapore hospital. No legal remedy In hearings on Thursday, the Supreme Court and a trial court rejected petitions by the convicts lawyers to stop the executions. There is no legal remedy pending in any court and the mercy petitions have been rejected by the president, so there is no impediment to the hangings, public prosecutor Irfan Ahmed said. Singhs mother Asha Devi welcomed the ruling and said her daughters soul will finally rest in peace. The developments came amid dramatic scenes outside the trial court where the wife of one of the convicts threatened to kill herself. The convicts used every possible manoeuvre to delay the executions, taking turns to file repeated petitions. Earlier this week, the convicts families called on President Ram Nath Kovind to demand euthanasia, saying they could not bear the humiliation and injustice of being hanged. In India, about 400 people are on death row, but so far, no one has been executed since 2015. Editor's Note: With so much market volatility, stay on top of daily news! Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news and expert opinions. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Rio Tinto has temporarily halted operations at its big Kennecott mine near Salt Lake City, Utah, as a result of a 5.7-magnitude earthquake close to the town of Magna, the company announced Wednesday. Officials said all employees have been safely accounted for and evacuated from any potential risk areas. A preliminary review showed limited damage to the operation, with a more detailed inspection of the complex occurring in conjunction with the local emergency services and Utah Department of Transportation. The company said the temporary halt to operations is in line with standard procedures pre-agreed upon with the Utah Department of Transportation. State Road 201 has been temporarily closed while the inactive South (Magna) tailings storage facility is inspected. The safety of our employees and wider community is our first priority and having ensured that all our employees are safe and the operations are shut, we are now working with the local emergency services and regulators to ensure the asset is safe before resuming any operations, said Arnaud Soirat, Rio Tintos copper and diamonds chief executive. The former Manhattan prosecutor Linda Fairstein sued Netflix and the director Ava DuVernay on Wednesday, arguing that she was falsely portrayed as a racist, unethical villain pushing for the convictions of five black and Latino teenagers in When They See Us, a series about the Central Park Five case. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Fort Myers, Fla., came after the series made Ms. Fairstein, a best-selling crime novelist, the object of public outrage, prompting her to be dropped by her publisher and resign from several prominent boards. In the suit, Ms. Fairstein claims the four-part series defamed her in nearly every scene in the three episodes in which her character appears. Most glaringly, the film series falsely portrays Ms. Fairstein as in charge of the investigation and prosecution of the case against The Five, including the development of the prosecutions theory of the case, said Andrew Miltenberg, a lawyer for Ms. Fairstein. In truth, and as detailed in the lawsuit, Ms. Fairstein was responsible for neither aspect of the case. Walmart shares are emerging as a winner during the chaotic coronavirus crisis. The big-box retailer, a classic defensive consumer staple stock, is benefiting from the millions of Americans stocking up on products for the unknown future. Plus, lower gas prices are relieving pressure from Walmart's supply chain costs and potentially putting more money in the hands of the U.S. consumer if the coronavirus job losses can be contained. "The unfortunate spread of the COVID-19 virus has created an unprecedented spike in demand for grocery and household products, as consumers prepare for weeks (maybe months) of school closures, work from home and restaurant closures," Credit Suisse research analyst Seth Sigman said in a note to clients following his upgrade of the stock to outperform on Wednesday. Stocks dropped violently in the past month on fears of the economic ramifications of the fast-spreading coronavirus. All three major averages are deep in a bear market, more than 20% off their most recent high, which happened to be on Feb. 19. Since then, the S&P 500 has cratered 25%, while Walmart's stock is in the green, gaining 2%. Walmart, which has a market value of about $348 billion, is a beneficiary of consumers flooding its stores and stocking up on household items, like toiler paper, cleaning supplies and food. The government has encouraged "social distancing," leaving millions of American quarantined in their homes for the foreseeable future. While most restaurants, hotels and movie theaters are shut down, Walmart is busier than ever, a trend Credit Suisse expected to persist for 12 months. Walmart is "becoming more to the consumer, at the most important time," said Sigman. Demand is making it hard for Walmart to keep its shelves stocked. The retailer has adjusted its store hours and created shopping times for seniors only. Oppenheimer said this short-term shift in consumer spending could sustain Walmart's same-store sales growth through the market turmoil. If Sanders does exit, the Democratic Party will immediately confront the challenge of avoiding the type of bitter split that damaged the party in 2016, when the Sanders and Hillary Clinton camps remained at odds after she captured the nomination. Many Democrats think that dispute contributed to Clintons loss in the general election and hope to unify more fully this time as they prepare to take on President Trump. White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx answers a question during the daily briefing on the CCP virus at the White House in Washington on March 18, 2020. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Some Young People Getting Seriously Ill From CCP Virus, White House Official Says White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Debbie Birx for a second time this week encouraged the millennial generation to be vigilant in social distancing as she expressed concerns over reports from France and Italy that some young people are becoming very seriously ill due to the CCP virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. There are concerning reports coming out of France and Italy about some young people getting seriously ill and very seriously ill in the ICUs, Birx said on Wednesday at a White House press conference. Birx did not provide further details about the data pertaining to the two countries. We think part of this may be that people heeded the early data coming out of China and coming out of South Korea that the elderly or those with preexisting medical conditions were at particular risk, she continued. Birx, a physician and ambassador, suggested that because there were high numbers of millennials becoming infected, a notable number of severe cases are arising even though only a small proportion in the age group faces severe infections. There may be a disproportionate number of infections among that group, and so even if its a rare occurrence, it may be seen more frequently in that group and be evident now, she said. We have not seen any significant mortality in children but we are concerned about the early reports coming out of Italy and France, Birx said. Im going to call out that generation [the millennial generation] we need them to be healthy. She urged the millennial generation to practice social distancing to lessen the chance of becoming exposed to the CCP virus. Birx said: We cannot have these large gatherings that continue to occur throughout the country for people who are off work to then be socializing in large groups and spreading the virus. You have the potential then to spread it to someone who does have a condition that none of us knew about and cause them to have a disastrous outcome. In France, the countrys top health official Jerome Salomon recently said that more than half of infected patients who are in intensive care in France are those aged younger than 60. We have counted this evening 300 serious cases in intensive care. We have serious cases also amid adults and let me remind you that more than 50 percent of people in intensive care are under 60, Salomon said at a news conference late Saturday, reported CNN. He did not specify the age range of those under 60. On Monday, Salomon said that people did not appear to heed official advice from the French government to stay at home. A lot of people have not understood that they need to stay at home, and this low level at which people have adhered means that we are not succeeding in curbing the outbreak of the epidemic, he told France Inter radio, Reuters reported. In Italy, 12 percent who are in intensive care are aged between 19 and 50, official figures released last week show (pdf); 52 percent come from people aged 51-70, with the rest aged over 70. Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported that hospitals in Lombardy are seeing patients aged between 25 and 50 admitted for COVID-19 treatment. An article published Monday in the BMJ medical journal (pdf) noted that the median age of those in intensive care is 69 (age 51-70: 46 percent; age >70: 44 percent), with no cases under the age of 18. However, a significant percentage of patients are under 30, which confirms how crucial this age group is in transmitting the virus. Pier Luigi Lopalco, a professor from Pisa University, told Il Corriere della Sera that younger people, who generally have more social interactions, are at more risk of being infected if they dont practice social distancing. At a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing Wednesday, the head of the WHOs emergency program Mike Ryan emphasized that young people are not exempted from experiencing severe illness from the CCP virus, raising Italy and South Korea as examples. The idea that this is a disease that causes death in older people, we need to be very, very careful with, he said, adding that close to 20 percent of deaths in South Korea happened in those under 60. Physicians again in Italy will attest to this, and in Korea. This isnt just a disease of the elderly. There is no question that younger, healthier people experience an overall less serious disease. But a significant number of otherwise healthy adults can develop a more severe form of the disease, Ryan added. Kinshasa, DR Congo (PANA) The national assembly of the DR Congo have suspended, from 18 March to 5 April, 2020, the plenary activities of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Parliament and Senate, within the framework of the preventive measures against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), according to a joint statement signed by the chairman of the boards of the two Houses of Parliament SpendEdge has been monitoring the global Fatty acid market and the market is poised to experience spend growth of more than USD 5 billion between 2017-2022 at a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period. Request Free Sample Pages. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005485/en/ Read the 89-page research report with TOC and LOE on "The Global Fatty Acid Market, Pricing Outlook in Geographies that include APAC, North America, South America, and MEA, and insights into best practices to optimize procurement spend." This perceived spend growth will be primarily attributed to the exponential demand growth in the end-user industries that are soaps and detergents, personal care, food and beverage, and construction sectors. The market in APAC is set to witness a substantial spend growth owing to the increase in demand in the processed food and beverage market across the emerging economies such as China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Additionally, the region also boasts one of the largest areas for the cultivation of raw materials of fatty acids. Subscribe to our procurement platform to get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment. Insights into market price trends: Factors such as the global demand-supply ratio and climatic conditions will cause extreme volatility in the prices of raw materials such as palm oil, coconut oil, and tallow. This will act as a major attribute to suppliers' manufacturing cost which will ultimately impact buyers' procurement expenses in the fatty acid market. Despite the fact that the adoption of automation will reduce suppliers' reliance on manpower, the growing enforcement of labor laws and increasing minimum wages worldwide will have an impact on personnel costs for suppliers of fatty acids. What are the strategies that buyers must adopt to optimize procurement spend in this market? Strategic partnerships with suppliers will play vital roles in unlocking avenues to save costs for buyers during the contract period. Insights into some of the strategies that buyers must follow while negotiating and during the contract period with suppliers are given below: Partner with suppliers who directly engage with growers and avoid intermediaries Buyers are advised to engage with suppliers who exhibit strong alliances with growers. This will facilitate buyers with improved cost savings, as suppliers are prioritized by growers in terms of delivery, pricing, and samples. Suppliers will have a higher bargaining power in influencing growers on quantity, type, and area of the crops grown. Buyers are advised to include contract clauses that provide an upper limit on product price to minimize the risk of fluctuations in market prices of raw materials. Assess value-adds offered by suppliers to improve production processes Buyers can obtain cost-savings and process improvement ideas by leveraging the industry knowledge and R&D expertise of suppliers to improve production processes. For instance, Cargill offers optimizing services that aid buyers by providing consulting services for improving food and beverage production processes and helps buyers in conserving water, energy, and raw materials. Buy 1 report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 reports and get the third for free. Download the free sample of this report on the fatty acid market. Some of the key topics covered in this report are: Fatty acid market spend segmentation by region Total cost of ownership analysis in the fatty acid market Regional spend opportunity for fatty acid suppliers Fatty acid suppliers cost structure Fatty acid pricing models analysis Fatty acid procurement best practices Category management objectives Cost saving opportunities in the fatty acid market Free sample of reports that you may like: Global Sorbitol Market Procurement Intelligence Report Global Caustic Soda Market Procurement Intelligence Report About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005485/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us Jammu: The love story of Sara Abdullah and Sachin Pilot, daughter of Farooq Abdullah and sister of Omar Abdullah, began while studying in London. Where Sachin was studying an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. They met Sara Abdullah and after a few days, both started dating each other. After completing his studies in London, Sachin returned to Delhi. Sara was in London for her studies. Even after reaching this distance between the two, the love of both remained. Congress organization can be captured again by Jai Charan's supporters According to the information received, both used to talk through e-mail and phone. The two dated each other for almost 3 years and after that, both of them decided to tell their family about their relationship. When Sachin and Sara told their families, the wall of religion became a problem between the two's love. On the one hand, Sachin was from a Hindu family, while Sara belonged to a Muslim family. Sachin's family refused to marry both. This path was not easy for Sara either. Chhattisgarh CM's big statement on Corona, says, 'No need to fear, there are complete arrangements' Her father Farooq Abdullah refused to talk to her about it, but Sara did not give up. He made all efforts to convince his father. It is learned that she kept crying for several days, but her father did not agree. Sachin and Sara later got married in January 2004, regardless of anyone. No member of the Abdullah family was involved in this marriage. Sachin's family supported Sara a lot. Over time, the Abdullah family also accepted their relationship. Kailash Vijayvargiya attacks Digvijay, says 'Congress rebel MLA in touch with BJP' 19.03.2020 LISTEN Two alleged drug peddlers who allegedly poured acid on another man whom they suspected to have leaked information about them to the Police, have been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court. Gideon Mensah Sowah and Richard Danso have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit causing harm and causing harm. They both pleaded not guilty. The court presided over by Mrs Ellen Offei Ayeh remanded them into Police custody, waiting for the victim to recover from his injuries, as he is on admission at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. They are to reappear on April 6. Prosecuting, Inspector Maxwell Ayim said a third accomplice is on the run. Inspector Ayim said Sowah and Danso are friends and were earlier on arrested by the police on suspicion that they were drug peddlers. Prosecution said the two accused contended that it was the victim, Adjei Mensah who leaked that information to the Police. He said based on that the accused and their accomplice now at large on March 10, this year, at about 2330 hours proceeded to Mensah's family house where they found the victim sleeping in front the house. Prosecution said the accused poured some liquid substance suspected to be acid on Mensah and bolted. According to the prosecution the victim was able to identify the two accused and reported the incident to the Police. The Prosecution said Sowah was smoked out from his hideout and on March 17, Danso was also nabbed by the Police. ---GNA The man who was suspected of suffering from coronavirus and had left a Mathura hospital without informing the authorities was tested negative for the infection on Thursday, an official said. His sample was sent to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for testing. The man, who had returned from Mumbai on March 6, was admitted to Mathura's K D Medical College from where he had gone home without informing the authorities on Wednesday. "The sample of the suspected coronavirus patient was declared negative by doctors at the AMU medical college," Dr Sher Singh, Chief Medical College, Mathura, said. The CMO said City Magistrate Manoj Kumar was informed when the man left for home without informing the authorities. In the beginning, the suspected patient refused to get himself admitted to the district hospital but agreed to it later, he said. "Though it was suspected case, his sample was sent to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College for testing on Wednesday," the CMO added. The patient's sample was sent for testing after he disclosed that he had an interaction with a foreigner during his journey from Mumbai to Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump, during a COVID-19 task force news conference Thursday, complained about very dishonest media sources and claimed American media were siding with China over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic thats killed nearly 10,000 people around the globe. The media critique was prompted by a question from One America News Network on whether he considered the term Chinese food to be racist because its food that originates in China." Trump, who along with other lawmakers has come under fire for describing COVID-19 as the Chinese coronavirus, claimed the term was not racist. He then went on to blast The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The New York Times. I know the truth, Trump said, complaining of fake and corrupt news. It amazes me when I read the things that I read. He brought up Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York and Gov. Gavin Newsome of California as examples of officials hes getting along with during the crisis despite a history of sparring over policy. But the Journal and Post, he said, were very dishonest media sources," while the Times he barely reads. OAN then asserted that the press was more than dishonest and siding with state propaganda from China. The president agreed and said the media is siding with China. China is the least of it. Why theyre doing this, youll have to ask them. Trump lambasted the media multiple times throughout the news conference. He said the only reason he took a COVID-19 test was because you people were driving everybody crazy, gesturing to the room of reporters. He argued his administration was well prepared to respond to the pandemic but that the media has not treated it fairly. He said his ban on travel from China saved lives and noted other nations were following suit. At one point he quipped that reporters were sitting too closely in the briefing room and not abiding social distancing guidelines. He hinted that perhaps he should get rid of the majority of reporters in the room but keep the two or three of you that I like." He noted later that OANN staff treat me very nicely. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Trumps remarks come when tensions are escalating between the U.S. and China. After the Trump administration cut down the number of Chinese citizens who can work in the U.S. for its state-run news organizations, the Chinese government kicked out a host of journalists from very newspapers Trump admonished Thursday: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Asked about transparency and treatment of the press by China earlier this week, Trump said he didnt approve of Chinas move even though hes taken issues with those organizations reporting in the past. The official White House Twitter account weighed in on the naming of the new strain of coronavirus on Wednesday, insinuating the media was trying to divide us with fake outrage. Spanish Flu. West Nile Virus. Zika. Ebola. All named for places. Before the medias fake outrage, even CNN called it Chinese Coronavirus. Those trying to divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis. The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 18, 2020 While the disease broke out in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization in February requested that the epidemic be referred to as coronavirus or COVID-19 so as to avoid stigmatizing individuals with Chinese ancestry, Axios reported. Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing. It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO said in February. "Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing. It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks"-@DrTedros #COVID19 World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 11, 2020 Related Content: By Chris Campos Bay City News Foundation Facing an unprecedented health crisis across the country, Contra Costa County health providers are struggling to ramp up their preparations for an expected flood of COVID-19 coronavirus patients. In a fresh study released Tuesday through ProPublica, the Harvard Global Health Institute for the first time gives a sense of which regions will be particularly stressed and should be preparing most aggressively right now. In most scenarios, "vast communities in America are not prepared to take care of the COVID-19 patients showing up," said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Institute, who led a team of researchers that developed the analysis. Under the researchers' best-case scenario, Americans will act quickly to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing, and the infection rate among adults will remain relatively low at 20 percent, or 49.4 million people over the age of 18, less than twice the number of people who get the flu each year. As of 2018, Contra Costa County had 1,730 total hospital beds, of which about 61 percent were occupied, potentially leaving only 680 beds open for additional patients. The bed count includes 200 beds in intensive care units, according to data from the American Hospital Association and the American Hospital Directory. Intensive care units are best equipped to handle the most acute coronavirus cases. Contra Costa County has a population of about 1.1 million residents; 14 percent are over the age of 65. The experience in other countries has shown that elderly patients have significantly higher hospitalization and fatality rates from COVID-19. In the moderate scenario, in which 40 percent of the adult population contracts the disease over 12 months, Contra Costa would be one of the regions that would need to expand capacity. It is estimated that about 8 percent of the adult population would require hospital care. In a moderate scenario where 40 percent of the population is infected over a 12-month period, hospitals in Contra Costa would receive an estimated 70,200 coronavirus patients. The influx of patients would require 2,340 beds over 12 months, which is 3.5 times the available beds in that time period. The Harvard researchers' scenarios assume that each coronavirus patient will require 12 days of hospital care on average, based on data from China. In Contra Costa County, the Harvard study said intensive care units would be especially overwhelmed and require additional capacity. Without coronavirus patients, there are only 81 available beds on average in intensive care units, which is 6.2 times less than what is needed to care for all severe cases. Ben Drew, director of communications for John Muir Health, said Wednesday that the hospital system has added "several nurses" to assist with the triaging of patient calls. John Muir has also canceled elective surgeries and procedures until at least March 27. John Muir hospitals in Walnut Creek and Concord are also putting aside rooms specifically prepared for virus patients. Drew also said that the Walnut Creek health center has sufficient supplies to care for coronavirus patients and keep staff safe. He added, "For shortages of certain pieces of equipment, we are exhausting all possible sources to ensure we maintain appropriate levels." But what about the coronavirus test? Drew admitted, "We do not have enough COVID-19 tests available to test every John Muir Health patient. This means that COVID-19 tests are being prioritized for patients who meet high-risk criteria as outlined by the CDC." Kerri Leedy, a Kaiser Permanente representative said, "We are prudently managing our resources to ensure we have adequate access to protective equipment and medical supplies needed for the screening and treatment of patients with potential and confirmed COVID-19 infections ... We are working with our supply chain vendors and other sources to be prepared to meet the needs of our staff and patients." Leedy declined to give any numbers on staffing, but added "we have contingency plans in place to manage both higher numbers of patients in our facilities and illness among staff. We are able to manage this in part with fully licensed or certified seasonal contract staff." A spokesperson for Sutter Health said, "We continue to work closely with state and local officials to prepare for a surge in patients. We are also leveraging the strength of our integrated network to increase our capacity to use non-hospital based strategies like video visits and walk in care to treat patients who do not need emergency-level care." Sutter's representative also said the hospital group is struggling with the availability of supplies and virus tests. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. One of Daniel Andrews closest tactical and factional allies has announced his resignation from the Victorian Parliament after serving more than two decades as an MP. The governments leader in the upper house, Gavin Jennings, told the Victorian Parliament he had served his final day as he gave his valedictory speech on Thursday afternoon. Gavin Jennings alongisde his factional ally Daniel Andrews. Mr Jennings has quit the Victorian Parliament. Credit:Alex Murray From my first speech until now my last, no one has really bothered to mess with me while Im on my feet in the Legislative Council, Mr Jennings said in his valedictory speech. Although some usurpers took the opportunity to exclude me from the chamber but clearly all that is forgotten now, and I will be forgotten soon because today is my last day. The US Senate passed a more than $100 billion coronavirus aid package on Wednesday, sending it on to President Donald Trump who is expected to sign it into law. Lawmakers are already working on another stimulus effort in response to the widening outbreak in the country. Here are major elements of the legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on Saturday. FREE CORONAVIRUS TESTING The bill would provide free coronavirus testing for those who need it. The Trump administration has struggled to make such tests available. The legislation would require private ... Helen Lambings children and grandchildren were planning a special surprise dinner at The Shoreview at Riverside retirement home in Windsor for her 85th birthday. But when the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down to non-essential visitors, they had to come up with a plan B. So, on Sunday afternoon they gathered outside her room with balloons and serenaded her with a very loud rendition of Happy Birthday. A worker told her to go to her window, and they started all waving and I waved back, said Lambing in a phone interview from her room, Thursday. I was really excited and surprised. I was so happy to see them. Visits to long-term care homes and other facilities have been severely restricted due to COVID-19, as older people are particularly at risk of having more serious cases of the disease. Lambing whos lived at the retirement home for about a year, is originally from the former Czechoslovakia, and raised five children. Her four daughters were there for the party as were two of her eight grandchildren. A son-in-law and the girlfriend of a granchild joined the party as well. Fallon Chadwick, the homes sales and transitional coordinator, helped organize the surprise and posted a video of the improvised celebration on Facebook. It has over 500,000 views so far. We keep telling her shes a rock star, said Chadwick with a laugh. I never thought that it would go this far, but its amazing, the family, what they did for their mom. Thats what is so special here, is they went out of their way to make sure that she was special. Lambing was pretty excited to discover that half a million people have shared in her birthday moment and that shes become a minor celebrity. Its really something I never expected. I want to say thank you, she said. The octogenarian is not doing too bad and, like many of us in lockdown, is trying to stay busy. I try to walk around the floor for my exercise, because you cant have anybody come here to do your exercise, she said. Her advice to the younger generation feeling anxious in this uncertain time? Just hope everything will turn out for the best. Update - March 20, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version to include three other members of the family who had been present at the celebration. Mohamed Soliman sounds out experts on the governments response to storms and the coronavirus A set of different proactive measures has been taken recently by Egypt to tackle the so-called Dragon Storm that hit parts of the country last Thursday and Friday and the novel coronavirus pandemic that has so far taken the lives of four people in Egypt and sickened 166 others. The official response towards both problems marks a quantum leap in comparison with previous crises such as the heavy rains that showered large swathes of the country in October last year, causing traffic mayhem and bringing the capital Cairo to a standstill. Excellent performance was how crisis management and human development expert Mamdouh Zidan expressed his appreciation for how the government dealt with the rain crisis. Last week Wednesday, the Egyptian government declared a contingency plan to cope with the weather conditions only a few hours after a warning was released by the Egyptian meteorological Authority (EMA), steps that were roundly applauded, although nearly 20 people lost their lives in the severe weather, as per official figures. The plan commenced with giving public and private sector employees a day off and suspending all schools and universities nationwide, and calling upon the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Had that not happened, hundreds, including school children, would have been stranded by the bad weather as was the case in previous heavy rain incidents. Emptying streets was not the only step. The government formed a central operations unit to be in contact with concerned bodies to follow up on the situation. At the same time, the Irrigation Ministry reduced drainage from Lake Nasser to accommodate the amounts of rain in the Nile and canals. Since the wee hours of Thursday, a number of trucks with water pumps were ready to be deployed to tackle any flooding. The cabinet continued issuing press releases over the course of the two days to keep people reassured and updated with the latest developments. In the meantime, the government was also on the alert regarding the latest developments on the coronavirus. It adopted a package of preventive measures that ranged from closing down schools and universities to suspending all international flights to and from the country from 19 to 31 March at all airports nationwide. This was a whole new approach considering a similar situation more than a decade ago. The then-government's reaction regarding bird flu and H1N1 which were both newly discovered epidemics at the time was a whole different story. General Mohamed Abdel-Maksoud, head of the Crisis and Disaster Management Sector in the cabinet, told Al-Ahram Weekly that the government was being scientific when tackling crises. There are three levels to managing a crisis, Abdel-Maksoud said, the first being the preparation of a plan by his department backed by solid information and in coordination with concerned entities. The second is handled by a supreme committee chaired by the prime minister. The third level is up to the executive apparatuses, Abdel-Maksoud explained. On the rainstorms, Abdel-Maksoud said all the governorates were contacted to make sure of their readiness, especially since about 500 million cubic metres of rainwater were estimated to have fallen. The Armed Forces and civil defence also stepped in to give a hand in tackling the flood because the governorates capacities were not sufficient to cover such a situation by themselves. The same thing is happening now to cope with the coronavirus, Abdel-Maksoud said, and reduce risk. He pointed out that his department is also tasked with following up on and collecting all updates concerning the virus worldwide. What we can see currently is that the ministries and other bodies apparently have become more cooperative with each other and are working systematically, human development expert Zidan explained. Zidan, however, believes that citizens must do their part as well. The 14-day halt of educational activities is a good decision to ward off the virus but it will not bear fruit if people ignore other preventive measures and flock to malls, cafes and other public places instead of staying at home, he added. Mohamed Sherdi, a journalist and crisis management expert, said that the governments performance in the weather crisis was better than ever, adding that officials should keep it up. He, however, added that the government should have warned of the consequences of such weather conditions on the regions that lie near spillways. At least eight people were killed in building collapses in the low-income district of Al-Zarayeb in the 15 May suburb in southern Cairo due to the inclement weather. The buildings were sited near spillways and so were the first to be affected by the heavy rain. Sherdi underscored the necessity of acknowledging the infrastructure deficiencies in some areas in Egypt as that would make people more responsive to and confident in their government. Sherdi suggested the cabinet hold a daily briefing, in the presence of two or three ministers, to keep in touch with people underscoring that this act aims at being the main source of information. The state should not leave the public to outside sources of information as people always take a fancy to viral information even if it is inaccurate, he explained. That will assist the state in tackling any crisis properly, on one hand, and deliver accurate and rapid information which will rebuild trust between the people and government, which is an important matter, Sherdi said. *A version of this article appears in print in the 19 March, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: With less 16 hours left before the four convicts of the December 16 gangrape case are to be hanged, Delhis Tihar jail authorities have begun the final preparations. At exactly 5.30 am on Friday the four men -- Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma -- will be hanged simultaneously inside jail number 3. Jail officers said that on Wednesday they carried out dummy executions inside phansi kotha( hanging courtyard). A team of jail officers along with the hangman, Pawan Jallad inspected the hanging courtyard inside jail 3 again on Thursday morning. Also read: President refuses to consider Delhi rape convicts mercy plea, hanging set for tomorrow The 10 ropes to be used for hanging that were brought from Buxar, Bihar that have been tied to the beam at the gallows will be checked one last time on Thursday evening. Pawan Jallad, a Meerut resident, is from the Uttar Pradesh prisons department and has been brought by the Tihar jail authorities for the execution. Watch | 4th but final: Dec 16 rape victims kin hopeful of convicts hanging Pawan is being paid 15,000 per hanging. This will be the first time when four men will be hanged simultaneously inside Tihar. Along with Pawan, only a few officers such as the jail superintendent and the prisons doctor will be present on Friday morning. In the evening we will prepare the hanging courtyard one last time before the execution. The jail superintendents will talk to the convicts in the evening and ask them if they wish to write a letter or have a final wish. They have been counselled by the prison trained counsellors, said a prison officer, who did not wish to be named. The officer added that the execution process will be complete before 6.30 am. The four men are currently lodged in Jail number 3 next to the hanging courtyard. Each convict is lodged separately and guarded by at least 2-3 jail wardens who monitor their movements round-the-clock. A second prison officer said, who also did not wish to be named, said that until Wednesday the convicts did not show any signs of nervousness but on Thursday most of them kept to themselves. Until a few days ago it did not look like they were on a death row. The hanging has already been postponed twice. They have not even made any specific demands as their last wish. They did not exhibit any signs of depression or fear but since Wednesday night, their behaviour has changed. We have been told that they are not speaking much with the prison guards, the second officer said. While the preparations are on, the jail authorities are also keeping an eye on the developments at a Delhi court which will hear their application to seek a stay on the execution on the ground that two convicts have filed a second mercy petition before President Ram Nath Kovind. The President has rejected the first set of mercy petitions filed by the four convicts. The four men had assaulted and gang raped a 23-year-old paramedic student inside a moving bus in South Delhi on December 16, 2012. The young woman died at a hospital in Singapore two weeks later. The last hanging inside Tihar was of Afzal Guru on February 9, 2013. Guru was convicted for his role in the 2001 Parliament attack case. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The National Association of Scholars has detailed the effects on higher education of China's Confucius Institutes, and China's Thousand Talents Program has also come under scrutiny in institutions ranging from Harvard to West Virginia University for its use as a means to purloin America's scientific research. The National Association of Scholars applauds the Foreign Influence Transparency Act, as the minimum effective means by which to discover what foreign powers have provided funding for which American universities. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is preparing for a possible 30 percent increase in the need for its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials anticipate an additional cost of up to $100,000 every month to cover the growing need caused by coronavirus and the economic impact that will follow. If major food donors like manufacturers or grocers are unable to continue donating food, costs could grow to $400,000 monthly. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank has launched Operation Feed Our Neighbors to address this critical need, but can only do so with the communitys support. Empty store shelves may be a very familiar sight for the one in eight people overall including one in five children who face hunger in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. But stocking up isnt possible for them when putting food on the table is a daily struggle. In this time of uncertainty, gifts of money and time will put nutritious food into the hands of those who need it. Every $1 helps provide four meals. Of every dollar donated, 95 cents goes straight to food and programs. Volunteers provide essential support. For more information click here. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:00:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa speaks during a televised national speech in Lisbon, Portugal, March 18, 2020. The president declared on Wednesday in a televised national speech a "state of emergency" in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The state of emergency, the first of its kind in the Portuguese history, can be extended for another 15 days, according to the Portuguese law. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Portugal rose to 642 on Wednesday, 194 more than on the previous day, according to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). (Xinhua) The school districts food distribution program is so popular, officials have expanded it to weekends. Interim Superintendent Beth Smith said around 1,000 meals have distributed in the programs first five days through Tuesday, March 24, and were expecting that number to increase. The district is working with Whitsons Food Service on offering the food. According to a Facebook post Thursday, the district received permission to distribute food on Friday for Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, Smith said people would get three breakfasts and three lunches. Parents are asked to bring a bag on Fridays to collect the weekend food. Nearly 200 students were fed Wednesday, March 18, the first day that Shelton schools and Whitsons Food Service joined forces to provide food to families while schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shelton schools closed Friday, March 13, until further notice. Under order from Gov. Ned Lamont, all schools in the state closed Monday, March 16, and cannot reopen before April 20. As of Wednesday, March 25, there were more than 850 confirmed cases in Connecticut, eight in Shelton. Smith alerted parents online last week that the district, in conjunction with Whitsons Food Service, would be offering bagged breakfast and lunch free of charge for all students 18 and younger enrolled in the Shelton public schools and Holy Trinity Catholic Academy. On the first day, Wednesday, March 18, there were 198 families that received food, according to Smith. Smith said parents can pick up breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday during school closure, between 9 a.m. and noon in the Shelton High School bus loop. During this time, the high schools Meadow Street gates will be closed in order to keep the flow of traffic on Meadow Street moving, said Smith. All participants may enter and exit the high school grounds via the North Constitution Boulevard entrance. Smith asked parents to continue to check the district website and Facebook page on a regular basis for updates. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com Atlanta Roofing Contractor, Braswell Construction Group, selected as Davinci Roofing Project of the Year 2019 winner ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2020 / Platinum accredited Roofer, Braswell Construction Group (BCG), is honored to be selected as the 2019 Davinci Project of the Year Award Winner. This prestigious award is only given to three roofing specialists nationwide. Atlanta Top Roofing Contractor, Braswell Construction Group, was selected based on the project featured in the photo. The full feature of the roof transformation project from natural cedar shake shingles to slate composite can be found here: https://www.davinciroofscapes.com/projects-inspiration/project-profiles/composite-slate-provides-worry-free-roofing-solution/ Braswell Construction Group is recognized as a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor by DaVinci Roofscape. The program, sponsored by DaVinci RoofScapes, was established to facilitate relations with select contractors in recognition of their expertise and experience in installing and maintaining DaVinci synthetic slate and shake roofing systems. To gain acceptance into the program, contractors must be nominated or approved by their respective territory manufacturer's representative. "DaVinci is known for the best synthetic roofing products on the market today. We are honored to be part of the program and humbled to be chosen as a 2019 Project of the Year Award Winner," says Chris Braswell, owner of Braswell Construction Group. "Synthetic roofing materials is becoming more widely recognized as the preferred roofing material because it is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it stands up to the harshest weather challenges. We love that we are able to offer our customers the best array of products to choose from while providing quality installation and unparalleled customer service." More information is available at https://www.braswellconstructiongroup.com BCG has been locally owned and operated since 2002, and prides itself on its high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, and professional acumen. They have a reputation for always completing its roofing and restoration projects on time and on budget while providing customized service, top-notch customer service, and unparalleled workmanship. Story continues Braswell Construction Group has been featured several times in both Yahoo Finance, ABC, FOX, among many others as an industry leader and the top Roofing Contractor in the state of Georgia. You can learn more about BCG and their high-standing reputation via this past features here: https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2019-09-20/best-roofer-atlanta-ga-receives-cedur-roofing-contractor-of-the-quarter-award One attribute that separates Braswell Construction Group from other Atlanta roofing contractors is that they are recognized with the elite status of Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors. To qualify for this exclusive position, BCG not only met the highest standard requirements but exceeded them in all areas of their trade. Once named as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, the provider is considered among the best in the industry. Braswell Construction Group operates from four Georgia locations to service homeowners with all their roofing and restoration needs in Atlanta, Covington/Conyers, Stone Mountain, Greensboro/Lake Oconee, and their respective surrounding areas. For more information contact Braswell Constructions Group at their website given above or by calling 678-283- 2551. Contact Info: Name: Braswell Construction Group, Inc. Roofing & Restoration Email: Send Email Organization: Braswell Construction Group, Inc. Roofing & Restoration Address: 3060 Pharr Ct N Northwest #32, Atlanta, GA 30305, United States Phone: +1-678-283-2551 Website: https://www.braswellconstructiongroup.com SOURCE: Braswell Construction Group, Inc. Roofing & Restoration View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581299/Best-Roofer-Atlanta-Awarded-Davinci-Roofing-Project-of-the-Year Russell Brand has revealed he is 'stranded' in Australia amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The British comedian, 44, had been in the New South Wales town of Mullumbimby, near Byron Bay, for a tour - which has since been cancelled. In a YouTube video posted on Wednesday, Russell revealed he was not sure what to do, as Australia is closing its borders while the UK is also taking similar precautions. Stranded: Russell Brand has revealed he is 'stranded' in Australia amid the global coronavirus pandemic (pictured with fans in the New South Wales town of Mullumbimby on Sunday) Discussing the pros and cons of social distancing and self isolation, he reasoned: 'Even in remote places such as the one where I find myself currently stranded, there's suspicion and fear'. He added: 'I happen to be in Australia at the moment and one of the biggest questions I'm confronting... is, 'Oh wow, do we go back to the UK now? Or when?' Where you're from is where you're from; it's a tricky one isn't it,' Russell said in the video. He also said he found it ironic that while social media is often criticised for reducing interaction - now it is some people's sole form of contact with the outside world. Stuck: In his YouTube video, Russell said he didn't know whether he could leave Australia as the country was closing its borders while the UK was also taking similar precautions 'At a time where the world was becoming saturated with ongoing laments about the nature of atomised online communities, the fact that we don't speak any more, don't see each other anymore, that everything's done with a swipe or a like or a heart,' he said. 'Now suddenly it (online) is the only option we've got. Even in remote places such as the one where I find myself currently stranded there is suspicion and fear.' Russell also spoke about the mental health implications of self-isolation. 'I'm a person that has to belong to support groups and communities to help with my numerous, much discussed and pretty bloody obvious mental health issues, primarily around addiction. 'I like to meet other people with addiction issues or alcoholism issues and get support as I work a 12-step program. That becomes increasingly impossible in self isolation. 'Thankfully there are online hook up groups, not hook up groups, that's a different thing, that's the old life, meet up groups, that's much more my speed.' Russell is father to daughter Mabel, three, with his wife Laura Gallacher. Deep: Russell said he found it ironic that while social media is often criticised for reducing interaction - now it is some people's sole form of contact with the outside world As of the evening of March 19, when Russell shared his video, the total number of people diagnosed with the virus in Australia is 710, including six deaths On Sunday, Russell was spotted at local cafes by fans, who posted a photo with him to Instagram. In his YouTube video, Russell said he didn't know whether he could leave Australia as the country was closing its borders while the UK was also taking similar precautions. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 08:12:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) attends the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, Belgium, June 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) China stands firmly with the European side, supports its anti-epidemic efforts, and facilitates its procurement of medical supplies through commercial channels, Li said. BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China stands firmly with the European Union (EU) and supports its anti-epidemic efforts, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday in a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In the early days of China's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, EU agencies offered sympathies and coordinated multiple batches of supplies to China, Li said. As the epidemic is spreading in EU countries, China empathizes with the EU which is in the epidemic situation and facing difficulties, Li said, adding that epidemic prevention and control have no borders. Chairman of Italian Red Cross Francesco Rocca (6th R, back) poses for photos with members of Chinese aid team at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, March 12, 2020. A charter flight carrying a nine-member Chinese aid team, along with tonnes of medical supplies, arrived at Rome's Fiumicino Airport that night, in part of China's efforts to help Italy contain the novel coronavirus outbreak. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting) Under the current circumstances, China stands firmly with the European side, supports its anti-epidemic efforts, and facilitates its procurement of medical supplies through commercial channels, he said, adding that China is also ready to actively carry out international cooperation to jointly protect the health of the humankind. Li also expressed hope that the EU will attach importance to ensuring the safety of and bringing convenience to life of Chinese citizens, including overseas students, in EU countries. He pointed out that China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and is willing to push forward negotiations on the China-EU investment agreement and cooperation in various fields to keep the healthy and steady development of bilateral ties. He expressed the belief that the friendship between China and the EU will be further deepened and bilateral cooperation be further expanded after overcoming the epidemic. Noting that the coronavirus has been continuously spreading in Europe, von der Leyen said that the EU side, which is grateful for China's support in its fight against the coronavirus, has an urgent procurement demand for anti-epidemic supplies and expressed hope that China will continue to make coordinations and provide support. She stressed that the two sides' joining efforts to fight COVID-19 and tide over the hard time demonstrate their good friendship and cooperation. The EU is willing to maintain the development momentum of its relations with China, proactively advance the investment agreement negotiations, and deepen cooperation in economy, trade and other fields, said von der Leyen. The EU is willing to provide necessary guarantee and convenience for the Chinese nationals including overseas Chinese students in EU countries. Responsible for spacecraft orbiting Earth, the Sun and exploring the Solar System, teams at ESA's ESOC mission control deal with in-flight challenges every day, from faulty hardware, problematic software and hazardous space debris to computer viruses that could affect ground stations. So how do they keep missions flying when a viral pandemic puts the people of the Agency at risk? The first priority is the health and well-being of the workforce across the Agency, while those working at ESA's mission control centre, in Darmstadt, Germany, have the unique challenge of maintaining missions in orbit and ensuring critical ground infrastructure functions as it should, including seven ground stations located on three continents. Plans on the ground ESA is currently flying 21 spacecraft from ESOC, ranging from Earth observation to astronomy and planetary exploration missions, as well as five Sentinel satellites belonging to the European Union's Copernicus programme. These missions do not fly by themselves. Engineers must take regular measures to, for example, protect spacecraft from gradually drifting off their intended orbits or colliding with debris, ensure solar panels are getting enough light from the Sun, operate the scientific instruments, receive bundles of crucial data and keep both onboard and ground systems working and up to date. To deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, ESA is implementing numerous preventative measures taking account of guidance provided by national and regional civil authorities, especially with respect to minimising personal contact. For the mission operations teams or the experts in technical ground segment areas like flight dynamics and ground stations, work is typically done together in small-ish control rooms, and so a range of plans are in place to respond to the developing severity of the Covid-19 outbreak. Responses differ primarily in the amount and type of personnel required on site in the control rooms and technical facilities. Taking mission control home For now, the aim at mission control remains maintaining the generation of mission data, and keeping the entire fleet of spacecraft, young and old, operating in a routine way. At the same time the preparation and execution of ad-hoc critical activities, like collision avoidance manoeuvres or the upcoming Earth flyby of BepiColombo, have to be ensured. As of Monday, 16 March, the majority of the workforce at ESOC began working from home. Similar to staffing levels on a typical weekend, mission teams are now keeping a minimum presence on site, while everyone who can is performing the maximum possible daily activities off site. "In the history of ESA's mission control centre, there has never been a period with so few people on site," says Rolf Densing, Director of Operations for ESA. "This of course has big implications for how missions are flown, and for the next few weeks, the priority will remain on protecting health by minimising the number of people physically present, while ensuring effective daily operations". In the future, if necessary, ESA could reduce on-site personnel even more, necessitating a reduction or even a halt to science data gathering so as to focus on simply maintaining spacecraft in safe, stable orbits. "Such a scenario could be maintained for quite some time, extending into many weeks or months, if necessary," says Paolo Ferri, Head of Mission Operations. Follow more updates in the coming days on how teams at mission control are handling the Covid-19 situation via ESA's Rocket Science blog. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. The World Health Organization is taking the drug-testing approach that helped stifle Ebolas latest resurgence and using it against the new coronavirus. At least 10 countries including Canada, France, Spain and Switzerland agreed to join a trial called Solidarity that the global agency is co-ordinating, simultaneously testing four therapies by pitting them against each other. The strategy is designed to speed up a process that can take years as doctors scour laboratories for promising treatments against the new virus. Its an unprecedented opportunity to come together as one against a common enemy, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a briefing Wednesday. In the absence of drugs and vaccines, health officials are urging or in some cases compelling people to stay at home to avoid infecting others. Finding treatments against a new disease can a painstaking process. Ebola drugs were particularly difficult to identify because the disease often struck quickly, going back undercover before clinicians had the opportunity to finish testing potential treatments. New treatments are often evaluated in trials that pit them one-on-one against another drug or a placebo, which can slow the march toward finding the most effective intervention. For Ebola, the problem was finally addressed by the appearance of new antivirals and the use of a so-called master protocol that tests numerous therapies en masse. Multiple small trials with different methodologies may not give us the clear, strong evidence we need about which treatments help to save lives, Tedros said. In the Solidarity trials, researchers will test four therapies, some of which are already used in people, to treat COVID-19: Gilead Sciences Inc.s experimental remdesivir, AbbVie Inc.s Kaletra (used to treat HIV infection), Kaletra with an anti-inflammatory treatment called interferon-beta, and the malaria drug chloroquine. China has included chloroquine in treatment recommendations for COVID-19. Ongoing studies showed that Kaletra, a combination of the drugs lopinavir and ritonavir, gave little benefit, according to early results published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. Additional medicines may be added and some of the original treatments may be cut out as the trial progresses. All these therapies will be compared against each other as well as the standard of care, which may include measures such as patient support and the use of ventilators machines that help severely ill patients breathe. In the Ebola trials, researchers compared the impact of several drugs including remdesivir. When a Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. drug showed clear superiority against the deadly infection, the study was stopped early so the medicine could be given to more patients. Argentina, Bahrain, Iran, Norway, South Africa and Thailand have also agreed to participate in the coronavirus trials, Tedros said. Its been a month since the last case of Ebola in Congo, the WHO director-general said Wednesday. If that continues, that outbreak will be declared over in less than a month. 'Right now, only religious groups of Hindus and Muslims are working on the ground.' 'The government is missing.' IMAGE: Khushi plays with toys in her burnt house, damaged in the communal clashes in the Khajuri Khas area of north east Delhi. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo A team of doctors recently visited the riot-hit north east Delhi on a fact-finding mission and in their report recommended that large-scale, organised efforts are needed to heal the physical, mental and social wounds of people. The doctors, under the banner of the Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum, released a report narrating their assessment of the situation around the time of violence and the condition of health facilities in the violence-torn area. Dr Harjit Bhatti, convener of the forum, tells Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf what they found out about the riots which shook the nation and took the lives of 53 people last month. "The Delhi riot victims are suffering from psychological trauma. This news has not been highlighted yet," says Dr Bhatti. "This is a densely populated area and there are small kids who are suffering psychologically. They have seen their parents crying. They have seen deaths closely." Why did you doctors go to the riot-affected areas? We got a call on February 25 amidst the riots. There was one hospital called Al-Hind in the old Mustafabad area. It is a 10-bed hospital and didn't have facilities. I got the call because we had set up a medical camp earlier over there (prior to the riots to help poor people). Our organisation, Progressive Medicos and Scientist Forum, worked there. We got the call because during the riots they had many patients who needed medicines. They wanted us to send medicines across, which we did in our ambulance. When our ambulance reached there, the rioters did not allow the ambulance to reach the hospital. They blocked the ambulance one kilometre before the hospital site. They beat up the ambulance driver and with great difficulty he took his vehicle to another side. I then called Al Hind hospital and told them the spot where our ambulance with medicines was parked and waiting. The hospital's workers and volunteers somehow got on several motorbikes and reached the spot where our ambulance was waiting. They then took the medicines to Al Hind hospital. Later in the night, it was only when activist Rahul Roy went to the Supreme Court that the ambulances were allowed to enter the hospital and this is how we got in touch with those riot-affected people. What is the current situation in north east Delhi? The people of north east Delhi are still suffering. The patients are scared and there is police harassment going on. Female patients are in anxiety and have chronic diseases. This is the first time I am attending to duty post riots. The Delhi riot victims are suffering from psychological trauma. This news has not been highlighted yet. This is a densely populated area and there are small kids who are suffering psychologically. They have seen their parents crying. They have seen deaths closely and their growth will hamper. The government must do something about this issue. There has to be some temporary psychological set-up from the government side so that these people can be treated. The police too can co-operate and not harass the riot victims, like if someone's car is burnt the police asks who did it. Simple logic is, how can the owner of the car who is a riot victim know who has burnt his car? In the long run, this is very damaging to society as a whole as children are in psychological trauma. Did you provide psychological counselling too? We are not doing that now. This is a huge task and the work has to be done on a large scale. Do you think the Hindu-Muslim divide in north east Delhi can be mended? I don't think that way. There have been monetary losses and the Muslim community suffered more, but lives have been lost on both sides. There is a divide, but then there are many good stories of where Hindus were saved by Muslims and vice versa. You will get many such stories. The issue now is the government is not stepping in to heal the wounds on the ground. There is brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims in north east Delhi for sure, but the government has to give a healing touch. What must the government do, according to you? In such times, the government must step in because people are emotionally weak towards their respective religion in these times. They can recover well if the government steps in and takes measures to promote brotherhood in society. Right now, only religious groups of Hindus and Muslims are working on the ground. The government is missing. And people are only saying that pandits and maulvis are helping them whereas the government and others (civil society) have dumped them. FILE PHOTO: Travellers wearing protective face masks wait for their flights at Nice International airport in Nice By Sarah Young and Laurence Frost LONDON/PARIS (Reuters) - Airlines demanded urgent tax relief to avoid multiple bankruptcies as coronavirus disruption continued its spread across the global industry on Tuesday. As EU transport ministers prepared to discuss financial support, the Airlines for Europe group called for widespread tax deferrals "to ensure that as many airlines as possible survive" the crisis. The call came as the aviation industry's main global body, IATA, said the total government support needed worldwide could reach $200 billion. U.S. carriers have already asked Washington for $50 billion in grants and loans, plus tens of billions in tax relief. Major airlines have made drastic and unprecedented schedule cuts, bringing operations to a near halt, as demand dries up and the fight against the virus brings draconian travel restrictions, soon to include the closure of EU borders. The appeals from industry leaders became more strident as more airlines grounded planes on Tuesday. Sweden and Denmark announced $300 million in loan guarantees for Scandinavian carrier SAS , becoming early movers in an expected rush of pledges to the sector. Job losses are adding to pressure on governments to act. IAG-owned British Airways told unions it planned to make an unspecified number of pilots redundant. "We are extremely disappointed that a company like BA, with a strong balance sheet and cash reserves, has rushed into redundancy consultation," said Brian Sutton, head of pilots' union BALPA. "This is the biggest crisis the aviation industry has faced in decades," Sutton added. "Without more government support we fear the impact will be far greater." The British government is discussing a support package for airlines and airports, finance minister Rishi Sunak said later on Tuesday. APPEAL FOR BILLIONS In a letter to U.S. political leaders, United Airlines' management and unions pleaded for urgent financial support to "allow United to continue paying our employees as we weather this crisis, protecting tens of thousands of people". Story continues Boeing will get government aid, President Donald Trump said - as European rival Airbus ordered production halts in France and Spain, where lockdowns are affecting workers and suppliers. European Union transport ministers will hold a video-conference on Wednesday, an EU official said. Besides Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands have expressed readiness to extend financial support to airlines. Lufthansa is expected to receive a government cash injection, one German banker told Reuters. Sweden's support for SAS was part of a larger loan-guarantee package for airlines worth 5 billion crowns ($500 million). Brussels Airlines, a Lufthansa subsidiary, on Tuesday said that it was suspending all flights for four weeks. Singapore Airlines also cut more capacity, Emirates suspended dozens of destinations and Canada's WestJet halted international services. 'VERY FRAGILE PLACE' The Philippines' Cebu Air canceled all flights from March 19, and Jetstar Asia announced a three-week shutdown after parent Qantas cut its own capacity by 90%. The global airline industry will need "something like $150 billion to $200 billion" from governments including loan guarantees, IATA head Alexandre de Juniac told reporters. The coronavirus is now affecting countries accounting for 94% of passenger revenue, according to Brian Pearce, Geneva-based IATA's chief economist. Three-quarters of airlines now have liquidity covering less than three months of unavoidable fixed costs, Pearce said. "The majority are in a very fragile place." (Reporting by Sarah Young in London and Laurence Frost in Paris; Editing by Pravin Char) Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen speaks about the coronavirus situation in Taiwan, during a news conference at the Centers for Disease Control in Taipei TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's economic fundamentals remain good and people should not hoard as the government can ensure stable supplies during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Thursday. The government does not rule out spending more to stimulate the economy, and will help the hard-hit airline industry to access T$50 billion ($1.6 billion) in financing, she told a news conference at the presidential office. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Meg Shen; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) With the governor's ban of groups of 250 or more people meeting due to the coronavirus, local churches are resorting to alternate, more electronic methods to keep in touch with their congregations. In a letter to parishioners on March 14, Memorial Presbyterians senior pastor and head of staff Matthew Schramm explained the churchs Sunday services and activities will be suspended until Sunday, April 5. The churchs 9 a.m. contemporary service and 10:45 a.m. worship service will be live-streamed on its Facebook page (www.facebook/MPCmidland/). The HELP Food Pantry will continue to operate with modified procedures, said Schramm. Let me be clear this does not mean we will stop being the church, Schramm wrote. Our Deacons will be working on plans to reach out to members to make sure folks feel connected and cared for during this time of uncertainty. St. Johns Episcopal Church will also utilize Facebook live streaming to replay a video lesson from Godly Play at 9:45 a.m. and the Liturgy of the Word at 10 a.m. for its services on Sunday, March 22 and 29. Links to audio recordings of past services are available online at www.sjec-midland.org/samples/media/audio. SAMS Food Pantry, which operates from St. Johns, is keeping in contact with the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network and other area pantries. Individuals may call the church office at 989-631-2260 with questions about food pantry appointments. Both internal and external groups are strongly discouraged from meeting until the end of March; special facility accommodations will be made for AA and ACA meetings. Midland Evangelical Free Church will host a live stream of a full worship service at 10:45 a.m. on its Vimeo channel, Facebook page and its homepage, mefchurch.org. The church encourages people to meet their Life Groups in homes on Sunday morning to view the live stream together. Small church fellowships including bible study groups, young adults, Faith Builders and Legacy Builders will continue to meet at the churchs campus, with the total attendance not to exceed 250 persons. The church urges its parishioners to keep the CDCs guidelines in mind when making the decision to meet; those concerned about gathering are not obligated to participate in groups. Decisions on ministry events and activities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis through Sunday, April. 5. Midland First United Methodist Church has suspended activities and groups, except for AA. The churchs regular Sunday Friendship Lunch will continue as a drive-by pick up. Its youth mission trips to Jamaica and Tennessee have been cancelled. One combined service at 9 a.m. Sundays will be live streamed on Facebook as well as a Mid-Week Lift video at noon on Wednesdays. Its a little less formal and shorter, a quick mid-week pick-me-up to offer encouragement through this, said Rev. Anita Hahn, senior pastor. Bishop Robert Gruss of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw temporarily suspended all public Masses in the Diocese through Sunday, April 5. In the absence of public Masses being celebrated across the Diocese of Saginaw, people are invited to watch daily 8 a.m. Mass (Monday - Saturday) beginning Thursday, March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. The celebration of Sunday Mass will continue to be live streamed at 10 a.m., as it has for the last year. Videos of Masses will remain online after live streaming. This is one way we can continue to pray together and remain in union with Jesus at the cross, Bishop Gruss stated in a Diocese letter. From the cross flows the grace, faith, hope and love necessary to help us during this time. Live Mass can be viewed using a smart TV or using streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast. Additionally, Mass is viewable on computers and mobile devices. Details on how to watch can be found at https://saginaw.org/how-watch-live-video-cathedral-mary-assumption Local churches and religious organizations can share their announcements in the Daily News by emailing Victoria Ritter at vritter@mdn.net. In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Pune district administration on Thursday said people will be randomly screened at railway stations, expressways and bus stands. Speaking to reporters here, divisional commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar said around 50 thermal scanners are being procured for this exercise. "We are setting up screening facilities at various alighting points at railway stations, bus stands, expressways and highways," he said. The objective of random thermal screening will be to detect passengers with foreign travel history who might have missed the screening at the international airport, the senior official said. If a person with foreign travel history is detected during these random screenings, he or she will be quarantined immediately, he added. Mhaisekar said he had held a meeting with traders dealing with the supply of essential commodities. "I have directed them to keep the supply of essential commodities uninterrupted. We will ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities," he added. Meanwhile, district collector Naval Kishore Ram said 50 per cent employees of IT firms and private companies are working from home. "I had a meeting with the IT and private companies, and they have given us an assurance that they will rise the number to 70 per cent," he said. Quarantine centres are being ramped up and facilities with 10,000 beds are being readied in Pune and Pimpri- Chinchwad, he added. As many as 19 persons have tested positive for coronavirus infection in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The King and Queen of Bhutan welcomed a baby boy today. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 40, and his wife Queen Jetsun Pema, 29, made the announcement on Instagram this morning alongside a message urging the public to be 'mindful and supportive' amid the coronavirus crisis. Bhutan has so far only had one confirmed case of COVID-19 but the royal couple called for their people to remain 'responsible' in the wake of the global spread. The King, known as the Dragon King, and his wife already have one son, three-year-old Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, known as the Dragon Prince, who is said to have been 'delighted' to meet his younger brother. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 40, and his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema, 29, announced the birth of a new son in a sweet Instagram post this morning, but is yet to reveal any imagery of the baby or his name The couple did not share a photo of their new arrival or announce his name. Alongside a family photo, the couple wrote: 'We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the 19 of March 2020, corresponding with the 25th day of the 1st month of the Male Iron Rat year, in Lingkana Palace, Thimphu. 'Her Majesty and the royal baby are in good health, and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey was delighted to meet his younger brother. 'Their Majesties express their gratitude to the medical team, the Zhung Dratshang and to everyone for their well-wishes and prayers. 'While this remains a very happy occasion for the Royal family and the nation and people of Bhutan, Their Majesties wish to remind all Bhutanese to be mindful, responsible and supportive to each other in the wake of the COVID-19 virus. The post read: 'Her Majesty and the royal baby are in good health, and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey was delighted to meet his younger brother.' Queen Jetsun Pema and Prince Jigme are pictured in December at Bhutan's national day - where they announced the pregnancy 'Their Majesties have everyone whose lives have been affected by this global pandemic in their thoughts and prayers.' Their oldest son, Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, is the heir to the Bhutanese throne. King Jigme, the hugely popular fifth Druk Gyalpo, studied in the UK and the US and ascended the throne in 2006, aged just 26 after his own father abdicated. Unlike his son, who plans to have a monogamous marriage, the former King, who introduced democracy to Bhutan during his reign, has four wives, all sisters who he married on the same day. So happy: While dating, their relationship made headlines when the King was openly affectionate with Jetsun - something that was unusual in the country The prince, pictured in a traditional outfit at the pregnancy announcement last year, is said to be 'very excited' to be a big brother But despite his own upbringing, the current monarch has made clear that he only plans to have one wife, whom he married on October 13, 2011, when she was still an international relations student at Regent's College in London. The match made headlines at the time because the young King was more openly affectionate with his wife than citizens were used to - leaving the couple to be called 'the William and Kate of the Himalayas'. Trump Says He 'Always' Took Coronavirus 'Very Seriously,' but Past Statements Contradict That By Ken Bredemeier March 18, 2020 U.S. President Donald Trump contended Wednesday that he "always treated" the global coronavirus pandemic "very seriously," but his public statements until recent days contradict his claim. Trump, on Twitter, said he has "done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the 'borders' from China - against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!" In January, Trump declared, "We have it totally under control. This is one person coming in from China. We have it totally under control. It's going to be just fine." Days after Trump minimized the threat, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced the first U.S. coronavirus case while the World Health Organization said the coronavirus posed what it described as a public health emergency that was a worldwide threat. Trump, however, said in February, "We've pretty much shut it down coming in from China." He told a political rally -- an event now abandoned in the U.S. to keep large crowds from assembling and possibly spreading infections, that with April's warmer weather, it "miraculously goes away." Trump also said, "We're very close to a vaccine," only to be contradicted by U.S. health officials who say that at best such a treatment is many months away. He claimed, as the number of U.S. coronavirus cases grew daily, "We're going down, not up." "We' have done an incredible job," Trump declared. "One day it's like a miracle, it's going to disappear." As the number of coronavirus cases grew in the U.S., Trump blamed his political foes, saying it was something akin to his impeachment and later acquittal in a Senate trial. "This is their new hoax." he said. He tweeted in late February, "Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) & @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus [sic] look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible. Likewise their incompetent Do Nothing Democrat comrades are all talk, no action. USA in great shape!" Two weeks ago, Trump downplayed the mortality rate from the coronavirus, tweeting that 37,000 Americans died from the flu last year. "Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on," he said. "At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus with 22 deaths. Think about that!" But health officials said that eventually the mortality rate for the coronavirus could dwarf that for the common flu. By last Sunday, Trump said, "It's something we have tremendous control over." But his public comments since then have markedly changed. He has called for a massive spending measure -- $800 billion or more to help bail out businesses shut down or significantly impacted by the spread of the coronavirus and to send $1,000 to $2,000 checks to most adult Americans to help them cope with the economic impact. Days ago he said the coronavirus would "go away" if Americans "just stay calm." Now Trump is saying the pandemic is "not under control." Five days ago he declared a national emergency to unlock new funding to combat the spread of the coronavirus. He acknowledged that the U.S., with the world's largest economy, could fall into a recession because of the coronavirus. Its stock indexes have been volatile, but mostly plunging, again on Wednesday. The latest U.S. figures show more than 5,800 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 115 deaths. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Argentinas national gas regulator has given Gasnor, a natural gas distributor for two million residents, approval to pilot a smart contract-based certification platform. Gasnet, a permissioned blockchain platform from IOV Labs and software builder Grupo Sabra, was launched Wednesday with approval from regulator Enargas, according to the firms involved. Running on an enterprise version of the RSK Smart Contract Network, Gasnet is designed to secure and speed Argentinas chronically delayed gas certification processes. When you want to certify a new gas connection for a home or a company today you need to send many documents, said Grupo Sabra co-founder Pedro Perrota. From technician-consumer agreements to certification paperwork and other documentation, all those things today in Argentina take a lot of time to process, Perrota said. Up to three months, in fact. Related: A New York Power Plant Is Mining $50K Worth of Bitcoin a Day Not so under Gasnet. In the now-operational consortium network, certification documents and transaction details zip between Gasnor and Enargas, each of whom run a network node. That increases visibility and smooths out otherwise crippling delays, Perrota says, allowing technicians to ultimately bring consumers gas services online faster. They are basically using the blockchain to certify the different steps, said IOV Labs CEO Diego Gutierrez. Theyre giving private keys to each one of the professionals involved in the process, so they do the certification work using this shared system. Certification is just the beginning, though. IOV Labs and Grupo Sabra say Gasnets shared ecosystem can facilitate any number of services. Technicians credentials, for example, are crucially important, given the dangerous nature of natural gas infrastructure. But what of an unscrupulous contractor who flees a checkered safety history in Buenos Aires and sets up shop instead in, say, the far smaller town of Salta in the countrys north? Under the current system, his track record does not necessarily follow him north, but with Gasnet it would. Story continues Related: Lock BTC, Get DAI: Lending Firm Bridges Bitcoin-DeFi Divide in Latin America When you have a common database, everyone can see your track record, Pedro Perrota said. Gasnet has even bigger goals, too. It wants to become the common database for Argentinas entire gas distribution ecosystem, for all nine regulated companies, Perrota and Gutierrez said. Related Stories Police in a Lancaster County township reported that they are investigating a shooting with multiple victims. East Lampeter Township police said officers were called to the 1722 Motor Lodge on Old Philadelphia Pike at 1:18 a.m. Thursday. Several gunshots were fired and several people were injured, investigators said. Police did not provide a firm number of the victims, but said the wounded are being treated at local hospitals. Anyone with information can call Detective Chris Jones at 717-291-4676. Welsh Government announce 1.4 billion support package for businesses This article is old - Published: Thursday, Mar 19th, 2020 Welsh Government Finance Minister Rebecca Evans and the Minister for Economy, Ken Skates have announced a new 1.4bn business support package to help businesses across Wales. This support extending the package announced yesterday matches the measures in England providing a muchneeded boost for small businesses struggling to cope with the impact of the Coronavirus crisis. The new package provides retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales with a year long business rates holiday. A grant of 25,000 will also be offered for businesses in the same sector with a rateable value of between 12,001 and 51,000. It also provides a 10,000 grant to all businesses eligible for Small Business Rates Relief with a rateable value of 12,000 or less. Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: This new support package recognises the scale of the unprecedented challenges we are facing and provides much-needed support for vulnerable sectors in Wales. But there is still more to be done. Yesterday, the First Minister wrote to the Chancellor urging the UK Government to intervene and provide a more ambitious range of measures to help businesses manage the impacts of Coronavirus. Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister, Ken Skates said: As a Welsh Government, we are absolutely committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs during these difficult times. Todays announcement is a clear demonstration of our efforts to keep fighting for exactly that. We continue to work with the UK Government during this national emergency and I am seeking a National Insurance holiday and financial support for wages. The importance of small businesses and self-employed people without rateable properties cannot be overstated. We are exploring what further support we and the UK Government can provide. Slo Mo, which has been around for nearly a decade, is something of an institution for its fans and community. Many people go every month without fail. Making sure those person-to-person connections continue, even if they are through the tiny black mirrors of a cell phone, will be key for many people during these confusing times. It is possible to still have connection, to still have music, to still have some sense of normalcy. Everything is not banned, including connecting with loved ones and supporting each other. Kaza agreed. Icelandic English Islandsbankis Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held today, Thursday 19 March 2020, at 15:00 hrs., at the Banks headquarters in Hagasmari 3, Kopavogur. The Departing Chairman of the Board, Fririk Sophusson, delivered the Boards address, and the CEO, Birna Einarsdottir, reviewed the Banks annual accounts and highlights of operations for 2019. Birna also reviewed the Banks strong position in view of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Banks main responses to the situation. Economic contraction ahead but the Banks position is sound In his final address as Chairman of Islandsbanki, Mr. Sophusson referred to the Banks strong position which was even more important now, when the economy has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the Icelandic authorities, financial sector, and private sector are generally well prepared for such a shock. The decision to reduce the countercyclical capital buffer to zero was important for the Icelandic commercial banks in order for them to effectively react to current challenges facing companies and households. It was now time for the Government to follow through with the lowering of the bank tax. Despite Parliaments 2019 approval for a gradual reduction of the bank tax to 0.145% over a period of several years, taxes on Icelandic banks remain about five times higher than those in neighbouring countries. The current approved reduction should nevertheless be effective immediately due to todays pressing situation. Mr. Sophusson presented proposals to the AGM, including a proposal that a dividend to shareholders for the 2019 financial year shall not be paid in light of uncertainties due to unprecedented circumstances in the financial markets, a proposal to approve the Banks compensation policy and on the election of the Board of Directors and alternates. Finally, Mr. Sophusson thanked the departing Board members for good cooperation. Hallgrimur Snorrason, newly elected Chairman of the Board, was thankful for the election and welcomed the new members of the Board. A personal touch in a digital world Islandsbanki CEO Birna Einarsdottir also reviewed the Banks strong position in view of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank has strong capital and liquidity ratios and is therefore well prepared to work with households and businesses to find the solutions they need. Birna gave an overview of the Banks 2019 financial performance and the Banks vision of providing the best possible banking services in an environment where the main challenge is to maintain a personal touch in a digital world. The Bank was in contact with its customers 47 million times last year, with 99% of that contact taking place digitally. Birna also mentioned the strategy work carried out with Boston Consulting Group during the year, noting that key elements of that work are well advanced or complete. Among these projects was the implementation of a new sustainability strategy that was formulated with employee participation and is being incorporated into all aspects of the Banks activities. Results of the AGM The proposals presented to the AGM can be found on the Banks website:: https://cdn.islandsbanki.is/image/upload/v1/documents/Proposals_2020_AGM.pdf Board report on the Banks activities in 2019 Fririk Sophusson, Chairman of the Board of Islandsbanki, delivered the Board report on the Banks activities in 2019. Approval of the Banks annual accounts for 2019 Birna Einarsdottir, Chief Executive Officer of Islandsbanki, reviewed the Banks annual accounts and spoke briefly about the Banks strategy and key projects in the year 2020. The AGM then approved the Banks audited consolidated annual accounts for 2019. Resolution on Banks dividends and the disposal of profit in 2019 The AGM approved, notwithstanding the Banks long-term dividend payout ratio target of 40-50%, that a dividend to shareholders for the 2019 financial year shall not be paid in light of uncertainties due to unprecedented circumstances in the financial markets. The Board may convene a special shareholder meeting later in the year where a proposal regarding payment of dividends of profit for previous fiscal years could be suggested. Election to the Board of Directors and alternates The following were re-elected to the Board of Directors: Anna orardottir, Arni Stefansson, Heirun Jonsdottir og Hallgrimur Snorrason, who was also elected Chairman of the Board. Floki Halldorsson, Frosti Olafsson and Gurun orgeirsdottir were elected as new members of the Board. Oskar Josefsson and Herdis Gunnarsdottir were elected as alternates. Election of an audit firm The AGM approved that Ernst & Young would remain the Banks external auditing firm until the next AGM. Decision on the remuneration of Board of Directors and alternates for the coming electoral term The AGM approved the proposal for remuneration to Board members and alternates. Proposal to approve the the Banks compensation policy The AGM approved the proposed Compensation Policy for the Bank. Other business No other business was lawfully proposed at the meeting. Other documents from the AGM can be found on the Banks website: https://www.islandsbanki.is/en/product/about/annual-general-meeting The Banks reports for 2019 can as well be found on its website: https://www.islandsbanki.is/en/landing/about/annual-and-sustainability-report For further information: Head of Investor Relations Margret Lilja Hrafnkelsdottir, ir@islandsbanki.is Head of Communications - Edda Hermannsdottir, pr@islandsbanki.is Islandsbanki press releases If you wish to receive Islandsbanki press releases by e-mail please register at: https://www.islandsbanki.is/english/investor-relations/ir-contacts/e-mail-subscription/ About Islandsbanki A leader in financial services in Iceland, Islandsbanki is a universal bank with total assets of ISK 1,199bn, a total capital ratio of 22.4% and a 25-40% market share across all domestic business segments at year-end 2019. Islandsbanki's purpose is to move Iceland forward by empowering our customers to succeed. Driven by the vision to be #1 for service, Islandsbanki's relationship banking business model is propelled by three business divisions that manage and build relationships with the Bank's customers. Islandsbanki has developed a wide range of online services such as the Islandsbanki and Kass apps, enabling customers to do their banking anywhere and anytime. At the same time, the Bank continues to operate the most efficient branch network in Iceland through its strategically located 14 branches. Islandsbanki has a BBB+/A-2 rating from S&P Global Ratings. www.islandsbanki.is Disclaimer This press release may contain forward-looking statements, involving uncertainty and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from results expressed or implied by the statements. Islandsbanki hf. undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. It is the investor's responsibility to not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which only reflect the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements should not be considered as guarantees or predictions of future events and all forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Attachments PETACH TIKVA, Israel, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Minerva Labs , a market leader in Endpoint Security solutions, offers a unique solution for home-office workers. The remote connection security solution (Minerva Remote User Protection) intended for working remotely on the corporate network using BYOD. Given the spread of the coronavirus and the World Health Organization's definition of a global epidemic, many businesses are moving those days to remote work. End-to-end security solution Minerva Labs' unique solution for protecting home-office users' endpoints, integrates with any VPN provider. The solution provides full endpoint protection against known and unknown threats such as file-less attacks, PowerShell scripts, ransomware, malicious documents (macro), and other evasive malware. It also provides browser isolation and full integration with built-in Microsoft Windows Defender. Minerva's agent-less solution integrates with the VPN as part of its security policy with a few simple steps and kicks-in seamlessly once the home user executes the VPN application and runs through the remote session, without the need to manage the home computers by the organization. Privacy protection Minerva Labs solution built to protect remote users, and as such, the protection it provides only works while the employee is connected remotely to the organization via VPN. When the remote connection is over, Minerva's agent-less remote user protection automatically disappears from the computer without leaving a trace. Built with privacy by design, the employee enjoys maximum privacy. Once a malicious activity is prevented or detected, the organization can automatically disconnect the VPN session or make manual decisions based on organizations' policy. The solution does NOT require elevation, and management by the CISO, and does not require installation or restart. It is a simple, easy, and effective solution for securing a remote employee that uses his unsecured home computer in the coronavirus age. "Adversaries know that these days, we are working from home. we at Minerva solved this problem with our agent-less solution that integrates with any VPN client that provides military-grade endpoint security during the VPN session," explains Eddie Bobritsky, Minerva Labs CEO. Minerva Labs joins the world's efforts against coronavirus (COVID-19) to help businesses worldwide to maintain their ongoing operations securely. Therefore Minerva offers the Remote User Protection solution described above for 30 days free of charge. Minerva Labs is a market leader in Endpoint Security solutions. The security platform helps prevent known and unknown advanced threats and ransomware attacks. Contact: Minerva Labs Eddie Bobritsky - CEO [email protected] SOURCE Minerva Labs Related Links https://minerva-labs.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) The chief of Quezon City Police Department says they are ready to implement security measures in two barangays identified by the local government as under extreme enhanced community quarantine. PBGen Ronnie Montejo made the assurance Thursday at a press conference attended by Mayor Joy Belmonte. "'Yung mga lugar na ito ay isasailalim sa extreme enhanced community quarantine kung saan dito sa mga "hot zone" o yung mga lugar o households mismo na may positive na mga COVID-19 cases ay total lockdown na ang ipatutupad natin. Wala nang papayagang makalabas-pasok sa mga pamilya. Ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain ay ihahatid na lamang sa kanila, in coordination with the barangay upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus, he said. [Translation: These areas will be put under extreme enhanced community quarantine where "hot zones," meaning areas or households where there are positive COVID-19 cases, total lockdowns will be observed. No one will be allowed to go in or out. Their daily needs like food will be brought to them. In coordination with the barangay so the spread of the virus can be stemmed.] The two barangays are Kalusugan and Tandang Sora, both in the city's fourth district. They were identified by Belmonte Wednesday. Meanwhile, residents within the 500-meter radius of these homes are part of the so-called warm zone. They cant leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Police checkpoints are around the warm zones to restrict access. In Barangay Kalusugan, checkpoints are up on Fairhope St. corner E. Rodriguez Ave., Umbel Street, and St. Ignacia Street, while a Quick Response Team standby point is near Cathedral Height and Rodriguez corner Victoria avenues. Other checkpoints are in Barangay Tandang Sora, in particular Neptune corner Jupiter streets, Neptune corner Mercury streets, Tandang Sora Ave. in front of Hilda Village, and Janet corner Carol streets. Quezon City imposed the extreme enhanced commnity quarantine.after three COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Barangays Kalusugan and Tandang Sora. Belmonte said the city now has 29 cases across 22 barangays, and residences of these patients are considered "hot zones." Coming from my background, which was a very segregated upbringing in Tennessee, I felt that abstraction reflected the best expression of self-determination and free will, said the artist James Little, 67. I have this affinity for color, design, structure and optimism. Those qualities apply to both the paintings he collects and his own works, which are characterized by hard-edged geometry and shifting colors, with compositions strongly informed by jazz. The Garment District apartment where Mr. Little lives with his wife, Fatima Shaik, a writer, is hung with dynamic abstractions by artists including Toshio Iwasa, Stanley Whitney, Thornton Willis and Stewart Hitch. A woven handmade paper piece by Al Loving was a trade between friends who met when Mr. Little arrived in the city in 1976 with a new M.F.A. from Syracuse University. Al knew everybody in the art world, he said. Their work was exhibited in a 1977 group show at Just Above Midtown alongside that of other African-American abstract artists. A hyacinth in bloom in Cherry Hill, N.J. The 'first leaf' for lilacs came 16 days earlier than normal in 2020 because of warm weather. Read more Look to the lilacs, not the heavens, if you want to know when spring really starts for plants and wildlife, say scientists like Alyssa Rosemartin of Newtown Square. She and those who study phenology natures calendar use the emergence of lilacs as a sign spring has sprung. With climate change, that date can be much different than the official start of spring, or the vernal equinox, which occurs at 11:49 p.m. Thursday, when the length of day and night will be roughly equal. Rosemartin, with the USA National Phenology Network at the University of Arizona, says lilacs are a good barometer because their initial leaf growth has been tracked for decades and tends to coincide with early blooming leaf-dropping trees. Spring has arrived in Philadelphia 16 days earlier this year than the long-term average, said Rosemartin. This year is not normal. Rosemartin studies when trees bloom, birds migrate, and leaves turn in the fall. That timing has implications for plants and wildlife. For example, trees that certain migratory birds depend on might bloom early, which then throws off the timing of the appearance of insects, a key source of food for the birds. In Europe, they have documented population declines of birds, Rosemartin said. Spring is coming earlier at the rate of about a day per decade, she said, "an indicator of changing climate. And that portends more pests, a prolonged allergy season, and disruption of agriculture. What it wont do: Reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, as scientists have warned. Warming winters Indeed, December, January, and February, also known as the meteorological winter, all were warmer than normal, and so far March is the same, as a chart shows. As The Inquirer reported last week, the winter of 2019-20 (December, January, and February) had an average temperature of 39.4 degrees, the 10th-warmest on record for Philly. Spring is arriving earlier Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist at Climate Central, an organization of scientists that researches climate change, said that on average, spring had been arriving eight days earlier than it used to in Philadelphia through 2019. Its more like 16 days this year. Philly is just one of many cities experiencing whats known as an early leaf-out, when trees start producing leaves. Leaf-out arrived earlier in 76% of 239 cities analyzed over a nearly 40-year long-term average, according to Climate Central. The data are from the National Phenology Networks database, which goes back to 1981. In some cases, animals are thrown off by the timing. There have been reports that this years warm winter has roused brown bears out of hibernation earlier than usual in the western United States and countries such as Russia, which had its warmest winter ever. Larry Hajna, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said the states native black bears dont technically hibernate but go into torpor, when their heart rates and metabolism drop to conserve energy. As a result, Hajna said, they might rouse during a warm spell, but go back into torpor when it gets cold again. Spring is warmer On average, a typical spring in Philadelphia is about 2.8 degrees warmer now than it was in 1970, according to data from the governments Applied Climate Information System (ACIS), analyzed by Climate Central. Jason Parker, a district manager for the Davey Tree Expert Co., said dandelions are already out, which is crazy early. Parker said the mild winter and warm spring likely will mean insect issues on trees and plants, as it never got cold enough to kill as many insects as usual. That also applies to Phillys most invasive pest: the spotted lanternfly. We anticipate very few spotted lanternfly eggs would have died off over the winter because it was so mild, Parker noted. More days above normal According to NASA, global temperatures will continue rising for decades because of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that are produced through human activity. Effects vary, but the Philadelphia region has more spring days with above-normal temperatures. Last Freeze changing Data also show the last freeze of the spring is coming earlier, meaning some vegetables can be planted earlier, though its a bit of a guessing game. An unexpected freeze, when air temperatures to 32 degrees or lower, can damage plants. . A sudden freeze could also cause severe damage to fruit orchards that are blooming earlier due to unseasonably warm temperatures. If the trees start to bud early and if you have a real big cold spell, that can kill the buds and significantly reduce yields later in the year, said Mark ONeill, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Around the nation Philly is far from alone in experiencing a shifting spring. Much of the United States, other than some areas of the upper Midwest, is seeing warmer springs. This was the second warmest winter on record globally stretching back to 1880, according to federal scientists. Only 2015-16 was warmer, and that was fed by an El Nino, a warming of Pacific Ocean water. This winter, the average temperature in central Tokyo was the third highest on record, according to the Tokyo Times. Its been warm enough there that cherry blossoms flowered on Saturday, the earliest recorded date ever and 12 days earlier than normal. Rosemartin, of the phenology network, knows many view a warm winter and early spring combo as a good thing, but cautions: You also have to consider the downside. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 06:12 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bb1f00 1 City Istiqlal-Mosque,COVID-19,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,coronavirus,outbreak,Friday-prayer,Islam,mass-prayer Free Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta will still hold Friday prayers despite warnings to restrict public gatherings to contain the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The mosques management says it is following a decision made by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The mosques grand imam Nasaruddin Umar has instructed that the Friday mass prayer for this week will be held as usual following the MUIs decision, the mosques spokesperson, Abu Hurairah Abdul Salam, said on Wednesday, as quoted by Antara. However, he added that the decision could be altered if the grand imam and MUI issued new instructions. The management of Istiqlal will not provide the usual prayer mats. This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the mosque. Authorities have sprayed disinfectant in the buildings interior. Among the places sprayed with disinfectants were the place for wudhu [ablutions], the bathroom and the Quran mushaf [manuscript] storage area, Abu said. Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, will remain open for Muslims who want to worship. However, they will be asked to leave the mosque after completing their prayers. Tourists and pilgrims have also been temporarily barred from entering the mosque. This policy has been in place since Monday. The ulema council previously issued a fatwa allowing Muslims in areas where COVID-19 had spread uncontrollably to skip Friday prayers in those areas until the situation returns to normal. The MUI also urged the government to map areas with outbreaks of COVID-19 following the fatwa. (dpk) Despite sealing its borders and halting all trade with China, major cities in North Korea have been hit by the coronavirus epidemic, according to witness accounts. Christian group Voice of the Martyrs Korea that proselytizes in North Korea said an underground North Korean church member told it that the virus has spread widely in Pyongyang and the border town of Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province. "The situation is so desperate that it is just a matter of dying from starvation or infection," the member wrote. North Korea claims it has not a single confirmed case of coronavirus, but experts believe that the epidemic has spread significantly there. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Robert Abrams said last week that he is "fairly certain" coronavirus has already spread to North Korea. Starbucks' decision to reopen a store in Hubei province is evidence that the coronavirus outbreak has indeed slowed in China, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Thursday. "Starbucks is not the PRC and is truthful, not propaganda," Cramer said on "Squawk Box." The reference to the PRC stands for the communist People's Republic of China. While questions have been raised about the truthfulness of the Chinese government, Cramer said that he trusts Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson. "If the Chinese were lying, Kevin would not open that store," Cramer said. Johnson appeared Wednesday night on Cramer's "Mad Money" and discussed the coffee giant's recent steps in China. By the end of March, Starbucks will have reopened more 90% of the stores it temporarily shuttered in response to COVID-19's spread, Johnson said. Starbucks expects a revenue hit of $400 million to $430 million in the fiscal second quarter as a result of the Chinese closures. "China is on the uptick," Johnson said Wednesday. Starbucks has temporarily removed seating at its U.S. and Canadian stores, moving to a to-go model only, to maintain social distancing and help limit transmission of the coronavirus. Cramer said Thursday that he's not trying to project "false optimism" about China's recovery, but said it offered a look at how the U.S. may bounce back a "little bit further out." China recently reported no new cases of COVID-19 that were locally transmitted. There are more than 222,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally, the majority of which are now located outside of China, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The virus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in Hubei province, in December. Adidas warned last week that the suspension of store trading in China would cost it about $1bn in lost sales. Photo: REUTERS 'Closeageddon' is how analysts at Jefferies are describing the retail store shutterings in the US. With chains run by big names such as Nike, Apple and H&M closing doors, and icons including Macy's and Bloomingdale's joining them, the challenge facing the sector is worsening. In Ireland, retailers of every size are having to make the same difficult choices. Adidas warned last week that the suspension of store trading in China would cost it about $1bn in lost sales. Add in closures across the US and Europe, and multiply that by the number of household names retreating, and the bill to the retail industry may be astronomical. Stacey Widlitz of SW Retail Advisors estimates first-quarter revenue will be down by 50-70pc on average for global retailers. While sales are evaporating, overheads still need to be paid. This brings into focus the financial strength of parts of the global sector. Those that have been doing well for a long time, including Nike in the US and Industria de Diseno Textil SA (Inditex) in Europe, should have the resources to cope. H&M has little borrowing. But many retailers were already struggling going into this crisis - think of some of the US department stores. Those trying to implement turnarounds, such as Victoria's Secret, which parent L Brands has agreed to partially sell, and Under Armour now face additional hurdles. Gap has been trying to revive its namesake brand. At least its balance sheet is in decent shape. The same can't be said for the likes of JC Penney and J Crew Group, the private equity-owned clothing retailer that plans to spin off its Madewell unit to cut debts. With markets experiencing unprecedented volatility, there must be a question mark over this transaction, and maybe even the Victoria's Secret deal. Retailers would ideally want to stand by staff for as long as they can. It may be hard to imagine at present, but when the virus eventually recedes and activity picks up, stores will need their workforces. Yet the pressures to cut back will be immense. The likely first move will be to reduce the temporary workforce. Self-help measures are limited. Stock can in theory be moved from shuttered markets to those where there is still demand. The trouble is, with large swathes of Europe and increasing numbers of US cities in lockdown, the regions where non-essential shopping is even permissible are dwindling. Speaking to suppliers about delaying orders, or even cancelling them, particularly if Asian manufacturers are experiencing backlogs, may provide some respite. Where businesses operate from leased sites, landlords will have a role to play. Struggling tenants and mall owners need to have a grown-up conversation about whether payments can be deferred or rents reduced. With demand shifting from physical stores to online for the past decade, landlords are already bruised. But they are in this crisis together with retailers. The mall owners can ill afford more vacant lets. Such measures will only go so far. The case for targeted government support is pretty clear. One possibility is cheap state-backed loans, as the UK announced on Tuesday. In practice, such support may end up helping firms that were already uncompetitive. That may be the price to pay. Tax breaks are another option. Again, British retailers have long sought a reduction on property-based business rates, which they argue unfairly punish chains with large bricks-and-mortar estates. They just got a 12-month holiday from the tax. On both sides of the Atlantic, arrangements are needed so that suppliers can still insure themselves against retailers going bust before they have settled for ordered goods. If insurance firms pull cover, retailers may be forced to pay for stock up front, putting even more pressure on already strained cash flows. Retailers, landlords and lenders will have to come to some accord with each other. Even then, they will struggle to get through this on their own. Bloomberg Opinion Melania Trump on Thursday released a public service announcement about the coronavirus, posting it to her Twitter account while President Donald Trump held a briefing in the White House press room. In the one-minute PSA, filmed in the cross hall that leads between the East Room and State Dining Room on the main floor of the White House, the first lady offers tips on ways people can stay connected and reminds people they are in this together. 'Today I want to speak with you about coronavirus and what it means for you and your family. While changes need to be made now, this is not how we will live forever,' she said. Melania Trump released a public service announcement about the coronavirus The first lady released her PSA as President Donald Trump was talking about his administration's efforts to fight the coronavirus 'Our children will return to school, people will return to work, and we will gather at the places of worship, concerts and sporting events again. I urge you to stay connected to family and loved ones through video chats, phone calls, social media and other safe technologies,' she noted. Melania Trump concluded with: 'Stay safe. And remember while many of us are apart, we are all in this together.' The PSA will run during air time and space that will be donated by the media and is part of several such announcements being coordinated by the Trump administration. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, and other officials are appearing in the spots to give Americans tips on how to handle the coronavirus outbreak. Melania Trump was slow to weigh in on the epidemic that has swept through America, infecting more than 10,000 people and causing more than 150 deaths. First ladies typically help raise morale in a time of crisis. After the September 11th attacks, Laura Bush worked to reassure school children they were safe and to calm their fears. She also drew attention to human rights abuses against Afghan women when she stepped in to give the presidential weekly radio address. Melania Trump had been notably silent. During a March 10 speech to nearly 300 parents and former teachers at the National PTA Legislative Conference, she didn't mention the disease even as schools worked to contain the outbreak with several of them canceling classes. She weighed in for the first time four days ago with a tweet encouraging people to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for more information. 'Our great country is fighting hard against the #Coronavirus. This nation is strong & ready & we will overcome. Please take action to prevent further spread. Visit http://cdc.gov for updated health info & updates,' she wrote. Since then she has been an active presence on social media about the virus, thanking medical staff and offering ways for parents to help with their children's education amid school closings. 'I want to take a moment to thank the medical staff, doctors, nurses & first responders who are working tirelessly to help keep our country healthy & safe,' she tweeted on Monday. 'I know these can be trying times for parents & kids. I encourage students at all grade levels to continue their learning at home. Scholastic Learn At Home allows open access to daily learning,' she wrote on Thursday She also canceled the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, one of the biggest events for kids of the year, and postponed an April state dinner with the Spanish royalty. Melania Trump did not mention the coronavirus when she talked to nearly 300 parents and former teachers at the National PTA Legislative Conference Health department employees work at a drive through Coronavirus Testing Location in Miami The Easter Egg Roll was originally scheduled for April 13 and was to take place on the South Lawn of the White House. 'The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,' Melania Trump said in a statement earlier this week. 'I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term. During this time, I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials, and follow CDC guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone.' The CDC has advised against any gatherings larger than 50 people for the next eight weeks. Hundreds of children and their families attend the Easter Egg Roll, which takes place on the South Lawn of the White House. Shortly after she canceled the event, the Trump administration issued coronavirus guidelines that recommended no social gatherings with more than 10 people. Additionally, the first couple postponed their April state dinner with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, citing both countries need to address the coronavirus. The dinner, originally scheduled for April 21, was to be the Trumps' third state dinner and their first with royalty. Spain has put its country on lockdown as more than 17,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease and more than 800 have died. It has become the fourth-most coronavirus-infected nation, after China, Italy and Iran. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the Spanish royals will be welcomed at a later date. 'In order for the United States and Spain to continue to devote their full resources and attention to the COVID-19 response, the April 21, 2020, White House State Visit by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain has been postponed,' Grisham said in a statement Wednesday morning. 'President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump look forward to welcoming Their Majesties to the United States and the White House in the near future. The United States will continue to work with Spain and all of our European partners to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,' she noted. President Trump last week announced a 30-day travel ban on several countries, including Spain, after Europe became the epicenter for the disease. An elderly couple face a perilous 11,000-mile journey back to the US after their cruise ship announced it was cancelling the return leg of their dream round-the-world trip and 'dumping' them in Australia. There are no cases of coronavirus on board the Holland America Line Amsterdam however the four-month 'grand voyage' is being scrapped half-way through for safety reasons. Passengers will be forced off Sunday in Perth and left to make their own way home while the 1,380-capacity vessel sails back to Florida's Fort Lauderdale with just their luggage and the crew onboard. Bosses have refused all requests to bring even the most elderly and vulnerable people home saying there is no guarantee the Amsterdam will be allowed to dock for food or medicine on the 30-day return trip. Among those stranded are Karin Bogliolo, 80, and her wife Judy Rickard, 69, who downsized their San Jose, California, home to pay more than $40,000 for their tickets. Elderly couple Karin Bogliolo, 80, and Judy Rickard, 69, will be stranded in Australia Sunday after their cruise ship docks and have to find their own way home to California The Holland America Line Amsterdam cruise ship canceled its four-month 'grand voyage' half way through the trip for safety reasons 'She is trying not to get angry and upset but can you imagine how they felt when the captain comes on to announce, your luggage can come with us to Fort Lauderdale but you have to get off in Australia,' Karin's daughter Tamsin Mayhead, 53, told DailyMail.com. 'Physically I think they will be able to make it home, but at what cost? Right now they do not have the virus, nobody on the ship has. 'But making them all get off and fly halfway around the world will put them at the highest possible risk of getting it. 'Right now they are in a protected bubble, actually one of the last places on earth that is virus-free. The safest place for them is on that boat.' The Amsterdam, operated by Seattle, Washington-based Holland America Line, set off from Port Everglades on January 4, when the Coronavirus pandemic was in its infancy, and was due back May 12. Since then the travel industry has come grinding to a halt, with voyages suspended or scrapped the world over as it became clear how vulnerable packed ships were to devastating outbreaks. The Amsterdam had already axed its Asian leg, ruling out stops in China and Japan, but was able to visit Brazil, Argentina, Easter Island, Tonga, New Zealand and even Antarctica the only continent on earth without a confirmed COVID-19 case. The $400million boat has been at sea for the past 11 days and will arrive in Fremantle, a suburb of Perth on Australia's west coast, this weekend where passengers will be ordered off. Flights are still operating from Perth Airport, starting at $682 for economy seats and making at least two stops en route to Fort Lauderdale, with a minimum travel time of nearly 25 hours. Karin's daughter told DailyMail.com, 'Making them all get off and fly halfway around the world will put them at the highest possible risk of getting [the virus]' Karin is pictured on board the ship with crew Tamsin has managed to book seats for former publisher Karin, a British-born mom-of-two, grandmother and great grandmother, and Judy a retired American author, whom her mother married in 2011. But she fears some of the elderly passengers will be stuck in Australia and may never see loved-ones again. 'They say they care about these people but is it caring just to dump people who are 90 years of age in a strange country half way around the world?' asked Tamsin, 53, who lives in Guildford, southeast England. 'Is it caring to dump people who are disabled or in wheelchairs, as some of these people undoubtedly are? 'It might take some of these people a week to get home, if they are even in a fit state to take a flight. You wonder if some of them will ever get home. 'It's just a nightmare situation and I understand it's not all about Holland America, countries need to show some compassion so the boat can dock when it needs to and bring everyone home safely.' Holland America Line, a subsidiary of Miami, Florida-based Carnival, the world's biggest cruise operator, said it was doing everything it could to help passengers get back to Florida. 'We are fully aware and understand that some of our guests have concerns about air travel from Australia relative to their age and individual health situations,' the company said in a statement to DailyMail.com. 'Our senior medical team both onboard and at our headquarters are fully engaged in reviewing the circumstances of the very small number of guests that may require special assistance with their travel planning, in alignment with the International Transport Association (IATA) fitness standards for air travel.' There are no cases of coronavirus onboard but the ship will not return to Florida as planned, and instead dock in Perth, Australia, Sunday. Judy is pictured onboard in the Pitcairn Islands n the South Pacific The Amsterdam set off from Port Everglades on January 4, when the coronavirus was in its infancy, and was due back in Florida on May 12. Karin is pictured in Antartica The luxurious Amsterdam, best known for its multi-million dollar on-board art collection, sails around Alaska in the summer while embarking on round the world trips taking in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, in winter. The biggest hurdle for the sprawling vessel is finding nations willing to let it dock to resupply, given the number of countries scrambling to close boarders and shut ports. 'We have no way of predicting when they will open. The journey is estimated to take at least 30 days and will likely encounter additional challenges along the way with provisioning,' the statement added. 'Medical capabilities on the ship are limited and are primarily for stabilizing patients before getting them to the nearest shoreside medical facility for evaluation and treatment. 'In today's environment we cannot be assured that we would have the ability to do this or be able to access medical support and life-saving services along the remote route.' Thousands of Americans have been caught up in the chaos as cruise operators canceled voyages or left them marooned on the high seas because of the pandemic. They make up around 200 of the 1,400 passengers currently stuck on board the Costa Luminosa and barred from going ashore in the Spanish Canary Islands, where the boat is currently anchored. Dozens more US citizens are among the 609 people trapped on the Silver Shadow, another cruise ship in isolation off Recife, north-east Brazil. The boat was returning from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Fort Lauderdale when a 78-year-old Canadian tested positive for COVID-19. PRESS RELEASE 19 MARCH 2020 07:00 CET REGULATED INFORMATION Continued strong progress in U.S. NASH-related and global heart failure programmes Successfully raised 19 million in Q1 2020 extending cash runway into H1 2021 Conference call with live webcast presentation today at 14:00 CET / 09:00 ET Ghent, BELGIUM - 19 March 2020- Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA, the "Company"), an innovator in the management of fluid overload in liver disease, malignant ascites and heart failure, today announces its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2019, and provides a business update and an outlook for the remainder of 2020. Ian Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer at Sequana Medical, said: "We have made strong progress in 2019 in our key programmes, NASH-related cirrhosis in the U.S. and heart failure; also, we completed a successful equity financing, extending our cash runway into H1 2021. We are now looking forward to a number of exciting clinical milestones in 2020. With that said, given the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on global health systems, we anticipate that there will likely be delays to our ongoing and planned clinical trials. We are putting public health and the safety of our patients first and will provide more precise guidance as soon as we know more. "As we approach the launch of alfapump in North America, we are making good progress in our preparations to commercialise alfapump ourselves in the U.S. and address the urgent need for a significantly better treatment solution for patients suffering from recurrent and refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. "In light of the larger scale of opportunity for alfapump DSR in heart failure, as well as the commercial reach of existing strategic players, we intend to establish a commercial collaboration with a strategic partner to maximise its potential." 2019 Highlights Received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the alfa pump for the treatment of recurrent and refractory liver ascites, recognizing the high unmet medical need in this important medical condition and the potential for alfa pump to improve the lives of these patients. pump for the treatment of recurrent and refractory liver ascites, recognizing the high unmet medical need in this important medical condition and the potential for pump to improve the lives of these patients. First patient enrolled in the alfa pump POSEIDON pivotal study which is planned to support approval and reimbursement in the U.S. and Canada for the treatment of recurrent and refractory liver ascites. pump POSEIDON pivotal study which is planned to support approval and reimbursement in the U.S. and Canada for the treatment of recurrent and refractory liver ascites. Positive Direct Sodium Removal (DSR) clinical proof-of-concept data from the first-in-human single dose study, presented at world-leading conferences in the field including Heart Failure 2019, HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting and TCT 2019, demonstrated that single dose DSR therapy was safe and well-tolerated and resulted in a clinically relevant removal of sodium with consistent results across all treated patients. First patient enrolled in the alfa pump DSR RED DESERT study. The RED DESERT study is a repeated dose proof-of-concept study with alfa pump DSR in diuretic-resistant heart failure patients. pump DSR RED DESERT study. The RED DESERT study is a repeated dose proof-of-concept study with pump DSR in diuretic-resistant heart failure patients. Appointed Dr. Butler, Dr. Costanzo, Dr. Tang and Dr. Testani as Heart Failure Scientific Advisors to support the alfa pump DSR development programme. pump DSR development programme. alfa pump included in the German treatment guidelines (DGVS) for complications of liver cirrhosis, positioning alfa pump as a good and safe alternative to repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP), the current standard of care. pump included in the German treatment guidelines (DGVS) for complications of liver cirrhosis, positioning pump as a good and safe alternative to repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP), the current standard of care. Appointed experienced Medtech executive, Jason Hannon, as Independent Non-Executive Director. Raised 27.5 million in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Euronext Brussels. Post-period events Publication in Circulation, a top-tier peer-reviewed cardiovascular journal, of positive data from preclinical and clinical proof-of-concept DSR studies. Publication in leading peer-reviewed journal, Liver Transplantation, of positive results from the alfa pump North American feasibility study (MOSAIC) in recurrent and refractory liver ascites. pump North American feasibility study (MOSAIC) in recurrent and refractory liver ascites. Raised 19.0 million in a successful private equity placement via an accelerated book building offering from existing investors and new experienced life sciences investors and industry experts, extending the Company's cash runway into H1 2021. Outlook for 2020 - Focus on alfa pump POSEIDON pivotal study and alfa pump DSR As a result of the strong progress in 2019 and the large commercial potential of the U.S. NASH-related cirrhosis (estimated annual 3 billion alfapump market within the next 10-20 years) and U.S. / European heart failure (estimated annual 5 billion alfapump DSR market by 2026) markets, Sequana Medical is prioritising development programmes in these areas. The alfapump POSEIDON North American pivotal study in recurrent and refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis was scheduled to complete enrolment by mid-2020 with interim results in H2 2020 and primary outcome read-out by mid-2021. This timing is likely to be delayed given the current global health crisis. Results from the alfapump DSR RED DESERT study were initially expected in Q2 and Q3 2020 but may also be delayed for the same reason. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of alfapump DSR to remove excess sodium and fluid, and explore the potential impact of DSR therapy to restore patients' responsiveness to diuretics. A larger feasibility study of alfapump DSR has been planned to be initiated before year-end. This also may be pushed back due to the current global health crisis. Following the focus on its core commercial markets and the growing evidence of the benefits of the alfapump in patients with refractory liver ascites, Sequana Medical observed steady growth in sales from Germany in 2019 offset by a decline in non-core markets. We had originally expected this growth in core markets to continue in 2020, leading sales to increase from the 2019 level. However, the impact of the global health crisis, specifically current restrictions on non-essential medical procedures and hospital visits, may impact sales. Sequana Medical is closely following the evolution of the COVID-19 global health crisis and is in constant dialogue with its partners to assess the impact and adapt its operations as necessary. Although it is difficult to draw conclusions at this point on the systemic risk this disease could pose, the Company has put in place mitigation plans to minimise delays. Nevertheless, the impact of increased demands on the healthcare systems, restrictions on non-essential hospital visits and procedures, social-distancing and travel restrictions are expected to result in delays to execution of clinical studies and impact sales. Sequana Medical will update its guidance on the expected impact and any material change in the Company's operations and outlook when the situation is clarified. Detailed operational review alfapump North America - clear progress in pursuing approval in the U.S. and Canada, large market opportunites driven by NASH-related cirrhosis In January 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PR-Breakthrough-Designation-ENG.pdf), Breakthrough Device Designation received from the U.S. FDA for the alfa pump for the treatment of recurrent and refractory liver ascites. This allows for more frequent interactions with FDA experts and makes the alfa pump eligible for prioritized review of the submission package to obtain regulatory approval in the U.S. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PR-Breakthrough-Designation-ENG.pdf), Breakthrough Device Designation received from the U.S. FDA for the pump for the treatment of recurrent and refractory liver ascites. This allows for more frequent interactions with FDA experts and makes the pump eligible for prioritized review of the submission package to obtain regulatory approval in the U.S. In June 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-unconditional-ide-approval-u-s-fda-start-alfapump-pivotal-study-poseidon/), unconditional IDE 1 approval received from the U.S. FDA to start the POSEIDON pivotal study to support the North American approval of the alfa pump, using an optimised clinical trial design. Up to 50 patients with recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis across up to 20 centres will be implanted with the alfa pump for primary endpoint analysis at nine months after enrolment. Up to a further 30 patients will be enrolled in a roll-in cohort, to ensure centres are experienced with the alfa pump prior to implantation in the pivotal study cohort. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-unconditional-ide-approval-u-s-fda-start-alfapump-pivotal-study-poseidon/), unconditional IDE approval received from the U.S. FDA to start the POSEIDON pivotal study to support the North American approval of the pump, using an optimised clinical trial design. Up to 50 patients with recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis across up to 20 centres will be implanted with the pump for primary endpoint analysis at nine months after enrolment. Up to a further 30 patients will be enrolled in a roll-in cohort, to ensure centres are experienced with the pump prior to implantation in the pivotal study cohort. In September 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-first-patient-enrolled-north-american-alfapump-pivotal-study-poseidon/), first patient enrolled in the pivotal POSEIDON study. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-first-patient-enrolled-north-american-alfapump-pivotal-study-poseidon/), first patient enrolled in the pivotal POSEIDON study. As a result of the optimised POSEIDON trial design and Breakthrough Device Designation, the planned U.S. launch of the alfa pump has been brought forward to H1 2022. This timing is likely to be delayed given the current global health crisis. pump has been brought forward to H1 2022. This timing is likely to be delayed given the current global health crisis. The final ruling (https://www.medtechdive.com/news/cms-eases-breakthrough-device-path-to-reimbursement-in-final-rule/560174/) from CMS 2 in August 2019 regarding the new technology add-on payment (NTAP) pathway for breakthrough devices is expected to further support reimbursement and accelerate market adoption of the alfa pump in the U.S. (https://www.medtechdive.com/news/cms-eases-breakthrough-device-path-to-reimbursement-in-final-rule/560174/) from CMS in August 2019 regarding the new technology add-on payment (NTAP) pathway for breakthrough devices is expected to further support reimbursement and accelerate market adoption of the pump in the U.S. In January 2020, the results of the North American feasibility study (MOSAIC) of the alfapump in recurrent and refractory liver ascites were published in Liver Transplantation (https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lt.25724), concluding that implantation of the alfapump may be a definitive treatment for refractory ascites in cirrhosis, especially in patients who are not TIPS3 candidates. alfapump DSR - clinical proof-of-concept of DSR, potential breakthrough therapy for treatment of heart failure patients with volume overload In May 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-presentation-positive-dsr-clinical-proof-concept-data-demonstrating-potential-volume-overload-due-heart-failure/), Dr. Testani of Yale University reported clinical proof-of-concept of DSR therapy. Primary and secondary endpoints in the first-in-human single dose DSR study were met, demonstrating that single dose DSR therapy was safe and well-tolerated and resulted in a clinically relevant removal of sodium with consistent results across treated patients. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-presentation-positive-dsr-clinical-proof-concept-data-demonstrating-potential-volume-overload-due-heart-failure/), Dr. Testani of Yale University reported clinical proof-of-concept of DSR therapy. Primary and secondary endpoints in the first-in-human single dose DSR study were met, demonstrating that single dose DSR therapy was safe and well-tolerated and resulted in a clinically relevant removal of sodium with consistent results across treated patients. Dr. Testani presented positive pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept data of DSR therapy at Heart Failure 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DSR-late-breaker-5-22-Final.pdf), HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting and TCT 2019. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DSR-late-breaker-5-22-Final.pdf), HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting and TCT 2019. In September 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-appoints-leading-experts-heart-failure-scientific-advisors/), Dr. Javed Butler, Dr. Maria Rosa Costanzo, Dr. Wilson Tang and Dr. Jeffrey Testani, pre-eminent figures in the heart failure clinical community, were appointed as the Company's Heart Failure Scientific Advisors. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-appoints-leading-experts-heart-failure-scientific-advisors/), Dr. Javed Butler, Dr. Maria Rosa Costanzo, Dr. Wilson Tang and Dr. Jeffrey Testani, pre-eminent figures in the heart failure clinical community, were appointed as the Company's Heart Failure Scientific Advisors. In December 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-first-patient-enrolled-in-red-desert-repeated-dose-alfapump-dsr-study-for-treatment-of-diuretic-resistant-heart-failure-patients/), first patient enrolled in RED DESERT, the first-in-human repeated dose alfa pump DSR study, with Dr. Bartunek, Associate Director at Cardiovascular Center Aalst (Belgium) as the principal investigator. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-first-patient-enrolled-in-red-desert-repeated-dose-alfapump-dsr-study-for-treatment-of-diuretic-resistant-heart-failure-patients/), first patient enrolled in RED DESERT, the first-in-human repeated dose pump DSR study, with Dr. Bartunek, Associate Director at Cardiovascular Center Aalst (Belgium) as the principal investigator. In January 2020 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-first-in-human-data-of-direct-sodium-removal-dsr-therapy-published-in-circulation/), positive pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept data of DSR therapy were published in Circulation, a top tier peer-reviewed cardiovascular journal. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-first-in-human-data-of-direct-sodium-removal-dsr-therapy-published-in-circulation/), positive pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept data of DSR therapy were published in Circulation, a top tier peer-reviewed cardiovascular journal. Preparations are underway for a meeting with the FDA to discuss the start of clinical studies to support the regulatory pathway of the alfapump DSR in the U.S. alfapump Europe - expanding clinical and commercial experience in key European territories; growth in Germany In May 2019 (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-inclusion-alfapump-german-treatment-guidelines-dgvs-complications-liver-cirrhosis/), the alfa pump was included in the DGVS ("German Society of Gastroenterology Digestive and Metabolic Diseases") guidelines for complications of liver cirrhosis, positioning the alfa pump as a good and safe alternative to repeated LVP and stating that the alfa pump may also be considered in patients contraindicated for a TIPS. (https://www.sequanamedical.com/press-releases/sequana-medical-announces-inclusion-alfapump-german-treatment-guidelines-dgvs-complications-liver-cirrhosis/), the pump was included in the DGVS ("German Society of Gastroenterology Digestive and Metabolic Diseases") guidelines for complications of liver cirrhosis, positioning the pump as a good and safe alternative to repeated LVP and stating that the pump may also be considered in patients contraindicated for a TIPS. In December 2019, results from the retrospective Malignant Ascites study were published in BMC Palliative Car e (https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12904-019-0497-3) highlighting that the alfa pump was effective in treating palliative patients and improving their quality of life. (https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12904-019-0497-3) highlighting that the pump was effective in treating palliative patients and improving their quality of life. In February 2020, the surgical technique for the implantation of the alfa pump was published in Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00423-019-01822-w) summarising the experience of leading European alfa pump implanters. pump was published in (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00423-019-01822-w) summarising the experience of leading European pump implanters. Preparations are ongoing for initiation of the ProMAS study, in which up to 40 patients with various malignancies will be recruited across clinical sites in Belgium, the U.K. and Switzerland. This single arm, post-marketing study will evaluate the efficacy of the alfa pump and its impact on quality of life in patients with malignant ascites. Furthermore, the ProMAS study will evaluate the ability to obtain viable liquid biopsies in a non-interventional manner after implantation of the alfa pump. This study may be delayed due to the current global health crisis. pump and its impact on quality of life in patients with malignant ascites. Furthermore, the ProMAS study will evaluate the ability to obtain viable liquid biopsies in a non-interventional manner after implantation of the pump. This study may be delayed due to the current global health crisis. Preparations are ongoing for the Step Counter study to measure the impact of the alfa pump on patient activity, stress and sleep quality in patients with refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis, using fitness loggers. This study may be delayed due to the current global health crisis. pump on patient activity, stress and sleep quality in patients with refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis, using fitness loggers. This study may be delayed due to the current global health crisis. Enrolment continued in the French ARIA pump study to support reimbursement of the alfa pump for treatment of refractory liver ascites in France. The study, conducted and sponsored by French clinicians and funded by the French government, is expected to be completed by end 2022 4 , subject to potential delays from the current global health crisis. pump for treatment of refractory liver ascites in France. The study, conducted and sponsored by French clinicians and funded by the French government, is expected to be completed by end 2022 , subject to potential delays from the current global health crisis. Annual renewal of German NUB 5 received. The Company will focus on annual renewal of the NUB until a German DRG 6 hospital reimbursement code has been obtained, which requires a high number of implants in select hospitals. received. The Company will focus on annual renewal of the NUB until a German DRG hospital reimbursement code has been obtained, which requires a high number of implants in select hospitals. Following increased investment in the Company's core markets and the strengthening of the commercial team, year over year sales increased in 2019 in Germany by 30%. This growth was offset by lower sales in non-core / distributor markets. Detailed financial review in Thousand Euros FY 2019 FY 2018 Variance Revenue 971 1,029 -6% Cost of goods sold (198) (158) +25% Gross margin 773 871 -11% Sales & Marketing (2,838) (2,445) +16% Clinical (3,922) (1,671) +135% Quality & Regulatory (1,817) (1,372) +32% Supply Chain (931) (964) -3% Engineering (983) (1,808) -46% General & Administration (4,264) (5,761) -26% Other income 18 74 N.M. Total operating expenses (14,736) (13,948) +6% Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) (13,964) (13,077) +7% Finance income 53 309 -83% Finance cost (931) (1,192) -22% Total net finance expense (878) (883) -1% Income tax expense (136) (24) N.M. Net loss for the period (14,977) (13,983) +7% Basic Loss Per Share (1.22) (1.40) -13% Cash position* at 31 December 5,586 1,318 N.M. N.M.: Not Meaningful (percentage greater than 150%) * Cash position only includes highly liquid cash and cash equivalents. Consolidated statements of profit and loss Revenue Revenue (0.97 million) remained relatively at a similar level compared to the same period last year (1.03 million). Cost of goods sold Cost of goods sold (0.20 million) remained relatively at a similar level compared to last year (0.16 million). Operating expenses Despite a significant increase in Clinical expenses related to the progress in the development of alfapump and alfapump DSR, total operating expenses increased by only 6% to 14.74 million compared to 2018 (13.95 million). Sales and marketing expenses increased +16% from 2.44 million to 2.84 million primarily as a result of the expansion of the commercial team in Europe. Clinical expenses more than doubled from 1.67 million to 3.92 million mainly as a result of costs related to the North American pivotal study (POSEIDON), the DSR proof-of-concept studies and the Prospective Malignant Ascites Study (ProMAS). Quality and regulatory expenses increased from 1.37 million to 1.82 million, mainly driven by costs linked to external advice for the POSEIDON study and the preparations for the new Medical Devices Regulation (Regulation 2017/745). Supply chain expenses remained stable at 0.93 million (FY 2018: 0.96million). Engineering expenses decreased from 1.81 million to 0.98 million largely as a result of the completion of the alfapump development project. General and administration expenses decreased from 5.76 million to 4.26 million mainly as a result of the costs related to the preparation of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) and relocation to Belgium in 2018. EBIT As a result of the above, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased from a loss of 13.08 million in 2018 to a loss of 13.96 million in 2019 largely due to increased clinical activities, partially offset by lower expenses in engineering and G&A. Total net finance expenses Net finance cost (0.88 million) remained at the same level as 2018 (0.88 million) and consists mainly of interest expenses related to the Bootstrap loan. Income tax expense Income tax expense increased from 0.02 million in 2018 to 0.14 million in 2019. These expenses largely reflect taxes payable in Switzerland. Net loss for the period As a result of the above, the net loss increased from 13.98 million in 2018 to 14.98 million in 2019. Basic losses per share (LPS) Basic losses per share for 2019 amounted to 1.22, compared to 1.40 in 2018. Consolidated balance sheet Net debt Net debt7 at 31 December 2019 decreased by 15.70 million, resulting in a positive net cash position of 2.36 million compared to a net debt of 13.34 million at 31 December 2018, mainly as a result of the proceeds from the IPO in February 2019. Working Capital Working capital8 from 2018 to 2019 increased by 3.15 million, mainly as a result of a decrease in both trade payables and accrued liabilities for IPO expenses. Consolidated statements of cash flows Net cash outflow from operating activities was 18.48 million compared to a net cash outflow of 9.88 million in 2018. The difference mainly relates to the increase in operating loss and the increase in working capital. Cash flow from investing activities resulted in a net outflow of 0.34 million compared to a net outflow of 0.05 million in 2018. The net cash outflow mainly relates to the investment in leasing of cars and buildings (IFRS 16 applied). Cash flow from financing activities resulted in a net inflow of 23.22 million in 2019, mainly as a result of the IPO proceeds, compared to a net inflow of 9.47 million in 2018, as a result of the proceeds of several convertible loans. The Company ended 2019 with a total liquidity position of 5.59 million (2018: 1.32 million). Conference Call and Webcast Sequana Medical will host a conference call with live webcast presentation today at 14:00 CET / 9:00 ET. The webcast can be accessed by clicking here . To participate in the Q&A, please dial one of the numbers below ten minutes in advance, using confirmation code 9932969. The webcast and conference call will be conducted in English and a replay will be available on Sequana Medical'swebsiteshortly after. Belgium: +32 2 792 0434 The Netherlands: +31 20 794 8426 Switzerland: +41 43 456 9986 UK: +44 20 3003 2666 U.S.: +1 212 999 6659 Financial calendar 28 April 2020 Online publication of annual report 2019 28 May 2020 Annual General Meeting 2020 3 September 2020 Publication half year results 2020 For more information, please contact: Sequana Medical Lies Vanneste, Director IR Tel: +32 498 05 35 79 Email: IR@sequanamedical.com Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell, Marieke Vermeersch, Sukaina Virji, Melissa Gardiner Tel: +44 203 709 5000 Email: sequanamedical@consilium-comms.com LifeSci Advisors Chris Maggos Tel: +41 79 367 6254 Email: chris@lifesciadvisors.com About Sequana Medical Sequana Medical is a commercial stage medical device company developing the alfapump platform for the management of fluid overload in liver disease, malignant ascites and heart failure. Fluid overload is a fast growing complication of advanced liver disease driven by NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) related cirrhosis and a common complication in heart failure. The U.S. market for the alfapump resulting from NASH-related cirrhosis is forecast to exceed 3 billion annually within the next 10-20 years. The heart failure market for the alfapump DSR (Direct Sodium Removal) is estimated to be over 5 billion annually in the U.S. and EU5 by 2026. Both indications leverage Sequana Medical's alfapump, a unique, fully implanted wireless device that automatically pumps fluid from the abdomen into the bladder, where it is naturally eliminated through urination. In the U.S., the company's key growth market, the alfapump has been granted breakthrough device designation by the FDA. The North American pivotal study (POSEIDON) in recurrent and refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis is underway, with interim results originally expected in H2 2020 and a commercial launch in the U.S. planned for H1 2022, subject to potential delays from the current global health crisis. In Europe, the alfapump is CE-marked for the management of refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis and malignant ascites and is included in key clinical practice guidelines. Over 750 alfapump systems have been implanted to date. Building on its proven alfapump platform, Sequana Medical is developing alfapump DSR, a breakthrough, proprietary approach to fluid overload due to heart failure. Clinical proof-of-concept was achieved in a first-in-human single dose DSR study. A repeated dose alfapump DSR study (RED DESERT) in heart failure patients is underway with results originally expected in Q2 and Q3 2020, which may be delayed given the current global health crisis. Sequana Medical is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. For further information, please visit www.sequanamedical.com . Important Regulatory Disclaimers The alfapump has not yet received regulatory approval in the U.S. and Canada. Any statement in this press release about safety and efficacy of the alfapump does not apply to the U.S. and Canada because the device is currently undergoing clinical investigation in these territories. DSR therapy and alfapump DSR are still in development and it should be noted that any statements in this press release regarding safety and efficacy arise from pre-clinical studies and ongoing clinical investigations which have yet to be completed. There is no link between DSR therapy, alfapump DSR and ongoing investigations with the alfapump system in Europe, the U.S. and Canada. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release. Financial information The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the EU. The financial information included in this press release is an extract from the full IFRS consolidated financial statements which will be published on 28 April 2020. As of the date of this press release, the statutory auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Bedrijfsrevisoren BV CVBA, with registered office at Woluwedal 18, 1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, Belgium, represented by Peter D'hondt, auditor, has not yet completed his audit procedures on the IFRS consolidated statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2019. The statutory auditor has confirmed that the audit, which is substantially complete, has not to date revealed any material misstatement in the draft consolidated accounts, and that the accounting data reported in the press release is consistent, in all material respects, with the draft accounts from which it has been derived. Consolidated statements of profit and loss in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise) Year ended 31 December 2019 2018 Revenue 971 1,029 Cost of goods sold (198) (158) Gross margin 773 871 Sales & Marketing (2,838) (2,445) Clinical (3,922) (1,671) Quality & Regulatory (1,817) (1,372) Supply Chain (931) (964) Engineering (983) (1,808) General & Administration (4,264) (5,761) Other income 18 74 Total operating expenses (14,736) (13,948) Earnings before interests and taxes (EBIT) (13,964) (13,077) Finance income 53 309 Finance cost (931) (1,192) Total net finance expense (878) (883) Income tax expense (136) (24) Net loss for the period (14,977) (13,983) Basic losses per share (in Euro) (1.22) (1.40) Consolidated statements of comprehensive income in Thousand Euros (if not stated otherwise) Year ended 31 December 2019 2018 Net loss for the period (14,977) (13,983) Components of other comprehensive income (OCI) items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: Remeasurements of defined benefit plans 209 102 Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Currency translation adjustments 75 (76) Total other comprehensive income/(loss)-net of tax 285 26 Total comprehensive income (14,693) (13,957) Attributable to Sequana Medical shareholders (14,693) (13,957) Consolidated balance sheet in Thousand Euros As at 31 December 2019 2018 ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 765 184 Laboratory 71 6 Information Technology 159 138 R&D tools 4 7 Right-of-use assets 510 - Other tangible fixed assets 21 - Assets under construction - 32 Financial Assets 63 58 Financial assets - rental deposits 63 58 Loans to related parties - - Total non-current assets 829 242 Trade receivables 118 97 Other receivables 1,220 450 Inventory 1,598 1,235 Cash and cash equivalents 5,586 1,318 Total current assets 8,522 3,099 Total assets 9,350 3,341 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Share capital 1,307 888 Other equity - 184 Own shares - - Share premium 100,661 64,963 Reserves (1,652) (452) Loss brought forward (99,974) (85,003) Cumulative translation adjustment 584 659 Total equity 926 (18,760) Long term financial debts 2,261 2,582 Long term lease debts 305 - Retirement benefit obligation 544 792 Total non-current liabilities 3,110 3,374 Short term financial debts 459 12,073 Short term lease debts 199 - Trade payables 2,476 2,753 Other payables 1,269 1,095 Accrued liabilities 910 2,806 Total current liabilities 5,315 18,727 Total equity and liabilities 9,350 3,341 Consolidated statement of cash flows in Thousand Euros Year ended 31 December 2019 2018 Net loss for the period (14,977) (13,983) Income tax expense 136 24 Financial result 878 883 Depreciation 244 81 Change in defined benefit plan (68) 43 Share-based compensation 389 241 Changes in trade and other receivables (791) (77) Changes in inventories (362) 80 Changes in trade and other payables/provisions (3,922) 2,839 Taxes paid (9) (5) Cash flow used in operating activities (18,482) (9,875) Investments in tangible fixed assets (333) (39) Investments in financial assets (4) (16) Cash flow used in investing activities (337) (55) Proceeds from capital increase 26,165 2 Proceeds from financial debts (1,667) 9,583 Interest paid (1,279) (115) Cash flow from financing activities 23,218 9,469 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 4,399 (461) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 1,318 1,684 Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents (130) 95 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 5,586 1,318 Consolidated statement of changes in equity in Thousand Euros Share capital Other equity Own shares Share premium Reserves Loss brought forward Currency translation differences Total shareholder equity Balance at 31 December 2017 955 - (193) 65,157 (183) (71,082) 736 (4,611) Net loss for the period (13,983) (13,983) Other comprehensive income 102 (76) 26 Capital increase (net of costs) 2 2 Liquidation own shares 193 (193) - Conversion share capital into EUR (68) (68) Transaction costs for equity instruments (612) (612) Conversion rights on convertible loans 184 184 Share-based compensation 241 62 302 Balance at 31 December 2018 888 184 - 64,963 (452) (85,003) 659 (18,760) Change in accounting policy 7 7 Restated total equity at 1 January 2019 888 184 - 64,963 (452) (84,997) 659 (18,753) Net loss for the period (14,977) (14,977) Other comprehensive income 209 (75) 134 Capital increase IPO (convertible loans 84 8,533 8,617 Capital increase IPO (contribution in cash) 319 25,846 26,165 Capital increase IPO (contribution in kind) 16 1,319 1,335 Transaction costs for equity instruments (1,799) (1,799) Conversion rights on convertible loans (184) (184) Share-based compensation 389 389 Balance at 31 December 2019 1,307 - - 100,661 (1,652) (99,974) 584 926 1 Investigational Device Exemption 2 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 3 Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt 4 Clintrials.gov NCT03506893 5 Neue Untersuchungs- und Behandlungsmethoden or New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods 6 Diagnosis Related Group 7 Net debt is calculated by adding short-term, long-term financial and lease debt and deducting cash and cash equivalents. 8 The components of working capital are inventories plus trade receivables and other receivables minus trade payables (including contract liabilities) and other payables, and accrued liabilities. Nirbhaya convicts hanging: A Patiala House court dismissed the second mercy petition of the three convicts. Now, all four convicts are set to be hanged on the scheduled date and time. A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed another mercy petition of the three convicts. The 4 convicts Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma will be hanged on Friday, March 20. Earlier, on March 5, a Delhi court put out the death warrant for the convicts to be hanged till death on March 20. The convicts attempts to seek relief from the punishment had resulted in several pleas moving courts for help. On Thursday morning, convict Akshays wife fainted outside the court after it denied a stay on the execution of the death sentence. She demanded divorce from her husband as she doesnt want to live the life of a widow. The court has rejected her irrelevant demand since this would have led to postponing the hanging. The Patiala House court dismissed the final attempt and seemed to have closed the doors for all the convicts. Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Rohinton Nariman, NV Ramana, R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and AS Bopanna dismissed Pawan Guptas second curative plea where he had claimed he was juvenile and had sought treatment under law as a juvenile. It must be remembered that one of 6 rapists was a minor and was rehabilitated after 3 years as per law. The Supreme Court also refused to hear the appeal from Akshay Thakur who had claimed he was not even in Delhi when the crime took place on December 16, 2012. This is the fourth death warrant against the 4 convicts of the Nirbhaya case. Three other death warrants for February 1, February 21 and March 3 were rendered null and void on court orders due to the convicts appeals. These for convicts were alleged in a 2012 gang rape and murder case. They sexually assaulted, gang-raped, tortured a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in a running bus in South Delhi on December 16, 2012. It seemed that justice finally happened after the wait of 7 years. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App 50 Indian undergraduates from the Philippines are stranded at Changi airport in Singapore. They were informed that airlines have stopped taking passengers from Philippines, Afghanistan and Malaysia to India. Watch them share their concerns and appeal for help from the government. A group of 50 undergraduate students -- from different parts of India -- who are based in the Philippines to pursue medicine are currently in much distress. On March 17, 2020, a week after the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, they booked their flights home. When they packed their bags and left the Philippines to be with their families, they were willing to face all kinds of consequences -- to be screened, quarantined, face travel delays. But they were not prepared to be stranded in a new country. A student, who did not want to reveal her name, shares her ordeal to Divya Nair/Rediff.com: "All of us booked our tickets to Mumbai on March 15 through Malaysia Airlines. We had a stopover at Kuala Lumpur. We landed in Kuala Lumpur on March 17 at 1 pm. When we reached the desk to collect our boarding pass for our connecting flight, we were informed that we cannot fly to Mumbai. After a lot of chaos, the airlines put us on a flight to Singapore from where we were told we could travel to Mumbai. On March 18, we reached Changi airport at 1 pm. But here, we were informed that Air India is not taking passengers from the Philippines, Malaysia and Afghanistan." The students, mostly aged between 18 and 23, approached Indian embassies in Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia for help. "They are all saying 'We are trying to help.' But right now, we don't have any update or information on when and how we can get home," says one student. "We are feeling helpless and want to be with our families. Fortunately, we have been safe and none of us have shown any signs of weakness or symptoms. But you have to understand that we are at an international airport where there are travellers from all over the world." "The risk is higher also because if God forbid, something happens, this is a new country. We don't know anyone here and don't want to be stuck here especially during a pandemic." "We are ready to co-operate and be quarantined," says another student. But please help us get back to India. We just want to be home before it is late." Watch the students share their concerns as they appeal for help: With a pandemic pressing tens of thousands of the nations school districts into extended closures, special education administrators across the nation are wrestling with a weighty dilemma: how to provide services to students with disabilities. Federal law mandates that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in everything schools provideincluding online learning. But a mix of factorslack of clarity in state laws, unclear guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, and a reluctance to run afoul of federal lawhas left some school districts struggling to get their online learning programs off the ground. Uncertainty has handcuffed some districts, forcing them to shut down their online learning operations, at least temporarily. The Northshore School District in suburban Seattlea hotspot in the national coronavirus outbreakmanaged to roll out its districtwide distance learning plan for 25,000-plus students ahead of a mandatory five-week statewide shutdown. In the weeks since campuses closed there, staff got thousands of tablets and hundreds of internet hotspots into the hands of studentsonly to suspend operations because school leaders fear they could be in violation of state and federal mandates for providing equitable services. See Also: Coronavirus and Schools In a video message released Tuesday, Kenneth Marcus, the education departments assistant secretary for civil rights, said: Online learning is a powerful tool for educational institutions as long as it is accessible for everyone. Services, programs, and activities online must be accessible to persons, including people with disabilities, unless equally effective alternate access is provided. Districts face the potential loss of federal funding if they fail to provide accommodations for students with disabilities. They also face the risk of complaints, and potential legal action, from parents and disability rights advocates for running afoul of federal civil rights laws. The first things [schools] are thinking of is Are we going to get ourselves in trouble?'' said Phyllis Wolfram, the executive director of the Council of Administrators of Special Education. But the situation is a Catch-22: Districts could face the same issues if they refuse to do anything at all. Weve paused for a moment, said Northshore schools Superintendent Michelle Reid. We have to learn to navigate the rules and regulations that were written for a time were not in any longer. There is no written guidance that frees us from penalties. The Council of Chief State Schools Officers and other organizations have called on the department to clarify how districts should proceed, but for now, many district and state leaders are trying to make sense of the current guidance. A lot of people are looking for very specific directions, said Erin Maguire, who oversees special education services for the Essex Westford, Vt., schools. Theres confusion and thats probably to be expected given the crisis were in. Distance learning in Maguires district is set to begin Monday. That confusion has laid bare a troubling opportunity gap:Many schools that tout 21st century learning opportunities struggle to provide those opportunities for all students. Online learning is a fairly complex arena for all K-12; for students with disabilities there are additional layers, said Sean Smith, a professor of special education at the University of Kansas, who served as one of the principal investigators for the Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities. Its a rude awakening for our teachers and education leaders. Lack of Guidance Not New The federal education department has known for years that states have struggled to develop remote learning policies for students with disabilities. A 2016 report from the now-shuttered Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities, a federally funded research collaborative, found that 38 states lacked clear guidance or policies on who should provide special education services in an online school setting. The situation has not improved much in the years since, said John Eisenberg, the executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education. The current guidance is probably not getting down to the level of instruction and the challenges that parents, teachers, and students face, said Smith, the University of Kansas professor. The new reality has left some districts scrambling to find resources and train staff before they can even begin efforts to teach students onlineand those are just the states that have action plans. This crisis has triggered a re-examination of options. Some places think [online learning] is too hard to do for students with disabilities, Eisenberg said. But thats not the message we want to send to the country. The Philadelphia school district, which educates more than 200,000 students, will not offer remote instruction during its two-week coronavirus shutdown, because many students lack equal access to technology. Thats a panic response, said Denise Marshall, the executive director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, a disability-rights advocacy group. We shouldnt give districts a pass. We need them to stand up and say what they need. Uncharted Waters The Council of Chief State School Officers has urged the federal education department to provide clarity on special education equity for students with disabilities in an online environment, CCSSO Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller said this week. The guidance that came out, there is some interpretation about that being fairly limiting and causing confusion, Moffat Miller said on a call with reporters Wednesday. A spokeswoman from the U.S. Education Department said the agency expects to release additional guidance on issues such as special education in coming days. Online learning is not an ideal experience, said Reid, the Northshore schools superintendent. So lets extend grace to school districts as we work really hard to provide sound educational experiences for all of our students. We cannot allow perfection to be the enemy of any kind of progress. Now that schools are closed for weeks in many parts of the country, states must also provide guidance to schools on a host of special education issues. Among them are how to comply with deadlines to determine student eligibility for special education services and with mandates governing Individualized Education Program hearings. We cant undo federal law, Wolfram said. Schools are facing challenges theyve never faced before and were in very uncharted waters. North Korea premier Kim Jong Un has ordered the construction of a modern general hospital to be finished in the shortest period, despite claiming the country has zero cases of coronavirus infections. State media broadcast a speech by Kim on Tuesday, who said the "crucial undertaking" is to be built to protect and improve the health of the people. Kim, leader and chairman of the ruling Workers Party, said building the hospital is a top priority and ordered for the project to be finished before the 75th founding anniversary of the party, in early October. The party insisted the project was a long time in the making and said it was miserably self-critical there was no perfect and modern medical service establishment even in the capital city. True to the Partys lofty intention to develop our socialist public health service into the most people-oriented, advanced one which takes full responsibility for protecting all peoples life and promoting their health, we should turn out as one for the effort to finish the construction project unconditionally by the 75th founding anniversary of the Party, he said. He summoned all civilian and military officers and builders to work an unprecedented miracle in constructing the gigantic project. North Koreas official stance has been to deny anyone in North Korea has been infected with the virus, which experts remain sceptical of due to its borders with China and South Korea, both home to huge numbers of coronavirus cases. But South Korean media outlets reported a large number of coronavirus-related deaths in the secretive hermit kingdom. 180 North Korean soldiers reportedly died earlier this year and another 3,700 were put in quarantine, reported South Korean news organisation Daily NK. South Koreas state agency Yonhap News Agency reported even larger numbers of people under quarantine, as many as 10,000. North Korea has consistently refused to disclose information about the virus except to deny its existence in the country. Over 40 per cent of the population is vulnerable to disease and undernourished due to years of mismanaged economic activities and famine, meaning North Koreans are at huge risk of dying in massive numbers as the disease spreads through Asia. Earlier this month, state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun said: The infectious disease did not flow into our country yet. South Korea reported over 8,500 coronavirus infections and 91 deaths, while China has had 80,928 cases and 3,245 deaths. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it will delay arresting immigrants who do not pose public safety risks and must be detained on criminal grounds during the coronavirus pandemic. ICE confirmed Wednesday that its Enforcement and Removal Operations agents will focus on arresting public safety risks and individuals subject to mandatory detention based on criminal grounds, delaying arrests for people who do not fit that category or considering alternatives to detention. The agency did not elaborate on what alternatives would be considered. Homeland Security Investigations, another arm of the agency, said it will continue to carry out mission critical criminal investigations and enforcement operations that it deems vital to maintaining public safety and national security. Those include probes into child exploitation, gangs, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and human smuggling, according to the statement. HSI also will continue to participate in the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force. The announcement is the first time the agency is prioritizing who is targeted for deportation since President Donald Trumps executive order rescinding an Obama-era policy that prioritized violent criminals and suspected gang members. President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to crack down on legal and illegal immigration. One of his first executive orders after taking office in 2017 instructed ICE to arrest any undocumented immigrant. ICE Boston, which oversees New England, made 2,469 administrative arrests in fiscal 2019, according to apprehension data released in December. The arrest figures were 15% lower than the previous fiscal years totals, which officials attributed to the rise of so-called sanctuary cities and the deployment of ICE agents to assist Customs and Border Protection at the U.S.-Mexico border. ICE also said Wednesday night that its agents would follow its sensitive locations policy, which encourages agents not to make arrests at or near hospitals, doctors offices or other health care facilities, except in extraordinary circumstances. Eva A. Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy coalition, said she welcomed the news. Right now we cannot afford to have fear of immigration enforcement keep anyone from seeking medical care and before this announcement, it was a major concern for us and our member organizations," Millona said in a statement. It is reassuring to know that ICE is committed to not carrying out enforcement operations at or near health care facilities, and we take agency leaders at their word that exceptions will only be made in the most extraordinary of circumstances. ICE also suspended in-person check-ins with undocumented immigrants being monitored by the agency to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Tuesday that it would suspend naturalization ceremonies and in-person appointments. The Executive Office for Immigration Review, an arm of the Department of Justice, announced late Tuesday that immigration courts would stop holding in-person hearings and would only continue the hearings of detainees, which are held over video conference. Sign up for free text messages about important updates on coronavirus in Massachusetts Related Content: Coronavirus response: Boston immigration court and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspend events as pressure mounts for them to close Advertisement Coronavirus patients have been filmed laid out on hospital beds along the corridors of an Italian hospital in a chilling clip, while military trucks have been deployed to transport scores of victims' coffins to be cremated. Footage from one overcrowded Bergamo hospital showed patients lying on hospital beds which were lining the corridor of an intensive care unit. It came as Italy recorded a record 4,207 infections and 475 new deaths from the virus yesterday, squashing hopes that the unprecedented national lockdown was beginning to slow the spread of the pathogen. The crisis is underlining how health services in northern Italy have been overwhelmed by the pandemic, with doctors describing hospitals in crisis and many medics working from makeshift tents. The governor of Lombardy, the worst-affected region which includes Bergamo, said doctors and nurses in the region's hospitals were at their limits. I separate footage taken at the San Marco di Zingonia hospital in Bergamo, patients are seen lying on beds which are crammed into the corridor of the intensive care unit A patient at an overcrowded hospital in Bergamo, which has had more than 4,000 coronavirus cases and at least 93 deaths A patient on a ventilator at the hospital in Bergamo where a large number of patients have been suffering respiratory problems 'I'm worried about the possibility they could succumb physically and psychologically because if they were to succumb, it would really be a disaster,' cemetery director Angeloni told Italian radio. In separate footage taken at the San Marco di Zingonia hospital in Bergamo, patients are seen lying on beds which are crammed into the corridor of the intensive care unit. The video shows patients on ventilators in overcrowded rooms, showing how the crisis has overwhelmed even the high-quality health service in northern Italy. Italian media says the hospital is handling a large number of urgent Covid-19 cases, and many patients are said to have serious breathing problems. Meanwhile, coffins of the deceased were whisked away on a fleet of army trucks last night after a cemetery in northern Italy was overwhelmed by the death toll. The column of army vehicles brought the dead out of Bergamo on Wednesday night in what Italians have called 'one of the saddest photos in the history of our country'. The cemetery, like the hospital, in Bergamo can no longer cope with the mounting death toll in the city, where more than 4,300 people have been infected and at least 93 have died. Mortuaries are full and crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day, including the regular drumbeat of non-virus deaths, meaning the bodies of virus victims have had to be dispatched to neighbouring provinces. A medical worker wearing a protective mask and suit treats a patient suffering from the coronavirus disease in Cremona today A triage department of the Spedali di Brescia hospital in northern Italy which has been the worst-affected region of Italy 99% of people who died from virus had previous health problems 99 per cent of Italian virus deaths so far are patients who had previous health conditions, a study by the country's health authority suggests. Research into 355 deaths showed that only three of the victims, 0.8 per cent, had no pre-existing health problems. Nearly half of them - 48.5 per cent - had three or even more health conditions before they were infected with coronavirus. Another 25.6 per cent had two other 'pathologies', while 25.1 per cent had one. The research is consistent with previous findings that people with existing medical problems are more likely to die if they catch the coronavirus. According to the Italian study, the most common of these problems include high blood pressure and heart disease. Some 76.1 per cent of the dead patients had previously had problems with high arterial blood pressure, the study found. More than a third - 35.5 per cent - had diabetes, while 33.0 per cent had ischemic heart disease. Nearly a quarter, 24.5 per cent, had suffered from atrial fibrillation. Less common examples included dementia and liver disease. The study also found that the average age of people who died from the virus was 79.5. Again, that is consistent with previous findings that older people are more vulnerable to the disease. Advertisement Prime minister Giuseppe Conte has now warned that quarantine measures 'must be extended beyond their original deadline'. Some had initially been due to expire as early as next Wednesday. An army spokesman confirmed today that 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had been deployed to move bodies to neighbouring provinces. Italian media said there were around 70 coffins in the grim procession last night as the bodies were taken from the crematorium to the highway and out of Bergamo. Giacomo Angeloni, the local official in charge of cemeteries in Bergamo, said earlier this week that the crematorium was handling around 24 bodies a day, almost twice its normal maximum. Local authorities in Bergamo had appealed for help with cremations after being overwhelmed by the death toll. The pews of the crematorium church have been removed to leave space to lay out scores of coffins but more have been arriving every day. One Italian who saw the picture of a column of trucks said it was 'one of the saddest photos in the history of our country', while another said it was a 'photo of war'. 'We are Italians and it is at times like these that we bring out the best in us. We will get out of it and we will do it for them too,' one said. Italy recorded a record 4,207 cases and 475 deaths yesterday, scuppering hopes that the quarantine was starting to stall the rate of infections. Italy's 475 new deaths are the largest number that any country, even China, has reported in a single day since the outbreak began late last year. The previous record high of 368 deaths was also recorded in Italy, on Sunday. However, officials warn there is a lag time between the lockdown being imposed and its effects becoming noticeable in the figures. A medical worker wearing a protective mask and suit works in a hospital ward in Cremona today Italian soldiers, some of them wearing face masks, gather next to some of their trucks in Bergamo yesterday where local crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day Italian army trucks are parked next to a monument in Bergamo yesterday as they prepared to take coffins out of the city. At least 93 people have died of coronavirus in Bergamo and more than 4,000 have been infected A fleet of army trucks on a highway in Bergamo last night, transporting the coffins of coronavirus victims out of the city after the local cemetery became overwhelmed by the virus death toll The army vehicles drive along a Bergamo road as seen from the window of a nearby building, taking coffins out of the city 'The main thing is, do not give up,' Italian National Institute of Health chief Silvio Brusaferro said in a nationally televised press conference. 'It will take a few days before we see the benefits' of containment measures, said Brusaferro. 'We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable.' Imposed nationally on March 12, the shutdown of most Italian businesses and a ban on public gatherings were initially due to expire on March 25 with schools shut until April 3. Italian soldiers speak to people at the entrance of the cemetery in Bergamo, where bodies have had to be moved out of the city because local undertakers and crematorium staff cannot cope The army intervenes to move the bodies from the main cemetery of Bergamo, in Lombardy which has been worst affected by the health crisis in Italy Army trucks drive along a road in Bergamo yesterday in what Italians have described as one of the 'saddest' images in the country's history An Italian soldier carries a bag in each hand while police officers wearing masks are also on the scene near the cemetery An army spokesman confirmed today that 15 trucks and 50 soldiers, some of which are pictured, had been deployed to move bodies from Bergamo to neighbouring provinces Coffins are laid out in a chapel at a cemetery in Bergamo, where crematorium staff have been handling 24 bodies a day, including the regular drumbeat of non-virus deaths Layoffs banned and rents reduced in Italian economic plan Companies are barred from laying off workers and rents have been reduced under Italy's economic survival plan. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte hailed his 25billion (23bn), 127-point programme as the 'Italian model' that the rest of Europe could adopt. Firms are prohibited from laying off workers for the next two months without 'justified objective reasons' while the self-employed and seasonal workers such as tour guides will receive 600 payments. The government will also cover 100 bonuses for low-wage employees. Families are being issued 600 vouchers to cover the expense of having to hire baby sitters, with a shutdown of schools and kindergartens expected to last weeks. The self-employed who have to look after their children will receive 'parental leave' payments that cover half of their declared monthly incomes. Conte has shut down all forms of business except for pharmacies and grocery stores for two weeks starting on March 12. The government is compensating owners of closed shops by offering them tax credits to cover 60 per cent of their March rent payment. The self-employed and freelancers with home mortgages can ask to have their payments suspended for up to 18 months if they can prove that their incomes fell by a third. A variety of taxes and social service payments are being suspended for sectors and professions deemed most affected by the crisis. The government is also sending 20million to repair the damage caused to prisons by rioters who were anxious about the new disease. Italy's sport federations get four-month tax privileges and 130 million euros will go to support cinemas and the movie industry. Advertisement But prime minister Giuseppe Conte said today that the lockdown will be extended beyond the April 3 deadline. 'The measures we have taken... must be extended beyond their original deadline,' Conte told Thursday's edition of the Corriere della Sera newspaper. A top government minister hinted yesterday that the school closure could be extended well into next month, if not longer. Officials have said tougher measures could be needed because too many people are not respecting the order to stay at home unless necessary. Italy's National Research Council (CNR) says it expects a 'significant reduction' in the growth rate of new infections in the Lombardy region by next Tuesday or Wednesday. The northern region of around 10million people has been at the epicentre of the crisis since the start, reporting two thirds of all the deaths in the nation of 60 million. It has been under lockdown since March 8. Noting that infections are starting to rise in the south, where many Italians moved after the start of containment measures in the north, the CNR predicts that figures across Italy will only stabilise between March 25 and April 15. There have been fears that the health system of the poorer south would be entirely unable to cope with an outbreak on the scale which the north has suffered. The rates within Italy itself remained stable yesterday, with two-thirds of the deaths - 1,959 in all - reported in the northern Lombardy region around Milan, the Italian financial and fashion capital. The neighbouring Emilia-Romagna region of Bologna has suffered a total of 458 fatalities, and Turin's Piedmont region has had 154 deaths. Rome's Lazio region has a toll of 32 deaths and 724 infections. Doctors on the front line of Italy's coronavirus outbreak have described 'catastrophic' scenes in hospitals which are creaking with the sheer volume of cases. There have been fears that the health system of the poorer south would be entirely unable to cope with an outbreak on the scale which the north has suffered. More than 2,600 medical workers have been infected with coronavirus in Italy - 8.3 per cent of the country's total cases, it emerged last night. The figures were released by a health foundation which said the 'huge number' of infected medics showed that procedures and protection equipment for doctors were 'still inadequate'. Hospital workers prepare coffins at the Ponte San Pietro hospital in Bergamo on Tuesday, in the province of Lombardy which has been the worst-affected region of Italy The problem is far worse than in China, because '8.3 per cent is more than double the percentage of the Chinese cohort', the Gimbe foundation's president Nino Cartabellotta told Italian media. According to the figures, which are drawn from official data, the number of infected medics has risen by more than 1,500 just in the last eight days. The figure of 2,629 infected medical professionals means that nearly 0.3 per cent of Italy's health workers have caught the disease - taking them out of service when they are desperately needed. 'No more talking: adequately protect those who must protect us,' Cartabellotta urged last night. Medical materials from China arrive at the Liege airport in Belgium, on March 18, 2020. A batch of 1 million donated medical masks were flown in Belgium on Wednesday, en route to France. The medical supply was mobilized by two Chinese charities to help combat the spread of COVID-19. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) LIEGE, Belgium, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A batch of 1 million face masks were flown in Belgium on Wednesday en route to France. The medical supply was mobilized by two Chinese charities to help combat the spread of COVID-19. A cargo plane loaded with the donation departed from Hangzhou, eastern China earlier in the day and arrived at Liege Airport around 12:45 local time (1145 GMT). The goods will be handed over to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France, said a press release by the Alibaba Foundation and Jack Ma Foundation. On board the plane were also an unknown amount of medical goods donated to other European countries. The relief effort was the latest in a series of initiatives launched by the two charities to help Europe cope with the ongoing health crisis. Thousands of Defence Forces veterans are mobilising to offer their varied services to the State during the Covid-19 crisis. They are drawing up a list of people available all around the country and the various skills they have to aid the HSE, local authorities, voluntary organisations and vulnerable members of the community. Retired Regimental Sergeant Major, Noel OCallaghan, a prominent member of the organisations The Military Family and Irish Veterans Together, said veteran representatives met in McKee Barracks, Dublin last Monday to start the mobilisation. Within a short space of time, they had gathered the names of 62 volunteers and hundreds more have since been added to a nationwide list. Mr OCallaghan said many veterans are still fit and have a lot to offer: Around 900 people left the Defence Forces in the past 13 months and there are thousands more out there. We have veterans in nearly every community in the country and they have a huge wealth of experience to offer. Mr OCallaghan pointed out that some of them are trained in crisis management, while others are very experienced medics, drivers, military police and technicians. ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen) chief executive, Ollie OConnor, said his organisations senior members also held a meeting recently and members of their 36 branches around the country are mobilising to help in any way they can. He said they are preparing to put a list of contact numbers on numerous shop windows offering to help make deliveries to vulnerable people whilst maintaining HSE protocols: "We will be offering any assistance we can give." Mr OConnor said that contact numbers will also be put on windows at veteran centres offering support to vulnerable ex-Defence Forces members, or widows of deceased servicemen. He added that his organisation has stopped its usual charity collections because of the virus outbreak: As with all charities, physical fundraising has come to a halt. We are not complaining as this is understandable but it may affect our service provision going forward. "However, people can still donate on our website oneconnect.ie or donate 4 by texting FLAG to 50300." Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 20:08:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Thursday called for an immediate lift of Western economic sanctions amid fears of the novel coronavirus, according to the state news agency SANA. The ministry said it has made the call for the international community to help break the Western economic sanctions on Syria in light of the threats of the coronavirus, which has spread in neighboring countries but not yet been reported in Syria. It pointed out that the sanctions have affected several sectors in the country, including the medical field. Meanwhile, the ministry expressed solidarity with Iran and Venezuela as these countries are fighting coronavirus amid Western sanctions. Moreover, the ministry held the United States responsible for the negative repercussions of its sanctions on the countries that are fighting the coronavirus. It said Syria calls for an immediate and unconditional lift of sanctions by the United States and its allies. *Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that all K-12 schools in Ohio close to students from the end of the school day March 16 through at least April 3 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Alys Virzi, the agriculture teacher for East Technical High School, told Farm and Dairy that her students have homework packets and online assignments to work on for now. CLEVELAND, Ohio Kylayaa Dobson and Brianah Adams, both seniors at East Technical High School, in Cleveland, sit behind a long table and shake mason jars filled with water and soil samples from around the high school. Fluorescent lights and light from outside coming through the blinds illuminates tanks around the edge of the room with fish, snakes, turtles and other animals. Alys Virzi, the teacher of the class, sits across from the two students at the table with her own mason jar. They are in the middle of an experiment designed to show the differences between soil types. This environmental science class is Dobsons and Adamss final semester in an agribusiness career-technical education (CTE) pathway. Restructure The pathway is one of many career and technical options the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has across its schools. All of the high schools have some kind of career focus, said Anthony Battaglia, director for career and college readiness with the district. The district began to restructure in 2009, going to open enrollment and redesigning schools based on performance. The district created Clevelands Plan for Transforming Schools in 2012, as it continued to face challenges with enrollment and graduation rates. Part of the plan was to go to a portfolio model, which involves having lots of smaller schools with more focused options. East Tech has pathways in culinary arts and agribusiness. Agriculture is one of the most in-demand industries in the state, Battaglia said. Through CTE pathways, the district is trying to give students access to that industry. Goals But not all of the students in the agribusiness pathway are planning on careers in agriculture. Adams plans to study acting in college. Dobson wants to run her own bakery some day and plans to study hospitality management. For CTE, one of the things we focus on is just employability in general, Virzi said. This includes soft skills that can benefit students in any field, like being on time and following instructions, in addition to agriculture-related skills. Last semester, Dobson and Adams took an agribusiness class. The skills that students learn in that class, like creating business plans and understanding management styles, are transferable to other types of businesses as well, Virzi said. It will really give me the courage for what I want to do when I get out of college, Dobson said. Impact The districts college enrollment rate has declined in recent years, possibly because of high tuition rates and a decrease in grant funding available for students in the state, a 2019 progress report notes, but more students are taking college-level courses, and the graduation rate has improved. The districts four-year graduation rate increased from 59.3% in the 2011-2012 school year to 78.2% in the 2017-2018 school year, the report shows. The gap between Clevelands students and their peers state-wide is lessening in many areas, said Meghann Marnecheck, executive director for the Cleveland Transformation Alliance, an organization formed to track the plans progress. While the districts graduation rates overall are still about 7% below the state average, rates for African American students and Hispanic students are both above the state average, Marnecheck noted. Battaglia said that students in the districts CTE program have a higher graduation rate, at 92%, than students in the district overall. While some of the high schools have more informal career or technical options, the agribusiness program at East Tech is one of the official CTE pathways that the district offers. Virzi teaches four classes in the agribusiness program at East Tech. Ninth and 10th graders take animal and plant science, 10th and 11th graders take science and technology in food and 12th graders take business management for agriculture and environmental science for agriculture and natural resources. Teachers This is Virzis second year at East Tech. She has 20 years of experience in agriculture and horticulture and has helped run farming programs and has taught with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. I just think urban farming and growing food in the city is one of the most important things that we can teach people, Virzi said. She was the third agriculture teacher at East Tech in three years. The teacher who officially started the CTE program in the 2017-2018 school year was promoted to a position in the districts central office after just one year. This made things difficult at first. I think there was some mistrust just because of the fact that they had changed staff in this position, Virzi said. Some students thought Virzi would leave, too. But she came back. The second year has been easier so far. I wasnt going to leave, she said. Next steps The district plans to consolidate three other schools at East Tech next year, including Washington Park Environmental Studies Academy, which has programs in horticulture and animal science. This move will consolidate the agriculture programs at East Tech and Washington Park. The 2019 progress report shows that enrollment in both the district and charter schools has decreased in the last few years. Census data also shows that Clevelands population as a whole went down by about 3% from 2010 to 2018. We need to not have buildings that operate below capacity, Battaglia said. Its not efficient. Virzi is hoping to add more hands-on experiences, like the soil sampling experiment and other projects, as she gets her bearings in the program. She will also start advising an FFA program for East Tech next year. Assessment Students in the program have to take online state assessments at the beginning and end of the year. CTE program managers also evaluate programs with teachers and look for areas to improve both informally and formally. The district overall is still working on meeting state-level requirements and assessments. As a district, Battaglia said the CTE programs are at a 25% proficiency on the assessments, which is up from 10% two years ago. Were growing pretty rapidly now that we understand what theyre asking for, he said. The agribusiness program, specifically, is still developing. Teaching agriculture in an urban area, like Cleveland, comes with its own challenges, since the industry can take a different form in urban areas than in rural areas. As the industry in Cleveland grows, the district wants students to be primed for opportunity, but also prepared for jobs outside the region even if their experience looks a little different, Battaglia said. Community Thats part of why Virzi is hoping to continue developing connections in the community. Virzi takes students on field trips and brings guests in from local businesses, including Rid-All Green Partnership; Saucisson, a butcher shop in Cleveland; and Food Depot to Health, a nonprofit that teaches about nutrition. Some of these local businesses hire people from the area, so students who have a background in food and plant science could eventually find jobs with them. Virzi hopes the program will help students see that as a possibility and reinforce to them that the program can be valuable. A lot of our kids dont know that its a possibility to get into that field just in our own area, Virzi said. You dont have to go to a different county to work in agriculture. India is quietly and quickly working on filling up its strategic petroleum reserves of 5.33 million metric tons (MMT), taking advantage of low crude oil prices, as it seeks to ensure that the country has enough fuel to power vehicles amid a global pandemic that has infected hundreds of thousands, killed more than 9,300, disrupted global trade and roiled economies and markets. India imports around 84% of the oil it uses. Around half this capacity is full, an official with direct knowledge of the matter said. The total capacity will meet Indias crude oil requirements for about 9.5 days, perhaps double that at a time when most people are preferring to stay at homes and economic activity is down. In addition, domestic refiners usually keep stocks that can last 64.5 days. India recently contracted crude oil worth Rs 690 crore, the first major purchase towards filling its strategic petroleum reserves even as crude oil prices plunged to a nearly 16-year low of $24.88 per barrel on Wednesday, two officials, including the one cited above, said. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to disclose commercial details such as the purchase price, the quantity and the name of the supplier. Average price of the contracted quantity of crude is around $30 per barrel, the first official said. The price is substantially lower than Indias average crude oil purchase price of $69.88 per barrel in 2018-19. The deal is being executed by one of the public sector refiners, and the crude oil, expected to be delivered next month, will be stored in one of the caverns (underground storage facilities) of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), the second official said. ISPRL currently has strategic petroleum reserves with a total capacity of 5.33 MMT in three locations Mangaluru, Visakhapatnam and Padur. The government has approved construction of two more strategic crude oil reserves with a total 6.5 MMT capacity at Chandikhol in Odisha (4 MMT) and Padur in Karnataka (2.5 MMT). The proposed facilities will provide additional storage for 11.57 days. The first official said it is an opportune time for oil consumers and that India will procure more crude oil from Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia under separate agreements for its reserves. Talks are on with Saudi Arabia and we are awaiting a final nod from Riyadh, he said. Brent crude gained marginally from Wednesday and was hovering around $25.60 per barrel at 7:38 pm IST on Thursday. On January 6, 2020, it was at $70.25 a barrel. ISPRL already has an oil storage and management agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and has filled one storage chamber at the Mangaluru facility. The agreement was signed in February 2018 for storing about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil (around 0.8 MMT) by ADNOC in Cavern-A of Mangaluru strategic petroleum reserve (SPR). The Union Cabinet on November 8, 2018, approved filling of crude oil in Padur SPR facility by overseas oil companies on the ADNOC model, the officials said. The model allows state-owned oil companies of oil producing countries to store crude oil in the SPR and use it on commercial terms. But in case of national emergency, they have to sell the oil to Indian refiners. The decision to construct underground caverns to ensure Indias energy security as a buffer to deal with any situation of supply chain disruption due to external reasons was taken by the Cabinet on January 7, 2004. India imported 83.8% of the crude oil it processes in 2018-19. The import dependence was 78.3% in 2014-15. Due to its strategic importance in the countrys energy security, the Budget speech of finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 provided a tax exemption to Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL). ISPRL was set up on June 16, 2004, as a special purpose vehicle to build and operate strategic crude oil reserves. Later in May, 2006, it became a fully owned subsidiary of the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB). Opposition Congress on Wednesday raised in Rajya Sabha the order of the telecom department seeking huge call data records in cities such as Delhi, saying it was tantamount to converting India into a surveillance state. Congress Deputy Leader in the Upper House Anand Sharma gave a notice under Rule 267 seeking adjournment of business of the day to discuss the move but Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu converted it into a Zero Hour mention. Sharma said under the new guidelines framed by the previous UPA government, after clearance from the Home Secretary, officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) and above alone were authorised to seek such details from telecom operators. In addition to this, SPs are required to give a mandatory declaration to District Magistrates (DMs) about the CDRs obtained every month. But there are no rules to permit any government office to seek call CDR on a regular monthly basis, he said. He wanted the government to place on record the Home Secretary's order giving permission for seeking CDR and which magistrate were the issue reported to. "India is being converted into a surveillance state," he said alleging the government was seeking bulk call data records to spy on people. Responding to the issue, Law and Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said with approval and cooperation of telecom operators, CDR had been sought to deal with call drop issue. "I want to assure that there is no surveillance, no phone tapping, no call recording," he said, adding there is no invasion of privacy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manila-based Ana Santos describes the logistical hurdles she went through trying to get home as the pandemic accelerated. San Salvador/Manila On March 2, 2020, I left the Philippines for a two-week training and reporting trip through Mexico and El Salvador. At that time, there were six confirmed coronavirus cases. Selective travel bans, coughing etiquette and handwashing were the calibrated response. Ten days later, the reporting trip was cancelled and countries around the world had begun closing their borders. Our group of seven journalists and three organisers had to leave El Salvador and return to our respective countries immediately. For most, that meant going back to the United States. One had to go back to Istanbul. I had the longest journey a little bit more than 48 hours to make a more than 24-hour flight to Manila before the city was placed under lockdown. San Salvador, El Salvador, Thursday, March 12, 3:54am The soft vibrating buzz of WhatsApp nudges me awake. A concerned friend had heard Manila was about to be locked down. Her message was calm but emphatic. I needed to get out of San Salvador immediately. Certain areas of Manila would be closed off, but strict travel restrictions would be imposed and I risked not being able to enter the Philippines if I did not get home in time. I was not surprised. By then, Italy was a cautionary tale of how the virus and the disease it causes, known as COVID-19, could spread exponentially and bring one of the worlds better health systems to its knees. World leaders were eager to pull down the blinds, lock the doors and seal off borders to keep coronavirus out. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele declared an alerta naranja or orange alert, putting the entire nation of six million people under national quarantine on March 12 [Ana Santos/Al Jazeera] US President Donald Trump announced that he would ban travellers from 26 countries in Europe initially exempting the United Kingdom from entering the country. Americans scrambled to fly back home before the ban took effect. Despite having no recorded coronavirus cases, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele declared an alerta naranja or orange alert, putting the entire nation of six million people under national quarantine. No foreigners would be allowed in and any Salvadorans entering the country would be required to undergo a 30-day quarantine period. Salvadorans went into a panic. Our translator told me that at a supermarket in the upscale neighbourhood of Antiguo Cuscatlan, two people were fighting over the few pieces of chicken that were left. The price? $80. Thursday, March 12, 6:30am My feed lights up with reactions to President Rodrigo Dutertes announcement of a community quarantine. Air, land and sea access to the metropolis of Metro Manila would be cut off starting March 15. Seventeen districts and home to about 12 million people including myself would be affected. It is still unclear to me if the travel ban will include Filipino nationals. Thursday, March 12, 7:11am I am on my way to court for an interview when I get a panic-stricken message from my sister. Ate [big sister], Manila is closing. You wont be able to come home. By this time, I had confirmed through others that the lockdown did not apply to Filipino nationals. Rather, the community quarantine as the government insisted it be called had so many exceptions that it seemed more like some kind of medically-imposed staycation. I call my sister and assure her that I will try to get home as soon as possible. Thursday, March 12, 7:30am I text Juanita, our programme manager, about the developments in Manila. She immediately calls me. The organiser and funder, the International Womens Media Foundation (IWMF) had already begun discussing contingency plans the night before. They decide to cancel the reporting trip and send everyone home immediately. The infection was spreading so fast, and heads of state were trying to make decisions just as fast. Pronouncements were made, but often quickly changed and revised, setting off a chain reaction. I had more than 48 hours till the lockdown but it would take me more than 24 hours to fly back to Manila. A cancelled or delayed flight or a more restrictive lockdown implemented while I was in transit could leave me stranded. Plus, Manila was 14 hours ahead of San Salvador. El Salvador International Airport, Thursday, March 12, 4:49pm 7:30pm There is a short queue at the airport check-in counter. All airport personnel are wearing masks. Not everyone was wearing a mask when we first arrived in the country. While waiting for our boarding call, a group of passengers are blocked by police. They chant let us in in Spanish. They quiet down and seem pacified, but we are called to board before I find out anything more. In an article written by our fixer, local Salvadoran journalist Julia Gavarrete, I learn that El Salvador President Bukeles Twitter declaration of a national quarantine surprised and confused many returning Salvadorans. More than 470 Salvadorans had been transferred from the airport to quarantine shelters in various parts of the city. There were no lines at baggage claim, at check-in or at security at Mexico Citys international airport [Ana Santos/Al Jazeera] Thursday, March 12, 7:56pm My flight leaves San Salvador for Mexico City. Mexico City International Airport, Thursday, March 12, 10:15pm I land in Mexico and the airport is nearly empty. I have a little more than two hours to claim my bag and check in with another airline for my transpacific flight. Normally, such a transfer means going through various queues for check-in and security. It is often a mad rush of running across the different terminals to get to the international transfer gate. But there were no lines at baggage claim, check-in or security. At baggage claim, my luggage was already waiting for me. I have time to sit down before getting on my 13.5-hour flight. At the airport transfer in Mexico Citys international airport [Ana Santos/Al Jazeera] Friday, March 13, 2020, 1:00am I board my plane for Japan. Like the airport, the plane is nearly empty. Each passenger gets their own row. After takeoff, the flight attendant, wearing a mask and gloves, goes around to offer a tray filled with earplugs, eye masks, toiletries and other items to make the long haul flight more comfortable. I notice that face masks are also among the items on the tray. I try to remember the last time I boarded a flight where face masks were offered. Narita International Airport, Japan, Saturday, March 14, 2020, 6:35am It is already March 14 in this part of the world. It is very early and Narita Airport is empty. Aviation data shows that an average of about 123,000 passengers pass through Narita Airport every day. But today, I can count the number of passengers roaming around on one hand. Narita is the usual stopover when travelling from Asia to the US. I have never seen it this empty. At one of the few restaurants that are open, there is a group huddled together. Everyone else is sitting a comfortable distance from one other. Masks are momentarily taken off to eat. Saturday, March 14, 2020, 9:30am I board my flight home. So far so good. In my section of the plane, there are a total of three passengers. I count more flight attendants than passengers. Like my previous flight, they are all wearing masks. They have plastic wrapped around their hands as makeshift gloves. The woman behind me voices her disbelief. We could bounce around the plane if we wanted to, she said. I begin to feel a tinge of sadness. The Philippines is one of the largest labour exporters in the world. On a long haul flight, my last connecting flight to Manila is almost always filled with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) coming home from Europe or the Middle East. Aviation data shows that an average of about 123,000 passengers pass through Narita Airport every day before the coronavirus pandemic halted most flights to Japan [Ana Santos/Al Jazeera] The plane is usually filled with their lively chatter and giddy laughter. Everyone is excited to go back home after long periods of separation from their families, and March is peak season. OFWs usually go home to attend the graduation ceremonies of their children. But classes have already been suspended and graduation events postponed to avoid large congregations of people. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Saturday, March 14, 2020, 1:40pm I land in Manila and clear the immigration lines in minutes. The machines for the newly-instituted immigration e-lane are cordoned off. The immigration officer tells me the thumbprint scan could be a possible touchpoint for spreading the virus. I take a photo of the closed-off e-lane and an airport official comes over to tell me photos are forbidden. He stands watch as I delete it from my phone. This week, the Philippines has ordered a ban on all foreign arrivals in the Philippines [Ana Santos/Al Jazeera] Saturday, March 14, 2020, 2:12pm I get my luggage and call a cab. My cab driver is 40-year-old Mendel Okoy. I ask him how things have been in Manila and it occurs to me that in the last 20-something hours, he is the first person I have had an actual conversation with. He says he usually drives in the early hours of the morning to avoid the daytime heat and the traffic. He and other taxi drivers started feeling the effect of coronavirus when the government started implementing travel bans some weeks back, he says, and his usual passengers have begun thinning out. The $20 he usually takes home is enough to support his small family his wife and the elderly in-laws who live with them. But his daily earnings have dwindled to $12-$15 and he is anxious that the community quarantine could drag on for a month. We were hoping that domestic travel that usually picks up in the summer would make up for the loss. But now, domestic travel has completely been banned, too. I do not know what will happen, Okoy told me. Okoy is among the 15.6 million workers in the informal economy. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines them as independent, self-employed, small scale vendors of goods and services. As day wagers, they make just enough to get through the day there is not enough to set aside a contingency fund. This makes them the most vulnerable when normal business operations are disrupted because of the shock of natural calamities, economic crisis and the global public health emergency of coronavirus. When the month-long lockdown was announced, many trooped to the supermarket to stock up on food and supplies. That was not an option for day wagers like Okoy. For us, there is no panic buying. Just panic, he chuckled. So far, the government has given no indication of assistance programmes for those likely to be hardest hit when the economy grinds to a halt. If it goes on like this for a whole month, we will not die from the virus, we will die from hunger, Okoy said. I made it home. But the relief I felt has given way to dread and uncertainty. Coronavirus is unlike anything we have ever seen and for many Filipinos surviving another day is going to be even more difficult. On the evening of Wednesday, March 18, El Salvadors president announced its first case of coronavirus infection. The International Womens Media Foundation provided support for this reporting as part of the Adelante Latin American Reporting Initiative. 306 Shares Share In the midst of this coronavirus pandemic, a friend of mine relayed a troubling story to me recently. My friend is a dermatologist who is 9-months pregnant, living and working in a county with no known community spread of the novel coronavirus. After spending time examining a 19-year-old with acne, the patient told her that she was under self-quarantine due to exposure to the coronavirus in New York. Her college in New York had been closed for the semester, so she returned to her home state and county, where her acne prompted her to present to my friends clinic. This is an example of a situation that explains why extreme measures are necessary to combat the virus. Here we have a case of a young adult who was asked to self-quarantine and was turned away from her college to prevent the spread of the disease. She then traveled to a county unaffected by community spread and presented to an outpatient dermatology for an acne treatment where she was examined by an obviously pregnant doctor. Could there be a stronger example of selfishness in a time of crisis? The fact that everyone will probably be okay doesnt matter. In another example of complete and utter cluelessness, I saw a recent video taken at a major U.S. airport in which an ill-appearing food service worker was seen coughing at a cash register terminal without a mask on, and when a flight attendant asked if she had been checked for the virus, the employee said no. As I type this, I see government officials on television standing in close proximity to each other, talking to a room where reporters have gathered, also standing less than 6 feet apart from each other. The news media are reporting on unsubstantiated treatments, and I am seeing patient privacy being compromised on the Internet, in some cases by physicians and/or physician leaders. We have to get this under control. Did we learn nothing from Ebola? Why did we wait until there were cases of the novel coronavirus in the United States before we stopped international travel? When testing becomes more freely available, we will find out that a lot more people are carrying the virus than is currently known. This will get worse. Central to this issue is also a lack of support for public health programs. Government health departments, strapped for cash over many years, often cant even afford to become accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, let alone respond to epidemic crises when they occur. We have been talking about health care reform for decades, yet very few strides have been made toward preventing disease. Public health workers, some of the most underpaid professionals in our society, simply cant succeed without resources. It is no wonder that we are facing the current circumstances. The last thing that I want to promote is panic. I feel that this outbreak is very controllable, but we have to embrace sacrifice. We need people to volunteer to forego their typical lifestyles to protect the vulnerable. We have spent the last decade or so focusing on ourselves. Lets do the right thing and start behaving like we are sharing the planet. Wash your hands, avoid gathering in groups, and dont hoard resources. Stopping the spread of coronavirus starts with the thoughtful actions of everyone. Cory Michael is a radiologist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com All photograohy by RICE / Marisse Caine. Renga, a 41-year old Malaysian who works in F&B in Singapore, is a burly man with a serious demeanour. I often see him on shift at the cafe I go to, when Im hunkering down to write. A man of few words, he is nonetheless, impeccably polite. So when we sat down on Wednesday afternoon to chat about the Malaysia lockdown, I didnt expect to see another side of him. I have four kids at home in Johor Bahru and my youngest is four years old. I cant see her He trails off and then, tears in his eyes, he excuses himself and leaves the table. Make no mistake, we are not in a war zone. This is not the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. But with nearly 200,000 cases of Covid-19 infections worldwide, and close to 8,000 deaths, it does feel like we are at war. Malaysia has reported 673 infected cases and two deaths. This crisis arrives fast on the heels of the recent change in government, which left its citizens reeling. To combat the virus in the country, on the evening of March 16th, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the implementation of a movement control order and effectively closed the border. Malaysians who want to travel between states within the country will also have to obtain a document from the police, permitting them to do so. The lockdown went into effect at midnight on March 18th and will remain until March 31st. This means that over 400,000 Malaysians who commute daily to work in Singapore, have had to pick a side to stay on for the next two weeks. So how are they handling it? The RICE team headed down to the Causeway on the night of the 17th, hours before lockdown, to capture the mood on the ground. They expected panic and chaos. What they encountered instead was stoicism and acceptanceMalaysians, by the thousands, were simply making a choice and getting on with it. Renga picked Singapore. When the PM announced the lockdown I wasnt surprised. I was sure it would happen because of the way the cases increased so suddenly. So I spoke to my manager and mentally prepared myself. I came for my Tuesday shift with my bags packed, Renga said. Story continues To characterise this like its a toss of a coin, or a matter of personal preference, would be grossly insensitive. For tens of thousands of Malaysians (if not more), clearing annual leave in the first quarter of the year, or going on unpaid leave, is simply not an option. I am the sole breadwinner of my family, he tells me. I like my job, but I also need it. Without it I cannot support my family. He feels luckier than most because his workplace in Singapore will provide accommodation and meals for the duration of the lockdown. He looks lost without his family, and tells me theyll manage by video calling everyday. Then there were the hours leading up to the lockdown itself. Weve all seen itphotos of the Causeway with crushing crowds of people on motorbikes or vehicles, late into the night of the 17th. Kartigesan, a 27-year old chef, said hes never seen anything like it. It took me four hours to get through customs and make it into Singapore. At that moment I felt awful. I felt fear because everyone was exiting and entering at the same time. Crowds like that seemed dangerous at this time. I had my mask on and used my sanitiser. But weve exposed ourselves. And now we have to get through it. Kartigesan could have opted to clear leave and stayed in Malaysia. But with staff shortage at his restaurant, he opted to stay. It isnt a time to be selfish, he says. His response surprises me, because he exposed himself to the risk of getting the virus, to ensure that operations at his workplace remain unaffected. Many chose to avoid the crowds and told me theyll buy some clothes here to get through the two weeks. While confusion reigns, families and familial bonds have been affectedeven if only for two weeksby the lockdown. I work in F&B and my wife is a staff member at Gleneagles Hospital. So we both decided to stay here. But Im at my work quarters and shes staying at accommodation provided by the hospital. Were both here. But were not staying together. Its really strange. Were waiting for our off day to see each other, Suresh, 34, says with a resigned smile. His entire family scrambled back to Perak before the lockdown, and he worries that if something happens to his grandmother, who is over 80, he will not see her. The anxiety because of this separation is palpable. Even without children, or aging parents to look after, the announcement has taken Malaysians by surprise. For many, a range of concerns around the immediate lockdown period and the next two weeks is keeping them awake at night. What happens after the 31st? Do we get to go home and commute to work? Will we be put under quarantine or have our movements restricted when we go back to Malaysia? Its all unclear, he asks. From security, to healthcare, waste management, supervisory roles in factories, logistics and transport, Malaysians play a vital role in Singapores economy. About 18 percent of the total labour force of 2.3 million people are from Malaysia. That number may seem insignificant. But it takes a lockdown to feel the impact of throwing a spanner in the works of Singapores well-oiled labour force machine. Following the announcement of the lockdown, Singapores High Commission in Malaysia released a FAQ on the Movement Control Order in Malaysia. The Straits Times story on this is titled FAQ on how Malaysias lockdown will affect Singaporeans. While factually accurate, it should prompt a little existential soul searching among Singaporeans. We should also be asking ourselves how the lockdown affects us here, in Singapore, where we dependsometimes unknowinglyon Malaysians to keep things going. In other words, our psychological defense in Singapore depends on over 400,000 Malaysians who have made a decision under duress. They had all of 24 hours to consider how it will impact both them, and us. So more of us should stop to consider how the lockdown affects Malaysians emotionally. For now, theyre demonstrating what resilience and grace under pressure looks like, and theyre still doing their jobs. Suresh sums it up poignantly: We have a commitment to our jobs and we cant just leave for two weeks. So we stayed. The real fear now is that the lockdown will extend and then what happens? We have our jobs. But what about our families? Kartigesan agrees. Yes, weve come. We made the choice. What happens next? Thats the question that worries us. How has your life changed because of the Malaysia lockdown? Let us know at community@ricemedia.co The post Malaysians Have Shown Grace Under Covid-19 Pressure, And Singapore Can Learn From It appeared first on RICE. For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Public gatherings curbed, people working from home and borders effectively closed. The response to the coronavirus pandemic has been overwhelming and inescapable as governments seek to contain the spread. Yet Australia's primary and secondary schools where about 3.9 million children gather every weekday remain largely open. Despite growing community anxiety and many parents pushing for closures, governments are standing firm. Why is that? Why wouldn't we keep kids at home to help "flatten the curve"? What are the dangers and merits of remaining open as opposed to closing? What is Australia's approach right now? Australia's federal and state governments unanimously agree that schools should remain open for now. While some private schools are independently deciding to switch to remote learning and many parents are keeping their kids at home, public schools are not shutting their doors. As of March 18, the national cabinet of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders have agreed that "pre-emptive closures are not proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time". Advertisement This position is based on the unanimous advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, made up of federal and state medical and health officers, which has said the virus poses a "minimal" health risk to people younger than 19 and closing schools would, in fact, harm the overall pandemic response. Some schools have temporarily closed in response to positive cases among their staff or students. What's the reason for making that call? Nearly 4 million children going home would mean 15 per cent of the broader workforce and 30 per cent of the healthcare workforce nearly a third might need to take time off to look after their kids. More vulnerable demographic groups, such as elderly grandparents, might be exposed to COVID-19 as they step in to babysit. Community transmission might increase if students spend time in social settings rather than school. Loading Overseas data shows children are significantly less susceptible than adults to the coronavirus disease, unlike influenza and other respiratory viruses, says Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases physician and Australian National University professor. "Unless things change, the available modelling suggests that closing schools may do more harm than good," he says. "There's pros and cons but that's my view of the data currently." National chief medical officer Brendan Murphy says it is still unclear if children are a serious vector for transmission while being asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms "so we need to make sure that our schools are made as safe as possible" by ensuring sick students and staff stay away. Advertisement Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian have said parents should keep a close eye on their children's health and keep them home if they are unwell or showing potential COVID-19 symptoms. Professor Collignon says data from China and South Korea suggests children there have not posed a significant risk as vehicles for transmission, with adults more likely to infect children rather than the other way around. He argues protecting vulnerable older people must be the priority and, if children are found to be significant carriers, then the solution is for them to be isolated from older people. Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have also warned that school closures would need to be sustainable for six months or more to be effective in containing the virus. "That means the disruption that would occur from the closure of schools around this country make no mistake would be severe," Morrison has said. "Tens of thousands of jobs could be lost, if not more. The impact on the availability of health workers? A 30 per cent impact on the availability of health workers is our advice. That will put people's lives at risk." Loading There are also educational equity concerns in the discussion around school closures. While wealthy private schools have the capacity to roll out online learning, it may be more difficult in the public school system. Schools may not have adequate resources and disadvantaged students would face a range of barriers to effective learning at home, with some not having internet or computer access. A compromise model suggested by some would involve removing as many students as possible from school but keeping campuses open for those students who need to come in, whether they require internet or have parents working in essential services. However, this hybrid approach would also present logistical challenges for educators. Advertisement Does everyone agree with the current strategy? Some medical experts believe that mass school closures should be considered as part of a comprehensive social distancing strategy to contain the spread of the virus. "The pros of shutting schools are that this may increase the social isolation in the community and delay the spread of the virus," says Sarath Ranganathan, head of paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, suggesting mass closures should be examined. He says it could ease the burden on the healthcare system, especially as we approach winter when other illnesses will spike. A new research paper from Imperial College London said school and university closures combined with population-wide social distancing and home isolation of cases were the key elements of a "minimum policy for effective suppression" of the virus. However, the researchers note this might not be possible in many countries and the strategy would need to be in place for at least 18 months, until a vaccine is developed, and it would carry "enormous social and economic costs which may themselves have significant impact on health and well-being in the short and longer-term". But there are also growing concerns that many Australian schools do not have adequate facilities for students to follow important advice on hand-washing and that social distancing rules are not feasible in packed classrooms. NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos has said inconsistent and unclear advice is causing "considerable stress" for teachers and it is unfair they are left "carrying the can". There are particular concerns for older staff and those with vulnerable immune systems, who are at greater risk from COVID-19. Defying official advice, some independent schools are closing their campuses. Ashleigh Martin, principal of Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne, said "these are uncharted waters and our approach [to suspend classes] aims to provide our community with stability and surety in these uncertain times". Other private school principals have told their communities they can implement effective online learning and social distancing was impossible on campuses. Could the government's view change? Advertisement Officials say the official medical advice is currently "unequivocal" but have explicitly stated they are prepared to put in place widespread school closures if the advice evolves. Schools are preparing for the possibility of closures. Victorian Education Minister James Merlino has said school communities would be informed immediately if doors were to shut. "In the meantime, we are well underway preparing to ensure students can learn from home." NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant has said "school closures may still be considered late in the outbreak in anticipation of a peak in infection rates, for a shorter period of time". "Short-term reactive" interventions might also be needed for cleaning and contact tracing in certain cases. Loading What are other countries doing? The national cabinet was advised by medical officers that more than 70 countries had put in place school closures in response to COVID-19 but "the majority of these have not been successful in controlling the outbreak" and some were reconsidering the approach. Morrison pointed to the experience of Singapore, which has kept schools open while experiencing success in containing the virus. The Singaporean government has warned the closure of schools would be a "major, major decision" and would "disrupt many lives". However, Singapore has also implemented daily temperature and health checks at schools not a measure currently in place in Australia. Advertisement New unemployment claims in Oregon jumped by nearly 3,200% Tuesday amid wholesale layoffs triggered by the coronavirus outbreak. An Oregon business leader predicted the states unemployment rate could rise as high as 20% in the coming months as the economic catastrophe deepens, a rate that implies nearly 500,000 people would be looking for work. State economists say a recession is all but certain. Wednesday nights numbers from the Oregon Employment Department are the first hard data on the depth of the states economic crisis. On Tuesday alone, 18,500 people filed jobless claims up from an average of 570 new claims a day in the preceding four weeks. The numbers out Wednesday from the Oregon Employment Department are alarming but theyre not surprising. After Gov. Kate Brown ordered restaurants and bars closed Monday, part of a desperate effort to contain the coronavirus, the states restaurant and lodging began laying off an entire sector of Oregons economy that previously employed 155,000. Oregons record was nearly 21,000 for an entire week during the worst is the Great Recession. We will blow through that this week. Question is how many weeks like this will we see? https://t.co/ov8geXtACh Josh Mahomes II (@lehnerjw) March 19, 2020 And many retailers, from Apple to Nike to Powells Books, have closed their stores to reduce the chances of exposure. On Tuesday, the McMenamins chain of hotels and restaurants laid off 3,000 workers almost everyone, the iconic Oregon company said. Our economy has already been hit, and hard, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Browns legislative director, told a special coronavirus committee hearing in Salem on Wednesday. Walter Renderos, 51, lost his job last week working for a shipping company that serves Europe, one of 15 who lost his job. He said this week hes looking for any kind of assistance. My big concern is how Im going to buy food, how Im going to pay my bills, how Im going to pay my rent, Renderos said. Lawmakers and worker advocates called for changes to the unemployment system to speed aid to workers, extend the length of their benefits (they typically last for 26 weeks) and provide aid to businesses so they can keep workers employed. The states unemployment claims system was overwhelmed and offline for much of Monday and Tuesday. But the Employment Department performed system maintenance overnight and the website appeared to be working normally Wednesday. Also Wednesday, the department enacted new rules to give employers more flexibility on providing unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs to the outbreak. The department doesnt yet have figures for last weeks new jobless claims, or Mondays total. This is a broad crisis thats affecting every community, every industry and businesses of all sizes, Sandra McDonough, CEO of Oregon Business and Industry, told Wednesdays legislative hearing. Oregons jobless rate was just 3.3% last month after a decade of economic growth. McDonough predicted it could rise to 20% as the coronavirus economic contagion spreads to more industries as whole industries freeze up and businesses and workers shut their wallets. During the Great Recession, Oregons unemployment rate peaked at 11.9%. So this catastrophe has the potential to be much worse. I have never seen the level of concern Im hearing everyday from businesses all over Oregon, McDonough said. Theyre worried not just about the vitality of their businesses but about the well-being of their employees, their customers and their ability to protect jobs over the long term. -- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. I remind everyone again to take this seriously and try to take action to avoid reaching this level in your country Bergamo is one of the most affected cities and there is no more space in cimitery and mortuaries, so they are have to take the new deaths to other citiesI remind everyone again to take this seriously and try to take action to avoid reaching this level in your country Reply Thread Link I've spend a good bit crying about this. Not only did these people die a terrifying death but they died without their family and loved ones. My heart goes out to all the families that are not able to be there to burry their loved ones. Here we have limited the number of people that are allowed to attend a funeral and I cannot imagine (having lost a family member in January) how much harder the grieving process must be without the 'normal' steps that help saying goodbye and letting go. I'm just heart broken. Reply Parent Thread Link digital enterpreneur is that what we're calling IG influencers now? good on her for stepping up. her kid looks exactly like her like there is no fedez in there (thankfully) Reply Thread Link that's how she call herself and since shes doing so much imma let it pass. also i really love her brand so im totally biased :D Reply Parent Thread Link also i really love her brand so im totally biased :D i cant hate at least youre being honest. you italian? all my friends from milan mocked her only people i knew that liked her were american lol Reply Parent Thread Link yeah, but ive been living abroad for 15 years. i never wear her stuff when im in italy for work or a visit ahaha but things will change now tho, im going to wear my sparkly shoes EVERYWHERE Reply Parent Thread Link @OP, a me come cantante lui non piace, ma in generale trovo il rap italiano terribile e senza motivo di esistere - detto questo secondo me come giudice ad x factor e stato il migliore che abbiano mai avuto, questa edizione senza di lui si e sentita tantissimo la sua mancanza -trovo che abbia molto acume nel suo ambito professionale e questo lo ammiro Reply Thread Link come cantante no, pero' come rapper vince facile (ponci ponci po po) senza tanta concorrenza. Era l'uomo piu' pagato di sky e se lo meritava!! poi mi fa morire dal ridere, ho iniziato celebrity hunting dopo aver visto le sue storie e quasi quasi mi viene voglia di tifare per lui invece che costa ahah nelle parole di troisi "statt a cas'!" baci nutellosi ahah Reply Parent Thread Link sono uscita solo 3 volte in 7 giorni per fare la spesa perche le verdure non le posso congelare, per il resto sto qui, fortunatamente posso lavorare da casa e qui in Toscana i casi sono ancora relativamente pochi La prossima settimana volevo andare a donare sangue perche fanno appelli che ne hanno bisogno, ma non trovo il mio libretto e non ricordo se e passato abbastanza tempo dalla mia ultima donazione per poter donare di nuovo Per il resto io (e la mia Nutella) ce ne restiamo a casa :) sono uscita solo 3 volte in 7 giorni per fare la spesa perche le verdure non le posso congelare, per il resto sto qui, fortunatamente posso lavorare da casa e qui in Toscana i casi sono ancora relativamente pochiLa prossima settimana volevo andare a donare sangue perche fanno appelli che ne hanno bisogno, ma non trovo il mio libretto e non ricordo se e passato abbastanza tempo dalla mia ultima donazione per poter donare di nuovoPer il resto io (e la mia Nutella) ce ne restiamo a casa :) Reply Parent Thread Link i don't follow italian music much anymore but he's not who i thought he was... whenever i heard the name fedez i was always picturing that song by young signorino lol. Reply Parent Thread Link (mhmm)ahahah sorry i could not resist :D Reply Parent Thread Link I heard Italys death toll(?) surpassed China. Chiara is a nice name. Reply Thread Link yes, it has surpassed china, we are at 3.405 deaths, while China confirmed 3.249 Reply Parent Thread Link ...and people are still going out! im stuck at my folks' until i can fly out back home and my grandma is with me, and i shit you not THERE ARE A FUCK TON OF PEOPLE OUT AND ABOUT PRETENDING TO RUN, OR JUST BIKING AROUND. im so furious you have no idea. Reply Parent Thread Link I watched this today and cried lol. I haven't purchased any of her things, but I think I might start supporting - it looks like they've been doing a lot to lift their country's spirits. I'm also a beginning Italian speaker and I love watching both their stories with their son. I'm picking it up a lot more watching them speak every day and also learning parts of the language along with their two year old hahaha My heart goes out to Italy. Reply Thread Link i sobbed during the anthem! it was so beautiful, bocelli is truly a class act. lol my grandma, who watched the ig live w me, decided to support CF too ahah im gonna buy her the same jumper i have so we can match ahah once this is over she's gonna be the coolest lady in her church group ahah if you need anything re italian language let me know! im working on my phd from home so any distraction is incredibly welcome xx Reply Parent Thread Link you get her that jumper bb, and you both rock the hell outta it. <3 Reply Parent Thread Link curious which jumper? :) Reply Parent Thread Link i bought a black one with a winky eye last year (maybe two years ago?) but i think ill just buy these https://www.chiaraferragnicollection.com/world-en/catalog/product/view/id/12936/ for us so once this is over and i drive her to church we'll make the other ladies jealous af ahah Reply Parent Thread Link Ohh how nice !! Reply Parent Thread Link That's great. My heart breaks for Italy. Reply Thread Link i've followed her for a long time and she seems so genuine. This is really awesome what they're doing. Reply Thread Link i feel like mark hamill would be awesome to have wish you a happy birthday. or samuel l jackson. <3 to Italy. <3 to those trying to help raise spirits of those at home. and much love to you no matter where you are in the world tonight, if you stay home as much as is humanity possibly. love to those who can't because they are keeping us safe, supplied, or fed, and above all, love to every healthcare worker laying it all on the line for the sick. Reply Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link CLEVELAND, Ohio Juvenile justice advocates in Ohio want officials to release some juveniles held in local detention centers or the states juvenile prisons amid the new coronavirus pandemic. Three advocacy groups the Juvenile Justice Coalition, Ohio ACLU and Policy Matters Ohio sent an open letter to Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday demanding all juveniles released unless they pose a substantial safety risk to others. Several adult courts and jails in Ohio, including in Cuyahoga County, are working to release inmates from jails in order to keep the coronavirus out of lockups, where spread of COVID-19 could happen more quickly. COVID-19 spread quickly in enclosed spaces such as cruise ships and nursing homes and will spread just as quickly in detention centers, prisons, and jails, especially as incarcerated youth are in close quarters and sometimes in unsanitary conditions, the letter says. Behind bars, youth are not able to participate in recommended preventative measures to keep themselves safe, such as social distancing, frequently washing hands, or staying in sanitized spaces. Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court spokeswoman Mary Davidson said judges and officials there are working to reduce the detention center population by releasing those who dont put the public at risk. She also said theyve continued hearings, used video technology to conduct necessary hearings and stopped face-to-face visitation. She said the county on Friday will screen everyone entering the Juvenile Justice Center for COVID-19 symptoms. ODYS spokeswoman Jill Craig said in an email that her agency has made several changes, including opting for video conferencing instead of in-person court hearings and are cleaning facilities seven times each day. A post on the ODYS Facebook page says in-person visitation is eliminated for the next 30 days, but that youth are given two free 5-minute phone calls per week. Craig said ODYS officials are planning on implementing a video-visitation ability in place of in-person family visitation. The advocacy groups asked ODYS to officials to come up with a more comprehensive plan and give guidance to local detention centers. Among the recommendations suggested by advocacy group includes: Only putting juveniles in county or state detention facilities as a last resort and to work to find alternatives to detention, such as house arrest. Work with judges to release as many juveniles accused of or convicted of low-level, non-violent offense. Release all juveniles who are being held only because of probation violations Issuing no penalties to juveniles or families for failing to appear at hearings Release any juveniles who are immunocompromised and show any sign of coronavirus symptoms Create support for those who are released to ensure they have an adequate place to live and access to medical care. Waive all fees for phone calls and video visitation Replace programming while volunteers and other in-person programming is suspended Reduce any conditions of probation that increases social contact Temporarily suspend court-ordered requirements that increase social interactions, such as community service. Read more from cleveland.com: Second coronavirus case at Cleveland VA comes as hospital restricts visitors, moves appointments online to protect unique patient population Cuyahoga County Probate Court begins issuing marriage licenses via online video calls Courts across Ohio take uneven approaches in response to coronavirus pandemic Prof Eusun Lee explains South Korea's successes. This month began with around 500 cases per day, now they just over one hundred. People immediately followed the rules and common sense. For many experts, large-scale diagnostic capability is the key to controlling the epidemic. Seoul (AsiaNews) The South Korean government reacted quickly and effectively to the coronavirus emergency, but the merit for the countrys success goes to the people and their responsible behaviour, said Prof Eusun Lee, emergency medicine specialist at the Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul, who spoke to AsiaNews about her country's progress in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 virus. More than 215,000 cases have been reported so far around the world with more than 8,800 deaths. In an attempt to slow the pandemic, many governments are resorting to strict measures of prevention, like closing borders or forcing people to self-isolate. However, South Korea, which had the most cases outside of China until overtaken by Italy, has emerged as a symbol of hope and a model to follow. Today, South Korean health authorities reported a rise in new daily infections with new outbreaks in the south-eastern city of Daegu, as well as in the capital Seoul and neighbouring areas. Yesterday, 152 new cases were detected, reversing four days of double-digit daily new infections, bringing the nation's total number of cases to 8,565, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. However, yesterdays number, whilst similar to the 100 or more daily infections reported last week, is much lower than the 500 or more daily infections recorded in the first week of this month. So far, 91 people, mostly elderly patients with underlying illnesses, have died in South Korea. Two more fatalities were reported earlier today, but they have not been included in an official update. The KCDC said 59 virus patients are in critical condition. As of yesterday, 1,947 patients have been dismissed from hospitals after fully recovering from the novel coronavirus, up by 407 from a day earlier, the biggest one-day release so far. From the first days of the emergency, [South] Koreans have shown great civic responsibility, said Prof Eusun Lee. So many have reduced travel to a minimum and went out only when necessary wearing protective masks. People immediately followed rules and common sense: In case of cough, cover your mouth, wash your hands often, keep far away from each other. Another important fact is that [South] Koreans use home delivery services. The delivery system is well developed in South Korea. In my opinion, this keep people from going out, reducing the danger of spreading the virus. For many experts, large-scale diagnostic capacity was key to controlling the epidemic in South Korea. Eusun Lee agrees. In the past, We head the experience of MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) five years ago. At the time, the [South] Korean government upgraded medical facilities in big hospitals. At the same time, Korean companies that make diagnostic tools improved their products, and they are now exporting to other countries. Some used AI (artificial intelligence) systems to develop their products. When Chinese scientists first published the COVID-19 virus' genetic sequence in January, at least four South Korean firms quietly began developing and stockpiling test kits alongside the government well before the country had its first outbreak. When things began to get worse, the authorities could test more than 10,000 people a day, even at makeshift drive-through testing centres and newly added consultation phone booths at hospitals. The government has put in place the largest and most well-organised testing programme in the world, combined with extensive efforts to isolate infected people and track down and quarantine those who have come into contact with them. More than 270,000 people have been tested. However, Daegu has a bed shortage for patients who need medical assistance in the intensive care units. The city has almost 90 per cent of patients in South Korea. But in the event of an emergency, the government can requisition accommodations such as hostels and boarding schools. People who are not serious sick can be accommodated there. One or two doctors and nurses take care of them. Those who are in more serious conditions go to the big hospital, explained Prof Lee, the Keimyung University Daegu Dongsan Hospital. This hospital is reserved for coronavirus patients. The non-infected patients went to other hospitals or cities. People most at risk, like the elderly, find a place in the other hospitals in the city. Personally, I am scared of the infection. However, since I work at a university medical facility, I have enough masks and other protective kit. Many of my colleagues went to Daegu City. Here, every day they get about a hundred news patients. There is still shortage of medical resources but many doctors and nurses continue to volunteer. Ultimately, the most important lesson that other countries can learn from the way South Korea is handling the emergency is the synergy between government and people. for Prof Lee, this means following the government [guidelines] and stay home. (PF) On Tuesday, we launched a new email newsletter focused on coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic to a select number of readers. To those readers, thank you for all the positive feedback. What I heard from many of those readers was recognition of the value of a package of information from a trusted source that ensures everyone can be in the loop on this story that continues to mutate. There was also evidence Tuesday on how easily misinformation can be spread and result in instructions that are problematic. Shortly after Premier Brian Pallister spoke at the daily briefing, a high school sent out a message to parents that the province was encouraging parents to keep their school-age students at home for the rest of the week. Alas, that was not the case. Granted, the harm from that bit of misinformation was minimal, given how few kids are actually still attending school this week. But imagine if the misinformation that landed in your inbox was telling you that hospitals were suddenly closed? Or that the buses were no longer running? This briefing is designed to ensure that whatever happens in the weeks ahead whether the news is good, bad or ugly you will know you can trust what you read. Keep reading and keep washing those hands. -Paul Samyn, Winnipeg Free Press Editor LATEST NUMBERS Manitoba Confirmed: 8 Presumptive: 9 (As of 5 p.m. Wednesday) THE LATEST FROM MANITOBA PUBLIC HEALTH Manitobas first drive-thru community testing site for COVID-19 opened Wednesday afternoon in Selkirk. The new site will see patients referred to the site drive up to be screened by health-care workers. If necessary, they will be registered, tested and given advice on what to do while awaiting results without leaving their vehicle. The Selkirk testing site, at 622 Superior Ave., will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is the ninth dedicated testing site to open in Manitoba in the past week. There are four sites in Winnipeg, as well as locations in Brandon, Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas. Starting Thursday, Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) clients are asked to contact staff through the call centre whenever possible, in order to follow public health recommendations on social distancing. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 204-948-2888 (inside Winnipeg) or 1-855-944-8111 (toll-free, outside Winnipeg). Clients can also email the department at eia@gov.mb.ca. THE LATEST ELSEWHERE Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced sweeping measures to help Canadians absorb the pandemic's economic punch. The federal government is deploying up to $82 billion in direct spending and tax deferrals. The aid will include more money for individuals receiving the Canada Child Benefit and GST credit and allow small businesses, charities and non-profits to keep paying employees. Tax payments have been deferred until August, while the deadline for filing taxes has been moved to June 1. Trudeau and President Donald Trump also announced the Canada-U.S. border will be closed, except for essential personnel and trade. Exemptions will remain in place to ensure Canadians who are now in the United States are able to return home. NOTABLE CLOSURES CancerCare Manitoba is suspending breast-cancer screening for two weeks. IKEA Canada has temporarily closed its stores across the country, coming a day after a similar decision by The Bay. Both are still offering online shopping. Notably not closed: contrary to widespread rumours, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries announced Wednesday afternoon that liquor stores remain open. Details are available on their website. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. We are updating an extensive list of closures and cancellations in Winnipeg related to the pandemic. See it here. NOTABLE NUMBERS 2 hours, four minutes: average wait time for callers to Manitoba's Health Links line on Tuesday. 2,900 +: number of tests completed at Cadham Provincial Laboratory as of end of day Tuesday. 91,000: number of users to access Manitoba's new online screening tool this week. QUOTE, UNQUOTE "In these extraordinary times our government is taking extraordinary measures." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau LOCAL NEWS CANADA NEWS WORLD NEWS COVID-19 BASICS Last night, Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) announced that it was immediately suspending the majority of its production at U.S. plants in a proactive measure aimed at protecting the health and safety of its employees -- and aiding in the attempts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company shared that an employee at its Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Wisconsin has tested positive for the virus. That facility was closed yesterday afternoon, and the company implemented its response protocol, including cleaning and disinfecting. Under new leadership The facilities that are temporarily ceasing production are York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania, as well as two Wisconsin operations, including the powertrain operation where a worker tested positive. The suspension of operations follows the company mandate on Monday that workers at its Milwaukee-area headquarters and Product Development Center work remotely through at least the end of March, when possible. These decisions come under the leadership of acting President and CEO, Jochen Zeitz. Zeitz, a member of the Board of Directors, was named to the new position on February 28, 2020, when then-President and CEO, Matthew Levatich, stepped down. Levatich also stepped down from his role on the Board, but is assisting with the transition through the month of March. Zeitz was also named as Chairman of the Board at part of the leadership change, and will remain Chairman once a full time CEO is named. Yesterday's announcement comes at a time when domestic automakers are also announcing temporary production stoppages. With production halted, the company said its U.S. production employees that are on temporary layoff will continue to receive medical benefits. EXPERT OBSERVER Large inflows of relatively young migrants have supported population growth and increased the share of the population aged 2534 over the 2010s (Graph 2).[1] Despite this, the population has continued to grow older on average because the large baby boomer generation have begun to move into the 65 and over category and because of the ongoing trend increase in life expectancy. By contrast, people aged 3554 have made only a very modest contribution to growth in the population, unlike in prior decades when the baby boomers moved through this age group. As a result, the number of people at retirement age per 100 working-age people (those aged between 15 and 64) has risen from around 20 to 25 over the past decade and is expected to rise further over the next decade. Alongside these demographic developments over the past decade, there have been noticeable changes in key economic indicators for the household sector. Disposable income grew at a reasonably strong pace over the 1990s and 2000s, but income growth has been subdued over the 2010s (Graph 3). Growth in household consumption has also slowed. The saving ratio increased noticeably starting from the mid 2000s, but has declined more recently. A range of structural and cyclical factors have contributed to these trends. These include: the global financial crisis; the mining boom and its unwinding; higher levels of household debt; weakness in non-labour income; growth in household income tax revenue; and the recent downturn in the housing market.[2] Considering the contribution demographics have made to these trends, alongside these other factors, can help us further understand developments to date and how they might evolve in the future. This article uses an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) dataset that combines household-level information from the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) and the Survey of Income and Housing (SIH) with the national accounts to explore what effect demographic changes are likely to have had on household consumption and income over recent decades.[3] In this dataset, the relevant household information, such as age, is grouped according to a designated household reference person.[4] This dataset is broadly representative of the Australian household sector and includes persons living in non-private dwellings (such as nursing homes) and persons in very remote communities, who are often out-of-scope in micro datasets.[5]Consistent with the changes in the aggregate population, the share of households with reference persons' aged 55 and above in this dataset has increased from around one-third in 2004 to nearly half in 2018. The descriptive statistics offered by these data do not allow demographic effects to be isolated from other variations between households that may have been correlated with age. Nonetheless, they allow an examination of the average differences between households of different ages and how those differences contribute to the aggregate household sector and economy. Income and consumption tend to decline with age Some portion of the slowing in consumption growth over the past decade is likely to be due to the ageing of the population. This is because the distribution of average household consumption by age in Australia follows a hump-shaped pattern: spending generally increases through the working life of a household, rising noticeably for households aged 3554 in the stage of their life where many households support children and then declines once they retire. The decline in consumption is particularly pronounced for households aged 65 and over (Graph 4).[6] The reasons for a reduction in average spending for the 65 and above category would vary by household, but some likely explanations include a reduction in income as people enter retirement (discussed further below), lower weekly expenses (such as transport and eating out) after exit from the workforce, no longer needing to support children and actual or perceived inadequate savings for retirement.[7] The decline in the consumption of older households is not as large when incorporating social transfers provided by the government (discussed further below). The ageing of the population is also likely to have made some contribution to the slowing in income growth over the past decade. Similar to the distribution of consumption by age, household income generally increases through the working life of a household and then declines as they approach retirement (Graph 5). Households aged 65 and above typically have lower levels of income than those aged 2554, and around 40 per cent of households 65 and over are in the lowest income quintile.[8] However, these older households are typically wealthier; only 25 per cent are also in the lowest two wealth quintiles. However, stronger income growth over the past decade has supported higher consumption growth for older households The impact of the growing number of older households on aggregate consumption has been partly mitigated by a shift in the shape of the lifetime consumption distribution over the past decade. Average consumption per household aged 55 years and above has grown nearly twice as fast as the average of other households (Graph 6). In 2017/18, households aged 5564 consumed more on average ($123,000) than those aged 3544 ($111,000), although less than those aged 4555 ($128,000). Stronger consumption growth for older households has partly reflected stronger growth in their incomes, compared with other age groups. Changes in household composition (such as children staying at home for longer or increased life expectancy) may be another contributing factor to consumption growth per household. By contrast, the youngest households (those aged 24 and below) on average saw no growth at all in their consumption and a decline in their real income in the six years following the global financial crisis. The smaller share of the population comprised of these households, relative to prior decades, means that the effect on aggregate consumption has been smaller than it otherwise would have been. Aggregate growth in household disposable income has slowed noticeably over the past decade and has been lower than consumption growth for most of the past five years. But, as noted above, income growth across the age distribution has varied. Income growth was stronger for older households than for younger ones (Graph 7).[9] For example, households aged 1524 had more disposable income than households aged 65 and over in 2003/04, but in 2017/18 earned about the same, and they still had significantly less wealth. As in the case of consumption, stronger growth in older households' incomes has reduced the effect of the ageing population on aggregate income. For households aged 5564 years, a key driver of stronger growth in overall income relative to other households has been strong growth in labour income. This has been supported by increased participation in the labour force, mainly by women. The female participation rate for those aged 5564 years has increased from around 30 per cent in 1999 to a little more than 60 per cent in 2020.[10] For households aged 65 and above, growth in income over the past 15 years has also been supported by strong growth in non-labour sources of income such as financial income, rental income and social assistance income.[11] Financial income has grown more strongly than any other source of household income over the past 15 years. All age groups have benefited, but older households benefited the most because they hold more financial wealth, on average. Total financial returns for households over this period would be even larger if capital gains were included, but financial income in the national accounts excludes capital gains. This understates the total financial returns of households, particularly for older households because they receive the largest share of their income from financial wealth. Older households save less of their current income than younger households Households across most age groups increased their rate of saving in the mid 2000s, likely driven by precautionary motives, lower expectations for future income growth and declines in wealth.[12] Over the following six years, households aged 3544 years increased their rate of saving further while the rate of saving for older and younger households was relatively unchanged (Graph 8). While older households generally save less than younger households, older households still had positive savings over the past 15 years, on average. Since 2015/16, the aggregate saving rate in Australia has declined, as disposable income growth has been weaker than consumption growth. While distributional data on saving are not available for the past couple of years, historical experience suggests that demographics are likely to have contributed in some part to the further decline in the saving rate since 2016, as the share of older households, who save less, has increased. The relative increase in the saving rates of younger households over this time has mitigated this effect on the aggregate saving rate. A simple scenario that uses 2015/16 saving per household and population shares from 2003/04 suggests that in the absence of changes in demographics over this time, the saving rate would have been 1 percentage point higher in 2015/16. As the population continues to age this may weigh further on the saving rate. Superannuation has also supported consumption by older households Superannuation has played an important role in households' choices for smoothing consumption as they approach and enter retirement, giving them the option of drawing down their superannuation to fund spending above their income. The drawdown of super has supported older households to consume more on average (Graph 9). Growth in household consumption has been supported by strong growth in asset prices, particularly for older households Past research has identified a relationship between household wealth and consumption.[13] Net wealth has increased for all age groups, although the largest gains in dollar terms have accrued to older households (Graph 10). The average Australian household's wealth under the definitions in the national accounts increased in nominal terms from around $500,000 in 2004 to close to $1.1 million in 2015/16. The average wealth of households aged 1534 increased by around $90,000 over this period, while for households aged 55 and above it increased by $630,000. Older households have accumulated considerably more wealth than households of the same age in the past, consistent with the increase in their consumption.[14] Housing wealth increased strongly from 2003/04 to 2017/18, but debt owed by households grew even more strongly. While households aged 65 and above hold the least debt on average, these households (and those aged 5564) have also seen a trend increase in the average housing debt per household relative to households of their age in the past, meaning that older households are now approaching or in retirement with more debt, on average (Graph 11). The growth in housing wealth and debt in part reflects increased ownership of investment properties by older households. For older households, housing debt is roughly evenly split between owner-occupied and other properties, while for households aged 54 and below housing debt is largely for the property they live in. Data from the Australian Taxation Office indicate that increased ownership of investment properties over the past two decades has been driven by those aged 50 and above (Graph 12). Social welfare has also supported consumption by older households Households across all age groups are supported by sizeable social transfers from the state. Consideration of these public transfers gives a more complete picture of the set of resources available to households and helps explain the relatively resilient private consumption of older households because private income and consumption has been supplemented by support from the state. Social assistance income provided to households aged 65 and above has increased around 30 per cent in real terms over the period 2003/04 to 2017/18 (Graph 13). Pension income has grown in excess of both the consumer price index and the wage price index since 2003, partly reflecting a number of policy changes.[15] Social assistance income declined a little in 2017/18 for older households, on average. This seems to reflect, at least in part, a larger share of part pensions. Growth in nominal social assistance income has been subdued for all other households since 2003/04; in real terms, it has declined a little. The typical household aged 64 and below receives no social assistance income from the state. While unemployment benefits did increase a little towards the end of the mining boom, these only account for 15 per cent of social assistance. Once other transfers, such as child care and education benefits (for example, subsidies for education), are included, the social welfare benefits are a little more evenly distributed across age groups in nominal dollar terms (Graph 14). These transfers in kind also include aged care and benefits received through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Social transfers in kind are captured by measures of government spending and are not included in household consumption growth. Total spending on these transfers has grown significantly over the past 15 years, which has been an important driver of growth in public consumption and economic activity. Conclusions and considerations for the outlook Australia, as in many countries, is experiencing large demographic shifts. Some portion of the slowing in aggregate consumption and household disposable income growth over the past decade is likely because of demographic changes as more households have moved into a stage of their lives where they earnt and spent less, on average. These effects have been smaller than what previous patterns of household spending would suggest because older households are spending more than in the past. This expenditure has been supported by relatively strong growth in income, large increases in wealth and withdrawals from superannuation. Over the coming decade, a further strong increase in the share of households aged 65 and above is expected. Further impacts on consumption and income are likely, although these are likely to happen over a number of years. The increase in young overseas migrants over the past decade should support the share of the population that are of working age over the coming decade. This has made Australia relatively well placed, compared with many other advanced economies, to adjust to the effects of an ageing population. TOMAS COKIS AND KATE MCLOUGHLIN are staff at the RBA UAE's real estate sector has remained largely resilient during the first two months of 2020 and now the introduction of the Dh100 billion ($27 billion) stimulus packageis a shot-in-the-arm for the property market in the medium-to-long term, said Savills, a leading global real estate consultancy. The comprehensive economic scheme announced by the UAE Central Bank is aimed at containing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak (Covid-19). Richard Paul, the head of professional services and strategic consultancy for Savills Middle East, said: "The exact impact of Covid-19 is unknown, but any disruption to the real estate markets is likely to be a near-term delay or a knee-jerk reaction rather than a fundamental downturn over the long term." "There will be inevitable impacts on economic growth, tourism, high-street retail spends, and so forth but there are longer-term outtakes such as accelerating trends within flexible working, online retail and improving supply chain," explained Paul. The strong fundamentals of the local economy including foreign currency reserves of more than Dh405 billion ($110 billion) and monetary measures introduced by the Central Bank will help weather any economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, stated Savills in its real estate outlook following the official announcement of the package earlier this week. Most of the companies across the UAE have been successful in implementing remote working options for majority of their staff, thereby ensuring business continuity and sustained economic momentum, it added. Murray Strang, the head of Dubai Office at Savills Middle East, said: "We have already witnessed a gradual increase in demand, especially across the residential sector in 2019 and a further relaxation in LTV ratios will encourage more investment appetite into the sector." "Banks will likely step up their exposure to real estate and the construction sector, a spike in re-mortgage activity may also be witnessed in the coming months due to attractive borrowing rates and other promotional discounts," he added. According to Savills, transaction activity by residents may also increase. "A continued softening in asset pricing and completion of new projects over the next few months will offer value proposition to end-users to upgrade their current real estate to better quality stock," stated Strang. "However, there is a possibility that the market may witness a slowdown in demand from international investors due to restrictions in travel. At a corporate level, key decisions relating to fresh office space requirements may get delayed or postponed, which may in turn increase the number of renewal activities as a knock-on effect," he added. On the Abu Dhabi scenario, Savills said the emirate too has pitched in with a solid enonomic package for the businesses. The Abu Dhabi Executive Council directed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has also announced this week 16 new initiatives to support businesses and the community. The fast-tracked #Ghadan21 initiatives to be implemented immediately will enable Abu Dhabi to adapt swiftly to both current and future challenges. Edward Carnegy, the Director-Head of Abu Dhabi office at Savills Middle East, said: "The upfront financial requirement to buy property has reduced as individuals now have an additional 5% as part of the relaxed LTV norms." "The Abu Dhabi government has also waived off (for the entire year) real estate registration fee of two per cent. As a result, transaction activity by residents may increase as individuals who are currently renting will find it more affordable and lucrative to purchase their own property, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Kinsas latest map of fever spikes shows areas that are known to have many cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. But the data also point to spots in Florida, Michigan, Arizona and eastern Texas, where not as many cases have been reported. Kurt Stache, American Airlines Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, provides an update on how the airline is addressing the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. In this video, Kurt shares how American has made it easier to change reservations online in an effort to give customers more flexibility. He also explains how new procedures in our Admirals Club lounges give customers greater peace of mind. Lastly, he shares our commitment to our AAdvantage members in the face of COVID-19. About American Airlines Group American Airlines offers customers 6,800 daily flights to more than 365 destinations in 61 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. With a shared purpose of caring for people on life's journey, American's 130,000 global team members serve more than 200 million customers annually. Since 2013, American has invested more than $28 billion in its product and people and now flies the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers, equipped with industry-leading high-speed Wi-Fi, lie-flat seats, and more inflight entertainment and access to power. American also has enhanced food and beverage options in the air and on the ground in its world-class Admirals Club and Flagship lounges. American was recently named a Five Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association and Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. American is a founding member of oneworld, whose members serve 1,100 destinations in 180 countries and territories. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company's stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. ALTON Scheduled vents at Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater are not yet halted or altered by coronavirus caution. We have a full summer of concerts and activities, and the planning for those continues, because most of our events are in July, August, September and October, Alton Amphitheater Commission Chairman Robert Stephan told The Telegraph on Tuesday. We hope that as a community we are back to normal long before then. There havent been any headlining concerts set at the amphitheater yet, but that doesnt mean bookings arent in the works. We were set to make an announcement this week, but we are pushing it back two weeks, Stephan said. Currently, the amphitheater has seven events scheduled, beginning with the Alton Fireworks Spectacular on July 3. Additionally, the Alton Food Truck Festival is set for Aug. 22, the Alton Expo begins Sept. 9, the Alton Catfish Classic is set for Sept. 12, with the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival on Sept. 19, the Alton Pride Fall Festival on Oct. 3 and the Givin It All For Guts 5K on Oct. 10. Pending events include Dynamo Pro Wrestling, a cornhole tournament, a gospel concert, a car show and the Senior Services Pluss annual Feed The Need concert. The amphitheater commission was scheduled to meet Monday, but it was canceled. As health officials pare down crowd size mandates and recommendations in every aspect of daily life and routine, amphitheater event status will remain fluid. Some officials predict isolation efforts could drag on well into or beyond summer. We will work with the Madison County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health to make sure we are following protocols, should they still be needed later this summer, Stephan said. Despite historic flooding in 2019 that left amphitheater grounds under the Mississippi River for weeks, it was still one if its most successful years. A September performance by hip-hop artist Nelly drew a record crowd of thousands to Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. The venue also hosted a sold-out food truck festival. And, although moved to the parking lot of Alton Square Mall, thousands flocked to see Steve Miller Band. A second Victorian primary school has been forced to shut after a staff member contracted coronavirus. Middle Park Primary, a public school in Melbournes inner-south, will close for a minimum of 24 hours from Thursday morning, as the health and education departments trace the staff members contacts and assess their next steps. Middle Park Primary is the second Victorian public school to shut. Credit:Louise Kennerley Staff and students may be required to go into self-quarantine, with an update on how long the school will remain shut expected later today. [Education department] staff are at the school this morning to advise parents who have not read communications about the closure, an education department spokeswoman said. Featured stories Salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors in Ohio ordered closed because of coronavirus (cleveland.com) Coronavirus school closure will be longer, but graduation not in jeopardy, say DeWine and State Supt. DeMaria (cleveland.com) Senate passes coronavirus relief bill as Ohio legislators seek more aid for workers and businesses (clevealnd.com) Mapping Ohios 88 coronavirus cases (cleveland.com) Coronavirus in Ohio Dr. Eric Roselli, chief of cardiac surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, talks to Red Cross employee Dritan Xhindoli while he gets ready to donate blood at the Red Cross blood donations center on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. The center is looking for more people to donate blood, even as people are staying in place during the coronavirus pandemic.David Petkiewicz Ohio Department of Health wont have immediate coronavirus recovery figures, citing testing shortages (cleveland.com) 88 people in Ohio have tested positive coronavirus: Gov. Mike DeWines Wednesday, March 18 coronavirus briefing (cleveland.com) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine asks employers to make daily temperature checks of workers (cleveland.com) Shelter-in-place orders during coronavirus pandemic: What are they and will Ohio have one? (cleveland.com) Scarcity, health care rationing and coronavirus: The choices only get tougher (cleveland.com) Is it possible to catch the flu and coronavirus at the same time? (cleveland.com) Giant Eagle answers questions about staying open, stocking shelves and combating spread of the coronavirus (cleveland.com) American Red Cross needs blood during coronavirus crisis: How you can help (cleveland.com) Ohio seeks federal low-interest loans to small businesses hurt by coronavirus (cleveland.com) Ohio offers coronavirus pandemic daycare licenses for health care and emergency service workers kids (cleveland.com) Ohio courts can halt jury trials because of coronavirus, AG Dave Yost says (cleveland.com) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine orders 181 BMV locations closed on Wednesday in response to coronavirus (cleveland.com) Ohio utility companies pledge not to disconnect service during coronavirus threat (cleveland.com) Canadian border will be closed to non-essential traffic over coronavirus, Trump says (cleveland.com) No, you cant test for coronavirus by holding your breath or stop it by drinking water: Debunking COVID-19 myths (cleveland.com) Census 2020 suspends field operations; households urged to complete forms by internet, phone or mail (cleveland.com) Target adjusts hours, reserves early morning shopping for seniors (cleveland.com) How humidity could help fight coronavirus (cleveland.com) Crime Amish bishop Sam Mullet, who orchestrated beard-cutting attacks in Ohio, wants out of halfway house because of coronavirus (cleveland.com) Man shot to death in Clevelands Euclid-Green neighborhood (cleveland.com) Cleveland / Cuyahoga County Cuyahoga County Justice Center. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judge announces limited number of judges, hearings to go forward amid coronavirus pandemic (cleveland.com) Cuyahoga County courthouse floor closed for cleaning after defendant says relative tested positive for coronavirus (cleveland.com) University Hospitals host drive-thru coronavirus testing at Landerbrook; Clinic tests high-risk patients in Cleveland (cleveland.com) Worried you have coronavirus but cant get a test? Heres what to do, who to call, and when (cleveland.com) Cleveland charities coordinate $3.95 million coronavirus Rapid Response Fund (cleveland.com) West Side Market to remain open during coronavirus closings, begin taking call-ahead and pick-up orders (cleveland.com) Rock Hall Induction Ceremony likely not happening until fall at the earliest (cleveland.com) Case Western Reserve University scraps SAT, ACT admissions requirement for fall 2021 due to coronavirus cancellations (cleveland.com) Workers who self-quarantine for coronavirus can sue employer if theyre fired, Case Western law professor says (cleveland.com) How to quell anxiety during coronavirus crisis (cleveland.com) Sewer district reminder: Dont flush wipes down the toilet (cleveland.com) Planners move online to release Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh trail proposal, citing coronavirus (cleveland.com) KeyBank, Huntington, Chase to temporarily close some branches to reduce spread of coronavirus (cleveland.com) Cuyahoga County coronavirus help line set up provide public with information during crisis (cleveland.com) Cleveland Museum of Art cancels Parade the Circle, other programs due to coronavirus pandemic (cleveland.com) Local news East John Carroll University has delayed its commencement ceremonies. (Emily Bamforth, cleveland.com file photo) John Carroll University joins universities postponing graduation due to coronavirus (cleveland.com) University Hospitals purchases entirety of University Suburban Health Center in South Euclid; urgent care facility to open (cleveland.com) Shaker Heights Schools begin delivering food to students who would like to receive meal (cleveland.com) Lyndhurst Municipal Court announces procedural changes during time of health emergency (cleveland.com) Local news West Parma elementary school staff member tests positive for coronavirus (cleveland.com) Akron / Canton area Non-essential Summit County workers placed on paid leave due to coronavirus concerns (cleveland.com) Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails remain open, but visitor centers, historic sites close due to coronavirus (cleveland.com) Summa Health offers free virtual screenings for coronavirus symptoms, flu, sinus infections (cleveland.com) Goodyear halts production in North and South America due to coronavirus (cleveland.com) State Talking about the behind-the-scenes story of Ohios postponed election: Video (cleveland.com) Ketchikan, Alaska, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It was a cold and rainy night, but inside the quaint restaurant on the docks, the lights were aglow, and there was upbeat music and continuous laughter that fell outside. Inside, the guitarist was playing in the back corner, and the more than 100 guests were enjoying the new premium menu and fine crafted beers. They were celebrating as friends, welcoming every stranger as a friend. On March 3, 2020, at an exclusive event, Cape Fox Corporation's newest business addition, Bar Harbor Ale House, hosted an invite-only Open House and then opened its doors to the public on March 4, 2020. Bar Harbor is a small, intimate restaurant that sits on Tongass Avenue, right on the dock with an excellent view of the mountains and waterway. "What makes Bar Harbor so special is that it's something that the community of Ketchikan hasn't had before. We really wanted to do something that is a year-round concept for the locals. We are on the water, with a view of the mountains. It's a cool place to come hang out, sit back with your friends, and enjoy some beers. We brought in 50-75 different varieties of beer, and we serve wine as well. Ketchikan is a small town, and we are trying to give it new places to go. So this a real community type of feeling." Tim Lewis, Commercial Business Operations Manager The restaurant has opened with a fully renovated interior, sure to delight with its unique design and a brand new menu that offers inventive dishes that are ale-infused and have a barbecue flair. The restaurant added a new smoker outside and promised a savory, smoky taste. Corporate Chef, Chris LeMond, brings his unique talent to every meal. Imagine stepping in and ordering quinoa stuffed cherry tomatoes or smoked, bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with brisket and cream cheese. Bar Harbor has long been considered by many to be Ketchikan's finest dining experience. They look forward to providing its unique fare to tourists and locals, so they can delight in the intimate feel, delicious menu, and fine crafted beers for years to come. Story continues For additional information, email Heather Kaiser at hkaiser@capefoxss.com or call (703) 749-3045. About Cape Fox Corporation Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) was formed as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Cape Fox Corporation is the Alaska Native Corporation for the village of Saxman. Today, Cape Fox Corporation is comprised of a family of businesses divided between two distinct groups: The Federal Contracting Group and The Commercial (Tourism) Group. Collectively, CFC and its subsidiaries specialize in tourism, information technology and cybersecurity; professional services; health care services; marketing; training services; and logistical services. Visit Cape Fox Corporation to learn more. Heather Kaiser Cape Fox Corporation 703.686.2340 hkaiser@capefoxss.com India plans to scale up testing for Covid-19 with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set to give 51 private hospitals and laboratories the go-ahead to start testing for the viral disease, which has so far infected 173 people and killed four. The testing protocol will remain the same, though, despite many experts asking that it be widened beyond symptomatic individuals who have travelled abroad to a Covid-ravaged country; been exposed, directly or indirectly, to an infected person; and health care workers caring for infected patients. Wider testing, the experts have maintained, will give a better indication if the disease in the country has entered the dangerous community transmission stage. The price of each test is likely to be capped at around Rs 5,000, a person directly familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. In Delhi-NCR, testing will be available in diagnostics labs at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Medanta-The Medicity and Dr Lal Path Labs, among others, which have the expertise and the infection-control measures needed to diagnose Covid-19. Also Watch l Coronavirus | PMs curfew call; celebs react; death toll rises: Top 10 updates All 51 labs identified are accredited with the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration of Laboratories (NABL), which sets standards to ensure accuracy, and will add to the 72 government laboratories already testing for Covid-19. Another 49 government labs run by government-run institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Defense Research and Development Organisation will start testing by the end of the week, according to the Union health ministry. That will further add to the countrys testing capacity by taking the total number of laboratories testing for the disease to 172. In the first phase, we have identified a set of NABL-accredited private labs that meet the bio-safety and quality criteria laid down for Covid-19 testing. Discussions are on and they have been asked to procure necessary material as the government will only share the virus sequence with them. All the essentials are being put together, and whoever is ready will get the ICMR certification to test, said Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary, health ministry. ICMR has mapped the private laboratories to determine their eligibility for quality and safety parameters. The quality of the laboratory is important because we have to be very sure they arent sending out false positives or false negatives, which is why ICMR validation is important, he added. The private labs will follow the testing criteria set by ICMR and will have to notify all positive cases to the ministry of health and family welfare. According to people familiar with the matter, the government could also consider using some private laboratories as collection centres to increase the number of places that can collect samples for testing, while the actual test will happen in a government laboratory. We will be happy to work with government and work at the cost fixed by government. The private sector has to ensure there is no transmission at the diagnostic centre. Home sampling, which many labs are doing already, is the best way to avoid crowding, but if the numbers go up, setting up sample collection in an isolated area where one person can go in at a time will be an option, said Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman, Medanta-The Medicity, which is one of the hospitals in talks with the government for private testing. The private sector has worked closely with the government in the past, such as during the H1N1 outbreak and dengue outbreaks, to test more people and save lives, said Dr Trehan. We are in the final stages of talks and there is agreement on pricing. Once the government gives a green signal, the laboratories are ready and can start testing within four to five days. A consortium of eight large laboratories including chains such as Dr Lal and SRL together have the capability to do 8,000 to 9,000 tests a day and ramping it up further if need be. Other labs those that are accredited and have previously tested for H1N1 may also join in, increasing the capability. said Dr Harsh Mahajan, founder, Mahajan Imaging, who is not part of the network of labs testing for Covid-19. India has placed orders for one million testing kits from Germany and a request with WHO for another million probes. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, Adoration Minister, on Wednesday declared that the deadly Coronavirus will die just the way ebola vanished when it... Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, Adoration Minister, on Wednesday declared that the deadly Coronavirus will die just the way ebola vanished when it entered Nigeria few years back. Mbaka urged Nigerians not to be afraid or panic of the deadly Coronavirus because it would soon be a thing of the past. He gave the charge at a program at the Enugu Adoration ground during a special prayer for the elimination of the disease. Mbaka said: To those who believe in God, all things are possible. No matter how it has defied people, it cannot defy God. Coronavirus, wherever you came from, be it any name you answer- caterpillar virus, venza virus, corolla virus, I command you to be ceased, in the Holy Ghost fire! Children of God, when you go home, circulate the message that a man of God known as Fr. Ejike Mbaka told you to not be afraid of coronavirus, be courageous it will soon be a thing of the pass. Fear is a dangerous omen, if you become perplexed; it shows that you dont believe so much on Gods power. Ebola came, it died off. This one will also die off. It is like bird flu disease, it will come and go. I know that the whole world is waiting to hear for the message that will come out from this place, but the message I have is that the disease will soon go. Under the priestly anointing, I release healing to the entire world ,particularly where the disease is ravaging so much, let there be healing, let there be sunray always, which is one of the antidotes to the disease. God release drug that will cure it in Jesus name. This is coming at a time when Federal Government placed a travel ban from some country. The ban was aimed at curbing the spread of the disease in Nigeria. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:46:16|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal (L) shakes hands with the new Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fan Xianrong in Kiev, Ukraine, March 18, 2020. The Ukrainian government attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on Thursday. (Photo by Sergey Starostenko/Xinhua) KIEV, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian government attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on Thursday. At a meeting in Kiev with the new Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fan Xianrong, Shmygal said that Ukraine and China have managed to achieve noticeable success in developing the bilateral relationship, while mutual cooperation has great potential for further growth. The new government of Ukraine is ready to develop a strategic partnership with China. Shmygal also spoke highly of China's efforts in containing the novel coronavirus pandemic. He said the decisive and timely measures taken by the Chinese government have already yielded good results and set an example for other countries. Shmygal expressed appreciation for China's support to Ukraine to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Fan, in turn, said that Ukraine and China have made significant progress in cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Further development of the relationship between the two countries meets the fundamental interests of the two peoples. Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Safeguarding Ireland today highlighted the need to protect vulnerable adults amid a heightened risk of abuse resulting from the current Covid-19 crisis. Safeguarding Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke said: Necessary actions have been taken by Government and health and social authorities to curtail the spread of the virus. Safeguarding Ireland supports these measures and the enormous society-wide effort from businesses to individuals. However, the vulnerabilities of adults at risk of abuse, exploitation or neglect are heightened at this time. Safeguarding Ireland encourages authorities and professionals to be aware of them and has written directly to each relevant authority to highlight issues of concern. The concerns highlighted include: Upholding decision-making rights It is important that vulnerable people are not forced into longer-term residential accommodation due to expediency overriding their wills and preferences. While available facilities, skills and expertise might dictate services that can be offered in the short-term, it is critical that these do not become inappropriate long-term arrangements. Health and social care services should remain mindful that, if a person has functional capacity to make decisions about their place of care, healthcare or living arrangements no other person has a legal right to make those decisions on their behalf. Vigilance against Financial Abuse Helpful Temporary Agent arrangements that have been put in place by An Post to facilitate continued access to Social Protection payments at Post Offices for vulnerable adults. However, with flexible arrangements come opportunities for unscrupulous people to take advantage and control over vulnerable people's finances. There should be strong awareness among An Post, Postmasters and government departments on risks of financial abuse. Short term payment of bills In the current challenges, vulnerable adults may have difficulty paying utility bills or rental fees. Safeguarding Ireland suggests that the government direct utility agencies and Landlords to take a flexible approach, on a temporary basis, to payments and bills. Care in use of language Terms such as bed blockers referring to older people should not be used. While it is appreciated that medical professionals could have to make very difficult choices in these very exceptional circumstances, it is important that all people are treated and spoken about with dignity and respect. Longer-term need for a National Safeguarding Authority The current crisis highlights the need for a National Safeguarding Authority to promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in society. It is a concern that there is no single Authority with this overarching mandate and it is something that government should consider as an issue of urgency. More information can be viewed at www.safeguardingireland.org . Safeguarding Ireland in an independent agency to promote safeguarding of adults who may be vulnerable, protect them from all forms of abuse by persons, organisations and institutions and develop a national plan for promoting their welfare. Linda Lusardi has revealed she is struggling with coronavirus COVID-19 symptoms as recorded cases of the highly contagious virus continue to rise across the United Kingdom. The former Page 3 girl, 61, suggested she was positive on Wednesday evening while responding to a fan request for a celebrity video message, ironically to a relative under quarantine in Spain. Replying to the fan, Linda wrote: 'Sorry Kerry. I am extremely ill with Corona at the moment.' Revelation: Linda Lusardi has revealed she is struggling with coronavirus COVID-19 symptoms as recorded cases of the highly contagious virus continue to rise across the United Kingdom Unwell: The former Page 3 girl suggested she was positive on Wednesday evening while responding to a fan request for a celebrity video message, ironically to a relative under quarantine in Spain It is not known if the model and actress has submitted herself to testing for the potentially lethal virus, or has experienced cold and flu like symptoms. MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment. Wishing her well, one follower commented: 'Sending you all our love and hope you feel better soon love you very much.' While another wrote: 'Get well soon Linda take care and rest up.' Happy family: Linda married former Brookside and Emmerdale actor Samuel Kane in 1998; the couple are parents to two children - daughter Lucy, 24, and son Jack, 21 Reaching out to the star, a third added: 'Wishing you a very speedy recovery.' Linda married former Brookside and Emmerdale actor Samuel Kane in 1998; the couple are parents to two children - daughter Lucy, 24, and son Jack, 21. She shared images of herself enjoying a night out with her oldest child and her actor boyfriend Jack Rowan, best known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and controversial new drama Noughts and Crosses, as recently as March 6. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to rule out the possibility of further and faster measures to control the spread of the virus in the capital, where the epidemic is running ahead of the rest of the country. Reaching out: Linda's post led to a wave of good will messages from followers on Wednesday Contact: She shared images of herself enjoying a night out with her oldest child Lucy and her daughter's actor boyfriend Jack Rowan, best known for his role in Peaky Blinders, as recently as March 6 He said ruthless enforcement of so-called social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings in pubs, cinemas and restaurants was needed. Some 953 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the capital more than a third of the UK total of 2,626. The UK death toll has soared by around a third to 104. The number of people positively diagnosed hit 2,626, up from 1,950 on Wednesday. A total of 56,221 people now have been tested. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 219,00 cases have been detected globally, with more than 8,000 dead. Taken ill: The news comes a week after Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the novel coronavirus during a holiday to the Gold Coast in Australia It comes as military chiefs are putting up to 20,000 troops on standby to be deployed to Britains streets, hospitals and other key sites to help tackle the pandemic Anecdotal evidence suggests some Londoners do not appear to be following Government advice to socially distance themselves, and have been attending pubs, clubs and restaurants and continuing to travel to work. As a result, London could follow the example of other cities around the world which have been hit by the virus and go into so-called lockdown. Brave: Days later, Idris Elba revealed he too had contracted the virus and that he and wife Sabrina had gone into self isolation Linda joins a whole host of stars who have confirmed they have been tested positive for COVID-19. Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were the first Hollywood couple to reveal they had been tested positive for the novel coronavirus during a holiday to the Gold Coast in Australia. The Forrest Gump actor and his wife, both 63, announced the positive test results last week on Instagram urging the public to 'take care'. Hanks revealed they had experienced symptoms including the common cold, body aches and chills before they decided to get tested. Days later, Idris Elba revealed he too had contracted the virus and that he and wife Sabrina had gone into self isolation. The Luther star, 47, had attended the WE Day UK Charity event and concert in London last Tuesday March 3 with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She announced she tested positive for the virus last week and gone into self quarantine. Bond girl: Olga Kurylenko revealed on Wednesday she's 'feeling better' three days after announcing she had tested positive for coronavirus Bond girl Olga Kurylenko revealed on Wednesday she's 'feeling better' three days after announcing she had tested positive for coronavirus. The Quantum Of Solace star took to Instagram on Wednesday to give her 615K followers an update on her health, sharing that her 'fever has gone' just one day after she was refused a hospital bed with a temperature of 102F (38.9C). Posting a picture of herself wearing a green medical mask and a collection of vitamin bottles, she penned: 'Hello everyone! Im feeling better today. My fever is gone! I hear people cant figure out where I currently am. Im in London! ' Other stars who have confirmed they have coronavirus include: Game of Thones' Kristofer Hivju and Indira Varma, Frozen 2 actress Rachel Matthews and Brooklyn Nets play Kevin Durant. 3 1 of 3 Darren McGee/Darren McGee- Office of Governor Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Paul Buckowski/Times Union Show More Show Less 3 of 3 ALBANY In a series of interviews Thursday morning, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said it was inevitable that the state's health care system would be overwhelmed by a coming wave of COVID-19 cases, but he will not impose "martial law." "Were not going to put a roadblock around New York City so you have to pack up and get out today," the governor told CNN. "This is going to go on for months. I am not going to do martial law in the state of New York. That is not going to happen." March 18, 2020 News By David Vergun Defense.gov Defense Health Agency Officials Answer Questions on COVID-19 The Defense Health Agency hosted a live Facebook town hall meeting to answer questions about COVID-19. Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Cameron J. L. Nelson, chief of the occupational medicine branch in DHA's public health directorate, advised people who suspect that they have COVID-19 to call, rather than visit, their primary care provider or treatment facility to discuss whether the symptoms warrant testing. This, he explained, would avoid the possibility of spreading the virus to health care personnel and patients. Army Col. (Dr.) Neil Page, deputy director of DHA's of the clinical support division, described the symptoms. One of the first, he said, is a runny nose. As the body responds to the virus, an individual will then develop a fever. COVID-19 then typically progresses to coughs, inflammation, constant pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips or face, muscle aches, low energy, trouble moving and shortness of breath. "Those are symptoms that are much more likely to be COVID-19," he said. However, that doesn't mean that it actually is COVID-19, he added. "There are hundreds of viruses that can produce those very same symptoms, but in this day and age, we are very concerned about COVID-19." Also, this is the time of year when allergies are high. Allergies typically result in a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, but they don't generate fevers and some of the other symptoms. That would rule out COVID-19, Page said. Nelson noted that this is flu season. Flu has to be ruled out before COVID-19 testing is recommended, he said, and instructions on where to go for testing will be provided if flu is ruled out. Page cautioned that getting tested too early might result in a false negative because it takes some time for the viruses to multiply and produce positive test results. Nelson said knowledge of the virus is still evolving daily, and he recommends periodically visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to get the latest and best information. People should be vigilant in cleaning common surface areas with sanitizing wipes, Page said, because viral particles can survive on an inanimate object for a few hours and even a few days. Regina M. Julian, chief of DHA's healthcare optimization division, said washing hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water should become a frequent habit as well. If soap and water aren't available, she said, people should use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Nelson said that anyone who has been in contact with a COVID-19 carrier, traveled to an infected area or exhibits signs of COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days to monitor for symptoms and to protect others. Following the town hall meeting, DHA posted some additional advice: Get a flu shot. The flu vaccine won't protect you from COVID-19, but the flu currently poses a greater threat to the public than COVID-19. Avoid public activities or areas visited by a lot of people. Cough away from others and into a sleeve. Maintain social distancing. If possible, avoid frequently touched surfaces such as elevator buttons, door handles, handrails and other surfaces. If unavoidable, wash as soon as possible and don't touch the face. Get the pneumonia vaccine if eligible. It's recommended for adults 65 and older, all children younger than 2, persons 2 through 64 with certain health conditions and adults 19 to 64 who smoke cigarettes. It won't protect against COVID-19, but will lower the risk of bacterial infection. There is no need for people who are not sick to wear a facemask. If sick with fever, coughs or sneezes, stay home. Find a safe way to get food delivered. Most people can recover from COVID-19 at home. Treatment is similar to that of the flu: rest and fluids. People at greatest risk of getting seriously sick from COVID-19 are those over 65, as well as people of all ages with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and immune disorders. For uniformed military personnel, virtual visits with a primary care provider are being made available, Julian said. Also, service members and TRICARE beneficiaries can call 1-800-874-2273 and select option one to reach the Nurse Advice Line. Callers can expect a wait time, but more nurses are being hired to help alleviate that, she said. Those serving overseas should visit MHSNurseAdviceLine.com to get Nurse Advice Line help, she added. Another way for TRICARE beneficiaries to get help is to call or email their own health care team or primary care physician, Julian said. Julian noted that the Defense Department has 15 testing sites worldwide. If testing at a military treatment facility cannot be done, she said, the test specimen obtained from a nasal swab will be transported to the closest test laboratory, which could be a commercial or military lab that will provide the quickest turnaround time. The current turnaround time for test results is 24 to 48 hours. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi, March 19 : The Supreme Court on Thursday said it is not inclined to create a situation by giving two weeks time to Speaker N.P. Prajapati to decide on the resignations of 16 rebel Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh, as this gap period could become a 'gold mine' for horse-trading. A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justice Hemant Gupta expressed its unwillingness to facilitate or create any kind of political situation which leads to horse trading in the ongoing political crisis in Madhaya Pradesh. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for the Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly contended before the court "please give me two weeks time to decide. Let the rebel MLAs come back to MP, to their homes". The apex court observed the Madhya Pradesh political crisis have become a national problem, not peculiar to Congress. The court emphasized that irrespective of political parties, the Speaker's do not decide such issues, where MLAs have offered resignation, in a time-bound manner. Singhvi insisted that the rebel MLAs present themselves before the Speaker in Bhopal and then he would take a decision on their resignation within two weeks. The bench proposed that the rebel MLAs could also be asked to present themselves before the Speaker at a neutral venue through video conferencing. However, this suggestion was opposed by the Speaker's counsel contending that no direction could be given to him to decide on the resignation in a time-bound manner. The bench reiterated would the Speaker agree to the court appointing an observer to find out the free will of 16 rebel MLAs on their resignations. And, this process could be easily carried out through a video-conferencing, which would enable the Speaker to take a decision whether to accept or reject resignations within a day. Speaker's counsel insisted that even the apex court cannot abrogate his power by asking to take a decision in a time-bound manner. The bench insisted that delay in taking a decision would eventually lead to horse trading and it does not want such a situation to arise. The bench queried the Speaker's counsel on Governor's powers, and asked whether the House was in session and then if the incumbent government lost majority, under these circumstances, would the Governor have the power to direct the Speaker to hold trust vote on the floor of the House. The Speaker's counsel said the Governor cannot decide whether the government has lost majority or not. Singhvi said: "The Governor has only three powers -- to summon, yo prorogue and to dissolve the House. "Governor cannot decide whether the government has lost majority or not, it is for the House to decide on this issue." The hearing was to continue after lunch break. In brief: Tan said Razer intends to donate up to one million masks to healthcare authorities around the globe. The first batch will go out to facilities in Singapore. The companys global and regional offices will be reaching out to local governments and health authorities to help distribute additional supplies, we're told. Gaming hardware and accessory maker Razer is diverting some of its manufacturing resources to help with the coronavirus pandemic. Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan in a series of tweets posted earlier today said that over the past few days, their designers and engineers have been working around the clock to convert some of their existing manufacturing lines to produce surgical masks to help with global shortages. All of us have a part to play and we should be doing whatever we can with the situation getting more serious. Please keep yourself and your family safe and do lets support each other in these trying times. The team at Razer is stepping up to do what we can. Min-Liang Tan (@minliangtan) March 19, 2020 Its the first step of many that Razer is planning to take to combat the virus, Tan added. Details of the masks werent mentioned. In order to carry the N95 designation, masks must meet guidelines outlined by the Code of Federal Regulations. The World Health Organization said earlier this month that based on its modeling, an estimated 89 million medical masks will be needed for Covid-19 response each month. To meet those demands, WHO said manufacturing must increase by 40 percent. Razer isnt the only tech giant to divert manufacturing lines to help with the cause. It was revealed late last month that Japanese electronics giant Sharp was planning to produce as many as 150,000 masks per day by mid-March. Foxconn also built its own production line for surgical masks in hopes of getting general manufacturing efforts back online faster. Hyderabad Police Task Force nabbed a driver of ATM cash vehicle on Thursday after he fled with Rs 92 lakh cash. The robbery took place when four staff members--a driver, gunman and two guards carrying cash amounting to at least Rs 1.6 crores were refilling the ATM machine with cash at an SBI branch. "While filling up the ATM machine with cash, an offender ran away with Rs 92 Lakh cash while diverting the attention of the gunman and other staff members stating that he will bring the car back but instead ran away," Anjani Kumar, IPS Commissioner of Police Hyderabad told reporters. The manager of the Cash Managing System lodged a complaint at the Chilkalguda Police Station on Monday. The accused identified as Dondapati Prakash, 35. An FIR was registered under sections 408 and 420 of IPC. The money has been recovered and seized by the police. The accused is currently under custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ANN ARBOR, MI -- The University of Michigan Health System launched its own test for COVID-19 this week, it announced Thursday. Patients tests were previously sent exclusively to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services lab for processing until late last week, the hospital system said. Michigan Medicine says its in-house test will raise the number of patients who can be tested, and patients can receive results the same day. Thursday, March 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Michigan Medicine didnt immediately release further details on the expanded testing, which comes as the effects of the new coronavirus intensify in Washtenaw County, with seven more local cases confirmed Thursday, bringing the local total to 14. The Washtenaw County Health Department said community transmission of the disease is now likely -- five of the new cases had no known contact with positive COVID-19 patients or travel history. Michigan Medicine began offering drive-up screening for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, on Tuesday. Patients need referrals from their physicians to get the curbside test. Anyone who arrives without an appointment wont be screened. Michigan Medicine begins offering curbside COVID-19 screenings Michigan Medicine patients who have an appointment through their providers may use the screening service in the parking lots of the West Ann Arbor Health Center, Canton Health Center and Brighton Health Center. On Tuesday, Michigan Medicine debuted a new hotline that connects patients with trained nurses who will ask them questions about what types of symptoms they are experiencing to determine the severity of their illness, after theyve received referral from a physician. Testing will be requested by Michigan Medicine providers with a focus on high-risk patients, including elderly patients and those with immuno-compromised conditions. The test may either be sent to the state testing lab, the in-house lab or a private lab and results could still take days. Evidence of community spread, officials say, as coronavirus cases double in Washtenaw County MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: West Side Ann Arbor neighborhoods tackle social distancing with window decor, scavenger hunts Ann Arbor firm offers free online ordering help for restaurants amid coronavirus closures Michigan State, Michigan off to big leads in first round of our mock NCAA Tournament Michigan automakers could produce ventilators, medical supplies to combat coronavirus Walmart shortens hours again, second adjustment within a week Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Michigan Ford suspends dividend, borrows from credit lines to offset factory shutdowns during coronavirus Michigan marijuana companies ask Whitmer to deem cannabis essential item during coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus has closed liquor stores in other states, but Michiganders will likely still have alcohol access PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. We are disappointed with the outcome but we want to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work that has gone into the solutions for increasing indoor recreational space for residents, Niemela said. The Batavia Park District has been programming rich and facility poor for the last two decades. We were trying to get to a position where our residents would not have to pay 30% in non-resident fees at other agencies. While we are disappointed, its an opportunity to learn and grow from the experience." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 13:55 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bdb879 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-test,coronavirus,COVID-19-Indonesian-patients,COVID-19-in-Indonesia Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo has instructed his subordinates to perform rapid tests for COVID-19 across the country in a bid to accelerate detection of the disease. I demand rapid tests be carried out across the country for early detection of infection, Jokowi said during a limited meeting at the State Palace on Thursday. I also want more test kits to be distributed to medical laboratories and more laboratories [to be prepared] to conduct the tests. Rapid tests are easier to perform than regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and can detect COVID-19 cases quicker. Rapid tests only require blood serum as a sample, meaning the tests can be performed at all health laboratories across the country. Everyone, whether they have shown COVID-19 symptoms or not, can undergo the test. The testing method is easier to implement than the regular tests, which must be performed in level two biosafety laboratories, as nasal fluids or larynx substances, which contain the virus, are used as the main specimens. However, as rapid tests are easier to perform, Jokowi also expected more people to be tested and to be sent to hospitals if found positive. To anticipate a rise in confirmed cases, Jokowi called for hospitals to set up health protocols for handling those who had performed the test. Hospitals must determine who can isolate themselves at home and who requires advanced treatment in hospitals, he added. During the meeting, he also urged hospitals to prepare contingency plans for if they were overwhelmed by patients. Jokowi said that hospitals could use the athletes apartment complex in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, which can accommodate 15,000 people, and state-owned hotels as emergency wards. I am instructing hospitals to form a clear contingency plan while we accelerate construction of the COVID-19 hospital on Galang Island in Riau Islands, Jokowi said. On Wednesday afternoon, the government recorded a staggering increase of 55 confirmed cases, bringing the total to 227. The death toll also jumped from five to 19 on Wednesday. (glh) HANGZHOU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Anti-coronavirus supplies including 1.5 million masks donated by two Chinese foundations have arrived in Belgium and will be handed over to France, Slovenia and Belgium. This is the third batch of supplies sent to European countries by Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation. Previously, supplies have been sent to Italy, Spain and Belgium, said the Jack Ma Foundation Thursday. The Electronic World Trade Platform smart logistics hub, which was jointly built by the Belgian government and Alibaba at Belgium's Liege Airport, has played an important role in processing relief goods from China to Europe. Cainiao, Alibaba's logistics subsidiary, will increase its charter cargo flights between east China's Hangzhou city and Liege to five a week to send relief goods to Europe. To stop the spread of the novel coronavirus in Gujarat, the state government on Thursday decided to close Somnath and Dwarkadheesh temples for devotees from March 20. The two world-famous temples receive thousands of devotees everyday. In an official release here, the government said though 'aarti' will be performed at these temples as per schedule, devotees will not be allowed inside their premises from March 20. The step has been taken to avoid crowding and enforce social distancing as part of measures to contain the spread of the viral infection. Notably, no positive case of the coronavirus has been found in Gujarat till date. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Theyre so little, they do not understand whats going on at all, and all they know is where are my friends, where are my teachers and why am I not in school," she said. Its important that they see us, (that we) let them know we didnt go anywhere, they just cant see us for a while. Apollo astronaut Alfred Worden, who performed the first-ever spacewalk in deep space while on his way home from the moon in 1971, has died at the age of 88. Worden's death was announced by his family on Wednesday morning (March 18). He recently had developed an infection that led to a collapse at his home in League City, Texas, for which he received care at the Medical Center in Houston. He was moved to a convalescent home in Sugar Land, Texas prior to his death. "'Al died in his sleep last night. The family thank [sic] you all for your kindness, thoughts and prayers," a statement posted to Worden's Twitter account read. Video: Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden remembered by NASA Related: Apollo 15 in photos: a moon landing and the 1st lunar car Apollo 15 command module pilot Alfred "Al" Worden, who orbited the moon and was the first to walk in deep space in 1971, has died at the age of 88. (Image credit: NASA) "NASA sends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Apollo astronaut Al Worden, an astronaut whose achievements in space and on Earth will not be forgotten," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said. "We remember this pioneer whose work expanded our horizons." Chosen by NASA with its fifth class of astronauts in 1966, Worden made his first and only spaceflight as the command module pilot of Apollo 15, the fourth mission to land humans on the moon. Launched on July 26, 1971, Worden remained in lunar orbit on board the Apollo 15 command module "Endeavour" while his two crewmates, David Scott and James Irwin, spent almost three days exploring the moon's Hadley Rille. "Only 24 humans have left Earth orbit and journeyed to the moon. I'm one of them," wrote Worden in his 2011 autobiography, "Falling to Earth," written with author Francis French. "It's an exclusive club so small that I am still surprised they let me in." Alone in orbit around the moon in 2015, Guinness World Records recognized Worden as the the "most isolated that any human has been from another person," having reached a distance of 2,235 miles (3,600 kilometers) from Scott and Irwin on the lunar surface Worden was not without a mission of his own. He spent the same three days keeping the command module running and on course, while operating science experiments and collecting imagery of the moon below. Astronaut Al Worden trains inside a command module simulator for NASA's 1971 Apollo 15 moon landing mission. (Image credit: NASA) "I was on my own solo science mission now," wrote Worden. "The spacecraft would be in sunshine, in shadow, in and out of radio contact with Earth. I needed to use the sextant, the windows and the SIM [Scientific Instrument Module] Bay, each of which would need to be pointed in different directions for different tasks. But I couldn't just turn the spacecraft any time I felt like it: my fuel was precious, and finite." Worden deployed booms tipped with instruments to measure the moon's very thin atmosphere and to search for radiation emitting from the lunar surface. He also used a panoramic camera to capture sweeping vistas, including uncharted areas on the moon's far side. "The camera was a modified version of the device used by the U-2 spy plane and Air Force spy satellites," Worden described. "That camera was a phenomenal instrument the lens and film moved together in one precise motion to image a huge swath of landscape. Using over a mile of film, I took over 1,500 photographs, capturing details only a few feet across." "When we returned to Earth, I found I'd even captured the shadow of [the lunar module] 'Falcon' on the moon and the disturbed lunar dust around the spacecraft where Dave and Jim had walked," he wrote. Worden felt his work in orbit was just as important as his crewmates' exploration down on the lunar surface. "The [moon] rocks collected on the surface would be the ground truth, an important part of the puzzle," Worden wrote. "We could then compare them to the data I would collect of the whole area from orbit and work out a system where the two sets of data agreed with each other." Astronaut Al Worden performs a spacewalk outside the Apollo 15 command and service module on the way back from the moon on Aug. 5, 1971. (Image credit: NASA) To return that data to Earth, Worden needed to exit the Apollo 15 spacecraft and retrieve film cassettes from the mapping and panoramic cameras mounted on the outside of the service module. After reuniting with Scott and Irwin from the moon's surface and leaving lunar orbit, Worden made history by performing the first deep space extravehicular activity (EVA) on Aug. 5, 1971. For 39 minutes and 7 seconds, he floated in the vacuum of space at a distance of more than 196,000 miles (315,500 km) from Earth. "I realized I had a unique viewpoint: I could see the entire moon if I looked in one direction. Turning my head, I could see the entire Earth. The view is impossible to see on Earth or on the moon. I had to be far enough away from both. In all of human history, no one had been able to see what I could just by turning my head. It was incredible," Worden said. Two days later, Apollo 15 splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean. Worden had logged 12 days, 7 hours and 11 minutes on his journey from the moon and back. Born on Feb. 7, 1932, in Jackson, Michigan, Alfred "Al" Merrill Worden graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1955. He earned his masters in astronautical and aeronautical engineering, as well as instrumentation engineering from the University of Michigan in 1963. That same year, Worden reported to the instrument pilots instructor school at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, prior to graduating from the Empire Test Pilots' School in Farnborough, England in February 1965. He then graduated from the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California in September 1965 and was serving there as an instructor training some of his future fellow astronauts when he was recruited by NASA. Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden inside a command module simulator prior to the 1971 moon landing mission. (Image credit: NASA) Before launching on Apollo 15, Worden served on the support crew for Apollo 9 in 1968 and was backup to command module pilot Richard Gordon for Apollo 12, the second moon landing mission, in 1969. After returning from the moon, Worden became embroiled in a congressional investigation over some of the mementos that were flown on the Apollo 15 mission to the moon. At issue were a set of 100 envelopes that were flown for and subsequently sold by a German stamp dealer, who had compensated Scott, Irwin and Worden for the service. Although the deal for the flown envelopes (or "covers") was not illegal nor was it unprecedented within the astronaut corps, the resulting scandal effectively ended Worden's spaceflight career. In 1972, he was reassigned to Ames Research Center in California, where he served as chief of the systems study division until his retirement from NASA in 1975. "I had been involved in something wrong and I knew it," Worden wrote in 2011. "I had ended up at this low point simply because I had nodded my head at a social evening and agreed to go along with a plan that I had no part in creating." After departing the space program and retiring from the Air Force with the rank of colonel, Worden served as vice president of Goodrich Aerospace. In 1982, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's 12th District but lost in the Republican primary. He later served as the chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, an organization founded by the Mercury astronauts. In 2019, Worden partnered with Kallman Worldwide to establish the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship to reward "aspiring young space explorers" and their teachers with training experiences at U.S. Space Camp in Alabama. Apollo 15 command module pilot Al Worden is the namesake of the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship. (Image credit: Kallman Worldwide) In addition to his 2011 autobiography, Worden published a collection of his poetry, "Hello Earth: Greetings From Endeavour," and a children's book, "I Want to Know About a Flight to the Moon" in 1974. Between 1972 and 1975, he made seven guest appearances on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" and in 2018, he served as the on-set technical consultant for the feature-length Neil Armstrong biopic, "First Man." Worden was honored by NASA with its Distinguished Service Medal in 1971 and Ambassador of Exploration Award in 2009, the latter featuring a moon rock that he placed on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. He was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1983, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1997 and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2016. Worden was married to his first wife, Pamela Vander Beek, from 1955 to 1969, with whom he had two daughters, Merrill and Alison. He married Jill Lee Hotchkiss (d.2014) in 1982 and adopted her daughter, Tamara. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. A former prosecutor who ran the sex crimes unit in the Manhattan District Attorneys office in 1989 sued Netflix on Wednesday for defamation over her portrayal in When They See Us, claiming the miniseries about the Central Park Five fabricated both her statements and actions related to the case. The four-part series, which debuted on Netflix on May 31, is about the 1989 case of a 28-year-old woman who was attacked while jogging in New York Citys Central Park. The victim was white and the five defendants all black or Hispanic boys were between the ages of 14 and 16 at the time of the attack. Former prosecutor Linda Fairstein sued in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging the series shows her as the mastermind behind a racist plot to obtain convictions at any cost. The depictions of Fairstein in these scenes are complete fabrications and readily contradicted by evidence in the public record, the lawsuit alleges. Fairstein, now a crime novelist, is seeking damages from Netflix, series director Ava DuVernay and writer Attica Locke, saying the portrayal damaged her personal and professional reputations. Linda Fairsteins frivolous lawsuit is without merit. We intend to vigorously defend When They See Us and Ava DuVernay and Attica Locke, the incredible team behind the series, said a Netflix spokesperson in an email to Reuters. DuVernay and Locke could not be immediately reached for comment. In the 1989 case, the five boys confessed after long police interrogations and were imprisoned for five to 13 years. They later recanted their statements and said they had been coerced by police officers. Their convictions were overturned in 2002, after another man confessed to the crime and DNA tests confirmed his guilt. (Reporting by Helen Coster and Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Himani Sarkar and David Gregorio) Topics Lawsuits NORTH GREENBUSH James Richards was 11 years old when he found out he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a life-changing disease that often left him feeling anxious. James' grandfather would come over from his home next door and read to him every night to help ease James' nerves. I would just fall asleep to him reading, he said. His grandfather, Edward Quirk, was a Vietnam veteran and history buff, and wanted to pass some of that knowledge down to his grandson. Every night he would read one of his books about World War II while James was fighting a battle of his own. James' interest in the topic grew and he found himself wanting to learn more. Soon he began to read about it on his own, and his grandfather encouraged it. He has a huge collection of books, and Ill just go over (to his house), and read them, James said. When James was 13 years old he was eligible for a wish granted through Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. He told his mother, Erin Quirk, he wanted to go to the beaches of Normandy, where Allied Forces invaded during World War II. Although everyone at the local Make-A-Wish chapter was encouraging, she cautioned her son to not be disappointed if it didnt work out. I dont want to say I discouraged him, but I didnt know if that was in the scope of what they could do, Erin Quirk said. I was like well have to see, and then we were all extremely excited when it was granted. The family went to get their passports and the wish granter came holding a giant sign to surprise James, an eighth grader at Algonguin Middle School. He wasnt totally taken off guard though, as he had noticed his mom filling out the paperwork for his wish weeks before. But unfortunately, the wish has had to be postponed for circumstances that no one could have foreseen. With the novel coronavirus spreading rapidly, international travel not only presents a health risk, but has been significantly curtailed by governments worldwide. James is still undergoing chemotherapy and taking oral medications. James' oncologist recommended against patients travelling internationally, so his mother called the local chapter and had them postpone the wish. Then two days later, the local chapter announced it would be postponing all wishes that involve air travel - which accounts for about 77 percent of wishes. Make-A-Wish Northeast New York has currently postponed 13 pending wishes. Nationwide, 970 wishes were immediately impacted, with 30 more wishes estimated to be postponed each day, according to a press release from the organization. He was disappointed, but he was watching the news and was aware of developments, Erin Quirk said. I think were lucky having (this trip) through Make-A-Wish. Itll happen. I feel bad for people who privately planned trips, and might not be reimbursed. James is pragmatic, and said he would actually prefer to take his trip during a more stable time. When I first heard it was a bummer, but I know there are pretty bad things that are happening around the world, and its better to go later when there is no risk of getting sick, James said. Make-A-Wish Northeast New York CEO William C. Trigg, III, said it would be irresponsible to have the families and recipients travel at this time, adding it would be putting not only the families at risk, but the recipients who may be especially vulnerable to the virus. However, he emphasizes the wishes are not canceled, simply postponed. We are going to get back on track as soon as this dark cloud lifts, Trigg said. Coronavirus has not only paused some wishes, but has also impeded certain fundraising events that help raise money to make wishes possible. He said during this time he is especially thankful to donors and volunteers who support the organization. We are immensely grateful to donors, volunteers, the business community, and everyone who supports our mission so we can give families this experience, which is a ray of hope in a dark time in their lives, Trigg said. Everything from steakhouse chain restaurants to neighborhood taquerias will face the same harsh reality in New Mexico starting Thursday: no more in-person service. As part of her sweeping plan to limit the spread of COVID-19 during the global pandemic, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all restaurants, breweries and bars to close, except for takeout and delivery orders. At the same time, she has ordered the closure of indoor shopping malls and required hotels to operate at no more than 50%. The moves are likely to have significant reverberations throughout the economy as the accommodation and food services industry accounts for more than 97,000 jobs in New Mexico, and retail trade makes up nearly 90,000, according to data from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions website. Albuquerque restaurateur Terry Keene closed two eateries this week: Artichoke Cafe and Farina in the Northeast Heights. His East Downtown Farina location will remain open for now to provide to-go service. The decisions meant cutting 147 employees. There is nothing for them to do, theres not a restaurant for them to work in, Keene said. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues long enough, Keene said those jobs may never come back. The most important thing, as far as all of us are concerned, is to get past this coronavirus crisis, he said. That may take two weeks, may take two months, may take six months. We dont know; if it takes longer than a few months were all going to be in a boatload of trouble. In Downtown Albuquerque Wednesday, employees of Sushi Hana hung their heads in a silent dining room awaiting the inevitable, while down the street the garage doors of Sister were shut tight on the once-lively patio and the rainy sidewalks were, for the most part, empty. Jim Peach, an economics professor at New Mexico State University, said the mandated closures and state-level restrictions figure to be particularly hard on local bars and restaurants, many of which have thin margins and limited cash reserves. Theyre going to be in big trouble, and theyre going to be in big trouble real soon, Peach said. Making matters worse, Peach said small businesses may have less access to lines of credit than larger businesses as the crisis worsens. If Boeing is having trouble, imagine a local restaurant, a local business, being able to go to the bank and get a loan, he said. A terrible day Keene said he already has bills stacking up that he cant pay due to lost profits and a stockpile of inventory thats going to go bad in the meantime. The owner said he now has to weigh the possibility of dipping into retirement accounts or borrowing money to stay in business and keep paying the mortgage on his properties. Its been very hard because of the uncertainty, he said. Were not airlines or banks were on our (expletive) own, thats all. We have to get some help. In the meantime, Keene said he bears the weight of those employees who have been thrown out in the cold and left to manage unemployment at a time when so many people are depending on it all at once. Keene called the whole situation a mess and, although he doesnt blame anybody, he foresees difficulty in the future, regardless of how long the closures last. Harry Georgeades, owner of The Bull Ring, a popular steakhouse in downtown Santa Fe, said Wednesday he was considering shutting down the restaurant, anyway. Its been a nightmare for all of our industry. Were a very fragile business, as you know, he said, adding that he wanted to keep the place open with his employees in mind. Weve tried to do business the last few days, but its been impossible. Georgeades said The Bull Ring is designed to be a sit-down restaurant and doesnt offer a take-out menu, so its closing. He called it a terrible day in my life, but expressed optimism that things would rebound. Over at Tomasitas in Santa Fes Railyard district, owner George Gundrey was feeling shaken, calling the situation absolutely devastating. Gundrey, who also has a Tomasitas in Albuquerque and another Santa Fe restaurant, the Atrisco Cafe & Bar, said he has to lay off about 95% of his 200 employees. He said about all he can do is refer them to the unemployment office. Gundrey said hes closing the Atrisco Cafe & Bar until further notice. His Tomasitas restaurants will stay open for take-out orders. At least were going to try, he said. Really, the only reason were doing it is for our customers. They can get the red or green, but they dont get the margarita. Some business owners saw the writing on the wall earlier in the week. Zendo Coffees Downtown Albuquerque location which typically bustles with groups of friends or customers working on laptops is one of many businesses that went to-go-only ahead of the governors announcement Wednesday. Its just been really hard, owner Pilar Westell said this week. Financially, weve lost a lot of business and I had to make some pretty major decisions. Westell laid off all but one of her employees Monday afternoon. Its been probably the most challenging week Ive had since starting the shop, she said. Its hit the fan Retailers are feeling the anxiety, too. Joann Michelback thought business was going to pick up when she moved her handcrafted, Native jewelry kiosk, Native Gems, back into Cottonwood Mall in October 2019. Since the arrival of the coronavirus in New Mexico, the Gathering of Nations, one of her largest events, has been canceled and now the mall is slated to close until April 10. Its very difficult and I dont know how things are going to be for me, Michelback said. Life was good before, but I dont know about now. Michelbacks business has been operating since 1989. She and her husband are in it together and maintained the shop in the mall to provide for their three teenage children. Michelback depends on tourism to keep Native Gems afloat and, up until the closure of public schools last week, Michelback said people were still buying jewelry. Its slowly dying down and now its hit the fan, Michelback said. For now Michelback said shell try to move her sales online and wait it out. Businesses around her at Cottonwood Mall saw small groups of shoppers on Wednesday, but many kiosk vendors were chatting with each other about whats going to happen in the future. Michelback said she believes shell get through this and come back. Im going to leave it up to (God) and hopefully things will get back to normal, she said. New Delhi, March 19 : Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan made a surprise late night inspection of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (T-3) to take stock of the arrangements here and the preparedness in view of COVID-19 spread. He reviewed the screening being done at Terminal-3 and instructed the authorities present. He also interacted with travellers and doctors. Every person is being screened at all the international airports in the country. Earlier, only passengers coming from select countries were being monitored, but now with the implementation of the new rules, all the passengers coming in are being screened. There has been a steady increase in coronavirus cases in India. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of passengers screened at the airports so far is 13,93,301. The rapidly increasing number of coronavirus cases reported in France pushes the country to be the most interested in the topic across the world via Google Search Over the past 24 hours, despite not being the country with the most infections nor deaths related to the coronavirus, France has proved to be the country most interested worldwide in COVID-19 based on Google searches. Faced with a nationwide quarantine, France has conducted more coronavirus-related searches on Google than any other country during the past 24 hours. Based on an interest scale from 0 to 100, France clocks in at 100, followed by Spain at 94, the United Kingdom at 89, Italy at 82 and Peru at 75. This week according to World O Meter, France saw a rapid increase in deaths related to the virus; in total, the number of people who succumbed to the illness is quickly nearing 300 whereas the number of cases reported recently passed 9,000. In fact, on Wednesday, the country saw its greatest spike in new cases since the outbreak began: about 1,400. Spain has about 8,000 more reported cases of COVID-19 than France totalling to about 17,000. The number of deaths is nearing 800. The number of new cases reported just Wednesday was a whopping 2,943. In the United Kingdom, the total number of virus cases is about 2,600 while the number of deaths is estimated to be 108. Like France, the UK experienced its greatest increase in cases over 24 hours to date yesterday -- 676. In terms of cases and deaths related to the coronavirus, Italy is at about 35,700 and nearly 3,000, respectively. New cases reported yesterday are the country's highest to date at 4,207. Finally, Peru was the fifth country that proved to be the most interested in COVID-19 yesterday based on Google searches, despite its relatively small number of reported cases: about 150. The number of deaths is currently unknown. On Wednesday, the country saw an increase of just 10 cases. (TNS) Christian Perea, a San Francisco Uber driver with diabetes, stopped driving as a precaution at the end of February. William Smith, a Lyft driver in San Francisco, didn't think he could stop because, until Tuesday, he was expected to perform a minimum number of rides in order to keep the car he rents through the ride-hail company. Kimberly James, who delivers for several on-demand apps and works for Uber and Lyft in Georgia, hasn't picked up passengers since March 10 because she has an autoimmune disease that could make her more vulnerable to a viral infection.In an increasingly uncertain economic and social environment brought on by the spread of the novel coronavirus, contingent and contract workers around the world are being forced to grapple with how to stay healthy while maintaining an income. Among them are gig workers, some of whom continue to work for on-demand delivery services like Postmates, Doordash and Instacart or ride-hail services like Uber and Lyft.With few labor protections or benefits afforded to them by the companies, the choice to stop working as a preventative measure may be untenable for those relying on these companies for a large share of income. But demand is expected to decrease in markets hit hard by the virus and the slowing of the economy, which UCLA Anderson School of Business economists said on Monday has entered a recession . Some say these gigs may soon not be worth the risk, especially in the Bay Area, where residents are under an order to shelter in place . (The order exempts workers in essential categories, which includes transportation.)The last time the U.S. economy entered recession, in 2008, the on-demand sector didn't exist. How it will respond to a slump is a matter for speculation. The low-barrier to access for gig work may make it a refuge for laid-off workers from other sectors, softening the blow of widespread unemployment. But that's cause for concern to those who rely on these platforms to make a living, as an influx of labor could drive down wages. Add to all this the specter of the novel coronavirus, which is already influencing consumer behavior and may change how they view the act of accepting a ride or a takeout delivery from a stranger.Even economists can only guess how all this will play out, according to Beacon Economics director of research Adam Fowler. "The nature of this kind of disruption is truly unprecedented," Fowler said. In his view, it's likely much consumer spending has been delayed rather than lost entirely due to artificial constraints states and cities are placing to avoid the spread of coronavirus. "We're freezing most of our consumption right now," Fowler said. "Under short shocks, there's a percentage of that consumption that's going to bounce back."But the rapid rise of the on-demand economy makes it hard to forecast, with previous shocks like the financial crash and 9/11 offering no guide, he said."Given that ride-sharing came of age at the same time California was under a period of record expansion in the economy we don't know if those two things that are kind of ridden along together have been correlated," he said. "When the growth stops, we're not sure how much of the explanation around the growth in gig work will be related to broader economic growth."Making a living off of ride-share and other platforms was hard enough in a strong economy, according to Perea, the San Francisco driver with diabetes, who also blogs about being a ride-share driver. That would be made worse if the pandemic causes major job losses, sparking an influx of new drivers to turn to the gig economy to make ends meet, according to Perea. "What you'll get is a lot of extra supply of drivers or delivery people without the demand to really meet it," he said."This is a service that is predicated on a strong economy," he said. "So when the recession comes the amount of people spending money on conventions, on businesses and hotels and traveling and going out to eat and sort of doing all of these things where calling an Uber or Lyft makes sense actually drops very fast."Drivers were feeling the fallout even before Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered the closure of all bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters and in-person dining in restaurants on Sunday and the Bay Area implemented its orders on Monday.Perea said he observed a slackening of business before he stopped driving last month. On a Saturday at the end of February, he said, he only performed eight rides in total; a typical Saturday for him brings three fares per hour. On the morning of March 13, as Los Angeles began shutting down schools, theme parks, and limiting large gatherings, Jeff Danzer said he only did three rides in two hours and made a little more than $28. Typically, he averages 8 rides in the morning, making around $70. Between March 9 and March 15, Smith made $519 after working about 30 hours. He usually makes between $900 and $1,000 in that time."Seventy percent of the U.S. economy is based on consumer confidence and as everyone retrenches, you're going to see a general downsizing of our discretionary spending," said Jon Garon, a law professor and director of the intellectual property, cybersecurity and technology program at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. "Uber, Lyft and the Airbnbs of the world are going to collapse because the entire travel industry is going to be dramatically affected."The downturn comes at an awkward moment for Uber, Lyft and other large on-demand firms. Even before the market crash, Uber and Lyft shares were trading below the IPO prices as the companies' losses mounted. Though the companies moved up the expected timeline for profitability, both have had to make cuts, including laying off dozens of employees. DoorDash had filed paperwork to go public this year, and Airbnb was reported to be close to moving ahead with IPO plans, although now both seem likely to postpone.A decline in rides made it particularly difficult for those like Danzer and Smith, both of whom rent a car through Lyft's Express Drive program and must meet a minimum of 20 rides per week. Concerned about a drop in demand, Danzer reached out to Lyft's customer support on March 12 asking if the minimum would be waived during the pandemic. The company told him it was reviewing such appeals "on a case by case basis," according to messages The Times reviewed.Initially, Lyft spokesperson Adrian Durbin said the company was only waiving the minimum ride requirements in some markets, and if workers can't make the rent "participating drivers may return their rental cars at any time at no additional charge." On Tuesday, the company told drivers that it was waiving the 20-ride weekly requirement in all markets but reminded drivers they can return the car if they want to avoid being charged for rent, according to an email The Times reviewed."Additionally, we will provide funds to drivers should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 or put under individual quarantine by a public health agency, and waive any applicable rental fees," Durbin said in a statement.For Smith, covering the rent may still be an issue. The car he rents through Lyft is his only vehicle and a major source of income. It costs him $250 a week and, like other drivers who rent through the program, he earns slightly less per mile than drivers who use their own cars, as The Times previously reported . "I could return the vehicle and not accrue more costs," he said. "But I couldn't get to my second job."A recession and consequently a decline in ride-share demand, Garon argued, would deliver a significant blow to on-demand gig workers who lack traditional employee protections."Particularly during a pandemic, they have no access to health care," he said. "These companies that are built on the gig economy are going to suffer significantly, and there's no safety net for those employees at all. So they're going to be the first to struggle through this economy and they're going to be the last back into the workforce."Current national efforts to offer relief to workers during the current outbreak, including a coronavirus relief bill making its way through Congress, stop short of mandating paid sick leave for independent contractors.In response to concerns over coronavirus, many of the gig companies have offered two weeks paid sick leave for contractors who have contracted COVID-19 or have been directed to self-quarantine. This does not cover those who choose not to drive or work as a preventative measure. Some companies, like Postmates, have gone a step further by creating a health fund in 22 markets in the U.S. that would help cover the costs of doctors appointments and medical expenses related to the outbreak. On Tuesday, Lyft and Uber suspended shared rides to reduce passenger-to-passenger spread.In California, the dual threat of pandemic and recession has lent a new sense of urgency to efforts to reduce the precarity of gig work. Lawyers and labor groups are turning to a newly enacted state law, AB 5 , to attempt to secure long-sought-after protections for contractors in the gig economy. The law, which the gig companies have waged a $110 million ballot campaign against, makes it harder to treat workers as contractors. Shannon Liss-Riordan, a plaintiff's attorney who has filed several employee misclassification lawsuits against Uber, Lyft, and other tech companies, filed two injunctions on March 11 asking the courts to force the ride-hailing companies to comply with AB 5 and begin treating drivers as employees in order to give them access to employer-provided healthcare.One hopeful development for on-demand workers is that some on-demand delivery companies are seeing an increase in business. Instacart said it saw its single highest day of demand for grocery deliveries on March 12 as customers seek to avoid long lines and leaving their homes or get ahold of hard-to-find items such as hand sanitizer. Some workers see delivery as a better option than ride-hail, given the increase in volume and the lesser degree of interpersonal contact. Doordash, Postmates, and Instacart have all made it possible for customers to request that couriers drop off packages instead of handing them off. In a blog post , Perea recommended that drivers avoid carting around passengers and switch to delivery to avoid direct and prolonged contact with other people. Switching to delivery is "the lessor of two bad options," he said. HyreCar, which rents out cars to gig workers, sent an email referring drivers to the other services the company partners with such as Postmates and Doordash."For those that will continue to drive, if you wish to explore other options besides rideshare we encourage alternative gig options such as food or package delivery," the email reads.But James, the driver with autoimmune illness, said delivering for these apps is not much safer, partly because couriers aren't given enough information about their destination to decide whether to accept delivery requests. Before she stopped driving, James said she delivered meals to an emergency room and was forced to go inside. The companies, which maintain their workers are independent contractors, are limited in their ability to control how couriers and drivers perform their jobs without crossing lines that distinguish them from traditional employees. This makes it harder to force or mandate workers take extra safety measures."I strongly feel that it's going to be gig economy workers that are going to spread this," James, who is now looking for online work, said. "We're touching doors, we're going in and out of ERs. We're touching everything. The last time I went into Taco Bell, they had me make the customer's drink and put my hands on his lid." People with hard-to-reach cancers in the kidney, gut and prostate will have improved hope for early diagnosis and treatment with new research aimed at increasing the shelf life of revolutionary radiation drugs. Funding of AU$2.5 million will kickstart a two-year manufacturing research project that will harness the combined expertise of the School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to increase the shelf-life of radiation drugs, so they can be shipped to patients globally. Telix Pharmaceuticals and Cyclotek, with co-funding from of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), will contribute AU$1 million to the project and will lead the research to create a manufacturing production process. They will also work with external partners, iphase Technologies and GenesisCare, to develop and streamline the manufacturing process. Radiation drugs, known as 'radiopharmaceuticals', can be used to locate and see cancer cells in the body, including hard-to- reach places using the imaging technology, Positron Emission Tomography (PET). By capturing the radio isotope in a selective 'cage like' molecule and fusing it to a targeting molecule, the radiation can be directly transported to the cancerous cells for detection of tumours. In the case of kidney, neuroendocrine and prostate cancers, there are specific 'homing' molecules that can transport the radioactive cargo to the cancer cells, including those that are hidden in the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of the body like the gut, kidney and prostate. Again, the process makes it possible to diagnose cancer cells that would otherwise go undetected. Once diagnosed, a higher energy radioisotope can then be used to destroy the cancer cells. The ability of the drugs to target cancer cells also reduces the number of healthy cells that are damaged by more traditional ways of administering radiation therapy. "It has taken years of basic research at the School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, to develop the carrier compounds that are the principle behind this technology," said Professor Paul Donnelly from the School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute at the University of Melbourne. "It's exciting to see these compounds being developed for clinical use and manufacture." Currently, isotopes are being produced locally within the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for cancer patients by the company, Cyclotek. "The challenge is to create radio-labelled diagnostic and therapeutic agents with a longer half-life, that lend themselves to manufacture and distribution beyond the hospital walls," said Michael Wheatcroft of Telix Pharmaceuticals. Mr David Chuter, the CEO and Managing Director of the Innovative Manufacturing CRC, said the manufacturing research project will open up a world of potential to treat cancer more effectively. "The project will build the foundation to safely and cost-effectively manufacture life changing targeted cancer radiation drugs in Australia, and export them to the world." ### Upon his return from China, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi assured the country of his well-being, but announced that he was 'voluntarily' self-isolating himself for five days to give out a message. Speaking about his visit to Pakistan amid the global Coronavirus outbreak, he claimed that it was for the "emotional support" during the difficult time. "I am completely healthy, but a message needs to be given that we should follow the guidance provided by our experts. I'm not doing this for myself, but for the people surrounding me my family, my friends. I am playing a responsible role and we should all do the same," Qureshi said at a press brief in Pakistan. "They told me that when they were facing a difficult time, Pakistan stood with them. Now they said if you need our help, we will stand with you, shoulder to shoulder," Dawn quoted the Pakistani Minister. He further notified that the Chinese government offered Pakistan its expertise, assistance with medical supplies and protective gears. READ| "You censorious thug!": Canadian journalist blasts Pak Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in London Qureshi, along with Pakistan President Arif Alvi and the delegation that visited China earlier in the week tested negative for Coronavirus. The Pakistan delegation visited China to showcase its solidarity with the 'all-weather' friend, which was the epicentre of the virus. Coronavirus in Pakistan Pakistan on Wednesday reported its first two casualties due to the deadly coronavirus that has infected 301 people across the country. "Sad to report one patient who passed away in Mardan," Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra tweeted late Wednesday night. Within two hours after the tweet, Jhagra again announced that a second coronavirus death was also reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The number of cases in the worst-hit Sindh province reached to 208 on Wednesday after 19 people in Karachi tested positive, said Meeran Yousuf, the media coordinator of the health and population welfare minister. She said the province recorded total 36 new cases on Wednesday. Pakistan shares a 960-kilometre border with Iran, with the main crossing point at Taftan in Balochistan province. The Taftan border has been closed since March 16, but thousands of Pakistan Shia pilgrims who were visiting religious sites in Iran have been allowed to return subject to two weeks' quarantine. READ| Pakistan reports drastic increase in coronavirus cases, total reaches 254 READ| India provided 15 tonnes of relief material to China to fight coronavirus: MEA The Congress on Thursday raised strong objections to the nomination of former chief justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to Rajya Sabha, saying the government's offer and his acceptance raises questions about "quid pro quo" and undermines the independence of judiciary. Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said Gogoi has not only lowered the dignity of the office he held but also disgraced the judiciary. He said the act sends a wrong message to the present and future judges. The Congress and some other opposition parties staged a walkout when Gogoi took oath in Rajya Sabha. "We have strong objections and reservations because he is a recently retired chief justice of India, who has given many controversial judgments. He, I have no hesitation to say, was a controversial chief justice and his acceptance and the government's appointment has raised bonafide questions about quid pro quo," he told reporters. Sharma said the constitutional scheme of things is very clear about the distancing between the Executive, the Parliament and the Judiciary, and the earlier examples do not hold as the people were appointed after nine years or seven years, but in this case it has been done within four months. "This former chief justice is on record for having said that post retirement appointment or accepting any position will be a scar on the independence of the judiciary. So, he himself has become an active party to that along with the government and that's why we protested. "We feel what has happened is wrong; it severely undermines the independence of the judiciary. It sends a wrong message to all the present and future judges and therefore we, Congress and the other opposition, walked out," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union government on Wednesday informed Parliament that 255 Indian citizens were infected by the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Iran, one of the countries worst hit by the infection. Even as the government has evacuated hundreds of Indians from China, where the infection originated, and other countries including Iran, official data shows that a large number of Indians abroad may be vulnerable to the virus. According to data compiled by the United Nations in 2019, India was the leading country of origin of international migrants in the world. It estimated that a total of 17.5 million Indian migrants lived across the world, forming more than 6% of the worlds total migrant population. Data on overseas Indians compiled by the Union ministry of external affairs (MEA) in December 2018 showed that there were more than 13 million non-resident Indians (NRIs, those holding an Indian passport but ordinarily residing outside India) and nearly 18 million persons of Indian origin (PIOs, those who or whose ancestors were Indian nationals but have a passport of any foreign country) across the world. ALSO WATCH | Govt on Coronavirus: Flights, trains curtailed; elderly, kids stay home Even as some of the Indians living outside the country would have voluntarily travelled back home or been evacuated by the government in view of the virus outbreak, coming to India has become difficult with multiple airlines cancelling international flights and the government imposing travel restrictions. This leaves many Indians living in the worst-hit countries more vulnerable to the virus. According to MEA data, more than 15% NRIs (nearly 2 million people) were in 10 countries that have by far recorded the highest number of positive coronavirus cases, including China. Of these, the highest number of NRIs were living in the United States at nearly 1.3 million. There were more than 300,000 NRIs in Italy, Iran, Spain and Germany -- the four worst-hit countries outside China. Also, more than 86% NRIs Indians lived in countries where at least 100 positive cases of coronavirus have been confirmed. Of these, Indians from Iran are the only ones who can come into the country right now -- but they will be quarantined. The others cannot. In some countries, mainly in the Arabian region, Indians comprise a significantly large share of international migrant population, according to the UN data. For instance, 43% of all international migrants in Bahrain, where 256 people have been found Covid-19 positive, were Indians. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 17:15 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bf44d4 1 National coronavirus,COVID-19,Saudi-Arabia,umrah,haj,haj-pilgrim-departure,haj-pilgrimage Free Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, Indonesia has ensured that Muslim citizens slated to embark on this year's haj will be able to depart for Saudi Arabia, as the first Indonesian haj embarkation is still on schedule for June 26. The Religious Affairs Ministry said on Thursday that preparations for the haj were ongoing, though it had called off manasik (pilgrimage rehearsal) to reduce the risk of novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 transmission, given that the event had always involved crowds of would-be haj pilgrims. We are still gearing up for the haj as preparations are under way, both in the country and in Saudi Arabia, the ministrys director general of haj and umrah (minor haj), Nizar Ali, said in a statement on Thursday. He said 221,000 Indonesian haj pilgrims were still obliged to fully pay their haj travel expenses from March 19 to May 19. According to Religious Affairs Ministerial Decree No. 6/2020, haj pilgrims are required to pay trip expenses, from Rp 31.4 million (US$2,169) to Rp 72.3 million per person, depending on their point of departure. Nizar also added that the ministrys haj accommodation team had reached an agreement with hotels in Saudi Arabia's holy cities of Mecca and Medina to secure rooms for Indonesian haj pilgrims. The ministry has also started the procurement of transportation and consumption services in the Middle Eastern kingdom, even though the government has yet to sign a contract with such providers. Read also: COVID-19: South Sulawesi cancels mass religious event, but not before thousands arrive on site We havent signed any contracts after receiving a letter from Saudi Arabias minister of haj and umrah stating that Indonesia needs to delay its settlement of all expenses with haj accommodation providers, Nizar said. It is because the Saudi government is imposing a [partial] lockdown to halt the spread of the disease, he added. Saudi Arabia announced the suspension of umrah on Feb. 27 and has since restricted movement to curb virus spread, which included imposing a lockdown on the country's eastern Qatif province, where many infections are located. According to data compiled by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE), Saudi Arabia has recorded 238 cases of coronavirus, but no deaths as of Thursday. Eko Hartono, the Indonesian consular general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia also confirmed that the government had received a letter from the Saudi government calling on Indonesia to postpone procurement and upcoming contracts with haj service providers in the kingdom. He said the letter came after the Saudi government became worried that Indonesia would bear financial losses if the Islamic kingdom implemented new haj policies to halt the spread of the disease. But it doesnt mean that this years haj pilgrimage will be canceled, Eko asserted. (glh) Demand for Microsoft Teams has surged to 44 million daily active users, the company said on Thursday, with an additional 12 million users in the past week as workers across the world begin to work from home in response to the spread of COVID-19. Adoption of Teams has grown swiftly in the past 12 months, reaching 20 million users as recently as November. The recent increase in home working has occurred as workers across the world self-isolate to slow the spread of the coronavirus, with many businesses requiring staff to work from home. This has led to a huge uptick in demand for video and team chat applications such as Zoom, Slack and Teams. At the same time, various vendors have announced free access to certain collaboration software product features, while Microsoft announced today that all UK National Health Service staff will have free access to Teams. The increase in numbers I think makes a lot of sense considering the pivot we have started to see over remote work since February, said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at research firm Creative Strategies. Rising adoption will have a longer-term effect on working practices, Microsoft said as it released the latest user figures for Teams on the third anniversary of the applications launch, with remote collaboration becoming more commonplace. Recent use cases include doctors consulting with patients via Teams, Microsoft said, while teachers are using the app to connect with students as schools close in many countries. I really do think this is an inflection point, and were going to look back and realize this is where it all changed, said Jared Spataro, corporate vice president of Microsoft 365, in a pre-recorded press briefing. Were never going to go back to working the way that we did. Teams, which is available at no extra cost for business subscribers of Microsofts Office 365 cloud productivity suite, was launched in 2017 and has become Microsofts core communication tool, replacing Skype for Business Online. The collaboration platform is Microsofts response to the runaway success of Slack, which launched six years ago and popularized channel-based communications with its workstream collaboration app. Slack, a standalone tool with a free tier and paid tiers, has 12 million daily active users. The company has hotly contested Microsofts user statistic claims. Teams contrasts from Slack in various ways, however, incorporating voice and videoconferencing and document editing capabilities in addition to group chat. The breadth of features available in Teams similar in that respect to Ciscos suite of tools could provide an advantage over independent point solutions such as Slack and Zoom, said Milanesi. These best-of-breed products integrate tightly with each other with Slack and Zoom striking up a close partnership in recent years as well as with many other third-party applications. But while Slack has benefited from its ground-up viral adoption in the past, many large organizations, especially those that already use Office 365, may find it more expedient to roll out Teams to connect staff at short notice. At the time when a fast and efficient rollout is needed, IT might find it easier to turn to Microsoft (or Cisco) rather than a Slack or a Zoom, Milanesi said. That top-down approach that might have hurt Teams in the past might actually favor them at this time. New Teams features Microsoft also announced a range of feature updates to Teams on Thursday. Real-time noise suppression will help reduce background noise for video meeting participants, while a raise hand feature makes it easier for everyone to get their say during group calls. This builds on other video features added to Teams since it incorporated Skype for Businesss functionality, such as live captioning and background blur. Other features announced include an offline mode and low-bandwidth support that will make it easier to continue chat conversations without a good internet connection; pop-out chat windows; integration with RealWear head-mounted displays for frontline workers; and Microsoft 365 Business Voice, which offers small and midsized business a complete phone system in Teams. An integration with Microsofts Bookings app will make it easier for healthcare consultants to arrange video meetings with patients. Milanesi said Microsoft is making solid progress as it competes with others in the video meeting software market. Teams seems to be catching up with Zoom on some features like backgrounds and raise hand, but overall I think Teams feels like a more polished solution in the way it comes together, she said. Teams has as an advantage in its verticalized cloud and AI approach that allows [Microsoft] to deploy solutions like the real-time noise suppression, she added. Daily life is seen on the London Underground stations in London on September 29, 2017. Alberto Pezzali | NurPhoto | Getty Images The coverage on this live blog has ended but for up-to-the-minute coverage on the coronavirus, visit the live blog from CNBC's U.S. team. Global cases: At least 207,860, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization Global deaths: At least 8,657, according to the latest figures from the WHO All times below are in Beijing time. 7:39 pm: Spain's coronavirus tally climbs by thousands, death toll up over 200 Spain's health ministry said on Thursday that the total number of coronavirus cases climbed by a quarter to 17,147 on Thursday, up from 13,716 cases the previous day. The death toll from the epidemic has climbed 209 to 767 fatalities from the previous day. Holly Ellyatt 6:33 pm: Europe's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has coronavirus Michel Barnier, who leads the EU's Brexit negotiations, has said he has contracted the virus. Announcing the news on Twitter, he said he was "doing well and in good spirits." Holly Ellyatt Tweet 6:20 pm: Burberry's sales plunge 80% as coronavirus stalls luxury shopping Luxury brand Burberry said sales in the final weeks of March would plunge by up to 80% as the impact of coronavirus on consumers, already seen in China, has spread to Europe and the U.S. The British brand said like-for-like sales in the final weeks of its financial year to March 28 would be down 70% to 80%, and as a result fourth-quarter sales would be 30% lower, Reuters reported. Holly Ellyatt 6:14 pm: Medtronic says it has increased ventilator production by 40% Global medical device producer Medtronic has said it is continuing to make progress in increasing ventilator production worldwide. The company has increased production by more than 40% to date, it said in a statement, and "is on track to more than double its capacity to manufacture and supply ventilators in response to the urgent needs of patients and healthcare systems across the globe" confronting the coronavirus. Holly Ellyatt 5:48 pm: Number of German coronavirus cases jumps by 2,801 The number of coronavirus cases in Germany climbed by 2,801 or roughly a third in a single day, public health institute RKI said on its website Thursday. The total increased to 10,999 cases with North Rhine-Westphalia the most badly-affected state with over 3,000 cases. Twenty people have died from the virus, the public institute said. Holly Ellyatt 5:11 pm: UK prepares itself for coronavirus lockdown; multiple London Underground stations close Preparations to shut down much of the U.K. appear to be in place with all schools set to close on Friday and public transport closures being introduced in London. Up to 40 London Underground stations are closed Thursday, Transport for London announced, reducing transport services for the capital's 9 million residents, many of whom are already working from home if they can do so. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that tougher measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak were being considered, saying the government was not ruling anything out when asked whether he would bring in measures to lock down London, which has seen the largest amount of cases. Around 20,000 British military service personnel have been put on standby to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak and Queen Elizabeth is due to leave the capital for her castle at Windsor, Reuters reported. Holly Ellyatt 5:00 pm: Abu Dhabi acts to cushion the blow of coronavirus on the UAE Abu Dhabi is putting its development plans "on steroids" despite low oil prices and the global coronavirus outbreak, according to Mohammed Ali al-Shorafa, the chairman of the city's department of economic development. "One of the most important things is that Abu Dhabi as a government is continuing developing its capital investments ... which was planned for 2020," he said. His comments come as economies around the world grapple with the ongoing health crisis. The United Arab Emirates has close to 100 confirmed cases."It's a global crisis, but at the same time, we have to look at what are the initiatives to enable the economy and give it that drive," he said. Abigain Ng 4:10 pm: European markets ambivalent toward ECB stimulus package European markets made a mixed start Thursday despite the European Central Bank launching a 750 billion euro (around $821 billion) bond-buying program designed to help the region's economy through the coronavirus outbreak. The pan-European Stoxx 600 slid 0.3% below the flatline at the start of the trading session, with basic resources falling 3% to lead losses while telecoms climbed 1.7%. Elliot Smith and Holly Ellyatt 3:50 pm: Italy's coronavirus death toll spikes yet again as hospitals at the epicenter struggle to cope Hospitals in Italy's Lombardy, the epicenter of the country's coronvirus outbreak, are reaching the point where they may not be able to treat any new cases of the virus, as Italy's death toll rises at a record rate. Medical facilities in Lombardy will "soon" be unable to help new coronavirus cases, the region's Governor Attilio Fontana said Wednesday, as he urged everyone to stay at home. Italy's tally of coronavirus cases and deaths jumped on Wednesday; 2,978 have now died from coronavirus in Italy, 475 more than Tuesday. Holly Ellyatt 3:05 pm: Recovery from virus-driven downturn in Asia Pacific depends on pent-up consumer demand A recession in Asia Pacific looks certain as economic activity plummets due to lockdowns meant to slow the coronavirus pandemic, but analysts say the recovery will be driven by pent-up demand. A recession "is now guaranteed" for the region, ratings giant S&P Global said in a report Wednesday. It projected that growth across the region will now fall by more than half, to less than 3%. It defined recession as at least two quarters of well below-trend growth sufficient to trigger rising unemployment. Weizhen Tan 2:05 pm: The UAE suspends entry to resident visa holders, mandates 14-day quarantine on arrival The United Arab Emirates is barring entry to valid resident visas holders for a renewable period of two weeks, effective Thursday. The country is also suspending all work visa issuance and visas-on-arrival beginning Thursday and imposing a mandatory 14-day quarantine on anyone entering the country, any violations of which will be prosecuted. The only exemptions to the work visa suspension apply to Expo 2020 permit holders and intra-corporate transfer. "The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has suspended the issuance of all types of labour permits, including for drivers and domestic workers, effective Thursday, March 19th until further notice," state news agency WAM reported. The UAE government has also implemented a ban on its citizens traveling overseas from Wednesday until further notice. Natasha Turak 1:35 pm: Australia, New Zealand tighten borders Australia and New Zealand announced tighter border controls in an attempt to curb imported cases of the new coronavirus, reported Reuters. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all non-citizens and non-residents will be barred from entering the country from 9 p.m. local time on Friday (6 a.m. ET Friday), the report said. He added that an "overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported," according to the report. Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her country's border will be closed to all foreigners from midnight on Thursday local time ( 7 a.m. ET Wednesday), according to a separate Reuters report. Citizens and permanent residents can still enter the country after the deadline, said the report. Australia has reported 565 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the country's Department of Health. Meanwhile, New Zealand has reported 28 cases, according to its Ministry of Health. Yen Nee Lee 1:00 pm: Amazon warehouse worker in New York tests positive An Amazon warehouse worker at a facility in New York has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, the company confirmed to CNBC. The employee works out of Amazon's Queens, New York delivery station, known as DBK1. Amazon said the employee is receiving medical care and is in quarantine. The company said it has temporarily closed the facility for additional cleaning and has sent workers home with full pay. It's not yet clear when the facility will reopen. The case marks the first known incident of a worker at a U.S. Amazon warehouse testing positive for the coronavirus. On Monday, Amazon confirmed that at least five workers at Amazon warehouses in Spain and Italy contracted the disease. Annie Palmer 12:30 pm: South Korea announces $39 billion emergency financing for small businesses South Korean President Moon Jae-in has pledged 50 trillion won ($39 billion) in emergency financing for small businesses, reported Reuters. Moon also said the government will help small businesses to access credit easily and cheaply by issuing loan guarantees for those with annual revenues below 100 million won ($78,000), the report said. South Korea reported 152 new cases, bringing the country's cumulative cases to 8,565 so far (See 11:10 am update). Yen Nee Lee 12:10 pm: Australia's central bank cuts interest rates, starts quantitative easing Australia's central bank cut interest rates for the second time this month, taking the benchmark cash rate down to an all-time low of 0.25%, it said in a statement. Other announcements by the Reserve Bank of Australia include setting a target of around 0.25% for the yield on three-year Australian government bonds, the statement read. The central bank plans to achieve that targeted yield by purchasing government bonds in the secondary market starting Friday, according to the statement. Central banks, governments and regulators around the world have stepped up with various measures to support their respective economies and financial markets as the new coronavirus continues to spread. Yen Nee Lee 11:50 am: Federal Reserve to shore up prime money market funds The Federal Reserve took another page out of its 2008 crisis-era playbook late Wednesday evening, invoking its emergency authority to create a backstop for prime money market mutual funds. The new Money Market Mutual Liquidity Fund will provide loans to financial institutions to buy assets from prime money market funds. It was the second program in two days to use a $10 billion backstop from the Treasury Department's Exchange Stabilization Fund. And it was the second time in two days that the Fed invoked its emergency authority under section 13.3 of the Federal Reserve Act. The move was another sign of turmoil inside the financial system created by the coronavirus, and it remained unclear if the constant barrage of programs from the Fed and the Treasury would be enough to restore order. Steve Liesman 11:43 am: DBS Group predicts possible recession for Singapore DBS Group, one of Asia's largest lenders, said the Singapore economy is likely to sink into a recession following the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Economist Irvin Seah said in a note that the services sector particularly tourism, aviation, retail and trade-related industries, will bear the brunt but manufacturing will not be spared either. "A recession in Singapore appears inevitable, and we have revised our full year GDP growth forecast for 2020 to -0.5% to reflect the recession scenario," Seah wrote. The city-state has more than 300 confirmed cases, but 117 people have been cured and discharged to-date. (see 7:30 am update) Saheli Roy Choudhury 11:10 am: South Korean reports 152 more confirmed cases South Korea reported 152 new cases, bringing the country's cumulative cases to 8,565, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The country also reported another 7 deaths, taking the total to 91, said KCDC. A new outbreak emerged in a nursing home in Daegu, the city hit hardest by the spread of the new coronavirus in South Korea, according to a report by Reuters. Of the new cases reported, 97 were in Daegu but KCDC didn't specify how many of those came from the nursing home. Yen Nee Lee 10:48 am: India's response could include cash transfers to the informal economy India is working on a set of policy measures to combat the economic impact of the fast-spreading coronavirus and that may include some cash transfers to workers in the informal sector, top economic adviser to the government, Krishnamurthy Subramanian said. India has reported at least 151 cases, out of which 14 have recovered and three died, according to the health ministry. Subramanian said that tests found there is still no evidence of community spread of the virus in India. Saheli Roy Choudhury Indian People queue up at a COVID screening center at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital,(RML) after a case emerged in Delhi causing a panic situation in Delhi India, 04 March 2020. Imtiyaz Khan | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images 9:50 am: New Zealand advises citizens to not travel overseas New Zealand advised its citizens on Thursday to avoid traveling overseas due to heightened risks of contracting COVID-19. "We are raising our travel advice to the highest level: do not travel," Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said in a statement. "New Zealanders who travel overseas risk contracting COVID-19. At the same time, health care systems in many countries are under strain and do not have the capacity to support foreigners." Peters also urged New Zealanders who are currently traveling abroad to consider returning immediately. Earlier in the day, the country's health ministry reported eight new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 28. All of the new cases are related to overseas travel, according to the ministry. Saheli Roy Choudhury 9:21 am: China reports 34 new cases, 8 additional deaths China's National Health Commission said there were 34 new cases, which it attributed to travelers returning from abroad. All of the 8 additional deaths occurred in Hubei province, where the virus was first detected. Still, Hubei did not report any new confirmed cases. As of the end of March 18, China's total number of confirmed cases stands at 80,928, of which 70,420 have recovered and 3,245 died. Because of the infection's exponential spread in other countries in recent weeks, China now accounts for less than 50% of the total number of cases worldwide. Saheli Roy Choudhury 9:15 am: Chinese firm SF Express says delivery volume up 118.89% on-year in February Major Chinese delivery company SF Express said order volume in February rose 118.89% to 475 million yuan from a year ago while operating revenue increased 77.3% to 8.64 billion yuan ($1.23 billion) during that time. The revenue per order fell 19% to 18.19 yuan, the company said. Operating revenues from supply chain-related operations rose nearly five-fold from a year ago to 369 million yuan. The outbreak in China had forced many people to stay indoors and they turned to delivery companies and e-commerce firms for purchases. Evelyn Cheng 8:40 am: New York state likely has 'tens of thousands' of coronavirus cases, Gov. Cuomo says New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there are likely "tens of thousands" of COVID-19 cases in the state by residents who never knew they had the illness." An increase in testing is "revealing more cases," he told CNN on Wednesday. New York state is now the hardest-hit region in the United States, with nearly 3,000 coronavirus cases. Cuomo and other tri-state area officials on Monday banned all gatherings of 50 or more people and placed restrictions on restaurants, bars and other places of recreation in an attempt to slow the outbreak. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. 8:29 am: Italy death toll nears 3,000 At least 2,978 people in Italy have died as a result of COVID-19, as the total number of confirmed cases in the country stood at 35,713 as of 6 p.m. local time on March 18, according to the health ministry. Around 4,025 people have recovered so far. Italy remains under lockdown as shops, bars, restaurants, museums, and schools remain closed while movement is restricted; the stringent measures are already weighing on the economy. Saheli Roy Choudhury 7:55 am: London underground to be partially shut on Thursday London's underground system will be partially shut down beginning Thursday in the city's bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, Sky News reported, citing the Transport for London. Up to 40 tube stations that do not interchange with other lines will be closed until further notice from Thursday and starting Friday, the Waterloo and City line will shut completely, Sky News said. No tube or overground service will run overnight on Fridays and Saturdays, but bus services will still be available at those times, it added. Saheli Roy Choudhury 7:37 am: Qantas will suspend international flights starting late March The Australian carrier said in a regulatory filing that all regularly scheduled international flights from Australia, including ones from its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar, will be suspended from end March until at least end May 2020. "Some flights may continue in order to maintain key links, based on ongoing discussions with the Federal Government," the company said. Within Australia, there will be a 60% cut in domestic flights; Qantas also said two-thirds of employees are set to be temporarily stood down to preserve as many jobs as possible in the longer term. On Wednesday, Australia raised its advisory for all overseas travel to the highest level and told citizens not to travel at this time, regardless of destination, age, and health condition. Saheli Roy Choudhury 7:30 am: Singapore sees record 47 new cases in a day Most of the city-state's 47 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection are imported, as residents returned from their trips abroad to places in Europe, North America and other parts of Asia, according to the health ministry. As of Wednesday at noon, the total number of cases stood at 313, with 117 people reported as recovered and no deaths recorded. Infection numbers in Singapore rose in recent days, prompting authorities to step up efforts to contain the virus' spread; on March 18, the government told residents to defer all travel abroad, superseding the previous advisory on only non-essential travel. Starting Friday at 11:59 p.m., everyone entering Singapore, including residents, will be required to complete a two-week self-quarantine. Saheli Roy Choudhury A man wearing a protective face mask walks past an indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. Roslan Rahman | AFP | Getty Images All times below are in Eastern time. 7:17 pm: Google is still showing mask ads next to coronavirus stories after promising to take them down Days after Google promised to remove ads for medical face masks, promotions are still appearing next to online content related to the coronavirus, much to the ire of U.S. lawmakers. Senators Mark Warner, D-Va., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission Chairman Joseph J. Simons on Tuesday, criticizing Google for continuing to serve ads next to stories about COVID-19 on various sites. Federal health officials have repeatedly told the public to refrain from purchasing masks so they can be reserved for people who need them, like health-care workers responding to the crisis. Megan Graham, Jennifer Elias 6:32 pm: Dow futures down 100 points as Wall Street's equity rout continues A man with a mask pushes a cart with a sign reading corpse cartte at Times Square in Manhattan on March 17, 2020 in New York City. Johannes Eisele | AFP | Getty Images 6:00 pm: NYC mayor pushes for 'shelter-in-place' order as coronavirus cases surge to almost 1,900 I chose getting tested for Coronavirus over going to my grandmothers funeral. Sounds strange, even to type. Nonetheless: after being forced into that decision, I may as well share what I learnt about what its like to be tested for Coronavirus in Australia some of which I had no idea about before I arrived at the testing station. Before we get ahead of ourselves, lets take it back to the beginning. After enjoying a friends birthday lunch on Sunday, I began the week per usual. What I didnt know, at that point, was the birthday boy from said lunch was actually positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Great present, I know. The birthday boy wouldnt find out until the following Saturday. He immediately called the 12 guests from his lunch and everyone he had been in contact with, however, six-plus days had passed and hundreds including an entire wedding has potentially been exposed to the virus. I wasnt too worried about myself. However, having flown from Sydney to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix and a number of other events, if I had it, it was highly likely that I could have given the virus to not only my family but also a number of clients and friends along the way. What was most inconvenient was the fact I discovered the news about 15 minutes before my recently departed grandmothers funeral. That meant I was going to have to take a pass on the event on the off chance I was infected, and head directly to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. I had not been feeling well during the week but I assumed it was the weekends frivolities rather than COVID 19. Still, I took myself immediately off as care of duty for the community and got tested ASAP to ensure I didnt kill off any more family members. After about 30 minutes of looking, I finally found the closest testing facility in Victoria. Still not sure why it took so long to find this simple information. After downloading some NSW Health documents and reading the YES / NO quiz charts I understood that indeed I needed to get tested. Upon rolling up to the testing facility I discovered it empty and I was #1 in the queue. Win. I was soon told by a heavily covered up (and kind of useless) security guard that I had to wait 20 minutes while they cleaned the testing facility. As I waited, the worried souls slowly rolled up, one by one. Some wearing surgical masks, others using Burberry scarfs to cover their mouths and noses. You got the sense everyone was a little embarrassed to be there. I certainly was: how the fuck did this happen? Anyhow, after waiting patiently and without any order some nice lady told the others that I was first to be there and to go through. This didnt stop the over-eager pushing in to get tested before others. Mob mentality and panic was strangely in the air. Wow, things now really picking up pace with #COVID19Aus in Melbourne. The line at Alfred Hospital for testing of new cases almost off the path and likely 100 people long! pic.twitter.com/kelftQEgXB Brian G. Drew (@briandrew101) March 16, 2020 Inside its like a school classroom with plastic covered partitions and small booths where staff register your details. Youre made to wash your hand with sanitiser and put on a surgical mask immediately. Theres a very clear blue box marked on the ground, which keeps you a safe distance from everyone. You give personal details and theyre checked and double-checked before receiving your DIY testing kit. The testing process is projected on screens throughout so theres no chance of you stuffing it up. One stick in your mouth, the other in your nose. Both go into a small plastic test tube before being sealed and handed over. Interestingly, the staff at no point touch you. Theyre incredibly diligent with ensuring your personal details and inform you that youll hear in 3-5 days. If youre positive youll get a phone call promptly, if not youll receive an SMS. Right now, Im on four days since the test and friends (now up to 3 people positive all attendees at said wedding) heard the not-so-good news within 48 hours. Their symptoms have been minimal and theyre riding it out in isolation at home, so that should provide some relief to some. In the few days since getting tested, authorities have encouraged people with no symptoms not to get tested even if youve been exposed to someone who tested positive. This ensures only those who are high risk are receiving priority treatment. Interestingly, theres still no great improvement on where to get tested via Google searches, so its important to remember NOT to visit the GP, and look up your local hospital. Judging by those friends affected, if youre healthy then symptoms will hopefully be minimal. But doing your part by reducing spread is still paramount. It doesnt help with the fact I skipped any last celebration of my grandmothers life but apparently that is life. Read Next Chicago police said at least six people in different vehicles broke into three different stores within minutes of each other in the Lakeview neighborhood, and made off with three ATM machines, cigarettes and liquor early Thursday morning. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:14:34|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Just a month ago, the U.S. economy was booming, the jobless rate was at its lowest in decades, and the U.S. stock market was surging to all-time highs. That is, before the dark cloud of COVID-19 descended. Now the country is approaching November's elections amid a threat brought by the virus. "I think a lot of 2020 depends on the next few months, if the coronavirus crisis passes quickly, if the response measures help bridge the gap to a more normal economy" said Christopher Galdieri, assistant professor at Saint Anselm College. A national emergency was declared in the United States last week over the fast spread of the virus. Schools are closing, restaurants and cafes are only offering take-out, and many Americans are working from home. The United States is moving toward a total lockdown, which threatens to wreak havoc on its economy. Consumer spending could drop as people lose their jobs, and businesses face temporary closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions. The main strength of President Donald Trump, a businessman whose global empire has made him a billionaire, has always been the surging economy, analysts say. Trump showed his ability to jump-start the economy by slashing regulations, giving much-needed confidence to the business community. But now a recession is predicted by many in the second and third quarter. "Trump, before the coronavirus outbreak, was well on his way to victory," Republican Strategist and TV news personality Ford O'Connell told Xinhua. "Now, this virus has thrown a curve ball into it, and how he navigates it is going to determine eventually who is the winner, because it's going to be a very tight race," O'Connell said. Experts said on top of the more secure Republican states, Trump will need to win the states of Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and North Carolina in order to secure a victory. Other experts are less than optimistic about Trump's chances to regain the White House, amid the virus threat that may well lead to a recession. Meanwhile, while the Democratic primaries are not yet a done deal, many experts and observers said it would be difficult for rival Bernie Sanders to win enough delegates to beat Joe Biden. Galdieri said mathematically it's hard to see how Sanders can grab the nomination at this point, as Biden now has a persistent delegate lead that's growing with each primary. "I think COVID-19 is hurting Bernie here because nobody's paying attention to the primaries and it's limiting candidates' ability to turn things around. Bernie can't hold a huge rally or march on a picket line or do anything a candidate might do in normal times," Galdieri said, noting that people are avoiding large crowds in a bid to steer clear of the coronavirus. Do I have it? I might. The dreaded symptoms arrived nine days ago prickly throat, fatigue, slight fever, dry cough and they havent completely gone away. I am a boringly healthy person, much more so than I was in my 20s and 30s, and because I am not that old anyway, I assumed I had nothing to fear. Except in the callous, ageist eyes of Covid-19, which preys on low immunity, I AM that old being nearly 60. Femail columnist Christa D'Souza said Covid-19 doesn't care about 60 being the new 40 or only being as old as you feel Covid-19 doesnt care about 60 being the new 40, or only being as old as you feel. Once you hit 50, your immunity starts to diminish and, if like me, you are between 59-70, you are biologically old. In terms of my campaign to combat ageism and to nudge society to be more inclusive of those over 60, this pandemic is a giant step backwards. You may have read about the devastating triage choices Italian doctors are having to make based on birth dates; how younger people are getting preferential treatment. Those may be decisions doctors have to make in Britain, too. Is Covid-19 a warning that we feisty boomers should get back in our boxes? I hope not, but right now, 60 feels like the new 85. By Evie Blad and Andrew Ujifusa U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos could soon move beyond her stated approach of issuing narrow waivers to states tackling the impact of the novel coronavirus on schools from certain provisions of federal education rules. As coronavirus-related school closings stretch onsome through the end of the school yearstate school chiefs have urged federal officials to create an expedited process for waiving state testing requirements, as well as further direction on ensuring equity for students with disabilities in online learning environments. And on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education indicated that new waiver powers to address the impacts of the virus would soon be forthcoming. Secretary DeVos asked our K-12 team to work on broad waiver authority for the states, and it will be ready to be pushed out to education leaders in the coming days, said Angela Morabito, a spokeswoman for the Education Department. She did not specify what exactly this waiver authority would cover. DeVos released guidance March 12 that said the Education Department would consider a targeted one-year waiver of the assessment requirements for those schools impacted by the extraordinary circumstances. But amid the closures and disruptions to schools, the testing requirements included in the Every Student Succeeds Act have often taken a backseat to urgent concerns about feeding low-income students who rely on school meals, quickly adjusting graduation requirements to fit the new reality, and quickly standing up online learning strategies, Council of Chief State School Officers Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller said Wednesday. We are just in unprecedented times, and we need to make sure [state tests] maintain their validity and credibility in the future, Moffat Miller said in a conference call with reporters. We are not saying that assessments dont matter. We are just saying that this is a time to focus on the safety and well-being of the kids. Changing Realities Many state chiefs have already cancelled scheduled standardized tests , anticipating schools would either miss the scheduled testing window as they close to contain spread of the coronavirus or that they wont have time to prepare students after an extended period of home schooling and online learning. CCSSO has pushed for a fast, simple federal process to take those tests off of the table, Moffat Miller said. Some states already have sought such waivers. Other guidance released that day said that, under federal special education laws, if schools continue to provide educational opportunities to the general student population during a school closure through activities like distance learning and online programs, they they must ensure that students with disabilities also have equal access to the same opportunities. But that guidance was drafted when there was a much smaller number of closed schools with typical planned closures lasting two weeks. In the time since, 39 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have closed all of their schools. On Tuesday, Kansas became the first to close its buildings for the remainder of the school year, and other state leaders have suggested they may follow. See: Education Weeks Map of Coronavirus and School Closures Citing the federal guidance on special education and similar directives from states, some school leaders have been reluctant to offer any online programs until they can develop stronger approaches for students with disabilities. The guidance that came out, there is some interpretation about that being fairly limiting and causing confusion, Moffat Miller told reporters Wednesday. She said CCSSO had pushed for further clarity about how to ensure equity and meet requirements related to issues like Individualized Education Programs. Our states are absolutely looking at every way they can deliver education, not just for students with disabilities, but for all of our students, Moffat Miller said. Cascading Consequences State leaders are holding twice-weekly conference calls to compare approaches, CCSSO said, and they are sharing approaches to communicating with families and continuing education. Some of those issues may require further guidance from federal officials. Among the other issues most state chiefs are wrestling with: How to adapt graduation requirements to ensure that seniors are able to receive a diploma, even if they never return to a physical classroom. to ensure that seniors are able to receive a diploma, even if they never return to a physical classroom. How to serve students without reliable internet access at home. Moffat Miller pointed to creative approaches, like a county in Utah that plans to convert school buses into WiFi hotspots and drive them into students neighborhoods. And some federal lawmakers have pushed the Federal Communications Commission to allow federal funds for education technology to be more easily spent for internet access in community settings. Moffat Miller pointed to creative approaches, like a county in Utah that plans to convert school buses into WiFi hotspots and drive them into students neighborhoods. And some federal lawmakers have pushed the Federal Communications Commission to allow federal funds for education technology to be more easily spent for internet access in community settings. How to provide school meals under unprecedented circumstances. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has waived some school meal requirements, allowing schools to distribute grab and go school meals. To serve families without transportation, some districts have driven busloads of meals into neighborhoods for distribution. But regulations still trip them up, Moffat Miller said. For example, regulations require schools to give meals to students, but some medically vulnerable children must stay in their houses and send parents out to retrieve food for them, she said. There will likely be unforeseen questions about state and federal regulations and accountability even as students return to classrooms, Moffat Miller said. We know the cascading consequences of this crisis wont go away when the virus stops, she said. Photo: Justin Luce, left, gets homework packets for children who are in kindergarten and the fourth grade at Roosevelt Elementary from substitute teacher Jennifer Quantock, front right, as school ends for the day on March 16. Washington officials say schools will be closed for at least six weeks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. --Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review via AP Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa . The Poverello Center homeless shelter in Missoula is seeking fill-in staff and help while regular workers self-quarantine in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The shelter is also seeking food and cleaning supply donations. Meanwhile, the nonprofit that runs St. Patrick Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson is asking local and regional businesses to donate personal protective equipment like masks. Providence Health and Services Montana sent out a press release Wednesday saying blood and supplies are low. "Due to nationwide shortage in Personal Protective Equipment supplies, Providence Montana is asking local and regional businesses and non-health care industries (construction, dental, veterinary, manufacturing, breweries, mining) for Personal Protective Equipment supply donations of any type of mask surgical, N95 or other," the press release said." For supply donations, call Anita at 329-4147 or email anita.nash@providence.org. The release also said the Montana blood supply is critically low. "Please consider blood donations through Red Cross," the release said, and included the redcross.org website. Providence also said elective and discretionary surgeries and procedures are postponed until further notice. "Led by physician-comprised Medical Advisory Council, providers are reviewing surgeries and procedures using a clinical decision algorithm," the release said. All caregivers, vendors and contract workers are being screened and logged for fever when they come to work at Providence facilities. The hospital said COVID-19 testing is not appropriate for people who have not traveled to International Level 3 areas like Washington, California, New York and Illinois. The Poverello Center homeless shelter in Missoula announced Thursday they're seeking fill-in front desk staff. "To anyone who has recently been laid off because of COVID-19 or anyone who wants to help our most vulnerable neighbors during this health crisis, we could use your help," the shelter said in a press release. "We are hiring temporary fill-in staff so that we can maintain appropriate staffing levels while allowing our current staff who feel sick to stay home. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to earn a little extra money while helping out our community during this time of need. Because there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19 while working at the Poverello Center, we would discourage anyone with a compromised immune system or other at-risk groups from applying to this temporary fill-in position." The job pays $10 an hour and the application can be found at https://indeedhi.re/2U3cCJZ. The Pov is also struggling to provide enough food for its clients, according to director of development and advocacy Jesse Jaeger. He said the Pov's Food Rescue Program usually gathers between 8,000 and 13,000 pounds of food every week and serves between 400-600 meals in the soup kitchen. "This food makes up about 90% of the meals that the Povs soup kitchen serves," he said. "With grocery stores struggling to keep up with demand, the Poverello Center has seen a 50% drop in food coming in through the Food Rescue Program. He said the community can help the Poverello Center by donating the following items: Starches (like noodles, rice and potatoes), Meat, Produce, Sandwich making supplies (like bread, sliced meat, cheese, and condiments), and Non-perishable canned foods. In addition to food donations, the Poverello Center could use donations of cleaning supplies and toilet paper. "When bringing your donation to the Poverello Center, the staff will be happy to meet donors outside to collect donations," Jaeger said. "The Poverello Center is trying to limit the number of people coming into the building to protect our most vulnerable guests. Just call (406) 529-5643 and a staff person will come outside and meet you." Restaurants who have closed because of the COVID-19 crisis and who would like to donate their excess food can call (406) 529-5643, and the Poverello Center can arrange to pick it up. The Food Rescue Program is absolutely critical to making sure we have enough food to serve each day, Jared Bell, Poverello Center food services manager, said. We are so thankful for our partnership with local grocery stores, but as people buy larger than normal quantities of food, there is very little they can do. The consequences then fall down to us, making it harder to meet our mission to serve three healthy meals a day. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Given the volatility of the stock market, the pandemic assailing every one of us, and the subsequent closure for safety of much of what our society has forever been offering us, are the "loyal opposition" dancing in a late-night circle, thanking the election gods? No, I think they are making daily fools of themselves. Bernie Sanders beats the same tired and inchoate drum, grousing at the pharma companies desperately trying to rescue us with healing vaccines and drugs to cure us. Joe Biden plagiarizes the plans of the president and claims credit while excoriating President Trump, from whom he's just purloined his entire program to quell the urgent health risks all about. Democrats may dislike the current president, but they are, in the end, not utterly self-destructive. They can now see from the flesh-induced perspective that their leadership has severely misled them on the basis of nothing beyond power retention. No, the Democrat leadership as distinct from the millions of party loyalists who are not radical or ultra-left, and the independents cannot help but see the bankruptcy of the campaign sloganeering and relentless carping at President Trump, who has been minding the store while the opposition has tried stratagem after stratagem to torpedo the administration with hoaxes, false information, impetuous impeachments based on flimsy and imagined sins never far from the media acolytes trailing after the dislike-Trump bandwagons. We see Trump, on the other extreme, conferring with top researchers, doctors, and scientists, and the world on edge listening. The Democrats are found to have been deeply partisan and wrong on the Wall, border security, and whatever other platform they have been selfishly pushing. Fancy baloney about climate won't wash when we are worried now about the existential perditions they have tried to engineer. Their platforms come down to extinguishing the advances of our day to relinquish oil, fossil fuels that have elevated our populations to ever higher standards of comfort, and cultural standbys distinguishing us from the Papua New Guineans. The market's fall and rise is a concomitant of the coronaviral mess in general, but overall, the tide will be changing to support for the man helming this most herculean effort. They may not love him, but he will emerge as a mandatory guide with decision-making elan sadly absent in the opposition thus far. We are experiencing a paradigm shift, and partisanship offers little of substance to hang a sane hat on. I see retribution by Fate's digits for the false pathways advocated by these thus far heedless pushers of the misdirection of the ages. We do not see an ocean of laughing Democrat top tiers. Best they can hope for is an occasion or two to offer their suggestions, moderated by a grounded sense of the possible and probable. If they come up with sane alternatives in four years or so, they will have a chance, once again, perhaps, to plead their cause without a massive rejection by sensible voters. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 21:29:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close A teacher gives an online lecture via webcam in an empty classroom at Algebra High School in Zagreb, Croatia, on March 18, 2020. Croatia announced on Thursday that a man who died a day ago had coronavirus, which made him the country's first coronavirus-related death. There are 102 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in the southeastern European country as of Thursday morning. (Photo by Borna Filic/Xinhua) ZAGREB, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Croatia announced on Thursday that a man who died a day ago had coronavirus, which made him the country's first coronavirus-related death. Although the official results from the autopsy are still pending, health authorities have confirmed that he was tested positive for coronavirus post-mortem. There are 102 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in the southeastern European country as of Thursday morning, according to official website koronavirus.hr. There are 12,519 citizens in isolation, 760 close contacts are intensively monitored, and 79 people are quarantined, said Krunoslav Capak, director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health. Starting from Thursday, new measures to stop the spread of the virus came into effect in Croatia. All non-essential business and services have been shut down nationwide for the next 30 days, all public events have been canceled and people are encouraged to stay at home. A court in Guyana has issued a temporary injunction blocking a vote recount in the disputed general election that has paralyzed government operations amid an oil boom in the South American country. The injunction led the 15-nation Caribbean Community trade group to withdraw a special team of electoral officials that had been given the task of recounting nearly 450,000 ballots from the March 2 election. "It is clear that there are forces that don't want the votes to be recounted, said Caricom's leader, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. "Any government which is sworn in without a credible and fully transparent vote count process would lack legitimacy." The US government and groups including the Organization of American States have called for a recount and hinted at sanctions if any president is sworn in with no resolution of the dispute. The election is considered the most important one since Guyana became independent from Britain in 1966, given the recent discovery of major oil and gas deposits near the country of some 750,000 people. Guyana's Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a full hearing Friday on the recount-blocking injunction sought by supporters of a multiparty coalition that has been in power since 2015 and led by President David Granger, who is seeking a second five-year term. Both the governing coalition and the opposition People's Progressive Party, which led Guyana for 23 years until 2015, have claimed victory at the polls. Government agencies have been barely functioning since Parliament was dissolved in December, and some stores and banks have remained closed as the governing and opposition parties appeal for calm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Buses, trains and CityCats will continue to run to normal timetables amid tight restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic, Brisbane City Council and TransLink have confirmed. But some smaller, single-hulled ferries - such as the CityHopper cross-river service - may stop soon because of fewer passengers. Buses, trains and CityCats will run on normal timetables, though some smaller CityHopper services may soon halt, says Translink. Credit:Michelle Smith TransLink head Matt Longland, from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, said public transport would continue without changes, depending on future advice from state and federal health authorities. "The state governments public transport services are running as scheduled throughout Queensland without cancellations or disruptions," he said. Open source Since the beginning of the current day, militants violated the ceasefire in Donbas five times: they used weapons that are prohibited by the Minsk agreements. The press service of the Ministry of Defense reported about it. Thus, militants attacked positions of Ukraines Armed Forces with the hand anti-tank grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns, mortars of 120-mm and 82-mm caliber, the armament of the BMP and small arms. One shelling was carried out in the Luhansk region, four in the Donetsk. There are no casualties reported. The European Union intends to allocate extra 2 million euros for the implementation of the projects for support of the civilian population in the Donbas Conflict zone. As we reported earlier, The so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) made a decision to close the checkpoints at the contact line in Donbas from March 21, as the leader of the militants Denys Pushilin stated. Pushilin also noted that people, who returned to DPR until March 21, would stay under the control of the doctors. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) An Alaska lawmaker faces charges of voter misconduct and interference with voting stemming from elections in 2014 and 2018. State prosecutors announced the charges against Anchorage Republican Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux on Friday. Charges also were filed against Lisa Simpson, described in charging documents as a former chief of staff to LeDoux, and Caden Vaught, an adult son of Simpson. The state began investigating LeDoux after the Division of Elections reported ballot irregularities in her House race during the 2018 primary. Voter records from past elections were review... Inmates pass the time within their cell block at the Twin Falls County Jail in Twin Falls, Idaho, in a 2018 file photo. (Pat Sutphin/The Times-News via AP) More Prisons Across US Consider Releasing Inmates to Curb Spread of CCP Virus A number of prisons across the United States are considering releasing inmates in an effort to curb the spread of the CCP virus, commonly referred to as coronavirus, as it continues to create a global pandemic. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Prisoners from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California, and from jails across Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Cleveland, Ohio, have been released, according to Fox News. Inmates at the notorious Rikers Island jail in New York City are now reportedly pleading for compassionate release or home detention following the death of an investigator working at the jail. On Wednesday, a union representing corrections officers told NBC that a guard and an inmate at the facility have tested positive for COVID-19. Among those detained at Rikers are some high-profile names, including Colombian drug lord Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela, President Donald Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen, and Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff. David Oscar Markus, Rodriguez-Orejuelas attorney, said that the 81-year-old is in poor health and will not have much of a chance, when COVID-19 hits his prison, while filing emergency court papers this week seeking his release after serving about half of a 30-year drug-trafficking sentence. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters at a City Hall press conference Tuesday afternoon that the mayors office of criminal justice was working to identify people in custody who are at high risk of becoming infected and could potentially be removed from city jails. We are evaluating right now, working with the Mayors Office of Criminal Justice and the NYPD, the number of people in our jail system who might be particularly high-risk in terms of vulnerability to the virus and another category of people, those that are incarcerated and at low-risk of re-offending, the mayor said. Were going to evaluate those numbers and determine, case by case, if any of those individuals should be taken out of our jail system. We dont have a final decision or a final number, but that evaluation is happening today. On Wednesday, Cook County Jail in Chicago confirmed it had secured the release of several detainees deemed highly vulnerable to the CCP virus. Cook County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Sophia Ansari told NBC Chicago the detainees were being held on low-level, non-violent charges and were at risk of contracting the CCP virus. The sheriffs office on Wednesday said that while there are currently no known cases of the virus in the jail, reducing the number of non-violent, low level offenders in custody, especially those at increased risk due to age or medical condition, is a high priority. The debate over whether or not to release inmates comes after the Iranian regime on Wednesday confirmed it has temporarily released 85,000 prisoners, including political prisoners, as the country continues to struggle to contain the spread of the CCP virus. Iran has more than 1,200 deaths and over 18,00 cases confirmed cases of the disease, according to data provided by Johns Hopkins University. Iran announced that anyone trying to leave the city of Qom who showed symptoms of the virus, including a fever, would be quarantined. The UK has also this week suggested it may release some prisoners, with General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association Steve Gillan telling SKY News that while there are currently no plans to do that, it may be a possibility in the future. Not as yet, previous governments have done executive release and it could come in the future to free up spaces, looking specifically at low risk category prisoners, he said, when asked if the UK would adopt similar measures as Iran. For example, in category D there are about 4,000 prisoners, some are being isolated who have shown signs of the virus, no one to my knowledge has tested positive but they have been isolated in single cell. Gillans comments come after a report by Prof Richard Coker of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that prisons and detention centers provide ideal incubation conditions for the rapid spread of COVID-19, in a process he refers to as cluster amplification. The Associated Press contributed to this report. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2020 / The Specialized High School Admission Test (SHSAT) is the exam that students in New York City take to gain acceptance into the eight elite high schools all across the city. The schools, Stuyvesant High School, the Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn Latin, Queens High School for the Sciences, Staten Island Technical High School, High School for American Studies at Lehman College, High School for Math, Science, and Engineering at CCNY. Students typically take this exam in the fall of their eighth-grade year, but if not accepted to their desired school, they can retake this exam in the ninth grade. Chances of admission are low for both of these exams, but while students are much less likely to gain admission via the ninth grade exam, it is far from impossible. The truly exceptional students will set themselves apart by putting in the hard work necessary, whether that's for the eighth or ninth grade exam. What Are the Odds? The SHSAT is undoubtedly a difficult exam, even more so as a ninth-grader, but as long as students are motivated and willing to put in a strong effort, it is possible to ace the exam and gain admission to their dream school. The SHSAT cutoffs are as follows: 560 for Stuyvesant, 527 for Staten Island Tech, 525 for Bronx Science, 524 for the High School of American Studies at Lehman College, 519 for the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering at CCNY, 514 for Queens High School of the Sciences at York College, 498 for Brooklyn Technical High School, and 488 for Brooklyn Latin. While there are no established cutoffs for the 9th grade SHSAT like there are for the 8th-grade exam, it is reasonable to consider the cutoff scores of 30-60 points higher than they are on the 8th-grade exam. Each year, about 30,000 students take the eighth-grade SHSAT and about 4,000 are accepted. This translates to roughly a 13% acceptance rate. And yet, on average, about 3,000 9th graders take the 9th-grade exam, but there are only about 100-130 students accepted. This means that there is only about a 4% acceptance rate. Undoubtedly, the competition is fierce for students who are taking this exam. Stuyvesant High School offers 814 seats, Queens Science offers 100, Bronx Science offers 730, Staten Island Tech offers 300, HSMSE offers 90, Brooklyn Tech offers 1,400, Brooklyn Latin offers 180, and LaGuardia offers 696. However, the number of seats available for the 9th grade SHSAT is very slim. Stuyvesant only has ten seats open to students. Queens High School of Science only has three open seats, and Bronx Science only has three as well, while the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering, as well as the High School for American Studies, have only two seats. However, some schools have more seats available - Brooklyn Tech has about 34, Brooklyn Latin has 20, and LaGuardia has 30. What is On the Exam? The eighth grade SHSAT covers some advanced material, but not much. The specific topics include absolute value, algebraic functions, scientific notation, special right triangles, probability, and more. The ELA section features revising and editing, as well as reading comprehension and four overarching question types (global, detail, inference and function). Compared to the eighth-grade SHSAT exam, the ninth grade exam is much more complex and requires more rigorous study than the eighth-grade one does. Not only are there more complex reading questions, but there is also an enhanced vocabulary. On the math section, students can expect to see advanced algebra and word problems, coordinate geometry, and 3-D geometry, as well as basic trigonometry. In other words, students must prepare to a more advanced level than they would have had to if they were preparing for the eighth-grade exam. There are a number of reasons that students should retake the SHSAT - they are as follows: attending a top-ranked high school in New York City, being able to generalize knowledge to the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, and to look good during college applications. Students who are serious about getting into a specialized high school and getting prepared for college should be prepared to take the 9th-grade exam, and they can take their first steps at Bobby-Tariq Tutoring Center. How Can Students Prepare? It is highly recommended that students prepare for the 8th and 9th grade SHSAT by taking classes at a top-rated preparatory course. Since only 100 students are admitted this time around, it is important to attend prep to stay motivated, driven, and on-task. According to SHSAT expert and President of Bobby-Tariq Tutoring Center, Tariq Hussain, "by making effective study plans and building study time into their schedules, students will be able to take advantage of the resources that specialized tutoring centers have at their disposal. There, they'll gain knowledge about advanced mathematics and grammar techniques and shortcuts." By taking control of their studies by joining a preparatory course, students can jumpstart and streamline their progress in studying for the exam. Bobby-Tariq probably offers one of the best SHSAT and 9th Grade SHSAT prep courses in New York City. Visit: https://www.bobbytariq.com/shsat-prep/ or https://www.bobbytariq.com/9th-grade-shsat-prep/ for more information.. SHSAT prep courses can help students learn the most effective strategies, plan their time wisely, and gain practical knowledge about the exam that other tutoring centers just don't have. Bobby-Tariq's lead SHSAT prep instructor, Tariq Hussain, encourages and motivates students to self-study and even engages in personal consultations with them in order to create a detailed and personalized plan for them. As Tariq says, "the most important thing is to practice and stay focused on their goals." Many students have the dream of going to specialized high school students, but many don't have test taking skills or stamina to take long tests. A good SHSAT prep course can teach more than just conceptual knowledge. It will teach techniques, skills, and a strong mindset. As Tariq says "I don't just teach concepts or shortcuts. I build a strong mindset, make my students more confident, and teach them to dominate the test". Even if there is only a 4% get accepted out of 30,000 test takers every year, students who take preparatory courses usually perform much better than those with no test preparation. Test prep companies such as Bobby-Tariq Tutoring Center can take your test-taking skills to the next level. CONTACT: Bobby Tariq Bobby-Tariq Tutoring Center tutoring@bobbytariq.com 1-833 692-3278 SOURCE: Bobby-Tariq Tutoring Center View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/581658/Bobby-Tariq-A-Leader-in-The-Test-Prep-Industry-Explains-How-Students-Can-Prepare-For-the-SHSAT-and-the-9th-Grade-SHSAT-to-Get-into-Their-Dream-Specialized-High-Schools A six-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana dismissed the plea, saying 'no case is made out' New Delhi: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday rejected the curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta, one of the four death-row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case, against the dismissal of his juvenility claim. A six-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana dismissed the plea, saying "no case is made out". "The application for oral hearing is rejected. We have gone through the curative petition and the relevant documents. In our opinion, no case is made out... Hence, the curative petition is dismissed," said the bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, RF Nariman, R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and AS Bopanna. On 5 March, a trial court issued fresh black warrants for the execution of all the four convicts in the case, Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31), in Tihar Jail at 5.30 am on 20 March. All the convicts have exhausted their legal remedies and constitutional remedies with the filing of their mercy petitions, which have been rejected by the President. Australia has had its highest number of new cases of coronavirus in 24 hours, with more than 636 people now infected by the disease. Coronavirus cases in Australia have skyrocketed from 73 to 636 in less than two weeks, with more than 204,000 people globally infected by the disease. More than 81,000 people globally have recovered from the disease, while the Australian death toll is six. Australia is set for an explosion in coronavirus cases in the next 14 days before the potential effects of social distancing kick in, experts have warned. A passenger wearing a face mask in Brisbane International Airport on Wednesday With cases of the virus now doubling every three days on home soil, more than 1,000 Australians will likely be struck down with the virus by the weekend. Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduced a social distancing policy last week, asking people to keep at least 1.5m distance between each other to avoid catching the coronavirus. He then suspended international travel and banned indoor gatherings of more than 100 people on Wednesday. University of New South Wales head researcher at Kirby Institute, Raina MacIntyre, said the rapidly growing trend would continue for at least a fortnight, when the impact of Mr Morrison's social distancing measures would begin to take effect. Three women wearing face masks in Neutral Bay on Wednesday following spike in coronavirus cases 'We're very much on the upward part of the curve. We can expect there to be a lot more cases tomorrow and even more cases the day after... things are going to get a lot worst a lot faster,' she told The Australian. 'We're looking like the countries in Europe that are experiencing quite severe surge in cases. It means that the epidemic is getting bigger very fast. 'Whether we get as bad as Italy depends on how we handle the response from here on and how much we manage to reduce contact between people with the measures we're undertaking.' At least 3,500 medical professionals and experts signed an open letter pleading with the Australian government to take a tougher stance against COVID-19 to avoid the 'war-like conditions' Italy is currently experiencing. A woman wearing a face mask sits on a bench at Sydney Harbour in front of the Sydney Opera House on Friday In the letter, intensive care specialist Greg Kelly aligned the nation's demographic and health care system closer to Italy rather than China. When China reached close to the number of cases we currently have in Australia, the government shut down the entire Hubei Province of 58million people. Mr Kelly said the current rate of infection in Australia alone suggests at least 12,000 people could catch the deadly respiratory virus by April. 'On current growth rates the 370 cases in Australia today will be 750 on Friday, 1,500 on Tuesday next week, 3,000 next Saturday, 6000 on the 1st of April and 12,000 by the 4th of April,' the letter reads. The letter calls for an immediate and mandatory national lockdown, as well as further resources deployed to hospitals to help them fight the inevitable surge in cases in coming weeks. A woman leaving Coles in Waterloo in central Sydney wearing a face mask on Sunday amid the coronavirus outbreak Mr Kelly described the virus as 'predictable' and said international evidence proves cases double every three to five days within a country until strict lockdown orders are imposed. From the time of lockdown, the disease will take roughly two weeks to show signs of slowing down based on the time it takes for symptoms to show in most cases. Australia's current healthcare system would be 'in a worse position than Italy is currently in' should the predictions come to fruition, the letter says. Mr Kelly, along with the almost 4,000 signatories, asked the government to follow the measures taken by China, South Korea and Singapore to prevent further carnage in Australia. They applaud the government for the recent implementation of the social distancing policies but say they need to be pushed even further and be strictly enforced. Asian- and Pacific Islander-owned small businesses in some parts of Portland could receive grants as early as next week to help them weather the coronavirus outbreak. The city will contribute $140,000 through its economic development agency Prosper Portland, and the remaining $50,000 will come from nonprofit Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, which will also be distributing the funds. All businesses in the Jade District, the shopping and dining district centered on Southeast 82nd Avenue and Division Street, and Old Town Chinatown in Northwest Portland are eligible to apply for the grants and Asian and Pacific Islander owned businesses will get top priority, said Duncan Hwang, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregons associate director. Nonprofits and national franchises arent eligible. [For more information about the COVID-19 Small Business Response Fund, including applications, click here] Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler first announced the grants on Tuesday and its one of the citys first responses to help businesses seeing lower revenue related to coronavirus. Wheeler said there are plans to later expand financial aid to other businesses around the city, but that Asian business owners in Southeast Portlands Jade District have been among the most impacted and some have seen their revenue drop by as much as 60% in recent weeks. Online applications in English and Vietnamese were made available Wednesday. Duncan said the documents will also be put forth in Chinese and Spanish. The nonprofit is accepting the applications at covidsupport@apano.org. Businesses can receive up to $10,000 in aid. Hwang said there are nearly 300 businesses in the Jade District alone, and he estimated around two-thirds are Asian- or Pacific Islander-owned. He said the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon has also been soliciting donations to help Jade District workers impacted by COVID-19 because of layoffs or reduced hours. He said its raised at least $6,000. Many of the workers affected are low-income immigrants, he said. CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON: THE LATEST NEWS Grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday. A selection committee made up of representatives of Portland Community Colleges Southeast campus, Harrison Park School, Old Town Chinatown and other representatives will evaluate the applications with criteria that include supporting businesses most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, at-risk commercial renters and immigrant-owned businesses, Hwang said. Organizers plan to announce grant recipients next Wednesday and then give out the money within 2 to 3 days. This is meant to be an extra tool to help businesses make it until theres a federal stimulus or something else coming from a state level that can support businesses that are in trouble, Hwang said. He said he knew of some businesses in those areas whose monthly rent is around $10,000, for example. Hwang attributed business declines in those areas since January to xenophobia and misplaced fear based on the geographic origin of the virus. He said his nonprofit and other outreach groups have been asking for the citys support over the last six to eight weeks to help impacted businesses. We think this is a great step to have the mayor and the city make this kind of investment and really responsive to the community, Hwang said. But we also want our city and state governments to really work on a plan that will support and lift up all businesses being impacted. -- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 | @EvertonBailey Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Cheryl and Paul Molesky were already inside their cruise ship room on Feb. 6 when the captain made an announcement over the loudspeaker: The Diamond Princess was under a two-week quarantine. The Syracuse couple along with thousands of other passengers were now barred from leaving their rooms. Life inside the COVID-19 quarantine felt a little bit like living in a science fiction book or movie, Cheryl said. We could imagine almost anything happening outside the door," she said. "The crew of the Diamond Princess couldve been out there partying, for all we knew. Or, they couldve been dying. The couple wondered: What if were left alone? What if the ship runs out of food? What if the outbreak gets worse? For the Moleskys, what would end up being nearly a month-long coronavirus quarantine had just begun. First they were stuck for two weeks on the ship off the shore of Japan in Yokohama Bay. That was followed by two weeks on an Air Force base in Texas. The Moleskys have become reluctant experts on what its like to live in a quarantine. The couple, safely back in Syracuse, sat down with Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard to talk about their ordeal. Paul and Cheryl Molesky were finishing their cruise on the Diamond Princess when they were quarantined first on the ship in Japan and then at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, for a total of 28 days. They laid low at their home in Syracuse on March 11, 2020. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.comN. Scott Trimble | strimble@syra It was almost like we were lepers The couples main contact with the outside world was through a video diary they kept on YouTube. When they spoke with anyone in person, the Moleskys faces were always half-cloaked in blue face masks. Most of the people they interacted with were health care workers in hazmat suits who took their temperatures and asked if they had sore throats. The couples second two-week quarantine was spent behind a guarded fence on the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas. Despite having to don masks, Cheryl said it was a relief to walk in the small, open area outside of their hotel on the base. But Paul said the armed marshals who guarded the fence sometimes barked at them to go back to their room. It was almost like we were lepers, he said. Open mouth, insert germs The Moleskys tried to keep their spirits up while quarantined on the Diamond Princess in Japan. To stretch their creative muscles and make their worried loved ones laugh, the couple posted videos on YouTube showing life inside their quarantine. They had an adjoining cabin with Pete and Cindy Molesky, of Rome in Oneida County -- their brother- and sister-in-law -- which helped them socialize. And the Moleskys, unlike many unlucky passengers on the Diamond Princess, could step out onto their cabins balcony to catch sunlight and fresh air. People on Jet Skis jetted past the ship and waved, Cheryl said, while Japanese children recorded songs for the passengers stuck on board. The ships crew even offered in-cabin activities like origami and Zumba to keep passengers busy. We tried the whole time to keep in mind that we were statistically unlikely to get sick, Cheryl said. Worrying wasnt going to do much for us." In this screenshot, a health worker tests Paul Molesky for COVID-19 on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. This screenshot was taken from a video posted on the couple's YouTube channel.Screenshot Living in an isolated world filled with hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and the ever-looming possibility of catching the virus didnt make it easy to stay positive. But the couple werent truly terrified, Cheryl said, until they were evacuated from Japan to the United States. At the recommendation of the federal government, the Moleskys decided to leave the cruise ship. They agreed to fly back to the U.S. and spend another two weeks on a Texas Air Force base in another two-week quarantine. About 300 Americans were taken off the Diamond Princess and shepherded onto cramped buses. It was packed, Paul said. It was like we were cattle in a truck being shipped off to a slaughterhouse. The Americans then boarded a cargo plane outfitted with seats and port-a-potties. There were no stewards, Cheryl said: Passengers picked out food, blankets and hand sanitizer piled up on the plane. Every time you wanted to eat or take a bite of food, Cheryl said you had to pull down your mask. We didnt feel very safe on the plane, not very safe at all, she said. It really felt like open mouth, insert germs. Passengers had to walk by an area fenced off by a long sheet of plastic to get to the bathrooms or grab food, Cheryl said. Ten hours into the flight, she walked by the blocked-off area and looked through a slit in the plastic. Thats when she learned there were people sickened by the coronavirus behind the makeshift plastic walls. Paul broke out into a nervous sweat, he said, and Cheryls face reddened as her blood pressure rose. For the first time, the couple said they felt sure they were going to catch the coronavirus. This plastic curtain was all that separated healthy passengers from passengers sickened by COVID-19 as the Americans were being evacuated by plane from Japan back to the United States.Screenshot from Cheryl Molesky's YouTube page Texas: Two more weeks When they arrived in Texas, the Moleskys and about 130 others were shuttled onto the Lackland base for their second coronavirus quarantine. Paul said it took a few days to shake the terror left over from their flight. The Moleskys kept making videos and tried to stay positive about life at Lackland. The beds inside their Air Force hotel room were comfortable, Cheryl said, and they were able to walk outside -- but under a blazing sun and the watchful eyes of armed guards. For the second time, the Moleskys tested negative for COVID-19. After 14 days in quarantine -- and an additional day after their release was blocked by San Antonio officials -- the couple took off their masks and flew home. People are afraid After close to a month in quarantine, the Moleskys are back home in Syracuse. They have repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19 and have paperwork from the CDC to prove it. Being home is a relief, the couple said: They dont have to wear masks. They can make their own food. Paul, who is a potter, and Cheryl, who works with textiles, can once again make art. And no one will yell at them for walking outside. There are no boundaries to where the Moleskys can go. But for now, theyre staying home. They arent afraid of catching COVID-19. Cheryl said theyre worried that if the coronavirus hits CNY hard, theyll be blamed. Cheryl said there is a little bit of stigma" linked to people who have been quarantined, even if they never had COVID-19. She said a few businesses -- which she didnt name -- have already asked them not to show up. Thats fine, Cheryl said. I understand that people are afraid. During their time in quarantine, the Moleskys were heartened by the well wishes of friends, family and strangers who followed their journey. The kind words, prayers and positive energy helped, Paul said. But now, Paul said, there are plenty of other people who need prayers. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS A county-by-county map of cases, deaths in New York State Central NY cancellations, closings list due to coronavirus pandemic (updated list) Out of work because of the coronavirus? How to quickly apply for unemployment benefits We all have a part to play in stopping coronavirus (Editorial) Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Have a tip, a story idea or a comment? You can reach me at shouse@syracuse.com. The Supreme Court on Thursday stated that Mukesh Singh, one of the four death-row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case, has exhausted all his remedies and that no fresh evidence can be entertained at this level. The apex court rejected his plea. Mukesh Singh had moved the Supreme Court earlier in the day claiming he was not in Delhi when the crime took place on December 16, 2012. The top court today said that it does not find any merit in Singhs plea and therefore his petition cannot be entertained. Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed Singhs plea that challenged a trial court order which rejected his claim that he was not in the national capital when the crime was committed. The high court on Wednesday said there were no grounds to interfere in the detailed and reasoned order of the trial court. Earlier on Thursday, President Ram Nath Kovind refused to consider the second mercy petition filed by 2012 Delhi gang rape case convicts Pawan Gupta and Akshay Thakur. The four convicts will be hanged at 5:30 am tomorrow, as per the death warrant issued by a Delhi court. The Supreme Court today also dismissed the curative petition filed by Gupta against a January 20 judgment of the top court which had dismissed his claim of juvenility. The four men had assaulted and gang raped a 23-year-old paramedic student inside a moving bus in South Delhi on December 16, 2012. The young woman died at a hospital in Singapore two weeks later. A man walks past a poster simulating facial-recognition software at the Security China 2018 exhibition on public safety and security in Beijing, China, on October 24, 2018. Thomas Peter/Reuters A Chinese facial recognition firm, Hanwang, claims its technology can accurately identify people wearing masks 95% of the time. Hanwang's chief technology officer Huang Lei told the FT that its tech previously recognized mask-wearers half the time, but said this rate improved after it created a database of photos of people wearing artificially-generated masks. He added that Hanwang had received requests from the original coronavirus epicenter, Hubei province, to update its software to recognize nurses wearing masks. One expert who spoke to Business Insider said Hanwang's claim of 95% accuracy was plausible. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. A Chinese company claims it has improved its facial recognition tech to recognize people wearing masks 95% of the time. Increased usage of facial recognition masks during the coronavirus outbreak has foiled facial recognition cameras and technologies such as Apple's Face ID feature. That has raised questions for governments, police forces, and companies that rely widely on facial recognition tech. But the chief technology officer of Chinese firm Hanwang, Huang Lei, has told the Financial Times that its tech previously recognized mask-wearers half the time, but said this rate improved after it created a 6 million-strong database of photos of people wearing artificially-generated masks. He added that Hanwang had received requests from the original coronavirus epicenter, Hubei province, to update its software to recognize nurses wearing masks while insisting this wasn't the reason it created the vast database. "We wouldn't wait until something explodes to act. If three or five clients ask for the same thing . . . we'll see that as important," he told the newspaper. Beijing-based Hanwang specializes in recognition-focused technology like handwriting recognition tools and biometric fingerprint software, as well as facial recognition cameras. The FT says it has placed 2 million of these cameras at entrance gates across the world. One expert who spoke to Business Insider anonymously said Hanwang's claim of 95% accuracy was plausible, but added that the company hadn't been sufficiently clear about whether the tech would work better on certain kinds of people. Read the original article on Business Insider Gatchalian pushes for the immediate release of financial aid to affected workers amid COVID-19 crisis Displaced workers brought about by an enhanced community quarantine triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic deserve to be compensated now, according to Senator Win Gatchalian. He says these workers, both from the formal and informal sector, need not so much time to wait as many of them have to feed their families and provide for their immediate basic needs on a daily basis. This is why Gatchalian is pushing for the immediate release of the 1.3 billion peso-COVID Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) or the P5,000 peso-per worker aid in private establishments. The problem, Gatchalian said, is that the assistance package can only be released within two weeks once all the application of beneficiaries are received at the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Their employers are also required to submit their COVID-19 precautionary measure reports. "The problem with government is red tape and we need to release the funds now. Hindi na natin dapat pinaghihintay pa ang mga apektadong empleyado dahil kapag hindi natin kaagad maibigay yan, baka bukas makalawa makita natin sila uli sa mga kalsada para maghanap ng kitang iuuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya" Gatchalian shared. The lawmaker said DOLE can utilize the different local government units (LGUs) to help in identifying their constituents covered by the program and that DOLE should minimize the requirements so that beneficiaries can immediately enjoy their subsidies. "Kailangang makipag-uganayan ang DOLE sa LGUs dahil sa ganitong paraan ay mas mapapabilis na, mas magiging epektibo pa ang pamimigay ng ayuda sa ating mga kababayang nawalan ng trabaho", stressed Gatchalian. On the part of the informal sector workers, an emergency employment assistance will be given by DOLE. The vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs is also proposing a "bridge loan package" for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) "Ang isa ko pang mungkahi ay isang loan package fund sa mga negosyante natin, lalo na yung mga maliliit na negosyante, para may maipang sweldo sila sa kanilang mga empleyado", Gatchalian added. Meanwhile, Gatchalian joins calls for business owners to relax their 'no work, no pay' policy. The Islamic Republic Foreign Ministry summoned Hungary's Ambassador to Tehran to protest what it described as "mistreatment of fifteen Iranian students by the police and medical personnel in a hospital. Fifteen Iranian students infected with coronavirus were in isolation in Szent Laszlo Hospital in Budapest before being expelled from Hungary. In his meeting with Hungarian ambassador, Zoltan Varga-Haszonits, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, denounced the Hungarian government's decision to expel fifteen Iranian students suspected of coronavirus as "unacceptable," urging the ambassador to convey Tehran's protest to his superiors in Budapest. He also highlighted the responsibility of the Hungarian government in providing sanitary and treatment facilities to all Iranian students in the country. Furthermore, he urged Hungarian authorities to reconsider their decision over the case of the expelled Iranian students. "Hungarian ambassador, for his part, presented a report on the latest situation on coronavirus outbreak in the country as well as the government's measures in containing it and promised to convey Iranian government's request to the respective government at the earliest," the Islamic Republic official news agency, IRNA, reported. Earlier, on March 16, local news outlets in Budapest cited Hungarian Ministry of Health officials as saying that thirteen Iranian students had left their quarantined rooms and behaved aggressively with the health staff. However, according to the Iranian students in Budapest, they were attending a party celebrating the arrival of two of their friends from Iran who had contracted the Novel coronavirus without knowing it. "Hungarian police force stormed the residence of the Iranian students at early hours of the morning and forcefully took them to a hospital," the Iranian students maintain, adding, "They should have allowed us to isolate ourselves at our homes to see whether we were infected with the virus or not." Two more Iranian students were expelled from the country on Friday for a similar misdemeanor. Hungarian Index reported on March 13, the two 23-year-old university students had left their assigned quarantine wards at the Szent Laszlo block of the Central Hospital of Southern Pest (DPC) without permission and protective clothing. In a statement, the Hungarian Ministry of Health announced that the students refused to return to their hospital ward even after being repeatedly instructed to do so, vocally expressed their disdain, and were aggressive towards medical staff and disobeyed their directions. Regarding the thirteen students, the execution of the expulsion order was suspended until there will be "conditions necessary for the execution of the expulsion order." Still, the Iranian students will not be allowed to leave their prescribed place of residence. The two 23-year-old Iranian students were also banned from entering Hungary for the next three years, and the Budapest Police Department is still investigating them for the misdemeanor of disobeying epidemiological regulations, Index reported. The enraged Iranian students insist that they are going to be expelled without access to their educational records and documents. They also assert that they are on the verge of expulsion without having any health problems. In the meantime, Hungary Today said that there had been "communication problems" between the Iranian students and the hospital staff. Some 2,500 Iranian students are currently in Hungary, mainly studying medicine, dentistry, and pharmacology at private universities. The deteriorating economic situation in Iran and the substantial expenses of studying abroad have forced many of the Iranian students to return to the country before graduation. A man carries toilet paper after crossing the border from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego. Read more Theyre bringing cash. Theyre bringing credit cards. Theyre wipers. And some, Mexico assumes, are good people. Americans are going over the Mexican border in search of toilet paper and other household goods that are in short supply in the U.S., according to WKBN 27 News. Theyre also going to Mexico for water. One Costco in Tijuana recently had a line of at least 600 people waiting for the store to open at 10 a.m. One shopper who waited at least an hour to get inside said she was in the market for everything. An Angeleno named Maria Castro drove more than two hours to shop at the nearby Calimax Supermarket because the Costco by her house was struggling to keep items like water, canned goods, rice and toilet paper on its shelves. Carmen Jimenez, who lives north of the border in San Diego, said she and her husband make the trek to Mexico to load up on paper towels, bathroom tissue and that sort of thing. Its still not very bad right now here, they have a lot of products, Jimenez said. Her biggest issue is that places like Calimax Supermarket have set limits to curb stockpiling. She said Calimax caps purchases of any one item at four per person. That stores manager told WKBN that his stores biggest problem is maintaining an inventory to accommodate Californians who want to buy everything they can get their hands on. Mexicans surely hope that Americans heading south of the border remember to wash their hands. According to Johns Hopkins University, 11,238 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the U.S. Only 118 cases have been confirmed in Mexico. President Donald Trump said last weekend that his administration was very strongly considering shutting down the U.S. border with Mexico to contain the spread of coronavirus. The U.S. and Canada agreed to stop non-essential travel over the border between those countries Wednesday. District offers free meals to children Schools in Green River have closed and classes hosted at both Western Wyoming Community College and the University of Wyoming have been suspended in response to the efforts combating the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees met in an emergency meeting Sunday evening to vote on if it would close the district. The board unanimously to close schools starting Monday. The closure will remain in effect through April 3 and are based on a recommendation by Gov. Mark Gordon and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. Christy Pe... Murderer Hashem Abedi is proclaimed guilty for the deaths of 22 people caused by a bomb which was detonated after an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017 in England. Added to the charges is attempted murder and planning with his suicide-bomber brother Salman Abedi in the act of terrorism. After five hours, the jury gave the unanimous verdict in court two of the Old Bailey, the judge said guilty and the bereaved were in tears after it was given. According to the senior investigating officer, Hashem is responsible like his elder, and he might be the brain of the bombing. He intends to cause more death while planning the attack in Libya. Hashem Abedi was not at the end of his seven-week trial, as he was on the run to avoid any connection to the May 22, 2017 bombing. Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Barraclough, added that both brothers knew what they were going to do. Not as if they did not fully know what were the stakes, of what they were doing. Simon Barraclough said, "These two men are the real deal, these are proper jihadis - you do not walk into a space like the Manchester Arena and kill yourself with an enormous bomb like that, taking 22 innocent lives with you, if you are not a proper jihadist." In reference to how both brothers planned the mayhem and death that followed the blast. Innocents were caught in the crossfire of sick jihadists and died as their intent to kill needed fulfilment. Also read: Disturbed Woman Beheads Mom, Then Carries Head in Bag Like Nothing Happened The Detective Chief Superintendent interjected that Hashem Abedi was involved in assembling the explosive and in the entire plan. Hashem was bolstering his brother to commit the act of suicide bombing until the detonation. Jihadis are obsessed with the sickening mentality of the Islamic State, and the dead brother Salman wanted to be a martyr. This perverse thinking is what drives their believers to carry out heinous acts against people. Simon Barraclough is very definite that Hashem had the final call from Salman before he detonated the bomb that blew him to bits but took others as well. Barraclough got assigned to the case, an hour after the suicide bombing, said that evidence points to Hashem and Salman who were hands-on in the process. Prosecutor Duncan Penny QC, commented that Hashem is guilty like Salman because he encouraged it, resulting to the death of 22 men, women, and children from 8 to 51-years old. Evidence was gathered from 2017 when both Hashem and Salman bought all the materials to make the homemade bomb. Right after, Salman saw convicted Islamic State recruiter Abdulraouf Abdallah in jail and talked to the Jihadi as plans progressed. Their parents wanted them to return to Libya in April 2017 with fears that their sons were getting poisoned by Jihadi ideals. They left, but Salman returned to complete the plot. Later the police got prints of Hashem and at every address, even in Mica used by Salman. Hashem was caught in Libya the next day, and was also sent back to the UK. In the end, Hashem the murderer and conspirator of Salman, who killed 22 people after that Arianna Grande concert was judged guilty. Related Article: VIRAL VIDEO: Brit Couple Shares Terrifying Flight to UK With Coronavirus Positive People in Metal Box @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kajol And Nysa Devgn Trolled For Not Wearing Masks As They Are Spotted At Mumbai Airport: Thats The Least You Can Do Workers and businesses are starting to feel the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic, with companies postponing expansions and unemployment insurance claims rising. Last week, nearly 20,000 people in Texas applied for unemployment insurance. That's up by nearly 7,400 applications from the same week in 2019, according to data provided by the Texas Workforce Commission. Over the first two weeks of this month, the TWC says it has received 37,000 claims. At the same time, many employers have had to either close their doors or send employees home to enforce social distancing, causing a downturn in activity thats likely to halt economic growth in San Antonio. We can expect COVID-19 to impact economic development activities globally, said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. Several inbound and outbound marketing and prospect visits have been postponed or canceled. Its possible that companies will also delay expansion decisions until later in the year, she said. Nevertheless, two big projects are moving forward, at least for now. Truck maker Navistar postponed a groundbreaking ceremony for the firm's $250 million assembly plant, but construction at the site in South San Antonio is continuing as planned, SAEDF reports. Construction on car-part maker Aisin AW's Cibolo assembly also still is on schedule. Officials at SAEDF said the pandemic will disrupt the recruitment of companies that in normal times would consider investing in San Antonio. Economists expect the coronavirus outbreak to grind the economy to a stop and sharply drive up unemployment rates as employers are forced to lay off workers. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has suggested the national unemployment rate could approach as high as 20 percent comparable to unemployment during the Great Depression though President Donald Trump and some economists say thats the worst-case scenario. There are a lot of people in jobs where they cant work as they normally would or theyre interacting with the public in hotels, leisure and hospitality, all of those industries. So these people are gonna be inactive, involuntarily out of work, said Christopher OLeary, a senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Its very possible that unemployment could get into double digits. In a Marist poll conducted over March 13 and 14, 18 percent of U.S. adults said someone in their household has been laid off or had hours cut as a result of the novel coronavirus. Lower-income families have been hit even harder. Among households that earn under $50,000, 25 percent said theyve recently experienced a lay off or a reduction in hours. Gov. Greg Abbott responded Wednesday to the economic fallout by waiving the one week waiting period before unemployment benefits can be disbursed. Abbott also waived work-search requirements, which mandate unemployment insurance recipients complete certain job search activities. That move will expand the safety net for workers let go during the pandemic, and acts as a partial income replacement, OLeary said. People probably have enough food in the kitchen to get by a few days, a week, maybe two. But theyre going to have to start re-stocking, and theyre going to need money to do it, he said. And thats why unemployment insurance is particularly important at this time. Typically, when an employer lays workers off, each claim of unemployment insurance can result in a tax rate increase for employers. In order to ensure affected workers receive benefits and businesses arent penalized for layoffs amid the pandemic, OLeary said Texas should waive or pay back the cost of benefits that employers pay out. Federal officials also continue to discuss sending checks to American adults to blunt the economic blow of coronavirus. Mnuchin and others have suggested giving checks to people based on income, but economists argue the government should instead send money out immediately. There is a trade-off between speediness and precision, Keith Phillips, a senior economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, said. We want (money) to get to people who most need it. But to show who most needs it involves a lot of bureaucracy. We dont want it getting to those people 12 months from now. Usually, manufacturing and construction are the first industries to suffer in a downturn, Phillips said. But the unique nature of a pandemic and social distancing measures have meant leisure and hospitality workers, who make up roughly 13 percent of the workforce in San Antonio, will continue to take the brunt of the economic pain, Phillips said. The leisure and hospitality effect is going to cause San Antonio to be weaker than youd normally expect in a period of downturn. It may be less than 3 months, it may be for 6 months. We dont know, Phillips said. Its bigger, and its going to cause more pain here than it will in other places. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net The Angel Moroni statue's outstretched hand appears empty after the trumpet held by the figure, on top of the Mormon Salt Lake Temple, toppled during a 5.7 magnitutude earthquake in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. March 18, 2020. REUTERS (Photo : Reuters Connect ) A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Salt Lake City, Utah, Wednesday morning. This hit caused a power outage to 73,000 thousands of residents, temporarily ceasing operations at Utah's public health laboratory, disrupting airline flight schedules, and causing panic among Utah residents that are confined at home due to coronavirus outbreak. The epicenter of the quake was approximately two miles northeast of Magna, or 10 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. The earthquake struck at 7:09 a.m. (9:09 a.m. ET). Utah's Division of Emergency Management reported that since 1992 when a magnitude 5.9 hit the St. George area, this is the state's most powerful quake. The depth of the earthquake was recorded six miles beneath the Earth's surface. Due to its shallow depth, intensity registered at level VII, which is considered "severe" on the Mercalli Intensity Scale. Panic Amid Coronavirus About 2.8 million Utah residents, mostly confined at home to avoid the spread of COVID-19 run outside the safety of their homes in fear when the earthquake struck. There was no reported injury. The shaking lasted for 15 seconds, throwing out books, plates from shelves, swinging chandeliers, and fallen pottery. The earthquake damaged the trumpet from the hand of a golden angel statute of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' iconic Salt Lake Temple. Approximately 100 people were driven from buildings and homes by damage near the epicenter in Magna. Aftershocks were felt the entire day. The tremor was also present in neighboring Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Suspended Laboratory Operations The state's public health laboratory operations ceased operation as the building was inspected for damage. Services will resume when the structure is determined safe. Fortunately, no samples are being tested at the time of the earthquake. No laboratory equipment was damaged during the tremor. The state's coronavirus hotline, which residents may call to seek information and request for tests, was down. Processing of COVID-19 tests is still on-going. Black Out Immediately after the quake, 73,000 households experienced a power outage. By the early afternoon, about 10,000 homes still have no power. Gov. Gary Herbert requested the public to stay away from the downtown area while the crew to assess the damage on structures. He urged everyone to remain at home or telework unless working in public safety or is an essential employee. Disrupted flights Flights to Salt Lake International Airport were diverted, outbound flights were canceled, and terminals and concourses were cleared for inspection of possible damage by the engineers. The airport resumed operations as the first flight left for Dallas before 3 p.m. on Wednesday after the assessment of damages ends. A damaged water line has also been repaired. There were no reported damages on runways and taxiways, airport director Bill Wyatt said. Incoming planes were diverted to Denver or elsewhere for the time being. A road to the airport was closed after the quake but was reopened last Wednesday. Thousands of gallons of hydrochloric acid leaked from a broken tank at the Kennecott copper mine sending chemical plume into the air. The roads are being checked for damage. Parts of Interstate 80 were closed for the time being for the inspection crew to assess the bridges for any damage. According to USGS, aftershocks were recorded within 20 minutes of the quake and after that, including one aftershock, which registered 4.6 magnitudes. BEIRUT - The Syrian government is intensifying measures to face the coronavirus pandemic, while the health ministry in Damascus continues to assert that there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the country. All parks, public places, cafes and restaurants are closed, said state news agency SANA. The interior ministry and the civil registry have suspended issuing permits and administrative certificates to individuals and companies. The health ministry said it made a deal with a health products manufacturing company to urgently make 10,000 face masks per day. It said it has set up various quarantine centres in cities around the country. Twenty-seven Syrians who arrived from the Chinese region of Wuhan, the first hotbed of COVID-19, have been isolated in the central Syrian town of Duwayr, near Homs. The apostolic nuncio in Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, said that if the coronavirus were to hit Syria, it would be a catastrophe. An interview with Zenari in recent days by the Italian news agency Religious Information Service (SIR) was published on Thursday morning by Syrian media. Zenari recalled what the World Health Organization (WHO) said at the end of 2018 regarding the Syrian health system: just over half of Syrian hospitals are closed or only partially operational, with 46% operating normally. The government is working on a second stimulus package which will dwarf the first, and it needs to if we are to come out of this crisis with a viable, competitive small- and medium-sized business community. The size of the shock to the economy is unprecedented and a group of industries: tourism, hospitality and education, along with artistic, sporting and industry-based event organisers, are all being stopped dead. Business has a lot of problems ahead of it but very few people ever thought that they would have to jump the hurdles that the laws provide to deal with the prospect of insolvency in the circumstances the world faces now. These are unprecedented times for the vast majority of small- and medium-sized business owners because their customers have been asked to stop coming for the good of the nation and its citizens. The numbers are terrifying, money through the till has halved or more for tens of thousands of Australian enterprises. YEREVAN, 19 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 19 March, USD exchange rate up by 1.69 drams to 492.22 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 7.54 drams to 532.39 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.15 drams to 6.15 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 22.44 drams to 567.23 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 517.89 drams to 23709.37 drams. Silver price up by 0.36 drams to 196.55 drams. Platinum price down by 281.13 drams to 9985.73 drams. CALGARY, March 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina" or the "Company") is pleased to announce receipt of a certificate of approval from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") for Pembina's proposed Jordan Cove liquified natural gas ("LNG") terminal and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (together known as "Jordan Cove" or "the Project"). Jordan Cove is the first ever U.S. West Coast natural gas export facility to be approved by FERC. This federal approval is a significant milestone for the Project and for Pembina. Pembina acquired Jordan Cove in late 2017 and has since been working toward obtaining extensive local, state and federal regulatory approvals. The Project includes a 229-mile pipeline, that would traverse four counties in Southern Oregon, and an LNG export terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon. Natural gas for Jordan Cove would be sourced at the Malin Hub, creating a new outlet for natural gas from areas such as the Rockies Basin. The Project represents a significant opportunity to bring tremendous economic benefits to the State of Oregon and Western Colorado and make a substantial contribution to addressing global climate change by replacing coal in Asia. The bi-partisan FERC is currently comprised of three appointed Commissioners and serves as the federal agency responsible for reviewing proposals to build interstate natural gas pipelines, natural gas storage projects, and LNG terminals. The FERC's approval of the Project is the result of comprehensive environmental, safety and security reviews involving input from both federal and state agencies, Tribes, landowners and many other stakeholders. Today's affirmative decision from the FERC represents the most significant step forward for Jordan Cove since Pembina acquired the Project. "We appreciate FERC's science-based approach to their review. The approval emphasizes yet again that Jordan Cove is environmentally responsible and is a project that should be permitted given a prudent regulatory and legal process was undertaken," said Harry Andersen, Pembina's Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. "The FERC's decision is due in no small part to our many supporters who have turned out time and time again to voice their support for Jordan Cove and to show that the Project is in the public interest, including in Southern Oregon and the Rockies Basin," added Mr. Andersen. This decision is one of many significant steps forward for Jordan Cove in recent months. In addition to this federal approval, Jordan Cove recently received approval on all 14 local jurisdiction county and city applications and permits. Also, the Company has signed voluntary easement agreements that constitute 77 percent of the privately-owned portion of the proposed pipeline route, which will allow the pipeline to cross beneath these properties. About Pembina Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for 65 years. Pembina owns an integrated system of pipelines that transport various hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas products produced primarily in western Canada. The Company also owns gas gathering and processing facilities; an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business; is growing an export terminals business; and is currently developing a petrochemical facility to convert propane into polypropylene. Pembina's integrated assets and commercial operations along the majority of the hydrocarbon value chain allow it to offer a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services to the energy sector. Pembina is committed to identifying additional opportunities to connect hydrocarbon production to new demand locations through the development of infrastructure that would extend Pembina's service offering even further along the hydrocarbon value chain. These new developments will contribute to ensuring that hydrocarbons produced in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and the other basins where Pembina operates can reach the highest value markets throughout the world. Purpose of Pembina: To be the leader in delivering integrated infrastructure solutions connecting global markets; Customers choose us first for reliable and value-added services; choose us first for reliable and value-added services; Investors receive sustainable industry-leading total returns; receive sustainable industry-leading total returns; Employees say we are the 'employer of choice' and value our safe, respectful, collaborative and fair work culture; and say we are the 'employer of choice' and value our safe, respectful, collaborative and fair work culture; and Communities welcome us and recognize the net positive impact of our social and environmental commitment. Pembina is structured into three Divisions: Pipelines Division, Facilities Division and Marketing & New Ventures Division. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of applicable securities legislation that are based on Pembina's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "intend", "will", "shall", and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the potential economic and climate change benefits of the Project. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that Pembina has made in respect thereof as at the date of this news release, including: prevailing commodity prices, margins and exchange rates, that Pembina's businesses will continue to achieve sustainable financial results and that future results of operations will be consistent with past performance and management expectations in relation thereto, the availability and sources of capital, operating costs, ongoing utilization and future expansions, the ability to reach required commercial agreements, and the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: non-performance of agreements in accordance with their terms; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on key industry partners, alliances and agreements; the strength and operations of the oil and natural gas production industry and related commodity prices; the continuation or completion of third-party projects; regulatory environment and inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; tax laws and treatment; fluctuations in operating results; the ability of Pembina to raise sufficient capital to complete future projects and satisfy future commitments; construction delays; labour and material shortages; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Pembina's public disclosure documents including, among other things, those detailed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Pembina's management's discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2019, which can be found at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and available on Pembina's website at www.pembina.com. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted, forecasted or projected. Such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the above statements. Pembina does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. For media inquiries, please contact 403-691-7601 or media@pembina.com; Investor Relations: Scott Arnold, (403) 231-3156, 1-855-880-7404, e-mail: investor-relations@pembina.com, www.pembina.com Queen of the Valley: Resilient and ready to respond to COVID-19 Across the country, communities want to understand how their local hospitals, healthcare systems and public health officials are preparing to respond to the COVID-19 epidemic. More than a century ago, the Sisters of St. Joseph focused a challenge similar to the one we face now as they responded to the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic and served the community in a time of need. Over recent months, Queen of the Valley Medical Center has developed a preparedness plan to deal with the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our county. We are leveraging local and national expertise in this challenging time as we focus on the health and safety of our community and our caregivers. As part of Providence St. Joseph Health, leaders and Infection Prevention specialists from across seven states have come together to develop a coordinated response and innovative approaches to providing care. We have the benefit of learning from experts who have cared for some of the first patients who developed severe pneumonia from COVID-19. Several of the states Providence St. Joseph Health serves are ground zero for coronavirus in the U.S. While we still need more doctors, this community is blessed with physicians with special training in Intensive Care Medicine, Infectious Diseases as well as primary care and hospitalist medicine. We are working closely with Dr. Karen Relucio, Napa County Public Health Officer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our infectious disease and infection prevention experts, and many more to ensure a coordinated response. Time and time again, our caregivers have risen to the occasion when our patients and communities have needed us most. Our response to COVID-19 is no exception. The willingness of our caregivers to run toward the crisis to serve those in need instead of away from it are reminiscent of our courageous founding sisters who began our healing ministry caring for people during cholera and influenza epidemics. We are also deploying technology to care for people virtually to limit exposure through in-person visits. It is important to note that patients without symptoms and those with no underlying illness who have mild symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough and diarrhea without fever or shortness of breath, should generally rest at home. Our new screening online chat bot or coronavirus assessment tool helps to address the concerns of the worried well and by assessing need for medical evaluation makes sure those who are most at risk get the care they need. We have also increased the capacity of virtual care called Providence Express Care Virtual so that patients can visit with providers via online video at virtual.providence.org. In addition to treating common conditions, board certified providers screen patients for COVID-19 and advise them on the best course of action. And our organization is piloting Telehealth Home Monitoring in Western Washington to support patients on home quarantine, which will also reduce in-person visits and limit exposure. Another important aspect of our response is working closely with state, federal and international health authorities to ensure we are following evidenced-based protocols. In a time when fear is running rampant, it is critical that we rely on facts and science to protect caregivers, patients and the public. The world is watching, and I am incredibly proud of our caregivers who have demonstrated leadership, compassion and expertise in caring for our community. Larry Coomes, Chief Executive Queen of the Valley Police in Ecuador have blockaded a major runway to stop foreign planes from landing after international flights were banned. Hundreds of emergency service workers were parked on the strip at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International airport - the second biggest in the country. Guayaquil city mayor Cynthia Viteri reportedly ordered officers on to the tarmac to stop planes from Europe amid the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of emergency service workers were parked on the strip at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International airport - the second biggest in the country Footage shows dozens of security vehicles on the runway, making it impossible for aircraft to land. The move was understood to have been taken to stop an Iberia Airbus A340 travelling from Madrid and a KLM Boeing 777 from Amsterdam. But local media claimed the planes landed in Quito with just crew members on-board. They had reportedly been sent to Ecuador to pick up their citizens in the country to take them home. Footage shows dozens of security vehicles on the runway, making it impossible for aircraft to land Prosecutors are believed to be investigating the incident, with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works blasting the Guayaquil City Council for clamping down on air travel. Up to 170 passengers reportedly boarded the KLM plane in Quito but it is unclear if the two flights have returned to Europe. Mayor Viteri, who is part of the conservative Social Christian Party party, claimed responsibility for the incident. Prosecutors are believed to be investigating the incident, with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works blasting the Guayaquil City Council for clamping down on air travel She said she would do it again to protect the city from the arrival of people who may have caught coronavirus. The politician claimed the planes had been about to land in the city and the crew members were scheduled to spend the night there before leaving the next day. She said Guyauquil is bringing in strict restrictions on movement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the city is one of the worst-affected in the country. Ecuador has suffered 168 confirmed cases of the virus and three deaths. The aviation investigation ongoing. The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta, one of the four death-row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case, against the dismissal of his juvenility claim. A six-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana dismissed the plea, saying "no case is made out". "The application for oral hearing is rejected. We have gone through the curative petition and the relevant documents. In our opinion, no case is made out... Hence, the curative petition is dismissed," said the bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, RF Nariman, R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and AS Bopanna. On March 5, a trial court issued fresh black warrants for the execution of all the four convicts in the case - Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31) - in Tihar Jail at 5.30 am on March 20. All the convicts have exhausted their legal remedies and constitutional remedies with the filing of their mercy petitions, which have been rejected by the president. Face-Masks Made in Georgia to Be Distributed for Free - GeorgianJournal In a letter to Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, nurses say the state is still falling short in providing enough protective equipment for healthcare workers and that COVID-19 tests are still not widely available. Donna Kelly-Williams, a nurse and the president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, in the letter laid out what nurses are seeing in facilities across the state. Patients who may have COVID-19, a disease caused by a new coronavirus, are coming to hospitals that are not equipped to triage, test, and properly treat potentially infected people in an appropriate setting, Kelly-Williams wrote. Frontline caregivers are seeing the state fall short in a few areas, Kelly-Williams wrote. Tests are not widely available and facilities do not have enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline health care staff and are recommending that nurses reuse PPE without taking the proper safety requirements, reads the letter, dated March 18. Nurses continue to be concerned about capacity to treat the potential influx of individuals with COVID-19, Kelly-Williams wrote. After years of closures of beds, units and hospitals, and reductions in frontline health care staff, hospitals lack the space and staff to deal with an unprecedented outbreak of this highly contagious virus. This puts patients, health care workers, and the general public at risk. However, Kelly-Williams wrote that the halt to the closure of MetroWest Medical Center was a positive development, as was the decision to require hospitals to cancel all non-essential elective procedures. The association also wants to see more drive-up testing, which has started across the state. In Massachusetts, there are 256 cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the state Department of Public Health. Kelly-Williams said the MNA is calling for a number of actions, including protection for health care workers, specific areas to address suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases and immediate mobilization of domestic manufacturing of PPE and ventilators. The group wants all health care staff caring for confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients to be provided with: gloves, gown, fit-tested NIOSH certified disposable N-95 masks, goggles and disposable face shields. Unfortunately, as the CDC has chosen to weaken PPE standards, some Massachusetts health care facilities are following suit, by not providing proper PPE or telling staff to reuse PPE without following strict and proper procedures for that, Kelly-Williams wrote. We have seen from the experience in Italy the high number of health care workers contracting COVID-19 when proper PPE and strict protocols were not maintained. All Massachusetts hospitals must act to limit the number of staff triaging patients by creating or erecting designated triage areas to segregate patients and to help conserve the limited supply of PPE. Health care facilities should also test all staff with exposure to patients who test positive or who are triaging patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Theres a shortage not just of protective equipment, but also ventilators. Kelly-Williams called for efforts on the state and national level to increase production. The association also wants to see support for health care workers who have concerns about housing and childcare options. The governor announced Wednesday that daycares will be closed as of Monday. For staff who are caring for patients and cannot return to their home without causing undo risk to household members in a high-risk category, there should be temporary housing provided- such as a designated hotel or dormitory at one of the vacant college campuses, the letter reads. This should also apply to personnel placed on quarantine due to exposure. The letter also called for the state to halt all bed, unit and facility closures, stop all staff reductions, discharge inpatients as soon as possible and prescreen all people who come in and out of healthcare facilities. Read the full letter here: Related Content: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Made Anthony Iswara (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 Indonesia has prepared its beef supply early from Australia to anticipate a spike in meat consumption during Idul Fitri when families across the archipelago celebrate the end of Ramadan. A Statistics Indonesia (BPS) report on Monday showed that Indonesias live animal import value skyrocketed 231.72 percent month-to-month in February, despite the government's recent ban on such goods from China. A BPS official who requested anonymity told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday imported cows from Australia contributed to the skyrocketing increase of live animal imports. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login This is an edited version of an article first published in The Sun-Herald on 20 March, 1988. NICK GREINER last night led the Liberal-National Coalition to a resounding victory, ending Labor's 12 years in office in NSW. Nick Greiner with his wife Kathryn (right), March 20, 1988. Credit:Palani Mohan Labor's Front Bench was decimated with at least five ministers unseated and another three under serious threat. The Coalition may have exceeded the 12 seats needed for victory by up to five. It won a 15 per cent swing in country seats and 8 to 10 per cent State-wide. Six Singapore-returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands were de-boarded from the Gujarat-bound Saurashtra Express at Borivali station in Mumbai on Thursday morning, an official said. The six passengers were travelling to Vadodara from Mumbai Central, a spokesperson of the Western Railway said. The incident occurred a day after four Germany- returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands wereforced to de-board from Garib Rath Express at Palghar station after their co-passengers raised an alarm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) We think that given the challenges that many of the people who will be most impacted by fines and fees are having, now is the time to act, Lightfoot said. Its the right thing to do. We know cash flow is a significant issue, and we want to be sure were doing our part to make sure were doing our part to really hear people, recognize what their daily struggles are, and use the levers of city government to help them rather than leave them reeling and potentially driving them into bankruptcy. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their quasi-military companions who composed the Corps of Discovery, were the first white men to cross the western half of North America within the present limits of the United States. Their exploration was the concluding act in the long and fruitless search for a watery route through the continent the Northwest Passage that had begun soon after Columbus discovered the New World. Thomas Jefferson The author of the 1803-1806 exploration was Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. The expedition first occurred to him about the time the United States achieved independence in 1783. During the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams, he twice tried unsuccessfully to have a transcontinental exploring party visit the vast area. On Jan. 18, 1803, Jefferson asked Congress for authorization and an appropriation of $2,500 to send a military expedition to explore along the Missouri River to its source in the Rocky Mountains and then down the nearest westward flowing stream to the Pacific Ocean. Three reasons were given for the proposed mission: to expand the fur trade, to advance geographical knowledge and to explore the fauna and flora of the region. When Jefferson sent his message to Congress, none of the territory he wanted to explore belonged to the United States. The land between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, called Louisiana, belonged to France; the Pacific Northwest was claimed by England, Russia, Spain and the United States. On May 2, 1803, Louisiana became the territory. The journey to the Pacific Ocean would be strengthening the American claims to the region beyond the mountains. Presidents choice To command the expedition, the president chose his private secretary, 6-foot, physically strong, but hot-tempered Capt. Meriwether Lewis. He, with the presidents concurrence, then selected a tall, large-boned, red-haired horseman and friend, William Clark, to be the expeditions co-leader. It was a perfect union. Lewis would attend to the scientific work and negotiate with the Indians. Clark would marshal the men and look after the equipment. After making initial preparations in the east, Lewis passed through Pittsburgh, floated down the Ohio River and made camp opposite the mouth of the Missouri River in Illinois. Clark and Lewis spent the winter of 1803-1804 recruiting and training the men, gathering supplies and collecting information about the Missouri River from traders and boatmen. The permanent party included 37 young, unmarried soldiers, a half-breed hunter and interpreter and Clarks slave, York. In addition, a corporal and five privates along with several French boatmen were to accompany the expedition during the first year and then return with records and scientific specimens. Corps of Discovery The Corps of Discovery began its historic journey on May 14, 1804. It started up the Missouri in a 55-foot keelboat and two pirogues averaging about 15 miles per day. By the end of October, the party had reached the Knife River and Mandan Indian territory near present-day Washburn, North Dakota. The contributions of these Indians and other tribes to the success of this adventure cannot be exaggerated. With winter survived at Fort Mandan, the expedition resumed its journey April 7, 1805. Joining the group was another interpreter named Charbonneau and his Shoshoni wife along with her papoose called Pompey. Sacagawea was instrumental in purchasing horses necessary for the portage across the Rocky Mountains. After crossing the mountains, the explorers descended the Clearwater, Snake and Columbia rivers to the Pacific Ocean, arriving in mid-November. After wintering on a river to be named after the two explorers, Lewis and Clark descended the Yellowstone River. Reuniting on the Missouri River, they reached St. Louis, Sept. 23, 1806. The expedition accomplished its mission with remarkable success. During more than 28 months, it covered over 8,000 miles and cost about $40,000. It was the first giant step in opening the Trans-Mississippi West to the American people. Thats your history! U.S. Reps. Anthony Brindisi and John Katko are asking the federal government to provide supplies to central New York hospitals as the coronavirus continues to spread across the state. Brindisi, D-Utica, and Katko, R-Camillus, said Thursday that community health centers, emergency management agencies, hospitals and nursing homes have informed them that they are facing supply shortages due to the pandemic. Onondaga County, which is in Katko's district, has reported seven confirmed cases of COVID-19. Oneida County, the largest county in Brindisi's district, has four confirmed COVID-19 cases. On Tuesday, the Department of Defense announced it would provide 5 million respirators and 2,000 ventilators to the Department of Health and Human Services. In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Brindisi and Katko said the department should allocate a "proportionate amount" of the equipment to New York healthcare providers. "We need to marshal all available resources to ensure that healthcare workers are not themselves sickened and are able to remain on the frontlines to combat this pandemic," Brindisi and Katko wrote. "This is especially true in upstate and central New York, which are already facing a critical shortage of healthcare providers during this crisis." New York has been the state most affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported Thursday that there are 4,152 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New York nearly 3,000 more than in Washington, the state with the second-highest total of positive tests. The hospitalization rate in New York is 19%, with 777 people in hospitals receiving treatment after testing positive for the virus. Cuomo has been outspoken about the need for more hospital capacity and equipment. He's been requesting help from the federal government to retrofit state buildings into temporary hospitals and provide additional equipment, such as ventilators. Brindisi, Katko and other members of New York's congressional delegation on Wednesday sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting approval of a major disaster declaration for New York. As of Thursday, Trump hasn't acted on that request. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. NASAs pursuit for a human spaceflight yet again for the Unites States of America was bound to take wings this year around between April to June. Despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the resources of the country being unidirectional to fighting the virus outbreak, NASA will be able to stick to its timeline and carry on with the launch sometime in May. The confirmation comes through a media accreditation invitation on Wednesday sent by both the parties involved - NASA and SpaceX. Then invites mentions the timeframe for the mission, to be no earlier than mid-to-late May. The invite is for the Demonstration Mission 2 (aka Demo-2) commercial crew launch the very first in the commercial crew program that is meant to carry astronauts to space. SpaceX was already ready on its part, having completed the Crew Dragon spacecraft in the earlier months. NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken familiarize themselves with SpaceXs Crew Dragon (Image: NASA) The mission will mark the first time for a SpaceX spacecraft to carry humans to outer space. All the manned trips to the International Space Station to date were being carried out by Russias Roscosmos space agency and its Soyuz spacecraft. No Coronavirus impact As per a report by Techcrunch, NASA mentioned in its invitation to the media that it is proactively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves and that it will communicate any updates that may impact mission planning or media access, as they become available. In addition, the space agency is taking precautions to ensure top health to Hurley and Behnken, the two astronauts meant to be in the SpaceX shuttles for the manned mission. The report also mentions that NASA has maintained a Stage 3 state of contingency operation in most of its facilities. This means that all NASA employees are on mandatory work from home unless required to be physically present in office for a mission-related activity. Some facilities, like NASAs Ames in California county, are also completely closed citing the condition in the region. CLEVELAND, Ohio Its getting down to the bare necessities in Ohio and around the country. On Wednesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took another step in trying to contain the COVID-19 coronavirus, ordering the closure of salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors. In addition, DeWine said the current three-week closure of schools in the state likely will be extended, but its unclear how long. As of Wednesday there were 88 confirmed cases of the virus in Ohio, with 38 cases in Cuyahoga County and seven in Cleveland. The youngest patient in Ohio is 2 years old. DeWine has said its likely many more people in Ohio are infected. There are more than 8,300 confirmed cases in the U.S., according to the New York Times. At least 147 patients have died, but no deaths have been reported in Ohio. There are more than 218,000 cases worldwide. Italy is struggling to contain the virus. The BBC reports 475 people died in Italy on Wednesday and the death toll in the country is set to surpass 3,000. There are nearly 36,000 confirmed cases in the country. Check below for the most recent restrictions and closings. Wednesdays list of closings and delays can be seen here. Thursday, March 19, 2020 All barbershops, hair salons, tattoo parlors, nail salons and spas in Ohio will be closed indefinitely at the end of business Wednesday. Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices statewide will close at the end of business on Wednesday. The governor is asking the legislature to pass a grace period for expired licenses. Ohio courts may suspend jury trials, according to a written opinion from the Ohio attorney general. The Cuyahoga Valley National Parks Boston Mill Visitor Center is closed but park trails, parking lots and restrooms in remain open. Lyndhurst Municipal Court is limiting access to hearings and is delaying arraignments and other hearings. KeyBank, Huntington and Chase are temporarily closing branches with no drive-thru and limiting service to drive-thru at others. Goodyear has ceased production at plants in North, Central and South America. Spring dates for the SAT and ACT college tests have been suspended. Target stores are adjusting hours, closing no later than 9 p.m. to allow restocking. On Wednesdays, the first hour of shopping is dedicated to the elderly and people with underlying health concerns. Walmart is scaling back its hours of operation to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Restricted shopping for seniors and people with health concerns will be held on Tuesdays one hour before stores open. Macys, Sephora, Nordstrom, H&M, JC Penney, Ulta Beauty, DSW, Bath & Body Works, Victorias Secret and Ralph Lauren are closing all stores. Also, Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic and Gap locations will close beginning today. Apple says its stores are now closed until further notice. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says its induction ceremony likely wont take place until the fall. With eight Bay Area counties under orders to shelter-in-place to slow the spread of coronavirus, millions are now cooped up at home. Your gym? Closed. Your brunch plans? Canceled. Even your book club can't meet this month. Or can it? Some book lovers craving social interaction are getting creative under these unprecedented circumstances. San Francisco design studio Mule Design has launched Quarantine Book Club, offering live-streamed Q&As with authors on Zoom for isolated readers. "This week everybody was working from home, so I started setting Zoom calls up with them, like hey, let's just hang out for an hour," said Mule Design co-founder Mike Monteiro. "That was the real genesis of the thing." Monteiro, who is also an author, tested out the idea for Quarantine Book Club by hosting a Zoom Q&A session for his own book. It went well over 100 people signed up so in less than 24 hours, they launched the real thing. Authors started filling up his inbox with requests to host their own Q&As. Now, authors with upcoming discussions include Heather B. Armstrong (The Valedictorian of Being Dead, David Dylan Thomas (Design for Cognitive Bias), Myriam Gurba (Mean), Dan Sinker (Impeachment.fyi), Nathan Shedroff & Chris Noessel (Make It So) and Maria Ingrande Mora (Fragile Remedy). Here's how it works: sign up for the virtual book club of your choosing using Eventbrite and pay $5 (a measure "to keep trolls out" and also generate a little revenue for Mule Design and the authors, explained Monteiro). Then, you'll get an email with a Zoom access code and be transported to a live chat room with your favorite author. RELATED: 'We're a tight-knit group': Nob Hill bands together to get groceries to seniors It's a win-win: authors with canceled book tours get a chance to promote their books, and bored readers stuck at a home get a way to occupy their time. And all quarantining aside, it's a dream come true for introverts, said Monteiro. "You've got people sitting in the place where they're most comfortable and they can talk to a writer that they admire," he explained. "If they feel up to it they can ask a question, or they can just watch the show." Many existing book clubs are also taking things virtual. Silent Book Club an already unconventional book club that started in San Francisco but now has chapters around the world is also kicking off live-streamed meetings. Usually, a Silent Book Club meeting entails meeting a bunch of people at a bar, reading whatever book you want for an hour, and then chatting afterward about what you're reading. The Zoom version is pretty much exactly the same, just virtual. "Now we are in the process of gathering up all the information for the different virtual meetups being hosted by different cities, and we're publishing them all on our website," said co-founder Guinevere de la Mare. "We're hoping this will sort of help people feel like there's a place they can go where they can connect with other people in what is otherwise a really isolating moment." While it's not entirely the same as meeting up in person, there is one upside to taking book club meetings virtual. De la Mare, who lives in San Francisco, has finally been able to attend meetings at different chapters across the globe, even in Italy. "For me, personally, I really enjoy being able to interact with these different locations I can't get to in person," she said. On Sunday, de la Mare attended an Italian chapter's meeting, which was at 8 a.m. her time which turned out to be an unexpectedly great time to read. RELATED: NBCUniversal makes new theatrical releases available online "What was nice was that I was forced to sit there and read my book instead of waking up and reading news headlines," she explained. Even if Quarantine Book Club and Silent Book Club don't sound like your speed, dozens and dozens of these virtual book clubs are springing up across the internet for you to join. Just try searching Facebook groups for "coronavirus book club" or "social distancing book club" and you'll see what we mean. "Theres room for a million online book clubs. Everybody should make one," said Monteiro. "I think people need human contact, even if its just 20 minutes a day. Even if its behind a screen." So take your pre-existing book club online, or start a new one with your friends (even friends who live across the country! Geography no longer matters). It can be a video call or just a group chat. Read apocalyptic books about pandemics to try to learn from fiction, or read lighthearted stuff to get your mind off the real world. As far as obtaining said books under shelter in place: Libraries may be closed, but you can still check out e-books on your Kindle. Or, support local independent bookstores by ordering a stack of new reads online. The San Francisco chapter of Silent Book Club's next meeting, which will be held on Zoom, will take place on Mar. 29 at 4 p.m. Madeline Wells is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com | Twitter: @madwells22 (TNS) The slew of privacy and data collection scandals from the past several years have motivated state lawmakers to take action, putting forward legislation to better protect the rights of consumers.Such efforts were always going to draw the ire of tech and telecommunications companies, as well as their surrogates. But a new lawsuit, which asserts that a Maine privacy law violates the First Amendment rights of internet service providers, offers important insights into an industry unwilling to accept the will of the people.The lawsuit, launched by four of the largest telecommunications industry groups Americas Communications Association, CTIA, NCTA and USTelecom alleges that a Maine law passed last June imposes unprecedented and unduly burdensome restrictions on ISPs protected speech.What are those burdensome restrictions, exactly? The Maine law, which is scheduled to take effect July 1, requires ISPs to obtain customers opt-in consent before using or sharing sensitive information, such as location, medical or financial data. Many companies collect, share and sell this information by default, requiring a user to seek out ways to stop this, or opt out. In other words, the Maine law makes privacy the default rather than a hard-to-find option.Lobbyists for the telecommunications industry have repeatedly stymied efforts to create federal consumer protections, and even succeeded in securing the repeal of the Federal Communications Commissions modest broadband privacy rules in 2016. This motivated states like Maine, California and Washington to fill the gap with their own impactful and forward-thinking legislation to protect consumers.The telecommunications industry now balks at these state-level efforts. It is clear that the industry would like no regulations, if at all possible, and would prefer not to be held accountable for how it treats consumers.It is unclear, however, how giving consumers the right to control and protect their personal data represents an unconstitutional abridgement of a companys free speech. It is an untested argument that tech and legal experts doubt will hold up in court.Arguments that states are unable to usurp a federal policy of nonregulation are equally unconvincing. After the FCC eliminated its own set of net neutrality rules in 2017, the agency argued that states could not legally pass their own net neutrality rules. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit disagreed, ruling that the FCC lacked the legal authority to categorically abolish all 50 states statutorily conferred authority to regulate intrastate communications.The argument that Maine is regulating what the federal government has chosen not to is far more compelling than big telecoms assertion that its free-speech rights are being abridged.Americans are fed up with having their privacy routinely violated and their personal data regularly compromised by the companies trusted to provide internet access. Maine did the correct thing by standing up for the rights of its residents. Its legislation is a model for states throughout the country. No legislature should be scared off from passing its own regulations as a consequence of this spurious lawsuit from the skittish telecommunications industry. A less than third of all coronavirus patients might be asymptomatic, estimates a new study in Japan, triggering discussion on possible medical and government action on people carrying the virus without external symptoms in order to curb the spread of the deadly infection. The study, which has been peer-reviewed and will be published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, based its research on Japanese people who were evacuated from Chinas Wuhan province, where the disease broke out last year. Using a statistical distribution, the study estimated that the number of asymptomatic patients stood at 30.8%. Our estimation indicates that perhaps less than a half of Covid-19-infected individuals are asymptomatic. This ratio is slightly smaller than that of influenza, which was estimated at 5680%.There is great need for further studies on the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections to guide epidemic control efforts, the authors wrote. The authors acknowledged that the original sample for the study was small, and heterogeneity among patients was not considered. Korean citizens go through departure procedures at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday (local time), to board a plane bound for Dubai, where they will transfer to a charter flight arranged by the Korean government to bring them to Korea amid the worsening COVID-19 spread in Iran. Yonhap By Jung Da-min A chartered flight arranged by the government has brought 80 people from Iran to Korea due to the worsening situation of the COVID-19 spread there. Seventy-four Koreans and six Iranian family members arrived at Incheon International Airport Thursday afternoon on an Asiana Airlines plane, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier on Tuesday night, the Asiana plane headed to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai as the Korean carrier could not directly fly to Tehran due to U.S. sanctions against Iran. The plane arrived in Dubai Wednesday morning and the 80 evacuees arrived there later in the day by an Iranian plane from Imam Khomeini International Airport to transfer to the Korean carrier's plane. A team comprised of officials from the foreign ministry, a doctor, a nurse and two quarantine officers accompanied them on their way back home, to ascertain the individuals' health conditions. "There are about 200 people including Koreans and their family members with other citizenship. There are 80 people coming and around 100 people will remain there or in nearby areas,"a ministry official told reporters, Wednesday. The 80 people will spend about two days at the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) International Cooperation Center located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, for the coronavirus tests. If they test negative, they will be sent home for 14-day self-quarantine. The evacuees will not be quarantined at a government-designated facilities for two weeks as were those arriving from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the pandemic, as the health authorities believe the possibility of infection in Iran are not as grave as Wuhan. But still, the situation of COVID-19 spread has been worsening in Iran, with the number of deaths from the virus exceeding 1,130 as of Wednesday (local time). The number of confirmed patients rose over 17,300 while the mortality rate is about 15 percent. Seoul had been in talks with Tehran to arrange an evacuation flight to bring back its citizens via a nearby third country. Besides Iran, an increasing number of Koreans have been stranded abroad due to international border closures. About 177 Korean travelers have been stranded in Peru, and 56 officials of KOICA and 14 Korean residents and travelers in Ecuador. But the government is not considering sending a charter flight to those countries yet. In the case of Italy, where more than 35,700 cases were confirmed along with nearly 3,000 deaths as of Wednesday, about 500 Koreans are hoping to come to Korea, according to Korean associations there. The associations are in talks with Korean Air to charter a plane, according to the foreign ministry. CEO Elon Musk said Tesla could make ventilators, joining Softbank and other firms in offering medical supplies. Hundreds of Twitter users have welcomed an offer by Teslas chief executive, Elon Musk, to make hospital ventilators for coronavirus sufferers, after the United States appealed for donations of respirator masks to combat a shortage. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization said it was in talks with China and other countries to help ramp up supplies of health equipment, while General Motors and Ford Motor Company said they were in talks with White House officials. We will make ventilators if there is a shortage, Musk said on Twitter, responding to a fans suggestion that the billionaire repurpose a factory for the task. The comment immediately drew hundreds of replies urging him to act. If, for whatever reason, you dont believe there currently is a shortage, by all estimates, there will be, said a social media user with the handle Internetchilla. Please help. Musk is not the first chief executive to offer help with medical supplies on Twitter. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son offered a million free virus tests this month. A day later, following criticism that he risked overwhelming medical facilities, he offered to donate a million masks. The Trump administration on Tuesday urged US construction companies to donate respirator masks to hospitals and healthcare providers fighting the virus, amid a nationwide shortage. On Wednesday, Tesla agreed to reduce the number of active workers at its California vehicle factory, a county spokesman said, amid regional lockdowns to rein in the virus. The company employs more than 10,000 workers at its sole US auto factory in Fremont. Companies such as Apple supplier Foxconn have refitted production lines to make masks and similar items after stores in many countries ran out and suppliers were overwhelmed by the spread of the virus. An Italian start-up used a 3D printer to replicate respirator valves, saying it would hand them to hospitals for free. Italy is battling the worlds worst outbreak outside China. Last month, Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD said it was making 5 million masks and about 300,000 bottles of hand sanitizers a day. With fear of infection rising among factory workers, and few customers shopping for cars, several automakers on Wednesday decided to idle their plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico for at least a week. The decisions will put tens of thousands of people out of work and add to the coronavirus outbreaks growing economic toll. The countrys largest automakers General Motors, Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler decided to close plants after the United Auto Workers union pressured them to do so to protect workers. That pressure intensified after it was revealed on Wednesday that a worker at a Ford truck plant in Dearborn, Mich., had tested positive for the virus. In addition to G.M., Ford and Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Toyota and Nissan also said they would idle their North American factories. The shutdown of car plants will force hundreds of companies that produce parts and components to follow suit over the coming days. This is another big blow to the economy, said Patrick Anderson, president of Anderson Economic Group in East Lansing, Mich. The Chinese government is censoring criticism of its handling of the coronavirus, particularly any mention of Dr. Li Wenliang, the doctor who warned of the disease and later died of it. Citizens are turning to decentralized protocols to share news and sentiment as a result. IPFS, built by Protocol Labs, is the latest uncensorable tech to be used in the fight for freedom of information. Specifically, Matters.news, a Chinese news source, has been publishing articles that are stored on this immutable version of the web. [Its] been an outlet for community information, support, and advice, said IPFS lead Molly Mackinlay. Related: Dollar-Backed Stablecoins Are Holding Their Own Amid Coronavirus Chaos IPFS, which stands for the InterPlanetary File System, is a radical redesign of how people navigate and use the internet. The current paradigm of web-search runs HTTP, which sends requests for online content to a single server that stores information, meaning that if anything is changed or blocked there is no reliable way to access it again. IPFS, a peer-to-peer protocol, instead allows users to download webpages and content stored across multiple servers, and provides historical versioning that shows how documents have been manipulated. While this may seem like a clunky solution to a problem that only affects a few, IPFS has spread the world over. See also: Chinese Crypto and Blockchain Firms Grapple With Coronavirus Outbreak Related: Data Sets You Free: Self-Quarantine Diary, Day 3 Its used in Turkey as host to a mirror version of Wikipedia after the nation banned the online encyclopedia for including it on a list of terrorist financiers. These public, read-only snapshots of English and Turkish Wikipedia provided distributed access to important facts and neutral commentary censored by Turkey in their nearly three-year Wikipedia block, Mackinlay said. The block ended last January, but the mirror site remains. In the past year, the number of nodes running IPFS grew 30 percent, driven primarily by new community adoption from applications including Microsoft ION, CharityEngine, EthDNS and Brave, Mackinlay said. Story continues Now, Protocol Labs is looking to get to the next stage of growth. Dedicated to building the next version of cyberspace, the organization will commit over $100,000, plus developer support and guidance, to the IPFS DevGrants program, and over $1 million in wider ecosystem support projects over the next six months. IPFS is a free and open protocol and always will be, Mackinlay said. While there are absolutely ways for open-source development teams like ours to achieve profitability while building and improving free and open software [through consulting and selling associated tools or services,] that isnt on our roadmap this year. We sat down with Mackinlay to get a read on IPFS and fo understand more about how the system functions. Whats so wrong with HTTP? The web as we know it is pretty brittle. Thats because of the way we choose to store content. HTTP, the core protocol in use, is a way of storing content located in a particular server, in a particular place. Its not resilient to have such a centralized structure. If you ever move a piece of content, suddenly all of the references to it break. This is like if youve ever gone to a library and tried to find a particular book that someone has moved to a different location on the stacks. No one is able to find that book again. Instead of addressing things by the location of where data is like on the third shelf, fourth from the right in the New York Public Library at 42nd Street you instead address something by the content itself. So if you want to read Tom Sawyer, you can go get a copy from whoever happens to have it. It could be in your backpack. Your neighbor could have it. Your local library. Instead of having to travel all the way to the one central location thats hosting that content, youd be able to get it from anyone whos able to loan to you. And thats why IPFS is more resilient. Weve fallen into this centralized trap. This also helps resist censorship. Again, if someone prohibits you from accessing a library, or if theres a natural disaster and youre unable to get to that library, thats a problem. Because content is distributed across IPFS, you wouldnt have to travel to that particular location, you can find a different copy. IPFS comes from this core primitive of changing the web from a location-based model, which relies on central parties to host and distribute content, to a content based system. To some extent, this was how the web was initially designed. It was supposed to be decentralized and enable this kind of free sharing of ideas. But weve fallen into this centralized trap. When did you realize that internet centralization could be an issue? I was a product manager of Google for a number of years, working on education tools like Google Classroom. If you look at schools all over the world, even in New Jersey where I was living, they have terrible, terrible internet. Were talking really minimal bandwidth so that when students try to do their school work it takes them minutes to load in the content. Even loading a Google Doc could put an unreasonable load on their infrastructure, but they cant afford to upgrade. I saw this firsthand in classroom visits in New Jersey, in Thailand, all over the world. Schools are having this challenge and theyre wasting a whole ton of instructional time. And its a problem with the fabric of the Internet, which requires every individual child to load a video over and over and over again from some distant location. Teachers and students should be able to share digital information with each other directly instead of having to go through some distant intermediary to share that content. This also helps if the internet goes out or a service provider goes offline, or something like that, the classroom can keep running. So its a more resilient fabric for the internet, which could support a ton of applications so we dont run into these kinds of central line hangups. Storing data locally would theoretically improve retrieval speeds. But reports show IPFS lagging, and its not exactly clear where thats coming from. Has that been identified? With any new technology, performance is definitely an issue. We know millions of users who are using IPFS for a whole ton of cases. Once you have a lot of people who are using it and excited about using it, its going to be a challenge to make it faster and scalable, so that all of those people can rely upon the service. See also: Mass Surveillance Threatens Personal Privacy Amid Coronavirus Like the biggest performance challenge weve been focused on is our content routing, which is how you go about finding the content that you care about in a large distributed network. If youre on a centralized web model like Google its incentivized to make bigger content as available as possible; versus in our distributed network, you have a lot more complexity. So thats been a big focus for us for the past three months and will be going forward. Until the end of June, our big focus is making sure that IPFS is actually a distributed network. And ensuring only good nodes join the network. How do you define a good node? Nodes that have a lot of strong connections to other nodes are ideal participants in distributed networks. We saw 30x growth in the number of nodes last year, which was huge. So we need to upgrade our systems and algorithms to support that. Considering that level of growth, how are poor performers kicked off while maintaining the decentralized nature of the protocol? Weve created this concept of having two different types of nodes participating in the system: DHT servers and clients. Servers help other nodes get to the content they care about. We want to make sure you only become a server if youre going to be online consistently. You need to be dependable. People need to be able to connect to your machine. We cant have an internet that relies on you centralized linking back to Earth once were spread all across the galaxy. We also want all kinds of people and devices to participate. That opens the doors to all sorts of unreliable devices, like mobile phones. But we dont want them to be servers within the network, so these less dependable devices become clients. Actually, I should clarify that server here does not mean, like, a physical server used today. You could do this on a laptop or any other sort of machine. It could even be a phone if you really were reliable. The aim here is to programmatically diagnose whether a node is going to be online and dependable. And if we detect those characteristics, then you get marked as a DHT server and, if not, you become a client. Is there any user information collected? The node itself collects this information about itself and then makes the decision whether or not it joins as a client or server. They also ask peers in the network to check for you, by dialing to see if theyre accessible or not. This again, puts the power inside the node itself. So were not collecting some centralized database of this sort of stuff. Thats not how we work. Were all about a decentralized model of things, and that gets baked into the network. What are the incentives of joining the network as a node? Right now, a lot of people are building their businesses on IPFS. Theyre building applications that they want people to have access to, so that highly incentivizes folks to run their own nodes and help serve the data that they care about. We also have a feature that came out in December, which is an example of giving people the tools they need to help maintain the data they care about. Its called Collaborative Clusters. It allows everyone who cares about a dataset to peer into a global network of people who are all helping replicate and a host of that data. Theres a huge collaborative ecosystem here, in addition to folks who are highly incentivized because their business is dependent like us to run their own servers or to pay others to make sure that it continues to exist. The first two letters in IPFS stand for interplanetary. Is the plan to take IPFS to space? Were very inspired by the idea that not too far from now were going to have persistent human colonies on Mars or some other planet in the solar system. When you have that sort of set up where humans become an interplanetary species, we will need to maintain connections and connectivity between Earth and Mars. Imagine living on Mars and needing to load a Wikipedia page. If you were reliant on a centralized server/client system based on Earth, youll have something like a 14-minute delay to load every single page that you want to access. Thats just crazy. We cant have an internet that relies on you centralized linking back to Earth once were spread all across the galaxy. Were gonna need a more kind of resilient and content-aware network, that allows content to cache and persist in local environments. Go fetch information from the server next to you, instead of going all the way back to Earth. So its definitely motivational. Its an exemplar use case. It demonstrates were working on already has benefits here. But the work were doing already has benefits here on Earth. We dont need to go all the way to Mars to show being able to connect with the person next to you is gonna be faster than going all the way across the country. But it also gives us some nice timelines: The last time I heard Elon Musk was planning to have humans on Mars by 2024. So we need to make sure that IPFS becomes the default Web platform by then. Related Stories Severe economic conditions are pushing traders out of the capital and into the towns and cities of the Damascus countryside, where conditions are more favourable reports Sowt al-Asima. Dozens of shops have shut in the main markets in Damascus since the start of 2020 as a result of the near-total paralysis in economic activity and the speculation on foreign currency prices, as well as an increases in rents and planned investment. It became clear during a tour by Sowt al-Asima of Damascus markets that more than 20 shops in the al-Shaalan area, and 10 on al-Hamra Street in the center of the capital, along with nearly 10 shops in the Salhiya area, had been closed since the beginning of last month. Repeated rent hikes With a rent of 10 million Syrian pounds per year that is, about 800,000 Syrian pounds per month for a commercial space no larger than 90 meters, one merchant invested in a store in the al-Shaalan area in the center of the capital five years ago. At the end of the second year of the investment, the owner of the property raised the rent to 15 million Syrian pounds a year, the investor says. He added: One month before the end of the contract, the owner informed me he intended to raise the investment fee for the new contract to 25 million Syrian pounds a yearabout two million pounds per month, with the condition that he can raise the value after the first year. The investor confirmed that the owner obtained an offer from another investor, in accordance with which he paid 30 million Syrian pounds a year, which led him to leave and close the shop. The high investment cost was the main reason for closing these shops, along with taxes, financial reasons, wages, high prices for goods and the costs of transport, amid economic stagnation, which traders and investors were unable to afford. Some were pushed to cancel investment contracts, while some decided to end their business during the remainder of their contracts and refrain from renewing them. Sometimes the propertys owner imposes payments in US dollars, which entails further suffering in terms of searching for these dollars in the marketsespecially after the government tightened and prohibited its circulation. This condition requires him to raise the value of the goods in proportion to the value of the amount he pays, and thus constitutes another burden on consumers. Investing in the countryside is better than the city Radwan, an investor in the al-Salihiya area in Damascus, decided to abandon his shop, which he had invested in for more than 12 years and head towards the rural areas near the capital. Radwan says: I can no longer afford the annual rent, and the taxes and bills that I have to pay every month, in addition to the bribes that I am forced to pay, like other investors, to customs patrols and consumer protection from time to time. He continues: With the sums that I pay in Damascus, I can invest in three stores in the Damascus countryside near the capital. Therefore, I can reduce the running costs because rent is several times lower than in Damascus, and I can get more sales. Why the countryside? An economist in Damascus told Sowt al-Asima that dozens of investors intended to close their stores in the capitals markets and head towards the cities and towns of the Damascus countryside to escape the high cost of investments and fees imposed on them openly by government and security patrols. The economist said that market activity in rural areas near the capital had improved relatively compared to before, and that the lower rent and wages there were the biggest catalyst for traders heading there. According to the expert, state institutions and security patrols often overlook the markets in rural areas. He said that rural markets had purchasing power for food and clothing, as well as activity in the building materials markets. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining 18 March 2020 Vast Resources plc (Vast or the Company) Baita Plai Project Update Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company, is pleased to update the market on progress at its Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine Baita Plai in Romania. Further to the Companys announcement on 9 March 2020 regarding the initial shipments of equipment being loaded on to a vessel, bound for Romania, the Company can now confirm that the Vessel has sailed from Yangshan port Shanghai. The estimated time of arrival according to the shipping company is 23 April 2020 to the port of Constanta Romania. The Company is also pleased to announce that a further shipment of 3-4 containers is due to depart later this week. The Company will keep the market informed as shipments progress. **ENDS** For further information, visit www.vastplc.com or please contact: Vast Resources plc Andrew Prelea (Chief Executive Officer) Andrew Hall www.vastplc.com +44 (0) 1491 615 232 Beaumont Cornish - Financial & Nominated Adviser Roland Cornish James Biddle www.beaumontcornish.com +44 (0) 020 7628 3396 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP Broker Richard Morrison Caroline Rowe www.spangel.co.uk +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 Blytheweigh Tim Blythe Megan Ray www.blytheweigh.com +44 (0) 20 7138 3204 The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 (MAR). ABOUT VAST RESOURCES PLC Vast Resources plc, is an AIM listed mining company with mines in Romania and Zimbabwe focused on the rapid advancement of high quality brownfield projects by recommencing production at previously producing mines in Romania and commencement of the joint venture mining agreement on the Chiadzwa Community Concession Block of the Chiadzwa Diamond Fields in Zimbabwe. The Companys portfolio includes an 80% interest in the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania, where work is now currently underway towards developing and recommissioning the mine and the Community Concession Block in Chiadzwa, Zimbabwe. Vast Resources owns the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which was commissioned in 2015, currently on care and maintenance. Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William and the 23-member entourage arrived in Australia exactly one minute early at 7.54am yesterday. Their RAAF B707 jet appeared in the morning sky at 7.45am, coming in low over the red ochre MacDonnell Ranges and trailing faint black vapor. Not yet, Prince Charles shouted back, and Princess Diana managed a shy and fleeting smile. She even managed to lift her eyes briefly from the ground in front of her. But not Prince Charles. He was fresh, happy, ebullient. Lets have some organisation here," he called to the photographers. Who wants it which way? It touched down at 7.48 and came to a halt outside the Alice Springs terminal six minutes later. About 2000 local people and 150 photographers and reporters were on hand for the arrival. The Royal couple were welcomed to Australia by the Northern Territory Administrator, Commodore Johnston, Colonel T. W. Wilkinson, representing the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, the Special Minister for State, Mr Mick Young, representing the Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, and the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Mr Paul Everingham. The official ceremonial welcome to Australia will be held at the Fairbairn RAAF base on Thursday morning when the Royal party arrives in Canberra. (I can reliably report, however, that Mr Young, an ex-shearer and political fixer, had words with the Prime Minister over the arrangements for greeting Prince Charles yesterday. Mr Young suggested that Mr Hawke should greet the Royal couple at Alice Springs. But the Prime Minister insisted: No, Mick. If he meets you first he will know that theres been a change of government in this country.) There was a burst of clapping and cheering from the crowd, mostly children and women, when Prince Charles and Princess Diana appeared at the open doorway of their VIP plane. The princess was wearing a silk aquamarine frock with white stockings and shoes and carrying a white purse. Prince Charles wore what is known here as Territory rig: beige shirt (sleeves down), maroon tie and beige slacks. Prince William, who appears to have inherited his mothers fine, blond hair, was dressed in a white romper suit with a red pattern on the front. He was carried from the plane by Miss Barbara Barnes, one of the two Royal nannies, who handed him to Lady Diana for the photographs. A low-cost carrier has been blasted by for attempting to sell more flights while ignoring refund requests for coronavirus-induced cancellations. Malaysian airline Malindo Air posted an advertisement to Facebook on Tuesday promoting discounted flights to Bali and Kuala Lumpur under a 'hot and healthy all-year-round' sale. But outraged customers slammed the business for trying to boost profits, while the airline is yet to respond to calls and emails about refunds. Malindo Air has been slammed by furious customers for advertising new flights while ignoring refund requests for current bookings 'A bit pointless advertising cheap flights when as of Friday Bali will close it's borders to tourists. I'd like to know if we are entitled to a refund since we can no longer travel to Bali?' one woman wrote. 'Instead of advertising flights at this time, how about responding to emails, messages and phone calls so we can sort out our existing flights!' another person said. 'Your news is great, but how do we apply for the change of ticket or refund - no news on how,' someone else added. A fourth comment read: 'That will be a huge no from me Malindo really.. Worry about honouring existing flights or credit.' The airline is yet to respond to any of the customers comments but has continued to post material via the company's Facebook page. Hours after spruiking the sale, Malindo air posted an update announcing all its international operations between March 18 to March 31, 2020, would be suspended. The airline's advertisement (pictured) offered customers discounted flights until April 15 Current customers were furious sale purchases were offering 'free unlimited date and destination changes' while they had not been offered compensation for their bookings The following day it reminded social media users that its 'sales and ticketing offices' were still operating for people's 'convenience', and notified customers that hot meals will not be served on flights amid current health concerns. The posts have fuelled mounting criticism as frustrated passengers flock to their social media seeking answers and updates about their abandoned holidays. Amid the lack of communication, two woman accused the airline of deleting some of the myriads of negative comments accumulating on their page. Other Australians complained that the airline's cancelled flights have left loved ones stranded abroad, without compensation for the axed purchase. It comes as airlines around the world come to a halt amid the deadly pandemic. Angered customers have vowed never to book with the airline again, as negative comments (pictured) accumulate on their Facebook page One woman said she spent hours on the phone but was eventually disconnected On Wednesday, the Australian government upgraded travel advice to level four, its highest level, 'do not travel overseas at this time'. Many have airlines offered refunds or credit as a gesture of good will, but the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission has said they are not obliged as travel is not banned, just advised against by Australian authorities. The same day, Virgin Australia announced international flights for the next three months would be grounded, with pre-existing books eligible for a refund. Qantas and Jestar have offered customers credit in exchange for cancelled flights to travel at a later date. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Malindo Air for comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As New York City public schools are currently closed until April 20, many Staten Island parents are wondering how their children with special needs will receive required special education services as schools switch to remote learning. Joy Lacysynski, whose fifth-grade daughter Madison is in an integrated co-teaching classroom with two teachers at PS 9 in Concord, receives services under her Individualized Education Plan (IEP), including assistive technology (AT), occupational therapy (OT) and speech. Im absolutely concerned as I sit here and try to homeschool my dyslexic fifth-grade daughter, she said. I cant offer these services to her, as I am not a trained therapist. Im so grateful for what theyve [therapists] done for my daughter and certainly fearful that she will regress without these supports. The New York City Department of Education (DOE) said its making arrangements to deliver special education programs and related services through remote learning to students with IEPs. Schools will be in contact with families this week to begin arrangements and will be given a template for creating specific remote learning plans for special education students, the agency said. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** But Lacysynski said its hard to foresee how remote learning will work with her daughter -- because she learns differently. The issue I do foresee is her not understanding the content unless it is read to her, and therefore she will not be learning anything, rather, shutting down and not wanting to do any work, she said. IEPs are just that, Individualized Educational Programs...I really dont see how the DOE will pull this one off. The DOE said it will be holding IEP meetings by phone and is looking into the possibility of conducting assessments remotely as much as possible. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and counseling providers will provide appropriate tele-therapy services in conjunction with schools remote instructional plan. DOE and contract therapists are expected to participate in the three-day professional development this week and make initial contact with each students caregiver. Jackie Mineo shared concerns that her 4-year-old son in pre-K -- who is non-verbal and severely autistic -- wont have access to the special education services he needs. A student at the Volunteer of America (VOA) Early Learning Center, Mineo said her son wont respond well to remote learning. It will make his life extremely difficult as ABA [Autism Behavior Therapy] is a huge part of him trying to learn basic daily tasks, she explained. He is very aggressive toward himself, and OT [occupational therapy] helps him work through that. I just hope they can figure out a way to provide some sort of services to these children." She said that since the announcement that schools would close for the next few weeks, his teachers have been sending class schedules and education resources. But in reality, I am not a trained ABA, speech or OT therapist, she explained. All of the parents I spoke to are very worried and know that their children are going to regress in many ways. The teachers can only do so much remotely for our kids. Mineo said she doesnt think remote learning will work at all for children who are low-functioning, and said it wont work for her son. Its hard for her son to sit and try to learn in school with a one-on-one therapist -- and online learning will be even more difficult. I know parents feel the same. This really is not an ideal situation for them, she said. An iPad wont be sufficient. For a child who is already delayed by years, no therapy for months will really hurt him. Parents will still be able to make referrals for special education evaluations and re-evaluations by emailing their school or calling 311 for assistance, according to the DOE. REMOTE LEARNING The DOE will shift to a remote learning strategy on Monday for students in New York City public schools. Despite differences in readiness, every school will focus on transitioning their core learning and instruction to a remote-based model. The agency partnered with Google to give schools that dont currently use an online learning platform access to Google Classroom. Staff is participating in three days of professional learning this week, and will engage in remote planning on Friday. The DOE is asking schools to download necessary remote learning platforms, ensure educators have access to appropriate devices and know how to use technology-assisted learning platforms, and ensure materials are uploaded for use. Where appropriate, schools will also be asked to prepare take-home materials for student learning. Understanding that not all students have access to the internet and devices, the DOE is working closely with private partners to deliver devices and data plans for students in need. Ursulina Ramirez, chief operating officer for the DOE, said during Sundays press conference that the DOE will purchase 300,000 iPads from Apple at a reasonable price to distribute to students. The DOE said the first batch of 25,000 iPads will be delivered next week. The agency will also work with T-Mobile, Verizon, and Spectrum to provide internet access. Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza asked parents to sign up for the NYC Schools account, which will be critically important as the DOE pushes information out and resources for remote learning needs. You can go to www.myschools.nyc for more information. *** Be the first to know: Sign up for our newsletters; and get breaking news and top stories pushed to your phone with the SILive.com mobile app. 53 The coronavirus life in New York City: The new normal RELATED COVERAGE: Wagner College closing residence halls for remainder of semester College of Staten Island remains closed Tuesday, Wednesday Key details on SAT, ACT college exam cancellations Staten Island Catholic high schools extend remote learning timeframe Schools closed: 100 sites to open for first responder child care across NYC Staten Island Catholic elementary schools closed until April 20 Coronavirus: NYC schools closed at least until April 20; S.I. cases rise to 16 Coronavirus: Wagner College moves to online learning for rest of semester With NYC schools closing, parents and teachers prepare for new normal NYC offering students free meals: What you need to know St. Johns University students return home: Its difficult Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders Coronavirus case confirmed at St. Ritas School FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:13:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Eight suspects were nabbed and around 24.5 kg of drugs were seized in south China's Guangdong Province, local police said Thursday. After receiving a tip-off in earlier this month that a drug trafficking gang was planning to transport a large number of drugs to the city of Maoming, local police set up a task force. After a series of investigations, the eight suspects were caught by police in several cities in the province, with 24.5 kg of ecstasy pills seized. Further investigation into the case is underway. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Retailer Burberry Group plc (BRBY.L) Thursday said it now expects fourth-quarter ending March 28 comparable retail store sales to be down around 30 percent due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Following the significant escalation of governmental trading, travel and social restrictions in recent days and the inevitable impact this will have on demand, the company projects comparable retail store sales in the final weeks of the year to be within the range of down 70 percent to 80 percent. In its update about the coronavirus, the company noted that around 40 percent of its directly operated stores globally are closed with additional closures expected over the coming days. Since January 24, trading has deteriorated significantly with comparable retail store sales tracking between negative 40 percent and negative 50 percent over the last six weeks. As announced earlier, sales losses in February were predominantly in Asian markets. While trading in Mainland China has started to improve with the reopening of most of stores, sales in EMEIA and the Americas have fallen materially in recent weeks. The company noted that more than 60 percent of stores in EMEIA and around 85 percent of stores in the Americas are currently closed. Those still open are operating with reduced hours and with very weak footfall. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Gardai have arrested two men in relation to the discharge of a firearm in Cork on Monday. Shortly before 8pm on Monday Gardai received a report of shots fired at a house in the Ard Bhaile area of Mayfield. The reality is there is absolutely not enough, said Andreas Wieland, the chief executive of Hamilton Medical in Switzerland, a leading ventilator maker. By the numbers There are about 160,000 ventilators in U.S. hospitals, with another 12,700 in a stockpile the federal government keeps for national emergencies. A new machine can cost up to $50,000 . Fewer than a dozen American companies make them; about half of those used in the U.S. are imported. One Italian company quadrupled its output, making up to 150 ventilators a week, with help from engineers and other workers from the Ministry of Defense. Britain expects to need many more than the 5,000 ventilators it has. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is calling on carmakers to start making them. More shortages: In the U.S., detecting the disease is hampered by extremely short supplies of swabs and protective gear. The special swabs needed for testing come mainly from an Italian company that is working around the clock. Whats next: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law allowing him to order American factories to boost production of critical supplies like ventilators and masks. A dangerous side effect for older people: loneliness People over 60 are at elevated risk of serious illness from the coronavirus, and its even more severe for people over 80. So older people have to be especially cautious which can mean cutting off from family, friends and communities. It is a terrible irony of the virus that, for older adults, steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 increase the risks of social isolation, which carries its own devastating health effects, our reporter John Leland writes. Since this newsletter began, weve asked readers to tell us how theyre coping with the outbreak. Here are a few responses weve received from older Americans about how the virus has changed their lives. Midge Cooke lives in a continuing care facility in Mechanicsville, Va. She writes: Over 80 residents are under quarantine so far no one has tested positive, but no one has been tested that we know of. The pandemic feels something like I felt when we were flying home from Europe on 9/11. Weird. We dont know when the next shoe will drop. I take walks and hope I see someone to just say Hello and How are you coping? Social interaction is one of my lifelines. Aurelia Marvin of Jasper, Ga., writes: I have M.S. and so have an extremely compromised immune system. My husband is elderly as well. Were not leaving the house unless its absolutely necessary. But we are afraid to go to any medical facilities for fear of catching something there! We are very scared and frankly are worried for anyone in the area that is elderly and being forced to stay in their homes during this crisis. And finally, from Susan Stull of Canton, Pa.: My husband and I are elderly and both are compromised with several things including his metastatic cancer. As the lay-leader of our church, I have been in contact with half of the members on almost a daily basis about social distancing. It is so much easier to care about the flock than to worry about ourselves. And it helps with the isolation. We can all take the time to call someone each day and check up on them. How to get through it: We asked the C.D.C., W.H.O. and doctors for advice. They recommend learning to use video chat programs like Skype or FaceTime, going for walks outside and stockpiling a few months worth of prescription medicine. Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe At last count there were more than 285,000 students in the University of California system -- and now with its 10 campuses largely shut down, many of those students lack housing, income and other support. On Wednesday, leaders of the UC Student Association (UCSA) sent UC Regents Chair John Perez and UC President Janet Napolitano a 13-point request for student relief from hardships students are facing during the coronavirus crisis. "We're aiming to deal with some of the consequences not only of the pandemic, but perhaps some of the unintended consequences that could happen as a result of this monumental shift in the way higher education is being done right now," UCLA student and UCSA Government Relations Chair Aidan Arasasingham said in an interview. Perez addressed one of the UCSA demands during the Regents three-day meeting, which started Wednesday and was conducted remotely. He said after consulting with UC campus administrators and Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Regents shelved a proposal for a yearly tuition increase of $606. "The idea was to provide for predictability not only for the university, but for our students and their families," he said. "In this moment of great uncertainty, adding a change that people couldn't fully anticipate is not the right course of action." The student association also asked UC administrators to approve paid leave for the tens of thousands of students who work on the nine undergraduate campuses and UC San Francisco medical school as campus operations are drastically reduced. "Students are losing a vital source of income to pay for their tuition, their housing, their books, and their food security," Arasasingham said. On Monday, Napolitano issued an executive order responding to campus job losses by granting 128 hours of paid leave for all UC employees, including student employees. The leave is to be used before the end of the calendar year. The UCSA also asked campuses to ease due dates on tuition and housing payments, and to provide financial help for students who need help fully accessing online instruction. The association thanked administrators for keeping UC campus dorms and dining services open, and asked that some housing be opened on an emergency basis for students who do not have a place to live. Napolitano said through her communications office that she planned to respond to other points in the UCSA's letter. "We appreciate the communication from student leaders during this unprecedented time and deeply sympathize with their concerns and worries," she said in an emailed statement. "We, too, are working hard to ensure the safety and well-being of our students as well as the broader UC community and the public at large." The focus of the Regents, Perez said, would be on policies to help navigate the current and future crises brought on by the coronavirus. NATO to support Turkeys efforts in Syria, secretary says Jens Stoltenberg presented the 2019 report featuring public perception of the military alliance for first time. NATO allies are looking into what can be done to support Turkeys efforts in the Syrian crisis, the blocs secretary general said on Thursday. Jens Stoltenberg was speaking at a virtual news conference in which he presented the 2019 Annual Report on the military alliance. HE CONDEMNED ASSAD REGIME ATTACKS No other NATO ally is more affected by the crisis in Syria than Turkey, Stoltenberg pointed out, mentioning the military losses and the fact that Turkey hosts 4 million Syrian refugees The NATO has increased its naval presence in the region, and Spain is also delivering capabilities to augment the Turkish air defense system, he added. The secretary general also condemned the indiscriminate attacks by the Russian-backed Assad regime in Syria and called on them to support the UN-led efforts to establish a political and negotiated solution to the crisis in Idlib region and all over Syria. Stoltenberg described 2019 as the year when we took big steps in further adapting NATO. It was also the year we marked our 70th anniversary. Albany, N.Y. Young people continuing to party and head to spring break hotspots amid the coronavirus outbreak are acting foolishly, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today. "This is so unintelligent and reckless," Cuomo said during a press briefing in Albany. "It makes no sense to go expose yourself to these conditions and expose other people." Cuomo spoke as numerous media outlets have reported on big crowds of college students still flocking to spring break destinations. The only corona here is the one Im drinking He brought his own daughter, Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo, to today's news conference to make his point. Kennedy-Cuomo is set to graduate from college this year and had been planning a spring break trip with friends, but decided to cancel amid the outbreak. Others, Cuomo said, have not been as smart and should think twice about what they're doing. "The risk does not justify the reward," he said. "They're putting themselves at risk. Young people can get coronavirus. "Young people do get it. And young people can transfer it and you can wind up infecting someone and possibly killing someone if you're exposed to it." Coronavirus cases in New York continue to swell. The total nearly doubled in the last 24 hours to over 4,100. The state has the highest number of cases in the nation and Cuomo continues to warn that New Yorks hospital system will be overwhelmed with coronavirus patients without preparations. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY state: Confirmed cases nearly double again to 4,152 Businesses must must now reduce in-office personnel 75% in New York Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Thousands of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm CNY hospitals; what needs to be done now How a carton of eggs led to 2 acts of kindness at CNY Wegmans amid coronavirus panic Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek expressed his "heartfelt thanks" Thursday at a news conference announcing that Chester County's health department will aid Delaware County's response to the coronavirus. Read more After weeks of relying on the overtaxed Pennsylvania Department of Health for its coronavirus response, Delaware County is now receiving some help from its neighbor to the west, Chester County. Officials from both suburban counties announced early Thursday that Gov. Tom Wolf had approved a request from Chester Countys health department to temporarily provide service to Delaware County. With about 565,000 residents, Delaware County is the most populous county in the state without its own health department. Delaware County had 14 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Thursday morning and Chester County had 10, according to state data. Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek, speaking at a news conference Thursday in West Chester, thanked his counterparts in Chester County. You learn a lot about people when the chips are down, and its one thing to answer the bell when its in your own backyard, he said. "But its another to answer it when its in the distance. And so Ive learned a lot about Chester County. Talks between leaders in both counties began last week, as the global pandemic began to take hold in the Philadelphia region. Officials have said the arrangement allows for faster distribution of information about individual cases as well as increasing capacity for testing for the virus, investigating positive cases, and designating quarantine areas. As part of the agreement, Delaware County will reimburse Chester County for any expenses not covered by the state or federal governments, officials said Thursday. Jeanne E. Casner, head of Chester Countys health department, said the county offered to help after confirming it had sufficient excess capacity to do so without sacrificing its work locally. We are ready, willing, able, and quite honored to do what is truly a public health response in opening up our boundaries and serving a critical area in Pennsylvania, Casner said. Casners office has requested information about Delaware Countys positive coronavirus cases from the state Department of Health, and will be analyzing it for contact tracing. In recent days, Delaware County officials have bristled at the delay in receiving information from the state. At regular news briefings, council members have said they are unable to provide information on the age and hometowns of people who have tested positive for the virus in their county, as leaders in surrounding counties have done. The state Health Department cited privacy laws in not sharing that information. READ MORE: Facing coronavirus in Delaware County with no health department and high anxiety | Maria Panaritis Notably, that included a maintenance worker at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility who tested positive last Friday, leading to a quarantine of inmates and other staff. Zidek said Thursday that he didnt know about it until he was asked about it by an Inquirer reporter. Our efforts to keep the residents of Delaware County safe has been challenging, Zidek said. At times, it feels like were in a dark room wearing sunglasses in terms of trying to figure out what to do next. The lack of a health department was a prominent issue in Delaware County long before the virus swept the globe. In November, Democrats took control of the County Council for the first time. The three winning candidates Elaine Schafer, Christine Reuther, and Monica Taylor had said on the campaign trail that forming a health department was a priority. After their sweeping victory, they commissioned an analysis of potential costs and benefits of starting a department. The results are expected to be released in coming weeks. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Ottawa, Canada Fri, March 20, 2020 03:45 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c0f405 2 World US,Canada,border-areas,coronavirus,Wuhan-coronavirus,COVID-19,novel-coronavirus,infection,infectious-diseases,pandemic,health Free The Canada-US border will likely be closed to non-essential travel overnight from Friday to Saturday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday. The planned temporary shutdown of the 8,891 kilometer international boundary -- the longest in the world between two countries -- was jointly announced by Trudeau and Donald Trump the previous day. "We are continuing to work on the fine-tuning of the agreement between Canada [and] the United States, I think it's almost there," Trudeau told a news conference from his home where he and his family are self-isolating after his wife Sophie was diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. "My understanding is that the measure will probably come into place in the night between Friday and Saturday, so in about a day and a half." Trump said Wednesday the Canada-US border would likely be reopened in "say 30 days." "Hopefully at the end of 30 days we'll be in great shape," he told reporters at the White House. The move builds on the US president's barring of visitors from most of Europe, China and other parts of the world as the number of coronavirus cases in the US surged past 9,400, with 150 deaths. In Canada, the number of cases has reached at least 772, with 10 deaths, according to public health officials. "What continues to concern us is the day by day sharp increasing [number of] cases, and the reports from provinces of new cases with no links to travel," chief public health officer Theresa Tam said. Her deputy Howard Njoo, meanwhile, commented, "Certainly from a public health perspective, we've always said that border measures alone won't stop the introduction of a virus into the country." Rather, he said, "border measures are one component, one layer of a multi-layered system." More than $2 billion worth of goods and 400,000 people cross the Canada-US border each day. "Essential border crossings will not be impeded, trade between our two countries will not be impeded," Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trudeau also took the opportunity on Thursday to again urge Canadians to "come home." An estimated 3 million Canadians live or work abroad. "All those having trouble coming back, I can tell you we are working hard to resolve that situation," he said, noting that he has spoken with the chief executives of Air Canada and WestJet to ask them to help facilitate the repatriation of Canadians. The two airlines said recently that they would suspend most or all international commercial flights, respectively. Rangers at Gifford Pinchot State Park, near Lewisberry in York County, are seeking information on the vandals who spray-painted the landmark boulders at Boulder Point along the eastern shore of Gifford Lake. According to the parks Facebook page, the vandalism was done someone Wednesday, March 18. The landmark, popular with hikers in the park, is listed among the Outstanding Geological Features of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey. The survey describes Boulder Point as an excellent place to observe weathering of the diabase (a dark igneous rock). Straight fractures (joints) typically divide the rock into rectangular blocks, and mechanical weathering by frost wedging or plant growth splits it along those joints. Chemical weathering processes preferentially attack the diabase blocks along their corners and edges, and over time the blocks are smoothed to rounded boulders. This phenomenon is called spheroidal weathering, and it can produce a polygon pattern on the surface of the boulders. Some of that pattern is now covered in black, blue and yellow paint. Vandals spray-painted boulders at Boulder Point in Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County, on March 18. The survey also notes, At Boulder Point, one can see Balanced Rock, a large diabase boulder that sits on another slab of diabase. Both contact surfaces have undergone spheroidal weathering, so the boulder is balanced on two rounded pedestals. Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the park office at 717-432-5011 and leave a message with a call-back number. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. In a move that might cause founder Hugh Hefner to turn over in his grave, today, Playboy Enterprises CEO Ben Kohn announced in an open letter on Medium.com that the iconic magazine would cease print publication, and henceforth would be available in digital format only. Blaming the general decrease in print magazine sales, coupled with the coronavirus' impact on content production and the supply chain, Kohn stated, "With all of this in mind, we have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue, which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week, will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S. We will move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content including the Playboy Interview, 20Q, the Playboy Advisor and of course our Playmate pictorials." Playboy magazine, which began life in December, 1953, gained immediate notoriety for its inclusion of a centerfold and nude photos of then-rising Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, and its fame only grew from there, with the magazine in its heyday typically selling several million copies every month. Its best-selling month was November 1972, featuring cover model Pam Rawlings, when 7,161,561 were sold. Perhaps even better known than the magazine itself is its rabbit head silhouette logo, which first appeared in the second issue, and its use, both on Playboy products and licensed materials, continues to bring in big bucks to this day. "Playboy is many things to many people," Kohn stated in his letter. "A magazine to many, a lifestyle to many more, an apparel brand, a membership club and even, according to some, 'a corruptor of our youth.' But throughout the past sixty-six years, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to free expression and breaking taboos, leaning into discomfort, helping audiences express and understand their sexuality, and advocating for the pursuit of pleasure for all." Among the celebrities who sat for Playboy interviews were filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis, Lolita author Vladimir Nabokov, musicians/artists Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, journalist Hunter S. Thompson, American Nazi Party head George Lincoln Rockwell, and evangelist/freedom fighter Martin Luther King Jr. Lists of other Playboy interviewees can be found here and here. According to Kohn, however, even as print sales have dropped, the company Playboy Enterprises continues to bring in the cash. "Our audience is massive," he wrote in his letter. "We drive over $3 billion in annual consumer spend worldwide. We reach hundreds of millions of eyeballs every year, across all genders. This past year, our focus has been on meeting audiences where they are. We gained over 4 million new Instagram followers and saw over 50 percent growth in engagement on our social channels in the past 6 months, grew our digital video subscriptions by almost 30 percent year-over-year and acquired a direct-to-consumer commerce operation that serves almost one million active customers every month." But while the monthly bimonthly quarterly publication may be a thing of the past after the current issue, that doesn't mean the company will cease printing anything Playboy-related. "In 2021, alongside our digital content offerings and new consumer product launches, we will bring back fresh and innovative printed offerings in a variety of new formsthrough special editions, partnerships with the most provocative creators, timely collections and much more. Print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are." But whether in print or digital, Playboy will continue to captivate men's (and many women's) imaginations for years to come. Pictured: The covers of Playboy's first issue and its second-to-last (Winter 2020) President Donald Trump listens during a White House meeting with representatives of American nurses on March 18, 2020. Read more In the early days of the coronavirus crisis, President Donald Trump aimed to reassure the public. Now, he has called for a 15-day push to shut down transmission. By making shared sacrifices and temporary changes, we can protect the health of our people and we can protect our economy, Trump said in a March 17 news conference. When a reporter asked if there had been a shift in tone, Trump shot back. "I've always known this is a real, this is a pandemic," Trump said. "I've felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic." Trump reemphasized that point in a tweet the next morning. I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the borders from China, Trump tweeted March 18. Trump and his administration acted to keep the virus out of the United States, but his words in public downplayed the threat for many weeks. Moves in Washington and worldwide On Jan. 20, about three weeks after China first reported the new virus, the World Health Organization reported cases in China, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention activated its emergency response center on Jan. 21. On Jan. 29, the White House formed the Coronavirus Task Force, headed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and coordinated by the National Security Council. On Jan. 30, Trump effectively banned all non-Americans from entering the country if they had been in China in the previous two weeks. Americans could come back, but they would be quarantined. Azar declared a public health emergency. The same day, WHO declared a global health emergency. It was the fifth time WHO issued such a warning since 2005. Trump aims to reassure Fears of a pandemic were in the air by mid January. The federal response came as Trump painted a more comforting picture. On Jan. 22, in an interview with CNBC, Trump was asked: Are there worries about a pandemic at this point? "No," Trump replied. "Not at all. We have it totally under control. Its one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. Its going to be just fine." Two days later, he gave the sense that the virus would be kept in China. China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus, Trump tweeted Jan. 24. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. Trump maintained that upbeat tone at a Jan. 30 rally in Iowa. "We think we have it very well under control," he said. "We have very little problem in this country at this moment five. And those people are all recuperating successfully." In a Feb. 2 interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump repeated the idea that transmission was unlikely. "We pretty much shut it down coming in from China," he said. "Were going to see what happens, but we did shut it down." Trump also suggested that warmer weather in April would beat back the virus. As late as Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, Trump continued to paint a picture of a virus corralled. He tweeted that the virus was "very much under control in the USA," and added "Stock Market starting to look very good to me!" In India, he said "we have very few people with it," and they were getting better. This was at a time when WHO had reported 76,000 cases worldwide. A pandemic is when a new disease spreads worldwide. On March 11, WHO formally declared the coronavirus to be a pandemic. Our ruling Trump said that hes "always known this is a real, this is a pandemic. I've felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic." Until late February, Trump spoke as though the U.S. problem was limited and well under control. That description is at odds with the nature of a pandemic. We cant know what was in Trumps mind when he aimed to reassure the public, but his words did not fit with the threat of a pandemic. Trumps claim that he was always aware of it being a pandemic is contradicted by his many early comments. His statement now is not accurate. We rate this claim Pants on Fire! PolitiFact is a nonpartisan, fact-checking website operated by the nonprofit Poynter Institute for Media Studies. PREMIUM TIMES can confirm that the 24th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has been postponed indefinitely. The decision, which is in response to the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), was taken at an emergency management meeting on Thursday. This is as the authorities at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has concluded plans to shut down their own campus until further notice. The LASU management had, last Friday, announced the schedule of activities to mark its 24th convocation ceremony where a total of 8,959 graduands are expected to bag certificates in various degree programmes and diplomas. The university had also announced that the ceremony, scheduled to hold between 20 and 27th of March, would feature the conferment of honorary degrees on six prominent Nigerians including Oluremi Tinubu, wife of former Governor Bola Tinubu; Oba Otudeko, and Segun Agbaje, among others. But following the directive by the state government that schools should shut down in the state from Monday, March 23, the university management found it Imperative to take what it described as proactive decision. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, a top member of the university management, who did not want to be named, noted that school took the decision at about 1 p.m on Thursday. The source said; Yes, that is the final decision. The management meeting is still on but a conclusion has been reached on the convocation which is indefinite postponement. The truth is that if we had decided to continue with our programmes, who would have loved to take the risk to attend among both the graduands and the dignitaries? Thank God we have not recorded any case with a link to the university as at now, so the best thing to avoid it is to observe all the cautionary measures. The source added that the university was awaiting the final nod from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before making the official announcement. You know, the governor is the Visitor, it is important to take him into confidence. Remember that the decision is also in line with his administrations order to suspend all gatherings with more than 50 people? the source added. It would be recalled that in spite of the declaration of two-week industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to protest what it describes as governments consistent failed promises, the Union members in LASU had continued with their business unhindered. There had been running battles between the union and the management of the university, even as ASUU recently declared the universitys Vice-chancellor, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, persona non grata across university campuses nationwide. ASUU had reacted to what it termed unjust sack of its members and leadership of the union in the university. So, it was unclear as at the time of filing this report if the university will suspend both administrative and academic activities so that students could reunite with their families. The source added that the meeting was still on and that all options would be fully considered before arriving at a logical conclusion. Meanwhile, the University of Lagos is shutting down for three weeks beginning from today. The management took the decision at an emergency management meeting on Thursday afternoon. It would be recalled that following conflict between the universitys governing council chairman and the vice-chancellor, Wale Babalakin and Oluwatoyin Ogundipe respectively, the institutions 51st convocation ceremony had been postponed indefinitely. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, the universitys vice-chancellor said the meeting where the decision would be taken was still on as at Thursday afternoon. However, a source privy to the discussions at the meeting, but who craved anonymity, said the university was shutting down. Yes, UNILAG is shutting down for three weeks. ASUU has been on strike for three weeks now a d heaven didnt fall. So is it when the decision is most needed to avert bigger crisis that we would now say no? A statement will soon be issued to confirm this, the source said. When called on the phone to confirm the development, the head of the universitys public relations department, Mrs.Taiwo Oloyede, rejected our reporters call, indicating she was busy. Advertisements "Look, I did not take the easy vote, Gabbard said after returning to the campaign trail. I took the vote that I felt was in the best interest of our country and standing in the center to be able to bring the country together, to be able to begin this reconciliation that I think is so necessary in this terribly divided moment in our country." [The stream is slated to start at 11 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] Members of the task force created to address the deadly coronavirus outbreak hold a press briefing Thursday at the White House as authorities on the local, state and federal levels take drastic measures to slow the spread of the disease. On Wednesday Trump tweeted that he had some "very important news from the FDA," but the president failed to share that information with the public during the Wednesday briefing as promised. Trump tweet One White House official told CNBC that Trump is expected to reveal the news at Thursday's briefing. The outbreak has been expanding rapidly in the United States, roiling markets and infecting hundreds of thousands of people globally. President Donald Trump's administration is looking to funnel up to $1 trillion into a stimulus plan to mitigate the economic damage, with $550 billion earmarked for the direct payments or tax cuts. The Senate on Wednesday passed legislation to expand paid leave and unemployment insurance for people affected by the coronavirus. Trump later signed the bill into law. The White House's response to the outbreak has evolved, with Trump initially dismissing its severity. But last Friday, Trump changed course, declaring a national emergency, a move that freed up financial resources to assist Americans affected by the health crisis. Health officials for weeks have been urging Americans to take strong precautions as coronavirus cases multiply. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic last week, saying it expects "to see the number of cases, the number of deaths and the number of affected countries to climb even higher." Task force members include Vice President Mike Pence, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci and Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli, among others. The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to dozens of countries globally, with more than 219,400 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 8,946 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 9,159 cases in the United States and at least 150 deaths, according to the latest tallies. CNBC's Eamon Javers contributed to this report. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Amid the outbreak of novel coronavirus pandemic across the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday 8 p.m. and will talk about issues relating to the pandemic diseases and the efforts to combat it, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced on Wednesday. In a series of tweets, the PMO said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. Ways to further strengthen India's preparedness were discussed." "The Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next," another tweet read. "Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various State governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with aviation sector, municipal staff and others," the PMO tweet said. India saw 25 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the total in the country to 152. Three people have died in India -- one each from Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Countries across the globe have pushed for more drastic measures to contain the pandemic disease that has now surpassed over 2,00,000 cases and over 8,000 deaths globally. Horrible is how the macro hedge-fund manager Stephen Jen described it late last week, as he worked at home in London and watched markets for gold, bond yields and stocks whipsaw on his Bloomberg screen. The moves were absolutely incredible in size, in magnitude, in speed, and the triggers were not very clear, he said. On March 9, at the regular Monday meeting for Blackstones global team, Christopher Heady, who runs the firms real estate business in Asia and worked in Hong Kong when the coronavirus swept through China, tried to reassure colleagues that things would remain calm. By that evening, 14th-floor workers at the West Side Manhattan offices of Point72, which is led by Steven Cohen, were instructed to work from home, as their space was deep-cleaned after a back-office employees confirmed infection. For those who have remained in the office, the dwindling numbers are palpable. Company cafeterias have at times been empty, as on a summer Friday, and restaurants closed by local authorities to prevent the viruss spread have thinned the options for food takeout or delivery. Will Hunter, a portfolio manager at the Manhattan-based Neuberger Berman, said last week that while empty subways were eerie to ride, there was a sense of solidarity at his office. Owners of small businesses around downtown Manhattan, who depend on financial-firm employees, said they feared the coming weeks. Business this week is very slow, Mohd Islam, who has run a corner newsstand near the Goldman building for two years, said last week. Very slow. I dont know, God knows, if next week, he added, will be down, down, down, down. Alex Salmond's wife turned up to support him today at a landmark sex assault trial where he is accused of 13 offences against nine women. It is believed to be 82-year-old Moira Salmond's first appearance at the High Court in Edinburgh, where the ex-SNP leader is denying all 13 allegations. She listened as advocate Alex Prentice QC called the former First Minister a 'sexual predator' who 'abused his power to satisfy his sexual desires with impunity'. Mr Prentice thundered that Salmond's 'conduct over the span of the charges was intimidating, humiliating, degrading, and created an offensive environment'. The lawyer excoriated his 'emerging pattern' of 'brazen' and 'abusive' conduct, and praised the 'courageous' women who 'spoke up to call out' his alleged behaviour. He told the court: 'What I suggest is an ongoing course of conduct. There is a common theme here - that of a sexual predator with escalating gravity. 'This is an emerging pattern here. Brazen conduct. He did it because he could. 'It's hard to complain when you rely upon your abuser for opportunities and career development and when you are fully aware of an abuser's reach and control.' Alex Salmond arrives at the High Court in Edinburgh with his wife Moira Salmond for his trial Moira Salmond, wife of Alex Salmond, arrives at the High Court in Edinburgh for the ninth day of the former Scottish First Minister's trial over accusations of sexual assault Alex Salmond arrives at the High Court in Edinburgh with his wife Moira Salmond for his trial Alex Salmond arrives at the High Court in Edinburgh for his continuing sex assault trial Jurors also heard from one of Salmond's witnesses - his former adviser - who claims he checked on the 'welfare' of a woman left alone with the politician. Salmond previously said a civil servant in the Scottish Government, known as Woman B, had 'misremembered' an incident in which he is accused of grabbing her and trying to kiss her following a meeting at Bute House in 2010. She earlier told the court how trying to shake Salmond off was like 'wrestling with an octopus' after he allegedly tried to recreate the pose on a Christmas card, which featured an image of a man and woman about to kiss. Former special adviser Alexander Bell, 54, said on the ninth day of the trial that he had seen 'nothing unusual' when he entered the room after the alleged assault. 'There may have been some joking related to the card but I don't recall being told something she was unhappy about,' he said. Alex Prentice QC, for the Crown, said: 'The first minister and (the complainer) were alone in the drawing room, you having left and gone downstairs. 'Did you consider it necessary to return to the room? 'What was your intention in returning to the room?' Journalist Mr Bell said: 'To ensure that the welfare of my colleague was OK.' Salmond is on trial over accusations of sexual assault, including an attempted rape, spanning a period between June 2008 and November 2014. His lawyers previously lodged special defences of consent and alibi. Consent was given as a defence for three alleged sexual assaults and an alleged indecent assault against three women. Judge Lady Dorrian told the jury they have now heard all of the evidence in the case with speeches to follow. The trial continues. Columbia/Myrtle Beach Managing Editor Andy Shain runs The Post and Courier's newsrooms based in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. He was editor of Free Times and has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Charlotte, Columbia and Myrtle Beach. One of Britains loneliest dogs has finally found a new home after spending more than ten years in a rescue centre. Bess, a black and white border collie, arrived at Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, Kent, when she was very young. She had been hit by a car and her owners were no longer able to care for her. After she had languished in the centre for over a decade, staff made a fresh appeal for an animal lover to come forward and give her a home, which received global attention. Bess was inundated with hundreds of adoption applications from all over the world, even as far as America and Australia. Bess (pictured), a black and white border collie, stayed at the Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge for more than a decade without finding a family The pooch has now settled in the South coast of England after staff whittled their options down to find the best home for the celebrity dog. 'Bess came to us a long time ago, she was living on a farm but ran away and was hit by a car,' said centre manager Jenny Mansfield, 37. 'She had pins in her neck and has always been sensitive about being touched around her neck. 'Her previous owners were unable to look after her because of change in circumstances.' After the centre launched a global appeal to find her a home, Bess (pictured) was inundated with inquiries She continued: 'She is a friendly with people that she knows, but it even took the staff a long time to build her trust. 'Because of her injury she was wary around other dogs; she was a bit funny about having a lead on to start with. 'It took a long time for her to get to know people and we had to do five or six introductions with her new owners before she felt comfortable.' A spokesman for the rescue centre added: 'It is with very great pleasure Last Chance Animal Rescue can announce we have found a wonderful new home for Bess, our longest ever resident at our Edenbridge Centre. 'Bess, who was with us for ten long years, is now being cared for by new owners on the South Coast. 'Great care was taken by our staff to find the perfect home for Bess, her new owners made many visits to the centre to allow Bess to slowly get to know them. A spokesperson for the centre explained that it took the pup a long time to get to know people, and that it took five or six introductions with her new owners before she felt comfortable 'Everyone at Last Chance loved Bess and wanted to make sure we found the best home for her and we think we have. 'Bess is not the easiest of dogs and is very set in her ways, hence the amount of time she has been with us, so we still have all fingers crossed that this will be her forever home, so say a prayer. 'It was very emotional for everyone as she set off to her new life, but also very rewarding, as a loving home is what we want for all our dogs, and finally we have one for our Bess. The spokesperson went on to thank everyone who offered Bess a home, and added there were literally hundreds of people. They continued: 'Kind people from all over the world contacted us - in fact from Nova Scotia to Australia and many countries in between. 'We were amazed and very touched by peoples kindness and compassion. Weve done it.' Van Dyk Health Care, which sold its skilled nursing facilities in Montclair and Ridgewood to the current operator, Family of Caring, on October 3, 2018 and is not involved in the operations of these facilities in any capacity, has issued the following statement about the recent news involving Family of Caring at Montclair. We are devastated to learn about the recent tragedy at Family of Carings skilled nursing facility in Montclair. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. We hope that everyone involved is following all precautionary measures as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the New Jersey Department of Health and any trade associations like American Health Care Association in order to protect the facilitys staff, patients and anyone else interacting with them. Van Dyk Health Care, a family-owned care provider with 67 years of serving New Jersey families, offers an extensive continuum of care services for assisted living, memory care, home care and Alzheimers day care. Since 1953, the Van Dyk family has taken a personalized approach in caring for residents and families throughout Passaic, Bergen and Essex counties. The company received the #2 national ranking by Fortune for the Best Workplace in Aging Services, the Top Workplace award by North Jersey Media Group, the Womens Choice Award, and recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of Americas top care providers. Van Dyk Park Place, one of the leading assisted living communities in New Jersey, received the 2020 Best of Senior Living Award from SeniorAdvisor.com and the 2020 Member of the Year award from the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce. # # # We now offer lithium prices and coverage free for reference. Click here to read all about it. Join our growing community of participants who want to learn more about electrification and how this market is developing. A new study suggests that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged from Chinas Wuhan city is a product of natural evolution. The study was published in the journal -- Nature Medicine. The analysis of public genome sequence data from SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses found no evidence that the virus was made in a laboratory or otherwise engineered. By comparing the available genome sequence data for known coronavirus strains, we can firmly determine that SARS-CoV-2 originated through natural processes, said the lead researcher Kristian Andersen. In addition to Andersen, authors on the paper, The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2, include Robert F. Garry of Tulane University, Edward Holmes, of the University of Sydney, Andrew Rambaut of University of Edinburgh and W. Ian Lipkin of Columbia University. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging widely in severity. The first known severe illness caused by a coronavirus emerged with the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in China. A second outbreak of severe illness began in 2012 in Saudi Arabia with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). On December 31 last year, Chinese authorities alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) of an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus causing severe illness, which was subsequently named SARS-CoV-2. As of February 20, 2020, nearly 167,500 COVID-19 cases have been documented, although many more mild cases have likely gone undiagnosed. The virus has killed over 6,600 people. Shortly after the epidemic began, Chinese scientists sequenced the genome of SARS-CoV-2 and made the data available to researchers worldwide. The resulting genomic sequence data has shown that Chinese authorities rapidly detected the epidemic and that the number of COVID-19 cases have been increasing because of human to human transmission after a single introduction into the human population. Andersen and collaborators at several other research institutions used this sequencing data to explore the origins and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by focusing in on several tell-tale features of the virus. The scientists analysed the genetic template for spike proteins, armatures on the outside of the virus that it uses to grab and penetrate the outer walls of human and animal cells. More specifically, they focused on two important features of the spike protein -- the receptor-binding domain (RBD), a kind of grappling hook that grips onto host cells, and the cleavage site, a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells. The scientists found that the RBD portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins had evolved to effectively target a molecular feature on the outside of human cells called ACE2, a receptor involved in regulating blood pressure. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was so effective at binding the human cells. In fact, the scientists concluded that it was the result of natural selection and not the product of genetic engineering. This evidence for natural evolution was supported by data on SARS-CoV-2s backbone -- its overall molecular structure. If someone were seeking to engineer a new coronavirus as a pathogen, they would have constructed it from the backbone of a virus known to cause illness. But the scientists found that the SARS-CoV-2 backbone differed substantially from those of already known coronaviruses and mostly resembled related viruses found in bats and pangolins. These two features of the virus, the mutations in the RBD portion of the spike protein and its distinct backbone, rule out laboratory manipulation as a potential origin for SARS-CoV-2, said Andersen. Josie Golding, PhD, epidemics lead at UK-based Wellcome Trust, said that the findings by Andersen and his colleagues are crucially important to bring an evidence-based view to the rumours that have been circulating about the origins of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19. They conclude that the virus is the product of natural evolution ending any speculation about deliberate genetic engineering, Goulding added. Based on their genomic sequencing analysis, Andersen and his collaborators concluded that the most likely origins for SARS-CoV-2 followed one of two possible scenarios. In one scenario, the virus evolved to its current pathogenic state through natural selection in a non-human host and then jumped to humans. This is how previous coronavirus outbreaks have emerged, with humans contracting the virus after direct exposure to civets (SARS) and camels (MERS). The researchers proposed bats as the most likely reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 as it is very similar to a bat coronavirus. There are no documented cases of direct bat-human transmission, however, suggesting that an intermediate host was likely involved between bats and humans. In this scenario, both of the distinctive features of SARS-CoV-2s spike protein -- the RBD portion that binds to cells and the cleavage site that opens the virus up would have evolved to their current state prior to entering humans. In this case, the current epidemic would probably have emerged rapidly as soon as humans were infected, as the virus would have already evolved the features that make it pathogenic and able to spread between people. In the other proposed scenario, a non-pathogenic version of the virus jumped from an animal host into humans and then evolved to its current pathogenic state within the human population. For instance, some coronaviruses from pangolins, armadillo-like mammals found in Asia and Africa, have an RBD structure very similar to that of SARS-CoV-2. A coronavirus from a pangolin could possibly have been transmitted to a human, either directly or through an intermediary host such as civets or ferrets. Then the other distinct spike protein characteristic of SARS-CoV-2, the cleavage site, could have evolved within a human host, possibly via limited undetected circulation in the human population prior to the beginning of the epidemic. The researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 cleavage site appears similar to the cleavage sites of strains of bird flu that have been shown to transmit easily between people. SARS-CoV-2 could have evolved such a virulent cleavage site in human cells and soon kicked off the current epidemic, as the coronavirus would possibly have become far more capable of spreading between people. Study co-author Andrew Rambaut cautioned that it is difficult if not impossible to know at this point which of the scenarios is most likely. If the SARS-CoV-2 entered humans in its current pathogenic form from an animal source, it raises the probability of future outbreaks, as the illness-causing strain of the virus could still be circulating in the animal population and might once again jump into humans. The chances are lower of a non-pathogenic coronavirus entering the human population and then evolving properties similar to SARS-CoV-2. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, March 19 (Jiji Press)--A total of 112 countries and regions were restricting entry from Japan as of 6 a.m. Thursday (9 p.m. Wednesday GMT) amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. The number grew by 24 from a day before. Among the 24 are the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Switzerland and Taiwan. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Some 60 Indian students stranded at the Singapore International Airport in the wake of the outbreak arrived here on Thursday night, much to the relief of their family members. The students, most of them from Maharashtra, arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in a Singapore Airlines flight. Some 40 of these students are from Maharashtra, while the rest are from other states, said a relative of one of the pupils. "Most of the students are pursuing medical course in the Philippines. They went to Singapore but had to spend one- and-a half-day there as no flight was available for them to return to India, he said. The students are still in the plane. I spoke to some of them over the phone. We will come to know about their status once immigration checks and thermal screening are, he said. Flight operations have been disrupted all over the world in the wake of the pandemic which has hit more than 150 countries. Britney Ujlaky picked flowers for friends if theyd had a bad day. She loved listening to any music she could dance to, and dreamed of becoming a makeup artist. In her rural Nevada community, the 16-year-old volunteered at the 2U Ranch, riding and grooming horses, and helping with cattle drives. She had the personality you cant really forgetshe was so goofy and fun, said one close friend, Cheyenne Fry, 18. You would be having the worst day of your life, but her laugh would put you in a good mood. Britney often talked about wanting to someday win the title of local Rodeo Queen, Fry said. She was always helping people out, Fry told The Daily Beast. If it was house-sitting, babysitting, grooming their horses. Everyone knew her and loved her so much. But on the afternoon of Sunday, March 8, Britney disappeared and the nightmare began. That evening, her mother shared a desperate plea on Facebook: My daughter is missing!!!!!!! Police have been notified. Please please share!!!!!!!! Americas Most Beautiful Small Town Is Murder, U.S.A. Britney was last seen hopping into a green Ford F-150 pickup truck in front of Spring Creek High School. According to one Facebook group sanctioned by Britneys family, that truck was driven by a young man in a cowboy hat whose identity is unknown. Courtesy GoFundMe Three days after Britney vanished, she was discovered dead near the Burner Basin area of Spring Creek, about 6.5 miles north of the high school. On Monday, police announced the identification of Britneys body and provided the number for a tip line for their investigation. At this time, Britney's death is being investigated as a homicide, the Elko County Sheriffs Office stated. While investigators have been working around the clock following up on leads and tips, a suspect has not been identified. Currently there has been no information to indicate danger to the public, the agency added, before requesting that citizens refrain from posting rumors and tips on social media sites. (The sheriff did not return messages left on Tuesday.) Story continues The loss has devastated Britneys family, who are seeking answers on what might have happened to the high-schooler. They say theyre certain of one thing, however: Britney was not trying to run away from home. She adored her family and friends and blended so well with others, said Leslie Tolhurst-Grayson, a cousin who was very close to Britney and her mom, Alisha. When she went missing, it was looked at as a runaway but we all knew she would never run away from her family. On Tuesday, in the hours before a candlelight vigil, Britneys family shared her obituary. She loved to ride and did so as often as possible, the memorial read. Britney was most happy when participating in some sort of cowgirl work. At the 2U Ranch, she was always the first one saddled and ready to go. Britney was born Gabrielle Lynn Ujlaky, but when her parents took her home, they felt she was more of a Britney. Tolhurst-Grayson said everyone had a nickname for her: Brit, Brit Brit, Goose, or Woman Bear. Police have released little information on Britneys last movements. In her mothers social media post seeking help, she indicated Britneys phone last pinged at 5:30 p.m. on Boyd-Kennedy Road near the high school. A missing person flyer shared online by relatives and supporters said the F-150 truck Britney got into was an older model from the early 2000s. The driver was described as a white male wearing a cowboy hat in his late teens [or] early twenties. Another flyer said, He went by JT, and added, She was found deceased and alone. We need to find this JT. He could be anywhere. Its unclear who this man was, or how Britney knew him. One never thinks something so tragic could happen to your family, Tolhurst-Grayson told The Daily Beast. Its something you only see in movies. Fry said she last spoke to Britney hours before she went missing. The friends spoke to each other every day on the Facetime app, and theyd go to the gym together on Sundays. She called me and asked if I wanted to go to the gym, Fry recalled. I told her to give me an hour. That call, Fry says, came around 1 p.m. after shed gotten out of church. At the time of the call, Fry says, Britney was hanging out with a mutual friend. Within a few hours, that mutual friend dropped Britney off at the high school. She said her dad was picking her up, Fry told The Daily Beast. I wish she would have said something to me about this guy, Fry said of the mystery driver. She said this was one of her new friends. I wish I had more answers but I dont. Another friend, Brin Wilson, said she texted Britney around 4:37 p.m. on the day she vanished, asking if she wanted to come over for pizza. Brin never heard back and knew something was amiss later when the phone went straight to voicemail. She would never let her phone die or be without it, Wilson said. Wilson often went horseback riding with Britney. Theyd cover miles with no destination and joke about all the crazy stuff we did. Wilson said, She was the kindest soul I knew. She looked up to me. Every day she would always check up on me. Fry said Britney often put others before herself. She wasnt afraid to go do things, to talk to someone. She had no fear, Fry added. She was the most fearless girl I ever met. Despite her loving demeanor, Britney was also dealing with online bullies, whom she eventually had to block on Snapchat, Fry said. She got bullied. Every teenager goes through that. That's what made our friendship so strong. We were always there standing up for each other, Fry said. Mourners planned a candlelight vigil to honor Britney on Tuesday evening. RL Dakin, an administrator for the JUSTICE FOR BRITNEY UJLAKY Facebook group, said the event would be livestreamed because of COVID-19 fears. Dakin, who is based in Canada, has set up more than 50 Facebook groups for families with missing persons. Typically, in any group, we are looking for the missing person along with any vehicles associated with their disappearance but in Britneys heartbreaking circumstance, she had been foundwe didn't need to look for Britney anymore, she said. So, we focused on the vehicle that she was believed to have gotten into. Dakins group has pushed for people in the area to review security footage, dashcam video, or trail and wildlife cameras for clues. My heart aches for Britney and her family, Dakin added. Her group will transition over to her family and friends when they are ready to take that on. Hopefully, it will remain in place to support this family through the criminal investigation, possibly a trialall the nightmares that still await them. Fry said she hopes justice is served sooner than later. You just want to ask yourself why. Why did it have to be her? Fry told The Daily Beast. Why now? Why so young? And you wont get those answers because no one really knows. For me, its been hard. I still havent fully accepted itthat my best friend is gone. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Emergency laws to lockdown parts of Ireland or order people to stay indoors during the coronavirus outbreak will only be used to save lives, the Health Minister has said. Simon Harris said he hoped he would never be required to use any of the powers the Government is set to secure with the passage of legislation in the Dail later on Thursday. Under the laws, which will initially be in place until May 9, the authorities can order people to stay indoors, close down non-essential businesses, cancel events and have the ability to impose targeted restrictions on specific areas of the country. (PA Graphics) We will only use these on the advice of the chief medical officer (Dr Tony Holohan) and our public health experts because we dont expect to be in this place, we dont want to be in this place, he said. Mr Harris, speaking to RTE Radio 1, said the legislation would mean if such decisions had to be taken, they could been taken quickly. We need to have those powers to act decisively to save lives, he said. A total of 366 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Ireland to date. Two people with the illness have died. Announcing the cancellation of Leaving Cert oral examinations, Education Minister Joe McHugh said on Thursday that the ideal scenario would see the predicted surge of cases peak in mid-April. Education Minster Joe McHugh briefed the media about the impact of Covid-19 on upcoming examinations (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Harris said he was conscious of the worry within communities across Ireland. This is a time where people are really nervous, really anxious people are worried, I detect that right across the country, he said. I want people to know that these measures are only ever going to be used to protect us all, to keep people safe and to save lives. They are measures I hope I never have to use but equally I hope by putting them in law the Irish people know how seriously were taking this situation. The legislation going through the Dail on Thursday will also provide financial support to those workers who are forced to take time off work to self-isolate or who have lost their job due to the economic fallout from the outbreak. A limited number of TDs will attend the hearing due to social distancing measures that are in place across the country. Social distancing measures mean only a limited number of TDs will attend the hearing (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Harris said the number of people being tested for the coronavirus each day in Ireland was set to reach 15,000. He said the Irish authorities would try to continue the policy of community testing and contact tracing for as long as was practical. I am really proud that we are continuing to do community testing, some countries have stopped it, Mr Harris said. It will mean people in Ireland are going to have to wait a few days for a test. But why we are doing this is because the World Health Organisation said test, test, test the more of this virus we can find, isolate and contact anyone who might have been in contact with it, the greater a chance you have of slowing down the spread and, if we can slow down the spread of this virus, we can save lives. We will reach a point, every country will reach a point, where you have to say youve got to slow down community testing, but we are nowhere near there and we want to keep going for as long as possible. Earlier it emerged that more than 30,000 people have responded to a massive recruitment drive across the Irish health service. #OurHealthService is preparing to care for people affected by #COVID19. We are asking healthcare workers not currently working in the public health service to register to be on call to help. #ItsInOurHands #COVID19Ireland https://t.co/P3wERCea25 pic.twitter.com/oryqlKRbZG HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 17, 2020 The Be On Call For Ireland campaign launched on Tuesday to seek help from healthcare professionals who are not already working in the public health service. The recruitment call came with the message: Your country needs you. Mr Harris said the projection of 15,000 people infected by the end of March was a worst-case scenario based on no mitigation measures being taken. He said the publics adherence to social distancing steps would have a direct impact on bringing that total down. If we make a real effort and follow the public health advice and all of these awkward things that have been put in place in terms of schools being closed and working from home and basic things like washing our hands, we can reduce that number, he said. Mr Harris said steps were under way to secure more ventilators. The minister confirmed the HSE currently owned 500 and that there were plans to have 250 intensive care beds open. He said there was a plan to take over 164 ventilation rooms in private hospitals. Mr Harris said discussions were also under way with companies based in Ireland that exported ventilators to other countries to ensure a supply was retained within the country. He said 300 more ventilators would be obtained commercially in the coming days, with 80/90 more each week after that. But the minister added: Weve got to be truthful, weve got to be honest with people if we dont slow down the spread of this disease, no matter how many we buy, no matter how many beds are opened, it wont be enough. So what we do today (in adhering to social distancing) will directly impact on the ability of our health service to cope. He said: I cant stop this virus being in Ireland, nobody can, but what we can stop together are lots of older people getting very sick at the same time and actually save lives. Boris Johnson is facing a Tory revolt over failure to protect millions of workers from redundancy during the coronavirus crisis, with a former cabinet minister urging the state to start paying wages. Greg Clark, the ex-business secretary, said ministers should fund workers' pay if firms continuing to employ staff as he warned that the government's loan scheme was "not enough" to save jobs. He said firms were being forced to make "irreversible" decisions, adding: "If the government does not act immediately, large numbers of people will be unemployed. "Registering them will put huge pressure on the welfare system, vital skills will be lost and good businesses will cease trading, who themselves will be the customers and suppliers of other businesses." Mr Clark said all employers pay tax for employees through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), which should be flipped and paid back to firms "if, and only if, they continue to employ their staff. He added: "Separate arrangements would need to be made for the self-employed, but at a stroke this would save people's jobs, save businesses and put an immediate end to the risk of contagion and help save the economy." Other senior Tories lined up to demand further action, with former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the architect of universal credit reforms, calling for moves to speed up welfare payments. You could change the benefit rates allowing the greater expanse of money to flow. This could be done today," he told the Treasury minister John Glen. Veteran MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said the package was "simply not going to be enough" and urged the government to listen to Conservative "die hards" calling for radical change. He added: "Can I urge the government to say something today to give people assurance that the help will come?" Mr Glen, a junior Treasury minister, said the government was prepared to do whatever it takes to support workers in the face of repeated criticisms from all sides. Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Show all 20 1 /20 Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Top: Nabi Younes market, Mosul Bottom: Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Grand Mosque, Mecca Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Nabi Younes market, Mosul Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Basra Grand Mosque, Iraq Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Taj Mahal hotel, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Dubai Mall, UAE Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Gateway of India, Mumbai Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Victoria Memorial, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sidon, Lebanon Reuters He said: "I recognise that the package of measures that we've put out with respect to statutory sick pay, easier access to universal credit and ESA, the business rates relief, the small business grant facility, the local authority hardship funds, and the HMRC forbearance measures, will for some not feel at this point sufficient. "But (Mr Clark) will also know from his experience in government that it's very important that when the government announces the measures that we wish to take to assist with supporting employees, that they need to be effective and work." Peter Dowd, Labour's shadow Treasury minister, said: "People are asking us why Denmark had its first coronavirus case on February 27 and New Zealand its first case on February 28, four weeks after our first case, so why have Denmark and New Zealand announced comprehensive job protection plans though they had their first cases four weeks after us - while we've announced nothing to secure people's jobs and wages?" Recommended Hospitals hours from running out of protective coronavirus equipment Mr Glen said the UK is "looking at the furlough system" and proportion of support available while also examining other systems around the world. Asked by the SNP about a universal basic income scheme, Mr Glen said the government is "looking at that", before adding: "The issue there is will it help the most affected most urgently? "Many of us in this House, for example, would not require such support and we've got to make sure we target at the most vulnerable." It comes after Rishi Sunak unveiled a package of 330bn package of government-backed loans and more than 20bn in tax cuts to help firms threatened by the outbreak - the largest injection of emergency state support for business since the 2008 financial crash. Meanwhile, Labour leadership contender Sir Keir Starmer has called for workers to have their incomes guaranteed through a new national scheme, where government loans would be tied to job protection. MUMBAI, India So far, India has had to contend with very few known cases of coronavirus. And its leaders are determined to try to keep it that way. On Thursday evening, in a prime-time speech to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his 1.3 billion citizens to avoid crowds and stay at home. Today, what is known as social distancing is very necessary, Mr. Modi said. Earlier in the day, authorities also announced a weeklong ban on incoming international flights, beginning Sunday. The prime ministers appeal came just in time in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where the authorities face an urgent challenge: dissuading hundreds of thousands of Hindus from traveling there next week for a nine-day celebration of Ram, one of the religions most important gods. Devotees believe Ram, also known as Rama, was born in the Uttar Pradesh city of Ayodhya, and for generations, they have descended upon it for his birthday festivities. This year, they run from March 25 to April 2, and this time, pilgrims plan to celebrate the start of construction of a new Ram temple in Ayodhya. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An atheist that I was dialoging with a while back tried to support his disbelief in Jesus through the use of the Spiderman fallacy, which is a contrived argument that has been defined in the following way by Urban Dictionary: Archaeologists 1,000 years from now unearth a collection of Spiderman comics. From the background art, they can tell it takes place in New York City. NYC is an actual place, as confirmed by archaeology. However, this does not mean that Spiderman existed. Often used to illustrate the flaw in the assertion by evangelical Christians that archaeologists unearthing biblical cities today "proves" that the Bible was written by a supernatural force. The Spiderman Fallacy is committed any time the discovery of a mundane element from a myth, legend, or story is taken to mean that ALL other parts of that story, even the supernatural, are also true.[1] Let me explain why I believe atheists should not use this argument to try and support their skeptical position on Christianity and whether Jesus actually existed. Why Historical Accuracy Matters Perhaps there are Christians who argue along the lines of because Jerusalem exists, Jesus also existed, but no Christian apologist or theologian Ive ever listened to has argued in this manner. The Spiderman fallacy argument misstates the true argument that good apologists make, which is this: We tend to trust people who get their facts straight. Take for example the author of the gospel of Luke and Acts. By all standards of measure, he shows himself to be a top-notch historian, a fact demonstrated by such credible scholars such as Colin Hemer in his work The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History. Of Luke, historian and archaeologist Sir William Ramsay said: Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statement of fact trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense; he fixes his mind on the idea and plan that rules in the evolution of history, and proportions the scale of his treatment to the importance of each incident... . In short, this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians."[2] Why are such accreditations important? Because historical accuracy matters; an author who shows him/herself to be correct in matters that can be falsified should be granted trust in matters that cannot be directly investigated. F. F. Bruce puts it like this: Now, all these evidences of accuracy are not accidental. A man whose accuracy can be demonstrated in matters where we are able to test it is likely to be accurate even where the means for testing him are not available. Accuracy is a habit of mind, and we know from happy (or unhappy) experience that some people are habitually accurate just as others can be depended upon to be inaccurate. Luke's record entitles him to be regarded as a writer of habitual accuracy.[3] This is the direct argument of Christian apologists where the New Testament is concerned. The Spiderman fallacy takes a big misstep right out of the blocks in misrepresenting this fact. A Fundamental Misunderstanding I loved comic books as a kid, and, truth be told, I was quite a collector. In fact, I still have my full collection (including many Spiderman issues) safely tucked away in my basement. But heres the thing: no clear-thinking individual including myself confuses a comic book with a history book. Why? We understand they are of two different genres. What is a genre? Ben Witherington explains: The word genre means a literary kind or type. It refers to a sort of compact between author and reader whereby the author, using various literary signals, indicates to the reader what sort of document is being read and how it should be used. The genre signals in the text provide the reader with a guide to the interpretation of the text. To make a genre mistake is to make a category mistake, which skews the reading of the document.[4] When the atheist tries to compare a Spiderman comic which is clearly of the fantasy genre in the comic book world with the New Testament, they commit the category mistake that Witherington identifies. In a very real way, the atheist shoots themselves in the head in trying to use the Spiderman argument because it is they who are committing a logical fallacy (category mistake) vs. the Christian. Some skeptics, though, try and argue that the Gospels do not belong in the genre of history and point to statements such as those made by the Jesus Seminar who said: The gospels are now assumed to be narratives in which the memory of Jesus is embellished by mythic elements that express the churchs faith in him, and by plausible fictions that enhance the telling of the gospel story for first-century listeners who knew about divine men and miracles workers firsthand.[5] However, such thinking has been discredited due to the work of a number of scholars, most notably Richard Burridge and his work What are the Gospels A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography. Burridge, dean of Kings College in London, is a classicist who originally set out to disprove the thesis that the Gospels fit within the genre of ancient biography, but during his research, the evidence he uncovered caused him to reverse his opinion. Those who think the Gospels dont match the category of ancient historical biography confuse our current models of biography with those of the ancient world. Ancient biographies were not the huge page-turners available today, but instead were much shorter/to-the-point works. An ancient biography oftentimes skipped over major parts of a characters life and limited the material to key events or speeches, with the end goal many times being to encourage the readers to emulate the virtuous life of the biographical subject. Mark Roberts, who received his Ph.D. in New Testament at Harvard, says: When seen in this light, the New Testament Gospels fit quite nicely within the genre of Hellenistic biography.[6] Burridge shows this to be the case as he takes great care in presenting the openings, internal and external features, characteristics, and evidence of ancient biographies. Graham Stanton of Cambridge, who wrote the forward to Burridges book said: I do not think it is now possible to deny that the Gospels are a subset of the broad ancient literary genre of lives, that is, biographies.[7] This being true, the skeptic who tries to compare a Spiderman comic book to the New Testament biographies of Jesus just ends up looking uninformed. The Real Crux of the Matter At its core, I believe what drives the use of the Spiderman fallacy is the same thing that is at the heart of the atheistic worldview: a refusal to acknowledge the possibility of the supernatural. Because of their naturalistic presuppositions, atheists think along the lines of Spiderman is portrayed as having superhuman powers. So is Jesus. Having supernatural abilities is impossible. So, since Spiderman is fictitious, Jesus is also. Such is the end result when someone falls prey to the faulty analogy logical fallacy. Analogies are only good when there are strong similarities and nonessential differences, and such is not the case in comparing a universally acknowledged fantasy comic book hero with the historical Jesus. Regarding the stories of miracles in the New Testament and the skeptic, Bruce remarks: For many readers it is precisely these miracle-stories which are the chief difficulty in the way of accepting the New Testament documents as reliable. To some extent it is true to say that the credibility of these stories is a matter of historical evidence. If they are related by authors who can be shown on other grounds to be trustworthy, then they are worthy of at least serious attention by the historian. . . . No doubt, the historian will be more exacting in his examination of the evidence where miracles are in question. But if the evidence is really good, he will not refuse it on a priori grounds.[8] But is there really good evidence along the lines of what Bruce refers to that helps the skeptic in this area that links miracle accounts with historical confirmation? I believe there is. While space prohibits a thorough treatment on this topic, let me provide just one example. The miraculous resurrection of Lazarus is recorded in John 11-12. Of this event, the late Professor A. T. Olmstead, a leading authority on ancient Oriental history, says he views the narrative as having, all the circumstantial detail of the convinced eyewitness" and told by an un-doubted eyewitness-full of life, and lacking any detail to which the sceptic might take justifiable objection.[9] Is there historical substantiation of this event that lends support to it being true? Yes, there is. The tomb of Lazarus was uncovered on Larnaca, Cyprus in A.D. 900.[10] I used to work with a software engineer who lived on Larnaca that could literally hit the site of Lazarus tomb with a rock from his flat. If you go there today, you will see the same words written in Greek that greeted the discoverers of Lazarus tomb: Lazarus. Four Days Dead. Friend of Christ. One other thing worth noting as an aside is that it is not only the New Testament that reports Jesus performing miracles, but other historians reference it as well. Josephus cites Jesus as doing extraordinary feats (in his historically accepted version of Jesus in Antiquities); the Talmud refers to Jesus and His miracles as originating from sorcery, as does work from Celsus, the ancient critic of Christianity in the second century. So, there are historical sources outside the New Testament that add weight to the claims as well. Lastly, those confident in their denial of the supernatural should give attention to the words of Mark Roberts who provides good advice to those on both sides of the debate: If your worldview excludes the possibility of miracles, then you have an intractable problem with the historicity of the Gospels. But your acceptance of such a worldview is a matter of faith. Theres no way you can prove that miracles dont happen, even as theres no way I can prove that they do. Theres an irreducible element of faith on both sides of this argument.[11] Conclusion So, in the end we see that the Spiderman fallacy as applied to Christianity (1) misstates the true position maintained by Christian apologists where historical accuracy and the Bible are concerned, (2) misunderstands the essential and meaningful genre differences of the New Testament and fantasy comic books, and (3) is handicapped by its naturalistic presuppositions so that it rules out the witness of the New Testament in a priori fashion. There are good arguments that atheists bring against the existence of God in general and Christianity in particular, which deserve good recognition and debate. The Spiderman fallacy argument isnt one of them. [1] http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=The%20Spiderman%20Fallacy. [2] Sir William Ramsay, Bearing of Recent Discovery on the Trustworthiness of the New Testament, pg. 222: http://goo.gl/KmUcg. [3] F. F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents Are They Reliable? (Grand Rapid: Eerdmans, 1981), pgs 90-1. http://goo.gl/v5SPC [4] Ben Witherington III, New Testament History: A Narrative Account (http://goo.gl/S1w3J. [5] R. W. Funk and R. W. Hoover and The Jesus Seminar. The Five Gospels : What Did Jesus Really Say? (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1997), pgs. 4-5. http://goo.gl/vdtv1. [6] Mark Roberts, Can We Trust the Gospels? (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007), pg. 85. [7] Richard Burridge, What are the Gospels A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004), pgs. viii-ix. [8] Bruce, 62-2. http://goo.gl/v5SPC. My emphasis. [9] A. T. Olmstead, Jesus in Light of History (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1972), pg. 206. [10] See a short video on the story of Lazarus and his tomb at: http://goo.gl/IPEzy. [11] Roberts, pg. 194. 3 Members of the Same NJ Family Die After Contracting CCP Virus Two family members of a New Jersey woman who died from the CCP virus about a week ago have also died from the virus. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Grace Fusco, 73, a mother of 11 from Freehold, died last week, according to her cousin, Paradiso Fodera, in an interview with The New York Times. Fuscos daughter, 55-year-old Rita Fusco-Jackson, died Friday before her eldest son, Carmine Fusco, died in Pennsylvania, the familys lawyer told the paper. Paradiso Fodera said that about 20 other relatives are on a respirator in their homes and are praying. If theyre not on a respirator, theyre quarantined, she said. It is so pitiful, she added. They cant even mourn the way you would. Theyre young and they dont have any underlying conditions, she said of some of the other patients. Other members of the Fusco family are awaiting test results for the virus. This has been devastating for all of us, Fusco-Jacksons sister Elizabeth Fusco told NJ.com before the two other family members died. We are waiting on 19 tests of spouses and children of the hospitalized victims, who were all in contact on March 10 or later, she said earlier this week. According to Johns Hopkins University data, more than 9,400 cases of the CCP virus have been reported in the United States as of Thursday morning along with 150 deaths. And more than 427 cases have been reported in New Jersey along with five deaths. Pennsylvania has backed off on its closure of rest stops ... sort of. The state announced Tuesday afternoon it will reopen 13 rest stops for parking. The state also will install portable toilet facilities at all of those sites. But the indoor bathroom facilities will not be reopened. "In order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, we will not be opening any of the indoor facilities because there is no staff to keep them clean and properly sanitized," Department of Transportation spokeswoman Alexis Campbell said in an email to FreightWaves. The stops to be reopened are: Luzerne on Interstate 81, both northbound and southbound Cumberland on Interstate 81, northbound and southbound Venango on Interstate 80, eastbound and westbound Centre on Interstate 80, eastbound and westbound Montour on Interstate 80, eastbound and westbound Crawford on Interstate 79, northbound and southbound Allegheny on Interstate 79, just northbound. "At these locations, PennDOT will be taking down the barricades on some facilities in critical locations and making them available for truck parking," the statement from DOT said. Pennsylvania has 36 DOT-operated rest stops. However, only 30 were newly closed as a result of the order. The other six were undergoing different projects that already had them closed, Campbell said. The initial order from Pennsylvania DOT did not affect private truck stops such as TA or Love's, which remain open. Instead, it closed bare-bones facilities that had free parking spots, indoor bathrooms and vending machines. Campbell said in her email that at least one of the portable toilets at each site will be ADA compliant. "We will continue to evaluate and will determine whether additional rest areas can be reopened," Campbell's email added. "Every decision made has been in the interest of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and we are constantly reevaluating our response," she wrote. "That said, we also recognize that drivers need and deserve access to rest areas."The decision to close the rest stops just after midnight on Tuesday brought on significant criticism. The reversal came about 36 hours after the closures. Story continues Image Sourced from Pixabay See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. While Mitsubishi was testing numerous collision parts program pilots, CollisionLink delivered clear and immediate results with minimal disruption, said Bill Lopez, OEC General Manager, Collision. OEConnection LLC (OEC), the leading automotive technology provider for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) distribution networks, will provide Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) with CollisionLink, with MMNA naming the program: Mitsubishi Ultra Conquest Program. MMNA becomes the 26th automotive OEM in North America, and the fifth in the past six months, to implement the CollisionLink solution to enhance their parts marketing program. CollisionLink is the industrys leading collision parts procurement platform, allowing dealerships to offer eligible OEM parts at competitive prices to a national network of collision shops. Currently, CollisionLink provides coverage to all makes and all models of light-duty vehicles in North America. While Mitsubishi was testing numerous collision parts program pilots, CollisionLink delivered clear and immediate results with minimal disruption, said Bill Lopez, OEC General Manager, Collision. With the largest collision shop procurement network in place and many strategic Mitsubishi dealers already onboard through CollisionLink, OEC was the obvious choice and the solution that made the most sense for Mitsubishi. We knew we needed a turn-key solution to help our dealer partners provide price-competitive crash-parts, in order to ensure that repairs to Mitsubishi vehicles are done properly, and with the best possible parts. When evaluating all of the solutions that were on the table, we looked at who could provide immediate financial results with dealer-friendly workflow and pricing, while also bringing the Mitsubishi parts program to market the fastest, said Scott Smith, VP Aftersales, for MMNA. OEC was able to check all of the boxes on our end. Beginning in March 2020, all Mitsubishi dealers will have access to the Mitsubishi Ultra Conquest Program available through CollisionLink. About OEC OEConnection (OEC) is the leading automotive technology provider for OEM distribution networks. We enable automakers and dealerships around the world to deliver parts and service information quickly and accurately into the hands of repairers. Our solutions cover the collision, fleet, mechanical and retail segments, as well as the dealers own service lanes, through a suite of parts cataloging, supply chain, pricing, ecommerce, service, data and business intelligence solutions. OEC serves 37 international auto brands, 30,000 dealers and more than 135,000 repair customers worldwide. OEC is headquartered in the greater Cleveland area at 4205 Highlander Parkway, Richfield, Ohio, USA, 44286. Additional information is available at http://www.oeconnection.com or by emailing Heather King at Heather.King@OEConnection.com. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the sole woman remaining in the Democratic Primary race, has suspended her campaign and endorsed Joe Biden. The endorsement is a coup for Biden, since Gabbard's decision to endorse Sanders during the 2016 primary helped boost her national profile and set her on the path to her own run. Gabbard published the announcement on Twitter, where she released a video explaining her decision to her supporters, many of whom will likely be puzzled by her decision to endorse Biden. Gabbard was treated with derision from the establishment Dems almost from the start, with Hillary Clinton going as far as to accuse her of being a "Russian plant", prompting Gabbard to sue her. SNL castmember Cecily Strong portrayed Gabbard during the show's debate sketches, playing her as a villain in a send-up of the DNC's irrationally intense antipathy toward the Congresswoman, who served in Iraq as a member of the Hawaii National Guard, and advocated a more isolationist foreign policy that would see America bring its troops home. In the midst of ringing in her 31st birthday, actress Lily Collins took to Instagram to urge her nearly 19million followers to stay in during a time she described as scary and unprecedented. But the Mirror, Mirror star took a break from her personal dedication to self distancing on Wednesday when she stepped out for a walk with boyfriend Charlie McDowell in their Los Angeles neighborhood. The pair, who have been dating since June of last year, were joined by their energetic pup Redford. Fresh air: Lily Collins was spotted enjoying a walk in her Los Angeles neighborhood with her boyfriend Charlie McDowel and their precious pooch Redford on Wednesday in wake of the coronavirus pandemic Collins, rocking a visibly makeup-free face, could not help but beam as she proudly linked arms with her director beau. Her golden brown tresses were neatly parted in the center and flowed effortlessly down her back and chest. The actress sported a trendy oversized bleach dyed tee, which she layered with a forest green windbreaker. Party of three: Collins, who celebrated her 31st birthday on Wednesday, was all smiles as she locked arms with her director beau She rounded out her look by slipping her slender stems into a pair of Nike sweatpants that coordinated with her black and white slip-on sneakers. Collins let out a boisterous laugh, as her and McDowell watched their persistent pooch pull at his leash. McDowell, who is the directorial eye behind the 2014 fantasy drama The One I Love, donned a color-blocked puffer vest which he paired with black sweatpants, off white sneakers, and a ball cap. Their family: The couple, who have been dating since June, adopted their dog Redford in December; Collins shared this snapshot of herself, Charlie, and Redford on her Instagram back in February It was clear that Collins was happy to be turning 31-year-old in the presence of the two boys she loves most. The star, after receiving an influx of birthday love on Instagram, took to the platform to not only thank fans for their kind words, but to encourage them to stay safe in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. This has definitely been a strange time to celebrate [my birthday], Lily began. But we do need to keep our heads up through it all. Thankful, but concerned: After receiving an influx of birthday messages, Lily took to her Instagram page to thank her adoring fans, as well as to emphasize the importance of practicing social distancing Helping out: The 31-year-old took her activism a step further by encouraging her followers to support their local businesses that are struggling at this time due to coronavirus-related shut downs Remember to keep yourself and others safe by social distancing - even if youre young and healthy - and be proactive by helping the more vulnerable people around you and stay in. She then directed her followers to the Feeding America donation page, so that those with extra funds can extend a helping hand to low income families in need. Collins also encouraged people to make an effort to support their local small businesses. Simple steps: To make things even simpler for her nearly 19million followers, the Mirror, Mirror actress provided an aesthetically pleasing infographic that mapped out the different ways the public can presently help small businesses stay afloat Try to support your local small businesses who are struggling at this time. Many places are still doing delivery and you can even buy gift certificates to pay it forward. The daughter to Phil Collins concluded her empathetic postings by sharing an infographic depicting various ways the public can contribute to small businesses in impactful ways. The graphic suggested people taking advantage of delivery services, spreading the word about local businesses they love, as well as purchasing gift cards can help keep these businesses afloat. India reported its fourth coronavirus death on Thursday while the total COVID-19 cases rose to 173, as India banned landing of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 for a week, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to stay indoors and called for 'janata curfew' on Sunday. Giving the details of the fourth coronavirus fatality in the country, the Union health ministry said the person, who died in Punjab, was an elderly and had co-morbid conditions like diabetes, cardiac ailments. There were more than 20 fresh cases in last 24 hours with Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh reporting their first COVID-19 patients on early Thursday. In his address to the nation on coronavirus, Modi said it was not right to think that all is well and requested people to adhere to advisories issued by the Union as well as state governments to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has affected more countries than the World War I and II. Making a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors and only go out of homes if it was extremely, he asked them to observe 'Janata curfew' on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm and also express gratitude for those working in hospitals, airports and other places without worrying about themselves. "On March 22, at 5 pm on our doors, balconies or wherever, for 5 minutes, express our gratitude for these workers.By clapping, by ringing a bell. I request local admin to blow a siren to inform everyone about this," Modi said during his nearly 30-minute address. He asserted that the experience and success of janta curfew' will also prepare the nation to face challenges in the future. As the virus continued to spread its tentacles across India, several parts, including Kashmir valley headed towards a virtual lockdown with the administration restricting movement of people in several parts and banning all public transport in Srinagar city. Punjab and the national capital also inched towards virtual shutdown. While the Punjab government announced suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight and restricting public gatherings to less than 20 besides deciding to close down marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state. The Kejriwal government in Delhi also announced shutting down of restaurants but said that takeaway and home delivery services will continue. "Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has asked all government departments, autonomous bodies and PSUs to segregate activities and suspend non-essential services," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference. Non-essential government services will be discontinued from Friday, he added. Social, cultural and political gatherings with more than 20 people are not allowed across the national capital to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, he said. As part of its efforts to detect and prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed over 8,000 lives globally and infected more than two lakh, the government banned all international commercial passenger aircraft from landing in the country from March 22 to March 29. Moreover, the Central government has requested states to enforce work for home for private sector employees, except for those working in emergency and essential services. "State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives or government servants or medical professionals are advised to remain at home," the government statement noted. "No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22, 2020 for one week," the government statement said. "Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," it added. "States are being requested to enforce work for home for private sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services," the statement added. While the Indian Railways decided to suspend all concessional tickets except for patients, students and those in the Divyangjan category from the midnight of March 20 till further notice to discourage unnecessary travel, IndiGo announced pay cuts for senior employees, including of its CEO who would take the highest cut of 25 per cent amid the novel coronavirus pandemic that has hit the aviation industry hard. The total tally of 173 include 25 foreign nationals -- 17 from Italy, 3 from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore. The figure also includes four deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Punjab so far. Delhi has reported 12 positive cases which includes one foreigner, while Uttar Pradesh has recorded 17 cases, including one foreigner. Maharashtra has 45 cases, including three foreigners, while Kerala has recorded 27 cases which include two foreign nationals. Karnataka has 14 coronavirus patients. The number of cases in Ladakh rose to eight and Jammu and Kashmir four. Telangana has reported six cases which include two foreigners. Rajasthan has also reported seven cases including that of two foreigners. Tamil Nadu has two cases so far. Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Chandigarh and Punjab have reported one case each. In Haryana, there are 17 cases, which include 14 foreigners. In a last minute-decision, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) postponed class 10 and 12 examinations, which were to start from Thursday. With the class 12 sociology exam scheduled to be held at 2 pm, the announcement was made at 10 am. The HRD Ministry had on Wednesday ordered the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to postpone their exams till March 31, saying the safety of students and staff were as important as following the exam calendar. Briefing reporters on progress made on suggestions made by Prime Minister Modi during a SAARC nations' video-conference on coronavirus, the Ministry of External Affairs said "very fast" movement was being made on his proposals. On the emergency fund, it is already up and running. We have received many requests from other SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, shoe covers, gloves, disinfectants and other items," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "The quantum of assistance, which has been requested (from India) so far, has crossed USD 1 million. Supplies to Bhutan and the Maldives have been dispatched. Requests from other SAARC countries are under various stages of process," he added. Meanwhile, Mumbai's famed tiffin suppliers, the dabbawalas, said they are suspending their services from Friday till March 31 in view of the coronavirus situation. In the national capital, the upscale Sunder Nagar market in South Delhi has been closed till March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak, the traders' body said. It is the first market to shut down in the capital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Positive EBITDA in the second half of 2019 Net loss reduced by 70% Net Income positive US operations Regulatory News: SpineGuard (Paris:ALSGD) (FR0011464452 ALSGD), an innovative company that deploys its DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) sensing technology to secure and streamline the placement of bone implants, reported today its full-year 2019 financial results as approved by the Board of Directors on March 19, 2020. thousands IFRS audited Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Revenue 6 829 7 575 Gross Margin 5 768 6 553 Gross margin (% of revenue) 84,5% 86,5% Sales, distribution marketing 3 500 4 840 Administrative costs 1 855 1 853 Research Development 724 932 Operating profit (loss) - 311 -1 073 Non-recurring operating costs -120 -37 Financial Result -643 -1 205 Income Tax -389 19 Net profit (loss) -686 -2 334 EBITDA -50 -586 Pierre Jerome, co-founder, Chairman and CEO of SpineGuard, said: "The reorganization plan we initiated mid-2017 and the efforts made since then allowed us to reach breakeven while continuing to deploy our real time sensing technology in new applications aimed at securing bone implant placement. Thanks to our financial discipline and compelling technological advances, we managed to obtain safeguard protection in France and Chapter 11 protection in the US. This favorable legal framework will enable the amendment of our debt. In parallel, we are actively pursuing our ambitious innovation strategy and the set-up of industrial partnerships on a sound basis in a context which is obviously significantly impacted by the propagation of the COVID-19 virus, for the very short term at least." EBITDA improved by 91% and is positive in the second half-year EBITDA improved by 91% at -50k compared to -586k in 2018. EBITDA was 301k positive in the second half of FY2019. The current operating loss was reduced by 71% to - 311k (vs. -1,073k in 2018). Gross margin decreased by 200 bps at 84.5% mainly in reason of adjusted manufacturing costs. Operating expenses decreased by 20% or 1,546k reflecting both the full impact of the company reorganization and a rigorous control of operational expenses over the year. Operating cash flow was positive at 224k (vs. -669k in 2018). At Dec. 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents were 1.3M, plus the secured 0.7M of convertible bonds (OCAPI) for a total of 2.0M. Working capital requirements were 512k vs. 782k in 2018. Financial expenses mainly correspond to the interest charges of the venture loans with, Norgine Venture and Harbert European Growth Capital. There are 148k of non-cash financial income related to the compliance with IFRS accounting principles on financing instruments. 2019: the strategic turn continues to deliver results Robotics: in 2018, the company materialized two critical milestones for the smooth integration of DSG technology into surgical robots. In 2019, SpineGuard successfully completed a feasibility study in collaboration with the laboratory 'Institut des Systemes Intelligents et de Robotique' of the Paris Sorbonne University (ISIR). This experiment demonstrated how DSG technology stops a surgical robot automatically when an impending bone breach is detected. It also highlighted the efficacy and adequacy of DSG as applied to robotic surgeries in order to automate breach detection. The long-term goal is to automate skeletal implant placements. These achievements also provided ground for IP and were also showcased to potential industrial strategic partners in collaboration with Healthios Capital Markets, the US bank assisting the company in that purpose. Visualization of the signal (DSG Connect): in 2019, SpineGuard finalized its next generation of products 'PediGuard DSG Connect'. They will be enabled by a visualization software embedded into a tablet coupled with 'bluetooth like' technology. The Company filed its CE mark dossier at the end of September 2019 and progressed in parallel with its 510k filing to be submitted to the FDA in the first half of 2020. The company is aiming at pre-commercial launch in Europe and the USA in the course of 2020. Dental Implantology (worldwide licensing): the pertinence of DSG technology beyond spine has been demonstrated by the CE mark and the manufacturing of the first generation of products ('SafeGuard') dedicated to the dental market. The partnership with ConfiDent ABC (Adin Group) in the context of the worldwide licensing agreement continues with great momentum. 2020 PERSPECTIVES The collaboration with our industry partner Adin Dental/ ConfiDent on the dental application will intensify in 2020 with the co-development of a next generation DSG embedded product, fruit of the feedback on the first generation tested in 2019. The search for strategic alliances with industry players notably for the robotic application continues with the venture bank Healthios Capital Markets. Lastly, the DSG Connect platform should soon be CE Marked cleared and the FDA filing is progressing. This strategic high-value innovation is already used experimentally by the company to guide surgical robots. It will be deployed to the full PediGuard range and Smart Screw products. The company believes that it will bring a renewed sales momentum in particular in Europe and the USA, but also in other high potential geographies such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Of course, the pace will highly depend on the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak and the resuming of a normal activity in the hospitals. For now, in a growing number of countries, most of the elective surgeries are being postponed to prepare for and focus on COVID-19 patients. Additional information on "safeguard" and Chapter 11 proceedings SpineGuard is planning to release early next week updated information regarding the ongoing progress of its voluntary filings made mid-February, in France and the USA, under the 'safeguard' and Chapter 11 procedures. On this occasion, SpineGuard may communicate regarding the resuming of trading on Euronext. Next financial press release: 2020 first quarter revenue on April 23, 2020 About SpineGuard Founded in 2009 in France and the USA by Pierre Jerome and Stephane Bette, SpineGuard is an innovative company deploying its proprietary radiation-free real time sensing technology DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) to secure and streamline the placement of implants in the skeleton. SpineGuard designs, develops and markets medical devices that have been used in over 75,000 surgical procedures worldwide. Fifteen studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have demonstrated the multiple benefits DSG offers to patients, surgeons, surgical staff and hospitals. Building on these solid fundamentals and several strategic partnerships, SpineGuard has expanded its technology platform in a disruptive innovation: the smart pedicle screw launched late 2017 and is broadening the scope of applications in dental implantology and surgical robotics. DSG was co-invented by Maurice Bourlion, Ph.D., Ciaran Bolger, M.D., Ph.D., and Alain Vanquaethem, Biomedical Engineer. For further information, visit www.spineguard.com Disclaimer The SpineGuard securities may not be offered or sold in the United States as they have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any United States state securities laws, and SpineGuard does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States. This is an announcement and not a prospectus, and the information contained herein does and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or exemption from registration. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005310/en/ Contacts: SpineGuard Pierre Jerome Chairman and CEO Tel.: +33 1 45 18 45 19 p.jerome@spineguard.com Manuel Lanfossi Chief Financial Officer m.lanfossi@spineguard.com Europe NewCap Investor Relations Financial Communication Mathilde Bohin Pierre Laurent Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94 spineguard@newcap.eu Oil producers are facing their worst crisis in history, but the market is not at a bottom yet, according to several analysts. The millions of barrels of additional supply promised by Saudi Arabia will take time to reach their destination. On the demand side, major economies have only begun to slow down, and the gaping hole where the economy once stood is expected to widen. A growing number of analysts say that the global economy is already in a recession. Even just a week ago, it was difficult to imagine how oil market conditions could become significantly weaker, Standard Chartered wrote in a note. However, over the past week the restrictions placed on mobility by European and North American governments as part of their coronavirus response have significantly magnified the negative demand shock. Analysts say that the month of April could see the largest supply overhang in the history of the oil market. We now expect the y/y demand loss to peak in April at 10.4 million barrels per day (mb/d), and annual demand to fall by a record 3.39mb/d in 2020, Standard Chartered wrote in a note. In the short run, the oil market surplus could reach a peak of 13.7 mb/d in April, Standard Chartered said, with an average surplus of 12.9 mb/d for the second quarter. The inventory buildup could reach a gargantuan 2.1 billion barrels by the end of the year, stretching the midstream of the industry to its limits, the bank wrote. That figure represents an upward revision of 50 percent from the 1.4-billion-barrel inventory surplus the bank predictedjust a week ago. Related: Russia Sees Oil & Gas Income Fall By Almost $40 Billion Other analysts have even more dramatic scenarios. Eurasia Group says demand could fall by as much as 25 mb/d in the next few weeks and months. The historic glut means that the world could run out of storage space. The combination of weakening demand and excess supply is hardly going to be accommodated by onshore storage, Giovanni Serio, head of analysis at Vitol, told the FT. At a certain pointwe will need to fill all the boats. The downturn could lead to more than 200 bankruptcies just in the European oilfield services sector, according to Rystad Energy, or 20 percent of total firms in the sector. Goldman Sachs said WTI could fall to shut-in price levels at between $23 and $26 per barrel, and in fact, the bank cut its forecasted second quarter price for Brent to $20 per barrel, down from $30 previously. In early trading on Wednesday, WTI plunged 11 percent to around $24 per barrel and prices collapsed during the day, falling 25% before recovering some lost ground. As front-end prices weaken under the weight of the accumulated surplus oil stockpile, we expect the contraction of activity in the US shale oil industry to accelerate, Standard Chartered said. The bank forecasts U.S. oil production at 11.87 mb/d in December 2020, down 1.1 mb/d from current levels. In 2021, Standard Chartered said the U.S. may average 11.2 mb/d, exiting the year in December 2021 at 10.69 mb/d. Related: Russia Needs Higher Oil Prices, But Won't Surrender On Wednesday, Halliburton said it was going to furlough 3,500 workers in what will surely be the first in many, many cuts to payrolls. Up until only recently, most analysts assumed the global pandemic would be a short-term affair. Many lockdown procedures have been billed as temporary closures, typically in the range of two to four weeks. But the pandemic may last much longer some scientists suggest social distancing may be imperative for more than a year and some of the economic scars could be permanent. The U.S. Congress is preparing helicopter money in an effort to tide millions of people over for the next few weeks, but that too will not be enough. While April may see the worst of oil demand destruction, Standard Chartered says year-on-year demand could fall by 8.8 mb/d in May and 7.4 mb/d in June. And even after the pandemic passes, there will be an element of persistent demand lossdriven by permanent changes in air travel behaviour and the demand implications of businesses unable to recover from the initial shock. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The coronavirus pandemic has turned civilian life in the United States upside down and there are changes underway for the U.S. military as the Pentagon addresses concerns that COVID-19 may soon take its toll on U.S. military readiness. These concerns are real but theres reason to temper the alarm. Heres what you need to know. What is military readiness? The Defense Department defines readiness as the ability of military forces to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions. But the U.S. militarys ability to fight is not an end in itself its also a tool the U.S. uses to influence how other countries think and behave. For example, readiness may signal resolve send a clear message to ally or adversary about U.S. willingness to fight simply because the investment necessary for readiness is costly. U.S. allies confident in U.S. capacity and commitment to defend them may be more likely to hold off on taking measures like developing their own nuclear weapons. Adversaries, meanwhile, might think twice before attacking a U.S. ally if the U.S. military demonstrates readiness to punish aggression. And if conflict does break out, readiness ensures the U.S. armed forces are well prepared to fight. All this may seem intuitive, but it is actually quite difficult to measure the effect of military readiness on other countries perceptions and behaviour. Accordingly, the Armed Forces usually measure readiness inputs with presumed links to readiness objectives. Broadly, these inputs are personnel, training, equipment and supply. How the coronavirus may affect U.S. military readiness: Of course, military personnel have to be healthy enough to perform required missions. Military personnel are disproportionately young which seems to put them at lower risk of serious infection and death from COVID-19 than the average civilian. But many military personnel live in close quarters ideal conditions for the rapid spread of infection. Military discipline, however, makes implementing social distancing easier. The Pentagon has already begun restricting movement, prohibiting gatherings and minimizing the training and exercises that put service members in close contact. For example, major troop exercises often draw in service members from widely dispersed locations. Reducing the size and frequency of domestic training and multinational exercises may be one way to slow the spread of the infection. But these measures will come with costs. Training reductions could leave healthy personnel less ready to perform their missions. While some training could be eliminated with little consequence for readiness, other reductions would quickly compound. As one analyst notes, Artillery school students need to shoot on the ranges. Paratroopers need to jump out of airplanes. If that kind of training stops, units will quickly lose their edge. Trained personnel cannot fight and equipment breaks down without supplies like food, fuel, ammunition and spare parts. COVID-19 has already disrupted some global supply chains as factories have closed and transshipment has been affected. These problems may worsen if U.S. manufacturers and transporters slow operations. The scale of disruption and size of military stockpiles will determine when these effects are felt, but the deeper the Department of Defense digs into its stockpiles, the longer it will take to rebuild them later. Modern armed forces rely heavily on complex equipment like ships, tanks and aircraft that require significant maintenance to function properly. The depots for this deep maintenance are already in poor condition at some facilities, inexperienced workforces have trouble completing maintenance without widespread delays. COVID-19 could worsen these delays and make depots fall further behind. There is currently little slack when it comes to the readiness of the U.S. maintenance base system. What does this mean for U.S. national security? Fundamentally, military readiness is a means to an end: U.S. security. High readiness can signal capability and resolve and may help assure allies that the United States wont abandon them. And a fully operational and ready military may deter potential adversaries from taking aggressive action. However, the key ingredients for effective deterrence and assurance remain highly debated in academic international relations, and academics often overlook the specific role of military readiness in deterrence and assurance. Nonetheless, a decline in readiness caused by a pandemic may have less impact on the perceptions and behaviours of allies and adversaries than a similar decline caused by other factors. Heres why: First, a pandemic-induced readiness decrease is less likely to be interpreted as a weakening in U.S. resolve than a decline in readiness caused by other factors under U.S. control like budget cuts or deliberate reallocation of resources from one theatre to another. Second, adversaries will likely understand that the pandemic would not stop the United States from responding to aggression. Armies have long braved the risks of disease for the sake of battle, and adversaries would likely conclude that concerns about the virus would take a back seat if territorial aggression occurred. Third, when it comes to security competition and war, everything is relative. The U.S. military is not the only force having to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Two relative measures matter: relative readiness pre-virus, and relative readiness decline due to the virus. In general, the U.S. military maintains a better trained and better supplied force than its potential adversaries which means the United States starts from a higher readiness baseline. Of course, because the United States gains an advantage from its superior training, extensive training reductions could affect it more than other forces. That said, the coronavirus pandemic has also reached many potential U.S. adversaries. China and Iran were early centres of the outbreak, and while little is known about the spread of the virus in North Korea, the regime might think twice before exposing its forces to the significant outbreak in South Korea. The coronavirus pandemic will continue to negatively affect U.S. military readiness, leaving the Pentagon to think carefully about how to mitigate the impact on training and overall troop readiness. But after investing heavily in its military, the United States enjoys a surplus of power and redundancy in its tools of influence and this may buy some peace of mind in moments of global turmoil. New Delhi, March 19 : The central government, here on Thursday, banned export of surgical, disposable masks and ventilators due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Export of textiles used in manufacture of masks and overalls have also been banned. "The export of all ventilators, surgical/disposable (2/3 ply) masks only and textile raw material for masks and coveralls only falling under the ITCHS codes specified against each has been prohibited, with immediate effect," said the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification on Thursday. With the major, major, major exception of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Bernie Sandersinspired Democratic leftist movements attempts to knock out centrist incumbents by challenging them in primaries were unsuccessful in 2018. The trend continued on Super Tuesday, when 26-year-old Jessica Cisneros lost her high-profile race against Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, a self-described pro-business Dem who has voted against abortion rights and gun control, by 4 points. With Sanders presidential campaign fading as well, it had begun to seem like the establishment might have, essentially, called the lefts bluff. Advertisement Until now! In Illinois, eight-term Rep. Dan Lipinski of the Chicago-area 3rd district appears to have lost his Tuesday primary against the Ocasio-Cortezendorsed challenger Marie Newman, who currently leads him 47 percent to 45 percent with 99 percent of precincts reporting. The 3rd district is considered a solid to safe one for Democrats, and Hillary Clinton won it in 2016 by 15 points, which means Newman is likely to go on to win her general election in November and become a member of Congress in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do we have here, as a trend from which to overextrapolate? The first thing that stands out is that Lipinskidespite being a former professor of political scienceprobably could not have set himself better to get primaried if hed tried. The district, which stretches well out into the Chicago suburbs from the southwest corner of the cityMidway Airporthas growing Mexican American and Arab American populations, but Lipinski has behaved as if it were still the Reagan-loving Irish/Polish stronghold that it was when his father Bill represented it from 19832005. He voted against the Affordable Care Act and the 2010 DREAM Act, declined to endorse Barack Obamas reelection, opposes raising the minimum wage to $15, and opposed abortion rights and marriage equality. Advertisement Advertisement While the 3rd might not be a socially liberal districtit has a relatively low number of residents with college degrees, which generally corresponds with cultural conservatismLipinskis record on abortion and gay rights helped Newman raise money and gain national support from mainstream groups like EMILYs List and NARAL Pro-Choice America. It might also be time to simply reclassify support for LGBTQ rights as a standard position even for conservative Democrats. After all, it was Joe Biden, king of the white ethnics, who supported gay marriage before Obama did. Lipinski did things that might have endeared him to constituents if this were still the era in which parties werent as strictly defined by their national brandsReagan didnt just win the Illinois 3rd, he got 64 percent of the vote there. Positioning yourself in opposition to AOC is one thing; positioning yourself in opposition to Obama is another. Advertisement Advertisement And Newman, while forthright about supporting democratic socialist proposals like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, also reads as more of a traditional elected Democrat than other leftist candidates have. Shes 55 rather than 25, has a background in advertising and corporate social responsibility work rather than activism, and pitched herself to voters as a real Democrat who votes like a Democrat. Sanders anti-establishment presidential campaign foundered in states in which voters feel loyal to the institutional Democratic Party even if they, for example, personally support single-payer health care. Newman simply insisted, successfully, that there is no tension in that identity. Also, I dont know how to put this politely, but in every picture Ive ever seen of Lipinski, he looks like hes in the middle of murdering someone. So that might have made a difference too. Christa and David Sprague are among Airbnb hosts who have lost thousands of dollars in cancellations following a policy change this month by Airbnb in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Courtesy of Christa Sprague Just last week, Zach Jacobs and his wife had 95% of their Tampa, Florida, Airbnb's dates booked for the next three months. By Sunday, that number had dwindled down to 5% as the coronavirus outbreak began to spread throughout the U.S. "We went from a fantastic outlook for the next three months, to absolutely devastating every single reservation disappeared," said Jacobs, who estimates he and his wife have lost more than $5,000 in cancellations. "We will have to get very creative on paying the bills and keeping the mortgage paid." Airbnb hosts like Jacobs are beginning to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic following a change by the company to its cancellation policy that has allowed guests traveling over the next month to receive full refunds on their bookings, overriding existing policies put in place by hosts to protect themselves in such situations. The policy change was announced by Airbnb on Saturday. It allows guests with reservations between then and April 14 to receive full refunds. That change has already cost Airbnb hosts in California, Florida, Kansas, Utah, Michigan and the state of Washington to lose thousands of dollars in reservations, numerous hosts told CNBC. Now, as cancellations continue and new bookings dry up, many hosts around the country have empty calendars for the coming weeks and are facing uncertain futures as the due dates for their mortgages, utilities bills, homeowners association fees and property taxes draw near. Zach Jacobs and his wife are among Airbnb hosts who have lost thousands of dollars in cancellations following a policy change this month by Airbnb in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Courtesy of Zach Jacobs Johnny Bash, a quadriplegic who relies on the revenue he generates from his nine properties in California, Florida and Utah, said the cancellations have been a massive blow. Bash calculates he's lost $36,000 in cancellation refunds over the past week. Airbnb's cancellation allowed guests to receive a full refund if they canceled within 48 hours of booking their trip, or a 50% refund if they canceled within seven days. That policy, however, was overridden by Airbnb on Saturday. "Some people may think we're a jerk for putting a strict cancellation policy in place, but in essence, it's our only insurance policy, if you will, against potential issues that could arise," Bash said. "So when our only remedy is stripped away from us, it puts us in an extremely vulnerable position." Besides relying on his properties for revenue, Bash said he also pays two dozen cleaning and maintenance contractors to service his properties. These workers rely on him as their primary source of income, Bash said. "I don't even have a way to offer them any sort of payment," Bash said. "If I had my cancellation policy, I might be able to help them, even a little bit." Johnny Bash (center) is among Airbnb hosts who have lost thousands of dollars in cancellations following a policy change this month by Airbnb in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Courtesy of Johnny Bash Several hosts say they are sympathetic to impacted guests who seek refunds. However, many hosts said they feel that Airbnb has completely put the brunt of the situation on them. "We definitely empathize with guests and know this is out of anyone's control," said Christa Sprague, who rents four apartments in Detroit with her husband. "But for us, our business and our livelihood just got canceled." Airbnb has taken steps to help its hosts. The company on Tuesday sent a letter to House leaders in Washington, urging them to pass legislation that could help the company's network of hosts, either through tax relief or loans. "We are asking federal policymakers to first and foremost consider our hosts: hardworking women and men across the country who share their assets and depend on this income to pay the bills," wrote Chris Lehane, Airbnb's senior vice president of policy and communications. Airbnb on Tuesday sent a note to hosts explaining the reasoning behind its decision. It said Airbnb "did not want guests making the decision to put themselves in unsafe situations and creating a public health hazard because of a commitment to their bookings." "We are going to get through this crisis as partners our success is dependent on the success of you, our hosts," the note said. "We are working day and night on a plan of action that will help you get through this extremely difficult time." Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky at The New York Times Dealbook event on November 6, 2019. Credit: Mike Cohen/ The New York Times SAN JOSE (BCN) The San Jose Police Department announced Thursday that a reserve officer has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia and San Jose Police Officers Association President Paul Kelly are expected to hold a news conference Thursday afternoon to announce the start of self-quarantining for some officers in the department in light of the positive test. The new protocols Garcia and Kelly will announce are precautionary, police said, in an effort to ensure the virus doesn't spread any further through the department or to officers' families and other first responders in the region. As of Tuesday evening, Santa Clara County public health officials have confirmed 175 cases of the virus, including multiple San Jose Fire Department personnel and Transportation Security Administration officers at Mineta San Jose International Airport. So far, six county residents have died due to the virus. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. As many people are feeling stressed and anxious due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is important just like physical health. Two local experts Elizabeth McIngvale and Steven Parks recently talked about how to manage and cope. Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD, is the co-director and founder of Peace of Mind Foundation, a nonprofit that helps people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and other mental health issues. She said right now it can actually be more difficult for people that dont typically struggle with their mental health. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Galleria, Houston Premium Outlets and Katy Mills malls to temporarily close during pandemic I think that most of our patients who live with OCD or an anxiety disorder really arent that affected by the virus just because they are worried about these fears all the time, said McIngvale. She said those people that normally face mental health issues may take extra precautions, but from what she has seen, the major increase in symptoms has been among the general public. So people who dont already have a diagnosis of OCD or anxiety and for the first time are really starting to panic and worry when this might not have been a part of their normal routine, McIngvale explained. For many right now, she said anxiety comes because so much about the disease is unknown, that its treatment is unknown and that it can cause terrible symptoms and even death. McIngvale said seeing certain peoples anxiety and panic can also be a trigger, such as hoarding items like toilet paper or cleaning items at stores. COVID-19 COVERAGE: Free meals available for Katy area children at 10 Katy ISD schools McIngvale said the most critical way to fight symptoms of OCD and anxiety is to keep a sense of normalcy during the chaos. She gave three main tips. She urged people to limit their information gathering about the virus to once or twice a day and then to pick one reliable source for where they get their information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lastly, she recommended while following guidelines like social distancing, still live your life and try to avoid obsessing about it. Well see that coronavirus is real, guidelines or recommendations are real, but OCD and anxiety are also real, McIngvale said. And those can take control, and so what I really want people to see and understand is that you can engage in these guidelines without letting it become overwhelming. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Coronavirus live updates: Greater Houston region reaches 44 cases, Galleria closes For those that fight mental illness in regular life, she recommended trying to find ways to keep your routine like continuing therapy sessions many therapists will hold sessions over the phone right now and finding phone or online meetings if you regularly attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. McIngvale said, Its making sure you still have your network, your resources and your support, despite these unfortunate circumstances were all kind of in. MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox She said people can learn to cope with OCD and anxiety: they are treatable. While this is certainly a trigger for most of us that live with anxiety or OCD, you can still learn to manage your symptoms, despite this outbreak that is real. Steven Parks is the childrens mental health program manager at JFS (Jewish Family Service) in southwest Houston. Part of what JFS does is provide counseling services and mental health programs. JFS is offering phone and online counseling services for those that are encountering anxiety during the pandemic. And right now, it has online and call-in group sessions during the week for parents, adults and teen 13 to 17 years. The groups are administered through Zoom. Events such as these and other disasters often exacerbate mental health symptoms of anxiety, depression, aggression and other negative emotions because they tap into deep fears about our inability to consistently control our environment and protect ourselves and our loved ones, said Parks in an email. He said he has mostly seen people feeling overwhelmed and anxious because in chaotic times, those who struggle with mental health issues can focus on their challenges as they think about the health of themselves, family members and friends and economic hurdles. He said anyone facing such feelings is encouraged to participate in the groups. A qualified clinician leads each meeting that give participants a chance to hear support and guidance on how to deal with and cope with their mental health responses. Physical health and mental health are inextricably linked, and managing ones mental health can help individuals make the best decisions to protect their physical health and the health of their loved ones, Parks said. Fear may incite the worst of us, but remembering that we are all in state of heightened fear and alertness often brings out the best in us, he added. To learn more about the Peace of Mind Foundation, visit https://peaceofmind.com. To learn more about the online group sessions or counseling sessions offered by JFS, www.jfshouston.org. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com Last years BT Young Scientist Adam Kelly has criticised the decision of the Minister for Education The move will make matters even more difficult for the "middle to lower" student he told RTE News at One. Adam, who is studying for the Leaving Certificate at Skerries Community College said the Ministers decision was not what had been expected. I have a lot of friends who were quite reliant upon doing particularly well in those components in order to get some sort of edge on the points and now you've got everybody getting 100% and that makes the written paper more competitive. The general consensus among everybody I've talked to, is that even though the practical work is going ahead, it still needs to be done during school time, assuming that we're not going to be back to school for maybe four more weeks at least, that means that time for the practical work is going to take even more away from the missed class time. "That will make the written paper even more difficult for those subjects, he said. The Leaving Certificate was already generally quite stressful, he added. Yesterday with the UK announcing that all of their exams were cancelled, a lot of my friends had applied to go to university in the UK, I know for me, I have to sit an extra exam to get into the college in the UK that I want to and now all the A level students who don't have exams can just study only for that for 12 weeks. Every day brings something different, a lot of people's parents are impacted by this, siblings are at home, it's incredibly busy, school takes up so many hours of the day, that even if you do some amount of study it won't even come close to what you'd normally be doing. "Once you add on the general stress and anxiety about being out of school, it just makes things so much worse for everybody. There has been mixed messages from the media on the day to day life of students, yes, there are teachers who are continuing to help and support students running online classes, doing amazing work online, but this isn't true for every school. A lot of students have really been left on their own. What we expect is that the high performing students will perform even better, because they can just study all day, but the middle to lower student is going to be hit even harder because it might have been hard to study at home already, but at least you had to go to school and were getting some amount of work done there, now you need to be incredibly self motivated it just makes things so much more difficult, for the average student. Minister Joe McHugh said, if we're able to be back in school before the Leaving Cert, we'll be able to run the Leaving Cert, what about if we're back at school for a week? And we missed 10 weeks of school before we sit our exams. "Significant parts of most of the courses have not been covered, looking specifically at some of the broader subjects like maths and geography - those subjects are quite lengthy courses and they haven't been completed in many schools and also many teachers don't have the facilities to continue on. Saying that they'll just go ahead like normal doesn't take into account first of all the unfairness that was spoken about in just giving students 100% in half of their exams and also the unfairness of some schools having some full on classes running every day and others being left in the dark. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Charles Stewart III, a professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, expressed optimism that states could gear up to expand mail and absentee voting for the coming primary elections, which tend to have relatively low turnout. The November general election will be another matter, he said. I think that once people take a deep breath and consider whats going to be done in November, theyre going to realize that the big lift necessary to expand the amount of mail voting by a factor of four, five or six in some states is going to be disruptive, said Mr. Stewart, who studies both voting technology and election administration. Under normal circumstances, states gradually transition to mail voting. Mr. Stewart said he worried that states lack of experience holding big elections without in-person voting could have negative consequences. You can go step by step through the process and realize that there are a lot of details that can cause the mail ballot pipeline to spring leaks, he said. The one thats gotten the most attention in recent years has been the issue of verifying signatures. In Maryland, the states plan to run its special congressional race by mail the first time the state has done so for a congressional election will serve as a practice run in case the state is forced to move to statewide mail-in voting, said former Representative Kweisi Mfume, the Democratic candidate in that race. The one good thing that comes out of this is that, for the first time, without having to conduct a statewide mail-in election, the state will have a real opportunity, in a congressional district, to put in place a procedure that is jointly agreed upon and to see to what extent it works, said Mr. Mfume, who added that he supported the decision this week by Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, to move to an all-mail congressional election. Gaining access to the ballot box has increasingly become a partisan issue, with some Republicans, citing reports of voter fraud, adding hurdles that include purging voter rolls and instituting voter ID requirements, while Democrats promote ideas like same-day registration and early and mail voting options. As part of steps to combat the coronavirus, Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Thursday ordered closure of important places of worship for darshan in Tamil Nadu including the famous Madurai based Meenakshi shrine besides curtailing inter-state services by buses and trains. Directing shutting of large retail outlets with centralised air conditioning facility till March 31, the Chief Minister advised private sector firms to take steps to allow their employees to work from home. He mandated continuation of medical counselling by health authorities for those quarantined at home. Outlining the new measures to tackle the virus, he said temples that attracted large number of devotees, including the Meenakshi, Tiruchendur Lord Subramania, Srirangam Lord Ranganathaswamy and Tiruvannamalai Sri Arunachaleswara shrines- will be closed for devotees till March 31. Everyday poojas will however be performed by priests in these temples, the Chief Minister said in a statement. Palaniswami directed authorities to advise managements of big churches and mosques in the State to temporarily bar entry to pilgrims till March 31. He said weekly markets and large retail showrooms with centralised air conditioning -like ones dealing in textiles and jewellery- will be shut till month end effective tomorrow. "Stores selling essential commodities like groceries, fruits, vegetables, pharmacies and restaurants will function as usual." As there is a chance of disease spreading from other states, "it has been decided to cut down bus transportation between states and railways has been requested to considerably slash incoming trains," he said. All passengers coming to Tamil Nadu by road or rail will be subjected to screening and surveillance shall be stepped up in domestic airport terminals. Disinfectants should be sprayed twice in places where people congregate in large numbers in urban and rural regions and thrice at airports, railway, bus and metro rail stations, he added. Palaniswami appealed to the people to cooperate with the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coronavirus: The total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in India has jumped to 168. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today on Coronavirus at 8 pm. Coronavirus in India: 168 positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a circular notifying that 12,426 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 as of March 19, 2020, of which, 168 tested positive. The figures include suspected cases and their close contacts. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs will address the media today at 4 pm in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make an address to the nation on coronavirus at 8 pm today, i.e March 19, 2020. According to statistics shared by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 167 positive cases of COVID-19 in India, including 25 foreigners. Of which, 15 individuals recovered and 4 died. The latest case of death from coronavirus has been reported from Punjab, where a 72-year-old man, with a travel history of Germany, complained of severe chest pain and died in a hospital at Punjabs Nawanshahr district. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a latest press conference has announced that all the restaurants in Delhi are being closed till March 31. No individual will be allowed to eat at restaurants. However, the facilities of takeaway and home delivery will remain active. Moreover, a decision has also been taken to prohibit the assembly of more than 20 people for social, cultural, religious, academic and other purposes. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: 20 or more people will not be allowed to gather at any place for social, cultural, religious, academics, seminars, conferences purposes in the state. Earlier, 50 or more people were not allowed to gather. pic.twitter.com/jsyQEIyj06 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: We have decided to close restaurants in Delhi till March 31. Eating at restaurants will be prohibited but take away of foods or delivery of food will continue. pic.twitter.com/J0YLtffWHU ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: A total of 10 positive cases of #coronavirus have been reported in Delhi so far. Out of the total number, one died, three people have recovered and rest six are in good condition. https://t.co/jHh3itF3Sd ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Maharashtra has reported the highest number of identified cases. State Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare Rajesh Tope told the media today that the positive cases in Maharashtra have reached 49. Other states that are on high alert after the identification of COVID-19 patients include Kerala, New Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab and Odisha. The total number of positive cases of #COVID19 in India stands at 167 (including 25 foreigners), 4 deaths (1 each) in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/sk4rfzvlUE ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 To control the spread of the virus, India has decided to close its borders for passengers coming from 36 countries, including France, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Italy, UAE, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Philippines, Malaysia, Afghanistan among many others. Also Read: Coronavirus: PM Narendra Modi to address nation tomorrow at 8 pm 168 individuals have been confirmed positive in India among the possibly infected cases and contacts of known positive cases. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/EuzndepOOR ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Two patients who have been tested positive for #Coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai: Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare https://t.co/pT1AYXb2vG ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Ministry of External Affairs to hold a media briefing on #Coronavirus, at 4 pm today in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/GHTPBkuZi9 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 Also Read: Suspected coronavirus patient commits suicide by jumping off 7th floor of Safdarjung Hospital The Ministry of Health has advised citizens to practice social distancing to combat the spread of coronavirus. As a result, all educational establishments including schools and colleges, gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres have been shut till March 31. Several ongoing examinations conducted by ICSE and CBSE among many others have been postponed till further notice. #IndiaFightsCorona: The onus is on us! Let's protect ourselves and others from #COVID19. Practise #SocialDistancing & follow these do's and don'ts. Share this information and help us to help you! #SwasthaBharat #HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/gl8ZGjXRtQ Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 19, 2020 FAQs on updated Visa Restrictions in context of #COVID2019india contd (2/2)@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/OfgsNOVtGr Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 18, 2020 Private firms have been advised to allow their employees to work from home and avoid non-essential travel. Along with setting up several quarantine centres across the country, a 247 toll free national helpline number has also been activated for COVID-19 queries. More than 20,000 individuals have tested positive for Coronavirus worldwide, out of which about 8,900 died and 85,000 recovered. After China, the worst affected countries include Italy, Iran, Spain, France, Germany and USA. Russia reported its first today. China claims to have tested no positive case from Wuhan, the city in China from which the outbreak is said to have spread across the world. Also Read: Coronavirus: Singer Anup Jalota kept in isolation on return from London For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Australian prison drama Wentworth has suspended filming amid the coronavirus pandemic. Foxtel and Fremantle plan to start production again in late April, hoping to premiere season eight in June this year. The mid-season break will be extended, with the first ten episodes airing this year in June and the remaining ten episodes airing in 2021. 'The health, safety and well-being of our cast, crew and all involved in the production is our priority': Australian prison drama Wentworth has suspended filming amid the coronavirus pandemic... but fans can expect new episodes in June this year 'The health, safety and well-being of our cast, crew and all involved in the production is our priority,' a spokesperson told TV Tonight. 'Fremantle and Foxtel have made the decision to extend the mid-season break on Wentworth from Monday, March 23 after the completion of filming of the first round of episodes that will broadcast this year. 'Production is planned to resume in late April and we remain on track to premiere season 8 in June only on Foxtel.' Fan favourite: Foxtel and Fremantle plan to start production again in late April, hoping to premiere season eight in June this year The show's annual self-titled convention in Chicago was postponed until August this year, but dates for the Melbourne event is set to continue in mid-June. In October 2019, Foxtel's Executive Director of TV Brian Walsh confirmed they would end Wentworth after the second half of the eighth season. When filming for the eighth season started in late October, Walsh confirmed that new faces - Kate Box, Zoe Terakes and Jane Hall - would be joining the show. Cult following! The mid-season break will be extended, with the first ten episodes airing this year in June and the remaining ten episodes airing in 2021. Pictured: Tammy Macintosh and Danielle McCormack 'Since its debut in 2013, Wentworth boasts a large and loyal worldwide following and continually attracts some of the country's finest actors and production creatives,' he told TV Tonight. 'We are thrilled to welcome Kate, Jane and Zoe on board.' Kate, who starred in drama series Les Norton, is set to play the character of Lou Kelly, who is a former top dog of Wentworth. New cast: In October 2019, Foxtel's Executive Director of TV Brian Walsh confirmed they would end Wentworth after the second half of the eighth season. When filming for the eighth season started in late October, Walsh confirmed that new faces - Kate Box, Zoe Terakes and Jane Hall - would be joining the show Neighbour star Jane Hall will take on the role of Ann Reynolds, a General Manager who is not afraid to punish the prisoners. And Zoe Terakes, who previously starred in The End, will play the trans character of 'Reb' Keane. The final season will also feature a number of returning cast members including Pamela Rabe, Kate Atkinson, Leah Purcell and Susie Porter. Hi, Last night a 25-year-old man jumped to death from the seventh floor of Delhis Safdarjung Hospital where he had been brought to be tested for a possible coronavirus infection. The man had returned from Sydney and complained of a headache. His samples had been collected but the results were awaited. We guess, he just panicked and that is why experts have been telling us repeatedly to not panic. Indian authorities are saying the situation so far is under control. In Italy, though, the situation is no longer under control. In fact, it is so bad that there is no one to collect the bodies of those who have died inside their homes. The dead are being stacked up to be buried as funeral services are strictly prohibited. Burial grounds, on the other hand, are running out of space to accommodate bodies. Just yesterday, 475 people in Italy died due to Covid-19. There are a total of 35,713 confirmed cases in the country. Just yesterday, 475 people died due to Covid-19, in Italy. (Photo: Reuters) Lombardy, the worst-hit region, recorded 319 deaths in one day. Most of Italy is under lockdown and cities are deserted. Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana has said soon medical facilities in the area wouldnt be able to help new coronavirus patients. Well, many cities are getting deserted in India too but in Italy, cities such as Lombardy are literally ghost towns. People cant get on roads even to buy groceries if they do not fill a government form and carry their IDs along. The police are free to check if you are actually going where you said you would be going. Which means, these ghost towns have limited people presence, but there was once a ghost town that actually had no people. It wasnt always like that. At one point, it was a town with over 50,000 people. That town was Pripyat in Ukraine. Named after the nearby Pripyat river, the city was founded on February 4, 1970 as the ninth nuclear city, which is supposed to be a type of closed city, in the Soviet Union, to serve the nearby Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. In April 1986, all residents were evacuated from the town after the power plant exploded. The explosion threatened the existence of much of Europe because it was estimated the radiations would travel across the European continent. A correct estimate of how many deaths the tragedy caused could never be made because radiation exposure may cause cancer and it may take months, maybe years, for people to die of cancer. Also, it is impossible to know what caused the cancer if you are far removed from the site of the disaster. Pripyat continues to an abandoned city because nuclear reactors are believed to emit radiations for years after such disasters. But people visit once a while as part of what is called disaster tourism. Want to know more about it, read this. Also, if you want to know what happened at the Chernobyl plant in detail, a documentary by the same name is on Hotstar. Use your time at hand to watch it. Coming back to Italys ghost towns, we wish normalcy returns soon. Though after losing so many people, we do not know what normalcy could actually mean for Italy. But amid this despair, over 4,000 have successfully recovered from the disease in Italy and that is why we repeat what the experts have been repeating do not panic. Now, many say the catastrophe was brought to Italy by two Chinese tourists who fell sick in Rome. But scientists say that the virus could have reached Italy way before. What is the basis of their claim? Well, laboratory tests that isolated a strain of the new coronavirus from an Italian patient, showed genetic differences when compared with the original strain isolated in China and from the two Chinese tourists who became sick in Rome. You can read the full details of what the scientists have found here. It, however, shouldnt be very surprising that a virus that originated in China has spread so rapidly across Italy. After all, the two countries have shared deep connections for long. Northern Italy has a flourishing fashion industry and is thus a prosperous region. Brands such as Prada and Gucci are headquartered in northern Italy. Now, remember northern Italy is where the spread has been the worst. In a globalised world, manufacturing work is often outsourced to countries that offer cheap labour. And you know that China provides one of the cheapest manufacturing options to the world. So, Italian fashion brands had outsourced their manufacturing to China. And where in China? Wuhan, the place where the outbreak was first reported. The business is so intricate that there are direct flights between Wuhan and Milan, and Wuhan and Rome. Lombardy, which we told you has been the worst hit, is one of the richest areas in Italy and the region owes its wealth to the fashion industry. Lombardys capital, Milan, is a global hub of fashion and finance, with many high-end shops and restaurants. The outbreak went unnoticed for over a month in China. All this while people were travelling between Italy and Wuhan. That, perhaps, explains why the spread in Italy has been so bad that it has spiralled out of control. Now, we told you that the situation in India, according to authorities, is under control. And for it to remain so, it is important that we take all the precautions that the government health experts are asking us to. People are being asked to maintain social distancing. Some people are also being put into isolation and quarantine depending on the symptoms they show for Covid-19. This is mostly being done for people who either have a recent foreign travel history or have come in contact with someone who recently travelled abroad. The word isolation sounds a little scary. A lot of people who live alone are a little wary of working from home fearing social isolation. Lets try and dig a little deeper into the word to see if we should really fear it. Isolation is our Word Of The Day. The word isolated comes from the Latin word insula, which means island. Isolated literally means far away from everyone or everything else. Now, being alone on an island might seem like a romantic idea to some, but to live it even for a day, we guess, would be an unbearable task. You must have watched Tom Hanks-starrer Cast Away (2000). If by any chance you havent, you must. For now, heres the trailer: It will show you why you would never want to land on an island, isolated from the world. Now, the versatile actor is actually Cast Away in an Australia hotel because of coronavirus, only he isnt alone. He has wife Rita Wilson to keep him company. She too has been found to be coronavirus-positive. Reports suggest both are recovering well. If by any chance you land up in isolation or quarantine due to Covid-19, panic not. Here's a diary from an isolation ward in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. But since we have been using the words isolation and quarantine interchangeably, we thought it was important to clear the difference. Isolation is used to separate people who are ill and have a communicable disease, from those who are healthy. Isolation basically helps stop the spread of diseases. Quarantine, on the other hand, is used to separate and restrict the movement of healthy people, who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, to see if they become ill. Now, by healthy here we just mean those who are not suffering from a contagious disease. Just because you are not suffering from a contagious disease doesnt mean you are healthy. But we will deal with larger questions of health once the world is done with Covid-19. If you want to dig deeper into the word quarantine, read this. For now, we want to take you away from the news of coronavirus. You must have heard that the sequel of the 1986 movie Top Gun is on the cards. Speaking about it, Tom Cruise, who would be repeating his role as pilot Peter 'Maverick' Mitchell, sounded rather excited saying he never expected that the sequel would be made. This got us thinking about the role Tom Cruise played in the original movie. The sequel of the 1986 movie Top Gun is on the cards. (Photo: Twitter) You know, Tom Cruises onscreen love interest in the movie Kelly McGillis was 5'10", while Tom Cruise 5'7". He had to wear lifts in all his scenes with McGillis. Now, thats because we want to see our actors to stand taller than our actresses. We will leave you with that for today, but we will be back tomorrow. Take care. Stay safe. Also read: Covid-19: How to contain the contagion before it is too late Northern Ireland has confirmed its first coronavirus death, according to the Department of Health. The patient was elderly and had an underlying medical condition. They were being treated in a hospital in the greater Belfast area. Health minister Robin Swann said: "I want to express my deep sadness at this death and send my condolences to the patients family and friends. It is, of course, essential that we respect their privacy at this sad time. I would once again appeal to everyone to play their part in fighting the spread of this virus. A total of 68 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland, while in the Irish Republic, there are 366 infections and two people have died. Stormont's leaders First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill also expressed sympathy. Mrs Foster said: "This is a sad day for Northern Ireland. Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of the patient who has died. And we are immeasurably grateful to our health service staff who cared for this person. "This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus." Ms O'Neill said: "At the heart of this is a person who has lost their life to Covid-19. While we knew this day would come, it doesn't make it any less devastating for the loved ones of that individual. I offer them my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. "I also pay tribute to our amazing health workers who are doing everything they can to provide the best possible care for people in the most difficult circumstances. "This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives." Additional reporting by agencies Exploration Update Sydney, Mar 19, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cobre Limited ( ASX:CBE ) is pleased to provide the following update on the Company's exploration activities and response to the COVID-19 "infodemic" about the global pandemic.Diamond Core Processing CompletedThe Company is pleased to advise that all diamond drill core generated from the recent drilling at the Zinco Lago, Schwabe and Monti prospects at Perrinvale have now been processed, with final cut core samples due for delivery to the laboratory today.Cobre has engaged the services of Dr Susan Belford (VHMS specialist), a highly experienced geologist in the interpretation of volcanic successions, as a consulting geologist to the Company. Dr Belford has visited site, logged all diamond core and undertaken field inspections of the prospects.Cobre plans to review and report assays in the context of understandings gained from the lithological logging and Down Hole Electromagnetic (DHEM) survey results for each prospect when available which is anticipated to be in the upcoming month.DEHM Surveys CompletedAs part of the drilling programme the Company has completed DHEM surveys on diamond core holes drilled at each prospect as well as two Reverse Circulation (RC) holes drilled beyond the recent diamond drilling programme. The data from these surveys has been provided to the Company's geophysics consultant for processing, modelling and review along with past ground and airborne EM survey data.Exploration Program to continueWhile awaiting assay results, Cobre will continue the exploration program at Perrinvale. Access tracks have been established to the priority Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) targets identified from the AEM survey completed in 2019 (Refer "I", "E" & "F" on Figure 2* at the end of this announcement) and ground reconnaissance is scheduled for the coming week. The Company is also assessing the potential for a program of ground EM to refine further drill targets.COVID-19 ResponseHaving assessed the potential impacts of COVID-19, Cobre's Board is comfortable, with a small field crew at a remote site and consultants and staff able to work remotely, that the exploration activities can continue uninterrupted. The situation is however dynamic, and the Company will continue to monitor developments.Cobre's Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Martin Holland, said in relation to this exploration update:"The Company continues to adopt a systematic and strategic approach to its exploration activities at Perrinvale. Notwithstanding the challenges that come with operating at a remote site in undertaking diamond drilling and processing core, I am pleased that the field team has now completed core processing, facilitated downhole EM surveys, and is setting up to continue field exploration across the project. As detailed in our last announcement, we have seen positive signs in the core that are indicative of VMS base metal mineralisation at Perrinvale which we are now seeking to confirm, and I look forward to receiving and reporting these results in the near future."*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Cobre Limited Cobre Limited (ASX:CBE) is a copper and base-metals explorer with projects in Western Australia and Botswana. The Company recently discovered a new high-grade VMS deposit enriched in Copper, Gold, Zinc and Silver in Western Australia, and is currently exploring approximately 8,100 km2 of tenements within the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB) in Botswana. The Council of Governors has called on Kenyans to stop traveling to rural areas in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Speaking after three more cases of coronavirus were confirmed Wednesday, the Council of Governors urged Kenyans to stay at home. CoG Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya noted that counties are not equipped to handle any outbreak as there are only two testing facilities and they are located in Nairobi. I advise people not to move to the rural areas. I advise them to stay where they are. Stay at home, he said. Counties have no budgets in the emergency vote. We want to ask the national government to allocate more resources, he added. The Kakamega County governor said counties have so far received 2800 protective kits yet they require over 300,000 for adequate preparation and response. He warned that the lack of kits exposes health workers. Someone is sleeping on the job, he lamented. We urge the health CS to take this matter seriously. Border counties need to be declared high-risk areas. 14 counties had been declared high risk, added Oparanya. Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati stated that the next two weeks are crucial and called for diligence. When we look at that happened in Italy. We are at a critical stage. We must align ourselves, he said. Machakos County boss Dr Alfred Mutua said older citizens should avoid non-essential movement as they are more at risk. Wazee wetu tunaomba watulie nyumbani, wasiende huku na huku, he said. Mutua also cautioned traders against commodity prices. Biashara yoyote itakayoongeza bei tutazifunga. Wewe na tamaa utaambulia patupu. Egypt revoked the press credentials of a reporter for The Guardian and delivered thinly veiled threats of similar action against The New York Times over coverage of the coronavirus, part of an ongoing pattern of censorship of the press. Egypts State Information Service (SIS) demanded an apology from The Guardian over what it called a false report citing a Canadian medical doctor who said the number of people infected with the disease in Egypt had reached over 19,000. The story carried by the respected British daily was written by Cairo-based freelancer Ruth Michaelson, who writes regularly for The Guardian. The body that issues accreditation for foreign journalists said in a statement that it had through its role in following up what is published about Egypt in the foreign media monitored The Guardian piece that includes incorrect numbers and estimates regarding the numbers of new cases of the coronavirus that is newly emerging in Egypt. The UNs World Health Organization announced today that Egypt has 196 confirmed cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, out of 3,015 suspected cases tested. The correspondents' rush to promote incorrect data, SIS said, does not justify them relying on an unpublished and scientifically unrecognized study. It shows their intentional bad faith to harm Egyptian interests. Should The Guardian fail to run an apology it would be prevented from operating in Egypt altogether. The government body also took aim at The New York Times bureau chief, Declan Walsh, who commented on Michaelsons story in several tweets, which he subsequently deleted. But then Walsh tweeted about Egyptian writer Ahdaf Soueif and three others who were detained today for organizing a small protest calling for emergency measures for Egypt's notoriously crowded prisons. The New York Times had already landed in the crosshairs of the Egyptian authorities. In February 2019, former Cairo bureau chief David Kirkpatrick was detained at Cairo airport and held incommunicado. Egypt, alongside Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China, is among the worlds biggest jailer of journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The coronavirus pandemic has further sharpened censors in Egypt where the tourism industry, the countrys leading source of revenue and apparently of the virus is now faced with ruin. At least 97 foreign nationals who visited the country since mid-February have either displayed symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19, as reported by The Guardian. Last week, Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly warned that legal action would be taken against anyone who spread false rumors about the pandemic. Egypts move to silence and punish certain well-respected international journalists for covering scenarios related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus inside its borders is sadly predictable, observed Amy Hawthorne, deputy director for research at the Project on Middle East Democracy. She continued in emailed comments to Al-Monitor, It is also counterproductive. Egypt does face a very serious threat from the pandemic, and the Egyptian government, like some others around the world, has made worrying blunders in its initial response. The Egyptian authorities, like officials everywhere, should not suppress information flows and debate about this health emergency. They should focus on protecting the health and safety of everyone inside the country, not on crude repression. In January, police raided the Cairo offices of Turkeys state run Anadolu news agency arresting four of its staff on allegations of spreading false news. Turkeys continued support for the Muslim Brotherhood has strained relations between the two countries to the near breaking point. Meanwhile, Turkey has been cracking the whip on people accused of sharing provocative content and falsehoods about the coronavirus. Some 24 such individuals were detained as of today of a total 137 suspects, according to Turkeys Interior Ministry. On March 14, two journalists in the province of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, which draws millions of tourists, were briefly detained over their coverage. Representative Image Akhilesh Mishra The fight against the novel coronavirus Covid-19 has gripped the entire world. The strategy for fighting this virus, which originated from China, has varied from country to country. A pandemic at this scale is something no country could have prepared for, and that is why many countries have been found wanting in their response. This is the reason why protocols for first containing the spread and then dealing with the actual cases have been evolving on a continuous basis. In India, on March 19, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released the results of 826 random trials for suspected Covid-19 on people suffering from acute respiratory illness. All the tests results came in negative, thereby ruling out evidence of a community spread. However, community spread could still take place and extreme caution needs to be maintained. The ICMR will continue to randomly test for evidence of community spread. Various countries have adopted different models to detect and contain the virus. Extensive testing seems to be one method, adopted by South Korea. Social distancing is another method as practiced in many countries which initially ignored the warning signs but later scrambled to contain the spread. China, which has been accused of not being forthcoming with information, has practiced its own methods some of which are draconian. What has been Indias approach? The Union governments response has been very proactive and is ahead of the curve. It started with the aggressive screening of inbound passengers so far the carriers of the virus. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show The health ministry issued its first notification for screening of all passengers coming from China on January 17. The protocol was continuously reviewed and new measures were added almost every few days from cancelling of e-visas, to placing of thermal scanners at airports and seaports, to cancelling existing visas (except diplomatic and official), to cancelling OCI cards to restricting entry of anyone from the EU and the UK to closing land borders with our neighbours to mandating a 14-day quarantine for travellers arriving from countries which have shown high number of cases. The next safety ring around these above measures has been to identify and isolate all those who may have come in contact with those suspected of infection or who have returned from a foreign trip. Evidence shows that this aggressive screening has so far restricted the virus in India to Stage 2 (foreign travel history and contacts with them) from locally spreading. Aggressive measures taken by state governments for social distancing which includes shutting down public spaces, work-from-home options, closing schools, malls, cinema halls, pubs, gymnasiums, etc has worked in checking the spread. The graph above compares the rate of growth of confirmed cases at similar-number-of-cases benchmark. At a 100-plus cases benchmark (different countries reached this benchmark at different times), the growth rate of new confirmed cases in India is significantly lower than that of other countries which are similar to us open societies, democracies and with a robust press and free flow of information. The graph above plots the date-wise growth factor, which is new confirmed cases added in 24 hours to the figures the previous day. A growth factor significantly higher than 1 means the virus is spreading exponentially, while the growth factor hovering around 1 or below indicates the reverse. Between March 4 and 18, the growth factor has largely hovered around 1, with rare exceptions. Both the above graphs lend credence to the ICMR confirmation that so far there is no evidence of community spread. Some have suggested that the relatively low number of cases could be a result of deliberate under-reporting. This is highly unlikely. Patients reaching out to doctors, their contact tracing, their testing, data collection and all such efforts are being led at the district-level by different state governments. It would stretch credulity to argue that the entire machinery from local administrations to state governments (including those headed by non-NDA parties) have come together in a grand conspiracy with the central government to under-report data. Even if the deliberate under-reporting theory was to be believed, how does one explain why we are yet to hear about surges of cases from any hospital across the country? In a country like ours, where there is a free flow of information and an active social media, can such a surge be kept under wraps? As opposed to some countries that adopted an approach of extensive testing, India has adopted the screening-quarantining-preventing-social distancing protocol. This has, so far, limited the spread of the virus at the local level. However, this is not the time to rejoice or be complacent. The government needs to be extremely vigilant, and keep ahead of the curve as it seems to have done so far. This would mean continuously evolving protocols, reacting in real time and taking all means necessary to prevent community spread. This would also mean co-operation of people in following government orders. Many states have already banned large gatherings and imposed restrictive orders. These would need to be strictly adhered to, without leeway to any special interest group. The efforts of the Modi-led Centre, along with different state governments and co-operation of every citizen, will help India turn the corner. This is the time to be vigilant. A Italian village that was a coronavirus hotspot has seen no new cases for days following blanket testing on all residents, according to local media. When around 3,300 people were checked for the virus in Vo Euganeo in northern Italy, 3 per cent (around 90) were infected with Covid-19, researchers said. Most of these reportedly had no symptoms of the flu-like disease at all. If he hadnt have done this, the head of the Veneto region said, Vo Euganeo would have seen an explosion of infections. Luca Zaia told Italian TV that the community was now as healthy as can be. No new positive cases have been reported in the small Italian village since last week after authorities even tested asymptomatic people, according to newspaper Il Gazzettino. The mass-testing - a trial led by the University of Padua - saw all residents checked for Covid-19 in February and then checked again shortly after. It was hailed a success by researchers, who told local media that on the second round of testing, the number of positive results dropped significantly to 0.3 per cent. We were able to show that isolating all the positive cases allowed us to reduce the rate of infection, Professor Andrea Crisanti said. The real problem is asymptomatic people who test positive, he told Italian TV. If we continue to let them wander around, we will never get rid of the epidemic. I think that for every case that goes to hospital, there are more or less 10 people without symptoms. Mr Zaia, Venetos governor, said the trial was criticised by most sides but that isolating numbers of undetected positive cases has resulted in Vo Euganeo being today "the safest place in Italy. Im sorry that people continue to say that we got it wrong, but at this point, honestly we dont care, he said. Vo Euganeo was put into quarantine in late February along with multiple other towns in northern Italy. Shortly after, the whole of Italy was put into lockdown amid rising coronavirus cases which the prime minister suggested on Thursday might go on for longer than planned. "Restrictive measures work," Giuseppe Conte said. More than 35,700 people have been infected with Covid-19 to date in the country, with the death toll currently standing at nearly 3,000. The World Health Organisation has urged countries to test as much as possible for the flu-like virus in a bid to combat its spread. The Ava DuVernay directed Netflix miniseries When They See Us evoked nationwide outrage over the imprisonment of five black and Latino boys, who were found guilty of a New York City rape and beating from over 30 years earlier. The boys were between the ages of 14 and 16 at the time they were convicted and later had their convictions overturned when evidence proved they were not responsible for the crimes. Ava DuVernay attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. When They See Us was critically acclaimed, winning awards and its stars receiving positive reviews. The ordeal was viewed as a failure of the American justice system, with its lead prosecutor of the case, Linda Fairstein, at the center of the backlash. Shes now suing DuVernay and Netflix for defamation. Linda Fairsteins character in Netflixs When They See Us Fairstein was a top New York prosecutor who oversaw the Manhattan District Attorneys sex crimes unit at the time of the Central Park Jogger case. Played by Felicity Huffman, Fairstein is portrayed as a ruthless attorney eager to bring the victim justice and uses a by any means necessary approach. Source: Instagram Despite the boys not having corroborating stories and eventually not being linked to the scene of the crime by DNA evidence, Fairstein takes the case to trial, charging one of the boys as an adult. Much of Fairsteins motivations are viewed to have to do with race and her attempts to paint the boys as thugs and criminals. All five boys were found guilty of rape and/or assault and spent between 6 and 13 years in prison. After the actual perpetrator confessed and DNA linked him solely to the scene o the crime, the men were exonerated and later awarded a settlement of a little over $40 million to share amongst them. Fairstein admitted no guilt. Instead, she believed that the actual man found to be the perpetrator was the sixth man involved. Linda Fairstein reacts to When They See Us and loses career deals after series is released Fairstein has been against her portrayal since the miniseries became available for streaming. She faced immediate backlash from viewers who felt that she acted too quickly and unjustly in her handling the case against the boys. Source: YouTube Fairstein stood by her actions during the trials but it did not stop her career and public image from tanking. She was dropped by her publisher and agents, lost speaking appearances and was forced to resign from the boards of several non-profit organizations that she served on. DuVernay later revealed that both she and Netflix attempted to work with Fairstein on the series but aborted the offer after Fairstein demanded she have creative control and input over the script. Fairstein also allegedly did not want producers to speak to the exonerated men. Source: YouTube Ahead of the series release, Fairstein fired off a warning to Netflix that there would be repercussions for what she perceived to be a defamatory portrayal. DuVernay and Netflix stood by their work. Why Linda Fairstein sued Netflix and Ava DuVernay Its been almost a year since the series dropped but on Mar. 18, TMZ obtained court documents that Fairstein filed against Netflix, DuVernay and Attica Locke a writer of the series. Fairstein objects to almost all moments of the series that represent her. She specifically denies taking any of the following actions: unlawfully interrogating unaccompanied minors, calling for a roundup of young black thugs, manipulating the timeline to pin the joggers rape on the Central Park 5, referring to people of color as animals, directing NYPD detectives to coerce confessions, and suppressing DNA evidence. Fairstein is suing for defamation and is requesting a public apology, removal of the scenes she calls false, and a disclaimer added that labels the series as a dramatization and NOT a true story. She also wants an unspecified amount of money in damages. A rep for Netflix told TMZ, Linda Fairsteins frivolous lawsuit is without merit. We intend to vigorously defend When They See Us and Ava DuVernay and Attica Locke, the incredible team behind the series. NEW DELHI : India is looking at evacuating another batch of its nationals from the hotbed of Coronavirus infections in Italy who are among 374 who have tested negative for disease over the coming weekend, officials said Thursday, as the death toll due to the virus worldwide crossed the 9,000 mark. New Delhi is also making all out efforts to reach all its nationals stranded in Iran, officials of the Indian foreign ministry said. Indian students stranded in Manila and Singapore were being brought back or being assisted by the Indian embassy in that country, they said. For Indians elsewhere, the advice from the Indian government was to stay put as India announced more measures to contain and control the pandemic that included a suspension of international commercial flights for a week starting 22 March and orders for people above the age of 65 and children below 10 to stay at home. This came as India said four people had died to the infection in the country and 181 people were infected. If Indians are held up in some place, our advice to them would be to stay put because ideally in such a situation they should be able to take locally with whatever resources they have. Our missions and ambassadors are in the forefront to support the stranded Indians wherever they are," Dammu Ravi, additional secretary in the Indian foreign ministry and coordinator for COVID-19 told reporters. On the situation in Italy, Ravi said India had already evacuated 218 people from Rome and the government is all set to undertake a second evacuation mission from Italy over the next weekend. We have got the test results of the samples, and fortunately, most of them are negative. We will finalize the details with Ministry of Civil Aviation and hopefully bring them back this weekend," Ravi said. On the situation in Iran, Ravi described it as very, very grave". It is extremely widespread and gone on to the other regions of Iran. So we are assessing that situation and taking into consideration what should be our proper response," he said adding that some Indians pilgrims and students had tested positive for SARS-CoV2. In all almost 600 nationals had been evacuated from Iran so far, Ravi said. Those who had tested positive for SARS-Cov2 had been segregated to ensure the infections did not spread among the group. On the initiatives India had announced on Sunday when prime minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with the leaders of South Asian countries. India had announced the establishment of fund with an initial contribution of $ 10 million from New Delhi. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said that this fund had been operationalised and New Delhi had responded to requests for emergency medical equipment from Bhutan and Maldives. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! The Higher Education Contribution Scheme, or HECS, was introduced by the Labor government in 1989 and has now been copied in about 10 other countries. HECS is what is known as an "income-contingent loan" and works by allowing domestic students to enrol in Australian universities without paying tuition up front. This would be smart, and the most effective move. There are many very good reasons for citizens, business and the government's budget in favour of travelling down this road. Repayments would be based on revenue and designed to minimise non-repayments of the debt for struggling small businesses. Credit:Paul Rovere So it is very welcome news that the Australian government might be considering HECS-style loans as part of any stimulus to help counteract the recession forces accompanying the global coronavirus crisis. These are days of anxiety and fear including for businesses and people bracing for the economic fallout of COVID-19. The system is free at the point of entry. But tuition still has to be paid, and this happens in the future via the income-contingent loan. When, but only if, the student as a graduate earns more than a certain amount of income, a small proportion (around 1 to 8 per cent, depending on their income) is taken out of their salary as part-repayment of the loan. The beauty of HECS is that the debt repayment is essentially an insurance system: those who experience poor financial outcomes in the future (and nobody can predict this) don't have any repayment obligations. It also means loan repayment by those who recover, which also means recovery of the government budget. Moreover, there is no such thing as defaulting on HECS, which is a major problem with other student loan systems throughout the world because debtors unable to repay have a ruined credit reputation. This is the fate that has now visited around 10 million US former college students. There is no such problem with HECS, nor should there be any anxieties associated with repayment difficulties. Income-contingent loans can be applied in a range of ways, including areas as diverse as drought relief, solar energy, business R&D, or extended paid parental leave. Colleagues and I have just started working on an income-contingent loan system to financially help victims of domestic violence. The potential of these loans, first applied to Australian university students now over 30 years ago, is enormous. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and banks will not be affected by Miami-Dade Countys decision to close down hundreds of stores and businesses to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The order also will not affect police, fire-rescue or dozens of other essential stores and services, including businesses that have the capability of interacting with customers solely by telephone or the Internet. Here are some of the essential businesses and service allowed to stay open. Remember to call ahead for hours of operation as some stores and businesses might have limited hours during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Health, medicine and therapy Hospitals, urgent care centers and doctor offices remain open. File photo. Hospitals and urgent care centers Pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens Doctors and dentists offices Other healthcare providers, including clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physical therapists, mental health professionals, psychiatrists and therapists. Food Grocery stores, food banks and pet stores will remain open. File photo. Grocery stores and supermarkets such as Publix, Winn-Dixie and Sedanos. Restaurants (takeout and delivery only) Convenience stores Food banks Pet stores Food cultivation, including farming, livestock and fishing Any store that sells groceries and necessary non-grocery or household products such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. This means you can still visit Target and Walmart. Coronavirus has shut down schools. Theres a way kids can still get breakfast and lunch Transportation and Delivery Gas stations will remain open. File photo Gas stations (Shell, Chevron, Mobil, Wawa, etc.), auto-supply, auto-repair and related facilities. U.S. post offices and other businesses that provide mailing and shipping services or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences such as UPS, FedEx and Amazon. Airlines, taxis and other private transportation providers using cars, trucks, buses or train. You can still call Uber and Lyft. Services Police, fire rescue and other emergency services are operating. Police, fire-rescue and other emergency services. Banks and related financial institutions Media outlets and other media services including the Miami Herald, television stations, newspapers and radio. Story continues Waste management services, including garbage collection and disposal Coin laundries, dry cleaners and laundry service providers Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities for those in need Schools, including college and universities (all are required to teach online until further notice) Telecommunication providers, which include phone companies, cable and Internet providers (Verizon, Comcast, At&T, etc.) Telecommunication providers will remain open. Factories, manufacturing facilities, bottling plants or other industrial uses Hardware stores Contractors, exterminators, appliance repair, landscape and pool care businesses and other service providers that help maintain homes and other structures. Open construction sites, architectural, engineering or land surveying services are also open. Home-based care for seniors, adults or children. Childcare facilities providing services for essential employees are still allowed to operate but under stricter conditions. Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, senior residential facilities and adult day care centers. Remember to contact the facility as many of these places might have changed visiting procedures or operating hours to meet CDC guidelines during the pandemic. Some adult day care centers may have also temporarily closed to protect its workers and senior citizens. Businesses that provide office supplies to people working from home will remain open. Businesses that provide support or supplies to essential stores or services will also remain open. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, that are necessary to comply with legally mandated activities. For a full list of services expected to stay open, visit www.miamidade.gov/information/library/coronavirus-emergency-order-07-20-businesses.pdf Lost your job? Need food? Internet? These places can help during the coronavirus crisis That number reflected a significant rise from last week's 211,000, which was unrevised from the initial estimate, according to the Labor Department. It was the highest number since Sept. 2, 2017. Jobless claims rose to 281,000 last week, reflecting only the first indications of the impact the coronavirus will have on the U.S. employment picture. The four-week moving average rose to 232,250, up 16,500 from a week ago and the highest level since Jan. 27, 2018. The previous week saw an upward revision to 215,750 from 214,000. The continuing claims level edged up to just over 1.7 million. The department said the numbers were "clearly attributable to impacts from the COVID-19 virus. A number of states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs, while many states reported increased layoffs in service related industries broadly and in the accommodation and food services industries specifically, as well as in the transportation and warehousing industry, whether COVID-19 was identified directly or not." Companies are just starting to announce coronavirus-related layoffs, so the real damage probably won't start showing through until next week's count, which will entail the period through this Saturday. Ian Shepherdson from Pantheon Macroeconomics told CNBC earlier Thursday morning that next week's total could hit 2 million. He said in a subsequent note that the number even could hit 3 million. "Next week's number ... will be an order of magnitude worse," Shepherdson wrote. "We hope that will be the single worst week, but we can't be sure." Much of the layoffs so far have come from the hospitality industry, which have been slammed by a national effort of social distancing to keep the coronavirus spread at bay. "There's no surprise here with the restaurant industry warning 5 to 7 million workers will lose their jobs in coming months," Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank, said in a note. "Today's jobless claims statistics provide the confirmation if it was needed that the economy has just fallen over the cliff and is turning down into a recession." Marriott International said it will be laying off tens of thousands of employees. Compass Coffee, which is based in Washington, D.C. and competes with Starbuck's, has laid off 150 workers, or 80% of its staff. Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group said it would furlough 3,000 workers, also 80% of its workforce. Get the market reaction here. RENTON, Wash., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence St. Joseph Health announced today through the St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund it will contribute $500,000 to help not-for-profit community partners respond to the challenges of the coronavirus crisis. Providence has 51 hospitals across seven states. "The health and safety of everyone, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, is an essential part of our COVID-19 response," said Rod Hochman, M.D. CEO and president of Providence St. Joseph Health. "Through this gift, we continue to work in solidarity and service with our not-for-profit partners. We want to ensure they can continue to serve those who are homeless, struggling with housing, food insecurity and other social challenges during this critical time." The funds will be released in two phases. In the near term, it will be used to support partners meeting human needs on the front lines in heavily impacted communities. In the long term, resources will be used, in partnership with other funders, to address the economic challenges facing marginalized populations as a consequence of COVID-19. "Since 1987, the St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund has allocated more than $330 million to support care programs and partner organization that serve our communities," said Joel Gilbertson, SVP of community partnerships at Providence St. Joseph Health. "It is essential that we make sure our non-profit partners are able to meet human needs during this challenging time." Providence St. Joseph Health also invites the public to support the COVID-19 response. Funds will support the system's ongoing response, including caring for vulnerable populations and research efforts to better understand the virus. Gifts will also support caregivers who work for the Providence St. Joseph Health family of organizations who may be financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Individuals can make a gift on our donation page here. About Providence Providence is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 51 hospitals, 829 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 119,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. SOURCE Providence Related Links http://www.providence.org A Longford woman who was involved in a violent disorder incident in Longford town before Christmas but breached her bail conditions was remanded in custody last Tuesday to a sitting of Mullingar District Court on Friday, March 13. Helen Nevin, 67 Farnagh, Longford, was before the court for breaching three of her bail conditions. Detective Garda Orla Geraghty explained to the court that Ms Nevin had breached her curfew on seven occasions, was not contactable on her mobile phone on one occasion and was in Longford town on four occasions when one of her conditions was to stay out of the town. Ms Nevin was also before the court a number of weeks ago when she was convicted of theft at a clothing store on Ballymahon Street. Which is clear evidence that she was on Ballymahon Street, Judge Hughes mused. On that occasion, the judge ordered her to pay the 40 for the clothing she took from the store and fined her 105 with three months to pay. Do you have the 40? Judge Hughes asked Ms Nevin. I have 50, she replied. To be fair to the court, an exception was made to you on bail for violent disorder, said Judge Hughes, adding that eleven others involved in the same incident on Main Street, Longford before Christmas were in custody for the entire holiday season. Why didnt you stick to your bail conditions? he asked. I have a few problems. Im in the council trying to get a house and trying to get access to my kids back. My head was all over the place, Ms Nevin explained. Longford town is where my family are. I can be at home after six, but I have to go down the town in the daytime. Your family lives in the housing estates, so why are you in the streets, thieving? Judge Hughes asked. Detective Geraghtys application to the court was to remand Ms Nevin in custody. I have to go to a doctors appointment at three oclock today, Ms Nevin objected, saying that she has a chesty cough and that when she rang her doctor, she was told to go into the surgery. I hear that they tell you not to come in now. They go out to you if you have a cough. Did the doctor ask you if its a dry cough? asked Judge Hughes. No, I want to go in to find out what it is, Ms Nevin replied. Have you not been listening to the radio at all? said an incredulous Judge Hughes. Im after catching you out there. Im remanding you in custody until Friday in Mullingar, he added. Just give me one chance, Judge. Ill bring the 150 next week, Ms Nevin pleaded. I gave you a chance. Hand in the 50 now and well give you 10 change. Thatll pay for the two tracksuit tops and the tracksuit bottom you stole, which are common attire in Dochas. Theyll come in handy when youre in there, said Judge Hughes. Ms Nevin still owes a fine of 105, which she was handed on her last court appearance with three months to pay. She was due to appear before Judge Hughes again in Mullingar last Friday. ALBANY Capital Region hospitals say they need more COVID-19 test kits, and are calling on state and local governments to help them maintain a steady supply. Hospital-erected testing sites have been inundated with people seeking tests in the last week, and are struggling to keep up with demand as confirmed cases of novel coronavirus topped 80 in the Capital Region on Wednesday and are expected to grow. Local cases remain concentrated in Albany County, but officials express little doubt they will soon be everywhere. Ellis Hospital in Schenectady ran so low its now saving all tests for its most at-risk inpatients. Albany Medical Center only has two to three days worth of test kits left. And while most sites have asked that people not show up unless theyve obtained a doctors order and an appointment, Albany Med says anyone is welcome to come to its outdoor tent site despite its low supply if only to keep possibly infectious people out of its emergency department. The purpose of the tent is twofold: accommodate the needs of our community and limit potential exposure to our patients, said Dr. Dennis McKenna, incoming president and CEO, at a Wednesday news conference. Nevertheless, the advice remains this if you believe you require testing: Call your primary care doctor and ask. If you dont have a primary care doctor, call the state or local health department, which have also been authorized to approve tests. If test supplies sink too low, Albany Med, like Ellis, said it will begin rationing tests for those most in need, which include inpatients with underlying medical conditions and severe symptoms. FRONTLINE NURSES WANT PROTECTION Health care workers are on the front lines of the fight to keep coronavirus from spreading, but are also at the highest risk for exposure. Despite assurances otherwise, nurses around the Capital Region say they dont feel confident that their hospitals have adequate masks and other protective gear on hand. N95 masks are in short supply, so nurses are being asked to wear them more than once and for multiple patients, according to Liz Cahill, a stat nurse whos been with Albany Med for 30 years and helps coordinate care during peak periods of activity. She called it a "horrific breach" in infection control. In addition, the now frequent re-use of powered air purifying respirators or PAPRs Hazmat-looking helmets that protect staff from contaminated air also has staff worried, she said. Were wiping (the PAPRs) down when were done, but we can only hope that when we do were killing any germs that may be on the inside or outside, she said. Albany Medical Center officials said at the Wednesday news conference that PAPRs can be wiped down and reused, according to the manufacturer instructions and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. The statewide nurses union blasted the CDC this week, however, for recent rollbacks on infection control protocols such as these, which it argues were driven by a shortage of supplies. I dont know why, in this country, we dont have the equipment necessary to keep us safe from a pandemic, Cahill said. A big part of their concern is basic math: The more infected patients they handle, the more potential exposures they have, which may force them to quarantine for up to 14 days, leaving even fewer staff to handle what many predict will be a surge of infected people. An increasing number of health care workers are already under precautionary quarantine in the Capital Region. If what theyre predicting comes true, we will not only not have enough beds, we will not have enough staff, said Denise DAvella, who works at Ellis and has been a nurse for 26 years. We were already short-staffed to begin with. Now youre looking at health care providers being quarantined because theyre exposed over a lack of proper protective equipment. Ellis Medicine in a statement Wednesday said that it's well-prepared to protect patients and staff from the virus, and following all precautions and protocols from the CDC, World Health Organization, and state and local health agencies. "Keeping our physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals safe and healthy and able to care for others in our community is essential to the effective containment of this virus, and there is absolutely no reason why we would be doing anything but that," the health system said. The Department of Defense said Wednesday that it will soon be distributing about 5 million masks from its reserves to areas that need them. You can encourage people to social distance themselves and quarantine potential exposures, DAvella said. But if we arent protecting the frontline caregivers, none of that is going to matter. CAPITAL REGION SPREAD As of Wednesday evening, 82 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed across eight counties in the greater Capital Region. Albany County has the bulk of them, with 41 cases reported Wednesday morning, up from 25 the day before. New cases include a sheriffs deputy and a person who was in respite care at an Albany nursing home and is now hospitalized. Both are connected to highly vulnerable populations the sick, elderly and those confined in cramped quarters. The deputy is assigned to a team that transports prisoners to the county jail, where all new inmates are now entering 14-day quarantine in makeshift isolation cells. Sheriff Craig Apple said 100 inmates have been separated from others due to compromised immune systems or signs of sickness. The patient in respite care was staying at Teresian House in Albany, though not in the main nursing home facility, according to county Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen. Fifteen others who were in the respite center with the person who tested positive are also being tested. CORONAVIRUS IN THE CAPITAL REGION Legislating in pandemic: Coronavirus bills, empty chambers Rensselaer County investigates La Salle student with coronavirus Track the latest developments with our new coronavirus newsletter More local coronavirus coverage Albany Medical Center said Wednesday it has six confirmed patients with COVID-19, including one in its intensive care unit. It says it has over 75 adult ventilators, which help people struggling to breathe a signature symptom of the illness. Fewer than half are currently in use. The hospital is also looking to lease ventilators from centers that train health care workers in their proper use. Late Wednesday the public was also informed that two employees at the U.S. Army's Watervliet Arsenal had tested positive. The arsenal did not say whether they are residents of the county and could not confirm if they are civilians or military personnel. As more and more public gathering spaces close and people are urged to maintain their physical distance in order to slow the spread of coronavirus and flatten the curve, County Executive Daniel McCoy said Wednesday that the county will be setting up a hotline staffed by mental health professionals for people who are struggling with isolation "I have said and will continue to say this, if you know people who live alone ... call them up, Facetime them, cheer them up," he said. Saratoga County reported 16 cases Wednesday afternoon, up from 10 the day before. Officials offered no details on the new cases, but reminded parents that while school is closed children should refrain from congregating in groups. The county is also seeking trained medical professionals to volunteer at its emergency operations center hotline, where it will be directing people who have questions about COVID-19. Those interested should call 518-885-2232. Schenectady County cases rose to 14 on Wednesday, according to a statewide tally of cases released midday by the governors office. Thats up from 11 reported Tuesday. No details were available. Rensselaer County cases increased to five, from two a day earlier. Details werent available, though county officials held a news conference Wednesday calling for increased communication and transparency from any entity that learns about a coronavirus exposure. They were referencing a case out of Saratoga County, in which a boy who lives in Clifton Park but attends school in Troy tested positive. Rensselaer County officials said they only learned of the case Monday night when the LaSalle Institute, a private Catholic school for boys, sent a notice to the school community that was then forwarded to the county. "We really can't stress enough that we really need to work together counties and schools when there is a positive case, said Rensselaer County Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas. We have to step back a little bit, figure out what student it is, where they live, what residence, what health department, and then work with the school on how we're going to message that to parents. Outside of the immediate Capital Region, Montgomery and Greene counties had two cases each, and Warren and Washington counties had one case each, according to statewide figures released by the governors office Wednesday. Steve Hughes, Wendy Liberatore, Massarah Mikati and Michael Williams contributed. Hulu gave viewers some good news last night: The streaming service dropped three episodes of Little Fires Everywhere early. The show, based on the Celeste Ng book, was supposed to air a new episode every Wednesday. In it, Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington star as at-odds mothers in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Washington plays Mia, a single mother, who just moved into town with her daughter, Pearl. They move into a house rented by Elena Richardson, played by Witherspoon, who also serves an executive producer on the show. Elenas elegant house burns to the ground, and the fire sparks an investigation, arguments over social class, race and family, and a lot of finger-pointing. Fans have been excited for this adaptation because Washington and Witherspoon seem to be stepping into familiar characters. Witherspoon plays a rich, fierce mother, which is similar to Madeline, her character on HBOs hit Big Little Lies, while Washingtons character is similar to Olivia Pope, who she played on Scandal. Viewers can subscribe to Hulu for as low as $5.99/month to watch Little Fires Everywhere, Handmaids Tale, Devs and other original Hulu shows. If viewers are already Hulu subscribers, they can consider switching to the Hulu bundle. Viewers can get access to Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+ for $12.99/month, so essentially ESPN+ is free. A creche chain is taking defamation proceedings against RTE over a television programme depicting the mistreatment of children at some of its premises. The High Court action by Hyde & Seek follows the airing of the Creches Behind Closed Doors documentary in July last year. Undercover filming was used in the programme to depict a host of failings at the chain. It operates facilities at Tolka Road, Pearse Street, Millbourne Avenue and Prospect Avenue in Dublin. A lawsuit against the national broadcaster was initiated on Wednesday with a plenary summons seeking damages for defamation, aggravated and exemplary damages, a correction order and an injunction against further broadcast and publication of allegations. The basis on which the action is being taken has yet to be revealed as a statement of claim has yet to be served. It is understood RTE intend to robustly defend the defamation action. The programme has not been removed from the RTE Player or website, despite the legal threats. The action is being taken by Hyde & Seek Childcare Ltd, Hyde & Seek Glasnevin Ltd, Anne and Peter Davy and their daughter Siobhan. They are represented in the action by Meaghers Solicitors. The business was left reeling after the programme and announced Anne Davy, who featured in the undercover footage, was stepping back from all front-line work at its Tolka Road facility. Its insurers later sought to cancel their policies, but were restrained from doing so by the High Court pending arbitration. The High Court heard the parents of 58 children intend to sue the business over the events depicted in the programme. Separately, child and family agency Tusla has sought to remove the registration of the creches. This is being appealed by Hyde & Seek. The pre-school business also faces prosecution, accused of alleged childcare failings, as a result of the RTE programme. The case is before a non-jury District Court. At a District Court hearing last December, the solicitor representing the company in those proceedings, Michael Staines, said RTE undercover reporters were complicit in alleged breaches. He alleged an undercover reporter committed criminal offences and also claimed there was selective editing on certain occasions. The solicitor said Tusla had examined and attended Hyde & Seek premises on many occasions and focused on them as a result of the documentary. He said his clients were happy they had complied with Tusla and engaged over several months since the programme to ensure all matters were in order. A spokesperson for RTE said it had a policy of not commenting on legal matters. Hyde & Seek also declined to comment. The emotional impact of social isolation on people used to seeing their friends, enjoying a night out, attending a sporting match and even working alongside their work colleagues is about to be tested on a huge scale. We know the facts well enough. Theres the loss of life. Add to that the long and difficult recuperations ahead, as the survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome struggle to return to breathing adequately. This includes, as my doctor warned me, those who will suffer cognitive impairment from prolonged loss of oxygen to the brain. The scale of this pandemic is beyond most of us and knowing what to do is more of a struggle for some than others. Im struggling. Too many calculations. It is not just the two weeks or so for at-risk isolation. It is the other weeks and months with nothing to do while we collectively sit out the virus. Well may we say God save social media, because if it werent for face-timing, zoom meetings and Facebook, wherever would people go to share anything? And what we are learning is how deeply people need to share. Fear is already taking its toll. There is a level of angst among us I cannot ever recall and testified to by the hoarding of household goods, accompanied by unattractive squabbles in supermarket aisles. No amount of reassurance by food suppliers or Kimberly-Clark is calming things down; in fact, we have now reached a tipping point where people think the only rational thing to do is to act irrationally, like everyone else. That way you dont miss out. (But oh yes we do, people. As a society, we do.) Loading Flattening the curve has now become a familiar expression. The mapping of uncontrolled epidemics with their soaring infection peaks has been well established since the Bombay epidemic of 1905. Evidence shows that flattening the curve that is, slowing the infection rate to a point where hospitals can cope is possible. Take the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918-19. In the US, Philadelphia let a huge parade go ahead in the early days of the flu and didnt shut anything down until it saw a huge death rate that overwhelmed hospitals. By then, shutting down was too late. St Louis, less than 2000 kilometres away, made a tough decision to exercise social distancing once it saw a handful of cases. It shut schools, playgrounds, libraries, courtrooms, churches, staggered work times, and limited public transport. Results: Philadelphia suffered a lot of deaths, whereas St Louis had a slower, more controlled and significantly lower death rate. A very flattened curve indeed. A 'holistic healing' store has been slammed for wrongly claiming that coronavirus can be prevented with reiki, crystals, essential oils and meditation. The store in Sydney's eastern suburbs said the killer virus could be prevented with holistic healing - despite there being no scientific evidence to back up their claims. 'Prevent corona by boosting your immune system through reiki, crystals, essential oils and meditation,' the sign out the front of their store read. The store, located at Bondi Junction in Sydney's east, has claimed the killer virus can be prevented with holistic healing An image of the dangerous sign was posted to Reddit with the caption: 'This brand of idiocy is a sight to behold'. There are currently 636 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and six deaths from the viral disease. There is currently no vaccine or cure for the coronavirus ready to be used on humans and it is not likely one will be developed in time to slow down the outbreak. People were quick to slam the holistic healing store, accusing the business of endangering the lives of its customers. 'Dangerous and probably also illegal. They can't advertise that right? What load of bulls**t,' one person wrote. 'Boosting your immune system (if any of those methods worked, which they dont) is bad. Thats how you end up with auto immune diseases. Such bulls**t,' another said. 'I wonder if just calling it "Corona" is their way of getting around any regulations,' another commented. Daily Mail Australia contacted the store for comment about the sign but they said they were too busy. There is currently no vaccine or cure for the coronavirus and it is not likely one will be developed in time to slow down the outbreak Currently, governments and health authorities are working to contain the virus and care for patients who are sick and stop them infecting other people. People who catch the illness are being quarantined in hospitals, where their symptoms can be treated and they will be away from the uninfected public. While no vaccine exists, those suffering are being advised to take medication to ease their symptoms such as the sore throat, headache and runny nose. Australia has had its highest number of new cases of coronavirus in 24 hours. Coronavirus cases in Australia have skyrocketed from 73 to 636 in less than two weeks, with more than 204,000 people globally infected by the disease. Coronavirus cases in Australia have skyrocketed from 73 to 636 in less than two weeks, with more than 204,000 people globally infected by the disease More than 81,000 people globally have recovered from the disease, while the Australian death toll is six. Australia is set for an explosion in coronavirus cases in the next 14 days before the potential effects of social distancing kick in, experts have warned. With cases of the virus now doubling every three days on home soil, more than 1,000 Australians will likely be struck down with the virus by the weekend. Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduced a social distancing policy last week, asking people to keep at least 1.5m distance between each other to avoid catching the coronavirus. He then suspended international travel and banned indoor gatherings of more than 100 people on Wednesday. Hanoi authorities are telling students to say home until early April as the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads in Vietnam. In a meeting on Wednesday, chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Duc Chung stated that the epidemic is becoming more serious and may get intense over the next 15 days. Chairman Chung decided to extend the existing school break through April 5 given the current situation. He asked the municipal Department of Education and Training to work with the education ministry regarding the application of alternative teaching methods such as online lessons or educational television. He also told local residents to refrain from going outside as much as possible. The Peoples Committee in Ho Chi Minh City previously stated that all K-12 students, as well as university and college students, in the southern metropolis will not return to school until at least April 5. Students in Vietnam had been scheduled to return to school on February 3 following the Lunar New Year holiday, but the COVID-19 epidemic has caused repeated closures nationwide. The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected over 218,700 people and killed more than 8,900 globally as of Thursday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics. Vietnams COVID-19 tally has soared to 76, with 16 having fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital by February 16. No death has been reported in the country so far. Hanoi has 20 active COVID-19 patients while nine patients are currently being treated in Ho Chi Minh City. Among the active cases, one patient in the northern province of Ninh Binh has recovered after testing negative for the novel coronavirus twice and is ready to be discharged from the hospital. Four other cases in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have also tested negative for the first time, according to local health departments. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Mumbai, March 19 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday sought peoples' cooperation for the ongoing 'war against virus' that has created a global medical havoc since the past couple of months. Addressing the people of the state, Thackeray assured that the state and Centre are "fully geared" for what he termed as 'a world war' that has been waged against coronavirus. "Like in the days of the (1971) India-Pakistan War, the siren has been sounded. We all have to be alert and fight this global war. This virus is spreading step-by-step and Maharashtra has the highest number of affected," Thackeray said. He reiterated his impassioned plea to the 1.70 crore people of Mumbai to reduce the crowds in public and avoid 'social contacts'. "There is some improvement. But more needs to be done. Please try to remain indoors as far as possible, avoid all unnecessary commutes/travels and exercise precautions at all times. Work from home as far as possible. Those with the 'quarantine stamps' must not step out," Thackeray urged. The Chief Minister's address came hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled address to the nation tonight at 8 p.m. (Bloomberg) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered officials to ramp up tests to ensure early detection of coronavirus infection as the nations death toll from the pandemic topped the Southeast Asia region. Authorities should prepare enough hospitals nationwide to treat the infected, Jokowi, as Widodo is known, told a cabinet meeting in Jakarta Thursday. The medical facilities belonging to the government, military, police and private companies recommended by the health ministry should be used to contain the pandemic he said, asking officials to increase production of kits for rapid tests. Jokowis order to scale up testing follows weeks of criticism about a tepid response to the outbreak and a spike in cases in the past few days with the total reaching 309 with 25 fatalities. The president and his entire cabinet have also been tested after the nations Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi was confirmed as having been infected. Jokowi and his spouse were tested negative for Covid-19, his spokesman said Thursday. There are fears a new wave of infection could soon hit the nation of almost 270 million people, prompting authorities to step up rapid testing of suspects using blood samples, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan said Wednesday. Stimulus Reaches $1.9 Trillion; No New Wuhan Cases: Virus Update Indonesia is assessing offers from neighbors Singapore and China, as well as private agencies and companies, to provide the rapid test kits, Santo Darmosumarto, director of South Asia and Pacific at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said in a media briefing Thursday. Entry Curbs Starting Friday, the country will restrict entry of foreigners with travel history to virus-hit nations in the last 14 days, including Italy, Spain and the U.K. It will also suspend free visitor visa, visa on arrival, free diplomatic or official visa to all foreigners for a month, the ministry said. The government temporarily banned exports of face masks and sanitizers and allowed traders to import garlic and onions without permits to boost supplies ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. It has already ordered retailers to ration the sale of staples such as rice, cooking oils, sugar and instant noodles to prevent panic buying and hoarding. Story continues The president also urged officials to ensure adequate protective gear for medical personnel handling Covid-19 patients. Jokowi asked the cabinet to extend financial incentives to businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises hurt by the fast-spreading virus. He also called on worshipers to refrain from congregating in large groups, including for prayer. Islamic groups in the worlds largest Muslim-majority nation have also urged worshipers to stop praying at mosques in large groups and to shun all public religious activities. (Updates with coment from foreign ministry in fifth paragraph) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. President Donald Trump speaks during press briefing with the coronavirus task force, at the White House in Washington on March 18, 2020, as Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Seema Verma, Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, listen (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Trump Blames Chinese Regime for Pandemic: The World Is Paying a Very Big Price President Donald Trump suggested that the Chinese regime is to blame for the viral pandemic that has now appeared in more than 150 countries globally. It could have been stopped right where it came from, China, Trump said during a White House press conference on Thursday. The world is paying a very big price for what they did, he said in reference to a question about Chinese Communist Party officials not sharing information sooner about the outbreak when it started. It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier, the president said, adding that U.S. officials could have moved more quickly if the regime shared information about the CCP virus, which emerged in Wuhan. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. A reporter also asked the president about the regime reporting no new cases of the virus since the outbreak began last year. I hope its true, Trump said before qualifying, But who knows? Workers prepare to disinfect rooms at the Red Cross hospital in Wuhan, China, on March 18, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) During Chinas outbreak, a number of citizen journalists, human rights activists, and people on social media accused the regime of covering up the number of cases and deaths. Disturbing video footage during the height of the outbreak showed what appeared to be CCP officials abducting people and locking people inside their homes. Widespread anger was triggered in early February when a Chinese doctor who tried to warn the public about the viral outbreak died. Li Wenliang died after contracting the coronavirus while treating patients in Wuhan, it was announced. Li was told by officials to stop making false comments and was investigated for spreading rumours, the BBC reported. His father said that he wasnt spreading rumors. Human Rights Watch, in a report on March 12, criticized the Chinese regime and the World Health Organization for engaging in censorship. If free speech existed in China, global media sites such as Facebook and Twitter as well as Chinese internet platforms would be inundated with desperate calls for help and harrowing stories of deaths and illnesses posted by people living under quarantine. And when you see on your own social media feed the massive sufferings as a result of these speedy measures, you may think differently of them, according to the organization. Last week, I was at a mall Starbucks in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico, the place thats been my home for the past six and a half months as Ive worked as an English teaching assistant through the Fulbright Program. I was scrolling through my COVID-19-saturated newsfeeds from a place that still felt very far away from the pandemic. But then I received a memo from the U.S. State Department that changed all that. Due to the global spread of COVID-19, the State Department was strongly advis[ing] all current U.S. Fulbright participants to make arrangements to depart their country of assignment as soon as possible, the memo said. And while we werent being forced to leave, if we chose to stay, there was no guarantee wed get help leaving our countries later on. (On Monday, Peace Corps similarly announced it was evacuating all its volunteers.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the date I received the memo, there were 26 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mexico, but things felt normal. Families filled the mall; students filled the university. People were still greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek and talking about other things on the radio. In contrast, my Twitter feed showed photo after photo of empty grocery aisles in the States. Judging by the case numbers alone, Mexico was safer than the U.S. at the moment I received the State Department memo. Students and co-workers told me I was much less likely to get the virus in Carmen than back home, and I agreed. Why would I leave Mexico, they asked me, only to go through four airports and on three airplanes in order to arrive to a country that was worse off? (The phrase they used was more colorful than worse off, but Im summarizing.) Advertisement Advertisement That was the logical component of the case for staying, but there was an emotional one, too: To go would be to leave behind the life I had built in Carmen, to leave without saying goodbye to most of my students and co-workers, to leave behind two projects I had spent months on, to leave behind my long-term boyfriend. (We were living in the same country for the first time in two years, even if we were an 18-hour bus ride apart.) Advertisement But the future was uncertain. If the U.S. health care system has been woefully unprepared for COVID-19, I worry that the Mexican health care system is even less so, particularly for vulnerable populations and people who live far away from hospitals, clinics and doctors (much less ventilators), with either nonexistent or famously unreliable medical transport. Whats more, the OECD and ILO estimate about 60 percent of Mexican workers participate in the informal economy, so working from home and social distancing arent options (or are much trickier options) for a large portion of the population. The day after I received the State Department memo, the Secretary of Public Education suspended classes from March 20 through April 20 (classes were already suspended the first two full weeks of April for the Semana Santa holiday), during which time people were being asked to stay in their homes. Meanwhile, my family was far away, and they were anxious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This difficult decision was possible because I had a choice. I had the fundamental privilege to be able to cross borders easily, to move freely between worlds built to welcome me, to move because I choose to. This choiceto stay or go, to pick a countryis a choice I am used to, one thats been a defining feature of my life. Advertisement Advertisement The first time I crossed the border from my home of Arizona into Mexico I was a few months old. My family spent time in Sonora frequently throughout my childhood, back when the southern border of the U.S. was more a point of connection than division, and crossing it was normal, easy, routine, celebrated. My junior year of college, I returned to Mexico, this time to Mexico City, where I studied for a semester. It was then that I first felt connected to the country, thanks to the people who welcomed me there and taught me something new every dayabout the countrys culture, history, and complex relationship to the U.S. For the rest of my time in college, my goal was to return to Mexico as a Fulbright scholar. Upon achieving it, I was ecstatic. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, its much easier to love a country when you get to experience all its best parts without having to fight through some of its challenges. Throughout my time in Mexico, I woke up each morning in a bubble. I read headlines about femicide, people deported to violence, the rising sea level around my island home, and the fall of the peso (which has hit a new historic low due to the coronavirus). And then I went about my day remembering that when the 2017 earthquake hit Mexico City, I was given the option to return to the U.S. (that time, I opted to stay). I knew if anything truly bad happened during my time as a Fulbright scholar, I would be given the same option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, indeed, in the face of COVID-19, I wasI could choose to be exfiltrated from any uncertainty (or at least greater uncertainty), to continue toggling selectively between two countries as my heart desires. During my time in Mexico, I had been thinking a lot about a simple truth: I was a migrant, and yet my personal experience with migration has only ever been one of arriving to a welcome doormat. Many migrants currently living in Mexico, especially those trying to arrive to the U.S., the very country I so easily left, face an entirely different experience. I can move easily between two countries and two cultures because of the money in my bank account, my two university degrees, and the color of my skin and my passport. Advertisement I could write pages about how I decided to go home because I didnt want to weigh down a health system that is not my own, because my family needed me, or because I was worried about my ability to self-quarantine and social-distance in my university-owned housing. But ultimately, I decided to go home because it was the most comfortable thing for me to do. In the days after I received the State Department memo, things began to feel less normal in Mexico. Streets are emptier, and so are grocery store shelves. Fear has become a common unifieron Monday, Facebook filled with panic about the first suspicious COVID-19 case in Ciudad del Carmen. (Ultimately, the test came back negative.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Ive been thinking about the migrants throughout Mexico, many of them in makeshift camps or overfilled shelters, particularly vulnerable to the virus and without the ability to decide much at all. I hope with all my heart that governments act quickly to protect those groups of people, but past actions dont inspire much confidence. (On Wednesday, Trump confirmed plans to immediately remove asylum seekers and other migrants who cross between ports of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border without due process.) I think about the resources the U.S. government is spending to evacuate volunteers or fellows like me, and how many more lives could likely be saved if those resources were directed elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement But here I am, sitting on a plane, with a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide and some towels Im trying to use to wipe things off (desperate times, yall), with my bottle of prescription anxiety pills in my backpack, and with the guilt and the fear that Ive failed in my duties as a teacher. I worry that I didnt tell my students I was proud of them enough. I worry about abandoning the city that showed me such support. I worry about whether by leaving, by traveling, Ill do more harm than good. I worry about leaving Mexico, the country that has loved me so well, and what it will look like the next time Im able to come back. I know that someday, Ill be able to make the choice, once again, to cross the border back into Mexico, to move because I choose to. But I worry that privilege will become even more rare. Disclaimer: The views and information presented in this column are my own and do not represent those of the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, or COMEXUS Fulbright-Garcia Robles. Update, March 20, 2020: The State Department has officially suspended the Fulbright Program and urged all U.S. participants to return home. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Markets regulator SEBI on Thursday gave relaxation of 45 days to companies for filing fourth-quarter financial results and a one-month extension to file results for 2019-20 New Delhi: Markets regulator SEBI on Thursday gave relaxation of 45 days to companies for filing fourth-quarter financial results and a one-month extension to file results for 2019-20. Apart from extending date for filing results, our financial regulator has announced some more measures that would facilitate in smoother functioning & business in these times of crises#CoronavirusOutbreak #COVID2019 @SEBI_India pic.twitter.com/kLtSPEOCUA CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) March 19, 2020 Besides, relaxation of one month has been given for filing quarterly corporate governance report and three weeks each for shareholding pattern and statement of investor complaint reports, the regulator said in a circular. The decision has been taken in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in many restrictions, including the free movement of people, thereby hampering businesses and the day-to-day functioning of companies. Development arising due to the spread of the virus warrants the need for temporary relaxation in compliance requirement of listed entities, SEBI noted. Courts and jails in the region continue to take significant steps to reduce the spread of coronavirus. MULTNOMAH COUNTY The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday that it has given deputies additional discretion to issue citations with instructions to appear in court on a later date instead of booking people into jail. The latest guidance does not apply to situations where someone is accused of domestic violence, sex crimes and violent crimes. The agency is encouraging deputies to take reports by phone instead of in person when possible. The agencys processing of civil matters continues with the exception of evictions. Protective orders are also being served. -- The Troutdale Sheriffs Operations Center, located at 234 S.W. Kendall Court, remains open. -- Jail visitation has been suspended. People in custody can still see lawyers. Phone and video visits continue. In the countys Inverness Jail, a second dorm has been opened to allow for more distance between people in custody. People being booked into jail are screened for symptoms related to coronavirus, travel history and contact history. All inmate programs have temporarily been canceled. The Sheriffs Office is conducting enhanced cleaning, a standard practice during cold and flu season. -- The reception office of the Multnomah Building Sheriffs Administrative Office at 501 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 350, is closed. The public is encouraged to call the general business line at 503-988-4300. -- Penumbra Kelly Building at 4735 E. Burnside St. is closed to the public. All business must be handled by phone at 503-988-0517. -- Concealed gun permits: Business related to concealed handgun licenses are postponed until further notice. CLACKAMAS COUNTY Presiding Judge Kathie Steele announced Wednesday a series of restrictions on court operations intended to limit traffic in and out of the courthouse and courtrooms. She said the changes, which includes postponing most trials, start Thursday and end March 27, though they could continue beyond that date. This is a dynamic situation and things are changing very quickly, Steele said in announcing the limits. -- Most trials will be postponed until after April 30 and new trials wont be scheduled. Jury trials for people who are in custody on felony allegations will continue as scheduled unless there is a motion for delay. -- Many hearings are being postponed as well, however grand jury felony crimes and first appearances for felonies will continue. Release and plea hearings and arraignments for people in jail also will continue. -- Steeles order can be found here. WASHINGTON COUNTY The Washington County Sheriffs Office is taking the temperature of anyone entering the jail, including people who are booked and arresting officers. The jail has seen a dramatic drop-off in the numbers of people booked into the jail. The agency had asked local police departments to issue citations when possible instead of bringing suspects to jail. -- Jail visits: Visits by the general public already were suspended but now defense lawyers are no longer allowed to have contact visits with clients in the jail. In such visits, attorneys sit in a room with their clients. The jail said confidential legal calls will continue and the agency would set up a real-time messaging process for lawyers to connect with clients. We still have visiting attorney booths available, said Sgt. Danny DiPietro. In a visiting attorney booth, an attorney and client speak through glass, in a private booth. The client and attorney are unable to have direct physical contact with each other due to the glass but can talk freely and privately. Some defense lawyers say they continue to go into the jail to see their clients because the jail wont allow them to call into the facility and be connected with their clients. A huge chunk of my time as a defense lawyer in Washington County is spending time going to the jail to tell my clients things that if I had a phone would take two seconds, Amanda Thibeault, a criminal defense lawyer, said. Thibeault, who has asthma, said she planned to meet with a client behind glass at the jail on Wednesday. She described elaborate steps she planned to take to protect herself, including avoiding touching surfaces, using hand sanitizer, not touching her face, washing her hands when she got out of the building, wiping down items she took into the jail and changing her clothes afterward. She said she needed information from a client in advance of a hearing on Thursday. I dont have a choice, she said. I have to go in. -- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Loading Loading The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has challenged professionals in the Nigerian Petroleum sector to come up with solutions to tackle current challenges facing the industry. The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, gave the charge while playing host to the Executive members of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigerian Council, in Abuja on Tuesday. He listed over-supply and the outbreak of the COVID-19 which has led to a considerable fall in the price of crude oil as the two major challenges facing the oil and gas industry today. The combination of these two events means that there would be a lull in activities in the oil industry, and if forecasts are right, we may witness very low oil prices throughout the year and that will have a collateral effect on the economy, the GMD observed. He, therefore, urged professionals to come up with a blueprint on how to get things done economically in order to minimize the negative impact of the current situation on the industry. The GMD said NNPC has repositioned its Research and Development business into an innovation centre that can provide the needed solution and services for the technological development in the petroleum industry. On his part, President of the SPE, Joe Uwakwe, said the business of his society was to seek technical solutions to industry problems, adding that the present challenges require the development of technology to produce crude oil in a cost-efficient manner. He assured that professionals in the industry would do what is necessary to overcome the present challenges. UPDATE: On Friday, TCNJ become the latest New Jersey college to move all classes online for the rest of the semester. Commencement will occur in two phases: a remote event May 21 and an in-person, on-campus ceremony at a later, to-be-determined date. A professor at The College of New Jersey has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the first case on the campus, the school announced Thursday. The college received notice of the case Wednesday night, Kathryn Foster, the colleges president, said in a statement. It involves an assistant history professor, Craig Hollander, who was last on campus March 9. He began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 the next day, Foster said. Hollander taught three classes March 9 and had lunch with colleagues. Students and those who dined with him have been advised to self-quarantine, Foster said. Gov. Phil Murphy ordered schools, both public and private, to close amid the coronavirus outbreak. As testing continues, more staff, students and families associated with schools have tested positive for COVID-19. While Hollander began isolating himself at the first sign of symptoms, it took multiple attempts for him to get a test, Foster said. Finally, he was tested Monday and shared his results upon receiving them Wednesday. The college, like others around the state, will move to online instruction Monday, following spring break. It has closed the library through March 22, but says approved students and employees can remain on campus. The college is the fourth in the state to have a coronavirus case. Montclair State University, William Paterson University of New Jersey and Ramapo College all had staffers with cases, but The College of New Jersey is the first to identify a professor with the virus. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. LONDON/LAUSANNE (Reuters) - Countries across the world must take a comprehensive approach to fighting the pandemic of COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus and isolate, test and trace as many cases as possible, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday. 'To suppress and control the epidemic, countries must isolate, test, treat and trace,' the WHO's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing LONDON/LAUSANNE (Reuters) - Countries across the world must take a comprehensive approach to fighting the pandemic of COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus and isolate, test and trace as many cases as possible, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday. "To suppress and control the epidemic, countries must isolate, test, treat and trace," the WHO's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing. "If they don't, transmission chains can continue at a low level and then resurface once physical distancing measures are lifted," he added. He said the test and trace strategy "must be the backbone of the response in every country". Tedros also said that to speed the search for potential therapies and drugs for COVID-19 infection, the WHO and its partners are organising a multi-country study to analyse and compare some as yet untested treatments. "This large international study is designed to generate the robust data we need to show which treatments are the most effective," Tedros said. "We have called this study the solidarity trial." (Reporting by Kate Kelland in London and Emma Farge in Lausanne, editing by Hugh Lawson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The Oman Design & Build Week, the sultanate's biggest and most specialised event for the building and construction industry, has been rescheduled to next year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Oman Design & Build Week, which incorporates The Big Show and Oman Real Estate Exhibition (Orex), will be held from March 22 to 24 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in the capital Muscat. Held annually, the event offers companies a convenient platform to promote brands and products to 11,000 highly qualified buyers that include decision makers from architects, consultants, engineers, contractors, distributors and procurement managers from across Oman. Oman Design & Build Week 2021 will also provide companies the opportunity to tap into an annual project market worth $202 billion across various sectors including commercial and residential, water, energy, oil and gas, transportation and infrastructure as well as health and hospitality, said the organisers. Segmented into eight new industry sectors, the event offers companies with better promotion and branding opportunities with its dedicated zones along with focused workshops and features, they added.-TradeArabia News Service Despite assurances from Vice President Mike Pence that all Grand Princess cruise ship passengers quarantined at Travis Air Force Base would be tested for COVID-19, The Chronicle has learned that two-thirds of them have declined, often at the encouragement of federal health officials. As of Wednesday, 568 of the 858 passengers screened while confined turned down the test, a federal official familiar with the Travis quarantine and testing told The Chronicle. The low testing numbers align with what passengers were told by officials during a Tuesday afternoon teleconference, citing a 30% acceptance rate for the novel coronavirus test, several passengers told The Chronicle. These folks know they are in a 14-day quarantine, if they test positive they are further delayed until they test negative, said the official, who The Chronicle agreed not to name because they were not authorized to speak to the media, in accordance with the papers ethics policy. They dont want to stay. They want to be released. Those who spoke to The Chronicle said federal health officials dissuaded them from taking the test, saying if they had no symptoms during the mandatory 14-day quarantine, a test was unnecessary. The federal official and cruise passengers also said the test compliance would have been higher had tests been available to administer shortly after they were removed from the ship and sent to the base. The low test numbers fly in the face of what government officials had promised after the passengers, many California residents, were removed from the stricken Grand Princess cruise line beginning March 9 and sent to military facilities across the country. Twenty-one people aboard the cruise ship tested positive while it was quarantined off the coast of California before docking at the Port of Oakland. We will be testing everyone on that ship, Pence said March 6 in a White House briefing. Two days later, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is overseeing the Travis operation, also said passengers would be tested. But it appears that most will return to their homes with no COVID-19 test results. In response to a series of questions, a White House official told The Chronicle: No one can be forced to be tested. All passengers were screened and all were offered testing. However, past court rulings indicate the government would be allowed to order testing for the coronavirus during a health emergency, said Dorit Reiss, a law professor at UC Hastings in San Francisco. Stanford law professor Michelle Mello agreed, saying the government could force a test if there was an order that explained why testing is reasonable and necessary. Strictly speaking, people do not have to comply with such orders, in the sense that we dont strap people to a hospital gurney and extract biospecimens from them, Mello said in an email. But if they refuse, public health authorities can order them into isolation until such time as the period of dangerousness (contagiousness) has passed. They can also criminally prosecute them and seek imprisonment or fines. Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for Californias Office of Emergency Services, said the state was told early on that passengers would be isolated and that those with underlying conditions, symptoms or higher risk factors would be tested. A statement from the Health and Human Services department said that the federal government cant force anyone to be tested, but said those at Travis can still opt for testing at a later date. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not return requests for comment. I dont know if the governor of California knows they are not required to be tested when they are released into the community, the federal official said. In reality, I dont know if anyone knows that they can decline. Infectious disease experts say so little is known about coronavirus that there are no binary answers about whether testing should be required before someone is released from quarantine. You dont want to have 800 or so people re-seeding their communities when they are released, said George Rutherford, a UCSF professor of epidemiology. There arent absolutes ... a person could be mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic and still infectious. Now Playing: Here is what you need to know about the coronavirus. Video: Manjula Varghese Rutherford called the claims that federal test administrators were dissuading passengers from getting tested crazy. John Swartzberg, a UC Berkeley infectious disease expert, said its likely a 14-day quarantine would be sufficient, but he has other worries. I am concerned that we continue to get false information from Pence and others, Swartzberg said in an email. I am not concerned about the passengers as long as they are being released after 14 days of quarantine (past the incubation period). The CDC reported that the incubation period lasts two to 14 days. However, some studies have indicated the contagious period could last longer. The situation developed around March 13 after all the passengers had arrived at the Fairfield air base and federal officials wanted to begin swab testing. The tests were delayed, however, due to a lack of trained personnel, protective gear and test kits, the federal official said. If they had been prepared and given us the option from day one we were here, there wouldve been a much higher acceptance, said former Grand Princess passenger Robert Archer, who has been isolated with his wife, Marlene. With a March 24 release date looming, the couple turned down the test Sunday. The tests were in a collection phase and it would have taken days for the test to come back, Archer said. If no results were back by (our release date), well get delayed, he said. If we get tested positive, then were not released until we get two or three negative tests in a row, each with its own delay. Passengers were told when they arrived at Travis that it would be a 14-day quarantine. If you had no symptoms during that period, Archer said, you were guaranteed your freedom. Weve all been clinging to that, he said. For people here, the breaking point is fast approaching. The food is degrading. People are on edge. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Swartzberg called the delay in test availability for not just Travis, but the entire country, reprehensible. The blame goes squarely on the executive branch of our government and two of its agencies, the (Food and Drug Administration) and the CDC, the professor said. The federal official said at other bases with smaller Grand Princess contingents, the test decline rate was much lower. Since arriving at Travis, about 20 passengers have shown symptoms and have been quarantined away from others. Some of those people have tested positive. Many of those individuals, the federal official said, had access to common spaces at Travis with those refusing tests. On Tuesday, six passengers in the larger population group were taken away by ambulance, the federal official said. On Sunday morning, testers knocked on passenger Michelle Heckerts door. Later that day, despite being told it was unnecessary, Heckert and her grandparents got swabbed. The CDC rep said dont take the test if you are asymptomatic, Heckert recalled. They said 14 days is a generous amount of time for symptoms to manifest if you had it. She said she was told it would take four to five days for results. Her familys release date is March 23. We just wanted to feel safe for peace of mind, Heckert said. And we wanted to be able to tell people wed been tested when we were able to be released. Many passengers were surprised that declining the test was even an option, she said. As of Wednesday, the testing of those who wanted it was completed, but no test had yet been returned due to a backlog. There are only 13 staffers at Travis trained to administer the test, and the base was still waiting for required protective gear to be delivered, the federal official said. Archers anxiety has been rising with each day. He said theres been an average of three ambulance evacuations each day. If they get out, Archer said he and his wife would return to their Excelsior District home and shelter in place like everyone else in the Bay Area, but theyd have their own beds, food and surroundings. And they wouldnt be sharing facilities with other higher-risk Grand Princess passengers. Its the same problem: Theres one guideline by the federal government, another guideline from the state and another guideline from the local government, Archer said. Its amounted to one big pissing match. Staff writer Bob Egelko contributed to this report. Matthias Gafni is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mgafni By Trend The medical workers who are regularly at the epicenter of a dangerous epidemic are manly combating coronavirus, that is why Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev praised the work of these doctors, Azerbaijani MP Arzu Naghiyev told Trend. These doctors not only show high professionalism, but also risk their lives for the benefit of the population, the MP said. They are the first people who meet with infected or suspected of being infected and spend most of the time in close contact with them during the period of quarantine and medical treatment. It is known that the job of doctors dealing with infectious diseases is very risky, Naghiyev said. They are regularly at risk of infection. Moreover, the doctors working as a part of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers have a huge responsibility, in particular, in terms of making the right decision on which peoples lives depend. Thats why President Aliyev appreciated the work of these doctors." The MP said that the selflessness of doctors and their dedication to their work are the main criteria for this assessment. Of course, peoples efforts in their work deserve respect and appreciation from both the moral and financial points of view, Naghiyev added. In this regard, setting of the salary of each medical worker who has joined the fight against coronavirus at the level of 3-5 average monthly salaries is a very important and timely decision. The presidential decree gives an incentive for doctors to further improve their work, the MP said. I think that their work will be appreciated in the future. Today, when within social isolation due to the threat of coronavirus, the population does not leave houses and apartments, doctors regularly contact their patients. By appreciating the work of doctors to protect public health during this period, President Aliyev once again demonstrated unity with people." President Aliyev signed a decree strengthening social protection of medical workers involved in measures to combat coronavirus on March 18. In accordance with the decree, people working in the state medical institutions will get a temporary allowance at the level of 3-5 average monthly salaries for the working conditions in connection with coronavirus (COVID -19). The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to determine the number of medical workers, who will get the allowance set upon the decree, the timing of its payment and the amount depending on the specifics of the work, to determine the terms of remuneration of medical workers in private health care facilities involved in the measures to combat COVID-19, and volunteers, as well as solve other issues arising from this decree. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A haircut is given in the barbershop aboard the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), on Oct. 17, 2019. (U.S. Navy/Seaman Heather C. Wamsley/Released) US Navy Relaxes Haircut Regulation to Battle CCP Virus The U.S. Navy has announced that sailors will be allowed to grow their hair longer than the 2-inch regulation haircut if it reduces their exposure to the CCP virus pandemic. Commanding officers may allow for additional hair length and bulk on the sides, top, and back of the head, Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, the chief of naval personnel, said in a statement on March 18. Regular fitness tests also will be postponed to meet social distancing guidelines. The commanding officers are allowed to temporarily relax grooming standards if they believe it necessary to maintain proper social distancing guidelines. At no time will relaxed grooming interfere with the proper wearing of Navy headgear, nor present an unprofessional appearance in uniform, Nowell said. Navy regulations state that the bulk of hair must be shorter than 2 inches, and the back and sides shorter than three-quarters of an inch. Navy barbershops will stay open, but only take one person at a time. The Navy has so far reported one case of a sailor on board a ship testing positive for the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. That ship, the USS Boxer, was moored in San Diego at the time, where it has been since November 2019. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. The Boxer is a large amphibious ship, second only in size to aircraft carriers, capable of carrying more than 1,500 troops. The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a Western Pacific deployment on Nov. 13. (DoD/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aja B. Jackson) Close-quarters life aboard ships, such as the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess cruise ships, appears to make them into a petri dish for the virus to spread among those on board. So far 49 military personnel, 14 civilian employees, 19 military family members, and seven contractors have confirmed cases of the virus, according to a March 18 statement from the Pentagon. A temporary travel ban for military personnel began on March 16, which freezes changes of official permanent station and temporary duty assignment travel. The Navys spring fitness exams have been delayed from mid-March to mid-May, according to a March 18 announcement. This is a unique situation that calls for a unique response, said Paul Rosen, acting director of the 21st Century Sailor Office, which oversees physical readiness policy for the Navy. We know the coronavirus is highly contagious, and unnecessarily increasing the risk of infection due to the close physical proximity required to complete the PFA is not in the best interest of our sailors or our overall mission readiness. Two Navy hospital ships are being drafted into the fight against the CCP virus, most likely as trauma centers to lighten the load on civilian hospitals that are better suited to handle an infectious disease. The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrives in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 3, 2017. (U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Merian/U.S. Navy via Getty Images) The USNS Comfort, a hospital ship now in Norfolk, Virginia, will head to New York as soon as its current maintenance is complete, officials have said. Theyre going to expedite the maintenance that they can, chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters. Thats not a days issuethats a weeks issue. So its going to be a little while. On the West Coast, the USNS Mercy will be ready to go in days, not weeks, officials said. It isnt currently known where the Mercy will sail. Our understanding is that the intent is the ships will be used to take non-coronavirus patients, which is what our staffs are best assigned and organized to do, Air Force Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Paul Friedrichs, the Joint Staff surgeon, told reporters. Two students at Lehigh University have tested positive for COVID-19, the Bethlehem school said Thursday. Both had traveled outside the United States and traveled directly home without returning to campus, according to a message sent to the campus community and Lehigh families. Following spring break March 9-13, the university moved to remote education for all classes beginning Monday, March 16, with hopes of resuming in-person classes on Monday, April 6, at the earliest. The school later moved to remote learning for the remainder of this semester. About 230 students remain on campus, and the university says it is continuing to take extra measures to sanitize surfaces and implement social distancing. The university allowed residential undergraduate students who are unable to return home due to extreme circumstances to submit a request to remain on campus. Both students who tested positive for the coronavirus are at home in isolation, under the medical care of their health providers, and recovering. "As we wish these members of our community a speedy recovery, it's also a reminder for all of us, wherever we may be, to continue being vigilant in practicing good health habits, social distancing and other preventative measures to protect ourselves," states the message signed by the University Leadership and Crisis Management Team. Across Pennsylvania as of Thursday, new positive tests for coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos and Philadelphia pushed the state total to 185 a spike of 52 known cases from the prior day. A university spokeswoman, citing federal rules regarding student privacy, said she was unable to share further details on the students, including where they live and where they had traveled to. They did not come to campus at any point after their travels and were not in in-person contact with anyone from the Lehigh University community, the spokeswoman, Lori Friedman, told lehighvalleylive.com. Lehigh President John D. Simon issued a video address Wednesday to the campus community addressing some of the extraordinary changes to the 2019-20 school year as a result of the unprecedented challenges posed by the global viral pandemic. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. For the second time in four months, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) has defied a massive strike vote of postal workers in Britain, this time with the promise to draft its members into an additional emergency service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Claiming to be acting in the interests of the nation, the CWU made its announcement within hours of declaring that 94.5 percent, on a turnout of 63.4 percent of its membership in Royal Mail, had voted for industrial action. This would have seen 111,000 workers strike against ongoing and brutal attacks on jobs and conditions. It follows a Yes vote of 97 percent on a turnout of 76 percent last October, which was declared illegal by a High Court injunction. The CWU refused to defy this anti-democratic ruling and took weeks before organising a re-ballot of its members. The union has now used the coronavirus crisis not only as a cover for a sellout it had already intended, but as an opportunity to prove its unswerving allegiance to Royal Mail and the British state. The language in the CWUs press statement, signed by General Secretary David Ward and Deputy General Secretary Terry Pullinger, is extraordinary. After acknowledging the huge mandate given for industrial action, Ward and Pullinger declare it irrelevant in light of the changing priorities of our members and the country. Instead, they intend to put a proposal to the company based on putting the interests of the nation first, suggesting that Royal Mail workers not only stay on the job but assume the role of an additional emergency service. The statement continues, we believe that could really help the country in these unprecedented times. Not a word of this offer of surrender was discussed with, let alone agreed by, postal workers. The CWU was too busy writing to the Prime Minister to gain the governments support for this approach. After appealing to Boris Johnson, meetings were held with the employers yesterday to move this proposal forward, with the union promising to set aside our differences with Royal Mail. There is no doubt that this course of action was already worked out with the employers and government representatives long before it was sprung on CWU members. The CWUs claim that postal workers can set aside their opposition to Royal Mail in pursuit of a united national fight against coronavirus is false and reactionary. Crises of this scale do not suppress class antagonisms. They bring them to a new peak of intensity. By promising service to the nation, the CWU bureaucracy is lining up behind Prime Minister Boris Johnsons viciously right-wing Tory party in an escalating conflict with postal workers and the entire working class. On the day the CWU released its press statement, the Tory government announced unlimited funds for business while leaving working people to fend for themselves. There was no commitment to guaranteeing jobs and wages, to close non-essential production on full wages, to implement automatic testing for infection, or to provide basic protection such as hand sanitisers and masks to those forced to work. All that is on offer is less than 100 a week sick pay for those forced to self-isolate and nothing for those in the gig economy. However, with the CWU leaders and their ilk in mind, Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak declared that the trade unions would enjoy a new role in an employment support scheme, alongside the government and employers, enforcing decisions as to who remains in a job while firms shed staff by the tens of thousands. Since mid-February, 200,000 jobs have already gone in the UKs leisure and hospitality sectors due to coronavirus, and hundreds of thousands more will follow. The CWU statement declared that In any national emergency in our historythe universal postal service has played a pivotal role. The Tories, too, invoke a wartime effort and Blitz spirit. But the real war being waged by the government is not fundamentally against the coronavirus, but against the working class. This is the experience of postal workers and why they have twice voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. Royal Mails employees have suffered well over a decade of attacks facilitated by union-organised concessions. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost and hundreds of workplaces closed. Pensions have been slashed and workloads increased, none of which have sated the demands of global finance. Royal Mail Groups stock has fallen over 70 percent since privatisation in 2013. Rico Back was parachuted in as CEO in June 2018 specifically to secure the increased extraction of profits for the companys shareholders. These financial interests include The Vanguard Group, UBS Asset Management, Aberdeen Asset Management, Schroders and Threadneedle Asset Management, all in the top 50 global asset management companies with capital in the billions and all pressing for a savage assault on the workforce. Their demands have not magically disappeared in response to the pandemic. If anything, the lockdown of large sections of the economy will leave the super-rich more determined to squeeze every last ounce of profit out of delivery workers. Amazon is now forcing its UK staff to work overtime to meet the spike in demand for home deliveries caused by social restrictions. The CWUs call for Royal Mail Group to step back from their attacks in the workplace is a transparent fraud. And even this pathetic plea is made not in defence of workers interests, but on the basis that the employers attacks are destroying the very morale and vocational sense of purpose the nation now needs. The ruling class has the measure of the CWU. After a year of falls and amidst a general collapse of the stock market, Royal Mails shares actually rose 3.7 percent following the CWUs announcement on Tuesday and was up over 9 percent at time of writing. For all the talk of new priorities arising from the pandemic, the union will do nothing to address postal workers health concerns. Strike action would be the basis for demanding safe working conditions and precautions against the spread of the virus, not just in Royal Mail but for the whole working class. Walkouts in recent days by Royal Mail workers in London, outsourced workers in the NHS and other workers in Italy, Canada and the United States demonstrate the desire for a fight over corporations and governments refusal to put in place basic safety measures. In contrast, the CWU wants to work as an emergency service for a Tory government that has already declared its intention to ban strike action in all essential services. The pseudo-left groups such as the Socialist Workers Party and Socialist Partywhose members occupy lucrative positions within the union bureaucracywill either apologise for the CWUs actions or complain of a mistaken policy, while calling for militant pressure on the leadership to change course. The truth is that CWU and its counterparts have been completely integrated into the machinery of management and are eager to obtain the same position within the highest echelons of the capitalist state. If workers are to truly combat the dangers posed by COVID-19 amid the growing threat to their livelihoods and even their lives, they must do so independent of and in opposition to these rotten bureaucracies by forming rank-and-file committees. The ruling classs reactionary response to the social and economic crisis intensified by the coronavirus pandemic must be combatted by an independent programme of the international working class, guided by the socialist criteria of meeting the needs of the population, not the profit expectations of multimillion-pound corporations and their paid-for politicians and lackeys in the unions. Safety and security are among the top considerations for solo travelers when choosing a place to visit on their own. Since traveling involves exploring areas previously unknown, it is important to read about the countrys safety index among other things even before flying there. This is especially true if you are going to travel solo because as much as it is liberating and exciting to enjoy such independence abroad, it can also be scary for some considering you will go around without anyone else to depend on. No one will be there to protect you or ask for help for you in case you get yourself in less-than-ideal situations. This is why solo travelers need to read and do research beforehand. Luckily there are groups like the Institute for Economics and Peace(IEP) and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), that regularly publish a list of the worlds safest cities that people like solo travelers can use as a guide when looking for a place to explore. The latter releases the Safe Cities Index that includes 60 cities based on digital security, health security, infrastructure security, and personal security while the former produces a report called the Global Peace Index that ranks the peacefulness of 132 states and territories. 6. Reykjavik Photo by Frank Denney on Unsplash Iceland still tops the spot for the safest place in the world, it has been holding the top spot in the Global Peace Index since 2008. Solo travelers can choose among Icelands many beautiful cities that offer gorgeous views of nature and amazing geological wonders. Icelands capital and largest city Reykjavik has a small town intimate feel with a population composed of less than 200,000 people. Youll feel safe and right at home in the city where everyone seems to know each other. Summer is the best time to come here when the sun doesnt seem to set. So if you want to bask under the summer sun the whole day, this is the place for you. 5. Husavik Other cities in Iceland like Husavik is a charming little Viking town that tourists flock for whale watching. Theres a whale museum here too in case you want to learn more about the different species of whales that show up in the area. They're also known for their scrumptious seafood dishes. Tourists can try the famous Gamli Baukur Restaurant that's built from driftwood and is located just by the harbor. They take pride in keeping everything local so they source ingredients only from areas nearby. 4. Auckland Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash Following close behind in the Global Index is New Zealand and its lovely Kiwi people. Despite being in the local news after a shocking incident in Christchurch, New Zealand still topped the list of most peaceful places. Cities in NZ like its hub Auckland are very peaceful. The city, while a bit crowded compared to other areas, offers a multi-cultural melting pot for food, wine, music, culture, and art. You can attend a festival or climb a volcano from here depending on your mood. 3. Wellington Photo by Wolf Zimmermann on Unsplash If you want to veer away from the hustle and bustle other cities in New Zealand like Wellington offer breathtaking views of their amazing nature. Many tourists visit Wellington to see the sprawling Lord of The Rings set with their hobbit houses and village. Here solo travelers get to see one of the most Instagrammable tourist spots in the world. You also have the option of joining a group to explore caves in the area where you can see glowworms up close. 2. Tokyo Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash Cities in Asia, on the other hand, top the list of safest cities to visit according to EUI. With Tokyo, one of the worlds most populous cities, ranking first. The techno-cultural metropolis has always been a favorite among solo travelers since the place offers a safe space where tourists can explore on their own. They also have an extensive transport system that makes going around easy. Aside from food and culture Tokyo is famous for its amazing technological advancements that have permeated every part of Tokyo life. 1. Osaka Photo by Agathe Marty on Unsplash Next on the list is another city in Japan. Osaka, the countrys gastronomical hub, is the second safest city to live and visit especially for solo travelers according to the Safe Cities Index. Osaka is a few hours away from Tokyo via its speedy bullet train and is considered the countrys kitchen. Dohtonbori, a famous food street in Osaka is filled to the brim with gastronomical delights that solo travelers often spend days just exploring the food shops here. P rince Albert of Monaco has been infected with coronavirus. It was announced he had tested positive at the start of this week. A palace statement said there's no cause for concern and he is being monitored by his personal physician as well as specialists from the Princess Grace hospital. It added that he continues to work from home and is in contact with the government and cabinet of Monaco. Prince Albert with his family / AFP via Getty Images The 62-year-old is the reigning monarch of the principality of Monaco. He succeeded his father, Prince Rainier III, after he died in 2005. Albert is thought to be the first monarch or head of state worldwide to have been diagnosed with coronavirus. Monaco has been placed on lockdown amid the outbreak, with people only able to leave their homes for essential reasons. Taking precautions in the face of coronavirus threat, several Jama Masjids in the city have taken measures such as stopping pre-namaz ablutions in common ponds. In the neihgbouring Vasai-Virar area, the municipal authorities have appealed people to offer namaz at home instead of visiting mosques. Jama Masjid, also known as congregational mosque or Friday mosque, is the principal mosque in a particular locality. Most of the Jama Masjids in the city have removed the 'Kaleens' (Turkish carpets) from the premises so that floors can be disinfected properly before and after every namaz, said a cleric. Many mosques have advised people not to perform 'Wazu', or the ritual ablutions before the namaz, in the common ponds (Masjid Houd) but wash themselves at water taps on the premises. The faithfuls can even perform Wazu at home before visiting the mosque for prayers, some religious leaders said. Fahad Khalil Pathan, trustee of theMahim Jama Masjid, said, "People are also advised only to perform the Farz Namaz in the masjid. Sunnat or Nafeel namaz can be performed at home too. "We have also decided to keep the mosque closed for Shab-e-Mehraj on March 22," he added. The famous Minara Masjid in south Mumbai has also removed carpets from the floors and also switched off the air conditioning system while asking people not to linger outside after the namaz. The Khoja-Shia Jamat Trust has announced that congregational prayers (Namaaz-e-Jamaat) including Friday (Ju'maah) prayers will be temporarily not conducted at the Masjid premises and also at the cemetery in Mazgaon. The mosque and cemetery will remain open only for Furada prayers. The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation in neighbouring Palghar district, meanwhile, has urged the faithfuls to offer namaz at home instead of visiting mosques. A circular issued by the corporation said crowding in public places including temples and mosques should be avoided, and namaz should be offered at home. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 80 career national security professionals have signed an open letter of support for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, saying President Donald Trump has created an existential danger to the United States. Most of the signatories, who include career diplomats, intelligence officers and defence policymakers, have served both Republican and Democratic administrations. They noted that their policy views cover a spectrum and that as officials they have often been in opposition, sometimes bitterly, with each other. But in a letter published online Wednesday, they expressed a shared belief that Trumps approach to leadership has undermined the countrys role in the world. His re-election would continue this downward spiral and will likely have catastrophic results, say the signatories, most of whom have never publicly endorsed a candidate for president. Doug Wise, a former CIA clandestine officer and former deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, broke a career-long vow to serve in silence by signing the letter. We need to restore courtesy, respectability and consensus decision-making based not on the personal interests of Donald Trump but on the personal interests of Americans, said Mr Wise, who retired in 2016 after 48 years of government service. Mr Wise, who leans Republican, said he has never voted for president, content to trust in the American democratic system to produce a good president and commander in chief. But the system has failed, he said. So this November, he said, he will cast his first vote for president for Biden. Larry Pfeiffer, a former senior director of the White House Situation Room and a chief of staff to then-CIA Director Michael Hayden, said he leans Republican. If Donald Trump wasnt running, and it was Mitt Romney versus Joe Biden, Id be endorsing Mitt Romney, he said. And I probably wouldnt be public about it. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders greet with the coronavirus handshake (Reuters) Mr Pfeiffer, who served five presidents dating back to Ronald Reagan, said he sees himself as nonpartisan, so much so that endorsing a candidate feels like an unnatural act. Margaret Henoch, a former CIA officer who joined the agency in the Reagan administration, agreed that a public endorsement is absolutely unheard of for career professionals. But these are not normal times, she said. Ms Henoch said her endorsement is not political. Its driven by a desire to restore the stability of the country and the world and the respect for the role and function of government in a democratic society. Paul Rosenzweig said he was a Republican but became an independent in 2017 because the standard-bearer for my party no longer represented the values that I think the party should stand for. Even though I am sure I will disagree with much of what [Biden] does, I am also certain that the overall result will be far superior under Biden than under Trump, said Mr Rosenzweig, who served as a senior policy adviser at the Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush and as a senior counsel to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr in the Clinton administration. James Clapper, a former director of national intelligence who entered government service in the Kennedy administration and retired in 2017, has voted both ways in federal elections. He considers himself a Democrat domestically and a Republican in the foreign and national security realm. He, too, said he would vote for Biden. I just think he would represent if elected, a restoration of normality to the country, said Mr Clapper, a retired Air Force lieutenant general who served in five Democratic and five Republican administrations. The Washington Post Battling liquidity crunch, NBFCs are turning towards banks for meeting their funding requirements. According to a report by CARE Ratings, NBFCs' borrowing profile has changed significantly from capital market instruments to bank borrowings. Banks' lending to NBFCs registered a growth of 34.7 per cent from September 2018 to January 2020. The exposure of mutual funds into the various debt instruments of the NBFC sector has declined since July 2018, when the crisis surfaced. Exposure of mutual funds to non-banking financial company (NBFC) through commercial papers stood at Rs 70,000 crore in January 2020, a fall of almost 1.5 lakh crore from July 2018. In line with the fall in invested amount via MFs, the percentage share also declined to 4.7 percent in Jan 2020 as against 12 percent in July 2018. On the other hand, investments in corporate debt paper of NBFCs held steady at Rs 1 lakh crore in January 2020, and the percentage share declined to 6.2 percent compared with 6.5 percent in November 2019 and 7.7 percent in July 2018. A slew of credit default cases, including at IL&FS and DHFL, has led to MFs suffering huge losses. The report revealed that investments in CPs (Commercial papers) of NBFCs are on a consistent decline every month. Due to the liquidity crisis, MFs withdrew 60 percent of their investments from this category. Mutual funds attributed the fall in NBFC exposure to ongoing liquidity crisis in the space and also to the reduction in sectoral exposure limits by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in NBFC forcing MFs to pare their investments. SEBI directed mutual funds to reduce exposure to NBFCs from 25 percent to 20 percent. According to the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) Financial Stability Report (FSR) issued in December 2019, NBFCs were the largest net borrowers of funds from the financial system. The liability profile of NBFCs has gradually changed as they have recorded a rise in the share of borrowings through banks. As on September 30, 2019, out of total borrowings, 48.4 percent are from banks as compared with 42.3 percent in June 2018. The share of borrowings through MFs declined from 33.0 percent in June 2018 to 25.9 percent in September 2019. Currently, 42 mutual funds manage Rs 27.23 lakh crore of assets under management (AUM). UIA opens sale of tickets for charter flights from Dubai, Tel Aviv, Larnaca, London to Kyiv Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), taking into account latest requests from passengers, has opened the sale of tickets for charter flights from a range of cities to Kyiv. The company said on its page in Facebook on Wednesday, March 18, that it will carry out charter flights from Amsterdam, Brussels and Tel Aviv on March 19 and from Paris, London, Tel Aviv, Larnaca, Vienna and Dubai on March 20. According to the UIA, a single final cost of tickets, including all taxes and fees and one registered seat for a baggage of up to 23 kilograms, was set for each flight. The check-in for the flights will be held only at the departure airports free of charge. The tickets for the charter flights are available on the company's website. Asheem Singh is Director of Economics at the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures of Commerce. He authored The Moral Marketplace and is a former researcher to Boris Johnson. In my last piece for ConHome I outlined four scenarios for the future of work over the next twenty or so years. I argued that in any of these scenarios, given the rapid pace of automation and the development of artificial intelligence and internet of things, as well as the increasing potential for force majeure events (exoduses), we need to rethink the entire foundation of our benefits system, our employment support architecture, and the way in which we make cash transfers to an increasingly insecure workforce if we are to get ahead of the curve on the issues affecting todays workers. What I didnt predict was that all this would come to be quite so quickly. In this piece then, I want to consider three key proposals for rewiring the architecture of our safety net as we surf this crisis. At the RSA weve been gaming these scenarios for some time; it has been quite something to see them so rapidly enter the discourse. Still there is much to consider as we rebuild support for Britains workers. Universal basic income The UBI conversation has moved on considerably in the last few days; it is conceivable we will be in a post-basic income world as early as next week. While Donald Trump toys with the idea of helicopter drop type payments essentially printing money to give to people the UK government is naturally inclined to lean on government borrowing to finance an unprecedented expansion of the welfare state. It has been argued that UBI would require a whole new delivery mechanism. Not so. As Anthony Painter has argued, a doubling, say of statutory sick pay would mitigate the injustice of our being the second most miserly in Europe while offering a substantial cash payment. At the same time a complementary path of least resistance sees us increase income tax and national insurance allowances to 18,000 and pay a retrospective 3 month 1,500 payment to every worker. Then an additional 500 per month. Removing conditionality from Universal Credit completes the metamorphosis of these various entitlements into something like a UBI. Those on Universal Credit could have it funnelled via PAYE. Gig workers could go one of two ways; they could file a claim for a cheque through self-assessment or have their main income platform set them up on payroll (the latter I prefer though watch out for fraud and error; it will require some robust self-organisation by internet companies to avoid it). Implementation is key here: the Universal Credit experience teaches us that. The modelling, the rationale behind UC was relatively sound but it all fell apart on delivery. Similarly one of the issues with loan guarantee schemes of the kind announced by the chancellor this week is that, while they are generally cost-effective and look happily bigger than they are, the money is often hard to get out the door without a huge engagement push (this was the experience in 2008). We cant have these gremlins in the system this time; when it comes to much-needed cash that will save lives, there can be no slip ups. Portable benefits Speaking of self-organisation by internet companies: surely the time has come for portable benefits to enhance the UBI approach and operate as the second foundation on which the new welfare settlement rests. Gig workers especially should be able to rely upon entitlements and support that transcends their relationship with one platform or another. Setting this up will require the sort of collaboration between government, platforms and unions that the Chancellor adumbrated in his reworked budget this week. The Nordics are ahead of us in this regard; there are nascent models (for example that trialled by Unionen in Sweden, of which I wrote previously) that offer the beginnings of a precedent. Between UBI and portable benefits allied to rent reliefs, bill and tax holidays included for the emergency period you have the beginnings of a reformed social contract that replaces the post war-settlement. Call it flexicurity. Economic security over and above poverty, inequality or GDP How do we know we are doing a good job amidst all this? I agree with Ryan Bourne who wrote on these pages earlier this week: GDP for the foreseeable future, is bunk. We need to reduce demand in the economy; get people buying and consuming less, staying at home and staying healthy. Its an incredible position in which to be: the negative growth economics of academics like Jason Hickel has gone absolutely mainstream. But there we are. Will it be ever thus? Perhaps but it certainly makes sense to move to a new set of indicators for now. Alongside public health indicators, unemployment, change in income and business churn rates, I would add a fifth indicator: economic security. Economic security is defined by the RSA as the degree of confidence that a person has that they will have enough on which to survive, for now and the future. Measures of economic security are thus not only physical (e.g. how many months savings to I have) but also psychological (e.g. how secure do I feel). They do not only affect those in poverty but those across the income scale. We are currently working to develop just such a measure at the RSA, and have been encouraged by its utility in political and social science terms. Certainly, I contend, it has more heft than measures like wellbeing though I am picking a fight at this point I need not pick. We are gaming several other policy ideas at the moment: Id be delighted to hear more from ConHome readers about which they think should be considered. The esteemed Editor of this site this week suggested that any changes we make will be here to stay. I think this is right: coronavirus will be seen as an acceleration of trends that were already long-predicted by economists and futurologists like myself (much as it pains me to strike that pose). Whatever new world we create from this, the likelihood is that it is here to stay. Australians are drinking more spirits than ever before while turning away from wine and beer. According to the latest data from Roy Morgan's Alcohol Consumption Report, gin and vodka are the new drinks of choice Despite spirits being consumed far less than beer and wine, the market for them is growing at a much more rapid rate. Eight million people drink consume wine in an average month, and 7.3million drink beer. Spirits are now consumed by 5.4million Australians, up from 5million twelve months ago, while all other alcohol types declined over the same period. Older people were found to be keeping the alcohol industry afloat, with the 50-64 containing the highest proportion of drinkers overall. Eight million people drink consume wine in an average month, and 7.3 million drink beer Despite spirits being consumed far less than beer and wine, the market for them is growing at a much more rapid rate 'As well as being the most enthusiastic gin tipplers, the 50-64 age group contains the highest proportion of drinkers overall, with 71 per cent regularly consuming alcohol,' Ms Levine said. However the 18-24 age group are much more likely than their older counterparts to drink other spirits including vodka, with 18 per cent consuming vodka and 15 per cent drinking bourbon. The number of Australians consuming alcohol has declined over the last five years, but more have started drinking spirits. 'Looking at figures from 2006, we see around 25 per cent of Australians drinking spirits, compared to nearly 28 per cent today,' Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said. 'But over the same period, the proportion of Australians drinking any alcohol type has declined, from 73 per cent to around 66 per cent.' Meanwhile Australians have started to stock up on booze in case they are forced to go into coronavirus self-isolation. Panic-buyers have been clearing out shelves of necessities like toilet paper, canned food, pasta and rice since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic last Wednesday. According to the latest data from Roy Morgan's Alcohol Consumption Report, gin and vodka are the new drinks of choice Endeavour Drinks, who runs Dan Murphy's and BWS, said their online sales are currently experiencing higher than normal sales Aussies are now stockpiling alcohol in anticipation of self-isolation if they contract the deadly virus, which has infected 596 people nation-wide. Endeavour Drinks, who runs Dan Murphy's and BWS, said their online stores are currently experiencing higher than normal sales. 'Demand is spread broadly across our range of drinks products and we do not anticipate any significant out of stock issues,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'We understand that these are uncertain times where there can be comfort found in being prepared, however we would encourage customers to purchase as they would normally, continue to drink responsibly, and to please treat our team with courtesy and respect.' All Coles Liquor stores, including Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice, are seeing similar increase in customer demand to their supermarkets. 'We have increased the number of team members working in stores to allow us to continue to offer excellent customer service,' a spokeswoman said. 'We appreciate our customers continued support during this busy time and ask they are respectful towards our team members in store.' Kent Street Cellars in Sydney's CBD said online sales for home deliveries had increased, while Camperdown Cellars reported more foot traffic. A bottle shop in Sydney's eastern suburbs said despite not selling out of any types of alcohol completely, they're selling up to 30 per cent more than usual. 'I've noticed people who regularly come in and buy just two or three things are getting a whole box,' he said. 'So I can see a little bit of stockpiling happening, but it's not mayhem yet. 'They're putting on one extra person this weekend for when it will get even busier. It's pretty unusual for that to happen.' Self-quarantine includes limiting interactions with others as much as possible, such as playdates, sleepovers, socializing, etc., Kocanda said, adding: The family is currently in self-quarantine to avoid spreading the illness to others. There are no other siblings in District 36. Due to health privacy laws, the District is unable to release the identity of the student or family. Please respect the student and their family during this incredibly difficult time. US President Donald Trump has renominated a prominent Indian-American law professor and legal expert to an agency whose mission is to ensure the federal government's efforts to prevent terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties. The nomination of Aditya Bamzai of Virginia, to be reappointed a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2026, was sent to the US Senate. In August 2018, Trump had nominated Bamzai, a professor at University of Virginia's School of Law, to be a member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a six-year term expiring January 2020. The Board is an independent agency within the Executive Branch established by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The Board's mission is to ensure that the federal government's efforts to prevent terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties. According to his profile on the agency's website, Bamzai also teaches and writes about civil procedure, administrative law, federal courts, national security law and computer crime. He joined the University of Virginia School of Law's faculty as an associate professor in June 2016 and his work has been published or is forthcoming in the Yale Law Journal, the University of Chicago Law Review, the George Washington University Law Review and the Missouri Law Review, among other journals. He has argued cases relating to the separation of powers and national security in the US Supreme Court, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, DC Circuit and other federal courts of appeals. Before entering the academy, Bamzai served as an attorney-adviser in the Office of Legal Counsel of the US Department of Justice, and as an appellate attorney in both private practice and for the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. Earlier in his career, he was a law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia of the US Supreme Court and to Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He is a graduate of Yale University and of the University of Chicago Law School, where he was the editor-in-chief of the law review. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was illuminated on Wednesday with the flags and maps of countries and continents affected by the new coranavirus. The Brazilian landmark, which is usually lit by bright white light, showed images encouraging people to pray for the victims of what the pandemic. The hashtag 'Praying together" was the main message shown over the Rio de Janeiro icon. The 125-foot-tall statue, which last year saw almost 2 million visitors, closed at day-end on Tuesday and won't reopen for at least a week. To contain the virus' spread, Brazil's Chico Mendes Institute on Tuesday ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that's home to the Christ. At the foot of the statue throughout the overcast afternoon, the last selfie-snapping tourists were still allowed to gather on the lookout that offers a panoramic view out over the so-called Marvelous City. Brazil has recorded almost 300 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with more than half in Sao Paulo and the second-largest number in Rio, according to the health ministry. The nation reported its first death from the virus the same day: a 62-year-old man in Sao Paulo. Almost everyone recovers from the new virus, which often causes only mild symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some people, particularly older adults and people with pre-existing health problems, it can cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. 2.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) faces a volley of criticism after telling reporters that he wont allow senators to vote remotely to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Well not be doing that. There are a number of different ways to avoid getting too many people together, McConnell told members of the press. We can deal with the social distancing issue without fundamentally changing Senate rules. Health experts have advised the nations citizens to stay home and practice social distancing in an attempt to flatten the curve of the virus. McConnells comments were soon rebuked online, particularly as the nation waits for members of Congress to approve a coronavirus relief package for everyone affected by nationwide shutdowns. The coronavirus is particularly deadly for seniors, and the median age of senators 61.8 years, among the oldest in U.S. history, according to the Senates official website. I knew Republicans were into vote suppression but this seems over the top. New York Post : McConnell wont let Senate vote remotely amid coronavirus fears.https://t.co/tAYlbqC40g via @GoogleNews America Is Not Russia (@Fight_4_USA_Now) March 18, 2020 .@SenMajLdr #MassacreMitch is at it again. He sure enjoys watching Americans die. McConnell wont let Senate vote remotely amid coronavirus fears. https://t.co/dUh3hHWVrI AaronsNina60 (@AaronsNina60) March 18, 2020 Well, the "Grim Reaper of the Senate", Mitch McConnell just cemented his place (low as it already is) in history as an ignorant & clueless fool; refusing to join the world in telecommuting/teleconferencing, working remotely. https://t.co/zP76tH9yuF William Sidwell (@billsidwell) March 17, 2020 Just because this deer-in-headlights doesn't know how to use an iPad, the entire country has to wait just a little longer for assistance. With timing being so critical, we can't have this nonsense. https://t.co/aio3oeOmtS Nik Kolidas (@NikKolidas) March 18, 2020 Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the Democratic whip, sparked the call for remote work yesterday morning, saying, Its time for the Senate to wake up to the 21st century and make sure were using technology that allows us to communicate with each other without any danger or risk to public health. Coronavirus cases around the United States continue to mount; over 9,200 infections and 152 deaths have been attributed to the disease. Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said the railroad would be seeking federal and state financial aid to help make up for lost revenue, though no numbers were available. Public transit agencies across the country expect to see large revenue drops as a result of both lower ridership and lower tax revenues, according to transit experts. T hey conceal. They highlight. They contour. Our make-up brushes cover a multitude of sins on a daily basis. From the few too many glasses of house red the day before a big meeting to the spots conveniently making an appearance after familiarising yourself with the biscuit tin, there's nothing make-up brushes can't edit. But more than just an ally in the pursuit of concealing the discretions which are then mirrored by our skin, make-up brushes are tools. And tools, in order to have longevity, need to be looked after. At a time when more and more of us are WFH, if you've already spring-cleaned your kitchen, organised your wardrobe and tidied your flat, it's time to turn our home-bound attention to our make-up brushes. Professional make-up artist, Rebecca Wordingham, explains that "a lot of peoples skin concerns can come form using dirty sponges or brushes," adding that she cleans her brushes after every single use. She gave us the rundown on just how often we should clean our brushes, the best method to use and how to let them dry. How often should we clean our make-up brushes? Wordingham, who is also the founder of the London School of Media Make-Up, explains, "under normal circumstances, I would recommend suggest washing every few days, depending on skin type. If somebody has severe acne, skin infections or virus such as herpes, impetigo, conjunctivitis, in this case I would suggest washing after every use," Wordingham recommends. However, given the current climate, Wordingham stresses the importance of washing brushes after each use. She says, "with Covid-19, there's a highly contagious virus or bacteria around and it's really important to wash your brushes after every application, just like all of us professionals do after shoots." What should we use to clean our make-up brushes? Wordingham follows her own two-stage routine to clean her brushes. "I have always used IPA isopropyl alcohol (10, buy it here.) It is 99 per cent alcohol and is used in medical and cosmetic-grade cleaning as a disinfectant," Wordingham explains. "It eliminates all the nasties and is great for a quick change in case I need to wash my favourite brush between models." For eyeshadow or blush brushes, which may accumulate colour pigments which still haven't been removed after the alcohol wash, Wordingham gives hers a second rinse in washing-up liquid or baby shampoo. "I do this at the end of the day and leave them to dry over night," she explains. What's the right way to clean them? Wordingham follows and recommends the two-step routine mentioned above. She adds that "twice a month it helps them not to dry out, if you give them a treatment with a little baby conditioner." Although there are specific brush-cleaning products available, Wordingham advises against using them, claiming they leave a "residue" on brushes, although they are useful for removing make-up remnants from clothes. Whats your method? Wordingham's two-step cleaning routine comprises several steps. Firstly, decant the IPA alcohol into a spray bottle. Spray the alcohol onto brushes (being careful not to inhale it) and circulate the brush against a clean wipe or tissue, to remove product. The second stage of the process that she recommends is to fill a bowl with warm water and detergent. Dampen brushes and squirt a little detergent onto the tip of the them and then repeat the same circular motion in the bowl of warm water, to rinse away excess product. Once you're convinced that your brushes are cleaned, squeeze out excess water and leave the brush to lay flat over night. "Whatever you do, never leave them to dry up right as you don't want water getting into the ferule of the brush, as this will eventually disintegrate the glue and stitching, which will make bristles fall out," Wordingham warns. How often should we replace beauty sponges? "The best tip I've learned with sponges is to clean two of them together, and clean them against one another," Wordingham explains. "I would replace when they seem lack lustre and I would strongly encourage them to be cleaned at least every other day." When is it right to throw away a make-up brush? "You really shouldnt have to throw any brush away if you look after it correctly," Wordingham states. "My mum who has been a makeup artist since the sixties still has brushes she started with. A good quality brush could and should last you a life time. DUBLIN, March 18 (Reuters) - Northern Ireland will close its schools to pupils from Monday due to the coronavirus outbreak, First Minister Arlene Foster said on Wednesday. "I have never before witnessed such anxiety across all sectors. We are all worried," said Foster. The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland is 68. There are 292 confirmed cases in neighbouring Ireland, but Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Tuesday said that could to rise to at least 15,000 by the end of the month. (Reporting by Graham Fahy; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Complaints of price gouging tied to the coronavirus pandemic continue to arrive at the state attorney generals office. The office has now received 1,442 emails with complaints about price gouging, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Wednesday night on Twitter. Last week, Shapiro established a special email to file complaints: pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov. Within a day, more than 100 complaints were filed and the reports keep on coming. The office has received more than 800 complaints since Sunday. In one case, a store was selling a package of toilet paper for $39.99, Shapiro said. In another instance, a store in the Philadelphia suburbs charged $19 for hand sanitizer, which was normally $2, he said. Those tips come in, we act on them, Shapiro said in a video message posted on Twitter. When the office receives tips on price gouging, the attorney generals office contacts the business and tells them to stop. "Typically, they do, Shapiro said on Twitter. For those that have refused to stop, the attorney generals office has sent 51 cease-and-desist letters to vendors for jacking up prices. When Gov. Tom Wolf issued a disaster declaration to deal with the coronavirus, he put in place protections designed to guard against price gouging. Under rules governing a disaster emergency in Pennsylvania, companies and vendors are barred from charging a price for goods or services that exceeds 20 percent of the average price for those same items or services in the 7 days preceding the date of declaration, state officials said. NEW STATS: 1442 price gouging tips from Pennsylvanians 51 cease & desist letters sent Keep sending me tips. Keep washing your hands. And keep up the social distancing. We'll get through this. #PAProud #TogetherApart Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) March 18, 2020 Shapiro urges consumers to report incidents of price gouging. Those filing complaints should include the name of the item, the price and the store location. Text PennLive to 717-745-7532 to sign up to have breaking news and essential updates about the coronavirus delivered right to your mobile device. Data and messaging rates may apply. More from PennLive PLCB warns licensees to follow its coronavirus guidelines or risk license suspension, closure Latest list of central Pa. restaurants offering takeout during the coronavirus pandemic Coronavirus pandemic closes Pennsylvania courts to the general public Coronavirus victims are dying in quarantine and left to be buried or cremated away from grieving relatives, with the crisis having already claimed 9,000 lives. The infection has struck ancient rituals to honour the dead and comfort the bereaved, which have been cut short or abandoned for fear of spreading it further. It is now reshaping many aspects of death, from the practicalities of handling infected bodies to meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of those left behind. Marta Manfredi at her graduation with her grandmother Ileana Scarpanti and grandfather Alfredo VIsioli. Mr VIsioli died of coronavirus in hospital aged 83 Struck down by coronavirus at the age of 83, the long life of Alfredo Visioli ended with a short ceremony at a graveyard near Cremona, his hometown in northern Italy. 'They buried him like that, without a funeral, without his loved ones, with just a blessing from the priest,' said his granddaughter Marta Manfredi who couldn't attend. Like most of the old man's family - like most of Italy - she was confined to her home. 'When all this is over,' she vows, 'we will give him a real funeral.' In Ireland, the health authority is advising mortuary workers to put face masks on dead bodies to reduce even the minor risk of infection. In Italy, a funeral company is using video links to allow quarantined families to watch a priest bless the deceased. And in South Korea, fear of the virus has caused such a drop in the number of mourners that funeral caterers are struggling for business. There is little time for ceremony in hard-hit cities such as Bergamo, northeast of Milan, where the mortuaries are full and the crematorium is working around the clock, said Giacomo Angeloni, a local official in charge of cemeteries. Bergamo, home to about 120,000 people, has been dealing with five to six times the number of dead it would in normal times, he said. An undertaker wearing a face mask and overalls unloads a coffin out of a hearse on March 16at the Monumental cemetery of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy Italy has now reported nearly 3,000 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus - the highest outside China where the virus first emerged. The Italian army sent 50 troops and 15 trucks to Bergamo yesterday to take bodies to less overwhelmed provinces. A ban on gatherings has shattered the vital rituals that help us grieve, said Andy Langford, the chief operating officer of Cruse Bereavement Care, a British charity providing free care and counseling to those in grief. 'Funerals allow a community to come together, express emotion, talk about that person and formally say goodbye,' he said. 'When you feel you have no control over how you can grieve, and over how you can experience those last moments with someone, that can complicate how you grieve and make you feel worse,' he said. In Iran as in northern Italy, hospital and funeral workers are overwhelmed with bodies, as the virus has torn across the country, killing 1,284 people and infecting thousands, according to state TV. The authorities have hired new people to dig graves, said a manager at Tehran's Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. 'We work day and night,' he said. 'I have never seen such a sad situation. There are no funerals.' Most corpses arrive by truck and are buried without the ritual washing that Islam dictates, he said. Some Iranians suspect that the official haste to bury them has more to do with obscuring the spiraling death toll than halting the spread of the virus. A man mourns during a funeral held at Beheshte Masoumeh Cemetery for the victims of coronavirus in Qom, Iran, on March 17 Deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded as heart attacks or lung infections, a hospital worker in Kashan, a city about a three-hour drive from Tehran, told Reuters. 'The officials are lying about the death toll,' the worker said. 'I have seen dozens of corpses in the past few days, but they have told us not to talk about it.' Two nurses at Iranian hospitals also told Reuters they thought the death toll was higher than the official tally. Iranian authorities have rejected allegations of a cover-up, and President Hassan Rouhani, in a televised speech on Mar. 18, said his government had been 'honest and straightforward with the nation.' In several countries, clusters of infection have followed funerals. In South Korea, where more than 90 people have died, the government has urged the families of COVID-19 victims to cremate their loved ones first, and hold the funeral later. Korean funerals usually take place in hospitals, and involve three days of prayers and feasting. Most of the country's early cases were linked to a church in Daegu city and a hospital in a nearby county. In February, several members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus attended a funeral at the hospital for the brother of the church's founder. Since the outbreak, the number of mourners at funerals has plunged by 90 per cent, regardless of whether the deceased had the virus, said Choi Min-ho, secretary general of the Korea Funeral Association. 'The culture of funerals has changed significantly,' he said. 'A handful of mourners quickly offer condolences and leave the place without dining together out of infection worries.' Condolence money, traditionally handed over in cash, is now sent via bank transfer, he added. Medics treat a patient suffering from coronavirus at the Oglio Po hospital in Cremona today Authorities in Wuhan, the epicenter of China's outbreak and location of the majority of its deaths, quickly identified the funeral business as a potential source of transmission. The local civil affairs bureau in late January ordered all funerals for confirmed COVID-19 victims to be handled at a single funeral home in the city's Hankou district. Mourning ceremonies, usually boisterous social events in China, were curtailed along with all other public gatherings. Those restrictions are still in place, even though the number of new cases has dwindled in recent weeks. Bereaved families are not even allowed to see the bodies of their loved ones, a worker at the funeral home told Reuters. In China, the ashes of the deceased tend to be kept in funeral homes until they are taken to a family plot on public holidays such as the Tomb Sweeping Festival in April. That's also canceled this year. In Spain, too, a large cluster of cases has been traced to a funeral in the northern town of Vitoria in late February. At least 60 people who attended tested positive after the event, said local media reports. With over 600 deaths, Spain is the second-worst hit country in Europe after Italy, and most people are now confined to their homes. Referring to these restrictions, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called coronavirus a 'cruel' disease that paralyzes the human need to socialize. In Ireland, up to 100 guests are still allowed at all funerals - for now. But most families are opting for small private ceremonies and encouraging others to express their condolences online through websites such as RIP.ie, where death notices and funeral invitations are usually posted. Open casket funerals are out for any victim of coronavirus, and 'the family should be advised not to kiss the deceased,' according to new guidelines from Ireland's Health and Safety Executive to its funeral directors. A medical worker wearing a protective mask and suit treats patients suffering from coronavirus in an intensive care unit at the Oglio Po hospital in Cremona, Italy, today The risk of catching coronavirus from a dead body is slim, public health officials say, but some countries are recommending extra measures. Israel has reported no coronavirus deaths, but its health ministry says the deceased should be double-wrapped in impermeable plastic. Ritual washing and rites will be performed in full protective gear and the corpse re-wrapped in plastic for burial. Normally Israel's Jewish dead are laid to rest in a cloth smock and shroud. Ireland's guidelines advise workers in funeral parlors to put face masks on dead bodies before moving them, in case they 'expel a very small amount of air and viral droplets from the lungs' and infect the living. In Britain, where the pandemic is still gathering pace, there is widespread anxiety about the likely death toll. Britain has been slower in implementing the strict measures seen elsewhere in Europe, and expert estimates of how many will die from COVID-19 have ranged wildly from the tens to the hundreds of thousands. An emergency bill to tackle the virus, which has killed 104 people in Britain, includes a number of measures the government says will 'streamline the death management process.' The measures include allowing funeral directors to register a death on behalf of a self-isolating family. Deborah Smith, a spokesperson for the National Association of Funeral Directors, said the bill will help the profession 'preserve the dignity of those who die and care for their bereaved families with compassion - even if they are not able to have the kind of funeral they would have wanted.' Ms Smith would not be drawn on the expected numbers, but said 'funeral directors are preparing for a variety of scenarios.' Tents are set up today outside of the Oglio Po hospital, where patients suffering from coronavirus disease are treated, in Cremona, Italy One scenario is already playing out in Wuhan. Last month, a worker at the funeral home in Hankou district, identifying himself only as Huang, wrote an essay that was circulated on social media. He said funeral workers were as overwhelmed as the city's medics but had received less recognition. He said staff had worked without a break since the start of the epidemic. 'Some of our employees don't even drink water because they need to go to the toilet and it's difficult to take off the protective clothing,' he wrote. Half a world away, in the virus-stricken Italian town of Bergamo, funeral workers wage a near-identical struggle. 'It's like being in a war with an invisible enemy,' said Roberta Caprini, a partner in Centro Funerario Bergamasco, a funeral service in Bergamo. 'We've been working without interruption for two weeks and sleeping three to four hours a night when we manage it. Everyone in our area, us included, has lost someone or have someone sick in their home.' Bergamo's Church of All Saints has become a makeshift mortuary, its pews pushed aside to accommodate the dead. Caprini said she had counted at least 60 coffins when she visited on Tuesday. She spoke of the 'real torture' felt by families who watched sick relatives taken away to hospital and never saw them again. Her company has arranged video links to burials, to allow families to watch the priest bless the deceased. Sometimes, she said, they drive the hearses past the bereaved family's home, so mourners 'can at least come down at the moment and offer a quick prayer.' New Delhi: Hailed as one of the top Bhojpuri actresses, Rani Chatterjee is on a photo-sharing spree on social media. Her active presence on Instagram is solif proof of the fact that she is rightly called the queen of social media by her fans. In her recent post, looks like Rani Chatterjee has posted a selfie right from her movie sets. Donning a stylish shimmery patterned black-silver jacket and bold red lips, Rani makes a fashion statement. Check out her photo: After completing over a decade, Rani Chatterjee has worked with almost all the A-lister actors and filmmakers in the Bhojpuri film business. On the work front, Rani will next be seen playing a police officer in 'Lady Singham'. The film started on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, September 2, 2019. She announced the movie on social media. The Bhojpuri bombshell is these days seen in Rohit Shetty hosted reality show 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi' season 10 as a contestant. One of the old sayings is that there are lies, damned lies and statistics, with the implication being you really cant trust most reported numbers. Still, weve often thought, at least with major vendors, that you could trust rankings. One current set of rankings involves cloud providers. The general impression was that Amazon was first, Microsoft second, and Google third. However, both Google and IBM reported numbers this month and surprise. Google isnt third, IBM is. That isnt the only thing I found interesting this month. IBM did what few firms never seem to do and followed the best practice of another firm in this case, Microsoft in making its CEO choice. This suggests that IBM eventually should be able to challenge for the No. 1 spot in the cloud. If it does, it could point the way for other firms, like Dell, to pass Amazon as well. Since the subject is the cloud, Ill shine a light on my new favorite cloud service: Nvidias GeForce Now, just released this month. Cloud Rankings The cloud is important. Much of what we now watch (Netflix) and buy (Amazon), as well as systems to guard our homes security (like Arlo and ADT Plus) reside in the cloud. Much of it resides on the Amazon, Microsoft or Google cloud. It seems like a no-brainer to rank the players in order, with Amazon first, Microsoft second and Google third. The only issue is that until recently, we didnt know how much of Googles revenue came from their cloud. Yes, it uses its cloud for massive services like YouTube, but we typically rank vendors based on what they sell, not what they use internally. For instance, if Shell Oil built its own trucks and used thousands of them, it still wouldnt displace GM or Ford in the rankings. Google reported a decent US$2.6 billion in cloud revenue for the quarter, and $8.9 billion in cloud revenue for the year. However, IBM reported a whopping $6.8 billion for the quarter and $21.2 billion for the year. Note that IBMs quarterly cloud revenue is within the shooting distance of Googles annual cloud revenue. IBM isnt behind Google, and it isnt a rounding error ahead either. It is almost three times the size of Google in the cloud market which, by the way, suggests Google may be lower than fourth place. If you think about it, it was Azure, Microsofts Cloud effort, that put the company back on the technology map and founded its valuation increase so it could challenge Amazon, Apple and Google for the most valuable company title. The same could happen to IBM as it further ramps its cloud efforts. Dell has advanced its cloud offerings recently with the Dell Technologies Cloud, and I believe it also is in the hunt to take out Google and Amazon. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Why Google and Amazon Are Vulnerable As much as you might like Samsung or Apple, would you buy a car from them? Some might, but most probably would feel, rightly, that cars arent these companies strengths, as both firms primarily make personal electronics. IT buyers are even more pragmatic. Generally, they have avoided services like Amazons that come from a firm that doesnt specialize in them. This specialization mismatch is one of the reasons Apples server failed. It wasnt a bad product it was a decent server. It was that people didnt trust a personal technology vendor to build a good server. If something bad happened, the buyer would look stupid. Looking stupid as an IT buyer is a quick way to discover you suddenly have no job and need to search for a new career. Amazons primary business is retail. Would you buy a cloud service from Walmart? The reason Amazon rose to power is that companies like IBM didnt have services like AWS but they do now. Regardless of how many people now use AWS at the end of the day, IT buyers trust companies like IBM and Dell more than theyll ever trust a retail store vendor for an IT technology. Google is worse, by almost any measure, because its business is selling user data. If you discovered your confidential information had leaked to a competitor or hostile foreign government even if Google didnt do it youd wonder if someone in Google sold it. With the chief security officer asking you how the breach happened often the sources arent found the fact that you used a vendor that sold customer information certainly would make it look like maybe you were the problem that needed to be solved. Since pointing at a scapegoat is common when theres an embarrassing breach, your decision to use Google wouldnt bode well for your job longevity. IT folks know that, which likely is why IBM was able to roar past Google to claim the No. 1 spot and why I expect Dell will follow. IBMs Unusual Move This progression of potential events takes us to IBMs unusual move. Now I say unusual, because, for whatever strange reason, companies dont like to copy other companys brilliant moves. For instance, Apple put in a CEO who was marketing-oriented with Steve Jobs and became the most valuable company during his time. Not even Apple followed that example, and youd be hard-pressed to find any major company run by a marketing type today. Microsoft replaced Steve Ballmer with a cloud subject matter expert (Satya Nadella) and now regularly challenges to be the most valuable company in the world. IBM just surprised the crap out of me and did the same thing, replacing Ginni Rometty with Arvind Krishna. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Both Microsoft and IBM are complex, and both firms have reputations that suggest their peers betray a lot of top executives in both firms, so this wasnt a trivial move by either firm, or for the executives who took the jobs. However, I think IBM now will replicate Microsofts success. In Praise of Steve Ballmer and Ginni Rometty Before we move off this subject, I want to point out that neither Microsoft nor IBM would be in this place if it werent for Steve Ballmer and Ginni Rometty, both of whom set the foundations for success in their respective firms. Both took over when their firms were in deep trouble, and both built up the foundational elements in their firms, including making the initial cloud investments that created the platform and the subject matter experts who later took the CEO job. If Ballmer hadnt executed, there never would have been an Azure or a Satya Nadella. If Rometty hadnt bought Soft Layer and restructured IBM, there would be no Arvind Krishna. It often is easy to contrast successful CEOs with challenged ones and find the latter wanting, forgetting that the successful CEOs wouldnt have a place to be successful in, and often wouldnt even have been considered for the job, had their predecessors not done their job. Neither Steve nor Ginni will go down in history as their respective firms saviors, but they should. Without them, there never would have been a Satya Nadella or an Arvind Krishna. Wrapping Up At the end of the decade, I dont expect either Amazon or Google to be at the top of the cloud market if we even call it that then. My expectation is theyll have to spin out their cloud businesses to get them away from their non-aligned core brands, or they will be passed by more focused vendors like Microsoft, IBM and Dell. I also think few companies will follow Microsoft and IBMs lead and place CEOs in positions that require subject matter expertise and that, as a result, the success of these policies will be lost to history. I truly hope I am wrong here, and the fact that IBM did follow Microsoft suggests I am. Lets hope Im right about being wrong in this case. One of the most powerful demonstrations of what the cloud is capable of is cloud gaming. It has historically been an ideal way to see the weakness in these platforms, because PC gaming requires very high performance and very low latency. I once got in an argument with Robby Bach, who then ran Microsoft gaming. I argued that cloud gaming was the future, and he felt I was mentally challenged because he believed youd never get the needed performance out of the cloud. Now a cloud guy is running Microsoft, Robby Bach is gone, and even Microsoft is rolling out a cloud gaming platform the xCloud. Well, Nvidia just released its GeForce Now platform with 50 top-flight games initially more are coming and thousands that can be played with single-session installs. One fascinating thing is that Nvidia has done this first, not any of the leading cloud vendors, although Nvidia typically isnt even on the cloud vendor list. As a specialized offering, this is an incredible service. It does require decent Internet service and low latency, which means it will get a lot better when 5G rolls out. However, in anticipation of 5G, the telco and cable providers have been improving their infrastructure, and the service is very playable now. I played League of Legends last week, and it played like it was on my gaming system, which is anything but underpowered. It was my product of the week last week. Oh, and that system is AMD-based, and GeForce Now had no issue with it. The service works on both Windows and macOS machines, Android, and Nvidias Shield set-top box (one of the more powerful set-top box offerings). Service can be used for free with a one-hour play limit and no access to RTX technology. If the servers are at capacity, the free folks will have to wait to game. Priority access, at US$4.99 a month, comes with a 6-hour limit, and RTX turned on for better graphics. Because this is a great game service but mostly because I can now say neener, neener, neener to Robbie Bach the GeForce Now service is my product of the week. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alonso Soto (Bloomberg) Abuja Thu, March 19, 2020 23:50 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206c09328 2 World COVID-19,COVID-19-test,coronavirus-testing,Nigeria Free Already exhausted from testing for monkeypox and Lassa fever, Nigerian molecular bio-engineer Nnaemeka Ndodo had to work well past midnight earlier this month to find out if six Chinese construction workers were infected with the coronavirus. Ndodo had to collect samples from a hospital an hour away in Nigerias capital, Abuja, then wait for six hours to get the results in whats one of only five laboratories able to test for the virus in Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, with about 200 million people. In about three months time, UK-based Mologic Ltd., in collaboration with Senegalese research foundation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, could shorten that wait to 10 minutes with a test that will help a continent with the worlds most fragile health care system cope with the pandemic. With few resources and staff, authorities are racing to contain the spread of the disease in Africa, which accounts for 1% of global health expenditure but carries 23% of the disease burden, including hundreds of thousands of deaths each year from malaria, HIV/Aids and tuberculosis. Thirty-six of 54 countries on the continent have the capacity to test for the coronavirus, but a spike in cases could overwhelm laboratories. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Sunday he struck a partnership with Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to distribute between 10,000 and 20,000 test kits and 100,000 masks per African country, as well as newly developed guidebooks for treatment. Separately, the Ethiopia-based Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects to distribute 200,000 tests across the continent next week, mostly from Berlin-based TIB Molbiol GmbH, according to the groups head of laboratory, Yenew Kebede. Its also sending more than 100 experts across Africa. There is no shortage of lab tests in Africa, but what we want is the faster, cheaper test to quickly confirm if there is an outbreak and contain it before it gets bigger, said Rosanna Peeling, chair of diagnostics research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Africa still has that luxury, unlike Europe and North America, she said. Thats where Mologic comes in. Using technology from home pregnancy and malaria tests, its saliva and finger-prick kit could be ready for sale from June for less than $1 apiece. In Africa, they will be manufactured in Senegal by diaTropix, a newly built diagnostics manufacturing facility run by the director of the Pasteur Institute, Amadou Alpha Sall, who has led training around the continent for coronavirus testing. We are ensuring that these tests are made accessible at the cost of manufacture, said Joe Fitchett, medical director of Mologic, which received a $1.2 million grant from the U.K. government to develop the test. The current COVID-19 tests, known as PCR tests, detect the genetic material of the pathogen in a laboratory process that can take several hours and cost over $400 in some private facilities. Since the mysterious illness emerged in China late last year more than 150,000 people have been infected around the world, shutting swathes of the global economy as countries lock down cities and ban travel. The US, with ample resources and medical technology, has come under fire for slow testing amid a surge in cases. Although the spread of the virus has been relatively slow in Africa, the number of patients climbed last week in Egypt, Senegal and South Africa, bringing the total caseload to more than 300 in at least 20 countries, with most patients having recently traveled to Europe. Mologic and the Institut Pasteur have joint capacity to produce 8 million tests a year and plan to sell them directly to African governments as well as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization and the WHO, Fitchett said. Mologic is seeking to acquire a manufacturing facility to produce an additional 20 million tests annually, initially in the UK and later in Africa. Training is being ramped up too. Fifteen African laboratories received guidelines last month from the Senegalese institute to diagnose the virus, while additional training was held in South Africa for another 12 African countries. In Nigeria, health officials are trying to speed up diagnosis by training staff at other public laboratories, said Chikwe Ihekweazu, the head of Nigerias Centre for Disease Control. The country is in talks with partners and donors to acquire more kits after confirming two cases of the virus. A quick test could be a game changer for us, said Ihekweazu, adding that symptoms similar to malaria, which is widespread in Africa, could complicate diagnosis early on. Before 2017, Nigeria had only one laboratory to test for influenza, inside a refurbished, 48-foot container in the capital. Since then, the lab has been moved to a three-story building known as the National Reference Laboratory. We are working non-stop, said molecular bio-engineer Ndodo as he inspected new machinery inside the modern reference laboratory. We need to keep working. We will get over this. Bosky Khanna By Express News Service BENGALURU: The state governments idea of introducing premium floor area ratio (FAR) charges for properties around high-infrastructure and high-density corridors has now come to near standstill. First it was because of lack of interest by the state government, and now because of the coronavirus scare. The state urban development department (UDD) had scheduled a meeting with Delhi-based Danish consultants in March to get the work back on board, but now since there are travel restrictions, the project has been put on hold again, UDD sources told The New Indian Express. The state government is facing a scarcity of funds and is looking at all sources to generate revenues. That is why the premium FAR, which was off the radar for almost a year, was revived. But now because of the coronavirus scare, it has slowed down again, the sources said. The state government had decided to use the services of Haskonin DHV Consulting Pvt Ltd, a Denmark-based company, which is at present working with the Bangalore Development Authority in preparing the revised master plan. They are involved as the premium FAR will be part of the master plan 2031. Under premium FAR, properties which fall under 1 km radius of the Metro, proposed Mono-rail, Outer Ring Road and highways, will be levied with an impact zone FAR as they are the direct beneficiaries of the infrastructure facilities. As per initial plan, properties under the premium FAR get an additional unit of FAR. FAR is the area of the building which can be utilised as an addition, because it has been lost to the government for infrastructure works. FAR helps properties go vertical which allows more space for infrastructure projects like Metro and road widening. The premium FAR is ideal for commercial spaces which are located around high-density corridors, see large footfall and generate a lot of revenue. The first draft for the premium FAR was issued in March 2018 and the final draft is yet to be done. The Navys hospital ship on the West Coast is a matter of days from leaving its home port of San Diego to help in the coronavirus response, but its East Coast counterpart is still weeks from getting underway, a Navy official told Yahoo News Thursday morning. The two ships the Mercy in San Diego and the Comfort in Norfolk, Va. are being readied for duty, but were each undergoing maintenance when it became clear their assistance would be required to relieve overwhelmed civilian hospitals. For this reason, the Comfort is still weeks away from sailing. However, the delay in the Mercys departure is related more to the time it takes to assemble the right military medical professionals to sail with it, the Navy official said. Theyre still putting together the medical complement that goes on board, he said. Officials announced Wednesday that the Comfort, which has about 1,000 beds and 12 operating theaters, would be heading to New York City harbor, but no West Coast destination has yet been announced for the Mercy. When it is prepared to sail, we will make a determination on where it is going to go, Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters Wednesday afternoon. U.S. Navy hospital ship the Comfort. (Dieu Nalio Chery/AP) In a press conference Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he had discussed the Comfort with President Trump. In addition, according to Cuomo, Trump suggested moving some of the militarys mobile field hospitals to New York. I told the president we would do everything that we need to do to expedite the siting of those facilities, Cuomo said, adding that he had a couple of locations in mind, without naming them. Cuomo said he was responding to a projection that New York would need 110,000 hospital beds, including 37,000 intensive care setups with ventilators, compared with the states current capacity of 53,000 beds and 3,000 ventilators. But the governors characterization of what Trump had told him about the timing of the Comforts deployment The president said he would dispatch that immediately was at odds with what Pentagon officials announced at a press conference later on Wednesday. Story continues The hospital ships mission will be to relieve hospitals ashore of some of the burden of treating patients not suffering from COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus), according to a brief Navy statement. The Comfort and Mercy will not deploy to treat COVID patients, but will be made available to assist with treatment of other patients in coastal locations where local health professionals are necessarily focused on a large number of COVID cases, the Navy said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at a news conference on March 2 regarding the first confirmed case of coronavirus in New York state. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters) Current plans call for the ships to deploy with the active duty staff that would typically accompany them to a war zone, according to Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, joint staff surgeon of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaking at the same Pentagon press conference as Hoffman. However, that was likely to change, he said. These ships are designed for trauma and for combat casualties, and so thats the staff that were planning to deploy with it right now, he said. Well adjust the numbers and the mix of staff based on what we learn from the local leadership. But Friedrichs and Hoffman both said that as the military selects the personnel for the ships and the field hospitals, it will take into account the needs of the local military communities that will inevitably lose access to some care if their doctors and nurses are deployed. Picking active duty personnel was the fastest way to fill the slots, according to Hoffman. Friedrichs did not rule out calling retired military medical personnel back onto active duty, but he said the same issues applied as calling reservists to active duty: In most cases mobilizing and deploying a medical professional to one location deprives another location of care. Taking them out of the civilian community may not necessarily be the right risk-benefit trade-off, he said. For that reason, as the Pentagon has put field hospital units responsible for more than 1,000 beds on alert, it has picked only active duty units, Friedrichs said. He declined to state exactly how many field hospital beds in total the military has at its disposal, but he detailed the different types of hospitals each service could provide. The Air Forces mobile deployment units, known as an expeditionary medical system, have 25 beds and are rapidly deployable, usually by air, he said. The Army has combat support hospitals, which are much larger and can deploy by air or ground, as well as smaller field hospitals, which have about 32 beds each, while the Navy has something called an expeditionary medical facility, which has 150 beds, he said. The USNS Mercy docked at Naval Base San Diego on Wednesday. (Gregory Bull/AP) The Pentagon is waiting to see how and where the pandemic develops before deciding how to deploy its limited hospital resources, according to Friedrichs. Were hoping to better understand where theres demand on the hospital system that exceeds that hospital systems capacity, and then well work with [the Department of Health and Human Services] as the lead federal agency for this to decide whats the best capability for us to help with that, he said. Hoffman underlined the consequential nature of those decisions. This is our reserve, the whole of governments reserve, he said of the militarys tent hospitals. Once we deploy that reserve in one place, we dont have the ability to move it to another place. Hoffman also made a plea for state and local officials to tell the Pentagon what they needed help with, rather than to ask for specific units or capabilities. The military works well if you tell us what the problem youre trying to solve is, not the resource you need, he said. Then we can come back and say, Heres the problem you have, heres what we can do to help. As an example of a state official asking for a specific capability, Hoffman cited a governor who asked the Pentagon for swabs used to test for the coronavirus. But that unnamed governor might be in luck because earlier this week, according to Hoffman, an Air National Guard unit flew 500,000 swabs to be used for coronavirus testing from Italy to Memphis, Tenn., where they were loaded onto a Federal Express aircraft and distributed around the country, based on directions from the Department of Health and Human Services. The origin of the swabs was not immediately clear, but Friedrichss comments indicated that they came from the Italian government. This is, I believe, a great example of how nations are working together to ensure that were meeting the global demand, he said. USNS Comfort, anchored off the coast of Haiti in 2010. (Chelsea Kennedy/U.S. Navy/via Reuters) This story has augmented reality! Tap the video above to see how it looks and download the Yahoo News app to launch the full experience. Augmented reality is currently available to iPhone users (iPhone 8 and later) with the latest version of iOS. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: (Alliance News) - The boss of easyJet PLC has warned airlines could go bankrupt amid the coronavirus outbreak without the support from the government. Johan Lundgren, who appeared in a pre-recorded interview with Robert Peston on ITV on Wednesday evening, said the airline has so far cancelled 14,000 flights this month as the virus continues to spread. His warning came as Ryanair Holdings PLC announced it will cancel more than four out of five flights between Thursday and Tuesday next week with an exception for "essential connectivity" journeys. Airline Jet2.com has suspended all of its flights until next month. During his interview on Peston, Lundgren said: "Everything from the Gulf War to the 9/11 to the Sars and the financial crisis in 2008 and ash cloud, there is nothing as bad as what I see right now. And the issue around it is really the uncertainty. You know, when is this going to end." He added: "If we don't get sufficient levels of support from the government and this continues for that period of time, the aviation industry will not be intact." When asked by Peston to clarify what he meant, he said: "It will not be the way we look at it todaya Businesses will go bankrupt long before a year from now unless there is support in there." Lundgren suggested in addition to access to loans on commercial terms, payments on taxes could be deferred as efforts to curb the virus continue. Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps held a call with major airlines an airports on Wednesday and said the government was committed to helping the sector while thanking them for helping bring home British nationals stranded abroad. He said: "Coronavirus is having a crippling impact on the aviation industry and we cannot allow it to force world-leading, well-run, profitable firms out of business. "We are extremely grateful to airport and airline teams who are continuing to help passengers get home safely. We stand firmly behind the sector and expect to announce a series of support measures shortly." source: PA Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. The organisers of LEAF Open Sunday have announced the event will be postponed until September due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The one-day event, which aims to showcase British farming to the public, was originally going to take place on Sunday 7 June. But due to the circumstances related to the outbreak of Covid19, organisers LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) have postponed the initiative. The 'inevitable, safe and sensible' decision means the event will now take place on Sunday 20 September. "This decision has not been taken lightly and the organisation is fully aware of the implications and disappointment this may cause to host farmers and visitors," LEAF said in a statement. "However, given the challenges that the whole country faces in the coming weeks and months, LEAF has been left with little choice but to postpone the event to later in the year." It comes as prominent agricultural shows across the UK have been cancelled or delayed due to virus restrictions. The Royal Highland Show, Scotlands largest outdoor event attracting up to 200,000 people each year, is one show which has been cancelled. Responding to the delay of Open Farm Sunday, Caroline Drummond, LEAF Chief Executive, said farmers had reacted positively to the event's postponement. We are pleased with the positive response from our ever enthusiastic farmers, many of whom have indicated that they would like to still host LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2020," she said. We look forward to welcoming the public out onto farm at a different and interesting time of year, when they will take pleasure from getting outside and celebrating farming, food and nature." Hundreds of farms across the country opened their gates to host over 230,000 visitors during last year's Open Farm Sunday. Feedback from both farmers and visitors indicated a growing interest in British agriculture and food production. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 19, 2020 18:20 663 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bfd3ca 1 National COVID-19,health-ministry,COVID-19-test,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,coronavirus,outbreak,Achmad-Yurianto,laboratory Free The Health Ministry has said that people showing COVID-19 symptoms still need to undergo the regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine their next medical treatment despite having previously taken rapid tests -- which will be provided by the government in upcoming days. Health Ministry Disease Control and Prevention Director General Achmad Yurianto said that PCR tests were more accurate in detecting the disease since the tests thoroughly examined molecular reactions in samples. Such a feature, he said, was the main benefit of the tests even though the examination process could take some time. The regular test is still mandatory for anyone who has tested positive but has shown mild symptoms of the disease. This is because the severity of the disease is supposed to be known after a person has performed the test, Yurianto said in a press conference on Thursday. Read also: Indonesia late to respond to COVID-19 pandemic, former VP Kalla says Recently, the government mulled a plan to perform mass rapid tests in all laboratories across Indonesia in a bid to expedite the detection of the disease. The rapid tests are deemed more convenient and can promptly detect whether a specimen is positive for COVID-19 compared with the PCR test. Rapid tests only require blood serum as a sample, meaning the tests can be performed at all health laboratories across the country. Everyone, whether they have shown COVID-19 symptoms or not, can undergo the test. The testing method is easier to implement, as the regular tests have to be performed in level-two biosafety laboratories, since nasal fluids or larynx substances -- in which the virus is contained -- are used as the main specimens. The government remains tight-lipped on when the tests will be available in the country. Read also: House urges COVID-19 rapid response team to work faster However, President Joko Jokowi Widodo instructed his subordinates to quickly perform rapid tests across the country during a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday. While people showing symptoms of the disease should take two tests, people who test positive from the rapid tests but show no symptoms will be asked to self-isolate to stop the virus from spreading. Yurianto said the government would also publish guidelines on how to perform self-isolation at home since the purpose of the tests is to encourage people to self-isolate once they know they have been infected with the virus. Not all people who have tested positive should be treated in hospitals after taking rapid tests, he said. The rapid test will act as a screening as to whether we should self-isolate ourselves or not, Yurianto added. (glh) (Bloomberg) -- When about two dozen Amazon.com Inc. delivery drivers reported for their shifts Tuesday morning on Californias central coast, their manager passed around a sleeve of disinfecting wipes. He said they could each take only one to clean their vans before starting their routes, according to three people present. The drivers, who work for a company that has a delivery contract with Amazon, thought it was a joke at first. Upon realizing it wasnt, they got busy figuring out how to use a tiny wipe to clean a van shared with other drivers and packed with boxes touched by untold others. One driver furiously scrubbed her scanner since she touches it frequently. Another wiped down his steering wheel and door handle. I felt so disposable, said one of the drivers, who like the others requested anonymity for fear of losing her job. Were really worried, and one wipe for a van just doesnt cut it. Around the country, drivers who deliver Amazon packages are providing a valuable public service by bringing household essentials to homes and helping consumers avoid stores, potentially minimizing the spread of the coronavirus that has infected at least 7,000 people in the U.S. and killed more than 100. Yet some of these drivers harbor fear and resentment since they see friends and family members urged to stay at home while they are being told to crisscross town at their own peril. Amazon is offering a temporary $2 hourly pay bump that for most of them will total about $500 over six weeks in hazard pay. The coronavirus outbreak poses a challenge of unprecedented severity for Amazonand its hardly the only company grappling with a pandemic that has upended the daily lives of people around the world. The company has announced plans to hire 100,000 people and issue temporary raises to help keep groceries and other essentials flowing. It has set up a $25 million relief fund to pay delivery workers for up to two weeks if they get sick with the virus or miss work due to quarantines. Amazon on Tuesday told suppliers that it would stop accepting shipments of non-essential goods in its warehouses, an effort to keep things such as food and cleaning supplies moving through the system. Story continues Some of this will almost certainly help. But Amazon, already trying to keep up with a surge in online orders, depends on the willingness of tens of thousands of contract drivers to show up each day. The company uses United Parcel Service Inc., the U.S. Postal Service and other companies for about half of its deliveries worldwide and in a crisis could likely increase its reliance on the big carriers. But it has the most direct control over its own network of independent drivers who shuttle around in dark blue vans emblazoned with the Amazon smile. Depending on the role, delivery couriers are exposed more often to diseases or infections over the course of their job than most other job types, according to Department of Labor data tracking worker behavior. If enough Amazon drivers get sick, or simply worry about the risk enough to stay home, the Seattle-based companys logistics machine could struggle to meet its commitments to shoppers. Not all the 12 drivers interviewed for this story were overly concerned about their safety. One in South Bend, Indiana, where there have been few confirmed coronavirus cases, said the pandemic hasnt changed how he does the job at all. He made one delivery to a nursing home, and the front desk clerk wiped the package with a disinfecting wipe, but other than that its been business as usual, he said. My warehouse manager and logistics manager have been keeping a hand sanitizer station where we all check in and encouraging people to use it, he said. There is little risk to me honestly. There aren't any community spread patients yet in my area, so I definitely wouldn't be staying home until that occurs. Its also true that some jobsa grocery clerk, say or an Uber driverare potentially more exposed to the virus. But several of the other Amazon drivers Bloomberg interviewed worry when customers greet them at doorsteps and in office buildings and are concerned about all of the people who touched boxes and envelopes before they did. One driver noted that when delivering alcohol he is required to get close enough to customers to request their identification. Some are taking their own precautionsone driver in Chicago wears a N95 mask and uses hand sanitizer after every pickup. The challenge Amazon faces in keeping its frontline workers healthy and willing to work has already become apparent in its warehouses. After a handful of Covid-19 cases were reported in at least three Amazon depots in Europe, unions there this week called for the company to cut shifts and close the facilities for cleaning. At Amazons main logistics hub in Italy, where two workers were diagnosed with the disease, absenteeism has hit 30% in recent weeks, people familiar with the matter have told Bloomberg. The health and safety of our employees and contractors around the world continues to be our top priority, an Amazon spokesperson said in an email. As communities around the world are requiring social distancing, were seeing that our teamsmuch like grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential serviceshave a unique role getting customers the critical items they need and this is especially vital for the elderly, people with underlying health issues, and those sick or quarantined. We have implemented a series of preventative health measures for employees, delivery and transportation partners at our sites around the world. Amazon typically focuses on moving packages as quickly as possible at the lowest cost, but the outbreak requires the company to slow things down and give specific safety instructions to each employee, said Barbara Hoopes, a business professor and logistics expert at Virginia Tech. Even independent contractors in their own vehicles should get instructions specifically tailored to their roles and a kit with hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and any other equipment needed to improve their safety, she said. This is the type of business that we want to continue to operate since supply chain is critical for a functioning economy, but the workers are more at risk, Hoopes said. Amazon can be a leader in giving employees and contractors instructions on what to do. Some of the drivers interviewed for this story say that isnt happening. Theyre receiving generic advice about washing their hands and staying home if they are having symptoms but no specific instructions regarding their jobs or how to minimize their risk of exposure. Instead, they describe a haphazard operation where safety takes a back seat to the swift delivery of toilet paper, food and cough meds Much of what happens with Amazon deliveries is beyond the companys direct control. It utilizes independent contractors driving their own vehicles to deliver packages as well as employees of separate companies that operate as Amazon delivery partners. So a lot of the people delivering Amazon packages arent Amazon employees at all. The California drivers instructed to wipe down their vans with a single disinfecting wipe work for one of the delivery service partners, which have been urged by Amazon to take on more routes to meet demand through the crisis. They say they have instructions to wipe down vans multiple times during each shift but that their employers arent providing them with the supplies they need. Some drivers say they have no disinfecting wipes at all. Another driver said his company had only 10 pair of protective gloves one day for about 30 drivers reporting for their shifts. No one wants to be put in this situation, said an Amazon delivery driver in Richmond, Virginia. Its not fair, but what am I going to do. I have bills to pay. One driver in Texas supports an elderly mother and two sons, one with a compromised immune system. She goes to work each day to support her family but fears putting them at risk if she brings illness home. Shes hopeful the raises Amazon announced will be paid to drivers like herher employer hasnt yet made that clearbut worries about the toll additional hours will take on her immune system since managers are asking drivers to work six days each week. Im not even sure I could find another job right now if I decided the risk was too great, she said. My mother and son are in a high-risk group so you would think it would make the decision easy, but its not, not when my children depend on me. One driver in Boston stopped making deliveries about two weeks ago due to concerns about the virus. She has a full-time job and drives for Amazon on the side in her own car for extra money. Shes worried about other drivers who cant afford to give it up, even if they are feeling ill. Still, she said shed take the risk out of financial necessity if the economy melts down and she loses her full-time job. Anyone with a shred of common sense knows you shouldnt be going to some strangers door to deliver groceries right now, she said. This system is set up to take care of Amazons customers. Its not set up to take care of drivers. Another driver in California is worried about his safety but feels good when customers thank him for making deliveries so they can stay safe at home. Some of them seem lonely and eager to chat since they are stuck in their own homes, but he tries to keep the conversations brief and not let people get too close. I try to get the door as quickly as I can and get away before they see me, he said. They try to make conversation and I just try to keep my distance when they do. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. By Laman Ismayilova Soz (Word) literature project has announced the contest of poems, essays and photographs dedicated to nature protection. The competition "Let's save nature with love!" is open for students receiving education in a specialty related to the ecology and nature in Azerbaijan. Kids aged 12 and older can join another contest titled "Nature through the eyes of children". According to the rules, all poems and essays should be in Azerbaijani, Russian and English. Those who wish to take part in the competition must provide their biography and photograph. Poems, essays, photographs and artwork for the competition should be sent to the email address: [email protected] The final date is April 30, 2020. Soz (Word) literary project aims to promote works of national poets and writers and increase attention to literature. Supported by the Cultural Ministry and the State Economic University (UNEC), the project is important from the point of view of propaganda of Azerbaijani culture. Soz project is headed is famous poetess Nigar Hasanzade. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Canadian government announced an $82 billion COVID-19 economic stimulus package on Wednesday, with $27 billion intended to go directly to workers and businesses. The package includes support not only for workers who are eligible for employment insurance (EI), but also the self-employed, independent contractors or gig economy workers who cant access EI. Shortly after the announcement the Star spoke to Toronto labour lawyer Andrew Langille, who said he was concerned about Service Canadas capacity to handle the influx of applications. Its going to be a disaster, he said, adding that there were already delays in processing EI claims. The idea that theyre going to be able to handle hundreds of thousands of applications in the space of a week? I think theyll pull through eventually but its going to result in quite big delays in benefits being paid. Employment and Social Development Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether or not it had increased its processing capacity. Langille said its important to apply as soon as possible. Here are answers to other questions you may have about the aid package with Langille offering his advice throughout. What aid can you get if youre sick or quarantined? Anyone who doesnt have paid sick leave and hasnt been able to work because they are sick, quarantined or caring for someone who is sick or quarantined can immediately apply for EI sickness benefits, if they are eligible, without the usual one-week waiting period. EI pays 55 per cent of insurable earnings and your employer may provide a top-up on top of that. Workers who are sick or quarantined who are not eligible for EI can, starting in April, apply for the Emergency Care Benefit, which will provide up to $900 every two weeks for 15 weeks. No medical notes or certificates are required. We want this to be as easy as possible so people who need this help can get this help, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said Wednesday. The Emergency Care Benefit does not apply to people who are laid off, but are not sick, quarantined or caring for someone else as a result of COVID-19. People in that position will be covered by the Emergency Support Benefit (see below). Who is eligible for EI? In order to be eligible for EI you need to have been paying into it. You also must have worked a certain number of hours in the previous year, depending on where you live. In Toronto, you are required to have 600 hours for EI sickness benefits and 700 hours for regular benefits, Langille said. A lot of people who are students or who have caregiving responsibilities, theyre not going to meet that requirement, he said. That would have been an easy way to let more people access EI, by dropping the hours requirement temporarily. The number of weeks for which you receive the benefit depends on how many insurable hours you have. Langille said EI coverage is not what it once was because of the rise of the gig economy and precarious work. People are getting less hours, so theres less full-time regular employment compared to the past, he said. If youre self-employed or an independent contractor you can pay into EI and potentially get benefits, but not many people do. What if I got laid off but Im not sick or in quarantine? Healthy workers who were laid off, but arent eligible for EI, are eligible for the Emergency Support Benefit, for which the government said they have earmarked $5 billion and would provide more details in the near future. The benefit will be delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency and, according to Morneaus announcement, is expected to provide 14 weeks of support at a comparable level to EI, which is 55 per cent of insurable earnings. COVID-19 relief measures: For People Here are key components of the government's massive stimulus package as they apply for individuals, families and children. Children $10 billion in funds for Emergency Child Care Benefit up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks. Families $5.5 billion in funds into the economy after special top-up payment under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit. Workers $5 billion in funds toward Emergency Support Benefit for workers who are not eligible for EI and face unemployment Parents $2 billion in funds toward Canada Child Benefit payments. Taxes Extend the tax filing deadline for individuals to June 1, and allow all tax payers to defer payment until after August 31. Wages Provide eligible small businesses a 10 per cent wage subsidy for the next 0- days, up to a maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Mortgages Provide increased flexibility to lenders to defer mortgage payments on homeowner government-insured mortgage loans to borrowers. EI Waive mandatory one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits. Waive requirement for medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits. Source: Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau How do I apply? You can apply for EI online through Service Canadas website. The application will take about an hour to complete. Langille said you should have your banking information with you so you can select the direct deposit option. Because youll get your benefits faster. It would be good to have your record of employment, he said, but its not necessary. Applications for the Emergency Care Benefit will be available in April, the government said, and can be made through your Canada Revenue Agency account, your My Service Canada Account or by calling a toll-free number, which they have not yet set up. It is not clear when or how people will be able to apply for the Emergency Support Benefit. What about tips? Are they part of my income? It depends. If your tips are controlled, meaning they are collected and distributed by your employer, then they can be counted toward your insurable earnings. In general, tips that are not controlled by the employer, even if they are declared on your income tax, are not considered insurable earnings. Its going to screw a lot of servers over, Langille said. Their insurable earnings are only going to be at the level of the minimum wage. For more information on how the CRA classifies tips see this section of their website. What if I run my own business and Ive had to close down? You may be eligible for the Emergency Support Benefit mentioned above. If you have employees, the government is proposing a 10-per-cent wage subsidy for a period of three months up to $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer to avoid layoffs. You should also contact your bank to negotiate deferring your loan or mortgage payments. The Bank of Montreal, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank, TD and the National Bank announced, via the Canadian Bankers Association, that clients will be able to defer mortgage payments for up to six months and negotiate longer amortization periods or special loans. Assistance will be determined on a case-by-case basis, the association said. The government also announced other measures to increase access to credit. COVID-19 relief measures: For Business Here are key components of the government's massive stimulus package as they apply for businesses. Income tax All businesses to defer the payment of income tax amounts until after August 31, 2020. Credit Increase credit available to small, medium and large Canadian businesses. Support Further expand Export Development Canada's ability to provide support to domestic businesses. Mortgages Launch an Insured Purchase Program to purchases up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Flexibility Provide flexibility on the Canada Account limit, allowing the government to provide additional support to Canadian businesses. Credit Augment credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada. Source: Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau Do I still have to file my taxes on time? No. The CRA has deferred the income tax filing date until June 1. Additionally, the CRA will allow both individuals and businesses to defer the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020 until after Aug. 31. No business will be audited for the next four weeks. How long will it take to be paid? Its not totally clear. The government has waived the one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits, but if youre not sick, quarantined or caring for someone else then the one-week waiting period still remains. For people who are not eligible for EI, applications are only opening in April. Langille said theres a huge potential for long delays. They do not have the staffing levels to handle this. Even if they bring in their managers theyre going to be swamped. I think you should warn people to be prepared for that. Any other advice? Langille suggested that people apply online and do so in the late-evening or early-morning hours when there will be less strain on the system. I cant stress enough that people have to apply as soon as possible, because if you delay in applying youll start losing out on benefit weeks. If you encounter any problems, Langille suggested contacting your MPs office or a community legal clinic. Read more about: Sonora, CA Coronavirus concerns are causing Catholic church officials to suspend public worship gatherings. According to St. Patrick Catholic Church Sonora officials, they received word that beginning today, the Diocese of Stockton mandated that Masses not be held until further notice. A public communication posted by Bishop of Stockton Myron Cottas office explains that the decision to suspend all public daily and Sunday Masses beginning Wednesday until further notice follows the guidance of state and national public health officials. The bishop further advised that parishes are being encouraged to open their church buildings on Sundays and throughout the week for parishioners and others who wish to pray and seek spiritual consolation and that people should contact their local parish to learn if and when it will be open. Along with St. Patricks in Sonora the parishes and missions within the jurisdiction of the Catholic Diocese of Stockton in Tuolumne County are All Saints Church in Twain Harte, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Mission in Big Oak Flat, and St. Joseph Mission in Tuolumne City. Those in Calaveras County are St. Patricks Church, Angels Camp, Our Lady of the Sierra Mission, Arnold, St. Patrick Mission, Murphys, St. Ignatius, Copperopolis, St. Andrew Church, San Andreas, St. Thomas Aquinas Mission, Mokelumne Hill, and Our Lady of Fatima Mission, West Point. The diocese plans to post updates, information, and resources, including for online Masses here. MILL VALLEY, Calif., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwood Trust, Inc. (NYSE: RWT), a leading innovator in housing credit investing, today announced that it has closed its 106th Sequoia securitization, SEMT 2020-3, backed by a $637 million pool of Redwood Select jumbo loans. Separately, the company also closed a transaction to extend the maturity of a $400 million warehouse financing facility scheduled to mature at the end of March 2020, to a new maturity date in March 2021. In a presentation published on the company's website on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Redwood disclosed that it had priced this $637 million residential securitization. The company intends to use the net proceeds it received at closing to reduce borrowings under its existing residential warehouse facilities. Redwood estimates this transaction will increase the financing capacity under its warehouse facilities to approximately 60% of its maximum aggregate financing capacity. In the same presentation, Redwood disclosed that it expected to renew this warehouse financing facility for jumbo residential mortgage loans. As of the close of business on March 18, 2020, Redwood had $244 million of capacity available under this uncommitted warehouse line. The renewal extends the maturity of this facility to March 26, 2021 on similar terms. The company plans to continue to use the facility as a warehouse line for jumbo loans held for sale in its Residential Lending business segment. Additional Resources About Redwood Trust Redwood Trust, Inc. (NYSE: RWT) is a specialty finance company focused on making credit-sensitive investments in single-family residential and multifamily mortgages and related assets and engaging in mortgage banking activities. Our goal is to provide attractive returns to shareholders through a stable and growing stream of earnings and dividends, as well as through capital appreciation. Redwood Trust was established in 1994, is internally managed, and structured as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for tax purposes. For more information about Redwood, please visit our website at www.redwoodtrust.com. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to Redwood's planned use for the warehouse financing facility. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ from our beliefs, expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements are not historical in nature and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "will," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," "seek," "plan" and similar expressions or their negative forms, or by references to strategy, plans, or intentions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption "Risk Factors." Other risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected may be described from time to time in reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. CONTACT Lisa Hartman SVP, Head of Investor Relations Phone: 866-269-4976 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Redwood Trust, Inc. Related Links http://www.redwoodtrust.com Young mother Hannah Dryfhout, 19, had barely registered her fellow Australians stockpiling food and medication for the coronavirus pandemic because she was focused on her son Alexander's brain surgery. The seven-month-old, who was born prematurely at 28 weeks in August 2019, suffers from a chronic lung disease and on March 8 - one day before Italy closed its borders in a nationwide quarantine - his head began to swell. 'We took him to the hospital because he started to look like he was having seizures, which was new. We stayed there for a week before doctors operated on him to reduce the swelling,' the Melbourne-based mother told FEMAIL. After his operation Alexander was recovering well and he was allowed to return home to the family's Mount Eliza home. Hannah Dryfhout, 19, (centre) had barely registered her fellow Australians stockpiling food and medication for the coronavirus pandemic because she was focused on her son Alexander's brain surgery (pictured) The seven-month-old, who was born prematurely at 28 weeks in August 2019, suffers from a chronic lung disease and on March 8 - one day before Italy closed its borders in a nationwide qurantine - his head began to swell According to Miss Dryfhout, the hospital would normally supply her with a 'care package' filled with hand sanitiser and wound healing implements to help children like Alexander avoid infection, but they are running short of supplies since the COVID-19 outbreak. It was just really beautiful how people came together. 'They were only able to give us alcohol swabs and a small amount of wound care, probably believing I had things like children's Panadol at home,' she said. 'I didn't know how bad things had gotten. I was in a bubble focusing on him. I didn't go out and stockpile anything or buy any extra supplies.' According to Miss Dryfhout, the hospital would normally supply her with a 'care package' filled with hand sanitiser and wound healing implements after her son had an operation 'We got home and had no Panadol and he was so unsettled. I thought, what am I going to do? We drove around to plenty of chemists in the area and couldn't find anything. I was really stressed and starting to freak out,' Miss Dryfhout said With the coronavirus advice from health authorities changing everyday Australians had been hoarding adult and children's Panadol in the event they would need it. 'We got home and had no Panadol and he was so unsettled. I thought, what am I going to do? We drove around to plenty of chemists in the area and couldn't find anything. I was really stressed and starting to freak out,' Miss Dryfhout said. She decided to write a Facebook post in her local 'Neighbourly Love' group on Tuesday night, hoping some kindhearted people would have hand sanitiser, Panadol, wipes and some nappies at their disposal. 'People started commenting about how they had a few bottles of sanitiser available. A lady with terminal cancer said she had two bottles but our Alexander could have one. It was just really beautiful how people came together,' she said. She decided to write a Facebook post in her local 'Neighbourly Love' group on Tuesday night, hoping some kindhearted people would have hand sanitiser, Panadol, wipes and some nappies at their disposal Before long one of the general managers of Chemist Warehouse in Sydney saw Miss Dryfhout's plight and got in contact with her after hours, saying they would send a package for her Before long one of the general managers of Chemist Warehouse in Sydney saw Miss Dryfhout's plight and got in contact with her after hours, saying they would send a package for her. A Melbourne-based Chemist Warehouse also said they would provide her one to two months of products to help with Alexander's recovery. 'They had [the package] down here within half and hour. To go out of their way to help us was truly amazing. The director of Chemist Warehouse called me to say the story broke his heart and he feels for people in Alexander's situation,' she said. 'They had [the package] down here within half and hour. To go out of their way to help us was truly amazing. The director of Chemist Warehouse called me to say the story broke his heart and he feels for people in Alexander's situation,' she said Miss Dryfhout had to start telling kind strangers to stop sending hand sanitiser, the level of generosity had been so great. Her family is now in lockdown for 10 days while Alexander heals and they aren't accepting any visitors - but for now her son is feeling much better. 'My biggest fear isn't getting the coronavirus, it's him getting an infection. So we're being extra cautious now but it just sucks with people hoarding groceries... because there are lots of people like Alexander who need supplies,' she said. Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked individuals to stop hoarding groceries on Wednesday, after upgrading the country's travel warning to a category 4 - meaning no one is permitted to fly internationally. New Jersey residents struggling to make ends meet could be protected from evictions during a major crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic under an emergency package of bills before the state Senate on Thursday. The legislation (S3859) would allow the governor to order a moratorium on evictions of homeowners amid foreclosure proceedings or evictions of rental tenants during and for up to two months after a widespread crisis a concern as more and more people are finding themselves out of work. State lawmakers have rushed to respond to the growing coronavirus outbreak that has forced closures of schools and entire industries. The state Assembly passed more than two dozen bills Monday under its emergency rules that allow the body to ignore the normal rules of procedure. They cleared with big support from Democrats and Republicans. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bills Thursday at the Statehouse in Trenton. From there they will head to Gov. Phil Murphy, who has declined to telegraph his support for the package, except to say the measures conceptually are in line with his thinking. The Senate session is closed to the public and will be held in the larger Assembly chambers to accommodate social distancing for the bodys 100 members. You can watch a livestream of the proceedings at www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp?SESSION=2020. Other legislation, too, is also aimed at propping up New Jersey workers and businesses feeling the pinch of the public health emergency. A bill (S2293) attempts to bridge the gap for New Jerseyans who are losing out on wages because of the coronavirus but dont necessarily qualify for unemployment insurance. The legislation sets aside $10 million for people in the state who miss work because their childs school or daycare is closed, because they are ill or because they need to care for a family member. It creates another $10 million fund to assist employers in the state who continue to pay the wages of employees who are ordered into quarantine. Other legislation would: remote learning in the event of unexpected closures lasting more than three days due to an epidemic, weather or other emergency. A day of remote instruction would be considered a full day of school attendance for the purposes of graduation requirements and course credits, according to the bill. A3813 ) Allow school districts in the state to meet the requirement they operate for 180 days within the event of unexpected closures lasting more than three days due to an epidemic, weather or other emergency. A day of remote instruction would be considered a full day of school attendance for the purposes of graduation requirements and course credits, according to the bill. students eligible for free- or reduced- lunch and breakfast. Districts would be instructed to set up easily accessible distribution points including in high-density housing areas if there are any. Districts would have to deliver meals to students who arent within walking distance of a site. And if a district cant meet these requirements, it would have to supply food vouchers families can trade in at retail stores. A3840 ) Require school districts in the state to provide meals toand breakfast. Districts would be instructed to set up easily accessible distribution points including in high-density housing areas if there are any. Districts would have to deliver meals to students who arent within walking distance of a site. And if a district cant meet these requirements, it would have to supply food vouchers families can trade in at retail stores. A3841) Extend the states April 15 tax deadline but only if the federal government extends it first. So far, the federal government has given people more time to pay their taxes but the deadline to file still stands. but only if the federal government extends it first. So far, the federal government has given people more time to pay their taxes but the deadline to file still stands. grant program for schools in the state to purchase technology equipment , like laptops, tablets and mobile hot spots for students to use either at school or at home. The bill is meant to close the digital divide between districts that can afford devices for every students and those that cannot. A3842 ) Create a, like laptops, tablets and mobile hot spots for students to use either at school or at home. The bill is meant to close the digital divide between districts that can afford devices for every students and those that cannot. health insurers in the state to cover coronavirus testing and telemedicine during a public health emergency or declared state of emergency. The bill requires the coverage to be provided to the same extent as for any other services under the health benefits plan, except that no cost-sharing may be imposed on the coverage provided pursuant to the bill, the legislation says. A3843 ) Requireand telemedicine during a public health emergency or declared state of emergency. The bill requires the coverage to be provided to the same extent as for any other services under the health benefits plan, except that no cost-sharing may be imposed on the coverage provided pursuant to the bill, the legislation says. offer business grants during a declared emergency to go toward the planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, improving, equipping, furnishing of a program, including grants for working capital and meeting payroll. A3845 ) Permit the states Economic Development Authority toduring a declared emergency to go toward the planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, improving, equipping, furnishing of a program, including grants for working capital and meeting payroll. receive paid leave rather than use their accrued sick leave. The public employee could also qualify for paid leave to stay home with a child whose school or daycare is closed. A3847 ) Allow local government employees in the state that have to miss work due to the coronavirus either they were diagnosed, they were ordered to quarantine or theyre choosing to isolate as recommended torather than use their accrued sick leave. The public employee could also qualify for paid leave to stay home with a child whose school or daycare is closed. A3848) Prohibit employers in the state from firing an employee or refusing to reinstate an employee who takes time off work on the recommendation of their health care provider because the employee has or may have the novel coronavirus. an employee or refusing to reinstate an employee who takes time off work on the recommendation of their health care provider because the employee has or may have the novel coronavirus. hold public meetings electronically during an emergency. Likewise, a bill ( A3850 ) Permit local government bodies in the state toduring an emergency. Likewise, a bill ( A3852 ) would let the state Legislature to conduct its business remotely. Another bill ( A3861 ) would allow corporations to host remote shareholder meetings, and one more ( A3864 ) would let notaries to perform some of their acts remotely. extend the deadlines for counties and municipalities to adopt their annual operating budgets during an official emergency. A3851 ) Give the director of the states Division of Local Government Services power to unilaterallyto adopt their annual operating budgets during an official emergency. Covid-19 testing and give the health commissioner authority to waive health care staffing ratios during a public health crisis. A3854 ) Allow any licensed health care facility in the state collect specimens forand give the health commissioner authority to waive health care staffing ratios during a public health crisis. $10 million helping sanitize nursing homes, urgent care centers, retirement centers, senior centers, group homes, psychiatric hospitals rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters and others in the state A3856 ) Spendnursing homes, urgent care centers, retirement centers, senior centers, group homes, psychiatric hospitals rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters and others in the state $15 million to food banks in the state , including the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey and Fulfill of Monmouth and Ocean counties. A3857 ) Send, including the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey and Fulfill of Monmouth and Ocean counties. increase benefits under the Work First New Jersey program if it determines that the standard benefits issued under the Work First New Jersey program are not sufficient to support the needs of recipients in the State. A3858 ) Allow the state toprogram if it determines that the standard benefits issued under the Work First New Jersey program are not sufficient to support the needs of recipients in the State. telemedicine . A3860 ) Allow health care providers in the state to provide and bill for licensing boards to expedite including waiving criminal background checks licenses and certifications to applicants who already hold a corresponding license or certification in another state A3862 ) Permit the states professional including waiving criminal background checks licenses and certifications to applicants who already hold a corresponding license or certification in another state A3865) Bar grocery stores in the state from accepting returns during the coronavirus outbreak and for 30 days after the state of emergency to protect the public health. They can accept returns because of manufacturer defect but they cannot put them up for sale again. during the coronavirus outbreak and for 30 days after the state of emergency to protect the public health. They can accept returns because of manufacturer defect but they cannot put them up for sale again. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. New Delhi, March 19 : Freida Pinto feels there was a time when the world ridiculed Indians for speaking so many languages and celebrating so many festivals. The actress says the world needs to imbibe the ethos of Indian culture in this "dark time". The actress is excited about her new animated show "Mira, Royal Detective", weaved around with the Indian culture and traditions. She feels people will be amazed to look at the myriad colours and diversity of India. "I think the first thing is that the world is going to be absolutely enthralled by the fact that there are so many languages and festivals that we celebrate," Freida told IANS in an interview. "We, in the past, have been ridiculed for speaking so many languages and celebrating so many festivals. Now, they are going to see the beauty of these and then realise what they are missing on. They will want to celebrate a few of them here in America and I think they rightfully should, similar to celebrating Christmas, Easter or any other festival," she added. The US-based Indian actress, who found fame with the Oscar winning "Slumdog Millionaire", continued: "I hope they celebrate Eid, Holi and Diwali and understand the significance of these festivals. All these festivals are tied to Mother Nature but also in good and evil, the same way all the other religious festivals are tied into. So, I think it will be a great learning and perception building as well. "Also, as a point of view of how much the Indian culture and tradition is weaved around family, friendship and togetherness. I think the world really needs it right now. We need this at this dark time," she added. Freida has carved out a niche of her own in world cinema through her roles in films like "Miral", "Day Of The Falcon", "Immortals", "Desert Dancer" and "Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes". Freida was also seen with Christian Bale in Terrence Malick's film "Knight Of Cups", which brought to light Hollywood's underbelly. Her work resume also includes projects "Guerrilla", "Yamasong: March of the Hollows", "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" and "Love Sonia". The actress feels that lack of awareness of Indian culture led to stereotypes. "There's this beautiful thing about the Indian culture that it's very welcoming but because of the lack of awareness of the culture over the years, it has been reduced to stereotypes. And this show ('Mira, Royal Detective') shatters all of these. No one speaks in a particular accent; we all just keep our own, just to make it universally understood. This will make people seen and heard and not make them feel ridiculous while watching a show like this," she said. Set in the fictional land of Jalpur, "Mira, Royal Detective" follows the life of Mira, a commoner who is appointed to the role of royal detective by the queen. Freida has voiced the character of Queen Shanti who appoints a kind, empathetic, intelligent and confident little girl named Mira to be the Royal detective to her kingdom. "Playing Queen Shanti in 'Mira, Royal Detective' is extremely special because firstly, I never grew up watching a show like this. The fact that the show now gets made with a whole South Asian cast, theme, songs along with clothing, language etc just means that we get to normalise the South Asian and Indian culture. We get other people to watch this and be a part of it as well. It's like we all are invited to this one big party at 'Mira, Royal Detective'," she said. The series features an all-star cast of prominent South Asian actors including Jameela Jamil, Kal Penn, Freida, Hannah Simone, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Aasif Mandvi and Aparna Nancherla amongst others. It will also introduce 16-year-old newcomer Leela Ladnier as the voice of Mira. The show will premiere in the US on March 20 on Disney Channel. It will go on air on Disney Channel India on March 22. (Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, pledged to send more medical experts to Italy this week, on the same day Beijing sent 2,000 rapid diagnostic tests to the Philippines. Serbias president pleaded for assistance not from the countrys neighbours in Europe, which restricted the export of needed medical equipment, but from China. European solidarity does not exist, the Serbian leader, Aleksandar Vucic, said when he announced a state of emergency in televised remarks. That was a fairy tale on paper. I believe in my brother and friend Xi Jinping, and I believe in Chinese help. Only a few weeks ago, China was overwhelmed by the coronavirus epidemic that began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, accepting donations of masks and other medical supplies from nearly 80 nations and 10 international organisations. Now, with new daily cases at home dwindling into the single digits, China is mounting a diplomatic offensive to help, as the rest of the world struggles to get the virus under control. From Japan to Iraq, Spain to Peru, it has provided or pledged humanitarian assistance in the form of donations or medical expertise an aid blitz that is giving China the chance to reposition itself not as the authoritarian incubator of a pandemic but as a responsible global leader at a moment of worldwide crisis. In doing so, it has stepped into a role that the West once dominated in times of natural disaster or public health emergency and that President Donald Trump has increasingly ceded in his America First retreat from international engagement. This could be the first major global crisis in decades without meaningful US leadership and with significant Chinese leadership, said Rush Doshi, director of the China Strategy Initiative at the Brookings Institution in Washington. He noted that only a few years ago the United States led the fight against Ebola. The outbreak that started in Wuhan, which has infected nearly 200,000 people and killed nearly 8,000 worldwide, has been a staggering setback for Mr Jinpings leadership, fanning discontent at home and questions abroad about the efficacy of the Communist state. Now, the global failures in confronting the pandemic from Europe to the United States have given the Chinese leadership a platform to prove its model works and potentially gain some lasting geopolitical currency. As it has done in the past, the Chinese state is using its extensive tools and deep pockets to build partnerships around the world, relying on trade, investments and, in this case, an advantageous position as the worlds largest maker of medicines and protective masks. The largess is going a long way to help temper popular anger over its initial mishandling of the outbreak that is now wreaking havoc on every continent bar Antarctica. China has long aspired to assert a more prominent role in the United Nations and other international organisations (AFP) (AFP via Getty Images) I dont know and now I dont care, Michele Geraci, a former undersecretary in the Italian economic development ministry, said in an interview when asked if the assistance reflected Chinas geopolitical ambitions as much as humanitarian concerns. He said the urgent issue was to provide aid to save lives, something that Italys allies in the European Union had been unable or unwilling to do. If somebody is worried China is doing too much, the gap is open to other countries, he said. This is what other countries should do. China has long aspired to assert a more prominent role in the United Nations and other international organisations while projecting its political, economic and military influence in more and more parts of the world at times in direct competition with the United States. China is now trying to repair its severely damaged international image due to its mishandling of the outbreak in Wuhan in early January, Minxin Pei, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College in California, wrote in an email. Donating medical supplies shows China is a responsible and generous world power, he added. It is also touting its success in containing the coronavirus outbreak to suggest its one-party regime is superior to the bumbling democracies in the West, in particular the U.S. Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Show all 20 1 /20 Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Top: Nabi Younes market, Mosul Bottom: Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Grand Mosque, Mecca Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Nabi Younes market, Mosul Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Basra Grand Mosque, Iraq Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Charles Bridge, Prague Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Taj Mahal hotel, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Dubai Mall, UAE Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Gateway of India, Mumbai Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Beirut March, Lebanon Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Cairo University, Egypt Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Victoria Memorial, India Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Amman Citadel, Jordan Reuters Before and after photos show impact of coronavirus around the world Sidon, Lebanon Reuters On Wednesday, China said it would provide 2 million surgical masks, 200,000 advanced masks and 50,000 testing kits to Europe. Were grateful for Chinas support, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said in a tweet. We need each others support in times of need. One of Chinas leading entrepreneurs, Jack Ma, offered to donate 500,000 tests and 1 million masks to the United States, where hospitals are facing shortages despite having weeks of notice to prepare. In February, the United States flew in 17 tons of supplies to Wuhan aboard four flights that evacuated Americans from the city. This is no longer a challenge that a country can solve on its own, but it requires all of us to work together, Mas foundation said in a statement that listed donations to dozens of countries, including all 54 nations in Africa. The statement went on to cite Mas use on Weibo, a social media platform, of a familiar phrase in the American political lexicon: United we stand, divided we fall. Chinese officials have insisted that a pandemic should be an arena for political cooperation, not competition. Chinas success in slowing the diseases spread, however, has emboldened officials and state media to push back harder at times clumsily. One foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, floated a conspiracy theory that the US Army was behind the virus, while another squabbled with Mario Vargas Llosa, the Peruvian author and Nobel Prize laureate, over a newspaper column he wrote about the pandemic. Chinas critics dismiss the assistance as hollow gestures, even cynical ones. A local medical worker embraces and bids farewell to a medical worker from Jiangsu at Wuhan Railway Station, as the medical team from Jiangsu leaves the city (Reuters) Many in Italy, for example, angrily pointed out that China was selling masks, respirators and other medical equipment, not donating them, and claimed that some of the materials were meant for Chinese citizens in the country. Others have warned that China was using its dominant role in the production of respirators and masks to reward friendly nations. China made half the worlds masks before the coronavirus emerged there and it has greatly expanded production nearly 12-fold since then, although it has kept more of the supply for itself. Li Xingqian, the director of international trade at the commerce ministry in Beijing, said in a recent briefing that the government had not issued any rule to stop exports, but simply needed to meet strong domestic demand for masks and other protective equipment. For countries on the receiving end of Chinas largess, questions about the countrys motives have largely taken a back seat. That has been especially clear in Iraq, a country that has been a focus of U.S. foreign policy for decades. Ten days ago, a team of seven Chinese medical experts stepped off an Iraqi Airlines plane in Baghdad bearing medical equipment and supplies. Those included two machines that will allow Iraqi lab technicians to more than quadruple the number of coronavirus tests they do every day, according to doctors dealing with the outbreak. The Iraqi people value this initiative of the Chinese people, Jassim Al-Falahi, the deputy minister of health, said as he met the arriving team. In the days since the Chinese experts have begun to brief doctors and health officials about steps to combat the coronavirus, conducting some discussions by teleconference with Iraqi hospital leaders, according to Dr Hassan Al-Tamimi, the director-general of Baghdads Medical City Teaching Hospital Complex. A statement by the Iraqi foreign ministry made clear that the coronavirus was only one of the projects the two countries would be working on together: the others include the oil industry and updating some of Iraqs ageing electricity infrastructure. It is not clear whether the Iraqis fully absorbed the lessons the Chinese have offered. At a signing ceremony on Tuesday for the installation of a new lab at Medical City, the Chinese ambassador to Iraq, Zhang Tao, appeared visibly anxious. Really, there are many people in this room, important people, government advisers and ministers, none of them is wearing a mask or gloves, Zhang told Mohammed Waheen, a pulmonologist at Medical City Teaching Hospital, who also attended. Your prime minister is more than 70 years old, Waheeb said, recalling his conversation with the ambassador. You are not taking this seriously. New York Times A farmers' leader on Thursday said that their ongoing protests to press for a greater compensation for the land acquired by authorities to build roads will continue despite the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus affliction. The number of farmers protesting in Bhagora of Jalore district may be reduced due to the government's advisory for precautions against the coronavirus threat, but the protest will continue, Bharat Bhumi Bachao Sangarsh Samiti president Ramesh Dalal said. The farmers have been holding sit-in protest since February 28 for their cause. He said changes are being made in accordance with the government 's advisory but the protest will continue. Five farmers will sit on relay hunger strike and 15 other farmers will hold a sit-in. Police had to rush Dalal to a district hospital on Wednesday night when his health deteriorated. Police said the farmer leader was sent to the district hospital yesterday due to weakness. Presently, 300 to 400 people are sitting on the strike. The agitation might end after holding talks with their leader at the hospital, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Emergency measures last seen during the Global Financial Crisis could be introduced to keep retirees afloat after the coronavirus outbreak savaged superannuation balances and hurt savers. The Self Managed Super Fund Association and National Seniors Australia have written separately to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg asking for the minimum drawdown rate to be halved and raising major concerns about how retirees will stay afloat following a double-digit fall in super accounts. Retirees want changes to the deeming rate and protection after the coronavirus crisis smashed share markets and superannuation accounts. Other retiree groups are calling for changes to the deeming rates that affect hundreds of thousands of Australians, mainly pensioners, to ensure they are not penalised by the Reserve Bank's rate cut to a fresh record low of 0.25 per cent on Thursday. The average balanced super account has declined 10 to 12 per cent during the pandemic, SuperRatings data shows. SMSFA chief executive John Maroney said in a letter to Mr Frydenberg this week that economic instability from the pandemic had created "significant concerns" about retirement balances. 4.8k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trump teamed up with a One America News Network propagandist to use the coronavirus briefing to attack the media and spread lies. Trump was asked by One America News, On that note, major left-wing news media, even in this room, teamed up with Chinese party narratives and claiming youre racist for making these claims about Chinese virus. Is it alarming that major media players just who oppose you are signing with foreign states with radical cartels that work right here at the White House and are direct assets to you and your team? Video of Trump: Trump teams up with One America News Network personality to disgrace the White House briefing room with conspiracies and attacks on the media, during the coronavirus briefing. pic.twitter.com/iDU6h7Xgui Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 19, 2020 The President responded with a conspiracy rant against the media: It amazes me when I read the things I read. It amazes me when I read The Wall Street Journal, which is also so negative. It amazes me when I read The New York Times I barely read it. We dont distribute it in the white house anymore. The same thing with The Washington Post. Because you see, I know the truth. And people out there in the world, they really dont know the truth. They dont know what it is. They use different slogans and different concepts for me almost every week trying to catch something. Last week it was all chaos. You see me, theres no chaos. I am the one telling everybody to be calm. Theres no chaos at the white we have unbelievable professionals. Its really, I think I came up with the term I hope I came up with a term, but it is fake news. Its more than fake news, its corrupt news. They write stories without calling anybody. They write a story today, I had a couple of stories where they never call me, ever, that I know of. At least nobody tells me. They will write a story about me without even asking my opinion on something. Its totally fake. I have never seen it. . I think theyre siding with China. Theyre doing things they shouldnt be doing. Theyre siding with many others. China is the least of it. Why theyre doing this, youll have to ask them. Donald Trump is using the national platform of the coronavirus pandemic briefing to spread lies and propaganda to discredit the free press. While people are dying due to a lack of coronavirus testing, Donald Trump is attacking the media. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook With Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the setting up of a 'COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force' to decide on a relief package for sectors hit by the coronavirus outbreak, has recommended that EMIs payable by homebuyers as well as dues from developers be deferred for a year. The sector, that anticipates construction work to come to a halt and sales to be hit, has also recommended that no stamp duty should be charged for a period of six months and a property tax abatement be given for a year. Prime Ministers address reflects the governments acknowledgement of the severe implications of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak on 130 crore citizens of India, numerous industries and overall economy alike, realtors said. The formation of special central committee - Govts COVID economic response taskforce under the able leadership of Union Minister of Finance, will open doors for discussions on economic challenges faced by us, said Nayan Shah, president, CREDAI MCHI. Given the current situation where daily wage workers are already struggling for their livelihood, we hope that the designated taskforce takes prompt and decisive decisions to guide the economy towards its revival. It is also imperative that it includes representatives from all key stakeholders in order to be able to adequately support businesses across different industries, he said. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show We hope the newly formed task force will look into suspending all financial obligations including payment for premium to the MCGM/Special planning authority/ Government for 1 year. CREDAI MCHI also strongly believes that all premiums payable to the MCGM, SPAs and state government should be reduced by 75% for a period of 5 years. All EMIs due and payable by all residential home buyers as well as the EMIs, interest, principal due from developers should be deferred for a period of 12 months. Other recommendations include 0% stamp duty for 6 months and abating property tax for a period of 1 year," he said. The COVID-19 Economic Task Force should watch out for an already struggling real estate industry and ensure that the interests of buyers are protected and larger stakeholders are assured of their interest. In addition, it will also be important to safeguard the interest of the workforce, real estate and construction being the second largest employer in India, said Sankey Prasad, Managing Director & Chairman (India), Colliers International. Boman Irani, vice president, CREDAI MCHI has recommended that COVID be declared as a national disaster. The prime minister in his address has called for setting up a Covid 19 Taskforce. This shows that Covid 19 is a special situationHome buyers need hand-holding in these times and therefore declaring this a natural disaster by the government will allow financial institutions to support developers and homebuyers. Homebuyers should be given a one year EMI break. The entire recognised Indian residential real estate sector sales is estimated to be around $43/50 billion which means real estate purchase of $1billion takes place a week. This will get impacted on account of COVID 19 fears and if these transactions are not supported there will be huge losses to the exchequer, he added. Credai in a statement on March 18 had said that Section 6 of RERA law provides that registration granted under section 5 may be extended by the Authority on an application made by the promoter due to force majeure. "COVID 19 does get covered under any other calamity caused by nature. Hence, it is humbly requested to please issue an advisory to the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities in all the states to please extend the time of completion of real estate projects as well as exempt the penal charges under RERA for a period of one year," CREDAI had said. Two of three Michigan Upper teens found unconscious in a running vehicle in February died from carbon monoxide poisoning, an Upper Peninsula sheriff has revealed. The deaths of Dylan Roberts, of LAnse, and Christopher Turpeinen, of Pelkie, both aged 17, shocked their small communities, especially the LAnse school district. A third teenager, 17-year-old Hunter Pelon, emerged from a coma three days after the February 17 incident. Dylan Roberts (left) and Christopher Turpeinen (right), both 17, were found dead inside a running vehicle in L'Anse, Michigan, on February 17 Hunter Pelon, 17, was found unconscious inside the vehicle but has since recovered WLUC-TV reported that Baraga County Sheriff Rick Johnson released the cause of the deaths after toxicology tests were completed. The Baraga County Sheriff's Office told DailyMail.com on Thursday that the victims died as a result of an accident. A sheriff's representative explained that the three friends had consumed some beers and decided to spend the night in the vehicle instead of driving home under the influence. They backed into a parking spot and turned in for the night. Although the exhaust pipe was not blocked by anything, carbon monoxide somehow seeped inside the interior of the vehicle, according to the sheriff. 'Both of these boys were widely known throughout the school,' classmate Addison Mattson said in February. 'They werent just friends to just one or two people. They were friends with everybody.' The incident began unfolding at 4.15pm on February 17 when Baraga County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a possible drunken driver in L'Anse Township. The Baraga Area Schools sent out this message last month addressing the teens' deaths Amber Pelon, Hunter's mother, on March 9 shared this photo of her daughter (center) recovering at home following her release from the hospital Upon arrival, the officers found three teens inside a running vehicle. Roberts and Turpeinen were pronounced dead at the scene. Pelon was initially taken to Baraga County Memorial Hospital, then transferred to Green Bay hospital. In the description of a GoFundMe page launched by a friend, Pelon's family initially said the girl was not going to pull through. However, three days later, Pelon regained consciousnesses. 'A MIRACLE has happened!! While we were told the outcome was inevitableHunter is AWAKE today!!! Thank you to everyone for your help and support,' an update dated February 20 read. Hunter's mother, Amber Pelon, said that her daughter woke up in the hospital that morning, was talking and was able to recognize everyone. She has since been released from the hospital to continue her recovery at home. 'She has a long recovery ahead of her,' Jennifer Sauvola, the friend who organized the online fundraiser, has said. 'She has blood clots in her lungs, deep brain tissue damage, heart damage, and nerve damage.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-20 04:46:35|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Vehicles are seen on the Paris ring-road in Paris, France, March 19, 2020. One hundred and eight COVID-19 patients died in 24 hours in France, taking the country's death toll to 372, and total confirmed cases to 10,995, Director-General of Health Jerome Salomon said Thursday in a daily update. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) PARIS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- One hundred and eight COVID-19 patients had died in 24 hours in France, taking the country's death toll to 372, and total confirmed cases to 10,995, Director-General of Health Jerome Salomon said Thursday in a daily update. Compared to Wednesday, 1,861 new positive cases were detected. A total of 4,761 people are now hospitalized, including 1,122 in intensive care, Salomon said. Some 1,300 have recovered. The number of daily tests exceeds 4,000. "We have now approached a total of 50,000 tests," he added. "We have a spreading epidemic that continues to worsen with rapid and intense viral circulation across the national territory. The objective is very clear, which is to mitigate and offset the effects on the doctors and hospital capacity," said Salomon. "Infection cases double every four days. The virus is spreading rapidly and intensely," said Salomon. As in past days, he urged the French people to strictly respect the confinement order and cut contacts with others to minimum to curb the spread of the virus. "The more we respect the rules, the more we can contain the outbreak," he added. "It is really a collective fight." France was in its third day of national lockdown on Thursday. Only journeys for professional and health reasons or to buy foods are allowed. Earlier in the day, President Emmanuel Macron deplored that "too many" people "take lightly" the confinement rules that came into effect from Tuesday at midday. "When I see that people continue to go to the park, to the beach or in the open markets, it means they did not understand the messages passed by the authorities," said Macron on the sidelines of a visit to the Institut Pasteur in Paris. Local authorities on Thursday issued orders banning access to beaches throughout the Mediterranean arc, Corsica and many regions of the Atlantic coast. The stringent movement restriction would likely be prolonged beyond its initial two-week period, said Macron. "Today no one can say how long it will be necessary to cut social contact," he said. "Should the containment be reinforced? Should it be extended? Possibly. Will we have to impose it during other periods? Probably. Because we don't know how many waves we will have and how the virus will behave." On the shortage of surgical masks for health workers, Salomon said that in total 35 million masks have been delivered to healthcare establishments and professionals since the outbreak of the epidemic. He added that 6 million masks are produced each week in France, a production in "rapid progression." At 8 p.m. Thursday evening, and at the same time on Wednesday, French people took to their balconies and windows to applaud the country's medical staff. After reaching a point of near extinction, Mexican gray wolf populations in the US have begun to rebound, growing 24 percent in 2019. According to new census information from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the number of Mexican gray wolves in the US rose to 163 in 2019, from 131 in 2018. The increase was attributed to 19 different packs that had successfully birthed a total of 90 pups throughout the course of the year, of which 52 survived. Mexican gray wolf populations grew by 24 percent in 2019, reaching a total of 161 wolves living in the wild across Arizona and New Mexico. Another 30 wolves are believed to live in the wild in Mexico The wolves are currently limited to the American southwest, with 87 currently living in New Mexico and 76 in Arizona. Another 30 wolves live in northern Mexico, though they were excluded from the census numbers. 'The count shows we have more wolves, more breeding pairs and more pups born in the wild than ever before, Amy Lueders of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a prepared statement. 'This is the second year we have seen a significant increase in the wild population of Mexican wolves, a success that is directly tied to the science-based, on-the-ground management efforts of the Interagency Field Team.' In total there are now 42 packs of Mexican gray wolves in the country, 11 more than the year previous, and 10 lone wolves that don't appear to be part of any pack. A wolf pack is defined as two or more wolves that monitor and maintain a set territory for themselves. 'This increase represents countless moments of wolf vigilance and smarts in avoiding people, which is a big part of keeping their precious pups alive,' Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity said in a prepared statement. 'Its heartening to have more wolves in our forests, but federal officials need to take much stronger action to establish healthy genetic diversity.' Mexican gray wolves are the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America, and were effectively eliminated from the wold in the 1970s, until researchers began breeding them in captivity and reintroduced them to the wild in 1998 To try and further bolster the endangered animal's numbers, the Fish and Wildlife Service have been breeding wolves in captivity and releasing the pups into the wild in the hopes that they would be adopted by unrelated wolf packs. Researchers hope this approach will reduce inbreeding among the small number of wolves currently living in the wild. Doing so will increase the species' genetic diversity and give them a better chance at longterm survival. Researchers have pursued this strategy since 2016, releasing a total of 30 pups born in captivity into the wild, of which only seven are thought to have survived. In 2019, 12 pups born in captivity were released into the wild, but just two appear to have survived. To minimize inbreeding among the still limited number of Mexican gray wolves in the wild, researchers have released wolf pups taken from their parents in captivity into the wild in the hopes that they'll be adopted by a new pack. Of the 12 pups released in 2019, just two survived The Mexican gray wolf is the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America, and had effectively been exterminated from the wild by the mid-1970s. It was listed as an endagered species in 1973 under the Endangered Species Act, and in 1977 a joint effort a joint effort with the Mexican government to save the species began, focused on breeding the few remaining wolves in captivity. In 1998, 11 wolves from that program were reintroduced into the wild for the first time. For researchers, the new census numbers are a sign that the program has been making slow, but steady progress. 'The results of this census are very important as they reflect the great progress being made in the recovery of the Mexican wolf in the United States,' Jim deVos of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said in a statement. 'The increase in the Mexican wolf population is not an isolated year, but rather a continuum of increases over the last 10 years.' ALTON State Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, on Thursday announced that she will close her office until further notice to help maintain the health and well-being of the community. She also recommended residents follow state and federal guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Although my office will be closed, my staff and I will still be working from home to ensure vital services continue and new information is quickly given to those who need it most, said Bristow. Anyone that may need assistance can still reach my office by email, social media and any phone messages will be checked frequently. Bristows Alton office can be contacted by email at RepMBristow@gmail.com or by direct message at Facebook.com/RepMBristow. She said the office will continue helping constituents with state services. This is a tough time for many in the community, but our top concern should be keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, including those that are most vulnerable to this virus, said Bristow. By following state and federal recommendations, we are hopeful to return to normal life soon. I am continuing to stay in contact with our state and local health care leaders and professionals to ensure that we are getting the proper information and resources to our communities, she said. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends many measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 like washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer, cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces frequently, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face. The Center for Disease Control recommends that gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled or postponed for the next eight weeks. To stay up to date on the status of COVID-19 in Illinois, residents can visit https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx or follow IDPH on social media. # # # CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A new Japanese drug is making headlines around the world for its effectiveness in treating coronavirus symptoms in clinical trials, but whether it would make its way to the U.S. is complicated. The drug is called Avigan or favipiravir, and it is normally used in Japan to treat new strains of influenza. Zhang Xinmin, an official at Chinas science and technology ministry told The Guardian that health outcomes improved for patients taking the drug in clinical trials involving 340 coronavirus patients in China. The drug is not as effective after the virus has already multiplied in more severe cases, according to early results described by a Japanese health official to newspaper Manichi Shimbun. Testing on patients with mild to medium symptoms began this month. Japan has a stockpile of about 2 million Avigan pills. Whether drugs could potentially be used to treat coronavirus symptoms in the United States depends on whether the FDA approves use and import of the drugs, and whether manufacturers in Japan approve enough for export, said Mahesh Srinivasan, director for the Institute for Global Business at the University of Akron. The FDA did not return a phone call for comment on whether they would fast-track approval or do inspection overseas for any coronavirus therapies in foreign countries. Government approval Favipiravir is not currently approved for coronavirus treatment in Japan, and when it would gain approval would depend on clinical research results. As of Wednesday, favipiravir is not approved by the FDA. Remdesivir is approved, but only for ebola treatment. Srinivasan said the agency would balance the need for the drug with the publics safety. If they see promise and theres a lot of people in the clinical field who will tell them (if) its promising or not, they may try to speed it up. Its amazing. I mean, weve seen things which take months -- they are doing it in days. So theres a will, they will do it. Companies are working on rapidly developing vaccines and anti-viral treatments in the United States. The first patient was injected with a potential coronavirus vaccine in Seattle this week. For foreign companies, the FDA needs to do inspections to make sure facilities are meeting the U.S. standards. On Tuesday, the FDA announced it would postpone foreign inspections in April not deemed mission-critical, though potential therapies for coronavirus were not specifically mentioned. The FDA has options for loosening restrictions on foreign imports, though this seems to be more in the case of individual prescriptions and not bulk distribution. There are expedited processes for drugs that fill a need, but its unclear whether they would apply here. Importing the drug When a therapy for coronavirus is developed and approved, it would be in a huge demand around the world. What most countries -- I think -- are doing or are going to start to do is treat(ing) many of these drugs and not only drugs, right, anything like medical equipment, like masks, respirators, everyday things like that, as things of national interest, Srinivasan said. When they do that, that helps them put in export curbs." India already applied restrictions on certain drugs and drug ingredients to ensure there would be enough for Indian citizens after shortages from Chinese imports. The Guardian reports that in 2016, the Japanese government supplied favipiravir as an emergency aid to counter the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea. But scientists in the United States are also working on treatments for coronavirus. A team of hundreds of scientists has identified 50 drugs that may be effective treatments for people infected with the coronavirus, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. Another drug, remdesivir, produced by an American company, has already been used to treat American patients aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, reports the Wall Street Journal. University Hospitals Cleveland will be one of the first site for clinical trials of the anti-viral. Many of those drugs are pivoting from existing therapies as well. This story has been updated to show remdesivir is produced by an American, not Japanese company. Sixty is the new 45, 80 is the new 60, and 100 is well, really dang old. But even centenarians know that once you stop learning, you star... The Supreme Court would resume the hearing on Madhya Pradesh floor test on Thursday at 10.30am. During the hearing on Wednesday, the apex court said it will not come in the way of the Madhya Pradesh assembly deciding who has the trust of the House, and asked lawyers to assist it in ensuring that 16 rebel Congress lawmakers, who the party says are being held captive by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), get to exercise freedom of choice. The development, amid a political standoff in the state between the Congress government of chief minister Kamal Nath and the BJP, came on a day Congress leader and the partys Rajya Sabha candidate from MP, Digvijaya Singh, was detained in Bengaluru when he tried to meet the rebel MLAs in the city. Later, Singh filed a petition in the Karnataka high court seeking a meeting with the MLAs ahead of the RS election due on March 26. The court refused him interim relief and deferred the case to the same date. In the Supreme Court, the 16 rebels offered to present themselves in the judges chamber but the court rejected the proposal.A bench comprising justices DY Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said the proposal was not appropriate and also refused to send its registrar general to meet them. Observing that the MLAs may or may not go to the assembly, but cannot be held captive, the court said it was not going to come in the way of the legislature deciding who enjoys the trust of the House, but has to ensure the legislators can freely exercise their choice. It is their choice whether they want to enter, comply with whips, etc. But certainly, when allegation is that they are being held in captivity, we have to see they are at free will. These 16 either proceed to the floor or dont but surely they cant be held captive and how do we ensure this, the bench asked. The court also said it knows that the 16 rebel MLAs as of now can tilt the balance one way or the other in the assembly. The court would resume the hearing on Thursday at 10.30am.The court asked the lawyers to assist it on the modalities of ensuring that the lawmakers have free access to the assembly and get to exercise their choice. Speaker NP Prajapati has approved the resignations of six MLAs who were ministers in Kamal Naths cabinet. Before the rebellion, the Congress had 114 legislators and had the support of seven other legislators in the House, which has an effective strength of 228. If all remaining 16 resignations are accepted, the majority mark will go down to 104 in the House, where the BJP has 107 legislators. The opposition BJP demanded an immediate floor test. Congress lawyer in the court, Dushyant Dave, said the floor test should be deferred till the by-polls for the vacant seats arising out of the resignations are concluded, saying the heavens are not going to fall if its government is allowed to remain in office till then. When the counsel for former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the rebel MLAs claimed they were in Bengaluru at their own free will, the bench said, We are not saying they are held captive. Our concern is to allay the apprehension. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Chouhan while another senior advocate, Maninder Singh, represented the rebels. Towards the end of the hearing, the bench put a poser to the speaker as to whether he will decide on the resignations of MLAs if they appear before him on Thursday, and said, A latest judgment asks the speaker to decide quickly. Tell us when will you decide. To this, senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the speaker, said: I dont want the Speakers discretion to be curtailed. I can inform about it tomorrow morning. But Maninder Singh intervened to say, We do not want to appear before the Speaker. It is a question of our safety. In Bengaluru, Digvijaya Singh, with Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar, staged a sit-in in front of a resort at the outskirts of Bengaluru on not being allowed by the police to meet the 16 sitting and six former Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh. They were detained by the police and later released. The Congress leaders claimed the MLAs wanted to talk to them but they were being prevented with their phones being taken away. Bengaluru rural superintendant of police, Bheemashankar Guled, denied the claim and said the rebel MLAs had sought police protection and told the police that they dont want to meet Singh or any other Congress leader. Digvijaya Singh told reporters that BJP MLA Arvind Bhadoria and another ruling party MP, whom he did not name, were holding the rebel MLAs captive. Why cant I meet my own party MLAs, my voters (for the RS polls), my own party men. What is the BJP doing in-between? he asked. The rebellion in the Congress dovetailed with the departure from the party of senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, who then joined the BJP, which has fielded him as one of its candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. In videos released after Singhs sit-in outside the hotel, the rebel MLAs claimed that they had never received respect from the former chief minister. One of them, Imrati Devi, said, My leader is Jyotiraditya Scindia. Its Digvijaya Singh who destroyed the Congress. I dont want to remain in such a Congress which has Digvijaya Singh in it. In Bhopal, chief minister Kamal Nath said, Digvijaya Singh was not allowed to have a talk with the MLAs citing a security risk despite the fact the MLAs are under protection of 500 police personnel of Karnataka. Is Digvijaya Singh a national threat? He reiterated that his government had proved its majority several times in the House and challenged the opposition to introduce a no-confidence motion against his government. This was minutes after the state cabinet decided to create three new districts in the state in a sop to legislators who have been demanding them. The Malaysian authorities have granted Ambu as a manufacturer of medical devices exemption from the two-week movement control order that has been declared with effect from 18 March, 2020. The nationwide movement control order is an initiative to counter the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia. Our role is to keep supplying hospitals around the globe with devices that help save lives and improve patient care. With the current pressure on national healthcare systems, we do our utmost to make sure that we can keep producing and delivering supplies to hospitals. Therefore, it is positive that the Malaysian authorities recognize the role we play in supporting healthcare facilities, says Juan Jose Gonzalez, CEO of Ambu. Contacts Investors Michael Hjgaard, CFO, tel. +45 4030 4349, email: miho@ambu.com Nicolai Thomsen, Investor Relations Manager, tel. +45 2620 8047, email: nith@ambu.com Media Mikkel Trier Wagner, Director Corporate Communications, tel. +45 4191 0830, email: mtw@ambu.com Attachment For years, Ive known the schedule of every nonstop flight to London by heart: American, United, British, Norwegian, Virgin Atlantic (back in the day), Air India (back in the day), TWA L-1011 Tristars (really back in the day). And since my parents settled in the village of Stansted, near the low-cost airport an hour outside of London, Ive found cheap ways to get there through Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, wherever. When my father was dying from Alzheimers complications in 2016, I kept going back and forth for the weekend, visiting with him while maintaining my job as the Tribunes theater critic, determined that my choice to live my life abroad should not hurt him when he needed me the most. It cost me a fair bit of cash but it was a long, cold winter and the flights either were cheap or available for miles. And I am very experienced at working the system. Hundreds of people defied restrictions on large gatherings in Israel to protest outside the parliament as they accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government of exploiting the coronavirus crisis to solidify his power and undermine Israels democratic foundations. In recent days, Netanyahu and his surrogates have shut down Israels court system in advance of his trial on corruption charges, have begun using phone-surveillance technology on the public, and adjourned parliament until next week. Netanyahu has defended most of these moves as unpleasant, but necessary steps to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. More than 500 cases have been confirmed in Israel, with no deaths. Opponents say he is more interested in staying in power as Netanyahu governs in a caretaker role after a third consecutive inconclusive election in less than a year. Israelis ordered to stay at home to halt coronavirus spread Netanyahu tightened a national stay-at home policy, announcing guidelines aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus would now be enforced by police under emergency orders. Under these orders, you, Israels citizens, are required to stay at home. It is no longer a request, it is not a recommendation, it is an obligatory directive that will be enforced by enforcement authorities, Netanyahu said in a televised address. The measures stopped short of a total national lockdown. Netanyahu said Israelis would still be allowed to shop for food and medicine, and some workers would be exempted from the restrictions. Israels health ministry has reported 573 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection. Forty-seven cases have been reported among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Crime minister Outside the Knesset, or parliament, on Thursday hundreds protested against the governments moves, hoisting banners that said No to dictatorship, Democracy in danger and calling Netanyahu the crime minister. Police said they arrested three people for violating a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. They also blocked a convoy of dozens of cars from entering Jerusalem and prevented dozens of other cars inside Jerusalem from approaching the Knesset building. Many of the cars honked and hung black flags out of their windows. Police rejected accusations they were carrying out Netanyahus bidding, saying they were following health ministry orders meant to curb the spread of the virus. No one is above the law or above public health orders released by the ministry of health, they said. No longer a democracy At the nearby Supreme Court, justices heard separate challenges to the new mobile-phone tracking edict and the shutdown of the Knesset. Civil rights groups and the opposition Blue and White party filed the cases. Netanyahu announced this week that Israels Shin Bet security agency would begin deploying its phone surveillance technology to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in Israel by tracking the moves of those infected. The order went into effect late on Wednesday when the government said it had notified about 400 people they had come into contact with infected people and should immediately quarantine themselves. The surveillance has sparked widespread criticism from the opposition and rights groups, calling it a dangerous precedent. Israel is in the process of forming a new government following months of uncertainty and three inconclusive elections, the latest of which took place on March 2. Parliament has been sitting since Monday, when Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz received the mandate to form a new government. But Israels parliamentary speaker, Yuli Edelstein, a member of Netanyahus conservative Likud party, dismissed the Knesset early on Wednesday, after Israel banned gatherings of more than 10 people in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus. By dismissing the chamber early, Edelstein ignored a letter signed by 61 parliamentarians calling for the vote to elect his replacement, a move critics slammed as anti-democratic. The courts have also been shut down and Netanyahus corruption trial postponed until May, according to a decree, citing the coronavirus. In a video statement, Yair Lapid, a senior figure in Blue and White, told Israeli citizens that they no longer live in a democracy. There is no judicial branch in Israel. There is no legislative branch in Israel. There is only an unelected government that is headed by a person who lost the election. You can call that by a lot of names. It isnt a democracy, he said in a recorded video. People across the globe are now showing greater interest in ayurveda which has its origin in India, Union minister Shripad Yesso Naik said in Lok Sabha on Thursday after moving for passage a bill which seeks to accord the institution of national importance status to a cluster of ayurveda institutions in Gujarat. Moving the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill for passage, the Minister of State for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) said agreements have been signed with 14 nations on ayurveda and in 58 countries, 28 information centres are working for promotion of ayurveda. The Bill seeks to confer the status of Institution of National Importance to the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Jamnagar by conglomerating the cluster of Ayurveda institutes at Gujarat Ayurveda University campus in Jamnagar. The three institutes which would be clubbed are Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gulabkunwerba Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and Institute of Ayurveda Pharmaceutical Sciences. Participating in the discussion on the Bill, Shashi Tharoor of the Congress said that the proposed legislation was both "welcome" and disappointing. Stating that a chunk of Indian households use ayurveda products, he said in Kerala it was the engine of growth. Stressing that ayurveda was much more instinctive, he said it was the preferred source of treatment for people around the world. Legal security, Tharoor said, is not provided to ayurveda and added that 65-70 per cent of rural India was dependent on ayurveda but nothing was done to protect the practitioners of ayurveda. Stating that ayurvedic tourism was a significant money earner of the national exchequer, Tharoor said that "National Ayurvedic University has failed to fructify." The Bill, he said, fails to achieve the larger objective of ayurveda and added that "I request that what is being done for Gujarat should be done for Kerala". K Veeraswamy of the DMK said ayurveda is the oldest medical practice and there is a need to establish a council which can monitor practitioners of ayurveda. Adequate funds should be granted to promote this ancient system of medicine, he said. Pratima Mondal of the TMC wanted the minister to clarify the reason behind granting this tag to these institutions from Gujarat, which is governed by the BJP. She said the government should take steps to check fake medicines. Others who participated in debate include Vinayak Raut of the Shiv Sena, Ramesh C Manjhi of the BJD and KRK Raju of the YSRCP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As police departments pare down resources in response to the novel coronavirus, officers are not getting adequate testing, several departments stressed to ABC News, and the effects could be drastic. In one example, 31 New York City police officers called out sick from one precinct this week after an officer tested positive for the coronavirus. "It's a huge issue. Because right now what they do if someone has the symptoms, they just have to quarantine it for 14 days and all the other officers around them," Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, told ABC News. MORE:Police implement sweeping policy changes to prepare for coronavirus spread Wexler said that the issue not only extends to officers, but staff as well. "If you get a dispatcher who has symptoms without testing, it wipes them out. So there has to be a national priority given to first responders for coronavirus testing," he continued. Aurora, Illinois, Police Chief Kristen Ziman told ABC News that emergencies don't stop in a pandemic, so it is vital for officers who have symptoms or feel like they've been exposed to people with symptoms, be able to get tests to determine if they need to be quarantined for a long period of time or not. "People still have to respond," she said. "I'm talking about priority one or violence where people's lives are at stake. We're asking -- these cops, these EMTs and these medical professionals can't go home -- and they can't work from home. That's the foreign concept to us. And so we have to take care of them so they can take care of others." She stressed that having those tests is a priority. PHOTO: Hollywood Beach Police talk with visitors at Hollywood Boardwalk, which is one of the many places that are not open to the public due to coronavirus, March 18, 2020, in Hollywood, Fla. (David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP) Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina, told ABC News that if they are sending people home because they feel symptoms, it can turn into a situation where they have few officers to respond to calls. "If we're liberal with sending people home, and we're not getting them tested, and we're not getting those results back quickly, I can run out of officers kind of quick. And that's the problem, we want to be responsible and we just need to be able to get them back," Colina said. Story continues He said the initial problem was being able to get tests for officers. MORE:No days off for police departments during coronavirus outbreak "The first problem we had was access to the test, because, as you know, this was a national problem that just wasn't too many kits available. We've had some success now," he said. "But for us, it's important to get the results back. Because if we get back a negative, and a person, self-isolated, let's say for a week, and they were negative, then we're able to bring that person back, as opposed to waiting an additional week before we're able to bring them back." His department of 1,400 officers has already pared back operations and people are working remotely "where they can." "Any officer that you have that holds an administrative job, they should be working remotely, they have the ability to until they are needed to go out to patrol because we've got to protect the first responders," he said. Ziman echoed Colina's message. "Insert any terrible thing happened here. We've dealt with it. And so this is one thing that is uncharted territory right now. So you have a lot of uncertainty," she said, adding that officers are also concerned about their families. She stressed that officers need tests. "It is the fact that we have to be available to people who need us -- period. And so it's not so much about getting special tests, it's that we need to get them back on the streets so they can answer 911 calls, so they can answer medical emergencies," Ziman said. ABC News' Alex Mallin and Aaron Katersky contributed to this report. Police departments stress need for officers to get tested to limit disruptions to service originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A ROW over the capacity of a sewage treatment plant spilled over into a meeting of the Edenderry Municipal District. Cllr Noel Cribbin reacted strongly to a claim from his Edenderry colleague Cllr John Foley that clarity was required on the towns sewage treatment plant following publication of an article (not in the Offaly Express or the Tullamore Tribune). Cllr Foley said he read in the paper that the sewage plant, which is known to be inadequate, had been upgraded. He said he had spoken to Irish Water and his understanding was that clarity on the upgrade was still required. The Independent councillor was told by Mark Mahon, area engineer with Offaly County Council, that a plan was in place for a temporary upgrade. There's an agreement to raise the walls of the clarifier tank by a certain amount just to increase the capacity, said Mr Mahon. That agreement is there. It just hasn't quite happened yet. The work will increase capacity by a small number. There is a longer term plan and my colleagues are pushing to get a larger upgrade included in capital works with Irish Water. Mr Mahon also told Cllr Foley that investigative work was under way in relation to previous incidents related to sewage overflow which affected a small number of houses in Greenwood Park. Cllr Foley said a lady in her 70s was at her wits end with worry during the recent bad weather and she had also been told her insurance would not be renewed because of the flooding risk. Referring to his understanding that a claim had been made that the sewage issue had been addressed, Cllr Foley said it was wrong to be giving people false hope. Cllr Cribbin said Irish Water had a system in place where they made themselves available to councillors every couple of months and he had raised the sewage capacity issue with them face to face recently. I've met them on several occasions. The last time I met them was February, said the Fine Gael councillor. I think in all the times I've been there I don't recall seeing another councillor from Edenderry with them. He set up a meeting with Irish Water and no other councillor came along with him and at that meeting he was told there would be an increase in capacity for the equivalent of a population of 500. On the basis of that, said Cllr Cribbin, planning permission had been granted for 90 houses in Edenderry. He also spoke to Irish Water about Greenwood Park and it seemed it is not an easy problem to resolve, with both the utility and the council blaming each other. I don't know where Cllr Foley is getting his information from. I get it from the horse's mouth, I went to the bother of going to the meeting, declared Cllr Cribbin. Replying, Cllr Foley said he had no doubt Cllr Cribbin was doing the best he could. Through technology, and broadband we don't always have to go and meet individuals and he was in contact with Irish Water at all times through his council and business work. Cllr Cribbin said he had also written to the relevant Government Minister and had been told Edenderry would be looked at. He repeated his belief that it is best to meet Irish Water officials personally. Go to the meetings, don't mind technology, go to the meetings and sit opposite [them]. I didn't put into the paper that Greenwood was going to be sorted, what I did put in was that I raised the issue, he concluded. As organisations around the world switch to remote working to combat novel coronavirus, some companies are finding it increasingly difficult to work from home. But these tips from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella may work wonders. As of now, coronavirus has claimed nearly nine thousand lives around the world. In India, the number of confirmed cases has increased to 166, with three deaths. With social distancing and self-quarantine being the only ways of keeping the virus at bay, most companies are encouraging their employees to work from home. But the transition hasn't been easy. A report showed that while large scale companies had the resources necessary to switch to remote working, most small scale businesses don't. Now, Nadella has shared a blog by the Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, Jared Spataro, where the latter has spoken about guidelines for work from home. For instance, companies have been advised to issue guidelines for employees to work from home. Since most employees would be doing this for the first time, a training manual could come in handy. The blog also speaks about holding back-to-back meetings when the employees aren't really meeting face-to-face. It can be quite tricky with no breathers in between. The Microsoft Vice President says that they've begun meditation sessions in between meetings to balance things out. The blog also has tips for managers; it says that team management is key if managers want to drive a team culture between the employees. Following these tips could really go a long way in ensuring a seamless work from home experience amid coronavirus lockdown. Send this to your bosses! VANCOUVERFood banks and non-profit organizations that help the most vulnerable say they need a helping hand to get through the novel coronavirus pandemic. Non-profit organizations and charities say the impact from COVID-19 has been immediate and may also have ripple effects in the long-term. Andrea Seale, chief executive officer of the Canadian Cancer Society, said the organization is in the process of adjusting all its programs and services. The impact is going to be very considerable, not just on donations. A more immediate impact is about the services were delivering because were right at the front line, she said in an interview. The society operates seven lodges across the country that have between 20 and 40 rooms where people can stay when undergoing treatment, she said, noting they had to cut the occupancy in half to practise social distancing. So, that means theres going to be more people who are struggling to find a place to stay when they need to travel for their treatment. Most drivers who take people to appointments are seniors who are now at home taking precautions, which means there are fewer people to help those in need, she said. Seale said the organization raises about $200 million a year and she expects that will drop. The pandemic also struck just as the cancer society was about to enter the height of the fundraising season, she said. April is what we call daffodil month, she said. Everythings been cancelled for April, which will probably be a drop of about $20 million in April alone. Chris Hatch of Food Banks Canada said he has several worries about how COVID-19 will affect them. Weve got over 5,000 food banks across Canada and what were seeing is a dramatic drop in volunteers right now, he said. Most of the food banks are volunteer-driven and many volunteers are seniors, who are staying home because theyre a vulnerable group, he explained. We have a real challenge in terms of staffing and running our food bank operations across the country, Hatch added. He also fears that the food supply will not be replenished fast enough. The food banks currently have about a 10- to 14-day supply and were just not seeing food donations coming in as fast as we need them to come in to replenish our supply, Hatch said. The thing Im worried about is whats the demand going to be down the road as this coronavirus impact really hits and people are being laid off, shifts are cancelled, and people lose their jobs. And in the long-term what happens to people if we do go into a recession? Hatch said he was a front line food bank worker during the 2008 recession. I can tell you that people who never thought theyd ever have to use a food bank all of a sudden had to use a food bank, and I think if we go into a recession well see that again. Food banks across Canada saw a drop in food and funding at the time, he said, recalling having to ration food. He fears a repeat. Were not there yet here, and I hope we dont get there, but thats what we saw in 2008. Over one million people a month use food banks across Canada with children and seniors being a significant number of those, he said. Cynthia Boulter, chief operating officer of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, said the organization has had to reconfigure its delivery process because of social distancing. The food bank is prepackaging groceries, which means more help is needed at a time when volunteers are cancelling because of health concerns, she said. While they have seen a slight rise in donations, she said she anticipates they will have to purchase more food but wont be able to get the deals they normally do because of demand. Weve been contacted by other food banks who said, Hey, we cant get any tuna, we cant get any peanut butter because all the private citizens out there are hoarding the food and are over-purchasing and now theres nothing left for the food bank to buy, Boulter said. She wonders about the short- and long-term implications arising from the pandemic as people experience a dip in incomes, she said. Thats an unknown, she said. Were grateful for a bit of an influx of donations now because were not sure the impact this is going to have. Several community events, which would have brought in revenue and raised the food banks profile have also been cancelled. Food banks are essential services so shutting them down or working from home arent options, she said. People count on us and we want to continue our service, Boulter said. Its food. How do you shut that down for 30 days? By Laura Sanicola NEW YORK (Reuters) - Crude oil prices settled below $30 a barrel on Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic slowed economic growth and oil demand while Saudi Arabia and Russia kept up their battle for market share. Countries including the United States and Canada, along with nations in Europe and Asia, are taking unprecedented steps to contain the virus, which has killed 7,500 people. Numerous governments have told residents to restrict their movements while businesses shutter, curbing demand for fuels. Brent crude futures fell $1.32 to settle at $28.73, the first time that benchmark has settled below $30 per barrel since 2016. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell $1.75, or 6.1%, to settle at $26.95 a barrel. The declines occurred even as equity markets rebounded from Monday's losses, in anticipation of fiscal stimulus. Amid the fall in demand because of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia and Russia remain embroiled in a price war that erupted after the two top producers failed to agree to extend supply curbs to support the market. "You're getting new demand destruction news coming at you every hour," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital Management in New York. Analysts said the futures market was affected by the slump in physical markets, which suggest difficulty in moving exports due to cheap Saudi oil flooding the globe. WTI crude at East Houston, a key price of oil delivered to Houston for exports, fell below the futures price for the first time on record. "I think the futures market sees the physical market for oil falling to pieces," said Scott Shelton, energy specialist at United ICAP. The Saudi energy ministry said on Tuesday that the kingdom's crude exports are set to rise in coming months to more than 10 million barrels per day, as it plans to use more gas for power rather than burning crude. Brent's premium over WTI has narrowed sharply to 67 cents a barrel, reaching levels not seen since November 2016. Story continues Brent, the international benchmark, reacts more to supply from non-U.S. producers, so the anticipated increase in output from Saudi Arabia and Russia has hit that benchmark harder than WTI. When that premium - also known as the arbitrage - narrows, U.S. exports become less attractive because of the cost of shipping them. The United States has said it will take advantage of low oil prices to fill its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Other countries and companies are planning similar measures to fill storage tanks. Rates to store oil at the world's main trading hubs from Japan to South Africa and the United States are surging as millions of unconsumed barrels of oil hit the market daily. The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, showed a modest decline in crude inventories, which fell 421,000 barrels in the week ended March 13. However, it said gasoline and distillate inventories were down sharply. The U.S. Energy Department releases official government figures on Wednesday. (Additional reporting by Alex Lawler, Dmitry Zhdannikov Seng Li Peng, Aaron Sheldrick and Alex Lawler; Editing by David Gregorio, Marguerita Choy, Tom Brown and Cynthia Osterman) BAY CITY, MI -- Families struggling to find or afford diapers amid the coronavirus pandemic are getting an extra helping hand from a local nonprofit. The Bay Arenac Diaper Bank is collaborating with the Bay County Health Department to distribute diapers to families who have an emergency need during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new emergency diaper distribution setup is now in place at the Bay County Health Department at 1200 Washington Avenue. To obtain diapers at this location, parents and caregivers must make an appointment by calling 989-895-4281, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Diapers will be delivered curbside to patrons vehicles since walk-ins will not be permitted. The priority is for those in poverty, or "situational poverty due to loss of income related to COVID-19. According to the Bay-Arenac Diaper Bank Alliance, the McLaren Bay Region Diaper Bank Emergency Room Security Desk location is still open at this time but families are urged to get their diapers instead from the Bay County Health Department to help limit the spread of the virus. The Bay-Arenac Diaper Bank has been providing diapers since 2014 to Bay and Arenac County residents and relies on grants and donations to fund diaper purchases. Those wishing to donate diapers are asked to call the organization at 989-233-3515 or financial donations can be mailed to the following address: ATTN - Bay Arenac Diaper Bank, YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region, 1104 Washington Ave, Bay City, MI 48708. Check out the Bay-Arenac Diaper Banks Facebook page for more information and any additional pantry updates. Families and individuals needing additional assistance are also able to contact 2-1-1 for a variety of issues, such as food and utility assistance. Related news: Midland County confirms its first coronavirus case In coronavirus toilet paper shortage Bay City reminds people what not to flush Midland Center for the Arts and Bay Citys Studio 23 move creativity online over coronavirus Saginaw and Bay counties close government buildings but services are still available Bay City Hall has new utility payment drop box available The statue of King Neptune at the entrance to Gardners Basin, a maritime park located along Absecon Inlet looking at future significant renovations. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the City of Atlantic City on Wednesday announced that approximately $3.6 million in funding from state agencies will finance the repairs, which could get underway as early as this fall. The statue was donated to the people of Atlantic City by the Trump Marina Hotel Casino and Harrah's Casino Hotel in 1999. Photo March 18, 2020. Read more ATLANTIC CITY Gardners Basin, the sometimes neglected, occasionally threatened, and enduringly low-key-charming Back Bay collection of restaurants, commercial fishing boats, dolphin tours, outdoor concerts, aquarium, and the best breakfast in Atlantic City, is getting a face lift. State and city officials announced that the historic maritime park on Absecon Inlet and its Atlantic City Aquarium will receive $3.6 million in state funding for renovations as early as this fall. Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who also serves as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, said the renovations are part of the citys effort to improve the family-friendly park and aquarium as a destination beyond the Boardwalk, casinos, and tourism district. Work is continuing on the Boardwalk along the inlet, between Absecon Island and Brigantine, to connect it to Gardners Basin. The rebuilt wooden path has received $50 million in upgrades in the South Inlet since 2015. In the past, some have touted Gardners Basin and a nearby tract of land controlled by Jared Kushners real estate company as a place where something akin to Baltimores Inner Harbor could be planned. But this smaller-scale investment in the basin will come as welcome news to locals and others who loyally seek out the somewhat-hidden gem, including the Back Bay Ale House and Gilchrist, a breakfast shop, both facing the marina. On Wednesday, amid the coronavirus shutdowns, the Back Bay was only serving takeout. James Harry, 56, a commercial clam boat captain, bought a bottle of vodka, Kahlua, coffee, and some creamer to make his own Black Russian to go along with his takeout lunch. Gardners Basin and the Atlantic City Aquarium are incredible assets for Atlantic City on a variety of levels," Oliver said in the release. "They provide tourism options beyond the casinos and the beaches, they offer an authentic sense of place, and they can be a catalyst to attract new residents, many of whom want access to parks, nature, and recreation. In past summers, there have been numerous concerts that have drawn large crowds of locals and others, but funding for those events has varied from year to year. In 2017, a dozen crafters who occupied temporary huts were told to vacate after the state decided they didnt fit the guidelines for Green Acres funding. The improvement of Gardners Basin is a high priority, and now the city has secured $3.6 million to make it a reality, said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. In a few months, the Boardwalk will be connected to Gardners Basin for the first time ever. The last phase of this project is to make the basin and aquarium wonderful destinations. The funding is coming from a $1.6 million grant from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), a $1 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections (DEP) Green Acres Program, and $1 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds administered by DCA, the state said. The Green Acres grant will be used for park improvements including restroom renovations, parking improvements, new LED lighting, a public address system, maintenance renovations, WiFi, electric vehicle charging stations, and other upgrades, the release said. The renovations will also include a new roof; electrical and HVAC improvements; and window replacements, flooring, exhibits, and gift shop renovations at the Atlantic City Aquarium, which has not had any major repairs in 20 years. The disaster recovery funds, which the state received from the federal government in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, will repair a section of the bulkhead that is collapsing into the water, the state said, creating pedestrian risks and contributing to regular flooding. The funding will also be used to dredge the basins marina to enable storm-water drainage. More than $50 million has been invested in connecting the Boardwalk from Absecon Inlet around to the Gardners Basin area. The state said that project should be done by the summer. Staff photographer Tom Gralish contributed to this article. The number of coronavirus cases in India is on a sharp rise. Over 160 people have tested for Covid-19. Various states are in a state of lockdown with malls, schools and cinema halls shut. The Central government has urged citizens to stall unnecessary travelling and work from home for those who can. In the fight against coronavirus, there are a few things that are necessary to be kept in kind. Heres your quick guide to staying safe in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Coronavirus: How does it impact the body The Sars-Cov-2 virus moves from the back of the throat, to the lungs and then the blood, according to an analysis of the disease progression in 191 patients from Wuhan published in the journal Lancet. For some time now, scientists have known that the virus spreads through respiratory droplets discharged by an infected person when they cough or sneeze. Others can contract the infection either by inhaling these droplets or touching surfaces on which these droplets land and then touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. This can be prevented by frequently washing hands for at least 20 seconds. Myths versus facts The virus is not airborne as people think. It is a droplet infection and can go up to a metre when a person coughs or sneezes, it, therefore, becomes important to maintain a distance of at least a metre. The virus settles on the surface of various articles and can survive for a few hours. Coronavirus is spreading only through contact, it is not a community transmission or stage 3 of the outbreak, according to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). There is no evidence of the virus transmission in or from pets. Exposure to sun, herbal medicines or remedies, gargles do not ensure protection against coronavirus. The use of a mask is not recommended for healthy people. It can be used by those who are coughing or sneezing as it will keep the droplet virus from spreading. Using masks also keeps people from touching their face repeatedly. One should discard the mask after using it once or in case it gets soiled or moist. Washing hands before putting on or readjusting the mask is important. How can you stay safe? According to the government and the Ministry of Health, community transmission is not happening in the country as of now. In such a situation, all those who have recently returned from a trip abroad should observe a 14-day quarantine and report immediately if they are symptomatic. Those who have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 should self isolate and get screened for the virus. Besides this, one can protect themselves by washing hands regularly and thoroughly and use hand sanitizer. Maintain at least one-metre distance when in public and cover face with a tissue or flexed elbow while coughing or sneezing. If a person is coughing or sneezing, he/she can wear a mask but a person should know how to dispose it properly - after single use the mask should be disposed of in a close bin. Home quarantine As stated by the health ministry, a person under home quarantine should stay in a well-ventilated room, preferably with an attached toilet or have a separate one for use. If another family member needs to stay in the same room, its advisable to maintain a distance of at least one metre from the patient. Virus-infected patients should stay away from the elderly, pregnant women, children within the household as their immune system may be low. The individual under home quarantine must restrict his/her movement within the house. Under no circumstances should the individual attend any social/religious gathering such as weddings, condolences. Wash hands as often thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid sharing household items or other items with other people at home. Wear a surgical mask at all the time. The mask should be changed every 6-8 hours and disposed of. Disposable masks are never to be reused. Used masks should be considered as potentially infected, the government release noted. If symptoms appear (cough/fever/difficulty in breathing), the individual under home quarantine should immediately inform the nearest health centre or call 011-23978046. SALEM, Ore.- Thousands of plays, concerts, and performances have been canceled in an attempt to the slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. That's not stopping artists from sharing their work. A recent live-streamed performance by Cappella Romana, produced by Portland Baroque Orchestra, has now been viewed by more than 80,000 people. In response, Portland Baroque is temporarily working to support other arts organizations and artists as a live-streaming operation. We never cease to be amazed by the creativity and resiliency of Oregons cultural community, said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Their financial losses due to the health crisis are staggering, yet they are actively finding ways to engage our citizens, providing inspiration and respite during these very challenging times. Below are links to organizations that offer online resources to stay entertained while stuck at home. The Architecture Foundation of Oregon has compiled a list of free at-home design lessons available for all who need them. Included are several of their Architects in Schools lessons and activities. They are also working to post several guided lesson videos hosted by dedicated members of the design community. Bullseye Glass Co. has posted general knowledge information about glass as an art form, and artist interviews as well as exhibition catalogs including Act 2, which tells the story of people who have taken up a new artwork medium later in life. Artist talks, conference sessions and exhibition are posted on their Vimeo channel. Cappella Romana recently presented a live performance of Tchaikovsky's Divine Liturgy on Facebook Live (produced by Portland Baroque); the performance is now available here and has reached more than 80,000 people The Drexel H. Foundation in Vale, Oregon, is launching a Yard Art Competition to encourage youth and families to embrace art and a positive message: Kindness. The winner will receive a $100 cash prize. Grants Pass Museum of Art is creating a virtual tour and online slide show of its upcoming exhibition Best of the Best, an annual show that features student artwork from 14 Southern Oregon high schools. The show will is scheduled to posted on the Museums website beginning April 7. The Land Trust Alliance has created a thread in its Ask-an-Expert Discussion Forum to share best practices and lessons learned. Literary Arts The Archive Project, a partnership with OPB, features engaging talks, lectures, and readings from more than 35 years of Literary Arts programming in Portland. Metropolitan Youth Symphony Music Director Raul Gomez is doing Virtual Hangouts with students during regularly scheduled Saturday rehearsal time. Gomez provides a view of the score, plays recordings and tells stories about the about the composer while taking live chat questions from students. Here is a link to the first session on March 14. In addition to its Dear Oregon blog, and many digital content platforms, The Oregon Historical Society is inviting Oregonians to document this important moment in history by sharing their real-time thoughts. What stories of Oregonians from the past or present are giving you courage? How are you spending your days in this strange new normal? What have you learned about yourself, your friends and your family that is giving you strength amidst chaos? Mail entries to 1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland OR 97205. As a reminder of the political process still under way, Oregon Humanities invites Oregonians to share the things they're keeping in their hearts and minds for the upcoming elections in Oregon and across the nation through Dear Stranger, a letter-exchange project that connects Oregonians from different parts of the state through the mail. The Oregon Humanities Center at the University of Oregon produces an interview show called UO Today. Distinguished scholars and UO professors and administrators sit down for a half-hour interview about their work. The shows are posted on our YouTube channel and recently as podcasts. The channel also features lectures given by guest speakers. The One World Chorus is launching an online Music & Movement program for pre-K through early elementary-aged youth. The program, to air live at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays on YouTube, is called The Big Up Show. Here is a preview episode. The School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University will showcase student work and virtual exhibitions for graduating BFA students in the coming weeks and months on its Instagram account. The goal is to have as many eyes on student work as possible. The Pendleton Center for the Arts is posting online tours of its galleries and how-to craft projects for all ages. They hope to post one or two activities per day. While Portland Piano International fans will wait until August for postponed Anderson & Roe concerts, they can view a video chat by the artists now. Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford has posted readings, a poetry film, poems accompanied on harp by Bethany Lee and a recent interview with the Oregon State Poetry Festival. He also has poems and photographs posted on Instagram with interactive poetry activities to come. Washed Ashores newest sculpture, a California Condor made from marine debris, will be placed in Portlands Oregon Zoo in April. A full length movie about Washed Ashore is posted here. Their work was recently featured in The New York Times. A number of local firms in supporting industries have been receiving more orders from foreign partners due to the coronavirus outbreak disrupting supply chains in China. A line of yarn production at Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation. Its plants are running at full capacity to fulfill a surge in new orders from its foreign partners amid the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak (PHOTO: CSFC) Do Phuoc Tong, chairman of HCM City-based Duy Khanh Engineering Co., Ltd, told the Saigon Times that a European machinery manufacturer had recently made contact with his company to put in parts orders, given the supply chain disruptions in China. He said the foreign firm had requested 10 samples of various products, which his firm delivered. Meanwhile, Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation, whose plants are located in HCM City and neighboring Tay Ninh Province, reported that its revenue in the first two months of this year rose by some 15% from a year earlier, partly thanks to an increase in orders from partners whose supply chains were hit in China. As a result, the plants are running at full capacity. The companys director for strategy, Nguyen Phuong Chi, noted that it is receiving more new orders from manufacturers in Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. She stated that foreign direct investment firms in Vietnam, which have long been the clients of her corporation, are also increasing the number of orders placed with its plants. Major overseas manufacturers are making direct contact with the HCM City Center of Supporting Industries Development, seeking support in finding material providers and placing orders, according to Le Nguyen Duy Oanh, the centers deputy director. At least two Japanese manufacturers, two Korean firms and one German firm have expressed interest, remarked Oanh. She added that these manufacturers specialize in consumer electronics and industrial machinery, so they wish to place orders for precision engineering, electronic components and plating. As their products will serve many overseas markets, they need to put in more orders, she explained, noting that this creates opportunities for local suppliers in supporting industries to expand their markets. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is contained, manufacturers elsewhere in the world will likely vary their supply chains rather than rely heavily on parts supplies from China, according to industry insiders. Given prolonged supply disruptions in China, manufacturers should consider further diversifying their supply markets. This will benefit Vietnamese suppliers over the medium and long terms, stated Chi of Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation. Oanh echoed this view, pointing out that multinational companies will restructure their supply chains, allowing Vietnamese firms to engage in global supply chains. SGT Investors dive into VN supporting industries The local supporting industries have seen positive movements after Vietnam has more thoroughly embraced its diverse new-generation free trade agreements. Newly published findings from the Harvard Global Health Institute show that cities across the United States are not equipped to handle even a mild surge of cases caused by the coronavirus. In the best case scenario, where 20 percent of American adults, some 50 million people, contract COVID-19 in the course of 18 months, hospitals would need 25 to 50 percent more beds to provide necessary medical care for the influx of patients. The research was led by Dr. Ashish Jha, who has previously advocated for a two-week quarantine of the entire country in order to allow medical facilities time to treat and discharge current patients, while at the same time curtailing the disease. In the worst-case outcome projected by the study, which agrees with the worst estimates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that 214 million Americans will be infected by the end of the year, the most densely populated areas will need nine times as many hospital beds as they currently have. Such a scenario would see somewhere between 2 and 11 million dead. There were nearly 20,000 new coronavirus cases confirmed worldwide yesterday, bringing the total to 218,000, including more than 124,000 active cases. The number of new deaths surged to more than 950, including 475 in Italy, 147 in Iran, 105 in Spain, 89 in France, 41 in the US and 33 in Britain. The total cases in Europe now exceed those in China by at least 6,000, as the number of new cases across the continent continues to increase, particularly in Italy, Spain, Germany and France. A patient wears a protective face mask as she is loaded into an ambulance at The Brooklyn Hospital Center emergency room, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Harvard study paints a grim picture of American healthcare in the next several months. At the current rate of exponential increase, there will be 100,000 cases by the end of March and an estimated one million cases sometime in April. While less densely populated regions may cope, cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco are already becoming inundated with old and new cases. With only 35,713 cases, doctors in Italy are already being forced to make impossible choices between who receives care and lives and who does not and dies. Border closings also continue internationally, as nations use the pandemic to raise figurative and literal walls between their geopolitical rivals. The United States and Canada have closed their border to nonessential travel. India has banned entry of those who hold Indian passports if they are traveling from the European Union, the United Kingdom or Turkey. Australia has imposed an indefinite travel ban against the entire world, warning its citizens, do not travel abroad. Bangladesh has banned entry from Europe, India and other countries for at least 16 days. South Africa has blocked all travel to and from Iran, South Korea, Germany, Italy, China, the United Kingdom and the United States. It should be made clear, however, that such measures are not considered wholly adequate by the World Health Organization. During its most recent press conference, it again stressed that to suppress and control epidemics, countries must isolate, test, treat and trace. WHO Executive Director Dr. Michael Ryan made clear the explicit procedures that should be followed. The real challenge is, are you testing every single suspect case. Every suspect case should be tested, their contacts identified. If those contacts are sick or showing symptoms, they should be tested. At the same time, Dr. Ryan noted that this still requires a scale up because many countries have not been systematically testing all suspect cases, and it is one of the reasons we are behind in this epidemic. While he did not name names, Dr. Ryans statement is most aptly applied to the United States, where Vice President Mike Pence has repeatedly insisted that people without symptoms should not get tested. The United States has only begun its mass coronavirus testing efforts after a month of the virus being spread in the population, as compared to a week in South Korea. Trump himself continues to reference COVID-19 by the xenophobic term Chinese virus, as if the pathogen is a biological weapon deployed by a foreign power. Along these lines, Trump described himself as a war-time president, and has invoked the Defense Production Act to acquire more medical equipment. He also indicated during yesterdays press conference that he is preparing to implement more aggressive measures against immigrants attempting to cross the countrys southern border. As is always the case when the capitalist state declares war, the first victims are the working people of the country involved. This is demonstrated in the United States in the legislation passed by the Senate Wednesday and sent to the White House for Trumps signature, providing only a pittance in terms of sick leave and family leave for tens of millions who have become victims of the coronavirus crisis, either medically or financially. The United States is the only major country in the world which has no legal requirement for sick pay for workers who become ill, and about one quarter of American workers lack any sick time at all, with most of the rest limited to five to ten days total per year. Among temporary, gig and contract workers, the proportion with no sick pay is well over 50 percent. Under terms of the bill passed by the House of Representatives Friday, two weeks sick pay would be guaranteed for workers at medium-sized businesses, those employing between 50 and 500 workers. Most workers at larger employers already have some sick pay, but 6.7 million have nothing and they would remain without benefits under the House bill. Some 60 million workers at small businesses or those classified as self-employed would also not be covered. The legislation also provided 12 weeks of paid family leave for workers whose children were out of school because of coronavirus-related closures, or who had to take care of a family member with coronavirus. This provision came with the same exclusions, meaning only about 20 percent of all workers qualified. In a secretive procedure on Monday, negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Trumps Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, the House approved without a recorded vote some 90 pages of corrections to the bill passed Friday, which had the effect of significantly reducing even the totally inadequate benefits provided in the original bill. Workers with a family member contracting coronavirus will have only two weeks sick leave, not 12 weeks, and several other provisions were made more stringent, in order to appease business lobbyists who complained of the expenseparticularly the fast-food giant McDonalds, many of whose franchisees fall in the 50-500 employee bracket. This dismal product of the capitalist two-party system and corporate control of Congress then passed the Senate by 90-8, with every Democrat as well as independent Senator Bernie Sanders voting for it, while eight Republicans objected that even this derisory amount was too lavish a handout. Meanwhile the Pentagon has revealed that the US military was making available up to five million N95 respirator masks and other personal protective equipment and up to 2,000 ventilators. This begs many questions, among them: Why werent these resources freed up weeks ago? And what other equipment is the US military hoarding that could otherwise be used to save lives? The only other support from the $736 billion war machine will be the use of field hospitals and the deployment of two US Navy hospital ships, Mercy and Comfort, one off each coast. The vast sums of money given each year to the US war budget are another indication of the actual orientation of the Trump administration and the financial elite which it serves. Hundreds of billions of dollars are spent to forcibly defend the trillions that were just handed to the big banks and major corporations just this past week, not to mention the trillions more given to Wall Street in the wake of the 2008 crash. The fight against the coronavirus pandemic must start with the reallocation of all these resources to containing the disease and providing emergency care to all those infected. This can only be done by the American and international working class, armed with a revolutionary socialist perspective, to overthrow capitalism in the fight for their right to live. The Finance Ministry is considering a proposal that includes the temporary suspension of most taxes levied on the aviation sector, including a deferment of aviation fuel tax, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the matter. New Delhi: India is planning a rescue package worth as much as $1.6 billion (Rs 12,000 crore) for the aviation sector, which has been battered after the coronavirus outbreak forced countries to close borders and brought air travel to a near-halt, two government sources told Reuters. The Finance Ministry is considering a proposal that includes the temporary suspension of most taxes levied on the sector, including a deferment of aviation fuel tax, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the matter. The rescue package, proposed by the civil aviation ministry, is likely to be worth up to 100-120 billion rupees ($1.3-$1.6 billion), the two sources said. Taxes could be deferred till the coronavirus spread is contained and the aviation sector can come back to its feet, one of the sources said, adding that the companies could be permitted to pay the taxes interest-free in the next tax cycle. The coronavirus has infected over 200,000 people and caused nearly 8,500 deaths in 164 nations, triggering emergency lockdowns and injections of cash unseen since World War Two. In India more than 150 people have been infected and three have died. Governments the world over are scrambling to rescue airlines that have been forced to park planes and cut jobs as the virus puts the brakes on travel. Airlines may need a bailout of more than $200 billion, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates. The Trump administration, earlier on Wednesday, sought approval from Congress for $50 billion in secured loans to US airlines to address the financial impact during the crisis. Exclusive: India mulls up to $1.6 billion rescue plan for aviation sector after coronavirus - sources https://t.co/nqklHqmc4P pic.twitter.com/QEvLY9dNh1 Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) March 19, 2020 Vistara, a joint venture of Singapore Airlines and Indias Tata Group, and budget carrier GoAir have suspended their international operations. IndiGo (INGL.NS), Indias biggest carrier, has cancelled several overseas flights and may be forced to park some planes as domestic air travel also falls. Global aviation consultancy CAPAs India unit said that regardless of any fiscal concessions and support the government may offer, most airlines will have to shrink their operations and the more vulnerable carriers may shutdown. CAPA estimates that Indian airlines, excluding state carrier Air India, will report losses of up to $600 million for the January-March quarter, which could worsen if demand continues to fall. In the absence of serious and meaningful government intervention, such an outcome could lead to several Indian airlines shutting down operations by May or June due to a lack of cash, CAPA said in its 18 March report. Amaravati, March 19 : The Andhra Pradesh government here on Thursday decided to shut all places of mass gathering, like major places of worship, cinema halls, shopping malls, gyms, amusement parks and museums, to contain the spread of coronavirus. On Wednesday, it had announced closure of all educational institutions. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy after a high-level meeting urged people not to panic and take precautionary measures. After the meeting, Minister for Health Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas (Nani) said no meetings, rallies and protests would be permitted in the state. People have been urged to postpones marriages, and if that was not possible limit the number of guests. "Bars and restaurants have been asked to maintain a distance of one metre between each table, and public transport officials been asked to avoid overloading and control standing passengers in buses," he said. The Minister said the government had taken all required steps and keeping strict vigil on people returning from abroad. Foreign returnees been asked to stay isolated in their homes. Violaters of rules would face action, he added. Meanwhile, P.V. Ramesh, Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, said only two cases had tested positive for coronavirus in the state. Ward volunteers, Asha workers and ANMs are conducting door to door survey to identify people who have returned from foreign countries and people whom returnees have contacted to check their condition. Around 12,500 foreign returnees have been identified from the 1.34 crore households and put under house isolation. The deployed staff is responsible to inspect and make sure the returnees are in self-isolation at their residences. As on date, 883 passengers have been identified for observation. Of this, 607 are in isolation and 254 have completed 28-day isolation. Also, 22 others are under hospital observation. We need to get the training done and we need to get them on the street, Langford said. Being on the front line, there is a chance we may see more people that have to take time off, and we must be as robust as possible to replace them. American Airlines today announced that it will fly a handful of cargo-only flights to Europe, using its standard 777-300 passenger planes, over the course of the next few days. The company says these flights will carry medical supplies, mail for active U.S. military, telecommunications equipment and electronics, as well as packages from e-commerce firms. This marks the first time American is operating cargo-only flights since 1984, when it retired its last 747 freighter (one of those retired planes, by the way, was then modified to carry NASA's shuttle on its back). By default, virtually all airlines carry cargo on their domestic and international flights. American, for example, notes that it shipped more than 400 tons of flowers from Amsterdam to the U.S. in the two weeks around Valentine's Day. As airlines started shrinking their operations in light of various travel restrictions and plummeting customer demand during the current COVID-19 outbreak, that cargo capacity shrunk, too, even though there is still plenty of demand for moving cargo between countries. As of now, American and the other major U.S. airlines have suspended the majority of their international long-haul flights. "We have a critical role to play in keeping essential goods moving during this unprecedented time, and we are proud to do our part and find ways to continue to serve our customers and our communities, said Rick Elieson, president of Cargo and vice president of International Operations at American. "Challenging times call for creative solutions, and a team of people across the airline has been working nonstop to arrange cargo-only flight options for our customers." For now, American only plans to make two round-trips between Dallas and Frankfurt over the course of the next four days. "The flights provide much-needed cargo capacity for many of the airlines regular cargo customers, allowing them to continue operating in this challenging environment," the company says in its announcement. Delta, too, recently announced that it would use some of its grounded passenger planes to move cargo. As airlines continue to grapple with the fallout of this pandemic, we'll likely see more of them do this in the coming weeks. Beijing's top coronavirus expert has denied that the bug originated in Wuhan and slammed such claim as 'irresponsible'. 'The epidemic of the novel coronavirus pneumonia indeed took place in China, in Wuhan but it does not mean its source is in Wuhan,' said Dr Zhong Nanshan, the leader of a team of experts appointed by China to tackle the health crisis. With cases falling rapidly in China and soaring abroad, Beijing is now rejecting the widely held assessment that the city of Wuhan is the birthplace of the outbreak. Epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan, 83, said at a press conference yesterday that no evidence suggested the virus originated in Wuhan. 'The epidemic of the novel coronavirus pneumonia indeed took place in China, in Wuhan but it does not mean its source is in Wuhan,' he said Chinese officials today reported no new cases in Wuhan, as well as its surrounding Hubei Province, for the first time after the epidemic emerged in late December. A worker is pictured disinfecting a hospital in Wuhan, the former epicentre of the global health crisis, on Thursday Chinese officials today reported no new cases in Wuhan, as well as its surrounding Hubei Province, for the first time after the epidemic emerged in late December. Dr Zhong, 83, said at a press conference yesterday that no evidence suggested the virus originated in Wuhan, a provincial capital city of more than 11 million people. 'It is a scientific problem. I think it is irresponsible to conclude lightly before [the matter] is clarified,' the epidemiologist said at the 46th Coronavirus Prevention Media Conference hosted by the government of Guangzhou in southern China. This is the second time Dr Zhong has rebuked the widely held belief. He made similar claims on February 27 after the number of daily cases in the country started to drop. A Beijing spokesperson said last week that the coronavirus might have been brought to Wuhan by the US military in a tweet. However in January, as the epidemic spread fast in China, the country's experts stated the source of the virus was wild animals sold at a seafood market in Wuhan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian (pictured) said in a tweet that the U.S. lacked transparency and accused American military members of bringing the coronavirus to Wuhan China's health ministry today announced the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had no new cases of the deadly contagion which has ripped across the globe. The ministry said Thursday that results over the past 24 hours showed 34 new cases, all detected in people arriving from abroad. In the central province of Hubei, there were eight new deaths, with the provincial capital Wuhan accounting for six of the fatalities. Of the 34 imported infections, Beijing accounted for 21 cases, a daily record for the city. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,928, including 3,245 deaths. A police officer stands guard outside of Huanan Seafood Wholesale market in Wuhan. Chinese experts have previously claimed that the source of the virus is wild animals sold at the market China has only just begun loosening draconian travel restrictions within the country, but has stepped-up 14-day quarantine regulations on those arriving in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere from overseas, amid expectations of a new influx of students and others returning home. More than 70,000 people have been released from the hospital and 7,263 remain in treatment. Wuhan is expected to see new coronavirus infections dry up by mid-to-late March and its lockdown may be lifted once there are no new cases for 14 days, the state-backed China Daily reported. However, strict disease control and prevention measures will still be needed to prevent a possible rebound, China Daily reported on Thursday, citing epidemiologist Li Lanjuan. Schools and kindergartens will reopen after the March school holidays as scheduled, but with enhanced measures in place, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said in a joint statement on Thursday (19 March). This is despite speculations among parents and students that the one-week school holidays, which began on March 14, will be extended in view of the heightened risk of importation of COVID-19 cases into Singapore. Singapore reported its highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases here, confirming 47 new cases of infection here. In a move to ensure safety among students and staff in schools, the agencies said there will be enhanced precautionary measures that will be introduced when schools reopen. The measures include issuing students and staff of schools, preschools and student care centres who were overseas during the school holidays a 14-day leave of absence (LOA), and suspensions of all co-curricular activities. Preschools will also do more frequent temperature screening for all staff and students as part of the enhanced measures. 14-day leave of absence (LOA) for those returning from overseas travel The agencies will issue a 14-day LOA to students and staff of schools, preschools and student care centres who went overseas on or after March 14. Day zero of the 14 days will commence from the date of their return to Singapore. No delays In School Reopening: Students and school staff returning from overseas to serve LOA. | Image source: iStock Students on LOA, as well as those who have to stay away from school due to quarantine orders or Stay-Home Notice (SHN), will all be supported via home-based learning, to enable them to continue with their learning, the statement wrote. Parents of school-going children who have questions may approach their respective schools for clarifications. The agencies also encouraged employers to provide flexible work arrangements for parents who would need to take their own leave should they need to care for their children on LOA or SHN, to accommodate such exceptional circumstances. Story continues Enhanced hygiene and precautionary measures in schools The MOE and ECDA will also implement the following additional precautionary measures for two weeks when schools reopen: Suspension of Co-curricular Activities Deferment of Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation Fixed exam-style seating for primary 3 students and above, and fixed group cluster seating for primary 1 and 2 and MOE Kindergarten students Wipe-down routine in classrooms Assigned seating and wipe-down routine in canteens Assigned play areas for students to play in reduced group sizes These measures are in addition to the earlier precautionary measures announced such as suspension of large group and communal activities and staggering of recess times in schools. Meanwhile, the National School Games will continue to be suspended until the end of the June holidays. Preschools to do more frequent temperature checks Preschools will also continue with their precautionary measures when school resumes. These measures include health checks and more frequent temperature screening for all staff and students (twice a day for kindergartens; three times a day for childcare centres). no delay in school reopening Preschools will also impose restriction of visitors, with parents to drop off and pick up their children outside the preschool. Other measures are: Suspension of excursions and field trips while daily outdoor play and learning for the children will continue Suspension of large group and communal activities such as assemblies and mass celebrations: Children to proceed directly to classrooms when they arrive in school, where possible Programmes and activities to be carried out in small groups Children to have their meals in their classrooms or to stagger meal times Limit the cross-deployment of staff across centres, where possible The post COVID-19: No Delays In School Reopening Schedule, Enhanced Precautionary Measures To Be In Place appeared first on theAsianparent - Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids. Tennessees longest serving state judge and former Hamilton County Chancellor, Herschel Pickens Franks, died Wednesday. Judge Franks had retired from the Tennessee Court of Appeals on Dec. 31, 2012. In a letter to then-Governor Bill Haslam, he wrote, Words cannot adequately express my heartfelt and sincere appreciation for Tennessees voters who have elected me as one of their judges in seven elections. A native of Hardin County, Tn., Judge Franks served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After graduating from law school, he practiced law in Chattanooga with the firm of Harris, Moon, Meacham & Franks. He is a past president of the Chattanooga Bar Association. In 1970 Judge Franks was appointed Chancellor, and served as Presiding Judge of the Hamilton County Trial Courts. He was Tennessees representative to the National Conference of State Trial Judges. As a Chancellor with probate jurisdiction, he saw the need for a law governing smaller estates, and authored the Act known as The Small Estates Law. He also authored the Act establishing the Tennessee Trial Judges Association. In 1978 he was appointed to the Court of Appeals. While on the Court of Appeals, he served on numerous cases as a Special Justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court and as a Judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals. Judge Franks was the recipient of the Optimist Clubs Community Service Award, the Chattanooga Bar Associations Foundations of Freedom Award, and the Tennessee Bar Associations Justice Frank F. Drowota, III Outstanding Judicial Service Award. The seventh generation Tennessean was educated in the public schools of Savannah. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, and the National Judicial College. A student of history, Judge Franks at one time lived in the historic Brown's Tavern in Lookout Valley. He later lived on Signal Mountain. Judge Franks is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judy Wood Franks; his daughter Ramona Hagmaier and her husband Jason; granddaughter, Megan Hagmaier; step-daughters Mary Beth Black and Anne Black and her husband Martin Beeler; and their children Nora, Genevieve and Nico. He will be buried at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. A celebration of life and memorial will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pilgrim Congregational Church or the Chattanooga Food Bank. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com * * * Attorney Jerry Summers recently wrote about "The Courageous Career of Judge Herschel Pickens Franks: Hardin County, Tennessee, is the birthplace of the longest serving state judge prior to his retirement on December 31, 2012, as the presiding judge of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Herschel Pickens Franks. Born in Savannah, Tennessee, Judge Franks received an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee-Martin and the University of Maryland. After serving in the Air Force from 1950-1954 he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1957. He migrated to Chattanooga in 1957 and practiced insurance defense law with the firm of Harris, Moon, Meacham and Franks. Well-liked by his fellow attorneys, he served as president of the Chattanooga Bar Association. In 1970 he was appointed Chancellor in Hamilton County by Governor Buford Ellington and served in that capacity until 1978 when he was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals by Governor Ray Blanton where he sat until 2012. The Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court, which handles all civil appeals before they can be appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Many lawyers feel that Judge Franks should have been on the Tennessee Supreme Court but some in fighting in the Tennessee Democratic Party as well as some courageous but controversial decisions in high profile cases created opposition that may have hurt his chances to be on the high court. Judge Franks has always had the intestinal fortitude to make the tough decision if he thought he was right. The landmark case of Paty v. McDaniel in the United States Supreme Court is only one of the areas of the law where Judge Franks rulings overturned existing standards. He declared the Tennessee Constitution's provision barring ministers from serving as a legislator in the Tennessee General Assembly violated their right to due process of law under the United States Constitution. McDaniel, a popular African-American preacher, filed a petition to run as a delegate to the 1977 Tennessee Constitutional Convention. Attorney Selma Cash Paty, another candidate, filed suit to keep McDaniel off the ballot and Judge Franks, in a very unpopular ruling, declared that the constitutional ban on ministers serving in elected positions was invalid. Said case was appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court which reversed the case, but that was overturned by the United States Supreme Court in a 9-0 opinion. Said holding had other significant consequences as it launched Revered McDaniels political career which included election to the governing board of Hamilton County government and also helped lead to a nine member, district-based County Commission to provide equal representation for all races. The number of ministers running for and being elected to public office has increased substantially since this decision in 1978. Judge Franks has also authored a controversial decision in the area of comatose patients on life support machines dealing with the responsibilities of family members to authorize medical care provided to unplug the patient from life support machines. In the face of opposition from the Tennessee Medical Society, he laid down a ruling which became instrumental in creating a national movement for living wills and right-to-die laws. Said standards are commonly used in todays society but were a novelty at the time of Judge Franks ruling in the Tennessee courts. He was not hesitant in ruling against a municipal judge who jailed an indigent defendant for contempt when she could not pay the fine or court costs she owed to the City of Chattanooga on the grounds that the defendant was illegally held and detained. While Chancellor, he also handled a case involving the assassin of Dr. Marin Luther King, James Earl Ray, when he filed a pro se petition against two of his habeas corpus lawyers who he claimed refused to turn over his file after they were fired. The case was eventually settled between the parties by the return of the file. Ironically, when Rays court-appointed lawyer turned the file over to the defendant at the state penitentiary in Nashville, Ray remarked that it was the only time he had won anything in a court of law. He also wrote the opinion in the case involving late Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Jay Hooker, whose bright political star had dimmed over the years. Hooker was part of the special prosecution team headed by Jack Norman of Nashville that prosecuted Judge Raulston Schoolfield of Hamilton County in his impeachment proceedings in 1958. Hooker became somewhat of a political gadfly in his later years and filed suit against Governor Bill Haslam in 2012 attacking the constitutionality of the Tennessee Retention Election Statute which governs how intermediate appellate (Tennessee Court of Appeals and Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals) judges are elected. In spite of the fact that two retired judges were appointed to hear the case, Judge Franks did not ask for a substitute judge and wrote the opinion that decided the case. His trial and appellate court decisions are full of courageous rulings where it is obvious that Judge Franks did not test the political winds prior to making a decision in cases that might have furthered his judicial career. A lifelong Democrat, Judge Franks probably incurred more opposition within his own party than from Republicans. An untimely divorce, plus some professional jealousy, both contributed to his non-selection to be on the Tennessee Supreme Court. It was stated, Its become axiomatic that had he been a Republican, he would have been appointed to the State Supreme Court years ago, according to one writer. However, his adherence to his personal political philosophy and willingness to decide cases based solely on the law and facts demonstrates a type of judicial courage that ranks him high in the historical standings of judges who have served the State of Tennessee in a judicial capacity. In 2019 biographical publisher Marquis presented Judge Franks with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2009 Judge Franks received the Tennessee Bar Association highest service award to the judiciary - the Francis F. Drowota III Award. As President Donald Trump cast the nation's battle against the coronavirus as war, one high-ranking Republican senator seemed to play down the gravity of the pandemic, saying the number of Americans who might die would be 3.4 percent of the population at most. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, called covid-19 a "nasty disease" that is devastating to those who contract it. "Getting coronavirus is not a death sentence except for maybe no more than 3.4 percent of our population . . . probably far less," Johnson said in an interview with his home-state newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, published Wednesday. "We don't shut down our economy because tens of thousands of people die on the highways." If 3.4 percent of the U.S. population perished, that would mean millions and be 10 times the U.S. deaths in every war that America has fought. The senator's statistic comes from the World Health Organization's projected death rate of those who contract the virus, not of an entire population. It's unclear if Johnson was aware of that distinction about the fatalities from the current global health crisis. Asked about the comment, Johnson's office pointed to another quote from the same story where the senator says: "I'm hoping when all is said and done, maybe we have overreacted. But the fact that we're acting the way we are, I think, will really increase our chances of dropping that growth curve of this [virus]." Johnson was one of eight senators to vote against a relief package that ensures paid leave to many Americans. The Senate passed the measure Wednesday and sent it to Trump, who signed it into law Wednesday night. Johnson is one of several Republicans who seemed to minimize the threat of the deadly pandemic despite public health officials and now, Trump, urging Americans to take it seriously. Until recently, Trump and conservative media downplayed the threat, which has led to a partisan chasm in how the public views the outbreak. A public poll from Pew Research Center found 59 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say the coronavirus is a major threat to Americans' health compared to 33 percent of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., a close ally of Trump, sought to clarify controversial advice he gave over the weekend that people should defy the government's guidance and continue eating out at restaurants. But during an interview with a conservative talk radio show in his district on Wednesday, Nunes said there was no reason for panic. Carla Marinucci, Politico's California correspondent, tweeted that Nunes said on KMJNOW: "The media is absolutely responsible for this . . . 90% of them are working for the Democrats, working for the left . . . They're doing dangerous things in this country by whipping everyone up in this panic. There's no reason to be in this panic." Many of the commentators and others who had questioned the seriousness of the disease have adopted a more somber tone in recent days as the nation grapples with rising infection rates, a growing number of fatalities worldwide and the upheaval of normal life from social distancing causing businesses to shutter, schools to close and events to be canceled. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was derided for tweeting a photo Sunday of a Corona beer bottle while telling people not to panic. This week, he halted campaign events in the midst of the pandemic and said he had created a special page on his Senate website to answer Texans' questions about the virus. But Cornyn drew criticism Wednesday for faulting China for the disease. "China is to blame because the culture where people eat bats and snakes and dogs and things like that, these viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people, and that's why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, like MERS, the swine flu," he said. (Neither MERS nor the swine flu originated in China.) Cornyn faced swift condemnation from Democrats for the remark, which echoes Trump's insistence on calling the pandemic the "Chinese virus." The Texas Democratic Party released a statement urging Cornyn to stop "dog-whistling" and instead "do his job to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and protect families from the impending financial meltdown." COVID-19 cases reported in all 50 U.S. states as total surpasses 6,300 People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 16:07, March 18, 2020 NEW YORK, March 17 (Xinhua) -- All 50 U.S. states, as well as Washington D.C., have now reported COVID-19 cases, after West Virginia reported its first case on Tuesday. "We knew it was coming," said West Virginia Governor Jim Justice at a news conference on Tuesday evening. "We've prepared for this and we shouldn't panic." Confirmed cases are increasing rapidly as test kits become more readily available in various states. As of Tuesday night, the country has tallied over 6,300 COVID-19 cases, an addition of 1,500 in 24 hours, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. At least 108 deaths have resulted from the disease in the United States, 55 of which occurred in the state of Washington and 13 in New York state, according to the center. Amid the growing public health crisis, Houston City Council on Tuesday voted to indefinitely extend the proclamation of a local state of disaster in the fourth largest U.S. city. The order allows Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to make decisions to work with county, state, and federal officials to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Turner signed the disaster declaration last week, which will be in effect for seven days. "As a city, we must work together. This is a crisis that is going to be with us for several weeks, if not several months," Turner was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Houston Mayor's Office. "It is gravely important for us to take definitive steps to slow the COVID-19 spread. The measures we have put in place will help save lives," he continued. Turner also announced on Tuesday that all city-produced, sponsored and previously permitted events are now canceled through the end of April. The city is also encouraging businesses to limit exposure to members of the public and shift their operations online for the time being. The decisions were made one day after the mayor ordered all bars, nightclubs and restaurants in Houston to close for 15 days. Meanwhile, seven counties in California's Bay Area on Tuesday started to follow a shelter-at-home order, which has been regarded as the strictest measure introduced in the entire country since the outbreak of the virus. In San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Cruz counties, most businesses are closed and residents have been directed to stay home for the next three weeks. However, people are still allowed to go out to buy food and gas, collect prescriptions at pharmacies and go to banks, according to local officials. Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio said Tuesday that he is considering taking similar measures to those of the California counties, adding that a decision will be made in 48 hours. The city that never sleeps has gone unusually quiet as thousands of cinemas, theaters, bars and restaurants were closed starting Tuesday, following orders by both the mayor and New York state governor. Also on Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo called for national unity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as New York became the country's first state to have reported over 1,000 COVID-19 cases. "Everybody is afraid. Everybody is nervous. How you respond, how you act, this is a character test for all of us individually. It is a character test for us collectively as a society," said Cuomo. The governor said that federal resources are needed to counter the crisis, such as those of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the hospital capacity issue. He warned the number of COVID-19 cases in the state might not peak for another 45 days, citing expert projections. The state will then need some 55,000 to 110,000 hospital beds and 18,600 to 37,200 ICU beds when the pandemic reaches its peak. Currently, it has just 53,000 hospital beds and 3,000 ICU beds, he noted. On Monday, the governor issued an executive order allowing the state to use the National Guard to find existing facilities that can be converted to medical facilities, with the goal of creating an additional 9,000 beds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police in some US cities are taking a softer approach to nonviolent crime as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. In Philadelphia, police said this week that they would be delaying arrests for offences such as theft and prostitution. The measures are aimed at minimising contact between officers and suspects in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Under the plans, officers will be given discretion to decide whether to classify a crime as nonviolent, and will seek advice from supervisors about whether suspects pose a threat to the public. The department is not turning a blind eye to crime, Philadelphia police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. No one will escape accountability for the crimes that they commit. The new approach is one of a series of measures by law enforcement agencies that together represent a significant shift in policing as a result of the outbreak. It comes as authorities in a number of states have started to release inmates to lessen the risk of an outbreak in jails. Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner said his office would seek to release most people charged with nonviolent offences without them having to post bail. According to the Philadelphia Enquirer, Mr Krasner also urged police to exercise discretion in charging to avoid jail overcrowding, particularly given fears that crowded jails will be unable to separate prisoners as needed to stop the spread of the virus. A number of counties in California, Florida, Ohio have already started to release inmates early, and New Yorks mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday that he is planning to release vulnerable inmates from city jails. In the next 48 hours, we will identify any inmates who need to be brought out because of either their own health conditions if they have any pre-existing conditions, etc. or because the charges were minor and we think its appropriate to bring them out in this context, he said. That said, we still need our criminal justice system to function, he added. An inmate and a correctional officer at the Rikers Island jail in New York both tested positive for the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday, raising fears of an outbreak. One police union has called for no new inmates to be housed on the island in response. Nike and a trio of former and current top executives will donate a combined $15 million to coronavirus aid efforts. Most of the money -- $10 million -- will come from two former CEOs as well as the current one: Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny; Mark Parker, Knights successor who stepped down in January, and his wife Kathy; and current CEO John Donahoe and his wife Eileen. According to a Nike release, the individual donations from the executives will be disbursed to the Oregon Food Bank ($1 million), the Oregon Community Recovery Fund ($2 million) and the Oregon Health & Science University ($7 million) to improve statewide care coordination in Oregon, increase patient access and ramp up operational readiness for expanded diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Outside of Oregon, the Nike money will go to programs in Memphis, where Nike operates a huge distribution center, Boston, as well as China, the Middle East and elsewhere. The company has asked its employees to work from home and has closed its vast network of retail stores. Photo: CTV News Castanet has received more horror stories of B.C. travellers unable to get home, with little or no communication from airlines. Mike tells Castanet: "Just relating to this story (travellers stranded overseas), our group is stuck in Honduras. Our scheduled flight on the 17th of March via Aeromexico would have gotten us out, but the airports are completely shut down here. A lot of confusion and conflicting information from the local government. I have a business to run I need to get home." Sarah Jones Havens says: "We are a family of four from Kelowna stuck in Costa Rica. We have a confirmed flight April 5 with WestJet. "I called yesterday, and they said there are no more flights out and that we need to reach out to the government. It's very strange that they have not cancelled the flight and provided a refund so we can source other options. So now we sit and wait. We are safe, have lots of food and accommodation. There are worse places to be stuck." Chelsea Weisgerber is on the island of Roatan, which has an international airport but Honduras has stopped all inbound and outbound fights, with the exception of three Canadian flights this week. "Unfortunately, one (WestJet) is fully booked and the other two are reserved for only those who flew to Roatan with Air Transat," she says. "I am now on stand by, waiting for the Canadian government to make arrangements with Honduras to send repatriation flights. No one is giving us any information. We are just being told to be patient until further notice." Not everyone has a horror story to tell, however. Dave Schuett, better known as 'smoothie Dave' because he sells smoothies in Kelowna in the summer, says it was business as usual on his return WestJet flight from Kona, Hawaii. "The staff was really helpful, there wasn't a lot of commotion. There were no delays, the flight was smooth, everything was pretty good that way." Schuett said one thing he found alarming was that there were people on the flight who were sick, coughing and sneezing, in fact, he said one passenger was asked not to board the flight. "One woman had seen a doctor and was diagnosed with a kind of flu, not sure if it was COVID-19 or not, but when she got to the airport she wasn't able to get on the plane." Schuett says he's glad to be home, but as a small business owner he is concerned about the future. "People's financial well being is a big concern for me," he said. India reported its fourth coronavirus death on Thursday as the total number of cases of COVID-19 rose to 173 while most of the states and UT's imposed restrictions, inching towards partial shutdown and India banning landing of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 for a week. The Union health ministry said the fourth person to die in Punjab after getting coronavirus was an elderly and had co-morbid conditions like diabetes, cardiac ailments. There were more than 20 fresh cases in last 24 hours with Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh reporting their first COVID-19 patients on early Thursday. As the virus continued to spread its tentacles across India, several parts, including Kashmir valley headed towards a virtual lockdown with the administration restricting movement of people in several parts and banning all public transport in Srinagar city. Punjab and the national capital also inched towards virtual shutdown. While the Punjab government announced suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight and restricting public gatherings to less than 20 besides deciding to close down marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state. The Kejriwal government in Delhi also announced shutting down of restaurants but said that takeaway and home delivery services will continue. "Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has asked all government departments, autonomous bodies and PSUs to segregate activities and suspend non-essential services," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference. Non-essential government services will be discontinued from Friday, he added. Social, cultural and political gatherings with more than 20 people are not allowed across the national capital to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, he said. As part of its efforts to detect and prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed over 8,000 lives globally and infected more than two lakh, the government banned all international commercial passenger aircraft from landing in the country from March 22 to March 29. Moreover, the Central government has requested states to enforce work for home for private sector employees, except for those working in emergency and essential services. "State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives or government servants or medical professionals are advised to remain at home," the government statement noted. "No scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22, 2020 for one week," the government statement said. "Similarly, all children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," it added. "States are being requested to enforce work for home for private sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services," the statement added. While the Indian Railways decided to suspend all concessional tickets except for patients, students and those in the Divyangjan category from the midnight of March 20 till further notice to discourage unnecessary travel, IndiGo announced pay cuts for senior employees, including of its CEO who would take the highest cut of 25 per cent amid the novel coronavirus pandemic that has hit the aviation industry hard. The total tally of 169 include 25 foreign nationals -- 17 from Italy, 3 from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore. The figure also includes four deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Punjab so far. Delhi has reported 12 positive cases which includes one foreigner, while Uttar Pradesh has recorded 17 cases, including one foreigner. Maharashtra has 45 cases, including three foreigners, while Kerala has recorded 27 cases which include two foreign nationals. Karnataka has 14 coronavirus patients. The number of cases in Ladakh rose to eight and Jammu and Kashmir four. Telangana has reported six cases which include two foreigners. Rajasthan has also reported seven cases including that of two foreigners. Tamil Nadu has two cases so far. Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Chandigarh and Punjab have reported one case each. In Haryana, there are 17 cases, which include 14 foreigners. In a last minute-decision, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) postponed class 10 and 12 examinations, which were to start from Thursday. With the class 12 sociology exam scheduled to be held at 2 pm, the announcement was made at 10 am. The HRD Ministry had on Wednesday ordered the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to postpone their exams till March 31, saying the safety of students and staff were as important as following the exam calendar. Meanwhile, Mumbai's famed tiffin suppliers, the dabbawalas, said they are suspending their services from Friday till March 31 in view of the coronavirus situation. In the national capital, the upscale Sunder Nagar market in South Delhi has been closed till March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak, the traders' body said. It is the first market to shut down in the capital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Grace Farms in New Canaan is entering its fifth year as a welcoming place where people go to enjoy everything from nature and monthly community meals to programs focused on faith, art and other interests. Its 80 acres of natural beauty where you can get your Zen on, but its so much more. This unique, peaceful place, which closed March 9 because of coronavirus concerns, has pivoted for todays world and found a new purpose feeding the hungry. Neena Perez, manager of the Commons at Grace Farms, is leading a team to cook meals for people in need who are served by Fairfield County organizations. This week we did 500 meals, she said. In the coming week it will probably be close to 600. The organizations receiving the meals are so grateful, Perez said, adding there were five at first, and now theres seven. I just got a call from one of them, Staying Put in New Canaan, which serves the elderly. They called to make sure were going to deliver soup again. Im super excited they liked the soup. Sharon Prince, CEO and founder of Grace Farms Foundation (GFF), explained how they went from offering meeting space to fellow nonprofits to using their own kitchen to help those organizations feed the most vulnerable members of the community. It started with the early March move to shut the doors, even though theres no known case of COVID-19 connected to Grace Farms. We labored over the decision to close, Prince said. I believe we were one of the first cultural institutions in the country to fully close on the 9th. Once that happened and employees were assured their jobs were still secure, about 10 of us started to assess the needs of our community by phone. When we realized food was a primary need and that food scarcity would escalate, the idea emerged that we could use our own kitchen to be able to serve our existing nonprofit partners, who were already in need by that Thursday. Everyone at Grace Farms has been energized by this project, she said, and its a way to get to know our neighbors better. GFF is committed to providing fresh, healthy meals and/or supplies for the duration of this temporary closure. Of course all health guidelines are being followed in the kitchen. Prince said the biggest challenge she can see is assuring that everyone stays 6 feet apart. Perez has been training her team for several weeks to prepare for this, and said everyone realizes how important it is to keep everything sanitary while following proper food-prep and hand-washing procedures. We all wanted to do something good for our communities, Perez said. This is a tough time for a lot of people. It takes a village, so we are all onboard. Grace Farms purpose is to advance good together with the public, private and government sector, and confront long-standing pressing humanitarian issues that deprive justice and freedom for all, Prince said. Right now, alongside our foundations ongoing work, we switched gears, and decided to safely prepare and serve food to our most vulnerable neighbors and community, particular children, families, and the elderly. Grace Farms is at 365 Lukes Wood Road and will continue to advance its five initiatives nature, arts, justice, community and faith even during this closure. Further details are at gracefarms.org. Following is a list of organizations receiving assistance: Person 2 Person: GFF will provide meals for the individuals and families whom they serve. Person 2 Person provides assistance for basic needs to overcome daily challenges and access to resources to improve lives. Inspirica: Inspirica works to break the cycle of homelessness. GFF will provide meals for Inspirica clients. Open Door Shelter: Open Door provides shelter, food, clothing, case management services, treatment services, and transitional planning for children and families in Norwalk. GFF will donate pantry staple items for their clients. Staying Put New Canaan: GFF is providing hot meals for seniors who work with Staying Put, which gives social support and assistance to seniors in the New Canaan area. Bridgeport Rescue Mission: This organization provides meals, clothing, shelter and recovery services for people experiencing poverty, addiction and homelessness. GFF is providing canned goods and cooked meals for their clients. Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI): CIRI provides services and advocacy for immigrants, refugees and survivors of human trafficking and torture. GFF will provide meals and food for those they serve. Food Rescue US: Food Rescue US delivers food from business that have too much to those in need. GFF is working with Food Rescue US to deliver meals, canned goods and produce that organizations can use to re-stock their supplies and continue to serve the community. lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter @LindaTKoonz This article, Elon Musk says his companies will make ventilators as coronavirus causes shortage, originally appeared on CNET.com. Elon Musk offered to make ventilators as hospitals facing shortages due to the coronavirus outbreak, after a Twitter follower asked that he repurpose his factory to do so. However, the Tesla and SpaceX boss also noted that it'll take time. We will make ventilators if there is a shortage Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 19, 2020 Nate Silver, the editor of statistics and polling-focused news site FiveThirtyEight, pressed him for details. "Tesla makes cars with sophisticated hvac systems. SpaceX makes spacecraft with life support systems," Musk replied. "Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly." Tesla makes cars with sophisticated hvac systems. SpaceX makes spacecraft with life support systems. Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly. Which hospitals have these shortages you speak of right now? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 19, 2020 Silver praised Musk and noted that hospitals in New York City and Seattle "are in acute danger." Then he suggested that medical facilities in need should tweet him and Musk. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio jumped into the conversation too. More for you Tesla factory cutting workforce, but staying open amid order "New York City is buying! Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP -- we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks," he wrote. "We're getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help!" @elonmusk New York City is buying! Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. Were getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help! Were reaching out to you directly. Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 19, 2020 Musk tweeted on Friday that his companies are "working" on ventilators, but added that he thinks "they probably won't be needed." Musk didn't offer specific details. Yes, were working on ventilators, even though I think they probably wont be needed Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2020 The new strain of coronavirus, which can develop into a respiratory illness known as COVID-19, was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December. It's now infected nearly 316,000 people and caused more than 13,000 deaths globally. The US has more than 26,000 confirmed cases. On Sunday morning, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to thank Musk's Tesla as well as General Motors and Ford for their help in making ventilators. Ford, General Motors and Tesla are being given the go ahead to make ventilators and other metal products, FAST! @fema Go for it auto execs, lets see how good you are? @RepMarkMeadows @GOPLeader @senatemajldr Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2020 Ant-Man director Peyton Reed also thanked Musk on the social networking platform on Saturday night for a "truckload" of equipment including masks and gowns that were delivered to UCLA Health. I want to publicly thank @elonmusk for sending a truckload of PPEs (masks, gowns, etc.) to UCLA Health today! They will be put to good use. My wife, her co-workers and her patients thank you profusely. pic.twitter.com/SiAdqMcPCT Peyton Reed (@MrPeytonReed) March 22, 2020 Hospitals have warned that they're not prepared for the expected influx of coronavirus patients, and the US Department of Defense is donating 5 million surgical masks and 2,000 ventilators. Musk drew criticism earlier this month when he tweeted that panicking over the coronavirus is "dumb." Tesla didn't respond to a request for comment. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Patricia Frieson, a 61-year-old former nurse, tested positive for COVID-19 and died at the University of Chicago Medical Center on Monday night. She had a history of underlying health issues and is thought to be the first fatality in Illinois linked to the coronavirus. Brother, Richard Frieson, provided this handout photo. It's from her Facebook. Not professional photo but he's not exactly sure who took it. Taken around 2017, he believes. - Original Credit: Provided by Richard Frieson (Family photo) Colorado National Guard medical personnel perform coronavirus test on a motorist at a drive-through testing site outside the Denver Coliseum, in Denver, Colorado, on March 14, 2020. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo) Tens of Thousands of Guardsmen to Tackle CCP Virus, Chief Expects National Guard Bureau Chief Advises Against Federalizing the Reservist Force States could activate tens of thousands of National Guard troops in the coming weeks to tackle the CCP virus pandemic, predicted the head of the reservist arm of the U.S. military. National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel also said he advises against federalizing the reservist force, saying it should instead be kept under local state control. Its hard to tell what the exact requirement will be, but Im expecting tens of thousands to be used inside the states as this grows, Lengyel told reporters on Thursday. I think that this could quickly blossom in the next couple of weeks as governors and states determine their needs and ways to use their National Guards. Over 2,000 National Guard members are currently deployed in 27 states in the fight against the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Lengyel said he expects that number to double by the weekend, and to continue to increase rapidly as more test kits become available. Lengyel said that the 450,000-strong National Guard would be most effectively used under the local command and control of state governors, the default constitutional position. While the president has the power to federalize the National Guard, bringing it under direct military control, Lengyel said that would not make sense in this situation. Every state has a different way to deal with disasters and the National Guard is uniquely qualified and postured to act under the command and control of the governors in those states. Federalizing the reservist force would lose that strength, he said. A federalized National Guard would also no longer be able to carry out law enforcementa unique attribute available to states that would be lost on federalizing under constitutional checks against martial law. He said that the National Guard, with its motto always ready, always there, is in nearly every state territory and nearly every zip code. When disaster strikes, we dont have to mobilize from some base. We pack a lunch and we go to work, because we are already there in the communities. We live there, we can respond faster. The National Guard is a reservist force, part of the Navy and of the Army, which can be brought under federal control in the event of war, but is typically called on to tackle natural disasters at the state level, such as hurricanes. Describing the CCP virus pandemic as a historic event, unlike any we have faced in recent years, Lengyel said it was like having 54 separate hurricanes in every state. Unlike a hurricane, we dont know when this is going to dissipate or move out to sea. So far, the National Guard has been used in some states to assist with test samples, which is why the advent of more testing could see states call for more assistance. The Guard has so far been providing medical testing, assessments, facilities, ground transportation, transport, logistics, command and control, and liaison officers, said Lengyel. Guardsmen includes medics. But since they are drawn from the civilian population, Lengyel said enlisting their help had to be balanced against the fact that they would likely already be on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Other senior Pentagon spokespersons have made similar comments in recent days. Six Guardsmen have tested positive for the CCP so far, according to Lengyel. The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus as the CCP virus, because the Chinese Communist Partys coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic. Lockdown measures taken in Italy over the coronavirus pandemic will be extended beyond their original deadlines, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday. Imposed nationally on March 12, the shutdown of most businesses and a ban on public gatherings in Italy, the European country worst hit by the pandemic, are due to expire on March 25. School closures and other measures, such as a ban fan attendance at sporting events, are due to run on until April 3. "The measures we have taken... must be extended beyond their original deadline," Conte told Thursday's edition of the Corriere della Sera newspaper. Conte referred to the closures of many businesses, "individual activities" and the shutdown of schools. "We have avoided the collapse of the system, the restrictive measures function," Conte said. He expressed hope that the country will hit a peak in a few days and see a decline in infection rates. But he warned "we will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before" even after worst is over. The pandemic killed 475 people in Italy between Tuesday and Wednesday, the worst toll in a country in a single day, according to an official count published Wednesday. A total of nearly 3,000 people have died because of the virus in Italy, almost as many as in China, where the pandemic began in late December. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Express News Service CHENNAI: The State Health Department launched an exclusive web portal on Wednesday, providing all information on coronavirus, with an option to self-report infection. To self-report, people can log onto http:stopcoronatn.in and do it if they have a travel history or symptoms of coronavirus. ALSO READ: COVID 19 LIVE UPDATES By clicking on the self-reporting option available on the right, people can register themselves to get access. Access will be granted after verification of their mobile number and name through an OTP. The portal has the necessary information about COVID-19, preventive measures, modes of transmission and also Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials. People can also dial to the helpline numbers (044- 29510400, 044-29510500, 9444340496, 8754448477) for any queries which will connect them to the control room of Directorate of Public Health. Close to 2 lakh screened A media bulletin issued by Directorate of Public Health said 1,89,750 people have been screened the Chennai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore and Madurai airports. Of them, 2,984 are under home quarantine and 32 in hospital observation. So far, 222 samples have been tested. Among them, 166 turned negative and two positive. The results of 54 others are awaited, it added. The bulletin said the second COVID-19 patient would be discharged only after two consecutive tests show him negative for the disease. He is stable and under treatment, it said. ALSO READ: 1,890 with travel history quarantined in Chennai The second case has sparked concerns as the patient does not have a travel history outside India. Official sources only mentioned that he had travelled to Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Chennai. As there is no information if he had contact with someone who tested positive for the disease, there is fear this could be the first case of community transmission -- which means the source of infection cannot be traced because it is spreading within communities. So far in the cases reported in India, the source of infection has only been from outside country. Officials, however, made it clear that they are yet to finish tracking the source of infection. Meanwhile, the first patient has been discharged from the hospital. He is said to have completely recovered. He would be under home quarantine for two weeks. Dont jack up masks prices Strict action will be taken against those who sell masks and hand sanitisers at exorbitant prices, Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar said on Wednesday. APRIL in this regard has been filed in the High Court. WORRYING SIGN The second case has sparked concerns as the patient does not have a travel history outside India Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday sought peoples' cooperation for the ongoing 'war against Coronavirusvirus' that has created a global medical havoc since the past couple of months. Addressing the people of the state, Thackeray assured that the state and Centre are "fully geared" for what he termed as 'a world war' that has been waged against coronavirus. "Like in the days of the (1971) India-Pakistan War, the siren has been sounded. We all have to be alert and fight this global war. This virus is spreading step-by-step and Maharashtra has the highest number of affected," Thackeray said. He reiterated his impassioned plea to the 1.70 crore people of Mumbai to reduce the crowds in public and avoid 'social contacts'. "There is some improvement. But more needs to be done. Please try to remain indoors as far as possible, avoid all unnecessary commutes/travels and exercise precautions at all times. Work from home as far as possible. Those with the 'quarantine stamps' must not step out," Thackeray urged. The Chief Minister's address came hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled address to the nation tonight at 8 p.m. A U.S. airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base is in federal custody after military investigators searching his KAFB residence found a cache of 17 firearms, two silencers, large amounts of ammunition, bomb-making instructions and photos of rifle magazines with the names of mass shooters written on them. Investigators said in a criminal complaint that Senior Airman Charles Brent Justice, 27, could be a threat to the general public. Justice formally has been charged with possessing a silencer and unlawful importation of a firearm the silencer he allegedly ordered from a Chinese company. The photographs found on his cellphone showed the names of mass shooters written on white ink on AR-15 compatible magazines. Included among the names were Alexandre Bissonette, who shot and killed several people at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, and Luca Traini, who targeted African migrants in Italy. Other photographs were related to the Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand. Federal law enforcement in Albuquerque have been paying close attention to gun parts coming out of China, including automatic conversion devices called auto-sears and silencers. There are several pending cases filed here in the last year charging gang members and convicted felons with possessing the parts and converting semiautomatic weapons into machine guns. U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package addressed to Justice at the international postal station at John F. Kennedy airport in New York City. Agents opened the package because the Chinese company that sent it was known to ship silencers into the U.S. illegally. Agents found information that Justice had placed orders with Chinese vendors of shipping firearm-related devices like the silencer in the past. The specific silencer agents found was sold under the name of Inline Filter with the intent to disguise it as an automotive part. Once they found the silencer, agents notified Air Force Office of Special Investigation agents who questioned Justice and searched his residence on the base. The search was carried out under military rules based on authority granted by Col. David Miller, Commander, 377th Air Base Wing. Air Force investigators found a buttstock designed to be attached to a Glock pistol, making it a short-barreled rifle, and a Glock compatible auto-sear that attaches to Glock pistols allowing the pistol to function as a machine gun. The complaint notes that possession of both the auto-sear attachment and the buttstock are illegal and that Justice received both items from Chinese vendors. No additional charges have been filed regarding those devices, but Justice also faces the possibility of additional charges in military court. Investigators also found instructions on making Molotov cocktails and other explosive devices. Investigators found that Justice did not have permission to store firearms at his on-base residence. After Air Force investigators conducted their search, they called in agents from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms who filed the federal charges. Michael Lundy is out as president/CEO of the Housing Authority Birmingham Division, pending the approval of a separation agreement. On Thursday, the HABD Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 to put Lundy on paid leave. Commissioner Dr. Anthony Hood voted no; commissioner D.G. Pantazis was absent. Dontrelle Young-Foster, previously HABDs vice president of special projects and support services, will serve as interim executive director while the agency conducts a national search for Lundys permanent replacement. Lundy, who was hired in 2016, earns $225,000 annually. His contract is to expire in January 2023. Board chair Cardell Davis said: The HABD Board of Commissioners is committed to providing decent, safe and sanitary housing to our residents of public and subsidized housing. At this time we felt it was necessary to move HABDs leadership in a different direction in order to meet our commitment to the residents." Dontrelle Young-Foster, Vice President of Special Projects and Support Services, HABD Lundy came under fire last summer in the wake of the death of 4-year-old Jurnee Coleman, who was shot in the head on July 28, 2019, when a stray bullet entered her apartment at Mark Village public housing complex. Coleman had gotten out of bed while a relative was getting her juice from the refrigerator when, according to police, 39-year-old Raymond Shine fired a shot at Colemans father, Michael, after the two men, who are first cousins, got into an argument. Coleman died four days later. (On March 6, a Jefferson County grand jury indicted Shine for the shooting.) In the wake of the tragedy, the HABD was widely criticized regarding the safety of the 5,000 families under its care in 14 public housing communitiesparticularly shootings, which regularly pierced the nights (and days) around the complexes. It was learned that, in April 2019, Lundy received a proposal from the Birmingham Police Department to offer above-baseline services utilizing approximately 28 Birmingham officers, two sergeants, and a lieutenant to patrol public housing every day. BPD called it a High-Intensity Community Oriented Police Patrol, modeled after a similar program in California overseen by Police Chief Patrick Smith and Deputy Chief of Patrol Dwight Davenport, each of whom previously worked for the Los Angeles Police Department before coming to Birmingham in 2018. In September, after pressure from the board of commissioners, HABD agreed to a two-year, $3.6 million deal with the City of Birmingham and the Birmingham Police Department to provide the service. HABD also hired its first public safety director in several years, Ken Foreman. In October, however, 3-year-old Kamille (Cupcake) McKinney was kidnapped from a childrens birthday party at Tom Brown Village. Ten days later, her body was found in a dumpster in a landfill. Two people have been charged with her murder. In November, HABD reported that crime in its communities was down 7 percent over the previous three years. Before the end of last year, HABD announced an agreement with Southtown Development Corporation for the long-debated redevelopment of the 445-unit Southtown Court community and unveiled new villas at the Titusville housing community, once known as Loveman Village. The development cost $79.6 million. This story will be updated. Members in Lok Sabha on Thursday expressed concerns over problems being faced by Indian students stuck at airports abroad due to coronavirus threat, and said the government should take immediate steps to bring them back. Members cutting across party lines raised the issue and said students were stuck at several places including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. Shiv Sena member Vinayak Bhaurao Raut said that 58 students from different parts of the country were stranded in Singapore for three days and 25 of them were women. He said the students were facing problems and they should not be sent back to Malaysia but brought to India. Another Shiv Sena lawmaker Rajan Baburao Vichare also raised the issue concerning students stuck in Singapore. "I request the minister to bring them to Mumbai," he said. Congress member Dean Kuriakose said several people from his constituency were stuck at different airports including in Italy and the Philippines. He demanded that chartered flights should be arranged to bring them back. "What kind of measures (are being taken)," said Margani Bharat of the YSRCP while the issue of Indians stuck in Manila. He said all the students stuck abroad should be brought back and quarantined. Samajwadi Party member ST Hasan raised the problems of Indian students stuck in Kuala Lampur and said their luggage had been loaded in the plane but they were told at last moment that the flight cannot go due to restrictions placed by India. He said it was a curfew-like situation and the students were also facing difficulty in getting food. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said many Indians were stuck at airports abroad due to threats about the spread of coronavirus. Asit Kumar Mal of Trinamool Congress said there should be more quarantine centers. BJP member from Darjeeling Raju Bista expressed concerns that people from the northeast had faced racial comments in some parts of the country in the wake of coronavirus spread. He said a large section of people were dependent on tourism in his constituency and demanded a special package in the wake of the impact of coronavirus on the sector. A few members also demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaker Om Birla said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has given a detailed statement on the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) I want to say thanks to the voters who know my record, they know my commitment and know the work that I have done, Davis said. The country is in difficult straits right now. We have some very challenging times and I think people wanted to have somebody there representing them with experience, knowledge and understanding of processes and procedures, and someone who will be effective. (Bloomberg) -- Narrow victories by Joe Biden in Tuesdays primaries would effectively end the Democratic presidential nomination fight, making it nearly impossible for Bernie Sanders to capture the delegates needed. Three states, Arizona, Florida and Illinois will hold votes on Tuesday despite concerns about voters and poll workers becoming infected with the coronavirus. Ohio was scheduled to have a primary as well, but back-and-forth court action late Monday ended with the voting being delayed. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine had asked a court to delay his states primary to June 2, and two people in their 60s sued, saying they shouldnt have to choose between their health and voting. But Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Richard Frye said it would be a terrible precedent for a court to step in at the last minute to rewrite the election code. Within hours, DeWine said the state health director, Amy Acton, would order the polls closed as a health emergency. He said the secretary of state, Frank LaRose, would work to extend voting options so that every voter who wants to vote will be granted that opportunity. Biden was heavily favored in all four states, as well as the remaining major contests in the spring, a continuation of his sweep of the contests since South Carolina that has put him on a glide path to the nomination. DeWine sought the delay because, he said, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus. It was just the latest twist in a dramatic and unpredictable primary battle that has now been transformed into a quarantined campaign -- even as Sundays debate showed an ideological rift remains between the two top contenders. The three states voting Tuesday will award a total of 441 delegates, making it the third-biggest delegate haul on the primary calendar and a tipping point in the nomination contest. Biden has a lead of 152 delegates over Sanders. After Tuesday, the former vice president will have a majority of the delegates awarded so far and more than half of the 1,991 needed to win the nomination outright. Story continues The question for Sanders is whether to keep his campaign going. For Bidens allies, staying in would only make it harder to create the unity the Democratic Party will need to defeat President Donald Trump in November. What we cant do is get into a process that makes it more likely that Donald Trump is re-elected, said Representative Cedric Richmond of Louisiana in a phone call with reporters arranged by the Biden campaign. There are going to have to be hard decisions that are made after the next couple of primaries. Sanders conceded in Sundays debate that hes losing the delegate race but insisted hes winning the policy arguments. Joe has won more states than I have. But heres what we are winning. We are winning the ideological struggle, the Vermont senator said, citing exit polls showing a majority of Democrats favor his Medicare-for-All health care plan. Sanders argues that the coronavirus pandemic makes his government-run health insurance plan even more essential. But the public health crisis could also work to Bidens advantage, as Democratic voters seek his experience as vice president over Sanderss promise of a political revolution. If people were in a position where they were willing to take a risk, Bernie could have some appeal, said former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who has endorsed Biden. But I think what they want now is reassurance, and they want someone who is experienced, someone who is mature. After two weeks of multistate primaries in which he split wins with Sanders, Biden owns every state in Tuesdays contests according to polls. He leads by 20.5 percentage points in Arizona, 42.8 points in Florida, 29.5 points in Illinois and was leading 22.5 points in Ohio, according to the RealClearPolitics averages. Governors in all four states have declared states of emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic, limiting some public events and closing schools. State election officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois say they can conduct in-person voting safely, but some polling places in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are being moved and the states are experiencing a shortage of poll workers, who are often retirees. Who Will Turn Out? The coronavirus could affect the generation gap among supporters for Biden and Sanders. Older voters favor Biden, but their increased vulnerability to the virus could suppress their voting, which would favor Sanders a little. Conversely, so many universities and colleges have canceled classes that many of the young people who back Sanders may not be living where they are registered at the time it comes to vote, suppressing support for Sanders.If you had asked me before this coronavirus scare, I would say Joe Biden would win in a landslide, but right now its hard to tell, said Tara Samples, an Akron City councilwoman and co-chairwoman of the Sanders campaign in Ohio. I think its going to be a lot closer than what people think.Sanders suggested to CNN Sunday that states should consider postponing the primaries, as Louisiana and Georgia have. I would hope governors would listen to the public health experts, he said. On Monday, Kentucky put off its primary, from May 19 to June 23. Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii also remains in the race but has been receiving less than 2% of the vote. (Adds delegate count in ninth paragraph) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue was last night lit up with the flags of countries struck down by the coronavirus pandemic. The 125ft monument, which towers over Rio de Janeiro, had #praytogether projected on it in different languages. Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta held mass at the landmark during the light show and called for people to pray for the sick. Christ the Redeemer statue was last night lit up with the flags of countries struck down by the coronavirus pandemic The 125ft monument, which towers over Rio de Janeiro, had #praytogether projected on it in different languages The Corcovado mountain site, which attracts around 2million visitors a year, was closed to the public on Tuesday for at least a week. The Chico Mendes Institute had ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that's home to the Christ, to try to contain the virus. Brazil has seen 529 cases of the killer bug and four deaths since it first hit the country on February 26. The last selfies were taken at the foot of the famous statue on Tuesday afternoon on an overcast day. Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta (pictured) held mass at the landmark during the light show and called for people to pray for the sick The Corcovado mountain site (pictured last night), which attracts around 2million visitors a year, was closed to the public on Tuesday for at least a week Rio is entering crisis mode as firemen roll down the streets blaring recordings urging beachgoers to stay home. City Governor Wilson Witzel's decree implored restaurants and bars to limit themselves to 30 per cent capacity for 15 days. It also called for boats and buses to halve their passenger loads, shopping malls to close and people to avoid beaches and public pools. The decree suspended classes and all other activities and events that entail gatherings. The Chico Mendes Institute had ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that's home to the Christ, to try to contain the virus City Governor Wilson Witzel has urged for the city's residents to avoid beaches (pictured, empty yesterday) and public pools Maurilivia Gomes, a 35-year-old baker visiting Christ the Redeemer from Goias state on Tuesday, said: 'We are afraid, we feel unsafe. We're taking the necessary measures. 'And we're also going to enjoy what we can and circulate in open spaces, because we can't travel this far then stay confined in a room for four days.' The company that administers transport at Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain - another postcard destination with 1.5 million visitors annually - also closed on Tuesday. Even before the governor's decree, Bondinho Pao de Acucar halved the number of passengers on its cable cars to 32, and begun wiping them down with alcohol after each journey. Brazil reported its first death from the virus on Tuesday - a 62-year-old man in Sao Paulo. As local leaders imposed and recommended precautions, President Jair Bolsonaro said they could damage the economy and was sceptical of the virus' severity. As local leaders imposed and recommended precautions, President Jair Bolsonaro (pictured yesterday) said they could damage the economy and was sceptical of the virus' severity A demonstrator beats a pot as she protests from her window against a speech by President Bolsonaro on the coronavirus outbreak He told a local radio station, Radio Tupi: 'What is incorrect is the hysteria, as though it were the end of the world. 'A nation like Brazil, for example, will only be free when a certain number of people are infected and create antibodies.' For most people, Covid-19 entails only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover. Tour guides said they were concerned about the impact closing down Rio's main tourist sites will have on their livelihoods. Alexandre Faria Carbonelli said in the plaza beneath Sugarloaf's cable car: 'We have to count on the hope that we can find a family that wants to walk around and do something at least, so we can earn something this month. 'For guys who work autonomously, don't have savings, have a family, it's kind of desperate.' Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. says its experience adjusting to hurricanes and floods positions it well to meet the challenges from COVID-19. Communities where its Circle K stores are located rely on the convenience store chain for fuel, emergency items and staples, CEO Brian Hannasch told analysts Wednesday. So when weve experienced these types of situations in the past, if you think about hurricanes, floods, etc., our industry has played a key role in helping our communities get through these situations, and well attempt to do the same here. The international retailer said there has been some softening of business in Norway after its borders were closed last week but theres been little impact so far in the United States and Canada where similar restrictions were not yet put in place. One of the benefits of being global is were able to share information and best practises and learnings across our business units and apply the lessons we learn in Europe to our North American businesses, he told analysts. Hannasch said there is higher demand for some items such as water, tobacco products and beer as customers stock up but no material issues with its supply chain. The Quebec-based company said it has contingency plans if stores are forced to close, reduce hours or face labour shortages. So right now, we expect to remain open. However, we do have plans where weve identified sites that we would close and transfer employees to make sure that we keep our most strategic sites open in the event of running short of available team members, he said. We also are looking at opening hours and reducing evening shifts if we need to. He noted that communities facing restrictions allow for exemptions for grocery, fuel and drugs. Derek Dley of Canaccord Genuity said he believes Couche-Tard can weather the virus storm. The companys decentralized business model has handled a number of local crises in the past and we believe it is well-equipped to do so again, he wrote in a report. Hannasch told analysts that the retailer also has the financial flexibility to withstand any pressures and also take advantage of acquisition opportunities that may arise from struggling competitors. If I look back over the years, I would say some of our best opportunities have come after a difficult period, he said. The chief executive added that its normal for store sales prices to fall as some owners dont have the balance sheet flexibility. So as always, our approach has been to maintain a clean balance sheet and be able to get through these difficult times in good condition and take advantage of opportunities that may arise. Couche-Tard said it has US$1.8 billion of cash on the balance sheet plus US$2.5 billion of available credit. The company also says it is conducting due diligence on its bid for Australias Caltex convenience store network. The comments came after the company boosted its quarterly dividend 12 per cent to seven cents per share while reporting Tuesday that it earned US$659.9 million or 59 cents per diluted share in the third quarter. Thats up from US$612.1 million or 54 cents per share a year earlier. Alimentation Couche-Tard was one of the best performers on a losing day on the Toronto Stock Market as its shares gained 90 cents, or 2.7 per cent, to $33.97 This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:ATD.B) As many as 43 people returning from Pakistan and Dubai were on Thursday quarantined here by the state authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19. Speaking to ANI, Parijeet Kaur Johal, Civil Surgeon said, "Out of 43, 29 have a travel history of Dubai and 14 are people are studying in Pakistan. Their medical reports have been sent to the state government." India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus,raising the number of infected people to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected by the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Markham mother Carey Chan thought she was sitting pretty. She was almost finished her maternity leave and felt lucky to secure places for her two young sons in a local Montessori program until the end of June, even though it would cost $10,000. Then COVID-19 struck. The child-care program, like all the others in the province, closed. But the final blow struck when she learned the for-profit program did not give refunds. Thats when she got mad. Some daycares and Montessori schools are offering rebates and credits, but not all, Chan said Wednesday. If the government is mandating all child-care centres to close, why is there a difference in the treatment of parents? Her family is now facing the same significant financial loss as many other parents of children in daycare who have seen their centres shuttered over the past week due to the COVID-19 crisis. Chan decided to do something about it. She launched a petition, urging the Ford government to make daycare programs give refunds or credits. In just two days, more than 500 parents have signed Chans petition on change.org. For my family, since we have two kids, were looking at a loss of $10,000, said Chan, whose sons are age 5 and 18 months. One month for one child costs $1,500. We are talking about three months, along with extended care that we have prepaid until June. And its a lot of money, she added. Many parents with children enrolled in private Montessori child-care programs, which are modelled on an individual-based teaching theory from Italian physician Maria Montessori, pay fees in advance, Chan noted. Others pay by debit or postdated cheque and often are loathe to stop payment on the cheque for fear of losing their space when the program reopens. The daycares seem to be telling parents they cant offer refunds or credits because of their financial obligations, Chan said. But Chan, whose 18-month-old son Karson had barely attended two weeks before the program closed in the wake of Ontarios state of emergency declaration, doesnt buy it. Thats because she is opening her own 126-student Montessori school this summer and from her research she knows for-profit daycares are well placed to weather a shutdown. The federal and provincial governments just announced business relief packages, including interest-free loans, wage subsidies and employment insurance (EI) for workers, which will go a long way to support centres and their staff, she said. Major banks are also helping with mortgage relief of up to six months. Its amazing that all of this help is going to businesses and workers. But we are hearing nothing for parents, Chan said. The Nova Scotia government has said it will compensate daycares and staff so parents arent on the hook for fees while programs are closed. But so far, no other province has stepped up. Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the province will provide more clarity on child care as a whole in the coming days. Child care advocates are also calling on all provinces to implement emergency child care for essential workers and introduce special financial measures to keep shuttered daycares afloat, pay staff and protect parents. A lot of parents are OK waiting for three weeks, said Chan, who consulted local parent Facebook groups and ran a small poll, before launching the petition. But it looks like this might go on for some time, and a lot of families are going to lose a lot of money. Ontario parents pay the highest child care fees in the country, with median fees for toddlers (age 18 months to 2 1/2 years) in Toronto topping $1,400 a month. Dividend paying stocks like Polaris Media ASA (OB:POL) tend to be popular with investors, and for good reason - some research suggests a significant amount of all stock market returns come from reinvested dividends. Unfortunately, it's common for investors to be enticed in by the seemingly attractive yield, and lose money when the company has to cut its dividend payments. In this case, Polaris Media likely looks attractive to investors, given its 6.5% dividend yield and a payment history of over ten years. We'd guess that plenty of investors have purchased it for the income. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risks of buying Polaris Media for its dividend, and we'll go through these below. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis OB:POL Historical Dividend Yield, March 19th 2020 Payout ratios Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. As a result, we should always investigate whether a company can afford its dividend, measured as a percentage of a company's net income after tax. Polaris Media paid out 62% of its profit as dividends, over the trailing twelve month period. A payout ratio above 50% generally implies a business is reaching maturity, although it is still possible to reinvest in the business or increase the dividend over time. In addition to comparing dividends against profits, we should inspect whether the company generated enough cash to pay its dividend. Polaris Media paid out 76% of its cash flow last year. This may be sustainable but it does not leave much of a buffer for unexpected circumstances. It's positive to see that Polaris Media's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut. With a strong net cash balance, Polaris Media investors may not have much to worry about in the near term from a dividend perspective. Story continues Remember, you can always get a snapshot of Polaris Media's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health. Dividend Volatility Before buying a stock for its income, we want to see if the dividends have been stable in the past, and if the company has a track record of maintaining its dividend. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Polaris Media's dividend payments. Its dividend payments have declined on at least one occasion over the past ten years. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was kr0.90 in 2010, compared to kr1.84 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 7.4% per year over this time. The growth in dividends has not been linear, but the CAGR is a decent approximation of the rate of change over this time frame. Dividends have grown at a reasonable rate, but with at least one substantial cut in the payments, we're not certain this dividend stock would be ideal for someone intending to live on the income. Dividend Growth Potential Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. Polaris Media has grown its earnings per share at 9.7% per annum over the past five years. The rate at which earnings have grown is quite decent, and by paying out more than half of its earnings as dividends, the company is striking a reasonable balance between reinvestment and returns to shareholders. Conclusion To summarise, shareholders should always check that Polaris Media's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. First, we think Polaris Media is paying out an acceptable percentage of its cashflow and profit. Next, earnings growth has been good, but unfortunately the dividend has been cut at least once in the past. Ultimately, Polaris Media comes up short on our dividend analysis. It's not that we think it is a bad company - just that there are likely more appealing dividend prospects out there on this analysis. Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is to one to which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. Just as an example, we've come accross 5 warning signs for Polaris Media you should be aware of, and 1 of them is significant. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our curated list of dividend stocks with a yield above 3%. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading. "Around 30" Malian soldiers were killed and five more injured in a suspected jihadist attack Thursday in the north of the country, the army said. The attack took place early Thursday at a military camp in Tarkint, north of Gao, an army official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The toll in the attack of #Tarkint (#Gao) has risen to around 30 deaths and five wounded," Mali's armed forces wrote on Twitter. Earlier, the army had said that its camp in Tarkint was the target of a "terrorist attack", putting the initial toll at two dead and 10 injured. It is the deadliest attack on the Malian amry in four months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tyrone Tyree was an aspiring rapper who worked at Amazon before he has shot to death last year. His family believes he was targeted for his income tax refund and are convinced that if authorities had acted sooner, Cpl. James O'Connor, who was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant for Tyree's slaying, might still be alive. Read more The family of Tyrone Tyree Jr. is doubly sad right now. For starters, they are still mourning Tyrees slaying a year ago. But they also are mourning the tragic death of Philadelphia Police Sgt. James OConnor IV, who was killed in a barrage of bullets as authorities attempted to serve a warrant on Hassan Elliott, who was wanted in Tyrees killing. Were trying to figure out what we can do for that family," said Ashley Bowman, Tyrees big sister. My mom really feels some kind of way that the cop got killed trying to serve a warrant on the man who killed my brother. Although theyre relieved that a suspect has finally been apprehended, they remain frustrated that it took so long for authorities to make an arrest. READ MORE: U.S. Attorney William McSwain slams DA Larry Krasner over fatal shooting of Cpl. James OConnor IV I talked to one relative around a year ago who had reached out to complain about how long it was taking to make an arrest. I remember thinking, Oh, theyll get to it soon. I was wrong. They kept saying, Were looking for him, Dionne Bowman, Tyrees mother, told me on Wednesday. But weeks turned into months. And months turned into a year as the familys frustration grew. If they would have gotten right on them guys [after Tyrees killing], that officer would be living right now today, Bowman told me. I asked Capt. Sekou Kinebrew, a police spokesperson, about her theory, but he said, It would be inappropriate to enter the realm of speculation" as the investigations and prosecutions of both tragedies are ongoing. The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office also declined further comment on the case. As for Tyree, he was a happy go-lucky guy, the second oldest of 12 kids. (According to his mother, he was named after his father, Tyrone Tyree Sr., who died two weeks before he did. Various media reports and authorities have reversed the order of his name.) During his 33 years, Tyree made mistakes, but his family says he had turned his life around. At the time of his death last year, he was working for Amazon in packaging, and dreamed of making it big as a rapper. Relatives believe he may have been targeted for his income tax refund his first ever and told police as much after he was killed on March 1, 2019. His relatives criticism of the handling of his case echoes that of U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain, who has criticized District Attorney Larry Krasners office for not seeking to more aggressively prosecute Elliott over an open drug-possession case hours before he allegedly killed Tyree. Earlier that day, Elliott had attended a court hearing, where he was scheduled for trial later that month and released. READ MORE: Philly SWAT officer, 46, is fatally shot while trying to serve a warrant in Frankford After leaving his pretrial status listing, he allegedly murdered Tyree ... on the 5300 block of Duffield Street, McSwain said in a statement. Elliott and another man, both armed with handguns, approached [Tyree], who was sitting in his car, and allegedly opened fire at close range. Video showed Elliott fleeing the scene and his fingerprints were found on one of the alleged murder weapons. The District Attorneys Office approved warrants for his arrest on March 26, 2019. Elliott was a no-show for his court date on drug charges the following day. Despite his absence, and the outstanding murder warrant, the District Attorneys Office withdrew the cocaine case against Elliott, citing prosecutorial discretion, McSwain said. Elliott then remained at large until the murder of ... OConnor. These facts paint a damning picture of a prosecutors office that prioritizes decarceration of violent offenders over public safety. Bowman doesnt blame Krasner. In fact, she credits him with speeding things up after meeting him at Relish restaurant in February and informing him about the lack of progress in her sons case. Finger-pointing aside, one thing is perfectly clear: No arrests were made in Tyrees case until last week, when OConnor was fatally wounded. Now, two men are dead. Two families are grieving. And we as a community mourn along with them. HOHHOT, March 19 (Xinhua) -- North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Thursday became the latest in a crop of Chinese provincial-level regions that have zero COVID-19 patients. After receiving two nucleic acid tests, the last infected patient in the region was announced cured on Thursday, with both tests coming back with a negative diagnosis of the disease. The region had reported a total of 75 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus with 74 cured and one death. The regional health commission said the cured patients need to stay under quarantine in designated hospitals for another two weeks. They will be discharged after receiving medical checks and nucleic acid tests again. There have been no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Inner Mongolia for 29 consecutive days, although 41 people are still under medical observation in the region for having close contacts with infected cases from other provinces and regions or imported from foreign countries. Bishop Paul S Morton insists churches should stay open amid coronavirus, but many disagree Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Paul S. Morton, founding bishop of The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has been fielding withering criticism online for insisting churches should remain open, like hospitals and police stations across the country, amid the coronavirus pandemic. As of Tuesday morning, more than 5,000 cases of the new coronavirus have been diagnosed in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering tracker. At least 85 people have died and 17 have recovered from the virus. The average age of those who've died in the U.S. is 80, according to CNN. In Italy the average age is 81, the BBC reported. According to the CDC, the complete clinical picture with regard to the new coronavirus is not fully known. While information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild, a report out of China suggests serious illness occurs in 16% of cases. Older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness, the health agency said, while reporting illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no reported symptoms) to severe. While many churches shuttered and opted for online gatherings as local governments and the CDC warned against public gatherings and encouraged social distancing to help stem the spread of the virus, Morton praised his own congregants who showed up to his church, calling them true kingdom soldiers. Thank you CAG for not forsaking the assembling together. True Kingdom Soldiers, he wrote in a tweet that included photos of him laying hands on congregants. He then followed up that tweet with several others, including several on Monday that quickly sparked a fiery debate with other Christian leaders and health professionals. No matter how bad things get in shutting down a City in a Crisis. At least 2 entities hv 2 remain open. Hospitals & Police Departments. But Gods Church must be on that list. The Spiritual Hospital The Spiritual Police Department. Dont cancel God out. We cant do it without Him, Morton tweeted Monday morning. Would U tell All Doctors Nurses Police Officers First Responders to close Hospitals and Police Stations that deal with Crisis. If not dont tell Gods first spiritual responders what to do about this Spiritual and Natural Crisis. The Church cant hide like unbelievers in a Crisis, Morton added. Morton said that while he was prepared to abide by legal requirements to close if necessary, healthy Christians shouldnt be advised against attending church when they can still find time to go to the grocery store or gas station. Would U tell All Doctors Nurses Police Officers First Responders to close Hospitals and Police Stations that deal with Crisis. If not dont tell Gods first spiritual responders what to do about this Spiritual and Natural Crisis. The Church cant hide like unbelievers in a Crisis https://t.co/wYAa2dMkxx Bishop Paul S Morton (@BishopPMorton) March 16, 2020 No matter how bad things get in shutting down a City in a Crisis. At least 2 entities hv 2 remain open. Hospitals & Police Departments. But Gods Church must be on that list. The Spiritual Hospital The Spiritual Police Department. Dont cancel God out. We cant do it without Him Bishop Paul S Morton (@BishopPMorton) March 16, 2020 Make sure U dont go 2 work or to grocery store or gas station Just stay home. If UR telling me U hv 2 go 2 those important places but not Gods House. Government Authorities say how many can go to Church by law I will listen to them not Panic, he said. The Rev. Chris Thurman, an associate minister at Joshua Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, pointed out in a response to Morton that the limiting of church gatherings is a precautionary step aimed at slowing down infections. Id like to respectfully disagree, Bishop. Cancelling service is a precautionary step that shows that you as the shepherd of your flock care about the safety and health of your congregants. God didnt give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a SOUND MIND. #PrayAndAct, Thurman wrote on Twitter. Thank you CAG for not forsaking the assembling together. True Kingdom Soldiers https://t.co/vQMHxJDSAd Bishop Paul S Morton (@BishopPMorton) March 15, 2020 Right a (Sound Mind) thats why the Church cant panic when the government says its ok for this many people to go to Church. Every Pastor must lead their own congregation. But for me and My House I just believe the Church should not be the first ones to get scared an close down, Morton replied. Morton noted that government officials in Atlanta have been quickly changing the number of people allowed in public gatherings but noted that even if that number goes down to just one, he will be in church. Who do you think Im listening to? They said 250 people now they say 50 people. So we will have people and if they go down to one. I will be the one at The Church building where God says forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, he added. Anesthesiologist Karen Priester asserted in a response to the bishop that his reasoning lacked wisdom. I pray your congregation has more common sense than you do. It's not about you & your ego. If you were doing your job, they know how to go directly to the source, Priester said. When questioned on whether infection with the virus was still possible using universal precautions an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and certain human body fluids as if they were known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other blood borne pathogens Priester said yes, noting that some healthcare workers in Italy were still getting infected while wearing personal protective equipment. Italy, which has nearly 28,000 coronavirus infections as of Tuesday morning, and more than 2,100 deaths, has seen the second highest number of cases outside China since the pandemic began. Yes. Stay home if you don't have to go out. In some hospitals in Italy, up to 40% of new cases were hospital workers. They not only use universal precautions, they had PPE as well. Why risk your life or that of someone you love? Priester said. When it was noted by Christian commenter Ron Brown that some people believe they can still attend church if they are able to go shopping at Walmart or go out in general, Priester replied: Is your God only in that building? Stay out of Walmart. Stay out of restaurants. Please stay home. Spend some time in communion with God without the middleman. Brown replied by saying: The God I believe in is not limited. I also believe in a sound mind as well a proper preparation. Now if your faith flows through a middleman then I see your problem. If the area is sanitary & Im not Ill my faith wont be handcuffed. If U dont believe fine. As 4 me & my house. Priester argued in a final note that its that kind of attitude that could lead to dire outcomes for the U.S. That's the point. There is no such thing as a sanitary place. This is about to get real bad real fast. Thankfully, I can pray to, meditate on, and worship my God anywhere. I don't need a special building. Peace and blessings, Priester replied. Bishop Morton I understand your position, but as shepherds of the flock of God we are to protect the sheep, we must be examples by obeying laws that are just. Be blessed. Mason Chapel COGIC (@MC_COGIC) March 17, 2020 Morton noted that he has been abiding by the advice of government officials on how many people he can safely worship with as well as leaning into livestreaming his services. He insists, however, that online services should only be for people who are sick or out of town. Lets Pray Temporary NOT new norm. We hv a huge livestream audience. I thx God 4 different ways 4Church But it should b4 people who R sick shut in out of town etc. Not 4us 2sit selfishly in our homes out of convenience No longer concerned abt fellowship n Bringing Lost 2 Christ, Morton wrote Monday in a tweet endorsed by fellow megachurch leader E. Dewey Smith of House of Hope Atlanta. AMEN BISHOP!!! This will only be temporary!!! We must remain strong!! Smith said. Morton further responded to some critics who argued that money is a motivation behind his position on attending church amid the coronavirus pandemic. Just 4 the Record those who thought we were keeping the Church open simply 4 money Not true @CHANGINGAGENATL has been an online streaming Church 4 several yrs 4 those who could not come. Much of our income already comes from online. For some of us it is really about God Not Money, he added. Ukrainian businessmen will create and head response teams to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19. It was arranged at a meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with representatives of large business early this week. In particular, Oleksandr Yaroslavsky (DCH) creates the response team in Kharkiv region, Andriy Stavnitser (TIS) in Odesa region, Yuriy Kosiuk (MHP) in Vinnitsa and Cherkasy regions, Ihor Voronov in Kyiv region, Hennadiy Butkevich (ATB) in Zhytomyr region, Victor Pinchuk (EastOne) in Dnipropetrovsk region, Andriy Verevsky (Kernel) in Poltava and Kirovohrad regions, a source in business circles has said. According to information available on Wednesday, these response teams have already been created in Kharkiv region, headed by Yaroslavsky, Head of the Regional Administration Oleksiy Kucher and Mayor of Kharkiv Hennadiy Kernes, and in Odesa region, led by TIS co-owner Stavnitser and Head of the Regional Administration Maksym Kutsy. "Oleksandr Yaroslavsky leads the response team. His main mission is to organize filling the budget of its fund with everything required. These are masks, these are test systems. These are artificial lungs ventilation machines. We discussed the issue of attracting other businessmen with Oleksandr and Hennadiy Kernes," Kucher said at the first meeting of the Kharkiv response team on March 17. "The enterprises of the MHP group, together with local government bodies, create and ensure the operation of the response team for the development of areas that are safe for living and working for our citizens in Cherkasy and Vinnytsia regions," the MHP told Interfax-Ukraine. Stavnitser on its Facebook page also announced the holding of the first meeting of the crisis response team in Odesa region. According to him, the head of the Monster Corporation Charitable Foundation Kateryna Nozhevnikova and businessman Vadym Morokhovsky have already joined it. "Many more will definitely join," he said. The founder of TIS said that the issue of primary necessity is the purchase of artificial lungs ventilation machines. The region has 72 machines, and about 30-40% of them are occupied, and some are not suitable, outdated or not equipped with consumables. "Under an optimistic scenario, there are 40 pieces of effective and suitable for the fight against COVID-19. We bought 14 new ones, we are waiting. This is still critically few. One patient spends two or three weeks using one machine!" Stavnitser said. Yellow Dog Productions The economic fallout from the coronavirus is driving more Americans to seek unemployment benefits. However, the nation's main financial backstop for laid-off workers is deficient which could leave many Americans, especially gig workers, in a precarious situation, according to some experts. The $100 billion aid package President Trump signed into law on Wednesday, which contains unemployment provisions, doesn't address the core issues, experts said. However, the law may alleviate some of the financial burdens shouldered by the states relative to unemployment. "The system is not working well," said Stephen Wandner, a labor economist with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and senior fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance. Lawmakers established the unemployment insurance program in 1935 under the Social Security Act. At a micro level, unemployment insurance provides temporary income support for workers who lose their jobs. At a macro level, the program which is administered by the states helps prop up the U.S. economy. In January, the program paid $385 in average weekly benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is inflicting severe economic damage, shutting down entire industries and forcing businesses to cut their workforce as the pandemic worsens. First-time claims for unemployment increased 33% last week, to 281,000, according to figures released Thursday by the Labor Department. The increase is "clearly attributable to impacts from the COVID-19 virus," the agency said. The numbers will likely skyrocket in the coming weeks, economists believe, especially since the latest national figures don't encapsulate data in the wake of bar, restaurant, gym and other business closures ordered by some state officials. Unemployment could jump to 20% about double its peak during the Great Recession absent financial intervention, Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told Republican lawmakers this week. There are states that don't want to pay benefits. And they do a good job at not paying. Stephen Wandner labor economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research A spike of that magnitude would be especially dramatic since unemployment in the U.S. before the coronavirus pandemic had been near 50-year lows. More than 14 million Americans collected unemployment at the peak of the Great Recession. Today's unemployment insurance program won't provide an adequate financial backstop for many Americans, who could see broad variations in treatment depending on their state, experts said. For one, gig workers who represent a greater share of the workforce than in the past don't qualify for unemployment benefits, said Wandner, a former actuary at the Department of Labor. Uber, Lyft and other companies employing gig workers don't pay taxes that fund states' unemployment insurance trust funds. "That's a big problem," said Wandner, especially since the coronavirus' economic hit seems particularly acute in service industries replete with gig workers. In another twist, part-time workers who lose their jobs also can't collect benefits in many states unless they can prove they are looking for full-time work, experts said. Insufficient tax funding has also led many states mostly in the South to reduce the maximum duration and amount of unemployment payments, and make it more difficult to apply and be eligible for benefits, Wandner said. Roughly a decade ago, around the time of the Great Recession, states generally offered up to 26 weeks about 6 months of unemployment. Now, nine states are less generous. Some, like Florida and North Carolina, offer less than half that amount, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. By comparison, rules put in place during the 2008 financial crisis allowed most workers to collect up to 99 weeks of unemployment, according to Chad Stone, chief economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. At a national level, workers collecting unemployment replace roughly a third of their prior weekly wages. That's a reduction from around 37% a few decades ago, according to a report published in January by the Upjohn Institute. The share of unemployed workers collecting unemployment checks has also dropped nationally, to about 30% today from more than 40% a decade ago, according to the Upjohn Institute. In North Carolina, just 11% of unemployed workers receive benefits, the lowest share of any state. "There are states that don't want to pay benefits," Wandner said. "And they do a good job at not paying." Of course, state and federal officials could potentially bolster the unemployment insurance program in coming weeks in any upcoming financial-relief packages Congress passes, experts said. A fourth person from the same New Jersey family has died after being infected with the coronavirus, the familys attorney told NJ Advance Media on Thursday. Vincent Fusco died Thursday at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, said Roseann Paradiso Fodera, a cousin and the lawyer representing the Fusco family. The death comes just a day after Vincent Fuscos mother died at the same facility. His brother, Carmine Fusco, died Wednesday morning at St. Lukes University Hospital-Bethlehem Campus, in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania. And his sister, Rita Fusco-Jackson, died last Friday and later tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the states second victim. Vincent Fusco was one of six members of the Freehold-based family hospitalized for coronavirus after they attended a family gathering. Nineteen other family members, including spouses and children, have also been tested, according to Elizabeth Fusco, a sibling who is not hospitalized said Tuesday. They all remain under quarantine. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan funding and relief package as part of the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon announced on Wednesday. There are families across Oregon who are too worried to go to the doctor because they cant afford to get hit with a massive medical bill, and individuals who cant stay home when they or their families are sick because it means lost wages and bills unpaid, Wyden said. No Oregonians should be forced to choose between the health of their families and putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads." Dubbed the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act," the legislation promises free testing for COVID-19, establishes an emergency paid leave program, funds $1 billion in nutrition assistance for low-income families, and funds state unemployment insurance in order to get benefits for workers who have been laid off or furloughed. LATEST: The Senate passed the "phase two" coronavirus stimulus bill passed by the House. The phase-two bill includes free COVID-19 testing, expansion of food security programs like SNAP and WIC, and more unemployment insurance funding. Live updates: https://t.co/VLv7Kxf0ia ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) March 18, 2020 By passing this second emergency funding package which will help families across the country keep the lights on and put food on their tables during this tumultuous time the Senate is taking a big step in the right direction to advance those goals," said Merkley. "But theres a lot more work left to do, including helping Americans keep their homes and keep roofs over their heads as the next round of rent and mortgage payments come due. Im going to keep fighting for every resource Americas families need to weather this storm. The package has also passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature. Lawmakers have said that this bill will be the prelude to another, much more significant funding bill aimed at saving foundering industries. Another bill passed earlier this month freed up initial spending to fight and treat the virus. ITHACA, N.Y. -- A bomb threat at an Ithaca hotel on Wednesday morning was deemed not credible, Ithaca police said in a statement. At 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Ithaca police were called to the Hilton Canopy Hotel, located at 115 Seneca Way, for a reported bomb threat, police said. All occupants were evacuated from the hotel before officers arrived, according to police. Explosive detection K9s searched the hotel and did not find a bomb, police said. Traffic near the hotel was diverted for an hour and a half while officers investigated, according to police. Anyone with information about the case has been asked to contact the Ithaca Police Department at 607-272-3245, 607-272-9973 or 607-330-0000. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter. Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. P olice have launched a murder probe after a woman was stabbed to death in east London. Emergency services rushed to the scene on the junction of Altmore Avenue and Barking Road, East Ham, at 12.44am on Thursday, following reports a woman had suffered a knife attack. They found the victim, in her twenties, with serious injuries. She was then taken to hospital where she later died. Enquiries are underway to establish her identity and inform next of kin. Formal identification awaits and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course. A crime scene is currently in place. Chief Executive of Dalex Finance, Ken Thompson is predicting a prolonged economic crisis in the country following the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus. To him, the four weeks ban on various public activities is a clear indication of tougher times ahead warning that the period may be extended to show the reality. Many stakeholders have already expressed fears and called on the government to take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus and ensure financial and economic stability. Contributing to discussions on the impact of COVID-19 in Ghana on the Point of View, Mr. Thompson noted that: It [the ban] has to be more than four weeks. It is too short. We cant do anything about it. This is happening because of things outside the country. So if the things happening outside the country havent changed, we cant do anything about it. So [we] should prepare ourselves for the worse so we do not get disappointed. I dont see how things are going to get better in four weeks time. If things have not changed in say US, how will it change in Ghana? We have to ensure that this thing does not come to our shores. Because if it happens, our systems are going to be under a lot of pressure. We shut down for four weeks, obviously, things will come to a halt. Thats the reality. And the four weeks is not possible so lets prepare for a long haul. Already, the Finance Minister has noted that the government will rely on a mix of funds from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and withdrawals from the Stabilisation Fund to finance the budgetary gap expected to be created by the fiscal impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This is needed because receipts from the petroleum industry, revenue from the tourism and aviation industries among others, have been projected to suffer a massive hit. Stimulus package Mr. Thompson among other things proposed a stimulus package that the government must institute to ensure that Ghanas economic fortunes do not recede and bring relief to the citizenry during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. He, however, did not rule out the possibility of the country returning to the International Monetary Fund ( IMF) for a bailout to shore up the economy and manage the impacts. We have to do whatever we need to do for this country not to collapse. We really need a stimulus package. But because a lot of our economy is informal, if we provide direct support the money will be spent. So for government, for instance, will say he is suspending PAYE and SSF and give it to the employee. It should scrap the CST and reduce fuel tax to make food and transport cheaper. We also need to find more liquidity to our micro-finance companies to help the vulnerable and then there must be rigorous monitoring of the economy to make sure we do not go into recession. [We should go for money from IMF], because we do not have a choice. What choice do we have? So we may have to go for extra money from the IMF. I can see it coming because the government is always crashed and companies are grinding to a halt. Ghana well placed to minimize the economic impact of Coronavirus Nana Addo President Nana Akufo-Addo has said the government is taking steps to handle any adverse impacts the global outbreak of coronavirus could have on the country's economic fortunes. He was hopeful that Ghana will take advantage of the pandemic, position itself as a self-reliant country and bring to an end the assistance it receives from other foreign countries. Government is analyzing the potential impact on our economy to the virus and will trigger the relevant response to minimize it. We have begun to engage the domestic pharmaceutical industry to assist in producing as much of the logistics to prevent and combat the virus as it is possible under the circumstances. Indeed, we must take advantage of the crisis to strengthen our domestic productive capacity so that we can advance our self-reliance and reduce our dependence on foreign inputs. ---citinewsroom Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The Ministry of Health on March 18 evening confirmed another case tested positive for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, bringing the total of the number of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam to 76. Medical workers clean COVID-19 patient rooms browser not support iframe. The latest case is a 52-year-old French man, who arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on March 10 on flight TK162. He visited Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho city, Hoi An (Quang Nam province) and Hue (Thua Thien-Hue province) from March 10-16. He then travelled to Ninh Binh province, and had sample test. His sample was sent to the National Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and the result was positive. He is being treated at the National Hospital of Tropical Disease No. 2 for quarantine, and in stable health condition. The 69th case is a 30-year-old German man who entered Vietnam through Hanois Noi Bai International Airport on March 13 on Flight SU290. He visited a number of places in Hanoi from March 13-15. Currently his health is stable. The 70th is a 19-year-old resident of Hanoi and a student in the UK who arrived at Noi Bai airport on March 16 on Flight TK164, and he is now in stable conditions. The 71st is also a 19-year-old resident of Hanoi and a student in the UK who arrived at Noi Bai airport on March 16 on Flight TK164, and her health is stable now. The 72nd is a 25-year-old French woman, a passenger on the flight from France to Noi Bai on March 9 that saw a positive case. She visited a number of places in Hanoi and northern Ninh Binh province. Her health is now stable. The 73rd is an 11-year-old boy from northern Hai Duong province who came back to Vietnam on Flight VN0054 from the UK on March 9, and now in stable health conditions. The 74th is a 23-year-old male resident of the northern province of Phu Tho who came back to Vietnam on Flight VN0018 from France on March 16. He health conditions are now stable. Lastly, the 75th is a 40-year-old female resident of Ho Chi Minh City in the south who visited London on March 4 but did not contact with any COVID-19 patient. She arrived back to Vietnam on March 15 on Flight VN50 without showing any symptom of the disease. However, her sample tested positive on March 17 and 18, and her health conditions are stable. Of the total 76 cases, 16 have completely recovered. Around 90,000 doctors mobilised for Covid-19 fight The Ministry of Health has mobilised around 90,000 doctors and 16,000 final-year medical students for the fight against Covid-19. Vietnams fight against Covid-19 has entered a new stage as the country received a large influx of Vietnamese nationals returning from the virus-hit countries such as the US and European countries. The Ministry of Health has mobilised roughly 90,000 doctors; 125,000 nurses and some 16,000 medical students in the final year for their studies. The students will be trained for the quarantine and how to take testing samples. At a recent meeting about Covid-19 prevention and control, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc assigned the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and localities to prepare more quarantine areas. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health needs to prepare for Covid-19 battle. According to Chairman of Hanoi Peoples Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung, the city will use a building for students in Hoang Mai District as a quarantine area for around 2,000 people. Some vocational training schools in Phu Xuyen, Chuong My, Me Linh and Soc Son districts will also be turned into quarantine areas. Hanoi has planned to buy medical equipment to ensure the treatment for the scenario of around 1,000 Covid-19 patients. Six hospitals namely Bac Thang Long, Dong Da, Thanh Nhan, Duc Giang, Xanh Pon and Ha Dong can ensure 1,000 sick-beds in total. The city has also set up five urgent response teams for around the clock duty. Ministry announces latest flights carrying COVID-19 cases The Ministry of Health on March 18 night announced two flights that landed in Vietnam over the last few days carrying passengers who have since tested positive for the acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). They are SilkAir flight MI632 from Singapore to central Da Nang city landing on March 14 and Vietnam Airlines flight VN54 from London to Hanoi arriving on March 13. The ministry has called on all passengers on these flights to immediately contact the disease control centres in cities and provinces so they can be monitored accordingly. Ticket agents for the flights have been instructed to inform all passengers. Furthermore, passengers on Singapore Airline flight SQ323 from Amsterdam (the Netherlands) to Singapore on March 14 who then took a connecting flight to Vietnam have also been instructed to contact authorities to receive appropriate medical guidance. As of March 18 night, Vietnam recorded 76 infection cases, of which 16 have been fully recovered. Public transport takes measures to prevent COVID-19 spread browser not support iframe. After each passenger gets out, the taxi driver usually spends time cleaning the interior of the vehicle. Most of the objects and places that customers are exposed to in the car are thoroughly disinfected with alcohol. In the wake of the Covid-19 epidemic, in addition to the provision of disinfectant hand sanitizers and face masks, a number of taxi companies in the coastal city are also regularly disinfecting their vehicles. Meanwhile, at Da Nang Bus Station, the garage is also required to strictly follow epidemic prevention measures, as well as frequently reminding passengers to wash their hands and disinfect their masks when boarding. As the COVID-19 epidemic develops, the initiative of transport units will contribute to preventing the spread of the disease in the community. International media hail Vietnams response to COVID-19 Indias website scoopwhoop.com published an article on March 17 hailing Vietnam as one of the most successful stories in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia, besides Singapore. According to the article, Vietnam proved effective response to the outbreak and is one of the most praised countries in the effort. The country launched two apps, one for Vietnamese citizens and the other for foreigners living in Vietnam, where they can update their health status so that the government could have a stable database. The second measure is the production of SARS-CoV-2 test kits meeting World Health Organisation standards. The third is the launch of mobile sterilisation chambers where disinfectants are poured on the body from all sides, cleaning 90 percent of bacteria and viruses. Earlier, the Diplomat newswire also ran a story featuring the Vietnamese Governments efforts against the epidemic, saying that the government always puts health and well-being of citizens to the foremost. In such spirit, it has publicised information about the outbreak, thus winning public trust, the newswire said. COVID-19: Body temperature equipment granted to Vinh Phuc The Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) Vinh Phuc II branch handed over 130 body temperature equipment products worth 200 million VND (8,600 USD) to schools in Phuc Yen city, the northern province of Vinh Phuc on March 18. Speaking at the event, permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Le Duy Thanh lauded the bank branchs contributions to social welfare for the safety of local community, especially amid the complicated developments of COVID-19 epidemic. Recently, trade unions of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, the Vietnam National Coal Mineral Industries Corporation, the Vietnam Railways Corporation, the Vietnam Rubber Group, and the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation have granted face masks and antiseptic fluid valued at 500 million VND to the province, which have been sent to industrial zones and schools to fight the epidemic. The Shinwon Ebenzer Vietnam Co.Ltd and the Vina Korea Co.Ltd at Khai Quang industrial zone in Vinh Yen city also handed over 400,000 cloth masks to local residents in the effort. As of March 18 night, Vietnam confirmed a total of 76 infection cases, 16 of them have fully recovered. PetroVietnam grants aid to Health Ministry to fight COVID-19 The Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) presented 5 billion VND (217,000 USD) to the Health Ministry in Hanoi on March 18 to support the fight against COVID-19 epidemic. At the event, the Health Ministry handed over the sum to the Transport Ministry and the peoples committees of Quang Ninh and Hung Yen provinces. PetroVietnam General Director Le Manh Hung said the group earmarked the sum from its social welfare fund for 2020 to help the community. The Health Ministry is reviewing the list of ministries, agencies and localities in need of support, initially in the fight against the epidemic, and further attention to care for peoples health in the long term. The number of COVID-19 cases in Vietnam stands at 68 now, 16 of them have been discharged from hospital following their full recovery. VNA/VNN The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) contagion is making the Delhi government work on a plan to shut some of its departments till March 31 to prevent a possible community spread of the deadly disease in the city, functionaries privy to the matter said on Thursday. Coronavirus Latest Live Updates Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to discuss this proposal with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal in a meeting scheduled at 4:15 pm at Raj Niwas. Coronavirus has infected 13 people in the city. The proposal is to shut most of the departments till March 31. But, departments catering to essential services such as health, food and civil supplies, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Fire Services and so on are likely to remain open, said a senior government official on condition of anonymity. A second official said that all procedures from the Delhi governments end have been completed. A green signal from the L-G is awaited which is one of the reasons why the chief minister will be meeting him today, the official said. Staggering office timings for some departments like it was done during the odd-even road rationing scheme when air pollution had peaked in the city is also being explored, the official added. The proposal comes after a delegation of the Delhi Government Employees Welfare Association (DGEWA), met Kejriwal to demand a weeks leave and submitted a memorandum stating that around 2.5 lakh people are employed with the city administration and most of them are engaged in public dealings, making them vulnerable to an infection. The association suggested that the government can completely shut 86 departments. These include art, culture and languages, tourism, development and education departments. It had also proposed that 68 government offices be allowed to function on alternate days, while registrar and MLO offices be closed because property registration and driving license can be issued later. Coronavirus latest News and Headlines In a tweet, Kejriwal on Thursday urged people to work from home. I have directed all schools, colleges and universities in Delhi to be shut down completely both for students and the staff until 31 March. All exams, including Board exams will happen only after 31 March. I urge all Delhiites to work from home as far as possible #DelhiFightsCorona, he said. Officials said the chief minister and the L-G have also explored the possibility of restricting passenger flow in public transport. But, it was also observed that Delhi being the national Capital putting curbs on public transport would be extremely difficult and could cause inconvenience to a number of people. All these are still being discussed, a third official said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The growing supply glut in oil markets could end up filling all storage tanks worldwide, potentially causing prices to drop even further Global oil storage could overflow in the coming weeks as the coronavirus pandemic has dealt a severe blow to demand while Saudi Arabia has promised to supply 12.3 million bpdnot just in April but also over the next few months. Reuters reports, citing analysts, that such a development would overwhelm the already troubled oil industry, forcing production shutdowns. Storage facilitiesboth on land and offshoreare already filling up, the news agency noted, and Saudi Arabia has not yet started to increase its deliveries of crude. If such a scenario unfolds, some analysts believe oil prices could slide as low as $10 per barrel. We believe we have not seen the worst of the price rout yet, as the market will soon come to realize that it may be facing one of the largest supply surpluses in modern oil market history in April, Reuters quoted Rystad Energys head of oil markets, Bjornar Tonhaugen. Saudi Arabia said yesterday it will maintain oil supply at 12.3 million bpd over the next few months, with exports to rise to a record 10 million bpd from next month, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the glut is causing traders to offer their cargos at steep discounts in a desperate effort to find buyers, Reuters also reported. This raises some questions about Saudi Arabias ability to sell the excess crude it plans to be producing over the coming months. There are no buyers, an oil trader from the U.S. told Reuters. Refiners in trouble, exporters in trouble, producers in trouble. This is a disaster with no end in sight. Cargoes are being severely discounted to move as there are little prospects to export and also very few options to store on ship and/or tanks, another industry source told Reuters. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at less than $28 a barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $22.78 a barrel. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: WASHINGTON The State Department on Thursday told Americans to avoid all international travel and that U.S. citizens abroad should return immediately because of the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented warning from the agency as the disease spreads. The State Department's level 4 warning, the highest of its kind, comes as nations around the world are scrambling to stem the spread of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. The disease has infected more than 236,000 worldwide, though many have recovered. In the U.S. 11,238 cases have been reported so far. The agency warned Americans abroad to arrange for travel back to the U.S. right away "unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period." It also told travelers that planned travel abroad "may be severely disrupted." Airlines, reeling from the crisis, have slashed international flying already as the virus sapped both leisure and business travel demand. The Trump administration last week issued a 30-day on most visitors from Europe for 30-days, prompting airlines to further reduce their international service. Executives have said the impact of coronavirus is worse than the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Delta Air Lines on Wednesday said it would slash capacity by 70% network-wide, cuts that would continue "until demand starts to recover." The Atlanta-based carrier's international flights would take the biggest hit with an 80% drop, CEO Ed Bastian told employees. "Making swift decisions now to reduce the losses and preserve cash will provide us the resources to rebound from the other side of this crisis and protect Delta's future," he said. Airlines are seeking more than $50 billion in government aid to weather the crisis, and CEOs have had talks with President Donald Trump, lawmakers and some administration officials. Less than a week ago, the State Department upped the travel advisory to level three, which calls for U.S. citizens to reconsider travel. BRUSSELS - Deep into the global coronavirus pandemic, NATO is taking an unconventional approach to its daily operations: packing senior leadership into conference rooms to push on with some of its business as usual. The continued in-person meetings have unsettled some senior diplomats posted to the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Brussels. They prefer that the alliance leaders start following the example across much of the world: communicating by videoconference and further scale back bureaucratic committee meetings. After a routine Wednesday meeting of NATO ambassadors and senior leadership packed 150 people into a room, at least one ambassador was seeking coronavirus testing to be made available to delegations, according to two senior NATO diplomats familiar with the worries. The diplomats spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose health concerns within the alliance. The stiff-upper-lip style has been pushed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who on Thursday said that the alliance needed to continue to project strength throughout the pandemic. He did, however, conduct the news conference via Skype, a first, to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus. NATO has struggled with how to balance health precautions with its need to carry on with its daily business of protecting its 29 member nations. There are significant NATO military operations in Eastern Europe, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, all of which require monitoring and maintenance. NATO is also in the process of formulating a plan to take a greater role in broader Middle Eastern security, which President Donald Trump requested after a U.S. airstrike in January killed a senior Iranian military commander and unsettled the region. Other international blocs, such as the 27-member European Union, have largely switched over to videoconferencing to carry out meetings amid the crisis. NATO officials say that the E.U. approach would not work well for their highly-classified meetings, in which sensitive military information is routinely shared among allies. Although military commanders in the field communicate with their headquarters and civilian leaders via secure videoconferencing, that approach is not practical for large-scale meetings of diplomats in the North Atlantic Council, the group of ambassadors that runs NATO, said spokeswoman Oana Lungescu. So far, one NATO staff member working at the headquarters in Brussels has tested positive for coronavirus. The person had gone on vacation in northern Italy, felt unwell around the end of the week that began on March 2, and tested positive, the alliance said in a statement on March 9. Wednesday's meeting of senior leadership, in which the pandemic response was a major topic, seems to have been a particular flash point for frustrations from some NATO diplomats who felt as though Stoltenberg was not taking their health concerns seriously. The feeling of vulnerability is not universally shared within the alliance: two other senior NATO diplomats said they felt the current precautions were appropriate. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive assessments. Elsewhere, senior national leaders, including Trump, continue to hold relatively large meetings and in-person news conferences. Official NATO photos from the meeting show senior NATO staff sitting in the room with one chair - about three feet - in between them. The pictures also showed Stoltenberg and the senior NATO military commander, U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, having their temperatures checked with a forehead thermometer as they entered the headquarters, and Stoltenberg and Wolters grinning and bumping elbows. Lungescu, the NATO spokeswoman, said that steps were being taken to ensure the health of personnel, including avoiding having Stoltenberg and NATO's deputy secretary general inside the headquarters at the same time. Such measures were "common sense," she said. Many NATO staff have been sent to work from home, and are rotating through the headquarters to man skeleton crews, she said. And "the number of staff in the few meetings that are now taking place has been reduced drastically," she said. Elsewhere in Europe, senior military leadership has already been touched by the virus. At least one person with coronavirus attended a March 6 military conference in Wiesbaden, Germany, and after the meeting, a top Polish military commander who was in attendance tested positive for the virus. The commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, was also at the meeting and went into quarantine afterward, where he remains in good health, according to a spokesman. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 65th edition of the popular pan-European singing competition was scheduled to run May 12-16 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, following the country's victory at the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv, Israel, with the song "Arcade" performed by Duncan Laurence.On Wednesday the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the annual event, said it was cancelling Eurovision 2020."It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam. Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead," reads the statement posted on Twitter."However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned.""We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May," adds the statement.This marks the first time in Eurovision history that the contest has been cancelled. Launched in 1956, Eurovision is wildly popular, as in 2019 it attracted 182 million viewers across 40 markets, according to the EBU.Concerns around COVID-19 emerged on March 4 when an EBU employee tested positive for the virus after returning from northern Italy. (ANI) Estate agent Foxtons told a tenant with coronavirus symptoms who was self-isolating to leave their home so potential buyers could view the property. Despite NHS guidance that anyone who may be infected should stay at home, Foxtons told the tenant that potentially having the virus was not acceptable grounds to restrict access to their home for viewings. If you have coronavirus or have symptoms it cannot and indeed should not impact your landlords plans, the company said in an undated email seen by The Independent. You can self-isolate anywhere, ie your boyfriends/parents/friends property, it does not need to be in [your own home], The message continued: Your obligations as a tenant to allow access for sales/lettings viewings as per clause 11.2 of your tenancy agreement, which Ive enclosed, are very clear. NHS guidelines tell anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, to stay at home. People who live with someone who has symptoms are told to stay at home for 14 days because symptoms of the virus take some time to develop. Foxtons move may also have put the viewers of the property unwittingly at risk of being infected by the virus which can remain floating in droplets in the air for three hours after someone has coughed and can survive on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days. Foxtons admitted that its actions fell well short in this instance. The estate agent said it had apologised unreservedly to the tenant and offered them compensation. We are taking the Covid-19 outbreak extremely seriously and we have reiterated to our staff that whatever the situation, anyones self-isolation should not be interrupted, Foxtons said. We continue to do our utmost to ensure all customers needs are met during these challenging conditions. Email from Foxtons to tenant The incident comes as Londoners prepare for an enforced lockdown period of self-isolation at home, while the UK death toll rose to 144. The pandemic has also highlighted the precarious situation of many private-sector renters who can be evicted from their homes without any reason needed from their landlord. In response to mounting calls for reform, the government this week announced emergency legislation banning evictions during the period of national emergency. But campaigners have called for more support including a "rent holiday" for those whose earnings are impacted by the pandemic. David Cox, chief executive of the lettings industry trade body ARLA Propertymark, said: If a tenant is self-isolating, an agent should avoid entering the property. Its important for agents to be sensible and reasonable while thinking of their tenants and their own health. He advised agents to make reasonable, regular checks before arranging a viewing of a property. Ask the tenants and the individual viewing the property if they have returned from an impacted area, have a high temperature, a recent dry cough or have had contact with anyone who has symptoms. If they answer yes to any of these, then the agent shouldnt conduct the viewing." Property inspections should be postponed unless they are absolutely necessary, Mr Cox said. "If the work is vital, then they should ask tenants if they have had any symptoms or contact with someone who has symptoms. If not, then the work should go ahead but with added hygiene checks, thorough cleaning and use of disposable gloves." The trade body has issued guidance to lettings agents to help them deal with Covid-19. 19March 2020 Notice of 2019 IFRS Results Acron (LSE: AKRN) will release its IFRS financial results for 2019 on Monday, 23 March 2020 at 03.00 pm (Moscow time). Mediacontacts: Sergey Dorofeev Anastasiya Gromova Tatiana Smirnova Public Relations Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196) Investor contacts: Ilya Popov Investor Relations Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252) Background Information Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and the Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic port terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron's subsidiary, North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP), holds mining licences for 11 parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty, one of the largest chemical producers in Europe. In 2018, the Group sold 7.3 million tonnes of various products to 67 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets. In 2018, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 108,062 million (USD 1,723 million) and net profit of RUB 13,318 million (USD 212 million). Acron's shares are on the Level 1 quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs approximately 11,000 people. For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en. The novel Coronavirus has claimed more than 7,500 lives across the globe as of now, and has claimed four lives in India, so far. While most of us are practising social-distancing and are taking preventive measures to protect ourselves from the pandemic, the medical professionals are standing in the frontline doing their jobs by putting their lives on the line. Reuters Meanwhile, a Delhi doctors message on fighting Coronavirus has caught Prime Minister Narendra Modis attention. PM Modi re-tweeted a post, which shows the doctor holding a placard with an important message. Checkout the post here- Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make our planet safer and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/4ENZlehiwD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2020 Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make our planet safer and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts, the tweet read. Reuters According to the placard, the doctor works at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS, New Delhi). The tweet has gathered around 16.7K re-tweets and more than 72.8K likes on Twitter. Along with many people, British adventurer Bear Grylls also commented on the tweet. Indeed. A global message. And great gratuities we all have for these heroes... Bear Grylls (@BearGrylls) March 18, 2020 Heres what people have to say about the post re-tweeted by PM Modi: Salute to all the medical professionals. #IndiaFightsCorona Working 14 hours a day to make our, India, a safer place to live !!! pic.twitter.com/aJeNPMqlOW Dr. Lavanya Sharma (@lavanyasharma05) March 18, 2020 They all deserve a big India salutes her health warriors Anil Padmanabhan (@anilp68) March 18, 2020 Well said (@sanjaysanjay738) March 18, 2020 True.OkayIndeed.And we were waiting for the memes. India has recorded over 170 Coronavirus cases, so far, and it is only increasing by the day. But all we can do right now is take all preventive measures possible and stay indoors to protect ourselves and others and help contain the pandemic. Egyptian photojournalist Mohammed Hassan has been in jail on trumped-up terrorism charges since September 2019. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns his detention and urges the authorities to immediately release him and all other imprisoned journalists in the country. Mohammed Hassan, a young photojournalist, suffered the harassment of the Egyptian regime since the beginning of his career. He was first arrested on charges of belonging to a terrorist group, spreading false information and calling for demonstrations. Since the first detention, Hassan was released up to five times but the Public Prosecutor's Office systematically appealed against his release. He served two years in prison until his release in 2018 under severe and strict conditions. However, Hassan was again arrested in September 2019 on the same charges: joining a terrorist group, spreading false information and misuse of social media. His lawyers, Norhane Hassan Mustapha and Taha Attia Abu Nasr told the IFJ that journalists in Egypt are victims of arrests and fierce repression by the authorities and their eventual release does not put an end to further prosecutions. According to the same source, the journalist's family appealed to the Prosecutor General and the Minister of the Interior to release him and to drop all charges on him because of his physical and psychological health situation. During his detention, Mohammed Hassan was not granted any basic rights and visits to him were not allowed. The situation of Hassan is not uncommon in Egypt. Egyptian authorities have a damning record of abusing journalists and muzzling press freedom. In recent months, the IFJ condemned the arrest of journalists Hossam El-Sayed and Solafa Magdy, who were accused of terrorist activities. This followed a string of arrests targeting journalists and activists, in October 2019. The IFJ has repeatedly called on the authorities to stop the repression of media. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: The situation of media workers in Egypt is dramatic. We call on the international community to urge Egyptian authorities to stop immediately the crackdown on independent journalists. No journalist should fear imprisonment for reporting the news. Kristin Monesmith is stranded in Peru with no way to get back to North Carolina, where the ER nurse is desperately needed at her local hospital. Arizona resident Gabrielle Almeter and her parents are marooned in Marrakesh after the Moroccan government said it would close its borders and cancel international flights. Chris Pierce is stuck in the Philippines with his wife and 9-year-old son after that government shut its borders and went into lockdown. They are among hundreds of Americans suddenly in limbo amid a global freeze on international travel and mass quarantines as the U.S. and other countries respond to the coronavirus pandemic with unprecedented restrictions. Besieged by pleas for help, the State Department and its embassies around the world have offered little to no assistance, these stranded travelers say. More than 400 Americans are stuck in Peru alone, according to Monesmith and others who have been tracking the problem. Stuck abroad: Americans in Cambodia amid pandemic say they are 'being detained,' not quarantined The Pierce family was supposed to return to North Carolina on Tuesday. But the Philippine government shut its borders, and Chris Pierce, his wife Nila, and their 9-year-old son are not sure how or when they will be able to get home. Chris Pierce and his wife, Nila, have contacted American embassies in both Manila and Cebu in the Philippines via email and phone 70 times in all. They haven't received a single response. "I'm a realistic person. I do realize they are probably overwhelmed," Chris Pierce told USA TODAY. "But at the same time, all U.S. citizens should be a priority. ... I can't help but feel we are abandoned." In an interview Wednesday with Fox News, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the State Department is "working to try and solve problems for each of those American citizens," and he urged patience. "We just learned about them over the last couple of days," Pompeo said, referring to a group of American students in Peru, among other cases. "Itll take us some amount of time." 'Unable to return' But some lawmakers are growing frustrated with the lack of clarity or a coordinated response. Story continues I have heard from an alarming number of Virginians in the past few days who are abroad and unable to return to the United States due to restrictions on movement, closed borders, nationwide lockdowns, and canceled flights," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., wrote in a letter to Pompeo on Wednesday. In an interview, Warner said his office has received more than 20 pleas for help in recent days from constituents stranded in Peru, Honduras, Morocco, China, Guatemala and other countries. "I'm not sure that department is providing the kind of clarity, outreach and assistance that Americans need," Warner said. "We really just need to reach out to our fellow Americans and make sure we get them back safe." Sen. Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged the State Department to begin chartering commercial airplanes to bring stranded Americans home. He said the Trump administration should use an existing civil airfleet program for such evacuations. No American citizen should be abandoned overseas as we confront this unprecedented pandemic simply because of a failure of government to provide them the support that they need, Menendez said Thursday. If there ever was a need to increase our nations aircraft capability during a national crisis, this is it. The New Jersey Democrat said the Pentagon should also explore the use of military aircraft to repatriate Americans. A State Department official, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said the agency could not provide an estimate of how many Americans are trying to get back to the U.S. from overseas amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "We are considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in these countries and are continuously assessing travel conditions in all areas affected by COVID-19," the official said. "We will continue to update our travel advisories and safety information for U.S. travelers as situations evolve." Other countries bring citizens home Meanwhile, other countries were busy arranging emergency flights to bring their citizens home. Israel has brought 380 students home from Moldova and planned to send a plane to Peru on Thursday to bring back a group of young Israelis stranded there after Peru's president, Martin Vizcarra, announced Sunday that he would close his country's borders, according to The Jerusalem Post. The young people will be brought to Israel free of charge, Foreign Ministry Israel Katz said. French authorities were arranging emergency flights from Morocco to bring back dozens of French nationals, according to Reuters. And Germany's Foreign Minister announced an "airlift" for thousands of German citizens stranded abroad. For Americans in similar situations? Shuttered embassies, recorded phone messages and automated emails. As soon as Candace Kaiser and her friends learned of Peru's lockdown, they scrambled to find flights home to South Carolina. Candace Kaiser and her friends crammed into a hotel room in Cusco, Peru on Monday, as they tried to find flights home after Peru's government closed its borders. "Airlines booked up incredibly fast and websites were crashing," she said. "Then came the price gouging." For a one-way ticket back to the U.S., she said, prices ran as high as $6,000. "I'm 28 years old. I can't afford something like that," said Kaiser, who works in marketing and communications. They've called the embassy, but no one has answered. They tried emailing and received one automated response. "Due to COVID-19 concerns, the US. consular section in Peru is reduced to emergency services only," the message reads, in part. "While the U.S. government has successfully evacuated many of our citizens in recent weeks, special flights do not reflect our standard practice and should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens abroad who may be impacted by the ongoing spread of COVID-19." When Monesmith, the North Carolina ER nurse, learned of Peru's lockdown, "the last flight from Cusco to Lima had already left," she said. So she went to the U.S. Embassy. The doors were locked, with a sign on the door just referring people to their website, which said nothing, Monesmith said. The embassy has been no help at all. The State Department has said that they do not send flights to bring Americans home, that is not their practice so we should not expect it. She noted that Peru's government has deployed its military to enforce the lockdown and has suspended some constitutional rights. "Life in Cusco is a little scary. Police are all over the streets," she said. "We now have a curfew" from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. "There are 420 of us here in Cusco. We just want to go home," Monesmith said. "Im far more needed at home in the ER helping patients." Possible good news Chris Pierce said his family received some potentially good news on Thursday; Philippine's tourism authorities may try to arrange flights out of the country for foreign nationals. "Glad to hear the Philippine government is doing their part on helping us get home," he told USA TODAY, as his wife tried to reach the local tourism office about the possible exit plans. If they can't get out, Pierce said, he's worried about the consequences of being stuck for as long as a month: Their jobs, their bills. After speaking with their employers, Chris and Nila have been assured they will have jobs to return to, he said. But they aren't being paid while they are away. "We will be in debt and then some," Pierce said. Contributing: The Associated Press More: Advocates warned against coronavirus stigma, but Trump still mentions China This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: Americans stranded abroad amid global COVID-19 lockdown New Delhi: With the hours ticking away inexorably, hope that her son will be spared the noose is fast slipping but, weary and angry, the woman stigmatised as "Nirbhaya rapist's mother" has one last ask will she be able to get his favourite "puri, sabzi, kachori" meal to him? Her son Vinay Sharma is one of the four men sentenced to be hanged in Tihar Jail at 5.30 am on Friday seven years-three months after the night of December 16, 2012 when a young woman, who came to be known the world over as "Nirbhaya", the fearless one, was gangraped so savagely that she died a fortnight later. With the hangman conducting a dummy run on Wednesday and the Delhi High Court rejecting yet another appeal by one of them, the execution of the four is all but certain after three postponements. While the Supreme Court rejected Sharma's curative petition on January 14, his mercy petition was rejected by President Ramnath Kovind in February. And the woman, who refuses to divulge her name and says she wants to be known only as "Vinay Sharma's mother" is increasingly more despairing. The years of harbouring the realisation that her son is guilty in the horrific crime that made headlines across the globe and dealing with unrelenting media spotlight have clearly taken their toll. "Who are you? What do you want? There is no one inside. My husband has gone out for work. I am Vinay's mother," said the woman outside her home in south Delhi's Ravidas Camp. With its narrow lanes, shabby quarters and open sewers, the slum colony which represents the capital's seamy underbelly, just next to the upscale government colony of R K Puram in south Delhi, was home to four of the six men convicted of the crime. And somewhere deep inside, a narrow, congested lane leads to the home of Vinay Sharma. The nameplate reads Hari Ram Sharma and outside is the mother of four, in her 50s but looking older beyond her years, washing clothes on a grimy surface. She doesn't let visitors enter. "Kya likhoge tum? Kuch hota hai tumhare likhne se (What will you write now? Has anything happened till now with your writing?) If god wants he will be saved," she lashed out. "It is all god's wish. Look at the coronavirus. It is god who decides everything -- who lives and who dies. It is beyond the control of any human. Neither yours, nor theirs," she said. And then there is the glimmer of something resembling hope. "The jail personnel in Tihar never allowed me to take food or any other thing. But if they allow, this time I would like to take some 'puri', 'sabzi' and 'kachori' for him," she asked. Now, with the end near, she said she will soon be meeting her son in jail, for one last time. The 26-year-old will be hanged along with Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31). On March 5 this year, a trial court issued a fresh death warrant with March 20 as the date. Of the other two convicted in the case, Ram Singh allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail in 2015 and the sixth, a juvenile, was sentenced three years of punishment in a reform home and released in 2015. While the widowed mother of brothers Ram Singh and Mukesh Singh has left the locality and gone back to her family in Rajasthan, the families of Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta still live in the slum colony. The family of Pawan Gupta sells fruits to make a living and refused to talk. The Nirbhaya case hangs like a shroud over the colony, which looks like just another on a weekday morning -- men leaving for work, children playing, some women washing clothes, others standing around chatting idly. But mention 'Vinay Sharma' or 'Pawan Gupta' and it all changes. The laughter switched to awkward silences and people began to look away when asked for information on the family. "Who are you? No, we don't know anything," said a woman at the camp as she stopped other women from talking too. And then some in a group standing close by shared their views, hesitantly at first and then more assertively. One man forwarded the "boys will be boys" theory and the others quickly stepped in to say the sexual assault and murder of the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern -- gangraped on a moving bus -- is a "horrific mistake" that merits exemplary punishment. "People here have been talking about Vinay, Pawan and the other convicts since the unfortunate incident took place on December 16. Publicly most talk in favour of the conviction, but there are a few who would also say things against the punishment and ask if this will end rape in India. Some also ask why other rape convicts were not executed," said a nearby tea-seller. "But one thing we all strongly feel about is how our home has been painted as evil by the media and other big people," he added. Offering: The 13 acres in north Co Dublin have a 500,000 guide price Lands totalling 13 acres in Portrane, north Co Dublin, are being offered by REA Grimes Ashbourne with a 500,000 guide price equating to 38,461 per acre. They are offered in three lots: Lot A is about 9.5 acres and Lot B is 3.5 acres. Alternatively they can be purchased as one lot. Situated on the Portrane Peninsula between Donabate and Rush, the site is bordered to the east by the Burrow Road and is close to Portrane Beach. Mixed zoned in the Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023, their zoning objectives are 'HA' high amenity, to protect and enhance high amenity areas, and zoning objective 'RU' rural to protect and promote in a balanced way, the development of agriculture and rural-related enterprise, biodiversity, rural landscape, and the built and cultural heritage. Existing structures include a derelict cottage, storage shed and part foundation. Recently, Ben Affleck's reported girlfriend Ana De Armas shared some stunning pictures from their reportedly romantic getaway. However, Ben Affleck was quick to let everyone know who clicked these lovely pictures as he went on to ask for photo credits in the comments section. Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas were reportedly holidaying in a romantic getaway in Cuba, which also happens to be the latter's hometown after which the couple also headed off to Costa Rica. Also Read: Was Jennifer Garner The Reason 'The Way Back' Director Did Not Give Up On Ben Affleck? Ana De Armas looks ethereal in the pictures Ana De Armas looks drop-dead gorgeous in the pictures as she can be seen posing in an orange halter attire. Ana De Armas can be seen taking a walk on the beach. The out of focus pictures are also focusing on her beautiful silhouette. This also proves that Ben Affleck possesses some really good photography skills. Check out the pictures of Ana De Armas and Ben's comment on the same. Also Read: Ben Ainslie And Britain Reign Supreme In 1st SailGP Race Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas spotted in various public appearances According to media sources, Ana De Armas and Ben Affleck met during the shooting of their film, Deep Water. However, dating rumours for the duo sparked from the month of February. If media reports are to be believed, Ana De Armas and Ben Affleck were spotted together on the streets of New Orleans on February 16, 2020, while shooting for the film. Ben was also spotted with Ana De Armas on several other public appearances reportedly. The couple was reportedly spotted together on March 18, 2020, in Los Angeles when they were out for a coffee date. Reportedly, Ben has not confirmed his relationship with Ana to the media but the couple is very much going stronger. Also Read: Ben Affleck's Casual Interviews About Jennifer Garner Has Upset Her Boyfriend John Miller The Batman actor got divorced with Jennifer Garner in the year 2018. Talking about his relationship with Ana, Ben reportedly struck a good friendship with her first before the 'romance' took place. But soon the pair realized that they are definitely smitten with each other and since then their love boat has been sailing strong. Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. The Ministry of Labour is investigating the death of a worker in Etobicoke on Thursday morning. Police responded to a call just after 10:35 a.m. in the area of Evans Avenue and Kipling Avenue for a worker with serious injuries. The person was rushed to hospital and later died. Police said it was an industrial accident. Police are not releasing the victims information, or circumstances surrounding the death and are contacting next of kin, Const. David Hopkinson said. NEW YORK, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Direxion has announced it will execute forward share splits for two of its exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), as well as reverse share splits for an additional two ETFs. The total market value of the shares outstanding will not be affected as a result of these splits, except with respect to the redemption of fractional shares, as outlined below. Forward Splits Direxion will execute a forward split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Direxion Daily S&P Oil & Gas Exp. & Prod. Bear 3X Shares and the Direxion Daily Natural Gas Related Bear 3X Shares (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). After the close of the markets on March 26, 2020, the funds affecting forward splits of their issued and outstanding shares as follows: Fund Name Ticker Forward Split Ratio Approximate increase in total number of outstanding shares Direxion Daily S&P Oil & Gas Exp. & Prod. Bear 3X Shares DRIP 12 for 1 1100% Direxion Daily Natural Gas Related Bear 3X Shares GASX 10 for 1 900% As a result of these share splits, shareholders of each Fund will receive twelve or ten shares for each share held of the applicable Fund as indicated in the table above. Accordingly, the number of each Fund's issued and outstanding shares will increase by the approximate percentage indicated above. All share splits will apply to shareholders of record as of the close of NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "NYSE Arca") on March 25, 2020 (the "Record Date"), payable after the close of the NYSE Arca on the Payable Date. Shares of the Funds will begin trading on the NYSE Arca on a split-adjusted basis on March 27, 2020 (the "Ex-Date"). On the Ex-Date, the opening market value of each Fund's issued and outstanding shares, and thus a shareholder's investment value, will not be affected by the share split. However, the per share net asset value ("NAV") and opening market price on the Ex-Date will be approximately one-twelfth or one-tenth for the Funds. The tables below illustrate the effect of a hypothetical twelve-for-one or ten-for-one split on a shareholder's investment. 12-for-1 Forward Split Period # of Shares Owned Hypothetical NAV Total Market Value Pre-Split 10 $120 $1,200 Post-Split 120 $10 $1,200 10-for-1 Forward Split Period # of Shares Owned Hypothetical NAV Total Market Value Pre-Split 10 $100 $1,000 Post-Split 100 $10 $1,000 Reverse Splits Direxion will execute a reverse split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X Shares and the Direxion Daily Latin America Bull 3X Shares (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). After the close of the markets on March 26, 2020, the funds affecting reverse splits of their issued and outstanding shares as follows: Fund Name Reverse Split Ratio Approximate decrease in total number of outstanding shares Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X Shares 1 for 12 92% Direxion Daily Latin America Bull 3X Shares 1 for 20 95% Please note the CUSIP changes, effective March 27, 2020: Fund Name Ticker Current CUSIP New CUSIP Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X Shares MEXX 25460E752 25460E281 Direxion Daily Latin America Bull 3X Shares LBJ 25490K299 25460E273 As a result of these reverse splits, every twelve or twenty shares of a Fund will be exchanged for one share as indicated in the table above. Accordingly, the total number of the issued and outstanding shares for a Fund will decrease by the approximate percentage indicated above. In addition, the per share net asset value ("NAV") and next day's opening market price will be approximately twelve- or twenty-times higher for the Funds. Shares of the Funds will begin trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "NYSE Arca") on a split-adjusted basis on March 27, 2020. The next day's opening market value of the Funds' issued and outstanding shares, and thus a shareholder's investment value, will not be affected by the reverse split. The tables below illustrate the effect of a hypothetical one-for-twelve or one-for-twenty reverse split anticipated for the Funds, as applicable and described above: 1-for-12 Reverse Split Period # of Shares Owned Hypothetical NAV Total Market Value Pre-Split 60 $120 $7,200 Post-Split 5 $1,440 $7,200 1-for-20 Reverse Split Period # of Shares Owned Hypothetical NAV Total Market Value Pre-Split 60 $100 $6,000 Post-Split 3 $2,000 $6,000 The Trust's transfer agent will notify the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") of the reverse split and instruct DTC to adjust each shareholder's investment(s) accordingly. DTC is the registered owner of the Funds' shares and maintains a record of the Funds' record owners. Redemption of Fractional Shares and Tax Consequences for the Reverse Split As a result of the reverse split, a shareholder of a Fund's shares potentially could hold a fractional share. However, fractional shares cannot trade on the NYSE Arca. Thus, a Fund will redeem for cash a shareholder's fractional shares at the Fund's split-adjusted NAV as of the Record Date. Such redemption may have tax implications for those shareholders and a shareholder could recognize a gain or loss in connection with the redemption of the shareholder's fractional shares. Otherwise, the reverse splits will not result in a taxable transaction for holders of Fund shares. No transaction fee will be imposed on shareholders for such redemption. The forward share splits will not result in a taxable transaction for holders of the Funds' shares. No transaction fees will be imposed on shareholders in connection with the share splits. "Odd Lot" Unit Also as a result of the reverse split, the Fund may have outstanding one aggregation of less than 50,000 shares to make a creation unit, or an "odd lot unit." Thus, the Fund will provide one authorized participant with a one-time opportunity to redeem the odd lot unit at the split-adjusted NAV or the NAV on such date the authorized participant seeks to redeem the odd lot unit. About Direxion: Direxion equips investors who are driven by conviction with ETF solutions built for purpose and fine-tuned for precision. These solutions are available for a broad spectrum of investors, whether executing short-term tactical trades, investing in macro themes, or building long-term asset allocation strategies. Direxion's reputation is founded on developing products that precisely express market perspectives and allow investors to manage their risk exposure. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately $15 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2019. For more information, please visit www.direxion.com. There is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives. For more information on all Direxion Shares daily leveraged ETFs, go to direxion.com, or call us at 866.301.9214. Leveraged ETFs are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by investors who understand the risks associated with seeking daily leveraged and inverse investment results, and intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. Due to the daily nature of the leveraged and inverse investment strategies employed, there is no guarantee of long-term inverse returns. Past performance is not indicative of future results. An investor should carefully consider a Fund's investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. A Fund's prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Direxion Shares. To obtain a Fund's prospectus and summary prospectus call 866-716-0735 or visit our website at direxion.com. A Fund's prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Direxion Shares Risks - An investment in the ETFs involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The ETFs are non-diversified and include risks associated with concentration that results from an ETF's investments in a particular industry or sector which can increase volatility. The use of derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. The ETFs do not attempt to, and should not be expected to, provide returns which are a multiple of the return of their respective index for periods other than a single day. For other risks including leverage, correlation, daily compounding, market volatility and risks specific to an industry or sector, please read the prospectus. Distributor: Foreside Fund Services, LLC. CONTACT: James Doyle JConnelly 973.850.7308 [email protected] SOURCE Direxion Related Links http://www.direxion.com By Laman Ismayilova Memory of prominent poet and musician Vagif Samadoghlu has been honored in Russia. The 80th anniversary of the birth of playwright was marked at the Central House of Journalists. The event was organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Russia, the International Fund for Turkic Culture and Heritage and the Azerbaijani Writers Union. In his remarks, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloghlu noted that Vagif Samadoghlu was also an excellent pianist. He also successfully represented Azerbaijan in PACE. The Ambassador spoke about his friendship with great poet and his brother. Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers Union, People's writer Anar Rzayev shared his memories of his friend Vagif Samadoghlu. " We studied at the same time in Moscow. I studied at script courses, while he was in a graduate school at the conservatory. When I talk about Vagif, it seems that I am talking about myself because our creative lives are intertwined. I wrote four articles about him, including the preface to his two books. He also composed songs for all my performances and films," he said. The poet's spouse Nushaba Babayeva-Vakilova expressed her gratitude to the event organizers. She emphasized that the poet's heritage continues in his books, poems, music. Vagif Samadoghlu Center and medal named after him were created as well. Next, secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers Union (Moscow branch) read her poem dedicated to Vagif Samadoghlu. Azerbaijani students of the Shchukin Theater Institute - pianists Riad Mammadov and Nazkhanum Dadasheva, actors Kamran Yunis and Khazar Suleymanli presented poems and songs, written in the poets words. Vagif Samadoghlu published his first literary collection "Seven Poems" in 1963. Since 1970, he was a member of the Azerbaijan Writers Union. From 1963 to 1971, Vagif worked as a piano teacher at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory. In 1968-1971, he headed the editorial board of the arts of the Azerbaijan Soviet Encyclopedia. In 1982-1985 he was the head of the literary part of the Azerbaijanfilm Studio. His talent as a playwright and poet was fully revealed in the 90s, after publishing such books as "Happiness of the day", "God, I am here ..." and "Far Green Island". --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Two US lawmakers were confirmed positive of the coronavirus as the number of deaths due to the deadly virus crossed 150 in America, while about 10,000 people have been infected. Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart from Florida became the first American lawmaker to have tested positive for the coronavirus, a deadly disease for which the health community is struggling to find a vaccine and a treatment. According to his office, Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache, last Saturday and on Wednesday he was notified that he has tested positive for the COVID-19. Diaz-Balart has quarantined himself in his apartment in Washington DC. "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus," he said in a statement. "We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times," Diaz-Balart said. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams said he developed mild cold-like symptoms last Saturday and he has now tested positive for the deadly virus. "My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and laboured breathing and I remained self-quarantined. On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test. Today I learned that I tested positive," McAdams said. "I am still working for Utahns and pursuing efforts to get Utahns the resources they need as I continue doing my job from home until I know it is safe to end my self-quarantine. I'm doing my part as all Americans are doing to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the coronavirus outbreak," he said. The report of the two Congressmen testing positive for coronavirus came as the deadly virus spread to all the 50 states of the US with confirmed infection of nearly 10,000 people. At least 150 people have died so far from the coronavirus in the US. Health experts fear the number to increase significantly in the coming days and weeks. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency and on Wednesday he roped in the country's military to address the once-in-a-century public health challenge. The Department of Defense would not only manufacture critical things like masks and ventilators, but also has deployed two massive naval ship helicopters one in New York and the other in West Coast in California. Trump, who has been holding daily news conferences, is coming out with a massive over a USD 1 trillion stimulus plan to economically help out every section of the society and businesses. Prominent among them include an unprecedented direct cash transfer plan worth USD 500 billion to Americans, USD 300 billion worth of assistance to small and medium businesses, and USD 50 billion worth of assistance to the airlines. California, New York and Washington are the three states badly hit by the coronavirus. In California, more than eight million people, mostly in the Indian-American dominated areas of the Silicon Valley, have been asked to stay indoors. Similar measures have been announced in various parts of New York and Washington. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 16:21:55|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close A worker unloads boxes containing medical supplies during a handover ceremony at Sungai Buloh hospital in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, March 19, 2020. The Chinese embassy and Chinese companies in Malaysia on Thursday donated the first batch of medical supplies to Malaysian hospitals in solidarity on the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. The medical materials, including 5,000 face masks and 10,000 surgical masks, were delivered to Malaysia's Sungai Buloh hospital, one of the designated facilities to treat COVID-19 patients. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy and Chinese companies in Malaysia on Thursday donated the first batch of medical supplies to Malaysian hospitals in solidarity on the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. The medical materials, including 5,000 face masks and 10,000 surgical masks, were delivered to Malaysia's Sungai Buloh hospital, one of the designated facilities to treat COVID-19 patients. Chinese Ambassador Bai Tian said Malaysia's government and people have generously supported China when China was in the height of fighting the pandemic. "In China, there's a saying that 'The grace of dripping water should be reciprocated by a gushing spring'. Despite China is still facing challenges in containing the outbreak, we are willing to do everything we could, including expertise and material support to Malaysia to help our friends to get over this," he said. Malaysia confirmed 110 newly cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total number to 900, after the government implemented comprehensive restrictive measures to contain the outbreak. OAKLAND, Calif., March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California is offering a new digital tool to its network hospitals at no additional cost to help them triage the influx of patients seeking advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) or other medical care. This is the latest effort by the nonprofit health plan to support public health during the ongoing coronavirus crisis by helping hospitals be more effective and efficient in caring for their patients. The "COVID-19 Screener and Emergency Response Assistant" (COVID-19 SERA) is a tool that patients can access via Internet-connected smartphone, tablet or computer on a participating hospital's website. COVID-19 SERA can be customized for each health system's emergency response plan, and it is updated in real-time with latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). GYANT, a San Francisco-based company providing virtual triage and patient navigation services, developed this tool. Patients would access COVID-19 SERA on a hospital's websites, answer a few basic questions and based on their reply, they would be directed to the appropriate medical settings for their health situation. The idea is to point patients in the most appropriate care setting so hospitals can better manage inflow of patients. The COVID-19 SERA service can be implemented on a hospital's website within 48 hours. Blue Shield will cover the costs for its network hospitals to implement, update and be licensed to use COVID-19 SERA system for three months during the pandemic. "The tool provides relief to hospitals' overburdened call centers and front-desk resources. It can direct low-acuity cases to the appropriate medical settings and provide relevant information to patients affected by COVID-19 so that they can quickly receive medical care and help curb community transmission," said Terry Gilliland, M.D., executive vice president, Healthcare Quality and Affordability at Blue Shield. "These are trying times for everyone and we believe this system can make a difference for hospitals as they do their best to provide medical care for patients." The COVID-19 SERA is developed by GYANT, a San Francisco-based company that uses artificial intelligence to provide digital services that help people access appropriate care. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. About GYANT GYANT, the patient engagement and care navigation company, drives more meaningful patient-doctor encounters while improving care utilization and pathways. Leveraging its customizable, artificial intelligence-enabled platform, which integrates into any EHR system, GYANT creates easy to navigate and enjoyable experiences for patients that equate to cost and time savings, and improved patient conversion rates for health systems. GYANTs unique combination of deep intelligence, physician oversight and a human-driven, empathetic approach allows health systems to solve for traditional complex care issues, ensuring that patients receive the right care anytime and anywhere, increasing engagement, trust and loyalty along their entire healthcare journey. PR Contact: Abbey Clark, (631)-834-1070 CONTACT: Matthew Yi Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California Subscription streaming services and online gaming companies may be required to reduce the quality of their streams to help manage high demand on the national broadband network caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Netflix is experiencing a sharp uptick in usage as people stay home. Credit:Bloomberg Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has sent a letter to Australias streaming companies including global giant Netflix, asking them to "work collaboratively" with NBN Co to manage the high consumer demand of the network, as more people started working from home. "In countries where the spread of the virus is advanced we have seen significant increases in data use and traffic over telecommunications networks," Mr Fletcher wrote. "COVID-19 is a global challenge but we each need to play our part in the response. "I have written to all major streaming services asking them to do the same, and look forward to working collaboratively together." A spokesman for Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said the government, NBN Co, and internet providers were having constructive discussions with streaming and gaming platforms about steps they could take to help optimise broadband conditions, such as by temporarily dialing back the default very high bit rate they use to transfer data over the networks. Government and industry sources said there had been no explicit request or direction to change bit rates at this stage. Discussions have focused on platforms having the capacity to make the change should it be needed or requested. The issue was canvassed in an industry meeting on the COVID-19 crisis hosted by Mr Fletcher earlier this week. Netflix has the capability to make changes to help with the network in Australia, if explicitly asked, but already works with internet service providers and its own content servers to manage demand and adapt streaming equality where necessary. "Following the discussions between Commissioner Thierry Breton and Reed Hastings - and given the extraordinary challenges raised by the coronavirus - Netflix has decided to begin reducing bit rates across all our streams in Europe for 30 days," a Netflix spokesman said. The citys second Covid-19 testing laboratory at its largest municipal facility, King Edward Memorial (KEM), Parel, started tests on Thursday. On the first day, the laboratory tested 20 samples, but the number of daily tests could increase to 150 daily by the end of the week. The laboratory currently conducts four sets of tests with twelve samples in a set, which it will eventually increase to 40 samples. As this is a new laboratory, we need time to settle down. We will start with 48 samples and by the end of next week, the number will rise to 100-150 tests, Dr Hemant Deshmukh, dean of KEM Hospital. Although KEM Hospital had a qualified microbiology laboratory with polymerase chain reaction machine, which finds out whether samples have genetic material from the virus, the institute was waiting for more equipment. A philanthropist donated an automated nucleic acid extractor worth 15 lakh. There are two ways to process the samples, one automated and other manual. So, this one is automated which will helped in faster processing. Due to the ongoing health outbreak, a company has donated this machine to us, added Dr Deshmukh. A class IV municipal employee on Thursday carried the first samples in a vaccine carrier, which keeps samples in a cold chain until it undergoes analysis. This is the first time I have carried the sample of the coronavirus in hand. I didnt even tell my family members about this new role. But I know its safe and all precautionary measures have been taken to carry the sample safely so far, he said. As a trial test, the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune sent a sample to KEM Hospital on Tuesday and once the premier virology institute approved the result, permissions was granted to start the testing from Thursday. The laboratory will run for 14hours in two shifts and a team of 50 members has been constituted for its functioning. But no person can approach the laboratory directly for testing. Any person with symptoms of flu or travel history has to approach Kasturba Hospital for testing. We are here for the testing, not to collect samples, said Dr Deshmukh. The BMC also has plans to increase the testing capacity at Kasturba Hospital to 250 daily from the current 130. With the addition of this second laboratory, the number of samples being tested daily will touch 500. The KEM Hospitals laboratory is the third facility in the state to test Covid-19 samples, after Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai, and National Institute of Virology, Pune. How are suspected samples tested Samples are collected by taking swabs from the upper and lower respiratory regions of suspected patients They are processed in the nucleic acid extractor to extract genetic material The extracted material is tested in the polymerase chain reactor to see whether it matches the genetic code of Covid-19 Tests are done in batches (Source: WHO/doctors) Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. The government has also started helping pharma companies that want raw materials to be airlifted from China. Various government departments are keeping close tabs on the drug supply and pricing situation in India in the wake of global logistical crisis because of the coronavirus outbreak. While the pharma pricing regulator is monitoring the prices of bulk drugs quoted by traders, and watching the import of these ingredients, the drug regulator is monitoring the inventory of raw materials and drugs in the country. Meanwhile, the government has also started helping pharma companies that want raw materials to be airlifted from China. Industry sources said the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has sought data from importers on key active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their current prices. "It is a good initiative by the government as many traders and importers are trying to hike prices of key APIs. "The NPPA is maintaining a close watch on the prices of these imported APIs. "This would help the domestic drug industry as prices of the finished products cannot go up," said an industry source who is actively involved in discussions with the government on the COVID-19 crisis. The NPPA has asked the importers and manufacturers of 58 key APIs to submit data on these products to the regulator by March 11. The data is related to availability, stock, volumes of manufacturing or import and current market prices of these products, said a government official. The move is aimed at ensuring that there is no hoarding of critical raw materials, and that no trader or importer is able to hike prices illegitimately. As such prices of key APIs have already risen, claims the industry. Prices of paracetamol have gone up from Rs 250-300 per kilogram (kg) to nearly Rs 450-500 per kg in the past few weeks, said Mahendra Patel, owner of a mid-sized drug unit Lincoln Pharma in Gujarat. He added that raw material inventory with smaller pharma manufacturers is not high unlike Big pharma. "Smaller players would have another 15-20 days of inventory lying with them," he said. Prices of some antibiotics, vitamins and anti-allergy medicine APIs too have shot up by 40-50 per cent. The government has already put curbs on the export of 13 major APIs and formulations made from them earlier this month, as recommended by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP). The exporters lobby has sought relief citing that failure to supply one product as part of their export consignments may result in penalties and cancellation of the entire order. The industry felt that the schedule of the export policy invoked to curb exports would practically result in stoppage of all exports from India for the moment. Meanwhile, the office of the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has sought for data on raw material inventory in the country from the major manufacturers. About 30 big drug firms account for nearly 65-70 per cent of the domestic pharmaceuticals production. "We have submitted the data on the raw material stock we have to the DCGI as on the third week of February, and we have inventory of materials for another two months or so. "We think that there would be no supply shortage in the country till June, said an industry source. In another significant move, drug firms have already begun bringing in raw materials from China through the aerial route as ports are congested. "Companies like Mankind Pharma have begun air-lifting raw materials, while some like Lupin and Abbott are likely to follow," said an industry source who did not wish to be named. The ministry of commerce along with the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers is coordinating with their Chinese counterparts to ensure that the necessary raw materials can be brought in through the aerial route. President Donald Trump publicly stated that the Defense Production Act will be invoked, as the administration's move to arrest the current ensuing coronavirus pandemic, that is causing calamitous worries on the American public. In the time of the coronavirus, the president, according to Donald Trump himself, is now a wartime president for the record. He said at a White House press con,"It can do a lot of good things if we need it," and he added it will be signed and completed in a while. The Defense Production Act: Why Trump invoked it Invoking the Defense Production Act will give powers to the commander in chief to give commands to the private sector to increase production and vital distribution to all Americans of all needed emergency medical supplies and equipment during the COVID-19 crisis. It gives the White House powers to get more masks, ventilators, respirators, and increase hospital resources, allow more patients to be treated of the coronavirus. There was a question if the nation is on a wartime footing, which President Trump answered with a yes, adding that he is a "wartime president" in the current circumstances faced by the US in a worldwide pandemic. Several statements were issued by the President with members of the presidential coronavirus pandemic task force. So far, efforts to control the COVID-19 infection has been enacted to delay the number of pathogen infections, just like lockdowns in other countries. On Wednesday morning, a small but a grim number of 114 deaths and 6,519 infections are now in the United States. Also read: American Woman Recovers by Treating Her Coronavirus at Home The U.S. organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observed that in the U.S. it is just the same as mostly 4 of 5 deaths are those at age 65 and older. So far, no child has been killed by the COVID-19 disease. Trump cancels all foreclosures and evictions during the COVID-19 outbreak Another after-effect of the COVID-19 crisis is the chaotic markets and a negatively acting economy nationwide. Most schools are shuttered, many restaurants and bars are all on takeaway and deliver in many affected localities. In San Francisco, a shelter-in-place is enforced this week, and more than one state is enforcing social distancing to lessen transmitting the virus. Both the Trump administration and Congress are setting up an almost $1 trillion stimulus package to keep the American economy afloat, assist businesses and workers who are most affected by the coronavirus pandemic crisis. This aid package will keep these entities going until the epidemic flattens out and economic activities resume again. Another announcement by President Trump is that the Housing Department is suspending all foreclosures and evictions till April's end to help those in need of shelter. He also mentioned that Canada will close the border with the U.S., both in agreement. Only essential traffic is allowed in or out the US-Canadian Border as stressed. Vice President Mike Pence will lead the task force and said that Health and Human Services are allowing a medical specialist to practice medicine in another state. They are also calling the nation to cancel all elective medical procedures. Donald Trump added that he previewed the Wednesday conference and stated,"discussing with the FDA news about the Chinese Virus!" Invoking the Defense Production Act to deal with the coronavirus with all powers available. Related article: President Donald Trump Will Likely Get Coronavirus Test @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Phoenix, AZ, March 18, 2020 TheBest is excited to welcome our new Executive Vice President, Ty Miller! Utilizing his 20+ years of Sales and Business Development experience, primarily in the P&C Insurance marketplace, Ty will be responsible for strategic growth initiatives and long-term sales goals. Tys education includes a degree in Finance from Clemson University. Prior to joining TheBest, Ty held a V.P Sales Leader position at Genpact. His experience also includes a Senior V.P Sales position at Brightclaim. Before joining BrightClaim, Ty held an Executive Sales position with ITEL. Ty joined ITEL after building a successful competing flooring testing company (Spill Tech) which was acquired by ITEL in 2006. I am very excited about the current opportunity at TheBest, the recruiting engine is second to none in our industry. Combining recruiting, resources, and technology provides the claims industry a process of handling claims without sacrificing customer service or industry knowledge. says Ty Miller. Ty will be developing solutions that utilize TheBests recruitment division to enhance services in the property and auto claims space. About TheBest: Over the past 20 years, TheBest has been acknowledged as an award-winning claims staffing company. By utilizing our recruiting capabilities, our independent adjusting division has redefined the way claims are processed. As a long-time leader in the insurance claims industry, we make a commitment to provide the best claims solutions nationwide. Satisfaction guaranteed. TheBest is a 8-time winner of ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing Award and was ranked #55 out of the top 250 on Forbes Best Recruiting Firms. If you would like more information about this topic, please call (866) 658-4477 or email news@thebestirs.com Media Contact: Bernadette Rodriguez (602)-464-5129 news@thebestirs.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Some 629 people got infected in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province, said rector of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Mohammad Hossein Somi, Trend reports citing official website of University. According to Somi, 58 people have been confirmed to be infected, over the past day. Somi added that, over the past day, 10 people have died from coronavirus, and the death toll in the East Azerbaijan province has reached 59. The rector said that Tabriz is the most prevalent place of infection in the province. "About 4 people of the dead today were treated in hospital for more than 15 days," he said. Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 17,000 people have been infected, 1135 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 5,700 have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 17:00:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NANJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese medical experts held a video conference call with their foreign counterparts on Wednesday, sharing with them China's experience in combating the coronavirus outbreak. The Chinese experts all came from Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, which is located in eastern Chinese city of Nanjing. Some of them are currently working in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. Their foreign counterparts came from 32 medical institutions in seven countries, namely Spain, Greece, Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Britain and the United States. "We underwent a tough time over the past two months in Wuhan," Qiu Haibo, vice director of Zhongda, said from Wuhan. "Fortunately, the situation here is getting better, and more and more patients have been discharged." "We would like offer our help to you by sharing Chinese experience in combating the virus," Qiu, who is also a member of the expert team of the National Health Commission, told his foreign counterparts. During the conference call, foreigner experts inquired about a wide range of issues concerning the outbreak, including the optimal plan for screening patients, methods of preventing infections of medics and the criteria for discharging patients. "We hope China's experience over the past two months can help foreign countries avoid the pitfalls in their fight against the outbreak," said Yang Yi, an intensive care expert. The Syrian MFA strongly condemned the policy of sanction pressure from the US and the West amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Foreign and Expatriates Ministry official source said in a statement to SANA on Thursday that in light of the dangerous escalation represented by the Coronavirus and the international alert to confront this pandemic and to contain it and prevent its spread, the U.S. and the European Union are continuing to impose illegitimate unilateral coercive measures on a number of states, some of which are hugely suffering from the spread of the virus, in a blatant violation of human rights and the simplest humanitarian values and principles, SANA reported. The Syrian Arab Republic whose people have suffered and still suffer from the terrorist aggression and the illegitimate unilateral coercive measures which affect the life of the citizens and particularly the health sector, calls on the international community to respect the principles of the international humanitarian law and the sanctity of the human life, and to work on lifting those sanctions immediately, particularly in the current circumstances after the Coronavirus has spread in the neighboring countries. The Syrian MFA has also expressed solidarity with Iran, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries that confront a dangerous infection, and demands immediate lifting of sanctions against them without any conditions and an end to the severe blockade. Syria "holds the U.S. and its allies, who impose those sanctions and boast of protecting human rights, fully responsible for every human victim of this pandemic through hindering the efforts which aim at confronting this virus which constitutes a serious threat to all humanity and through preventing the help in curbing the virus. MANSFIELD, Pa., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCPink: CZFS), the holding company for First Citizens Community Bank, announced today that its Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, rather than 12 Noon, local time, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the Tioga County Fairgrounds Main Building, 2258 Charleston Road, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. The date and place of the meeting are unchanged. Special Notice Regarding In Person Attendance at Annual Meeting In light of the ongoing health concerns relating to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and to best protect the health and welfare of the Company's employees, shareholders and community, the Company urges that shareholders DO NOT ATTEND the Annual Meeting in person this year. Food and drink will not be served as in past years. Shareholders are nevertheless urged to vote their proxies by mail or by Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card or vote authorization. About Citizens Financial Services, Inc. Citizens Financial Services, Inc. is the bank holding company for First Citizens Community Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank. First Citizens operates 27 full-service offices in Pennsylvania and New York. For more information about Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and First Citizens Community Bank, visit its website at www.firstcitizensbank.com. SOURCE Citizens Financial Services, Inc. Related Links http://www.firstcitizensbank.com Advertisement Students whose GCSE and A-Level exams have been axed because of coronavirus will be given final grades based on teacher predictions, mock results and coursework from the past 12 months - with emergency exams in the autumn if they appeal, it was claimed today. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has refused to be drawn on how the results will be calculated but said the Government's plan will be revealed tomorrow. But Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, which represents UK academies, has shared a leaked email to teachers about emergency arrangements for schools after they close tomorrow - including handing out results. 'Perhaps the most controversial of decisions announced today relates to public tests and exams,' her email read, according to Buzzfeed News. 'There will be no primary assessment. GCSEs and A-levels will be awarded on the basis of moderated assessment with the exam boards and Ofqual [Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation]. Of course this is not ideal. 'But I am persuaded there is no better option. For those young people who feel that they could have done better than their predicted grade, I believe there will be [a] mini-session [of exams] in the autumn.' Earlier today, the Education Secretary warned parents they should 'assume' their children will be at home 'for a considerable amount of time' when asked if the academic year is over until the Autumn when all schools close their gates. It comes as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the UK, killing 137 people - up 33 in 24 hours. London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has said only 'critical workers' should use the Tube and supermarkets have been emptied by shoppers queuing through the night to buy household goods. Mr Williamson had confirmed there will be no SATs, GCSE or A-Level exams this year but has only said children will be graded only to say their path to work, sixth form or university will not be impeded - not how they will be graded. As millions of working parents face the extraordinary prospect of having school-age children at home for six months - and students had their exams cancelled, it has emerged: Universities could be forced to honour all offers to students, even if their teachers lower their final grades based on coursework and classwork; Nurseries asking parents to keep paying thousands of pounds in fees even though children are at home to ensure they don't go bust; A final list of who will be classified as a key workers will be published today - but schools warn only couples where both parents are key workers will be guaranteed a place in school or nursery for their child; Gavin Williamson insists no child who would usually be eligible for the free meals should go without while their school is closed or they are self-isolating with voucher system proposed; NQT teachers could be allowed straight into work in the Autumn to ease the crisis of staff are in isolation; All exams in the UK will be axed but it is not yet clear how children will be graded and how the system will be kept fair including the system of appeals. However, a school leader today said formal end of year exams would be replaced with a combination of predicted grades, mock exams, coursework and assessment Gavin Williamson today admitted schools could now be closed until September at the earliest because of coronavirus but gave no detail about how GCSE and A-Levels students will be graded without any exams Gavin Williamson today didn't rule out keeping schools closed until September but there was scant detail about how children will be graded Mr Williamson has said formal guidance will be issued on Friday about how pupils unable to sit their exams due to school closures will get their grades. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Universities UK chief executive Alistair Jarvis said: 'If an appropriate way can be found to assess students, perhaps a combination of teacher assessments and assignment works that's already done, then awards could be granted this summer. This would allow students to get their grades and the university admission process to go ahead this summer.' Asked whether students who have already been offered a place at university could get it as an unconditional offer, Mr Jarvis said: 'That is possible, that would be a good option to immediately remove the uncertainty for students.' The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Government would be prepared to waive the newly-qualified teacher status to ensure new teachers currently in training can enter the classroom in September. How will GCSE and A-Level students be graded and will it fair? Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said the Government will work with schools, colleges and exams regulator Ofqual 'to ensure children get the qualifications they need'. In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday, Mr Williamson said guidance will be issued on Friday about how pupils unable to sit their exams due to school closures will get their grades. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), told the PA news agency: 'We are waiting for details from Ofqual about how GCSEs and A-levels will be assessed and grades awarded in lieu of exams. 'However, we expect that it will be based on teacher assessment supported by evidence of internal assessment that has already taken place such as mock exams, and that this will be submitted to the exam boards which will then check submissions to ensure consistency and fairness and award grades accordingly. 'The vast majority of teachers endeavour to give accurate assessments, but the decision to suspend school and college performance tables this year will remove any incentive to do otherwise. 'There will clearly need to be an appeal procedure if candidates feel they have been disadvantaged, and inevitably a great many questions remain about how all of this will work. 'We can assure the public that everything possible will be done to support students at this worrying time.' Advertisement During an interview with Sky News, he was asked whether - for trainee teachers who will not have had the required classroom time by September - the Government would be prepared to waive the newly-qualified teacher status. Mr Williamson said: 'We will be prepared to waive that, we will be working with teacher training establishments in order to do this. 'We're also starting to roll out something called the Early Career Framework which in a number of regions will be starting the next academic year and right across the country the following year to make sure new teachers are supported'. Mr Johnson vowed students' academic careers would not be 'impeded' - but the Prime Minister declined to go into detail about exactly how they would be assessed. He stressed: 'It will be done fairly and in order to protect their interests.' Scores of pupils protested online, saying mock results did not reflect the progress they made in revision. One student wrote: 'How can we possibly get awarded A-level grades when we can't sit our exams and prove what we're worthy of getting. Mocks don't reflect our capabilities and I think most Year 13s are devastated right now.' Many parents are in despair about how they will look after their children for the next six months and hold down their jobs - while key workers in the NHS, the police and other vital services are in the dark about who will care for their children while they remain working. Mr Johnson announced the bombshell move yesterday evening and said that when school gates shut at the end of the week they will not reopen for the foreseeable future. Who are the key workers whose children could still be sent to school during the coronavirus crisis? The Government is yet to confirm who will be classified as a key worker whose children will be given a place in school or nursery during the coronavirus crisis. But these are the groups likely to be included: All NHS staff including non-medical staff; Teachers and nursery staff All police officers, PCSOs and majority of the civilian police staff; Firefighters; Prison officers and most prison staff Probation Service staff Social workers Council planners and environmental health staff Most Ministry of Defence staff Highway Agency road traffic officers Delivery drivers Advertisement However, a skeleton operation will be kept in place across the country so that the children of key workers - including NHS staff, police officers and supermarket delivery drivers - can be looked after and enable their parents to continue to work. There was confusion over which professions will be classed as key workers with a full list expected to be published tomorrow and over how they will prove their status to schools. Mr Johnson's announcement on school closures - confirmed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in a statement to the House of Commons at the same time as the PM's daily coronavirus press conference - came after the other three Home Nations had already committed to closures. The Welsh government had said earlier all of its schools will close on Friday while Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, said her country would be doing the same amid claims up to 20 per cent of teachers are in self-isolation. Ms Sturgeon had already suggested parents are in for the long haul on school closures as she said she could not 'promise that they will reopen before the summer holidays'. Confusion over Boris Johnson's promise that schools will stay open for children of 'key workers' Boris Johnson's pledge to give all children of key workers a school place during the coronavirus crisis descended into chaos and confusion today as parents helping to keep the country running were rejected from the emergency scheme. The children of any parent who works for the NHS and crucial roles such as supermarket delivery drivers have been promised school places throughout Britain's coronavirus lockdown. A final list of who will be classified as a key worker will be published today as millions of parents face six months with their children at home while desperately trying to juggle their jobs. All schools in England will close on Friday along with those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in the UK. Schools and nurseries across the UK are today taking a roll call of all people who believe they need a place for their child or children while they keep working over the coming months. But headteachers are using their school social media accounts to warn parents that couple must both be key workers to be eligible. If not one will be expected to stay at home with the children, probably until September at the earliest. Single parents who work in the NHS or for the police, for example, will get a place. One social worker parent tried to register their child for an emergency school place in south-west London today only to be refused because their partner does not have a public sector job. She said: 'Children's parents at our school are being told only the children with two key workers parents can send their children in - it's absolutely outrageous. Advertisement News of Northern Ireland shutting its schools emerged immediately before Mr Williamson and Mr Johnson announced their plans for education provision in England. Mr Johnson was under huge pressure to follow the lead of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and he said yesterday evening it was now the 'right moment' for English schools to shut 'for the vast majority of pupils until further notice' and that the 'objective is to slow the spread of the virus'. 'But of course we also need to keep the NHS going and to treat the rising number of cases so we need health workers who are also parents to continue to go to work and we need other critical workers with children to keep doing their jobs too,' he said. The PM committed to providing children who receive free school meals with food vouchers to ensure families are not left struggling while on the exam issue, he said tests will 'not take place as planned' but pupils 'will get the qualifications they need and deserve'. As well as fears about an impact on staff levels in key services, the government had also been reluctant to proceed with school closures because of concerns shutting classrooms could lead to elderly grandparents being asked to look after grandchildren while parents continue to work. The over-70s are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus and have been urged to avoid all non-essential social contact. Mr Johnson was unequivocal on the matter as he said 'children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups'. The move to close schools came as the government vowed to increase coronavirus testing in NHS hospitals in order to get a better picture of the scale of the outbreak. Meanwhile, leading supermarkets introduced forms of rationing to try to stop unnecessary panic buying. There are now calls for ministers to impose a single policy on all stores. Q&A: No lessons... so now what happens to my children? By James Tozer When will schools close? Schools in England will close to most pupils tomorrow afternoon, although many are already shut or are only teaching certain year groups due to teacher shortages caused by staff selfisolating. In addition, most boarding schools are already sending pupils home for fear of an outbreak. Schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will close by the end of the week if they haven't already done so. Whose children will still be able to attend school? Children whose parents are classed as 'key workers', who would not otherwise be able to do their jobs, will be able to attend some schools, which will remain open with a skeleton staff. Examples include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers. Children classed as 'vulnerable' such as those who have a social worker will also be able to attend. What happens to those who are not eligible? There will be confusion for parents as individual schools work out what they can offer using technology. Many aim to provide online tuition, and ministers say they are working with the BBC to provide learning resources. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned working parents that children should not be looked after by elderly grandparents who are among those most at risk from coronavirus. How long will the mass closure go on for? Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said only that schools would be closed 'until further notice' although those catering for key workers will remain open over the Easter break. The Prime Minister said that the aim was to reopen them again 'as fast as we can'. In reality, any effort to reopen schools is dependent on the success of the campaign against the coronavirus. What happens to school meals? Children eligible for free meals will receive them at those schools which remain open via a national voucher system. Details of the scheme have yet to be confirmed but ministers say it will be in place 'as soon as possible'. Why has the Government decided to close schools? Its medical advisers say that while children themselves are not at special risk, the move will curb the spread of the outbreak by further reducing social contact across society. In addition, high rates of teacher illness and staff self-isolating with a cough or high temperature now means that schools are increasingly unable to continue as normal anyway. Why was this decision not made sooner? Until today, ministers have resisted mounting pressure to follow other European countries which have already closed schools. They had insisted that shutting them would put unacceptable pressure on the NHS and other public services as parents were forced to take time off work, without significantly curbing the spread of the outbreak. What about nurseries, colleges and universities? Ministers say they are 'expecting' early years providers, sixth form and further education colleges to close, as well as private schools. Many universities have already moved lectures online. What does it mean for SATS, GCSEs and A-levels? They have been cancelled, with Mr Williamson saying 'we will not go ahead with assessments or exams'. League tables will not be published this year. How will grades be allocated? The Prime Minister insisted grades would be allocated 'fairly' but full details are yet to be outlined. However grades for GCSEs and A-levels are expected to be based on existing assessment evidence, such as teachers' grade predictions, with an appeal system in case of disputes. What will be the impact on university admissions? Plans are still being drawn up, but experts predicted the process could be turned into 'one big unconditional offer'. Last night admissions service Ucas said only that it would be 'providing further guidance... as soon as possible'. Ucas chiefs said they would be 'working through the implications'. Advertisement Boris Johnson inside Number 10 tonight announcing that all schools in England are to be closed as of Friday, following the lead of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, said she could not make any promises about when schools will be able to reopen Education is a devolved matter in the UK which means devolved administrations have the final say on what happens to schools within their borders. Minister for Education in the devolved Welsh government Kirsty Williams announced this afternoon that closures in Wales would go ahead. She said: 'Today, I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020. 'I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision making. This will always be the case. 'From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with my colleagues in the Cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.' Boris Johnson finally steps up UK testing for coronavirus Boris Johnson finally vowed a dramatic escalation of the UK's coronavirus testing capacity today amid fury at his attempts to fight the epidemic 'blindfolded'. After days of intense pressure, the PM said the number of tests carried out per day will be increased from the current level of around 5,000 to 25,000, and NHS staff will be prioritised. However, the full 'surge capacity' might not be ready for another four weeks - by which time the deadly crisis could be at its peak. The government is also still only planning to test patients in hospitals, although Mr Johnson has pleaded with medical companies to help 'rapidly' develop a swab test that can be used in the community. The announcement came amid mounting alarm about the low level of screening, with anger that NHS workers are being forced to self-isolate because they are unsure whether they have the disease or not. Routine testing of suspected coronavirus sufferers was abandoned last week, when the government said it was no longer possible to 'contain' the spread. Instead those with symptoms are merely being urged to stay at home for a fortnight. Advertisement She said those plans would focus on 'supporting and safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring continuity of learning'. Ms Williams said that 'childcare settings are expected to remain open until we have definitive advice from the Chief Medical Officer and from Public Health Wales that any closures are required'. Ms Sturgeon said schools in Scotland had now lost too many staff through self-isolation to continue functioning as normal. She said: 'My view is that it is now inevitable that we will close schools and nurseries and my planning assumption now is that schools will close to pupils at the end of this week. I wanted today to give parents notice of that now.' She added: 'We have the reality on the ground as people do the right thing and follow the advice to self-isolate or to isolate as a household, more and more schools are approaching the point where they have lost too many staff to continue as normal.' The Scottish First Minister said measures would be put in place to try to ensure doctors, nurses and other critical staff who have children can still work. 'Lives are on the line if they cannot,' she said. Meanwhile, Ms Sturgeon said she did not know when schools in Scotland would be able to reopen. 'On the question that I know parents and the wider public will have of how long this will last, the clearest guidance I can give now is that people should not assume that schools and nurseries will reopen after the Easter break,' she said. 'We will of course only keep them closed for as long as we absolutely have to but at this stage I cannot promise that they will reopen before the summer holidays.' Mr Johnson had told MPs during PMQs earlier today that decisions on education provision in England would be taken 'imminently' in a clear hint towards yesterday's announcement. He said: 'We will do everything we can to remove burdens on schools and Ofsted is one in particular we can address. A petition calling on the government to close schools across the UK had surged in recent days to more than 672,000 signatures 'The House should expect further decisions to be taken imminently on schools and how to make sure we square the circle both of making sure we stop the spread of the disease but also making sure we relieve, as much as we can, pressure on our NHS.' The announcements came after it emerged that pupils in some parts of the country were apparently sitting in empty classrooms while others were believed to be 'faking coughs' to stay home amid parents' fury that schools were still open. A petition demanding all schools and colleges be shut down for an 'appropriate amount of time' has been surging in recent days. Before the school closure announcements were made, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton, had warned many schools would not be able to remain open past the end of the week. He said roughly 10 to 20 per cent of teachers were self-isolating but the number was 'rapidly rising'. Concerned teachers have also claimed as the outbreak has worsened they were unable to keep classrooms clean enough around the clock. Alderman White School in Bramcote, near Nottingham, had this morning asked parents to keep their children at home today, if they could provide childcare. It was also announced today that Marlborough College in Wiltshire would move to an 'online learning environment' and Eton College - Mr Johnson's old stomping ground - would also close to pupils. Winchester College is stopping all lessons and sending boys home at 9pm tomorrow evening. Boris Johnson's old stomping ground Eton College (pictured above) near Windsor, is to shut down in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic Marlborough College (pictured) in Wiltshire also said it was moving to an 'online learning environment' from 1pm today Supermarkets impose strict rationing to combat panic buying Tesco has become the latest supermarket to impose strict rationing measures on items like loo roll, soap and UHT milk to curb coronavirus panic-buying. Customers stocking up across the country is intensifying today as supermarkets under mounting pressure are taking drastic rationing action in a bid to deal with the unprecedented demand for goods. Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket, will impose restrictions on all customers to buying a maximum of three products per line from Thursday, as it copes with the high demand from the coronavirus pandemic, the company has announced. Britain's grocery industry has struggled for over a week to keep shelves stocked in the face of stockpiling, which worsened on Tuesday despite weekend appeals for calm from supermarket bosses and politicians. But experts have asked why supermarkets have introduced different limits on certain goods, creating confusion for customers and competition among rivals. Sainsbury's today announced it is closing its in-store bakeries, meat, fish and pizza counters and cafes from tomorrow to free up lorry and warehouse capacity, and to free up more staff to stack shelves. The supermarket will restrict people to only buying three of any single grocery item, with a two-item limit on the most popular goods such as toilet paper and long-life milk. From March 23, disabled customers and those over 70 will take priority for online delivery slots. Advertisement Eton - which has fees of over 14,000 per term - decided to send pupils home this afternoon. One member of staff at the school, who did not want to be named, said: 'I don't think it's much of a secret. We're sending the boys home at lunch today.' A spokesman for Marlborough College said staff wanted to do their best to implement social distancing guidelines set out by the government. They said: 'Marlborough College is moving to a 'virtual school' environment from 1pm on 18th March. 'This decision will enable the College to continue to operate, given the increasing numbers of pupils and staff taking precautionary measures to self-isolate or to preempt further global travel restrictions which is making it impossible for the College to provide effective full boarding 24/7 residential care. 'The College will continue to deliver its timetabled academic lessons, pastoral support and co-curricular provision to pupils remotely, utilising a number of online platforms and delivery methods. 'The College has no confirmed case of COVID-19 and the campus will not be closed. All members of staff will continue with their duties until the end of term'. Parents have suggested some children have tried to capitalise on the outbreak in order to avoid going to school. One said children 'were not stupid' and added: 'Get Boris to close schools! All the children are making up a cough to come home anyway 40 sent home yesterday from one school yesterday and there's probably nothing wrong with them yet!' Meanwhile, some schools have reportedly been incorporating cleaning into lesson plans, asking pupils to help keep classrooms as hygienic as possible. What happens to YOUR children when the schools close? Boris Johnson promises GCSE & A-level pupils will get their qualifications - but how? And will there be teaching online? Boris Johnson has promised that pupils will get their qualifications despite schools in England closing at the end of the week amid the continued coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister announced the bombshell move earlier today and stated that the school gates would should on Friday and would not reopen for the foreseeable future. The closure means that A-Level and GCSE examinations planned for May and June have been cancelled but Mr Johnson insists that qualifications will still be 'administered' fairly. Mr Johnson's announcement - confirmed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in a statement to the House of Commons at the same time as the PM's daily coronavirus press conference - came after the other three Home Nations had already committed to closures. Announcing the closures of schools and nurseries, the Prime Minister said: 'Of course this does mean that exams will not take place as planned in May and June. 'Though we will make sure that pupils get the qualifications they need and deserve for their academic career.' He added that the qualifications would be 'administered' fairly and in order to protect pupils' interests but has not yet detailed how and when this would happen. Boris Johnson has promised that pupils will get their qualifications despite schools in England closing at the end of the week amid the continued coronavirus pandemic (stock image) It is now thought that teacher assessment and mock results will form the basis of grades but it was unclear how this would work in practice. Echoing the Prime Minister's sentiment, Mr Williamson said: 'We recognise that there are no easy choices but we have agreed that the best way forward is not to proceed with summer exam series. 'Learners due to sit their GCSEs and A levels this summer will be awarded a fair grade to recognise their work, drawing on the range of information that is available. Ive no idea if Ill get grades Olivia Harris was due to sit her A-levels in May but is worried about her university place and future career prospects now her exams have been scrapped. When I heard the exams had been cancelled I was really upset because I have worked and revised hard throughout, she said. The 17-year-old is studying physics, maths and English literature at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, and hopes to go to Bristol University to study law. I need an A* and two As and had been predicted to get those grades. All the teachers were confident I would get my place, she said. But I didnt do as well in my mock exams and was working extra hard to make sure I gave myself the best chance at the real ones. Now Ill never know whether I will be getting those grades and Ive no idea if I will be able to go to Bristol. That decision has been taken away from me and I cant do anything about it. Advertisement 'We will be working with the sector to announce further details shortly but wanted to give this early certainty.' He added: 'I did not want to be the Education Secretary who was the one to cancel all exams. We will work... to ensure that children get the qualifications that they need.' But scores of pupils have already turned to social media to protest, claiming that mock results did not reflect the progress they made in revision. One student wrote: 'How can we possibly get awarded A-level grades when we can't sit our exams and prove what we're worthy of getting. Mocks don't reflect our capabilities and I think most Year 13s are devastated right now.' Mr Williamson went on to say said a 'means of redress' will be put in place for GCSE and A-Level students if they are unhappy with their allotted grades. Teaching unions backed the decision to shut down the increasing 'chaos' in schools and promised to make sure 'qualifications are awarded fairly and consistently in lieu of exams'. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association Of School And College Leaders, said: 'The cancellation of GCSE and A-level exams will inevitably cause anxiety to students, and we will work closely with Ofqual on ensuring that qualifications are awarded fairly and consistently in lieu of exams. 'We would reassure the public that schools have already prepared learning resources for pupils who are sent home and will communicate with families through the normal channels.' The official measures that the Government intend to put place are expected to be announced over the coming days. The only pupils expected to still attend school will be those considered vulnerable, such as those in care, alongside the children of key workers including NHS staff, police, social care workers and supermarket delivery drivers so they can continue to work. These 'skeleton' schools, which will cater for around 10 per cent of pupils, will continue to operate during the Easter holidays. Mr Williamson also announced that educational programmes will be screened by the BBC to help children learn at home while their schools are closed as individual schools work out what they can offer using technology. No national performance league tables will be published this year. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel's press conference on Wednesday afternoon covered everything from the state of emergency going into effect, the cost of the crisis, repatriation flights, and fines for those not complying with restrictions. Bettel started off his 45-minute conference by thanking the press for their continuous efforts in covering the crisis, proving once again the importance of a healthy media landscape in a democracy. He also showed his appreciation for medical staff, supermarket employees, and everyone else fulfilling crucial duties in these difficult times. Today Luxembourg recorded its second death, with infections jumping to 203. He then went on to officially declare Luxembourg's state of emergency. The Prime Minister had already addressed MPs on this matter in an unusual parliamentary session on Tuesday, but now the Chamber of Deputies has 10 days to green-light the law. The emergency would last up until 30 days. What does the state of emergency entail? During this period the government will be able to introduce new laws that come into effect immediately without requiring approval from the Chamber of Deputies. The measures taken during the state of emergency will no longer be valid once the crisis has come to an end. Live ticker: all national and international developments in one place. Bettel reiterated that the general rule is to stay home. Social activities should be kept to an absolute minimum. Fines of up to 10,000 are possible for those who do not comply with the government's measures. Although social gatherings are prohibited, Bettel stressed that people may go outside to catch fresh air, preferably individually or while maintaining social distance. If checked by police, the public can simply state their reason for being outside. Funerals, for example, can still continue, but families are urged to postpone these when possible. Bettel reiterated that supermarkets will remain open - there is no need for panic buying. Customers are urged to pay with credit card rather than cash. Minister Lex Delles is in close contact with supermarkets' management boards. Ministry of the Economy advocates for social distancing in supermarkets Regarding the cost of the crisis, Bettel was clear: "It will cost what it has to cost." Finances will not be put above the value of human life. Schools will definitely remain closed until after the Easter break, and maybe even longer. Bettel explained that the peak of new infections might occur in the coming days. The schools therefore remain closed until further notice. Today the European Schools announced suspension of classes until 20 April. Later in the Q&A, one press outlet questioned the exorbitant flight prices to come back to Luxembourg. Even though repatriation is currently being organised by ministries, Bettel stressed that it is "impossible to organise private jets for each individual resident" and pick them up around the world. Ministries are in contact with other EU countries to organise repatriation as quickly as possible. Luxair is currently already bringing customers back from their holidays. More details regarding border closures, internal security and health will be given in press conferences on Thursday. * Cruise ship was destined for Venice before virus outbreak * Ship left Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 5 * Two infected passengers disembarked in Puerto Rico * French health authorities to decide on possible docking By Marc Leras and Geert De Clercq MARSEILLE, France, March 18 (Reuters) - An Italian cruise ship which earlier in its voyage disembarked two passengers who later tested positive for coronavirus hoped to dock in Marseille, France, but was still awaiting approval, port authorities said on Wednesday. The Costa Luminosa, which left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 5 on a cruise destined for Venice, Italy, made a first stop in Puerto Rico, where the two passengers left the ship. After being blocked from docking in the Caribbean island of Antigua, the ship unloaded four sick travellers in Tenerife on March 15, but armed police stopped other people from disembarking there, passengers on the ship said. It was not immediately clear whether there were more suspected cases on board. The ship's captain told passengers: "In regards to the passengers who disembarked in Tenerife, we have no further updates on their condition." The cruise ship is expected in Marseille on Wednesday evening around 2200 CET (2000 GMT) and is due to leave on Thursday at 1900, the Marseille port website showed. France is in virtual lockdown to fight the pandemic. "We are not blocking the ship from calling here. But the regional health agency and the prefecture will decide whether it can dock and whether passengers will be allowed to disembark," a Marseille port authority spokesman said. An official at Italy's Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corp, was not able to comment immediately. On a Costa Luminosa Facebook group, passengers shared their distress about being confined to their cabins, the uncertainty about when they can disembark and the lack of information. "Physically we are fine, but mentally we are all exhausted. Three days into this trip, it all became about COVID-19," Canadian passenger Martha Bradbury, 51 told Reuters. Bradbury said the vast majority of the passengers were Italians, with about 230 Americans, 100 Canadians and a few other nationalities on board. "All we are thinking about is how we get off this ship," Bradbury said. (Reporting Marc Leras in Marseille and Geert De Clercq i Paris; Writing by Geert De Clercq; editing by Richard Lough) These are terrifying times. The current federal administration is at war with the people of this country on all fronts. Regarding health care, that most basic of human rights, Trump and his cohorts are determined to roll back even the very modest gains achieved by the Affordable Care Act. They are scheming to cut Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Unchecked, they will render it impossible for the poor, the elderly, those with disabilities and the most seriously ill to receive the care they need to live. Under these (or, indeed, any) circumstances, it is shocking that the Public Health Committee of the Connecticut State Legislature is once again poised to consider a bill to legalize medical assisted suicide, HB 5420, An Act Concerning Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients. Many of its proponents are people of goodwill, but they are dangerously misguided. The perils of this legislation become more obvious every day. It would amplify the current trend toward rationing health care for those patients whose treatment and ongoing maintenance is the most expensive. It would subject the vulnerable to potential abuse that can never be adequately monitored. It would encourage a simplified definition of what constitutes a terminal illness. It would fundamentally alter the doctor-patient relationship, making it hard for patients to trust health care providers whose range of treatments would now include helping them kill themselves. It would force doctors to lie about the facts of a patients death, citing the illness as the cause, not the ingestion of the pills. And it would give greedy insurance companies an incentive to pay for lethal medication instead of, for example, the higher cost of chemotherapy. Furthermore, the passage of such legislation would send a message that the taking of ones own life is a reasonable, even laudable, option, at a time when increasing rates of suicide and suicide attempts (among the young, in particular) are epidemic and prevention has become a serious public health imperative. Some advocates of assisted suicide like to speak of death with dignity, as if being vulnerable and needing bodily care and support is somehow unbecoming, or burdensome to the caregiver. But we do not live in a vacuum of extreme individualism and self-sufficiency. Most of us will one day grow old or ill and need this kind of help, just as we did when we were infants. It is the deepest part of our humanity to care for each other and to accept such care lovingly. Most terrifyingly, this legislation opens the door to involuntary euthanasia of those deemed defective, such as people with advanced dementia or severe disability that renders them unable to communicate. The agenda of the re-branded and well-funded Hemlock Society, now with the euphemistic name Compassion and Choices, is to legalize assisted suicide throughout the nation. There are no imaginable safeguards that can remove the peril of this legislation for the most vulnerable among us, who are already viewed by the insurance companies and sectors of the health care system as too costly to treat and thus expendable. It would codify the prejudice and neglect that are already costing the lives of far too many of us. Progressives, particularly, and all who are concerned about social justice and equality need to speak out now and demand that our representatives vote No on this bill and turn their attention instead to providing comprehensive, unrestricted health care for everyone and quality palliative care for those who choose it and request it. Joan Cavanagh lives in New Haven. Ukraine has appealed to the United Nations Secretary-General and the UN Member States with a request to condemn the arbitrary visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Ukrainian Crimea. "Putin's visit to the temporarily occupied Crimea, which was not agreed on with the Ukrainian authorities, is a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the UN Charter and the resolutions of the General Assembly," Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Serhiy Kyslytsia said in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform. He stressed that the Kremlin would not succeed in changing the status of Crimea, which is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine and is recognized by the international community, and that neither the visits of the Russian leadership nor the construction of the so-called "Crimean Bridge" from the territory of the Russian Federation to the occupied peninsula, nor other attempts of the Russian Federation would help. "We called on the UN Secretary-General and the Member States to condemn this illegal visit," Kyslytsia stressed. Permanent Representative of Ukraine also noted that under the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Russian Federation, as an occupying power, should maintain adequate hygiene and sanitation standards for the population living in the occupied territory and provide them with food and health care. "We expect that the Russian authorities will inform Ukraine and the international community about the measures they take to protect Crimeans from the Covid-19 pandemic," the Head of Ukraines Permanent Mission to the UN said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed a strong protest in connection with yet another visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which had not been agreed on with Ukraine, to the annexed Crimea and considered this visit as a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. ol I want you to be able to lay your head down at night comforted by the fact that we are ready to meet this challenge, Lightfoot said, hours after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the states count of coronavirus cases had reached 422, with more than 100 of those being in Chicago. Pritzker also announced three new coronavirus deaths in Illinois, bringing the number of fatalities in the state to four. New Delhi, March 19 : Soon after the trial court did not provide any relief to the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, the convicts approached the Delhi High Court late on Thursday night to try and stay their execution scheduled for just a few hours from now. A division bench of Justices Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula is hearing the matter. Advocate A.P. Singh appearing for the convicts argued that there has been a miscarriage of justice. The bench however told the counsel stared, "You have to be fair to your client and your client has to be fair to us. You should come with some substantive point at the 11th hour. There is no foundation in your petition." Singh then argued before the court that convict Pawan is a juvenile. He also raised the complaint he had filed in the trial court claiming that the sole witness in the case was tutored which was dismissed by the trial court. The bench repeatedly asked the counsel to bring out one valid point to support his arguments for a stay on the warrants. "Three courts have applied their minds, the President has applied his mind. You again approached Supreme Court, five judges again applied their minds. If you want to stay the warrants you have to make a case for it Mr Singh," the bench said. Opposing the arguments of Singh, advocate Rahul Mehra, senior standing counsel (Criminal), Delhi government argued, "There is no new argument he has. This is a serious matter." Counsels appearing for Nirbhaya's parents, Seema Kushwaha and Jitendra Jha claimed that all the arguments Singh raised before the bench have been considered by the top court in various legal remedies which the convicts availed. by Adam Koffler | Thu, Mar 19th 2:55pm EDT Per Ian Rapoport, free agent WR Antonio Brown is not likely to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite swirling rumors that Tom Brady was interested in working with Brown. (Around the NFL) It seems like Indians are yet to realize the magnitude of the coronavirus crisis. Somehow a large section of the population is still convinced that it is not going to affect them. So, they lie about their travel history, ignore warnings and will use their influence to avoid mandatory home isolation. An 18-year-old who became the first Covid-19 case in West Bengal had recently returned from UK but refused to follow the precautionary measures. The Oxford University student returned from the UK on March 15 with coronavirus symptoms. BCCL At the airport, he was advised by the airport authorities to get admitted to Beleghata ID Hospital, but he ignored it and went home. The next day, he not only did not stay at home but went out and met several people. He also went to his mother's office at Nabanna, the West Bengal Chief Minister's office where she is a joint secretary rank officer. The mother then took part in several government meetings in the office including when Mamata Banerjee was present in her chamber when the patient's mother met the home secretary. It was only on Tuesday he finally got admitted to the hospital and was tested positive for Covid-19. Following this, his parents and driver too have been kept in isolation. He had reportedly contracted the virus after he attended a party in the UK. "His swabs were collected and sent for examination. The reports revealed he contracted novel coronavirus," the official said. BCCL The man's mother, who is a senior state government official, his father and their driver have been quarantined at a newly-set up facility in the Rajarhat area, he said. "We are now trying to trace all the people who came in contact with him. We will also disinfect his vehicle," the official added. Meanwhile, at the secretariat, home secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, his wife Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee and at least 10 other staff members were sent on home quarantine after they came in contact with the mother of the patient. The incident in Kolkata once again shows how ignoring the rules can be dangerous for oneself and society. BCCL Recently there was a similar incident in Kerala, where a three-member family who had returned from Covid-19 hotspot Italy hid their travel history to avoid screening. The family then went around town, met several relatives and passed on the virus to many of them. Since then the government has said that those hiding their travel history will face legal action. [March 19, 2020] Shareholder Alert: Robbins LLP Announces It Is Investigating Sasol Limited (SSL) Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP announces that it is investigating Sasol Limited (NYSE: SSL) for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and whether the Company's officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. Sasol operates as an integrated chemical and energy company in South Africa. If you suffered a loss as a result of Sasol's misconduct, click here. Did Sasol Limited (SSL) Mislead Shareholders? In October 2014, Sasol announced the construction of an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and derivatives complex named the Lake Charles Chemicals Project ("LCCP"). On May 22, 2019, Sasol increased the LCCP' cost estimate to a range of $12.6 to $12.9 billion, citing corrections on several aspects of the project. However in October 2019, Sasol disclosed that a review of the LCCP brought to light "errors, omissions, and inaccuracies in the [LCCP] cost estimate" as well as a number of unethical and improper reporting activities at the highest level of management. Consequently, Sasol announced the resignation of its Joint Presidents, Chief Executive Officers, and others previously in charge of the LCCP. Finally, on January 14, 2020, Sasol announced the Company "experienced an explosion and fire at its LCCP low-density polyethylene unit." On this news, Sasol's shares fell almost 8% to close at $19.99 per share on January 15, 2020. The stock has since continued to decline. Sasol Limited (SSL) Shareholders Have Legal Options Contact us to learn more: Leo Kandinov (800) 350-6003 [email protected] Shareholder Information Form Robbins LLP is a nationally recognized leader in shareholder rights law. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested. Click here to receive free alerts from Stock Watch when companies engage in wrongdoing. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005847/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The government on Thursday said one Indian national infected with coronavirus in Iran has died, the first death of an Indian outside the country due to the pandemic. Other Indian citizens infected with the disease in Iran are being provided treatment and taken care of by the Iranian government, the government said. The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday had informed Lok Sabha that as many as 276 Indians have been infected with coronavirus abroad, including 255 in Iran, 12 in UAE, five in Italy, and one each in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda and Sri Lanka. Asked whether any Indian infected with coronavirus has died in Iran, Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary in the MEA and the coordinator for COVID-19, answered in the affirmative. He said the deceased was an elderly person aged over 70 years and had health-related complications. Dammu, however, said the death was not because of lack of medical attention or care provided in that country. The virus tends to be more fatal for those whose immunity levels are low, he said. Sources said this is first death of an Indian national outside the country due to the coronavirus. They said all Indian staffers at the country's mission in Iran have tested negative for COVID-19. "We have evacuated 590 people from Iran where the situation is very severe. The Indians infected with coronavirus in Iran have been segregated and taken care of very well by the government there. We believe they will recover and we will bring them back," Ravi said, adding that 201 Indians were evacuated from Iran on Wednesday. Closely knit families required some persuasion and counselling during the process of segregation to prevent the spread of the contagion, he said. The Indian ambassador and other officials explained the consequences of infected people not being separated from their families and were successful to a large extent in segregating the positive cases from the negative ones, he said. At an earlier briefing of the MEA, Ravi said the situation is "very severe" in Iran. On the Indians who have tested positive for coronavirus, Ravi said, "Let me assure you that our ambassador, the mission, is completely in control of the situation." "They (Indians) are very well taken care of. They have been segregated, they have been assisted and we believe that in the times to come they will improve, they will recover fully and we will be able to bring them back," he said. Asked about US' sanctions on Iran, Ravi said it is a bilateral issue. He said Indian mission in Iran has also reached out to Indians stranded on the Kish island in Iran. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Meaning 'dream' in Turkish, Ruya in Mayfair is certainly a place to head to for some culinary dreams to come true. This tucked away luxe lair is a delight for the senses, from the sultry interiors to a salivating meze of scents wafting over from the open kitchen. Settle in for a feast that will turn your vision of Turkish food on its head. The menu features a wide selection and the staff will be more than happy to recommend a mix of dishes. Dont leave without trying the moreish truffle cheese pide, the melt in the mouth 24-hour slow cooked short rib and the traditional Kekek risotto dish punctuated with wild mushrooms. To wash it all down, there is a sommelier on hand to recommend regional and international wines, while the cocktails go down a treat with the Turkish coffee infused negroni being a standout mix. To finish, theres a tempting tipple of desserts, with the bergamot ice cream and hazelnut baklava scoring the thumbs up. A top date spot or restaurant for group dining. As India takes drastic measures to control the spread of novel coronavirus, it has meant shutting down of schools, malls, offices and banning of public gatherings. To ensure COVID-19 doesn't affect large population, extreme steps are necessary and are being taken. While there is no cure to the virus, precaution and cleanliness has be talked about and advised. PTI Yet, there seems to be no stop to bizarre claims made by people as to how to control the pandemic. While Hindu Mahasabha recently organised a 'cow urine party', now India's junior health minister Ashwini Choubey has come with his own magic solution. The minister wants us to 'sit in the sun'. Choubey, whose previous "medical" advice included saying cow urine could be used to treat cancer, has claimed that sitting for 15 minutes in the sun could "improve immunity and kill coronavirus". #WATCH Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey: People should spend at least 15 minutes in the sun. The sunlight provides Vitamin D, improves immunity and also kills such (#Coronavirus) viruses. pic.twitter.com/F80PX6VOmy ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 "The sun is hottest between 11 am and 2 pm. If we sit for 15 minutes, our Vitamin D levels will improve. It will also improve immunity and kill viruses like coronavirus," the BJP leader told news agency ANI. But after his outlandish statement went viral, leading to people scratching their heads, the minister has now said that media twisted his comments. "Media has twisted my statement about sitting in the sunlight. My statement only meant that sitting in sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes improves immunity, provides Vitamin D and kills germs&viruses." Union Minister of State for Health&Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey: Media has twisted my statement about sitting in the sunlight. My statement only meant that sitting in sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes improves immunity, provides Vitamin D and kills germs&viruses. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/yKtp1zTFU7 ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 The statement from Ashwini Choubey, bizarre in every right, had come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged parliamentarians and ministers not to make outrageous or unscientific claims on the pandemic, including tweeting or talking about remedies like cow urine. PTI While the sun is a good source of Vitamin D, there is no evidence to suggest an abundance of this vitamin, or sunlight, can protect against COVID-19 infection. We are glad he has made amends for the earlier statement. Medical experts have stressed the best measures against COVID-19 include social distancing, practicing proper cough and sneeze hygiene (including safely disposing tissues) and frequent washing of hands with soap or disinfectant. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 22:30:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TOKYO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese man on Thursday was sentenced to 16 years in prison for physically abusing his 10-year-old daughter to death. Ten-year-old Mia died in January last year following her father, Yuichiro Kurihara, 42, depriving her of sleep and starving her among other heinous acts of abuse. Kurihara forced his daughter to stand in the bathroom while he drenched her in freezing cold water, the court heard, and along with other horrific abuses inflicted on her, he also kept a video on his phone of Mia begging for help as he continued to scold her, the court also heard. Kurihara was found guilty of causing the death of his daughter, with the Chiba District Court on Thursday describing his actions against his young daughter as "inconceivably insidious and appalling." "The case surpasses previous incidents in its maliciousness. Mia was used as an outlet for Kurihara's 'irrational frustration'," Presiding Judge Iwao Maeda said. Maeda added "the defendant bore all responsibility for making intervention difficult by applying pressure to the welfare center staff who tried to help the girl." Mia's case, which has shocked the nation, revealed fundamental flaws in the protocols of institutions and child welfare facilities that allowed for the young girl's written account of her abuse by her father being handed to him after he coerced her school. In addition, Mia being returned from protective custody to her abusive parents despite welfare officials knowing she would likely be abused again, revealed a disturbing trend of lax measures by authorities supposed to be in charge of protecting her. Kurihara's wife was sentenced last June to 30 months in prison, suspended for five years with probation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Shaun Tandon (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Thu, March 19, 2020 09:33 664 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206bc46d0 2 World Donald-Trump,journalists,US-China,tension,bilateral-relations,bilateral-spat Free President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized China's unprecedented decision to expel American journalists from three major US newspapers, as media advocates feared that tensions between the two powers provided cover for Beijing to target the press. All US journalists from The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal -- about 13 people -- have been told to hand back their credentials to Chinese authorities within 10 days. "I'm not happy to see it. I have my own disputes with all three of those media groups -- I think you know that very well -- but I don't like seeing that at all," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump has incessantly sparred with major US media outlets, often castigating them at raucous rallies and branding them as "fake news" or the "enemy of the people" over coverage that shows his administration in a poor light. China's government appeared to be taking a rhetorical cue from Trump as it defended its largest expulsion of foreign journalists in recent memory. "We reject ideological bias against China, reject fake news made in the name of press freedom, reject breaches of ethics in journalism," tweeted foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. Tensions have soared in recent years between the United States and China on a host of issues but the global coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated friction. Trump again on Wednesday insisted on calling SARS-CoV-2 the "Chinese virus," a term that Beijing calls stigmatizing and which is discouraged by the World Health Organization. In turn, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman last week outraged Washington by tweeting an unfounded conspiracy theory that the US military brought the illness to Wuhan, the metropolis where cases were first reported in late 2019. While Beijing has long criticized foreign coverage, it said the expulsions were retaliation for new restrictions on the number of Chinese nationals who can work for its state-run media on US soil. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo quickly rejected the comparison, noting that US newspapers are not run by the government and are free to ask critical questions, and asked China to reconsider. US says options available A senior State Department official said the United States still has "lots of other things we can do" after the journalist expulsions but declined to elaborate. "We're just looking for reciprocal treatment. If you want to be a great power, then you should expect to play on a level playing field, and media should be allowed to operate freely in China as you do here in the US," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. The State Department initially said it was curbing the number of Chinese nationals from state-run outlets to correspond to the number of visas issued to US journalists by Beijing -- which has been increasingly assertive against what it sees as unfavorable coverage. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said that China may have made it easier to block reporting on sensitive issues including its mass incarceration of Uighur Muslims -- as well as the novel coronavirus, news of which authorities initially tried to hide. "It is unfortunate that US moves to restrict Chinese media operations gave China the perfect cover to suppress reporting that it has always complained about, under the phony banner of taking 'reciprocal' measures,'" said Steven Butler, the group's Asia program director. Reporters Without Borders, however, stressed a difference between actions taken by the two countries. "The media targeted by China enforce and abide by the principles of ethical journalism -- including editorial independence and the verification of facts for the public benefit -- while the Chinese state media officially serve as mouthpieces for the Chinese Communist Party," said the group's East Asia bureau head, Cedric Alviani. China last month expelled three journalists from The Wall Street Journal after the newspaper ran an opinion piece on the coronavirus crisis with a headline that Beijing called racist. (Photo : REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol) The logo of Amazon is seen at the company logistics center in Lauwin-Planque, northern France, March 19, 2020. Several hundred employees protested in France, calling on the U.S. e-commerce giant to halt operations or make it easier for employees to stay away during the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. (Photo : REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol) A truck with the logo of Amazon Prime Delivery arrives at the Amazon logistics center in Lauwin-Planque, northern France, March 19, 2020. Several hundred employees protested in France, calling on the U.S. e-commerce giant to halt operations or make it easier for employees to stay away during the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. Do you believe that shopping is more eco-friendly compare to going to malls? If so, think again. Researchers say going to a physical store rather than making purchases online makes you more eco-conscious. The study, uploaded in the American Chemical Society's Environmental Science & Technology journal, claims that shopping in physical stores creates lesser greenhouse gas emissions. Buying 'few' items per buy online make more carbon footprint The main reason, according to the study, is due to how people remain online. Many people often buy objects online - but they only purchase a few items per buy. Sadegh Shahmohammadi, the study co-author, explained to CNN that users aggregate purchases in a single bulk purchase when shopping in a store. Shahmohammadi, who is also a Ph.D. student in Environmental Science at Radboud University in the Netherlands, said frequent online purchases produce more packaging waste. He added online items tend to return from exclusive distribution centers. Both factors result in more greenhouse gas emissions per object, said Shahmohammadi. The team analyzed the carbon footprint of the "last mile delivery" for the typical type of shopping channels in the United Kingdom. These include the physical stores, "brick & clicks" (when people order online, and a physical store delivers the items to them), and "pure players" (strictly online sellers). The study confirmed that total greenhouse fuel footprints per item purchased had been higher from physical stores compared to the bricks & clicks purchases by 63 percent. But the data is lower than those of pure players in 81% of shopping events in the United Kingdom in shopping events. In the United States, the study said greenhouse gasoline emissions from buying at physical shops are also higher than those from the brick & click and lower than the purely play channel. Shahmohammadi said the pattern holds in countries where humans use their cars in most cases. However, he clarified the situation depends on the country and consumer behavior. ALSO READ: Home-Delivered Meal Kits Greener Than Those Bought From Grocery Walmart vs. Amazon Walmart, the world's biggest retailer, employs all three retail stores to serve its clients on its website. That is more than 4,700 shops in the US and its brick & click. In a 2017 business report, Walmart said its customers' lives and purchase patterns are "dynamic." It added customers' purchasing habit depends on the situation. The retail corporation noted that clients either sprint to the store to purchase last-minute items or wait for delivery guys to bring it to the client's doorstep. The giant retailer claimed it has substantially studied the greenhouse fuel emissions implications of all three retail channels and has efforts in location to curb them. Amazon said it acquired electric vehicles at more than 100 of its store locations to lessen emissions from its global delivery chain. Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, said sustainability is an ongoing commitment at the agency. Last year, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced an extensive plan to fight climate change. ALSO READ: What Pushes Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to Pledge $10 Billion to Fight Global Warming? As a part of that agreement, the retailer stated it has ordered 100,000 new electric transport motors and plans to start the usage of them in the last mile shipping of packages to clients by 2021. It expects 10,000 of them to be on the road inside the subsequent two years and all in operation through 2030, "saving millions of metric heaps of carbon in line with year." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Some things will certainly go back to normal after the coronavirus threat passes. But its hard to imagine that the country and our politics will not be reshaped by the pandemic. There are some early signs of political shifts. Senator Mitt Romney of Utah sounded a little like the #YangGang this week, suggesting a one-time payment of $1,000 to every American adult to address the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Trump administration picked up a version of the plan, proposing two waves of $1,000 checks for adults and $500 per child, part of a $1 trillion economic package. Senate Republicans were hammering out their own plan on Thursday for direct payments to taxpayers. There have been times when Republicans have embraced big government. During the Great Recession in 2008, the party handed out checks to Social Security recipients, gave broad tax rebates and backed the government bailout of Wall Street a decision that helped inspire the conservative Tea Party movement. More recently, they supported a $28 billion bailout for farmers to mitigate losses from the trade war started by President Trump. Yet, this proposal is something new: a direct payment to every American, pushed by a Republican White House and passed by a Republican-controlled Senate. Not only is this the embodiment of a big government response to a crisis, but it also was spurred by the Republican Partys 2012 presidential nominee. Call the Midwife has become the latest programme to suspend filming amid the coronavirus outbreak. In a statement posted to Twitter, executive producer Dame Pippa Harris broke the news to fans that filming for the upcoming Christmas Special and Series 10 had been halted for the time being. Call The Midwife joins a long list of BBC series that have been forced to stop filming due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Line Of Duty, Peaky Blinders and even veteran soap EastEnders. Tragic news: Call the Midwife has become the latest programme to suspend filming amid the coronavirus outbreak In the statement, they said: 'Very sadly, we have had to postpone the filming of this year's Call the Midwife Christmas Special and Series 10. 'Our priority is the safety of our amazing cast and crew, and we don't believe that shooting at the current time is feasible or responsible. 'However, the moment the situation improves, the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House will be back on their bikes, bringing babies and joy into your living rooms. 'We send our love to the worldwide Call the Midwife family, and look forward to being back in Poplar soon.' The statement ended with the message: 'On behalf of everybody at Call The Midwife, we wish you all good health.' Tragedy: In a statement posted to Twitter, executive producer Dame Pippa Harris broke the news to fans that filming for the upcoming Christmas Special and Series 10 had been halted We'll be back! The period drama also shared a clip from the show's most recent episode, before vowing that they would return to filming in the futture Which UK shows have stopped filming? EastEnders Line Of Duty Peaky Blinders Doctors Casualty Holby City River City Pobol y Cwm Hollyoaks Vera Call The Midwife The Only Way Is Essex Lorraine Loose Women Emmerdale Coronation Street Advertisement The show's account then tweeted a clip of the final scene from the most recent series, which featured a poignant message from narrator Vanessa Redgrave. It was captioned: 'Love is the constant by which we endure all writers and all storms.' In a statement a BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, Neal Street Productions the producers of Call The Midwife have postponed filming in consultation with and supported by the BBC. 'We will continue to review all productions on a case-by-case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.' Call The Midwife follows a group of midwives and nuns working in the East End in Poplar during the 1950s and 60s, and has been on screens since 2012. It is only the latest BBC programme to suspend filming due to the virus outbreak, after the network announced a slew of shows would be halted a day earlier. Among them were veteran soaps EastEnders, Casualty and Holby City, while dramas Line Of Duty and Peaky Blinders have also suspended filming until further notice. In a statement shared Wednesday the BBC said: 'In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on EastEnders will be postponed until further notice. 'The decision was made after the latest Government update. We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England. 'We have also taken the decision to reduce the amount of episodes we broadcast each week to two, so that we can ensure the audience can continue to enjoy EastEnders in their homes for as long as possible.' Tragic: It is only the latest in a long line of BBC shows to suspend filming due to the virus outbreak, including veteran soap EastEnders In reference to their scripted programmes Casualty, Doctors, EastEnders, Holby City, Pobol y Cwm and River City, the corporation said: 'In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice. 'The decision was made after the latest Government update. We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.' A spokesperson for the soap has told MailOnline that while filming has been suspended, scriptwriters and other members of production are working remotely where possible. Cut: ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale are also reducing their number of weekly episodes in a bid to ration shows they've already filmed Following this news, it was revealed that the BBC Studios in Elstree have been completely closed. A sign outside the deserted studio warns staff members to stay away if they suffer from any symptoms. On ITV, it has been confirmed that live shows including Loose Women and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway would be continuing without an audience, while This Morning has scaled back it's production crew. Meanwhile Coronation Street and Emmerdale have confirmed that filming will continue, though episodes will be written to allow elderly cast members to stay at home, and both shows have also reduced their weekly broadcasts. On Channel 4, Countdown and The Last Leg will also continue filming without a live audience while Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn has also announced that filming will continue for the time being, with the show only airing three episodes a week. Despite dire health warnings over the coronavirus, crowds of university students are still celebrating spring break in the United States. Crowds of university students in the United States are celebrating spring break, despite dire health warnings over the new coronavirus. Florida is one of the biggest destinations, where bars and clubs have been told to close early, some beaches and theme parks have also shut. But many are ignoring instructions to avoid large crowds, potentially putting others at risk. Al Jazeeras Andy Gallacher reports from Miami. As doctors and medical workers across the US raise the alarm about the coronaviruss risk to prison populations, thousands of medics have signed an open letter calling upon the immigration authorities to release individuals and families from detention. The letter, which at the time of writing had been signed by more than 3,000 people, is addressed to the director of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In it, the undersigned medics implore the ICE to release individuals and families from immigration detention while their legal cases are being processed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the harm of an outbreak. Detention facilities, they point out, are designed to maximise control of the incarcerated population, not to minimise disease transmission or to efficiently deliver health care. We strongly recommend that ICE implement community-based alternatives to detention to alleviate the mass overcrowding in detention facilities. Individuals and families, particularly the most vulnerable the elderly, pregnant women, people with serious mental illness, and those at higher risk of complications should be released while their legal cases are being processed to avoid preventable deaths and mitigate the harm from a COVID-19 outbreak. ICEs detention centres have been roundly criticised not just for who they detain, but for their conditions, which are often harsh and overcrowded. As the doctors point out in their letter, these are exactly the circumstances in which a contagious disease is likely to spread. And with a huge backlog of immigration cases waiting to be heard, keeping so many people in detention while they await hearings will only mean the overcrowding gets worse. A similar call to release those at risk has come from the chief physician of Rikers Island, the principal prison in New York City, who has called on New Yorks judges and prosecutors to release inmates where possible in the name of protecting them from the virus. The physician writes that the luxury that allows you to protect yourselves, carries with it an obligation to those you detain. We cannot change the fundamental nature of jail, he writes. We cannot socially distance dozens of elderly men living in a dorm, sharing a bathroom. Think of a cruise ship recklessly boarding more passengers each day. A storm is coming and I know what Ill be doing when it claims my first patient. What will you be doing? What will you have done? We have told you who is at risk. Please let as many out as you possibly can. New York would not be the first major US city to take steps like these. Los Angeles has released some 600 people serving time for minor and non-violent offences, and has also instructed police officers to avoid arresting people unless absolutely necessary and issue citations instead. The number of arrests has duly plummeted. Elsewhere, though, there remains an inequality between people detained and those who oversee their detention. As the Rikers Island physician put it: The luxury that allows you to protect yourselves, carries with it an obligation to those you detain. You must not leave them in harms way. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun Heir's stronger control to expedite group's future mobility biz By Nam Hyun-woo Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun is tightening his grip on the world's No. 5 automaker, as he becomes the board chairman of the group's flagship unit, Hyundai Motor, and is reappointed as an inside director of auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis. As Chung expands his influence, his vision to transform the group into a future mobility service provider is expected to pick up momentum. But daunting tasks remain for him to lead the group through, including weathering the current industrial downturn. According to Hyundai Motor, Thursday, Chung was appointed as the board chairman of the company during a board meeting that took place after its annual general shareholders' meeting. The annual general shareholders' meeting drew attention as Hyundai Motor Group Chairman and Chung's father Chung Mong-koo will not continue his board membership, which lasted for the past 21 years. For the vacancy, expectations were raised that the group would either appoint the younger Chung to seek stability or an outside director to enhance transparency. "Hyundai Motor appointed Chung as its board chairman in order to promptly respond to concerns on the global economic crisis, rapid changes in the automobile industry and a volatile business environment," an official at the company said. "The company believes Chung's deep understanding of issues pending for the board will improve the board's working process." Though Hyundai Motor remained cautious about the possibility of Chung taking a board chairmanship as part of a managerial succession, a series of recent moves by the group signals that its decision-making process is consolidating towards the executive vice chairman. During an annual general meeting of Hyundai Mobis a day earlier, Chung was reappointed as an inside director of the board, defying six overseas pension funds opposing his reappointment. The funds cited Chung's board memberships at Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors as compromising Hyundai Mobis' independence. The company said it "decided to reappoint Chung in order to maintain consistent and responsible corporate policies amid the fast changing business environment," adding his future mobility vision for the company will lead the market in self-driving cars, hydrogen fuel cells and mobility services. Hyundai Mobis is the de-facto holding firm in Hyundai Motor Group's shareholding structure, in which its units have complex shareholding loops. In most of the loops, Hyundai Mobis plays a pivotal role by controlling a 21.43 percent stake in Hyundai Motor. Despite Hyundai Mobis' significance in the group's governance, Chung has no stake in the company, raising a structural weakness in his controlling of the group. With the outcomes of Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Mobis, however, Chung is making strides in tightening his control on Hyundai Motor Group. Chung took the executive vice chairman post of the automobile empire in September 2018 and became one of the CEOs of Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Mobis last year. Shareholders attend the 2020 annual general meeting of Hyundai Motor at its headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, March 19. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Pakistan on Thursday urged India to ensure supplies of essential items to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, amid rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the region. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui made the remarks at the weekly media interaction which was held online due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. "...Pakistan urges India to lift the blockade in the region in order to obtain full information on affected people and provision of essential items and medical supplies to the affected people, she said. Pakistan's coronavirus cases sharply rose to 448 on Thursday, as the military said that measures are being taken to make the armed forces' medical facilities available for an "extreme emergency" situation. On Afghanistan, Farooqui said Pakistan hoped to see the implementation of the US-Taliban peace deal that would lead to the Intra-Afghan negotiations. "Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. We hope after the peace agreement in Doha on February 29, 2020 all sides will move towards intra-afghan negotiations to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, she said. She said that the dates for next meeting under Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity mechanism were still under discussion. To a question, she said that the Pakistani pilgrims were allowed to return from Iran after putting in place requisite infrastructure on our side of the border. Farooqui also said that Pakistan and China always stood by each other particularly in challenging times and during the recent visit of President Arif Alvi, letters of exchange were signed between the two countries, aimed at building capacity and address the challenges posed by COVID-19 in Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lebanon today released jailed US citizen Amer Fakhoury, suffering from stage 4 cancer, after Washington threatened to move ahead with sanctions. Lebanese authorities had detained Fakhoury for more than six months, charging him with torturing inmates at the notorious Khiam prison when he served in the Israel-backed South Lebanon Army during the civil war. Fakhourys family has denied the allegations. They acknowledge that he worked at the prison, but claim that he did not have contact with inmates. Anytime a US citizen is wrongfully detained by a foreign government, we must use every tool at our disposal to free them, said Jeanne Shaheen, Democratic senator from Fakhourys home state of New Hampshire. I have long supported close ties between the United States and Lebanon and hope this is a first step to repairing relations. Why it matters: Shaheen teamed with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and the Donald Trump administration to craft a sanctions bill aimed at securing Fakhoury's release. The measure would have sanctioned Lebanese government, judicial and military officials responsible for the wrongful detention of any US citizen. A Lebanese military tribunal ordered Fakhourys release on Monday on the grounds that a 10-year statute of limitations had expired, but a judge overturned the ruling. This prompted Shaheen to move forward with a process that would have allowed the Senate to unanimously pass her sanctions bill, as Al-Monitor exclusively reported on Tuesday. Whats next: Shaheen will presumably drop her sanctions bill now that Fakhoury is returning home. Members of Congress critical of Hezbollahs influence, however, among them Cruz, are likely to continue pushing to curtail aid to Lebanon. Cruz has introduced a bill to condition some military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces based on its efforts to weed out Hezbollahs influence and disarm the paramilitary group. Know more: For additional information on the Trump administrations interagency battle over Lebanese aid, check out an article by Al-Monitor congressional correspondent Bryant Harris from December. MBABANE Close to 20 patients admitted to Ward 18 of the Mbabane Government Hospital were caught in a crossfire following the admission of a patient suspected to have contracted COVID-19. Nurses and doctors reportedly withdrew themselves from providing services, abandoning the patients without providing the routine check-ups and medication for them on Tuesday evening and yesterday morning. Due to the seriousness of the situation, the kitchen and cleaning staff also withdrew themselves, resulting in the patients having nothing to eat for the better part of the day. The patient was reportedly admitted to the ward on Tuesday afternoon and remained there until yesterday at around 9:30am when she was whisked away by nurses who were wearing full protective gear to the hospitals wellness unit. The patient was admitted to the ward much to the detriment of the other patients who had been admitted there. What raised suspicions that this could be a COVID-19 patient was that doctors came into the ward after the patient had been admitted and engaged in a lengthy conversation in hushed tones. Curtains They then pulled the curtains surrounding the patients bed and left. This did not sit well with the other patients who had been monitoring the movements of both the nurses and doctors. As soon as the doctors left the ward, nurses swiftly followed suit. All this happened at around 2pm and late in the evening, they still had no nurse or doctor checking on them. Information gathered was that at the time of going to print, the medical staff had not returned as per the norm to do their rounds and administer medication to the patients. Eswatini has one confirmed case of the COVID-19 while neighbouring South Africa has recorded about 116. A visit by this reporter, to the hospital ward yesterday morning uncovered that the suspected patient had not been removed in the ward until at around 9.30am and was moving freely from her bed, which was only enclosed with curtains. Some of the people looking after their relatives in the ward found themselves assuming the duties of nurses as they had to assist most of the patients with going to the rest rooms, among other things. An elderly woman suspected to be a sugar diabetes patient was among those who fell victim to the health workers service withdrawal as she had to be assisted when her condition seemingly worsened. The worst part was that the elderly woman had no one looking after her. In an interview with those looking after their relatives, they expressed disappointment in the manner in which the medical staff handled the matter of the suspected COVID-19 patient. According to them, the least that the medical staff could have done was communicate the state of affairs inside the ward. At least we would have made a choice on what to do instead of increasing chances of contracting the coronavirus from the suspected case, they said. They said they were traumatised by the situation and needed to be counselled and tested if possible. All along we have been seeing this afar and now it has happened next to us. This suspected patient spent so many hours with us in the ward and was moving freely. They stated that if ever the case turned out positive, most of them would become victims. The patients in the ward further expressed that they wanted to be discharged and return home as the hospital staff had neglected them. Meanwhile, they raised concern of the high death rate inside the ward, something they said was traumatising, especially with the now suspected COVID-19 patient. There were two deaths this (yesterday) morning, they said. They also expressed disappointment that the hospital staff was only concerned about their safety and were not bothered about them and their sick relatives. Consensus Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) President Bheki Mamba said consensus on the matter had not been reached between nurses and senior management. Mamba said the challenge was that management admitted the suspected COVID-19 patient to Ward 18 allegedly knowing very well that she had presented symptoms of the virus. He said he was informed by the medical personnel from the Mbabane Government Hospital that doctors who admitted the patient had high suspicions that she had contracted COVID-19 but continued to admit her. The president said when getting the explanation, it became apparent that the hospital had not prepared any isolation for suspected cases. It shows that the hospital was not ready for receiving such a patient, said Mamba. He stated that yesterday morning, the healthcare workers discovered that the suspected patient had possibly exposed those admitted to the same ward as she was not supposed to be there in the first place. Mamba said due to the seriousness of the matter, the healthcare workers then resolved to down tools as there was no protective equipment including gloves, masks, sanitizers or anything else that could prevent them from being exposed to infection. The president said what was unfortunate was that no agreement had been reached on how the staff would get the protective clothing. Management is not coming out clear on when the protective gear would be available. It is worse because we are talking of a health institution that has to respond to the COVID-19 emergency but does not even have masks, he stated. Mamba said healthcare workers therefore feared for their lives and could not work without protective equipment. He encouraged government to try and address the situation, which was a state of emergency. Currently, the situation at the hospital is worse from what it was before. However, Mamba mentioned that he was happy that the situation had turned out to be what it was because on Tuesday, when they engaged in a protest march over protective gear, it seemed as though they were exaggerating things. This, he said, went to show how serious the issue was, especially because even the medical doctors were failing to execute their duties. When reached for comment, the Director of Health Services, Dr Vusi Magagula, said he was awaiting management to give him a full report on the suspected COVID-19 case admission to the ward. Magagula said the senior management of the hospital was locked in a meeting and he was expecting feedback. At the time of compiling this report, he had not given this reporter any feedback. As the coronavirus spreads nationwide, many activists are rushing to seek help for people in prisons and jails. (Los Angeles Times ) They live in overcrowded facilities, sometimes jammed into tiny spaces in groups of three. Sanitary conditions can be an afterthought. Social distancing is rarely an option. For the nearly 2.3 million people held in prisons and jails nationwide and the guards who work inside, a scramble is underway to prevent the coronavirus from seeping within. In letters to the U.S. Department of Justice and local leaders, the American Civil Liberties Union has called for the immediate release of inmates whose sentences would be completed within the next two years and who fall within a category deemed as particularly vulnerable: over the age 65 or having an underlying condition. The correspondence dated March 18 also asked local law enforcement to temporarily stop arresting people for minor offenses and instead issue citations. Those in jail on low-level nonviolent offenses should be released, according to the letter. The urgency of deliberate and thoughtful action, the letter reads, cannot be overstated. On Friday, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that it is now dealing with the coronavirus. The state agency said an employee at California State Prison in Sacramento, and an employee at San Quentin State Prison had both tested positive for COVID-19. There were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among inmates, the agency said. Officials in several other states Indiana, Michigan and Georgia, to name a few confirmed cases of coronavirus inside facilities on Friday. Guards who felt ill were encouraged to stay home and visitations were halted. Even before President Trump declared a national emergency, activists across the U.S. which has the highest incarceration rate in the world had begun pleading with officials to take preventive measures to protect inmates. There are more than 1,700 state prisons, 100 federal prisons and thousands of jails nationwide, and, according to a recent report by the New York-based Brennan Center for Justice, nearly 40% of inmates are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses, mostly concerning drugs. Releasing them, the report found, would save $20 billion a year. Story continues Now more than ever, activists say, prison overcrowding is a life-or-death issue, in particular for black and Latino men, who are incarcerated at disproportionately high rates in many states. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has implored Americans to wash their hands more often and to keep 6 feet away from others to help limit the spread of the virus. In prisons, those protocols are sometimes impossible to achieve. We are past the crisis point, said Jennifer Soble, executive director of the Illinois Prison Project, a group that works on criminal justice reform. Social distancing in prison is impossible. Once someone carries the virus into a prison and its a matter of when, not if, activists warn it will spread rapidly. Hundreds if not thousands of elderly and sick inmates could develop serious or fatal cases of COVID-19, Soble said, and they would all at the very least require hospital care. California and several other states have decided to limit visitors from entering prisons for at least a month and make hand sanitizer and soap available to inmates as well as staffers. In interviews Thursday, advocates for inmates at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, said their clients still had not yet received any of those supplies. Prison employees are getting the supplies, the advocates said, but some guards have reportedly continued to come to work with a fever, and several inmates say some of those incarcerated have shown symptoms of the coronavirus. Its going to get bad really bad, said an advocate, who asked to remain anonymous because of a concern that prison officials would cut off contact with inmates. We have to wake up to what could happen inside these prisons. A request for comment from the Illinois Department of Corrections was not immediately returned. Earlier this week, the Southern Poverty Law Center and a coalition of civil rights groups signed a joint letter to prison officials in Southern states including Alabama, Florida and Louisiana calling for enhanced inmates safety. Those in prison are highly vulnerable, the letter said, not only because theyre housed in tight quarters, but also because their well-being and level of knowledge is often at the whim of the warden. They have little ability to learn about ongoing public health crises, the letter reads, or to take necessary preventative measures if they do manage to learn of them. Some local officials are heeding the warnings of inmate rights groups. In Los Angeles, the Sheriffs Department is releasing inmates close to the end of their sentences from its jails and cutting down on how many people it books into custody. This week, the countys jail population dropped by nearly 600. Nearly 2,500 miles away in Charlotte, N.C., roughly 100 inmates have been released from the Mecklenburg County Jail, officials said. And in New York, Brooklyn Dist. Atty. Eric Gonzalez announced that low-level offenses that dont jeopardize public safety will not be prosecuted amid the coronavirus outbreak. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said his office was working with the citys district attorneys on a plan to possibly release some inmates who are over 50 and have underlying health issues. Officials in New York on Friday announced nearly 8,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Earlier in the week, local news media reported that an inmate on Rikers Island in New York, which houses 7,000 people most days, had contracted the coronavirus. An employee at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in upstate New York also tested positive, prison officials confirmed. Meghan A. Novisky, a professor of criminology at Cleveland State University who has written about mass incarceration, said she fears prisons could become hot spots for the virus. Jails and prisons will struggle to address this crisis not only because of lack of medical supplies, but because it is likely correctional staff shortages will occur as staff begin to get sick, she said. To be clear, incarcerated persons are an at-risk health group as is they tend to have worse health than the general population, and they are prone to infectious diseases. While sanitary supplies are limited in many cash-strapped prison systems and visitations have been cut off, several states have given inmates increased phone rights. Sue Gillmore, a Rexburg, Idaho, resident whose son Daniel is an inmate in Douglas Prison, in Arizonas Cochise County near the border with Mexico, said he can now make two free 15-minute calls to her per week. Daniel, who has eight more years to serve of a 12-year sentence on drug and weapon possession, used to be allowed one such call. In addition to suspending visits, the states corrections system has made soap free and put an end to $4 payments prisoners with flu and cold symptoms usually are required to make. Daniel is trying to deal with the issues, to stay away from people, said Sue, 63. I have not heard of the coronavirus in the prison right now. But if it happened, that would be a huge concern. Times staff writers Jaweed Kaleem and Paige St. John contributed to this report. The latest developments around the region related to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Thursday morning include: Solano County became the last county in the Bay Area to issue a shelter-in-place order limiting all non-essential movement. The order will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 7 and is subject to change. Turkish-made testing kits to be out soon, minister says The health minister reiterated that preventive measures to avert the outbreak, such as staying at home and avoiding public gatherings, should be taken seriously. Turkey-made coronavirus testing kits will be available for use in the next one or two days, the country's health minister said Thursday. "18 LABS ARE CONDUCTING TESTS" "In the coming one or two days, a quick diagnosis kit will be ready," Fahrettin Koca told lawmakers in the Turkish parliament. "Turkey has conducted over 10,000 tests so far [...] Our target is to carry out at least 10,000 to 15,000 tests daily," he said. The health minister said the government will increase the number of laboratories to 36 nationwide. "As of today, 18 labs are conducting tests in coordination with two university foundations," Koca said. He said Turkey has 99,797 single-bed rooms that may be used for isolation or intensive care for patients, the minister said. Praising the state-of-the-art city hospitals, Turkey's flagship project in health care, he said: "We are ready for all possible worst case scenarios in terms of physical and technological infrastructures." [March 19, 2020] The Refrigerated Trucking Market in the US and Canada to Generate Revenues of Over $15 Billion During the Period 2020 -2025 - Market Research by Arizton CHICAGO, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's recent research report, Refrigerated Trucking Market in the US and Canada - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4% during the period 2019-2025. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Many of the FTL service providers revenue from dedicated carriage service increased by an average of 7% in the year 2019 as compared to 2018. Nearly 1/4th of the fleet of large vendors are kept aside for dedicated carriage service, and the numbers are growing YOY. Refrigerated transportation by railways is one the major threat to the market of refrigerated trucking. This is more so during the period of capacity constraints, driver shortage, and freight rate increase. The industry although characterized by a large pool of vendors, the demand is higher than capacity, owing largely to driver shortage. This has led to many of the shippers availing dedicated carriage service which safeguards against fuel surcharge, and annual tariff increase. The refrigerated trucking rates are expected to increase by over 6% in 2020 (the freight rates increased by 5% in 2019 as compared to 2018). The trucker-tractors have an average life of around 8 years or in terms of miles covered, around 700 thousand miles. The procurement of refrigerated trailers or a truck-tractor is as a new equipment, or on a leased basis, and in some case on a rental basis. The leasing of trailers is adopted as a major procurement method as the profit margins are currently low. Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2019-2025 Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by service, temperature compartment, end-users, vehicle, and geography Competitive Landscape Detail overview of 34 key vendor profiles Get your sample today: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/refrigerated-trucking-market-united-states-canada Refrigerated Trucking Market in the US and Canada Segmentation Capacity constraints on certain lanes are expected to increase rates in the full truckload (FTL) sector. The rate increase is expected to be more in FTL than LTL on account of long routers covered and the high usage of diesel. The demand for multi-temperature refrigerated trucking service has high adoption in the F&B industry. The major growth enabler is due to the growth in online food and fresh produce delivery services. The increase in usage of a multi-temperature refrigeration system has given rise to operational efficiency. The food & beverage industry dominates the reefer truck market. The logistics cost in the food industry accounts for 7-10% of the total product cost. The increasing number of quick-service restaurants and retail outlets has fueled food consumption, which has increased the demand for chilled and frozen food and beverages. Market Segmentation byService FTL LTL Market Segmentation by Temperature Compartment Single Multiple Market Segmentation by End-users Food Poultry, Meat, and Seafood Dairy and Beverages Bakery, Confectionery, and Others Pharmaceutical Others Refrigerated Trucking Market in the US and Canada Dynamics Increasing vehicle population and global warming creates a serious threat to sustain human life on earth. Refrigerated trucks play a major role in day-to-day life needs of every individuals in the United States and Canada. Refrigerated trucks haul goods from manufacturers to retailers, delivering packages even at the doorstep of the customers depending on the customer needs. These refrigerated trucks affect the public health and significantly induce global warming. There is a compulsion in refrigerated trucking sector to show up their social responsibility and switch refrigerated truck to alternative energy sources to power its reefers. This can also contribute to cutting costs in operation wherein, the refrigerated trucking companies can reduce their operating expenses being spent to maintain optimum temperature of the goods all throughout the hauling span. Thus, propelling the introduction of solar-powered refrigerated trucks in the market. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: Growing Organic Food Market Increasing Multi-Temperature Trucking Growing Consumption of Perishable Goods Growing Need for Pharmaceutical Shipping Refrigerated Trucking Market in the US and Canada Geography Chilled or perishable food items have multiple challenges in transportation; therefore, cold chain management is increasing its complexity significantly. Due to technical advancements, refrigerated trucks that can hold goods with multiple segments at different temperatures are gaining popularity in recent years in North America. Multi segmented refrigerated trucks can maintain different optimum temperature levels. Multiple temperature trucks are more particularly used for the retail application, where temperature-controlled models are required to replenish store stock with relatively small quantities from regional distribution centers. Apart from producing and manufacturing food products, the food and beverages industry have also contributed to the growth of the U.S exports with the expanded sales in the international market of nearly $133 billion. To export the food products to the nearby states of the United States and to export to the other countries there is a necessity to have a well-equipped transportation system. Because most of the exports include the frozen foods, dairy products and beverages. Get your sample today: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/refrigerated-trucking-market-united-states-canada Market Segmentation by Geography North America US Canada Major Vendors H. Robinson Worldwide Americold Logistics B Hunt Knight-Swift Transportation FedEx DB Schenker U.S Xpress DHL Lineage Logistics ABF Freight Marten KLLM Logistics Prime Inc Covenant Transportation Services Stevens Transport Burris Logistics Total Quality Logistics Henningsen Cold Storage Expeditors XPO Logistics Trenton Cold Storage RLS Logistics Matson Logistics Conestoga Cold Storage Agro Merchants Group Congebec Logistics Hanson Logistics Confederation Freezers Ruan Transport Penske Atlanta Bonded Warehouse Corporation Alliance Shippers Midwest Refrigerated Services Estes Explore our logistics & packaging profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 Recreational Boat Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 Foodservice Disposables Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 AI-enabled Kitchen Appliances Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024 About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-refrigerated-trucking-market-in-the-us-and-canada-to-generate-revenues-of-over-15-billion-during-the-period-2020-2025---market-research-by-arizton-301026767.html SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] PHILADELPHIA The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become [] Joe Biden easily prevailed over Bernie Sanders in trust to handle a crisis and electability alike in telephone surveys in advance of Tuesdays Democratic primary elections in Arizona, Florida and Illinois. With the coronavirus pandemic disrupting the world, health care was a high-level concern. Given the pandemic, exit polls were not conducted in these states; instead telephone surveys were fielded March 9-15 in Arizona and Florida and March 13-16 in Illinois. The surveys covered early voters (who predominated in Arizona), and people who said they intended to vote in person Tuesday (a large share of the electorate in Florida and Illinois). The departure from customary exit polls in Florida and Illinois requires caution in interpreting the results. Survey respondents overwhelmingly picked Biden over Sanders as the candidate they trusted more to handle a crisis, by 73-20% in Florida, 63-32% in Illinois and 63-31% in preliminary results in Arizona. (A telephone survey in Ohio was canceled after the primary was halted there.) The numbers who called health care the top issue in their vote (out of four issues listed) reached 47% in Arizona and 43% in Florida and Illinois far and away the top mention in these results, which were analyzed for ABC by Langer Research Associates. MORE: Biden projected to win Arizona, Florida and Illinois Democratic primaries Respondents broadly picked Biden as having a better chance than Sanders to defeat Trump in November, by 75-18% in Florida, 67-26% in Illinois and 69-26% in preliminary results in Arizona. These views on electability mattered: Sixty-six percent in Florida, 65% in Arizona and 60% in Illinois said theyd rather see the party nominate the candidate who can beat Trump rather than the one who agrees with them on major issues. PHOTO: (FILES) In this file photo taken on February 25, 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful former Vice President Joe Biden arrives to participate in the tenth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign. (Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty Images) Ideology was a differentiator as well. In Arizona, 59% called Biden about right ideologically, vs. far fewer, 41%, who said the same about Sanders. In Florida, the gap was even wider: Sixty-six percent called Biden about right in these terms, vs. 34% who said the same of Sanders. Instead, nearly half in both states called Sanders too liberal. (The question wasnt asked in Illinois.) Story continues Biden showed an advantage in Florida on other measures. He beat Sanders in trust to handle Social Security (by 61-34%) and gun policy (by 65-25%), two issues covered in their most recent debate. (The questions werent asked in Arizona or Illinois.) Further, 83% in Florida expressed a favorable opinion of Biden overall, much better than favorable views of Sanders, 66%. MORE: Ohio governor says 'we did not defy any court order' by delaying primary due to coronavirus There was no such gap in Illinois, where about seven in 10 saw both candidates favorably. In Arizona, 74% expressed a favorable opinion of Biden overall; a bit fewer, 68%, saw Sanders favorably. Again, the Florida and Illinois results, in particular, may be different from the views of actual voters, especially if large numbers of people who intended to vote in person end up staying home because of concerns about the new coronavirus. (Forty-one percent in the Illinois survey and 30% in Florida said theyd vote in person Tuesday.) In Arizona, with the vast majority voting by mail, a telephone survey rather than an exit poll was planned all along. A direct question on the coronavirus was asked only in Illinois, where 87% said they were very or somewhat concerned about the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, including 53% very concerned. Last week in Washington state an epicenter of the original outbreak in the United States fewer, 38%, were very concerned about the virus. Related to the pandemic, a question the economy's direction also was asked in Illinois. Eighty-two percent were very or somewhat worried about the economys direction in the next year, including 47% very worried. The economic question wasnt asked in Arizona or Florida. Among other results: Large majorities of survey respondents expressed fealty to the party: Ninety-two percent in Florida, 87% in Arizona and 85% in Illinois said they would vote for the eventual nominee, whoever it is. Support for a single-payer health care system, a signature issue of Sanders, was 61% in Illinois, 58% in Arizona and 55% in Florida. Bidens support among single-payer supporters varied across the three states, but he was backed overwhelmingly among those who opposed the idea. Annoyance with the Trump administration united survey respondents: About nine in 10 or more in Arizona, Florida and Illinois alike said they were dissatisfied or even angry with the administration. That included outright anger at 70% in Arizona, 67% in Illinois and 61% in Florida. While Bidens broad victories positioned him clearly for the nomination, a warning note emerged from the Illinois results, as it did in exit polls last week: While 72% there said they would be either enthusiastic or satisfied with Biden as the nominee, that included only 33% who expressed enthusiasm for his candidacy. Analysis by Gary Langer, Allison De Jong, Sofi Sinozich and Christine Filer. Trust in a crisis and electability again elevate Biden: Analysis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (Bloomberg) -- SoftBank Group Corp. shares plummeted the most on record, adding to steep declines earlier this month as investors grow concerned about the Japanese companys debt load and investments with markets in tumult. The stock dropped 17% Thursday, the worst decline since founder Masayoshi Son first listed his company in 1994. SoftBank has tumbled about 50% in just the past month, erasing as much as $50 billion in market value. The Japanese billionaire is struggling to reassure investors about the stability of his empire amid fallout from the coronavirus. Its impact has hammered SoftBank portfolio companies like Uber Technologies Inc., which lost more than 30% of its value just this week. The rout spread to credit markets and sparked a surge in the cost of insuring debt against default, including that of SoftBank, whose credit-default swaps are now at the highest level in about a decade. You cant deny the possibility that massive paper losses at SoftBank could lead to its liabilities exceeding assets, said Makoto Kikuchi, chief investment officer at Myojo Asset Management Co. in Tokyo. Then the company will not only be heavily in debt, it would also find further borrowing more difficult. S&P Global Ratings cut its outlook on SoftBank to negative late Tuesday, citing the broad market declines and the conglomerates plans for a share buyback. SoftBank shares fell 11% in Tokyo on Wednesday, at that point the largest decline since 2012. SoftBank has said its financial policy is to have enough liquidity on hand to cover two years of bond repayments and focus on its loan-to-value ratio, a metric for balancing net interest-bearing debt against the value of investments. SoftBank has also said its curbing new investments to match the current environment and acknowledged that fundraising costs are likely to rise. There appears to be no real risk that SoftBank could default any time soon, according to Takahiro Oashi, a senior fund manager at Asahi Life Asset Management Co. SoftBank said it had 1.7 trillion yen ($16 billion) of cash and equivalents on hand at the end of December, and since then took out a 500 billion-yen loan. Its facing 1.68 trillion yen of bonds and loans coming due over the next two fiscal years and a total of about 3.6 trillion over the following four-year period. Story continues The Longer View The question is how the firm will weather a prolonged market slump. No one thinks that SoftBank is going to default now, said Oashi. But as an investment company, SoftBank owns many investments such as tech companies that get hit particularly in this situation, he said. SoftBank frustrated investors already with its assistance to WeWork last year, and its decision to buy back its own shares in this difficult time. After WeWork flopped in its effort to go public last year, SoftBank organized a $9.5 billion bailout for the U.S. office-sharing startup and took a writedown on its investment. Through its $100 billion Vision Fund, SoftBank has taken stakes in scores of startups, including many with unprofitable businesses that could get squeezed with a capital crunch. Uber is an example of how quickly their fortunes can reverse. Last month, when Son discussed earnings, he touted the sharp gains in the ride-hailing companys shares in the early months of 2020. He said the Vision Fund was up $1.5 billion on its investment, compared with a $1 billion paper loss at the end of December. But Uber shares have dropped about 60% since Son gave the presentation. Meanwhile, Son is under pressure from Elliott Management Corp., which disclosed a stake in SoftBank last month. The U.S. activist investor has argued that the companys shares were undervalued and it should buy back as much as $20 billion. SoftBank said on March 13 it would spend up to 500 billion yen buying shares. S&P responded by cutting its outlook for SoftBank, saying the decision strongly underscores its aggressive financial management. SoftBank shares, which typically rally with a buyback, have dropped about 30% since the announcement. Son has pointed out the assets he has to cover any debts. They include the groups stakes in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Arm Holdings Plc and SoftBank Corp., its domestic telecom arm. SoftBank keeps a running tally of what it calculates is the value of its shares, excluding its debt. That figure is now almost four times its stock price of 2,687 yen. It sure does look cheap now, but how do you make that judgment? said Naoki Fujiwara, chief fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management. The problem is that its really hard to properly value SoftBank. Son is taking steps to preserve cash. This week, the company told shareholders of WeWork that it could withdraw from an agreement to buy $3 billion of stock in the co-working business. Son has said that he wants to keep SoftBanks loan-to-value ratio below 25%. S&P said that the gauge would likely be about 30%-35% in the coming year or so. If its credit rating falls one notch, the megabanks will no longer be able to lend as they have before, making fundraising even more risky, said Kikuchi. In addition to SoftBanks own financing problems, the startups it invested in will have a hard time borrowing too. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM / ACCESSWIRE / MARCH 18, 2020 / Vietnam is one of the most emerging cryptocurrency markets in the world. The demands of USDT grow days by days. However, the exchange rate of USDT/VND isn't affordable. Existing USDT problems in the Vietnamese market The unstructured market The majority of USDT trading in Vietnam are handled by individual brokers networks, which contains multiple defects and risks, and these would slow down the development and expansion of the industry. Instead, an established market structure could lead the Vietnamese market to adapt faster by avoiding the following issues: Unstable pricing: Price could be different from brokers to brokers due to unevenly distributed information. Supply issues: In order to accomplish a large volume of deal, an individual trader needs to deal with multiple brokers and that causes lots of extra work and risks. Security issues: Security of trading has always been the main issue within the OTC market, especially for newcomers who do not have the network or connection to testify the broker. The lack of professional distributors There are few trading platforms and OTC platforms existing in Vietnam, while many of the platforms are operated in the traditional way. That causes beginners must seek brokers and exchangers, take the risk that these people may be uncreditable. With no connection and low knowledge of the market, individual traders may be scammed and harmed by the bad guys. VETHER Gateway: Top-pick solution for purchasing cheapest USDT Vether is the one-stop solution for fiat to USDT gateway, with customized product flow and unique supply source, Vether allows users to obtain USDT in just some clicks. Moreover, Vether guarantees the best USDT price in the Vietnamese market. Vether aims to become the major USDT distributor in the market, leveraging the development of blockchain and becoming the essential tool within USDT and crypto real-life using scenarios. Story continues The outstanding features of Vether include: The stable and best price of USDT in Vietnam: Vether sources USDT directly from Tether and its prime distributors, without any third parties involved. As a result, Vether is always able to provide the finest USDT price. Variety of channels: Vether keeps putting effort into developing not just mobile application, but other different channels and interfaces to meet the demand of market and business partners, including POS machine, ATM, Debit Card, and offline distribution. Asia Pacific expansion: Vether has established connections in all major Asia Pacific countries including Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. About VETHER Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Vether has a strong, experienced and enthusiastic team. Vether team has worked in many fields from the traditional trade market to the finance and blockchain industry. On March 14th, 2020, Vether successfully organized an intimate dinner party for big players and investors in Vietnam. They discussed the potential of cryptocurrency and particularly USDT in the local market. With the USDT/VND market constantly growing, the creative and innovative players will receive more and more benefits. Media Details Name: Jane Luu Company: Vether Website: Vether.to Email: Vip@vether.to Phone: +84 352654445 Telegram: @Vether_Official Facebook: https://bit.ly/2xL6dKQ Medium: https://medium.com/@vip_13586 SOURCE: Vether View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/581308/Vietnamese-USDT-market-Problems-and-Solutions Peter Gutwien, Premier of Tasmania talks to the media in Hobart, Australia, on Feb. 28, 2020. (Steve Bell/Getty Images) Tasmania to Quarantine Arrivals Amid Virus All non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania will be forced to quarantine for two weeks in coronavirus border measures dubbed the toughest in the country. Premier Peter Gutwein declared a state of emergency for the Apple Isle on Thursday. We are going to introduce the toughest border measures in the country. Only essential travellers will be allowed into Tasmania without going into quarantine, he told reporters. Eileen Reilly (nee Moran), Bessfort, Ballymahon, Longford The death occurred, peacefully, at home with her loving family, on Tuesday, March 17, of Eileen Reilly (nee Moran), Bessfort, Ballymahon, Longford. Predeceased by her husband Tom and brother James. Sadly missed by her family Thomas and Trish, Catriona and David, granddaughter Stephanie, sisters Mai (Reilly) and Sr Rose, brother Tommie, sister-in-law Marie, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Rest in Peace. Reposing at her residence this Wednesday, March 18 from 3pm to 9pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 19 at 2pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Forgney, followed by burial in Cloncallow Cemetery. Following Covid 19 Government Guidelines, the people attending the repose and funeral Mass will be confined to family members only. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date. If you want to leave a message for the family please click on condolences on rip.ie. Mairead McCorry (nee McRory), Swords, Dublin / Longford The death occurred, suddenly, at her home, on Saturday, March 14 of Mairead McCorry (nee McRory), Swords and formerly of Longford. Sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Damien, her adoring children Darragh and Tess, parents Olive and Seamus, brother Diarmuid, mother-in-law Gora, father-in-law Jim, brother-in-law Michael, sister-in-law Sinead, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, her many friends and all the staff and children at St Fiachra's Junior NS, Beaumont. Rest In Peace. Her Funeral Mass will take place at 1pm on Wednesday, March 18 in St Cronan's Church, Brackenstown, Swords, Co Dublin with burial afterward to Rolestown New Cemetery, Swords, Co Dublin. In respect of the current restrictions for the Covid-19 virus, numbers attending the Funeral Mass, sadly, will be confined to family members only. A live webcast for the Ceremony will be broadcast on www.brackenstown-parish.com. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Mairead's life will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to leave a message for the family may do so by clicking on "Condolences" on rip.ie. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Temple Street Children's Hospital. Jim Harwood, Main Street, Ballinagh, Cavan The death occurred, peacefully, at his home, in the loving care of his family, on Tuesday, March 17 of Jim Harwood, Main Street, Ballinagh, Co Cavan. Loving father of the late Barry and grandfather of the late Kevin. Beloved husband and best friend of Esther and devoted father of Mar, Ray, Clare, Jim and Niall. Will be sadly missed by his loving wife and family, his son-in-law Sean, daughters-in-law Mary and Deirdre, his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all his relatives and many, many friends. May He Rest in Peace. Due to Government restrictions regarding public gatherings and the threat of the Coronavirus, Jims funeral will be held in private. The family is very grateful for your cooperation and support at this sensitive time. Please leave your personal messages for the family on the condolence page on rip.ie. House strictly private please. Sean Cooke, Drumlegga, Cloone, Leitrim The death occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2020 of Sean Cooke, Drumlegga, Cloone, Co. Leitrim at Lough Erril Private Nursing Home, Mohill. Predeceased by his parents; John and Annie and his sisters; Annie and Peggy. Sadly missed by his nephews Sean (Donegal), Kevin and Eric (Michigan, USA), nieces; Bernadine (Cloone), Connie (Boyle) and Gail (Michigan), cousins, neighbours and friends. May Sean Rest in Peace. In compliance with Government Guidelines on Covid-19 Sean's repose and burial will be strictly private to family members only. A celebration of Sean's life and the opportunity to express your sympathy with the family will be announced at a later date. You may leave a message of sympathy for the family by clicking on Condolences on rip.ie. The family are grateful for your cooperation in this regard. If you wish to have a death notice published on www.longfordleader.ie you can email it to newsroom@longfordleader.ie And if you wish to submit an obituary for publication in the Longford Leader, you can submit it along with a photograph of the deceased to newsroom@longfordleader.ie Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:14:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China believes relevant countries are clear-eyed that early recognition of the one-China principle serves fundamental and long-term interests of their own countries and people, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday. Spokesperson Geng Shuang's remarks came after reports of Taiwan's representative to Haiti was ordered to leave the country within 72 hours due to a fierce quarrel with Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Noting that the one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a universal consensus of the international community, which is recognized by most countries in the world, Geng said Latin American and Caribbean countries such as Panama, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador established diplomatic ties with China based on the one-China principle in recent years, which is consistent with the trend of the times. China's mutually-beneficial cooperation with these countries under the principle of mutual respect has yielded fruitful results and brought tangible benefits to the local people, Geng told a press briefing, adding that this is a sharp contrast to the situation in Haiti and Taiwan's other "diplomatic allies." Stressing Taiwan authorities' attempt to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" would lead nowhere, Geng expressed the belief that countries concerned can clearly recognize that recognition of the one-China principle at the earliest time possible is the right choice serving the fundamental and long-term interests of their own countries and people. Government says it will consider a request from the Ghana Medical Association [GMA] to suspend the ongoing mass registration exercise in the Eastern Region. In a press statement signed by the President of the Ghana Medical Association , Dr. Frank Ankobea, and the General Secretary, Dr. Justice Yankson, the association said it was in the interest of public health and safety to suspend the exercise. Updating the media on multiple measures being put in place by the government, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said it is an advice that will be looked at. If you read clearly what was put out, social gatherings have been suspended, [however] other activities including business and other activities are allowed to continue but with a social distancing with not more than 25 persons. Our understanding is that this is what the NIA is doing but it is good to receive this advice from the Ghana Medical Association and Im sure as the president continues to review all of the methods that have been put in place that advice will be considered. President's directive The government has banned all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities, and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country. President Nana Akufo-Addo in a national address on Sunday [March 15, 2020] said the ban will be in force for the next four weeks. I have decided in the interest of public safety and the protection of our population to review the public gathering advisories earlier announced as follows: Firstly, all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques, have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks, the President said. He said private burials are allowed but should just be for a few people. Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance. NIAs Resistance The National Identification Authority (NIA) earlier this week said it will continue with the Ghana Card registration despite the misgivings from some of its officers because of the novel coronavirus. The Authority released guidelines for its officers in line with the government's new directives on public gatherings to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in Ghana. Some NIA officers who had reached out to Citi News anonymously expressed concern about the absence of protective measures. They say a single registration centre can be visited by 200 to 300 people a day seeking the Ghana Card. ---citinewsroom By Leona Vaughn, WNPA News Service OLYMPIA (March 11)--Women in Washington state will soon be relieved of paying sales tax on products that are fundamental to their feminine health, thanks to action by lawmakers this week. Senate bill 5147 will exempt feminine hygiene products, including tampons and menstrual cups, from sales tax in the state. There are currently 31 states that do not exempt menstrual products from sales tax, including Washington state, according to Period Equity, an organization that advocates for menstrual equity. The products themselves are medically necessary, said Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, the bills primary sponsor, in an earlier hearing. It just happens to be that women use these exclusively. Every other medical necessary product that we have out there is tax exempt. The bill was passed by the Senate Saturday, March 7, with a vote of 49-0, and by the House Tuesday, Mar. 10, with a vote of 95-2. It now heads to the governors desk for signature and would take effect July 1, 2020 once it is signed into law. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The citys first drive-through testing site for New Yorkers exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) is officially up-and-running Thursday in Ocean Breeze. The site, located at 777 Seaview Ave., is operational from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today in the parking lot of the South Beach Psychiatric Center. Those who want to be tested must first make an appointment by calling the State Department of Health at 888-364-3065. (CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON APPOINTMENTS.) Starting Friday, the site will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day, officials said. A line of vehicles began forming just after 11 a.m., where authorities had reserved a lane with traffic cones for motorists arriving to be tested. By about 11:45 a.m., a steady stream of cars was seen slowing to a stop at the entrance, then, immediately being sent through by authorities to the site. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Within the first hour, traffic in the area didnt appear to be an issue. Among the state and federal agencies deployed to maintain order: State Police, the U.S. National Guard, the state Department of Homeland Security, NYPD, state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Sanitation Department. Most service members wore masks and gloves, as they directed traffic and dispersed hand sanitizer among themselves. Digital signs erected along Seaview Avenue read windows up at all times and by appt. only." Another sign reads No bathrooms. As patients drive up to the entrance, a state trooper instructs them to place their ID on the dash. Local leaders said Wednesday that patients exhibiting symptoms would have to first register by phone for an appointment, and would be given a time to show up. Patients who have made appointments are being directed from Capodanno onto Seaview Avenue into the right lane for testing. A line of cones currently separates the testing lane from through traffic on Seaview. Around 12:35 p.m., a large National Guard presence arrived at the site. (Staten Island Advance/Kyle Lawson) NURSES ON THE FRONT LINE One of the first people to arrive at the site Thursday was an emergency room nurse from Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. They told us we have to work our shifts scheduled at the hospital, and then whatever days were free, were volunteering to do this," said Kristin Singh, 26, of Staten Island. Im a nurse, so I want to help people, and help the community." Also arriving early was a group of Wagner College graduates who just recently were registered as nurses. This is our first job, said a 26-year-old volunteer, who asked his name not be published. Some of the volunteers already had tested patients at the states drive-through center in New Rochelle, N.Y., which has been one of the hardest hit areas on the East Coast. One of the kinks early on at that site had to do with the logistics of obtaining patients information, then sending them through to be tested. People needed more guidance on how to do it properly, so there wouldnt be any pauses in the line, said another male volunteer who worked at that site, and also declined to give his name. PUBLIC ON GUARD Following a 10 a.m. training session, medical professionals taking swabs at the site in Ocean Breeze donned hazmat suits to protect themselves from the virus. As patients arrive in their cars, their information is obtained through closed windows, then, theyre instructed to open their window for a moment to swab deep inside their noses with a Q-tip. Cells are collected and tested for coronavirus, with results in an estimated two to three days. The Advance/SILive.com timed one car in the afternoon at a half hour from entrance to exit. Residents who live across from the testing site were taking precautions Thursday. At one home, a resident peeked out of a curtain, but wouldnt answer the door. Nearby, a man spoke through a solid screen door, only shaking his head No when asked if the testing site would impact him personally in any way. When an Advance/SILive.com reporter attempted to exit his vehicle near the entrance of the site, a state trooper shouted, get back in your car; stay in your car." Another resident, standing outside his home, said he wasnt aware the testing was occurring. CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Retired healthcare professionals sought to volunteer at coronavirus drive-through test site Small business owner: Coronavirus is going to crush us Coronavirus: NYC travel industry in triage mode Latest on NYC school closures: Child care to be available for first responders Richmond University Medical Center to utilize medical tent for coronavirus treatment Governor seeks to limit coronavirus impact on hospitals NYPD Commissioner: Cooperation, not closures, expected for ban on dining at restaurants and bars Two Australian scientists believe they have found the cure for coronavirus People walk up the ramp, exiting the secure area at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) As thousands continue to pour into LAX, many international travelers have complained about haphazard health screenings, being required to stand or sit near others who have returned from countries with known outbreaks of the coronavirus, or not being screened at all. Travelers who were identified as high-risk by the White House but were not screened have taken to social media to decry the process, expressing alarm over the fact that they were so easily able to slip through the cracks amid an extraordinary global health crisis. Kitty Horowitz said she and her husband also werent screened when they arrived at LAX from London on Sunday. The couple had been vacationing in Europe since late February, and had visited Austria and Germany both on the list of countries that fell under Trump's order. Horowitz said they were given a form on the plane asking whether they had traveled through the Schengen Area of Europe, where the coronavirus has quickly spread. Several people sitting near them on the plane were coughing. We were terrified, she said. When they landed, no one came to collect the form and they were not directed to submit the form anywhere, she said. Several others interviewed by The Times also said their forms were not collected. Travelers at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times) We saw no one getting screened. No one took the form from us. Nothing, she said. Weve never gotten through as fast as we did. Public health experts, however, say the screenings offer a false sense of security and are largely futile at this point in the pandemic. The process particularly corralling travelers from high-risk countries into lines and holding areas to await screening endangers passengers and those with whom they will later come into contact, experts said. A traveler waits to be helped at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times) "This to me is the very definition of what we should not be doing," said Carolyn Cannuscio, director of research at the Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania. "Were creating a risk there," she added. "And were very likely to miss people who are in fact infected, and may also be transmitting the virus but havent yet had symptoms." Story continues The Trump administration has been slow to ramp up screening at international airports, even for travelers re-entering the United States from coronavirus hot spots. On March 12, the Trump administration dramatically narrowed the number of places where American citizens returning from Europe could enter the U.S. currently just 13 airports, including LAX. Customs and Border Protection and health officials began conducting "enhanced screenings" consisting of temperature checks and questions about travel history and symptoms for those passengers the day after. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said returning travelers "may be screened" if they visited countries with widespread transmission and would be told to stay home for 14 days and practice social distancing. The bottleneck of travelers scrambling to get back to the U.S. created mass chaos at some airports last weekend. At O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, throngs of people stood shoulder-to-shoulder, in some cases for several hours, as they waited to be screened. LAX reported much shorter screening lines, with the airport estimating about 30 minutes being tacked onto the average wait time for passengers who were flagged for testing. The Times spoke with several travelers who should have been screened at LAX under the White House's criteria but were not. The Department of Homeland Security, which is in charge of the screening process, did not respond to requests for comment. Ron Nehring, the director of international programs for a nonprofit, flew into LAX from London's Heathrow Airport on Monday night. Trump's order adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to the list of European nations identified as "Level 3" countries hadn't taken effect by then, but Nehring had visited two countries already on the list, Germany and Poland, so he assumed that he'd be screened. He wasn't, he said. The colleague he'd been traveling with, who flew into Dulles International Airport outside of D.C., was screened there, he said. "I walked off the plane and was expecting someone to ask me what countries Id been to," Nehring said. "I was expecting to be flagged and for my temperature to be taken." Some travelers, though concerned by the lack of screening, were grateful to avoid cramped waiting lines. Cannuscio, the public health expert from the University of Pennsylvania, said such lines do more harm than good. One of her students flew into John F. Kennedy International Airport this week and spent three hours in a crowd waiting to be screened. A traveler navigates Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times) "That is so upsetting, because its a perfect environment for sharing the virus among travelers of very many points of origin," Cannuscio said. LAX travelers interviewed by The Times said neither airport officials nor the Department of Homeland Security encouraged social distancing among those waiting to be screened. Jerome Snell, who also flew into LAX from London on Sunday, was among those flagged for a screening. During his trip to Europe, Snell had visited France, another of the 26 European countries in the Schengen Area. He was asked to go to the passport-control area of the airport, where he waited briefly for an initial evaluation, he said. Very few people stood in line with him, though later he would watch that line become longer and more cramped. An airport employee took his passport and asked him if he had experienced any COVID-19 symptoms dry cough, shortness of breath or had been around anyone with the illness. Snell felt fine. But he was told he needed a second screening and was asked to wait in a small sitting area, where eventually about 50 other people joined him, he said. Snell, who recently went into remission for neck cancer, made sure to keep a few feet between himself and others. After 45 minutes, he said, a customs employee called him to a counter and returned his passport, telling him he was "good to go." No further health evaluation took place. "I dont know how they made the determination that I didnt need my temperature checked, but somebody else did," said Snell. "Were not doing enough to prevent the spread of this disease." Stanchions are seen lined up in front of closed ticket counters at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times) Jeffrey Klausner, an adjunct professor of epidemiology at UCLA, said airport screenings only make sense if the goal is to identify people who need medical help and give them care. He said a rigorous screening program would be costly and would need to be checked by a secret-shopper sort of system, where people exhibiting symptoms are sent through to see if the screenings are being done properly. For it to work, theyll really need to invest in a comprehensive, high-quality system, Klausner said. Such a screening might have helped save the first person to die of COVID-19 in L.A. County. Loretta and Roddy had layovers in South Korea on their way to the Philippines and back. They landed at Los Angeles International Airport on March 8. But according to Rowena, Lorettas daughter, the couple was not screened for symptoms at the airport in South Korea or in Los Angeles. (The family asked that their last names not be used for fear of being shunned or targeted.) The White House has repeatedly said that all passengers on direct flights from South Korea would be screened in that country before boarding planes to the U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said passengers would receive multiple temperature checks, among other measures. Rowena, who lives in South Carolina, said she thinks a screening could have saved her mom's life. "If they would've caught her, she wouldn't have gone home, gone to sleep and not woken up again," she said. "Its just crazy." Public health experts have warned that screenings can fail to detect many who are infected with COVID-19, as they may not develop symptoms for several days, if ever. And some people may not be truthful when asked if they'd had contact with an infected person because they fear being quarantined. "The current process will identify the highest risk potential active cases many of which may turn out to be false positives because a high temperature may be associated with other illnesses or situations," said Jay Wolfson, senior associate dean for health policy and practice at the University of South Florida's college of medicine. And because the coronavirus is already spreading in the U.S. through community-level transmission, health screenings at airports will not curb the effects of the pandemic and could give citizens a false sense of security, experts say. "Its not the optimal message you want to send, that you can only get the virus from being outside of the country," said Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Health Security. Such screenings are also a poor use of limited public resources, Cannuscio said, which should instead be used to keep tabs on travelers from high-risk countries once they get home, to test symptomatic people for the virus, and to make sure that those with positive results remain in quarantine. To prevent further spread of the virus in the U.S., officials at every level should implement rigorous social distancing strategies as soon as possible, Cannuscio said. This could mean advising people against air travel completely. "I think all nonessential travel should be canceled," she said. A total of 44,000 Ukrainians returned home from abroad on March 14-18 by air. "From March 14 to March 18, 44,000 citizens returned to Ukraine by air," Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Vladyslav Kryklii posted on Facebook. Today, March 19, Ukrainians continue to arrive at Ukrainian airports from abroad. On Saturday, March 14, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a decision to temporarily ban foreigners from entering Ukraine and closed the international passenger service. The temporary ban on entry into the territory of Ukraine for foreign nationals came into force on March 16, 2020 and will last by April 3, 2020. From March 17, 2020 to April 3, 2020, the border crossing points across the state border of Ukraine will be closed for air, rail and bus passenger transportation. Earlier, Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii stated that Ukraine would return its citizens even after the closure of air services and borders. ol Chile declared a "state of catastrophe" and delayed a constitutional referendum while several countries announced nighttime curfews as Latin America expanded its coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday. The Chilean measures were set to last for 90 days and would help protect the country's hospitals and medical personnel, said President Sebastian Pinera. "The armed forces will be able to act as true health forces, collaborating with all the officials in our health system," he added of a provision that allowed military members to participate in the relief efforts. The measure also allows restrictions on freedom of movement. In a later TV interview, he said it would be "prudent" to delay a referendum on changing Chile's dictatorship-era constitution until September. News that a minister in Brazil had tested positive for the virus came as the Sao Paulo stock exchange was suspended for the sixth time in eight sessions after plummeting more than 10 percent. Bolivian police patrol the Plaza de Armas in La Paz / AFP National Security Minister Augusto Heleno is the latest official to be diagnosed with COVID-19 following a state visit to the US. Sixteen people who accompanied Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have now tested positive for the virus, although he and his American counterpart Donald Trump tested negative. Brazil has confirmed 529 coronavirus cases and four deaths -- the highest in Latin America, with more than 1,200 cases across the continent. The regional death toll rose to 14 after Costa Rica reported its first COVID-19 fatality. Five others were killed in a mass prison breakout after Venezuelan authorities banned family visits to prevent possible contagion, Zulia state governor Omar Prieto said. -- Cruise docks in Cuba -- A 61-year-old Italian tourist became the first person to die of the disease in Cuba, the health ministry said. Cuba relies on tourism revenue and has bucked the regional trend in keeping its borders open without strict quarantine measures for visitors. Earlier on Wednesday, Cuba allowed a British cruise ship carrying five infected people and more than 50 others showing flu-like symptoms to dock on the island. It had been turned away by both the Bahamas and Barbados. More than 1,000 passengers and crew aboard the vessel were being repatriated to Britain on Wednesday evening. "We are very grateful to the Cuban government for swiftly enabling this operation," said British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab. El Salvador's status as one of the few remaining countries in the hemisphere without a COVID-19 case came to an end on Wednesday. President Nayib Bukele said the unidentified patient had been isolated. Markets elsewhere in the region continued their slide, with Buenos Aires nearly 15 percent down and Colombia announcing an emergency $15 billion economic package. As a second positive case of coronavirus was reported in the state on Thursday, the Andhra Pradesh government issued a Stay at Home notice to all those who returned from overseas and decided to keep all major temples, including Lord Venkateswara's abode atop Tirumala, closed for devotees to contain the spread of the virus. Places of worship belonging to all other religions will also be kept out of bounds for devotees while the state government ordered cinema theatres and malls to stay shut till March 31 from Friday. Already, all educational institutions have been asked to close till the month end to check the spread of coronavirus. The annual public examination for Class X students, scheduled to begin on March 31, will be held as usual to avoid inconvenience to students, Education Minister A Suresh said. The Centre appointed senior IAS officer S Suresh Kumar as the nodal officer for the state for effective management of coronavirus which has affected 173 people in the country with four deaths so far. Besides the cash-rich Lord Venkateswara temple near Tirupati thronged by devotees from across the country, others that would be barred for pilgrims' entry include the Kanaka Durga shrine in Vijayawada, Srisailam (Lord Shiva), Annavaram (Satyanarayana Swamy) and Kanipakam (Vinayaka), Deputy Chief Minister for Medical and Health A K K Srinivas (Nani) said. "The daily rituals in all these temples will, however, be performed by the priests. Only the devotees will not be allowed, he said, briefing reporters after a high-level review meeting on Covid-19, chaired by Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy here. He said the government took these decisions to check the spread of the dreaded disease though relatively the incidence of COVID-19 was low in the state. A report from Tirupati said all routes, including the stairway, leading to Tirumala have been sealed from Thursday evening itself to stop pilgrims inflow. The devotees who have already reached the hills alone would be allowed to the shrine till the forenoon on Friday, Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devathanams (TTD), that governs the over 2,000-year old shrine, Anil Kumar Singhal told reporters in Tirumala. He said this would be the first time in recent history that the temple would be closed for devotees for over a week. Andhra Pradesh is the latest to join a number of states, including Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, that have announced a virutal lockdown ordering closure of malls, resorts, theatres among other places of large public gathering to battle the deadly virus. Srinivas said Bars and restaurants were being asked to enforce social distancing and it had been suggested that IT professionals could work from home. The Deputy CM asked the people to cooperate with the government in COVID-19 mitigation measures. Srinivas suggested that people put off marriages and other functions to avoid large gatherings. Otherwise, ensure that the gathering is not large, he added. Earlier in the day, a young man who returned to the state from England on March 15 tested positive for the deadly virus, the state Health Department said. The youngster has been admitted to an isolation ward in RIMS at Ongole and his condition is stable, the department said in a release. The man, who left London on the 12th, reached Ongole on the 15th and was admitted to the government hospital after he complained of fever, cough and cold. His blood sample was sent to the virology lab in Tirupati where it tested positive. On March 12, another person who returned to his native Nellore from Italy was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in AP. He is currently in isolation in the government hospital in Nellore. His blood sample would be tested once again after the end of the 14-day period and discharged, Special Chief Secretary (Health) K S Jawahar Reddy said. Of the total 117 samples sent for examination, 103 tested negative. While two were positive, result of the remaining 12 was awaited, the Special CS added. Jawahar Reddy said a Stay at Home notice has been issued to all foreign returnees, asking them to self-quarantine at home. If they disobey the order, they will be liable for punishment under relevant Indian Penal Code Section, he warned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Photo : Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash) (Photo : Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash) The city of Bergamo in Italy is the worst-hit city in the country. Italy now has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases around the world, next to China, where the novel coronavirus originated, and now the city of Bergamo, the worst-hit city in the country is overwhelmed by the patients and deaths amid the pandemic. A Parade of the Dead According to Reuters, a video has emerged of a fleet of military trucks moving coffins of coronavirus victims out of the city to neighboring provinces where they will be cremated. An army spokesman has confirmed that they have deployed 15 Italian military trucks, manned by 50 soldiers to move the dead from the city of Bergamo. As per Business Insider, the fleet moved 61 bodies to 12 different Italian towns, including Parma and Modena, where the bodies will be cremated. The fleet of the army trucks carrying the dead is now dubbed in Italy as "one of the saddest photos in the history of our country." pic.twitter.com/ofR1raGVTb #Bergamo hanno dovuto chiamare l'esercito per caricare camion e camion di bare da destinare a crematori fuori regione. Prima di lamentarvi della proroga del #lockdown riguardatevi sto video in loop. #coronavirusitalia Alessandro Zanoni (@AlexZan87) March 19, 2020 Bergamo Can No Longer Keep Up The move happened after the local government of Bergamo appealed for help with cremations as the local crematoriums can no longer keep up with the dead, and that the ashes will be brought back to the city. The official in charge of the Bergamo cemeteries, Giacomo Angeloni, has spoken up, saying that their mortuaries are full and crematorium staff has to handle 24 bodies a day, twice the usual number, including non-virus related deaths and can't keep up. The crematoriums have been working 24/7 since the coronavirus pandemic erupted in the city. Since the mortuaries are already full, Metro reported that the coffins arriving every day are put in churches with the pews removed to make space for the dead. ALSO READ: [CORONAVIRUS UPDATE] EU Health Watchdog Says No Evidence Backing Up Claims That Ibuprofen Worsens COVID-19 Symptoms Overwhelming the Frontliners Additionally, the provincial governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, said that the doctors and nurses in the region are "at their limits." "I'm worried about the possibility they could succumb physically and psychologically because if they were to succumb, it would really be a disaster," Fontana said during an interview at a local radio station. As if to prove the governor's fears, another video has emerged online, showing an overcrowded hospital, still in the city of Bergamo, where patients can be seen lying on their beds and lining the corridors of an intensive care unit. Italy Lockdown Extended? As of Wednesday, March 18, there are 93 deaths in Bergamo and a total of 4,305 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease brought by the novel coronavirus. Nevertheless, Bergamo mayor Giorgio Gori believes that there are more deaths than reported. Mayor Gori confirmed that there had been a significant number of deaths in the city, but they died at their homes or in a nursing home without being tested for COVID-19. As the cases are still growing at an alarming rate, the quarantine measures are most likely going to be extended beyond their original deadline, as warned by Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte. Italy has closed off its doors to the rest of the world, and citizens were urged to stay at home to help avoid the further spread of the disease, but the numbers are still mounting, along with the deaths it brought. ALSO READ: CORONAVIRUS CURE UPDATE: 'We're Already There,' Says Australian Scientist on Creating COVID-19 Cure 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As the coronavirus outbreak threatens to bring U.S. economic activity to a grinding halt, American businesses are jockeying for a financial lifeline from the administration of President Donald Trump. The below have asked Washington, D.C., or state lawmakers for aid to offset the economic fallout of the coronavirus. SHATTERED RESTAURANTS: 8 MILLION JOB LOSSES, $455 BILLION REQUEST Destroyed: The restaurant industry says shuttered outlets like these mean losing half its 15.6 million jobs A U.S. restaurant trade group on Wednesday asked the White House and Congressional leaders for a $455 billion aid package, saying that the industry could shed nearly half of its 15.6 million jobs and at least a quarter of its annual sales because of the coronavirus outbreak. The group, the Washington, D.C.-based National Restaurant Association, said restaurants could take a $225 billion sales hit in the next three months, a quarter of their projected total sales of $899 billion. TRAVEL AND HOTEL INDUSTRY: WE NEED $250 BILLION TO DEAL WITH CRISIS American hotel and travel industry executives met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss a potential $250 billion aid package, as thousands of hotel workers began furloughs due to the fast-spreading coronavirus. The requested package would consist of $150 billion in direct aid for the hotel sector and $100 billion for related travel companies, including convention businesses, industry executives said on a call after the meeting with Trump, who made his fortune in real estate and hotels. TOWN AND CITIES NEED $250 BILLION IN AID TO DEAL WITH CRISIS The U.S. Conference of Mayors has asked Congress for $250 billion in localized aid to help cities stop the spread of the coronavirus, including through resources for public health departments, supporting small businesses and addressing food insecurity, according to a statement on their website. In peril: The giant manufacturer says it needs the government to guarantee liquidity BIGGEST SINGLE CORPORATE REQUEST: BOEING SAYS $60 BILLION TO STAY AFLOAT Boeing Co on Tuesday called for a $60 billion bailout in access to public and private liquidity, including loan guarantees, for the struggling U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry, which faces huge losses from the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. planemaker has told lawmakers it needs significant government support to meet liquidity needs and it cannot raise that in current market conditions, people briefed on the matter said. WE NEED $50 BILLION NOW: AIRLINE INDUSTRY 'NEEDS GRANTS AND LOANS' Major U.S. airlines sought a government bailout of more than $50 billion in the wake of the steep falloff in U.S. travel demand sparked by the coronavirus outbreak. Airlines for America, the trade group representing American Airlines, United Airlines Inc, Delta Air Lines Inc, Southwest Airlines Co and others, said the industry needs $25 billion in grants, $25 billion in loans and significant tax relief to survive. They also seek tax relief that could be worth tens of billions of dollars through the end of at least 2021. They also seek a package of $8 billion, equally divided in grants and loans for cargo carriers. OUR 460 CASINOS NEED $18 BILLION SAY NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES Closed: The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino operated by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in Hogansburg, New York is one of 460 which tribes say need bailed out The Native American gaming industry on Tuesday requested $18 billion in U.S. federal aid as it shut casinos that are the sole source of commercial revenue for dozens of tribes in a bid to slow the coronavirus epidemic. Tribal governments will be unable to provide health and education services and will default on loans unless they get federal support to make up for lost casino money, the National Indian Gaming Association said in a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The United States' roughly 460 Indian casinos are in the process of closing given the threat of coronavirus to tribal members and many non-Native American employees. EMPTY AIRPORTS WANT $10 BILLION TO DEAL WITH COLLAPSE IN TRAFFIC U.S. airports are seeking $10 billion in U.S. government assistance to help offset losses incurred by the sharp drop in travel due to coronavirus, two people briefed on the matter said. WE NEED $1 BILLION TO KEEP THE TRAINS RUNNING WARNS AMTRAK Off the rails: Amtrak says the passenger railroad needs $1 billion make up for collapsing bookings U.S. railroad Amtrak said on Monday that the passenger rail service and its state partners need $1 billion in government assistance after a dramatic decline in travel because of the coronavirus outbreak. Amtrak said bookings had plunged 50% since the outbreak. EVEN THE WHISKEY INDUSTRY IS ASKING FOR AID The Tennessee Distillers Guild on Tuesday asked the state's governor and legislature for relief to offset the blow from suspending tours, cancelling large events and ceasing production due to the coronavirus, the guild said in a statement on their website. The guild asked for immediate temporary relief for distilling, brewing and hospitality industries from payroll, gallonage and liquor by the drink taxes, though it did not specify how much aid it sought. (Bloomberg) -- Intel Corp., the worlds biggest chipmaker, said its maintaining above 90% on-time delivery of its products from factories worldwide. Chief Executive Officer Bob Swan told customers in a letter posted on the companys website that he is inspired by the deep commitment of our teams to sustain our manufacturing, assembly, test and supply chain operations in Oregon, New Mexico, California and Arizona, as well as Israel, Ireland, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and other Intel and partner locations around the world. They are working hard to make sure you can continue to be successful, he added. Intels products are essential components of personal computers and the server machines that run corporate networks and the internet. Continued output from its factories is a vital part of the global supply chain as the technology industry scrambles to deal with the effects of the pandemic. Semiconductor plants are some of the most automated facilities in the world and require very little human involvement directly in the manufacturing process. The electronic components take as long as three months to get through the multistep process. That means chips coming out of Intels plants now would have been started before the Covid-19 virus kicked in and caused a lockdown of big chunks of the worlds population. Santa Clara, California-based Intel has been trying to increase its output to meet customer demand for more than a year after struggling with the introduction of a new advanced technique. It had planned to improve output this year to accumulate inventory and make sure all its customers were served. Companies such as Dell Technologies Inc. have complained that processor shortages have hurt their earnings. (Updates with details of chipmaking process.) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. President Donald Trump during an address to the nation about the coronavirus on March 11. Associated Press President Donald Trump said he did not believe the term "kung-flu" and other discriminatory phrases would put Asian Americans at risk of xenophobic attacks amid the coronavirus pandemic. The disparaging term was privately used by a White House official to CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang, a Chinese American, on Tuesday morning. "I wonder who said that," Trump said to reporters at the White House on Wednesday. "You know who said that? Say the term again." Trump said he did not believe Asian Americans would be negatively affected by the use of the phrase. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump said he did not believe the term "kung-flu" and other discriminatory phrases would put Asian Americans at risk of xenophobic attacks amid the coronavirus pandemic. The disparaging term was privately used by a White House official to CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang, a Chinese American, on Tuesday morning. "Makes me wonder what they're calling it behind my back," Jiang said in a tweet. Trump pressed for more details when he was asked if he believed Asian Americans could be subjected to increased racist attacks because of similar terms. "I wonder who said that," Trump said to a reporter at the White House on Wednesday. "You know who said that? Say the term again." After the reporter repeated the phrase, it was still not clear if Trump understood the belittling implication and the relationship it has with Asians. Trump said he did not believe Asian Americans would be negatively affected by the use of the phrase, which he said had to do with coronavirus' origins in China. Trump and numerous Republican lawmakers have described the coronavirus as the "Chinese virus," based on the initial cases in the country. Critics including the Chinese government have urged them not to use the term. "No, not at all," Trump said. "I think they'd probably would agree with it 100%. It comes from China. There's nothing not to agree on." Story continues Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified in a congressional hearing earlier in March that he agreed it was inappropriate to describe the virus as the "Chinese coronavirus" because it had spread across the world. "Public health emergencies ... are stressful times for people and communities," the CDC wrote on its website. "Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things." "For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease," the CDC website said. Several hate crimes and acts of discriminatory behavior against Asian Americans were documented across the US in recent weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic. An Asian man who declined to be identified alleged a 44-year-old man named Raoul Ramos screamed at him on Saturday for not wearing a mask while he was walking with his 10-year-old son in New York, the New York Post reported. "The guy walked past us. That triggered him. He was screaming at us and said, 'Where the f--- is your mask?'" the man said to the Post. "You f---ing Chinese," Ramos said, according to the Post's police sources. Ramos, who is accused of hitting the Asian man in the head before fleeing, was arrested. Read the original article on Business Insider MIDDLETOWN The parent of an Xavier High School student, an East Hampton resident, has tested positive for the coronavirus, school administrators said Thursday. Headmaster Dave Eustis sent a letter to parents confirming the news, which he learned from the Middletown Health Department Wednesday night. The individual, whose identity and location was not disclosed, attended a sophomore parent guidance program at the school March 10, Eustis said. Eustis said the adult was asymptomatic during the presentation. However, in the ensuing days, the individual became sick and has since tested positive for coronavirus. Middletown health educator Lou Carta said the adult was not in close contact with people while at Xavier. A positive case of COVID-19 also was confirmed in Killingworth a resident over 60 who has had extremely limited contact with other residents of the town, Director of Health Paul Hutcheon announced Thursday night. The individual is self-isolating. Also, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield said, a resident there has the virus. The state Department of Public Health has reported there are positive cases of COVID-19 disease in Middlesex County, and specifically in the Chatham Health District, based in East Hampton, according to a press release. Chatham District serves Colchester, East Hampton, East Haddam, Hebron, Marlborough and Portland. East Hampton Town Manager David E. Cox confirmed the news. However, he did not know details about the person sickened by the virus. Speaking by telephone just before 4:30 p.m., Cox said, Its probably one of many. Whats it the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has been saying? That theyre probably a lot of more cases of people who either have (or had) the virus and dont know it or who havent been tested. Weve been expecting this, Cox acknowledged. Cox urged residents continue to be vigilant and to take the precautions officials have been stressing: People should avoid large groups, wash their hands, not touch their face and, if at all possible, try and stay home. Residents in all municipalities within Chatham Health District should now assume that there are people sick with COVID-19 disease in their towns, the release said. Those whose doctors confirm they have the disease should remain isolated in a separate room for 14 days, and avoid contact with others in the home except to seek medical care, it continued. The health district is advising people not leave their houses until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines, other symptoms have noticeably improved, and it has been at least seven days since symptoms began. The emergence of cases in our towns will require a coordinated, skilled, rapid, thoughtful and compassionate response; and the Chatham Health District is prepared, the town of East Haddam announced in an email. Meanwhile, Xavier is closed to the public and visitors are limited to staff only. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of the entire Xavier community, the press release said. Mayor Ben Florsheim is waiting for guidance from state officials as to what will be done to help alleviate the large disruption in peoples lives, some of whom are self-quarantined or home with their children since schools across the state are closed. Its reasonable to say Middletown is just as much at risk of exposure as anywhere else, Florsheim said. Lots of people are coming in and out of town, and they could be exposing Middletown residents. For information on coronavirus in Connecticut, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus. The scene of the vandalism at the site The owner of an auction house in Armagh has said he fears going out of business after drunken vandals targeted his property on St Patrick's Day. Barry Boylan (38) started Armagh City Auctions just five months ago and posted pictures of the damage online. Around 30 individuals had gathered in the Nursery Road area to drink on Tuesday when several cupboards meant to be sold at auction were smashed. Already facing a drop in business over the coronavirus restrictions, Mr Boylan will now have to pay for the damage out of his own pocket. "There's quite a bit of damage outside and they managed to get inside the auction house as well," he said. "They're silly people because there's cameras here and I know half of them to see. I'm still doing a stock take but there does seem to be some items missing. "Because it was St Patrick's Day and they had nowhere else to go, they ended up just drinking and wrecking the place." Mr Boylan said he also faced intimidation when he arrived at the auction house on Tuesday. "I'm only one man and there were at least 30 people there when I got there," he said. "Two of them got very righteous and called me a tout for contacting the police. "Another young lad calmed them down. Apparently this happens quite a lot in the area but it's the first time for me as the business has only been going five months. "They just don't care. When I closed the gate behind me one young lad walked past me and (instead of apologising) just said he forgot his carry out. "That's the type of people they are, they're dangerous when they get into a group." Addressing those responsible, he said: "Why would you do this? I'm a local fella just trying to make a living. "Don't get me wrong. Everyone was young once, you don't mind them having a drink as long as they don't make a mess. "But because I've other people's stuff here it's just a nightmare. Apparently it's why the last tenant left here because every weekend there's people congregating and drinking." Reviewing the CCTV footage, Mr Boylan said some of those loitering were urinating on walls and doors, and that a wing mirror had been broken off a van. "It's hard enough to make a living especially in the current climate," he said. "I have to pay that money out to customers, that's my job, I have to sell their goods. It's going to have a knock-on effect as well with people not bringing their items here because they think it's not safe." The PSNI said they are appealing for witnesses and information following a number of reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in the Nursery Road area of Armagh on Tuesday. "It was reported that sometime between 8pm and 9pm, a group of approximately 30 individuals had been behaving in an anti-social manner in the area causing damage to several cupboards which were being stored outside. We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and who saw the group," said a spokesperson. Police can be contacted at Armagh Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1119 for March 17. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thiruvananthapuram, March 19 : If political brownie points scored in tackling coronavirus scare in Kerala are an indication, the Left Democratic Front government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is definitely a winner. The public stock of the opposition United Democratic Front led by the Congress is down, at least for the present. Kerala recorded India's first coronavirus positive case on January 30, shifting the focus on the coastal state. And the state government did not lose any opportunity to direct its full energy to the containment of the dreaded new virus as it did when Nipah struck Kozhikode in 2018. After Kerala contained Nipah by ensuring high standards of public health measures, it added to the political stature of Health Minister K.K. Shailaja, whose performance till then was under scrutiny. With her political stock on the high in the state Cabinet, Shailaja promptly shifted into top gear when the first coronavirus case was reported, traversing the coastal state for meeting officials and taking stock of the emerging situation. She reached practically every district headquarters to meet health officials and instilling in them a feeling that their hard work will be rewarded. On the other hand, the Congress leaders watched from the sidelines to see if they could point out to any official lapses so as to score political brownie points. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala faced criticism on the social media when he tried to unsettle Shailaja by flaying her for holding frequent press briefings which he termed as media mania. In the Assembly, the two could be seen engaging in political sparring. Sensing that Kerala people by and large were offering bouquets to Shailaja and the Vijayan government for its handling of the coronavirus situation, Chennithala slowly stopped indulging in political nitpicking. Chief Minsiter Vijayan, sensing that his government is now on a strong wicket, has since taken over from his Minister and begun to address the media here every evening. The Congress, however, seems not yet willing to give him his due credit, venting its biggest grouse that while all educational and religious institutions are closed in Kerala, Vijayan is still unwilling to close down bars and liquor and beer retail outlets despite demands from various quarters. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance appears more or less invisible in Kerala at the moment since it is in disarray even after a new state president of the party was appointed last month. As things stand now, there are a total of 24 positive cases in Kerala, with over 25,000 persons under observation at homes and hospitals. Certainly, good tidings seem to be looming on the horizon for the LDF as local bodies elections in the southern coastal state are expected to be held in October and Assembly elections in May 2021. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Central government on Thursday allowed 50 percent of its employees to work from home and the remaining to attend office every day besides implementing different time slots for working hours in its effort to further check the spread of the coronavirus disease New Delhi: The Central government on Thursday allowed 50 percent of its employees to work from home and the remaining to attend office every day besides implementing different time slots for working hours in its effort to further check the spread of the coronavirus disease. An order issued by the Personnel Ministry directed the Heads of Departments (HoDs) to ensure that 50 percent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day and the remaining 50 percent staff is instructed to work from home. "All HoDs are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first week, HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office or use their own transport to travel to the offices," it said. The order further said the working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be staggered. It suggested that three groups of employees be formed and asked to attend office during three-time slots -- 9 AM to 5.30 PM, 9.30 AM to 6 PM and 10 AM to 6.30 PM, the ministry said. "The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigency of work," it said. These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control the spread of COVID-19, the ministry said. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) may issue similar instructions regarding financial institutions and public sector undertakings, it said. The decision came after the Personnel Ministry on Tuesday asked all central government departments to take precautionary measures. "Discourage, to the maximum extent, entry of visitors in the office complex. Routine issue of visitor/temporary passes should be suspended with immediate effect. Only those visitors who have proper permission of the officer who they want to meet, should be allowed after being properly screened," it had said. All government departments were asked to install thermal scanners as feasible as well as mandatorily place hand sanitisers at the entrances of government buildings. "Those found having flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc.," the ministry had said. It said meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. All departments were asked to avoid non-essential official travel of its staff, undertake essential correspondence on official email and avoid sending files and documents to other offices, to the extent possible, and facilitate delivery and receipt of postal documents at the entry points of the office buildings as far as practicable. "Close all gyms/recreation centres/creches located in government buildings. Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces," the ministry said. The order advised the leave sanctioning authorities to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure. "Advise all employees who are at higher risk, i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The ministries/departments may take care not to expose such employees to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public," the ministry had said in a communique to all the ministries. While many of us are lucky to have 24-hour electricity supply, not everyone enjoys that luxury. But in rural India, not having electricity also comes at a cost. Like this instance here. Locals in Paradol village of Chhattisgarh were slapped with electricity bills. It is no big deal, right? We all getting electricity bills. But there is a big catch. The village doesn't have electricity supply. ANI We have been her before, It is a gift that keeps on giving. It sounds funny, but it shouldn't. A village doesn't have electricity supply in 2020, and to rub more salt ino their wounds, they get electricity bills. Chhattisgarh: Locals in Paradol village of Korea get electricity bills without having electricity supply in area. A local says, "There is no electricity supply but every month we receive bills. We complain but they do not check or enquire". pic.twitter.com/gPY8c861bo ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020 A local was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, "There is no electricity supply but every month we receive bills. We complain but they do not check or enquire". The case of negligence of various department has been evident. This is one of the many cases when people have been charged for electricity when there isn't any supply. This is not the first time a bizarre incident in relation to the electricity department though. ANI Earlier, a man in Uttar Pradesh was charged an exorbitant electricity bill of more than Rs. 128 crore. The exact amount of the electricity bill was Rs 128, 45, 95,444 for a home connection of 2 kilowatt. Before that, a man from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj was sent an electricity bill for Rs. 23 crore in January this year. His home electricity connection was for a total of 2 kilowatts. In May last year, a vegetable vendor in Maharashtra's Aurangabad had committed suicide after he was handed over an electricity bill of Rs. 8.64 lakh. Political leaders underestimated the magnitude of the danger posed by the coronavirus, the president of the European Commission admitted Wednesday, as the European Union shut its borders. Times of Israel reports in its article Political leaders failed to grasp magnitude of virus crisis, EU leader says that the coronavirus outbreak, which first emerged in China late last year, has quickly marched across the globe, infecting nearly 200,000 people and killing close to 8,000 as governments scramble to contain it. I think that all of us who are not experts initially underestimated the coronavirus, Ursula von der Leyen told Germanys Bild newspaper. But now it is clear that this is a virus that will keep us busy for a long time yet. We understand that measures that seemed drastic two or three weeks ago, need to be taken now, she added. But von der Leyen rejected the language of French President Emmanuel Macron, who likened the outbreak to war this week, and ordered almost the entire population to stay at home for at least two weeks. I will not personally use that term but I understand the motivation of the French president, as the coronavirus is a worrying enemy. Meanwhile, the 27 leaders of the EU met by videoconference on Tuesday to agree a ban on non-essential travel to the bloc. Von der Leyen had proposed the blocs Schengen passport-free zone impose the measure, a drastic and unprecedented move, and that fellow EU states outside the zone follow suit. The ban will be in effect for an initial period of 30 days and will not affect Europeans returning home, social workers, cross-border workers, or citizens of former EU member Britain. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said states agreed to impose an entry ban into the bloc, with only nationals of closely-aligned EFTA countries, such as Norway or Iceland, as well as Britain, exempt from the restriction. Germany will implement it immediately, added the leader of Europes biggest economy, which had initially closed its national borders. This is an exceptional measure that shouldnt last longer than necessary, Swedens Minister for Home Affairs Mikael Damberg told a Stockholm press conference. The ban comes as EU countries have unilaterally adopted various policies to slow the rapid surge of coronavirus on the continent. After the talks, French President Emmanuel Macrons office said he had firmly condemned uncoordinated measures to control internal EU borders, which are not helpful in terms of health and hurt the economy. Several EU countries have closed their frontiers or imposed new health screening controls that slow cross-border freight traffic, despite calls from Brussels for a single European plan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19 By Jeyhun Alakbarov - Trend: The movement of passenger trains from Azerbaijan to Russia has been temporarily suspended, Trend reports with reference to the press service of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC on March 19. According to the press service's information, the decision was made as a part of the agreement of Azerbaijan and Russian Governments' heads about temporary suspension of mutual visits of both the countries citizens in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, from 00:00 (GMT+4) on March 18, 2020. In this regard, the Baku-Kyiv-Baku passenger train route is temporarily suspended from March 21, as well as of the Baku-Moscow-Baku and Baku-Rostov-Baku passenger trains from March 26 until the next special instruction. The Baku-Rostov passenger train will depart last time on March 22. The tickets for this train are sold only to Russian citizens. COVID-19 coronavirus continues rapidly spreading in many countries. The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 9,000. Over 222,000 people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 84,000 people have reportedly recovered. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. Several countries are working on a vaccine against the new virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Already, there are people confused and concerned about the move to quarantine during coronavirus. In Westchester County, New York, one household of eight people was put under quarantine when county nurses came to their house to test them and handed them a mandatory order. When they called a hotline number on the printed order repeatedly, they said they got different answers to their questions every time, with no explanation of why they had been forced to stay home in the first place. By Marcelo Rochabrun (Reuters) - General Motors Co and Mercedes Benz will furlough all employees in Brazil later this month, the companies said on Wednesday, suggesting that production in South America's main auto center will be heavily impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Brazil's automakers had been bracing for a potential breakdown in its parts supply chain from China starting in April that could disrupt production. But neither mentioned supply chain issues in their statement. Automakers are halting production at plants across Europe as they grapple with coronavirus and diving demand. GM said it needed to "align production to market demands." Mercedes, owned by Daimler , said it wanted to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. GM's Chevrolet is Brazil's best-selling car brand and the company's decision could potentially lead other large Brazilian automakers to furlough and halt production. Mercedes is focused on heavy truck production in Brazil, where it is the market leader. A union source representing some of GM's workers in Brazil said they would have liked for the company to furlough workers sooner to protect their health. The source said the furlough would last March 30 through April 12 and workers will be paid in full, in accordance with Brazilian law. Mercedes said its furlough will last from March 25 through April 19 and had already been negotiated with its unions. (Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Lisa Shumaker) By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Thursday refused to entertain the plea of Mukesh Singh, one of the four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, challenging the Delhi High Court order which rejected his claim that he was not in the city when at the time of crime on December 16, 2012. A bench of Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna said the convict has exhausted all his remedies and no fresh evidence can be entertained at this level. The bench said it does not find any merit in the plea and hence it cannot be entertained. "The petitioner has raised points on the merits of the trial, that is there was no consideration of the evidence about the medical status of accused. Has raised doubts about the arrest of the accused from Karoli," the bench said in its order. It said the convict was given every opportunity to raise his points and he was duly heard. ALSO READ | After seven years, my daughter's soul will rest in peace: Nirbhaya's mother "After the petitioner was afforded all opportunities and appeal process, the criminal appeal filed before this court was heard at length." "All points raised by the accused were considered and appeal dismissed. Review petition, considered and dismissed. Therefore, the instant petition is dismissed," the bench said. The petition sought recording of calls, documents and reports by an investigating agency like CBI and to declare that the convict has legal and constitutional rights to approach any court at any time even in the last minute of hanging. Parents of Delhi gangrape victim with their lawyer after Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea of Mukesh Singh, one of the four convicts. (Photo | Anil Shakya, EPS) It also sought a declaration that concealment of documents by the state in the trial is a serious fraud which vitiates a trial being unfair. Mukesh in his petition said that even after his execution, facts in the case must be examined judicially so in the future no "innocent be a victim of the failure of justice under media pressure". "Petitioner is not looking for any adjournment of execution of death warrant and seeking the justice that even after his death truth will survive and justice is done and seen by the world that he was innocent," the plea said. The high court had on Wednesday said there were no grounds to interfere in the detailed and reasoned order of the trial court. ALSO READ | As horrific rapes continue seven years after Nirbhaya, activists blame poor legal framework On Tuesday, the trial court dismissed Mukesh Singh's plea and asked the Bar Council of India to appropriately sensitise his counsel. On March 5, the trial court issued fresh warrants for hanging on March 20 at 5.30 am of all convicts in the case - Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Singh (31). YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Before the start of todays session of the Yerevan City Council, Mayor Hayk Marutyan urged the City Council members to demonstrate high social responsibility during the current state of emergency aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus in Armenia. The Mayor said the speed of the elimination of this disease depends on everyone. I ask everyone to contribute to the improvement of the situation as much as possible. What is required from the state, communities, the Yerevan City Hall, everything is being done. Nothing will be achieved without the participation of a citizen. I ask everyone so that people wear face masks in public places, in stores and public transport, the Mayor said. On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, at 17:00. As of now, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is 115, one patient has recovered. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan He was jailed at Oxford Crown Court for seven months and put under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order Had previously been cautioned by police for using search terms like 'schoolgirl' An Oxford university professor who wrote an essay on the Ethics of Child Pornography while working at the prestigious campus, has today been jailed for accessing indecent images of children. Philosophy lecturer Peter King had previously been cautioned by police for looking up search terms like 'schoolgirl' on his computer, a court heard, but he had claimed he was only doing it as research for his academic paper. The 63-year-old had written an essay titled No Plaything: Ethical issues concerning child-pornography, which was accepted into a prestigious academic journal in 2007, prosecutors said. Philosophy lecturer Peter King had today been jailed for seven months and placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for accessing thousands of indecent images of children A summary of the piece he published 12 years ago reads: 'I look at the question of harm to the children involved, the consumers, and society in general, at the question of blame, and at the possibility of a morally acceptable form of child-pornography.' He had been a lecturer working for Pembroke College, Oxford which suspended King after he admitted making indecent images of children, a judge was told. The college said that it had only been made aware of the charges against King the day before his court appearance where he entered a guilty plea in February. A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Almost 3,000 indecent images of children and more than 300 prohibited images were found on his computer. 'Peter King was found to have accessed a number of websites known for sharing indecent images of children. King, who taught at Oxford University's Pembroke College had previously been cautioned by police for looking up search terms like 'schoolgirl' on his computer 'Analysis of his computer and hard drives showed regular access to indecent sites and his search history included "schoolgirl".' Judge Maria Lamb, sitting at Oxford Crown Court, told King his offending was so serious that the only appropriate punishment would be an immediate custodial term. The judge jailed King for seven months and made him subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Paula Appiah, a Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: 'King held an esteemed position at a prestigious university, but his actions fell far short of the law. 'The law is in place to protect young children and we are dedicated to bringing perpetrators of this crime to justice.' The European Unions chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has tested positive for the coronavirus. Mr Barnier, who has been a key ally of Ireland in the long-running Brexit saga, confirmed he had tested positive for Covid-19 in a video message posted to Twitter on Thursday morning. He said he is doing well and is in good spirits as he now undergoes self-isolation for the next couple of weeks. I would like to inform you that I have tested positive for #COVID19. I am doing well and in good spirits. I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team, he wrote in a tweet posted with the video. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together. Read More The global pandemic has already disrupted Brexit trade negotiations between the EU and the UK this week although the two parties did exchange draft legal texts on their future relationship on Wednesday evening. While negotiations are expected to resume next week they will not take place in person. It is unclear if Mr Barnier will continue to participate given his diagnosis. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted on Wednesday that the UK would not seek an extension to the Brexit transition period despite the disruption caused by the virus. This followed a report by The Telegraph that the UK is preparing to seek a mutually agreed extension to the talks. Having officially left the European Union at the end of January, the UK is currently in a transition phase in the hope of finalising a comprehensive trade deal with the EU before the end of the year. Mr Johnson has been adamant that his country will leave whether or not a trade deal is agreed with the EU. Any extension to the end-of-year deadline must be requested and mutually agreed by June 30. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope cautioned on Thursday that the state could witness a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in April. At present Maharashtra has at least 47 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 disease. "Study shows that fewer cases are found initially but the number suddenly goes up after a couple of weeks. I am concerned about the situation in April when we may witness a spike in number of positive cases," Tope said. "Several special flights are being arranged to bring back Indians stranded in other countries, which may increase the number of coronavirus-infected patients," the minister added. The state government was making every effort to avoid Maharashtra entering 'the third phase' where the virus infection spreads locally (as against among only those who come in contact with travelers from outside), he stated. Asked about whether there should be a complete lock- down (restriction of movement), he said, "We are of the same opinion (it is desirable). But we want people to take necessary precautions voluntarily, including not going to work when it is not needed. "If people still defy this advice, then we will have to lock down the cities, especially Mumbai and other major municipal corporations," Tope said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Instead of being herded into a classroom on Thursday morning as the school bell rang, some WA students stayed at home and logged in online to their new-look virtual lessons. Although WA schools still remain open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 30 per cent of WA students are staying home, and at least one private school has started trialling virtual classrooms. John Septimus Roe Anglican School principal Jason Bartell. Credit:John Septimus Roe Anglican School website. John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School began testing online schooling for its Year 10 students on Thursday in "preparation for the possibility of school closures". Parents and guardians of JSRAC Year 10 students were told on Monday in a letter that the school was trialling its online learning and teaching capabilities to inform the Anglican Schools Commissions response to any potential government decision to close schools for an extended period of time due to coronavirus. SAGINAW, MI With businesses reducing their operations or closing their doors completely and community events postponed or canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some small businesses and entrepreneurs are finding new ways to serve their customers, virtually. For years, the police officers behind Clares Cops & Doughnuts have virtually read stories to classrooms by request, said co-owner Al Bubba White. Now, with all Michigan K-12 schools closed for at least the next few weeks, he and his colleagues are using Facebook Live to reach out to their customers and help keep cooped-up kids entertained. White was upbeat during an interview with MLive/The Saginaw News Wednesday, March 18. Even as schools and some businesses have been ordered to close and restaurants have had to cease dine-in services, his perspective is, "How can we make some good stuff out of this? Three times a week during the current three-week school closure, and perhaps for longer, White and Greg Ryno Rynearson, also a Cops & Doughnuts co-founder, are reaching out to their youngest fans live on Facebook. Their show, Learnin with Bubba & Ryno!" takes place at 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the Cops & Doughnuts - Clare City Bakery Facebook page. We thought it might just be kind of fun to have little lessons that are lighthearted, entertaining, but also learn something, White said. "We put it out that we were going to do it and the response was unbelievable. In their first episode, on Monday, March 16, Bubba and Ryno took viewers behind the scenes at the bakery and showed them how doughnuts are made. The Wednesday, March 18, episode, below, was all about Michigan. We want to gear it to 6- to 10-year-olds, but, you know, even the adults might be able to learn something," White said. Were having a lot of fun with it." White also has a message for adults during this trying time: No matter where you are, support your local businesses right now. Your big chains are going to survive, but your local businesses and restaurants, everything, theyre struggling right now." In this file photo, Kamryn Chasnis, then 13, demonstrates how to create rosettes on a cake and cookies at Cranes L&M Appliance Center in Saginaw. Chasnis has competed in TV cooking shows and owns a business, Kamryns Creations.Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com file Cops & Doughnuts isnt the only baking company using the internet to connect with customers in new ways. Saginaw County teen baker Kamryn Chasnis, who owns a business, teaches cooking classes, and has competed on culinary competitions on TV, is now offering virtual classes. Her virtual class on making hamburger cupcakes Wednesday night sold out. She also has a virtual class on making a honey glaze chicken bake scheduled to take place Thursday evening, March 19. Chasnis is a student herself, but the 15-year-old Heritage High School freshman cannot attend school in person because all Michigan K-12 schools are closed through April 5, per Gov. Gretchen Whitmers order. We were shocked by how many people signed up for the very first virtual class. We didnt know how it was going to go over just because learning from a screen can be hard sometimes, Chasnis said. Shes not sure how long shell continue to offer the virtual classes or when shell be able to teach in person again. Right now, Im just going with the flownobody really knows whats coming," she said. In the meantime, I still get to continue doing what I love and teaching other people. Find Kamryns Creations on Facebook to learn more about these and other virtual cooking classes. PREVENTION TIPS Michigans State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips: What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases: Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.). Its not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. READ MORE: Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus RELATED STORIES: SVSU postpones spring commencement, extends online classes Donate blood in mid-Michigan, but make an appointment first Coronavirus closures devastating for Michigans bars, restaurants ordered to shut down before St. Patricks Day Michigan fitness centers, spas cope with shutdowns: Its really, really challenging Timeline of coronavirus in Michigan: How did we get here? 6 ways Michigan residents can help local businesses during coronavirus outbreak The 2020 Toyota Camry is one of the vehicles available during the Ready Set Go! sales event. Vehicles that are included with this sales event include the 2020 Camry, 2020 Tacoma, 2020 Corolla and the 2020 or 2019 RAV4. Now through March 31, Fox Toyota is hosting a Ready Set Go! sales event on select Toyota models. Vehicles that are included with this sales event include the 2020 Camry, 2020 Tacoma, 2020 Corolla and the 2020 or 2019 RAV4. There are certain trim levels of the models listed above that are included in this sales event for well-qualified customers. There are two offers that are available for both the gas and the hybrid models of the 2020 Camry. The first is 2.9% APR financing for 60 months and the second is $1,250 in customer cash. There is a third incentive that is only available on the LE gas model. It is a lease offer of $239 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing. Likewise, there are also three options for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The first two exclude the TRD Pro model and are 1.9% APR financing for 60 months and the second is $1,500 customer cash. The third option is for the SR 4x4 Double Cab model which is a lease offer of $199 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing. The specials that are available on the 2020 Corolla and the RAV4 are very similar to those listed above. Interested parties that would like to learn more about the Ready Set Go! sales event happening now at Fox Toyota can visit the dealerships website at https://www.foxtoyotaclinton.com/. Individuals that have further questions and that would like to speak with someone from the dealership can do so by calling 865-259-7686. As always, if you wanted to stop in and speak with someone at the dealership, Fox Toyota is conveniently located at 228 Fox Family Lane in Clinton. Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said on Thursday the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is not yet handling the crisis arising out of the coronavirus pandemic effectively and the health infrastructure of the state was in a shambles. Hospitals are in bad shape, medicines are unavailable and poor people have to suffer. The government should get more serious on the pandemic and must not hesitate in seeking help from Opposition parties, Yadav said. The government says it will give some money to daily wagers who are suffering due to the coronavirus outbreak. I would like to know how do the authorities plan to execute it when there is no specific data available on daily wagers. I doubt if there will be another scam in the name of funds allocated for this purpose, he added. Yadav, who addressed a press conference at the SP headquarters in Lucknow, said all pre-scheduled programmes of the Samajwadi Party have been postponed till April 22 and urged workers to use phones and digital means to communicate with one another. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we have decided to postpone our programmes, including our cycle (party symbol) yatra till April 22. Also we would like to appeal to everyone not to go out unless it is very important and use phones and digital means of communication. The number of people infected with novel coronavirus in state reached 19 on Thursday as two more suspects tested positive at the King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. One of the patients is a resident of Lucknow with a travel history to London, while the other person is from the Lakhimpur area. He is said to have returned from a Gulf country recently. Both are undergoing treatment at an isolation ward in KGMU. The Lucknow patients family members were put under home quarantine and their samples sent to a lab for testing. It is now being investigated how many people came in contact with the patient from the Lakhimpur district. On Wednesday, a junior doctor who was part of a medical team involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients at the KGMC tested positive. The doctor, who was working as a non-PG junior resident at the hospitals medicine department, has been shifted to the isolation ward, said hospital spokesperson Dr Sudhir Singh. So far, Lucknow has reported five positive cases. A total of 24 people, who had returned from abroad, were sent to home quarantine from the Lucknow Airport and a stamp of Home Quarantine was put on their hands. Meanwhile, long queues were witnessed in the citys government hospitals, including Lohia Institute, KGMU and Civil Hospital, where people with flu-like symptoms reached to get their samples tested. The hospital administrations are struggling to handle the situation and make people realise that they need not panic. All doctors and support staff at KGMU have been asked to be on standby and their leaves have been cancelled in an attempt to deal with the rush. On Tuesday, all competitive and educational examinations in Uttar Pradesh were cancelled and the closure of educational institutions was extended till April 2 by the government. Senator Lamar Alexander on Wednesday released the following statement after he voted for and the Senate passed, by a vote of 90-8, a second piece of legislation to address the COVID-19 outbreak: We are here not as Democrats and Republicans, but we are here to work together to do whatever we can to address COVID-19. Since the federal government is closing down the country on behalf of all the people -- to contain a disease, were going to have to pay for it. Today, weve passed a bill, which I supported, that encourages more testing and paid leave for businesses with less than 500 employees and paid family sick leave. But, I dont believe what we do today or what we propose to do later this week will be enough, because look at the number of people being laid off in this country, and our state unemployment agencies are not going to be able to deal with that. Take Tennessee, for example, where unemployment has been very low and where people have found it easy to find a job. There were only 2,000 applications for unemployment insurance last week, but already this week by 2 PM Wednesday, there were four times that many applications 9,177 and if youre successful in unemployment compensation in our state, you only get $265 per week for 26 weeks. So were going to have to do even more than weve done, and even more than the president has done. I have significant issues with the paid sick and family leave proposals in the legislation we passed today even though I believe those provisions are well-intended by the Administration and by the House of Representatives because this paid leave plan hurts employers and shortchanges employees. If Washington, D.C., is going to require small businesses, many of which are struggling or going out of business, to pay a new mandate, Washington should pay for it. This is no time to impose an expensive new mandate or unexpected new costs when they dont have the money coming in to pay for the normal costs. So Im afraid, as a result of this, many employers worried about this provision may have an incentive to lay off more of their employees. I would rather Washington work with the states and their existing programs to make sure states have sufficient funding on top of their own funds to deal with the large amount of auto workers, restaurant workers and workers at small businesses. Were going to stay here until we take step three and step three, according to the presidents proposal, would include direct financial payments to Americans. That legislation will need to fix problems to make the paid leave mandate work, improve and further expand COVID-19 testing, increase the availability of medical masks and other protective equipment, and increase the number of health care workers. We also need to allow students to defer payment on their student loans and to keep their Pell grants and give the Education Secretary flexibility to waive federal academic testing and accountability rules. Congress should pass this legislation immediately. I am confident Republicans and Democrats will work together to meet the needs of our nation in this trying time. Click HERE for video for the senators remarks. (Reuters) - Automakers are halting production at plants across Europe as they grapple with a coronavirus and diving demand. Here is a list of their announcements: BMW The German company said on March 18 it was preparing to suspend production at plants in Europe and Rosslyn, South Africa, until April 19, responding to lower demand and to help reduce risk of contagion. The shutdowns will start at the end of the week. FERRARI - Luxury carmaker Ferrari said on March 14 it was closing its two plants until March 27 in response to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy and an emerging shortage of parts. FIAT-CHRYSLER - Fiat Chrysler said on March 16 it was halting production for two weeks at its Italian plants of Melfi, Pomigliano, Cassino, Mirafiori, Grugliasco and Modena as well as Serbia's Kragujevac facilities and Poland's Tychy plant. - The company has again halted operations at its Atessa plant in Italy, citing parts supply disruptions linked to the virus outbreak. FORD - Ford said on March 17 it was temporarily suspending vehicle and engine production at manufacturing sites in continental Europe in response to virus impact. It expects the action from March 19 to continue for a number of weeks. - The Ford vehicle manufacturing sites in Cologne and Saarlouis in Germany, together with the Craiova facility in Romania, will halt production temporarily from March 19, the carmaker said. - Ford said its Valencia assembly and engine facility in Spain temporarily halted production from March 16, after three workers were confirmed with the virus. Only essential work, such as maintenance and security, will continue on-site. - Ford said on March 15 it would shut its Valencia plant in eastern Spain for a week after three employees tested positive. PSA GROUP - French carmaker PSA, which owns the Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall brands, said on March 16 it was closing its European factories until March 27. Story continues - TPSA, a joint venture of PSA and Toyota <7203.T>, said on March 18 it would suspend production in the Czech Republic a week ahead of plan. RENAULT - Renault said on March 16 it was shutting production at industrial facilities in France, affecting 12 sites and 18,000 workers. - Renault said on March 17 it would also close factories in Spain. - Romanian carmaker Dacia, owned by Renault, will stop production at its Mioveni plant until April 5, it said on March 18. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP - Volkswagen said it was suspending production at sites in Europe. Of 124 production sites worldwide, 72 are in Europe, and 28 in Germany. - VW said it was suspending production in Wolfsburg, Emden, Dresden, OsnabrAck, Zwickau, Bratislava, Pamplona, Spain, Palmela and Portugal, as well as at components factories in Braunschweig, Chemnitz, Hannover, Kassel, Salzgitter and its Wolfsburg-based seats plant SITECH. - Volkswagen said on March 17 it would halt production at factories in Spain, Setubal in Portugal, Bratislava in Slovakia and the Lamborghini and Ducati plants in Italy by the end of the week. - Czech brand Skoda said on March 17 it would start shutdowns at domestic plants on March 18. - Audi , Volkswagen's premium unit, said on March 17 it would halt output at plants in Belgium, Germany, Hungary and Mexico. - VW said on March 18 it would halt production at three plants in Poland for at least two weeks. DAIMLER - The owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand on Tuesday said it would suspend most of its production in Europe for two weeks to try to rein in the virus. - "The suspension applies to Daimler's car, van and commercial vehicle plants in Europe and will start this week," the Stuttgart-based carmaker said. - Global supply chains cannot be maintained now to their full extent, it said, adding that the economic impact of the virus on Daimler could not be adequately determined or reliably quantified at this time. NISSAN <7201.T> - Nissan has ceased production at Britain's biggest car factory as it assesses supply chain disruption and the drop in market demand, the Japanese carmaker said on March 17. - The company stopped vehicle production at European plants, it said on March 18. TOYOTA - Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> said it had stopped operations at plants in Britain and Poland from Wednesday, while its Czech site would be halted on Thursday. Operations at its Turkey site would be suspended from Saturday. HONDA - Honda Motor Co <7267.T> said it was temporarily closing its dealerships in Italy. VOLVO CARS - Sweden's Volvo Cars, owned by China's Geely, closed production at its plant in Ghent, Belgium, until further notice, a spokesman said on March 18. JAGUAR LAND ROVER - The British carmaker, owned by Tata Motors , said on March 18 it would suspend production at its plant in Nitra, Slovakia from Friday. CONTINENTAL - The auto supplier said on March 18 it would suspend production at factories in response to lower customer demand and to protect employees. Continental declined to detail where the shutdowns would occur. BOSCH - The auto supplier on March 18 said it was cutting production or suspending work altogether at plants in France, Italy, Spain in response to lower demand, supply chain bottlenecks and to protect employees. HYUNDAI MOTOR <005380.KS> - The South Korean company said on March 19 its Czech plant will suspend production from March 23 to April 3 due to the outbreak. Hyundai's Czech operation, which took up about 12% of global plant sales outside South Korea in January, this month began delivery of the Kona Electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) to European customers. KIA MOTORS <000270.KS> - Kia's Slovakia plant will suspend production from March 23 for two weeks, a spokesman said on March 19. (Compiled by Boleslaw Lasocki and Jagoda Darlak in Gdansk and Edward Taylor and Ilona Wissenbach in Frankfurt; Additional reporting by Joyce Lee in Seoul; Editing by David Evans and Clarence Fernandez) "I couldn't walk away from something like this. I certainly couldn't stand on the sideline and not try to help." Professor Fergus O'Kelly (72) retired two years ago. As a GP, he gave 40 years of service to his patients in Rialto and Dolphin's Barn in Dublin. He battled for the vulnerable then, and he is about to do it again now. He is among 30,000 healthcare workers who have come forward to help the HSE fight the war against the coronavirus. He is in good company. His three children - Mark, Conor, and Siobhan - have all followed him into general practice. They are among an army of medics across Ireland battling to save lives and keep their communities safe. Speaking from his home in Greystones, Dr O'Kelly laughed when asked about his keen sense of duty that has drawn him out of retirement. "No, don't make me sound saint-like. I'm no saint," he said. Read More "I don't want to sound too heavy, but I suppose I can help, so I feel I must. "This is an unprecedented situation - a global medical pandemic. "People, if they can help, should. I certainly couldn't stand on the sidelines and not be involved. "I have always been involved, even since retirement. I'm still active in the education side of things, so I'm very happy to do this. "I'm only one of 30,000 people who came forward and volunteered, which is great." At his age, Professor O'Kelly is in an at-risk group, but he isn't concerned. "I'm in the at-risk age group, but I think people will be respectful of that. "From what I gather, they would see us supporting frontline staff and not being in direct contact with patients. "I'm on my own now. I'm widowed, so I've only myself to worry about it. And I'm not a worrier. Others might worry around me. "That doesn't mean you don't take sensible precautions. "I'm cut off at the moment from my five grandchildren, which I don't like, but my children are insisting on it. They're just protecting me. I understand that." Throughout his career, Professor O'Kelly was a leading figure in the development of family medicine in Ireland. He served as Director of the Trinity College HSE General Practice training programme for 18 years. He is also a past President of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and was a member of the governing board of ICGP from 2014 to 2017. He and his family have served with the HSE for three generations, and he feels the body has been unfairly criticised for its response to the crisis. "I think that's a testament to the way things have been handled, that 30,000 health care workers have volunteered. "It (the containment process) has been rolled out sensitively. I know people wanted more information, but that was more than was appropriate at the time. "You have to bring everyone along with you and do what you can, where you can when you can." Avangrid officials announced Thursday that CEO James Torgerson will retire in June after the Orange-based companys annual shareholders meeting. Torgerson, 67, has led Avangrid since it was formed five years ago through the merger of Iberdrola USA and UIL Holdings. Before that, he served for nine years as president and chief executive officer of UIL Holdings, which was based in New Haven. The company is conducting an internal and external search for Torgersons successor. Jim has successfully led the integration of Avangrid, making the company a leading sustainable energy group in the U.S., said Ignacio Galan, chairman of the board for the energy holding company. His long and successful career is widely recognized by his peers in the industry. Torgerson said that while he has been contemplating retiring for a while, he is fully engaged and committed to leading this organization as we navigate the current challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. We are well prepared and committed to ensuring there is no interruption in service for our customers and taking care of our employees during this uncertain time, he said. Torgerson came to UIL Holdings from a stint as president and chief executive officer of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, one of the nations regional electric grid operators. He presided over a period of dramatic growth for UIL Holdings, taking it from a small, regional energy holding company to what it has become today as Avangrid, a diversified energy company with 3.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across multiple states and one of the largest wind power generators in this country. Avangrid was created after Spanish energy giant Iberdrola acquired UIL Holdings at the end of 2015 in a $3 billion deal. Before that merger came along, Torgerson had tried to expand UIL Holdings by acquiring Philadelphia Gas Works in 2014. But the Philadephia City Council rejected that $1.85 billion deal in October 2014 and the company abandoned the acquisition attempt a few months later. Torgerson served as chairman of the American Gas Association in 2019. He is a current trustee of the Yale New Haven Health System. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com By John Miller EMS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Britain faces a "massive shortage" of ventilators that will be needed to treat critically ill patients suffering from coronavirus, after it failed to invest enough in intensive care equipment, a leading ventilator manufacturer said on Wednesday. "England is very poorly equipped," said Andreas Wieland, chief executive of Hamilton Medical in Switzerland, which says it is the world's largest ventilator maker. "They're going to have a massive shortage, once the virus really arrives there," he told Reuters in an interview. Ventilators, running in the thousands of dollars per unit, are used to help people with respiratory difficulties to breathe. They are high-tech versions of the "iron lungs" that kept people alive into the 1950s during fierce polio epidemics. Worldwide, the devices have become shorthand for the rapid advance of the disease -- and the desperation of officials who fear their stocks are inadequate. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the 3,000 devices in his state where 20 people have died are a fraction of what he'd like to have. "The entire world is trying to buy ventilators," Cuomo said, according to a transcript published on Wednesday, adding he is hoping to tap a U.S. federal government stockpile. Germany's Draegerwerk last week got a government order for 10,000, equal to a typical year's production. Wieland's company in the Swiss Alps has boosted normal production of some 15,000 ventilators annually by 30-40% and now can produce about 80 ventilators daily. He has shifted his 1,400 employees to seven-day work weeks as well as borrowed workers from other companies in the Rhine River valley where his two-year-old ventilator plant is located. Last week, Hamilton Medical shipped 400 ventilators to Italy, whose intensive care units have been overwhelmed by more than 35,000 cases of the rapidly spreading virus and almost 3,000 deaths. Story continues About 50% of those with coronavirus in Italy accepted into intensive care units are dying, compared with typical mortality rates of 12% to 16% in such units. Wieland said a similar outbreak in Britain, now with more than 2,600 cases and about 100 deaths, would swamp the system there, too. "They are not well equipped with ventilators and intensive care stations," he said. "They invested very little, and I think now they will pay the price." UK health minister Matt Hancock has acknowledged the existing stock of 5,000 ventilators is inadequate. "NO NUMBER TOO HIGH" "We think we need many times more than that and we are saying if you produce a ventilator then we will buy it," he said earlier this week. "No number is too high." Wieland said he was in "close contact" with UK medical leaders and aimed to prioritize shipments there soon, though for now Italy was taking precedence. But he also has orders from the United States, Turkey, France and China, where in January he stocked up on components in anticipation of rising demand as the virus spread from its origins in Wuhan. The UK's Intensive Care Society, an organization of medical professionals, did not immediately return emails and phone calls from Reuters seeking comment on the nation's readiness for a possible explosion of coronavirus cases. "We are likely to need more," a National Health Service spokesman told Reuters. "Engineers have already been tasked with developing plans to produce more ventilators in the UK, at speed." Hamilton CEO Wieland is skeptical, however, of the British government's recent call for manufacturers from other industries including Ford, Honda and Rolls Royce to help make equipment including ventilators. "I wish them the best of luck," Wieland said. "I do not believe anything will come of it. These devices are very complex. It takes us four to five years" to develop a new product. (Reporting by John Miller in Ems, Andrew MacAskill in London; Editing by Mark Potter and Chizu Nomiyama) Laois is one of only three Irish counties with no cases diagnosed of Covid-19. Leitrim and Monaghan are the other two counties clear so far. The breakdown is as follows: Counties and number of cases Carlow < = 5 Cavan < = 5 Clare < = 5 Donegal < = 5 Kildare < = 5 Kilkenny < = 5 Longford < = 5 Louth < = 5 Mayo < = 5 Meath < = 5 Offaly < = 5 Roscommon < = 5 Sligo < = 5 Tipperary < = 5 Wexford < = 5 Kerry - 6 Waterford - 7 Westmeath- 7 Wicklow- 9 Galway -12 Limerick - 14 Cork - 48 Dublin - 129 The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland as at midday 18 March. The cases are made up of 29 females and 45 males bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 366. The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the newest patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. To date 2 deaths have been associated with COVID-19 in Ireland. The National Public Health Emergency Team has made available an analysis cases notified up until midnight Monday, 16 March, 2020. Of the 271 cases notified during this period, 40% are male and 59% female, with 23 clusters. To date 42% cases are travel related, 22% associated with community transmission, 17% are as a result of local transmission and 20% remain under investigation. Two thirds of cases are younger than 55 years, with almost one in four cases aged 35 44 years. One in five cases are healthcare workers with 37% of these cases associated with travel. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Cork (48) and Limerick (14). Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said: Again, today we are seeing another increase in case numbers. The importance of social distancing cannot be underestimated. Everyone must play their role. We need to continue maximising our efforts to interrupt new transmission chains and keep clusters under control. Reduce your social contacts to those in your closest family network. Practice social distancing. Stop shaking hands and hugging when you say hello. African countries have been told to prepare for the worst by the head of the World Health Organization (WHO). In all, 16 deaths have been reported: Six in Egypt, six in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso, excluding that of Nigeria. Africa has been the least affected continent, but health experts warn that strained public health systems could become quickly overwhelmed. The head of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is quoted by AFP news agency saying, Africa should wake up in other countries, we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates By Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA and Gillian McGoldrick of LNP | LancasterOnline This story was produced as part of a joint effort between Spotlight PA, LNP Media Group, PennLive, PA Post, and WITF to cover how Pennsylvania state government is responding to the coronavirus. Sign up for Spotlight PAs newsletter. Pennsylvanias lawmakers may be working from home, but theyre still introducing a number of bills to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus. Heres a rundown of what theyve proposed so far. Limiting disaster powers When Gov. Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency on March 6, he was able to claim expansive powers. Rep. Russ Diamond (R., Lebanon) plans to issue a resolution to terminate Wolfs COVID-19 emergency declaration if the need arises. Privacy Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin) is drafting a resolution that would call on the federal government to suspend privacy regulations for people who have tested positive for COVID-19. There should be full disclosure of anyone who came within immediate contact of any contaminated citizen, Mastriano said in a statement, until the COVID-19 crisis passes. Rent Lawmakers are drafting a bill to limit landlords right to evict tenants when a governor declares a state of emergency. The measure, from Rep. Mary Isaacson (D., Philadelphia) and Rep. Summer Lee (D., Allegheny), would provide an exemption from eviction for workers who are unemployed, separated from their employment, or unable to find employment. Schools Sen. Andy Dinniman (D., Chester) and Sen. Scott Martin (R., Lancaster) are drafting a bill that would cancel the state PSSA and Keystone exams for the remainder of this school year. The measure would also require the state Department of Education to waive federal testing requirements. Dinniman is also drafting a measure that would give school districts authority to deliver online instruction until the end of the academic year. Martin has proposed a bill that would require colleges and universities closed because of COVID-19 to refund all fees paid in advance, including room and board. The prorated refund would only apply from the date the institution shuttered through the end of the semester. Sick leave Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D., Philadelphia) and Sen. Larry Farnese (D., Philadelphia) want to require paid sick leave for any workers left out by a federal bill on its way to President Donald Trumps desk, which is limited to workers who need to care for their children. The legislation could leave 19.3 million workers without any sick pay, the Washington Post reported. The state legislation would also require employers to reinstate workers when they return from leave. Small businesses To lessen the impact on small businesses, Sen. Tom Killion (R., Chester) plans to introduce legislation that would direct table game revenue to the Department of Community and Economic Development to create zero-interest loans. Reps. Valerie Gaydos (R., Allegheny) and Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia) also plan to introduce legislation to create low-to-no interest loans to help small businesses survive. The bill will outline two types of loans: one will be short-term funding to meet payroll and overhead expenses; the other will be for long-term resiliency to help businesses recover over time. Student loans A measure by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) would allow a 60-day grace period for repayment of student loans issued by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Taxes and filing Rep. David Rowe (R., Union) and Rep. Frank Ryan (R., Lebanon) are writing a measure that would suspend sales and personal income tax collection until the disaster declaration is lifted. The IRS will keep its tax-filing deadline as April 15, but the U.S. Treasury announced Tuesday it will waive interest and penalties for 90 days after that date. Rep. Joe Ciresi (D., Montgomery) plans to introduce legislation that would apply a 60-day extension for Pennsylvanians to file state income taxes when the state is under a disaster declaration. Voting All Pennsylvanians are now eligible to vote by mail. Rep. Kevin Boyle (D., Philadelphia) wants to encourage that by mailing all voters that kind of ballot ahead of the April 28 primary. Rep. Dan Williams (D., Chester) plans to introduce legislation to allow elections officials to open votes submitted by mail before the polls close. House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster) previously said this is a part of discussions with Gov. Tom Wolf to clean-up a comprehensive voting reform bill passed last year. Workers rights A proposed state Senate bill would support workers while quarantined or in isolation during a public health emergency. Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D., Bucks) said in a memo to his colleagues that Pennsylvania does not have a law that addresses whether an employer can fire a worker under these conditions during a state of emergency. A measure by Rep. Ed Neilson (D., Philadelphia) would provide unemployment compensation for people who have been ordered to quarantine or isolate because of the coronavirus. His bill would not offer extended benefits to people who used paid time off or paid sick days during quarantine or isolation. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA provides its journalism at no cost to newsrooms across the state as a public good to keep our communities informed and thriving. If you value this service, please give a gift today at spotlightpa.org/donate. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: A top functionary of terror group Jamat-Ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), who had visited Bengaluru and Chennai in the past, was arrested with fake Indian documents from Tripura by the states police. Abdul Malik (35) was arrested from a village near the India-Bangladesh border in North Tripura district late Friday evening. The police said they had launched an operation following inputs received from Military Intelligence about his presence in the village. The man, who was arrested from a house, admitted that he was a Bangladeshi citizen and he had settled down in India with fake documents. He confessed that he is a member of the JMB and he had been in constant touch with other members of the outfit in Bangladesh. He said he had been to Bengaluru and Chennai in the past, the police said. Malik was produced in a court which sent him to police custody for seven days. Sleuths of the National Investigation Agency are likely to interrogate him. The National Identity Management(NIMC) has shut down it enrollment centers in 5 states which include Ekiti, Ogun, Katsina, Anambra and Lagos over scare of coronavirus. This was made known in a statement by Kayode Adegoke, the head of corporate communications, NIMC. Statement below: As part of the measures to avert the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has ordered the immediate shut down of all its enrollment centres in Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Katsina and Anambra States. Read Also: Coronavirus: Give Us Some Quarantine Music, Ebuka Tells Wizkid The move becomes necessary to prevent our Staff and applicants from getting more vulnerable to the pandemic. Consequently, all enrollment activities, card collection and other related activities are hereby suspended in the aforementioned States till further notice. The commission, however, regretted any inconvenience caused to Nigerians as a result of the move. Earlier today, 4 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed positive which has caused the Federal government to close down public gatherings/events pending the discovery of a vaccine. Coronavirus has become political. Conservative media has promoted the idea that the disease is a "Coronavirus Impeachment Scam." President Donald Trump has encouraged his supporters to ignore medical experts and has downplayed their recommendations - at least before this week, when he abruptly changed tone. His press secretary has claimed that Democrats are using the virus to "politicize things and scare people." A recent poll shows that more than three out of four Republicans believe the media has exaggerated the risk of the virus. But public health should not be political. In early America, it usually was not. But in 1793, politics and public health mixed, with dangerous consequences. During a massive outbreak of yellow fever in the nation's then-capital city, Philadelphia, members of the earliest parties in the United States took advantage of medical uncertainty to advance partisan agendas. They developed conflicting explanations for the outbreak, and different proposals for how to respond to it. The politicization of this crisis distracted from the treatment of victims and ultimately harmed efforts to prevent the spread of the fever. To many Philadelphians, the 1793 yellow fever epidemic may have seemed like the end of the world. Scores died each day. Tens of thousands of people fled the city. Other people refused to leave their homes, fearing contact with others. Based on the fallacious belief that people of African descent were immune to yellow fever, the city's black community tended to the sick and buried the dead - sometimes more than 100 people a day. By the late summer and early autumn, around 10 to 15 percent of the city's people had died. At the same time, partisanship began to divide Americans for the first time. The emerging Federalist party, led by men such as George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, feared that revolutionary events abroad such as the French and Haitian Revolutions were producing dangerous seeds of anarchy that might spread to the United States. On the other hand, members of the nascent Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, were more sympathetic to the French Revolution, and in some cases to the early stages of the Haitian Revolution. In addition to being the new nation's political capital, Philadelphia was the center of institutional medicine in 18th-century America. Seeking to prevent further spread of the epidemic, the city's physicians developed a few theories of the outbreak's origin. Though many physicians claimed to, no one really understood yellow fever, its transmission or treatment options. One group of doctors believed that the yellow fever outbreak developed as a result of the city's poor sanitary conditions, local swamps or the surrounding climate. The city's Republicans, many of whom despised urban areas and envisioned the United States as a nation of small farmers, generally aligned themselves with this explanation. Another group of physicians, though, blamed outsiders - especially the large numbers of refugees from France or revolutionary Haiti (then called Saint Domingue) - for bringing the yellow fever into the city. Fearful of foreigners, and especially fearful of people coming from France and Haiti, Federalists gravitated toward this "importationist" theory. Some spread a conspiracy theory that the refugees had intentionally caused the outbreak by poisoning the city's wells in advance of an invasion from revolutionary France. Federalists used the pestilence to their political advantage by trying to close the city off from France and the French Caribbean. Neither the Republicans nor the Federalists were entirely correct, though there was merit in each of their theories. In the early 20th century, doctors discovered that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever, and that it is not transmissible between humans. More recently, historian Billy G. Smith has shown that the arrival of a ship called the Hankey likely brought water casks from Saint Domingue containing mosquitoes that spread the epidemic. But these mosquitoes thrived and spread the disease because they were able to breed in local swamps. Political controversy over the yellow fever outbreak did not end with debates over its causes. Philadelphians also disagreed about the proper treatment of the disease. Though doctors proposed many different kinds of cures, there were two main competing schools of thought. Some doctors proposed using stimulants including quinine bark, while others suggested a newer treatment that involved drawing large quantities of blood and administering mercury. Though initially nonpartisan, this dispute over treatment eventually took on political dimensions as the city and its medical community polarized. In part, this was because the city's most eminent proponent of the bloodletting treatment was the doctor Benjamin Rush, who was affiliated with the Republican Party and despised by many Federalists. Rush's politics may have shaped his approach to treatment. Like many of his fellow Republicans, Rush was committed to an egalitarian approach to knowledge. Drawing on long-standing practices in times of emergency, he declared that one didn't need a college education to treat yellow fever by bloodletting, and published do-it-yourself guides for the use of untrained people, critical given the lack of healthy doctors. Federalist critics' politics likewise shaped their view of Rush's plan. They charged that Rush's bloodletting was akin to the bloody scenes taking place in Paris, where the Reign of Terror was underway. Rush himself later remembered, "I ascribe the opposition to my remedies . . . chiefly to an unkind and resentful association of my political principles with my medical character." While many Republican physicians rejected Rush's methods, his prominence contributed to the perception that the use of stimulants was the "Federalist cure," and the use of bloodletting was the "Republican cure." Eventually, this perception took on a life of its own. The idea that there were Federalist and Republican "cures" for yellow fever snowballed from there. Earnest critics of Rush's dangerous treatment, which was more harmful than treatment with stimulants, risked being labeled as anti-Republican partisans. These political associations may have helped to sustain Rush's harmful "cure" longer than it deserved. While some of these "treatments" were more counterproductive than others, none of them was effective. In fact, there remains no cure for yellow fever today, even as medical knowledge has advanced by leaps and bounds. Perhaps for that reason, no expert consensus formed about the outbreak. Doctors and institutions genuinely disagreed on the origins and treatment of the disease. This division allowed partisan politics to consume the yellow fever outbreak, distracting from efforts to understand it and ameliorate the symptoms of the afflicted. Today, there is no such division among doctors. Modern medical professionals understand coronavirus far better than 18th-century doctors understood the yellow fever, and there is a widespread international consensus for preventing and treating it. Yet popular distrust toward expertise, and perhaps a desire to avoid panic in an election year, has created a condition similar to 1793 Philadelphia. The medical community's consensuses surrounding coronavirus have not prevented Americans from politicizing it. Already, according to recent polling, partisans are reacting differently to the virus. Democrats are significantly more likely than Republicans to fear an imminent threat from covid-19. In greater numbers, Democrats are changing travel plans, altering daily habits and taking preventive measures. As with climate change, it seems that coronavirus has become absorbed within the broader landscape of partisan political warfare. But as the Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic suggests, this is ultimately a dangerous distraction. The stakes of deadly disease are too high to rely on partisan sources of knowledge. - - - Jordan E. Taylor is a historian of print and politics in revolutionary America. He teaches history at Smith College. One more person has tested positive for coronavirus in Kodagu on Thursday, taking the tally of confirmed cases in the state to 15. The man has a travel history to Saudi Arabia. "One person has tested positive for #COVID19 in Kodagu today; he has travel history to Saudi Arabia. He is being treated in an isolation hospital. Total number of positive cases reaches 15 in the state," said B Sriramulu, Karnataka Health Minister. A total of 169 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Thursday. Globally, the virus has infected more than 184,000 people and killed more than 7500, as per the data available on the World Health Organisation website. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic Party leader grilled on claiming pro-choice view non-negotiable for Democrats Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The head of the Democratic National Committee was pressed on his past remarks claiming that Democrats had to support abortion, eventually citing the Bible to argue that President Donald Trump does not support those in need. DNC Chair Tom Perez was interviewed on Sunday on the program Axios on HBO regarding comments he made in 2017 saying that supporting abortion was non-negotiable for Democrats. Jonathan Swan asked Perez if that meant Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards should quit the Democratic Party due to his signing a strict anti-abortion bill into law. I respect Governor Edwards, responded Perez, who ultimately disagreed that Edwards had to leave the Party. I profoundly disagree with his position on this issue. Its not only about a womans right to choose whether to have an abortion, its about womens economic empowerment. Swan pressed Perez on the issue, noting that the chair had used the term non-negotiable when discussing the matter of abortion, to which Perez reiterated his disagreement with Edwards on the issue and added, I think I speak for most Democrats in saying that. Swan then quoted prominent Roman Catholic Church leader Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who in response to Perezs 2017 comments had stated that it weakens the democracy millions of Americans cherish when the party that once embraced Catholics now slams the door on us. The DNC chair claimed that most Catholics actually voted Democrat in 2016, then referenced Matthew 25 in arguing that President Donald Trump has abandoned biblical values. Matthew 25 says, you know, when you are hungry, I fed you. When you were naked, I provided you with clothing. When you were an immigrant, I welcomed you, said Perez. I think one of the reasons why so many people are moving away from Donald Trump is that hes abandoned all of those values. He added that he could not understand how people could go to Donald Trump rallies and then they will go to church on Sunday, claiming that Trump has done more to hurt the least of us, among us, than just about any president I can think of. John Hirschauer of the National Review was among those who was critical of Perezs comments during the interview and his usage of the Bible passage in his arguments. The imperative to charity [in Matthew 25] is clearly construed as one that obtains to the individual, an imperative that is not fulfilled merely by voting for a politician who promises to use the threat of force to expropriate the wealth of ones neighbor, wrote Hirschauer. As for Perezs concern for the least of these I can hardly think of a more vulnerable human being in our society than the unborn child that his party supports killing up until the moment of birth. Something Perez might contemplate if he reads the Last Judgment parable through to its end. In April 2017, Perez garnered controversy when he announced that the Party would no longer support any Democratic candidates who identified as pro-life on the abortion issue. "Every Democrat, like every American, should support a woman's right to make her own choices about her body and her health," he stated at the time. "At a time when women's rights are under assault from the White House, the Republican Congress, and in states across the country ... we must speak up for this principle as loudly as ever and with one voice." That July, U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman, contradicted Perez, saying there would be no litmus test on abortion. As we look at candidates across the country, you need to make sure you have candidates that fit the district, that can win in these districts across America, he explained in 2017. More recently, during the Democratic primary season, there has been much debate over how welcoming the Party will be toward pro-life members and their policy views. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, for example, said at a town hall event in Concord, New Hampshire last month that being pro-choice was essential to being a Democrat. By this time in history, I think when we talk about what a Democrat is, I think being pro-choice is an essential part of that, stated Sanders. Around the same time, then candidate U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said that the party should be accepting of pro-life Democrats. I believe we are a big tent party and there are pro-life Democrats and they are part of our party, said Klobuchar, who has a staunch pro-choice voting record in the Senate. I think we need to build a big tent. I think we need to bring people in instead of shutting them out. That also includes independents right here in New Hampshire and moderate Republicans. Bono gave fans a St Patrick's Day treat when he sang a song he wrote an hour previously live on Instagram. The U2 frontman (59) gave a poignant performance of Let Your Love Be Known while sitting at the piano in his Killiney, Co Dublin home. He helped to lift spirits during the coronavirus crisis by dedicating the moving song to medical staff trying to keep everyone safe. "For the Italians who inspired it, for the Irish, for anyone who this St Patrick's day is in a tight spot and still singing," he said. "For the doctors, nurses, carers on the frontline, it's you we're singing to." Postcard Bono launched a raw version of the ballad by calling it "a little postcard from bubblin' Dublin on St Patrick's Day, a little tune made up here about an hour ago. "I think it's called, Let Your Love Be Known. Let's see what you think." With Killiney Bay visible behind him as he sits at his piano he sang: "Yes, there was silence. Yes, there was no people here. Yes, I walked through the streets of Dublin, and no one was near." Fans immediately thanked him, with one Italian saying "grazie" and others calling it "beautiful". Diggers giant JCB has halted production for the first time in its history because of the pandemic. The British company blamed an 'unprecedented' fall in demand. It means the firm's nine manufacturing plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham will remain closed for the rest of this week and all next week, with no decision so far on a longer shutdown. The move was announced hours after car makers BMW, Toyota, Honda and Rolls-Royce suspended production, following Nissan and Vauxhall owner PSA earlier this week. JCB stressed that falling demand was not unique to Britain, saying that customers worldwide were cancelling or delaying orders because of the coronavirus crisis. Digging deep: The firm's nine manufacturing plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham will remain closed It is paying shop floor employees in full during the factory shutdown and said office staff had been told to work from home where possible. Chief executive Graeme Macdonald said: 'These measures are unprecedented in the history of JCB but are absolutely necessary to protect the business.' BMW, with 8,000 staff in Britain is to shut factories across Europe for at least four weeks from Monday, including its Mini factory in Oxford and its plant in Swindon. A third site, in Hams Hall, Warwickshire, is under review. Industry figures said the British car industry was in trouble with only Jaguar Land Rover still operating. Toyota, which employs 3,000, has shut down its factories at Burnaston in Derbyshire and Deeside, North Wales. Rolls-Royce said its Goodwood manufacturing site in West Sussex will close for a fortnight from Monday. Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the UK's car industry was now 'on the precipice and will urgently need extraordinary measures to avoid falling over the edge'. Heres a piece of unsolicited advice to the Prime Minister, his health advisers who provide guidance about the COVID-19 crisis in public and any state premiers and officials dealing with the pandemic take the word scalable and send it where all that toilet paper none of us can locate is supposed to end up. Scalable is a bureaucratic and corporate buzzword that has been used of late to describe favourably or at least that is the intention the measures that governments are applying to slow and eventually stem the spread of the coronavirus. Brendan Murphy has one of the most challenging jobs anyone has filled in postwar Australia. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen If the behaviour of large segments of the community is any guide, it doesnt seem to be working very well. Thats because, to the extent that any of us outside of the policy-making bubble understand it, scalable means changeable, or more specifically will increase. In which case, why would you take much notice of it, especially when theres a panoply of other voices offering advice and instruction on how best we ordinary folks should go about our daily lives in these frightening times? Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 17:07:47|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LUANDA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Angolan government on Wednesday announced a decision to suspend all international flights to and from the country for a period of 15 days, effective Friday. As precautionary measures to curb coronavirus spread, the country also prohibited circulation of people at land borders during the same period, according to a presidential decree. The docking and disembarkation of passenger ships and their crews coming from outside the country in all national ports will be banned over the same period, the decree said. It noted that this measure is not applicable to the docking and disembarkation of cargo ships. And the disembarkation of crews from cargo ships is only allowed for medical assistance and humanitarian reasons. The southern African country has not registered any case of COVID-19 by Wednesday. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 19 By Ilkin Seyfaddini Trend: Five more Uzbek citizens have tested coronavirus-positive, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to 23, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan. According to the ministry, a few more relatives and a number colleagues of the Uzbek woman who returned from France on March 15 were found to be infected. The woman was the first person to test coronavirus-positive in the country. The Ministry of Health later said that her son and daughter also tested coronavirus-positive. The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 9,000. Over 222,000 people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 84,000 people have reportedly recovered. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. Several countries are working on a vaccine against the new virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. --- Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 18:39:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close A security guard checks the body temperature of people before they enter a shopping mall in Kigali, Rwanda, March 20, 2020. Rwandan government has been urging the public to be vigilant on COVID-19 and put in place preparedness and response mechanisms before the first case was reported on March 14. With the development of the situation, the central African country has been increasing the efforts by suspending commercial flights, courts operations, schools and large gatherings. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) by Frank Kanyesigye, Lyu Tianran KIGALI, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Hand alcohol sanitizer was put at the booth of Thomas Habanabakize, a street vendor recharging mobile phones in Kigali's prestigious area Kacyiru. He was reminding a customer who came to buy airtime to clean his hands first before asking for a service. The 37-year-old was careful when recharging the phone for the customer, telling him to keep a distance of at least one meter. "I wash my hands at least 10 times a day with clean water and soap or alcohol-based sanitizer. I have also bought hand gloves and a face mask. I am praying that this helps me not to catch the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)," he told Xinhua. Next to his booth, a motorcycle taxi parking which was once bustling with at least 20 motorcycle taxis parking there at the same time, is now empty. The riders worried about contracting the disease and very few are seen once in a while, said the vendor. Rwandan government has been urging the public to be vigilant on COVID-19 and put in place preparedness and response mechanisms before the first case was reported on March 14. With the development of the situation, the central African country has been increasing the efforts by suspending commercial flights, courts operations, schools and large gatherings. In Kabeza market, about four km away from Rwanda's gateway Kigali International Airport, shop owner Marcelline Mukandutiye put gloves on hands before handing toilet paper and cooking oil to a customer. In the shop, a handful of people who wore face masks and had cleaned hands by alcohol sanitizer on the counter were browsing goods shelves. The 50-year-old was worried that she is at a higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 than young people and maintained vigilance against the disease. She closes shop at 5 p.m. after the COVID-19 outbreak in Rwanda, two hours earlier than before. Mukandutiye expected that Rwandan people observe the government's preventive measures on the COVID-19 outbreak, saying it would help a lot in preventing them from catching the disease. Maintaining personal hygiene such as frequent handwashing with soap, water and alcohol-based sanitizer and avoiding unnecessary physical contact with others will help to mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, Jose Nyamusore, head of Epidemic Surveillance and Response Division at Rwanda Biomedical Center, told Xinhua. "We are educating the population through various media platforms to take appropriate measures and calling toll free number 114 or contacting community health workers in case of COVID-19 symptoms like dry cough, high fever and shortness of breath for immediate medical attention, to avoid contracting the virus," he said. The government is also encouraging the use of cashless transactions like money transfer service, automated teller machines and e-banking services to avoid physical contact among the people. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is in touch with the Indian Consulate in Singapore regarding the evacuation of students stranded in the area to Mumbai, the Chief Minister's office said on Thursday. Thackeray also spoke to the students stranded in Singapore, it added. Further details are awaited. India on Thursday reported 13 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the tally to 169 in the country. According to official data provided by the Ministry of Health, as many as 15 people infected with the virus have been discharged after receiving treatment. No fatality has been reported in the last 24 hours in the country. Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. The virus had first emerged in China's Wuhan city in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Australian-Chinese woman is being deported for breaking quarantine rules in Beijing, local media reported Thursday as China tightens rules for preventing Covid-19 cases from the overseas spread in big cities. Identified as Liang, the woman is said to have flouted home quarantine rules earlier this week after returning from abroad and going out jogging without wearing a mask. According to state-controlled, China Daily newspaper, clips shared on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo on March 16, show the woman ignoring police officers directives to go home after being caught outside without a mask. Liang also lost her job at the German pharmaceutical giant Bayer after the viral videos showed her confronting Beijing police while breaking home quarantine. Instead of staying at home for the two-week observation as required, she was found running outside without wearing a mask, and did not listen and even shouted help when a community staff member tried to persuade her to go home, the newspaper reported, adding that she did not obey until the police arrived and gave her a warning. The Beijing municipal government announced that starting Thursday, all people entering Beijing from overseas were to be transferred to designated quarantine venues for 14 days. They must pay the bills themselves. The directive said that even people who live alone are not allowed to take home quarantine except for some special cases such as minors, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions. The Beijing government said it wont accept such applications for home quarantine from Thursday, the report said. As the first gateway safeguarding the capital, the Beijing Capital International Airport is facing mounting pressure from growing numbers of inbound passengers. Since February 29, 2,417 people with suspicious symptoms have been transferred to medical institutions after being screened by the airport customs, 127 per day on average. The number peaked on Wednesday with 479 people, Beijing authorities were quoted as saying by the local media on Thursday. An editorial in China Daily advocated strict vigilance against a re-seeding of the virus from abroad. [A] single spark can start a prairie fire, it said. The new cases from outside the country highlight the risks that loom at the gate. Beijing recorded 21 new cases of infections from abroad on Wednesday, most people traveling from Spain and Britain. The Beijing infections accounted for the majority of the 34 new imported cases in mainland China. The total number of imported cases in China stood at 189 until Wednesday midnight. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Church of the Highlands continued its third day of hosting drive-through testing for COVID-19 and reached more than 1,000 total tests early Thursday morning. The testing began by 9 a.m. this morning at the churchs main campus on Grants Mill Road. The first day of drive-through testing on Tuesday at the Grandview campus yielded 8 new cases, said Dr. Robert Record, CEO of Christ Health Center. Record said the numbers were reported immediately to the state as they came in. As of Thursday morning the Alabama Department of Public Health reported 68 cases, up from 51 Wednesday afternoon. Both the lab and our team report any positive patients to ADPH immediately, Record said. Thursdays drive-through testing at Church of the Highlands was the most prolific yet, with 798 tested, said Church of the Highlands Associate Pastor Layne Schranz. That brought the total over three days to 1,775, he said. Traffic ran smoother this morning than Wednesday, Record said. They did 347 tests Tuesday and 630 Wednesday. The tests are being administered by the staff of Christ Health Center, a clinic founded by the Church of the Highlands in Woodlawn in 2009, and will be processed by Assurance Scientific Laboratory in Birmingham, which provides the test kits. The testing is being done in tents on the parking lot at the main campus of the church on Grants Mill Road, just off Interstate 459. More than 100 volunteers and medical staff workers are coordinating the effort. Ten staff members from the 100-member staff at Christ Health Center were on site at the church campus, Record said. About 100 volunteers helped, many of them with clinical experience, plus 20 staff members from the Church of the Highlands and three staff members from Assurance Scientific. People are discouraged from coming if they dont have clear symptoms or known exposure. Pre-screening will be done on site. Drive-through testing patients are being billed through their health insurance. Uninsured paid nothing," Schranz said. "If they had insurance they will be billed. Record said Christ Health Center was overwhelmed with a demand for tests last week but had no tests available. Record and Dr. Ty Thomas, anesthesiologist, founder and lab director at Birmingham-based Assurance Scientific Laboratories, began working together on testing Saturday at the companys office which is also just off U.S. 280. By Tuesday, the church set up the testing site at the Grandview campus, then moved it overnight to the Grants Mill campus for Wednesday testing. Testing is expected to continue on a daily basis, with cars being allowed to line up at 6:30 a.m. and testing starting by 9 a.m. For test sites statewide, click here. Resources: Follow our live updates. Find all of our coronavirus stories. A continuously updated vital information post. A free text-messaging service so you can receive the most urgent coronavirus updates on your cellphone. And ask questions. To sign up, subscribe to Alabama Coronavirus Urgent Alerts. A new weekday newsletter is available. You can subscribe here. Also, download our mobile app where you can receive on-the-go notifications. Six people, who had been asked by authorities to home quarantine themselves, were found traveling in Gujarat-bound Saurashtra Express today. These people had been stamped on their palms to mark them for home quarantine as they had recently returned from Singapore. They were deboarded at the Borivali station in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The six passengers had boarded the 8:20 am train from Mumbai Central, their destination was Vadodara. Western Railways has released the seat numbers of the six people, the numbers were -- B-1/43,44 & 45 & in B-2/9, 11& 13. The Deputy Ticket Inspector had informed the station authorities about the six passengers. The incident occurred a day after four Germany- returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands were forced to de-board from Garib Rath Express at Palghar station after their co-passengers raised an alarm. According to the Rajesh Tope, State Minister of Health and Family Welfare Maharashtra, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state has risen to 49. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 166 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in India up till 9:00 am on Thursday. Globally, the number has climbed up to 2,19,032 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 8,953 deaths. Also Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Woman with has travel history to UK tests positive in Chandigarh; tally rises to 170 Also Read: Deadly novel coronavirus can exist in air for hours and for days on surfaces, says study - Pharma Leader Series: Top 26 Asthma & COPD Companies 2020-2030 - Company Overview, Marketed Products, Product Pipeline, Revenues, Forecast LONDON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global asthma & COPD therapies market was valued at $36.21bn in 2018 and is projected to grow to $60.8bn by 2030. How this report will benefit you Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector. In this brand new 177-page report you will receive 100 charts- all unavailable elsewhere. The 177-page Visiongain report provides clear detailed insight into the Top 26 asthma & COPD companies. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market. By ordering and reading our brand-new report today you stay better informed and ready to act. To request sample pages from this report please contact Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.com or refer to our website: https://www.visiongain.com/report/pharma-leader-series-top-26-asthma-copd-companies-2020-2030/download_sampe_div Report Scope Global Asthma & COPD Therapies Market forecasts from 2020-2030 Profiles of the leading 26 asthma & COPD companies: Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Aerocrine (Circassia) ALK-Abello A/S Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AstraZeneca Boehringer Ingelheim Chiesi Farmaceutici Cipla Dimerix GlaxoSmithKline Innoviva Lallemand Pharma International Merck Mereo BioPharma Group plc MundiPharma Novartis Pulmatrix Respiratorius AB Roche Other companies The content of each profile differs, depending on the organization. In general, a profile gives the following information: An overview and analysis of the company A portfolio of the company's marketed product and product pipeline Financial Information Revenue forecast from 2020-2030 Recent developments Future Outlook This report discusses factors that drive and restrain the asthma and COPD market. Key questions answered by this report: How is the Asthma & COPD Companies market evolving? What is driving and restraining the Asthma & COPD Companies market? What are the market shares of each segment of the overall Asthma & COPD Companies market in 2019? What will be the main driver for the overall market from 2019 to 2030? Will leading Asthma & COPD Companies broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual national markets outperform others? Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period? What are the predictions for M&A activity, consolidation for existing players and the potential prospects for new market entrants? How will the industry evolve during the period between 2019 and 2030? To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.com or refer to our website: https://www.visiongain.com/report/pharma-leader-series-top-26-asthma-copd-companies-2020-2030/ Did you know that we also offer a report add-on service? Email sara.peerun@visiongain.com to discuss any customized research needs you may have. Companies covered in the report include: Aerocrine (Circassia) ALK-Abello A/S American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AstraZeneca Boehringer Ingelheim Chiesi Farmaceutici Ciba-Geigy Cipla Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. Dermira Inc. European Medicines Agency (EMA) European Respiratory Society (ERS) GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Glenmark Hikma Innovata plc Innoviva, Inc. Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Lallemand Pharma International Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Merck Monitored Therapeutics, Inc. (MTI) MundiPharma Mylan National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Novartis Pulmatrix Regeneron Roche Sandoz Sanofi Sepracor Inc. Sorrento Sunovion Teva Theravance Biopharma|Mylan Inc. Torii Vectura Group plc Verona Pharma plc To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun onsara.peerun@visiongain.com Related reports: Global Asthma & COPD Therapies Market 2019-2029 The Global Respiratory Inhalers Market 2020-2030 Top 55 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) Market 2020 Top 20 Global Respiratory Inhalers Manufacturers 2019 Global Anti-Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Drugs Market Forecast to 2029 Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce says the coronavirus outbreak will hit Australia's economy harder than the global financial crisis - as he defends laying off 20,000 staff. The national carrier announced on Thursday it will be suspending all international flights and standing down two-thirds of its workforce in the face of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic. 'This is the worst crisis the aviation industry has gone through,' Mr Joyce told ABC's 7.30 program. 'I know for the economy it's probably going to be a lot worse than the GFC. Scroll down for video Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has defended the company's decision to dismiss 20,000 of their 30,000 staff as the COVID-19 outbreak has become the biggest crisis ever to hit the airline industry Qantas announced it will suspend all international flights and standing down two-thirds of its 30,000 workers in the face of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic and to try and future proof the company 'With the government saying Australians shouldn't travel overseas and demand coming in dried up because people don't want to go into quarantine for 14 days.' Mr Joyce defended the decision to stand down 20,000 workers. 'At the end of the day, we're protecting these jobs,' he said. 'We're not making people redundant and we're trying this mechanism to make sure we can get through and survive and they have a job at the end of the day.' Mr Joyce said Qantas was allowing the staff to use up their leave and long service leave. 'Some people have months of leave so will be paid for months,' Mr Joyce said. 'Some people have very little leave and what we are allowing people also to do is take up net four weeks of negative leave. 'We will pay for that and that gives them the next four weeks.' In the 2019 financial year Qantas made $891 million in profit but, like its competitors, has been decimated by the spread of the virus and escalating lockdown measures He told Leigh Sales he had been speaking to Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci about transferring some of Qantas' workers to the supermarket. 'He (Mr Banducci) thinks Qantas employees are ideal employees to have in loading shelves,' Mr Joyce said. The company has also frozen the pay of senior executives and board members. In the 2019 financial year Qantas made $891 million in profit but, like its competitors, has been decimated by the spread of the virus and escalating lockdown measures. CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement 'This is every stakeholder in Qantas sharing the pain in order the company can come out of this strong and the company can survive into the future,' Mr Joyce said. My Joyce also made direct mention of Australian ex-pats overseas who are looking to return home. 'There could be some international operations that will go past the end of March' he said. 'We're just going through those details with the government at the moment.' Sales directly asked Mr Joyce if the domestic fleet was also at risk of being grounded. 'You never say never because it depends on what restrictions are put on people travelling,' Mr Joyce said. Foreigners could be banned from coming to Australia for SIX MONTHS in a move that may cripple the tourism industry - as coronavirus cases rise to 710 and PM says 80% came from abroad From 9pm on Friday night, only Australian residents and citizens will be allowed to enter. Pictured: Scott Morrison (right) and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg today Australia's tourism industry has been dealt another crushing blow with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg warning non-residents could be banned from the country for six months - 'maybe longer'. The drastic move to shut Australia's borders from 9pm on Friday came as local cases surged to over 700, with about 80 per cent of those coming in from overseas. Only Australian permanent residents and citizens will be allowed to enter the country after Friday's deadline. Mr Frydenberg could not confirm how long the ban would be in place, but suggested the borders would be shut for 'six months or more'. The restrictions would only be lifted once it is 'safe to do so' or when there is a vaccine for COVID-19, he told ABC Radio on Thursday night. Speaking to Patricia Karvelas on Thursday afternoon, Mr Frydenberg said it would be 'very hard to avoid' a recession and a lot of people would likely lose their jobs. The treasurer said the coronavirus crisis was keeping him up at night. 'To be honest I don't sleep at night,' he told Karvelas. 'I am up at night worrying about my kids. They are going to school, as they should, and I want them to continue to do so. 'And like every listener, I'm worried about the state of the economy, about people's health. I'm particularly worried about family members and friends who may be older, and about those with particular vulnerabilities.' Bur Mr Frydenberg said 'it's not about me', adding that he has a responsibility to look after the Australian community. 'These are unprecedented times but I know that I can't lose my head, because as the Treasurer of Australia I have a responsibility to help steer the economy through,' he said. 'It's about all 25million Australians pulling together at this difficult time to look after us, and to not whack each other in the mouth at the local supermarket. 'It's about letting them get through their mortgage payments and keep them in a job where it's possible to do so. We all need to hang together at this time.' AUSTRALIA CLOSES ITS BORDERS - SCOTT MORRISON'S FULL STATEMENT Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced tough new border restrictions coming into effect at 9pm on Friday March 20: 'Australia is closing its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents. The entry ban takes effect from 9pm Friday, 20 March 2020, with exemptions only for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, including spouses, legal guardians and dependents. New Zealand citizens who live in Australia as Australian residents are also exempt, as are New Zealanders transiting to New Zealand. Exemptions for Pacific Islanders transiting to their home countries will continue to apply. Australian citizens and permanent residents and those exempt from our entry restrictions will continue to be subject to a strict 14 days self-isolation. Our number one priority is to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives. Our government has taken this unprecedented step because around 80 per cent of coronavirus cases in Australia are people who caught the virus overseas before entering Australia, or people who have had a direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. Our previous travel and entry restrictions have already meant that daily travel to Australia by non-citizens has been reduced to about one third of what it was this time last year. We also strongly urge Australians looking to return home to do so as soon as possible. This follows our upgraded travel advice for all Australians not to travel overseas, at all. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will provide consular advice and assistance, but the capacity for DFAT to provide consular services may be limited by local restrictions on movement, as well as the full scale of the challenges posed by coronavirus. Australians who cannot, or do not want to, return home should follow the advice of local authorities and minimise their risk of coronavirus exposure by self-isolating. The government is in discussions with airlines about the continuance of some international flights for the purpose of bringing Australians home and continuing the movement of goods and freight. These challenges vary and the situation is changing rapidly. Our government will continue to act on the best available information to keep Australians safe.' Advertisement There were more than 700 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia by Thursday afternoon The ban is likely to cause chaos for thousands of temporary residents who live and work in Australia, such as people on skilled work visas. The ban does not apply to direct family members of permanent residents and citizens. Announcing the ban, the Prime Minister said: 'We will be resolving to move to a position where a travel ban will be placed on all non-residents, non-Australian citizens coming to Australia, and that will be in place from 9pm tomorrow evening. 'For Australians, of course, they will be able to return and they will be subject, as they already are, to 14 days of isolation upon arrival back in Australia.' Explaining the move, the Prime Minister said: 'About 80 per cent of the cases we have in Australia are someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas. 'So, the overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported.' Mr Morrison said the world-wide travel ban was an extension of existing bans on people coming from Italy, South Korea, Iran and China. 'Measures we have put in place have obviously put an impact on that and this is a further measure now that that can be further enhanced,' he said. New Zealand has made the same move, also shutting the border to non-residents. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden urged more than 600,000 New Zealanders living in Australia not to go home because that may increase the spread of the virus. Ms Ardern and Mr Morrison consulted each other before agreeing to shut the borders. After Virgin Australia cancelled all international flights, Mr Morrison said national carrier Qantas would continue to repatriate Australians. 'I want to thank Qantas also, who are offering to work with us to make sure they maintain flights from particular parts of the world that can assist Australians to return to Australia and we will be working closely with them, and those Australians who are overseas, we have been encouraging them to return to Australia. A Qantas employee attends to customers at the check in area at Sydney International Airport on Thursday Passengers wait to check-in at the departures hall at the international airport in Sydney on March 18 'Those in remote parts of the world, that can prove challenging but for those in other places, it is our intention to ensure we can maintain flights to enable them to come home as soon as possible.' Mr Morrison also slammed food hoarders for the second time in two days. 'I also want to say to Australians that there are no issues with Australians' food supply. What there is an issue with is the behaviour of Australians at supermarkets. 'Frankly there are some Australians not giving Australia a very good name at the moment with their behaviour. 'I understand they're anxious. But for the next six months we need to work together,' he said. A 24-year-old woman has been tested positive for coronavirus in Raipur, making her the first confirmed case in Chhattisgarh, officials informed on Thursday. The woman, along with her parents, is admitted in an isolation ward at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur. The woman was enrolled in some college in London and had returned home from there via Mumbai airport on March 15. She complained of cold and cough and therefore her sample was collected for testing on March 17. On Wednesday evening , she was tested positive for the infection, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Raipur Dr Karan Peepre told Hindustan Times. The health officials also immediately admitted the patients parents as they had come in contact with the woman. They are currently under observation. The womans parents samples were also sent for testing and reports are awaited, Peepre said, adding that their condition is stable and their health is good. On Wednesday, health officials here had informed that samples of 102 of 114 people who were suspected to have been exposed to Covid-19 have come out negative for infection. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called a meeting of all the senior officials and ministers at CM house on Thursday afternoon to review the preparations to contain coronavirus in the state. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao chairs a high-level committee meeting on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the state assembly complex, in Hyderabad on March 14, 2020. Telangana reported second coronavirus positive case on Saturday w Image Source: IANS Hyderabad, March 19 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Thursday demanded that the Centre immediately stop all international flights to contain the spread of coronavirus. He told reporters here that the Centre should not wait till March 22. "Why March 22, all foreign flights should be stopped immediately," he said. Rao said he would make this demand during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video conference with the Chief Ministers on Friday. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, said the international flights should have been stopped long back. He, however, said special flights could have been arranged to bring back the stranded Indians. The Chief Minister said that countries like Taiwan which took strict measures succeeded in protecting themselves from coronavirus. He said countries like China, Italy and Iran suffered large number of casualties because of their "negligence". Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Rajendra Rathore on Thursday met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi and sought immediate return of Indian students stranded in several countries, including the Philippines, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Jaishankar assured that the government is monitoring the situation. Necessary guidelines have been given to the Indian embassies in this regard, the Rajasthan BJP leaders said in a statement. The External Affairs Minister also said wherever possible, every effort will be made to bring the students to the country and, where it is not possible, they will be taken care of, according to the statement. Rathore said hundreds of Rajasthan students are stranded in the Philippines and are unable to come to India due to the shutdown of air services. Students studying there are scared, their parents are worried and they are asking for help to come to India, he said. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly said the Indian Embassy officials in the Philippines should contact the stranded students and provide all possible help to them. Sikar MP Sumedhanand Saraswati was also present during the meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 10 Hindu and Muslim families were stopping from crossing over to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah check post after India sealed the border with the neighbouring country due to the coronavirus threat. A senior BSF officer said a notification in this regard was received on Wednesday night after which the border was sealed for 14 days. He said no one will be allowed to cross over from either side. Reacting to the development, Pakistani national Lakshmi Devi said, "The governments of India and Pakistan should have informed the public about the sealing of international border well in time." "Now, we are penniless. We want to join our family in Pakistan" she said, adding that they were told about the development on reaching the border check post. Another Pakistani Hindu, Shobraj, said, "I came here from Indore to cross over to Pakistan for further journey to my home in Sindh. I can't afford to stay here since I don't have enough money." "Moreover, our relatives here in India (Indore) and in Sindh are disturbed as we are stuck here," he added. Pakistani national Pawan Kumar, too, expressed worry over the situation. "I am in depression since my visa is going to expire in a couple of days," he said. He added after the expiry of his visa, he was not sure about his fate. Mohammed Bashir said he had a SAARC visa which will expire in a few days. "This happened all of a sudden. I Don't know where I would stay in India till the opening of border," he said. Zara, who had come from Mumbai to go back to Pakistan, was worried about her lodging arrangements. "To my utter surprise, the authorities are not allowing me to cross over to Pakistan as the border has been sealed. I don't know where the Indian Government would make my lodging arrangements." On being contacted, Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Shivdular Singh Dhillon said, "All people who were disallowed to cross over to Pakistan are individuals (private) and the district administration is not responsible to make their lodging arrangement." "Moreover, by claiming that they don't have money, they just want to create a dramatic situation, thinking that the border could be opened to accommodate them," he said. This is ridiculous and its is not possible to open the border for them, he said, adding that "Amritsar is such a place where no one can sleep hungry" as many religious places are there where the community kitchen is run round the clock with free accommodation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have reprised their Shaun of the Dead roles in a bid to urge people to stay at home amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The duo, who played Shaun and Ed in the 2004 zombie flick, took to YouTube on Thursday for a public service announcement where they acted out a parody of the famous scene in which they laid out a plan amid the outbreak of zombies. But hilariously, Simon urged his co-star NOT to go to the Winchester pub, which was in stark contrast to the advice he gave in the film, leading to disaster. Back in character: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have reprised their Shaun of the Dead roles in a bid to urge people to stay at home amid the Coronavirus pandemic (pictured in character) Scene: The duo, who played Shaun and Ed in the 2004 zombie flick, took to YouTube on Thursday for a public service announcement where they acted out a parody of the famous scene in which they laid out a plan amid the outbreak of zombies The funny clip sees Simon, 50, on the phone to Nick, 47, where they outlined their next steps, but instead of facing an onslaught of the undead, in real life, they discussed how they'd deal with the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Simon said: 'Right, call Mum, make sure shes okay. If Phillip has been infected, follow the NHS guidelines to the letter.' Phillip of course was Shaun's step-dad in the movie, played by Bill Nighy, who was unfortunately bitten by one of the deadly zombies. Warning: hilariously, Simon urged his co-star NOT to go to the Winchester pub, which was in stark contrast to the advice he gave in the film, leading to disaster Parody: The funny clip sees Simon, 50, on the phone to Nick, 47, where they outlined their next steps, but instead of facing an onslaught of the undead, in real life, they discussed how they'd deal with the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus The star then warns his pal not to head to his local pub, and in reference to the hit film, added: 'Remember what happened the last time.' He also urged Nick to be aware of those more vulnerable, adding: 'If you can, stay at home, have a cup of tea, and wait for all of this to blow over. 'Above all, don't be a t**t about things, we're all in this together. Don't be selfish, look after each other, give someone a call if you think they might be lonely.' However, he jokingly denied Nick some essential items as when asked if he had any toilet roll, he replied that he was one to his 'last sheet'. The camera the showed him sitting at a table which held a large stash of toilet paper. Plan: Simon said: 'Right, call Mum, make sure shes okay. If Phillip has been infected, follow the NHS guidelines to the letter' The video concluded with a written message urging fans not to panic and reminded everyone that were all in this together, adding a with "love" from Simon and Nick. It comes weeks after Simon revealed that Mission: Impossible 7 producers pulled production of their latest film out of Italy to protect actors and the public from coronavirus. The actor said that Paramount Pictures were 'very cautious' over the spread of the infection near to their location in Venice, and that they were left with no option but to suspend shooting. Stay at home: He also urged Nick to be aware of those more vulnerable, adding: 'If you can, stay at home, have a cup of tea, and wait for all of this to blow over' Speaking on BBC Radio 6, when asked whether he was shooting the franchise's seventh installment, Simon replied: '[We're] not in Venice, that's where I'm supposed to be. 'Paramount were very cautious and sensible I think and pulled the production out of Venice. 'It's a big group of people, we were shooting carnival sequences and it was just unwise to remain so we bugged out. Simon, who plays technical agent Benji Dunn in the series, continued: 'I think it would be indelicate to complain about anything other than the fact that there was a lot of disruption for everyone.' PHOENIX, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the Wallstreet Journal's recent article, "Whether You're Tested for Coronavirus Depends on Where You Live," Linked Enterprises got together with industry experts to provide Mobile Testing/Collection Facilities. These facilities can provide healthcare and emergency response organizations a safe, secure, comfortable place to test for the Coronavirus, collect and store samples. Mobile testing/sample collection facilities for COVID-19 Interior - mobile testing/sample collection facilities for COVID-19 Linked Enterprises modules begin life as shipping containers and are re-purposed into modern yet cost-effective collection stations. They are rugged right off the line, solid steel mobile facilities that we turn into custom state-of-the-art testing/collection facilities. They are a safe, secure, efficient way to get temporary facilities up quickly that can be relocated in hours, or stay put for decades. Working with the Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Linked Enterprises has designed and built Mobile Testing/Sample Collection Facilities for use by medical and emergency services. Included/Specs: Isolated space for testing or treatment Medical grade refrigeration for samples Medical grade freezer for samples that cannot go out the same day Automated electrical, climate control, ventilation, plumbing, and safety features that meet or exceed industry standards. Features/Benefits: Easy to scale up or down as the mission or scope changes. Delivered ready to be dropped, stocked and operational within hours. Facilities when and where you need them. Part of a full facility product line including: Distribution Centers, Mobile Isolation Wards, living quarters, restrooms, hazmat storage, mobile offices, storage rooms, freezers, and more Ready to mobilize. About Linked Enterprises At Linked Enterprises, we work with you to engineer robust, weatherproof shipping containers into customized offices, storage rooms, freezers, living quarters, shower/restroom facilities, vaults, and more. For demanding environments such as laboratories, clean rooms, and hazmat storage, we custom-build and install automated electrical, climate control, ventilation, plumbing, and safety features that meet professional industry standards and local code requirements. We can provide multiple-container solutions to meet any floor plan or accommodate expansion. Your finished facility is delivered in plug-and-play condition no need to assemble components. Linked Enterprises has Architects, Mechanical and Electrical engineers on staff to help assist in any building code interpretations that you may encounter in your build. Linked Enterprises is your partner in building customized facility solutions quickly and cost-effectively, giving you a competitive edge in today's fast-moving business environment. https://linkedenterprises.com Phoenix, Arizona Founded: 2009 Privately Owned Employees: 12, Linked Equipment (sister company): 7 Industry: Construction Product: commercial buildings, affordable housing To learn more about Linked Enterprises, and the services they provide, visit their website: Linked Enterprises , and the product page: Mobile Testing Notes for the editor: For more information, at Linked Enterprises please get in touch with Mark Pike, Founder/President at Linked Enterprises' headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be reached at (602) 314-6020, or by mail at 3454 E Illini St, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Please direct all email enquiries to [email protected] Media Contact: Karl Foust [email protected] 602-314-6020 SOURCE Linked Enterprises The HSE and the IDA are in discussions to procure more ventilators from manufacturers as global demand for the life-saving machines soars in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is not clear how many ventilators Ireland would need if a projected 15,000 Covid-19 cases by months end became a reality here. However, Health Minister Simon Harris has confirmed that the discussions are ongoing with manufacturers. His assurance follows concerns earlier this week about the number of ventilators available here and comes as the US and UK join other Covid-19-hit countries in a scramble for more of the machines. In Germany, which has 25,000 ventilators, the government recently placed an order with a local manufacturer for an additional 10,000 machines. Other countries, however, are not as well-equipped. In Italy, which has 35,000 Covid-19 cases and has had nearly 3,000 deaths, health authorities confirmed a shortage of ventilators and warned other countries to stock up. Earlier this week, respiratory consultant Oisin OConnell urged the Government to protect the countrys stock of ventilators. Dr OConnell said Italy had advised Ireland to increase its stock of ventilators by more than tenfold. Mr Harris confirmed that the IDA and HSE are in discussions with ventilator manufacturers to ensure an adequate supply for hospitals. At present, the HSE has 500 ventilators and 1,000 respiratory machines, Mr Harris told RTE radio. He added that the Government will procure a further 300 ventilators and between 80-90 machines per week thereafter. It will also look to avail of 164 ventilation rooms in private-hospital facilities. We are also in very active talks with companies in Ireland, large companies who produce a lot of ventilators and generally export them, said Mr Harris. We need those ventilators. Companies based in Ireland making ventilators, we need them to make them available. The news comes as medical device company Medtronic, which has facilities in Galway and Athlone, announced plans to more than double its manufacturing capacity in a bid to meet the global demand for ventilators. Around half of the ventilators manufactured in the world are made in Ireland, mainly by Medtronic, according to IDA Ireland. The company currently has 250 staff in its ventilator-manufacturing facility and plans to more than double that number by transferring existing staff from other sites and by hiring additional staff to scale up the production around the clock. The company said it has already increased production by 40% and is on course to more than double its capacity to manufacture and supply the machines. While demand is outstripping supply globally, Medtronic said it would prioritise supplying high-risk/high needs areas on a weekly basis. [snippet1]987600[/snippet1] Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:36:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- In the two recent State Council executive meetings, keeping employment stable has been noted as a priority amid China's efforts to promote balanced advancement in the prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic and economic and social development. The epidemic outbreak, which led to outbound restrictions and disrupted business, has exerted a downward economic pressure as the latest data on industrial output, retail sales and investment showed across-the-board contraction in the first two months. A total of 1.08 million new urban jobs were created in the first two months this year. The surveyed urban unemployment rate in February stood at 6.2 percent, up by one percentage point from January, according to the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. To cushion the impact of the epidemic and promote the overall stability of employment of the year, China has outlined multi-pronged measures to support resumption of work, facilitate recruitment of key groups and revive labor demands by creating new forms of industry and new occupations. RESUMPTION WITHOUT BARRIERS It was stressed at the State Council executive meeting on Tuesday that unreasonable restrictions that hinder the resumption of work should be lifted to enable more people to return to work and resume their income at the earliest possible time, as the epidemic situation continues to ease. China has restored normal traffic order in most areas, as 1,117 of the 1,119 closed expressway entrances and exits across the country have re-opened as of last Saturday. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vulnerable during the outbreak but contribute more than 80 percent of the job opportunities in China, have been provided with an array of policies to ease their cash strain, such as temporary exemption of social insurance payments, deferral of the collection of housing provident funds and low-interest lending offers. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also encouraged leading enterprises to give a hand to SMEs to fast-track work resumption across the industrial chain. "It is vital to break all the barriers holding back work and production resumption, and further strengthen the main responsibility of local governments to avoid over-restriction," said Chang Tiewei, deputy director of the Employment Department of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Over 90 percent of the major industrial enterprises in China's provincial-level regions, except for certain areas including Hubei, have resumed work and production thanks to region-specific restoration measures, said the NDRC on Tuesday. RECRUITMENT OF KEY GROUPS The meeting on Tuesday also urged more market-oriented approaches to facilitate employment and entrepreneurship for key groups of labor such as college graduates and migrant workers. As the number of the college graduates is expected to hit a record 8.74 million this year, the Ministry of Education and other departments have announced measures to ease the pressure, including launching an online campus recruitment service and expanding the enrollment of master's degree students. "Online recruitment has saved me time and economic cost, and I do not feel as nervous as I would in an on-site interview," said Wang Jiajia, a master's degree student from the Shandong University. According to Zhaopin.com, the country's leading human resources service provider, more than 50,000 enterprises have participated in online campus recruitment through the platform as of Sunday, offering 200,000 jobs. Over 450,000 students have submitted 1.7 million resumes. Buses, high-speed trains and planes have been arranged to help rural migrant workers return to work and alleviate labor shortages in some areas. About 100 million migrant workers have gone back to work, accounting for 80 percent of those returning to their hometowns before the Spring Festival, said Li Zhong, vice minister of human resources and social security on Thursday. Meanwhile, the ministry is planning to launch a 100-day free online vocational training camp from late March to the end of June for various job seekers. The training camp will select at least 50 online training platforms nationwide covering more than 100 occupations to provide training to over 5 million people. Large-scale and effective skill training will enormously enhance the skills of the rural migrant workers, adapting them to the economic transformation and industry upgrading, said Yang Zhiming, chairman of the Chinese Association of Labor Science. REVIVE DEMAND WITH NEW DRIVERS Tuesday's meeting also called for intensifying support for Internet Plus and the platform economy to cultivate new forms of industry in the digital economy and create new jobs and professions. Obstacles must be eliminated to facilitate diverse forms of business start-ups and flexible employment. Many Internet firms are adding new staff to cope with business surges amid the epidemic. Yuanfudao, a Beijing-based online tutoring platform, has launched its new spring recruitment plan with over 10,000 job posts ranging from teachers to programmers. The Beijing Business Incubation Association has launched an initiative with 86 incubators in the city, which can accommodate about 6,000 small and micro-sized enterprises. The association said those incubators will provide professional services for settled businesses in early investment and entrepreneurship mentoring and also open up incubation service resources and channels, among other moves. "Entrepreneurship can create doubled job opportunities. It is the moment to expand employment by encouraging start-ups as the epidemic happens," said Lai Desheng, professor from the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. China has given official recognition of 16 new professions earlier this month, mostly in emerging industries and service sectors such as artificial intelligence trainers and virtual reality technicians. The release is expected to boost the development of related industries, increase employment and strengthen vocational education and training. Enditem Mumbai, March 19 : Acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao, who has completed a decade in the Hindi film industry, says it has always been his endeavour to be part of inspiring cinema. Rajkummar made his Bollywood debut with filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee's "Love Sex Aur Dhokha". He was then seen in films like "Kai Po Che!", "Shahid", "Queen", "CityLights", "Aligarh" and "Trapped". The actor was last seen on screen in "Judgementall Hai Kya" About clocking ten years, Rajkummar said: "I am glad that in the course of my decade-long journey, I had the honour of working with some of the best minds in the Hindi film industry. It had always been my endeavour to be part of inspiring cinema." The 35-year-old star said that he is "very happy that for ten years filmmakers trusted me with their vision and placed their bets on my humble talents. I cannot thank them and the viewers enough." Now, Rajkummar has an exciting slate of work coming up. It includes "Ludo", "Roohi Afzana", the Netflix adaptation of "The White Tiger", "Chhalaang", "Badhaai Do" and "Chupke Chupke". -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Cambodia has announced that it will start rejecting Vietnamese at the border this week amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The rejection will take effect from 11:59 pm on March 20, the kingdom said in a notice dated March 18 to the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh. Entry by Vietnamese nationals into Cambodia and Cambodian nationals into Vietnam by land, waterway, and air will be temporarily suspended, the notice says. This measure is primarily [to] avert the inconvenience of quarantine requirements for both Vietnamese and Cambodian nationals who travel to Vietnam from Cambodia. The measure does not apply to Vietnamese and Cambodian holders of diplomatic and official passports, the notice notes. The Cambodian side expressed its hope that authories in the two countries will work together to facilitate and ensure the transport of goods across their border will not be disrupted. Cambodia requests that Vietnam help with the repatriation of Cambodian nationals, if any, placed under quarantine in Vietnam over COVID-19 concerns. Vietnam has suspended its visa issuance to all foreigners since Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday, adding that the suspension will last for 30 days. All people entering Vietnam must undergo medical checks and follow epidemic preventive measures as required, according to government regulations. All the above measures do not apply to those entering Vietnam for diplomatic and official duties. Aside from arrivals that are already subject to isolation, people arriving from the U.S., European countries, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will also be required to stay in quarantine camps for 14 days the incubation period of the novel coronavirus. Vietnam has confirmed 76 COVID-19 cases so far, with 16 having fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 19:18:49|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BRUSSELS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that the European Union is grateful for China's support,shortly after a phone conversation with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. In a speech videotaped in English, French and German, Von der Leyen said both she and Li agreed "the fight against coronavirus is a global one and that we need to support each other in times of need." She said that China has not forgotten about the EU's help in January when the Asian country was at the center of the coronavirus outbreak; now Europe is the center of the pandemic and in need of protective supplies. "We are ramping up our production. We're converting new production lines, but this needs several weeks," she said. In the phone conversation with von der Leyen, Li said China stands firmly with Europe, supports its anti-epidemic efforts, and will facilitate the procurement of medical supplies through commercial channels. As of Wednesday, Europe reported 74,760 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3,352 related deaths, according to a World Health Organization daily report. Daniel Dae Kim is speaking out about having COVID-19. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images) "I guess it's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as Tom Hanks and Idris Elba two of my favorite actors. I think I'm in some pretty good company." That's what actor Daniel Dae Kim said Thursday in a video announcing that he was diagnosed the day before with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. He posted the 10-minute video, which describes his path to diagnosis step by step, on Instagram. "I wanted to share my journey with you in the hopes that you find it informative or helpful. Hope you all stay safe, calm, and above all, healthy," the 51-year-old wrote in the caption. In the video, Kim laid it out: The "Hawaii Five-O" alum was filming a guest role on "New Amsterdam" in New York City, where coincidentally he was playing a doctor summoned to help amid a flu pandemic. When production shut down a week ago, he hopped a flight back home to Hawaii to be with his family. "As the flight was close to landing, I started noticing some scratchiness in my throat, which is unlike how I usually get sick," the actor said. He called his doctor, who told him to monitor his symptoms. Kim self-isolated in a room at home. Later that night, he noticed a tightness in his chest. He had body aches and his temperature had started to rise. His doctor advised him to get tested, which he did at a drive-through testing operation that had just opened up in Honolulu. No celebrity treatment involved. He also noted that he never had to go to a hospital or into a doctor's office for care. The test, which involves getting a swab stuck up the nose and down into the throat, was "really awkward and a little painful," but it was worth it, the actor said. Kim started to feel better the day after he got the test done, and even better the day after that. Now he's "not 100%," but he's getting closer. Thankfully for him, he said, getting sick didn't turn into a matter of life and death. One of his thank yous was a shoutout to caregivers, delivery drivers, grocery workers and the like, calling them the glue that's keeping us all together. Story continues "Though I had no way of knowing and I was trying to be as careful as I could, I feel terrible thinking that I could have given this to anyone, let alone people I value enough to spend time with. And that includes the cast and crew of 'New Amsterdam,'" Kim said, noting that the studio was taking the situation very seriously and making sure that those who were exposed are aware and getting proper care. The Korean American actor had another observation as well. "Yes, I'm Asian, and yes, I have coronavirus, but I did not get it from China," he said, alluding to the president and others who are calling the disease the Chinese coronavirus. "I got it in America, in New York City. ... I don't consider the place where it's from as important as the people who are sick and dying." The name-calling, Kim said, gets us nowhere. WASHINGTON, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today joined the National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19, a broad coalition of 34 American Muslim organizations, in releasing a joint statement strongly recommending that Muslims in North America make every effort to support self-quarantine and social distancing as advised by local, regional, state, and national public health or government authorities. The National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19 is one of the largest American Muslim coalitions in recent times and is comprised of Muslim health professionals and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), relief, charity, civil rights, and advocacy organizations. READ IN FULL: National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19 - Health Safety Advisory Regarding the Global Coronavirus Pandemic https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/National-Muslim-Task-Force-Statement-on-COVID19.pdf The Task Force advisory urges Muslim congregants to avoid all public gatherings to protect themselves, their families and communities. It states that mosques, community centers, schools and other public centers immediately suspend all non-essential gatherings until further notice. It makes the following recommendations: 1. Muslims in North America should follow local guidance and make every effort to support self-quarantine and social distancing. 2. Muslim community centers and places of worship should suspend all social and educational events and gatherings. Doing so is in line with important Islamic principles such as "avoiding harm takes precedence over acquiring benefit." 3. Concerning religious counseling and similar services, we recommend mosques and community centers implement online and telephonic platforms immediately. In this time of difficulty, the community will be relying on their faith leaders for advice, support, and guidance. Moving these services to virtual platforms fulfills a communal need while limiting the possibility of harms occurring from the lack of social distancing. 4. Concerning congregational prayers, despite some areas of scholarly disagreement, there are areas of clear agreement among religious leaders and public health experts. Muslims are encouraged to reach out to religious councils for specific religious guidance. The advisory also includes additional resources that answer questions about COVID-19, social distancing, how to prevent spread of the virus, taking care of yourself, and more. The National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19 is presently comprised of 34 Muslim civil society organizations and includes the following organizations: American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP) The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) (FCNA) Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) (IMANA) Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) (ISNA) The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) (AMP) American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) CelebrateMercy Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Darul Qasim Emgage The Family & Youth Institute Imamia Medics International Initiative on Islam and Medicine (II&M), University of Chicago Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) (ICNA) Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) (IRUSA) Ma'rifa Conference Mercy Without Limits Mosque Cares (Ministry of W. Deen Mohammad ) ) Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) (MANA) Muslim American Society (MAS) Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC) Muslim Caucus Education Collective (MCEC) Muslim Mental Health Lab, Stanford University Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Muslim Wellness Foundation (MWF) National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) North American Imams Federation (NAIF) Penny Appeal USA (PA USA) (PA USA) SWISS Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) United Mission for Relief & Development (UMR) Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) Zaman International NEXT STEPS: Visit http://www.imana.org/covid-19 for additional resources or email [email protected] with any questions or concerns. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. La mision de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen, [email protected] SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Related Links http://www.cair.com Mumbai: Six Singapore-returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands were de-boarded from the Gujarat-bound Saurashtra Express at Borivali station in Mumbai on Thursday morning, an official said. The six passengers were travelling to Vadodara from Mumbai Central, a spokesperson of the Western Railway said. The incident occurred a day after four Germany- returned passengers with 'home quarantine' stamp on their hands were forced to de-board from Garib Rath Express at Palghar station after their co-passengers raised an alarm. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics NORWALK Norwalk Hospital has joined a growing list of medical centers offering drive-thru coronavirus testing. The hospital received approval from the state Department of Public Health to open a drive-thru collection site near the hospital at a parking lot at the intersection of Stevens Street and Elmcrest Terrace. We established the collection sites to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 at our medical practices and hospitals, and to the residents in our communities, said Amy Forni, spokesperson for Nuvance Health, which owns Norwalk and Danbury hospitals. All patients require a physicians order to take the test. Once patients have an order, physicians will give the patients a number to set up an appointment. All tests require an appointment. When arriving at an appointment, all patients must have a government-issued ID, an insurance card (if you have one) and a prescription for the COVID-19 test. There will only be two patients permitted per car. Its important for you to stay in your vehicle, the Nuvance Health website said. All testing will be done from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. At the site, officials will collect a sample from patients, which will then be tested off-site. Results will not be immediately available. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Norwalk and Danbury hospitals have also decided to postpone all nonessential surgeries, Forni said Thursday. Effective Thursday, the hospitals have also banned visitors from their facilities, with a few exceptions. People in active labor are permitted one visitor; parents of children in the newborn intensive care unit patients are allowed; and visitors may be allowed to visit for other extenuating circumstances. As we navigate the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreaks in our communities, our clinical decisions are guided by what is best for our patients and their families, our staff members and our communities, Forni said in a news release on Thursday. A heroic couple who dress up as Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen to visit sick children in hospitals around the world have vowed to keep spreading hope to young kids during coronavirus lockdowns. Ricky Mena, 36, from Pittsburg, California, has been dressing up as the Marvel hero to visit hospitalized children since 2014, and his wife Kendall, 25, started joining him in 2018, and between the two of them they have brought joy to more than 16,000 young patients. But in recent weeks, the couple have seen all of their planned visits being canceled or postponed as hospitals have gone into lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic - forcing the superhero couple to come up with different options - including video chats with the children. Caring: A couple from California who dress up as Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen to visit sick kids in hospital have revealed how they're bringing joy to children amid coronavirus lockdowns Heroic: Ricky Mena, 36, first came up with the idea in June 2014, when he was struggling financially and living on a friend's couch. His wife Kendall joined his visits in 2018 Important: After deciding to found his charity Heart of a Hero, Ricky sold his car and used the money to buy a $1,400 Spider-Man suit, as well as some toys for children Pushing ahead: The couple say that all of their upcoming visits have been canceled because of COVID-19 fears, so they are now offering video calls instead Ricky, who is the CEO of Heart of a Hero, set up the company nearly six years ago - when he was struggling financially and sleeping on a friend's couch temporarily while trying to get back on his feet. One night, he had a dream about his deceased grandmother, Alice Brooks, who appeared to him and played a video of Spider-Man visiting children in the hospital and she told him that's what he should be doing. Once he woke up, he decided to do just that. With only $300 to his name, he sold his car and used the money to buy a $1,400 Spider-Man suit, which arrived in October of that year, and a small pile of toys. At first, Ricky was turned down by hospitals, so he decided to work with special needs and autistic children locally at schools. Word travelled fast about his good deeds and the positive impact he had on these children, so soon enough he was being asked to visit children at hospitals. He set up his business Heart of a Hero and many people began fundraising for the organization. In January 2018, he met his now wife, Kendall, 25, who he married just four months into their relationship. She was fascinated by his idea and wanted to join him as 'Spider-Gwen'. He and his wife have since visited over 16,000 children around the globe, as well as 22 US states; California, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and West Virginia. The children are either terminally ill, homeless, bullied or disabled. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Ricky admits that his work has been massively affected as hospitals are no longer allowing special guests to visit the children. However, he and his wife are determined to keep their mission going and putting a smile on each of the children's faces despite the coronavirus pandemic, by offering video chats to the kids they would normally see in person. 'The decision to dress as Spider-Man came to me in a dream where my deceased grandmother came to me, showed me a movie of Spider-Man visiting children in the hospital, and told me it was me and that's what I should do,' Ricky said. Brightening their days: 'Since 2014 we've seen over 16,000 kids all over the United States and have been as far as London, UK,' Ricky revealed Working hard: 'We offer the children tons of toys specific to their likes, joke, laugh, take pictures, and make sure they know they've made a friend for life and aren't alone,' he added Message: Ricky says that he came up with the idea for Heart of a Hero after dreaming that his late grandmother, Alice Brooks, played him a video of Spider-Man visiting hospitals 'I actually followed through with it because I felt it was a call to do something greater. A higher calling that was bigger than myself. I saw a world filled with hurting children and thought I'd try my hand at helping as best I could. 'With only $300 to my name and feeling like this was more than a dream, I sold my car and used that money to buy a much less expensive car to get around in, the first Spider-Man suit, and a small pile of toys. 'It took me a little over two months to get the custom-fitted suit. When I got it, every hospital said no, so I began working with special needs and autistic children locally, at schools, at spectrum centers, and at home. 'Word traveled fast and before I knew it, I was being asked to visit children in hospitals. I started the official non-profit known as 'Heart of a Hero' to house it all because people began sending me money to reach more children. 'I was doing this with the help of a few friends for about four years until I met my wife and she began suiting up with me in 2018. 'Since 2014 we've seen over 16,000 kids all over the United States and have been as far as London, UK. 'Some are in hospitals, private homes, in hospice care, and others are in schools, shelters, day cares, or foster homes, but these children come from all different backgrounds, cultural and religious beliefs. 'I've seen children from the heart of poverty-stricken areas, and I've seen children of wealthy mothers and fathers. 'The contrast and differences between who we see changes daily; for example, one day I was surrounded by the Latin culture at Miami children in Florida and the next I was standing in a London hospital greeting children who are battling cancer with their mother wearing a full Burka. 'Every child is unique and every situation different but our mission to leave love on the table stays the same. 'There really are no "typical" days as Spider-Man. This work keeps you on your toes and you must be flexible, but we routinely make contact with children and introduce ourselves with friendly conversation. Helping hand: He says that his grandmother told him in the dream that visiting kids in hospital is what he should be doing New normal: Ricky says that with the current climate regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) he has had to limit his visits in the form of video chats Determined: He is also sending care packages to children whose parents are happy to receive them, in the hopes of still bringing some joy to their lives Devastating: Ricky has also attended children's funerals, and has held patients' hands as they have passed away 'We offer the children tons of toys specific to their likes, joke, laugh, take pictures, and make sure they know they've made a friend for life and aren't alone. 'I've read to children, of course I have played games before, and I've also held children as they passed away to not only comfort them, but their parents as well. 'The call to be Spider-Man means to bring joy, peace, and inspiration, but what I must do to answer that call changes with every single visit.' Ricky says that his job as Spider-Man for these children means constantly traveling around the globe, but with the current climate regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) he has had to limit his visits in the form of video chat, but insists that he must keep his mission going. 'This is a full-time job. After the first three and a half years, I've had to limit myself to around forty hours a week because this work became the only part of my life and that wasn't good for my mental state,' he said. 'In a seven-day-week these days, we spend about three to four days in the suit making the visits happen. 'The other days of the week we are planning the visits, traveling to and from visit locations, and doing tons of admin work like setting up fundraisers, updating our social media daily, calling hospitals and facilities we haven't visited to possibly visit children there, answering emails. 'The coronavirus has affected us greatly because all of the hospitals and all other facilities medically caring for children have momentarily halted all special visitors from being able to visit. 'Nearly everything this month has been rescheduled or postponed, but we are determined to keep our mission going and have been offering video chats to children we would normally see in person. 'Needless-to-say, we've been busy with video chats and the kids love it. We also send out care packages filled with toys if parents permit. Special touch: 'Kendall carries the same mission and role as Spider-Man does and it's been amazing watching her reach kids on a different level as a female superhero,' Ricky said Looking ahead: The couple hopes to expand Heart of a Hero so that the charity can reach more children around the world Family life: Ricky and Kendall don't have their own children, but say that they would love to start a family one day 'Our suits already cover one hundred per cent of our bodies and face, but we've taken extra protective measures by wearing medical masks under our Spidey masks. 'To us, it's more about ensuring the safety of the children we visit rather than ourselves and the best way to do that is to protect ourselves as well by taking precautions (and even extra precautions) to disinfect our suits, wash our hands, sometimes keep distance, and even reschedule visits if possible. 'My wife's role as Spider-Gwen was introduced shortly after we were married about a year ago. After witnessing what I was doing, she asked to be a part of it and after starting by helping hand out toys and taking pictures behind the camera, it turned into her actually suiting up as Spider-Gwen once she was ready. 'She carries the same mission and role as Spider-Man does and it's been amazing watching her reach children on a different level as a female superhero than I can. It's empowering for everyone, but especially the little girls we meet. 'Children react in different ways but 99 per cent of the time, it's excitement. Sometimes children cry and hug us almost as if they've waited so long to see us. 'The future goal is to expand Heart of a Hero. Have more heroes in more places, but one big goal I have is to be able to help pay off debts these parents incur while attempting to save their children's lives. 'My wife and I have no children of our own, but we hope to in the future once we build a better financial stability around our lifestyle of giving. 'Giving back takes an important role in our society and always has. There will always be those in need and it's our duty as well-bodied individuals to assist who we can. 'It doesn't always have to be to the extremes my wife and I have taken it, but it's good to remember, a little goes a long way. 'I may not be wealthy and sometimes we struggle financially, but through giving, my heart is so full, and I am beyond rich in ways that actually matter; even in this world.' AUTO LAB TALK RADIO FROM NYC, Saturday March 21, 2020; WNYM Radio AM 970 7-9 AM Auto Lab Talk Radio on New York City's WNYM Radio AM 970 Is Streamed Worldwide On TheAutoChannel.Com This a a Prerecorded Best Of Auto Lab - No Calls Please Auto Lab is also about the automotive industry, its history, and its culture, presenting the ideas and advice of leading college faculty, authors, and automotive practitioners in a relaxed, conversational interactive format. Listeners can find audio recordings of the past 20 years of archived Auto Lab shows as simulcast on The Auto Channel; The Auto Lab Index Page includes; Audio-on-Demand Archives, Community College Auto Program Database, Guests Pictures This Weeks Show: March 21, 2020 In Studio Expert Automotive Panel Harold Bendell - Major World Tim Cacace - Master Mechanix David Goldsmith - Urban Classics Jerry Pastore- D & J Diagnostics Johanna Pastore-D & J Diagnostics Joanne Porcelli Esq. Michael Porcelli- Bronx Community College's Automotive Technology Nicholas Prague, MTA Auto Lab Journalist Reports Russ Rader Senior Vice President Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: "ARE EUROPEAN SAFETY TESTS REALLY AHEAD OF WHERE WE ARE IN THE UNITED STATES" Robert Sinclair AAA NORTHEAST "NEW LIFESAVING LAW PASSED BY LEGISLATURE" Travel bans were never an issue or concern until a certain orange man took up residence in the White House. Congress has the Constitutional authority, To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. The executive branch is then tasked with carrying out these rules. For Americas first hundred years, Congress did not place limits on immigration. In the 20th century, immigrants entered and were processed through Ellis Island and similar processing points. Congress in 1917 approved a literacy test for immigrants. The Immigration Act of 1924 established quotas based on nationality. This ended with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which prioritized immigrants with family members already in the US and political refugees. Since then, illegal immigration and its consequences have grown exponentially with no real effort by elected officials of either party to say enough is enough. That ended in June 2015 when a brash real estate mogul and television reality host rode down the escalator in his namesake building and told a shocked world that he would build a wall on our southern border and make Mexico pay for it. When the laughter died down, he was no longer a joke of a candidate, but the duly elected President of the United States because American voters said enough is enough. Trumps 2017 travel bans barred entry to citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad, and North Korea over security concerns. These countries were unable to adequately vet those entering America. It was not a Muslim ban as the media claimed, as North Korea is certainly not Muslim and other Muslim countries, like the Gulf States or Indonesia, were not included. In the age of terrorism, the President wanted to try to limit bad players from entering the US, shooting up nightclubs or schools. Or worse. The New York Times asked, Will it make Americans safer? The answer, as best as anyone can tell based on publicly available information, is no. Instead this was, The latest gambit in a cynical, unceasing effort by an embattled president to inflame public fears and woo the xenophobes in his base. The rest of the media and Democrat Party echoed the sentiment, calling Trump and his supporters xenophobic racists. World leaders, reading the NY Times along with their morning cappuccino, agreed. Justin Trudeau from Canada claimed, Diversity is our strength. The UKs Theresa May concurred, We do not agree with this kind of approach and it is not one we will be taking. Frau Merkel of Germany slammed the restrictions on immigration imposed by Trump, saying it was not justified. These travel bans were imposed to prevent or slow terrorism, in this case the Islamic variety. Today we face a different form of terrorism, as in a virus. Terrorism deliberately creates a climate of fear within a population to bring about a political objective. The Wuhan Coronavirus has excelled far beyond anything Osama bin Laden could have hoped for. The world is paralyzed - commerce, travel, and social interaction are all shut down. No terror act in history has come anywhere close what this virus has achieved. There were a few days of no travel after 9/11 and new screenings and restrictions, but everyone could still come and go as they pleased, to virtually any country in the world. Grocery shelves werent empty, ski mountains and health clubs werent closed, schools were open, and there was no home quarantine as we now see in San Francisco. This past January, while Democrats were pushing a nonsensical impeachment, the rube in the White House recognized the looming threat of this Chinese virus and imposed a travel ban against China. Democrats and the media howled in unison, claiming racism and xenophobia. In reality, Trump was two steps ahead of the rest of the world, confirmed by task force member Dr Anthony Fauci saying, The travel ban to China absolutely made a difference in limiting the number of cases in America. Italy, with a pipeline of travel and business relations with China took a different approach and has become a viral death camp as a result. European borders remained open, to terrorism of both the Islamic and viral varieties. EU leaders predictably criticized Trump, saying his ban was misguided and wouldnt work. As the Wuhan virus invaded Europe, Trump imposed a travel ban on Europe a week ago. EU leaders expressed only exasperation over a sudden move that took them by surprise and that many saw as politically motivated. Were they not watching the rapidly increasing number of cases and fatalities in their countries? Or were they stuck in woke virtue signaling mode, reflexively criticizing all things Trump? YouTube screen grab Once again, the unqualified oaf in the White House was a step ahead of his detractors. A few days after Trump imposed a travel ban, EU leaders went from woke to awake and banned all nonessential travel into Europe for 30 days. Politically correct Canada and New Zealand imposed their own travel bans or mandatory quarantines, essentially closing their borders to non-citizens. Where is the outrage? If anything, this viral pandemic is exposing the left for blatant political hypocrisy. Travel bans are only racist when imposed by a Republican, but when the progressive left does the same thing, they are sensible and prudent. Without a bit of irony, Business Insider, while reporting the travel ban imposed by the EU against the rest of the world, observed, The EU last week condemned President Donald Trump's ban on travel to the US from much of Europe. Within a week they spun on their heels and followed Trumps lead. Even Mexico is considering closing their border with the US. How about that! Trump may be getting his wall and Mexico may be paying for it. So much for open borders. Its interesting how several of Trumps core principles including securing our borders and not relying on China for our supply chain are now being embraced by much of the world. Except for Democrat presidential candidates, all of whom favor open borders. Talk about being on the wrong side of a major issue, Democrats can have fun defending open borders after this viral pandemic. French president Emmanuel Macron correctly noted, We are at war a public health war, certainly but we are at war, against an invisible and elusive enemy. Those are the same words used in describing another enemy, not a virus but a radical ideology, posing a similar threat. President Trump reacted to both threats, similarly, fulfilling his constitutional duty to protect his country. Yet his travel bans were decried as racist and xenophobic, until reality smacked previously politically correct world leaders in the head, and they got on board the Trump train. This new attitude of world leaders, Democrats, and the media toward this clear and present viral danger exposes their blatant hypocrisy and politicization of everything for personal and ideological gain. These people are sick, and their foolishness and posturing will cause far more damage and destruction than the virus. Brian C Joondeph, MD, is a Denver based physician and freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in American Thinker, Daily Caller, Rasmussen Reports, and other publications. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and QuodVerum. Joseph Severn, friend of the English romance poet John Keats, sat by Keatss side as he finally succumbed to tuberculosis. The phlegm seemed boiling in his throat, Severn wrote of his friend. He gradually sunk into death so quiet that I still thought he slept. An autopsy revealed that Keatss lungs were completely gone, so thoroughly destroyed by the disease that doctors could not conceive by what means he had lived these two months. The history of the pulmonary tuberculosis a disease that killed John Keats and countless others since long before the birth of Christ provides a sobering window into the depths of a public-health scare, one that contains lessons both cautionary and instructive as the United States confronts the Wuhan virus. The etiology of the so-called White Plague was a mystery until 1882, when German physician Robert Koch discovered tubercle bacillus, the bacterium responsible for the disease, in a laboratory. Before the Kochs breakthrough and for several decades thereafter many physicians referred to tuberculosis as consumption and to tubercular patients as consumptives. One telltale marker of the disease is the emaciated frames of its sufferers, so consumption was a useful if crude descriptor of the process of deterioration that befell many tubercular patients. In 1840, more than 40 years before the discovery of tubercle bacillus, Dr. Bodington George of Edinburgh, one of the foremost tubercular physicians in 19th-century Britain, wrote a genre-defining essay detailing his interaction with consumptive patients. One man he describes came from a consumptive family and was rather spare and slender. His fingernails were incurvated, a possible manifestation of the digital clubbing that sometimes accompanies cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. A feeling of suffocation affected the man as his pulse beat 140 in a minute. In the essay, George recommended the creation of what would later become known as the sanatorium. Sanatoria were asylum-like retreats, often located in high-altitude areas the National Institutes of Health notes that tuberculosis infection, disease and mortality are all less common at high than low altitude where treatments of rest, nutritious food, and sunlight were prescribed for patients. Tuberculosis is susceptible to ultraviolet light, so the prescription for exposure to sunlight was not altogether unfounded and was sufficient to cure some mild cases of TB. Story continues Historian F. B. Smith said in 1988 that sanatoria were medically supervised refuges from bad air, crowded households and the wear of industrial life, set in well-drained breezy but mild countryside. Some were single-building facilities, while others were campus settings with cottages and hospital buildings. Many used some form of radial architecture, designed to maximize a patients exposure to sunlight. Connecticuts Seaside Sanatorium, for instance, was built on a beach in Waterford, with imposing glass windows and patio beds for patients. A video of the since-demolished Western Maine Sanatorium shows much of the same, with patients sitting in radial buildings or atop a grassy knoll. Some appear frail; others appear likely to recover from their illness. By 1936, more than 700 sanatoria dotted the American landscape. The National Tuberculosis Association, an organization headquartered in New York City, spawned affiliates in states and localities across the country in all 50 states, financed entirely by the sale of the groups (apparently lucrative) Christmas ornaments. The NTA and its subsidiaries informed localities about best practices for preventing the spread of the disease, helped coordinate tubercular patients with sanatorium beds, and later facilitated their reentry into the community. The mass exodus from the tubercular sanatoria in the 1950s and 60s was facilitated by a number of medical breakthroughs. French scientists Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin discovered a vaccine in 1908 that, after 30 or so years of clinical trials, was proven to help immunize children from TB. The advent of the antibiotic streptomycin in 1945 helped eliminate the need for surgical remedies such as lobectomies and segmentectomies, which were often performed at sanatoria. By the end of the 1960s, hardly any sanatoria remained in operation at least as tubercular hospitals. We might look back on the sanatoria with some of F. B. Smiths latent disdain, but as UCLAs Dr. Robert Modlin suggested, speaking of TB, our forefathers knew a lot more about it than we give them credit for. Sunlight and rest at high altitude were not substitutes for the cures that followed, but they helped many milder patients return home healed of their illness. The extent to which the sanatoria rather than the medical advances that spelled their demise were responsible for decreases in tubercular mortality is debatable. The most thorough analysis of mortality rates in Western countries from tuberculosis came from 20th-century demographer Thomas McKeown, who used centuries of birth and death records from England and Wales to construct mortality figures for tuberculosis over time. By the time Bodington George wrote his essay in 1840, the English death rate from the disease was nearly 3,000 per million. When Robert Koch discovered the tubercle bacillus in 1882, the mortality rate had fallen to just under 2,000 per million. When Calmette and Guerins vaccine reached Britain in the middle of the 1950s, the mortality rate had plummeted to less that 500 deaths per million. Those trends mirror the more limited data we have from the pre-1950s United States, declines that continued for several decades. By 2017, the CDC estimated that 515 people in America died from tuberculosis a tragic figure, of course, but one that represents a staggering improvement from decades and centuries prior. Through the National Tuberculosis Association and the three-pronged effort of private industry, the government, and charitable organizations working together in the fight against TB, the illness is nowhere near the killer it was at the start of the century. Perhaps flattening the curve is a less-than-apt phrase when speaking of a disease that spans generations, but, if nothing else, the story of the White Plague ought to provide a glimpse into the possibilities of public-health efforts. More from National Review Shmyhal thanked China for its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, following his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Fan Xianrong, also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, said China was ready to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. "Together with Dmytro Kuleba have met with Ambassador of China to Ukraine Mr. Fan Xianrong. Discussed the issues of economic cooperation and the struggle of two countries against the spread of coronavirus," PM Shmyhal wrote on Facebook. Read alsoUkraine's Cabinet creates stabilization fund to deal with coronavirus effects "We share the vision of Plenipotentiary Ambassador that amid the global challenge, all countries must consolidate and become as one family. Sincerely grateful to the Chinese party for the proposal to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine," Shmyhal said. The prime minister also said he had tackled with Mr. Fan Xianrong trade and economic cooperation between the countries and agreed to resume the work of Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Chinese Commission. "I also want to thank China for its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added. Sri Lanka on Thursday indefinitely postponed parliamentary elections that were scheduled for next month in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The Chair of the Election Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya, said the polls scheduled for April 25 cannot be held as planned due to the prevailing situation over the coronavirus outbreak in the country The new date will be announced after March 25 and depends on how quickly the virus can be tackled," Deshapriya told reporters. The Election Commission accepted nominations from political parties and independent groups to contest the April 25 election to appoint a new parliament of 225-members. Over 16 million people are eligible to vote. The election was called by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2, six months ahead of the schedule. Since Sri Lankas detection of its first COVID-19 case two weeks ago, the island nation has been struggling to cope with the growing threat. There are over 50 confirmed cases with over 200 people being hospitalised. The country has closed its international airports and has announced partial lockdown to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. The government on Wednesday imposed a curfew in the Western coastal areas - identified as one of the hotspots where the deadly coronavirus was at risk of spreading. Police said that around 1,500 people had evaded quarantine and they are believed to be in the region. President Rajapaksa refused to order a total lockdown of the country and seemed keen on holding the election as scheduled on April 25 despite growing sentiment to postpone it. He had been hoping the elections would give his party a two-thirds majority in parliament. Special four-day holidays announced last Monday to minimise crowd gathering and to promote social distancing was on Thursday extended until the end of next week. In view of the rising number of the novel coronavirus cases globally, Sri Lanka on Tuesday suspended all international flights arriving in the country. HHS junior describes what school is like now Gracie Milner Along with the widespread fear relating to the coronavirus, high school students, and students of all ages, are now working to navigate school work entirely from home. In order to remain on track for the rest of the year leading into finals, AP exams, and courses following in the next year, it remains urgent to keep up the rigor of a normal classroom day. As a student at Hendersonville High School, this means keeping up with seven classes all at home. For a student still reliant on student-teacher interaction, what does this all mean? As we all are working to discover the best way to tackle online school, many questions remain unanswered. Teachers worked diligently and effectively over the weekend in order to provide students with the best possible information regarding lesson plans. Many teachers are taking advantage of online programs such as Zoom, a website that provides for a two-way video chat between students and teachers. This allows for discussion of materials to mirror a classroom setting as best as possible. Most students are already very familiar with the program Google Classroom which we have all used often over the past few years. Teachers have also created Remind accounts for each classroom which allows students to text them with questions about assignments. Most students do have access to a computer to complete the work, but there are still some students who have no internet access. Teachers have accommodated these needs by providing printed packets of work to those students in need. However much we have the logistical aspects of the Learn At Home program straightened out, there are still many limiting factors. School is as much an interactive, social experience as it is an educational experience. As a high school student, I find it very important to have the ability to ask my teacher questions about an assignment. Now, however, we do not have comfort in that ability. To complicate matters more, we are still on many deadlines, which means that we must stay on track with all work in order to finish school on time. Whats more, social interaction with friends is something any student needs. As such a unique and unexpected circumstance, we all do not know what to expect for the future. This psychological aspect of uncertainty has my friends and me confused and worried about our futures. I had plans to study abroad in Granada, Spain, and study Spanish this upcoming summer. Nothing is definitely canceled as of now. However, there is a great worry that this program and many others like it will have to be. The summer before senior year in high school is the time for an aspiring college applicant to expand his or her experiences in order to decide what the best options may be for the future. Something as unique and random as the coronavirus greatly disrupts this plan in a students life. Many of my friends were planning to attend North Carolinas Governors School during the summer, which may also be canceled. Not knowing what may happen forces students into even more stress than the typical day- which is already high enough. All SAT dates and testing opportunities have been canceled until June, which also puts a great dent in college preparation plans. It has become increasingly vital to take these standardized tests as much as possible in order to get a high score, yet now the opportunities will be extremely limited. I, along with most other high school juniors, planned to spend my spring break touring many colleges across the country, but now that is virtually impossible. Daily lives are forced to adjust to these unforeseen circumstances and it becomes most important to have an open mind and a positive attitude. There is some comfort in knowing that everyone else at this age is dealing with similar circumstances. High school students are dealing with a brand new type of learning. Ultimately, we are learning independence and the ability to change with the circumstances. As we all decide how to create a positive outlook on this, we must remember that there is still unity despite the uncertainty. As high school students, we remain hopeful that this settles down soon so we can resume our normal as best as possible. * * * * * Gracie Milner, a junior at Hendersonville High School, is a correspondent for the Lightning. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro reacts next to Brazil's Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque as they attend the ceremony marking his 400 days in office at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday a second cabinet member, Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque, has tested positive for coronavirus. His National Security Advisor, former General Augusto Heleno, said earlier on Twitter that he had tested positive and was quarantined at home with no symptoms. (Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Chris Reese) Editor's Note: With so much market volatility, stay on top of daily news! Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news and expert opinions. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - David Morgan, publisher of the Morgan Report, figures opportunities will come for investors to buy gold- and silver-mining stocks again, but favors waiting until there are strong signs they have put in a bottom. The longtime precious-metals and mining analyst also normally favors shares of companies that have multiple mines to avoid a one-trick pony. Meanwhile, he is bullish on gold itself. The precious metals, and stocks of the companies that produce them, started 2020 on a strong note, but have fallen back as global equities got hammered during worries about the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the economy. In an interview with Kitco News, Morgan said that he thinks of the current crisis as 2008 Part 2. Markets back then were roiled when a subprime mortgage crisis triggered a broader financial crisis. Gold is the most negatively correlated asset to the stock market, Morgan said. Initially, gold was continuing to make higher highs as the stock market started to unravel [in response to the virus]. That only lasted a short time. Then gold was liquidated for a variety of reasons, primarily bank intervention, bank sales and margin calls. Meanwhile, mining stocks fell in sympathy with the broader market, Morgan continued. Gold stocks are stocks, and they usually go in the same direction as the general stock market, the analyst said. Morgan said he remains bullish on gold as long as it holds $1,350 an ounce. He looks for precious metals to ultimately rise, just as they did in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. In fact, I expect the metals to do extremely well, he said. However, Morgan continued, its more difficult to forecast individual mining stocks since because of the uncertainty about how the COVID-19 outbreak could impact their production. The number of ounces produced plus the price of metals are the two significant factors that determine a mining companys revenue. You can have the best mine in the world, but if the workforce doesnt show up [because of a virus outbreak], what kind of mine have you got? he said. I dont want to be too negative, and I dont want to be too positive. I want to be realistic. The mining sector got a taste of the possible worst-case scenarios this week when several producers, including Pan American Silver Corp., announced that mines in Peru were being closed for 15 days due to government restrictions to combat the COVID-19 virus, Morgan pointed out. The worst case is the mining industry will be disrupted, and no one is smart enough to know for how long, he said. There is always the potential for closures to be extended or more to occur elsewhere, particularly if there is an actual outbreak virus at a mine. So far, closures have been enacted as precautionary measures. The impacted companies themselves have said its too early to gauge the ultimate impact on their total 2020 output and quarterly financial statements. Nevertheless, Morgan said, there will be buying opportunities in shares of precious-metals producers. However, he said, he would not try to guess when a bottom might be occurring, but instead to wait for prices to stabilize for a while first, using some kind of measurement to verify that a bottom has been obtained. This might mean allowing prices to uptick for a while, maybe holding above a price level that an investor might consider important. At that point, you might pay up a little bit, but at least you are assured that things are recovering, Morgan said. Id much rather see a bottom formed and verified before I went in with a significant position. The analyst said he suspects that the mining stocks will form an L-bottom rather than a V-bottom. This would be similar to the 2008 bottom, when prices on a daily chart took two or three months to start posting a steady rise. The rest is history, as gold went on to a record prices above $1,900 an ounce in 2011. He tends to favor companies that have multiple mines, preferable in multiple jurisdictions, to avoid scenarios where a producer with a single mine is devastated if that mine were to be shut down by an outbreak or any other calamity or government action, for that matter. You want something that spreads your risk out, Morgan said. You dont want a one-trick pony. He later added, Its not that I dont have a few of those. But theyre usually scattered within the portfolio appropriately because of the fact that they are higher risk. Morgan looks for precious-metals companies to fare better than those in the business of base metals, such as copper. Furthermore, he suggested, base-metals companies might have to seek creative financing, perhaps turning to deals with streaming and royalty companies. Its quite likely that there will be creative financing in the royalty space around the base-metal producers, Morgan said. If you care about this lovely city of gastronomy, there has never been a more important time to support its culinary scene. No doubt youve heard the small talk: restaurants emptying out, managers seeing up to an 80% drop-off in customers, and now, a city-mandate to close dining rooms, forcing restaurants to offer drive-through service or takeout only. Restaurants already work off insanely thin profit margins, but the COVID-19 pandemic is a test like no other. If this trend continues, many of our beloved Tucson restaurants will not make it. Over the last week, restaurants worked to put in place new sanitation strategies moving to paper menus, getting rid of table condiments, putting out hand sanitizer for customers, and changing seating arrangements for social distancing. However, those plans were dashed Tuesday, March 17, when Tucson Mayor Regina Romero announced that dining rooms, along with bars, food courts, gyms and other venues where groups of people congregate within city limits would be closed until at least the end of the month. The restrictions do not apply to drive-thru service or takeout. Businesses outside of city limits are not under Romeros jurisdiction. Romero said the decision was made with the city of Phoenix, which also is limiting restaurants to take out-only. Flagstaff has also announced restaurants will be to-go service only, according to the Associated Press. Here are three major ways you can support restaurants through this tough time. Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-19 11:31:58|Editor: zh Video Player Close CANBERRA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Indigenous health leaders have warned Australian Prime Minister (PM) of the "devastation" COVID-19 could wreak on remote communities. The National Community Controlled Health Organizations (NACCHO) sent a list of 140 recommendations to PM Scott Morrison on behalf of indigenous health organizations on how to best protect indigenous communities from the virus. The recommendations include declaring the communities as special isolation zones patrolled by the police or the army in a radical attempt to keep them free of COVID-19. Anyone who wants to enter the special control areas would first be subjected to 14-day isolation periods to ensure they are not carrying the virus. "If this virus gets into Aboriginal communities, it will be absolute devastation, absolute devastation without a doubt," Pat Turner, the chief executive of NACCHO, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday. The health experts warned that overcrowded housing rendered self-isolation in indigenous communities is impossible. Michael Gunner, the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (NT), on Wednesday said that closing the territory's borders to the rest of Australia remains a possibility. Approximately 30 percent of the NT's population are indigenous -- a rate six times higher than any other state or territory. "I absolutely think we need to discuss nationally the general movement of people," Gunner said. "I'm extremely mindful of the fact that we need to protect Territorians. My focus right now, my priority right now, is protecting remote communities," he added. A Fox News host whose 73-year-old father works as a physician in a Texas ER has shared her terror that he will contract coronavirus and fall deathly ill. Kristin Fisher, 36, who works as the network's Washington correspondent, took to social media this week to share an image of her dad, Dr. William Fisher, working in a Texas hospital - while confessing that she burst into tears after receiving it. 'This is my Dad,' she wrote in the caption of the photo, a black-and-white shot that shows Dr. Fisher, who is a former astronaut, standing in the ER while wearing a surgical mask and gloves. 'Hes a 73 year old Emergency Room physician in Texas who loves his job and will never retire. Heartbreaking: Fox News correspondent Kristin Fisher shared this image of her 73-year-old ER doctor father while sharing her fears about him working with coronavirus patients Devastating: The 36-year-old confessed that she broke down in tears when she saw the photo of her father wearing a medical mask and gloves 'He texted me this picture tonight after Id asked him how he was doing... and I burst into tears the second I saw it. 'My reaction came out of nowhere. Id been watching Narcos and laughing seconds earlier. 'I called him to say I was worried about him, but could barely speak as I fought to keep my voice steady. I think we all have a moment where the gravity of whats happening finally hits us. This was mine.' The post quickly went viral, with thousands of people liking and sharing Kristin's tweet, while hundreds offered words of sympathy and support. 'Praying for your dad and thank you for what you do. It's people like him that'll get us through this,' one person wrote, while another said: 'Your father is a hero, Kristin! At his age and facing a virus that puts him at high risk, nobody would think twice about it if he decided to retire. 'Instead he's gearing up and wading into the trenches to help his fellow Americans. You should be, and I'm sure you are, so proud!' Others shared stories about their own families and the difficulties that they are facing during the coronavirus pandemic. Upset: 'I called him to say I was worried about him, but could barely speak as I fought to keep my voice steady,' Kristin said of her former astronaut father Proud: Both of Kristin's parents worked for NASA during the 80s, and her father went into space on the 1985 shuttle Emotional: 'I think we all have a moment where the gravity of whats happening finally hits us. This was mine,' Kristin, pictured with her parents last year, said of receiving her dad's photo 'My daughter is in charge of a large clinic,' one wrote. 'She has two kids...I begged her to find a way to quarantine. She said, Mom, Im a nurse...my staff are on the front line...I would never abandon them or our patients! 'Ppl shes the norm, not the exception! True American heroes!' Another person added: 'I had a similar reaction hearing my mother talk to her 100 year old mother on the phone. My grandmother is in a nursing home. They are on lockdown. She has a birthday 19 March 2020. We will not see her.' As of Thursday afternoon there were more than 11,300 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US, with more than 220 located in Texas, where three people are k known to have died as a result of the illness. Following the overwhelming response to Kristin's tweet, the TV correspondent and her father appeared on Fox News on Wednesday to discuss the incredible reaction, while Dr. Fisher also shared some insight into what life has been like working in the ER during the coronavirus pandemic. The medical professional - who is a former NASA astronaut who went into space on the 1985 space shuttle - explained that, while he knows he is working under increased risk, he is determined to do the best job he can. 'All health care workers are at increased risk, but we do the best we can, and every patient that I see with similar symptoms is a potential COVID-19 patient, so we have to treat everybody as though they are infected ... and that is what we are doing,' he said. Speaking about the overwhelming pressure he and his team is facing, Dr. Fisher compared his work to 'walking into a dark forest with a patient behind every tree'. Speaking out: Kristin and her father, Dr. Fisher, went on Fox News together to discuss the viral response to the image Scary: Dr. Fisher compared working in the ER to 'walking into a dark forest with a patient behind every tree' Family first: The mother-of-one is based in Washington, where she lives with her husband and their young son, who watched his mom and grandfather on TV But despite the uncertainty and the terrifying prospect of working in such risky conditions, Dr. Fisher was full of praise for the way that the government has handled the pandemic, insisting that officials had done a 'remarkable' job of responding to the crisis, despite his hospital not yet receiving any coronavirus tests. 'The way we have transitioned from a peacetime to a wartime setting in the last two weeks has been remarkable,' he said. 'It took four to six months to get this far after Pearl Harbor. I think an excellent job is being done, it's just the magnitude of the problem is so great, it takes time.' As for the reaction to his daughter's post, Dr. Fisher admitted that he was stunned after reading her kind words. 'When I read what she said, I teared up, too,' he said. 'I was so surprised. It was such a wonderful thing to read.' Appearing with her father on the show, Kristin confessed that, while she supports her father and knows that he is in good health, hearing all of the news about the risks that healthcare workers are facing is making her more and more worried for him. 'I know he is the youngest 73-year-old in the world,' she said. 'He has the immune system of somebody who has been working in emergency rooms for 40-plus years, but when you hear the stats about how this virus affects people who are older, it really hit me.' Oregon schools will not replace the weeks of traditional classroom instruction students are missing with online classes or another substitute while schools are shuttered until April 28. The reasons why boil down to two words: Access and equity. Protecting student rights has to be front and center during the conversation about distance learning, Marc Siegel, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Education, told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an email. You cannot open a brick-and-mortar school in Oregon unless it is accessible to every student in their school district. The same rules apply to an online school. The states public schools are not equipped to do that for special education students, those who speak English as a second language, students who lack computers or internet access and others with special circumstances during the shutdown, he noted. Our students with disabilities and specialized needs, by law, require specially designed instruction, Siegel said. If a school opens to serve its communitys students, it must be able to provide those specialized instruction services. Early in the states coronavirus outbreak, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered all the states public schools to cancel seven school days bracketing spring break. Five days later, she extended the closure by four weeks, citing a need to slow the spread of the virus and minimize deaths. Schools can, and in most cases will, offer suggestions for optional learning activities that students and families can engage in during the nearly six-week stretch until classes are scheduled to resume. Districts across the state have adopted their own approaches. Officials in the Salem-Keizer district will have an online portal for students and parents to download supplemental lessons that wont be graded, according to The Salem Reporter. In Tigard, Tualatin and Portland, district officials are distributing homework packets at meal sites. Portland Public Schools, the states largest district, also has a patchwork of online lessons meant to keep kids engaged while school is out. Beaverton district officials are updating their recommendations for learning in each grade on a daily basis. Portland Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero stressed the online lessons his district suggests wont be graded, nor will they replace classroom instruction. That appears to be the case statewide. We need to do some additional thinking on how we might support engagement between students and teachers, Guerrero said. But distance learning is never going to be a substitute for the in-person relationship that really makes for a school community. Many Oregon students lack a computer or tablet at home. To help Portland families, Guerrero said the district will make available some of the 45,000 devices at its disposal. And on Tuesday, Portland school officials set up a form that allows families to request a computer to access its online resources. When St. Marys Academy announced its own closure in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus, the private high school noted that each of its students is assigned an iPad at the start of their freshman year. None of the lessons that school districts are posting on websites or emailing to families are expected to advance students through the normal learning tracks their teachers would have led them through if school were in session. Neither the state nor individual school districts have the infrastructure to ensure students are progressing as normal. What happens in our classrooms every day cannot be stood-up in a few days and be expected to replicate the learning and care that is delivered in our schools, Siegel said. Guerrero noted that not all of his teachers, particularly educators who historically havent used technology in the classroom, are trained in running online courses. Were about 10 years behind everyone else, he said. Guerrero also said hes more worried about feeding kids and keeping them engaged than preparing them for state and national standardized tests. How can you expect a student to perform on a test if they return to the classroom a day or a week before its administered? he said. State education chief Colt Gill told The Oregonian/OregonLive his department is looking under every rock to seek federal waivers and flexibility. In the meantime, the agency has assured districts that Browns order will not affect their funding so long as they continue providing meals to students, provide supplemental learning materials and pay their employees. Gill also said his agency will work with the state school board and the governors office to adjust rules and seek statutory changes, although he did not specify what those will be. We will not and cannot waive any individual students rights, Gill said. Every student in Oregon deserves equal and equitable access to their education. Meanwhile, the head of the nations largest teachers union is calling on Congress to take action to help students without computers and wifi access continue learning and to relax special education rules so schools can offer lessons even if they cant fully meet the special learning needs of students with disabilities. Such legislation must address the major inequities that exist in the homework gap, which could cause millions of students who dont have wi-fi or devices at home to fall behind, Lily Askelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, said in a statement. In this time of global crisis, the U.S. Department of Education must adjust its regulations ... and provide reasonable flexibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The number of coronavirus cases in New Jersey continues to climb sharply with at least 427 in the state as of Wednesday with at least six deaths after officials announced 162 new positive tests. The states ability to track the spread of coronavirus is expected to improve as New Jerseys first government-run drive-thru coronavirus testing center is set to open Friday in Bergen County, the county with by far the most coronavirus cases in the stare. The site will be able to collect up to 2,500 samples per week. While Gov. Phil Murphy didnt announce ay new restrictions on business at a Wednesday afternoon news conference, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called for a mandatory curfew in the states largest city and the closure of all non-essential businesses with exceptions for restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations for at least two weeks to stifle the spread of coronavirus. New testing sites set to open: In addition to the FEMA-supported testing site at Bergen Community College in Paramus set to open Friday, a similar government-run testing site should open next week at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. There are already private testing centers in Secaucus and each in Hackensack, Morristown, New Brunswick and Marlboro. N.J. family loses 3rd member to coronavirus: The mother of the New Jersey family that has already lost two members to the coronavirus has died Wednesday night. Grace Fusco, 73, of Freehold, died from coronavirus at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township following the deaths of two of her children Carmine Fusco on Wednesday morning and Rita Fusco-Jackson last week. Earlier in the day, Murphy announced that two women in their 60s who had previous health problems died. One was from Essex County, the other from Hudson County. Day cares are staying open, will get additional state support, Murphy says: Gov. Phil Murphy said the state is taking steps to fund day care centers and allow them to stay open while schools were forced to shut down. Measures officials are taking include waiving some co-payments for those who qualify for child care subsidies and giving extra money to subsidy-eligible day care centers that remain open. Multiple teachers test positive: Teachers in at least three New Jersey public school districts have tested positive for coronavirus, prompting superintendents to issue warnings to parents about monitoring their children for symptoms. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst reports first coronavirus case: A dependent of a service member tested positive. The person is in isolation at an off-base residence. JPMorgan Chase closing 20% of its bank branches to combat coronavirus: The New York-based banking giant, which has nearly 5,000 branches overall, operates more than 200 locations in New Jersey, meaning around 20 branches in the state could shutter. The company has not announced which locations are involved. County prohibits self-serve drinks: Camden County has banned self-serve beverage and food at all convenience and grocery stores, directing employees at those businesses to dispense the items instead due to coronavirus concerns. Will the onset of spring slow the coronavrius?: Five health experts weigh in with mixed opinions, but none are confident that warmer weather will lead to steep declines. Stores close or slash hours due to outbreak: Target, Wegmans and Stop & Shop have reduced their hours, while the list of stores to close keeps growing. Some stores have also started offering senior shopping hours. Cops break up 2 large weddings for defying coronavirus rules: Despite Gov. Murphys order banning gatherings of more than 50 people and repeated warnings from health experts to avoid groups, police in Lakewood said they shut down two large weddings for defying the ban. National coronavirus cases: There about 9,415 cases across the United States. At least 150 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. Of the approximately 9,200 active cases, 99% of people are showing mild symptoms, according to worldometers.info. Worldwide coronavirus cases: About 8,966 of the nearly 221,416 coronavirus cases worldwide have resulted in deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 84,000 people have recovered, and of the active cases symptoms are mild in 95% of patients, worldometers.info said. Sign up for text message alerts from NJ.com on coronavirus in New Jersey: Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday on the coronavirus outbreak, where he made requests - nine in total - to the people of the country in tackling the virus. In the 30-minutes television address, which began at 8 pm, the Prime Minister started by highlighting the gravity of the situation - that coronavirus disease Covid-19 has affected more people than the two World Wars. Follow live updates on coronavirus here. The whole world is going through a very serious phase. Generally, whenever a natural crisis occurs, it is limited to a few countries or states. But the coronavirus outbreak has put the entire human race in crisis, PM Modi said. He also made urged the countrymen to avoid stepping out of home unless necessary, and presented made a promise that there wont be a shortage of essential supplies. I promise you that there will not be a shortage of milk, food, medicines and other essential supplies. This supply will never be stopped, so there is no need to hoard stuff, said the Prime Minister. The other requests made by PM Modi are: 1. Every citizen should be alert and conscious. Dont step out of your home unless extremely important. 2. All senior citizens in our family should not get out of houses. 3. I request you to follow Janta Curfew from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22 in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak. 4. I want that on March 22 we thank all those people who are serving others in this moment of crisis. At 5 pm, stand at the door or in the balcony for five minutes to thank them - by clapping. 5. Avoid going for routine check-ups, and if your scheduled surgery is not critical, postpone it. 6. I request the Covid-19 Economic Task Force, headed by the Finance Minister, to take important decisions. 7. Traders and people belonging to the higher income groups should not cut salaries of those who work for them in this moment of crisis 8. Please refrain from panic buying and stockpiling essentials. I assure you that there wont be any shortage of essential items. 9. Please stay away from rumours and hearsay. The total number of positive cases of Covid-19 in India stands at 173, including 25 foreigners. Four deaths (one each) have been reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON MAKASSAR, Indonesia - Indonesia halted a mass congregation of nearly 9,000 Muslim pilgrims and began quarantining them and checking their health Thursday to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus amid a spike in cases. The four-day gathering at a boarding school in a rural area in south Sulawesi province wasnt approved by authorities and drew fears it could spread the virus widely in the worlds fourth most populous nation. It was organized by a Muslim missionary movement, Jamaat Tabligh, which held a similar event in Malaysia three weeks ago that has been linked to nearly two-thirds of that countrys 900 infections as well as dozens of cases in other nations. South Sulawesi Gov. Nurdin Abdullah said medical teams screening more than 8,600 participants found a local man with fever who was taken to a hospital. Weve worked hard in dealing with this issue, involving religious leaders and security forces. We have told the pilgrims that we are in an emergency state of coronavirus and only common discipline can break the COVID-19s wide spread, Abdullah said. The move came as Indonesia reported six more deaths for a total of 25, the most in Southeast Asia, and its biggest daily jump of 82 cases to 309. Pictures and videos posted by some participants on social media showed long rows of blue makeshift tents on a field at the school. Devotees in long white robes and skullcaps sat close to each other or slept on mats on the ground. Sentot Abu Thoriq, a member of the organizing committee, said he regretted the governments decision to reject the event that had been planned more than a year ago. He said those who are ill have been told to stay away, and noted that those arriving would have passed stringent health checks at the countrys airports and sea ports. The decision and the treatment is clearly against our faith and hurt us, Thoriq said. Health, illness or death is Gods destiny, we believe that God will bless and protect those who are devout. The committee chief later said it accepted the governments decision for the safety of all. The cancellation surprised some participants who arrived early Thursday. I didnt know about that, Indonesian Muhammad Sayid told Kompas TV upon arrival at a bus station in the area. This is a very important agenda for us and has been long awaited. Abdullah said 411 foreigners from nine countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia will be quarantined at a hotel. They will be allowed to leave later based on their ticket dates. Indonesians will be escorted to their home villages or must stay in a government dormitory, but quarantine is compulsory for 14 days once they reach home, Abdullah said. Indonesias swift move could help prevent an outbreak like in Malaysia, which on Wednesday sealed its borders and shut schools, businesses and government offices in a two-week lockdown. A Malaysian man who attended the mass Islamic event was among two people in the country who died. With participants in the Malaysian event huddled together for prayers, sermons and sleeping in a confined space as well as communal eating with hands from shared trays, the virus spread unnoticed during the four-day gathering involving 16,000 people, including from the former pandemic hot spots of China and South Korea. The outbreak from the Malaysian gathering came to light nearly two weeks later when Brunei reported its first cases involving citizens who had returned from the event. People from Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam also were infected. Indonesias government has been criticized as slow to deal with the viruss spread, which could overwhelm health care system in the country of more than 267 million people. President Joko Widodo has called for all mass gatherings to be cancelled, but such orders could be hard to enforce in the sprawling archipelago. In another large religious gathering, Catholics attended the ordination of a new bishop on Thursday in a remote town on Flores island. Organizers said about 4,000 people from across the country attended, although government officials said there were 1,000. Images of the ceremony posted on social media showed people inside the Ruteng cathedral seated next to each other, ignoring social distancing measures. Ruteng resident Sebastian Rida said health officers asked guests to use masks and hand sanitizers but not everyone complied. Rida said he wasnt worried about the virus threat. I did not think about it. I just wanted to see the new bishop, he said. Provincial official Marius Ardu Jelamu said the event was long planned and couldnt be postponed, but that they tried to restrict people from attending. Cabinet ministers and other top officials also didnt participate. Mass religious gatherings have been curbed in many places to contain the coronavirus. Many Muslims believe in divine protection against the pandemic. Authorities in predominantly Muslim Bangladesh are investigating an unauthorized prayer rally where about 25,000 people reportedly sought Allahs protection. The surprise rally Wednesday in an open field in Laxmipur district shocked many in Bangladesh, which has reported one death and 14 cases. The government shut schools and urged people to avoid public gatherings, but religious institutions, including 300,000 mosques, remain open. ___ Ng reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Associated Press writers Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Islamabad, March 19 : Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country's bilateral trade with China will not stop amid the coronavirus pandemic, it was reported on Thursday. He made the remarks in an interview to China's state-run Global Times newspaper, reports The Express Tribune. While speaking about the impact of the pandemic on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Qureshi expressed hope saying that despite a temporary hindrance, the future of the multi-billion dollar project was very bright not only for both the countries but for the entire region as well. China has shared its experience in combating the deadly coronavirus with Pakistan and has sent teams to assess the situation. Beijing has also provided testing kits in thousands, the top diplomat remarked. Qureshi along with President Arif Alvi, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar and senior officials reached Beijing on Monday on a two-day visit to convey support and solidarity of Pakistan to the government and the people of China in the efforts to contain the spread. During the visit, both the sides also signed a number of memorandums of understanding and handing-over certificates of donated vaccine refrigeration equipment, emergency humanitarian materials for epidemic response and emergency materials of epidemic control. After their return to Pakistan, Alvi, Qureshi and Umar tested negative for the disease. China, where the virus first emerged in the city of Wuhan last December, has so far reported 80,928 confirmed cases with 3,245 deaths. Pakistan has confirmed two deaths and more than 300 cases. AGC Biologics fosters strong customer partnerships by conducting virtual meetings SEATTLE, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the recent cancellation of DCAT Week, AGC Biologics will be meeting virtually with industry leaders who planned to attend the event. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) focused on collaboration and customer-centricity, these virtual meetings allow AGC Biologics to strengthen relationships with industry leaders. DCAT Week was originally slated to take place from March 23- 26 in New York City. During these virtual meetings, AGC Biologics will be sharing information on its globally aligned process development, manufacturing and seamless tech transfers. AGC Biologics will also be highlighting the recent expansion of its plasmid DNA (pDNA) offering. With the demand for pDNA growing rapidly, AGC Biologics is leveraging 25 years of experience and comprehensive in-house analytics development to ensure short and dependable timelines. "In these unprecedented times, AGC Biologics is committed to maintaining strong customer partnerships. We are looking forward to connecting with industry professionals from across the globe," says AGC Biologics CEO Patricio Massera. "AGC Biologics is pleased to have the opportunity to meet with leading industry experts and share information about our latest innovations." About AGC Biologics: AGC Biologics is a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to deliver the highest standard of service to clients and partners. The company currently employs more than 900 employees worldwide. AGC Biologics' global network spans three continents, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; and Chiba, Japan. AGC Biologics offers deep industry expertise and unique customized services for the scale-up and cGMP manufacture of protein-based therapeutics; from pre-clinical to commercial mammalian and microbial production. Integrated service offerings include cell line development, bioprocess development, formulation, analytical testing, antibody drug development and conjugation, cell banking and storage and protein expression, including the proprietary CHEF1 Expression System for mammalian production. Learn more at www.agcbio.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624983/AGC_Biologics_logo_Logo.jpg ROME The death toll in Italy from the coronavirus overtook Chinas on Thursday, and infections in the United States climbed past 10,000, in a stark illustration of how the crisis has pivoted toward the West. Italy, with a population of 60 million, recorded at least 3,405 deaths, or roughly 150 more than in China a country with a population over 20 times larger. Italy reached the bleak milestone the same day that Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus first emerged three months ago, recorded no new infections, a sign that the communist country's draconian lockdowns were effective in containing the scourge. On Thursday, a visiting Chinese Red Cross team criticized Italians' failure to properly quarantine themselves and take the national lockdown seriously. At the U.N. in New York, meanwhile, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world is at war with a virus and warned that a global recession perhaps of record dimensions is a near certainty. If we let the virus spread like wildfire especially in the most vulnerable regions of the world -- it would kill millions of people, he said. The virus appeared to be opening an alarming new front in Africa and also reached at least one European head of state: 62-year-old Prince Albert II of the tiny principality of Monaco. The palace announced that he tested positive but was continuing to work from his office and was being treated by doctors from Princess Grace Hospital, named after his American actress mother. -- The Associated Press The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Madhya Pradesh government led by chief minister Kamal Nath to prove its majority on the floor of the state assembly on Friday, a course of action it chose to adopt without waiting for the speaker to take a call on the resignations of 16 rebel MLAs of the Congress. A bench of justices DY Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta advanced the meeting of the assembly from March 26 to March 20, effectively setting aside the direction of speaker NP Prajapati who, on Monday, adjourned the house until March 26. The session of the Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly which has been deferred to 26 March, 2020 shall be reconvened on 20 March, 2020. The meeting to be convened shall be confined to a single agenda, namely, whether the government of the incumbent chief minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the House, the top court said. It directed that the floor test be conducted by a show of hands and the proceedings be videotaped. The court said the 16 rebel MLAs, who the Congress party alleges have been held hostage by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bengaluru, are free to attend and take part in the floor test. If they choose to do so, their security will have to be ensured by the Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh police, the court said. The director general of police, Karnataka as well as the director general of police, Madhya Pradesh shall ensure that there shall be no restraint or hindrance whatsoever on any of the 16 MLAs taking recourse to their rights and liberties as citizens. In the event that they or any of them opt to attend the session of the legislative assembly, arrangements for their security shall be provided by all the concerned authorities, the order said. The court set a deadline of 5pm on Friday to conclude the floor test proceedings. Without saying that he is ready to face a floor test on Friday, chief minister Kamal Nath said: We will study every aspect of the Supreme Court judgment, have a discussion with legal experts, seek advice and then take a decision based on the same. The assembly secretariat till late Thursday night had not informed the legislators about the session on Friday. On Wednesday, the court asked the speaker to inform the bench about when he can decide on the resignation letters submitted by the 16 rebel lawmakers of the Congress. The speaker told the court on Thursday that he will decide on them within two weeks, but the apex court eventually decided to go ahead without waiting for the speakers decision. The BJP welcomed the order of the Supreme Court. The politics of lure and pressure has been defeated. Injustice has been defeated, BJP national vice-president and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said. The floor test will prove that the Congress government is a minority government and it will lead to the formation of a new government. The Congress government betrayed people. Middlemen and mafia, whether they are transport mafia, sand mafia or transfer mafia, ruled the roost. The Supreme Court was hearing two petitions, one filed by 10 BJP MLAs seeking an immediate floor test in the Madhya Pradesh assembly and the other by the Congress alleging that 16 of its MLAs are being held captive by the BJP in Karnataka. The Kamal Nath governments problems began last week after 22 MLAs resigned from the assembly in the wake of former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia ending his 18-year association with the Congress and joining the BJP. The speaker has accepted the resignations of six members, bringing the strength of the House to 222, with the majority mark at 112. Before the crisis, the Congress had 114 MLAs, and enjoyed the support of four independent legislators, two MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party and one legislator of the Samajwadi Party. The BJP has 107 MLAs. Madhya Pradesh governor Lalji Tandon had written to the chief minister on March 14 directing that a floor test be held on March 16 to decide whether the Congress government has a majority. When the House was convened on March 16, the speaker adjourned it until March 26, citing the coronavirus threat, without holding a floor test. Ten BJP MLAs led by Chouhan then rushed to the apex court submitting that the Kamal Nath government has lost a majority and does not have the moral, legal or constitutional right to remain in power. The Congress, in a counter- petition, argued that a floor test can take place only when all the elected lawmakers are present in the assembly. It was the Congresss case that if the 22 MLAs had resigned, a floor test could not be held with those seats vacant as the electorate of those constituencies, which will come to almost 10 per cent of the total seats, would go unrepresented. Such a trust vote, it contended, would be a complete sham and antithetical to the principle of representative democracy. Senior advocates AM Singhvi and Kapil Sibal, appearing for the speaker and the chief minister respectively, told the court on Thursday that the governor cannot order the assembly to be convened when the House is already in session. It was their case that the governor can step in only when the House is not in session. When the House is not in session, then the governor is the constitutional authority to be approached for seeking a special session. But there has never been a case where governor seeks a floor test when the House is in session, never, Sibal argued. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Chouhan and other BJP MLAs, rebutted this argument. He submitted that in the 1994 case of SR Bommai vs Union of India, the governor had exercised his powers when the assembly was in session. He also opposed the MP speakers request for two weeks time to take a decision on the resignation letters. They are asking for two weeks so that they can horse trade, Rohatgi claimed. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta also stressed the need for an immediate floor test to avoid horse trading. Every passing day makes a difference, Mehta told the court. Fear and anxiety are the key driving forces behind Koreans' panic buying frenzy. / gettyimagesbank Korea ill-prepared to fight pandemic By Kang Hyun-kyung In a video posted on his YouTube channel on March 5, Korean American doctor Charles Cho demonstrated how to make a homemade face shield that can protect users from becoming infected with the coronavirus. The L.A.-based physician and nephrologist recycled a clear file folder to invent an alternative to face masks as they are out of stock at supermarkets and drugstores in Korea. "I know it's awkward. Some people may think this device is weird and excessive," he said. "It's the brainchild of my days of thinking about a face mask alternative that can better protect people from the virus. So please don't blame me but consider using it for your own safety." Cho said he emulated the face shield which is on sale in U.S. online malls, touting his makeshift device as "perfect gear" when it comes to virus protection. The material is water-proof, allows air circulation as it only covers the front side of one's face and prevents users from directly touching their faces with their hands and people can use it multiple times if they clean it with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, he said. His video was uploaded at a time when Koreans have suffered excessive emotional distress after the coronavirus outbreak. In a separate video, he gave tips on how to make non-alcohol-based disinfectant from household items. The two homemade devices are Korean American doctor's "psychological remedy" to help panicked Koreans stay calm amid the virus outbreak. Fear and anxiety were the key driving forces behind Koreans' panic buying frenzy. Face masks were the highest in-demand item. Shelves for masks were empty by mid-February when the 31st patient became a super spreader and the number of infected cases increased exponentially. During weekday, people wait in a line to purchase "affordable masks" near pharmacies in Seoul. Due to shortages of masks, the government implemented a purchasing limit and citizens can only buy up to two masks per week. People queuing for masks created a new snapshot of "pandemic fear" in Korea. Hand sanitizers and other alcohol-based sanitizers were sold out as health experts encouraged the public to wash their hands frequently in order to stay safe from the virus infection. In online shopping malls, the prices of sanitizers rose much higher than before. Some people stockpiled other emergency supplies, including instant food and ramen. "Culture is sure to play a part," John Brady, a professor of consumer science at Seoul National University, told The Korea Times. "In Korea, it seems that people believe their immediate needs will be taken care of, but that if things extend for a long period of time, problems might arise.?So Koreans buy the shelf stable items (e.g. noodle, rice, etc) trusting that more immediate needs will be available from the community they belong to." People wait in a line to purchase 'affordable masks' near a pharmacy in Seoul, Tuesday. Due to shortages of masks, the government implemented a purchasing limit and citizens can only buy up to two masks per week. People queuing for masks created a new snapshot of 'pandemic fear' in Korea in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. / Yonhap Panic buying In some Western countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia, panic buying created a rare phenomenon in consumer behavior. Consumers were hoarding toilet paper. Competition for the product pitted some shoppers against each other which even led to an incident of customers brawling over toilet paper at a supermarket in Australia. Stockpiling of toilet paper has invited government intervention. Earlier this month, retailers in Australia, such as Woolworth and Coles, introduced a new limit on toilet paper purchases and consumers were only allowed to buy a single pack. Steven Taylor, professor of Department of Psychiatry at University of British Columbia, Canada, said panic buying is one of consumers' psychological reactions to pandemics, and in extreme cases, anxiety could lead to rioting, looting or other disruptive social behavior. In Baltimore during the Spanish flu pandemic, he said in his book "The Psychology of Pandemics" that "customers ravaged drug stores in search of products to prevent influenza and relieve symptoms." Taylor said people who are highly anxious about being infected become hysterical and shun people or places associated with infection. "During the Spanish flu pandemic, there were reports of sick, bedridden people starving to death because they were avoided by others," his book reads. "Avoidance or fearful removal of perceived sources of infection can even extend to animals. During the 2003 SARS outbreak in China there were widespread reports of household dogs and cats being abandoned, euthanized or sometimes brutally killed because of fear that the animals might be carrying the SARS virus." Professor Brady said psychological reactions to pandemics could differ among countries because of cultural differences. He said the United States and Australia are classified as individualistic countries where as Korea, Japan and China are collectivist societies. ? "How this might relate to a crisis is that in an individualistic country people believe that they must rely on themselves to take care of themselves and their immediate family. In collectivist societies people believe that they can rely on their community to assist them in times of trouble," he said.?"So it follows that Americans would buy goods for immediate use (e.g. hand sanitizers, toilet paper, water, etc) believing that no outside agencies will provide these goods." Brady commented on the American agency responsible for emergency preparedness, FEMA, and its response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster, in order to compare the role of government in disaster relief in Korea and the United States. According to him, FEMA said that people should plan on being without help for several weeks as it would take that long for charities and government to respond.? "My own observation is that Americans tend to be less trusting of institutions to come to their aid. Events like Katrina and the Puerto Rico hurricanes have left Americans with the feeling that they cannot trust or rely on institutions such as government or aid organizations in an emergency," he said. In Japan, panic buying is a reflection of Japanese people's fear learned from previous disasters. "Japanese people have bad memories of disasters, including the 2011 tsunami-driven nuclear crisis and the recent Kumamoto mountain eruptions," said Oh In-gyu, a professor of Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. As usual, he said, rumors and conspiracy theories mushroomed during the crisis. "During the Aso volcanic eruption in 2019 in Kumamoto, people here were convinced with fake news that lions kept in the zoo had escaped. After the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese people were scared and believed that production of toilet paper may be stopped because its key ingredients are exported from China which was also hit hard by the virus and its manufacturing sector suffered the consequences." In Japan, he said, panic buying dated back to the 1970s when the nation was hit by an oil embargo. "People were driven to buy toilet paper much more than they needed and stacked it up at home as they believed its price would surge," he said. Two face masks are hung on a laundry rope in a shanty town in Seoul, Monday. / Yonhap Advertisement At the same time, the results from an analysis of four studies found no consistent evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) induces psychiatric symptoms itself or that it moderates THC's effects in healthy volunteers.On the other hand, the review and analysis suggest that smokers are less sensitive to the effects of THC, but this finding is preliminary, and the authors do not recommend using tobacco for this purpose."As the THC-to-CBD ratio of street cannabis continues to increase, it is important to clarify whether these compounds can cause psychotic symptoms. Our finding that THC can temporarily induce psychiatric symptoms in healthy volunteers highlights the risks associated with the use of THC-containing cannabis products.This potential risk should be considered in discussions between patients and medical practitioners thinking about using cannabis products with THC. This work will also inform regulators, public health initiatives, and policy makers considering the medical use of THC-containing cannabis products or their legalisation for recreational use," says Professor Oliver Howes from King's College London, UK.Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide, with 6-7% of the population in Europe using it every year, over 15% in the USA, and around 188 million people globally. The drug has been legalised in 11 US states, Canada, and Uruguay, and policymakers elsewhere are deliberating whether to allow the medicinal use of cannabis products.Over 150 years ago, a first study found an association between cannabis use and psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia and hallucinations, and the effects were subsequently linked to THC.Many studies support the original findings, but there have been discrepancies, and the contribution made by factors such as dose, prior cannabis use, and the method of administration (inhaling, oral capsules, or intravenous injections) has not been systematically evaluated.For the current review, researchers identified 15 studies that studied participants' psychiatric symptoms following the acute administration of intravenous, oral, or nasal THC, CBD, and placebo in healthy participants.The studies included scores for an increase in severity of positive psychotic symptoms (including delusions and hallucinations), negative psychotic symptoms (such as blunted affect and amotivation), and general symptoms (including depression and anxiety), which were compared after THC administration versus placebo.A change in symptoms with an effect size of 0.4 or more was considered clinically important, and an effect size of more than 0.70 was considered a large effect.The doses of THC in the meta-analysis ranged from 1.25mg to 10mg, leading to peak THC blood levels of 4.56 to 5.1 ng/ml when orally administered and 110-397 ng/ml when injected or inhaled. These blood levels are comparable to those seen shortly after smoking a single typical cannabis joint containing 16-34mg of THC.Compared to placebo, THC was found to induce significantly more severe positive psychotic symptoms (average effect size of 0.91), negative symptoms (average effect size 0.78), general symptoms (average effect size 1.01) and total symptoms (average effect size 1.10).The effect sizes remained significant for all types of symptom regardless of sex, age, dose, route of administration, prior cannabis use and tobacco use.However, intravenous administration had more pronounced effects than inhaled THC on psychotic and negative symptoms, while there were insufficient studies to assess the effect of oral THC. Greater induction of psychotic symptoms by THC was associated with lower rates of tobacco use, and greater induction of negative symptoms was associated with a higher age.Dr Faith Borgan from King's College London says: "Our finding that schizophrenia-like symptoms can be induced using a compound that activates the receptor to which THC binds in the brain adds to recent work showing that cannabinoid 1 receptor proteins are altered in people with schizophrenia. As our results were in healthy people, the implications for clinical patients will need further work,"The authors speculate that the finding that the induction of psychotic symptoms was lower in people with higher tobacco use suggests tobacco smokers are less sensitive to the effects of THC. However, further work is needed to test causality and the authors do not recommend the use of tobacco to counter THC. They say that smokers could be less sensitive to the effects of THC due to an association between tobacco smoking and lower brain cannabinoid 1 receptor levels.The authors also reviewed four studies that examined the effects of CBD on the development of the same psychiatric symptoms, compared to placebo, and no significant differences were found. In studies that focused on whether CBD counters THC-induced symptoms, one study identified reduced symptoms, using a modest sample, but three larger studies failed to replicate this finding.The authors highlight several limitations to their study. Their finding that psychotic symptoms were not moderated by dose or by prior cannabis use contrasts with results from several studies and may reflect limited power in the analysis. They suggest that further work is needed to clarify the effects, particularly at the level of individual symptoms.The authors identified potential publication bias, where significant findings are more likely to be published than lower effect sizes. However, they found that the better the quality of the study, the greater the effect size, suggesting that their results - which also included lower quality studies - may in fact underestimate the size of the effect of THC on inducing symptoms.Writing in a linked Comment, lead author Dr Carsten Hjorthj (who was not involved in the study) from Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, says: "Finally, although THC, alone or in combination with, for example, CBD might have a role in treating certain symptoms, caution should not be thrown to the wind.As Hindley and colleagues have clearly demonstrated, there are at least transient psychiatric symptoms associated with even relatively low doses of THC. Of course, this result should not be extrapolated as meaning that single doses of THC will eventually lead to schizophrenia or other severe disorders.However, it might be prudent to extrapolate and paraphrase the words of Moore and colleagues from their 2007 meta-analysis to apply to both recreational and medicinal use of THC-containing cannabis: 'there is sufficient evidence to warn people that using THC could increase their risk of developing psychiatric symptoms or even a psychotic illness'."Source: Eurekalert (Alliance News) - Highland Gold Mining Ltd on Thursday announced the first gold pour from the Kekura project in the Chukotka region of Russia. First gold occurred on March 10, the Russia-focused miner said, producing a gold bar weighing 46 ounces. This comes after the processing plant was commissioned earlier in 2020, with ore mining starting in October last year. The plant has the capacity to process 120,000 tonnes of ore per year, with testing showing recoveries of around 35%. The main processing plant is due to be completed in late 2022, and this will be able to treat middlings from the pilot plant, enabling recoveries of 85%. Chief Executive Denis Alexandrov commented: "On behalf of everyone at the company, I would like to congratulate the Kekura team on their first gold pour. "While we don't expect significant production from Kekura this year, the early mining and processing work currently underway at the site will help us to build a strong team, to fine-tune systems, to better understand the ore body, and to prepare for a smooth launch of commercial production down the road." Elsewhere, Highland Gold is in the final stages of renovating the processing plant at the Belaya Gora mine in the Khabarovsk region. This is on track to complete in the second half of 2020, improving recoveries to 90% from 75%. At Novoshirokinskoye in Zabaikalsky, Highland Gold is also in the late stage of expansion. This will take mining and processing capacity to 1.3 million tonnes a year from 800,000 tonnes currently. Shares were 5.3% lower in London on Thursday morning at a price of 155.30 pence each. By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Advertisement New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told of his frustration at young people who are recklessly ignoring coronavirus advice on Thursday and said he was able to quarantine an entire state if he wanted to but not his 22-year-old daughter. At a press conference on Thursday where he gave an update on the startling new figures on the virus spread in New York, Cuomo slammed the vast numbers of millennials and Gen Z who seem to be ignoring guidance to stay at home to gather in large groups to party. There are now more than 4,152 cases of coronavirus in the state of New York; more than half (2,469) are in New York City. Across the country, there are more than 14,000 cases of the virus and 211people have died. He brought his daughter, Michael Kennedy Cuomo, to the press conference as an example of how he is powerless to stop young people from being reckless. Scroll down for video Gov. Andrew Cuomo brought his daughter, 22-year-old Michaela Kennedy Cuomo, to a press conference on coronavirus on Thursday to appeal to young people to stay home 'These pictures of young people on beaches and videos of them saying "this is my spring break, I'm out to party, this is my time to party." 'This is so unintelligent and reckless. I cant even begin to express it. I had a conversation with my daughter about this. 'As Governor of the state, I can order a quarantine of 10,00 people but I can't tell my daughter to do anything. 'I have to be careful because there's almost an inverse response to a direct action,' he said. He then asked Michaela to recite the childhood advice she and Cuomo's other two kids received 'risk reward'. Cuomo went on to say Michaela - who has not been seen since her cousin Saoirse Kennedy Hill's funeral in August, - had decided not to go on her Spring Break trip. She is the governor's youngest daughter. He is also a father to twins Mariah and Cara, 25. 'I'm dealing with it with my family, my daughters. I thank her for joining me today. She is with my up in Albany and not on Spring Break. 'I think it's cooler to be with me than like, road trip.' Michaela replied sarcastically: 'So cool.' He said they had had to postpone her graduation and graduation party, like millions of others, but that they would celebrate 'when it's appropriate'. In a tweet, later, he repeated his plea to young people. 'I tell my daughters: Make decisions based on risk versus reward. 'For young people to go out in crowds on spring break is so unintelligent and reckless, I can't even begin to express it. 'Stay home. Stop the spread. Save lives,' he said. He also gave the advice his grandfather gave him when he was a teenager: 'We grow old too soon and smart too late'. Michaela then took to her Instagram story to promote staying home and said people of her generation were 'putting lives at risk' by continuing to go out and socialize The number of coronavirus cases in the US has dramatically increased in the last two weeks Scores of young people were seen at the beaches of Florida this week to celebrate Spring Break despite repeated advice to stay away from each other Data released on Wednesday night shows that a large number of young people who became infected with the virus had to be hospitalized and some needed ICU care BEING YOUNG WON'T SAVE YOU, NEW CDC DATA SHOWS Younger American adults are also at risk of becoming seriously ill because of the novel coronavirus, a new report reveals. Although those who are oldest, aged 80 and above, have the greatest risk of dying, a sizeable portion of those hospitalized were younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among 508 patients known to have been hospitalized between February 12 and March 16, 38 percent were between ages 20 and 54. And roughly 47 percent of 121 patients taken to intensive care units were under age age 65, the CDC found. But older people were far more likely to die from the disease once in hospital - with almost three quarters of deaths occurring in those aged over 65. Researchers found that 20 percent of those hospitalized and 12 percent of those in intensive care were ages 20 to 44, essentially the millennial generation. 'I think everyone should be paying attention to this,' Dr Stephen Morse, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, who was not involved in the report, told The New York Times. 'It's not just going to be the elderly. There will be people age 20 and up. They do have to be careful, even if they think that they're young and healthy.' The research contradicts the notion that younger people are not at risk from serious coronavirus infections, though it supports the conclusion that older people are most at risk from fatal complications. Of the 44 people who deaths were discussed in the report, 20 were between ages 65 to 84 and 12 were aged 85 or older. Nine deaths among adults age 20 to 64 and none were reported in those aged 19 or younger. President Donald Trump's messaging has shifted in recent days, from comparing the virus to the seasonal flu to telling young people that they're not 'invincible.' 'We don't want [young people] gathering, and I see they do gather, including on beaches, including in restaurants,' he said during Wednesday's White House briefing. 'They're feeling invincible...but they don't realize that they can be carrying lots of bad things home to grandmother and grandfather and even their parents. So we want them to heed the advice. We mean the advice. And I think it's getting through.' At the same briefing, Dr Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, said she is worried about young people becoming seriously ill. 'There are concerning reports coming out of France and Italy about some young people getting seriously ill in ICUs,' she said. 'We think part of this is people heeded the early data coming out of China and coming out of South Korea that the elderly or those with preexisting medical conditions were at particular risk. 'It may have been that the millennial generation, our largest generation, our future generation that will carry us through for the next multiple decades, there may be disproportional infections among that group.' Advertisement Cuomo also ruled out quarantining the city of New York or issuing a shelter in place order, as Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for and many are fearing, saying it would not happen. Cuomo ordered 75 per cent of non essential workers to now stay at home, an increase of 25 percent from Wednesday. Cuomo also announced mortgage payments would be waived for 90 days for those in financial difficulties. New York City now has 2,469 confirmed cases, up from 1,339 Wednesday. New York State has the most cases in the United States with 777 patients hospitalized; more than 100 have recovered. 'Why are you seeing the numbers go up?' Cuomo asked at a news conference. 'Because you are taking more tests.' Comparing the pandemic to September 11, 2001, when more than 3,000 people lost their lives in a terror attack, Cuomo said the coronavirus 'came out of the blue' and 'changed your perspective on the world safety'. Warning younger people to stay home, he added: 'It's a moment that changes your whole life. The stress, the emotion is just incredible and rightly so. 'It reminds me of 9/11 where one moment which was inconceivable changed everything. It is hard living your life when there is a question mark that big. It's not just you, it has changed everything.' Surgeon General appeals to Kylie Jenner to tell her fans to stay indoors as millennials and Gen Z are slammed for not following coronavirus advice The Surgeon General appealed to Kylie Jenner on Thursday morning to tell her millennial and Gen Z followers to stay at home as the country frantically tries to fight coronavirus, after new data emerged which suggests young people are far more vulnerable to the deadly pandemic than previously thought. In an appearance on Good Morning America, Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the country needed social media influencers like Jenner to use their platforms to get through to young people who are not all heeding government advice. It came after disturbing photographs and videos emerged of teenagers and young adults flocking to the beaches of Florida for Spring Break, gathering in groups and twerking despite the entire world being on the brink of shut-down and thousands dying with no cure on the horizon. Startling new data released on Wednesday night shows 29 percent of the first 2,500 cases of coronavirus in the US were people between the ages of 20 and 44. Of that number, 20 percent were hospitalized and 12 percent needed to be put in intensive care units. An enormous 55 percent of the cases were all under the age of 65. That frightening data goes against the previously held notion many young people relied on to not worry about the virus - that they were immune to it and that it only seriously affected the old and sickly. Dr. Adams, making an impassioned plea on Thursday, said: 'I have a 15 and 14 year old and the more I tell them not to do something, the more they want to do it. 'What I really think we need to do was get our influencers - Kevin Durant, Donavan Mitchell, we need to get Kylie Jenner and social media influencers out there, in helping folks understand: this is serious - people are dying out there.